Vishwamitra Chooses a Grove Outside Mithila
Bala Kanda, Chaupai 211
Doha 214 · Movement 1 of 2
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Diamond studded doors shine at the city gates. Kings have arrived with actors, bards, genealogists, and large retinues. Stables hold horses and elephants, quarters overflow with chariots, and commanders live in residences resembling palaces.
Beyond the walls, visiting rulers encamp near lakes and rivers wherever space permits. Vishwamitra sees a beautiful grove, well placed and pleasant in every respect, and asks Ram whether the company should stay there.
The compassionate Lord agrees and alights with the sages. As the hermitage camp settles beneath the trees, news reaches Janaka that the great Kaushika has arrived. The king of Mithila prepares to receive him.
Among royal camps and jewelled gates, Ram chooses the quiet shade of a grove.
Read the passage from the Manas
सुभग द्वार सब कुलिस कपाटा। भूप भीर नट मागध भाटा।। बनी बिसाल बाजि गज साला। हय गय रथ संकुल सब काला।। सूर सचिव सेनप बहुतेरे। नृपगृह सरिस सदन सब केरे।। पुर बाहेर सर सारित समीपा। उतरे जहँ तहँ बिपुल महीपा।। देखि अनूप एक अँवराई। सब सुपास सब भाँति सुहाई।। कौसिक कहेउ मोर मनु माना। इहाँ रहिअ रघुबीर सुजाना।। भलेहिं नाथ कहि कृपानिकेता। उतरे तहँ मुनिबृंद समेता।। बिस्वामित्र महामुनि आए। समाचार मिथिलापति पाए।।
Splendid gateways fitted with doors hard as vajra-diamond. Throngs of kings, dancers, bards, and minstrels filled the courtyards. Vast stables stretched wide for horses and elephants. Horses, elephants, and chariots stood beyond all counting.