Lakshmana Reads the Bow in the Sunrise
Bala Kanda, Chaupai 236
Doha 239 · Movement 1 of 2
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Lakshmana says the kings shine like stars but cannot dispel the heavy darkness of Shiva's bow. As dawn delights lotuses, chakravakas, bees, birds, and people, the breaking of the bow will bring joy to Ram's devotees.
The sun destroys darkness effortlessly, makes stars disappear, and reveals the world. In the same way, Raghunath will display the glory of his arms and make the tradition of bow breaking manifest before every king.
Ram smiles at his brother's words, bathes, completes the daily rites, and bows his beautiful head at Vishwamitra's feet. Shatananda brings Janaka's invitation, and the sage joyfully summons both brothers.
The sun rises over Mithila, and Lakshmana sees Ram's hand already reaching toward the bow.
Read the passage from the Manas
नृप सब नखत करहिं उजिआरी। टारि न सकहिं चाप तम भारी।। कमल कोक मधुकर खग नाना। हरषे सकल निसा अवसाना।। ऐसेहिं प्रभु सब भगत तुम्हारे। होइहहिं टूटें धनुष सुखारे।। उयउ भानु बिनु श्रम तम नासा। दुरे नखत जग तेजु प्रकासा।। रबि निज उदय ब्याज रघुराया। प्रभु प्रतापु सब नृपन्ह दिखाया।। तव भुज बल महिमा उदघाटी। प्रगटी धनु बिघटन परिपाटी।। बंधु बचन सुनि प्रभु मुसुकाने। होइ सुचि सहज पुनीत नहाने।। नित्यक्रिया करि गुरु पहिं आए। चरन सरोज सुभग सिर नाए।। सतानंदु तब जनक बोलाए। कौसिक मुनि पहिं तुरत पठाए।। जनक बिनय तिन्ह आइ सुनाई। हरषे बोलि लिए दोउ भाई।।
All the kings are like stars, shedding their light, but none can dispel the heavy darkness of the bow. The lotus, the chakravaka, the bee, and many birds all rejoice as the night draws to its end.