Janaka Cannot Turn Back from the Road
Bala Kanda, Chaupai 337
Doha 340 · Movement 1 of 2
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Dasharatha takes leave of the sages and calls the mendicants near. Ornaments, garments, horses, and elephants pass into grateful hands until all are satisfied and depart with Ram established in their hearts.
The procession moves, but Janaka keeps following. Again and again the lord of Kosala urges him to return. At last Dasharatha dismounts and stands before him, eyes overflowing, asking his beloved kinsman to turn back after travelling so far.
Janaka joins his palms. Affection drenches every word as he wonders how to frame a prayer before the king who has honoured him beyond measure. Between the moving procession and the road back to Mithila, the two fathers stand still, each unwilling to reduce their bond to a formal farewell.
The procession waits while two fathers stand upon the road, neither heart able to take the first step away.
Read the passage from the Manas
नृप करि बिनय महाजन फेरे। सादर सकल मागने टेरे।। भूषन बसन बाजि गज दीन्हे। प्रेम पोषि ठाढ़े सब कीन्हे।। बार बार बिरिदावलि भाषी। फिरे सकल रामहि उर राखी।। बहुरि बहुरि कोसलपति कहहीं। जनकु प्रेमबस फिरै न चहहीं।। पुनि कह भूपति बचन सुहाए। फिरिअ महीस दूरि बड़ि आए।। राउ बहोरि उतरि भए ठाढ़े। प्रेम प्रबाह बिलोचन बाढ़े।। तब बिदेह बोले कर जोरी। बचन सनेह सुधाँ जनु बोरी।। करौ कवन बिधि बिनय बनाई। महाराज मोहि दीन्हि बड़ाई।।
The king humbly took leave of the great sages, and with full respect called out to all the mendicants. He gave away ornaments, garments, horses and elephants, nurturing everyone with love until all stood content. Again and again he spoke words of praise and blessing; all departed with Rama cherished in their hearts. The lord of Kosala urged them on, again and again, but Janaka, overcome with love, could not bring himself to turn back. Then the king spoke tenderly: 'Please return now, O sovereign. You have traveled so far already.' The king dismounted once more and stood still, his eyes overflowing with streams of love. Then Videha spoke with palms joined together, his words drenched, as it were, in the nectar of affection. 'In what manner shall I frame my humble prayer? O great king, you have bestowed such honor upon me.'