Gods and Sages Gather at the Leaf Dwelling
Ayodhya Kanda, Chaupai 134
Doha 134 · Movement 1 of 2
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Immortals, serpent kings, celestial musicians, and guardians of the directions arrive at Chitrakoot. Ram bows to each. The gods gain the reward of sight, shower flowers, and declare that at last they possess a protector.
They speak of unbearable suffering, offer their pleas, and return to their realms with hope. Then news draws sages from every direction. The moon of Raghu's line sees them approaching and falls in full prostration.
The sages lift Raghubar into their arms, bless him, and behold Sita with Saumitri at his side. Lifetimes of spiritual practice seem fulfilled in that single gathering. Around the new forest home, celestial need and contemplative attainment meet the same humble Lord, who receives both assemblies through reverence.
At Chitrakoot, gods bring their distress and sages bring their completed longing to the door of Ram's leaf hut.
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अमर नाग किंनर दिसिपाला। चित्रकूट आए तेहि काला।। राम प्रनामु कीन्ह सब काहू। मुदित देव लहि लोचन लाहू।। बरषि सुमन कह देव समाजू। नाथ सनाथ भए हम आजू।। करि बिनती दुख दुसह सुनाए। हरषित निज निज सदन सिधाए।। चित्रकूट रघुनंदनु छाए। समाचार सुनि सुनि मुनि आए।। आवत देखि मुदित मुनिबृंदा। कीन्ह दंडवत रघुकुल चंदा।। मुनि रघुबरहि लाइ उर लेहीं। सुफल होन हित आसिष देहीं।। सिय सौमित्र राम छबि देखहिं। साधन सकल सफल करि लेखहिं।।
The immortals, Naaga kings, Kinnaras, and the guardians of the directions all came to Chitrakoot at that time. Rama offered pranaam to every one of them. The delighted gods received the reward of beholding Him with their own eyes. Showering flowers, the assembly of gods exclaimed, 'O Naath, today we have found our true protector!' They made their humble requests and spoke of unbearable sufferings, then departed to their own abodes, hearts brimming with joy. When Raghunandan graced Chitrakoot with His presence, sages came from every direction, drawn by the news. Seeing the joyful company of munis approaching, the moon of Raghu's line prostrated fully before them. The sages drew Raghubara close and embraced Him to their hearts, and gave loving aashish (blessings) for every good to be fulfilled. Beholding the beauty of Siya, Saumitra, and Rama, they counted all their lifelong saadhanaa (spiritual practice) as complete.