The Rain Cloud King Shines beneath a Canopy of Service
Uttara Kanda, Chhand 2
Doha 13 · Movement 2 of 3
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Celestial drums thunder across the sky. Gandharvas and Kinnaras sing, Apsaras dance in gathered companies, and gods and sages taste supreme bliss as the consecration opens beyond the walls of the palace.
Bharata and the younger brothers stand with Vibhishana, Angada, Hanuman, and the others. Around Rama they hold the white canopy, whisks, fans, bow, sword, shield, and spear. Every emblem of kingship is carried by a beloved servant.
At the center sits the jewel of the Solar line with Sri beside him. Rama's body has the depth of a new rain cloud, yellow silk flashes like light across it, and crown, armlets, and wondrous ornaments illumine every limb. His lotus eyes, broad chest, and mighty arms enchant the gods themselves. The hymn calls blessed every human being who beholds him. Power is visible everywhere, yet its beauty comes from relationship: the Lord shines because the family of devotion has gathered close enough to serve.
Beneath the royal canopy, the blue rain cloud of Rama is ringed by the friends whose service has become his splendor.
Read the passage from the Manas
नभ दुंदुभीं बाजहिं बिपुल गंधर्ब किंनर गावहीं। नाचहिं अपछरा बृंद परमानंद सुर मुनि पावहीं।। भरतादि अनुज बिभीषनांगद हनुमदादि समेत ते। गहें छत्र चामर ब्यजन धनु असि चर्म सक्ति बिराजते।।1।। श्री सहित दिनकर बंस बूषन काम बहु छबि सोहई। नव अंबुधर बर गात अंबर पीत सुर मन मोहई।। मुकुटांगदादि बिचित्र भूषन अंग अंगन्हि प्रति सजे। अंभोज नयन बिसाल उर भुज धन्य नर निरखंति जे।।2।।
Celestial drums resounded in the heavens. Gandharvas and Kinnaras sang in multitudes. Apsaras danced in throngs, and gods and sages tasted supreme bliss. Bharata and the younger brothers, Vibhishana, Angada, Hanuman, and others stood attending. They held the royal canopy, whisks, fans, bows, swords, shields, and spears, shining in splendor. (1) With Sri at his side, the jewel of the Sun-dynasty, whose beauty surpassed even Kamadeva, was radiant. His form like a fresh rain-cloud, draped in yellow silk, he enchanted the hearts of gods. Crown, armlets, and many wondrous ornaments graced every limb. Lotus eyes, broad chest and mighty arms. Blessed are those who behold him. (2)