Rama Places Janaka's Command upon His Head
Ayodhya Kanda, Chaupai 296
Doha 296 · Movement 1 of 2
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After setting mischief in motion, Indra still worries because every success and failure rests with Bharata. Meanwhile Janaka approaches Rama and honors the radiant heir of the solar line.
When time, assembly, and dharma are rightly aligned, Vasishtha recounts Janaka's conversation with Bharata. The king reports his conviction that Bharata will carry out whatever command Rama gives. Every delegation of authority has now circled back toward the Lord.
Rama joins both hands and answers with truthful, simple tenderness. While Janaka himself is present, it would be unseemly for Rama to prescribe the outcome. Whatever royal command Janaka gives, Rama swears to place it upon his head. The Lord makes obedience his answer to those who ask him to rule.
When the council returns decision to Rama, Rama bows it back to Janaka and vows to wear the king's command upon his head.
Read the passage from the Manas
करि कुचालि सोचत सुरराजू। भरत हाथ सबु काजु अकाजू।। गए जनकु रघुनाथ समीपा। सनमाने सब रबिकुल दीपा।। समय समाज धरम अबिरोधा। बोले तब रघुबंस पुरोधा।। जनक भरत संबादु सुनाई। भरत कहाउति कही सुहाई।। तात राम जस आयसु देहू। सो सबु करै मोर मत एहू।। सुनि रघुनाथ जोरि जुग पानी। बोले सत्य सरल मृदु बानी।। बिद्यमान आपुनि मिथिलेसू। मोर कहब सब भाँति भदेसू।। राउर राय रजायसु होई। राउरि सपथ सही सिर सोई।।
Having done his mischief, Surraaju Indra worried. All success and failure now rested in Bharat's hands. King Janaku approached Raghunaath and honored the deepa, the lamp of the solar dynasty. When the time and assembly were ripe, and dharma unopposed, the purodhaa of Raghuvansh then spoke. Janaku narrated his sambaad with Bharat and repeated Bharat's beautiful declaration. "Father, whatever command Raam gives, Bharat will carry out in full. This is my firm conviction." Hearing this, Raghunaath joined both palms and spoke in words truthful, simple, and tender. "O lord of Mithila, you yourself are present here. For me to speak would be entirely out of place. "Whatever be your royal command, O King, I swear upon you: I shall bear it on my head."