Golden Bells Ring at Bala Rama's Waist as Four Brothers Fill the Courtyard
Uttara Kanda, Chaupai 74
Doha 76ख · Movement 1 of 2
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The royal palace gleams with gold and many kinds of gems, yet its loveliest splendor cannot be set into stone. In the indescribable courtyard, the four brothers play each day, and Raghurai wanders through childhood games that fill his mother's heart with happiness.
Bala Rama's tender body holds the dark green sheen of emerald. Every limb defeats the beauty of countless gods of love. His feet are fresh red lotuses, soft and luminous, and the nails upon his toes steal brightness from the moon.
Auspicious marks grace the little limbs. Anklets answer each movement with sweet sound. Gold and jewels shine around him, while tiny bells at his waist speak in clear delicate notes as he crosses the courtyard. Bhushundi's gaze moves slowly because devotion refuses to treat the divine body as a general radiance. Foot, nail, ornament, color, and sound are each received as a distinct doorway into love.
In the jeweled courtyard, moonlight yields to Rama's toenails and golden bells announce every small step of the Lord.
Read the passage from the Manas
कहइ भसुंड सुनहु खगनायक। रामचरित सेवक सुखदायक।। नृपमंदिर सुंदर सब भाँती। खचित कनक मनि नाना जाती।। बरनि न जाइ रुचिर अँगनाई। जहँ खेलहिं नित चारिउ भाई।। बालबिनोद करत रघुराई। बिचरत अजिर जननि सुखदाई।। मरकत मृदुल कलेवर स्यामा। अंग अंग प्रति छबि बहु कामा।। नव राजीव अरुन मृदु चरना। पदज रुचिर नख ससि दुति हरना।। ललित अंक कुलिसादिक चारी। नूपुर चारू मधुर रवकारी।। चारु पुरट मनि रचित बनाई। कटि किंकिन कल मुखर सुहाई।।
Bhushundi says, 'Listen, O Khaganayaka! The stories of Rama bring joy to His sevaks.' The royal palace was beautiful in every way, inlaid with gold and gems of many kinds. The lovely courtyards, beyond all description, where the four brothers play each day. The Lord of the Raghus delights in childhood play, wandering in the courtyard, bringing joy to His mother. His tender body has the dark sheen of emerald; in every limb, beauty that puts countless Kamas to shame. His soft feet are like fresh red lotus petals, with lovely toes whose nails steal the moon's luster. His graceful limbs bear the four auspicious marks (kulisadik). His charming nupura (anklets) ring with sweet melody. Beautiful golden garments adorned with gems, and at His waist the kinkini (tiny bells) chime with delicate music.