Baal Kaanda
10 - Salutations to the abode and companions of Sita and Rama
Chaupais
Description
I make obeisance to king Janaka, alongwith his family, who bore hidden affection for the feet of Sri Rama. Even though he had veiled it under the cloak of asceticism and luxury, it broke out the moment he saw Sri Rama. Of Sri Rama's brothers, I bow, first of all, to the feet of Bharata, whose self-discipline and religious austerity beggar description and whose mind thirsts for the lotus feet of Sri Rama like a bee and never leaves their side. I reverence the lotus feet of Laksmana-cool and charming and a sourece of delight to the devotee-whose renown served as a staff for the spotless flag of Sri Rama's glory. He is no other than the thousand-headed serpent-god, Sesa, the cause (support) of the universe, who came down to dispel the fear of the earth. May that son of Sumitra, an ocean of benevolence and a mine of virtues, be ever propitious to me. I adore the lotus feet of Satrughna (lit., the slayer of his foes), who is valiant yet amiable in disposition, and a constant companion of Bharata. I supplicate Hanuman, the great hero, whose glory has been extolled by Sri Rama Himself.(1-5)