The Chakora Sage Beholds Ram's Face
Bala Kanda, Chaupai 205
Doha 207 · Movement 1 of 2
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Dasharatha hears of Vishwamitra's arrival and goes out with an assembly of brahmins. He bows, brings the sage to his own seat, washes his feet, worships him, and declares himself the most fortunate of men.
After the meal, the king brings all four sons to bow. The sight of Ram makes Vishwamitra forget bodily awareness. His gaze remains upon the beautiful face like a chakora bird drinking the full moon.
Dasharatha asks how he may serve. The sage reveals the demons tormenting his sacrifice and comes as a supplicant for Raghunath with his younger brother. The treasure he crossed the road to behold is now requested for the dangerous forest.
Vishwamitra gazes like a chakora at Ram, then asks the moon to leave Ayodhya with him.
Read the passage from the Manas
मुनि आगमन सुना जब राजा। मिलन गयऊ लै बिप्र समाजा।। करि दंडवत मुनिहि सनमानी। निज आसन बैठारेन्हि आनी।। चरन पखारि कीन्हि अति पूजा। मो सम आजु धन्य नहिं दूजा।। बिबिध भाँति भोजन करवावा। मुनिवर हृदयँ हरष अति पावा।। पुनि चरननि मेले सुत चारी। राम देखि मुनि देह बिसारी।। भए मगन देखत मुख सोभा। जनु चकोर पूरन ससि लोभा।। तब मन हरषि बचन कह राऊ। मुनि अस कृपा न कीन्हिहु काऊ।। केहि कारन आगमन तुम्हारा। कहहु सो करत न लावउँ बारा।। असुर समूह सतावहिं मोही। मै जाचन आयउँ नृप तोही।। अनुज समेत देहु रघुनाथा। निसिचर बध मैं होब सनाथा।।
When the king heard of the sage's arrival, he went out to meet him with a gathering of Brahmins. Bowing in full prostration, he honored the sage with reverence. Knowing Vishwamitra's greatness, Dasharatha seated him upon his own throne.