The Kings Strain against Shiva's Bow
Bala Kanda, Chaupai 247
Doha 250 · Movement 1 of 2
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The heralds name the bow that humbled Ravana, Banasura, and warriors of terrible renown. If royal arm strength is a moon, Shiva's weapon is Rahu waiting to swallow it. Whoever breaks this hard bow will win Vaidehi and glory equal to victory over the three worlds.
Desire flares across the tiers. Proud kings tighten belts, secure weapons, bow to their chosen deities, and stride into the arena. They glare at the bow, set their hands upon it, and pour every measure of strength into the attempt.
Nothing rises. The weapon does not yield by a finger's breadth, however fiercely they strain. One ruler after another returns beneath the gaze of the assembly. Those with discernment never leave their seats, for wisdom has already told them what pride must learn through humiliation.
Hands close upon the bow in fury, but Shiva's weapon refuses even to acknowledge their strength.
Read the passage from the Manas
नृप भुजबल बिधु सिवधनु राहू। गरुअ कठोर बिदित सब काहू।। रावनु बानु महाभट भारे। देखि सरासन गवँहिं सिधारे।। सोइ पुरारि कोदंडु कठोरा। राज समाज आजु जोइ तोरा।। त्रिभुवन जय समेत बैदेही।।बिनहिं बिचार बरइ हठि तेही।। सुनि पन सकल भूप अभिलाषे। भटमानी अतिसय मन माखे।। परिकर बाँधि उठे अकुलाई। चले इष्टदेवन्ह सिर नाई।। तमकि ताकि तकि सिवधनु धरहीं। उठइ न कोटि भाँति बलु करहीं।। जिन्ह के कछु बिचारु मन माहीं। चाप समीप महीप न जाहीं।।
The arm-strength of the kings is like the moon, and Shiva's bow is Rahu that swallows it whole. Heavy, unyielding, known to all the world. Ravana, Banasura, and every king who dared to try: the bow humbled them all, leaving them no better than dust.