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.

Perfect were lips, forehead and chin,

Of Rama, who every contest does win.

This would be a strength test,

Lifter of bow to be declared the best.

His beauty Shri Rama first to show,

Enchanting vision onlookers to know.

More beautiful than the autumn moon,

That handsome youth to wed Sita soon.

Defeat from God is always good,

Position to Him better understood.

Eyebrows combined with sacred mark,

Looked like arrow from bow ready to dart.

This symbolic shaft on Rama’s head,

Not like kama, to shoot prema instead.

Good it is by this arrow to be hit,

Disease of unending devotion it inflicts.

This vision seen by all who were present,

In Janaka’s court, well-wishing residents.

Same Rama can come to the rescue today,

Think of Him and His names always say.

With the arrows that he fires,

In victims ignites lusty desires.

Kamadeva’s beauty considered the best,

With it defeats pride of all the rest.

Tulsi says Dasharatha’s sons superior,

In beauty all others are inferior.

Beauty and strength don’t seem to match,

Yet Rama’s amazing feat onlookers did catch.

Lifted Lord Shiva’s bow for promise to fulfill,

Of King Janaka, who is famous to this day still.

Sharada Purnima such a wonderful sight,

Amidst stars, the full moon stands bright.

During this time gopis of Vrindavana took the chance,

For rendezvous with Krishna, to enjoy rasa dance.

Rama and Lakshmana were compared to this moon,

When arrived in Janakpur, to eyes a terrific boon.

Janaka and others then remembered his vow,

Afraid that Rama might not lift the bow now.

Never fear, brightness of God never to dissipate,

Lifting bow, marrying Sita, Rama fears to eliminate.