The Chariots Gather beyond Ayodhya's Gates
Bala Kanda, Chaupai 296
Doha 299 · Movement 1 of 2
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Warriors bound by vows of courage form ranks outside the city. Skilled riders guide horses through many gaits, and the animals toss with delight when wind-borne trumpets reach them.
Charioteers adorn vehicles with flags, banners, jewels, whisks, and ringing bells until their splendour rivals the sun's own car. Countless dark horses are harnessed, so swift they are imagined running over water without sinking a hoof.
Weapons and equipment are checked, riders called, reins gathered, and teams brought into order. The energy of preparation moves from scattered brilliance toward a single departure. Beyond Ayodhya's decorated streets, wheels and hooves wait upon the king, holding themselves at the edge of motion.
Outside the gates, jeweled chariots and water-running horses wait for the signal to move.
Read the passage from the Manas
बाँधे बिरद बीर रन गाढ़े। निकसि भए पुर बाहेर ठाढ़े।। फेरहिं चतुर तुरग गति नाना। हरषहिं सुनि सुनि पवन निसाना।। रथ सारथिन्ह बिचित्र बनाए। ध्वज पताक मनि भूषन लाए।। चवँर चारु किंकिन धुनि करही। भानु जान सोभा अपहरहीं।। सावँकरन अगनित हय होते। ते तिन्ह रथन्ह सारथिन्ह जोते।। सुंदर सकल अलंकृत सोहे। जिन्हहि बिलोकत मुनि मन मोहे।। जे जल चलहिं थलहि की नाई। टाप न बूड़ बेग अधिकाई।। अस्त्र सस्त्र सबु साजु बनाई। रथी सारथिन्ह लिए बोलाई।।
Brave warriors, bound by their vows of valor in battle, came forth and stood arrayed outside the city. Skilled riders put the horses through many paces, the steeds rejoicing at the sound of wind-borne trumpets. Charioteers prepared magnificent chariots, adorning them with flags, banners, and jeweled ornaments. Beautiful whisks (chavara) and jingling bells filled the air with music, stealing the very splendor of the sun's own chariot. Countless dark-hued horses were harnessed by the charioteers to those chariots. All were beautiful and fully adorned, a sight so enchanting it would captivate even the minds of sages. Those horses could run upon water as easily as on land; their hooves never sank, so great was their speed. Having prepared every weapon and piece of equipment, the warriors summoned their charioteers to mount.