Dasharatha Bows and Returns to the Palace
Bala Kanda, Doha 294
Doha 294 · Movement 2 of 2
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Dasharatha bows his head to Vasishtha and accepts the instruction without delay. The joyful urgency of a father is now joined to the calm authority of the guru.
Before returning to the inner palace, he arranges proper lodging for Janaka's messengers. Those who carried the invitation are received as honoured guests rather than instruments whose task has ended.
Then the king crosses back toward the queens with the letter and its unfolding consequences. Outside, Ayodhya has not yet assembled the procession. Inside, the royal house is about to hear the news together. Between those movements stands Dasharatha's simple obedience, the bowed head from which vast preparation will rise.
Having honoured guru and messenger, Dasharatha carries Mithila's joy into the inner palace.
Read the passage from the Manas
चलहु बेगि सुनि गुर बचन भलेहिं नाथ सिरु नाइ। भूपति गवने भवन तब दूतन्ह बासु देवाइ।।294।।
Hearing the Guru's words, the king bowed his head and said, 'Very well, my lord.' The king then returned to his palace, having arranged lodging for the messengers.