Chitrakoot Becomes Earth's Welcome to Janaka
Ayodhya Kanda, Chaupai 279
Doha 279 · Movement 1 of 2
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By Rama's grace, Chitrakoot appears as a wish fulfilling mountain whose mere sight removes sorrow. Lakes, rivers, forest clearings, and wide reaches of earth seem to rise with joy and affection before the arriving king of Mithila.
Creepers and trees bend beneath fruit and flower. Birds, deer, and bees sound together, while threefold breezes pass gently through the gathered societies. The forest is not decorated by human command. Its own abundance awakens, as if the earth has taken upon herself the honor of welcoming Janaka.
After bathing and receiving permission from Rama, Janaka, and the sages, the people begin to settle beneath splendid trees. Camps spread through the woodland without diminishing its peace. Leaves, fruits, roots, and tubers appear in many forms, pure and beautiful as nectar, turning exile's landscape into a host for two kingdoms.
Under Rama's grace, the mountain, river, wind, tree, bird, and earth together receive Janaka as Chitrakoot's honored guest.
Read the passage from the Manas
कामद मे गिरि राम प्रसादा। अवलोकत अपहरत बिषादा।। सर सरिता बन भूमि बिभागा। जनु उमगत आनँद अनुरागा।। बेलि बिटप सब सफल सफूला। बोलत खग मृग अलि अनुकूला।। तेहि अवसर बन अधिक उछाहू। त्रिबिध समीर सुखद सब काहू।। जाइ न बरनि मनोहरताई। जनु महि करति जनक पहुनाई।। तब सब लोग नहाइ नहाई। राम जनक मुनि आयसु पाई।। देखि देखि तरुबर अनुरागे। जहँ तहँ पुरजन उतरन लागे।। दल फल मूल कंद बिधि नाना। पावन सुंदर सुधा समाना।।
By Rama's grace, the mountain became a wish-fulfilling presence; merely beholding it dissolved all sorrow. The lakes, rivers, forests, and stretches of land seemed to overflow with joy and love. Every creeper and tree bore abundant fruit and flower, while birds, deer, and bees sang in harmony. At that time the forest brimmed with celebration, and gentle breezes from all three directions brought comfort to everyone. The beauty was beyond all telling, as if the earth herself were welcoming King Janaka as her honored guest. Then all the people bathed, and with Rama's, Janaka's, and the sages' blessing, they settled in. Gazing at the splendid trees with delight, the citizens began making camp here and there. Leaves, fruits, roots, and tubers of every variety lay before them, pure and lovely as nectar itself.