The Hermit Promises to Wear the Priest's Face
Bala Kanda, Chaupai 169
Doha 169 · Movement 1 of 2
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Ekatanu explains that little effort from Pratapbhanu will bring all brahmins beneath command. Through their yajnas, fire offerings, and worship, even the gods will then become subject to the king.
The hermit will not return in his present form. By supposed spiritual power, he will bring the royal family priest away, make that priest like himself, and keep him hidden for a year. Taking the priest's appearance, Ekatanu will carry out the work within the palace.
Much of the night has passed. The king is told to sleep and wait three days for their next meeting. While Pratapbhanu rests, the ascetic will transport both him and his horse back to the royal dwelling through the power of tapasya.
The plot prepares to enter the palace wearing the trusted face of the royal priest.
Read the passage from the Manas
एहि बिधि भूप कष्ट अति थोरें। होइहहिं सकल बिप्र बस तोरें।। करिहहिं बिप्र होम मख सेवा। तेहिं प्रसंग सहजेहिं बस देवा।। और एक तोहि कहऊँ लखाऊ। मैं एहि बेष न आउब काऊ।। तुम्हरे उपरोहित कहुँ राया। हरि आनब मैं करि निज माया।। तपबल तेहि करि आपु समाना। रखिहउँ इहाँ बरष परवाना।। मैं धरि तासु बेषु सुनु राजा। सब बिधि तोर सँवारब काजा।। गै निसि बहुत सयन अब कीजे। मोहि तोहि भूप भेंट दिन तीजे।। मैं तपबल तोहि तुरग समेता। पहुँचेहउँ सोवतहि निकेता।।
In this way, O king, with very little trouble on your part, all the Brahmins will fall under your sway. The Brahmins will perform homa, yajna, and every sacred rite. Through that very connection, the devas too will naturally come into your power.