The Mothers Gather Invisible Blessings in Their Veils
Bala Kanda, Chaupai 348
Doha 351 · Movement 1 of 2
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The gods and ancestors are worshipped, and blessings are sought for Ram and his brothers. Though unseen, the divine beings answer. The joyful mothers lift the folds of their veils as though gathering the invisible benedictions into cloth.
Dasharatha gives wedding guests garments, gems, and ornaments. Citizens receive new clothes, musicians and servants are fully honoured, and every petitioner is granted exactly what was asked.
One by one the guests depart with Ram established in their hearts, while celebration enters every household. The homecoming's abundance moves outward until blessing touches ancestor and god, courtier and servant, citizen and mendicant. Nothing joyful is permitted to remain hoarded within the palace.
The mothers catch heaven's blessing in their veils while Dasharatha sends earthly gifts through the city.
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देव पितर पूजे बिधि नीकी। पूजीं सकल बासना जी की।। सबहिं बंदि मागहिं बरदाना। भाइन्ह सहित राम कल्याना।। अंतरहित सुर आसिष देहीं। मुदित मातु अंचल भरि लेंहीं।। भूपति बोलि बराती लीन्हे। जान बसन मनि भूषन दीन्हे।। आयसु पाइ राखि उर रामहि। मुदित गए सब निज निज धामहि।। पुर नर नारि सकल पहिराए। घर घर बाजन लगे बधाए।। जाचक जन जाचहि जोइ जोई। प्रमुदित राउ देहिं सोइ सोई।। सेवक सकल बजनिआ नाना। पूरन किए दान सनमाना।।
The devas and pitrs (ancestors) were worshipped with proper rites. All the heart's sacred longings were fulfilled through worship. Bowing before all, they sought vardaan (blessings) for the welfare of Rama and his brothers. The gods, though invisible, bestowed their aashirvaad. The joyful mothers gathered these blessings in the folds of their aanchala. The king summoned the wedding guests and presented them with fine garments, precious gems, and ornaments. Receiving the king's permission and keeping Rama enshrined in their hearts, all departed happily to their own homes. All the men and women of the city were given new clothes, and festive music of celebration began playing in every household. Whatever each petitioner or mendicant asked for, the delighted king gave them exactly that. All the servants and the many musicians were fully honored with gifts and daan, leaving none unsatisfied.