Ayodhya Prays for Rama and Janaki to Reign Together
Ayodhya Kanda, Chaupai 273
Doha 273 · Movement 1 of 2
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Kaikeyi burns within remorse, unable to find anyone to blame or any words with which to tell her grief. Around her, citizens take shelter in a hopeful thought: perhaps Janaka's arrival will keep Rama among them for four more days.
Night passes beneath that fragile hope. At dawn the people bathe and worship Ganesha, Gauri, and Shiva. Then they bow again toward Rama, joining hands and garments in prayer. Their desire takes the form of a complete kingdom: Rama as king, Janaki as queen, and Ayodhya restored as the furthest boundary of joy.
They do not cast Bharata aside in their vision. They ask Rama to crown him heir and dwell happily with the whole family and society. Let this nectar of happiness be poured over everyone, they pray. Let the world receive the true fruit of being alive.
At forest dawn, Ayodhya builds its lost kingdom in prayer: Rama upon the throne, Janaki beside him, and Bharata honored as heir.
Read the passage from the Manas
गरइ गलानि कुटिल कैकेई। काहि कहै केहि दूषनु देई।। अस मन आनि मुदित नर नारी। भयउ बहोरि रहब दिन चारी।। एहि प्रकार गत बासर सोऊ। प्रात नहान लाग सबु कोऊ।। करि मज्जनु पूजहिं नर नारी। गनप गौरि तिपुरारि तमारी।। रमा रमन पद बंदि बहोरी। बिनवहिं अंजुलि अंचल जोरी।। राजा रामु जानकी रानी। आनँद अवधि अवध रजधानी।। सुबस बसउ फिरि सहित समाजा। भरतहि रामु करहुँ जुबराजा।। एहि सुख सुधाँ सींची सब काहू। देव देहु जग जीवन लाहू।।
The crooked Kaikeyi was consumed with remorse. To whom could she speak? Whom could she blame? Bringing hopeful thoughts to mind, the men and women became joyful, believing Rama would remain for four more days. In this way that night also passed. At dawn, everyone rose for their morning bath. After bathing, the men and women worshipped Ganesha, Gauri, and Shiva, the destroyer of Tripura. Then, bowing at the feet of Rama, beloved of Lakshmi, they prayed with folded hands and joined garments. They prayed: "Let King Rama and Queen Janaki rule. Let Ayodhya be the very limit of joy." "May they dwell happily again with all their company, and may Rama crown Bharata as heir." "Sprinkle everyone with this nectar of happiness, O Lord. Grant the world the true reward of life."