Vishwamitra Leads the Brothers to Their Father
Bala Kanda, Chaupai 304
Doha 307 · Movement 1 of 2
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Every guest finds celestial comfort in his lodging, and all praise Janaka, unaware of the divine source moving through the arrangements. Ram recognizes Sita's glory and rejoices at the loving purpose behind it.
Then the brothers hear that Dasharatha has arrived. Boundless joy rises, but modesty keeps them from asking Vishwamitra for leave, though the longing for their father's sight fills both minds.
The sage sees their humility and is deeply pleased. He gathers Ram and Lakshmana to his heart, his body thrilling and his eyes filling with tears. Then he leads them toward Dasharatha's lodging. The princes move like thirsty travellers who have finally been shown the lake.
Unable to ask, the brothers are understood by their guru and led toward the father they thirst to see.
Read the passage from the Manas
निज निज बास बिलोकि बराती। सुर सुख सकल सुलभ सब भाँती।। बिभव भेद कछु कोउ न जाना। सकल जनक कर करहिं बखाना।। सिय महिमा रघुनायक जानी। हरषे हृदयँ हेतु पहिचानी।। पितु आगमनु सुनत दोउ भाई। हृदयँ न अति आनंदु अमाई।। सकुचन्ह कहि न सकत गुरु पाहीं। पितु दरसन लालचु मन माहीं।। बिस्वामित्र बिनय बड़ि देखी। उपजा उर संतोषु बिसेषी।। हरषि बंधु दोउ हृदयँ लगाए। पुलक अंग अंबक जल छाए।। चले जहाँ दसरथु जनवासे। मनहुँ सरोबर तकेउ पिआसे।।
The wedding guests (baraati) looked upon their respective lodgings and found every divine comfort readily available in all ways. No one could perceive any difference in the splendor of the arrangements, and all praised the generosity of King Janaka. Shri Raghunayaka recognized the glory of Sita, and their hearts rejoiced, for they understood the sacred purpose behind it all. Hearing of their father's arrival, both brothers felt boundless joy welling up within their hearts. Yet in their shyness they could not speak before their guru, even though their minds longed deeply for their father's darshan. Seeing the great humility of Vishvamitra, a special contentment blossomed within his heart. With delight he drew both brothers close to his chest; his body thrilled with divine emotion and tears filled his eyes. They set out toward the place where Dasharatha was staying, like ones parched with thirst hurrying toward a lake.