The Vanaras Wear Lanka's Jewels but Desire No Home Away From Rama
Lanka Kanda, Chaupai 114
Doha 119 · Movement 1 of 2
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Bears and vanaras dress themselves in the garments and ornaments that fell from Pushpaka, then parade before Rama in their many strange arrangements. The king of Kosala laughs again and again at the sight.
His gaze becomes compassionate and his voice gentle. By your strength Ravana was slain and Vibhishana crowned, he tells them. Return now to your homes, remember me, and fear nothing.
Love overwhelms the companions. They say every word is worthy of Rama, but hearing departure casts them into confusion. He has taken lowly creatures and made them blessed, though he is Lord of the three worlds. To receive his praise makes them ashamed, like a mosquito being credited for kindness shown by Garuda. They look upon Rama and lose every desire for home. Jewels can adorn their bodies, but only the Lord before them has become dwelling.
Clothed in Lanka's riches, the vanaras discover that no home possesses the value of standing undecorated near Rama.
Read the passage from the Manas
भालु कपिन्ह पट भूषन पाए। पहिरि पहिरि रघुपति पहिं आए।। नाना जिनस देखि सब कीसा। पुनि पुनि हँसत कोसलाधीसा।। चितइ सबन्हि पर कीन्हि दाया। बोले मृदुल बचन रघुराया।। तुम्हरें बल मैं रावनु मार् यो। तिलक बिभीषन कहँ पुनि सार् यो।। निज निज गृह अब तुम्ह सब जाहू। सुमिरेहु मोहि डरपहु जनि काहू।। सुनत बचन प्रेमाकुल बानर। जोरि पानि बोले सब सादर।। प्रभु जोइ कहहु तुम्हहि सब सोहा। हमरे होत बचन सुनि मोहा।। दीन जानि कपि किए सनाथा। तुम्ह त्रेलोक ईस रघुनाथा।। सुनि प्रभु बचन लाज हम मरहीं। मसक कहूँ खगपति हित करहीं।। देखि राम रुख बानर रीछा। प्रेम मगन नहिं गृह कै ईछा।।
The bears and monkeys received fine garments and ornaments. Wearing them, they came before Lord Rama. Seeing all the monkeys in various attire, the Lord of Kosala laughed again and again. Looking upon all with compassion, Lord Rama spoke gentle words. By your strength I have slain Ravana, and have performed the coronation of Vibhishana. Now all of you go to your respective homes. Remember me and fear no one. Hearing these words, the monkeys became overwhelmed with love. Joining their palms, they all spoke respectfully. O Lord, whatever you say is fitting for you, but hearing your words brings delusion to us. Knowing us as humble beings, you have made us blessed. You are the Lord of the three worlds, O Raghunatha. Hearing the Lord's words, we die of shame. Does Garuda show kindness to a mere mosquito? Seeing Rama's disposition, the monkeys and bears were immersed in love and had no desire for home.