The Two Princes of Kaikeya
Bala Kanda, Chaupai 153
Doha 153 · Movement 1 of 2
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Shiva opens a pure and ancient account in the world renowned country of Kaikeya. King Satyaketu stands as a pillar of righteousness, rich in sound policy, glory, valour, and virtue. Order rests securely beneath his rule.
Two sons grow within the royal house, both heroic in battle and abodes of noble qualities. The elder, Pratapbhanu, is heir to the throne. The younger, Arimardan, possesses incomparable strength of arm and remains unshaken when warfare closes around him.
No rivalry darkens their bond. The brothers love each other without deceit or fault, strength answering strength within one loyal household. When the time comes, Satyaketu places the kingdom in Pratapbhanu's hands and leaves for the forest to devote himself to Hari.
Satyaketu walks toward the forest while the sun of Pratapbhanu rises over Kaikeya.
Read the passage from the Manas
सुनु मुनि कथा पुनीत पुरानी। जो गिरिजा प्रति संभु बखानी।। बिस्व बिदित एक कैकय देसू। सत्यकेतु तहँ बसइ नरेसू।। धरम धुरंधर नीति निधाना। तेज प्रताप सील बलवाना।। तेहि कें भए जुगल सुत बीरा। सब गुन धाम महा रनधीरा।। राज धनी जो जेठ सुत आही। नाम प्रतापभानु अस ताही।। अपर सुतहि अरिमर्दन नामा। भुजबल अतुल अचल संग्रामा।। भाइहि भाइहि परम समीती। सकल दोष छल बरजित प्रीती।। जेठे सुतहि राज नृप दीन्हा। हरि हित आपु गवन बन कीन्हा।।
"Listen, O sage, to this ancient and sacred story that Shambhu narrated to Girija. The Kaikeya kingdom is known throughout the world; there dwells King Satyaketu."