Dasharatha Places Vishwamitra's Foot Dust upon His Head
Bala Kanda, Chaupai 349
Doha 352 · Movement 1 of 2
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Dasharatha follows every instruction of Vasishtha, honouring worldly custom and Vedic command. The queens rise before the assembled Brahmins, wash and bathe their feet, then nourish the sages through food, gifts, respect, and affection.
When the satisfied Brahmins depart blessing the house, the king turns to Vishwamitra. He declares no one more fortunate than himself and, together with the queens, places the sage's foot dust upon his head.
Excellent quarters are prepared within the palace, and the royal household remains attentive in service. Dasharatha then returns to his guru's feet with a heart overflowing. The wedding's conclusion becomes an extended act of gratitude toward the sages who opened and guided the path.
In the fulfilled palace, Dasharatha keeps returning every joy to the feet of guru and sage.
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जो बसिष्ठ अनुसासन दीन्ही। लोक बेद बिधि सादर कीन्ही।। भूसुर भीर देखि सब रानी। सादर उठीं भाग्य बड़ जानी।। पाय पखारि सकल अन्हवाए। पूजि भली बिधि भूप जेवाँए।। आदर दान प्रेम परिपोषे। देत असीस चले मन तोषे।। बहु बिधि कीन्हि गाधिसुत पूजा। नाथ मोहि सम धन्य न दूजा।। कीन्हि प्रसंसा भूपति भूरी। रानिन्ह सहित लीन्हि पग धूरी।। भीतर भवन दीन्ह बर बासु। मन जोगवत रह नृप रनिवासू।। पूजे गुर पद कमल बहोरी। कीन्हि बिनय उर प्रीति न थोरी।।
Whatever instructions Sage Vasishtha had given, the king followed them reverently, honoring both worldly custom and Vedic injunction. Seeing the gathering of brahmins, all the queens rose respectfully, recognizing their great good fortune. They washed the feet of all the sages and bathed them, and then the king fed them with proper ceremony and devotion. Nourished with respect, generous gifts, and heartfelt love, the sages departed giving their blessings, their hearts fully satisfied. The king worshipped Vishvamitra, son of Gadhi, in many ways, saying, 'O Lord, no one in this world is as blessed as I.' The king praised him abundantly, and together with the queens, took the dust of his holy feet upon their heads. He offered the sage excellent quarters within the inner palace, and the king with his queens remained ever attentive in loving service. Once again he worshipped the lotus feet of his guru, and offered humble prayers with a heart overflowing with love.