The Sage and the Brothers Take the Highest Platform
Bala Kanda, Doha 244
Doha 244 · Movement 2 of 2
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Many platforms rise around the bow ground, assigned to kings, elders, priests, and noble houses. Among them stands one terrace more beautiful than the rest, spotless in its preparation and broad enough to command the entire arena.
Janaka escorts Vishwamitra to this honoured place and seats Ram and Lakshmana beside him. From there the brothers can see the ancient bow, the ranks of rival kings, and every entrance through which the ceremony will move.
The arrangement appears courteous and ceremonial, yet it quietly establishes the centre of the coming event. Ram does not claim the finest seat. The king gives it, the guru occupies it, and the Lord sits in obedience at his side while all Mithila looks upward.
Upon the spotless terrace, guru and princes become the still centre of the immense hall.
Read the passage from the Manas
सब मंचन्ह ते मंचु एक सुंदर बिसद बिसाल। मुनि समेत दोउ बंधु तहँ बैठारे महिपाल।।244।।
Among all the platforms, one stood out: beautiful, spotless, and grand. There the king seated both brothers together with the sage.