Vasishtha Departs Holding Ram and Sita in His Heart
Bala Kanda, Chaupai 350
Doha 353 · Movement 1 of 2
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Dasharatha places sons, treasure, and humble entreaty before Vasishtha. The sage accepts the customary gifts, gives abundant blessings, and departs joyfully with Ram and Sita held together in his heart.
The king then summons Brahmin women and married women, adorning each with garments and ornaments according to her place and taste. Every guest and venerable person receives the ceremonial gift that is due.
No one is treated as an indistinct crowd. Dasharatha's generosity notices difference and honours it carefully. As heaven rains flowers over Raghuvira's wedding, the palace completes its celebration through personal attention, sending each participant away seen, satisfied, and carrying a share of the auspiciousness.
Vasishtha carries Ram and Sita inward, while every guest carries outward a gift chosen with care.
Read the passage from the Manas
बिनय कीन्हि उर अति अनुरागें। सुत संपदा राखि सब आगें।। नेगु मागि मुनिनायक लीन्हा। आसिरबादु बहुत बिधि दीन्हा।। उर धरि रामहि सीय समेता। हरषि कीन्ह गुर गवनु निकेता।। बिप्रबधू सब भूप बोलाई। चैल चारु भूषन पहिराई।। बहुरि बोलाइ सुआसिनि लीन्हीं। रुचि बिचारि पहिरावनि दीन्हीं।। नेगी नेग जोग सब लेहीं। रुचि अनुरुप भूपमनि देहीं।। प्रिय पाहुने पूज्य जे जाने। भूपति भली भाँति सनमाने।। देव देखि रघुबीर बिबाहू। बरषि प्रसून प्रसंसि उछाहू।।
With great love in his heart, the king made humble entreaties and placed all his sons and treasures before the sage. The chief of sages accepted the customary gifts and bestowed abundant blessings in many ways. Holding Rama and Sita together in his heart, the guru joyfully departed for his own abode. The king summoned all the Brahmin women and adorned them with beautiful garments and ornaments. Then he called the married women and, considering each one's taste, presented them with fine clothing. All who were entitled to ceremonial gifts received them fully; the jewel among kings gave according to each person's liking. Every beloved guest and venerable soul the king honored in the finest manner. Beholding the wedding of Raghuvira, the gods rained down flowers from heaven and praised the celebration with great delight.