Hosts of Monkeys and Bears Gather in Countless Colors
Sundara Kanda, Doha 34
Doha 34 · Movement 2 of 2
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Sugriva's summons races outward through forest, valley, and mountain. The waiting earth answers with movement as commanders arrive at the head of their troops, company after company pouring toward Rama's camp.
Monkeys and bears gather in colors no single eye can hold. Tawny backs, dark shoulders, pale faces, russet fur, and forms bright as forest blossom fill every approach. The differences among them do not scatter the army. Each host turns toward one command.
Their strength is beyond measure, yet they come first as servants. Dust rises beneath innumerable feet, voices roll across the land, and the spaces between trees disappear beneath the swelling ranks. What began with Rama's quiet word to Sugriva now stands visible as a living multitude, ready to move toward the sea.
Many colors become one army when every face turns toward Rama.
Read the passage from the Manas
कपिपति बेगि बोलाए आए जूथप जूथ। नाना बरन अतुल बल बानर भालु बरूथ।।34।।
The monkey-king swiftly summoned his forces. Troops of commanders gathered, host upon host. Monkeys and bears of many colours arrived, each endowed with incomparable bal.