Parashurama Threatens to Overturn Janaka's Kingdom
Bala Kanda, Chaupai 267
Doha 270 · Movement 1 of 2
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Janaka recounts why the kings assembled. Parashurama turns and finds the two pieces of Shiva's bow cast upon the earth. The sight releases harsh words. Who broke it? Show him at once, or the sage will overturn the land as far as Videha's rule extends.
Fear leaves Janaka unable to answer. The scheming kings rejoice inwardly, hoping another's wrath will accomplish what their strength could not. Gods, sages, nagas, citizens, and palace women fall into heavy anxiety.
Sunayana feels fate has ruined what it had just brought to fulfilment. Sita knows the terrible nature of Bhrigupati, and each half-moment lengthens again into a cosmic age. The broken bow that ended one ordeal now seems to have opened a more dangerous one.
Joy withdraws from the hall as Parashurama's threat spreads over Videha like a storm.
Read the passage from the Manas
समाचार कहि जनक सुनाए। जेहि कारन महीप सब आए।। सुनत बचन फिरि अनत निहारे। देखे चापखंड महि डारे।। अति रिस बोले बचन कठोरा। कहु जड़ जनक धनुष कै तोरा।। बेगि देखाउ मूढ़ न त आजू। उलटउँ महि जहँ लहि तव राजू।। अति डरु उतरु देत नृपु नाहीं। कुटिल भूप हरषे मन माहीं।। सुर मुनि नाग नगर नर नारी।।सोचहिं सकल त्रास उर भारी।। मन पछिताति सीय महतारी। बिधि अब सँवरी बात बिगारी।। भृगुपति कर सुभाउ सुनि सीता। अरध निमेष कलप सम बीता।।
Janaka recounted the full story, explaining why all the kings had gathered. Hearing his words, Parashurama looked around and saw the broken fragments of the bow lying on the ground. In towering rage he spoke harsh words: 'Tell me, foolish Janaka, who broke this bow? Show me at once, you fool, or today I shall overturn the earth as far as your kingdom reaches!' Overcome with dread, the king gave no reply, while the scheming kings quietly rejoiced. Gods, sages, nagas, and all the men and women of the city grieved, heavy fear weighing on every heart. Sita's mother lamented within herself: 'Fate has now spoiled what was going so well.' When Sita heard of Bhrigupati's fierce nature, each half-moment felt to her like a whole kalpa.