The Nishadas Arm Themselves beneath Ram's Remembered Feet
Ayodhya Kanda, Chaupai 191
Doha 191 · Movement 1 of 2
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Guha calls his brothers to equip themselves quickly, and no one shrinks from the order. Voices answer with glad resolve, each warrior increasing the ardor of the next until the river settlement moves as one body.
They salute one another and remember the lotus feet of Ram while binding quivers and stringing bows. Finger guards fit over working hands. Helmets settle upon their heads. Axes, bamboo spears, javelins, swords, and shields catch the changing light as skilled fighters leap with such force that they seem to leave the earth.
When each has arranged his own equipment and company, they come before Guha. He surveys them closely, recognizes their fitness, and honors every warrior by name. The impending conflict is still an error of suspicion, but the fellowship, courage, and personal regard gathered around their chief are real.
With Ram's feet remembered beneath every weapon, the Nishadas gather before Guha and each man is called by name.
Read the passage from the Manas
बेगहु भाइहु सजहु सँजोऊ। सुनि रजाइ कदराइ न कोऊ।। भलेहिं नाथ सब कहहिं सहरषा। एकहिं एक बढ़ावइ करषा।। चले निषाद जोहारि जोहारी। सूर सकल रन रूचइ रारी।। सुमिरि राम पद पंकज पनहीं। भाथीं बाँधि चढ़ाइन्हि धनहीं।। अँगरी पहिरि कूँड़ि सिर धरहीं। फरसा बाँस सेल सम करहीं।। एक कुसल अति ओड़न खाँड़े। कूदहि गगन मनहुँ छिति छाँड़े।। निज निज साजु समाजु बनाई। गुह राउतहि जोहारे जाई।। देखि सुभट सब लायक जाने। लै लै नाम सकल सनमाने।।
Quickly, brothers, prepare and equip yourselves! Let no one hesitate upon hearing this command. All say 'Very well, lord!' with great joy, each one encouraging the other with rising enthusiasm. The Nishadas departed after saluting one another, every warrior eager for the glory of battle. Remembering the lotus feet of Rama, they tied on their quivers and strung their bows. They put on finger-guards and placed helmets on their heads, readying axes, bamboo spears, and javelins. Some, skilled with swords and shields, leapt so high they seemed to leave the earth behind. Each one preparing his own equipment and forces, they went and saluted their chief Guha. Seeing all the warriors fit and able, he honored each one by calling them by name.