The Dawn The Vedas

Look at how the dawn has set up her banner on the eastern horizon. She has adorned and anointed herself with sunlight. She is throwing lights of red and gold into the sky.

She is singing as she sets about her work. She has come from a distant place on a chariot drawn by tawny cows, who emit a soft light. She brings food day by day to those who act righteously, to those who are generous, and to priests who perform their rituals with care.

Like a dancing girl she decorates herself with bright ornaments. She uncovers herself, revealing breasts as swollen as those of a cow ready to be milked. From her breasts come light that fills the entire universe. She breaks out of the darkness, as cows break out of their pens.

Her brilliant flame becomes visible once more. She pushes forward, driving back the formless darkness of the night. She gazes out at all the creatures of the world, and sends her light straight into every eye. She awakens all that lives – and she gives words to every poet.

This divine being is born again and again each morning, always dressed in the same colors. She causes men and women to grow older, pulling them across their span of life. She is a cunning gambler whom no one can outwit.

She pushes aside her sister, the night, beyond the very edges of the sky. And she draws to herself her lover, the sun.

Meeting of Janak and Dasaratha The Ramayana

On Ayodhya’s tower and turret now the golden morning woke,

Dasaratha girt by courtiers thus to wise Sumantra spoke:

"Bid the keepers of my treasure with their waggons lead the way,

Ride in front with royal riches, gold and gems in bright array,

Bid my warriors skilled in duty lead the fourfold ranks of war,

Elephants and noble chargers, serried foot and battle-car,

Bid my faithful chariot-driver harness quick each car of state,

With the fleetest of my coursers, and upon my orders wait.

Vamadeva and Vasishtha versed in Veda’s ancient lore,

Kasyapa and good Jabali sprung from holy saints of yore,

Markandeya in his glory, Katyayana in his pride,

Let each priest and proud preceptor with Kosala’s monarch ride,

Harness to my royal chariot strong and stately steeds of war,

For the envoys speed my journey and the way is long and far."

With each priest and proud retainer Dasaratha led the way,

Glittering ranks of forces followed in their fourfold dread array,

Four days on the way they journeyed till they reached Videha’s land,

Janak with a courteous welcome came to greet the royal band.

Joyously Videha’s monarch greeted every priest and peer,

Greeted ancient Dasaratha in his accents soft and clear:

"Hast thou come, my royal brother, on my house to yield thy grace,

Hast thou made a peaceful journey, pride of Raghu’s royal race?

Welcome! for Mithila’s people seek my royal guest to greet,

Welcome! for thy sons of valor long their loving sire to meet,

Welcome to the priest Vasishtha versed in Veda’s ancient lore,

Welcome every righteous rishi sprung from holy saints of yore!

And my evil fates are vanquished and my race is sanctified.

With the warlike race of Raghu thus in loving bonds allied,

Sacrifice and rites auspicious we ordain with rising sun,

Ere the evening’s darkness closes, happy nuptials shall be done!"

Thus in kind and courteous accents Janak spake his purpose high,

And his royal love responding, Dasaratha made reply:

"Gift betokens giver’s bounty, - so our ancient sages sing -

And thy righteous fame and virtue grace thy gift, Videha’s king!

World-renowned is Janak’s bounty, Heaven-inspired his holy grace,

And we take his boon and blessing as an honor to our race!"

Royal grace and kingly greeting marked the ancient monarch’s word,

Janak with a grateful pleasure Dasaratha’s answer heard,

And the Brahmans and preceptors joyously the midnight spent,

And in converse pure and pleasant and in sacred sweet content.

Righteous Rama, gallant Lakshman piously their father greet,

Duly make their deep obeisance, humbly touch his royal feet,

And the night is filled gladness for the king revered and old,

Honored by the saintly Janak, greeted by his children bold,

On Mithila’s tower and turret stars their silent vigils keep,

When each sacred rite completed, Janak seeks his nightly sleep.

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