The Fire God Vanishes Before the Assembly
Bala Kanda, Doha 189
Doha 189 · Movement 2 of 2
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Agni has made the purpose clear before the entire gathering. Priests, king, attendants, and sacred witnesses behold the divine messenger and the vessel placed into Dasharatha's care.
Then the fire god becomes invisible. Flame remains upon the altar, but the personal form withdraws after delivering the food through which the promised births will enter the queens.
Dasharatha is submerged in supreme bliss. Joy exceeds the capacity of his heart, as though the inner chamber cannot contain the river suddenly pouring through it. Long anguish over childlessness has turned in one instant toward four approaching sons.
Agni disappears into flame, leaving Dasharatha unable to contain the joy in his hands.
Read the passage from the Manas
तब अदृस्य भए पावक सकल सभहि समुझाइ।। परमानंद मगन नृप हरष न हृदयँ समाइ।।189।।
Then Agni, the fire-god, became invisible, having revealed everything to the entire assembly. The king was drowned in supreme bliss; his heart could not contain his joy.