Rama Lifts Angada with Lotus Eyes Filled with Tears
Uttara Kanda, Doha 19
Doha 19 · Movement 2 of 2
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Rama hears Angada's humble plea. The boundary of compassion bends down from the throne and lifts the young prince who has fallen at his feet.
Raghupati draws Angada against his chest. Tears fill Rama's lotus eyes, and the farewell that the prince feared enters the Lord's own body as visible tenderness.
Rama removes the garland from his heart and places it upon Vali's son. He clothes him, adorns him with a jewel, and offers many kinds of counsel before at last giving leave to depart. Angada cannot remain in Ayodhya, yet he is not sent away empty. The ornament that rested over Rama's heart now rests upon the prince, turning separation into a sign he can carry. The Lord answers the orphan's fear not by denying duty, but by marking him with intimacy before the road opens.
Angada leaves wearing the garland from Rama's own heart, while Rama's lotus eyes reveal that the pain of parting is shared.
Read the passage from the Manas
अंगद बचन बिनीत सुनि रघुपति करुना सींव। प्रभु उठाइ उर लायउ सजल नयन राजीव।।18(क)।। निज उर माल बसन मनि बालितनय पहिराइ। बिदा कीन्हि भगवान तब बहु प्रकार समुझाइ।।18(ख)।।
Even Garuda, crown-jewel of the wise, crown-jewel of devotees, vehicle of the Lord of three worlds, even he was deluded by maya! Yet petty humans, in their foolishness, still presume they are beyond delusion. If Garuda can be confused, what hope have we without grace?