Young Warriors Assemble beside the Horsemen
Bala Kanda, Doha 298
Doha 298 · Movement 2 of 2
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The mounted company shines with graceful, spirited young heroes, wise despite their years and trained in the discipline of battle. Their ornament does not conceal readiness.
Beside each horseman walk two foot soldiers expert in swordsmanship. The repeated arrangement gives the gathering rhythm: one rider above, two blades moving at his sides.
This is a wedding procession, not an army marching to war, yet Ayodhya travels with the full dignity and protection of a royal house. Heroism becomes ceremonial splendour. Weapons accompany joy without disturbing it, declaring that the road bearing Dasharatha and his lineage is guarded by capable hands from gate to gate.
Around every mounted prince, two bright swords keep pace with the wedding road.
Read the passage from the Manas
छरे छबीले छयल सब सूर सुजान नबीन। जुग पदचर असवार प्रति जे असिकला प्रबीन।।298।।
Graceful, handsome, and spirited were all these warriors, young heroes, wise and accomplished. Two foot-soldiers attended each mounted warrior, each one expert in the art of swordsmanship (asikala).