The Brothers Stand Before the Bow Pavilion
Bala Kanda, Chaupai 221
Doha 224 · Movement 1 of 2
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Ram and Lakshmana reach the eastern quarter where the Dhanush Yagna ground has been prepared. A vast beautiful pavilion rises around a pure platform arranged for the bow.
Golden seating stands on all four sides for gathered kings. Behind it, galleries and further platforms rise for the citizens. White mansions in many colours provide elevated places where women will watch according to their family stations.
Mithila's boys guide the brothers through the plan with sweet respectful speech. Ram beholds the stage on which royal pride, Janaka's vow, Sita's destiny, and Shiva's bow will soon meet, while children explain each seat as part of their city.
Before the empty golden seats, Ram quietly beholds the pavilion built around Shiva's bow.
Read the passage from the Manas
पुर पूरब दिसि गे दोउ भाई। जहँ धनुमख हित भूमि बनाई।। अति बिस्तार चारु गच ढारी। बिमल बेदिका रुचिर सँवारी।। चहुँ दिसि कंचन मंच बिसाला। रचे जहाँ बेठहिं महिपाला।। तेहि पाछें समीप चहुँ पासा। अपर मंच मंडली बिलासा।। कछुक ऊँचि सब भाँति सुहाई। बैठहिं नगर लोग जहँ जाई।। तिन्ह के निकट बिसाल सुहाए। धवल धाम बहुबरन बनाए।। जहँ बैंठैं देखहिं सब नारी। जथा जोगु निज कुल अनुहारी।। पुर बालक कहि कहि मृदु बचना। सादर प्रभुहि देखावहिं रचना।।
The two brothers walked to the eastern quarter of the city, where the ground had been prepared for the bow-sacrifice. It was vast, paved with beautiful plaster, and at every interval stood golden vessels and garlands strung with gems.