The Queens Hear That the Bridegroom Is Near
Bala Kanda, Chhand 27
Doha 317 · Movement 2 of 3
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Joy fills both royal companies while kettledrums answer from every side. Gods rain flowers and cry victory to the jewel of Raghu's lineage.
News enters the palace that the wedding procession is approaching. Instruments multiply through the city, making distance audible before the bridegroom reaches the gate.
The queens summon auspicious married women and begin arranging every element of the welcome. Plates, lamps, sacred substances, song, and gesture must be ready to receive Ram. Celestial celebration narrows into household rite, where the immense glory praised by gods will be met through the intimate actions of mothers.
Heaven cries victory, while inside the palace the mothers prepare a lamp for the approaching bridegroom.
Read the passage from the Manas
अति हरषु राजसमाज दुहु दिसि दुंदुभीं बाजहिं घनी। बरषहिं सुमन सुर हरषि कहि जय जयति जय रघुकुलमनी।। एहि भाँति जानि बरात आवत बाजने बहु बाजहीं। रानि सुआसिनि बोलि परिछनि हेतु मंगल साजहीं।।
Both royal assemblies overflow with joy; kettledrums resound on every side. The gods rain flowers in delight, crying 'Victory, victory, glory to the jewel of Raghu's lineage!' Hearing that the wedding procession approaches, many instruments begin to play. The queens summon the auspicious married women and prepare the welcome ceremony with sacred rites.