Along with citizens, pious princes there too,

From looking at Rama one thing they knew.

When beauty, splendor and fame are there,

Strength to exist too, of this they were aware.

That Rama would lift the bow this meant,

In vain to Tirahuta so many princes went.

Use same principle for God to understand,

With holy name the Supreme Lord’s presence land.

When wonderful attributes from divine chanting come,

Know that the Supreme Lord and His name are one.

Lose weight, I must right now,

To eat properly is my vow.

On time and with control I will eat,

The objective of healthiness I hope to meet.

But sometimes the rules okay to break,

Assessment with ultimate objective must make.

The king of Videha some started to denounce,

For Rama to marry Sita vow king should renounce.

In the end no need for king’s word to forsake,

Shri Rama in His hand Shiva’s bow to take.

“Wedding of Sita and Rama king will make,

And with that his promise he’ll break.”

Confidence of princes Rama’s beauty shook,

Afraid of Janaka’s vow breaking after just one look.

Forms of the Supreme Lord there are more than one,

Within any of them anything can be done.

In a youth heavy bow He can lift,

To eyes of devotees His victory a gift.

No fear, Janaka’s promise to stay true,

That it wasn’t their day the princes already knew.

The youth who from Ayodhya was sent,

To be always together with Sita is meant.

What external conditions portend don’t bother,

Youthful form to the Supreme Lord no matter.

As a delicate swan people of Janakpur Rama saw,

Lifting mountain-like bow would break nature’s law.

But for God in any form all He can do,

Can kill demons while smiling too.

Within His holy name the same power exists,

Chant it for despair and dismay to resist.

Why should in misery I be living?

Should not of felicity be singing?

The Supreme Lord’s glories are the most joyous,

Sung since time immemorial by Vedas’ chorus.

In Janakpur, prize of Sita was on the line,

Women prayed to Shiva in this tense time.

First belonged to him this bow of heavy weight,

So he could determine Sita’s ultimate fate.

To give Janaki best husband Shiva agreed,

By marriage of Sita and Rama he was pleased.

Days we have lived so many,

But real meaning not found any.

Until this one special day,

When two brothers came our way.

Eyes given to us so we can see,

Delightful vision for worries to set free.

For a reason to this earth we came,

That fruit of existence we’d gain.

From sight of these boys blessed we have been,

Now hopefully the elder contest will win.

When a newborn baby you see,

To show loving emotion you’re free.

Naturally occurring is the sentiment,

For seemingly from heaven is infant sent.

When seeing God also a natural reaction,

Bliss makes you excited for devotional action.

Just like when Lakshmana and Rama seeing,

Best servitor and the Supreme Divine being.

Excitement filled the body and the eyes tears,

People of Janakpur toward divine love steered.

Eyes mesmerized by two youths sitting still,

With bliss the hearts are then filled.

To love all of this is due,

For muni’s protectors two.

This emotion only with God is seen,

Such as during contest in Janakpur scene.

Rama and Lakshmana to vow are true,

Protectors of sages and demigods too.

Love them with all your heart,

And happily this world you’ll depart.

Holding a bow and arrow in their hands,

On their beautiful vision your eyes land.

With quivers tied around their waists,

Let your mind the enchanting beauty taste.

This precious sight was to eyes a gift,

To assembly to see who bow could lift.

Rama and Lakshmana the mind do enchant,

Their body parts that beauty do enhance.

Paradoxical features raised the anticipation,

Rama’s victory to cause fear’s emancipation.

Broad was His chest,

With necklace of pearls the best.

Having shoulders like a bull,

Arms with might were full.

And around body a sacred thread,

To this vision peering eyes led.

Hopefully this youth to win contest,

Lift Shiva’s bow, pass strength test.

Verse of Janaki Mangala this image paints,

Authored by Goswami Tulsidas the saint.