Spring Dwells in Janaka's Garden
Bala Kanda, Chaupai 224
Doha 227 · Movement 1 of 2
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After purification and bathing, the brothers complete their daily observance and bow to Vishwamitra. With permission, they set out to gather flowers at the proper hour.
Janaka's excellent garden appears as a dwelling chosen by spring itself. Trees of many kinds rise among coloured creepers, covered with tender leaves, fruit, and blossoms beautiful enough to humble celestial groves.
Chataka, cuckoo, parrot, and chakora sing while peacocks dance. At the centre lies a lake with jewel made steps and crystal water. Many coloured lotuses open across it, water birds call, and bees hum over the morning Ram is about to meet Sita.
Spring gathers every colour and song into the garden where two ancient lovers approach.
Read the passage from the Manas
सकल सौच करि जाइ नहाए। नित्य निबाहि मुनिहि सिर नाए।। समय जानि गुर आयसु पाई। लेन प्रसून चले दोउ भाई।। भूप बागु बर देखेउ जाई। जहँ बसंत रितु रही लोभाई।। लागे बिटप मनोहर नाना। बरन बरन बर बेलि बिताना।। नव पल्लव फल सुमान सुहाए। निज संपति सुर रूख लजाए।। चातक कोकिल कीर चकोरा। कूजत बिहग नटत कल मोरा।। मध्य बाग सरु सोह सुहावा। मनि सोपान बिचित्र बनावा।। बिमल सलिलु सरसिज बहुरंगा। जलखग कूजत गुंजत भृंगा।।
Completing all purifications, they went and bathed. Fulfilling their daily observances, they bowed their heads before the sage. Knowing the proper hour and receiving the Guru's permission, both brothers set out to gather flowers. Going forth, they beheld the king's splendid garden, where the spring season lingered as if enchanted. Beautiful trees of every kind stood planted there, with creepers of many colours spreading like canopies. Fresh leaves, fruits, and lovely blossoms adorned them so richly that even the trees of heaven felt put to shame. Chataka birds, cuckoos, parrots, and chakora birds were singing, while graceful peacocks danced in delight. In the heart of the garden gleamed a beautiful lake, with steps of precious jewels wonderfully fashioned. Its waters were crystal clear, alive with lotuses of many colours. Water birds called softly, and bees hummed among the blossoms.