From Toenail to Crown They Shine
Bala Kanda, Doha 219
Doha 219 · Movement 2 of 2
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A graceful four pointed tilaka rests upon each lovely brow, completing the symmetry of eyes, brows, and youthful face. Dark curls gather upon their heads in soft, ordered waves.
From toenail to crown, Ram and Lakshmana shine. Beauty does not remain in isolated features. It passes through posture, garment, ornament, movement, brotherly nearness, and every fold of attire.
The city tries to receive the whole image at once and cannot. Each gaze travels upward and returns, discovering another harmony. The princes appear adorned, yet splendour seems to arise from them and lend radiance to what they wear.
Every gaze travels from toenail to crown and finds no place where beauty ends.
Read the passage from the Manas
रुचिर चौतनीं सुभग सिर मेचक कुंचित केस। नख सिख सुंदर बंधु दोउ सोभा सकल सुदेस।।219।।
A beautiful four-pointed tilak (ruchira chautani) graced each lovely brow; dark, curly hair (mechaka kunchita kesha) adorned each head. From toenail to crown, both brothers shone with beauty, their splendor radiant in every fold of their attire.