The Court Hears the Wondrous Deeds of Vishwamitra
Bala Kanda, Chaupai 356
Doha 359 · Movement 1 of 2
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Dasharatha draws the returning brothers to his heart, and the whole court feels cooled by the sight of Ram. Vasishtha and Vishwamitra arrive, are seated upon beautiful thrones, and receive worship from king and sons.
Vasishtha narrates dharma and sacred history, then speaks at length of the wondrous deeds of Gadhi's son. Vamadeva confirms that Vishwamitra's fame has spread throughout the three worlds.
Happiness fills the assembly, while a special delight rises in Ram and Lakshmana. They hear the greatness of the guru under whose protection their own glory unfolded. The court's praise restores the true centre of the story, placing the sage's tapas and guidance before the princes' victories.
Ram and Lakshmana rejoice as the court turns from their deeds toward the greatness of their guru.
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भूप बिलोकि लिए उर लाई। बैठै हरषि रजायसु पाई।। देखि रामु सब सभा जुड़ानी। लोचन लाभ अवधि अनुमानी।। पुनि बसिष्टु मुनि कौसिक आए। सुभग आसनन्हि मुनि बैठाए।। सुतन्ह समेत पूजि पद लागे। निरखि रामु दोउ गुर अनुरागे।। कहहिं बसिष्टु धरम इतिहासा। सुनहिं महीसु सहित रनिवासा।। मुनि मन अगम गाधिसुत करनी। मुदित बसिष्ट बिपुल बिधि बरनी।। बोले बामदेउ सब साँची। कीरति कलित लोक तिहुँ माची।। सुनि आनंदु भयउ सब काहू। राम लखन उर अधिक उछाहू।।
The king gazed upon them and drew them to his heart. Receiving their respectful greeting, he sat down in delight. Seeing Rama, the entire court felt cooled with bliss, counting the sight the highest reward their eyes could receive. Then came the sages Vasishtha and Kaushika (Vishvamitra), and the king seated the holy ones upon beautiful thrones. Together with his sons, the king worshipped and touched their feet. Both gurus were filled with love at the sight of Rama. Vasishtha narrated stories of dharma and sacred history, and the king listened along with the entire royal household. The great sage joyfully described, in many ways, the wondrous deeds of Gadhi's son, deeds beyond the reach of ordinary minds. Vamadeva affirmed that all of it was true: this glorious fame had spread throughout the three worlds. Hearing this, everyone overflowed with happiness, and in the hearts of Rama and Lakshmana, a special delight arose.