Rama Binds His Flowered Locks as the Gods Plead for Sita
Lanka Kanda, Chaupai 86
Doha 86 · Movement 1 of 3
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Terrible omens accompany Ravana's march. Vultures circle and settle upon the warriors' heads, yet none heeds the warning because all have fallen under the dominion of Time. Ravana orders the war drums sounded, and the vast demon host advances with elephants, chariots, cavalry, and foot soldiers like a swarm of moths rushing toward flame.
The gods offer praise and petition Rama. Ravana has brought them dreadful suffering, they say. Let the Lord play with him no longer, for Vaidehi's grief has become extreme. Rama hears their words and smiles. Then Raghuvira rises and sets his arrows in order.
He binds the matted locks firmly upon his head, with flowers shining between them. His eyes are red, his body dark as a rain cloud, and his beauty delights the vision of all worlds. The quiver is fastened at his waist. The hard Sharanga bow rests in his hand. Around him the omens of death and the prayers of heaven gather into the still, radiant preparation of the one for whom Ravana's host is already moving like insects toward fire.
Heaven watches Rama bind flowers into his warrior's locks while Time gathers Ravana's army at his feet.
Read the passage from the Manas
चलत होहिं अति असुभ भयंकर। बैठहिं गीध उड़ाइ सिरन्ह पर।। भयउ कालबस काहु न माना। कहेसि बजावहु जुद्ध निसाना।। चली तमीचर अनी अपारा। बहु गज रथ पदाति असवारा।। प्रभु सन्मुख धाए खल कैंसें। सलभ समूह अनल कहँ जैंसें।। इहाँ देवतन्ह अस्तुति कीन्ही। दारुन बिपति हमहि एहिं दीन्ही।। अब जनि राम खेलावहु एही। अतिसय दुखित होति बैदेही।। देव बचन सुनि प्रभु मुसकाना। उठि रघुबीर सुधारे बाना। जटा जूट दृढ़ बाँधै माथे। सोहहिं सुमन बीच बिच गाथे।। अरुन नयन बारिद तनु स्यामा। अखिल लोक लोचनाभिरामा।। कटितट परिकर कस्यो निषंगा। कर कोदंड कठिन सारंगा।।
Terrible and inauspicious omens appeared as they marched; vultures flew overhead and perched upon their heads. Being under the sway of death, none heeded the warnings. Ravana commanded the war drums to be sounded. The vast army of demons advanced with countless elephants, chariots, foot soldiers, and cavalry. The wicked ones rushed toward the Lord like swarms of moths flying into flame. Here the gods offered prayers: 'This demon has brought terrible calamity upon us. Now, O Rama, do not toy with him any longer, for Vaidehi suffers beyond measure.' Hearing the gods' words, the Lord smiled. The hero of Raghu's line rose and readied his arrows. He bound his matted locks firmly upon his head, adorned with flowers woven beautifully in between. With lotus-red eyes and a dark cloud-like form, He was the delight of every eye in all the worlds. He fastened his quiver at his waist and took in hand his mighty bow, Sharanga.