Celestial Builders Raise Two Leaf Huts
Ayodhya Kanda, Chaupai 133
Doha 133 · Movement 1 of 2
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Ram finds the riverbank good and asks Lakshmana to choose a place for their dwelling. The younger brother surveys a high, firm stretch of ground, circling it with the taut attention of a drawn bow.
The sacred river washes away the many stains of the age, while Chitrakoot stands like an immovable hunter whose strike against sin never fails. Lakshmana shows the chosen site, and contentment settles into Ram's heart.
The gods perceive his pleasure. Their chief architect comes with a celestial company disguised as Kol and Kirata forest folk. Leaves and grass rise into two beautiful shelters, one small and delicate, the other broad and spacious. Heaven hides its craftsmanship inside the materials of the wilderness, building royalty a home that looks perfectly native to exile.
On Lakshmana's chosen bank, divine hands wearing forest disguises weave two leaf huts from Ram's quiet happiness.
Read the passage from the Manas
रघुबर कहेउ लखन भल घाटू। करहु कतहुँ अब ठाहर ठाटू।। लखन दीख पय उतर करारा। चहुँ दिसि फिरेउ धनुष जिमि नारा।। नदी पनच सर सम दम दाना। सकल कलुष कलि साउज नाना।। चित्रकूट जनु अचल अहेरी। चुकइ न घात मार मुठभेरी।। अस कहि लखन ठाउँ देखरावा। थलु बिलोकि रघुबर सुखु पावा।। रमेउ राम मनु देवन्ह जाना। चले सहित सुर थपति प्रधाना।। कोल किरात बेष सब आए। रचे परन तृन सदन सुहाए।। बरनि न जाहि मंजु दुइ साला। एक ललित लघु एक बिसाला।।
Raghubara said to Lakshman, 'This is a fine ghaat. Now find us a place and set up our dwelling.' Lakshman surveyed the firm, high bank and circled the whole area like a bowstring drawn taut. The river is like panch (the five): sama, dama, daana; it washes away every impurity of Kali Yuga in all its forms. Chitrakoot is like an unshakeable hunter whose aim never fails in close combat with sin. Saying this, Lakshman showed the spot. Seeing the ground, Raghubara felt deep joy. Rama's heart was at rest, and the gods perceived it. The chief divine architect set out with his celestial company. All came disguised as Kols and Kiraatas, and built beautiful dwellings of leaves and grass. The two lovely huts are beyond description: one small and exquisite, the other spacious and grand.