A Million Prostrations Sent Home
Ayodhya Kanda, Doha 95
Doha 95 · Movement 2 of 2
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Ram gives Sumantra a message more tender than any request for rescue. When the minister reaches Ayodhya, he is to clasp Dasharatha's feet and bow again and again on the son's behalf, as though a million prostrations could travel back through him.
With folded hands he must ask the king not to worry about Ram in any matter. The exile speaks no accusation and sends no account of hardship. His concern moves toward the father whose command he is obeying and whose heart will suffer from that very obedience.
Distance is already opening between riverbank and palace, yet reverence crosses it. Ram cannot return without breaking truth, but he can return his love through Sumantra's hands. The message asks for nothing except freedom from anxiety for the one who sent him away.
Ram remains on the forest road while a million inward bows begin their journey back to his father's feet.
Read the passage from the Manas
पितु पद गहि कहि कोटि नति बिनय करब कर जोरि। चिंता कवनिहु बात कै तात करिअ जनि मोरि।।95।।
Clasp my father's feet, offer him a million prostrations, and with folded hands make this humble request on my behalf: Father, do not worry about me on any account whatsoever.