Ayodhya Beholds the Four Princes and Their Brides
Bala Kanda, Chaupai 345
Doha 348 · Movement 1 of 2
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Bards, heralds, minstrels, and performers sing a glory that illumines the three worlds. Vedic chant and cries of victory fill the ten directions while countless instruments carry gods and citizens into one tide of love.
The citizens bow before Dasharatha, but their eyes kindle when they find Ram. Gems and fine silk shower upon the procession. Tears brim, limbs thrill, and women circle arati before the four radiant brothers.
Then the curtains of the palanquins are drawn aside. The brides behold Ayodhya and Ayodhya beholds its new daughters. After the long celebration of sons returning, this quiet unveiling completes the city's sight, revealing four couples at the heart of the splendour.
When the palanquin curtains open, Ayodhya's welcome widens to receive four beloved daughters.
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मागध सूत बंदि नट नागर। गावहिं जसु तिहु लोक उजागर।। जय धुनि बिमल बेद बर बानी। दस दिसि सुनिअ सुमंगल सानी।। बिपुल बाजने बाजन लागे। नभ सुर नगर लोग अनुरागे।। बने बराती बरनि न जाहीं। महा मुदित मन सुख न समाहीं।। पुरबासिन्ह तब राय जोहारे। देखत रामहि भए सुखारे।। करहिं निछावरि मनिगन चीरा। बारि बिलोचन पुलक सरीरा।। आरति करहिं मुदित पुर नारी। हरषहिं निरखि कुँअर बर चारी।। सिबिका सुभग ओहार उघारी। देखि दुलहिनिन्ह होहिं सुखारी।।
Bards, minstrels, heralds, and skilled performers sing the glory that illumines all three worlds. The pure sound of victory and noble Vedic chanting fill all ten directions, steeped in auspiciousness. Countless instruments begin to play; the gods in heaven and the people of the city are swept up in love. The splendor of the wedding party defies all description; their hearts overflow with a joy beyond containing. The citizens bow before the king, and their eyes light up the moment they behold Sri Rama. They shower gems and fine silken cloth as offerings, tears brimming in their eyes, every limb thrilling with delight. The women of the city joyfully wave the sacred arati lamp, rejoicing at the sight of the four radiant princes. When the curtains of the lovely palanquins are drawn aside, the brides, too, are overcome with happiness.