Ram Asks for a Dwelling That Troubles No Sage
Ayodhya Kanda, Chaupai 126
Doha 126 · Movement 1 of 3
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Ram says that sight of Valmiki's feet has brought every good deed to fruition. He asks the sage to name a dwelling where Sita and Lakshmana may remain with him without causing even a moment of unease to any ascetic.
Kings who trouble sages burn inwardly without visible fire. The contentment of those grounded in sacred knowledge is the root of auspiciousness, while their anger can consume a million lineages. Ram seeks a place aligned with that responsibility, where he may build a simple shelter of leaves and grass.
Valmiki hears the natural sincerity of the request and cries approval. How could the banner of Raghu speak otherwise? The human prince before him remains the eternal guardian of the bridge of revelation, protecting through conduct the very dharma from which his own majesty arises.
Though lord of every forest, Ram asks permission to raise one leaf hut where no contemplative heart will be disturbed.
Read the passage from the Manas
देखि पाय मुनिराय तुम्हारे। भए सुकृत सब सुफल हमारे।। अब जहँ राउर आयसु होई। मुनि उदबेगु न पावै कोई।। मुनि तापस जिन्ह तें दुखु लहहीं। ते नरेस बिनु पावक दहहीं।। मंगल मूल बिप्र परितोषू। दहइ कोटि कुल भूसुर रोषू।। अस जियँ जानि कहिअ सोइ ठाऊँ। सिय सौमित्रि सहित जहँ जाऊँ।। तहँ रचि रुचिर परन तृन साला। बासु करौ कछु काल कृपाला।। सहज सरल सुनि रघुबर बानी। साधु साधु बोले मुनि ग्यानी।। कस न कहहु अस रघुकुलकेतू। तुम्ह पालक संतत श्रुति सेतू।।
Beholding your holy feet, O king among sages, all our good deeds have borne their sweetest fruit. Now, wherever your command may lead, let no muni suffer even a moment of unease. Those rulers who bring sorrow to sages and ascetics burn without fire, consumed from within by their own sins. The contentment of the Brahmins is the very root of auspiciousness. The anger of these servants of the earth can reduce a million lineages to ashes. Knowing this well in my heart, kindly name the place where I may go with Sita and Saumitri (Lakshmana). There I shall fashion a lovely dwelling of leaves and grass, and live for some time, O Kripaala (gracious one). Hearing Raghubara's words, so naturally simple and sincere, the wise muni exclaimed, 'Saadhu! Saadhu! (Excellent! Excellent!)' How could you speak otherwise, O Raghukulaketu (banner of Raghu's line)? You are forever the protector and upholder of the Shruti's sacred way.