Ram Sends His Bows Back through Sumantra
Ayodhya Kanda, Chaupai 151
Doha 151 · Movement 1 of 3
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Sumantra tells of Kevat's devoted service and the night at Shringaverapura. At dawn Ram asked for banyan milk and formed matted locks upon his head. A boat came, Sita boarded first, then Ram and Lakshmana entered with bow and arrows arranged.
Seeing the minister overcome, Raghuvir steadied himself and spoke sweetly. Sumantra must bow to Dasharatha again and again, clasping the father's lotus feet on the son's behalf. He must beg the king not to carry anxiety for Ram.
Every welfare upon the forest road, Ram said, arises from Dasharatha's grace, blessing, and accumulated merit. No complaint crossed the river. The exiled son sent reverence back toward the man who had ordered the exile, making Sumantra the bearer of bows more intimate than any royal message.
As the boat leaves the bank, Ram places countless prostrations in Sumantra's hands and sends them home to his father.
Read the passage from the Manas
केवट कीन्हि बहुत सेवकाई। सो जामिनि सिंगरौर गवाँई।। होत प्रात बट छीरु मगावा। जटा मुकुट निज सीस बनावा।। राम सखाँ तब नाव मगाई। प्रिया चढ़ाइ चढ़े रघुराई।। लखन बान धनु धरे बनाई। आपु चढ़े प्रभु आयसु पाई।। बिकल बिलोकि मोहि रघुबीरा। बोले मधुर बचन धरि धीरा।। तात प्रनामु तात सन कहेहु। बार बार पद पंकज गहेहू।। करबि पायँ परि बिनय बहोरी। तात करिअ जनि चिंता मोरी।। बन मग मंगल कुसल हमारें। कृपा अनुग्रह पुन्य तुम्हारें।।
The kevat (boatman) served them with deep devotion, and that night passed at Shringaverapura. When morning came, Rama called for the milk of the banyan tree and fashioned matted locks into a crown upon his head. Rama asked his dear friend for the boat. After seating his beloved Sita, Raghurai himself climbed aboard. Lakshmana arranged his bow and arrows with care, then boarded after receiving the Lord's permission. Seeing me overcome with grief, Raghuveer spoke sweet words, holding himself steady with courage. "Convey my pranam to my father. Clasp his lotus feet again and again on my behalf." "Fall at his feet and make this humble request once more: Father, please do not carry any worry for me." "Our well-being and good fortune on the forest path rest entirely upon your kripa, your blessings, and the power of your punya."