O

1318
r Rmacaritamnasa
or
[The Mnasa lake brimming over with the exploits of r Rma]
With Hindi Text and English Translation
(A Romanized Edition)
Gita Press, Gorakhpur, India

First Edition 2001 5,000 Copies

Price :
Printed at Gita Press, Gorakhpur273005
Phone : (0551 334721, Fax : 336997
visit us at : www.gitapress.org e-mail : gitapres@ndf.vsnl.net.in
Published by Gobind Bhawan-Karyalaya, Gita Press, Gorakhpur
Publishers Note
r Rmacaritamnasa of Gosvm Tulasdsa enjoys a unique place
among the classics of the worlds literature. It is a specimen of most
exquisite poetry and can compare favourably with the best poems of the
world. It was considered to be the best work on Devotion by Mahtm
Gndh, the greatest man of the modern world and styled as the perfect
example of the perfect book by foreign scholars. It is universally accepted
by all classes of people from Bihar to the Punjab and from the Himlayas to
the Narmad. According to an old Christian missionary, who is no more in
this world, no one could hope to understand the people of Upper India till he
had mastered every line that Tulasdsa had written.
This universal appeal of the immortal poem encouraged us to publish
a faithful and accurate English translation of the book with the original text
critically edited with the utmost care on the basis of most authentic sources
available and was published in Kalyana-Kalpataru in three instalments as the
special number of the magazine.
For the first time in 1968 it was published in a consolidated formthe
original text in Ngar with english translation. It was given a hearty welcome
by the readers and since then ten more impressions were brought out.
For sometimes in the past we were pressurised to bring about an
edition with Romanized transliteration also of the original text. It was a big job
and required herculean labour on the part of the press and with the result the
book is in the hands of the readers.
Gita Press did it with the sole purpose that those also who cannot
read Ngar script particularly those who have migrated from India and
settled abroad may get themselves benefited and enjoy the greatest epic of
the world.
It is expected to supply a long-felt desideratum and we shall deem our
labours amply repaid if the volume finds acceptance with the English-reading
public. The book will be found illustrated with some of the best pictures
available in our stock on the life of r Rma and relevant to the theme of
r Rmacaritamnasa. With these few words of introduction we take leave
of our kind readers and leave it to them to judge how far we have succeeded
in preserving intact the beauties of the original in our translation.

\\vv\\ \\vv\\ \\vv\\ \\vv\\ \\vv\\

Soft lights we wave, soft lights display,
Before this Lord of Sts lay
The Rmyaa, so sweet and dear,
So beautiful, without a peer,
Which gods like Brahm, Nrada sing.
The ant-hill sage, soul-seers king,
uka, rada, ea, boy sages four,
The wind-gods son recount this lore
With great delight and voices gay.
The holy books their music mix
To sing this gist of stras six,
Of all good works, of all good thought;
The wealth of sages; yet what not
Of all the saints?their mainstay,
Um and akara eer intone,
As well the wise Agastya pot-grown.
The crows, Garuas it heart indwells.
The poets great like Vysa and else
In ecstasies this song relay.
Shuns sensuous joy, sins abluent,
The dame of Muktis ornament;
Ambrosial herb rebirth to cure,
And parents both, tis only sure,
For Tulasdsa in everyway.
* A hymn of praise addressed to r Rmyaa at the time of waving lights while worshipping the same.
An rat Song*
(Rendered into English verse by Madhava araa M.A., L.L.B.)
r Rmyaajk rat
rfa >rtrrt t tfa fa fa f t t+
nra zrrf f r rt fr fr+
rf = r f a tfa tt+
nra r y r rtr n r +
f a r r a t t+
nra aa rt = rr f frt+
r rf f rt rnfz n=z t t+
f f f tt n fnr f+ at t+
rn f t t ara ra ff at t+
rati rrmyanaj k, krati kalita lalita siya p k.
gvata brahmdika muni nrada, blamka bigyna bisrada.
suka sanakdi sea aru srada, barani pavanasuta krati nk.
gvata beda purna aadasa, chao sstra saba grathana ko rasa.
muni jana dhana satana ko sarabasa, sra asa samata sabah k.
gvata satata sabhu bhavn, aru ghaasabhava muni bigyn.
bysa di kabibarja bakhn, kgabhusui garua ke h k.
kalimala harani biaya rasa phk, subhaga sigra mukti jubat k.
dalana roga bhava muri am k, tta mta saba bidhi tulas k.
1. Invocations
............................................
1
2. Salutations to the Guru
........................
3
3. Salutations to Brhmaas and
saints
....................................................
4
4. Salutations to the wicked
.....................
7
5. Contrast between saints and the
evil-minded
............................................
8
6. Salutations to all living beings as
so many images of r Rma
............
12
7. Tulasdsas humility and the glory
of poetry describing r Rmas
greatness
............................................
16
8. Salutations to the immortal bards
......
22
9. Salutations to the sage Vlmki, the
Vedas, Brahm, iva, Prvat and
other gods and goddesses
.................
22
10. Salutations to the abode and
companions of St and Rma
..........
24
11. Salutations to and the glory of the
Name
..................................................
27
12. The excellences of r Rma and
the greatness of His story
.................
42
13. The date of composition of the
Rmacaritamnasa
.............................
44
14. The metaphorical representation of
the Mnasa as a lake and its glory
...
48
15. Dialogue between the sages
Yjavalkya and Bharadvja and
the greatness of Prayga
...................
58
16. Sats bewilderment, r Rmas
divine glory and Sats remorse
.........
62
17. Repudiation of Sat by iva and
ivas trance
.......................................
67
18. Sats visit to Dakas sacrifice
.........
72
19. Sats self-immolation through the fire
of Yoga out of indignation at the
slight offered to Her Spouse by
Her father: destruction of Dakas
sacrifice
..............................................
73
20. Descent of Goddess Prvat and
Her penance
.......................................
75
21. r Rmas intercession with
Bhagavn iva for marriage
...............
84
22. Prvats unique fidelity as revealed
through Her test by the seven seers
....
85
23. Loves departure on the errand of
the gods and his being burnt to
death
...................................................
90
24. ivas boon to Rati (Loves consort)
...
94
25. The gods prayer to iva for
marriage; the seven seers visit to
Prvat
.................................................
95
r Rmacaritamnasa
Contents
Subject Page No.
1. An rat Song (by Gosvm Tulasdsa)
....
iv
2. Procedure for Reciting the Rmacaritamnasa
....
xiii
Descent I
(Bla-Ka)
[ VI ]
26. ivas peculiar marriage procession
and preparations for the wedding
(undertaken by the other party)
..........
98
27. ivas nuptials
...................................
109
28. A dialogue between iva and
Prvat
................................................
115
29. Causes of r Rmas Descent
........
128
30. Egos sway over Nrada and the
effect of the Lords My
..................
133
31. Princess Vivamohins self-election
of a husband; Nradas pronouncing
a curse on the attendants of iva as
well as on the Lord Himself and his
subsequent freedom from the spell
of infatuation
......................................
138
32. The austerities of Manu and atarup
and their receiving a boon from
the Lord
.............................................
145
33. The story of king Pratpabhnu
........
154
34. The birth of Rvaa and his brothers,
their austerities, supremacy and
tyranny
...............................................
174
35. The piteous appeal of mother Earth
and other gods
..................................
182
36. The Lords compassion on them
.......
185
37. King Daarathas sacrifice for the
birth of a son and his queens
pregnancy
..........................................
187
38. The Lords manifestation and the
delightful nature of His childish
sports
.................................................
189
39. Vivmitra visits king Daaratha
and asks for r Rma and
Lakmaa
..........................................
203
40. Protection of Vivmitras sacrifice
...
206
41. Redemption of Ahaly
.......................
208
42. Entry of Vivmitra with Rma and
Lakmaa into the precincts of
Mithil
................................................
209
43. Janakas ecstasy of love at the
sight of Rma and Lakmaa
...........
213
44. A visit to the town by Rma and
Lakmaa
..........................................
215
45. r Rmas visit to Janakas garden;
Rma and St catch sight of each
other
...................................................
223
46. Worship of Goddess Prvat by St,
Her receiving a blessing from the
Goddess and a dialogue between
Rma and Lakmaa
........................
229
47. r Rmas entry into the pavilion
erected for the Bow-Sacrifice along-
with Lakmaa
....................................
234
48. Sts entry into the pavilion
.............
240
49. Proclamation of Janakas vow by
his heralds
.........................................
242
50. The princes failure to lift the bow and
Janakas despondent utterance
.........
243
51. Lakmaas fulmination and throwing
a challenge to Janaka
.......................
245
52. The breaking of the Bow
...................
252
53. St places the wreath of victory
round Rmas neck
...........................
254
54. Arrival of Paraurma, exchange of
hot words between Lakmaa and
Paraurma and r Rmas triumph
over the latter
....................................
258
55. Janakas despatching of messengers
to Ayodhy and departure of the
marriage procession from there
..........
274
56. Arrival of the marriage procession and
its reception etc., at Janakapura
.......
289
57. The wedding of St and Rma
and Their farewell
..............................
297
58. Return of the marriage procession
to Ayodhy and rejoicing in the city
....
337
59. The glory of hearing and singing
the story of r Rma
.......................
348
60. Invocations
.........................................
351
61. Preparations for r Rmas installation
as the Prince Regent of Ayodhy;
the gods concern over the same and
their approaching Goddess Sarasvat
for help
..............................................
355
62. Sarasvat perverts the mind of
Manthar (a handmaid of queen
Kaikey); a dialogue between Kaikey
and Manthar
.....................................
362
63. Kaikey enters the sulking-chamber
.....
371
64. Dialogue between king Daaratha
and Kaikey; Daarathas lamentation;
Sumantra goes to the palace and,
returning from it, sends r Rma to
His father
...........................................
373
65. Dialogue between r Rma and
mother Kaikey
...................................
387
66. Dialogue between r Rma and His
father; the sadness of the people of
Ayodhy; their remonstrances with
Kaikey
...............................................
390
67. Dialogue between r Rma and
mother Kausaly
................................
397
68. Dialogue between St and r Rma
.....
405
69. Dialogue between r Rma, Kausaly
and St
.............................................
412
70. Dialogue between r Rma and
Lakmaa
..........................................
413
71. Dialogue between Lakmaa and
mother Sumitr
..................................
416
72. r Rma, Lakmaa and St call on
king Daaratha to take leave of
him; Daarathas advice to St
........
419
73. r Rma, St and Lakmaa proceed
to the woods and slip past the
citizens buried in slumber
..................
421
74. r Rmas arrival at gaverapura;
the Nida chiefs services
...............
428
[VII]
75. Dialogue between Lakmaa and
the Nida; Sumantras dialogue
with r Rma and St and his
returning to Ayodhy
.........................
431
76. The boatmans love and the passage
across the Gag
..............................
439
77. Arrival at Prayga and dialogue with
the sage Bharadvja; the love of the
people inhabiting the bank of the
Yamun
..............................................
445
78. The episode of an ascetic
................
449
79. r Rma greets the Yamun; love
of the villagers
...................................
450
80. Dialogue between r Rma and
the sage Vlmki
...............................
461
81. r Rma takes up His abode at
Citrakua; the services of the Kolas
and Bhlas
..........................................
468
82. Sumantra returns to Ayodhy and
finds the city a picture of grief
.........
481
83. Dialogue between king Daaratha
and Sumantra, Daarathas passing
away
..................................................
482
84. The sage Vasiha sends envoys
to call Bharata
...................................
490
85. Arrival and lamentation of Bharata
and atrughna
...................................
491
86. Dialogue between Bharata and mother
Kausaly and king Daarathas
cremation
...........................................
495
87. Dialogue between the sage Vasiha
and Bharata; Bharata prepares for a
journey to Citrak ua in order to
bring r Rma back to Ayodhy
.....
500
88. Departure of Bharata and atrughna
with the citizens of Ayodhy to the
woods
.................................................
515
89. The Nidas suspicion and
precautions
.........................................
517
Descent II
(Ayodhy-Ka)
[VIII]
90. Bharatas meeting and dialogue with
the Nida chief; the love of Bharata
and the citizens of Ayodhy for
r Rma
...........................................
521
91. Bharatas arrival at Prayga and
dialogue between Bharata and the
sage Bharadvja
................................
531
92. Bharadvja shows hospitality to
Bharata
..............................................
539
93. Dialogue between Indra and his
preceptor (the sage Bhaspati)
..........
543
94. Bharata on his way to Citrakua
.......
547
95. Sts dream; the Kolas and Kirtas bring
news of Bharatas arrival to r Rma;
r Rmas concern at the report;
Lakmaas outburst of passion
.........
551
96. r Rma admonishes Lakmaa
and dwells on Bharatas greatness
.....
556
97. Bharata takes a dip in the Mandkin
and arrives at Citrakua; Bharata and
others meet one another, mourn the
kings death and perform his rddha
(after-death ceremonies)
....................
558
98. Hospitality of the foresters towards
Bharata and his party; Kaikeys remorse
.......
573
99. Vasihas speech
.............................
577
100. Dialogue between r Rma, Bharata
and others
..........................................
583
101. King Janakas arrival at Citrakua; the
Kolas and Kirtas offer presents to the
visitors and all meet one another
.....
596
102. Dialogue between queens Kausaly
and Sunayan (king Janakas wife);
Sts amiability
.................................
602
103. Dialogue between king Janaka and
his wife; Bharatas glory
....................
608
104. Dialogue between king Janaka and
Bharata; Indras anxiety; Goddess
Sarasvats admonition to Indra
.........
612
105. Dialogue between the sage Vasiha,
r Rma and Bharata
.......................
617
106. Bharata deposits the sacred waters;
his perambulation through Citrak ua
.....
629
107. Dialogue between r Rma and
Bharata; the gift of sandals; Bharatas
farewell
...............................................
632
108. Returning to Ayodhy, Bharata
enthrones the sandals and takes up
his residence at Nandigrma; the
virtue of listening to Bharatas story
.....
635
Descent III
(Araya-Ka)
109. Invocations
.........................................
647
110. Jayantas mischief and punishment
.....
648
111. Meeting with the sage Atri and his
hymn of praise to r Rma
.............
650
112. Sts meeting with Anasuy (Atris
wife) and the latters discourse on
the duties of a devoted wife
.............
653
113. r Rma proceeds further and kill
Virdha; the episode of the sage
arabhaga
........................................
657
114. r Rma takes a vow to kill the
demons
..............................................
659
115. Sutkas love and r Rmas meeting
with the sage Agastya; dialogue with
Agastya; r Rmas entry into the
Daaka forest and His meeting
with Jayu
........................................
659
116. r Rma takes up His abode at
Pacava; dialogue between r Rma
and Lakmaa
...................................
667
117. The story of urpaakh; her
approaching Khara, D uaa and Triir
for redress and their subsequent
death at r Rmas hands
.................
670
[IX]
118. urpaakh approaches Rvaa; St
enters into the fire leaving Her
shadow behind
...................................
678
119. The episode of Mrca and how he
was killed in the form of a gold
deer
....................................................
682
120. Sts abduction and Her wail
...........
686
121. The combat of Jayu with Rvaa
....
688
122. r Rmas lament; His meeting
with Jayu
........................................
690
123. Deliverance of Kabandha
...................
695
124. Grace on abar; a discourse on the
nine forms of Devotion and departure
for the Pamp lake
...........................
696
125. A description of the spring; Nradas
meeting with r Rma
......................
703
126. Dialogue between the sage Nrada
and r Rma
....................................
705
127. The glory of hearing the praises of
r Rma and an exhortation to
cultivate fellowship with saints and
practise adoration
..............................
707
Descent IV
(Kikindh-Ka)
128. Invocations
.........................................
711
129. r Rmas meeting with Hanumn
and the conclusion of an alliance
between r Rma and Sugrva
........
712
130. Sugrva apprizes r Rma of his woes;
the latters vow to kill Vli; r Rma
expatiates on the characteristics
of a friend
..........................................
717
131. Sugrvas dispassion
..........................
718
132. Duel between Vli and Sugrva;
deliverance of Vli
.............................
721
133. Trs wail; r Rmas advice to
Tr and Sugrvas coronation and
Agadas installation as his Heir-
Apparent
.............................................
724
134. A description of the rainy
season
...............................................
726
135. r Rmas show of displeasure
towards Sugrva and Lakmaas
wrath
..................................................
731
136. Dialogue between Sugrva and
r Rma and the departure of the
monkeys in quest of St
..................
733
137. Their meeting with a hermitess in
a cavern
.............................................
737
138. The monkeys arrival at the seashore;
their meeting and conversation with
Sampt (Jayus brother)
..................
738
139. Sampts advice to the monkeys to
leap across the ocean; Jmbavn
encourages Hanumn by reminding
him of his strength
............................
742
140. The greatness of r Rmas
praises
...............................................
744
Descent V
(Sundara-Ka)
141. Invocations
.........................................
745
142. Hanumn leaves for Lak, meets
Suras and kills the image-catching
demoness
..........................................
746
143. Description of Lak; Hanumn strikes
Lakin and enters Lak
..................
749
144. Hanumn meets Vibhaa
................
752
145. Hanumns grief at the sight of St
in the Aoka grove and Rvaas
threat to St
.....................................
754
146. Trijas dream
...................................
757
147. Dialogue between St and Trija
....
757
148. Dialogue between St and
Hanumn
...........................................
759
[X]
149. Hanumn lays waste the Aoka grove
and kills prince Akaya; at last
Meghanda entangles Hanumn in a
noose of serpents and carries him
off to Rvaas court
........................
764
150. Dialogue between Hanumn and
Rvaa
...............................................
766
151. Burning of Lak
...............................
771
152. After burning Lak Hanumn asks
leave of St and obtains the
crest-jewel from Her
..........................
772
153. On Hanumns reaching the opposite
shore all the monkeys return and
enter Madhuvana; their meeting with
Sugrva and the dialogue between
r Rma and Hanumn
....................
773
154. r Rmas march to the beach
alongwith the army of monkeys
........
779
155. Dialogue between Mandodar and
Rvaa
...............................................
781
156. Vibhaa offers advice to Rvaa
and meets with an affront at the
latters hands
......................................
783
157. Vibhaa sallies forth to obtain r
Rmas protection and secures it
.....
786
158. Deliberation over the question of
crossing the sea; appearance of uka,
a spy of Rvaa, and his return with
Lakmaas letter
..............................
793
159. The spy gives counsel to Rvaa
and delivers Lakmaas note to
him
.....................................................
797
160. r Rmas fury against the sea
and the latters supplication
..............
801
161. Glory of hymning r Rmas
praises
................................................
804
Descent VI
(Lak-Ka)
162. Invocations
.........................................
805
163. Bridging of the ocean by Nala
and Nla; r Rmas installation of
r Rmevara
...................................
807
164. r Rma crosses the ocean with the
whole army and encamps on Mount
Suvela; Rvaa feels agitated at
the news
............................................
809
165. Mandodar expostulates with Rvaa;
dialogue between Rvaa and
Prahasta (his son)
.............................
811
166. A mental view of r Rma on Mount
Suvela and a description of the
rising moon
.........................................
816
167. An arrow from r Rmas bow
strikes down Rvaas diadems
and umbrella
......................................
819
168. Mandodar makes remonstrance with
Rvaa again and dwells upon
r Rmas glory
................................
819
169. Agadas departure for Lak and
dialogue between Agada and
Rvaa in the latters court
...............
823
170. Mandodar offers advice to Rvaa
once more
..........................................
843
171. Dialogue between Agada and r
Rma; conflict actually begins
..........
845
172. Mlyavns admonition to Rvaa
....
855
173. The battle recommences; encounter
between Lakmaa and Meghanda;
a javelin thrown by the latter strikes
Lakmaa in the breast
....................
857
174. Hanumn fetches the physician Suea
and proceeds in quest of the life-giving
herb; dialogue between Klanemi and
Rvaa, redemption of the she-alligator;
deliverance of Klanemi
.....................
862
175. Struck by Bharatas arrow, Hanumn
drops down unconscious; dialogue
between Bharata and Hanumn
........
865
[XI]
176. r Rmas sport of a frantic wail;
Hanumns return; Lakmaas coming
back to consciousness
......................
867
177. Rvaa awakes Kumbhakara;
Kumbhakaras exhortation to Rvaa
and dialogue between Vibhaa
and Kumbhakara
..............................
869
178. Kumbhakara joins the conflict and
attains final beatitude
........................
871
179. Meghanda gives battle and
r Rma sportfully allows Himself
to be bound by a snare of serpents 880
180. Destruction of Meghandas sacrificial
performance; his engagement on the
battle-field and deliverance at the
hands of Lakmaa
............................
883
181. Rvaas march to the field of battle;
r Rmas victory-chariot and an
encounter between the monkeys
and the demons
.................................
886
182. Encounter between Lakmaa and
Rvaa
...............................................
893
183. Rvaas swoon; destruction of his
sacrificial performance; combat
between r Rma and Rvaa
........
895
184. Indra (the lord of paradise) sends a
chariot for the use of r Rma; encounter
between r Rma and Rvaa
...........
901
185. Rvaa hurls a lance at Vibhaa :
r Rma puts Vibhaa behind Him
and exposes Himself to its full force;
encounter between Vibhaa and Rvaa
.....
908
186. Combat of Rvaa and Hanumn;
Rvaa creates illusions and r Rma
disperses the phantoms
....................
909
187. Fierce fighting; Rvaas swoon
.......
912
188. Dialogue between St and
Trija
.................................................
914
189. Final encounter between r Rma
and Rvaa; end of Rvaa; shouts
of victory everywhere
........................
919
190. Mandodar and other queens lament;
Rvaas funeral
................................
923
191. Vibhaas installation
......................
926
192. Hanumn carries the happy news to
St; St rejoins r Rma and enters
fire as a test of her purity
................
927
193. The gods sing the Lords praises;
Indra rains down nectar on the
dead
...................................................
932
194. Vibhaas entreaty; r Rmas
portrayal and Bharatas condition due
to the excessive love he bore towards
the Lord; r Rma urges Vibhaa
to arrange His speedy return to
Ayodhy
.............................................
939
195. Vibhaa rains down clothes and
ornaments from the air and the
monkeys and bears pick them
up and adorn their person with
them
...................................................
941
196. r Rma and St leave for Ayodhy
on the aerial car, Pupaka
................
943
197. The glory of r Rmas story
..........
947
Descent VII
(Uttara-Ka)
198. Invocations
.........................................
949
199. Bharatas desolation; meeting of
Bharata and Hanumn; rejoicing in
Ayodhy
.............................................
950
200. r Rmas Reception; meeting with
Bharata; universal rejoicing on meeting
r Rma
............................................
956
201. r Rmas Coronation; Vedas
Alleluia; Lord ivas Alleluia
..............
965
202. r Rma bestows parting presents
on the monkeys and the Nida
chief
...................................................
973
203. Account of r Rmas Reign
...........
976
204. Birth of sons to the four brothers;
Ayodhys loveliness; arrival of
the sage Sanaka and his three
brothers and their dialogue with
r Rma
...........................................
981
[XII]
205. Hanumns introduction to Bharatas
question and r Rmas discourse
on the subject
...................................
992
206. r Rmas exhortation to His
subjects (r Rma-Gt); the
citizens acknowledgement
................
997
207. Dialogue between r Rma and
the sage Vasiha; r Rmas
excursion to a mango grove in the
company of His brothers
.................
1002
208. Nradas visit and return to Brahms
abode after hymning the Lords
praises
.............................................
1005
209. Dialogue between Lord iva and
Goddess Prvat; Garuas delusion;
Garua listens to r Rmas story
and to an account of His glory
from Kkabhuui
..........................
1006
210. Kkabhuui narrates the story
of his previous lives and tells
Garua the glory of the Kali
age
...................................................
1050
211. Insult offered by him to his preceptor
in a previous birth and the curse
pronounced on him by Lord iva
......
1061
212. A hymn of eight verses addressed
to Lord iva
.....................................
1063
213. Gurus appeal to Lord iva for
forgiving the wrong; mollification
of the curse; continuation of
Kkabhuuis narrative
................
1065
214. Kkabhuui approaches the sage
Lomaa, who first pronounces a
curse on him but later on showers
his grace and bestows a boon on him 1069
215. Delineation of Gnosis and Devotion;
a description of the Lamp of wisdom
and the surpassing glory of Devotion 1076
216. Seven questions of Garua and
Kkabhuuis replies to them
......
1086
217. Glory of adoration
............................
1089
218. Greatness of the Rmyaa;
Tulasdsas prayer and reward of
reciting this poem
............................
1091
\\vv\\ \\vv\\ \\vv\\ \\vv\\ \\vv\\
Procedure of Reciting the Rmacaritamnasa
Those who undertake to read the Rmacaritamnasa according to the correct
procedure should before commencing the reading invoke and worship the author.
Gosvm Tulasdsa, the sage Vlmki, Lord iva and r Hanumn, and then invoke the
Divine Couple, St and Rma, alongwith r Rmas three divine brothers (Bharata,
Lakmaa and atrughna), offer them the sixteenfold worship and meditate on them. The
reading should be commenced after that.
INVOCATION
at ta+frn- rfa =- sf fannar+ {+
atrr
Obeisance to you, O Tulasdsa! Please come here, O saint of holy vows.
Taking your seat in the south-west, accept this homage. Obeisance to Tulasdsa.
>rtrrt ta+frn- r s-rr fa n tr + +
rrtr
Obeisance to you, O Vlmki ! Pray come here, O bestower of blessings ! Take
your seat in the north-east and accept my homage. Obeisance to Vlmki.
nrta ta+frn- 4 frrr fa r nrr + -+
nrta
Obeisance to You, O Spouse of Gaur (Prvat) ! Pray come here, O mighty Lord.
Kindly take Your seat in the south-east and accept my homage. Obeisance to the
Spouse of Gaur.
>rtr ta+frn- f rrrn rfa nrr + +
>rttr rr
Obeisance to you, O Lakmaa; please come here with your beloved consort
(Urmil). Kindly occupy the southern quarter of the altar, and accept my homage.
Obeisance to Lakmaa with his consort.
>rtrrrr ta+frn- f tt fn rn tt =r + ~+
>rttr rrrrr
Obeisance to you, O atrughna ! Please come here with your beloved consort
(rutakrti). Seating yourself in the western quarter of this altar pray accept my homage.
Obeisance to atrughna with his consort.
>rta ta+frn- f ttr -r rn fa r n rr + +
>rttr ar
Obeisance to you, O Bharata! Pray come here with your beloved consort
(Mav), Please sit down in the northern quarter of the altar and accept my homage.
Obeisance to Bharata and his wife.
>rtrta+frn- rf rn rfa tt= r+ +
a
[XIV]
Obeisance to you, O Hanumn! Pray come here, O mine of compassion.
Please occupy the eastern quarter and accept my homage, O Lord! Obeisance to
Hanumn.
rr ar ff rrf n t-r a r r -t + c+
The principal deity (r Rma accompanied by His Consort, St) should then be
worshipped with due ceremony. Taking flowers in the hollow of his or her palms the
reader should meditate on the Supreme Deity (r Rma) in the light of the following
verse:
+rrrrfr tarrra rry f r >rttar rrfa
r=rarn fnrrrrffrfa -frrfrrffr +yffq+ +
I ever adore r Rma, whose charming eyes resemble the petals of a red lotus,
who is clad in yellow raiments and has a dark-brown form endowed with a pair of arms,
who wears a cheerful countenance, is accompanied by r St, and is an ocean of
nectar in the form of mercy, who is waited upon even by Viu, iva and others and is
meditated upon alongwith His three brothers and other favourite attendants (Hanumn,
Vasiha and others) and who grants the desire of His devotees.
rn- rtr rr rrr nrr r rrrffa+ {+
Please come, O Lord of Janakas Daughter, alongwith St and accept my
homage with Hanumn (son of the wind-god) and others, O Scion of Raghu.
rfa r frtarrrfa r f r -r n rr frffra + {{+
Occupy, O Rma, this bejewelled seat of gold, offered by me, and spread over
with an exquisite covering.
The Deity should then be worshipped with the sixteenfold equipage prescribed in
the scriptures.*
t >rt-rrrr>rtrfat >rtfrrrfzr-rrnrtrfatrr =
>rttarrr ar >rtrr t rnt f+ rf+ ff-rarrfrrar
>rttarrtfarfqv r ffrn
Of this story of r Rma, known by the name of Mnasa-Rmyaa, Lord iva,
the sages Kkabhuui and Yjavalkya and Gosvm Tulasdsa are the seers; r
Rma united with His Consort, St, is the deity; the name Rma is the seed; Devotion
which cures the disease of transmigration, is the akti (motive force or energy); and the
object of this reading is to ward off all evils and accomplish all ones desires through the
propitiation of St and Rma.
Then water should be sipped thrice with the recitation of the following Mantras one
after another >rttarrr+r , >rtr-r and >rtrr . A Pryma should also be
performed with the recitation of the Bja-Mantra sacred to St and Rma.
* The sixteenfold equipage of worship consists of:
1. Pdya (water for washing the feet with); 2. Arghya (water for washing the hands with); 3. camanya
(water of rinsing the mouth with); 4. Snnya (water for performing ablutions with); 5. Vastra (raiment);
6. bhuaa (ornaments); 7. Gandha (sandal-paste); 8. Pupa (flowers); 9. Dhupa (burning incense);
10. Dpa (light); 11. Naivedya (food); 12. camanya (water for rinsing the mouth); 13. Tmbula (betel-leaves
with other ingredients for cleansing and scenting the mouth); 14. Stava-Pha (singing praises); 15. Tarpaa
(water for slaking thirst) and 16. Namaskra (salutation).

[XV]
KARANYSA
Karanysa consists in invoking and installing typical Mantras on the various
fingers, palms and back of the hands. In Karanysa as well as in Aganysa the
Mantras are treated as possessing a living form and it is these personified forms of the
Mantras that the touched and greeted by citing the names of the particular limbs. Through
this process the reciter himself is indentified with the Mantra and brought under the full
protection of the Mantra-god. He is purified both externally and internally and is infused
with divine energy. His spiritual practice runs a smooth course till the very end and
proves beneficial to him.
The procedure of Karanysa in this case is as follows:
n n n nr r rf fa r +
yr+r
(The hosts of virtues possessed by Rma are a blessing to the world and the
bestowers of Liberation, riches, religious merit and the Divine Abode).
Uttering these words the thumbs of both the hands should be touched with their
index-fingers.
r r f rt fa-f r rt+
at+r
(Multitudes of sins dare not stand in the presence of those who utter the name
Rma even while yawning.)
Uttering this the index-fingers of both the hands should be touched with their
thumbs.
r r- a fr rs r rr n n fr+
r+r
(May Your appellation Rma, O Lord, excel all other divine names and play the
role of a fowler in relation of birds in the form of sins.)
Uttering this the middle fingers of both the hands should be touched with their
thumbs.
sr r= rfa t r; f ra r nrr;+
rfr+r
(Bhagavn r Rma makes the whole creation dance like a wooden doll, O
Prvat.)
Uttering this the ring-fingers of both the hands should be touched with their
thumbs.
- r; t rf t - rf rr rf at+
ffr+r
(The moment a creature turns its face towards Mesays the Lordthe sins
committed by it through millions of births are dissolved then and there.)
Uttering this the little fingers of both the hands should be touched with their
thumbs.
rfr rrr a r =f r+
ar+r
[XVI]
(Protect me, O Leader of Raghus race, holding as You do an excellent bow and
brilliant arrow in Your hands.)
Uttering this the palms and backs of both the hands should be touched one after
another each with the other hand.
AGANYSA
In Aganysa the heart and other parts of the body are touched with all the fingers
of the right hand joined together.
n n n nr r rf fa r +
zr
Uttering this the heart should be touched with all the five fingers of the right
hand.
Similarly the forehead should be touched after uttering the following line:
r r f rt fa-f r rt+
fr trr
The tuft of hair on the head should then be touched after uttering the following
line:
r r- a frr rs r rr n n fr+
frr
After uttering the following line the right shoulder should be touched with the fingers
of the left hand and vice versa:
sr r= rfa t r; f ra r nrr;+
r
After uttering the following line both the eyes should be touched with the finger-tips
of the right hand:
- r; t rf t - rf rr rf at+
rr+r r
After uttering the following line the right hand should be taken round the head
counter-clockwise from the forehead to the back of the head and back to the forehead,
and the palm of the left hand should be struck with the index and middle fingers of the
right.
rfr rrr a r =f r+
trr
DHYNA
The form of the Lord should then be meditated upon with the help of the following
lines:
rr r r frf r fr+
t ar tr r f z f+
rar = f r rr n+
f r t nr+
f r f fza fr fza+
[XVII]
rrf = r+
r ffa fnrn nra f a rn+
r=t t z ff rr z+
f r ar afr rf a +
(Look at me, O Lord with lotus-like eyes! You rid the devotee of sorrow by Your
gracious look. You are swarthy of hue like the blue lotus, O Hari, and a bee as it were
drinking in he nectarean love of the lotus-like heart of Lord iva (an avowed enemy of
the god of love). You crush the might of the demon hosts, delight the sages and saints
and wipe out sins. You are a mass of fresh clouds for the crop in the form of the
Brhmaas (the gods on this earth), the refuge of the forlorn and a befriender of the
humble. You relieve the burden of the earth by the enormous strength of Your arm and
are an adept in killing the demons Khara, Duaa and Virdha. An enemy of the demon
king Rvaa and bliss personified, You are the noblest of kings. Glory to You, who are
as moon to the lily-like race of Daaratha. Your bright glory is known to the Puras,
Vedas and Tantras, and is sung by gods, sages and the assemblages of saints. Full of
compassion, You crush false pride and are perfect in everyway, O ornament of
Ayodhy! Your Name wipes out the impurities of this sinful age and curbs the feeling
meum. Protect this humble devotee, O Lord of Tulasdsa!)
N.B. The pauses for a nine-day and thirty-day recitation have been noted in the
body of the text itself and have therefore not been separately mentioned.
\\vv\\ \\vv\\ \\vv\\ \\vv\\ \\vv\\

r Rmacaritamnasa
(The Mnasa lake containing the exploits of r Rma)
Descent One
(Bla-Ka)

rrrrrrr rr -rf
y rr -rr - rrtfr+ {+
loka
varnmarthasaghn rasn chandasmapi,
magaln ca karttrau vande vvinyakau.1.
I reverence V ( the goddess of speech) and Vinyaka (Lord Gaea), the
originators of sounds represented by the alphabet, of the multitudes of objects denoted by
those sounds, of poetic sentiments as well as of metres, and the begetters of all blessings. (1)
rtr - >rqrf4r=fr
r+r fr f-a fqr tr-att4+ +
bhavnakarau vande raddhvivsarupiau,
ybhy vin na payanti siddh svntasthamvaram.2.
I greet Goddess Prvat and Her consort, Bhagavn akara, embodiments of
reverence and faith respectively, without which even the adept cannot perceive God
enshrined in their very heart. (2)
- r f- n= r =fr
rf>rar f rf - r -ua+ -+
vande bodhamaya nitya guru akararupiam,
yamrito hi vakropi candra sarvatra vandyate.3.
I make obeisance to the eternal preceptor in the form of Lord akara, who is all
wisdom, and resting on whose brow the crescent moon, though crooked in shape, is
universally adored. (3)
tarrnrnrrfrfr
- frqf-rr t4t4+ +
strmaguagrmapuyrayavihriau ,
vande viuddhavijnau kavvarakapvarau.4.

2
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
I pay homage to the king of bards (Vlmki) and the chief of monkeys (Hanumn),
of pure intelligence, both of whom sport in the holy woods in the shape of glories of St
and Rma. (4)
sftfarrfrt rrfrt
>rtt tar ar rrr+ ~+
udbhavasthitisahrakri kleahrim,
sarvareyaskar st natoha rmavallabhm.5.
I bow to St the beloved consort of r Rma, who is responsible for the
creation, sustenance and dissolution (of the universe), removes afflictions and begets
all blessings. (5)
-rrrf-r f4f zr rfrr
--r rfa r r
-rt f rrrrftaatrar
- arrr rr=tr f+ +
yanmyvaavartti vivamakhila brahmdidevsur
yatsattvdamaiva bhti sakala rajjau yathherbhrama,
yatpdaplavamekameva hi bhavmbhodhestitrvat
vandeha tamaeakraapara rmkhyama harim.6.
I adore Lord Hari, known by the name of r Rma, who is superior to and
lies beyond all causes, whose My (illusive power) holds sway over the entire
universe including gods from Brahm (the Creator) downwards and demons, whose
presence lends positive reality to the world of appearanceseven as the false notion
of a serpent is entertained with reference to a ropeand whose feet are the only
bark for those who are eager to cross the ocean of mundane existence. (6)
rr rrfnrnra rrr fnfa af-arf
tr-a r a t rr rnrrrrf-fa= rarfa + +
nnpuranigamgamasammata yad rmyae nigadita kvacidanyatopi,
svntasukhya tulas raghunthagth bhnibandhamatimajulamtanoti.7.
For the gratification of his own self Tulasdsa brings forth this very elegant
composition relating in common parlance the story of the Lord of Raghus, which is in accord
with the various Puras, Vedas and the gamas (Tantras), and incorporates what has
been recorded in the Rmyaa (of Vlmki) and culled from some other sources. (7)
r fa ff r; n r f
s n r; fq rf n + {+
So.: jo sumirata sidhi hoi gana nyaka karibara badana,
karau anugraha soi buddhi rsi subha guna sadana.1.
May Lord Gaea, the leader of ivas retinue, whose very thought, ensures
success, who carries on his shoulders the head of a beautiful elephant, who is a
repository of wisdom and an abode of blessed qualities, shower his grace. (1)

*
BLA-K NA
*
3
r; rr n ; fnf n
r r r r s f + +
muka hoi bcla pagu caRhai giribara gahana,
jsu kp

so dayla dravau sakala kali mala dahana.2.

May that merciful Lord, whose grace enables the dumb to wax eloquent and a
cripple to ascend an inaccessible mountain, and who burns all the impurities of the Kali
age, be moved to pity. (2)
t r= tr a= = rf
s r s r r trn + -+
nla saroruha syma taruna aruna brija nayana,
karau so mama ura dhma sad chrasgara sayana.3.
May the Lord who ever sleeps on the ocean of milk, and who is swarthy as a
blue lotus and has eyes resembling a pair of full-blown red lotuses, take up His abode
in my bosom. (3)
; sr =r
rf t s r + +
kuda idu sama deha um ramana karun ayana,
jhi dna para neha karau kp mardana mayana.4.
May the crusher of Cupid, Bhagavn iva, whose form resembles in colour the
jasmine flower and the moon, who is the consort of Goddess Prvat and an abode of
compassion and who is fond of the afflicted, be gracious. (4)
s n= r f = f
rr a r f f+ ~+
badau guru pada kaja kp sidhu nararupa hari,
mahmoha tama puja jsu bacana rabi kara nikara.5.
I bow to the lotus feet of my Guru, who is an ocean of mercy and is no other than
r Hari Himself in human form, and whose words are sunbeams as it were for
dispersing the mass of darkness in the form of gross ignorance. (5)
s n= rnr =f r rnr+
f f r= = fr=+ {+
fa a f fat n r at+
t f fa n n t+ +
>rtn f n rat fa f fr f rat+
r a r r z rn s r; r+ -+
srrf f fr t ff r t +
rf r fa f rf na n r f rf+ +

4
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Cau.: bada~~u
.
guru pada paduma parg, suruci subsa sarasa anurg.
amia murimaya curana cr u, samana sakala bhava ruja parivr u.1.
sukti sabhu tana bimala bibhut, majula magala moda prasut.
jana mana maju mukura mala haran, ki~e
.
tilaka guna gana basa karan.2.
rgura pada nakha mani gana jot, sumirata dibya di hiya hot.
dalana moha tama so sapraks u, baRe bhga ura vai js u.3.
ugharahi

bimala bilocana h ke, miahi

doa dukha bhava rajan ke.

sujhahi

rma carita mani mnika, guputa pragaa jaha jo jehi khnika.4.

I greet the pollen-like dust of the lotus feet of my preceptor, refulgent, fragrant and
flavoured with love. It is a lovely powder of the life-giving herb, which allays the host of all
the attendant ills of mundane existence. It adorns the body of a lucky person even as white
ashes beautify the person of Lord iva, and brings forth sweet blessings and joys. It rubs
the dirt off the beautiful mirror in the shape of the devotees heart; when applied to the
forehead in the form of a Tilaka (a religious mark), it attracts a host of virtues. The
splendour of gems in the form of nails on the feet of the blessed Guru unfolds divine vision
in the heart by its very thought. The lustre disperses the shades of infatuation, highly
blessed is he in whose bosom it shines. With its very appearance the bright eyes of the
mind get opened; the attendant evils and sufferings of the night of mundane existence
disappear; and gems and rubies in the shape of stories of r Rma, both patent and
hidden, wherever and in whatever mine they may be, come to light (14)
r f n r fq r
a a a f fr+ {+
Do.: jath suajana aji dga sdhaka siddha sujna,
kautuka dekhata saila bana bhutala bhuri nidhna.1.
as for instance, by applying to the eyes the miraculous salve known by the
name of Siddhjana (the eye-salve of perfection) strivers, adepts as well as men of
wisdom easily discover a host of mines on hill-tops, in the midst of forests and in the
bowels of the earth. (1)
n= f n r f+
af f f f fr s r fa r+ {+
s t r r fa r+
r n rt s r rt+ +
r fa fa r f f n r+
r f f rr t f n rr+ -+
n a r r n n atr+
r f+ f rr ; zr fr rr+ +
ff f f t r ff t+
f r frfa t a n t+ ~+
ftr f r atr r r+
f f r a r r+ +
f atr ; u n r+ +

*
BLA-K NA
*
5
Cau.: guru pada raja mdu majula ajana, nayana amia dga doa bibhajana.
tehi

kari bimala bibeka bilocana, baranau rma carita bhava mocana.1.

bada~~u
.
prathama mahsura caran, moha janita sasaya saba haran.
sujana samja sakala guna khn, karau pranma saprema subn.2.
sdhu carita subha carita kaps u, nirasa bisada gunamaya phala js u.
jo sahi dukha parachidra durv, badanya jehi

jaga jasa pv.3.

muda magalamaya sata samju, jo jaga jagama tratharj u.
rma bhakti jaha

surasari dhr, sarasai brahma bicra pracr.4.
bidhi niedhamaya kali mala haran, karama kath rabinadani baran.
hari hara kath birjati ben, sunata sakala muda magala den.5.
bau bisvsa acala nija dharam, tratharja samja sukaram.
sabahi sulabha saba dina saba des, sevata sdara samana kales.6.
akatha alaukika trathar u, dei sadya phala pragaa prabh u.7.
The dust of the Gurus feet is a soft and agreeable, salve, which is ambrosia as
it were for the eyes and remedies the defects of vision. Having brightened my eyes of
discernment thereby I proceed to relate the story of r Rma, which secures freedom
from the bondage of mundane existence. First I reverence the feet of Brhmaas, the
very gods on earth, who are able to dispel all doubts born of ignorance. Then I make
loving obeisance, in a polite language, to the whole body of pious souls, the mines of all
virtues. The conduct of holy men is noble as the career of the cotton plant, the fruit
whereof is tasteless, white and fibrous (even as the doings of saints yield results which
are free from attachment, stainless and full of goodness).* Even by suffering hardships
( in the form of ginning, spinning and weaving) the cotton plant covers others faults and
has thereby earned in the world a renown which is worthy of adoration. The assemblage
of saints, which is all joy and felicity, is a moving Prayga (the king of all holy places)
as it were. Devotion to r Rma represents, in this moving Prayga, the stream of the
holy Gag, the river of the celestials; while the proceeding of an enquiry into the nature
of Brahma (the Absolute) constitutes the Sarasvat (a subterranean stream which is
traditionally believed to join the Gag and the Yamun at Prayga, thus accounting for
the name Trive, which signifies a meeting-place of three rivers). Discourses on Karma
or Action, consisting of injunctions and interdictions, have been spoken of as the sacred
Yamuna daughter of the sun-god in her angelic formwashing the impurities of the
Kali age; while the anecdotes of Viu and iva stand out as the triple stream known as
Trive, bringing joy and blessings to those who listen to them. Unwavering faith in their
own creed constitutes the immortal banyan tree and noble actions represent the royal
court of that king of holy places. Easy of access to all on anyday and at every place,
this moving Prayga assuages the afflictions of those who resort to it with reverence.
This king of holy places is beyond all description and supra-mundane in character; it
bestows the reward immediately and its glory is manifest. (17)
f rf fa rf fa rn
f rf a a r r rn+ +
Do.: suni samujhahi

jana mudita mana majjahi

ati anurga,
lahahi

cri phala achata tanu sdhu samja prayga.2.

* The fruit of the cotton plant has been characterized in the original as Nrasa, Viada and
Gunamaya, which words can be interpreted both ways as in the rendering given above.

6
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Men who having heard the glory of this moving Prayga in the form of the
assemblage of holy men appreciate it with an enraptured mind and then take a plunge
into it with extreme devotion obtain the four rewards* of human existence during their
very lifetime. (2)
r f aarr r rf f s rr+
f r f r; anfa fr f nr;+ {+
rt r rrrt f f f t f rt+
rr z a t rr+ +
fa tfa nfa fa r; f a r f r;+
r r an r r r sr+ -+
f an f r; r r f r;+
ana n r r; ff r r+ +
f anfa r; r ra r;+
ff na t f f f n t+ ~+
ff f f rf rt a r fr rt+
r r f ra r f f n n + +
Cau.: majjana phala pekhia tatakl, kka hohi

pika bakau marl.

suni caraja karai jani ko, satasagati mahim nahi

go.1.
blamka nrada ghaajon, nija nija mukhani kah nija hon.
jalacara thalacara nabhacara nn, je jaRa cetana jva jahn.2.
mati krati gati bhuti bhal, jaba jehi

jatana jah

jehi

p.
so jnaba satasaga prabh u, lokahu beda na na up u.3.
binu satasaga bibeka na ho, rma kp binu sulabha na so.
satasagata muda magala mul, soi phala sidhi saba sdhana phul.4.
saha sudharahi

satasagati p, prasa parasa kudhta suh.

bidhi basa sujana kusagata parah

, phani mani sama nija guna anusarah

.5.
bidhi hari hara kabi kobida bn, kahata sdhu mahim sakucn.
so mo sana kahi jta na kaise , ska banika mani guna gana jaise .6.
The result of an immersion into the sacred waters of this king of holy places is
instantly perceived: crows turn into cuckoos and herons into swans. Let no one marvel
to hear this; the glory of contact with saints is no secret. Vlmki

, Nrada

and
Agastya, who was born of a pitcher, have related the story of their birth and transformation
with their own lips. Of the various creatures, both animate and inanimate, living in this
world, whether in water or on land or in the air, whoever has ever attained wisdom, glory,
salvation, material prosperity or welfare anywhere and by any means whatsoever, know
* The four rewards of human existence are: (1) Dharma or religious merit (2) Artha or material riches
(3) Kma or sensuous enjoyment and (4) Moka or release from the bondage of worldly existence.
Vlmki had been a hunter and a highway robber in his early life. He was reclaimed by the seven
seers and eventually turned out a great seer and poet.
We read in the Bhgavata that Nrada was the son of a maid-servant in his previous incarnation
and even as a child came in touch with holy men, who imparted him the highest wisdom and made him a real
devotee by their very contact. In his next birth he appeared as a mind-born son of Brahm.
Agastya was begotten of god Varua through a pitcher. Another great sage, Vasiha, was also born of
the same pitcher. The association thus obtained in his embryonic state with a great sage made him equally great.

*
BLA-K NA
*
7
it to be the result of association with holy men; there is no other means either in the world
or in the Vedas. Wisdom dawns not without association with saints and such association
cannot be easily had without the grace of r Rma. Contact with noble souls is the root
of joy and blessings; it constitutes the very fruit and fulfilment of all endeavours, whereas
all other practices are blossoms as it were. Through contact with the virtuous even the
wicked get reformed, just as a base metal is transmuted by the touch of the philosophers
stone. On the other hand, if by mischance good men fall into evil company, they maintain
their noble character like the gem on the hood of a serpent. Even the speech of deities
like Brahm, Viu and iva, poets and men of wisdom falters in depicting the glory of
pious souls. Much less can it be described by me, even as a dealer in vegetables finds
himself incapable of expatiating on the qualities of gems. (16)
s a r fa fa fa f r;
f na ff n r;+ - (+
a fa na fa rf rs
rf f f r r fa + - (+
Do.: badau sata samna cita hita anahita nahi

koi,
ajali gata subha sumana jimi sama sugadha kara doi.3(A).
sata sarala cita jagata hita jni subhu sanehu,
blabinaya suni kari kp rmacarana rati dehu.3(B).
I bow to the saints, who are even-minded towards all and have no friend or foe,
just as a flower of good quality placed in the palm of ones hands communicates its
fragrance alike to both the hands (the one which plucked it and that which held and
preserved it). Realizing thus the noble disposition and loving nature of saints, who are
innocent at heart and catholic in spirit, I make this humble submission to them. Listening
to my childlike prayer and taking compassion on me, O noble souls, bless me with
devotion to the feet of r Rma. (3 A-B)
f f n far f r rf r+
fa rf r f- s fr + {+
f r r r r +
r f rt fa rra f- rt+ +
a r r fr rr n t r+
s a fa t ra t+ -+
r fn a ft ff f s t f nt+
s rr ; rr+ +
f s r rr rr ; rr+
f fs at aa rt fa t+ ~+
r f r frr r frr+ +

8
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Cau.: bahuri badi khala gana satibhe , je binu kja dhinehu be .
para hita hni lbha jinha kere , ujare haraa bida basere .1.
hari hara jasa rkesa rhu se, para akja bhaa sahasabhu se.
je para doa lakhahi

sahaskh, para hita ghta jinha ke mana mkh.2.

teja ksnu roa mahies, agha avaguna dhana dhan dhanes.
udaya keta sama hita sabah ke, kubhakarana sama sovata nke.3.
para akju lagi tanu pariharah

, jimi hima upala k dali garah

.
badau khala jasa sea saro, sahasa badana baranai para do.4.
puni pranavau pthurja samn, para agha sunai sahasa dasa kn.
bahuri sakra sama binavau teh, satata surnka hita jeh.5.
bacana bajra jehi sad pir, sahasa nayana para doa nihr.6.
Again, I greet with a sincere heart the malevolent class, who are hostile without
purpose even to the friendly, to whom others loss is their own gain, and who delight
in others desolation and wail over their prosperity. They try to eclipse the glory of
Viu and iva even as the demon Rhu intercepts the light of the full moon (during
what is known as the lunar eclipse); and they are valiant like the reputed king
Sahasrabhu* (so-called because of his possessing a thousand arms) in working
others woe. They detect others faults as if with a thousand eyes and their (designing)
mind mars others interests even as a fly spoils clarified butter. In splendour they
emulate the god of fire and in anger they vie with the god of death, who rides a buffalo.
They are rich in crime and vice as Kubera, the god of riches, is in gold. Like the rise
of a comet their advancement augurs ill for others interests; like the slumber of
Kumbhakara their decline alone is propitious for the world. They lay down their very
life in order to be able to harm others, even as hail-stones dissolve after destroying the
crop. I reverence a wicked soul as the fiery (thousand-tongued) serpent-god ea, in
so far as he eagerly expatiates on others faults with a thousand tongues as it were.
Again, I bow to him as the celebrated king Pthu (who prayed for ten thousand ears
in order to be able to hear the glories of the Lord to his hearts content) inasmuch as
he hears of others faults with the thousand ears as it were. Once more do I supplicate
to him as Indra (the lord of celestials) in so far as wine appears charming and beneficial
to him (even as the army of gods is beneficent to Indra). Harsh Ianguage is dear to
him even as the thunderbolt is fondly cherished by Indra; and he detects others faults
with a thousand eyes as it were. (16)
srt f ta fa a f tfa
rf rf n rf fat ; tfa+ +
* Sahasrabhu was a mighty warrior and a contemporary of Rvaa, who was once captured and
held captive by him. He was slain by Paraurma.
Kumbhakara was a younger brother to Rvaa, the demon-king of Lak. He was a voracious
eater and consumed a large number of goats. and buffaloes everyday. He kept awake for six months and slept
during the other half-year. Living beings thus obtained a fresh lease of life during the period of his slumber.
There is a pun on the expression Surnka in the original Surnka (Sura+Anka) is a compound
word in Saskta, meaning the army of the gods. In Hindi it can as well be treated as two separate words Sur
(wine) and Nka (charming). Hence it has been interpreted both ways in the above rendering.

*
BLA-K NA
*
9
Do.: udsna ari mta hita sunata jarahi

khala rti,
jni pni juga jori jana binat karai saprti.4.
The wicked burn with jealousy as they hear of others welfare, be they his friends,
foes or neutrals: such is their wont. Knowing thus, this humble soul makes loving
entreaties to them with joined palms. (4)
t ff t- frr fa- f r rs rr+
r ff fa rnr rf frf f rnr+ {+
s a r r s t r+
fa r f t fa r= t+ +
sf n n rt r ff n fnrt +
r r r r n f nr+ -+
f f aat a r fat+
r r f r n f f r+ +
n n ra r; r f r t af r;+ ~+
Cau.: mai

apan disi knha nihor, tinha nija ora na luba bhor.

byasa paliahi

ati anurg, hohi

nirmia kabahu ki kg.1.

badau sata asajjana caran, dukhaprada ubhaya bca kachu baran.
bichurata eka prna hari leh

, milata eka dukha druna deh

.2.
upajahi

eka saga jaga mh

, jalaja joka jimi guna bilagh

.
sudh sur sama sdhu asdh u, janaka eka jaga jaladhi agdh u.3.
bhala anabhala nija nija karat ut, lahata sujasa apaloka bibh ut.
sudh sudhkara surasari sdh u, garala anala kalimala sari bydh u.4.
guna avaguna jnata saba ko, jo jehi bhva nka tehi so.5.
I for my part have made entreaties to them; they too must not fail to do their part.
However fondly you may nurture a brood of crows, can you ever expect ravens to turn
vegetarians? I adore the feet of a saint and a wicked soul, both of whom give pain,
though some difference is said to exist between them. Whereas the former class cause
mortal pain while parting, the latter give agonizing torment during their meeting. Though
born together in the world, they differ in their traits even as the lotus and the leech
(both of which spring from water). The good and the wicked resemble nectar and
wine respectively; the unfathomable ocean in the form of this world is their common
parent.* The good and the wicked gather a rich harvest of good reputation and infamy
by their respective doings. Although the merits of nectar, the moonthe seat of nectar
the Gagthe river of the celestialsand a pious soul, on the one hand, and the
demerits of venom, fire, the unholy river Karmanwhich is said to be full of the
impurities of the Kali ageand the hunter, on the other, are known to all, only that which
is to a mans taste appears good to him. (15)
r r;f ; ; fr;f t
r rf ar n rf t+ ~+
* In the Puras we read how both nectar and wine were churned out of the ocean of milk, by the joint
efforts of the gods and the demons.

10
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Do.: bhalo bhalihi pai lahai lahai nicihi ncu,
sudh sarhia amarat

garala sarhia mcu.5.

Of course, a good man has a bias for goodness alone, while a vile person is prone
to vileness. While nectar is praised for its immortalizing virtue, poison is extolled for its
deadly effects. (5)
rr n r n nrr s r sf nrr+
af a n r r n -rn f fr+ {+
s r ff sr nf n r fnr+
f ;far rr ff n n rr+ +
r - f rat r r rfa rat+
r = t f t r= t+ -+
rr zr t ntr f- f- tr+
rt n f rr = r f nrr+ +
n rn frnr fnrn n r frnr+ ~+
Cau.: khala agha aguna sdhu guna gh, ubhaya apra udadhi avagh.
tehi te kachu guna doa bakhne, sagraha tyga na binu pahicne.1.
bhaleu poca saba bidhi upaje, gani guna doa beda bilage.
kahahi

beda itihsa purn, bidhi prapacu guna avaguna sn.2.

dukha sukha ppa punya dina rt, sdhu asdhu sujti kujt.
dnava deva u

ca aru ncu, amia sujvanu mhuru mcu.3.

my brahma jva jagads, lacchi alacchi raka avans.
ks maga surasari kramans, maru mrava mahideva gavs.4.
saraga naraka anurga birg, nigamgama guna doa bibhg.5.
The tales of sins and vices of the wicked, on the one hand, and of the virtues of the
virtuous, on the other, are like boundless and unfathomable oceans. That is why I have
enumerated only a few virtues and vices; for they cannot be acquired or discarded without
being duly distinguished. The good as well as the vile, all have been brought into being by
the Creator; it is the Vedas that have differentiated them by reckoning the merits of the
former class and the demerits of the other. The Vedas, the Itihsas (such as the Rmyaa
and the Mahbhrata) and the Puras unanimously declare that the creation of Brahm
(the Creator) is an intermixture of good and evil. It is characterized by pairs of opposites
such as pain and pleasure, sin and merit, day and night, the good and the wicked, good
birth and vile birth, demons and gods, the high and the low, nectar and poison, a happy life
and death, My and Brahma, i.e., Matter and Spirit, the soul and God (the Lord of the
universe), plenty and poverty, the pauper and the king, the sacred K or Vras and
Magadha or North Bihar (the accursed land), the holy Gag the river of the celestials
and the unholy Karman* (in Bihar), the desert land of Mravra (Western Rjaputn
and Sindha) and the rich soil of Mlav, the Brhmaawho is a veritable god on earth
and the barbarian who feeds on the cow, heaven and hell, attachment and dispassion. The
Vedas and other sacred books have sifted good from evil. (15)
* A river of sinful origin in Bihar, a plunge in whose waters is said to destroy ones religious merits.
Hence it is called Karman (that which neutralizes ones meritorious acts).

*
BLA-K NA
*
11
z a n r ft t- ar
a n nf ff rf fr+ +
Do.: jaRa cetana guna doamaya bisva knha karatra,
sata hasa guna gahahi

paya parihari bri bikra.6.

God has created the universe consisting of animate and inanimate beings as
partaking of both good and evil; swans* in the form of saints imbibe the milk of goodness
rejecting water in the form of evil. (6)
f ; frar a af r nf rar+
r rs fr; s fa ; r;+ {+
r rf f ff t f r f t+
s f r; n f; f rs n+ +
f n ar ff a+
srrf a r; fr rf ff r r+ -+
f r r ff n ra r+
rf n nfa r r ffa r+ +
nn ; nr tf f; t nr+
r r rt ff r f nf nrt+ ~+
nfa rf r; ff r f r;+
r; f rrrar r; n t rar+ +
Cau.: asa bibeka jaba dei bidht, taba taji doa gunahi

manu rt.
kla subhu karama bari

, bhaleu prakti basa cukai bhal

.1.
so sudhri harijana jimi leh

, dali dukha doa bimala jasu deh

.
khalau karahi

bhala pi susag u, miai na malina subhu abhag u.2.

lakhi subea jaga bacaka jeu, bea pratpa pujiahi

te u.
ugharahi

ata na hoi nibhu, klanemi jimi rvana rhu.3.

kiehu kubeu sdhu sanamn u, jimi jaga jmavata hanumn u.
hni kusaga susagati lhu, lokahu beda bidita saba kh u.4.
gagana caRhai raja pavana prasag, kcahi

milai nca jala sag.

sdhu asdhu sadana suka sr

, sumirahi

rma dehi

gani gr

.5.
dhuma kusagati krikha ho, likhia purna maju masi so.
soi jala anala anila saght, hoi jalada jaga jvana dt.6.
When Providence blesses one with such discrimination (as is possessed by the
swan), then alone does the mind abandon evil and gets enamoured of goodness. By
force of the spirit of the times, old habits and past Karma even the good deviate from
goodness under the influence of My. But just as servants of r Hari rectify that error
and, eradicating sorrow and weakness, bring untarnished glory to them, even so the
* The swan is traditionally believed to feed on pearls and credited with the natural gift of separating
milk from water.

12
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
wicked occasionally perform a noble deed due to their good association, although their
evil nature, which is unchangeable, cannot be obliterated. Even those who are impostors
are respected on account of their garb, as the world is taken in by their attractive
appearance. But they are eventually exposed, and cannot keep up their false appearance
till the end, as was the case with Klanemi*, Rvaa and Rhu. The good are
honoured notwithstanding their mean appearance, even as Jmbavn (a general of
Sugrvas army, who was endowed with the form of a bear and possessed miraculous
strength) and Hanumn (the monkey-god) won honour in this world. Bad association is
harmful, while good company is an asset in itself: this is true in the world as well as in
the eyes of the Vedas, and is known to all.Through contact with the wind dust ascends
to the sky, while it is assimilated with mud when united with low-lying waters. Parrots
and Mains nurtured in the house of the virtuous and the wicked repeat the name of
Rma and pour a volley of abuses respectively. Smoke coming in contact with an evil
(earthy) substance turns into soot; the same is used as a material for copying the
Puras with when converted into beautiful ink. Again, in conjunction with water, fire and
air it is transformed into a cloud and brings life to the world. (16)
n r; rn rn
rf ta ta n f - rn+ (+
r a r r ff t-
f r r fr n t-+ (+
z a n t a r rf
s r rf n rf+ (n+
rn n a fa n
s f f r + (rr+
Do.: graha bheaja jala pavana paa pi kujoga sujoga,
hohi

kubastu subastu jaga lakhahi

sulacchana loga.7(A).
* Klanemi was a demon chief, who was a contemporary of Rvaa, the mighty king of Lak. In the
Lak-Ka (Book VI. 5658) of this very work we are told how he assumed the false appearance of an
ascetic and tried to deceive Hanumn, the devoted servant of the divine r Rma, but was ultimately detected
and killed by Hanumn.
We read in the Arayaka (Book III. 27. 47) how Rvaa appeared before St in the garb of a
mendicant but could not keep up his false appearance for long and had to throw off his mask at last.
In the Puras we are told how at the beginning of creation nectar was churned out of the ocean of
milk conjointly by the gods and the demons. When the same was being served to the gods by God Viu
Himself (who had assumed the form of a charming damsel in order to put the demons off the scent), the demon
Rhu disguised himself as a god and took his seat in the celestial row to participate in the feast. He was,
however, soon detected by the sun-god and the moon-god, who exposed his real character.
There is a pun on the compound word Kusagati in the original. Ku is both a noun and an
indeclinable prefixed to nouns. As an indeclinable it means bad or evil, while as a noun it is a synonym for the
earth. Here it is used in both the senses and has been translated accordingly.

*
BLA-K NA
*
13
sama praksa tama pkha duhu nma bheda bidhi knha,
sasi soaka poaka samujhi jaga jasa apajasa dnha.7(B).
jaRa cetana jaga jva jata sakala rmamaya jni,
badau saba ke pada kamala sad jori juga pni.7(C).
deva danuja nara nga khaga preta pitara gadharba,
badau kinara rajanicara kp karahu aba sarba.7(D).
The planets, medicines, water, air and cloth prove good or bad in the world
according to their good or evil associations; only men endowed with a keen insight
are able to know this. The proportion of moonlight and darkness is the same in the
bright as well as in the dark fortnight; only the two have been named differently by
the Creator. Knowing the one as the nourisher and the other as the emaciator of the
moon, the world has given it a good name and a bad one. Whatever beings, animate
or inanimate, there are in the universe, recognizing them, one and all, as consisting
of r Rma, I ever adore the lotus feet of all with joined palms. I reverence gods,
demons, human beings, Ngas, birds, spirits, manes (the souls of departed ancestors)
and Gandharvas, Kinnaras and Rkasas (giants).* Pray be gracious to me all on
this occasion. (7 AD)
r rf r rt rfa t rt+
t r n rt s r rf n rt+ {+
rf r f r ff rfz r+
f f r rf rt ara f s rt+ +
s rrfa n nrr rr fa rf fa nrr+
r s n sr fa r r+ -+
fa fa t f =f rt f f n ; rt+
ff r rf fr; ff r r;+ +
r araf rar f fa fa = rar+
ff f frt rt+ ~+
f f-r f rn tr rs r fa tr+
ffa a rt a = a n rt+ +
n f r; f rf f r;+
r a f r; f f r; r;+ +
Cau.: kara cri lkha caurs, jti jva jala thala nabha bs.
sya rmamaya saba jaga jn, karau pranma jori juga pn.1.
jni kpkara kikara mohu, saba mili karahu chRi chala chohu.
nija budhi bala bharosa mohi nh

, tte binaya karau saba ph

.2.
*Gandharvas, Kinnaras and Rkasa are different species of superhuman beings. Of these the
Gandharvas are celestial songsters and are specially noted for their handsome appearance, while the
kinnaras are credited with the head of a horse. The Rkasas are monstrous in appearance and are said to
roam at night and feed on the human flesh. The Ngas are another class of semi-divine beings, who, though
resembling serpents in shape, can take the human form at will.

14
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
karana cahau raghupati guna gh, laghu mati mori carita avagh.
s ujha na ekau aga upu, mana mati raka manoratha r u.3.
mati ati nca u

ci ruci ch, cahia amia jaga jurai na chch.

chamihahi

sajjana mori hih, sunihahi

blabacana mana l.4.

jau blaka kaha totari bt, sunahi

mudita mana pitu aru mt.

ha sihahi

kura kuila kubicr, je para d uana bh uanadhr.5.

nija kabitta kehi lga na nk, sarasa hou athav ati phk.
je para bhaniti sunata harah

, te bara purua bahuta jaga nh

.6.
jaga bahu nara sara sari sama bh, je nija bRhi baRhahi

jala p.
sajjana sakta sidhu sama ko, dekhi pura bidhu bRhai jo.7.
Eight million and four hundred thousand* species of living beings, classified under
four broad divisions, inhabit land, water and the air. Recognizing the entire creation as
full of St and Rma, I make obeisance to them with joined palms. Knowing me as your
servant, be genuinely gracious to me all of you, O mines of compassion. I have no
confidence in my intellectual power, hence I supplicate you all. I would recount the
virtues of the Lord of Raghus, r Rma; but my wits are poor, whereas the exploits
of r Rma are unfathomable. For this I find not the least resources, while I am bankrupt
of mind and intellect, my ambition is right royal. Even though my intellect is exceedingly
mean, my aspiration is pitched too high; while I crave for nectar, I have no means in this
world to procure even butter-milk. The virtuous will forgive my presumption and listen to
my childish babbling with interest. When a child prattles in lisping accents, the parents
hear it with a mind full of delight. Those, however, who are hard-hearted, mischievous
and perverse and cherish others faults as an ornament, will feel amused. Who does not
like ones own poetry, be it delightful or exceedingly insipid? Such good people as delight
to hear others composition are rare in this world. The world abounds in men who
resemble lakes and rivers, that get swollen with their own rise when waters are added
to them. There is some rare good soul like the ocean, which swells at the sight of the
full moon. (17)
rn r fr z s ftr
f f ff sr+ c+
Do.: bhga choa abhilu baRa karau eka bisvsa,
paihahi

sukha suni sujana saba khala karihahi

upahsa.8.
Humble is my lot and my ambition high; my only hope is that all good men will be
gratified to hear what I say, while the evil-minded will laugh. (8)
fr r; fa rr r f rr+
f r rat f f f at+ {+
* The number of species of living beings has been categorically fixed in Hindu scriptures as
eighty-four lakhs. The four broad divisions are: (1) Jaryuja (viviparous, such as men and beasts), (2)
Aaja (oviparous), (3) Svedaja (born of sweat, such as lice, bugs etc.,) and (4) Udbhijja (sprouting from
the soil, viz., plants).
King Raghu was a forbear of r Rma. His descendants bore the name of Raghus. Having been the
head of the clan after His father, Daaratha, He is aptly called the Lord of the Raghus.

*
BLA-K NA
*
15
fa f r fa- r +
rr ffa rf fa rt f rn f rt+ +
tfa rfr tt fa-f r f rfnf tt+
f fa fa at fa- r rr t+ -+
r nfa fa f rt ff rf rt+
f rs f t r fur t+ +
r fa rr frr+
r rr fa r n ff rr+ ~+
fa f f r - s ff rn r+ +
Cau.: khala parihsa hoi hita mor, kka kahahi

kalakaha kahor.
hasahi baka ddura ctakah, ha sahi

malina khala bimala batakah.1.

kabita rasika na rma pada nehu, tinha kaha sukhada hsa rasa eh u.
bh bhaniti bhori mati mor, ha sibe joga ha se
.
nahi

khor.2.
prabhu pada prti na smujhi nk, tinhahi kath suni lgihi phk.
hari hara pada rati mati na kutarak, tinha kahu madhura kath raghubara k.3.
rma bhagati bhuita jiya jn, sunihahi

sujana sarhi subn.

kabi na hou nahi

bacana prabnu, sakala kal saba bidy hnu.4.

khara aratha alakti nn, chada prabadha aneka bidhn.
bhva bheda rasa bheda apr, kabita doa guna bibidha prakr.5.
kabita bibeka eka nahi

mor~ e , satya kahau likhi kgada kore .6.

The laughter of the evil-minded will benefit me; crows call the cuckoo hoarse.
Herons ridicule the swan, frogs make fun of the Ctaka bird and malicious rogues deride
refined speech. To those who have no taste for poetry nor devotion to the feet of r
Rma, this undertaking of mine will serve as a subject for delightful mirth. My composition
is couched in the popular dialect and my intellect is feeble; hence it is a fit subject for
ridicule, and those who laugh shall not incur any blame. To those who cherish no love
for the feet of the Lord and have no sound reason either, this story will sound unattractive
to the ears. To those, however, who possess devotion to the feet of God Viu and iva
and whose mind is not perverse, the tale of the Chief of the Raghus will taste as sweet.
Knowing it in their heart as adorned with devotion to r Rma, the virtuous will listen to
it with bland words of praise. I am no poet nor an adept in the art of speech and am a
cipher in all arts and sciences. There are elegant devices of letters, subtleties of
meaning, various figures of speech, metrical compositions of different kinds, infinite
varieties of emotions and sentiments and multifarious flaws and excellences of poetic
composition. Of these details of poesy, I possess critical knowledge of none. I vouch for
it in writing on a blank sheet. (16)
ffa rf n fa ft ffa n
r frf ff fa f- f f+ +
Do.: bhaniti mori saba guna rahita bisva bidita guna eka,
so bicri sunihahi

sumati jinha ke bimala bibeka.9.

16
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
My composition is devoid of all charm; it has only one merit, which is known
throughout the world. Recognizing this merit, men of sound reason, who are gifted with
unbiased judgment, will surely hear it. (9)
f rrfa r srr fa r r >rfa rr+
n n rt sr fa f a rt+ {+
ffa ffr f a r r r f r r+
ft rfa rt r fr rt+ +
n fa f a rt r r fa rt+
r f f art f a n n rt+ -+
f fa s rt r ar n f rt+
r; r r rr f n zt rr+ +
s a; =r; n= n n r;+
ffa ta f t r r n n t+ ~+
Cau.: ehi maha raghupati nma udr, ati pvana purna ruti sr.
magala bhavana amagala hr, um sahita jehi japata purr.1.
bhaniti bicitra sukabi kta jou, rma nma binu soha na sou.
bidhubadan saba bh

ti sa vr, soha na basana bin bara nr.2.

saba guna rahita kukabi kta bn, rma nma jasa akita jn.
sdara kahahi

sunahi

budha th, madhukara sarisa sata gunagrh.3.

jadapi kabita rasa ekau nh

, rma pratpa pragaa ehi mh

.
soi bharosa more mana v, kehi

na susaga baRappanu pv.4.

dh umau tajai sahaja karu, agaru prasaga sugadha bas.
bhaniti bhadesa bastu bhali baran, rma kath jaga magala karan.5.
It contains the gracious name of the Lord of Raghus, which is exceedingly holy
and the very cream of the Puras and the Vedas. It is the abode of blessings and the
remover of evils, and is muttered by Lord iva, the enemy of the demon Tripura, along-
with his consort, Um. Even a composition of marvellous beauty and written by a gifted
poet does not commend itself without the name of r Rma. A pretty woman with a
charming countenance and fully adorned does not look attractive when undressed. On
the other hand, the wise recite and hear with admiration even the composition of a
worthless poet, which is devoid of all merit, knowing it as adorned with the name and
glory of r Rma; for, like the bee, saints have a bias for goodness. Although it has no
poetic charm whatsoever, the glory of r Rma is manifest in it. This is the only hope
which flashes on my mind; who has not been exalted by noble company? Even smoke
rising from burning aloe wood is impregnated with the latters fragrance and gives up its
natural pungency. Although my composition is clumsy, it treats of a commendable theme,
viz., the story of r Rma, which brings felicity to the world. (15)
n f f f at r rrr t
nfa far fa t r fa r r t+

*
BLA-K NA
*
17
nfa ffa f r;f rt
n fa r t fa rf rt+
Cha.:magala karani kali mala harani tulas kath raghuntha k,
gati kura kabit sarita k jyo sarita pvana ptha k.
prabhu sujasa sagati bhaniti bhali hoihi sujana mana bhvan,
bhava aga bhuti masna k sumirata suhvani pvan.
The tale of the Lord of Raghus, O Tulasdsa, brings forth blessings and wipes
away the impurities of the Kali age. The course of this stream of my poetry is tortuous
like that of the holy Gag. By its association with the auspicious glory of the Lord my
composition will be blessed and will captivate the mind of the virtuous. On the person of
Lord iva, even the ashes of the cremation-ground appear charming and purify by their
very thought.
f rfnf fa f ffa r n
r= fr= f ; rs f n+ { (+
tr f f fa n f r
fnr nrr f r nrf f r+ {(+
Do.: priya lgihi ati sabahi mama bhaniti rma jasa saga,
dru bicru ki karai kou badia malaya prasaga.10(A).
syma surabhi paya bisada ati gunada karahi

saba pna,
gir grmya siya rma jasa gvahi

sunahi

sujna.10(B).
My composition will appear extremely delightful to all by its association with the
glory of r Rma, even as timber of every description is transformed into sandal and
becomes worthy of adoration by contact with the Malaya mountain (in South India),
and nobody takes into account the quality of wood in that region. The milk of even
a dark cow is white and possesses a great medicinal value and is drunk by all. So
do the wise chant and hear the glory of St and Rma even though couched in the
vulgar tongue. (10 A-B)
f rf ar f t f fnf n f r at+
ft a=t a r; f rr fr;+ {+
af f fa t sf a a f t+
nfa a ff fr; fa r rfa r;+ +
r fa f -r r >r r; rf sr+
f rf z frt nrf f f rt+ -+
t- ra n nrr f f fnr na farr+
z f fa t rr trfa rr f rr+ +
; rf fr= rf fa arf r=+ ~+

18
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Cau.: mani mnika mukut chabi jais, ahi giri gaja sira soha na tais.
npa kira tarun tanu p, lahahi

sakala sobh adhik.1.

taisehi

sukabi kabita budha kahah

, upajahi

anata anata chabi lahah

.
bhagati hetu bidhi bhavana bih, sumirata srada vati dh.2.
rma carita sara binu anhave , so rama ji na koi upe .
kabi kobida asa hdaya bicr, gvahi

hari jasa kali mala hr.3.

knhe prkta jana guna gn, sira dhuni gir lagata pachitn.
hdaya sidhu mati spa samn, svti srad kahahi

sujn.4.
jau barasai bara bri bicru, hohi

kabita mukutmani cr u.5.

The beauty of a gem, a ruby and a pearl does not catch the eye as it should so
long as they are borne on the head of a serpent, the top of a mountain and the crown
of an elephant respectively. The charm of them all is enhanced when they adorn the
diadem of a king or the person of a young lady. Even so, the wise say, the outpourings
of a good poet originate at one place (in the poets own mind) and exercise their charm
elsewhere (on the mind of the admirer). Attracted by his devotion, Sarasvat (the
goddess of poetry) comes with all speed from the abode of Brahm (the topmost heaven)
at his very invocation. The fatigue occasioned by this long journey cannot be relieved by
millions of devices unless she takes a dip in the lake of r Rmas exploits. Realizing
this in their heart, poets and wise men chant the glory of r Hari alone, which wipes
away the impurities of the Kali age. Finding the bard singing the glories of worldly men
the goddess of speech begins to beat her brow and repent. The wise liken the heart of
a poet to the sea, his intellect to the shell containing pearls and goddess Sarasvat to the
star called Svt (the modern Arcturus, the fifteenth lunar asterism considered as
favourable to the formation of pearls). If there is a shower in the form of beautiful ideas,
lovely pearls make their appearance in the form of poetic effusions. (15)
nfa f f rff rfa arn
ff r f s rr fa rn+ {{+
Do.: juguti bedhi puni pohiahi

rmacarita bara tga,

pahirahi

sajjana bimala ura sobh ati anurga.11.

If those pearls are pierced with skill and strung together on the beautiful thread of
r Rmas exploits, and if noble souls wear them in their innocent heart, grace in the
form of excessive fondness is the result. (11)
fr rr a r rr+
a n rz f rz+ {+
na r; r f r r +
fa- n rt tn rt+ +
n r; r r f +
ara fa r r rff r+ -+
fr fff ff fat rt rs r f ;f rt+
a ff r rf a f a z fa r+ +

*
BLA-K NA
*
19
f rs f a rs fa = r n nrs+
rrfa fa rr fa rf fa rr+ ~+
f r=a fnf = szrt a f rt+
ra fa r ar; a r fa r;+ +
Cau.: je janame kalikla karl, karataba byasa bea marl.
calata kupatha beda maga ch

Re, kapaa kalevara kali mala bh

Re.1.
bacaka bhagata kahi rma ke, kikara kacana koha kma ke.
tinha maha prathama rekha jaga mor, dhga dharamadhvaja dhadhaka dhor.2.
jau apane avaguna saba kahau

, bRhai kath pra nahi

laha u

.
tte mai

ati alapa bakhne, thore mahu jnihahi

sayne.3.
samujhi bibidhi bidhi binat mor, kou na kath suni deihi khor.
etehu para karihahi

je asak, mohi te adhika te jaRa mati rak.4.

kabi na hou nahi

catura kahvau , mati anur upa rma guna gvau .

kaha raghupati ke carita apr, kaha mati mori nirata sasr.5.
jehi

mruta giri meru uRh

, kahahu t ula kehi lekhe mh

.
samujhata amita rma prabhut, karata kath mana ati kadar.6.
Those who are born in this terrible age of Kali, who though akin to the crow in their
doings have put on the garb of a swan, who tread the evil path, abandoning the track
of the Vedas, who are embodiments of falsehood and repositories of sins of the Kali age,
who are impostors claiming to be devotees of r Rma, though slaves of mammon,
anger and passion, and who are unscrupulous, hypocritical and foremost among
intriguersI occupy the first place among them. Were I to recount all my vices, their tale
will assume large dimensions, and yet I shall not be able to exhaust them. Hence I have
mentioned very few. A word should suffice for the wise. Entering into the spirit of my
manifold prayers, none should blame me on hearing this story. Those who will raise
objections even then are more stupid and deficient in intellect than myself. I am no poet
and have no pretensions to ingenuity; I sing the glories of r Rma according to my own
lights, My intellect, which wallows in the world, is a poor match for the unlimited exploits
of the Lord of Raghus. Tell me, of what account is cotton in the face of the strong wind
before which even mountains like Meru are blown away? Realizing the infinite glory of
r Rma, my mind feels very diffident in proceeding with this story. (16)
r ff rn fn r
fa fa f r n f fa nr+ {+
Do.: srada sesa mahesa bidhi gama nigama purna,
neti neti kahi jsu guna karahi

niratara gna.12.
Goddess Sarasvat ea (the thousand-headed serpent-god), the great Lord
iva, Brahm (the Creator), the gamas (Tantras), the Vedas and the Puras unceasingly
sing His virtues, saying not that, not that.*
* This shows that the gods and scriptures mentioned above, though ever engaged in singing the
virtues of r Rma, are able only to touch the fringe of His glory and find themselves unable to describe it in
full. That is why they make only a negative assertion Na iti (not that), meaning thereby that whatever is
predicated of God falls much too short of His real glory and is at best only a faint indication of it.

20
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
ra ar r; af f r r;+
ar r rr rs rfa rr+ {+
t = rr frr rr+
r ft= nrr af f fa a rr+ +
r na fa rnt r a rnt+
f ar fa r f =r f t- r+ -+
n; r nt r rf rrr+
f f rt f ta f rt+ +
af rrfa n nrr fs r; r rr+
f- f tfa nr; af n a n rf r;+ ~+
Cau.: saba jnata prabhu prabhut so, tadapi kah~e
.
binu rah na ko.
tah

beda asa krana rkh, bhajana prabhu bh

ti bahu bh.1.
eka anha arupa anm, aja saccidnada para dhm.
bypaka bisvarupa bhagavn, tehi

dhari deha carita kta nn.2.

so kevala bhagatana hita lg, parama kpla pranata anurg.
jehi jana para mamat ati chohu, jehi

karun kari knha na kohu.3.

ga bahora garba nevju, sarala sabala shiba raghurju.
budha baranahi

hari jasa asa jn, karahi

punta suphala nija bn.4.

tehi

bala mai

raghupati guna gth, kahihau ni rma pada mth.

muninha prathama hari krati g, tehi

maga calata sugama mohi bh.5.

Though all know the Lords greatness as such, yet none has refrained from
describing it. The Vedas have justified it thus; they have variously sung the glory of
remembering the Lord, God, who is one, desireless, formless, nameless and unborn,
who is Truth, Consciousness and Bliss, who is supreme effulgence, all-pervading and
all-formedit is He who has performed many deeds assuming a suitable form. That He
has done only for the good of His devotees; for He is supremely gracious and loving to
the suppliant. He is excessively fond of His devotees and treats them as His own; He
has never frowned at him to whom He has once shown His favour. The restorer of what
has been lost, the befriender of the poor, the Lord of Raghus is a straightforward and
powerful master. Knowing thus, the wise sing the glory of r Hari and thereby hallow and
bring supreme reward to their speech. It is on this strength (the supreme efficacy of
remembering the Lord and the potency of His grace) that I shall sing the virtues of the
Lord of Raghus, bowing my head to the feet of r Rma. Sages have sung the glory
of r Hari in the past; it will be easy for me to follow that very path. (15)
fa r fa a rf
f ftfs rr f >r rf rf+ {-+
Do.: ati apra je sarita bara jau npa setu karhi

,
caRhi piplikau parama laghu binu rama prahi jhi

.13.
If kings get bridges constructed over big rivers, which are too broad, even the
tiniest ants cross them without exertion. (13)

*
BLA-K NA
*
21
f r f r; fs rrfa r r;+
r rf f n rr f- r f rr+ {+
s fa- r +
f f- s rr f- rrfa n nrr+ +
ra f r rr f- f fa r+
f r;f rn s f -rn+ -+
r - r r r ffa r+
r f rt r >r rf r f t+ +
tfa ffa fa f r; f fa r;+
r tfa ffa r rf r+ ~+
art r rs r ff rf r r+ +
Cau.: ehi prakra bala manahi dekh, karihau raghupati kath suh.
bysa di kabi pugava nn, jinha sdara hari sujasa bakhn.1.
carana kamala badau tinha kere, puravahu sakala manoratha mere.
kali ke kabinha karau paranm, jinha barane raghupati guna grm.2.
je prkta kabi parama sayne, bh

jinha hari carita bakhne.

bhae je ahahi

je hoihahi

ge , pranavau sabahi kapaa saba tyge .3.

hohu prasanna dehu baradn u, sdhu samja bhaniti sanamn u.
jo prabadha budha nahi

darah

, so rama bdi bla kabi karah

.4.
krati bhaniti bhuti bhali so, surasari sama saba kaha hita ho.
rma sukrati bhaniti bhades, asamajasa asa mohi a des.5.
tumhar kp

sulabha sou more, siani suhvani a paore.6.

Reassuring the mind in this way, I shall narrate the charming story of the Lord of
Raghus. Vysa and various other top-ranking poets, who have reverently recounted the
blessed glory of r Hari, I bow to the lotus feet of them all; let them fulfil all my desires.
I make obeisance to the bards of the Kali age, who have sung the multitudinous virtues
of the Lord of Raghus. Even those poets of supreme wisdom who belong to the Prkta
or popular class (as opposed to the Saskta or the cultured class), who have narrated
the exploits of r Hari in the spoken language, including those who have flourished in
the past, those who are still living and those who are yet to come, I reverence them, one
and all, renouncing all false appearance. Be propitious and grant this boon that my song
may be honoured in the assemblage of pious souls. A composition which the wise refuse
to honour is fruitless labour which only silly poets undertake. Of glory, poetry and
affluence that alone is blessed which, like the celestial river (Gag), is conducive to the
good of all. The glory of r Rma is charming indeed, while my speech is rough. This
is something incongruous, I am afraid. By your grace, even this incongruity will turn out
well for me; embroidery of silk looks charming even on coarse cloth. (16)
fa tfa f r; rf r
fr; f r f f r+ { (+

22
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
r r; f f fa rf fa fa r
r f s f f s fr+ { (+
f rf rr fa r r
r f f =f f r r r+ { (n+
Do.: sarala kabita krati bimala soi darahi

sujna,
sahaja bayara bisari ripu jo suni karahi

bakhna.14(A).
so na hoi binu bimala mati mohi mati bala ati thora,
karahu kp hari jasa kahau puni puni karau nihora.14(B).
kabi kobida raghubara carita mnasa maju marla,
bla binaya suni suruci lakhi mo para hohu kpla.14(C).
The wise admire only that poetry which is lucid and portrays a spotless character
and which even opponents hear with applause forgetting natural animosity. Such poetry
is not possible without a refined intellect, and of intellectual power I have very little. Be
gracious, therefore so that I may depict the glory of r Hari; I solicit again and again.
Poets and wise men, lovely swans sporting in the Mnasarovara lake of r Rmas
exploits! Hearing my childlike prayer and recognizing my refined taste, be kindly
disposed towards me. (14 AC)
s f rr f fs
r r fa fa+ { (rr+
s rfs rff rfa f
f-f a rr f + { (z+
s ff rn f t-
a r f n f r=t + { (+
f f n f s rf
r; r r rf+ { (+
So.: badau muni pada kaju rmyana jehi

niramayau,
sakhara sukomala maju doa rahita duana sahita.14(D).
badau criu beda bhava bridhi bohita sarisa,
jinhahi na sapanehu kheda baranata raghubara bisada jasu.14(E).
badau bidhi pada renu bhava sgara jehi

knha jaha ,
sata sudh sasi dhenu pragae khala bia brun.14(F).
Do.: bibudha bipra budha graha carana badi kahau kara jori,
hoi prasanna puravahu sakala maju manoratha mori.14(G).

*
BLA-K NA
*
23
I bow to the lotus feet of the sage (Vlmki) who composed the Rmyaa, which
though containing an account of the demon Khara (a cousin of Rvaa), is yet very soft
and charming, and though faultless, is yet full of references to Duaa (another cousin
of the demon-king Rvaa).* I reverence, all the four Vedas, barks as it were on the
ocean of mundane existence, which never dream of weariness in singing the untarnished
glory of r Rma, the Chief of Raghus. I greet the dust on the feet of Brahm (the
Creator), who has evolved the ocean of worldly existence, the birth-place of nectar, the
moon and the cow of plenty in the form of saints, on the one hand, and of poison and
wine in the form of the wicked, on the other. Making obeisance to the feet of gods, the
Brhmaas, wise men and the deities presiding over the nine planets, I pray to them with
joined palms! Be pleased to accomplish all my fair desires. (14 DG)
f s r far n ta r far+
r r r r a a fr+ {+
n fa ra rt s t f rt+
trf r f t fa f=f ff at + +
f frf n fa fnfr r r r f- ffr+
f r r n rs ar+ -+
r s rf r ff r n r+
ff fr f r; r s rfa fa r+ +
ffa rf f r frat f r ff rat+
f f ar ff ff fr ar+ ~+
r;f r rnt f fa n rnt+ +
Cau.: puni badau srada surasarit, jugala punta manohara carit.
majjana pna ppa hara ek, kahata sunata eka hara abibek.1.
gura pitu mtu mahesa bhavn, pranavau dnabadhu dina dn.
sevaka svmi sakh siya p ke, hita nirupadhi saba bidhi tulas ke.2.
kali biloki jaga hita hara girij, sbara matra jla jinha sirij.
anamila khara aratha na jp u, pragaa prabhu mahesa pratp u.3.
so umesa mohi para anuk ul, karihi

kath muda magala mul.

sumiri siv siva pi pas u, baranau rmacarita cita c u.4.
bhaniti mori siva kp

bibht, sasi samja mili manahu surt.

je ehi kathahi saneha samet, kahihahi

sunihahi

samujhi sacet.5.
hoihahi

rma carana anurg, kali mala rahita sumagala bhg.6.

* There is a pun on the words Sakhara and Duaa sahita in the original, which are capable of a
twofold interpretation Khara and Duaa as proper nouns denote two of Rvaas cousins, whose figure in
the Arayaka of the great epic poem of Vlmki and lead a military expedition against r Rma in order
to avenge themselves of the insult offered to their sister, urpaakh, by Lakmaa, r Rmas younger
brother. They are eventually killed by r Rma, who proves too strong for the redoubtable demon chiefs.
Khara also means sharp-edged or hard and is thus contrasted with Sukomala (soft). Similarly, Duaa
also means a fault and thus the poet express himself to a contradiction in terms when he calls the Rmyaa
both Doarahita (faultless) and Duaasahita (full of faults). The contradiction, however, is only verbal in
both cases and constitutes a figure of speech known by the name Virodha or Virodhbhsa.
This has an indirect reference to the churning of the ocean of milk as described in the Puras, by
the joint labours of gods and demons at the beginning of creation, which yielded beneficent objects like
nectar, the moon and the cow of plenty, on the one hand, and pernicious substances like poison and wine on
the other.

24
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Again, I bow to goddess Sarasvat and the celestial river Gag, both of whom are
holy and perform agreeable roles. The one (Gag) wipes away sin through immersion
and draught; the other (Sarasvat) dispels ignorance through the recital and hearing of
her glory. I adore the great Lord iva and His consort Goddess Bhavn (Prvat), my
preceptors and parents, friends of the forlorn and ever given to charity, servants,
masters and friends of Sts Lord, and true benefactors of Tulasdsa in everyway.
Seeing the prevalence of the Kali age Hara and Girij (iva and Prvat) evolved a string
of spells in the tongue of savages, incoherent syllables which yield no interpretation and
require no repetition, but whose efficacy is patent, revealing ivas glory. That Lord of
Um (Prvat), favourable as He is to me, shall make this story of mine a source of
blessings and joy. Thus invoking Lord iva and His Consort, iv (Prvat), and
obtaining Their favour, I relate the exploits of r Rma with a heart full of ardour. By
ivas grace my composition will shed its lustre even as a night shines in conjunction
with the moon and the stars. Those who will fondly and intelligently recite or hear this
story with attention will develop devotion to the feet of r Rma and, purged of the
impurities of Kali, will obtain choice blessings. (16)
r rf nf rs
a rs r s rr ffa rs+ {~+
Do.: sapanehu scehu mohi para jau hara gauri pasu,
tau phura hou jo kaheu saba bh bhaniti prabhu.15.
If Hara and Gaur (Lord iva and Prvat) are really propitious to me, even in
dream, let all that I have said in glorification of this poetry of mine, written in a popular
dialect, come out true. (15)
s t fa rf f f rf+
s rf rt ar f- f rt+ {+
f f rr rrr r r fr r; r+
s rr ff rt tfa r n rt+ +
ns rrfa f r= ft ar=+
rs fa rt a n fa rt+ -+
s r rt r a rt+
f-f ff z s frar fr f r fa rar+ +
Cau.: badau avadha pur ati pvani, saraju sari kali kalua nasvani.
pranavau pura nara nri bahor, mamat jinha para prabhuhi na thor.1.
siya nidaka agha ogha nase, loka bisoka bani base.
badau kausaly disi prc, krati jsu sakala jaga mc.2.
pragaeu jaha raghupati sasi cr u, bisva sukhada khala kamala tusr u.
dasaratha ru sahita saba rn, sukta sumagala murati mn.3.
karau pranma karama mana bn, karahu kp suta sevaka jn.
jinhahi biraci baRa bhayau bidht, mahim avadhi rma pitu mt.4.
I reverence the exceedingly holy city of Ayodhy (r Rmas birth-place) and the
river Sarayu (flowing beside it), which wipes out the sins of the Kali age. Again, I bow

*
BLA-K NA
*
25
to the men and women of the city, who enjoy the affection of the Lord in no small degree.
Even though they were damned as a result of the heap of sins incurred by the
calumniators of St (who were instrumental in bringing about Her lifelong exile), they
were lodged in a heavenly abode, having been divested of sorrow. I greet Kausaly (the
eldest queen of king Daaratha) whose glory stands diffused throughout the world. She
is the eastern horizon whence arose the lovely moon in the shape of the Lord of Raghus,
who affords delight to the entire universe and is blighting as frost to lotuses in the form
of the wicked. Recognizing king Daaratha together with all his consorts as incarnations
of merit and fair blessings, I make obeisance to them in thought, word and deed. Knowing
me as a servant of your son, be gracious to me. The father and mothers of r Rma
are the very perfection of glory, by creating whom even Brahm (the Creator) has
exalted himself. (14)
s r - f r
fa tr f a a ; fs+ {+
So.: badau avadha bhula satya prema jehi rma pada,
bichurata dnadayla priya tanu tna iva parihareu.16.
I adore the king of Ayodhy, who cherished such true love for the feet of r Rma
that he gave up his dear life as a mere straw the moment the Lord, who is compassionate
to the poor, parted from him. (16)
s f fa f rf r n +
rn rn rs nr; r fra ns r;+ {+
s a r r a r; r+
r r ; a; r+ +
s f rar ta n na rar+
rrfa tfa f arr z r s rr+ -+
nt n r r as f r+
r r r r rf ffr nr+ +
f rt t a nrt+
rt fs rr r r r rr+ ~+
Cau.: pranavau parijana sahita bidehu, jhi rma pada guRha sanehu.
joga bhoga maha rkheu go, rma bilokata pragaeu so.1.
pranavau prathama bharata ke caran, jsu nema brata ji na baran.
rma carana pakaja mana jsu, lubudha madhupa iva tajai na ps u.2.
badau lachimana pada jalajt, stala subhaga bhagata sukha dt.
raghupati krati bimala patk, daa samna bhayau jasa jk.3.
sea sahasrassa jaga krana, jo avatareu bh umi bhaya rana.
sad so snukula raha mo para, kpsidhu saumitri gunkara.4.
ripusudana pada kamala namm, sura susla bharata anugm.
mahbra binavau hanumn, rma jsu jasa pa bakhn.5.
I make obeisance to king Janaka, alongwith his family, who bore hidden affection

26
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
for the feet of r Rma. Even though he had veiled it under the cloak of asceticism and
luxury, it broke out the moment he saw r Rma. Of r Rmas 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 r Rma like a bee and never
leaves their side. I reverence the lotus feet of Lakmaacool and charming and a
sourece of delight to the devoteewhose renown served as a staff for the spotless flag
of r Rmas glory. He is no other than the thousand-headed serpent-god, ea, the
cause (support) of the universe, who came down to dispel the fear of the earth. May that
son of Sumitr, an ocean of benevolence and a mine of virtues, be ever propitious to me.
I adore the lotus feet of atrughna (lit., the slayer of his foes), who is valiant yet amiable
in disposition, and a constant companion of Bharata. I supplicate Hanumn, the great
hero, whose glory has been extolled by r Rma Himself. (15)
s r r rrr
r z rnr f r r + {+
So.: pranavau pavanakumra khala bana pvaka gynaghana,
jsu hdaya gra basahi

rma sara cpa dhara.17.

I greet Hanumn, the son of the wind-god, an embodiment of wisdom, who is fire
as it were for the forest of the wicked, and in the abode of whose heart resides r Rma,
equipped with a bow and arrows. (17)
ffa t fr rr nrf t rr+
s r t r f- r+ {+
rrfa sr a n n a+
s r f r r + +
rf na f r f fr fr+
s f f f tr r rf tr+ -+
ar n f rt fa f =r fr t+
ar n rs r r f fa rs+ +
f rrr s r+
rf r na ffa r+ ~+
Cau.: kapipati rcha niscara rj, agaddi je ksa samj.
badau saba ke carana suhe, adhama sarra rma jinha pe.1.
raghupati carana upsaka jete, khaga mga sura nara asura samete.
bada~~u
.
pada saroja saba kere, je binu kma rma ke cere.2.
suka sanakdi bhagata muni nrada, je munibara bigyna bisrada.
pranavau sabahi dharani dhari ss, karahu kp jana jni muns.3.
janakasut jaga janani jnak, atisaya priya karun nidhna k.
tke juga pada kamala manvau , jsu kp

niramala mati pvau .4.

puni mana bacana karma raghunyaka, carana kamala badau saba lyaka.
rjivanayana dhare dhanu syaka, bhagata bipati bhajana sukha dyaka.5.
The lord of monkeys (Sugrva), the chief of bears (Jmbavn), the king of demons

*
BLA-K NA
*
27
(Vibhaa) and the host of monkeys beginning with Agada, I reverence the charming
feet of all, who attained r Rma even though born in the lowest species. As many
worshippers there are of the feet of Raghupati (the Lord of Raghus), including birds,
beasts, gods, human beings and demons, I adore the lotus feet of them all, who are
disinterested servants of r Rma. uka, Sanaka and others (viz., Sanandana, Santana
and Sanatkumra), sage Nrada and all other eminent sages who are devotees of
God and proficient in the spiritual lore, I make obeisance to all, placing my head on
the ground; be gracious to me, O Lords of ascetics knowing me as your servant. Jnak,
daughter of Janaka and mother of the universe and the most beloved consort of r
Rma, the Fountain of Mercy, I seek to propitiate the pair of Her lotus feet, so that
by Her grace I may be blessed with a refined intellect. Again, I adore, in thought, word
and deed, the lotus feet of the all-worthy Lord of Raghus, who has lotus-like eyes
and wields a bow and arrows, and who relieves the distress of His devotees and
affords delight to them. (15)
fnr tf fa fr fr
s tar r f-f f fr+ {c+
Do.: gir aratha jala bci sama kahiata bhinna na bhinna,
badau st rma pada jinhahi parama priya khinna.18.
I reverence the feet of St and Rma, who though stated to be different are yet
identical just like a word and its meaning or like water and the waves on its surface, and
to whom the afflicted are most dear. (18)
s r r rr r a r r f r+
ff f r r n n fr r+ {+
rr r; a rt fa a s+
fr r r nr fa r r+ +
r rff r ar s q f sr r+
r f f rt f ; f n rt+ -+
a f t r f fa at r+
r rs r f tr r t- t r+ +
Cau.: bada~~u
.
nma rma raghubara ko, hetu ksnu bhnu himakara ko.
bidhi hari haramaya beda prna so, aguna anupama guna nidhna so.1.
mahmatra joi japata mahes u, ks

mukuti hetu upades u.

mahim jsu jna ganar u, prathama p ujiata nma prabh u.2.
jna dikabi nma pratp u, bhayau suddha kari ula jp u.
sahasa nma sama suni siva bn, japi je

piya saga bhavn.3.

harae hetu heri hara h ko, kiya bh uana tiya bh uana t ko.
nma prabhu jna siva nko, klak ua phalu dnha am ko.4.
I greet the name Rma of the chief of Raghus,* which is composed of
* This distinguishes the Name from the two other names bearing the same sound but denoting two
other personalities, viz., Paraurma and Balarma (the elder brother of r Ka).

28
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
seed-letters* representing the fire-god, the sun-god and the moon-god (viz., Ra, and
Ma respectively). It is the same as Brahm (the creative aspect of God), Viu (His
preservative aspect) and iva (His disintegrating aspect), and the vital breath of the Vedas;
It is attributeless, peerless and a mine of virtues. It is the great spell which Lord Mahevara
mutters and which, when imparted by Him at K (the modern Vras) leads to
emancipation. Its glory is known to Lord Gaea, who is worshipped before all others
as a concession to the Name. The oldest poet (Vlmki) is acquainted with the glory of
the Name, inasmuch as he attained to purity by repeating It in the reverse order. Hearing
the verdict of Lord iva that the name is as good as a thousand other names of God,
Goddess Bhavn (Prvat) dined with Her consort after uttering It only once#. Noticing
such partiality of Her heart for the Name, Hara (Lord iva) made that lady, who was the
ornament of Her sex, the ornament of His own person (i.e., made Her a part of His own
being by assigning to Her the left half of His body). iva knows full well the power of the
Name, due to which deadly poison served the purpose of nectar to Him. (14)
r fa rrfa nfa at rf r
r r n r r r+ {+
Do.: bara ritu raghupati bhagati tulas sli sudsa,
rma nma bara barana juga svana bhdava msa.19.
Devotion to the Lord of Raghus is, as it were, the rainy season and the noble
devotees, says Tulasdsa, represent the paddy crop; while the two charming syllables
of the name Rma stand for the two months of rvaa and Bhdrapada (corresponding
roughly to July and August). (19)
* Each letter-sound of the Saskta Alphabet represents one or more gods of the Hindu pantheon and
the Tantras claim that these letters (which are technically known by the name of Bja-Mantras or seed-letters),
if joined with other spells sacred to that particular deity and repeated with due ceremony a fixed number of
times possess the efficacy of revealing the deity in person before the worshipper and propitiating him or her.
The scriptures maintain that Lord iva, the deity presiding over the holy city of K, whispers into the
right ear of every creature, dying within its boundaries, the name Rma and thereby brings emancipation to
the dying soul.
We read in the Puras how there was a scramble for precedence among the gods, each of whom
claimed the first position for himself. They approached Brahm for a ruling. He told them that they should race
round the world and that whoever finished the round quickest of all would be accounted the highest. Gaea,
who rode on no better animal than a rat, naturally lagged behind. He met on the way the celestial sage
Nrada, who advised him to scratch the word Rma on the ground and pace round It, as the word comprised
in Itself the entire creation. Gaea did accordingly and was naturally the first to finish the round of the
universe. Brahm appreciated this act of Gaea and conceded his title to precedence over all the other gods.
Since then Gaea has uninterruptedly enjoyed the right of being worshipped first of all.
Vlmki was a highway robber in his earlier life and was known by the name of Ratnkara.Seven
seers, who once fell a victim to his depredation, awakened him to the reprehensible nature of his conduct and
instructed him in the holy name of Rma. Completely immersed in sin he was, however, unable to utter the
word. The seers, therefore, asked him to repeat the name in the reverse order. In this way he was eventually
able to utter the name correctly and in course of time became so fond of repeating It that he ultimately turned
out to be a pious sage and seer and related the story of r Rma in fine verse even before His advent.
# We are told in the Padmapura how Bhagavn akara once invited His consort to join Him in His
dinner. Goddess Prvat, however, declind on the ground that She had not yet recited the Viu-Sahasranma,
which She must before Her breakfast. Bhagavn akara asked Her to repeat the name of Rma instead, as
a single utterance of the Name was as good as reciting a thousand other names of the Lord. Prvat did
accordingly and forthwith joined Her lord in dinner.

*
BLA-K NA
*
29
r r r fr f r+
fa r r r r fr+ {+
a a fa f t r f at +
a tfa fnrat zr t rrrat+ +
rr f rar n r ff rrar+
nfa fa f n fa a f f + -+
tr ar nfa r r +
t rfa f + +
Cau.: khara madhura manohara dou, barana bilocana jana jiya jou.
sumirata sulabha sukhada saba khu, loka lhu paraloka nibh u.1.
kahata sunata sumirata suhi nke, rma lakhana sama priya tulas ke.
baranata barana prti bilagt, brahma jva sama sahaja sa ght.2.
nara nryana sarisa subhrt, jaga plaka bisei jana trt.
bhagati sutiya kala karana bibhuana, jaga hita hetu bimala bidhu p uana.3.
svda toa sama sugati sudh ke, kamaha sea sama dhara basudh ke.
jana mana maju kaja madhukara se, jha jasomati hari haladhara se.4.
Both the letter-sounds are sweet and attractive; they are the two eyes, as it were,
of the Alphabet and the very life of the devotee. Easy to remember and delightful to one
and all, they bring gain here and provide sustenance hereafter. They are most delightful
to utter, hear and remember and are dear as Rma and Lakmaa to Tulasdsa. When
treated separately, the two letters lose their harmony (i.e., are differently pronounced,
bear diverse meaning in the form of seed-letters and as such yield different results);
whereas they are naturally allied even as Brahma (the Cosmic Spirit) and Jva (the
individual soul) Good brothers like the divine sages Nara and Nryaa, they are
sustainers of the universe and redeemers of the devotee in particular. They are beautiful
ornaments for the ears of the fair damsel in the form of Bhakti (Devotion) and stand as
the spotless sun and moon for the good of the world.They are like the taste and the
gratifying quality of nectar in the form of emancipation, and are supporters of the globe
like the divine Tortoise* and the serpent-god ea. Again, they are like bees for the
beautiful lotus in the shape of the devotees mind and are the very like of Hari (r Ka)
and Haladhara (Balarma, who wielded a plough as a weapon) for Yaod (Their foster-
mother, the wife of Nanda) in the shape of the tongue. (14)
r f f rs
at rr r fra rs+ +
Do.: eku chatru eku mukuamani saba baranani para jou,
tulas raghubara nma ke barana birjata dou.20.
Lo! the two letters ( and ) forming part of the name of Raghuvara (the Chief of
the Raghu) crown all the letters of the Alphabet, the one spreading like an umbrella and
the other resting as a crest-jewel, O Tulasdsa. (20)
* We are told in the Bhgavata and other Puras how God Viu assumed the form of a gigantic
tortoise in order to support Mount Mandara and prevent it from sinking while it was being rotated by gods and
demons in their attempt to churn the ocean of milk and obtain nectar out of it.
The letter of the Saskta alphabet, when immediately preceding another consonant or the

30
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
ra f r = rt tfa nrt+
r = ; ; srt rf rfr rt+ {+
r z r a r f n frf r+
ff = r rtr = r f r ftr+ +
= f r f r a na f fr+
ff r = f ra z f+ -+
r = nfa rt ra fa rt+
n n f r rt s r a rt+ +
Cau.: samujhata sarisa nma aru nm, prti parasapara prabhu anugm.
nma rupa dui sa updh, akatha andi susmujhi sdh.1.
ko baRa choa kahata apardh u, suni guna bhedu samujhihahi

sdhu.
dekhiahi

r upa nma dhn, r upa gyna nahi

nma bihna.2.
rupa bisea nma binu jne , karatala gata na parahi

pahicne .
sumiria nma rupa binu dekhe , vata hdaya saneha bisee .3.
nma rupa gati akatha kahn, samujhata sukhada na parati bakhn.
aguna saguna bica nma suskh, ubhaya prabodhaka catura dubh.4.
The name and the object named, though similar in significance, are allied as
master and servant one to the other. (That is to say, even though there is complete
identity between God and His name, the former closely follows the latter even as a
servant follows his master. The Lord appears in person at the very mention of His
Name). Name and form are the two attributes of God; both of them are ineffable and
beginningless and can be rightly understood only by means of good intelligence. It is
presumptuous on ones part to declare as to which is superior or inferior. Hearing the
distinctive merits of both, pious souls will judge for themselves. Forms are found to be
subordinate to the name; without the name you cannot come to the knowledge of a form.
Typical forms cannot be identified, even if they be in your hand, without knowing their
name. And if the name is remembered even without seeing the form, the latter flashes
on the mind with a special liking for it. The mystery of name and form is a tale which
cannot be told; though delightful to comprehend, it cannot be described in words.
Between the unqualified Absolute and qualified Divinity, the Name is a good intermediary;
it is a clever interpreter revealing the truth of both. (14)
r r ft = t t r
at ta r rf sfr+ {+
Do.: rma nma manidpa dharu jha dehar

dvra,
tulas bhtara bherahu jau chasi ujira.21.
Instal the luminous gem in the shape of the divine name Rma on the threshold
vowel > is placed above that letter in the shape of a curved line (e.g. in and >); while the nasal
consonant when preceded by any other letter, is changed into a dot (technically known by the name of
Anusvra) when placed on the top of that letter (e.g., in ). The curved line standing for the letter has been
poetically compared in the above Doh to an umbrella and the dot substituted for likened to a crest-jewel,
both of which enjoy an exalted position and are emblems of the royal state. In this way they are recognized as
superior to all other letters of the Alphabet.

*
BLA-K NA
*
31
of the tongue at the doorway of your mouth, if you will have light both inside and outside,
O Tulasdsa. (21)
r t f rnf rnt ffa ff frnt+
zrf f r r r =r+ {+
rr f n nfa r t f rf a+
r r f r rf fq frf r+ +
f r ra rt ff rf rt+
r na n rf rr at rfs rr srr+ -+
a r rr rt f ff frr+
n >rfa r r f ff f r sr+ +
Cau.: nma jha

japi jgahi

jog, birati biraci prapaca biyog.

brahmasukhahi anubhavahi

an up, akatha anmaya nma na r up.1.

jn cahahi

guRha gati jeu, nma jha japi jnahi

te u.
sdhaka nma japahi

laya le , hohi

siddha animdika pe .2.
japahi

namu jana rata bhr, miahi

kusakaa hohi

sukhr.
rma bhagata jaga cri prakr, sukt criu anagha udr.3.
cahu catura kahu nma adhr, gyn prabhuhi bisei pir.
cahu juga cahu ruti nma prabhu, kali bisei nahi

na up u.4.
Yogs (mystics) who are full of dispassion and are wholly detached from Gods
creation keep awake (in the daylight of wisdom) muttering the Name with their tongue,
and enjoy the felicity of Brahma (the Absolute), which is incomparable, unspeakable,
unmixed with sorrow and devoid of name and form. Even those (seekers of Truth) who
aspire to know the mysterious ways of Providence are able to comprehend them by
muttering the Name. Strivers (hankering after worldly achievements) repeat the Name,
absorbed in contemplation, and become accomplished, acquiring superhuman powers
such as that of becoming infinitely small in size.* If devotees in distress mutter the Name,
their worst calamities of the gravest type disappear and they become happy. In this world
there are four kinds of devotees of r Rma; all the four of them are virtuous, sinless
and noble. All the four, clever as they are, rely upon the Name. Of these the enlightened
devotee is specially dear to the Lord. The glory of the Name is supreme in all the four
Yugas and all the four Vedas, particularly in the Kali age, in which there is no other
means of salvation. (14)
rr t r nfa t
r f fa- f t+ +
* Works on Yoga enumerate the following eight kinds of miraculous powers acquired by Yogs:
(i) Aim (the faculty of reducing ones body to the size of an atom), (ii) Mahim (the power of expand-
ing ones body to an infinitely large size), (iii) Garim (the power of becoming infinitely heavy), (iv) Laghim
(the power of becoming infinitely light in body), (v) Prpti (unrestricted access to all places), (vi) Prkmya
(realizing whatever one desires), (vii) itva (absolute lordship) and (viii) Vaitva (subjugating all).
rmad bhagavadgt mentions four kinds of devotees, viz., (i) rta (the afflicted), (ii) Jijsu (the
seeker of Truth), (iii) Arthrth (the seeker of worldly riches) and (iv) Jn (the enlightened), and speaks of
them all as virtuous and benevolent. Of course, the enlightened devotee, it is pointed out, is the most beloved
of the Lord and constitutes His very self (vide VII 1618).

32
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Do.: sakala kman hna je rma bhagati rasa lna,
nma suprema piyua hrada tinhahu kie mana mna.22.
Even those who are free from all desires and absorbed in the joy of devotion to
r Rma have thrown their heart as fish into the nectarine lake of supreme affection for
the Name. (22)
n n ; zr =r nr rf r+
r a z r a f f n f f a+ {+
f f rf t s atfa tfa =f t+
r=na f r n zr f+ +
s n n n r a s r z zr r a+
r zr frt a a rr r rt+ -+
z a frt t n t rt+
r f= r a a rs na ff r a a+ +
Cau.: aguna saguna dui brahma sar up, akatha agdha andi an up.
more mata baRa nmu duhu te , kie jehi

juga nija basa nija b ute .1.

prauRhi sujana jani jnahi

jana k, kahau pratti prti ruci mana k.

eku drugata dekhia ek u, pvaka sama juga brahma bibek u.2.
ubhaya agama juga sugama nma te , kaheu nmu baRa brahma rma te .
bypaku eku brahma abins, sata cetana ghana na da rs.3.
asa prabhu hdaya

achata abikr, sakala jva jaga dna dukhr.
nma nirupana nma jatana te , sou pragaata jimi mola ratana te .4.
There are two aspects of Godthe one unqualified and the other qualified. Both
these aspects are unspeakable, unfathomable, without beginning and without parallel. To
my mind, greater than both is the Name, that has established Its rule over both by Its
might. Friends should not take this as a bold assertion on the part of this servant; I record
my minds own conviction, partiality and liking. The two aspects of Brahma (God) should
be recognized as akin to fire: the one (viz., the Absolute) represents fire which is latent
in wood; while the other (qualified Divinity) corresponds to that which is externally visible.
Though both are inaccessible by themselves, they are easily attainable through the
Name; therefore I have called the Name greater than Brahma and r Rma both.
Brahma (God) is one, all-pervading and imperishable; He is all truth, consciousness and
a compact mass of joy. Even though such immutable Lord is present in every heart, all
beings in this world are nonetheless miserable and unhappy. Through the practice of the
Name preceded by Its true appraisement, however, the same Brahma reveals Itself even
as the value of a jewel is revealed by its correct knowledge. (14)
fn a f rfa z r rs r
s r z r a f fr r+ -+
Do.: niraguna te ehi bh

ti baRa nma prabhu apra,

kahau nmu baRa rma te nija bicra anusra.23.

*
BLA-K NA
*
33
The glory of the Name is thus infinitely greater than that of the Absolute; I shall
show below how in my judgment the Name is superior even to r Rma. (23)
r na fa a rt f f r rt+
r a rr na rf n rr+ {+
r ar fa art r rf fa rt+
ff fa r aar t fa a tf- frt+ +
fa r r rr ; r ff f ff rr+
s r r r r ar+ -+
z t- r fa r f r+
ff f rr r f f+ +
Cau.: rma bhagata hita nara tanu dhr, sahi sakaa kie sdhu sukhr.
nmu saprema japata anays, bhagata hohi

muda magala bs.1.

rma eka tpasa tiya tr, nma koi khala kumati sudhr.
rii hita rma suketusut k, sahita sena suta knhi bibk.2.
sahita doa dukha dsa durs, dalai nmu jimi rabi nisi ns.
bhajeu rma pu bhava cp u, bhava bhaya bhajana nma pratpu.3.
daaka banu prabhu knha suhvana, jana mana amita nma kie pvana.
nisicara nikara dale raghunadana, nmu sakala kali kalua nikadana.4.
For the sake of His devotees r Rma assumed the form of a human being and,
suffering calamities Himself, brought relief to the pious. By fondly repeating His Name,
on the other hand, devotees easily become abodes of joy and blessings. r Rma
Himself redeemed a single woman (Ahaly),
1
the wife of an ascetic; while His Name
corrected the error of crores of wicked souls. For the sake of the sage (Vivmitra) r
Rma wrought the destruction of Suketus daughter
2
(Tak) with her army and son
(Subhu); while His Name puts an end to the devotees vain hopes alongwith his errors
and sorrows even as the sun terminates night. In His own person r Rma broke the
bow of iva
3
, while the very glory of His Name dispels the fear of rebirth
4
. The Lord
restored the charm of the Daaka forest
5
alone, while His Name purified the mind of
countless devotees .The Delighter of Raghus (r Rma) crushed only a host of demons,
while His Name uproots all the impurities of the Kali age. (14)
t nt f nfa tf- rrr
r sr fa ffa n nr+ +
1. See Blaka (209. 6 to 211)
2. Ibid., 203. 3 and 209. 3.
3. Ibid., 260. 4.
4. Here there is a pun on the word Bhava which has been used as a synonym of Lord iva in the first
instance and again in the sense of rebirth. The comparison has been drawn between r Rma Himself, on
the one hand, and the glory of His Name (not the Name Itself) on the other. The latter, it is pointed out, excels
the former in that while r Rma broke a concrete object like the bow, the glory of His Name dispels an
abstract thing like the fear of rebirth.
5. The forest of Daaka had been rendered unfit for life in any form whatsoever under a curse from
the sage ukrcrya. The divine presence of r Rma, however, removed the curse and restored the forest
to its original charm.

34
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Do.: sabar gdha susevakani sugati dnhi raghuntha,
nma udhre amita khala beda bidita guna gtha.24.
The Lord of Raghus conferred immortality only on faithful servants like abar (the
celebrated Bhla woman) and the vulture (Jayu)*, while His Name has delivered
innumerable wretches; the tale of Its virtues is well-known in the Vedas. (24)
r ft r r r r+
r nt r r ff fr+ {+
r r f rr a a >r t- rr+
r a f rt fr= rt+ +
r r rr t fa f n rr+
rr r rt nra n f rt+ -+
fa r tat f >r r tat+
fa n r r r f + +
Cau.: rma sukaha bibhana dou, rkhe sarana jna sabu kou.
nma garba aneka nevje, loka beda bara birida birje.1.
rma bhlu kapi kaaku baor, setu hetu ramu knha na thor.
nmu leta bhavasidhu sukhh

, karahu bicru sujana mana mh

.2.
rma sakula rana rvanu mr, sya sahita nija pura pagu dhr.
rj rmu avadha rajadhn, gvata guna sura muni bara bn.3.
sevaka sumirata nmu saprt, binu rama prabala moha dalu jt.
phirata saneha magana sukha apane , nma prasda soca nahi

sapane .4.
As is well-known to all, r Rma extended His protection to two devotees only,
viz., Sugrva and Vibhaa; His Name, on the other hand, has showered Its grace on
numerous humble souls. This superb glory of the Name shines forth in the world as well
as in the Vedas. r Rma collected an army of bears and monkeys and took no little
pains over the construction of a bridge (to connect the mainland with the island of Lak).
Through the repetition of His Name, however, the ocean of mundane existence itself gets
dried up: let the wise bear this in mind. r Rma killed in battle Rvaa with all his family
and returned to His own city with St. He was then crowned king in the capital of
Ayodhy, while gods and sages sung His glories in choicest phrases. His servants are,
however, able to conquer the formidable army of error by fondly remembering His Name
and, absorbed in devotion, move about in joy which is peculiarly their own; by the grace
of the Name they know not sorrow even in dream. (14)
zr r a r z r rf
rfa a rf f f rf+ ~+
Do.: brahma rma te nmu baRa bara dyaka bara dni,
rmacarita sata koi maha

liya mahesa jiya jni.25.
The Name is thus greater than Brahma and r Rma both and confers blessings
* For the accounts of abar and Jayu see Arayaka 33.3 to 36 and 28.4 to 32 respectively.

*
BLA-K NA
*
35
even on the bestowers of boons. Knowing this in His heart, the great Lord iva chose this
word (Rma) for Himself out of r Rmas story comprising 100 crore verses.* (25)
[PAUSE I FOR A THIRTY-DAY RECITATION]
r r frt r n n rt+
rf fq f rnt r r zr rnt+ {+
r rs r ar n f f f f r+
r a t- r na frf r+ +
nrf s f r rs r+
ff a r r f r r+ -+
a rf n nfr a f r r+
r fn r zr; r f r n nr;+ +
Cau.: nma prasda sabhu abins, sju amagala magala rs.
suka sanakdi siddha muni jog, nma prasda brahmasukha bhog.1.
nrada jneu nma pratp u, jaga priya hari hari hara priya p u.
nmu japata prabhu knha prasd u, bhagata siromani bhe prahald u.2.
dhruva sagalni japeu hari n u

, pyau acala anupama h u

.
sumiri pavanasuta pvana nmu, apane basa kari rkhe rmu.3.
apatu ajmilu gaju ganik u, bhae mukuta hari nma prabh u.
kahau kah

lagi nma baR, rmu na sakahi

nma guna g.4.

By the grace of the Name alone Lord ambhu (iva) is immortal and, though
endowed with inauspicious paraphernalia (such as a wreath of skulls), is yet a
storehouse of blessings. Again, it is by the grace of the Name alone that Siddhas
(adepts), sages and Yogs like uka, Sanaka and others enjoy divine raptures, Nrada
realized the glory of the Name; that is why, while r Hari is beloved of the world (and
Hara is dear to r Hari), he (Nrada) is dear to Hari and Hara (Viu and iva) both.
It was because of his repeating the Name that the Lord showered His grace on Prahlda,
who thereby became the crest-jewel of devotees. Dhruva repeated the name of r Hari
with a feeling of indignation (at the harsh treatment received from his step-mother) and
thereby attained a fixed and incomparable station in the heavens. It is by remembering
the holy Name that Hanumn (son of the wind-god) holds r Rma under His thumb.
The vile Ajmila and even the celebrated elephant and the harlot of the legend were
liberated by the power of r Haris name. I have no words to depict the glory of the
Name: not even Rma can adequately glorify it. (14)
r r r a= f rr fr
r fa r rn a at atr+ +
Do.: nmu rma ko kalapataru kali kalyna nivsu,
jo sumirata bhayo bh

ga te tulas tulasdsu.26.
The name of Rma is a wish-yielding tree, the very home of beatitude in this age
of Kali, by remembering which Tulasdsa (the poet himself) was transformed from an
intoxicating drug like the hemp-plant into the holy basil. (26)
* The Rmyaa as originally composed by Brahm himself and delivered to Lord iva through
Nrada is believed to have contained as many as a 100 crore verses.

36
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
n atf r fa rr r f t frr+
r a a a r + {+
r n ff r fara +
f tr r rff tr+ +
r ra= r rr fa n rr+
r r f fa rar fa r r fa rar+ -+
f f nfa f r r +
rf f fr r fa r+ +
Cau.: cahu juga tni kla tihu lok, bhae nma japi jva bisok.
beda purna sata mata ehu, sakala sukta phala rma saneh u.1.
dhynu prathama juga makhabidhi d uje , dvpara paritoata prabhu puje .
kali kevala mala mula maln, ppa payonidhi jana mana mn.2.
nma kmataru kla karl, sumirata samana sakala jaga jl.
rma nma kali abhimata dt, hita paraloka loka pitu mt.3.
nahi

kali karama na bhagati bibeku, rma nma avalabana ek u.

klanemi kali kapaa nidhnu, nma sumati samaratha hanumnu.4.
(Not only in this Kali age, but) in all the four ages*, at all times (past, present and
future) and in all the three spheres (viz., heaven, earth and the subterranean region)
creatures have been rid of grief by repeating the Name. The verdict of the Vedas and
the Puras as well as of saints is just this; that love of Rma (or the name Rma) is
the reward of all virtuous acts. In the first age, contemplation; in the second age,
sacrifice; in the Dvpara age the Lord is propitiated through worship. This age of Kali,
however, is simply corrupt and the root of all impurities, where the mind of man wallows
like a fish in the ocean of sin. In this terrible age the Name alone is the wish-yielding tree,
the very thought of which puts an end to all the illusions of the world. The Name of Rma
is the bestower of ones desired object in this age of Kali; It is beneficent in the other
world and ones father and mother in this world. In Kaliyuga neither Karma (action) nor
Bhakti (devotion) nor again Jna (knowledge) avails; the name of Rma is the only
resort. The age of Kali is as it were the demon Klanemi, the repository of all wiles;
whereas the Name is the wise and mighty Hanumn. (14)
r r t f fr
r r ff rff f r+ +
* The span of life of the universe, which is known by the name of Kalpa and consists of 4,32,00,00,000
human years, has been divided into 1,000 epochs or Caturyugas. Each Caturyuga is made up of four Yugas
or ages, viz., Satyayuga, Tret, Dvpara and Kaliyuga. Their duration is given below:
Satyayuga......................17,28,000 years
Tret................................12,96,000

Dvpara...........................8,64,000

Kaliyuga............................4,32,000

Thus it will, be seen that the duration of Dvpara is twice that of Kaliyuga, that of Tret thrice that of
Kaliyuga and that of Satyayuga four times that of Kaliyuga. In this way the duration of a Caturyuga is ten times
that of Kaliyuga.
The story of Klanemi and his death at the hands of Hanumn has been briefly told in the foot-note
under 6.3 in this very Ka.

*
BLA-K NA
*
37
Do.: rma nma narakesar kanakakasipu kalikla,
jpaka jana prahalda jimi plihi dali surasla.27.
(To use another metaphor) the Name of Rma is, as it were, the Lord manifested
as a man-lion and the age of Kali; the demon Hirayakapu. Crushing this enemy of
gods, the Name will protect the devotees repeating It, even as the Man-lion protected
Prahlda. (27)
r r r r a n ff +
ff r r r n nrr s r; rrrf rr+ {+
rf rff r r at r r f r rrrat+
r trf rr f ff f rff rr+ +
r rf tat f a fra tat+
nt nt nr rn fza t srn+ -+
f f f fa rt f ra rt+
r r t rr ; rr+ +
f rf f rt ffa nfa fa nfa frt+
ra fr r r frf rr+ ~+
tra r fra r n ffa ra+ +
Cau.: bhya kubhya anakha lasah u

, nma japata magala disi dasah u

.
sumiri so nma rma guna gth, karau ni raghunthahi mth.1.
mori sudhrihi so saba bh

t, jsu kp nahi

kp

aght.
rma susvmi kusevaku moso, nija disi dekhi daynidhi poso.2.
lokahu beda sushiba rt, binaya sunata pahicnata prt.
gan garba grmanara ngara, paita m uRha malna ujgara.3.
sukabi kukabi nija mati anuhr, npahi sarhata saba nara nr.
sdhu sujna susla npl, sa asa bhava parama kpl.4.
suni sanamnahi

sabahi subn, bhaniti bhagati nati gati pahicn.

yaha prkta mahipla subh u, jna siromani kosalar u.5.
rjhata rma saneha nisote , ko jaga mada malinamati mote .6.
The Name repeated either with good or evil intentions, in an angry mood or even
while yawning, diffuses joy in all the ten directions. Remembering that Name and
bowing my head to the Lord of Raghus, I proceed to recount the virtues of r Rma.
He whose grace is never tired of showing its good-will to others will mend my errors
in everyway. Rma a noble Lord, and a poor servant like myself ! Yet, true to His
own disposition, that storehouse of compassion has fostered me. In the world as well
as in the Vedas we observe the following characteristic in a good master, viz., that
he comes to recognize ones devotion to him as soon as he hears ones prayer. Rich
or poor, rustic or urban, learned or unlettered, of good repute or bad, a good poet
or a bad one, all men and women extol the king according to his or her light. And
the pious, sensible, amiable and supremely compassionate ruler, who takes his descent
from a ray of God, greets all with sweet words hearing their compliments and appraising
their composition, devotion, supplication and conduct. Such is the way of earthly
monarchs, to say nothing of the Lord of Kosala (r Rma), who is the crest-jewel

38
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
of wise men. r Rma gets pleased with unalloyed love; but who is duller and more
impure of mind in this world than I ? (16)
t tfa =f ff r r
s f r f f fa f r + c (+
ra a r a sr
rf tarr r atr+ c (+
Do.: saha sevaka k prti ruci rakhihahi

rma kplu,
upala kie jalajna jehi

saciva sumati kapi bhlu.28(A).

hau hu kahvata sabu kahata rma sahata upahsa,
shiba stntha so sevaka tulasdsa.28(B).
The benevolent Rma will nonetheless respect the devotion and pleasure of this
wicked servantr Rma, who made barks out of rocks and wise counsellors out of
monkeys and bears. Everybody calls me a servant of the Lord and I myself claim to be
one; and r Rma puts up with the scoffing remark that a master like Sts Lord has
a servant like Tulasdsa. (28 A-B)
fa fz rf fr; rt f rr r rt+
fr rf z r f r tf- f + {+
f rf fa rt nfa rf fa trf rt+
a r; r; f tt tra r rf t t+ +
fa fa f t a fa r f t+
f rr s r ff rt ff r; tf- rt+ -+
r; afa ft t r r f t+
a af a r rr rrt r+ +
Cau.: ati baRi mori hih khor, suni agha narakahu nka sakor.
samujhi sahama mohi apaara apane , so sudhi rma knhi nahi

sapane .1.
suni avaloki sucita cakha ch, bhagati mori mati svmi sarh.
kahata nasi hoi hiya nk, rjhata rma jni jana j k.2.
rahati na prabhu cita cuka kie k, karata surati saya bra hie k.
jehi

agha badheu bydha jimi bl, phiri sukaha soi knhi kucl.3.
soi karatuti bibhana ker, sapanehu so na rma hiya her.
te bharatahi bhe ata sanamne, rjasabh

raghubra bakhne.4.
My presumption and error are indeed very great and, hearing the tale of my sins,
even hell has turned up its nose at them. I shudder to think of it due to my assumed
fears; while r Rma took no notice of them even in a dream. The Lord, on the other
hand, applauded my devotion and spirit on hearing of, perceiving and scanning them with
the minds eye. If there is anything good in ones heart, it is marred by the telling; for r
Rma is pleased to note what is there in the devotees mind. The Lord never cherishes
in His mind the lapse, if any, on part of a devotee; while He remembers the latters spirit
a hundred times. For instance, the very crime of which He had killed Vl (the monkey-
king of Kikindh) even as a huntsman was repeated in the misdemeanour perpetrated

*
BLA-K NA
*
39
by Sugrva* Vibhaa too was guilty of the same offence; but r Rma took no
cognizance of it even in a dream. The Hero of Raghus clan, on the other hand, honoured
them both at His meeting with Bharata (on His return from Lak) and commended them
in open court. (14)
a= a f zr a f r r
at r rf tfr+ (+
r fr; rt t r t
rt r a tr at + (+
f ff f n r f f f f= r;
s rr f f f r;+ (n+
Do.: prabhu taru tara kapi ra para te kie pu samna,
tulas kahu

na rma se shiba slanidhna.29(A).

rma nik

rvar hai sabah ko nka,

jau yaha s

c hai sad tau nko tulaska.29(B).

ehi bidhi nija guna doa kahi sabahi bahuri siru ni,
baranau raghubara bisada jasu suni kali kalua nasi.29(C).
While the Lord sat at the foot of trees, the monkeys perched themselves high
on the boughs; such insolent creatures He exalted to His own position! There is no
lord so generous as r Rma, O Tulasdsa! Your goodness, O Rma, is beneficent
to all; if this is a fact, Tulasdsa too will be blessed by the same. Thus revealing
my merits and demerits and bowing my head once more to all, I proceed to sing the
immaculate glory of the Chief of Raghus, by hearing which the impurities of the Kali
age are wiped away. (29 AC)
rnf r r r; r ff r;+
fs r; r rt r rt+ {+
t- fa rr f r f sf rr+
r; f rnfzf t-r r na frt t-r+ +
af rnf f rr fa- f r fa nrr+
a >rrar ar tr t rf ftr+ -+
rf atf r f rr a na r rr+
s fna rr f f rf ff rr+ +
* Vl was killed by r Rma on the plea that the former had usurped his younger brothers wife.
Sugrva and Vibhaa too are stated to have taken Tr (Vls wife) and Mandodar (Rvaas wife)
respectively as their consort after the death of their husbands. In this way even though Sugrva and Vibhaa
too were practically guilty of the same offence which brought the Lords wrath on Vl, their guilt was
extenuated by the fact that they took those ladies as wife after their brothers death and with the consent of the
other party, and by the further fact that their conduct was in keeping with the practice in vogue among the
monkey and demon chiefs.That is why, while the poet characterizes Vls conduct as a crime (Agha), he
dismisses Sugrvas act as a mere misdemeanour ).

40
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Cau.: jgabalika jo kath suh, bharadvja munibarahi sun.
kahihau soi sabda bakhn, sunahu sakala sajjana sukhu mn.1.
sabhu knha yaha carita suhv, bahuri kp kari umahi sunv.
soi siva kgabhusuihi dnh, rma bhagata adhikr cnh.2.
tehi sana jgabalika puni pv, tinha puni bharadvja prati gv.
te rot bakat samasl, sava daras jnahi

harill.3.
jnahi

tni kla nija gyn, karatala gata malaka samn.

aurau je haribhagata sujn, kahahi

sunahi

samujhahi

bidhi nn.4.
The charming story which Yjavalkya related to the good sage Bharadvja, I
shall repeat the same dialogue at length; let all good souls hear it with a feeling of delight.
This ravishing tale was conceived by ambhu (Lord iva), who graciously communicated
it to His Consort Um (Prvat). iva imparted it once more to Kkabhuui (a sage in
the form of crow), knowing him to be a devotee of r Rma and one qualified to hear
it. And it was Yjavalkya who received it from the latter (Kkabhuui) and narrated
it to Bharadvja. Both these, the listener (Bharadvja) and the reciter (Yjavalkya), are
equally virtuous; they view all alike and are acquainted with the pastimes of r Hari. Like
a emblic myrobalan fruit placed on ones palm, they hold the past, present and future
within their knowledge. Besides these, other enlightened devotees of r Hari too recite,
hear and understand this story in diverse ways. (14)
f f n t r r a
rt f af r a fa s a+ - (+
>rrar ar rff r r n
ff r t z f n fa f + - (+
Do.: mai

puni nija gura sana sun kath so sukarakheta,

samujh nahi

tasi blapana taba ati raheu aceta.30(A).

rot bakat gynanidhi kath rma kai guRha,
kimi samujhau mai

jva jaRa kali mala grasita bimuRha.30(B).

Then I heard the same story in the holy ukaraketra* (the modern Soron in
the western United Provinces) from my preceptor; but as I had no sense in those
days of my childhood, I could not follow it full well. Both the listener and the reciter
of the mysterious story of r Rma must be repositories of wisdom. How, then could
I, a dull and stupid creature steeped in the impurities of the Kali age, expect to
follow it ? (30 A-B)
af t n rf rr fr t fa rr+
rrq f r; r r f r;+ {+
f f a fs f f +
f r t s r far at+ +
* The name is associated with the descent of r Har as a Boar (ukara) who killed Hirayka, the
elder brother of Hirayakaipu, and lifted up the earth from the depths of the ocean, to which it had been
consigned by the said demon.

*
BLA-K NA
*
41
f>rr f rr f ff+
rr f n t f f r t+ -+
rr f r nr; tf f r;+
r; ra r afnf f fnf+ +
fff r f fa fnfff+
a r rf r t ft r r t+ ~+
n f n r t t fa a rt+
rf f rf at t afr fa f t t+ +
ff ar t ffq fa rt+
n n ffa t rr nfa ffa t+ +
Cau.: tadapi kah gura brahi

br, samujhi par kachu mati anusr.

bhbaddha karabi mai

so, more mana prabodha jehi

ho.1.
jasa kachu budhi bibeka bala mere , tasa kahihau hiy~ a
.
hari ke prere .
nija sadeha moha bhrama haran, karau kath bhava sarit taran.2.
budha birma sakala jana rajani, rmakath kali kalua bibhajani.
rmakath kali panaga bharan, puni bibeka pvaka kahu aran.3.
rmakath kali kmada g, sujana sajvani muri suh.
soi basudhtala sudh taragini, bhaya bhajani bhrama bheka bhuagini.4.
asura sena sama naraka nikadini, sdhu bibudha kula hita girinadini.
sata samja payodhi ram s, bisva bhra bhara acala cham s.5.
jama gana muha masi jaga jamun s, jvana mukuti hetu janu ks.
rmahi priya pvani tulas s, tulasidsa hita hiya hulas s.6.
sivapriya mekala saila sut s, sakala siddhi sukha sapati rs.
sadaguna suragana aba aditi s, raghubara bhagati prema paramiti s.7.
Nevertheless, when the preceptor repeated the story time after time, I followed it
to a certain extent according to my poor lights. I shall versify the same in the popular
tongue, so that my mind may derive satisfaction from it. Equipped with what little
intellectual and critical power I possess I shall write with a heart inspired by r Hari. The
story I am going to tell is such as will dispel my own doubts, errors and delusion and
will serve as a boat for crossing the stream of mundane existence. The story of Rma
is a solace to the learned and a source of delight to all men and wipes out the impurities
of the Kali age. r Rmas story is a pea-hen for the serpent in the form of the Kali age;
again, it is a wooden stick* for kindling the sacred fire of wisdom. The tale of Rma is
the cow of plenty in this age of Kali; it is a beautiful life-giving herb for the virtuous. It is
a veritable river of nectar on the surface of this globe; it shatters the fear of birth and
death and is a virtual snake for the frog of delusion. It is beneficent to pious souls-even
as Goddess Prvat (the daughter of Himavn) is friendly to gods; again, it puts an end
to hell even as Prvat exterminated the army of demons. It flows from the assemblage
of saints, even as Lakm (the goddess of wealth) sprang from the ocean; and like the
immovable earth it bears the burden of the entire creation. Like the sacred river Yamun
in this world it scares away the messengers of Yama (the god of death). It is holy K
* The fire used in sacrifices in India is produced by revolving a wooden stick against a wooden block.

42
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
as it were for the liberation of souls. It is dear to Rma as the sacred basil plant and is
truly beneficent to Tulasdsa as his own mother, Hulas. It is beloved of Lord iva as
the river Narmad (which has its source in Mount Mekala, a peak of the Amarakaaka
hills); it is a mine of all attainments as well as of happiness and prosperity. It is to noble
qualities what mother Aditi is to gods; it is the culmination as it were of devotion to and
love for r Rma. (17)
rr rft fr fa r=
at n f rrt fr=+ -{+
Do.: rmakath madkin citrakua cita cru,
tulas subhaga saneha bana siya raghubra bihru.31.
The story of r Rma is the river Mandkin (which washes the foot of Citrakua);
a guileless heart is Mount Citrakua (one of the happy resorts of r Rma during his
wanderings in the forest); while pure love, says Tulasdsa, is the woodland in which St
and Rma carry on Their divine pastimes. (31)
rfa farf r= a fa fa n fnr=+
n n nnr r rf fa r + {+
n r frn rn f t rn +
f f r t a + +
r ar r f r r r +
f fa fr r sf r + -+
r r f fn f r +
faf fa rf r rr rf rf + +
r rf f r a f r +
r a f rf r + ~+
fa rf a= a f +
f szn rna t + +
a f rn n fa f=f r rn +
r r r nn an r + +
Cau.: rmacarita citmani cr u, sata sumati tiya subhaga si

gr u.
jaga magala gunagrma rma ke, dni mukuti dhana dharama dhma ke.1.
sadagura gyna birga joga ke, bibudha baida bhava bhma roga ke.
janani janaka siya rma prema ke, bja sakala brata dharama nema ke.2.
samana ppa satpa soka ke, priya plaka paraloka loka ke.
saciva subhaa bhupati bicra ke, kubhaja lobha udadhi apra ke.3.
kma koha kalimala karigana ke, kehari svaka jana mana bana ke.
atithi pujya priyatama purri ke, kmada ghana drida davri ke.4.
matra mahmani biaya byla ke, meata kahina kuaka bhla ke.
harana moha tama dinakara kara se, sevaka sli pla jaladhara se.5.

*
BLA-K NA
*
43
abhimata dni devataru bara se, sevata sulabha sukhada hari hara se.
sukabi sarada nabha mana uagana se, rmabhagata jana jvana dhana se.6.
sakala sukta phala bhuri bhoga se, jaga hita nirupadhi sdhu loga se.
sevaka mana mnasa marla se, pvana gaga taraga mla se.7.
The narrative of Rma is a lovely wish-yielding gem, and a graceful adornment
for saintly wisdom. The hosts of virtues possessed by r Rma are a blessing to the
world and the bestowers of liberation, riches, religious merit and the divine abode. They
are true teachers of wisdom, dispassion and Yoga (contemplative union with (God) and
celestial physicians (Avinkumras) for the fell disease of metempsychosis; parents
of devotion to St and Rma and the seed of all holy vows, practices and observances;
antidotes for sins, agonies and griefs and beloved guardians in this as well as in the
next world; valiant ministers to King Reason,and a veritable Agastya* drinking up the
illimitable ocean of greed; young lions residing in the forest of the devotees mind to kill
the herd of elephants in the shape of lust, anger and impurities of the Kali age; dear
to Lord iva (the Slayer of the demon Tripura) as a highly respectable and most
beloved guest, and wish-yielding clouds quenching the wild fire of indigence.They are
spells and valuable gems as it were for counteracting the venom of serpents in the
form of sensuous enjoyments, and efface the deep marks of evil destiny contained on
the forehead. They are sunbeams, as it were, dispelling the darkness of ignorance, and
clouds nourishing the paddy crop in the form of devotees; trees of paradise, as it were,
yielding the object of ones desire; easily available for service and gratifying like Viu
and iva; stars as it were adorning the autumnal sky in the shape of the poets mind,
and the very lifes treasure for the devotees of r Rma; a rich harvest of enjoyments
as it; were yielded by the totality of ones meritorious deeds and sincerely devoted to
the good of the world like holy men; sporting in the mind of the devotees as swans in
the Mnasarovara lake and purifying as the waves of the holy Gag. (17)
a rf f r z
r n nr ff ; z+ - (+
rfa r f r
r r fa fa ff z r+ - (+
Do.: kupatha kutaraka kucli kali kapaa dabha paa,
dahana rma guna grma jimi idhana anala pracaa.32(A).
rmacarita rkesa kara sarisa sukhada saba khu,
sajjana kumuda cakora cita hita bisei baRa lhu.32(B).
The hosts of virtues possessed by r Rma are like a blazing fire to consume
the dry wood of evil ways, fallacious reasoning, mischievous practices, deceit,
hypocrisy and heresy prevailing in Kali. The exploits of r Rma are delightful to one
and all even as the rays of the full moon; they are particularly agreeable and highly
beneficial to the mind of the virtuous, who can be compared to the white water-lily and
the Cakora bird. (32 A-B)
* Sage Agastya is said to have drunk up the ocean in three draughts. He was born of a jar; this earn
him the tittle of Kumbhaja.
The white water-lily is proverbially noted for its attachment to the moon and is supposed to open its

44
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
tf- t f rfa rt f ff r rt+
r a nr; r ffr r;+ {+
f r t f r; f r f r;+
r f f rt f r f rt+ +
rr ffa n rt f atfa fa- rt+
rr rfa r arr rr a rf rr+ -+
ffa r rfa t- nr+
f s rt f r r fa rt+ +
Cau.: knhi prasna jehi bh

ti bhavn, jehi bidhi sakara kah bakhn.

so saba hetu kahaba mai

g, kathprabadha bicitra ban.1.

jehi

yaha kath sun nahi

ho, jani caraju karai suni so.

kath alaukika sunahi

je gyn, nahi

caraju karahi

asa jn.2.
rmakath kai miti jaga nh

, asi pratti tinha ke mana mh

.
nn bh

ti rma avatr, rmyana sata koi apr.3.

kalapabheda haricarita suhe, bh

ti aneka munsanha ge.

karia na sasaya asa ura n, sunia kath sdara rati mn.4.
I shall now relate at some length the seed of the storyviz., how Goddess
Bhavn (Prvat) questioned Lord akara and how the latter answered Her questions
weaving a strange narrative round this episode. Let no one who should happen not to
have heard this anecdote before be surprised to hear it. Wise men who hear this
uncommon, legend marvel not; for they know there is no limit to the stories of r Rma
in this world. They are convinced in their heart that r Rma has bodied Himself forth
in diverse ways and that the Rmyaa, though consisting of a thousand million verses,
is yet infinite. Great sages have diversely sung the charming stories of r Hari, relating
as they do to different Kalpas or cycles. Bearing this in mind the reader should not
entertain any doubt and should hear this narrative reverently and with devotion. (14)
r a a n fa r ftar
f r rff f- f fr+ --+
Do.: rma anata anata guna amita kath bistra,
suni caraju na mnihahi

jinha ke bimala bicra.33.

Rma is infinite, infinite are His virtues and the dimensions of His story are also
immeasurable. Those whose thoughts are pure will, therefore, feel no surprise when they
hear it. (33)
f ff f t f f n t+
f t fs rt a r f rn rt+ {+
r ff r; rr s f r n nrr+
a r atr s r f f tr+ +
petals in moonlight alone. Similarly the Cakora is said to feed on moonbeams and supposed to be particularly
enamoured of the moon.

*
BLA-K NA
*
45
t r rr t fa rr+
f f r >rfa nrf at ar f rf+ -+
rn n f r r; f rrr r+
- r- f rr f r tfa nrr+ +
Cau.: ehi bidhi saba sasaya kari dur, sira dhari gura pada pakaja dhur.
puni sabah binavau kara jor, karata kath jehi

lga na khor.1.
sdara sivahi ni aba mth, barana~~u
.
bisada rma guna gth.
sabata soraha sai ekats, kara~~u
.
kath hari pada dhari ss.2.
naum bhauma bra madhu ms, avadhapur

yaha carita praks.

jehi dina rma janama ruti gvahi

, tratha sakala tah

cali vahi

.3.
asura nga khaga nara muni dev, i karahi

raghunyaka sev.
janma mahotsava racahi

sujn, karahi

rma kala krati gn.4.

Putting away all doubts in this way and placing on my head the dust from the lotus
feet of my preceptor, I supplicate all with joined palms once more, so that no blame may
attach to the telling of the story. Reverently bowing my head to Lord iva, I now proceed
to recount the fair virtues of r Rma. placing my head on the feet of r Hari I
commence this story in the Savat year 1631 (1574 A. D.). On Tuesday, the ninth of
the lunar month of Caitra, this story shed its lustre at Ayodhy. On this day of r Rmas
birth the presiding spirits of all holy places flock thereso declare the Vedasand
demons, Ngas, birds, human beings, sages and gods come and pay their homage to
the Lord of Raghus. Wise men celebrate the great birthday festival and sing the sweet
glory of r Rma. (14)
rf r r t
f r f r s tr t+ -+
Do.: majjahi

sajjana bda bahu pvana saraju nra,

japahi

rma dhari dhyna ura sudara syma sarra.34.

Numerous groups of pious men take dip in the holy water of the Sarayu river and,
visualizing in their heart the beautiful swarthy form of r Rma, mutter His name. (34)
r = rr ; r rr+
t ta fa fr fa f ; rr ffa+ {+
r rr t rf r ta ffa fa rf+
rf rf n t rr a a f rr+ +
ff t r rt ffq n rt+
f r t- r a rf r r+ -+
rfar f rr a >r r; f>rrr+
f f ; r; t f ;+ +
rfar f r fs r r+
frf r rf r f rf f r+ ~+

46
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
f f r rr r; s fr rr+
ara rfar s r f f f + +
s r r; r; r r;+ +
Cau.: darasa parasa majjana aru pn, harai ppa kaha beda purn.
nad punta amita mahim ati, kahi na sakai srad bimalamati.1.
rma dhmad pur suhvani, loka samasta bidita ati pvani.
cri khni jaga jva apr, avadha taj~ e
.
tanu nahi

sasr.2.
saba bidhi pur manohara jn, sakala siddhiprada magala khn.
bimala kath kara knha arabh, sunata nashi

kma mada dabh.3.

rmacaritamnasa ehi nm, sunata ravana pia birm.
mana kari biaya anala bana jara, hoi sukh ja~ u
.
ehi

sara parai.4.
rmacaritamnasa muni bhvana, biraceu sabhu suhvana pvana.
tribidha doa dukha drida dvana, kali kucli kuli kalua nasvana.5.
raci mahesa nija mnasa rkh, pi susamau siv sana bh.
tt~e
.
rmacaritamnasa bara, dhareu nma hiya heri harai hara.6.
kaha~~u
.
kath soi sukhada suh, sdara sunahu sujana mana l.7.
The very sight and touch of the Sarayu, a dip into its waters or a draught from
it cleanses ones sinsso declare the Vedas and Puras. Even rad, the goddess
of learning, with Her pure intelligence cannot describe the infinite glory of this most
sacred river. The beautiful town of Ayodhy grants an abode in r Rmas heaven;
it is celebrated through all the worlds and is the holiest of the holy. There are countless
living beings in this world belonging to the four species (viz., viviparous, oviparous,
sweat-born and those shooting from the earth); whoever of these shed their mortal
coil in Ayodhy are never born again. Knowing the town to be charming in everyway,
a bestower of all forms of success and a storehouse of blessings, I commenced writing
this sacred story there. The impulses of lust, arrogance and hypocrisy positively
disappear from the mind of those who hear it. One derives solace by hearing its very
name, Rmacaritamnasa (the Mnasa lake of r Rmas exploits). The elephant of
our mind, which is being scorched by the wild fire of sensuous enjoyments, is sure
to get relief should it drop into this lake. The holy and beautiful Rmacaritamnasa
is the delight of sages; it was conceived by ambhu (Lord iva). It puts down the
three kinds of error, sorrow and indigence* and uproots all evil practices and impurities
of the Kali age. Having conceived it, the great Lord iva treasured it in His mind till,
when a favourable opportunity presented itself, He communicated it to His consort,
iv (Prvat). Therefore, after due consideration Lord Hara joyously gave it the excellent
title of Rmacaritamnasa. I repeat the same delightful and charming story; hear it
reverently and attentively, O noble souls. (17)
* The three kinds of error are those relating to thought, word and deed; birth, death and old age
constitute the three kinds of sorrow and the three kinds of indigence referred to her are: (1) poverty of body (2)
poverty in men and (3) poverty of means.
The word Mnasa also denotes the mind and Lord iva gave this story the title of Rmacaritamnasa
firstly because it contains a life-account of r Rma and secondly because He treasured it in His mind before
communicating it to Prvat.

*
BLA-K NA
*
47
r f ff s n r f a
r; s n ff sr a+ -~+
Do.: jasa mnasa jehi bidhi bhayau jaga pracra jehi hetu,
aba soi kahau prasaga saba sumiri um baketu.35.
Invoking Um (Goddess Prvat) and Lord iva (who has a bull emblazoned on
His standard), I now proceed to give a full account as to what this Rmacaritamnasa
is like, how it came to be and what led to its popularity in the world. (35)
r fa f t rfar f at+
; r fa rt fa f rt+ {+
fa f z nr r sf rr r+
f r rt r nrt+ +
tr n r f rt r; t-ar ; rt+
nfa r f r; r; ar taar;+ -+
r a rf fa r; r na t r;+
r f na r r ff >r n s r+ +
s r frr ta =f r= frr+ ~+
Cau.: sabhu prasda sumati hiya hulas, rmacaritamnasa kabi tulas.
karai manohara mati anuhr, sujana sucita suni lehu sudhr.1.
sumati bhumi thala hdaya agdh u, beda purna udadhi ghana sdhu.
baraahi

rma sujasa bara br, madhura manohara magalakr.2.

ll saguna jo kahahi

bakhn, soi svacchat karai mala hn.

prema bhagati jo barani na j, soi madhurat sustalat.3.
so jala sukta sli hita ho, rma bhagata jana jvana so.
medh mahi gata so jala pvana, sakili ravana maga caleu suhvana.4.
bhareu sumnasa suthala thirn, sukhada sta ruci cru cirn.5.
By the grace of ambhu (Lord iva) a blessed idea inspired the mind of
Tulasdsa, which made him the author of Rmacaritamnasa. The author has polished
his composition to the best of his intellect; yet listen to it with a sympathetic mind, O
noble souls, and correct it. A refined (Sttvika) intellect is the catchment area, heart is
the fathomless depression, the Vedas and Puras constitute the ocean; while holy men
represent the clouds which rain down pure, sweet, agreeable and blessed water in the
form of r Rmas excellent glory. Pastimes of a personal God that such holy men
narrate in extenso are the transparency of this water, which cleanses all impurity; while
loving Devotion, which defies all description, represents its sweetness and coolness.
This water is beneficial for the paddy crop in the form of virtuous deeds, it is life itself
to the devotees of r Rma. The same holy water, when it dropped on the soil of the
intellect, flowed in a volume through the beautiful channel of the ears and, collecting in
the lovely spot called the heart, came to be stationary. Having remained there for a long
time, it became clear, agreeable, cool and refreshing. (15)

48
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
f r f fq frf
a; f r n rrr r rf+ -+
Do.: suhi sudara sabda bara birace buddhi bicri,
tei ehi pvana subhaga sara gha manohara cri.36.
The four most beautiful and excellent dialogues (viz., those between (i) Bhuui
and Garua, (ii) iva and Prvat (iii) Yjavalkya and Bharadvja and (iv) between
Tulasdsa and other saints) that have been cleverly woven into this narrative are the
four lovely Ghas of this holy and charming lake. (36)
e n rrr r fa rr+
rrfa fr n rr r; rf nrr+ {+
r t f r sr tf fr r+
;f rr r= r; nfa f t r;+ +
rr rr r; n rr+
r rr r; rn rr+ -+
a f rr r frn fr rr+
f fa n rat t r a rat+ +
rrf rt r fr frt+
a rn frnr a r= azrnr+ ~+
at r r n nrr a ffr fn rr+
ar ff r; >rqr fa a nr;+ +
nfa f= ff frr r r ar farr+
f rr f fa rr+ +
s r nr a; f fnr+ c+
Cau.: sapta prabadha subhaga sopn, gyna nayana nirakhata mana mn.
raghupati mahim aguna abdh, baranaba soi bara bri agdh.1.
rma sya jasa salila sudhsama, upam bci bilsa manorama.
puraini saghana cru caup, juguti maju mani spa suh.2.
chada sorah sudara doh, soi bahuraga kamala kula soh.
aratha anupa subhva subhs, soi parga makarada subs.3.
sukta puja majula ali ml, gyna birga bicra marl.
dhuni avareba kabita guna jt, mna manohara te bahubh

t.4.
aratha dharama kmdika cr, kahaba gyna bigyna bicr.
nava rasa japa tapa joga birg, te saba jalacara cru taRg.5.
sukt sdhu nma guna gn, te bicitra jala bihaga samn.
satasabh cah~~u
.
disi ava r, raddh ritu basata sama g.6.
bhagati nirupana bibidha bidhn, cham day dama lat bitn.
sama jama niyama phula phala gyn, hari pada rati rasa beda bakhn.7.
aurau kath aneka prasag, tei suka pika bahubarana bihag.8.

*
BLA-K NA
*
49
The seven Books are the seven beautiful flights of steps, which the soul delights
to look upon with the eyes of wisdom; the unqualified and unbounded greatness of r
Rma, which will be presently discussed, represents the unfathomable, depth of this holy
water. The glory of r Rma and St constitutes the nectarean water; the similes
represent the soul-ravishing sport of its wavelets. The beautiful Caups represent the
thick growth of lotus-plants; the various poetic devices constitute the lovely shells that
yield beautiful pearls. The other metres, viz., Chandas, Sorahs and Dohs, are the
cluster of charming many-coloured lotuses. The incomparable sense, the beautiful ideas
and the elegant expression represent the pollen, honey and fragrance of those flowers
respectively. The virtuous acts mentioned therein are the charming swarms of bees; the
references to spiritual enlightenment, dispassion and reason represent the swan. The
implications and involutions and the various excellences and styles of poetry are the
lovely fishes of various kinds. The four ends of human existence, viz., worldly riches
religious merit, enjoyment and liberation, the reasoned exposition of Jna (Knowledge
of God in His absolute formless aspect) and vijna (Knowledge of qualified Divinity both
with and without form), the nine sentiments of poetry,* and the references to Japa (the
muttering of mystic formulae), austerity, Yoga (contemplative union with God) and
detachment from the worldall these represent the charming aquatic creatures of this
lake. Eulogies on virtuous men, pious souls and the Name of Godthese correspond
to water-birds of various kinds. The assemblages of saints referred to herein are the
mango groves hemming the lake on all sides and piety has been likened to the vernal
season. The exposition of the various types of Devotion and the references to forbearance,
compassion and sense-control represent the canopies of creepers. Even so mind-
control, the five Yamas or forms of self-restraint (viz., non-violence, truthfulness, non-
thieving, continence and non-acquisition of property), the five Niyamas or religious vows
(viz., those of external and internal purity, contentment, austerity, study of sacred books
or repetition of the Divine Name and self-surrender to God) are the blossoms of these
creepers; spiritual enlightenment is their fruit and loving devotion to the feet of r Hari
constitutes the sap of this fruit of spiritual enlightenment: so declare the Vedas. The
various other episodes forming part of this narrative are the birds of different colours
such as the parrot and the cuckoo. (18)
rfr rn fn fr=
rt ta r r=+ -+
Do.: pulaka bik bga bana sukha subihaga bihru,
ml sumana saneha jala s

cata locana cru.37.

The thrill of joy that one experiences while listening to this narrative represents the
flower gardens, orchards and groves; and the delight one feels is the sporting of birds;
while a noble mind is the gardener, who waters the garden etc., with the moisture of love
through the charming jars of eyes. (37)
nrf fa r a; f ar a r+
r f r rt a; r frt+ {+
* The nine sentiments of poetry are: (1) gra (the erotic sentiment or the sentiment of love)
(2) Hsya (the humorous sentiment) (3) Karua (the pathetic sentiment) (4) Vra (the heroic sentiment)
(5) Raudra (the sentiment of wrath or fury) (6) Bhaynaka (the sentiment of terror) (7) Bbhatsa (the sentiment
of disgust) (8) nta (the sentiment of quietism) and (9) Adbhuta (the marvellous sentiment).

50
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
fa f; n rnr f f rf rnr+
r rr ;r f r rr+ +
af r ra f r rt r r fr+
ra f fa fr; r r f r; r;+ -+
f n rr fa- rrr f rr+
n r rr rr a fa n frr+ +
f r rr t a rr+ ~+
Cau.: je gvahi

yaha carita sa bhre, tei ehi tla catura rakhavre.

sad sunahi

sdara nara nr, tei surabara mnasa adhikr.1.

ati khala je bia baga kg, ehi

sara nikaa na jhi

abhg.
sabuka bheka sevra samn, ih

na biaya kath rasa nn.2.

tehi krana vata hiya hre, km kka balka bicre.
vata ehi

sara ati kahin, rma kp binu i na j.3.

kahina kusaga kupatha karl, tinha ke bacana bgha hari byl.
gha kraja nn jajl, te ati durgama saila bisl.4.
bana bahu biama moha mada mn, nad

kutarka bhayakara nn.5.

Those who carefully recite this poem, they alone are the vigilant guardians of this
lake. And those men and women who reverently hear it everyday are the great gods
exercising jurisdiction over this Mnasarovara lake. Sensual wretches are the accursed
herons and crows who never approach the lake. For here there are no varied talks of
the pleasures of sense, corresponding to snails, frogs and moss. That is why poor crows
and herons in the form of lustful men lack the heart to visit this place. For there is much
difficulty in getting to this place and it is not possible to reach it without the grace of r
Rma. Bad company, which is so obdurate, constitutes a terribly rough road; and the
words of such companions are so many tigers, lions and serpents. The various
occupations and entanglements of domestic life are huge mountains which are so difficult
to approach. Infatuation, arrogance and pride are so many inaccessible woods; and
sophisms of various kinds are frightful streams. (15)
>rqr fa f a- r
fa- r n fa f-f f rrr+ -c+
Do.: je raddh sabala rahita nahi

satanha kara stha,

tinha kahu mnasa agama ati jinhahi na priya raghuntha.38.
The Mnasa is most inaccessible to those who lack provisions for the journey in
the shape of piety, who do not enjoy the company of saints and who have no love for
the Lord of Raghus (r Rma). (38)
f y r; f r; raf t zr; r;+
zar rz f s rnr n r r rnr+ {+
f r; r rr ff r; a frr+
rf rs rr fr f arf rrr+ +
frr rf f at r r frf t+
r; r r ; r rrr rar ;+ -+

*
BLA-K NA
*
51
a af r f- r r+
r r; f r; r a n s r; + +
r r rt ; f fq f nrt+
s z r sr sns r r+ ~+
t n far far r r f far r+
r n r r a r+ +
t ta r ff f a a= fff+ +
Cau.: jau kari kaa ji puni ko, jtahi

nda juR ho.

jaRat jRa biama ura lg, gaehu

na majjana pva abhg.1.
kari na ji sara majjana pn, phiri vai sameta abhimn.
jau


bahori kou puchana v, sara nid kari thi bujhv.2.
sakala bighna bypahi

nahi

teh, rma sukp

bilokahi

jeh.
soi sdara sara majjanu kara, mah ghora trayatpa na jara.3.
te nara yaha sara tajahi

na k u, jinha ke rma carana bhala bhu.

jo nahi caha ehi

sara bh, so satasaga karau mana l.4.

asa mnasa mnasa cakha ch, bhai kabi buddhi bimala avagh.
bhayau hdaya nada uchh u, umageu prema pramoda prabhu.5.
cal subhaga kabit sarit so, rma bimala jasa jala bharit so.
saraju nma sumagala mul, loka beda mata majula kul.6.
nad punta sumnasa nadini, kalimala tna taru mula nikadini.7.
Even if anyone makes his way to it undergoing so much hardship, he is forthwith
attacked by ague in the shape of drowsiness. Benumbing cold in the shape of stupor
overtakes his heart, so that the unhappy soul is deprived of a dip even after reaching
there. Finding himself unable to take a plunge into the lake or to drink from it, he returns
with a feeling of pride. And if anyone comes to inquire about the lake, he tries to satisfy
him by vilifying it. All these obstacles do not, however, deter him whom r Rma regards
with overwhelming kindness. He alone reverently bathes in the lake and thus escapes
the threefold agony* of the fiercest kind. Those men who cherish ideal devotion to the
feet of r Rma never quit this lake. Let him who would bathe in this lake, brother,
diligently practise Satsaga (association with saints). Having seen the said Mnasa lake
with the minds eye and taken a dip into it, the poets intellect got purged of all its dross.
The heart was flooded with joy and alacrity and a torrent of love and rapture welled from
it. Thence flowed a stream of beautiful poetry, carrying the water of r Rmas fair
renown. Sarayu is the name of this river, which is the very fountain of pure bliss. The
secular view-point and the view-point of the Vedasthere represent its two charming
banks. This holy stream, issuing as it does from the beautiful Mnasa lake, uproots in
its course all the impurities of the Kali age, whether in the form of tiny blades of grass
or of mighty trees. (17)
>rrar frf r nr n
ar n + -+
* The three kinds of agony referred to above are:
(i) that inflicted by other living beings (ii) that proceeding from natural causes and (iii) that caused by
bodily or mental distemper.

52
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Do.: rot tribidha samja pura grma nagara duhu kula,
satasabh anupama avadha sakala sumagala mula.39.
The three* types of audience are the towns, villages and cities on both the banks;
and the congregation of saints is the imcomparable Ayodhy, which is the fountain of all
auspicious blessings. (39)
rnfa faf r; ft tfa r;+
r r r fs r r r+ {+
n f nfa f rr rfa fa ffa frr+
frf ar rr fart r = f rt+ +
r ft ft a r ft+
f f r ffr frnr f at at rnr+ -+
sr fr rat a nfa rat+
rr r; an rar;+ +
Cau.: rmabhagati surasaritahi j, mil sukrati saraju suh.
snuja rma samara jasu pvana, mileu mahnadu sona suhvana.1.
juga bica bhagati devadhuni dhr, sohati sahita subirati bicr.
tribidha tpa trsaka timuhn, rma sar upa sidhu samuhn.2.
mnasa mula mil surasarih, sunata sujana mana pvana karih.
bica bica kath bicitra bibhg, janu sari tra tra bana bg.3.
um mahesa bibha bart, te jalacara aganita bahubh

t.
raghubara janama anada badh, bhava ra taraga manoharat.4.
The beautiful Sarayu in the form of r Rmas fair renown joined the heavenly
stream (Gag) of devotion to Rma. The latter was joined again by the charming stream
of the mighty Sona in the form of the martial glory of Rma with His younger brother
Lakmaa. Intervening the two streams of Sarayu and Sona shines the celestial stream
of Devotion blended with noble dispassion and reason. This triple stream, which scares
away the threefold agony referred to above, headed towards the ocean of r Rmas
divine personality. With its source in the Mnasa lake and united with the celestial river
(Gag), the Sarayu of r Rmas fame will purify the mind of the pious souls who listen
to it; while the strange episodes interspersed here and there are the groves and gardens
as it were adjoining the river banks. The bridegrooms party in the wedding of Goddess
Um (Prvat) and the great Lord iva are the numberless aquatic creatures of various
kinds. The rejoicings and felicitations that attended the advent of r Rma, the Chief of
Raghus represent the charm of the eddies and waves. (14)
rfa f n
rt f a rffn+ +
Do.: blacarita cahu badhu ke banaja bipula bahuraga,
npa rn parijana sukta madhukara bribihaga.40.
* The three types of listeners referred to here may be understood to mean (i) liberated souls (ii) seekers
of liberation and (iii) sensually-minded men.

*
BLA-K NA
*
53
The childlike sports of the four divine brothers are the, numerous lotus flowers of
varied colours; while the stock of merits of king Daaratha and his consorts and court
represent the bees and water-birds. (40)
t t r r; fa rf r f r;+
t r t r sa fr+ {+
f t r; f r r f r;+
rrr r nr frt rrr q r rt+ +
r r fr sr r sn r+
a a f rt a at fa rt+ -+
r fa fa n rr rn rr+
r; fa ; t t r ffa rrt+ +
Cau.: sya svayabara kath suh, sarita suhvani so chabi ch.
nad nva pau prasna anek, kevaa kusala utara sabibek.1.
suni anukathana paraspara ho, pathika samja soha sari so.
ghora dhra bhguntha risn, gha subaddha rma bara bn.2.
snuja rma bibha uchh u, so subha umaga sukhada saba kh u.
kahata sunata haraahi

pulakh

, te sukt mana mudita nahh

.3.
rma tilaka hita magala sj, paraba joga janu jure samj.
k kumati keka ker, par jsu phala bipati ghaner.4.
The fascinating story of Sts choicemarriage is the delightful charm surrounding
the river. The numerous pertinent questions are the boats on the river, while the
judicious replies to the same are the skilled boatmen. The conversation that follows the
narration of the story is the crowd of travellers moving along the river banks. The
wrath of Paraurma (the Lord of Bhgus) represents the furious current of this river;
while r Rmas soft words are the strongly built Ghas on the banks. The festivities
connected with the wedding of r Rma and His younger brothers represent the
graceful swell in the river, which is a source of delight to all. Those who rejoice and
experience a thrill of joy in narrating or hearing the story are the lucky souls who take
an exhilarating dip in the river. The auspicious preparations that were gone through in
connections with the installation of r Rma as the Yuvarja (Prince-regent) represent
as it were the crowds of bathers assembled at the river bank on a sacred occasion.
Kaikeys evil counsel represents the moss on the bank, which brought a serious
calamity in its wake. (14)
fa sara afa rn
f rr n a n rn+ {+
Do.: samana amita utapta saba bharatacarita japajga,
kali agha khala avaguna kathana te jalamala baga kga.41.
The story of Bharata, which wards off all calamities, is a congregational muttering
of sacred formulae carried on at the river bank; while the references to the corruptions
of the Kali age and to the evil propensities of wicked souls represent the scum on the
water as well as the herons and crows living by the riverside. (41)

54
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
tfa fa fa =t rf rf t+
f far f r ff sr+ {+
r fr r r n far+
nt r n r ra + +
r rrr fr rt rf nrt+
r r f zr; f r; r;+ -+
at frf f nnrr r; n rr+
a rs taar; r f r;+ +
Cau.: krati sarita chahu

ritu rur, samaya suhvani pvani bhur.

hima himasailasut siva byh u, sisira sukhada prabhu janama uchh u.1.
baranaba rma bibha samju, so muda magalamaya riturju.
grama dusaha rma banagavan u, pathakath khara tapa pavanu.2.
bara ghora niscara rr, surakula sli sumagalakr.
rma rja sukha binaya baR, bisada sukhada soi sarada suh.3.
sat siromani siya gunagth, soi guna amala anupama pth.
bharata subhu sustalat, sad ekarasa barani na j.4.
The river of r Rmas glory is delightful during all the six seasons; it is
exceedingly charming and holy at all times. The wedding of Goddess Prvat (the
daughter of Himavn) with Lord iva represents Hemanta or the cold season while the
festival connected with the Lords advent represents the delightful iira or chilly season.
The story of the preparations for r Rmas wedding constitutes the vernal season* (the
king of all seasons), which abounds in joy and felicity; while r Rmas departure for the
forest constitutes the oppressive hot weather and the tale of His wanderings represents
the blazing sun and hot winds. The terrible conflict with the demons represents the rainy
season, which constituted a veritable blessing to the paddy crop in the form of gods;
while the prosperity attending r Rmas reign, His politeness and glory represent the
cloudless, delightful and charming autumn. The recital of the virtues of St, the crest-
jewel of faithful wives, constitutes the excellence of the transparent and incomparable
water. And Bharatas amiability represents its coolness, which is uniform at all times and
beyond description. (14)
rf rf ff tfa r
r f t rt r+ +
Do.: avalokani bolani milani prti parasapara hsa,
bhyapa bhali cahu badhu k jala mdhur subsa.42.
The way the four brothers look at one another, talk with one another meet and love
one another, their mirth and their ideal brotherlinessthese constitute the sweetness and
fragrance of the water. (42)
* The months of Mrgara and Paua (corresponding roughly to November and December) consti-
tute the cold season; Mgha and Phlguna (corresponding roughly to January and February) constitute the
chilly season; the months of Caitra and Vaikha (corresponding roughly to March and April) constitute the
vernal season; Jyeha and ha (corresponding roughly to May and June) constitute the hot weather;
rvana and Bhdrapada (corresponding roughly to July and August) constitute the rainy season and vina
Krtika (corresponding roughly to September and October) constitute the autumnal season.

*
BLA-K NA
*
55
rfa f tar rt rrar fa rf rt+
a f a nrt r fr r rt+ {+
r f ra rt a f nrt+
>r r ar arr fa rf rr+ +
r r r r f f frn r+
r r r f a ff r far f a+ -+
f- f rf r r a r fr fnr+
afa ff f rt fff n ff t rt+ +
Cau.: rati binaya dnat mor, laghut lalita subri na thor.
adabhuta salila sunata gunakr, sa pisa manomala hr.1.
rma supremahi poata pn, harata sakala kali kalua galn.
bhava rama soaka toaka to, samana durita dukha drida do.2.
kma koha mada moha nasvana, bimala bibeka birga baRhvana.
sdara majjana pna kie te , miahi

ppa paritpa hie te .3.

jinha ehi

bri na mnasa dhoe, te kyara kalikla bigoe.

tita nirakhi rabi kara bhava br, phirihahi

mga jimi jva dukhr.4.

My intense longing, supplication and humility represent the not inconsiderable
lightness of this pure and holy water. This marvellous water heals by the mere hearing,
quenches the thirst of desire and washes the dirt of the mind. This water nourishes true
love for r Rma and drives away all the sins of the Kali age as well as the feeling of
self-depreciation resulting therefrom. It relieves the fatigue of transmigration, gratifies
gratification itself and puts an end to sin, sorrow, indigence and error. It wipes out lust,
anger, pride and infatuation and enhances pure wisdom and dispassion. By reverently
bathing in it and drinking from it all traces of sin and remorse are obliterated from the
heart. Those who have not washed their heart with this water are wretches that have
been duped by the age of Kali.These creatures, wandering in pursuit of sensuous
pleasures, will come to grief even as a thirsty deer runs after a mirage mistaking it for
real water and returns disappointed. (14)
fa rf rf n n nf -r;
ff rt f f r r;+ - (+
rrfa = f f r; r
s n f f n r+ - (+
Do.: mati anuhri subri guna gana gani mana anhavi,
sumiri bhavn sakarahi kaha kabi kath suhi.43(A).
aba raghupati pada pakaruha hiya dhari pi prasda,
kahau jugala munibarja kara milana subhaga sabda.43(B).
Having enumerated the virtues of this excellent water to the best of his intellectual
capacity and bathed his mind in it, and remembering Goddess Bhavn (Prvat) and
Lord akara, the poet (Tulasdsa) narrates the beautiful story. Installing in my heart

56
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
the lotus feet of the Lord of Raghus and thus securing His grace, I now proceed to
relate the charming story of the meeting of the two great sages (Yjavalkya and
Bharadvja). (43 A-B)
r f f rnr fa-f r fa rnr+
ar r frr r rr+ {+
rrr na f r; atfaf r r;+
f >rt r rf frt+ +
f r rar f f nrar+
r r>r fa r r f r+ -+
ar r; f f rr rf r atrr+
rf ra a srr f f n nrr+ +
Cau.: bharadvja muni basahi

prayg, tinhahi rma pada ati anurg.

tpasa sama dama day nidhn, paramratha patha parama sujn.1.
mgha makaragata rabi jaba ho, trathapatihi

va saba ko.
deva danuja kinara nara ren

, sdara majjahi

sakala triben

.2.
pujahi

mdhava pada jalajt, parasi akhaya bau haraahi

gt.
bharadvja rama ati pvana, parama ramya munibara mana bhvana.3.
tah

hoi muni riaya samj, jhi

je majjana tratharj.
majjahi

prta sameta uchh, kahahi

parasapara hari guna gh.4.

The sage Bharadvja lives in Prayga; he is extremely devoted to the feet of
r Rma. A great ascetic and an embodiment of self-restraint, composure of mind and
compassion, he is highly advanced on the spiritual path. In the month of Mgha, when the
sun enters the sign of Capricorn, everyone visits the chief of holy places, Prayga. Troops
of gods and demons, Kinnaras (demigods) and men, all devoutly bathe in the triple stream
of the Gag, Yamun and Sarasvat. They worship the lotus feet of God Vindumdhava
(the presiding deity of Prayga); and the touch of the immortal banyan tree sends a thrill
into their limbs. The hermitage of Bharadvja is a most sacred spot, exceedingly charming
and attractive even to great hermits and the haunt of sages and seers who go to bathe at
that holiest of holy places. At daybreak they all perform their ablutions with religious fervour
and then converse together on the virtues of r Hari. (14)
zr f= ff f a- frn
f nfa na a r frn+ +
Do.: brahma nirupana dharama bidhi baranahi

tattva bibhga,
kahahi

bhagati bhagavata kai sajuta gyna birga.44.

They discuss the nature of Brahma (the Supreme Eternal), the precepts of religion
and the classification of fundamental entities and expatiate on Devotion to the Lord
coupled with spiritual enlightenment and dispassion. (44)
f r f rrr rt f f f r>r rt+
fa a fa r; r fr nf fr+ {+

*
BLA-K NA
*
57
r f r t r>r- fr+
rnf f ft r r t+ +
r r r fa ta r r+
f r f rt r fa ta rt+ -+
r s z r na a- ar+
a r rf rna rr s z r; rr+ +
Cau.: ehi prakra bhari mgha nahh

, puni saba nija nija rama jh

.
prati sabata ati hoi anad, makara majji gavanahi

munibd.1.
eka bra bhari makara nahe, saba munsa ramanha sidhe.
jgabalika muni parama bibek, bharadvja rkhe pada ek.2.
sdara carana saroja pakhre, ati punta sana baihre.
kari puj muni sujasu bakhn, bole ati punta mdu bn.3.
ntha eka sasau baRa more , karagata bedatattva sabu tore .
kahata so mohi lgata bhaya lj, jau

na kahau

baRa hoi akj.4.
In this way they bathe for the whole month of Mgha and then return each to his
hermitage. There is a great rejoicing every year and having performed their ablutions
while the sun stays in Capricorn the hosts of sages disperse. Having bathed on one
occasion for the whole period of the suns stay in Capricorn when all the great sages had
left for their hermitages, Bharadvja clasped by the feet and detained the supremely wise
saint Yjavalkya. He reverently washed the latters lotus feet and installed him on a
most sacred seat. And extolling his fair renown with religious ceremony, Bharadvja
spoke in mild and reverential tones, A grave doubt haunts my mind, holy sir ! and the
whole mystery of the Vedas stands revealed to you. I am afraid and ashamed to utter
the doubt; and I lose a great opportunity if I keep it back. (14)
a f f tfa >rfa r f nr
r; f f s n f r+ ~+
Do.: sata kahahi

asi nti prabhu ruti purna muni gva,

hoi na bimala bibeka ura gura sana kie durva.45.
The saints lay down the rule, and the Vedas as well as the Puras and sages
too loudly proclaim, that pure wisdom cannot dawn in the heart, should one keep
anything concealed from ones spiritual preceptor. (45)
frf ns f r r f r+
r r fa rr a r sf nrr+ {+
aa a frt f nr r n rt+
r rf t n t rt a t+ +
rf r fr frr f s a f rr+
r s art f rr; rff rt+ -+
r rr fa- fa ffa rr+
rf f s rr s r r rr+ +
Cau.: asa bicri pragaau nija mohu, harahu ntha kari jana para chohu.
rma nma kara amita prabhv, sata purna upaniada gv.1.

58
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
satata japata sabhu abins, siva bhagavna gyna guna rs.
kara cri jva jaga ahah

, ks

marata parama pada lahah

.2.
sopi rma mahim muniry, siva upadesu karata kari dy.
rmu kavana prabhu puchau toh, kahia bujhi kpnidhi moh.3.
eka rma avadhesa kumr, tinha kara carita bidita sasr.
nri biraha

dukhu laheu apr, bhayau rou rana rvanu mr.4.
Remembering this I disclose my folly; dispel it, taking pity on this servant, my lord!
The saints as well as the Puras and the Upaniads too declare that the potency of the
name Rma is unlimited. The immortal Lord iva, who is the fountain of joy and a
storehouse of wisdom and goodness, incessantly repeats It.There are four broad
divisions of living beings in the world; such of them as die in the holy city of K
(Vras) attain to the highest state. This too marks the glory of r Rmas Name, O
chief of sages; for it is this very Name that Lord iva mercifully imparts to the dying soul
in K. I ask you, my lord, who that Rma is; pray explain to me, O storehouse of
compassion. One such Rma is the prince of Ayodhy whose exploits are known
throughout the world. Infinite was his sorrow due to the loss of his wife; and flying into
a rage he slew Rvaa in battle. (14)
r; r f rs rf a frrf
-r ar f frf+ +
Do.: prabhu soi rma ki apara kou jhi japata tripurri,
satyadhma sarbagya tumha kahahu bibeku bicri.46.
Is it this very, Rma, my lord, or some one else whose name the Slayer of the
demon Tripura, iva, ever repeats? You are an embodiment of truth and omniscient; so
ponder well and give me your considered reply. (46)
f r rt r r r ftart+
rnf r r; arf ffa rrfa ar;+ {+
rna ar rt ar; arrf rt+
r r n nr tf- t fa r+ +
ara r r; s r r r;+
rr f frr rr rfr rr+ -+
rr f f rr a r f f rr+
; t- rt r a r rt+ +
Cau.: jaise miai mora bhrama bhr, kahahu so kath ntha bistr.
jgabalika bole musuk, tumhahi bidita raghupati prabhut.1.
rmabhagata tumha mana krama bn, catur tumhri mai

jn.
chahu sunai rma guna guRh, knhihu prasna manahu ati muRh.2.
tta sunahu sdara manu l, kahau

rma kai kath suh.
mahmohu mahiesu bisl, rmakath klik karl.3.
rmakath sasi kirana samn, sata cakora karahi

jehi pn.
aisei sasaya knha bhavn, mahdeva taba kah bakhn.4.
Tell me in detail, my master, the story whereby my overwhelming perplexity may
be overcome. Yjavalkya smilingly said, The glory of the Lord of Raghus is already

*
BLA-K NA
*
59
known to you. You are a devotee of Rma in thought, word and deed; I have come to
know your ingenuity. You wish to hear an account of the hidden virtues of Rma; that
is why you have questioned me as if you were quite ignorant. Listen, then, with devout
attention, my child, while I narrate the beautiful story of Rma. Appalling ignorance is the
gigantic demon Mahisura (so-called because he was endowed with the form of a
buffalo); while the narrative of Rma is the dread Klik* (who made short work of the
demon). The story of Rma is like the moonbeams that are drunk in by Cakora bird in
the form of saints. A similar doubt was expressed by no less a personage than Bhavn
(Goddess Prvat), and the great God iva then expounded the matter in detail . (14)
s r fa rf sr r
s f a f f fff fr+ +
Do.: kahau so mati anuhri aba um sabhu sabda,
bhayau samaya jehi hetu jehi sunu muni miihi bida.47.
I shall repeat now to the best of my lights the dialogue between Um (Goddess
Prvat) and ambhu (Lord iva). Hear, O sage, the time and the occasion of this
dialogue; your gloom will be lifted. (47)
r rar n rt n ff rt +
n at nf rt ff ft rt+ {+
rr f rt t rt+
ff t fnfa r; t frt r;+ +
a a rrfa n nrr f ar fnfrr+
f fr rfn frrt n -rt+ -+
af frr f rr t- arr+
far af r srt z fa frt+ +
Cau.: eka bra tret juga mh

, sabhu gae kubhaja rii ph

.
saga sat jagajanani bhavn, p uje rii akhilesvara jn.1.
rmakath munibarja bakhn, sun mahesa parama sukhu mn.
rii puch haribhagati suh, kah sabhu adhikr p.2.
kahata sunata raghupati guna gth, kachu dina tah

.
rahe girinth.
muni sana bid mgi tripurr, cale bhavana sa ga dacchakumr.3.
tehi avasara bhajana mahibhr, hari raghubasa lnha avatr.
pit bacana taji rju uds, daaka bana bicarata abins.4.
Once upon a time, in the age of Tret, Lord iva called on the jar-born sage
Agastya. His consort, Goddess Sat, Mother of the universe, accompanied Him. The
sage worshipped Him knowing Him to be the universal lord. The great sage narrated at
length the story of Rma and Lord Mahea listened to it with extreme delight. The sage
then inquired about Devotion to Hari and ambhu discoursed on it finding in the sage
a fit recipient. Thus narrating and hearing the tale of r Rmas virtues, the Lord of
Kailsa (iva) spent some days there. Finally, asking leave of the sage, the Slayer of
the demon Tripura, akara, proceeded to His home (Mount Kailsa) with Dakas
* The story is told in Durg-Saptaat or the Ca a work most popular with the Hindus and forming
part of the Mrkaeya-Pura.

60
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
daughter (Sat). During those very days, with a view to relieving the burden of the earth,
r Hari had descended in the line of king Raghu. Renouncing His right to the Throne at
the word of His father (Daaratha), the immortal Lord was wandering in the Daaka
forest in the garb of an ascetic. (14)
z fra ra f ff r;
ne = as n r r;+ c (+
s fa r at rf r;
at r z= r rt+ c (+
Do.: hdaya bicrata jta hara kehi bidhi darasanu hoi,
gupta rupa avatareu prabhu gae jna sabu koi.48(A).
So.: sakara ura ati chobhu sat na jnahi

maramu soi,
tulas darasana lobhu mana aru locana llac.48(B).
Lord Hara (iva) kept pondering as He went, How can I obtain a sight of Him?
The Lord has bodied Himself forth secretly; and if I visit Him, everyone will know who
He is. In akaras heart there was a great tumult; Sat, however, had no inkling of this
secret. His mind, says Tulasdsa, apprehended lest the secret might be disclosed while
the temptation of obtaining a sight of the Lord made His eyes wistful. (48 A-B)
r rr ff t- rr+
f rs ; farr a fr= a rr+ {+
f ff r ;r at r; tr+
t- t rtf nr s aa r; nr+ +
f t t rs a ffa at+
n f fa f r r>r f r+ -+
f f ; rrr; ra ff fa rs r;+
rn frn r r n f ar+ +
Cau.: rvana marana manuja kara jc, prabhu bidhi bacanu knha caha sc.
jau nahi

ju rahai pachitv, karata bicru na banata banv.1.

ehi bidhi bhae socabasa s, teh samaya ji dasass.
lnha nca mrcahi sag, bhayau turata soi kapaa kurag.2.
kari chalu muRha har baideh, prabhu prabhu tasa bidita na teh.
mga badhi badhu sahita hari e, ramu dekhi nayana jala che.3.
biraha bikala nara iva raghur, khojata bipina phirata dou bh.
kabahu

joga biyoga na jke

.
, dekh pragaa biraha dukhu tke .4.
Rvaa (the demon king of Lak) had sought from Brahm the boon of death
at the hands of a human foe; and the Lord would have the words of Brahm come true.
If I do not go to meet Him, I shall ever regret it. iva pondered, but found no solution
to the puzzle. The Lord was thus lost in a reverie. Meanwhile the vile Rvaa (who had
no less than ten heads) took with him the demon Mrca, who forthwith assumed the

*
BLA-K NA
*
61
illusory form of a deer. The fool (Rvaa) carried off king Videhas daughter (St) by
fraud; the Lords real might was not known to him. Having killed the antelope r Hari
returned with His brother (Lakmaa) ; and His eyes were filled with tears when He saw
the empty hermitage. The Lord of Raghus felt distressed at the loss like a mortal man,
and the two brothers roamed about in the woods in search of Her. He who knows neither
union nor separation showed unmistakable signs of grief born of separation. (14)
fa ffr rrfa fa rf r
fa fr z f r+ +
Do.: ati bicitra raghupati carita jnahi

parama sujna,
je matimada bimoha basa hdaya dharahi

kachu na.49.
Exceedingly mysterious are the ways of the Lord of Raghus; the supremely wise
alone can comprehend them. The dull-witted in their height of folly imagine something
quite different. (49)
af rf r sr f fa fr+
f r ff frt rf tf- f-rt+ {+
frr n r f s r r+
ra f at ar f f a rfar+ +
at r r t s sr ft+
= nau ntr f ra tr+ -+
fa- af t- rr f frr rr+
n f ar frt tfa s fa rt+ +
Cau.: sabhu samaya tehi rmahi dekh, upaj hiya

ati harau bise.
bhari locana chabisidhu nihr, kusamaya jni na knhi cinhr.1.
jaya saccidnada jaga pvana, asa kahi caleu manoja nasvana.
cale jta siva sat samet, puni puni pulakata kpniket.2.
sat

so das sabhu kai dekh, ura upaj sadehu bise.

sakaru jagatabadya jagads, sura nara muni saba nvata ss.3.
tinha npasutahi knha paranm, kahi saccidnada paradhm.
bhae magana chabi tsu bilok, ajahu

prti ura rahati na rok.4.
On that very occasion ambhu saw r Rma and excessive joy of an
extraordinary type welled up in His heart. He feasted His eyes on that Ocean of
Beauty; but He did not disclose His identity as He knew it was no appropriate
occasion for the same. The Destroyer of Cupid, iva, passed on exclaiming Glory to
the Redeemer of the universe, who is all Truth, Consciousness and Bliss! As iva
went on His way with Sat, the all-merciful Lord was repeatedly thrilled with joy. When
Sat beheld ambhu in this state, a grave doubt arose in Her mind: akara is a Lord
of the universe Himself, and deserves universal adoration; gods, men and sages all
bow their head to Him. Yet He made obeisance to this prince, referring to him as the
Supreme Being who is all Truth, Consciousness and Bliss. He was enraptured to
behold his beauty and felt an upsurge of emotion in His heart, which He is unable to
control even to this moment! (14)

62
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
zr r r f t
r f f r; rf ra + ~+
Do.: brahma jo bypaka biraja aja akala anha abheda,
so ki deha dhari hoi nara jhi na jnata beda.50.
The Supreme Eternal, which is all-pervading, unbegotten, without parts, free from
desire, beyond My and beyond all distinction and which not even the Vedas can
comprehendcan It assume the shape of a man? (50)
fr r fa a rt rs r frrt+
r; r f ; rt rr >rtfa rt+ {+
fnr f r r; f r r;+
s rr r; z r rr+ +
uf n s rt art rt+
f at a rf r f s r+ -+
r r ff nr; nfa r ff r;+
r; ;y rrtr a rf r f tr+ +
Cau.: binu jo sura hita naratanu dhr, sou sarbagya jath tripurr.
khojai so ki agya iva nr, gynadhma rpati asurr.1.
sabhugir puni m na ho, siva sarbagya jna sabu ko.
asa sasaya mana bhayau apr, hoi na hdaya

prabodha pracr.2.
jadyapi pragaa na kaheu bhavn, hara atarajm saba jn.
sunahi sat tava nri subh u, sasaya asa na dharia ura ku.3.
jsu kath kubhaja rii g, bhagati jsu mai

munihi sun.
soi mama iadeva raghubr, sevata jhi sad muni dhr.4.
Even Viu Who takes a human form for the sake of gods, is omniscient like the
Slayer of Tripura, iva. Can He wander in search of His Consort like an ignorant man
He who is a repository of knowledge, the Lord of r (the goddess of prosperity) and the
slayer of demons? The words of ambhu too cannot be false. Everyone knows that He
is all-wise. Thus Her mind was filled with an interminable series of doubts; Her heart
could not be pacified by any means. Although Bhavn (Goddess Prvat) did not open
Her lips, Lord Hara, Who is the inner controller of all, came to know everything. Look
here, Sat, the woman is foremost in you; you should never harbour such a doubt in your
mind. He is no other than Rma, the Hero of Raghus race, My beloved Deity, whose
story was sung by the jar-born sage Agastya, faith in whom was the subject of the talk
I gave to him and whom illumined sages ever wait upon. (14)
f t rnt fq aa f f rt
f fa fn r rn r tfa nrt+
r; r r zr fr fa rr t
as na fa far fa rrt+

*
BLA-K NA
*
63
Cha.:muni dhra jog siddha satata bimala mana jehi dhyvah

,
kahi neti nigama purna gama jsu krati gvah

.
soi rmu bypaka brahma bhuvana nikya pati my dhan,
avatareu apane bhagata hita nijatatra nita raghukulaman.
He who has bodied Himself forth as the Jewel of Raghus race for the sake of
His devotees is no other than the Supreme Eternal, who is all-pervading and ever free,
who is the Ruler of all the worlds and the Lord of My, whom illumined sages, Yogs
(mystics) and Siddhas (adepts) constantly meditate upon with their sinless mind and
whose glory is sung by the Vedas as well as the Puras and other scriptures in
negative terms as not this.
rn s s f s f r
r ff frr rf f+ ~{+
So.: lga na ura upadesu jadapi kaheu siva bra bahu,
bole bihasi mahesu harimy balu jni jiya .51.
Although Lord iva repeated this time after time, His exhortation made no
impression on the heart of Sat. Then the great Lord iva smilingly said, realizing in His
heart the potency of r Haris My: (51)
ar fa a f r; tr +
a fn s rt fn ar rf rt+ {+
r; r rt r a f frt+
t at f r r; f fr= r r;+ +
;r rr -ar f rrr+
r rt ff fta r; rt + -+
r;f r; r r f rr r f a r rr+
f n frr n; at rr+ +
Cau.: jau tumhare mana ati sadeh u, tau kina ji parch leh u.
taba lagi baiha ahau baachh

, jaba lagi tumha aihahu mohi ph

.1.
jaise ji moha bhrama bhr, karehu so jatanu bibeka bicr.
cal

sat siva yasu p, karahi

bicru karau k bh.2.

ih

sabhu asa mana anumn, dacchasut kahu nahi

kalyn.
morehu kahe na sasaya jh

, bidhi biparta bhal nh

.3.
hoihi soi jo rma raci rkh, ko kari tarka baRhvai skh.
asa kahi lage japana harinm, ga

sat jah~ a
.
prabhu sukhadhm.4.
If you have a grave doubt in your mind, why not go and verify the thing? I shall
be waiting in the shade of this banyan tree till you come back to Me. Using your critical
judgment you should resort to some device whereby the stupendous error born of your
ignorance may be rectified. Thus obtaining leave of iva, Sat proceeded on Her
mission. She racked Her brains to find out what step She should take (in order to test
the divinity of Rma). On this side iva came to the conclusion that mischief was in store
for Dakas daughter (Sat). When her doubt did not yield even to My assurances, He

64
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
said to Himself, it seems the stars are unpropitious to her and no good-will come out
of it. After all, whatever r Rma has willed must come to pass; why should one add
to the complication by indulging in further speculation? So saying, Lord iva began to
mutter the name of r Hari; while Sat proceeded to the spot where the all-blissful Lord
(r Rma) was. (14)
f f z fr= f f tar =
rn r; f af f ra + ~+
Do.: puni puni hdaya bicru kari dhari st kara rupa,
ge hoi cali patha tehi

jehi

vata narabhupa.52.
After many an anxious thought Sat assumed the form of St and moved ahead
on the same route along which the Ruler of men (r Rma) was passing. (52)
f t sra r fa z fr+
f a fa ntr rs ra fatr+ {+
at rs trt t art+
fa rf f; rr r; r nrr+ +
at t- a r rf r r+
f rr z rt r ff r rt+ -+
rf rf t- r far a t- f r+
s rf r a ff f f f a+ +
Cau.: lachimana dkha umkta be, cakita bhae bhrama hdaya

bise.
kahi na sakata kachu ati gabhr, prabhu prabhu jnata matidhr.1.
sat kapau jneu surasvm, sabadaras saba atarajm.
sumirata jhi miai agyn, soi sarabagya rmu bhagavn.2.
sat knha caha taha hu dur u, dekhahu nri subhva prabhu.
nija my balu hdaya bakhn, bole bihasi rmu mdu bn.3.
jori pni prabhu knha pranmu, pit sameta lnha nija nm u.
kaheu bahori kah

baket u, bipina akeli phirahu kehi het u.4.

When Lakmaa saw Um (Sat) in Her disguise, he was astonished and much
puzzled. He was tongue-tied and looked very grave; the sagacious brother was
acquainted with the Lords glory. All-perceiving and the inner controller of all, the lord of
gods, r Rma, took no time in detecting the false appearance of Sat, Rma was the
same omniscient Lord whose very thought wipes out ignorance. Sat sought to practise
deception even on Him: see how deep-rooted the nature of a woman is! Extolling in His
heart the potency of His My (delusive power), r Rma smilingly accosted Her in a
mild tone. Joining the palms of His hands, He first made obeisance to Her mentioning
His name alongwith His fathers. He then asked Her the whereabouts of Lord iva (who
has a bull emblazoned on His standard) and wondered what made Her roam about all
alone in the forest. (14)
r n f sr fa r
at ta f t z z r+ ~-+

*
BLA-K NA
*
65
Do.: rma bacana mdu guRha suni upaj ati sakocu,
sat sabhta mahesa pahi

cal

hdaya baRa socu.53.

Sat felt very uncomfortable when She heard these soft yet significant words of
Rma. She turned towards the great Lord iva with a feeling of awe and much dejected
at heart. (53)
r rr f r r rr+
r; sa= s rr s sr fa r= rr+ {+
rr r at rr f rs nf rr+
at t a n rar rn r fa >rt rar+ +
ff far r r fa f r+
faf a rtr f fq t tr+ -+
f ff fr r fa rs a r+
a a r ff r+ +
Cau.: mai

sakara kara kah na mn, nija agynu rma para n.

ji utaru aba dehau kh, ura upaj ati druna dh.1.
jn rma sat

dukhu pv, nija prabhu kachu pragai janv.

sat

dkha kautuku maga jt, ge rmu sahita r bhrt.2.

phiri citav pche prabhu dekh, sahita badhu siya sudara be.
jaha citavahi

taha prabhu sn, sevahi

siddha munsa prabn.3.

dekhe siva bidhi binu anek, amita prabhu eka te ek.
badata carana karata prabhu sev, bibidha bea dekhe saba dev.4.
I heeded not the word of akara and imposed My own ignorance on Rma.
What reply shall I give to my lord now? The agony of Her heart was most terrible. r
Rma perceived that Sat had got vexed; He, therefore, revealed to Her a part of His
glory. As She went on Her way Sat beheld a strange phenomenon. Rma was going
ahead of Her alongwith His Consort, St, and His younger brother, Lakmaa. She
looked back and there too She saw the Lord with His brother and St in an attractive
garb. Whichever way She turned Her eyes, there was the Lord enthroned with the
Siddhas (adepts) and illumined sages ministering to Him. Sat saw more than one sets
of iva, Brahm and Viu, each set possessing a glory infinitely greater than that of the
others. She also beheld a whole host of gods bowing at the Lords feet and waiting upon
Him in their different garbs. (14)
at frrt ;fr t fa
f f rf af af a =+ ~+
Do.: sat bidhtr idir dekh

amita anupa,
jehi

jehi

bea ajdi sura tehi tehi tana anurupa.54.

She further perceived innumerable Sats (consorts of iva), consorts of Brahm
and Lakms (consorts of Viu), all peerless in beauty. They conformed in their
appearance to the garb in which Brahm and the other gods appeared. (54)
a rrfa a f+- fa aa+
t r r rr rr+ {+

66
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
f f r r = f r+
r rrfa a tar fa rr+ +
r; rr r; f tar f at fa ; tar+
z a f rt f t n rt+ -+
f frs srrrt t a -rt+
f f r; r tr t ar fntr+ +
Cau.: dekhe jaha

taha

raghupati jete, saktinha sahita sakala sura tete.
jva carcara jo sasr, dekhe sakala aneka prakr.1.
pujahi

prabhuhi deva bahu be, rma r upa d usara nahi

dekh.
avaloke raghupati bahutere, st sahita na bea ghanere.2.
soi raghubara soi lachimanu st, dekhi sat ati bha

sabht.
hdaya kapa tana sudhi kachu nh

, nayana mudi baih

maga mh

.3.
bahuri bilokeu nayana ughr, kachu na dkha taha

dacchakumr.
puni puni ni rma pada ss, cal

tah

jaha rahe girs.4.

Each separate vision of Rma was attended by a whole host of gods with their
feminine counterparts, as well as by the whole animate and inanimate creation with its
multitudinous species. But while the gods who adored the Lord appeared in diverse
garbs, the appearance of r Rma was the same in every case. Although She saw
many Rmas with as many Sts, their garb did not vary. Seeing the same Rma, the
same Lakmaa and the same St, Sat was struck with great awe.Her heart quivered,
and She lost all consciousness of Her body. Closing Her eyes she sat down on the
wayside. When She opened Her eyes and gazed once more, the daughter of Daka saw
nothing there. Repeatedly bowing Her head at the feet of r Rma, She proceeded to
the spot where the Lord of Kailsa was. (14)
n; t a f t ra
tf- tr ff - ra+ ~~+
Do.: ga

sampa mahesa taba ha si puch kusalta,

lnhi parch kavana bidhi kahahu satya saba bta.55.
When She came near, Lord iva smilingly inquired if all was well with Her and then
said, Tell me now the whole truth, how did you test r Rma? (55)
[PAUSE 2 FOR A THIRTY-DAY RECITATION]
at fr rrt r f t- r+
tr tf- nrr; t- r arrff r;+ {+
r ar r r r r; r atfa fa r;+
a s f rr at r t- fa rr+ +
f rrf f= rr f faf f r rr+
f ;-r rt rr z fra rr+ -+
at t- tar r f s s fr fr+
s at tat f; nfa r; tat+ +

*
BLA-K NA
*
67
Cau.: sat

samujhi raghubra prabh u, bhaya basa siva sana knha duru.

kachu na parch lnhi gos

, knha pranmu tumhrihi n

.1.
jo tumha kah so m na ho, more mana pratti ati so.
taba sakara dekheu dhari dhyn, sat

jo knha carita sabu jn.2.

bahuri rmamyahi siru nv, preri satihi jehi

jh u

ha kahv.
hari icch bhv balavn, hdaya

bicrata sabhu sujn.3.
sat

knha st kara be, siva ura bhayau bida bise.

jau aba karau sat sana prt, miai bhagati pathu hoi ant.4.
Having realized the greatness of the Hero of Raghus race, Sat in Her awe
concealed the truth from iva. I made no test my Lord; I made obeisance just like You.
What You said cannot be untrue; I am fully convinced in my heart. Lord akara then
looked within by contemplation and came to know all that Sat had done. Again, He
bowed His head to the delusive power of r Rma, that had prompted Sat to tell a lie.
What has been preordained by the will of r Hari must have its way, the all-wise
ambhu thought within Himself. Sat had assumed the disguise of St: this made iva
much disconsolate at heart. If I continue to love Sat as heretofore, the cult of Devotion
will disappear and it will be indecorous on My part to do so. (14)
ta r; af f z r
nf a z f ar+ ~+
Do.: parama punta na ji taji kie prema baRa ppu,
pragai na kahata mahesu kachu hdaya

adhika satpu.56.
Sat is too chaste to be abandoned, and it is a great sin to love her any more as
a wife. The great Lord iva uttered not a word aloud, although there was great agony
in His heart. (56)
a f= rr fa r z rr+
f a faf rf rt f r t- rt+ {+
frf = fatr fa rrtr+
a nn fnr r; f nfa r;+ +
ar f ; r rr rna nrr+
f fnr at s rr r ff a rr+ -+
t- rr -r trr+
f at r r at af s fr rrat+ +
Cau.: taba sakara prabhu pada siru nv, sumirata rmu hdaya asa v.
ehi

tana satihi bhea mohi nh

, siva sakalpu knha mana mh

.1.
asa bicri sakaru matidhr, cale bhavana sumirata raghubr.
calata gagana bhai gir suh, jaya mahesa bhali bhagati dRh.2.
asa pana tumha binu karai ko n, rmabhagata samaratha bhagavn.
suni nabhagir sat ura soc, p uch sivahi sameta sakoc.3.
knha kavana pana kahahu kpl, satyadhma prabhu dnadayl.
jadapi sat

puch bahu bh

t, tadapi na kaheu tripura rt.4.

68
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Then akara bowed His head at the feet of the Lord; and as soon as He invoked
r Rma the idea came to His mind that He should have no connection with Sat so long
as she continued to remain in that body. iva resolved accordingly and having so
resolved the stable-minded Lord akara proceeded towards His home (Mount Kailsa)
with His mind fixed on the Hero of Raghus race. Even as He stepped forward a
charming voice from heaven thundered forth. Glory to the great Lord iva, who has so
staunchly upheld the cause of Devotion. Who else than You can take such a vow? You
are a devotee of r Rma and the all-powerful Lord at the same time. Sat felt troubled
at heart when She heard the heavenly voice. She addressed iva in a faltering voice,
Tell me, O merciful Lord! what vow You have taken. You are an embodiment of Truth
and compassionate to the poor. Even though Sat inquired in ways more than one, the
Slayer of the demon Tripura, akara spoke not a word. (14)
at z r f rs
t- rf z + ~ (+
Do.: sat

hdaya

anumna kiya sabu jneu sarbagya,
knha kapau mai

sabhu sana nri sahaja jaRa agya.57(A).

Sat concluded that the omniscient Lord had come to know everything and felt
sorry that She had tried to deceive ambhu. The woman is silly and stupid by nature,
She realized. (57A)
f fr; tfa f tfa f
fn r; r; r; a f+ ~ (+
So.: jalu paya sarisa biki dekhahu prti ki rti bhali,
bilaga hoi rasu ji kapaa kha parata puni.57(B).
Even water (when mixed with milk) sells as milk; look at the unifying process of
love. The water, however, is separated from the milk and the taste also disappears the
moment a drop of acid is introduced into it in the form of a falsehood. (57B)
z r ra f t far fa r; f t+
rf f nrr n s r rr+ {+
= rf rt rf as z rt+
f rr fr f r; a; r ; s fr; + +
faf r rf a t r a+
a ff ;farr ftr rr+ -+
a f fr r a f r+
= rrr rfn rf z rr+ +
Cau.: hdaya

socu samujhata nija karan, cit amita ji nahi

baran.
kpsidhu siva parama agdh, pragaa na kaheu mora apardh.1.
sakara rukha avaloki bhavn, prabhu mohi tajeu hdaya

akuln.
nija agha samujhi na kachu kahi j, tapai av

iva ura adhik.2.

*
BLA-K NA
*
69
satihi sasoca jni baket u, kah

kath sudara sukha het u.

baranata patha bibidha itihs, bisvantha pahu ce kails.3.
taha puni sabhu samujhi pana pana, baihe baa tara kari kamalsana.
sakara sahaja sarupu samhr, lgi samdhi akhaa apr.4.
Sat felt perturbed in Her heart at the thought of what She had done; and the
extent of Her anxiety could neither be gauged nor described. She realized that Lord
iva is a supremely unfathomable ocean of mercy, hence He did not openly declare
Her fault. From the attitude of akara, however, She judged that the Lord had
abandoned Her, and felt disturbed in Her heart. Conscious of Her guilt She could not
utter a word of protest; but all the while Her heart smouldered like a furnace. Perceiving
the sad look of Sat, iva (who has a bull emblazoned on His standard) narrated
beautiful stories in order to divert Her mind. Relating various legends while on His way,
the Lord of the universe, iva, reached Kailsa. Then, recalling His vow, ambhu sat
down there under a banyan tree in the Yogic pose known as Padmsana (the pose of
a lotus). akara communed with His own Self and passed into an unbroken and
indefinitely long Samdhi (trance). (14)
at f r a f r rf
r r n f frf+ ~c+
Do.: sat basahi

kailsa taba adhika socu mana mhi

,
maramu na kou jna kachu juga sama divasa sirhi

.58.
Then Sat dwelt in Kailsa, Her mind grievously sorrowing. Nobody knew anything
about what was going on in Her mind; but the days hung heavy on Her like so many
Yugas or ages. (58)
fa r at s rr s rn rr+
r t- rrfa rr f fa r f rr+ {+
r rf frar t-r r sfa r r; t-r+
ff fr f art f frf rt+ +
f r; z nrt rf f rt+
tr rr rfa nrr+ -+
a f s rt s fn rt+
r f - a + +
Cau.: nita nava socu sat ura bhr, kaba jaihau dukha sgara pr.
mai

jo knha raghupati apamn, puni patibacanu m kari jn.1.

so phalu mohi bidht

dnh, jo kachu ucita rah soi knh.

aba bidhi asa bujhia nahi

toh, sakara bimukha jivasi moh.2.

kahi na ji kachu hdaya galn, mana mahu

rmahi sumira sayn.
jau prabhu dnadaylu kahv, rati harana beda jasu gv.3.
tau mai

binaya karau kara jor, ch uau begi deha yaha mor.

jau more siva carana saneh u, mana krama bacana satya bratu ehu.4.
The grief that preyed on Sats mind was ever new; for She did not know when She
would be able to cross the ocean of sorrow. I slighted the Lord of Raghus and again

70
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
took my husbands words to be untrue; Providence has repaid me for my sins and has
done only that which I deserved. Now, O God, it does not behove you that you should
make me survive even after alienating me from akara. The anguish of Her heart was
beyond words. The sane lady invoked the presence of Rma in Her heart and addressed
Him thus; If they refer to You as compassionate to the poor and if the Vedas have
glorified You as the dispeller of sorrow, I beseech with joined palms. O Lord, that I may
be speedily rid of this body of mine. If I have any devotion to the feet of iva and if I am
true to my vow in thought, word and deed (14)
a t f s r fn sr;
r; f ff >r ff-r fr;+ ~+
Do.: tau sabadaras sunia prabhu karau so begi upi,
hoi maranu jehi

binahi

rama dusaha bipatti bihi.59.

Then, O all-perceiving Lord, listen to me and speedily devise some plan whereby
I may die and be thus rid of this unbearable calamity without much exertion. (59)
f ff fa rt t r= rt+
ta a art at rf frt+ {+
r r f f rn rs at nafa rn+
r; t-r r t-r+ +
n fr rr - af rr+
r ff frf r -f t- rfa r+ -+
z fr - rr fa fr z a rr+
f rs r n rt ar r; rf rt + +
Cau.: ehi bidhi dukhita prajesakumr, akathanya druna dukhu bhr.
bte sabata sahasa sats, taj samdhi sabhu abins.1.
rma nma siva sumirana lge, jneu sat

jagatapati jge.
ji sabhu pada badanu knh, sanamukha sakara sanu dnh.2.
lage kahana harikath rasl, daccha prajesa bhae tehi kl.
dekh bidhi bicri saba lyaka, dacchahi knha prajpati nyaka.3.
baRa adhikra daccha jaba pv, ati abhimnu hdaya

taba v.
nahi

kou asa janam jaga mh

, prabhut pi jhi mada nh

.4.
The daughter of Daka, Sat, thus felt very miserable. Her deep agony was terrible
beyond words. When eighty-seven thousand years elapsed, the immortal ambhu
emerged from His trance. iva started repeating the name of Rma; then Sat came to
know that the Lord of the universe had come to the waking state. She went and bowed
at the feet of ambhu, akara gave Her a seat opposite Himself. He began to narrate
the delightful stories of r Hari. Meanwhile Daka (Sats father) had come to be the lord
of created beings. On careful consideration the Creator (Brahm) found Daka qualified
in everyway and appointed him as the supreme lord of created beings. When Daka
attained this high position, the pride of his heart knew no bounds. Never was a creature
born in this world, whom power did not intoxicate. (14)

*
BLA-K NA
*
71
- f f rf n z rn
a r ra rn+ +
Do.: daccha lie muni boli saba karana lage baRa jga,
nevate sdara sakala sura je pvata makha bhga.60.
Daka got together all the sages and they began to perform a big sacrifice. All
the gods who obtain a share of the oblations offered at a sacrifice were cordially invited
to attend. (60)
f rn fq nr - a r+
fr ff fr; r r;+ {+
at fr r frr ra ff rr+
t f nrr a >r f f rr+ +
s a f s rt far f rt+
rf r t f r; f t+ -+
fa f-rn z rt ; f r frt+
rt at r rt r rt+ +
Cau.: kinara nga siddha gadharb, badhunha sameta cale sura sarb.
binu biraci mahesu bih, cale sakala sura jna ban.1.
sat

biloke byoma bimn, jta cale sudara bidhi nn.

sura sudar karahi

kala gn, sunata ravana chuahi

muni dhyn.2.
pucheu taba siva kaheu bakhn, pit jagya suni kachu haran.
jau mahesu mohi yasu deh

, kachu dina ji rahau

misa eh

.3.
pati parityga hdaya dukhu bhr, kahai na nija apardha bicr.
bol sat manohara bn, bhaya sakoca prema rasa sn.4.
Kinnaras (a species of demigods), Ngas, Siddhas (a class of celestial beings)
and Gandharvas (celestial songsters) and the whole host of gods proceeded to the
sacrifice alongwith their wives. All the gods with the exception of Viu, Viraci (the
Creator) and the great Lord iva, set out in their aerial cars. Sat beheld beautiful aerial
cars of various patterns coursing through the air. Celestial damsels were singing
melodious strains, which intruded upon the ears of ascetics and broke their meditation.
When Sat inquired about the stir in the air, iva explained the whole thing. She was
somewhat delighted to hear of the sacrifice commenced by Her father and thought of
making it an excuse for staying a few days with Her father in case the great Lord iva
granted Her leave. Repudiation by Her lord tormented Her heart not a little; but conscious
of Her guilt She would not utter a word. At last Sat spoke in a charming voice tinged with
awe, misgiving and affection (14)
far s- r r;
a rs ra r r;+ {+
Do.: pit bhavana utsava parama jau prabhu yasu hoi,
tau mai

ju kpyatana sdara dekhana soi.61.

72
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
There is great rejoicing at my fathers house, O Lord. If You grant me leave, I
would fain go and see it, O storehouse of compassion. (61)
t r rr fa f a rr+
- f ar rr; ars fr;+ {+
zrr rr af a f rr+
f r r rt ; t rt+ +
f fr fa n nr r; f r r+
af fr r r; ar n rr r;+ -+
rfa rrr rt r s rr+
r r ff rr f f ra r r+ +
Cau.: kahehu nka morehu mana bhv, yaha anucita nahi

nevata pahv.
daccha sakala nija sut bol

, hamare bayara tumhau bisar

.1.
brahmasabh

hama sana dukhu mn, tehi te ajahu karahi

apamn.
jau binu bole jhu bhavn, rahai na slu sanehu na kn.2.
jadapi mitra prabhu pitu gura geh, jia binu bolehu na sa deh.
tadapi birodha mna jaha ko, tah

gae kalynu na ho.3.

bh

ti aneka sabhu samujhv, bhv basa na gynu ura v.

kaha prabhu jhu jo binahi

bole , nahi

bhali bta hamre bhe .4.

Lord iva replied, Your suggestion is good and has commended itself to Me as
well. But the anomaly is that Your father has sent no invitation to us. Daka has invited
all his other daughters; but because of the grudge he bears to us you too have been
ignored. In the court of Brahm he once took offence at our behaviour; that is why he
insults us even now. If you go there uninvited, Bhavn, all decorum, affection and honour
will be cast to the winds. It is no doubt true one should call on ones friend, master, father
or teacher without waiting for a formal invitation; yet where someone nurses a grudge
against you, you reap no good by going there. ambhu expostulated with Sat in so
many ways; but as fate had willed it wisdom would not dawn on Her. The Lord repeated
once more that if She went to Her fathers place uninvited. He anticipated no good results
from it. (14)
f r a ; -rf
f = n n a fr t- frrf+ +
Do.: kahi dekh hara jatana bahu rahai na dacchakumri,
die mukhya gana saga taba bid knha tripurri.62.
Having reasoned with Her in ways more than one when Hara at last perceived
that the daughter of Daka was not going to stay, the Slayer of Tripura detailed a few
of His principal attendants as Her escort and sent Her away. (62)
far n; rt - rr r rt+
r f ft rar fnt ft a rar+ {+
- t rar faf frf nrar+
at r; s a rnr a t rnr+ +

*
BLA-K NA
*
73
a fa s r r fr s +
rf z rr s r farr+ -+
uf n r= rr a f rfa rr+
fr r faf s fa rr ff t t- rr+ +
Cau.: pit bhavana jaba ga

bhavn, daccha trsa khu

na sanamn.
sdara bhalehi

mil eka mt, bhagin

mil

bahuta musukt.1.
daccha na kachu puch kusalt, satihi biloki jare saba gt.
sat

ji dekheu taba jg, katahu na dkha sabhu kara bhg.2.

taba cita caRheu jo sakara kahe u, prabhu apamnu samujhi ura daheu.
pchila dukhu na hdaya asa byp, jasa yaha bhayau mah paritp.3.
jadyapi jaga druna dukha nn, saba te kahina jti avamn.
samujhi so satihi bhayau ati krodh, bahu bidhi janan

knha prabodh.4.
When Bhavn (etymologically, the Consort of Bhava, an epithet of iva) reached
Her fathers house, no one greeted Her for fear of incurring Dakas displeasure. Her
mother was the solitary figure who met Her kindly. Her sisters received Her with profuse
smiles. Daka would not even inquire about Her health; he burnt all over with rage at
the very sight of Sat. Sat then went to have a look at the sacrifice; but nowhere did She
find any share of oblations set apart for ambhu.Then did She realize the force of
akaras warning; Her heart burnt within Her at the thought of the insult offered to Her
lord.The former grief (that of repudiation by Her lord) did not torment Her heart so much
as the great agony She now felt (as a result of the insult offered to Her husband).
Although there are terrible agonies of various kinds in this world, the insult offered to
ones own people is the most painful of them all. The thought of the same made Sat
furious. Her mother tried to pacify Her in many ways. (14)
f r r; f z r; r
f f f a rt r+ -+
Do.: siva apamnu na ji sahi hdaya na hoi prabodha,
sakala sabhahi hahi haaki taba bol

bacana sakrodha.63.
The insult to iva was something unbearable; Her heart could not, therefore,
be pacified. Then, sharply reproaching the whole assembly, She spoke in angry
accents: (63)
r fr t t f- fr+
r aa r t rfa far far+ {+
a >rtfa rr f r a f rr+
rf ar t r r; >r f a f r;+ +
nrar rt na fart+
far fa fa at - t+ -+
afs aa af a s f f a+
f rn fnf a rr s rrrr+ +

74
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Cau.: sunahu sabhsada sakala munid, kah sun jinha sakara nid.
so phalu turata lahaba saba kh u

, bhal bh

ti pachitba pithu

.1.
sata sabhu rpati apabd, sunia jah

taha asi marajd.

kia tsu jbha jo bas, ravana m udi na ta calia par.2.
jagadtam mahesu purr, jagata janaka saba ke hitakr.
pit madamati nidata teh, daccha sukra sabhava yaha deh.3.
tajihau turata deha tehi het u, ura dhari cadramauli baket u.
asa kahi joga agini tanu jr, bhayau sakala makha hhkr.4.
Hear ye elders of the assembly and all great sages! All of you who have reviled
akara or heard Him reviled must forthwith reap the fruit of your sin and My father
too shall fully repent. Wherever you hear a saint, ambhu or Viu (the Lord of Lakm)
vilified, the rule is that if it lies within your power you should tear out the tongue of the
reviler or you should run away closing your ears. The Slayer of Tripura, the great Lord
iva, is the universal Spirit; He is the father of the universe and is beneficent to all. It
is Him that my stupid father vilifies; and this body of Mine has sprung from the loins
of Daka. Therefore, installing in My heart Lord iva, who bears the moon on His
forehead and a bull as His emblem, I shall immediately quit this body. As She spoke
thus She burnt Her body with the fire of Yoga.* A plaintive cry rose from the whole
assembly. (14)
at f n n t
f frf n -r tf- t+ +
Do.: sat maranu suni sabhu gana lage karana makha khsa,
jagya bidhasa biloki bhgu racch knhi munsa.64.
Hearing of Sats death, the attendants of ambhu began to destroy the sacrifice.
Seeing the sacrifice being destroyed, the great sage Bhgu protected it. (64)
rr r t f r r+
f r; fa- t-r - ffa t-r+ {+
nffa - nfa r; f f r;+
;far n rt ara rt+ +
at a f = rnr f rnr+
af r ffnf n r; t rat a r;+ -+
a sr n r; ffq fa a r;+
a f- r>r t- sfa r f t-+ +
Cau.: samcra saba sakara pe, brabhadru kari kopa pahe.
jagya bidhasa ji tinha knh, sakala suranha bidhivata phalu dnh.1.
bhai jagabidita daccha gati so, jasi kachu sabhu bimukha kai ho.
yaha itihsa sakala jaga jn, tte mai

sachepa bakhn.2.
sat

marata hari sana baru mg, janama janama siva pada anurg.
tehi krana himagiri gha j, janam

prabat tanu p.3.

jaba te um saila gha j

, sakala siddhi sapati taha ch

.
jaha

taha

muninha surama knhe, ucita bsa hima bh udhara dnhe.4.
* Fire produced by Yogs through the friction of the vital airs within the body.

*
BLA-K NA
*
75
akara got all the news and in His wrath He sent Vrabhadra. Going there the
latter made havoc of the sacrifice and requited all the gods according to their deserts.
As is well-known to the world, Daka met the same fate which an opponent of ambhu
generally meets. The story is known throughout the world; that is why I have told it in
brief. While dying, Sat asked a boon of r Hari that She might remain devoted to the
feet of iva in all successive births.That is why She was reborn as Prvat (lit.,daughter
of a mountain) in the house of Himcala (the deity presiding over the Himlaya
mountain). Ever since Um was born in the house of Himlaya the mountain became an
abode of all blessings and prosperity. Sages built beautiful hermitages here and there
and Himlaya assigned them suitable abodes (in the form of caves etc.). (14)
r fa rr rfa
nt f r rfa+ ~+
Do.: sad sumana phala sahita saba druma nava nn jti,
praga

sudara saila para mani kara bahu bh

ti.65.
Young trees of different varieties were endowed with never failing blossoms and
fruits, and mines of jewels of various kinds appeared on the beautiful mountain. (65)
far ta t n n t t+
= t- -rnr fnf f rnr+ {+
r fnfr n r ff rnfa r+
fa a n n ar zrrf nrf r+ +
r rr r at fnf n fr+
r z r t-r rf r t-r+ -+
rf fa f f= rr f frr+
f r a fnf r ar rf t f r+ +
Cau.: sarit saba punta jalu bahah

, khaga mga madhupa sukh saba rahah

.
sahaja bayaru saba jvanha tyg, giri para sakala karahi

anurg.1.
soha saila girij gha e , jimi janu rmabhagati ke pe .
nita nutana magala gha ts u, brahmdika gvahi

jasu jsu.2.
nrada samcra saba pe, kautukah

giri geha sidhe.

sailarja baRa dara knh, pada pakhri bara sanu dnh.3.
nri sahita muni pada siru nv, carana salila sabu bhavanu si

cv.
nija saubhgya bahuta giri baran, sut boli mel muni caran.4.
All the rivers bore holy waters; birds, beasts and bees, all rejoiced. All animals
gave up their natural antipathies and all those who dwelt on the mountain loved one
another. With the advent of Girij (a synonym of Prvat) the mountain (Himlaya) wore
a cheerful look even as devotion to r Rma lights up the face of a devotee. Everyday
brought a new delight to the house of Himcala, whose glory was sung even by great
gods like Brahm (the Creator). Receiving all the news Nrada eagerly went to the
house of Himcala. The king of mountains (the presiding deity of the Himlayas),
received him with great honour; washing the sages feet he led him to a beautiful seat.
He bowed his head at the sages feet alongwith his wife and had his whole mansion

76
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
sprinkled with the water hallowed by his feet. Himcala extolled his own good luck and,
summoning his daughter, placed her at the sages feet. (14)
frr ar nfa r arrf
ar r n f z frf+ +
Do.: triklagya sarbagya tumha gati sarbatra tumhri,
kahahu sut ke doa guna munibara hdaya bicri.66.
You know everything, including the past, present and future, and have access
everywhere. Therefore, O good sage, tell me what is good and what is bad about my
daughter after a mature consideration. (66)
f ff n rt ar arrf n rt+
t rt r sr fr rt+ {+
- r rt r;f aa ff frt+
r f frar f a f fa rar+ +
r;f n rt f a rt +
f r ff rr fr ff faa frr+ -+
- ar arrt n ; rt+
n r ra fa tr srt tr+ +
Cau.: kaha muni bihasi guRha mdu bn, sut tumhri sakala guna khn.
sudara sahaja susla sayn, nma um abik bhavn.1.
saba lacchana sapanna kumr, hoihi satata piyahi pir.
sad acala ehi kara ahivt, ehi te jasu paihahi

pitu mt.2.
hoihi pujya sakala jaga mh

, ehi sevata kachu durlabha nh

.
ehi kara nmu sumiri sasr, triya caRhihahi

patibrata asidhr.3.
saila sulacchana sut tumhr, sunahu je aba avaguna dui cr.
aguna amna mtu pitu hn, udsna saba sasaya chn.4.
The sage smilingly replied in the following soft yet significant words: Your
daughter is a mine of all virtuespretty, amiable and intelligent by nature. She will be
called Um, Ambik (lit., mother) and Bhavn. Adorned with all good traits, the girl shall
win the unfailing love of her husband.She shall remain ever united with her lord and bring
glory to her parents. She shall command the respect of the whole universe; he who waits
upon her shall lack nothing. By the mere thought of her name women in this world shall
be enabled to tread the path of fidelity to their lord, which is sharp as the edge of a sword.
Your daughter, O Himlaya, is endowed with auspicious marks. Hear now the few
drawbacks she possesses. Devoid of merits, free from pride, without father or mother,
unconcerned and free from doubts (14)
rnt f r n n
trt f fff t ta f + +
Do.: jog jaila akma mana nagana amagala bea,
asa svm ehi kaha milihi par hasta asi rekha.67.

*
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*
77
An ascetic with matted hair and a heart devoid of longing, stark naked and with
hideous accoutrementssuch a one shall be her lord, as I can read from the lines on
her palm. (67)
f f fnr - f rt faf sr rt+
r rr r r fnrr+ {+
t fnfr fnf r t r+
r; r ff rr sr r z f rr+ +
ss f f f r +
rf = tfa r; t sn t f r;+ -+
rf r; ff rt rf fa t rt+
s f t ; fnfr r r f sr+ +
Cau.: suni muni gir satya jiya jn, dukha dapatihi um haran.
nradah u

yaha bhedu na jn, das eka samujhaba bilagn.1.

sakala sakh

girij giri main, pulaka sarra bhare jala nain.

hoi na m devarii bh, um so bacanu hdaya

dhari rkh.2.
upajeu siva pada kamala saneh u, milana kahina mana bh sadehu.
jni kuavasaru prti dur, sakh ucha ga baih puni j.3.
jhuhi na hoi devarii bn, socahi

dapati sakh

sayn.
ura dhari dhra kahai giriru, kahahu ntha k karia upu.4.
Hearing the words of the sage and believing them to be true, Himlaya and his
wife became disconsolate; while Um felt delighted. Even Nrada could not perceive this
difference. Even though their outer expression was the same, their feeling was different,
Girij and all her playmates, Himlaya and his wife, Men, all had their hair standing on
their end and their eyes were full of tears. The words of the celestial sage Nrada could
not be untrue: Um cherished them in her heart. Love for the lotus feet of iva sprouted
in her heart. She however, felt diffident in her mind; union with iva appeared so difficult
to her. Finding the time inopportune for its disclosure, she concealed her emotion and
then sat down in the lap of one of her playmates.The prediction of the sage could not be
false: the thought made Himavn and his wife as well as the senior playmates anxious.
Collecting himself, the lord of mountains said, Tell me, holy sir, what remedy should now
be employed? (14)
t fa r ff fr fr
rn f rs fr+ c+
Do.: kaha munsa himavata sunu jo bidhi likh lilra,
deva danuja nara nga muni kou na meanihra.68.
The chief of sages, Nrada, replied: Hear, O Himavn; whatever has been
decreed by Fate no one can undonot even gods, demons, human beings, Ngas or
sages. (68)
af s sr; r; s r;+
= s ar rt fff sf a rt+ {+

78
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
r r a f f r+
fr r; rs n r;+ +
f f t fa- r t+
r r rt fa- a rs rt+ -+
= f ; f rs ta ;+
f r nrr; f r f t r; + +
Cau.: tadapi eka mai

kahau up, hoi karai jau daiu sah.

jasa baru mai

baraneu tumha ph

, milihi umahi tasa sasaya nh

.1.
je je bara ke doa bakhne, te saba siva pahi

mai

anumne.
jau bibhu sakara sana ho, doau guna sama kaha sabu ko.2.
jau ahi seja sayana hari karah

, budha kachu tinha kara dou na dharah

.
bhnu ksnu sarba rasa khh

, tinha kaha

mada kahata kou nh

.3.
subha aru asubha salila saba baha, surasari kou apunta na kaha.
samaratha kahu nahi

dou gos

, rabi pvaka surasari k n

.4.
Nevertheless I tell you one remedy: this may avail if Heaven helps you. Um will
undoubtedly get such a husband as I have described to you. But whatever demerits I
have shown in her bridegroom exist in iva so far as I can guess. If her marriage takes
place with akara, everyone will call the demerits as good as virtues. Even though r
Hari uses the serpent-god ea as His couch and sleeps thereon, the wise do not blame
Him for the same. Even so the sun and fire absorb moisture in all forms, but no one calls
them names. Again, water of every description, pure as well as impure, flows into the
Gag; yet no one calls the heavenly stream impure. Even like the sun, fire and the
Gag, the mighty incur no blame. (14)
ffr f z f fr
f f t f ; r+ +
Do.: jau asa hisi karahi

nara jaRa bibeka abhimna,

parahi

kalapa bhari naraka mahu jva ki sa samna.69.

If in their pride of wisdom foolish men emulate the great, they are cast into
hell for a whole Kalpa or life-time of the universe. Can an embodied soul vie with
God? (69)
f a r=f rr a f af rr+
f f r r ; tf a= a+ {+
nrr f fr ff rrr+
rr f rar f f + +
a rf arrt rfs f f frrt+
uf n rt f f af rt+ -+
r arfa rf +
;f-a f f r f rf rn r+ +

*
BLA-K NA
*
79
Cau.: surasari jala kta bruni jn, kabahu na sata karahi

tehi pn.
surasari mile so pvana jaise , sa ansahi ataru taise .1.
sabhu sahaja samaratha bhagavn, ehi bibha saba bidhi kalyn.
durrdhya pai ahahi

mahes u, sutoa puni kie kalesu.2.

jau tapu karai kumri tumhr, bhviu mei sakahi

tripurr.
jadyapi bara aneka jaga mh

, ehi kaha siva taji d usara nh

.3.
bara dyaka pranatrati bhajana, kpsidhu sevaka mana rajana.
icchita phala binu siva avardhe , lahia na koi joga japa sdhe .4.
Holy men would never drink wine even if they came to know that it had been
made of water from the Gag; but the same wine becomes pure when it is poured into
the Gag. The difference between an individual soul and God should be similarly
explained. ambhu is all-powerful by nature; for He is no other than God Himself. Hence
matrimony with Him will prove auspicious in everyway. The great Lord iva is certainly
difficult to propitiate; but He is quickly pleased when penance is undergone. If your
daughter practises austerity, the Slayer of the demon Tripura, iva, can even erase the
lines of Fate. Even though there may be many a suitor in the world, there is no match
for her except iva. He is the bestower of boons, the dispeller of the agony of the
suppliant, an ocean of benevolence and the delight of His devotee. Without propitiating
iva the object of ones desire cannot be attained through millions of Yogic practices and
Japa (repetitions of a mystic formula). (14)
f r ff f fnff tf- t
r;f rr a fnt+ +
Do.: asa kahi nrada sumiri hari girijahi dnhi assa,
hoihi yaha kalyna aba sasaya tajahu girsa.70.
So saying and with his thoughts fixed on r Hari, Nrada gave his blessings to
Girij and said, Shed all fear, O lord of mountains; all will now turn out well. (70)
f zr f n rfn fa +
faf ra r; r r r f r+ {+
rr= = r; r f fr ar =r+
a -r = s rt a sr rfrt+ +
fff = fnff rn fnf z ff rn+
r; frf fa fr f rf r; s r+ -+
f t f tr r fa fntr+
= r n f rt r -r rt + +
Cau.: kahi asa brahmabhavana muni gaya u, gila carita sunahu jasa bhaya u.
patihi ekta pi kaha main, ntha na mai

samujhe muni bain.1.

jau gharu baru kulu hoi an up, karia bibhu sut anur up.
na ta kany baru rahau kur, kata um mama prnapir.2.
jau na milihi baru girijahi jogu, giri jaRa sahaja kahihi sabu logu.
soi bicari pati karehu bibhu, jehi

na bahori hoi ura dh u.3.

asa kahi par carana dhari ss, bole sahita saneha girs.
baru pvaka pragaai sasi mh

, nrada bacanu anyath nh

.4.

80
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Having spoken thus, the sage returned to the abode of Brahm (the Creator). Now
hear the end of the story how it came about. Finding her husband alone, Men
(Himlayas wife) said to him, My lord, I could not follow the words of the sage. If the
match, his house and his pedigree are without parallel and worthy of our daughter, the
marriage may be concluded. If not, the girl had better remain unmarried; for, my lord,
Um is dear to me as my own life. If we fail to secure a match worthy of Girij, everyone
will say Himlaya is dull by nature. Keep this in mind, my lord, while concluding an
alliance, so that there may be no cause for repentance. Having spoken these words
Men laid herself prostrate with her head at the feet of her lord. The lord of mountains,
Himlaya, replied in endearing terms, Sooner shall the moon emit flames of fire than the
prophecy of Nrada should prove untrue. (14)
fr r f f >rtnr
rfaf fs f r; ff rr+ {+
Do.: priy socu pariharahu sabu sumirahu rbhagavna,
prabatihi niramayau jehi

soi karihi kalyna.71.

Put away all anxiety, my dear, and fix your thoughts on the Lord. He alone who
has created Prvat will bring her happiness. (71)
arf ar a r; fr +
r a f ff r sr fff + {+
r n a n ff a+
frf ar a r f rfa = r+ +
f fa f rt n; a a sf fnfr rt +
sf frf rt fa nr rt+ -+
rf r fa s r; nn f r;+
na ra rt ra rt rt+ +
Cau.: aba jau

tumhahi sut para nehu, tau asa ji sikhvanu deh u.
karai so tapu jehi

milahi

mahes u, na upya na miihi kales u.1.

nrada bacana sagarbha sahet u, sudara saba guna nidhi baket u.
asa bicri tumha tajahu asak, sabahi bh

ti sakaru akalak.2.
suni pati bacana harai mana mh

, ga turata uhi girij ph

.
umahi biloki nayana bhare br, sahita saneha goda baihr.3.
brahi

bra leti ura l, gadagada kaha na kachu kahi j.

jagata mtu sarbagya bhavn, mtu sukhada bol

mdu bn.4.
Now if you cherish any love for your child, then go and admonish her that she
should practise austerity which may bring about her union with iva: there is no other
way of overcoming sorrow. The words of Nrada are pregnant and full of reason. iva
(who bears a bull for His emblem) is handsome and a mine of all virtues: recognizing
this truth do not entertain any misgiving. akara is irreproachable in everyway .
Hearing the above words of her husband Men felt delighted at heart; she at once rose
and went where Girij was. At the sight of Um tears rushed to her eyes and she
affectionately took the girl in her lap. Again and again she hugged the child; her voice

*
BLA-K NA
*
81
was choked with emotion and she found herself tongue-tied. The Mother of the
universe, the all-knowing Bhavn, then spoke the following soft words, which brought
delight to her mother: (14)
f ra t rs arf
n f ss rf+ +
Do.: sunahi mtu mai

dkha asa sapana sunvau tohi,

sudara gaura subiprabara asa upadeseu mohi.72.
Listen, mother: I relate to you a vision which I saw. A handsome and fair-
complexioned noble Brhmaa gave me the following exhortation. (72)
f r; a rt r r r - frt+
ra faf f a rr a r rr+ {+
a ; frar a fr n rrar+
a f rrrr a ; frr+ +
a r fy rt f r; a f rt+
a ffa art rs fnff rt+ -+
ra faf ff rr; t sr a fa r;+
f fr far = rar f r rar+ +
Cau.: karahi ji tapu sailakumr, nrada kah so satya bicr.
mtu pitahi puni yaha mata bhv, tapu sukhaprada dukha doa nasv.1.
tapabala racai prapacu bidht, tapabala binu sakala jaga trt.
tapabala sabhu karahi

saghr, tapabala seu dharai mahibhr.2.

tapa adhra saba si bhavn, karahi ji tapu asa jiya jn.
sunata bacana bisamita mahatr, sapana sunyau girihi ha kr.3.
mtu pitahi bahubidhi samujh, cal

um tapa hita hara.

priya parivra pit aru mt, bhae bikala mukha va na bt.4.
Recognizing the truth of Nradas words go and practise austerity, O mountain-
maid; the idea has commended itself to your father and mother as well. Austerity is conducive
to joy and puts an end to sorrow and evils. By virtue of penance the Creator creats the
universe. By virtue of penance Viu protects the whole world. By virtue of penance ambhu
brings about dissolution. By virtue of penance, again, ea (the serpent-god) bears the
burden of the earth on his head. In fact, the entire creation rests on penance, Bhavn.
Bearing this in mind, go and practise austerity. Hearing these words the mother was filled
with wonder. She sent for Himlaya and communicated the vision to him. Consoling her
parents in many ways Um set out for penance in a joyous mood. Her loving household
and parents felt miserable and none could speak a word. (14)
fr f r; a f r rr;
rat fr a rf r;+ -+
Do.: bedasir muni i taba sabahi kah samujhi,
prabat mahim sunata rahe prabodhahi pi.73.

82
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
The sage Vedair then came and consoled them all. They were comforted when
they heard of the glory of Prvat. (73)
s f sr rfa r r; ff rnt a r+
fa r a a rn fa ff as rn+ {+
fa s rnr ft af rnr+
a r rn r; a nr+ +
f r rf arr f f f srr+
rat f ; r; atf a r; r;+ -+
f f rs r sf r a s r+
f sf a t tr zrfnr nn ntr+ +
Cau.: ura dhari um prnapati caran, ji bipina lg

tapu karan.
ati sukumra na tanu tapa jog u, pati pada sumiri tajeu sabu bhog u.1.
nita nava carana upaja anurg, bisar deha tapahi

manu lg.
sabata sahasa m ula phala khe, sgu khi sata baraa gav

e.2.
kachu dina bhojanu bri bats, kie kahina kachu dina upabs.
bela pt mahi parai sukh, tni sahasa sabata soi kh.3.
puni parihare sukhneu paran, umahi nmu taba bhayau aparan.
dekhi umahi tapa khna sarr, brahmagir bhai gagana gabhr.4.
Cherishing in her heart the feet of her dear lord, Um went to the forest and
began her penance. Her delicate frame was little fit for austerities; yet she renounced
all luxuries fixing her mind on the feet of her lord. Her devotion to the feet of her lord
presented a new phase everyday; and she got so absorbed in penance that she lost
all consciousness of her body. For a thousand years she lived on roots and fruits
alone; while for another hundred years she subsisted on vegetables. For some days
her only sustenance was water and air; while for a few days she observed a rigorous
fast. For three thousand years she maintained herself on the withered leaves of the
Bela* tree that dropped on the ground. Finally she gave up even dry leaves; Um
then came to be known by the name of Apar (living without leaves). Seeing her
body emaciated through self-mortification the deep voice of Brahm (the Creator)
resounded through the heavens: (14)
s r a fnfrrf
f= fff frrf+ +
Do.: bhayau manoratha suphala tava sunu girirjakumri,
pariharu dusaha kalesa saba aba milihahi

tripurri.74.
Listen, O daughter of the mountain-king; your desire is accomplished. Cease all
your rigorous penance; the Slayer of Tripura will soon be yours. (74)
a r t- rt t f rt+
s zr rt - r aa f rt+ {+
* The Bela tree (Aegle marmelos) is specially sacred to iva.

*
BLA-K NA
*
83
r far rr t ff rr r at+
ff arf e ftr r a r rntr+ +
a fnr ff nn rt nra fnfr rt+
sr fa nrr fa rr+ -+
a at r; a -rnr a a f s frnr+
f r rrr rr a f r n nrr+ +
Cau.: asa tapu khu na knha bhavn, bhae aneka dhra muni gyn.
aba ura dharahu brahma bara bn, satya sad satata suci jn.1.
vai pit bolvana jabah

, haha parihari ghara jehu tabah

.
milahi

tumhahi jaba sapta ris, jnehu taba pramna bgs.2.

sunata gir bidhi gagana bakhn, pulaka gta girij haran.
um carita sudara mai

gv, sunahu sabhu kara carita suhv.3.

jaba te sat

ji tanu tyg, taba te siva mana bhayau birg.

japahi

sad raghunyaka nm, jaha taha sunahi

rma guna grm.4.

There have been many self-possessed and illumined sages; but not one of them,
Bhavn, performed such penance as this. Now cherish in your heart this supreme
utterance from heaven, knowing it to be invariably true and ever sacred. When your
father comes to call you, give up all resistance and return home at once. Again, when
the seven sages meet you, be assured of the veracity of this oracle. Girij (the daughter
of Himavn) rejoiced to hear this utterance of Brahm echoed by heaven and a thrill ran
through her limbs. [Yjavalkya says to Bharadvja] I have thus sung the beautiful story
of Um; now hear the charming account of ambhu. Ever since Sat went and quitted
her body, ivas mind recoiled from everything. He ever repeated the name of the Lord
of Raghus and heard the recitation of r Rmas glories here and there. (14)
fr r f fna r r
ff f f z f r fr+ ~+
Do.: cidnada sukhadhma siva bigata moha mada kma,
bicarahi

mahi dhari hdaya hari sakala loka abhirma.75.

The embodiment of intelligence and bliss, the abode of happiness, iva, who is
ever free from error, arrogance and desire, roamed about on earth with His heart fixed
on r Hari, the delight of the whole world. (75)
a f- sf rr a r n f rr+
f r af nrr na f fa rr+ {+
f ff ns r tat fa r; r tat+
r f z nfa r+ +
n r a rr = t ff a frr+
r f rr ar f a r frr+ -+
ff r ff rrr rat - rr+
fa ta fnfr t fta fa rff t+ +

84
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Cau.: katahu

muninha upadesahi

gyn, katahu rma guna karahi

bakhn.
jadapi akma tadapi bhagavn, bhagata biraha dukha dukhita sujn.1.
ehi bidhi gayau klu bahu bt, nita nai hoi rma pada prt.
nemu premu sakara kara dekh, abicala hday~ a
.
bhagati kai rekh.2.
pragae rmu ktagya kpl, r upa sla nidhi teja bisl.
bahu prakra sakarahi sarh, tumha binu asa bratu ko nirabh.3.
bahubidhi rma sivahi samujhv, prabat kara janmu sunv.
ati punta girij kai karan, bistara sahita kpnidhi baran.4.
Here He instructed the sages in wisdom and there He extolled the virtues of
r Rma. Though passionless and all-wise, the Lord was smitten with the pangs of
separation from His devotee (Sat). In this way a considerable time elapsed. Devotion
to the feet of r Rma was ever budding in His heart. When r Rma saw the self-
discipline and affection of akara and the indelible stamp of devotion on His heart,
the merciful Lord, who fully recognizes services rendered to Him, and is a mine of beauty
and amiability and an embodiment of great splendour, appeared before akara and
extolled Him in ways more than one. Who else than You can accomplish such a
vow? He said, r Rma admonished Him in many ways and told Him of the birth
of Prvat. The Lord in His infinite compassion narrated at full length the most pious
doings of Girij. (14)
fat f r f
r; fr f rf rn + +
Do.: aba binat mama sunahu siva jau mo para nija nehu,
ji bibhahu sailajahi yaha mohi mge dehu.76.
Now, iva, if You have any affection for Me, listen to My appeal. Go and marry
ailaj (the daughter of Himcala): grant this boon to Me. (76)
f f sfa rt r f f rt+
f f r f arrr r rr+ {+
ra far n rt ff fr f rt+
ar rfa fart r f r arrt+ +
ars f r f+ f a r+
arr s r r + -+
ar rt r; fa s rt+
af eff f f r r fa r+ +
Cau.: kaha siva jadapi ucita asa nh

, ntha bacana puni mei na jh

.
sira dhari yasu karia tumhr, parama dharamu yaha ntha hamr.1.
mtu pit gura prabhu kai bn, binahi

bicra karia subha jn.

tumha saba bh

ti parama hitakr, agy sira para ntha tumhr.2.

prabhu toeu suni sakara bacan, bhakti bibeka dharma juta racan.
kaha prabhu hara tumhra pana rahe u, aba ura rkhehu jo hama kahe u.3.
ataradhna bhae asa bh, sakara soi m urati ura rkh.
tabahi

saptarii siva pahi

e, bole prabhu ati bacana suhe.4.

*
BLA-K NA
*
85
iva replied, Although this is hardly justifiable, the words of a master cannot be
set aside at the same time. My lord, your command must be respectfully carried out: this
is my paramount duty. The words of ones parents, teacher and master must be
unquestionably obeyed as conducive to bliss. You are my supreme benefactor in
everyway; therefore, my lord, I bow to Your commands. The Lord, was pleased to hear
the well-chosen words of akara; which were inspired with devotion, wisdom and piety.
The Lord said, Your vow has been kept; now bear in mind what I have told You. Saying
so He went out of sight. akara cherished the impression of the vision in His heart. That
very moment the seven sages called on iva. The Lord spoke to them in most charming
accents: (14)
rat f r; ar f-r
fnff f f + +
Do.: prabat pahi

ji tumha prema paricch lehu,

girihi preri pahaehu bhavana duri karehu sadehu.77.
Going to Prvat, you put her love to the test. Then directing her father, Himlaya,
to her, send her back to her home and dispel her doubts. (77)
ff- nf t a t faa atr t+
r f rt r a rt+ {+
f r r ar - f +
a fa r; f f rf zar;+ +
r ; frr a rf tfa srr+
r r - r; rr f - f szrr+ -+
f f rr rf r ff arr+ +
Cau.: riinha gauri dekh taha kais, muratimata tapasy jais.
bole muni sunu sailakumr, karahu kavana krana tapu bhr.1.
kehi avardhahu k tumha cahah u, hama sana satya maramu kina kahah u.
kahata bacana manu ati sakuc, ha sihahu suni hamri jaRat.2.
manu haha par na sunai sikhv, cahata bri para bhti uhv.
nrada kah satya soi jn, binu pakhanha hama cahahi

uRn.3.
dekhahu muni abibeku hamr, chia sad sivahi bharatr.4.
There the seers saw Gaur (a name of Prvat; lit., fair-complexioned) as if she
were penance itself personified.The sages said, Hear, O daughter of Himcala: why
are you practising such rigorous penance? Whom do you worship and what do you
seek? Why not confide to us the real secret? I feel very shy in making my
submission. You will be amused to hear of my folly. Yet my mind has taken a rigid
attitude and heeds no advice; it would raise a wall on water. Relying on the truth of
Nradas prophecy, I long to fly even without wings. Look at my madness; I always
covet iva as my husband . (14)
a f f fnf a
r s f s f n+ c+

86
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Do.: sunata bacana bihase riaya girisabhava tava deha,
nrada kara upadesu suni kahahu baseu kisu geha.78.
Hearing the above reply the sages laughed and said, After all your body owes its
existence to a mountain (Himlaya); tell us who has ever listened to Nradas advice and
lived in his home. (78)
-a- sf- r; fa- ff r r;+
fra rr= s rrrr f f rr+ {+
r f f rt f rf af frt+
t a r t-r r f t t-r+ +
af rf ftrr ar r fa srr+
fn f rt n fn rt+ -+
= r f n r+
f at frt f zf rf- art+ +
Cau.: dacchasutanha upadesenhi j, tinha phiri bhavanu na dekh .
citraketu kara gharu una ghl, kanakakasipu kara puni asa hl.1.
nrada sikha je sunahi

nara nr, avasi hohi

taji bhavanu bhikhr.

mana kapa tana sajjana cnh, pu sarisa sabah caha knh.2.
tehi ke bacana mni bisvs, tumha chahu pati sahaja uds.
nirguna nilaja kubea kapl, akula ageha digabara byl.3.
kahahu kavana sukhu asa baru pe , bhala bhulihu haga ke baure .
paca kahe siva

sat bibh, puni avaeri marenhi th.4.
He called on and admonished the sons of Daka and they never saw their home
again. It was he who ruined the home of Citraketu; and again Hirayakaipu (the father
of Prahlda) met a similar fate. Men and women who listen to Nradas advice are sure
to leave their home and become mendicants. Guileful at heart, he bears on his person
the marks of a pious man; he would make everyone just like himself. Relying on his
words you crave for a husband who is apathetic by nature, devoid of attributes,
shameless, homeless and naked, who has an inauspicious look about him, wears a
string of skulls around his neck, is without a family and has serpents for his ornaments.
Tell us, what happiness do you expect by obtaining such a husband? You have fallen
an easy prey to the machinations of that imposter! iva married Sat at the intercession
of some friends; but later on he abandoned her and left her to die. (14)
ra r f t rfn rf
rf- f rf rf+ +
Do.: aba sukha sovata socu nahi

bhkha mgi bhava khhi

,
sahaja ekkinha ke bhavana kabahu ki nri khahi

.79.
iva is care-free now; he lives on alms and enjoys a sound sleep.Can women
ever stay in the house of habitual recluses? (79)
r r rr ar = t frr+
fa f tr nrf r tr+ {+

*
BLA-K NA
*
87
fa n rt >rtfa frt+
= arf frs rt a ff rt+ +
- fnf a r = r+
s f r a r; r f r;+ -+
r f s ss f z+
n atfa t n ff at+ +
Cau.: ajahu

mnahu kah hamr, hama tumha kahu baru nka bicr.

ati sudara suci sukhada susl, gvahi

beda jsu jasa ll.1.

duana rahita sakala guna rs, rpati pura baikuha nivs.
asa baru tumhahi miluba n, sunata bihasi kaha bacana bhavn.2.
satya kahehu giribhava tanu eh, haha na ch ua ch uai baru deh.
kanakau puni pana te ho, jrehu sahaju na parihara so.3.
nrada bacana na mai

pariharau

, basau bhavanu ujarau nahi

ara u

.
gura ke bacana pratti na jeh, sapanehu

sugama na sukha sidhi teh.4.
Even now accept our advice; we have thought of an excellent match for you
exceptionally good-looking, pious, agreeable and amiable, whose glory and exploits are
sung by the Vedas. He is free from blemish, is a mine of all virtues and the lord of Lakm
(the goddess of prosperity) and has His abode in Vaikuha. Such a suitor we shall unite
with you. Hearing this, Bhavn laughed and said, You have rightly observed that this
body of mine is begotten of a rock: I would sooner die than give up my tenacity. Gold
is another product of rock which does not abandon its character even on being
consigned to fire. I may not ignore Nradas advice; whether my house is full or desolate,
I fear not. He who has no faith in the words of his preceptor cannot easily attain either
happiness or success even in a dream. (14)
r n fr n r
f rf af at r+ c+
Do.: mahdeva avaguna bhavana binu sakala guna dhma,
jehi kara manu rama jhi sana tehi teh sana kma.80.
The great God iva may be full of faults and Viu may be a repository of all
virtues. One is, however, concerned with him alone who gladdens ones heart. (80)
ar fa tr fas f arrf f tr+
- fa rr r n frr+ {+
ar z ft f r; f f t+
a af- r rt -r n rt+ +
- rf fn n rt s a s rt+
as r s r f a r + -+
r s ; nr ar n n s fr+
f r f rt n f rt+ +

88
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Cau.: jau tumha milatehu prathama muns, sunatiu sikha tumhri dhari ss.
aba mai

janmu sabhu hita hr, ko guna d uana karai bicr.1.

jau tumhare haha hdaya bise, rahi na ji binu kie bare.
tau kautukianha lasu nh

, bara kany aneka jaga mh

.2.
janma koi lagi ragara hamr, barau sabhu na ta rahau kur.
tajau na nrada kara upades u, pu kahahi

sata bra mahesu.3.

mai

p parau kahai jagadab, tumha gha gavanahu bhayau bilab.

dekhi premu bole muni gyn, jaya jaya jagadabike bhavn.4.
Had you met me earlier, O great sages! I would have listened to your advice with
reverence. But now that I have staked my life for ambhu, who will weigh His merits and
demerits? If you are specially bent upon uniting a pair and cannot help negotiating a
match, there is no dearth of suitors and maidens; and those who take delight in such
games know no weariness. As for myself I must wed ambhu or remain a virgin, no
matter if I have to continue the struggle for ten million lives. I will not disregard Nradas
admonition even if ambhu Himself tells me a hundred times to do so. I fall at your feet,
continued Prvat, the Mother of the universe, Please return to your home. It is already
late. Seeing Prvats devotion the enlightened sages exclaimed, Glory, all glory to You,
O Bhavn, Mother of the universe! (14)
ar rr nr f na fa ra
r; f f f f a nra+ c{+
Do.: tumha my bhagavna siva sakala jagata pitu mtu,
ni carana sira muni cale puni puni haraata gtu.81.
You are My, while iva is God Himself; You are the parents of the whole
universe. Bowing their head at the feet of Prvat, they departed. A thrill ran through their
frame again and again. (81)
r; f- fa r f fat fnf n rr+
f eff f f r; r sr r; + {+
n f a r f taff n nr+
f f a rr n rrr rr+ +
ar s af rr ar a frr+
af r rfa ta fa ta+ -+
r tfa r; r f ff r; +
a ff r; r ff r+ +
Cau.: ji muninha himavatu pahe, kari binat girajahi

gha lye.
bahuri saptarii siva pahi

j, kath um kai sakala sun.1.

bhae magana siva sunata saneh, harai saptarii gavane geh.
manu thira kari taba sabhu sujn, lage karana raghunyaka dhyn.2.
traku asura bhayau tehi kl, bhuja pratpa bala teja bisl.
tehi

saba loka lokapati jte, bhae deva sukha sapati rte.3.

ajara amara so jti na j, hre sura kari bibidha lar.
taba biraci sana ji pukre, dekhe bidhi saba deva dukhre.4.

*
BLA-K NA
*
89
The sages went and despatched Himavn to Girij and he with many entreaties
brought her home. The seven seers then called on iva and told Him the whole history
of Um. iva was enraptured to hear of her love; and the Saptaris gladly went home.
The all-wise ambhu then concentrated His mind and began to meditate on the Lord of
Raghus. A demon, Traka by name, flourished in those days; his strength of arm, glory
and majesty were great indeed. He conquered all the spheres as well as the guardians
of those spheres; all the gods were robbed of their happiness and prosperity. Knowing
neither age nor death, he was invincible. The gods fought many a battle with him and lost
them. They then went to Viraci (Brahm) and told him their grievances. The Creator
found all the gods miserable. (14)
r rr; ff f a r;
a a f ta; r;+ c+
Do.: saba sana kah bujhi bidhi danuja nidhana taba hoi,
sabhu sukra sabhuta suta ehi jtai rana soi.82.
Brahm reassured them all saying, The demon shall die only when there is a son
sprung from the loins of ambhu; for he alone can subdue the demon in battle. (82)
r r f sr; r;f ;t ff r;+
at r at - r t r; fr nr+ {+
af a t- fa rnt f rf -rnt+
f ; rt af ra rt+ +
r r; f rt r rt+
a r; ff f r; rs fr fr;+ -+
f ff f fa r; a fa t ; r;+
tafa - tf- fa a ns fr ra+ +
Cau.: mora kah suni karahu up, hoihi svara karihi sah.
sat

jo taj daccha makha deh, janam ji himcala geh.1.

tehi

tapu knha sabhu pati lg, siva samdhi baihe sabu tyg.
jadapi ahai asamajasa bhr, tadapi bta eka sunahu hamr.2.
pahavahu kmu ji siva ph

, karai chobhu sakara mana mh

.
taba hama ji sivahi sira n, karavuba bibhu bari.3.
ehi bidhi bhalehi

devahita ho, mata ati nka kahai sabu ko.

astuti suranha knhi ati het u, pragaeu biamabna jhaaket u.4.
Hearing what I say, act accordingly; God will help you and the plan will succeed.
Sat, who left her body at the sacrifice performed by Daka, has been born again in the
house of Himcala. She has undergone penance for winning the hand of ambhu; while
iva has renounced everything and sits absorbed in contemplation. Although it is most
unseemly, yet hear one proposal of mine. Approaching Cupid (the god of love), send him
to iva; and let him disturb the serenity of akaras mind. Then we shall go and bow
our head at ivas feet and prevail on Him to marry even against His will. In this way
alone may the interests of the gods be served. The idea is excellent, everyone said.

90
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
The gods then prayed with great devotion and the god of love, armed with five* arrows
and having a fish emblazoned on his standard, appeared on the scene. (14)
- t f ffa f t- fr
fr rf ff s r+ c-+
Do.: suranha kah nija bipati saba suni mana knha bicra,
sabhu birodha na kusala mohi bihasi kaheu asa mra.83.
The gods told him all their distress; hearing their tale, the god of love pondered
and spoke thus with a smile, I expect no good results for myself from hostility to
ambhu. (83)
af r arrr >rfa srr+
fa rfn a; r t aa a f at+ {+
f s f f= r; fa r;+
a r z frr f fr rr+ +
a r rs ftarr f t- rr+
rs f rfa f >rfa a+ -+
zr a rr t r frr+
rr rn frnr f rnr+ +
Cau.: tadapi karaba mai

kju tumhr, ruti kaha parama dharama upakr.

para hita lgi tajai jo deh, satata sata prasasahi

teh.1.
asa kahi caleu sabahi siru n, sumana dhanua kara sahita sah.
calata mra asa hdaya bicr, siva birodha dhruva maranu hamr.2.
taba pana prabhu bistr, nija basa knha sakala sasr.
kopeu jabahi

bricaraket u, chana mahu mie sakala ruti setu.3.

brahmacarja brata sajama nn, dhraja dharama gyna bigyn.
sadcra japa joga birg, sabhaya bibeka kaaku sabu bhg.4.
However, I shall do your work; for the Vedas say benevolence is the highest
virtue. The saints ever praise him who lays down his life in the service of others. So
saying, the god of love bowed his head to all and departed with his associates, the bow
of flowers in hand. While leaving, Love thought within himself that hostility to iva would
mean sure death to him. He then exhibited his power and brought the whole world under
his sway. When the god of love (who bears a fish for his emblem) betrayed his anger,
all the barriers imposed by the Vedas were swept away in a moment. The whole army
of Viveka (discriminating knowledge)continence, religious vows, self-restraint of many
kinds, fortitude, piety, spiritual wisdom and the knowledge of qualified divinity both with
form and without form, morality, muttering of prayers, Yoga (contemplative union with
God), dispassion and so on, fled in panic. (14)
rns f r fa r n f
n a f- r; af +
* The white lotus, the Aoka flower, the mango blossom, the jasmine and the blue lotusthese are the
five kinds of arrows with which the god of love is believed to be armed.

*
BLA-K NA
*
91
rfr r ar r r n = r
; r f far f rf = r+
Cha.: bhgeu bibeku sahya sahita so subhaa sajuga mahi mure,
sadagratha parbata kadaranhi mahu ji tehi avasara dure.
honihra k karatra ko rakhavra jaga kharabharu par,
dui mtha kehi ratintha jehi kahu kopi kara dhanu saru dhar.
Viveka took to flight with his associates; his great warriors turned their back on
the field of battle. They all went and hid themselves in mountain-caves in the form of
sacred books at that time. There was commotion in the world and everybody said, My
goodness, what is going to happen? What power will save us? Who is that superhuman
being with two heads to conquer whom the lord of Rati,* Love, has lifted his bow and
arrows in rage?
t n rf = r
a f f r af r+ c+
Do.: je sajva jaga acara cara nri purua asa nma,
te nija nija marajda taji bhae sakala basa kma.84.
Whatever creatures existed in the world, whether animate or inanimate and
bearing masculine or feminine appellations transgressed their natural bounds and were
completely possessed by lust. (84)
z frr ar frf f a= rr+
t sfn f r; n f ar ar;+ {+
f r z- t r f ; a t+
-t rt r frt+ +
r rr ff f f rf rr+
f rr a fr a arr+ -+
;- r s rt r r rt+
fq f+ rf rnt af r frnt+ +
Cau.: saba ke hdaya madana abhil, lat nihri navahi

taru skh.
nad

umagi abudhi kahu dh

, sagama karahi

talva tal

.1.
jaha asi das jaRanha kai baran, ko kahi sakai sacetana karan.
pasu pacch nabha jala thalacr, bhae kmabasa samaya bisr.2.
madana adha bykula saba lok, nisi dinu nahi

avalokahi

kok.
deva danuja nara kinara byl, preta pisca bh uta betl.3.
inha kai das na kaheu bakhn, sad kma ke cere jn.
siddha birakta mahmuni jog, tepi kmabasa bhae biyog.4.
The minds of all were seized with lust; the boughs of trees bent low at the sight
of creepers. Rivers in spate rushed to meet the ocean; lakes and ponds united in love
with one another. Where such was reported to be the case with the inanimate creation,
* The name of Loves wife.

92
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
who can relate the doings of sentient beings? Beasts that walk on land and birds
traversing the air, and water lost all sense of time and became victims of lust. The whole
world was blinded with passion and agitated. The Cakravka birds (ruddy geese)*
regarded neither day nor night. Gods, demons, human beings, Kinnaras (a class of demi-
gods), serpents, evil spirits, fiends, ghosts and vampiresI have refrained from dwelling
on the condition of these, knowing them to be eternal slaves of passion. Even Siddhas
(spiritual adepts), great sages who had no attraction for the world and Yogs (mystics)
gave up their Yoga (contemplative union with God) under the influence of lust. (14)
r rnt ar rf- t r
f r rf zr a +
r frf = n = r
; z f zr rz ta ra a +
Cha.:bhae kmabasa jogsa tpasa pva ranhi k ko kahai,
dekhahi

carcara nrimaya je brahmamaya dekhata rahe.

abal bilokahi

puruamaya jagu purua saba abalmaya,

dui daa bhari brahma bhtara kmakta kautuka aya.
Even great Yogs and ascetics were completely possessed by lust, to say nothing
of low-minded people? Those who till lately looked upon the animate and inanimate
creation as full of Brahma (God) now saw it as full of the fair sex. Women perceived the
whole world as full of men; while the latter beheld it as full of women. For nearly an hour
this wonderful game of Love lasted in the universe.
t r t f
r rrt a s af r + c~+
So.: dhar na kh u

dhra saba ke mana manasija hare,

je rkhe raghubra te ubare tehi kla mahu .85.
Nobody could remain self-possessed; the hearts of all were stolen by the god of
love. They alone could hold their own against him, to whom the Hero of Raghus race
extended His protection. (85)
s rrt a fn r f n+
ff frf s r= s rffa r=+ {+
aa t r ff saf n ar+
=f f rr r n nrr+ +
fa r f f r; rf f sr;+
nf aa =f farr fa a= rf frr+ -+
s rfr azrnr n fr frnr+
a sna rnr f f rnr+ +
* The red gander and goose are said to unite only during the daytime. They cannot meet at night even
if there is no physical barrier between them. During the brief span of time referred to above they ignored this
natural bar and met even during the night.

*
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*
93
Cau.: ubhaya ghar asa kautuka bhaya u, jau lagi kmu sabhu pahi gaya u.
sivahi biloki sasakeu mr u, bhayau jaththiti sabu sasr u.1.
bhae turata saba jva sukhre, jimi mada utari gae matavre.
rudrahi dekhi madana bhaya mn, durdharaa durgama bhagavn.2.
phirata lja kachu kari nahi

j, maranu hni mana racesi up.

pragaesi turata rucira riturj, kusumita nava taru rji birj.3.
bana upabana bpik taRg, parama subhaga saba dis bibhg.
jaha taha janu umagata anurg, dekhi mueh~ u
.
mana manasija jg.4.
The wonder, lasted for an hour or so till the god of love reached abhu. Cupid
trembled at the sight of iva; the whole world returned to itself. All living beings regained
their peace of mind at once, even as the intoxicated feel relieved when their spell of
drunkenness is over. The god of love was struck with terror at the sight of Bhagavn Rudra
(iva), who is so difficult to conquer and so hard to comprehend. He felt shy in retreating
and was incapable of doing anything; ultimately he resolved upon death and devised a
plan. He forthwith manifested the lovely spring, the king of all seasons; rows of young
trees laden with flowers appeared so charming. Woods and groves, wells and ponds and
all the quarters of heaven assumed a most delightful aspect. Everywhere nature overflowed
with love as it were; the sight aroused passion even in dead souls. (14)
rn; r nar t
ta n r=a r t+
f f- na r
f f nr rf r+
Cha. : jgai manobhava muehu mana bana subhagat na parai kah,
stala sugadha sumada mruta madana anala sakh sah.
bikase saranhi bahu kaja gujata puja majula madhukar,
kalahasa pika suka sarasa rava kari gna ncahi

apachar.
Passion was aroused even in dead souls and the beauty of the forest beggared
description. A cool, gentle and fragrant breeze fanned the fire of passion as a faithful
companion. Rows of lotuses blossomed in lakes and swarms of charming bees hummed
on them. Swans, cuckoos and parrots uttered their sweet notes; while celestial damsels
sang and danced.
r f rf ff rs a
t rf f rs zfa+ c+
Do.: sakala kal kari koi bidhi hreu sena sameta,
cal na acala samdhi siva kopeu hdayaniketa.86.
The god of love with his army of followers exhausted all his numberless stratagems;
ivas unbroken trance, however, could not be disturbed. This made Cupid angry. (86)
f r f rr af s rr+
r f r fa f arf >r fn ar+ {+

94
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
rz f ff s rn f rf a rn+
s ; r ft srrrf ff t+ +
frr s r s rrr+
a f at srrrr faa r s f rr+ -+
rrr s n rt z rt+
fr r rf rnt r rnt+ +
Cau.: dekhi rasla biapa bara skh, tehi para caRheu madanu mana mkh.
sumana cpa nija sara sadhne, ati risa tki ravana lagi tne.1.
chRe biama bisikha ura lge, ch ui samdhi sabhu taba jge.
bhayau sa mana chobhu bise, nayana ughri sakala disi dekh.2.
saurabha pallava madanu bilok, bhayau kopu kapeu trailok.
taba siva tsara nayana ughr, citavata kmu bhayau jari chr.3.
hhkra bhayau jaga bhr, arape sura bhae asura sukhr.
samujhi kmasukhu socahi

bhog, bhae akaaka sdhaka jog.4.

Seeing a beautiful bough of a mango tree, the god of love climbed up to it in a
mood of frustration. He joined his five arrows to his bow of flowers, and casting an angry
look drew the string home to his very ears. He discharged the five sharp arrows, which
smote the breast of iva. The trance was now broken and ambhu awoke. The Lords
mind was much agitated. Opening His eyes He looked all round. When He saw Cupid
hiding behind mango leaves, He flew into a rage, which made all the three spheres
tremble. iva then uncovered His third eye; the moment He looked at the god of love the
latter was reduced to ashes. A loud wail went up through the universe. The gods were
alarmed, while the domons were gratified. The thought of (loss of) sense-delights made
the voluptuary sad; while the striving Yogs were relieved of a thorn as it were. (14)
rnt fa nfa a fa =fa ;
rfa fa rfa =r fa f n;+
fa f fat ff ff rf - t
rar r f r ff r t+
Cha. : jog akaaka bhae pati gati sunata rati muruchita bha,
rodati badati bahu bh

ti karun karati sakara pahi

ga.
ati prema kari binat bibidha bidhi jori kara sanmukha rah,
prabhu sutoa kpla siva abal nirakhi bole sah.
The Yogs were freed from torment; while Rati (wife of the god of love) fainted as
soon as she heard of the fate of her lord. Weeping and wailing and mourning in various
ways she approached akara; and making loving entreaties in divergent forms she
stood before the Lord with clasped hands. Seeing the helpless woman, the benevolent
Lord iva, who is so easy to placate, prophesied as follows:
a fa a r r;f r n
f rff f f f f n+ c+

*
BLA-K NA
*
95
Do.: aba te rati tava ntha kara hoihi nmu anagu,
binu bapu bypihi sabahi puni sunu nija milana prasagu.87.
Henceforth, O Rati, your husband shall be called by the name of Anaga
(bodiless); he shall dominate all even without a body. Now hear how you will meet him
again. (87)
r arr r;f r frr+
r a r;f fa arr -r r; rr+ {+
fa nt f rt r s rt+
- rr r zr rf fr+ +
fr ff ar n r f rfar+
fa- tf- r r ar+ -+
r rf a r f a+
ff ar art af nfa fs trt+ +
Cau.: jaba jadubasa kna avatr, hoihi harana mah mahibhr.
kna tanaya hoihi pati tor, bacanu anyath hoi na mor.1.
rati gavan suni sakara bn, kath apara aba kahau bakhn.
devanha samcra saba pe, brahmdika baikuha sidhe.2.
saba sura binu biraci samet, gae jah

siva kpniket.
pthaka pthaka tinha knhi prasas, bhae prasanna cadra avatas.3.
bole kpsidhu baket u, kahahu amara e kehi het u.
kaha bidhi tumha prabhu atarajm, tadapi bhagati basa binavau

svm.4.
When r Ka will descend in the line of Yadu to relieve the earth of its heavy
burden, your lord will be born again as His son (Pradyumna); this prediction of Mine can
never be untrue. Hearing the words of akara, Rati went away. I now proceed to relate
the subsequent part of the story. When Brahm (the Creator) and the other gods
received all the tidings, they repaired to Vaikuha (the abode of God Viu). Thence all
the gods, including Viu and Virac (Brahm), went where the all-merciful iva was.
They severally extolled and won the pleasure of the Lord whose crest is adorned by the
crescent. iva, who is an ocean of compassion and has a bull emblazoned on His
standard, said, Tell me, immortals, what has brought you here? To this Brahm replied,
Lord, You are the inner controller of all; even then, my master, my devotion to You urges
me to make the following submission (14)
- z sr
f f- r f r arr fr+ cc+
Do.: sakala suranha ke hdaya

asa sakara parama uchhu,
nija nayananhi dekh cahahi

ntha tumhra bibhu.88.

The heart of all the immortals is seized with a dominating impulse. They long to
witness Your wedding with their own eyes, my lord. (88)
s- f f r r; r+
r rf fa = t-r rf fa t-r+ {+

96
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
rfa f f f r r - r+
rat a t- rr ar ntrr+ +
f ff f fr rt ; rs r rt+
a - t r; f r;+ -+
= rf eff r aaf ff fnf r+
n t rt r rt+ +
Cau.: yaha utsava dekhia bhari locana, soi kachu karahu madana mada mocana.
kmu jri rati kahu baru dnh, kpsidhu yaha ati bhala knh.1.
ssati kari puni karahi

pas u, ntha prabhunha kara sahaja subhu.

prabat

tapu knha apr, karahu tsu aba agkr.2.

suni bidhi binaya samujhi prabhu bn, aisei hou kah sukhu mn.
taba devanha dudubh

baj

, barai sumana jaya jaya sura s

.3.
avasaru jni saptarii e, turatahi

bidhi giribhavana pahe.

prathama gae jaha

rah

bhavn, bole madhura bacana chala sn.4.

O humbler of the pride of Love! Devise some means whereby we may be enabled
to feast our eyes on this glad event. Having burnt the god of love You have done well
in granting a boon to Rati, O ocean of compassion. Having meted out punishment, good
masters shower their grace as a matter of course: such is their natural habit. Prvat has
practised penance the magnitude of which cannot be estimated; kindly accept her now.
Hearing the entreaty of Brahm and remembering the words of the Lord (r Rma), iva
gladly said, Amen! The gods thereupon sounded their kettledrums; and raining down
flowers they exclaimed, Victory, victory to the Lord of celestials! Considering it to be
an opportune moment, the seven seers arrived on the scene. Brahm immediately sent
them to the abode of Himavn. They approached Bhavn in the first instance and
addressed the following sweet yet deceptive words to her: (14)
r r a r s
r r arr rs r + c+
Do.: kah hamra na sunehu taba nrada ke upadesa,
aba bh jhuha tumhra pana jreu kmu mahesa.89.
Relying on the advice of Nrada you would not heed our remonstrances then.
Your vow has failed now; for the great Lord iva has burnt the god of love! (89)
[PAUSE 3 FOR A THIRTY-DAY RECITATION]
f rt r; rt sfa f frt+
ar r r rr fn frr+ {+
r r f rnt u r rnt+
f rt tfa a rt+ +
a r tr ff - rff ;r+
ar r r rs rr r; fa z f arrr+ -+
ara r f af f r; f r+
n t r f r; f - t r;+ +

*
BLA-K NA
*
97
Cau.: suni bol

musuki bhavn, ucita kahehu munibara bigyn.

tumhare jna kmu aba jr, aba lagi sabhu rahe sabikr.1.
hamare jna sad siva jog, aja anavadya akma abhog.
jau mai

siva seye asa jn, prti sameta karma mana bn.2.

tau

hamra pana sunahu muns, karihahi

satya kpnidhi s.
tumha jo kah hara jreu mr, soi ati baRa abibeku tumhr.3.
tta anala kara sahaja subh u, hima tehi nikaa ji nahi

k u.
gae sampa so avasi nas, asi manmatha mahesa k n.4.
Hearing this, Bhavn smiled and said, O great and illumined sages, you have spoken
aright. According to your belief it is only now that ambhu has burnt the god of love and that
till now He was smitten with love. To my mind, however, iva is eternally in rapport with the
Infinite, unbegotten, irreproachable, passionless and without enjoyment. Knowing Him as
such, if I have served Him lovingly in thought, word and deed, then hear, O great sages: the
gracious Lord will accomplish my vow. Your statement that Hara has burnt the god of love
betrays woeful lack of thought in you. Fire, my friends, possesses this inherent property
that frost can never approach it: in case it does it must inevitably perish. Similar is the case
with the god of love and the great Lord iva. (14)
f f f f tfa ftr
rff r; f n fr r+ +
Do.: hiya harae muni bacana suni dekhi prti bisvsa,
cale bhavnihi ni sira gae himcala psa.90.
Hearing the words of Bhavn and perceiving her devotion and faith, the sages
were gladdened at heart. Bowing their head to Her, they went to Himavn. (90)
n fnffaf rr f fa rr+
f s fa rr f fa a rr+ {+
z frf ar; r f f rr;+
f a rrt rr; fn ff n r;+ +
rt eff- r; t-t nf f fr t-t+
r; fff fa- tf- r rat ra tfa z rat+ -+
n rf f r; f r;+
fy r r n ff r+ +
Cau.: sabu prasagu giripatihi sunv, madana dahana suni ati dukhu pv.
bahuri kaheu rati kara baradn, suni himavata bahuta sukhu mn.1.
hdaya bicri sabhu prabhut, sdara munibara lie bol.
sudinu sunakhatu sughar soc, begi bedabidhi lagana dhar.2.
patr saptariinha soi dnh, gahi pada binaya hmcala knh.
ji bidhihi tinha dnhi so pt, bcata prti na hdaya

samt.3.
lagana bci aja sabahi sun, harae muni saba sura samud.
sumana bi nabha bjana bje, magala kalasa dasahu disi sje.4.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
98
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
They related the whole episode to him and he was much grieved to hear how iva
had burnt Love. The sages then told him of the boon granted to Rati and Himavn was
much relieved to learn this. Recalling to his mind the glory of ambhu Himcala
respectfully summoned great sages. He had an auspicious date, asterism and hour
ascertained and speedily got the exact time of wedding fixed and noted down according
to the Vedic precepts. Himcala handed over the note recording the exact time of
wedding to the seven seers, and clasping their feet made entreaties to them. Calling on
Brahm they delivered the note to him; and as he went through it his heart overflowed
with joy. Brahm read the note aloud to all; the sages as well as the whole concourse
of gods was delighted to hear it. Flowers were showered from the air, music flowed from
various instruments and auspicious jars were placed in all directions. (14)
0n r r ff fr
rf n n f r nr+ {+
Do.: lage sa vrana sakala sura bhana bibidha bimna,
hohi

saguna magala subhada karahi

apachar gna.91.
All the gods began to adorn their vehicles and aerial cars of various kinds; happy
and auspicious omens were visible and celestial damsels sang for joy. (91)
0ff n f fnrr r f = rr+
z f rr a ffa f rr+ {+
f r f nnr atf sta nr+
n s f rr f fr rr+ +
fr = z= frr f rf rr+
f ff fr rt r ff n rt+ -+
fr ff rf rar f f r rar+
r rfa r f ra =r+ +
Cau.: sivahi sabhu gana karahi

sigr, ja mukua ahi mauru sa vr.

kuala kakana pahire byl, tana bibh uti paa kehari chl.1.
sasi lala sudara sira gag, nayana tni upabta bhujag.
garala kaha ura nara sira ml, asiva bea sivadhma kpl.2.
kara trisula aru damaru birj, cale basaha caRhi bjahi

bj.
dekhi sivahi suratriya musukh

, bara lyaka dulahini jaga nh

.3.
binu biraci di surabrt, caRhi caRhi bhana cale bart.
sura samja saba bh

ti an up, nahi

barta d ulaha anur up.4.

The attendants of ambhu began to adorn their lord. His matted locks were formed
into a crown and decked with a crest of serpents. He had serpents for His ear-rings and
bracelets, smeared His person with ashes and wrapped a lions skin round His loins.
He bore the crescent on His charming brow and the river Gag on the crown of His
head and had three eyes and a serpent for the sacred thread. His throat was black with
the poison swallowed by him at the beginning of creation and had a wreath of human
skulls about His neck. Thus clad in a ghastly attire, He was nonetheless an embodiment
*
BLA-K NA
*
99
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
of blessings and merciful to the core. A trident and a Damaru (a shall drum shaped like
an hour-glass) adorned His hands. iva rode on a bull while musical instruments played.
Female divinities smiled to see Him. The world has no bride worthy of the bridegroom,
They said to one another. Viu, Brahm and hosts of other gods joined the bridegrooms
procession and rode on their respective vehicles. The gathering of the immortals was
incomparable in every respect; the procession, however, was hardly worthy of the
bridegroom. (14)
0fr r ff a rf ffr
fn fn r; f f fa r+ +
Do.: binu kah asa bihasi taba boli sakala disirja,
bilaga bilaga hoi calahu saba nija nija sahita samja.92.
God Viu then called all the guardians of the different quarters and smilingly said,
Everyone of you should march separately, each with his own retinue. (92)
0 rf ra r; t r;+
fr f r f f fa fnr+ {+
t rt f f f rt+
fa f a f fnf f n + +
f r f r t fa- r+
rr r rr r f f r f r+ -+
rs t f r f rs r+
f rs ftr fy y rs fa atr+ +
Cau.: bara anuhri barta na bh, ha s karaihahu para pura j.
binu bacana suni sura musukne, nija nija sena sahita bilagne.1.
manah

mana mahesu musukh

, hari ke bigya bacana nahi

jh

.
ati priya bacana sunata priya kere, bhgihi preri sakala gana ere.2.
siva anussana suni saba e, prabhu pada jalaja ssa tinha ne.
nn bhana nn be, bihase siva samja nija dekh.3.
kou mukhahna bipula mukha kh u, binu pada kara kou bahu pada bhu.
bipula nayana kou nayana bihn, riapua kou ati tanakhn.4.
The procession, brothers, is no way worthy of the bridegroom; you will make
yourself a butt of ridicule in a strange city! Hearing the words of Viu, the gods smiled
and parted, each with his own group. The great Lord iva laughed in His sleeves and
noticed that r Haris humour never failed. As soon as He heard these most pleasing
remarks of His beloved friend, He sent Bhg to call all His attendants. And they all
came when they heard ivas command and bowed their head at the lotus feet of their
lord. iva laughed to see His host in their motley attire riding every kind of vehicle. Some
were headless, while others were hydra-headed monsters; some were without hands
and feet, while others had numerous hands and feet. Some had numerous eyes, while
others had no eyes at all; some were stout and well-built, while others had very slim
bodies. (14)
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
100
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
U0a t rs fa t r rs r nfa
r r u rfa a +
tr r n nfa r n
f a fr rfn ra a f +
Cha.:tana khna kou ati pna pvana kou apvana gati dhare ,
bhuana karla kapla kara saba sadya sonita tana bhare .
khara svna suara skla mukha gana bea aganita ko ganai,
bahu jinasa preta pisca jogi jamta baranata nahi

banai.
Some had lean and thin bodies, while others were very stout; some were tidy,
while others had dirty habits. They had frightful ornaments, carried skulls in their hands
and were all smeared with fresh blood. They bore heads of donkeys, dogs, swine and
jackals and the varieties of their clothes could not be counted. The troops of spirits,
goblins and fairies of various kinds beggared description.
0rf nrf nta ant a
a fa fta rf ffr ff+ -+
So.: ncahi

gvahi

gta parama tarag bhuta saba,

dekhata ati biparta bolahi

bacana bicitra bidhi.93.

The ghosts danced and sang; they were all extremely fantastic. They looked most
absurd and spoke words in a peculiar style. (93)
0 af t rar a ff rf n rar+
;r fr s farr fa ffr f r; rr+ {+
fn n rt rr fr f f frt+
rn t arr ffnf a rr+ +
r= a rt fa r fa rt+
n afr nr nrf n fa r+ -+
f fnf n r rrn a a r+
rr rf r; rn; rr ff fr;+ +
Cau. : jasa dulahu tasi ban bart, kautuka bibidha hohi

maga jt.
ih

himcala raceu bitn, ati bicitra nahi

ji bakhn.1.
saila sakala jaha lagi jaga mh

, laghu bisla nahi

barani sirh

.
bana sgara saba nad

talv, himagiri saba kahu nevata pahv.2.

kmarupa sudara tana dhr, sahita samja sahita bara nr.
gae sakala tuhincala geh, gvahi

magala sahita saneh.3.

prathamahi

giri bahu gha sa vare, jathjogu taha

taha

saba che.
pura sobh avaloki suh, lgai laghu biraci nipun.4.
The procession was now quite worthy of the bridegroom; the processionists
indulged in gaieties of various kinds as they went along. On the other side Himcala
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101
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
erected a most wonderful pavilion which beggared description. As many mountains as
existed in the world, small or big, more than man can count, and the whole host of
woods, seas, rivers and ponds* were all invited by Himcala. Capable of taking any form
they liked, they assumed handsome figures and repaired to the house of Himlaya
alongwith their retinues and fair consorts. They all sang festive songs out of affection.
The mountain-king had already caused a number of houses to be tastefully decorated;
all the guests were lodged therein, each occupying a house befitting ones status. The
splendour of the city was so captivating that after a glance at it the creative skill of
Brahm himself looked very small. (14)
U0rr rn ff t far rf rr t
rn azrn far n r t+
n f ar arr a n n rt
far = a f f f rt+
Cha.:laghu lga bidhi k nipunat avaloki pura sobh sah,
bana bga kupa taRga sarit subhaga saba saka ko kah.
magala bipula torana patk ketu gha gha sohah

,
banit purua sudara catura chabi dekhi muni mana mohah

.
A glance at the beautiful city made the creative art of Brahm himself pale into
insignificance. Groves and gardens, wells and ponds and rivers, all looked charming
beyond words. Every house was decorated with a number of triumphal arches, flags and
buntings. Men and women of the city were so lovely and ingenious that they enraptured
the hearts even of sages.
0nr at r = f f r;
ffq ffq f-r fa a fr;+ +
Do.: jagadab jaha avatar so puru barani ki ji,
riddhi siddhi sapatti sukha nita nutana adhiki.94.
The city in which the Mother of the universe had bodied Herself forth baffled
all description. Prosperity and success, wealth and happiness were always on the
increase there and presented a new aspect. (94)
0n f ra f r; = rr fr;+
f r f r rr r nrr+ {+
f frt ff f fa rt+
f r rn fzf r rn+ +
f t a r r t r+
n f fa rar f fa nrar+ -+
* According to the Hindu scriptures every natural object is believed to be presided over by a spirit; it
is these spirits that are referred to here.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
102
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
f r f r; rar r f frar+
= r rr r r f rr+ +
Cau.: nagara nikaa barta suni , pura kharabharu sobh adhik.
kari banva saji bhana nn, cale lena sdara agavn.1.
hiya harae sura sena nihr, harihi dekhi ati bhae sukhr.
siva samja jaba dekhana lge, biari cale bhana saba bhge.2.
dhari dhraju taha

rahe sayne, blaka saba lai jva parne.
gae bhavana puchahi

pitu mt, kahahi

bacana bhaya kapita gt.3.

kahia kha kahi ji na bt, jama kara dhra kidhau

barit.
baru baurha basaha asavr, byla kapla bibh uana chr.4.
When it was heard that the bridegrooms procession was close at hand, there was
commotion in the city, which added to its charm. Adorning themselves and decorating
their vehicles of various kinds, a party proceeded in advance to receive the procession
with due honour. They were gladdened at heart to see the gathering of the immortals.
And they were all the more happy to behold r Hari (Viu). But when they started
looking at ivas retinue, every animal they rode started back and fled in panic. The
adults recovered themselves and remained where they were, while every child that came
ran for its life. On their reaching home when their parents questioned them, they spoke
as follows, their limbs still shaking with fear, What shall we say? The sight was such
as could not be described. We wonder whether it was a bridegrooms procession or the
army of Death. The bridegroom is a maniac, riding on a bull; serpents, skulls and ashes
are his ornaments. (14)
U0a r r r n f r
n a a fr rfnf f tr+
r fa ff ra a - z af t
ff r sr fr rr rr ra f f- t+
Cha.: tana chra byla kapla bhuana nagana jaila bhayakar,
sa ga bhuta preta pisca jogini bikaa mukha rajancar.
jo jiata rahihi barta dekhata punya baRa tehi kara sah,
dekhihi so um bibhu ghara ghara bta asi larikanha kah.
His body is smeared with ashes and adorned with serpents and skulls. He is
naked, has matted hair on his head and is dreadful to look at. He is accompanied by
ghosts and evil spirits, goblins and fairies and demons with a frightful countenance. He
who survives on seeing the bridegrooms procession is a man of great luck indeed and
he alone will witness the wedding of Um. These were the words uttered by the children
from house to house.
0fr r f rf
r rr ff ff fz r z= rf+ ~+
*
BLA-K NA
*
103
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Do.: samujhi mahesa samja saba janani janaka musukhi

,
bla bujhe bibidha bidhi niara hohu daru nhi

.95.
The parents smiled; for they knew that the children were talking of ivas retinue.
They reassured the children in many ways and said, Be not afraid, there is no cause
for fear. (95)
0 nr raf r f f r r+
r rat rt n n nrf rt+ {+
r r rt f t f rt+
f =f r - s s fr+ +
rfn t fa rrr n r rr+
r z s rt t-t rf fntrt+ -+
f nr rt tr r rt+
f ff arf = t-r af z = rs t-r+ +
Cau.: lai agavna bartahi e, die sabahi janavsa suhe.
main

subha rat sa vr, saga sumagala gvahi

nr.1.
kacana thra soha bara pn, parichana cal harahi haran.
bikaa bea rudrahi jaba dekh, abalanha ura bhaya bhayau bise.2.
bhgi bhavana paih

ati trs, gae mahesu jah

janavs.
main hdaya

bhayau dukhu bhr, lnh boli girsakumr.3.
adhika saneha

goda baihr, syma saroja nayana bhare br.
jehi

bidhi tumhahi rupu asa dnh, tehi

jaRa baru bura kasa knh.4.

The party which had gone ahead to receive the bridegrooms procession returned
with the procession and assigned beautiful lodgings to all the guests. Men (Prvats
mother) kindled auspicious lights for waving round the bridegroom and the women
accompanying her sang melodious songs of rejoicing. A salver of gold adorned Mens
fair hands and she proceeded to welcome Lord Hara with great delight. The women were
seized with excessive fear when they saw Rudra (iva) in frightful accoutrements. They
fled in great panic and entered the house; while the great Lord iva repaired to the
lodgings of the bridegrooms party. Men was sore distressed at heart and sent for
Prvat. With great affection she seated her in her lap; and tears rushed to her eyes;
which resembled a pair of blue lotuses. To think that the Creator, who has made you
so beautiful, should have been stupid enough to give you such a raving madman for a
bridegroom! (14)
U0 t- = r ff f arf ar ;
r f a=f r f rn;+
ar fa fnf a fn r ff
rr= rs rs n ta fr +
Cha.: kasa knha baru baurha bidhi jehi

tumhahi sudarat da,

jo phalu cahia surataruhi

so barabasa baburahi

lga.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
104
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
tumha sahita giri te girau

pvaka jarau jalanidhi mahu

parau ,
gharu ju apajasu hou jaga jvata bibhu na hau karau .
How strange that the Creator, who has made you so lovely, should have given
you a crazy fellow for a bridegroom! A fruit which should have adorned the wish-yielding
tree is helplessly appearing on a thorny Babula. Taking you in my arms I would sooner
fall from a mountain-top, cast myself into the flames or drown myself into the sea. Let
my home be ruined and let me earn a bad reputation throughout the world; but in no case
would I marry you with this maniac so long as there is life in me.
0; f r fa f fnfrf
f fr rfa fa ar rf+ +
Do.: bha

bikala abal sakala dukhita dekhi girinri,

kari bilpu rodati badati sut sanehu sa bhri.96.
All the ladies assembled there were distressed when they saw the consort of
Himcala sad. Recalling the affection of her daughter she wailed, wept and exclaimed as
below: (96)
0r r fnrr r f- a srr+
s sf f- t-r f rfn a t-r+ {+
r s- r rr srt r rr+
rr rrr r tr rr f r tr+ +
ff f frf rt rt a f rt+
frf rf fa rar r ; r ; frar+ -+
fr rs r a a r nr; r+
ar ff f ff r ra f r+ +
Cau.: nrada kara mai

kha bigr, bhavanu mora jinha basata ujr.

asa upadesu umahi jinha dnh, baure barahi lgi tapu knh.1.
scehu unha ke moha na my, udsna dhanu dhmu na jy.
para ghara ghlaka lja na bhr, b

jha ki jna prasava kai pr.2.

jananihi bikala biloki bhavn, bol juta bibeka mdu bn.
asa bicri socahi mati mt, so na arai jo racai bidht.3.
karama likh jau

bura nhu, tau kata dosu lagia kh u.
tumha sana miahi

ki bidhi ke ak, mtu byartha jani lehu kalak.4.

What harm have I done to Nrada that he should have ruined my happy home
and tendered such advice to Um as made her undergo penance for securing a crazy
husband? In good sooth the sage is passionless and without affection; he has no wealth,
no dwelling and no wife and is indifferent to all. That is why he destroys others homes.
He has neither shame nor fear. What does a barren woman know of the pains of
childbirth? Seeing Her mother distressed, Bhavn addressed the following soft yet
prudent words to her. Whatever is ordained by Providence cannot be altered. Realizing
this be not worried, mother. If I am destined to have a crazy husband, why should
anyone be blamed for it? Can you alter the decree of Providence? Therefore, take no
reproach on you unnecessarily. (14)
*
BLA-K NA
*
105
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
U0f ra =r f t
r fr fr r rs at+
f sr fta r r rt
rfa fff nr; rf frt+
Cha.: jani lehu mtu kalaku karun pariharahu avasara nah

,
dukhu sukhu jo likh lilra hamare jba jaha puba tah

.
suni um bacana binta komala sakala abal socah

,
bahu bh

ti bidhihi lagi duana nayana bri bimocah

.
Take no reproach on you; cease lamenting; this is no occasion for it. The amount
of joy and sorrow that has fallen to my lot I must reap wherever I go. Hearing the soft
and polite words of Um all the ladies became sad. They blamed the Creator in many
ways and tears flowed from their eyes.
0af r fa = ff e a
rr f affnf n aa fa+ +
Do.: tehi avasara nrada sahita aru rii sapta sameta,
samcra suni tuhinagiri gavane turata niketa.97.
On hearing the news that very moment Himcala came to his house alongwith
Nrada and the seven seers. (97)
0a r t rrr = rn rr+
r - rt nr a ar rt+ {+
r rf f+ frff r n frff+
n r rff f ;-r tr rff+ +
t - n r; r at a r;+
a at f frt r fq n rt+ -+
r ra f nr s rr anr+
s r f r t-r t t-r+ +
Cau.: taba nrada sabah samujhv, puruba kathprasagu sunv.
mayan satya sunahu mama bn, jagadab tava sut bhavn.1.
aj andi sakti abinsini, sad sabhu aradhaga nivsini.
jaga sabhava plana laya krini, nija icch ll bapu dhrini.2.
janam

prathama daccha gha j, nmu sati sudara tanu p.

taha hu sati sakarahi bibh

, kath prasiddha sakala jaga mh

.3.
eka bra vata siva sag, dekheu raghukula kamala patag.
bhayau mohu siva kah na knh, bhrama basa beu sya kara lnh.4.
Then Nrada reassured them all, narrating to them the past history of Um. He
said, Men, hear my true words: your daughter is none else than Bhavn (the eternal
Consort of iva), Mother of the universe. She is the unborn and imperishable divine
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
106
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
energy, which has no beginning; She is ambhus inseparable half. She creates,
maintains and then dissolves the universe and assumes the semblance of a material
form of Her own will. First she was born in the house of Daka. Sat was Her name and
charming was Her form. Even in that incarnation Sat was married with akara. The
story is well-known throughout the world. One day, while She was returning home with
iva, She beheld r Rma, who is a sun as it were to the lotus-like race of Raghu.
Bewildered by His sight, She did not listen to ivas advice and was beguiled into
assuming the disguise of St. (14)
U0f at r t- af r ft
f r; rf fa rnr t+
f ar f fa rfn r= a fr
rf a fnfr r fr+
Cha.:siya beu sat

jo knha tehi

apardha sakara parihar

,
hara biraha ji bahori pitu ke jagya jognala jar

.
aba janami tumhare bhavana nija pati lgi druna tapu kiy,
asa jni sasaya tajahu girij sarbad sakara priy.
akara repudiated Her because She had offended Him by assuming the
disguise of St. Separated from Hara, She then visited the sacrifice undertaken by Her
father and burnt Herself in the fire of Yoga (meditation) there. Now, reborn in your house,
She has undergone terrible penance for the sake of Her lord. Knowing this, give up all
doubt; Girij (your daughter) is ever beloved of akara.
0f r a fr fr
rs rr rr r+ c+
Do.: suni nrada ke bacana taba saba kara mi bida,
chana mahu

bypeu sakala pura ghara ghara yaha sabda.98.
When they heard Nradas explanation, the sadness of all was dispersed. In a
trice the news spread from house to house throughout the city. (98)
0a r fa f f rat +
rf = f r r n rn fa r+ {+
n r nnrr f r rr rr+
rfa ; rr rtr rr+ +
r r f r; rt f f ra rt+
r r rat fr ff rat+ -+
ff rfa t rr rn = f rr+
rf a rt nt nrt rt+ +
Cau.: taba mayan himavatu anade, puni puni prabat pada bade.
nri purua sisu jub sayne, nagara loga saba ati harane.1.
*
BLA-K NA
*
107
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
lage hona pura magalagn, saje sabahi

haka ghaa nn.

bh

ti aneka bha jevanr, s upasstra jasa kachu byavahr.2.

so jevanra ki ji bakhn, basahi

bhavana jehi

mtu bhavn.
sdara bole sakala bart, binu biraci deva saba jt.3.
bibidhi p

ti baih jevanr, lge parusana nipuna sur.

nribda sura jeva ta jn, lag

dena gr

mdu bn.4.
Then Men and her consort Himavn rejoiced and bowed at Prvats feet again
and again. All the citizens, including men, women and children, youngmen as well as
elderly people, were immensely delighted. Festive songs began to be sung in the city;
vases of gold of every pattern were displayed by all. Dishes of various kinds were
prepared in accordance with the processes given in gastrological works. Is it ever
possible to describe the varieties of dishes prepared in the house where lived Mother
Bhavn? Himcala respectfully summoned all the members of the bridegrooms party,
including Viu, Brahm and other gods of all classes. The dinner guests sat in many
rows; and expert cooks began to serve. Finding the gods dining, batches of women
began to banter and rail at them in pleasant strains. (14)
U 0nrt t f f f rt
r f fa f fr f rt+
a r vr r rf vr
r; t- r n r rr vr+
Cha.:gr

madhura svara dehi

sudari bigya bacana sunvah

,
bhojanu karahi

sura ati bilabu binodu suni sacu pvah

.
jeva ta jo baRhyo anadu so mukha koihu

na parai kahyo,
acav

i dnhe pna gavane bsa jaha

jko rahyo.
Charming women railed in sweet strains and poured innuendoes. The gods felt
much amused to hear them and dined for an unusually long time. The joy that swelled
at the dinner cannot be described even with millions of tongues. Having been served with
water for rinsing their mouths at the end of the dinner, they were given betel-leaves; and
then they returned to their respective lodgings.
0f f- fa n r; r;
frf fr rr;+ +
Do.: bahuri muninha himavata kahu lagana sun i,
samaya biloki bibha kara pahae deva boli.99.
The seven sages called once more and read out to Himavn the note recording
the time fixed for the wedding; and perceiving that the hour had arrived, the latter sent
for the gods. (99)
0rf r t- f rfa r t-+
t fr rt n n nrf rt+ {+
frrr fa f rr r; f ff rr+
f f- f= r; z ff f rrr;+ +
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
108
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
f t- sr rr; f fnr= t r;+
a = r f n f r + -+
nfr rf rr - f t- rr+
ar r rt r; rf rt+ +
Cau.: boli sakala sura sdara lnhe, sabahi jathocita sana dnhe.
bed beda bidhna sa vr, subhaga sumagala gvahi

nr.1.
sighsanu ati dibya suhv, ji na barani biraci banv.
baihe siva bipranha siru n, hdaya sumiri nija prabhu raghur.2.
bahuri munsanha um bol

,
kari si

gru sakh

lai

.
dekhata rupu sakala sura mohe, baranai chabi asa jaga kabi ko hai.3.
jagadabik jni bhava bhm, suranha manahi

mana knha pranm.

sudarat marajda bhavn, ji na koihu

badana bakhn.4.
Himavn politely sent for all the gods and assigned an appropriate seat to each
of them. An altar was prepared in accordance with the Vedic ritual and women chanted
charming festal strains. A divinely beautiful throne with the images of a pair of lions for
its arms was placed on the altar; being a handiwork of the Creator himself, it beggared
description. Bowing His head to the Brhmaas and calling to His mind His own Master,
the Lord of Raghus, iva took His seat on the throne. The great sages then sent for
Um, who was brought in by Her girl companions richly adorned. All the gods were
enraptured at Her beauty. What poet in the world could describe such loveliness?
Recognizing in Her the Mother of the universe and Spouse of iva, the divinities
mentally bowed to Her. The perfection of beauty that Bhavn was could not be
adequately praised even with millions of tongues. (14)
U 0rf f a n f rr r
f a >rfa r fa at r+
frf ra rf nt z f r
rf f fa = ar +
Cha.: koihu

badana nahi

banai baranata jaga janani sobh mah,

sakucahi

kahata ruti sea srada madamati tulas kah.

chabikhni mtu bhavni gavan

madhya maapa siva jah

,
avaloki sakahi

na sakuca pati pada kamala manu madhukaru tah

.
The superb beauty of the Mother of the universe could not be described even with
millions of tongues. When even the Vedas, ea (the serpent-god) and rad (the
goddess of learning) shrink abashed, of what account is the dull-witted Tulasdsa?
Mother Bhavn, the mind of beauty, walked to the middle of the pavilion, where iva
was. Out of shyness She could not gaze on Her lords lotus feet, although Her heart was
fixed thereon like a bee.
0f r nfaf s rf
rs f f rf f rf+ {+
*
BLA-K NA
*
109
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Do.: muni anussana ganapatihi pujeu sabhu bhavni,
kou suni sasaya karai jani sura andi jiya jni.100.
At the direction of the sages ambhu and Bhavn paid divine honours to Lord
Gaapati. Let no one be puzzled to hear this; for one should bear in mind that gods have
existed from time without beginning.* (100)
0f fr ff >rfa nr; rf- r r;+
nf fnt -r rt f t rf rt+ {+
rfn t- r f a r+
r f s-t t+ +
rf r ff frr fy ff rr+
fnfr s fr f r sr+ -+
rt r an rnr f ta frnr+
- r f rr r; t- r; rr+ +
Cau.: jasi bibha kai bidhi ruti g, mahmuninha so saba karav.
gahi girsa kusa kany pn, bhavahi samarap

jni bhavn.1.
pnigrahana jaba knha mahes, hiya

harae taba sakala sures.
bedamatra munibara uccarah

, jaya jaya jaya sakara sura karah

.2.
bjahi

bjana bibidha bidhn, sumanabi nabha bhai bidhi nn.

hara girij kara bhayau bibhu, sakala bhuvana bhari rah uchhu.3.
ds

dsa turaga ratha ng, dhenu basana mani bastu bibhg.

anna kanakabhjana bhari jn, dija dnha na ji bakhn.4.
The great sages had the nuptial ceremony performed in all its details as laid down
in the Vedas. Taking sacred Kua grass in his hand and holding the bride by Her hand,
the mountain-king Himlaya made Her over to Bhava (iva) knowing Her to be His
eternal consort. When the great Lord iva took the hand of the bride, all the great gods
were glad at heart. The principal sages chanted the Vedic formulas, while the gods
exclaimed, Victory, victory, all victory to akara ! Musical instruments of various kinds
were sounded and flowers of different varieties were rained down from the heavens. The
wedding of Hara and Girij was thus concluded. A spirit of rejoicing pervaded the whole
universe. Men-servants and maid-servants, horses and chariots, elephants and cows,
raiment, jewels and various other articles and even so cart-loads of foodgrains and gold
utensils were given as dowry, which was more than one could describe. (14)
U0r; fr rfa f rf f nr
r s r nf n r+
f rrn ar rfaf fr
f n rr r f fr+
* Lord Gaapati is reputed to be an offspring of iva and Prvat. It may, therefore, be asked how He
came to be worshipped by the divine pair even at the time of their wedding. The poet meets this question by
stating that Gaea and the other gods are eternal and unbegotten and that they only appear to be born.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
110
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Cha.: dija diyo bahu bh

ti puni kara jori himabhudhara kahyo,

k deu

puranakma sakara carana pakaja gahi rahyo.
siv~a

kpsgara sasura kara satou saba bh

tihi

kiyo,
puni gahe pada pthoja mayan

prema paripurana hiyo.
Himcala gave presents of various kinds as dowry; then, joining his palms, he
said, I have nothing to give you, akara; You have all Yours desires sated! He could
say no more and remained clasping the latters feet. The ocean of mercy that iva is
reassured His father-in-law in every possible way. Then Men, with her heart overflowing
with love, clasped His lotus-feet and said:
0r sr r nft
r r; r = + {{+
Do.: ntha um mama prna sama ghakikar karehu,
chamehu sakala apardha aba hoi prasanna baru dehu.101.
Lord, Um is dear to me as life; take her as a maid-servant of Your house and
forgive all her faults. Be pleased to grant this boon to me. (101)
0 ff r rr; nt f= r;+
t sr rf a t-t sn f t-t+ {+
r r rf fa s r+
a r rt f r; s tf- rt+ +
a ff t rf n rt rt rt +
fa f art t t- frt+ -+
f f ffa fa nf r r; r+
rf- ff f rt r; f s f rt+ +
Cau.: bahu bidhi sabhu ssu samujh, gavan bhavana carana siru n.
janan

um boli taba lnh, lai uchaga sudara sikha dnh.1.

karehu sad sakara pada puj, nridharamu pati deu na duj.
bacana kahata bhare locana br, bahuri li ura lnhi kumr.2.
kata bidhi sj

nri jaga mh

, pardhna sapanehu sukhu nh

.
bhai ati prema bikala mahatr, dhraju knha kusamaya bicr.3.
puni puni milati parati gahi caran, parama premu kachu ji na baran.
saba nrinha mili bhei bhavn, ji janani ura puni lapan.4.
ambhu comforted His mother-in-law in ways more than one; and she returned
home bowing her head at his feet. The mother then sent for Um, and taking Her into
her lap gave Her the following excellent advice. Ever adore the feet of akara this
sums up the duty of a wife. Her husband is her deity; there is no other god for her. As
she spoke these words, her eyes filled with tears and she pressed the girl to her bosom.
Why has god created woman in this world? One who is dependent on others can never
dream of happiness. The mother was overwhelmed with emotion; but knowing as she
did that it was not an opportune moment for betraying ones weakness, she recovered
herself. Men met Prvat again and again and fell down clasping the girls feet; her
*
BLA-K NA
*
111
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
supreme love was beyond all words. Bidding adieu to all the ladies Bhavn ran and
clung to her mothers breast once more. (14)
U0ff f ff t sfa t r ;
f ff frfa ra a a t f f n;+
r arf = sr fa
f fr r +
Cha.: jananihi bahuri mili cal ucita assa saba khu

da

,
phiri phiri bilokati mtu tana taba sakh

lai siva pahi

ga

.
jcaka sakala satoi sakaru um sahita bhavana cale,
saba amara harae sumana barai nisna nabha bje bhale.
Taking leave of Her mother once more, Bhavn departed; everyone uttered
appropriate blessings to Her. She often turned back to have a look at Her mother; Her
girl companions then took Her to iva. Having gratified all beggars. akara proceeded
to His home (Mount Kailsa) with Um. All the divinities delightfully rained down flowers
and kettledrums produced a charming sound in the heavens.
0 n fa a r fa a
ff rfa far f fr t- a+ {+
Do.: cale saga himavatu taba pahu cvana ati hetu,
bibidha bh

ti paritou kari bid knha baketu.102.

Himavn then accompanied iva in order to escort Him with great affection. iva,
however, sent him back, consoling him in various ways. (102)
0aa r fnfr; f rr;+
r r f rr fr t- frr+ {+
f rf r f f r fr+
na ra fa rt af fnr= s rt+ +
f ff ff rn frr n- a f rr+
fnfr fr fa f ff f r f n+ -+
a s rr ar = f rr+
rn fn fq rr - - n rr+ +
Cau.: turata bhavana e girir, sakala saila sara lie bol.
dara dna binaya bahumn, saba kara bid knha himavn.1.
jabahi

sabhu kailsahi

e, sura saba nija nija loka sidhe.

jagata mtu pitu sabhu bhavn, tehi

sigru na kahau

bakhn.2.
karahi

bibidha bidhi bhoga bils, gananha sameta basahi

kails.
hara girij bihra nita naya u, ehi bidhi bipula kla cali gaya u.3.
taba janameu aabadana kumr, traku asuru samara jehi

mr.
gama nigama prasiddha purn, anmukha janmu sakala jaga jn.4.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
112
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
The mountain-king returned home at once and summoned all other mountains and
lakes. Himavn greeted them with due attention, gifts, polite words and great honour and
allowed them all to depart. No sooner had ambhu reached Mount Kailsa than all the
gods returned to their respective realms. ambhu and Bhavn are the parents of the
universe; hence I refrain from portraying their amorous sports. Indulging in luxuries and
enjoyments of various kinds the divine pair lived on Mount Kailsa alongwith Their
attendants. Hara and Girij enjoyed some new delight everyday. In this way a considerable
time elapsed. Thereafter was born to them a boy with six heads, who (later on) killed the
demon Traka in battle. The story of amukha (the six-headed deity) is well-known in
the Vedas, Tantras and Puras, and the entire world knows it. (14)
U0n r - - ar =r r
af a a a fa f r+
sr fr rf f nrt
rr r fr n r rt+
Cha.: jagu jna anmukha janmu karmu pratpu pururathu mah,
tehi hetu mai

baketu suta kara carita sachepahi

kah,
yaha um sabhu bibhu je nara nri kahahi

je gvah

,
kalyna kja bibha magala sarbad sukhu pvah

.
The tale of the birth, exploits, glory and surpassing strength of amukha is
known to the whole world. That is why I have briefly touched the narrative of ivas son.
Men and women who narrate or sing this story of the wedding of Um and ambhu shall
ever rejoice in their auspicious undertaking as well as during festive occassions such as
wedding etc.
0fa f fnfr rf r=
atr ff fa fa nr=+ {-+
Do.: carita sidhu girij ramana beda na pvahi

pru,
baranai tulasdsu kimi ati matimada gav

ru.103.
The exploits of Girijs lord are illimitable like the ocean; even the Vedas cannot
reach their end. How, then, can Tulasdsa, a most dull-witted clown, succeed in
describing them? (103)
0 fa f rr r f fa rr+
rr r rt f- t= rrf rt+ {+
f r rt r f f rt+
r - a - tr arf r f ntr+ +
f f-f fa rt rf a rrt+
f ftr r na - + -+
f r rrfa art f rr at at f rt+
f rrfa nfa r; r f rf f r;+ +
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Cau.: sabhu carita suni sarasa suhv, bharadvja muni ati sukhu pv.
bahu llas kath para bRh, nayananhi nru romvali hRh.1.
prema bibasa mukha va na bn, das dekhi harae muni gyn.
aho dhanya tava janmu muns, tumhahi prna sama priya gaurs.2.
siva pada kamala jinhahi rati nh

, rmahi te sapanehu

na sohh

.
binu chala bisvantha pada nehu, rma bhagata kara lacchana eh u.3.
siva sama ko raghupati bratadhr, binu agha taj sat asi nr.
panu kari raghupati bhagati dekh, ko siva sama rmahi priya bh.4.
Bharadvja was much delighted to hear the sweet and charming story of ambhus
deeds. His passion for hearing the story grew to be inordinate; tears rushed to his eyes
and the hair on his body bristled with joy. Overpowered with emotion he could not utter
a word. The enlightened sage Yjavalkya was delighted to see his condition. Blessed
indeed is your birth. O great sage, he said, to you the Lord of Gaur is dear as life.
Those who love not ivas lotus feet cannot even dream of pleasing Rma. A guileless
love for ivas feet is the surest sign of a devotee of Rma. Who is so faithful to the Lord
of Raghus as iva, who renounced a sinless wife like Sat, and demonstrated ideal
devotion to Rma by His pledge of unswerving fidelity? Brother, whom does Rma hold
so dear as iva? (14)
0f f f fa rr arr
f ar r fa ta fr+ {+
Do.: prathamahi

mai

kahi siva carita bujh maramu tumhra,

suci sevaka tumha rma ke rahita samasta bikra.104.
Having begun by recounting the deeds of iva I have come to know your secret.
You are indeed a faithful servant of Rma, free from all impurities. (104)
0 rr arr n tr s rrfa tr+
f r rn ar f r; r+ {+
r fa fa fa tr f f a rf tr+
af r>ra s rt ff fnrfa rt+ +
r r=rf trt r r art+
f r f rt f s f rf rt+ -+
s r; r rrrr s f ar n nrr+
r fnf= r r r f sr fr+ +
Cau.: mai

jn tumhra guna sl, kahau

sunahu aba raghupati ll.
sunu muni ju samgama tore , kahi na ji jasa sukhu mana more .1.
rma carita ati amita muns, kahi na sakahi

sata koi ahs.

tadapi jathruta kahau bakhn, sumiri girpati prabhu dhanupn.2.
srada drunri sama svm, rmu s utradhara atarajm.
jehi para kp karahi

janu jn, kabi ura ajira nacvahi

bn.3.
pranavau soi kpla raghunth, baranau bisada tsu guna gth.
parama ramya giribaru kailsu, sad jah

siva um nivs u.4.

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*
I have come to know your virtues and disposition. Listen, therefore, while I narrate
the story of the Lord of Raghus. O sage, I cannot say how glad I am at this meeting with
you today. O lord of sages, the exploits of r Rma are much beyond measure; even
a thousand million eas (serpent-kings) cannot recount them. Nevertheless, fixing my
thoughts on the Lord who wields a bow in His hand and is the lord of speech, I repeat
the tale as I have heard it. rad (the goddess of speech) is like a puppet; while r
Rma, the inner controller of all, is the master of the puppet show, who holds the strings
in his hands. When He blesses a poet knowing him to be a devotee, He causes the
goddess to dance in the courtyard of his heart. To Him, the benevolent Lord of Raghus,
I bow and commence the recital of His fair virtues. Of all mountains the most charming
and the best is Kailsa, where iva and Um eternally dwell. (14)
0fq ar rfn f f
f ar at f f + {~+
Do.: siddha tapodhana jogijana sura kinara munibda,
basahi

tah

sukt sakala sevahi

siva sukhakada.105.
Hosts of Siddhas (adepts) ascetics and Yogs (mystics), as well as gods, Kinnaras
and sages, all lucky souls, reside there and adore iva, the root of all joy. (105)
0f f fa rt a a f rt+
af fnf f frr fa a rr+ {+
frf t taf rr f f>rr f >rfa nrr+
r af a n a= frf s fa + +
f zrf rnf rr f rr+
; n tr f ftr+ -+
a= = r fa na z a r+
n fa frrt r f rt+ +
Cau.: hari hara bimukha dharma rati nh

, te nara tah~ a sapanehu

nahi

jh

.
tehi giri para baa biapa bisl, nita nutana sudara saba kl.1.
tribidha samra sustali chy, siva birma biapa ruti gy.
eka bra tehi tara prabhu gaya u, taru biloki ura ati sukhu bhaya u.2.
nija kara si ngaripu chl, baihe sahajahi

sabhu kpl.
kuda idu dara gaura sarr, bhuja pralaba paridhana municr.3.
taruna aruna abuja sama caran, nakha duti bhagata hdaya tama haran.
bhujaga bhuti bhuana tripurr, nanu sarada cada chabi hr.4.
Those who have their faces turned away from Hari and Hara and have no love for
righteousness cannot even dream of going there. On the summit of that mountain exists a
huge banyan tree, which is ever young and is charming during all seasons. Fanned by
cool, soft and fragrant breezes, its shade is very refreshing. It is the favourite resort of iva,
extolled by the Vedas. Once upon a time the Lord betook Himself beneath the tree and was
much gladdened at heart to see it. Spreading His tigerskin on the ground with His own
hands, the all-merciful iva sat down casually. His body fair in hue as the jasmine, the
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moon and the conch-shell; arms of inordinate length; a hermits covering, consisting of the
bark of trees, wrapped round His loins; His feet resembling a pair of full-blown red lotuses
and their toe-nails shedding a lustre which dispelled the darkness of the devotees heart;
serpents and the ashes serving as ornaments of the Slayer of Tripura and His countenance
eclipsing the splendour even of the autumnal full moon. (14)
0r fa f r f fr
t r-ff r rf r+ {+
Do.: ja mukua surasarita sira locana nalina bisla,
nlakaha lvanyanidhi soha blabidhu bhla.106.
With His twisted coils of hair for a crown and the celestial stream (the Gag)
adorning His head, eyes as big as a pair of lotuses, throat dark with poison and with the
crescent shining on His brow, the Lord looked like a veritable mine of beauty. (106)
0 r rf t= ra +
rat = rt n; f ra rt+ {+
rf fr r= fa t-r r rn r t-r+
t f t r; = - r fa r;+ +
fa f a f rt ff sr rt f rt+
r r r fart r; rt+ -+
ftr r rt fr fr ffa arrt+
= rn r f r+ +
Cau.: baihe soha kmaripu kaise , dhare sarru starasu jaise .
prabat bhala avasaru jn, ga

sabhu pahi

mtu bhavn.1.
jni priy daru ati knh, bma bhga sanu hara dnh.
baih

siva sampa hara, p uruba janma kath cita .2.

pati hiya

hetu adhika anumn, bihasi um bol

priya bn.
kath jo sakala loka hitakr, soi p uchana caha sailakumr.3.
bisvantha mama ntha purr, tribhuvana mahim bidita tumhr.
cara aru acara nga nara dev, sakala karahi

pada pakaja sev.4.

Seated there, the Destroyer of Cupid looked like an incarnation of the sentiment
of Quietism. Finding it a good opportunity, Mother Bhavn called on ambhu. In
recognition of Her wifely love Lord Hara showed Her great courtesy and assigned Her
a seat on His left side. Prvat gladly sat down beside iva and recalled the history of
Her past life. Presuming that Her lord cherished in His heart greater love for Her than
before, Um smilingly spoke the following sweet words to Him: the Daughter of Himlaya
sought to elicit from Her lord the story which is profitable to the whole world. O Lord of
the universe, O my Master, O slayer of the demon Tripura! Your glory is known to all
the three spheres. Animate as well inanimate beings, Ngas, men and gods, all do
homage to Your lotus-feet. (14)
0 f r n r
rn r r ff a a= r+ {+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
116
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*
Do.: prabhu samaratha sarbagya siva sakala kal guna dhma,
joga gyna bairgya nidhi pranata kalapataru nma.107.
My Lord, You are all-powerful, all-wise and all-blissful; You are a repository of all
arts and virtues and a storehouse of Yoga (askesis), wisdom and dispassion. Your
Name is a wish-yielding tree as it were to the suppliant. (107)
0 r r rt rf - rf f rt+
a r rr f rr r r ff rr+ {+
r a= a r; f f f fa r;+
f z frt r fa rt+ +
f rrt f r zr rt+
rr rr f rrfa n nrr+ -+
ar f r r f rat r n rrat+
r r fa a r; t n nfa r;+ +
Cau.: jau

mo para prasanna sukhars, jnia satya mohi nija ds.
tau prabhu harahu mora agyn, kahi raghuntha kath bidhi nn.1.
jsu bhavanu surataru tara ho, sahi ki daridra janita dukhu so.
sasibhuana asa hdaya bicr, harahu ntha mama mati bhrama bhr.2.
prabhu je muni paramrathabd, kahahi

rma kahu

brahma and.
sesa srad beda purn, sakala karahi

raghupati guna gn.3.

tumha puni rma rma dina rt, sdara japahu an~ a ga rt.
rmu so avadha npati suta so, k aja aguna alakhagati ko.4.
O blissful Lord, if You are pleased with me and know me to be Your faithful
servant, then, my Master, disperse my ignorance by repeating to me the various stories
of the Lord of Raghus. Why should he who has his abode beneath a wish-yielding tree
undergo the suffering born of want? Bearing this in mind, O Lord with the crescent on
the forehead, dispel the great confusion of my mind. O Lord, the sages who discourse
on the supreme Reality speak of Rma as the Brahma who has no beginning; ea and
rad, as well as the Vedas and the Puras, all sing praises of the Lord of Raghus.
You too, O Subduer of Love, reverently repeat the word Rma night and day. Is this
Rma the same as the son of the King of Ayodhy or some other unborn, unqualified and
imperceptible Being? (14)
0 a a zr ff rf f fa rf
f fa fr a fa fq fa rf+ {c+
Do.: jau npa tanaya ta brahma kimi nri birah~a

mati bhori,
dekhi carita mahim sunata bhramati buddhi ati mori.108.
If a kings son, how could he be Brahma (the Infinite)? And if he were Brahma,
how could his mind get unhinged by the loss of his wife? When I see his acts on the one
hand, and hear of his glory on the other, my mind gets utterly confused. (108)
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0 t r f r rr; r rf r+
rf f s f f ff r f r; + {+
tf r ar; fa f arf r;+
af f r rr r t rfa rr+ +
s r r fs r+
a rf rfa rr r r fr f rr+ -+
a fr rt rr =f rt+
ta r n nrr nr rr+ +
Cau.: jau

anha bypaka bibhu kou, kahahu bujhi ntha mohi sou.
agya jni risa ura jani dharah u, jehi bidhi moha miai soi karah u.1.
mai

bana dkhi rma prabhut, ati bhaya bikala na tumhahi sun.

tadapi malina mana bodhu na v, so phalu bhal bh

ti hama pv.2.
ajahu

kachu sasau mana more , karahu kp binavau kara jore .

prabhu taba mohi bahu bh

ti prabodh, ntha so samujhi karahu jani krodh.3.

taba kara asa bimoha aba nh

, rmakath para ruci mana mh

.
kahahu punta rma guna gth, bhujagarja bh uana suranth.4.
If, my lord, there is any other desireless, all-pervading and all-powerful Brahma,
instruct me about the same. Be not angry at my folly, but take steps to wipe out my ignorance.
In the wood (in my previous birth) I witnessed r Rmas glory, although I was too awe-
stricken to tell You. Yet, my mind was so impure that I did not understand, and I reaped a
good return for my folly. Some doubt still lingers in my mind. Be gracious to me, I implore
You with joined palms. Lord, You instructed me then in ways more than one; yet I did not
understand. Do not allow this thought to anger You. I have no such delusion now; I find
developed in me a taste for hearing the story of Rma. Recount the sacred virtues of r
Rma, O Lord of immortals, having the serpent-king (ea) for an ornament. (14)
0s f f f= f s rf
rr f >rfa fqra frf+ {+
Do.: badau pada dhari dharani siru binaya karau kara jori,
baranahu raghubara bisada jasu ruti siddhta nicori.109.
Placing my head on the ground, I adore Your feet and entreat You with joined
palms to recount the unsullied glory of the Chief of Raghus, giving in substance the
conclusion of the revealed texts (the Vedas) on the subject. (109)
0f rfar f frt rt arrt+
ns a- r rf ra frt rf+ {+
fa rfa s rr rrfa r f rr+
r r frt fn zr n rt+ +
f r arr rfa f srr+
r rt frt r ar r rt+ -+
f t- fa rr r ff r rr+
r f t-t tr tr+ +
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*
Cau.: jadapi joit nahi

adhikr, ds mana krama bacana tumhr.

guRhau tattva na sdhu durvahi

, rata adhikr jaha pvahi

.1.
ati rati puchau surary, raghupati kath kahahu kari dy.
prathama so krana kahahu bicr, nirguna brahma saguna bapu dhr.2.
puni prabhu kahahu rma avatr, blacarita puni kahahu udr.
kahahu jath jnak bibh

, rja taj so d uana kh

.3.
bana basi knhe carita apr, kahahu ntha jimi rvana mr.
rja baihi knh

bahu ll, sakala kahahu sakara sukhasl.4.

Though as a woman I am not qualified to hear it, I am Your servant in thought,
word and deed. Saints do not withhold even an esoteric truth wherever they find a man
smitten with agony, and therefore qualified to receive it. I ask You with a heart sore
distressed; be gracious enough to narrate the story of the Lord of Raghus. First tell me
after a mature thought what makes the unqualified Brahma assume a qualified form.
Then, my lord, relate the story of r Rmas descent, and tell me next the charming
exploits of His childhood. Then let me know how He wedded Janakas daughter, St,
and the fault for which He had to renounce His fathers kingdom later on. Then describe
the innumerable deeds performed by Him while He lived in the forest; and further tell me,
my lord, how He killed Rvaa. Then relate, O blissful akara, all the numerous sports
that were enacted by Him after his coronation. (14)
0f =ra t- r r
r fa rrf ff n f r+ {{+
Do.: bahuri kahahu karunyatana knha jo acaraja rma,
praj sahita raghubasamani kimi gavane nija dhma.110.
Thereafter relate, O gracious Lord, the miracle wrought by Rma, viz., how that
Jewel of Raghus line proceeded to His divine Abode alongwith all His subjects. (110)
0f r a- rt f fr n f rt+
nfa r fr frnr f fa frnr+ {+
s r t r r fa f fr+
r r f r; rs r r f nr;+ +
ar fr n rr r t r r rr+
t sr r; ft f f r;+ -+
f rfa r r r+
>rtrrr = s rr r fa rr+ +
Cau.: puni prabhu kahahu so tattva bakhn, jehi

bigyna magana muni gyn.

bhagati gyna bigyna birg, puni saba baranahu sahita bibhg.1.
aurau rma rahasya anek, kahahu ntha ati bimala bibek.
jo prabhu mai

puch nahi

ho, sou dayla rkhahu jani go.2.

tumha tribhuvana gura beda bakhn, na jva p

vara k jn.
prasna um kai sahaja suh, chala bihna suni siva mana bh.3.
hara hiya

rmacarita saba e, prema pulaka locana jala che.
rraghuntha rupa ura v, paramnada amita sukha pv.4.
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Then expound, my lord, the truth in the realization of which enlightened sages
remain absorbed. And thereafter discuss in detail the conceptions of Devotion, Jna or
Knowledge of the formless Absolute, Vijna or the Knowledge of qualified Divinity with
and without form, and Dispassion. Over and above this, O Lord of purest understanding,
reveal to me the many other mysteries connected with Rma. And if there be anything
which I have omitted to ask, do not keep it back, my gracious lord. You are the preceptor
of all the three spheres, so declare the Vedas; what can other poor creatures know?
iva was glad at heart to hear these questions of Um, naturally pleasing and guileless
as they were. All the exploits of Rma flashed on His mind; the hair on His body bristled
with rapture and His eyes filled with tears. The figure of r Rma was reflected on the
mirror of His heart. This brought immense joy to iva, who is an embodiment of supreme
bliss Himself. (14)
0n r z n f r t-
rrfa fa a fa t-+ {{{+
Do.: magana dhynarasa daa juga puni mana bhera knha,
raghupati carita mahesa taba haraita baranai lnha.111.
For an hour or so iva was lost in the ecstasy of meditation. He then recovered
Himself and thereafter began joyfully to tell the story of Rma. (111)
0rs - rf f r ff n f fr+
f r n r; r; rn r r;+ {+
s r= r; r ff a f r+
n n rt s r f frt+ +
f r rf frrt f r fnr srt+
- - fnfrrt ar r f rs srt+ -+
rrfa r nr r n rf nnr+
ar rrt rnt tf- t na fa rnt+ +
Cau. : jhuheu satya jhi binu jne , jimi bhujaga binu raju pahicne .
jehi jne jaga ji her, jge jath sapana bhrama j.1.
badau

blarupa soi rmu, saba sidhi sulabha japata jisu nmu.
magala bhavana amagala hr, dravau so dasaratha ajira bihr.2.
kari pranma rmahi tripurr, harai sudh sama gir ucr.
dhanya dhanya girirjakumr, tumha samna nahi

kou upakr.3.
pu chehu raghupati kath prasag, sakala loka jaga pvani gag.
tumha raghubra carana anurg, knhihu prasna jagata hita lg.4.
Due to lack of knowledge about r Rma even the unreal passes for real, just
as ignorance about a rope leads us to mistake it for a snake. Even so the moment we
know Him the world of matter vanishes, just as the delusion of a dream disappears as
soon as we wake up. Him do I reverence in the form of a Child, the repetition of whose
Name brings all kinds of success within our easy reach. May that Home of bliss and
Bane of woe take compassion on meHe who sports in the courtyard of king
Daaratha. After thus paying homage to Rma, the Slayer of the demon Tripura joyfully
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
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*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
spoke in mellifluous accents as follows: You are indeed blessed and worthy of
applause, O daughter of the mountain-king; there is no such benefactor as you. You
have asked Me to repeat the history of the Lord of Raghus, which is potent enough to
sanctify all the spheres even as the Gag purifies the whole world. You are full of love
for the feet of the Hero of Raghus race; You have put questions to Me only with an eye
to the good of the world. (14)
0r r a rfa a rf
r r fr rf+ {{+
Do.: rma kp te prabati sapanehu tava mana mhi

,
soka moha sadeha bhrama mama bicra kachu nhi

.112.
By the blessing of Rma, O Prvat, not even in dream can grief, infatuation,
doubt or error enter your mind, so far as I can judge. (112)
0af r tf- r; a a fa r;+
f- f r t f rr >r f rr+ {+
f- a f r r r r+
a f af ar a f n r+ +
f- fnfa z f rt ta r a; rt+
r f ; r n nrr t r r t rr+ -+
f r f r; rat f ffa r rat+
fnfr r tr fa frtr+ +
Cau.: tadapi asak knhihu so, kahata sunata saba kara hita ho.
jinha hari kath sun nahi

kn, ravana radhra ahibhavana samn.1.

nayananhi sata darasa nahi

dekh, locana morapakha kara lekh.

te sira kau tubari samatul, je na namata hari gura pada m ul.2.
jinha haribhagati hdaya nahi

n, jvata sava samna tei prn.

jo nahi

karai rma guna gn, jha so ddura jha samn.3.

kulisa kahora nihura soi cht, suni haricarita na jo harat.
girij sunahu rma kai ll, sura hita danuja bimohanasl.4.
Yet you have expressed the same old doubts again, so that all those who repeat
or hear this account may be benefited thereby. The ears of those who have never heard
the stories of r Hari are no better than snake-holes. The eyes of those who have not
blessed them with the sight of saints are as good as the sham eyes in a peacocks tail.
The heads that bow not at the soles of r Hari or of ones preceptor are just like bitter
pumpkins. Those who have cherished not in their heart the spirit of devotion to r Hari
are as good as dead, though living. The tongue that does not sing the praises of Rma
is just like the tongue of a frog. The heart which does not rejoice to hear the tales of r
Hari is hard as adamant and cruel indeed. Hear, O Girij, the exploits of r Rma, which
prove beneficial to the gods and mystify the demons. (14)
0rr a rf
ar r r rf+ {{-+
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Do.: rmakath suradhenu sama sevata saba sukha dni,
satasamja suraloka saba ko na sunai asa jni.113.
Like the cow of plenty, the story of Rma bestows all blessings on those who
devote themselves to it; and the assemblages of saints are the various abodes of gods.
Knowing this, who would not listen to it? (113)
0rr art fn szrfrt+
rr f f rt r fnfrrt+ {+
r r n fa r nfa >rfa nr+
r a r nrr ar r tfa n rr+ +
af r >ra f fa rt fs f tfa fa art+
sr t a r; aa rf r;+ -+
ra f rf rrt f r rt+
ar r r r rs rr f >rfa nr f f rr+ +
Cau.: rmakath sudara kara tr, sasaya bihaga uRvanihr.
rmakath kali biapa kuhr, sdara sunu girirjakumr.1.
rma nma guna carita suhe, janama karama aganita ruti ge.
jath anata rma bhagavn, tath kath krati guna nn.2.
tadapi jath ruta jasi mati mor, kahihau dekhi prti ati tor.
um prasna tava sahaja suh, sukhada satasamata mohi bh.3.
eka bta nahi

mohi sohn, jadapi moha basa kahehu bhavn.

tumha jo kah rma kou n, jehi ruti gva dharahi

muni dhyn.4.
The story of Rma is the lovely clap of hand-palms which scares away the
birds of doubt. Even so the story of Rma is an axe to the tree of Kaliyuga (the
impurities of the Kali age); listen to it with reverence, O daughter of the mountain-king.
The charming names of r Rma, as well as His virtues, stories, births and deeds
have all been declared by the Vedas to be beyond number. As there is no end to the
divine Rma, even so His stories, glory and virtues are also endless. Yet, seeing your
great love, I will tell them even as I have heard of them to the best of my intellectual
capacity. Um, your inquiries are naturally winning and delightful and such as are
approved of by the saints; as for myself I am particularly pleased to hear them. But
there was one thing, Bhavn, which I did not like, although you uttered it under a spell
of delusion: you suggested that the Rma whom the Vedas extol and on whom the
sages contemplate is someone else! (14)
0f f n r fr
rzt f f rf r r+ {{+
Do.: kahahi

sunahi

asa adhama nara grase je moha pisca,

pa hari pada bimukha jnahi

jhuha na sca.114.
Such words are spoken and heard by those vile men alone who are possessed
by the devil of infatuation, are impious and averse to the feet of r Hari and know no
difference between truth and falsehood. (114)
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122
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
0 rf rnt r; f rnt+
t f ft ar f t+ {+
f a a rt f- r r f rt+
f = ftr r = f ff tr+ +
f- n n fr rf fra r+
frr na rt fa-f a rrfa rt+ -+
ra a f ar a f rf fr+
f- a rr rr fa- r f f rr+ +
Cau.: agya akobida adha abhg, k biaya mukura mana lg.
lapaa kapa kuila bise, sapanehu

satasabh nahi

dekh.1.
kahahi

te beda asamata bn, jinha ke s ujha lbhu nahi

hn.
mukura malina aru nayana bihn, rma rupa dekhahi

kimi dn.2.
jinha ke aguna na saguna bibek, jalpahi

kalpita bacana anek.

harimy basa jagata bhramh

, tinhahi kahata kachu aghaita nh

.3.
btula bhuta bibasa matavre, te nahi

bolahi

bacana bicre.
jinha kta mahmoha mada pn, tinha kara kah karia nahi

kn.4.
Foolish, ignorant and blind wretches, the mirror of whose heart is clouded by the
film of sensuality, lecherous, deceitful and grossly perverse, who have never seen an
assemblage of holy men even in a dream and who have no sense of gain and loss, they
alone make statements which are repugnant to the Vedas. The mirror of their heart is
soiled and they have no eyes to see; how-then, can those wretched souls behold the
beauty of r Rma? For those who have no knowledge either of the unqualified Brahma
or of qualified Divinity, who indulge in fantastic utterances of various kinds and who spin
round in this world under the influence of r Haris deluding potency, no assertion is too
absurd to make. Those who are delirious or mad, those who are possessed and those
who are inebriated do not talk sense. None should give ear to the ravings of those who
have drunk the wine of infatuation. (14)
0 f z frf a r
fnfr rf a f + {{~+
So.: asa nija hdaya bicri taju sasaya bhaju rma pada,
sunu girirja kumri bhrama tama rabi kara bacana mama.115.
Thus assured in your heart, discard all doubt and adore r Rmas feet. O
daughter of the mountain-king, hear my words, which are sun-beams as it were for the
darkness of error. (115)
0nf nf f r nrf f r r+
n = r; na n r r; + {+
r n fa n r; f s fn f +
r r faf anr af ff f fr nr+ +
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*
123
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
r frr fr f a r fr r+
r= nrr f a f fr frr+ -+
fr r rr t ffa frr+
r zr r n rr r rr+ +
Cau.: sagunahi agunahi nahi

kachu bhed, gvahi

muni purna budha bed.

aguna arupa alakha aja jo, bhagata prema basa saguna so ho.1.
jo guna rahita saguna soi kaise , jalu hima upala bilaga nahi

jaise .
jsu nma bhrama timira patag, tehi kimi kahia bimoha prasag.2.
rma saccidnada dines, nahi

taha moha nis lavales.

sahaja praksarupa bhagavn, nahi

taha

puni bigyna bihn.3.
haraa bida gyna agyn, jva dharma ahamiti abhimn.
rma brahma bypaka jaga jn, paramnada paresa purn.4.
There is no difference between qualified Divinity and the unqualified Brahma: so
declare the sages and men of wisdom, the Vedas and the Puras. That which is
attributeless and formless, imperceptible and unborn, becomes qualified under the
influence of the devotees love. How can the Absolute become qualified? In the same
way as water and the hail-stone are non-different in substance. Infatuation is out of the
question for Him whose very Name is like the sun to the darkness of error. r Rma,
who is Truth, Consciousness and Bliss combined, is like the sun; the night of ignorance
cannot subsist in Him even to the smallest degree. He is the Lord whose very being is
light; there is no dawn of understanding in His case (for the dawn presupposes night and
night there is none in the sunlight of r Rma). Joy and grief, knowledge and ignorance,
egoism and pridethese are the characteristics of a Jva (finite being). r Rma is the
all-pervading Brahma; He is supreme bliss personified, the highest Lord and the most
ancient Being. The whole world knows it. (14)
0= fq r ff n r r
rrf trf r; f f rs r+ {{+
Do.: purua prasiddha praksa nidhi pragaa parvara ntha,
raghukulamani mama svmi soi kahi siva nyau mtha.116.
He who is universally known as the Spirit, the fount of light, manifest in all forms
and is the lord of life as well as of matter, that Jewel of Raghus line is my Master. So
saying iva bowed His head to Him. (116)
0f f rf rt r f z rt+
r nn rr frt rrs r f frt+ {+
fa r r nf r n n f af r+
sr r f; rr a f ff rr+ +
f t ar a ar+
r r; r rf fa r;+ -+
na rt r r rrt r n r+
r -ar a z rr r - ; r rr+ +
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124
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Cau.: nija bhrama nahi

samujhahi

agyn, prabhu para moha dharahi

jaRa prn.
jath gagana ghana paala nihr, jh

peu bhnu kahahi

kubicr.1.
citava jo locana aguli le , pragaa jugala sasi tehi ke bhe .
um rma biaika asa moh, nabha tama dhuma dhuri jimi soh.2.
biaya karana sura jva samet, sakala eka te eka sacet.
saba kara parama praksaka jo, rma andi avadhapati so.3.
jagata praksya praksaka rmu, mydhsa gyna guna dhmu.
jsu satyat te jaRa my, bhsa satya iva moha sahy.4.
Fools do not perceive their own error; on the other hand, those stupid creatures
attribute infatuation to the Lord, just as on seeing the sky covered with clouds, men of
unsound judgment declare that the sun has been screened by the clouds. To him who
sees with a finger stuck into his eyes the moon appears as doubled. Um, infatuation
is attributed to Rma in the same way as darkness, smoke or dust appears in the sky.
The objects of the senses, the senses and their presiding deities as well as the Jva
(embodied soul)all these derive their illumination one from the other. (That is to say,
the objects are illumined by the senses, the senses are illumined by their presiding
deities and the deities presiding over the senses are illumined by the conscious Self).
The supreme illuminator of them all is the eternal Rma, king of Ayodhy. The world of
matter is the object of illumination, while Rma is its illuminator. He is the lord of My
and the abode of wisdom and virtues. It is due to His reality that even unconscious
Matter appears as real through ignorance. (14)
0a t r ff r r rf
f r fa r r; ; rs rf+ {{+
Do.: rajata spa mahu bhsa jimi jath bhnu kara bri,
jadapi m tihu kla soi bhrama na sakai kou ri.117.
Just as a shell is mistaken for silver and a mirage for water even though the
appearance is false at all times (in the past, present and future), nobody can dispel this
delusion. (117)
0f ff n f rf>ra ; f - a ;+
f r r; f rn f r;+ {+
r r ff r; fnfr r; r rrr;+
rf a rs r rr fa rf fn nrr+ +
f ; ; f rr f ; ff rr+
r fa rnt f rt ar z rnt+ -+
a f f r n; rrr f r r+
f rfa f t fr r r; f t+ +
Cau.: ehi bidhi jaga hari rita raha, jadapi asatya deta dukha aha.
jau sapane sira kai ko, binu jge na d uri dukha ho.1.
jsu kp

asa bhrama mii j, girij soi kpla raghur.

di ata kou jsu na pv, mati anumni nigama asa gv.2.
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"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
binu pada calai sunai binu kn, kara binu karama karai bidhi nn.
nana rahita sakala rasa bhog, binu bn bakat baRa jog.3.
tana binu parasa nayana binu dekh, grahai ghrna binu bsa ase.
asi saba bh

ti alaukika karan, mahim jsu ji nahi

baran.4.
In a like manner is this world of matter superimposed on Hari. Though unreal,
it gives us pain nonetheless, just as if a mans head is cut off in a dream, he is not
rid of pain till he wakes. Girij, He whose grace wipes out such delusion is none else
than the benevolent Lord of Raghus. Nobody has been able to discover His beginning
or end. Basing their conclusions on speculation the Vedas have described Him in the
following words. He walks without feet, hears without ears and performs actions of
various kinds even without hands. He enjoys all tastes without a mouth (palate) and
is a most clever speaker even though devoid of speech. He touches without a body
(the tactile sense), sees without eyes and catches all odours even without a nose (the
olfactory sense). His ways are thus supernatural in every respect and His glory is
beyond description. (14)
0f ;f nrf rf f f r
r; a na fa rfa nr+ {{c+
Do.: jehi imi gvahi

beda budha jhi dharahi

muni dhyna,
soi dasaratha suta bhagata hita kosalapati bhagavna.118.
He who is thus extolled by the Vedas and men of wisdom and whom the sages
love to contemplate is no other than the divine Rma, son of Daaratha, lord of Ayodhy,
the friend of His devotees. (118)
0rt a a rt r r s frt+
r; r r trt rr s art+ {+
f r r t fa rr t+
r f t rff nr ; at+ +
r r rar rt a fa ffa a rt+
ra s rt r frn n rt+ -+
f f r ff n a r+
; rrfa tfa atat r= rr tat+ +
Cau.: ks

marata jatu avalok, jsu nma bala karau bisok.

soi prabhu mora carcara svm, raghubara saba ura atarajm.1.
bibasahu jsu nma nara kahah

, janama aneka racita agha dahah

.
sdara sumirana je nara karah

, bhava bridhi gopada iva tarah

.2.
rma so paramtam bhavn, taha

bhrama ati abihita tava bn.
asa sasaya nata ura mh

, gyna birga sakala guna jh

.3.
suni siva ke bhrama bhajana bacan, mii gai saba kutaraka kai racan.
bhai raghupati pada prti pratt, druna asabhvan bt.4.
When I behold any creature dying in the holy K (the modern Vras), it is by
the power of His Name that I rid it of all sorrow (liberate it). He is my Lord, the Chief of
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
126
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Raghus, the sovereign of all creation, animate as well as inanimate, the witness of all
hearts. If men repeat His Name even in a helpless state, sins committed by them in a
series of previous existences are burnt away; while those who devoutly remember Him
are able to cross the ocean of mundane existence as if it were a mere hollow made by
the hoof of a cow. Rma is no other than that supreme Spirit. Bhavn; your assertion
that He is subject to delusion is wholly unwarranted. The moment a man harbours such
a doubt in his mind, his wisdom, dispassion and all other virtues bid adieu to him. When
Prvat heard ivas illuminating words, the whole structure of her sophistry collapsed.
Attachment and devotion to the feet of the Lord of Raghus sprang in her heart and her
shocking incredulity disappeared. (14)
0f f nf rf = rf
rt fnfr rf+ {{+
Do.: puni puni prabhu pada kamala gahi jori pakaruha pni,
bol

girij bacana bara manahu prema rasa sni.119.

Clasping the lotus-feet of her lord again and again, and joining her lotus-like palms,
Prvat spoke the following fine words, steeping them as it were in the nectar of love:
0f f fnr arrt fr r ra rt+
ar r s r t= rf rf + {+
r r ns frr t s rr+
rf rf ff rt f z rf rt+ +
r r r; r - +
r zr f frt fa s rt+ -+
r s a f a rf rr; a+
sr f ftar rr tfa tar+ +
Cau.: sasi kara sama suni gir tumhr, mi moha saradtapa bhr.
tumha kpla sabu sasau hare u, rma svar upa jni mohi pare u.1.
ntha kp

aba gayau bid, sukh bhayau

prabhu carana prasd.
aba mohi pani kikari jn, jadapi sahaja jaRa nri ayn.2.
prathama jo mai

puch soi kahah u, jau

mo para prasanna prabhu ahahu.
rma brahma cinamaya abins, sarba rahita saba ura pura bs.3.
ntha dhareu naratanu kehi het u, mohi samujhi kahahu baket u.
um bacana suni parama bint, rmakath para prti punt.4.
Now that I have listened to Your words, which were refreshing as moonbeams,
my ignorance, like the feverish heat of the autumnal sunshine, has faded away. You
have removed all my doubt, O gracious Lord, and the reality of Rma has been revealed
to me. By Your grace, my lord, my gloom has been lifted and I feel happy now by the
blessing of my lords feet. Now, regarding me as Your slave, even though I am a woman,
ignorant and stupid by nature, answer my former question, if You are pleased with me,
my lord. Rma, I now understand, is no other than the indestructible Brahma (God), who
is consciousness itself and who, though bereft of all, yet dwells in the heart of all. Why
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127
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did He take the form of a human being? Explain this to me, O akara. Hearing Ums
most polite words and seeing Her unadulterated love for the story of r Rma(14)
0f rrf a r
ff sf f f r rfr+ { (+
Do.: hiya harae kmri taba sakara sahaja sujna,
bahu bidhi umahi prasasi puni bole kpnidhna.120(A).
The all-merciful and all-wise akara, the Destroyer of Cupid, was glad at heart
and, extolling Um in so many ways, said : (120A)
[PAUSE 1 FOR A NINE-DAY RECITATION]
[PAUSE 4 FOR A THIRTY-DAY RECITATION]
0 r rf rfar f
r fz rf r fn r n=z + { (+
r r sr f ff r rn
r ar fa rr+ { (n+
f n r r r = nfa fa
f fa r s sr r + { (rr+
So.: sunu subha kath bhavni rmacaritamnasa bimala,
kah bhusui bakhni sun bihaga nyaka garuRa.120(B).
so sabda udra jehi bidhi bh ge kahaba,
sunahu rma avatra carita parama sudara anagha.120(C).
hari guna nma apra kath rupa aganita amita,
mai

nija mati anusra kahau um sdara sunahu.120(D).

Hear the blessed story of the holy Rmacaritamnasa, which was narrated at
length by the sage Bhuui and heard by the king of birds, Garua, I shall tell you later
on how that great dialogue took place. First listen to the most charming and sanctifying
story of His descent. The virtues, names, stories and forms of r Hari are all unlimited,
innumerable and immeasurable. Yet I proceed to tell them according to the best of my
intellectual capacity; listen, Um, with reverence. (120 BD)
0 fnfr ffa r f f fnrn nr+
f ar a f r; ;f- f r; r;+ {+
r a fq rt a r f rt+
af a f rr f tfa rr+ +
a f rs art fr ; r rt+
r; rt rf frt+ -+
f tfa r; f t tf f t+
a a f ff tr f rff r tr+ +
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128
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Cau.: sunu girij haricarita suhe, bipula bisada nigamgama ge.
hari avatra hetu jehi ho, idamittha kahi ji na so.1.
rma atarkya buddhi mana bn, mata hamra asa sunahi sayn.
tadapi sata muni beda purn, jasa kachu kahahi

svamati anumn.2.
tasa mai

sumukhi sunvau toh, samujhi parai jasa krana moh.

jaba jaba hoi dharama kai hn, bRhahi

asura adhama abhimn.3.

karahi

anti ji nahi

baran, sdahi

bipra dhenu sura dharan.

taba taba prabhu dhari bibidha sarr, harahi

kpnidhi sajjana pr.4.

Hark, O Girij: the Vedas and the Tantras have sung numerous charming and
sinless exploits of r Hari. The cause of r Haris descent cannot be precisely stated.
Listen, O sensible lady: r Rma is beyond the grasp of intellect, mind or speech: such
is my conviction. Yet, O charming lady, I tell you the reason as I understand it and even
as the saints and sages, the Vedas and the Puras have stated according to their
intellectual level. Whenever virtue declines and vile and haughty demons multiply and
work uniquity that cannot be told, and whenever Brhmaas, cows, gods and earth itself
are in trouble, the gracious Lord assumes various (transcendent) forms and relieves the
distress of the virtuous. (14)
0 rf rf - rf f >rfa a
n ftarf f r - a+ {{+
Do.: asura mri thpahi

suranha rkhahi

nija ruti setu,

jaga bistrahi

bisada jasa rma janma kara hetu.121.

Killing the demons He reinstates the gods, preserves the bounds of propriety
fixed by the Vedas, which represent His own breath, and diffuses His immaculate glory
throughout the world. This is the motive of r Rmas descent. (121)
0r; nr; na at rf fa a t+
r a r ffr a r+ {+
; s rt rr fa rt+
rr f f r = f r r+ +
f >rr a s r; ar fa- r;+
f = r r na ffa fa r+ -+
f; t f=rar f r frar+
r; f f rr r ftarr+ +
Cau.: soi jasa gi bhagata bhava tarah

, kpsidhu jana hita tanu dharah

.
rma janama ke hetu anek, parama bicitra eka te ek.1.
janama eka dui kahau bakhn, svadhna sunu sumati bhavn.
dvrapla hari ke priya dou, jaya aru bijaya jna saba kou.2.
bipra rpa te dunau bh, tmasa asura deha tinha p.
kanakakasipu aru haka locana, jagata bidita surapati mada mocana.3.
bija samara bra bikhyt, dhari barha bapu eka nipt.
hoi narahari dusara puni mr, jana prahalda sujasa bistr.4.
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129
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Singing this glory the devotees cross the ocean of mundane existence; it is for
the sake of His devotees that the compassionate Lord bodies Himself forth. The motives
of r Rmas birth are many, each more wonderful than the other. I will refer to one
or two such births at some length; please listen attentively, O wise Bhavn. r Hari
has two favourite gate-keepers Jaya and Vijaya, who are known to everybody. Due to
the curse of certain Brhmaas (Sanaka and his three brothers) both these brothers
were born in the accursed species of demons. One of them was known as Hirayakaipu
and the other as Hirayka. They became known throughout the universe as the
tamers of the pride of Indra (the chief of gods). Both of them were celebrated heroes
who came out victorious in battle. The Lord assumed the form of a Boar in order to
kill one of the two brothers (viz., Hirayka); while bodying Himself forth as a Man-
Lion, He killed the other (Hirayakaipu) and spread the fair renown of His devotee,
Prahlda (Hirayakaipus son). (14)
0 fr r; a; rt r
r f; n r+ {+
Do.: bhae niscara ji tei mahbra balavna,
kubhakarana rvana subhaa sura bija jaga jna.122.
It is these two brothers that were born again as the powerful and most valiant
Rkasas. Rvaa and Kumbhakara, who were great warriors and, as all the world
knows, conquered even gods. (122)
0a a nrr atf f rr+
r fa- fa rnt s t na rnt+ {+
t ffa ar fa rar rr f=rar+
f ff arr fa fr f rr+ +
f r r+
t- nr rr r ; rr+ -+
at rf rt af arf faf rt+ +
Cau.: mukuta na bhae hate bhagavn, tni janama dvija bacana pravn.
eka bra tinha ke hita lg, dhareu sarra bhagata anurg.1.
kasyapa aditi tah

pitu mt, dasaratha kausaly bikhyt.

eka kalapa ehi bidhi avatr, carita pavitra kie sasr.2.
eka kalapa sura dekhi dukhre, samara jaladhara sana saba hre.
sabhu knha sagrma apr, danuja mahbala marai na mr.3.
parama sat asurdhipa nr, tehi

bala thi na jitahi

purr.4.
Even though slain by the Lord, the two brothers (Hirayka and Hirayakaipu)
did not attain liberation; for the Brhmaas had doomed them to three births. It was on
their account that the Lover of the devotees bodied Himself forth on one occasion. In that
birth Kayapa and Aditi were His parents, who were known by the names of Daaratha
and Kausaly respectively. This was how in one Kalpa (round of creation) the Lord
descended from heaven and performed purifying deeds on earth. In another Kalpa all the
gods were worsted in their conflict with the demon Jalandhara. Seeing their distress
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
130
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
ambhu waged war against him, which knew no end; but the demon, who possessed
a great might, could not be killed in spite of His best efforts. The wife of the demon chief
was a most virtuous lady. Armed by her strength of character the demon could not be
conquered even by the Vanquisher of Tripura. (14)
0 f rs ar a r t-
af rs a >rr r f t-+ {-+
Do.: chala kari reu tsu brata prabhu sura kraja knha,
jaba tehi

jneu marama taba rpa kopa kari dnha.123.

By a stratagem the Lord broke her vow of chastity and accomplished the purpose
of the gods. When the lady discovered the trick, she cursed Him in her wrath. (123)
0ar >rr f t- rr aff r nrr+
ar r fa r + {+
r r f fn r t r+
fa ar r t f t f- rrt+ +
r >rr t- rr af fn arr+
fnfr fa ; f rt r frna f rt+ -+
r >rr f t-r r r rfa t-r+
n rf rt f r r rt+ +
Cau.: tsu rpa hari dnha pramn, kautukanidhi kpla bhagavn.
tah

jaladhara rvana bhaya u, rana hati rma parama pada daya u.1.
eka janama kara krana eh, jehi lagi rma dhar naradeh.
prati avatra kath prabhu ker, sunu muni baran kabinha ghaner.2.
nrada rpa dnha eka br, kalapa eka tehi lagi avatr.
girij cakita bha

suni bn, nrada binubhagata puni gyn.3.

krana kavana rpa muni dnh, k apardha rampati knh.
yaha prasaga mohi kahahu purr, muni mana moha caraja bhr.4.
The sportive and gracious Lord accepted her curse. It was this Jalandhara who
was reborn as Rvaa in this latter Kalpa. Killing him in battle r Rma conferred on him
the supreme state (final beatitude). This was the reason why r Rma assumed a
human form in one particular birth. Hark, O Bharadvja; the story of each birth of the Lord
has been sung by poets in diverse ways. On one occasion Nrada cursed the Lord; this
served as an excuse of His birth in one particular Kalpa. Girij was taken aback to hear
these words and said, Nrada is a votary of God Viu and enlightened soul too.
Wherefore did the sage pronounce a curse? What offence had Lakms lord committed
against him? Tell me the whole story, O Slayer of the demon Tripura. It is very strange
that the sage should have fallen a prey to delusion. (14)
0r ff a rt r;
f rrfa f r a af r;+ { (+
Do.: bole bihasi mahesa taba gyn muRha na koi,
jehi jasa raghupati karahi

jaba so tasa tehi chana hoi.124(A).

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*
131
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
The great Lord iva then replied with a smile, There is no one enlightened or
deluded. Man instantly becomes what the Lord of Raghus wills him to be at a particular
moment. (124 A)
0s r n nr r r
rr r a t af r + { (+
So.: kahau rma guna gtha bharadvja sdara sunahu,
bhava bhajana raghuntha bhaju tulas taji mna mada.124(B).
Said Yjavalkya, I am going to recount the virtues of Rma, O Bharadvja; listen
with a devout mind. Renouncing pride and intoxication, O Tulasdsa, adore the Lord of
Raghus, who puts an end to metempsychosis. (124 B)
0ffnf nr fa rf t t rf+
r>r ta rr f ff fa rr+ {+
ff f ff frnr s rfa rnr+
fa ff >rr nfa rt f rfn rt+ +
f nfa f zrr rf rf t- rr+
fa r r a s f f a+ -+
rt f rrr a ff rr+
rt r n rt f r ; f z rt + +
Cau.: himagiri guh eka ati pvani, baha sampa surasar suhvani.
rama parama punta suhv, dekhi devarii mana ati bhv.1.
nirakhi saila sari bipina bibhg, bhayau rampati pada anurg.
sumirata harihi rpa gati bdh, sahaja bimala mana lgi samdh.2.
muni gati dekhi suresa ern, kmahi boli knha sanamn.
sahita sahya jhu mama het u, caleu harai hiya

jalacaraket u.3.
sunsra mana mahu asi trs, cahata devarii mama pura bs.
je km lolupa jaga mh

, kuila kka iva sabahi erh

.4.
In the Himlaya mountains there was a most sacred cave; the beautiful heavenly
stream (Gag) flowed near by. The sight of this most holy and charming hermitage highly
attracted the mind of the celestial sage Nrada. Seeing the mountain, the river and the
forest glades, his heart developed love for the feet of Lakms lord. The thought of r Hari
broke the spell of the curse* (pronounced by Daka, which did not allow him to stay at one
place); and his mind, which was naturally sinless, fell into a trance. Seeing the sages
condition, Indra (the chief of gods) became apprehensive. Summoning the god of love, he
received him with great honour and said, For my sake go with your associates! The god
of love (who has a fish emblazoned on his standard) set out gladdened at heart. Indra
apprehended that the celestial sage sought to occupy his abode. Those who are lustful and
grasping are afraid of everyone like the evil-minded crow. (14)
0 rz rn tr ff nr
tf ; f r z faf faf r+ {~+
* For the cause of the curse see Caup I following Doh 78 (p. 85)
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
132
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Do.: sukha hRa lai bhga saha svna nirakhi mgarja,
chni lei jani jna jaRa timi surapatihi na lja.125.
Just as a foolish dog, on seeing a king of beasts, should run away with a dry bone,
fearing in his crass ignorance lest the lion should rob him of it, Indra too in his
shamelessness thought as above. (125)
0af r>rf n f rr a f+
fa ff f nr f rf nf nr+ {+
t rf frf rt r r rfrt+
rf rf tr r tr+ +
f nr ar anr ff tzf rf anr+
f r rr t-f f ff rr+ -+
r r ff rt f zs r rt+
t f rf ; rs ar z r rfa r+ +
Cau.: tehi ramahi

madana jaba gaya u, nija my

basata niramayau.
kusumita bibidha biapa bahurag, k ujahi

kokila gujahi

bhg.1.
cal suhvani tribidha bayr, kma ksnu baRhvanihr.
rabhdika suranri nabn, sakala asamasara kal prabn.2.
karahi

gna bahu tna tarag, bahubidhi krRahi

pni patag.
dekhi sahya madana haran, knhesi puni prapaca bidhi nn.3.
kma kal kachu munihi na byp, nija bhaya

areu manobhava pp.
sma ki c

pi sakai kou ts u, baRa rakhavra rampati js u.4.

When the god of love reached that hermitage, he created a semblance of the
vernal season by his illusory power. Many-coloured blossoms appeared on the trees of
different kinds; cuckoos sang and bees hummed. Delightful breezes, cool, soft and
fragrant, blew, fanning the flame of passion. Rambh and other heavenly damsels, who
looked ever young and were all past masters in amorous sports, sang in undulating
tones of various kinds and sported in many ways, ball in hand. The god of love was
delighted to see his associates there and employed a variety of deceptive tricks. But his
amorous devices had no effect on the sage. Guilty Cupid was now apprehensive of his
own destruction. Can anyone dare to trespass the bounds of him who has the Lord of
Lakm as his great protector. (14)
0fa r ta fa rf rf
nf r; f a f f ra + {+
Do.: sahita sahya sabhta ati mni hri mana maina,
gahesi ji muni carana taba kahi suhi rata baina.126.
In dire dismay the god of love with his accomplices acknowledged his defeat and
clasped the sages feet, addressing him in accents of deep humility. (126)
0s r rr f f r farr+
r; f= r r; ns a fa r;+ {+
*
BLA-K NA
*
133
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
f tar rf t fa r r; t+
f rr ff f ff f= rr+ +
a r n f rt far r ffa rt+
r fa f r faf rf fr+ -+
r r fs f art ff r r rt+
faf f ff r n r a+ +
Cau.: bhayau na nrada mana kachu ro, kahi priya bacana kma parito.
ni carana siru yasu p, gayau madana taba sahita sah.1.
muni suslat pani karan, surapati sabh

ji saba baran.
suni saba ke mana acaraju v, munihi prasasi harihi siru nv.2.
taba nrada gavane siva ph

, jit kma ahamiti mana mh

.
mra carita sakarahi sune, atipriya jni mahesa sikhe.3.
bra bra binavau

muni toh, jimi yaha kath sunyahu moh.
timi jani harihi sunvahu kabah u

, calehu

prasaga durehu tabah u

.4.
There was no anger in Nradas mind; he reassured the god of love by
addressing him in friendly terms. Then, bowing his head at the sages feet and
obtaining his leave, Love retired with his accomplices. Reaching the court of Indra (the
chief of gods) he related his own doings, on the one hand, and the sages clemency,
on the other. Hearing the tale all were astonished; they extolled the sage and bowed
their head to Hari. Then Nrada called on iva; he was proud of his victory over Love
and told Him all Loves doings. Knowing him to be His most beloved friend, the great
Lord iva admonished him as follows:O sage, I pray you again and again: never
repeat this story to Hari as you have repeated it to me. Even if the topic ever comes
up before Him, please hush it up. (14)
0 t- s fa f rf rr
r a f ;-r r+ {+
Do.: sabhu dnha upadesa hita nahi

nradahi sohna,
bharadvja kautuka sunahu hari icch balavna.127.
Wholesome was the advice given by ambhu; but it did not please
Nrada. Bharadvja, now hear what interesting thing happened. The will of Hari is
predominant. (127)
0r t- rf r; r; -r f r;+
f f r a ff r fr+ {+
r a tr nra f n nr tr+
tf n frr >rtfr >rfarr+ +
f f sf rfar r fff ar+
r ff r rr a f tf- f rr+ -+
r fa r r uf f f r+
fa z rrfa rr f r r n rr+ +
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
134
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Cau.: rma knha chahi

soi ho, karai anyath asa nahi

ko.
sabhu bacana muni mana nahi

bhe, taba biraci ke loka sidhe.1.

eka bra karatala bara bn, gvata hari guna gna prabn.
chrasidhu gavane muninth, jaha

basa rnivsa rutimth.2.
harai mile uhi ramniket, baihe sana riihi samet.
bole bihasi carcara ry, bahute dinana knhi muni dy.3.
kma carita nrada saba bhe, jadyapi prathama baraji siva rkhe.
ati pracaa raghupati kai my, jehi na moha asa ko jaga jy.4.
The will of r Rma alone prevails; there is no one who can alter it. ambhus
advice fell flat on the sage. Then he went to the abode of Brahm (the Creator). Singing
the glories of r Hari, to the accompaniment of the excellent lute he had in his hand, the
lord of sages, Nrada, who was skilled in music, once repaired to the ocean of milk.
Where dwells the abode of Lakm, Bhagavn Nryaa, who is Vednta (the crown of
all Vedas) personified. The abode of Ram (Lakm) rose to meet him in great joy and
shared His seat with the sage. The Lord of the entire creation, animate as well as
inanimate, said with a smile, It is after a long time that you have showed Me this favour,
reverend sir. Nrada told Him all the doings of Love, even though iva had already
forbidden him to do so. Most formidable is the My (deluding potency) of the Lord of
Raghus. No one was ever born in this world, who is beyond its charm. (14)
0= f r >rtnr
ar f a ff r r r+ {c+
Do.: rukha badana kari bacana mdu bole rbhagavna,
tumhare sumirana te miahi

moha mra mada mna.128.

With an impassive look, yet in coaxing accents, said the Lord, By your very
thought self-delusion, lust, arrogance and pride disappear. (128)
0 f r r; ar r frn z f r+
zr a a fatr arf f ; r tr+ {+
r s fa frr r arrf nrr+
=rff t frt s s n a= rt+ +
fn r zrfs srt r fart+
f fa a r; f sr f r;+ -+
a r f f r; z ffa fr;+
>rtfa f rr a t f t af t+ +
Cau.: sunu muni moha hoi mana tke , gyna birga hdaya nahi

jke .
brahmacaraja brata rata matidhr, tumhahi ki karai manobhava pr.1.
nrada kaheu sahita abhimn, kp tumhri sakala bhagavn.
karunnidhi mana dkha bicr, ura akureu garaba taru bhr.2.
begi so mai

rihau ukhr, pana hamra sevaka hitakr.

muni kara hita mama kautuka ho, avasi upya karabi mai

so.3.
taba nrada hari pada sira n, cale hdaya ahamiti adhik.
rpati nija my taba prer, sunahu kahina karan tehi ker.4.
*
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*
135
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Hark, O sage! the mind of him alone is susceptible to delusion, whose heart is
devoid of wisdom and dispassion. You are steadfast in your vow of celibacy and
resolute of mind; you can never be smitten with pangs of Love. Nrada replied with
a feeling of pride, Lord it is all due to Your grace. The compassionate Lord pondered
and saw that a huge tree of pride had sprouted in his heart. I shall soon tear it up by
roots; for it is My vow to serve the best interest of My servants. I must contrive some
plan which may do good to the sage and serve as a diversion for Me. Then, bowing
his head at the feet of r Hari, Nrada departed. The pride in his heart had swelled.
The Lord of Lakm (the goddess of prosperity) then set His My into operation. Now
hear of her relentless doings. (14)
0fs n n af a r ftar
>rtfr a f r ff r+ {+
Do.: biraceu maga mahu nagara tehi

sata jojana bistra,

rnivsapura te adhika racan bibidha prakra.129.
The Lords My (deluding potency) created on the way a city with an area of eight
hundred square miles. The manifold architectural beauties of that city excelled even
those of Vius own capital (Vaikuha). (129)
0f n rt f fa art+
af ; tff rr nfa n rr+ {+
a f frr = a tfa frr+
ftrt ar rt >rt fr f = frt+ +
r; frr n rt rr ar f r; rt+
; t r rr r a nfa frr+ -+
f at n af n rf- a +
f fa n r f r f r+ +
Cau.: basahi

nagara sudara nara nr, janu bahu manasija rati tanudhr.

tehi

pura basai slanidhi rj, aganita haya gaya sena samj.1.

sata suresa sama bibhava bils, rupa teja bala nti nivs.
bisvamohan tsu kumr, r bimoha jisu rupu nihr.2.
soi harimy saba guna khn, sobh tsu ki ji bakhn.
karai svayabara so npabl, e taha aganita mahipl.3.
muni kautuk nagara tehi

gaya u, purabsinha saba puchata bhayau.

suni saba carita bhupagha e, kari p uj npa muni baihe.4.
It was inhabited by graceful men and women, whom you would take to be so many
incarnations of the god of love and his wife Rati. A king, lanidhi by name, ruled over
that city; he owned numberless horses, elephants and troops. He possessed the
grandeur and luxury of a hundred Indras, and was a repository of grace, splendour, might
and wisdom. He had a daughter, Vivamohin by name, whose beauty enraptured even
Lakm. She was no other than r Haris own My (enrapturing potency), the
fountainhead of all virtues; who can describe her charm? The princess was going to
marry by self-choice; hence kings beyond number arrived there as suitors. The sportive
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
136
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
sage (Nrada) entered the city and inquired everything from the people. Hearing all that
had been going on there, he wended his way to the kings palace. The king paid him
homage and gave him a seat. (14)
0rf r; rf fa rrf
r n r f z frf+ {-+
Do.: ni dekh nradahi bhupati rjakumri,
kahahu ntha guna doa saba ehi ke hdaya

bicri.130.
The king brought and showed the princess to Nrada and said, Tell me after
mature thought all that is good or bad about her. (130)
0f = f ffa frt zt r fn frt+
- ar frf r z f n r+ {+
r f ; r; r; f af ta r;+
f r art ; tff -r rt+ +
- frf s r r; r+
ar - f rt r r rt+ -+
r; r; a frt f r rf rt+
a r; af rr ff f; ff rr+ +
Cau.: dekhi rupa muni birati bisr, baR bra lagi rahe nihr.
lacchana tsu biloki bhulne, hdaya

haraa nahi

pragaa bakhne.1.
jo ehi barai amara soi ho, samarabhumi tehi jta na ko.
sevahi

sakala carcara th, barai slanidhi kany jh.2.

lacchana saba bicri ura rkhe, kachuka bani bhupa sana bhe.
sut sulacchana kahi npa ph

, nrada cale soca mana mh

.3.
karau

ji soi jatana bicr, jehi prakra mohi barai kumr.
japa tapa kachu na hoi tehi kl, he bidhi milai kavana bidhi bl.4.
Seeing her beauty the sage forgot all about his dispassion and remained gazing
on her for a long time. When he read the auspicious marks on her body, he was lost
in reverie. He was gladdened at heart, but he would not openly mention the happy
characteristics. He who weds this girl, he said to himself, Shall become immortal;
and no one shall be able to conquer him in battle. He whom lanidhis daughter selects
for her lord shall be adored by the entire creation, both animate and inanimate. Having
read these characteristics the sage kept them to himself, and mentioned a few
fabricated ones to the king. Telling the king that his daughter was of good promise,
Nrada left. He thought within himself, Let me devise and try some means whereby
the princess may choose me for her husband. He had no more zeal to practise Japa
(muttering of sacred formulas) or austerity. Good God, how am I to get the girl? he
said to himself. (14)
0f rf rr = fr
r frf tr f a r+ {-{+
*
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*
137
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Do.: ehi avasara chia parama sobh rupa bisla,
jo biloki rjhai kua ri taba melai jayamla.131.
What is needed on this occasion is great personal charm and surpassing beauty,
whereby the princess may be enamoured of me and place the wreath of victory round
my neck, he continued. (131)
0f rn ar; r;f ra n= fa r;+
r fa f f r f r r; r+ {+
ff f tf- af rr ns at rr+
frf f zr r;f r f r+ +
fa rfa f r r; r f r r;+
r = rt r rfa f r rt+ -+
f ff r r; fa rr r fn r arr+
f rr f frr f f r trr+ +
Cau.: hari sana mgau sudarat, hoihi jta gaharu ati bh.
more hita hari sama nahi

kou, ehi avasara sahya soi ho u.1.

bahubidhi binaya knhi tehi kl, pragaeu prabhu kautuk kpl.
prabhu biloki muni nayana juRne, hoihi kju hie harane.2.
ati rati kahi kath sun, karahu kp kari hohu sah.
pana rupa dehu prabhu moh, na bh

ti nahi

pvau

oh.3.
jehi bidhi ntha hoi hita mor, karahu so begi dsa mai

tor.
nija my bala dekhi bisl, hiya

ha si bole dnadayl.4.
Let me ask Hari for a gift of beauty. But, alas! much time will be lost in going to
Him. Yet I have no such friend as Hari; let Him, therefore, come to my rescue at this
juncture. Then Nrada prayed in manifold ways and lo! The sportive and merciful Lord
appeared before him. The sight was soothing to the sages eyes. He was glad at heart
and felt assured that his object would be accomplished. In great humility he told the Lord
all that had happened, and said, Be gracious to me and be good enough to help me.
Lord, bestow on me Your own beauty; in no other way can I get possession of her.
Speedily do that which may serve my best interests; I am Your own servant, my lord.
Seeing the mighty power of His My, the Lord, who is compassionate to the poor,
smiled to himself and said: (14)
0f ff r;f fa r arr
r; r r r+ {-+
Do.: jehi bidhi hoihi parama hita nrada sunahu tumhra,
soi hama karaba na na kachu bacana na m hamra.132.
Nrada, listen to me; I shall do that alone which is good to you, and nothing else
My words can never be untrue. (132)
0 rn = r rnt ; f rnt+
f ff fa arr f afa + {+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
138
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
rr f f r rt f f fnr fnr+
n aa ar ffr; r t f r;+ +
f f r rr r f fa rr+
f = fa r rf af rf ff r+ -+
f fa r rfrr t- = r; rr+
r fr f r rr r rf f f rr+ +
Cau.: kupatha mga ruja bykula rog, baida na dei sunahu muni jog.
ehi bidhi hita tumhra mai

haya u, kahi asa atarahita prabhu bhayau.1.

my bibasa bhae muni m uRh, samujh nahi

hari gir nig uRh.

gavane turata tah

riir, jah

svayabara bh umi ban.2.

nija nija sana baihe rj, bahu banva kari sahita samj.
muni mana haraa rupa ati more , mohi taji nahi barihi na bhore .3.
muni hita krana kpnidhn, dnha kur upa na ji bakhn.
so caritra lakhi khu na pv, nrada jni sabahi

sira nv.4.
Hark, O contemplative ascetic! if a patient distracted by his malady asks for
something which is harmful to him, the physician would not give it. In a like manner I have
resolved on doing what is good to you. So saying, the Lord disappeared. Under the spell
of His My the sage was so mystified that he could not understand even such
unambiguous words of r Hari. The chief of seers hastened to the spot where the arena
for the choice-marriage had been prepared. Richly adorned, the royal suitors had
occupied their respective seats, each with his retinue. The sage was glad at heart; for
he thought within himself, My beauty is so surpassing that the princess will never
commit the error of choosing for her husband anyone else than me. In the sages own
interest the gracious Lord had made him hideous beyond description. But no one could
mark the change that had taken place in him; everyone knew him to be Nrada and
greeted him as such. (14)
0 ar ; = n a rf s
f a ff at as+ {--+
Do.: rahe tah

dui rudra gana te jnahi

saba bheu,
biprabea dekhata phirahi

parama kautuk teu.133.

Two of ivas attendants too happened to be there. They knew the whole secret
and, disguised as Brhmaas, went about seeing the fun. (133)
0f r f r; z = ffa fr;+
a n r f nfa ; r+ {+
f f rf r; tf tf- f ar;+
tfrf rf f t ;-f ff f rf ft+ +
ff r r r f n fa r+
f f f f rt fr ; fq rt+ -+
r r r fa fr r = -r r+
t a z r r at+ +
*
BLA-K NA
*
139
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Cau.: jehi

samja baihe muni j, hdaya

r upa ahamiti adhik.
taha

baihe mahesa gana dou, biprabea gati lakhai na kou.1.
karahi

kui nradahi sun, nki dnhi hari sudarat.

rjhihi rjakua ri chabi dekh, inhahi barihi hari jni bise.2.
munihi moha mana htha pare , ha sahi

sabhu gana ati sacu pe .

jadapi sunahi

muni aapai bn, samujhi na parai buddhi bhrama sn.3.

khu

na lakh so carita bise, so sarupa npakany

dekh.
markaa badana bhayakara deh, dekhata hdaya krodha bh teh.4.
In the row where sat Nrada, exceedingly proud of his beauty, the two attendants
of Mahea too seated themselves. Being disguised as Brhmaas they could not be
detected. They flung sarcastic remarks at Nrada, saying, Hari has given this man such
excellent beauty that the princess will be enamoured to look at it and shall certainly
choose him, taking him for Hari* Himself. The sage was under a spell of delusion; for
his heart had been stolen by love. The attendants of iva felt amused at this and greatly
enjoyed the fun. Even though the sage heard their ironical talk, he could not follow it, his
reason being clouded by infatuation. No one perceived this extra-ordinary phenomenon;
the princess alone saw his ugly form. The moment she beheld his monkey-like face and
frightful form she was filled with rage. (14)
0t n f a f rr
a f; t r r+ {-+
Do.: sakh

saga lai kua ri taba cali janu rjamarla,

dekhata phirai mahpa saba kara saroja jayamla.134.
Accompained by her girl companions the princess then glided as a swan. With
a wreath of victory in her lotus hands she moved about surveying each of her royal
suitors. (134)
0f ff r t r ff af frt t+
f f f sf rt f r n rt+ {+
f a a ns rr f f s rr+
ff n f-frr r s frr+ +
f fa f r fa rt f fnf n; f nrt+
a n r r; f fr r;+ -+
f rs rn rt t f rf frt+
frf r fa rr fa-f r t- fa nrr+ +
Cau.: jehi disi baihe nrada phul, so disi tehi

na bilok bh ul.
puni puni muni ukasahi

akulh

, dekhi das hara gana musukh

.2.
dhari npatanu taha

gayau kpl, kua ri harai meleu jayaml.
dulahini lai ge lacchinivs, npasamja saba bhayau nirs.3.
* The word Hari also means a monkey: the attendants of iva, therefore, indirectly hinted that the
sage looked like a monkey.
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140
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
muni ati bikala moha

mati nh, mani giri ga ch ui janu g

h.
taba hara gana bole musuk, nija mukha mukura bilokahu j.3.
asa kahi dou bhge bhaya bhr, badana dkha muni bri nihr.
beu biloki krodha ati bRh, tinhahi sarpa dnha ati gRh.4.
She did not care to look even casually at the quarter in which Nrada sat elated
with pride. Again and again the sage would raise himself and fidget about; the
attendants of Hara smiled to see him in that state. The gracious Lord too went there
in the form of a king; the princess joyfully placed the wreath of victory round His neck.
The Lord of Lakm carried off the bride to the despair of all assembled kings. The
sage felt much perturbed; for infatuation had robbed the sage of his reason. He felt as
if a gem had dropped from a loosened knot in the end of his garment. The attendants
of Hara then smilingly said, Just look at your face in a mirror. Uttering these words
both ran away in great alarm and the sage looked at his reflection in water. His fury
knew no bounds when he beheld his form; and he pronounced a terrible curse on the
attendants of iva: (14)
0r fr r; ar t rt rs
f r f f rs+ {-~+
Do.: hohu niscara ji tumha kapa pp dou,
ha sehu hamahi so lehu phala bahuri ha sehu muni kou.135.
O you sinful impostors, go and be reborn as demons. You mocked me; therefore,
reap its reward. Mock again a sage, if you dare. (135)
0f t = f rr af z ar rr+
a r rt f rfa rt + {+
s >rr f fs r; na rf sr r; +
tf f rt n r r; rrt+ +
r r; f f t r;+
a sr fa rr rr r rr+ -+
r f t ar ;fr ft+
a f =f r - f f r r+ +
Cau.: puni jala dkha rupa nija pv, tadapi hdaya

satoa na v.
pharakata adhara kopa mana mh

, sapadi cale kamalpati ph

.1.
dehau

rpa ki marihau j, jagata mori upahsa kar.
bcahi

patha mile danujr, saga ram soi rjakumr.2.

bole madhura bacana suras

, muni kaha cale bikala k n

.
sunata bacana upaj ati krodh, my basa na rah mana bodh.3.
para sapad sakahu nahi

dekh, tumhare iri kapaa bise.

mathata sidhu rudrahi bauryahu, suranha preri bia pna karyahu.4.
Looking again in water, he saw that he had regained his real form; yet his heart
found no solace. His lips quivered and there was indignation in his heart. At once he
proceeded to where the Lord of Lakm was. I shall either curse Him or die at His door,
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141
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
he said to himself, seeing that He has made me a butt of ridicule throughout the world.
The terror of the demons, r Hari, met him right on the way. He was accompanied by
Goddess Ram and the princess referred to above. The lord of immortals spoke in
gentle tones, To what destination, holy sir, are you betaking yourself like one distracted?
As soon as he heard these words Nrada was filled with rage. Dominated as he was
by My, there was no reason left in him. He said, You cannot bear to look upon the
good fortune of others. You are richly endowed with jealousy and fraud. While churning
the ocean You drove Rudra mad and inciting Him through the gods You made Him quaff
the poison. (14)
0 r f f r r f r=
tr r f ar r r=+ {-+
Do.: asura sur bia sakarahi pu ram mani cru,
svratha sdhaka kuila tumha sad kapaa byavahru.136.
Apportioning intoxicating liquor to the demons and poison to akara, You
appropriated Ram and the lovely gem (Kaustubha) to Yourself. You have ever been
selfish and perverse, and treacherous in Your dealings. (136)
0 tar f r; r; f ar r;+
f f f f + {+
zf zf f r fa r sr+
r arf rr fn arf r rr+ +
r t-r rn r t-r+
rf f f r r; a >rr r+ -+
f rfa ar tf- rt ff t r arrt+
r t- ar rt rf f ar r rt+ +
Cau.: parama svatatra na sira para ko, bhvai manahi karahu tumha so.
bhalehi mada madehi bhala karah u, bisamaya haraa na hiya kachu dharah u.1.
ahaki ahaki paricehu saba kh u, ati asaka mana sad uchh u.
karama subhsubha tumhahi na bdh, aba lagi tumhahi na kh u

sdh.2.
bhale bhavana aba byana dnh, pvahuge phala pana knh.
bacehu mohi javani dhari deh, soi tanu dharahu rpa mama eh.3.
kapi kti tumha knhi hamr, karihahi

ksa sahya tumhr.

mama apakra knha tumha bhr, nri biraha

tumha hoba dukhr.4.
You are absolutely independent and subordinate to none; therefore You do whatever
pleases Your mind. You debase a good soul and redeem a vile person and neither rejoice
nor grieve over it. Deceiving everyone You have become habituated to such tricks.You
entertain no fear and are always zealous in pursuing Your object. Good and evil deeds do
not come in Your way; no one has so far been able to correct You. You have this time
played with fire and shall reap what You have sown. Take that very form in which You have
imposed upon me: this is my curse. You made me look like a monkey; therefore You shall
have monkeys for Your helpmates. And as You have grievously wronged me, so shall You
suffer the pangs of separation from Your wife. (14)
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142
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
0>rr t f f f fat tf-
f rr ar f rff tf-+ {-+
Do.: rpa ssa dhari harai hiya

prabhu bahu binat knhi,
nija my kai prabalat karai kpnidhi lnhi.137.
Gladly accepting the curse, the compassionate Lord made many entreaties to the
sage, and withdrew the irresistible charm of His My. (137)
0 f rr f frt f a r rrt+
a f fa ta f r n rf arfa r+ {+
r rs >rr rr ;-r trr+
a f r fff ff + +
r; a rr r;f z aa f>rrr+
rs f f r f r f atfa a f r+ -+
f r f rt r r f nfa rt+
s f f f r; arf rr fr;+ +
Cau.: jaba hari my duri nivr, nahi

taha

ram na rjakumr.
taba muni ati sabhta hari caran, gahe phi pranatrati haran.1.
m hou mama rpa kpl, mama icch kaha dnadayl.
mai

durbacana kahe bahutere, kaha muni ppa miihi

kimi mere.2.
japahu ji sakara sata nm, hoihi hdaya

turata birm.
kou nahi

siva samna priya more , asi paratti tajahu jani bhore .3.
jehi para kp na karahi

purr, so na pva muni bhagati hamr.

asa ura dhari mahi bicarahu j, aba na tumhahi my niar.4.
When r Hari lifted the spell of His My, there was neither Ram nor the
princess to be seen by His side. In dire dismay the sage then clasped the feet of Hari
and said, O Reliever of the distress of the suppliant, save me! O gracious lord! let my
curse prove ineffectual. It was My will, replied the Lord, who is so merciful to the
humble. I poured many abuses at You, the sage repeated, how shall my sins be
expiated? Go and repeat the names of akara a hundred times; your heart will be
disburdened at once. No one is so dear to Me as iva: never give up this belief even
by mistake. O sage, he who does not earn the good-will of iva shall never attain true
devotion to Me. Bearing this in mind, go and perambulate the globe. My My shall haunt
you no more. (14)
0ff ff rf a ar
-r r a r n nr+ {-c+
Do.: bahubidhi munihi prabodhi prabhu taba bhae ataradhna,
satyaloka nrada cale karata rma guna gna.138.
Having thus reassured the sage, the Lord then disappeared; while Nrada
proceeded to Satyaloka (the seventh paradise, the abode of Brahm) chanting r
Rmas praises as he went. (138)
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0 n ff ra t fnar ft+
fa ta r f r nf ra r+ {+
n f frr z r t- rr+
>rr n rr r r trr+ +
ff r; r ar r f a r+
ft fa ar fr ff fr a afr+ -+
f r arrr r; a f rr+
n f f r; fr rf r;+ +
Cau.: hara gana munihi jta patha dekh, bigatamoha mana haraa bise.
ati sabhta nrada pahi

e, gahi pada rata bacana sune.1.

hara gana hama na bipra muniry, baRa apardha knha phala py.
rpa anugraha karahu kpl, bole nrada dnadayl.2.
nisicara ji hohu tumha dou, baibhava bipula teja bala hou.
bhujabala bisva jitaba tumha jahi, dharihahi

binu manuja tanu tahi.3.

samara marana hari htha tumhr, hoihahu mukuta na puni sasr.
cale jugala muni pada sira n, bhae niscara klahi p.4.
When the attendants of iva saw the sage moving along the road free from
delusion and greatly delighted at heart, they approached him in great alarm and, clasping
his feet, spoke to him in great humility, We are servants of iva and no Brhmaas, O
great sage; we committed a great sin and have reaped its fruit. Now rid us of the curse,
O benevolent sage. Nrada, who was full of compassion to the humble, replied, Both
of you go and take the form of demons. You shall possess an enormous fortune,
grandeur and strength. When you have subdued the universe by the might of your arm,
God Viu shall take a human form. Dying at His hands in battle, you shall be liberated
and shall never be reborn. Bowing their head at the sages feet, both departed and were
reborn as demons in due course. (14)
0 f a t- ar
f f r+ {-+
Do.: eka kalapa ehi hetu prabhu lnha manuja avatra,
sura rajana sajjana sukhada hari bhajana bhubi bhra.139.
In one Kalpa (round of creation) it was for this reason that Lord r Hari assumed
a human form. It is His vow to gladden the gods, to delight the virtuous and to ease the
earth of its burden. (139)
0f ff f ffr rr+
fa at r= fa rrff t+ {+
a a r t- nr; ta r;+
ff n r f f r r+ +
f a fr ar f f ff ar+
r fa r rf fn rf nr+ -+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
144
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
n r rt frr rf f rt+
at a fart a rt+ +
Cau.: ehi bidhi janama karama hari kere, sudara sukhada bicitra ghanere.
kalapa kalapa prati prabhu avatarah

, cru carita nnbidhi karah

.1.
taba taba kath munsanha g, parama punta prabadha ban.
bibidha prasaga anupa bakhne, karahi

na suni caraju sayne.2.

hari anata harikath anat, kahahi

sunahi

bahubidhi saba sat.

rmacadra ke carita suhe, kalapa koi lagi jhi

na ge.3.
yaha prasaga mai

kah bhavn, harimy

mohahi

muni gyn.
prabhu kautuk pranata hitakr, sevata sulabha sakala dukha hr.4.
Thus r Haris births and exploits are many; they are all charming, delightful and
marvellous. In every cycle of creation the Lord manifests Himself and enacts lovely
sports of various kinds; and the great sages have on each such occasion sung His story
in most sacred strains, relating wonderful anecdotes of diverse kinds, hearing which the
wise marvel not. Infinite is r Hari and infinite are His stories; each saint sings and hears
them in divergent ways. The lovely sports of Rmacandra cannot be sung even in crores
of Kalpas.This episode, O Bhavn, has been narrated by me in order to show that even
enlightened sages are deluded by r Haris My. The Lord is sportive and a friend of
the suppliant; He is easy to serve and rids one of all sorrows. (14)
0 f rs rf f r rr
frf rf f rrr faf+ {+
So.: sura nara muni kou nhi

jehi na moha my prabala,

asa bicri mana mhi

bhajia mahmy patihi.140.

There is no god, man or sage whom r Haris powerful My cannot infatuate.
Bearing this in mind, one should adore the Lord of this great My. (140)
0 a rt s ffr r ftart+
f r n =r zr s r r+ {+
r ff fa ar r a fr+
r fa rf rt at t f rt+ +
rr ffa arrt ar fa = rt+
tr tf- r af arr r fs fa rr+ -+
r f rt f sr rt+
n f a r ar s f a+ +
Cau.: apara hetu sunu salakumr, kahau

bicitra kath bistr.
jehi krana aja aguna ar up, brahma bhayau kosalapura bhup.1.
jo prabhu bipina phirata tumha dekh, badhu sameta dhare munibe.
jsu carita avaloki bhavn, sat sarra rahihu ba urn.2.
ajahu

na chy miati tumhr, tsu carita sunu bhrama ruja hr.
ll knhi jo tehi

avatr, so saba kahihau mati anusr.3.

bharadvja suni sakara bn, sakuci saprema um musukn.
lage bahuri baranai baket u, so avatra bhayau jehi het u.4.
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Hear, O daughter of the mountain-king, another reason why the unbegotten,
unqualified and formless Brahma became king of Ayodhy. I shall relate at length the
marvellous story connected with it. The Lord whom you saw roaming in the forest with
His brother (Lakmaa) in the garb of hermits, and whose doings drove you mad in the
form of Sat to such an extent that the shadow of that madness haunts you even to this
dayhear His exploits, which serve as a cure for the disease of delusion. The sportive
deeds that were performed by the Lord in that birth, I shall relate them all to the best of
My talents. Hearing akaras words, O Bharadvja, Um blushed and smiled with love.
iva (who has a bull emblazoned on His standard) then began to relate the cause of the
Lords descent on that particular occasion. (14)
0r ar s t r;
r r f f n f r;+ {{+
Do.: so mai

tumha sana kahau sabu sunu munsa mana li,

rma kath kali mala harani magala karani suhi.141.
I proceed to tell you all about it, O Bharadvja; listen attentively. The story of r
Rma wipes out all the impurities of the Kali age, brings forth all blessings and is most
charming. (141)
0tr = a=r f- a fy r+
fa r tr nr >rfa f- tr+ {+
s-rrr a ar f na s a r+
rr a r fa art r f rt+ +
fa f ar rt r f f rt+
rf trr s f f rr+ -+
r= rtr f- n rr a- fr f nrr+
af r t- rr r ff farr+ +
Cau.: svyabhu manu aru satar up, jinha te bhai narasi an up.
dapati dharama carana nk, ajahu

gva ruti jinha kai lk.1.
npa uttnapda suta ts u, dhruva hari bhagata bhayau suta js u.
laghu suta nma priyabrata th, beda purna prasasahi

jh.2.
devahuti puni tsu kumr, jo muni kardama kai priya nr.
dideva prabhu dnadayl, jahara dhareu jehi

kapila kpl.3.
skhya sstra jinha pragaa bakhn, tattva bicra nipuna bhagavn.
tehi

manu rja knha bahu kl, prabhu yasu saba bidhi pratipl.4.
Swyambhuva* Manu had atarup as wife; of them was born this human race,
peerless in Gods creation. The piety and conduct of the pair were excellent; the
standard of morality set up by them is sung by the Vedas even to this day. Their son
* So-called because he was born of Swayambhu (the self-born Brahm). It is stated in the Puras
that the Creator divided himself into two halves, one of which was a male and the other a female. The former
was known by the name of Swyambhuva and the other as atarup. He was the first of the fourteen Manus
who rule over Gods creation in succession, each holding office for 71.1/2 Caturyugas or repetitions of the four
Yugas.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
146
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
was king Uttnapda, who begot the celebrated devotee of r Hari, Dhruva. Manus
younger son was known as Priyavrata, who is mentioned with praise by the Vedas and
the Puras. They had a daughter too, Devahuti by name, who was the favourite consort
of the sage Kardama, and who bore in her womb the all-powerful and benevolent Lord
Kapila the primal divinity, who is compassionate to the humble and who openly
expounded the philosophy of Skhya, an adept as He was in the enquiry after the
ultimate principles. The said Manu ruled for a long period and followed the Lords
commandments (in the form of the scriptural ordinance) in everyway. (14)
0r; f frn a r
z a rn ns fnfa f+ {+
So.: hoi na biaya birga bhavana basata bh cauthapana,
hdaya

bahuta dukha lga janama gayau haribhagati binu.142.
I have reached the fourth stage of my life (old age) while I am still living under the
roof of my house (as a householder); but I have not yet lost my relish for the pleasures
of sense, he said to himself. He felt sore distressed at heart that his life had been
wasted without devotion to r Hari. (142)
0 r af a t-r rf a n t-r+
at f f=rar fa ta r ff rar+ {+
f ar f fq rr a f f s rr+
ra rf fatr r nfa tr+ +
r; fa atr f r f tr+
r f fq f rt ff rt+ -+
at r f- r r+
t f frr a r fa f rr+ +
Cau.: barabasa rja sutahi taba dnh, nri sameta gavana bana knh.
tratha bara naimia bikhyt, ati punta sdhaka sidhi dt.1.
basahi

tah

muni siddha samj, taha

hiya

harai caleu manu rj.
patha jta sohahi

matidhr, gyna bhagati janu dhare sarr.2.

pahu ce ji dhenumati tr, harai nahne niramala nr.
e milana siddha muni gyn, dharama dhuradhara nparii jn.3.
jaha

jaha tratha rahe suhe, muninha sakala sdara karave.
ksa sarra munipaa paridhn, sata samja nita sunahi

purn.4.
Manu then perforce resigned the throne to his son and departed for the forest with
his wife. Pre-eminent of all holy places is the celebrated Naimiraya (the modern
Nimsar in Oudh), which is most sacred and bestows success on those striving for
realization. Multitudes of sages and adepts lived there. Glad of heart, king Manu
proceeded to that place. Passing along the road, the king and queen of resolute mind
looked like incarnations of spiritual wisdom and devotion respectively. On reaching the
bank of the Gomat they bathed with delight in the limpid stream. Adepts and enlightened
sages came to see him, recognizing in the royal sage a champion of virtue. The sages
reverently took them to all holy and lovely spots that were scattered here and there. With
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emaciated bodies and clad in hermits robes they daily listened to the Puras in the
assembly of saints. (14)
0r - r f f fa rn
r = fa fa rn+ {-+
Do.: dvdasa acchara matra puni japahi

sahita anurga,
bsudeva pada pakaruha dapati mana ati lga.143.
They further devoutly repeated the twelve-lettered formula ( r na rr.
Their mind was fondly devoted to the lotus feet of Lord Vsudeva (the all-pervading
Viu). (143)
0f r r r ff zr frrr+
f f a a rn rf r -rn+ {+
s fr fa r; f r;+
n z a rt f faf rrt+ +
fa fa f f=r fr f=rf r+
ff fr nrr sf r a rr+ -+
s ; na a tra n;+
- >rfa rr a r ff frr+ +
Cau.: karahi

ahra ska phala kad, sumirahi

brahma saccidnad.
puni hari hetu karana tapa lge, bri adhra m ula phala tyge.1.
ura abhila niratara ho, dekhia nayana parama prabhu so.
aguna akhaa anata and, jehi citahi

paramrathabd.2.
neti neti jehi beda nirup, nijnada nirupdhi anup.
sabhu biraci binu bhagavn, upajahi

jsu asa te nn.3.

aiseu prabhu sevaka basa aha, bhagata hetu lltanu gaha.
jau

yaha bacana satya ruti bh, tau hamra p ujihi abhil.4.
They lived on vegetables, fruits and roots and meditated on Brahma (the Absolute),
who is truth, consciousness and bliss combined. Again, they started undergoing
penance for the sake of r Hari, giving up roots and fruits for water alone, Their heart
ever clamoured, Let us see with our eyes that supreme Lord who is without attributes,
without parts and without beginning or end, who is contemplated upon by the exponents
of the highest reality, whom the Vedas describe in negative terms such as Not this, not
this, who is bliss itself, unconditioned and without comparison, and from a particle of
whose being emanate a number of ambhus, Viracis and Vius. Even such a Lord
is subordinate to the will of His devotees and assumes for their sake a form suitable
for sport. If the above utterance of the Vedas is true, our desire will be surely
accomplished. (14)
0f ff ta rf rr
a e n f t r+ {+
Do.: ehi bidhi bte baraa aa sahasa bri hra,
sabata sapta sahasra puni rahe samra adhra.144.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
148
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
In this way six thousand years elapsed even while they lived on water. Then for
another seven millennia they lived on air alone. (144)
0 -rns r r r+
ff f a f rr t r rr+ {+
rn rfa rr t f f r+
ftrr r; tr af rn f f tr+ +
r f rt nfa - ar rt+
rn rn = rt nt ra rt+ -+
a frf fnr r; >r r; s r;+
zyr a r r f a r+ +
Cau.: baraa sahasa dasa tygeu sou, hRhe rahe eka pada dou.
bidhi hari hara tapa dekhi apr, manu sampa e bahu br.1.
mgahu bara bahu bh

ti lobhe, parama dhra nahi

calahi

cale.
asthimtra hoi rahe sarr, tadapi manga manahi

nahi

pr.2.
prabhu sarbagya dsa nija jn, gati ananya tpasa npa rn.
mgu mgu baru bhai nabha bn, parama gabhra kpmta sn.3.
mtaka jivani gir suh, ravana radhra hoi ura jaba .
hapua tana bhae suhe, mnahu

abahi

bhavana te e.4.
For ten thousand years they refused to inhale even air (i.e., held their breath) and
remained standing on one leg. Beholding their great penance Brahm, Hari and Hara
repeatedly called on Manu and tempted him in many ways, saying Ask for a boon. But
the king and queen were most resolute and did not swerve in spite of the deities efforts
to deflect them from their course. Although their frame had been reduced to a mere
skeleton there was not the least anguish in their heart. The omniscient Lord now
recognized the king and queen as His own servants. The ascetic couple solely
depended on Him. In the meantime a most deep voice thundered from heaven, Ask, ask
for a boon. The voice was steeped in the nectar of compassion and was so charming
that it infused life into the dead. Entering through the cavity of the ears when it reached
their very heart, they found their body attractive, animated and robust as before, as if
they had just returned from home. (14)
0>r r f fa nra
r f za z ra+ {~+
Do.: ravana sudh sama bacana suni pulaka praphullita gta,
bole manu kari daavata prema na hdaya

samta.145.
As the royal couple heard these words, which were delightful to the ear as nectar
itself, the hair on their body bristled and a thrill ran through their limbs. Then, falling
prostrate on the ground and with his heart overflowing with love Manu spoke: (145)
0 a= ff f fa +
a r ar r r+ {+
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149
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
r fa a - r; +
r = f rt f r f a rt+ +
r fz r r n n f fn r+
f r = f r r arfa r+ -+
fa f rn fta rn+
na rfrr ftr n nrr+ +
Cau.: sunu sevaka surataru suradhen u, bidhi hari hara badita pada ren u.
sevata sulabha sakala sukha dyaka, pranatapla sacarcara nyaka.1.
jau antha hita hama para nehu, tau prasanna hoi yaha bara dehu.
jo sarupa basa siva mana mh

, jehi krana muni jatana karh

.2.
jo bhusui mana mnasa has, saguna aguna jehi nigama prasas.
dekhahi

hama so rupa bhari locana, kp karahu pranatrati mocana.3.

dapati bacana parama priya lge, mdula binta prema rasa pge.
bhagata bachala prabhu kpnidhn, bisvabsa pragae bhagavn.4.
Listen, O Lord! You are a wish-yielding tree and a cow of plenty to Your servants.
The dust below Your feet is adored by Brahm, Hari and Hara. You are easy to serve
and a fountain of all blessings. You are the protector of the suppliant and the lord of all
creation, both animate and inanimate. O friend of the forlorn, if You have any affection for
us, be pleased to grant this boon to us. The form which dwells in ivas heart and is
sought by sages, which sports like a swan in the lake of Bhuuis mind and is glorified
by the Vedas as both with and without attributesbe gracious to us and let us feast our
eyes on that form; O Reliever of the distress of the suppliant. The soft and humble
words of the royal couple, steeped as they were in the nectar of love, were liked by the
Lord very much. Full of affection for His devotees and a storehouse of compassion, the
all-powerful Lord, who pervades the whole universe, manifested Himself. (14)
0t r= t f t t tr
rf a rr ff rf rf a r+ {+
Do.: nla saroruha nla mani nla nradhara syma,
ljahi

tana sobh nirakhi koi koi sata kma.146.

Billions and millions of Loves blushed to behold the elegance of His swarthy form,
which resembled a blue lotus (in the softness of its touch), a sapphire (in its gloss) and
a dark cloud (in its freshness). (146)
0 f tr r= r f ntr+
= rr f f ff rr+ {+
f tt faf fa rat t t+
f r r f rt fa r fart+ +
z f rr f rr+
s >rt- =f rr f r frr+ -+
f r= r f a+
f f n zr f fn rzr+ +
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
150
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Cau.: sarada mayaka badana chabi sv, cru kapola cibuka dara grv.
adhara aruna rada sudara ns, bidhu kara nikara binidaka hs.1.
nava abuja abaka chabi nk, citavani lalita bhva t j k.
bhkui manoja cpa chabi hr, tilaka lala paala dutikr.2.
kuala makara mukua sira bhrj, kuila kesa janu madhupa samj.
ura rbatsa rucira banaml, padika hra bh uana manijl.3.
kehari kadhara cru janeu, bhu bibh uana sudara te u.
kari kara sarisa subhaga bhujada, kai niaga kara sara koda.4.
His countenance, which resembled the autumnal full moon, was the very perfection
of beauty. Lovely were His cheeks and chin and His neck resembled the conch-shell in
its spiral shape. His ruddy lips, teeth and nose were charming. His smile put to shame
the rays of the moon. His eyes possessed the exquisite beauty of fresh-blown lotuses
and His lovely glance captivated the heart. His eyebrows stole the beauty of Loves bow
and a sectarian mark shone on His forehead. Fish-shaped ear-rings hung from his ear-
lobes and a crown adorned His head. His curly locks looked like a swarm of bees. His
breast was marked by a curl of hair and adorned with a beautiful wreath of sylvan
flowers, a string of precious stones and other jewelled ornaments. His strong and well-
built neck resembled that of a lion and the lovely sacred thread was suspended from it.
His long beautiful arms resembled the trunk of an elephant. The ornaments adorning
them were also charming. A quiver was tied to His waist and His hands bore an arrow
and a bow. (14)
0afza ff ta s atf
rf r fa f tf+ {+
Do.: taRita binidaka pta paa udara rekha bara tni,
nbhi manohara leti janu jamuna bhava ra chabi chni.147.
His yellow robes put to shame streaks of lightning and His belly had three-
folds; while His attractive navel robbed, as it were, the eddies on the Yamun of their
beauty. (147)
0 rt f f rt f f - rt +
r rn rfa r rff+ fff nr+ {+
r sf nrt nfa f- sr zr rt+
f fr r n r; r r ff tar r;+ +
f f = frt rt+
faf r = r afta rf a=r+ -+
f a r rt z ; nf rt+
f f r aa sr =rr+ +
Cau.: pada rjva barani nahi

jh

, muni mana madhupa basahi

jenha mh

.
bma bhga sobhati anuk ul, disakti chabinidhi jagam ul.1.
jsu asa upajahi

gunakhn, aganita lacchi um brahmn.

bhkui bilsa jsu jaga ho, rma bma disi st so.2.
*
BLA-K NA
*
151
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
chabisamudra hari rupa bilok, ekaaka rahe nayana paa rok.
citavahi

sdara rupa an up, tpti na mnahi

manu satar up.3

haraa bibasa tana das bhuln, pare daa iva gahi pada pn.
sira parase prabhu nija kara kaj, turata uhe karunpuj.4.
His lotus feet, which attract the minds of sages like so many bees, were beyond
description. On His left side shone His primordial energy, St, who is ever devoted to
Him, and who is a storehouse of beauty and the source of the universe. St, who stood
to the left of r Rma, was the same from a fragment of whose being emanate countless
Lakms, Ums and Brahms (Sarasvats), all mines of virtues, and the mere play of
whose eyebrows brings the cosmos into existence. On the form of r Hari, the ocean
of beauty, Manu and atarup gazed intently with unblinking eyes. That incomparable
beauty they looked on with reverence and would not feel sated with it. Overcome with
joy they lost consciousness of their body and fell flat on the ground, clasping His feet
with their hands. The gracious Lord touched their heads with His own lotus hands and
lifted them up at once. (14)
0r rfr f fa r rf rf
rn r; r rrf rf+ {c+
Do.: bole kpnidhna puni ati prasanna mohi jni,
mgahu bara joi bhva mana mahdni anumni.148.
The compassionate Lord then said, Knowing that I am highly pleased with you
and recognizing Me as a great donor, ask whatever boon you will. (148)
0f rf n rt f t rt rt+
r f arr r r+ {+
rr fz s rt n n f rfa r rt+
arf a fa n nrr; n rn rf f r; + +
r f fa= r; fa rna r;+
ar rs r f r; ar z r;+ -+
r ar r art r r trt+
fr; rn rt r f art+ +
Cau.: suni prabhu bacana jori juga pn, dhari dhraju bol mdu bn.
ntha dekhi pada kamala tumhre, aba p ure saba kma hamre.1.
eka llas baRi ura mh

, sugama agama kahi jti so nh

.
tumhahi deta ati sugama gos

, agama lga mohi nija kpan

.2.
jath daridra bibudhataru p, bahu sapati mgata sakuc.
tsu prabhu jna nahi

so, tath hdaya mama sasaya ho.3.

so tumha jnahu atarajm, puravahu mora manoratha svm.
sakuca bihi mgu npa moh, more nahi

adeya kachu toh.4.

On hearing the words of the Lord, Manu joined his palms and summoning courage
spoke in soft accents, Now that we have seen Your lotus feet, all our desires have been
fulfilled. Yet one ardent longing still lingers in my heart. It is easy of accomplishment and
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
152
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
at the same time hard to attain; hence it cannot be expressed. O Lord, it is easy for You
to grant it; but due to my wretched condition it appears to me so hard to attain. Just as
a pauper who has found a wish-yielding tree feels shy in asking for abundant wealth, little
realizing its glory, even so my heart is possessed by doubt. Being the witness of all
hearts, You know my mind; therefore, O my master, grant my desire. O king, ask of
Me unreservedly; there is nothing which I would not give you. (14)
0rf frf rff r s fars
rs arf r a rs+ {+
Do.: dni siromani kpnidhi ntha kahau

satibhu,
chau

tumhahi samna suta prabhu sana kavana duru.149.
O crest-jewel of donors, O gracious lord, I tell You my sincere wish: I would have
a son like You. I can have nothing to conceal from You. (149)
0f tfa f r ta =rff r+
r f r r; a a r r;+ {+
a=f frf r f rn = r =f ar+
r = r a rnr r; r rf fa f rnr+ +
a f rfa fr; f na fa arf rr;+
ar zrrf n trt zr s art+ -+
ra r; r r r f r;+
f na r a t r rf r nfa t+ +
Cau.: dekhi prti suni bacana amole, evamastu karunnidhi bole.
pu sarisa khojau

kaha j, npa tava tanaya hoba mai

.1.
satarupahi biloki kara jore , debi mgu baru jo ruci tore .
jo baru ntha catura npa mg, soi kpla mohi ati priya lg.2.
prabhu paratu suhi hoti hih, jadapi bhagata hita tumhahi soh.
tumha brahmdi janaka jaga svm, brahma sakala ura atarajm.3.
asa samujhata mana sasaya ho, kah jo prabhu pravna puni so.
je nija bhagata ntha tava ahah

, jo sukha pvahi

jo gati lahah

.4.
On seeing his love and hearing his invaluable words, the compassionate Lord
said, Amen. But where shall I go to find My equal? I Myself, O king, shall be a son to
you. Then, seeing atarup with her hands still folded, He said, O good lady, ask
whatever boon you please. O gracious Lord, the boon which the clever king has just
asked has appealed to me much. But it is great presumption, my Lord, even though such
presumption is liked by You, O friend of the devotees. You are the progenitor even of
Brahm and other gods, the lord of the universe and the Supreme Being who dwells
within the heart of all. Realizing this, my mind is filled with doubt; but what You have said
is infallible. O my master, the bliss that is enjoyed and the goal that is reached by your
own devotees (14)
0r; r; nfa r; nfa r; f
r; f r; f f r f + {~+
*
BLA-K NA
*
153
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Do.: soi sukha soi gati soi bhagati soi nija carana sanehu,
soi bibeka soi rahani prabhu hamahi kp kari dehu.150.
Grant me in Your mercy, O Lord, that very bliss the same destiny, the same
devotion, the same attachment to Your feet, the same insight and the same mode of
living. (150)
0f n =f r rf r r+
r =f ar rt r t- rt + {+
ra f f ar fff n r+
f s rt fat rt+ +
a f; a fa r rf z f r+
f f f ff f tr t faf arf tr+ -+
= rfn nf ta =rff +
ar r rt r; fa rt+ +
Cau.: suni mdu guRha rucira bara racan, kpsidhu bole mdu bacan.
jo kachu ruci tumhare mana mh

, mai

so dnha saba sasaya nh

.1.
mtu bibeka alaukika tore , kabahu

na miihi anugraha more .
badi carana manu kaheu bahor, avara eka binat prabhu mor.2.
suta biaika tava pada rati hou, mohi baRa muRha kahai kina kou.
mani binu phani jimi jala binu mn, mama jvana timi tumhahi adhn.3.
asa baru mgi carana gahi rahe u, evamastu karunnidhi kahe u.
aba tumha mama anussana mn, basahu ji surapati rajadhn.4.
Hearing the soft, pregnant, charming and excellent speech of atarup, the
gracious Lord gently replied, Whatever desire you cherish in your mind I have granted;
you should have no doubt about it. Mother, by My grace your uncommon wisdom shall
never fail. Bowing at His feet, Manu again said, Lord, I have once more request to
make. Let me have attachment to Your feet, of the same type as one has for a son, no
matter if anyone calls me a big fool. Just as a snake cannot live without the gem on its
hood and a fish without water, even so let my life be dependent on You (let me not
survive without You). Asking this boon, the king remained clasping the Lords feet till the
All-merciful said, Let it be so. Now, obeying My command go and dwell in the capital of
Indra (the chief of gods). (14)
0a f rn fr ara n r f
r; r a r arr a+ {~{+
So.: taha kari bhoga bisla tta gae kachu kla puni,
hoihahu avadha bhula taba mai

hoba tumhra suta.151.

Having enjoyed extensive enjoyments there you shall, after some time, be born
as king of Ayodhy; then, dear father, I will be your son. (151)
0;-r r r;s n fa arr+
- fa f arar fs fa na rar+ {+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
154
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
f r zrnt aff ar -rnt+
rff+ f n srr rs aff rf rr+ +
s fr arrr - - - rr+
f f f rfrr ar nrr+ -+
fa s f na rr af r>r f rr+
r; a af rr r; t- rfa rr+ +
Cau.: icchmaya narabea sa vre , hoihau pragaa niketa tumhre .
asanha sahita deha dhari tt, karihau carita bhagata sukhadt.1.
je suni sdara nara baRabhg, bhava tarihahi

mamat mada tyg.

disakti jehi

jaga upajy, sou avatarihi mori yaha my.2.

purauba mai

abhila tumhr, satya satya pana satya hamr.

puni puni asa kahi kpnidhn, ataradhna bhae bhagavn.3.
dapati ura dhari bhagata kpl, tehi

rama nivase kachu kl.

samaya pi tanu taji anays, ji knha amarvati bs.4.
Voluntarily assuming human guise I will manifest Myself in your house. Bodying
Myself forth with My rays I will perform sportive acts which will be a source of delight
to My devotees. Hearing of such exploits with reverence blessed men shall cross the
ocean of worldly existence, renouncing the feeling of meum and arrogance. This My,
who is no other than My primordial energy that has brought forth the universe, She too
will manifest Herself. In this way I will accomplish your desire and this pledge of Mine
shall never, never, never fail. Repeating this again and again, the gracious Lord
vanished out of sight. Cherishing in their mind the image of the Lord who is so
compassionate to His devotees, the wedded couple stayed in that hermitage for some
time more. And dropping their body, when the time came, without the least pain they went
and took their abode in Amarvat, the city of immortals. (14)
0 ;far ta fa sf t a
r f r a+ {~+
Do.: yaha itihsa punta ati umahi kah baketu,
bharadvja sunu apara puni rma janama kara hetu.152.
This most sacred legend was related by iva (who has a bull emblazoned on His
standard) to Um. Bharadvja, now hear yet another cause of r Rmas birth. (152)
[PAUSE 5 FOR A THIRTY-DAY RECITATION]
0 f r ta rt r fnfr fa rt+
ft ffa -a a ; + {+
tfa frr a ar t rr+
af n a tr n r r tr+ +
r t r a rt r arr art+
af f rr a nrr+ -+
r;f r;f tat r fa tat+
af r t-r f fa r n t-r+ +
*
BLA-K NA
*
155
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Cau.: sunu muni kath punta purn, jo girij prati sabhu bakhn.
bisva bidita eka kaikaya des u, satyaketu taha basai nares u.1.
dharama dhuradhara nti nidhn, teja pratpa sla balavn.
tehi ke bhae jugala suta br, saba guna dhma mah ranadhr.2.
rja dhan jo jeha suta h, nma pratpabhnu asa th.
apara sutahi arimardana nm, bhujabala atula acala sagrm.3.
bhihi bhihi parama samt, sakala doa chala barajita prt.
jehe sutahi rja npa dnh, hari hita pu gavana bana knh.4.
Listen, O sage, to an old and sacred legend which was narrated by ambhu to
Girij.There was a principality known by the name of Kaikaya, which was celebrated
throughout the world. A king named Satyaketu ruled there. He was a champion of virtue,
a storehouse of political wisdom, dignified, glorious, amiable and powerful. He had two
gallant sons, who were repositories of all virtues and most staunch in battle. The elder
of the two and the heir to the throne was named Pratpabhnu. The other was known
by the name of Arimardana, who was unequalled in strength of arm and steady in battle.
There was perfect unity between the two brothers and the affection each bore to the
other was free from all blemish and guile. To the elder son the king resigned the throne
and withdrew himself into the forest for the sake of devotion to r Hari. (14)
0 arf s ft rr;
r r fa ff a t rr + {~-+
Do.: jaba pratparabi bhayau npa phir doh desa,
praj pla ati bedabidhi katahu

nah

agha lesa.153.
When Pratpabhnu became king, a proclamation to this effect was made throughout
the land. He looked after his subjects with utmost care according to the precepts of the
Vedas and there was not a speck of sin anywhere (in his kingdom). (153)
0 far f rr r =f rr+
f r tr r ar tr+ {+
n an rr fa rrr+
frf rs rr = r nn frr+ +
f a ; r; f rf s r;+
a t r; ta fr;+ -+
e t t- z rfz t-+
f z af rr arr frr+ +
Cau.: npa hitakraka saciva sayn, nma dharamaruci sukra samn.
saciva sayna badhu balabr, pu pratpapuja ranadhr.1.
sena saga caturaga apr, amita subhaa saba samara jujhr.
sena biloki ru haran, aru bje gahagahe nisn.2.
bijaya hetu kaaka ban, sudina sdhi npa caleu baj.
jaha

taha par

aneka lar

, jte sakala bh upa bari

.3.
sapta dpa bhujabala basa knhe, lai lai daa chRi npa dnhe.
sakala avani maala tehi kl, eka pratpabhnu mahipl.4.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
156
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
The prime minister, Dharmaruci by name, was a second ukra* and was as
devoted to the king as he was wise. With a prudent counseller and a gallant and powerful
brother, the king himself was an embodiment of glory and daring in war. He owned a vast
army consisting of horse and foot, chariots and elephants. It had numberless excellent
warriors all of whom fought fearlessly in battle. The king rejoiced to see his army and
there was a tumultuous sound of kettledrums. He collected a special force for the
conquest of the world, and availing himself of an auspicious day marched forth with beat
of drums. A number of battles were fought here and there and all hostile kings were
brought to their knees by superior might. By the strength of his arm be reduced all the
seven sections of the terrestrial region and let the princes go on payment of tribute. Now
Pratpabhnu was the undisputed sovereign of the entire globe. (14)
0t ft f r f t-
rrf ; + {~+
Do.: svabasa bisva kari bhubala nija pura knha prabesu,
aratha dharama kmdi sukha sevai samaya

naresu.154.
Having thus subjugated the whole universe by the might of his arm, the king re-
entered his capital. He devoted himself to the pleasures of wealth, religious practices and
sense-gratification etc., at the appropriate time. (154)
0 arr r; r f r;+
fa r rt t rt+ {+
f =f f tat fa a f fa tat+
n a fa fr ; r r+ +
r ; r r+
f fa ; ff ff rr ; rtr rr+ -+
rr rt azrnr rfr rnr+
f r at- ffr r+ +
Cau.: bhupa pratpabhnu bala p, kmadhenu bhai bhumi suh.
saba dukha barajita praj sukhr, dharamasla sudara nara nr.1.
saciva dharamaruci hari pada prt, npa hita hetu sikhava nita nt.
gura sura sata pitara mahidev, karai sad npa saba kai sev.2.
bhupa dharama je beda bakhne, sakala karai sdara sukha mne.
dina prati dei bibidha bidhi dn, sunai sstra bara beda purn.3.
nn bp

kupa taRg, sumana bik sudara bg.

biprabhavana surabhavana suhe, saba trathanha bicitra bane.4.
Invigorated by king Pratpabhnus might, the charming earth became a cow of
plenty as it were (yielded all ones coveted products). The people were happy and free from
all sorrows and both men and women were good-looking and virtuous. The minister,
Dharmaruci, was devoted to the feet of r Hari; in the interest of his royal master he
* The celebrated preceptor of the Daityas, who is noted for his political insight and is credited with the
authorship of the famous work on political science, ukranti.
*
BLA-K NA
*
157
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
advised him on state policy everyday. Preceptors, gods, saints, manes and Brhmaas
the king invariably served them all. Whatever duties have been enjoined on a king in the
Vedas, he gladly and devoutly performed. He bestowed gifts of various kinds everyday
and listened to the best scriptures including the Vedas and the Puras. In all holy places
he constructed many small and big wells and tanks, flower gardens and lovely orchards,
dwellings for the Brhmaas and beautiful temples of wonderful architecture. (14)
0 fn r >rfa rn
r n n f fa rn+ {~~+
Do.: jaha

lagi kahe purna ruti eka eka saba jga,
bra sahasra sahasra npa kie sahita anurga.155.
Whatever sacrifices have been enjoined in the Vedas and the Puras, the king
devoutly performed each one of them a thousand times. (155)
0z rr ft rr+
; rt r fa rt+ {+
f rf r rr nr rf rr+
fr nt n n ta ra + +
fa ff t r s ff nf r+
z f f ra rt r sfna rt + -+
r r f nr; a fr t fr;+
rr=rrra r r fa fra r sr+ +
Cau.: hdaya na kachu phala anusadhn, bh upa bibek parama sujn.
karai je dharama karama mana bn, bsudeva arpita npa gyn.1.
caRhi bara bji bra eka rj, mgay kara saba sji samj.
bidhycala gabhra bana gaya u, mga punta bahu mrata bhaya u.2.
phirata bipina npa dkha barh u, janu bana dureu sasihi grasi rh u.
baRa bidhu nahi

samta mukha mh

, manahu

krodha basa ugilata nh

.3.
kola karla dasana chabi g, tanu bisla pvara adhik.
ghurughurta haya rau pe , cakita bilokata kna uhe .4.
There was no seeking for any reward in his heart; the king was a man of great
intelligence and wisdom. Whatever meritorious act he performed in thought, word or
deed, the wise king dedicated it to Lord Vsudeva (the all-pervading God Viu).
Equipping himself with all the outfit of hunting, the king mounted a gallant steed one day
and, entering the dense forest of the Vindhya range, killed many a sacred deer. While
ranging in the wood he espied a wild boar. It looked as if with the moon in his mouth the
demon Rhu had hid in the forest. The orb was too large to be contained in the mouth,
yet in his rage he would not disgorge it. Thus have I chosen to portray the beauty of the
frightful tusks of the boar, while its body too was of an enormous size and bulk. Growling
at the tramp of the horse and pricking up its ears it gazed with a startled look. (14)
0t t f f fr r
f s f rf r; fr+ {~+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
158
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Do.: nla mahdhara sikhara sama dekhi bisla barhu,
capari caleu haya suuki npa h

ki na hoi nibhu.156.
On seeing the huge boar, which resembled a purple mountain-peak, the king
whipped the horse and advanced rapidly, challenging the boar at the same time and
saying it could no longer escape. (156)
0ra f f rt s r =a nfa rt+
aa t- rr f ff ns fra rr+ {+
af af at t rr f t rr+
na a r; n rnr f s n rnr+ +
ns f rr n r rf n rf fr+
fa f af n n a; + -+
r frf z tr rfn fnfnr ntr+
n f fa far; fs r s r;+ +
Cau.: vata dekhi adhika rava bj, caleu barha maruta gati bhj.
turata knha npa sara sadhn, mahi mili gayau bilokata bn.1.
taki taki tra mahsa calv, kari chala suara sarra bacv.
pragaata durata ji mga bhg, risa basa bhupa caleu sa ga lg.2.
gayau duri ghana gahana barh u, jaha

nhina gaja bji nibh u.
ati akela bana bipula kales u, tadapi na mga maga tajai nares u.3.
kola biloki bhupa baRa dhr, bhgi paiha giriguh

gabhr.
agama dekhi npa ati pachit, phireu mahbana pareu bhul.4.
When it saw the horse coming on with a great noise, the boar took to flight swift as
wind. The king lost no time in fitting the arrow to his bow and the boar crouched as soon as
it saw the shaft. The king discharged his arrows taking a steady aim each time, but the boar
saved itself by its wiliness. The beast rushed on, now hiding and now emerging into view;
while the king in much excitement followed closely on its track. The boar went afar into a
dense thicket, which was impenetrable by horse or elephant. Even though the king was all
by himself and was faced with untold hardships in the forest, still he would not abandon the
chase. Seeing the king so determined, the boar slunk away into a deep mountain-cave.
When the king perceived that there was no access to the cave, he had to return much
disappointed; and, what was worse, he lost his track in the great forest. (14)
0 fr fqa afa rr rf a
ra r fa f s a+ {~+
Do.: kheda khinna chuddhita tita rj bji sameta,
khojata bykula sarita sara jala binu bhayau aceta.157.
Exhausted with much exertion and oppressed by hunger and thirst, the king and his
horse kept searching for a stream or pond and almost fainted for want of water. (157)
0fa ff r>r r a fa fr+
r t- zr; af ns r;+ {+
*
BLA-K NA
*
159
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
arr rt r fa rt+
ns n a nrt fr rf frt+ +
f s rf ff rr ff ; ar rr+
ar t n t-r arf af a t-r+ -+
rs afa f r frr f rf rr+
saf an a t- rr a s f rr+ +
Cau.: phirata bipina rama eka dekh, taha

basa npati kapaa munibe.
jsu desa npa lnha chaR, samara sena taji gayau par.1.
samaya pratpabhnu kara jn, pana ati asamaya anumn.
gayau na gha mana bahuta galn, mil na rjahi npa abhimn.2.
risa ura mri raka jimi rj, bipina basai tpasa ke sj.
tsu sampa gavana npa knh, yaha pratparabi tehi

taba cnh.3.
ru tita nahi

so pahicn, dekhi subea mahmuni jn.

utari turaga te knha pranm, parama catura na kaheu nija nm.4.
While wandering in the forest he espied a hermitage. In that hermitage dwelt,
in the disguise of a hermit, a monarch who had been despoiled of his kingdom by
Pratpabhnu and who had run away from the field of battle deserting his army. Knowing
that the time was propitious for Pratpabhnu and most unfavourable to his own self,
he felt much disgusted at heart and refused to return home; and he was too proud
to come to terms with the victor. Suppressing the anger in his own heart the ex-king
lived in the forest like a pauper in the garb of an anchorite. It was to him that king
Pratpabhnu went and he for his part immediately recognized that the newcomer was
no other than Pratpabhnu. Overcome by thirst, the latter, however, could not recognize
the ex-king. Perceiving his holy garb Pratpabhnu took him to be a great sage and,
getting down from his horse, made obeisance to him. The king was, however, too astute
to disclose his name. (14)
0fa afa frf af = t- r;
r r a t- fa r;+ {~c+
Do.: bhupati tita biloki tehi

sarabaru dnha dekhi,

majjana pna sameta haya knha npati harai.158.
Seeing king Pratpabhnu thirsty, he showed him a good lake and the king as well
as his horse gladly bathed in it and drank from it. (158)
0n >r t f r>r ar n+
r t- ta f rt f ar rs rt+ {+
r ar f r t +
fa - ar a r rfn fa r+ +
r arr tr ar f tr+
fa s r; z rn s r;+ -+
arrr ra rfrr+
f ara s frr r -rf n= arrr+ +
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
160
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Cau.: gai rama sakala sukh npa bhaya u, nija rama tpasa lai gaya u.
sana dnha asta rabi jn, puni tpasa boleu mdu bn.1.
ko tumha kasa bana phirahu akele , sudara jub jva parahele .
cakrabarti ke lacchana tore , dekhata day lgi ati more .2.
nma pratpabhnu avans, tsu saciva mai

sunahu muns.
phirata ahere pareu bhul, baRe bhga dekheu

pada .3.
hama kaha durlabha darasa tumhr, jnata hau

kachu bhala honihr.
kaha muni tta bhayau a dhir, jojana sattari nagaru tumhr.4.
The whole fatigue was gone and the king heaved a sigh of relief. The hermit
thereafter took him back to his hermitage; and perceiving that it was sunset now he gave
him a seat and then spoke to him in polite terms, Who are you and wherefore do you
risk your life by roaming in the forest all alone, even though you are so young and
handsome? Reading the marks of an emperor on your person I am moved with great
pity. Listen, O great sage: there is a king named Pratpabhnu; I am his minister.
Ranging in pursuit of game I have lost my way and by great good fortune I have been
led into your presence. Your sight is a rare boon to me; it leads me to believe that
something good is about to befall me. The hermit said, It is now dusk, my son; and your
city is five hundred and sixty miles away. (14)
0fr rrr nt r
r rf a r r ra fr+ {~ (+
Do.: nis ghora gabhra bana patha na sunahu sujna,
basahu ju asa jni tumha jehu hota bihna.159(A).
Listen, O friend: dark and dreary is the night, and the forest is dense and
trackless; knowing this, tarry here overnight and depart next morning. (159 A)
at f aar at f; r;
r r; arf f arf ar r;+ {~ (+
tulas jasi bhavatabyat tais milai sahi,
punu vai thi pahi

thi tah

lai ji.159(B).
The inevitable, says Tulasdsa, is invariably preceded by circumstances that are
favourable to it. Either it comes to a man or takes him to the cause of his doom. (159 B)
0f r r f tr rf an a= tr+
rfa s art f f r rt+ {+
f rs fnr r; rf far s fr;+
rf t a rt r r f rt+ +
af r f r rr z r rr+
t f rt f rr t- ; f rr+ -+
fr r fa rat r ; n; rat+
f rr rf z rr+ +
*
BLA-K NA
*
161
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
Cau.: bhalehi

ntha yasu dhari ss, b

dhi turaga taru baiha mahs.

npa bahu bh

ti prasaseu th, carana badi nija bhgya sarh.1.

puni boleu mdu gir suh, jni pit prabhu karau

hih.
mohi munsa suta sevaka jn, ntha nma nija kahahu bakhn.2.
tehi na jna npa npahi so jn, bhupa suhda so kapaa sayn.
bair puni chatr puni rj, chala bala knha cahai nija kj.3.
samujhi rjasukha dukhita art, av

anala iva sulagai cht.

sarala bacana npa ke suni kn, bayara sa bhri hdaya

haran.4.
Very well, my lord, the king replied; and bowing to the hermits command he tied
up the horse to a tree and then sat down. The king extolled him in many ways and
bowing at his feet congratulated himself. He then spoke to him in soft and endearing
terms, Regarding you as a father, my lord, I venture to address you. Looking upon me
as your son and servant O great sage, pray tell me your name in full, my master.
Although the king did not recognize him, he recognized the king. While the king had a
guileless heart, the hermit was a pastmaster in fraud. Being an enemy in the first
instance, and a Katriya on top of it and again of royal blood, he sought to accomplish
his end by dint of his cunning. The thought of the pleasures of royalty had made the
enemy king sad; the fire of jealousy smouldered within his heart like that of a furnace.
On hearing the artless words of Pratpabhnu and recalling the grudge he had nursed
against him, the hermit felt delighted at heart. (14)
0 rf rt rs nfa a
r r frf f fa fa+ {+
Do.: kapaa bori bn mdula boleu juguti sameta,
nma hamra bhikhri aba nirdhana rahita niketa.160.
He uttered the following soft yet false and artful words, My name is now Bhikhr
(a mendicant), penniless and homeless as I am. (160)
0 fr frr ar rf nfa frr+
r f r ff r+ {+
af a f a >rfa f f f +
ar frf nr ra ff ff r+ +
rf rf a rt r r f trt+
tfa fa t r f ftr ft+ -+
r rf r; rs f r;+
fars s frr ;r a ta rr+ +
Cau.: kaha npa je bigyna nidhn, tumha srikhe galita abhimn.
sad rahahi

apanapau dure , saba bidhi kusala kubea bane .1.

tehi te kahahi

sata ruti ere , parama akicana priya hari kere .

tumha sama adhana bhikhri ageh, hota biraci sivahi sadeh.2.
josi sosi tava carana namm, mo para kp karia aba svm.
sahaja prti bhupati kai dekh, pu biaya bisvsa bise.3.
saba prakra rjahi apan, boleu adhika saneha jan.
sunu satibhu kahau mahipl, ih

basata bte bahu kl.4.

"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
162
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
The king replied, Those who are repositories of wisdom and free from pride
like you always keep their reality concealed; even though proficient in everyway, they
prefer to remain in tattered clothes. That is why saints as well as the Vedas proclaim
that those who are supremely indigent are held most dear by r Hari. Penniless and
homeless beggars like you fill the minds of even Viraci and iva with doubt. Whoever
you may be, I bow at Your feet; now be gracious to me, my lord. When the hermit
saw the kings artless affection and extraordinary faith in him, he won him over in
everyway, and spoke with a still greater affection Listen, O king; I tell you sincerely
that I have dwelt here for long. (14)
0 fn rf f s rs rs r
rr-ar a r r+ {{ (+
Do.: aba lagi mohi na mileu kou mai

na janvau khu,
lokamnyat anala sama kara tapa knana dhu.161(A).
No one has come to me so far nor do I make myself known to anyone;
for popular esteem is like a wild fire, which consumes the forest of penance (i.e.,
neutralizes it). (161 A)
0at f f a
ff r f+ {{ (+
So.: tulas dekhi subeu bhulahi

muRha na catura nara,

sudara kekihi pekhu bacana sudh sama asana ahi.161(B).
Not only fools, says Tulasdsa, but even clever men are taken in by fair
appearances. Look at the beautiful peacock: though its notes are sweet like nectar, it
devours snakes. (161 B)
0ara na s n rt f af ff r rt+
ra ff r f ff r frr+ {+
ar f fa f r tfa atfa rf ar+
ara rs art r= r rr; fa rt+ +
ff ff ar ; srr faf faf f s ftrr+
r t rt a rr ar nrt+ -+
r r a r; f rs f f= r;+
r rt rf fa r rt+ +
Cau.: tte guputa rahau

jaga mh

, hari taji kimapi prayojana nh

.
prabhu jnata saba binahi

jane , kahahu kavani sidhi loka rijhe .1.

tumha suci sumati parama priya more , prti pratti mohi para tore
.
.
aba jau

tta durvau toh, druna doa ghaai ati moh.2.
jimi jimi tpasu kathai uds, timi timi npahi upaja bisvs.
dekh svabasa karma mana bn, taba bol tpasa bagadhyn.3.
nma hamra ekatanu bh, suni npa boleu puni siru n.
kahahu nma kara aratha bakhn, mohi sevaka ati pana jn.4.
*
BLA-K NA
*
163
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
That is why I live in this world away from the public gaze. I have little to do with
anything other than r Hari. The Lord knows everything without being told; tell me, then,
what is to be gained by humouring the world. You are sincere and intelligent and are therefore
supremely dear to me; and I too have earned your affection and confidence. Now, my son,
if I were to keep anything from you, I shall incur the most severe blame. The more the
hermit talked of his indifference to the world the more trustful grew the king. When the false
anchorite saw the king devoted to him in thought, word and deed, he said, My name,
brother, is Ekatanu. Hearing this, the king bowed his head and asked further, Kindly explain
to me the meaning of this appellation recognizing me as your faithful servant. (14)
0rffy st f a safa rf
r a a af t rf+ {+
Do.: disi upaj jabahi

taba utapati bhai mori,

nma ekatanu hetu tehi deha na dhar bahori.162.
My birth took place at the first dawn of creation. Since then I have never taken
another body; that is why I am called Ekatanu. (162)
0f r rt a a a rt +
a a n ; frar a fr frrar+ {+
a f rrrr a a n rr+
s f f fa rnr r ra r rnr+ +
;far r ; f= ffa fr+
s r rt f fa r rt+ -+
f t ar r r a +
ar rs art t- rn rt+ +
Cau.: jani caraju karahu mana mh

, suta tapa te durlabha kachu nh

.
tapabala te jaga sjai bidht, tapabala binu bhae paritrt.1.
tapabala sabhu karahi

saghr, tapa te agama na kachu sasr.

bhayau npahi suni ati anurg, kath purtana kahai so lg.2.
karama dharama itihsa anek, karai nir upana birati bibek.
udabhava plana pralaya kahn, kahesi amita caraja bakhn.3.
suni mahpa tpasa basa bhaya u, pana nma kahana taba layau.
kaha tpasa npa jnau toh, knhehu kapaa lga bhala moh.4.
Marvel not, my son, to hear this; for nothing is too difficult to obtain through
penance. By dint of penance Brahm creates the universe; by dint of penance Viu
assumed the role of its protector. By dint of penance, again, ambhu destroys the world;
there is nothing in this world which cannot be attained through penance. Hearing this,
the king felt much enamoured and the hermit commenced relating old legends. Having
discussed topics of Karma (action) and Dharma (duty) and told many legends bearing
on them he discoursed on dispassion and knowledge. And he further related at length
countless marvellous stories connected with the creation, maintenance and dissolution
of the universe. Hearing all this the king completely yielded to the influence of the hermit
and then proceeded to tell him his real name. Said the hermit, O king, I know you. Even
though you tried to deceive me, I appreciated this move on your part. (14)
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
164
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
0 t f tfa a r f
rf arf fa tfa r; aar frf a+ {-+
So.: sunu mahsa asi nti jaha taha

nma na kahahi

npa,
mohi tohi para ati prti soi caturat bicri tava.163.
O king, the political maxim is that kings should not disclose their name in all cases.
And when I thought of your political sagacity, I conceived great love for you. (163)
0r arr ar fr -a a far r+
n r rf rr f r rf rr+ {+
f ara a r; tfa atfa tfa fr;+
sf t ar r s r f ar+ +
- rt rn r r rt+
f fa rr nf f tf- ff rr+ -+
rf f ar rf r a r+
f arf - frt rfn n rs rt+ +
Cau.: nma tumhra pratpa dines, satyaketu tava pit nares.
gura prasda saba jnia rj, kahia na pana jni akj.1.
dekhi tta tava sahaja sudh, prti pratti nti nipun.
upaji par mamat mana more , kahau kath nija p uche tore .2.
aba prasanna mai

sasaya nh

, mgu jo bh upa bhva mana mh

.
suni subacana bhupati haran, gahi pada binaya knhi bidhi nn.3.
kpsidhu muni darasana tore , cri padratha karatala more .
prabhuhi tathpi prasanna bilok, mgi agama bara hou asok.4.
Your name is Pratpabhnu; king Satyaketu was your father. O king, by the
grace of my preceptor I know everything; but foreseeing my own harm I refuse to tell
everything I know. When I saw your natural straightforwardness, affection, faith and
political wisdom, I conceived a spontaneous affection for you; and that is why I told you
my own story on your asking. I am now pleased; doubt not and ask what you will, O
king. Hearing these agreeable words, the king rejoiced and, clasping the hermits feet,
supplicated to him in many ways. O gracious sage, by your very sight I have within my
grasp all the four ends of human existence (viz., religious merit, wealth, enjoyment and
final beatitude). Yet, as I see my lord so gracious, I would ask a boon which is impossible
to attain otherwise, and thereby overcome sorrow. (14)
0r fa a fa f rs
r ft f r a rs+ {+
Do.: jar marana dukha rahita tanu samara jitai jani kou,
ekachatra ripuhna mahi rja kalapa sata hou.164.
Let my body be free from old age, death and suffering; let no one vanquish me
in battle and let me enjoy undisputed sovereignty over the globe for a hundred Kalpas
(repetitions of creation) and let me have no enemies. (164)
*
BLA-K NA
*
165
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
0 ar ; r r f r+
rs a r;f tr f rfz tr+ {+
a f r frr fa- r rs rr+
f- r a a ff fr r+ +
zr fr; - s rs r sr;+
f >rr f frr ar r f rr+ -+
s rs f ar r r; r r+
a r rfrr r r rrr+ +
Cau.: kaha tpasa npa aisei hou, krana eka kahina sunu sou.
klau tua pada nihi ss, eka biprakula chRi mahs.1.
tapabala bipra sad barir, tinha ke kopa na kou rakhavr.
jau bipranha basa karahu nares, tau tua basa bidhi binu mahes.2.
cala na brahmakula sana bari, satya kahau dou bhuj uh.
bipra rpa binu sunu mahipl, tora nsa nahi

kavanehu kl.3.
haraeu ru bacana suni ts u, ntha na hoi mora aba ns u.
tava prasda prabhu kpnidhn, mo kahu sarba kla kalyn.4.
Said the anchorite, So be it, O king. But there is one difficulty; hear it too. Even
Death shall bow his head at your feet (much more those who are subject to death). The
only exception shall be the Brhmaas, O ruler of the earth. The Brhmaas are ever
powerful by virtue of their penance; no one can deliver from their wrath. If you can reduce
the Brhmaas to your will, O king, even Brahm, Viu and the great Lord iva shall be at
your command. Might is of no avail against the Brhmaas; with both arms raised to
heaven I tell you this truth. Listen, O sovereign; if you escape the Brhmaas curse, you
shall never perish. Hearing his words, the king rejoiced and said, My lord, I shall no longer
die. By your grace, O benevolent master, I shall be blessed at all times. (14)
0ta f f rr f rf
f r r f a f rf+ {~+
Do.: evamastu kahi kapaamuni bol kuila bahori,
milaba hamra bhulba nija kahahu ta hamahi na khori.165.
Amen! said the false anchorite, and added with crafty intent, If you tell anyone
about my meeting with you and your straying away, the fault shall not be mine. (165)
0ara arf s rr r a rr+
>r a rt r arr - rt+ {+
n r f>rrr r ar r arr+
r sr f a rt f rf rt+ +
- r nf rr f n r r rr+
r; n r frar n fr f rs n rrar+ -+
arr rs r f r r+
f z za rr f >rr fa rrrr+ +
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
166
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Cau.: tte mai

tohi barajau rj, kahe kath tava parama akj.

chahe ravana yaha parata kahn, nsa tumhra satya mama bn.1.
yaha pragae athav dvijarp, nsa tora sunu bhnupratp.
na upya

nidhana tava nh

, jau hari hara kopahi

mana mh

.2.
satya ntha pada gahi npa bh, dvija gura kopa kahahu ko rkh.
rkhai gura jau kopa bidht, gura birodha nahi

kou jaga trt.3.

jau na calaba hama kahe tumhre , hou nsa nahi

soca hamre .
ekahi

ara arapata mana mor, prabhu mahideva rpa ati ghor.4.

I warn you, O king, because great harm shall befall you if you relate this incident
to anyone. If this talk happens to reach a third pair of ears, I tell you the truth, you are
doomed. O Pratpabhnu, if you divulge this secret or if a Brhmaa curses you, you
are undone. In no other way shall you die, even if r Hari and Hara get angry with you.
It is true, my lord, said the king, clasping the hermits feet. Tell me, who can deliver
from the wrath of a Brhmaa or a spiritual preceptor? A Guru can save one even if one
has evoked the wrath of Brahm; but in the event of a quarrel with ones preceptor there
is no one in the world who can save. If I do not follow your advice, let me perish; I care
not. My mind is disturbed by only one fear; the curse of a Brhmaa, my lord, is
something most terrible. (14)
0rf f ff r f rs
ar af tr f fa s rs+ {+
Do.: hohi

bipra basa kavana bidhi kahahu kp kari sou,

tumha taji dnadayla nija hitu na dekhau kou.166.
How shall I be able to win over the Brhmaas? Kindly tell me that too. I see no
friend other than you, my gracious lord. (166)
0 ff a n rt y r f rf f rt +
; fa n sr; ar a fr;+ {+
rt nfa r; r r a n r;+
r n = a r n nr n+ +
rs a r; r r r; r+
f t rs rt r fn f tfa rt+ -+
z rr- t fnf f ff r a t+
f nr f aa f a f + +
Cau.: sunu npa bibidha jatana jaga mh

, kaasdhya puni hohi

ki nh

.
ahai eka ati sugama up, tah

paratu eka kahin.1.

mama dhna juguti npa so, mora jba tava nagara na ho.
ju lage aru jaba te bhaya u

, kh u ke gha grma na gaya u

.2.
jau

na ju


tava hoi akj u, ban i asamajasa j u.
suni mahsa boleu mdu bn, ntha nigama asi nti bakhn.3.
baRe saneha laghunha para karah

, giri nija sirani sad tna dharah

.
jaladhi agdha mauli baha phenu, satata dharani dharata sira renu.4.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
BLA-K NA
*
167
Listen, O king: there are various expedients in this world. But they are hard to
accomplish and are of doubtful issue besides. Of course, there is one very simple
device; but that too involves one difficulty. Its contrivance depends on me; but my going
to your city is out of the question. Ever since I was born I have never been to anybodys
house or village so far. And if I do not go, it will be a misfortune for you. I am therefore
in a dilemma today. Hearing this, the king replied in a polite language, My lord, there
is a maxim laid down in the Vedas: the great show kindness to the small. Mountains
always bear tiny blades of grass on their tops, the fathomless ocean carries floating foam
on its breast and the earth ever bears dust on its bosom. (14)
0 f n trt r r
rf rfn f r tr+ {+
Do.: asa kahi gahe naresa pada svm hohu kpla,
mohi lgi dukha sahia prabhu sajjana dnadayla.167.
So saying, the king clasped the hermits feet and said, Be gracious to me, my
master. You are a saint, compassionate to the humble; therefore, my lord, take this
trouble on my behalf. (167)
0rf f r rtr rr ar tr+
- s fa art n rf rt+ {+
f r fs arr a na a rr+
rn nfa a r r ; af f r+ +
r; ar = rf r r;+
- r r; r; r ; r; r; a r ;+ -+
f fa- n ; r a r; r+
r; sr a f + +
Cau.: jni npahi pana dhn, bol tpasa kapaa prabn.
satya kahau

bhupati sunu toh, jaga nhina durlabha kachu moh.1.
avasi kja mai

karihau tor, mana tana bacana bhagata tai

mor.
joga juguti tapa matra prabh u, phalai tabahi

jaba karia duru.2.

jau

naresa mai

karau raso, tumha parusahu mohi jna na ko.

anna so joi joi bhojana kara, soi soi tava yasu anusara.3.
puni tinha ke gha jeva i jo u, tava basa hoi bh upa sunu so u.
ji upya racahu npa ehu, sabata bhari sakalapa kareh u.4.
Knowing that the king was completely under his influence, the hermit, who was
clever at deception, said, Listen, O king: I tell you the truth. For me in this world there
is nothing hard to obtain. I will surely accomplish your object, devoted as you are in
thought, word and deed to me. The power of Yoga (contemplation), planning, penance
and mystic formulas works only when secrecy is maintained about them. O king, if I
cook food and you serve it and if nobody comes to know me, whoever tastes the food
so prepared shall become amenable to your orders. Again, I tell you, whosoever dines
at the house of such people shall, O king, be dominated by your will. Go and operate
this scheme, O king, and take this vow for a whole year. (14)
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
168
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
0fa a f a fa fr
ar fn ff f r+ {c+
Do.: nita nutana dvija sahasa sata barehu sahita parivra,
mai

tumhare sakalapa lagi dinahi

karabi jevanra.168.
Everyday invite a new set of a hundred thousand Brhmaas with their families;
while I, so long as your vow lasts, shall provide the daily banquet. (168)
0f ff y fa r r;f f ar+
ff f r r af n f r+ {+
arf s r f rs r+
ar srfa rr f r f f rr+ +
a af f r rr fs ;r rr+
f ar rr ff ar r rr+ -+
n ff a t rf arf f at+
a arf an ar s raf far+ +
Cau.: ehi bidhi bhupa kaa ati thore , hoihahi

sakala bipra basa tore .

karihahi

bipra homa makha sev, tehi

prasaga sahajehi

basa dev.1.
aura eka tohi kahau lakh u, mai

ehi

bea na uba ku.

tumhare uparohita kahu ry, hari naba mai

kari nija my.2.

tapabala tehi kari pu samn, rakhihau ih

baraa paravn.
mai

dhari tsu beu sunu rj, saba bidhi tora sa vraba kj.3.
gai nisi bahuta sayana aba kje, mohi tohi bhupa bhe a dina tje.
mai

tapabala tohi turaga samet, pahu caihau

sovatahi niket.4.
In this way O king, with little exertion all the Brhmaas shall be reduced to your
will. The Brhmaas in their turn will offer oblations into the sacred fire, perform big
sacrifices and practise adoration; and through that channel the gods too shall be easily
won over. I give you one more sign. I will never come in this form. By my delusive power,
O king, I will carry off your family priest and, making him just like myself by dint of my
penance, will keep him here for the year; while I, O king, will take his form and manage
everything for you. The night is far gone, so you had better retire now; on the third day
we will meet again. By my penitential power I will convey you home, both you and your
horse, even while you are asleep. (14)
0 rs r; f fr a rf
ra rr; r r arf+ {+
Do.: mai

uba soi beu dhari pahicnehu taba mohi,

jaba ekta boli saba kath sunvau tohi.169.
I will come in the form I have told you, and you will recognize me when I call you
aside and remind you of all this. (169)
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
BLA-K NA
*
169
0 t- r rt r r; rt+
>rfa fr fa r; r ff r r fr;+ {+
ra ff a rr f r; f rr+
fr ar r r; r fa rrr+ +
af a a = r; fa r;+
f r f a f r+ -+
af rf = rr ar ff r frr+
f f r; f- sr rt r r+ +
Cau.: sayana knha npa yasu mn, sana ji baiha chalagyn.
ramita bhupa nidr ati , so kimi sova soca adhik.1.
klaketu nisicara taha v, jehi

sukara hoi npahi bhulv.

parama mitra tpasa npa ker, jnai so ati kapaa ghaner.2.
tehi ke sata suta aru dasa bh, khala ati ajaya deva dukhad.
prathamahi

bhupa samara saba mre, bipra sata sura dekhi dukhre.3.

tehi

khala pchila bayaru sa bhr, tpasa npa mili matra bicr.

jehi

ripu chaya soi racenhi upu, bhv basa na jna kachu r u.4.
The king went to sleep in obedience to the hermit; while the counterfeit sage
returned to his own seat and sat down there. Deep sleep came upon the weary monarch;
but how could the other fellow sleep, distracted as he was with anxiety. The demon
Klaketu made his appearance there; it was he who had assumed the form of a boar and
led the king astray. A great friend of the hermit-king, he was skilled in manifold ways of
deceit. He had a hundred sons and ten brothers, who were great villains, invincible and
annoying to the gods. Seeing the Brhmaas, saints and gods in distress the king had
already killed them all in battle. Recalling the old grudge the wretch conspired with the
hermit-king and contrived a plot for the extermination of the enemy; but, as fate would
have it, the king knew nothing of it. (14)
0f at f rr f nf ar
a f ff f fa r+ {+
Do.: ripu tejas akela api laghu kari gania na thu,
ajahu deta dukha rabi sasihi sira avaseita rhu.170.
A spirited foe, even though left alone, should not be lightly regarded. The demon
Rhu,* who has nothing left of him but his head, is able to torment both the sun and moon
even to this day. (170)
0ar f f frt f fs sf s rt+
frf f r r; rar rr r;+ {+
* According to the Hindu belief a solar or lunar eclipse takes place only when in the astral plane the
demon Rhu, a sworn enemy of both the sun-god and the moon-god, devours the one or the other either
wholly or partly. The demon, however consists of the head alone, his trunk having been cut off by God Viu
while he was unlawfully attempting to partake of the nectar which was being served to the gods. Since,
however, he had already tasted the nectar, the head became immortal.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
170
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
rs f r ar t- r sr+
ff r ar r; f frf ff r;+ +
a f r; f f r;+
ar f a fart r rt fart+ -+
rarf rf ar rf rr far+
f rf f r; n rf rf r;+ +
Cau.: tpasa npa nija sakhahi nihr, harai mileu uhi bhayau sukhr.
mitrahi kahi saba kath sun, jtudhna bol sukha p.1.
aba sdheu

ripu sunahu nares, jau

tumha knha mora upades.
parihari soca rahahu tumha so, binu auadha bidhi bidhi kho.2.
kula sameta ripu mula bah, cauthe divasa milaba mai

.
tpasa npahi bahuta parito, cal mahkapa atiro.3.
bhnupratpahi bji samet, pahu cesi chana mjha niket.
npahi nri pahi

sayana kar, hayagha b

dhesi bji ban.4.

The hermit-king was delighted to see his ally and rose to meet him. The meeting
gave him much satisfaction and he related the whole story to his friend. The demon too
was glad and said, Listen, O king: since you have followed my advice, take the enemy
as subdued. Cease to worry now and lay yourself to rest. God has effected a cure
without the use of a medicine, I will sweep away the enemy root and branch and see you
on the fourth day. Fully reassuring the hermit-king, the arch-impostor, who was highly
irascible, departed. In an instant he conveyed Pratpabhnu to his palace, horse and all.
Putting the king to bed beside his queen, he tied up the horse in the stall in the proper
way. (14)
0rr srfaf f ns rf
rf fnf r rr f fa rf+ {{+
Do.: rj ke uparohitahi hari lai gayau bahori,
lai rkhesi giri khoha mahu my

kari mati bhori.171.

Again he carried off the kings family-priest and, depriving him of his senses by his
supernatural power, kept him in a mountain-cave. (171)
0r ff srfa =r s r; af r+
rns frr f fa rr+ {+
f fr rt ss nf f r rt+
r ns rf f at rf rs t+ +
n r n fa rr rr rr s- r rr+
srfaf rr fa fr ff r; rr+ -+
n f n f att t f fa tt+
rf srfa rr f a f rrr+ +
Cau.: pu biraci uparohita r up, pareu ji tehi seja an up.
jgeu npa anabhae bihn, dekhi bhavana ati acaraju mn.1.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
BLA-K NA
*
171
muni mahim mana mahu anumn, uheu gava hi

jehi

jna na rn.
knana gayau bji caRhi teh

, pura nara nri na jneu keh

.2.
gae jma juga bhupati v, ghara ghara utsava bja badhv.
uparohitahi dekha jaba rj, cakita biloka sumiri soi kj.3.
juga sama npahi gae dina tn, kapa muni pada raha mati ln.
samaya jni uparohita v, npahi mate saba kahi samujhv.4.
Himself assuming the form of the family-priest, the demon went and lay down on
the formers sumptuous bed. The king woke even before daybreak and felt much
astonished to find himself at home. Attributing the miracle to the supernatural power of
the sage, he got up quietly, unperceived by the queen. Mounting the same horse he rode
off to the woods without any man or woman of the city knowing it. When it was midday,
the king returned; there was rejoicing and festal music in every house. When the king
saw his family-priest, he looked at him in amazement, recollecting the object he held so
dear to his heart. The interval of three days hung heavy on the monarch as an age, his
mind being set on the feet of the false anchorite. At the appointed time the priest came
and reminded him in detail of all that had been agreed upon. (14)
0 s frf n= r a
aa a f a+ {+
Do.: npa haraeu pahicni guru bhrama basa rah na ceta,
bare turata sata sahasa bara bipra kuuba sameta.172.
The king was delighted to recognize his preceptor (in the priests form); his mind
was too clouded to have any sense left. At once he invited a hundred thousand chosen
Brhmaas with their families. (172)
0srfa r r; rf ff f >rfa nr;+
rr af tf- r; f nf ; r;+ {+
ff n- rf rr af f r rr+
r f rr rf r r+ +
= f rn frr rrt af rr+
f sf sf n r fz rf - f r+ -+
s r; r f s rf ftr+
f fa r rt rt r rt+ +
Cau.: uparohita jevanra ban, charasa cri bidhi jasi ruti g.
mymaya tehi

knhi raso, bijana bahu gani sakai na ko.1.

bibidha mganha kara mia r

dh, tehi mahu

bipra m

su khala s

dh.
bhojana kahu

saba bipra bole, pada pakhri sdara baihe.2.
parusana jabahi

lga mahipl, bhai aksabn tehi kl.

biprabda uhi uhi gha jhu, hai baRi hni anna jani khhu.3.
bhayau raso

bhusura m

su, saba dvija uhe mni bisvs u.

bhupa bikala mati moha bhuln, bhv basa na va mukha bn.4.
The priest cooked four kinds of foods with six different tastes as mentioned in the
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
172
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Vedas. He prepared an illusory banquet and a variety of seasoned dishes more than
one could count. Dressing the flesh of a variety of animals the wretch mixed with it the
cooked flesh of Brhmaas. All the invited Brhmaas were then called for the dinner.
Their feet were duly washed and they were respectfully shown to their places.The
moment the king began to serve the food, a (fictitious) voice from heaven (raised by the
demon Klaketu himself) said, Up, up, Brhmaas! and return to your homes. Taste not
this food; it is most harmful. The dishes include the flesh of the Brhmaas.Up rose all
the Brhmaas believing the ethereal voice. The king lost his nerve; his mind was
bewildered with infatuation. As fate would have it, he could not utter a word. (14)
0r f r a f t- fr
r; fr r fa fr+ {-+
Do.: bole bipra sakopa taba nahi

kachu knha bicra,

ji niscara hohu npa muRha sahita parivra.173.
Then exclaimed the Brhmaas in wrath, regardless of consequences, O foolish
king, go and take birth in the demons form, you and all your family. (173)
0r a f rr; rrr f fa r;+
;t rr rr f a a frr+ {+
a r a r rar ff r+
f >rr f fa rrr rf fnr rr+ +
f >rr frf t-r f r t-r+
fa f f rt ns r rt+ -+
a f f rr fs rs r rr+
n f- r; rfa s t r;+ +
Cau.: chatrabadhu tai

bipra bol, ghlai lie sahita samud.

svara rkh dharama hamr, jaihasi tai

sameta parivr.1.
sabata madhya nsa tava hou, jaladt na rahihi kula kou.
npa suni rpa bikala ati trs, bhai bahori bara gir aks.2.
biprahu rpa bicri na dnh, nahi

apardha bh upa kachu knh.

cakita bipra saba suni nabhabn, bhupa gayau jaha bhojana khn.3.
taha na asana nahi

bipra sur, phireu ru mana soca apr.

saba prasaga mahisuranha sun, trasita pareu avan

akul.4.
O vile Katriya! inviting the Brhmaas you were out to ruin them with their
families. But God has preserved our sanctity; it is you and your race that are undone.
In the course of a year you shall perish; and not a soul shall be left in your family to
offer water to gratify your spirit. Hearing the curse the king was sore stricken with
fear. Again, a voice was heard from heaven, O holy Brhmaas you have uttered this
curse without careful thought; the king has committed no crime. The Brhmaas were
astounded when they heard the ethereal voice. The king hastened to the kitchen.
There was neither any food there nor the Brhmaa cook. The king returned in deep
thought. He related the whole story to the Brhmaas and threw himself on the ground
frantic with fear. (14)
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
BLA-K NA
*
173
0fa rt f; f f ar
f -r r; f f>rr fa rrr+ {+
Do.: bhupati bhv miai nahi

jadapi na duana tora,

kie anyath hoi nahi

biprarpa ati ghora.174.

Even though you are guiltless, O king, what is inevitable fails not. A Brhmaas
curse is very terrible; no amount of effort can counteract it. (174)
0 f f fr rr rn- r+
rf f t fa rn f t + {+
srfaf r; arf f r;+
af a r r f f r+ +
rrf- n fr r; ff rfa fa r; r;+
r f t a s t+ -+
-a rs f rr f>rr ff r; rr+
f ffa n r; f n r;+ +
Cau.: asa kahi saba mahideva sidhe, samcra puraloganha pe.
socahi

duana daivahi deh

, biracata hasa kga kiya jeh

.1.
uparohitahi bhavana pahu c, asura tpasahi khabari jan.
tehi

khala jaha

taha

patra pahe, saji saji sena bh upa saba dhe.2.
gherenhi nagara nisna baj, bibidha bh

ti nita hoi lar.

jujhe sakala subhaa kari karan, badhu sameta pareu npa dharan.3.
satyaketu kula kou nahi

c, biprarpa kimi hoi as

c.
ripu jiti saba npa nagara bas, nija pura gavane jaya jasu p.4.
So saying, all the Brhmaas dispersed. When the people of the city received the
news, they were much perturbed and began to blame Providence, who had begun upon
a swan and produced a crow instead. Conveying the priest to his house, the demon
(Klaketu) communicated the tidings to the hermit. The wretch in his turn despatched
letters in all directions and a host of princes hastened with their troops martially arrayed
and, beating their kettledrums, beleaguered the city. Everyday battles were fought in
diverse forms. All his champions fought valiantly and fell. And the king with his brother
bit the dust. Not one of Satyaketus family survived; a Brhmaas curse can never fail.
Having vanquished the foe and re-inhabiting the city all the chiefs returned to their own
capitals enriched with victory and fame. (14)
0r rf r; frar r
f = arf r r+ {~+
Do.: bharadvja sunu jhi jaba hoi bidht bma,
dhuri merusama janaka jama thi bylasama dma.175.
Listen, O Bharadvja: whosoever incurs the displeasure of heaven, for him a grain
of dust becomes vast as Mount Meru, a father becomes frightful as Yama (the god of
death) and every rope a snake. (175)
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
174
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
0r r; f r; rr s fr fa rr+
f arf t zr r r t fzr+ {+
f rr s r rr+
f r r =f r s frr rr ar+ +
r ft f n rr frna fr frr+
a fr rrr rr+ -+
r= f r f fna fr+
r fa f rt f rf ft fart+ +
Cau.: kla pi muni sunu soi rj, bhayau niscara sahita samj.
dasa sira thi bsa bhujada, rvana nma bra bariba.1.
bhupa anuja arimardana nm, bhayau so kubhakarana baladhm.
saciva jo rah dharamaruci jsu, bhayau bimtra badhu laghu tsu.2.
nma bibhana jehi jaga jn, binubhagata bigyna nidhn.
rahe je suta sevaka npa kere, bhae niscara ghora ghanere.3.
kmarupa khala jinasa anek, kuila bhayakara bigata bibek.
kp rahita hisaka saba pp, barani na jhi

bisva paritp.4.
O sage, in due time, I tell you, this king, with his family, was born as a demon.
He had ten heads and twenty arms. His name was Rvaa; he was a formidable
hero. The kings younger brother, Arimardana by name, became the powerful
Kumbhakara. His minister, who was known as Dharmaruci, became Rvaas
younger half-brother, Vibhaa by name, who is known to the whole world as a
devotee of God Viu and a repository of wisdom. And the kings sons and servants,
they were born a fierce demon crew. These wretches could take any shape they
liked and belonged to various orders. They were all wicked, monstrous and devoid
of sense and were ruthless, bloody and sinful. They were a torment to all creation
beyond what words can tell. (14)
0s f t- r
af t >rr rr=+ {+
Do.: upaje jadapi pulastyakula pvana amala anupa,
tadapi mahsura rpa basa bhae sakala agharupa.176.
Even though they were born in the incomparably pure and holy line of the
sage Pulastya, yet, on account of the Brhmaas curse, they were all embodiments
of sin. (176)
0t- ff a atf r; sn f f r r;+
ns f a f frar rn - arar+ {+
f fat nf tr rs ntr+
r f r r rfa ; r+ +
ta ar z a t-r zr r ff af t-r+
f f n af frf f + -+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
BLA-K NA
*
175
f fa r= r;f srf r=+
r f ar fa t rnf t r t+ +
Cau.: knha bibidha tapa tnihu bh, parama ugra nahi

barani so j.
gayau nikaa tapa dekhi bidht, mgahu bara prasanna mai

tt.1.
kari binat pada gahi dasass, boleu bacana sunahu jagads.
hama khu ke marahi

na mre , bnara manuja jti dui bre .2.

evamastu tumha baRa tapa knh, mai

brahm

mili tehi bara dnh.

puni prabhu kubhakarana pahi

gaya u, tehi biloki mana bisamaya bhaya u.3.

jau ehi

khala nita karaba ahr u, hoihi saba ujri sasr u.

srada preri tsu mati pher, mgesi nda msa aa ker.4.
All the three brothers practised austerities of various kinds, terrible beyond all
description. Seeing their penance the Creator drew nigh and said to the eldest of them,
Ask a boon, dear son. The ten-headed Rvaa suppliantly clasped his feet and
addressed to him the following words. Listen, O lord of the universe; my prayer is that
I should die at the hands of none save monkeys and men. So be it; you have done
great penance. This was the boon Brahm and I granted to him (said iva). The Creator
then approached Kumbhakara and was astonished to see his gigantic form. Brahm
said to himself, Should this wretch have his daily repast, the whole world will be laid
waste. So Brahm directed rad, who changed his mind. Accordingly the demon
asked for continued sleep, extending over six months. (14)
0n ft r f s r rn
af rns na rn+ {+
Do.: gae bibhana psa puni kaheu putra bara mgu,
tehi

mgeu bhagavata pada kamala amala anurgu.177.

Last of all Brahm went up to Vibhaa and said, Ask a boon, my son. He asked
for pure love for the lotus feet of the Lord. (177)
0fa-f ; zr fr fa a n r+
ar rf rr t rf rr+ {+
r; tf- rf rt r;f rarfa rt+
fa s rf f r; f rs frf r;+ +
fnf fr f rrt ff ffa n fa rt+
r; r f rr fa f rr+ -+
rnrfa f f rr rfa f frr+
fa- a f r fa r n f=ra r af r+ +
Cau.: tinhahi dei bara brahma sidhe, haraita te apane gha e.
maya tanuj madodari nm, parama sudar nri lalm.1.
soi maya

dnhi rvanahi n, hoihi jtudhnapati jn.
haraita bhayau nri bhali p, puni dou badhu bihesi j.2.
giri trikua eka sidhu majhr, bidhi nirmita durgama ati bhr.
soi maya dnava

bahuri sa vr, kanaka racita manibhavana apr.3.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
176
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
bhogvati jasi ahikula bs, amarvati jasi sakranivs.
tinha te adhika ramya ati bak, jaga bikhyta nma tehi lak.4.
Having granted them boons Brahm went away, while they returned to their home
rejoicing. The demon Maya had a daughter, Mandodar by name, who was exceedingly
beautiful, a jewel of womankind. Maya brought and made her over to Rvaa, knowing
that the latter was going to become the lord of the demons. Delighted at having obtained
such a good wife, Rvaa next went and married his two brothers. On a three-peaked
mountain called Trikua in the middle of the ocean there stood a very large fortress built
by Brahm himself. The demon Maya (who was a great architect) renovated it. It
contained numberless palaces of gold and jewels, and was more beautiful and charming
than Bhogvat (the capital of Ptla, the nethermost region in the core of the globe), the
city of the serpents, and Amarvat, the capital of Indra (the lord of paradise). It was
known throughout the world by the name of Lak. (14)
0r; f nt fa rf ff ff r
r f fa f r; r+ {c (+
f fa f r; rarfa r;
art a a r;+ {c (+
Do.: kh

sidhu gabhra ati crihu disi phiri va,

kanaka koa mani khacita dRha barani na ji banva.178(A).
hari prerita jehi

kalapa joi jtudhnapati hoi,

sura pratp atulabala dala sameta basa soi.178(B).
The ocean surrounded it on all sides as a very deep moat. It had a
strong fortification wall built of gold and jewels, the architectural beauty of which
defied description. Whoever was preordained by r Hari to be the chief of the
demons in a particular cycle, that illustrious hero of incomparable might lived there
with his army. (178 A-B)
0 ar ff r a - rrr+
a f - rf -fa + {+
a f f r; rf n rrf r;+
f f fz r; - t n r;+ +
ff n r r ns r s fr+
n rt tf- ar r rt+ -+
f rn rf n t- t t t-+
r rr r r tfa rr+ +
Cau.: rahe tah

nisicara bhaa bhre, te saba suranha samara saghre.
aba taha

rahahi

sakra ke prere, racchaka koi jacchapati kere.1.

dasamukha katahu

khabari asi p, sena sji gaRha gheresi j.
dekhi bikaa bhaa baRi kaak, jaccha jva lai gae par.2.
phiri saba nagara dasnana dekh, gayau soca sukha bhayau bise.
sudara sahaja agama anumn, knhi tah

rvana rajadhn.3.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
BLA-K NA
*
177
jehi jasa joga b

i gha dnhe, sukh sakala rajancara knhe.

eka bra kubera para dhv, pupaka jna jti lai v.4.
Great demon warriors had been living there. They were all exterminated in battle
by the gods. Now under Indras commission it was occupied by a garrison consisting
of ten million guards of Kubera (the chief of the Yakas). Having obtained this news
from some quarter Rvaa marshalled his army and besieged the fortress. Seeing his
vast force of fierce warriors, the Yakas fled for their lives. Thereupon Rvaa
surveyed the whole city; he was much pleased with what he saw and all his anxiety
(about a suitable capital) was gone. Perceiving that the city was naturally beautiful and
inaccessible for others, Rvaa fixed his capital there. By assigning quarters to his
followers according to their several deserts he made them all happy. On one occasion
he led an expedition against Kubera and carried away his aerial car known by the
name of Pupaka as a trophy. (14)
0at r f t-f r; sr;
af f r r a r;+ {+
Do.: kautukah

kailsa puni lnhesi ji uhi,

manahu tauli nija bhubala cal bahuta sukha pi.179.
Again, in a sportive mood he went and lifted Mount Kailsa and, thereby testing
as it were the might of his arms, returned most jubilant. (179)
0 fa a r; ar fq zr;+
fa a ra r; ff far r fr;+ {+
fa rar f f fa n rar+
; r r; rr rna r; fa rrr+ +
f fa r r; ft fn r;+
t f r; rr af fa t rr+ -+
rfr a ar t n r+
f r; r; faf r r;+ +
Cau.: sukha sapati suta sena sah, jaya pratpa bala buddhi baR.
nita nutana saba bRhata j, jimi pratilbha lobha adhik.1.
atibala kubhakarana asa bhrt, jehi kahu nahi

pratibhaa jaga jt.

karai pna sovai aa ms, jgata hoi tih u

pura trs.2.
jau

dina prati ahra kara so, bisva begi saba caupaa ho.
samara dhra nahi

ji bakhn, tehi sama amita bra balavn.3.

bridanda jeha suta ts u, bhaa mahu prathama lka jaga jsu.
jehi na hoi rana sanamukha ko, surapura nitahi

parvana ho.4.
His happiness and prosperity, the number of his sons, his army and his allies, his
victories and glory, his might, wisdom and fame grew from more to more everyday even
as avarice grows with each new gain. He had a stalwart brother like Kumbhakara, a
rival to whom was never born in this world. Drinking his fill he remained buried in sleep
for six months; and at his waking the three worlds trembled. Were he to take his meals
everyday, the whole universe would soon have been ruined. He was unspeakably
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
178
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
staunch in fight and there were numberless brave warriors who could be compared with
him. Rvaas eldest son was Meghanda, who ranked foremost among the champions
of the world. Before him none could stand in battle. Due to him there was a stampede
in the city of the immortals everyday. (14)
0 f a far
n tfa fr+ {c+
Do.: kumukha akapana kulisarada dhumaketu atikya,
eka eka jaga jti saka aise subhaa nikya.180.
There were many more champions such as the hideous Kumukha, the intrepid
Akampana, Kuliarada with teeth like thunderbolts, the fiery Dhumaketu and the gigantic
Atikya, each one of whom was able to subdue the whole world. (180)
0r= rf rr f- rr+
r rr f fa r frr+ {+
a f rat n r r fr rat+
frf frt rr r rt+ +
t r t f =r+
a f f r; f f rf r;+ -+
a- ff r; s rr; r;+
fr r rr r; ar rr+ +
Cau.: kmarupa jnahi

saba my, sapanehu

jinha ke dharama na dy.
dasamukha baiha sabh

eka br, dekhi amita pana parivr.1.
suta samuha jana parijana nt, ganai ko pra niscara jt.
sena biloki sahaja abhimn, bol bacana krodha mada sn.2.
sunahu sakala rajancara juth, hamare bair bibudha bar uth.
te sanamukha nahi

karahi

lar, dekhi sabala ripu jhi

par.3.
tenha kara marana eka bidhi ho, kahau bujhi sunahu aba so.
dvijabhojana makha homa sardh, saba kai ji karahu tumha bdh.4.
Taking form at will, they were skilled in all forms of demoniac My (deceit); they
never thought of piety or compassion even in dream. One day the ten-headed Rvaa
was seated in court and reviewed his innumerable retainers, hosts of sons and
grandsons, relatives and servants, troops of demons, more than anyone could count. On
seeing the host the naturally proud Rvaa spoke words full of wrath and
arrogance: Listen, all demon troops: the host of heaven are my enemies. They never
dare to stand up in open fight, but flee away at the sight of a powerful adversary. There
is only one way of causing their death, which I tell you in detail; now listen to it. Go
and prevent the feasting of Brhmaas, the performance of sacrifices, the pouring of
oblations into the sacred fire, the ceremony of rddha (offering food etc., to a departed
soul) and all other religious functions. (14)
0r t t f fff r;
a rfs f rfzs t rfa r;+ {c{+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
BLA-K NA
*
179
Do.: chudh chna balahna sura sahajehi

milihahi

i,
taba mrihau ki chRihau bhal bh

ti apani.181.
Emaciated with starvation and rendered weak, the gods will automatically surrender
to me. Then I will see whether I should kill them or let them go after subjecting them
perfectly to my will. (181)
0rrr f rr t-t f = rr+
t rr f- f frr+ {+
fa-f tfa r rt sf a fa r rt+
f ff t r t-t r s nr t-t+ +
a r zrfa t na n nf t+
r ra s rr - a = fnf rr+ -+
fnr- r r r r+
f f frrr f rt ; a- nrf rt+ +
-r f; n rr fa ra a rr+
f f = rt fnf r frt+ ~+
f fq rnr f t f rnr+
zrfy fn art at rt+ +
r f tar f r; fa ftar+ +
Cau.: meghanda kahu

puni ha karv, dnh sikha balu bayaru baRhv.
je sura samara dhra balavn, jinha ke laribe kara abhimn.1.
tinhahi jti rana nesu b

dh, uhi suta pitu anussana k

dh.
ehi bidhi sabah agy dnh, punu caleu gad kara lnh.2.
calata dasnana olati avan, garjata garbha sravahi

sura ravan.
rvana vata suneu sakoh, devanha take meru giri khoh.3.
digaplanha ke loka suhe, sune sakala dasnana pe.
puni puni sighanda kari bhr, dei devatanha gri pacr.4.
rana mada matta phirai jaga dhv, pratibhaa khojata katahu

na pv.
rabi sasi pavana baruna dhanadhr, agini kla jama saba adhikr.5.
kinara siddha manuja sura ng, hahi sabah ke pathahi

lg.
brahmasi jaha

lagi tanudhr, dasamukha basabart nara nr.6.
yasu karahi

sakala bhayabht, navahi

i nita carana bint.7.

Then Rvaa sent for Meghanda and admonished him, inciting him to greater
strength and hostility.The gods who are staunch in battle, powerful and proud of their
fighting skill, you should conquer in battle and bring them in chains. The son got up and
bowed to the commands of his father. In this way Rvaa ordered all and himself sallied
forth, club in hand. Even as the ten-headed Rvaa marched, the earth shook and at his
thundering call the spouses of gods miscarried. Hearing of Rvaas angry approach the
gods themselves sought the caves of Mount Sumeru. When the ten-faced Rvaa
invaded the beautiful realms of the guardians of the ten quarters, he found them all
desolate. Again and again he roared loudly like a lion and, challenging the gods to battle,
scoffed at them. Mad with lust of blood he traversed the whole world in search of a
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
180
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
combatant; but nowhere could he find anyone.The sun-god, the moon-god, the wind-god,
the god of water, the gods of wealth and fire, the gods of time and death and all other
gods entrusted with the governance of the world. Kinnaras, Siddhas, men, gods and
Ngas, all were wilfully harassed by him. All embodied beings in the creation of Brahm,
whether men or women, submitted to Rvaas will. All did his bidding out of fear and
always bowed suppliantly at his feet. (17)
0 ft t f rf rs ar
zt f r r ; f r+ {c (+
- n f rn rf
tfa t f r rf+ {c (+
Do.: bhujabala bisva basya kari rkhesi kou na sutatra,
maalka mani rvana rja karai nija matra.182(A).
deva jaccha gadharba nara kinara nga kumri,
jti bar

nija bhubala bahu sudara bara nri.182(B).

By his mighty arm he subdued the whole universe and left no one independent.
The king of kings, Rvaa, ruled according to his own will. He won by the might of his
arms and wedded daughters of gods, Yakas, Gandharvas, human beings, Kinnaras
and Ngas and many other beautiful and excellent dames. (182 A-B)
0;ta r r ff f +
f f- r t-r fa- fa r t-r+ {+
a t= rt ff f fart+
f s frr rr = f f rr+ +
f ff r; fr r f far+
f f f rf n nrs rfn nrf+ -+
r a f r; f n= r r;+
f fnfa a rr f rr+ +
Cau.: idrajta sana jo kachu kahe u, so saba janu pahilehi

kari rahe u.
prathamahi

jinha kahu

yasu dnh, tinha kara carita sunahu jo knh.1.
dekhata bhmarupa saba pp, nisicara nikara deva paritp.
karahi

upadrava asura niky, nn rupa dharahi

kari my.2.
jehi bidhi hoi dharma nirmul, so saba karahi

beda pratik ul.

jehi

jehi

desa dhenu dvija pvahi

, nagara gu pura gi lagvahi

.3.
subha carana katahu

nahi

ho, deva bipra guru mna na ko.

nahi

haribhagati jagya tapa gyn, sapanehu sunia na beda purn.4.

Whatever Rvaa told Indrajit to do was done by him sooner as it were than the
former uttered the command. Now hear what they did who had been ordered by him even
earlier. The whole demon crew, sinful at heart and of terrible aspect, were the torment
of heaven. Roaming at night, they did outrages of various kinds and assumed diverse
forms through their delusive power. They acted in everyway contrary to Veda and did
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
BLA-K NA
*
181
everything in their power to eradicate religion. Wherever they found a cow or a Brhmaa
they set fire to that city, town or village. Virtuous acts were nowhere to be seen. No one
paid any respect to the gods, the Brhmaas and the spiritual preceptor. There was no
devotion to r Hari, no sacrificial performances, no austerities and no spiritual wisdom.
No one would ever dream of listening to the Vedas or the Puras. (14)
U0 rn frnr a rnr >r ; tr
r sf r; r; f rrr; tr+
y rr r rr f f rr
af ff rr; fr; r rr+
Cha.: japa joga birg tapa makha bhg ravana sunai dasass,
punu uhi dhvai rahai na pvai dhari saba ghlai khs.
asa bhraa acr bh sasr dharma sunia nahi

kn,
tehi bahubidhi trsai desa niksai jo kaha beda purn.
If ever any talk of Japa (muttering of sacred formulas), Yoga (subjugation of mind),
dispassion, penance or of oblations to gods in a sacrifice entered Rvaas ears he
would at once be on his feet and run to stop them. He would allow nothing of these and
would destroy everything he laid his hands upon. There was such corruption in the world
that no talk of piety could be heard anywhere. Whoever recited the Vedas or the Puras
was intimidated in manifold ways and sent into exile.
0f r; tfa rrr fr r f
fr fa tfa fa- rf f ffa+ {c-+
So.: barani na ji anti ghora niscara jo karahi

,
his para ati prti tinha ke ppahi kavani miti.183.
The terrible outrages the demons did beggar description. There is no limit to the
evil-doings of those who hold violence most dear to their heart. (183)
[PAUSE 6 FOR A THIRTY-DAY RECITATION]
0r r rr rr+
rf ra far f r r- rf r+ {+
f- r rt a r ff rt+
fa f rt ta r rt+ +
fnf f f r f rt rf n= rt+
; ftar f ; r tar+ -+
= f z frt n; ar f rrt+
f ar rf r; r a r r;+ +
Cau.: bRhe khala bahu cora jur, je lapaa paradhana paradr.
mnahi

mtu pit nahi

dev, sdhunha sana karavvahi

sev.1.
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182
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
jinha ke yaha carana bhavn, te jnehu nisicara saba prn.
atisaya dekhi dharma kai gln, parama sabhta dhar akuln.2.
giri sari sidhu bhra nahi

moh, jasa mohi garua eka paradroh.

sakala dharma dekhai bipart, kahi na sakai rvana bhaya bht.3.
dhenu rupa dhari hdaya bicr, ga tah

jaha

sura muni jhr.
nija satpa sunesi ro, khu te kachu kja na ho.4.
The number of villains, thieves and gamblers and of those who coveted others
wealth and wives swelled to a great extent. People honoured not their parents and gods
and exacted service from pious souls. Those who act in this way, Bhavn, know all
such creatures as demons. Perceiving the supreme disrespect for religion Earth was
extremely alarmed and perturbed. The weight of mountains, rivers and oceans, she
said to herself, is not so oppressive to me as of him who is malevolent to others. She
saw all goodness perverted; yet for fear of Rvaa she could not utter a word. After great
deliberation she took the form of a cow and went to the spot where all gods and sages
were in hiding. With tears in her eyes she told them her sufferings; but none of them
could be of any help to her. (14)
U0 f nr ff f r n ff rr
n nrart f frt f rr+
zr r rr rr r r;
r f a rt r frt s ar r;+
Cha: sura muni gadharb mili kari sarb ge biraci ke lok,
sa ga gotanudhr bhumi bicr parama bikala bhaya sok.
brahm

saba jn mana anumn mora kachu na bas,

j kari tai

ds so abins hamareu tora sah.

The gods, sages and Gandharvas (celestial songsters), all repaired to Brahms
abode; with them was poor Earth in the form of a cow grievously stricken with fear and
grief. Brahm came to know everything; and realizing in his heart of heart his inability to
help her, he said, The immortal Lord whose servant you are will be my help as well as
yours.
0f f t ff f f=
ra t t ff r= ffa+ {c+
So.: dharani dharahi mana dhra kaha biraci haripada sumiru,
jnata jana k pra prabhu bhajihi druna bipati.184.
Have patience, Earth, said Brahm, and fix your mind on the feet of r Hari.
The Lord knows the distress of His servants and will put an end to your terrible
suffering. (184)
0 f frr r; f rr+
r r; rs ff r;+ {+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
BLA-K NA
*
183
r z nfa f tat a n r af tat+
af r fnfr r; + +
f r r rr a n rf rr+
r ff fff rt r r r rt+ -+
n n fa frnt a n; ff rnt+
r rr r r f zr rr+ +
Cau.: baihe sura saba karahi

bicr, kaha

pia prabhu karia pukr.
pura baikuha jna kaha ko, kou kaha payanidhi basa prabhu so.1.
jke hdaya

bhagati jasi prt, prabhu taha

pragaa sad tehi

rt.
tehi

samja girij mai

raheu

, avasara pi bacana eka kahe u

.2.
hari bypaka sarbatra samn, prema te pragaa hohi

mai

jn.
desa kla disi bidisihu mh

, kahahu so kah

jah

prabhu nh

.3.
aga jagamaya saba rahita birg, prema te prabhu pragaai jimi g.
more bacana saba ke mana mn, sdhu sdhu kari brahma bakhn.4.
All the gods sat in counsel: Where can we find the Lord, so that we may appeal
to Him? Someone suggested that they should go to Vaikuha. Another said, The Lord
has His abode in the ocean of milk. The Lord always manifests Himself in response to
the devotion and love one cherishes in ones heart. Girij, I too happened to be in that
assembly and took occasion to put in a word: For aught I know r Hari is present
everywhere alike and is revealed only by love. Tell Me any place, time or quarter of the
heaven where the Lord is not. Having taken the form of all creation, both animate and
inanimate, He is yet destitute of everything and passionless; He is revealed by love even
as fire is manifested by friction. My words found favour with all and Brahm applauded
me saying, Well said, well said! (14)
0f ff a f t
tafa a rf rr fat+ {c~+
Do.: suni biraci mana haraa tana pulaki nayana baha nra,
astuti karata jori kara svadhna matidhra.185.
Brahm was glad at heart to hear My words the hair on his body bristled and tears
flowed from his eyes. Recovering himself, the stable-minded Brahm joined his palms
and prayed: (185)
U0 r r ar nar
nr f fart rt far f ar+
r t a t r; r;
r rr trr s n r;+ {+
frt rr rt r rr
fna nrata fa ta rrfa r+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
184
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
f rfn frnt fa rnt fnar fr
ff r rf n n nrf fa frrr+ +
f fy sr; frf r; n r r
r s rrrt fa rt rf nfa r+
r f n ffa =r
rt rfz rt r+ -+
r >rfa r f r r rs f rr
f t fr r s r >rtnrr+
rff ff nf r
f fq ra a r r+ +
Cha.: jaya jaya suranyaka jana sukhadyaka pranatapla bhagavat,
go dvija hitakr jaya asurr sidhusut priya kat.
plana sura dharan adbhuta karan marama na jnai ko,
jo sahaja kpl dnadayl karau anugraha so.1.
jaya jaya abins saba ghaa bs bypaka paramnad,
abigata gotta carita punta myrahita mukud.
jehi lgi birg ati anurg bigatamoha munibd,
nisi bsara dhyvahi

guna gana gvahi

jayati saccidnad.2.
jehi

si up tribidha ban saga sahya na duj,

so karau aghr cita hamr jnia bhagati na puj.
jo bhava bhaya bhajana muni mana rajana gajana bipati bar uth,
mana baca krama bn chRi sayn sarana sakala sura j uth.3.
srada ruti se riaya ase j kahu

kou nahi

jn,
jehi dna pire beda pukre dravau so rbhagavn.
bhava bridhi madara saba bidhi sudara gunamadira sukhapuj,
muni siddha sakala sura parama bhaytura namata ntha pada kaj.4.
Glory, all glory to You, O Lord of immortals. O delight of the devotees, O protector
of the suppliant, O benefactor of cows and the Brhmaas, O slayer of demons, O beloved
consort of Lakm (daughter of the ocean), glory to You. O guardian of gods and the earth,
mysterious are Thy ways: their secret is known to none. Let Him who is benevolent by
nature and compassionate to the humble show His grace. Glory, all glory to the immortal
Lord Mukunda (the bestower of salvation and love), who resides in all hearts, is supreme
bliss personified, who is omnipresent, unknowable, and supersensuous, whose acts are
holy and who is beyond the veil of My (illusion). Glory to Him who is Truth, Consciousness
and Bliss combined, who is most lovingly meditated upon day and night and whose praises
are sung by multitudes of sages who are full of dispassion and entirely free from infatuation.
Let the Slayer of the sinful Agha bestow His care on usHe who brought forth the
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
BLA-K NA
*
185
threefold creation (viz., that which is dominated by Sattva, Rajas and Tamas, viz., gods,
men and demons) without anyone else to assist Him; we know neither devotion nor
worship. He who disperses the fear of transmigration, delights the mind of sages and puts
an end to hosts of calamities, we gods betake ourselves to Him in thought, word and deed,
giving up our wonted cleverness. The Lord, who is known neither to rad (the goddess
of learning), nor to the Vedas, nor again to ea (the serpent-god), nor to any of the sages,
who as the Vedas proclaim loves the lowly, let Him moved to pity. The sages, Siddhas (a
class of celestials naturally endowed with supernatural powers) and all gods, grievously
stricken with fear, bow at the lotus feet of the Lord who serves as Mount Mandara for
churning the ocean of worldly existence, who is charming in everyway, who is an abode
of virtues and an embodiment of bliss. (14)
0rf f f a
nnfnr nt ; f r + {c+
Do.: jni sabhaya surabhumi suni bacana sameta saneha,
gaganagir gabhra bhai harani soka sadeha.186.
Knowing that the gods and Earth were terror-stricken and hearing their loving
entreaties, a deep voice came from heaven, which removed all their doubt and
anxiety: (186)
0f z f fq r arf rfn fs r+
- fa arr s f srr+ {+
t ffa ra t-r fa- t-r+
a rr =r rt n r+ +
fa- n afs r; rr fa r rfs r;+
r - fs f+ a afs+ -+
fs f n=r; f r r;+
nn zr rt f rr aa f z zrr+ +
a zr r ff rrr ; r f rr+ ~+
Cau.: jani arapahu muni siddha sures, tumhahi lgi dharihau nara bes.
asanha sahita manuja avatr, lehau dinakara basa udr.1.
kasyapa aditi mahtapa knh, tinha kahu

mai

puraba bara dnh.

te dasaratha kausaly r up, kosalapur

pragaa narabhup.2.
tinha ke gha avatarihau j, raghukula tilaka so criu bh.
nrada bacana satya saba karihau , parama sakti sameta avatarihau .3.
harihau

sakala bhumi garu, nirbhaya hohu deva sumud.
gagana brahmabn suni kn, turata phire sura hdaya juRn.4.
taba brahm

dharanihi sumujhv, abhaya bha bharosa jiya

v.5.
Fear not, O sages, Siddhas and Indra (the chief of gods); for your sake I will
assume the form of a human being. In the glorious solar race I shall be born as a human
being alongwith My part manifestations. The sage Kayapa and his wife Aditi did severe
penance; to them I have already vouchsafed a boon. They have appeared in the city of
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
186
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Ayodhy as rulers of men in the form of Daaratha and Kausaly. In their house I shall
take birth in the form of four brothers, the ornament of Raghus line. I shall justify all that
was uttered by Nrada and shall descend with My Supreme Energy. In this way I shall
relieve the earth of all its burden; be fearless, O gods. As the divine voice from heaven
reached the gods ears they returned forthwith with their heart soothed.Then Brahm
admonished Earth, who was rid of all fear and felt reassured in her heart. (15)
0f rf ff n - ;; fr;
r a f f f f r;+ {c+
Do.: nija lokahi biraci ge devanha ihai sikhi,
bnara tanu dhari dhari mahi hari pada sevahu ji.187.
Then Brahm proceeded to his realm after thus instructing the gods: Assuming
the form of monkeys you go to the earth and adore the feet of r Hari. (187)
0n f f rr f fa f>rrr+
r r zr r t-r f t-r+ {+
t ffa rt a fa ar fa- rt +
fnf a= r tr f rn faf fatr+ +
fnf r a f t f f t f =t+
=f fa rr r r tf rr+ -+
t rrf r ffa af r+
nff rt z nfa fa r nrt+ +
Cau.: gae deva saba nija nija dhm, bhumi sahita mana kahu

birm.
jo kachu yasu brahm

dnh, harae deva bilaba na knh.1.

banacara deha dhar chiti mh

, atulita bala pratpa tinha ph

.
giri taru nakha yudha saba br, hari mraga citavahi

matidhr.2.
giri knana jaha

taha

bhari pur, rahe nija nija anka raci rur.
yaha saba rucira carita mai

bh, aba so sunahu jo bcahi

rkh.3.
avadhapur

raghukulamani r u, beda bidita tehi dasaratha nu

.
dharama dhuradhara gunanidhi gyn, hdaya bhagati mati sra gapn.4.
All the gods went to their several abodes alongwith Earth; they all felt relieved
in their heart. And the gods were delighted to receive the orders that Brahm gave,
and lost no time in carrying them out. They took the form of monkeys on earth; their
might and glory were incomparable. They were all brave and had mountains, trees and
nails for their weapons. Resolute of mind, they awaited the advent of r Hari,
swarming on mountains and in woods wherever they liked and dividing themselves into
gallant troops of their own. I have related to you all this interesting account; now hear
that which was interrupted before. In the city of Ayodhy there ruled a king who was
a jewel of Raghus race; he was called Daaratha, a name which is familiar in the
Vedas. He was a champion of virtue, a repository of good qualities and a man of
wisdom; he was a sincere devotee of God Viu (the wielder of the rga bow) and
his mind was also set on Him. (14)
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
BLA-K NA
*
187
0rrf rf f r ta
fa f fta+ {cc+
Do.: kausalydi nri priya saba carana punta,
pati anukula prema dRha hari pada kamala binta.188.
Kausaly and his other beloved consorts were all of holy life; humble and devoted
to their lord, they had a strong attachment to the lotus feet of r Hari. (188)
0 r fa rt nrf r a rt +
n n ns aa frr rfn f f frr+ {+
f nf rs f f ff rrs+
t r;f a rt fr ffa na rt+ +
nt fff f rrr rr rr+
nfa fa f rfa t- n fnf = t-+ -+
r f z frr r r fq arrr+
f rf r; r rn f rn r;+ +
Cau.: eka bra bhupati mana mh

, bhai galni more suta nh

.
gura gha gayau turata mahipl, carana lgi kari binaya bisl.1.
nija dukha sukha saba gurahi sunyau, kahi basiha bahubidhi samujhyau.
dharahu dhra hoihahi

suta cr, tribhuvana bidita bhagata bhaya hr.2.

sg riihi basiha bolv, putrakma subha jagya karv.
bhagati sahita muni huti dnhe , pragae agini car u kara lnhe .3.
jo basiha kachu hdaya bicr, sakala kju bh siddha tumhr.
yaha habi b

i dehu npa j, jath joga jehi bhga ban.4.

One day the king was sad at heart that he had no son. He hastened to his
preceptors residence and, falling at his feet, made many entreaties. He told the Guru all
his joys and sorrows; the sage Vasiha comforted him in many ways and said, Take
heart and wait; you will have four sons, who will be known throughout the three worlds
and will rid the devotees of their fears. Then Vasiha summoned the sage g and
had a noble sacrifice performed by him for the birth of a son to the king. When the sage
devoutly offered oblations into the sacred fire, the fire-god appeared with an offering of
rice boiled with milk in his hand. Said the fire-god, Whatever Vasiha has contemplated
for you that object is fully accomplished. Take this oblation, O king, and divide it in such
proportions as you think fit. (14)
0a t r f rr;
r n z r;+ {c+
Do.: taba adsya bhae pvaka sakala sabhahi samujhi,
paramnada magana npa haraa na hdaya

sami.189.
The fire-god then disappeared after telling the whole assembly of what was to
be done. The king was transported with ecstasy and could not contain himself
for joy. (189)
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
188
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
0af r f rf rr; rrf ar f r;+
rn rf t-r s rn r t-r+ {+
; r n r r s rn f +
rr ; r f t- frf - f+ +
f ff nfa rt ; z fa rt+
r f a f nf r r fa r+ -+
f rf rt rr t a t rt+
a r f n f n r + +
Cau.: tabahi

rya

priya nri bol

, kausalydi tah

cali

.
ardha bhga kausalyahi dnh, ubhaya bhga dhe kara knh.1.
kaike kaha

npa so daya u, rahyo so ubhaya bhga puni bhayau.
kausaly kaike htha dhari, dnha sumitrahi mana prasanna kari.2.
ehi bidhi garbhasahita

saba nr, bha

hdaya

haraita sukha bhr.
j dina te hari garbhahi

e, sakala loka sukha sapati che.3.

madira maha

saba

rjahi

rn

, sobh sla teja k khn

.
sukha juta kachuka kla cali gaya u, jehi

prabhu pragaa so avasara bhaya u.4.

The king at once sent for his beloved consorts. When Kausaly and the other
queens arrived there, he gave one half of the offering to Kausaly and divided the other
into two halves, one of which he gave to Kaikey. The remnant was again divided into
two parts, which he placed in the hands of Kausaly and kaikey and after thus obtaining
their approval handed both the shares to Sumitr. In this way all the queens became
pregnant. They were all glad of heart and felt very happy. From the time r Hari found
His way into the womb joy and prosperity reigned in all the worlds. In the palace shone
the queens, who were all mines of beauty, virtue and glory. Some time was thus happily
spent, till the time arrived for the Lord to be revealed. (14)
0rn n n r faf
= a r + {+
Do.: joga lagana graha bra tithi sakala bhae anukula,
cara aru acara harajuta rma janama sukhamula.190.
The position of the sun and the moon, the zodiacal sign into which the sun had
entered, the position of the seven other planets, the day of the week as well as the day
of the lunar month, all these turned out to be propitious. And full of delight was all
creation, animate and inanimate; for the birth of r Rma is the source of joy. (190)
0t faf r tar - ffa ftar+
f fa ta rrrr r r r f>rrr+ {+
ta f r fa a r+
fa fnfn frr nf fararr+ +
r ff rr rf frr+
nn f r nrf n n =r+ -+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
BLA-K NA
*
189
f f rt nnf nn t rt+
tafa f rn f r ff rf f f r+ +
Cau.: naum tithi madhu msa punt, sukala paccha abhijita hariprt.
madhyadivasa ati sta na ghm, pvana kla loka birm.1.
stala mada surabhi baha bu, haraita sura satana mana c u.
bana kusumita girigana manir, sravahi

sakala saritmtadhr.2.
so avasara biraci jaba jn, cale sakala sura sji bimn.
gagana bimala sakula sura juth, gvahi

guna gadharba bar uth.3.

baraahi

sumana suajuli sj, gahagahi gagana dudubh bj.

astuti karahi

nga muni dev, bahubidhi lvahi

nija nija sev.4.

It was the ninth day of the bright half of the sacred month of Caitra; the moon
had entered the asterism named Abhijit, which is so dear to r Hari. The sun was
at its meridian; the day was neither cold nor hot. It was a holy time which gave rest
to the whole world. A cool, soft and fragrant breeze was blowing. The gods were feeling
exhilarated and the saints were bubbling with enthusiasm. The woods were full of
blossoms, the mountains were resplendent with gems and every river flowed a stream
of nectar. When Brahm perceived that the time of r Rmas birth had approached,
all the gods came out with their aerial cars duly equipped. The bright heaven was
crowded with their hosts and troops of Gandharvas chanted praises and rained down
flowers placing them in their beautiful palms. The sky resounded with the beat of
kettedrums. Ngas, sages and gods offered praises and tendered their services in
manifold ways. (14)
0 fat f f f r
nfr n f r f>rr+ {{+
Do.: sura samuha binat kari pahu ce nija nija dhma,
jaganivsa prabhu pragae akhila loka birma.191.
Having offered their praises the gods returned to their several abodes, when the
Lord, and abode of the universe and the solace of all creation, manifested Himself. (191)
U0 n rr trr rr fart
fa art f rt a = frt+
r frr a rrtrr f r rt
rr frr rrf rt+ {+
; rt ta fa art f ff ar
rr n rrata rr r ar+
=r rn n rn f nrf >r fa ar
r fa rnt rnt s n >rtar+ +
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
190
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
zrrz frr ffa rr r r fa
s r rt srt a t fa f +
sr rr rr fa a ff t-
f r r; ra rr; f r a + -+
rar f rt r fa zrt a ara =r
t ftr fa ftr r+
f rr r rr r; r r
fa nrf f rf a f r+ +
Cha.:bhae pragaa kpl dnadayl kausaly hitakr,
haraita mahatr muni mana hr adbhuta rupa bicr.
locana abhirm tanu ghanasym nija yudha bhuja cr,
bhuana banaml nayana bisl sobhsidhu kharr.1.
kaha dui kara jor astuti tor kehi bidhi karau anat,
my guna gyntta amn beda purna bhanat.
karun sukha sgara saba guna gara jehi gvahi

ruti sat,
so mama hita lg jana anurg bhayau pragaa rkat.2.
brahma niky nirmita my roma roma prati beda kahai,
mama ura so bs yaha upahs sunata dhra mati thira na rahai.
upaj jaba gyn prabhu musukn carita bahuta bidhi knha cahai,
kahi kath suh mtu bujh jehi prakra suta prema lahai.3.
mt puni bol so mati ol tajahu tta yaha rup,
kjai sisull ati priyasl yaha sukha parama anup.
suni bacana sujn rodana hn hoi blaka surabhup,
yaha carita je gvahi

haripada pvahi

te na parahi

bhavak up.4.
The gracious Lord, who is compassionate to the lowly and the benefactor of
Kausaly appeared. The thought of His marvellous form, which stole the heart of
sages, filled the mother with joy. His body was dark as a cloud, the delight of all eyes;
in His four arms He bore His characteristic emblems (a conch-shell, a discus, a club and
a lotus). Adorned with jewels and a garland of sylvan flowers and endowed with large
eyes, the Slayer of the demon Khara was an ocean of beauty. Joining both her palms
the mother said, O infinite Lord, how can I praise You! The Vedas as well as the Puras
declare You as transcending My, beyond attributes, above knowledge and beyond all
measure. He who is sung by the Vedas and holy men as an ocean of mercy and bliss
and the repository of all virtues, the same Lord of Lakm, the lover of His devotees,
has revealed Himself for my good. The Vedas proclaim that every pore of Your body
contains multitudes of universes brought forth by My. That such a Lord stayed in my
wombthis amusing story staggers the mind of even men of wisdom. When the revelation
came upon the mother, the Lord smiled; He would perform many a sportive act. Therefore
He exhorted her by telling her the charming account of her previous birth so that she
might love Him as her own child. The mothers mind was changed; she spoke again,
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
BLA-K NA
*
191
Give up this superhuman form and indulge in childish sports, which are so dear to a
mothers heart; the joy that comes from such sports is unequalled in everyway. Hearing
these words the all-wise Lord of immortals became an infant and began to cry. Those who
sing this lay (says Tulasdsa) attain to the abode of r Hari and never fall into the well
of mundane existence. (14)
0f a fa t- ar
f ;-r ffa a rr n nr r+ {+
Do.: bipra dhenu sura sata hita lnha manuja avatra,
nija icch nirmita tanu my guna go pra.192.
For the sake of Brhmaas, cows, gods and saints, the Lord, who transcends
My and is beyond the three modes of Prakti (Sattva, Rajas and Tamas) as well as
beyond the reach of the senses took birth as a man assuming a form which is a product
of His own will. (192)
0f f = f rt f r; rt+
fa a r; rt r n rt+ {+
r- f rr r zrr rr+
tr ra s a fa tr+ +
r r a r; r n rr r;+
r f rr r rr; r rr+ -+
n f ns rr r f fa rr+
r f- r; = rf n f fr;+ +
Cau.: suni sisu rudana parama priya bn, sabhrama cali

saba rn.
haraita jaha

taha

dh

ds, na da magana sakala purabs.1.

dasaratha putrajanma suni kn, mnahu brahmnada samn.
parama prema mana pulaka sarr, chata uhana karata mati dhr.2.
jkara nma sunata subha ho, more gha v prabhu so.
paramnada puri mana rj, kah boli bajvahu bj.3.
gura basiha kaha

gayau ha kr, e dvijana sahita npadvr.
anupama blaka dekhenhi j, r upa rsi guna kahi na sir.4.
On hearing the most pleasing sound of the baby's cries all the queens came in a
flurry. Maid-servants ran helter-skelter in great delight; all the people of the city were
transported with joy. When the tidings of the birth of a son reached Daaratha's ears he
was drowned as it were in the ecstasy of absorption into Brahma. With a mind saturated
with the highest love and with a body thrilling all over with joy he sought to rise, while
attempting to recover his senses."The same Lord, whose very Name brings blessings
with It even when It reaches one's ears, has arrived at my house," he said to himself;
and the thought filled his mind with supreme joy. Sending for musicians he said,
"Play on your instruments."The preceptor Vasiha was also summoned and he called
at the palace door, with a train of Brhmaas. They all went and gazed upon the peerless
babe, who was an embodiment of beauty and possessed excellences more than one
could tell. (14)
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
192
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
0t r f ra t-
r f f- t-+ {-+
Do.: nadmukha sardha kari jtakarama saba knha,
haka dhenu basana mani npa bipranha kaha dnha.193.
After performing the Nndmukha rddha* the king completed all the rites
connected with the birth of a child and made gifts of gold, cows, raiment and jewels to
the Brhmaas. (193)
0 ar ar rr f r; f rfa rr+
fy r a r; zr r n r;+ {+
ff t rnr; fnr f sf r;+
n f rr nra f rr+ +
f rfa rf t r r f f- t+
rn a fn nr r n nrf rrr+ -+
r t- r f rr rr f ar+
n tr t tf- f tr+ +
Cau.: dhvaja patka torana pura chv, kahi na ji jehi bh

ti banv.
sumanabi aksa te ho, brahmnada magana saba lo.1.
bda bda mili cal

log

, sahaja sigra kie uhi dh

.
kanaka kalasa magala bhari thr, gvata paihahi

bhupa dur.2.
kari rati nevachvari karah

, bra bra sisu carananhi parah

.
mgadha suta badigana gyaka, pvana guna gvahi

raghunyaka.3.
sarbasa dna dnha saba kh u, jehi

pv rkh nahi

th u.
mgamada cadana kukuma kc, mac sakala bthinha bica bc.4.
The city was full of flags and banners and festal arches. It was decorated in a way
which defies description. Showers of flowers dropped from heaven; everybody was rapt
in the joy of absorption into Brahma. Women streamed forth in troops; they came running
in their natural toilet. Carrying jars of gold and salvers full of auspicious articles, they
entered the portals of the royal palace singing as they went along. Waving lights and
passing offerings round and round over the child's head as an act of exorcism they threw
themselves at the babe's feet again and again. Bards, minstrels, panegyrists and
songsters chanted solemn praises of the Lord of Raghus. Everyone gave whatever one
possessed; even he who received did not retain it. All the lanes of the city were muddy
with pastes of musk, sandal and saffron. (14)
0n n r r n r
a a n rf + {+
Do.: gha gha bja badhva subha pragae suam kada,
haraavata saba jaha

taha

nagara nri nara bda.194.
* A commemorative offering to the Manes Preliminary to any joyous occasion, such as investiture with
the sacred thread, wedding etc.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
BLA-K NA
*
193
There was happy music of festivity in every house; for the very fountain of
beauty had manifested Himself. All the men and women of the city were full of joy
everywhere. (194)
0ar frr r a a r+
fa rr f ; r frr+ {+
t r; f r at f f r; rat+
f r rt af t r rt+ +
n frt sz; t =rt+
f f arr n r ; srr+ -+
f fa rt n rt+
a f an rr r a; ra rr+ +
Cau.: kaikayasut sumitr dou, sudara suta janamata bhai

o u.
vaha sukha sapati samaya samj, kahi na sakai srada ahirj.1.
avadhapur sohai ehi bh

t, prabhuhi milana janu rt.

dekhi bhnu janu mana sakucn, tadapi ban sadhy anumn.2.
agara dhupa bahu janu a dhir, uRai abra manahu arunr.
madira mani samuha janu tr, npa gha kalasa so idu udr.3.
bhavana bedadhuni ati mdu bn, janu khaga mukhara samaya janu sn.
kautuka dekhi pataga bhuln, eka msa tei

jta na jn.4.
Kaikey and Sumitr each gave birth to a lovely boy. The joy, grandeur, solemnity
of the occasion and the concourse of men were more than what rad and the serpent-
king could describe. The city of Ayodhy wore a galla appearance; it looked as if Night
had come to see the Lord and, feeling abashed as it were at the sight of the sun (her
own lord), had deliberately stayed over in the form of twilight. Clouds of incense
represented the dusk; and handfuls of red powder tossed up and wafted in the air
represented the redish light of sunset. The hosts of jewels that gleamed on house tops
looked like so many stars; while the round pinnacle on the top of the royal palace
corresponded to the beautiful moon. The murmuring sound of the chanting of Veda in the
palace resembled the chirping of birds appropriate to the occasion. Gazing upon this
spectacle the sun for got himself; a whole month passed without his knowing it. (14)
0r f f r r; r;
a f rs fr ff r;+ {~+
Do.: msa divasa kara divasa bh marama na jnai koi,
ratha sameta rabi thkeu nis kavana bidhi hoi.195.
The day assumed the length of a month; but no one could understand the mystery.
The sun stood motionless with his chariot; how could there be any night? (195)
0 t r f rr ff a nnrr+
f r- f rnr a f rnr+ {+
s s f rt fnfr fa fa art+
rfz n r = r; f r+ +
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
194
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
r tf- ff n +
fa r r; r r r r;+ -+
af r f ff rr t- r f rr+
n an nr tr t- rrff tr+ +
Cau.: yaha rahasya khu

nahi

jn, dinamani cale karata gunagn.

dekhi mahotsava sura muni ng, cale bhavana baranata nija bhg.1.
aurau eka kahau

nija cor, sunu girij ati dRha mati tor.
kkabhusui saga hama dou, manujarupa jnai nahi

ko u.2.
paramnada premasukha phule, bthinha phirahi

magana mana bhule.

yaha subha carita jna pai so, kp rma kai jpara ho.3.
tehi avasara jo jehi bidhi v, dnha bhupa jo jehi mana bhv.
gaja ratha turaga hema go hr, dnhe npa nnbidhi cer.4.
Nobody noticed this strange phenomenon; the sun at last moved ahead singing
the praises of r Rma as he went. Witnessing the great festival the gods, sages and
Ngas proceeded to their several abodes congratulating themselves on their good luck.
I tell you one more covert act of Mine; listen to it, O Girij, for I know your steadfast faith.
The sage Kkabhuui and Myself both were there together in human form without
anyone knowing it. Elated with supreme joy and the delight of love we roamed about the
streets in ecstasy forgetting ourselves. He alone who enjoyed r Rma's grace could
be apprised of this blessed adventure of ours. On that occasion the king granted the
desire of everyone's heart, in whatever manner one came. He bestowed elephants,
chariots, horses, gold, cows, diamonds and costumes of various kinds. (14)
0 ar f- a f t
a f t afr ;+ {+
Do.: mana satoe sabanhi ke jaha taha
.
dehi

assa,
sakala tanaya cira jvahu tulasidsa ke sa.196.
All were satisfied in their heart and invoked blessings here and there, saying, May
all the sons of Daaratha live long those Lord of Tulasdsa. (196)
0 f ta f r at ra rf f = rat+
r = rt rf f rt+ {+
f r fa rr f r r f nf rr+
;- r r tfa =r+ +
r r f rt t a rr rt+
r r r rr f r r f>rrr+ -+
ft r r; ar r a r;+
r f a f rr r r rr+ +
Cau.: kachuka divasa bte ehi bh

t, jta na jnia dina aru rt.

nmakarana kara avasaru jn, bh upa boli pahae muni gyn.1.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
BLA-K NA
*
195
kari puj bhupati asa bh, dharia nma jo muni guni rkh.
inha ke nma aneka an up, mai

npa kahaba svamati anurup.2.

jo nada sidhu sukhars, skara te trailoka sups.
so sukha dhma rma asa nm, akhila loka dyaka birm.3.
bisva bharana poana kara jo, tkara nma bharata asa ho.
jke sumirana te ripu ns, nma satruhana beda praks.4.
A few days rolled on in this way; days and nights passed unnoticed. Knowing that
the time had come for naming the children, the king sent for the enlightened sage
Vasiha. After paying him homage the king spoke to him thus, "Holy sir ! Kindly assign
them names that you have fixed your mind upon." "Their names are many and unique;
yet O king, I will declare them according to my own lights. This eldest boy of yours, who
is an ocean of felicity and embodiment of joy, a particle of which fills the three worlds with
delight, has for His name 'Rma', the very home of bliss and the comforter of all the
worlds. Your second son, who sustains and supports the universe, will be called
'Bharata'; while he whose very thought destroys one's enemies is celebrated in the
Vedas by the name of atrughna'." (14)
0- r r f na rr
n= fr af rr f r sr+ {+
Do.: lacchana dhma rma priya sakala jagata dhra,
guru basia tehi rkh lachimana nma udra.197.
He who is the abode of noble characteristics, the beloved of r Rma and the
mainstay of the whole universe, was given by Guru Vasiha the splendid name of
Lakmaa. (197)
0 r n z frt a- a a rt+
f f rr r f af rr+ {+
rf a f fa fa rt f r fa rt+
a r s r; f tfa zr;+ +
tr n rs rt ff f t a art+
rfs t = n rr af f rn rr+ -+
z n ; rr a f r rr+
sn r ra r; f f r+ +
Cau.: dhare nma gura hdaya bicr, beda tatva npa tava suta cr.
muni dhana jana sarabasa siva prn, bla keli rasa tehi

sukha mn.1.
brehi te nija hita pati jn, lachimana rma carana rati mn.
bharata satruhana dunau bh, prabhu sevaka jasi prti baR.2.
syma gaura sudara dou jor, nirakhahi

chabi janan

tna tor.
criu sla rupa guna dhm, tadapi adhika sukhasgara rm.3.
hdaya

anugraha idu praks, s ucata kirana manohara hs.
kabahu uchaga kabahu bara palan, mtu dulrai kahi priya lalan.4.
The preceptor assigned these names after careful thought and then said, "Your
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
196
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
four sons, O king, are the essence of Veda itself. Of them r Rma is the sages'
treasure, the devotee's all in all and iva's very life; He takes delight at present in the
rapture of childish sports. From his earliest days Lakmaa came to look upon r
Rma as his benefactor and master and conceived devotion to His feet. The love that
existed between the two half-brothers, Bharata and atrughna, was as glorious as that
which obtains between a master and his servant. As the mothers gazed on the beauty
of the two lovely pairs, one of whom was dark, the other fair, they would break a blade
of grass in order to avert the evil eye. Although all the four brothers were embodiments
of amiability, beauty and goodness, yet r Rma was an ocean of bliss par excellence.
In His heart shone the moon of grace and His captivating smile represented its rays.
Now on her lap and now in the beautiful cradle, the mother fondled Him calling Him her
own darling. (14)
0r zr f fn fna fr
r nfa rr nr+ {c+
Do.: bypaka brahma nirajana nirguna bigata binoda,
so aja prema bhagati basa kausaly ke goda.198.
The unborn and all-pervading Brahma, who is untainted by My, without attributes
and devoid of play, has sought shelter in the arms of Kausaly conquered by her love
and devotion. (198)
0r rf f tr tr t rf ntr+
= rat f- rat+ {+
f r f f f r+
f fft s r r rf nt r f r+ +
fr a t f f fa rr =t+
s fr f t rr f a rr+ -+
fa f r; r fa f r;+
; ; =r rr fa r r+ +
>r r= rr fa f ara rr+
fa fa nr r f ra r+ ~+
ta rnfr a fr; r rf ff rf r;+
= f f f >rfa r r r; f r+ +
Cau.: kma koi chabi syma sarr, nla kaja brida gabhr.
aruna carana pakaja nakha jot, kamala dalanhi baihe janu mot.1.
rekha kulisa dhvaja akusa sohe, nupura dhuni suni muni mana mohe.
kai kikin udara traya rekh, nbhi gabhra jna jehi

dekh.2.
bhuja bisla bhuana juta bhur, hiya

hari nakha ati sobh r ur.
ura manihra padika k sobh, bipra carana dekhata mana lobh.3.
kabu kaha ati cibuka suh, nana amita madana chabi ch.
dui dui dasana adhara arunre, ns tilaka ko baranai pre.4.
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*
BLA-K NA
*
197
sudara ravana sucru kapol, ati priya madhura totare bol .
cikkana kaca kucita gabhure, bahu prakra raci mtu sa vre.5.
pta jhaguli tanu pahir, jnu pni bicarani mohi bh.
rupa sakahi

nahi

kahi ruti se, so jnai sapanehu jehi

dekh.6.
His dark form, which resembles a blue lotus and a heavy rain-cloud, possessed
the beauty of millions of Cupids. The nails glistened on His red lotus-like feet as if pearls
had been set on the petals of a rosy lotus. Marks of a thunderbolt, a flag and a goad
shone on His soles and the tinkling of His anklets enraptured the heart of sages. A string
of tiny bells girdled His waist and there were threefolds in His belly; the depth of His
navel is known to him alone who has perceived it. His long arms were adorned with a
number of ornaments and the tiger's claw hanging on His breast possessed an exquisite
beauty. The elegance of the necklace of gems with a diamond at the lowest end and the
print of the Brhmaa's foot* fascinated one's mind. His neck resembled a conch-shell
in its spiral shape and the chin looked most beautiful; while His face flushed with the
beauty of countless Cupids. Pairs of small teeth were veiled by rosy lips and His
beautiful nose and the sectarian mark on His brow defied description. With charming
ears and most lovely cheeks, His sweet lisping prattle was most delightful to hear. The
smooth and curly hair that had never been trimmed since His very birth had been
beautifully dressed in manifold ways by the mother. A yellow frock covered His body and
His crawling on knees and hands was most pleasing to me. The elegance of His form
was something which even the Vedas and ea (the serpent-god) could not describe;
it is known to him alone who has beheld it even in a dream. (16)
0 r r r fnr nrata
fa ffa ta+ {+
Do.: sukha sadoha mohapara gyna gir gotta,
dapati parama prema basa kara sisucarita punta.199.
The all-blissful Lord, who is above delusion and transcends knowledge, speech
and all sensuous perception, sported like an innocent child, yielding to the supreme love
of the royal couple (Daaratha and Kausaly). (199)
0f ff r na fa rar r rf- rar+
f- rrr fa rt fa- t nfa n rt+ {+
*
Once upon a time there was a discussion among the sages as to which of the three Lords of
creation, viz., Brahm, Viu and iva was the greatest. In order to put the matter to the test Brahms son
Bhgu was deputed to visit the three divinities one by one. Bhgu first approached his own father and did not
bow to him as a dutiful son. This enraged Brahm; but he somehow managed to curb his anger by force of
reason. From Brahms court the sage went to Kailsa. The god of gods, akara, rose to greet the sage and
stretched His arms to embrace him. But Bhgu avoided His touch saying, Touch me not, since you have
broken social conventions and flouted the injunctions of the Vedas. iva lost His temper when He heard
these aspersions. Taking up His trident He proceeded to strike the sage; but Goddess Prvat intervened and
pacified Him. Thereafter Bhgu went to Vaikuha, the abode of Bhagavn Viu, and found the Lord
reposing with His head on the lap of r Lakm. Breaking into His room unceremoniously the sage suddenly
kicked Him on the chest. The almighty Lord quickly rose with r Lakm, alighted from His bed and, offering
him homage, asked his forgiveness for the incivility shown to him by not welcoming him in advance. The Lord
then rubbed the sages foot saying that it might have been hurt by striking against His hard breast. Since then
the Lord has ever borne on His bosom the print of the sages foot as a mark of honour and it stands an abiding
monument to His unequalled forbearance.
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198
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
rrfa f a rt ; rt+
t r r r rr r r+ +
f fr r; art rfz f rt+
rfz ar; a r ff rrr;+ -+
f ff ffr t-r nrf- t-r+
sn r r rrrf rr+ +
Cau.: ehi bidhi rma jagata pitu mt, kosalapura bsinha sukhadt.
jinha raghuntha carana rati mn, tinha k yaha gati pragaa bhavn.1.
raghupati bimukha jatana kara kor, kavana sakai bhava badhana chor.
jva carcara basa kai rkhe, so my prabhu so bhaya bhkhe.2.
bhkui bilsa nacvai th, asa prabhu chRi bhajia kahu kh.
mana krama bacana chRi catur, bhajata kp karihahi

raghur.3.
ehi bidhi sisubinoda prabhu knh, sakala nagarabsinha sukha dnh.
lai uchaga kabahu ka halarvai, kabahu plane ghli jhulvai.4.
In this way r Rma, the father and mother of the universe, delighted the people
of Ayodhy. Bhavn, this demonstrates how those who have conceived devotion to the
feet of the Lord of Raghus are repaid by Him. On the other hand, no one can liberate
from the bondage of worldly existence him who is averse to the Lord of Raghus, however
much he may struggle.Even that My which has held under her sway all living beings,
both animate and inanimate, trembles before the Lord, who makes her dance to the play
of His eye-brows. Leaving such a lord, tell me, whom should we adore? The Lord of
Raghus will compassionate those who betake themselves to Him in thought, word and
deed, giving up all cleverness. In this way the Lord sported as a child, to the delight of
all the people of the city. The mother would now dandle Him in her arms, and now put
Him down and rock Him in the cradle. (14)
0 n rr ff f ra r
a rar rfa nr+ +
Do.: prema magana kausaly nisi dina jta na jna,
suta saneha basa mt blacarita kara gna.200.
Kausaly remained so rapt in love that days and nights passed unnoticed. Out of
affection for her boy she would sing lays of His childhood. (200)
0 r t -r f fnr r r+
f ;y nrr r a t- =rr+ {+
f r u rr r n; r rr+
f ra ar f r; r a a r;+ +
n t f f tar r r ar f ar+
f r; r a r; z t r;+ -+
;r sr ; r r fa r f r fr+
f r t rt f t- rt+ +
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*
BLA-K NA
*
199
Cau.: eka bra janan

anhave, kari sigra palan

pauRhe.
nija kula iadeva bhagavn, p uj hetu knha asnn.1.
kari p uj naibedya caRhv, pu ga jaha

pka banv.
bahuri mtu tahav

cali , bhojana karata dekha suta j.2.
gai janan sisu pahi

bhayabht, dekh bla tah

puni sut.
bahuri i dekh suta so, hdaya

kapa mana dhra na ho.3.
ih

uh

dui blaka dekh, matibhrama mora ki na bise.

dekhi rma janan akuln, prabhu ha si dnha madhura musukn.4.
One day, mother Kausaly washed and adorned her boy and put Him to sleep in
the cradle. Thereafter she bathed herself in order to worship the patron deity of her
family. Having worshipped the deity she offered Him food and then returned to the
kitchen. When she came back to the place of worship, she beheld her boy eating the
food that had been offered to the Lord. Frightened at this, the mother went to her boy and
found Him asleep in the nursery. Coming back once more to the temple she still saw the
boy there. She now trembled with fear and her mind found no rest. She saw two boys,
one in the temple and the other in the nursery. She said to herself, "Is it my mental illusion
or some other unusual phenomenon?" When r Rma saw His mother perplexed, the
Lord gently smiled. (14)
0rr raf f a = z
r r fa rn rf rf zr z+ {+
Do.: dekharv mtahi nija adbhuta rupa akhaa,
roma roma prati lge koi koi brahmaa.201.
The Lord then revealed to His mother His marvellous infinite form, every pore of
whose skin contained millions of universes. (201)
0nfa f f f ar fnf fa f f r+
r n r r rs r r r r+ {+
t rr ff nrt fa ta r rt+
r t r; rt t nfa r r; art+ +
a fa rr f f f= rr+
fa f art f f= rt+ -+
tafa f r; rr na far a f rr+
f t ff rr; f a f r;+ +
Cau.: aganita rabi sasi siva caturnana, bahu giri sarita sidhu mahi knana,
kla karma guna gyna subh u, sou dekh jo sun na k u.1.
dekh my saba bidhi gRh, ati sabhta jore kara hRh,
dekh jva nacvai jh, dekh bhagati jo chorai th.2.
tana pulakita mukha bacana na v, nayana m udi caranani siru nv.
bisamayavata dekhi mahatr, bhae bahuri sisur upa kharr.3.
astuti kari na ji bhaya mn, jagata pit mai

suta kari jn.

hari janan bahubidhi samujh, yaha jani katahu kahasi sunu m.4.
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200
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
She saw therein countless suns and moons, ivas and four-faced Brahms, and
a number of mountains, rivers, oceans, plains and woods, as well as the spirit of time,
the principle of action, the modes of Prakti (Sattva, Rajas and Tamas), the spirit of
knowledge and Nature and many more things of which she had never heard before. She
further perceived My, who is powerful in every respect, stricken with terror and
standing with her palms joined together. The mother also beheld the embodied soul, who
is made to dance by My, and even so the spirit of devotion, which liberates the soul.
The hair on the mother's body bristled and she stood speechless. Closing her eyes she
bowed her head at the Lord's feet. Seeing the mother struck with wonder the Slayer of
Khara assumed the form of a child again. She was unable to utter praises and trembled
at the thought that she had looked upon the Father of the universe as her own child. r
Hari comforted His mother in many ways and said, "Listen, My mother: do not reveal this
fact anywhere." (14)
0r r rr f ; rf
f r rf rr arf+ +
Do.: bra bra kausaly binaya karai kara jori,
aba jani kabahu

bypai prabhu mohi my tori.202.

Joining her palms Kausaly prayed again and again, "See, my Lord, that Your
My no longer casts her spell on me." (202)
0rfa f ff t-r fa r- t-r+
r ta r; z f r;+ {+
zr t- n= r; f- f fr r;+
r fa rr a fa rfs rr+ +
nr r; f f r;+
r a r rr f ra af r rr+ -+
rr r r; f r;+
fn fa f a rr arf t f rr+ +
f a r fa ff nr r+ ~+
Cau.: blacarita hari bahubidhi knh, ati anada dsanha kaha

dnh.
kachuka kla bte saba bh, baRe bhae parijana sukhad.1.
cuRkarana knha guru j, bipranha puni dachin bahu p.
parama manohara carita apr, karata phirata criu sukumr.2.
mana krama bacana agocara jo, dasaratha ajira bicara prabhu so.
bhojana karata bola jaba rj, nahi

vata taji bla samj.3.

kausaly jaba bolana j, humuku humuku prabhu calahi

par.
nigama neti siva ata na pv, thi dharai janan hahi dhv.4.
dhusara dhuri bhare tanu e, bh upati bihasi goda baihe.5.
r Hari indulged in many kinds of childish sports to the great delight of His
servants. After some time all the four brothers passed the stage of infancy, gladdening the
inmates of the house. The preceptor then came and performed the ceremony of tonsure;
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
BLA-K NA
*
201
and the Brhmaas received handsome presents for officiating at the same. All the four
noble princes moved about indulging in numerous plays, which were most delightful to
look at. The Lord, who cannot be comprehended through mind, speech or action, sported
in the courtyard of Daaratha. When the king, while at dinner, called Him, He would not
turn up, loth as he was to leave the company of His playmates. When Kausaly went
to call Him, the Lord would run away toddling. He whom the Vedas declare in negative
terms and whose end even iva could not find, the mother ran to catch Him by force.
With His body besmirched all over with dust, He came and the king smilingly took Him
in his arms. (15)
0r a fa ;a sa = r;
rf fa f r r;+ -+
Do.: bhojana karata capala cita ita uta avasaru pi,
bhji cale kilakata mukha dadhi odana lapai.203.
Even while the Lord sat at dinner, His mind was restless, so that the moment He
got a chance He would run away hither and thither with a scream of delight, His mouth
daubed with curds and rice. (203)
0rfa fa r r >rfa nr+
f- ;- f rar a fa f frar+ {+
r f rar t- n= fa rar+
nn n rrr; r fur r;+ +
rt tr >rfa rt r f a rt+
fur f f n tr f tr+ -+
a r fa rr a = r rr+
f- tf- ff r; fa rf rn nr;+ +
Cau.: blacarita ati sarala suhe, srada sea sabhu ruti ge.
jinha kara mana inha sana nahi

rt, te jana bacita kie bidht.1.

bhae kumra jabahi

saba bhrt, dnha jane u guru pitu mt.

guragha gae paRhana raghur, alapa kla bidy saba .2.
jk sahaja svsa ruti cr, so hari paRha yaha kautuka bhr.
bidy binaya nipuna guna sl, khelahi

khela sakala npall.3.

karatala bna dhanua ati soh, dekhata r upa carcara moh.
jinha bthinha biharahi

saba bh, thakita hohi

saba loga lug.4.

His charming and most innocent childish sports have been sung by rad, ea,
ambhu and the Vedas. Those whose mind does not take delight in these have been
deprived by Providence of a great good fortune. When all the four brothers attained of
boyhood, the preceptor as well as their parents invested them with the sacred thread. The
Lord of Raghus then proceeded to His preceptor's residence for study and in a short time
mastered all the branches of knowledge. What a great fun that r Hari, whose natural
breath stands crystallized in the form of the four Vedas, should go to school. Proficient
in learning and perfect in politeness, virtues and decorum, they played all the games
imitating the role of a king. With an arrow and bow in the hands of each they appeared
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
202
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
most charming; their beauty enraptured the whole creation, both animate and inanimate.
Through whichever street the four brothers passed in pursuit of their sport, all the men
and women there stood motionless on perceiving them. (14)
0r rt rf q = r
r a f rna r r+ +
Do.: kosalapura bs nara nri bddha aru bla,
prnahu te priya lgata saba kahu rma kpla.204.
The people of Ayodhy, men and women, elderly men as well as children, all held
the gracious Rma dearer than life. (204)
0 r n f rr; nr fa f r;+
r n rf f rt f fa f rf rt+ {+
n r r r a a af r fr+
r n r t ra far r t+ +
f ff t rf rnr f rff r; rnr+
r f r; r f - rr;+ -+
rar sf rrrr ra far n= rf rr+
r rfn f rr f fa ; rr+ +
Cau.: badhu sakh sa ga lehi

bol, bana mgay nita khelahi

j.
pvana mga mrahi

jiya jn, dina prati npahi dekhvahi

n.1.
je mga rma bna ke mre, te tanu taji suraloka sidhre.
anuja sakh sa ga bhojana karah

, mtu pit agy anusarah

.2.
jehi bidhi sukh hohi

pura log, karahi

kpnidhi soi sajog.

beda purna sunahi

mana l, pu kahahi

anujanha samujh.3.
prtakla uhi kai raghunth, mtu pit guru nvahi

mth.
yasu mgi karahi

pura kj, dekhi carita haraai mana rj.4.

Calling his half-brothers and playmates r Rma would take them with Him and
go out to the forest for hunting everyday. He would deliberately kill only holy game and
brought and showed the daily bag to the king. The beasts that were killed by r Rma's
shaft went straight to heaven after death. He took His meals with His younger brothers
and companions and obeyed the orders of His parents. He would always contrive means
to delight the people of the city. He would listen to the Vedas and Puras with rapt
attention and would Himself expound the truths contained therein to His younger
brothers. Rising at break of day the Lord of Raghus would bow His head to His parents
and preceptor and, obtaining their permission, busied Himself with the affairs of the city.
The king was glad at heart to see His noble acts. (14)
0
r t fn r =
na a rr ff a fr + ~+
Do.: bypaka akala anha aja nirguna nma na rupa,
bhagata hetu nn bidhi karata caritra anupa.205.
The Lord, who is all-pervading, indivisible, desireless, unbegotten, attributeless
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
BLA-K NA
*
203
and without name or form, performed marvellous acts of various kinds for the sake of
His devotees. (205)
0 fa r nr; rfnf r r; +
ftrfr rf rt f ff r>r rt+ {+
rn f t fa rt rf zt+
a fr rf f s f rf+ +
nrfa far rt f f f ff rt+
a f t- frr as f rr+ -+
f r; f fat r rs r;+
r frn n r r f r+ +
Cau.: yaha saba carita kah mai

g, gili kath sunahu mana l.

bisvmitra mahmuni gyn, basahi

bipina subha rama jn.1.

jaha

japa jagya joga muni karah

, ati mrca subhuhi arah

.
dekhata jagya niscara dhvahi

, karahi

upadrava muni dukha pvahi

.2.
gdhitanaya mana cit byp, hari binu marahi

na nisicara pp.
taba munibara mana knha bicr, prabhu avatareu harana mahi bhr.3.
ehu

misa dekhau pada j, kari binat nau

dou bh.
gyna birga sakala guna ayan, so prabhu mai

dekhaba bhari nayan.4.

All this story has been sung by me; now hear attentively what followed. The great
enlightened hermit Vivmitra lived in a forest knowing it to be a sacred spot. There he
practised Japa (muttering of sacred formulas) and Yoga (contemplation) and performed
sacrifices; but he was much afraid of the demons Mrca and Subhu. For as soon as
they saw a sacrifice they would hasten to desecrate it to the great chagrin of the sage,
who felt disturbed in his mind and thought that the wicked Rkasas could not be
disposed of without r Hari. The great sage then said to himself, The Lord has already
taken birth in order to relieve the earth of its burden. Let me make the outrage of the
demons an excuse of seeing His feet and after due entreaty bring the two brothers here.
I will regale my eyes with the sight of Him who is the abode of knowledge, dispassion
and all virtues." (14)
0ff a r ra rfn f r
f n r+ +
Do.: bahubidhi karata manoratha jta lgi nahi

bra,
kari majjana sarau jala gae bhupa darabra.206.
Indulging in expectation of various kinds the sage took no time in reaching his
destination. Bathing in the stream of the Sarayu he proceeded to the royal court. (206)
0f rn r rr f ns f rr+
f za ff rt f r rf- rt+ {+
rf tf- fa r r r - f r+
ff rfa r rr f z fa rr+ +
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
204
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
f f a rt r f f frt+
n a rr r f rr+ -+
a f r f r tf- r+
f r rn arrr r a rs rr+ +
arf rt r rs art+
a rrrr ff r rr+ ~+
Cau.: muni gamana sun jaba rj, milana gayau lai bipra samj.
kari daavata munihi sanamn, nija sana baihrenhi n.1.
carana pakhri knhi ati puj, mo sama ju dhanya nahi

d uj.
bibidha bh

ti bhojana karavv, munibara hdaya

haraa ati pv.2.
puni caranani mele suta cr, rma dekhi muni deha bisr.
bhae magana dekhata mukha sobh, janu cakora p urana sasi lobh.3.
taba mana harai bacana kaha r u, muni asa kp na knhihu k u.
kehi krana gamana tumhr, kahahu so karata na lvau br.4.
asura samuha satvahi

moh, mai

jcana yau npa toh.

anuja sameta dehu raghunth, nisicara badha mai

hoba santh.5.
When the king heard of the sage's visit he went out to meet him with a party of
Brhmaas. Prostrating himself on the ground the king reverently brought him in and
seated him on his own throne. Then, washing the sage's feet, he paid him great honours
and said, "No one else is so blessed as I am today." The king next entertained him with
various kinds of food and the great sage was much delighted at heart. He then placed
his four sons on the latter's feet. At the sight of r Rma the sage forgot all about
himself. He was enraptured as he gazed on the beauty of r Rma's countenance even
as the Cakora bird is enamoured of the full moon. Gladdened at heart, the king then
addressed the following words to him, "Reverend sir, you have never shown such grace
to me before. Tell me what brings you here; I will carry out your order without delay."
"Hosts of demons molest me, O king; I have therefore come to ask something of you.
Let me have the Lord of Raghus, r Rma, with His younger brother (Lakmaa); with
the extermination of the demons I will feel secure. (15)
0 fa a r r
ar ;- fa rr+ +
Do.: dehu bhupa mana haraita tajahu moha agyna,
dharma sujasa prabhu tumha kau inha kaha

ati kalyna.207.
Entrust them to me, O king, with a cheerful heart; let no infatuation or ignorance
stand in your way. You will earn religious merit and fair renown thereby, and your sons
will be highly blessed." (207)
0f rr fa f rt z fa rt+
rs a rt f f frt+ {+
rn f rr s r rr+
r a f rt rs f s ff rt+ +
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
BLA-K NA
*
205
a f rf r f r; r a f ; nrr;+
ff fa rrr rr a frr+ -+
f fnr rt z rr f rt+
a fy ff rrr r rr+ +
fa r rs a rr z r; rfa fr+
r r a r ar f far r f r+ ~+
Cau.: suni rj ati apriya bn, hdaya kapa mukha duti kumuln.
cauthe pana pyau

suta cr, bipra bacana nahi

kahehu bicr.1.
mgahu bhumi dhenu dhana kos, sarbasa deu ju saharos.
deha prna te priya kachu nh

, sou muni deu nimia eka mh

.2.
saba suta priya mohi prna ki n

, rma deta nahi

banai gos

.
kaha

nisicara ati ghora kahor, kaha

sudara suta parama kisor.3.
suni npa gir prema rasa sn, hdaya

haraa mn muni gyn.
taba basia bahubidhi samujhv, npa sadeha nsa kaha

pv.4.
ati dara dou tanaya bole, hdaya

li bahu bh

ti sikhe.
mere prna ntha suta dou, tumha muni pit na nahi

ko u.5.
Hearing this most unwelcome demand the king's heart quivered and the brightness
of his countenance faded. He said, "I have been blessed with these four sons in my old
age. You have, therefore, made your demand without due consideration, holy sir. Ask of
me land, cattle, goods and treasure; I will gladly give all I have without delay. Nothing is
dearer than ones body and life; even these I would part within a second. All my sons are
dear to me as life; but in no case can I afford to spare Rma, my lord. My lovely boys, who
are yet too young, are no match for the most hideous and relentless demons." The enlightened
hermit Vivmitra felt delighted at heart to hear the king's reply, steeped as it was in the
nectar of love. Then Vasiha pleaded with the king in manifold ways and all his doubts
were gone. Most politely he sent for the two boys and pressing them to his bosom admonished
them in many ways. Turning to the sage he then said, "My lord, the two boys are my very
life. You are their only father now, holy sir; there is no one to look after them." (15)
0 fff a ff ; t
t n r; t+ c (+
0=f rs t f f
rf fat f ft r + c (+
Do.: sau pe bhupa riihi suta bahubidhi dei assa,
janan bhavana gae prabhu cale ni pada ssa.208(A).
So.: puruasiha dou bra harai cale muni bhaya harana,
kpsidhu matidhra akhila bisva krana karana.208(B).
Invoking various blessings on the boys the king committed them to the care of the
sage; then they called at the mother's apartment and bowing their head at her feet departed.
The two heroes, lions among men, oceans of compassion, resolute of purpose and the
ultimate cause of the whole universe, gladly proceeded to rid the sage of his fear. (208A-B)
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
206
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
= s r frr t a tr arr+
f ta rr =f r r rr+ {+
tr n rs r; ftrfr rff r;+
zr- rr rf ffa far as nrr+ +
ra f tf- r; f arzr r f r;+
f r r f t-r t rf af f t-r+ -+
a ff f rf f t-t furff fur t-t+
ra rn r frr afa a a rr+ +
Cau.: aruna nayana ura bhu bisl, nla jalaja tanu syma taml.
kai paa pta kase bara bhth, rucira cpa syaka duhu hth.1.
syma gaura sudara dou bh, bisvmitra mahnidhi p.
prabhu brahmanyadeva mai

jn, mohi niti pit tajeu bhagavn.2.

cale jta muni dnhi dekh, suni tRak krodha kari dh.
ekahi

bna prna hari lnh, dna jni tehi nija pada dnh.3.
taba rii nija nthahi jiya cnh, bidynidhi kahu bidy dnh.
jte lga na chudh pips, atulita bala tanu teja praks.4.
The Lord had reddish eyes, a broad chest and long arms; His body was dark as
the blue lotus or the Tamla tree. With a beautiful quiver fastened at His back with a
yellow piece of cloth wrapped round His waist, He held in His two hands a lovely bow
and arrow respectively. In the two pretty boys, one of whom was dark and the other fair,
Vivmitra secured a great treasure. "I have now realized," said he to himself, "that the
Lord is a votary of the Brhmaas; on my account He has left His own father." While
on the way the sage pointed out the demoness Tak, who on hearing their voice
rushed up in a fury. With a single shaft the Lord took her life and recognizing her as
deserving of compassion bestowed His own state on her. Then the seer Vivmitra,
while recognizing his lord as the fountain of knowledge, imparted to Him a sacred formula
which armed Him against hunger and thirst and endowed Him with unequalled strength
of body and a glow of vigour. (14)
0r f f r>r rf
r t- nfa fa rf+ +
Do.: yudha sarba samarpi kai prabhu nija rama ni,
kada mula phala bhojana dnha bhagati hita jni.209.
Making over to Him every kind of weapon the sage took the Lord to his own
hermitage and devoutly gave Him bulbs, roots and fruits to eat, perceiving in Him his
greatest friend. (209)
0ra r f rrr; f ar r;+
r rn f rrt r t rt+ {+
f rt fr rt r rr frt+
f r r af rr a r nr rn rr+ +
r r f rr fr rrrr+
rf f frt tafa f f rrt+ -+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
BLA-K NA
*
207
a f f rrrr tf- f- rr+
nfa a r rr f uf rr+ +
a f r r rr; fa f r;+
f rr rr f f rr+ ~+
r>r t n rt n n t a a rt +
r ff fr t r f r ft+ +
Cau.: prta kah muni sana raghur, nirbhaya jagya karahu tumha j.
homa karana lge muni jhr, pu rahe makha k

rakhavr.1.
suni mrca niscara kroh, lai sahya dhv munidroh.
binu phara bna rma tehi mr, sata jojana g sgara pr.2.
pvaka sara subhu puni mr, anuja niscara kaaku sa ghr.
mri asura dvija nirbhayakr, astuti karahi

deva muni jhr.3.

taha

puni kachuka divasa raghury, rahe knhi bipranha para dy.
bhagati hetu bahu kath purn, kahe bipra jadyapi prabhu jn.4.
taba muni sdara kah bujh, carita eka prabhu dekhia j.
dhanuajagya suni raghukula nth, harai cale munibara ke sth.5.
rama eka dkha maga mh

, khaga mga jva jatu taha

nh

.
puch munihi sil prabhu dekh, sakala kath muni kah bise.6.
At daybreak the Lord of Raghus said to the sage, You may now go and perform
your sacrifice without any fear of molestation. All the sages then started offering
oblations into the sacred fire, while r Rma Himself guarded the sacrifice. On hearing
of it the furious demon Mrca, a great enemy of hermits, rushed with his army. r Rma
struck him with a headless shaft and he fell at a distance of eight hundred miles beyond
the sea-shore. The Lord next despatched Subhu with an arrow of fire; while His
younger brother, Lakmaa, exterminated the demon host. Having killed the demons in
this way the Lord rid the Brhmaas of their fear; the whole company of gods and sages
offered praises to Him. The Lord of Raghus stayed there a few days more and showed
His grace to the Brhmaas. Even though the Lord knew everything, the Brhmaas out
of their devotion repeated to Him many legends from the Puras. The sage then politely
said to Him in a pleading tone, My lord, let us go and witness a performance. Hearing
of a bow-sacrifice, the Lord of Raghus gladly accompanied the noble sage. On the way
they saw a hermitage without bird, beast or any other living creature. Observing a slab
of stone lying there the Lord inquired of the sage about it, and the latter in reply told Him
in detail the whole history behind it. (16)
0na rf >rr s f t
rfa r rrt+ {+
Do.: gautama nri rpa basa upala deha dhari dhra,
carana kamala raja chati kp karahu raghubra.210.
Gautamas consort, having assumed the form of a stone under a curse,
seeks with patience the dust of Your lotus feet; show mercy to her, O Hero of
Raghus race. (210)
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
208
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
U0a r r r n ; a t
a rr r r r; rf t+
fa tr tr f r; t
fa z rnt f- rnt n r t+ {+
t t-r t-r rr fa r nfa r;
fa f rt tafa rt rnr rrr;+
rf r n r r f r;
rt fr r rf rf f r; + +
f >rr r t-r fa t-r n rr
s f r f r ;; r rr+
fat rt fa rt r rns rr
rnr rnr rr+ -+
f far tar n ; f t t
r; f a f s r t+
f rfa frt na rt r r f t
r fa rr r = rr n far t+ +
Cha.: parasata pada pvana soka nasvana pragaa bha tapapuja sah,
dekhata raghunyaka jana sukhadyaka sanamukha hoi kara jori rah.
ati prema adhr pulaka sarr mukha nahi

vai bacana kah,

atisaya baRabhg carananhi lg jugala nayana jaladhra bah.1.
dhraju mana knh prabhu kahu

cnh raghupati kp

bhagati p,
ati nirmala bn

astuti hn gynagamya jaya raghur.

mai

nri apvana prabhu jaga pvana rvana ripu jana sukhad,

rjva bilocana bhava bhaya mocana phi phi saranahi

.2.
muni rpa jo dnh ati bhala knh parama anugraha mai

mn,
dekheu

bhari locana hari bhavamocana ihai lbha sakara jn.
binat prabhu mor mai

mati bhor ntha na mgau

bara n,
pada kamala parg rasa anurg mama mana madhupa karai pn.3.
jehi

pada surasarit parama punt pragaa bha siva ssa dhar,

so pada pakaja jehi pujata aja mama sira dhareu kpla har.
ehi bh

ti sidhr gautama nr bra bra hari carana par,

jo ati mana bhv so baru pv gai patiloka anada bhar.4.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
BLA-K NA
*
209
At the very touch of His holy feet, which drive away sorrow, emerged Ahaly, a
true embodiment of austerity. Beholding the Lord of Raghus, the delight of His servants,
she stood before Him with joined palms. Her heart being overwhelmed with love, the hair
on her body stood on their end and she was unable to utter a word. The most blessed
Ahaly cleaved to His feet and tears streamed from both her eyes. Recovering herself
she recognized the Lord and by the grace of r Rma attained devotion to His feet. In
a guileless speech she began to praise the Lord, Glory to the Lord of Raghus, who is
accessible through spiritual knowledge. I am an impure woman, while the Lord is able to
sanctify the whole world and is the delight of His servants. O lotus-eyed enemy of
Rvaa, You rid Your devotees of the fear of rebirth; therefore, I have taken refuge in
You. Pray save me, save me. My consort (Gautama) did well in pronouncing a curse on
me, and I have deemed it the greatest favour. I have feasted my eyes on r Hari
(Yourself), who liberated from the bondage of worldly existence. Lord akara deems
Your sight as the only blessing worth the name. Lord, I am very innocent of heart; I have
only one request to make. I seek no other boon from You, my Master; I only crave that
my mind may ever continue to enjoy the love of Your feet-dust even as a bee sucks the
honey from a lotus. The merciful Lord r Hari placed on my head the same lotus feet
from which issued the most holy Gag (the heavenly river)which is borne by iva on
His headand which are adored by Brahm (the Creator). Having thus praised r Hari
and falling again and again at His feet Gautamas consort (Ahaly) took leave of the Lord;
and securing a boon, which she held most dear to her heart, she went to her husbands
abode full of joy. (14)
0 t f r fa r
afr af rfz r+ {{+
Do.: asa prabhu dnabadhu hari krana rahita dayla,
tulasidsa saha tehi bhaju chRi kapaa jajla.211.
The Lord r Hari is such a great friend of the humble and compassionate
beyond ones deserts. Adore Him, O foolish Tulasdsa, giving up all deceit and
wily wrangling. (211)
[PAUSE 7 FOR A THIRTY-DAY RECITATION]
0 r f f nr n r n rf nnr+
nrf r r; f r f f r;+ {+
a ff- a r ff r ff- r+
f f rr fn f n frr+ +
rar r t a ft+
rt fa rr f r f rrr+ -+
na -r nr a fnr+
f rar frf t r rar+ +
Cau.: cale rma lachimana muni sag, gae jah

jaga pvani gag.

gdhisunu saba kath sun, jehi prakra surasari mahi .1.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
210
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
taba prabhu riinha sameta nahe, bibidha dna mahidevanhi pe.
harai cale muni bda sahy, begi bideha nagara niary.2.
pura ramyat rma jaba dekh, harae anuja sameta bise.
bp

kupa sarita sara nn, salila sudhsama mani sopn.3.

gujata maju matta rasa bhg, kujata kala bahubarana bihag.
barana barana bikase bana jt, tribidha samra sad sukhadt.4.
r Rma and Lakmaa accompanied the sage and reached the bank of the
Gag, the stream of which purifies the whole universe. The son of Gdhi, Vivmitra,
related the whole legend how the celestial stream had come down upon earth. The Lord
then performed His ablutions with all the sages, and the Brhmaas received gifts of
various kinds. Accompanied by a troop of hermits the Lord gladly proceeded further and
quickly drew near to the capital of the Videhas, Mithil. When r Rma beheld the
beauty of the city, He as well as His younger brother were much delighted. There were
many big and small wells, rivers and tanks with water as sweet as nectar and reached
by flights of steps made of jewels. Bees, drunk with honey, made a sweet humming
sound and birds of various hues softly cooed. Lotuses of different colours opened their
petals; while a cool, soft and fragrant breeze ever delighted the soul. (14)
0 rfr rn f fn fr
a a a ra r+ {+
Do.: sumana bik bga bana bipula bihaga nivsa,
phulata phalata supallavata sohata pura cahu psa.212.
The city was adorned on all sides with flower-gardens,orchards and groves, the
haunt of innumerable birds, full of blossoms, fruits and charming leaves. (212)
0; a n fr; r r; a; rr;+
r= r= ffr rt f ff t rt+ {+
f f rr ta rr+
nt r; aa f n fr;+ +
n f ffra far fa+
rf n f ar t rt nar+ -+
fa fr ff f frf fr+
ra fa fa r frt rr rt+ +
Cau.: banai na baranata nagara nik, jah

ji mana taha i

lobh.
cru bajru bicitra a br, manimaya bidhi janu svakara sa vr.1.
dhanika banika bara dhanada samn, baihe sakala bastu lai nn.
cauhaa sudara gal

suh, satata rahahi

sugadha si

c.2.
magalamaya madira saba kere , citrita janu ratintha citere .
pura nara nri subhaga suci sat, dharamasla gyn gunavat.3.
ati anupa jaha

janaka nivs u, bithakahi

bibudha biloki bilsu.

hota cakita cita koa bilok, sakala bhuvana sobh janu rok.4.
The beauty of the city surpassed description; every inch of it was soul-captivating.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
BLA-K NA
*
211
There was a lovely bazar and gorgeous balconies made of jewels, fashioned as it were
by the Creator with his own hands. Wealthy and good merchants, who vied with Kubera
(the god of wealth), sat with all their various goods. Beautiful crossings of roads and
charming streets were constantly sprinkled with scented waters. The houses of all were
abodes of bliss and contained beautiful wall-paintings portrayed, as it were, by Ratis lord
(Cupid) himself. The people of the city, both men and women, were good-looking, pious,
saintly, virtuous, wise and accomplished. The palace of King Janaka was most marvellous,
the sight of whose splendour astounded even gods. Even the fortification wall filled the
mind with wonder; it seemed as if it had enclosed within its limits the beauty of the whole
universe. (14)
0 r f rrfa rr rfa
f fr rr ff f rfa+ {-+
Do.: dhavala dhma mani puraa paa sughaita nn bh

ti,
siya nivsa sudara sadana sobh kimi kahi jti.213.
White palaces were screened here and there by bejewelled gold tapestries of
various beautiful designs; while the exquisite palace where St lived was far too lovely
for words to describe. (213)
0n r f rr t rn rr+
t fr rf n rr n rr+ {+
f a n f +
r fa tr sa a f tr+ +
f r; r rfa r;+
f s r rr ;r f rrt rr+ -+
f r f rfar sa a f ar+
ftrfr rf r rr ffrfa r+ +
Cau.: subhaga dvra saba kulisa kap, bhupa bhra naa mgadha bh.
ban bisla bji gaja sl, haya gaya ratha sakula saba kl.1.
sura saciva senapa bahutere, npagha sarisa sadana saba kere.
pura bhera sara sarita samp, utare jaha

taha

bipula mahp.2.
dekhi anupa eka a var, saba supsa saba bh

ti suh.
kausika kaheu mora manu mn, ih

rahia raghubra sujn.3.

bhalehi

ntha kahi kpniket, utare taha munibda samet.
bisvmitra mahmuni e, samcra mithilpati pe.4.
The entrances to the palace were all beautiful and protected with doors of
diamond. They were always thronged with feudatory princes, dancers, panegyrists and
bards. There were spacious stables and stalls for elephants, which were crowded at all
times with steeds, elephants and chariots. The king had a number of brave ministers and
generals. They all owned mansions that vied with the royal palace. In the outskirts of the
city by the side of lakes and rivers numerous princes had encamped here and there. On
seeing a fine mango-grove, which was comfortable and agreeable in everyway, the sage
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
212
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Kauika (Vivmitra) said, O wise hero of Raghus race, I like this orchard; let us
stay here. Very well, my lord ! answered the gracious Lord, and encamped there with
all the hermits train. When the king of Mithil got the news that the great sage Vivmitra
had come. (14)
0n f f f n rfa
f frf fa rs f rfa+ {+
Do.: saga saciva suci bhuri bhaa bhusura bara gura gyti,
cale milana muninyakahi mudita ru ehi bh

ti.214.
He took with him his faithful ministers, a number of warriors, noble Brhmaas, his
family preceptor (atnanda) and the chief of his kinsmen, and thus went forth rejoicing
to meet the prince of sages. (214)
t- r f rr tf- t fa frr+
f r rf r z rs + {+
t f rf rr ftrfr f rr+
af r rs r; n r;+ +
tr n frr r ft fa rr+
s rrfa r ftrfr f r+ -+
t f rs rar rf fr fa nrar+
fa r t s f f ft+ +
Cau.: knha pranmu carana dhari mth, dnhi assa mudita muninth.
biprabda saba sdara bade, jni bhgya baRa ru anade.1.
kusala prasna kahi brahi

br, bisvmitra npahi baihr.

tehi avasara e dou bh, gae rahe dekhana phulav.2.
syma gaura mdu bayasa kisor, locana sukhada bisva cita cor.
uhe sakala jaba raghupati e, bisvmitra nikaa baihe.3.
bhae saba sukh dekhi dou bhrt, bri bilocana pulakita gt.
murati madhura manohara dekh, bhayau bidehu bidehu bise.4.
Placing his head on the sages feet the king made obeisance to him; while the lord
of the sages, Vivmitra, gladly gave him his blessing. The king then respectfully saluted
the Brhmaas and congratulated himself on his good fortune (in being able to receive
them). Inquiring again and again about his welfare, Vivmitra led the king to a seat. At that
very time arrived the two half-brothers, who had gone to see the garden. One dark and the
other fair, the two lads were yet tender of age. The delight of all eyes, they stole the heart
of the whole world. All those present there rose when the Lord of Raghus came; and Vivmitra
seated Him by his side. They were all delighted to see the two brothers: tears rushed to their
eyes and the hair on their body bristled with joy. Beholding r Rmas lovely and charming
form, King Videha* (Janaka) was particularly beside himself with joy. (14)
* There is a pun on the word Videha in the original. The kings of Mithil enjoyed the hereditary title
of Videha because they ruled over the territory of Videha (Mithil). King Janaka was also a man of wisdom
and had, therefore, no feeling of self-identification with the body. At the sight of r Rma, however, he was
completely out of his body and therefore justified his name (Videha) in a special degree.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
BLA-K NA
*
213
0 n rf f f f t
rs f r; f= nn fnr nt+ {~+
Do.: prema magana manu jni npu kari bibeku dhari dhra,
boleu muni pada ni siru gadagada gir gabhra.215.
Finding his heart overwhelmed with love the king recovered himself by recourse
to reason and, bowing his head at the sages feet, spoke the following pregnant words
in a voice choked with emotion: (215)
0 r rs r f fa f r+
zr r fn fa f nrr s f t r; rr+ {+
frn= rr fa ra ff rr+
ara s far r f r+ +
;-f fra fa rnr zrf -rnr+
f ff tr arr r; tr+ -+
f f r fn rt rf r f rt+
rr f r fa rfn r+ +
Cau.: kahahu ntha sudara dou blaka, munikula tilaka ki npa kula plaka.
brahma jo nigama neti kahi gv, ubhaya bea dhari k soi v.1.
sahaja birgarupa manu mor, thakita hota jimi cada cakor.
tte prabhu puchau satibh u, kahahu ntha jani karahu duru.2.
inhahi bilokata ati anurg, barabasa brahmasukhahi mana tyg.
kaha muni bihasi kahehu npa nk, bacana tumhra na hoi alk.3.
e priya sabahi jah

lagi prn, mana musukhi

rmu suni bn.

raghukula mani dasaratha ke je, mama hita lgi naresa pahe.4.
Tell me, my lord: are these two pretty boys the ornament of a sages family or the
bulwarks of some royal dynasty? Or, is it that Brahma (the Absolute), whom the Vedas
describe in negative terms such as Not that (Neti), has appeared in a dual form? My
mind, which is dispassion itself in its natural form, is enraptured at their sight even as
the Cakora bird is transported with joy at the sight of the moon. Therefore, Sir, I earnestly
inquire of you: tell me the truth, my Lord; hide nothing from me. Deeply attached to them
at their very sight, my mind has perforce renounced the joy of absorption into Brahma.
The sage smilingly answered, You have spoken well, O king; your words can never be
untrue. Whatever living beings there are in this world, they all love these boys. r Rma
smiled within Himself on hearing these words. They are the sons of King Daaratha, the
jewel of Raghus race; the king has sent them for my cause. (14)
0r rs = t r
rs rf n fa nr+ {+
Do.: rmu lakhanu dou badhubara rupa sla bala dhma,
makha rkheu sabu skhi jagu jite asura sagrma.216.
These two noble brothers, Rma and Lakmaa, are the embodiments of beauty,
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
214
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
virtue and strength. The whole world knows that they conquered the demons in battle
and protected my sacrifice from harm. (216)
0f a f r f s f - r+
tr n rs rar r r rar+ {+
;- tfa rf f r; r rf+
r fa f zr t ; + +
f f f fa r nra s f sr+
ff f r; t s r; n t+ -+
rr ar r t- rr+
f r ff r; ns rs n fr r;+ +
Cau.: muni tava carana dekhi kaha ru, kahi na sakau

nija punya prabhu.
sudara syma gaura dou bhrt, na dah u ke na da dt.1.
inha kai prti parasapara pvani, kahi na ji mana bhva suhvani.
sunahu ntha kaha mudita bidehu, brahma jva iva sahaja sanehu.2.
puni puni prabhuhi citava naranh u, pulaka gta ura adhika uchh u.
munihi prasasi ni pada ssu, caleu lavi nagara avans u.3.
sudara sadanu sukhada saba kl, tah

bsu lai dnha bhul.

kari puj saba bidhi sevak, gayau ru gha bid kar.4.
When I behold your feet, O sage,added the king, I cannot tell what a great merit
I have earned in the past. These two brothers, one of whom is dark of hue and the other
fair, are the delight of delight itself. Their guileless affection for each other is beyond
description; it is so agreeable and soul-ravishing. Listen to me, my lord, continued King
Videha rejoicing, they have natural affinity for each other like the one existing between
Brahma (the Supreme Spirit) and Jva (the individual soul). The king gazed upon the
Lord over and over again; the hair on his body stood on end and his heart overflowed
with joy. Extolling the sage and bowing his head at the latters feet, the king escorted him
to his capital, and lodged the sage in a beautiful palace which was comfortable at all
times. Then, after further homage and rendering all kinds of service to him, the king took
leave of the sage and returned to his own palace. (14)
0f n rr f f r f>rr
rar fa f r f r+ {+
Do.: riaya saga raghubasa mani kari bhojanu birmu,
baihe prabhu bhrt sahita divasu rah bhari jmu.217.
Having dined with the seers and rested awhile, Lord r Rma, the Jewel of
Raghus race, sat down by His brothers side, a quarter of the day still remained. (217)
0 z rr ft r; r; t+
f ff rt n f f rt+ {+
r t nfa rt na ar f rt+
fta f r; r n r r;+ +
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
BLA-K NA
*
215
r = t r z n t+
rs r r n r; aa r+ -+
f t tat r ar r tat+
a r ar arar f rar+ +
Cau.: lakhana hdaya

llas bise, ji janakapura ia dekh.
prabhu bhaya bahuri munihi sakuch

, pragaa na kahahi

manahi

musukh

.1.
rma anuja mana k gat jn, bhagata bachalat hiya

hulasn.
parama binta sakuci musuk, bole gura anussana p.2.
ntha lakhanu puru dekhana cahah

, prabhu sakoca ara pragaa na kahah

.
jau rura yasu mai

pvau , nagara dekhi turata lai vau .3.
suni munsu kaha bacana saprt, kasa na rma tumha rkhahu nt.
dharama setu plaka tumha tt, prema bibasa sevaka sukhadt.4.
Lakmaa felt in his heart a great longing to go and see Janakas capital. He was,
however, afraid of the Lord and stood in awe of the sage; therefore he did not openly
declare it and smiled within himself. r Rma understood what was passing in His
younger brothers mind; and His heart overflowed with a kindly feeling for His devotee.
Taking leave of His preceptor to speak, He smilingly spoke with much diffidence in most
polite terms, My lord, Lakmaa longs to see the city, but out of fear and respect for
you he does not make it known to you. If I have your permission, I will take him round
the city and quickly bring him back. Hearing this the chief of sages, Vivmitra, replied
in affectionate terms, It is no wonder, Rma, that You should respect good manners.
You are the upholder of the moral code, my son, and bring joy to Your servants out of
love for them. (14)
0r; f r n= fr rs r;
r;+ {c+
Do.: ji dekhi vahu nagaru sukha nidhna dou bhi,
karahu suphala saba ke nayana sudara badana dekhi.218.
Go, blissful pair of brothers, and having seen the city come back. Bless the eyes
of all by showing them your charming countenance. (218)
f f rs rar r r rar+
r f fa rr n n r rr+ {+
ta f f rr r= r ra rr+
a a rt tr n r rt+ +
f r frr s fa =f rnf rr+
n r t= r arr r+ -+
rf- f t faa faf rf t+
faf r= f rt fa rr rt+ +
Cau.: muni pada kamala badi dou bhrt, cale loka locana sukha dt.
blaka bda dekhi ati sobh, lage saga locana manu lobh.1.
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216
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
pta basana parikara kai bhth, cru cpa sara sohata hth.
tana anuharata sucadana khor, symala gaura manohara jor.2.
kehari kadhara bhu bisl, ura ati rucira ngamani ml.
subhaga sona sarasruha locana, badana mayaka tpatraya mocana.3.
knanhi kanaka phula chabi deh

, citavata citahi cori janu leh

.
citavani cru bhkui bara b

k, tilaka rekha sobh janu c

k.4.
Saluting the lotus-feet of the sage the two brothers, the delight of the eyes of the
whole world, departed. Beholding the exquisite beauty of the two brothers troops of boys
followed them, their eyes and mind being enamoured of it. Clad in yellow garments they
had a quiver fastened at their back, with a cloth (of the same colour) wrapped round their
waist; their hands were adorned with a graceful bow and arrow respectively. The
beautiful pair, one of whom was dark and the other fair, had streaks of (red or white)
sandalwood paste painted on their body so as to match the complexion. With a neck as
well-built as the lions and long arms they had on their bosom an exquisite string of pearls
obtained from the forehead of elephants. Their lovely eyes resembled the red lotus; and
the moon-like face relieved one of the threefold agony. Their ears were adorned with
pendants of gold, which stole as it were the heart of those who looked on them. They
cast a bewitching glance and had a pair of arched and shapely eyebrows; the lines of
the sectarian mark on the forehead looked as if beauty had been sealed there. (14)
0=f at n f fa
f rs rr + {+
Do.: rucira cautan

subhaga sira mecaka kucita kesa,

nakha sikha sudara badhu dou sobh sakala sudesa.219.
Their beautiful head was covered with a charming rectangular cap and dark curly
locks. The two brothers were lovely from head to foot; the beauty of every limb was as
it should be. (219)
0 n= a r rr rf- r+
r r r -rnt ff rnt+ {+
ff rs r; rf t r r;+
at rrf- rnt ff r = rnt+ +
f tat f ;- rf r f tat+
rn f rt rr f ffa rt+ -+
fr rf ff rt f rt+
s rs rt f t af rt+ +
Cau.: dekhana nagaru bhupasuta e, samcra purabsinha pe.
dhe dhma kma saba tyg, manahu raka nidhi l uana lg.1.
nirakhi sahaja sudara dou bh, hohi

sukh locana phala p.

jubat

bhavana jharokhanhi lg

, nirakhahi

rma rupa anurg

.2.
kahahi

parasapara bacana saprt, sakhi inha koi kma chabi jt.

sura nara asura nga muni mh

, sobh asi kahu suniati nh

.3.
binu cri bhuja bidhi mukha cr, bikaa bea mukha paca purr.
apara deu asa kou na h, yaha chabi sakh paataria jh.4.
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*
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217
When the citizens received the news that the two princes had come to see the
town, they all left their business and ran out of their homes as if paupers were out to grab
a valuable property. Beholding the natural grace of two brothers, they were glad at heart
and attained the consummation of their eyes. Sticking to the air-holes of their houses
young ladies lovingly scanned r Rmas beauty. They fondly spoke to one another in
the following words: O friend, He has surpassed in beauty millions of Cupids. Nowhere
among gods, men, demons, Ngas or sages do we hear of such beauty. God Viu is
endowed with four arms, Brahm has four face, while iva, the Slayer of Tripura, has
a frightful garb and five faces. O friend, there is no other god who could stand
comparison with this beauty. (14)
0 fr r tr n r
n n rff rf rf a r+ +
Do.: baya kisora suam sadana syma gaura sukha dhma,
aga aga para vriahi

koi koi sata kma.220.

The two lads, one dark and the other fair, are yet of tender age and are
repositories of beauty and abodes of bliss. Millions and hundreds of millions of Cupids
are worth sacrificing to each one of their limbs. (220)
t r art r r = frt+
rs rt rt r r r rt+ {+
r rr r rf- rr+
f f r f- f fr r+ +
tr nra fr r rt r+
rr a r rt r r r rt+ -+
n fr r r r r+
f r r rr rar f ar frr rar+ +
Cau.: kahahu sakh asa ko tanudhr, jo na moha yaha r upa nihr.
kou saprema bol mdu bn, jo mai

sun so sunahu sayn.1.

e dou dasaratha ke ho, bla marlanhi ke kala jo.
muni kausika makha ke rakhavre, jinha rana ajira niscara mre.2.
syma gta kala kaja bilocana, jo marca subhuja madu mocana.
kausaly suta so sukha khn, nmu rmu dhanu syaka pn.3.
gaura kisora beu bara kche , kara sara cpa rma ke pche .
lachimanu nmu rma laghu bhrt, sunu sakhi tsu sumitr mt.4.
Tell me, friend, what embodied being is there that would not be charmed to see
such beauty? One of them lovingly said in gentle tones, Hear, my dear, what I have
been told. These two lads, a beautiful pair of cygnets as it were, are sons of King Daaratha;
they are the protectors of Kauikas sacrifice, and have slain demons in the field of battle.
He who has a swarthy form and has charming lotus-like eyes and who has quelled the
pride of Mrca and Subhu, wielding a bow and shaft in His hands, is Kausalys son,
Rma by name, the very fountain of bliss. The fair youth in gallant attire, who is closely
following r Rma, a bow and arrow in hand, is the latters younger brother and is named
Lakmaa. Sumitr, friend, is his mother, you must know. (14)
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
218
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
0fr f rs n f srf
r r f t rf+ {+
Do.: biprakju kari badhu dou maga munibadhu udhri,
e dekhana cpamakha suni hara

saba nri.221.
Having accomplished the object of the Brhmaa, Vivmitra, and redeeming the
sages wife, Ahaly, on the way, the two brothers have come here to witness the bow-
sacrifice. All the ladies were delighted to hear this. (221)
0f r f rs ; rn rff = ;+
f ;-f r ff f ; fr+ {+
rs fa fr f a r r+
f a rs a; ff f ff ;+ +
rs ; frar f sfa rar+
a rff fff = rf rf ;r + -+
ff rn a a- r; rn+
f rfa fa ara rf f ra+ +
Cau.: dekhi rma chabi kou eka kaha, jogu jnakihi yaha baru aha.
jau

sakhi inhahi dekha naranh u, pana parihari hahi karai bibh u.1.
kou kaha e bhupati pahicne, muni sameta sdara sanamne.
sakhi paratu panu ru na taja, bidhi basa hahi abibekahi bhaja.2.
kou kaha jau bhala ahai bidht, saba kaha

sunia ucita phaladt.
tau jnakihi milihi baru ehu, nhina li ih

sadeh u.3.
jau bidhi basa asa banai sa jog u, tau ktaktya hoi saba log u.
sakhi hamare rati ati tte , kabahu ka e vahi

ehi nte .4.

Beholding r Rmas beauty someone said, Here is a bridegroom worthy of
Princess Jnak. If the king does but see him, friend, I am sure he will abandon his vow
and insist upon their marriage. Said another, The king has come to know them and has
received them as well as the sage with all honour. But the king, my dear, refuses to give
up his vow and, as Fate would have it, persists in his folly. Yet another said, If
providence is good and, as we are told, gives every man his due, then Jnak is sure
to have him as her bridegroom. About this, my dear, there can be no doubt. If such a
union is brought about by Providence, everyone will have realized ones object. My
impatience, friend, is augmented by the thought that this alliance will impel him to visit this
place again. (14)
0rf a f ;- f
rr a r; - ra f+ +
Do.: nhi

ta hama kahu sunahu sakhi inha kara darasanu duri,

yaha saghau taba hoi jaba punya purkta bhuri.222.
Otherwise, my dear, it is out of question for us, I tell you, to see Him again. Such
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*
BLA-K NA
*
219
an event can take place only when we have a rich stock of merit accumulated in
previous existences. (222)
0rt f tr f fr fa fa t r+
rs r rr tr nra frr+ {+
; rt f ; rt+
f ;- rs rs t z rs a rr t+ +
f r t at rr a rr t+
r f ff f f ar atfa ff r+ -+
f ff f t rt af tr = s frt+
ar f rt ; rs f rt+ +
Cau.: bol apara kahehu sakhi nk, ehi

biha ati hita sabah k.

kou kaha sakara cpa kahor, e symala mdugta kisor.1.
sabu asamajasa ahai sayn, yaha suni apara kahai mdu bn.
sakhi inha kaha

kou kou asa kahah

, baRa prabhu dekhata laghu ahah

.2.
parasi jsu pada pakaja dhur, tar ahaly kta agha bhur.
so ki rahihi binu sivadhanu tore , yaha pratti pariharia na bhore .3.
jehi

biraci raci sya sa vr, tehi

symala baru raceu bicr.

tsu bacana suni saba haran

, aisei hou kahahi

mdu bn

.4.
Someone else said, Friend, you have spoken well. This union will be conducive
to the best interests of all. Still another said, Sakaras bow is hard to bend, while this
swarthy lad is of delicate frame. Everything, my dear, is out of place, Hearing this,
another said in a soft voice, Friend, with regard to this lad I have heard some people
say that, though small in appearance, He wields a great power. Touched by the dust of
His lotus-feet Ahaly, who had perpetrated a great sin, attained salvation. He will,
therefore, surely break ivas bow; one should never commit the mistake of giving up
this faith. The same Creator, who fashioned St with great skill, has preordained for her
this dark-complexioned bridegroom. Everyone was pleased to hear the words of this
lady and softly exclaimed Amen! (14)
0f f f f rf
rf r rs a a r+ -+
Do.: hiya

haraahi

baraahi

sumana sumukhi sulocani bda,

jhi

jah

jaha

badhu dou taha

taha

paramnada.223.
In their gladness of heart troops of fair-faced, bright-eyed dames rained flowers on
the princes. Wherever the two brothers went, there was supreme joy. (223)
0 ff n rs r; fa f r;+
fa ftar r= n rt f fr =f rt+ {+
ff frr r f frr+
af r t rr zt frr+ +
f rfa r; f n rn r;+
fa- f fr r r r+ -+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
220
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
f rt r rn f rt+
r f f r r f rf r+ +
Cau.: pura puraba disi ge dou bh, jaha

dhanumakha hita bhumi ban.
ati bistra cru gaca hr, bimala bedik rucira sa vr.1.
cahu

disi kacana maca bisl, race jah

baihahi

mahipl.
tehi pche sampa cahu ps, apara maca maal bils.2.
kachuka u

ci saba bh

ti suh, baihahi

nagara loga jaha

j.
tinha ke nikaa bisla suhe, dhavala dhma bahubarana bane.3.
jaha

baihe dekhahi

saba nr, jath jogu nija kula anuhr.

pura blaka kahi kahi mdu bacan, sdara prabhuhi dekhvahi

racan.4.
The two brothers reached the eastern quarter of the city, where the arena for the
bow-sacrifice had been got ready. In the midst of a beautiful and spacious paved area a
spotless altar was richly adorned. On all the four sides of this altar were erected elevated
and broad seats of gold to be occupied by the princes. Not far behind and surrounding them
on all sides shone another circular tier of raised seats, which was of somewhat greater
height and beautiful in everyway, and where the people of the city might come and take
their seat. Close to these were constructed spacious and beautiful gallaries of glistening
white, painted in diverse colours, whence ladies might view the spectacle seated in their
appropriate places according to their family rank. The children of the town politely showed
the Lord all the preparations speaking to Him in gentle words. (14)
0 f f f f r nra
a f fa f f f rs ra+ +
Do.: saba sisu ehi misa premabasa parasi manohara gta,
tana pulakahi

ati harau hiya

dekhi dekhi dou bhrta.224.
Thus finding an occasion for touching their charming limbs all the children were
overwhelmed with love, experienced a thrill all over their body and their heart overflowed
with joy on seeing the two brothers again and again. (224)
0f r r tfa a fa r+
f f =f f rr; fa rf rs r;+ {+
r rf f r f r r+
f frr ; r r rr+ +
nfa a r; trr faa fa rr+
a f n= rt rf f rr rt+ -+
r rr z z r; rs ra r;+
f ra r; f fr r fr;+ +
Cau.: sisu saba rma premabasa jne, prti sameta niketa bakhne.
nija nija ruci saba lehi

bol, sahita saneha jhi

dou bh.1.
rma dekhvahi

anujahi racan, kahi mdu madhura manohara bacan.

lava nimea mah~u
.
bhuvana niky, racai jsu anussana my.2.
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*
BLA-K NA
*
221
bhagati hetu soi dnadayl, citavata cakita dhanua makhasl.
kautuka dekhi cale guru ph

, jni bilabu trsa mana mh

.3.
jsu trsa ara kahu ara ho, bhajana prabhu dekhvata so.
kahi bte mdu madhura suh

, kie bid blaka bari

.4.
Finding all the children under the spell of affection, r Rma lovingly extolled the
places shown by them. All of them would call the two brothers wherever they pleased
and the two brothers went to them out of loving kindness. r Rma showed to His
younger brother the arrangements that had been made there, speaking to him in soft,
sweet and agreeable words. He in obedience to whose fiat My brings forth multitudes
of universes in the quarter of a second, the same gracious Lord, conquered by devotion,
looks with amazement on the arena for the bow-sacrifice. Having seen the whole show
the two brothers returned to their Guru; but the thought of their being late disturbed their
mind. The Lord, whose sublimity inspires terror into Terror itself thus manifests the glory
of devotion. With many kind and courteous phrases they took leave of the youngsters
much against the latters will. (14)
0 fta fa fa rs r;
n r; f r r;+ ~+
Do.: sabhaya saprema binta ati sakuca sahita dou bhi,
gura pada pakaja ni sira baihe yasu pi.225.
Meekly and most submissively, with a mingled feeling of awe and love the two
brothers bowed their head at the lotus feet of the preceptor (Vivmitra) and sat down
with his permission. (225)
0ff f r t-r t r t-r+
a r ;far rt =f f n r frt+ {+
f tf- a r; n r rs r;+
f- r= rnt a ff rn frnt+ +
a; rs ta n ra ta+
r r f r t-t rr r; a t-t+ -+
ra s r r+
f f r arar f s rar+ +
Cau.: nisi prabesa muni yasu dnh, sabah

sadhybadanu knh.
kahata kath itihsa purn, rucira rajani juga jma sirn.1.
munibara sayana knhi taba j, lage carana cpana dou bh.
jinha ke carana saroruha lg, karata bibidha japa joga birg.2.
tei dou badhu prema janu jte, gura pada kamala paloata prte.
bra bra muni agy dnh, raghubara ji sayana taba knh.3.
cpata carana lakhanu ura le , sabhaya saprema parama sacu pe .
puni puni prabhu kaha sovahu tt, pauRhe dhari ura pada jalajt.4.
At the approach of night the sage (Vivmitra) gave the word and all performed
their evening devotions; and while the sage recited old legends and narratives, two
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
222
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
watches of the beautiful night passed. The chief of the sages, Vivmitra, then retired to
his bed; and the two brothers began to rub his feet. The couple whose lotus feet are
sought by men of dispassion muttering various sacred formulae and practising different
kinds of Yoga (means of union with God) lovingly rubbed the lotus-like feet of their Guru,
conquered as it were by his love. When the sage asked Him again and again, the Chief
of Raghus race went to bed only then. Lakmaa pressed the Lords feet to his bosom
and caressed them with reverence and love deriving supreme joy from this service. It
was only when the Lord repeatedly said, Retire now, my brother, that he laid himself
down cherishing his Brothers lotus feet in his heart. (14)
0s ff fna f =fr f r
n a ff nafa rn r r+ +
Do.: uhe lakhanu nisi bigata suni arunasikh dhuni kna,
gura te pahilehi

jagatapati jge rmu sujna.226.

Towards the close of night, at the sound of cook-crow, got up Lakmaa. The Lord
of the universe, the all-wise r Rma, also woke before His preceptor. (226)
0 f r; r f- frf ff f r+
rf n r r; rs r;+ {+
rn s r; a fa t rr;+
rn f r rr f farr+ +
r r f fa = r+
ra rf t rr a fn a rr+ -+
rn = r rr f rr ffr rr+
f f f nr n a na nr+ +
Cau.: sakala sauca kari ji nahe, nitya nibhi munihi sira ne.
samaya jni gura yasu p, lena pras una cale dou bh.1.
bhupa bgu bara dekheu j, jaha

basata ritu rah lobh.
lge biapa manohara nn, barana barana bara beli bitn.2.
nava pallava phala sumana suhe, nija sapati sura r ukha laje.
ctaka kokila kra cakor, k ujata bihaga naata kala mor.3.
madhya bga saru soha suhv, mani sopna bicitra banv.
bimala salilu sarasija bahurag, jalakhaga kujata gujata bhg.4.
Having performed all the customary acts of purification, they went and finished
their ablutions; and having gone through their daily routine of devotions etc., they
bowed before the sage. When the time came, the two brothers took leave of the
preceptor and went out to gather flowers. Having gone out they saw the lovely royal
garden, enamoured of whose beauty the vernal season had taken its permanent abode
there. It was planted with charming trees of various kinds and overhung with beautiful
creepers of different colours. Rich in fresh leaf, fruit and flower they put to shame even
celestial trees by their wealth. The feathered choir of the Ctakas, cuckoos, parrots and
Cakoras warbled and peacocks beautifully danced. In the centre of the garden a lovely
lake shone bright with flights of steps made of many-coloured gems. Its limpid water
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
BLA-K NA
*
223
contained lotuses of various colours and was vocal with the cooing of aquatic birds
and the humming of bees. (14)
0rn azrn frf a
r rr r rf a+ +
Do.: bgu taRgu biloki prabhu harae badhu sameta,
parama ramya rmu yahu jo rmahi sukha deta.227.
Both the Lord and His brother were delighted to behold the garden with its
lake. Most lovely must have been that garden which delighted even r Rma (lit., the
delighter of all) ! (227)
0 ff fa; f rtn n fa +
af tar a r; fnfr f r;+ {+
n t n rt nrf nta r rt+
t fnfr n rr f r; f rr+ +
r f f- ar n; fa nf far+
r tf- f rnr f = n = rnr+ -+
t f n fr; n; t r;+
af rs fr r; f tar f r;+ +
Cau.: cahu

disi citai p u

chi mlgana, lage lena dala phula mudita mana.

tehi avasara st taha , girij p ujana janani pah.1.
saga sakh

saba subhaga sayn

, gvahi

gta manohara bn

.
sara sampa girij gha soh, barani na ji dekhi manu moh.2.
majjanu kari sara sakhinha samet, ga mudita mana gauri niket.
puj knhi adhika anurg, nija anurupa subhaga baru mg.3.
eka sakh siya sagu bih, ga rah dekhana phulav.
tehi

dou badhu biloke j, prema bibasa st pahi

.4.
After looking all about, and with the consent of the gardeners, the two brothers
began in high glee to gather leaves and flowers. On that very occasion St too arrived
there, having been sent by Her mother to worship Girij. She was accompanied by Her
girl-companions, who were all lovely and intelligent. They sang melodies in an enchanting
voice. Close to the lake stood a temple, sacred to Girij, which was beautiful beyond
description, and captivated the mind of those who looked at it. Having taken a dip into
the lake with Her companions, St went with a glad heart to Girijs temple. She offered
worship with great devotion and begged of the Goddess a handsome match worthy of
Her. One of Her companions had strayed away from Her in order to have a look at the
garden. She chanced to behold the two brothers and returned to St overwhelmed
with love. (14)
0ar r t f- nra
r f f + c+
Do.: tsu das dekh sakhinha pulaka gta jalu naina,
kahu kranu nija haraa kara puchahi

saba mdu baina.228.

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224
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
When her companions saw her condition, her body thrilling all over and her eyes
full of tears, they all asked her in gentle tones, Tell us what gladdens your heart. (228)
0 rn ; r fr rfa r+
tr n ff rt fnr f rt+ {+
f t t rt f f fa sar rt+
; a a; rt f n r rt+ +
f- f = rt zrt t- t n rt+
a f a rn f ff rn+ -+
ar fa ff rr rfn r r+
t n f f f r; tfa ra ; r;+ +
Cau.: dekhana bgu kua ra dui e, baya kisora saba bh

ti suhe.
syma gaura kimi kahau bakhn, gir anayana nayana binu bn.1.
suni hara

saba sakh

sayn, siya hiya

ati utakah jn.
eka kahai npasuta tei l, sune je muni sa ga e kl.2.
jinha nija r upa mohan r, knhe svabasa nagara nara nr.
baranata chabi jaha

taha

saba logu, avasi dekhiahi

dekhana jog u.3.

tsu bacana ati siyahi sohne, darasa lgi locana akulne.
cal agra kari priya sakhi so, prti purtana lakhai na ko.4.
Two princes have come to see the garden, both of tender age and charming in
everyway, one dark of hue and the other fair; how shall I describe them ? For speech
is sightless, while the eyes are mute. All the clever maidens were delighted to hear this.
Perceiving the intense longing in Sts bosom one of them said,They must be the two
princes, my dear, who, I was told, arrived yesterday with the sage (Vivmitra), and who
have captivated the heart of men and women of the city by casting the spell of their
beauty. All are talking of their loveliness here, there and everywhere. We must see them,
for they are worth seeing. The words of this damsel highly pleased St; Her eyes were
restless for the sight of the princes. With that kind friend to lead the way She followed;
no one knew that Hers was an old love. (14)
0ff t r st tfa ta
fa frfa ff f nt ta+ +
Do.: sumiri sya nrada bacana upaj prti punta,
cakita bilokati sakala disi janu sisu mg sabhta.229.
Recollecting Nradas words She was filled with innocent love; and with anxious
eyes She gazed all round like a startled fawn. (229)
0 fff f f a r z nf+
r t t-t r ft f t-t+ {+
f ff fa af rr f f rr+
fr r= f ff a fn+ +
f t rr rr z ra rr+
ff f fr; ff ft nf r;+ -+
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*
BLA-K NA
*
225
ar ; fn tfr ;+
sr f rt f a frt+ +
Cau.: kakana kikini nupura dhuni suni, kahata lakhana sana rmu hdaya

guni.
mnahu

madana dudubh dnh, manas bisva bijaya kaha

knh.1.
asa kahi phiri citae tehi or, siya mukha sasi bhae nayana cakor.
bhae bilocana cru acacala, manahu

sakuci nimi taje digacala.2.
dekhi sya sobh sukhu pv, hdaya

sarhata bacanu na v.
janu biraci saba nija nipun, biraci bisva kaha

pragai dekh.3.
sudarat kahu sudara kara, chabigha

dpasikh janu bara.
saba upam kabi rahe juhr, kehi

paatarau

bidehakumr.4.
Hearing the tinkling of bangles, the small bells tied round the waist and
the anklets r Rma thought within Himself and then said to Lakmaa, It seems
as if Cupid has sounded his kettledrum with intent to conquer the universe. So saying,
He looked once again in the same direction (whence the sound came); and lo !
His eyes feasted themselves on Sts countenance even as the Cakora bird gazes
on the moon. His charming eyes became motionless, as if Nimi* (the god of
winking) had left the eyelids out of shyness. r Rma was filled with rapture to
behold Sts beauty; He admired it in His heart, but utterance failed Him. He felt
as if the Creator had put his whole creative skill in visible form and demonstrated
it to the world at large. She lends charm to charm itself, He said to Himself, and
looks as if a flame of light is burning in a house of beauty. The similes already
employed by the poets are all stale and hackneyed; to whom shall I liken the
daughter of Videha? (14)
0f rr f f rf r frf
r f rf+ -+
Do.: siya sobh hiya

barani prabhu pani das bicri,
bole suci mana anuja sana bacana samaya anuhri.230.
Thus describing to Himself Sts loveliness and reflecting on His own condition
the Lord innocently spoke to His younger brother in terms appropriate to the
occasion: (230)
0ara ar r; f r r;+
nf t r; a r f; r;+ {+
r frf f rr ta r rr+
r r r frar f n rar+ +
rrf- r n ; r+
rf fa atfa t f rf t+ -+
* Nimi was a forbear of King Janaka. On his death his spirit obtained a seat on the eyelids of human
beings and has ever since remained there. The poet here figuratively attributes the motionlessness of r
Rmas eyelids to the sudden departure therefrom of Nimi, who as a forbear of Janaka is described as loth to
witness this exchange of pure love between Rma and St.
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226
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
f- f f tt f rf fa ztt+
n f f- rt a r n rt+ +
Cau.: tta janakatanay yaha so, dhanuajagya jehi krana ho.
pujana gauri sakh

lai

, karata praksu phirai phulav

.1.
jsu biloki alaukika sobh, sahaja punta mora manu chobh.
so sabu krana jna bidht, pharakahi

subhada aga sunu bhrt.2.

raghubasinha kara sahaja subh u, manu kupatha pagu dharai na ku.
mohi atisaya pratti mana ker, jehi

sapanehu

paranri na her.3.
jinha kai lahahi

na ripu rana ph, nahi

pvahi

paratiya manu h.
magana lahahi

na jinha kai nh

, te narabara thore jaga mh

.4.
Brother, she is no other than the daughter of King Janaka, for whom the bow-
sacrifice is being arranged. She has been escorted by her girl-companions to worship
Goddess Gaur and is moving about in the garden diffusing light all about her. My heart
which is naturally pure, is agitated by the sight of Her transcendent beauty. The reason of
all this is known to God alone; but I tell you, brother, my right limbs are throbbing, which
is an index of coming good fortune. It is a natural trait with the race of Raghu that they
never set their heart on evil courses. As for myself I am fully confident of My mind, which
has never sought anothers wife even in a dream. Rare in this world are those noble men
who never turn their back on the foe in battle nor give their heart to or cast an amorous
glance on anothers wife, and from whom no beggar meets with a rebuff. (14)
0a at f = rr
r f ; ; r+ -{+
Do.: karata batakah anuja sana mana siya rupa lobhna,
mukha saroja makarada chabi karai madhupa iva pna.231.
While r Rma was talking to His younger brother in this strain, His mind, which
was enamoured of Sts beauty, was all the time drinking in the loveliness of Her
countenance, like a bee sucking the nectar from a lotus. (231)
0fafa fa ff tar n fr far+
fr n r t a f fa >rt+ {+
ar r a f- r tr n fr r+
f = r r f ff fr+ +
rrfa f f- ft f+
f rt ff fa rt+ -+
r n rf s rt t- r rt+
f f- rt f f rt+ +
Cau.: citavati cakita cahu

disi st, kaha

gae npakisora manu cit.
jaha biloka mga svaka nain, janu taha

barisa kamala sita ren.1.
lat oa taba sakhinha lakhe, symala gaura kisora suhe.
dekhi rupa locana lalacne, harae janu nija nidhi pahicne.2.
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*
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*
227
thake nayana raghupati chabi dekhe , palakanhih u

parihar

nimee .
adhika saneha deha bhai bhor, sarada sasihi janu citava cakor.3.
locana maga rmahi ura n, dnhe palaka kapa sayn.
jaba siya sakhinha premabasa jn, kahi na sakahi

kachu mana sakucn.4.

St looked timidly all round; Her mind was at a loss as to where the princes had
gone. Wherever the fawneyed princess cast Her glance, a continuous stream of white
lotuses seemed to rain there. Her companions then pointed out to Her the two lovely
brothers, the one dark, the other fair of hue, standing behind a fence of creepers. Beholding
the beauty of the two princes Her eyes were filled with greed; they rejoiced as if they
had discovered their longlost treasure. The eyes became motionless at the sight of r
Rmas loveliness; the eyelids too forgot to fall. Due to excess of love Her body-consciousness
began to fail; it looked as if a Cakora bird were gazing at the autumnal moon. Receiving
r Rma into the heart through the passage of the eyes, She cleverly shut Him up there
by closing the doors of Her eyelids. When Her girl-companions found St overpowered
with love, they were too much abashed to utter a word. (14)
0ar a n af rs r;
f n f f fnr;+ -+
Do.: latbhavana te pragaa bhe tehi avasara dou bhi,
nikase janu juga bimala bidhu jalada paala bilagi.232.
At that very moment the two brothers emerged from a bower. It looked as if a pair
of spotless moons had shone forth tearing the veil of cloud. (232)
0rr t n rs tr t ta r tr+
r f ra t n- t f t + {+
r fa >rf r >r n f r+
f f rrrrr r r ar+ +
r= f rfr rr r fr a rr+
f f r; rf rt r frf r rt+ -+
s f r ntr r tr+
a r rr r t f rr+ +
Cau.: sobh sva

subhaga dou br, nla pta jalajbha sarr.
morapakha sira sohata nke, guccha bca bica kusuma kal ke.1.
bhla tilaka ramabidu suhe, ravana subhaga bh uana chabi che.
bikaa bhkui kaca gh ugharavre, nava saroja locana ratanre.2.
cru cibuka nsik kapol, hsa bilsa leta manu mol.
mukhachabi kahi na ji mohi ph

, jo biloki bahu kma lajh

.3.
ura mani mla kabu kala gv, kma kalabha kara bhuja balas

v.
sumana sameta bma kara don, sva ra kua ra sakh suhi lon.4.
The two gallant heroes were the very perfection of beauty; their bodies resembled
in hue a blue and a yellow lotus respectively. Charming peacock-feathers adorned their head,
which had bunches of flower-buds stuck here and there. A sectarian mark and beads
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
228
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
of perspiration glistened on their brow; while graceful pendants shed their lustre on their
ears. With arched eyebrows and curly locks, eyes red as a lotus-bud and a lovely chin,
nose and cheeks their gracious smile was soul-enthralling. The beauty of their countenance
was more than I can describe; it would put to shame a myriad Cupids. They had a string of
jewels on their breast; their lovely neck resembled a conch-shell in its spiral shape; while
their mighty arms vied with the trunk of a young elephant, who was the very incarnation of
Cupid. With a cup of leaves full of flowers in His left hand the dark-hued prince, my dear, is
most charming. (14)
0f f ta r t fr
f rf fr f- r+ --+
Do.: kehari kai paa pta dhara suam sla nidhna,
dekhi bhnukulabhuanahi bisar sakhinha apna.233.
Beholding the Ornament of the solar race, who had a slender waist like that of a
lion and was clad in yellow, and who was the very embodiment of beauty and amiability,
Sts companions forgot their very existence. (233)
0f t rf rt tar rt nf rt+
f nf r fr f f + {+
f t a srrr rs rrfrr fr+
f f r rr ff far fa rr+ +
f- t tar s n= f tar+
f rs f fr rt f ft rt+ -+
n fnr f f rt s f ra rt+
f fz t r s r ft s fa r+ +
Cau.: dhari dhraju eka li sayn, st sana bol gahi pn.
bahuri gauri kara dhyna kareh u, bh upakisora dekhi kina leh u.1.
sakuci sya

taba nayana ughre, sanamukha dou raghusigha nihre.
nakha sikha dekhi rma kai sobh, sumiri pit panu manu ati chobh.2.
parabasa sakhinha lakh jaba st, bhayau gaharu saba kahahi

sabht.
puni uba ehi beri

kl, asa kahi mana bihas eka l.3.

guRha gir suni siya sakucn, bhayau bilabu mtu bhaya mn.
dhari baRi dhra rmu ura ne, phir apanapau pitubasa jne.4.
Recovering herself, one of Her clever companions grasped St by the hand and
said to Her, Meditate on Gaur afterwards; why not behold the princes just now ? St
then bashfully opened Her eyes and saw the two lions of Raghus race opposite Herself.
Surveying r Rmas beauty from head to foot in the reverse order,* and remembering
Her fathers vow she felt much perturbed. When Sts companions saw Her thus
* Girls in India are coy by their very nature and would not have the audacity to look straight into the
eyes of a suitor. St, who is the very embodiment of feminine virtues and the ideal of Indian womanhood, is,
therefore, depicted here as beginning Her survey of r Rmas beauty from His feet and gradually passing
Her eyes to His head. It is unidiomatic in English to speak of one scanning a person from foot to head; hence
the order had to be reversed in the rendering. It was, however, necessary to point out this radical difference
between the Western and Indian cultures; and hence the words in the reverse order have been added to
keep the sense of the original intact while taking care not to allow the English idiom to suffer.
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*
BLA-K NA
*
229
overcome with love, they all cried in alarm: We are late already. Let us come again
at this very hour tomorrow ! So saying one of them smiled within herself. St blushed
at this pregnant remark. She got afraid of Her mother; for she felt it was already late.
Recovering Herself with considerable effort she received r Rma into Her heart and
conscious of Her dependence on Her sire returned home. (14)
0 f n fn a= f; rf rf
ff ff rrt f r; tfa rf+ -+
Do.: dekhana misa mga bihaga taru phirai bahori bahori,
nirakhi nirakhi raghubra chabi bRhai prti na thori.234.
Under pretence of looking at a deer, bird or tree She turned again and again; and each
time She gazed on the beauteous Hero of Raghus race, Her love waxed not a little. (234)
0rf f fr ffa t rf s tr fa+
ra rt rt rr n rt+ {+
f t-t r= f-r tat ff t-t+
n; rt rt f rt rt+ +
fnfr frt rt+
n zr rar na f rff fa nrar+ -+
f a rf rr fa rs f rr+
f r rff ft frf t frff+ +
Cau.: jni kahina sivacpa bisurati, cal rkhi ura symala m urati II
prabhu jaba jta jnak jn, sukha saneha sobh guna khn II
parama premamaya mdu masi knh, cru citta bht

likhi lnh II
ga bhavn bhavana bahor, badi carana bol kara jor II
jaya jaya giribararja kisor, jaya mahesa mukha cada cakor II
jaya gajabadana anana mt, jagata janani dmini duti gt II
nahi

tava di madhya avasn, amita prabhu bedu nahi

jn II
bhava bhava bibhava parbhava krini, bisva bimohani svabasa bihrini II
Drooping at the thought of the unyielding bow of iva, She proceeded with the
image of the swarthy form in Her heart. When the Lord perceived that Janakas
Daughter, a fountain of bliss, affection, grace and goodness, was going, He sketched
Her on the sheet of His heart with the soft ink of supreme love. St then sought
Bhavns temple and, adoring Her feet, prayed to Her with joined palms: Glory, all glory
to You, O Daughter of the mountain-king ! Glory to You, who gaze on the countenance
of the great Lord iva as a Cakora bird on the moon. Glory to You, O Mother of the
elephant-headed Gaea and the six-faced Krtikeya and mother of the universe with
limbs shining as lightning. You have no beginning, middle or end; Your infinite glory is a
mystery even to the Vedas. You are responsible for the birth, maintenance and
destruction of the universe; You enchant the whole universe and carry on Your sports
independently of others. (14)
0faar at ra a
fr fa f f rr + -~+
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230
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Do.: patidevat sutya mahu mtu prathama tava rekha,
mahim amita na sakahi

kahi sahasa srad sea.235.

Of all good women who adore their husband as a god, Mother, You rank foremost. Your
immeasurable greatness is more than a thousand rads and eas could tell. (235)
0a arf rt rt rf frt+
f f arr f rf r+ {+
r r r t r s t +
t-s n r at f n t+ +
f ; rt t r fa rt+
r f r f rt nf f + -+
f - t rt ff rr arrt+
r r f rr r = fff rf rr+ +
Cau.: sevata tohi sulabha phala cr, baradyan purri pir.
debi puji pada kamala tumhre, sura nara muni saba hohi

sukhre.1.
mora manorathu jnahu nke , basahu sad ura pura sabah ke .
knheu pragaa na krana teh

, asa kahi carana gahe baideh

.2.
binaya prema basa bha bhavn, khas mla m urati musukn.
sdara siya prasdu sira dhare u, bol gauri harau hiya

bhare u.3.
sunu siya satya assa hamr, pujihi mana kman tumhr.
nrada bacana sad suci sc, so baru milihi jhi

manu rc.4.
The fourfold rewards of life (viz., religious merit, worldly riches, sensuous enjoyment
and Liberation) are easily attainable through Your service, O bestower of boons, beloved
of iva (the Slayer of Tripura)! All who adore Your lotus feet, O Shining One, attain
happiness, be they gods, men or sages. You know well my hearts longing since You
ever dwell in the town of every heart. That is why I have refrained from openly declaring
it. With these words Videhas Daughter clasped the feet of the image. Bhavn was
overcome by Her meekness and devotion; the wreath on the image dropped and the idol
smiled. St reverently placed the divine gift on Her head. Gaurs heart was filled with
delight while She spoke, Hear, St, my infallible blessing: Your hearts desire shall be
accomplished. Nradas words are ever faultless and true; the suitor on whom Your
heart is set shall, indeed, be Yours. (14)
U0 rf rs fff r = rr
=r fr r t ra rr+
f rfa nf t f f fa f t t
at rff f f f fa f t+
Cha.:manu jhi

rceu milihi so baru sahaja sudara s

varo,
karun nidhna sujna slu sanehu jnata rvaro.
ehi bh

ti gauri assa suni siya sahita hiya hara

al,
tulas bhavnihi puji puni puni mudita mana madira cal.
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*
BLA-K NA
*
231
The dark-complexioned and naturally handsome suitor of whom You are enamoured
shall, indeed, be Yours. The gracious and omniscient Lord is aware of your fidelity and
love. St and all Her companions were delighted at heart to hear this blessing from
Gaurs lips. Worshipping Goddess Bhavn again and again St, says Tulasdsa,
returned to Her abode, rejoicing in Her heart.
0rf nf f f r; f
n r n n+ -+
So.: jni gauri anukula siya hiya harau na ji kahi,
majula magala mula bma aga pharakana lage.236.
Finding Gaur favourably disposed towards Her, St was more glad of heart than
words can tell. Her left limbs began to throb, indicating Her good fortune. (236)
0z ra t rr; n t n rs r;+
r r f rt rs a rt+ {+
r; f r t-t f t r;- t-t+
r r arr r f r+ +
f r f frt n r rt+
fna f n= r r; r rs r;+ -+
rt ff f ss rr f f f rr+
f fr= t- rt t f rt + +
Cau.: hdaya sarhata sya lon, gura sampa gavane dou bh.
rma kah sabu kausika ph

, sarala subhu chuata chala nh

.1.
sumana pi muni puj knh, puni assa duhu bhinha dnh.
suphala manoratha hohu tumhre, rmu lakhanu suni bhae sukhre.2.
kari bhojanu munibara bigyn, lage kahana kachu kath purn.
bigata divasu guru yasu p, sadhy karana cale dou bh.3.
prc disi sasi uyau suhv, siya mukha sarisa dekhi sukhu pv.
bahuri bicru knha mana mh

, sya badana sama himakara nh

.4.
Inwardly praising Sts beauty, the two brothers returned to their Guru (Vivmitra).
r Rma related everything to Kauika; for He was innocent of heart and free from all
guile. Having got the flowers the sage performed his devotions and then blessed the two
brothers, saying, May your hearts desire be accomplished. Rma and Lakmaa were
glad to hear the benediction. After finishing his meals the great and illumined hermit,
Vivmitra, began to recite old legends. The day was thus spent; and obtaining the
Gurus permission the two brothers proceeded to say their evening prayers. In the
meantime the charming moon rose in the eastern horizon; perceiving that her orb
resembled Sts face r Rma felt happy. The Lord then reasoned within Himself. The
queen of night bears no resemblance to St. (14)
0 f f f f t
f ar r ff rr + -+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
232
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Do.: janamu sidhu puni badhu biu dina malna sakalaka,
siya mukha samat pva kimi cadu bpuro raka.237.
Born of the ocean (with its salt water), with poison for her brother, dim and
obscure by the day and with a dark spot in her orb, how can the poor and wretched
moon be matched with Sts countenance ?* (237)
0rr; ; fff r; n; r f ff r;+
r r rt n a r art+ {+
t a t- r; r z fa t-+
f f f r rt n f fr fz rt+ +
f f r rr r r; t- f>rrr+
fna fr rrr rn frf rn+ -+
ss = r arar r r rar+
r rf n rt rs rt+ +
Cau.: ghaai baRhai birahini dukhad, grasai rhu nija sadhihi

p.
koka sokaprada pakaja droh, avaguna bahuta cadram toh.1.
baideh mukha paatara dnhe, hoi dou baRa anucita knhe.
siya mukha chabi bidhu byja bakhn, gura pahi

cale nis baRi jn.2.

kari muni carana saroja pranm, yasu pi knha birm.
bigata nis raghunyaka jge, badhu biloki kahana asa lge.3.
uyau aruna avalokahu tt, pakaja koka loka sukhadt.
bole lakhanu jori juga pn, prabhu prabhu s ucaka mdu bn.4.
Again, the moon waxes and wanes; she is the curse of lovesick damsels and is
devoured by Rhu when she crosses the latters orbit. She causes anguish to the
Cakravka (the ruddy goose) and withers the lotus. O moon, there are numerous faults
in you. One would incur the blame of having done a highly improper act by comparing
you with the countenance of Videhas daughter. Thus finding in the moon a pretext for
extolling the beauty of Sts countenance and perceiving that the night had far advanced,
r Rma returned to His Guru; and bowing at the sages lotus feet and receiving his
permission He retired to rest. At the close of night the Lord of Raghus woke; and looking
towards His brother He began to speak thus, Lo, brother, the day has dawned to the
delight of the lotus, the Cakravka and the whole world. Joining both of his palms
Lakmaa gently spoke the following words indicative of the Lords glory: (14)
0=r szn rfa t
ff arr rn f fa t+ -c+
Do.: arunodaya sakuce kumuda uagana joti malna,
jimi tumhra gamana suni bhae npati balahna.238.
* The moon is one of the fourteen jewels (treasures of the world) that were churned out of the ocean
by the joint efforts of the gods and demons at the dawn of creation. It is to this Paurika legend that the Lord
refers to above. The very first product of this churning was poison, which was swallowed by Lord iva. It is in
this sense that the moon is spoken of as having poison for a brother.
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The day having dawned, the lily has faded and the brightness of the stars is
dimmed, just as at the news of Your arrival all the princes (assembled here) have
grown faint. (238)
0 a f sfrt rf f r a rt+
r n rr fr rr+ {+
f na arr r;f r+
ss r f >r a rr a n a rr+ +
f f s r rrrr ar - frr+
a fr srrrt nt frr frt+ -+
f r r; f ta r+
f-fr f n= f r r n f r+ +
ar a rr f f f aa r+
f fa- r; r; rf f rs r;+ ~+
Cau.: npa saba nakhata karahi

ujir, ri na sakahi

cpa tama bhr.

kamala koka madhukara khaga nn, harae sakala nis avasn.1.
aisehi

prabhu saba bhagata tumhre, hoihahi

ue dhanua sukhre.
uyau bhnu binu rama tama ns, dure nakhata jaga teju praks.2.
rabi nija udaya byja raghury, prabhu pratpu saba npanha dikhy.
tava bhuja bala mahim udagh, praga dhanu bighaana parip.3.
badhu bacana suni prabhu musukne, hoi suci sahaja punta nahne.
nityakriy kari guru pahi

e, carana saroja subhaga sira ne.4.

satnadu taba janaka bole, kausika muni

pahi

turata pahe.
janaka binaya tinha i sun, harae boli lie dou bh.5.
Though twinkling like stars, all the princes put together are unable to lift the thick
darkness in the form of the bow. And just as lotuses and bees and the Cakravka and
various other birds rejoice over the termination of night, even so, my lord, all Your
devotees will be glad when the bow is broken. Lo, the sun is up and the darkness has
automatically disappeared; the stars have vanished out of sight and light flashes upon
the world. Under pretence of its rising, O Lord of Raghus, the sun has demonstrated
to all the princes the glory of my lord (Yourself). It is in order to reveal the might of
Your arms that the process of breaking the bow has been set into operation. The Lord
smiled at these remarks of His brother. He who is pure by His very nature then
performed the daily acts of purification and bathed, and after finishing the daily routine
of prayer etc., called on His Guru and the two brothers bowed their graceful heads at
his lotus feet. Meanwhile King Janaka summoned his preceptor atnanda and sent
him at once to the sage Kauika. atnanda communicated to Vivmitra Janakas
humble submission and Vivmitra gladly sent for the two brothers. (15)
0ar f n f r;
ara f s a r rr;+ -+
Do.: satnada pada badi prabhu baihe gura pahi

ji,
calahu tta muni kaheu taba pahav janaka boli.239.
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R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Adoring atnandas feet the Lord went and sat down by His Guru; the sage then
said, Come on, my son: Janaka has sent for us. (239)
[PAUSE 8 FOR A THIRTY-DAY RECITATION]
[PAUSE 2 FOR A NINE-DAY RECITATION]
0t t= f r; ; rf ; zr;+
r r r; r r a r r;+ {+
f f rt tf- t f rt+
f f a rr rr+ +
nf r rs r; f f rf- r;+
n r frt r r rt+ -+
t t rt f f rt+
aa rn- f r r sfa r+ +
Cau.: sya svayabaru dekhia j, su khi dhau dei baR.
lakhana kah jasa bhjanu so, ntha kp tava jpara ho.1.
harae muni saba suni bara bn, dnhi assa sabahi

sukhu mn.
puni munibda sameta kpl, dekhana cale dhanuamakha sl.2.
ragabhumi e dou bh, asi sudhi saba purabsinha p.
cale sakala gha kja bisr, bla jubna jaraha nara nr.3.
dekh janaka bhra bhai bhr, suci sevaka saba lie ha kr.
turata sakala loganha pahi

jhu, sana ucita dehu saba khu.4.

Let us go and see how St elects her husband; we have yet to see whom
Providence chooses to honour. Said Lakmaa, He alone deserves glory, my lord, who
enjoys your favour. The whole company of hermits rejoiced to hear these apt words and
with a delighted heart they all gave their blessing to him. Accompanied by the whole
throng of hermits the gracious Lord then proceeded to visit the arena intended for the
bow-sacrifice. When the inhabitants of the town got the news that the two brothers had
reached the arena, they all sallied forth, oblivious of their homes and dutiesmen and
women, young and old and even children. When Janaka saw that a huge crowd had
collected there, he sent for all his trusted servants and said, Go and see all the people
at once and marshal them to their proper seats. (14)
0f fta fa- r rf
s-r t rr f f rf+ +
Do.: kahi mdu bacana binta tinha baihre nara nri,
uttama madhyama nca laghu nija nija thala anuhri.240.
Addressing soft and polite words to the citizens, the servants seated them all,
both men and women, in their appropriate places, whether noble or middling, humble
or low. (240)
0r af r rar a r+
n rn rn tr tr n tr+ {+
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r r fra = szn n f +
f- t rr t fa fa- t at+ +
f = r tr t tr+
z f f frt r fa rt+ -+
rf r fa- n r r+
rf- rs r; r r;+ +
Cau.: rjakua ra tehi avasara e, manahu manoharat tana che.
guna sgara ngara bara br, sudara symala gaura sarr.1.
rja samja birjata r ure, uagana mahu janu juga bidhu pure.
jinha ke rah bhvan jais, prabhu murati tinha dekh tais.2.
dekhahi

rupa mah ranadhr, manahu bra rasu dhare sarr.

are kuila npa prabhuhi nihr, manahu bhaynaka m urati bhr.3.
rahe asura chala chonipa be, tinha prabhu pragaa klasama dekh.
purabsinha dekhe dou bh, narabhuana locana sukhad.4.
Meanwhile there arrived the two princes, the very abodes of beauty as it were,
both ocean of goodness, polished in manners and gallent heroes, charming of forms,
the one dark and the other fair. Shining bright in the galaxy of princes, they looked like
two full moons in a circle of stars. Everyone looked on the Lords form according to
the conception each had about Him. Those who were surpassingly staunch in battle
gazed on His form as though He was the heroic sentiment personified. The wicked
kings trembled at the sight of the Lord as if He had a most terrible form. The demons,
who were cunningly disguised as princes, beheld the Lord as Death in visible form,
while the citizens regarded the two brothers as the ornaments of humanity and the
delight of their eyes. (14)
0rf frf f f f f =f =
ra fnr f fa + {+
Do.: nri bilokahi

harai hiya nija nija ruci anurupa,

janu sohata sigra dhari murati parama anupa.241.
With joy in their heart the women saw Him according to the attitude of mind each
had towards Him, as if the erotic sentiment itself had appeared in an utterly incomparable
form. (241)
0f- fr tr n r tr+
rfa rf n f rnf + {+
fa f frf rt f tfa rfa rt+
rfn- a- rr ra q rr+ +
fna- rs rar ;y ; rar+
rf fa r f tr r f tr+ -+
s fa f r r f r+
f ff r rf r af a s rr+ +
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236
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Cau.: biduanha prabhu biramaya ds, bahu mukha kara paga locana ss.
janaka jti avalokahi

kaise , sajana sage priya lgahi

jaise .1.
sahita bideha bilokahi

rn, sisu sama prti na jti bakhn.

joginha parama tattvamaya bhs, sta suddha sama sahaja praks.2.
haribhagatanha dekhe dou bhrt, iadeva iva saba sukha dt.
rmahi citava bhya jehi sy, so sanehu sukhu nahi

kathany.3.
ura anubhavati na kahi saka sou, kavana prakra kahai kabi kou.
ehi bidhi rah jhi jasa bhu, tehi

tasa dekheu kosalar u.4.

The wise saw the Lord in His cosmic form, with many faces, hands, feet, eyes
and heads. And how did He appear to Janakas kinsmen? Like ones own beloved
relation. The queen, no less than the king, regarded Him with unspeakable love like a
dear child. To the Yogs (those ever united with God) He shone forth as no other than
the highest truth, placid, unsullied, equipoised, and resplendent by its very nature. The
devotees of r Hari beheld the two brothers as their beloved deity, the fountain of all
joy. The emotion of love and joy with which t gazed on r Rma was ineffable. She
felt the emotion in Her breast, but could not utter it; how, then, can a poet describe it ?
In this way everyone regarded the Lord of Ayodhy according to the attitude of mind
each had towards Him. (14)
0ra r r rr fr
tr n a ft fr r+ +
Do.: rjata rja samja mahu kosalarja kisora,
sudara symala gaura tana bisva bilocana cora.242.
Thus shone in the assembly of kings the two lovely princes of Ayodhy, the one
dark and the other fair of form, catching the eyes of the whole universe. (242)
0 r fa r rf r sr rr r+
f t t ra t + {+
faf r= r t rfa z rfa f t+
r >rfa z rr f rr+ +
f rr t f r rr+
r fr fa rrt frf f f rt+ -+
ta at ff- r; t f t r;+
=f ntr fr r t tr+ +
Cau.: sahaja manohara murati dou, koi kma upam laghu sou.
sarada cada nidaka mukha nke, nraja nayana bhvate j ke.1.
citavani cru mra manu haran, bhvati hdaya jti nahi

baran.
kala kapola ruti kuala lol, cibuka adhara sudara mdu bol.2.
kumudabadhu kara nidaka h

s, bhku bikaa manohara ns.

bhla bisla tilaka jhalakh

, kaca biloki ali avali lajh

.3.
pta cautan

siranhi suh

, kusuma kal

bica bca ban

.
rekhe rucira kabu kala gv

, janu tribhuvana suam k sv

.4.
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Both were embodiments of natural grace; even millions of Cupids were a poor
match for them. Their charming faces mocked the autumnal moon, and their lotus-like
eyes were soul-ravishing. Their winning glances captivated the heart of even Cupid;
they were so unspeakably endearing. With beautiful cheeks, ears adorned with
swinging pendants, a charming chin and lips and a sweet voice, their smile ridiculed
the moonbeams. With arched eyebrows and a beautiful nose, the sacred mark shone
on their broad forehead, and their locks of hair put to shame a swarm of bees. Yellow
caps of a rectangular shape, which were embroidered here and there with figures of
flower-buds, adorned their heads. Their necks, which vied in their spiral form with a
conch-shell bore a triple line, which constituted as it were the high watermark of beauty
in all the three worlds. (14)
0 f r fa sf- afr r
f f ff r fr+ -+
Do.: kujara mani kah kalita uranhi tulasik mla,
babha kadha kehari havani bala nidhi bhu bisla.243.
Their breast was adorned with necklace of pearls found in an elephants forehead
and wreaths of Tulas (basil) leaves. With shoulders resembling the lump of a bull they
stood like lions and had mighty long arms. (243)
0f at ta r r r+
ta sta r f rf r+ {+
f rn r r a ar+
f rs r; f n a r;+ +
f fat f r r; n f ff r;+
rf r a a fa fa r+ -+
f f = rf r rs r fr+
f r f rr fa r + +
Cau.: kai tunra pta paa b

dhe , kara sara dhanua bma bara k

dhe .
pta jagya upabta suhe, nakha sikha maju mahchabi che.1.
dekhi loga saba bhae sukhre, ekaaka locana calata na tre.
harae janaku dekhi dou bh, muni pada kamala gahe taba j.2.
kari binat nija kath sun, raga avani saba munihi dekh.
jaha jaha jhi

kua ra bara dou, taha taha cakita citava sabu kou.3.

nija nija rukha rmahi sabu dekh, kou na jna kachu maramu bise.
bhali racan muni npa sana kahe u, rj

mudita mahsukha lahe u.4.

They bore at their back a quiver secured with a yellow cloth wrapped round their
waist, and held an arrow in their right hand; while a bow and a charming sacred thread,
also of yellow tint, were slung across their left shoulder. In short, the two princes were
lovely from head to foot and were the very embodiments of great charm. Everyone who
saw them felt delighted; people gazed at them with unwinking eyes and their pupils too did
not move. King Janaka himself rejoiced to behold the two brothers; presently he went and
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*
clasped the sages lotus-feet. Paying him homage he related to him his story and showed
him round the whole arena. Whithersoever the two elegant princes betook themselves,
all regarded them with wonder. Every man found r Rma facing himself; but none could
perceive the great mystery behind it. The sage told the king that the arrangements were
splendid; and the king was highly satisfied and pleased to hear this. (14)
0 - a f fr
f a rs a r fr+ +
Do.: saba macanha te macu eka sudara bisada bisla,
muni sameta dou badhu taha baihre mahipla.244.
Of all the tiers of raised seats one was beautiful, bright and capacious above all
the rest; the king seated the two brothers alongwith the sage thereon. (244)
0f f f r r s ar+
f atfa rt r r ar rt + {+
f frr ff t r s rr+
frf n rr r; ar a nr;+ +
f f rt f frt+
ar r nrr f ar r f frr+ -+
r rs f r f fa fa r+
f f r t fna r+ +
Cau.: prabhuhi dekhi saba npa hiya hre, janu rkesa udaya bhae tre.
asi pratti saba ke mana mh

, rma cpa toraba saka nh

.1.
binu bhajehu bhava dhanuu bisl, melihi sya rma ura ml.
asa bicri gavanahu ghara bh, jasu pratpu balu teju gav

.2.
bihase apara bhupa suni bn, je abibeka adha abhimn.
torehu dhanuu byhu avagh, binu tore ko kua ri bih.3.
eka bra klau kina hou, siya hita samara jitaba hama sou.
yaha suni avara mahipa musukne, dharamasla haribhagata sayne.4.
All the kings were disheartened at the sight of the Lord, just as stars fade away
with the rising of the full moon. For they all felt inwardly assured that Rma would
undoubtedly break the bow; or, even if the huge bow of iva proved too strong for Him,
that St would still place the garland of victory round His neck. They therefore, said to
one another, Realizing this, brothers, let us turn homewards, casting to the winds all
glory, fame, strength and pride. Other princes, who were blinded with ignorance and
pride, laughed at this and said, Union with the princess is a far cry for Rma even if he
succeeds in breaking the bow; who, then, can wed her without breaking it ? Should
Death himself for once come forth against us, even him we would conquer in battle for
Sts sake. At this other princes, who were pious and sensible and devoted to r Hari,
smiled and said: (14)
0t frf r n f f -
tfa r nr r+ ~+
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239
So.: sya bihabi rma garaba duri kari npanha ke,
jti ko saka sagrma dasaratha ke rana b

kure.245.
Rma will certainly marry St to the discomfiture of these arrogant princes; for
who can conquer in battle the valiant sons of Daaratha? (245)
0 f nr r; rf- f ar;+
f rf f tar nr r f tar+ {+
na far rrfaf frt f r f frt+
n rt rs s rt+ +
r t fr; n ff a r;+
r; r r; rr a r rr+ -+
f rn = fr rn+
f frr f f nrr+ +
Cau.: byartha marahu jani gla baj, mana modakanhi ki bhukha but.
sikha hamri suni parama punt, jagadab jnahu jiya st.1.
jagata pit raghupatihi bicr, bhari locana chabi lehu nihr.
sudara sukhada sakala guna rs, e dou badhu sabhu ura bs.2.
sudh samudra sampa bih, mgajalu nirakhi marahu kata dh.
karahu ji j kahu joi bhv, hama tau ju janama phalu pv.3.
asa kahi bhale bhupa anurge, r upa an upa bilokana lge.
dekhahi

sura nabha caRhe bimn, baraahi

sumana karahi

kala gn.4.
Do not thus brag and throw away your lives in vain: hunger cannot be satiated
with imaginary sweets. Listen to this my most salutary advice; be inwardly assured
that St is no other than the Mother of the universe. And recognizing the Lord of
Raghus as the father of the universe, feast your eyes to their fill on His beauty.
Fountains of joy and embodiments of all virtues, these two charming brothers have
their abode in ambhus heart. Leaving an ocean of nectar, which is so near, why
should you run in pursuit of a mirage and court death? Or else do whatever pleases
you individually; we for our part have reaped today the fruit of our human birth. So
saying the good kings turned to gaze with affection on the picture of incomparable
beauty; while in heaven the gods witnessed the spectacle from their aerial cars, and
raining down flowers sang in melodious strains. (14)
0rf = t a ; rr;
a t r t r;+ +
Do.: jni suavasaru sya taba paha janaka boli,
catura sakh

sudara sakala sdara cal

lavi.246.
Finding it an appropriate occasion Janaka then sent for t; and Her companions,
all lovely and accomplished, escorted Her with due honour. (246)
0f rr f r; rt nfr = n rt+
sr rf rr rnt ra rf n rnt+ {+
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240
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*
f f a; sr ; f r; r ;+
af at tr n f fa r tr+ +
fnr a rt fa fa fa a fa rt+
f r=t f t f r ff t+ -+
f r rff r; = - r;+
rr = fnr= rf f r=+ +
Cau.: siya sobh nahi

ji bakhn, jagadabik r upa guna khn.

upam sakala mohi laghu lg

, prkta nri aga anurg

.1.
siya barania tei upam de, kukabi kahi ajasu ko le.
jau paataria tya sama sy, jaga asi jubati kah

kamany.2.
gir mukhara tana aradha bhavn, rati ati dukhita atanu pati jn.
bia brun badhu priya jeh, kahia ramsama kimi baideh.3.
jau chabi sudh payonidhi ho, parama r upamaya kacchapu so.
sobh raju madaru sigru, mathai pni pakaja nija mru.4.
Sts beauty defies all description, Mother of the universe that She is and an
embodiment of charm and excellence. All comparisons seem to me too poor; for they
have affinity with the limbs of mortal women. Proceeding to depict St with the help of
those very similes why should one earn the title of an unworthy poet and court ill-repute?
Should St be likened to any woman of this material creation, where in this world shall
one come across such a lovely damsel? The goddess of speech (Sarasvat), for
instance, is a chatterer; while Bhavn possesses only half a body (the other half being
represented by her lord, iva). And Rati (Loves consort) is extremely distressed by the
thought of her husband being without a form. And it is quite out of the question to
compare Videhas Daughter with Ram, who has poison and spirituous liquor for her
dear brothers. Supposing there was an ocean of nectar in the form of loveliness and the
tortoise serving as a base for churning it was an embodiment of consummate beauty,
and if splendour itself were to take the form of a cord, the erotic sentiment should
crystallize and assume the shape of Mount Mandara and the god of love himself were
to churn this ocean with his own hands (14)
0f ff s f- ar
af r a f f t a+ +
Do.: ehi bidhi upajai lacchi jaba sudarat sukha mula,
tadapi sakoca sameta kabi kahahi

sya samatula.247.
And if from such churning were to be born a Lakm, who was the source of
all loveliness and joy, the poet would even then hesitatingly declare her as analogous
to St. (247)
0t n t rt nra nta r rt+
r a rt na f afa f rt+ {+
r n n f f- r+
nf f n rt f = r rt+ +
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241
f - t r; f r nr;+
rf r r rr fa rr+ -+
t fa fa rf rr r rr+
f t rs r; n f r ff r;+ +
Cau.: cal

saga lai sakh

sayn, gvata gta manohara bn.

soha navala tanu sudara sr, jagata janani atulita chabi bhr.1.
bhuana sakala sudesa suhe, aga aga raci sakhinha bane.
ragabhumi jaba siya pagu dhr, dekhi rupa mohe nara nr.2.
harai suranha dudubh

baj

, barai pras una apachar g

.
pni saroja soha jayaml, avacaa citae sakala bhul.3.
sya cakita cita rmahi ch, bhae mohabasa saba naranh.
muni sampa dekhe dou bh, lage lalaki locana nidhi p.4.
Sts clever companions escorted Her to the arena, singing songs in a charming
voice. A beautiful Sr (covering for the body) adorned Her youthful frame; the Mother of
the universe was incomparable in her exquisite beauty. Ornaments of all kinds had been
beautifully set in their appropriate places, each limb having been decked by Her
companions with great care. When St stepped into the arena, men and women alike
were fascinated by Her charms. The gods gladly sounded their kettledrums, while
celestial damsels rained down flowers in the midst of songs. In Her lotus-like hands
sparkled the wreath of victory, as She cast a hurried glance at all the princes. While St
looked for r Rma with anxious heart, all the princes found themselves in the grip of
infatuation. Presently St discovered the two brothers by the side of the sage, and Her
eyes greedily fell on them as on a long-lost treasure. (14)
0n r r z f t rf
rfn fr f- a rrtf s rf+ c+
Do.: gurajana lja samju baRa dekhi sya sakucni,
lgi bilokana sakhinha tana raghubrahi ura ni.248.
Out of natural bashfulness that She felt in the presence of elders and at the sight
of the vast assemblage, St shrank into Herself; and drawing the Hero of Raghus race
into Her heart She turned Her eyes towards Her companions. (248)
0r = = f f rf- ft f+
rf a rt ff f f rt+ {+
= ff fn zar; fa rf f f r;+
f fr af r t r fr+ +
n ff r r t- a s r+
f rr n rn = rr rt rn+ -+
a t rr ffrt a f r+
r; rr r f rr+ +
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*
Cau.: rma rupu aru siya chabi dekhe , nara nrinha parihar

nimee .
socahi

sakala kahata sakuch

, bidhi sana binaya karahi

mana mh

.1.
haru bidhi begi janaka jaRat, mati hamri asi dehi suh.
binu bicra panu taji naranh u, sya rma kara karai bibh u.2.
jagu bhala kahihi bhva saba kh u, haha knhe atahu ura dh u.
ehi

llas

magana saba logu, baru s

varo jnak jog u.3.

taba badjana janaka bole, biridval kahata cali e.
kaha npu ji kahahu pana mor, cale bha hiya harau na thor.4.
Beholding r Rmas beauty and Sts loveliness men and women alike forgot
to close their eyelids. All of them felt anxious in their heart but hesitated to speak;
they inwardly prayed to the Creator, Quickly take away, O Creator, Janakas stupidity
and give him right understanding like ours, so that the king without the least scruple
may abandon his vow and give St in marriage to Rma. The world will speak well
of him and the idea will find favour with all. On the other hand, if he persists in his folly,
he shall have to rue it in the end. Everyone is absorbed in the ardent feeling that the
dark-complexioned youth is a suitable match for Janakas daughter. Then Janaka
summoned the heralds, and they came eulogizing his race. The king said, Go round
and proclaim my vow. Forthwith they proceeded on their mission; there was not a little
joy in their heart. (14)
0r t fr
f f r sr; fr+ +
Do.: bole bad bacana bara sunahu sakala mahipla,
pana bideha kara kahahi

hama bhuj uhi bisla.249.

The heralds then uttered these polite words, Listen all princes: with our long arms
uplifted we announce to you King Videhas vow: (249)
0 f f r n= r ffa r+
r r r r f r nf fr+ {+
r; rf rz rr r r r r; arr+
fr a t ff fr ; f at+ +
f fr rt fa r+
f rf s r; ;y- f r;+ -+
af arf af f t s; rf rfa t+
f- fr= rt r t t rt + +
Cau.: npa bhujabalu bidhu sivadhanu rhu, garua kahora bidita saba kh u.
rvanu bnu mahbhaa bhre, dekhi sarsana gava hi

sidhre.1.
soi purri kodau kahor, rja samja ju joi tor.
tribhuvana jaya sameta baideh, binahi

bicra barai hahi teh.2.

suni pana sakala bhupa abhile, bhaamn atisaya mana mkhe.
parikara b

dhi uhe akul, cale iadevanha sira n.3.

tamaki tki taki sivadhanu dharah

, uhai na koi bh

ti balu karah

.
jinha ke kachu bicru mana mh

, cpa sampa mahpa na jh

.4.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
BLA-K NA
*
243
The might of arm of the various princes stands as the moon, while ivas bow
is the planet Rhu as it were; it is massive and unyielding, as is well-known to all. Even
the great champions Rvaa and Bsura quietly slipped away as soon as they saw
the bow. Whoever in this royal assembly breaks today the yonder unbending bow of iva
shall be unhesitatingly and insistently wedded by Videhas daughter and shall triumph
over all the three worlds. Hearing the vow all the princes were filled with longing, while
those who prided on their valour felt very indignant. Girding up their loins they rose
impatiently and bowing their heads to their chosen deity went ahead. They cast an angry
look at ivas bow, grapled with it with steady aim and exerted all their strength; but the
bow refused to be lifted. Those princes, however, who had any sense at all did not even
approach the bow. (14)
0af f s; f r;
r; r f f n=r;+ ~+
Do.: tamaki dharahi

dhanu muRha npa uhai na calahi

laji,
manahu pi bhaa bhubalu adhiku adhiku garui.250.
Those foolish kings indignantly strained at the bow and retired in confusion when
it refused to leave its position, as though it grew more and more bulky by absorbing the
might of arm of each successive warrior. (250)
0 f rr n sr ; rr+
zn; r rt at + {+
rn srt f frn -rt+
tfa f tar rt r rt+ +
>rta rf f rr f f r; rr+
- frf r r r r+ -+
t t fa rr r f r rr+
f tr f t r tr+ +
Cau.: bhupa sahasa dasa ekahi br, lage uhvana arai na r.
agai na sabhu sarsanu kaise , km bacana sat manu jaise .1.
saba npa bhae jogu upahs, jaise binu birga sanys.
krati bijaya brat bhr, cale cpa kara barabasa hr.2.
rhata bhae hri hiya rj, baihe nija nija ji samj.
npanha biloki janaku akulne, bole bacana roa janu sne.3.
dpa dpa ke bhupati nn, e suni hama jo panu hn.
deva danuja dhari manuja sarr, bipula bra e ranadhr.4.
Ten thousand kings then proceeded all at once to raise it; but it baffled all attempts
at moving it. ambhus bow did not stir in the same way as the mind of a virtuous lady
refuses to yield to the words of a gallant. All the princes made themselves butts of
ridicule like a recluse without dispassion. Helplessly forfeiting their fame, glory and great
valour to the bow they returned. Confused and disheartened, the kings went and sat in
the midst of their own company. Seeing the kings thus frustrated, King Janaka got
impatient and spoke words as if in anger; Hearing the vow made by me many a king
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
244
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
has come from diverse parts of the globe; gods and demons in human form and many
other heroes, staunch in fight, have assembled. (14)
0f r f fz tfa fa t
rfr ff s t+ ~{+
Do.: kua ri manohara bijaya baRi krati ati kamanya,
pvanihra biraci janu raceu na dhanu damanya.251.
A lovely bride, a grand triumph and splendid renown are the prize; but Brahm,
it seems, has not yet created the man who may break the bow and win the above
rewards. (251)
0 rf r rr r r rr+
s rs ar r; fa f f zr;+ {+
f rs r rt t ft t rt+
a r f f n r fr ff f fr+ +
a r; f f rf s r +
as f f r; a f ras r;+ -+
f rt f rff rt+
r f ; a f+ +
Cau.: kahahu khi yahu lbhu na bhv, khu na sakara cpa caRhv.
rahau caRhuba toraba bh, tilu bhari bhumi na sake chaR.1.
aba jani kou mkhai bhaa mn, bra bihna mah mai

jn.
tajahu sa nija nija gha jhu, likh na bidhi baidehi bibhu.2.
suktu ji jau panu parihara u

, kua ri kuri rahau k kara u

.
jau janateu binu bhaa bhubi bh, tau panu kari hoteu na ha s.3.
janaka bacana suni saba nara nr, dekhi jnakihi bhae dukhr.
mkhe lakhanu kuila bhai

bhau he , radapaa pharakata nayana risau he .4.

Tell me, who would not have this prize? But none could string the bow. Let alone
stringing or breaking it, there was not one of you, brothers, who could stir it even a grains
breadth from its place. Now no one who prides on his valour should feel offended if I assert
that there is no hero left on earth to my mind. Give up all hope and turn your faces
homewards. It is not the will of Providence that St should be married. All my religious
merits shall be gone if I abandon my vow. The princess must remain a maid; what can I
do? Had I known, brothers, that there are no more heroes in the world, I would not have
made myself a laughing-stock by undertaking such a vow. All who heared Janakas
words, men and women alike, felt distressed at the sight of Jnak. Lakmaa, however
got incensed: his eyebrows were knit, his lips quivered and his eyes shot fire. (14)
0f a rrt z n r
r; r f= r fnr r+ ~+
Do.: kahi na sakata raghubra ara lage bacana janu bna,
ni rma pada kamala siru bole gir pramna.252.
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*
BLA-K NA
*
245
For fear of r Rma he could not speak, though Janakas words pierced his heart
like an arrow; yet at last, bowing his head at r Rmas lotus-feet he spoke words which
were impregnated with truth: (252)
0rrf- rs r; af r ; r;+
t f fa rt fur rr f rt+ {+
r r s rs fr+
arrf r r ; zr rz sr+ +
r rr ff zr rt s = ff art+
a ar fr nrr r r r fr rr+ -+
r rf r r a frf r+
r ff r r r a r rr+ +
Cau.: ragubasinha mahu jaha kou ho, tehi

samja asa kahai na ko.

kah janaka jasi anucita bn, bidyamna raghukula mani jn.1.
sunahu bhnukula pakaja bhnu, kahau subhu na kachu abhimnu.
jau tumhri anussana pvau , kaduka iva brahma uhvau .2.
kce ghaa jimi rau phor, sakau meru m ulaka jimi tor.
tava pratpa mahim bhagavn, ko bpuro pinka purn.3.
ntha jni asa yasu hou, kautuku karau bilokia so u.
kamala nla jimi cpa caRhvau , jojana sata pramna lai dhvau .4.
In an assembly where any one of Raghus race is present no one would dare
speak such scandalous words as Janaka has done, even though conscious of the
presence of r Rma, the Jewel of Raghus race. (Turning towards his brother, he
added) Listen, O Delighter of the solar race, I sincerely tell You, without any vain
boasting: if I but have Your permission, I will lift the round world like a ball and smash
it like an ill-baked earthen jar; and by the glory of Your majesty, O blessed Lord,
I can break Mount Meru like a radish. What, then, is this wretched old bow? Realizing
this, my Lord, let me have Your command and see what wonders I work; I will string
the bow as though it were a lotus-stalk and run with it not less than eight hundred
miles. (14)
0ar r z ff a ar r
r+ ~-+
Do.: torau chatraka daa jimi tava pratpa bala ntha,
jau na karau prabhu pada sapatha kara na dharau dhanu bhtha.253.
By the might of Your glory, O Lord, I will snap it like the stalk of a mushroom. Or,
if I fail, I swear by Your feet never to handle a bow or quiver again. (253)
0 r r znnrf f fn zr+
rn zr f f r+ {+
n rrfa f rt fa f f rt +
f rrfa r a f r+ +
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
246
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
ftrfr rt r fa rt+
s r rr ara farr+ -+
f n= f= rr fr s rr+
r sf r f r nr r+ +
Cau.: lakhana sakopa bacana je bole, agamagni mahi diggaja ole.
sakala loga saba bhupa erne, siya hiya harau janaku sakucne.1.
gura raghupati saba muni mana mh

, mudita bhae puni puni pulakh

.
sayanahi

raghupati lakhanu nevre, prema sameta nikaa baihre.2.

bisvmitra samaya subha jn, bole ati sanehamaya bn.
uhahu rma bhajahu bhavacp, meahu tta janaka paritp.3.
suni guru bacana carana siru nv, harau bidu na kachu ura v.
hRhe bhae uhi sahaja subhe , havani jub mgarju laje .4.
As Lakmaa spoke these angry words, the earth shook and the elephants
supporting the quarters tottered. The whole assembly, including all the princes, was
struck with terror; St felt delighted at heart, while Janaka blushed. The preceptor
(Vivmitra), the Lord of Raghus and all the hermits were glad of heart and thrilled all
over again and again. With a sign r Rma checked Lakmaa and made him sit
beside Him. Perceiving that it was a propitious time, Vivmitra said in most endearing
terms, Up, Rma, break the bow of iva and relieve Janaka, my boy, of his anguish.
On hearing the Gurus words r Rma bowed His head at his feet; there was no joy or
sorrow in His heart. He stood up in all His native grace, putting to shame a young lion
by His elegant carriage. (14)
0sfa sfnf rr ran
f a r r n+ ~+
Do.: udita udayagiri maca para raghubara blapataga,
bikase sata saroja saba harae locana bhga.254.
As the Chief of the Raghus rose on His elevated seat like the morning sun
appearing in the eastern horizon, all the saints were delighted like so many lotuses and
their eyes were glad as bees at the return of day. (254)
0- f rr ff rt a t rt+
rt f r t s r+ {+
fr r f r ff rf r+
n f fa rnr r f- r rnr+ +
f n trt -r nrt+
a r rt f a rt+ -+
f fa a r - rs r+
a f r t r; ar r n nrr;+ +
Cau.: npanha keri s nisi ns, bacana nakhata aval na praks.
mn mahipa kumuda sakucne, kapa bh upa ul uka lukne.1.
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*
BLA-K NA
*
247
bhae bisoka koka muni dev, barisahi

sumana janvahi

sev.
gura pada badi sahita anurg, rma muninha sana yasu mg.2.
sahajahi

cale sakala jaga svm, matta maju bara kujara gm.

calata rma saba pura nara nr, pulaka puri tana bhae sukhr.3.
badi pitara sura sukta sa bhre, jau kachu punya prabhu hamre.
tau sivadhanu mnla k n

, torahu rmu ganesa gos

.4.
The hopes of the rival kings vanished as night and their boasts died away like the
serried stars. The arrogant princes shrivelled up like the lilies and the false kings shrank
away like owls. Sages and gods, like the Cakravka bird, were rid of their sorrow and
rained down flowers in token of their homage. Affectionately reverencing the Gurus feet
r Rma asked leave of the holy fathers. The Lord of all creation then stepped forth in
His natural grace with the tread of a noble and beautiful elephant in rut. As r Rma
moved ahead all men and women of the city rejoiced and thrilled all over their body.
Invoking the manes and gods and recalling their own past good deeds they prayed: If
our religious merits are of any value, O Lord Gaea may Rma snap the bow of iva
as it were a lotus-stalk. (14)
0rf a f f- t rr;
tar ra ; fr;+ ~~+
Do.: rmahi prema sameta lakhi sakhinha sampa boli,
st mtu saneha basa bacana kahai bilakhi.255.
Lovingly gazing on r Rma and bidding her companions draw near, Sts mother
spoke words full of anguish out of affection: (255)
0f a fr s ra fa r+
rs rr; ; n rt r f f rt+ {+
r r r f rr r f rr+
r r t r r f t+ +
r frt f ff nfa rfa rt+
rt a t rt aa rr nf rt+ -+
f rr rs rr+
f z a rr rnr s ar fa a rnr+ +
Cau.: sakhi saba kautuku dekhanihre, jeu kahvata hit u hamre.
kou na bujhi kahai gura ph

, e blaka asi haha bhali nh

.1.
rvana bna chu nahi

cp, hre sakala bh upa kari dp.

so dhanu rjakua ra kara deh

, bla marla ki madara leh

.2.
bhupa saynapa sakala sirn, sakhi bidhi gati kachu jti na jn.
bol catura sakh mdu bn, tejavata laghu gania na rn.3.
kaha kubhaja kaha sidhu apr, soeu sujasu sakala sasr.
rabi maala dekhata laghu lg, udaya tsu tibhuvana tama bhg.4.
Whosoever are called our friends, dear ones, are mere spectators of a show; no
one urges the preceptor (Vivmitra) and tells him that the two princes are yet boys and
that such insistence on his part is not desirable. Knowing that Rvaa and Bsura did
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
248
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
not even touch the bow and that all other kings were worsted in spite of all their boasts,
strange that he should give the same bow into the hands of this young prince; can cygnets
ever lift Mount Mandara? Good sense has taken leave of the king; and one does not know
the dispensation of Providence, dear ones, One of her sharp-witted companions gently replied,
The glorious are not to be lightly regarded, O queen. What comparison is there between
the sage Agastya, who was born of a jar, and the vast ocean? Yet the sage drained it dry,
and his good fame has spread throughout the world. The orb of the sun is so small to look
at, but the moment is rises the darkness of all the three worlds disappears. (14)
0r rr r ff f
r-r nr + ~+
Do.: matra parama laghu jsu basa bidhi hari hara sura sarba,
mahmatta gajarja kahu basa kara akusa kharba.256.
A sacred formula, indeed, is very small, although it has under its sway Brahm,
Hari, Hara and all other gods. A tiny goad governs the mightiest and most furious
elephant. (256)
0r r t- t-+
f af s rt r rt+ {+
t f atat fr fr t fa tat+
a rf frf t z ffa f at+ +
t r rt r - rt+
rf r; f fa r n=r;+ -+
nr r r r n tf-s a r+
r r fat f rt r n=ar fa rt+ +
Cau.: kma kusuma dhanu syaka lnhe, sakala bhuvana apane basa knhe.
debi tajia sasau asa jn, bhajaba dhanuu rma sunu rn.1.
sakh bacana suni bhai paratt, mi bidu baRh ati prt.
taba rmahi biloki baideh, sabhaya hdaya binavati jehi teh.2.
manah

mana manva akuln, hohu prasanna mahesa bhavn.

karahu saphala pani sevak, kari hitu harahu cpa garu.3.
gananyaka baradyaka dev, ju lage knhiu tua sev.
bra bra binat suni mor, karahu cpa gurut ati thor.4.
Armed with a bow and arrows of flowers Cupid has brought the whole universe
under subjection. Realizing this, O good lady, give up all doubt; Rma, O Queen, will
assuredly break the bow, I tell you. The queen felt reassured at these words of her
companion; her despondency was gone and her love for r Rma grew. Then, casting
a glance towards r Rma, Videhas daughter implored with anxious heart each god in
turn. She inwardly prayed in a distressed state of mind: Be gracious to me. O great Lord
iva and Bhavn, and reward my services by lightening the weight of the bow out of
affection for me. O god Gaea, the chief of ivas attendants, O bestower of boons, it
is for this day that I have adored You. Listening to my repeated supplication, therefore,
reduce the weight of the bow to a mere trifle. (14)
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*
BLA-K NA
*
249
0f f rrt a r f t
fr rt t+ ~+
Do.: dekhi dekhi raghubra tana sura manva dhari dhra,
bhare bilocana prema jala pulakval sarra.257.
Gazing repeatedly on the person of r Rma and summoning courage St
prayed to gods. Her eyes were filled with tears of love and the hair on Her body stood
on their end. (257)
0t ff f rr fa ff f rr+
ara r=f rt ra f r rt+ {+
f f ; r; r z fa r;+
f rf rr tr nra frr+ +
ff f rfa s tr f f tr+
r fa rt rf r nfa art+ -+
f zar rn- zrt rf = rrfaf frt+
fa far t rt f n rt + +
Cau.: nke nirakhi nayana bhari sobh, pitu panu sumiri bahuri manu chobh.
ahaha tta druni haha hn, samujhata nahi

kachu lbhu na hn.1.

saciva sabhaya sikha dei na ko, budha samja baRa anucita ho.
kaha dhanu kulisahu chi kahor, kaha symala mdugta kisor.2.
bidhi kehi bh

ti dharau ura dhr, sirasa sumana kana bedhia hr.

sakala sabh kai mati bhai bhor, aba mohi sabhucpa gati tor.3.
nija jaRat loganha para r, hohi harua raghupatihi nihr.
ati paritpa sya mana mh

, lava nimea juga saya sama jh

.4.
She feasted Her eyes to their fill on r Rmas beauty; but then the thought of Her
fathers vow agitated Her mind. She said to Herself. Alas, my father has made a terrible
resolve having no regard to good or evil consequences. The ministers are afraid; therefore
none of them gives him good counsel. It is all the more pity that it should be so in a
conclave of wise men. While on this side stands the bow harder than adamant, on the
other side we find that dark-complexioned prince of delicate frame and tender age. How
then, O god, can I maintain my balance of mind? Is a diamond ever pierced with the
pointed end of a ira flower? The sense of the whole assembly has become dull; hence
my only hope now lies in you, O ambhus bow. Imparting your heaviness to the assembly
grow light yourself at the sight of (in proportion to the size of) r Rma. St felt much
agitated at heart; an instant hung heavy on Her as a hundred Yugas. (14)
0f fa; f fa f ra r r
a f t n f z zr+ ~c+
Do.: prabhuhi citai puni citava mahi rjata locana lola,
khelata manasija mna juga janu bidhu maala ola.258.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
250
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Gazing now at the Lord and now at the ground, Her restless eyes sparkled as if
two Cupids fish disported themselves in the pail-like orb of the moon. (258)
fnr ff rt n r fr rt+
r r rr rr+ {+
t rar fz rt f t atfa s rt+
a r rr rrfa r fa rr+ +
a nr s rt ff rf rr rt+
f f - r af f; + -+
a fa; a rr rfr r rr+
ff frf as fa n== rr rf + +
Cau.: gir alini mukha pakaja rok, pragaa na lja nis avalok.
locana jalu raha locana kon, jaise parama kpana kara son.1.
sakuc bykulat baRi jn, dhari dhraju pratti ura n.
tana mana bacana mora panu sc, raghupati pada saroja citu rc.2.
tau bhagavnu sakala ura bs, karihi mohi raghubara kai ds.
jehi ke jehi para satya saneh u, so tehi milai na kachu sadehu.3.
prabhu tana citai prema tana hn, kpnidhna rma sabu jn.
siyahi biloki takeu dhanu kaise , citava garuru laghu bylahi jaise .4.
Held captive within Her lotus-like mouth Her bee-like speech refused to stir out for
fear of the night of modesty. Tears remained confined within the corner of Her eyes,* just
as the gold of a stingy miser remains buried in a nook of his house. St felt abashed
when She perceived Her great agitation of mind; summoning up courage in Her heart,
therefore, She confidently said to Herself, If I am true to my vow in thought, word and
deed, and if my mind is really attached to the lotus-feet of r Rma, I am sure God, who
dwells in the heart of all, will make me r Rmas bondslave; for one gets united without
doubt with him for whom one cherishes true love. Casting a glance at the Lord She
resolved to love Him even at the cost of Her life. r Rma, the embodiment of
compassion, understood it all; looking at St He glanced at the bow as Garua (the king
of birds and a sworn enemy of serpents) would gaze on a poor little snake. (14)
0 s rrf ars rz
f nra r rf zr rz+ ~+
Do.: lakhana lakheu raghubasamani tkeu hara kodau,
pulaki gta bole bacana carana cpi brahmu.259.
When Lakmaa perceived that the Jewel of Raghus race had cast a glance at
the bow of Hara, the hair on his body stood erect and he uttered the following words
pressing the crust of the earth under his foot: (259)
0ff f rr f f t zrr+
r f arr r n f r rr+ {+
* Shedding of tears is regarded in India as an ill-omen; therefore, on auspicious occasions Indian
women would take particular care not to allow tears to drop from their eyes.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
BLA-K NA
*
251
r t r r rf- a r+
s = r t- fr+ +
nfa f n n=r; f- f r;+
f r farr rf- r= rr+ -+
r z rfa r; r; n r;+
r r f r= a r= f rs zr=+ +
Cau.: disikujarahu kamaha ahi kol, dharahu dharani dhari dhra na ol.
rmu cahahi

sakara dhanu tor, hohu sajaga suni yasu mor.1.

cpa sampa rmu jaba e, nara nrinha sura sukta mane.
saba kara sasau aru agyn u, mada mahpanha kara abhimnu.2.
bhgupati keri garaba garu, sura munibaranha keri kadar.
siya kara socu janaka pachitv, rninha kara druna dukha dv.3.
sabhucpa baRa bohitu p, caRhe ji saba sagu ban.
rma bhubala sidhu apr u, cahata pru nahi

kou kaRahru.4.
O elephants guarding the cardinal points, O divine tortoise*, O serpent-king, and
O divine boar*, steadily hold the earth that it may not shake. r Rma seeks to break the
bow of akara; therefore, listen to my command and be ready. When Rma drew near
to the bow, men and women present there invoked in His behalf the help of gods as well
as of their past good deeds. The doubts and ignorance of all who had assembled there,
the arrogance of the foolish kings, the proud pretensions of Paraurma (the Chief of
Bhrgus race), the apprehension of gods and the great sages, the distress of St, King
Janakas remorse and the fire of the queens terrible agonyall these boarded together the
great bark of ambhus bow, with whose help they sought to cross the boundless ocean
of r Rmas strength of arm; but there was no helmsman to steer the ship. (14)
0r fr rn fr f f
fa; t ra rt f ff+ +
Do.: rma biloke loga saba citra likhe se dekhi,
cita sya kpyatana jn bikala bisei.260.
Rma first looked at the crowd of spectators and found them motionless as the
figures of a drawing. The gracious Lord then turned His eyes towards St and perceived
Her in deep distress. (260)
0t f f t ff fra at+
afa rf f r a -rnr ; r r azrnr+ {+
r r t r f r far+
f rf rt t f tfa ft+ +
nf r f t-r fa rrr sr; t-r+
s rff ff f z + -+
* The divine tortoise referred to here is the same who served as the base for churning the ocean of
milk at the dawn of creation. And the divine boar refers to the manifestation of the Lord as a boar in order to lift
the earth out of the waters in which the demon Hirayka had submerged it. The tortoise as well as the boar
are represented here as ever holding the earth, conjointly with the serpent-king, the one on its back and the
other on its tusks.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
252
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
a ra a nr r r r+
af r arr f rrr rr+ +
Cau.: dekh bipula bikala baideh, nimia bihta kalapa sama teh.
tita bri binu jo tanu tyg, mue karai k sudh taRg.1.
k bara saba k sukhne , samaya cuke puni k pachitne .
asa jiya jni jnak dekh, prabhu pulake lakhi prti bise.2.
gurahi pranmu manahi

mana knh, ati lghava uhi dhanu lnh.

damakeu dmini jimi jaba laya u, puni nabha dhanu maala sama bhaya u.3.
leta caRhvata khai

cata gRhe , khu na lakh dekha sabu hRhe .

tehi chana rma madhya dhanu tor, bhare bhuvana dhuni ghora kahor.4.
He found Videhas Daughter greatly agitated; every moment that passed hung on
Her as a whole life-time of the universe. If a thirsty man dies for want of water, of what
avail is a lake of nectar to him once he is dead. What good is a shower when the whole
crop is dried up; what use repenting over an opportunity lost? Thinking thus within
Himself the Lord looked at Janakas Daughter and thrilled all over to perceive Her
singular devotion. He inwardly made obeisance to His preceptor (Vivmitra), and took
up the bow with great agility. The bow gleamed like a flash of lightning as He grasped
it in His hand. And then it appeared like a circle in the sky. No one knew when He took
it in His hands, strung it and drew it tight; everyone only saw Him standing (with the bow
drawn). Instantly r Rma broke the bow in halves; the awful crash resounded through
all the spheres. (14)
U0 rrr r f rf af rn
faf fn zr f f r = +
f r t- f frt
rz zs r at fa srt+
Cha.: bhare bhuvana ghora kahora rava rabi bji taji mragu cale,
cikkarahi

diggaja ola mahi ahi kola kuruma kalamale.

sura asura muni kara kna dnhe sakala bikala bicrah

,
kodaa khaeu rma tulas jayati bacana ucrah

.
The awful crash reached through the spheres; the horses of the sun-god strayed
from their course; the elephants of the quarters trumpeted, the earth shook; the serpent-
king, the divine boar and the divine tortoise fidgeted about, Gods, demons and sages put
their hands to their ears, and all began anxiously to ponder the cause; but when they
learnt, says Tulasdsa, that r Rma had broken the bow, they uttered shouts of
victory.
0 r r rn= rr r
z r r r r f r + {+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
BLA-K NA
*
253
So.: sakara cpu jahju sgaru raghubara bhubalu,
buRa so sakala samju caRh jo prathamahi

moha basa. 261.

The bow of akara was the bark and Rmas strength of arm was the ocean to
be crossed with its aid. The whole host (of which we have spoken above), that had
boarded the ship out of ignorance, was drowned (with the bark). (261)
0 rs rz f zr f rn r+
f= rff r rf nr r+ {+
r= r frt a tf rf rt+
r nn frr rf f nrr+ +
zr rf fq tr f f f tr+
ff n rr nrf f nta rr+ -+
t f rt n f ra rt+
fa f a rt s r rt+ +
Cau.: prabhu dou cpakhaa mahi re, dekhi loga saba bhae sukhre.
kausikarupa payonidhi pvana, prema bri avaghu suhvana.1.
rmarupa rkesu nihr, baRhata bci pulakvali bhr.
bje nabha gahagahe nisn, devabadhu ncahi

kari gn.2.
brahmdika sura siddha muns, prabhuhi prasasahi

dehi

ass.
barisahi

sumana raga bahu ml, gvahi

kinara gta rasl.3.

rah bhuvana bhari jaya jaya bn, dhanuabhaga dhuni jta na jn.
mudita kahahi

jaha taha nara nr, bhajeu rma sabhudhanu bhr.4.

The Lord tossed on ground the two broken pieces of the bow, and everyone
rejoiced at the sight. Vivmitra stood as the holy ocean, full of the sweet and
unfathomable water of love. Beholding r Rmas beauty, which represented the full
moon, the sage felt an increasing thrill of joy, which may be compared to a rising tide in
the ocean. Kettledrums sounded with great noise in the heavens; celestial damsels sang
and danced. Brahm and the other gods, Siddhas and great sages praised the Lord and
gave Him blessings raining down wreaths and flowers of various colours; the Kinnaras
(a class of demigods) sang melodious strains. The shouts of victory re-echoed throughout
the universe; the crash that followed the breaking of the bow was drowned in it.
Everywhere men and women in their joy kept saying that Rma had broken the massive
bow of ambhu. (14)
0t rn an f= f fat
f frf rn n f t+ +
Do.: bad mgadha sutagana biruda badahi

matidhra,
karahi

nichvari loga saba haya gaya dhana mani cra.262.

Talented bards, minstrels and panegyrists sang praises; and everybody gave
away horses, elephants, riches, jewels and raiments as an act of invocation of Gods
blessings on the youthful champion. (262)
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254
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
0rrfr n r; f r t r;+
rf r r a fa- n nr+ {+
f- fa t fa rt a r r rt+
s r fr; a r r;+ +
>rta f t f +
t f f f r at rat r; trat+ -+
rf fra ff r fr +
ar a r t-r tar n r f t-r+ +
Cau.: jh

jhi mdaga sakha sahan, bheri hola dudubh suh.

bjahi

bahu bjane suhe, jaha taha jubatinha magala ge.1.

sakhinha sahita hara ati rn, sukhata dhna par janu pn.
janaka laheu sukhu socu bih, pairata thake thha janu p.2.
rhata bhae bhupa dhanu ue, jaise divasa dpa chabi ch ue.
sya sukhahi barania kehi bh

t, janu ctak pi jalu svt.3.

rmahi lakhanu bilokata kaise , sasihi cakora kisoraku jaise .
satnada taba yasu dnh, st

gamanu rma pahi

knh.4.
There was a crash of cymbals and tabors, conches and clarionets, drums and
sweet-sounding kettledrums, both large and small; and many other charming instruments
also played. Everywhere young women sang auspicious strains. The queen with her
companions was much delighted, as though a withering crop of paddy had been
refreshed by a shower. King Janaka was now care-free and felt gratified as if a tired
swimmer had reached a shallow. The kings countenance fell at the breaking of the bow,
just as a lamp is dimmed at dawn of day. Sts delight could only be compared to that
of a female Ctaka* bird on receiving a rain-drop when the sun is in the same longitude
as the constellation named Svt * (Arcturus). Lakmaa fixed his eyes on Rma as the
young of a Cakora bird gazes on the moon. atnanda then gave the word and St
advanced towards Rma. (14)
0n t a nrf nr
nt r r nfa r n r+ -+
Do.: saga sakh

sudara catura gvahi

magalacra,
gavan bla marla gati suam aga apra.263.
Accompanied by Her fair and talented companions, who were singing festal
songs, She paced like a cygnet, Her limbs possessing infinite charm. (263)
0f- f rfa fn rf +
r r r; ft f rr f r;+ {+
a r sr n f ; r+
r; t r f t f f fr t+ +
* According to the Indian tradition a Ctaka bird would slake its thirst only with a rain-drop obtained
when the sun is in the same longitude as the Arcturus (which is generally in the month of October, a month
when showers are of rare occurrence).
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
BLA-K NA
*
255
a t f r rr; fr r r;+
a n r sr; f fr; r;+ -+
ra n rr ff ta a rr+
nrf f rf t f r r s t+ +
Cau. : sakhinha madhya siya sohati kaise , chabigana madhya mahchabi jaise .
kara saroja jayamla suh, bisva bijaya sobh jehi

ch.1.
tana sakocu mana parama uchh u, g uRha premu lakhi parai na kh u.
ji sampa rma chabi dekh, rahi janu kua ri citra avarekh.2.
catura sakh

lakhi kah bujh, pahirvahu jayamla suh.

sunata jugala kara mla uh, prema bibasa pahiri na j.3.
sohata janu juga jalaja sanl, sasihi sabhta deta jayaml.
gvahi

chabi avaloki sahel, siya jayamla rma ura mel.4.

In the midst of Her companions St shone as a personification of supreme beauty
among other embodiments of beauty. She held in one of Her lotus hands the fair wreath
of victory, resplendent with the glory of triumph over the whole universe. While Her body
shrank with modesty, Her heart was full of rapture; Her hidden love could not be
perceived by others. As She drew near and beheld r Rmas beauty, Princess St
stood motionless as a portrait. A clever companion, who perceived Her in this condition,
exhorted Her saying, Invest the bridegroom with the beautiful wreath of victory. At this
She raised the wreath with both of Her hands, but was too overwhelmed with emotion
to garland Him. In this act Her uplifted hands shone as if a pair of lotuses with their stalks
were timidly investing the moon with a wreath of victory. At this charming sight Her
companions broke into a song, while St placed the wreath of victory round r Rmas
neck so as to adorn His breast. (14)
0rr s r f ff
r frf f n+ +
So.: raghubara ura jayamla dekhi deva barisahi

sumana
,
sakuce sakala bhula janu biloki rabi kumudagna.264.
Witnessing the wreath of victory resting on r Rmas bosom, gods rained down
flowers; while the kings all shrank in confusion like lillies at the rising of the sun. (264)
0 = r r r f r r+
f rn tr f f tr+ {+
rf nrf f t r r rf t+
a f f t t ffrf srt+ +
f rar r rr r t f s rr+
f rat rt f frf f-r frt+ -+
rfa t r rt f fnr= rt+
t f n tar fa fa tar+ +
Cau.: pura aru byoma bjane bje, khala bhae malina sdhu saba rje.
sura kinara nara nga muns, jaya jaya jaya kahi dehi

ass.1.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
256
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
ncahi

gvahi

bibudha badh u

, bra bra kusumjali ch u

.
jaha taha bipra bedadhuni karah

, bad biridvali uccarah

.2.
mahi ptla nka jasu byp, rma bar siya bhajeu cp.
karahi

rat pura nara nr, dehi

nichvari bitta bisr.3.

sohati sya rma kai jor, chabi sigru manahu eka hor.
sakh

kahahi

prabhupada gahu st, karati na carana parasa ati bht.4.
There was music both in the city and in the heavens; while the wicked were
downcast, the virtuous beamed with joy. Gods, Kinnaras, men, Ngas and great sages
uttered blessings with shouts of victory. Celestial dames danced and sang and handfuls
of flowers were showered again and again. Here and there the Brhmaas recited the
Vedas, while panegyrists sang praises. The glad tidings spread throughout the earth, the
subterranean regions and heaven that r Rma had broken the bow and won the hand
of St. The people of the city waved lights round the pair in order to ward off evil; and
regardless of their means they scattered gifts in profusion as an act of invocation of
Divine blessings on the couple. The pair of r Rma and St shone as if beauty and
the sentiment of Love had met together in human form. Her companions urged Her,St,
clasp your lords feet. But St was too much afraid to touch His feet. (14)
0na fa nfa fa f f fa n rf
f rrf tfa f rf+ ~+
Do.: gautama tiya gati surati kari nahi

parasati paga pni,

mana bihase raghubasamani prti alaukika jni.265.
Remembering the fate of the sage Gautamas wife, Ahaly, She would not touch
His feet with Her hands; the Jewel of Raghus race inwardly smiled to perceive Her
transcendent love. (265)
0a f f fr a r+
sf sf ff r rn a nr r rn+ {+
zr; t r f r r r+
ar rz f ; ta f f r ;+ +
f r; ta fa rs r;+
r r f rt rrf r rt+ -+
ar tar zr; r frf n fr;+
r; ar f r; f f a ff f r;+ +
Cau.: taba siya dekhi bhupa abhile, k ura kap uta m uRha mana mkhe.
uhi uhi pahiri sanha abhge, jaha taha gla bajvana lge.1.
lehu chaRi sya kaha kou, dhari b

dhahu npa blaka dou.

tore dhanuu cRa nahi

sara, jvata hamahi kua ri ko bara.2.

jau bidehu kachu karai sah, jtahu samara sahita dou bh.
sdhu bh upa bole suni bn, rjasamjahi lja lajn.3.
balu pratpu brat baR, nka pinkahi saga sidh.
soi surat ki aba kahu p, asi budhi tau bidhi muha masi l.4.
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*
BLA-K NA
*
257
Then, as they looked on St, a few princes were filled with longing for her; those
wicked, degenerate fools grew indignant. Rising from their seats one after another and
donning their armour the wretches began to brag about. Someone said, Carry off St
by force and capturing the two princes hold them in bondage. No purpose will be served
by merely breaking the bow; for who shall marry the princess while we still live? Should
Janaka come forward to help them, rout him in battle alongwith the two brothers. When
the good kings heard these words, they said, Shame itself feels shy in approaching this
assembly of princes. Your might, glory, valour, fame and honour have been shattered
alongwith the bow. Is it the same valour of which you are boasting, or have you since
acquired it anew from somewhere else? It is because such is your mentality that God
has blackened your faces. (14)
0 rf f af ;fr r
r r rf f r+ +
Do.: dekhahu rmahi nayana bhari taji iri madu kohu,
lakhana rou pvaku prabala jni salabha jani hohu.266.
Giving up jealousy, arrogance and anger, therefore, feast your eyes upon Rma;
and knowing Lakmaas wrath to be a blazing fire, do not allow yourselves to be
consumed by it like a moth. (266)
0a f ff rn ff rn f rn+
ff r rt r f rt+ {+
rt r tfa ; ar f rt ;+
f f nfa rr a arr r rr+ +
rr f t rt t r; n; rt+
r r n= rt f a rt+ -+
rf- fa r tr fff r tr+
f ;a sa at r z rf t+ +
Cau.: bainateya bali jimi caha kg u, jimi sasu cahai nga ari bhg u.
jimi caha kusala akrana koh, saba sapad cahai sivadroh.1.
lobh lolupa kala krati caha, akalakat ki km laha.
hari pada bimukha parama gati ch, tasa tumhra llacu naranh.2.
kolhalu suni sya sakn, sakh

lavi ga

jaha rn.
rmu subhya cale guru ph

, sya sanehu baranata mana mh

.3.
rninha sahita socabasa sy, aba dhau bidhihi kha karany.
bhupa bacana suni ita uta takah

, lakhanu rma ara boli na sakah

.4.
As a crow should seek an offering set apart for Garua (the king of birds), as a
rabbit should covet the share of a lion, as a man who is angry without any cause should
expect happiness, as an enemy of iva should crave for riches of all kinds, as a greedy
and covetous man should long for good fame and as a gallant should aspire to be free
from scandal, and as one who is averse to r Haris feet should hanker after the highest
destiny (Liberation), your longing, O princes, (for St) is of the same category. When
St heard the tumult, She got afraid and Her companions took Her to the queen; while
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
258
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
r Rma advanced to His Guru, easy in mind and inwardly praising Her affection. The
queens as well as St were filled with anxiety and wondered what Providence had in
store for them. On hearing the words of the princes Lakmaa looked hither and thither;
for fear of Rma, however, he could not speak. (14)
0= t f faa - r
-r nn ff frrfrf r+ +
Do.: aruna nayana bhku kuila citavata npanha sakopa,
manahu matta gajagana nirakhi sighakisorahi copa.267.
With fiery eyes and knitted brows he cast an angry look at the kings, as though,
at the sight of a herd of wild elephants in rut, a lions whelp were eager to pounce on
them. (267)
0= f f rt ff f t- nrt+
af f f nr rs n a nr+ {+
f t r r r r r+
nf t fa rr r fr fr z frr+ +
t r f rr f = r; rr+
t f f ra faa fra+ -+
s r frr r= s r nrr+
f f a ; r r= r+ +
Cau.: kharabharu dekhi bikala pura nr

, saba mili dehi

mahpanha gr

.
tehi

avasara suni siva dhanu bhag, yau bhgukula kamala patag.1.

dekhi mahpa sakala sakucne, bja jhapaa janu lav lukne.
gauri sarra bhuti bhala bhrj, bhla bisla tripua birj.2.
ssa ja sasibadanu suhv, risabasa kachuka aruna hoi v.
bhku kuila nayana risa rte, sahajahu citavata manahu riste.3.
babha kadha ura bhu bisl, cru janeu mla mgachl.
kai munibasana tuna dui b

dhe , dhanu sara kara kuhru kala k

dhe .4.
Seeing the uproar the women of the city were all distressed and joined in cursing the
princes. The very moment arrived the sage Paraurma, a very sun to the lotus-like race
of Bhgu, led by the news of the breaking of the bow. At his very sight the kings all cowered
down even as a quail would shrink beneath the swoop of a hawk. A coat of ashes looked
most charming on his fair body; his broad forehead was adorned with a Tripura (as
peculiar mark consisting of three horizontal lines, sacred to iva). Having matted locks on
the head, his handsome moonlike face was a bit reddened with anger; with knitted brows
and eyes inflamed with passion, his natural look gave one the impression that he was
enraged. He had well-built shoulders like those of a bull and a broad chest and long arms;
he was adorned with a beautiful sacred thread, rosary and deerskin. With an anchorites
covering about his loins and a pair of quivers fastened by his side, he held a bow and
arrows in his hands and an axe upon his fair shoulder. (14)
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*
BLA-K NA
*
259
0ra t f f r; =
f fa t rs + c+
Do.: sta beu karan kahina barani na ji sarupa,
dhari munitanu janu bra rasu yau jaha saba bhupa.268.
Though saintly in attire, he had a cruel record of deeds; his character, therefore,
defied description. It looked as if the heroic sentiment had taken the form of a hermit and
arrived where the kings had assembled. (268)
0a nfa rr s f rr+
fa a f f f rr n z rr+ {+
f r faf fa rt r r; r; rt+
rf r; f= rr t rr; r rr+ +
rf tf- t rt f r n; rt+
ftrfr f f r; r rs r;+ -+
r rr tf- t f rr+
rf fa; f r = r r r+ +
Cau.: dekhata bhgupati beu karl, uhe sakala bhaya bikala bhul.
pitu sameta kahi kahi nija nm, lage karana saba daa pranm.1.
jehi subhya citavahi

hitu jn, so jnai janu i khun.

janaka bahori i siru nv, sya boli pranmu karv.2.
sia dnhi sakh

haran

, nija samja lai ga

sayn

.
bisvmitru mile puni , pada saroja mele dou bh.3.
rmu lakhanu dasaratha ke ho, dnhi assa dekhi bhala jo.
rmahi citai rahe thaki locana, r upa apra mra mada mocana.4.
Beholding the frightful figure of Paraurma the kings all rose in consternation; and
mentioning his own as well as his fathers name, each fell prostrate on the ground before
him. Even he on whom Paraurma cast a friendly look in a natural way thought the
sands of his life had run out. Then came Janaka and bowed his head; and sending for
St he made Her pay homage to the sage. Her companions rejoiced when he bestowed
his blessing on Her, and cleverly took Her where the other ladies were. Next came
Vivmitra, who met him and placed the two brothers at his lotus feet, saying that they
were King Daarathas sons, Rma and Lakmaa by name; seeing the well-matched
pair, he blessed them. His eyes were rivetted on r Rmas incomparable beauty, which
would humble the pride of Cupid himself. (14)
0f frf f r fa t
a rf r ff rs r t+ +
Do.: bahuri biloki bideha sana kahahu kha ati bhra,
puchata jni ajna jimi bypeu kopu sarra.269.
Then he looked round, and though knowing everything, he asked Videha, like one
ignorant, Tell me, what has attracted all this crowd here? And as he spoke thus wrath
took possession of his whole being. (269)
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
260
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
0rr f r f r t r+
a ff a fr rz f zr+ {+
fa f r rr z arr+
fn rs a r ss f f a r+ +
fa z= sa= a rt f rt+
f rn n rt rf rr s rt+ -+
farfa t art ff t ra fnrt+
nfa rs f tar f tar+ +
Cau.: samcra kahi janaka sune, jehi krana mahpa saba e.
sunata bacana phiri anata nihre, dekhe cpakhaa mahi re.1.
ati risa bole bacana kahor, kahu jaRa janaka dhanua kai tor.
begi dekhu muRha na ta ju, ulaau mahi jaha lahi tava rj u.2.
ati aru utaru deta npu nh

, kuila bh upa harae mana mh

.
sura muni nga nagara nara nr, socahi

sakala trsa ura bhr.3.

mana pachitti sya mahatr, bidhi aba sa var bta bigr.
bhgupati kara subhu suni st, aradha nimea kalapa sama bt.4.
Janaka narrated to him the whole history, mentioning what had brought all the
kings there, on hearing this reply Paraurma turned round, and looking in the other
direction he espied the fragments of the bow lying on the ground. Flying into a rage he
spoke in harsh tones,Tell me, O stupid Janaka, who has broken the bow ? Show him
at once, or this very day I will overthrow the whole tract of land over which your
dominion extends. In his excess of fear, the king would make no answer; and the
wicked kings were glad of heart. Gods, sages, Ngas and the people of the city were
all filled with anxiety; their hearts were much agitated. Sts mother lamented within
herself, saying, Alas ! God has undone an accomplished fact. When St heard of
Paraurmas temperament, even half a moment passed to Her like a whole life-time
of the universe. (14)
0 fr rn rf rt t=
z fr r >rtrrt=+ +
Do.: sabhaya biloke loga saba jni jnak bhru,
hdaya na harau bidu kachu bole rraghubru.270.
When the Hero of Raghus race saw everyone seized with panic and perceived
Jnaks anxiety, He interposed; there was neither joy nor sorrow in His heart. (270)
[PAUSE 9 FOR A THIRTY-DAY RECITATION]
0r frr r;f s r arrr+
r r f f rt f fr; r f rt+ {+
r r r; f t f f r;+
r f f arr r r f rr+ +
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
BLA-K NA
*
261
r fnrs fr; rr a r f rr+
f f r r f r+ -+
t art fr; f f tf- nrr;+
f ar f a f fr; na+ +
Cau.: ntha sabhudhanu bhajanihr, hoihi keu eka dsa tumhr.
yasu kha kahia kina moh, suni risi bole muni koh.1.
sevaku so jo karai sevak, ari karan kari karia lar.
sunahu rma jehi

sivadhanu tor, sahasabhu sama so ripu mor.2.

so bilagu bihi samj, na ta mre jaihahi

saba rj.
suni muni bacana lakhana musukne, bole parasudharahi apamne.3.
bahu dhanuh

tor

larik

, kabahu na asi risa knhi gos

.
ehi dhanu para mamat kehi het u, suni risi kaha bhgukulaket u.4.
My lord, it must be some one of your servants who has broken the bow of iva.
What is your command? Why not tell me? At this the furious sage was all the more
incensed, and said, A servant is he who does service; having played the role of an
enemy, one should give battle, Listen. O Rma; whoever has broken ivas bow is my
enemy no less than the thousand-armed Krtavrya. Let him stand apart, leaving this
assembly; or else everyone of these kings shall be slain. Hearing the sages words
Lakmaa smiled and said insulting Paraurma (the wielder of an axe), I have broken
many a small bow in my childhood; but you never grew so angry, my lord. Why should
you be so fond of this particular bow? At this the Chief of Bhgus race burst out in
a fury: (14)
0 r r ra arf r
t farf ffa r+ {+
Do.: re npa blaka kla basa bolata tohi na sa bhra,
dhanuh sama tipurri dhanu bidita sakala sasra.271.
O young prince, being in the grip of death you have no control over your
speech. Would you compare to a small bow the mighty bow of iva, that is known
throughout the world? (271)
0 r f rr rr+
r fa r ar r r r+ {+
a rrfa r f f r f a r+
r fa; t rr f rs rr+ +
r rf s f art f z rf rt+
r zrrt fa rt ft ffa fr rt+ -+
f f t-t f r f- t-t+
r frr fr trr+ +
Cau.: lakhana kah ha si hamare jn, sunahu deva saba dhanua samn.
k chati lbhu juna dhanu tore , dekh rma nayana ke bhore .1.
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262
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R RMACARITAMNASA
*
chuata ua raghupatihu na dosu, muni binu kja karia kata ros u.
bole citai parasu k or, re saha sunehi subhu na mor.2.
blaku boli badhau nahi

toh, kevala muni jaRa jnahi moh.

bla brahmacr ati koh, bisva bidita chatriyakula droh.3.
bhujabala bhumi bhupa binu knh, bipula bra mahidevanha dnh.
sahasabhu bhuja chedanihr, parasu biloku mahipakumr.4.
Said Lakmaa with a smile, Listen, holy Sir: to my mind all bows are alike. What
gain or loss can there be in the breaking of a worn-out bow ? r Rma mistook it for
a new one, and at His very touch it broke in two; the Lord of Raghus, therefore, was not
to blame for it either. Why, then, be angry, reverend sir, for no cause? Casting a glance
at his axe, Paraurma replied, O foolish child, have you never heard of my temper ?
I slay you not because, as I say, you are a child yet; do you take me for a mere
anchorite, O dullard? I have been a celibate from my very boyhood, but also an irascible
one; and I am known throughout the world as a sworn enemy of the Katriya race. By
the might of my arm I made the earth kingless and bestowed it time after time upon the
Brhmaas. Look at this axe, which lopped off the arms of Sahasrabhu (the thousand-
armed Krtavrya), O youthful prince. (14)
0ra faf f r f tfr
n- r fa rrr+ +
Do.: mtu pitahi jani socabasa karasi mahsakisora,
garbhanha ke arbhaka dalana parasu mora ati ghora.272.
Do not bring woe to your parents, O princely lad, My most cruel axe has
exterminated even unborn offspring in the womb. (272)
0ff r rt r t r rt+
f f rf r r= a szr f r=+ {+
;r rzfar rs rt at f f rt+
f r= r rr r fa frr+ +
na fr s frt r s f rt+
f f = nr; ;- r;+ -+
r tfa r ra r f arr+
rf f arrr r rr+ +
Cau.: bihasi lakhanu bole mdu bn, aho munsu mah bhaamn.
puni puni mohi dekhva kuhr u, cahata uRvana ph u

ki pahr u.1.
ih

kumhaRabatiy kou nh

, je tarajan dekhi mari jh

.
dekhi kuhru sarsana bn, mai

kachu kah sahita abhimn.2.

bhgusuta samujhi janeu bilok, jo kachu kahahu sahau risa rok.
sura mahisura harijana aru g, hamare kula inha para na sur.3.
badhe ppu apakrati hre , mratah u

p paria tumhre .
koi kulisa sama bacanu tumhr, byartha dharahu dhanu bna kuhr.4.
Lakmaa smilingly retorted in a mild tone, Ah, the great sage considers himself
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263
an extraordinary warrior! He flaunts his axe before me again and again, as if he would
blow away a mountain with a mere puff of breath. Here there is no pumpkin in the bud
that would wither away as soon as an index finger is raised against it. It was only when
I saw you armed with an axe and a bow and arrows that I spoke with some pride. Now
that I understand you are a descendant of Bhgu and perceive a sacred thread on your
person, I suppress my anger and put up with whatever you say. In our family valour is
never shown against gods, the Brhmaas, devotees of r Hari and the cow; for by
killing any of these we incur sin while a defeat at their hands will bring disrepute on us.
We should throw ourselves at your feet even if you strike us. Every word of yours is as
incisive as millions of thunderbolts; the bow and arrows and the axe are, therefore, an
unnecessary burden to you. (14)
0r frf fa s rf t
f r nf r fnr nt+ -+
Do.: jo biloki anucita kaheu chamahu mahmuni dhra,
suni saroa bhgubasamani bole gir gabhra.273.
Pardon me, O great and illumined hermit, if I have said anything unseemly at the
sight of your weapons. Hearing this, the jewel of Bhgus race furiously rejoined in a
deep voice: (273)
0f r f r f rrr+
r r f f + {+
r r;f rt s rf rf rf rt +
ar srr f ar r rr+ +
s f arrr arf a r rr+
ar rf t r rfa t+ -+
f ar a f f f rf +
tat ar t rr nrt a r rr+ +
Cau.: kausika sunahu mada yahu blaku, kuila klabasa nija kula ghlaku.
bhnu basa rkesa kalak u, nipaa nirakusa abudha asak u.1.
kla kavalu hoihi chana mh

, kahau pukri khori mohi nh

.
tumha haakahu jau cahahu ubr, Kahi pratpu balu rou hamr.2.
lakhana kaheu muni sujasu tumhr, tumhahi achata ko baranai pr.
apane mu ha tumha pani karan, bra aneka bh

ti bahu baran.3.
nahi

satou ta puni kachu kahah u, jani risa roki dusaha dukha sahahu.
brabrat tumha dhra achobh, gr deta na pvahu sobh.4.
Listen, O Vivmitra: this boy is stupid and perverse. He is in the grip of death
himself and will bring destruction on his whole family. A dark spot on the moon-like solar
race, he is utterly unruly, senseless and reckless. The very next moment he shall find
himself in the jaws of death; I proclaim it at the top of my voice and none should blame
me for it. Forbid him if you would save him, telling him of my glory, might and fury. Said
Lakmaa, Holy sir, so long as you live who else can expatiate on your bright glory ?
With your own lips you have recounted your exploits in diverse ways more than once.
If you are not yet satisfied, tell us something more; do not undergo a severe trial by
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264
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R RMACARITAMNASA
*
putting any restraint upon your anger. You have assumed the role of a hero and are
resolute and imperturbable; it is unbecoming of you to pour abuses. (14)
0 t f f rf r
fur r; f r f ar+ +
Do.: sura samara karan karahi

kahi na janvahi

pu,
bidyamna rana pi ripu kyara kathahi

pratpu.274.
Heroes perform valiant deeds in fight, but never indulge in self-advertisement.
Finding before them a foe in battle, it is cowards who boast of their own glory. (274)
0ar a r r rr r r rf rfn rrr+
a rr rf s rrrr+ {+
f ; r rf rn rt r rn+
r frf a rr fr r rr+ +
f r f r r r n nf r+
r = rt rn rt n=rt+ -+
sa a rzs f r f t arr+
a f rf r r nf sf ras >r r+ +
Cau.: tumha tau klu h

ka janu lv, bra bra mohi lgi bolv.

sunata lakhana ke bacana kahor, parasu sudhri dhareu kara ghor.1.
aba jani dei dosu mohi logu, kaubd blaku badhajogu.
bla biloki bahuta mai

c, aba yahu maranihra bh s

c.2.
kausika kah chamia apardh u, bla doa guna ganahi

na sdhu.
khara kuhra mai

akaruna koh, ge apardh gurudroh.3.

utara deta choRau binu mre , kevala kausika sla tumhre .
na ta ehi ki kuhra kahore , gurahi urina hoteu rama thore .4.
You seem to have Death at your beck and call and summon him again and
again for my sake! Hearing Lakmaas harsh words Paraurma closed his hand
upon his terrible axe. After this let no one blame me; this sharp-tongued boy deserves
his death. I have spared him long on account of his being a child; he is now surely
going to die. Said Vivmitra, Pardon his offence; holy men take no notice of the
merits and demerits of a child. Sharp-edged is my axe, while I am pitiless and furious;
and here stands before me an offender and an enemy of my Guru. Even though he
gives a retort, I spare his life solely out of regard for you, O Vivmitra. Or else,
hacking him to pieces with this cruel axe, I would have easily repaid the debt I have
owed to my Guru. (14)
0nrf z f ff f; r
rz r r+ ~+
Do.: gdhisunu kaha hdaya ha si munihi hariarai sujha,
ayamaya kh

Ra na ukhamaya ajahu na bujha abujha.275.

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Said Gdhis son (Vivmitra) smiling within himself,Everything looks green to the
sage (Paraurma); it is, however, the steel sword that he is faced with and not with
sugar extracted from a sugar-cane (that one could easily gulp). It is a pity that he does
not understand and still persists in his ignorance.* (275)
0s f t arrr r f r ffa rr+
rar faf sf t n f r r z t+ {+
r f r rr f f n r z rr+
rf fr rt aa s t rt+ +
f r rr r r r rr+
n r rt f frf s rt+ -+
f nr f ar rrf r+
fa f rn r rrfa f r+ +
Cau.: kaheu lakhana muni slu tumhr, ko nahi

jna bidita sasr.

mt pitahi urina bhae nke , gura rinu rah socu baRa jke .1.
so janu hamarehi mthe kRh, dina cali gae byja baRa bRh.
aba nia byavahari bol, turata deu mai

thail khol.2.
suni kau bacana kuhra sudhr, hya hya saba sabh pukr.
bhgubara parasu dekhvahu moh, bipra bicri bacau npadroh.3.
mile na kabahu subhaa rana gRhe, dvija devat gharahi ke bRhe.
anucita kahi saba loga pukre, raghupati sayanahi

lakhanu nevre.4.
Said Lakmaa, Is there anyone, O good sage, who is not aware of your gentle
disposition, so well known throughout the world? You have fully paid the debt you owed
to your parents; the only debt which now remains to be paid by you is the one you owe
to your Guru, and that has been vexing your mind not a little. It looks as if you had
incurred the debt on our account; and since a considerable time has now elapsed a
heavy interest has accumulated thereon. Now you get the creditor here and I will at once
rapay him from my own purse. Hearing these sarcastic remarks Paraurma grasped
his axe and the whole assembly cried Alack ! Alack !! O chief of Bhgus, you are still
threatening me with your axe; but I am sparing you only because I hold you to be a
Brhmaa, O enemy of princes. You have never met champions staunch in fight; You
have grown important in your own little home, O holy Brhmaa. Everyone exclaimed, This
is wholly undesirable! The Lord of Raghus now becked Lakmaa to stop. (14)
* This has reference to a popular saying A man who loses his eyesight in the month of rvaa
(corresponding roughly to August), when the whole landscape is green, visualizes everything as green.
Vivmitra thereby suggests that Paraurma was blind so far as the greatness of r Rma is concerned and
imagined that the latter was as easy to handle as the other Katriyas whom he could easily vanquish in battle.
Again there is a pun on the word Kh

a in the original, which means both a sword and sugar.

There is a sarcastic allusion here to two notable incidents in Paraurmas life. We are told in the
Puras how Paraurma killed his own mother at the bidding of his father Jamadagni, who had got
incensed at her returning from a river rather late. Pleased with his obedience Jamadagni insisted on his
asking for a boon. At this Paraurma prayed for the restoration of his mothers life and his prayer was
immediately granted. His mother was brought to life again and did not even remember the cruel act of her
son. On another occasion, Paraurmas father Jamadagni was slain by the followers of king Sahasrabhu
in order to avenge themselves of their leaders death at Paraurmas hands and the latter retaliated by
extirpating not only the descendants of Sahasrrjuna but the whole Katriya race gradually.
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266
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
0 sa rfa f n r r
a f r rrr+ +
Do.: lakhana utara huti sarisa bhgubara kopu ksnu,
baRhata dekhi jala sama bacana bole raghukulabhnu.276.
Perceiving the flames of Paraurmas passion grow with the pouring of oblation
in the form of Lakmaas rejoinder, the Sun of Raghus race spoke words like
water. (276)
0r r r f r+
rs rr a f rf a rr+ {+
fr nf t n fa ra r t+
f r f rt ar t t f rt+ +
r f zr f f r+
a f f f rt r ar rar z rt+ -+
n t tr rt r rt+
; art t t rt+ +
Cau.: ntha karahu blaka para chohu, sudha dudhamukha karia na kohu.
jau pai prabhu prabhu kachu jn, tau ki barbari karata ayn.1.
jau larik kachu acagari karah

, gura pitu mtu moda mana bharah

.
karia kp sisu sevaka jn, tumha sama sla dhra muni gyn.2.
rma bacana suni kachuka juRne, kahi kachu lakhanu bahuri musukne.
ha sata dekhi nakha sikha risa byp, rma tora bhrt baRa pp.3.
gaura sarra syma mana mh

, klakuamukha payamukha nah

.
sahaja eRha anuharai na toh, ncu mcu sama dekha na moh.4.
My Lord, have compassion on a child; and wreak not your wrath on this guileless
youngster (lit., who has the mothers milk still on its lips). If he had any idea of your might,
how could he be so foolish as to affront you? If children play some pranks, their teacher
and parents are in raptures at it; therefore, take pity on him, knowing him to be a child and
your servant. For you are an even-minded, good-tempered, forbearing and illumined anchorite.
On hearing r Rmas words Paraurma cooled down a little; but uttering something
Lakmaa smiled again. Seeing him smile, Paraurma flushed all over with sage and
said, Rma, your brother is too wicked. Though fair of hue, he is black at heart; he has
deadly poison, and not the mothers milk on his lips. Perverse by nature, he does not take
after you, nor does this vile imp regard me as the very image of Death. (14)
0 s f f r r
f fa f f ft fa + +
Do.: lakhana kaheu ha si sunahu muni krodhu ppa kara mula,
jehi basa jana anucita karahi

carahi

bisva pratikula.277.
Lakmaa smilingly said, Listen, holy sir: passion is the root of sin. Swayed by
it men perpetrate unseemly acts and indulge in misanthropic activities. (277)
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267
0 arr frr ff r f rr+
r f ff fr f r;f r fr+ {+
fa f a f sr; rf rs z nt rr;+
ra f zrt y fa rt+ +
rf rt r r r z rt+
nfa f f f rt f a ; r; rt+ -+
r rf ; frr s frf rr arr+
t a f r rr + +
Cau.: mai

tumhra anucara muniry, parihari kopu karia aba dy.

ua cpa nahi

jurihi risne, baihia hoihi

pya pirne.1.
jau ati priya tau karia up, joria kou baRa gun bol.
bolata lakhanahi

janaku erh

, maa karahu anucita bhala nh

.2.
thara thara k

pahi

pura nara nr, choa kumra khoa baRa bhr.

bhgupati suni suni nirabhaya bn, risa tana jarai hoi bala hn.3.
bole rmahi dei nihor, bacau bicri badhu laghu tor.
manu malna tanu sudara kaise , bia rasa bhar kanaka ghau jaise .4.
I am your servant, O Chief of sages; put away your wrath and show mercy upon me.
Anger will not mend the broken bow. Pray sit down; your legs must be aching. If you are very
fond of it, let us devise some means to mend it by calling in some expert. Janaka was
frightened at Lakmaas words and said, Pray be quiet; it is not good to transgress the limits
of propriety. The people of the city trembled like aspen leaves; they said to themselves. The
younger prince is really very naughty. As the chief of Bhgus heard the fearless words of
Lakmaa, his whole body burnt with rage and his strength diminished. In a condescending
manner he said to Rma,I am sparing the boy because I know he is your younger brother.
So fair without and foul within, he resembles a jar of gold full of poison. (14)
0f f f f a r
n t n f ff rt r+ c+
Do.: suni lachimana bihase bahuri nayana tarere rma,
gura sampa gavane sakuci parihari bn bma.278.
At this Lakmaa laughed again, but r Rma cast an angry look on him. Therefore,
putting away all petulance of speech he submissively went up to his Guru. (278)
fa fta ta rt r r rf n rt+
r ar rr r f f rr+ {+
r r ;-f a ff r+
af rt r fnrr rt r arrr+ +
r r nrr; r f r t r; +
f fn f ff f r; fr r; sr;+ -+
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268
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R RMACARITAMNASA
*
f r r; f a fa +
f r= t-r a r r f t-r+ +
Cau.: ati binta mdu stala bn, bole rmu jori juga pn.
sunahu ntha tumha sahaja sujn, blaka bacanu karia nahi

kn.1.
bararai blaku eku subh u, inhahi na sata bid uahi

k u.
tehi

nh

kachu kja bigr, apardh mai

ntha tumhr.2.
kp kopu badhu ba dhaba gos

, mo para karia dsa k n

.
kahia begi jehi bidhi risa j, muninyaka soi karau up.3.
kaha muni rma ji risa kaise , ajahu anuja tava citava anaise .
ehi ke kaha kuhru na dnh, tau mai

kha kopu kari knh.4.

Joining both His palms together and speaking in most humble, gentle and placid
tones r Rma said, I pray you, my lord: wise as you are by nature, pay no heed to
the words of a child. A wasp and a child have alike disposition; saints never find fault
with them. Besides, the boy has done you no harm; it is I, my lord, who have offended
you. Therefore, your reverence, deal to me as your servant whatever you please,
whether it be a favour or frown, death or captivity. Tell me quickly the means, O chief
of sages, by which your anger may be appeased; I shall do accordingly. Said the sage,
How can my passion be pacified, O Rma, when your younger brother is still looking
mischievously at me. So long as I do not cut his throat with my axe, my wrath is
ineffectual. (14)
0n nf f f f r nfa rrr
a s fa t fr+ +
Do.: garbha sravahi

avanipa ravani suni kuhra gati ghora,

parasu achata dekhau jiata bair bhupakisora.279.
At the very news of the cruel doings of my axe the consorts of kings miscarry.
To think that having the same axe still at my service I should see this princeling, my
enemy, alive ! (279)
0; r ; f rat r r= fa rrrat+
s r ff fs r r z r f r+ {+
r r rr f ffr ff f= rr+
rs r fa r ra ra r+ +
r ff f nrar r a r frar+
f r t- a z n+ -+
fn f rf- rr a r r rr+
f r rt r f a rs rt + +
Cau.: bahai na hthu dahai risa cht, bh kuhru kuhita npaght.
bhayau bma bidhi phireu subh u, more hdaya kp kasi k u.1.
ju day dukhu dusaha sahv, suni saumitri bihasi siru nv.
bu kp murati anuk ul, bolata bacana jharata janu phul.2.
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269
jau pai kp

jarihi

muni gt, krodha bhae tanu rkha bidht.

dekhu janaka hahi blaku ehu, knha cahata jaRa jamapura gehu.3.
begi karahu kina

khinha o, dekhata choa khoa npa ho.

bihase lakhanu kah mana mh

, mude

khi katahu kou nh

.4.
My hand moves not, though passion consumes my breast; while this axe, which
has slain kings without number, has gone blunt. Fate has turned against me; that is why
I find my nature changed. Otherwise compassion at any time is unknown to my heart.
My tenderness of feeling has imposed on me a severe strain today. On hearing this the
son of Sumitr bowed his head with a smile. The breeze of your benevolence is so
befitting your frame; the words you speak appear as though blossoms drop from a tree.
O reverend sir, when compassion sets your whole frame on fire, God help you when you
are angry. Look here, Janaka, this stupid boy in his perversity intends to migrate to the
region of Death. Why not put him out of my sight ? Though small to look at, the princeling
is yet so wicked ! Lakmaa smilingly said to himself, Shut your eyes and the whole
world will vanish out of your sight. (14)
0r a r fa r s fa r
r arf f r r+ c+
Do.: parasurmu taba rma prati bole ura ati krodhu,
sabhu sarsanu tori saha karasi hamra prabodhu.280.
Then Paraurma spoke to Rma, his heart boiling with rage, Having broken
ambhus bow, O wretch, do you now teach me? (280)
0 ; a ar a f f r+
= far r nrr rf a rz rs rr+ {+
af f = frt fa a rs art+
nfa f r sr rf r f r + +
n r a r; a z r+
rf ; r f n; r+ -+
r s f af tr r= rn tr+
f f r; f r; trt rf rf r nrt+ +
Cau.: badhu kahai kau samata tore , t u chala binaya karasi kara jore .
karu paritou mora sagrm, nhi

ta chRa kahuba rm.1.

chalu taji karahi samaru sivadroh, badhu sahita na ta mrau toh.
bhgupati bakahi

kuhra uhe , mana musukhi

rmu sira ne .2.

gunaha lakhana kara hama para ro u, katahu sudhihu te baRa do u.
eRha jni saba badai kh u, bakra cadramahi grasai na rh u.3.
rma kaheu risa tajia muns, kara kuhru ge yaha ss.
jehi

risa ji karia soi svm, mohi jnia pana anugm.4.

It is with your connivance that your brother addresses such pungent words to me;
while you make false entreaties with joined palms. Either give me satisfaction in combat,
or forswear your name of Rma. Give battle to me. O enemy of iva, without taking
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
270
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
recourse to any wily trick; or else I will despatch you and your brother both. While the
chief of Bhgus thus raved with his axe raised on high, r Rma smiled within Himself,
bowing His head to the sage, While the fault is Lakmaas, the sages wrath is against
me. Sometimes meekness too begets much evil. A crooked man is reverenced by all;
the crescent moon is not devoured by the demon Rhu. Said Rma, Cease from wrath,
O lord of sages; the axe is in your hand, while my head is before you. Do that, my lord,
which may pacify your anger; know me to be your servant. (14)
0f f = a f r
fr f r f r+ c{+
Do.: prabhuhi sevakahi samaru kasa tajahu biprabara rosu,
beu biloke kahesi kachu blakahu nahi

dosu.281.
How can there be any duel between a master and his servant? Give up your
anger, O great Brhmaa; it is only because he saw you in the garb of a warrior that the
boy said something to you and he cannot be blamed for it. (281)
0f r r rt ff f t= frt+
r r arf t-r r sa= af t-r+ {+
ar a f t r; f f a nrr;+
ra t f f s r rrt+ +
f arf ff f rr r rr+
r rr rr r rr fa z r arrr+ -+
n r n ta arr+
r ar r f r r+ +
Cau.: dekhi kuhra bna dhanu dhr, bhai larikahi risa bru bicr.
nmu jna pai tumhahi na cnh, basa subhya utaru tehi

dnh.1.
jau tumha autehu muni k n

, pada raja sira sisu dharata gos

.
chamahu cuka anajnata ker, cahia bipra ura kp ghaner.2.
hamahi tumhahi saribari kasi nth, kahahu na kah

carana kaha mth.

rma mtra laghu nma hamr, parasu sahita baRa nma tohr.3.
deva eku gunu dhanua hamre , nava guna parama punta tumhre .
saba prakra hama tumha sana hre, chamahu bipra apardha hamre.4.
Seeing you equipped with an axe, arrows and bow, the boy took you for a champion
and got excited. Although he knew you by name, he did not recognize you in person and
answered you according to his lineage. If you had come as a sage, the child, O holy sir,
would have placed the dust of your feet on his head. Forgive the error of one who did not
know you; a Brhmaa should have plenty of mercy in his heart. What comparison, my
lord, can there be between you and me? Tell me if there is any affinity between the head
and feet. Mine is a small name consisting of the single word Rma; where as yours is a
long one, having the word Parau prefined to Rma. O lord, whereas there is only one
merit in me and that is my bow while you have got nine most auspicious characteristics
such as; tranquillity, restraint, penance, purity, forbearance, straight forwardness, knowledge,
supreme knowledge and faith in God. I am thus inferior to you in everyway; therefore, O
holy sir, forgive my faults. (14)
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271
0r r f f r r r
r nfa = f a r+ c+
Do.: bra bra muni biprabara kah rma sana rma,
bole bhgupati sarua hasi tahu

badhu sama bma.282.

Again and again did Rma address His namesake as a sage and as a great
Brhmaa, till the chief of Bhgus exclaimed in his fury, You are as perverse as your
younger brother! (282)
0ff f f rf rt f rs art+
r nr rfa r r r fa rrr r+ {+
ff an r; r t r;+
f rf f t- rf- t-+ +
r rs ffa f ar rf ff f r+
s r r z rr ffa tfa n rr+ -+
r r f frt f fa fz rr rt+
af fr rr f a frr+ +
Cau.: nipaahi

dvija kari jnahi moh, mai

jasa bipra sunvau toh.

cpa sruv sara huti jnu, kopu mora ati ghora ksnu.1.
samidhi sena caturaga suh, mah mahpa bhae pasu .
mai

ehi

parasu ki bali dnhe, samara jagya japa koinha knhe.2.

mora prabhu bidita nahi

tore , bolasi nidari bipra ke bhore .

bhajeu cpu dpu baRa bRh, ahamiti manahu jti jagu hRh.3.
rma kah muni kahahu bicr, risa ati baRi laghu cuka hamr.
chuatahi

ua pinka purn, mai

kehi hetu karau abhimn.4.

You know me to be a mere Brhmaa; I tell you what kind of a Brhmaa I am.
Know that the bow is my sacrificial ladle, the arrows my oblation and my wrath, the blazing
fire; the brilliant fourfold forces (consisting of the horse, the elephant, the chariots and foot-
soldiers) are the fuel; and mighty princes have served as victims, whom I have cut to
pieces with this very axe and offered as sacrifice. In this way I have performed millions of
sacrifices in the shape of armed conflicts, accompanied by the muttering of sacred formulas
in the shape of war-cries. My glory is not known to you; that is why you address me in
contemptuous terms mistaking me for a mere Brhmaa. Since you have broken the bow,
your arrogance has transgressed all limits; in your self-esteem you stand as if you have
conquered the whole world. Said Rma, O sage, think before you speak; your anger is
out of all proportions with my error, which is a trifling one. Worn out as it was, the bow broke
at my mere touch. What reason have I to be proud? (14)
0 ff f f - nr
a r n f rf r+ c-+
Do.: jau hama nidarahi

bipra badi satya sunahu bhguntha,

tau asa ko jaga subhau jehi bhaya basa nvahi

mtha.283.
Hear the truth, O lord of the Bhgus; if, as you say, I treat you with disrespect
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
272
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
because you are a Brhmaa, who is that gallant warrior in this world to whom I would
bow my head out of fear? (283)
0 fa rr f rs rr+
f r r f r f r+ {+
fr a f rr af r rr+
s rs f t r zf rrt+ +
f f ar; r; r arf zr;+
f n rrfa srr fa + -+
r rfa f r +
a r rf f n r f + +
Cau.: deva danuja bhupati bhaa nn, samabala adhika hou balavn.
jau rana hamahi pacrai kou, larahi

sukhena klu kina ho u.1.
chatriya tanu dhari samara sakn, kula kalaku tehi pva ra n.
kahau subhu na kulahi prasas, klahu arahi

na rana raghubas.2.
biprabasa kai asi prabhut, abhaya hoi jo tumhahi er.
suni mdu guRha bacana raghupati ke, ughare paala parasudhara mati ke.3.
rma rampati kara dhanu lehu, khai

cahu miai mora sadeh u.

deta cpu puhi

cali gaya u, parasurma mana bisamaya bhayau.4.
A god, a demon, a king or a body of warriors, whether My equal in strength or
more powerful than myselfshould any of these challenge me to combat, I would
gladly fight with him, no matter if it is Death himself. For he who is born as a Katriya,
and is yet afraid of fighting, is a veritable wretch and has brought a slur on his lineage.
I tell you in my natural way and not by way of a tribute to my race: Raghus
descendants do not tremble to meet in fight even Death. Such is the glory of the
Brhmaa race that he who is afraid of you (Brhmaas) is rid of all fear. When he
heard these soft yet profound words of r Rma, Paraurmas mind was disillusioned.
O Rma, take this bow of Rams lord and draw it, so that my doubts may be cleared.*
As Paraurma offered his bow it passed into Rmas hands of its own accord, and
Paraurma felt amazed at this. (14)
0rr r rs a fa nra
rf rf r z ra+ c+
Do.: jn rma prabhu taba pulaka praphullita gta,
jori pni bole bacana hdaya na premu amta.284.
He then recognized r Rmas might and his whole frame was thrilled with joy and
his hair stood on end. Joining his palms together he addressed the following words to
r Rma, his heart bursting with emotion: (284)
0 rr r n r+
f fart r r rt+ {+
* Paraurma had got this bow from God Viu Himself, who had told that when the Lord descended
on the earth in the form of r Rma, his own lifes work would have ended and the bow would pass into the
hands of r Rma.
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273
f t =r n rn fa r fa rn+
n nr t f rf nr+ +
r r r r+
fa a s rar r f rs rar+ -+
f rra nfa n f a a+
f t zr a r nf r+ +
Cau.: jaya raghubasa banaja bana bhnu, gahana danuja kula dahana ksnu.
jaya sura bipra dhenu hitakr, jaya mada moha koha bhrama hr.1.
binaya sla karun guna sgara, jayati bacana racan ati ngara.
sevaka sukhada subhaga saba ag, jaya sarra chabi koi anag.2.
karau kha mukha eka prasas, jaya mahesa mana mnasa has.
anucita bahuta kaheu agyt, chamahu chammadira dou bhrt.3.
kahi jaya jaya jaya raghukulaket u, bhgupati gae banahi tapa het u.
apabhaya kuila mahpa erne, jaha taha kyara gava hi

parne.4.
Glory to r Rma, who delights Raghus line even as the sun delights a cluster
of lotuses ! Glory to the Fire that consumes the forest of the demon race ! Glory to the
Benefactor of gods, Brhmaas and cows ! Glory to Him who takes away pride,
ignorance, passion and delusion ! Glory to Him who is an ocean of humility, amiability,
compassion and goodness and a pastmaster in the art of speech. Glory to the
Delighter of His servants and to Him who is graceful of every limb and whose form
possesses the beauty of millions of Cupids ! How can I with one tongue utter Your
praises? Glory to Him who sports in the mind of the great Lord iva as a swan in the
Mnasarovara lake ! In my ignorance I have said much that was unseemly; therefore
pardon me, both brothers, abodes of forgiveness that You are. Glory, glory, all glory
to the Chief of Raghus race ! So saying, the lord of Bhgus withdrew to the forest to
practise penance. The wicked kings were all seized with imaginary fears and the
cowards quietly fled in all directions. (14)
0- t-t t f
rf ft r + c~+
Do.: devanha dnh

dudubh

prabhu para baraahi

phula,
harae pura nara nri saba mi mohamaya sula.285.
The gods sounded their kettledrums and rained down flowers on the Lord. All the
people of the city rejoiced and their hearts agony, born of ignorance, disappeared. (285)
0fa nn r r f r n r+
ff f t f nr rft+ {+
f f r; -f ff r;+
fna rr ; t rt f s rrt+ +
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274
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
t- ff rr r s rr+
rf a- t- r; r sfa r f nrr;+ -+
f r tr r fr r rtr+
at s fr rn ffa r+ +
Cau.: ati gahagahe bjane bje, sabahi

manohara magala sje.

jutha jutha mili sumukhi sunayan

, karahi

gna kala kokilabayan

.1.
sukhu bideha kara barani na j, janmadaridra manahu nidhi p.
bigata trsa bhai sya sukhr, janu bidhu udaya cakorakumr.2.
janaka knha kausikahi pranm, prabhu prasda dhanu bhajeu rm.
mohi ktaktya knha duhu bh

, aba jo ucita so kahia gos

.3.
kaha muni sunu narantha prabn, rah bibhu cpa dhn.
uatah

dhanu bhayau bibhu, sura nara nga bidita saba khu.4.

There was a tumultuous clash of musical instruments and everyone displayed
charming and auspicious objects. Troops of fair-faced, bright-eyed damsels sang
melodious songs in chorus, their voice resembling the notes of the cuckoo. Janakas joy
was beyond description, as that of a born beggar who has found a treasure. St was
rid of Her fears and was as glad as a young of a Cakora bird at the rising of the moon.
Janaka made obeisance before Kauika and said, It is due to your grace, my lord, that
r Rma has been able to break the bow. The two brothers have gained me my
purpose; pray tell me now, reverend sir, what it behoves me to do. Said the sage,
Listen, wise king: the marriage depended on the bow, and took place directly the bow
broke, as is well-known to all, including gods, human beings and Ngas. (14)
0af r; ar r r=
fr f q n ffa rr=+ c+
Do.: tadapi ji tumha karahu aba jath basa byavahru,
bujhi bipra kulabddha gura beda bidita cru.286.
Nevertheless you now go and perform according to the family usage whatever
practices are prescribed in the Veda, after consulting the Brhmaas, the elders of your
family, and your own preceptor (atnanda). (286)
0a r; rf f rr;+
fa rs f f rr a rf af rr+ {+
f r rr r; f- r f r+
r r f rr n= r rf rr+ +
f f f n r f fr rf r+
ffr far r; f f r;+ -+
rf nt fa- rr far ff rr+
fff f fa- t- r f f r+ +
Cau.: duta avadhapura pahavahu j, nahi

npa dasarathahi bol.
mudita ru kahi bhalehi

kpl, pahae d uta boli tehi kl.1.

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275
bahuri mahjana sakala bole, i sabanhi sdara sira ne.
ha ba madira surabs, nagaru sa vrahu crihu ps.2.
harai cale nija nija gha e, puni paricraka boli pahe.
racahu bicitra bitna ban, sira dhari bacana cale sacu p.3.
pahae boli gun tinha nn, je bitna bidhi kusala sujn.
bidhihi badi tinha knha arabh, birace kanaka kadali ke khabh.4.
Go and despatch to the city of Ayodhy messengers who may invite King
Daaratha and bring him here. Janaka gladly responded, Very well, gracious sir, and
summoning the messengers despatched them that very moment. He then summoned the
leading citizens, and they all came and respectfully bowed their head.Decorate the
bazars, streets, houses, temples and the whole city on all its four sides, was the royal
command. They returned in joy, each to his own house. The king then sent for his own
servants and instructed them: Erect pavilions of all kinds with due care. Bowing to the
kings orders they returned glad of heart, and sent for a number of clever artisans skilled
in erecting pavilions. Invoking Brahm they set to work and made pillars of gold in the
shape of plantain trees (14)
0fa f- r rn
r f ffr fa ff + c+
Do.: harita maninha ke patra phala padumarga ke phula,
racan dekhi bicitra ati manu biraci kara bhula.287.
With leaves and fruits of emeralds and blossoms of rubies; seeing this most
marvellous specimen of art the Creator himself was lost in bewilderment. (287)
0 fa f t- f f t-+
fa ff r; f f ; r;+ {+
af f f r f f ar r r+
rf a f frr tf rf f rr+ +
f n n fnr nf f nr+
far nf rt n f rt+ -+
rfa r; f f r;+ +
Cau.: benu harita manimaya saba knhe, sarala saparaba parahi

nahi

cnhe.
kanaka kalita ahibeli ban, lakhi nahi

parai saparana suh.1.

tehi ke raci paci badha bane, bica bica mukut dma suhe.
mnika marakata kulisa piroj, cri kori paci race saroj.2.
kie bhga bahuraga bihag, gujahi

k ujahi

pavana prasag.
sura pratim khabhana gaRhi kRh

, magala drabya lie saba hRh

.3.
cauke bh

ti aneka pur

, sidhura manimaya sahaja suh

.4.
The bamboo sticks were made of emeralds; they were so straight and knotted
that they could not be distinguished from real ones. Creepers known by the name
of Piper-betle (the leaves of which are chewed in India with areca-nut parings) were
artistically fashioned in gold and looked so charming with their leaves that they could
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276
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
not be marked as artificial. These creepers were intertwined into so many cords
(for holding the bamboos together) with beautiful strings of pearls inserted here
and there. After much cutting, carving and inlaying they made lotuses of rubies,
emeralds, diamonds and turquoises. They also fashioned bees and birds of varied
plumage, which buzzed and whistled in the restling breeze. On the pillars they
sculptured images of gods, all standing with articles of good omen in their hands.
Squares were drawn on the floor in various naturally charming devices and filled
in with elephant pearls. (14)
0 n f f tf rf
a rrf a r zrf+ cc+
Do.: saurabha pallava subhaga suhi kie nlamani kori,
hema baura marakata ghavari lasata pamaya ori.288.
They made most lovely mango-leaves of graven sapphires with blossoms of gold
and bunches of emerald fruits glistening on silken cords. (288)
0 =f fr r r+
n r ar r+ {+
t r f rr r; f ffr farr+
f z ff t r f fa f t+ +
r = n rn r far fa r srn+
rr t n n fa f at+ -+
f afa af frt af rr nf rt+
r r t n rr r frf r rr+ +
Cau.: race rucira bara badanivre, manahu manobhava phada sa vre.
magala kalasa aneka bane, dhvaja patka paa camara suhe.1.
dpa manohara manimaya nn, ji na barani bicitra bitn.
jehi

maapa dulahini baideh, so baranai asi mati kabi keh.2.

dulahu rmu rupa guna sgara, so bitnu tihu loka ujgara.
janaka bhavana kai sobh jais, gha gha prati pura dekhia tais.3.
jehi

terahuti tehi samaya nihr, tehi laghu lagahi

bhuvana dasa cr.
jo sapad nca gha soh, so biloki suranyaka moh.4.
They further made charming and excellent festoons, which looked like so many
nooses prepared as it were by Cupid. They also put up many auspicious vases as well
as beautiful flags and banners, curtains and chowries. The marvellous pavilion with a
number of beautiful lamps consisting of brilliant gems was beyond description. What
poet has the wit wherewith to describe the pavilion which is going to shelter Videhas
Daughter as the bride? The canopy which is going to hold r Rma, the ocean of beauty
and perfection, as the bridegroom, must be the glory of all the three worlds. The
splendour that belonged to King Janakas palace was to be seen in every house of that
city; to him who beheld Tirahuta (Janakas capital) during that time all the fourteen
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BLA-K NA
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277
spheres* appeared of small account. The prosperity that reigned in the house of the
humblest citizen was enough to fascinate even the lord of celestials. (14)
0; n f f- f rf
af rr a f r + c+
Do.: basai nagara jehi

lacchi kari kapaa nri bara beu,
tehi pura kai sobh kahata sakucahi

srada seu.289.
The magnificence of the city wherein dwelt Goddess Lakm in the charming
disguise of a mortal woman made even rad (the goddess of eloquence) and (the
thousand-tongued) ea falter in describing it. (289)
0 a r r n frf r+
r fa- f r; f f rr;+ {+
f r fa- rat t-t fa t r sf t-t+
rf fr ra rat nra r; f rat+ +
r s tt f n a rt tt+
f f t frr rt t r ra f rt+ -+
a ar f r; r a fa fa r;+
a fa r; ara r a rat r;+ +
Cau.: pahu ce duta rma pura pvana, harae nagara biloki suhvana.
bhupa dvra tinha khabari jan, dasaratha npa suni lie bol.1.
kari pranmu tinha pt dnh, mudita mahpa pu uhi lnh.
bri bilocana b

cata pt, pulaka gta bhari cht.2.

rmu lakhanu ura kara bara ch, rahi gae kahata na kh mh.
puni dhari dhra patrik b

c, hara sabh bta suni s

c.3.
khelata rahe tah

sudhi p, e bharatu sahita hita bh.

puchata ati saneha sakuc, tta kah

te pt .4.
Janakas messengers arrived at r Rmas sacred birth-place and rejoiced to
behold the charming city. They sent in word at the entrance of the royal palace; hearing
of their arrival King Daaratha summoned them to his presence. With due reverence they
delivered the letter; and the king in his joy rose to receive it in person. As he read the
letter, tears rushed to his eyes; the hair on his body stood erect and his heart was full.
With Rma and Lakmaa in his heart and the valuable letter in his hand, he remained
mute and could not utter a word, either good or bad. Then recovering himself, he read
out the letter, and the court rejoiced to hear the authentic news. Obtaining the news at
the very spot where he had been playing about Bharata came with his playmates and
brother (atrughna), and with the utmost modesty and affection asked,Father,where has
the letter come from? (14)
* According to Hindu scriptures the universe is divided into fourteen spheres, seven higher and seven
lower. In their ascending order the seven higher spheres are named as Bhu, Bhuva, Sva, Maha, Jana,
Tapa and Satyam; while the lower seven are in their descending order named as Atala, Vitala, Sutala,
Taltala, Mahtala, Rastala and Ptla.
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278
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
0 rf rs f f
f r rt f + +
Do.: kusala prnapriya badhu dou ahahi

kahahu kehi

desa,
suni saneha sne bacana bc bahuri naresa.290.
Are my two beloved brothers doings well and in what land do they happen to be ?
On hearing these words steeped in love the king read the letter over again. (290)
0f rat rs rar f ra nrar+
tfa ta a t r s ft+ {+
a a f r r sr+
r rs r ar t f fr+ +
tr n rr fr f f rr+
fr ar r f f f r+ -+
r f a f n r; a a r rf f r;+
f ff r f f a r+ +
Cau.: suni pt pulake dou bhrt, adhika sanehu samta na gt.
prti punta bharata kai dekh, sakala sabh

sukhu laheu bise.1.

taba npa duta nikaa baihre, madhura manohara bacana ucre.
bhaiy kahahu kusala dou bre, tumha nke nija nayana nihre.2.
symala gaura dhare dhanu bhth, baya kisora kausika muni sth.
pahicnahu tumha kahahu subh u, prema bibasa puni puni kaha r u.3.
j dina te muni gae lav, taba te ju s

ci sudhi p.
kahahu bideha kavana bidhi jne, suni priya bacana d uta musukne.4.
On hearing the letter the two brothers experienced a thrill of joy; their whole frame
was bursting with an excess of emotion. The whole court was particularly delighted to see
Bharatas unalloyed love. The king then seated the messengers close by him and spoke
to them in sweet and winning tones: Tell me, friends, are the two boys well? Have you
seen them well with your own eyes? The one dark and the other fair of hue, they are
equipped with bow and quiver and are of tender age and accompanied by the sage Kauika.
Do you recognize them? If so, tell me something about their temperament. Overwhelmed
with love the king asked thus again and again. From the day the sage took them away it
is only today that I have obtained authentic news about them. Tell me how King Videha was
able to know them. At these fond words the messengers smiled. (14)
0 tfa f ar - rs
r f- a ft f rs+ {+
Do.: sunahu mahpati mukua mani tumha sama dhanya na kou,
ramu lakhanu jinha ke tanaya bisva bibhuana dou.291.
Listen, O crest-jewel of kings: there is no one so blessed as you, who have for
your sons Rma and Lakmaa, the two ornaments of the universe. (291)
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BLA-K NA
*
279
0 rn a arr =frr fa sfr+
f- ar rn f t f ta rn+ {+
fa- f r ff t- f f f t t-+
t t r f a r+ +
r r rr r t frr+
atf r rt fa rt+ -+
; sr; r = rs f rf ns f =+
f a f srr rs af r rs rr+ +
Cau.: puchana jogu na tanaya tumhre, puruasigha tihu pura ujire.
jinha ke jasa pratpa ke ge, sasi malna rabi stala lge.1.
tinha kaha kahia ntha kimi cnhe, dekhia rabi ki dpa kara lnhe.
sya svayabara bhupa anek, samie subhaa eka te ek.2.
sabhu sarsanu khu na r, hre sakala bra barir.
tni loka maha je bhaamn, sabha kai sakati sabhu dhanu bhn.3.
sakai uhi sarsura meru, sou hiya hri gayau kari pher u.
jehi

kautuka sivasailu uhv, sou tehi sabh

parbhau pv.4.
No enquiry is needed in respect of your sons, who are lions among men and the
light of the universe, and before whose renown and glory the moon looks dim and the
sun appears cool. About them, my lord, you ask how they came to be recognized ! Does
one take a lamp in ones hand to see the sun ? On the occasion of Sts self-election
of her husband had assembled numerous princes, each one of whom was a greater
champion than the rest; but not one of them could stir ambhus bow and all the mighty
heroes failed. The might of all those who were proud of their valour in the three worlds
was crushed by it. Even the demon Ba, who could lift Mount Meru, lost heart and
retired after pacing round the bow; and even he (Rvaa) who had lifted up Mount
Kailsa (the abode of iva) in mere sport was worsted in that assembly. (14)
0ar r rr f f r fr
s r r f ff n r+ +
Do. : tah

rma raghubasa mani sunia mah mahipla,

bhajeu cpa praysa binu jimi gaja pakaja nla.292.
On that occasion, we submit, O great king, r Rmas the jewel of Raghus race,
snapped the bow without the least exertion even as an elephant would break the stalk
of a lotus. (292)
f r nr r a rfa fa- rf r+
f r f t-r f f n t-r+ {+
r r a a fr f a+
f fra r ff n f fr ar+ +
f a r r rf a ra r+
a r f rnt ar t rnt+ -+
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280
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
r a rs rn a- frf rn+
f tfa a f rr frf f rr+ +
Cau.: suni saroa bhgunyaku e, bahuta bh

ti tinha

khi dekhe.
dekhi rma balu nija dhanu dnh, kari bahu binaya gavanu bana knh.1.
rjana rmu atulabala jaise , teja nidhna lakhanu puni taise .
kapahi

bhupa bilokata jke , jimi gaja hari kisora ke tke .2.

deva dekhi tava blaka dou, aba na

khi tara vata ko u.

d uta bacana racan priya lg, prema pratpa bra rasa pg.3.
sabh sameta ru anurge, d utanha dena nichvari lge.
kahi anti te m udahi

kn, dharamu bicri sabahi

sukhu mn.4.
Hearing the news the chief of Bhgus came in a fury and indulged in much brow-
beating. But seeing r Rmas strength he handed his bow to the latter and after much
supplication withdrew to the woods. Even as Rma, O king, is unequalled in strength,
Lakmaa too is a mine of glory, at whose very sight the kings trembled as elephants
at the gaze of a young lion. Now that we have seen your two sons, my lord, no one
catches our eye any longer. The messengers eloquent speech, which was full of love,
glorifying and expressive of the heroic sentiment, attracted all. The king and his whole
court were overwhelmed with emotion and began to offer lavish gifts to the messengers.
They, however, closed their ears in protest crying, This is unfair ! Everyone was
delighted to note their sense of propriety.* (14)
0a sf fy tf- frr r;
r r; nf r a rr;+ -+
Do.: taba uhi bhupa basia kahu dnhi patrik ji,
kath sun gurahi saba sdara duta boli.293.
The king then rose going up to Vasiha gave the letter to him, and sending for the
messengers with due courtesy related the whole story to his preceptor. (293)
f r n fa r; - = f r;+
ff far rn rt uf arf rr rt + {+
faf fa ff rr t f rf r+
ar n f t af ta rr t+ +
at ar r n rt s rs r s rt +
ar a f - z r r r f a r+ -+
t fta a rt n rn r rt+
ar r rrr ra r; frr+ +
* In India not only the blood relations but even servants and co-villagers of a bride consider it sinful
to accept even food or water, much less any gift or present, from the house of the bridegroom; for it is
customary in this country to give the hand of a girl as a sacred gift and one is naturally reluctant to accept
anything in return from him on whom a gift is made. This kind of sentiment prevails even in those cases
where a marriage alliance has only been stipulated and not yet brought into actual effect. The messengers,
in the above context, are actuated with a similar sentiment in refusing the gifts offered to them by King
Daaratha, who happened to be the father of the champion who had won the hand of Princess Jnak, their
masters daughter.
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281
Cau.: suni bole gura ati sukhu p, punya purua kahu mahi sukha ch.
jimi sarit sgara mahu jh

, jadyapi thi kman nh

.1.
timi sukha sapati binahi

bole , dharamasla pahi

jhi

subhe .
tumha gura bipra dhenu sura seb, tasi punta kausaly deb.2.
sukt tumha samna jaga mh

, bhayau na hai kou honeu nh

.
tumha te adhika punya baRa kke , rjana rma sarisa suta jke .3.
bra binta dharama brata dhr, guna sgara bara blaka cr.
tumha kahu sarba kla kalyn, sajahu barta baji nisn.4.
The Guru was highly pleased to hear the news and said, To a virtuous man
the world abounds in happiness. As rivers run into the sea, although the latter has
no craving for them, so joy and prosperity come unasked and of their own accord
to a pious soul. Just as you are given to the service of your preceptor, the Brhmaas
and cows as well as of gods, Queen Kausaly is no less devout than you. A pious
soul like you there has never been, nor is, nor shall be in this world. Who can be
more blessed than you, O king, who have a son like Rma, and whose four worthy
children are all valiant, submissive, true to their vow of piety and oceans of goodness.
You are blessed indeed for all time; therefore, prepare the marriage procession to
the sound of kettledrums. (14)
0 fn f n f r f= r;
fa n a a- r r;+ +
Do. : calahu begi suni gura bacana bhalehi

ntha siru ni,
bhupati gavane bhavana taba dutanha bsu devi.294.
And proceed quickly. On hearing these words of the preceptor the king bowed
his head and said, Very well, my lord! and after assigning lodgings to the messengers
returned to his palace. (294)
0rr fr rr; frr rf r;+
f rt r rt+ {+
fa rf rt fff f rf rt+
fa t f n rt fa r n art+ +
f t fa f rat z nr; zrf rat+
r tfa t rf r t+ -+
f r f r fr rf- a f rr+
f r r ar f rf ar+ +
Cau.: rj sabu ranivsa bol, janaka patrik bci sun.
suni sadesu sakala haran

, apara kath saba bh upa bakhn

.1.
prema praphullita rjahi

rn, manahu sikhini suni brida bn.

mudita assa dehi

gura nr

, ati nada magana mahatr

.2.
lehi

paraspara ati priya pt, hdaya lagi juRvahi

cht.
rma lakhana kai krati karan, brahi

bra bhupabara baran.3.

muni prasdu kahi dvra sidhe, rninha taba mahideva bole.
die dna nada samet, cale biprabara sia det.4.
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282
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
The king then called all the ladies of the gynaeceum and read aloud Janakas letter
to them. All rejoiced to hear the message and the king himself related the other tidings
which he had heard from the lips of the messengers. Bursting with emotion the queens
shone like pea-hens rejoicing at the rumbling of clouds. The preceptors wife and the
wives of other elders in their joy invoked the blessings of heaven and the mothers of the
four brothers were overwhelmed with ecstasy. They took the most beloved letter from
each other and pressing it to their bosom cooled their burning heart. The great king
recounted again and again the glory and exploits of both Rma and Lakmaa, saying
that it was all due to the sages grace he went out of doors. The queens then sent for
the Brhmaas and joyfully bestowed gifts on them. And the Brhmaas returned to
their home uttering blessings. (14)
0r f rf tf- frf rf ff
f= t a rf fa - + ~+
So.: jcaka lie ha kri dnhi nichvari koi bidhi,
ciru jvahu suta cri cakrabarti dasarattha ke.295.
Next they called the beggars and lavished innumerable kinds of gifts on them.
Long live the four sons of Emperor Daaratha! (295)
0a f rr f nn frr+
rr rn- r rn rr rr r r+ {+
rf r sr ar rrt fr+
f r rn rn n n nt r rn+ +
uf rf r t n rf+
af tfa tfa r; n r t r;+ -+
ar r r= rr ffr r=+
ar f rr f -a rr+ +
Cau.: kahata cale pahire paa nn, harai hane gahagahe nisn.
samcra saba loganha pe, lge ghara ghara hona badhe.1.
bhuvana cri dasa bhar uchh u, janakasut raghubra bihu.
suni subha kath loga anurge, maga gha gal

sa vrana lge.2.
jadyapi avadha sadaiva suhvani, rma pur magalamaya pvani.
tadapi prti kai prti suh, magala racan rac ban.3.
dhvaja patka paa cmara cr u, chv parama bicitra bajr u.
kanaka kalasa torana mani jl, harada duba dadhi acchata ml.4.
Thus they shouted as they left, attired in raiment of various kinds; there was a
jubilant and tempestuous clash of kettledrums. When the news spread among all the
people, festivities were started in every house. All the fourteen spheres were filled with
joy at the news of the forthcoming wedding of Janakas daughter with the hero of
Raghus race. The citizens were enraptured to hear the glad tidings and began to
decorate the streets, houses and lanes. Although the city of Ayodhy is ever charming,
being the blessed and sacred abode of r Rma, it was adorned with beautiful festal
decorations because of the love the people bore towards the very embodiment of love.
Flags and banners, curtains and graceful chowries canopied the bazars in a most
marvellous fashion. With vases of gold, festal arches, festoons of netted gems, turmeric,
blades of Durv grass, curds, unbroken rice and wreaths of flowers (14)
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283
0n f f rn- r;
tt tt a r= r;+ +
Do.: magalamaya nija nija bhavana loganha race bani,
bth

caturasama cauke cru puri.296.

The people decorated their respective houses, which were already full of
blessings; the lanes were sprinkled over with water, mixed with the fourfold pastes of
sandal, saffron, musk and camphor and the squares in front of their houses were filled
in with tasteful designs. (296)
0 a ff rff f e fa rff+
ft n r rf f = fa r frf+ {+
nrf n rt f f rt+
ff r; rr ft fr s farr+ +
n r rr ra ra f frr+
a ff t srt a f t+ -+
nrf f n ntar r r = tar+
a sr fa rr r sfn r rr+ +
Cau.: jaha taha jutha jutha mili bhmini, saji nava sapta sakala duti dmini.
bidhubadan

mga svaka locani, nija sarupa rati mnu bimocani.1.

gvahi

magala majula bn

, suni kala rava kalakahi lajn

.
bhupa bhavana kimi ji bakhn, bisva bimohana raceu bitn.2.
magala drabya manohara nn, rjata bjata bipula nisn.
katahu birida bad uccarah

, katahu beda dhuni bh usura karah

.3.
gvahi

sudari magala gt, lai lai nmu rmu aru st.

bahuta uchhu bhavanu ati thor, mnahu umagi cal cahu or.4.
Collected here and there troops of ladies, all brilliant as the lightning, with moon-like
face and eyes resembling those of a fawn and beauty enough to rob Loves consort (Rati)
of her pride, and who had practised all the sixteen kinds of female adornment,* sang
auspicious strains with voice so melodious that the female cuckoo was put to shame on
hearing the sweet sound ! How is the kings palace to be described; the pavilion set up
there would dazzle the whole universe. Various articles of good omen and charming in
appearance were displayed and a number of kettledrums were sounded. Here were
panegyrists singing the family glory and here were Brhmaas chanting the Vedas; while
pretty women carolled festive songs, many times repeating the names of Rma and St.
* According to the standard works on poetics the sixteen forms of female adornment are as follows:
(1) rubbing and cleansing the body with fragrant unguents, (2) ablution, (3) putting on a new attire, (4) dyeing
the sides of ones feet with red lag, (5) dressing the hair, (6) adorning the parting line of the hair with red
lead, (7) painting the forehead with streaks of sandal-paste, (8) dotting the chin with a small black spot,
(9) colouring the palms of ones hands and the soles of ones feet with the reddish dye extracted from the
leaves of the Mehad plant, (10) an inting ones body with perfumed unguents, (11) adorning the body with
bejewelled ornaments, (12) beautifying the hair etc., with wreaths of flowers, (13) perfuming and dyeing ones
mouth by chewing betel-leaves etc., (14) colouring the teeth, (15) painting the lips and (16) applying collyrium
to ones eyes.
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284
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
There was an excess of joy all round, while the palace was too small to contain it; it
seemed, therefore, as if it overflowed on all sides. (14)
0rr ; r f r
r t f r t- ar+ +
Do.: sobh dasaratha bhavana kai ko kabi baranai pra,
jah

sakala sura ssa mani rma lnha avatra.297.

What poet can describe the splendour of Daarathas palace in which Rma, the
crest-jewel of all divinities, had taken birth? (297)
0 a f f rr; n t r r;+
fn rrt rar a rs rar+ {+
a rt rr r t- fa sf r+
f =f t an fa- r rf fr+ +
n f t ; a a n t+
rr rfa rf r ff a szr+ -+
fa- rr a f rrr+
rt r a f rt+ +
Cau.: bhupa bharata puni lie bol, haya gaya syadana sjahu j.
calahu begi raghubra bart, sunata pulaka p ure dou bhrt.1.
bharata sakala shan bole, yasu dnha mudita uhi dhe.
raci ruci jna turaga tinha sje, barana barana bara bji birje.2.
subhaga sakala suhi cacala karan, aya iva jarata dharata paga dharan.
nn jti na jhi

bakhne, nidari pavanu janu cahata uRne.3.

tinha saba chayala bhae asavr, bharata sarisa baya rjakumr.
saba sudara saba bh uanadhr, kara sara cpa t una kai bhr.4.
The king next called Bharata and said, Go and prepare the horses, elephants and
chariots and start at once in procession for Rmas marriage. The two brothers were
thrilled to hear this command. Bharata sent for the officers in charge of the stables and
issued necessary instructions; the latter rose in joy and hastened to execute the orders.
They equipped the horses with gorgeous saddles; gallant steeds of different colours
stood there in their majesty. They were all beautiful and surpassingly swift-footed; they
trod the ground as lightly as though it were red-hot iron. They belonged to different
breeds, which were more than one could tell; they would fly in the air, as it were,
outstripping the wind itself. Gallant princes, who were of the same age as Bharata,
mounted them. The princes were all handsome and adorned with jewels and had a bow
and arrow in their hands and a well-equipped quiver fastened at their side. (14)
0 t r t
n r fa fr t+ c+
Do.: chare chable chayala saba sura sujna nabna,
juga padacara asavra prati je asikal prabna.298.
They were elegant blithesome youths, chosen and skilled warriors all; and with
each knight were two footmen, clever at sword-play. (298)
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285
0r f t nr ff r r+
f a an nfa rr f f f frr+ {+
rf- ffr r ar f r+
r= fff f t r r rr t+ +
r nfa ra a fa- - rf- ra+
a r f-f fra f r+ -+
f f t r; r z n fr;+
tr tr r r; t rf- f rr;+ +
Cau.: b

dhe birada bra rana gRhe, nikasi bhae pura bhera hRhe.
pherahi

catura turaga gati nn, haraahi

suni suni panava nisn.1.
ratha srathinha bicitra bane, dhvaja patka mani bh uana le.
cava ra cru kikini dhuni karah

, bhnu jna sobh apaharah

.2.
sva karana aganita haya hote, te tinha rathanha srathinha jote.
sudara sakala alakta sohe, jinhahi bilokata muni mana mohe.3.
je jala calahi

thalahi k n

, pa na b uRa bega adhik

.
astra sastra sabu sju ban, rath srathinha lie bol.4.
The champions, who were all staunch in fight and had taken a vow of chivalry,
sallied forth and halted outside the city. The clever fellows put their steeds through
various paces and rejoiced to hear the clash of tabor and drum. The charioteers had
made their cars equally gorgeous with flags and banners, gems and ornaments. They
were also provided with elegant chowries and tinkling bells, and outdid in splendour the
chariot of the sun-god. The king owned numberless horses with dark ears,* which the
charioteers yoked to their chariots. They were all beautiful and looked so charming with
their ornaments that even sages would be enraptured at the sight. They skimmed the
surface of water even as dry land and would not sink even hoof-deep; so marvellous
was their speed. Having provided the chariots with missiles and weapons and every
other equipment the charioteers called their masters. (14)
0f f r n rnt ra
ra n f r f r ra+ +
Do. : caRhi caRhi ratha bhera nagara lg jurana barta,
hota saguna sudara sabahi jo jehi kraja jta.299.
Mounting the chariots the processionists began to collect outside the city. On
whatever errand one went, each was greeted by auspicious omens. (299)
fa ff- t rt f rf f rfa rt+
-r n rr frt n r rr rt+ {+
r frr ffr n r rr+
fa- f f r a >rfa r+ +
* A rare and invaluable breed of horses, milk white all over and dark only in the ears, which were
considered specially suitable for a horse-sacrifice.
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286
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
rn a f nnr r f r f r+
rat ta f nfa rat+ -+
rf- rf rr ff ta r rr+
r; f f r r r;+ +
Cau.: kalita karibaranhi par

a br

, kahi na jhi

jehi bh

ti sa vr

.
cale matta gaja ghaa birj, manahu subhaga svana ghana rj.1.
bhana apara aneka bidhn, sibik subhaga sukhsana jn.
tinha caRhi cale biprabara bd, janu tanu dhare sakala ruti chad.2.
mgadha suta badi gunagyaka, cale jna caRhi jo jehi lyaka.
besara u

a babha bahu jt, cale bastu bhari aganita bh

t.3.
koinha k

vari cale kahr, bibidha bastu ko baranai pr.

cale sakala sevaka samud, nija nija sju samju ban.4.
On magnificent elephants were mounted splendid seats with canopies wrought in
a manner beyond all description. Elephants in rut, adorned with clanging bells, headed
like beautiful (rumbling) clouds in the rainy month of rvaa (roughly corresponding to
August). There were various kinds of other vehicles, such as charming palanquins,
sedans etc., on which rode companies of noble Brhmaas, incarnations, as it were, of
all the hymns of the Vedas. Genealogists, bards, panegyrists and rhapsodists too rode
on vehicles appropriate to their respective rank; while mules, camels and oxen of various
breeds carried on their backs commodities of innumerable kinds. Millions of porters
marched with burdens slung across their shoulders; who could enumerate the varieties
of goods they carried? Crowds of servants also proceeded on the journey equipping
themselves in their own way and forming batches of their own. (14)
0 s f fa t
f f f r rs t+ -+
Do. : saba ke ura nirbhara harau purita pulaka sarra,
kabahi

dekhibe nayana bhari rmu lakhanu dou bra.300.
Each had boundless joy in his heart and a thrill ran through the bodies of all. They
whispered to one another, When shall we feast our eyes on the two heroes, Rma
and Lakmaa? (300)
0nf n rrr f rrrr rf f rr+
ff rrf rrrf frr f r; f rr+ {+
r t fa r r; r; r r+
t rf- f rt f rat n rt+ +
nrf nta r rr fa r r; rr+
a r ; t rt ra f f rt+ -+
rs =f f r f r f rf r+
r r rr a fa rr+ +
Cau.: garajahi

gaja gha dhuni ghor, ratha rava bji hisa cahu or.
nidari ghanahi ghurmmarahi

nisn, nija pari kachu sunia na kn.1.

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287
mah bhra bhupati ke dvre , raja hoi ji pana pabre .
caRh arinha dekhahi

nr

, lie rat magala thr

.2.
gvahi

gta manohara nn, ati nadu na ji bakhn.
taba sumatra dui syadana sj, jote rabi haya nidaka bj.3.
dou ratha rucira bhupa pahi

ne, nahi

srada pahi

jhi

bakhne.
rja samju eka ratha sj, d usara teja puja ati bhrj.4.
The elephants trumpeted and their bells clanged with a terrific din; on all sides
there was a creaking of wheels and a neighing of horses. The clash of kettledrums would
drown the peal of thunder; no one could hear ones own words, much less of others. At
the entrance of the kings palace, there was such an enormous crowd that a stone
thrown there would be trodden into dust. Women viewed the sight from house-tops,
carrying festal lights in salvers used on auspicious occasions, and carolled melodious
strains of various kinds in an ecstasy of joy beyond description. Then Sumantra (King
Daarathas own charioteer and trusted counsellor) got ready a pair of chariots and
yoked them with steeds that would outrun even the horses of the sun-god, and brought
them in all their splendour before the king; their beauty was more than goddess rad
could describe. One of them was equipped with the royal paraphernalia while the other
was a mass of splendour and shone brightly. (14)
0af =f f f r;
r s t ff n nf n+ -{+
Do.: tehi

ratha rucira basiha kahu harai caRhi naresu,
pu caRheu syadana sumiri hara gura gauri ganesu.301.
This magnificent chariot the king joyfully caused Vasiha to mount, and then
himself ascended the other, with his thoughts fixed on Lord Hara, his preceptor
(Vasiha), goddess Gaur and the god Gaea. (301)
fa f r n n +
f tfa ff r f f rfa r+ {+
ff r n r r; tfa r;+
f frf rar f n rar+ +
s rr n nr r ra r r +
rf n nr; rn rf r;+ -+
rr rrf f f rt f r; rt +
f f a rr r nr rr+ +
Cau.: sahita basiha soha npa kaise , sura gura saga puradara jaise .
kari kula rti beda bidhi r u, dekhi sabahi saba bh

ti ban u.1.
sumiri rmu gura yasu p, cale mahpati sakha baj.
harae bibudha biloki bart, baraahi

sumana sumagala dt.2.

bhayau kolhala haya gaya gje, byoma barta bjane bje.
sura nara nri sumagala g

, sarasa rga bjahi

sahan

.3.
ghaa ghai dhuni barani na jh

, sarava karahi

pika phaharh

.
karahi

biduaka kautuka nn, hsa kusala kala gna sujn.4.

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288
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
In the company of Vasiha the king shone forth as Indra (the lord of celestials)
by the side of his preceptor (Bhaspati). After performing all the rites sanctioned by family
usage or prescribed by the Vedas and seeing everyone fully equipped for the journey,
he sallied forth to the blast of the conch-shell after receiving the permission of his
preceptor and with his thoughts fixed on r Rma. The immortals rejoiced to see the
marriage procession and rained down flowers full of auspicious blessings. There was a
confused din of horses neighing, elephants trumpeting and music playing both in the
heavens and in the procession. Human and celestial dames alike sang festal melodies,
while clarionets played in sweet accord. There was an indescribable clamour of bells,
both large and small. The footmen leaped and danced, displaying exercises of various
kinds. Jesters, proficient in pleasantry and expert in singing melodious songs, practised
all kinds of buffoonery. (14)
0an rf f n fr
rn faf fa znf ar r+ -+
Do. : turaga nacvahi

kua ra bara akani mdaga nisna,

ngara naa citavahi

cakita agahi

na tla ba dhna.302.
Gallant princes made their steeds cruvet to the measured beat of tabors and
kettledrums; accomplished dancers noted with surprise that they never made a step out
of time. (302)
; a t rar rf n rar+
rr r r ff ; n f ;+ {+
rf rn a rr r rr+
r frf rt rr r r rt+ +
rr ff ff rr t ff frr+
nrr ff rff r; n n tf- r;+ -+
t ft trr r a= t+
rs f = tr ta ; f tr+ +
Cau.: banai na baranata ban bart, hohi

saguna sudara subhadt.

cr cu bma disi le, manahu sakala magala kahi de.1.
dhina kga sukheta suhv, nakula darasu saba kh u

pv.
snukula baha tribidha bayr, saghaa sabla va bara nr.2.
lov phiri phiri darasu dekhv, surabh sanamukha sisuhi piv.
mgaml phiri dhini , magala gana janu dnhi dekh.3.
chemakar kaha chema bise, sym bma sutaru para dekh.
sanamukha yau dadhi aru mn, kara pustaka dui bipra prabn.4.
The splendour of the marriage procession was more than one could describe. Fair
and auspicious omens occurred. The blue-necked jay picked up food on the left and
announced as it were all good fortune. On a fair field in the right appeared a cow, and a
mongoose was seen by all. A soft, cool and fragrant breeze was blowing in a favourable
direction; a blessed (unwidowed) woman appeared with a pitcher and a child in her arms. A
fox turned round and showed himself again and again and a cow suckled its calf in front of
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the procession; a herd of deer came round to the right, as if good omens appeared in visible
form. A Brahmani-kite promised great blessings; and a ym bird was observed on an
auspicious tree to the left. A man bearing curds and fish and two learned Brhmaas each
with a book in his hand came from the opposite direction. (14)
0n rr fa rar
r r fa n r+ --+
Do.: magalamaya kalynamaya abhimata phala dtra,
janu saba sce hona hita bhae saguna eka bra.303.
All kinds of blessed and auspicious omens and those conducive of desired results
occurred all at once as if to fulfil themselves. (303)
0n n n ar n zr a r+
r f = ff tar t tar+ {+
f r n r t- ff r+
f ff t- ra rr n nrf frr+ +
ra rf r a faf- r a+
t t r r f r r+ -+
r rf f f r+
fa a f rfa- f + +
Cau.: magala saguna sugama saba tke , saguna brahma sudara suta jke .
rma sarisa baru dulahini st, samadh dasarathu janaku punt.1.
suni asa byhu saguna saba nce, aba knhe biraci hama s

ce.
ehi bidhi knha barta payn, haya gaya gjahi

hane nisn.2.
vata jni bhnukula ket u, saritanhi janaka ba dhe set u.
bca bca bara bsa bane, surapura sarisa sapad che.3.
asana sayana bara basana suhe, pvahi

saba nija nija mana bhe.

nita nutana sukha lakhi anuk ule, sakala bartinha madira bh ule.4.
Auspicious omens easily occur to him who has God with form as his own son. In
the marriage which was going to take place, the bridegroom was no other than r Rma
and St Herself was the bride; while the pious Daaratha and Janaka were the parents
of the bridegroom and the bride respectively; hearing of this marriage all good omens
danced and said, It is now that the Creator has justified us. In this way the procession
set forth amidst the neighing of horses, the trumpeting of elephants and the clash of
kettledrums. Learning that the chief of the solar race, King Daaratha, was already on
the way, King Janaka had the rivers bridged, and got beautiful rest-houses erected at
different stages, which vied in magnificence with the city of immortals (Amarvat), and
in which members of the bridegrooms party were supplied with excellent food, beds and
clothing each according to his own taste. Finding ever new pleasures agreeable to
themselves all the members of the bridegrooms party forgot their own home. (14)
0ra rf ra f nn fr
f n an nr+ -+
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290
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Do.: vata jni barta bara suni gahagahe nisna,
saji gaja ratha padacara turaga lena cale agavna.304.
When it was learnt that the procession of the bridegrooms party was approaching
and the tempestuous clash of the kettledrums was heard, a deputation went out to
receive it with elephants, chariots, footmen and horses duly equipped. (304)
[PAUSE 10 FOR A THIRTY-DAY RECITATION]
0 f r rr r fa rr+
r r rr rfa rf r+ {+
ta r; f fa r;+
rf rr n n n ff rr+ +
n n n r a rfa fr r+
f fsr sr rr f f rf rr+ -+
nr- tf rar s r nrar+
f r fa nrr fa rfa- frr+ +
Cau.: kanaka kalasa bhari kopara thr, bhjana lalita aneka prakr.
bhare sudhsama saba pakavne, nn bh

ti na jhi

bakhane.1.
phala aneka bara bastu suh

, harai bhea hita bh upa pah

.
bhuana basana mahmani nn, khaga mga haya gaya bahubidhi jn.2.
magala saguna sugadha suhae, bahuta bh

ti mahipla pahe.
dadhi ciur upahra apr, bhari bhari k

vari cale kahr.3.

agavnanha jaba dkhi bart, ura nadu pulaka bhara gt.
dekhi banva sahita agavn, mudita bartinha hane nisn.4.
Jars of gold full of sweet and cold drinks and trays and salvers and beautiful
dishes of various kinds laden with confections of indescribable variety and delicious as
ambrosia, with luscious fruit and many other delightful articles were sent as an offering
by King Janaka in his joy. The king also sent ornaments, wearing apparel, valuable gems
of every variety, birds, antelopes, horses, elephants, vehicles of every description,
charming aromatic substances of an auspicious nature and various articles of good
omen; and a train of porters marched with their loads of curds, parched rice and presents
of endless variety slung across their shoulders. When the deputation saw the bridegrooms
party, their mind was filled with rapture and a thrill ran through their frame. Seeing the
deputation equipped in everyway the members of the bridegrooms party had their drums
beaten in great joy. (14)
0f f fa n
r ; fa fr; + -~+
Do.: harai parasapara milana hita kachuka cale bagamela,
janu nada samudra dui milata bihi subela.305.
A batch from each side joyfully marched at a gallop in order to meet each other and
the two parties met as two oceans of bliss that had transgressed their bounds. (305)
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0f f nrf fa t rf+
ta rt rn f tf- fa- fa rn+ {+
a r t-r t rf- t-r+
f r r-ar zr; r r;+ +
ffr rz t f ft+
fa t-s rr rfa rr+ -+
rt f ra r; f fr nf r;+
z ff ffq rr; ; r;+ +
Cau.: barai sumana sura sudari gvahi

, mudita deva dudubh

bajvahi

.
bastu sakala rkh

npa ge , binaya knhi tinha ati anurge .1.

prema sameta rya sabu lnh, bhai bakassa jcakanhi dnh.
kari p uj mnyat baR, janavse kahu cale lav.2.
basana bicitra p

vaRe parah

, dekhi dhanadu dhana madu pariharah

.
ati sudara dnheu janavs, jaha saba kahu saba bh

ti sups.3.
jn siya barta pura , kachu nija mahim pragai jan.
hdaya sumiri saba siddhi bol

, bh upa pahuna karana pah

.4.
Celestial damsels rained down flowers and sang, while the glad gods sounded
kettledrums. The members of the deputation placed all the offerings before King
Daaratha and supplicated him with an affectionate address. The king lovingly accepted
everything and distributed the offerings as presents among his own people, or
bestowed them as alms on the beggars. After due homage, reverence and courtesy
the deputation conducted the bridegrooms party to the lodgings set apart for them.
Gorgeous cloths were spread as carpets for the royal guests to tread upon, on seeing
which Kubera (the god of wealth) was no longer proud of his wealth. Magnificent were
the quarters assigned to the bridegrooms party, which provided every kind of comfort
for each guest. When St learnt that the bridegrooms party had arrived in the city, She
manifested Her glory to a certain extent. By Her very thought She summoned all the
Siddhis (miraculous powers personified) and despatched them to wait upon the king
and his party. (14)
0ff f r f n; r r
f r rn fr+ -+
Do. : sidhi saba siya yasu akani ga

jah

janavsa,
lie sapad sakala sukha surapura bhoga bilsa.306.
Hearing Sts command they repaired to the guests apartments, taking with them
every kind of riches, comforts as well as the enjoyments and luxuries of heaven. (306)
0f f r frf rat rat+
f rs rr f rr+ {+
f fr rrr rt z a frt+
fa rn a rs r; z fa r r;+ +
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292
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
- f a n= rt fa r rt+
ftrfr f fz t sr s ar ft+ -+
f rs z nr n r+
r r r as fr+ +
Cau.: nija nija bsa biloki bart, sura sukha sakala sulabha saba bh

t.
bibhava bheda kachu kou na jn, sakala janaka kara karahi

bakhn.1.
siya mahim raghunyaka jn, harae hdaya hetu pahicn.
pitu gamanu sunata dou bh, hdaya na ati nadu am.2.
sakucanha kahi na sakata guru ph

, pitu darasana llacu mana mh

.
bisvmitra binaya baRi dekh, upaj ura satou bise.3.
harai badhu dou hdaya lage, pulaka aga abaka jala che.
cale jah

dasarathu janavse, manahu sarobara takeu pise.4.

Each member of the bridegrooms party found in his own apartment all the
enjoyments of heaven ready at hand in everyway. No one, however, had an inkling of
the mystery behind this untold splendour; everyone sang Janakas praises. Rma alone
recognized Sts influence and was glad at heart to discern Her love . When the two
brothers heard of their fathers arrival, they could not contain themselves for joy, but were
too modest to speak to their Guru, though their heart longed to see their sire. Vivmitra
felt much gratified at heart to perceive this great humility. In his joy he pressed the two
brothers to his bosom; a thrill ran through his limbs, while tears rushed to his eyes. They
proceeded to the guests apartments, where King Daaratha was, as though a lake
sought to visit a thirsty soul. (14)
0 fr f f ra a- a
s f f r t a+ -+
Do.: bhupa biloke jabahi

muni vata sutanha sameta,

uhe harai sukhasidhu mahu cale thha s leta.307.
When the king saw the sage coming with the two princes, he rose in joy and
advanced to meet them like a man who feels his footing in an ocean of bliss. (307)
0ff za t- tr r r f tr+
f rs f s r; f t t r;+ {+
f za a rs r; f fa s r;+
a f r; a t r + +
f f f fa- r fa f s r+
f r; rat t r;+ -+
a r t- rr f sr; r; s rr+
f rs rar f ffa nrar+ +
Cau.: munihi daavata knha mahs, bra bra pada raja dhari ss.
kausika ru lie ura l, kahi assa p uch kusal.1.
puni daavata karata dou bh, dekhi npati ura sukhu na sam.
suta hiya li dusaha dukha mee, mtaka sarra prna janu bhee.2.
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puni basiha pada sira tinha ne, prema mudita munibara ura le.
bipra bda bade duhu bh

, manabhvat asse p

.3.
bharata sahnuja knha pranm, lie uhi li ura rm.
harae lakhana dekhi dou bhrt, mile prema parip urita gt.4.
The king prostrated himself before the sage, placing the dust of the latters feet on
his head again and again. Kauika pressed the king to his bosom, blessed him and
inquired after his welfare. When King Daaratha saw the two brothers prostrating
themselves, he could not contain himself for joy. Pressing the boys to his bosom he
allayed the unbearable pangs of separation and looked like a dead body restored to life.
Rma and Lakmaa then bowed their head at Vasihas feet and the great sage
embraced them in the ecstasy of love. The two brothers next saluted all the Brhmaas
and in turn received their welcome blessings. Bharata and his younger half-brother
(atrughna) greeted Rma, who lifted them and embraced them. Lakmaa rejoiced to
see the two brothers (Bharata and atrughna) and as he embraced them his limbs were
throbbing with emotion. (14)
0 f rfa r rt ta
f rff f r fta+ -c+
Do.: purajana parijana jtijana jcaka matr mta,
mile jathbidhi sabahi prabhu parama kpla binta.308.
The most gracious and unassuming Lord greeted everyone else including the
citizens, attendants, kinsmen, beggars, ministers and friends in a manner befitting the
rank of each. (308)
0rf f ra zrt tfa f tfa rfa rt+
t rf a rt rf art+ {+
a- a f t fa n rf ft+
ff f frr rt rf f nrr+ +
ar = f f n rn a f t+
fa ra rs rr r rfn f nrr+ -+
ra n a r; ara r fr;+
zrr rn t f ff ff t+ +
Cau.: rmahi dekhi barta juRn, prti ki rti na jti bakhn.
npa sampa sohahi

suta cr, janu dhana dharamdika tanudhr.1.

sutanha sameta dasarathahi dekh, mudita nagara nara nri bise.
sumana barisi sura hanahi

nisn, nkana

ncahi

kari gn.2.
satnada aru bipra saciva gana, mgadha s uta bidua badjana.
sahita barta ru sanamn, yasu mgi phire agavn.3.
prathama barta lagana te , tte pura pramodu adhik.
brahmnadu loga saba lahah

, baRhahu divasa nisi bidhi sana kahah

.4.
The sight of r Rma was so soothing to the guests; the ways of love are beyond
description. Beside the king his four sons looked like incarnations as it were of the four
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294
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
ends of human endeavour, viz., riches, religious merit etc. The people of the city were
delighted beyond measure to see King Daaratha with his sons. The gods rained down
flowers and beat their drums; the nymphs of heaven danced and sang. atnanda (King
Janakas family preceptor) and the other Brhmaas and ministers of State, as well as
the genealogists, minstrels, jesters and rhapsodists, who formed the deputation, paid due
honour to the king and his party and returned with their permission. The bridegrooms
party had arrived earlier than the day fixed for the wedding: there was great rejoicing in
the city on this account . Everyone enjoyed transcendent bliss and prayed to the Creator
that the days and nights might be lengthened. (14)
0r t rr f a f rs r
a f ff rf r+ -+
Do.: rmu sya sobh avadhi sukta avadhi dou rja,
jaha taha purajana kahahi

asa mili nara nri samja.309.

Rma and St are the perfection of beauty, and the two kings (Daaratha and
Janaka) the perfection of virtue! Thus would observe the men and women of the city
wherever they happened to meet. (309)
a fa t a r t+
;- r f r r ;- r r+ {+
;- rs s n rt f a r s rt +
a rt n f rt+ +
f- rt r f t r at f ft+
f rrt fr t ff r r+ -+
f rft f fr z r t+
z rn ff ra r; faf r;f rs r;+ +
Cau.: janaka sukta murati baideh, dasaratha sukta rmu dhare deh.
inha sama khu na siva avardhe, khu na inha samna bhala ldhe.1.
inha sama kou na bhayau jaga mh

, hai nahi

katah u

honeu nh

.
hama saba sakala sukta kai rs, bhae jaga janami janakapura bs.2.
jinha jnak rma chabi dekh, ko sukt hama sarisa bise.
puni dekhaba raghubra bihu, leba bhal bidhi locana lh u.3.
kahahi

parasapara kokilabayan

, ehi biha baRa lbhu sunayan

.
baRe bhga bidhi bta ban, nayana atithi hoihahi

dou bh.4.
Vaideh (St) is the incarnation of Janakas merit, and Rma is Daarathas
virtue personified. No one has worshipped iva with such devotion as these two kings,
nor has anyone obtained such a reward as they have. No one has equalled them in
this world, nor is there anyone to equal them anywhere nor shall be. We are all
storehouses of all kinds of merits in that we have been born in this world as residents
of Janakas capital. Who is so highly blessed as we, who have beheld the beauty of
Jnak (St) and Rma? And we will witness r Rmas wedding and shall thereby
richly reap the benefit of our eyes. Damsels with voice as sweet as the notes of the
cuckoo whispered to one another, O bright-eyed friends, we shall gain much by this
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union. By our great good-luck Providence has ordained things well: the two brothers
shall often delight our eyes. (14)
0rf r rrs t
r;f rs rf r t+ -{+
Do.: brahi

bra saneha basa janaka boluba sya,

lena ihahi

badhu dou koi kma kamanya.310.

Time after time out of affection Janaka will send for St (from Ayodhy); and
the two brothers, charming as millions of Cupids put together, will come to take
her back. (310)
ff rfa r;f r; f rf r r;+
a a r f frt r;f rn rt+ {+
f r rr a; n ; rr+
tr n n r a f f r+ +
r r fr ff f r r+
a rt t rt r f f rt+ -+
r =r f a n r+
rf f rt sr fr rs rt + +
Cau.: bibidha bh

ti hoihi pahun, priya na khi asa ssura m.

taba taba rma lakhanahi nihr, hoihahi

saba pura loga sukhr.1.

sakhi jasa rma lakhana kara jo, taisei bh upa saga dui ho.
syma gaura saba aga suhe, te saba kahahi

dekhi je e.2.
kah eka mai

ju nihre, janu biraci nija htha sa vre.

bharatu rmah k anuhr, sahas lakhi na sakahi

nara nr.3.
lakhanu satrusudanu ekar up, nakha sikha te saba aga an up.
mana bhvahi

mukha barani na jh

, upam kahu tribhuvana kou nh

.4.
There will be hospitality of every kind; who, dear one, would not love to stay at
such a father-in-laws. On each such occasion all the people of the city will be happy to
behold r Rma and Lakmaa. King Daaratha, my friends, has brought with him two
other lads exactly resembling the pair of Rma and Lakmaa. One dark, the other fair,
but both charming of every limb: so declare all those who have seen them. Said another,
I saw them today: it appeared to me as though the Creator had fashioned them with his
own hands. Bharata is an exact copy of Rma; no man or woman could distinguish them
at first sight. Lakmaa and atrusudana (atrughna) are indistinguishable from each
other, peerless in every limb from head to foot. The four brothers attract the mind but
cannot be described in words; for they have no match in all the three worlds. (14)
U0sr rs r at a f rf
f fur t rr f ;- ; +
rf rf fff rt
rf rfs r; f n nrt+
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R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Cha.: upam na kou kaha dsa tulas katahu kabi kobida kahai

,
bala binaya bidy sla sobh sidhu inha se ei ahai

.
pura nri sakala pasri acala bidhihi bacana sunvah

,
byhiahu criu bhi ehi

pura hama sumagala gvah

.
Says Tulasdsa: They have no comparison anywhere, so declare the poets and
wise men. Oceans of strength, modesty, learning, amiability and beauty, they are their
own Compeers. Spreading out the skirt of their garment (as a beggar would while asking
for alms) all the women of the city made entreaties to the Creator, May all the four
brothers be married in this city and may we sing charming nuptial songs!
0f t rf rf fr a
f rf - rff rs+ -{{+
So.: kahahi

paraspara nri bri bilocana pulaka tana,

sakhi sabu karaba purri punya payonidhi bhupa dou.311.
Said the damsels to one another, with tears in their eyes and the hair on their body
standing erect, Friends, the Slayer of the demon Tripura will accomplish everything: the
two kings are of such boundless merit. (311)
0f ff r t r sfn sfn s t+
t t r f fa- r+ {+
a r f frr f f n frr+
n tfa f f r at fa rat+ +
n n f rr f fa n r rr+
n faf a rn r= n rf ff t- fr=+ -+
tf- r r; nt n- r;+
t rn- rar f rfat rf frar+ +
Cau.: ehi bidhi sakala manoratha karah

, na da umagi umagi ura bharah

.
je npa sya svayabara e, dekhi badhu saba tinha sukha pe.1.
kahata rma jasu bisada bisl, nija nija bhavana gae mahipl.
gae bti kachu dina ehi bh

t, pramudita purajana sakala bart.2.

magala mula lagana dinu v, hima ritu agahanu msu suhv.
graha tithi nakhatu jogu bara br u, lagana sodhi bidhi knha bicr u.3.
pahai dnhi nrada sana so, gan janaka ke ganakanha jo.
sun sakala loganha yaha bt, kahahi

joti hi

bidht.4.
In this way they all prayed and a flood of joy inundated their heart. The princes
who had come as Sts suitors rejoiced to see the four brothers and returned each to his
own home extolling r Rmas widespread and spotless fame. Thus a few days elapsed
to the delight alike of the citizens and all the members of the bridegrooms party. At length
the blessed day of wedding arrived; it was the delightful month of Mrgara and the
beginning of the cold season. Having carefully examined and determined the propitious
nature of the planets, date, asterism, the conjunction of the stars, the day of the week
and the hour of the wedding the Creator despatched the note concerning the hour of the
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wedding through Nrada; it was just the same that Janakas astrologers had already
determined. When all the people heard of this, they observed, The astrologers of this
place are so many creators as it were. (14)
0f r f n
f- s f rf n + -{+
Do.: dhenudhuri bel bimala sakala sumagala mula,
bipranha kaheu bideha sana jni saguna anukula.312.
The most auspicious and sacred hour before sunset (which is the time when cows
generally return home from pasture, and is consequently marked by clouds of dust
raised by their hoofs) arrived; perceiving propitious omens, the Brhmaas apprised King
Videha of its approach. (312)
0srfaf s rr f r rr+
ar a f rr n rf rr+ {+
fr r n n r+
n rff nrf ntar f f f tar+ +
r f r at n r r rat+
rfa f r fa rr rn fa-f r+ -+
s s rf r f r frf rrr+
nf f f ff rr n f r rr+ +
Cau.: uparohitahi kaheu naranh, aba bilaba kara kranu kh.
satnada taba saciva bole, magala sakala sji saba lye.1.
sakha nisna panava bahu bje, magala kalasa saguna subha sje.
subhaga susini gvahi

gt, karahi

beda dhuni bipra punt.2.

lena cale sdara ehi bh

t, gae jah

janavsa bart.
kosalapati kara dekhi samju, ati laghu lga tinhahi surarj u.3.
bhayau samau aba dhria pu, yaha suni par nisnahi

gh u.
gurahi puchi kari kula bidhi rj, cale saga muni sdhu samj.4.
The king asked the family priest (atnanda), What is the cause of delay now?
atnanda then summoned the ministers, who came equipped with all auspicious
articles. A number of conches, drums and tabors sounded. Festal vases and articles of
good omen (such as curds, turmeric and blades of Durv grass) were displayed.
Graceful women (whose husbands were alive) sang songs, and holy Brhmaas
murmured Vedic texts. In this manner they proceeded to invite the bridegrooms party
with due honour and called at the latters lodgings. When they witnessed King Daarathas
glory, Indra (the lord of celestials) looked very small to them. The hour has come; be
good enough to start now, they submitted. At this the drums gave a thundering beat.
After consulting his preceptor and going through the family rites King Daaratha sallied
forth with a host of sages and holy men. (14)
0r f f zr rf
n r rf f rf+ -{-+
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*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Do.: bhgya bibhava avadhesa kara dekhi deva brahmdi,
lage sarhana sahasa mukha jni janama nija bdi.313.
Witnessing King Daarathas good fortune and glory and believing their birth as
fruitless, Brahm and the other gods began to extol him with a thousand tongues. (313)
0- n = rr f r; frr+
f zrrf f =r frf- rr r+ {+
a z sr fr r fr+
f = rn f f r f rr rn+ +
faf fa ffr farr r f rr+
n rf = frr rr t rr+ -+
fa-f f rt a f sfrt+
fff s r ft f t a t+ +
Cau.: suranha sumagala avasaru jn, baraahi

sumana baji nisn.

siva brahmdika bibudha bar uth, caRhe bimnanhi nn j uth.1.
prema pulaka tana hdaya uchh u, cale bilokana rma bih u.
dekhi janakapuru sura anurge, nija nija loka sabahi

laghu lge.2.
citavahi

cakita bicitra bitn, racan sakala alaukika nn.

nagara nri nara rupa nidhn, sughara sudharama susla sujn.3.
tinhahi dekhi saba sura suranr

, bhae nakhata janu bidhu ujir

.
bidhihi bhayau caraju bise, nija karan kachu katahu na dekh.4.
The gods perceived that it was a fit occasion for happy rejoicings; hence they
rained down flowers and beat their drums. iva, Brahm and hosts of other gods
mounted aerial cars in several groups. Their frames thrilling over with emotion and
their hearts overflowing with joy they proceeded to witness r Rmas wedding. The
gods felt so enraptured to see Janakas capital that their own realms appeared to
them as of small account. They gazed with amazement at the wonderful pavilion and
all the different works of art which were of a transcendental character. The people
of the city, both men and women, were so many mines of beauty, well-formed, pious,
amiable and wise. In their presence all the gods and goddesses appeared like stars
in a moonlit night. The Creator (Brahm) was astounded above all; for nowhere did
he find his own handiwork. (14)
0f rr f r r
z fr t f f rrt fr+ -{+
Do.: siva samujhe deva saba jani caraja bhulhu,
hdaya bicrahu dhra dhari siya raghubra bihu.314.
iva admonished all the gods saying, "Be not lost in wonder; calmly ponder in your
heart that it is the wedding of St and the Hero of Raghu's race." (314)
0f- r a n rt n rt +
a rf r rt a; f r s rrt+ {+
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f ff - rrr f rn rr+
- rar rr fa nrar+ +
r r n fr a f r+
ra r n a rt n art+ -+
a rt f - tfa rt+
f rf frf f f rf fa- + +
Cau.: jinha kara nmu leta jaga mh

, sakala amagala m ula nash

.
karatala hohi

padratha cr, tei siya rmu kaheu kmr.1.

ehi bidhi sabhu suranha samujhv, puni ge bara basaha calv.
devanha dekhe dasarathu jt, mahmoda mana pulakita gt.2.
sdhu samja saga mahidev, janu tanu dhare karahi

sukha sev.
sohata stha subhaga suta cr, janu apabaraga sakala tanudhr.3.
marakata kanaka barana bara jor, dekhi suranha bhai prti na thor.
puni rmahi biloki hiya harae, npahi sarhi sumana tinha barae.4.
"At the very mention of whose name all evil is uprooted and the four ends of
human existence are brought within one's grasp, such are St and Rma," said the
Destroyer of Cupid, akara. In this way ambhu admonished the divinities, and then
spurred on His noble bull. The gods beheld Daaratha marching (to Janaka's palace)
with his heart full of rapture and the hair on his body standing erect. The assemblage of
holy men and Brhmaas accompanying the king appeared like joys incarnate ministering
to him. By his side shone forth the four handsome princes, incarnations as it were of the
four types of final beatitude.* The gods were greatly inspired with love to see two lovely
pairs, one possessing the hue of emeralds and the other of golden hue. They were
particularly delighted at heart to see Rma; and extolling the king they rained down
flowers on him. (14)
0r = f n rf r frf
nra r sr a rf+ -{~+
Do.: rma rupu nakha sikha subhaga brahi

bra nihri,
pulaka gta locana sajala um sameta purri.315.
As Um and the Slayer of the demon Tripura gazed again and again at r Rma's
charming beauty from head to foot, the hair on Their body stood erect and Their eyes
were bedewed with tears. (315)
0f fa tr nr afza ff nr+
r f ff r n rfa r+ {+
f f r rt r+
f ar; f r; t r;+ +
* The four types of final beatitude as enumerated in the scriptures are as follows:(1) Slokya
(residence in the same heaven as the Supreme Deity), (2) Sr upya (attaining a form similar to that of
the Deity), (3) Smpya (living in close proximity with the Deity), and (4) Syujya (complete absorption
into the Deity).
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*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
r rf nr ra ra anr+
r rf rf ff rf+ -+
f an r fr nfa frf nr r+
f r; rfa rr rf r rr+ +
Cau.: keki kaha duti symala ag, taRita binidaka basana surag.
byha bibhuana bibidha bane, magala saba saba bh

ti suhe.1.
sarada bimala bidhu badanu suhvana, nayana navala rjva lajvana.
sakala alaukika sudarat, kahi na ji manah

mana bh.2.
badhu manohara sohahi

sag, jta nacvata capala turag.

rjakua ra bara bji dekhvahi

, basa prasasaka birida sunvahi

.3.
jehi turaga para rmu birje, gati biloki khaganyaku lje.
kahi na ji saba bh

ti suhv, bji beu janu kma banv.4.

His swarthy form possessed the glow of a peacock's neck, while His bright yellow
raiment outshone the lightning. Wedding ornaments of every kind, all auspicious and
graceful in everyway, adorned His person. His countenance was as delightful as the
moon in a cloudless autumnal night; while His eyes put to shame a blooming pair of
lotuses. The elegance of His form was transcendent in all its details; though captivating
the soul, it defied description. Beside Him shone forth His lovely brothers, who rode
curveting their restive steed. The other princes too displayed the pace of their horses
and the family bards recited the glories of their line. Even the king of birds, Garua,
blushed for shame to note the speed of the steed that Rma bestrode; it was charming
beyond description in everyway; it seemed as though Cupid himself had taken the form
of horse. (14)
U0 rf r; f r fa fa r;
r = n nfa fr;+
nna t r rfa rfa f rf n
fff r nr fa frf f n+
Cha.: janu bji beu bani manasiju rma hita ati soha,
pane baya bala rupa guna gati sakala bhuvana bimoha.
jagamagata jnu jarva joti sumoti mani mnika lage,
kikini lalma lagmu lalita biloki sura nara muni hage.
It seemed as if Cupid himself had appeared with all his charm in the disguise of
a horse for the sake of r Rma and fascinated the whole universe with its youth and
vigour, form and virtues as well as with its pace. A bejewelled saddle, thick set with
beautiful pearls, gems and rubies shone on his back; the exquisite band with small
tinkling bells and the lovely bridle, dazed gods, men and sages alike.
0 f t a rf f r
fa szn afza rr f r+ -{+
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Do.: prabhu manasahi

layalna manu calata bji chabi pva,

bhuita uRagana taRita ghanu janu bara barahi nacva.316.
Marching with its mind completely merged in the Lord's will, the horse looked most
beautiful, as though a cloud irradiated by stars and the fitful lightning had mounted a
peacock and made it dance. (316)
0f rf r rr af rs rr+
= r = rn fa f rn+ {+
f fa fa r r r a rfa r+
ff r f ff r r; rf far+ +
s a sr ff a z r r+
rf fa rr na >rr fa rr+ -+
faf frt r rs rt+
fa n rf t r ft+ +
Cau.: jehi

bara bji rmu asavr, tehi sradau na baranai pr.

sakaru rma rupa anurge, nayana pacadasa ati priya lge.1.
hari hita sahita rmu jaba johe, ram sameta rampati mohe.
nirakhi rma chabi bidhi harane, hai nayana jni pachitne.2.
sura senapa ura bahuta uchh u, bidhi te evaRha locana lh u.
rmahi citava suresa sujn, gautama srpu parama hita mn.3.
deva sakala surapatihi sihh

, ju puradara sama kou nh

.
mudita devagana rmahi dekh, npasamja duhu harau bise.4.
Even rad is unable to describe the noble steed on which r Rma rode.
akara (who has five faces, with three eyes each) was enamoured of r Rma's
beauty and congratulated himself on His possessing as many as fifteen eyes. When r
Hari (Viu) fondly gazed on Rma, both Ram and Her lord were equally enchanted.
(The four-faced) Brahm too was delighted to behold r Rma's beauty; but he felt
sorry to think that he had only eight eyes. The generalissimo of the heavenly host (the
six-faced Krtikeya) exulted over the fact of his possessing half as many eyes again
as Brahm. When the wise lord of celestials gazed on r Rma (with his thousand
eyes), he thought Gautama's curse as the greatest blessing. All the gods envied Indra
and observed, "No one can vie with Purandara (Indra) today." The whole host of
heavenly beings rejoiced to behold r Rma and there was joy beyond measure in the
court of both the monarchs. (14)
U0fa rr ff t rf rrt
f f f fa rrt+
f rfa rf ra ra r rt
rt rff rf ff a n rt+
Cha.:ati harau rjasamja duhu disi dudubh

bjahi

ghan,
baraahi

sumana sura harai kahi jaya jayati jaya raghukulaman.
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*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
ehi bh

ti jni barta vata bjane bahu bjah

,
rn susini boli parichani hetu magala sjah

.
There was great rejoicing in the court of both the kings and a tempestuous clash
of kettledrums on both sides; the gods rained down flowers, shouting in their joy, "Glory,
glory, glory to the Jewel of Raghu's race!" In this way when it was known that the
marriage procession was approaching, all sorts of music began to play; while Queen
Sunayan (St's mother) summoned married women whose husbands were alive and
prepared with their help auspicious materials for the ceremony of waving lights round
the bridegroom.
0f rat ff n rf
t fa ff nnrff rf+ -{+
Do.: saji rat aneka bidhi magala sakala sa vri,
cal

mudita parichani karana gajagmini bara nri.317.

Kindling lights of various kinds and collecting all other articles of good omen, a
bevy of graceful women, who possessed the charming gait of an elephant, proceeded
joyfully to perform the ceremony of waving lights round the bridegroom. (317)
0ft nrf f a f fa rf+
f tr f tr+ {+
n n r f nr f r+
fff rf rf frf r n rf+ +
rf r ff rr = n nrr+
t rr r rt fa f rt+ -+
rf r; ft frf r;+
f nr n rt f r rt+ +
Cau.: bidhubadan

saba saba mgalocani, saba nija tana chabi rati madu mocani.
pahire barana barana bara cr, sakala bibhuana saje sarr.1.
sakala sumagala aga bane , karahi

gna kalakahi laje .

kakana kikini nupura bjahi

, cli biloki kma gaja ljahi

.2.
bjahi

bjane bibidha prakr, nabha aru nagara sumagalacr.

sac srad ram bhavn, je suratiya suci sahaja sayn.3.
kapaa nri bara bea ban, mil

sakala ranivsahi

j.
karahi

gna kala magala bn

, haraa bibasa saba khu na jn

.4.
They all had moon-like faces, and eyes like those of a gazelle; by the elegance
of their form they robbed Rati (Love's consort) of all self-conceit. Attired in costly
garments of various colours they had adorned their person with all kinds of ornaments.
They had further beautified all their limbs with auspicious materials, and sang melodies
that put to shame even a female cuckoo. Bracelets, small bells round their waistband as
well as anklets made a jingling sound as they moved and even Love's elephants blushed
for shame to see their gait. All kinds of music played and there were rejoicing both in the
heavens and in the city. ac (Indra's consort), rad, Ram, Bhavn and other
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goddesses, who were pure-hearted and clever by nature, assumed the disguise of lovely
women and joined the royal gynaeceum. They sang festal songs in a melodious voice; and
as everyone was overcome with joy no one could recognize them. (14)
U0 r r f r zr f t
nr fr f rr t+
r frf f fa ;
r sfn n rf ;+
Cha.:ko jna kehi nada basa saba brahmu bara parichana cal,
kala gna madhura nisna baraahi

sumana sura sobh bhal.

nadakadu biloki dulahu sakala hiya haraita bha,
abhoja abaka abu umagi suaga pulakvali cha.
Who should recognize whom, when everyone in the gynaeceum proceeded in her
ecstatic joy to join the ceremony of waving lights round the bridegroom, who was no other
than the Supreme Spirit incarnate. Melodious songs were being sung and kettledrums
gently sounded; the gods rained down flowers and everything looked most charming. All
the women were delighted at heart to behold the bridegroom, who was the fountain of joy;
tears of love rushed to their lotus-like eyes and the hair on their pretty limbs stood erect.
0r r f ra f r
r f f a rr + -{c+
Do.: jo sukhu bh siya mtu mana dekhi rma bara beu,
so na sakahi

kahi kalapa sata sahasa srad seu.318.

The joy which St's mother felt in her heart on beholding r Rma in the attire
of a bridegroom was more than a thousand rads and eas could not tell in a
hundred Kalpas. (318)
0 t= f n rt ff f fa rt+
ffa = rr= t- t ff r=+ {+
f n nrr rz f ff rr+
f rat rr fa- t-r r n z a t-r+ +
fa r fr f frf rfa r+
f r rfa f f r+ -+
= n rr r; rf ; r;+
f ff r zf r rr ; r r+ +
Cau.: nayana nru hai magala jn, parichani karahi

mudita mana rn.

beda bihita aru kula cr u, knha bhal bidhi saba byavahr u.1.
paca sabada dhuni magala gn, paa p

vaRe parahi

bidhi nn.
kari rat araghu tinha dnh, rma gamanu maapa taba knh.2.
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*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
dasarathu sahita samja birje, bibhava biloki lokapati lje.
samaya samaya sura baraahi

phul, sti paRhahi

mahisura anukul.3.
nabha aru nagara kolhala ho, pani para kachu sunai na ko.
ehi bidhi rmu maapahi

e, araghu dei sana baihe.4.

Restraining her tears out of regard for the auspicious occasion, Queen Sunayan
performed the ceremony of waving lights with a gladdened heart, and duly completed all
the rites prescribed by the Vedas as well as by family usage. The five kinds of music*
were being played, accompanied by five varieties of other sounds and festal songs;
carpets of different sorts were spread on the way. After waving lights the queen offered
water to r Rma for washing His hands with and the latter then proceeded to the
pavilion. Daaratha shone in all his glory with his followers; his magnificence put to
shame the guardians of the different worlds. From time to time the gods rained down
flowers; and the Brhmaas recited propitiatory texts appropriate to the occasion. There
was such a great uproar in the heavens as well as in the city that no one could hear
one's own words, much less of others. In this way r Rma entered the pavilion; after
offering Him water to wash His hands with, He was conducted to His seat. (14)
U0 rf r rat f ff = rt
f f rf rf n nrt+
zr rf f r; a t
rf rr f f t t+
Cha.:baihri sana rat kari nirakhi baru sukhu pvah

,
mani basana bhuana bhuri vrahi

nri magala gvah

.
brahmdi surabara bipra bea bani kautuka dekhah

,
avaloki raghukula kamala rabi chabi suphala jvana lekhah

.
When Rma was installed on the seat reserved for Him, lights were waved round
Him and everyone rejoiced to behold the bridegroom, scattering about Him gems and
raiments and ornaments in profusion; while women sang festal songs. Brahm and the
other great gods witnessed the spectacle disguised as Brhmaas; and as they gazed
on the beauty of r Rma, who delighted Raghu's race even as the sun brings joy to
the lotuses, they regarded this privilege as the fulfilment of their life.
0r rt r r frf r;
fa tf r; f z r;+ -{+
Do.: nu br bha naa rma nichvari pi,
mudita assahi

ni sira harau na hdaya sami.319.

* The five kinds of music referred to above are those produced from:(1) V or the lute, (2) the
clapping of hands, (3) the clashing of a pair of cymbals, (4) the beating of a kettledrum and (5) the blowing of
a trumpet of any other wind instrument.
The five varieties of other sounds are: (1) Vedadhvani (the murmuring of Vedic texts), (2) Vandidhvani
(the praises sung by family bards), (3) Jayadhvani (shouts of victory), (4) akhadhvani (the blast of
conches), and (5) Dundubhidhvani (beat of drums).
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Having gathered the offerings scattered about r Rma, the barbers, torchbearers,
family bards and dancers bowed their head and gladly invoked blessings on Him with a
heart overflowing with joy. (319)
0f fa tat f f f tat+
fa r rs r fr sr rf rf f r+ {+
t a rf f rt ;- ; sr s rt+
r f rn f nr rn+ +
n ff srr a r a a+
rfa r r t r+ -+
fnr f r t tfa f ff rt+
a rz rr r r zf rr+ +
Cau.: mile janaku dasarathu ati prt

, kari baidika laukika saba rt

.
milata mah dou rja birje, upam khoji khoji kabi lje.1.
lah na katahu hri hiya mn, inha sama ei upam ura n.
smadha dekhi deva anurge, sumana barai jasu gvana lge.2.
jagu biraci upajv jaba te , dekhe sune byha bahu taba te .
sakala bh

ti sama sju samju, sama samadh dekhe hama j u.3.

deva gir suni sudara s

c, prti alaukika duhu disi mc.

deta p

vaRe araghu suhe, sdara janaku maapahi

lye.4.
Having observed every custom that derived its authority from the Vedas or from
popular tradition the two kings Janaka and Daaratha, embraced each other with great
love. The two monarchs while embracing each other presented a glorious spectacle;
poets made repeated efforts to find a suitable analogy but felt abashed at their failure.
Finding no comparison anywhere, they felt baffled and concluded that the pair could be
likened to themselves alone. The gods were enraptured to see the tie of love between
the two kings united by marriage alliance; raining down flowers they began to sing the
glories of both. "Ever since Brahm created the world, we have witnessed and heard of
many a marriage; but it is only today that we have seen the pomp and grandeur on both
sides so well-balanced in every respect and the fathers of the bride and the bridegroom
so well-matched." Hearing the above voice from heaven, which was so charming yet so
true, there was a flood of transcendent love on both sides. Unrolling beautiful carpets on
the way and offering water to wash his hands with, Janaka himself conducted Daaratha
to the pavilion with all honour. (14)
U0z frf ffr r =far f
f rf r rf frrr +
;y f fy f f rf t
ff a tfa f tfa a t+
Cha.: maapu biloki bicitra racan

rucirat

muni mana hare,

nija pni janaka sujna saba kahu ni sighsana dhare.
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*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
kula ia sarisa basia puje binaya kari sia lah,
kausikahi pujata parama prti ki rti tau na parai kah.
The marvellous art of the pavilion and its charm captivated the heart even of
sages; yet wise Janaka fetched and placed with his own hands thrones for all the
honoured guests. He worshipped the sage Vasiha as if he were his own family deity
and supplicating before him received his blessings; while the supreme devotion with
which he paid his homage to Kauika was something too great for words.
0r rf f fa t
f f r f t t+ -+
Do.: bmadeva dika riaya puje mudita mahsa,
die dibya sana sabahi saba sana lah assa.320.
King Janaka gladly adored Vmadeva (another family preceptor of King Daaratha)
and the other Ris as well; he gave hem all gorgeous seats and received blessings from
all of them in return. (320)
0f tf- rfa r rf ; rs r+
tf- rf f zr; f f r f ar;+ {+
fa rat t r rat+
r sfa f r r sr+ +
ra rt r r fat rt+
ff f = fffa fr rf rrt r+ -+
f r a f fa r+
r f r f fr+ +
Cau.: bahuri knhi kosalapati puj, jni sa sama bhu na duj.
knhi jori kara binaya baR, kahi nija bhgya bibhava bahut.1.
puje bhupati sakala bart, samadh sama sdara saba bh

t.
sana ucita die saba kh u, kahau kha mukha eka uchh u.2.
sakala barta janaka sanamn, dna mna binat bara bn.
bidhi hari haru disipati dinaru, je jnahi

raghubra prabhu.3.
kapaa bipra bara bea bane , kautuka dekhahi

ati sacu pe .
puje janaka deva sama jne , die susana binu pahicne .4.
Again he paid divine honours to the King of Ayodhy, taking him to be the peer
of iva and none other; and mentioning how his fortune and rank had been enhanced
through relation with King Daaratha, he made humble supplication to the latter and
extolled him with joined palms. King Janaka worshipped all the members of the
bridegroom's party with the same honour in every respect as he had paid to the
bridegroom's father, and assigned appropriate seats to them all. How am I to describe
with my one tongue the warmth of his feeling? Janaka honoured the whole bridegroom's
party with gifts, polite behaviour, supplication and sweet words. Brahm, Hari, Hara, the
guardians of the eight quarters of the world* and the sun-god, all of whom had knowledge
* The guardians of the eight quarters of the world are: (1) Indra (the lord of celestials), of the east;
(2) Agni (fire-god), of the south-east; (3) Yama (the god dispensing the fruit of ones good or evil actions), of the
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of r Rma's glory, disguised themselves as noble Brhmaas and witnessed the
spectacle with great delight. Janaka worshipped them as on a par with gods and, though
he recognized them not, assigned them exalted seats. (14)
U0fr r f r f r f rt ;
r frf s ff r ;+
r r rf r
rf t rs r f fa +
Cha.:pahicna ko kehi jna sabahi apna sudhi bhor bha,
nada kadu biloki dulahu ubhaya disi na da ma.
sura lakhe rma sujna puje mnasika sana dae,
avaloki slu subhu prabhu ko bibudha mana pramudita bhae.
Who should recognize and whom should one know, when everyone had forgotten
one's own self? As they gazed on the bridegroom, who was Bliss personified, joy was
diffused on both sides (in the bridegroom's party as well as in the court of Janaka). The
all-wise Rma recognized the gods, worshipped them mentally and assigned them seats
of His own fancy. And the immortals were delighted at heart to perceive the congenial
manners and gentle disposition of the Lord.
0r f r r= r
a r r r r+ -{+
Do.: rmacadra mukha cadra chabi locana cru cakora,
karata pna sdara sakala premu pramodu na thora.321.
The graceful eyes of all fondly drank in the beauty of r Rmacandra's
countenance with the utmost love and rapture even as the Cakora bird feeds on the
moon's rays. (321)
0s frf f rr r ar f r+
fn f r r; fa f r r;+ {+
rt f srfa rt fa f- a rt+
f q rr; f tfa n nr;+ +
rf rr r t trr+
fa-f f rf rt f frf r a trt+ -+
r r rf rt sr r r rt+
t rf r r; fa zf t r;+ +
Cau.: samau biloki basiha bole, sdara satnadu suni e.
begi kua ri aba nahu j, cale mudita muni yasu p.1.
south; (4) Nirrti (the god of death), of the south-west; (5) Varua (the god of water), of the west; (6) Vyu (the wind-
god), of the north-west; (7) Kuvera (the god of riches), of the north; and (8) na (iva), of the north-east.
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*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
rn suni uparohita bn, pramudita sakhinha sameta sayn.
bipra badhu kulabddha bol

, kari kula rti sumagala g

.2.
nri bea je sura bara bm, sakala subhya sudar sym.
tinhahi dekhi sukhu pvahi

nr

, binu pahicni prnahu te pyr

.3.
bra bra sanamnahi

rn, um ram srada sama jn.

sya sa vri samju ban, mudita maapahi

cal

lav.4.
Perceiving that the time of wedding had arrived, Vasiha sent for atnanda with
all the honour due to him, and on hearing the call the latter came with all reverence.
"Kiindly go and bring the bride quickly now." Receiving the sage's order he gladly left.
The wise queen with her associates was highly pleased to hear the priest's message;
she sent for a few Brhmaa ladies and the elder ladies of the family, who performed the
family rites and sang charming festal songs. The consorts of the principal gods, who
were disguised as mortal women, were all naturally lovely and in the prime of their youth.
The ladies of Janaka's household were delighted to see them and, even though none
recognized them, the ladies held them dearer than their life. The queen honoured them
again and again treating them on a par with Um, Ram and rad. After adorning St
and forming a circle about Her they joyously conducted Her to the pavilion. (14)
U0f rr; taf t r f n rft
e r t -r nrft+
nr f f r -rnf r rf rt
t fa ar nfa rt+
Cha.:cali lyi stahi sakh

sdara saji sumagala bhmin

,
navasapta sje sudar

saba matta kujara gmin

.
kala gna suni muni dhyna tygahi

kma kokila ljah

,
majra nupura kalita kakana tla gati bara bjah

.
Equipping themselves with auspicious materials St's companions and other
ladies conducted Her to the pavilion with due honour; each of them was lovely of form
and had practised all the sixteen forms of adornment and moved with the grace of an
elephant in rut. At the sound of their melodious strains the sages felt obliged to give up
their meditation, and love's own cuckoos were abashed. Their ornaments for the toes
and ankles and the charming bangles on their wrists produced a delightful sound keeping
tune with their songs.
0rfa far rf t
f r n r fa t+ -+
Do.: sohati banit bda mahu sahaja suhvani sya,
chabi lalan gana madhya janu suam tiya kamanya.322.
St in Her native loveliness shone forth among the bevy of ladies as a charming
personification of Beauty in the midst of the Graces. (322)
0f ar f r; rr fa a rar;+
ra tf rfa- tar = rf rfa tar+ {+
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f f f rr f r rr+
a- ar f r; s r ar+ +
r f ff r f t f n r+
nr fr rr rt r n rt+ -+
f ff t zf r; fa rfa f fr;+
af ff r= n t- r=+ +
Cau.: siya sudarat barani na j, laghu mati bahuta manoharat.
vata dkhi bartinha st, r upa rsi saba bh

ti punt.1.
sabahi manahi

mana kie pranm, dekhi rma bhae puranakm.

harae dasaratha sutanha samet, kahi na ji ura na du jet.2.
sura pranmu kari barisahi

phul, muni assa dhuni magala m ul.

gna nisna kolhalu bhr, prema pramoda magana nara nr.3.
ehi bidhi sya maapahi

, pramudita sti paRhahi

munir.
tehi avasara kara bidhi byavahr u, duhu kulagura saba knha acr u.4.
St's elegant form baffles all description: so poor is my wit and so surpassing
Her charm. When the members of the bridegroom's party saw St approach, a
veritable storehouse of beauty and spotless in everyway, all greeted Her from the core
of their heart. At the sight of Jnak Rma had His heart's desire fulfilled. King
Daaratha with all his other sons was filled with delight; the joy of their heart could not
be expressed. The gods made obeisance and rained down flowers; while the sages
uttered their benedictions, which were the source of all blessings. The songs that the
ladies sang, combined with the sound of kettledrums, produced a loud symphony; men
and women both were lost in love and rejoicing. In this manner St entered the
pavilion, while great sages recited propitiatory texts in great joy. The two family
preceptors (Vasiha and atnanda) performed all the religious rites and ceremonies
and observed the family customs. (14)
U0rr= f n nf nfa fa f rt
nf r f f t fa rt+
n r f f
r r a ff fr + {+
tfa tfa a f f a r fr
f rfa r; taf n frrr fr+
f r rf r f
fq rt nr n f + +
Cha.:cru kari gura gauri ganapati mudita bipra pujvah

,
sura pragai puj lehi

dehi

assa ati sukhu pvah

.
madhuparka magala drabya jo jehi samaya muni mana mahu cahai

,
bhare kanaka kopara kalasa so taba liehi

paricraka rahai

.1.
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*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
kula rti prti sameta rabi kahi deta sabu sdara kiyo,
ehi bh

ti deva puji stahi subhaga sighsanu diyo.

siya rma avalokani parasapara premu khu na lakhi parai,
mana buddhi bara bn agocara pragaa kabi kaise karai.2.
Having observed the family customs the Gurus (Vasiha and atnanda) in great
joy directed the Brhmaas to worship Goddess Gaur and Her son Gaea; the gods
accepted the homage in visible form and gave their blessing with great delight. Whatever
auspicious article such as a mixture of honey* etc., the sages mentally sought at any
particular moment, attendants stood ever ready with gold trays and pitchers full of that
substance. The sun-god himself lovingly pointed out the family usages, which were all
scrupulously observed. Having thus caused St to worship the gods, the sages
assigned Her a beautiful throne. The mutual love with which St and Rma regarded
each other could not be perceived by anyone. It was beyond the reach of the best mind,
intellect and speech; how then, could the poet express it? (1-2)
0r a f fa rfa f
f f f fr ff f+ --+
Do.: homa samaya tanu dhari analu ati sukha huti lehi

,
bipra bea dhari beda saba kahi bibha bidhi dehi

.323.
While oblations were offered to the sacred fire, the fire-god in person accepted the
offerings with great delight; and the Vedas in the guise of Brhmaas directed the
procedure of the nuptial ceremony. (323)
0 rft n rt t ra ff r; rt+
a ar; f ff t r;+ {+
s rf f- rr; a rff r rr;+
r ff r r ffnf n t r+ +
f r = f n n +
f fa r = rt r rn rt+ -+
f f n rt nn rf = rt+
= frf fa rn r ta r rn+ +
Cau.: janaka pamahi jaga jn, sya mtu kimi ji bakhn.
sujasu sukta sukha sudarat, saba samei bidhi rac ban.1.
samau jni munibaranha bol

, sunata susini sdara ly

.
janaka bma disi soha sunayan, himagiri saga ban janu mayan.2.
kanaka kalasa mani kopara r ure, suci sugadha magala jala p ure.
nija kara mudita rya aru rn, dhare rma ke ge n.3.
paRhahi

beda muni magala bn, gagana sumana jhari avasaru jn.

baru biloki dapati anurge, pya punta pakhrana lge.4.
* The mixture referred to above, which is known by the name of Madhuparka, is usually composed of
curds, clarified butter, water, honey and sugar. It is a respectful offering made to a guest or to the bridegroom
on his arrival at the door of the brides father.
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What words can describe the world-renowned queen-consort of Janaka and St's
mother? The Creator had exhausted in fashioning her all the bright glory, virtue, joy and
beauty. Perceiving the appropriate time, the great sages sent for her; and in response
to their call married women whose hasbands were alive brought her with due honour.
Queen Sunayan shone forth to Janaka's left even as Men beside Himavn (the
mountain-king). The king and queen joyfully brought and placed with their own hands
gold vases and beautiful trays of jewels filled with holy, scented and auspicious water
before r Rma. The sages recited the Veda in joyous tones and at the proper time
flowers rained down from the heavens. The royal couple were enraptured to behold the
Bridegroom and began to wash His holy feet. (14)
U0rn r r a rt
n nr fr f sfn ff t+
r r f s frt
a fa far f rt + {+
f ffar t nfa t r ra;
f- r f far f ;+
f f rfn ; fa nfa
a ra rr + +
f a rf rrr= rs n
r rfn frf ff f r +
f fa a tr fr
f r fr -rr fr+ -+
fa ff fnfr f ff >rt rn ;
faf rf f t ft tfa ; +
r f f fr f fa rt
f r ffa nrf rt r rnt rt+ +
Cha.:lge pakhrana pya pakaja prema tana pulakval,
nabha nagara gna nisna jaya dhuni umagi janu cahu disi cal.
je pada saroja manoja ari ura sara sadaiva birjah

,
je sakta sumirata bimalat mana sakala kali mala bhjah

.1.
je parasi munibanit lah gati rah jo ptakama,
makaradu jinha ko sabhu sira sucit avadhi sura barana.
kari madhupa mana muni jogijana je sei abhimata gati lahai

,
te pada pakhrata bhgyabhjanu janaku jaya jaya saba kahai

.2.
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*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
bara kua ri karatala jori skhocru dou kulagura karai

,
bhayo pnigahanu biloki bidhi sura manuja muni na da bharai

.
sukhamula dulahu dekhi dapati pulaka tana hulasyo hiyo,
kari loka beda bidhnu kanydnu npabhuana kiyo.3.
himavata jimi girij mahesahi harihi r sgara da,
timi janaka rmahi siya samarap bisva kala krati na.
kyo karai binaya bidehu kiyo bidehu murati sva r

,
kari homu bidhivata g

hi jor hona lg

bhva r

.4.
They began to love r Rma's lotus-feet; their whole frame was thrilled with
emotion. The sounds of singing and kettledrums and shouts of victory in the heavens as
well as in the city overflowed as it were in all direction . The lotus-feet that ever sparkle
in the lake of iva's bosom, by thinking of which even for once the mind gets purified
and all the impurities of the Kali age are driven away, by whose touch the sage
Gautama's wife, who was full of sin, attained salvation, whose nectar in the form of the
river Gag adorns ambhus head and is declared by the gods as the holiest of the
holy, and by resorting to which with their bee-like minds sages and mystics attain the
goal of their liking, it is those very feet that the most lucky Janaka washed amidst shouts
of victory from all corners. Joining the palms of the Bride and the Bridegroom, both the
family priests recited the genealogy of the two families; and perceiving that the
Bridegroom had accepted the Bride's hand, Brahm and the other divinities as well as
men and sages were filled with delight. As the king and queen gazed on the Bridegroom,
who was the very fountain of joy, the hair on their body stood erect, while their heart was
filled with rapture. And having gone through all the rites sanctioned either by the Vedas
or by family usage, the glorious King Janaka gave his Daughter to the Bridegroom. As
Himavn gave away Girij to the great Lord iva, and the deity presiding over seas
bestowed r on Hari, so did Janaka give St to Rma and thereby earned fair renown
of an unprecedented character. King Videha (Janaka) was unable to make any supplication,
since that Prince (r Rma) of swarthy complexion had justified his name (Videha) by
making him forget everything about his body. When oblations had been offered to the
sacred fire with due rite, the ends of garments of the Bride and the Bridegroom were tied
together (as a token of their indissoluble union) and the couple began to circumambulate
the fire (in order to show that the two had been united in the presence of the fire-god as
a witness). (14)
0 f t f n nr fr
f f f f a= r+ -+
Do.: jaya dhuni bad beda dhuni magala gna nisna,
suni haraahi

baraahi

bibudha surataru sumana sujna.324.

At the sound of the huzzas, the praises sung by the bards, the recitation of the
Vedic texts, the din of the festal songs and the beating of kettledrums the wise immortals
rejoiced and rained down flowers from the trees of paradise. (324)
0= f rf t r r t+
r; f r rt r sr r rt+ {+
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r t fart nnra f rt+
fa f =r a r frr r+ +
rr rt na a rf rt+
n fr r r fr+ -+
fa f- rt t nfa tfa ft+
r t f t rr f rfa ff t+ +
= rn f t ff f r t +
f f tf- r = ff r+ ~+
Cau.: kua ru kua ri kala bhva ri deh

, nayana lbhu saba sdara leh

.
ji na barani manohara jor, jo upam kachu kahau so thor.1.
rma sya sudara pratichh

, jagamagta mani khabhana mh

.
manahu madana rati dhari bahur up, dekhata rma bihu an up.2.
darasa llas sakuca na thor, pragaata durata bahori bahor.
bhae magana saba dekhanihre, janaka samna apna bisre.3.
pramudita muninha bh

var

pher

, negasahita saba rti niber

.
rma sya sira sedura deh

, sobh kahi na jti bidhi keh

.4.
aruna parga jalaju bhari nke , sasihi bh ua ahi lobha am ke .
bahuri basiha dnhi anussana, baru dulahini baihe eka sana.5.
The Bride and Bridegroom performed the circumambulation with charming paces;
while all present feasted their admiring gaze on the spectacle. The lovely couple was
beyond description; whatever comparison might be suggested would fall short of the
reality. Lovely images of Rma and St were reflected on the pillars of jewels and shone
as if Love and his consort, Rati, witnessed r Rma's matchless wedding appearing in
numerous forms. Their curiosity and bashfulness were equally great; that is why they
revealed themselves and went out of sight again and again. All the spectators were
enraptured; like Janaka they forgot all about themselves. Joyously the sages bade the
Bride and Bridegroom pace round the fire and accomplished all the rites including the
ceremonial gifts, r Rma applied the vermilion to St's forehead, a sight the charm of
which was altogether beyond description. It seemed as if with a lotus surcharged with
reddish pollen a serpent thirsting for nectar decorated the moon. Then Vasiha gave the
direction and the Bride and Bridegroom sat together on the same seat. (15)
U0 r r rf fa
a f f f a a= +
f r sr r fr r t r
f rfa f fra r n r+ {+
a r; f r r r rf
rzt >ratfa sfr f ; rf +
a -r r n t rr;
tfa tfa a f r rf af ;+ +
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*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
rt rr fnt f frf rf
r a t-t rf f ff rf +
f r >ratfa rf f n rnt
r ; ff fa = t srnt+ -+
= ff t f f t
fa ar rf n t+
t - z rt
t s rfs tr f fa frt+ +
Cha.:baihe barsana rmu jnaki mudita mana dasarathu bhae,
tanu pulaka puni puni dekhi apane sukta surataru phala nae.
bhari bhuvana rah uchhu rma bibhu bh sabah

kah,
kehi bh

ti barani sirta rasan eka yahu magalu mah.1.

taba janaka pi basiha yasu byha sja sa vri kai,
mav rutakrati uramil kua ri la

ha kri kai.
kusaketu kany prathama jo guna sla sukha sobhma,
saba rti prti sameta kari so byhi npa bharatahi da.2.
jnak laghu bhagin sakala sudari siromani jni kai,
so tanaya dnh byhi lakhanahi sakala bidhi sanamni kai.
jehi nmu rutakrati sulocani sumukhi saba guna gar,
so da ripusudanahi bhupati rupa sla ujgar.3.
anur upa bara dulahini paraspara lakhi sakuca hiya haraah

,
saba mudita sudarat sarhahi

sumana sura gana baraah

.
sudar

sudara baranha saha saba eka maapa rjah

,
janu jva ura criu avasth bibhuna sahita birjah

.4.
r Rma and Princess Jnak sat together on a costly seat and King Daaratha
was glad of heart to see them. Joy thrilled along his veins again and again as he perceived
the wish-yielding tree of his meritorious deeds bear new fruits. There was rejoicing all over
the universe; everyone proclaimed that r Rma's wedding had been accomplished . With
one tongue how could anyone describe in full the joy which knew no bounds? Then,
receiving Vasiha's order, Janaka sent for the other three princesses, Mav, rutakrti
and Urmil, each clad in a bride's attire. The eldest daughter of his younger brother Kuaketu,
who was an embodiment of goodness, virtue, joy and beauty, he gave in marriage to
Bharata after performing every rite with love. Jnak's younger sister (Urmil), whom
he knew to be the crest-jewel of charming girls, Janaka gave in marriage to Lakmaa
with all honour. Finally the bright-eyed and fair-faced princess rutakrti, who was a
mine of all virtues and was well-known for her beauty and amiability, the king gave to
Ripusudana. When each pair of bride and bridegroom saw that they were well-
matched with each others*, they felt shy, but rejoiced in their heart of hearts; everyone
* Rma and Bharata, who had a swarthy complexion were united with St and Mav respectively
(who were both fair in complexion); while Lakmaa and atrughna (who were fair of hue) were married with
Urmil and rutakrti (both of whom were swarthy of complexion).
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joyfully applauded the beauty of each pair, while the gods rained down flowers. All the
lovely brides with their handsome bridegrooms shone forth in the same pavilion as though
the four states of consciousness (viz., waking, dream, sound sleep and absorption into
Brahma) with the phase of the soul presiding over each gleamed all at once of the heart
of an individual. (14)
0fa fa a - a frf
r fr f f- fa rf+ -~+
Do.: mudita avadhapati sakala suta badhunha sameta nihri,
janu pe mahipla mani kriyanha sahita phala cri.325.
The king of Ayodhy was delighted to see his four sons with their brides, as
though that jewel of monarchs had realized the four ends of life, (viz., worldly
riches, religious merit, sensuous enjoyment and Liberation) alongwith the four processes
of their realization (viz., sacrificial performances, piety, practice of Yoga and spiritual
exercise). (325)
0f rrt r ff t r af t+
f r; r; t r f z t+ {+
ffr r rfa rfa r r+
n an r = rt a rr t+ +
ta f ff r f r; rf f- r+
rr rf fr t- fa r+ -+
t- rf- r f rr sr r rf rr+
a rf rt r ra rt+ +
Cau.: jasi raghubra byha bidhi baran, sakala kua ra byhe tehi

karan.
kahi na ji kachu dija bhur, rah kanaka mani maapu pur.1.
kabala basana bicitra paore, bh

ti bh

ti bahu mola na thore.

gaja ratha turaga dsa aru ds, dhenu alakta kmaduh s.2.
bastu aneka karia kimi lekh, kahi na ji jnahi

jinha dekh.
lokapla avaloki sihne, lnha avadhapati sabu sukhu mne.3.
dnha jcakanhi jo jehi bhv, ubar so janavsehi

v.
taba kara jori janaku mdu bn, bole saba barta sanamn.4.
All the other princes were married according to the same rites as have been
described in the case of r Rmas marriage. The richness of the dowry was beyond
description; the whole pavilion was packed with gold and jewels. There were a number
of shawls, linen and silk of various colours and designs and of immense value,
elephants, chariots, horses, men-servants and maid-servants and cows adorned with
ornaments and vying with the cow of plenty and many other things which were more than
one could count and defied description. They alone who saw the dowry could have some
idea of it; even the guardians of the different realms regarded it with envy. The king of
Ayodhy gladly accepted it all and gave to the beggars whatever they liked; only that
which was left was taken to the lodgings of the bridegroom's party. Then with joined palms
Janaka honoured the whole bridegroom's party and spoke in gentle tones. (14)
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*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
U0rf ra r r f zr;
fa r f f zr; +
f= r; r; a f
r ra rs f f ar f f+ {+
rf rf a rr r
r r rf t r r+
r r z ff
f r r a rf f n + +
rfr frfr f rft =r ;
r fr rf a tvr ;+
f r r ff t f
f rfa f fat t f f+ -+
rr n ff rs rf
t f f n a +
a t n nr a t r r;
ff- fa f t r rr; + +
Cha.:sanamni sakala barta dara dna binaya baRi kai,
pramudita mah muni bda bade puji prema laRi kai.
siru ni deva mani saba sana kahata kara sapua kie ,
sura sdhu chata bhu sidhu ki toa jala ajali die .1.
kara jori janaku bahori badhu sameta kosalarya so ,
bole manohara bayana sni saneha sla subhya so .
sabadha rjana rvare hama baRe aba saba bidhi bhae,
ehi rja sja sameta sevaka jnibe binu gatha lae.2.
e drik paricrik kari plib

karun na,
apardhu chamibo boli pahae bahuta hau hyo ka.
puni bhnukulabh uana sakala sanamna nidhi samadh kie,
kahi jti nahi

binat paraspara prema paripurana hie.3.

bdrak gana sumana barisahi

ru janavsehi cale,
dudubh jaya dhuni beda dhuni nabha nagara kautuhala bhale.
taba sakh

magala gna karata munsa yasu pi kai,

dulaha dulahininha sahita sudari cal

kohabara lyi kai.4.

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Having honoured the whole bridegroom's party with courtesy, gifts, supplication
and compliments, King Janaka joyfully paid his homage to and greeted the great sages
after bestowing his loving attention on them. Bowing his head and invoking the gods he
addressed them all with joined palms, "Gods and holy men seek one's love alone; can
the ocean be propitiated by offering as much water as can be held within one's palms?"
Again, with joined palms Janaka and his younger brother (Kuaketu) submitted to the
King of Kosala in winning words full of affection, courtesy and sincerity, "By our
connection with you, O king, we have now been exalted in every respect; alongwith this
kingdom and all that we possess pray look upon us both as your slaves purchased
without any consideration. Taking these girls as your hand-maidens foster them with
your unremitting kindness. Pardon me my offence; it was too presumptuous on my part
to have called you here." The ornament of the solar race, King Daaratha, in his turn
flooded the bride's father with all kinds of honour. The courtesy they showed to each
other was past all telling; for their hearts overflowed with love. Hosts of gods rained down
flowers and King Daaratha proceeded to the palace where he and his party had been
lodged amidst the crash of kettledrums, shouts of victory and the chanting of Vedic texts.
There was much rejoicing both in the heavens and in the city. Then, receiving orders
from the chief of sages, Vasiha, the lovely companions of the brides conducted them
alongwith the bridegrooms to the apartment where the guardian deities of the family had
been installed for worship during the wedding days. (14)
0f f rf fa f fa
a r t f fr + -+
Do.: puni puni rmahi citava siya sakucati manu sakucai na,
harata manohara mna chabi prema pise naina.326.
Again and again did St gaze on r Rma and shrink out of modesty; her heart
however, refused to shrink. Her charming eyes, athirst with love, outshone the fish.(326)
[PAUSE 11 FOR A THIRTY-DAY RECITATION]
0tr t= r r rr rf r r+
r a r f a f- r+ {+
ta ta r rat fa r f rff rat+
fff f r r r fr f + +
ta s rf ; fr rf fa ;+
ra r r r s ra s r+ -+
f sr rrrat rf- n f rat+
z rr frr+ +
f r rr r fa =far frr+
ra = r r n ar f nr+ ~+
Cau.: syma sarru subhya suhvana, sobh koi manoja lajvana.
jvaka juta pada kamala suhe, muni mana madhupa rahata jinha che.1.
pta punta manohara dhot, harati bla rabi dmini jot.
kala kikini kai sutra manohara, bhu bisla bibh uana sudara.2.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
318
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
pta janeu mahchabi de, kara mudrik cori citu le.
sohata byha sja saba sje, ura yata urabh uana rje.3.
piara uparan kkhsot, duhu

caranhi lage mani mot.

nayana kamala kala kuala kn, badanu sakala saudarja nidhn.4.
sudara bhkui manohara ns, bhla tilaku rucirat nivs.
sohata mauru manohara mthe, magalamaya mukut mani gthe.5.
Rma's swarthy form was naturally graceful; His beauty put to shame millions of
Cupids. Dyed with red lac, His lotus-feet, which ever attracted the bee-like minds of
sages, looked most lovely. His sacred and charming yellow loin-cloth outshone the rising
sun as well as the lightning. The girdle round His waist together with the sweet-sounding
small bells was soul-enchanting; His long arms were adorned with beautiful ornaments.
The yellow sacred thread greatly enhanced His charm; while the ring on His finger would
ravish all hearts. Beautified with all sorts of wedding adornments He looked most
charming; His broad chest was adorned with appropriate ornaments. He had a yellow
scarf with fringes of pearls and gems slung partly under His right armpit and partly
across His left shoulder. He had a pair of lotus-like eyes and beautiful pendants dangling
from the lobes of his ears; while His countenance was a storehouse of all comeliness.
He had lovely eyebrows and a charming nose; while the sacred mark on His forehead
was an abode of loveliness. And His head was adorned with a beautiful wedding crown
which had auspicious pearls and gems strung together and woven into it. (15)
0 nr rf n fa rt
rf t f frf fa art+
f rf rfa f n nrt
ff a rn f rt+ {+
rf r f rff- r;
fa tfa f tfa rnt n nr; +
f nf fr rf t r
fr r fr - r + +
f rf f ffa fa =fr t
rfa t frf f rt+
a fr r r; f rf t
f t r; rf t+ -+
af f t a n r r
f= f rt r= rvr fa t r+
rnt fq t frf f t
f f f f r t+ +
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
BLA-K NA
*
319
Cha.:gthe mahmani maura majula aga saba cita corah

,
pura nri sura sudar

barahi biloki saba tina torah

.
mani basana bhuana vri rati karahi

magala gvah

,
sura sumana barisahi

s uta mgadha badi sujasu sunvah

.1.
kohabarahi

ne kua ra kua ri susininha sukha pi kai,

ati prti laukika rti lg

karana magala gi kai.

lahakauri gauri sikhva rmahi sya sana srada kahai

,
ranivsu hsa bilsa rasa basa janma ko phalu saba lahai

.2.
nija pni mani mahu dekhiati murati surupanidhna k,
clati na bhujaball bilokani biraha bhaya basa jnak.
kautuka binoda pramodu premu na ji kahi jnahi

al

,
bara kua ri sudara sakala sakh

lavi janavsehi cal

.3.
tehi samaya sunia assa jaha taha nagara nabha na du mah,
ciru jiahu jor

cru cryo mudita mana sabah

kah.
jogdra siddha munsa deva biloki prabhu dudubhi han,
cale harai barai prasuna nija nija loka jaya jaya jaya bhan.4.
Precious gems had been strung together and woven into the lovely wedding crown
and each of His limbs ravished the heart. At the sight of the bridegroom (r Rma) the
women of the city as well as pretty celestial ladies all tore blades of grass (in order to avert
the evil eye). After scattering about Him gems, raiment and ornaments they waved lights
around Him and sang festal songs. The gods rained down flowers; while bards, panegyrists
and rhapsodists uttered His praises. Married women, whose husbands were alive, happily
brought the brides and bridegrooms to the apartment reserved for the tutelary deities, and
with festal songs they most lovingly began to perform customary rites. Goddess Gaur
Herself taught Rma how to offer a morsel of food to St; while rad urged St to do
likewise with Rma. The whole gynaeceum was absorbed in the delight of merry-making;
everyone enjoyed the fruit of her birth. In the gems on Her hand Jnak saw the reflection
of r Rma, the repository of beauty; hence She dared not move Her arm or eyes for fear
of losing sight of Him. The rapture and love that characterized the gaiety and mirth of the
occasion surpassed all telling; St's companions alone knew them. They escorted all the
four charming couples to the palace assigned to King Daaratha and his party. At that
moment blessings might be heard on all sides and there was great exultation in the city as
well as in the heavens. Everyone exclaimed with a delighted heart, "Long live the four
lovely couples!" Great Yogs, Siddhas, eminent sages and divinities sounded their kettledrums
on beholding the Lord; and raining down flowers and crying "Victory, victory, victory" they
gladly returned, each to his own realm. (14)
0fa f- a r fa r
rr n r f sns r+ -+
Do.: sahita badhuinha kua ra saba taba e pitu psa,
sobh magala moda bhari umageu janu janavsa.327.
Then all the four princes with their brides approached their father. It appeared
at that time as if the lodgings of the bridegroom's party overflowed with beauty, felicity
and joy. (327)
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
320
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
0f r ; r at rr; rat+
a rz r a- a n fr r+ {+
r r r rrn t- r+
r fa r t r; f r+ +
f r r z nr+
atfs r; r rt r f rt+ -+
r sfa f t- rf rt t-+
r n r t f r r+ +
Cau.: puni jevanra bha bahu bh

t, pahae janaka boli bart.

parata p

vaRe basana an up, sutanha sameta gavana kiyo bhup.1.

sdara saba ke pya pakhre, jathjogu pRhanha baihre.
dhoe janaka avadhapati caran, slu sanehu ji nahi

baran.2.
bahuri rma pada pakaja dhoe, je hara hdaya kamala mahu goe.
tniu bhi rma sama jn, dhoe carana janaka nija pn.3.
sana ucita sabahi npa dnhe, boli supakr saba lnhe.
sdara lage parana panavre, kanaka kla mani pna sa vre.4.
Then there was a banquet with a rich variety of dishes, to which Janaka invited
all the members of the bridegroom's party. Carpets of incomparable beauty were spread
on the way as King Daaratha sallied forth with his sons. The feet of all were reverently
washed and then they were seated on wooden seats according to their rank. Janaka
laved the feet of Daaratha, King of Ayodhy; his courtesy and affection were past
telling. He then bathed r Rma's lotus-feet, that are enshrined in the lotus-like heart
of iva. Similarly he washed with his own hands the feet of the other three brothers also,
treating them on a par with r Rma. King Janaka assigned an appropriarte seat to each
guest and sent for all the cooks (for service). Leaves joined together so as to serve for
plates were set before the guests with due reverenceleaves which were made of
precious stones and had been joined with gold pins. (14)
0r t f tr ta
=f n a r fta+ -c+
Do.: supodana surabh sarapi sudara svdu punta,
chana mahu saba ke parusi ge catura sura binta.328.
Clever and polite cooks passed round, and in a trice they served all with curry and
boiled rice mixed with clarified butter extracted from cows' milk, all of which were
pleasing and delicious and had been cooked with purity. (328)
0 f rn nrf nr f fa rn+
rfa r r f f rf r+ {+
= n r rr f ff r r rr+
rf rfa r ff nr; ff f r;+ +
=f f rat nfa rat+
a f f nrt r = = rt+ -+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
BLA-K NA
*
321
rf nrf frr a rs f fa rr+
f ff t r t-r r fa r t-r+ +
Cau.: paca kavala kari jevana lge, gri gna suni ati anurge.
bh

ti aneka pare pakavne, sudh sarisa nahi

jhi

bakhne.1.
parusana lage sura sujn, bijana bibidha nma ko jn.
cri bh

ti bhojana bidhi g, eka eka bidhi barani na j.2.

charasa rucira bijana bahu jt, eka eka rasa aganita bh

t.
jeva ta dehi

madhura dhuni gr, lai lai nma purua aru nr.3.

samaya suhvani gri birj, ha sata ru suni sahita samj.
ehi bidhi sabah

bhojanu knh, dara sahita camanu dnh.4.

Taking the five initial morsels as an oblation for the five vital airs the guests
commenced dining, and were enraptured to hear songs full of raillery. Confections of
various kinds, sweets as ambrosia and more delicious than one could describe, were
served to them. Expert cooks then began to serve a variety of seasoned articles which
were too numerous to be named. Of the four categories of food mentioned in the
scriptures (viz., 1. that which can be directly swallowed, 2. that which must be
masticated before it can be gulped, 3. that which can be licked with the tongue and
4. that which can be sucked) each comprised an indescribable variety of dishes.
Similarly there were seasoned dishes of various kinds, having six different flavours, each
flavour being exhibited in numberless varieties. As the dinner was in progress, women
railed in melodious strains at men and women both, mentioning each by name. Even
raillery at an opportune time is agreeable and welcome; King Daaratha and his whole
party felt amused to hear it. In this way the whole party dined and in the end they were
all reverently supplied with water to rinse their mouth with. (14)
0; r fa r
rf n fa far+ -+
Do.: dei pna puje janaka dasarathu sahita samja,
janavsehi gavane mudita sakala bhupa siratja.329.
Offering betel-leaves in due form, Janaka paid his homage to King Daaratha and
his company; and the crown of all monarchs, Daaratha, retired to his own apartments
with a cheerful heart. (329)
0fa a n rt ff f f rff rt +
z r faf rn r n n nr rn+ {+
f - ar ff f ra r ar+
rafr f n n= rt rr rt+ +
f r r rt r fnr f rt+
art r frr s r rr+ -+
f rr; nrr; r fa r; +
f n f fr zr; f f rr;+ +
Cau.: nita nutana magala pura mh

, nimia sarisa dina jmini jh

.
baRe bhora bhupatimani jge, jcaka guna gana gvana lge.1.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
322
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
dekhi kua ra bara badhunha samet, kimi kahi jta modu mana jet.
prtakriy kari ge guru ph

, mahpramodu premu mana mh

.2.
kari pranmu puj kara jor, bole gir amia janu bor.
tumhar kp

sunahu munirj, bhayau ju mai

p uranakj.3.
aba saba bipra boli gos

, dehu dhenu saba bh

ti ban

.
suni gura kari mahipla baR, puni pahae muni bda bol.4.
Everyday there was a new festival in the city; days and nights passed like a
moment. The jewel of king, Daaratha, woke up at a very early hour; and mendicants
began to sing his praises. As he gazed upon the princes with their beautiful brides, the
rapture of his soul was beyond all telling. Having finished his morning routine he called
on his Guru with a heart full of exultation and love. Making obeisance to him and paying
him his homage the king with joined palms addressed him in a voice steeped as it were
in nectar, "Listen, O chief of sages: by your grace I have realized all my ambitions today.
Now summoning all the Brhmaas, O holy sir, present them with cows adorned in
everyway." On hearing these words the preceptor applauded the king and then sent for
the troops of sages. (14)
0rs = ff rtf rrf
r f f a frf arf+ --+
Do.: bmadeu aru devarii blamki jbli,
e munibara nikara taba kausikdi tapasli.330.
Then came Vmadeva, the celestial sage Nrada, Vlmki, Jbli, Vivmitra and
hosts of other great sages given to austerities. (330)
0z r f t- f r t-+
rf - nr; rf t r;+ {+
ff a t-t fa f f- t-t+
a f ff r s r n t r+ +
r; t t r f rf f r r+
f n t f fr =f f+ -+
a nra n nrr f rr+
f ff r fr sr ; f r+ +
Cau.: daa pranma sabahi npa knhe, p uji saprema barsana dnhe.
cri laccha bara dhenu mag

, kmasurabhi sama sla suh

.1.
saba bidhi sakala alakta knh

, mudita mahipa mahidevanha dnh

.
karata binaya bahu bidhi naranh u, laheu ju jaga jvana lh u.2.
pi assa mahsu anad, lie boli puni jcaka bd.
kanaka basana mani haya gaya syadana, die b ujhi ruci rabikulanadana.3.
cale paRhata gvata guna gth, jaya jaya jaya dinakara kula nth.
ehi bidhi rma biha uchh u, sakai na barani sahasa mukha jhu.4.
The king threw himself upon the ground before them all and worshipping them with
love offered them seats of honour. Next he sent for four lakhs of cows, all as gentle and
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
BLA-K NA
*
323
beautiful as the cow of plenty; and adorning them all in every possible way he gladly
bestowed them upon the Brhmaas. The king supplicated them in many ways and said,
"It is only today that I have attained the fruit of my existence." The delight of the solar
race was glad to receive their blessings and then sent for beggars and bestowed on
them, according to their liking, gold, wearing apparel, jewels, horses, elephants and
chariots. Singing the king's praises and saying, "Glory, glory, all glory to the lord of the
solar race!" they all went away. In this way the rejoicing in connection with r Rma's
wedding was more than the thousand-mouthed serpent-king could not tell. (14)
0r r f t r; rs
fr a r r- rs+ --{+
Do.: bra bra kausika carana ssu ni kaha ru,
yaha sabu sukhu munirja tava kp kaccha pasu.331.
Again and again the king bowed his head at the feet of Kauika and said, "All this
joy, O chief of sages, is a gift of your gracious looks." (331)
0 t aat rfa r fat+
f sf fr fa rnr rf fa rnr+ {+
fa a r= fr; f fa rfa r;+
fa n sr n rr; r+ +
a f ta f r at rat+
f ar a r; r f f rr;+ -+
r uf rfz +
f r f f rr f t t fa- r+ +
Cau.: janaka sanehu slu karat ut, npu saba bh

ti sarha bibhut.
dina uhi bid avadhapati mg, rkhahi

janaku sahita anurg.1.

nita nutana daru adhik, dina prati sahasa bh

ti pahun.
nita nava nagara anada uchh u, dasaratha gavanu sohi na khu.2.
bahuta divasa bte ehi bh

t, janu saneha raju ba dhe bart.

kausika satnada taba j, kah bideha npahi samujh.3.
aba dasaratha kaha yasu dehu, jadyapi chRi na sakahu sanehu.
bhalehi

ntha kahi saciva bole, kahi jaya jva ssa tinha ne.4.
King Daaratha extolled in everyway Janaka's affection, amiability, affluence and
doings. Every morning the King of Ayodhy asked leave to return home; but each time
Janaka would lovingly detain him. The royal guest received greater and enhanced
attentions from day to day and was entertained in a thousand ways each day. The city
witnessed a new rejoicing and festivity everyday; no one liked Daaratha's departure. In
this way a number of days passed, as though members of the bridegrooms' party were
tied by cords of love. The sages Kauika and atnanda then called on King Videha and
advised him saying, "Now you must let Dearatha go, even though you may not be able
to part with him out of love." Very well, my lord", replied the king, and sent for his
ministers, who came and bowed their heads saying, "May you be victorious, may you
live long!" (14)
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
324
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
0r ra ta rs
f f f r rs+ --+
Do.: avadhanthu chata calana bhtara karahu janu,
bhae premabasa saciva suni bipra sabhsada ru.332.
"The King of Ayodhy longs to depart: make this known in the gynaeceum." At
these words the ministers, Brhmaas, courtiers as well as the king himself were
overwhelmed with emotion. (332)
0rt f ff rar ra f t rar+
- n f fr rr f r+ {+
ra rat a a fq r rat+
ff rfa r rr r r r; rr+ +
f f r rr ; rr+
an r tr r = tr+ -+
-r f r f-f f ff r+
f f f rr ft ta ff rr+ +
Cau.: purabs suni calihi bart, b ujhata bikala paraspara bt.
satya gavanu suni saba bilakhne, manahu s

jha sarasija sakucne.1.

jaha jaha vata base bart, taha taha siddha cal bahu bh

t.
bibidha bh

ti mev pakavn, bhojana sju na ji bakhn.2.

bhari bhari basaha apra kahr, paha

janaka aneka susr.

turaga lkha ratha sahasa pacs, sakala sa vre nakha aru ss.3.
matta sahasa dasa sidhura sje, jinhahi dekhi disikujara lje.
kanaka basana mani bhari bhari jn, mahi

dhenu bastu bidhi nn.4.

When the people of the city heard that the bridegrooms' party was leaving, they
anxiously asked one another if it were a fact. When they learnt that the departure of the
guests was certain, they were all sad in the same way as lotuses get shrivelled up in
the evening. Provisions of various kinds were sent to all those places where the
bridegrooms' party had halted while coming from Ayodhy. Dry fruits and confections of
all kinds and other articles of food too numerous to be mentioned were sent by Janaka
on the back of oxen and through numberless porters alongwith a number of beautiful
bedsteads. He also sent 1,00,000 horses and 25,000 chariots, all decorated from top
to bottom, 10,000 adorned elephants in rut, that put to shame the elephants guarding the
eight quarters, besides cartloads of gold, wearing apparel and jewels and even so she-
buffaloes, cows and many other articles of various kinds. (14)
0r; fa f f t- f rf
r ra rfa r r rf+ ---+
Do.: dija amita na sakia kahi dnha bideha bahori,
jo avalokata lokapati loka sapad thori.333.
In this way King Videha gave once more a dowry which was immeasurable and
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
BLA-K NA
*
325
beyond all telling, and before which the wealth possessed by the lords of the different
worlds looked small. (333)
0 r f rfa r; t- r;+
ff ra a rt f tn rr rt+ {+
f f t nr f t ; t fr t+
r aa ff frt f= fra t rt+ +
r n r fa = f r +
fa t rt rf ff rt+ -+
r f rr; rf- r r s r;+
f f f art f ff t a rt+ +
Cau.: sabu samju ehi bh

ti ban, janaka avadhapura dnha pah.

calihi barta sunata saba rn

, bikala mnagana janu laghu pn

.1.
puni puni sya goda kari leh

, dei assa sikhvanu deh

.
hoehu satata piyahi pir, ciru ahibta assa hamr.2.
ssu sasura gura sev kareh u, pati rukha lakhi yasu anusareh u.
ati saneha basa sakh

sayn, nri dharama sikhavahi

mdu bn.3.
sdara sakala kua ri samujh

, rninha bra bra ura l

.
bahuri bahuri bheahi

mahatr

, kahahi

biraci rac

kata nr

.4.
Having got all the equipage arranged in the order mentioned above, Janaka had
everything despatched to Ayodhy. When the queens heard that the bridegrooms' party
was about to start, they all felt miserable even as fish when faced with shortage of water.
Again and again they took St in their lap and blessed and exhorted her in the following
words: "May you be ever beloved of your lord, and may you live long with him: this is
our blessing. Serve the parents of your husband and other elders and do the bidding of
your lord according to his pleasure." In their excess of loves St's clever companions
too taught her the duties of a housewife in soft accents. The queens politely admonished
all the other princesses too and clasped them to their bosom again and again; and as
the mothers embraced their daughters time and again, they exclaimed, "Why did Brahm
ever create a woman?" (14)
0af r;- fa r r a
f fa fr r a+ --+
Do.: tehi avasara bhinha sahita rmu bhnu kula ketu,
cale janaka madira mudita bid karvana hetu.334.
That very moment did Rma, the chief of the solar race, gladly proceeded
alongwith His brothers to Janakas palace to take leave. (334)
0rfs r; r r n rf r+
rs a f r t- f fr r+ {+
f = frt f r a rt+
r r f a rt faf t- ff rt+ +
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
326
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
t ff r fr a= r+
r rt f ;- a+ -+
ff r rr s f f fa f +
f ff f ar r far+ +
Cau.: criu bhi subhya suhe, nagara nri nara dekhana dhe.
kou kaha calana cahata hahi

ju, knha bideha bid kara sju.1.

lehu nayana bhari rupa nihr, priya phune bhupa suta cr.
ko jnai kehi

sukta sayn, nayana atithi knhe bidhi n.2.

maranaslu jimi pva piu, surataru lahai janama kara bh ukh.
pva nrak haripadu jaise , inha kara darasanu hama kaha taise .3.
nirakhi rma sobh ura dharah u, nija mana phani murati mani karahu.
ehi bidhi sabahi nayana phalu det, dae kua ra saba rja niket.4.
The people of the city, both men and women, ran to see the four brothers, who
were naturally lovely. Said one, "They intend leaving today; King Videha has made all
arrangements for their farewell. So let your eyes drink in their beauty; the four princes
have been our most welcome guests. Who knows, friend, what virtuous deed we have
perfomed, in return for which Providence has unexpectedly brought them before our
eyes? Even as a dying man should stumble on nectar or he who has been starving all
his life should be able to discover a wish-yielding tree or as one of the damned in hell
should attain to the abode of r Hari, even so have we been blessed with their sight.
Gaze on r Rma's beauty and treasure it in your heart; let your mind fondly cherish
His image even as a serpent loves the gem in its hood." Thus delighting the eyes of all,
the four princes went to the royal palace. (14)
0= f f f sr fr
f frf rat r fa r+ --~+
Do.: rupa sidhu saba badhu lakhi harai uh ranivsu,
karahi

nichvari rat mah mudita mana ssu.335.

The ladies of the gynaeceum were transported with joy to behold the four brothers,
who were oceans of beauty as it were, and the mothers-in-law in their ecstatic mood
scattered gift and waved lights about the bridegrooms. (335)
0f r f fa rnt f f f rnt+
t r tfa s r; f ff r;+ {+
r;- fa sf -r fa a r+
r r = rt t rt+ +
rs a fr fr r ;r r+
ra fa r r rf fa + -+
a fs fr rf f r+
z nr; f t-t fa- f fat fa t-t+ +
Cau.: dekhi rma chabi ati anurg

, premabibasa puni puni pada lg

.
rah na lja prti ura ch, sahaja sanehu barani kimi j.1.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
BLA-K NA
*
327
bhinha sahita ubai anhave, charasa asana ati hetu jev

e.
bole rmu suavasaru jn, sla saneha sakucamaya bn.2.
ru avadhapura cahata sidhe, bid hona hama ih

pahe.
mtu mudita mana yasu dehu, blaka jni karaba nita neh u.3.
sunata bacana bilakheu ranivs u, boli na sakahi

premabasa ss u.
hdaya lagi kua ri saba lnh, patinha sau pi binat ati knh.4.
Greatly moved at the sight of r Rma's beauty they affectionately fell at His feet
again and again. Their heart being rapt in love, the feeling of shyness had bid them adieu;
how could their natural affection for their sons-in-law be described? After rubbing the
body of r Rma and His brothers with cosmetics they were given a bath and were
most lovingly entertained with dishes containing the six flavours. Finding it a suitable
opportunity r Rma spoke in accents full of amiability, affection and modesty. Our
royal father intends leaving for Ayodhy, and has sent us here to take leave of you.
Therefore, mothers, grant us permission with a cheerful mind and ever regard us with
affection as your own children." The ladies of the gynaeceum were distressed to hear
these words; the mothers-in-law were too overwhelmed with emotion to speak a word.
They clasped all the princesses to their bosom and while giving them to their lords made
humble submission to them. (14)
U0f f f rf t rf f f
f rs ara r ar ffa nfa t +
fr rf rf rf f rft
at t f f ft f rft+
Cha.: kari binaya siya rmahi samarap jori kara puni puni kahai,
bali ju tta sujna tumha kahu bidita gati saba k ahai.
parivra purajana mohi rjahi prnapriya siya jnib,
tulassa slu sanehu lakhi nija kikar kari mnib.
With humble submission Queen Sunayan committed St to Rma, and with
joined palms prayed again and again, "I offer myself as sacrifice to You, my all-wise
darling; You know what passes in the mind of all. May you know that St is dear as life
itself to the whole family, nay, to the entire population of the city, much more to me and
to her royal father. Therefore, considering her meekness and affection, O Lord of Tulas,
treat her as Your maid-servant.
0ar f r r frf rf
n nr r r =ra+ --+
So.: tumha paripurana kma jna siromani bhvapriya,
jana guna ghaka rma doa dalana karunyatana.336.
"You have Your desires ever fulfilled, You are the crest-jewel of the wise; and it
is love alone that attracts You. You perceive only the good points of Your devotees; You
eradicate their weaknesses and are an abode of mercy, Rma!" (336)
0 f t nf rt fnr rt+
f rt rt ff r r rt+ {+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
328
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
r fr rna rt t- r rf rt+
r; t f f= r; r;- fa rrr;+ +
fa s rt ; ff rt+
f t f f rt r r f art+ -+
rf ff ff rt t t tfa rt+
f f fa f- fnr; r - ff r;+ +
Cau.: asa kahi rah carana gahi rn, prema paka janu gir samn.
suni sanehasn bara bn, bahubidhi rma ssu sanamn.1.
rma bid mgata kara jor, knha pranmu bahori bahor.
pi assa bahuri siru n, bhinha sahita cale raghur.2.
maju madhura murati ura n, bha

saneha sithila saba rn.

puni dhraju dhari kua ri ha kr

, bra bra bheahi

mahatr

.3.
pahu cvahi

phiri milahi

bahor, baRh paraspara prti na thor.

puni puni milata sakhinha bilag, bla baccha jimi dhenu lav.4.
So saying the queen remained clinging to His feet; it seemed as if her speech had
been lost in the quicksands of love. On hearing her fine speech, which was full of
affection, r Rma honoured His mother-in-law in ways more than one. While seeking
her permission with joined palms He made obeisance to her again and again. Having
received her blessings the Lord of Raghus bowed His head once more and then
departed with His brothers. Treasuring up in their heart r Rma's lovely and beautiful
image all the queens were overcome with emotion. Then, recovering themselves, they
called their daughters and embraced them again and again. They escorted them to some
distance and then embraced them once more; the love on both sides swelled to a
considerable extent. While meeting their daughters again and again they were parted by
the companions of the princesses even as a cow who has just brought forth a calf may
be parted from the latter. (14)
0f rf f- fa fr
r t- f =r f fr+ --+
Do.: premabibasa nara nri saba sakhinha sahita ranivsu,
mnahu knha bidehapura karun

biraha nivsu.337.
All men and women including the companions of the princesses and the ladies
of the gynaeceum were overpowered by emotion; it seemed as if pathos and the parting
of lovers had taken up their abode in the capital of the Videhas. (337)
0 rfr rt r ff- rf r+
r f r t f t f; t+ {+
f n n f r at r f rat+
a a r sfn r r+ +
t frf tar rnt ra frnt+
tf- r s r; rt ft rr r t+ -+
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*
BLA-K NA
*
329
rra f r t- fr= r+
rf r ar s r; f rt nr;+ +
Cau.: suka srik jnak jye, kanaka pijaranhi rkhi paRhe.
bykula kahahi

kah

baideh, suni dhraju pariharai na keh.1.

bhae bikala khaga mga ehi bh

t, manuja das kaise kahi jt.

badhu sameta janaku taba e, prema umagi locana jala che.2.
sya biloki dhrat bhg, rahe kahvata parama birg.
lnhi rya ura li jnak, mi mahmarajda gyna k.3.
samujhvata saba saciva sayne, knha bicru na avasara jne.
brahi

bra sut ura l

, saji sudara plak

mag

.4.
The parrots and mainas who had been reared by Princess Jnak and having
been kept in cages of gold had been taught to speak, cried in distress, "Where is
Videha's daughter?" On hearing their wail who would have the patience to stand the
sight? When birds and beasts were distressed in this way, how can one depict the
feelings of the human breast. Then came King Janaka with his younger brother (Kuadhvaja);
due to excess of emotion tears rushed to his eyes. Although he was reputed to be a man
of supreme dispassion, his strength of mind took leave of him the moment he gazed on
St. The king clasped Jnak to his bosom and the great embankment of wisdom toppled
down. All his wise counsellors admonished him; and realizing that it was no occasion for
wailing, the king recovered himself. Again and again he pressed his daughters to his
bosom and ordered beautiful and well-equipped palanquins to be brought. (14)
0f fr= rf n
f r; rf- f ffq n+ --c+
Do.: premabibasa parivru sabu jni sulagana naresa,
kua ri caRh

plakinha sumire siddhi ganesa.338.

The whole family was overwhelmed with emotion; yet, perceiving that the auspicious
moment had arrived the king invoked Lord Gaea and His consort, Siddhi, and helped
the princesses to ascend the palanquins. (338)
0ff ar rr; rf tfa fr;+
rt r f a f f f + {+
t a r rt rf n n rt+
f a rr n r rr+ +
frf r r n rf rfa- r+
f rf t- r r f t-+ -+
r f f tr fa tfa r; tr+
ff nr t- rr n n rr+ +
Cau.: bahubidhi bhupa sut samujh

, nridharamu kularti sikh

.
ds

dsa die bahutere, suci sevaka je priya siya kere.1.

sya calata bykula purabs, hohi

saguna subha magala rs.

bhusura saciva sameta samj, saga cale pahu cvana rj.2.
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330
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
samaya biloki bjane bje, ratha gaja bji bartinha sje.
dasaratha bipra boli saba lnhe, dna mna parip urana knhe.3.
carana saroja dhuri dhari ss, mudita mahpati pi ass.
sumiri gajnanu knha payn, magalam ula saguna bhae nn.4.
King Janaka admonished his daughters in ways more than one, and instructed
them in the duties of a woman as well as in family customs. He bestowed upon St a
good many men-servants and maid-servants who had been her trusted and favourite
attendants. As She proceeded on Her journey the citizens felt miserable; while good
omens, which were all fountains of blessings, appeared. Accompanied by a crowd of
Brhmaas and his counsellors the king himself followed his daughters to escort them.
When it was found that the time of departure had come, music began to play and the
members of the bridegrooms' party made ready their chariots, elephants and horses.
King Daaratha summoned all the Brhmaas and sated them with gifts and courtesy.
The king placed the dust of their lotus-feet on his head and was glad to receive their
benediction. Invoking the elephant-headed Gaea he set out on his journey, when many
good omens, which were the roots of felicity, occurred. (14)
0 f f f r nr
fa fa r; fr+ --+
Do.: sura prasuna baraahi

harai karahi

apachar gna,
cale avadhapati avadhapura mudita baji nisna.339.
The gods gladly rained down flowers and heavenly nymphs sang, as the lord of
Ayodhy joyfully set forth for his capital amidst the clash of kettledrums. (339)
0 f f r r rn +
rf n t- rf r t-+ {+
r r ffrf rt f rf s rt+
f f rfa t f t+ +
f fa r ff t f fz r+
rs rf saf r r fr r+ -+
a f r rt r rt+
ff f r; rr rf tf- zr;+ +
Cau.: npa kari binaya mahjana phere, sdara sakala mgane ere.
bhuana basana bji gaja dnhe, prema poi hRhe saba knhe.1.
bra bra biridvali bh, phire sakala rmahi ura rkh.
bahuri bahuri kosalapati kahah

, janaku premabasa phirai na cahah

.2.
puni kaha bhupati bacana suhe, phiria mahsa d uri baRi e.
ru bahori utari bhae hRhe, prema prabha bilocana bRhe.3.
taba bideha bole kara jor, bacana saneha sudh

janu bor.
karau kavana bidhi binaya ban, mahrja mohi dnhi baR.4.
King Daaratha politely persuaded the respectable citizens to retire and having
reverently called all the mendicants he bestowed on them ornaments and clothes as well
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
BLA-K NA
*
331
as horses and elephants and satiating them with love he made them all self-supporting.
Glorifying the king again and again they all returned with r Rma in their heart. The Lord
of Ayodhy importuned King Janaka over and over again; but out of affection for his
relative the latter would not turn back. Once more King Daaratha addressed him in
polite terms, "I beg you to turn back, O king; you have already advanced too far." At last
King Daaratha got down from his chariot and remained standing, while his eyes overflowed
with torrents of love. Then spoke King Videha with joined palms and in accents imbued
with the nectar of love, "How and in what words should I make my supplication to you?
You have conferred such high honour on me, O great king." (14)
0rfa t r rfa
ff f fa tfa z rfa+ -+
Do.: kosalapati samadh sajana sanamne saba bh

ti,
milani parasapara binaya ati prti na hdaya samti.340.
The king of Kosala showed every respect to the father of the bride and his relative,
Janaka. The embrace in which they held each other was characterized by utmost
humility and their heart could not contain the love they felt. (340)
0f zff f= rr rfr f rr+
r f rrar = t n ff rar+ {+
rf = rf r r r+
r f rfa r f r r+ +
f rn rnt f rnt r r ar -rnt+
r zr frt fr fn nrt+ -+
a f r rt af f rt+
fr fn fa f ; r fa r ;+ +
Cau.: muni maalihi janaka siru nv, sirabdu sabahi sana pv.
sdara puni bhe e jmt, r upa sla guna nidhi saba bhrt.1.
jori pakaruha pni suhe, bole bacana prema janu je.
rma karau kehi bh

ti prasas, muni mahesa mana mnasa has.2.

karahi

joga jog jehi lg, kohu mohu mamat madu tyg.

bypaku brahmu alakhu abins, cidnadu niraguna gunars.3.
mana sameta jehi jna na bn, taraki na sakahi

sakala anumn.
mahim nigamu neti kahi kaha, jo tihu kla ekarasa raha.4.
King Janaka bowed his head to the throng of sages and received blessings from
them all. Next he reverently embraced his sons-in-law, the four brothers, each a mine
of beauty, amiability and goodness; and joining his graceful lotus hands he spoke in
accents begotten of love as it were, "How can I extol You, O Rma, sporting as You do
in the hearts of sages as well as of the great Lord iva like a swan in the Mnasarovara
lake. That for whose sake Yogs (those given to contemplation) practise Yoga (contemplation)
renouncing anger, infatuation, the feeling of meum and pride, the all-pervading Brahma
(Absolute) who is imperceptible and imperishable, the embodiment of consciousness and
bliss, at once the sum and negation of all attributes, who is beyond the ken of speech
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
332
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
and mind, who is past all speculation, but is only inferred by all and who is the same at
all times (14)
0 f r s r ta
; r n t ; + -{+
Do.: nayana biaya mo kahu bhayau so samasta sukha mula,
sabai lbhu jaga jva kaha bhae su anukula.341.
"That root of all joy has appeared before my eyes! Everything is easy of access
in this world to a living being when God is propitious. (341)
0f rfa rf tf- zr; f rf t- r;+
rf r r f rf f r+ {+
r r rs n nrr f frf rrrr+
s r ar tr f r+ +
r r rns r f f r+
f r r r far+ -+
f f r fa f f r+
fat f a t-t ff f rf t-t+ +
Cau.: sabahi bh

ti mohi dnhi baR, nija jana jni lnha apan.

hohi

sahasa dasa srada se, karahi

kalapa koika bhari lekh.1.

mora bhgya rura guna gth, kahi na sirhi

sunahu raghunth.
mai

kachu kahau eka bala more , tumha rjhahu saneha suhi thore .2.
bra bra mgau kara jore , manu pariharai carana jani bhore .
suni bara bacana prema janu poe, p uranakma rmu paritoe.3.
kari bara binaya sasura sanamne, pitu kausika basiha sama jne.
binat bahuri bharata sana knh, mili sapremu puni sia dnh.4.
"You have exalted me in everyway and accepted me as Your own servant. If there
were ten thousand rads and eas, and if they were to count for millions of Kalpas,
the tale of my good fortune, I tell You, and the record of Your virtues could not be
exhausted, O Lord of Raghus. I make bold to say something on the strength of my
conviction that You are pleased with the slightest devotion. I repeatedly beseech You
with joined palms that my mind may never be deluded into deserting Your feet." On
hearing these polite words saturated with love r Rma who had all His desires fulfilled,
felt gratified. With the greatest courtesy the latter honoured His father-in-law treating him
on a par with His own father, Kauika or Vasiha. The king then humbly approached
Bharata and embracing him with affection gave him his blessings. (14)
0f ff tf- t t
ff ff rf t+ -+
Do.: mile lakhana ripusudanahi dnhi assa mahsa,
bhae parasapara premabasa phiri phiri nvahi

ssa.342.
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*
BLA-K NA
*
333
Next the king embraced and blessed Lakmaa and Ripusudana; overpowered by
emotion they bowed their heads to one another again and again. (342)
0r r f f zr; rrfa n r;+
n f r; f - r;+ {+
t ar n atfa r+
r rfa t a r a t+ +
r rf trt ff a nrt+
tf- f f f f= r; f t rfr r;+ -+
t ra fr r; fa r z r;+
rf ff nr rt r; rf rt+ +
Cau.: bra bra kari binaya baR, raghupati cale saga saba bh.
janaka gahe kausika pada j, carana renu sira nayananha l.1.
sunu munsa bara darasana tore , agamu na kachu pratti mana more .
jo sukhu sujasu lokapati cahah

, karata manoratha sakucata ahah

.2.
so sukhu sujasu sulabha mohi svm, saba sidhi tava darasana anugm.
knhi binaya puni puni siru n, phire mahsu si p.3.
cal barta nisna baj, mudita choa baRa saba samud.
rmahi nirakhi grma nara nr, pi nayana phalu hohi

sukhr.4.
Paying his respectful compliments to Janaka again and again the Lord of
Raghus set out on His journey with His three brothers. Janaka approached Kauika,
clasped his feet and put the dust of the same on his head and eyes. He said, "Listen,
O lord of sages: to him who has been blessed with your sight nothing is unattainable;
such is my heart's conviction. The joy and the bright renown which the regional lords
of the universe long to have, but feel too diffident to expectsuch a joy and glory has
been brought within my reach; and all achievements follow on seeing you." In these
words King Janaka made humble submission to Vivmitra, bowing his head again and
again, and returned after receiving his blessings. The bridegrooms' party started on its
return journey to the sound of kettledrums; all the sections, both big and small, were
transported with joy. Men and women of the villages, as they gazed on r Rma, felt
gratified on realizing the object of their eyes. (14)
0t t r f n rn- a
t ta f t r; a+ --+
Do.: bca bca bara bsa kari maga loganha sukha deta,
avadha sampa punta dina pahu c i janeta.343.
Halting at convenient stages in course of the journey and gladdening the people
on the roadside the marriage procession approached Ayodhy on a sacred day. (343)
0 fr r f f n nr+
rrfr f fzfzt r; rn rf r;+ {+
ra f rar fa rf nrar+
f f r r r r+ +
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
334
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
nt nr fr; a r= r;+
r r= r; rr ar a ar farr+ -+
n f rr r arr+
n n a= a t f rr t+ +
Cau.: hane nisna panava bara bje, bheri sakha dhuni haya gaya gje.
jh

jhi birava iim

suh, sarasa rga bjahi

sahan.1.
pura jana vata akani bart, mudita sakala pulakvali gt.
nija nija sudara sadana sa vre, ha ba cauhaa pura dvre.2.
gal

sakala aragaj

sic

, jaha taha cauke cru pur

.
ban bajru na ji bakhn, torana ketu patka bitn.3.
saphala pugaphala kadali rasl, rope bakula kadaba taml.
lage subhaga taru parasata dharan, manimaya labla kala karan.4.
Kettledrums were beaten and good tabors sounded, accompanied by the blast of
sackbuts and conchs, and the neighing of horses and trumpeting of elephants. Similarly
there was a clash of cymbals and drums, while clarionets played sweet tunes. The
citizens were all delighted to hear the procession coming; the hair on their body stood
erect. They all decorated their own beautiful houses as well as the markets, streets,
squares and gates of the city. All the lanes were watered with perfumes; here and there
festal squares were filled in with elegant devices. The bazar was beautified beyond all
description with festal arches, flags, banners and canopies. Trees of the areca-nut, the
plantain, the mango, the Bakula, the Kadamba and the Tamla were transplanted
alongwith their fruit. The beautiful trees thus planted touched the ground (on account of
their being laden with fruits); they had basins of precious stones constructed around
them with exquisite skill. (14)
0ff rfa n n n rf
zr rf frf rr t frf+ -+
Do.: bibidha bh

ti magala kalasa gha gha race sa vri,

sura brahmdi sihhi

saba raghubara pur nihri.344.

Festal vases of various kinds were ranged in order in every house; Brahm and
the other gods were filled with envy to see the birthplace of r Rma (the Chief of
Raghus). (344)
0 af rr r f rr+
n n rar; ff ff r r;+ {+
sr r a f f n r+
a r t rr rf t+ +
ff t rff f f ff frff+
n rat nrf rat+ -+
fa rr r; r; f s r;+
rrf r art f a r frt+ +
Cau.: bhupa bhavanu tehi avasara soh, racan dekhi madana manu moh.
magala saguna manoharat, ridhi sidhi sukha sapad suh.1.
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*
BLA-K NA
*
335
janu uchha saba sahaja suhe, tanu dhari dhari dasaratha gha che.
dekhana hetu rma baideh, kahahu llas hohi na keh.2.
jutha jutha mili cal

susini, nija chabi nidarahi

madana bilsini.
sakala sumagala saje rat, gvahi

janu bahu bea bhrat.3.

bhupati bhavana kolhalu ho, ji na barani samau sukhu so.
kausalydi rma mahatr

, premabibasa tana das bisr

.4.
The king's palace looked very charming on that occasion; its decoration captivated
the heart of Cupid himself. It looked as if auspicious omens and loveliness; affluence
and mystic powers, joys and smiling prosperity and all kinds of rejoicings had assumed
a naturally beautiful form and taken their abode in the palace of King Daaratha. Tell me
who would not feel tempted to have a look at r Rma and Videha's Daughter? Married
women, whose husbands were alive, sallied forth in troops, each eclipsing Love's
consort (Rati) by her beauty. They all carried articles of good omen and were equipped
with lights for waving round the bridegrooms. As they moved along singing all the way,
it appeared as if Goddess Bhrat (the goddess of speech) had appeared in so many
forms. The king's palace was full of hilarious tumult; the joy of the occasion was ineffable.
Kausaly and other mothers of r Rma were so overwhelmed with emotion that they
forgot their own body. (14)
0f r f- f f n rf
fa f r; r rf+ -~+
Do.: die dna bipranha bipula puji ganesa purri,
pramudita parama daridra janu pi padratha cri.345.
After worshipping Lord Gaea and the Slayer of the demon Tripura, they
bestowed enormous gifts upon the Brhmaas and were supremely delighted as an
utterly indigent man who had attained the four great prizes of life. (345)
0r r f rar f ff nrar+
r fa fa rnt ff r rnt+ {+
ff fr r r n fa frr r+
f r r r n n r+ +
-a r rr f af frr+
rr r tz r+ -+
n n rf rt n f rt+
t rat a frr fa f n nrr+ +
Cau.: moda pramoda bibasa saba mt, calahi

na carana sithila bhae gt.

rma darasa hita ati anurg

, parichani sju sajana saba lg

.1.
bibidha bidhna bjane bje, magala mudita sumitr

sje.
harada duba dadhi pallava phul, pna pugaphala magala mul.2.
acchata akura locana lj, majula majari tulasi birj.
chuhe puraa ghaa sahaja suhe, madana sakuna janu nRa bane.3.
saguna sugadha na jhi

bakhn, magala sakala sajahi

saba rn.
rac

rat

bahuta bidhn, mudita karahi

kala magala gn.4.

"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
336
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
All the mothers were so overcome with joy and rapture that their feet refused to
walk and all their limbs began to droop as it were. Full of intense longing for a sight of
r Rma they began to get everything ready for the reception of their sons. Music of
every kind started playing, while Sumitr gladly got together articles of good omen such
as turmeric, blades of Durv grass, curds, ordinary leaves, flowers, betel-leaves, areca-
nuts, auspicious roots, unbroken rice, sprouts of barley, Gorocana, parched paddy and
lovely blossoms of the Basil plant. Exceedingly charming gold vases, painted with
various colours, looked like nests built by Cupid's own birds. Auspicious perfumes defied
all description. In this way all the queens prepared all sorts of auspicious articles. They
got ready rows of lights arranged in various devices for waving round their sons and with
a cheerful heart sang melodious festal strains. (14)
0 r f nf- f- f ra
t fa ff rfa nra+ -+
Do.: kanaka thra bhari magalanhi kamala karanhi lie mta,
cal

mudita parichani karana pulaka pallavita gta.346.

Carrying in their lotus hands salvers of gold laden with articles of good omen, the
queen-mothers proceeded joyfully to greet their sons, every limb of their body throbbing
with emotion. (346)
0 r rr rrz +
a= r f r f f+ {+
f fr rf r r+
nf f - rff r= f rff+ +
f f rr nf rrrr r ra r rr+
n f f rt t f rt+ -+
s rf n r t-r rrf t-r+
ff fnfr nrr fa tfa fa rr+ +
Cau.: dhupa dhuma nabhu mecaka bhayau, svana ghana ghamau janu hayau.
surataru sumana mla sura baraahi

, manahu balka avali manu karaahi

.1.
majula manimaya badanivre, manahu pkaripu cpa sa vre.
pragaahi

durahi

aanha para bhmini, cru capala janu damakahi

dmini.2.
dudubhi dhuni ghana garajani ghor, jcaka ctaka ddura mor.
sura sugadha suci baraahi

br, sukh sakala sasi pura nara nr.3.

samau jni gura yasu dnh, pura prabesu raghukulamani knh.
sumiri sabhu girija ganarj, mudita mahpati sahita samj.4.
The sky became dark with the fumes of burning incense, as though overhung with
the fast gathering clouds of the month of rvaa (August). The gods rained down
wreaths of flowers from the trees of paradise, which looked like rows of herons in their
graceful flight. Lovely festoons made of Jewels looked like rainbows appearing in a row.
Charming ladies, appearing on house-tops as quickly as they went out of sight, looked
like the fitful flashes of lightning. The beat of drums resembled the crash of thunder; while
beggars were as clamorous as the Ctaka birds, frogs and peacocks. The gods poured
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down showers in the form of sacred perfumes, which gladdened the crop in the form of
all the citizens. Perceiving that a propitious hour had arrived the preceptor (Vasiha)
gave the word, and the jewel of Raghu's race, King Daaratha, gladly entered the city
with all his followers, fixing his mind on Bhagavn ambhu, Goddess Prvat and Their
son, Lord Gaea. (14)
0rf n f t r;
f rf fa n nr;+ -+
Do.: hohi

saguna baraahi

sumana sura dudubh

baji,
bibudha badhu ncahi

mudita majula magala gi.347.

Good omens manifested themselves and the gods rained down flowers to the beat
of drums; while celestial dames danced for joy, singing melodious triumphal songs. (347)
0rn a f rn nrf fa r srn+
f f rt ff f n rt+ {+
f r r rn n rn rn+
rat f rt r fa rt + +
rf- a r rr a rf r+
f frf fn tr rf fr tr+ -+
rfa f fa rt f ff rt+
ffr n rr srrrt f ff- rf rt+ +
Cau.: mgadha suta badi naa ngara, gvahi

jasu tihu loka ujgara.

jaya dhuni bimala beda bara bn, dasa disi sunia sumagala sn.1.
bipula bjane bjana lge, nabha sura nagara loga anurge.
bane bart barani na jh

, mah mudita mana sukha na samh

.2.
purabsinha taba rya johre, dekhata rmahi bhae sukhre.
karahi

nichvari manigana cr, bri bilocana pulaka sarr.3.

rati karahi

mudita pura nr, haraahi

nirakhi kua ra bara cr.

sibik subhaga ohra ughr, dekhi dulahininha hohi

sukhr.4.
Bards, minstrels, rhapsodists and skilled dancers chanted the glory of Him (r
Rma) who illumines all the three worlds. Auspicious shouts of victory and the sacred
and melodious chanting of the Vedas were heard in all the ten directions. Musical
instruments of all kinds began to play; gods in heaven and men in the city were
enraptured alike. Members of the bridegroom's party looked smart beyond description.
They were highly delighted and could not contain themselves for joy. The people of
Ayodhy then greeted the king, and were gladdened at the very sight of r Rma. They
scattered about Him jewels and vestments; their eyes were full of tears and their body
thrilled over. The women of the city gladly waved lights around His head and rejoiced to
see the four noble princes. They were all the more gratified when they lifted the curtains
of the beautiful palanquins and beheld the brides. (14)
0f ff t a r rr
fa ra ff f - a r+ -c+
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338
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R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Do.: ehi bidhi sabah deta sukhu e rjadura,
mudita mtu parichani karahi

badhunha sameta kumra.348.

Thus gladdening the heart of all they arrived at the entrance of the royal palace;
the delighted mothers waved lights over the princes and their brides. (348)
0f rat rf rr r r rr+
f rr rat f frf nfa rat+ {+
- a f a rt r n art+
f f t r f t fa n t t+ +
t t f f rt nr f f a rt+
f f r rf nrf rf r+ -+
f r rfs rt r sr rt+
a f f rr rnt t = rnt+ +
Cau.: karahi

rat brahi

br, premu pramodu kahai ko pr.

bhuana mani paa nn jt, karahi

nichvari aganita bh

t.1.
badhunha sameta dekhi suta cr, paramnada magana mahatr.
puni puni sya rma chabi dekh, mudita saphala jaga jvana lekh.2.
sakh

sya mukha puni puni ch, gna karahi

nija sukta sarh.

baraahi

sumana chanahi

chanadev, ncahi

gvahi

lvahi

sev.3.
dekhi manohara criu jor

, srada upam sakala ha hor

.
deta na banahi

nipaa laghu lg

, ekaaka rah

r upa anurg

.4.
They waved lights again and again; the love and rapture which they felt in their
heart was beyond all words. They scattered about their sons and daughters-in-law
ornaments, jewels and costumes of various kinds and numberless other articles. The
queen-mothers were enraptured to behold their four sons alongwith their brides. As they
gazed again and again on the beauty of St and Rma they felt delighted and regarded
the object of their life in this world as realized. The queen-mothers companions, as they
gazed on St's countenance over and over again, sang and extolled their good fortune.
Moment after moment the gods rained down flowers, danced and sang and offered their
homage. Seeing the four charming couples Goddess rad ransacked all her stock of
similes, but her choice fell on none; they appeared too trivial. She therefore stood gazing
with unwinking eyes, enchanted with their beauty. (14)
0fn tfa tfa f rr rz a
- fa a ff t r; fa+ -+
Do.: nigama nti kula rti kari aragha p

vaRe deta,
badhunha sahita suta parichi saba cal

lavi niketa.349.
After performing the rites prescribed by the Vedas or family usage the queen-
mothers waved lights over all the princes and their brides and conducted them to the
palace, offering water to them as a mark of respect and spreading carpets along the
way. (349)
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0rf frrr r r f r r+
fa- f r r r ta r+ {+
t ff ff nff+
rf r rat t r= r f t+ +
ta frf rt t r ra rt+
rr a- rnt a s aa rnt+ -+
r rr f r r rr+
r r; r r;+ +
Cau.: cri sighsana sahaja suhe, janu manoja nija htha bane.
tinha para kua ri kua ra baihre, sdara pya punta pakhre.1.
dh upa dpa naibeda beda bidhi, p uje bara dulahini magalanidhi.
brahi

bra rat karah

, byajana cru cmara sira harah

.2.
bastu aneka nichvari hoh

, bhar

pramoda mtu saba soh

.
pv parama tatva janu jog

, amtu laheu janu satata rog

.3.
janama raka janu prasa pv, adhahi locana lbhu suhv.
muka badana janu srada ch, mnahu samara s ura jaya p.4.
There were four exquisitely beautiful thrones, which had been fashioned by Cupid
with his own hands as it were; the queen-mothers seated the brides and the bridegrooms
on them and reverently laved their holy feet. They then worshipped the blessed couples
in accordance with the Vedic ritual by offering them incense, light and oblations of food.
They passed lights around them again and again and waved beautiful fans and chowries
over their heads. They scattered offerings of various kinds about them; the mothers were
as full of exultation as a Yog who has realized the highest truth, or as a lifelong patient
who has been able to lay his hands on nectar or as a born pauper who has stumbled
on a philosopher's stone, or as a blind man who has regained a good vision, or as a
dumb fellow, whose tongue has been transfused with the eloquence of rad, the
goddess of speech, or even as a hero who has triumphed in battle. (14)
0f a a rf n rf ra
r;- fa frf rr r rr+ -~ (+
r tfa t f ff rf
r fr frf z r f rf+ -~ (+
Do.: ehi sukha te sata koi guna pvahi

mtu anadu,
bhinha sahita bihi ghara e raghukulacadu.350(A).
loka rti janan

karahi

bara dulahini sakuchi

,
modu binodu biloki baRa rmu manahi

musukhi

.350(B).
The mothers derived joy millions of times greater than the joys mentioned above;
for in their case it was the Delighter of Raghu's race Himself who had returned home with
His brothers duly married. As the mothers performed the traditional rites the brides and
their grooms felt shy; while r Rma smiled within Himself on perceiving the ecstasy
and merriment of the occasion. (350 A-B)
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340
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R RMACARITAMNASA
*
0 fa ff tt t rr t t+
f f rnf rr r;- fa r rrr+ {+
afa rf t fa ra f t+
fa rf rat t- r f t-+ +
r r; rf s rf fa n f f rf+
rf fr rr rr r n r+ -+
r rf r; r; fa rs f r; r;+
fr rr f r rr+ +
Cau.: deva pitara puje bidhi nk, puj

sakala bsan j k.
sabahi badi mgahi

baradn, bhinha sahita rma kalyn.1.

atarahita sura sia deh

, mudita mtu acala bhari leh

.
bh upati boli bart lnhe, jna basana mani bh uana dnhe.2.
yasu pi rkhi ura rmahi, mudita gae saba nija nija dhmahi.
pura nara nri sakala pahire, ghara ghara bjana lage badhe.3.
jcaka jana jcahi

joi jo, pramudita ru dehi

soi so.
sevaka sakala bajani nn, p urana kie dna sanamn.4.
The mothers gratefully worshipped the gods and manes with due ceremony; for all
the cravings of their heart had been satisfied. Bowing to all they begged as a boon the
welfare of Rma and His brothers. The gods conferred their blessings all unseen, and
the mothers gladly received them by spreading the end of their garment (as a token of
respect). The king sent for those who had joined the marriage party and gave them
vehicles, wearing apparel, jewels and ornaments. Having received the king's permission
and enshrining r Rma's image in their heart they joyfully returned each to his own
house. All the men and women of the city were invested with garments and jewels and
there was jubilant music in every home. The king in his exultation gave whatever the
mendicants asked for. Every attendant and every musician was sated with gifts and kind
attentions. (14)
0f t rrf nrf n n nr
a n fa n n t- r+ -~{+
Do.: dehi

assa johri saba gvahi

guna gana gtha,

taba gura bhusura sahita gha gavanu knha narantha.351.
They all saluted and invoked blessing upon the king and sang his praises, and
thereafter the king, accompanied by his preceptor and other Brhmaas, proceeded to
the palace. (351)
0r fy r t-t r ff r t-t+
t f rt r st r z rt+ {+
r rf -r f t ff r+
r r fr a t ar+ +
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ff tf- nrfa r r rf - r+
tf- r fa t rf- fa tf- n t+ -+
ta t- r rna fr+
n rt tf- f s tfa rt+ +
Cau.: jo basia anussana dnh, loka beda bidhi sdara knh.
bhusura bhra dekhi saba rn, sdara uh

bhgya baRa jn.1.

pya pakhri sakala anhave, p uji bhal bidhi bh upa jev

e.
dara dna prema paripoe, deta assa cale mana toe.2.
bahu bidhi knhi gdhisuta puj, ntha mohi sama dhanya na duj.
knhi prasas bhupati bhur, rninha sahita lnhi paga dhur.3.
bhtara bhavana dnha bara bs u, mana jogavata raha npu ranivs u.
puje gura pada kamala bahor, knhi binaya ura prti na thor.4.
Under Vasihas directions he reverently performed all the ceremonies prescribed
either by usage or by the Veda. The queens, on seeing a crowd of Brhmaas, deemed
themselves most fortunate and all rose to greet them. They laved the feet of the holy
ones and helped them all perform their ablutions; while the king duly worshipped and
entertained them at meal. Overwhelmed with the host's civility, gifts and love, they
departed glad of heart invoking blessings on him. To Gdhi's son (Vivmitra) he paid
homage in various ways and said, "My lord, there is no one so blessed as I am." The
king lavished his praises on him and took the dust of his feet with his queens. He
assigned the sage a fine quarter in his own palace, while the king and his whole
gynaeceum kept a vigilant eye on his wants even though unexpressed. Again he adored
the lotus feet of his preceptor (Vasiha) and made humble submission to him with great
affection in his heart. (14)
0- a r rf- fa t
f f a n a t t+ -~+
Do.: badhunha sameta kumra saba rninha sahita mahsu,
puni puni badata gura carana deta assa munsu.352.
All the princes with their brides and the king with his queens bowed to the preceptor's
feet again and again, while the great sage invoked blessings on them all. (352)
0f tf- s fa rn a r rf rn+
n rfn fr t-r rfr a ff t-r+ {+
s f rf t ar f t- n n far+
f rr; r= fr;+ +
f rr; rff t-t =f frf frf t-t+
nt n rn t =f = f t+ -+
f r r fa t rfa r+
f rrt fr f f sr+ +
Cau.: binaya knhi ura ati anurge , suta sapad rkhi saba ge .
negu mgi muninyaka lnh, sirabdu bahuta bidhi dnh.1.
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R RMACARITAMNASA
*
ura dhari rmahi sya samet, harai knha gura gavanu niket.
biprabadhu saba bhupa bol

, caila cru bh uana pahir

.2.
bahuri boli susini lnh

, ruci bicri pahirvani dnh

.
neg nega joga saba leh

, ruci anur upa bh upamani deh

.3.
priya phune pujya je jne, bh upati bhal bh

ti sanamne.
deva dekhi raghubra bibhu, barai prasuna prasasi uchhu.4.
With his heart overflowing with love he made entreaties to the Guru and placed his
sons and all his wealth before him. The great sage, however, asked for and accepted
only his customary due (as a family priest) for the ceremonial occasion and blessed him
in profusion. And with the image of St and Rma installed in his heart he gladly
proceeded to his own residence. The king then summoned all the Brhmaa dames, and
invested them with beautiful robes, and ornaments. He next sent for the married women
of the city (whose husbands were alive and who, though born in Ayodhy, were married
elsewhere) and presented them with garments of their liking. All those who were entitled
to receive gifts and presents on ceremonial occasions received their dues from the jewel
of kings, who rewarded them according to their choice; and the king duly honoured those
guests whom he regarded as worthy of affection and adoration. The gods who witnessed
r Rma's wedding rained down flowers, while applauding the jubilation (14)
0 fr r; f f r;
a r z r;+ -~-+
Do.: cale nisna baji sura nija nija pura sukha pi,
kahata parasapara rma jasu prema na hdaya sami.353.
And with beat of drum the celestials gladly proceeded each to his abode, talking
to one another of r Rma's glory with their heart overflowing with love. (353)
0 ff f f r r z f f sr+
fr ar n r fa f- fr+ {+
f nr f r ar r f ; s ar+
nr rt r r f f rt+ +
f r fa fr s fr r+
s ff s fr f f ra r+ -+
r n t zr; tfa tfa r r;+
ff r ff t rt fa f t+ +
Cau.: saba bidhi sabahi samadi naranh u, rah hdaya bhari p uri uchh u.
jaha ranivsu tah

pagu dhre, sahita bahuinha kua ra nihre.1.

lie goda kari moda samet, ko kahi sakai bhayau sukhu jet.
badhu saprema goda baihr

, bra bra hiya harai dulr

.2.
dekhi samju mudita ranivs u, saba ke ura anada kiyo bsu.
kaheu bhupa jimi bhayau bibhu, suni suni harau hota saba khu.3.
janaka rja guna slu baR, prti rti sapad suh.
bahubidhi bhupa bha jimi baran, rn

saba pramudita suni karan.4.

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Having shown everyone all possible honour the king, whose heart was overbrimming
with joy, visited the private apartments and beheld the princes with their brides. He gladly
took the boys in his arms and experienced a thrill of joy which nobody could tell. Similarly
he affectionately seated the brides in his lap and fondled them again and again with a
heart full of rapture. The ladies of the gynaeceum were delighted to behold this spectacle;
the heart of everyone became an abode of joy. The king related how the wedding had
taken place and everyone was delighted to hear the account. The goodness, amiability,
nobility, loving nature and the splendid wealth of King Janaka were extolled by King
Daaratha in a variety of ways even as a rhapsodist would do; and the queens were
enraptured to hear the record of his doings. (14)
0a- a r; rf f n rfa
r t- ff rrt n; rfa+ -~+
Do.: sutanha sameta nahi npa boli bipra gura gyti,
bhojana knha aneka bidhi ghar paca gai rti.354.
After bathing with his sons the king called the Brhmaas, the preceptor and his
own kinsmen and, having entertained them at meal, feasted himself on a variety of
dishes till a couple of hours of the night passed. (354)
0nnr f rff r rff+
; r r r nn n fa f r+ {+
rf f r r; f f f r;+
r fr zr; s r rar;+ +
f f a r ff n+
r ff t frn f ; f t+ -+
rfa f rt f rr; rt+
ft rr r; r t r;+ +
Cau.: magalagna karahi

bara bhmini, bhai sukhamula manohara jmini.
a cai pna saba khu

pe, sraga sugadha bhuita chabi che.1.

rmahi dekhi rajyasu p, nija nija bhavana cale sira n.
premu pramodu binodu baR, samau samju manoharat.2.
kahi na sakahi

sata srada ses u, beda biraci mahesa ganes u.

so mai

kahau kavana bidhi baran, bh umingu sira dharai ki dharan.3.
npa saba bh

ti sabahi sanamn, kahi mdu bacana bol

rn.
badhu larikan

para ghara

, rkhehu nayana palaka k n

.4.
Lovely women sang joyous songs, and the night became a source of delight and
soul-enchanting. After rinsing their mouth the king and his party were all given betel-leaves;
and adorned with garlands and sandal-paste etc., they looked most charming. Looking
once more at r Rma and having received His permission they proceeded each to his
own house, bowing their heads to Him. The love and rapture, meriment and magnanimity,
prosperity, splendour and loveliness that manifested there were more than could be told
by a hundred rads and eas, Vedas and Brahms, ivas and Gaeas. How, then,
can I describe them at length any more than an earthly serpent could support the globe on
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
344
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
its head? The king then summoned the queens and, showing every honour to them all,
admonished them in gentle tones. "The brides are yet damsels and have come to a strange
house; therefore, take care of them as eyelids protect the eyes. (14)
0fr >rfa st r r;
f n f>rrn r fa r;+ -~~+
Do.: larik ramita unda basa sayana karvahu ji,
asa kahi ge birmagha rma carana citu li.355.
"The boys are tired and feeling drowsy; go and put them to bed." So saying he
retired to his own bedroom with his mind fixed on r Rma's feet. (355)
0 f r fa f n zr+
n f rr r fa at rr+ {+
s f rt nn n f f rt +
at f r= rr a ; r f rr+ +
=f f r sr a n r+
r f f r;- t-t f f fa- t-t+ -+
f tr nrar f rar+
rn ra rf rt f ff ara arzr rt+ +
Cau.: bhupa bacana suni sahaja suhe, jarita kanaka mani pala ga ase.
subhaga surabhi paya phena samn, komala kalita supet

nn.1.
upabarahana bara barani na jh

, sraga sugadha manimadira mh

.
ratanadpa suhi cru ca dov, kahata na banai jna jehi

jov.2.
seja rucira raci rmu uhe, prema sameta pala ga pauRhe.
agy puni puni bhinha dnh, nija nija seja sayana tinha knh.3.
dekhi syma mdu majula gt, kahahi

saprema bacana saba mt.

mraga jta bhayvani bhr, kehi bidhi tta tRak mr.4.
Hearing the sweet and loving words of the king, the queens made ready
bejewelled beds of gold and furnished them with many a rich covering, soft and white as
the froth of cow's milk, and pillows more charming than words can tell. The bed-chamber,
made of precious stones, was decked with garlands and supplied with perfumes, lamps
consisting of bright gems and a canopy lovely beyond words. He alone who saw it could
know what it was like. Having thus prepared a number of fine beds the queens took up
r Rma and lovingly laid Him down upon one of them. On being repeatedly asked by
r Rma, His brothers too retired each to his own bed. As the mothers gazed on the
swarthy limbs of r Rma, so soft and attractive, they all exclaimed in loving accents,
"How did you manage, dear child; to kill the most dreadful demoness Tak while on
your way to the forest? (14)
0rrr fr f nf f r
r fa r ff rt r+ -~+
Do.: ghora niscara bikaa bhaa samara ganahi

nahi

khu,
mre sahita sahya kimi khala mrca subhu.356.
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"How were you able to slay those monstrous giants, the wicked Mrca and
Subhu and their followers, who were formidable warriors and counted none before them
in battle? (356)
0f r f ara arrt ; rt+
rt f r; n= r fur r;+ {+
ffa at na n t tfa t f t+
tf f rr r f arr+ +
ft f rf r; r rf r;+
r arr f r r+ -+
r n rr f ara f arrr+
f n arf f a ff f rf + +
Cau.: muni prasda bali tta tumhr, sa aneka karavare

r.
makha rakhavr kari duhu bh

, guru prasda saba bidy p

.1.
munitiya tar lagata paga dhur, krati rah bhuvana bhari pur.
kamaha phi pabi kua kahor, npa samja mahu siva dhanu tor.2.
bisva bijaya jasu jnaki p, e bhavana byhi saba bh.
sakala amnua karama tumhre, kevala kausika kp

sudhre.3.
ju suphala jaga janamu hamr, dekhi tta bidhubadana tumhr.
je dina gae tumhahi binu dekhe , te biraci jani prahi

lekhe .4.
"I offer myself, dear child, as a sacrifice for your sake; it was through the goodwill
of the sage Vivmitra alone that God kept away a number of calamities from you. Even
while you and your brother (Lakmaa) guarded the sacrifice, you were initiated into all
the secret lore. At the mere touch of the dust from your feet the hermit's wife (Ahaly)
attained salvation and your glory filled the whole universe. In the assembly of princes you
broke ivas bow, hard though it was as a tortoise-shell or adamant or rock. You gained
the glory of having triumphed over the world and won the hand of Janaka's daughter, and
then returned home after marrying all your brothers. All your actions have been
superhuman and were accomplished only by the grace of the sage Kauika. Our birth
into the world has borne fruit today as we now behold, dear child, your moon-like face.
Our prayer is that the number of days that have been spent without seeing you, may not
be reckoned by the Creator at all." (14)
0r art ra f fta
ff n f f t + -~+
Do.: rma prato

mtu saba kahi binta bara baina,

sumiri sabhu gura bipra pada kie ndabasa naina.357.
r Rma gratified all His mothers by addressing sweet and polite words to them;
and fixing His thought on the feet of Lord ambhu, His preceptors (Vasiha and Vivmitra)
and the Brhmaas in general, He closed His eyes in order to sleep. (357)
0ts r f rr rr t= rr+
rr rr f rn rt f n nrt+ {+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
346
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
t frfa rfa t rt f fr t+
- r r; f- ff s nr;+ +
ra ta r rn =z r rn+
f rnf- nn nr r rr r+ -+
f f n fa rar r; t fa rar+
f- r fr fa n r n r+ +
Cau.: ndau badana soha suhi lon, manahu s

jha sarasruha son.

ghara ghara karahi

jgarana nr

, dehi

parasapara magala gr

.1.
pur birjati rjati rajan, rn

kahahi

bilokahu sajan.
sudara badhunha ssu lai so

, phanikanha janu siramani ura go

.2.
prta punta kla prabhu jge, arunacuRa bara bolana lge.
badi mgadhanhi gunagana ge, purajana dvra johrana e.3.
badi bipra sura gura pitu mt, pi assa mudita saba bhrt.
jananinha sdara badana nihre, bh upati saga dvra pagu dhre.4.
Even during sleep His most charming countenance gleamed as a red lotus, half
closed at eventide. In every house women kept vigil and railed at one another in
auspicious strains. The queens said to one another, "See, friends, how resplendent the
city is, and how splendid the night !" The mothers-in-law then slept with the lovely brides
enfolded in their arms even as serpents would clasp to their bosom the gems from their
hood. At the holy hour before dawn the Lord awoke, and the cocks commenced their
beautiful crowing. The rhapsodists and genealogists sang His praises, while the citizens
flocked to the gate to make their obeisance. The four brothers saluted the Brhmaas
and gods as well as their preceptor and parents and were glad to receive their
benedictions. The mothers reverently gazed on their countenance as the princes
repaired to the gate with the king. (14)
0tf- f fa ta r;
rafr f ara f r rfs r;+ -~c+
Do.: knhi sauca saba sahaja suci sarita punta nahi,
prtakriy kari tta pahi

e criu bhi.358.
Though pure in themselves, the four brothers performed all the purificatory acts
(such as evacuating the bowels, cleansing the privates and the hands with water and
clay, rinsing the mouth, brushing the teeth and cleansing the tongue etc.,) and bathed in
the holy river (Sarayu) and, having gone through their morning routine of prayer etc.,
returned to their sire. (358)
[PAUSE 3 FOR A NINE-DAY RECITATION]
0 frf f s r; f r r;+
f r r zrt r r f rt+ {+
f fr f f r n rf- f r+
a- a f rn ff r rs n rn+ +
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
BLA-K NA
*
347
f fr ;farr f t fa frr+
f n nrfa t fa fy f ff t+ -+
r rs r t tfa fa r fa rt+
f r s r r s f sr+ +
Cau.: bhupa biloki lie ura l, baihe harai rajyasu p.
dekhi rmu saba sabh juRn, locana lbha avadhi anumn.1.
puni basiu muni kausiku e, subhaga sananhi muni baihe.
sutanha sameta puji pada lge, nirakhi rmu dou gura anurge.2.
kahahi

basiu dharama itihs, sunahi

mahsu sahita ranivs.
muni mana agama gdhisuta karan, mudita basia bipula bidhi baran.3.
bole bmadeu saba s

c, krati kalita loka tihu mc.

suni nadu bhayau saba kh u, rma lakhana ura adhika uchh u.4.
The king, on seeing them, clasped them to his bosom; and the four brothers gladly
sat down on receiving his permission. The whole court was gratified to see Rma and
accounted their eyes supremely blest. Then came the sages Vasiha and Vivmitra
and were seated on splendid seats. The father and sons adored the sages and clasped
their feet and the two preceptors were enraptured to behold r Rma. The sage Vasiha
narrated sacred legends, while the king and the ladies of the gynaeceum listened. In the
course of his narration the sage gladly recounted in diverse ways the doings of Vivmitra,
that surpassed the imagination even of hermits. Vmadeva (another family preceptor of
King Daaratha) observed that whatever Vasiha said was true and that Vivmitra's
fair renown had pervaded all the three spheres. Everyone rejoiced to hear that, while r
Rma and Lakmaa were all the more delighted at heart. (14)
0n r sr fa rf f f rfa
snt f f f frfa+ -~+
Do.: magala moda uchha nita jhi

divasa ehi bh

ti,
umag avadha anada bhari adhika adhika adhikti.359.
There was constant felicity, joy and rejoicing and days rolled on in this way. The
city of Ayodhy was inundated with a tidal wave of delight, swelling higher and still
higher. (359)
0f rf r n r fr r+
fa f frt - rf ff rt+ {+
ftrfr fa t r f t+
f f n fa r f r rfr+ +
rna fr rs rn a- a r rn+
r r arrt a a rt+ -+
r f- r a f r+
f rs fa a rt s r rt+ +
tf- t f r at tfa tfa f rat+
r n r; r r; f r;+ ~+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
348
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Cau.: sudina sodhi kala kakana chore, magala moda binoda na thore.
nita nava sukhu sura dekhi sihh

, avadha janma jcahi

bidhi ph

.1.
bisvmitru calana nita cahah

, rma saprema binaya basa rahah

.
dina dina sayaguna bhupati bhu, dekhi sarha mahmunir u.2.
mgata bid ru anurge, sutanha sameta hRha bhe ge.
ntha sakala sapad tumhr, mai

sevaku sameta suta nr.3.

karaba sad larikanha para chohu, darasanu deta rahaba muni moh u.
asa kahi ru sahita suta rn, pareu carana mukha va na bn.4.
dnhi assa bipra bahu bh

t, cale na prti rti kahi jt.

rmu saprema saga saba bh, yasu pi phire pahu c.5.
After fixing on auspicious day the sacred strings (tied round the wrist of the brides
and bridegrooms before the wedding for warding off evil-spirits) were united with no little
felicity, joy and merriment. The gods were filled with envy to see new rejoicings everyday
and begged of the Creator that they might be born in Ayodhy. Vivmitra intended
leaving everyday, but was detained by r Rma's affectionate entreaties. Seeing the
king's devotion to him grow a hundredfold day after day the great sage Vivmitra was
full of praise for him. At last when he asked permission to go, the king was greatly moved
and with his sons stood before him saying, "My lord, all that I have is yours; while I and
my sons and wives are your servants. Be ever gracious to these boys and condescend
from time to time to bless me with your sight." So saying, the king with his sons and
queens fell at his feet, and speech failed his tongue. The Brhmaa (Vivmitra) invoked
upon him every kind of blessing and departed amidst a scene of love that defied all
description. r Rma and all His brothers lovingly escorted him and returned only when
they were allowed to go back. (15)
0r = fa nfa r sr
ra ra f fa nrf+ -+
Do.: rma rupu bhupati bhagati byhu uchhu anadu,
jta sarhata manahi

mana mudita gdhikulacadu.360.

The delighter of Gdhi's race gladly went on his way praising to himself r
Rma's beauty, King Daaratha's piety, the wedding of r Rma and St and the
festivities and rejoicings connected therewith. (360)
0r rr n rt f nrf a r rt+
f f f r a r - r+ {+
rn r a- a fa n n+
a r r nrr ta r fa rr+ +
r rf r rr a ; a a+
fr s sr f f fnr fr+ -+
f t r rt r t n rt+
af a r rt ta a f rt+ +
Cau.: bmadeva raghukula gura gyn, bahuri gdhisuta kath bakhn.
suni muni sujasu manahi

mana ru, baranata pana punya prabhu.1.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
BLA-K NA
*
349
bahure loga rajyasu bhaya u, sutanha sameta npati gha gaya u.
jaha taha rma byhu sabu gv, sujasu punta loka tihu chv.2.
e byhi rmu ghara jaba te , basai anada avadha saba taba te .
prabhu bibha jasa bhayau uchhu, sakahi

na barani gir ahinh u.3.

kabikula jvanu pvana jn, rma sya jasu magala khn.
tehi te mai

kachu kah bakhn, karana punta hetu nija bn.4.

Vmadeva and the wise preceptor of Raghu's race, Vasiha, once more narrated
the story of Vivmitra (Gdhi's son). On hearing the sage's bright glory the king praised
to himself the value of his stock of merits (which attracted the sage to his house and won
for him his favour). At the royal command the people dispersed, while the king with his
sons returned to his palace. Everywhere the people sang the story of r Rma's
wedding, and His holy and fair fame was diffused through all the three spheres. From the
day r Rma came home duly married, every kind of joy took its abode in Ayodhy. The
festivities that followed the Lord's wedding were more than the goddess of speech or the
Lord of serpents, ea, could tell. I know that the glory of r Rma and St is the very
life and sanctifier of the race of poets and a mine of blessings; that is why I have said
something about it just to hallow my speech. (14)
U0f fnr rf r r at nr
rrt fa r rff r= f n r+
sta r sr n f r nrt
f r r a r rt+
Cha.: nija gir pvani karana krana rma jasu tulas

kahyo,
raghubra carita apra bridhi pru kabi kaune lahyo.
upabta byha uchha magala suni je sdara gvah

,
baidehi rma prasda te jana sarbad sukhu pvah

.
For the purpose of hallowing his speech has Tulasdsa sung r Rma's glory;
otherwise the story of r Rma is a limitless ocean, which no poet has ever been able
to cross. Those men who reverently hear or sing the tale of the auspicious festivities
attendant on r Rma's investiture with the sacred thread and marriage shall ever be
happy by the grace of Videha's Daughter and r Rma.
0f rrt fr nrf f
fa- r sr nra r + -{+
So.: siya raghubra bibhu je saprema gvahi

sunahi

,
tinha kahu sad uchhu magalyatana rma jasu.361.
Those who lovingly sing or hear the story of St and Rma's marriage shall ever
rejoice; for r Rma's glory is an abode of felicity. (361)
[PAUSE 12 FOR A THIRTY-DAY RECITATION]
;fa >rtrfar ff rr re
iti rmadrmacaritamnase sakalakalikaluavidhvasane prathama sopna sampta.
Thus ends the first descent into the Mnasa lake of r Rma's exploits,
that eradicates all the impurities of the Kali age.
\\vv\\ \\vv\\ \\vv\\ \\vv\\ \\vv\\
r
fa r sfn rnr r r rnr+

r Rmacaritamnasa
(The Mnasa lake containing the exploits of r Rma)
Descent Two
(Ayodhy-Ka)

tr frfa ar rnr ta
r rfn n trf rr
r fafr rf r
r na fr rfrf >rtr ra r+.{+
loka
yasyke ca vibhti bhudharasut devpag mastake
bhle blavidhurgale ca garala yasyorasi vylar,
soya bhutivibhuaa suravara sarvdhipa sarvad
arva sarvagata iva ainibha rakara ptu mm.1.
May He in whose lap shines forth the Daughter of the mountain-king, who carries
the celestial stream on His head, on whose brow rests the crescent moon, whose throat
holds poison and whose breast is the support of a huge serpent, and who is adorned by
the ashes on His body, may that Chief of gods, the Lord of all, the Destroyer of the
universe, the omnipresent iva, the moon-like akara, ever protect me. (1)
-ar r narfatar r ra
rr>rt rr-t rta r =y r+.+
prasannat y na gatbhiekatastath na mamle vanavsadukhata,
mukhmbujar raghunandanasya me sadstu s majulamagalaprad.2.
May the splendour of r Rmas lotus-like face, which neither grew brighter at the
prospect of His being installed on the throne of Ayodhy nor was dimmed by the painful
experience of exile in the woods, ever bring sweet felicity to me. (2)
trrrrry tarrrfarrn
rr rrr=r rf r rrrr+.-+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
352
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
nlmbujaymalakomalga stsamropitavmabhgam,
pau mahsyakacrucpa nammi rma raghuvaantham.3.
I adore r Rma, the Lord of Raghus race, whose limbs are as dark and soft as
a blue lotus, who has St enthroned on His left side and who holds in His hands a
mighty arrow and a graceful bow. (3)
0>rtn= r f = rf
s rr f r r rf+
Do.: rguru carana saroja raja nija manu mukuru sudhri,
baranau raghubara bimala jasu jo dyaku phala cri.
Cleansing the mirror of my mind with the dust from the lotus feet of the revered
Guru, I sing r Rmas untarnished glory, that bestows the four rewards of human life.
0 a r rf rr r fa n r r+
rf rt a rr f rt+ {+
ff ff fa t r; sfn f r;+
fn rf rat f r rat+ +
f r; n fat af ff aat+
ff rn rt r frt+ -+
fa ra t t fa frf r t+
r = n t r fa r; f f r+ +
Cau.: jaba te rmu byhi ghara e, nita nava magala moda badhe.
bhuvana cridasa bhudhara bhr, sukta megha baraahi

sukha br.1.
ridhi sidhi sapati nad

suh, umagi avadha abudhi kahu .

manigana pura nara nri sujt, suci amola sudara saba bh

t.2.
kahi na ji kachu nagara bibhut, janu etania biraci karatut.
saba bidhi saba pura loga sukhr, rmacada mukha cadu nihr.3.
mudita mtu saba sakh

sahel, phalita biloki manoratha bel.

rma rupu guna slu subh u, pramudita hoi dekhi suni r u.4.
From the day r Rma returned home duly married, there was new festivity and
jubilant music everyday. The fourteen spheres were like huge mountains on which clouds
in the shape of meritorious deeds poured showers of joy. The water thus discharged
formed into gorgeous rivers of affluence, success and prosperity, that rose in spate and
flowed into the ocean of Ayodhy. The men and women of the city were like jewels of a
fine quality, bright, priceless and charming in everyway. The splendour of the capital was
beyond description; it seemed as if the Creators workmanship had been exhausted there.
Gazing on the moon-like face of r Rmacandra the citizens were all happy in everyway.
All the mothers with their companions and maids were delighted to see the creeper of their
hearts desire bear fruit. The king was particularly enraptured when he saw or heard of r
Rmas beauty, goodness, amiability and genial disposition. (14)
0 s fr f r;
r a r rf s + {+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
353
Do.: saba ke ura abhilu asa kahahi

mani mahesu,
pa achata jubarja pada rmahi deu naresu.1.
All cherished in their heart a common desire and said in their prayer to the great Lord
iva, Would that the king in his own life-time appointed r Rma as his regent. (1)
0 fa rr rr rrr frr+
a fa r r f faf sr+ {+
f r fr r f tfa = r+
fa atf r n rt f rn rt + +
n r a r r f r ar+
r r = t-r frf t-r+ -+
>r t fa r sr+
r r t r f + +
Cau.: ek samaya saba sahita samj, rjasabh

raghurju birj.
sakala sukta murati naranh u, rma sujasu suni atihi uchh u.1.
npa saba rahahi

kp abhile , lokapa karahi

prti rukha rkhe .

tibhuvana tni kla jaga mh

, bh uri bhga dasaratha sama nh

.2.
magalamula rmu suta jsu, jo kachu kahia thora sabu ts u.
rya subhya mukuru kara lnh, badanu biloki mukuu sama knh.3.
ravana sampa bhae sita kes, manahu jarahapanu asa upades.
npa jubarju rma kahu dehu, jvana janama lhu kina leh u.4.
One day the Chief of Raghus sat with all his court in the state assembly hall.
Himself the embodiment of all virtues, the king was overjoyed to hear of r Rmas fair
renown. Every monarch solicited his favour, and the very guardians of the world
cultivated his friendship while respecting his wishes. In all the three spheres of the
universe and in all timepast, present or futurenone could be found so abundantly
blessed as Daaratha. Of him who had for his son Rma, the root of all bliss, whatever
might be said would fall short of the truth. The king casually took a mirror in his hand and
looking at his face in the mirror, set his crown straight. The hair beside his ears had
turned grey; it seemed as if old age were whispering into his ears, O king, make Rma
your regent and thereby realize the object of your life and birth in this world. (14)
0 fr= s rf f = r;
f a fa nf rs r;+ +
Do.: yaha bicru ura ni npa sudinu suavasaru pi,
prema pulaki tana mudita mana gurahi sunyau ji.2.
Entertaining this idea in his mind and finding an auspicious day and a suitable
opportunity the king communicated it to his Guru (Vasiha) with his body thrilling over
with emotion and his mind filled with rapture. (2)
0; r f fr r ff r+
f rt r f fr srt+ {+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
354
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
f r f f ff rt t a f rt+
f fa fr nrr; f r ff r;+ +
n f t a f t+
rf s rs rf + -+
fr r ff r n ar+
f - f s r + +
Cau.: kahai bhulu sunia muninyaka, bhae rma saba bidhi saba lyaka.
sevaka saciva sakala purabs, je hamre ari mitra uds.1.
sabahi rmu priya jehi bidhi moh, prabhu assa janu tanu dhari soh.
bipra sahita parivra gos

, karahi

chohu saba raurihi n

.2.
je gura carana renu sira dharah

, te janu sakala bibhava basa karah

.
mohi sama yahu anubhayau na d uje , sabu pyau raja pvani p uje .3.
aba abhilu eku mana more , p ujihi ntha anugraha tore .
muni prasanna lakhi sahaja saneh u, kaheu naresa rajyasu dehu.4.
Said the king, Listen, O chief of sages: Rma is now accomplished in everyway.
Servants and ministers, nay, all the people of the city and others who are either my
enemies or friends or neutrals hold Rma as dear as I do. It seems your benediction
itself has incarnated in his lovely form. What more, my lord, all the Brhmaas and
their families cherish the same love for him as you do. Those who place on their head
the dust from the Gurus feet acquire mastery as it were over all fortune. No one has
realized it as I have done; I have obtained everything by adoring the holy dust from
your feet. Now there remains only one longing in my heart and that too will be realized
by your grace, my lord. The sage was delighted to perceive his artless devotion and
said, O king, give me your commands. (14)
0r rs r fa rar
nrt f f fr arr+ -+
Do.: rjana rura nmu jasu saba abhimata dtra,
phala anugm mahipa mani mana abhilu tumhra.3.
O king, your very name and glory grant all ones desires. The object of your
hearts desire, O jewel of monarchs, is accomplished even before you entertain the
desire. (3)
0 ff n= - f rt rs rs f rt+
r r ff r f r f f r+ {+
rf a r; sr f rn r r+
r f ; frt rr rt+ +
f r a s f r f r; r far+
f f r n r r+ -+
r f fart r f f rt+
s arr a r; trt r ta nrt+ +
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
355
Cau.: saba bidhi guru prasanna jiya jn, boleu ru raha si mdu bn.
ntha rmu kariahi

jubarju, kahia kp kari karia samju.1.

mohi achata yahu hoi uchh u, lahahi

loga saba locana lh u.

prabhu prasda siva sabai nibh

, yaha llas eka mana mh

.2.
puni na soca tanu rahau ki ju, jehi

na hoi pche pachit u.

suni muni dasaratha bacana suhe, magala moda m ula mana bhe.3.
sunu npa jsu bimukha pachith

, jsu bhajana binu jarani na jh

.
bhayau tumhra tanaya soi svm, rmu punta prema anugm.4.
When the king was assured in his heart of the Guru being so favourably disposed
in everyway, he cheerfully said in gentle tones, My lord, let Rma be invested with regal
powers; pray, command me so that necessary preparations may be set on foot. Let this
happy event take place during my life-time so that all people may attain the reward of their
eyesight. By the Lords blessing iva has allowed everything to pass smoothly; this is the
only longing that I have in my mind. Then I will not mind whether this body survives or not,
so that I may not have to repent afterwards. The sage was pleased to hear these
agreeable words of Daaratha, which were the very fountain of felicity and joy. He said,
Listen, O king: aversion to r Rma makes one repent, while His adoration is the only
means of soothing the agony of ones heart; nay, He follows like a shadow where there is
unadulterated love; the same Lord r Rma has been born as a son to you. (14)
0fn f f rf ; r
f n af r rf r+ +
Do.: begi bilabu na karia npa sjia sabui samju,
sudina sumagalu tabahi

jaba rmu hohi

jubarju.4.
O king, let there be no delay, and make every preparation quickly. That day itself
is auspicious and full of blessings, when Rma it proclaimed regent. (4)
0fa tfa f r f r rr+
f t t fa- r n r+ {+
rf a rn tr f f rf tr+ +
rt fa a f rt fa f s rt+
fat f f rt f nafa f rt+ -+
n n r frr fn r r; rr+
f r f f rr a z t rr+ +
Cau.: mudita mahpati madira e, sevaka saciva sumatru bole.
kahi jayajva ssa tinha ne, bhupa sumagala bacana sune.1.
jau p

cahi mata lgai nk, karahu harai hiya rmahi k.2.

matr mudita sunata priya bn, abhimata birava pareu janu pn.
binat saciva karahi

kara jor, jiahu jagatapati barisa karor.3.
jaga magala bhala kju bicr, begia ntha na lia br.
npahi modu suni saciva subh, baRhata bau Ra janu lah suskh.4.
The king returned rejoicing to his palace and summoned his servants and
counsellors including Sumantra. They bowed their heads saying, Victory to you may
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
356
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
you live long; and the king placed before them the most auspicious proposal. If this
proposal finds favour with you all, instal r Rma on the throne with a cheerful heart.
The counsellors were glad to hear these agreeable words, which fell like a shower on the
young plant of their desire. The ministers prayed with joined palms: May you continue
to live for millions of years, O sovereign of the world. You have thought out a good plan
which is a source of happiness to the whole world; therefore, lord, make haste and lose
no time. The king was pleased to hear the encouraging words of the ministers; it looked
as if a growing creeper had obtained the support of a strong bough. (14)
0s fr r; r; r r;
r r f fa fn r; r;+ ~+
Do.: kaheu bhupa munirja kara joi joi yasu hoi,
rma rja abhieka hita begi karahu soi soi.5.
Said the king, Whatever orders the great sage Vasiha may be pleased to give
in connection with r Rmas coronation should be promptly carried out. (5)
0f t s rt r at rt+
rr r nf n rr+ {+
r r at r r nfa rat+
fn n ta r r n rn fr+ +
ffa f frr s ff farr+
r n r r tf- r+ -+
f r= r fn r=+
nfa n r ff f r+ +
Cau.: harai munsa kaheu mdu bn, nahu sakala sutratha pn.
auadha mula phula phala pn, kahe nma gani magala nn.1.
cmara carama basana bahu bh

t, roma pa paa aganita jt.

manigana magala bastu anek, jo jaga jogu bh upa abhiek.2.
beda bidita kahi sakala bidhn, kaheu racahu pura bibidha bitn.
saphala rasla pugaphala ker, ropahu bthinha pura cahu pher.3.
racahu maju mani cauke cr u, kahahu banvana begi bajru.
pujahu ganapati gura kuladev, saba bidhi karahu bh umisura sev.4.
The great sage Vasiha gladly said in soft accents, Fetch water from all principal
sacred places. And then he enumerated by name a number of auspicious objects such
as herbs, roots, flowers, fruits, leaves, chowries, deerskins, and draperies of various
kinds including countless varieties of woollen and silken textiles, jewels and numerous
other articles of good omen which were considered useful in this world for the coronation
of a king. Detailing all the procedure laid down in the Vedas he said, Erect canopies of
all sorts in the city and transplant in the streets on all sides trees of the mango, arecanut
and plantain with fruits. Paint beautiful designs on the floors filling them with costly jewels
and tell the people to decorate the bazar promptly. Worship Lord Gaea and your
preceptor as well as the tutelary deity and render service in every form to the
Brhmaas, the very gods on earth. (14)
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*
AYODHY-K NA
*
357
0 ar ar an rn
f f f f f rf rn+ +
Do.: dhvaja patka torana kalasa sajahu turaga ratha nga,
sira dhari munibara bacana sabu nija nija kjahi

lga.6.
Prepare flags and banners, festal arches and vases as well as horses, chariots
and elephants. Bowing to these orders of the great sage (Vasiha) all concerned
applied themselves to their own work. (6)
0r t f r t-r r af r t-r+
f r a rr a r fa n rr+ {+
a r f rr r nrn rr+
r t a n r f n n r+ +
f t a rn t+
a f fa t n atfa f t+ -+
a f f r n rt ;; n rt +
rf r f rat zf- zs f rat+ +
Cau.: jo munsa jehi yasu dnh, so tehi

kju prathama janu knh.

bipra sdhu sura pujata rj, karata rma hita magala kj.1.
sunata rma abhieka suhv, bja gahgaha avadha badhv.
rma sya tana saguna jane, pharakahi

magala aga suhe.2.

pulaki saprema parasapara kahah

, bharata gamanu s ucaka ahah

.
bhae bahuta dina ati avaser, saguna pratti bhe a priya ker.3.
bharata sarisa priya ko jaga mh

, ihai saguna phalu d usara nh

.
rmahi badhu soca dina rt, aanhi kamaha hdau jehi bh

t.4.
With whatever duty the great sage charged any man, the latter accomplished it so
promptly as if it had been done by him beforehand. The king adored Brhmaas, holy men
and gods, and performed auspicious rites for the sake of r Rmas welfare. As soon as
the delightful news of r Rmas installation reached the ears of the people, the whole of
Ayodhy resounded with festal music. Good omens manifested themselves in the person
of r Rma and St; Their graceful lucky limbs began to throb. Experiencing a thrill of joy
they lovingly said to one another, The omens prognosticate Bharatas return. Many days
have passed and our heart longs to meet him. Auspicious omens assure us of our meeting
with a beloved friend, and in this world there is no one so dear to us as Bharata; the good
omens can thus have but one meaning. r Rma anxiously remembered His half-brother
(Bharata) day and night, even as a turtle has its heart fixed on its eggs. (14)
0f n f s fr
ra f f a rff tf fr+ +
Do.: ehi avasara magalu parama suni raha seu ranivsu,
sobhata lakhi bidhu baRhata janu bridhi bci bilsu.7.
That very time the ladies of the palace were delighted to hear this most auspicious
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
358
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
news, even as the waves of the ocean commence their lovely sport on perceiving the
waxing moon. (7)
0 r; f- r f fa- r+
f a rnt n rnt+ {+
r= frr t f ff rfa fa =t+
r n r art f r f rt+ +
t nrf rnr s rf frnr+
f ff r; r rr r f r r+ -+
nrf n rft ft nrt+ +
Cau.: prathama ji jinha bacana sune, bh uana basana bh uri tinha pe.
prema pulaki tana mana anurg

, magala kalasa sajana saba lg

.1.
cauke cru sumitr

pur, manimaya bibidha bh

ti ati r ur.
na da magana rma mahatr, die dna bahu bipra ha kr.2.
puj

grmadebi sura ng, kaheu bhori dena balibhg.

jehi bidhi hoi rma kalyn u, dehu day kari so baradn u.3.
gvahi

magala kokilabayan

, bidhubadan

mgasvakanayan

.4.
Those who broke the news were richly rewarded with ornaments and costumes. With
their body thrilling over with emotion and heart full of rapture all the queens started preparing
festal vases. Queen Sumitr painted with coloured meal lovely diagrams in various
charming designs and filled them with jewels. Overwhelmed with delight r Rmas mother
(Kausaly) summoned the Brhmaas and loaded them with gifts. She worshipped village
deities and other gods and Ngas and vowing them further offerings said to them, In your
mercy grant me a boon which may ensure r Rmas welfare. Moon-faced and fawn-
eyed ladies sang festal strains in a voice as sweet as the notes of a cuckoo. (14)
0r r f f f rf
n n ff frf+ c+
Do.: rma rja abhieku suni hiya harae nara nri,
lage sumagala sajana saba bidhi anukula bicri.8.
Men and women rejoiced in their heart to hear of r Rmas installation on the
throne; and thinking God to be favourably disposed towards them all began to make
preparations. (8)
0a r fr rr rr f r+
n rn a rrrr r r; rs rr+ {+
r rr ; rr r r rfa f r+
n f fa rt r r rt+ +
trf rn n n +
af sfa rf tat ; r r f tat+ -+
ar af t- s ta r n+
r r; r nrr; ; trf r; + +
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
359
Cau.: taba naranha bsihu bole, rmadhma sikha dena pahe.
gura gamanu sunata raghunth, dvra i pada nyau mth.1.
sdara aragha dei ghara ne, soraha bh

ti p uji sanamne.
gahe carana siya sahita bahor, bole rmu kamala kara jor.2.
sevaka sadana svmi gaman u, magala m ula amagala daman u.
tadapi ucita janu boli saprt, pahaia kja ntha asi nt.3.
prabhut taji prabhu knha saneh u, bhayau punta ju yahu geh u.
yasu hoi so karau gos

, sevaku lahai svmi sevak

.4.
The king then called Vasiha and sent him to r Rmas apartments for tendering
opportune advice. The moment the Lord of Raghus, r Rma, heard of the Gurus
arrival, He repaired to the door and, bowed His head at his feet. Reverently offering him
water to wash his hands with He ushered the sage and paid him honour by worshipping
him in the sixteen prescribed modes.* Then clasping his feet with St, r Rma spoke
with His lotus palms joined in prayer, A masters visit to his servants house is the root
of all blessings and a panacea for all evils; yet it would have been more fitting, my lord,
for the master to have lovingly sent for the servant and charged him with a duty; for such
is the right course. Since, however, my lord has laid aside his authority and showed his
affection to me (by calling on me) my house has been hallowed today. I am ready to do
what I am bid, holy sir; for a servant is benefited only by serving his master. (14)
0f r f rrf
r ar a+ +
Do.: suni saneha sne bacana muni raghubarahi prasasa,
rma kasa na tumha kahahu asa hasa basa avatasa.9.
On hearing these words, steeped in affection as they were, the sage applauded
the Chief of Raghus, r Rma, and said, It is but meet, O Rma, that you should say
so, the ornament of the solar race that you are. (9)
0f r n t r r f fr+
s f r ra arf r+ {+
r r ff fr r+
n= f ; r f n r z fs + +
n r; r f fr;+
sta frr n n srr+ -+
f fa fr; zf f+
farf r; s na fr;+ +
Cau.: barani rma guna slu subh u, bole prema pulaki munir u.
bhupa sajeu abhieka samju, chata dena tumhahi jubarj u.1.
* The sixteen modes of worship prescribed in Tantric works consist in offering the following:(1)
sana (seat), (2) Pdya (water for washing the feet), (3) Arghya (water for washing the hands), (4) camanya
(water to drink), (5) Snnya (water for ablution), (6) Gandha (sandal-paste), (7) Vastra (raiment), (8) Pupa
(flowers), (9) Dhupa (burning incense), (10) Dpa (light), (11) Naivedya (food), (12) camanya (water for
rinsing the mouth), (13) Tmbula (betel-leaves), (14) Daki (a gift in coins), (15) Pradaki (circumambu-
lation), and (16) Nrjana (waving lights).
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
360
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
rma karahu saba sajama aju, jau bidhi kusala nibhai kj u.
guru sikha dei rya pahi

gaya u, rma hdaya asa bisamau bhaya u.2.

janame eka saga saba bh, bhojana sayana keli larik.
karanabedha upabta bih, saga saga saba bhae uchh.3.
bimala basa yahu anucita ek u, badhu bihi baRehi abhiek u.
prabhu saprema pachitni suh, harau bhagata mana kai kuil.4.
Extolling r Rmas goodness, amiability and noble disposition, the lord of sages,
Vasiha, said, thrilling over with emotion, The king has made preparations for the
installation ceremony; he would invest You with regal powers. Rma, You should observe
religious austerity today so that God may bring this affair to a happy conclusion. Having
admonished Him in this way the Guru returned to the king; while r Rma felt uneasy in
His heart and said to Himself, My brothers and myself were all born together and together
have we dined, slept and played in our childhood; the piercing of our ear-lobes, (one of the
sixteen sacraments incumbent on a Hindu), our investiture with the sacred thread, wedding
and all other ceremonies have been gone through together. The only unseemly practice in
this spotless line is that the eldest should be installed on the throne to the exclusion of his
younger brothers. May this loving and graceful expression of regret on the part of the Lord
drive away all suspicion from the mind of His devotees. (14)
0af r n r
r f f rr + {+
Do.: tehi avasara e lakhana magana prema nada,
sanamne priya bacana kahi raghukula kairava cada.10.
On that very occasion came Lakmaa steeped in love and rapture; r Rma,
who delighted Raghus race even as the moon delights a lily flower, greeted him with
endearing words. (10)
0rf r ff frr r f r; rr+
a rn rf r fn rf+ {+
r r rr nt r; f rn rnr;+
rf n f fa rr ff ff fr rr+ +
frrr t ar f r r; fa ar+
f r;f rt frr rf rt+ -+
fa-f rr; rr rf ff rfa rr+
r rf f t rf r r t+ +
Cau.: bjahi

bjane bibidh bidhn, pura pramodu nahi

ji bakhn.
bharata gamanu sakala manvahi

, vahu begi nayana phalu pvahi

.1.
ha ba ghara gal

ath

, kahahi

parasapara loga log

.
kli lagana bhali ketika br, p ujihi bidhi abhilu hamr.2.
kanaka sighsana sya samet, baihahi

rmu hoi cita cet.

sakala kahahi

kaba hoihi kl, bighana manvahi

deva kucl.3.
tinhahi sohi na avadha badhv, corahi cadini rti na bhv.
srada boli binaya sura karah

, brahi

bra pya lai parah

.4.
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*
AYODHY-K NA
*
361
There was a sound of music of various kinds, and the rejoicing in the city was
beyond words. All prayed for Bharatas return (from his maternal uncles) and said to one
another, Would that Bharata came with expedition and obtained the reward of his eyes.
In every bazar, street, house, lane and place of resort men and women talked to one
another, When will that blessed hour start tomorow; during which God will fulfil our
desire, when with St beside Him r Rma will take His seat on the throne of gold and
when the object of our desire will be accomplished? They all said, When will the morrow
come? While the wicked gods prayed that some trouble might brew in the meantime.
The rejoicing that was going on in Ayodhy did not please them even as a moonlit night
is not liked by a thief. Invoking rad the gods supplicated her and laying hold of her
feet fell at them again and again. (14)
0ffa rf frf fz ra f r; r
r rf r af r; r+ {{+
Do.: bipati hamri biloki baRi mtu karia soi ju,
rmu jhi

bana rju taji hoi sakala surakju.11.

Perceiving our grave calamity, O Mother, manipulate things in such a way today
that r Rma may retire into the forest, relinquishing His throne, and the object of us
immortals may be wholly accomplished. (11)
0f f rf farat ;s r ff frat+
f f f frt ra arf f rfs rt+ {+
f fa rrr ar r r r+
t rnt r; fa rnt+ +
r r nf rt t frf f fa rt+
fr tf aat f f r; fat+ -+
rfn r frf rt ff r f rt+
f z r; n r r;+ +
Cau.: suni sura binaya hRhi pachitt, bhaiu saroja bipina himart.
dekhi deva puni kahahi

nihor, mtu tohi nahi

thoriu khor.1.
bisamaya haraa rahita raghura u, tumha jnahu saba rma prabh u.
jva karama basa sukha dukha bhg, jia avadha deva hita lg.2.
bra bra gahi carana sa koc, cal bicri bibudha mati poc.
u

ca nivsu nci karat ut, dekhi na sakahi

pari bibh ut.3.

gila kju bicri bahor, karihahi

cha kusala kabi mor.
harai hdaya dasaratha pura , janu graha das dusaha dukhad.4.
Hearing this prayer of the divinities goddess rad stood still and was grieved
at the thought that she was going to play the same role with reference to the people of
Ayodhy as a wintry night does with respect to a bed of lotuses. Seeing her downcast
the gods spoke again in a suppliant tone, Mother, not the least blame will attach to you;
for the Lord of Raghus is above sorrow and joy alike. You are fully acquainted with r
Rmas glory. As for the people, every embodied soul is subject to pleasure and pain
according to its fate. Therefore, you should go to Ayodhy for the good of the celestials.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
362
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Clasping her feet again and again they exerted great pressure on her till she yielded and
set out, considering the gods as mean-minded. She said to herself, Though their abode
is on high, their doings are mean; they cannot see others prosperity. Again, reflecting
on the role she was destined to perform in the days to come, when worthy poets would
seek her favour, she came with a cheerful heart to the capital of Daaratha like the
intolerably evil influence of a planet. (14)
0r r fa t ; f
rt arf f n; fnr fa f+ {+
Do.: nmu mathar madamati cer kaikai keri,
ajasa per thi kar ga gir mati pheri.12.
Now Kaikey (Bharatas mother) had a dull-witted servant-maid, Manthar by
name; having perverted her reason and making her a receptacle of ill-repute, the
goddess of speech returned to her abode. (12)
0t r n= rr n r rr+
f rn- r sr r fa f r s r+ {+
; fr= fq rat r; r f ff rat+
f rfn f frat ff n a; s f rat+ +
a ra f n; frt r f f f rt+
a= ; ; sr rf fa f r; r+ -+
f rf nr z ar t- f r+
a r f fz rff rz; tr rf rff+ +
Cau.: dkha mathar nagaru banv, majula magala bja badhv.
puchesi loganha kha uchh u, rma tilaku suni bh ura dh u.1.
karai bicru kubuddhi kujt, hoi akju kavani bidhi rt.
dekhi lgi madhu kuila kirt, jimi gava takai leu kehi bh

t.2.
bharata mtu pahi

gai bilakhn, k anamani hasi kaha ha si rn.

utaru dei na lei uss u, nri carita kari hrai

s u.3.
ha si kaha rni glu baRa tore , dnha lakhana sikha asa mana more .
tabahu na bola ceri baRi ppini, chRai svsa kri janu s

pini.4.
Manthar saw the city decorated and festal music melodiously playing; she,
therefore, asked the people, What is all this rejoicing about? When she heard of r
Rmas coming installation, she felt distressed in her heart. That evil-minded and low-
born woman pondered how mischief might be created overnight, even as a wily Bhla
woman who has seen a honeycomb hanging from a tree schemes how to get hold of
the honey. Pulling a long face she approached Bharatas mother. What makes you
look so grave? the queen smilingly asked. She made no answer, but only heaved a
deep sigh, and adopting the way of women shed crocodile tears. Said the queen
laughing, You are a most saucy girl; what I suspect, therefore, is that Lakmaa has
taught you a lesson. Even then the most wicked servant-maid would not speak and
merely hissed like a cobra. (14)
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*
AYODHY-K NA
*
363
0 rf f f r fr
a f f r t s r+ {-+
Do.: sabhaya rni kaha kahasi kina kusala rmu mahiplu,
lakhanu bharatu ripudamanu suni bh kubar ura slu.13.
Apprehensive of mischief, the queen said to her, How is it that you do not
speak? I hope Rma and his royal father, Lakmaa, Bharata and Ripudamana
(atrughna) are all well? The hump backed woman (Manthar) was pained at heart to
hear these words. (13)
0a f ; f rs r; nr f r;+
rf rfz f r f ; r+ {+
s ff ff fa rf a n a s rf+
r; rr r rf r rr+ +
a f r arr rfa r r+
t a f ar; ar;+ -+
f f f rt rt rf nrt+
f f rrrt a f t rs art+ +
Cau.: kata sikha dei hamahi kou m, glu karaba kehi kara balu p.
rmahi chRi kusala kehi ju, jehi janesu dei jubarju.1.
bhayau kausilahi bidhi ati dhina, dekhata garaba rahata ura nhina.
dekhahu kasa na ji saba sobh, jo avaloki mora manu chobh.2.
putu bidesa na socu tumhre , jnati hahu basa nhu hamre .
nda bahuta priya seja tur, lakhahu na bh upa kapaa catur.3.
suni priya bacana malina manu jn, jhuk rni aba rahu aragn.
puni asa kabahu kahasi gharaphor, taba dhari jbha kaRhvau tor.4.
Why should anyone, O mother, give me a lesson? And on whose strength shall
I be cheeky? Who is happy today, except Rma, whom the king is going so invest with
regal powers? Providence has turned most favourable to Kausaly; seeing this she
cannot contain the pride of her bosom. Why not go and se for yourself all the splendour,
the sight of which has agitated my mind? Your son is away; while you are complacent
under the notion that your lord is under your thumb. You are excessively fond of sleeping
on a cushioned bed and are unable to detect the deceitful cunning of the king. Hearing
these affectionate words, yet knowing her malicious mind the queen angrily said, Keep
quiet now. If you ever speak thus again, expert as you are in sowing seeds of discord
in a family, I will have your tongue pulled out. (14)
0r r f rt rf
fa ff f f f ara rf+ {+
Do.: kne khore kubare kuila kucl jni,
tiya bisei puni ceri kahi bharatamtu musukni.14.
The one-eyed, the lame and the hump-backed, know these to be perverse and
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
364
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
wicked, more so if they come of the fair sex and particularly those belonging to the
menial class! said Bharatas mother and smiled. (14)
0frff f tf-s art ar r rt+
f n r r; ar r f f r;+ {+
trf rr r; f tfa r;+
r fa r rt s rn ra rt+ +
rr art rf r frt+
r f ft f tfa tr t+ -+
ff ; f r r r f a ar+
r a f r f r fa- fa r ar+ +
Cau.: priyabdini sikha dnhiu toh, sapanehu to para kopu na moh.
sudinu sumagala dyaku so, tora kah phura jehi dina ho.1.
jeha svmi sevaka laghu bh, yaha dinakara kula rti suh.
rma tilaku jau s

cehu kl, deu mgu mana bhvata l.2.

kausaly sama saba mahatr, rmahi sahaja subhya pir.
mo para karahi

sanehu bise, mai

kari prti parch dekh.3.

jau bidhi janamu dei kari chohu, hohu rma siya p uta putoh u.
prna te adhika rmu priya more , tinha ke tilaka chobhu kasa tore .4.
O sweet-tongued girl, I have said all this to you by way of advice; otherwise I cannot
even dream of being angry with you. That day alone will be auspicious and a bestower of
good fortune, when your words will come to be true. The eldest brother should be the lord
and the younger ones his servants: such is the blessed custom prevailing in the solar race.
If r Rmas inauguration is really taking place tomorrow, ask of me, my friend, what pleases
your mind and I will grant it. By his innate disposition Rma loves all his mothers as dearly
as Kausaly. He is particularly fond of me; I have had occasions to test his love. Should
God in His mercy vouchsafe to me a human birth again, may Rma and St be my son and
daughter-in-law respectively. Rma is dearer to me than life; how is it that you have got
perturbed at the news of his inauguration? (14)
0a arf - ff rs
fs f r rf rs+ {~+
Do.: bharata sapatha tohi satya kahu parihari kapaa duru,
haraa samaya bisamau karasi krana mohi sunu.15.
I adjure you in Bharatas name to tell me the truth putting away all deceit and
reservation. Let me know the reason why you should grieve on an occasion of
rejoicing. (15)
0f r r t t f t+
r rn r= rnr s a sf rnr+ {+
f rf f ra r; a f arf =; r;+
f rrat rf a f rat+ +
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*
AYODHY-K NA
*
365
f = ff t-r r r f f r t-r+
rs rs f r rt f rfz r f rt+ -+
r rn rs rr f r; arrr+
ara ra rt f f fz rt+ +
Cau.: ekahi

bra sa saba p uj, aba kachu kahaba jbha kari d uj.

phorai jogu kapru abhg, bhaleu kahata dukha raurehi lg.1.
kahahi

jhuhi phuri bta ban, te priya tumhahi karui mai

m.
hamahu kahabi aba hakurasoht, nh

ta mauna rahaba dinu rt.2.

kari kurupa bidhi parabasa knh, bav so lunia lahia jo dnh.
kou npa hou hamahi k hn, ceri chRi aba hoba ki rn.3.
jrai jogu subhu hamr, anabhala dekhi na ji tumhr.
tte kachuka bta anusr, chamia debi baRi c uka hamr.4.
I have had all my ambitions fulfilled as a result of my speaking only once; I shall
now speak again with another tongue. My wretched head surely deserves to be smashed
since you get offended even at my well-meaning words. Those alone who speak unctuous
words, minding not what is true and what is false, are your favourites, while I am
disagreeable to you. From this day onward I too will utter only that which is palatable to
my mistress, or else will keep mum all the twenty-four hours. God has given me a
misshapen body and made me dependent on others; one must reap as one has sown
and must get what one has given. Whoever may be the ruler, I lose nothing thereby; for
shall I cease to be a servant and become a queen now? Damnable is my nature in that I
cannot bear to see harm come to you. That is why I just broached the topic. But it was a
great blunder on my part; therefore, pardon me, O venerable lady. (14)
0n f f at f rf
rr fff z rf farf+ {+
Do.: guRha kapaa priya bacana suni tya adharabudhi rni,
suramy basa bairinihi suhda jni patini.16.
Hearing these pregnant and agreeably deceitful words, the queen, who was a
woman with an unstable mind and was dominated by the celestial My, reposed her
faith in an enemy mistaking her for a friend. (16)
0r f f fa rt t nr nt rt+
af fa ft ; f rt t f rrra rt+ {+
ar a zr r rrrt r+
f atfa ff nf rt rrat a rt+ +
f f r r ar rt rf ar f r f rt+
r a f ta s f f rf fta+ -+
r rfrr f rf ; r; rr+
f arrf fa srt = f srs rt+ +
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366
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Cau.: sdara puni puni p u

chati oh, sabar gna mg janu moh.

tasi mati phir ahai jasi bhb, rahas ceri ghta janu phb.1.
tumha pu

chahu mai

kahata er u

, dharehu mora gharaphor n u

.
saji pratti bahubidhi gaRhi chol, avadha sRhast taba bol.2.
priya siya rmu kah tumha rn, rmahi tumha priya so phuri bn.
rah prathama aba te dina bte, samau phire ripu hohi

pirte.3.
bhnu kamala kula poanihr, binu jala jri karai soi chr.
jari tumhri caha savati ukhr, r u

dhahu kari upu bara br.4.

Again and again the queen politely questioned Manthar, hyptonized as she was
by the latters guileful words like a doe fascinated by the music of a Bhla woman. Her
mind was changed according to the decree of fate and the servant-maid was pleased to
find her plan succeed. She replied, While you persist in questioning me, I am afraid to
open my lips, since you have given me the name of a mischief-maker. Thus working
up the queens faith and manipulating her according to her own liking in everyway,
Manthar, who spelt disaster for Ayodhy like the evil influence exerted by the planet
Saturn for a period of seven and a half years (according to Indian Astrology), then spoke,
You said just now, O queen, that St and Rma were dear to you and that you had
endeared yourself to Rma; this assertion of yours is true. This is, however, a thing of
the past; those days have now gone by. When the tide turns even friend become foes.
The sun fosters the family of lotuses; but in the absence of water it burns them to ashes.
Your co-wife (Kausaly) would strike at your very root; protect it by means of a good
fence in the form of a remedy. (14)
0arf r rrn f r rs
t t rs rs+ {+
Do.: tumhahi na socu sohga bala nija basa jnahu ru,
mana malna muha mha npu rura sarala subhu.17.
You are free from anxiety on the strength of your husbands love and know him
to be under your sway. The king, however, is malicious of mind, though sweet of tongue;
while you possess a guileless nature. (17)
0a nt r art t r; f ra rt+
a fs r ra a r s+ {+
f fa rf t nfa a ra t +
r arr ff r; a f r; r;+ +
rf ar ft fa rs ; f t+
f f r; r fa fa n r;+ -+
sfa r tr f rr; rf f tr+
rfnf ra fr z= rt s s ff r rt+ +
Cau.: catura ga bhra rma mahatr, bcu pi nija bta sa vr.
pahae bharatu bhupa naniaure , rma mtu mata jnaba raure .1.
sevahi

sakala savati mohi nke , garabita bharata mtu bala p ke .

slu tumhra kausilahi m, kapaa catura nahi

hoi jan.2.
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*
AYODHY-K NA
*
367
rjahi tumha para premu bise, savati subhu sakai nahi

dekh.
raci prapacu bhupahi apan, rma tilaka hita lagana dhar.3.
yaha kula ucita rma kahu k, sabahi sohi mohi suhi nk.
gili bta samujhi aru moh, deu daiu phiri so phalu oh.4.
Rmas mother (Kausaly) is clever and deep; finding a suitable opportunity she
has turned it to account. You must know it is at the suggestion of Rmas mother that
the king has sent away Bharata to his maternal grandfathers. She says to herself, All
my other co-wives serve me well, only Bharatas mother (yourself) is proud, because of
her influence with her lord. It is therefore, O mother, that you rankle in Kausalys heart;
but she is too crafty to disclose her mind. The king is particularly fond of you; but due
to the jealousy to which a co-wife is naturally subject, Kausaly cannot tolerate it. That
is why by resorting to machination and winning over the king she has prevailed on him
to fix a date for Rmas installation on the throne. The inauguration of Rma is in accord
with the traditions of the family; it is liked by all and is quite to my taste. I, however,
shudder to think of the consequences; may heaven so ordain that the mischief may
recoil on her own head. (14)
0f f rf f t-f r
ff r a fa f ff r fr+ {c+
Do.: raci paci koika kuilapana knhesi kapaa prabodhu,
kahisi kath sata savati kai jehi bidhi bRha birodhu.18.
Inventing and injecting many a mischievous formula Manthar put the queen of
the scent and told her a hundred and one stories of co-wives so as to foment her
jealousy. (18)
0rt atfa s r; rf f r;+
r ar rr f fa fa frr+ {+
s r f a r ar r; f rf r+
r; ff r arr - f r r+ +
- r; a ff ;f f r;+
rf fa rf ar ffa t ff + -+
r; s rt rff ; ; rt+
a fa r; a rr r sr;+ +
Cau.: bhv basa pratti ura , pu

cha rni puni sapatha dev.

k p u

chahu tumha abahu na jn, nija hita anahita pasu pahicn.1.

bhayau pkhu dina sajata samju, tumha p sudhi mohi sana j u.
khia pahiria rja tumhre , satya kahe nahi

dou hamre .2.

jau asatya kachu kahaba ban, tau bidhi deihi hamahi saj.
rmahi tilaka kli jau bhaya u, tumha kahu bipati bju bidhi bayau.3.
rekha kha ci kahau balu bh, bhmini bhaihu d udha kai mkh.
jau suta sahita karahu sevak, tau ghara rahahu na na up.4.
As fate would have it, the queen felt assured in her heart of Manthars fidelity;
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
368
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
adjuring her by her own life she questioned Manthar once more, What is it that you
inquire about? It is strange that you should not understand things even now! Even a
quadruped knows what is good or bad for it. Preparations have been going on for the last
fortnight; while you have got the news from me today. I get food and clothing under your
tutelage; hence I cannot be blamed for speaking the truth. If I tell a lie giving it the colour
of truth, God will punish me for the same. Should Rmas inauguration take place
tomorrow, God will have sown the seed of adversity for you. I swear and tell you most
emphatically, O lady, that you have been discarded now as a fly from a cup of milk. If
you and your son accept the role of servants, then alone you will be allowed to stay in
the house; and in no other circumstance. (14)
0 faf t- arf fr
a fn ;f r + {+
Do.: kadru

binatahi dnha dukhu tumhahi kausil

deba,
bharatu badigha seihahi

lakhanu rma ke neba.19.

Kadru (the progenitress of the serpent race) persecuted her co-wife Vinat*
(mother of the whole feathered kingdom); so will Kausaly tyrannize over you. Bharata
will rot in prison, while Lakmaa will be Rmas lieutenant. (19)
0ar a rt f ; f rt+
a s t ff rt t t a rt+ {+
f f rf rt t rff rt+
fr f rfn rt ff r; rf rt+ +
r ra f art ff rf fa ; rt+
f fa s rfa s arf r + -+
r f r rf r rs r+ +
Cau.: kaikayasut sunata kau bn, kahi na sakai kachu sahami sukhn.
tana paseu kadal jimi k

p, kubar

dasana jbha taba c

p.1.
kahi kahi koika kapaa kahn, dhraju dharahu prabodhisi rn.
phir karamu priya lgi kucl, bakihi sarhai mni marl.2.
sunu mathar bta phuri tor, dahini

khi nita pharakai mor.

dina prati dekhau rti kusapane, kahau na tohi moha basa apane.3.
kha karau

sakhi sudha subh u, dhina bma na jnau k u.4.

* The names Kadru and Vinat take us back to the beginning of creation. The Puras (a class of
sacred literature dealing with the history of the entire cosmos and wrongly supposed by modern critics both
in India and abroad to be works on mythology) declare that the different species of living beings from
celestials down to the tiniest insect took their common descent from the sage Kayapa through different
mothers. Of them Kadru gave birth to the race of serpents, while Vinat brought forth the winged creation.
Once there was a controversy between the two ladies about the colour of the tail of the celestial horse
Uccairav. Vinat insisted that the horse was white in colour while Kadru maintained that it was dark. It was
mutually agreed that the lady whose version proved untrue should serve the other as a handmaid for the rest
of her life. When Kadru came to know that the horses were really white in colour, she managed to hoodwink
the guileless Vinat by asking her sons (the cobra race) to cover the tail of Uccairav by their own dark
forms and thus lending it a dark hue. Vinat was thus made to serve her co-wife for a number of years and
suffered great persecution at her hands, till she was liberated by Garua (Vinats powerful son and the
celebrated vehicle of Bhagavn Viu). The story is told at length in the diparva of the Mahbhrata.
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*
AYODHY-K NA
*
369
Hearing these unpleasant remarks, Kekayas daughter (Kaikey) shrivelled with
fear and could not utter a word. Her body was wet with perspiration and shook like a
plantain stalk. The humpback then bit her tongue (for fear lest the gloomy picture drawn
by her might break Kaikeys heart). Telling her one after another many a story of wiles
Manthar comforted the queen and asked her to be of good cheer. At last the tide turned
and Kaikey conceived a fondness for mischief; she applauded a heron mistaking it for
a swan. Listen, O Manthar; what you say is quite true. My right eye ever throbs and
I have an evil dream every night; but in my folly I did not tell you. I cannot help it, my
friend; I am so guileless by nature. I cannot distinguish a friend from a foe. (14)
0 a r fn r t-
f rr f r rf t-+ +
Do.: apane calata na ju lagi anabhala khuka knha,
kehi

agha ekahi bra mohi daia dusaha dukhu dnha.20.

Never to this day have I done an evil turn to anybody during my ascendancy.
I wonder for what offence has Providence subjected me to such terrible suffering all
at once. (20)
0 = r; fa f fa r;+
f s fra rt t af t rt+ {+
t ff rt f t farr rt+
rf r rrn ar f r+ +
f rs fa arr r; r;f frr+
a a r trff r t rff+ -+
s nf- fa- rt a r rf rt+
rff a sr art r r+ +
Cau.: naihara janamu bharaba baru j, jiata na karabi savati sevak.
ari basa daiu jivata jh, maranu nka tehi jvana ch.1.
dna bacana kaha bahubidhi rn, suni kubar

tiyamy hn.
asa kasa kahahu mni mana un, sukhu sohgu tumha kahu dina dun.2.
jehi

rura ati anabhala tk, soi pihi yahu phalu paripk.

jaba te kumata sun mai

svmini, bhukha na bsara nda na jmini.3.

p u

cheu guninha rekha tinha kh

c, bharata bhula hohi

yaha s

c.
bhmini karahu ta kahau upu, hai tumhar

sev basa r u.4.

I would fain go and spend the rest of my life at my fathers but would on no
account serve a co-wife so long as there is life in me. For him whom heaven allows so
survive as a dependant of an enemy, death is preferable to life. The queen uttered many
such words of despondency; at this the humpback resorted to the wily ways of a woman.
Why should you speak in this strain, indulging in self-depreciation? Your happiness and
good-luck will be ever on the increase. Whoever has contemplated such gross mischief
to you shall eventually reap its fruit. Ever since I heard of this plot, my lady, I have felt
no appetite during the day and have had no wink of sleep at night. I consulted the
astrologers and they declared in positive terms: Bharata shall be the king; this much is
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
370
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
certain. If you act up to it, O good lady, I will offer a suggestion to you; the king is under
an obligation to you. (14)
0s a s a fa -rfn
f r f z fa rfn+ {+
Do.: parau kupa tua bacana para sakau puta pati tygi,
kahasi mora dukhu dekhi baRa kasa na karaba hita lgi.21.
At your suggestion I would throw myself down a well and can even forsake my
son and husband. When you tell me to do something in view of my dire distress, why
should I not comply with it in my own interest? (21)
0t f t ; t s r ;+
; rf f ; fa fa f + {+
a ra a rt fa r rrrt+
; f f ; f rt trff f r rf rt+ +
; r rat rn r zr rat+
af r rf r fa r+ -+
fa r ; a rn f ;+
r; r r ff ta r f r t a+ +
Cau.: kubar

kari kabul kaike, kapaa chur ura phana e.

lakhai na rni nikaa dukhu kaise , carai harita tina balipasu jaise .1.
sunata bta mdu ata kahor, deti manahu madhu mhura ghor.
kahai ceri sudhi ahai ki nh

, svmini kahihu kath mohi ph

.2.
dui baradna bhupa sana tht, mgahu ju juRvahu cht.
sutahi rju rmahi banabs u, dehu lehu saba savati huls u.3.
bhupati rma sapatha jaba kara, taba mgehu jehi

bacanu na ara.
hoi akju ju nisi bte , bacanu mora priya mnehu j te .4.
Winning over Kaikey and treating her as an offering accepted for sacrifice the
humpback whetted the knife of trickery on the stone of her heart. The queen, however,
like a sacrificial beast who nibbled the green turf, did not foresee the impending calamity.
Agreeable to hear, yet painful in consequence, were the words she spoke; it seemed as
if she was administering honey mixed with poison. Said the maid-servant, Do you, or
do you not, remember the incident you once told me, my lady? You have in reserve with
the king a couple of boons that he once promised you.* Ask for them today and soothe
* It is stated in Vlmkis Rmyaa that King Daaratha was once engaged in a combat with the
demon king ambara on behalf of the gods. The king was mortally wounded and fell unconscious in his
chariot, while his charioteer also fell. The valiant Queen Kaikey, who had accompanied her royal husband to
the field of battle assumed the role of a charioteer and removed the king to a safe retreat. When the king
regained his consciousness and came to know of the timely help rendered by the queen he was immensely
pleased and offered her a couple of boons. The queen, however, kept them in reserve and did not ask for
anything on that occasion.
The Adhytma-Rmyaa (forming part of the Brahma-Pura), however, tells a different story.
There we are told that while King Daaratha was once fighting with the demons on behalf of the gods the axle
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*
AYODHY-K NA
*
371
your heart. Bestow sovereignty on your son and an abode in the forest on Rma and
rob your co-wives of all their joy. When the king swears by Rma, ask the boons only
then, so that the former may not go back upon his word. The scheme will fail if this night
is allowed to pass; cherish my words as dearer than life. (14)
0z rrra f raff f rn r
r r n r f far+ +
Do.: baRa kughtu kari ptakini kahesi kopagha jhu,
kju sa vrehu sajaga sabu sahas jani patihu.22.
Having thus hatched her very cruel design against the queen the wretch said,
Betake yourself to the sulking-room. Manage the whole affair discreetly and be not too
ready to believe. (22)
0ff rf rf rt r r fz fq rt+
arf fa r rr ra ; ;f rr+ {+
ff r rt arf af rt+
ff ff r= ; r nt ;+ +
ffa t r fa t ; ; fa ; t+
r; rr rs frr+ -+
r r rf r; r a f fa fnr;+
rs n rr r; rf r r;+ +
Cau.: kubarihi rni prnapriya jn, bra bra baRi buddhi bakhn.
tohi sama hita na mora sasr, bahe jta kai bhaisi adhr.1.
jau bidhi puraba manorathu kl, karau tohi cakha p utari l.
bahubidhi cerihi daru de, kopabhavana gavan kaike.2.
bipati bju bara ritu cer, bhui

bhai kumati kaika ker.
pi kapaa jalu akura jm, bara dou dala dukha phala parinm.3.
kopa samju sji sabu so, rju karata nija kumati bigo.
rura nagara kolhalu ho, yaha kucli kachu jna na ko.4.
Holding the humpback dear as life the queen applauded her uncommon shrewdness
again and again. I have no such friend as you in the whole world, she said. You have
served as a prop to one who was drifting along a stream. If God fulfils my hearts desire
tomorrow, I will cherish you, my dear, as the apple of my eye. Thus lavishing every term
of endearment on her maid-servant, Kaikey retired to the sulking-room. Discord was the
seed and the servant-girl (Manthar) the rainy season; while the evil mind of Kaikey
served as the soil. Fed by the water of wiliness the seed took root and sprouted with the
two boons as its leaves and will eventually bear the fruit of adversity. Gathering about her
every token of resentment, Kaikey lay down on the floor in the sulking-room; while enjoying
of the wheels of his chariot got loosened and was about to fall when Queen Kaikey, who had accompanied
the king to the battlefield, perceived it and inserting her own arm in place of the axle prevented the chariot from
toppling down and held her arm in that position till her husband was able to vanquish his foe. The king was
filled with admiration and gratitude when he marked this heroic feat of his queen and offered her two boons,
which the queen prudently reserved for a future occasion.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
372
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
sovereignty, she was betrayed by her wicked mind. There was a great flutter in the
gynaeceum as well as in the city; nobody had any inkling of this evil design. (14)
0fa rf f nr
ff fnf t r+ -+
Do.: pramudita pura nara nri saba sajahi

sumagalacra,
eka prabisahi

eka nirgamahi

bhra bhupa darabra.23.

In their ecstasy of joy all the citizens, both men and women, busied themselves
with festive preparations and the entrance to the royal palace was flooded with a
continuous stream of people going in and coming out. (23)
0r r f f rt ff r r f rt+
rf frt f rt+ {+
ff f r r; a r zr;+
r rrt f rr t frfrr+ +
f f rf t a a ; s t+
trt fr rs ra r fr+ -+
fr n r ar z fa r+
r nfa r; r; ; t a ar;+ +
Cau.: bla sakh suni hiya harah

, mili dasa p

ca rma pahi

jh

.
prabhu darahi

premu pahicn, pu

chahi

kusala khema mdu bn.1.

phirahi

bhavana priya yasu p, karata parasapara rma baR.

ko raghubra sarisa sasr, slu sanehu nibhanihr.2.
jehi

jehi

joni karama basa bhramah

, taha taha su deu yaha hamah

.
sevaka hama svm siyanh u, hou nta yaha ora nibh u.3.
asa abhilu nagara saba kh u, kaikayasut hdaya ati dh u.
ko na kusagati pi nas, rahai na nca mate catur.4.
Delighted at the news a few of r Rmas boy-companions called on Him in a
body; and sensible of their affection the Lord received them kindly, and politely enquired
after their health and welfare. After receiving the permission of their beloved friend they
returned home speaking highly of Him to one another. Is there anyone in this world so
amiable and constant in his affection as Rma? In whichever species we may be born
from time to time as a result of our actions, may God grant us that Sts spouse may
be our lord and we his servants, and that this relation between us may continue till the
end. Everyone in the city cherished the same desire; but there was intense agony in
Kaikeys heart. Who is not ruined by evil company? Man loses his wit by following the
counsel of vile men. (14)
0rr r ns ; n
n far f f f + +
Do.: s

jha samaya snada npu gayau kaika geha ,

gavanu nihurat nikaa kiya janu dhari deha saneha .24.
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*
AYODHY-K NA
*
373
At eventide the king joyously visited Kaikeys palace; it looked as if love incarnate
had called on harshness personified. (24)
0r f s r nz ; r+
fa ; r r fa f = ar+ {+
r f fa f ns r; r ar zr;+
f f nfr a far r+ +
fr f n f r r= +
f r rr f zrf a rr+ -+
faf f ar rt fra rt+
r; f rt rfr f a frt+ +
Cau.: kopabhavana suni sakuceu r u, bhaya basa agahuRa parai na pu.
surapati basai bha bala jke , narapati sakala rahahi

rukha tke .1.

so suni tiya risa gayau sukh, dekhahu kma pratpa baR.
sula kulisa asi a gavanihre, te ratintha sumana sara mre.2.
sabhaya naresu priy pahi

gaya u, dekhi das dukhu druna bhayau.

bhumi sayana pau moa purn, die ri tana bh uana nn.3.
kumatihi kasi kubeat phb, ana ahivtu s uca janu bhb.
ji nikaa npu kaha mdu bn, prnapriy kehi hetu risn.4.
The king was taken aback when he heard of the sulking-room. His feet refused
to advance on account of fear. He under whose powerful arm the lord of celestials
dwelt secure and whose goodwill was even sought by all rulers of men was stunned
at the news of his wifes anger: look at the mighty power of sexual love. Even those
who have endured the blows of a spear, thunderbolt or sword have been overcome
with the flowery shafts of Ratis lord (the god of Love). The king timidly approached his
beloved queen and was terribly distressed to perceive her condition. She was lying on
the floor in old and coarse attire having cast away all the ornaments of her person. Her
wretched garb so eminently befitted her, prognosticating as it were her impending
widowhood. Drawing close to her the king asked in soft accents, Why are you angry,
my souls delight? (14)
U0f a rf frf a rf faf r;
r r n rff f rfa fr;+
rs rr r r= ;.
at fa aar r a ;+
Cha.:kehi hetu rni risni parasata pni patihi nevra,
mnahu saroa bhuaga bhmini biama bh

ti nihra.
dou bsan rasan dasana bara marama hharu dekha,
tulas npati bhavatabyat basa kma kautuka lekha.
As the king touched her with his hand saying Why are you angry, my queen?
Kaikey threw it aside and flashed upon him a furious glance like an enraged serpent with
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374
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
the two (above-mentioned) cravings of her heart for its bifurcated tongue and the boons
(that had been promised to her by the king) for its fangs, spying out a vital part. As fate
would have it, says Tulas, the king took it all as an amorous sport.
0r r rs f rf ff
r rf rs nnrff f r +.~+
So.: bra bra kaha ru sumukhi sulocani pikabacani,
krana mohi sunu gajagmini nija kopa kara.25.
Said the king again and again, Tell me the cause of your anger, O fair-faced,
bright-eyed dame with a voice melodious as the notes of a cuckoo and a gait resembling
that of an elephant. (25)
0fa ar fr ; t-r f ; f f t-r+
f f f f fr + {+
s ar f s rt r t rt+
rf r rs r= a r r=+ +
fr r a r f r ar+
f art rff r a rt+ -+
ff rn rfa rar f r nrar+
rrt rrt fr f fn fr ff + +
Cau.: anahita tora priy kei

knh, kehi dui sira kehi jamu caha lnh.

kahu kehi rakahi karau nares u, kahu kehi npahi niksau des u.1.
sakau tora ari amarau mr, kha ka bapure nara nr.
jnasi mora subhu baror u, manu tava nana cada cakor u.2.
priy prna suta sarabasu more , parijana praj sakala basa tore .
jau kachu kahau kapau kari toh, bhmini rma sapatha sata moh.3.
bihasi mgu manabhvati bt, bh uana sajahi manohara gt.
ghar kughar samujhi jiya dekh u, begi priy pariharahi kube u.4.
Who is it, my dear, that has harmed you? Who is there with a head to spare and who
is it that is courted by death? Tell me what pauper I should exalt to the position of a king and
what monarch I should banish from his kingdom? I could slay even an immortal, were he
your enemy; of what account, then, are men and women, who are mere worms as it were?
You know my disposition, O beautiful lady; my mind is enamoured of your face as the
Cakora bird is of the moon. O my beloved, my people and my family and all that I possess,
my sons, nay, my life itself are all at your disposal. If I tell you anything insincerely, O good
lady, I should be guilty of falsely swearing by Rma a hundred times. Ask with a cheerful
countenance whatever pleases your mind and adorn your charming limbs with jewels.
Distinguish within yourself between an opportune and inopportune hour and give up, my
darling, this unbecoming attire at once. (14)
0 f nf fz ff st fa
fa frf n frfaf + +
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
375
Do.: yaha suni mana guni sapatha baRi bihasi uh matimada,
bhuana sajati biloki mgu manahu kirtini phada.26.
On hearing this and considering the great oath the dull-witted Kaikey smilingly
arose and began to put on her ornaments; it seemed as if a huntress was laying the trap
at the sight of a deer. (26)
0f rs z f rt f rt+
rff s ar rr rr rr n rr+ {+
rf s rf r f rf n r+
f ss f zs r= ; ns r ar=+ +
fs t ff af nr; r rf ff nf r;+
f ar; rf f f n= r;+ -+
uf tfa f r rffa ff nr+
r; rt rt ff rt+ +
Cau.: puni kaha ru suhda jiya jn, prema pulaki mdu majula bn.
bhmini bhayau tora manabhv, ghara ghara nagara anada badhv.1.
rmahi deu kli jubarju, sajahi sulocani magala sju.
dalaki uheu suni hdau kahor u, janu chui gayau pka barator u.2.
aisiu pra bihasi tehi

go, cora nri jimi pragai na ro.

lakhahi

na bhupa kapaa catur, koi kuila mani gur u paRh.3.

jadyapi nti nipuna naranh u, nricarita jalanidhi avagh u.
kapaa sanehu baRhi bahor, bol bihasi nayana muhu mor.4.
Thinking her reconciled, the king spoke again in soft and winning accents his
whole frame thrilling over with emotion, Your hearts desire, O good lady, is accomplished;
every house in the city is a picture of joy and felicity. Tomorrow, I am installing Rma
as the prince-regent; therefore, O bright-eyed dame, put on a festive garb. The queens
heart, hard though it was, cracked at these words; it seemed as if a festering sore had
been unwarily touched. Even such (heart-rending) agony was disguised by her under the
cloak of a smile. Just as a thiefs wife does not openly weep (on seeing her husband
suffer punishment lest she should be made to share his lot). The king was unable to
detect her wily designs, tutored as she was by a teacher (Manthar) who ranked
foremost among millions of villains. Although the king was skilled in statesmanship, the
ways of a woman are like an unfathomable ocean. Again, with a greater show of false
affection she smilingly said with a graceful movement of her face and eyes: (14)
0rn rn f
r ; as ra + +
Do.: mgu mgu pai kahahu piya kabahu na dehu na lehu,
dena kahehu baradna dui teu pvata sadehu.27.
You do repeat the word Ask, ask, but never actually give anything. You
promised me a couple of boons; but I am yet doubtful about my getting them. (27)
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
376
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
0rs rs f ; arf rr f ;+
rat rf rfn r ff ns rf r r+ {+
r f r f ; rf rfn +
rr tfa r f r; r r = r;+ +
f - ra r fnf rf f rf nr+
- a r r ffa nr+ -+
af r f r; a f rrr;+
ra r; fa f rt a fn rt+ +
Cau.: jneu maramu ru ha si kaha, tumhahi kohba parama priya aha.
tht rkhi na mgihu k u, bisari gayau mohi bhora subh u.1.
jhuhehu hamahi dou jani dehu, dui kai cri mgi maku leh u.
raghukula rti sad cali , prna jhu baru bacanu na j.2.
nahi

asatya sama ptaka puj, giri sama hohi

ki koika guj.
satyamula saba sukta suhe, beda purna bidita manu ge.3.
tehi para rma sapatha kari , sukta saneha avadhi raghur.
bta dRhi kumati ha si bol, kumata kubihaga kulaha janu khol.4.
I have now understood the whole mystery, said the king with a smile; You are
extremely fond of being angry. You kept the boons in reserve and never asked for
them; as for myself, I forgot all about them, being oblivious by nature. Pray do not level
a false charge against me; you might as well ask four boons instead of two. It has
always been the rule with the race of Raghu that ones plighted word must be
redeemed even at the cost of ones life. Even a multitude of sins cannot be matched
with a lie. Can millions of tiny Guj seeds ever stand comparison with a mountain?
Veracity is the root of all noble virtues, as is well-known in the Vedas and Puras and
has been declared by Manu (the first law-giver of the world, the author of Manusmti).
Over and above this I have unwittingly sworn by Rma, the Lord of Raghus, who is
the very perfection of virtue and the highest embodiment of affection. Having thus
bound him to his word the evil-minded queen smilingly said, removing as it were the
cap from the eyes of her hawk-like plot.* (14)
0 r n fn r
ffrf ff rz fa = r+ c+
Do.: bh upa manoratha subhaga banu sukha subihaga samju,
bhillini jimi chRana cahati bacanu bhayakaru bju.28.
The kings desire (to see Rma installed as the prince-regent of Ayodhy)
represented a lovely grove and the joy (that prevailed everywhere) stood for a host of
charming birds. Queen Kaikey, who resembled a Bhla woman, sought to release a
fierce falcon in the form of her piercing words. (28)
[PAUSE 13 FOR A THIRTY-DAY RECITATION]
* Fowlers who maintain a hawk with them generally keep its eyes covered by a leather cap so that it
may not attack any and every bird it sees indiscriminately, and uncover its eyes only when they intend it to
attack its prey.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
377
0 rf ra t r af tr+
rns rt r r rt+ {+
ar ff srt f r rt+
f f r f a f ff r+ +
ns f f f rr r rs rr+
f s f r rff s a= ar+ -+
r r f rs r a f r rn r+
r r a= r a ff ff as r+ +
srf tf- ; tf-f ffa ;+ ~+
Cau.: sunahu prnapriya bhvata j k, dehu eka bara bharatahi k.
mgau dusara bara kara jor, puravahu ntha manoratha mor.1.
tpasa bea bisei uds, caudaha barisa rmu banabs.
suni mdu bacana bhupa hiya sok u, sasi kara chuata bikala jimi kok u.2.
gayau sahami nahi

kachu kahi v, janu sacna bana jhapaeu lv.
bibarana bhayau nipaa narapl u, dmini haneu manahu taru tl u.3.
mthe htha mudi dou locana, tanu dhari socu lga janu socana.
mora manorathu surataru phul, pharata karini jimi hateu sam ul.4.
avadha ujri knhi kaike

, dnhisi acala bipati kai ne

.5.
Hear, my beloved lord, that which pleases my heart; vouchsafe to me for one
boon the installation of Bharata (as the prince-regent of Ayodhy). And for the second
boon I ask with joined palmspray accomplish my desire, my lord: let Rma dwell in the
woods for fourteen years in the garb of a hermit and wholly detached from the world.
The king was grieved at heart to hear these gentle words even as a Cakravka bird is
filled with agony at the mere touch of a moonbeam. He felt dismayed and could not utter
a word, like a partridge in the woods at the swoop of a falcon. The king turned altogether
pale as a palm tree struck by lightning; with his hands to his forehead and closing both
his eyes he began to mourn like Grief personified. The celestial tree of my desire, that
had already blossomed, has been torn up with its roots by the elephant-like Kaikey just
when it was about to bear fruit. She has desolated Ayodhy and laid the foundation of
everlasting misfortune. (15)
0 r s ns rf ftr
rn ffq ff faf fur r+ +
Do.: kavane avasara k bhayau gayau nri bisvsa,
joga siddhi phala samaya jimi jatihi abidy nsa.29.
An inauspicious thing has happened at an auspicious moment; and I am
doomed by putting trust in a woman like a striving Yog who has been undone by
nescience at a time when his practice of Yoga was just going to bear fruit in the form
of Realization. (29)
0f ff rs f rrr f rfa fa rr+
a f rs a rt r r rf f rt+ {+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
378
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
r f = rn arr r r r+
sa= f rt - ar rr rt+ +
f = a - n +
- rf = r r ;f rfn r+ -+
ff tf f r rr a as rr+
fa fa ; r r ;+ +
Cau.: ehi bidhi ru manahi

mana jh

kh, dekhi kubh

ti kumati mana mkh.

bharatu ki rura puta na hoh, nehu mola beshi ki moh.1.
jo suni saru asa lga tumhre , khe na bolahu bacanu sa bhre .
dehu utaru anu karahu ki nh

, satyasadha tumha raghukula mh

.2.
dena kahehu aba jani baru dehu, tajahu satya jaga apajasu leh u.
satya sarhi kahehu baru den, jnehu leihi mgi caben.3.
sibi dadhci bali jo kachu bh, tanu dhanu tajeu bacana panu rkh.
ati kau bacana kahati kaike, mnahu lona jare para de.4.
In this way the king moaned within himself. Seeing his bad plight the wicked queen
sulked within her heart and said, Is Bharata not your son? And have you bought me in
consideration of money? If my words pierced you like arrows the moment they entered
your ears, why should you not make promises after careful thought? Either say yes to
my proposal or decline. You are true to your promise (more than anyone else) in the race
of Raghu. Refuse the boons you promised me; abandon truth and court infamy in the
world. Loud in your praise of truth you promised me a couple of boons, imagining of
course that I would ask for a handful of parched grain. ibi,* Dadhci

and Bali

* King ibi was noted for his piety and large-heartedness. Once upon a time the gods deputed Indra
and Agni (the god of fire) to put his generosity to the test. Agni took the form of a pigeon and Indra appeared
as a hawk. While the king was sitting in his court the pigeon flew into the hall and hid in his lap. The hawk too
followed him; and while the pigeon sought his protection against the hawk, the latter insisted that the pigeon
was its lawful spoil and should be made over to it. The king, who knew his duty, resolved to save the pigeons
life at all costs; for as a true Katriya he could not betray one who had sought shelter with him. At the same time
he recognized the validity of the hawks claim and did not want to rob it of food which it had fairly won and
without which it would die of starvation. The king offered the hawk anything else that it chose to name; but the
hawk would be satisfied with nothing short of an equal weight of the kings own flesh. Scales were accordingly
brought; and while the pigeon was put in one balance the king chopped his flesh with his own hands and put
it in the other. But even though the monarch hacked and hewed large pieces of flesh from his muscular body,
the pigeon outweighed them all. The king at last bodily mounted the balance and was just going to sever his
head when Indra and Agni appeared in their own celestial forms, and interposed. They blessed the king and
made him whole again.

When Indra and the other gods were hard pressed by the demon Vtra, they approached Bhagavn
Viu and sought His protection. God Viu told them that there was a great saint named Dadhci practising
penance in the Naimia forest, and that if he would let them have his bones they could be made into weapon,
before which no enemy could stand. Dadhci, as soon as he heard what they wanted, gave up his ghost and
out of his bones Vivakarm, the artisan of the gods, made a thunderbolt with which Indra easily dispatched
Vtra.

The demon-king Bali was so powerful that he acquired dominion over all the three worlds and
custed the gods from heaven. The mother of the gods, Aditi, prayed to Lord Viu for relief and the latter was
born as a son to Aditi in the form of a dwarf (Vmana). The dwarf appeared before Bali and as a Brhmaa boy
asked for alms. The demon-king promised to give him whatever He asked. Bhagavn Vmana said He
wanted only as much land as could be measured in three strides. King Bali, who was noted for his generosity,
granted the Brhmaas request at once. The divine Dwarf now assumed colossal dimensions; in one stride
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
379
redeemed their plighted word maintaining whatever they said even at the cost of their life
and possessions. In this way Kaikey uttered most pungent words as though applying
salt to a burn. (14)
0 t f srrr r
f= f tf- sr f rf rf r+ -+
Do.: dharama dhuradhara dhra dhari nayana ughre rya ,
siru dhuni lnhi ussa asi mresi mohi kuhya .30.
A champion of righteousness, the king took courage and opened his eyes, and
beating his head sighed out, She has smitten me in the most vital part. (30)
0rn tf a f rt r arf srrrt+
f fq r fr; t t r r;+ {+
t t r rr - f t ;f rr+
r rs f f rat rt f ar rrat+ +
fr f rat t atfa tfa f rat+
r a r ; rt - s f = rt+ -+
f a ; rar f fn a rs rar+
f rf r r; s a r r;+ +
Cau.: ge dkhi jarata risa bhr, manahu roa taravri ughr.
muhi kubuddhi dhra nihur, dhar kubar

sna ban.1.
lakh mahpa karla kahor, satya ki jvanu leihi mor.
bole ru kahina kari cht, bn sabinaya tsu soht.2.
priy bacana kasa kahasi kubh

t, bhra pratti prti kari h

t.
more bharatu rmu dui

kh, satya kahau kari sakaru skh.3.

avasi dutu mai

pahaiba prt, aihahi

begi sunata dou bhrt.

sudina sodhi sabu sju saj, deu bharata kahu rju baj.4.
He saw her standing before him burning with rage, as if it were Furys own sword
drawn from the sheath, with a malicious mind for its hilt and remorselessness for its
edge, whetted on the grindstone in the shape of the humpback (Manthar). The king saw
that the sword was dreadful and inflexible and said to himself, Is it really going to take
my life? Then, steeling his heart, he politely spoke to her in endearing terms, My darling,
why should you utter such unbecoming words, casting all confidence and affection to the
winds, O timid lady? Bharata and Rma are my two eyes; I vouch for it calling akara
as my witness. I will positively despatch a messenger at daybreak, and the two brothers
(Bharata and atrughna) will speedily come on hearing the message. Then, after fixing
an auspicious date and making all preparations I will solemnly bestow the kingdom on
Bharata. (14)
He measured the whole earth and covered heaven with another. For the third step Lord Vmana planted His
foot on the blessed demon and sent him down to the subterranean region known by the name of Sutala, of
which he became the sovereign. Won by his unique self-sacrifice and adherence to truth Bhagavn Vmana
ever waits as a porter at his door. King Bali will be installed as Indra in the next Manvantara.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
380
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
0r rf r a a tfa
z r frf f a s tfa+ -{+
Do.: lobhu na rmahi rju kara bahuta bharata para prti,
mai

baRa choa bicri jiya karata raheu npanti.31.

Rma has no greed of sovereignty and is deeply attached to Bharata. I was only
going to follow the usage obtaining among the princes, considering the seniority and
juniority of the two princes. (31)
0r a s r rra s r+
t- arf f af a s r + {+
f f= n r f n a r+
f ra rf rnr rnr+ +
zs a af r r f fr f r r r+
af r r r rs ; r f r+ -+
a rf f f rf s +
r rs ff r r ff ff ra far+ +
Cau.: rma sapatha sata kahau subh u, rmamtu kachu kaheu na k u.
mai

sabu knha tohi binu pu

che , tehi te pareu manorathu ch uche .1.

risa pariharu aba magala sju, kachu dina gae bharata jubarju.
ekahi bta mohi dukhu lg, bara d usara asamajasa mg.2.
ajahu

hdau jarata tehi

c, risa parihsa ki s

cehu s

c.
kahu taji rou rma apardh u, sabu kou kahai rmu suhi sdh u.3.
tuhu

sarhasi karasi saneh u, aba suni mohi bhayau sadeh u.

jsu subhu arihi anuk ul, so kimi karihi mtu pratik ul.4.
I sincerely tell you, swearing by Rma a hundred times, that his mother
(Kausaly) never said a word to me in this connection. No doubt I arranged everything
without consulting you and that is why my cherished desire has not been realized. Now
give up your anger and put on a festal garb; a few days hence Bharata will be the prince-
regent. Only one thing has caused me pain; the second boon that you have asked for
is something incongruous. My heart is still burning with the agony caused by it. Is it anger
or jest, or is it all really true? Tell me with a cool mind r Rmas guilt; everybody says
Rma is extremely well-behaved. You too spoke well of him and loved him. Hearing now
what you have asked, I have begun to suspect (whether your profession of love was
genuine). How could he whose temperament was congenial even to an enemy act
contrary to the will of his own mother?
0fr r f ff rn frf f
f f a r f+ -+
Do.: priy hsa risa pariharahi mgu bicri bibeku,
jehi

dekhau aba nayana bhari bharata rja abhieku.32.

"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
381
No more of jesting or anger, my darling; make a reasonable and thoughtful
request, so that I may now regale my eyes on the sight of Bharatas installation on the
throne. (32)
0f t = rf ftr f f f f tr+
s rs rt t r r f rt + {+
fr f fr tr t r rtr+
f fa fa ; rfa rra ;+ +
; f rf srr ;r rfnf rsf rr+
f f rt rf a rrt+ -+
r r ar r r rra f fr+
fr r arr a s-f s f rr+ +
Cau.: jiai mna baru bri bihn, mani binu phaniku jiai dukha dn.
kahau subhu na chalu mana mh

, jvanu mora rma binu nh

.1.
samujhi dekhu jiya priy prabn, jvanu rma darasa dhn.
suni mdu bacana kumati ati jara, manahu anala huti ghta para.2.
kahai karahu kina koi upy, ih

na lgihi ruri my.

dehu ki lehu ajasu kari nh

, mohi na bahuta prapaca sohh

.3.
rmu sdhu tumha sdhu sayne, rmamtu bhali saba pahicne.
jasa kausil

mora bhala tk, tasa phalu unhahi deu kari sk.4.

A fish may rather survive even without water and a serpent may drag on a
miserable and wretched existence without the gem in its head. But I tell you sincerely
with a guileless heart that I cannot live without Rma. Be assured in your mind, my wise
darling, that my very existence depends on the sight of r Rma. Hearing these soft
words the evil-minded queen blazed up like the fire on which has fallen an oblation of
clarified butter. She said, You might as well try millions of devices; but your stratagem
shall not avail with me. Either grant my request or earn a bad reputation by refusing it;
I am not fond of much wiles. Rma is virtuous, you too are virtuous and wise and no less
virtuous is Rmas mother (Kausaly); I have known all of you. I will repay with a
vengeance the benefit she has sought to confer upon me. (14)
0ra ra f f r rf
r rs fr rf+ --+
Do.: hota prtu munibea dhari jau na rmu bana jhi

,
mora maranu rura ajasa npa samujhia mana mhi

.33.
If Rma does not retire to the woods assuming the garb of a hermit as soon as
the day breaks, death for me and ill-repute for you will be the result; bear this in mind,
O king. (33)
0 f f ; sf rt r r afnf rt+
r r n ; r; t r r; r;+ {+
rs f rr t rr+
ra = a= r t ffa rff r+ +
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
382
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
t ra f r t fa f t t rt+
nf f t- rt f f rf rt+ -+
rn r t s art r f f rf rt+
r r f af r at rf a ff f rat+ +
Cau.: asa kahi kuila bha uhi hRh, mnahu roa taragini bRh.
ppa pahra pragaa bhai so, bhar krodha jala ji na jo.1.
dou bara kula kahina haha dhr, bhava ra kubar bacana pracr.
hhata bhuparupa taru mul, cal bipati bridhi anukul.2.
lakh naresa bta phuri s

c, tiya misa mcu ssa para nc.

gahi pada binaya knha baihr, jani dinakara kula hosi kuhr.3.
mgu mtha abah

deu toh, rma biraha jani mrasi moh.

rkhu rma kahu jehi tehi bh

t, nhi

ta jarihi janama bhari cht.4.

So saying, the wicked woman rose and stood up as though it were a swollen
stream of passion that had issued from the mountain of sin and, overflowing with the
water of anger, was too terrible to look at. The two boons she had asked for
represented its banks, her inexorable obstinacy corresponded to its (swift) current and
the impelling force of Manthars words stood for its eddies; uprooting the king like a
tree the river headed towards the ocean of adversity. The king now perceived that the
demand of the queen was really true, and that it was death itself which was dancing
over his head in the disguise of his own consort. Clasping her feet he persuaded her
to sit down and implored her, Pray do not play the axe with respect to the solar race.
Ask of me my own head and I will forthwith give it to you; but kill me not by tearing
Rma from me. Retain Rma by any means whatsoever, or your bosom will burn with
anguish all your life. (14)
0t rf r s f f r
a ra r r rrr+ -+
Do.: dekh bydhi asdha npu pareu dharani dhuni mtha,
kahata parama rata bacana rma rma raghuntha.34.
When the king saw the malady uncontrollable he dropped on the ground
beating his head and sobbing out in most piteous tones, Rma, O Rma, O Lord of
Raghus! (34)
0r rs ff nrar ff a= frar+
r rt rt t f rt+ {+
f r ; rrr r ;+
a a rn rn ar f + +
; f r; rr r; rs nrr+
rf rs = r; r; f ar;+ -+
rz f t f r ff =r +
a fa a r t - a t+ +
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
383
Cau.: bykula ru sithila saba gt, karini kalapataru manahu nipt.
kahu sukha mukha va na bn, janu phnu dna binu pn.1.
puni kaha kau kahora kaike, manahu ghya mahu mhura de.
jau atahu asa karatabu rahe u, mgu mgu tumha kehi

bala kahe u.2.

dui ki hoi eka samaya bhul, ha saba hahi phuluba gl.
dni kahuba aru kpan, hoi ki khema kusala raut.3.
chRahu bacanu ki dhraju dharah u, jani abal jimi karun karah u.
tanu tiya tanaya dhmu dhanu dharan, satyasadha kahu tna sama baran.4.
The king was stricken with grief and his limbs began to droop; it looked as if a
wish-yielding tree had been knocked down by a female elephant. His throat was dry and
speech failed his lips; he felt miserable like a fish out of water. Kaikey plied him once
more with pungent and harsh words, injecting poison as it were into his wound, If this
was what you intended doing in the long run, what emboldened you to say Ask, ask?
Can both these things happen at the same time, O sovereign of the earthto laugh a
boisterous laugh and to look grave, to enjoy the reputation of being generous and yet be
stingy? Is it possible to remain unscathed while playing the hero? Either go back upon
your word or forbear; pray do not wail like a woman. Life and wife, sons, home, wealth
and land have been spoken of as no better than a straw in the eyes of a man who is
true to his word. (14)
0 f rs r ar
rns arf fr ff r ra r+ -~+
Do.: marama bacana suni ru kaha kahu kachu dou na tora,
lgeu tohi pisca jimi klu kahvata mora.35.
On hearing these poignant words the king exclaimed, Say what you will; you are
not to blame for it. It is my doom which has possessed you like a devil and is using you
as its mouthpiece. (35)
0a a af r ff fa t f ar+
r r r fr s r f ff r+ {+
ff ff r; n r r ar;+
ff r; r; r;f fa r zr;+ +
ar r far fff r;f r+
arf t rn = r; r r nr;+ -+
fn fr s rt a fn f f rt+
ff faf a rnt rf nr; r= rnt+ +
Cau.: cahata na bharata bh upatahi bhore , bidhi basa kumati bas jiya tore .
so sabu mora ppa parinmu, bhayau kuhhara jehi

bidhi bm u.1.
subasa basihi phiri avadha suh, saba guna dhma rma prabhut.
karihahi

bhi sakala sevak, hoihi tihu pura rma baR.2.

tora kalaku mora pachit u, muehu na miihi na jihi k u.
aba tohi nka lga karu so, locana oa baihu muhu go.3.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
384
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
jaba lagi jiau kahau kara jor, taba lagi jani kachu kahasi bahor.
phiri pachitaihasi ata abhg, mrasi gi nahr u lg.4.
Bharata would never covet sovereignty even unwittingly. By the decree of fate,
however, evil counsel has taken possession of your mind. All that is the outcome of my
sins, due to which the tide has turned against me at an inopportune moment. Beautiful
Ayodhy shall flourish again under the sovereignty of Rma, the abode of all virtues. All
his brothers shall serve him and his fame shall spread through all the three spheres of
creation. The stain on your reputation and my remorse shall not disappear even after our
death and shall never go till eternity. Now do whatever pleases you; only keep out of my
sight hiding your face. So long as I live, I beseech you with joined palms, pray speak
not a word to me again. You will repent in the end, O hapless woman, that you killed a
cow for the sake of gut. (14)
0s rs f rf ff r f fr
rf fa rnfa r+ -+
Do.: pareu ru kahi koi bidhi khe karasi nidnu,
kapaa sayni na kahati kachu jgati manahu masnu.36.
Thus arguing with her in numberless way the king dropped on the ground crying.
Why do you bring ruin to all? But a pastmaster in wiles the queen did not utter a word
as though busy performing magical rites in a crematorium (to acquire control over
ghosts). (36)
0r r f r f fn r+
z r r= f r; rf r; f r;+ {+
ss f f rr n frf r;f s+
tfa ; fr; s f ff t r;+ +
fa f s frr tr f rr+
f r n nrf nr a f rnf r+ -+
n rrf nrfff f +
af ff t t f r r rr sr+ +
Cau.: rma rma raa bikala bhulu, janu binu pakha bihaga behlu.
hdaya manva bhoru jani ho, rmahi ji kahai jani ko.1.
udau karahu jani rabi raghukula gura, avadha biloki s ula hoihi ura.
bhupa prti kaikai kahin, ubhaya avadhi bidhi rac ban.2.
bilapata npahi bhayau bhinusr, bn benu sakha dhuni dvr.
paRhahi

bha guna gvahi

gyaka, sunata npahi janu lgahi

syaka.3.
magala sakala sohhi

na kaise , sahagminihi bibh uana jaise .

tehi

nisi nda par nahi

kh u, rma darasa llas uchh u.4.

Stricken with grief the king repeated the word Rma again and again and felt
miserable like a bird that has been shorn of its wings. He prayed in his heart, May the
day never dawn nor may anyone go and tell Rma. Rise not, O sun-god, the progenitor
of Raghus race; for you will be pained at heart to see the plight of Ayodhy. The kings
affection and the relentlessness of Kaikey both were the highest of their kind in Gods
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
385
creation. While the king was yet wailing, the day broke and the music of lute, flute and
conch was heard at his door. Bards extolled him and minstrels sang his praises; they,
however, pierced the king like shafts as he heard them. These and other tokens of
rejoicing pleased him not even as ornaments repel a widow who has decided to
accompany her deceased husband to the other world. None could have a wink of sleep
that night since everyone was eagerly longing for a sight of r Rma. (14)
0r t f f sfa f f
rns fa r ff+ -+
Do.: dvra bhra sevaka saciva kahahi

udita rabi dekhi,

jgeu ajahu na avadhapati kranu kavanu bisei.37.
At the door waited a crowd of servants and ministers, who said to one another at
the sight of the risen sun, The Lord of Ayodhy has not yet woken up, what special
reason can there be? (37)
0f fa rnr r f z rnr+
r r nr r; tf r r r;+ {+
n r a rs rt f r ra zrt+
r; r; r; r r ffa fr r+ +
rs a= ; n f ;+
f t f= r; f nfa ns r;+ -+
r f f f r f+
fs ta ; f t rt t t+ +
Cau.: pachile pahara bhupu nita jg, ju hamahi baRa acaraju lg.
jhu sumatra jagvahu j, kjia kju rajyasu p.1.
gae sumatru taba rura mh

, dekhi bhayvana jta erh

.
dhi khi janu ji na her, mnahu bipati bida baser.2.
puche kou na utaru de, gae jehi

bhavana bh upa kaike.

kahi jayajva baiha siru n, dekhi bh upa gati gayau sukh.3.
soca bikala bibarana mahi pare u, mnahu kamala m ulu parihare u.
saciu sabhta sakai nahi

puch, bol asubha bhar subha chuch.4.

The king used to wake up during the last watch of the night everyday; his
behaviour today appears most strange to us. Getting into the palace, O Sumantra, you
go and rouse him; on receiving his orders we may proceed with our work. Sumantra
then entered the gynaeceum; but it wore such a dismal appearance that he was afraid
to advance. It looked like a monster that would spring on him and devour him; its sight
was so repelling. It seemed to be the very abode of calamity and sorrow. Since nobody
answered his questions he proceeded to the apartment where the king and Queen
Kaikey were. Greeting the king with the words Be victorious and live forever! and
bowing his head, he sat down. He turned pale to behold the condition of the king, who
lay on the ground distracted with grief and colourless like a lotus stalk torn from its roots.
The minister being too alarmed to ask any question, Kaikey, who was full of evil and void
of all good, broke the silence. (14)
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
386
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
0t rf t ff a r nt
r r f r= f ; t+ -c+
Do.: par na rjahi nda nisi hetu jna jagadsu,
rmu rmu rai bhoru kiya kahai na maramu mahsu.38.
The king had no sleep last night: Heaven alone knows the reason. He has been
simply repeating Rma, Rma till daybreak and refuses to disclose the secret. (38)
0r rf fn rr; rr a r;+
s r r = rt t rf tf- rt+ {+
r f n ; r rf rf ff r r+
s f t ns r f f r+ +
rr f r t r ns r f tr+
r rf ra r r= t- far r+ -+
ff f r; rrtf s r;+
r rfa f n rt f rn a frt + +
Cau.: nahu rmahi begi bol, samcra taba pu

chehu .
caleu sumatru rya rukha jn, lakh kucli knhi kachu rn.1.
soca bikala maga parai na pu, rmahi boli kahihi k ru.
ura dhari dhraju gayau dure , pu

chahi

sakala dekhi manu mre .2.

samdhnu kari so sabah k, gayau jah

dinakara kula k.
rma sumatrahi vata dekh, daru knha pit sama lekh.3.
nirakhi badanu kahi bhupa raj, raghukuladpahi caleu lev.
rmu kubh

ti saciva sa ga jh

, dekhi loga jaha taha bilakhh

.4.
Therefore, call on Rma and bring him soon; thereafter, when you have come
back, you may ask further details. Judging (from his masters looks) that the king
approved of this idea, Sumantra left; he concluded that the queen had contrived some
evil design. He felt so distressed with anxiety that his legs refused to move ahead. What
will the king speak to Rma after calling him? he wondered. Recovering himself he
repaired to the gate; and seeing him disconsolate all began to question him. He, however,
reassured them all and proceeded to the apartment where the Ornament of the solar race
(r Rma) was. When r Rma saw Sumantra coming. He received him with honour,
treating the minister on an equal footing with His father. Looking r Rma in the face,
Sumantra conveyed to Him the royal command and returned with the Light of Raghus
race (r Rma). r Rma followed the minister in an unbecoming manner: people here
and there were grieved to see this. (14)
0r; t rrf fa f r
f s f ffrrff q nr+ -+
Do.: ji dkha raghubasamani narapati nipaa kusju,
sahami pareu lakhi sighinihi manahu bddha gajarju.39.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
387
The Jewel of Raghus race went and saw the king in an utterly wretched state like
an aged elephant who had dropped down in terror at the sight of a lioness. (39)
0f ; n t ft n+
= t tf ; r t rrt nf ;+ {+
=r r r t r r+
af t f s frt t art+.+
rf ra ara r f a f r; fr+
r r rf ar a + -+
f- rf ; rr rns r rf rrr+
r f s s r rfz f arr r+ +
Cau.: sukhahi

adhara jarai sabu agu, manahu dna manihna bh uag u.

sarua sampa dkhi kaike, mnahu mcu ghar

gani le.1.
karunmaya mdu rma subh u, prathama dkha dukhu sun na ku.
tadapi dhra dhari samau bicr, pu

ch madhura bacana mahatr.2.

mohi kahu mtu tta dukha krana, karia jatana jehi

hoi nivrana.
sunahu rma sabu krana ehu, rjahi tumha para bahuta sanehu.3.
dena kahenhi mohi dui baradn, mgeu jo kachu mohi sohn.
so suni bhayau bhupa ura soc u, chRi na sakahi

tumhra sa koc u.4.

His lips got parched and his whole frame burned; he looked like a helpless snake
bereft of the gem on its hood. The Lord beheld by the side of His father angry Kaikey,
who stood there like Death personified counting the last minutes of his life. r Rma was
compassionate and soft by nature; He witnessed sorrow for the first time in His life, He
had never heard of it before. Yet, recovering Himself as the occasion demanded,
addressed His step-mother in the following sweet words, Tell me, dear mother, the
cause of my fathers distress, so that an attempt may be made to remove it. Listen,
Rma; the sole cause is this: the king is very fond of you. He had promised me two
boons of my choice and I asked whatever I liked. The king, however, was stricken with
grief to hear my requests; for he cannot shake off the hesitation on your score. (14)
0a ;a sa s
a r f f + +
Do.: suta sanehu ita bacanu uta sakaa pareu naresu,
sakahu ta yasu dharahu sira meahu kahina kalesu.40.
Love for his son on one side and his plighted word on the other: The king is
placed on the horns of a dilemma. Obey his command if you can, and rid him of a severe
mental torture. (40)
0f f ; rt a far fa rt+
t r rr f - rr+ {+
r t= f; fur t=+
n rrfaf r; f a f fr;+ +
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
388
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
r; r r r r fr+
r fna rn f+ -+
t r; a zrnt r fa ra rnt+
a ra fa arfrr f rr+ +
Cau.: nidharaka baihi kahai kau bn, sunata kahinat ati akuln.
jbha kamna bacana sara nn, manahu mahipa mdu laccha samn.1.
janu kahorapanu dhare sarru, sikhai dhanuabidy bara br u.
sabu prasagu raghupatihi sun, baihi manahu tanu dhari nihur.2.
mana musuki bhnukula bhnu, rmu sahaja nada nidhn u.
bole bacana bigata saba d uana, mdu majula janu bga bibhuana.3.
sunu janan soi sutu baRabhg, jo pitu mtu bacana anurg.
tanaya mtu pitu toanihr, durlabha janani sakala sasr.4.
Kaikey unhesitatingly spoke these pungent words, which callousness itself was
sore distressed to hear. With the tongue for a bow, and words for so many shafts and
with the king for a delicate target as it were, it looked as if stiffness had taken the form
of a great hero and practised bowmanship. Having communicated the whole incident to
the Lord of Raghus (r Rma). She sat like the very incarnation of heartlessness. The
Sun of the solar dynasty, r Rma, the natural fountain of joy, smiled within Himself and
spoke words which were free from all blemish and were so sweet and agreeable that
they seemed to be the very ornaments of speech; Listen, mother: That son alone is
blessed, who is devoted to the words of his parents. A son who gratifies his father and
mother is rare in this wide world, mother. (14)
0fn f ff f rfa fa r
af fa r f a t ar+ {+
Do.: munigana milanu bisei bana sabahi bh

ti hita mora,
tehi maha pitu yasu bahuri samata janan tora.41.
In the forest I shall get more frequent opportunities of meeting hermits, which will
be beneficial to me in everyway. On top of it I have my fathers command and your
approval to boot, mother. (41)
0a rf rf r ff ff rf r+
rs rr nf rf rr+ {+
f z a= -rnt ff a f f rnt+
as r; s rt frf ra rt+ +
rf ft f f r t+
rff ra faf rt rfa atfa rf art+ -+
rs t n sf nr r rf a z r+
ra rf a r rf arf far+ +
Cau.: bharatu prnapriya pvahi

rju, bidhi saba bidhi mohi sanamukha ju.

jau na ju bana aisehu kj, prathama gania mohi muRha samj.1.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
389
sevahi

ara u kalapataru tyg, parihari amta lehi

biu mg.
teu na pi asa samau cukh

, dekhu bicri mtu mana mh

.2.
aba eka dukhu mohi bise, nipaa bikala naranyaku dekh.
thorihi

bta pitahi dukha bhr, hoti pratti na mohi mahatr.3.

ru dhra guna udadhi agdh u, bh mohi te kachu baRa apardh u.
jte mohi na kahata kachu r u, mori sapatha tohi kahu satibh u.4.
Again, Bharata, who is dear to me as life, will get the sovereignty: God is
propitious to me in every respect today. If I refuse to proceed to the woods even under
such circumstances, I should be reckoned foremost in an assembly of fools. Those who
nurture a castor-oil plant leaving the tree of paradise and barter away nectar for poison,
they too will not lose an opportunity like this should they ever get it: ponder this fact in
your mind and realize it, mother. Only one thing pains me most, mother; I am grieved to
see the king sore distressed. That my father should be so overwhelmed with grief over
a trifling matter is more than I can believe, dear mother. The king is stout of heart and
a fathomless ocean of goodness; I must have committed some great offence, which
prevents the king from speaking out his mind to me. I adjure you, therefore, to tell me
the truth. (14)
0 rr fa f f r
; r nfa uf f r+ +
Do.: sahaja sarala raghubara bacana kumati kuila kari jna,
calai joka jala bakragati jadyapi salilu samna.42.
The words of r Rma (the Chief of Raghus) were artless and straight-forward,
yet the evil-minded Kaikey gave them a perverse twist. A leech must always move
obliquely even though the water on which it moves has a smooth surface. (42)
0t rf r = r; rt r;+
arr a rr a rr+ {+
ar r rn f arar t rar+
r - r ar fa ra a + +
faf rr; f r; f r;+
ar a f t- sfa ar fr= t-+ -+
rnf n nrf at +
rf ra r ff f na f r+ +
Cau.: rahas rni rma rukha p, bol kapaa sanehu jan.
sapatha tumhra bharata kai n, hetu na dusara mai

kachu jn.1.
tumha apardha jogu nahi

tt, janan janaka badhu sukhadt.

rma satya sabu jo kachu kahah u, tumha pitu mtu bacana rata ahahu.2.
pitahi bujhi kahahu bali so, cauthepana jehi

ajasu na ho.
tumha sama suana sukta jehi

dnhe, ucita na tsu nirdaru knhe.3.

lgahi

kumukha bacana subha kaise, magaha gaydika tratha jaise.

rmahi mtu bacana saba bhe, jimi surasari gata salila suhe.4.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
390
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
The queen rejoiced to find r Rma inclined towards her proposal and said with
a false show of affection, I swear by yourself and Bharata that no other cause of the
kings affliction is known to me. You are hardly capable of any offence, dear son, a
source of delight that you are to your parents and brothers. What you say is all true; you
are devoted to the words of your father and mother. I adjure you to argue with your father
that he may not incur opprobrium in the evening of his life. It is hardly desirable for him
to disregard the virtues (truthfulness etc.) that have fetched him a son like you. These
polite words adorned her detestable mouth even as sacred spots like Gay beautify the
accursed land of Magadha (South Bihar). All these words from His stepmother sounded
pleasant to Rma in the same way as waters of all kinds are hallowed through their
confluence with the holy Gag. (14)
0n; =r rf ff ff t-
f r rn f f t-+ -+
Do.: gai muruch rmahi sumiri npa phiri karavaa lnha,
saciva rma gamana kahi binaya samaya sama knha.43
The kings spell of unconsciousness now left him; he remembered Rma and then
changed sides. And the minister (Sumantra) informed him of r Rmas arrival and made
humble submission to him in words appropriate to the occasion. (43)
0f f r n r f t a srrr+
f rf rs r a r fr+ {+
f f s r; n f f ff r;+
rf fa; s r r fr rf r+ +
r f rr z nra rf rr+
fff r rs rt f rr r r rt + -+
ff f ; frt fat rf rt+
rar ar rt rfa t rt+ +
Cau.: avanipa akani rmu pagu dhre, dhari dhraju taba nayana ughre.
saciva sa bhri ru baihre, carana parata npa rmu nihre.1.
lie saneha bikala ura l, gai mani manahu phanika phiri p.
rmahi citai raheu naranh u, cal bilocana bri prabh u.2.
soka bibasa kachu kahai na pr, hdaya lagvata brahi

br.
bidhihi manva ru mana mh

, jehi

raghuntha na knana jh

.3.
sumiri mahesahi kahai nihor, binat sunahu sadsiva mor.
sutoa tumha avahara dn, rati harahu dna janu jn.4.
Hearing that r Rma had come, the king recovered himself and opened his eyes.
The minister (Sumantra) helped his sovereign to a sitting posture, when the latter beheld
Rma falling at his feet. Overwhelmed with emotion the king clasped Him to his bosom
as though a serpent had regained its lost gem. The monarch kept gazing on r Rma
and a torrent of tears streamed forth from his eyes. Overpowered with grief he could not
utter a word and pressed the prince to his heart again and again. He inwardly prayed to
God that the Lord of Raghus (r Rma) might not be able to proceed to the woods.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
391
Invoking the mighty Lord iva he solicited Him saying, Hear my prayer, O ever-blissful
Lord! Quickly pleased and indiscreetly generous as You are, pray relieve my affliction
knowing me to be in distress. (14)
0ar z r fa rf
r af f rr ff t + +
Do.: tumha preraka saba ke hdaya so mati rmahi dehu,
bacanu mora taji rahahi

ghara parihari slu sanehu.44.

Dwelling as You do in the heart of all as the prompter of actions, so inspire Rma
that he may flout my word and stay at home casting to the wind all sense of propriety
and filial affection. (44)
0 rs n r = = r+
r rt r r r f rt+ {+
n; rs f rr t ra f zrr+
rrfa faf rt f ff ra rt+ +
r rt r fta frt+
ara s s f r; fa rf fr;+ -+
fa rr ra rfn rr r rf f rr+
f nrr;f fs rar f n ta nrar+ +
Cau.: ajasu hou jaga sujasu nas u, naraka parau baru surapuru ju.
saba dukha dusaha sahvahu moh, locana oa rmu jani hoh.1.
asa mana gunai ru nahi

bol, ppara pta sarisa manu ol.

raghupati pitahi premabasa jn, puni kachu kahihi mtu anumn.2.
desa kla avasara anusr, bole bacana binta bicr.
tta kahau kachu karau hih, anucitu chamaba jni larik .3.
ati laghu bta lgi dukhu pv, khu na mohi kahi prathama janv.
dekhi gosi

hi pu

chiu mt, suni prasagu bhae stala gt.4.

Let world-wide disrepute be my lot and let my good name perish; I would fain be
damned to perdition and forgo heaven (the abode of immortals). Subject me to all severe
hardships; but let not Rma be screened from my view. The king thus prayed within his
heart but did not open his lips; his mind quivered like an aspen leaf. Perceiving that His
father was overpowered with affection, and apprehending that mother Kaikey might utter
something again, the Lord of Raghus (r Rma) spoke after due deliberation words
which were not only humble but also suited to the place, time and circumstances. Dear
father, I make bold to submit something; pray forgive this impropriety on my part knowing
that I am yet tender of age. You have suffered for a most trifling matter; and the pity of
it is that nobody apprized me of it before. When I saw you I asked mother Kaikey, and
was consoled to hear what she has told me. (14)
0n r ff ara
r ; f f f nra+ ~+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
392
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Do.: magala samaya saneha basa soca pariharia tta,
yasu deia harai hiya kahi pulake prabhu gta.45.
Grieve not out of affection at a time of rejoicing, dear father, and command me
with a glad heart. The Lord felt a thrill of joy all over his body as He spoke these
words. (45)
0- nata ar faf r fa f r+
rf r a ar f fa ra r r+ {+
r rf r; s fnf rs r;+
fr ra rs rnt fs f f n rnt+ +
f r n a t-r r sa= t-r+
n rf n; ra att a t a tt+ -+
f f rt f f ff f rt+
r ; ; f= r; z fr f t r;+ +
Cau.: dhanya janamu jagattala ts u, pitahi pramodu carita suni js u.
cri padratha karatala tke , priya pitu mtu prna sama jke .1.
yasu pli janama phalu p, aihau begihi

hou raj.
bid mtu sana vau mg, calihau banahi bahuri paga lg.2.
asa kahi rma gavanu taba knh, bh upa soka basa utaru na dnh.
nagara bypi gai bta sutch, chuata caRh janu saba tana bch.3.
suni bhae bikala sakala nara nr, beli biapa jimi dekhi davr.
jo jaha sunai dhunai siru so, baRa bidu nahi

dhraju ho.4.
Blessed is his birth on the surface of this earth, whose father is rejoiced to hear
of his doings. He has in his hand all the four prizes of life, (viz., religious merit, material
riches, sensuous gratification and final beatitude), to whom his parents are dear as life.
After carrying out your order and having obtained the reward of my life I shall come back
soon; therefore be pleased to command me. In the meantime I shall ask leave of mother
Kausaly and return forthwith; then I shall proceed to the woods after throwing myself
once more at your feet. So spoke r Rma and then departed; while the king was too
overpowered with grief to make any answer. This most unwelcome news spread
throughout the city as though the sting of a scorpion had circulated its poison throughout
the body. Every man and woman who heard this was distressed even as trees and
creepers are blasted at the very sight of a forest fire. Whoever heard it beat his head
wherever he happened to be; the grief was too great to be borne. (14)
0 rf r nf r z r;
= ; sat r;+ +
Do.: mukha sukhhi

locana sravahi

soku na hdaya sami,

manahu karuna rasa kaaka utar avadha baji.46.
Their mouths were parched, their eyes streamed and their heart could not contain
their sorrow; it seemed as though the army of Pathos had openly pitched its camp at
Ayodhy. (46)
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
393
0ff rr ff ra nrt a f ;f nrt+
f rfff fr r r; r + {+
f rf tr zrf r f ra tr+
f r fq rnt ; rr rnt+ +
r f z f rr r r f rr+
r r f r rr r f rr+ -+
- f f rf r ff n nr r+
f faf = nf r; rf r; rf nfa r;+ +
Cau.: milehi mjha bidhi bta begr, jaha taha dehi

kaikaihi gr.
ehi ppinihi bujhi k pare u, chi bhavana para pvaku dhareu.1.
nija kara nayana kRhi caha dkh, ri sudh biu chata ckh.
kuila kahora kubuddhi abhg, bhai raghubasa benu bana g.2.
plava baihi peRu ehi

k, sukha mahu soka hu dhari h.

sad rmu ehi prna samn, krana kavana kuilapanu hn.3.
satya kahahi

kabi nri subh u, saba bidhi agahu agdha dur u.
nija pratibi

bu baruku gahi j, jni na ji nri gati bh.4.

When everything was ready, God upset the whole plan! Everywhere people
abused Kaikey. What sense could there be in this wicked woman having set fire to a
house that had been newly thatched! She seeks to perceive after tearing out her eyes
with her own hands, and wishes to taste poison throwing away nectar. This crooked
hard-hearted and evil-minded wretch has appeared as fire to burn the cluster of bamboos
in the shape of Raghus race. Sitting on a twig she has hewn the tree itself; in the midst
of joy she has raised a structure of sorrow. r Rma had always been dear to her as
life: What has led her to resort to such perversity? Seers have truly said that a womans
mind is altogether incomprehensible, unfathomable and shrouded in mystery. Sooner
may a man catch his own reflection than know the ways of a woman. (14)
0r r rf r r;
r r f n r r;+ +
Do.: kha na pvaku jri saka k na samudra sami,
k na karai abal prabala kehi jaga klu na khi.47.
What is there that fire cannot consume; what is there that cannot be engulfed by
the ocean? What is there that a powerful woman, miscalled powerless (Abal) in
common parlance, cannot accomplish and what creature is there in this perishable world,
that death cannot devour? (47)
0r r; ff r rr r r; r rr+
f t-r = frf f faf t-r+ {+
r f s r r f r n nr +
ffa fr f r f f r+ +
ff tf f rt f rt+
a a t sr r f t+ -+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
394
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
r f nf tr f ra tr+
a rf a arr r a rfr+.+
Cau.: k suni bidhi kha sunv, k dekhi caha kha dekhv.
eka kahahi

bhala bhupa na knh, baru bicri nahi

kumatihi dnh.1.
jo hahi bhayau sakala dukha bhjanu, abal bibasa gynu gunu g janu.
eka dharama paramiti pahicne, npahi dosu nahi

dehi

sayne.2.
sibi dadhci haricada kahn, eka eka sana kahahi

bakhn.
eka bharata kara samata kahah

, eka udsa bhya suni rahah

.3.
kna mudi kara rada gahi jh, eka kahahi

yaha bta alh.
sukta jhi

asa kahata tumhre, rmu bharata kahu prnapire.4.
Having first ordained one thing the Creator has now ordained quite the reverse
of it; having shown us one spectacle he would now show us quite another. Some people
said, The king has not done well; he has not been discreet in granting the wicked
woman her request, whereby he has wilfully courted all this tragedy. By allowing himself
to be ruled by a woman he has lost his wisdom and goodness as it were. Others who
were saner did not blame the king, recognizing as they did his high standard of morality.
They repeated at length to one another the narratives of ibi, Dadhci and Haricandra*.
Some suggested Bharatas connivance, while still others passively heard what their
companions said. Others stopped their ears with their hands and bit their tongue as they
exclaimed, This is untrue. All your merits will be destroyed as you utter these words:
r Rma is dear to Bharata as his own life. (14)
0 = r r; fa
f f a r fa+ c+
Do.: cadu cavai baru anala kana sudh hoi biatula,
sapanehu kabahu na karahi

kichu bharatu rma pratikula.48.

Sooner shall the moon rain sparks of fire or nectar have the same effect as poison
than Bharata ever dream of doing anything prejudicial to the interests of r Rma. (48)
0 fraf t r r; t- f t+
= n r r r s fr sr+ {+
f r- t f ; t+
nt f t rt r rnf art+ +
* Haricandra, son of Triaku, was a king of Ayodhy and the twenty-eighth in descent from Ikvku,
the founder of the solar dynasty. In order to satisfy the claims of the sage Vivmitra, who wanted to test his
integrity, he parted with his kingdom and all that he had, sold his wife and only son and hired himself out as
the employee of a pariah who kept a burning Gha. Whenever a dead body was brought for cremation there,
Haricandra used to recover the toll and make it over to his master. One day it so happened that a snake bit
his only son, Rohita, and the ex-queen brought the dead prince for cremation to the same Gha. Even
though the ex-king recognized them to be his own wife and child, he would not allow the child to be burnt
without recovering the usual toll. At last the penniless woman offered to part with the rag with which she had
covered her shame and the heartless ex-monarch was going to strip her naked when the gods interposed
and restored the pious king to his throne and all his former prosperity.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
395
a rf f r rr r n rr+
r f r r + -+
f fa r tfa atfa r +
rr r fnrr ar f rfn r rr+ +
Cau.: eka bidhtahi duanu deh

, sudh dekhi dnha biu jeh

.
kharabharu nagara socu saba khu, dusaha dhu ura mi uchh u.1.
biprabadhu kulamnya jaher, je priya parama kaika ker.
lag

dena sikha slu sarh, bacana bnasama lgahi

th.2.
bharatu na mohi priya rma samn, sad kahahu yahu sabu jagu jn.
karahu rma para sahaja saneh u, kehi

apardha ju banu deh u.3.
kabahu na kiyahu savati res u, prti pratti jna sabu des u.
kausaly

aba kha bigr, tumha jehi lgi bajra pura pr.4.

Some blamed the Creator, who had offered nectar but actually given them poison.
The whole city was astir and everyone felt distressed. There was deep agony in their
heart and their briskness was gone. Brhmaa matrons and other venerable and elderly
ladies of the royal family and such other ladies as were most dear to Kaikey began to
expostulate with her praising her amiability; but their words pierced her like shafts. You
have always said, and the whole world knows it, that Bharata is not so dear to you as
Rma. You have borne natural affection towards Rma; for what offence do you exile
him to the woods today? You have never harboured jealousy towards your co-wives;
your loving disposition and credulity are known throughout the land. What wrong has
Kausaly done you now due to which you should have hurled this thunderbolt against
the whole city. (14)
0t f f n fff f ff r
r f a f f;f f r+ +
Do.: sya ki piya sa gu pariharihi lakhanu ki rahihahi

dhma,
rju ki bhu

jaba bharata pura npu ki jiihi binu rma.49.

Will St forgo the company of r Rma or Lakmaa choose to stay at
home? Will Bharata enjoy the sovereignty of Ayodhy or the king survive without
Rma? (49)
0 frf s rz r r rf f r+
af f r r r r r+ {+
rf r r t f =+
n n r af n = + +
f fn r f rfnf r arr+
fr tf- r; a f n r r;+ -+
r f a r rn r ff f a r rn +
s fn r; sr; f ff r r;+ +
Cau.: asa bicri ura chRahu kohu, soka kalaka kohi jani hoh u.
bharatahi avasi dehu jubarju, knana kha rma kara kju.1.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
396
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
nhina rmu rja ke bh ukhe, dharama dhurna biaya rasa rukhe.
gura gha basahu rmu taji gehu, npa sana asa baru d usara leh u.2.
jau nahi

lagihahu kahe hamre, nahi

lgihi kachu htha tumhre.
jau parihsa knhi kachu ho, tau kahi pragaa janvahu so.3.
rma sarisa suta knana jogu, kha kahihi suni tumha kahu log u.
uhahu begi soi karahu up, jehi bidhi soku kalaku nas.4.
Pondering thus banish anger from your breast nor make yourself a storehouse of
grief and infamy. By all means instal Bharata as the Prince-Regent; but what need is
there for exiling Rma to the forest? Rma is not covetous of sovereignty; he is a
champion of righteousness and has no relish for sensuous pleasures. Let Rma
abandon his home and live with his preceptor; ask this of the king as your second boon.
In case you do not follow our advice, you will gain nothing. If you have only played some
joke, let us know by openly declaring it. Does a son like Rma deserve to be exiled to
the woods? What will the world say about you when they hear of it? Up quickly and
devise some means to avert grief and obloquy. (14)
U0f rfa r r; sr f rt
f = rf ra f ra f rt+
ff r f f r f a f ff rft
faf atr f fr f rft+
Cha.: jehi bh

ti soku kalaku ji upya kari kula plah,

hahi pheru rmahi jta bana jani bta dusari clah.
jimi bhnu binu dinu prna binu tanu cada binu jimi jmin,
timi avadha tulasdsa prabhu binu samujhi dhau jiya bhmin.
Devise some means to avert grief and infamy and save your family. Forcibly
dissuade Rma from proceeding to the woods and make no other suggestion. As the day
without the sun, as the body without life and the night without the moon, so the city of
Ayodhy without the Lord of Tulasdsa, r Rma! just consider this, O irascible lady.
0f- fr t- a fr fa
a; r t- f rt t+ ~+
So.: sakhinha sikhvanu dnha sunata madhura parinma hita,
tei

kachu kna na knha kuila prabodh kubar.50.

The advice that Kaikeys friends gave her was agreeable to hear and salutary in
consequence. But she gave no ear to it, tutored as she was by the mischievous
humpback. (50)
0sa= ; f =t fn- fa rfrrf t+
rf rf rf fa- -rnt t a fa rnt+.{+
r a fnr; t-f ; r;+
f ff ff rt f rff rf nrt+.+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
397
f f f srr f r f t rr+
f frn r rt n a rt+ -+
fa fr rn rnr; n ra f r nrr;+
- fa n r fr r f r r+ +
Cau.: utaru na dei dusaha risa rukh, mginha citava janu bghini bhukh.
bydhi asdhi jni tinha tyg, cal

kahata matimada abhg.1.

rju karata yaha daia bigo, knhesi asa jasa karai na ko.
ehi bidhi bilapahi

pura nara nr

, dehi

kuclihi koika gr

.2.
jarahi

biama jara lehi

uss, kavani rma binu jvana s.

bipula biyoga praj akuln, janu jalacara gana sukhata pn.3.
ati bida basa loga log

, gae mtu pahi

rmu gos

.
mukha prasanna cita cauguna c u, mi socu jani rkhai r u.4.
She gave no reply and wore a sullen look due to anger that could not be easily
curbed. She stared at them as a hungry tigress would gaze on a herd of does. Finding
her disease incurable, her friends left her saying as they went, Wretched fool ! Fate could
not brook her sovereignty and has betrayed her. She has done what nobody else would
do. Men and women of the city thus lamented and showered numberless abuses on the
wicked woman. They burned with terrible agony and sighed. There can be no hope of
life without Rma, they said. The people were disconcerted at the thought of long
separation even as aquatic creatures get disturbed when water in which they live begins
to fail. Men and women alike were overcome with excessive grief. In the meantime Lord
r Rma called on His mother (Kausaly). He wore a cheerful look and had fourfold joy
in his heart; He no longer feared lest the king should detain him. (14)
0 n rrt r r r
rf n f s fr+ ~{+
Do.: nava gayadu raghubra manu rju alna samna,
chua jni bana gavanu suni ura anadu adhikna.51.
The mind of r Rma (the Hero of Raghus race) resembled a young elephant
(newly caught) with kingship for its chain. When He heard of the proposal for exiling Him
to the forest He took Himself as freed and felt overjoyed in His heart. (51)
0rrfa rf rs rr fa ra rs rr+
tf- t r; s t- frf t-+ {+
r r fa rar fa nrar+
nr rf f z nr na r+ +
r f r; t r;+
r frt rt art+ -+
ara t frt f n nrt+
a t t r; r ; f rrr;+ +
Cau.: raghukulatilaka jori dou hth, mudita mtu pada nyau mth.
dnhi assa li ura lnhe, bh uana basana nichvari knhe.1.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
398
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
bra bra mukha cubati mt, nayana neha jalu pulakita gt.
goda rkhi puni hdaya lage, sravata premarasa payada suhe.2.
premu pramodu na kachu kahi j, raka dhanada padab janu p.
sdara sudara badanu nihr, bol madhura bacana mahatr.3.
kahahu tta janan balihr, kabahi

lagana muda magalakr.
sukta sla sukha sva suh, janama lbha kai avadhi agh.4.
The Crown of Raghus race, r Rma, joined both His palms and cheerfully
bowed His head at His mothers feet. She blessed Him and clasped Him to her bosom
and scattered jewels and raiment around Him (in order to protect Him from evil). The
mother kissed His lips again and again with tears of affection in her eyes and her limbs
thrilling over with joy. Seating Him in her lap she pressed Him once more to her heart,
while milk flowed from her graceful breasts due to excess of love. Her affection and joy
were altogether beyond description; it seemed as if a pauper had attained the position
of Kubera (the god of riches). Fondly regarding His lovely countenance the mother spoke
to Him in endearing terms; Tell me, dear childI beseech you;when will be that
delightful and auspicious hour, the beautiful culmination of piety, virtue and joy and the
highest reward of human birth, (14)
0f ra rf fa ra f rfa
ff ra raf afa fy fa trfa+ ~+
Do.: jehi chata nara nri saba ati rata ehi bh

ti,
jimi ctaka ctaki tita bi sarada ritu svti.52.
And for which all men and women long as anxiously as a thirsty pair of Ctaka
birds for an autumnal shower during the brief period when the sun is in the same
longitude as the constellation named Svt (the Arcturus)? (52)
0ara rs f fn r r r r+
fa t a r r ; fz r r; f r+ {+
ra f fa r a= r+
f>rr ff r = r+ +
t nfa rt s ra fa rt+
far t- rf r r rfa r z r+ -+
r f fa rar f n r rar+
f zf r r n ar+ +
Cau.: tta ju bali begi nahh u, jo mana bhva madhura kachu khhu.
pitu sampa taba jehu bhai, bhai baRi bra ji bali mai.1.
mtu bacana suni ati anuk ul, janu saneha surataru ke ph ul.
sukha makarada bhare riyamul, nirakhi rma manu bhava ru na bhul.2.
dharama dhurna dharama gati jn, kaheu mtu sana ati mdu bn.
pit

dnha mohi knana rju, jaha saba bh

ti mora baRa kj u.3.

yasu dehi mudita mana mt, jehi

muda magala knana jt.
jani saneha basa arapasi bhore , na du aba anugraha tore .4.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
399
I adjure you, my darling, to bathe quickly and take some sweet dish of your
choice. See your father after that, my boy; for I protest it is already too late. Even on
hearing these most agreeable words of His mother, which were blossoms as it were of
the celestial tree of affection, laden with the honey of joy and fountains of worldly
prosperity, the bee of r Rmas mind could not be lured by their charm. A champion
of righteousness that He was, He clearly discerned the path of duty and spoke to His
mother in exceedingly polite terms. Father has bestowed on me the kingdom of the
forest, where there will be great opportunities for me in everyway. Therefore, grant me
leave with a cheerful heart, so that my journey to the forest may be attended with joy and
blessing. Be not obsessed with erroneous fears due to affection, dear mother; by your
goodwill I shall be ever happy. (14)
0 rf ff f f fa r
r; r f fs f f r+ ~-+
Do.: baraa cridasa bipina basi kari pitu bacana pramna,
i pya puni dekhihau manu jani karasi malna.53.
Spending four years and ten in the forest and having obeyed my fathers
commands I will come back and behold your feet again; be not sad at heart. (53)
0 fta rr n ra s +
f f f taf rt ff r r rt+ {+
f r; z fr nt f f r+
a rt rf r; t rt+ +
f t a frt nn fa art+
ara faf ar rfr f fa fa fa arr+ -+
r f rr s r f rr+
ara r rf fr r f s r+ +
Cau.: bacana binta madhura raghubara ke, sara sama lage mtu ura karake.
sahami sukhi suni stali bn, jimi javsa pare pvasa pn.1.
kahi na ji kachu hdaya bidu, manahu mg suni kehari nd u.
nayana sajala tana thara thara k

p, mjahi khi mna janu mp.2.

dhari dhraju suta badanu nihr, gadagada bacana kahati mahatr.
tta pitahi tumha prnapire, dekhi mudita nita carita tumhre.3.
rju dena kahu subha dina sdh, kaheu jna bana kehi

apardh.
tta sunvahu mohi nidnu, ko dinakara kula bhayau ksnu.4.
The gentle and sweet words of r Rma (the Chief of the Raghus) pierced the
mothers heart and rankled there. Alarmed to hear His serene speech she turned pale in
the same way as the Yavsaka plant is blasted by a shower in the monsoon. The agony
of her heart was beyond description like that of a doe that has heard a lions roar. Her
eyes were wet with tears and her body violently shook like a fish that had got inebriated
by sucking the scum raised by the first monsoon shower. Recovering herself and looking
her son in the face the mother spoke in faltering accents, My boy, you are dear as life
to your father, to whom it is a constant delight to watch your doings from day to day. He
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
400
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
had got an auspicious day fixed for installing you as the prince-regent; for what offence
has he asked you to proceed to the woods? Let me know the reason, my darling; who
is it that has served as fire to consume the solar race? (14)
0ff r = fa r s rr;
f n f ff r f f r;+ ~+
Do.: nirakhi rma rukha sacivasuta kranu kaheu bujhi,
suni prasagu rahi muka jimi das barani nahi

ji.54.
Reading in r Rmas eyes His tacit consent Sumantras son (who had obviously
accompanied the Prince) explained the reason. The mother was struck dumb as it were
to hear the episode; the state of her mind could not be described in words. (54)
0rf ; f r rfa s r= r+
fa r nr ff r ff nfa r r r+ {+
s fa rrt ; nfa r f t+
rs af s r r; = fr+ +
s r a fz rt r f ; rt+
f fr fa rt r a rs a rt+ -+
rs r art rt t f rt+
ara rs f t- tr fa r tr+ +
Cau.: rkhi na sakai na kahi saka jhu, duhu

bh

ti ura druna dh u.
likhata sudhkara g likhi rh u, bidhi gati bma sad saba kh u.1.
dharama saneha ubhaya mati gher, bhai gati s

pa chuchudari ker.
rkhau sutahi karau anurodh u, dharamu ji aru badhu birodh u.2.
kahau jna bana tau baRi hn, sakaa soca bibasa bhai rn.
bahuri samujhi tiya dharamu sayn, rmu bharatu dou suta sama jn.3.
sarala subhu rma mahatr, bol bacana dhra dhari bhr.
tta ju bali knhehu nk, pitu yasu saba dharamaka k.4.
She could neither detain her Son nor yet say Go; she felt terrible agony in her
heart in either event. It seemed as though one was going to write moon and wrote
Rhu (the demon who is believed by the Hindus to devour the moon during a lunar
eclipse) instead through a slip of the pen, she said to herself. The ways of the Creator
(Brahm) are always adverse to all, she concluded. Kausalys judgment was swayed
on the one hand by her sense of duty and on the other by her affection. She found herself
on the horns of a dilemma like a snake that has caught hold of a musk-rat*. If I press
my son and detain him, the moral code will be violated and bad blood created between
brothers. And if I allow him to proceed to the woods, it will be a grievous loss. The queen
thus found herself faced with an embarrassing situation and was overwhelmed with grief.
Again, realizing the duty of a woman and remembering that both Rma and Bharata were
* It is popularly believed in India that if a snake once catches hold of a musk-rat mistaking it for an
ordinary rat and latter discovers its identity, it can neither devour it nor disgorge it. For if it devours it, it is sure
to die; and if it disgorges it, it goes blind.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
401
equally her sons the prudent Kausaly (r Rmas mother), who had a guileless
disposition, spoke as follows with great courage, You have done well, my child, I swear;
a fathers command is the most sacred of all obligations. (14)
0r f t- rf r
ar f af faf f z + ~~+
Do.: rju dena kahi dnha banu mohi na so dukha lesu,
tumha binu bharatahi bhupatihi prajahi pracaa kalesu.55.
That having promised to bestow on you the kingdom of Ayodhy your father has
now decided to exile you to the woods does not make me the least sorry. But your
absence from our midst will mean a terrible ordeal to Bharata, to the king himself and to
the people. (55)
0 fa r arar a f r rf fz rar+
fa ra s rr a r a rr+ {+
fa ra t n n r= t+
a sfa f r frf f r; r+ +
zrnt rnt r rrfa ar -rnt+
a n rf ar z r; + -+
a f ar t r r t t +
a ar ra r f f far+ +
Cau.: jau kevala pitu yasu tt, tau jani jhu jni baRi mt.
jau pitu mtu kaheu bana jn, tau knana sata avadha samn.1.
pitu banadeva mtu banadev, khaga mga carana saroruha sev.
atahu ucita npahi banabs u, baya biloki hiya hoi har

su.2.
baRabhg banu avadha abhg, jo raghubasatilaka tumha tyg.
jau suta kahau saga mohi lehu, tumhare hdaya hoi sadeh u.3.
puta parama priya tumha sabah ke, prna prna ke jvana j ke.
te tumha kahahu mtu bana ju

, mai

suni bacana baihi pachitu

.4.
In any case if it be your fathers command alone, my boy, then go not, remembering
that a mother ranks higher than ones father. If, on the other hand, both father and mother
have asked you to proceed to the woods then, of course, the forest will equal a hundred
cities like Ayodhy, with the sylvan gods for your father, the sylvan goddesses for your
mother and the birds and beasts to wait upon your lotus feet. At all events it is but proper
for a king to dwell in a forest in the evening of his life; it is your tender age which fills my
heart with agony. How blessed is the forest and how luckless Ayodhy, that will be
deserted by you, O crown of Raghus line! If I ask you, my boy, to take me with you, your
mind will be filled with doubt. You are supremely dear to all, my child; you are the life of our
life, the vitality of our soul. As such you say, Mother, I go to the forest! while I remain
rooted to my seat even on hearing these words and repent. (14)
0 frf f s r r;
rf ra ra f fa ff f r;+ ~+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
402
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Do.: yaha bicri nahi

karau haha jhuha sanehu baRhi,

mni mtu kara nta bali surati bisari jani ji.56.
Realizing this I do not press my suit exaggerating my false love. I only pray that
remembering me as a mother you should not allow me to slip out of your mind. (56)
0 fa arf nrr; r t r; +
f f f tr ar =r tr+.{+
frf r; sr; f fa f r;+
r f f r f r f nr+.+
r a tar s r r ftar+
ff ff rt rfnf rf rt+.-+
r= r s rr f rf fr rr+
r sr; ra s r; f f rr;+.+
Cau.: deva pitara saba tumhahi gos

, rkhahu palaka nayana k n

.
avadhi abu priya parijana mn, tumha karunkara dharama dhurn.1.
asa bicri soi karahu up, sabahi jiata jehi

bhe ahu .
jhu sukhena banahi bali j u

, kari antha jana parijana g u

.2.
saba kara ju sukta phala bt, bhayau karla klu bipart.
bahubidhi bilapi carana lapan, parama abhgini puhi jn.3.
druna dusaha dhu ura byp, barani na jhi

bilpa kalp.
rma uhi mtu ura l, kahi mdu bacana bahuri samujh.4.
May all the gods and manes protect you, O lord of the earth, as the eyelids protect
the eyes. The term of exile is like water, while your near and dear ones resemble the fish
that live on it; as for yourself you are a fountain of mercy and a champion of virtue.
Remembering this please devise some means to see that you come back in time to find
them all alive. I adjure you to proceed to the woods in good cheer abandoning your
servants, family and the whole city. The fruit of everyones meritorious deeds is exhausted
today and the tide of fortune has turned against us, assuming a sullen aspect. Thus wailing
in many ways mother Kausaly clung to r Rmas feet accounting herself the most
unlucky woman. Her heart was filled with terrible and deep agony and the profusion of
wailings was beyond all description. r Rma lifted His mother and pressed her to His
bosom, and then comforted her with soothing words. (14)
0rr af f t st r;
r; r n f f f= r;+ ~+
Do.: samcra tehi samaya suni sya uh akuli,
ji ssu pada kamala juga badi baihi siru ni.57.
That very moment St heard the news and rose in great agitation. She approached
Her mother-in-law, reverenced her lotus feet and sat down bowing Her head. (57)
0tf- t r rt fa rf f rt+
f fa rfa tar = rf fa tar+.{+
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*
AYODHY-K NA
*
403
a tr f at r;f r+
t a r f rr ff a r; rr+.+
r= fa t f t+
fat t f t f ft+.-+
fr rfa rt rt f r art+
ara f fa rt r ff frt+.+
Cau.: dnhi assa ssu mdu bn, ati sukumri dekhi akuln.
baihi namitamukha socati st, r upa rsi pati prema punt.1.
calana cahata bana jvananth u, kehi sukt sana hoihi sth u.
k tanu prna ki kevala prn, bidhi karatabu kachu ji na jn.2.
cru carana nakha lekhati dharan, nupura mukhara madhura kabi baran.
manahu prema basa binat karah

, hamahi sya pada jani pariharah

.3.
maju bilocana mocati br, bol dekhi rma mahatr.
tta sunahu siya ati sukumr, ssu sasura parijanahi pir.4.
The mother-in-law blessed Her in gentle accents and felt distressed when she
regarded Her most delicate frame. With Her head bent low St, who was beauty
personified and cherished unalloyed love towards Her Lord, sat reflecting, The lord of
my life would depart to the forest; it has yet to be seen who will have the good fortune
to accompany Himmy body and soul together or my soul alone. What God intends
to do cannot be foreseen even partly. As She scratched the ground with the lovely
nails of Her toes, Her anklets produced a musical sound, af ifso declare the poets
they lovingly prayed that Sts feet may never abandon them. Seeing Her shed tears
from Her charming eyes, r Rmas mother broke the silence: Listen, my dear child:
St is exceedingly delicate and the pet of her father-in-law and mothers-in-law and the
whole family. (14)
0far r f r r
fa f ff f n = fr+ ~c+
Do.: pit janaka bhupla mani sasura bhnukula bhnu,
pati rabikula kairava bipina bidhu guna rupa ndhnu.58.
She has for her father Janaka, the jewel among princes, while her father-in-law
is no other than the sun of the solar race (your father); as for her lord (yourself), he
is a veritable moon for the lily-like progeny of the sun-god and a repository of goodness
and beauty. (58)
0 f r f r; = rf n t r;+
af f tfa r; rs r rff r;+.{+
f ff ff rt tf f fart+
a a s ff rr rf r; r frr+.+
n t af nr fzrr f t- n f rr+
ff ff rna t rfa f r +.-+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
404
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
r; f fa rr r r r; rr rr+
f f rt f = ; ff rt+ +
Cau.: mai

puni putrabadhu priya p, rupa rsi guna sla suh.

nayana putari kari prti baRh, rkheu prna jnakihi

l.1.
kalapabeli jimi bahubidhi ll, sci saneha salila pratipl.
phulata phalata bhayau bidhi bm, jni na ji kha parinm.2.
pala ga pha taji goda hor, siya na dnha pagu avani kahor.
jianamuri jimi jogavata raha u

, dpa bti nahi

rana kaha u

.3.
soi siya calana cahati bana sth, yasu kha hoi ragh unth.
cada kirana rasa rasika cakor, rabi rukha nayana sakai kimi jor.4.
Again I have found in her a beloved daughter-in-law, who is amiable and
accomplished, and beauty personified. I have treated her as the very apple of my eye
and loved her ever more; nay, my very life is centred in Jnak. I have fostered her in
many ways as a celestial creeper and nourished her by feeding her with the water of
affection. Just when the creeper was about to blossom and bear fruit God turned against
me and there is no knowing what will be the consequence. Borne invariably on a
bedstead, seat, swing or my own lap St has never set her foot on hard ground. I have
been tending her like a life-giving herb and never ask her even to stir the wick of a lamp.
The same St would accompany you to the woods, and awaits your orders, O Lord of
the Raghus! How can a female Cakora bird, who loves to feed on the nectar borne on
the rays of the moon, bear to fix her gaze on the sun? (14)
0f f ff f y a f
f rfr f r a n tf f+ ~+
Do.: kari kehari nisicara carahi

dua jatu bana bhuri,

bia bik

ki soha suta subhaga sajvani muri.59.

Hosts of wild elephants, lions, demons and other fell creatures roam about in the
woods. Can a beautiful life-giving herb fit in with a poison-wood, my boy? (59)
0 fa r fra frt t ff f rt+
r f ff f r fa-f r r+.{+
ar fa r rn f- a a ar rn+
f ff ara f r at frffa f f zrat+.+
n rt zr rn f rt+
frf r r; f s rff r;+.-+
f r rf r; a r+
f rrt ra f rt t r rt+.+
Cau.: bana hita kola kirta kisor, rac

biraci biaya sukha bhor.
phana kmi jimi kahina subh u, tinhahi kalesu na knana k u.1.
kai tpasa tiya knana jog u, jinha tapa hetu taj saba bhog u.
siya bana basihi tta kehi bh

t, citralikhita kapi dekhi ert.2.

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*
AYODHY-K NA
*
405
surasara subhaga banaja bana cr, bara jogu ki hasakumr.
asa bicri jasa yasu ho, mai

sikha deu jnakihi so.3.

jau siya bhavana rahai kaha ab, mohi kaha hoi bahuta avalab.
suni raghubra mtu priya bn, sla saneha sudh

janu sn.4.
For residing in the forest God has created Kola* and Kirta* girls, who are foreign
to sensuous pleasures. Adamantine by nature like the insect living on stone, they never
experience any hardship in the woods. Another class fit for the forest is the hermit
woman, who has renounced all pleasures for the sake of penance. But how, my son, will
St live in the forest;she who is frightened to see even the picture of a monkey? Is
a female cygnet, who disports in the lovely lotus-beds of the Mnasa lake, fit for a muddy
puddle? First ponder this; then as you order I will instruct Janakas daughter. If she
stays at home, the mother continued, that will mean a great solace to me. When r
Rma (the Hero of Raghus race) heard this endearing speech of His mother, imbued as
it were with the nectar of grace and affection (14)
0f f f tf- ra far
n r rff nf ff n r+ +
Do.: kahi priya bacana bibekamaya knhi mtu paritoa,
lage prabodhana jnakihi pragai bipina guna doa.60.
He comforted her by addressing tender and wise words to her; and then He
started admonishing Jnak by disclosing to Her the advantages and disadvantages of
forest life. (60)
0ra t a rt r s fr rt+
rrf fr r rfa f f n+.{+
r r t r rf n +
r r r r; ff rff r;+.+
f a f f r r r r+
ra ff f rt r;f f fa rt+.-+
a a ar f r rt f rr rt+
s r a rt f ra fa rs art+.+
Cau.: mtu sampa kahata sakuch

, bole samau samujhi mana mh

.
rjakumri sikhvanu sunah u, na bh

ti jiya jani kachu gunah u.1.

pana mora nka jau cahah u, bacanu hamra mni gha rahah u.
yasu mora ssu sevak, saba bidhi bhmini bhavana bhal.2.
ehi te adhika dharamu nahi

duj, sdara ssu sasura pada puj.

jaba jaba mtu karihi sudhi mor, hoihi prema bikala mati bhor.3.
taba taba tumha kahi kath purn, sudari samujhehu mdu bn.
kahau subhya sapatha sata moh, sumukhi mtu hita rkhau toh.4.
[PAUSE 14 FOR A THIRTY-DAY RECITATION]
* The names of two well-known hilly tribes.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
406
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Even though He hesitated in speaking to Her in the presence of His mother, He
realized within Himself the emergency of the situation and said, Listen to my advice, O
princess, and do not misunderstand me. If you wish well of me as well as of yourself,
please accept my suggestion and stay at home. You will be obeying my order and
rendering service to your mother-in-law; by remaining at home, O good lady, you will be
benefited in everyway. For a woman there is no other duty more sacred than reverently
adoring the feet of her husbands parents. Whenever my mother thinks of me and feeling
disconsolate due to her love for me loses her balance of mind, do you console her, my
love, with soothing words by narrating old legends to her. I tell you sincerely and
solemnly; it is for my mothers sake, O charming lady, that I leave you here. (14)
0n >rfa a r; ff
nr + {+
Do.: gura ruti samata dharama phalu pia binahi

kalesa,
haha basa saba sakaa sahe glava nahua naresa.61.
(By staying at home in deference to me wishes) you will easily obtain the
reward of virtue approved of by ones elders and the Vedas; whereas by giving
themselves over to obduracy the sage Glava,* King Nahua and all others suffered
great hardships. (61)
0 f f r fa rt fn f f rt+
f ra f rfnf rr f f rr+.{+
rr a ar rs frr+
r f = rt rrr rrr f rf rt+.+
n r rr rf f rrr+
arr rn n f r+.-+
r t r n nr rf fr+
r rrr f rnr f r f t rnr+.+
*Glava was a pupil of the celebrated sage Vivmitra. When he was about to leave his Guru after
completing his studies, he requested the latter to ask something by way of the preceptors fee (Gurudaki).
Vivmitra would ask nothing; but Glava persisted in importuning him. At last, in order to get rid of his
obstinate student, the sage Vivmitra ordered him to get for him a thousand snow-white horses with dark
ears. Glava had to experience a good deal of trouble in procuring this rare breed of horses.
King Nahua was a pious and illustrious ruler. When Indra, the lord of paradise, slew the demon Vtra
(who was a Brhmaa by birth) he incurred the sin of having killed a Brhmaa and out of shame hid himself
in the Mnasarovara lake. Finding themselves without a king the gods installed King Nahua on the throne of
Indra and proclaimed him as their ruler. Nahua once beheld Indras wife and, enamoured of her beauty,
longed to take her to wife. ac, who was noted for her fidelity to her husband, did not approve of Nahuas
overtures and approached the sage Bhaspati (the preceptor of gods) for protection. The gods and sages
thereupon expostulated with Nahua and tried to dissuade him but in vain. According to Bhaspatis advice
ac then offered to accept Nahua as her husband if the latter rode to her on a palanquin carried by sages.
Nahua, who was blinded by passion and was bent on having her as his wife at all costs, gladly agreed and
prevailed on the sages to carry him on their shoulders. As the sages, who got tired very soon, were
proceeding rather slowly, Nahua spurred them on and while doing so kicked the sage Agastya and the latter
pronounced a curse upon him that he should take the form of a python.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
407
Cau.: mai

puni kari pravna pitu bn, begi phiraba sunu sumukhi sayn.
divasa jta nahi

lgihi br, sudari sikhavanu sunahu hamr.1.

jau haha karahu prema basa bm, tau tumha dukhu puba parinm.
knanu kahina bhayakaru bhr, ghora ghmu hima bri bayr.2.
kusa kaaka maga k

kara nn, calaba pydehi

binu padatrn.
carana kamala mdu maju tumhre, mraga agama bhumidhara bhre.3.
kadara khoha nad

nada nre, agama agdha na jhi

nihre.
bhlu bgha bka kehari ng, karahi

nda suni dhraju bhg.4.

As for myself listen, O fair and sensible lady: I will soon return after redeeming
my fathers word. Days will steal away quickly; therefore, heed my advice, O charming
lady. If on the other hand, you persist in your obstinacy due to your affection for me, O
pretty girl, you will eventually come to grief. The forest is rugged and most dreadful with
its terrible heat, cold, rain and blasts. The tracks are beset with prickly grass and thorns
and stones of various kinds and you will have to tread them without any protection for
the feet. Your lotus-like feet are delicate and lovely, while the paths are most difficult and
intercepted by huge mountains, caves and chasms, streams, rivers and rivulets that are
unapproachable, unfathomable and terrible to look at. Bears and tigers, wolves, lions and
elephants raise such a cry as staggers ones presence of mind. (14)
0f
a f r f ff ; + +
Do.: bhumi sayana balakala basana asanu kada phala mula,
te ki sad saba dina milahi

sabui samaya anukula.62.

The ground will be your couch and the bark of trees, your raiment; while bulbs,
fruits and roots will be your food. And do you think even these latter will be available to
you all the year round? You will get everything according to its season. (62)
0 r t t ff rf t+
rn; fa r rt ff ffa f r; rt+.{+
r r fn rrrr ff f rf rr+
zf t n f r nrf ar t= r+.+
nf ar f rn f rf ;f rn+
r f r fart f; f rf rt+.-+
r ftr r f rf ff tr+
z frt f r rt+.+
Cau.: nara ahra rajancara carah

, kapaa bea bidhi koika karah

.
lgai ati pahra kara pn, bipina bipati nahi

ji bakhn.1.
byla karla bihaga bana ghor, nisicara nikara nri nara cor.
darapahi

dhra gahana sudhi e , mgalocani tumha bhru subhe .2.
hasagavani tumha nahi bana jogu, suni apajasu mohi deihi logu.
mnasa salila sudh

pratipl, jiai ki lavana pyodhi marl.3.

nava rasla bana biharansl, soha ki kokila bipina karl.
rahahu bhavana asa hdaya bicr, cadabadani dukhu knana bhr.4.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
408
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Man-eating demons roams about in the woods and assume all sorts of
deceptive forms. The water of the hills is exceedingly unwholesome; the hardships of
the forest are beyond all description. There are terrible serpents and fierce wild birds
and multitudes of demons who steal both man and woman. The boldest shudder at the
very thought of the forest; while you, O fawn-eyed lady, are timid by nature. You are
not fit for the woods, O fair lady; the world will revile me when they hear that I am
taking you to the forest. Can a female cygnet who has been brought up in the
nectarean water of the Mnasa lake live in the salt water of the ocean? Can a cuckoo
that has made merry in a young mango grove have its appropriate place in a thicket
of Karla bushes? Pondering this in your heart stay at home, O moon-faced lady; the
hardships of the forest are great. (14)
0 z n trf f r ; f rf
r far; rrr; s f r; fa rf+ -+
Do.: sahaja suhda gura svmi sikha jo na karai sira mni,
so pachiti aghi ura avasi hoi hita hni.63.
He who does not reverently follow the advice of a disinterested friend, preceptor
and master has to repent fully at heart and surely harms himself. (63)
0f r f r fa f +
ta f r ; ;f ff +.{+
sa= r f t a a f trf t+
rf fr rt f t s frt+.+
rfn r n rt f f fz f rt+
tf- rfa rf f r; f ff r fa r;+.-+
f fr tf rt f frn n rt +.+
Cau.: suni mdu bacana manohara piya ke, locana lalita bhare jala siya ke.
stala sikha dhaka bhai kaise , cakaihi sarada cada nisi jaise .1.
utaru na va bikala baideh, tajana cahata suci svmi saneh.
barabasa roki bilocana br, dhari dhraju ura avanikumr.2.
lgi ssu paga kaha kara jor, chamabi debi baRi abinaya mor.
dnhi prnapati mohi sikha so, jehi bidhi mora parama hita ho.3.
mai

puni samujhi dkhi mana mh

, piya biyoga sama dukhu jaga nh

.4.
When St heard these soft and winning words of Her beloved lord, Her lovely
eyes filled with tears. His soothing advice proved as scorching to Her as a moon-lit
autumnal night to a female Cakravka bird. Videhas Daughter could make no answer.
She was filled with agony to think that Her pious and loving lord would leave Her behind.
Perforce restraining Her tears Earths Daughter took courage and throwing Herself at
Her mother-in-laws feet spoke to her with Her two palms joined together, Forgive,
O venerable lady, my great impudence. The lord of my life has tendered me only such
advice as is conducive to my best interests. I have, however, pondered within myself
and realized that there is no calamity in this world as great as being torn away from ones
beloved lord. (14)
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*
AYODHY-K NA
*
409
0rr =ra r
ar f rr f r+ +
Do.: prnantha karunyatana sudara sukhada sujna,
tumha binu raghukula kumuda bidhu surapura naraka samna.64.
O lord of my life, O abode of mercy, handsome, genial and wise, O moon for the
lily-like race of Raghu, without you heaven would be as obnoxious as hell. (64)
0ra far fnt f r; f fr= z r; +
r n r; a t r; +.{+
fn r = ra f f faf af a ara+
a r f r fa ft r r+.+
rn rn r= rar f r=+
rr ar f n rt r a rt +.-+
f f t f rt af r = f rt+
r r arr f f fr+.+
Cau.: mtu pit bhagin priya bh, priya parivru suhda samud.
ssu sasura gura sajana sah, suta sadara susla sukhad.1.
jaha lagi ntha neha aru nte, piya binu tiyahi taranihu te tte.
tanu dhanu dhmu dharani pura rju, pati bihna sabu soka samju.2.
bhoga rogasama bhuana bhru, jama jtan sarisa sasr u.
prnantha tumha binu jaga mh

, mo kahu sukhada katahu kachu nh

.3.
jiya binu deha nad binu br, taisia ntha purua binu nr.
ntha sakala sukha stha tumhre , sarada bimala bidhu badanu nihre .4.
Father and mother, sisters and dear brothers, beloved kinsmen and friends,
father-in-law and mother-in-law, preceptor and relatives, allies and even sons, however
good-looking, well-behaved and congenialnay, whatever ties of affection and kinship
there existto a woman bereft of her beloved lord they are far more tormenting than the
scorching sun. Life, riches, house, land, city and kingdomall these are mere
accoutrements of woe to a woman bereft of her lord. Luxury to her is loathsome like a
disease and ornaments a burden; while the world is like the torments of hell. Without you,
O lord of my life, nothing in this world is delightful to me. As the body without a soul, and
a river without water, even so, my lord, is a woman without her husband. In your
company, my lord, I shall be happy in everyway so long as I behold your countenance
resembling the cloudless moon of an autumnal night. (14)
0n n f n= f
r r r + ~+
Do.: khaga mga parijana nagaru banu balakala bimala dukula,
ntha stha surasadana sama paranasla sukha mula.65.
Birds and beasts will be my kindred; the forest, my city and the bark of trees, my
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
410
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
spotless robes. And a hut of leaves in the company of my lord will be as comfortable as
the abode of gods. (65)
0t srr ff r rr+
f rt r; n r ar;+.{+
f r= r a f r=+
f f frt fs fa f ff rt+.+
r a fr far rr+
frn rr ff rf rfrr+.-+
f rf r frf ; n rf rfz f+
fat a r trt =r s art+.+
Cau.: banadeb

banadeva udr, karihahi

ssu sasura sama sr.
kusa kisalaya sthar suh, prabhu sa ga maju manoja tur.1.
kada mula phala amia ahr u, avadha saudha sata sarisa pahru.
chinu chinu prabhu pada kamala bilok, rahihau mudita divasa jimi kok.2.
bana dukha ntha kahe bahutere, bhaya bida paritpa ghanere.
prabhu biyoga lavalesa samn, saba mili hohi

na kpnidhn.3.
asa jiya jni sujna siromani, leia saga mohi chRia jani.
binat bahuta karau k svm, karunmaya ura atarajm.4.
The generous-hearted sylvan gods and goddesses will take care of me like my
own father-in-law and mother-in-law. A charming litter of grass and tender leaves will in
the company of my lord vie with Cupids own lovely cushion. Bulbs, roots and fruits will
be my ambrosial food; while mountains will be as good as a hundred royal mansions of
Ayodhy. Gazing on the lotus feet of my lord every moment I shall remain as cheerful
as a female Cakravka bird during the daytime. You have mentioned a number of
hardships and perils, woes and afflictions attendant with forest life; but all these put
together will hardly compare with an iota of the pangs of separation from my lord, O
fountain of mercy! Bearing this in mind, O crest-jewel of wise men, take me with you;
pray do not leave me behind. I refrain from making a lengthy submission, my lord,
knowing as I do that you are all-merciful and have access to the hearts of all. (14)
0rf r f fn a ff r
t t fr+ +
Do.: rkhia avadha jo avadhi lagi rahata na janiahi

prna,
dinabadhu sudara sukhada sla saneha nidhna.66.
If you leave me in Ayodhy till the expiry of your exile, you may rest assured that
I shall not survive, O friend of the afflicted, O handsome and congenial lord. O
storehouse of amiability and affection! (66)
0rf n a r;f rt f f r frt+
f rfa f r f rn fa >r f+.{+
r rf f a= rt fs rs fa rt+
>r fa tr a s rfa +.+
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*
AYODHY-K NA
*
411
f a a=r zrt r rff ff rt+
r r fa rt rfnf ara rf rt+.-+
r n rf fafrr frrf ff frr+
rf r rn arf sfa a r rn+.+
Cau.: mohi maga calata na hoihi hr, chinu chinu carana saroja nihr.
sabahi bh

ti piya sev karihau , mraga janita sakala rama harihau .1.

pya pakhri baihi taru chh

, karihau bu mudita mana mh

.
rama kana sahita syma tanu dekhe , kaha dukha samau prnapati pekhe .2.
sama mahi tna tarupallava s, pya paloihi saba nisi ds.
bra bra mdu m urati joh, lgihi tta bayri na moh.3.
ko prabhu sa ga mohi citavanihr, sighabadhuhi jimi sasaka sir.
mai

sukumri ntha bana jogu, tumhahi ucita tapa mo kahu bhogu.4.
As I walk along the road I shall know no fatigue gazing on your lotus feet all the
while. I shall render all sorts of service to my beloved lord (yourself) and shall relieve him
of all the toil occasioned by the journey. Laving your feet and resting in the shade of a
tree I shall fan you with a cheerful heart. Beholding your swarthy form bedewed with
sweat and casting a look on the lord of my life I can have no occasion for grief.
Spreading grass and leaves of trees on an even patch of ground this handmaid of yours
will knead your feet overnight. Even as I gaze on your tender form again and again hot
winds will have no effect on me. Who can dare look at me, when I am by the side of my
lord, any more than a hare or jackal would regard a lioness? How true it is that I am
delicate of body while my lord is fit to bear the hardships of a forest life, that it behoves
you to undergo penance while it is worth while for me to loll in luxuries! (14)
0s r f zs fnr
a f frn ff r r+ +
Do.: aiseu bacana kahora suni jau na hdaya bilagna,
tau prabhu biama biyoga dukha sahihahi

pva ra prna.67.
When my heart refuses to be rent even on hearing such cruel words, I am sure
my wretched self shall live to bear the terrible pangs of separation from my lord! (67)
0 f t f ; rt frn t rt+
f r rrfa f rr f r f rff rr+.{+
s r rrr ff r rr+
f fr = r fn n r+.+
f f fr rr; n ra rf r;+
fn r r; t f ff f r;+.-+
fff r ff f f rt fs r rt+
f rrt ara r;f t fa f r;f+.+
Cau.: asa kahi sya bikala bhai bhr, bacana biyogu na sak sa bhr.
dekhi das raghupati jiya jn, hahi rkhe nahi

rkhihi prn.1.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
412
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
kaheu kpla bhnukulanth, parihari socu calahu bana sth.
nahi

bida kara avasaru ju, begi karahu bana gavana samju.2.
kahi priya bacana priy samujh, lage mtu pada sia p.
begi praj dukha meaba , janan nihura bisari jani j.3.
phirihi das bidhi bahuri ki mor, dekhihau nayana manohara jor.
sudina sughar tta kaba hoihi, janan jiata badana bidhu joihi.4.
So saying St was overwhelmed with distress; she could not bear Her lords
separation even in words. Seeing Her condition the Lord of Raghus was convinced in
His heart of hearts that if left behind against Her will She would not survive. The all-
merciful Lord of the solar race, therefore, said: Give up lamentation and accompany me
to the forest. Grief is out of season today. Prepare yourself for the journey to the woods
at once. Consoling His beloved Consort with there endearing words the Lord threw
Himself at His mothers feet and received her blessings. Pray return soon and relieve
the peoples distress and see that your heartless mother is not forgotten. Shall the tide
of my fortune ever turn, O goodness, that I may behold the charming pair with my own
eyes again ? When, my dear son, will arrive the auspicious day and blessed hour that
your mother shall live to see your moon-like countenance? (14
0f - f r f rrfa rr ara
f rr; nr; f f ffs nra+ c+
Do.: bahuri baccha kahi llu kahi raghupati raghubara tta,
kabahi

boli lagi hiya harai nirakhihau gta.68.

When again shall I call you my darling, my pet child, O Lord of Raghus, O
Chief of Raghus race, my boy, and summoning you clasp you to my bosom and gaze
upon your limbs with delight? (68)
0f raf art r f ; rt+
r r t- ff rr s r; rr+.{+
a rt r n rnt f r rnt+
r t-r r r t-r+.+
a r f rfz r f r r+
f f r rt r f ff rt+.-+
rf r r; s t-t f t f rf t-t+
rs fra arrr fn nn rr+.+
Cau.: lakhi saneha ktari mahatr, bacanu na va bikala bhai bhr.
rma prabodhu knha bidhi nn, samau sanehu na ji bakhn.1.
taba jnak ssu paga lg, sunia mya mai

parama abhg.
sev samaya daia banu dnh, mora manorathu saphala na knh.2.
tajaba chobhu jani chRia chohu, karamu kahina kachu dosu na mohu.
suni siya bacana ssu akuln, das kavani bidhi kahau bakhn.3.
brahi

bra li ura lnh, dhari dhraju sikha sia dnh.

acala hou ahivtu tumhr, jaba lagi gaga jamuna jala dhr.4.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
413
Seeing that His mother was too overwhelmed with emotion to speak any more and
was greatly agitated, r Rma consoled her in various ways; the gravity of the occasion
and the intensity of affection was more than one could describe. Janakas Daughter then
threw Herself at Her mother-in-laws feet and said, I tell you, mother: I am most unluckly
in that at a time when I should have served you heaven has exiled me to the forest and
has refused to grant my desire. Pray be not perturbed any more but at the same time
cease not to entertain kindly feelings towards me. Relentless is fate and there is no fault
of mine either. The mother-in-law was so distressed to hear Sts words that I have no
words to describe her condition. Again and again she pressed her Daughter-in-law to her
breast and recovering herself admonished and blessed Her: May the blessed state of
your wifehood (the longevity of your husband) know no break and endure so long as the
streams of the Gag and Yamun continue to flow. (14)
0taf r t f tf- r
t r; f= fa fa rf r+ +
Do.: stahi ssu assa sikha dnhi aneka prakra,
cal ni pada paduma siru ati hita brahi

bra .67.
The mother-in-law blessed and admonished St in various ways and the
latter parted from her, most affectionately bowing Her head at her lotus feet again and
again. (69)
0rr f r r f sf r+
a tr n fa tr+.{+
f a faa r t t a r+
r z ff r rfrr a fr rr+.+
r r rrrr ff f f rr+
r frf r n a ar+.-+
r r rn t rn+
ara f r fr z fr sr+.+
Cau.: samcra jaba lachimana pe, bykula bilakha badana uhi dhe.
kapa pulaka tana nayana sanr, gahe carana ati prema adhr.1.
kahi na sakata kachu citavata hRhe, mnu dna janu jala te kRhe.
socu hdaya bidhi k honihr, sabu sukhu suktu sirna hamr.2.
mo kahu kha kahaba raghunth, rakhihahi

bhavana ki lehahi

sth.
rma biloki badhu kara jore , deha geha saba sana tnu tore .3.
bole bacanu rma naya ngara, sla saneha sarala sukha sgara.
tta prema basa jani kadarh u, samujhi hdaya parinma uchh u.4.
When Lakmaa got the news he started up in confusion and ran with a doleful
face. Trembling all over with his hair standing on end and eyes full of tears he clasped
r Rmas feet much excited with emotion. He was unable to speak and stood gazing
piteously like a fish taken out of water. There was anxiety in his heart. What is going
to happen, O good heavens? he said to himself. All my joy and merits are over now.
What will the Lord of Raghus command me to do? Will he leave me at home or take me
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
414
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
with him? When r Rma saw His brother with joined palms having renounced his
home and reckless about his own body, He addressed him in the following words, well-
versed as He was in the rules of correct behaviour and an ocean of amiability, love,
artlessness and joy: Pray do not lose your balance of mind out of affection, dear brother,
and be convinced in your heart of hearts that the end will be a happy one. (14)
0ra far n= trf f f f f r
s r fa- a= n r+ +
Do.: mtu pit guru svmi sikha sira dhari karahi

subhya ,
laheu lbhu tinha janama kara nataru janamu jaga jya .70.
Those who reverently and unconstrainedly follow the advice of their father and
mother, preceptor and master have reaped the fruit of their birth or else their coming into
this world has been in vain. (70)
0 f rf f r; ra fa r;+
a f rt rs q rt+.{+
rs arf ; rr r; f ff rr+
n= fa ra r fr= ; r=+.+
far a= ara r;f z r+
r r f r rt r f frt+.-+
ara f tfa frt a r rt+
f f n a af ar +.+
Cau.: asa jiya jni sunahu sikha bh, karahu mtu pitu pada sevak.
bhavana bharatu ripusudanu nh

, ru bddha mama dukhu mana mh

.1.
mai

bana ju tumhahi lei sth, hoi sabahi bidhi avadha anth.

guru pitu mtu praj parivr u, saba kahu parai dusaha dukha bhru.2.
rahahu karahu saba kara parito u, nataru tta hoihi baRa do u.
jsu rja priya praj dukhr, so npu avasi naraka adhikr.3.
rahahu tta asi nti bicr, sunata lakhanu bhae bykula bhr.
siare bacana sukhi gae kaise , parasata tuhina tmarasu jaise .4.
Bearing this in mind, brother, listen to my advice and wait upon the feet of our
father and mothers. Bharata and Ripusudana (atrughna) are not at home, while the king
is aged and full of grief for my sake. If I proceed to the woods taking you with me,
Ayodhy will be rendered completely masterless and the preceptor and parents, the
people as well as the family, all will be subjected to a spell of terrible suffering. Stay, then,
to comfort all; otherwise, brother, we shall incur great sin. A king whose reign brings
suffering to his beloved people surely deserves an abode in hell. Bearing in mind this
maxim, dear brother, stay at home. Hearing this, Lakmaa felt much distressed. He
turned pale at these soothing words in the same way as a lotus is blasted when touched
by frost. (14)
0sa= ra n r;
r r trf ar a a r r;+ {+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
415
Do.: utaru na vata prema basa gahe carana akuli,
ntha dsu mai

svmi tumha tajahu ta kha basi.71.

Overwhelmed with emotion he could not answer, but clasped his Brothers feet
in anguish, My lord, I am your slave and you my master; if you abandon me, what
help! (71)
0tf- rf f tf nrr; rfn n t r; +
t rt fn tfa a frt+.{+
f farr = = f f rr+
n fa ra rs r s rs r far+.+
fn na nr; tfa atfa fn f nr;+
r ; ar trt t s art+.-+
tfa sf art tfa fa nfa f rt+
a r; rf ff f r;+.+
Cau.: dnhi mohi sikha nki gos

, lgi agama apan kadar

.
narabara dhra dharama dhura dhr, nigama nti kahu te adhikr.1.
mai

sisu prabhu saneha pratipl, madaru meru ki lehi

marl.
gura pitu mtu na jnau kh u, kahau subhu ntha patih u.2.
jaha lagi jagata saneha sag, prti pratti nigama niju g.
more sabai eka tumha svm, dnabadhu ura atarajm.3.
dharama nti upadesia th, krati bhuti sugati priya jh.
mana krama bacana carana rata ho, kpsidhu pariharia ki so.4.
My lord, you have given me a sound advice; but due to my faintheartedness it
sounds impracticable to me. Only those noble men who are self-possessed and
champion the cause of virtue are fit to be taught the gospel of the Vedas and moral
philosophy. I am a mere child fostered by your loving care; can a cygnet lift Mount
Mandara or Meru? I know no preceptor nor father nor mother; I tell you sincerely;
believe me, my lord. Whatever ties of affection, love and confidence exist in the world
as declared by the Vedasfor me they are all centred in you and you alone, my lord.
O friend of the afflicted, O knower of the innermost heart of all ! Piety and propriety
should be taught to him who is fond of glory, fortune and a noble destiny. He, however,
who is devoted to your feet in thought, word and deedshould he be abandoned, O
ocean of grace? (14)
0=rf f fta
rr s r; rf ta+ +
Do.: karunsidhu subadhu ke suni mdu bacana binta,
samujhe ura li prabhu jni saneha sabhta.72.
Hearing these soft and polite words of His noble brother, the all-compassionate
Lord clasped him to His bosom and consoled him, perceiving that he had lost his nerve
through love. (72)
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
416
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
0rn fr ra r; r fn r;+
fa f rr rt s r z n; fz rt+.{+
fa z ra f r ff r r+
r; f n rs rr rr rf rr+.+
ra f t t r ft+
n; f f rr nt f rr+.-+
s r r f r+
rna fr rt r; n ff ff f rt+.+
Cau.: mgahu bid mtu sana j, vahu begi calahu bana bh.
mudita bhae suni raghubara bn, bhayau lbha baRa gai baRi hn.1.
haraita hdaya mtu pahi

e, manahu adha phiri locana pe.

ji janani paga nyau mth, manu raghunadana jnaki sth.2.
p u

che mtu malina mana dekh, lakhana kah saba kath bise.
ga sahami suni bacana kahor, mg dekhi dava janu cahu or.3.
lakhana lakheu bh anaratha ju, ehi

saneha basa karaba akj u.

mgata bid sabhaya sakuch

, ji saga bidhi kahihi ki nh

.4.
Go and ask leave of your mother; then quickly return and accompany me to the
woods. Lakmaa rejoiced to hear these words from the Chief of Raghus; great was his
gain and a mighty loss was averted. He went up to his mother delighted at heart as a
blind man who had regained his lost vision. Approaching her he bowed his head at her
feet, while his heart was with r Rma (the Delighter of Raghus race) and Janakas
Daughter. Finding him depressed in spirit the mother inquired the reason, when Lakmaa
related at length the whole incident. Sumitr was alarmed to hear this cruel report as a
doe on finding wild fire all about her. Lakmaa apprehended that things would take a
wrong turn that day and that his mother would frustrate his plans due to her affection.
He, therefore, felt nervous and hesitated in asking leave of her; for he thought within
himself, Good God, will she allow me to accompany r Rma or not? (14)
0fr frr r f = t rs
f s f= rff t- rs+ -+
Do.: samujhi sumitr

rma siya rupu suslu subhu,

npa sanehu lakhi dhuneu siru ppini dnha kudu.73.
Remembering the beauty, amiability and noble disposition of r Rma and St
and considering the kings affection for Them, Sumitr beat her head as she perceived
that the wicked queen (Kaikey) had played him foul. (73)
0t s rt z rt rt+
ara arrf ra t far r rfa t+.{+
ar r fr a; f r r+
t r rt a rr r rt +.+
n fa ra r; ;f r t r;+
r rf t t tr fa r t +.-+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
417
t f r a rff r ra+
f rf n r ara n t r+.+
Cau.: dhraju dhareu kuavasara jn, sahaja suhda bol mdu bn.
tta tumhri mtu baideh, pit rmu saba bha ti saneh.1.
avadha tah

jaha rma nivs u, taha i

divasu jaha bhnu praks u.

jau

pai sya rmu bana jh

, avadha tumhra kju kachu nh

.2.
gura pitu matu badhu sura s

, seiahi

sakala prna k n

.
rmu pranapriya jvana j ke, svratha rahita sakh sabah ke.3.
pujanya priya parama jah

te , saba mniahi

rma ke nte .
asa jiya jni saga bana jhu, lehu tta jaga jvana lhu.4.
Perceiving that the time was unpropitious to them she collected herself and,
possessing as she did a naturally good heart, spoke in gentle words, My dear son,
Videhas daughter is your mother while Rma, who loves you in everyway, is your
father. Ayodhy is there where Rma dwells; there alone is the day where there is
sunlight. If St and Rma are really proceeding to the woods, you have no business
in Ayodhy. Ones preceptor, parents, brother, gods and masterall these should be
tended as ones own life. Rma, however is dearer than life, the soul of our soul and
the disinterested friend of all. Whosoever are worthy of adoration and most dear to us
should be accounted as such only in so far as they are related to Rma. Bearing this
in mind, accompany him to the forest and derive, my boy, the benefit of your existence
in the world. (14)
0f rn r rf a f rs
ar rfz t- r rs+ +
Do.: bhuri bhga bhjanu bhayahu mohi sameta bali ju ,
jau tumhare mana chRi chalu knha rma pada hu .74.
It is your great good fortune as well as mine, I solemnly declare, that your mind
has sincerely taken up its abode in Rmas feet. (74)
0rat at n r; rrfa na r a r;+
a= rr f rf frt r f a a fa rt+.{+
arf rn r rt a ara rt +
a z r t +.+
rn r ;fr r f ;- r+
r fr fr; r;+.-+
ar rfa r n fa ra r f r+
f r f a r; ;; s+.+
Cau.: putravat jubat jaga so, raghupati bhagatu jsu sutu ho.
nataru b

jha bhali bdi bin, rma bimukha suta te hita jn.1.

tumharehi

bhga rmu bana jh

, d usara hetu tta kachu nh

.
sakala sukta kara baRa phalu ehu, rma sya pada sahaja saneh u.2.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
418
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
rgu rou iri madu mohu, jani sapanehu inha ke basa hoh u.
sakala prakra bikra bih, mana krama bacana karehu sevak.3.
tumha kahu bana saba bh

ti sups u, sa ga pitu mtu rmu siya js u.

jehi

na rmu bana lahahi

kales u, suta soi karehu ihai upades u.4.

That woman alone can be said to have borne a male issue, whose son is a
devotee of Rma (the Lord of Raghus). Otherwise she had better remain issueless; for
she who deems herself fortunate in having a son hostile to Rma has yeaned in vain.
It is due to your good fortune that Rma is proceeding to the forest; there is no other
ground for his doing so, my boy. The highest reward of all meritorious acts is verily
thisto have spontaneous love for the feet of St and Rma. Never give way even
in a dream to passion, anger, jealousy, arrogance or infatuation. Giving up all sorts of
morbid feelings serve them in thought, word and deed. You will be happy in everyway
in the forest since you will have with you your father and mother in Rma and St.
Take care, my son, that Rma may be put to no trouble in the woods: that is my
admonition to you. (14)
U0s f ara ar r f rt
fa ra f fr fa frt+
at f f ; r t- f rf ;.
fa rs f f rrt fa fa ;+
Cha.:upadesu yahu jehi

tta tumhare rma siya sukha pvah

,
pitu mtu priya parivra pura sukha surati bana bisarvah

.
tulas prabhuhi sikha dei yasu dnha puni sia da,
rati hou abirala amala siya raghubra pada nita nita na.
My admonition to you, dear child, is this: it is up to you to see that Rma and St
lead a happy life in the forest through your good offices and forget their father and
mother, near and dear ones as well as the amenities of city life. Having thus
admonished the Lord of Tulasdsa (Lakmaa) Sumitr granted him leave (to accompany
r Rma) and then invoked her blessing on him: May your devotion to the feet of St
and the Hero of Raghus race be constant and untainted and ever new.
0ra f= r; a a fa z
rn f arr; rn n rn +.~+
So.: mtu carana siru ni cale turata sakita hdaya ,
bgura biama tori manahu bhga mgu bhga basa.75.
Bowing his head at his mothers feet Lakmaa left at once with a timid heart
apprehending any further development that might bulk his plans and interfere with his
accompanying (r Rma to the forest); it looked as if a deer had luckily succeeded in
bursting a strong snare and made good his escape. (75)
0n rfr fa r; f r+
f r f r n f r+.{+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
419
f rt f r; ff ra fnrt+
a t f rt t+.+
tf f= f fart f fn rt+
; fz t rr f r; fr rr+.-+
f sr; rs r f f r n r+
f a rs a frt r s ffa rt+.+
Cau.: gae lakhanu jaha jnakinth u, bhe mana mudita pi priya sth u.
badi rma siya carana suhe, cale saga npamadira e.1.
kahahi

parasapara pura nara nr, bhali bani bidhi bta bigr.

tana ksa mana dukhu badana malne, bikala manahu mkh madhu chne.2.
kara mjahi

siru dhuni pachith

, janu binu pakha bihaga akulh

.
bhai baRi bhra bhupa darabr, barani na ji bidu apr.3.
sciva uhi ru baihre, kahi priya bacana rmu pagu dhre.
siya sameta dou tanaya nihr, bykula bhayau bhumipati bhr.4.
Lakmaa went straight to where the Lord of Jnak (Janakas Daughter) was; he
was glad at heart to find himself in the company of his beloved Brother. Bowing to the
charming feet of r Rma and St he accompanied Them to the kings palace. The men
and women of the city said to one another, How strange that God wellnigh fulfilled our
hopes and then shattered them! With emaciated bodies, a sorrowful heart and doleful
face they felt miserable as a bee that has been robbed of its honey. They wrung their
hands, beat their heads and lamented like birds that had been clipt of their wings and
were restless without them. A huge crowd had collected at the entrance of the royal
palace and there was untold grief which knew no bounds. The minister (Sumantra) raised
the king and seated him communicating to him the agreeable news that r Rma had
come. When he saw his two sons with St, his distress was profound. (14)
0t fa a n rs f f r;
rf r rs ; s r;+ +
Do.: sya sahita suta subhaga dou dekhi dekhi akuli,
brahi

bra saneha basa ru lei ura li.76.

The king felt much agitated as he gazed on his two sons with St. Overwhelmed
with emotion he pressed them to his bosom again and again. (76)
0; rf f r r fa s r= r+
r; t fa rnr sf rrt fr a rnr+.{+
fa t r rf t fs a t+
ara f f r n r; r; r+.+
f sf rr r rrfa nf rr+
ara ar f t r r r t+.-+
= rt ; ; z frt+
; r r r; fn tfa f r;+.+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
420
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Cau.: sakai na boli bikala naranh u, soka janita ura druna dh u.
ni ssu pada ati anurg, uhi raghubra bid taba mg.1.
pitu assa yasu mohi djai, haraa samaya bisamau kata kjai.
tta kie priya prema pramdu, jasu jaga ji hoi apabd u.2.
suni saneha basa uhi naranh

, baihre raghupati gahi bh

.
sunahu tta tumha kahu muni kahah

, rmu carcara nyaka ahah

.3.
subha aru asubha karama anuhr, su dei phalu hdaya bicr.
karai jo karama pva phala so, nigama nti asi kaha sabu ko.4.
The king was too restless to speak; there was terrible agony in his heart due to
excess of grief. Most affectionately bowing His head at His fathers feet, the Hero of
Raghus race then arose and asked his permission to proceed to the woods: Father,
give me your blessings and commands; why should you be sorrowing at this hour of
jubilation? By swerving from the path of duty due to attachment for a beloved object, dear
father, ones reputation is lost and obloquy incurred. Hearing this the king got up in his
love and holding r Rma (the Lord of Raghus) by the arm he made Him sit down and
said, Listen, my boy: of You the sages declare that Rma is the Lord of the entire
creation, both animate and inanimate. God requites our actions according as they are
good or bad, weighing them in the scale of His judgment. He alone who does an act
reaps its consequences: such is the law of the Vedas and so declare all. (14)
0= r rs r rn
fa ffr na nfa r n r rn+ +
Do.: auru karai apardhu kou aura pva phala bhogu,
ati bicitra bhagavata gati ko jaga jnai jogu.77.
But in this case we find that one commits the offence and another reaps the
fruit. Highly mysterious are the ways of God: no one in this world is competent to
know them. (77)
0r r r fa rnt a sr f -rnt+
t r = a r t r+.{+
a t r; s t-t fa fa a rfa f t-t+
f r r fa rr+.+
f r rnr rr= n f rnr+
s f t rr; f f ff ffa fr;+.-+
f rf n rf rt fa f rt+
ar a t- r r f n r+.+
Cau.: rya rma rkhana hita lg, bahuta upya kie chalu tyg.
lakh rma rukha rahata na jne, dharama dhuradhara dhra sayne.1.
taba npa sya li ura lnh, ati hita bahuta bh

ti sikha dnh.
kahi bana ke dukha dusaha sune, ssu sasura pitu sukha samujhe.2.
siya manu rma carana anurg, gharu na sugamu banu biamu na lg.
aurau sabahi

sya samujh, kahi kahi bipina bipati adhik.3.

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*
AYODHY-K NA
*
421
saciva nri gura nri sayn, sahita saneha kahahi

mdu bn.
tumha kahu tau na dnha banabs u, karahu jo kahahi

sasura gura ssu.4.

The king sincerely tried every means to detain r Rma. But he discovered r
Rmas intention and came to know that He was not going to stay, a champion of
righteousness, strong-minded and foresighted as He was. The king thereupon clasped
St to his bosom and most lovingly admonished Her in many ways. He described the
terrible hardships of forest life and explained to Her the comforts She would enjoy if She
chose to stay with Her husbands parents or Her own father. Sts mind, however, was
attached to r Rmas feet; hence neither home seemed attractive to Her nor the forest
repulsive. Everyone else too expostulated with St dwelling on the many miseries of the
forest. The ministers (Sumantras) wife as well as the preceptors (Vasihas) and other
prudent ladies fondly urged Her in gentle tones: Nobody has exiled you to the forest:
therefore, do as your husbands parents and preceptor bid you. (14)
0f taf fa f taf rrf
ff na ; rf+ c+
Do.: sikha stali hita madhura mdu suni stahi na sohni,
sarada cada cadini lagata janu caka akulni.78.
This advice, soothing, friendly, agreeable and tender as it was, did not sound
pleasing to Sts ears. It seemed as if the touch of the rays of the autumnal moon had
made a female Cakravka bird restless. (78)
0t sa= ; r f af st ;+
f r rt rn f rt rt+.{+
f rf ar rrtr t rfzf tr+
a r r arf r ff r+.+
frf r; r rr r f f f rr+
f r rn f r r rn+.-+
rn f =fa r r f r r+
r aa f r; ff f= r;+.+
Cau.: sya sakuca basa utaru na de, so suni tamaki uh kaike.
muni paa bhuana bhjana n, ge dhari bol mdu bn.1.
npahi prnapriya tumha raghubr, sla saneha na chRihi bhr.
suktu sujasu paraloku nas u, tumhahi jna bana kahihi na k u.2.
asa bicri soi karahu jo bhv, rma janani sikha suni sukhu pv.
bhupahi bacana bnasama lge, karahi

na prna payna abhge.3.

loga bikala muruchita naranh u, kha karia kachu s ujha na kh u.
rmu turata muni beu ban, cale janaka jananihi siru n.4.
St was too modest to give any reply. But Kaikey flared up on hearing their talk.
She brought hermits robes, ornaments and vessels and, placing them before r Rma,
addressed Him in soft accents, You are dear as life to the king, O Hero of Raghus line;
he is too soft to shake off his scruple and attachment for you. He would sooner forfeit
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
422
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
his virtue, good reputation and his happiness in the other world than ask you to proceed
to the woods. Bearing this in mind do as you please. r Rma rejoiced to hear His
stepmothers admonition; but her words pierced the king like shafts. Will my wretched
life never depart, he said to himself. The people felt much distressed while the king
fainted; no one knew what to do. r Rma presently dressed Himself as a hermit and
bowing His head to His parents departed. (14)
0f r r far a
f f n f f a+ +
Do.: saji bana sju samju sabu banit badhu sameta,
badi bipra gura carana prabhu cale kari sabahi aceta.79.
Having completed all the equipment and preparations for a journey to the woods
the Lord with His Spouse and brother bowed to the feet of the Brhmaas and the
preceptor (Vasiha) and departed, leaving everyone in bewilderment. (79)
0ff f r r rn f r+
f f rr f rrt rr+.{+
n f r t- r r f t-+
r r r ar ta ta far+.+
rt r rr; rt nf f r rt+
r r nrr; f t t r;+.-+
rf r rf n rt a r rt+
r; rfa r fart f a r rt+.+
Cau.: nikasi basiha dvra bhae hRhe, dekhe loga biraha dava dRhe.
kahi priya bacana sakala samujhe, bipra bda raghubra bole.1.
gura sana kahi barasana dnhe, dara dna binaya basa knhe.
jcaka dna mna satoe, mta punta prema paritoe.2.
ds

dsa boli bahor, gurahi saupi bole kara jor.

saba kai sra sa bhra gos

, karabi janaka janan k n

.3.
brahi

bra jori juga pn, kahata rmu saba sana mdu bn.
soi saba bh

ti mora hitakr, jehi te rahai bhula sukhr.4.

Issuing out of the palace the party halted at Vasihas door and found the people
scorched with the fire of impending separation. The Hero of Raghus race comforted all
with soothing words and then summoned hosts of Brhmaas. He requested His preceptor
to give them subsistence for a year and captivated their hearts through courtesy, gift and
humility. He gratified mendicants with gifts and attentions and sated His friends with pure
love. He then called His men-servants and maid-servants and entrusting them to the
care of His Guru spoke to him with joined palms, My lord, pray look after them and tend
them as their own father and mother. Again and again, with joined palms, r Rma
addressed each one present there in soft accents, He alone is friendly to me in every
way, through whose good offices the king derives solace. (14)
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AYODHY-K NA
*
423
0ra r f f rf t
r; srs ar t+ c+
Do.: mtu sakala more biraha jehi

na hohi

dukha dna,
soi upu tumha karehu saba pura jana parama prabna.80.
Take care all of you, my most clever citizens, to see that none of my mothers is
smitten with the pangs of separation from me. (80)
0f ff r f rrr n f f= rr+
nfa nf fnt r; t r; rrr;+.{+
r a fa s fr f r; ra r+
n fa r fr f r+.+
n; =r a fa rn rf r rn +
r r rt f rfn a a rt +.-+
f a r rr r r; af a rr+
f f t ; r n r ar r+.+
Cau.: ehi bidhi rma sabahi samujhv, gura pada paduma harai siru nv.
ganapati gauri girsu man, cale assa pi raghur.1.
rma calata ati bhayau bidu, suni na ji pura rata nd u.
kusaguna laka avadha ati sok u, haraa bida bibasa suralok u.2.
gai muruch taba bhupati jge, boli sumatru kahana asa lge.
rmu cale bana prna na jh

, kehi sukha lgi rahata tana mh

.3.
ehi te kavana byath balavn, jo dukhu pi tajahi

tanu prn.
puni dhari dhra kahai naranh u, lai rathu saga sakh tumha jh u.4.
In this way r Rma consoled all and cheerfully bowed His head at the lotus feet
of His preceptor. Invoking Lord Gaapati, Goddess Gaur (Prvat) and the Lord of
Kailsa and receiving the blessings of His Guru, the Lord of Raghus proceeded further.
There was great lamentation as He sallied forth; the piteous wail of the citizens was
revolting to the ears. Evil omens appeared in Lak and Ayodhy was plunged in grief,
while the abode of gods was overcome with a mixed feeling of joy and sorrow. When the
spell of unconsciousness broke, the king woke and calling Sumantra thus began, Rma
has left for the woods, but my life refuses to depart. I wonder what joy it seeks after by
clinging to this body! What agony more severe than this can I have, that will draw my
breath out of my body? Then, recovering himself, the king said, Follow him, my friend,
with your chariot. (14)
0f r r rs ar rf
r; r; f n f rf+ c{+
Do.: suhi sukumra kumra dou janakasut sukumri,
ratha caRhi dekhari banu phirehu gae dina cri.81.
Too tender-bodied are the two princes and delicate of frame is Janakas
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424
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
daughter. Pick them up on the chariot, show them round the forest and return after
three or four days. (81)
0 f ff t rs r; - a rrr;+
a ar f rt f fffrt+.{+
f r f zr; rf f = r;+
r s fr ff a +.+
fan rt r =f r; arrt+
f ff sr r f; a r; r r+.-+
rf a r frr r; ff rr+
f =f r f r r f rf r+.+
Cau.: jau nahi

phirahi

dhra dou bh, satyasadha dRhabrata raghur.

tau tumha binaya karehu kara jor, pheria prabhu mithilesakisor.1.
jaba siya knana dekhi er, kahehu mori sikha avasaru p.
ssu sasura asa kaheu sa des u, putri phiria bana bahuta kales u.2.
pitugha kabahu kabahu sasurr, rahehu jah

ruci hoi tumhr.

ehi bidhi karehu upya kadab, phirai ta hoi prna avalab.3.
nhi

ta mora maranu parinm, kachu na basi bhae bidhi bm.

asa kahi muruchi par mahi r u, rmu lakhanu siya ni dekh u.4.
If the two strong-minded brothers refuse to returnfor the Lord of Raghus is true
to his word and firm of resolvethen do you entreat him with joined palms: My lord,
kindly send back the daughter of Mithils king. When St gets alarmed at the sight of
the jungle, avail yourself of that opportunity and tell her my advice in the following words.
The parents of your husband have sent this message to you: Please return home, my
daughter; there is much hardship in the forest. Now with your parents and now in your
husbands homestay wherever you please. In this way try all possible means; if she
comes back, there will be a support to my life. Otherwise all this will end in my death;
nothing can avail against an adverse fate. So saying the king dropped unconscious on
the ground exclaiming: Bring Rma, Lakmaa and St and show them to me! (14)
0r; r r; f= fa n r;
ns r r n t fa rs r;+ c+
Do.: pi rajyasu ni siru rathu ati bega bani,
gayau jah

bhera nagara sya sahita dou bhi.82.

Receiving the kings command Sumantra bowed his head to him and having got
ready a most swift chariot went to the outskirts of the city, where St and the two
princely brothers were. (82)
0a r r f fat r r+
f t fa rs r; z f f= r;+.{+
a r f rr f rn rn rr+
rf ff rrf ff f ff rf+.+
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*
AYODHY-K NA
*
425
rnfa rf rt r rrfa frt+
rrr a rt zf f frt+.-+
rr r f ar a fa ta ar+
rn- f f frrt fa r f rt+.+
Cau.: taba sumatra npa bacana sune, kari binat ratha rmu caRhe.
caRhi ratha sya sahita dou bh, cale hdaya avadhahi siru n.1.
calata rmu lakhi avadha anth, bikala loga saba lge sth.
kpsidhu bahubidhi samujhvahi

, phirahi

prema basa puni phiri vahi

.2.
lgati avadha bhayvani bhr, mnahu klarti a dhir.
ghora jatu sama pura nara nr, arapahi

ekahi eka nihr.3.

ghara masna parijana janu bh ut, suta hita mta manahu jamad ut.
bganha biapa beli kumhilh

, sarita sarovara dekhi na jh

.4.
Then Sumantra delivered to them the kings message and with humble submission
persuaded r Rma to ascend the chariot. Having mounted the chariot St and the
two brothers set out on their journey mentally bowing their head to Ayodhy. Finding
Ayodhy masterless with the departure of r Rma all those who had assembled there
followed in their wake with an agitated mind. r Rma remonstrated in many ways, an
ocean of compassion that He was; and the crowd turned homewards. But dragged by
the affection they bore for Him they came back and joined the party once more.
Ayodhy presented a most dismal appearance as though it were the dark night of final
dissolution of the universe. The men and women of the city looked like ghastly
creatures and were frightened to see one another. Their houses appeared like so many
crematories, their retainers like ghosts, and their sons, relations and friends like
messengers of death. Trees and creepers in the gardens withered, while streams and
ponds repelled the eyes. (14)
0 n rf- fn ra r
f rn rfr r r+ c-+
Do.: haya gaya koinha kelimga purapasu ctaka mora,
pika rathga suka srik srasa hasa cakora.83.
The numberless horses and elephants, animals kept for pleasure, urban cattle,
Ctaka birds, peacocks, cuckoos, Cakravkas, parrots and Mains, cranes, swans and
Cakoras (83)
0r frn f r a fr ff r+
n= n rt n n f rt+.{+
ff ; frfaf t-t f ff t-t+
f rr frnt rn r rnt+.+
f fr= t- rt r f f rt +
r r a ; r f rrt f r+.-+
r r r; fr; +
r f f-t f rn f f fa-t+ +
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426
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Cau.: rma biyoga bikala saba hRhe, jaha taha manahu citra likhi kRhe.
nagaru saphala banu gahabara bhr, khaga mga bipula sakala nara nr.1.
bidhi kaika kirtini knh, jehi

dava dusaha dasahu disi dnh.

sahi na sake raghubara birahg, cale loga saba bykula bhg.2.
sabahi

bicru knha mana mh

, rma lakhana siya binu sukhu nh

.
jah

rmu taha sabui samju, binu raghubra avadha nahi

kj u.3.
cale stha asa matru dRh, sura durlabha sukha sadana bih.
rma carana pakaja priya jinhah, biaya bhoga basa karahi

ki tinhah.4.
All stood restless due to their separation from r Rma; they looked like so
many pictures drawn here and there. The city resembled an extensive and thick forest
full of fruits and the many men and women residing therein represented so many birds
and beasts. God assigned Kaikey the role of a Bhla woman who set the whole forest
in a fierce blaze. The people could not bear the fire of separation from the Chief of
Raghus and they all ran away in distress. They all came to this conclusion in their mind:
There can be no happiness without Rma, Lakmaa and St. The whole community
will live where Rma takes up his abode; without the Hero of Raghus race we have no
business in Ayodhy. Having thus firmly resolved they followed Him forsaking their
happy homes, which were the envy of gods. Can the pleasures of sense overpower
those who hold the lotus feet of r Rma dear to their heart? (14)
0r q fr; n n rn r
ar at fr f f rrr+ c+
Do.: blaka bddha bihi gha lage loga saba stha,
tamas tra nivsu kiya prathama divasa raghuntha.84.
Leaving the children and aged people in their homes all the citizens accompanied
r Rma. And the Lord of Raghus made His first days halt on the bank of the
Tamas. (84)
0rrfa r t z s ft+
=r rrr nrr; fn r;f t r;+.{+
f r ff r rn rr+
f s rr rn ff +.+
t rfz f r; rrr;+
rn rn >r n r; rr fa r;+.-+
f r n rff tat r f s tat+
r rf r arar r sr ff f rar+.+
Cau.: raghupati praj premabasa dekh, sadaya hdaya dukhu bhayau bise.
karunmaya raghuntha gos

, begi piahi

pra par.1.
kahi saprema mdu bacana suhe, bahubidhi rma loga samujhe.
kie dharama upadesa ghanere, loga prema basa phirahi

na phere.2.
slu sanehu chRi nahi

j, asamajasa basa bhe raghur.

loga soga rama basa gae so, kachuka devamy

mati mo.3.
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*
AYODHY-K NA
*
427
jabahi

jma juga jmini bt, rma saciva sana kaheu saprt.

khoja mri rathu h

kahu tt, na upya banihi nahi

bt.4.
When the Lord of Raghus saw His people overwhelmed with love, His tender heart
was much afflicted. Lord r Rma, who is all compassion, is readily touched by others,
pain. Addressing them in affectionate, soft and agreeable tones, He comforted all in ways
more than one. He also gave them varied instructions in their moral duty; but overmastered
by love they would not turn back even though urged to return. r Rma could not afford
to take leave of His amiable disposition and loving nature; the Lord of Raghus thus found
Himself in a fix. Overpowered by grief and toil the people fell asleep and the deluding
potency of gods further helped to benumb their mind. When two watches of the night had
passed, r Rma addressed the minister in endearing terms, Father, drive the chariot
in such a way as to mix up the tracks; by no other means can our object be
accomplished. (14)
0r f r f f= r;
f rs aa ;a sa r r;+ c~+
Do.: rma lakhana siya jna caRhi sabhu carana siru ni,
saciva calyau turata rathu ita uta khoja duri.85.
Bowing their head to the feet of Lord ambhu (iva) r Rma, Lakmaa and St
mounted the car; and the minister (Sumantra) immediately drove the chariot now in one
direction and now in another, thus confusing the tracks. (85)
0rn rn r= n rrr s fa r=+
r a f rf r r f ff rf+.{+
rfff z r s f z f r+
f f s a r rf +.+
ff r rf tr fn t rrt ftr+
f frn ff t-r a rn t-r+.-+
f ff a r rr r farr+
f frn r; rr f r rf rr+.+
Cau.: jge sakala loga bhae bhoru, ge raghuntha bhayau ati sor u.
ratha kara khoja katahu nahi

pvahi
,
rma rma kahi cahu disi dhvahi

.1.
manahu brinidhi buRa jahju, bhayau bikala baRa banika samju.
ekahi eka dehi

upades u, taje rma hama jni kales u.2.

nidahi

pu sarhahi

mn, dhiga jvanu raghubra bihn.

jau pai priya biyogu bidhi knh, tau kasa maranu na mge dnh.3.
ehi bidhi karata pralpa kalp, e avadha bhare paritp.
biama biyogu na ji bakhn, avadhi sa saba rkhahi

prn.4.
All the people woke up at daybreak. The Lord of Raghus has gone! they loudly
exclaimed. Nowhere could they find the tracks of the chariot and ran about in all
directions crying Rma, O Rma! It seemed as if a bark had foundered in the ocean,
as a result of which the party of merchants that had boarded it felt much agitated.
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428
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Everyone explained to the other how Rma had forsaken them perceiving their distress.
They condemned themselves and praised the fish (that died as soon as they were taken
out of water), and said to one another; A curse on our life without the Hero of Raghus
race! If God has torn us from our beloved, why did He not vouchsafe death to us on our
asking? Thus wailing in a variety of ways they all returned to Ayodhy full of remorse.
The anguish of parting was terrible beyond words. Everyone survived in the hope of
seeing Rma on the expiry of the term of exile. (14)
0r fa a n rf
r rt t ft arf+ c+
Do.: rma darasa hita nema brata lage karana nara nri,
manahu koka kok kamala dna bihna tamri.86.
Men and women alike started religious observances and fasts for ensuring r
Rmas return. They were as miserable as the male and female Cakravka birds and the
lotus flower are in the absence of the sun. (86)
0tar f fa rs r; n r;+
sa r f t t- za ft+.{+
f f f rr f fa rs rr+
nn n r f f r+.+
f f rf r nr r frf nn anr+
ff f ff r; f t fr fr;+.-+
r t- >r n f fa fa +
fa rf f; >r r= af >r f r=+.+
Cau.: st saciva sahita dou bh, sgaberapura pahu ce j.
utare rma devasari dekh, knha daavata harau bise.1.
lakhana saciva siya kie pranm, sabahi sahita sukhu pyau rm.
gaga sakala muda magala mul, saba sukha karani harani saba sul.2.
kahi kahi koika kath prasag, rmu bilokahi

gaga tarag.
sacivahi anujahi priyahi sun, bibudha nad mahim adhik.3.
majjanu knha patha rama gaya u, suci jalu piata mudita mana bhayau.
sumirata jhi miai rama bhr u, tehi rama yaha laukika byavahr u.4.
Accompanied by St and the minister the two brothers arrived at gaverapura.
Beholding the celestial stream, Gag, r Rma alighted from His car and fell prostrate
on the ground with great joy. Lakmaa, St and the minister too made obeisance and
r Rma rejoiced in common with them all. A fount of all joys and blessings, the Gag
brings all delight and drives away all sorrow. Narrating numerous anecdotes connected
with it, r Rma gazed on the waves of the Gag and told the minister, His younger
brother (Lakmaa) and His beloved Consort the transcendent glory of the celestial
stream. They took a plunge in the river and the fatigue of the journey was gone; and their
hearts rejoiced when they drank of its holy water. That He whose very thought relieves
the great toil of transmigration should feel fatigued shows that He imitated the ways of
the world. (14)
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*
AYODHY-K NA
*
429
0q frr r a
fa a a fa rn a+ c+
Do.: suddha saccidnadamaya kada bhnukula ketu,
carita karata nara anuharata sasti sgara setu.87.
The Glory of Raghus race, who is a fountain of pure existence, knowledge and
bliss, performed actions similar to those of a human being, and which constitute a bridge
to cross the ocean of mundane existence. (87)
0 f n fr r; fa f f rr;+
f f rr f s f rr+.{+
f za f rn f fra fa rn+
f rrr; t f r;+.+
r s rnr +
f r arrr t fa frr+.-+
r f rf r rf rn fr+
- r rr rf t- fa r rr+.+
Cau.: yaha sudhi guha nida jaba p, mudita lie priya badhu bol.
lie phala mula bhe a bhari bhr, milana caleu hiya harau apr.1.
kari daavata bhe a dhari ge , prabhuhi bilokata ati anurge .
sahaja saneha bibasa raghur, pu

ch kusala nikaa baih.2.

ntha kusala pada pakaja dekhe , bhayau bhgabhjana jana lekhe .
deva dharani dhanu dhmu tumhr, mai

janu ncu sahita parivr.3.

kp karia pura dhria pu, thpia janu sabu logu sih u.
kahehu satya sabu sakh sujn, mohi dnha pitu yasu n.4.
When Guha, the Nida,* got this news, he gladly called together his near and
dear ones and taking by way of presents fruits and roots in baskets slung across their
shoulders, he proceeded to meet the Lord with infinite joy in his heart. Prostrating himself
on the ground and placing the presents before the Lord he gazed on Him with great
affection. The Lord of Raghus, who is won by natural affection, seated him by His side
and inquired about his welfare. The sight of your lotus feet, my lord, is the root of all
welfare; I can now count myself as a blessed man. My land, house and fortune are yours,
holy sir; my family and myself are your humble servants. Do me the favour of visiting my
town and confer dignity on me. Let everyone envy my lot. Everything you have said is
true; my wise friend; but my father has commanded me otherwise. (14)
0 rf r f a r=
nr r f sfa f nf s r=+ cc+
Do.: baraa cridasa bsu bana muni brata beu ahru,
grma bsu nahi

ucita suni guhahi bhayau dukhu bhru.88.

* A low-born tribe in India tracing their descent from a Brhmaa through a udra woman.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
430
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
For four years and ten my home shall be in the woods and my mode of life, dress
and food shall be that of a hermit. Hence my staying in a village would be hardly
advisable. Guha was deeply distressed to hear this. (88)
0r f = frt f nr rt+
a fa ra f f- r +.{+
f fa t-r r r f ff t-r+
a frfa s rr a= fr r rr+.+
rrrf rs rr s r rfa rr+
f rr= rr r rr r fr+.-+
n rf rt zr; f r;+
f rt rr f f rf rt+.+
Cau.: rma lakhana siya rupa nihr, kahahi

saprema grma nara nr.

te pitu mtu kahahu sakhi kaise, jinha pahae bana blaka aise.1.
eka kahahi

bhala bhupati knh, loyana lhu hamahi bidhi dnh.

taba nidapati ura anumn, taru sisup manohara jn.2.
lai raghunthahi hu dekhv, kaheu rma saba bh

ti suhv.
purajana kari johru ghara e, raghubara sadhy karana sidhe.3.
guha sa vri s

thar as, kusa kisalayamaya mdula suh.

suci phala m ula madhura mdu jn, don bhari bhari rkhesi pn.4.
Beholding the beauty of r Rma, Lakmaa and St, men and women of the
village feelingly said, What sort of parents, O friend, can they be who have sent such
children to the forest? Other people said, The king has done well in that God has
thereby rewarded our eyes. The Chief of the Nidas then pondered within himself and
perceived a charming Aoka tree. He took the Lord of Raghus to the spot and showed
it to Him, when r Rma declared that the place was beautiful in every way. The people
of the town then returned home after paying their respects to Him, while the Chief of
Raghus retired for performing His evening devotions. In the meantime Guha prepared a
soft and beautiful bed of Kua grass and tender leaves and spread it on the ground. He
also placed besides Him with his own hands cups of leaves full of fruits and roots which
he knew to be pure, delicious and soft. (14)
0f r rar fa r;
t- rrf r ra r;+ c+
Do.: siya sumatra bhrt sahita kada mula phala khi,
sayana knha raghubasamani pya paloata bhi.89.
Having partaken of the bulbs, roots and fruits alongwith St, Sumantra and His
brother (Lakmaa), the Jewel of Raghus race lay down to sleep, while His brother
kneaded His feet. (89)
0s ra rt f ff r rt+
f f r r rn n f tr+.{+
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*
AYODHY-K NA
*
431
n rr; r= atat r r r fa tat+
r f s r; f rt r r;+.+
ra f frf fr s z fr+
a fa r ; ;+.-+
fa r rr fa a rr+
f fa r= r fafa f r r+.+
Cau.: uhe lakhanu prabhu sovata jn, kahi sacivahi sovana mdu bn.
kachuka duri saji bna sarsana, jgana lage baihi brsana.1.
guha boli pharu pratt, hva hva rkhe ati prt.
pu lakhana pahi

baiheu j, kai bhth sara cpa caRh.2.

sovata prabhuhi nihri nidu, bhayau prema basa hdaya bid u.
tanu pulakita jalu locana baha, bacana saprema lakhana sana kaha.3.
bhupati bhavana subhya suhv, surapati sadanu na paatara pv.
manimaya racita cru caubre, janu ratipati nija htha sa vre.4.
When Lakmaa perceived that his lord had fallen asleep, he rose and asked the
minister in soft accents to retire. As for himself he got ready his bow and arrows and
sitting at some distance in the posture of a hero he kept watch. Guha called his trusted
watchmen and stationed them at different points with great love; while he himself went
and took his seat beside Lakmaa with a quiver fastened to his waist and an arrow
fitted to his bow. When the Nida chief saw his lord lying (on a bed of grass and leaves)
he felt great sorrow in his heart due to excess of love; the hair on his body bristled, tears
flowed from his eyes and he addressed the following affectionate words to Lakmaa:
The kings palace is naturally charming; even Indras residence can hardly stand
comparison with it. Its beautiful attics are built of precious gems and are so lovely as
though the god of love has constructed them with his own hands. (14)
0f ffr rn n r
n ft ff r+ +
Do.: suci subicitra subhogamaya sumana sugadha subsa,
pala ga maju manidpa jaha saba bidhi sakala supsa.90.
Free from impurities, exceedingly marvellous of design, abounding in exquisite
luxuries and scented with the fragrance of flowers, they are furnished with lovely beds
and lighted with gems and are full of amenities of every description. (90)
0ff sr ar; t f r;+
a f r ff t f f fa r t+.{+
a f r rt r >rfa f rf r+
ra far f rt r t r = rt+.+
rnf f-f r t r; f ra a; r nrr;+
far n ffa r r rrr+.-+
r fa r t ra f ff r t+
f rrt f r rn r - rn+.+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
432
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Cau.: bibidha basana upadhna tur

, chra phena mdu bisada suh

.
taha siya rmu sayana nisi karah

, nija chabi rati manoja madu harah

.1.
te siya rmu sthar

soe, ramita basana binu jhi

na joe.
mtu pit parijana purabs, sakh susla dsa aru ds.2.
jogavahi

jinhahi prna k n

, mahi sovata tei rma gos

.
pit janaka jaga bidita prabh u, sasura suresa sakh raghuru.3.
rmacadu pati so baideh, sovata mahi bidhi bma na keh.
siya raghubra ki knana jogu, karama pradhna satya kaha logu.4.
Again they are equipped with coverlets and sheets, pillows and cushions of
various kindsall soft, white and charming as the froth of milk. It is in such attics that
St and Rma used to sleep at night and humbled by their beauty the pride of Rati and
her consort, the god of love. Those very St and Rma are now lying on a pallet,
exhausted and uncovered, a sight one cannot bear to see. The same Lord Rma whom
his father and mother, his own family and the people of the city, his good-natured
companions, men-servants and maid-servants, all cherished as their own life, sleeps on
the ground! Nay, St, whose father Janaka is famed throughout the world, whose father-
in-law is King Daaratha, the chief of Raghus and an ally of Indra (the lord of immortals)
and whose spouse is Rmacandra, is lying on the ground! An adverse fate spares none.
Do St and the Hero of Raghus race deserve to be exiled to the woods? They rightly
say: Fate is supreme. (14)
0ff fa f f t-
f rr rff t-+ {+
Do.: kaikayanadini madamati kahina kuilapanu knha,
jehi

raghunadana jnakihi sukha avasara dukhu dnha.91.

The foolish daughter of Kekaya has wrought a cruel mischief in that she has
brought trouble on St and the Delighter of Raghus race at a time of enjoyment. (91)
0; f f rt fa t- ft rt+
s fr frf rt r t f frt+.{+
r rt r frn nfa rt+
r rs rar f a rn rar+.+
rn frn rn r fa fa r+
fn n r fa ffa = r+.-+
f r fr= n fn r=+
f f nf rt r r rt+.+
Cau.: bhai dinakara kula biapa kuhr, kumati knha saba bisva dukhr.
bhayau bidu nidahi bhr, rma sya mahi sayana nihr.1.
bole lakhana madhura mdu bn, gyna birga bhagati rasa sn.
khu na kou sukha dukha kara dt, nija kta karama bhoga sabu bhrt.2.
joga biyoga bhoga bhala mad, hita anahita madhyama bhrama phad.
janamu maranu jaha lagi jaga jl u, sapati bipati karamu aru kl u.3.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
433
dharani dhmu dhanu pura parivr u, saragu naraku jaha lagi byavahru.
dekhia sunia gunia mana mh

, moha m ula paramrathu nh

.4.
The wicked woman has played the axe in felling the tree of the solar race and
plunged the whole universe in woe. The Nida chief was sore distressed to see Rma
and St sleeping on the ground. Lakmaa spoke to him sweet and gentle words imbued
with the nectar of wisdom, dispassion and devotion: No one is a source of delight or pain
to another; everyone reaps the fruit of ones own actions, brother. Union and separation,
pleasurable and painful experiences, friends, foes and neutralssnares of delusion are
these. Even so birth and death, prosperity and adversity, destiny and time and all the
illusion of the world; lands, houses, wealth, town and family, heaven and hell, and all the
phenomena of the world; nay, whatever is seen, heard or thought of with the mind has
its root in ignorance: nothing exists in reality. (14)
0 r; frf rfa r;
rn r rf faf f r;+ +
Do.: sapane hoi bhikhri npu raku nkapati hoi,
jge lbhu na hni kachu timi prapaca jiya joi.92.
Suppose in a dream a beggar is crowned king or the lord of paradise is reduced
to the state of a pauper; on waking, the one does not gain nor does the other lose
anything. So must you look upon this world. (92)
0 frf f tf r rf rf ; r+
r fr rfrr f rr+.{+
f n rff rnf rnt rt frnt+
rf af t n rnr f fr frnr+.+
r; f r rnr a rrr rnr+
r r r +.-+
r zr r =r fna rf r+
fr fa nar f fa fa f=f r+.+
Cau.: asa bicri nahi

kjia ros u, khuhi bdi na deia dos u.

moha nis

sabu sovanihr, dekhia sapana aneka prakr.1.

ehi

jaga jmini jgahi

jog, paramrath prapaca biyog.

jnia tabahi

jva jaga jg, jaba saba biaya bilsa birg.2.

hoi bibeku moha bhrama bhg, taba raghuntha carana anurg.
sakh parama paramrathu ehu, mana krama bacana rma pada nehu.3.
rma brahma paramratha r up, abigata alakha andi an up.
sakala bikra rahita gatabhed, kahi nita neti nir upahi

bed.4.
Reasoning thus be not angry nor blame anyone in vain. Everyone is slumbering
in the night of delusion, and while asleep one sees dreams of various kinds. In this
night of mundane existence it is Yogs (mystics) alone who keep awakeYogs who
are in quest of the highest truth and remain aloof from the world. A soul should be
deemed as having awoke from the night of the world only when he develops and
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
434
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
aversion for the enjoyments of the world of sense. It is only when right understanding
comes that the error of delusion disappears and then alone one develops love for the
feet of r Rma (the Lord of Raghus). O friend, the highest spiritual goal is this: to be
devoted to the feet of r Rma in thought, word and deed. r Rma is no other than
Brahma (God), the supreme Reality, unknown, imperceptible, beginningless,
incomparable, free from all change and beyond all diversity. The Vedas ever speak of
Him in negative terms (not this). (14)
0na f f fa rfn r
a fa f a a ff n r+ -+
Do.: bhagata bhumi bhusura surabhi sura hita lgi kpla,
karata carita dhari manuja tanu sunata miahi

jaga jla.93.
For the sake of His devotees, Earth, the Brhmaas, cows and gods, the
gracious Lord takes the form of a man and performs actions by hearing of which the
snares of the world are broken asunder. (93)
[PAUSE 15 FOR A THIRTY-DAY RECITATION]
0r fr ff r f rrt a r+
a r n r frr rn n n rr+.{+
f r rr f r t nrr+
fa f r r f r r+.+
z r fa tr rf fa tr+
r s rrr r r rr+.-+
r; f -r; r f fn rs r;+
r f r t r ft+.+
Cau.: sakh samujhi asa parihari mohu, siya raghubra carana rata hoh u.
kahata rma guna bh bhinusr, jge jaga magala sukhadr.1.
sakala sauca kari rma nahv, suci sujna baa chra magv.
anuja sahita sira ja bane, dekhi sumatra nayana jala che.2.
hdaya dhu ati badana maln, kaha kara jori bacana ati dn.
ntha kaheu asa kosalanth, lai rathu jhu rma ke sth.3.
banu dekhi surasari anhav, nehu pheri begi dou bh.
lakhanu rmu siya nehu pher, sasaya sakala sa koca niber.4.
Realizing this, O friend, shed all infatuation and be devoted to the feet of St and the
Hero of Raghus race. While Lakmaa was yet recounting r Rmas virtues, the day
dawned and the Joy and Delighter of the world woke up. After finishing all purificatory acts
r Rma, who was all pure and wise, performed His ablutions and sent for some milk of the
banyan tree. He as well as His brother then matted the hair on their heads, a sight which
filled the eyes of Sumantra with tears. With great agony in his heart and a doleful face he
joined his palms and spoke in most piteous accents, The king of Kosala, my lord, charged
me thus: Take the chariot and go with Rma; let him see the forest and bathe in the Gag
and then speedily bring the two brothers back. Setting at rest all their doubts and scruples
do bring Lakmaa, Rma and St back to their home. (14)
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
435
0 s nrr; ; f r;
f fat r- s t- r ff r;+ +
Do.: npa asa kaheu gosi

jasa kahai karau bali soi,

kari binat pyanha pareu dnha bla jimi roi.94.
The king has commanded me thus; I shall, however, do as my lord bids me, I
assure you. Having supplicated in this way Sumantra fell at the Lords feet and wept like
a child. (94)
0ara r f tf r; ra r r;+
frf r sr; rr ara a ar rr+.{+
ff t f r fa rf r+
fa f rr s f rr+.+
- rr rn fn r rr+
r; f rr a fa rr+.-+
rfa r rf r= r+
ar ara a r f sa= ff ra +.+
Cau.: tta kp kari kjia so, jte avadha antha na ho.
matrihi rma uhi prabodh, tta dharama matu tumha sabu sodh.1.
sibi dadhca haricada nares, sahe dharama hita koi kales.
ratideva bali bhupa sujn, dharamu dhareu sahi sakaa nn.2.
dharamu na dusara satya samn, gama nigama purna bakhn.
mai

soi dharamu sulabha kari pv, taje tih u

pura apajasu chv.3.

sabhvita kahu apajasa lhu, marana koi sama druna dhu.
tumha sana tta bahuta k kahau

, die utaru phiri ptaku laha u

.4.
Have compassion, my darling, and take steps to see that Ayodhy is not left
without a master. r Rma raised the minister and thus admonished him; Dear father,
you have investigated the truths of religion in their entirety. ibi, Dadhci and King
Haricandra suffered untold hardships for the sake of virtue. The wise kings Rantideva*
and Bali upheld virtue even through many trials. There is no virtue equal to truthfulness:
so declare the gamas (Tantras), Vedas and Puras. That virtue I have found by an
easy road; by abandoning it I shall be reviled in all the three worlds. To a man who is
* King Rantideva was a most generous-hearted ruler. He gave away his riches every now and then.
Having parted with all that he possessed, he and his family had to remain without food and water for full forty-
eight days on one occasion. He did nothing to earn his livelihood and depended on whatever he got unasked.
Prolonged starvation had reduced him to a skeleton and he was lying in a semi-conscious state with his wife
and children, counting his days. On the 49th day he got some rice boiled in milk, another sweet dish and water.
He was just going to share it with his family when a stranger, who was a Brhmaa by caste, appeared before
him. The king gladly and devoutly gave away what was served before him to the Brhmaa, and dividing the
rest among themselves was about to partake of his own share when another newcomer, who happened to be
a udra, turned up. The king entertained the udra as well out of the stock he had in hand. In the meantime
a low-born man came with his dogs and asked food for himself and his dogs. The king gave away the remaining
food to these strangers. He had now left with him water barely sufficient to slake the thirst of a single soul. As
the king was about to quench his thirst thereby a pariah made his appearance and piteously begged for water.
Moved by his entreaties King Rantideva parted even with his water and went without it himself.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
436
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
highly esteemed, infamy causes agony as terrible as a million deaths. Father, what more
shall I say to you? By urging something in reply I shall incur sin. (14)
0fa nf f rf fa f rf
far f ra ara f f rf+ ~+
Do.: pitu pada gahi kahi koi nati binaya karaba kara jori,
cit kavanihu bta kai tta karia jani mori.95.
Clasping the feet of my father and conveying my repeated obeisances to him pray
to him with joined palms: Be not troubled in anyway on my account, dear father. (95)
0ar f fa fa fa r fat s ara r+
ff r; a arr r fa r r+.{+
f rrr f r s f f fr+
f t rt z fa rt+.+
f r f r; f f r;+
r f f ff f ff +.-+
f ff r ff tr r; rr f a rf tr+
a= f ftr f ff f tr+.+
Cau.: tumha puni pitu sama ati hita more , binat karau tta kara jore .
saba bidhi soi karatabya tumhre , dukha na pva pitu soca hamre .1.
suni raghuntha saciva sabd u, bhayau saparijana bikala nid u.
puni kachu lakhana kah kau bn, prabhu baraje baRa anucita jn.2.
sakuci rma nija sapatha dev, lakhana sa desu kahia jani j.
kaha sumatru puni bhupa sa des u, sahi na sakihi siya bipina kales u.3.
jehi bidhi avadha va phiri sy, soi raghubarahi tumhahi karany.
nataru nipaa avalaba bihn, mai

na jiaba jimi jala binu mn.4.

You too are extremely kind to me as my own father. Hence I pray with joined
palms, sire, do everything in your power to see that my father does not feel miserable
on account of grief for us. Hearing this conversation between the Lord of Raghus and
the minister (Sumantra) the Nida chief and his people felt much distressed. Thereafter
Lakmaa made some poignant remarks; but the Lord stopped him knowing his words
to be highly objectionable. Feeling much abashed r Rma adjured Sumantra by the
love he bore Him not to repeat Lakmaas words. Sumantra then reproduced the kings
message: St will not be able to endure the hardships of the forest; therefore, both
Rma (the Chief of Raghus) and yourself (Sumantra) should endeavour to see that St
returns to Ayodhy. Otherwise, left entirely without any support, I shall not survive even
as a fish without water. (14)
0; f r r
a a ff f fn ffa fr+ +
Do.: maike sasure sakala sukha jabahi

jah

manu mna,
taha taba rahihi sukhena siya jaba lagi bipati bihna.96.
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*
AYODHY-K NA
*
437
There is very comfort both in her parents home as well as with the parents of her
lord (i.e., ourselves); therefore, St can live at ease wherever she pleases at a particular
time till this adversity ends. (96)
0fat t- f r at rfa tfa r f rat+
fa f rfrr ff t- f rf frr+.{+
r n f fr= f a f r=+
f fa fa t rfa t+.+
=r ft a af fa r ff t+
r r; r fr; fr af r;+.-+
faf f r; fa f fnr r;+
ar fa f fart sa= s ff fa rt+.+
Cau.: binat bhupa knha jehi bh

t, rati prti na so kahi jt.

pitu sa desu suni kpnidhn, siyahi dnha sikha koi bidhn.1.
ssu sasura gura priya parivr u, phirahu ta saba kara miai khabhru.
suni pati bacana kahati baideh, sunahu prnapati parama saneh.2.
prabhu karunmaya parama bibek, tanu taji rahati ch

ha kimi che k.
prabh ji kaha bhnu bih, kaha cadrik cadu taji j.3.
patihi premamaya binaya sun, kahati saciva sana gir suh.
tumha pitu sasura sarisa hitakr, utaru deu phiri anucita bhr.4.
The piteousness and affection with which the kings entreaty was attended
cannot be expressed in words. On hearing His fathers message the All-merciful
Lord admonished St in countless ways. If you return, the affliction of your mother-
in-law and father-in-law, your preceptor and all your near and dear ones will cease.
In response to Her lords advice King Videhas Daughter said, Listen, most loving
lord of my life, my all-compassionate and supremely wise master: can a shadow
be torn away from its substance? The sunlight can never exist apart from the sun
nor can the radiance of the moon leave the moon. Having submitted Her loving
entreaty to Her Lord, She spoke these charming words to the minister: You are
as good to me as my own father or father-in-law; it is therefore most undesirable
that I should urge something in reply. (14)
0rfa ;s fn r ara
ra f rf r fn ra+ +
Do.: rati basa sanamukha bhaiu bilagu na mnaba tta,
rajasuta pada kamala binu bdi jah

lagi nta.97.
It is due to grief that I am constrained to address you*; do not take offence at it,
sire. In the absence of the lotus feet of my lord all other ties of kinship are of little
account. (97)
* It is unmannerly on the part of a Hindu woman to open her lips before the male elders of her
husband.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
438
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
0fa fr ztr f ffa tr+
fr fa n r f ft r r+.{+
a; rr rf n r+
rn r; f fa ; frrr r ;+.+
ar fr f fr= ra r+
f rrfa rnr rf s rnr+.-+
n f rr f f fa rr+
r fra n fnr rf rfa nr+.+
Cau.: pitu baibhava bilsa mai

h, npa mani mukua milita pada ph.

sukhanidhna asa pitu gha more , piya bihna mana bhva na bhore .1.
sasura cakkavai kosalar u, bhuvana cridasa pragaa prabhu.
ge hoi jehi surapati le, aradha sighsana sanu de.2.
sasura etdsa avadha nivs u, priya parivru mtu sama ss u.
binu raghupati pada paduma parg, mohi keu sapanehu sukhada na lg.3.
agama patha banabhumi pahr, kari kehari sara sarita apr.
kola kirta kuraga bihag, mohi saba sukhada prnapati sag.4.
I have witnessed the glory of my fathers fortune; his footstool is kissed by the
crowns of the greatest monarchs. Bereft of my Lord, my parents home, which is such
an abode of bliss, does not attract my mind even in an unguarded moment. My father-
in-law is no less a personage than the King of Kosala, the suzerain lord of the entire
globe, whose glory is manifest in all the fourteen spheres comprising the universe. Even
Indra (the lord of celestials) goes ahead to receive him and seats him beside himself on
his own throne. Such is my father-in-law, Ayodhy is my abode, agreeable is my family
and my mothers-in-law love me as my own mother. But without the dust from the lotus
feet of my husband (the Lord of Raghus) none affords me pleasure even in a dream. On
the other hand, impassable roads, forest regions and hills, elephants and lions, lakes and
streams that cannot be crossed, wild tribes such as Kolas and Bhlas, deer and birds
all these are delightful to me in the company of my beloved lord. (14)
0r rf fa f f f r
r r f f t r+ c+
Do.: ssu sasura sana mori hu ti binaya karabi pari pya ,
mora socu jani karia kachu mai

bana sukh subhya .98.

Falling at the feet of my father-in-law and mother-in-law request them on my
behalf not to grieve the least for me; for I feel naturally happy in the woods. (98)
0rr f rr t t rr+
f n >r r rf fn r f f r+.{+
f r f taf rt s f f f rt+
r f ; rr f ; fa rr+.+
r r t- r at af rfa f taf rat+
a r fa t- sfa sa rr t-+.-+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
439
f r; f r r; f nfa r;+
r f f= r; fs f ff nr;+.+
Cau.: prnantha priya devara sth, bra dhurna dhare dhanu bhth.
nahi

maga ramu bhramu dukha mana more , mohi lagi socu karia jani bhore .1.
suni sumatru siya stali bn, bhayau bikala janu phani mani hn.
nayana sujha nahi

sunai na kn, kahi na sakai kachu ati akuln.2.

rma prabodhu knha bahu bh

t, tadapi hoti nahi

stali cht.
jatana aneka stha hita knhe, ucita utara raghunadana dnhe.3.
mei ji nahi

rma raj, kahina karama gati kachu na bas.

rma lakhana siya pada siru n, phireu banika jimi mura gav

.4.
I have by my side the lord of my life as well as his younger brother, the foremost
of heroes; both carrying a bow and a quiver full of arrows with them. My mind does not
feel the toil of the journey, and there is no giddiness or sorrow; therefore, pray grieve not
on my account even unwittingly. On hearing these soothing words from Sts lips,
Sumantra felt uneasy as a serpent at the loss of its gem. He saw not with his eyes and
heard not with his ears; and he was too agitated to speak. r Rma comforted him in
many ways; yet his heart would not be pacified. He made many efforts even to
accompany the Lord; but the Delighter of Raghus gave him suitable replies each time.
r Rmas command could not be violated either. Cruel was the turn Fate had taken;
there was no help. Bowing his head at the feet of r Rma, Lakmaa and St, he
turned back as a merchant who had lost his capital. (14)
0 rs r a f f ffrf
f fr fr f t farf+ +
Do.: rathu h

keu haya rma tana heri heri hihinhi

,
dekhi nida bidabasa dhunahi

ssa pachithi

.99.
As he drove the chariot the horses turned their eyes towards r Rma and
neighed. Overcome with grief at this sight, the Nidas (Guhas men) beat their heads
and lamented. (99)
0r frn f r ra fa f;f +
r r r f at r a r+.{+
rnt r rr ; arr rr+
; r f f ;+.+
a fr ; rf r; r a r fr;+
afs f rrft r; r; r ; rf r szr;+.-+
f fars fr= f rs s r=+
r f nr rf r +.+
Cau.: jsu biyoga bikala pasu aise , praj mtu pitu jiihahi

kaise .
barabasa rma sumatru pahe, surasari tra pu taba e.1.
mg nva na kevau n, kahai tumhra maramu mai

jn.
carana kamala raja kahu sabu kaha, mnua karani m uri kachu aha.2.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
440
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
chuata sil bhai nri suh, phana te na kha kahin.
taraniu muni gharin hoi j, ba parai mori nva uR.3.
ehi

pratiplau sabu parivr u, nahi

jnau kachu aura kabr u.

jau prabhu pra avasi g cahah u, mohi pada paduma pakhrana kahah u.4.
When even beasts felt so miserable on being torn away from Him how could His
subjects and His father and mother hope to live without Him? r Rma dismissed
Sumantra against the latters will and Himself arrived at the bank of the heavenly stream
(Gag) immediately afterwards. He called for a boat, but the ferryman would not bring
it. The latter said, I know your secret; about the dust of your lotus-feet everyone says
it is some drug possessing the quality of turning things into human beings. By its very
touch a rock was transformed into a charming woman* and wood is not harder than
stone. If my boat itself gets converted into a hermits wife (like Ahaly), I shall be robbed
of the very means of my subsistence in that my boat will disappear. It is by means of
this boat that I maintain the whole of my family; I know no other trade. If, therefore, my
lord, you must cross the river, command me to lave your lotus-feet. (14)
U0 r; r; r r sar; .
rf r rsf r rt +
= at r fn r rf.
a fn atr r r r= sarf+
Cha.:pada kamala dhoi caRhi nva na ntha utar cahau ,
mohi rma ruri na dasaratha sapatha saba sc kahau .
baru tra mrahu lakhanu pai jaba lagi na pya pakhrihau ,
taba lagi na tulasdsa ntha kpla pru utrihau .
I will let you board the boat only when I have bathed your lotus-feet; I seek no
toll from you. I swear by you, O Rma, as well as by King Daaratha, that what I tell
you is all true. Let Lakmaa shoot me with his arrows if he will; but until I have washed
your feet I will not, O gracious lord of Tulasdsa, ferry you across.
0f
f =r fa; rt a+ {+
So.: suni kevaa ke baina prema lapee aapae,
bihase karunaina citai jnak lakhana tana.100.
On hearing these words of the ferryman, mysterious though imbued with love, the
all-merciful Lord looked at Janakas Daughter and Lakmaa and smiled. (100)
0rf r r; r; = f a r r;+
fn r r r= ra f sarf r=+.{+
* The boatman evidently refers here, in his own rustic yet humorous way, to Ahaly, who had been
transformed into a rock by the curse of her husband Gautama and was restored to her human form by the very
touch of r Rmas feet (vide Blaka, Doh 210 and the Chadas immediately following it).
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
441
r r fa rr saf f rr+
r; r f frr f n f fa n a rr+.+
ff f t f r fa t+
r r rr rf ar f ; rr+.-+
fa r sfn rnr r r rnr+
f frt f - rs rt+.+
Cau.: kpsidhu bole musuk, soi karu jehi

tava nva na j.
begi nu jala pya pakhr u, hota bilabu utrahi pr u.1.
jsu nma sumirata eka br, utarahi

nara bhavasidhu apr.

soi kplu kevaahi nihor, jehi

jagu kiya tihu pagahu te thor.2.

pada nakha nirakhi devasari hara, suni prabhu bacana moha mati kara.
kevaa rma rajyasu pv, pni kahavat bhari lei v.3.
ati nada umagi anurg, carana saroja pakhrana lg.
barai sumana sura sakala sihh

, ehi sama punyapuja kou nh

.4.
The all-compassionate Lord smilingly said, Do that which may prevent the loss
of your boat. Bring water at once and lave my feet; we are getting late, take us
across. The same gracious Lord, by uttering whose Name only once men cross
the boundless ocean of mundane existence, and for whose three strides the universe
proved too small*, thus importuned an ordinary boatman. Though bewildered by the
Lords words, the celestial river (Gag) rejoiced on beholding the nails of His toes.
On receiving r Rmas command the ferryman brought a wood basin full of water.
In great joy and with a heart overflowing with love he proceeded to bathe the Lords
lotus-feet. Raining flowers on him all the gods envied his lot and said there was
none so meritorious as he. (14)
0 rf r f r fa fr
fa r= f f f fa ns ; r+ {{+
Do.: pada pakhri jalu pna kari pu sahita parivra,
pitara pru kari prabhuhi puni mudita gayau lei pra.101.
Having laved the Lords feet and drunk of the water in which they had been
immersed alongwith the other members of his family, he thereby transported the souls
of his deceased forbears across the ocean of metempsychosis and then gladly took the
Lord across the Gag. (101)
* There is an allusion here to the Lords Descent as a Dwarf and to His subsequently assuming
colossal dimensions and measuring the earth and heavens in a couple of strides. The same Lord who had
assumed the form of a Dwarf in the Satyayuga now appeared as r Rma; hence the two are identified by the
poet. It is further mentioned in the Puras that Brahm (the Creator) laved the foot of the Lord when it
reached Brahmaloka (the highest heaven) after measuring the heavens and it was this water which flowed
through the heavens and later on reached the earth in the form of the river Gag. It is also gathered from the
Puras that the river, like all other rivers and mountains etc., is presided over by a goddess of the same name
and it is this deity who is represented here as mystified by the Lords behaviour as an ordinary human being
depending on a boatman for being taken across the stream. When, however, the boatman bathed the feet of
the Lord with the water of the holy river, the goddess took no time in recognizing the source of her waters and
rejoiced to discover the Almighty Lord.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
442
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
0saf r f ar t r n ar+
saf za t-r f f f t-r+.{+
f f t f rfrt f t fa sart+
s r f sar; n r;+.+
r r r rr f r rf rr+
a r tf- t r t- ff f f t+.-+
r rf r tr n ar+
fat r rf r r r r f f r+.+
Cau.: utari hRha bhae surasari ret, sya rmu guha lakhana samet.
kevaa utari daavata knh, prabhuhi sakuca ehi nahi

kachu dnh.1.
piya hiya k siya jnanihr, mani mudar mana mudita utr.
kaheu kpla lehi utar, kevaa carana gahe akul.2.
ntha ju mai

kha na pv, mie doa dukha drida dv.

bahuta kla mai

knhi maj ur, ju dnha bidhi bani bhali bh ur.3.

aba kachu ntha na chia more , dnadayla anugraha tore .
phirat bra mohi jo deb, so prasdu mai

sira dhari leb.4.

Getting down from the boat St and Rma stood on the sands of the Gag along-
with Guha and Lakmaa. The ferryman too got down and fell prostrate before the Lord,
who felt uncomfortable at the thought that He had given nothing to the ferryman. St,
however, who could read the mind of Her beloved lord, took off Her jewelled ring with
a cheerful heart. The gracious Lord said, Take your toll. But the ferryman clasped His
feet in great distress. What have I not already received, my lord? The fire of my errors,
sorrows and indigence has been quenched today. I worked for my livelihood for a long
time; it is only today that God has given me an adequate and handsome return. By your
grace, my compassionate Lord, I want nothing now. While returning, whatever you
bestow on me I shall thankfully accept that boon. (14)
0a t- f f ;
fr t- =ra nfa f = ;+ {+
Do.: bahuta knha prabhu lakhana siya nahi

kachu kevau lei,

bid knha karunyatana bhagati bimala baru dei.102.
The Lord as well as Lakmaa and St did their utmost; but the ferryman would
accept nothing. The All-merciful Rma, therefore, dismissed him after bestowing on him
the boon of unalloyed devotion. (102)
0a r f rrrr f rf rs rr+
f ff s rt ra r sf rt+.{+
fa n rt r; f r art+
f f f rt ; a f rf rt+.+
rrt fr t a rs n ffa t+
r rf fra ar arf f ff r+.-+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
443
ar r f fz f r; r tf- rf tf- zr;+
af f f tr r fa f rntr+.+
Cau.: taba majjanu kari raghukulanth, p uji prathiva nyau mth.
siya surasarihi kaheu kara jor, mtu manoratha puraubi mor.1.
pati devara sa ga kusala bahor, i karau jehi

p uj tor.
suni siya binaya prema rasa sn, bhai taba bimala bri bara bn.2.
sunu raghubra priy baideh, tava prabhu jaga bidita na keh.
lokapa hohi

bilokata tore , tohi sevahi

saba sidhi kara jore .3.

tumha jo hamahi baRi binaya sun, kp knhi mohi dnhi baR.
tadapi debi mai

debi ass, saphala hona hita nija bgs.4.

The Lord of Raghus race then bathed in the Gag and after worshipping a newly-
made clay image of iva bowed His head to the Deity. With joined palms St addressed
the celestial river (Gag), Mother, pray accomplish my desire, that I may return with
my husband and His younger brother and worship you. In response to Sts prayer,
steeped as it was in the nectar of love, the following happy utterance came from the holy
stream: Listen, O Vaideh (Videhas Daughter), beloved Consort of r Rma (the Chief
of Raghus line): who in this world is not aware of Your glory? People become masters
of the heavens quarters the moment You look at them and all supernatural powers wait
upon You with joined palms. By addressing an humble prayer to me You have done me
a favour and exalted me. Yet, O venerable lady, bless You I must, just in order to fulfil
my speech. (14)
0rr fa rr r;
ff rr ff n r;+ {-+
Do.: prnantha devara sahita kusala kosal i,
pujihi saba manakman sujasu rahihi jaga chi.103.
With Your beloved Lord and His younger brother You shall safely return to
Ayodhy. Every wish of Your heart shall be accomplished and Your bright glory shall
spread throughout the world. (103)
0nn f n r fa t f r+
a nf s rr r a r s r+.{+
t n rt f rrf rt+
r r f r; f f rf r;+.+
f r; rrr; t f r;+
a rf f r; r; fs rrt rr;+.-+
r f ar n t- n z r+
f n rfa rf t- f far fr a t-+.+
Cau.: gaga bacana suni magala mul, mudita sya surasari anukul.
taba prabhu guhahi kaheu ghara jhu, sunata sukha mukhu bh ura dhu.1.
dna bacana guha kaha kara jor, binaya sunahu raghukulamani mor.
ntha stha rahi pathu dekh, kari dina cri carana sevak.2.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
444
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
jehi

bana ji rahaba raghur, paranaku mai

karabi suh.
taba mohi kaha jasi deba raj, soi karihau raghubra doh.3.
sahaja saneha rma lakhi ts u, saga lnha guha hdaya huls u.
puni guha gyti boli saba lnhe, kari paritou bid taba knhe.4.
St rejoiced to hear these benedictory words of goddess Gag and to find
her favourably disposed. Then the Lord said to Guha, Go home. The moment he
heard this his face turned pale and there was great agony in his heart. With joined
palms Guha addressed the Lord in pathetic terms: Hear my prayer, O Jewel of
Raghus race; let me remain with you, my lord, and show you the road; after serving
you for a few days I shall prepare a beautiful hut of leaves for you in whichever
forest, O Lord of Raghus, you may go and take up your abode. Thereafter I swear
by you, O Chief of Raghus, to do as you bid me. Perceiving his natural love r
Rma took him with Him and Guha felt much joy in his heart. Then Guha summoned
all his kinsmen and having gratified them sent them away. (14)
0a nfa f ff r; ff r
r f fa n t- rrr+ {+
Do.: taba ganapati siva sumiri prabhu ni surasarihi mtha,
sakh anuja siya sahita bana gavanu knha raghuntha.104.
Then the Lord invoked the gods Gaea and iva; and bowing His head to the
celestial stream (Gag) the Lord of Raghus proceeded to the woods with His friend
(Guha), His younger brother (Lakmaa) and St. (104)
0af f s f a r r t- r+
ra raa f rrr; atr t r;+.{+
f - >rqr f rt r f ta fart+
rf r r zr= - fa r=+.+
r n n nr rr f faf-- rr+
at tr t tr+.-+
n fr f rr r f rr+
= nn anr f rf rf nr+.+
Cau.: tehi dina bhayau biapa tara bs u, lakhana sakh

saba knha supsu.

prta prtakta kari raghur, tratharju dkha prabhu j.1.
saciva satya raddh priya nr, mdhava sarisa mtu hitakr.
cri padratha bhar bha r u, punya pradesa desa ati cr u.2.
chetru agama gaRhu gRha suhv, sapanehu nahi

pratipacchinha pv.
sena sakala tratha bara br, kalua anka dalana ranadhr.3.
sagamu sihsanu suhi soh, chatru akhayabau muni manu moh.
cava ra jamuna aru gaga tarag, dekhi hohi

dukha drida bhag.4.

That day He halted under a tree; Lakmaa and His friend (Guha) provided for
all His comforts. At dawn the Lord of Raghus performed His morning duties and then
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
445
the Lord proceeded further and visited Prayga, the king of holy places. This king has
Truth for his minister, Piety for his beloved consort and a beneficent friend like
Bindumdhava (the Deity presiding over Prayga). His treasury is replete with the four
prizes of human life, while the sacred region surrounding the confluence of the Gag
and the Yamun marks his most beautiful dominion. The holy Prayga represents his
inaccessible, strong and lovely fortress that no enemy has ever dreamt of possessing.
All the sacred spots are his chosen and valiant warriors, who are staunch in battle and
capable of crushing the host of sins. The confluence of the Gag and Yamun
constitutes his exquisite throne, while the immortal banyan tree (known by the name
of Akayavaa) represents his royal umbrella, which captivates the heart even of
sages. The waves of the Gag and Yamun constitute his chowries, whose very
sight destroys sorrow and want. (14)
0f at r f rf r
t r n f f n nr+ {~+
Do.: sevahi

sukt sdhu suci pvahi

saba manakma,
bad beda purna gana kahahi

bimala guna grma.105.

Virtuous and holy saints wait upon this king and attain all that they desire; while
the Vedas and Puras are the rhapsodists who recount his stainless virtues. (105)
0r f ; rn r nr+
atfa f rr rn rr rr+.{+
f f f f r; >rt atr zr;+
f r a rnr a ra fa rnr+.+
f ff r; frt t fa n t+
fa r; tf- f r f rff at r+.-+
a r f r a za f s r+
f r f r; zr r rf r;+.+
Cau.: ko kahi sakai prayga prabh u, kalua puja kujara mgar u.
asa trathapati dekhi suhv, sukha sgara raghubara sukhu pv.1.
kahi siya lakhanahi sakhahi sun, rmukha tratharja baR.
kari pranmu dekhata bana bg, kahata mahtama ati anurg.2.
ehi bidhi i bilok ben, sumirata sakala sumagala den.
mudita nahi knhi siva sev, p uji jathbidhi tratha dev.3.
taba prabhu bharadvja pahi

e, karata daavata muni ura le.

muni mana moda na kachu kahi j, brahmnada rsi janu p.4.
Who can describe the glory of Prayga, a lion as it were for the herd of elephants
in the shape of sins? The Chief of Raghus race, who is an ocean of bliss, was filled with
delight to see this glorious king of holy places. With His own gracious lips He told St,
Lakmaa and His friend (Guha) the greatness of Prayga. Making obeisance to this
holy place He cast a look round the groves and gardens and expatiated on its glory with
the utmost devotion. In this way he arrived at and saw the confluence of the Gag and
Yamun, the very thought of which bestows all choice blessings. After bathing in the
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
446
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
confluence He gladly adored Lord iva and worshipped the deities presiding over the
holy Prayga according to the prescribed ritual. The Lord then called on Bharadvja; and
the sage clasped Him to his bosom as He fell prostrate before him. The joy that the sage
felt within his heart cannot be described in words; it looked as if he had found the bliss
of oneness with Brahma incarnate. (14)
0tf- t t s fa rf
r nr a f ff rf+ {+
Do.: dnhi assa munsa ura ati anadu asa jni,
locana gocara sukta phala manahu kie bidhi ni.106.
The chief of sages, Bharadvja, invoked his blessing on the Lord. He felt great joy
in his heart to perceive that God had as it were set before him in visible form the reward
of all his virtues. (106)
0 = f r t- f f t-+
t f rf f t +.{+
t fa r fa =f r r+
fna>r r r r sr+.+
r a at -rn r rn frn+
r r r arf ra r+.-+
r f f t ar r t+
f r f f +.+
Cau.: kusala prasna kari sana dnhe, puji prema paripurana knhe.
kada mula phala akura nke, die ni muni manahu am ke.1.
sya lakhana jana sahita suhe, ati ruci rma m ula phala khe.
bhae bigatarama rmu sukhre, bharadvja mdu bacana ucre.2.
ju suphala tapu tratha tyg u, ju suphala japa joga birg u.
saphala sakala subha sdhana sju, rma tumhahi avalokata j u.3.
lbha avadhi sukha avadhi na duj, tumhare darasa sa saba p uj.
aba kari kp dehu bara ehu, nija pada sarasija sahaja sanehu.4.
After enquiring of their welfare the sage allotted seats to the royal guests and offering
homage to them sated them all with his love. He then brought and presented to them bulbs,
roots, fruits and sprouts, all sweet as ambrosia. r Rma, with St, Lakmaa and His
devotee (Guha), partook of those delicious roots and fruits with much relish. Relieved of
His toil r Rma felt much happy and Bharadvja addressed Him in gentle tones; Today
my penance, pilgrimage and renunciation have been rewarded; today my prayer, meditation
and dispassion have borne fruit; nay, all my pious practices have been rewarded by Your
very sight, O Rma. There is no culmination of gain, no culmination of joy other than this. In
beholding You all my hopes have been realized. Now be pleased to grant me this one boon,
viz., spontaneous attachment to Your lotus-feet. (14)
0 rfz fn arr
a fn t f rf sr+ {+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
447
Do.: karama bacana mana chRi chalu jaba lagi janu na tumhra,
taba lagi sukhu sapanehu nah

kie koi upacra.107.

Until a man gets sincerely devoted to You in thought, word and deed, he cannot
even dream of happiness in spite of all his devices. (107)
0f f r r r nfa r rrr+
a rr f rr rf rfa f f rr+.{+
r z r n n n f t ar r +
f rrt t nr t+.+
f r; rn frt ar f fq srt+
r r>r r r+.-+
r r t- r fa f r r+
f t r; f ra ar;+.+
Cau.: suni muni bacana rmu sakucne, bhva bhagati nada aghne.
taba raghubara muni sujasu suhv, koi bh

ti kahi sabahi sunv.1.

so baRa so saba guna gana gehu, jehi munsa tumha dara deh u.
muni raghubra parasapara navah

, bacana agocara sukhu anubhavah

.2.
yaha sudhi pi prayga nivs, bau tpasa muni siddha uds.
bharadvja rama saba e, dekhana dasaratha suana suhe.3.
rma pranma knha saba kh u, mudita bhae lahi loyana lh u.
dehi

assa parama sukhu p, phire sarhata sudarat.4.

r Rma felt abashed to hear the words of the sage, much as He was sated with
joy by his love and devotion. The Chief of Raghus then told all in countless ways the fair
and bright renown of the sage. Great indeed is he and he the repository of all virtues,
whom, O chief of sages, you are pleased to honour. The sage (Bharadvja) and the
Hero of Raghus line thus exchanged civilities and experienced ineffable joy. On
receiving this news the people of Prayga, including religious students, ascetics,
hermits, accomplished saints and recluses, all flocked to the hermitage of Bharadvja in
order to have a look at the charming sons of King Daaratha. r Rma made obeisance
to them all, who were delighted to obtain the reward of their eyes. Deriving supreme joy
they gave their blessing and returned extolling the beauty of the royal guests. (14)
0r t- f>rr ff ra rn r;
fa f fa ff f= r;+ {c+
Do.: rma knha birma nisi prta prayga nahi,
cale sahita siya lakhana jana mudita munihi siru ni.108.
r Rma reposed (in the hermitage) overnight. At day break He bathed at
Prayga (in the confluence of the Gag and Yamun) and proceeded on His journey
with St, Lakmaa and His attendant (Guha), gladly bowing His head to the sage. (108)
0r s f rt r f f n rt+
f ff r t n n ar t+.{+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
448
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
r rfn f fr rr f fa r r+
f- r rr f n t rr+.+
f rf n a t- f- a t-+
f r ff r r; fa z rrr;+.-+
nr f ff r; f rf r;+
rf r r; ff fa n r;+.+
Cau.: rma saprema kaheu muni ph

, ntha kahia hama kehi maga jh

.
muni mana bihasi rma sana kahah

, sugama sakala maga tumha kahu ahah

.1.
stha lgi muni siya bole, suni mana mudita pacsaka e.
sabanhi rma para prema apr, sakala kahahi

magu dkha hamr.2.

muni bau cri saga taba dnhe, jinha bahu janama sukta saba knhe.
kari pranmu rii yasu p, pramudita hdaya cale raghur.3.
grma nikaa jaba nikasahi

j, dekhahi

darasu nri nara dh.

hohi

santha janama phalu p, phirahi

dukhita manu saga pah.4.

r Rma lovingly asked the sage, Tell me, my lord, by which route we should
go. Smiling inwardly the sage replied to Rma, All roads are easy to You. The sage
then called his pupils in order that they may escort r Rma; hearing his call some fifty
of them came, glad of heart. They all cherished boundless love for r Rma and each
of them said he had seen the path. The sage then sent with the royal party four religious
students who had practised all kinds of virtues in a series of previous births. Making
obeisance to the sage and receiving his permission the Lord of Raghus proceeded with
a cheerful heart. As the party passed by some village men and women of the village ran
to have a look at them. They felt gratified in having attained the fruit of their life and
returned disconsolate sending their heart after the strangers. (14)
0fr f f f f r; r
saf r r t tr+ {+
Do.: bid kie bau binaya kari phire pi mana kma,
utari nahe jamuna jala jo sarra sama syma.109.
With great courtesy r Rma dismissed the students, who returned having
obtained their hearts desire. The Lord then went below and bathed in the stream of the
Yamun, which was dark as His own body. (109)
0a atrt rt r f f r frt+
r f ar; f f f r zr;+.{+
fa rr f rt rs nrs ra rt +
fa- ff r fa- f nfa r fr+.+
r fa- f r; f fa r r;+
f fr fart rt r t- rt+.-+
af ar rr a rr rr+
f fa nfa frnt r rnt+.+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
449
Cau.: sunata trabs nara nr, dhe nija nija kja bisr.
lakhana rma siya sudarat, dekhi karahi

nija bhgya baR.1.

ati llas basahi

mana mh

, nu gu b ujhata sakuch

.
je tinha mahu bayabiridha sayne, tinha kari juguti rmu pahicne.2.
sakala kath tinha sabahi sun, banahi cale pitu yasu p.
suni sabida sakala pachith

, rn rya knha bhala nh

.3.
tehi avasara eka tpasu v, tejapuja laghubayasa suhv.
kabi alakhita gati beu birg, mana krama bacana rma anurg.4.
Hearing of their arrival the people inhabiting the river banks ran to see them
unmindful of their duties. Beholding the beauty of Lakmaa, Rma and St they
congratulated themselves on their good luck. Their hearts were seized with intense
longing, but they felt shy in enquiring the names and residence of the newcomers. Such
of them, however, as were advanced in years and intelligent were able to recognize
Rma by dint of their wit. They related to them the whole story telling them how r Rma
had proceeded to the woods in obedience to His fathers commands. They were all sad
to hear this and lamented: The king and queen have not done well. In the meantime
there arrived an ascetic who was an embodiment of spiritual glow, young in years and
charming in appearance. His ways were unknown to the poet; he was attired in the garb
of a recluse and was devoted to Rma in thought, word and deed. (14)
0 a f f ;rs frf
s z ff fa r r; rf+ {{+
Do.: sajala nayana tana pulaki nija iadeu pahicni,
pareu daa jimi dharanitala das na ji bakhni.110.
His eyes were wet with tears and a thrill ran through his body when he came to
recognize his beloved Deity (r Rma). He fell prostrate on the ground and the state of
his body and mind could not be described in words. (110)
0r f s rr r rr+
r r fa a r+.{+
f r- r; rnr t- sr; sfn rnr+
f f f f tr f rf f tf- tr+.+
t- fr za at fs fa f r t+
fa = fr fa r; ff r+.-+
a fa ra f f- r +
r f = frt rf f rt+.+
Cau.: rma saprema pulaki ura lv, parama raka janu prasu pv.
manahu premu paramrathu dou, milata dhare tana kaha sabu ko u.1.
bahuri lakhana pyanha soi lg, lnha uhi umagi anurg.
puni siya carana dhuri dhari ss, janani jni sisu dnhi ass.2.
knha nida daavata teh, mileu mudita lakhi rma saneh.
piata nayana pua rupu piy u, mudita suasanu pi jimi bh ukh.3.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
450
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
te pitu mtu kahahu sakhi kaise, jinha pahae bana blaka aise.
rma lakhana siya rupu nihr, hohi

saneha bikala nara nr.4.

Thrilling all over with emotion, r Rma pressed him to His bosom, as though a
pauper had found a philosophers stone. Everyone who saw them suggested as though
love, on the one hand, and the supreme Reality, on the other, embraced each other in
living form. Next he threw himself at the feet of Lakmaa, who lifted him with a heart
overflowing with love. Again he placed on his head the dust of Sts feet and the Mother
(St) gave him Her blessing, knowing him to be Her own child. The Nida chief in his
turn fell prostrate before the hermit, who gladly embraced him recognizing him to be a
friend of r Rma. With the cup of his eyes he drank the nectar of r Rmas beauty
and was delighted as a hungry soul who had secured excellent food *. Tell me, friend,
what are those father and mother like, that have exiled to the woods children such as
these? Beholding the beauty of r Rma, Lakmaa and St, men and women alike
were ill at ease on account of love. (14)
0a rrt ff f fr t-
r r t f n a; t-+ {{{+
Do.: taba raghubra aneka bidhi sakhahi sikhvanu dnha,
rma rajyasu ssa dhari bhavana gavanu tei

knha.111.
The Hero of Raghus race then admonished His friend (Guha) in ways more than
one. And bowing to r Rmas commands he left for his home. (111)
0f f r rt f t- r rt+
t fa rs r; far ; a zr;+.{+
f ff n rar f f rs rar+
r n arr f r fa z r+.+
rn rf r rfa r r r+
n fnf r rt af r rf rt+.-+
f f r; r; n f r r r;+
r r fn a r; f rf arf f= r;+.+
Cau.: puni siya rma lakhana kara jor, jamunahi knha pranmu bahor.
cale sasya mudita dou bh, rabitanuj kai karata baR.1.
pathika aneka milahi

maga jt, kahahi

saprema dekhi dou bhrt.

rja lakhana saba aga tumhre , dekhi socu ati hdaya hamre .2.
mraga calahu paydehi pe , jyotiu jh uha hamre bhe .
agamu pathu giri knana bhr, tehi maha stha nri sukumr.3.
* This episode of an ascetic has been ignored by some commentators as an interpolation and
obviously it is disconnected with the main thread of the narrative and appears to have been inserted
afterwards. All the same the lines are found in all old manuscripts. The poet was a saint of uncommon spiritual
insight. It is, therefore, difficult to say what was his intention in writing these lines. In any case the episode
cannot be dismissed as an interpolation. When the ascetic has been spoken of here as unknown even to the
poet, no one can say with any amount of certainty who he was. To our mind he is none else than the monkey-
god, r Hanumn, or a mental projection of the poet (Tulasdsa) himself.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
451
kari kehari bana ji na jo, hama sa ga calahi

jo yasu ho.
jba jah

lagi taha pahu c, phiraba bahori tumhahi siru n.4.

Then, with joined palms, St, Rma and Lakmaa made renewed obeisance to
the Yamun. Accompanied by St the two brothers gladly proceeded further, extolling
the daughter of the sun-god as they went. Many a traveller met them on the way and
beholding the two brothers they fondly exclaimed: Finding all the marks of royalty on
your person, we are sore troubled at heart. When you wend your way on foot, the
science of astrology (which tells us that men possessing such and such features should
always be borne on some vehicle) is misleading to our mind. The road is difficult and lies
through big mountains and forests. On top of it you have a delicate girl with you. Infested
with elephants and lions the forest is too terrible to look at. We are ready to accompany
you if you enjoin us to do so. We will escort you as far as you go and will then return
bowing our heads to you. (14)
0f ff f nra
rf f fa-f f fta + {{+
Do.: ehi bidhi pu

chahi

prema basa pulaka gta jalu naina,

kpsidhu pherahi

tinhahi kahi binta mdu baina.112.

In this way they offered their services, overmastered as they were by love; a thrill
ran through their body and tears came to their eyes. The all-merciful Lord, however,
dismissed them with polite and gentle words. (112)
0 nr f n rt fa-f rn n frt +
f at f rrt r - - r+.{+
r f rt fa- r rfa rt +
- n f frt fa-f rf rt+.+
f frf rf tar fa rrtrf+
fa r nrf fa-f fa rf+.-+
f a= a f r; f a= ar zr;+
f r rnr rfa f f f rnr+.+
Cau.: je pura g

va basahi

maga mh

, tinhahi nga sura nagara sihh

.
kehi sukt

kehi ghar

base, dhanya punyamaya parama suhe.1.

jaha jaha rma carana cali jh

, tinha samna amarvati nh

.
punyapuja maga nikaa nivs, tinhahi sarhahi

surapurabs.2.
je bhari nayana bilokahi

rmahi, st lakhana sahita ghanasymahi.

je sara sarita rma avaghahi

, tinhahi deva sara sarita sarhahi

.3.
jehi taru tara prabhu baihahi

j, karahi

kalapataru tsu baR.

parasi rma pada paduma parg, mnati bh umi bh uri nija bhg.4.
The hamlets and villages that lay on the road were the envy of the towns of the
Ngas and gods. The deities presiding over these towns said to one another: By what
blessed soul and at what auspicious hour were these hamlets and villages founded?
They are so lucky, meritorious and of such exquisite beauty! Even Amarvat (the city
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
452
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
of immortals) stood no comparison with the spots which were trodden by r Rmas
feet. The dwellers on the wayside were all embodiments of virtue; they evoked the praise
of the denizens of heaven inasmuch as they feasted their eyes on r Rma, who was
dark as a cloud, as well as on St and Lakmaa. The lakes and streams in which r
Rma bathed were the envy of the lakes and rivers of gods. The tree under which the
Lord sat was glorified by the trees of paradise. Nay, kissing the dust of r Rmas lotus-
feet Earth deemed herself most lucky. (14)
0r f rr fn f frf
a fnf fn n r n rf+ {{-+
Do.: ch

ha karahi

ghana bibudhagana baraahi

sumana sihhi

,
dekhata giri bana bihaga mga rmu cale maga jhi

.113.
Clouds screened Him from the sun, the gods rained flowers and regarded Him
with wistful eyes as r Rma wended His way looking at the mountains, forests, birds
and beasts. (113)
0tar fa rrr; nr f ff r;+
f r q rt f aa nr frt+.{+
r f = frt r; rf rt+
fr tr n f rs tr+.+
f r; r fa- t f - f t+
- rf f t r r t+.-+
rf f rn faa rf n rn+
n f s rt rf ff a rt+.+
Cau.: st lakhana sahita raghur, g

va nikaa jaba nikasahi

j.
suni saba bla bddha nara nr, calahi

turata ghakju bisr.1.

rma lakhana siya rupa nihr, pi nayanaphalu hohi

sukhr.
sajala bilocana pulaka sarr, saba bhae magana dekhi dou br.2.
barani na ji das tinha ker, lahi janu rakanha suramani her.
ekanha eka boli sikha deh

, locana lhu lehu chana eh

.3.
rmahi dekhi eka anurge, citavata cale jhi

sa ga lge.
eka nayana maga chabi ura n, hohi

sithila tana mana bara bn.4.

Whenever St, Lakmaa and the Lord of Raghus happened to pass by some
village, all those who heard of His comingyoung and old, men and women alikecame
out at once, unmindful of their household duties. Beholding the beauty of r Rma,
Lakmaa and St they obtained the reward of their eyes and felt gratified. Their eyes
were wet with tears, a thrill ran through their body and they were all enraptured to behold
the two brothers. The state of their mind could not be described in words; it seemed as
if paupers had stumbled on a pile of heavenly gems. Calling their neighbours they
admonished one another: Obtain the reward of your eyes this very moment. Some
were enraptured to see Rma and went with Him gazing on Him all the time. Others took
His image into the heart through the door of their eyes and were utterly overpowered in
body, mind and speech. (14)
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
453
0 f r f zrf a ra
f nr; f >r n f f ra+ {{+
Do.: eka dekhi baa ch

ha bhali si mdula tna pta,

kahahi

gav

ia chinuku ramu gavanaba abahi

ki prta.114.
Seeing the cool shade of a banyan tree some spread soft grass and leaves
under it and said, Pray rest awhile and you may then depart either just now or preferably
next morning. (114)
0 f rf rt ; r f rt+
f f tfa fa t r r t ft+.{+
rt >rfa t rt rrf f t- rt+
fa rf f rr = rr+.+
rf rr r rr+
a= ar a rr a rf rr+.-+
rff f t f n ra t +
f f- atr rf f atr+.+
Cau.: eka kalasa bhari nahi

pn, a caia ntha kahahi

mdu bn.
suni priya bacana prti ati dekh, rma kpla susla bise.1.
jn ramita sya mana mh

, gharika bilabu knha baa chh

.
mudita nri nara dekhahi

sobh, r upa an upa nayana manu lobh.2.

ekaaka saba sohahi

cahu or, rmacadra mukha cada cakor.

taruna tamla barana tanu soh, dekhata koi madana manu moh.3.
dmini barana lakhana suhi nke, nakha sikha subhaga bhvate j ke.
munipaa kainha kase tunr, sohahi

kara kamalani dhanu tr.4.

Others brought a pitcher full of water and said in soft accents, My lord, rinse your
mouth. Hearing their agreeable words and seeing their extreme love, the tender-hearted
and most amiable r Rma mentally perceived that St was fatigued, and rested awhile
in the shade of the banyan tree. Men and women regarded His loveliness with great
delight; His peerless beauty captivated their eyes and mind. Standing in a circle with their
gaze fixed on the countenance of r Rmacandra they all shone like a group of Cakora
birds encircling the moon. With His graceful form possessing the hue of a young Tamla
tree He fascinated by His looks the mind of a million Cupids. Lakmaa too, who had
fair limbs bright as lightning and charming from head to foot, appeared most lovely and
attracted the mind. With the bark of trees wrapped round their loins and a quiver fastened
to their waist the two brothers carried a bow and arrow in their lotus hands. (14)
0r tf n s fr
f a t r+ {{~+
Do.: ja mukua ssani subhaga ura bhuja nayana bisla,
sarada paraba bidhu badana bara lasata sveda kana jla.115.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
454
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Their matted locks were coiled on their head in the shape of a beautiful crown and
they had a broad chest, long arms and big eyes; while their lovely faces, which
resembled the autumnal full moon, glistened with beads of sweat. (115)
0f r; r rt rr a rf fa rt+
r f ar; faf fa fa r;+.{+
rf fr nt n f fr +
t t nrfa rt a fa rt +.+
r r rnf r f r+
rrf f t fa r a zt+.-+
trff f f rt fn r rf nrt+
r rs r ;- a t fa a r+.+
Cau.: barani na ji manohara jor, sobh bahuta thori mati mor.
rma lakhana siya sudarat, saba citavahi

cita mana mati l.1.

thake nri nara prema pise, manahu mg mga dekhi di se.
sya sampa grmatiya jh

, pu

chata ati saneha sakuch

.2.
bra bra saba lgahi

pe , kahahi

bacana mdu sarala subhe .

rjakumri binaya hama karah

, tiya subhya kachu p u

chata arah

.3.
svmini abinaya chamabi hamr, bilagu na mnaba jni gav

r.
rjakua ra dou sahaja salone, inha te lah duti marakata sone.4.
The pair was charming beyond words; their loveliness was unbounded and my
wits are too poor. Everyone gazed on the beauty of r Rma, Lakmaa and St with
their mind, intellect and reason fully absorbed. Thirsting for love the villagers, both men
and women, stood motionless even as bucks and does are dazed by light. The village
women approached St; in their extreme love they would put questions to Her but
hesitated to do so. Again and again they threw themselves at Her feet and addressed
to Her soft and guileless words which came straight from their heart: Princess, we have
a request to make to you, but due to our womanly modesty we are afraid to ask you.
Forgive our incivility, madam, and be not offended, knowing that we are after all rustic
women. Both these princes are naturally graceful in form; it is from them that emerald and
gold have borrowed their green and yellow lustre respectively. (14)
0tr n fr r
tr r= + {{+
Do.: symala gaura kisora bara sudara suam aina,
sarada sarbarntha mukhu sarada saroruha naina.116.
The one dark and the other fair, but both of tender age,which is so attractive,
handsome and all-beauteous, they have faces resembling the autumnal moon and eyes
like the autumnal lotus. (116)
0rf r rfr f r rf arr+
f rt t f rt+.{+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
455
fa-f frf frfa t r fa t+
f r n t rt ft+.+
r n a nr r rr r+
f f rt f a fa; f rt+.-+
fat f f fa s fa-f f f+
; fa nrt - r rf t+.+
Cau.: koi manoja lajvanihre, sumukhi kahahu ko hi

tumhre.
suni sanehamaya majula bn, sakuc siya mana mahu musukn.1.
tinhahi biloki bilokati dharan, duhu sakoca sakucati barabaran.
sakuci saprema bla mga nayan, bol madhura bacana pikabayan.2.
sahaja subhya subhaga tana gore, nmu lakhanu laghu devara more.
bahuri badanu bidhu acala h

k, piya tana citai bhauha kari b

k.3.
khajana maju tirche nayanani, nija pati kaheu tinhahi siya sayanani.
bha

mudita saba grmabadh u

, rakanha rya rsi janu l u

.4.
[PAUSE 16 FOR A THIRTY-DAY RECITATION]
[PAUSE 4 FOR A NINE-DAY RECITATION]
Putting to shame by their comeliness millions of Cupids, tell us, O fair lady, how
stand they to you? Hearing their loving and sweet words St felt abashed and smiled
within Herself. Looking at them in the first instance She then cast Her eyes towards the
earth; the fair-complexioned lady felt a twofold delicacy. With a voice sweet as the notes
of a cuckoo the fawn-eyed princess bashfully replied in loving and sweet accents: The
one who is artless in manners and has a fair and graceful form is called Lakmaa and
is my younger brother-in-law. Again veiling Her moon-like face with an end of Her sari
She looked at Her beloved lord and then bending Her eyebrows and casting a sidelong
glance with Her beautiful eyes that resembled the Khajana bird (a species of wagtail)
in their quick movements, She indicated to them by signs that He was Her husband. All
the village women were as delighted as paupers that had been allowed free access to
hoards of riches. (14)
0fa f r f ff f t
r rrfnf r ar fn f f t+.{{+
Do.: ati saprema siya pya pari bahubidhi dehi

assa,
sad sohgini hohu tumha jaba lagi mahi ahi ssa.117.
Falling at Sts feet in their great love they invoked upon Her many a blessing and
said, May you ever enjoy a happy married life so long as the earth rests on the head
of the serpent-god (ea). (117)
0rat faf r f rz r+
f f f f rt f rn ff rt+.{+
rf f rt t t frt+
f f fart ft t rt+.+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
456
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
af rr = rt s n rnf- rt+
a rf rt fa nra fr rt+.-+
fr r t ff ff t- a t+
fr nfa t t-r rf n n fa- f t-r+.+
Cau.: prabat sama patipriya hohu, debi na hama para chRaba chohu.
puni puni binaya karia kara jor, jau ehi mraga phiria bahor.1.
darasanu deba jni nija ds, lakh

sya saba prema pis.

madhura bacana kahi kahi parito

, janu kumudin

kaumud

po

.2.
tabahi

lakhana raghubara rukha jn, pu

cheu magu loganhi mdu bn.

sunata nri nara bhae dukhr, pulakita gta bilocana br.3.
mi modu mana bhae malne, bidhi nidhi dnha leta janu chne.
samujhi karama gati dhraju knh, sodhi sugama magu tinha kahi dnh.4.
Be as dear to your lord as Prvat to iva; yet cease not to be kind to us, O good
lady. Again and again we pray with joined palms: should you return by this very route,
allow us to see you, remembering us as your handmaids. St found them all athirst with
love and comforted them with many soothing words even as lilies are refreshed by
moonlight. Presently, reading r Rmas mind, Lakmaa gently asked the villagers
about the road they should take. The moment they heard this the villagers, both men and
women, became sad; a thrill ran through their body and tears rushed to their eyes. Their
joy disappeared and they felt depressed at heart as though God was snatching back the
treasure He had bestowed upon them. Reflecting on the ways of Fate they took courage
and fixing upon the easiest road they gave it out to Him. (14)
0 rt fa a n t- rrr
f f f r; r+.{{c+
Do.: lakhana jnak sahita taba gavanu knha raghuntha,
phere saba priya bacana kahi lie li mana stha.118.
Accompanied by Lakmaa and Janakas Daughter the Lord of Raghus then
proceeded on His way. (As people tried to follow Him) He sent back all with soothing
words, though He took their hearts with Him. (118)
0fa rf fa fart f r f rt+
fa fr t ff a s t+.{+
f f f f f f t- = +
= a= rn= rr af rrr+.+
;-f t- r t- rf ff rn fr+
ff n f rrr rf ff r rr+.-+
f f zrf rar n a a frar+
a= r ;-f ff t-r r f f >r t-r+.+
Cau.: phirata nri nara ati pachith

, daiahi dou dehi

mana mh

.
sahita bida parasapara kahah

, bidhi karataba ulae saba ahah

.1.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
457
nipaa nirakusa nihura nisaku, jehi

sasi knha saruja sakalak u.
rukha kalapataru sgaru khr, tehi

pahae bana rjakumr.2.
jau pai inhahi dnha banabs u, knha bdi bidhi bhoga bils u.
e bicarahi

maga binu padatrn, race bdi bidhi bhana nn.3.
e mahi parahi

si kusa pt, subhaga seja kata sjata bidht.
tarubara bsa inhahi bidhi dnh, dhavala dhma raci raci ramu knh.4.
While returning to their homes the villagers, men and women alike, grievously
lamented and blamed Providence in their heart. In doleful accents they said to one
another, The Creators doings are all perverse, He is absolutely uncontrollable, heartless
and remorseless. It is He who made the moon sickly (subject to periodical waning) and
disfigured it with a dark patch. Again, it is He who made the wish-yielding tree a member
of the vegetable kingdom and the ocean salt. It is the same Creator who has sent these
princes into the woods. If He has chosen the forest as a fit abode for them, in vain has
He provided luxuries and enjoyments. If they traverse the road bare-footed, in vain has
He created vehicles of various kinds. If they repose on the ground littered with grass and
leaves, why does God take the trouble of making lovely beds? If God has assigned them
an abode in the shade of umbrageous trees, in vain has He taken pains to errect milk-
white palaces. (14)
0 f f f r
ff rfa rf f ar+.{{+
Do.: jau e muni paa dhara jaila sudara suhi sukumra,
bibidha bh

ti bhuana basana bdi kie karatra.119.

If these handsome and most delicate boys are attired in the robes of hermits
and wear matted locks of hair, in vain has God created ornaments and costumes of
various kinds. (119)
0 rt rf rf n rt+
f r r n ff r+.{+
fn t ff t >r nr t+
rf rt = r f rt+.+
;-f f ff rnr a rn r rnr+
t- a >r r af ;fr rf r+.-+
f a rf r f - f rf+
a f - f ff f- +.+
Cau.: jau e kada mula phala khh

, bdi sudhdi asana jaga mh

.
eka kahahi

e sahaja suhe, pu pragaa bhae bidhi na bane.1.

jaha lagi beda kah bidhi karan, ravana nayana mana gocara baran.
dekhahu khoji bhuana dasa cr, kaha asa purua kah

asi nr.2.
inhahi dekhi bidhi manu anurg, paatara joga banvai lg.
knha bahuta rama aika na e, tehi

iri bana ni dure.3.

eka kahahi

hama bahuta na jnahi

, puhi parama dhanya kari mnahi

.
te puni punyapuja hama lekhe, je dekhahi

dekhihahi

jinha dekhe.4.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
458
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
If they live on bulbs, roots and fruits alone, foods such as ambrosia exist in vain.
Some people remarked: Naturally charming as they are, these princes must have
appeared on earth of their own accord and were not made by God. In all the fourteen
spheres ransack if you will the entire range of Gods creation described at length in the
Vedas as perceptible by the ears, eyes and mind; but where can you find such a man
and such a woman as these? At their very sight Brahms mind got enamoured of them
and he proceeded to make their match. He toiled much, but none of his products could
even approach the prototype; and due to that jealousy he has brought these princes to
the woods and hid them. Others said, We do not claim to know much, but account
ourselves supremely blessed. They too are meritorious in our opinion, who see these
princes or have seen them or shall see them. (14)
0f ff f f f f f t
ff ff rn n f r t+.{+
Do.: ehi bidhi kahi kahi bacana priya lehi

nayana bhari nra,

kimi calihahi

mraga agama suhi sukumra sarra.120.

Making such fond remarks they filled their eyes with tears and added, Most
delicate of frame, how shall they be able to traverse such an impassable road? (120)
0rf f rt ; rr rt+
f n rt nf z f rt+.{+
a =r fa f ff z r+
nt ;-f t-r rn t-r+.+
rnr r; ff rt ff f rf- rt+
rf r fa- f r r+.-+
f = rf r; fn n r fn r;+
r; frf r; fa ff r;+.+
Cau.: nri saneha bikala basa hoh

, caka

jha samaya janu soh

.
mdu pada kamala kahina magu jn, gahabari hdaya kahahi

bara bn.1.
parasata mdula carana arunre, sakucati mahi jimi hdaya hamre.
jau jagadsa inhahi banu dnh, kasa na sumanamaya mragu knh.2.
jau mg pia bidhi ph

, e rakhiahi

sakhi

khinha mh

.
je nara nri na avasara e, tinha siya rmu na dekhana pe.3.
suni surupu bujhahi

akul, aba lagi gae kah

lagi bh.
samaratha dhi bilokahi

j, pramudita phirahi

janamaphalu p.4.
Overmastered by love the women felt as uneasy as the female Cakravka bird
does at evening time. Reflecting on the tender lotus-like feet of the princes and the rough
road they were required to tread, the women said in polite phrase with their heart stirred
with deep feeling, At the touch of their soft and rosy soles the earth shrinks even as our
hearts. If the Lord of the universe chose to exile them into the woods, why did He not
at the same time strew their path with flowers? If we can secure from Heaven the boon
of our asking, let us keep these princes, O friend, within the lids of our eyes. Those men
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
459
and women, who did not come in time, were unable to behold St and Rma. Hearing
of their exquisite beauty they anxiously asked: How far, brother, must have they gone
by now? The stronger of them ran on and saw the princes, and returned triumphant,
attaining the end of their existence. (14)
0r r q tf farf
rf rn ;f r r rf+.{{+
Do.: abal blaka bddha jana kara mjahi

pachithi

.
hohi

premabasa loga imi rmu jah

jaha jhi

.121.
Women, children and the aged, however, wrung their hands and lamented. In this
way the people were smitten with love wherever r Rma went. (121)
0nr nr r; f r +
rr f rf a rff r nrf+.{+
f fa r t- f r; r r+
f rn rnr; ra r;+.+
a fa ra - f- r - r n= r a r+
- r nr rf - r; r+.-+
rs ff f at f rfa t+
r f r r; t n r r;+.+
Cau.: gva gva asa hoi anad u, dekhi bhnukula kairava cad u.
je kachu samcra suni pvahi

, te npa rnihi dosu lagvahi

.1.
kahahi

eka ati bhala naranh u, dnha hamahi joi locana lh u.

kahahi

parasapara loga log

, bte sarala saneha suh

.2.
te pitu mtu dhanya jinha je, dhanya so nagaru jah

te e.
dhanya so desu sailu bana gu

, jaha jaha jhi

dhanya soi hu

.3.
sukhu pyau biraci raci teh, e jehi ke saba bh

ti saneh.
rma lakhana pathi kath suh, rah sakala maga knana ch.4.
In every village there was similar rejoicing at the sight of r Rma, who was
a moon to the lily-like solar race. Those who could get some information as to the
circumstances that had led to r Rmas banishment blamed the king and queen.
Others said, The king is too benevolent in that he has vouchsafed to us the reward
of our eyes. Men and women talked among themselves in straight, loving and agreeable
phrases. Blessed are the parents who gave birth to these princes; and happy the
town from which they hail. Happy is the land, hill, forest, village and every spot which
they visit. Nay, the Creator must have felt happy in creating him who looks upon these
princes as his near and dear ones. The delightful story as to how r Rma and
Lakmaa travelled in the woods was broadcast all along the route and throughout
the forest. (14)
0f ff rr f n rn- a
rf a ff f ffr a+.{+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
460
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Do.: ehi bidhi raghukula kamala rabi maga loganha sukha deta,
jhi

cale dekhata bipina siya saumitri sameta.122.

Thus bringing joy to the people on the roadside, r Rma, who was a veritable
sun to the lotus-like solar race, proceeded with St and Sumitrs son (Lakmaa)
looking at the forest. (122)
0rn r r ar fra r+
s t f rfa zr t f rr +.{+
f s f f ; fa ;+
sr f s f rt f f rff rt+.+
t f tar fa n fa tar+
t r r f n rf r+.-+
r f tfa r; nr ff f r;+
n n n f f rt f rf fa r rt+.+
Cau.: ge rmu lakhanu bane pche , tpasa bea birjata kche .
ubhaya bca siya sohati kaise , brahma jva bica my jaise .1.
bahuri kahau chabi jasi mana basa, janu madhu madana madhya rati lasa.
upam bahuri kahau jiya joh, janu budha bidhu bica rohini soh.2.
prabhu pada rekha bca bica st, dharati carana maga calati sabht.
sya rma pada aka bare , lakhana calahi

magu dhina le .3.
rma lakhana siya prti suh, bacana agocara kimi kahi j.
khaga mga magana dekhi chabi hoh

, lie cori cita rma baoh

.4.
r Rma walked in front while Lakmaa followed in the rear, both conspicuous
in the robes of ascetics. Between the two St shone like My (the Divine Energy) that
stands between Brahma (God), on the one hand, and the individual soul on the other. To
illustrate Her beauty as it exists in my mind in another way, She looked like Rati (the wife
of the god of love) shining between Madhu (the spirit presiding over the vernal season)
and the god of love. Beating my brains for another illustration, let me say She shone like
Rohi* between Budha and the moon-god. St trod on the path with meticulous care
planting Her feet in the space between Her lords footprints. Avoiding the footprints both
of St and Rma, Lakmaa traversed the road always keeping them to his right. The
ideal affection of r Rma, Lakmaa and St was past telling; how can one describe
it? Even birds and beasts were enraptured to behold their beauty; their hearts were
stolen by Rma, the wayfarer. (14)
0f- f- f f f a rs r;
n n a; f >r fr;+ {-+
Do.: jinha jinha dekhe pathika priya siya sameta dou bhi,
bhava magu agamu anadu tei binu rama rahe siri.123.
* The deity presiding over the fourth lunar asterism, who was born as the daughter of Daka and was
the favourite consort of the moon-god.

The god presiding over the planet Mercury and descended from the loins of the moon-god.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
461
Whoever saw the beloved travellers, St and the two brothers (Rma and Lakmaa),
joyously reached the end of the toilsome journey of life without any exertion. (123)
0 r s r f r r+
r r r;f r; r r f r;+.{+
a rrt >rfa f rt f f ta rt+
a f r; ra r; rrr;+.+
a r rtf r>r r+
r t f r r fnf r r+.-+
f r f na +
n n f rr t ffa fa t+.+
Cau.: ajahu jsu ura sapanehu k u, basahu lakhanu siya rmu ba u.
rma dhma patha pihi so, jo patha pva kabahu muni ko.1.
taba raghubra ramita siya jn, dekhi nikaa bau stala pn.
taha basi kada mula phala kh, prta nahi cale raghur.2.
dekhata bana sara saila suhe, blamki rama prabhu e.
rma dkha muni bsu suhvana, sudara giri knanu jalu pvana.3.
sarani saroja biapa bana phule, gujata maju madhupa rasa bhule.
khaga mga bipula kolhala karah

, birahita baira mudita mana carah

.4.
Nay, to this very day, anyone in whose heart the wayfarers Lakmaa, St and
Rma, should ever lodge even in a dream shall find the road leading to r Rmas abode
(the divine region known by the name of Sketa),the road that scarce any anchorite
may find. Then perceiving that St was tired and seeing a banyan tree and cool water
hard by, the Hero of Raghus line partook of bulbs, roots and fruits and staying there
overnight and bathing at dawn the Lord of Raghus proceeded further. And beholding
lovely woods, lakes and hills the Lord reached the hermitage of Vlmki. r Rma saw
the sages beautiful dwelling with its charming hills and forest and its sacred waters. The
lotuses in the ponds and the trees in the woods were in blossom; intoxicated with their
honey bees sweetly hummed over them. Birds and beasts made a tumultuous noise and
moved about in joy free from all animosities. (14)
0f r>r ff rf
f rr rn f rn rs + {+
Do.: suci sudara ramu nirakhi harae rjivanena,
suni raghubara gamanu muni ge yau lena.124.
The lotus-eyed Rma rejoiced to behold the sacred and lovely hermitage; and
hearing of the arrival of r Rma (the Chief of Raghus line) the sage came forth to
receive Him. (124)
0f r za t-r rfr f t-r+
f r f zr f r r>rf r+.{+
f faf rf r nr+
f ffr r r a f r>r f r+.+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
462
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
rtf r rt n fa frt+
a rf rrr; r >r r;+.-+
ar frr t frr ft ff ar rr+
f r rt f f rfa t- rt+.+
Cau.: muni kahu rma daavata knh, sirabdu biprabara dnh.
dekhi rma chabi nayana juRne, kari sanamnu ramahi

ne.1.
munibara atithi prnapriya pe, kada m ula phala madhura mage.
siya saumitri rma phala khe, taba muni rama die suhe.2.
blamki mana na du bhr, magala murati nayana nihr.
taba kara kamala jori raghur, bole bacana ravana sukhad.3.
tumha trikla daras muninth, bisva badara jimi tumhare hth.
asa kahi prabhu saba kath bakhn, jehi jehi bh

ti dnha banu rn.4.

r Rma fell prostrate before the sage and the holy Brhmaa blessed Him in
return. The sight of r Rmas beauty gladdened his eyes and with due honour he took
the Lord into the hermitage. Finding a guest as dear to him as life itself the holy sage sent
for delicious bulbs, roots and fruits. St, Lakmaa and Rma partook of those fruits and
the sage then assigned them beautiful quarters. Great was the joy of Vlmkis heart as
he beheld with his own eyes r Rma, who was bliss personified. Joining His lotus
palms the Lord of Raghus then spoke to him in words which were delightful to the ears.
You directly perceive everything relating to the past, present and future, O lord of sages;
the whole universe is as if in the palm of your hand. Saying so the Lord related to him
the whole story as to how the queen (Kaikey) had exiled Him into the woods. (14)
0ara f ra fa r; a rs
r arr - rs+ {~+
Do.: tta bacana puni mtu hita bhi bharata asa ru,
mo kahu darasa tumhra prabhu sabu mama punya prabhu.125.
Compliance with my fathers commands, gratification of my stepmother (Kaikey),
the installation of a brother like Bharata to the throne and my seeing youall this, my
lord, is the result of my meritorious acts. (125)
0f r fr arr a r+
rs r r; f sn r r;+.{+
f ar f- a t a f r t+
n f far ; rf r+.+
f rf f r; r f ffr fa r+
a f =f a rr r r rr+.-+
f rr rt r r r f rt+
rra ar r aa >rfa a+.+
Cau.: dekhi pya munirya tumhre, bhae sukta saba suphala hamre,
aba jaha rura yasu ho, muni udabegu na pvai ko.1.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
463
muni tpasa jinha te dukhu lahah

, te naresa binu pvaka dahah

.
magala mula bipra parito u, dahai koi kula bh usura ro u.2.
asa jiya jni kahia soi h u

, siya saumitri sahita jaha j u

.
taha raci rucira parana tna sl, bsu karau kachu kla kpl.3.
sahaja sarala suni raghubara bn, sdhu sdhu bole muni gyn.
kasa na kahahu asa raghukulaket u, tumha plaka satata ruti set u.4.
In beholding your feet, O king of sages, all my good deeds have been rewarded.
Now I intend to go wherever you command me to go and where no anchorite may
feel disturbed. For such monarchs as prove a source of annoyance to hermits and
ascetics are consumed without fire. While the satisfaction of Brhmaas is the root
of happiness, their wrath consumes millions of generations. Bearing this in mind pray
tell me a place to which I may proceed with St and Lakmaa (Sumitrs son), and
building a charming hut of leaves and grass may spend some time there, O good sir.
Hearing these guileless and unsophisticated words of r Rma (the Chief of Raghus
line) the enlightened sage exclaimed, Quite so, right You are. Why should You not
speak thus, O Glory of Raghus line, ever busy as You are in maintaining the laws
laid down by the Vedas? (14)
U0>rfa a r r ar nt rr rt
r fa n rfa fa = r; rfr t+
r t t f= r t
r f r a ff t+
Cha.:ruti setu plaka rma tumha jagadsa my jnak,
jo sjati jagu plati harati rukha pi kpnidhna k.
jo sahasassu ahsu mahidharu lakhanu sacarcara dhan,
sura kja dhari nararja tanu cale dalana khala nisicara an.
While You are the custodian of the Vedic laws and the Lord of the universe, St
(Janakas Daughter) is Your My (Divine Energy) who creates, preserves and dissolves
the universe on receiving the tacit approval of Your gracious Self. As for Lakmaa he
is no other than the thousand-headed ea (the lord of serpents), the supporter of the
globe and the lord of the entire creation, both animate and inanimate. Having assumed
the form of a king for the sake of the gods You are out to crush the host of wicked
demons.
0r = arr nr fq
fna r fa fa fa fn + {+
So.: rma sarupa tumhra bacana agocara buddhipara,
abigata akatha apra neti neti nita nigama kaha.126.
Your Being, O Rma, is beyond the range of speech and beyond
conception, unknown, unutterable and infinite; the Vedas ever speak of It as not
that, not that. (126)
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
464
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
0n ar fr ff f rfr+
as rf arrr = arf r rfrr+.{+
r; r; f r; ra arf ar; r; r;+
arff r arf rr rf na na s +.+
fr arrt fna fr r frt+
a a rr ra rr+.-+
r f f fa arr z rf rf r+
ar r rr rf a rf rr+.+
Cau.: jagu pekhana tumha dekhanihre, bidhi hari sabhu nacvanihre.
teu na jnahi

maramu tumhr, auru tumhahi ko jnanihr.1.

soi jnai jehi dehu jan, jnata tumhahi tumhai hoi j.
tumharihi kp

tumhahi raghunadana, jnahi

bhagata bhagata ura cadana.2.

cidnadamaya deha tumhr, bigata bikra jna adhikr.
nara tanu dharehu sata sura kj, kahahu karahu jasa prkta rj.3.
rma dekhi suni carita tumhre, jaRa mohahi

budha hohi

sukhre.
tumha jo kahahu karahu sabu s

c, jasa kchia tasa chia nc.4.

This world is a spectacle and You are its spectator; nay, You make even Brahm
(the Creator), Viu (the Preserver) and ambhu (the Destroyer) dance to Your tune.
Even these latter know not Your secret; who else can know You? In fact, he alone can
know You, to whom You make Yourself known; and the moment he knows You he
becomes one with You. It is by Your grace, O Delighter of Raghus, that Your votaries
come to know You, O Comforter of the heart of devotees. Your body is all consciousness
and bliss and is devoid of change; it is the competent alone who realize this. It is for the
sake of saints and gods that You have assumed a human semblance and speak and act
even as worldly monarchs do. The stupid get puzzled while the wise feel delighted when
they see or hear of Your doings. All that You say or do is true; for one should play the
role one has assumed on the stage. (14)
0 rf f a rs
r a f arf r rs+ {+
Do.: pu

chehu mohi ki rahau kaha mai

pu

chata sakucu ,
jaha na hohu taha dehu kahi tumhahi dekhvau hu .127.
You ask me: Where should I take up my residence? But I ask You with
diffidence: tell me first the place where You are not; then alone I can show You a
suitable place. (127)
0f f r f r r+
rtf f f rt rt f rt+.{+
r s far r f ar+
f- >r rr r a rrf n f rr+.+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
465
f fa rf fa- f ar n =+
r ra f- f r f fr+.-+
ff fa f rt = f rf rt+
fa- z r f rrr+.+
Cau.: suni muni bacana prema rasa sne, sakuci rma mana mahu musukne.
blamki ha si kahahi

bahor, bn madhura amia rasa bor.1.

sunahu rma aba kahau niket, jah

basahu siya lakhana samet.

jinha ke ravana samudra samn, kath tumhri subhaga sari nn.2.
bharahi

niratara hohi

na p ure, tinha ke hiya tumha kahu gha rure.

locana ctaka jinha kari rkhe, rahahi

darasa jaladhara abhile.3.

nidarahi

sarita sidhu sara bhr, rupa bidu jala hohi

sukhr.
tinha ke hdaya sadana sukhadyaka, basahu badhu siya saha raghunyaka.4.
On hearing the sages words, imbued as they were with love, r Rma felt
abashed and smiled within Himself. Vlmki too smiled and spoke to Him again in
words as sweet as though they were steeped in nectar: Listen, Rma: I tell You now
the places where You should abide with St and Lakmaa. The heart of those whose
ears are, like the ocean, constantly replenished with a number of lovely streams in the
shape of Your stories but know no surfeit, shall be Your charming abode. Again, the
heart of those whose eyes long to see You even as the Ctaka bird longs to see the
rain-cloud and, disdaining like the same bird rivers, oceans and big lakes, derive
satisfaction from a drop of Your rain-like beautyit is their heart alone which shall
serve as Your delightful home, where You and Your younger brother (Lakmaa) and
St may take up Your abode. (14)
0 arr r f ff tr r
ar n n ; r f ar+ {c+
Do.: jasu tumhra mnasa bimala hasini jh jsu,
mukathala guna gana cunai rma basahu hiya tsu.128.
Nay, You should dwell in the heart of him whose swan-like tongue picks up pearls
in the shape of Your virtues in the holy Mnasarovara lake of Your fame. (128)
0 r f n rr r r ; fa rr+
arf ffa r t r t+.{+
t f n= f t tfa fa f f ft+
fa f r r r r z f r+.+
r at f rt r fa- rt +
rr fa f arrr f arf fa frr+.-+
a r f ff rr f r; f rr+
ar a f nf f rt r f rt+.+
Cau.: prabhu prasda suci subhaga subs, sdara jsu lahai nita ns.
tumhahi nibedita bhojana karah

, prabhu prasda paa bhuana dharah

.1.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
466
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
ssa navahi

sura guru dvija dekh, prti sahita kari binaya bise.

kara nita karahi

rma pada puj, rma bharosa hdaya nahi

d uj.2.
carana rma tratha cali jh

, rma basahu tinha ke mana mh

.
matrarju nita japahi

tumhr, pujahi

tumhahi sahita parivr.3.

tarapana homa karahi

bidhi nn, bipra jev

i dehi

bahu dn.
tumha te adhika gurahi jiya jn, sakala bhya sevahi

sanamn.4.
Abide, O Rma, in the mind of those whose nose devoutly inhales everyday the
fragrance of sacred and lovely offerings (in the shape of flowers, sandal-paste, etc.,)
made to their Lord (Yourself), who eat only that which has been offered to You and put
on clothes and ornaments first dedicated to You, whose heads bow down most
submissively and lovingly at the sight of a god, preceptor or Brhmaa, whose hands
adore r Rmas feet everyday, who cherish in their heart faith in Rma and none else,
and whose feet take them to holy places sacred to Rma. Again those who are ever
engaged in muttering the Rma-Mantra (>rtrr ,the king of all sacred formulas, and
worship You alongwith Your associates; who offer water to the manes and pour oblations
into the sacred fire in diverse ways, who feed the Brhmaas and bestow liberal gifts on
them and who look upon their preceptor as greater than Yourself and wait upon him with
due honour and entire devotion (14)
0 f rnf r fa rs
fa- f f rr rs+ {+
Do.: sabu kari mgahi

eka phalu rma carana rati hou,

tinha ke mana madira basahu siya raghunadana dou.129.
And who having done all this ask only one boon as their reward: Let me have
devotion to r Rmas feet!enthrone Yourself in the temple of their heart, both St
and the Delighter of Raghus (Yourself). (129)
0r r r rr r r rn rr+
f- f rr fa- z rr rr+.{+
f fart f r nrt+
f - f frt rna ra arrt+.+
arf rfz nfa f rt r fa- rt+
t rf rt r f a f rt+.-+
f fa t fa rf ffa ft+
f-f r ar rfr fa- arr+.+
Cau.: kma koha mada mna na moh, lobha na chobha na rga na droh.
jinha ke kapaa dabha nahi

my, tinha ke hdaya basahu raghury.1.

saba ke priya saba ke hitakr, dukha sukha sarisa prasas gr.
kahahi

satya priya bacana bicr, jgata sovata sarana tumhr.2.

tumhahi chRi gati dusari nh

, rma basahu tinha ke mana mh

.
janan sama jnahi

paranr, dhanu parva bia te bia bhr.3.

je haraahi

para sapati dekh, dukhita hohi

para bipati bise.

jinhahi rma tumha prnapire, tinha ke mana subha sadana tumhre.4.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
467
Those who have no lust, anger, arrogance, pride or infatuation, are without
greed, excitement, attraction or aversion and who are free from fraud, hypocrisy and
deceitit is in their heart that You should abide, O Chief of Raghus. Again, those
who are beloved of all and friendly to all, to whom joy and sorrow, applause and
abuse are alike and who scrupulously utter truthful and polite words, nay, who are
resigned to You whether awake or asleep and who have no support other than
Yourselfit is in their mind, O Rma, that You should dwell. Again, those who look
upon anothers wife as their own mother and to whom anothers wealth is the deadliest
of all poisons, who rejoice to see others prosperity and are particularly grieved to
see anothers distress, and to whom, O Rma, You are dear as their own life
their minds are Your blessed abodes. (14)
0trf r fa ra n f- ar ara
f fa- t fa rs ra+ {-+
Do.: svmi sakh pitu mtu gura jinha ke saba tumha tta,
mana madira tinha ke basahu sya sahita dou bhrta.130.
Nay, those to whom, my dear, You are at once master and companion, father and
mother, preceptor and everything elseit is in the temple of their mind that St and You
two brothers should reside. (130)
0n af n nt f fa t+
tfa f f- ; n tr rr arr fa- tr+.{+
n arr r; f rr f rfa arr rr+
r na f rnf t af s fa t+.+
rfa rfa zr; f fr r;+
af arf ; s r; af z rrr;+.-+
n n rr a rr+
rs r r af s zr+.+
Cau.: avaguna taji saba ke guna gahah

, bipra dhenu hita sakaa sahah

.
nti nipuna jinha kai jaga lk, ghara tumhra tinha kara manu nk.1.
guna tumhra samujhai nija dos, jehi saba bh

ti tumhra bharos.
rma bhagata priya lgahi

jeh, tehi ura basahu sahita baideh.2.

jti p

ti dhanu dharamu baR, priya parivra sadana sukhad.

saba taji tumhahi rahai ura l, tehi ke hdaya rahahu raghur.3.
saragu naraku apabaragu samn, jaha taha dekha dhare dhanu bn.
karama bacana mana rura cer, rma karahu tehi ke ura er.4.
Those who overlook others faults and pick out their virtues and endure hardships
for the sake of the Brhmaas and cows, nay, who have established their reputation in
the world as well-versed in the laws of proprietytheir mind is Your excellent abode.
Again, he who attributes his virtues to You and holds himself responsible for his faults, nay,
who entirely depends on You and loves r Rmas (Your) devoteesit is in his heart that
You should stay alongwith Videhas Daughter (St). He who, renouncing his caste and
kinsmen, wealth, faith and glory, his near and dear ones, his happy home and everything
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
468
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
else, cherishes You in his bosomin his heart You should take up Your residence, O Lord
of Raghus. Again, he to whom heaven and hell and even freedom from birth and death are
the same inasmuch as he beholds You armed with a bow and arrow here, there and
everywhere, and who is Your servant in thought, word and deedmake his heart, O
Rma, Your permanent abode. (14)
0rf rf ar
fa ar r rs f n+ {-{+
Do.: jhi na chia kabahu kachu tumha sana sahaja sanehu,
basahu niratara tsu mana so rura nija gehu.131.
Lastly, he who wants nothing at any moment and bears natural affinity to You
incessantly dwell in his mind; for that is Your own home. (131)
0f ff f r r r+
f rr r>r s r+.{+
fr fnf fr a arr rfa r+
r r r= f f n fn fr=+.+
t ta r rt frfr f a rt+
f r rs rff r ra ra zrff+.-+
fr rf f t f rn a a t+
>r r n fnf+.+
Cau.: ehi bidhi munibara bhavana dekhe, bacana saprema rma mana bhe.
kaha muni sunahu bhnukulanyaka, rama kahau samaya sukhadyaka.1.
citrakua giri karahu nivs u, taha tumhra saba bh

ti sups u.
sailu suhvana knana cr u, kari kehari mga bihaga bihr u.2.
nad punta purna bakhn, atripriy nija tapabala n.
surasari dhra nu madkini, jo saba ptaka potaka kini.3.
atri di munibara bahu basah

, karahi

joga japa tapa tana kasah

.
calahu saphala rama saba kara karah u, rma dehu gaurava giribarah u.4.
The eminent sage (Vlmki) thus showed Him many a dwelling place and his
loving words gladdened r Rmas soul. Listen, O Lord of the solar race, the sage
continued, I now tell You a retreat that will be delightful in the existing circumstances.
Take up Your abode on the Citrakua hill: there You will have comforts of every kind.
Charming is the hill and lovely the forest, which is the haunt of elephants, lions and deer
as well as of birds. It has a holy river glorified in the Puras, which was brought by the
sage Atris wife by dint of her penance. It is a side stream of the Gag and is known
by the name of Mandkinwhich is quick to destroy sins even as a witch strangles
infants. Many great sages like Atri dwell there practising Yoga and muttering sacred
formulas and wasting their bodies with penance. Wend Your way thither, Rma, and
reward the labours of all, conferring dignity on this great mountain as well. (14)
0fr fr fa t rf nr;
r; r fa f a rs r;+ {-+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
469
Do.: citrakua mahim amita kah mahmuni gi,
i nahe sarita bara siya sameta dou bhi.132.
The great sage Vlmki then described at length the infinite glory of Citrakua and
the two brothers proceeded with St and bathed in the sacred stream. (132)
0rr s rrr a r r+
t sa rr ff fs ff rr+.{+
t rr f rs rr+
fr t ; rrra r t+.+
f rs rr frf rr rr+
s r - rr fa fa rr+.-+
r fra r a r+
f rf ; rr fa rr frr+.+
Cau.: raghubara kaheu lakhana bhala ghu, karahu katahu aba hhara h u.
lakhana dkha paya utara karr, cahu disi phireu dhanua jimi nr.1.
nad panaca sara sama dama dn, sakala kalua kali suja nn.
citrakua janu acala aher, cukai na ghta mra muhabher.2.
asa kahi lakhana hu dekharv, thalu biloki raghubara sukhu pv.
rameu rma manu devanha jn, cale sahita sura thapati pradhn.3.
kola kirta bea saba e, race parana tna sadana suhe.
barani na jhi

maju dui sl, eka lalita laghu eka bisl.4.

r Rma (the Chief of Raghus line) said, Lakmaa, here is a good descent into
the river; now make arrangements for our stay somewhere. Lakmaa presently
surveyed the north bank of the Payaswin river and said, Lo! a rivulet bends round this
bank like a bow with the river itself for its string, control of the mind and senses and
charity for its arrows, and all the sins of the Kali age for its many quarries. Armed with
this bow Mount Citrakua looks like an immovable huntsman who takes unerring aim and
makes a frontal attack. With these words Lakmaa showed the spot and r Rma
was delighted to see the site. When the gods learnt that the site had captivated r
Rmas mind, they proceeded to Citrakua with Vivakarm, the chief of heavenly
architects. They all came in the guise of Kolas and Bhlas and put up beautiful dwellings
of leaves and grass. They made a pair of huts which were lovely beyond words, the one
a fine little cottage and the other larger in size. (14)
0 rt fa ra =f fa
r f fa far a+ {--+
Do.: lakhana jnak sahita prabhu rjata rucira niketa,
soha madanu muni bea janu rati riturja sameta.133.
Adorning the beautiful cottage with Lakmaa and Janakas Daughter (St) the
Lord looked as charming as the god of love accompanied by his consort, Rati, and the
deity presiding over Spring (the king of seasons) all attired as hermits. (133)
[PAUSE 17 FOR A THIRTY-DAY RECITATION]
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
470
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
0 rn f ffrr fr r af rr+
r r t- r fa f r r+.{+
f r r r r+
f fat r fa f f fr+.+
fr rr r rr f f f r+
ra f fa fr t- za rr r+.-+
f rrf r; s t r fa rf t+
f ffr r f f r f f+.+
Cau.: amara nga kinara disipl, citrakua e tehi kl.
rma pranmu knha saba kh u, mudita deva lahi locana lh u.1.
barai sumana kaha deva samju, ntha santha bhae hama j u.
kari binat dukha dusaha sune, haraita nija nija sadana sidhe.2.
citrakua raghunadanu che, samcra suni suni muni e.
vata dekhi mudita munibd, knha daavata raghukula cad.3.
muni raghubarahi li ura leh

, suphala hona hita sia deh

.
siya saumitri rma chabi dekhahi

, sdhana sakala saphala kari lekhahi

.4.
Gods, Ngas, Kinnaras and the guardians of the eight quarters flocked to
Citrakua on that occasion. r Rma made obeisance to them all and the gods were glad
to obtain the reward of their eyes. Raining flowers the heavenly host exclaimed, Lord,
we feel secure today! With great supplication they described their terrible woes, and
returned joyfully to their several abodes. Hermits streamed in as they heard the news
that r Rma (the Delighter of Raghus) had taken up His abode at Citrakua. The moon
of the solar race fell prostrate when He saw the holy company coming with a cheerful
countenance. The hermits pressed r Rma (the Chief of Raghus line) to their bosom
and invoked their blessings on Him just in order to see them come true. As they gazed
on the beauty of St, Lakmaa (Sumitrs son) and Rma, they accounted all their
spiritual practices fully rewarded. (14)
0rrn rf fr f f
f rn rn a f r>rf- + {-+
Do.: jathjoga sanamni prabhu bid kie munibda,
karahi

joga japa jga tapa nija ramanhi suchada.134.

After paying them due honours the Lord dismissed the holy throng and they
practised Yoga (contemplation), Japa (muttering of prayers) and austerities and performed
sacrifices unmolested in their own retreats. (134)
0 f r fra- r; ff rr r;+
f f rr rr+.{+
fa- f- rs rar fa-f f n rar+
a a rrt fr; r; f- rrr;+.+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
471
f rr= f rn f frf fa rn+
fr f a r t r+.-+
r n r f f r+
f rrf rf rt fta f rt+.+
Cau.: yaha sudhi kola kirtanha p, harae janu nava nidhi ghara .
kada mula phala bhari bhari don, cale raka janu l uana son.1.
tinha maha jinha dekhe dou bhrt, apara tinhahi p u

chahi

magu jt.
kahata sunata raghubra nik, i sabanhi dekhe raghur.2.
karahi

johru bhe a dhari ge, prabhuhi bilokahi

ati anurge.
citra likhe janu jaha taha hRhe, pulaka sarra nayana jala bRhe.3.
rma saneha magana saba jne, kahi priya bacana sakala sanamne.
prabhuhi johri bahori bahor, bacana binta kahahi

kara jor.4.
When the Kolas and Bhlas got this news, they felt as delighted as though the nine
heavenly treasures of Kubera had found their way to their own house. With cups of
leaves full of bulbs, roots and fruits they sallied forth as paupers to gather gold as spoils.
Such of them as had already seen the two brothers were questioned about them by
others who proceeded along the same road. Describing and hearing of r Rmas
beauty they all came and beheld the Lord of Raghus. Placing their offerings before the
Lord they greeted Him and regarded Him with deep affection. They stood here and there
as so many painted figures, thrilling all over and with tears streaming from their eyes. r
Rma perceived that they were all overwhelmed with emotion and addressing kind words
to them treated them all with honour; while they in their turn greeted the Lord again and
again and with joined palms spoke to Him in polite terms: (14)
0 r r f r
rn r rn rs rr+ {-~+
Do.: aba hama ntha santha saba bhae dekhi prabhu pya,
bhga hamre gamanu rura kosalarya.135.
Having seen Your feet, O Lord, we all feel secure now. Our good-luck is
responsible for Your visit to this place, O Lord of Ayodhy. (135)
0- f rr r rs ar rr+
- fn n rrt arf frt+.{+
- fa frr t f arrr+
t- r rs frt ;r fa rt+.+
rfa r; f f f rrr r;+
z fnf rr r n n rr+.-+
a a arf rs fr rs rs+
fr ar r r ar+.+
Cau.: dhanya bhumi bana patha pahr, jaha jaha ntha pu tumha dhr.
dhanya bihaga mga knanacr, saphala janama bhae tumhahi nihr.1.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
472
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
hama saba dhanya sahita parivr, dkha darasu bhari nayana tumhr.
knha bsu bhala hu bicr, ih

sakala ritu rahaba sukhr.2.

hama saba bh

ti karaba sevak, kari kehari ahi bgha bar.

bana behaRa giri kadara khoh, saba hamra prabhu paga paga joh.3.
taha taha tumhahi ahera kheluba, sara nirajhara jalahu dekhuba.
hama sevaka parivra samet, ntha na sakucaba yasu det.4.
Blessed is the land, forest, road and hill where You have planted Your foot, my
Lord. Fortunate are the birds and beasts of the forest, whose life has been crowned by
Your sight. And lucky are we all alongwith our family in that we have been able to feast
our eyes on Your beauty. You have chosen an excellent spot whereon to take up Your
abode; You will be comfortable here during all the seasons. We will render all sorts of
services to You keeping away elephants and lions, serpents and tigers. The dreary
forest, hills, caves and ravines have all been explored by us foot by foot, O Lord. We
will take You for hunting to the different haunts of game and will show You lakes and
springs and other reservoirs of water. We and our people are Your servants; therefore,
do not hesitate to command us, O Lord. (14)
0 f n a =r
fra- a ff fa r + {-+
Do.: beda bacana muni mana agama te prabhu karun aina,
bacana kirtanha ke sunata jimi pitu blaka baina.136.
The same gracious Lord whom Vedic texts fail to describe and the mind of hermits
cannot reach listened to the words of the Bhlas even as a father listens to the words
of his children. (136)
0rf frr rf s r rfrr+
r a ar f fr+.{+
fr f f r; fr n a a rr r+
f ff f a rs r; f ff f r;+.+
a r; rrr a a s nr+
f f f ff rr fa f farr+.-+
a= f r r f ff r+
n a >rt frf rf ; t+.+
Cau.: rmahi kevala premu pir, jni leu jo jnanihr.
rma sakala banacara taba toe, kahi mdu bacana prema paripoe.1.
bid kie sira ni sidhe, prabhu guna kahata sunata ghara e.
ehi bidhi siya sameta dou bh, basahi

bipina sura muni sukhad.2.

jaba te i rahe raghunyaku, taba te bhayau banu magaladyaku.
phulahi

phalahi

biapa bidhi nn, maju balita bara beli bitn.3.

surataru sarisa subhya suhe, manahu bibudha bana parihari e.
guja majutara madhukara ren, tribidha bayri bahai sukha den.4.
Love alone attracts r Rma; let those who are curious take note of it. r Rma
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
473
then gratified all the foresters by addressing to them gentle words sweetened by love.
Dismissed by Him they bowed their head to Him and departed; and discussing the
virtues of the Lord they returned to their respective homes. In this way St and the two
brothers lived in the forest, delighting the gods and hermits. Ever since the Lord of
Raghus came and took up His abode there the forest became a fountain of blessings.
Trees of various kinds blossomed and bore fruit and lovely creepers that coiled about
them formed an excellent canopy. They were all naturally beautiful like the trees of
heaven; it seemed as if the latter had abandoned the celestial groves and migrated to that
spot. Strings of bees made an exceedingly sweet humming sound and a delightful breeze
breathed soft, cool and fragrant. (14)
0t ra a r
rfa rfa rf fn >r fa r+ {-+
Do.: nlakaha kalakaha suka ctaka cakka cakora,
bh

ti bh

ti bolahi

bihaga ravana sukhada cita cora.137.

The blue jay, cuckoos, parrots, Ctakas, Cakravkas, Cakoras and other birds
delighted the ear and ravished the soul with their varied notes. (137)
0f f f r nr fna ff nr+
fa r f t rf fa n ft+.{+
f ff fn n rt f r frt +
f ; f -r ar nrrf -r+.+
f t rr rff f rr+
s ta fnf = r = r+.-+
fr rf a fr nrf aa+
ff fa r; >r f f zr; r;+.+
Cau.: kari kehari kapi kola kurag, bigatabaira bicarahi

saba sag.
phirata ahera rma chabi dekh, hohi

mudita mgabda bise.1.

bibudha bipina jaha lagi jaga mh

, dekhi rma banu sakala sihh

.
surasari sarasai dinakara kany, mekalasut godvari dhany.2.
saba sara sidhu nad

nada nn, madkini kara karahi

bakhn.
udaya asta giri aru kailsu, madara meru sakala surabs u.3.
saila himcala dika jete, citrak ua jasu gvahi

tete.
bidhi mudita mana sukhu na sam, rama binu bipula baR p.4.
Elephants, lions, monkeys, boars and deer, all sported together, free from enmity.
Herds of deer were enraptured when they beheld the beauty of r Rma roaming about in
search of prey. All the forests of gods existing in the universe were filled with envy at the
sight of r Rmas forest. The heavenly river (Gag), Saraswat, the Sun-born Yamun,
Narmad (the daughter of Mount Mekala), the blessed Godvar and the various other
lakes, seas, streams and rivers, all extolled the Mandkin. The eastern and western hills
(from and behind which the sun is believed to emerge and disappear every morning and
evening), Mounts Kailsa (the abode of Lord iva), Mandara, Meru, all abodes of gods, and
mountains like the Himalayas, all sang praises of Citrakua. Glad was the deity presiding
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
474
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
over the Vindhya range*, whose delight was more than his heart could contain, to think that
he had won such great renown without much exertion. (14)
0fr fn n f f a rfa
- - f f rfa+ {-c+
Do.: citrakua ke bihaga mga beli biapa tna jti,
punya puja saba dhanya asa kahahi

deva dina rti.138.

Blessed and full of merit are all the birds and deer, creepers, trees and the
various species of herbage of Citrakua, so declare the gods day and night. (138)
0a rrf frt r; rf frt+
f rt frt+.{+
r r r n fa r r+
fr f f ff ar rn t- fr+.+
rf af fr; f r r;+
f f r f r a rf r+.-+
r f ff t zr f t+
f rt r; t rt+.+
Cau.: nayanavata raghubarahi bilok, pi janama phala hohi

bisok.
parasi carana raja acara sukhr, bhae parama pada ke adhikr.1.
so banu sailu subhya suhvana, magalamaya ati pvana pvana.
mahim kahia kavani bidhi ts u, sukhasgara jaha knha nivs u.2.
paya payodhi taji avadha bih, jaha siya lakhanu rmu rahe .
kahi na sakahi

suam jasi knana, jau sata sahasa hohi

sahasnana.3.
so mai

barani kahau bidhi keh

, bara kamaha ki madara leh

.
sevahi

lakhanu karama mana bn, ji na slu sanehu bakhn.4.

Having beheld the Chief of Raghus line those who had eyes attained the end of
their life and were rid of sorrow; whereas inanimate objects rejoiced at the touch of the
very dust of His feet and became eligible for attaining the highest state (blessedness).
The forest and hill where that Ocean of Bliss (r Rma) took up His abode were
naturally lovely; auspicious and the holiest of the holy; how could it be possible to glorify
them ? The exquisite beauty of the forest where St, Lakmaa and r Rma came and
settled, taking leave of the ocean of milk and bidding adieu to Ayodhy, could not be
described even by a hundred thousand eas (each with a thousand pairs of tongues).
How, then, can I describe it at some length any more than a tortoise living in a puddle
can lift Mount Mandara? Lakmaa waited upon r Rma in thought, word and deed with
an amiability and devotion more than one could tell. (14)
0f f f f r rf r
a fa ra fa n+ {-+
* Citrakua being a peak of the Vindhya mountains, the glory of the former is naturally shared by the
latter. It is on this account that joyfulness is attributed to the range itself.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
475
Do.: chinu chinu lakhi siya rma pada jni pu para nehu,
karata na sapanehu lakhanu citu badhu mtu pitu gehu.139.
Gazing on the feet of St and Rma every moment and conscious of their love
for him, Lakmaa never recalled even in a dream his younger brother (atrughna),
father, mother or even his home. (139)
0r n f fa rt f n fa frt+
f f f f frt fa rrt+.{+
r fa a frt fa fa f ff rt+
f r rnr f rnr+.+
t f fa nr f fr= n fnr+
r ffa f f +.-+
r r rt r; r;+
r rf fra r af f rf f fr+.+
Cau.: rma saga siya rahati sukhr, pura parijana gha surati bisr.
chinu chinu piya bidhu badanu nihr, pramudita manahu cakorakumr.1.
nha nehu nita baRhata bilok, haraita rahati divasa jimi kok.
siya manu rma carana anurg, avadha sahasa sama banu priya lg.2.
paranaku priya priyatama sag, priya parivru kuraga bihag.
ssu sasura sama munitiya munibara, asanu amia sama kada mula phara.3.
ntha stha s

thar suh, mayana sayana saya sama sukhad.

lokapa hohi

bilokata jsu, tehi ki mohi saka biaya bils u.4.

In r Rmas company St lived a happy life, forgetting Her town (Ayodhy),
family and home. Ever watching the moonlike face of Her beloved lord She was
extremely glad like the young of a Cakora bird. Finding Her lords affection grow from
day to day She remained happy as a Cakravka bird during the day. Her mind was
so enamoured of r Rmas feet that the forest appeared to Her as dear as a thousand
Ayodhys. Dear was the hut of leaves in the company of Her most beloved lord, while
fawns and birds constituted Her beloved family. The holy hermits appeared to Her as
Her own father-in-law and their spouses as Her mother-in-law; while Her diet consisting
of bulbs, roots and fruits tasted like ambrosia. Shared with Her spouse even the lovely
litter of leaves delighted Her as hundreds of Cupids own beds. Can the charm of
sensuous enjoyments ever enchant Her whose very look confers the sovereignty of
a sphere. (14)
0fa rf af a f fr
rfr n f f r ar+ {+
Do.: sumirata rmahi tajahi

jana tna sama biaya bilsu,

rmapriy jaga janani siya kachu na caraju tsu.140.
Fixing their thoughts on r Rma, His devotees spurn the pleasures of sense as
worth no more than a piece of straw. It is no wonder, then, in the case of St, r Rmas
beloved Consort and the Mother of the universe. (140)
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
476
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
0t f ff t r; rrr f r; t+
f ra r rt f f fa rt+.{+
r f t a a rf fr t+
ff ra fa f r; a t r;+.+
rf rf rt t f s frt+
f f f r; rt ff =f frt +.-+
fr nfa f rr t r na s +
n r tar f f = tar+.+
Cau.: sya lakhana jehi bidhi sukhu lahah

, soi raghuntha karahi

soi kahah

.
kahahi

purtana kath kahn, sunahi

lakhanu siya ati sukhu mn.1.

jaba jaba rmu avadha sudhi karah

, taba taba bri bilocana bharah

.
sumiri mtu pitu parijana bh, bharata sanehu slu sevak.2.
kpsidhu prabhu hohi

dukhr, dhraju dharahi

kusamau bicr.
lakhi siya lakhanu bikala hoi jh

, jimi puruahi anusara parichh

.3.
priy badhu gati lakhi raghunadanu, dhra kpla bhagata ura cadanu.
lage kahana kachu kath punt, suni sukhu lahahi

lakhanu aru st.4.

The Lord of Raghus would do and say only that which would please St and
Lakmaa. He would narrate old legends and stories, to which Lakmaa and St would
listen with great delight. Every time r Rma thought of Ayodhy His eyes filled with
tears. The gracious Lord became sad when He recalled His father and mother, His family
and brothers and particularly the affection, amiability and devotion of Bharata; but He
recovered Himself when He realized that the time was unpropitious. Perceiving this, St
and Lakmaa felt distressed even as the shadow of a man behaves just like him. When
He saw the condition of His beloved Consort and His brother (Lakmaa), the self-
possessed and compassionate Rma, the Delighter of Raghus and the Soother of His
devotees heart, began to narrate some sacred legends, hearing which Lakmaa and
St felt relieved. (14)
0r tar fa ra fa
ff r t a a+ {{+
Do.: rmu lakhana st sahita sohata parana niketa,
jimi bsava basa amarapura sac jayata sameta.141.
Accompanied by Lakmaa and St r Rma shone in His hut of leaves even
as Indra who dwells in the city of immortals with his spouse, ac, and his son,
Jayanta. (141)
0rnf f f fr nr +
f t rrtf ff ft = tf+.{+
f ff f rt n n ar fart+
s r n rr r ff rr+.+
fs fr f r; f fa f r;+
rt f frf fr f r; s fr+.-+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
477
r r f rt s fa r rt+
f f ff ffrt f fn rt+.+
Cau.: jogavahi

prabhu siya lakhanahi

kaise , palaka bilocana golaka jaise .

sevahi

lakhanu sya raghubrahi, jimi abibek purua sarrahi.1.

ehi bidhi prabhu bana basahi

sukhr, khaga mga sura tpasa hitakr.

kaheu rma bana gavanu suhv, sunahu sumatra avadha jimi v.2.
phireu nidu prabhuhi pahu c, saciva sahita ratha dekhesi .
matr bikala biloki nidu, kahi na ji jasa bhayau bid u.3.
rma rma siya lakhana pukr, pareu dharanitala bykula bhr.
dekhi dakhina disi haya hihinh

, janu binu pakha bihaga akulh

.4.
The Lord watched over St and Lakmaa in the same way as the eyelids protect
the eyeballs; while Lakmaa in his turn waited upon St and r Rma (the Hero of
Raghus race) just as a fool (who identifies himself with his body) tends his own body.
In this way the Lord, who was as friendly to birds and fawns as to gods and ascetics,
lived happily in the forest. Thus have I told the delightful story of r Rmas journey to
the woods; now hear how Sumantra reached Ayodhy. When the Nida chief returned
after escorting the Lord, he saw the minister (Sumantra) with the chariot. The minister
was distressed to see the Nida chief; words fail to describe the agony which he felt
at the moment. Crying out Rma, Rma, St, Lakmaa he (Sumantra) dropped on the
ground utterly helpless; while the horses kept looking on to the south and neighed. They
were as restless as birds shorn of their wings. (14)
0f a f ff rf r rf
r fr rr rf frf+ {+
Do.: nahi

tna carahi

na piahi

jalu mocahi

locana bri,
bykula bhae nida saba raghubara bji nihri.142.
They would neither eat grass nor drink water; while their eyes kept shedding tears.
The whole party of Nidas was distressed to see the horses of r Rma (the Chief of
Raghus line). (142)
0f t a ; fr r f fr+
ar fza r rar t f f frar+.{+
ff r f f rt rs rt+
r ff ; rt rr f t s rt+.+
rf n f rrr n rf r+
f f ff f t r frfn f at+.-+
r r t ff ff fa f at+
rf f nfa f ff rat f f f f f rat+.+
Cau.: dhari dhraju taba kahai nidu, aba sumatra pariharahu bid u.
tumha paita paramratha gyt, dharahu dhra lakhi bimukha bidht.1.
bibidha kath kahi kahi mdu bn, ratha baihreu barabasa n.
soka sithila ratha sakai na h

k, raghubara biraha pra ura b

k.2.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
478
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
carapharhi

maga calahi

na ghore, bana mga manahu ni ratha jore.

aRhuki parahi

phiri herahi

pche , rma biyogi bikala dukha tche .3.

jo kaha rmu lakhanu baideh, hikari hikari hita herahi

teh.
bji biraha gati kahi kimi jt, binu mani phanika bikala jehi bh

t.4.
Then recovering himself, the Nida said, Sumantra, cease sorrowing now. You
are a man of wisdom and a knower of the highest truth; therefore, compose yourself
realizing that Fate is unpropitious to you. Narrating various legends in soft accents,
he took him by force and seated him in the chariot. But overpowered by grief he could
not drive the chariot; the agony of separation from Rma (the Chief of Raghus line)
was severe in his heart. The horses would not move along the road; they were getting
fidgety. It seemed as if wild animals had been caught and put in harness. They would
topple down and turn to look behind, torn away from Rma and smarting with deep
anguish. If anyone mentioned the name of Rma, Lakmaa or St, (Janakas
Daughter), they would start neighing and regard him with love. How could anyone
describe the anguish of separation the horses felt; they were as restless as a snake
robbed of its gem. (14)
0s fr fr a f an
rf rf a f rt n+ {-+
Do.: bhayau nidu bidabasa dekhata saciva turaga,
boli susevaka cri taba die srath saga.143.
The Nida was overcome with grief as he beheld the minister and his horses. He
then called four trusted grooms and sent them with the charioteer (Sumantra). (143)
0n rff fs r; f fr f f r;+
; f frr rf f n frr+.{+
r r f tr fn t rrt ftr+
ff a t= s fa rrt=+.+
rr r rr a f a rr+
r z ra ; r+.-+
tf r f= f far; rf nr;+
ff rf t= r; s r;+.+
Cau.: guha srathihi phireu pahu c, birahu bidu barani nahi

j.
cale avadha lei rathahi nid, hohi

chanahi

chana magana bid.1.

soca sumatra bikala dukha dn, dhiga jvana raghubra bihn.
rahihi na atahu adhama sarru, jasu na laheu bichurata raghubr u.2.
bhae ajasa agha bhjana prn, kavana hetu nahi

karata payn.
ahaha mada manu avasara c uk, ajahu na hdaya hota dui uk.3.
mji htha siru dhuni pachit, manahu kpana dhana rsi gav

.
birida b

dhi bara bru kah, caleu samara janu subhaa par.4.

Seeing off the charioteer, Guha returned; the agony of his separation was too deep
for words. And the Nidas drove off to Ayodhy, plunged in sorrow every moment.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
479
Agitated and stricken with grief, Sumantra lamented: Accursed is life without the Hero
of Raghus race. This wretched body will not survive in the long run; but what a pity it
did not earn fame by perishing at the time of its parting from the Hero of Raghus race.
This life has become a sink of infamy and sin; I wonder what prevents it from departing.
Alas! this vile soul has missed its chance. Oh, that my heart does not break in twain
even now! Wringing his hands and beating his head he rued his lot like a miser who has
lost his hoard of riches. It seemed as if after assuming the role of, and posing as, an
eminent hero, a great warrior had taken to flight. (14)
0f ft f a r rfa
ff r r f r af rfa+ {+
Do.: bipra bibek bedabida samata sdhu sujti,
jimi dhokhe madapna kara saciva soca tehi bh

ti.144.
The minister gave himself up to grief like a discreet Brhmaa of noble descent,
who though well-versed in the Vedas and esteemed by the virtuous, has been deluded
into drinking. (144)
0ff t fa r rt faar rt+
ff r f z faf r= r+.{+
r ztf ; rt ; >r f fa rt+
f rfn rt fs r; s f rt+.+
f s r; frt rf far art+
rf nrf f rt r ff rt+.-+
r z far; r r;+
r fa ff r; ff rf fra r;+.+
Cau.: jimi kulna tiya sdhu sayn, patidevat karama mana bn.
rahai karama basa parihari nhu, saciva hdaya timi druna dh u.1.
locana sajala hi bhai thor, sunai na ravana bikala mati bhor.
sukhahi

adhara lgi mu ha l, jiu na ji ura avadhi kap.2.

bibarana bhayau na ji nihr, mresi manahu pit mahatr.
hni galni bipula mana byp, jamapura patha soca jimi pp.3.
bacanu na va hdaya pachit, avadha kha mai

dekhaba j.
rma rahita ratha dekhihi jo, sakucihi mohi bilokata so.4.
The minister felt in his heart agony as terrible as that of a virtuous and discreet
lady of high birth who is devoted to her lord in thought, word and deed and who is
compelled by evil destiny to live apart from her husband. His eyes were full of tears
and lacking in vision, his ears deaf and his mind was agitated and confused. Nay, his
lips were getting dry and his tongue had cleaved to the palate; yet his life-breath did
not depart, the term of exile serving as a door to prevent its departure from his heart.
He had turned pale and repelled the sight as if he had murdered his own father and
mother. Great was the despondency which preyed upon his mind as a result of the
loss he had just suffered; he looked like a sinner mourning while on his way to the
abode of Death. Words failed him and he lamented within himself: What shall I see on
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
480
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
reaching Ayodhy? Whoever shall find the chariot devoid of Rma will shun my
sight. (14)
0r; ff rf f n rf
sa= f a z r rf+ {~+
Do.: dhi pu

chihahi

mohi jaba bikala nagara nara nri,

utaru deba mai

sabahi taba hdaya bajru baihri.145.

When the agitated citizens run to make enquiries of me, I shall answer them all
with a heavy load on my heart. (145)
0ff t fa rar r fa-f frar+
ff f art fs rt+.{+
r f r;f r; ff - ff r;+
a sa= at n r t+.+
r; ff af a= r r; r+
ff f rs tr f r rrr tr+.-+
s sa= r; rs r;+
a f r a ff a fff +.+
Cau.: puchihahi

dna dukhita saba mt, kahaba kha mai

tinhahi bidht.
puchihi jabahi

lakhana mahatr, kahihau kavana sa desa sukhr.1.

rma janani jaba ihi dh, sumiri bacchu jimi dhenu lav.
p u

chata utaru deba mai

teh, ge banu rma lakhanu baideh.2.

joi p u

chihi tehi utaru deb, ji avadha aba yahu sukhu leb.

p u

chihi jabahi

ru dukha dn, jivanu jsu raghuntha adhn.3.

dehau utaru kaunu muhu l, yau kusala kua ra pahu c.
sunata lakhana siya rma sa des u, tna jimi tanu pariharihi nares u.4.
When all the helpless and afflicted mothers question me, good God, what shall I
say to them? When Lakmaas mother (Sumitr) puts questions to me, what glad
tidings shall I convey to her? And when Rmas mother (Kausaly) comes running like
a cow that has recently borne a calf and has her thoughts fixed on it, the only answer
I can make to her queries will be Rma, Lakmaa and St (Videhas Daughter) have
left for the woods. Whosoever question me must be answered; this is the treat I shall
have on reaching Ayodhy. Again, when the king who is oppressed by grief and whose
life hangs on Rma, puts questions to me, with what face shall I tell him in reply that
having safely escorted the princes I have come back? The moment he hears the news
of Lakmaa, St and Rma the king will drop his body like a piece of straw. (14)
0zs fs ff fa ta t=
ra rf t- ff rar t=+ {+
Do.: hdau na bidareu paka jimi bichurata prtamu nru,
jnata hau mohi dnha bidhi yahu jtan sarru.146.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
481
The swampy ground of my heart did not crack even though the moisture in the
shape of my most beloved Rma has left. From this I conclude that in this very frame
God has endowed me with a body* fit for suffering the tortures of hell. (146)
0f ff a farr ar at aa rr+
fr f f f frr f r f f frr+.{+
a n f r; rf n r nr;+
f f a f nrr rr a = rr+.+
t- fr rf r+
f- f- rr f r r r+.-+
frf f f rrr nf nra ff ra r+
n rf r frra t tn +.+
Cau.: ehi bidhi karata patha pachitv, tamas tra turata rathu v.
bid kie kari binaya nid, phire pya pari bikala bid.1.
paihata nagara saciva sakuc, janu mresi gura b

bhana g.
baihi biapa tara divasu gav

v, s

jha samaya taba avasaru pv.2.

avadha prabesu knha a dhire , paiha bhavana rathu rkhi dure .
jinha jinha samcra suni pe, bh upa dvra rathu dekhana e.3.
rathu pahicni bikala lakhi ghore, garahi

gta jimi tapa ore.

nagara nri nara bykula kaise , nighaata nra mnagana jaise .4.
While Sumantra was thus lamenting on the way, his chariot presently reached the
bank of the Tamas river. He politely dismissed the Nidas, who fell at his feet and
returned with a heart stricken with grief. The minister hesitated to enter the city as if he
had murdered his own preceptor, killed a Brhmaa or butchered a cow. He passed the
day sitting under a tree and found his opportunity only when it was dusk. He entered
Ayodhy in the dark and slunk into the palace leaving the chariot at the gate. All who
heard the news flocked to the entrance of the royal palace to see the chariot. When they
recognized the chariot and found the horses restless with their body wasting away as
hail in the sun, the citizens, both men and women, were sore distressed as fish when
the water runs short. (14)
0f rn a f s fr
= rn af r a fr+ {+
Do.: saciva gamanu sunata sabu bikala bhayau ranivsu,
bhavanu bhayakaru lga tehi mnahu preta nivsu.147.
The moment they heard of the ministers arrival the whole gynaeceum was
restless. To him the palace looked as dreary as though it were an abode of spirits. (147)
0fa rfa f rt sa= r f ; rt+
; >r f rr r af af rr+.{+
* It is mentioned in the scriptures that sinners who are condemned to hell are endowed with a subtle
body (known by the name of Ytan-arra), which though subjected to tortures in various forms is wonderfully
tenacious and does not perish till the sinner has served the sentence.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
482
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
rf- t f fr; rr n n; r;+
r; r t rr f fa frr+.+
r f tr s fa f tr+
; sr r f r at a s rat+.-+
a r f f f rat f s rat+
r r r t f r t+.+
Cau.: ati rati saba pu

chahi

rn, utaru na va bikala bhai bn.

sunai na ravana nayana nahi

sujh, kahahu kah

npu tehi tehi bujh.1.

dsinha dkha saciva bikal, kausaly gha ga

lav.
ji sumatra dkha kasa rj, amia rahita janu cadu birj .2.
sana sayana bibhuana hn, pareu bhumitala nipaa maln.
lei ussu soca ehi bh

t, surapura te janu kha seu jajt.3.

leta soca bhari chinu chinu cht, janu jari pakha pareu sapt.
rma rma kaha rma saneh, puni kaha rma lakhana baideh.4.
In deep agony all the queens questioned him; but no reply came from him, his
voice failed him. His ears could not hear, nor could his eyes see; he asked whomsoever
he met: Tell me, where is the king? Seeing his confusion, the maid-servants conducted
him to Kausalys apartments. Arriving there Sumantra found the king as pale and
lustreless as the moon without nectar. Without a seat, couch or ornaments he lay on the
ground in a most wretched condition. Heaving a sigh he lamented even as Yayti* when
he had fallen from the abode of gods. With his heart bursting with grief every moment,
he looked like Sampt who had dropped from the heavens on account of his wings
having been singed. That great lover of Rma cried Rma, Rma and again Rma,
Lakmaa and St. (14)
0f f t f t-s z r
a ss r fa r r+ {c+
Do.: dekhi saciva jaya jva kahi knheu daa pranmu,
sunata uheu bykula npati kahu sumatra kaha rmu.148.
The minister, on seeing the king, exclaimed, Be victorious and live long! and
made obeisance to him by falling prostrate on the ground. The moment he heard this the
king rose in bewilderment and said, Tell me, Sumantra, where is Rma? (148)
0 r t- s r; za r r;+
fa f rt a rs f rt+.{+
r r t rrr t+
r f f f fr a f r r+.+
* As a reward for the many sacrifices performed by him during his life-time King Yayti ascended to
heaven. Indra received him most courteously and encouraged him to speak highly of his own meritorious
acts. In this way he unwittingly exhausted all his merits and was hurled back to the mortal plane.
For the story of Sampt see the Caups following Doh 26 et seq in Kikindh-Ka.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
483
r f f f r +
r = n t r ff ff s ra r+.-+
rs r; t- r f s r+
r a fa n rr r rt z rf rr+.+
Cau.: bhupa sumatru lnha ura l, b uRata kachu adhra janu p.
sahita saneha nikaa baihr, pu

chata ru nayana bhari br.1.

rma kusala kahu sakh saneh, kaha raghunthu lakhanu baideh.
ne pheri ki banahi sidhe, sunata saciva locana jala che.2.
soka bikala puni pu

cha nares u, kahu siya rma lakhana sades u.

rma r upa guna sla subh u, sumiri sumiri ura socata r u.3.
ru suni dnha banabs u, suni mana bhayau na harau har

su.
so suta bichurata gae na prn, ko pp baRa mohi samn.4.
The king pressed Sumantra to his bosom as if a drowning man had laid hold of
some support. Seating him affectionately by his side and with his eyes full of tears the
king asked him: Apprize me of Rmas welfare, O loving friend; where are Rma (the
Lord of Raghus), Lakmaa and Videhas daughter (St)? Have you brought them back
or have they left for the woods? At these words tears rushed to the ministers eyes.
Overwhelmed with grief the king asked again, Tell me the news about St, Rma and
Lakmaa. Recalling again and again r Rmas beauty, virtues, amiability and
temperament the king sorrowed within himself: Proclaiming my intention to instal him as
Regent I exiled him to the woods; but the news neither delighted his soul nor grieved it.
But my life did not depart even though I had to part from such a son! Who can be such
a great sinner as I? (14)
0r r f ar rf rs
rf a ra r s fars+ {+
Do.: sakh rmu siya lakhanu jaha tah

mohi pahu cu,

nhi

ta chata calana aba prna kahau satibhu.149.

Take me, my friend, to the place where Rma, Sta and Lakmaa are. If not, I
sincerely tell you, my life is going to depart very soon. (149)
0f f a frf r fa r+
f r r; fn sr r f r+.{+
f t f rt rr ar fza rt+
t t r r r r ar r+.+
rnr rf r f f frnr+
r rf nrr; rfa f t r; +.-+
f z frt rs t f rt+
t f frt rfz r fart+.+
Cau.: puni puni pu

chata matrihi r u, priyatama suana sa desa sun u.

karahi sakh soi begi upu, rmu lakhanu siya nayana dekha u.1.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
484
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
saciva dhra dhari kaha mdu bn, mahrja tumha paita gyn.
bra sudhra dhuradhara dev, sdhu samju sad tumha sev.2.
janama marana saba dukha sukha bhog, hni lbhu priya milana biyog.
kla karama basa hohi

gos

, barabasa rti divasa k n

.3.
sukha haraahi

jaRa dukha bilakhh

, dou sama dhra dharahi

mana mh

.
dhraja dharahu bibeku bicr, chRia soca sakala hitakr.4.
Again and again the king asked the minister; Communicate to me the news of my
most beloved sons. Quickly contrive, my friend, some means whereby you may be able
to bring before my eyes Rma, Lakmaa and St. Recovering himself the minister
gently replied, Your Majesty is learned and wise. Nay, you are a leader of the brave and
courageous, my lord, and have always attended assemblies of holy men. Birth and
death, all painful and pleasurable experiences, loss and gain, union with and separation
from friendsall these, my lord, take place under the unalterable laws of time and
destiny like the succession of night and day. Fools rejoice in prosperity and mourn in
adversity; while the wise account both alike. Therefore, exercising your mature judgment
take up courage and cease sorrowing, O friend of all. (14)
0 r ar s f at
-r; r f f a rs t+ {~+
Do.: prathama bsu tamas bhayau dusara surasari tra,
nhi rahe jalapnu kari siya sameta dou bra.150.
Their first halt was made by the side of the Tamas and the next on the bank of
the celestial river (Gag). Having bathed and drunk water, St and the two brothers
remained without food that day. (150)
0 tf- a r; r rff fn nr;+
ra ra t= nrr r f t rr+.{+
r r a r nr; fr r; rrr;+
r r; r r r;+.+
f frf rf rrtr r f tr+
ara r ara r r n+.-+
f r f f rt ara f f far rt+
n n r r n - arr+.+
Cau.: kevaa knhi bahuta sevak, so jmini sigaraura gav

.
hota prta baa chru magv, ja mukua nija ssa banv.1.
rma sakh

taba nva mag, priy caRhi caRhe raghur.

lakhana bna dhanu dhare ban, pu caRhe prabhu yasu p.2.
bikala biloki mohi raghubr, bole madhura bacana dhari dhr.
tta pranmu tta sana kaheh u, bra bra pada pakaja gaheh u.3.
karabi pya pari binaya bahor, tta karia jani cit mor.
bana maga magala kusala hamre , kp anugraha punya tumhre .4.
The Nida showed great hospitality and the party spent that night in the village
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
485
of Sigaraura (gaverapura). At daybreak they sent for the milk of the banyan tree and
the two brothers coiled up their matted hair in the shape of a crown. Then Rmas friend
(Guha) called for a boat and after helping St to board it r Rma followed suit.
Lakmaa placed on it in an orderly way the two bows and quivers and himself boarded
the boat on receiving the Lords command. Seeing my distress the Hero of Raghus race
summoned up courage and addressed me in sweet accents: Sire, convey my obeisances
to dear father and clasp his lotus feet again and again. Then, falling at his feet submit
to him thus: Father, be not worried on my account. By your grace and goodwill and as
a reward of your meritorious acts my journey to and sojourn in the woods will be happy
and full of blessings. (14)
U0 ar n ara r ra r;
farf r r f ff r;+
t farf f f r f fat rrt
at r; a f t f r t+
Cha.:tumhare anugraha tta knana jta saba sukhu pihau ,
pratipli yasu kusala dekhana pya puni phiri ihau .
janan

sakala paritoi pari pari pya kari binat ghan,

tulas karehu soi jatanu jehi

kusal rahahi

kosala dhan.
By your grace, dear father, I shall have all sorts of comforts on my journey and
having obeyed your commands shall come back safe to behold your lotus feet once
more. Nay, consoling all my mothers fall at their feet again and again and with profuse
entreaties make every effortsays Tulasdsato see that the lord of Ayodhy (my
father) passes his days happily.
0n r r nf
r; s f r rf fa+ {~{+
So.: gura sana kahaba sa desu bra bra pada paduma gahi,
karaba soi upadesu jehi

na soca mohi avadhapati.151.

Clasping my preceptors lotus feet again and again, give him my message: Pray,
so exhort the lord of Ayodhy that he may no longer grieve on my account. (151)
0 f frt ara r fat rt+
r; rfa r fart ra r rt+.{+
a r tfa af r r+
r f rt ra rt+.+
r fr r r; f fa ra r;+
ara rfa af r r r r f r+.-+
rr f r f rf frr+
r r f r; f ara fr;+.+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
486
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Cau.: purajana parijana sakala nihor, tta sunehu binat mor.
soi saba bh

ti mora hitakr, jte raha naranhu sukhr.1.

kahaba sa desu bharata ke e , nti na tajia rjapadu pe .
plehu prajahi karama mana bn, seehu mtu sakala sama jn.2.
ora nibhehu bhyapa bh, kari pitu mtu sujana sevak.
tta bh

ti tehi rkhaba r u, soca mora jehi

karai na k u.3.
lakhana kahe kachu bacana kahor, baraji rma puni mohi nihor.
bra bra nija sapatha dev, kahabi na tta lakhana larik.4.
Humbly approaching all the citizens and all my people, convey to them my
submission: He alone is my friend in everyway, who ensures the kings happiness.
Again, when Bharata comes, give him my message: Abandon not the path of rectitude
on assuming the office of Regent. Cherish your subjects in thought, word and deep
and serve your mothers treating them all alike. Again, brother, vindicate your
brotherliness till the last day by serving our parents and kinsmen. And last but not
the least look after the king in such a way that he may never sorrow on my account.
Here Lakmaa interposed some harsh words, but Rma checked him and then
entreated me adjuring me by himself again and again, Make no mention, dear father,
of Lakmaas childishness. (14)
0 f r f f ; ff
fa r fa + {~+
Do.: kahi pranmu kachu kahana liya siya bhai sithila saneha,
thakita bacana locana sajala pulaka pallavita deha.152.
Sending her greeting St opened her lips to say something but was
overwhelmed with emotion. Her voice failed, her eyes filled with tears and a thrill ran
through her body. (152)
0af rr = r; rf r r;+
rrfa f r at s r f f rat+.{+
r ff fa fs ; r +
f f f n rf nrf r +.+
a af r s f s r= r+
aa f r rr rr t rr+.-+
f fr rf rt r ffa ff r; rt+
f fr rnr t t rnr+.+
Cau.: tehi avasara raghubara rukha p, kevaa prahi nva cal.
raghukulatilaka cale ehi bh

t, dekhau hRha kulisa dhari cht.1.

mai

pana kimi kahau kales u, jiata phireu lei rma sa des u.

asa kahi saciva bacana rahi gaya u, hni galni soca basa bhaya u.2.
suta bacana sunatahi

naranh u, pareu dharani ura druna dh u.

talaphata biama moha mana mp, mj manahu mna kahu byp.3.
kari bilpa saba rovahi

rn, mah bipati kimi ji bakhn.

suni bilpa dukhahu dukhu lg, dhrajah u kara dhraju bhg.4.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
487
At this moment, in response to a hint from the Chief of Raghus (r Rma), the
boatman propelled the boat towards the opposite bank. So departed the Crown of
Raghus race, while I stood looking on with a heavy load on my heart. How am I to
describe my own anguish in that I came back alive bearing Rmas message? At this
stage Sumantras speech failed him, overpowered as he was by grief and remorse due
to separation from r Rma. No sooner had he heard the charioteers speech than the
king dropped to the ground, his heart burning with deep anguish. His mind being
unhinged by excessive infatuation he tossed about like a fish that had been inebriated
by sucking the foam of early rain water (which is intoxicating to the fish). All the queens
wailed and wept; how can their great misfortune be described? At the sound of their wails
sorrow itself was sorrowful and endurance could no longer endure. (14)
0s rr fa f rs r=
f fn s ff r f r=+ {~-+
Do.: bhayau kolhalu avadha ati suni npa rura soru,
bipula bihaga bana pareu nisi mnahu kulisa kahoru.153.
Ayodhy was in great tumult at the sound of the outcry in the royal gynaeceum:
it seemed as if a cruel thunderbolt had fallen at night on a large habitat of birds. (153)
0r na s r f ft r r+
;t f ; rt f f rt+.{+
rr t rr f f s f rr+
s f t r art rt rt+.+
r fr f fr= r frn rf r=+
r ar r s f f r+.-+
t f a r; r= rf a fzf fr=+
f f f f rt r f ff rt+.+
Cau.: prna kathagata bhayau bhulu, mani bihna janu bykula bylu.
idr

sakala bikala bhai

bhr, janu sara sarasija banu binu br.1.

kausaly

npu dkha maln, rabikula rabi a thayau jiya jn.

ura dhari dhra rma mahatr, bol bacana samaya anusr.2.
ntha samujhi mana karia bicru, rma biyoga payodhi apr u.
karanadhra tumha avadha jahju, caRheu sakala priya pathika samju.3.
dhraju dharia ta pia pr u, nhi

ta b uRihi sabu parivr u.

jau jiya dharia binaya piya mor, rmu lakhanu siya milahi

bahor.4.
The life-breath of the king had now stuck to his throat; he felt uneasy like a serpent
robbed of its gem. All his senses were blighted as a cluster of lotuses in a lake that had
been left without water. When Kausaly saw the king withered and blasted, she
concluded in her mind that the sun of the solar race was about to set. Summoning up
courage, therefore, r Rmas mother spoke words appropriate to the occasion: Ponder
in your heart, my lord, and reflect that separation from Rma is a vast ocean, you are
the helmsman and Ayodhy the bark which has been boarded by our near and dear ones
as its passengers. We can hope to reach a shore only if you have patience. If not, the
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
488
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
whole family will be drowned. If you take to heart this entreaty of mine, my beloved lord,
we are sure to see Rma, Lakmaa and St again. (14)
0fr a fas rf srrrf
aa t t ta ta rf+ {~+
Do.: priy bacana mdu sunata npu citayau

khi ughri,
talaphata mna malna janu scata stala bri.154.
Hearing these soft words of his beloved queen, the king opened his eyes and
looked up like a writhing wretched fish that had been sprinkled with cold water. (154)
0f t sf r r r r+
r r t f r t+.{+
fa rs f r at ; n f frfa rat+
ar r f r; rf r r;+.+
s f a ;farr r fa fn t rr+
r a rf rr f r frr+.-+
r rr r fta ar f fa a f ta+
r rt r rr r fa fa fa ra +.+
Cau.: dhari dhraju uhi baiha bhulu, kahu sumatra kaha rma kpl u.
kah

lakhanu kaha rmu saneh, kaha priya putrabadh u baideh.1.

bilapata ru bikala bahu bh

t, bhai juga sarisa sirti na rt.

tpasa adha spa sudhi , kausalyahi saba kath sun.2.
bhayau bikala baranata itihs, rma rahita dhiga jvana s.
so tanu rkhi karaba mai

kh, jehi

na prema panu mora nibh.3.

h raghunadana prna pirte, tumha binu jiata bahuta dina bte.
h jnak lakhana h raghubara, h pitu hita cita ctaka jaladhara.4.
Recovering himself the king got up and sat down. Tell me, Sumantra, where is my
gracious Rma? Where is Lakmaa and where my loving Rma? Where is my beloved
daughter-in-law, Vaideh? The restless monarch wailed in many ways; the night seemed
to him like an age and he felt as though it would never end. He was reminded of the blind
hermits curse and he narrated the whole story to Kausaly. He was filled with agony as he
related the circumstances*. Fie on the hope of surviving without Rma. What shall I gain
* The story has been told at length in the Rmyaa of Vlmki (Ayodhy-Ka, Cantos 63-64). One
day, when Daaratha was still young, he was out hunting and rode to the bank of the Sarayu in search of
game. The sun had set and the king heard at a distance what he believed to be the trumpeting of a wild
elephant. The king, who was expert at hitting an invisible mark by its sound, discharged an arrow and lo! it
struck a young hermit, ravaa by name, who had been filling a pitcher for the use of his blind and aged
parents. The king discovered to his great chagrin that what he had mistaken for the trumpeting of an elephant
had been the gurgling sound caused by the filling of the pitcher. The hermit did not mind his own death; but
he was worried about his helpless parents, who wholly depended on him. He therefore, implored the king to
carry the water to the hermitage and inform his parents of what had happened to their son. With these dying
words the hermit breathed his last and the king did as he was bid by the young anchorite. ravaas parents,
when they heard of his sad fate, begged the king to conduct them to the place where their son was and in their
excessive agony pronounced a curse on the king that he too would die of grief for the loss of a son. It is of this
incident that the king is reminded at the hour of his death.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
489
by preserving this body, which has failed to keep my vow of love? O delighter of Raghus,
who are dear to me as life, already I have lived too long without you. Ah, Janakas daughter
and Lakmaa, Ah, Chief of Raghus line, who gladdened the loving heart of your father as
a rain-cloud delights the Ctaka bird. (14)
0r r f r f r r f r
a ff rr f rs ns r+ {~~+
Do.: rma rma kahi rma kahi rma rma kahi rma,
tanu parihari raghubara biraha ru gayau suradhma.155.
Crying Rma, Rma and again Rma and yet again Rma, Rma, Rma, the
king cast off his body in his agony of separation from the Chief of Raghus line and
ascended to the abode of gods. (155)
0f rr z rr+
fa r f frr r f f rr+.{+
r f rf rt = t a rt+
f fr rr f fa rf rr+.+
ff f r = rt rr rr = f rt+
s r r r f n = fr+.-+
nrt ;f t ft t- n t+
f ff fa f frt r rf rt+.+
Cau.: jiana marana phalu dasaratha pv, aa aneka amala jasu chv.
jiata rma bidhu badanu nihr, rma biraha kari maranu sa vr.1.
soka bikala saba rovahi

rn, rupu slu balu teju bakhn.

karahi

bilpa aneka prakr, parahi

bhumitala brahi

br.2.
bilapahi

bikala dsa aru ds, ghara ghara rudanu karahi

purabs.
a thayau ju bhnukula bhnu, dharama avadhi guna rupa nidhnu.3.
gr

sakala kaikaihi deh

, nayana bihna knha jaga jeh

.
ehi bidhi bilapata raini bihn, e sakala mahmuni gyn.4.
It was King Daaratha who reaped the reward both of his life and death. His
untarnished fame spread through a number of universes; as long as he lived he gazed
on r Rmas moonlike countenance and brought glory to his death by making the
separation from r Rma his excuse for it. Stricken with grief all the queens wept and
praised his comeliness of form, amiable manners, bodily might and majesty. They
lamented in a variety of ways throwing themselves upon the ground again and again.
Men-servants and maid-servants alike wailed in anguish and there was weeping in every
house throughout the city. Today has set the sun of the solar race the perfection of
righteousness, the repository of beauty and virtues. Everyone abused Kaikey, who had
robbed the world of its very eyes. In this way they wailed till the close of night, when all
the great and enlightened hermits arrived. (14)
0a f f f ;far
r rs f f fr r+ {~+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
490
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Do.: taba basiha muni samaya sama kahi aneka itihsa,
soka nevreu sabahi kara nija bigyna praksa.156.
Then the sage Vasiha narrated a number of legends befitting the occasion and
dispersed the gloom that hung over them all by the light of his wisdom. (156)
0a r f a rr a rr; f rr+
r fn a f r f a f r+.{+
a; a r; n rr; s rs r;+
f f r r r n rf r+.+
s a n rf a a a+
f rfa r r rfn f rf r+.-+
f r; f f rr f f f ff rr+
rnf z r; ra fa f r;+.+
Cau.: tela nva bhari npa tanu rkh, d uta boli bahuri asa bh.
dhvahu begi bharata pahi

jhu, npa sudhi katahu kahahu jani khu.1.

etanei kahehu bharata sana j, gura boli pahayau dou bh.
suni muni yasu dhvana dhe, cale bega bara bji laje.2.
anarathu avadha arabheu jaba te , kusaguna hohi

bharata kahu taba te .

dekhahi

rti bhaynaka sapan, jgi karahi

kau koi kalapan.3.

bipra jev

i dehi

dina dn, siva abhieka karahi

bidhi nn.
mgahi

hdaya mahesa man, kusala mtu pitu parijana bh.4.

The sage caused a boat to be filled with oil and had the kings body placed in it
(to guard against decomposition); he then summoned envoys and spoke to them thus,
Run quickly and go to Bharata; but break not the news about the king to anyone at any
place. Approaching Bharata tell him only this much: The preceptor has sent for you two
brothers. Hearing the sages orders the couriers rushed alongwith a speed that would
put an excellent steed to shame. Ever since things began to take a vicious turn in
Ayodhy evil omens occured before Bharata. He saw fearful dreams at night and on
waking indulged in all sorts of unpleasant speculations. He would feast Brhmaas daily
and bestow gifts on them. With elaborate ritual he would sprinkle water over an image
of Bhagavn iva and invoking the great Lord in his heart, begged of Him the welfare
of his parents, family and half-brothers. (14)
0f ff ra a r r;
n r >r f n r;+ {~+
Do.: ehi bidhi socata bharata mana dhvana pahu ce i,
gura anussana ravana suni cale ganesu mani.157.
While Bharata was thus passing an anxious time the courier arrived. And hearing
the Gurus commands he proceeded with an invocation to Lord Gaea. (157)
0 t n r rrra fa r+
z r z rr; rf f rs szr;+.{+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
491
f r; f ff a n fr;+
n rf n rr f rfa a rr+.+
fr rf far f f r; a r+
>rta far rnr n= ff r rnr+.-+
n n n rf r r frn rn fnr+
n rf f rt f- fa rt+.+
Cau.: cale samra bega haya h

ke, nghata sarita saila bana b

ke.
hdaya socu baRa kachu na soh, asa jnahi

jiya ju uR.1.
eka nimea baraa sama j, ehi bidhi bharata nagara niar.
asaguna hohi

nagara paihr, raahi

kubh

ti kukheta karr.2.
khara sira bolahi

pratik ul, suni suni hoi bharata mana s ul.

rhata sara sarit bana bg, nagaru bisei bhayvanu lg.3.
khaga mga haya gaya jhi

na joe, rma biyoga kuroga bigoe.

nagara nri nara nipaa dukhr, manahu sabanhi saba sapati hr.4.
Urging the horses to run as fast as the wind he went on his journey crossing
difficult streams, hills and forests. There was such a great anxiety in his heart that
nothing would please him. He thought to himself, Would that I could fly home. Every
moment hung heavy like an year. In this way Bharata drew near to the city. Evil omens
occurred to him as he entered the city. Crows cawed in an ominous way at undesirable
places. Donkeys and jackals gave a cry that foreboded evil and which pierced Bharata
to the heart as he listened to it. Lakes and rivers, groves and gardens had lost their
charm; while the city wore a particulary dismal look. Birds and fawns, horses and
elephants were too wretched to look at, undone by the fell disease of separation from
Rma. The people of the city, both men and women, were extremely miserable as though
all of them had lost everything they had in their possession. (14)
0 ff f nf rrf rf
a f f fr rf+ {~c+
Do.: purajana milahi

na kahahi

kachu gava hi

johrahi

jhi

,
bharata kusala pu

chi na sakahi

bhaya bida mana mhi

.158.
The citizens met him but spoke not a word; they made obeisance and quietly
passed on. Bharata too could not enquire after their welfare, his mind being obsessed
with fear and grief. (158)
0r r f r; frt ff rfn rt+
ra a f ff t f = ff+.{+
f rat fa sf r; r f f ; r; +
a fa fr= frr r af rr+.+
; fa f r at fa r; frat+
af r f r fa r+.-+
f a r; t f r;+
ara r rar f r f rar+.+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
492
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Cau.: ha ba nahi

ji nihr, janu pura daha disi lgi davr.

vata suta suni kaikayanadini, hara rabikula jalaruha cadini.1.
saji rat mudita uhi dh, dvrehi

bhe i bhavana lei .

bharata dukhita parivru nihr, mnahu tuhina banaja banu mr.2.
kaike haraita ehi bh

t, manahu mudita dava li kirt.

sutahi sasoca dekhi manu mre , pu

chati naihara kusala hamre .3.

sakala kusala kahi bharata sun, pu

ch nija kula kusala bhal.

kahu kaha tta kah

saba mt, kaha siya rma lakhana priya bhrt.4.

The bazars and the streets repelled the sight as though a wild conflagration had
broken out in the city on all sides. Kaikey, who was to the solar race what the moon is
to the lotuses, was rejoiced to hear of her sons approach. Preparing lights for waving
round his head, she sprang up and ran glad at heart, and meeting him at the very door
conducted him into her apartments. Bharata saw with wonder that while the household
wore a wretched appearance like a bed of lotuses blasted by frost, Kaikey was as
happy as a Bhla woman who had set a whole forest ablaze. Seeing her son melancholy
and depressed in spirits, she asked him: Is all well in my mothers house? Bharata
assured her that everything was well and then enquired after the health and welfare of
his own family: Tell me, where is my father and where all mothers, and where is St
and my beloved brothers, r Rma and Lakmaa? (14)
0f a t f
a >r rff rt + {~+
Do.: suni suta bacana sanehamaya kapaa nra bhari naina,
bharata ravana mana sula sama ppini bol baina.159.
On hearing her sons affectionate words the sinful woman brought crocodile tears
to her eyes and spoke words that pierced his ears and soul as so many shafts. (159)
0ara ra rt r r frt+
r ff t fnrs fa fa n rs+.{+
a a f frr s f f rr+
ara ara r ara rt fa r rt+.+
a rs art ara rf rt+
f t f s rt fa a art+.-+
f a fa ; rf r ;+
rf a rf t f r fa t+.+
Cau.: tta bta mai

sakala sa vr, bhai mathar sahya bicr.

kachuka kja bidhi bca bigreu, bh upati surapati pura pagu dhreu.1.
sunata bharatu bhae bibasa bid, janu sahameu kari kehari nd.
tta tta h tta pukr, pare bh umitala bykula bhr.2.
calata na dekhana pyau toh, tta na rmahi sa u

pehu moh.
bahuri dhra dhari uhe sa bhr, kahu pitu marana hetu mahatr.3.
suni suta bacana kahati kaike, maramu p

chi janu mhura de.

dihu te saba pani karan, kuila kahora mudita mana baran.4.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
493
I have accomplished everything for you, my son; and poor Manthar has been of
great help to me. Only God has marred our plans a little before they could be completed;
the king has departed to Indras paradise. As soon as he heard this, Bharata was
overcome with grief as an elephant who is terrified at the roar of a lion. Crying Father,
father, Ah my father! he fell to the ground much agitated. I could not see you before you
left, nor did you, my father, entrust me to the care of r Rma. Then, collecting himself
he got up with some effort and said, Tell me, mother, the cause of my fathers demise.
Hearing the words of her son she replied as one who had cut a vital part and inserted
poison into it. With a glad heart the cruel and wicked woman recounted from the very
beginning all that she had done. (14)
0af fs fa a r n
a s rf f fa f + {+
Do.: bharatahi bisareu pitu marana sunata rma bana gaunu,
hetu apanapau jni jiya thakita rahe dhari maunu.160.
Hearing of r Rmas exile to the forest Bharata forgot his fathers death; and
realizing in his heart that he was at the root of it he remained mute and stupefied. (160)
0f frf af rrfa r nrfa+
ara rs f r rn f ; a t- s rn +.{+
ta r a fa fr+
rf r f fa r r +.+
f f s rr= r a rn nr=+
t f f f srr rff f rfa rr+.-+
=f t fa art a r r rt+
z rf a rs t r t f ffa rf str+.+
Cau.: bikala biloki sutahi samujhvati, manahu jare para lonu lagvati.
tta ru nahi

socai jogu, biRhai sukta jasu knheu bhogu.1.

jvata sakala janama phala pe, ata amarapati sadana sidhe.
asa anumni soca pariharah u, sahita samja rja pura karah u.2.
suni suhi sahameu rjakumr u, pke chata janu lga a gr u.
dhraja dhari bhari lehi

uss, ppini sabahi bh

ti kula ns.3.
jau pai kuruci rah ati toh, janamata khe na mre moh.
peRa ki tai

plau s

c, mna jiana niti bri ulc.4.

Observing his sons distress she comforted him like one who applied salt to a
burn. The king, my son, is not fit for lamentation. He not only reaped a rich harvest of
merit and renown but enjoyed life also. During his life-time he obtained all the rewards
of human existence and in the end ascended to the abode of Indra (the lord of immortals).
Pondering thus cease sorrowing and rule the kingdom with all its limbs (such as the
army, the exchequer, the ministers and so on). The prince was utterly dismayed to hear
these words as though a festering sore had been touched by a live coal. Recovering
himself he heaved a deep sigh and said, O wicked woman, you have brought complete
ruin to our family. If you bore such deep malice, why did you not kill me as soon as I
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
494
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
was born? Cutting down the tree you have watered a leaf and you have drained the pond
for keeping the fish alive. (14)
0 r r;
t a t ; ff r;+.{{+
Do.: hasabasu dasarathu janaku rma lakhana se bhi,
janan tu

janan bha bidhi sana kachu na basi.161.

Claiming my descent from the sun-god, with King Daaratha for my father and
Rma and Lakmaa for my brothers I have had you, mother, for my mother! One is
powerless against Providence. (161)
0 a fa a f z z r; zs n+
rna ; f tr nf t s tr+.{+
atfa arf ff t-t r ff fa f t-t+
ff rf z nfa rt rr n rt+.+
t a r r ff r at r+
r t a n rt f rrr rf rt+.-+
fa fa r as art r a f - rt+
r f r f f r; rf r sf f r;+.+
Cau.: jaba tai

kumati kumata jiya haya u, khaa khaa hoi hdau na gayau.

bara mgata mana bhai nahi

pr, gari na jha muha pareu na kr.1.

bhupa pratti tori kimi knh, marana kla bidhi mati hari lnh.
bidhihu na nri hdaya gati jn, sakala kapaa agha avaguna khn.2.
sarala susla dharama rata r u, so kimi jnai tya subh u.
asa ko jva jatu jaga mh

, jehi raghuntha prnapriya nh

.3.
bhe ati ahita rmu teu toh, ko tu ahasi satya kahu moh.
jo hasi so hasi muha masi l,

khi oa uhi baihahi j.4.

The moment, O malicious woman, you contrived this evil design in your mind,
how is it your heart did not break into pieces? While asking for the boons you did not
feel the stings of conscience, your tongue did not fall off nor did your mouth fester? How
did the king trust you? Surely God must have robbed him of his senses on the eve of
his death. Even the Creator has not been able to know the working of a womans heart,
the repository of all deceit, sin and vice! Simple, amiable and pious as the king was, how
could he know the nature of a woman? What living creature is there in the world, to whom
the Lord of Raghus is not dear as life itself? Yet even that Rma appeared to you as a
great enemy. Tell me the truth, therefore, to what species do you belong? Whatever you
may be, you had better bedaub your face with ink and leaving my presence remove to
some place out of my sight. (14)
0r frt z a n t- ff rf
r r r rat rf s arf+ {+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
495
Do.: rma birodh hdaya te pragaa knha bidhi mohi,
mo samna ko ptak bdi kahau kachu tohi.162.
Nay, God has created me out of a heart hostile to Rma! Who is there so sinful
as myself? In vain, therefore, do I taunt you. (162)
0f rrr ra fr; f nra f r;+
af t a r; f ff r;+.{+
f f s rr r; a rra rfa r;+
fn ra af rr f f a rr+.+
s r= fa =f r=+
r ; r rr a t ; rr+.-+
f f f f rt n rrt f f rrt+
a rff tf- zr; rr f n rs r;+.+
Cau.: suni satrughuna mtu kuil, jarahi

gta risa kachu na bas.

tehi avasara kubar taha , basana bibhuana bibidha ban.1.
lakhi risa bhareu lakhana laghu bh, barata anala ghta huti p.
humagi lta taki kubara mr, pari muha bhara mahi karata pukr.2.
kubara ueu phua kapr u, dalita dasana mukha rudhira pracru.
ha daia mai

kha nasv, karata nka phalu anaisa pv.3.

suni ripuhana lakhi nakha sikha kho, lage ghasana dhari dhari jho.
bharata daynidhi dnhi chaR, kausaly pahi

ge dou bh.4.
When atrughna heard of mother Kaikeys wickedness, he burned all over with
rage; but there was no help. That very moment came the hunchback (Manthar) clad in
a variety of rich costumes and adorned with various ornaments. The very sight of that
woman filled Lakmaas younger brother with anger as though clarified butter had been
poured into fire. Springing forward he kicked her with such steady aim at the hump that
she fell flat on her face and screamed aloud. Her hump was smashed, her head split and
her teeth broken and her mouth emitted blood. Ah, my God! what harm have I done?
Surely this is an ill recompense for my services. Hearing this and seeing her vile from
head to foot, atrughna (the slayer of his foes) seized her by the hair on her head and
began to drag her till the merciful Bharata rescued her. The two brothers then called on
mother Kausaly. (14)
0f f f t r
f r t ar+ {-+
Do.: malina basana bibarana bikala ksa sarra dukha bhra,
kanaka kalapa bara beli bana mnahu han tusra.163.
In sordid attire, pale, agitated and oppressed with woe and with a wasted frame
she looked like a lovely celestial creeper of gold blasted by frost in the forest. (163)
0af f ra sf r; =fa f t r; r;+
a a f rt a r frt+.{+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
496
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
ra ara f r; f r rs r;+
; a t n rrr f a ; r rrr+.+
f s rt r f rt+
r fa rf f rnt nfa f arf ra f rnt+.-+
fa rr a a+
fn rf s rnt r rnt+.+
Cau.: bharatahi dekhi mtu uhi dh, muruchita avani par jhai

.
dekhata bharatu bikala bhae bhr, pare carana tana das bisr.1.
mtu tta kaha dehi dekh, kaha siya rmu lakhanu dou bh.
kaikai kata janam jaga mjh, jau janami ta bhai khe na b

jh.2.
kula kalaku jehi

janameu moh, apajasa bhjana priyajana droh.

ko tibhuvana mohi sarisa abhg, gati asi tori mtu jehi lg.3.
pitu surapura bana raghubara ket u, mai

kevala saba anaratha het u.

dhiga mohi bhayau benu bana g, dusaha dha dukha duana bhg.4.
When mother Kausaly saw Bharata, she sprang up and ran to meet him; but she
felt giddy and dropped unconscious on the ground. Bharata was deeply moved to see
her plight and threw himself at her feet forgetting the condition of his own body. Mother,
show me my father. Where is St and the two brothers, r Rma and Lakmaa? Why
was Kaikey born into this world at all? And if born, why did she not remain barren instead
of bearing me, a blot on my family, a very sink of infamy and an enemy of near and dear
ones? Who in the three spheres is so wretched as I, on whose account, mother, you
have been reduced to such a plight. My father is in heaven and r Rma, the Chief of
Raghus line, is in the woods; it is I who like a shooting star am responsible for the whole
trouble. Woe be to me, who have proved to be for my family a very fire among the
bamboos and a victim of terrible agony, suffering and censure. (14)
0ra a f f st rf
f sr; nr; s r rfa rf+ {+
Do.: mtu bharata ke bacana mdu suni puni uh sa bhri,
lie uhi lagi ura locana mocati bri.164.
On hearing Bharatas tender words, Kausaly rose with a renewed effort and lifting
him clasped him to her bosom; while tears streamed from her eyes. (164)
0 r r f r fa fa r ff r+
s f rr r; r z r;+.{+
f rs a r; r ra r r;+
rar a nr r r rf sr+.+
- f t s fr r f+
f r f rf nrt r nfa rrfa rt+.-+
rf r f arar r rf ff r frar+
r a rf frr r r; r af rr+.+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
497
Cau.: sarala subhya mya hiya le, ati hita manahu rma phiri e.
bheeu bahuri lakhana laghubh, soku sanehu na hdaya sam.1.
dekhi subhu kahata sabu ko, rma mtu asa khe na ho.
mt

bharatu goda baihre,

su pochi mdu bacana ucre.2.

ajahu baccha bali dhraja dharah u, kusamau samujhi soka pariharah u.
jani mnahu hiya hni galn, kla karama gati aghaita jn.3.
khuhi dosu dehu jani tt, bh mohi saba bidhi bma bidht.
jo etehu dukha mohi jiv, ajahu ko jnai k tehi bhv.4.
Guileless by nature, mother Kausaly pressed him to her bosom with utmost
affection as though r Rma Himself had come back. She then embraced Lakmaas
younger brother (atrughna); her heart was too full with grief and love. Everyone who
saw her loving disposition said, Rmas mother that she is, no wonder she should be
so loving. The mother seated Bharata in her lap and wiping away his tears spoke to him
in soothing words: I adjure you, my child, to compose yourself even now; knowing this
to be an unpropitious time sorrow no more. Take not to heart the loss we have sustained
and feel no remorse for it, remembering that the course of time and fate is unalterable.
Do not blame anyone, my son; it is Providence that has turned hostile to me in every-
way. And when He makes me survive even under such trying circumstances, who
knows what may be His pleasure with regard to me even now? (14)
0fa r ara a rrt
fs z f t+ {~+
do.: pitu yasa bhuana basana tta taje raghubra,
bisamau harau na hdaya kachu pahire balakala cra.165.
At his fathers command, dear child, the hero of Raghus line discarded his
ornaments and princely apparel and put on a hermits dress (consisting of the bark of
trees) without either sorrow or exultation. (165)
0 r n r ff f far+
ff f f n rnt ; r rnt+.{+
af sf rr f a f rrrr+
a rrfa t f= r; n f = rr r;+.+
r f f fr n;s n r r+
r ;- rf- rn as ar a t rn+.-+
rf r f frt r f a art+
f fa rr r z a f rr+.+
Cau.: mukha prasanna mana raga na rou, saba kara saba bidhi kari parito u.
cale bipina suni siya sa ga lg, rahai na rma carana anurg.1.
sunatahi

lakhanu cale uhi sth, rahahi

na jatana kie raghunth.

taba raghupati sabah siru n, cale saga siya aru laghu bh.2.
rmu lakhanu siya banahi sidhe, gaiu na saga na prna pahe.
yahu sabu bh inha

khinha ge , tau na taj tanu jva abhge .3.

"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
498
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
mohi na lja nija nehu nihr, rma sarisa suta mai

mahatr.
jiai marai bhala bhupati jn, mora hdaya sata kulisa samn.4.
With a cheerful countenance, and without either joy or anger, he comforted all in
everyway and proceeded to the forest. Hearing this St followed him and would not stay,
devoted as she was to Rmas feet. Lakmaa also, when he heard this, sprang up and
accompanied them; he would not be left behind even though the Lord of Raghus tried his
best to detain him. The Lord of Raghus then bowed his head to all and departed with St
and his younger brother (Lakmaa). So Rma, Lakmaa and St left for the woods,
whereas I neither accompanied them nor sent my soul after them (leaving my body
here). All this happened before these eyes and yet this wretched soul did not take leave
of the body. I am not ashamed of my love; to think that a son like Rma should have
a mother like me! The king knew well how to live and how to die; whereas my heart is
a hundred times harder than adamant. (14)
0 rr f a fa fr
r fa rn r r r+ {+
Do.: kausaly ke bacana suni bharata sahita ranivsu,
bykula bilapata rjagha mnahu soka nevsu.166.
Hearing Kausalys words, Bharata and the whole gynaeceum wailed in distress;
the kings palace seemed the very abode of sorrow. (166)
0 ff f a rs r; rr f z nr;+
rfa a rr f f r+.{+
a ra rr; f r >rfa r r;+
ft f rt r a rf n rt+.+
rr ra far a r nr; nr f r+
rr fa r t- ta tfa r t-+.-+
ra sra t f t+
a ra rf r frar r; r a rar+.+
Cau.: bilapahi

bikala bharata dou bh, kausaly

lie hdaya lag.

bh

ti aneka bharatu samujhe, kahi bibekamaya bacana sune.1.

bharatahu mtu sakala samujh

, kahi purna ruti kath suh

.
chala bihna suci sarala subn, bole bharata jori juga pn.2.
je agha mtu pit suta mre , gi goha mahisura pura jre .
je agha tiya blaka badha knhe , mta mahpati mhura dnhe .3.
je ptaka upaptaka ahah

, karama bacana mana bhava kabi kahah

.
te ptaka mohi hohu bidht, jau yahu hoi mora mata mt.4.
Much agitated, the two brothers, Bharata and atrughna, loudly lamented and
Kausaly clasped them to her bosom. She comforted Bharata in many ways and
tendered words of wisdom to him. Bharata too in his turn consoled all his mothers,
narrating legends from the Puras and Vedas. Joining both his palms he addressed
them in guileless, innocent, simple and charming words: The sins attaching to the
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
499
murder of ones mother, father or son and to the act of setting fire to a cowpen or a village
of Brhmaas, and those incurred by slaying a woman or child and by administering
poison to a friend or a monarch, nay, all the major and minor sins of thought, word or
deed, that have been enumerated by the seers,let all such sins be mine if, my mother,
this plot has my concurrence. (14)
0 ff f f an rrr
af ; nfa rf s ff t a r+ {+
Do.: je parihari hari hara carana bhajahi

bhutagana ghora,
tehi kai gati mohi deu bidhi jau janan mata mora.167.
May Providence award me the fate of those who forsaking the feet of r Hari and
Lord iva worship frightful ghosts, if, mother, I have complicity in this plot. (167)
0f f t f r r f t+
t f f rt f ft frt+.{+
rt rrr arf rr+
r fa- nfa rrrr t a rr+.+
f rn rn r f rn+
f f a r; f-f f rr;+.-+
af >rfa r t ff n t+
fa- nfa rf t r +.+
Cau.: becahi

bedu dharamu duhi leh

, pisuna parya ppa kahi deh

.
kapa kuila kalahapriya krodh, beda biduaka bisva birodh.1.
lobh lapaa lolupacr, je tkahi

paradhanu paradr.
pvau mai

tinha kai gati ghor, jau janan yahu samata mor.2.

je nahi

sdhusaga anurge, paramratha patha bimukha abhge.

je na bhajahi

hari naratanu p, jinhahi na hari hara sujasu soh.3.

taji rutipathu bma patha calah

, bacaka biraci bea jagu chalah

.
tinha kai gati mohi sakara deu, janan jau yahu jnau bhe u.4.
If, mother, all this has my approval, let me share the terrible fate of those who sell
the Vedas, exploit their piety, are given to backbiting and expose others sins, who are
deceitful, wicked, quarrelsome and irascible, who revile the Vedas and are hostile to the
world, nay, who are greedy and lecherous and behave as the repacious do, and who
cast their eyes on others wealth and others wife. Nay, mother, if I ever knew this secret,
may Lord iva allot me the fate of those wretches who love not the company of the
virtuous, who have rejected the path leading to God-Realization, who worship not r
Hari even though blessed with a human form, and take no delight in the glory of r Hari
and Lord iva, who have abandoned the path of the Vedas and follow the contrary way,
and who are impostors and deceive the world by assuming false appearances. (14)
0ra a f r r
fa r f ara ar r r+ {c+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
500
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Do.: mtu bharata ke bacana suni s

ce sarala subhya ,
kahati rma priya tta tumha sad bacana mana kya .168.
Hearing Bharatas truthful, artless and sincere words mother Kausaly said, You,
my dear child, have always loved Rma in thought, word and deed. (168)
0r r a r arr ar rrfaf r a tr+
f f n f rnt r; rf rf frnt+.{+
r = f r ar rf fa r+
a arr r n t r nfa t+.+
f ra a f r nf r+
a fr a f r at f tfa n; rat+.-+
rs f a r f r rr+
f rfa a s f r +.+
Cau.: rma prnahu te prna tumhre, tumha raghupatihi prnahu te pyre.
bidhu bia cavai sravai himu g, hoi bricara bri birg.1.
bhae gynu baru miai na mohu, tumha rmahi pratikula na hohu.
mata tumhra yahu jo jaga kahah

, so sapanehu sukha sugati na lahah

.2.
asa kahi mtu bharatu hiya le, thana paya sravahi

nayana jala che.

karata bilpa bahuta yahi bh

t, baihehi

bti ga saba rt.3.

bmadeu basiha taba e, saciva mahjana sakala bole.
muni bahu bh

ti bharata upadese, kahi paramratha bacana sudese.4.

Rma is dearer to you than your own life, and likewise you are dearer to the Lord
of Raghus than his own life. The moon may diffuse poison (through her rays) and snow
emit fire; nay, an aquatic creature may shun water and spiritual enlightenment may fail
to eradicate error; but in no case will you turn hostile to Rma. Those in this world who
allege this plot was contrived with your connivance shall never attain happiness or
salvation even in a dream. So saying mother Kausaly clasped Bharata to her bosom;
milk began to flow from her breasts and her eyes filled with tears. In this way they
squatted away the whole night lamenting in profusion. The sages Vmadeva and
Vasiha then came and summoned all the ministers and the elite of the city. Vasiha
admonished Bharata in many ways speaking to him words of wisdom appropriate to the
occasion. (14)
0ara z t r r
s a n f s r+ {+
Do.: tta hdaya dhraju dharahu karahu jo avasara ju,
uhe bharata gura bacana suni karana kaheu sabu sju.169.
Have courage in your heart, dear son, and do what the occasion demands
today. Hearing his preceptors commands Bharata rose and asked everything to be
got ready. (169)
0a ffa -rr ffr fr rr+
nf a ra rt t rf frt+.{+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
501
n r r fa n r+
at f far r; rr r;+.+
f ff r fr t-t ffa -r; farf t-t+
rf fa rr t- a nra frr+.-+
f r t-r a a rfa t-r+
fq f rr rf n r rr+.+
Cau.: npatanu beda bidita anhavv, parama bicitra bimnu banv.
gahi pada bharata mtu saba rkh, rah

rni darasana abhil.1.

cadana agara bhra bahu e, amita aneka sugadha suhe.
saraju tra raci cit ban, janu surapura sopna suh.2.
ehi bidhi dha kriy saba knh, bidhivata nhi tiljuli dnh.
sodhi sumti saba beda purn, knha bharata dasagta bidhn.3.
jaha jasa munibara yasu dnh, taha tasa sahasa bh

ti sabu knh.
bhae bisuddha die saba dn, dhenu bji gaja bhana nn.4.
He had the kings body washed in accordance with the Vedic rites and caused a
most splendid funeral bier to be prepared for him. Clasping the feet of his mothers
Bharata prevented them (from ascending the funeral pile); they all stayed behind in the
hope of seeing r Rma. There arrived many loads of sandal-wood and aloes and
diverse other excellent aromatic herbs of untold varieties. The pile was raised in an
artistic way on the bank of the Sarayu river, and looked like a lovely ladder reaching to
heaven. In this way all the rites of cremation were gone through and then the funeral
party bathed with due ceremony and offered a handful of water and sesame seeds to the
departed soul. After ascertaining the views of all the Smti texts, the Vedas and the
Puras Bharata performed the ceremony of Daagtra.* Whatever orders the great
sage Vasiha gave on a particular point Bharata carried out all of them in a thousand
ways. He bestowed all sorts of gifts on attaining purity. He gave away cows, horses,
elephants and conveyances of various sorts (14)
0frrr r f r
f a f f f r+ {+
Do.: sighsana bhuana basana anna dharani dhana dhma,
die bharata lahi bhumisura bhe paripurana kma.170.
And even so thrones, ornaments and costumes, foodgrains, lands, money and
houses; and the Brhmaas had all their desires fulfilled on receiving them. (170)
0fa fa a tf- f t r r r; f t+
f rf f a r f r rr+.{+
rr r; rf a rs r;+
a f f r tfa sr+.+
* The ceremony consists in offering to the departed soul a ball of boiled rice on each of the ten days
following the cremation of the deceased.
The Hindus believe that the agnates and certain other relations of a deceased remain impure for a
number of days and get purified only after the prescribed period is over.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
502
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
r f t ; f tf- f t+
a - rr f a ff frr+.-+
a r n t r s fr+
f f tfa rt r n f rt+.+
Cau.: pitu hita bharata knhi jasi karan, so mukha lkha ji nahi

baran.
sudinu sodhi munibara taba e, saciva mahjana sakala bole.1.
baihe rjasabh

saba j, pahae boli bharata dou bh.

bharatu basiha nikaa baihre, nti dharamamaya bacana ucre.2.
prathama kath saba munibara baran, kaikai kuila knhi jasi karan.
bhupa dharamabratu satya sarh, jehi

tanu parihari premu nibh.3.
kahata rma guna sla subh u, sajala nayana pulakeu munir u.
bahuri lakhana siya prti bakhn, soka saneha magana muni gyn.4.
Whatever rites Bharata performed for the benefit of his father (in the other world)
were more than a hundred thousand tongues could recount. Then, after determining an
auspicious date the great sage (Vasiha) came and summoned all the ministers as well
as the elite of the city. They all repaired to the council chamber and sat there. The two
brothers, Bharata and atrughna, were also sent for. Vasiha seated Bharata by his
side and spoke to him words full of wisdom and piety. First of all the great sage repeated
the whole story of Kaikeys wily doing and paid his tribute to the vow of piety and
truthfulness of King Daaratha, who remained true to his love even at the cost of his life.
And as the great hermit spoke of r Rmas virtues, amiability and kind disposition tears
came to his eyes and a thrill ran through his body. Again, when he extolled the affection
that Lakmaa and St bore (towards Rma), the enlightened sage was overwhelmed
with grief and emotion. (14)
0 a rt ff s fr
rf r t ff r+ {{+
Do.: sunahu bharata bhv prabala bilakhi kaheu munintha,
hni lbhu jvanu maranu jasu apajasu bidhi htha.171.
Listen, Bharata: formidable is fate! the lord of sages sorrowfully exclaimed. Loss
and gain, life and death, glory and infamyall these lie in the hands of Providence. (171)
0 frf f ; r rf tf r+
ara fr= rt r rn rt +.{+
rf f r ftr af f f tr+
rf fa r tfa rr f r f r rr+.+
rf r r faf f nfa r+
rf f rt rf r nrt+.-+
rf f fa rt f f ;-rrt+
rf f a f; r f n r ;+.+
Cau.: asa bicri kehi deia dosu, byaratha khi para kjia ros u.
tta bicru karahu mana mh

, soca jogu dasarathu npu nh

.1.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
503
socia bipra jo beda bihn, taji nija dharamu biaya layaln.
socia npati jo nti na jn, jehi na praj priya prna samn.2.
socia bayasu kpana dhanavn u, jo na atithi siva bhagati sujn u.
socia s udru bipra avamn, mukhara mnapriya gyna gumn.3.
socia puni pati bacaka nr, kuila kalahapriya icchcr.
socia bau nija bratu parihara, jo nahi

gura yasu anusara.4.

Arguing thus, whom should we blame? And with whom should we be angry
without any cause? Ponder in your heart, my son, that King Daaratha is not worth
grieving for. Pitiable is the Brhmaa who is ignorant of the Vedas, and who has
abandoned his own duty and is engrossed in the pleasures of sense; pitiable the king
who has no knowledge of politics and who does not love his people as his own life:
pitiable the Vaiya (a member of the trading class) who is niggardly though rich, and
who is not perfect in hospitality nor in devotion to Lord iva; pitiable the udra (a
member of the labouring or artisan class) who is disrespectful towards the Brhmaas,
loquacious and proud of his knowledge and loves to be honoured. Pitiable, again, is the
woman who deceives her own husband, is crooked and quarrelsome and follows her
own will; pitiable the religious student who breaks his vow and obeys not the orders
of his preceptor. (14)
0rf nt r r ; -rn
rf at a fna f frn+.{+
Do.: socia gh jo moha basa karai karama patha tyga,
socia jat prapaca rata bigata bibeka birga.172.
Nay, pitiable is the householder who out of ignorance forsakes the path of duty,
and pitiable the recluse who is attached to the world and lacks discretion and
dispassion. (172)
0r r; r rn a fr; f r; rn+
rf f r rt f n frt+.{+
ff rf rt f a r f rt+
rt t ff r; r rfz f r;+.+
rt f rr rf n r+
s ; rfrr a far arrr+.-+
ff f = fa ffrr f n nrr+.+
Cau.: baikhnasa soi socai jogu, tapu bihi jehi bhvai bhogu.
socia pisuna akrana krodh, janani janaka gura badhu birodh.1.
saba bidhi socia para apakr, nija tanu poaka niradaya bhr.
socanya sabah

bidhi so, jo na chRi chalu hari jana ho.2.
socanya nahi

kosalar u, bhuvana cridasa pragaa prabhu.

bhayau na ahai na aba honihr, bh upa bharata jasa pit tumhr.3.
bidhi hari haru surapati disinth, baranahi

saba dasaratha guna gth.4.
Pitiable is the anchorite who has given up penance and developed a liking for
luxuries; pitiable the backbiter who is angry without cause and an enemy of his own
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
504
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
parents, preceptor and brothers. Pitiable in everyway is he who harms others, cherishes
his own body and is exceedingly heartless. And pitiable in every respect is he who is
not sincerely devoted to r Hari. The lord of Kosala is not worth grieving for, his glory
being manifest through all the fourteen spheres. There never was, nor is, nor shall be
hereafter, a monarch like your father, Bharata. Brahm, Viu, iva, Indra (the lord of
celestials) and the guardians of the quarters, all sing praises of King Daaratha. (14)
0 ara f rfa rs ff zr; ar
r ar r f f r+ {-+
Do.: kahahu tta kehi bh

ti kou karihi baR tsu,

rma lakhana tumha satruhana sarisa suana suci jsu.173.
Tell me, dear child, who can glorify him who begot such pious sons as Rma,
Lakmaa, atrughna and yourself? (173)
0 r fa zrnt rf fr f af rnt+
f fr r f f f r r +.{+
r r ar t-r far rf t-r+
a r f f rnt a fs r frnt+.+
f f f f rr ara fa rr+
t f r; ; ar rfa r;+.-+
r fa r rt rt ra r rt+
a rfaf fa r rr +.+
Cau.: saba prakra bhupati baRabhg, bdi bidu karia tehi lg.
yahu suni samujhi socu pariharah u, sira dhari rja rajyasu karah u.1.
rya rjapadu tumha kahu dnh, pit bacanu phura chia knh.
taje rmu jehi

bacanahi lg, tanu parihareu rma birahg.2.

npahi bacana priya nahi

priya prn, karahu tta pitu bacana pravn.

karahu ssa dhari bhupa raj, hai tumha kaha saba bh

ti bhal.3.
parasurma pitu agy rkh, mr mtu loka saba skh.
tanaya jajtihi jaubanu daya u, pitu agy

agha ajasu na bhaya u.4.

The king was blessed in everyway; it is no use mourning for him. Hearing and
realizing this, sorrow no more, and reverently obey the kings command. The king has
bestowed the kingship on you; it behoves you, therefore, to redeem the words of your
father who abandoned Rma for the sake of his word and quitted his body in his anguish
of separation from Rma. The king did not love his own life as he did his word; therefore,
dear son, redeem your fathers word. Reverently obey the kings command; this will do
you good in everyway. Paraurma executed the command of his father and killed his
own mother: the whole world will bear testimony to this fact. Yaytis son (Puru)*
* King Yayti had won the hand of Devayn, daughter of ukrcrya (preceptor of the demon kings).
Devayn having one complained to her father of the kings infidelity, ukrcrya pronounced on him a curse
as a result of which he became old and infirm before time. Having been propitiated by him through
supplication and entreaty, however, the sage allowed the king to borrow the youth of another in exchange for his
own old age should anyone be willing to part with it. The king thereupon sought the help of his sons, but the first
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
505
exchanged his own youth for the old age of his father and incurred no sin or blame
because he did so in obedience to his fathers command. (14)
0fa sfa fr= af rf fa
a r f fa + {+
Do.: anucita ucita bicru taji je plahi

pitu baina,
te bhjana sukha sujasa ke basahi

amarapati aina.174.
Those who cherish their fathers word, minding not whether it is reasonable or
otherwise, attain happiness and fair renown and dwell in the abode of Indra (the lord of
immortals). (174)
0f r r r f+
r;f far ar a f r+.{+
ffa a t r f fa ; r r; tr+
r f nrt r r fa rt+.+
f r t fa fza t+
rrf art as r rf rt+.-+
arr r rff r ff ar rff+
r r r r r+.+
Cau.: avasi naresa bacana phura karah u, plahu praj soku pariharah u.
surapura npu pihi paritou, tumha kahu suktu sujasu nahi

dou.1.
beda bidita samata sabah k, jehi pitu dei so pvai k.
karahu rju pariharahu galn, mnahu mora bacana hita jn.2.
suni sukhu lahaba rma baideh

, anucita kahaba na paita keh

.
kausalydi sakala mahatr

, teu praj sukha hohi

sukhr

.3.
parama tumhra rma kara jnihi, so saba bidhi tumha sana bhala mnihi.
sau pehu rju rma ke e , sev karehu saneha suhe .4.
Therefore, you needs must redeem the kings word; cherish your subjects and
cease to grieve. The king in heaven will derive solace, while you will earn merit and good
fame and shall incur no blame. It is well known in the Vedas and has the sanction of all
that the crown goes to him on whom the father bestows it. Therefore, rule the kingdom,
feel no remorse and accept my advice as salutary. Rma and Videhas daughter (St)
will be gratified when they hear of it and no wise man will call it wrong. Kausaly and all
the other mothers too will be happy in the happiness of the people. Nay, he who will know
the supreme affinity between you and Rma will have perfect goodwill towards you.
When Rma returns home you may hand over the kingdom to him and serve him with
ideal affection. (14)
four of them declined. It was only the fifth and youngest son, Puru, who willingly parted with his own youth and
accepted the old age of his father. After enjoying life for a few more years Yayti got disgusted with the world and
retired to the woods, returning the youth of his youngest son and crowning him king in preference to his elder
brothers, who had all disappointed him. Even though Yayti had made use of his sons youth in enjoying life with
his mother, the son incurred no sin because he had agreed to this arrangement only to please his father and
made a unique sacrifice for his sake.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
506
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
0tf n r f f f rf
rrfa r sfa a a rf+ {~+
Do.: kjia gura yasu avasi kahahi

saciva kara jori,

raghupati e ucita jasa tasa taba karaba bahori.175.
The ministers submitted with joined palms: You needs must obey the order of
your preceptor. When the Lord of Raghus comes back, you may do what you think fit
then. (175)
0rr f t ; a n r ;+
r rf f fa rt af fr r nfa rt+.{+
rrfa fa r ar f rfa ara r+
f r f r art a r+.+
f ff r r fr; t ra f r;+
f f n r r rf f +.-+
n f f a f fa +
t rf ra rt t rt+.+
Cau.: kausaly dhari dhraju kahai, p uta pathya gura yasu aha.
so daria karia hita mn, tajia bidu kla gati jn.1.
bana raghupati surapati naranh u, tumha ehi bh

ti tta kadarh u.
parijana praj saciva saba ab, tumhah suta saba kaha avalab.2.
lakhi bidhi bma klu kahin, dhraju dharahu mtu bali j.
sira dhari gura yasu anusarah u, praj pli parijana dukhu harah u.3.
gura ke bacana saciva abhinadanu, sune bharata hiya hita janu cadanu.
sun bahori mtu mdu bn, sla saneha sarala rasa sn.4.
Summoning courage Kausaly said, Salutary, my son, is your Gurus command;
the same should be respected and obeyed by you as conducive to your good. Cease
to grieve realizing the vicissitudes of life. The Lord of Raghus is in the forest and the king
is lording it over the gods (in heaven); while you, my son, are thus giving way to faint-
heartedness. You, my child, are the only support of all including your family, subjects,
ministers and all your mothers. Perceiving the antipathy of God and the relentlessness
of fate, I adjure you by my life to have courage. Reverently obey your Gurus command,
cherish your subjects and relieve the affliction of your family. Bharata listened to the
advice of his preceptor and the ministers, appeal endorsing the same, which were as
soothing to his heart as sandal-paste. He further heard the mothers soft words imbued
with the nectar of amiability, affection and guilelessness. (14)
U0rt ra rt f a r
r r= na ta f s +
r r a af ft f f t
at ra r t t+
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*
AYODHY-K NA
*
507
cha.: sn sarala rasa mtu bn suni bharatu bykula bhae,
locana saroruha sravata s

cata biraha ura akura nae.

so das dekhata samaya tehi bisar sabahi sudhi deha k,
tulas sarhata sakala sdara sva sahaja saneha k.
Bharata grew restless when he heard mother Kausalys speech imbued as it was
with the nectar of sincerity. His lotus eyes shed tears that watered the fresh shoots of
desolation in his heart. All those who saw his condition at that time forgot their own
existence. Everyone, says Tulasdsa; reverently extolled him as the perfection of
artless love.
0a rf t t f
f rf a sfa s-r f+ {+
So.: bharatu kamala kara jori dhra dhuradhara dhra dhari,
bacana amia janu bori deta ucita uttara sabahi.176.
Joining his lotus palms, Bharata, who was foremost among the strong-minded,
took courage and proceeded to give fitting replies to all in words steeped as it were in
nectar. (176)
0rf s t- n tr r f a t r+
ra sfa f r t-r f t f rs t-r+.{+
n fa ra trf fa rt f fa f f rt+
sfa f fa f fr= r; f ra r=+.+
ar a f r; r ra r r;+
uf ra s t af ra far t +.-+
ar f rf f rf a fr +
a= s r fa r n nf r+.+
Cau.: mohi upadesu dnha gura nk, praj saciva samata sabah k.
mtu ucita dhari yasu dnh, avasi ssa dhari chau knh.1.
gura pitu mtu svmi hita bn, suni mana mudita karia bhali jn.
ucita ki anucita kie bicru, dharamu ji sira ptaka bhr u.2.
tumha tau dehu sarala sikha so, jo carata mora bhala ho.
jadyapi yaha samujhata hau nke , tadapi hota paritou na j ke .3.
aba tumha binaya mori suni lehu, mohi anuharata sikhvanu dehu.
utaru deu chamaba apardh u, dukhita doa guna ganahi

na sdhu.4.
[PAUSE 18 FOR A THIRTY-DAY RECITATION]
My preceptor has given me excellent advice, which has been endorsed by my
subjects, ministers and all. Mother (Kausaly) too has enjoined on me what she has
thought fit and which I certainly wish to carry out with reverence. The advice of ones
preceptor, parents, master and friend ought to be acted upon with a cheerful heart as
conducive to ones good. By pausing to think whether it is right or wrong one fails in
ones duty and incurs a load sin. You are surely giving me sincere advice which, if
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
508
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
followed, will do me good. Even though I fully realize this, my heart is not satisfied. Now
hear my request and give me advice that may suit me. Forgive me my presumption in
returning an answer to you; for good people reckon not the virtues or faults of the
distressed. (14)
0fa f r rf r
f a r r fa r z r+ {+
Do.: pitu surapura siya rmu bana karana kahahu mohi rju,
ehi te jnahu mora hita kai pana baRa kju.177.
My father is in heaven and both St and Rma are in the woods, whereas you
ask me to rule the kingdom. Do you think this will do me good or you expect some
unusual gain to yourself from this arrangement? (177)
0fa r ffa r; r f t- ra fr;+
rf t rt r sr r fa rt +.{+
r r r f r f f +
rf f r= rf ffa f zr fr=+.+
= t rf rnr f fnfa r rnr+
r t f r; rf r f rrr;+.-+
rs r f r f r r fa +
rf f r rs zar +.+
Cau.: hita hamra siyapati sevak

, so hari lnha mtu kuil

.
mai

anumni dkha mana mh

, na upya mora hita nh

.1.
soka samju rju kehi lekhe , lakhana rma siya binu pada dekhe .
bdi basana binu bhuana bhr u, bdi birati binu brahma bicr u.2.
saruja sarra bdi bahu bhog, binu haribhagati jya japa jog.
jya jva binu deha suh, bdi mora sabu binu raghur.3.
ju rma pahi

yasu dehu, ekahi

ka mora hita eh u.
mohi npa kari bhala pana cahah u, sou saneha jaRat basa kahahu.4.
My good lies in the service of r Rma, although I have been deprived of that
privilege through my mothers perversity. I have pondered in my heart and realized that
my good lies in no other way. Of what account is this kingdom, which is nothing but an
abode of sorrow, when the feet of Lakmaa, Rma and St are no longer to be seen?
A load of jewels is of no use without clothes; an enquiry about Brahma (the Absolute)
is of little use without dispassion; abundant enjoyments are of no use to a diseased body;
of little use are Japa (muttering of prayers) and Yoga (exercises of mind-control) without
devotion to r Hari. A handsome body is of no use without life and all I have is naught
without the Lord of Raghus. Grant me leave to go where Rma is; my good exclusively
lies in this. And if you urge that you seek your own good by crowning me king, you say
so only through ignorance caused by affection. (14)
0; ffa r f nar
ar ra r rf r+ {c+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
509
Do.: kaike sua kuilamati rma bimukha gatalja,
tumha chata sukhu mohabasa mohi se adhama ke rja.178.
It is through infatuation that you expect happiness from the reign of a wretch like
me, who is Kaikeys son, of perverted intellect, hostile to Rma and lost to shame. (178)
0s r f far rf t r+
rf r f ; t r ra r;f at+.{+
rf r r r fr f fn t r r+
r r r t-r fa n t-r+.+
a ra s a+
f rrt frf r r f n sr+.-+
r ta f = r f rn +
fn r z fr; ff f f t zr;+.+
Cau.: kahau s

cu saba suni patih u, chia dharamasla naranhu.

mohi rju hahi deihahu jabah

, ras rastala jihi tabah

.1.
mohi samna ko ppa nivs u, jehi lagi sya rma banabs u.
rya rma kahu knanu dnh, bichurata gamanu amarapura knh.2.
mai

sahu saba anaratha kara het u, baiha bta saba sunau sacet u.
binu raghubra biloki abs u, rahe prna sahi jaga upahs u.3.
rma punta biaya rasa r ukhe, lolupa bh umi bhoga ke bh ukhe.
kaha lagi kahau hdaya kahin, nidari kulisu jehi

lah baR.4.
I tell you the truth: you should all listen and believe what I say. A virtuous man
alone should be crowned as king. The moment you instal me on the throne perforce the
earth will sink into the lowest depths. Who is such an inveterate sinner as I, on whose
account St and Rma have been exiled into the forest? The king sent Rma into exile
and himself ascended to heaven the moment the latter left him. My wretched self, which
is the root of all evil, is sitting quietly and hears all talk unmoved. Even though I find the
palace without Rma, I have survived and endured the worlds jeers. Devoid of attraction
for r Rma, who is a sacred object of love, my soul is rapacious and hungers for land
(dominion) and enjoyment. I have no words to depict the cruelty of my heart that has
attained notoriety by surpassing even adamant. (14)
0r a r f r; r f r
f ft a s a r r r+ {+
Do.: krana te kraju kahina hoi dosu nahi

mora,
kulisa asthi te upala te loha karla kahora.179.
An effect is as a rule harder than its cause and I am not to blame for it. The
thunderbolt* is more formidable and harder than bone (of which it was made) and iron
than rock (from which it is quarried). (179)
* The story as to how the thunderbolt was made out of the bones of the philanthropic sage Dadhci
(who gave up his life in the interest of the gods) has been told in the account of this sage, which appears in the
footnote below the Caups following Doh 29 above.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
510
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
0; a rn r r rrr; rn+
f f r f rn a rn+.{+
r f t-r ; fa fa t-r+
t- f r t-s f r ar+.+
rf t- r t- ; r+
f a r r tr af ar tr+.-+
; f n rt rf fa rt+
rf ra fff r; r r a r;+.+
Cau.: kaike bhava tanu anurge, pva ra prna aghi abhge.
jau priya biraha prna priya lge, dekhaba sunaba bahuta aba ge.1.
lakhana rma siya kahu banu dnh, pahai amarapura pati hita knh.
lnha bidhavapana apajasu pu, dnheu prajahi soku satpu.2.
mohi dnha sukhu sujasu surju, knha kaika

saba kara kju.

ehi te mora kha aba nk, tehi para dena kahahu tumha k.3.
kaikai jahara janami jaga mh

, yaha mohi kaha kachu anucita nh

.
mori bta saba bidhihi

ban, praj p

ca kata karahu sah.4.

Clinging to this body born of Kaikey, my wretched life is exceedingly unfortunate.
When life has been dear to me even though I have been torn from my beloved brother,
I shall have much to see and hear yet. Kaikey has sent Lakmaa, Rma and St into
exile and has done a good turn to her husband by despatching him to the abode of
immortals; she has taken widowhood and infamy upon herself and bestowed grief and
affliction on the people; and to me she has allotted happiness, good reputation and a
thriving kingdom; in this way she has served the interests of all. I cannot expect greater
good than this at present; over and above that you proclaim your intention to crown me
king. Since I have been born into this world through Kaikeys womb this is not at all
unbecoming of me. God Himself has accomplished everything for me; why, then, should
you all as well as the people help my cause? (14)
0n nta f ra af f tt r
af fr; r=t r sr+ {c+
Do.: graha grahta puni bta basa tehi puni bch mra,
tehi piia brun kahahu kha upacra.180.
If a man who is possessed by some evil spirit and is also affected by delirium and
has been further stung by a scorpion is given a cup of wine, tell me, what kind of
treatment is this? (180)
0; rn n r; a ff t- rf r;+
a r rr r; tf- rf ff rf zr;+.{+
ar r tr r r tr+
sa= s f ff f t r =f t+.+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
511
rf ra a fr; ff t- r;+
r f r r rt f f r rf rt+.-+
rf z r f r f r+
t ; sfa r +.+
Cau.: kaikai suana jogu jaga jo, catura biraci dnha mohi so.
dasaratha tanaya rma laghu bh, dnhi mohi bidhi bdi baR.1.
tumha saba kahahu kaRhvana k, rya rajyasu saba kaha nk.
utaru deu kehi bidhi kehi keh, kahahu sukhena jath ruci jeh.2.
mohi kumtu sameta bih, kahahu kahihi ke knha bhal.
mo binu ko sacarcara mh

, jehi siya rmu prnapriya nh

.3.
parama hni saba kaha baRa lhu, adinu mora nahi

d uana kh u.
sasaya sla prema basa ahah u, sabui ucita saba jo kachu kahah u.4.
God in His wisdom has ordained for me everything in this world that is worthy of
Kaikeys son. He has, however, bestowed on me in vain the honour of being a son of
king Daaratha and a younger brother of r Rma. All of you urge me to accept the
throne and the kings command is good for all. How shall I answer all individually? Let
everyone gladly say what one pleases. Barring me and my vile mother, tell me, who will
say the right thing has been done? Excepting myself who is there in the whole animate
and inanimate creation that does not love St and Rma as ones own life? What is most
baneful appears to you all as a mighty gain; this is my misfortune and none is to be
blamed for it. You are in the grip of doubt, amiability and affection; and whatever you all
say is right. (14)
0r ra f fa r ff
; r rf tar f+ {c{+
Do.: rma mtu suhi saralacita mo para premu bisei,
kahai subhya saneha basa mori dnat dekhi.181.
r Rmas mother (Kausaly) is most guileless of heart and loves me in a
special degree. Finding me in distress she has said all this under impulse of natural
affection. (181)
0n f rn n rr f-f ft rr+
r fa r r ff f f r+.{+
ff r t n rt rs ff r a rt+
r rt a t ar rt+.+
z= rf n ff f r r rf r+
; s rt rf fn f r rt+.-+
t r rr af r rr+
r rr rnt r r fars rnt+.+
Cau.: gura bibeka sgara jagu jn, jinhahi bisva kara badara samn.
mo kaha tilaka sja saja sou, bhae bidhi bimukha bimukha sabu ko u.1.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
512
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
parihari rmu sya jaga mh

, kou na kahihi mora mata nh

.
so mai

sunaba sahaba sukhu mn, atahu kca tah

jaha pn.2.
aru na mohi jaga kahihi ki pocu, paralokahu kara nhina soc u.
ekai ura basa dusaha davr, mohi lagi bhe siya rmu dukhr.3.
jvana lhu lakhana bhala pv, sabu taji rma carana manu lv.
mora janama raghubara bana lg, jh uha kha pachitu abhg.4.
My Guru (Vasiha) as all the world knows is an ocean of wisdom; the universe
is like a plum in the palm of his hand*. Even he is making preparations for my coronation;
when Fate is adverse, everyone else turns hostile. With the exception of r Rma and
St no one in this world will say the plot did not have my approval. All this I must hear
and endure with a cheerful heart; for wherever there is water mud must be there
eventually. I shudder not to think that the world will call me vile; and I have little anxiety
about the other world either. There is one terrible anguish that plagues my heart; it is that
St and Rma are suffering hardships on my account. Lakmaa has fully reaped the
reward of his existence; discarding everything else, he has fixed his mind on r Rmas
feet. As for myself I was born for r Rmas banishment; in vain do I lament, wretched
that I am. (14)
0rf r= tar s f f= r;
f rrr f f r;+ {c+
Do.: pani druna dnat kahau sabahi siru ni,
dekhe binu raghuntha pada jiya kai jarani na ji.182.
Bowing my head to all I lay open my terrible distress before you. Unless I behold
r Rmas feet the agony of my soul shall not go. (182)
0r srs rf f rr r f rr f rr+
f r ;; rt rar fs rt+.{+
uf rt rf r srt+
af rf t f ff r ft+.+
t f r r rrr+
f t- rr f uf rr+.-+
ar r r rt r rf rt+
f f f rf rt rf f r rt+.+
Cau.: na upu mohi nahi

sujh, ko jiya kai raghubara binu b ujh.

ekahi

ka ihai mana mh

, prtakla calihau prabhu ph

.1.
jadyapi mai

anabhala apardh, bhai mohi krana sakala updh.

tadapi sarana sanamukha mohi dekh, chami saba karihahi

kp bise.2.
sla sakuca suhi sarala subh u, kp saneha sadana raghuru.
arihuka anabhala knha na rm, mai

sisu sevaka jadyapi bm.3.

tumha pai p

ca mora bhala mn, yasu sia dehu subn.

jehi

suni binaya mohi janu jn, vahi

bahuri rmu rajadhn.4.

* It is an idiomatic way of saying that the secrets of the world are intimately known to him.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
513
I find no other remedy. Who else than the Chief of Raghus can know what passes
in my heart? There is only one resolve in my mind; at daybreak I must proceed to meet
the Lord. Even though I am a vile offender and am at the root of all troubles, yet when
the Lord finds me before him in a suppliant mien he will forgive all my faults and shower
his special grace on me. The Lord of Raghus is an embodiment of amiability, meekness,
extreme guilelessness of disposition, compassion and love. r Rma has never injured
even an enemy, to say nothing of me, a mere child and his servant too, though hostile
to him. Therefore, do allow me, all of you, to depart and bless me in an auspicious strain
knowing it to be for my good, so that on hearing my supplication and recognizing me as
his servant r Rma may return to his capital. (14)
0uf ra a r r
r rf -rfnf rf rrt r+ {c-+
Do.: jadyapi janamu kumtu te mai

sahu sad sadosa,

pana jni na tygihahi

mohi raghubra bharosa.183.

Though I am born of a wicked mother and am myself a rogue and ever guilty, I
am confident of Rma that he will never forsake me knowing me for his own. (183)
0a f rn r r rn+
rn frn f f rn r t a rn+.{+
ra f n rt f rt+
af f rf rt r fa a rt+.+
ara a r r r r f +
r r= t zar; arf nr; ra fr;+.-+
r rf = ar ff a far+
f rr n f f n; ; n rf ;+.+
Cau.: bharata bacana saba kaha priya lge, rma saneha sudh

janu pge.
loga biyoga biama bia dge, matra sabja sunata janu jge.1.
mtu saciva gura pura nara nr, sakala saneha bikala bhae bhr.
bharatahi kahahi

sarhi sarh, rma prema m urati tanu h.2.

tta bharata asa khe na kahah u, prna samna rma priya ahah u.
jo pva ru apan pjaRat

, tumhahi sugi mtu kuil

.3.
so sahu koika purua samet, basihi kalapa sata naraka niket.
ahi agha avaguna nahi

mani gaha, harai garala dukha drida daha.4.

Bharatas words pleased all, imbued as they were with the nectar of devotion
to r Rma. The people who had been burning with the deadly poison of separation
from r Rma were roused to their senses on hearing as it were a charm against
snake poison alongwith its seed-letter.* The mothers, the ministers, the preceptor
and the people of the city, all were overwhelmed with emotion. They praised Bharata
* According to the Tantras (a sacred literature dealing with the worship of deities) there are mystic
formulas sacred to every deity, which if repeated with genuine faith and in accordance with certain prescribed
rules help the realization of that deity. Every such Mantra has also got a Bja Mantra consisting of a single
letter with m added to it. This seed-letter, if prefixed to the Mantra itself, enhances its potency.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
514
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
again and again and said, Your body is the very personification of affection for r
Rma. It is no wonder that you should say so, dear Bharata, since you are dear
to Rma as his own life. The vile man who through his ignorance hates you because
of your mothers perversity, the wretch shall abide in hell for a hundred Kalpas (cycles)
with millions of his past generations. A gem on the head of a serpent is not affected
by the sins and faults of the serpent; on the other hand, it counteracts poison, sorrow
and indigence. (14)
0f f r a r t-
r f za f ar t-+ {c+
Do.: avasi calia bana rmu jaha bharata matru bhala knha,
soka sidhu buRata sabahi tumha avalabanu dnha.184.
Bharata, you have thought out a good plan; by all means let us proceed to the
woods where r Rma is. You have held out a helping hand to us all while we were
being drowned in an ocean of grief. (184)
0r r rr rr f f ra rr+
a ra f fs t a rf t +.{+
ff f af f= r; rr fr r;+
- a t n rt t ra rt +.+
f r z r rf r+
f rf rr rt r r; nf rt+.-+
rs f f r r ; n t r+.+
Cau.: bh saba ke mana modu na thor, janu ghana dhuni suni ctaka mor.
calata prta lakhi niranau nke, bharatu prnapriya bhe sabah ke.1.
munihi badi bharatahi siru n, cale sakala ghara bid kar.
dhanya bharata jvanu jaga mh

, slu sanehu sarhata jh

.2.
kahahi

parasapara bh baRa kju, sakala calai kara sjahi

sj u.
jehi rkhahi

rahu ghara rakhavr, so jnai janu garadani mr.3.

kou kaha rahana kahia nahi

kh u, ko na cahai jaga jvana lh u.4.

Everyone felt as great a joy as when the Ctaka birds and peacocks hear a clap
of thunder. When the people came to know Bharatas welcome resolve to start the very
next morning, they all began to love him as their own life. After reverencing the sage and
bowing their head to Bharata they all took leave and proceeded to their respective homes
praising as they went his amiability and affection and exclaiming, Blessed is Bharatas
life in this world! They said to one another, A great object has been accomplished!
Everyone began to make preparations for the journey. Whomsoever they left behind
saying You should stay behind to guard the house, felt as if he was smitten on the
neck. Someone said, Nobody should be asked to remain behind; who in this world
would not have the reward of his life? (14)
0s r fa z ra fa r;
ra r r r;+ {c~+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
515
Do.: jarau so sapati sadana sukhu suhda mtu pitu bhi,
sanamukha hota jo rma pada karai na sahasa sahi.185.
Perish that property, house, happiness, friend, father, mother or brother, who
does not gladly help one turn ones face towards r Rmas feet! (185)
0rr rr rf r rr z ra rr+
a r; rr t- fr= n= rf n zr=+.{+
fa rrfa rt f a af art+
a fr rf r; r frf r; rr;+.+
; trf fa r; rf ; f r;+
frf f r f zr+.-+
f rr r f r r af rr+
f a rf r r ra f a fr+.+
Cau.: ghara ghara sjahi

bhana nn, harau hdaya parabhta payn.

bharata ji ghara knha bicru, nagaru bji gaja bhavana bha r u.1.
sapati saba raghupati kai h, jau binu jatana calau taji th.
tau parinma na mori bhal, ppa siromani si

doh.2.
karai svmi hita sevaku so, d uana koi dei kina ko.
asa bicri suci sevaka bole, je sapanehu nija dharama na ole.3.
kahi sabu maramu dharamu bhala bh, jo jehi lyaka so tehi

rkh.
kari sabu jatanu rkhi rakhavre, rma mtu pahi

bharatu sidhre.4.
In every house they got ready vehicles of various kinds; their soul rejoiced at
the thought of starting early next morning. On reaching his own apartments Bharata
thought to himself: The city, horses, elephants, houses and the treasuryeverything
belongs to the Lord of Raghus. If I leave it unprotected, the result will not be good
for me; for disloyalty to ones master is the greatest of all sins. A servant is he who
serves the interests of his master, no matter if anyone brings millions of imputations
against him. Pondering thus he summoned faithful servants who had never dreamt
of flinching from their duty. Confiding to them all the secrets he taught them their
paramount duty and entrusted them with the work for which they were severally fit.
After making all arrangements and posting guards Bharata went to r Rmas mother
(Kausaly). (14)
0ra t rf a r
s r rt r r+ {c+
Do.: rata janan

jni saba bharata saneha sujna,

kaheu banvana plak

sajana sukhsana jna.186.

Knowing all the mothers in distress, Bharata, who understood the ways of love,
ordered palanquins to be got ready and sedan-chairs to be equipped. (186)
0a fa ff rt a ra s ra rt+
rna ff s frr a rr f rr+.{+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
516
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
s fa r f f rf r+
fn f f rr aa an rn r+.+
=at = fnf r f fr+
f f r rr a a frr+.-+
n rn f f rr fr t- rr+
ffr n rf rt f f a ; rt+.+
Cau.: cakka cakki jimi pura nara nr, cahata prta ura rata bhr.
jgata saba nisi bhayau bihn, bharata bole saciva sujn.1.
kaheu lehu sabu tilaka samju, banahi

deba muni rmahi rj u.

begi calahu suni saciva johre, turata turaga ratha nga sa vre.2.
arudhat aru agini sam u, ratha caRhi cale prathama munir u.
bipra bda caRhi bhana nn, cale sakala tapa teja nidhn.3.
nagara loga saba saji saji jn, citrak ua kaha knha payn.
sibik subhaga na jhi

bakhn, caRhi caRhi calata bha

saba rn.4.
Much afflicted at heart like the male and female Cakravka birds, the men and
women of the city longed for the dawn. They kept awake the whole night till it was
daybreak, when Bharata summoned his wise counsellors and said to them, Take all that
is necessary for the installations ceremony; the sage (Vasiha) will crown r Rma
even in the forest. Start expeditiously. Hearing this the ministers greeted him and had
the horses, chariots and elephants immediately equipped. Taking with him his wife,
Arundhat, and the requisites for Agnihotra* (offering oblations into the sacred fire) the
chief of sages, Vasiha, was the first to mount the chariot and led the way. Hosts of
Brhmaas, who were all repositories of austerity and spiritual glow followed in vehicles
of various kinds. The people of the city followed next; having equipped their own
conveyances they all left for Citrakua. All the queens journeyed in palanquins which
were lovely beyond words. (14)
0f n f f r r;
ff r f a a rs r;+ {c+
Do.: sau pi nagara suci sevakani sdara sakala cali,
sumiri rma siya carana taba cale bharata dou bhi.187.
Leaving the city in the charge of faithful servants and respectfully sending the
whole party ahead, the two brothers, Bharata and atrughna, started last of all,
remembering the feet of r Rma and St. (187)
0r rt f ff af rt+
f r fr rt r a r f rt +.{+
f rn rn saf n -rn+
r; t rf f zrt r ra rt rt+.+
* In ancient times, as a general rule, every Brhmaa maintained the sacred fire and kept it
perpetually alive till his death, when he was cremated with the same fire. He carried it with him wherever he
went and poured oblations into it every morning and evening.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
517
ara f art r;f f fr= rt+
ar a ff rn r f n rn+.-+
f f f= r; f a rs r;+
ar f f r nrfa at fr+.+
Cau.: rma darasa basa saba nara nr, janu kari karini cale taki br.
bana siya rmu samujhi mana mh

, snuja bharata paydehi

jh

.1.
dekhi sanehu loga anurge, utari cale haya gaya ratha tyge.
ji sampa rkhi nija ol, rma mtu mdu bn bol.2.
tta caRhahu ratha bali mahatr, hoihi priya parivru dukhr.
tumhare calata calihi sabu logu, sakala soka ksa nahi

maga jogu.3.
sira dhari bacana carana siru n, ratha caRhi calata bhae dou bh.
tamas prathama divasa kari bs u, d usara gomati tra nivs u.4.
Seized with a longing for the sight of r Rma, all the people, including both men
and women, headed with the same zeal as male and female elephants rush in pursuit
of water. Realizing in their heart that St and Rma were in the woods Bharata and
his younger brother journeyed on foot. Seeing their affection the people were overcome
with emotion and dismounting walked on foot, leaving their horses, elephants and
chariots. Going up to Bharata r Rmas mother (Kausaly) stopped her palanquin by
his side and spoke in soft accents, I adjure you by my life to mount the chariot, dear
child; or else all our near and dear ones will be put to trouble. If you walk on foot the
whole party will follow suit and you know they are all wasted with sorrow and hardly
fit to undertake the journey on foot. Reverently obeying her command and bowing their
head at her feet the two brothers mounted their chariot and proceeded on the journey.
They halted the first day on the bank of the Tamas* river and made the next halt on
the bank of the Gomat. (14)
0 r ff r rn
a r fa a ff rn+ {cc+
Do.: paya ahra phala asana eka nisi bhojana eka loga,
karata rma hita nema brata parihari bhuana bhoga.188.
Some of them lived on milk and some on fruits; while others took their meals by
night. Renouncing ornaments and luxuries they observed vows and fasts for the sake
of r Rma. (188)
0; at f fr n fr+
rr frr z fr ; frr+.{+
r a rt rs rt +
f rfa fr; a a t- n r;+.+
rf r rf rt s r rt+
a rtfa s rt a t rt+.-+
* The Tamas (now popularly known by the name of Tons) is a branch of Ghghar which leaves that
river about 10 miles from Ayodhy and after flowing past the town of Azamgarh falls into the Sarayu.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
518
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
r f rrr rf tafrr+
r r a t f f f f t+.+
Cau.: sa tra basi cale bihne, sgaberapura saba niarne.
samcra saba sune nid, hdaya bicra karai sabid.1.
krana kavana bharatu bana jh

, hai kachu kapaa bhu mana mh

.
jau pai jiya na hoti kuil, tau kata lnha saga kaak.2.
jnahi

snuja rmahi mr, karau akaaka rju sukhr.

bharata na rjanti ura n, taba kalaku aba jvana hn.3.
sakala sursura jurahi

jujhr, rmahi samara na jtanihr.

k caraju bharatu asa karah

, nah

bia beli amia phala pharah

.4.
Halting on the bank of the Sa* river they resumed their journey at daybreak and
the whole party drew near to gaverapura. When the Nida chief (Guha) heard the
whole story, he anxiously thought within himself: What motive can Bharata have in
journeying to the woods? He must have some evil design at heart. If he had no
mischievous intention at heart, why should he have brought an army with him? He must
have thought that after killing Rma and his younger brother (Lakmaa) he would reign
peacefully and happily. But Bharata did not take to heart the maxims of sound polity;
latterly he brought on himself stigma alone but this time he will meet a sure death. If all
the warriors among the gods and demons combine against r Rma, even they will fail
to conquer him in battle. But what wonder that Bharata should behave as he is doing;
for venomous plants, after all, can never bear fruits of ambrosia. (14)
0 frf n rfa s n r
r r af tf rrrrr+ {c+
Do.: asa bicri guha gyti sana kaheu sajaga saba hohu,
hathav

sahu borahu tarani kjia ghrohu.189.

Pondering thus Guha said to his kinsmen, Be alert all of you; collect the boats
and sink them and blockade the ghats (flight of steps leading to the river landing-
place). (189)
0r r; r rrrr r rr+
r a fa f sa +.{+
f f atr r r n tr+
a r; t z rn f r; t+.+
trf r fs rt fs rt+
as r rrr fr r r r+.-+
r r r r r na r r+
r fa n r f r= t f r=+.+
* The Sa rises about midway between the Gomat and the Gag and falls into the former 10 miles
below the city of Jaunpur.
The site of the ancient gaverapura is marked by a village bearing the same name under the
modernized form Singraur 22 miles to the north-west of Allahabad. The Gag has changed its course and
only a small branch now flows through the old channel.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
519
Cau.: hohu sa joila rokahu gh, hahu sakala marai ke h.
sanamukha loha bharata sana leu

, jiata na surasari utarana de u

.1.
samara maranu puni surasari tr, rma kju chanabhagu sarr.
bharata bhi npu mai

jana ncu, baRe bhga asi pia mc u.2.

svmi kja karihau rana rr, jasa dhavalihau bhuvana dasa cr.
tajau prna raghuntha nihore , duhu

htha muda modaka more .3.

sdhu samja na jkara lekh, rma bhagata mahu jsu na rekh.
jya jiata jaga so mahi bhr u, janan jaubana biapa kuhr u.4.
Equip yourself and blockade the ghats; be prepared in everyway to face death.
I go to encounter Bharata in open combat and would not let him cross the Gag so long
as there is life in me. To die in battle and that too on the bank of the Gag; and to lay
down this frail body in r Rmas cause! Then Bharata is r Rmas own brother and
a king; while I am an humble servant! It is through a great good fortune that one meets
with a death like this. In the cause of my master I will fight on the battlefield and will
brighten the fourteen spheres with my glory. I am going to lay down my life for the sake
of r Rma (the Lord of Raghus) and will be a gainer either way. (If I win the battle I
will have served the cause of my master, and if I die I will attain the eternal abode of the
Lord and his constant service.) He who is not reckoned among the virtuous and is
neither counted among r Rmas devotees lives in vain in this world; he is a veritable
burden to the earth and an axe to the tree of his mothers youth. (14)
0fna fr frfa f r; sr
ff r rns aa a r+ {+
Do.: bigata bida nidapati sabahi baRhi uchhu,
sumiri rma mgeu turata tarakasa dhanua sanhu.190.
The Nida chief, who was not the least troubled at heart, encouraged all and, fixing
his thought on r Rma, forthwith demanded his quiver, bow and coat of mail. (190)
0n r; r f r; r; r+
f r f r f r; r+.{+
fr rrf rrt =; rt+
ff r t rt rf r;f- t+.+
nt ff fz f t r r t+
fa rz rz f nn ffa rz+.-+
f f r r r; n rsaf rr r;+
f r r r r+.+
Cau.: begahu bhihu sajahu sa jo u, suni raji kadari na ko u.
bhalehi

ntha saba kahahi

sahara, ekahi

eka baRhvai kara.1.

cale nida johri johr, s ura sakala rana r ucai rr.
sumiri rma pada pakaja panah

, bhth

dhi caRhinhi dhanah

.2.
a gar pahiri k u

Ri sira dharah

, pharas b

sa sela sama karah

.
eka kusala ati oRana kh

Re, kudahi

gagana manahu chiti ch

Re.3.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
520
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
nija nija sju samju ban, guha rutahi johre j.
dekhi subhaa saba lyaka jne, lai lai nma sakala sanamne.4.
Make haste, brethren, to get ready the necessary equipment; on hearing my
command, let no one shrink in fear. All right, my lord, they all joyfully responded, and
roused the spirit of one another. Greeting their chief one after another, the Nidas left;
they were all brave and loved to fight on the battlefield. Invoking the shoes of r Rmas
lotus feet they fastened their quiver and strung their bow. Nay, they donned their coat
of mail, placed the helmet on their head and straightened their axe, bludgeon and spear.
Some of them who were exceptionally clever at fencing, sprang with such agility that it
seemed they never touched the ground and moved in the air. Equipping themselves with
their weapons etc., and forming themselves into batches they all went up to their chief,
Guha, and greeted him. Seeing his gallant warriors and finding them all fit for active
service he addressed them, each by his name, and duly honoured them. (14)
0r; r r f r r z rf
f r r t t rf+ {{+
Do.: bhihu lvahu dhokha jani ju kja baRa mohi,
suni saroa bole subhaa bra adhra na hohi.191.
Spare not your life, brethren; there is a great issue before me today. At this the
gallant warriors spiritedly exclaimed, Have patience, our brave chieftain! (191)
0r ar r ar f f f rrr+
ta rs r t =z z ff t+.{+
t frr r s rs rr r+
ar a t ; r s nf- a r+.+

n frt af ff r;f rt+
rf a r rt n ; fn rt +.-+
f n ; t r r f farf fr+
a rs t f r fz fa rf rf f r+.+
Cau.: rma pratpa ntha bala tore, karahi

kaaku binu bhaa binu ghore.

jvata pu na pche dharah

, rua muamaya medini karah

.1.
dkha nidantha bhala olu, kaheu baju jujhu holu.
etan kahata ch

ka bhai b

e, kaheu sagunianha kheta suhe.2.

buRhu eku kaha saguna bicr, bharatahi milia na hoihi rr.
rmahi bharatu manvana jh

, saguna kahai asa bigrahu nh

.3.
suni guha kahai nka kaha b uRh, sahas kari pachithi

bim uRh.
bharata subhu slu binu b ujhe , baRi hita hni jni binu j ujhe .4.
Through the majesty of r Rma and by your might, my lord, we shall leave no
fighting man or horse in the enemys ranks. We shall never retrace our steps so long as
there is life in us; nay, we shall strew the earth with the trunks and heads of fallen
warriors! The Nida chief saw that he had a good band of warriors and exclaimed,
Beat the martial drum. Even as he said so someone sneezed on the left. The sooth-
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
521
sayers said, The sneeze has come from an auspicious quarter! (The issue will be a
happy one.) An old man thought over the meaning of the omen and exclaimed, Let us
go and meet Bharata; there will be no conflict. Bharata is out to persuade r Rma to
return. The omen tells us that there will be no discord. On hearing this Guha said, The
old man says aright. Fools act precipitately and repent. If we come to a clash without
knowing Bharatas intentions and ascertaining his temper and disposition, we shall be
doing much harm to our own cause. (14)
0n rrr ff s ff r;
fr fr f nfa a a fs r;+ {+
Do.: gahahu gha bhaa samii saba leu marama mili ji,
bujhi mitra ari madhya gati tasa taba karihau i.192.
Close up, all my warriors, and blockade the ghats till I meet Bharata and find out
what is in his mind. When I have ascertained his friendly, hostile or neutral attitude I shall
act accordingly after that. (192)
0 r r = tfa f ; r+
f r rn n n rn+.{+
t t rt r f f r r- r+
f r f f fr n n r+.+
f f a f f r t- tf z r+
rf rf tf- tr af s rr; tr+.-+
r r f -rnr saf sna rnr+
nrs rfa n rs r; t- rr= r f r;+.+
Cau.: lakhaba sanehu subhya suhe , bairu prti nahi

durai

dure .
asa kahi bhe a sa jovana lge, kada mula phala khaga mga mge.1.
mna pna phna purne, bhari bhari bhra kahranha ne.
milana sju saji milana sidhe, magala m ula saguna subha pe.2.
dekhi duri te kahi nija nmu, knha munsahi daa pranmu.
jni rmapriya dnhi ass, bharatahi kaheu bujhi muns.3.
rma sakh suni sadanu tyg, cale utari umagata anurg.
gau jti guha nu sun, knha johru mtha mahi l.4.
I shall test his love on the touchstone of his friendly disposition; for hatred and
love cannot be disguised even if one tries to do so. So saying he began to collect
articles for making a present and sent for bulbs, roots and fruits as well as birds and
deer. Men of the porter class also brought loads of fat and ripe fish of the Phna*
species. Thus equipping himself with presents he proceeded to meet Bharata and met
with auspicious and happy omens. As soon as he saw the chief of sages, Vasiha, he
mentioned his own name and prostrated himself before the sage from a distance. The
sage, who knew him to be a friend of r Rma, bestowed his blessing on him and told
Bharata in detail about him. Hearing that he was a friend of r Rma, Bharata alighted
* The Phna is said to be a kind of sea-fish, the Silurus Pelorius or Boalis.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
522
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
from his chariot and, leaving it behind, advanced towards him with a heart overflowing
with love. Guha, on his part mentioned his village, caste and name and greeted him by
placing his head on the ground. (14)
0a za f af a t- s r;
; z r;+ {-+
Do.: karata daavata dekhi tehi bharata lnha ura li,
manahu lakhana sana bhe a bhai premu na hdaya sami.193.
When Bharata saw him falling prostrate on the ground he lifted him and pressed
him to his bosom. He felt as if he had met Lakmaa and the surging emotion of his heart
could not be repressed. (193)
0a a arf fa tat rn frf tat+
- - f n r rf af ff r+.{+
r rfaf tr r r ; ; tr+
af f r rr rar fa ffa nrar+.+
r r f rt fa-f r rt+
a r r; s t-r a n r t-r+.-+
r f ; af r t f ;+
sr r a n rr rtf zr rr+.+
Cau.: bhe ata bharatu thi ati prt, loga sihhi

prema kai rt.
dhanya dhanya dhuni magala mul, sura sarhi tehi barisahi

ph ul.1.
loka beda saba bh

tihi

nc, jsu ch

ha chui leia s

c.
tehi bhari aka rma laghu bhrt, milata pulaka parip urita gt.2.
rma rma kahi je jamuhh

, tinhahi na ppa puja samuhh

.
yaha tau rma li ura lnh, kula sameta jagu pvana knh.3.
karamansa jalu surasari parai, tehi ko kahahu ssa nahi

dhara.
ula nmu japata jagu jn, blamki bhae brahma samn.4.
Bharata embraced him with great affection and the people admired the mode of his
love. Raising a jubilant cry of applause the gods extolled him and rained flowers on him.
This man is low in the eyes of the world as well as from the point of view of the Vedas,
so much so that one must bathe even on crossing his shadow. Yet r Rmas younger
brother, Bharata, has met him in close embrace, his body thrilling all over with joy. Hosts
of sins turn away from them who utter the name of Rma even while yawning. As for
this man he was embraced by r Rma Himself, who thereby bestowed on him and his
family the efficacy of sanctifying the whole world. Where the water of the Karmans
joins the celestial stream (the Gag) tell me who would not place it on his head ! The
whole world knows how Vlmki became as good as Brahma (God Himself) by repeating
the name (Rma) in the reverse way (as Mar). (14)
0t z r r fra
r a r ra f=ra+ {+
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*
AYODHY-K NA
*
523
Do.: svapaca sabara khasa jamana jaRa pva ra kola kirta,
rmu kahata pvana parama hota bhuvana bikhyta.194.
Even a pariah*, a abara (Bhla), a Khs, the stupid barbarian and the vile Kola
and Kirta get supremely sanctified and get renowned through all the spheres by uttering
the name of Rma. (194)
0f ff n n f r; f tf- rrt zr;+
r r fr t f f rn t+.{+
rf ff a r t n r+
f a t r fr af f+.+
r rr af faa rr+
f t f rt f a rt+.-+
t fa r f t+
n ar fa rf n r+.+
Cau.: nahi

aciriju juga juga cali , kehi na dnhi raghubra baR.

rma nma mahim sura kahah

, suni suni avadhaloga sukhu lahah

.1.
rmasakhahi mili bharata saprem, pu

ch kusala sumagala khem.

dekhi bharata kara slu saneh u, bh nida tehi samaya bideh u.2.
sakuca sanehu modu mana bRh, bharatahi citavata ekaaka hRh.
dhari dhraju pada badi bahor, binaya saprema karata kara jor.3.
kusala mula pada pakaja pekh, mai

tihu kla kusala nija lekh.

aba prabhu parama anugraha tore , sahita koi kula magala more .4.
It is no wonder; it has been so for ages. Who has not been exalted through
contact with the Hero of Raghus race? In this way the gods glorified r Rmas name
and the people of Ayodhy rejoiced as they heard the praise. Having thus met r
Rmas friend (Guha), Bharata lovingly enquired after his health, welfare and happiness.
Seeing Bharatas amiability and affection on that occasion the Nida forgot all about
himself. His bashfulness, love and souls delight grew; and he stood gazing at Bharata
with unwinking eyes. Collecting himself he bowed at Bharatas feet again and with joined
palms lovingly submitted, Now that I have beheld your lotus feet, which are the very
fountain of happiness, I have accounted myself blessed for all time. And now, my lord,
by your supreme grace my welfare is assured for millions of generations. (14)
0fr rf afa fr f r;
r ; rrt n ff fa r;+ {~+
Do.: samujhi mori karatuti kulu prabhu mahim jiya joi,
jo na bhajai raghubra pada jaga bidhi bacita soi.195.
Remembering my doings and my descent, on the one hand, and realizing the
* The word used in the original is vapaca (lit., one who cooks the flesh of a dog, i.e., lives on the
flesh of dogs; the Kolas and Kirtas are wild mountain tribes; the Khss are another hilly tribe inhabiting
Khasa, a hilly tract in Northern India).
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
524
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Lords greatness on the other, he who does not devote himself to r Rmas feet has
been befooled in this world by Providence. (195)
0t r fa rat r r rat+
r t- r t a s at a+.{+
f tfa f f r; fs rf a rr r;+
f fr f r rt r rrt rt+.+
rf f tr f t r tr+
ff fr n rt t frt+.-+
f s f t r s r f r+
f fr f rn zr; fa ; s r;+.+
Cau.: kapa kyara kumati kujt, loka beda bhera saba bh

t.
rma knha pana jabah te , bhayau bhuvana bhuana tabah te .1.
dekhi prti suni binaya suh, mileu bahori bharata laghu bh.
kahi nida nija nma subn

, sdara sakala johr

rn

.2.
jni lakhana sama dehi

ass, jiahu sukh saya lkha bars.

nirakhi nidu nagara nara nr, bhae sukh janu lakhanu nihr.3.
kahahi

laheu ehi

jvana lhu, bhe eu rmabhadra bhari bh u.

suni nidu nija bhga baR, pramudita mana lai caleu lev.4.
False, cowardly, evil-minded and low-born as I am and cast off from society as
well as from the fold of the Vedas in everyway, I have become the ornament of the world
ever since r Rma took me for his own. Seeing his affection and hearing his humble
submission Bharatas younger brother, atrughna, embraced him next. The Nida chief
then greeted all the dowager queens in polite and respectful terms, mentioning his name
each time. Treating him on the same footing as Lakmaa they gave him their blessing:
May you live happily for millions of years. The men and women of the city were as glad
to see the Nida chief as if they saw Lakmaa, and said, He has surely reaped the
reward of his existence in that our beloved Rma folded him in his arms. Hearing them
extol his good fortune the Nida chief led them with a cheerful heart. (14)
0r trf = r;
rr a= a rn r rf- r;+ {+
Do.: sanakre sevaka sakala cale svmi rukha pi,
ghara taru tara sara bga bana bsa banenhi ji.196.
Receiving a signal from him and learning their masters will all his attendants
dispersed; and reaching the residential quarters, the foot of trees, ponds, orchards and
groves they made room for the guests to take up their lodging. (196)
0n a t n ff a+
ra f frf rn a f rn+.{+
f ff a nr tf r; n rf nnr+
rrrr t- r r n f r+.+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
525
f r n rt fa zr rf frt+
f r rnf rt r tfa rt+.-+
a s f a +
rf rf rns t r +.+
Cau.: sgaberapura bharata dkha jaba, bhe saneha saba aga sithila taba.
sohata die nidahi lgu, janu tanu dhare binaya anurg u.1.
ehi bidhi bharata senu sabu sag, dkhi ji jaga pvani gag.
rmagha kaha knha pranmu, bh manu maganu mile janu rm u.2.
karahi

pranma nagara nara nr, mudita brahmamaya bri nihr.

kari majjanu mgahi

kara jor, rmacadra pada prti na thor.3.

bharata kaheu surasari tava ren u, sakala sukhada sevaka suradhenu.
jori pni bara mgau ehu, sya rma pada sahaja saneh u.4.
When Bharata beheld the town of gaverapura, all his limbs were overpowered
with emotion. Leaning on the Nida chief he presented a goodly sight; it appeared as
if meekness and love had taken a living form. In this way Bharata with all his army went
and saw the stream of the Gag, which purifies the whole world. He made obeisance
to the ghat where r Rma had bathed and said His prayers; and his soul was a
enraptured as if he had met r Rma Himself. The men and women of the city bowed
low; they were glad to see the divine stream. Taking a dip into the river they begged with
joined palms to be favoured with abundant love for r Rmacandras feet. Bharata
exclaimed, Mother Gag! your sands are delightful to all and the very cow of plenty to
your devotees. With joined palms, therefore, I ask of you only one boon; viz., spontaneous
love for the feet of St and r Rma. (14)
0f ff r a f n r r;
ra rt rf zr r;+ {+
Do.: ehi bidhi majjanu bharatu kari gura anussana pi,
mtu nahn

jni saba er cale lavi.197.

In this way after taking a dip into the Gag and receiving his Gurus commands,
and on learning that all his mothers had finished their bath he had the tents shifted. (197)
0 a rn- zr t-r a r t t-r+
r f r r; r ra f n rs r;+.{+
rf f f rt t a rt+
r;f f ra r; r frf t- rr;+.+
r r r ff t= r+
a f r rs r f zr+.-+
f r ff r a r r+
a f s fr aa ar ; ns fr+.+
Cau.: jaha taha loganha er knh, bharata sodhu sabah kara lnh.
sura sev kari yasu p, rma mtu pahi

ge dou bh.1.
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526
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
carana c

pi kahi kahi mdu bn, janan

sakala bharata sanamn.

bhihi sau pi mtu sevak, pu nidahi lnha bol.2.
cale sakh kara so kara jore , sithila sarru saneha na thore .
p u

chata sakhahi so hu dekh u, neku nayana mana jarani juR u.3.

jaha siya rmu lakhanu nisi soe, kahata bhare jala locana koe.
bharata bacana suni bhayau bidu, turata tah

lai gayau nid u.4.

The people took up their lodgings at different places and Bharata made enquiries
about all. After worshipping the gods and taking leave of them the two brothers (Bharata
and atrughna) went up to r Rmas mother (Kausaly). Bharata showed respect to
all his mothers by kneading their feet and speaking to each in polite terms. Then
entrusting his brother with the service of his mothers he himself summoned the Nida
chief and went hand in hand with him, his body overpowered with excess of love. He
asked his friend to show him the spotand thereby soothe the agony of his eyes and
soul to some extentwhere St, r Rma and Lakmaa had slept at night. Even as
he spoke the corners of his eyes were filled with tears. The Nida chief was distressed
to hear Bharatas words and presently took him to the spot (14)
0 fr ta a rr f f>rr
fa r a t-s z r+ {c+
Do.: jaha sisup punta tara raghubara kiya birmu,
ati saneha sdara bharata knheu daa pranmu.198.
Where the Chief of Raghus line had rested under a holy Aoka tree. With great
affection and reverence Bharata prostrated himself there. (198)
0 rt frf r; t- r f- r;+
rf- r; ; a tfa fr;+.{+
f ; rf r t t +
fr z nrt a r rt+.+
>rta t f fatr r rf ftr+
far s a t a rn rn n t+.-+
r r r f fra rfar+
rr rrr nrr; r z ra r r z r; +.+
Cau.: kusa s

thar nihri suh, knha pranmu pradacchina j.

carana rekha raja

khinha l, banai na kahata prti adhik.1.

kanaka bidu dui crika dekhe, rkhe ssa sya sama lekhe.
sajala bilocana hdaya galn, kahata sakh sana bacana subn.2.
rhata sya biraha dutihn, jath avadha nara nri biln.
pit janaka deu paatara keh, karatala bhogu jogu jaga jeh.3.
sasura bhnukula bhnu bhulu, jehi sihta amarvatiplu.
prnanthu raghuntha gos

, jo baRa hota so rma baR

.4.
Beholding a lovely litter of Kua grass he paced round it clockwise and made
obeisance. He also placed the dust of r Rmas footprints on his eyes with an excess
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
527
of love which could not be described in words. He saw there a few gold spangles, which
he placed on his head and treated them on a par with St. With tears in his eyes and
a heart full of remorse he spoke to his friend in sweet accents: These spangles have
lost their charm and appear lustreless due to their separation from St, even as the
people of Ayodhy, both men and women, are spent through sorrow. To whom shall I
liken her father, Janaka, who in this world is a master of asceticism and enjoyment both?
And she had for her father-in-law King Daaratha, the sun of the solar race, who was
the envy even of the lord of paradise (Indra). And her beloved lord is no other than Lord
r Rma, from whose glory all great ones derive their greatness! (14)
0fa ar at f t rt f
fa zs f f a f ff+ {+
Do.: pati devat sutya mani sya s

thar dekhi,
biharata hdau na hahari hara pabi te kahina bisei.199.
Even as I gaze on the litter used by St, the jewel among virtuous women
devoted to their lord, my heart does not break in horror; it is harder than adamant,
my God. (199)
0r rn rr r r; f r+
f fa ra r f rrtf rfr+.{+
fa r r ara rs a rn r+
a f ffa r at f rf f f rat+.+
r f n t- srn = t n rn+
f n fa rar r rs f rar+.-+
fs r zr; t rf ff f t+
r rf rf a r f f n n r+.+
Cau.: llana jogu lakhana laghu lone, bhe na bhi asa ahahi

na hone.
purajana priya pitu mtu dulre, siya raghubrahi prnapire.1.
mdu murati sukumra subh u, tta bu tana lga na k u.
te bana sahahi

bipati saba bh

t, nidare koi kulisa ehi

cht.2.
rma janami jagu knha ujgara, r upa sla sukha saba guna sgara.
purajana parijana gura pitu mt, rma subhu sabahi sukhadt.3.
bairiu rma baR karah

, bolani milani binaya mana harah

.
srada koi koi sata se, kari na sakahi

prabhu guna gana lekh.4.

"And my younger brother, Lakmaa, is so comely and worth fondling; never was
there such a brother, nor is there, nor will be. Beloved of the people and the darling of
his parents, he is dear as life to both St and the Hero of Raghu's line. Nay, he is so
delicate of frame and tender of disposition and his body has never been exposed to hot
winds; yet he is bearing hardships of every kind in the woods. Oh! my breast has
outdone millions of thunderbolts. As for r Rma he has illumined the world by being
born in it; he is such an ocean of beauty, amiability, joy and all excellences. r Rma's
disposition is the delight of the people of Ayodhy and his own family, much more of his
preceptor and parents. Even enemies praise r Rma, who steals the heart by his polite
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
528
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
speech, agreeable manners and modesty of behaviour. Millions of rads (goddesses
of speech) and hundreds of millions of eas (serpent-gods) are unable to reckon up the
virtues of the Lord." (14)
0t= rrf n r fr
a ra zrf f ff nfa fa r+ +
Do.: sukhasvarupa raghubasamani magala moda nidhna,
te sovata kusa si mahi bidhi gati ati balavna.200.
"That jewel of Raghu's line, who is bliss personified and a mine of joy and
blessings, sleeps on the ground spreading the Kua grass on it! The ways of Providence
are inexorable indeed." (200)
0r r r r ta= ff rn; r+
f f f r at rnf f f rat+.{+
a fa ff rt rt+
fn ; n r ;f r fa far+.+
fn fn rr sf rnt sara s f rnt+
f s frar r;r rf t- rar+.-+
f rr fr r f a rf fr+
r arf f ar f rf fr r ff rf+.+
Cau.: rma sun dukhu kna na k u, jvanataru jimi jogavai r u.
palaka nayana phani mani jehi bh

t, jogavahi

janani sakala dina rt.1.

te aba phirata bipina padacr, kada m ula phala ph ula ahr.
dhiga kaika amagala m ul, bhaisi prna priyatama pratik ul.2.
mai

dhiga dhiga agha udadhi abhg, sabu utaptu bhayau jehi lg.
kula kalaku kari sjeu bidht

, si

doha mohi knha kumt

.3.
suni saprema samujhva nidu, ntha karia kata bdi bid u.
rma tumhahi priya tumha priya rmahi, yaha nirajosu dosu bidhi bmahi.4.
"r Rma had never heard any mention of sorrow; the king (our father) tended him
like the tree of life. Nay, all the mothers cherished him day and night even as the eyelids
protect the eyes or a serpent guards the gem on its head. The same Rma now wanders
through the forest on foot living on bulbs, roots, fruits and flowers. Accursed is Kaikey
(my mother), the root of evil, who turned hostile to him (her own husband) who was the
dearest object of her life. And twice accursed is my own wretched self, the ocean of sin
and the occasion of all trouble. While God created me as a blot on my family, my wicked
mother has made me the enemy of my master." Hearing this the Nida chief lovingly
comforted him: "Why should you lament in vain? r Rma is dear to you, and you are
dear to Rma: this is a settled fact, and the blame rests with an adverse fate." (14)
U0ff r t t f f ra t-t rt
af rfa f f f r r rt+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
529
at ar r r ta a f
fr n rf rf t f+
cha.: bidhi bma k karan kahina jehi

mtu knh bvar,

tehi rti puni puni karahi

prabhu sdara sarahan rvar.

tulas na tumha so rma prtamu kahatu hau sau he kie ,
parinma magala jni apane nie dhraju hie .
"Cruel indeed are the doings of an adverse fate, which drove mother Kaikey mad.
The Lord reverently praised you again and again that night. There is no one, says
Tulasdsa, so supremely dear to r Rma as you are: I declare this on oath. Therefore,
be assured that all will be well in the end and take courage in your heart."
0art r ra
f f f>rr frf rf + {+
So.: atarajm rmu sakuca saprema kpyatana,
calia karia birmu yaha bicri dRha ni mana.201.
"r Rma knows the heart of all; nay, He is an embodiment of tenderness,
affection and compassion. Considering this and summoning courage in your heart,
please go and take rest." (201)
0r f s f tr r fa rrtr+
f r; n rt fr ra rt+.{+
fr f f rr f ;f rf frr+
f f rf fr t r fraf t+.+
rf a rs fa frs +
ff r rf frf r f ; fr frf+.-+
f ff rfa rn rnr r fr nrr rnr+
nf r r; r; ; r ra r;+.+
z rf r rr saf a a f rr+.~+
Cau.: sakh bacana suni ura dhari dhr, bsa cale sumirata raghubr.
yaha sudhi pi nagara nara nr, cale bilokana rata bhr.1.
paradakhin kari karahi

pranm, dehi

kaikaihi khori nikm.
bhari bhari bri bilocana leh

, bma bidhtahi d uana deh

.2.
eka sarhahi

bharata saneh u, kou kaha npati nibheu neh u.
nidahi

pu sarhi nidahi, ko kahi sakai bimoha bidahi.3.
ehi bidhi rti logu sabu jg, bh bhinusra gudr lg.
gurahi sunva caRhi suh

, na

nva saba mtu caRh

.4.
daa cri maha bh sabu pr, utari bharata taba sabahi sa bhr.5.
Bharata took comfort at the words of his friend and proceeded towards his
lodgings with his thoughts directed towards the Hero of Raghu's race. On receiving this
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
530
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
news the men and women of the city sallied forth to see the place (where r Rma had
slept one night) much distressed at heart. Pacing round the spot clockwise they made
obeisance to it and blamed Kaikey to their heart's content. Tears rushed to their eyes
again and again and they reproached cruel Fate. Some would praise Bharata's love,
while others said the king had vindicated his affection. They would reproach themselves
and praise the Nida chief; who can describe their confusion and woe? In this way they
all kept vigil overnight and at daybreak the passage across the river began. The Guru
was put on a good and handsome boat, and all the mothers on another newly-built one.
In an hour and a half everyone was taken across. When Bharata had alighted, he made
sure that all had come. (15)
0rafr f ra f nf f= r;
rn f fr n t-s r;+ +
Do.: prtakriy kari mtu pada badi gurahi siru ni,
ge kie nida gana dnheu kaaku cali.202.
Having finished the morning duties Bharata adored his mothers' feet and bowed
his head to the preceptor, and sending a party of the Nidas ahead started the whole
host. (202)
0fs frr nr; ra rt r;+
r rr; r; rr t-r f- fa n n t-r+.{+
r ff t- r f fa f r+
n a rf r ra n rf zrfr+.+
f rf rr r; r t rr+
r rf r fr n rf r+.-+
f rs sfa rr a rr+
f a nfa f rt n nf nrt+.+
Cau.: kiyau nidanthu agu

, mtu plak

sakala cal

.
stha boli bhi laghu dnh, bipranha sahita gavanu gura knh.1.
pu surasarihi knha pranmu, sumire lakhana sahita siya rm u.
gavane bharata paydehi

pe, kotala saga jhi

orie.2.
kahahi

susevaka brahi

br, hoia ntha asva asavr.

rmu paydehi pya sidhe, hama kaha ratha gaja bji bane.3.
sira bhara ju ucita asa mor, saba te sevaka dharamu kahor.
dekhi bharata gati suni mdu bn, saba sevaka gana garahi

galn.4.
He made the Nida chief lead the van and then started the palanquins carrying
the queen-mothers, and summoning his younger brother (atrughna) told him off as their
escort. The Guru proceeded next alongwith the other Brhmaas. He himself then made
obeisance to the celestial river, invoked St, Rma and Lakmaa and set forth on foot;
while riding horses meant for the king were led by the bridle alongwith him. Again and
again his faithful servants said, "Be pleased, sire,to mount your horse." "r Rma has
gone on foot; while chariots, elephants and horses are intended for me! What behoves
me is that I should walk on my head; for the duty of a servant is harder than any other
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
531
duty." Seeing his behaviour and hearing his polite speech all his servants melted out of
a feeling of self-disparagement. (14)
0a at t- rn
a r f r f sfn sfn rn+ -+
Do.: bharata tsare pahara kaha knha prabesu prayga,
kahata rma siya rma siya umagi umagi anurga.203.
Bharata entered the limits of Prayga (the area surrounding the confluence of the
Gag and Yamun near Allahabad) in the afternoon; overflowing with love he cried
"Rma, St!" "Rma, St!" even as he went. (203)
0rr ra r- r r +
a rf r r s fa f r+.{+
f t- rn r t- r frff r+
ff farfa t r f r f r+.+
a tr r f t a r+
r atr ffa n n r+.-+
rns t -rfn f ra r ; +
f rf r rt f n r rt+.+
Cau.: jhalak jhalakata pyanha kaise , pakaja kosa osa kana jaise .
bharata paydehi

e ju, bhayau dukhita suni sakala samju.1.

khabari lnha saba loga nahe, knha pranmu tribenihi

e.
sabidhi sitsita nra nahne, die dna mahisura sanamne.2.
dekhata symala dhavala halore, pulaki sarra bharata kara jore.
sakala kma prada trathar u, beda bidita jaga pragaa prabh u.3.
mgau bhkha tygi nija dharamu, rata kha na karai kukaram u.
asa jiya jni sujna sudn, saphala karahi

jaga jcaka bn.4.

The blisters on the soles of his feet glistened like dew-drops on a lotus bud. The
whole company was grieved to hear that Bharata had made the day's march on foot.
After ascertaining that all had finished their ablutions, he repaired to the confluence of
the Gag, Yamun and Sarasvat and did homage to it. He bathed in the particoloured
waters with due ceremony and honoured the Brhmaas bestowing gifts on them. As
he watched the coming of the dark and white waves Bharata felt a thrill of joy over his
body and he joined his palms in prayer: "You are the bestower of all desired objects,
O king of sacred places; your glory is known to the Vedas and manifest throughout the
world. Abandoning the course of conduct prescribed for a Katriya I beg alms of you.
But what vile act is there that an afflicted soul would not stoop to? Realizing this in their
heart of hearts the wise and generous donors accomplish in this world the prayer of
the suppliant. (14)
0 r =f nfa s fr
fa r r r+ +
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
532
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Do.: aratha na dharama na kma ruci gati na cahau nirabna,
janama janama rati rma pada yaha baradnu na na.204.
"I have no liking for wealth nor for religious merit nor for sensuous enjoyment nor
again do I seek the state of perfect and perpetual calm. Birth after birth let me have
devotion to r Rma's feet: this is the only boon I ask and nought else." (204)
0r r f f rt rn s n rf rt+
tar r fa r f s n ar+.{+
f fa frs ra f r zrs+
ra f rr rrf r; rfa r;+.+
f r ; ff r faf fa fr+
a f rr frt ; rf n t+.-+
ara a ar ff r r rn nr+
rf nrf rt ar rf rs f rt+.+
Cau.: jnahu rma kuila kari moh, loga kahau gura shiba droh.
st rma carana rati more , anudina baRhau anugraha tore .1.
jaladu janama bhari surati bisrau, jcata jalu pabi phana rau.
ctaku raani ghae ghai j, baRhe premu saba bh

ti bhal.2.
kanakahi

bna caRhai jimi dhe , timi priyatama pada nema nibhe .

bharata bacana suni mjha triben, bhai mdu bni sumagala den.3.
tta bharata tumha saba bidhi sdh u, rma carana anurga agdhu.
bdi galni karahu mana mh

, tumha sama rmahi kou priya nh

.4.
"Let r Rma take me for a wicked fellow, and let the people call me an enemy
of my preceptor and master. All the same by your grace may my devotion to the feet of
St and r Rma grow day by day. The cloud may neglect the Ctaka bird all its life
and on its asking water may discharge thunderbolt and hail. But the bird will fall in the
estimation of others if it ceases to call out to the cloud. It will gain in everyway only by
intensifying its love for the latter. Just as gold gets brighter by being put into the fire, even
so the lover shines by sticking to his vow of devotion to the feet of his most beloved
lord." In response to Bharata's prayer there came a sweet and benedictory utterance
from the midst of the Trive: "Dear Bharata, you are pious in everyway and your love
for r Rma's feet is unbounded. In vain do you harbour depressing thoughts in your
mind; there is no one so dear to Rma as you are." (14)
0a s f f f
a - f - fa f + ~+
Do.: tanu pulakeu hiya harau suni beni bacana anukula,
bharata dhanya kahi dhanya sura haraita baraahi

phula.205.
A thrill ran through Bharata's body and his soul rejoiced to hear the agreeable
words of the (deity presiding over) Trive. Exclaiming "Bharata is praiseworthy, all
praise to him!" the gods joyfully rained flowers. (205)
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
533
0fa atr frt r nt srt+
f ff rr a t f rr+.{+
a r n nr r r f f r+
z r a f faa r f +.+
r; sr; r; s t- tf- t ar t-+
r t- r; f= a n f +.-+
f z r r ff f t r+
a f r; ff a f r;+.+
Cau.: pramudita tratharja nivs, baikhnasa bau gh uds.
kahahi

parasapara mili dasa p

c, bharata sanehu slu suci s

c.1.
sunata rma guna grma suhe, bharadvja munibara pahi

e.
daa pranmu karata muni dekhe, m uratimata bhgya nija lekhe.2.
dhi uhi li ura lnhe, dnhi assa ktratha knhe.
sanu dnha ni siru baihe, cahata sakuca gha janu bhaji paihe.3.
muni p u

chaba kachu yaha baRa soc u, bole rii lakhi slu sa koc u.
sunahu bharata hama saba sudhi p, bidhi karataba para kichu na bas.4.
The inhabitants of Prayga (the king of sacred places), including anchorites,
religious students, householders and recluses, were transported with joy. Meeting in
batches of five to ten they said to one another, "Bharata's affection and amiability are
artless and genuine." Hearing of r Rma's charming virtues he came to the great
sage Bharadvja. The sage saw him falling prostrate before him and looked upon him
as his own good-luck personified. Running up and lifting him the sage clasped him to
his bosom and gratified him by bestowing his blessing on him. Offered a seat by the
sage he sat down with his head bent low, as if he would run away and hide his face
in a den of bashfulness. He felt much perturbed at the thought that the sage might ask
him any question. Seeing his amiability and confusion of mind the sage said to him,
"Listen, Bharata! I have already heard everything; but we have no control over the
doings of Fate. (14)
0ar nrf f f fr ra afa
ara ;f r f n; fnr fa fa+ +
Do.: tumha galni jiya jani karahu samujhi mtu karatuti,
tta kaikaihi dosu nahi

ga gir mati dhuti.206.

"Be not distressed at heart by the thought of what your mother has done. It is no
fault of Kaikey, dear child; it was the goddess of speech who deluded her mind." (206)
0s a ff r r a r+
ara arr f nr; r;f rs z r; +.{+
r a ; f fa ; r r ;+
rs -a arf rr; a r zr;+.+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
534
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
r n r r f ft ; r+
r rt rf rt f rf a fart+.-+
as arr r r r r+
a r a arf r rf ra a ar+.+
Cau.: yahau kahata bhala kahihi na kou, loku bedu budha samata dou.
tta tumhra bimala jasu g, pihi lokau bedu baR.1.
loka beda samata sabu kaha, jehi pitu dei rju so laha.
ru satyabrata tumhahi bol, deta rju sukhu dharamu baR.2.
rma gavanu bana anaratha m ul, jo suni sakala bisva bhai s ul.
so bhv basa rni ayn, kari kucli atahu pachitn.3.
taha u tumhra alapa apardh u, kahai so adhama ayna asdhu.
karatehu rju ta tumhahi na dou, rmahi hota sunata sato u.4.
"Nobody would approve of it even if I said so; for the wise recognize worldly
opinion as well as the judgment of the Vedas. By singing your unsullied glory, however,
the world and the Vedas both will be exalted. The world as well as the Vedas admit it
and everyone says that of king's sons he alone gets the throne on whom his father
bestows it. The king, who was above all true to his vow, would have called you and
bestowed the kingdom on you; and this would have brought him joy, religious merit and
glory. But the root of all trouble was Rma's exile to the forest and the whole universe
was pained to hear of it. It was, however, as fate would have it; much as the foolish
queen (Kaikey) did wrong, she now repents for it. But he who lays the least blame for
it on you is vile, ignorant and wicked. Even if you accepted the sovereignty no blame
would attach to you and even Rma would have been gratified to hear of it." (14)
0 fa t- a arf sfa a
n n rr + +
Do.: aba ati knhehu bharata bhala tumhahi ucita mata ehu,
sakala sumagala mula jaga raghubara carana sanehu.207.
"But what you have done now is excellent; your standpoint is quite justified. For
devotion to r Rma's feet is the root of all choice blessings in the world." (207)
0r arr t rr frn r arf rr+
arr r arar r f rar+.{+
a rr rt rr a r rs rt +
r taf fa tat ff arf ra tat+.+
rr ra rnr n rf ar rnr+
ar rr t n z +.-+
f rrt zr; a r rrr;+
ar a a r a r +.+
Cau.: so tumhra dhanu jvanu prn, bh uribhga ko tumhahi samn.
yaha tumhra caraju na tt, dasaratha suana rma priya bhrt.1.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
535
sunahu bharata raghubara manamh

, pema ptru tumha sama kou nh

.
lakhana rma stahi ati prt, nisi saba tumhahi sarhata bt.2.
jn maramu nahta prayg, magana hohi

tumhare anurg.
tumha para asa sanehu raghubara ke , sukha jvana jaga jasa jaRa nara ke .3.
yaha na adhika raghubra baR, pranata kuuba pla raghur.
tumha tau bharata mora mata ehu, dhare deha janu rma saneh u.4.
"And that is your wealth and life, nay, your vital breath. Who is, then, so highly
blessed as you? This is, however, not to be wondered at in your case, who are a son
of King Daaratha and a beloved brother of Rma. I tell you, Bharata, there is no one
held so dear in his heart by the Chief of Raghu's line as you. Lakmaa, Rma and St
most fondly praised you the whole night. I came to know the secret only when they were
bathing at Prayga; they would feel overwhelmed with love for you. The Chief of Raghu's
line cherishes the same love for you as a fool does for a life of ease in this world. This
is, however, no great tribute to the Hero of Raghu's race, who cherishes the whole family
of the suppliant. As for yourself, Bharata, my opinion is that you are the very incarnation
of love for Rma." (14)
0ar a s
r nfa ffq fa r s n+ c+
Do.: tumha kaha bharata kalaka yaha hama saba kaha upadesu,
rma bhagati rasa siddhi hita bh yaha samau ganesu.208.
What, to your mind, constitutes a slur on you is a lesson to us all. The
present occasion has proved very propitious for preparing elixir in the form of
devotion of Rma." (208)
0 f f ara arr rr f rr+
sfa r ;f r rrff n f f r+.{+
r far tfa fa ft ar f ff ft+
ff f r r nff ; a r+.+
r fr n r r f r+
r na f rrr t- r r+.-+
nt f rt fa n rt+
n n f rt f r f n rt+.+
Cau.: nava bidhu bimala tta jasu tor, raghubara kikara kumuda cakor.
udita sad a thaihi kabahu

n, ghaihi na jaga nabha dina dina dun.1.

koka tiloka prti ati karih, prabhu pratpa rabi chabihi na harih.
nisi dina sukhada sad saba kh u, grasihi na kaikai karatabu rh u.2.
purana rma supema piy u, gura avamna doa nahi

du.
rma bhagata aba amia aghhu

, knhehu sulabha sudh basudhhu

.3.
bhupa bhagratha surasari n, sumirata sakala sumagala khn.
dasaratha guna gana barani na jh

, adhiku kah jehi sama jaga nh

.4.
"Your glory, dear child, is a new type of spotless moon as it were; while Rma's
devotees are like so many water-lilies (that open only in moonlight) and Cakora birds
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
536
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
(that are equally fond of the moon). It shall always remain above the horizon and shall
never set; nay, it shall never wane and shall ever wax in the heavens of this world. The
Cakravka bird in the shape of the three worlds shall cherish great love for it, while the
sun in the shape of the Lord's glory shall never rob it of its splendour. It shall ever
delight everyone by day as well as by night and the demon Rhu in the form of
Kaikey's doings shall never eclipse it. It is full of nectar in the form of ideal love for
Rma and is untarnished by any stain resulting from a wrong done to the Guru.* Let
Rma's devotees now enjoy nectar to their heart's content since you have made it so
easy of access even on earth. Of your forbears King Bhagratha brought down the
celestial river, the very thought of which is a fountain of all choice blessings. As for
Daaratha's virtues they are more than one can describe. What more shall I say about
him? He had no equal in the world." (14)
0r r r n r;
f f f t rrr;+ +
Do.: jsu saneha sakoca basa rma pragaa bhae i,
je hara hiya nayanani kabahu nirakhe nah

aghi.209.
"Won by his affection and meekness r Rma Himself appeared on earthRma
whom even iva has never seen with His mental eyes to His heart's fill." (209)
0tfa f ar t- r r n=r+
ara nrf f r z ff r r+.{+
a r t srt ar t+
r rr r f rr+.+
* It is mentioned in the Puras that Bhaspati, the preceptor of the gods, on one occasion, when he
was returning from a bath in the Gag, found his wife, Tr, with the moon-god and threw his dripping robe
at him and hit him in the face, thus causing the spots that are still to be seen there.
The descent of the celestial river, Gag, to the earth is associated with the name of King
Bhagratha, who is said to have practised austere penance for 1000 years and eventually succeeded in
bringing down the stream. The Puras tell us how King Sagara, an ancestor of the illustrious Bhagratha,
performed a horse sacrifice. The horse released by the king prior to the sacrifice was.
King Sagara's sons, 60,000 in number, went out in quest of the horse and dug the earth on all sides.
While digging the earth in the north-east they found the horse by the side of the divine sage Kapila, who sat
absorbed in meditation in the nether regions. The foolish and haughty princes took the sage for a thief and
abusing him right and left ran to assault him. The sage now opened his eyes and lo! as a result of their offence
the princes were instantly reduced to ashes by a fire which emanated from their body.
King Sagara had another son, Asamajasa by name. His son, Aumn, who was much devoted to
his grandfather, proceeded in search of the horse under orders of the king, and found the animal near the
ashes of his uncles. He also beheld the great sage Kapila and supplicated to him. The sage, who was
pleased with his prayer, told him that the horse belonged to his grandfather and asked him to take it back. The
sage further told him about the death of his uncles and added that the latter could attain salvation only if their
remains could be washed by the Gag . Aumn took the horse to his grandfather, who duly performed the
horse sacrifice and then retired to the woods after installing his grandson on the throne of Ayodhy.
King Aumn and his son Dilpa successively practised austere for a number of years with a view to
bringing the Gag down to the mortal plane, but in vain Dilpa's son, Bhagratha, at last succeeded in
bringing the stream to the earth and took it to the place, where his uncles had lain in the form of ashes. The
moment the water of the Gag touched their remains their spirits were absolved from the sin of insulting a
holy sage and ascended to heaven. Such is the glory of the Gag, which is stated to have emanated from the
feet of Bhagavn Viu Himself.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
537
af arrr fa rn rn rr+
a - ar n f n f +.-+
f f r r rf +
- - f nn rnr f f a n rnr+.+
Cau.: krati bidhu tumha knha an up, jaha basa rma pema mgar up.
tta galni karahu jiya je , arahu daridrahi prasu pe .1.
sunahu bharata hama jh uha na kahah

, udsna tpasa bana rahah

.
saba sdhana kara suphala suhv, lakhana rma siya darasanu pv.2.
tehi phala kara phalu darasa tumhr, sahita payga subhga hamr.
bharata dhanya tumha jasu jagu jaya u, kahi asa pema magana muni bhaya u.3.
suni muni bacana sabhsada harae, sdhu sarhi sumana sura barae.
dhanya dhanya dhuni gagana payg, suni suni bharatu magana anurg.4.
"You have created the peerless moon of your glory, which bears on it the figure
of a deer* in the shape of love for Rma. You feel distressed at heart, dear son, for no
purpose: you fear poverty even though you have found the philosopher's stone. Listen,
BharataI tell no falsehood, I am an ascetic dwelling in the forest and having no concern
with the worldI obtained the happy and excellent reward of all spiritual practices when
I saw Lakmaa, Rma and St. The reward of that reward itself is your sight, on which
not only I but the whole of Prayga deserves to be congratulated. Bharata, you deserve
all praise since by your glory you have conquered the whole world. As he concluded his
speech the sage was overwhelmed with love. Those who were assembled there rejoiced
to hear the sages words, while the gods acclaimed Bharata and rained flowers on him.
Even as Bharata heard the shouts of applause in the heavens as well as in Prayga he
was overwhelmed with emotion. (14)
0 nra f r f r=
f r f zff r nn + {+
Do.: pulaka gta hiya rmu siya sajala saroruha naina,
kari pranmu muni maalihi bole gadagada baina.210.
Experiencing a thrill of joy all over his body, with his heart full of St and Rma
and his lotus eyes wet with tears he made obeisance to the conclave of sages and thus
spoke in a voice choked with emotion: (210)
0f r = atr rf rrr; r+
f f f r; f f rr r;+.{+
ar s far s art rrr+
rf ra a r f f n rff r+.+
rf z= fnff r fa rf r+
a f r f r f a r+.-+
* The spot in the moon is represented by the Hindus as a deer even as it is presented in European
nurseries as the form of a man.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
538
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
r f af a n r n+
r f f n t f f ff t+.+
Cau.: muni samju aru tratharj u, s

cihu sapatha aghi akj u.

ehi thala jau kichu kahia ban, ehi sama adhika na agha adham.1.
tumha sarbagya kahau satibh u, ura atarajm raghur u.
mohi na mtu karataba kara soc u, nahi

dukhu jiya jagu jnihi poc u.2.

nhina aru bigarihi paralok u, pitahu marana kara mohi na sok u.
sukta sujasa bhari bhuana suhe, lachimana rma sarisa suta pe.3.
rma biraha taji tanu chanabhag u, bhupa soca kara kavana prasagu.
rma lakhana siya binu paga panah

, kari muni bea phirahi

bana banah

.4.
"Here is an assembly of sages and we stand at a place which is known as the
king of sacred places. Great harm will come to a man if he states even a fact on oath
at such a place. And if one tells a lie there will be no greater sin and depravity. I speak
out the truth knowing as I do that you are all-wise, while the Lord of Raghus has access
to the inmost recesses of one's heart. I am not at all sorry for what my mother has done
nor am I troubled at heart over the thought that the world will look upon me as mean. I
fear not lest I should spoil my future life nor do I grieve over my father's death, whose
meritorious deeds and fair renown shine forth throughout the universe, who had sons like
Lakmaa and r Rma, and who quitted his frail body as a result of his separation from
r Rma. Thus there is hardly any occasion for lamentation on his account. What pains
me is that dressing themselves as hermits r Rma, Lakmaa and St roam from
forest to forest without shoes on their feet. (14)
0f f zrf ra
f a= a fa a f ra r ra+ {{+
Do.: ajina basana phala asana mahi sayana si kusa pta,
basi taru tara nita sahata hima tapa bara bta.211.
"Clad in deerskin, living on bare fruits, reposing on the ground overspread with
Kua grass and leaves and halting under trees they ever endure cold and sunshine, rain
and storm!" (211)
0f r ; f rat r t rat+
f rn rt rs ft rt+.{+
ra a ; rr r af r fa t- r+
f r t- r nrfz f f f r+.+
rf fn r af rr rrrf n rrr+
f; rn r ff r ; f r sr+.-+
a f f r; f tf- rfa zr;+
ara f r ft fff r n t+.+
Cau.: ehi dukha dha dahai dina cht, bh ukha na bsara nda na rt.
ehi kuroga kara auadhu nh

, sodheu sakala bisva mana mh

.1.
mtu kumata baRha agha mul, tehi

hamra hita knha ba s ul.

kali kukha kara knha kujatru, gRi avadhi paRhi kahina kumatru.2.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
539
mohi lagi yahu kuhu tehi

h, ghlesi saba jagu brahab.

miai kujogu rma phiri e , basai avadha nahi

na upe .3.
bharata bacana suni muni sukhu p, sabahi

knhi bahu bh

ti baR.
tta karahu jani socu bise, saba dukhu miihi rma paga dekh.4.
"It is this burning agony which is ever consuming my breast, so that I feel no appetite
by day and get no sleep at night. For this fell disease there is no remedy: I have mentally
ransacked the whole world. My mother's evil counsel was like a sinful carpenter, who used
my interests as an adze and fashioned out of the inauspicious wood of discord a destructive
magical contrivance and muttering the terrible malevolent spell of (r Rma's) exile for a
fixed term (of fourteen years) planted it (in the soil of Ayodhy).* It is for my sake that she
employed this infamous contrivance and brought ruin on the whole world. This calamity will
cease only when r Rma returns; by no other means can Ayodhy thrive again." The
sage (Bharadvja) was gratified to hear Bharata's words and everyone applauded him in
ways more than one. "Grieve not much, dear child; all your woes will disappear the moment
you behold r Rma's feet." (14)
0f r f s faf f r
f f r+ {+
Do.: kari prabodhu munibara kaheu atithi pemapriya hohu,
kada mula phala phula hama dehi

lehu kari chohu.212.

After comforting him (thus) the chief of the sages, Bharadvja, said, "Be my
beloved guest and deign to accept the bulbs, roots, fruits and flowers that we may
offer you." (212)
0f f a f r s f r+
rf n=; n fnr rt f r rt+.{+
f f r f arrr r rr+
a f r f f f rr+.+
rf tf- a r; r r;+
f r f fa- f r fa f f r fr+.-+
ff r r z ar af r rf ar+
f ff ff frf r; r r; r f nrr;+.+
Cau.: suni muni bacana bharata hiya soc u, bhayau kuavasara kahina sa koc u.
jni garui gura gir bahor, carana badi bole kara jor.1.
sira dhari yasu karia tumhr, parama dharama yahu ntha hamr.
bharata bacana munibara mana bhe, suci sevaka sia nikaa bole.2.
chia knhi bharata pahun, kada m ula phala nahu j.
bhalehi

ntha kahi tinha sira ne, pramudita nija nija kja sidhe.3.
munihi soca phuna baRa nevat, tasi p uj chia jasa devat.
suni ridhi sidhi animdika

, yasu hoi so karahi

gos

.4.
* This evidently refers to a magical contrivance, intended to drive out an enemy from his home, in
which wood is cut during a particular period from the tree known as the helleric myrobalan and after
fashioning a pin out of it the same is planted in the enemy's house with the recitation of some spells. This is
believed to bring the desired result.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
540
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
On hearing the sage's words Bharata was troubled at heart; for he was faced with
a hard puzzle at a difficult time. Then, realizing the weightiness of an elder's command
he adored the sage's feet and replied with joined palms, "Your orders must be
respectfully obeyed; this is my paramount duty, my lord." Bharata's reply pleased the
great sage (Bharadvja), who called his trusty servants and pupils by his side. "Bharata
ought to be entertained; therefore, go and bring bulbs, roots and fruits." They bowed their
heads with the words 'very well, sir!' and most gladly proceeded to take charge of their
respective duties. The sage anxiously thought that he had invited a distinguished guest
and that a deity must be worshipped according to his or her rank. Hearing of this riches
of various kinds (Riddhis) and supernatural powers (Siddhis) like Aim (the power of
assuming atomic size) appeared (in a visible form) and said, "We are prepared to do your
bidding, O lord." (14)
0r f r a r fa r
r; f >r r fa fr+ {-+
Do.: rma biraha bykula bharatu snuja sahita samja,
pahun kari harahu rama kah mudita munirja.213.
"Bharata as well as his younger brother (atrughna) and the whole company are
distressed due to their separation from Rma. Entertain them and relieve them of their
fatigue," the great sage gladly said. (213)
0ff ff f f f rt zrfnf rf rt+
f ff r; afa faf r rr r;+.{+
f f f r; r r; t r r+
f s =f n rr f frf frf frr+.+
rn ffa f f r a f-f fr+
rt r r t- rna f f t-+.-+
r f ff rt rt +
f r f t r =f t+.+
Cau.: ridhi sidhi sira dhari munibara bn, baRabhgini puhi anumn.
kahahi

parasapara sidhi samud, atulita atithi rma laghu bh.1.

muni pada badi karia soi j u, hoi sukh saba rja samj u.
asa kahi raceu rucira gha nn, jehi biloki bilakhhi

bimn.2.
bhoga bibhuti bhuri bhari rkhe, dekhata jinhahi amara abhile.
ds

dsa sju saba lnhe , jogavata rahahi

manahi manu dnhe .3.

saba samju saji sidhi pala mh

, je sukha surapura sapanehu nh

.
prathamahi

bsa die saba keh, sudara sukhada jath ruci jeh.4.

The riches and supernatural powers in their embodied forms bowed to the
command of the great sage and deemed themselves highly favoured. The Siddhis said
to one another, "r Rma's younger brother (Bharata) is a guest beyond compare.
Bowing at the sage's feet let us do that which may gratify the whole of the royal party.
So saying they erected beautiful dwellings of various patterns, which put to shame by
their appearance the aerial cars of gods. They were replete with abundant luxuries and
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
541
splendours, which were coveted by immortals. Equipped with necessaries of all kinds
men-servants and maid-servants remained in attendance focussing their attention on the
pleasure of the guests. The Siddhis provided in an instant all the amenities which cannot
be dreamt of even in heaven. First of all they assigned to each of the guests quarters
that were charming and comfortable and suited to the taste of the occupant. (14)
0f f a ff r t-
ff f r f f a t-+ {+
Do.: bahuri saparijana bharata kahu rii asa yasu dnha,
bidhi bisamaya dyaku bibhava munibara tapabala knha.214.
Thereafter Bharata and his family were assigned quarters; for such were the
instructions given by the sage. By dint of his penance the great sage produced wealth
that astonished the Creator (Brahm) himself. (214)
0f rs a frr rr n rfa rr+
r f r; rt a ffa frf rt+.{+
r farr rfr fn n rr+
f f rr f r ff frr+.+
r f f t f rn ra t +
t a= t f fr t +.-+
fa a frf rt r rt+
n farf rnr f f rnr+.+
Cau.: muni prabhu jaba bharata bilok, saba laghu lage lokapati lok.
sukha samju nahi

ji bakhn, dekhata birati bisrahi

gyn.1.
sana sayana subasana bitn, bana bik bihaga mga nn.
surabhi phula phala amia samn, bimala jalsaya bibidha bidhn.2.
asana pna suci amia am se, dekhi loga sakucta jam se.
sura surabh surataru sabah ke , lakhi abhilu suresa sac ke .3.
ritu basata baha tribidha bayr, saba kaha sulabha padratha cr.
sraka cadana banitdika bhog, dekhi haraa bisamaya basa log.4.
When Bharata beheld the sage's power, the realms of all the rulers of the spheres
looked small in his eyes. The luxuries were more than one could describe; the wise
would forget their dispassion on seeing them. There were seats and couches, drapery,
canopies, groves and gardens, birds and beasts of different species, sweet-scented
flowers and fruits tasting like ambrosia, many a lake and pond of limpid water, foods and
drinks of an undefiled and innocent character, which were more delicious than nectar
and ambrosia, and which the guests would hesitate to accept like so many ascetics.
Every house was supplied with a celestial cow (the cow of plenty) and a tree of paradise;
Indra (the king of gods) and his consort, ac, grew covetous at their sight. It was the
vernal season and a cool, fragrant and gentle breeze was blowing. Everyone had all the
four prizes of life (viz., religious merit, worldly riches, sensuous enjoyment and final
beatitude) within ones easy reach. At the sight of luxuries like garlands, sandal-paste
and women the guests were overcome by a mixed feeling of joy and sorrow (joy at the
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
542
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
unique hospitality shown by the sage by dint of his Yogic powers and sorrow because
at a time when they should abstain from luxuries of every kind they were being offered
the same). (14)
0fa ; a f r r
af ff r>r fr r r fr+ {~+
Do.: sapati caka bharatu caka muni yasa khelavra,
tehi nisi rama pijar

rkhe bh bhinusra.215.
Affluence, like a female Cakravka bird, and Bharata, as her mate, were imprisoned
together that night in the cage of the hermitage by the sages order, which may be
compared here with a playful child. And they remained there till it was dawn.* (215)
[PAUSE 19 FOR A THIRTY-DAY RECITATION]
0t- fr atrr r; ff f= fa rr+
ff r t f rt f za f rt+.{+
nfa r t- frf fa t-+
rr t- rn a f rn+.+
f rr t f rr a rr+
r f rt a f a rt+.-+
r r f fr s rn a f r+
f r ff r ; f n n r+.+
Cau.: knha nimajjanu tratharj, ni munihi siru sahita samj.
rii yasu assa sira rkh, kari daavata binaya bahu bh.1.
patha gati kusala stha saba lnhe , cale citrak uahi

citu dnhe .
rmasakh kara dnhe lgu, calata deha dhari janu anurgu.2.
nahi

pada trna ssa nahi

chy, pemu nemu bratu dharamu amy.

lakhana rma siya patha kahn, pu

chata sakhahi kahata mdu bn.3.

rma bsa thala biapa biloke , ura anurga rahata nahi

roke .
dekhi das sura barisahi

phul, bhai mdu mahi magu magala mul.4.

Bharata and his party took a dip into the Trive (the confluence of the Gag,
Yamun and Sarasvat), the chief of sacred places, and bowed their head to the sage
(Bharadvja). Bharata reverently received his orders and blessings and prostrating himself
made much supplication. Accompanied by expert guides and taking the whole host along-
with him he proceeded on his journey with his thoughts directed towards Citrakua. Holding
r Rmas friend (Guha) by the hand he walked along like the very incarnation of love. He
had no shoes and no umbrella over his head; and his love, self-discipline, austerity and
piety were unfeigned. He asked his friend (Guha) to give an account of the wanderings of
Lakmaa, r Rma and St; while Guha narrated the same in soft accents. When he
* The metaphor is intended to show that just as a Cakravka pair would never unite even though
caught in a cage and would spend the whole night turning their back upon each other, likewise Bharata did
not even care to look at the luxuries in the midst of which he was forced to remain overnight. He kept
scrupulously aloof from them.
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*
AYODHY-K NA
*
543
saw the spots where r Rma had rested and the trees under which he had halted the
emotion within his breast could not be repressed. The gods who beheld his condition rained
down flowers; the earth grew soft and the road became pleasant. (14)
0f rf rr ; ra
a n s r r af ra+ {+
Do.: kie jhi

chy jalada sukhada bahai bara bta,

tasa magu bhayau na rma kaha jasa bh bharatahi jta.216.
The clouds afforded him shade all along and a delightful and excellent breeze
kept blowing. The journey was not so agreeable to r Rma as it proved to be for
Bharata. (216)
0z a n t rr fa f- +
a rn a r rn+.{+
fz ra a ; rt fa ff r rt+
r r a n ra a ar a+.+
a r f f rr rar r; n nrar+
fq r f t af ff f t+.-+
f rs f r n f r r+
n s f r; rf af r;+.+
Cau.: jaRa cetana maga jva ghanere, je citae prabhu jinha prabhu here.
te saba bhae parama pada jog u, bharata darasa me bhava rog u.1.
yaha baRi bta bharata kai nh

, sumirata jinahi rmu mana mh

.
braka rma kahata jaga je u, hota tarana trana nara te u.2.
bharatu rma priya puni laghu bhrt, kasa na hoi magu magaladt.
siddha sdhu munibara asa kahah

, bharatahi nirakhi harau hiya lahah

.3.
dekhi prabhu suresahi soc u, jagu bhala bhalehi poca kahu poc u.
gura sana kaheu karia prabhu so, rmahi bharatahi bhea na ho.4.
The numberless beings, both animate and inanimate, that saw the Lord or were
seen by the Lord in their turn, had been rendered fit for the highest state; the sight of
Bharata now finally rid them of the disease of transmigration. This was no great thing for
Bharata, whom r Rma ever cherished in His heart. Even they who utter the name
of Rma only once in this world not only reach the other shore themselves but are also
able to take others across. As for Bharata, he is dearly loved by r Rma and is His
younger brother too. No wonder, then, that the journey should be delightful to him,
Siddhas (a class of celestial beings), saints and great sages observed thus and rejoiced
at heart to behold Bharata. Indra (the chief of gods) was filled with anxiety when he saw
Bharatas power. The world is good to the good and vile for the vile. He said to his
preceptor (the sage Bhaspati), Something must be done, my lord, to prevent the
meeting between Rma and Bharata. (14)
0r rt a rf
t ra n fa f a rf+ {+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
544
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Do.: rmu sa koc prema basa bharata sapema payodhi,
ban bta begarana cahati karia jatanu chalu sodhi.217.
r Rma is scrupulous by nature and is won by love, while Bharata is an ocean
of affection. What has already been accomplished thus threatens to be undone;
therefore, finding out some stratagem let us use it as a remedial measure. (217)
0 a n= r f r r+
rrfa rr ; a sf ; rr+.{+
a f t- r = rt rf f r;f rt+
rrr r f r frf r+.+
r r na ; r r r r ;+
r ffa ;farr fr rf rr+.-+
a f r r t n r r t+.+
Cau.: bacana sunata suraguru musukne, sahasanayana binu locana jne.
mypati sevaka sana my, karai ta ulai parai surary.1.
taba kichu knha rma rukha jn, aba kucli kari hoihi hn.
sunu suresa raghuntha subh u, nija apardha rishi

na ku.2.
jo apardhu bhagata kara kara, rma roa pvaka so jara.
lokahu beda bidita itihs, yaha mahim jnahi

durabs.3.
bharata sarisa ko rma saneh, jagu japa rma rmu japa jeh.4.
Hearing his words the preceptor of the gods smiled and realized that, though
endowed with a thousand eyes, Indra was really blind, (lacked discernment). He said,
If anyone practises deception on a devotee of r Rma (the Lord of My), it recoils
on the artificer himself. O king of gods! Last time we did something knowing that it had
r Rmas tacit approval; but by resorting to some underhand means this time we are
sure to meet with disaster. Listen, O lord of gods; it is r Rmas nature not to be angry
at any offence against Himself. But he who sins against His devotees is surely
consumed in the fire of His wrath. The story is well known both in the world as well as
in the Vedas: the sage Durvs* know this glorious trait of r Rmas character. Has
* We read in the Puras how the sage Durvs, who is believed to be an incarnation of Lord iva
and was noted for his irascible nature, once called on King Ambara, a great devotee of Bhagavn Viu. It
happened to be a Dvda (the twelfth day of a lunar fortnight). The king naturally invited the sage to dine at
his palace and the latter accepted his invitation and went to the river bank to take his bath. The king had fasted
on the previous day and according to the scriptural injunctions it was necessary that he should break his fast
while it was Dvda. The sage, however, did not return in time and the pious king would never break his fast
until the sage had taken his meals. He was, therefore in a fix and consulted Brhmaas on the point. The
Brhmaas advised the king to observe the formality of breaking his fast by sipping a spoonful of water in
which the feet of the Lords image had been immersed. By doing so he would not be guilty of dining before the
invitee and would also be saved from the offence of not breaking his fast during the Dvda. No sooner had
the king sipped the holy water than the sage returned from the river bank and flew into a rage when he learnt
that the king had broken his fast and did not await his return. He pulled out a hair from his head and produced
therefrom a demoness known by the name of Kty, which ran to devour the king. Ambara, who had
dedicated himself to the feet of the Lord, and absolutely depended on Him, remained standing where he was
and neither shrank out of fear nor made any attempt to save himself.
The Lord, however, would not allow his devotee to die without any fault of his and despatched
His own discus, Sudarana, to save his life. The discus ran after the demoness and having disposed of
her pursued the sage himself, who ran for his life and wandered throughout the universe for full one year,
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*
AYODHY-K NA
*
545
anyone loved Rma even as Bharata, whose name is ever on the lips of Rma, while
Rmas name is repeated by the whole world? (14)
0 rf fa rr na r
r r f f r r+ {c+
Do.: manahu na nia amarapati raghubara bhagata akju,
ajasu loka paraloka dukha dina dina soka samju.218.
Never harbour in your mind, O Lord of the immortals, even the thought of
frustrating the purpose of a devotee of r Rma (the Chief of Raghus line); for the same
will bring you infamy in this world, sorrow in the next and a series of woes in your day-
to-day life. (218)
0 s rr rf frr+
ra r; = fr;+.{+
uf f rn r nf r n r+
r ft f rr r ; r a rr+.+
af f f frr na na z rr+
n r r n na +.-+
r r =f rt r r rt+
f rf a fr; a tfa r;+.+
Cau.: sunu suresa upadesu hamr, rmahi sevaku parama pir.
mnata sukhu sevaka sevak

, sevaka baira bairu adhik

.1.
jadyapi sama nahi

rga na ro u, gahahi

na ppa p unu guna do u.
karama pradhna bisva kari rkh, jo jasa karai so tasa phalu ckh.2.
tadapi karahi

sama biama bihr, bhagata abhagata hdaya anusr.
aguna alepa amna ekarasa, rmu saguna bhae bhagata pema basa.3.
rma sad sevaka ruci rkh, beda purna sdhu sura skh.
asa jiya jni tajahu kuil, karahu bharata pada prti suh.4.
Hear our advice, O king of gods! A devotee is supremely dear to r Rma; He
is gratified through service rendered to His devotees, and bears great enmity to those
who are hostile to them. Even though the Lord is alike to all without either love or anger
and receives neither sin nor virtue, neither merit nor demerit, and even though He has
made Fate the ruling factor in this world, so that one reaps what one sows, yet according
as one possesses the heart of a devotee or an unbeliever He appears to be impartial
or hostile in His dealings. Though devoid of attributes, unattached, free from pride and
ever unchanged, r Rma has assumed a form with attributes yielding to the love of His
but none afforded him shelter. Even Bhagavn Viu pleaded His helplessness and asked him to
approach the king himself and ask for his forgiveness. The king, who was too good to harbour any ill-
will against the sage and out of sympathy for him had remained without any food ever since he left, was
moved to pity at his predicament and prayed to the Lords weapon, Sudarana, to spare the Brhmaa.
Sudarana granted the kings prayer and left. The sage, who now realized the kings greatness, fell at
his feet and craved for his forgiveness for what he had done. The king in his turn felt sorry for the hardships
which the sage had to suffer on his account and bade him good-bye after entertaining him to a sumptuous
dinner and showing him every respect.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
546
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
devotees. r Rma has ever respected the wishes of His devotees: the Vedas and
Puras as well as saints and gods can bear testimony to this. Bearing this in mind give
up perversity and cherish ideal love for Bharatas feet. (14)
0r na fa fa t r
na frf a a f z r+ {+
Do.: rma bhagata parahita nirata para dukha dukh dayla,
bhagata siromani bharata te jani arapahu surapla.219.
r Rmas devotees are actively engaged doing good to others, share the
sorrows of others and are compassionate by nature. And Bharata is the very crest-jewel
of devotees; therefore, be not afraid of him, O ruler of gods. (219)
0- fart a r r rt+
tr f f ar r a r f rs r+.{+
f n rt r r ft nrt+
f f r n r a r+.+
f ff a n rt r f f fq frt +
f r f f srr sna rr+.-+
f f f rr r; rr+
t r f f r ff t= r r+.+
Cau.: satyasadha prabhu sura hitakr, bharata rma yasa anusr.
svratha bibasa bikala tumha hohu, bharata dosu nahi

rura moh u.1.

suni surabara suragura bara bn, bh pramodu mana mi galn.
barai prasuna harai surar u, lage sarhana bharata subhu.2.
ehi bidhi bharata cale maga jh

, das dekhi muni siddha sihh

.
jabahi

rmu kahi lehi

uss, umagata pemu manahu cahu ps.3.

dravahi

bacana suni kulisa pan, purajana pemu na ji bakhn.
bca bsa kari jamunahi

e, nirakhi nru locana jala che.4.

The Lord is true to His word and a friend of the gods, while Bharata obeys r
Rmas orders. You are feeling uneasy only because you are dominated by self-interest.
Bharata is not to blame at all; it is your ignorance (which is responsible for your uneasiness).
The chief of gods, Indra, was overjoyed at heart to hear these valuable words of the
heavenly preceptor and his depression of spirit was gone. The lord of celestials, therefore,
rained down flowers and gladly began to extol Bharatas noble disposition. In this way
Bharata went on his way, while sages and Siddhas were filled with envy at the sight of his
condition. Whenever he heaved a long sigh with the word Rma on his lips, it seemed as
if love overflowed on all sides. Even adamant and stones melted at his words; the love of
the citizens was beyond description. Halting at one place on this side the party arrived on
the bank of the Yamun and Bharatas eyes were filled with tears as he gazed on its dark
water (which reminded him of r Rmas swarthy form). (14)
0rr frf rf a r
ra n rff f f r+ +
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*
AYODHY-K NA
*
547
Do.: raghubara barana biloki bara bri sameta samja,
hota magana bridhi biraha caRhe bibeka jahja.220.
At the sight of the lovely stream that possessed the same hue as the person of
r Rma (the Chief of Raghus line) Bharata and his party were plunged into an ocean
of grief on account to separation from r Rma and were saved from drowning only by
boarding the bark of discretion. (220)
0 at af f f r s f r+
rfaf rrr rrr t at r; nfa rf t+.{+
ra r f r ar rr t r+
r; ff f r; r frr rs r;+.+
rn f r r rr r; r+
af r rs r f r +.-+
z fa rr fa t rrrr+
r r f>rrr a a f rr+.+
Cau.: jamuna tra tehi dina kari bs u, bhayau samaya sama sabahi supsu.
rtihi

gha gha k taran,

aganita jhi

na baran.1.
prta pra bhae ekahi khev

, toe rmasakh k sev

.
cale nahi nadihi sira n, stha nidantha dou bh.2.
ge munibara bhana che , rjasamja ji sabu pche .
tehi pche dou badhu payde , bhuana basana bea suhi sde .3.
sevaka suhda sacivasuta sth, sumirata lakhanu sya raghunth.
jaha jaha rma bsa birm, taha taha karahi

saprema pranm.4.
That day they halted on the bank of the Yamun; everyone was provided with
comforts according to the occasion. In course of the night innumerable boats of untold
varieties came from all the ghats. At daybreak the whole party crossed the river in a
single trip; everyone was pleased with the services rendered by the Nida chief in
this behalf. After performing their ablutions and bowing their heads to the river
(Yamun) the two brothers (Bharata and atrughna) resumed their journey with the
lord of Nidas. At the head of the line in chosen vehicles travelled the principal sages
(Vmadeva, Vasiha and so on), followed by the royal host. Next followed the two
royal brothers, both on foot; their ornaments, costumes and style of dress were all of
the very simplest. They were accompanied by their servants, friends and the ministers
son and went with their thoughts fixed on Lakmaa, St and the Lord of Raghus.
They lovingly saluted each and every place where r Rma had either encamped or
rested awhile. (14)
0nrt rf f r r af r;
f = fa r;+ {+
Do.: magabs nara nri suni dhma kma taji dhi,
dekhi sarupa saneha saba mudita janama phalu pi.221.
Hearing the news the men and women who lived by the roadside left their
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
548
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
household work and ran after the royal travellers, and having seen their comely form and
affection they all rejoiced on attaining the reward of their life. (221)
0f rt r f rf f rt+
= r; rt t f rt+.{+
r f t nr rn t t anr+
f r r r f r; f r+.+
ar a fan rt f af rt+
af rf rt f t rt fa t+.-+
f rn f ff r r n+
af f r rnt t r rnt+.+
Cau.: kahahi

sapema eka eka ph

, rmu lakhanu sakhi hohi

ki nh

.
baya bapu barana rupu soi l, slu sanehu sarisa sama cl.1.
beu na so sakhi sya na sag, ge an cal caturag.
nahi

prasanna mukha mnasa khed, sakhi sadehu hoi ehi

bhed.2.
tsu taraka tiyagana mana mn, kahahi

sakala tehi sama na sayn.

tehi sarhi bn phuri p uj, bol madhura bacana tiya d uj.3.
kahi sapema saba kathprasag u, jehi bidhi rma rja rasa bhag u.
bharatahi bahuri sarhana lg, sla saneha subhya subhg.4.
One woman lovingly said to another, Friend, can they be Rma and Lakmaa
or not? Their age, constitution, complexion and comeliness of form are the same, dear
companion; their amiability and affection are also similar and their gait too resembles that
of Rma and Lakmaa. Only their dress is not the same and they are not accompanied
by St, my friend; and an army complete in its four limbs (viz., horse and foot, elephants
and chariots) is marching before them. Moreover, they do not wear a cheerful countenance
and their heart is heavy with sorrow. This difference makes me doubt their identity with
Rma and Lakmaa, O friend. Her argument appealed to the rest of the women; they
said, There is none so clever as she. Applauding the latter and admiring the truth of her
remarks another woman spoke in sweet accents. She lovingly narrated the whole
episode as to how the festivities in connection with r Rmas installation had been
obstructed. She then began to praise Bharatas amiability, affection, genial disposition
and goodluck. (14)
0a r ra far t- af r
ra r rrf a f r r+ +
Do.: calata payde khta phala pit dnha taji rju,
jta manvana raghubarahi bharata sarisa ko ju.222.
Journeying on foot, living on fruits and relinquishing the sovereignty bestowed by
his father, Bharata is proceeding to persuade the chief of Raghus line to return. Who can
equal Bharata today? (222)
0r nfa a r a a +
r f r f r; r r r;+.{+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
549
r af ;- - at +
f n f r fart ; f rn a rt+.+
rs rff rf ff t- f r rf+
r ff tt rr fa afa tt+.-+
f nr rr - frr+
ff fa n rr =f a= rr+.+
Cau.: bhyapa bhagati bharata caran u, kahata sunata dukha duana haranu.
jo kichu kahaba thora sakhi so, rma badhu asa khe na ho.1.
hama saba snuja bharatahi dekhe , bhainha dhanya jubat jana lekhe .
suni guna dekhi das pachith

, kaikai janani jogu sutu nh

.2.
kou kaha duanu rnihi nhina, bidhi sabu knha hamahi jo dhina.
kaha hama loka beda bidhi hn, laghu tiya kula karat uti maln.3.
basahi

kudesa kug

va kubm, kaha yaha darasu punya parinm.

asa anadu aciriju prati grm, janu marubh umi kalapataru jm.4.
Bharatas brotherly affection, devotion and conduct dispel the woes and evil of
those who talk or hear of them. Whatever may be said with regard to them, dear friend,
will be quite inadequate; it is no wonder that a brother of Rma should be like that. All
of us who have seen Bharata and his younger brother have become praiseworthy among
women. Hearing of his virtues and seeing his forlorn state they lamented, Surely he
is not a fit son for such a vile mother as Kaikey. Someone said, The queen-mother
(Kaikey) is not to blame at all; all this has been accomplished by God, who is so
favourably disposed to us. Of what account are we, vile women, excluded both from
secular and Vedic rites and impure by birth as well as by doings, who dwell in an
accursed region (woodland) and in a wretched village and are the worst of our class, that
we should have such a sight, which is a reward of great religious merit? There was a
similar rejoicing and wonder in every village: it seemed as if a celestial tree had sprung
up in a desert. (14)
0a a s n rn- rn
frrrf- s ff rn+ -+
Do.: bharata darasu dekhata khuleu maga loganha kara bhgu,
janu sighalabsinha bhayau bidhi basa sulabha praygu.223.
At the sight of Bharata the good fortune of the people by the roadside manifested
itself as though by the will of Providence Prayga had been brought within easy reach
of the people of Sihala (Ceylon). (223)
0f n fa r n nrr a rf fa rrrr+
at f r>r rr ff frf f rr+.{+
t rnf = t r +
ff fra r rt r at srt+.+
f r f f at f r t+
a rr t af f t+.-+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
550
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
f a f r +
f ff ra f rt a r r rt+.+
Cau.: nija guna sahita rma guna gth, sunata jhi

sumirata raghunth.
tratha muni rama suradhm, nirakhi nimajjahi

karahi

pranm.1.
manah

mana mgahi

baru ehu, sya rma pada paduma sanehu.

milahi

kirta kola banabs, baikhnasa bau jat uds.2.

kari pranmu pu

chahi

jehi teh, kehi bana lakhanu rmu baideh.

te prabhu samcra saba kahah

, bharatahi dekhi janama phalu lahah

.3.
je jana kahahi

kusala hama dekhe, te priya rma lakhana sama lekhe.

ehi bidhi b ujhata sabahi subn, sunata rma banabsa kahn.4.
Hearing his own praises as well as of r Rmas virtues Bharata went on his way,
thinking of r Rma. Whenever he happened to see holy waters he bathed in them and
whenever he caught sight of a hermitage or a temple he made obeisance to it, asking
in his heart only one boon, viz., devotion to the lotus-feet of St and Rma. Whomsoever
he met, be he a Kola or any other forester or even if he were an anchorite, a religious
student, a recluse or a hermit, he would salute him and enquire in which part of the forest
were Lakmaa, Rma and Videhas daughter (St). They told him all the news of the
Lord and at the sight of Bharata obtained the reward of their life. Those persons who said
they had seen the Lord doing well were counted as dear as r Rma and Lakmaa
themselves. Thus in polite phrases he would make enquiries from all and hear the story
of r Rmas forest life. (14)
0af r f rat ff rrr
r t rr a f r+ +
Do.: tehi bsara basi prtah

cale sumiri raghuntha,

rma darasa k llas bharata sarisa saba stha.224.
Halting that day in a suitable place he resumed his journey early next morning
invoking the Lord of Raghus. Just like Bharata everyone who accompanied him longed
for a sight of r Rma. (224)
0n n rf r f fr r+
af fa r sr fff r fff r+.{+
a r f r rf r r+
ff n n n zfn zrf f rf+.+
rr af rr frf rr+
r t fa atr t a f rs tr+.-+
f f z rr f rf t rr+
n r r ff rrr+.+
Cau.: magala saguna hohi

saba kh u, pharakahi

sukhada bilocana bhu.

bharatahi sahita samja uchh u, milihahi

rmu miihi dukha dh u.1.

karata manoratha jasa jiya jke, jhi

saneha sur

saba chke.
sithila aga paga maga agi olahi
,
bihabala bacana pema basa bolahi

.2.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
551
rmasakh

tehi samaya dekhv, saila siromani sahaja suhv.

jsu sampa sarita paya tr, sya sameta basahi

dou br.3.
dekhi karahi

saba daa pranm, kahi jaya jnaki jvana rm.

prema magana asa rja samju, janu phiri avadha cale raghurj u.4.
Auspicious omens occurred to everyone; they had happy throbbings in their eyes
and arms. Bharata and his whole host rejoiced at the thought that they would be able to
see r Rma and the sting of their sorrows would come to an end. Each indulged in his
own fancy and all went intoxicated with the wine of love; their limbs were getting out of
control, their legs tottered and they spoke words in an incoherent way due to emotion.
r Rmas friend (Guha) presently pointed to Bharata the crest-jewel of mountains
(Kmadagiri), which was naturally charming and in the vicinity of which on the bank of
the river Payasvin dwelt the two brothers (r Rma and Lakmaa) alongwith St.
Catching sight of the mountain all fell prostrate on the ground with the cries of "Glory to
r Rma, the life of Janaka's daughter!" The royal host was so overwhelmed with
emotion as though the Chief of Raghu's line had turned back towards Ayodhy. (14)
0a af a f ;
ff n ff zr f + ~+
Do.: bharata premu tehi samaya jasa tasa kahi sakai na seu,
kabihi agama jimi brahmasukhu aha mama malina janeu.25.
Bharata's love at that time was more than ea (the thousand-headed serpent-
king) could describe. It is as unapproachable to the poet as the bliss of absorption into
Brahma to those who are tainted by egotism and mineness. (225)
0 ff rr n r ; f +
f ff ta t- n rrr fta+.{+
sr r t r rn t r+
fa r a r r frn ar a ar+.+
f t rt t r r rt+
f f r r r fr+.-+
t r; f r r;f r;+
f a r f rf r r+.+
Cau.: sakala saneha sithila raghubara ke , gae kosa dui dinakara harake .
jalu thalu dekhi base nisi bte , knha gavana raghuntha pirte .1.
uh

rmu rajan avase, jge sya sapana asa dekh.

sahita samja bharata janu e, ntha biyoga tpa tana te.2.
sakala malina mana dna dukhr, dekh

ssu na anuhr.
suni siya sapana bhare jala locana, bhae socabasa soca bimocana.3.
lakhana sapana yaha nka na ho, kahina kucha sunihi ko.
asa kahi badhu sameta nahne, p uji purri sdhu sanamne.4.
Being all overpowered by love for the Chief of Raghu's line they had covered a
distance of only four miles by the time the sun set. Perceiving a suitable site and water
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
552
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
close by they halted and at the close of night the beloved of r Rma resumed his
journey. There r Rma awoke while it was yet dark. St saw in a dream that very night
as if Bharata had come with his retinue and that his body was tormented by the agony
of separation from his lord. All who had accompanied him were sad at heart, miserable
and afflicted; while Her mothers-in-law She found changed in appearance. On hearing of
St's dream r Rma's eyes filled with tears and He who rids others of their sorrow
became sorrowful. "This dream, Lakmaa, bodes no good; somebody will break terribly
bad news." Saying so He took His bath with His brother and worshipping the Enemy of
Tripura, Lord iva, paid His respects to holy men. (14)
U0rf f f sa ff a
f n n f rn f r>r n+
at s rf r r fa fa
rr fra rf- r; af +
Cha.:sanamni sura muni badi baihe utara disi dekhata bhae,
nabha dhuri khaga mga bhuri bhge bikala prabhu rama gae.
tulas uhe avaloki kranu kha cita sacakita rahe,
saba samcra kirta kolanhi i tehi avasara kahe.
After adoring the gods and reverencing the hermits He sat down gazing to the
north. There was dust in the air and a host of birds and beasts had taken to flight in panic
and were making their way to the Lord's hermitage. Says Tulasdsa: He stood up when
He saw this and wondered in his heart what could be the reason. Presently the Kolas
and Kirtas came and told Him all the news.
0a n r a
r= at + +
So.: sunata sumagala baina mana pramoda tana pulaka bhara,
sarada saroruha naina tulas bhare saneha jala.226.
When He heard the delightful words He felt overjoyed at heart. A thrill ran through
His body and His eyes, that resembled the autumnal lotus, says Tulasdsa, filled with
the tears of affection. (226)
0f r f r a rn+
r; r rt n an rt+.{+
r f rf r fa r ;a fa ;a r+
a rs fr rt fa fa ffa ra rt+.+
rr a r r a r r+
s z r= a tfa fr=+.-+
f s nrr; t fr; +
ar frf trt rf fr s nrt+.+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
553
Cau.: bahuri socabasa bhe siyaravan u, krana kavana bharata gavanu.
eka i asa kah bahor, sena saga caturaga na thor.1.
so suni rmahi bh ati soc u, ita pitu baca ita badhu sakoc u.
bharata subhu samujhi mana mh

, prabhu cita hita thiti pvata nh

.2.
samdhna taba bh yaha jne, bharatu kahe mahu sdhu sayne.
lakhana lakheu prabhu hdaya khabhr u, kahata samaya sama nti bicr u.3.
binu puche kachu kahau gos

, sevaku samaya na hha hih

.
tumha sarbagya siromani svm, pani samujhi kahau anugm.4.
St's lord became anxious the very next moment. "What can be the reason of
Bharata's arrival?" Then somebody came and spoke to Him thus: "He has with him no
small army complete in its four limbs (viz., foot, horse, elephants and chariots)." Hearing
this r Rma felt much disturbed. On the one hand there was His father's command,
on the other His regard for His younger brother (Bharata). Realizing Bharata's disposition
in His heart, the Lord found no proposition to fix His mind upon. Then He consoled
Himself with the thought that Bharata was submissive, good and reasonable. Lakmaa
saw that the Lord was troubled at heart, and spoke what prudence demanded on the
occasion: "I make bold, my lord, to say something unasked; but a servant ceases to be
impertinent if his impertinence is not inopportune. You, my master, are the crest-jewel of
the all-wise; yet I, your servant, tell you my own mind. (14)
0r z f fa t fr
tfa atfa f rf r r+ +
Do.: ntha suhda suhi sarala cita sla saneha nidhna,
saba para prti pratti jiya jnia pu samna.227.
"You, my master, are loving by nature and guileless of heart and a storehouse of
amiability and affection. You love and trust everyone and know all to be just like
yourself." (227)
0f; t r; ar; r rf r;+
a tfa a r rr n rr+.{+
a r r r; r r;+
f = art rf r r rt+.+
f r rf r r r+
rf r f fr; r rf rs r;+.-+
f rfa rt f rrfa rf nrt+
af r ; r r n r; r r+.+
Cau.: bia jva pi prabhut, m uRha moha basa hohi

jan.
bharatu nti rata sdhu sujn, prabhu pada premu sakala jagu jn.1.
teu ju rma padu p, cale dharama marajda me.
kuila kubadhu kuavasaru tk, jni rma banabsa ekk.2.
kari kumatru mana sji samju, e karai akaaka rj u.
koi prakra kalapi kuil, e dala baori dou bh.3.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
554
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
jau jiya hoti na kapaa kucl, kehi sohti ratha bji gajl.
bharatahi dosu dei ko je , jaga bauri rja padu pe .4.
"Fools given to the pleasures of sense are seized with infatuation on attaining
power and reveal their true nature. Bharata was righteous, good and wise and his
devotion to the Lord's feet is known to the whole world. But now that he has attained r
Rma's (Your) position (as the ruler of Ayodhy) even he has transgressed the bounds
of righteousness. Finding an adverse situation and knowing that you are alone in the
forest, this wily and wicked brother has plotted an evil design and after making due
preparations has come to make his sovereignty secure. Planning all sorts of wicked
schemes the two brothers have collected an army and marched here. If they had no wily
intention and roguery at heart, who should like to bring chariots, horses and elephants?
But why should one blame Bharata for nothing when we know that anyone in the world
would be driven mad on attaining sovereignty? (14)
0f n fa nrt rr s f r
r a f r r+ c+
Do.: sasi gura tiya gm naghuu caRheu bhumisura jna,
loka beda te bimukha bh adhama na bena samna.228.
"The moon-god committed adultery with the wife of his Guru (the sage Bhaspati),
while Nahua mounted a palanquin borne by Brhmaas; and there was none so vile as
King Vena,* an enemy of established usage as well as of the Vedic injunctions. (228)
0r r fr f r t- +
a t- sfa sr f f r r+.{+
tf- f a r; f r rf r;+
fr ff rs r ft r r t+.+
ar a tfa r f f r+
f t rt r - rt+.-+
fa r r rr a f sr rr+
fn f f r r r r r+.+
Cau.: sahasabhu suranthu trisak u, kehi na rjamada dnha kalak u.
bharata knha yaha ucita upu, ripu rina raca na rkhaba k u.1.
* Vena was born of King Aga (a descendant of the celebrated devotee Dhruva), and Sunth (a
daughter of Mtyu, the god of death). Being thus descended from Adharma (the spirit presiding over
unrighteousness, the father of Mtyu) on the mother's side, Vena was born with vicious propensities and grew
to be the bane of society. Fed up with his atrocities and unable to correct him, King Aga left his capital one
night and retired to an unknown destination. Seeing the kingdom masterless Bhgu and other sages installed
Vena on the throne, even though the ministers were opposed to his installation. Power turned his head all the
more and arrogantly accounting himself as greater than all he began to insult exalted souls. He went the
length of banning the performance of sacrifices and even charity and thus put a stop to all pious acts and the
pursuit of religion.
When the sages perceived that the tyranny of the monarch was overstepping all bounds they felt sorry
for having installed him on the throne. They, therefore, met and decided to expostulate with the king and
persuade him, if possible, to desist from his evil ways. They further resolved to dispose of him in case he did
not come round. The sages approached the king accordingly and admonished him but in vain. This enraged
the sages, who killed him by the very sound of 'Hum'.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
555
eka knhi nahi

bharata bhal, nidare rmu jni asah.

samujhi parihi sou ju bise, samara saroa rma mukhu pekh.2.
etan kahata nti rasa bhul, rana rasa biapu pulaka misa phul.
prabhu pada badi ssa raja rkh, bole satya sahaja balu bh.3.
anucita ntha na mnaba mor, bharata hamahi upacra na thor.
kaha lagi sahia rahia manu mre , ntha stha dhanu htha hamre .4.
"King Sahasrabhu, Indra (the lord of celestials) and King Triaku* (father of
Haricandra)which of these was not brought into disrepute by the intoxication of
kingly power? Bharata has resorted to a right expedient; for one should leave no trace
of one's enemy or debt in any case. But he has made one mistake in that he has
despised r Rma (yourself) as forlorn. And he will realize his mistake with vengeance
today when he beholds r Rma's (your) indignant face on the battlefield." Even as
he said so he forgot his love of propriety and the tree of his bellicose spirit burst into
flowers in the shape of horripilation. Adoring the Lords feet and placing their dust on
his head he spoke, revealing his own real and natural might: Pray do not take offence,
my lord, if I tell you that Bharata has provoked me not a little. After all how long shall
I endure this and restrain my passion when my lord (yourself) is with me and the bow
in my hand? (14)
0fr rfa rr r n n r
ra r fa f t r f r+ +
Do.: chatri jti raghukula janamu rma anuga jagu jna,
ltahu mre caRhati sira nca ko dhuri samna.229.
A Katriya (warrior) by caste and born in the race of Raghu I am known
throughout the world as a servant of r Rma (yourself). (How, then, can I put up with
such insult?) What is so low as the dust (on a road)? But if you were to kick it up it would
rise to your head. (229)
0sf rf r rnr t ra rnr+
rf r f f f rr rf r r rr+.{+
* Triaku, son of Trayyrui, was a king of Ayodhy. He wanted to perform a sacrifice whereby he
could bodily ascend to heaven. His priest Vasiha, however, refused to conduct such a sacrifice, which he
said was unauthorized and futile. Vasiha's sons too declined on the same grounds. But Triaku turned a
deaf ear to their remonstrances. This enraged Vasiha's sons, who cursed him that he should fall in the social
scale and be accounted a pariah. The king was thus converted into a Cla and was accordingly forsaken
by his kinsmen, ministers and subjects too. Much agitated at heart over this, the ex-king now approached the
sage Vivmitra, who comforted him; and asking his sons to invite other sages he conducted the sacrifice.
Vasiha's sons, however, ruled that at a sacrifice commenced by a pariah and conducted by a non-
Brhmaa priest (for such was Vivmitra till then) no gods would appear. The gods respected this ruling and
accordingly no god appeared to accept the offerings. By dint of his own penance Vivmitra sent Triaku to
heaven; but the gods hurled him down. Exasperated at this Vivmitra proceeded to create another heaven
and began to shape new heavenly bodies. The gods were dismayed at this and sought a conference with
Vivmitra. It was ultimately decided by mutual agreement that Vivmitra should abandon his plan to create
a new heaven and Triaku should remain hanging in the air. He is still seen in the form of a triple luminary
in the heavens. The saliva that dropped from his mouth forms the river Karman, which flows between
Vras and Bihar and the water of which is considered as ever polluted.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
556
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
r r af fr +
r fr r; r rs r;+.+
r; r r n s f rf r+
ff f f ; nr ; f r ff r+.-+
af af ar r ff fras ar+
r r = r; a rs r rr;+.+
Cau.: uhi kara jori rajyasu mg, manahu bra rasa sovata jg.
b

dhi ja sira kasi kai bhth, sji sarsanu syaku hth.1.

ju rma sevaka jasu le u

, bharatahi samara sikhvana de u

.
rma nirdara kara phalu p, sovahu samara seja dou bh.2.
i ban bhala sakala samju, pragaa karau risa pchila ju.
jimi kari nikara dalai mgarju, lei lapei lav jimi bj u.3.
taisehi

bharatahi sena samet, snuja nidari niptau khet.

jau sahya kara sakaru , tau mrau rana rma doh.4.
As he rose and with joined palms asked leave (to meet Bharata in an encounter),
it seemed as if the heroic sentiment itself had awoke from sleep. Binding up the matted
locks on his head and fastening the quiver to his waist he strung his bow and took an
arrow in his hand. Let me distinguish myself as a servant of r Rma today and teach
Bharata a lesson in the battle. Reaping the fruit of their contempt for r Rma let the two
brothers sleep on the couch of the battlefield. It is well that the whole host has collected
at one place; I shall, therefore, give vent to my past anger. Even as a lion (the king of
beasts) tears to pieces a herd of elephants or just as a hawk clutches and carries off
a lark, so shall I lightly overthrow on the field Bharata as well as his younger brother
(atrughna) and all their host. Even if Lord akara comes to his aid, I swear by r
Rma that I will kill him in battle. (14)
0fa r r f f r
r rfa ra f nr+ -+
Do.: ati saroa mkhe lakhanu lakhi suni sapatha pravna,
sabhaya loka saba lokapati chata bhabhari bhagna.230.
Seeing Lakmaa speak with such vehemence and fury and hearing his solemn
oath all the spheres trembled with fear, while their rulers were anxious to flee away
in panic. (230)
0n n nn ; rt r f rt+
ara ar rs arrr r f ; r rfrr+.{+
fa sfa r f r fr f r+
r f r fart f a rt+.+
f r r t r r+
t ara ar tfa r; a f r r;+.-+
r a raf a; rf rr f ;+
a tr ff r tr+.+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
557
Cau.: jagu bhaya magana gagana bhai bn, lakhana bhubalu bipula bakhn.
tta pratpa prabhu tumhr, ko kahi sakai ko jnanihr.1.
anucita ucita kju kichu hou, samujhi karia bhala kaha sabu kou.
sahas kari pche pachith

, kahahi

beda budha te budha nh

.2.
suni sura bacana lakhana sakucne, rma sya sdara sanamne.
kah tta tumha nti suh, saba te kahina rjamadu bh.3.
jo acava ta npa mtahi

te, nhina sdhusabh jehi

se.
sunahu lakhana bhala bharata sars, bidhi prapaca maha sun na ds.4.
The world was seized with terror and a voice was heard in the air extolling the
enormous strength of Lakmaas arm: Who can tell, dear child, nay, who even knows
your might and glory? But before doing anything one must judge whether it is right or
wrong; then everyone would approve of it. They who act impulsively and repent
afterwards are anything but wise: so declare the Vedas and the sages. On hearing this
voice from heaven Lakmaa felt abashed; but both r Rma and St addressed him
kindly and politely: What you have said, dear Lakmaa, is sound wisdom; the
intoxication of kingly power is the worst of all. But of those rulers who have tasted it they
alone lose their head who have never waited on an assembly of saints. As for Bharata,
I tell you, Lakmaa, in the whole of Gods creation I have never seen or heard of
anyone so good as he. (14)
0af r; r ff f r;
f rt tf tf fr;+ -{+
Do.: bharatahi hoi na rjamadu bidhi hari hara pada pi,
kabahu ki k

j skarani chrasidhu binasi.231.

Bharata would never be intoxicated with sovereign power even if he attained to
the position of Brahm, Viu or iva. What ! Can a few drops of K j * ever split the
ocean of milk? (231)
0faf= a= aff fn; nn n rrf f;+
nr zf rrrt r = rz rt+.{+
= szr; r; af r;+
arr fa rr f f a rr+.+
n t= n arar f; ; frar+
a f azrnr f t- n r frnr+.-+
nf n af n rt f na tf- sfrt+
a a n t r rf n rrr+.+
Cau.: timiru taruna taranihi maku gila, gaganu magana maku meghahi

mila.
gopada jala buRahi

ghaajon, sahaja cham baru chRai chon.1.

masaka ph u

ka maku meru uR, hoi na npamadu bharatahi bh.

lakhana tumhra sapatha pitu n, suci subadhu nahi

bharata samn.2.
* A sour and savoury drink prepared by dissolving powdered rye seeds into water and preserving it for
a few days.
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558
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
sagunu khru avaguna jalu tt, milai racai parapacu bidht.
bharatu hasa rabibasa taRg, janami knha guna doa bibhg.3.
gahi guna paya taji avaguna br, nija jasa jagata knhi ujir.
kahata bharata guna slu subh u, pema payodhi magana raghur u.4.
Darkness may swallow the midday sun, and sooner may the heavens be
absorbed into a cloud or the jar-born sage Agastya (who is stated to have drunk off the
ocean in a single draught) be drowned in the water collected in a cows footprint: nay the
earth may abandon its natural forbearance and Mount Meru be blown away by a puff of
wind discharged from the mouth of a mosquito; but Bharata will never be intoxicated by
kingly power, O brother. Lakmaa, I swear by you as well as by our father that there
is no brother so good and innocent as Bharata. God, dear brother, creates the world by
mixing the milk of goodness with the water of evil; while Bharata is a swan, born in the
lake of the solar race, that has sifted goodness from evil. Choosing the milk of goodness
and discarding the water of evil he has illumined the world by his glory. Even as the Lord
of Raghus extolled Bharatas virtues, amiability and noble disposition He was drowned
in an ocean of love. (14)
0f rr rt f f a a
ra r r r rfa+ -+
Do.: suni raghubara bn bibudha dekhi bharata para hetu,
sakala sarhata rma so prabhu ko kpniketu.232.
On hearing the speech of r Rma (the chief of Raghus line) and seeing His
affection for Bharata all the gods were full of applause and said, Can you name such
a gracious lord as r Rma? (232)
0 ra n a r f a r+
f n a n nrr r r; ar f rrrr+.{+
r f f rt fa s r; rt+
;r a fa r rft ta r+.+
fa t rf rnr rfn ra n f frnr+
a f rrr; r frr rr r;+.-+
fr ra a rt a a rf rt+
r f f r sf f a rf af r+.+
Cau.: jau na hota jaga janama bharata ko, sakala dharama dhura dharani dharatako.
kabi kula agama bharata guna gth, ko jnai tumha binu raghunth.1.
lakhana rma siya suni sura bn, ati sukhu laheu na ji bakhn.
ih

bharatu saba sahita sahe, madkin

punta nahe.2.
sarita sampa rkhi saba log, mgi mtu gura saciva niyog.
cale bharatu jaha siya raghur, stha nidanthu laghu bh.3.
samujhi mtu karataba sakuch

, karata kutaraka koi mana mh

.
rmu lakhanu siya suni mama nu

, uhi jani anata jhi

taji h u

.4.
Had Bharata not been born into the world, who on this earth would have
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
559
championed the cause of virtue in its entirety? Who else than you, O Lord of Raghus,
can know Bharatas good qualities, which are unaproachable even to the race of bards?
On hearing the words of the gods, Lakmaa, r Rma and St were more delighted
than words can tell. There Bharata with all his host bathed in the sacred Mandkin.
Then, leaving all the people on the riverside and taking permission of his mothers,
preceptor (the sage Vasiha) and the minister (Sumantra) he proceeded to the spot
where St and r Rma were, taking the Nida chief and his younger brother
(atrughna) with him. As he thought of what his mother had done, he felt diffident and
formed ill-conjectures of every kind in his mind: God forbid that r Rma, Lakmaa
and St leave the place on hearing my name and shift to some other place! (14)
0ra a rf rf r f r r
rr n f rf fr rt r+ --+
Do.: mtu mate mahu mni mohi jo kachu karahi

so thora,
agha avaguna chami darahi

samujhi pan ora.233.

Taking me to be an accomplice of my mother, nothing that he might do would be
too much. But looking to his own self, I am sure, he will forgive my faults and receive
me kindly. (233)
0 ff f rt rf rt+
r rf t t r trf r t+.{+
n r ra tr f f tr+
na n rar ff nrar+.+
fa ra a rt a nfa t rt+
ra rrr r a a sar; r+.-+
a r af t r f nfa t+
f a r r fr af f+.+
Cau.: jau pariharahi

malina manu jn, jau sanamnahi

sevaku mn.
more sarana rmahi k panah, rma susvmi dosu saba janah.1.
jaga jasa bhjana ctaka mn, nema pema nija nipuna nabn.
asa mana gunata cale maga jt, sakuca saneha sithila saba gt.2.
pherati manahu mtu kta khor, calata bhagati bala dhraja dhor.
jaba samujhata raghuntha subh u, taba patha parata utila p u.3.
bharata das tehi avasara kais, jala prabha jala ali gati jais.
dekhi bharata kara socu saneh u, bh nida tehi samaya bideh u.4.
"Whether He shuns me as one possessing a black heart or welcomes me as his
own servant, my only refuge are r Rmas shoes; he is really a noble master while the
whole blame lies with his servant (myself). The only beings deserving of fame in the
world are the Ctaka bird and the fish, who are clever in keeping ever fresh their vow
of fidelity and love. Revolving these thoughts in his mind he went on his journey, his
whole body rendered powerless by diffidence and affection. The sinful act of his mother
(Kaikey) dragged him back as it were; while the strength of his devotion pressed him
forward, foremost among the resolute as he was. Whenever he thought of r Rmas
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
560
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
good nature his feet moved quickly along the way. Bharatas gait at that time resembled
the movements of a water-fly carried along a stream. Seeing Bharatas anxiety and
affection at that moment the Nida chief forgot all about himself. (14)
0n r n n f nf a fr
fff r r;f f fr fr+ -+
Do.: lage hona magala saguna suni guni kahata nidu,
miihi socu hoihi harau puni parinma bidu.234.
Auspicious omens occurred and the Nida chief after hearing of and reflecting on
them said, Anxiety will pass away giving place to delight; but in the end there will be
sorrow. (234)
0 - r r>r f r; fr+
a t r fa fa r; r +.{+
;fa tfa r rt frf ar tfza n rt+
r; r rt rf a nfa af rt+.+
r r fa rr t r r; rr+
f frn f ff r r +.-+
f rt rfa fa f rt+
n r r r rf>ra fa r+.+
Cau.: sevaka bacana satya saba jne, rama nikaa ji niarne.
bharata dkha bana saila samju, mudita chudhita janu pi sunj u.1.
ti bhti janu praj dukhr, tribidha tpa pRita graha mr.
ji surja sudesa sukhr, hohi

bharata gati tehi anuhr.2.

rma bsa bana sapati bhrj, sukh praj janu pi surj.
saciva birgu bibeku nares u, bipina suhvana pvana desu.3.
bhaa jama niyama saila rajadhn, sti sumati suci sudara rn.
sakala aga sapanna sur u, rma carana rita cita c u.4.
Bharata knew every word of his servant (Guha) to be true; and proceeding
further he drew near to the hermitage. When he saw the forest and the mountain range,
he was as glad as a hungry man on getting excellent food. Just as a people tormented
by the fear of calamities* and afflicted by threefold troubles as well as by the influence
of evil stars and by pestilence feel happy on migrating to a well-governed and
prosperous country, Bharata too had similar feelings. The natural wealth of the forest
grew while r Rma lived there, even as the people rejoice on securing a good king. The
charming forest was the sacred realm referred to here; Discretion was the king (who
ruled over it), while Dispassion was his counsellor. Likewise the five Yamas and the
* Public calamities or visitations of God (tis as they are technically called) are reckoned as six in
number, viz., excessive rain, drought, rats, locusts, parrots and invasion by some neighbouring king.
fafyrfyr rr rr -rrrn rr zar ;a tar+
The five forms of self-restraint or Yamas as they are called in Yoga Philosophy are: Ahis (non-
violence in thought, word and deed), Satya (truthfulness), Brahmacarya (abstinence from sexual indulgence
in every form), Aparigraha (depriving oneself of all possessions) and Asteya (non-stealing).
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
561
five Niyamas* constituted the champions of the realm, Mount Citrak ua stood for its
capital, while Peace and Good Understanding represented the virtuous and lovely
queens. In this way the good king was complete in all the limbs of a good state; and
depending as he did on r Rmas feet his heart was full of zeal. (14)
0tfa r fr fa f r
a r r r+ -~+
Do.: jti moha mahiplu dala sahita bibeka bhulu,
karata akaaka rju pura sukha sapad suklu.235.
Having conquered King Delusion with all his host King Discretion held undisputed
sway in his capital; and joy, prosperity and plenty reigned everywhere. (235)
0 f r rr n nrs n +
f ffr fn n rr r r r; rr+.{+
nr f f rrr rr f f r rr+
= fr; f nr a anr+.+
rr rf -r n nrf fr fff ff rf+
r ra f n a r fa +.-+
fn nra ra rr r n rr+
f f a r r n r+.+
Cau.: bana pradesa muni bsa ghanere, janu pura nagara gu gana khere.
bipula bicitra bihaga mga nn, praj samju na ji bakhn.1.
khagah kari hari bgha barh, dekhi mahia ba sju sarh.
bayaru bihi carahi

eka sag, jaha taha manahu sena caturag.2.
jharan jharahi

matta gaja gjahi

,
manahu nisna bibidhi bidhi bjahi

.
caka cakora ctaka suka pika gana, k ujata maju marla mudita mana.3.
aligana gvata ncata mor, janu surja magala cahu or.
beli biapa tna saphala saph ul, saba samju muda magala m ul.4.
The numerous hermits habitations in the forest region were like so many towns cities,
villages and hamlets (comprising the kings dominion). The many birds of various colours
and the beasts of different varieties constituted his countless subjects. The hares, elephants,
lions, tigers, boars, buffaloes and bulls presented a sight which attracted admiration.
Shedding their natural animosities they roamed about together like an army complete in all
its four limbs. Rills of water flowed and mad elephants trumpeted; their noise resembled the
beating of kettledrums of various kinds. cakravkas, Cakoras, Ctakas, parrots and
cuckcos and swans made delightful and merry concert. Swarms of bees hummed and
peacocks danced, which showed as it were that there was universal rejoicing in that
prosperous kingdom. Creepers, trees and blades of grass alike were blossoming and
bore fruit; the entire community thus wore a festive and delightful appearance. (14)
* The five Niyamas or religious observances are: auca (external and internal purity), Santoa
(contentment), Tapas (religious austerity). Swdhyya (study and recitation of the Vedas and muttering or the
chanting of the Divine Name) and Iwara-Praidhna (self-surrender to and meditation on God).
Every good state must have the following seven limbs :a sovereign, a minister, allies, a treasury,
a principality or dominion, a fortress and an army.
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562
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
0r rr ff a z fa
ar a r; ff t fr + -+
Do.: rma saila sobh nirakhi bharata hdaya ati pemu,
tpasa tapa phalu pi jimi sukh sirne nemu.236.
Beholding the beauty of r Rmas hill (Citrakua) Bharatas heart overflowed with
love even as an ascetic who has reaped the fruit of his penance rejoices on the
completion of his vow. (236)
[PAUSE 20 FOR A THIRTY-DAY RECITATION]
[PAUSE 5 FOR A NINE-DAY RECITATION]
0a f r; s a r sr; +
r ff f frr rf r arr+.{+
f- a=- rr fr f rr+
t rr rr f r rr+.+
r faf = rt ft ff f r t+
a= fa t nrr; rr t r;+.-+
at a= ff r f nr+
rr fr r; f f rf r r;+.+
Cau.: taba kevaa u

ce caRhi dh, kaheu bharata sana bhuj uh.

ntha dekhiahi

biapa bisl, pkari jabu rasla taml.1.

jinha tarubaranha madhya bau soh, maju bisla dekhi manu moh.
nla saghana pallava phala ll, abirala chha sukhada saba kl.2.
mnahu timira arunamaya rs, birac bidhi sa keli suam s.
e taru sarita sampa gos

, raghubara paranaku jaha ch.3.

tulas tarubara bibidha suhe, kahu kahu siya kahu lakhana lage.
baa chy

bedik ban, siya nija pni saroja suh.4.

In the meantime the Nida chief ran and climbed up an eminence, and lifting his
arm, exclaimed to Bharata; My lord, look at those huge and noble trees of Pkara (the
citron-leaved Indian fig tree), Jambu (the black plum), Mango and Tamla, in the midst
of which stands out a beautiful and stately banyan, which is so charming to behold with
its dark and dense foliage, red fruit and unbroken shade, which is pleasant throughout
the year, as if God had brought together all that was exquisitely beautiful and given it
the shape of a dark and rosy mass. The trees in question, my lord, stand close to the
riverside where the Chief of Raghus has erected His hut of leaves. In front of it you
will find a variety of charming basil shrubs planted here by St and there by
Lakmaa. And in the shade of the banyan tree there is a lovely altar raised by St
with Her own lotus hands (14)
0r f fn fa fa f r r
f r ;far rn fn r+ -+
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*
AYODHY-K NA
*
563
Do.: jah

baihi munigana sahita nita siya rmu sujna,

sunahi

kath itihsa saba gama nigama purna.237.

Seated whereon the all-wise St and Rma listen everyday, in the midst of a
crowd of hermits, to all kinds of stories and legends from the gamas (Tantras), Vedas
and Puras. (237)
0r f f frt sn a fr rt+
a r rs r; a tfa r r;+.{+
f ff r r r r rs r+
f f f f- rf rr f f rf+.+
f a nfa atr n n n z tr+
f f n r f f r+.-+
ff fq r rn r rn+
ra a rs a r a r+.+
Cau.: sakh bacana suni biapa nihr, umage bharata bilocana br.
karata pranma cale dou bh, kahata prti srada sakuc.1.
haraahi

nirakhi rma pada ak, mnahu prasu pyau rak.

raja sira dhari hiya nayananhi lvahi
,
raghubara milana sarisa sukha pvahi

.2.
dekhi bharata gati akatha atv, prema magana mga khaga jaRa jv.
sakhahi saneha bibasa maga bhul, kahi supatha sura baraahi

ph ul.3.
nirakhi siddha sdhaka anurge, sahaja sanehu sarhana lge.
hota na bhutala bhu bharata ko, acara sacara cara acara karata ko.4.
The moment Bharata heard the words of his friend (Guha) and saw the trees
tears rushed to his eyes. The two brothers (Bharata and atrughna) made obeisance
as they proceeded; even rad (the goddess of speech) felt diffident in describing
their love (for r Rma). They were as delighted to behold r Rmas footprints as
a pauper who had stumbled on a philosophers stone. Placing the dust on their head
and heart they applied it to their eyes and experienced the same degree of joy as they
would on seeing the Chief of Raghus Himself. Perceiving Bharatas condition, which
was altogether beyond description, beasts and birds and even inanimate creatures
(such as trees etc.,) were overwhelmed with emotion. Overpowered by love Bharatas
friend (Guha) lost his way; but the gods showed it to him and rained flowers. God-
realized saints as well as striving souls were filled with love at his very sight and began
to praise his natural affection. If Bharata had not been born on this globe (or if the earth
had not witnessed his love) it would not have been possible to turn inanimate into
animate and animate into inanimate beings. (14)
0 f = f a rf nt
f ns r fa rf rrt+ -c+
Do.: pema amia madaru birahu bharatu payodhi ga bhra,
mathi pragaeu sura sdhu hita kpsidhu raghubra.238.

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564
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
For the sake of gods in the form of saints the all-compassionate Hero of Raghus
line extracted this nectar of love by churning the unfathomable depths of Bharatas soul;
and it was separation from Him which stood for Mount Mandara (that served as a
churning-stick).* (238)
0r a r rr s rr rr+
a t r>r r n r+.{+
a f rr rnt r rr+
a rn a rn+.+
t r f f r a = r+
t f r r t fa ra rrr+.-+
f a trr f t- fa rr+
f r a f t f a f a+.+
Cau.: sakh sameta manohara jo, lakheu na lakhana saghana bana o.
bharata dkha prabhu ramu pvana, sakala sumagala sadanu suhvana.1.
karata prabesa mie dukha dv, janu jog

paramrathu pv.
dekhe bharata lakhana prabhu ge, pu

che bacana kahata anurge.2.

ssa ja kai muni paa b

dhe , tuna kase kara saru dhanu k

dhe .
bed para muni sdhu samju, sya sahita rjata raghurj u.3.
balakala basana jaila tanu sym, janu muni bea knha rati km.
kara kamalani dhanu syaku pherata, jiya k jarani harata ha si herata.4.
The two charming brothers and their friend (Guha) could not be seen by
Lakmaa, screened as they were by a dense thicket. Bharata, however, saw the holy
and lovely hermitage of his lord, which was an abode of all fair blessings. Even as he
entered it his woe and affliction disappeared; it seemed as though a Yog (mystic) had
realized the supreme truth. Bharata saw Lakmaa standing before the Lord and
affectionately answering His queries. He wore matted hair on his head and had a hermits
robe girt about his loins. Besides there was a quiver fastened to his waist and he bore
an arrow in his hand and a bow slung across his shoulder. On the altar in the midst of
an assembly of hermits and holy men shone St and the Lord of Raghus, who was clad
in the bark of trees and had matted hair on His head and a swarthy complexion; it
seemed as though Rati and the god of love had appeared there in hermits garb. He was
revolving His bow and arrow between His lotus hands and would dispel by one smiling
glance the anguish of ones soul. (14)
0a f zt t rr
r r a nfa frr+ -+
Do.: lasata maju muni maal madhya sya raghucadu,
gyna sabh

janu tanu dhare bhagati saccidnadu.239.

In the midst of a charming ring of hermits St and the Moon of Raghus race
shone forth like Devotion and the Supreme Spirit (who is Truth, Consciousness and Bliss
combined) incarnated as it were in a circle of wisdom. (239)
* The metaphor has been taken from the Paurika story of Amta-Manthana.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
565
0r r a n f r n+
rf r f rf nrr; a t r; +.{+
fr a r a f r+
f rr sa rf r rr+ +
ff r; f na ; f t nfa ;+
rf r r= t n r=+ -+
a r; f rr a r a rrrr+
s r f tr fn atr+ +
Cau.: snuja sakh sameta magana mana, bisare haraa soka sukha dukha gana.
phi ntha kahi phi gos

, bh utala pare lakua k n

.1.
bacana sapema lakhana pahicne, karata pranmu bharata jiya jne.
badhu saneha sarasa ehi or, uta shiba sev basa jor.2.
mili na ji nahi

gudarata bana, sukabi lakhana mana k gati bhana.
rahe rkhi sev para bhr u, caRh caga janu khai

ca khelr u.3.
kahata saprema ni mahi mth, bharata pranma karata raghunth.
uhe rmu suni pema adhr, kahu paa kahu niaga dhanu tr.4.
Bharata as well as his younger brother (atrughna) and friend (Guha) were so
enraptured that their joy and sorrow, pleasure and pain, were all forgotten. Uttering the
words Protect me, my lord; save me, my master he fell flat on the ground like a log,
Lakmaa recognized his loving speech and concluded in his mind that it was Bharata
making obeisance.* On the one hand there was the loving affection of an elder brother
(Bharata), while, on the other, there was the stronger claim of service to his master. He
was, therefore, neither able to meet his brother (Bharata) nor ignore him; some good poet
alone could describe Lakmaas state of mind. He threw his whole weight on the side
of service and remained where he was, even as a kite-flier would pull against a kite that
has risen high in the air. Bowing his head to the ground he lovingly said, Bharata is
making obeisance to you, O Lord of Raghus. Overwhelmed with emotion r Rma
started up as soon as He heard this, His robe flying in one direction, and His quiver and
bow and arrows in another. (14)
0 f sr; s r rfr
a r t ff f f f r+ +
Do.: barabasa lie uhi ura le kpnidhna,
bharata rma k milani lakhi bisare sabahi apna.240.
The all-compassionate Lord forcibly lifted Bharata and clasped him to His
bosom. Everyone who witnessed the meeting of Bharata and r Rma lost all self-
consciousness. (240)
0ff tfa ff r; rt f n rt+
rs r; f fa ffa fr;+ {+
* Since Bharata had fallen prostrate behind his back Lakmaa, who was loth to divert his mind from
r Rmas service, could not see him; hence he could only infer his identity from his voice.
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566
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
n r ; f rr f fa ;+
ff r rr f ar nfaf rr+ +
n a rr r r; ff f r+
r fa f r at r rn f nrz arat+.-+
ff frf a rr t n t t+
rr n= z rn f rn+.+
Cau.: milani prti kimi ji bakhn, kabikula agama karama mana bn.
parama pema purana dou bh, mana budhi cita ahamiti bisar.1.
kahahu supema pragaa ko kara, kehi chy kabi mati anusara.
kabihi aratha khara balu s

c, anuhari tla gatihi nau nc.2.

agama saneha bharata raghubara ko, jaha na ji manu bidhi hari hara ko.
so mai

kumati kahau kehi bh

t, bja surga ki g

ara t

t.3.
milani biloki bharata raghubara k, suragana sabhaya dhakadhak dharak.
samujhe suraguru jaRa jge, barai prasuna prasasana lge.4.
How can the affectionate meeting be described ? It was unapproachable to the
poet in thought, word and deed alike. The two brothers overflowed with supreme
affection; their mind, reason, intellect and ego were all lost. Tell me, who can portray
such noble love ? By what shadow will the poets mind seek to attain to it ? The poets
solid strength lies in the theme to be worked on and the expression he uses; a dancer
regulates his movements according to the cadence of the accompanying music.
Unapproachable is the affection of Bharata and the Chief of Raghus line, which is
beyond the conception of Brahm (the Creator), Hari (the Protector) and Hara (the
Destroyer of the universe). How, then, can I describe it, dull-witted as I am ? Can an
instrument strung with a chord made of a species of grass known by the name of
G

ara produce good music ? When the gods witnessed the meeting of Bharata and the
Chief of Raghus line they were alarmed and their heart began to palpitate. The dull
fellows were disillusioned only when their preceptor (the sage Bhaspati) admonished
them; and now they rained flowers and gave shouts of applause. (14)
0 ff ff s r
f r a f a r+ {+
Do.: mili sapema ripusudanahi kevau bhe eu rma,
bhuri bhya bhe e bharata lachimana karata pranma.241.
After fondly embracing Ripus udana (atrughna) r Rma met the Nida chief. Even
so with profuse love Bharata embraced Lakmaa while the latter was greeting him.(241)
0s f rr r; f fr t- s r;+
f fn r;- fa rf r; +.{+
r a sfn rnr f f f rnr+
f f a r sr f f r+.+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
567
t t tf- rt n f rt +
ff r f tar fr s z tar+.-+
rs f ; rs f r r f nfa r+
af t f rf rf fa r f+.+
Cau.: bhe eu lakhana lalaki laghu bh, bahuri nidu lnha ura l.
puni munigana duhu bhinha bade, abhimata sia pi anade.1.
snuja bharata umagi anurg, dhari sira siya pada paduma parg.
puni puni karata pranma uhe, sira kara kamala parasi baihe.2.
sya assa dnhi mana mh

, magana saneha deha sudhi nh

.
saba bidhi snukula lakhi st, bhe nisoca ura apaara bt.3.
kou kichu kahai na kou kichu p u

ch, prema bhar mana nija gati chu

ch.
tehi avasara kevau dhraju dhari, jori pni binavata pranmu kari.4.
Likewise Lakmaa eagerly met his younger brother (atrughna) and next clasped
the Nida chief to his bosom. Then the two brothers (Bharata and atrughna) greeted
the host of hermits and were delighted to receive blessings to their liking. In a rapture
of love Bharata and his younger brother (atrughna) placed on their head the dust of Sts
lotus-feet and made obeisance to Her again and again; while She lifted them each time
and stroking their head with Her lotus hand made them sit down. St blessed them in
Her heart; She was so overwhelmed with love that She lost all consciousness of Her body.
When they found St propitious in everyway, they became free from anxiety and the
imaginary fears of their heart were gone. No one uttered a word nor asked any question;
the mind was so full of love that it had stopped its activity. Presently the Nida chief
collected himself and bowing his head submitted with joined palms: (14)
0r r fr ra rn
f r f frn+ +
Do.: ntha stha munintha ke mtu sakala pura loga,
sevaka senapa saciva saba e bikala biyoga.242.
Stricken with grief due to separation from you, my lord, all your mothers, the
people of the city, servants, generals and ministers, all have come alongwith the lord of
sages, Vasiha. (242)
0tf f n rn f t r f+
n r af rr t trr+.{+
nf f r rn z r rn+
f r; f s r; sfn rs r;+.+
f f r t- f a z r+
rr ff r f a r+.-+
rrfa nfa n r rf ff r+
f f t rs rt z f r n rt+.+
Cau.: slasidhu suni gura gavan u, siya sampa rkhe ripudavan u.
cale sabega rmu tehi kl, dhra dharama dhura dnadayl.1.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
568
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
gurahi dekhi snuja anurge, daa pranma karana prabhu lge.
munibara dhi lie ura l, prema umagi bhe e dou bh.2.
prema pulaki kevaa kahi nmu, knha duri te daa pranm u.
rmasakh rii barabasa bhe , janu mahi luhata saneha same.3.
raghupati bhagati sumagala mul, nabha sarhi sura barisahi

ph ul.
ehi sama nipaa nca kou nh

, baRa basiha sama ko jaga mh

.4.
When the Ocean of amiability, r Rma, learnt that His preceptor had come,
He left Ripudamana (atrughna) by Sts side and the All-merciful proceeded at once
with quick steps, a champion of virtue and self-possessed that He was. On seeing
the Guru both the Lord and His younger brother (Lakmaa) were overwhelmed with
affection and prostrated themselves on the ground. The chief of sages, however,
ran and clasped them to his bosom; he received them with a heart overflowing with
love. Thrilling all over with emotion and mentioning his name the Nida chief too
fell prostrate on the ground at a respectable distance. The sage, however, forcibly
embraced him as a friend of r Rma; it seemed as though he had gathered up
love lying scattered on the ground. Devotion to the Lord of Raghus is the root of
all choice blessings! With these words of praise the gods in heaven rained flowers.
There is no one so utterly vile as this man; and who is so great as Vasiha in
this world? (14)
0f f a f f fa frs
r tarfa r n ar rs+ -+
Do.: jehi lakhi lakhanahu te adhika mile mudita muniru,
so stpati bhajana ko pragaa pratpa prabhu.243.
Yet on seeing him the king of sages embraced him with greater joy than he did
Lakmaa. Such is the palpable glory and effect of adoring Sts lord! (243)
0ra rn r rr =r r nrr+
r f r r frt af af af af = rt+.{+
r ff r t- f r= r+
fz ra r rt ff rr rf f rt+.+
ff f sfn rnr rf rnr+
t r fa art f t f rt+.-+
r t ; r nfa fa ;+
n f t- r rt r ff f f rt+.+
Cau.: rata loga rma sabu jn, karunkara sujna bhagavn.
jo jehi bhya rah abhil, tehi tehi kai tasi tasi rukha rkh.1.
snuja mili pala mahu saba kh u, knha d uri dukhu druna dh u.
yaha baRi bta rma kai nh

, jimi ghaa koi eka rabi chh

.2.
mili kevaahi umagi anurg, purajana sakala sarhahi

bhg.
dekh

rma dukhita mahatr

, janu subeli aval

hima mr

.3.
prathama rma bhe kaike, sarala subhya bhagati mati bhe.
paga pari knha prabodhu bahor, kla karama bidhi sira dhari khor.4.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
569
r Rma, the all-compassionate and all-wise Lord, found all the people
restless; and therefore, meeting the wish of everyone according to the sentiment
each cherished in his heart. He and His younger brother met them all in an instant
and relieved their distress and terrible agony. This was no great achievement for
r Rma; the sun would as well cast its reflection in millions of jars (full of water)
simultaneously. All the citizens met the Nida chief with a heart overflowing with
love and praised his good fortune. r Rma found all His mothers as stricken with
grief as a row of tender creepers that had been smitten by frost. First of all He
met Kaikey, and softened her mind by His guileless disposition and devotion. He
fell at her feet and then soothed her attributing the blame to the wheel of time,
destiny and Providence. (14)
0t rr ra f r far
; rt n r ; r+ +
Do.: bhe

raghubara mtu saba kari prabodhu paritou,

aba sa dhna jagu khu na deia dou.244.
The Chief of Raghus line thereafter met all His mothers and consoled them by
exhorting them in the following words: Mother, the world is controlled by the will of God;
no one should, therefore, be blamed. (244)
0nfa r; fa ffa n r;+
nn nf rt f t fa rt+.{+
nf n frr r t fa fa r+
f t f rs rar r nrar+.+
fa rn s r f -r+
af fr ff f ff tr+.-+
ff ff r rrr n s f rf r+
r; t frn af af sas rn+.+
Cau.: guratiya pada bade duhu bh

, sahita bipratiya je sa ga

.
gaga gauri sama saba sanamn

, dehi

assa mudita mdu bn

.1.
gahi pada lage sumitr ak, janu bhe sapati ati rak.
puni janan caranani dou bhrt, pare pema bykula saba gt.2.
ati anurga aba ura le, nayana saneha salila anhave.
tehi avasara kara haraa bidu, kimi kabi kahai m uka jimi svd u.3.
mili jananihi snuja raghur u, gura sana kaheu ki dhria p u.
purajana pi munsa niyogu, jala thala taki taki utareu logu.4.
The two brothers (r Rma and Lakmaa) then adored the feet of their preceptors
wife (Arundhat) as well as of all those Brhmaa ladies who had accompanied her,
paying them all the same honour as is due to the holy Gag and Goddess Gaur (ivas
Consort); while the ladies gladly blessed them in soft accents. After clasping Sumitrs
feet they sought her lap even as an abject pauper would hug a treasure. Both the
brothers now fell at the feet of mother Kausaly, all their limbs overwrought by love. The
mother most fondly clasped them to her bosom and bathed them with tears of affection.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
570
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
How can any poet describe the joy and grief of the occasion any more than a dumb man
the taste of what he has eaten. After meeting their mother the Lord of Raghus and His
younger brother (Lakmaa) requested their Guru to accompany them. And on receiving
the sages command the citizens encamped themselves wherever they saw a suitable
site and water close by. (14)
0f rt ra n n rn f r
r r>r n f a rrr+ ~+
Do.: mahisura matr mtu gura gane loga lie stha,
pvana rama gavanu kiya bharata lakhana raghuntha.245.
Taking with them a few chosen people, viz., the Brhmaas, the ministers, the
queen-mothers and the preceptor, Bharata, Lakmaa and the Lord of Raghus
proceeded to the holy hermitage. (245)
0t r; f n rnt sfa t t rnt+
nfaff ffa- ar ft f r; ar+.{+
f f n f t rf f t +
r t frt f rt+.+
t f rt r t- ar rt+
fa- f ff f rr r f r s rr+.-+
ar a s f tr t f r f tr+
ft r- f r; af =r f r;+.+
Cau.: sya i munibara paga lg, ucita assa lah mana mg.
gurapatinihi munitiyanha samet, mil pemu kahi ji na jet.1.
badi badi paga siya sabah ke, sirabacana lahe priya j ke.
ssu sakala jaba sya nihr

, m ude nayana sahami sukumr

.2.
par

badhika basa manahu marl

, kha knha karatra kucl

.
tinha siya nirakhi nipaa dukhu pv, so sabu sahia jo daiu sahv.3.
janakasut taba ura dhari dhr, nla nalina loyana bhari nr.
mil sakala ssunha siya j, tehi avasara karun mahi ch.4.
St came and threw herself at the feet of Vasiha (the chief of sages) and received
suitable blessings solicited by Her mind. The affectionate manner in which She met the
Gurus wife (Arundhat) and the wives of other hermits was beyond description. Adoring the
feet of all one by one St received blessings dear to Her heart. When St saw all Her
mothers-in-law the tender girl closed Her eyes in dismay. They appeared to Her like so
many female swans fallen into the hands of some fowler. What has a mischievous Providence
done ! She said to Herself. They too were sore distressed when they gazed on St. We
must bear all that Fate imposes on us, they thought. Janakas Daughter then took courage
in Her heart and with Her dark lotus-eyes filled with tears She approached and embraced
all Her mothers-in-law. Earth was enveloped in pathos at the moment. (14)
0rfn rfn n f f fa fa rn
z tf f t rrn+ +
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
571
Do.: lgi lgi paga sabani siya bhe ati ati anurga,
hdaya assahi

pema basa rahiahu bhar sohga.246.

Throwing Herself at the feet of all by turns St greeted them with utmost love.
Overwhelmed with emotion they blessed Her in their heart, May you continue to enjoy
a happy wifehood ! (246)
0f t rt f s n rt+
f n nfa rf frr r nrr+.{+
n rr f rrr rr+
a f frt fa f t rt+.+
f r a rt fa t rt+
r f fa r r r rs r+.-+
f f r rr fa r fa r+
a f af f t-r f r t-r+.+
Cau.: bikala saneha sya saba rn

, baihana sabahi kaheu gura gyn

.
kahi jaga gati myika muninth, kahe kachuka paramratha gth.1.
npa kara surapura gavanu sunv, suni raghuntha dusaha dukhu pv.
marana hetu nija nehu bicr, bhe ati bikala dhra dhura dhr.2.
kulisa kahora sunata kau bn, bilapata lakhana sya saba rn.
soka bikala ati sakala samju, mnahu rju akjeu j u.3.
munibara bahuri rma samujhe, sahita samja susarita nahe.
bratu nirabu tehi dina prabhu knh, munihu kahe jalu khu na lnh.4.
Finding St and all the queen-mothers shaken with emotion the wise Guru bade
them all sit down. Declaring the nature of the world to be illusory the lord of sages gave
them some discourse on spiritual matters. He then announced the kings departure to
heaven and the Lord of Raghus was deeply pained to hear of it. Thinking the king had
died on account of love for Him the firmest of the firm was much agitated. Hearing the
unpalatable news, which was cruel as the thunderbolt Lakmaa, St and all the queens
broke out into lamentations. Nay, the whole assembly was sore stricken with grief as
though the king had died that very day. The chief of sages then comforted r Rma, who
with all those present there bathed in the heavenly stream. The Lord fasted that day
abstaining even from water. And even though persuaded by the sage none else took a
drop of water either. (14)
0r= rrf r f r t-
>rqr nfa a r r= t-+ +
Do.: bhoru bhae raghunadanahi jo muni yasu dnha,
raddh bhagati sameta prabhu so sabu sdaru knha.247.
At daybreak the Lord reverently and devoutly did all that the sage bade the
Delighter of Raghus do. (247)
0f fa fr f t ta ra a at+
r r r rr ar fa n r+.{+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
572
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
q r s r a at rr f +
q ; r ta r n r fta+.+
r rn f rt rt+
r a f rar f rf ff n rar+ -+
a rf r r ;r rfa r+
a s fs fr; sfa r; a f nrr;+ +
Cau.: kari pitu kriy beda jasi baran, bhe punta ptaka tama taran.
jsu nma pvaka agha tul, sumirata sakala sumagala m ul.1.
suddha so bhayau sdhu samata asa, tratha vhana surasari jasa.
suddha bhae dui bsara bte, bole gura sana rma pirte.2.
ntha loga saba nipaa dukhr, kada m ula phala abu ahr.
snuja bharatu saciva saba mt, dekhi mohi pala jimi juga jt.3.
saba sameta pura dhria pu, pu ih

amarvati r u.
bahuta kaheu saba kiyau hih, ucita hoi tasa karia gos

.4.
Having performed His fathers obsequies as prescribed in the Vedas the Lord,
who was a sun as it were to the darkness of sins, became pure again. The Lord whose
Name Itself is a fire to the cotton of sins and whose very thought is the root of all choice
blessings, attained purity even as the heavenly stream is consecrated by invoking into
it other sacred waters:* such is the verdict of holy men. When two days elapsed after
the purification, r Rma affectionately said to the Guru: My lord, all the people are sore
distressed, living as they do on bulbs, roots, fruits and water alone. When I behold
Bharata and his younger brother (atrughna), the ministers and all my mothers, every
minute that passes seems an age to me. Therefore, pray return to the city with all; for
you are here and the king (my father) is in heaven (there is no one to look after the city).
I have said too much and all this amounts to gross presumption on my part. Now, my
lord, do what is proper. (14)
0 a =ra r
rn fa f ; f f>rr+ c+
Do.: dharma setu karunyatana kasa na kahahu asa rma,
loga dukhita dina dui darasa dekhi lahahu birma.248.
It is no wonder, Rma, that you should speak like this, a bulwark of righteousness
and a home of compassion that you are. But grieved as the people are, let them derive
solace by enjoying your sight for a couple of days. (248)
0r f r ff f r+
f n fnr n r s r=a r+ {+
r fa r rt r frf rr rrr rt+
nfa r f f ff f za f f+ +
* The Gag, which is pure in itself, is consecrated only in name by invoking other sacred waters into
it; on the other hand, it lends purity to the waters that are invoked into it. Even so the Lord, who is all-pure,
attained purity in the eyes of the world by performing certain religious rites; while, as a matter of fact, the rites
themselves were consecrated from the time they were performed by the Lord.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
573
r rt rt+
rr rf r rt frf ar frf rt+ -+
f f a nfa rat rat+
fr a= rt r; f f f rt+ +
Cau.: rma bacana suni sabhaya samju, janu jalanidhi mahu bikala jahj u.
suni gura gir sumagala mul, bhayau manahu mruta anuk ul.1.
pvana paya tihu kla nahh

, jo biloki agha ogha nash

.
magalamurati locana bhari bhari, nirakhahi

harai daavata kari kari.2.

rma saila bana dekhana jh

, jaha sukha sakala sakala dukha nh

.
jharan jharahi

sudhsama br, tribidha tpahara tribidha bayr.3.

biapa beli tna aganita jt, phala prasuna pallava bahu bh

t.
sudara sil sukhada taru chh

, ji barani bana chabi kehi ph

.4.
At the words of r Rma the assembly trembled with fear like a ship tossed on
the ocean. When, however, they heard the auspicious words of the Guru, it seemed as
though the wind had turned in their favour. Thrice in the day (in the morning, at noon and
in the evening) they bathed in the holy Payasvin river, the very sight of which wipes out
hosts of sins, ever feasting their eyes on r Rma,the incarnation of blessedness, and
gladly prostrating themselves before Him again and again. They went out to see the hill and
woods hallowed by the presence of r Rma, where reigned joy of every kind and which
was free from all sorrows. Water sweet as nectar flowed from springs; while soft, cool
and fragrant breezes soothed every pain of mind and body. Trees, creepers and grasses
of infinite variety; fruits, flowers and leaves of many kinds; beautiful slabs of stone and
the delightful shade of trees: the splendour of the forest was beyond description. (14)
0f r= fn a na n
fna fa ff n fn n+ +
Do.: sarani saroruha jala bihaga kujata gujata bhga,
baira bigata biharata bipina mga bihaga bahuraga.249.
Lotuses adorned the lakes, waterfowls cooed and bees hummed; while birds and
beasts of various colours roamed about in the forest free from animosities. (249)
0r fra f rt f tr r t+
f f t f =t t+ {+
f f f f rr f f tr n rr+
f rn r t a r rr; t+ +
f n rt ra r frt+
ar at t frr rr r rr+ -+
f n fa arrr = f f rr+
r r fr rr f s f rr+ +
Cau.: kola kirta bhilla banabs, madhu suci sudara svdu sudh s.
bhari bhari parana pu

raci rur, kada mula phala akura jur.1.

"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
574
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
sabahi dehi

kari binaya pranm, kahi kahi svda bheda guna nm.

dehi

loga bahu mola na leh

, pherata rma doh deh

.2.
kahahi

saneha magana mdu bn, mnata sdhu pema pahicn.

tumha sukt hama nca nid, pv darasanu rma prasd.3.
hamahi agama ati darasu tumhr, jasa maru dharani devadhuni dhr.
rma kpla nida nevj, parijana prajau cahia jasa rj.4.
The Koals, Kirtas, Bhlas and other dwellers of the forest prepared lovely bowls
of leaves and filling them with honey, pure, fine and delicious as nectar, presented
them with small bundles of bulbs, roots,fruits and sprouts to all the newcomers with
humble submission and salutations, severally mentioning the taste, species, virtue
and name of each. The people offered a liberal price; but the foresters would not
accept it and returned it adjuring them by r Rmas love to take it back.
Overwhelmed with emotion they submitted in gentle tones: The good respect true love
once they have come to recognize it. You are all virtuous souls, while we are vile
Nidas: it is through Rmas grace that we have been blessed with your sight. You
were utterly inaccessible to us even as the stream of the heavenly river (Gag)
is to the desert land of Maru (Western Rjap utn and Sindha). The all-merciful Rma
has showered his grace on the Nida chief; a kings kith and kin and subjects too
should share his disposition. (14)
0 f rf r af f r f
f ar fn a + ~+
Do.: yaha jiya jni sa kocu taji karia chohu lakhi nehu,
hamahi ktratha karana lagi phala tna akura lehu.250.
Bearing this in mind shake off all scruple and recognizing our affection show
your grace to us. And in order to oblige us do accept fruits, grass and shoots
from us. (250)
0ar f r n r r rn rn r+
r arf nrr; ; ra fra far;+ {+
rf fa fz r; f r rr;+
z t t n rrrat f rt fa rat+ +
r a ff r rt f f f rrrt +
fq r rr r+ -+
a fr f r r+
a rn fa- rn r rn+ +
Cau.: tumha priya phune bana pagu dhre, sev jogu na bhga hamre.
deba kha hama tumhahi gos

, dhanu pta kirta mit.1.

yaha hamri ati baRi sevak, lehi

na bsana basana cor.

hama jaRa jva jva gana ght, kuila kucl kumati kujt.2.
ppa karata nisi bsara jh

, nahi

paa kai nahi

pea aghh

.
sapanehu dharama buddhi kasa k u, yaha raghunadana darasa prabhu.3.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
575
jaba te prabhu pada paduma nihre, mie dusaha dukha doa hamre.
bacana sunata purajana anurge, tinha ke bhga sarhana lge.4.
You have come to this forest as our welcome guests; but we are not lucky
enough to be fit for any service to you. What can we offer you noble sirs ? Fuel and
leaves are the only tokens of a Kirtas friendship; and our greatest service is that we
do not steal and remove your utensils and clothes. We are unfeeling creatures taking
others life, and are crooked by nature, wicked, evil-minded and low-born. Our days and
nights are spent in sinful pursuits and yet we have no cloth to cover our loins and get
no food enough to fill our belly. How could we possibly have ever dreamt of entertaining
pious sentiments but for the virtue of having seen the Delighter of Raghus ? Ever since
we had the good fortune of gazing on our Lords lotus feet our terrible woes and evils
have disappeared. The citizens were overwhelmed with emotion to hear these words
and began to extol the good fortune of those foresters. (14)
U0rn r rn rn rt
rf ff f r f rt+
rf ff f f r ff t fnr
at r rrf t r r far+
Cha.:lge sarhana bhga saba anurga bacana sunvah

,
bolani milani siya rma carana sanehu lakhi sukhu pvah

.
nara nri nidarahi

nehu nija suni kola bhillani k gir,

tulas kp raghubasamani k loha lai lauk tir.
All began to extol the good fortune of the foresters and addressed them in terms
of endearment. Everyone rejoiced to hear their talk and behold their polite manners as
well as their devotion to the feet of St and Rma. Men and women deprecated their own
love when they heard the talk of the Kolas and Bhlas. It was through the grace of r
Rma (the Jewel of Raghus line), says Tulasdsa, that a block of iron floated with a
boat loaded on it.*
0ff r faf fa rn
r r r t r + ~{+
So.: biharahi

bana cahu ora pratidina pramudita loga saba,

jala jyo ddura mora bhae pna pvasa prathama.251.
Day after day all the people roamed through every quarter of the forest in great
delight even like frogs and peacocks reinvigorated by the first shower of the rains.(251)
0 rf n fa tat r rf tat+
t r fa r; r ; f r;+ {+
* Evidently the people of Ayodhy, who were all deeply attached to r Rma and were highly virtuous
souls, are here likened to a boat inasmuch as they were fit to carry any number of people through the ocean
of metempsychosis to the feet of r Rma by their devotion. The Kolas and Bhlas, on the other hand, who
represented the lowest strata of society and were low by birth as well as by conduct, are compared to a block
of iron which cannot even float, much less carry any other weight on it. Through the grace of r Rma,
however, the foresters put to shame the people of Ayodhy by their artless devotion to Rma and hence the
metaphorical statement that a block of iron floated with a boat placed on it.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
576
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
r r f r rr f rr r+
t r r t-t fa- f f rf t-t+ +
f f fa rs r; f rf farf rrr;+
f f rfa ; f t ff t ;+ -+
r ffa f t r f t+
s rt r n ff f rt+ +
Cau.: pura jana nri magana ati prt, bsara jhi

palaka sama bt.

sya ssu prati bea ban, sdara karai sarisa sevak.1.
lakh na maramu rma binu kh u

, my saba siya my mh u

.
sya ssu sev basa knh

, tinha lahi sukha sikha sia dnh

.2.
lakhi siya sahita sarala dou bh, kuila rni pachitni agh.
avani jamahi jcati kaike, mahi na bcu bidhi mcu na de.3.
lokahu beda bidita kabi kahah

, rma bimukha thalu naraka na lahah

.
yahu sasau saba ke mana mh

, rma gavanu bidhi avadha ki nh

.4.
The men and women of the city remained deeply immersed in love; days passed
like a moment to them. St, assuming as many forms as She had mothers-in-law, waited
on each with equal attention. No one but Rma knew the mystery behind it; for all
delusive potencies form part of Sts delusive power. St won over the queen-mothers
by Her services, gratified by which they instructed and blessed Her. Perceiving the two
brothers as well as St Straight in their dealings, the wicked queen bitterly repented.
Kaikey sought help both from Earth and the god of death; but neither Earth afforded her
shelter in her womb nor did God grant her death. It is well-known by popular tradition as
well as through the Vedas, and the Sages too declare, that those who are hostile to
Rma find no resting-place even in hell. The question that stirred every mind now was;
Good heavens, will Rma return to Ayodhy or not ? (14)
0ff t f f a f f r
t t f n tf f r+ ~+
Do.: nisi na nda nahi

bhukha dina bharatu bikala suci soca,

nca kca bica magana jasa mnahi salila sa koca.252.
Bharata had no sleep by night nor appetite by day, perturbed as he was by a pious
anxiety, even as a fish sunk in a shallow marsh is worried by paucity of water. (252)
0tf- ra f r rt ;fa tfa ra rt+
f ff r; r f rf a srs + {+
f ff n r rt f f r =f rt+
ra f rrr r f f f r+ +
rf fa rar af s r frar+
s a f fnf a n= + -+
s nfa rt ra af f frt+
ra r; f f r; a f rr;+ +
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
577
Cau.: knhi mtu misa kla kucl, ti bhti jasa pkata sl.
kehi bidhi hoi rma abhiek u, mohi avakalata upu na ek u.1.
avasi phirahi

gura yasu mn, muni puni kahaba rma ruci jn.
mtu kahehu bahurahi

raghur u, rma janani haha karabi ki k u.2.

mohi anucara kara ketika bt, tehi maha kusamau bma bidht.
jau haha karau ta nipaa kukaram u, haragiri te guru sevaka dharam u.3.
ekau juguti na mana haharn, socata bharatahi raini bihn.
prta nahi prabhuhi sira n, baihata pahae riaya bol.4.
Disguised as my mother it was Fate that wrought this mischief, even as a
crop of paddy ripening for the harvest may be visited by some pest. How can r
Rmas coronation be accomplished ? I can hit upon no device to secure this. He
would certainly return in obedience to the Gurus commands; but the sage will ask
r Rma to return only when he knows that the latter will like it. The Lord of Raghus
would return even at the bidding of his mother; but will r Rmas mother ever insist
on it? As for myself, I am only his vassal and as such count for nothing. On top
of it I have fallen on evil days and Providence is against me. If I assert my own
will, it would be a grievous sin; for the duty of a servant is more arduous than the
lifting of Mount Kailsa (ivas own Abode). Bharata could not decide upon anyone
device and he spent the whole night in speculation. At daybreak he bathed, bowed
his head to the Lord and was going to sit down beside Him when he was sent for
by the sage (Vasiha). (14)
0n r f r r;
f r f r r;+ ~-+
Do.: gura pada kamala pranmu kari baihe yasu pi,
bipra mahjana saciva saba jure sabhsada i.253.
Bowing at the preceptors lotus feet and receiving his permission, Bharata sat
down; and presently the Brhmaas, the elite of the city, the ministers and all other
councillors came and assembled there. (253)
0r f= rr r a rr+
t r r rr r t nr+.{+
- r >rfa a r n n a +
n fa ra rt fart+.+
tfa tfa r tr rs r r r +
ff f = f f ffrr rr t f rr+.-+
f f fn ar; rn ffq fnrn nr; +
f fr f t r r; t t +.+
Cau.: bole munibaru samaya samn, sunahu sabhsada bharata sujn.
dharama dhurna bhnukula bhnu, rj rmu svabasa bhagavn u.1.
satyasadha plaka ruti set u, rma janamu jaga magala het u.
gura pitu mtu bacana anusr, khala dalu dalana deva hitakr.2.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
578
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
nti prti paramratha svrathu, kou na rma sama jna jathrathu.
bidhi hari haru sasi rabi disipl, my jva karama kuli kl.3.
ahipa mahipa jaha lagi prabhut, joga siddhi nigamgama g.
kari bicra jiya dekhahu nke , rma raji ssa sabah ke .4.
The chief of the sages, Vasiha, spoke in words appropriate to the occasion
Listen, O councillors, and you, wise Bharata; the sun of the solar race, King Rma, is
a champion of righteousness and the almighty Lord dependent on none but Himself. r
Rma is true to His word and maintains the standard of morality set up by the Vedas;
His very advent is a source of blessing to the world. Obedient to the commands of His
preceptor and parents, He crushes the armies of the wicked and is a friend of the gods.
Propriety of behaviour, love, the highest object of life and worldly interestsno one
knows these aright as Rma does. Brahm (the Creator), Hari (the Preserver) and Hara
(the Destroyer of the universe), the moon-god, the sun-god and the guardians of the
various quarters, My (the deluding potency of God), Jva (the individual soul), the
various forms of Karma (the residue of actions) and the Time-Spirit, ea (the lord of
serpents), the rulers of the earth and whatever other powers there are and even so the
accomplishments of Yoga extolled in the Vedas and other scripturesponder in your
heart and consider wellr Rmas commands exercise their authority over all.(14)
0r r r; = fa r;
fr r ff a r;+ ~+
Do.: rkhe rma raji rukha hama saba kara hita hoi,
samujhi sayne karahu aba saba mili samta soi.254.
If we carry out r Rmas orders and respect His wishes, it will be well for us
all. Ponder this, O wise men; and do that which you all unanimously resolve upon. (254)
0 r f n r n +
f ff f rrr fr r; f sr+.{+
r f f rt r tr rt+
sa= r rn r a f= r; a r+.+
r rr f a z+
a fa rar +rr ; frar+.-+
f ; rrr t rsf n rr+
r nrr; ff nfa f t ; r rf r t+.+
Cau.: saba kahu sukhada rma abhiek u, magala moda m ula maga ek u.
kehi bidhi avadha calahi

raghur u, kahahu samujhi soi karia up u.1.

saba sdara suni munibara bn, naya paramratha svratha sn.
utaru na va loga bhae bhore, taba siru ni bharata kara jore.2.
bhnubasa bhae bhupa ghanere, adhika eka te eka baRere.
janama hetu saba kaha pitu mt, karama subhsubha dei bidht.3.
dali dukha sajai sakala kalyn, asa assa ruri jagu jn.
so gosi

bidhi gati jehi

che k, sakai ko ri eka jo ek.4.

"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
579
r Rmas co579ronation will be delightful to all; that is the only course which is
conducive to good luck and joy. In what way can the Lord of Raghus be prevailed upon to
return to Ayodhy; ponder this and tell me, so that we may adopt the same device. Everyone
listened with reverence to the sages speech, surcharged as it was with prudence and
spiritual wisdom and salutary from the worldly point of view as well. But no answer was
forthcoming: the people were dumbfounded. Then Bharata bowed his head and with joined
palms began as follows: The solar race has produced many a king each one far greater than
the rest. For the birth of all the father and mother are responsible; whereas it is God who
dispenses the good or evil fruit of their actions. Your benediction, as all the world knows,
wipes out sorrow and confers all blessings. As for yourself, my lord, you thwarted the course
of Providence*; no one can alter what you have resolved upon. (14)
0fr rf srs r r rn
f n s snr rn+ ~~+
Do.: bujhia mohi upu aba so saba mora abhgu,
suni sanehamaya bacana gura ura umag anurgu.255.
* A few instances are quoted below to prove the truth of this statement:
(1) King Daaratha had no male issue. As a result of Vasihas benediction he was blessed with four
sons at the age of 60,000 years.
(2) The seventh Manu, Vaivasvata, had no son. The sage Vasiha caused a sacrifice to be performed
by him. Manus consort, raddh, wished to have a daughter and accordingly requested the sacrificial priest
(Hot) to get her a daughter. The priest offered oblations with that motive and as a result of this a daughter,
Il by name, was born to raddh. Vaivasvata was taken aback to hear of this change and approached the sage
with his grievance. Vasiha, who came to know the cause through meditation, consoled the Manu and assured
him that he would fulfil his desire by dint of his penance. He prayed to the Lord and propitiated Him and secured
a blessing from Him to the effect that the kings daughter would be transformed into a son. Il was accordingly
changed into Sudyumna. One day, Sudyumna, who was now grown up into full manhood and was out for
hunting, entered the precincts of a pleasure-grove at the foot of Mount Sumeru, reserved for Bhagavn iva
and Goddess Prvat, and was retransformed into a woman under a standing curse pronounced by iva that
any male who entered the grove would be changed into a woman. The moon-gods son, Budha, who had been
practising austerity in the vicinity of that grove fell in love with the woman and she too was attracted towards
him. The pair accordingly lived together as husband and wife. One day the princess invoked Vasiha, who
appeared before her and was moved with pity to see her plight. He prayed to Lord iva and secured from him
a boon to the effect that the prince would change his sex every month. He thus lived with Budha as his wife for
one month and ruled over his kingdom as Sudyumna during another by rotation.
(3) Vasiha, who was a mind-born son of Brahm, was called upon by his father to assume the role of
a family priest in relation to the Kings of the solar race. Finding him reluctant to accept this position, which was
rather humiliating. Brahm tried to persuade him by the argument that the Lord Himself would appear in that line
in the Tretyuga and that he would automatically secure the enviable position of the Lords own family priest and
preceptor and live on most intimate terms with Him. According to the order of sequence originally determined,
Dvpara (literally, the second Yuga) was to follow Satyayuga and Tret (literally, the third Yuga) was to come next.
Vasiha, however, was too impatient to wait for a couple of Yugas and accordingly changed their order of
sequence. It was under His dispensation that Tret followed Satyayuga and Dvpara succeeded Tret.
(4) The sage Vivmitra, who originally belonged to the Katriya caste, practised austere penance for
thousands of years with a view to attaining Brahmanhood. At last Brahm recognized his claims to Brahmanhood
and called him a Brahmari (a Brhmaa sage). But Vivmitra would not be satisfied until Vasiha accepted
him as such In this way he attached a greater weight to Vasihas opinion. Vasiha however, declined to accept
him as a Brahmari till he retained even a tinge of egotism. He addressed him as a Brahmari only when he was
satisfied that Vivmitra had been purged of the last traces of egotism. Others, however, maintain that Vasiha
did not recognize his claims to Brahmanhood till the last.
(5) During the nuptials of King Dilpa and Sudaki the ends of the garments of the bride and bridegroom
were tied together most tightly. When Vasiha enquired the reason he was told that the pair would die the moment
their knot was untied. The sage thereupon altered the course of destiny and averted their death.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
580
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
And yet you ask advice of me at this juncture ! All this is my misfortune. The
Gurus heart overflowed with love when he heard these affectionate words. (255)
0ara ra f r rt r f ff rt+
s ara a rar af rar+.{+
ar r n rs r; ff t rrr;+
f rs rar r f nrar+.+
r a a frr f rs r rr+
a r rn- rr rt rf rt+.-+
f a f r r t- n t- fa t-+
r s f r f a f r r+.+
Cau.: tta bta phuri rma kph

, rma bimukha sidhi sapanehu nh

.
sakucau tta kahata eka bt, aradha tajahi

budha sarabasa jt.1.

tumha knana gavanahu dou bh, pheriahi

lakhana sya raghur.

suni subacana harae dou bhrt, bhe pramoda parip urana gt.2.
mana prasanna tana teju birj, janu jiya ru rmu bhae rj.
bahuta lbha loganha laghu hn, sama dukha sukha saba rovahi

rn.3.
kahahi

bharatu muni kah so knhe, phalu jaga jvanha abhimata dnhe.

knana karau janama bhari bs u, ehi

te adhika na mora sups u.4.

What you have said is no doubt true, my child; but it is all due to r Rmas grace.
He who is hostile to Rma can never dream of success. I hesitate to tell you one thing;
the wise forgo one-half when they find the whole in peril.You two brothers (atrughna and
yourself) retire to the woods; while Lakmaa, St and the Lord of Raghus may be sent
back. The two brothers (Bharata and atrughna) rejoiced to hear these agreeable
words; their whole frame was filled with excess of joy. They were pleased at heart and
a glow irradiated their body as though King Daaratha had come to life again and Rma
had been crowned king. The people thought they would gain much while their loss would
be comparatively small. The queen-mothers, however, all wept because their joy and
sorrow matched each other. By obeying the Gurus commands, Bharata observed,
One would attain the fruit of gratifying all the creatures of the world. I will stay all my life
in the forest; I conceive no greater happiness than this. (14)
0art r f ar r
a r f tf r+ ~+
Do.: atarajm rmu siya tumha sarabagya sujna,
jau phura kahahu ta ntha nija kjia bacanu pravna.256.
Rma and St have access to all hearts, while you are omniscient and wise. If
what you say is true, then redeem your word, my lord. (256)
0a f f r fa f f+
a r fr rt f fa rf at r t+.{+
nr r a f r rfa r rfa r+
= ff r a zr; t tf f f r;+.+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
581
a ff ta r fa r r f r+
r f t- r f f r+.-+
r f= frt r rt+
r rr tfa n r frr+.+
Cau.: bharata bacana suni dekhi saneh u, sabh sahita muni bhae bideh u.
bharata mah mahim jalars, muni mati hRhi tra abal s.1.
g caha pra jatanu hiya her, pvati nva na bohitu ber.
auru karihi ko bharata baR, saras spi ki sidhu sam.2.
bharatu munihi mana bhtara bhe, sahita samja rma pahi

e.
prabhu pranmu kari dnha susanu, baihe saba suni muni anussanu.3.
bole munibaru bacana bicr, desa kla avasara anuhr.
sunahu rma sarabagya sujn, dharama nti guna gyna nidhn.4.
Hearing Bharatas words and seeing his love, the sage as well as the whole
assembly were transported out of themselves Bharatas transcendent glory resembled
the ocean and the sages wit stood on its brink like a helpless woman who longed
to cross it and sought many a device but was unable to find a boat, ship or raft. Who
else, then, can glorify Bharata ? Can the ocean be contained in the shell of a small
pool ? The sage was pleased with Bharata in his heart of hearts; with the whole
assembly, therefore, he came to r Rma. The Lord made obeisance and offered him
a seat of honour; and receiving the sages permission all sat down. The great sage
then spoke in well-considered phrases appropriate to the time, place and circumstances:
Listen, Rma; you are omniscient and wise and a storehouse of piety, prudence,
virtue and knowledge. (14)
0 s a r rs rs
t a fa r; r f srs+ ~+
Do.: saba ke ura atara basahu jnahu bhu kubhu,
purajana janan bharata hita hoi so kahia upu.257.
You dwell in the heart of all and know our good and evil intentions. Tell us,
therefore, the way in which the citizens, your mothers and Bharata too may be
benefited. (257)
0ra f frf r r rff r r+
f f a rrr r arrf r sr+.{+
fa = rsf r r f fa r+
r r r r; r rf f r;+.+
f f nrr; r r fa rrff r; +
f r - ar rr a fr= rr+.-+
af a s rf rt a nfa ; fa rt+
r r a =f rt r tf r f rt+.+
Cau.: rata kahahi

bicri na k u, s ujha jurihi pana d u.

suni muni bacana kahata raghur u, ntha tumhrehi htha up u.1.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
582
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
saba kara hita rukha ruri rkhe , yasu kie mudita phura bhe .
prathama jo yasu mo kahu ho, mthe mni karau sikha so.2.
puni jehi kaha jasa kahaba gos

, so saba bh

ti ghaihi sevak

.
kaha muni rma satya tumha bh, bharata saneha bicru na rkh.3.
tehi

te kahau bahori bahor, bharata bhagati basa bhai mati mor.

more jna bharata ruci rkh, jo kjia so subha siva skh.4.
The afflicted never speak with forethought. A gambler sees his own game. On
hearing the sages words the Lord of Raghus replied, My lord, the remedy lies in your
own hands. Everyone will be benefited by meeting your wishes, carrying out your
behests and gladly acclaiming them. In the first place, whatever orders and instructions
are given to me I will reverently carry them out. Then, my lord, whoever receives any
order from you will fully devote himself to your service. Said the sage, What you have
said, Rma, is true; but Bharatas love has robbed me of my wits. That is why I say again
and again, my judgment has been enthralled by Bharatas devotion. To my mind, iva
be my witness, whatever you do with due deference to Bharatas wishes will be all for
good. (14)
0a f r f f fr= rf
ra ra fn frf+ ~c+
Do.: bharata binaya sdara sunia karia bicru bahori,
karaba sdhumata lokamata npanaya nigama nicori.258.
Listen with attention to Bharatas humble submission and then think over it. Again,
sifting the worldly point of view and the conclusions of holy men as well as of the political
science and the Vedas do what they enjoin upon you. (258)
0n rn a t r z r ft+
af rt f a r rt+.{+
r n r r nr+
r fa rr; s a r;+.+
n rnt a r zrnt+
rs r rn r f ; a rn+.-+
f rr fq r; a a zr;+
a f r; f r; f r nr;+.+
Cau.: gura anurgu bharata para dekh, rma hdaya nadu bise.
bharatahi dharama dhuradhara jn, nija sevaka tana mnasa bn.1.
bole gura yasa anuk ul, bacana maju mdu magalam ul.
ntha sapatha pitu carana doh, bhayau na bhuana bharata sama bh.2.
je gura pada abuja anurg, te lokahu bedahu baRabhg.
rura j para asa anurg u, ko kahi sakai bharata kara bhg u.3.
lakhi laghu badhu buddhi sakuc, karata badana para bharata baR.
bharatu kahahi

soi kie bhal, asa kahi rma rahe arag.4.

r Rma was particularly delighted at heart to see the Gurus affection for Bharata.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
583
Knowing Bharata to be a champion of virtue and His servant in thought, word and deed,
He spoke words that were sweet, soft and delightful and harmonized with the Gurus
commands: My lord, I swear by you as well as by the feet of my father that in the whole
world there has been no brother like Bharata. Those who are devoted to the lotusfeet of
their preceptor are highly blessed from the point of view of the world as well as of the
Vedas. And who can extol Bharatas good fortune, for whom you cherish such love !
Knowing him to be a younger brother my mind recoils when I proceed to praise him to his
face. Of course it will be conducive to our good to do what he suggests. Having said so
r Rma kept silent. (14)
0a f r a r af ara
rf f z ra+ ~+
Do.: taba muni bole bharata sana saba sa kocu taji tta,
kpsidhu priya badhu sana kahahu hdaya kai bta.259.
The sage now said to Bharata, Shaking off all scruple, my dear child, tell your
dear brother, who is an ocean of kindness, what is there in your heart. (259)
0f f r = r; n= rf rrr;+
f f = r= f f f fr=+ {+
f t r r t r+
r fr frr f a f rr+.+
rs f r r rf r r+
r r ft a f t+.-+
f a fs n t- r n+
r tfa f rt r farf rt+.+
Cau.: suni muni bacana rma rukha p, guru shiba anukula agh.
lakhi apane sira sabu charu bhr u, kahi na sakahi

kachu karahi

bicr u.1.
pulaki sarra sabh

bhae hRhe, nraja nayana neha jala bRhe.

kahaba mora munintha nibh, ehi te adhika kahau mai

kh.2.
mai

jnau nija ntha subh u, apardhihu para koha na k u.

mo para kp sanehu bise, khelata khunisa na kabah u

dekh.3.
sisupana te parihareu na sagu, kabahu na knha mora mana bhagu.
mai

prabhu kp rti jiya joh, hrehu khela jitvahi

moh.4.
When Bharata heard the sages words and came to know what was in r Rmas
mind, he was satisfied that both the preceptor and the master were exceedingly
propitious to him. At the same time he realized that the entire responsibility had been
thrown on his own shoulders. He was, therefore, unable to speak a word and became
thoughtful. With his body thrilling all over he stood in the assembly and tears of love
gushed forth from his lotus eyes. The lord of sages has already said what I had to say.
Beyond that I have nothing to submit. I know the disposition of my master, who is never
angry even with the offender. To me he has been particularly kind and affectionate; I
have never seen him frown even in play. Even from my infancy I never left his company
and at no time did he damp my spirits. I have realized in my heart the benevolent ways
of my lord, who would have me win a game even though I had lost it. (14)
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
584
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
0 r t
afa r fn fr + +
Do.: mahu

saneha sakoca basa sanamukha kah na baina,

darasana tpita na ju lagi pema pise naina.260.
Overcome by affection and modesty I too never opened my lips before him.
And my eyes, that have been thirsting through love for his sight, have not been sated
to this day. (260)
0ff s f r rr t t t f rr+
s a rf r rr t fr r f r r+.{+
ra f r rt s ra rf rt+
; f r rf rt ar f rt+.+
r r r rn sf nr+
f r f rr fr rfs r f f r+.-+
z f rs rr f rfa f rr+
n nrr; rf f r rna rf t fr+.+
Cau.: bidhi na sakeu sahi mora dulr, nca bcu janan misa pr.
yahau kahata mohi ju na sobh, apan samujhi sdhu suci ko bh.1.
mtu madi mai

sdhu sucl, ura asa nata koi kucl.

pharai ki kodava bli susl, mukat prasava ki sabuka kl.2.
sapanehu dosaka lesu na kh u, mora abhga udadhi avaghu.
binu samujhe nija agha paripk u, jriu jya janani kahi kk u.3.
hdaya heri hreu saba or, ekahi bh

ti bhalehi

bhala mor.
gura gosi

shiba siya rmu, lgata mohi nka parinmu.4.
But Fate could not bear to see me treated with fondness. In the disguise of my vile
mother God created a cleft between us. It does not behove me today to say even this;
for who has come to be recognized as good and innocent on the basis of his own
estimation ? To entertain the thought that my mother is wicked while I am virtuous and
upright is itself tantamount to a million evil practices. Can an ear of the Kodo* plant yield
good rice and can a dark bivalve shell produce a pearl ? Not a tinge of blame attaches
to anyone even in a dream. My ill-luck is unfathomable like the ocean. In vain did I
torment my mother by taunting her without estimating the consequences of my own sins.
I have mentally surveyed all possible avenues but feel frustrated. There is only one hope
of my salvation: Your Holiness is my preceptor while St and Rma are my masters.
From this I presume that all will be well in the end. (14)
0r r n f s fars
f r rf f rrrs+ {+
Do.: sdhu sabh

gura prabhu nikaa kahau suthala satibhu,

prema prapacu ki jhuha phura jnahi

muni raghuru.261.
* The Kodo (Saskta Kodrava) is a kind of corn grown in the eastern parts of U.P. It bears a small
grain of inferior quality, eaten only by the poor.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
585
In this concourse of holy men, in the presence of my preceptor and master and
in this holy place I speak in good faith. Whether there is any love in my heart or it is all
simulation and whether what I say is true or false is known to the sage as well as to the
Lord of Raghus. (261)
0fa rt t fa na rt+
f rf f art f rt+.{+
t r r f fr fs r+
f n t- rrrr f f f rr+.+
f rf- rf r = rf s f rrr+
f frf fr f f s s +.-+
rf- s r; fa t z ; r;+
f-f ff n rff tt af f f ar att+.+
Cau.: bhupati marana pema panu rkh, janan kumati jagatu sabu skh.
dekhi na jhi

bikala mahatr

, jarahi

dusaha jara pura nara nr

.1.
mah

sakala anaratha kara mul, so suni samujhi sahiu saba s ul.

suni bana gavanu knha raghunth, kari muni bea lakhana siya sth.2.
binu pnahinha paydehi pe , sakaru skhi raheu ehi ghe .
bahuri nihri nida saneh u, kulisa kahina ura bhayau na beh u.3.
aba sabu

khinha dekheu , jiata jva jaRa sabai sah.

jinhahi nirakhi maga s

pini bch, tajahi

biama biu tmasa tch.4.

The whole world will bear witness, on the one hand, to the king having died as
a result of his uncompromising love, and to my mothers evil intent, on the other. The
queen-mothers are in such distress that one cannot bear to look at them; while the men
and women of the city are burning with deep agony. I have heard and realized that I am
the root of all trouble and have accordingly endured all suffering. To crown all when I
heard that clad in hermits robes and accompanied by Lakmaa and St, the Lord of
Raghus proceeded to the woods on foot and without shoes, God akara be my
witness, I survived even that blow. On top of it, when I witnessed the Nidas love, my
heart, which is harder than adamant, refused to break. And now I have seen all with my
own eyes and so long as I live my stupid soul will subject me to all kinds of suffering.
What shall I say of Rma, Lakmaa and St, at whose sight even snakes and
scorpions on the road forget their virulent poison and irrepressible anger ! (14)
0a; rr f fa rn rf
ar a af s r; rf+ +
Do.: tei raghunadanu lakhanu siya anahita lge jhi,
tsu tanaya taji dusaha dukha daiu sahvai khi.262.
On whom else, then, should Providence inflict severe pain if not on the son of
Kaikey, who looked upon these very Rma, Lakmaa and St as her enemies ! (262)
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
586
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
0f fa f a rt rfa tfa f rt+
r n r r= s ar=+.{+
f ff r rt a r t- f rt+
r sfa rr f +.+
ara r f nrt ; t t nfa rt+
atf r fa a r -fr ara a ar+.-+
s ra ar fr; r; r r r;+
r f ff z a; f- n r r f ;+.+
Cau.: suni ati bikala bharata bara bn, rati prti binaya naya sn.
soka magana saba sabh

khabhr u, manahu kamala bana pareu tusr u.1.

kahi aneka bidhi kath purn, bharata prabodhu knha muni gyn.
bole ucita bacana raghunad u, dinakara kula kairava bana cad u.2.
tta jya jiya karahu galn, sa adhna jva gati jn.
tni kla tibhuana mata more , punyasiloka tta tara tore .3.
ura nata tumha para kuil, ji loku paraloku nas.
dosu dehi

jananihi jaRa te, jinha gura sdhu sabh nahi

se.4.
On hearing the excellent and most impassioned speech of Bharata, which was full
of agony and love, humility and prudence, everybody was plunged in sorrow and the
assembly became sad as if a bed of lotuses was smitten by frost. The enlightened sage
comforted Bharata by narrating old legends of various kinds; and the Delighter of
Raghus, who was a veritable moon to the lily-like solar race, spoke words which were
meet and proper: You feel humiliated in spirit for nothing, dear brother; know that the
destiny of souls lies in the hands of God. To my mind, men of holy reputation in all the
three spheres of creation and belonging to the past, present and future are pygmies
before you, my darling. He who attributes malevolence to you even in his heart will be
ruined in this world as well as in the next. As for mother Kaikey they alone blame her,
who have waited neither on the Guru nor on assemblage of holy men. (14)
0fff r f n r
r r fa r arr+ -+
Do.: miihahi

ppa prapaca saba akhila amagala bhra,

loka sujasu paraloka sukhu sumirata nmu tumhra.263.
With the very invocation of your name all sins and error and all the hosts of evils
will be obliterated; nay, it will bring in its train fair renown in this world and happiness
hereafter. (263)
0s rs - f rt a f rsf rt+
ara a f r f ; r+.{+
f n f fn n rt r f frf rt +
fa fa f-s rr r a n r frr+.+
ara arf rs t r t+
rs r - rf -rnt a fs rnt+.-+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
587
ar a r af a f arr r+
ar n rf r t-r f r s r; t-r+.+
Cau.: kahau subhu satya siva skh, bharata bh umi raha ruri rkh.
tta kutaraka karahu jani je , baira pema nahi

durai dure .1.

muni gana nikaa bihaga mga jh

, bdhaka badhika biloki parh

.
hita anahita pasu pacchiu jn, mnua tanu guna gyna nidhn.2.
tta tumhahi mai

jnau nke , karau kha asamajasa jke .

rkheu rya satya mohi tyg, tanu parihareu pema pana lg.3.
tsu bacana meata mana soc u, tehi te adhika tumhra sa koc u.
t para gura mohi yasu dnh, avasi jo kahahu cahau soi knh.4.
With Lord iva as my witness I speak the truth in good faith, Bharata: the
earth is being sustained by you. Pray do not indulge in wrong hypotheses about
yourself for nothing, my darling; hatred and love cannot be disguised even if one
tries to conceal them. Birds and beasts draw close to hermits, while they run away
at the very sight of a hunter who torments them. Even beasts and birds can
distinguish between a friend and a foe, to say nothing of the human body, which
is a storehouse of virtue and knowledge. I know you full well, dear brother; but
what am I to do ? There is great perplexity in my mind. The king (our father),
you know, kept his word and abandoned me; nay, he gave up his life in order
to keep his vow of love. I feel perturbed in my mind if I proceed to violate his
word; and my scruple on your account is even greater. On top of it my preceptor
has given his command to me. In any case I am prepared to do precisely what
you suggest. (14)
0 r f af r; r
- rr f r t r+ +
Do.: manu prasanna kari sakuca taji kahahu karau soi ju,
satyasadha raghubara bacana suni bh sukh samju.264.
With a cheerful heart and shaking off all scruple tell me what to do; and I will
accomplish it this very day. The assembly rejoiced to hear these words of r Rma (the
Chief of Raghus line), who was ever true to his word. (264)
0 n fa r rf ra r r+
a srs a rt r n rt+.{+
f frf t t rrfa na nfa t+
f f t rr fa f frr+.+
- r frr f f n rr+
fn fn r f f rr r a rr+.-+
r srs f r ra r r+
f f af f n t r af+.+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
588
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Cau.: sura gana sahita sabhaya surarj u, socahi

chata hona akju.

banata upu karata kachu nh

, rma sarana saba ge mana mh

.1.
bahuri bicri paraspara kahah

, raghupati bhagata bhagati basa ahah

.
sudhi kari abara durabs, bhe sura surapati nipaa nirs.2.
sahe suranha bahu kla bid, narahari kie pragaa prahald.
lagi lagi kna kahahi

dhuni mth, aba sura kja bharata ke hth.3.

na upu na dekhia dev, mnata rmu susevaka sev.
hiya sapema sumirahu saba bharatahi, nija guna sla rma basa karatahi.4.
Indra (the king of celestials) and the hosts of other gods trembled with fear and
felt perturbed at the thought that their whole scheme was going to miscarry. They were
completely at a loss what to do. At last they mentally approached r Rma for
protection. Again they deliberated with one another and said that the Lord of Raghus
was under the spell of the devotion of His devotees. Remembering the story of
Ambara and Durvs the gods as well as their lord (Indra) became utterly despondent.
In the past too the gods suffered for a long time till at last it was Prahlda who revealed
Lord Nsiha*. Beating their head they whispered into one anothers ear: The gods
interests now lie in Bharatas hands. We see no other remedy, O gods; our only hope
is that r Rma acknowledges the services rendered to His noble servants. Do you
all, therefore, invoke with a loving heart Bharata, who has won over r Rma by his
goodness and amiability. (14)
0f a n s arr z rn
n n a rn+ ~+
Do.: suni sura mata suragura kaheu bhala tumhra baRa bhgu,
sakala sumagala mula jaga bharata carana anurgu.265.
When the preceptor of the gods (the sage Bhaspati) heard of the gods intention,
he said, Good ! Your luck is great. Devotion to Bharatas feet is the root of all choice
blessings in this world. (265)
0tarfa r; r f r;+
a nfa ar r; a r ff ra r;+.{+
fa a r r f rrr+
f z= rt af rf r frt+.+
f n a r art f r+
f f r= a f rr a rf ff s rr+.-+
f fr= t-t tr r r r tr+
f af rs rr r t- f rr+.+
Cau.: stpati sevaka sevak, kmadhenu saya sarisa suh.
bharata bhagati tumhare mana , tajahu socu bidhi bta ban.1.
dekhu devapati bharata prabh u, sahaja subhya bibasa raghur u.
mana thira karahu deva aru nh

, bharatahi jni rma parichh

.2.
* So-called because He had taken the form of a man-lion.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
589
suni suragura sura samata soc u, atarajm prabhuhi sakoc u.
nija sira bhru bharata jiya jn, karata koi bidhi ura anumn.3.
kari bicru mana dnh hk, rma rajyasa pana nk.
nija pana taji rkheu panu mor, chohu sanehu knha nahi

thor.4.
The service of a devotee of Sts lord is as good as a hundred cows of plenty
(i.e., it fulfils all ones desires). Now that devotion to Bharata has appealed to your mind
worry no more; for God has accomplished your object. See Bharatas greatness O king
of gods; the Lord of Raghus is completely under his sway as a matter of course.
Knowing Bharata to be r Rmas shadow, make your mind easy. O gods; there is no
cause for fear. The Lord, who has access to all hearts, felt uncomfortable when He
came to know of the conference between the gods and their preceptor (the sage
Bhaspati) and of the anxiety of the former. Bharata now felt in his heart that the whole
responsibility rested on his shoulders; he, therefore, entertained in his mind propositions
of innumerable kinds. After much deliberation he came to the conclusion that his welfare
consisted in obeying r Rma. He has kept my vow, relinquishing his own, and has
thereby shown not a little kindness and love. (14)
0t- n fa fa ff tarr
f r r a rf n r+ +
Do.: knha anugraha amita ati saba bidhi stntha,
kari pranmu bole bharatu jori jalaja juga htha.266.
Sts lord has done me a great and unbounded favour in everyway. Then,
bowing his head and joining his lotus hands, Bharata said: (266)
0 r r trt r ff art+
n r rf r ft f fa r+.{+
z zs r ff r ff +
r rn ra fr; ff nfa f r fr;+.+
rs rf ff rf rrrr ar r rr+
; tfa rsf r; r ffa f nr;+.-+
n nrr; f r; r r; +
s a= f r f rf r+.+
Cau.: kahau kahvau k aba svm, kp abunidhi atarajm.
gura prasanna shiba anuk ul, mi malina mana kalapita s ul.1.
apaara areu na soca sam ule , rabihi na dosu deva disi bh ule .
mora abhgu mtu kuil, bidhi gati biama kla kahin.2.
pu ropi saba mili mohi ghl, pranatapla pana pana pl.
yaha nai rti na ruri ho, lokahu beda bidita nahi

go.3.
jagu anabhala bhala eku gos

, kahia hoi bhala ksu bhal

.
deu devataru sarisa subh u, sanamukha bimukha na khuhu ku.4.
What shall I say or put into others mouth, my lord, an ocean of compassion
and the knower of all hearts that you are? Now that my Guru is pleased and my master
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
590
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
(yourself) propitious, the torment, which was the creation of my foul mind is over. I
was obsessed with imaginary fears and my anxiety had no foundation whatsoever.
It is no fault of the sun if anyone mistakes the quarters. My own ill-luck, my mothers
perversity, the odd ways of Providence and the cruelty of fate, all conspired with the
avowed object of ruining me; but you came to my rescue by redeeming your vow
(of protecting your devotees), a protector of the suppliant that you are. This is, however,
no novel procedure for you; it is well-known to the world as well as to the Vedas
and is an open secret. If the whole world is hostile and you alone are kindly disposed,
my lord, tell me through whose goodness if not through yours, can ones good be
accomplished? My lord, you are of the same disposition as the tree of paradise: it
is neither for nor against anyone. (14)
0r; f frf a= r f r
rna fa r n rs r+ +
Do.: ji nikaa pahicni taru chha samani saba soca,
mgata abhimata pva jaga ru raku bhala poca.267.
Should anyone approach the tree of paradise recognizing it as such, its very
shade relieves all anxiety. And everyone in this world obtains the desired object on the
mere asking, be he a prince or pauper, good or bad. (267)
0f ff n trf fs r f +
=r tf r; fa fa r r;+.{+
r rff rt f fa ; ar fa rt+
fa rf r; r fr;+.+
tr r f t r f r; rf ff tr+
tr r r= a nfa fnr=+.-+
fat f rt sfa r; a rt+
fa r rf rr f rr+.+
Cau.: lakhi saba bidhi gura svmi saneh u, mieu chobhu nahi

mana sadehu.
aba karunkara kjia so, jana hita prabhu cita chobhu na ho.1.
jo sevaku shibahi sa koc, nija hita cahai tsu mati poc.
sevaka hita shiba sevak, karai sakala sukha lobha bih.2.
svrathu ntha phire sabah k, kie raji koi bidhi nk.
yaha svratha paramratha sr u, sakala sukta phala sugati sigr u.3.
deva eka binat suni mor, ucita hoi tasa karaba bahor.
tilaka samju sji sabu n, karia suphala prabhu jau manu mn.4.
Since I have found my Guru and my master (yourself) affectionate to me in
everyway, my unrest has gone and I have no doubt left in my mind. Now, O mine of
compassion, take steps to see that you do not feel perturbed for the sake of your
servant. A servant who seeks his own gain by placing his master in an embarrassing
situation is a mean-minded fellow. A servant will gain only if he serves his master
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
591
renouncing all his personal comforts and greed. If, my lord, you return to Ayodhy,
everyone will be a gainer. And if we obey your orders, we shall gain in millions of ways.
Obedience to you constitutes the highest gain both materially and spiritually; nay, it is the
consummation of all meritorious acts and the ornament of all good destinies. My lord,
listen to a request of mine and then do as you deem fit. I have brought with me, duly
arranged, all the requisites for the coronation ceremony. Kindly have it brought into use,
my lord, if it so pleases you. (14)
0r ; rf tf f r
a= ff rs r r+ c+
Do.: snuja pahaia mohi bana kjia sabahi santha,
nataru pheriahi

badhu dou ntha calau mai

stha.268.
Send me into exile with my younger brother (atrughna) and let everybody feel
secure under your protection. Or else, send back both the younger brothers (Lakmaa
and atrughna) and let me accompany you, my lord. (268)
0a= rf atfs r; f t fa rrr;+
f ff r r; =r rn tf r;+.{+
t- rf r= r tfa fr=+
s tr a a ra fa a+.+
sa= ; f trf r; r f r r;+
n sf nr trf ra r+.-+
r rf r a rr trf r; rr+
s fa r n n fa sr+.+
Cau.: nataru jhi

bana tniu bh, bahuria sya sahita raghur.

jehi bidhi prabhu prasanna mana ho, karun sgara kjia so.1.
deva dnha sabu mohi abhr u, more nti na dharama bicr u.
kahau bacana saba svratha het u, rahata na rata ke cita cet u.2.
utaru dei suni svmi raj, so sevaku lakhi lja laj.
asa mai

avaguna udadhi agdh u, svmi saneha sarhata sdh u.3.

aba kpla mohi so mata bhv, sakuca svmi mana ji

na pv.
prabhu pada sapatha kahau sati bhu, jaga magala hita eka up u.4.
Or (as a third alternative) we three brothers may remain in the forest, while St
and yourself may return to Ayodhy. Do that, O ocean of mercy, which may please your
heart, my lord. You have thrown the whole burden on me, my master; but I have no
ethical insight nor any idea of religion. I am actuated by self-interest in whatever I say;
a man in distress loses his senses. Shame herself would be ashamed to look at a
servant who evades compliance with an order given by his master. Even though I am
such an unfathomable ocean of faults, my master (yourself) out of affection for me
praises me as a noble soul. Now, O merciful one, I will submit to that proposition which
will spare my lord an awkward situation. Swearing by my lords feet I tell you in good faith
that this is the only way to ensure the happiness of the world. (14)
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
592
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
0 r af r f r
r f f f ff fff + +
Do.: prabhu prasanna mana sakuca taji jo jehi yasu deba,
so sira dhari dhari karihi sabu miihi anaa avareba.269.
Each one of us will reverently carry out the orders that the Lord may be pleased
to give with a cheerful heart and without reserve; and all injustice and imbroglio
will end. (269)
0a f f r rf +
rt fa ar rt+.{+
f rrr rt nfa f r rt+
a af r f f f fn rr+.+
f r fa- r fr f f r+
a- f rt rar f rar+.-+
f r; r; f rr r r rr+
r rs r r; a r s nrr;+.+
Cau.: bharata bacana suci suni sura harae , sdhu sarhi sumana sura barae.
asamajasa basa avadha nevs, pramudita mana tpasa banabs.1.
cupahi

rahe raghuntha sa koc, prabhu gati dekhi sabh saba soc.

janaka d uta tehi avasara e, muni basiha suni begi bole.2.
kari pranma tinha rmu nihre, beu dekhi bhae nipaa dukhre.
dutanha munibara bujh bt, kahahu bideha bhupa kusalt.3.
suni sakuci ni mahi mth, bole cara bara jore hth.
bujhaba rura sdara s

, kusala hetu so bhayau gos

.4.
The gods rejoiced to hear Bharatas guileless speech; and acclaiming him
in the words Well done! they rained down flowers. The people of Ayodhy felt
much puzzled, while the ascetics and the foresters were greatly delighted. The
Lord of Raghus, who was very considerate by nature, kept mum; and observing His
silence the whole assembly felt perturbed. That very moment messengers from King
Janaka arrived. When the sage Vasiha heard of it he sent for them promptly. After
making obeisance they looked at r Rma and were much grieved to behold His
attire (which resembled that of a hermit). The chief of sages, Vasiha, made enquires
from the messengers: Tell me if all is well with King Videha (Janaka). The noble
messengers felt abashed to hear this. They bowed their head to the ground and replied
with joined palms: Your loving enquiry itself, O lord, has proved conducive to our
good, holy father. (14)
0rf a r r r n; r
ffr f a n s r+ +
Do.: nhi

ta kosala ntha ke stha kusala gai ntha,

mithil avadha bisea te jagu saba bhayau antha.270.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
593
Otherwise our welfare, O lord, passed away with the king of Kosala, whose
death has left the whole world, particularly Mithil (Janakas capital) and Ayodhy,
masterless. (270)
0rfa nfa f r r r r+
f af f r - rn +.{+
rf rf a rf r f f rf+
a r rr r r fff z r+.+
r f r frf sfa r r+
fr r f f f r+.-+
f t f z frt a rt+
fr a fa rs r r fn r; r+.+
Cau.: kosalapati gati suni janakaur, bhe saba loka soka basa baur.
jehi

dekhe tehi samaya bidehu, nmu satya asa lga na kehu.1.

rni kucli sunata naraplahi, sujha na kachu jasa mani binu bylahi.
bharata rja raghubara banabs u, bh mithilesahi hdaya har

su.2.
npa bujhe budha saciva samju, kahahu bicri ucita k j u.
samujhi avadha asamajasa dou, calia ki rahia na kaha kachu kou.3.
npahi

dhra dhari hdaya bicr, pahae avadha catura cara cr.

bujhi bharata sati bhu kubh u, ehu begi na hoi lakh u.4.
On hearing of the demise of King Daaratha (the lord of Ayodhy) the people of
Janakapura were all mad with grief. No one who saw King Videha at that time took his
name (Videha) to have any truth behind it. When the king heard of Queen Kaikeys
wickedness, he was as nonplussed as a serpent without its gem. Prince Bharata
crowned king and the Chief of Raghus, r Rma, exiled into the woods! The news
caused deep agony to the heart of Mithils lord! The king called together a council of
wise men and minister and said, Tell me after careful deliberation what ought to be done
now. But realizing the conditions at Ayodhy and the difficulty in either case nobody
gave any definite opinion whether he should go or stay at home. The king now collected
himself and after calm reflection despatched four clever spies to Ayodhy with the
following instructions: Ascertain whether Bharata means well or ill and come back at
once without being recognized. (14)
0n a nfa fr f afa
frf a r afa+ {+
Do.: gae avadha cara bharata gati bujhi dekhi karatuti,
cale citrakuahi bharatu cra cale terahuti.271.
The spies went to Ayodhy and having ascertained Bharatas ways and seen
his doings they proceeded back to Tirahuta (Mithil) the moment the latter left for
Citrak ua. (271)
0a- r; a ; t r rfa t+
f n f f tfa r f fa+.{+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
594
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
f t f a zr; f rt rr;+
rr rf r n r r+.+
rrt rf aarr f f>rr n frr+
rf r r; rnr sa rnr+.-+
f rr fa- f f rs rr+
r fra ra t- f aa fr t-+.+
Cau.: dutanha i bharata kai karan, janaka samja jathmati baran.
suni gura parijana saciva mahpati, bhe saba soca saneha bikala ati.1.
dhari dhraju kari bharata baR, lie subhaa shan bol.
ghara pura desa rkhi rakhavre, haya gaya ratha bahu jna sa vre.2.
dughar sdhi cale tatakl, kie birmu na maga mahipl.
bhorahi

ju nahi prayg, cale jamuna utarana sabu lg.3.

khabari lena hama pahae nth, tinha kahi asa mahi nyau mth.
stha kirta cha staka dnhe, munibara turata bid cara knhe.4.
The spies on their arrival gave an account in Janakas court of Bharatas doings
as best as they could. The Guru (the sage atnanda), the members of the royal family,
the ministers and the king himself were all overpowered with grief and affection at the
report. Then, collecting himself and gloryfying Bharata, the king summoned his chosen
warriors and equerries and, posting guards at the palaces, city and realm got ready a
number of horses, elephants, chariots and other conveyances. After ascertaining a
lucky period within an hour* he started at once and did not halt on the way. Having
bathed at Prayga this very morning, he has already left the place; and when the whole
party began to cross the Yamun, they despatched us ahead for obtaining news, holy
sir. So saying they bowed their head to the ground. The great sage Vasiha dismissed
the messengers at once, sending with them an escort of six or seven Kirtas. (14)
0a rn s r
rrf r z r f r+ +
Do.: sunata janaka gavanu sabu haraeu avadha samju,
raghunadanahi sakocu baRa soca bibasa surarju.272.
The people of Ayodhy were all delighted to hear of Janakas arrival, r Rma,
the Delighter of Raghus, felt very uncomfortable; while Indra, the king of celestials, was
particularly overwhelmed with anxiety. (272)
0n; nrf f ; rf f ;+
rf fa rt s rf f rt+.{+
* There is a universal belief among the Hindus in the occult influence of stars upon human affairs
and in his day-to-day life a Hindu is guided by astrological principles both in his secular and religious
activities. Even while undertaking a journey he is required to consult the astrologer and insists on leaving
his home on an auspicious day and at an auspicious hour. In urgent and emergent cases, however, when
he cannot afford to wait for an auspicious day, he is allowed to choose a lucky moment in the course
of an hour and may leave at that moment. King Janaka is here referred to as having availed himself of
this expedient.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
595
f r na r r ra r rn r+
f r f rt n nf farf art+.+
r f rt ff f rt+
rr r rt rt r f rt+.-+
s ff fa rr af r rr+
f r tf r n t r+.+
Cau.: garai galni kuila kaike, khi kahai kehi d uanu de.
asa mana ni mudita nara nr, bhayau bahori rahaba dina cr.1.
ehi prakra gata bsara sou, prta nahna lga sabu kou.
kari majjanu pujahi

nara nr, ganapa gauri tipurri tamr.2.

ram ramana pada badi bahor, binavahi

ajuli acala jor.

rj rmu jnak rn, na da avadhi avadha rajadhn.3.
subasa basau phiri sahita samj, bharatahi rmu karahu jubarj.
ehi sukha sudh

ci saba kh u, deva dehu jaga jvana lh u.4.

The malevolent Kaikey was writhing with remorse. To whom should she speak
out her mind and whom could she blame? The people, on the other hand, rejoiced to
think that their stay was ensured for some days more. In this way that day too was
spent. The next morning everyone proceeded to bathe. And after their ablutions the
men and women worshipped Lord Gaea, Goddess Gaur (ivas Consort), Bhagavn
iva (the Slayer of the demon Tripura) and the Sun-god (the Dispeller of darkness).
Again, they reverenced the feet of Bhagavn Viu* (the Lord of Lakm) and prayed,
the men raising their joined palms, the women holding out the skirt of their garment
(after the way of beggars); With r Rma our king and St (Janakas Daughter) our
queen, may our capital Ayodhy, be gloriously repeopled with its various communities
and grow to be the very culmination of joy; and may r Rma instal Bharata as the
Crown Prince. Bathing all in the nectar of this bliss, let everyone, O Lord, reap the
reward of his existence in this world. (14)
0n r r;- fa r r rs
a r rr f rn rs+ -+
Do.: gura samja bhinha sahita rma rju pura hou,
achata rma rj avadha maria mga sabu kou.273.
May r Rma rule over this city, assisted by his Guru, councillors and brothers.
And may we die in Ayodhy with r Rma as still our king. This was what everyone
asked in prayer. (273)
0f rt ff rn ffa f rt+
f ff f- f rf f r f a+ {+
t rt f f f rt+
rr t rf ra rfrf+.+
* The poet enumerates here the five principal deities of the Hindu pantheon. They are all believed to
represent the Supreme Divinity; and a Hindu generally worships anyone of these or all the five together as his
chosen deity or deities.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
596
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
fr;f a rr rt ra tfa tfa frt+
t r f rrr r r+.-+
a r n n rn f rn r rn+
- n r f-f r ra f r+.+
Cau.: suni sanehamaya purajana bn, nidahi

joga birati muni gyn.

ehi bidhi nityakarama kari purajana, rmahi karahi

pranma pulaki tana.1.

u

ca nca madhyama nara nr, lahahi

darasu nija nija anuhr.

svadhna sabah sanamnahi

, sakala sarhata kpnidhnahi

.2.
larikihi te raghubara bn, plata nti prti pahicn.
sla sakoca sidhu raghur u, sumukha sulocana sarala subhu.3.
kahata rma guna gana anurge, saba nija bhga sarhana lge.
hama sama punya puja jaga thore, jinhahi rmu jnata kari more.4.
Hearing the affectionate words of the citizens even enlightened sages talked
disparagingly of Yoga (asceticism) and dispassion. Having thus performed their daily
devotions the citizens made obeisance to r Rma with a thrill of joy. Men and women
of every rankhigh, low or middlingwere blessed with His sight according to their
own conception. r Rma scrupulously honoured all and everyone praised the
Storehouse of Compassion in the following words:From his very boyhood it has been
r Rmas wont to observe the rules of propriety, duly recognizing the love one
cherishes towards him. With a lovely and cheerful countenance, gracious looks and a
guileless disposition the Lord of Raghus is an ocean of amiability and modesty. Thus
recounting the virtues of r Rma they were all overwhelmed with emotion and began
to extol their good fortune:There are few people in the world as meritorious as we,
whom r Rma recognizes as his own! (14)
0 n af f ra ff
fa r ss f f+ +
Do.: prema magana tehi samaya saba suni vata mithilesu,
sahita sabh sabhrama uheu rabikula kamala dinesu.274.
All were absorbed in love at that time, Presently on hearing of the approach of King
Janaka, the lord of Mithil, r Rma, who was a veritable sun to the lotus-like solar race,
and the whole assembly rose in a hurry (to receive him). (274)
0r; f n rr rn n t- rr rr+
fnf= t fa t f r -rns at+.{+
r rr sr >r r+
a rr t f a f t+.+
ra f r at fa r fa rat+
r f f rn r f rn+.-+
n f ff- r t- rr+
r;- fa r ff rf r; a rf+.+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
597
Cau.: bhi saciva gura purajana sth, ge gavanu knha raghunth.
giribaru dkha janakapati jabah

, kari pranmu ratha tygeu tabah

.1.
rma darasa llas uchh u, patha rama lesu kalesu na kh u.
mana taha jaha raghubara baideh, binu mana tana dukha sukha sudhi keh.2.
vata janaku cale ehi bh

t, sahita samja prema mati mt.

e nikaa dekhi anurge, sdara milana parasapara lge.3.
lage janaka munijana pada badana, riinha pranmu knha raghunadana.
bhinha sahita rmu mili rjahi, cale lavi sameta samjahi.4.
The Lord of Raghus led the way, accompanied by His younger brothers, the
minister (Sumantra), the Guru (Vasiha) and the citizens. The moment the lord of
Janakas* espied the great hill of Kmadantha he made obeisance to it and dismounted
from his car. Seized as they were with a longing and eagerness to see r Rma, none
of the party felt the least toil or hardship of the journey. For their mind was with the Chief
of Raghus and Vaideh (Janakas Daughter); and when the mind is elsewhere, who will
feel the bodily pain or pleasure? In this way Janaka came advancing with his party, their
mind intoxicated with love. When the two parties drew near and saw one another they
were overwhelmed with love and began to exchange greetings with due respect. King
Janaka proceeded to adore the feet of the hermits (who hailed from Ayodhy); while r
Rma, the Delighter of Raghus, made obeisance to the sages (who accompanied
Janaka). r Rma and His younger brothers then greeted the king (their father-in-law)
and led him with the whole party (to His hermitage). (14)
0r>r rn ra r r
=r fa f rf rrr+ ~+
Do.: rama sgara sta rasa purana pvana pthu,
sena manahu karun sarita lie jhi

raghunthu.275.
r Rmas hermitage was an ocean as it were overflowing with the sacred water
of quietism; while the host that accompanied Janaka was as it were a river of pathos,
which the Lord of Raghus was now conducting (to the ocean of His hermitage). (275)
0rfa r frn r r fa r+
r sr t anr t a a= nr+.{+
f fr arrfa rr a rr+
fur fz rr f ; f rr+.+
r fra fr frf f f r+
r>r sf ft r; ss f r;+.-+
r f rs r rr r r t rr+
= n t rt rf r f nrt+.+
* Just like Videha,Janaka too was a title enjoyed by all the descendants of King Nimi. Hence the
king of Mithil has been referred to here as the lord of Janakas.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
598
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Cau.: borati gyna birga karre, bacana sasoka milata nada nre.
soca ussa samra tarag, dhraja taa tarubara kara bhag.1.
biama bida torvati dhr, bhaya bhrama bhava ra abarta apr.
kevaa budha bidy baRi nv, sakahi

na khei aika nahi

v.2.
banacara kola kirta bicre, thake biloki pathika hiya hre.
rama udadhi mil jaba j, manahu uheu abudhi akul.3.
soka bikala dou rja samj, rah na gynu na dhraju lj.
bhupa rupa guna sla sarh, rovahi

soka sidhu avagh.4.

The river flooded the banks of wisdom and dispassion and was joined in its
course by tributary streams and rivulets in the form of sorrowful utterances. Sighs and
lamentation severally represented the waves and the wind that uprooted the stout tree
of fortitude standing on its banks. It had deep sorrow for its swift current, while fear
and delusion constituted its numberless eddies and whirlpools. Boatmen in the form of
the learned waited with big boats in the form of their learning; but they were unable to
row them, because they had no idea of its depth. The Kolas and Kirtas that roamed
about in the woods were the poor wayfarers who had lost heart at the sight of the
turbulent stream and stood aghast. When the stream joined the ocean of the hermitage,
the latter too surged up as it were with emotion. The two royal hosts were so excited
with grief that they had no sense, fortitude or shame left. Extolling King Daarathas
comeliness of form, goodness and amiability they all wept and were plunged into an
ocean of woe. (14)
U0nrf r rf rf r r
r r rf r ff t-r r+
fq ar rfn f f r f t
at rs r af fa t+
Ca.: avaghi soka samudra socahi

nri nara bykula mah,

dai doa sakala saroa bolahi

bma bidhi knho kah.

sura siddha tpasa jogijana muni dekhi das bideha k ,
tulas na samarathu kou jo tari sakai sarita saneha k.
Plunged into an ocean of grief the men and women lamented in great anguish.
They all angrily and reproachfully exclaimed,Alas! What has cruel Fate done! Of the
gods, accomplished saints, ascetics, Yogs (mystics) and anchorites, whoever witnessed
the condition of Janaka on that occasion, none, says Tulasdsa, was strong enough to
cross the river of love (to escape being drowned in it).
0f fa s a rn- f-
t f s f f + +
So.: kie amita upadesa jaha taha loganha munibaranha,
dhraju dharia naresa kaheu basiha bideha sana.276.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
599
Here and there the great sages admonished people in numberless ways; and the
sage Vasiha said to Videha, Be consoled, O king! (276)
0r r f ff rr f f frr+
af f r ar fr; f r zr;+.{+
f; r fq r frf t n r+
r r r r z r ar+.+
r r f r r f ff r+
f ff f rr rrrr rn r+.-+
r rt r r= tas f rt+
n n- t- r= f f fr=+.+
Cau.: jsu gynu rabi bhava nisi ns, bacana kirana muni kamala biks.
tehi ki moha mamat niar, yaha siya rma saneha baR.1.
bia sdhaka siddha sayne, tribidha jva jaga beda bakhne.
rma saneha sarasa mana jsu, sdhu sabh

baRa dara ts u.2.

soha na rma pema binu gyn u, karanadhra binu jimi jalajn u.
muni bahubidhi bidehu samujhe, rmagha saba loga nahe.3.
sakala soka sakula nara nr, so bsaru bteu binu br.
pasu khaga mganha na knha ahr u, priya parijana kara kauna bicr u.4.
Can the darkness of infatuation and attachment ever approach him (King Janaka),
the sun of whose wisdom drives away the night of metempsychosis and the rays of
whose speech delight the lotus-like sages? That he too was plunged in grief shows the
triumph of the affection he bore for his daughter, St and Her lord, r Rma. According
to the Vedas there are three types of embodied soul (human beings) in the worldthe
sensual, the seeker and the wise who have attained perfection (in the form of God-
Realization). Of all these he alone is highly honoured in an assembly of holy men, whose
heart is sweetened by love for r Rma. Wisdom without love for r Rma is imperfect
like a vessel without the helmsman. The sage Vasiha admonished King Videha in many
ways; and now all the people bathed at the ghat associated with the name of r Rma
(who generally bathed and said His prayers there). All the men and women were so
overwhelmed with grief that the day passed without anyone taking a drop of water. Even
the cattle, birds and deer remained without food, to say nothing of r Rmas near and
dear ones. (14)
0rs r ffr rrr r ra
f a t nra+ +
Do.: dou samja nimirju raghurju nahne prta,
baihe saba baa biapa tara mana malna ksa gta.277.
At daybreak both King Janaka (the lord of Nimis) and r Rma (the Lord of
Raghus) bathed with all their retinue and sat under the banyan tree, sad at heart and
wasted in body. (277)
0 f rt ffrfa n frt+
n rr f- n n r rr+ {+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
600
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
n s r fa ffa fr+
f f f r rt rr; r rt+.+
a rrr ff r rf f +
f sfa a rrr; ns tfa f r;+.-+
ff = f afar ;r sfa f r+
r f rrr r; r rr+.+
Cau.: je mahisura dasaratha pura bs, je mithilpati nagara nivs.
hasa basa gura janaka purodh, jinha jaga magu paramrathu sodh.1.
lage kahana upadesa anek, sahita dharama naya birati bibek.
kausika kahi kahi kath purn

, samujh saba sabh subn

.2.
taba raghuntha kausikahi kahe u, ntha kli jala binu sabu rahe u.
muni kaha ucita kahata raghur, gayau bti dina pahara aRh.3.
rii rukha lakhi kaha terahutirj u, ih

ucita nahi

asana anj u.
kah bhupa bhala sabahi sohn, pi rajyasu cale nahn.4.
The Brhmaas who hailed from King Daarathas capital (Ayodhy) as well
as those who came from King Janakas capital (Mithil) and even so Vasiha, the
preceptor of the solar race, and atnanda, the family priest of King Janaka, who
had explored the way to worldly prosperity as well as the path leading to
blessedness, gave discourse on many a topic including religion, ethics, dispassion
and saving knowledge. The sage Vivmitra (a descendant of Kuika) eloquently
admonished the entire assembly with many a reference to ancient legends till the
Lord of Raghus said to him, Everyone, my lord, has remained without water since
yesterday Said the sage, What the Lord of Raghus says is quite reasonable. It is
already past noon even today. Perceiving what was in the mind of the sage
(Vivmitra) the King of Tirahuta (Mithil) replied, It will not be desirable to take
cereals here. The kings reasonable reply pleased all; and having received the
sages permission they proceeded to perform their midday ablutions. (14)
0af r
; r f f f rf r+ c+
Do.: tehi avasara phala phula dala mula aneka prakra,
lai e banacara bipula bhari bhari k

vari bhra.278.
At that moment arrived the people of the forest with large quantities of fruits,
blossoms, leaves and roots of various kinds loaded in their panniers. (278)
0r fnf r rr ra a frr+
far f frnr sna r rnr+.{+
f f r ra n n f r+
af f sr frf t r+.+
r; f rar; f fa r;+
a rn r; r; r f r r;+.-+
f f a= rn a sa rn+
ff rr r r rr+.+

*
AYODHY-K NA
*
601
Cau.: kmada bhe giri rma prasd, avalokata apaharata bid.
sara sarit bana bhumi bibhg, janu umagata na da anurg.1.
beli biapa saba saphala saph ul, bolata khaga mga ali anuk ul.
tehi avasara bana adhika uchh u, tribidha samra sukhada saba kh u.2.
ji na barani manoharat, janu mahi karati janaka pahun.
taba saba loga nahi nah, rma janaka muni yasu p.3.
dekhi dekhi tarubara anurge, jaha taha purajana utarana lge.
dala phala mula kada bidhi nn, pvana sudara sudh samn.4.
By the grace of r Rma the hills yielded the objects of ones desire and
dispelled ones sorrow by their very sight. The lakes, streams, woods and other parts
of the land overflowed as it were with joy and love. The trees and creepers were all
laden with fruits and blossoms, while birds and beasts and bees made a melodious
concert. The forest was bursting with joy at that time; a cool, soft and fragrant breeze
delighted everyone. The loveliness of the forest was past all telling; it seemed as if
Earth herself was showing her hospitality of King Janaka. In the meantime all the
citizens finished their ablutions and receiving the permission of r Rma, King Janaka
and the sage Vasiha, they gazed with love on the many noble trees and began to
encamp here and there; while leaves, fruits, roots and bulbs of every description
pure, lovely and delicious as ambrosia (14)
r rn f f r
f fa faf n n r+ +
Do.: sdara saba kaha rmagura pahae bhari bhari bhra,
puji pitara sura atithi gura lage karana pharahra.279.
Were sent to all, in basketfuls, with due courtesy by Vasiha, r Rmas
preceptor. And having worshipped the manes, the gods, the visitors and the Guru they
began to partake of this holy repast. (279)
f ff r ta rt r ff rf rt+
r f =f rt f f r f rt+.{+
tar r n r rf f r+
ff r t f rr= r r ff at+.+
rf ;s r; t r t f at+
rff r fa rr r n rr+.-+
r fnf ar f +
a a ; rar rf ff rar+.+
Cau.: ehi bidhi bsara bte cr, rmu nirakhi nara nri sukhr.
duhu samja asi ruci mana mh

, binu siya rma phiraba bhala nh

.1.
st rma saga banabs u, koi amarapura sarisa sups u.
parihari lakhana rmu baideh, jehi gharu bhva bma bidhi teh.2.
dhina daiu hoi jaba sabah, rma sampa basia bana tabah.
madkini majjanu tihu kl, rma darasu muda magala ml.3.

602
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
aanu rma giri bana tpasa thala, asanu amia sama kada mula phala.
sukha sameta sabata dui st, pala sama hohi

na janiahi

jt.4.
In this way four days rolled by; the people, both men and women, were gratified
to see r Rma. In both camps the feeling uppermost in the heart of all was; It is not
good to return without St and Rma. Living in excile in the woods with St and r
Rma one would be millions of times more happy than in Amarvat (the city of
immortals). Leaving the company of Lakmaa, r Rma and St he who chooses to
live at his home is not favoured by Providence. The privilege of living in close proximity
to r Rma can be had only when God is propitious to us all. Bathing in the Mandkin
thrice everyday, the sight of r Rma, which is a perennial source of joy and
blessedness, roaming about on the hill (Kmadantha) associated with the name of r
Rma, in the forest adjoining the same and among the hermitages of ascetics situated
thereabout, and living on bulbs, roots and fruits delicious like ambrosia! In this way four
years and ten will be happily spent like a minute without our knowing it. (14)
f rn rn f r rn
r r r rn+ c+
Do.: ehi sukha joga na loga saba kahahi

kah

asa bhgu,
sahaja subhya samja duhu rma carana anurgu.280.
We do not deserve this happiness. all exclaimed; Our luck is not like that. Such
was the natural and spontaneous devotion to r Rmas feet in both the camps. (280)
f ff r t a t+
t ra af r; rt f = r;+.{+
rr f f r rs r fr+
rr r rt r f rt+.+
t rr f f f f rr+
ff a rf fr f f nt r+.-+
f r tfa f f fa =r ffa+
t ra ff f rt r r f rt+.+
Cau.: ehi bidhi sakala manoratha karah

, bacana saprema sunata mana harah

.
sya mtu tehi samaya pah

, ds

dekhi suavasaru

.1.
svaksa suni saba siya ss u, yau janakarja ranivs u.
kausaly

sdara sanamn, sana die samaya sama n.2.

slu sanehu sakalu duhu or, dravahi

dekhi suni kulisa kahor.

pulaka sithila tana bri bilocana, mahi nakha likhana lag

saba socana.3.
saba siya rma prti ki si murati, janu karun bahu bea bisurati.
sya mtu kaha bidhi budhi b

k, jo paya phenu phora pabi

k.4.
In this way all indulged in their own fancy; their affectionate words were so
charming to hear. In the meantime Sts mother (Queen Sunayan) despatched her
handmaids to King Daarathas queens; and perceiving that it was a convenient hour
they returned with that information. Having learnt that Sts mothers-in-law were at

*
AYODHY-K NA
*
603
leisure the ladies of King Janakas gynaeceum called on them. Queen Kausaly (r
Rmas mother) received them with due honour and courtesy and offered them such
seats as circumstances would permit. The amiability and affection of all on both sides
were such as would have made even the hardest thunderbolt melt if it could be see
or hear of them. With their body thrilling all over and overpowered by emotion and eyes
full of tears all began to sorrow and scratch the ground with the nails of their toes. They
were all incarnations as it were of love for St and r Rma; it seemed as if Pathos
herself mourned in so many forms. Said Sts mother, The intellect of Providence is
so marvellous that He has thought fit to break up the foam of milk with a chisel of
adamant! (14)
f r f=rf n afa r
a r s r a r+ c{+
Do.: sunia sudh dekhiahi

garala saba karatuti karla,

jaha taha kka uluka baka mnasa sakta marla.281.
We hear of nectar but see only venom: all His doings are hard. Crows, owls and
herons are seen everywhere; but swans can be found in the Mnasa lake alone. (281)
f r f frr ff nfa fz fta ffrr+
r f r; ; rt r f ff fa rt+.{+
rr r r f fa r+
f nfa r frar r rar+.+
; r; t t safa ffa f t +
f r rf rt ff rt+.-+
fa f s rt rf f f f fa rt+
t ra - rt at f fa rt+.+
Cau.: suni sasoca kaha debi sumitr, bidhi gati baRi biparta bicitr.
jo sji plai harai bahor, bla keli sama bidhi mati bhor.1.
kausaly kaha dosu na kh u, karama bibasa dukha sukha chati lh u.
kahina karama gati jna bidht, jo subha asubha sakala phala dt.2.
sa raji ssa sabah ke , utapati thiti laya biahu am ke .
debi moha basa socia bd, bidhi prapacu asa acala and.3.
bh upati jiaba maraba ura n, socia sakhi lakhi nija hita hn.
sya mtu kaha satya subn, sukt avadhi avadhapati rn.4.
Hearing this Queen Sumitr (Lakmaas mother) sorrowfully observed, The
ways of Providence are most perverse and strange: He creates, maintains and then
destroys. Gods designs are as silly as childs play. Said Kausaly, It is nobodys fault;
sorrow and joy, loss and gain are determined by our past actions. The enexorable ways
of Providence are known to God alone, who dispenses all kinds of fruits, both good and
evil. Gods commands prevail over all, including the processes of creation, maintenance
and dissolution and even over poison and nectar (which destroy and restore life
respectively). It is no use lamenting, O good lady, out of infatuation. The doings of
Providence are, as I have said, immutable and eternal. If we mourn over the contrast

604
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
between the kings lifetime and his loss, my friend, it is because we see that our interests
have suffered on account of his demise. Sts mother replied, Your noble words are
quite true, a spouse that you are of Ayodhys lord, who was the greatest of all virtuous
souls known to history. (14)
r f r fr r
nf f fr rf a r+ c+
Do.: lakhanu rmu siya jhu bana bhala parinma na pocu,
gahabari hiya kaha kausil mohi bharata kara socu.282.
If Lakmaa, Rma and St stay in the forest, the end will be good, not bad.
But, said Kausaly with a heart overwhelmed with emotion. I am anxious about
Bharata. (282)
; r t arrt a a f rt+
r tf- r r f s t fa r+.{+
a t n f zr; r nfa r r;+
a r fa t rn t f rf st+.+
rs r a tr r r rf s tr+
f rff r = fff r+.-+
fa r rr r r rr+
f f rf rt ; f rt+.+
Cau.: sa prasda assa tumhr, suta sutabadhu devasari br.
rma sapatha mai

knhi na k u, so kari kahau sakh sati bh u.1.

bharata sla guna binaya baR, bhyapa bhagati bharosa bhal.
kahata sradahu kara mati hce, sgara spa ki jhi

ulce.2.
jnau sad bharata kuladp, bra bra mohi kaheu mahp.
kase kanaku mani prikhi pe , purua parikhiahi

samaya subhe .3.

anucita ju kahaba asa mor, soka saneha saynapa thor.
suni surasari sama pvani bn, bha

saneha bikala saba rn.4.

By the grace of God and through your blessing my sons and daughters-in-law are
all pure as the water of the celestial stream (Gag). Although I have never sworn by
Rma, I now swear by him and tell you in good faith, my friend, that in extolling Bharatas
amiability, goodness, modesty, loftiness of character, brotherly affection, devotion, faith
and nobility the wit of even rad (the goddess of speech) falters. Can the ocean be
ladled out by means of an oyster-shell? I have always known Bharata to be the glory of
his house and the king repeatedly told me so. Gold is tested by rubbing on the
touchstone, and a precious stone on reaching the hands of an expert jeweller; while men
are tested in times of emergency by their innate disposition. It was wrong on my part
today to have spoken thus; but you know sorrow and affection leave one little reason.
On hearing these words, pure as the water of the celestial river, all the queens were
overwhelmed with affection. (14)

*
AYODHY-K NA
*
605
rr t f f fff
r fff f arf ; sf+ c-+
Do.: kausaly kaha dhra dhari sunahu debi mithilesi,
ko bibekanidhi ballabhahi tumhahi sakai upadesi.283.
Kausaly collected herself and continued: Listen, O venerable queen of Mithil:
who can advise you, the consort of King Janaka, who is an ocean of wisdom ? (283)
rf r = r; t rfa rr;+
ff a nf a r t +.{+
a a frt r r a rt+
n a rt t rf rna rt +.+
f rs f rt ; n = rt+
rf - - f ff fq rnt f+.-+
fr ff f a f t frr +
f z n rff tat r ra f st tat+.+
Cau.: rni rya sana avasaru p, apan bh

ti kahaba samujh.
rakhiahi

lakhanu bharatu gavanahi

bana, jau yaha mata mnai mahpa mana.1.

tau bhala jatanu karaba subicr, more socu bharata kara bhr.
guRha saneha bharata mana mh

, rahe nka mohi lgata nh

.2.
lakhi subhu suni sarala subn, saba bhai magana karuna rasa rn.
nabha pras una jhari dhanya dhanya dhuni, sithila saneha siddha jog muni.3.
sabu ranivsu bithaki lakhi rahe u, taba dhari dhra sumitr

kahe u.
debi daa juga jmini bt, rma mtu suni uh saprt.4.
Yet finding a suitable opportunity, O queen, you may speak to the king as if on
your own initiative and plead with him that Lakmaa may be detained and Bharata
allowed to proceed to the forest. Should this proposal find favour with the king, let him
do his utmost after due deliberation. I feel much concerned about Bharata; for the love
in his heart is so profound that if he stays at home I fear some thing untoward may
happen to him. Perceiving Kausalys pure love and hearing her guileless and eloquent
appeal all the queens were overwhelmed by the pathetic sentiment. There was a shower
of flowers from heaven accompanied by shouts of applause. Accomplished saints, Yogs
(mystics) and hermits were overpowered with emotion. All the ladies of the gynaeceum
were struck dumb to see this. Then, recovering herself, Sumitr interposed, Madam!
Nearly an hour of the night has passed. Hearing this r Rmas mother (Kausaly)
courteously rose, and (14)
fn rs rf f far
a ; nfa ff r+ c+
Do.: begi pu dhria thalahi kaha saneha satibhya,
hamare tau aba sa gati kai mithilesa sahya.284.

606
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Said out of affection and goodwill, Pray return quickly to your camp. Our only
refuge now is God and our only helper is the lord of Mithil. (284)
f f ftar fr n r tar+
f sfa f f arrt rrff r art+.{+
t rt fnf fnf f fa t+
rs rt r r rt+.+
s n rn n r t r f f r+
r r; f r ff r+.-+
rn r r ff +
rnf f rr f r; r f rr+.+
Cau.: lakhi saneha suni bacana bint, janakapriy gaha pya punt.
debi ucita asi binaya tumhr, dasaratha gharini rma mahatr.1.
prabhu apane ncahu darah

, agini dh uma giri sira tinu dharah

.
sevaku ru karama mana bn, sad sahya mahesu bhavn.2.
raure aga jogu jaga ko hai, dpa sahya ki dinakara sohai.
rmu ji banu kari sura kju, acala avadhapura karihahi

rju.3.
amara nga nara rma bhubala, sukha basihahi

apane apane thala.

yaha saba jgabalika kahi rkh, debi na hoi mudh muni bh.4.
Seeing her affection and hearing her polite words Janakas beloved queen
(Sunayan) clasped Kausalys holy feet. Such modesty on your part, O venerable
lady, is quite becoming of you, you being King Daarathas spouse and r Rmas
mother. Great men treat with honour even the lowest of their servants: fire is crowned
with smoke, while mountains bear grass on their tops. The king (of Mithil) is your
servant in thought, word and deed; while the great Lord iva and His Consort
(Bhavn) are your constant helpers. Who on this earth is worthy of serving as your
auxiliary? Can an ordinary light ever pose with any grace as a helper of the sun? After
serving the term of his exile in the woods and accomplishing the object of the gods r
Rma will reign undisturbed at Ayodhy; and protected by r Rmas strength of arm
gods, Ngas and human beings will dwell peacefully in their own abodes. This has all
been predicted by the sage Yjavalkya and a sages prophesy, madam, can never
go in vain. (14)
f n f fa f fa f r;
f a fra a t r r;+ c~+
Do.: asa kahi paga pari pema ati siya hita binaya suni,
siya sameta siyamtu taba cal suyasu pi.285.
So saying she fell at Kausalys feet with the utmost affection and preferred her
request for being allowed to take St with her. And having received Kausalys kind
permission Sts mother now left for her camp with St. (285)
f ff ft t r f rn rfa af at+
ar rt t r f fr ft+.{+

*
AYODHY-K NA
*
607
r n r r; f f t r;+
tf- r; s rt rf r r t+.+
s sns f rn s rn+
f ra rr ar r f rr+.-+
ftt f r f za s r +
r n fa f f t fr f rr t+.+
Cau.: priya parijanahi mil baideh, jo jehi jogu bh

ti tehi teh.
tpasa bea jnak dekh, bh sabu bikala bida bise.1.
janaka rma gura yasu p, cale thalahi siya dekh .
lnhi li ura janaka jnak, phuni pvana pema prna k.2.
ura umageu abudhi anurg u, bhayau bhupa manu manahu paygu.
siya saneha bau bRhata joh, t para rma pema sisu soh.3.
cirajv muni gyna bikala janu, buRata laheu bla avalabanu.
moha magana mati nahi

bideha k, mahim siya raghubara saneha k.4.

Videhas Daughter (St) greeted Her dear kinsfolk in the same manner as was
befitting in each case. When they saw Jnak (Janakas Daughter) in the robes of an
ascetic everybody was stricken with deep sorrow. Receiving the permission of r
Rmas preceptor, Vasiha, King Janaka too left for his camp and on arrival found St
there. The king clasped Jnak to his bosomJnak who was an honoured guest of his
unalloyed love and life. In his heart welled up an ocean of love and the kings heart now
appeared like the holy Prayga. The immortal banyan tree in the shape of affection for
St was seen growing with the divine babe of love for r Rma adorning its top. The
long-lived sage (Mrkaeya)* in the shape of King Janakas wisdom was greatly
bewildered and was just going to be drowned when lo! he found his support in the divine
babe and was saved. Really speaking, it was not that Videhas wit was lost in infatuation;
it was the triumph of the affection he bore for St and the Chief of Raghus. (14)
f fa ra f t rf
far t s s frf+ c+
* The story of Mrkaeya has been told at length in rmad Bhgavata (XII.810). He is celebrated
for his longevity (which will continue till the end of this Kalpa), which has earned for him the title of Cirajv.
Won over by his austerities and devotion Bhagavn Nryaa appeared in person before him and offered to
grant him a boon. The sage, however requested that he might be allowed to witness the glory of His My.
The Lord disappeared, assuring the sage that his prayer would be granted:
One evening, while the sage was engaged in his devotion on the bank of the Pupabhadr river, it
began to rain in torrents. The oceans outstepped their limits and deluged the earth as well as the heavens
Even though he was an enlightened soul, the sage was much confused and alarmed; and tossed about by the
furious waves and blasing winds he drifted along like a blind man for a long time. At last he espied a small
island on which stood a young banyan tree. On the tree itself he saw, lying in a cup of leaves, a most charming
babe of dark hue, holding in both of its tiny hauds one of its great toes and sucking it. The sage was enraptured
to behold this extraordinary babe and at its very sight all his fatigue and pain disappeared. As the sage tried
to approach the babe he was drawn by the breath of its nostrils into its stomach and saw the whole universe
contained therein. After wandering there for a long time he was expelled from the stomach with the breath and
found himself once more in the endless ocean with the banyan tree and the beautiful babe still before his
eyes. The sage made one more attempt to approach the babe, when lo! the babe disappeared and the great
deluge also vanished out of sight.

608
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Do.: siya pitu mtu saneha basa bikala na sak sa bhri,
dharanisut

dhraju dhareu samau sudharamu bicri.286.

Overcome by the affection of Her parents St was too deeply moved to control
Herself. But realizing the awkward moment and Her noble duty, Earths Daughter
recovered Herself. (286)
ar f t s far ft+
fr fr f r n r+.{+
ffa f tfa f art n t- ff z rt+
nn f atf z f f r r rr+.+
fa - rt t rt+
f fa ra tf- s r; f rf fa tf- r;+.-+
fa t f rt ;r t rt +
f = rf rs r z ra t r+.+
Cau.: tpasa bea janaka siya dekh, bhayau pemu paritou bise.
putri pabitra kie kula do u, sujasa dhavala jagu kaha sabu ko u.1.
jiti surasari krati sari tor, gavanu knha bidhi aa karor.
gaga avani thala tni baRere, ehi

kie sdhu samja ghanere.2.
pitu kaha satya saneha subn, sya sakuca mahu manahu samn.
puni pitu mtu lnhi ura l, sikha sia hita dnhi suh.3.
kahati na sya sakuci mana mh

, ih

basaba rajan

bhala nh

.
lakhi rukha rni janyau r u, hdaya sarhata slu subh u.4.
When King Janaka beheld St in the robes of a hermitess he was overwhelmed
with love and was highly gratified. Daughter, you have brought sancity to both the
houses (viz., my house and the house of your husband); everyone says your fair
renown has illumined the whole world. The river of your fame outshone the celestial
stream (Gag) in that it has penetrated (not only one solar system but) millions of
universes. While the Gag has (in the course of its career) exalted only three places,*
the river of your fame has added to the glory of numerous congregations of holy men.
Even though Her father made these flowery yet truthful remarks out of affection for
Her, St was drowned as it were in a sea of bashfulness. Her parents pressed Her
to their bosom once more and gave Her good and salutary advice and blessing. St
did not speak but felt uncomfortable in Her mind because She thought that it was not
good to remain with Her parents overnight. Reading Her mind the queen (Sunayan)
made it known to the king (her husband) and both admired in their heart Her modesty
and noble disposition. (14)
r r ff f f fr tf- rf
t f a nfa rf rf rf+ c+
* The three places referred to above are evidently (1) Haridvra (where the Gag leaves the
mountainous region and descends into the plains), (2)Prayga (where it is joined by another sacred river, the
Yamun) and (3) the mouth of the river (popularly known by the name of Gagsgara).

*
AYODHY-K NA
*
609
Do.: bra bra mili bhe i siya bid knhi sanamni,
kah samaya sira bharata gati rni subni sayni.287.
Meeting and embracing St again and again they politely allowed Her to depart
and availing herself of this opportunity the clever queen eloquently told the king all about
Bharatas condition. (287)
f r a r= r n r f r=+
a r n fa +.{+
rr f rf a r frf+
r zrfr= ;r rfa r r=+.+
r fa rf a frt r f fa rt+
ff nfa ffa f r f rf fq fr+.-+
a fa tfa aat t n f fat+
ra a r f f =f f r+.+
Cau.: suni bhupla bharata byavahr u, sona sugadha sudh sasi sru.
mude sajala nayana pulake tana, sujasu sarhana lage mudita mana.1.
svadhna sunu sumukhi sulocani, bharata kath bhava badha bimocani.
dharama rjanaya brahmabicr u, eh

jathmati mora pracr u.2.

so mati mori bharata mahimh, kahai kha chali chuati na ch

h.
bidhi ganapati ahipati siva srada, kabi kobida budha buddhi bisrada.3.
bharata carita krati karat ut, dharama sla guna bimala bibh ut.
samujhata sunata sukhada saba kh u, suci suasari ruci nidara sudhh u.4.
When the king heard of Bharatas conduct, which was rare as a combination of gold
with fragrance or as nectar extracted from the moon,* the king closed his tearful eyes and
a thrill ran through his body as he broke out into ecstatic praises of his bright glory. Listen
attentively, O fair-faced and bright-eyed lady; the story of Bharata loosens the bounds of
worldly existence. Religion, statecraft and an enquiry about Brahma (the Infinite) are domains
to which I have some access according to my own poor lights. But thought acquainted with
these subjects, my wits cannot touch the shadow of Bharatas glory even by trick, much
less describe it. To Brahm (the Creator), Lord Gaapati (Gaea) ea (the king of
serpents), Lord iva, rad (the goddess of learning), seers, sages and wise men and
others who are clever in judgment, the story, fame, doings, piety, amiability, goodness and
unsullied glory of Bharata are delightful to hear and appreciate. They surpass the celestial
stream in purity and even nectar in taste. (14)
ff n f= = a a rf
f = f f fa rf+ cc+
Do.: niravadhi guna nirupama puruu bharatu bharata sama jni,
kahia sumeru ki sera sama kabikula mati sakucni.288.
Possessed of infinite virtues and a man above comparison, know Bharata alone
* Nectar as found in the region of Ngas etc., is itself rare, but that, which forms the essence of the
moon is even rarer. Hence the conduct of Bharata has been likened to the same.

610
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
to be the like of Bharata. Can Mount Sumeru be likened to a seer?* Hence the wit of the
race of poets was confused (in finding a comparison for him). (288)
n f a t ff t t n t+
a fa fr rt rf r f rt+.{+
f a r fa f t =f f r+
f a rt rt +.+
f a a rr t tfa atfa r; f at+
a f ar t uf r t ar t+.-+
r tr r a fr+
r ffq r n rf f a a a +.+
Cau.: agama sabahi baranta barabaran, jimi jalahna mna gamu dharan.
bharata amita mahim sunu rn, jnahi

rmu na sakahi

bakhn.1.
barani saprema bharata anubh u, tiya jiya k ruci lakhi kaha r u.
bahurahi

lakhanu bharatu bana jh

, saba kara bhala saba ke mana mh

.2.
debi paratu bharata raghubara k, prti pratti ji nahi

tarak.
bharatu avadhi saneha mamat k, Jadyapi rmu sma samat k.3.
paramratha svratha sukha sre, bhrata na sapanehu manahu nihre.
sdhana siddhi rma paga nehu, mohi lakhi parata bharata mata ehu.4.
The greatness of Bharata, O fair lady, baffles all who attempt to describe it, even
as a fish cannot glide on dry land. Listen, O beloved queen: Bharatas inestimable glory
is known to r Rma alone; but he too cannot describe it. Having thus lovingly
described Bharatas glory the king, who knew his queens mind, continued, If Lakmaa
returns to Ayodhy and Bharata accompanies r Rma to the woods, it will be well for
all and that is what everyone wants. But the mutual affection and confidence, O good
lady, of Bharata and r Rma (the chief of Raghus) are beyond ones conception. Even
though r Rma is the highest example of even-mindedness, Bharata is the perfection
of love and attachment. Bharata has never bestowed any thought on his spiritual or
worldly interests or personal comforts. Devotion to r Rmas feet is at once the means
and the end; to my mind this appears to sum up Bharatas creed. (14)
r a ff r r;
f r s fr;+ c+
Do.: bhorehu bharata na pelihahi

manasahu rma raji,

karia na socu saneha basa kaheu bhupa bilakhi.289.
Bharata would never think of flouting r Rmas orders even unwittingly. We
need not, therefore, in our affection give way to anxiety, said the king in choked
accents. (289)
r a n na tat ff faf tat+
r r ra n rn -r; -r; rn+.{+
* An Indian weight, nearly aquivalent to 2 pounds.

*
AYODHY-K NA
*
611
n r; n f rrr; f r = r;+
r a art r f r rt+.+
fa r rs ff a f a +
sfa r; r; tf rr fa t rr+.-+
f fa rrr f f t r+
ar f r rr f r rr+.+
Cau.: rma bharata guna ganata saprt, nisi dapatihi palaka sama bt.
rja samja prta juga jge, nhi nhi sura p ujana lge.1.
ge nahi gura pahi

raghur, badi carana bole rukha p.

ntha bharatu purajana mahatr, soka bikala banabsa dukhr.2.
sahita samja ru mithilesu, bahuta divasa bhae sahata kalesu.
ucita hoi soi kjia nth, hita sabah kara raure hth.3.
asa kahi ati sakuce raghur u, muni pulake lakhi slu subh u.
tumha binu rma sakala sukha sj, naraka sarisa duhu rja samj.4.
As the king and queen (Janaka and Sunayan) were thus fondly recounting the
virtues of r Rma and Bharata the night passed like an instant. At daybreak both the
royal camps awoke and after finishing their ablutions proceeded to worship gods.
Performing His ablutions the Lord of Raghus called on His Guru and after adoring his
feet and receiving his tacit permission said,Holy sir, Bharata, the citizens and my
mothers are all stricken with grief and inconvenienced by their sojourn in the woods. The
king of Mithil too and his followers have been enduring hardships for many days past.
Therefore, my lord, do what is advisable under the circumstances. The welfare of all lies
in your hands. So saying r Rma felt much embarrassed. And the sage was thrilled
with joy when he saw His amiability and kind disposition. Without you, Rma, all
amenities of life are like hell to both the royal camps. (14)
r r t f r
a r af ara rra n f-f fa-f ff r+ +
Do.: prna prna ke jva ke jiva sukha ke sukha rma,
tumha taji tta sohta gha jinhahi tinhahi bidhi bma.290.
Rma! you are the life of life, the soul of soul and the joy of joy. Those who
like to be in their home away from you, my child, are under the influence of an adverse
fate. (290)
r f r r r+
rn rn r r f r r+.{+
ar f t t ar at ar r f r f t+
rs r f t ffa rf nfa t+.+
r r>rf rf r s ff fr+
f r a r fr ff f t f r+.-+
r n= f r t r r+
rr tf r; fa fa r;+.+

612
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Cau.: so sukhu karamu dharamu jari ju, jaha na rma pada pakaja bh u.
jogu kujogu gynu agyn u, jaha nahi

rma pema paradhnu.1.

tumha binu dukh sukh tumha teh

, tumha jnahu jiya jo jehi keh

.
rura yasu sira sabah ke , bidita kplahi gati saba nke .2.
pu ramahi dhria pu, bhayau saneha sithila munir u.
kari pranmu taba rmu sidhe, rii dhari dhra janaka pahi

e.3.
rma bacana guru npahi sune, sla saneha subhya suhe.
mahrja aba kjia so, saba kara dharama sahita hita ho.4.
Perish the happiness, ritual and piety in which there is no devotion to the lotus
feet of Rma (yourself). That Yoga (discipline conducive to union with God) is an
abominable Yoga and that wisdom unwisdom, in which love for Rma yourself) is not
supreme. Whosoever is unhappy is unhappy without you and even so whoever is happy
is happy through you. You know what exists in the mind of a particular individual. Your
command holds sway over all and your gracious self knows all the ways full well. You
may return to your hermitage now. The lord of sages was overpowered with emotion.
r Rma then made obeisance and departed, while the sage collected himself and called
on King Janaka. The preceptor repeated to the king r Rmas naturally graceful words,
which were full of amiability and affection, and added, O great monarch, now do that
which may do good to all without prejudice to religion. (14)
r fr r f t r
ar f r f r+ {+
Do.: gyna nidhna sujna suci dharama dhra narapla,
tumha binu asamajasa samana ko samaratha ehi kla.291.
O king! you are a storehouse of wisdom, clever, pious and staunch in upholding
the cause of virtue. Who save you is able at the present moment to find a way out of
this impasse? (291)
f f rn f nfa r frn frn+
ff na rt r ;r t- rt +.{+
rf r s rr t- r f rr+
a f r; fa f f zr;+.+
ar f f f t f ft+
s fr f t rr a f fa rr+.-+
a r; rn ; t- f r t-+
ara a afa r arf ffa rrt r+.+
Cau.: suni muni bacana janaka anurge, lakhi gati gynu birgu birge.
sithila saneha gunata mana mh

, e ih

knha bhala nh

.1.
rmahi rya kaheu bana jn, knha pu priya prema pravn.
hama aba bana te banahi pah, pramudita phiraba bibeka baR.2.
tpasa muni mahisura suni dekh, bhae prema basa bikala bise.
samau samujhi dhari dhraju rj, cale bharata pahi

sahita samj.3.

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AYODHY-K NA
*
613
bharata i ge bhai lnhe, avasara sarisa susana dnhe.
tta bharata kaha terahuti r u, tumhahi bidita raghubra subh u.4.
Janaka was overwhelmed with emotion on hearing the sages words. His
wisdom and dispassion themselves shrunk away from him when they saw his
condition. Faint with love he reasoned to himself, I have not done well in coming over
to this place, King Daaratha no doubt told r Rma to proceed to the woods; but at
the same time he demonstrated the love he bore towards his beloved son. As for
ourselves we shall now send him from this forest to another and return in triumph
glorying over our wisdom! Seeing and hearing all this the ascetics, hermits and the
Brhmaas were overwhelmed with emotion. Realizing the situation, the king took
heart and proceeded with his followers to see Bharata; while the latter came ahead to
receive him and gave him the best seat available in the circumstances. Dear
Bharata, said the king of Tirhut, you know the disposition of r Rma (the Hero of
Raghus line). (14)
r -a a t
a r f r r + +
Do.: rma satyabrata dharama rata saba kara slu sanehu,
sakaa sahata sakoca basa kahia jo yasu dehu.292.
r Rma is true to his vow and devoted to his duty; he respects the feelings and
affection of all. It is no account of this consideration for others feelings that he has to
suffer mental torture. Now give me your final word, so that the same may be communicated
to him. (292)
f a f f rt r a t f rt+
f far r n= fa r r+.{+
frf f f r r ff r r+
f r nrt rf rf f ; trt+.+
f r r rs f r rs+
r s fz rar ara f r frar+.-+
rn fn fq rr r f n rr+
trf trf fr = f r+.+
Cau.: suni tana pulaki nayana bhari br, bole bharatu dhra dhari bhr.
prabhu priya pujya pit sama pu, kulaguru sama hita mya na bpu.1.
kausikdi muni saciva samju, gyna abunidhi punu j u.
sisu sevaku yasu anugm, jni mohi sikha deia svm.2.
ehi

samja thala bujhaba rura, mauna malina mai

bolaba bura.
choe badana kahau baRi bt, chamaba tta lakhi bma bidht.3.
gama nigama prasiddha purn, sevdharamu kahina jagu jn.
svmi dharama svrathahi birodhu, bairu adha premahi na prabodhu.4.
When Bharata heard these words, a thrill ran through his body and his eyes filled

614
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
with tears. Imposing a great restraint upon himself he said, My lord, you are dear and
worthy of respect to me as my own father; and as regards my family preceptor (the
sage Vasiha) my own parents are not so benevolent to me as he. Here is an
assembly of sages like Kauika (Vivmitra) as well as of ministers; and today you
too, an ocean of wisdom, are present in our midst. Know me to be a mere child and
an obedient servant and instruct me accordingly, my master. To think that you should
seek my advice in this assembly (of wise men) and at this holy place! Yet if I keep
mum I shall be considered black of heart; and if I speak on this occasion it will be sheer
madness on my part. Nevertheless I have the impudence to say some thing.
Therefore, pray forgive me, father, knowing that Providence is against me. It is fully
recognized in the Tantras, Vedas and Puras, and all the world knows, that the duty
of a servant is hard indeed. Duty to a master is incompatible with selfishness. Hatred
is blind and love is not discreet. (14)
rf r = a rt rf rf
a fa f frf+ -+
Do.: rkhi rma rukha dharamu bratu pardhna mohi jni,
saba ke samata sarba hita karia pemu pahicni.293.
Therefore, knowing me to be a dependant, and with due deference to r Rmas
wishes and consistent with his duty and sacred vow, pray do that which all approve and
is good for all, recognizing the affection everyone bears for him. (293)
a f f r fa r ra r+
n n r fa fa r r+.{+
r = f rt nf r; a rt+
a f fa r n f fr+.+
f f r f rnr tn rnr+
n nfa t ff f ft+.-+
r nfa a fr trt f f r+
rs r r r r+.+
Cau.: bharata bacana suni dekhi subh u, sahita samja sarhata r u.
sugama agama mdu maju kahore, arathu amita ati khara thore.1.
jyo mukhu mukura mukuru nija pn, gahi na ji asa adabhuta bn.
bhupa bharatu muni sahita samju, ge jaha bibudha kumuda dvijarj u.2.
suni sudhi soca bikala saba log, manahu mnagana nava jala jog.
deva prathama kulagura gati dekh, nirakhi bideha saneha bise.3.
rma bhagatimaya bharatu nihre, sura svrath hahari hiya hre.
saba kou rma pemamaya pekh, bhae alekha soca basa lekh.4.
On hearing Bharatas words and observing his disposition King Janaka and his
followers applauded him. Easily intelligible yet incomprehensible, soft and sweet yet hard,
pregnant with a vast meaning though too concise, his mysterious speech was as baffling
as the reflection of ones face seen in a mirror, which cannot be grasped even though
the mirror be held in ones own hand. King Janaka, Bharata, the sage (Vasiha) and

*
AYODHY-K NA
*
615
the whole assembly called on r Rma, who delights the gods even as the moon
brings joy to the lilies. On hearing this news all the people were overwhelmed with
anxiety even as fish on coming in contact with the water of the first shower (of the
monsoon). The gods first observed the condition of the family preceptor (the sage
Vasiha) and next watched the great affection of King Videha. And then they beheld
Bharata, the very incarnation of devotion to r Rma. Seeing all this the selfish gods
felt unnerved and lost heart. When they saw everyone full of love for r Rma, the
gods were immensely perturbed. (14)
r r r r
f ff rf a s r+ +
Do.: rmu saneha sakoca basa kaha sasoca surarju,
racahu prapacahi paca mili nhi

ta bhayau akju.294.
r Rma, is full of love and consideration for others feelings. Indra (the lord of
celestials) sorrowfully said, Therefore, combine to contrive some underhand plot all of
you; or else we are doomed. (294)
- ff rr rt f rna rt+
f a fa f f rr r f f rr+.{+
f f f f rt rt tr z rt+
r a fa = r r =+.+
ff f rr fz rt rs a fa ; frt+
r fa rf a = rt ff f z rt+.-+
a z f r fr a f faf af r+
f r n; ff rr f f ff r rr+.+
Cau.: suranha sumiri srad sarh, debi deva sarangata ph.
pheri bharata mati kari nija my, plu bibudha kula kari chala chy.1.
bibudha binaya suni debi sayn, bol sura svratha jaRa jn.
mo sana kahahu bharata mati pher u, locana sahasa na s ujha sumer u.2.
bidhi hari hara my baRi bhr, sou na bharata mati sakai nihr.
so mati mohi kahata karu bhor, cadini kara ki caakara cor.3.
bharata hdaya siya rma nivs u, taha ki timira jaha tarani praksu.
asa kahi srada gai bidhi lok, bibudha bikala nisi mnahu kok.4.
The gods invoked goddess rad and praised her. They said, O goddess, we
celestials have sought refuge in you; pray protect us. Change Bharatas mind by exerting
your My (deluding potency) and preserve the heavenly race from ruin by taking them
under the cool shade of some deceptive trick. When the wise goddess heard the gods
prayer, she understood that selfishness had robbed them of their senses, and accordingly
replied (turning towards Indra in particular), You ask me to alter Bharatas mind! It is a pity
you cannot see Mount Meru even though you possess a thousand eyes. The My (deluding
potency) even of Brahm (the Creator), Hari (the Preserver) and Hara (the Destroyer of
the universe), exceedingly powerful as it is, cannot even face Bharatas reason. And yet
you ask me to pervert it. What! Can the moonlight steal away the sun? Bharatas heart is

616
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
the abode of St and r Rma; can darkness enter where the sun shines? So saying
goddess rad returned to Brahms heaven, leaving the gods as distressed as the
Cakravka bird at night. (14)
trt t t- r r
f rr fa sr+ ~+
Do.: sura svrath malna mana knha kumatra kuhu,
raci prapaca my prabala bhaya bhrama arati ucu.295.
The gods, who were selfish by nature and malicious at heart, laid an ill-conceived
plot and weaving a powerful net of deceptive artifice set up a wave of fear, confusion,
ennui and vexation (among the people of Ayodhy). (295)
f rf ra r a r r r+
n rrr tr r f tr+.{+
r frr r a rr rr+
a r r; a rsfa t r;+.+
ara r r r r a +
f rrr rf n rt r - rt+.-+
fur rf ff r rfa +
rs r r r; rsf t f r;+.+
Cau.: kari kucli socata surarj u, bharata htha sabu kju akj u.
gae janaku raghuntha samp, sanamne saba rabikula dp.1.
samaya samja dharama abirodh, bole taba raghubasa purodh.
janaka bharata sabdu sun, bharata kahuti kah suh.2.
tta rma jasa yasu dehu, so sabu karai mora mata eh u.
suni raghuntha jori juga pn, bole satya sarala mdu bn.3.
bidyamna puni mithilesu, mora kahaba saba bh

ti bhadesu.
rura rya rajyasu ho, ruri sapatha sah sira so.4.
Having started the mischief the lord of celestials thought within himself that the
success and failure of his plans lay in Bharatas hands. (Now reverting to Citrakua)
when King Janaka went to the Lord of Raghus, the Glory of the solar race received them
all with honour. The priest of Raghus line then spoke words which were appropriate to
the occasion as well as to the assembly in which he spoke and consistent with
righteousness. He reproduced the conversation that had taken place between King
Janaka and Bharata and also repeated the charming speech of Bharata.Dear Rma,
he said, whatever order you give all should obey: this is my proposal. Hearing this the
Lord of Raghus, with joined palms and in gentle accents, spoke words which were true
and guileless: In the presence of yourself and the lord of Mithil it will be altogether
unseemly on my part to say anything. Whatever order may be given by you and by the
king of Mithil, everyone, I swear by yourself, will positively bow to it. (14)
r f f r a
fra a ; a= a+ +

*
AYODHY-K NA
*
617
Do.: rma sapatha suni muni janaku sakuce sabh sameta,
sakala bilokata bharata mukhu banai na utaru deta.296.
On hearing r Rmas oath the sage Vasiha and King Janaka as well as the
whole assembly were embarrassed. All fixed their eyes on Bharata, as no one could make
any answer. (296)
r a frt r f t rt+
s f rr a ff ff rr frr+.{+
r r fa rt t f n n nrt+
a f r frr rr st af rr+.+
f r r r rs n r fr+
r fa fa rr s rr+.-+
f ft rr r; r a r;+
f f rt a rat rt+.+
Cau.: sabh sakuca basa bharata nihr, rmabadhu dhari dhraju bhr.
kusamau dekhi sanehu sa bhr, baRhata bidhi jimi ghaaja nivr.1.
soka kanakalocana mati chon, har bimala guna gana jagajon.
bharata bibeka barha bisl, anysa udhar tehi kl.2.
kari pranmu saba kaha kara jore, rmu ru gura sdhu nihore.
chamaba ju ati anucita mor, kahau badana mdu bacana kahor.3.
hiya sumir srad suh, mnasa te mukha pakaja .
bimala bibeka dharama naya sl, bharata bhrat maju marl.4.
When Bharata saw the assembly confused, r Rmas brother exercised great
self-restraint and realizing the unfavourable situation he controlled his emotion even as
the jar-born sage Agastya* had arrested the growth of the Vindhya range. The demon
Hirayka in the form of grief had carried away the globe in the shape of the assemblys
wit, which was the source of the entire creation in the form of a host of virtues, when
the gigantic boar of Bharatas discretion playfully delivered the same in no time. Bharata
* In the Mahbhrata (Vanaparva, Ch. 104) we read how the sun-god, who perambulates Mount
Sumeru everyday, was once asked by the deity presiding over the Vindhya range to revolve round that
mountain as well. The sun-god, however, declined on the plea that his course had been determined by the Lord
of the universe and that be could not deviate from the same. This enraged Vindhya, who grew taller and taller
in order to impede the course of the sun and the moon. Alarmed at this the gods sought the help of the
mighty sage Agastya, who approached Vindhya, and asked the mountain-spirit to allow him passage for
proceeding to the south. Vindhya accordingly prostrated himself before the sage and thus made it easy
for him to cross it. The sage bound him on oath to remain in that position till his return. He, however, never
returned from the south since then and the mountain has remained in that position till now. In this way
he was able to arrest the heavenward growth of the mountain.
The metaphor has been taken from the story of Hirayka, which has been told at length in rmad
Bhgavata (Book III. Ch. 13,18 and 19). At the beginning of creation when Manu and atarup took their
descent from Brahm, the couple asked their progenitor to allot them their duty. Brahm asked them to
procreate and thus propagate the human species. Manu, however, saw that the globe lay submerged under
water, and thus found no solid ground to stand upon. He complained about it to Brahm, who became
thoughtful and began to meditate. And presently a tiny boar of the size of a human thumb issued from one of
his nostrils and in the twinking of an eye assumed the dimensions of a huge mountain. Brahm and His mind-
born sons, Marci and others, at first wondered who the creature was; but at last they concluded that the Lord

618
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
bowed his head and joined his palms before all and thus prayed to r Rma, King
Janaka, his preceptor (the sage Vasiha) and other holy men present there, With my
juvenile lips I am going to make a harsh statement. Kindly forgive today this most
unbecoming act of mine. He now invoked in his heart the charming goddess rad, who
came from the Mnasarovara lake of his mind to his lotus-like mouth. Bharatas speech,
which was full of pure wisdom, piety and prudence, resembled a lovely cygnet (in that
it possessed the virtue of sifting goodness from evil). (14)
ff f frf- ff r
f r r a ff t rrr+ +
Do.: nirakhi bibeka bilocananhi sithila saneha samju,
kari pranmu bole bharatu sumiri sya raghurju.297.
Bharata saw with the eyes of his wisdom that the assembly was faint with love.
He, therefore, made obeisance to all and, invoking St and the Lord of Raghus, spoke
as follows: (297)
fa ra z n trt fa art+
rf t fr ar r+.{+
rna fart nnr n rr rt+
trf nrr;f f nrr; rf r r; rr; +.+
fa r t rs ;r r t+
n r = t f r= t+.-+
r r; rt r r a rs rt +
r ff tf- fr; rt r;+.+
Cau.: prabhu pitu mtu suhda gura svm, p ujya parama hita atarajm.
sarala sushibu sla nidhnu, pranatapla sarbagya sujnu.1.
samaratha sarangata hitakr, gunaghaku avaguna agha hr.
svmi gos

ihi sarisa gos

, mohi samna mai

si

doh

.2.
prabhu pitu bacana moha basa pel, yau ih

samju sakel.
jaga bhala poca u

ca aru ncu, amia amarapada mhuru mcu.3.

rma raji mea mana mh

, dekh sun katahu kou nh

.
so mai

saba bidhi knhi hih, prabhu mn saneha sevak.4.

O Lord, you are my father, mother, friend, preceptor, master, the object of my
adoration, my greatest benefactor and my inner controller. Nay, you are a guileless and
kind patron, the storehouse of amiability, the protector of the suppliant, all-knowing,
clever, all-powerful, the befriender of those who take refuge in you, quick to appreciate
Himself had taken that form in order to remove their anxiety. In the meantime the divine Boar dived into
the ocean that had swallowed the earth at the time of the final dissolution and presently emerged it with
the earth held secure on His tusks.
The demon Hirayka, who had already learnt that the boar was no other than the almighty Lord
Viu, appeared before the Lord, mace in hand, and challenged Him to a duel. The Lord placed the earth
on the water, propped it against His own sustaining power and turning towards the demon slew him after
a hard struggle.

*
AYODHY-K NA
*
619
merit and drive away vice and sin. You are the only master like you, my lord; while I am
unique in disloyalty to my master. Setting at naught in my folly the commands of my lord
(yourself) and my father I came here with multitude of men and women. In this world there
are good men and vile, high and low, nectar and immortality, on the one hand, and venom
and death on the other. But nowhere have I seen or heard anyone who dare violate r
Rmas (your) orders even in thought. Yet that is what I have presumed to do not only
in thought but even in word and deed and my lord has taken this presumption on my part
as a token of affection and an act of service. (14)
r r; rt r t- r
f r= r+ c+
Do.: kp

bhal

pan ntha knha bhala mora,

duana bhe bhuana sarisa sujasu cru cahu ora.298.
By his grace and goodness my lord has done me a good turn; my failings have
became my adornments and my fair and bright renown has spread on all sides. (298)
rsf tfa rf zr; na ffa fnrn nr;+
f fa t t ft ft ft+.{+
as f r r a r f r+
f r s r f n r r r+.+
r rf f rt r r r rt+
f afa fr r s +.-+
r nrr; f rt r sr; s rt+
ra r tr n nfa r rtr+.+
Cau.: ruri rti subni baR, jagata bidita nigamgama g.
kura kuila khala kumati kalak, nca nisla nirsa nisak.1.
teu suni sarana smuhe e, sakta pranmu kihe apane.
dekhi doa kabahu na ura ne, suni guna sdhu samja bakhne.2.
ko shiba sevakahi nevj, pu samja sja saba sj.
nija karatuti na samujhia sapane , sevaka sakuca socu ura apane .3.
so gosi

nahi

d usara kop, bhuj uhi kahau pana rop.

pasu ncata suka pha prabn, guna gati naa phaka dhn.4.
Your ways, your noble disposition and your greatness are known throughout the
world and have been glorified in the Vedas and other sacred books. Even the cruel, the
perverse, the vile, the evil-minded and the censured, nay, the low-minded, the impudent,
the godless and the unscrupulous are known to have been accepted by you as your own
as soon as you heard that they had approached you for shelter and if they merely bowed
to you only once. You have never taken their faults to heart even if you saw them with
your own eyes; while you have proclaimed their virtues in the assembly of holy men if
you but heard of them. Where is the master, so kind to his servant, who would provide
him with all his necessaries himself and, far from reckoning even in a dream what he
has done for his servant would feel troubled at heart over any embarrassment caused to

620
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
him? He is my lord (yourself) and no other; with uplifted arms I declare this on oath. A
beast would dance and a parrot may attain proficiency in repeating what it is taught; but
the proficiency of the bird and the rhythmic movements of the beast depend on the
teacher and the dancing-master. (14)
r rf rf f r fr
r r f rf ffrf r + +
Do.: yo sudhri sanamni jana kie sdhu siramora,
ko kpla binu plihai biridvali barajora.299.
Thus by reforming your servants and treating them with honour you have made
them the crest-jewels of holy men. Is there anyone save the All-merciful (yourself) who
will rigidly maintain his high reputation (as a kind and generous master)? (299)
r f r r rs r; r r+
a r f f rr f rfa rs rr+.{+
s r n r rs trf r+
z r frs rn zt rf rn+.+
r n n rrr; tf- rff fr;+
rr r r nrr; t r r; +.-+
r f tf- fr; trf r r fr;+
f f r=f rt ff s fa rfa rt+.+
Cau.: soka saneha ki bla subhe , yau li rajyasu be .
tabahu kpla heri nija or, sabahi bh

ti bhala mneu mor.1.

dekheu pya sumagala mul, jneu svmi sahaja anuk ul.
baRe samja bilokeu bhgu, baR

c uka shiba anurg u.2.

kp anugrahu agu agh, knhi kpnidhi saba adhik.
rkh mora dulra gos

, apane sla subhya bhal

.3.
ntha nipaa mai

knhi hih, svmi samja sakoca bih.
abinaya binaya jathruci bn, chamihi deu ati rati jn.4.
Through grief, affection or mere childishness I came here in defiance of your
commands; yet, true to his own disposition, my gracious lord (yourself) has taken my
insolence in good part in everyway. I have seen your most blessed feet and come to
know that my master (yourself) is naturally propitious to me. In this august assembly I
have seen my good fortune in that I continue to enjoy my masters affection in spite of
great remissness on my part. My all-gracious lord (yourself) has been extremely kind and
compassionate to me in everyway; all this is more than I have ever deserved. By virtue
of his own amiability, noble disposition and goodness my lord (yourself) has ever been
indulgent to me. Giving up all consideration for the feelings of my master and this
assembly I have presumed too much by speaking politely or impolitely even as it pleased
me; but perceiving my great distress I am sure my lord will pardon me. (14)
z r rff a fz rf
r ; ; rt rf+ -+

*
AYODHY-K NA
*
621
Do.: suhda sujna sushibahi bahuta kahaba baRi khori,
yasu deia deva aba sabai sudhr mori.300.
It is a great mistake to say too much to a loving, intelligent and good master.
Therefore, be pleased, my lord, to give your command; for you have accomplished all my
objects. (300)
rn rr; - a t r;+
r f s f t =f rna ra t+.{+
trf r; tr rf fr;+
r rf r r r r r+.+
f f rt t fr rt+
n r; s r f r;+.-+
rf trrf rt r t nf rt+
a f f f r ff r rrr+.+
Cau.: prabhu pada paduma parga doh, satya sukta sukha sva suh.
so kari kahau hie apane k, ruci jgata sovata sapane k.1.
sahaja saneha svmi sevak, svratha chala phala cri bih.
agy sama na sushiba sev, so prasdu jana pvai dev.2.
asa kahi prema bibasa bhae bhr, pulaka sarra bilocana br.
prabhu pada kamala gahe akul, samau sanehu na so kahi j.3.
kpsidhu sanamni subn, baihe sampa gahi pn.
bharata binaya suni dekhi subh u, sithila saneha sabh raghur u.4.
Swearing by the dust of my lords lotusfeet, which is the glorious consummation
of truth, virtue and happiness, I proclaim the desire which I have cherished in my heart
at all time, whether waking, dreaming or fast asleep. It is to serve my master with
guileless and spontaneous affection forgetting my own interests and neglecting the four
ends of human existence. And the greatest service to a noble master is to obey his
orders. Let your servant, my lord, obtain this favour (in the form of an order). So saying
he was utterly overwhelmed with emotion; a thrill ran through his body and tears rushed
to his eyes. In great distress he clasped the Lords lotusfeet; the excitement of the
moment and the intensity of affection cannot be described in words. The Ocean of
Compassion honoured him with kind words and taking him by the hand seated him by
His side. The whole assembly including the Lord of Raghus Himself was overpowered
by love after hearing Bharatas entreaty and seeing his disposition. (14)
rrrs ff r r f ffr t
ra a r nfa t fr rrt+
af a f a r f
at f rn f frn f +
Cha.:raghuru sithila saneha sdhu samja muni mithil dhan,
mana mahu sarhata bharata bhyapa bhagati k mahim ghan.

622
*
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*
bharatahi prasasata bibudha baraata sumana mnasa malina se,
tulas bikala saba loga suni sakuce nisgama nalina se.
The Lord of Raghus, the congregation of holy men, the sage Vasiha and the lord
of Mithil, all were faint with love and admired in their heart the surpassing glory of
Bharatas brotherly affection and devotion. The gods acclaimed Bharata and rained down
flowers on him as though with a doleful heart. Hearing of this, says Tulasdsa, everyone
felt distressed and uncomfortable even as lotuses get withered at the approach of night.
f rt t r rf
rrr r t rf n a+ -{+
So.: dekhi dukhr dna duhu samja nara nri saba,
maghav mah malna mue mri magala cahata.301.
Seeing every man and woman both of Ayodhy and Mithil afflicted and downcast,
Indra, who was most malicious at heart, sought his own happiness by killing those that
were already dead. (301)
rf t r r f r r+
r r rf tat t t a atat+.{+
a f r r sr f r+
rr rn fr r fa fr+.+
sr f rt =f rrt+
f rnfa r rt fa f n rt+.-+
fa a far t t+
f f f rfr f tr rrr r+.+
Cau.: kapaa kucli sva surarj u, para akja priya pana kj u.
kka samna pkaripu rt, chal malna katahu na pratt.1.
prathama kumata kari kapau sa kel, so ucu saba ke sira mel.
suramy

saba loga bimohe, rma prema atisaya na bichohe.2.

bhaya uca basa mana thira nh

, chana bana ruci chana sadana sohh

.
dubidha manogati praj dukhr, sarita sidhu sagama janu br.3.
ducita katahu paritou na lahah

, eka eka sana maramu na kahah

.
lakhi hiya ha si kaha kpnidhn u, sarisa svna maghavna jubn u.4.
Though king of the gods, Indra is the worst specimen of deceitfulness and villainy; he
loves others loss and his own gain. The ways of Indra (the slayer of the demon Pka) are like
those of a crowcrafty, malicious and trusting none. Having conceived an evil design in the
first instance he wove a net of wiles and made everyone a victim of ennui by throwing the net
on the head of each. He then infatuated all by exerting the deluding potency of the gods; but
they could not be wholly deprived of the affection they bore for r Rma. Overcome as they
all were by fear and ennui, they were all distracted. Now they conceived a liking for the woods
and the very next moment they loved to be at their home. The people were afflicted by this
vacillating attitude of their mind even as the water at the mouth of a river is tossed on both
sides. Wavering in mind, they did not derive solace anywhere nor did they disclose their

*
AYODHY-K NA
*
623
heart to one another. Observing this, the all-compassionate Lord smiled within Himself and
said, The canine race, Indra and reckless youth are alike* in nature. (14)
a f f r a fr;
rfn rr f rrn r;+ -+
Do.: bharatu janaku munijana saciva sdhu saceta bihi,
lgi devamy sabahi jathjogu janu pi.302.
Barring Bharata, King Janaka, the host of sages, the ministers and
enlightened saints the deluding potency of the gods prevailed on all according to
the susceptibility of each. (302)
rf f rn r f fa r+
r rs n f rt a nfa fa rt+.{+
rf faa fr f a ra f +
a tfa fa f zr; a a fr;+.+
r frf nfa n fn ff+
fr ar ff at nfa r fa f t+.-+
r rf fr fz rt f rf rf rt+
f fa n =f fr; fa nfa r t r;+.+
Cau.: kpsidhu lakhi loga dukhre, nija saneha surapati chala bhre.
sabh ru gura mahisura matr, bharata bhagati saba kai mati jatr.1.
rmahi citavata citra likhe se, sakucata bolata bacana sikhe se.
bharata prti nati binaya baR, sunata sukhada baranata kahin.2.
jsu biloki bhagati lavales u, prema magana munigana mithiles u.
mahim tsu kahai kimi tulas, bhagati subhya sumati hiya hulas.3.
pu choi mahim baRi jn, kabikula kni mni sakucn.
kahi na sakati guna ruci adhik, mati gati bla bacana k n.4.
The Ocean of Compassion r Rma, saw the people agitated, on the one hand,
by the affection they bore towards Himself and on the other, by the mighty trick played
by Indra, the lord of celestials. The assembly, King Janaka, the preceptor (the sage
Vasiha), the other Brhmaas and the ministers, all had their wits hampered by
Bharatas devotion (to r Rma). Like figures drawn in a painting they regarded r
Rma and uttered with diffidence words which they had been taught to repeat as it were.
Bharatas affection, courtesy, modesty and nobility were delightful to hear but difficult to
describe. Seeing a minute particle of his devotion the host of sages and the King of
Mithil were absorbed in love; how, then, can I, Tulasdsa, speak of his glory? It is his
devotion and noble sentiments that have inspired sublime thoughts in the poets mind.
When it came to know of its own poverty and the magnitude of Bharatas glory, it shrank
into itself out of respect for the barriers imposed by the race of bards. Though greatly
* The nominal bases vna (a dog), Yuvn (a young gallant) and Maghavn (Indra) are declined
in the same way according to the Saskta grammar (vide Pinis aphorism u`;). The poet
ingeniously traces this verbal affinity to a natural affinity existing between the three.

624
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
enamoured of his virtues it is unable to describe them; the poets wit finds itself as
helpless as an infants speech. (14)
a f f f fa rrf
sfa f z t frf+ --+
Do.: bharata bimala jasu bimala bidhu sumati cakorakumri,
udita bimala jana hdaya nabha ekaaka rah nihri.303.
Bharatas untarnished glory is like the moon without its spot while the poets
brilliant wit is like the young of a Cakora bird that remains gazing with unwinking eyes
when it sees the moon rising in the heavens of a guileless devotees heart. (303)
a rs n fn rr fa rar f +
a a fa rs a r t r r; a r+.{+
fa af r r f af f r r+
f r r t t r r rf t t+ +
t t rn - t rn+
r f s r tfa tfa r rrr+.-+
r rf fa fr a f +
ara a ar tr r f tr+.+
Cau.: bharata subhu na sugama nigamah u

, laghu mati cpalat kabi chamah u

.
kahata sunata sati bhu bharata ko, sya rma pada hoi na rata ko.1.
sumirata bharatahi premu rma ko, jehi na sulabhu tehi sarisa bma ko.
dekhi dayla das sabah k, rma sujna jni jana j k .2.
dharama dhurna dhra naya ngara, satya saneha sla sukha sgara.
desu klu lakhi samau samju, nti prti plaka raghurj u.3.
bole bacana bni sarabasu se, hita parinma sunata sasi rasu se.
tta bharata tumha dharama dhurn, loka beda bida prema prabn.4.
Bharatas noble sentiment cannot be easily grasped even by the Vedas; pardon,
therefore, O poets! the frivolity of my poor wits. By discussing Bharatas genuine love
who will not get devoted to the feet of St and r Rma? Is there anyone so vile as the
man who is not easily inspired with love for r Rma by the very thought of Bharata?
Seeing the plight of all and knowing what was in the mind of His devotee (Bharata) and
after fully considering the place, time, occasion and gathering, the all-merciful and all-
knowing r Rma, the Lord of Raghus, who was a champion of virtue, self-possessed
and prudent, and an ocean of truth, love, amiability and joy, nay, who respected the laws
of propriety and was faithful in His love, spoke words which formed the very essence
as it were of eloquence and which were salutary in consequence and sweet as nectar
to hear: Dear Bharata, you are an upholder of righteousness, well-versed in secular lore
as well as in the Vedas and adept in love. (14)
r f ar r ar ara
n r rr n ff f ra+ -+

*
AYODHY-K NA
*
625
Do.: karama bacana mnasa bimala tumha samna tumha tta,
gura samja laghu badhu guna kusamaya kimi kahi jta.304.
Pure in thought, word and deed, you are your only compeer, dear brother. In this
assembly of elders and in such adverse circumstances how can I recount the virtues
of a younger brother? (304)
r ara af tat - fa tfa tat+
s r r n t srt fa fa t+.{+
arf ffa t r r fa +
rf rfa r arrr af s rr+.+
ara ara f ra rt n r rt+
a= r f fr= f fa ra r=+.-+
f f n f r; +
a sara ara ff t-r f ff rf t-r+.+
Cau.: jnahu tta tarani kula rt, satyasadha pitu krati prt.
samau samju lja gurajana k, udsna hita anahita mana k.1.
tumhahi bidita sabah kara karam u, pana mora parama hita dharam u.
mohi saba bh

ti bharosa tumhr, tadapi kahau avasara anusr.2.

tta tta binu bta hamr, kevala gurakula kp

sa bhr.
nataru praj parijana parivr u, hamahi sahita sabu hota khur u.3.
jau binu avasara athava dinesu, jaga kehi kahahu na hoi kales u.
tasa utaptu tta bidhi knh, muni mithilesa rkhi sabu lnh.4.
You are conversant, dear brother, with the traditions of the solar race, and know
how truthful and how fond of fame our father was. You are also alive to the gravity of
the occasion, the circumstances in which we are placed and the consideration we should
have for the feelings of our elders and further know the mind of your friends, foes and
neutrals. You are also aware of everyones duty as well as of what is best for you and
me and of what we should do. I have entire confidence in you; yet I say something
appropriate to the occasion. In the absence of our father, dear brother, all out interests
have been conserved by the goodwill of our preceptors family; otherwise our subjects,
our kinsmen, our own people and ourselves, all would have been undone. If the sun (the
lord of the day) sets before time, tell me, who in this world will not be subjected to
hardship? A similar calamity was visited upon us by Providence, but the sage Vasiha
and the lord of Mithil saved everything. (14)
r r r fa f r
n rs rff f r;f fr+ -~+
Do.: rja kja saba lja pati dharama dharani dhana dhma,
gura prabhu plihi sabahi bhala hoihi parinma.305.
Not only the affairs of the state, but our honour and fair name, our virtue, land,
riches and houses, everything will be protected by our Gurus glory and all will be well
in the end. (305)

626
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
fa r arr rr rr n r rr+
ra far n trf f t +.{+
r ar r r ara af r r+
r ff t tfa nfa fa t+.+
r frf f rt r fr= rt+
rt ffa f rf r; arf f f fz fr;+.-+
rf arf s rr ara fa rr+
rf r r rfzf r f rrr+.+
Cau.: sahita samja tumhra hamr, ghara bana gura prasda rakhavr.
mtu pit gura svmi nidesu, sakala dharama dharandhara ses u.1.
so tumha karahu karvahu mohu, tta taranikula plaka hohu.
sdhaka eka sakala sidhi den, krati sugati bhutimaya ben.2.
so bicri sahi sakau bhr, karahu praj parivru sukhr.
b

bipati sabahi

mohi bh, tumhahi avadhi bhari baRi kahin.3.

jni tumhahi mdu kahau kahor, kusamaya tta na anucita mor.
hohi

kuhya subadhu sahe, oRiahi

htha asanihu ke ghe.4.

At home as well as in the woods our preceptors goodwill alone will protect both
you and me as well as those about us. Obedience to ones father and mother, preceptor
and master is the prop of all virtues, even as ea (the lord of serpents) supports the
globe on his head. Therefore, obey their commands yourself and help me do the same,
and be the saviour of the solar race, dear brother. This is the one discipline that bestows
all success upon the striver and like the triple stream of the Gag, Yamun and Sarasvat
at Prayga combines fame, salvation and prosperity. Considering this and even though
enduring great hardship make your subjects and your own people happy. My woe has
been shared by all; but your lot will be the hardest for the whole term of my exile. I know
you to be tender-hearted, yet am speaking repugnant words to you; but the time are so
out of joint that this will not be unjustifiable on my part. In hard times good brothers alone
stand one in good stead; it is by ones arms alone that one parries the strokes even of
a thunderbolt. (14)
r rf r;
at tfa f tfa f f rf r;+ -+
Do.: sevaka kara pada nayana se mukha so shibu hoi,
tulas prti ki rti suni sukabi sarhahi

soi.306.
Servants should be like hands, feet and eyes; while a master should be like a
mouth.* Hearing of this (ideal) way of love (between a master and his servants) good
poets offer their tribute to the same. (306)
* While hands, feet and eyes minister to the mouth by supplying food to it, the mouth in its turn, though
appearing to accept and appropriate the whole of it to itself, equitably distributes the benefit of it to all the
organs by nourishing and revitalizing them in due proportion, so should a master while taking service from his
servants and giving none to them in return should nourish them and keep them whole.

*
AYODHY-K NA
*
627
r f rr rt rf f rt+
ff r rt f r r rt+.{+
af s ar trf f r+
r fr fr r nnf fnr r+.+
t- r rt r rf = rt+
r s r n r s r n r+.-+
r r r; t f r r;+
r rf ; f r= r f ;+.+
Cau.: sabh sakala suni raghubara bn, prema payodhi amia janu sn.
sithila samja saneha samdh, dekhi das cupa srada sdh.1.
bharatahi bhayau parama sato u, sanamukha svmi bimukha dukha do u.
mukha prasanna mana mi bidu, bh janu g u

gehi gir prasdu.2.

knha saprema pranmu bahor, bole pni pakaruha jor.
ntha bhayau sukhu stha gae ko, laheu lhu jaga janamu bhae ko.3.
aba kpla jasa yasu ho, karau ssa dhari sdara so.
so avalaba deva mohi de, avadhi pru pvau jehi se.4.
Hearing the speech of r Rma (the Chief of Raghus), which was imbued as it
were with the nectar churned out of the ocean of love, the whole assembly was lost in a
trance of affection. Even goddess rad was struck dumb at their sight. Bharata
derived supreme consolation; now that his master was propitious to him, woe and evil
turned away from him. He now wore a cheerful countenance and the heaviness of his
heart was gone; it seemed as if a dumb man had been favoured by the goddess of
speech. He then made loving obeisance and spoke with his lotus palms joined
together: My lord, I have derived the joy of having accompanied you and have also
obtained the reward of being born into this world. Now, my gracious lord, whatever be
Your command, I will bow to it and carry it out with reverence. Pray vouchsafe to me,
good sir, some tangible support by serving which I may be enabled to reach the end of
the term of your exile. (14)
f fa n r r;
rs at f af r r;+ -+
Do.: deva deva abhieka hita gura anussanu pi,
neu saba tratha salilu tehi kaha kha raji.307.
In obedience to our preceptors command, my lord, I have brought for your coronation
water from all holy places; what are your orders respecting the same ? (307)
r z rt r ra f rt +
ara r r; r rf r;+.{+
fr f at n n f fr fnfn+
fa f ft r r; a r t+.+

628
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
f fr r f ara fna r +
f r n rar r r rar+.-+
ffr r t r at at+
f a rr f fa f= rr+.+
Cau.: eku manorathu baRa mana mh

, sabhaya sakoca jta kahi nh

.
kahahu tta prabhu yasu p, bole bni saneha suh.1.
citrakua suci thala tratha bana, khaga mga sara sari nirjhara girigana.
prabhu pada akita avani bise, yasu hoi ta vau dekh.2.
avasi atri yasu sira dharah u, tta bigatabhaya knana carah u.
muni prasda banu magala dt, pvana parama suhvana bhrt.3.
riinyaku jaha yasu deh

, rkhehu tratha jalu thala teh

.
suni prabhu bacana bharata sukhu pv, muni pada kamala mudita siru nv.4.
I have one great longing at heart; but due to fear and diffidence I am unable to
mention it. Tell me, dear brother, what it is. Thus receiving the Lords permission Bharata
replied in words sweetened by love: With your permission I would go and see Citrakua
with its sacred spots, holy places and woods, birds and beasts, lakes and streams,
springs and hills and particularly the land adorned with my lords footprints. Certainly, do
as the sage Atri bids you do, dear brother, and wander without fear through the woods.
It is the sages blessing, brother, which makes the forest so auspicious, holy and
exquisitely beautiful. Deposit the water from holy places wherever the chief of sages,
Atri, directs you. On hearing the reply of his lord Bharata rejoiced and cheerfully went
and bowed his head at the lotus-feet of the sage (Atri). (14)
a r r f n
trt rf a a= + -c+
Do.: bharata rma sabdu suni sakala sumagala mula,
sura svrath sarhi kula baraata surataru phula.308.
The selfish gods, when they heard this conversation between Bharata and r
Rma, which was a fountain of all fair blessings, applauded the race of Raghu and rained
down flowers from the tree of paradise. (308)
- a r nrr; a a fr; +
f ff r r a f s sr+.{+
a r n nr f a rs f+
trf rs r fa r r+.+
fa r r rn f r rn+
f f r a r r f fr+.-+
r ra rt f n r rt rt+
f rrt zr; ra a r;+.+
Cau.: dhanya bharata jaya rma gos

, kahata deva haraata bari

.
muni mithilesa sabh

saba kh u, bharata bacana suni bhayau uchhu.1.

*
AYODHY-K NA
*
629
bharata rma guna grma saneh u, pulaki prasasata ru bideh u.
sevaka svmi subhu suhvana, nemu pemu ati pvana pvana.2.
mati anusra sarhana lge, saciva sabhsada saba anurge.
suni suni rma bharata sabd u, duhu samja hiya harau bid u.3.
rma mtu dukhu sukhu sama jn, kahi guna rma prabodh

rn.
eka kahahi

raghubra baR, eka sarhata bharata bhal.4.

Praised be Bharata and glory to our lord, r Rma! exclaimed the gods with
great exultation. The sage Vasiha, the lord of Mithil and everyone else in the
assembly rejoiced to hear Bharatas words. Thrilling all over with joy King Videha
extolled the host of virtues and affection both of Bharata and r Rma. The ministers
and all others present in the assembly were overwhelmed with love even as they began
to praise, each according to the best of his ability, the charming disposition both of the
master and the servant, their fidelity and love, the purest of the pure. In both camps
a mixed feeling of joy and sorrow throbbed in the heart of all as they continued to hear
the conversation between r Rma and Bharata. Realizing joy and sorrow alike, r
Rmas mother comforted the other queen-mothers (her co-wives) by recounting r
Rmas virtues. Some would glorify the Hero of Raghus race, while others praised
Bharatas goodness. (14)
fr s a a t
rf at ar a r f + -+
Do.: atri kaheu taba bharata sana saila sampa sukupa,
rkhia tratha toya taha pvana amia anupa.309.
Then said Atri to Bharata, There is a beautiful well adjoining the hill; the water from
the sacred places, which is so holy, sweet as nectar and incomparable, may be
deposited in it. (309)
a fr r r; r f r;+
r r fr f r fa n nr+.{+
r r - rr fa fr rr+
ara rf fq rs r ffa f +.+
a - r t- fa fr+
ff s ft sr= n n fa fr=+.-+
a ff rnr fa r at rnr+
fra rt r;f f rt+.+
Cau.: bharata atri anussana p, jala bhjana saba die cal.
snuja pu atri muni sdh u, sahita gae jaha k upa agdh u.1.
pvana ptha punyathala rkh, pramudita prema atri asa bh.
tta andi siddha thala ehu, lopeu kla bidita nahi

keh u.2.
taba sevakanha sarasa thalu dekh, knha sujala hita k upa bise.
bidhi basa bhayau bisva upakr u, sugama agama ati dharama bicr u.3.
bharatakupa aba kahihahi

log, ati pvana tratha jala jog.

prema sanema nimajjata prn, hoihahi

bimala karama mana bn.4.

630
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
On receiving Atris command, Bharata despatched (ahead of himself) all the
vessels containing the holy water and himself repaired with his younger brother
(atrughna) and the sage Atri and other hermits and holy men to the well, which was
fathomless in its depth, and deposited the holy water in that sacred place. Transported
with joy the sage Atri lovingly spoke thus: This place has brought success to the striver
from time without beginning; having been obscured by time it was known to none. My
servants marked this soil as rich in subterranean springs of water and dug a big well
in it with a view to securing good water. By a decree of Providence the whole world
has been benefited (by dropping in this well the water from holy places) and the idea
of religious merit (accruing from a bath in this well), which was most incomprehensible
(to the ordinary intellect) has become easily intelligible to all. People will now call it by the
name of Bharatak upa (a well sacred to the memory of Bharata). Its sanctity has been
inhanced because water from all holy places has been mixed into it. People who take
a plunge into it with devotion and with due ceremony will become pure in thought, word
and deed. (14)
a fr n r rrrs
fr -rrs rrf at - rs+ -{+
Do.: kahata kupa mahim sakala gae jah

raghuru,
atri sunyau raghubarahi tratha punya prabhu.310.
Telling one another the glory of the well all returned to the hermitage of r Rma,
the Lord of Raghus; and the sage Atri pointed out to the Chief of Raghus the purifying
power of that holy place. (310)
a ;far tat s r= ff r tat+
f- frf a rs r; r fr n r r;+.{+
fa r r r r r+
r a f t ; f f t+.+
rt r; r ta r;+
f rn t- a t frf t-+.-+
f rr f rt f f f a art+
n frf n rf rt f r f rt+.+
Cau.: kahata dharama itihsa saprt, bhayau bhoru nisi so sukha bt.
nitya nibhi bharata dou bh, rma atri gura yasu p.1.
sahita samja sja saba sde , cale rma bana aana payde .
komala carana calata binu panah

, bhai mdu bhumi sakuci mana manah

.2.
kusa kaaka k

kar

kur

, kauka kahora kubastu dur

.
mahi majula mdu mraga knhe, bahata samra tribidha sukha lnhe.3.
sumana barai sura ghana kari chh

, biapa ph uli phali tna mduth

.
mga biloki khaga boli subn, sevahi

sakala rma priya jn.4.

The night was pleasantly spent in narrating sacred legends with love till it was
dawn. Having finished their daily morning routine and receiving the permission of r
Rma, Atri and the preceptor (the sage Vasiha), the two brothers, Bharata and

*
AYODHY-K NA
*
631
atrughna, proceeded on foot to roam about in the forest associated with the name of
r Rma, accompanied by their followers, all in simple attire. Feeling inwardly uncomfortable
at the thought that the two brothers walked without shoes on their tender feet, Earth
smoothened her surface and hid into her body all disagreeable, hard and unsightly things
such as the spiky blades of Kua grass thorns, stones and crevices. In this way Earth
made the paths delightful and smooth, while a refreshing breeze breathed cool, soft and
fragrant. The gods rained down flowers; the clouds afforded shade; the trees blossomed
and bore fruit; the grass made the earths surface soft; the deer cast their charming
glances; while the birds whispered their sweet notes: in this way all offered their services
to the two princes, whom they knew to be r Rmas beloved brothers. (14)
ffq ra r a ra
r r f a r; fz ra+ -{{+
Do.: sulabha siddhi saba prktahu rma kahata jamuhta,
rma prna priya bharata kahu yaha na hoi baRi bta.311.
When all supernatural powers become easily attainable to an ordinary individual
who utters the name of Rma even while yawning, this is no great honour to Bharata,
who was dear to Rma as His own life. (311)
f ff a fa rt f f rt+
- r>r f frnr n n a= a fnf rnr+.{+
r= ffr fr ft ra a f t+
f fa a ffr a r n - r+.+
a fr a rr a fra frr+
a f f r r; fa t fa rs r;+.-+
f rs r f t fa r+
ff n f r; frf r;+.+
Cau.: ehi bidhi bharatu phirata bana mh

, nemu premu lakhi muni sakuch

.
punya jalraya bhumi bibhg, khaga mga taru tna giri bana bg.1.
cru bicitra pabitra bise, bujhata bharatu dibya saba dekh.
suni mana mudita kahata riiru, hetu nma guna punya prabhu.2.
katahu nimajjana katahu pranm, katahu bilokata mana abhirm.
katahu baihi muni yasu p, sumirata sya sahita dou bh.3.
dekhi subhu sanehu susev, dehi

assa mudita banadev.

phirahi

gae dinu pahara aRh, prabhu pada kamala bilokahi

.4.
In this way Bharata roamed about in the forest; even hermits felt abashed to
see his devotion and austerity. The sacred ponds and tracts of land, the birds and
beasts, the trees and grasses, the hills, woods and orchards were charming, wonderful
and pre-eminently holy. Seeing them all so divine, Bharata asked questions about them;
and in reply to them the great sage Atri told him with a glad heart the origin, name,
attributes and purifying virtues of each. Taking a dip at one place they made obeisance
at another; here they beheld sights that were ravishing to the soul, while there they
sat down with the permission of the sage and thought of St and the two brothers

632
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
(r Rma and Lakmaa). Seeing Bharatas good disposition, affection, and loyal
services the sylvan gods gladly gave him their blessing. The third watch of the day
would be half spent when the two brothers returned to their camp and gazed upon the
lotus-feet of their lord. (14)
at a r f rr
a a f ns f ; rr+ -{+
Do.: dekhe thala tratha sakala bharata p

ca dina mjha,
kahata sunata hari hara sujasu gayau divasu bhai s

jha.312.
Bharata visited all the sacred spots in five days. The (last) day was spent in
discussing the shining glory of Hari (Bhagavn Viu) and Hara (Lord iva) till it was
dusk. (312)
r -r; r r a f afa r+
f r rf rt r r a rt +.{+
n a r rt f r ff f frt+
t rf r rt r trf rt+.+
a r r = t sf f t ft+
f za a rt rt r =f rt+.-+
rf fn s f ar a rfa rr r+
nrr; rf s r; f f r;+.+
Cau.: bhora nhi sabu jur samju, bharata bh umisura terahuti rj u.
bhala dina ju jni mana mh

, rmu kpla kahata sakuch

.1.
gura npa bharata sabh avalok, sakuci rma phiri avani bilok.
sla sarhi sabh saba soc, kahu na rma sama svmi sa koc.2.
bharata sujna rma rukha dekh, uhi saprema dhari dhra bise.
kari daavata kahata kara jor, rkh

ntha sakala ruci mor.3.

mohi lagi saheu sabahi

satp u, bahuta bh

ti dukhu pv pu.
aba gosi

mohi deu raj, sevau avadha avadhi bhari j.4.
On the morrow, after bathing, the whole assembly met againBharata, the
Brhmaas and the King of Tirahuta (Mithil). Though knowing at heart that the day was
auspicious (for undertaking a return journey to Ayodhy) the tender-hearted r Rma
hesitated to say so. r Rma looked at His preceptor (the sage Vasiha), King Janaka
and the assembly; but the very next moment He felt nervous and turned His eyes to
the ground. Praising His regard for others feelings the whole assembly thought that
nowhere could one find a master so considerate as r Rma. Bharata, who was clever
enough to perceive r Rmas wish, lovingly rose and imposing great restraint upon
himself fell prostrate on the ground. Then, joining his palms, he lovingly said,My lord,
you have granted me all my desires. For my sake everybody has suffered a good
deal of trouble and you too have been put to much inconvenience. Now, my lord, give
me your permission to leave, so that I may go back to Ayodhy and remain there till
your return. (14)

*
AYODHY-K NA
*
633
f sr f r tr
r f ; f fn rr r+ -{-+
Do.: jehi

upya puni pya janu dekhai dnadayla,

so sikha deia avadhi lagi kosalapla kpla.313.
Admonish me, O gracious Lord of Kosala, and tell me some means by practising
which for the remaining period of your exile your servant (myself) may be enabled to
behold the feet of his merciful master again. (313)
f r nrr; f nr; +
rs f r f rf r+.{+
trf r rf t t =f rr f t t+
ar rff r s ff r fr+.+
rf ff f rr f fr= r r r+
rfa r r r ff t- t f r+.-+
z r f f trt af r f; nrt+
a f-r f f t t t f nfa t+.+
Cau.: purajana parijana praj gos

, saba suci sarasa saneha sag

.
rura badi bhala bhava dukha dhu, prabhu binu bdi parama pada lhu.1.
svmi sujnu jni saba h k, ruci llas rahani jana j k.
pranataplu plihi saba kh u, deu duh u disi ora nibh u.2.
asa mohi saba bidhi bhuri bharoso, kie bicru na socu kharo so.
rati mora ntha kara chohu, duhu mili knha hhu hahi moh u.3.
yaha baRa dou duri kari svm, taji sakoca sikhaia anugm.
bharata binaya suni sabahi

prasas, khra nra bibarana gati has.4.

Your citizens, your kinsmen and your other subjects too, my lord, are all hallowed
and steeped in joy because of the love they bear for you and the relationship they have
with you. It is better to be tormented by the agonies of birth and death for your sake;
while without you, my lord, it is no use attaining the supreme state (of blessedness).
Knowing the hearts of all and even so the liking and longings of your servants heart as
well as his way of life, my all-wise lord, who is a protector of the suppliant, will protect
all, and will take care of them, both in this world and in the next, till the last. I am fully
confident of this in everyway; and when I ponder this, I am not in the least disturbed
about it. My own distress and my lords Kindness have both combined to make me
impudent. Correcting this great fault of mine, my master, instruct this servant of yours
without reserve. Everyone who heard Bharatas prayer applauded it and said, This
supplication of Bharata is like a cygnet, that sifts milk from water. (14)
t f t t
r f r r t+ -{+
Do.: dinabadhu suni badhu ke bacana dna chalahna,
desa kla avasara sarisa bole rmu prabna.314.

634
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
The all-wise r Rma, the befriender of the afflicted, when He heard the meek and
guileless speech of His brother (Bharata), replied in terms appropriate to the place, time
and occasion: (314)
ara arrf rf f t far nf f rr t+
r n f ff f arf +.{+
r arr =r tr r+
fa r rff r; r r;+.+
n= fa ra trf f r n n f r+
frf r fr; r f f r;+.-+
r f fr= n f rn =r=+
ar f ra f f rt r f r rt+.+
Cau.: tta tumhri mori parijana k, cit gurahi npahi ghara bana k.
mthe para gura muni mithilesu, hamahi tumhahi sapanehu na kalesu.1.
mora tumhra parama pururathu, svrathu sujasu dharamu paramrathu.
pitu yasu plihi

duhu bh

, loka beda bhala bh upa bhal

.2.
guru pitu mtu svmi sikha ple , calehu kumaga paga parahi

na khle .
asa bicri saba soca bih, plahu avadha avadhi bhari j.3.
desu kosu parijana parivr u, gura pada rajahi

lga charubhru.
tumha muni mtu saciva sikha mn, plehu puhumi praj rajadhn.4.
Brother,it is our preceptor (the sage Vasiha) and King Janaka who take
thought for you and me as well as for our people, whether we be at home or in the
forest. So long as our preceptor, the sage (Vivmitra) and the lord of Mithil are our
guardians, neither you nor I can even dream of trouble. For us two brothers, you as
well as myself, the highest achievement of our human life, nay, our material gain, our
glory, our virtue and our highest spiritual gain consist in this that both of us should obey
our fathers command. It is in vindicating the kings (our fathers) reputation (by
implementing his word) that our good lies both in the eyes of the world and in the
estimation of the Vedas. Those who follow the advice of their preceptor, father, mother
and master, never stumble even if they tread a wrong path. Pondering thus and putting
away all anxiety go and rule over Ayodhy till the appointed period. The responsibility
for the protection of our land, treasury, kinsmen and our own people rests on the dust
of our preceptors feet. As for yourself you should protect the earth, your subjects and
your capital in accordance with the advice of your preceptor (the sage Vasiha),
mothers and the minister (Sumantra). (14)
fr r -rrf r r
r; r; n at fa f+ -{~+
Do.: mukhi mukhu so chiai khna pna kahu eka,
plai poai sakala a ga tulas sahita bibeka.315.
A chief should be like the mouth, which alone does all the eating and drinking but
supports and nourishes all the other limbs with discretion, says Tulasdsa. (315)

*
AYODHY-K NA
*
635
r ar; ff r r nr;+
r t- r at f r ar rat+.{+
a t n f r f rrr+
f r rt t-t r a t f t-t+.+
t =rfr n rf r r +
a a r n t a +.-+
r f r +
a fa a f r a+.+
Cau.: rjadharama sarabasu etano, jimi mana mha manoratha go.
badhu prabodhu knha bahu bh

t, binu adhra mana tou na s

t.1.
bharata sla gura saciva samju, sakuca saneha bibasa raghuraju.
prabhu kari kp p

var

dnh

, sdara bharata ssa dhari lnh

.2.
caranapha karunnidhna ke, janu juga jmika praj prna ke.
sapua bharata saneha ratana ke, khara juga janu jva jatana ke.3.
kula kapa kara kusala karama ke, bimala nayana sev sudharama ke.
bharata mudita avalaba lahe te , asa sukha jasa siya rmu rahe te .4.
The essence of a kings duty is only this much, which lies hidden in the stras,
even as a desire is cherished in the heart (before it is expressed). The Lord comforted
His brother (Bharata) in many ways; but without some prop his mind found no
consolation or rest. His regard for Bharata, on the one hand, and the presence of
elders and ministers, on the other, overwhelmed tho Lord of Raghus with a mixed
feeling of embarrassment and affection. The Lord at last took compassion on him and
gave him His wooden sandals, which Bharata reverently placed on his head. The
sandals of the all-merciful Lord were like two watchmen entrusted with, the duty of
guarding the peoples life or they might be compared to a pair of caskets to enshrine
the jewel of Bharatas love or to the two syllables (constituting the word Rma)
intended for the (spiritual) practice of the human soul. Or they might be likened to a pair
of doors to guard the race (of Raghu) or a pair of hands to assist in the performance
of good deeds or again to a pair of eyes to show the noble path of service. Bharata
was highly pleased to get this prop; he felt as happy as if St and r Rma had
agreed to stay (in Ayodhy). (14)
rns fr r f r f s r;
rn sr fa f = r;+ -{+
Do.: mgeu bid pranmu kari rma lie ura li,
loga uce amarapati kuila kuavasaru pi.316.
He made obeisance and begged leave to depart and r Rma clasped him to his
bosom; while the malevolent lord of celestials, taking advantage of this adverse situation
made the people weary. (316)
r rf ; tt f r tf t t+
a= f r frnr f a rn rnr+.{+

636
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
rr rt f rf ; n nrrt+
a f r; a r r f a r+.+
a sn rnr t t -rnr+
rf r ra rt f r r rt+.-+
fn n t r +
ff f sr r ff n r+.+
Cau.: so kucli saba kaha bhai nk, avadhi sa sama jvani j k.
nataru lakhana siya rma biyog, hahari marata saba loga kurog.1.
rmakp

avareba sudhr, bibudha dhri bhai gunada gohr.

bheata bhuja bhari bhi bharata so, rma prema rasu kahi na parata so.2.
tana mana bacana umaga anurg, dhra dhuradhara dhraju tyg.
brija locana mocata br, dekhi das sura sabh dukhr.3.
munigana gura dhura dhra janaka se, gyna anala mana kase kanaka se.
je biraci niralepa upe, paduma patra jimi jaga jala je.4.
That mischief, however, proved a boon to all; it helped to sustain their life like the
hope of r Rmas returning to Ayodhy on the expiry of His term of exile. Otherwise
people would have succumbed to the fell disease of separation from Lakmaa, St and
Rma in great agony. By r Rmas grace the imbroglio was resolved and the gods,
who were hostilely disposed (towards the people of Ayodhy), now turned out helpful as
allies. r Rma locked His brother, Bharata, in a close embrace; the ecstasy of His love
cannot be described in words. His body, mind and speech overflowed with love and the
firmest of the firm lost all firmness. His lotus eyes streamed with tears; even the
assembly of gods was grieved to see His condition. The host of sages (assembled
there), the preceptor (the sage Vasiha) and a champion of firmness like Janaka, the
gold of whose mind had been tested in the fire of wisdom, nay, who were created by
Brahm as free from all attachment and were born in this world even as the lotus springs
up from water (and yet remains ever above it) (14)
as frf rr a tfa r
n a fa frn fr+ -{+
Do.: teu biloki raghubara bharata prti anupa apra,
bhae magana mana tana bacana sahita birga bicra.317.
Even they were overwhelmed in mind, body and speech and lost all reason and
dispassion when they saw incomparable and boundless affection of r Rma (the Chief
of Raghus) and Bharata. (317)
r n nfa fa rt ra tfa a fz rt+
a rr a frn f r f rff rn+.{+
r r rt s ff rt+
f a rr rr f f f f r+.+
f a = r; f f r n r;+
f r= rr n r rr+.-+

*
AYODHY-K NA
*
637
f rs r; t f r r;+
f ar frt rf rf rt+.+
Cau.: jah

janaka gura gati mati bhor, prkta prti kahata baRi khor.
baranata raghubara bharata biyogu, suni kahora kabi jnihi logu.1.
so sakoca rasu akatha subn, samau sanehu sumiri sakucn.
bhei bharatu raghubarasamujhe, puni ripudavanu harai hiya le.2.
sevaka saciva bharata rukha p, nija nija kja lage saba j.
suni druna dukhu duh u

samj, lage calana ke sjana sj.3.

prabhu pada paduma badi dou bh, cale ssa dhari rma raj.
muni tpasa banadeva nihor, saba sanamni bahori bahor.4.
The affection (of Sr Rma and Bharata) which baffled the wits of King Janaka and
the preceptor (Vasiha),it would be a great blunder to call it mundane. People would
account the poet hard-hearted if they heard him describe the parting of r Rma (the
Chief of Raghus) and Bharata. The rapture of that delicacy was past all telling; thinking
of the love that manifested itself on the occasion even eloquence shrunk into itself. r
Rma (the Chief of Raghus) first embraced Bharata and consoled him; and then He
gladly clasped atrughna to His bosom. Reading Bharatas mind his servants and
ministers all left and set about their respective duties. The people in both the camps were
sore distressed to learn this and began to prepare for the return journey. The two
brothers (Bharata and atrughna) adored the lotus-feet of their lord and bowing to the
orders of r Rma they set out on their journey. They supplicated the sages, ascetics
and sylvan gods and honoured them again and again. (14)
f f r f f f f f
t f n f+ -{c+
Do.: lakhanahi bhe i pranmu kari sira dhari siya pada dhuri,
cale saprema assa suni sakala sumagala muri.318.
Bharata then embraced Lakmaa, while atrughna bowed to him and both placed
the dust of Sts feet on their head; and receiving Her loving benediction, which was the
root of all fair blessings, they departed. (318)
r r f f r; tf- a ff f zr;+
r z rs fa r rf rs+.{+
n rf ; tr t- t f n tr+
f f r r fr f f r+.+
r t n rs r; f f n rf r;+
f r rrt f f rt+.-+
r rn f f rr fr f r rr+
rf = rr z rf rff +.+
Cau.: snuja rma npahi sira n, knhi bahuta bidhi binaya baR.
deva day basa baRa dukhu pyau, sahita samja knanahi

yau.1.

638
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
pura pagu dhria dei ass, knha dhra dhari gavanu mahs.
muni mahideva sdhu sanamne, bid kie hari hara sama jne.2.
ssu sampa gae dou bh, phire badi paga sia p.
kausika bmadeva jbl, purajana parijana saciva sucl.3.
jath jogu kari binaya pranm, bid kie saba snuja rm.
nri purua laghu madhya baRere, saba sanamni kpnidhi phere.4.
r Rma with His younger brother (Lakmaa) bowed His head to King Janaka
and supplicated and extolled him in many ways: Moved by compassion for us, my lord,
you suffered much and came all the way to this forest with your retinue. Now kindly
bestow your blessings on us and return to your capital. At this the king took courage
and departed. The Lord also treated with honour the sages and other Brhmaas and
holy men and bade good-bye to them with the same respect as is due to Hari (Bhagavn
Viu) and Hara (Lord iva). The two brothers (r Rma and Lakmaa) then called
on their mother-in-law and having adored her feet and received her blessings they came
back. r Rma and His younger brother Lakmaa) took leave of the sages Kauika
(Vivmitra), Vmadeva and Jbli, the citizens, His own kinsmen and faithful ministers
with due courtesy and obeisance. The gracious Lord sent back men and women of all
rankshigh, low and middlingwith due honour. (14)
a ra f f ff f
fr t- f rt r f+ -{+
Do.: bharata mtu pada badi prabhu suci saneha mili bhe i,
bid knha saji plak sakuca soca saba mei.319.
With sincere affection the Lord adored the feet of Bharatas mother (Kaikey) and
embraced her, and having removed all her embarrassment and grief saw her off in a
palanquin duly equipped for the purpose. (319)
f ra faf ff tar ft rf tar+
f r t r tfa a f f r+.{+
f f fa rf r; t t tfa r;+
rrfa rt nr; f r ra r;+.+
r r ff ff r; t r;+
rf rf n r rr a t- rr+.-+
z r f ar rf rn ar+
rf n f r rf r+.+
Cau.: parijana mtu pitahi mili st, phir prnapriya prema punt.
kari pranmu bhe

saba ss u, prti kahata kabi hiya na huls u.1.

suni sikha abhimata sia p, rah sya duhu prti sam.
raghupati pau plak

mag

, kari prabodhu saba mtu caRh

.2.
bra bra hili mili duhu bh

, sama saneha janan pahu c

.
sji bji gaja bhana nn, bharata bh upa dala knha payn.3.

*
AYODHY-K NA
*
639
hdaya rmu siya lakhana samet, cale jhi

saba loga acet.

basaha bji gaja pasu hiya hre , cale jhi

parabasa mana mre .4.

St, who cherished unalloyed love for Her most beloved lord returned after
meeting Her kinsmen, father (King Janaka) and mother (Queen Sunayan). Making
obeisance to Her mothers-in-law She embraced them all; the poet has no enthusiasm
left in his heart to describe Her affection. Listening to their advice and receiving
benedictions of Her liking St was lost in the love both of Her parents and mothers-
in-law. The Lord of Raghus sent for the beautiful palanquins and with words of
consolation He helped all His mothers mount them. The two brothers (r Rma and
Lakmaa) embraced them again and again with equal affection and sent them off.
Equipping the horses, elephants and vehicles of every description the hosts of Bharata
and King Janaka set out on their journey. With their hearts full of Rma, St and
Lakmaa, all the people went on their journey as if in a trance. Even the bullocks,
horses, elephants and other animals trudged on against their will, sad at heart and
depressed in spirits. (14)
n nfa f tar a
f f fa r fa+ -+
Do.: gura guratiya pada badi prabhu st lakhana sameta,
phire haraa bisamaya sahita e parana niketa.320.
Adoring the feet of the Guru (the sage Vasiha) and the Gurus wife (Arundhat)
the Lord as well as St and Lakmaa returned with a mixed feeling of joy and sorrow
to their hut of leaves. (320)
fr t- rf fr s z z f fr+
r fra fr rt f rrf rrt+.{+
f f rt f f frn frt+
a rs rt fr a rt+.+
tfa atfa t >rt r t+
af n n tr fr tr+.-+
f frf r rr t f f nfa rr rr t+
r f t- rr fa z r r+.+
Cau.: bid knha sanamni nidu, caleu hdaya baRa biraha bid u.
kola kirta bhilla banacr, phere phire johri johr.1.
prabhu siya lakhana baihi baachh

, priya parijana biyoga bilakhh

.
bharata saneha subhu subn, priy anuja sana kahata bakhn.2.
prti pratti bacana mana karan, rmukha rma prema basa baran.
tehi avasara khaga mga jala mn, citrak ua cara acara maln.3.
bibudha biloki das raghubara k, barai sumana kahi gati ghara gharak.
prabhu pranmu kari dnha bharoso, cale mudita mana ara na kharo so.4.
The Nida chief was courteously sent away and departed; leaving the Lord was

640
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
a great wrench to him. Pressed to return, the Kolas, Kirtas, Bhlas and other foresters
returned after bowing again and again. The lord with St and Lakmana sat down in the
shade of a banyan tree and grieved over their separation from their near and dear ones.
He described to His beloved spouse (St) and younger brother (Lakmaa) the affection,
noble disposition and polite speech of Bharata. Overpowered by love r Rma extolled
with His own blessed lips Bharatas faith and affection in thought, word and deed. At that
time the birds, beasts and the fish in water,nay, all the animate and inanimate creatures
of Citrakua felt disconsolate. The gods, when they saw the condition of r Rma (the
Chief of Raghus), rained down flowers and told Him what had been going on in their
homes. The Lord made obeisance and reassured them and they returned, glad of heart,
without the least fear in their mind. (14)
r t a ra t
nfa r r ra t+ -{+
Do.: snuja sya sameta prabhu rjata parana kura,
bhagati gynu bairgya janu sohata dhare sarra.321.
With St and His younger brother (Lakmaa) the Lord shone forth in His hut of
leaves. It seemed as if Bhakti (Devotion), Vairgya (Dispassion) and Jna (Wisdom) had
appeared in shining forms. (321)
f f n a r r f r fr+
n nr na rt r n rt+.{+
r saf r r r= f r n+
saf f r rr t- r+.+
; saf nrat r f r+
r rt r r r rt+.-+
f f n af r afa rf r+
n rf n f rt r rt+.+
Cau.: muni mahisura gura bharata bhulu, rma biraha sabu sju bihl u.
prabhu guna grma ganata manamh

, saba cupacpa cale maga jh

.1.
jamun utari pra sabu bhaya u, so bsaru binu bhojana gayau.
utari devasari dusara bs u, rmasakh

saba knha supsu.2.

sa utari gomat

nahe, cauthe divasa avadhapura e.

janaku rahe pura bsara cr, rja kja saba sja sa bhr.3.
sau pi saciva gura bharatahi rju, terahuti cale sji sabu sju.
nagara nri nara gura sikha mn, base sukhena rma rajadhn.4.
The sages and other Brhmaas, the Guru (the sage Vasiha), Bharata and
King Janaka,the whole host was mentally disturbed on account of their parting with r
Rma. Revolving in their mind the numerous virtues of the lord all wended their way in
silence. Crossing the Yamun everyone reached the other bank; the day passed without
any food. The next halt was made on the other bank of the Gag (at gaverapura)
where r Rmas friend (Guha) made all arrangements for their comfort. Ferrying over
the Sa they bathed in the Gomat and reached Ayodhy on the fourth day. King Janaka

*
AYODHY-K NA
*
641
stayed in the capital for four days, looked after the state administration as well as all the
state property and, entrusting the reins of government to the ministers, the Guru (the
sage Vasiha) and Bharata, he left for Tirahuta (his capital) after making all necessary
preparations. Following the preceptors advice the men and women of the city ensconced
themselves in r Rmas capital (Ayodhy). (14)
r fn rn a sr
af af rn fa f t r+ -+
Do.: rma darasa lagi loga saba karata nema upabsa,
taji taji bhuana bhoga sukha jiata avadhi k

sa.322.
All the people practised religious austerities and fasted in order to be able to see
Rma again. Discarding all personal adornments and sensuous pleasures they survived
in the hope that the term of his exile would expire soon. (322)
f a r f f r r; f r+
f f tf- rf rr r; t ra r;+.{+
rf a r f r f fr+
t r r r r+.+
f r rr rr f r+
r n n n rt f za a rt+ -+
r r; a r r f a f r+
r ar r; r= n r;f r;+.+
Cau.: saciva susevaka bharata prabodhe, nija nija kja pi sikha odhe.
puni sikha dnhi boli laghu bh, sau p sakala mtu sevak.1.
bhusura boli bharata kara jore, kari pranma baya binaya nihore.
u

ca nca kraju bhala pocu, yasu deba na karaba sa kocu.2.

parijana purajana praj bole, samdhnu kari subasa base.
snuja ge gura geha bahor, kari daavata kahata kara jor.3.
yasu hoi ta rahau sanem, bole muni tana pulaki sapem.
samujhaba kahaba karaba tumha jo, dharama sru jaga hoihi so.4.
Bharata instructed the ministers and trusty servants, who set about their
respective duties as directed. Then, calling his younger brother (atrughna), he
admonished him and entrusted him with the service of all their mothers. Summoning
the Brhmaas he made obeisance and, joining his palms, prayed to them with due
courtesy befitting their age: Pray charge me with any dutyhigh or low, good or
indifferentand hesitate not. He also sent for his kinsmen, citizens and other people
and setting their mind at rest established them peacefully. Accompanied by his younger
brother (atrughna) he then called on his preceptor and, prostrating himself before him,
submitted with joined palms, With your permission I will now live a life of penance.
Thrilling over with love the sage replied,Whatever you think, speak or do will be the
essence of piety in this world. (14)

642
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
f f r; t fz n rf f rf
frrr rr r f=rf+ --+
Do.: suni sikha pi assa baRi ganaka boli dinu sdhi,
sighsana prabhu pduk baihre nirupdhi.233.
Hearing this advice and receiving the great blessing (from his preceptor) Bharata
called astrologers and, fixing an auspicious day (and hour), happily installed on the
throne of Ayodhy the wooden sandals of the Lord. (323)
r ra n f= r; t r r;+
fnr f tr t- fr tr+.{+
r f f rt f f rt rt+
r a r a f ff r+.+
rn t a a fa at+
r r fr; f r;+.-+
af a a f rnr t ff rnr+
r fr r rnt aa ff zrnt+.+
Cau.: rma mtu gura pada siru n, prabhu pada pha rajyasu p.
nadigva kari parana kur, knha nivsu dharama dhura dhr.1.
jajua sira munipaa dhr, mahi khani kusa s

thar sa vr.
asana basana bsana brata nem, karata kahina rii dharama saprem.2.
bhuana basana bhoga sukha bhur, mana tana bacana taje tina tur.
avadha rju sura rju sih, dasaratha dhanu suni dhanadu laj.3.
tehi

pura basata bharata binu rg, cacarka jimi capaka bg.

ram bilsu rma anurg, tajata bamana jimi jana baRabhg.4.
Bowing his head at the feet of r Rmas mother (Kausaly) and his preceptor
(the sage Vasiha) and receiving the permission of the Lords sandals, Bharata, a
staunch upholder of righteousness, erected a hut of leaves at Nandigrma and took up
his abode there. Wearing a tuft of a matted locks on his head and clad in hermits
robes, he dug the earth low and spread thereon a litter of Kua grass. In food, dress,
utensils, sacred observances and austerities he devoutly practised the rigid vow of
hermits and professedly discarded, in thought, word and deed, all adornments of body,
wearing apparel and the many pleasures of the sense. The sovereignty of Ayodhy
was the envy even of Indra (the lord of celestials), while the very report of the riches
possessed by Daaratha put to shame even Kubera (the god of riches); yet in that city
Bharata dwelt as indifferent as a bee in a garden of Campaka* flowers. The blessed
souls who are devoted to r Rma renounce like vomit the splendour of Lakm (the
wealth and enjoyments of the world). (14)
r r a z f afa
ra rfa f ffa+ -+
*Even though the Campaka flower is very sweet-scented, the bee, it is alleged, never sucks it.

*
AYODHY-K NA
*
643
Do.: rma pema bhjana bharatu baRe na ehi

karatuti,
ctaka hasa sarhiata eka bibeka bibhuti.324.
As for Bharata, he was the beloved of r Rma and did not owe his greatness
to this achievement. The Ctaka bird is praised for its constancy and the swan for its
power of discrimination (sifting milk from water). (324)
f f f r; rr; a f r;+
fa r tr a tr+.{+
ff frra r fa a fr+
f srr a a f f rr+.+
ftr f rr t trf fa tf frt+
r f rr fa r r fa rr+.-+
a f rf aat nfa ffa n f fat+
a f rt n fnr n rt+.+
Cau.: deha dinahu dina d ubari ho, ghaai teju balu mukha chabi so.
nita nava rma prema panu pn, baRhata dharama dalu manu na maln.1.
jimi jalu nighaata sarada prakse, bilasata betasa banaja bikse.
sama dama sajama niyama ups, nakhata bharata hiya bimala aks.2.
dhruva bisvsu avadhi rk s, svmi surati surabthi biks.
rma pema bidhu acala ado, sahita samja soha nita cokh.3.
bharata rahani samujhani karat ut, bhagati birati guna bimala bibh ut.
baranata sakala sukabi sakuch

, sesa ganesa gir gamu nh

.4.
His body grew thinner day by day. His fat was reduced, yet his strength of body
and the charm of his face remained the same. The flame of his love for r Rma was
ever bright and strong. His partiality for virtue steadily grew and his mind was not at
all sad, even as with the advent of autumn the water (of lakes and rivers etc.) decreases
but the rattan plants thrive and the lotus blossoms. Control of the mind and senses,
self-restraint, religious observances and fasting shone like so many stars in the
cloudless sky of Bharatas heart. His faith stood as the pole-star, the prospect of r
Rmas return on the expiry of His term of exile represented the full-moon night, while
the thought of his lord glistened like the milky way. And his affection for r Rma was
like a fixed and spotless moon that ever shone clear amidst a galaxy of stars. All great
poets hesitate to portray the mode of living, the creed, the doings, the devotion, the
dispassion, the stainless virtues and the splendour of Bharata; they baffle the wits of
even ea (the thousand-headed lord of serpents), Gaea (the god of wisdom) and
Sarasvat (the goddess of speech). (14)
fa a rt tfa z rfa
rfn rfn r a r r rfa+ -~+
Do.: nita pujata prabhu p

var prti na hdaya samti,

mgi mgi yasu karata rja kja bahu bh

ti.325.

644
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
He daily worshipped the Lords sandals with a heart overflowing with affection and
constantly referred to them in the disposal of the many affairs of the state. (325)
nra f f rrt= t r r t=+
r f r t a f a a t+.{+
rs ff fr a rn ff a r rn+
f a r rt f r fr rt+.+
ta a r n +
f f rr ff f+.-+
r nr ar r+
r= r r r=+.+
Cau.: pulaka gta hiya siya raghubru, jha nmu japa locana nr u.
lakhana rma siya knana basah

, bharatu bhavana basi tapa tanu kasah

.1.
dou disi samujhi kahata sabu logu, saba bidhi bharata sarhana jogu.
suni brata nema sdhu sakuch

, dekhi das munirja lajh

.2.
parama punta bharata caran u, madhura maju muda magala karan u.
harana kahina kali kalua kales u, mahmoha nisi dalana dines u.3.
ppa puja kujara mgarju, samana sakala satpa samju.
jana rajana bhajana bhava bhr u, rma saneha sudhkara sru.4.
His body thrilling all over (with emotion) and heart full of St and r Rma, his
tongue repeated r Rmas name and tears flowed from his eyes. Lakmaa, r Rma
and St dwelt in the forest; while Bharata mortified his flesh through austere penance
even though living at home. After considering both sides, everyone said that Bharata was
praiseworthy in everyway. Holy men felt abashed to hear of his religious vows and
observances and the sight of his condition put the greatest of sages to shame. The most
sanctifying story of Bharatas doing is delightful and charming and a fountain of joy and
blessings. It drives away the terrible sins and afflictions of the Kali age; it is a veritable
sun to disperse the night of the great delusion (which has thrown us into this world) and
is a lion (the king of beasts) for crushing the herd of elephants in the shape of sins and
allays all kinds of sufferings. It delights the devotees, relieves the burden of transmigration
and is the essence of the moon of devotion to r Rma. (14)
f r f ra a r
f n f f a ra r+
r rf f a r
fr at f- f r a r+
Cha. : siya rma prema piyua purana hota janamu na bharata ko,
muni mana agama jama niyama sama dama biama brata carata ko.
dukha dha drida dabha duana sujasa misa apaharata ko,
kalikla tulas se sahanhi hahi rma sanamukha karata ko.

*
AYODHY-K NA
*
645
If Bharata, who brimmed over with the nectar of devotion to St and r Rma,
had never been born, who would have practised the difficult vow of self-abnegation and
austerity and control of the mind and senses, that transcended the imagination even of
sages? Who would have dispelled the woes, burning agony, poverty, hypocrisy and
other evils of the world through his fair renown; and who in this Kali age would have
forcibly diverted the mind of villains like Tulasdsa towards r Rma?
a fa f at r r f
t r f r; ffa+ -+
So.: bharata carita kari nemu tulas jo sdara sunahi
,
sya rma pada pemu avasi hoi bhava rasa birati.326.
Whosoever reverently hear, says Tulasdsa, the story of Bharata with strict
regularity shall assuredly acquire devotion to the feet of St and Rma and a distaste
for the pleasures of life. (326)
[PAUSE 21 FOR A THIRTY-DAY RECITATION]
;fa >rtrfar ff
fat rr re
iti rmadrmacaritammase sakala kalikaluavidhvasane dvitya sopna sampta.
Thus ends the second descent into the Mnasa lake
of r Rmas exploits, that eradicates all the
impurities of the Kali age.
\\vv\\ \\vv\\ \\vv\\ \\vv\\ \\vv\\
fr faf
f r f r f r+

r Rmacaritamnasa
(The Mnasa lake containing the exploits of r Rma)
Descent Three
(Araya-Ka)

arf r-r-
rrrrt n rrrrr-ar ar
rrrrnrf tr r
- zr r >rtrf+ {+
loka
m ula dharmatarorvivekajaladhe p urendumnandada
vairgymbujabhskara hyaghaghanadhvntpaha tpaham,
mohmbhodharap ugapanavidhau svasambhava akara
vande brahmakula kalakaamana rrmabh upapriyam.1.
I reverence Bhagavn akara, the progeny of Brahm, the very root of the tree
of piety, the beloved, devotee of King r Rma, the full moon that brings joy to the ocean
of wisdom, the sun that opens the lotus of dispassion, the wind that disperses the clouds
of ignorance, who dispels the thick darkness of sin and eradicates the threefold agony
and who wipes off obloquy. (1)
r-r-rna tarr -
rr rrrr f-rrtr
rtrar ar rrfa
tarra fna rrfr + +
sndrnandapayodasaubhagatanu ptmbara sundara
pau baarsana kailasatturabhra varam,
rjvyatalocana dhtajajuena saobhita
stlakmaasayuta pathigata rmbhirma bhaje.2.
I worship r Rma, the delighter of all, whose graceful form is an embodiment of
joy and is dark as a rainy cloud, who is clad in a charming yellow bark and carries in
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
648
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
His hands a bow and an arrow who has a beautiful, shining and well-equipped quiver
fastened to His waist and has a pair of large lotus eyes, who is adorned with a tuft of
matted locks on His head and who is seen journeying with St and Lakmaa. (2)
0sr r n n fza f rf ffa
rf r f f f fa+
So.: um rma guna guRha paita muni pvahi

birati,
pvahi

moha bimuRha je hari bimukha na dharma rati.

r Rmas virtues, Um (Prvat ), are mysterious. The sages as well as learned
men develop dispassion (when they appreciate them ); while the deluded fools who are
hostile to r Hari and have no love for piety get bewildered to hear of them.
0 a tfa nr; fa = r;+
fa fa r a f r+ {+
r f r f r r+
taf fr r f fr + +
fa a f r r ra rrfa r+
ff ftfr rn rr r fa r rr+ -+
tar r fa rnr fa r rnr+
r =f rrr rr t r rr+ +
Cau.: pura nara bharata prti mai

g, mati anur upa an upa suh.

aba prabhu carita sunahu ati pvana, karata je bana sura nara muni bhvana.1.
eka bra cuni kusuma suhe, nija kara bh uana rma bane.
stahi pahire prabhu sdara, baihe phaika sil para sudara.2.
surapati suta dhari byasa be, saha chata raghupati bala dekh.
jimi piplik sgara thh, mah madamati pvana ch.3.
st carana coca hati bhg, m uRha madamati krana kg.
cal rudhira raghunyaka jn, ska dhanua syaka sadhn.4.
I have portrayed to the best of my ability the incomparable and charming affection
( for r Rma ) of the citizens (of Ayodhy ) as well as of Bharata. Now hear of the all-holy
exploits of the Lord, that He wrought in the forest to the delight of gods, men and sages. On
one ocasion r Rma culled lovely flowers and made with His own hands a number of
ornaments, with which He fondly decked St and sat with Her on a beautiful rock of
crystal. The foolish son of Indra ( the lord of celestials ) took the form of a crow and wanted
to test the might of r Rma ( the Lord of Raghus ) even as the most dull-witted ant would
sound the depths of the ocean. The stupid fool, who had disguised himself as a crow with a
sinister motive, bit St in the foot with his beak and flew away. The Lord of Raghus came to
know it only when blood ran from Her foot, and fitted a shaft of reed to His bow. (14)
0fa r rrr r t
ar r; t- n n+ {+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
ARA NYA-K NA
*
649
Do.: ati kpla raghunyaka sad dna para neha,
t sana i knha chalu murakha avaguna geha.1.
The Lord of Raghus is extremely compassionate and is always fond of the meek.
But the mischievous fool came and played a trick even with Him. (1)
0fa r zr rr r rf r rr+
f f = ns fa rt r f rr af rt+ {+
r fr st rrr r ff rr+
zrr f rr fr >rfa r rr+ +
r r rt rf r ; r rt+
ra - fa rr r r; f frr+ -+
fr ; a f t ar ft at+
n arf a arar r rrt f rar+ +
r r f ar rfn r r fa ar+
r aa r f art f rf a fa rt+ ~+
ra n f r; rrf rrf r rr r; +
afa afa ar; fa rf f r;+ +
f a fa rs rf af rs+
f r fa ra rt f ar rt+ +
Cau.: prerita matra brahmasara dhv, cal bhji byasa bhaya pv.
dhari nija rupa gayau pitu ph

, rma bimukha rkh tehi nh

.1.
bh nirsa upaj mana trs, jath cakra bhaya rii durbs.
brahmadhma sivapura saba lok, phir ramita bykula bhaya sok.2.
khu

baihana kah na oh, rkhi ko sakai rma kara droh.

mtu mtyu pitu samana samn, sudh hoi bia sunu harijn.3.
mitra karai sata ripu kai karan, t kaha bibudhanad baitaran.
saba jagu thi analahu te tt, jo raghubra bimukha sunu bhrt.4.
nrada dekh bikala jayat, lgi day komala cita sat.
pahav turata rma pahi

th, kahesi pukri pranata hita ph.5.

tura sabhaya ghesi pada j, trhi trhi dayla raghur.
atulita bala atulita prabhut, ma

matimada jni nahi

p.6.
nija kta karma janita phala pyau , aba prabhu phi sarana taki yau .
suni kpla ati rata bn, ekanayana kari taj bhavn.7.
Winged with a spell, the shaft presided over by Brahm* sped forth and the crow
in terror took to flight. Indras son now assumed his own form and approached his father.
* Our scriptures mention a number of missiles each presided over by a particular deity and varying in
its potency according to the god by whom it is presided over and which can be invoked on any earthly weapon
by means of spells. For instance we hear of an Agni-Astra ( presided over by the fire-god ),a Vyavystra
(presided over by the wind-god), Parjanystra (presided over by the rain-god). Pupatstra (presided over
by Lord iva ) and Nryastra (presided over by Bhagavn Nryaa ) and so on. The Agni-Astra, when
discharged, rains volleys of fire; the Vyavystra lets loose strong winds; the Parjanystra releases clouds
with showers and so on. It is unfortunate that the knowledge of this science, which was evidenced till the end
of Dvpara, has become extinct now.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
650
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
But the latter refused to give him shelter knowing him to be an enemy of r Rma. Having
lost hope ( of protection ) he felt as alarmed at heart as the sage Durvs was afraid of the
Lords Discus. Weary and stricken with fear and grief, he traversed the abode of Brahm,
the realm of Lord iva and all other regions. But no one even asked him to sit down. Who
can dare afford shelter to an enemy of r Rma ? Listen, Garua (mount of r Hari ), a
mother becomes as terrible as death and a father assumes the role of Yama ( the god of
death), ambrosia turns into venom and a friend becomes as hostile as a hundred enemies,
the celestial river ( Gag ) is converted into the Vaitara* nay the whole world becomes
hotter than fire to him who is inimical to r Rma. The sage Nrada saw Jayanta (Indras
son ) in distress and was moved with pity; for saints are always tender of heart. The sage
sent him immediately to r Rma and he cried out, Save me, O friend of the suppliant !
Bewildered and terrified he went and clasped His feet and said, Mercy ! mercy ! O
gracious Lord of Raghus. I could not perceive Your incomparable might and matchless
glory, dull-witted as I am. I have reaped the fruit born by my own actions and have now
sought refuge in You. Protect me, my Lord! When the all-merciful Lord heard his most
piteous appeal, He let him go with the loss of one eye, O Prvat. (17)
0t- r r uf af sfa
rzs f r r r rrt + +
So.: knha moha basa droha jadyapi tehi kara badha ucita,
prabhu chReu kari choha ko kpla raghubra sama.2.
Even though in his infatuation Jayanta had antagonized the Lord and therefore
deserved death, the latter took compassion on him and let him go. Who is there so
merciful as the Hero of Raghus line? (2)
0rrfa fr f rr fa f >rfa r rr+
f r rr r;f t f rf rr+ {+
f- fr r; tar fa r;+
fr r>r n a rf fa + +
fa nra fr sf r f r ra f r+
a za f s r rf -r+ -+
f r f zr r f r>r a r+
f r f r f r+ +
Cau.: raghupati citrakua basi nn, carita kie ruti sudh samn.
bahuri rma asa mana anumn, hoihi bhra sabahi

mohi jn.1.
sakala muninha sana bid kar, st sahita cale dvau bh.
atri ke rama jaba prabhu gaya u, sunata mahmuni haraita bhaya u.2.
pulakita gta atri uhi dhe, dekhi rmu tura cali e.
karata daavata muni ura le, prema bri dvau jana anhave.3.
dekhi rma chabi nayana juRne, sdara nija rama taba ne.
kari puj kahi bacana suhe, die m ula phala prabhu mana bhe.4.
* The name of a river in hell, which the dead have to cross before entering the infernal regions. It is
represented as a filthy stream full of blood, hair and bones and every other kind of impurity. It can be crossed
only with the help of a cow that may have been gifted by the deceased during his life-time.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
ARA NYA-K NA
*
651
Staying at Citrakua the Lord of Raghus performed exploits of many kinds, which
are sweet to the ear as nectar. r Rma then thought to Himself, People will throng here
now that (everyone has come to know me. Taking leave of all the hermits, therefore, the
two brothers ( r Rma and Lakmaa ) left the place with St. When the Lord repaired
to Atris hermitage, the great sage was rejoiced at the news. Thrilling all over ( with joy)
Atri sprang up and ran to meet Him; and seeing him come r Rma too advanced
hurriedly towards him. Even as the two brothers prostrated themselves the sage lifted
them, and clasping them to his bosom bathed them with tears of love. His eyes were
gladdened by the sight of r Rmas beauty and then he reverently escorted them to his
hermitage. Paying his homage to the Lord he spoke kind words to Him and offered Him
roots and fruits, which He relished much. (14)
0 r rt f r rr ff
f t rf rf tafa a+ -+
So.: prabhu sana sna bhari locana sobh nirakhi,
munibara parama prabna jori pni astuti karata.3.
As the Lord took His seat Atri (the chief of sages), supremely wise as he was,
feasted his eyes on His loveliness, and joining his palms proceeded to extol Him(3)
U0rf + - r rt r+
rf a r rfr tr+ {+
fr r rrr +
r rf r r+ +
r f r +
fn r r frr r+ -+
fr r z r r z+
t a rf + +
r f fa rf fa+
frq r fn ta rr+ ~+
rf ;fr fa r ar nfa+
rf+ r rt fa fr+ +
-frr r fa t -r+
afa r rr fa tf + +
ff+ rf r fa + r+
ft ; f rf rfa a nfa t+ c+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
652
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
a a ftt4 f+
n= rr4a at + +
rf r rfnr +
t+ r r -+ {+
= fa arfr fa+
t rf a r f+ f + {{+
fa ta ; rr a +
fa rr r -t f+ ar+ {+
Cha.: nammi bhakta vatsala, kplu la komala.
bhajmi te padbuja, akmin svadhmada.01.
nikma yma sudara, bhavmbuntha madara.
praphulla kaja locana, maddi doa mocana.02.
pralaba bhu vikrama, prabhoprameya vaibhava.
niaga cpa syaka, dhara triloka nyaka.03.
dinea vaa maana, mahea cpa khaana.
mundra sata rajana, surri vda bhajana.04.
manoja vairi vadita, ajdi deva sevita.
viuddha bodha vigraha, samasta duapaha.05.
nammi idir pati, sukhkara sat gati.
bhaje saakti snuja, ac pati priynuja.06.
tvadaghri mula ye nar, bhajati hna matsar.
patati no bhavrave, vitarka vci sakule.07.
vivikta vsina sad, bhajati muktaye mud.
nirasya idriydika, prayti te gati svaka.08.
tamekamadbhuta prabhu, nirhamvara vibhu.
jagadguru ca vata, turyameva kevala.09.
bhajmi bhva vallabha, kuyogin sudurlabha.
svabhakta kalpa pdapa, sama susevyamanvaha. 10.
anupa rupa bh upati, natohamurvij pati.
prasda me nammi te, padbja bhakti dehi me. 11.
pahati ye stava ida, nardarea te pada.
vrajati ntra saaya, tvadya bhakti sayut.12.
I reverence You, who are so fond of Your devotees, compassionate and gentle
of disposition. I adore Your lotus feet, which vouchsafe to Your selfless lovers a quarter
in Your own abode. You are possessed of an exquisitely beautiful swarthy form; You are
Mount Mandara as it were to churn the ocean of mundane existence;You have eyes like
the full-blown lotus and rid Your votaries of pride and other vices. Immense is the might
of Your long arms and immeasurable Your glory. You carry on Your person a quiver, a
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
ARA NYA-K NA
*
653
bow and an arrow, O Lord of the three worlds ! The ornament of the solar race, You
broke the bow of the great Lord iva. Delighting the greatest sages and saints, You
crush the host of demons ( the enemies of gods ). You are an object of reverence to Lord
iva, and are adored by Brahm and other divinities. An embodiment of pure consciousness,
You destroy all evils. I bow to Lakms lord, the fountain of joy and the salvation of
saints. I adore You with Your Spouse (St) and younger brother (Lakmaa), Yourself
a beloved younger Brother* of Indra ( achs lord). Men who worship the sole of Your
feet and are free from jealousy sink not into the ocean of metempsychosis, turbulent with
the billows of wrangling. They who, living in seclusion, constantly worship You with their
senses and mind etc., fully subdued for the sake of attaining liberation are able to realize
their own self. I adore Him, the mysterious Lord, who is one (without a second),
desireless, all-powerful and omnipresent, the teacher of the world, eternal, transcending
the three Guas (Sattva, Rajas and Tamas) and absolute (self-existent). I adore Him
who is fond of devotion, who is most difficult of access to sensually-minded strivers but
who is a wish-yielding tree to His own devotees, nay, who is impartial and so easy to
worship from day to day. I bow to Sts lord, King Rma of matchless beauty. I
reverence You; be gracious to me and grant me devotion to Your lotus feet. Men who
recite this hymn with reverence undoubtedly attain Your abode, acquiring devotion to
Your feet at the same time. (112)
0fat f f r; f= rf rf
r= r f a fa rf+ +
Do.: binat kari muni ni siru kaha kara jori bahori,
carana saroruha ntha jani kabahu tajai mati mori.4.
Having prayed thus the sage bowed his head, and joining his palms spoke again:
My mind, O Lord, may never abandon Your lotus feet. (4)
0;r nf tar ft rf t ftar+
fffat fr; rf ; f r;+ {+
f fr fa a r+
ff rt rf r rt+ +
ra far rar fart fa rrt+
fa rf ar t r rf r at+ -+
t fr = rt r r ff=rf rt+
q rn z tr f rt fa tr+ +
fa f rr rf r rr+
; a r r fa r+ ~+
n faar rf ff t r a t+
s-r rt r = n rt+ +
* The Lord is here identified with Bhagavn Vmana ( the divine Dwarf), who was born of Aditi
( Kayapas wife) as a younger brother of Indra.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
654
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
fa ; rar far r f +
frf fr ; r ffy fr >rfa ;+ +
f a r; r rf n r;+
fa fa fa ; r a ;+ c +
rfn a rt r af r rt+
f >r rf nfa ; faa rfz n;+ +
fa fa r; fr r; r; a=r;+ {+
Cau.: anusuiy ke pada gahi st, mil bahori susla bint.
riipatin mana sukha adhik, sia dei nikaa baih.1.
dibya basana bhuana pahire, je nita n utana amala suhe.
kaha riibadhu sarasa mdu bn, nridharma kachu byja bakhn.2.
mtu pit bhrt hitakr, mitaprada saba sunu rjakumr.
amita dni bhart bayadeh, adhama so nri jo seva na teh.3.
dhraja dharma mitra aru nr, pada kla parikhiahi

cr.
bddha rogabasa jaRa dhanahn, adha badhira krodh ati dn.4.
aisehu pati kara kie apamn, nri pva jamapura dukha nn.
ekai dharma eka brata nem, kya bacana mana pati pada prem.5.
jaga patibrat cri bidhi ahah

, beda purna sata saba kahah

.
uttama ke asa basa mana mh

, sapanehu na purua jaga nh

.6.
madhyama parapati dekhai kaise , bhrt pit putra nija jaise .
dharma bicri samujhi kula raha, so nikia triya ruti asa kaha.7.
binu avasara bhaya te raha jo, jnehu adhama nri jaga so.
pati bacaka parapati rati kara, raurava naraka kalpa sata para.8.
chana sukha lgi janama sata ko, dukha na sumujha tehi sama ko kho.
binu rama nri parama gati laha, patibrata dharma chRi chala gaha.9.
pati pratikula janama jaha j, bidhav hoi pi tarun.10.
Then St, who was so good natured and modest, met Anasuy ( Atris wife ) and
clasped her feet. The sages wife felt extremely pleased at heart; she blessed Her and
seating Her by her side arrayed Her in heavenly robes and ornaments that remained
ever new, clean and charming. In affectionate and mild tones the holy woman then
proceeded to discourse on some wifely virtues, making Her an occasion for such
discourse: Listen, O Princess: a mother, father and brother are all kind to us; but they
bestow only limited joy. A husband, however, bestows unlimited joy (in the shape of
blessedness), O Videhas daughter; vile is the woman who refuses to serve him.
Fortitude, piety a friend and a wifethese four are put to the test only in times of
adversity. A woman who treats her husband with disrespecteven though he is old,
sick, dull-headed, indigent, blind, deaf, wrathful or most wretchedshall suffer various
torments in hell (the abode of Yama). Devotion of body, speech and mind to her lords
feet is the only duty, sacred vow and penance of a woman. There are four types of
faithful wives in this world: so declare the Vedas, the Puras and all the saints. A
woman of the best type is convinced in her heart of hearts that she cannot even dream
in this world of a man other than her lord. The middling regards anothers husband as
her own brother, father or son ( according to his age). She who is restrained by
considerations of virtue or by the thought of her race is declared by the Vedas as a low
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
ARA NYA-K NA
*
655
woman. And know her to be the lowest woman in this world, who is restrained only by
fear and want of opportunity. The woman who deceives her husband and loves a
paramour is cast for a hundred cycles into the worst form of hell known by the name of
Raurava. Who is so depraved as the woman who for the sake of a moments pleasure
reckons not the torment that shall endure for a thousand million births! The woman
who sincerely takes a vow of fidelity to her husband easily attains the highest state; while
she who is disloyal to her lord is widowed as soon as she attains her youth wherever
she may be reborn. (110)
0 rf rf fa a nfa ;
nra >r fa rf a fr ff f + ~ (+
tar a r ff rf faa f
arf rf r fs r r fa+ ~ (+
So.: sahaja apvani nri pati sevata subha gati lahai,
jasu gvata ruti cri ajahu tulasik harihi priya.5(A).
sunu st tava nma sumiri nri patibrata karahi

,
tohi prnapriya rma kahiu kath sasra hita.5(B).
A woman is impure by her very birth; but she attains a happy state (hereafter) by
serving her lord. (It is due to her loyalty to her husband that) Tulas is loved by r Hari
even to this day and her glory is sung by all the four Vedas. Listen, St: women will
maintain their vow of fidelity to their husband by invoking your very name, r Rma
being dear to you as your own life. It is for the good of the world that I have spoken to
you on the subject. (5 A-B)
0f rt rr r ar f= rr+
a f rfrr r r; rs rr+ {+
aa r r rf a f +
rt f r f rt+ +
r r f rt a r rt+
a ar r r fr t sr+ -+
rt >rt ar; t arf fr;+
f r fa f r; ar t r;+ +
f ff r trt r ar art+
f frf f tr r tr+ ~+
Cau.: suni jnak

parama sukhu pv, sdara tsu carana siru nv.

taba muni sana kaha kpnidhn, yasu hoi ju bana n.1.
satata mo para kp kareh u, sevaka jni tajehu jani neh u.
dharma dhuradhara prabhu kai bn, suni saprema bole muni gyn.2.
jsu kp aja siva sanakd, cahata sakala paramratha bd.
te tumha rma akma pire, dna badhu mdu bacana ucre.3.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
656
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
aba jn mai

r catur, bhaj tumhahi saba deva bih.

jehi samna atisaya nahi

ko, t kara sla kasa na asa ho.4.

kehi bidhi kahau jhu aba svm, kahahu ntha tumha atarajm.
asa kahi prabhu biloki muni dhr, locana jala baha pulaka sarr.5.
Janakas Daughter (St) was overjoyed to hear this discourse and reverently
bowed Her head at the feet of Anasuy. The All-merciful then said to the sage, With your
permission I would go to some other forest. Continue to shower your grace on me; and
knowing me to be your servant never cease loving me. Hearing these words of the Lord,
who was a champion of virtue the enlightened sage lovingly replied, You are the same
Rma ( the supreme Deity), the beloved of the desireless and the friend of the meek,
whose favour is sought by Brahm (the Unborn), Lord iva, the sage Sanaka and all
other preachers (knowers) of the highest Reality; and yet you are addressing such polite
words to me. I now understand the wisdom of r (Goddess Lakm), who chose You
(as Her Lord) to the exclusion of all other gods. How can He who is unequalled and
unsurpassed by anyone else be less amiable than He is! How can I say,You may go
now, my lord? Tell me, my master, knowing as You do the hearts of all. Having spoken
thus the sage kept gazing on the Lord, thrilling all over with emotion and his eyes flowing
with tears. (15)
U0a f f
r n nrata t a r f+
rn a nfa r;
rrt fa ta ff f r at nr;+
Cha.: tana pulaka nirbhara prema purana nayana mukha pakaja die.
mana gyna guna gotta prabhu ma

dkha japa tapa k kie,

japa joga dharma samuha te nara bhagati anupama pva.
raghubra carita punta nisi dina dsa tulas gva,
Thrilling all over with excess love, the sage rivetted his eyes on the Lords lotus
face. He thought to himself,What prayers did I mutter and what austerity did I perform that
I was enabled to behold with my own eyes the Lord who is beyond all knowledge and
transcends the three Guas as well as the senses and mind. It is through Japa (muttering
of prayers). Yoga (concentration of mind) and a host of religious observances that man
acquires devotion, which is incomparable ( as a means of God-Realization). So does
Tulasdsa sing the all-holy exploits of r Rma (the Hero of Raghus line) day and night.
0f r
r f fa- r f + (+
0f r r r rn
ff r rf f a a + (+
Do.: kalimala samana damana mana rma sujasa sukhamula,
sdara sunahi

je tinha para rma rahahi

anukula. 6(A).
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
ARA NYA-K NA
*
657
So.: kahina kla mala kosa dharma na gyna na joga japa,
parihari sakala bharosa rmahi bhajahi

te catura nara.6(B).
The praises of r Rma destroy the impurities of the Kali age, subdue the mind
and are a source of delight. r Rma remains ever propitious to those who listen to them
with reverence. This terrible age (of Kali) is a repertory of sins; piety, spiritual wisdom,
Yoga or Japa are out of place in this age. They alone, are wise, who worship r Rma
giving up all other hopes. (6 A-B)
0f r; f tr f f ;r+
rn r f r f fa r+ {+
s t >rt r; t zr t f rr t+
far fnf rr rrrr fa frf f rr+ +
rf rrrr f rr a a rr+
fr fr n rar rat rrt frar+ -+
aaf =f = af rr f t f r rr+
f r f nr rt nr+ +
Cau.: muni pada kamala ni kari ss, cale banahi sura nara muni s.
ge rma anuja puni pche , muni bara bea bane ati kche .1.
ubhaya bca r sohai kais, brahma jva bica my jais.
sarit bana giri avaghaa gh, pati pahicni dehi

bara b.2.
jaha jaha jhi

deva raghury, karahi

megha taha taha nabha chy.

mil asura birdha maga jt, vatah

raghubra nipt.3.
turatahi

rucira rupa tehi

pv, dekhi dukh nija dhma pahv.

puni e jaha muni sarabhag, sudara anuja jnak sag.4.
Bowing His head at the lotus feet of the sage, r Rma, the Lord of celestials,
human beings and sages, proceeded to the woods. r Rma walked foremost, while
Lakmaa followed Him in the rear, both appearing most lovely in the garb of hermits.
Between the two St ( who was the same as r, the Goddess of Prosperity) shone forth
like My, which stands between Brahma (the Absolute) and the Jva (the individual
soul). Rivers and thickets, hills and rugged valleys recognized their Lord and gave Him
a smooth passage. Wherever the divine Lord of Raghus passed the clouds made a
canopy in the heavens, Even as the trio wended their way the demon Virdha met them;
and the Hero of Raghus line overthrew him as soon as he made his appearance.
(Meeting his death at the hands of the Lord), he immediately attained a beauteous
(divine) form; finding him lead a miserable existence the Lord sent him to His own abode,
Accompanied by His lovely younger brother (Lakmaa) and Janakas Daughter (St)
the Lord then visited the sage arabhaga. (14)
0f r f r n
r r a fa - - n+ +
Do: dekhi rma mukha pakaja munibara locana bhga,
sdara pna karata ati dhanya janma sarabhaga.7.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
658
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Gazing on r Rmas lotus face the eyes of the great sage reverently drank in
its beauty like bees. Blessed indeed was the birth of arabhaga! (7)
0 f rrt rr r rrr+
ra s ff rr s >r f rr+ {+
faa s f rat f zrt rat+
r r tr t-t r rf tr+ +
r rf frr f rs rr+
a fn t fa rnt fn f arf a -rnt+ -+
rn a a t-r ; nfa t-r+
f ff f f nr z rfz nr+ +
Cau.: kaha muni sunu raghubra kpl, sakara mnasa rjamarl.
jta raheu biraci ke dhm, suneu ravana bana aihahi

rm.1.
citavata patha raheu dina rt, aba prabhu dekhi juRn cht.
ntha sakala sdhana mai

hn, knh kp jni jana dn.2.

so kachu deva na mohi nihor, nija pana rkheu jana mana cor.
taba lagi rahahu dna hita lg, jaba lagi milau tumhahi tanu tyg.3.
joga jagya japa tapa brata knh, prabhu kaha dei bhagati bara lnh.
ehi bidhi sara raci muni sarabhag, baihe hdaya chRi saba sag.4.
Said the sage,Listen, gracious Rma (the Hero of Raghus line), the swan
disporting in the Mnasa lake of Lord ivas heart; I was about to leave for Brahms
abode when the report reached my ears that r Rma (Yourself) was coming to the
forest. I have ever since watched the road day and night. My heart is now soothed at
the sight of my lord. I have accomplished nothing (to deserve Your grace); yet You have
shown Your grace to me knowing me to be Your humble servant. Really speaking,
however, You have done me no favour, my lord; You have only redeemed Your vow, O
Stealer of Your devotees hearts! For the sake of this humble servant remain here
(before my eyes) till I have quitted this body and meet You ( in Your own abode). So
saying the sage offered to the Lord whatever practice of Yoga, sacrifices, Japa
(muttering of prayers), penance and fasting he had done, and received in return the boon
of Devotion. Having thus acquired the rare gift of Devotion the sage arabhaga
prepared a funeral pile and discarding all attachment from his heart ascended it. (14)
0tar a t a tr
f fa n= >rtr+ c+
Do.: st anuja sameta prabhu nla jalada tanu syma,
mama hiya basahu niratara sagunarupa rrma.8.
Constantly abide in my heart, O Lord, with St and your younger brother (Lakmaa)
in Your qualified and embodied form swarthy as a dark cloud, O graceful Rma! (8)
0 f rn fnf a rr r r frr+
ara f f t f nfa + {+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
ARA NYA-K NA
*
659
ff fr f nfa t t f z ft+
tafa f f r fa a fa =r r+ +
f rrr rn f f n rn+
ft f rrrr t f- rfn fa rr+ -+
ra f trt t ar art+
ff f f r f rrt r+ +
Cau.: asa kahi joga agini tanu jr, rma kp

baikuha sidhr.
tte muni hari lna na bhaya u, prathamahi

bheda bhagati bara layau.1.

rii nikya munibara gati dekh, sukh bhae nija hdaya bise.
astuti karahi

sakala muni bd, jayati pranata hita karun kad.2.

puni raghuntha cale bana ge, munibara bda bipula sa ga lge.
asthi samuha dekhi raghury, p uch muninha lgi ati dy.3.
jnatah u

puchia kasa svm, sabadaras tumha atarajm.

nisicara nikara sakala muni khe, suni raghubra nayana jala che.4.
Having said so he burnt his body with the fire of Yoga* and by the grace of r
Rma rose to Vaikuha. The sage was not absorbed into the person of r Hari for this
simple reason that he had already received the boon of personal devotion. The multitude
of sages (assembled on the occasion) who saw the high state to which the great sage
had now been translated were greatly delighted at heart. All the hosts of sages now
extolled the Lord, Glory to the friend of the suppliant, the fountain of mercy. Then the
Lord of Raghus went on further into the forest and many a host of great sage followed
Him. Seeing a heap of bones the Lord of Raghus was moved with great compassion and
enquired the hermits about the same. Though knowing everything, how is it that You ask
us, our master? We know You are all-seeing and can read the innermost feelings of all.
Hosts of demons have devoured all the sages. The eyes of r Rma (the Hero of
Raghus race) filled with tears when He heard this. (14)
0ff t s f sr; t-
f- r>rf- r; r; t-+ +
Do.: nisicara hna karau mahi bhuja uhi pana knha,
sakala muninha ke ramanhi ji ji sukha dnha.9.
With uplifted arms He took a vow to rid the earth of demons. Then He gladdened
all the hermits by visiting their hermitages one by one. (9)
0f nfta fr rr r at fa nrr+
r r r + {+
rn >r f rr a r ra rr+
ff t rrrr r ff rr+ +
fa rf r nrr; fff f t r; +
r f r rt nfa ffa r rt+ -+
* Fire produced by Yogs through the friction of the vital airs within the body.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
660
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
f an rn rnr f rnr+
rf =rfr t r f r nfa r t+ +
r; r r f r+
f n f rt f r; r r rt+ ~ +
ff = fff f rr r s r f rr+
ff r f r; - ; n nr;+ +
f nfa f r; a= r r;+
fa tfa f rrtr n z tr+ +
f n rr r; r t r+
a rrr f f r f r f r+ c +
ff r rfa nrr rn rfa rr+
= a r rr z a = rr+ +
f r; sr a f t f f +
rn f r a trr tar fa rr+ {+
s ; f- rnt n f zrnt+
fr nf f sr; tfa r s r;+ {{+
ff fa r rr a=f arr+
r fr f rr r fr rr ff rr+ {+
Cau.: muni agasti kara siya sujn, nma sutchana rati bhagavn.
mana krama bacana rma pada sevaka, sapanehu na bharosa na devaka.1.
prabhu gavanu ravana suni pv, karata manoratha tura dhv.
he bidhi dnabadhu raghury, mo se saha para karihahi

dy.2.
sahita anuja mohi rma gos

, milihahi

nija sevaka k n

.
more jiya bharosa dRha nh

, bhagati birati na gyna mana mh

.3.
nahi

satasaga joga japa jg, nahi

dRha carana kamala anurg.

eka bni karunnidhna k, so priya jke gati na na k.4.
hoihai

suphala ju mama locana, dekhi badana pakaja bhava mocana.

nirbhara prema magana muni gyn, kahi na ji so das bhavn.5.
disi aru bidisi patha nahi

sujh, ko mai

caleu kah

nahi

b ujh.
kabahu ka phiri pche puni j, kabahu ka ntya karai guna g.6.
abirala prema bhagati muni p, prabhu dekhai

taru oa luk.
atisaya prti dekhi raghubr, pragae hdaya harana bhava bhr.7.
muni maga mjha acala hoi bais, pulaka sarra panasa phala jais.
taba raghuntha nikaa cali e, dekhi das nija jana mana bhe.8.
munihi rma bahu bh

ti jagv, jga na dhynajanita sukha pv.

bhupa rupa taba rma durv, hdaya caturbhuja r upa dekhv.9.
muni akuli uh taba kaise , bikala hna mani phani bara jaise .
ge dekhi rma tana sym, st anuja sahita sukha dhm.10.
pareu lakua iva carananhi lg, prema magana munibara baRabhg.
bhuja bisla gahi lie uh, parama prti rkhe ura l.11.
munihi milata asa soha kpl, kanaka taruhi janu bhea taml.
rma badanu biloka muni hRh, mnahu citra mjha likhi kRh.12.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
ARA NYA-K NA
*
661
The sage Agastya had a learned disciple, Sutka by name, who was a great lover
of the Lord. He was devoted to r Rmas feet in thought, word and deed and had no faith
in any other deity even in dream. As soon as the news of the Lords approach reached his
ears he rushed out hurriedly, indulging in his own fancy: Will the Lord of Raghus, the
befriender of the meek, O good heavens, ever show His grace to a wretch like me? Will
Lord r Rma and His younger brother receive me as their own servant? I have no
unswerving faith in my heart nor is my mind illumined by the light of devotion, dispassion
or wisdom. I have no association with saints and practise neither Yoga (concentration of
mind) nor Japa ( muttering of prayers), nor the ritual. Nor do I claim any steadfast devotion
to the Lords lotus feet. I bank on one characteristic of the all-merciful Lord; He holds the
devotee dear who depends exclusively on HIm. This inspires me with the hope that my
eyes will be rewarded today by the sight of the Lords lotus face, that delivers one from the
bondage of worldly existence. The wise was drowned in a flood of love; his condition. O
Prvat, cannot be described in words. He had no idea of the four quarters, much less of
the intermediate points of the compass; nor could he make out the track. He did not know
who he was or whither bound. He would now turn back and then resume his journey in the
same direction; and now he would dance and sing songs of praise. The sage had been
gifted with devotion of the nature of intense love and the Lord watched him hiding behind
a tree. When the Hero of Raghus line, who dispels the fear of transmigration, saw the
sages excessive love, He revealed Himself in his heart. The sage sat motionless in the
middle of the road, his body bristling like a jack-fruit with its hair standing on end. The Lord
of Raghus thereupon drew near and was delighted at heart to see the state of His devotee.
r Rma tried many ways to rouse the sage; but he would not wake, lost as he was in
the ecstasy of his vision. r Rma then withdrew His kingly guise and manifested His four-
armed form in the sages heart. The sage thereupon started up in great agony, growing as
restless as a noble serpent that has lost the gem on its head. But seeing before him the
blissful Rma in His swarthy form with St and His younger brother (Lakmaa), the great
and blessed sage was overwhelmed with affection and dropped like a log at His feet.
Taking him in His long arms the Lord lifted him and with utmost affection pressed him to
His bosom. While embracing the sage the gracious Lord shone forth like a Tamla tree
meeting a tree of gold. The sage gazed on r Rmas face standing motionless like a figure
drawn in a picture. (112)
0a f z t f nf rf r
f r>r rf f r ff r+ {+
Do.: taba muni hdaya dhra dhari gahi pada brahi

bra,
nija rama prabhu ni kari puj bibidha prakra.10.
Summoning courage in his heart and clasping His feet again and again the sage
then conducted the Lord to his hermitage and offered Him homage in many ways. (10)
0 f fat rt tafa ff art+
fr fa rf fa rt f - ura rt+ {+
r ar r rt r f ft+
rfr r r f art f fa >rtrrt+ +
r ff rr rr a r= r r+
ffr f = nr rra r r n r+ -+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
662
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
=r rt r tar r frr+
zf r r r f r s r frr+ +
r n snr r r a fr+
rra r r r =+ ~ +
fnr nr f = -rr fnr nrata+
fur f r f r+ +
+ rr rr a r r r+
fa rn rn a rra r f a+ +
afa ar r f f f r+
nr nr aa r ara r+ c +
f f r frt z fa rt+
af >rt fa rt a f rrt+ +
rf a r trt n n s art+
r r fa rf r s r r z r+ {+
fr r; f r rrfa fa r+
f f r r f f f s r+ {{+
r r f rt r rn s r art+
f rr fr ; r r rr+ {+
arf t rn rrr; r rf r r;+
f nfa ffa frr r n r frr+ {-+
r t- r = rr r rf r rr+ {+
Cau.: kaha muni prabhu sunu binat mor, astuti karau kavana bidhi tor.
mahim amita mori mati thor, rabi sanmukha khadyota a jor.1.
yma tmarasa dma arra, ja mukua paridhana municra.
pi cpa ara kai tura, naumi niratara rraghuvra.2.
moha vipina ghana dahana knu, sata saroruha knana bhnu.
niicara kari varutha mgarja, trtu sad no bhava khaga bja.3.
arua nayana rjva suvea, st nayana cakora niea.
hara hdi mnasa bla marla, naumi rma ura bhu vila.4.
saaya sarpa grasana uragda, amana sukarkaa tarka vida.
bhava bhajana rajana sura y utha, trtu sad no kp var utha.5.
nirgua sagua viama sama rupa, jna gir gottamanupa.
amalamakhilamanavadyamapra , naumi rma bhajana mahi bhra.6.
bhakta kalpapdapa rma, tarjana krodha lobha mada kma.
ati ngara bhava sgara setu, trtu sad dinakara kula ketu.7.
atulita bhuja pratpa bala dhma, kali mala vipula vibhajana nma.
dharma varma narmada guagrma, satata a tanotu mama rma.8.
jadapi biraja bypaka abins, saba ke hdaya niratara bs.
tadapi anuja r sahita kharr, basatu manasi mama knanacr.9.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
ARA NYA-K NA
*
663
je jnahi

te jnahu svm, saguna aguna ura atarajm.

jo kosala pati rjiva nayan, karau so rma hdaya mama ayan.10.
asa abhimna ji jani bhore, mai

sevaka raghupati pati more.

suni muni bacana rma mana bhe, bahuri harai munibara ura le.11.
parama prasanna jnu muni moh, jo bara mgahu deu so toh.
muni kaha mai

bara kabahu na jc, samujhi na parai jh uha k sc.12.

tumhahi nka lgai raghur, so mohi dehu dsa sukhad.
abirala bhagati birati bigyn, hohu sakala guna gyna nidhn.13.
prabhu jo dnha so baru mai

pv, aba so dehu mohi jo bhv.14.

Said the sage, Listen, O Lord, to my prayer: how am I to hymn Your praises? For
immeasurable is Your glory and scant my wit, which is as insignificant as the flash of
a fire-fly before the sun. I constantly glorify r Rma (the Chief of Raghus), with a body
dark as a string of blue lotuses, wearing a crown of matted locks on His head and clad
in a hermits robes, and carrying a bow and arrow in His hands with a quiver fastened
to His waist. The fire which consumes the thick forest of delusion, the sun that brings
delight to the lotus-like saints, the lion who kills the herd of elephants in the form of
demons, the hawk that kills the bird of metempsychosis, may He ever protect us. I extol
r Rma, whose eyes resemble the red lotus, who is elegantly dressed, who is a full
moon to Sts Cakora like eyes, who is a cygnet disporting in the Mnasa lake of Lord
ivas heart and who has a broad chest and long arms. A Garua to devour the serpent
of doubt, the queller of despair induced by heated controversy, the uprooter of transmigration,
the delighter of gods, the embodiment of compassion, may He ever protect us, I sing the
praises of r Rma, the reliever of earths burden, who is both with and without
attributes, who is partial as well as impartial, who transcends knowledge, speech and the
senses and has no compeer, nay, who is all-pure, all-comprehensive, faultless and
unlimited. A veritable garden of wish-yielding trees to His devotees, who keeps away
wrath, greed, pride and lust, who is most urbane in manners and the bridge to cross the
ocean of mundane existence, may that champion of the solar race ever protect me.
Matchless in power of arm, the home of strength, the armour for the protection of
righteousness, endowed with a host of delightful virtues, may that Rma whose very
Name wipes out the greatest sins of the Kali age, be ever propitious to me. Even though
He is passionless, all-pervading, imperishable and ever dwelling in the heart of all, let
Him abide in my thoughts as the Slayer of Khara roaming about in the woods with His
younger brother (Lakmaa) and St. Let alone, my lord, those who know You to be
both with and without attributes and the witness of all hearts. As for myself may r
Rma, the lotus-eyed Lord of Kosala, take up His abode in my heart. Let not this exalted
feeling disappear from my mind even in an unguarded moment that I am His servant and
the Lord of Raghus my master. r Rma was delighted at heart to hear the sages
words, and in His delight He pressed the great sage to His bosom again. Know Me to
be supremely pleased, O sage; I am prepared to grant you any boon you may choose
to ask. The sage replied, I have never asked any boon and know not what is real and
what unreal (what to choose and what to reject). Therefore, O Delighter of Your
devotees, grant me that which pleases You, O Lord of Raghus. May you become a
repository of worldly wisdom and goodness as well as of intense devotion, dispassion
and spiritual wisdom. I have received the boon that my Lord has been pleased to grant.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
664
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Now vouchsafe to me that which is cherished by me. (114)
0 rt fa r r r
f nn ; ; r fr+ {{+
Do.: anuja jnak sahita prabhu cpa bna dhara rma,
mama hiya gagana idu iva basahu sad nihakma.11.
Armed with a bow and arrow and accompanied by Your younger brother and
Janakas Daughter (St), O Lord r Rma, pray dwell forever like a moon in the
firmament of my heart, though free from every desire. (11)
0ta f rfrr f ff rr+
a f n r rf f r>r r+ {+
n rs n rt ar r frr rt+
f rff f ar; f n f r;+ +
a f nfa r f r>r r+
aa at n f n f za a + -+
r rrt rr r f na rrr+
r a t ff f a t+ +
a nfta aa sf r f frf r r+
f r; ff fa tfa f s r;+ ~+
r f f rt r r rt+
f f r r rf ra f r+ +
fn f r frf r+ +
Cau.: evamastu kari ramnivs, harai cale kubhaja rii ps.
bahuta divasa gura darasanu pe , bhae mohi ehi

rama e .1.
aba prabhu saga ju gura ph

, tumha kaha ntha nihor nh

.
dekhi kpnidhi muni catur, lie saga bihase dvau bh.2.
patha kahata nija bhagati an up, muni rama pahu ce surabhup.
turata sutchana gura pahi

gaya u, kari daavata kahata asa bhaya u.3.

ntha kosaldhsa kumr, e milana jagata dhr.
rma anuja sameta baideh, nisi dinu deva japata hahu jeh.4.
sunata agasti turata uhi dhe, hari biloki locana jala che.
muni pada kamala pare dvau bh, rii ati prti lie ura l.5.
sdara kusala puchi muni gyn, sana bara baihre n.
puni kari bahu prakra prabhu puj, mohi sama bhgyavata nahi

d uj.6.
jaha lagi rahe apara muni bd, harae saba biloki sukhakad.7.
So be it, said r Rma ( the Abode of Lakm) as He joyously started on His
visit to the jar-born sage, Agastya. It is a long time since I last saw my Guru and came
to live in this hermitage. Now, my lord, I will go with You to see my Guru; thus I am not
putting You under any obligation. The Fountain of Mercy saw through the sages
cleverness and both the brothers smiled as they took him with them. Discoursing on the
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
ARA NYA-K NA
*
665
way on the incomparable cult of devotion to His own feet r Rma (the King of the gods)
arrived at the hermitage of the sage ( Agastya). Sutka immediately saw his Guru and
after prostrating himself before the latter thus addressed him, My lord, the two sons of
King Daaratha (Kosalas lord), the support of the world, have come to see your
Rma, accompanied by His younger brother (Lakmaa) and Videhas Daughter (St),
whose Name you repeat night and day, venerable sir. Agastya started up as soon as
he heard this and ran; at the sight of r Hari his eyes filled with tears. The two brothers
fell at the sages lotus feet; but the sage took and clasped them to his bosom with the
utmost affection. Courteously enquiring after their welfare the enlightened sage conducted
them to an exalted seat and then offered worship in various ways to the Lord, saying
There is no other man so blessed as I am. Whatever other sages had assembled there,
were all delighted to behold the Fountain of Joy. (17)
0f - t r
; a faa r f r+ {+
Do.: muni samuha maha baihe sanmukha saba k ora,
sarada idu tana citavata mnahu nikara cakora.12.
As He sat in the midst of the assembly of sages with His face turned towards all
(and their eyes fixed on His moon-like face), they seemed like a bevy of Cakora birds
gazing on the autumnal moon. (12)
0a rrt r f rt ar r rt+
ar r f r rs ara ara f rrs+ {+
r r rt f r r frt+
f r f rt r rf r rt+ +
ar; r rrrt rs fr a rrt+
f a= fr a rr zr r z frr+ -+
t r a rr ta f rf rr+
a - f rr a za r rs rr+ +
a ar rfa r; rf t r;+
rns rfar z >rt ar+ ~+
f nfa ffa anr r= tfa nr+
uf zr z ar nr f f ar+ +
a = rs rs ff ff n zr fa rs+
aa r- zr; ara rf rrr;+ +
r r r t af r+
z ta sn r f + c+
r a rr rr t f- rr+
r f r r; aaf t fr;+ +
Cau.: taba raghubra kah muni ph

, tumha sana prabhu durva kachu nh

.
tumha jnahu jehi krana yau , tte tta na kahi samujhyau .1.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
666
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
aba so matra dehu prabhu moh, jehi prakra mrau munidroh.
muni musukne suni prabhu bn, puchehu ntha mohi k jn.2.
tumharei

bhajana prabhva aghr, jnau mahim kachuka tumhr.

umari taru bisla tava my, phala brahma aneka niky.3.
jva carcara jatu samn, bhtara basahi

na jnahi

n.
te phala bhacchaka kahina karl, tava bhaya arata sad sou kl.4.
te tumha sakala lokapati s

, pu

chehu mohi manuja k n

.
yaha bara mgau kpniket, basahu hdaya r anuja samet.5.
abirala bhagati birati satasag, carana saroruha prti abhag.
jadyapi brahma akhaa anat, anubhava gamya bhajahi

jehi sat.6.
asa tava rupa bakhnau jnau , phiri phiri saguna brahma rati mnau .
satata dsanha dehu baR, tte mohi pu chehu raghur.7.
hai prabhu parama manohara h u

, pvana pacaba tehi n u

.
daaka bana punta prabhu karah u, ugra spa munibara kara harah u.8.
bsa karahu taha raghukula ry, kje sakala muninha para dy.
cale rma muni yasu p, turatahi

pacaba niar.9.
Then said r Rma (the Hero of Raghus line) to the sage, I have nothing to hide
from you, my lord. You know what for I have come; that is why, holy father, I have not
dwelt at length on this point. Now, my good sir, give me some advice, by following which
I may be able to kill the enemies of the hermits. The sage smiled when he heard the
Lords remarks. With what intention have You asked me this question? It is by virtue of
my devotion to You, O Destroyer of sins, that I know a bit of Your glory. Your My
(Creative Energy) is like a huge tree of the species known by the name of Udumbara,
with the countless multitudes of universes for its clustering fruits. The animate and
inanimate beings (inhabiting the various universes) are like the insects that dwell inside
the fruits and know of no other fruit (besides the one they inhabit ). The relentless and
dreadful Time-spirit devours these fruits; but even that (all-devouring) Time ever trembles
in fear of You. You, who are the suzerain lord of all the regional lords, have asked my
advice as though You were an ordinary human being. I ask this boon of You, O Home
of mercy: pray dwell in my heart with Your Spouse (St) and younger brother
(Lakmaa) and let me have intense devotion, dispassion, fellowship with the saints and
unbroken love for Your lotus feet. Even though I know You to be the same as the
indivisible and infinite Brahma (the Absolute), who can only be realized ( and cannot be
known by any other means) and is adored by the saints, and even though I depict You
as such, I feel enamoured of Your qualified form again and again. You have always
exalted Your servants; that is why You have thought fit to consult me, O Lord of Raghus.
There is, my lord, a most charming and holy spot; it is called Pacava. Sanctify the
Daaka forest (where it is situated) and redeem it from the terrible curse of the great
sage (ukrcrya). Take up Your abode there, O Lord of Raghus line, and show Your
grace to all the sages. On receiving the sages permission r Rma departed and drew
near to Pacava in no time. (19)
0ntr ; ff tfa r;
nrrt f n r;+ {-+
Do.: gdharja sai

bhea bhai bahu bidhi prti baRhi,

godvar nikaa prabhu rahe parana gha chi.13.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
ARA NYA-K NA
*
667
He met Jayu (the king of vultures); and developing friendship with him in many
ways the Lord stayed near the Godvar, where He made Himself a thatched hut
of leaves. (13)
0 a r t- a rr t f tat rrr+
fnf t ar f r f f fa fa rf r+ {+
n n fa t na f t+
r f frr r n rrt frr+ +
r rtr f tr+
f r r; s f t r;+ -+
rf rr; r; r af r+
r frn = rr r nfa f rr+ +
Cau.: jaba te rma knha taha bs, sukh bhae muni bt trs.
giri bana nad

tla chabi che, dina dina prati ati hohi

suhe.1.
khaga mga bda anadita rahah

, madhupa madhura gujata chabi lahah

.
so bana barani na saka ahirj, jah

pragaa raghubra birj.2.

eka bra prabhu sukha sn, lachimana bacana kahe chalahn.
sura nara muni sacarcara s

, mai

puchau nija prabhu k n

.3.
mohi samujhi kahahu soi dev, saba taji karau carana raja sev.
kahahu gyna birga aru my, kahahu so bhagati karahu jehi

dy.4.
From the time r Rma took up His abode there the sages lived happily and were
rid of all fear. The hills, woods, streams and lakes were suffused with beauty and grew yet
more lovely day by day. The birds and deer were full of joy, and the bees with their sweet
humming looked very charming. Not even ea (the king of serpents) would be able to
describe the forest which was adorned by r Rma (the Chief of Raghus ) in His manifest
form. Once upon a time, as the Lord was sitting at ease, Lakmaa addressed Him in
guileless words: O Lord of gods, human beings, sages and all animate and inanimate
creation! I ask of You as of my own master. Instruct me, my lord, how I may be able to
adore the dust of Your feet to the exclusion of everything else. Discourse to me on spiritual
wisdom and dispassion as well as on My (Illusion); and also speak to me about Bhakti
(devotion), which You make an occasion for showering Your grace. (14)
0;t t rr;
ra r; fa r r r;+ {+
Do.: svara jva bheda prabhu sakala kahau samujhi,
jte hoi carana rati soka moha bhrama ji.14.
Also explain to me all the difference between God and the individual soul, so
that I may be devoted to Your feet and my sorrow, infatuation and delusion may
disappear. (14)
0rf s rr; ara fa fa r;+
= r ar a rr f t- t frr+ {+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
668
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
nr nr fn r; r rr r r;+
af ar r fur fur r+ +
y fa =r r t r r+
; n n r fa f f ar+ -+
r r s rt zr r rt+
f ara r frnt a ffq atf n -rnt+ +
Cau.: thorehi maha saba kahau bujh, sunahu tta mati mana cita l.
mai

aru mora tora tai

my, jehi

basa knhe jva niky.1.

go gocara jaha lagi mana j, so saba my jnehu bh.
tehi kara bheda sunahu tumha sou, bidy apara abidy dou.2.
eka dua atisaya dukhar up, j basa jva par bhavak up.
eka racai jaga guna basa jke , prabhu prerita nahi

nija bala tke .3.

gyna mna jaha ekau nh

, dekha brahma samna saba mh

.
kahia tta so parama birg, tna sama siddhi tni guna tyg.4.
I will explain everything in a nutshell; listen, dear brother, with your mind, intellect
and reason fully absorbed. The feeling of I and mine and you and yours is My
(Illusion), which holds sway over all created beings. Whatever is perceived by the senses
and that which lies within the reach of the mind, know it all to be My. And hear of its
divisions too: they are two, viz., knowledge and ignorance. The one (ignorance) is vile and
extremely painful, and has cast the ego into the sink of worldly existence. The other
(knowledge), which brings forth the creation and which holds sway over the three Guas
(Sattva, Rajas and Tamas) is directed by the Lord and has no strength of its own. Spiritual
wisdom is that which is free from all blemishes in the shape of pride* etc., and which sees
the Supreme Spirit equally in all. He alone, dear brother, should be called a man of supreme
dispassion, who has spurned all supernatural powers as well as the three Guas (of which
the universe is composed) as if of no more account than a blade of grass. (14)
0rr ; r r f r t
r- rr t+ {~+
Do.: my sa na pu kahu jna kahia so jva,
badha moccha prada sarbapara my preraka sva.15.
That alone deserves to be called a Jva (individual soul), which knows not My
nor God nor ones own self. And iva (God) is He who awards bondage and liberation
(according to ones deserts), transcends all and is the controller of My. (15)
* rmad Bhagavadgt enumerates the following characteristics which make for spiritual wisdom.
They are: absence of pride,freedom from hypocrisy, non-violence, forgiveness, guilelessness, devout service
of ones preceptor, purity of body and mind, steadfastness, subjugation of the mind, aversion to the objects of
sense, absence of egotism, pondering again and again on the painful character of and the evils inherent in
birth,death,old age and disease; absence of attachment and the feeling of mineness in respect of ones son,
wife, home, etc., and constant equipoise of mind both in favourable and unfavourable circumstances;
unflinching devotion to the Lord through exclusive attachment living in secluded and holy places and finding
no enjoyment in the company of men; fixity in self-knowledge and seeing God as the object of true knowledge
(vide XIII.711). The definition given here narrates the opposites of these virtues, viz., pride,hypocrisy,
violence and so on. The definition may be interpreted in a different way as well. It may be taken to mean that
spiritual wisdom cannot be attained through the ordinary means of cognition (Mnasa or Pramas) such as
perception, inference, verbal testimony and so on; it is self-evident (S).
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*
ARA NYA-K NA
*
669
0r a ffa rn a rr r r- rr+
ra fn s r; r nfa na r;+ {+
r ar rr af rt r frr+
nfa ara r f; r a r; r+ +
nfa f r s rt n rf rf rt+
f f fa tat f f fa >rfa tat+ -+
f f f frnr a s rnr+
>rrf f+ rt tr fa fa rt+ +
a fa r r+
n= fa ra fa r rf r r+ ~+
n nra tr nn fnr tr+
r rf r ara fa ar+ +
Cau.: dharma te birati joga te gyn, gyna mocchaprada beda bakhn.
jte begi dravau mai

bh, so mama bhagati bhagata sukhad.1.

so sutatra avalaba na n, tehi dhna gyna bigyn.
bhagati tta anupama sukham ul, milai jo sata hoi

anuk ul.2.
bhagati ki sdhana kahau bakhn, sugama patha mohi pvahi

prn.
prathamahi

bipra carana ati prt, nija nija karma nirata ruti rt.3.
ehi kara phala puni biaya birg, taba mama dharma upaja anurg.
ravandika nava bhakti dRhh

, mama ll rati ati mana mh

.4.
sata carana pakaja ati prem, mana krama bacana bhajana dRha nem.
guru pitu mtu badhu pati dev, saba mohi kaha jnai dRha sev.5.
mama guna gvata pulaka sarr, gadagada gir nayana baha nr.
kma di mada dabha na jke , tta niratara basa mai

tke .6.
Dispassion results from the practice of virtue, while spiritual wisdom comes of
the practice of Yoga (concentration of mind); and wisdom is the bestower of liberation:
so declare the Vedas. And that which melts My heart quickly, dear brother, is Devotion,
which is the delight of My devotees. It stands by itself and requires no other prop;
whereas Jna (knowledge of God in His absolute formless aspect) and Vijna
(knowledge of the qualified aspect of God, both with and without form) depend on it.
Devotion, dear brother, is incomparable and the very root of bliss; it can be acquired only
by the favour of saint. I now proceed to tell you at some length the means of acquiring
Devotion, an easy path by which men find Me. In the first place a man should cultivate
excessive devotion to the feet of the Brhmaas and secondly he should remain engaged
in his own duty according to the lines laid down by the Vedas. This induces an aversion
to the pleasures of sense and dispassion in its turn engenders a love for My Cult (the Cult
of Devotion). This will bring steadfastness in the nine forms of Devotion* such as ravaa
(hearing of the Lords praises etc.,) and the mind will develop an excessive fondness for
My sports. Again, one should be extremely devoted to the lotus feet of saints and should
be persistent in the practice of adoration through mind, speech and action. He should
* The nine forms of Devotion as enumerated in rmad Bhgavata are: (1) ravaa (hearing of
the Lords praises and stories), (2) Krtana (chanting His Name, praises and stories), (3) Smaraa (fixing
ones thought on Him), (4) Pdasevana (adoring His feet); (5) Arcana (worshipping an image of the Lord),
(6) Vandana (making obeisance to Him), (7) Dsya (offering devout service to the Lord), (8) Sakhya
(cultivating friendship with Him) and (9) tmanivedana (offering oneself to the Lord).
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
670
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
recognize Me as his preceptor, father, mother, kinsman, lord, deity and all and should be
steadfast in My service. A thrill runs through his body as he sings My praises; his voice
gets choked and his eyes flow with tears; he is free from lust and other vices, pride and
hypocrisy. I am ever at the beck and call of such a devotee. (16)
0 rf nfa f fr
fa- z s r f>rr+ {+
Do.: bacana karma mana mori gati bhajanu karahi

nikma,
tinha ke hdaya kamala mahu karau sad birma.16.
Nay, I ever repose in the lotus heart of those who depend on Me in thought, word
and deed and who worship Me in a disinterested way. (16)
0nfa rn f fa rr f f- f= rr+
f ff n f tat a frn r n tat+ { +
r r ft y z r= ft+
t r n; rr f f ; n rr+ +
rar far r snrt = r fa rt+
r; f f rt ff ff ff frt+ - +
=f = f f r; rt a r;+
ar = r rt rn ff r frt+ +
= = n rt s rf r fa rt +
ara fn fs rt rr arf frt+ ~ +
taf fa; t rar ; r r rr rar+
n; f f fnt rt frf r rt+ +
f s- rr rt f ar rr+
r rr r f sf rr+ +
r frt t nfa ffrt+
rt r nrt f a rt+ c +
f ff r f r r; f f f r;+
f r arf r ; r a arf r f;+ +
a ffrf r f n; = na ;+
taf f rrr; r rr;+ {+
Cau.: bhagati joga suni ati sukha pv, lachimana prabhu carananhi siru nv.
ehi bidhi gae kachuka dina bt, kahata birga gyna guna nt.1.
supanakh rvana kai bahin, dua hdaya druna jasa ahin.
pacaba so gai eka br, dekhi bikala bhai jugala kumr.2.
bhrt pit putra uragr, purua manohara nirakhata nr.
hoi bikala saka manahi na rok, jimi rabimani drava rabihi bilok.3.
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*
ARA NYA-K NA
*
671
rucira rupa dhari prabhu pahi

j, bol bacana bahuta musuk.

tumha sama purua na mo sama nr, yaha sa joga bidhi rac bicr.4.
mama anurupa purua jaga mh

, dekheu khoji loka tihu nh

.
tte aba lagi rahiu kumr, manu mn kachu tumhahi nihr.5.
stahi citai kah prabhu bt, ahai kura mora laghu bhrt.
gai lachimana ripu bhagin jn, prabhu biloki bole mdu bn.6.
sudari sunu mai

unha kara ds, pardhna nahi

tora sups.
prabhu samartha kosalapura rj, jo kachu karahi

unahi saba chj.7.

sevaka sukha caha mna bhikhr, byasan dhana subha gati bibhicr.
lobh jasu caha cra gumn, nabha duhi dudha cahata e prn.8.
puni phiri rma nikaa so , prabhu lachimana pahi

bahuri pah.
lachimana kah tohi so bara, jo tna tori lja parihara.9.
taba khisini rma pahi

ga, r upa bhayakara pragaata bha.

stahi sabhaya dekhi raghur, kah anuja sana sayana bujh.10.
Lakmaa was greatly delighted to hear the above discourse on the discipline of
Bhakti (Devotion) and bowed his head at the feet of the Lord. In this way some days
were spent in discoursing on dispassion, spiritual wisdom, goodness and morality. Now
Rvaa (the notorious demon king of Lak) had a sister, urpaakh (lit., a woman
having nails as big as a winnowing fan) by name, who was foul-hearted and cruel as a
serpent. She once went to Pacava and was smitten with pangs of love at the sight of
the two princes. At the very sight of a handsome man, be he her own brother, father or
son, O Garua, a (wanton) woman gets excited and cannot restrain her passion, even
as the sun-stone emits fire when it is brought in front of the sun. Having assumed a
charming form she approached the Lord and with many a smile addressed the following
words to Him: There is no man like you and no woman like me. It is with great
deliberation that God has made this pair. I have ransacked the three spheres but have
found no suitable match for me in the whole universe. It is for this reason that I have till
now remained a virgin; my mind has been set at rest a bit only after seeing you. The
Lord cast a glance at St and said only this much: My younger brother is a bachelor.
She went to Lakmaa, who, knowing that she was their enemys sister, looked at his
lord and spoke in gentle tones: Listen, fair lady: I am His servant and a dependant; thus
you will have no comforts with me. My lord is all-powerful and the sovereign king of
Kosalapura (Ayodhy); whatever He does will be worthy of Him. A servant who aspires
for happiness, a beggar who expects honour, a person addicted to some vice who hopes
for riches, a profligate who seeks a blessed state after death, an avaricious man who
covets fame and a proud man who expects the four prizes of lifeall these men expect
to get milk by milking the heavens. Again she turned and came to r Rma; but the
Lord sent her back to Lakmaa. Said Lakmaa, He alone will wed you, who
deliberately casts all shame to the winds. Thereupon she went fretting and foaming to
r Rma and revealed her frightful demoniac form. The Lord of Raghus saw that St
was terrified and made a sign to His younger brother (Lakmaa). (110)
0f fa rrr r r r f tf-
ar r at tf-+ {+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
672
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Do.: lachimana ati lghava so nka kna binu knhi,
tke kara rvana kaha manau cunaut dnhi.17.
With great agility Lakmaa struck off her nose and ears, thereby inviting Rvaa
through her to a contest as it were. (17)
0r r f ; frr n n= rr+
f n; frar fn fn a = rar+ {+
af r f rr; rar f r;+
r ff f =r - r fnf r+ +
rr r rrrr rr rrr rr+
r rn f tt = >rfa rr tt+ -+
n fa rf rt nf - f rrt+
nf af nn szrt f fa rt+ +
rs fa r; f r fa zr;+
f f z r r rr; r+ ~+
rff r fnf rr ff +
n f rt fa >rt rt+ +
f r f f rr ff f rz rr+ +
Cau.: nka kna binu bhai bikarr, janu srava saila geru kai dhr.
khara duana pahi

gai bilapt, dhiga dhiga tava paurua bala bhrt.1.

tehi

puch saba kahesi bujh, jtudhna suni sena ban.

dhe nisicara nikara bar uth, janu sapaccha kajjala giri j uth.2.
nn bhana nnkr, nnyudha dhara ghora apr.
supanakh ge kari ln, asubha r upa ruti ns hn.3.
asaguna amita hohi

bhayakr, ganahi

na mtyu bibasa saba jhr.

garjahi

tarjahi

gagana uRh

, dekhi kaaku bhaa ati harah

.4.
kou kaha jiata dharahu dvau bh, dhari mrahu tiya lehu chaR.
dhuri puri nabha maala rah, rma boli anuja sana kah.5.
lai jnakihi jhu giri kadara, v nisicara kaaku bhayakara.
rahehu sajaga suni prabhu kai bn, cale sahita r sara dhanu pn.6.
dekhi rma ripudala cali v, bihasi kahina kodaa caRhv.7.
Without nose and ears she wore a hideous aspect and looked like a mountain
flowing with torrents of red ochre. She went sobbing to Khara and Duaa: Fie, fie upon
your manhood and strength, brothers! Questioned by them she told them everything in
detail; hearing her report the demon chiefs gathered an army. Swarming multitudes of
demons of diverse shapes rushed forth like hosts of winged mountains of collyrium
on vehicles of various kinds. They were infinite in number and were armed with terrible
weapons of various kinds. They placed at their head urpaakh shorn of her ears and
nose and thus presenting an inauspicious sight. Numberless ill-omens of a fearful nature
occured to them; but the host heeded them not, doomed as they all were to death. They
roared and bullied and sprang in the air; and the champions were filled with excessive
joy to see the army. Said one, Capture the two brothers alive and having captured them
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
ARA NYA-K NA
*
673
kill them and carry off the woman. The vault of heaven was overhung with the dust
raised by them. (Seeing this) r Rma called His younger brother (Lakmaa) and said,
Take Janakas Daughter to some mountain-cave; a terrible array of demons has come.
Therefore, remain on your guard. Obedient to his lords command he withdrew (to a safe
retreat) with St, bow and arrow in hand. When r Rma saw that the hostile force had
advanced, He smiled as He strung His formidable bow. (17)
U 0rz f r; f ra r r
a a rff rf r n n r+
f f f n fr nf r ff rf
faa nr nr rrr frf +
Cha.:kodaa kahina caRhi sira jaa jua b

dhata soha kyo ,

marakata sayala para larata dmini koi so juga bhujaga jyo .
kai kasi niaga bisla bhuja gahi cpa bisikha sudhri kai,
citavata manahu mgarja prabhu gajarja gha nihri kai.
As He coiled His matted locks into a tuft on His head after stringing His formidable
bow, it seemed as if a pair of snakes were engaged in a conflict with countless
streaks of lightning on a mountain of emerald. Having girded up His quiver at His waist,
and clasping the bow with His long arms and putting His arrows in order, He looked
at the enemy even as a lion (the king of the beasts) would glare at a herd of large
elephants.
0 r; n n ra
r frf r ff rra + {c+
So.: i gae bagamela dharahu dharahu dhvata subhaa,
jath biloki akela bla rabihi gherata danuja.18.
Valiant champions came rushing with all speed shouting Seize him, seize him!
even as the demons* close round upon the rising sun finding it all alone. (18)
0 frf f zrt fa ; t rt+
f rf r rs r + {+
rn f a fa a a+
f - r; t f f ar;+ +
uf fnt tf- =r r f = r+
aa f rf r; ta r r;+ -+
* It is mentioned in our scriptures that a special class of demons known by the name of Mandehas
close round upon the rising sun, weapons in hand, every morning and are driven away by the drops of
water thrown into the air by way of Arghya in course of the Sandhy prayer. Thus it is all the more
necessary that every member of the twice-born classes should perform his Sandhy before sunrise every
morning without fail.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
674
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
r r ar arf r ar f ra r+
a- r r r; a r r r;+ +
rt nr t ar n ra ft+
f a f f zt r r t+ ~+
uf rrr f r r r+
r; rr ff r f as r+ +
f f ar; f r r;+
a- r; aa f s fa + +
Cau.: prabhu biloki sara sakahi

na r, thakita bha rajancara dhr.

saciva boli bole khara d uana, yaha kou npablaka nara bh uana.1.
nga asura sura nara muni jete, dekhe jite hate hama kete.
hama bhari janma sunahu saba bh, dekh nahi

asi sudarat.2.
jadyapi bhagin knhi kur up, badha lyaka nahi

purua an up.
dehu turata nija nri dur, jata bhavana jhu dvau bh.3.
mora kah tumha thi sunvahu, tsu bacana suni tura vahu.
dutanha kah rma sana j, sunata rma bole musuk.4.
hama chatr mgay bana karah

, tumha se khala mga khojata phirah

.
ripu balavata dekhi nahi

arah

, eka bra klahu sana larah

.5.
jadyapi manuja danuja kula ghlaka, muni plaka khala slaka blaka.
jau na hoi bala ghara phiri jhu, samara bimukha mai

hatau na khu.6.
rana caRhi karia kapaa catur, ripu para kp parama kadar.
dutanha ji turata saba kahe u, suni khara d uana ura ati dahe u.7.
Even as they beheld the Lord the invading warriors could not discharge their
arrows; the whole demon host became powerless. Khara and Duaa summoned their
ministers and said, This prince, whoever he may be, is an ornament of the human
race. Of all the Ngas, demons, gods, human beings and sages that exist (in this
universe) we have seen, vanquished or slain many. But during our whole life, listen
to us, our brethren all, we have never beheld such beauty. Even though he has
disfigured our sister, he does not deserve death, peerless as he is among men.
Surrender to us at once the woman you have put in hiding somewhere and return
home with your life, both you and your brother. Deliver this message of mine to him
and return immediately with his reply. The heralds went to r Rma and delivered
the message to Him, in reply to which r Rma smilingly said, We are Katriyas
by birth and are given to hunting in the woods; wretches like you are the game that
we are tracking. We are never dismayed at the sight of a mighty foe and would give
battle to Death himself if he ever appeared before us. Though human beings, we are
the exterminators of the race of demons and, though youthful in appearance, we are
the protectors of the hermits and the torment of the wicked. If you have no strength
to fight, you had better return home; I will never kill an enemy who has turned his
back upon the field of battle. When you have come up to fight, it would be the height
of weakness to play wily pranks or to show compassion to your enemy. The heralds
returned forthwith and repeated all that they had been told. The heart of Khara and
Duaa was on fire when they heard it. (17)
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
ARA NYA-K NA
*
675
U0s s s f r f tr
r ar f+ r frr r+
tf- r r rrr rr
f r rar r af r+
Cha.: ura daheu kaheu ki dharahu dhe bikaa bhaa rajancar,
sara cpa tomara sakti sula kpna parigha parasu dhar.
prabhu knhi dhanua akora prathama kahora ghora bhayvah,
bhae badhira bykula jtudhna na gyna tehi avasara rah.
Their heart was on fire and they exclaimed, Capture him, hearing which fierce
demon champions rushed forth, all armed with bows and arrows, steel clubs, pikes,
spears, scimitars, maces and axes. First of all the Lord gave His bow a twangshrill,
terrific and fearfulwhich deafened the ears of and dismayed the demons, who had no
sense left in them.
0rr r; r rf rrfa
rn r tr tr rfa+ { (+
fa- r fa f r rrt
arf r >r fn f rz f at+ { (+
Do.: svadhna hoi dhe jni sabala rti,
lge baraana rma para astra sastra bahu bh

ti.19(A).
tinha ke yudha tila sama kari ke raghubra,
tni sarsana ravana lagi puni ch

Re nija tra.19(B).
Having learnt that they were confronting a powerful enemy, the demon warriors
now rushed with caution and began to hurl missiles and weapons of various kinds on r
Rma. The Hero of Raghus line, however, tore them into pieces as small as sesamum
seeds and then drawing the bow-string to His ear let fly His own arrows. (19 A-B)
U0a r r a r+
rs >rtr ff ffa fr+ {+
rf a at f ff t+
q atfs r; r rfn a r;+ +
a f f rf f rf+
r r a f r+ -+
f r rf rf+
rz f rr n f fr+ +
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
676
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
s t a n f +
faa rna r a r+ ~+
a a a z f sa f rz+
sza z f f ra =z+ +
n r nr f f r+ +
Cha.: taba cale bna karla, phukarata janu bahu byla.
kopeu samara rrma, cale bisikha nisita nikma.1.
avaloki kharatara tra, muri cale nisicara bra.
bhae kruddha tniu bhi, jo bhgi rana te ji.2.
tehi badhaba hama nija pni, phire marana mana mahu hni.
yudha aneka prakra, sanamukha te karahi

prahra.3.
ripu parama kope jni, prabhu dhanua sara sadhni.
ch

Re bipula nrca, lage kaana bikaa pisca.4.

ura ssa bhuja kara carana, jaha taha lage mahi parana.
cikkarata lgata bna, dhara parata kudhara samna.5.
bhaa kaata tana sata khaa, puni uhata kari paa.
nabha uRata bahu bhuja mua, binu mauli dhvata rua.6.
khaga kaka kka sgla, kaakaahi

kahina karla.7.
Then the terrible arrows sped forth, hissing like so many serpents. r Rma got
infuriated in battle and arrows, exceedingly sharp, flew from His bow. The demon
warriors turned and fled when they found the arrows so very keen . The three brothers
(Khara, D uaa and Triir) now flew into rage: Whoever flees from the battle-field will
be killed by us with our own hands. At this the warriors turned back, fully resolved to
die, and made a frontal attack with weapons of every description. Perceiving that the
enemy was exceedingly furious, the Lord fitted arrows to His bow and discharged many
a shaft of the Nrca type with the result that frightful fields began to be mowed down.
Trunks, heads, arms, hands and feet began to drop to the ground here, there and
everywhere. Pierced by shafts, they yelled and their trunks fell like mountains. The
bodies of the warriors were torn into a hundred pieces and resorting to deceptive
methods they stood up again. A number of arms and heads flew through the air and
headless trunks ran to and fro. Birds like kites and crows and jackals wrangled in a
cruel and awful way. (17)
U 0f a a fr t
ar t r ar r; rfnf t+
rrt r z zf - s fr
a f sf f = = f fnr+ {+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
ARA NYA-K NA
*
677
art nf sza nt fr nf rt
nr rt r nzt szrt+
r r s fr f a
rf f f fafrf f + +
f+ ar r f rt
f r >rtrrt nfa fr zrt+
ff f frf rf zr rr
ff s rr r ff rr+ -+
f a sf fa a a rr fa rrt
za a frf t+
f f rrr fa a vr
f r f nr f f vr+ +
Cha.: kaakaahi

jabuka bhuta preta pisca kharpara sacah

,
betla bra kapla tla baji jogini nacah

.
raghubra bna pracaa khaahi

bhaanha ke ura bhuja sir,

jaha taha parah

uhi larahi

dhara dharu dharu karahi

bhayakara gir.1.
atvar

gahi uRhata gdha pisca kara gahi dhavah

,
sagrma pura bs manahu bahu bla guR uRvah

.
mra pachra ura bidre bipula bhaa kaha rata pare,
avaloki nija dala bikala bhaa tisirdi khara duana phre.2.
sara sakti tomara parasu sula kpna ekahi brah

,
kari kopa rraghubra para aganita niscara rah

.
prabhu nimia mahu ripu sara nivri pacri re syak,
dasa dasa bisikha ura mjha mre sakala nisicara nyak.3.
mahi parata uhi bhaa bhirata marata na karata my ati ghan,
sura arata caudaha sahasa preta biloki eka avadha dhan.
sura muni sabhaya prabhu dekhi myntha ati kautuka karyo,
dekhahi

parasapara rma kari sagrma ripudala lari maryo.4.

Jackals wrangled; ghosts, spirits and fiends filled the bowls of skulls with blood:
devils clashed the heads of slain warriors like cymbals and the Yogins* danced. r
Rmas fierce arrows tore to pieces the leaders breast, arms and heads; their bodies
fell on every side but stood up again to fight with terrible cries of Seize, capture!
Vultures flew away with the end of entrails in their claws, while goblins scampered with
the other end help in their hands; one might fancy numberless children of the town of
the battle-field were flying kites. A large number of champions, that had been smitten
* A class of female attendants on Lord iva or Goddess Durg, who are generally believed to be sixty-
four in number.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
678
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
or knocked down or whose breast had been torn, lay moaning. Finding their army in distress
leaders like Triir, Khara and Duaa turned towards r Rma. Countless demons
hurled furiously against the Hero of Raghus line arrows, spears, iron clubs, axes, javelins
and daggers all at once. In the twinkling of an eye the Lord warded off the enemys shafts
and sent forth His own arrows, planting ten shafts in the breast of each champion of the
demon host. The leaders fell to the ground but rose again and joined in the fray. Yet they
would not die and played very many tricks. The gods trembled with fear when they saw
that the demons numbered fourteen thousand, while the Lord of Ayodhy was all alone.
Finding the gods and sages alarmed, the Lord, who is the Controller of My (Cosmic
Illusion), wrought a great miracle. The demons saw one another in the form of r Rma,
so that the enemys warriors fought among themselves and perished. (14)
0r r f a af rf fr
f sr f r rfr+ (+
fa f rf nn fr
ta fa f f rfa ff fr+ (+
Do.: rma rma kahi tanu tajahi

pvahi

pada nirbna,
kari upya ripu mre chana mahu kpnidhna.20(A).
haraita baraahi

sumana sura bjahi

gagana nisna,
astuti kari kari saba cale sobhita bibidha bimna.20(B).
They quitted their body crying Rma! Rma!! and thereby attained the state of
eternal bliss. Falling back upon this device the Ocean of Mercy killed the enemy in an
instant. The gods in their exultation rained down flowers and kettle-drums sounded in the
heavens. And hymning their praises one after another they all left, shining in their cars
of various patterns. (20 A-B)
0 rrr f ta f ta+
a f taf r a f s r+ {+
tar fa tr nrar r rrrar+
t f >rtrrr a fa f r+ +
r f r r; r r r+
rt r f rt r fa frt+ -+
f r rf f rat f f a f rrat+
r tfa f f r ff f ar+ +
fur f f sr >r f = r+
n a at r a rr r a r r a rr+ ~+
tfa f a nt rf fn tfa t+ +
Cau.: jaba raghuntha samara ripu jte, sura nara muni saba ke bhaya bte.
taba lachimana stahi lai e, prabhu pada parata harai ura le.1.
st citava syma mdu gt, parama prema locana na aght.
pacaba

basi rragh unyaka, karata carita sura muni sukhadyaka.2.

"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
ARA NYA-K NA
*
679
dhu

dekhi kharaduana ker, ji supanakh

rvana prer.
bol bacana krodha kari bhr, desa kosa kai surati bisr.3.
karasi pna sovasi dinu rt, sudhi nahi

tava sira para rt.

rja nti binu dhana binu dharm, harihi samarpe binu satakarm.4.
bidy binu bibeka upaje , rama phala paRhe kie aru pe .
saga te jat kumatra te rj, mna te gyna pna te lj.5.
prti pranaya binu mada te gun, nsahi

begi nti asa sun.6.

When the Lord of Raghus had vanquished the foe in battle, the gods, human
beings and sages were all rid of fear. Then Lakmaa brought St back; and as he fell
at His feet the Lord joyously clasped him to His bosom. St fixed Her gaze on His
swarthy and delicate form with utmost affection; but Her eyes knew no satiety. Thus
dwelling at Pacava the blessed Lord of Raghus performed deeds that delighted gods
and sages alike. Perceiving the destruction of Khara and D uaa, urpaakh approached
Rvaa and instigated him (against r Rma). In great fury she rated him in the
following words: Discarding all thought of your realm and exchequer you drink and sleep
day and night and take no heed of the enemy, who is now at your very door. Sovereignty
without political insight, wealth divorced from virtue, noble deeds that have not been
offered to r Hari (God) and learning which does not beget wisdom is nothing but
fruitless labour to the man who has gained such kingdom or wealth, to the doer of the
noble acts and to the student respectively. A recluse is quickly undone by attachment,
a king by evil counsel, wisdom by conceit, modesty by drinking, friendship by want of
love, and man of merit by vanity: such is the maxim I have heard. (16)
0f = r r f nf r f
f ff fr f rnt r + { (+
0r rr f r r r;
arf fa rf f f nfa r;+{ (+
So.: ripu ruja pvaka ppa prabhu ahi gania na choa kari,
asa kahi bibidha bilpa kari lg rodana karana.21(A).
Do.: sabh mjha pari bykula bahu prakra kaha roi,
tohi jiata dasakadhara mori ki asi gati hoi.21(B).
An enemy, a malady, fire, sin, a master, and a serpent are never to be accounted
trifles. So saying and with profuse laments she set to weeping. In her distress she threw
herself down in Rvanas court and with many a tear said, Do you think, my ten-headed
brother, that I should be reduced to this state even though you are alive? (21A-B)
0a r s r; rr; nf r sr;+
f f rar ; a rr r frar+ {+
fa r = frr r+
fr t rf s- t fa fr ff t+ +
f- r; r fa f r+
a r r rr t -t n rr+ -+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
680
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
afa ar rar a f rar+
rr r r rr fa- n rf trr+ +
= rf ff rf rt fa a rf ar frt+
ar r >rfa rr f a fnf f frr+ ~+
f n rr s- rr+
fafr rrrar f t nrar+ +
Cau.: sunata sabhsada uhe akul, samujh gahi b

ha uh.
kaha lakesa kahasi nija bt, kei

tava ns kna nipt.1.

avadha npati dasaratha ke je, purua sigha bana khelana e.
samujhi par mohi unha kai karan, rahita niscara karihahi

dharan.2.
jinha kara bhujabala pi dasnana, abhaya bhae bicarata muni knana.
dekhata blaka kla samn, parama dhra dhanv guna nn.3.
atulita bala pratpa dvau bhrt, khala badha rata sura muni sukhadt.
sobh dhma rma asa nm, tinha ke saga nri eka sym.4.
rupa rsi bidhi nri sa vr, rati sata koi tsu balihr.
tsu anuja ke ruti ns, suni tava bhagini karahi

parihs.5.
khara duana suni lage pukr, chana mahu sakala kaaka unha mr.
khara duana tisir kara ght, suni dasassa jare saba gt.6.
On hearing this the courtiers rose in great bewilderment; taking her by the arm
they lifted her up and comforted her. Said the king of Lak, Tell me what has happened
to you. Who has struck off your nose and ears? Two sons of Daaratha, the lord of
Ayodhy, who are lions among men, are out for hunting in the woods. The estimate that
I have formed of their doing is that they will rid the earth of demons. Relying on the might
of their arm, O ten-headed Rvaa, the hermits roam about the woods without fear.
Though quite young to look at, they are terrible as Death, the staunchest of archers and
accomplished in many ways. Both brothers are unequalled in might and glory; devoted
to the extermination of the wicked, they are a source of delight to gods and sages. The
elder of the two who is an abode of beauty, is known by the name of Rma; he has with
him a young belle. The Creator made that woman the very embodiment of loveliness; a
hundred million Ratis (consorts of the god of love) are trifles before her. It was his
younger brother (Lakmaa) who chopped off my ears and nose and made a mock of
me when he heard that I was your sister. When Khara and Duaa heard of it, they went
to avenge the wrong done to me; but Rma slew the whole army in a trice! The ten-
headed demon (Rvaa) burned all over (with rage) when he heard of the destruction of
Khara, Duaa and Triir. (16)
0f rr; f rf rfa
ns fa r t ; f rfa+ +
Do.: supanakhahi samujhi kari bala bolesi bahu bh

ti,
gayau bhavana ati socabasa nda parai nahi

rti.22.
Having consoled urpaakh he boasted of his strength in many ways; but he
retired to his palace full of great anxiety and could not sleep the whole night. (22)
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
ARA NYA-K NA
*
681
0 rn n rt r rs rt +
rf ar fa-f r r; f nar+ {+
f rr na t- arr+
a r; = f r a a+ +
r;f ar r r r+
= a r fs rf tfa r+ -+
r r f ar rt f a r+
;r r f nfa r; sr r r r;+ +
Cau.: sura nara asura nga khaga mh

, more anucara kaha kou nh

.
khara duana mohi sama balavat, tinhahi ko mrai binu bhagavat.1.
sura rajana bhajana mahi bhr, jau bhagavata lnha avatr.
tau mai

ji bairu hahi kara u

, prabhu sara prna taje bhava tara u

.2.
hoihi bhajanu na tmasa deh, man krama bacana matra dRha eh.
jau nararupa bhupasuta kou, harihau nri jti rana do u.3.
cal akela jna caRhi tahav

, basa mrca sidhu taa jahav

.
ih

rma jasi juguti ban, sunahu um so kath suh.4.

Among gods, human beings, demons, Ngas and birds, he thought, there is none
who can withstand my servants. As for Khara and Duaa, they were as powerful as
myself; who else could have killed them, had it not been the Lord Himself? If therefore
the Lord Himself, the Delighter of the gods and the Reliever of Earths burden, has
appeared on earth, I will go and resolutely fight with him and cross the ocean of mundane
existence by falling to His arrows. Adoration is out of question in this (demoniac) body,
which is made up of the principle of ignorance, Tmasa. Therefore, such is my firm resolve
in thought, word and deed. And if they happen to be some mortal princes I shall conquer
them both in battle and carry off the bride. Having thus made up his mind, he mounted
his chariot and drove off alone to the spot where Mrca was living by the sea-shore. Now,
hear, Um, the delectable account of the device that r Rma employed. (14)
0f n f
ar r ff r + -+
Do.: lachimana gae banahi

jaba lena mula phala kada,

janakasut sana bole bihasi kp sukha bda.23.
When Lakmaa had gone to the woods to gather roots, fruits and bulbs, r
Rma, the very encarnation of compassion and joy, spoke with a smile to Janakas
Daughter: (23)
0 fr a =f tr f fa tr+
ar r frr fn fr rr+ {+
f r r rt f f rt+
f faf rf a tar a; t = ftar+ +
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
682
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
f rr r fa r nrr+
ns r rtr r; r tr a tr+ -+
f t fa r; ff sn fr;+
r f rt ff r rt+ +
Cau.: sunahu priy brata rucira susl, mai

kacha karabi lalita narall.

tumha pvaka mahu karahu nivs, jau lagi karau niscara ns.1.
jabahi

rma saba kah bakhn, prabhu pada dhari hiya anala samn.
nija pratibiba rkhi taha st, taisai sla r upa subint.2.
lachimanahu

yaha maramu na jn, jo kachu carita rac bhagavn.

dasamukha gayau jah

mrc, ni mtha svratha rata nc.3.

navani nca kai ati dukhad, jimi akusa dhanu uraga bil.
bhayadyaka khala kai priya bn, jimi akla ke kusuma bhavn.4.
Listen, my darling, who have been staunch in the holy vow of fidelity to me and
are so virtuous in conduct: I am going to act a lovely human part. Abide in fire until I have
completed the destruction of the demons. No sooner had r Rma told Her everything
in detail than She impressed the image of the Lords feet on Her heart and entered into
the fire, leaving with Him only of a shadow of Hers, though precisely of the same
appearance and the same amiable and gentle disposition. Lakmaa too did not know
the secret of what the Lord had done behind the curtain. The ten-headed Rvaa
approached Mrca and bowed his head to him, selfish and vile as he was. The
meekness of a mean creature is a source of great trouble like the bending of a goad,
bow, snake or cat. The friendly speech of a villain is as dangerous, Bhavn (Prvat),
as the flowers that blossom out of season. (14)
0f r rt a r t ra
a n fa r ara+ +
Do.: kari puj mrca taba sdara puch bta,
kavana hetu mana byagra ati akasara yahu tta.24.
After doing him homage Mrca respectfully enquired of him his errand: Wherefore,
my son, are you so much disturbed in mind that you have come all the way alone?(24)
0 r af rn t fa fr rn+
r n ar rt f ff f r rt+ {+
af f r tr a = r ;r+
arr ara = f t r f fr t+ +
f r ns rr f rrfa rf rr+
a r rs rt fa- = f rt+ -+
; t n t r; a s rs r;+
ara af fa r fa-f frf r;f r+ +
Cau.: dasamukha sakala kath tehi ge , kah sahita abhimna abhge .
hohu kapaa mga tumha chalakr, jehi bidhi hari nau npanr.1.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
ARA NYA-K NA
*
683
tehi

puni kah sunahu dasass, te narar upa carcara s.

tso tta bayaru nahi

kjai, mre maria jie jjai.2.

muni makha rkhana gayau kumr, binu phara sara raghupati mohi mr.
sata jojana yau chana mhi
,
tinha sana bayaru kie bhala nh

.3.
bhai mama ka bhga k n, jaha taha ma

dekhau dou bh.

jau

nara tta tadapi ati s ur, tinhahi birodhi na ihi p ur.4.

The wretched Rvaa proudly repeated the whole story to him and added,
Assume the false appearance of a wily deer, so that I may be able to abduct the princess.
Mrca, however, remonstrated, Listen, Rvaa: though disguised as a man, He is the lord
of the whole animate and inanimate creation. There can be no quarrel with Him, dear son;
we die when He would have us die and live only by His sufferance. Those very princes
had gone to guard the sacrifice of the sage Vvmitra, when r Rma (the Lord of
Raghus) smote me with a pointless arrow, that threw me at a distance of 800 miles in an
instant. It will not be good to antagonize them. I find myself reduced to the position of an
insect* caught in the nest of a Bhga ( a wasp-like winged creature) inasmuch as I behold
the two brothers wherever I look. Even if they are human beings, dear son, they are
remarkable heroes nonetheless; and opposition to them will not avail. (14)
0f arzr r fa zs rz
fafr s f fz+ ~+
Do.: jehi

tRak subhu hati khaeu hara kodaa,

khara duana tisir badheu manuja ki asa baribaa.25.
But can he possibly be a man, who recklessly killed Tak and ubhu, broke
ivas bow and slew Khara, Duaa and Triir ? (25)
0r frt a r tf-f nrt+
n= ff f rr n rf r r rr+ {+
a rt z rr f fr f rrr+
trt t t f f r nt+ +
s rfa r f r a arff rrr r+
sa= a rf rn rrfa rn+ -+
f rf r nr r r nr+
fa r at r fs t+ +
Cau.: jhu bhavana kula kusala bicr, sunata jar dnhisi bahu gr.
guru jimi muRha karasi mama bodh, kahu jaga mohi samna ko jodh.1.
taba mrca hdaya anumn, navahi birodhe nahi

kalyn.
sastr marm prabhu saha dhan, baida badi kabi bhnasa gun.2.
ubhaya bh

ti dekh nija maran, taba tkisi raghunyaka saran.

utaru deta mohi badhaba abhge , kasa na marau raghupati sara lge .3.
* It is a matter of common observation that the Bhga catches hold of any insect whatsoever and
confining it in its nest of mud hums incessantly before it with the result that the insect is enamoured of the
Bhga and is eventually transformed into a Bhga.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
684
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
asa jiya jni dasnana sag, cal rma pada prema abhag.
mana ati haraa janva na teh, ju dekhihau parama saneh.4.
Therefore, considering the welfare of your race you had better return home.
When he heard this he flared up and showered many abuses on Mrca. You fool, you
presume to teach me as if you were my preceptor. Tell me which warrior in this world
is a match for me. Then Mrca thought to himself, It does not do one good to make
enemies of the following nine, viz., one skilled in the use of a weapon, he who knows
ones secret, a powerful master, a dunce, a wealthy man, a physician, a panegyrist, a
poet, an expert cook. Either way he saw he must die: hence he sought refuge in the
Lord of Raghus. If I argue further, the wretch would kill me; why, then, should I not be
killed by r Rmas arrows? Pondering thus in his mind he accompanied Rvaa,
unremitting in his devotion to r Rmas feet. He felt extremely delighted at the thought
that he would be able to behold his greatest friend (r Rma), even though he would not
reveal his joy to Rvana. (14)
U 0f ta f r f r;
>rt fa a rfa r;+
fr r r r nfa f t
f rf rf r rf ff rn t+
Cha.: nija parama prtama dekhi locana suphala kari sukha pihau ,
r sahita anuja sameta kpniketa pada mana lihau .
nirbna dyaka krodha j kara bhagati abasahi basakar,
nija pni sara sadhni so mohi badhihi sukhasgara har.
My eyes will be rewarded when I behold my most beloved lord to my great
exultation and I shall fix my thoughts on the feet of the All-merciful accompanied by St
and His younger brother. To think that r Hari, the Ocean of Bliss, whose very wrath
confers final beatitude and who, though subject to none gives Himself up entirely to the
will of His devotees, will fit an arrow with His own hands to His bow and slay me!
0 r ra r r
ff ff f frfs - r r+ +
Do.: mama pche dhara dhvata dhare sarsana bna,
phiri phiri prabhuhi bilokihau dhanya na mo sama na.26.
As He runs after me on foot, carrying His bow and arrow, I shall again and again
turn in order to get a sight of my lord! No one else is so blessed as I am. (26)
0af f r n a rt n +
fa ffr f r; f fa r;+ {+
tar =f n r n n r r+
rrt rr f n fa rr+ +
- f f t r fa t+
a rrfa ra r s f r r+ -+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
ARA NYA-K NA
*
685
n frf f f rr a r =f rr+
ff r rr; fa ff ff r;+ +
tar f rt f f frt+
f frf r n rt r r r rt+ ~+
fn fa f r rr rrn r r rr+
f f f r; n; r;+ +
na a a t f ff f ns t+
a af r f rr f s f rrr rr+ +
f f rr r ff rr+
r aa nf f r ff r a r+ c+
a ar frr f nfa tf- rr+ +
Cau.: tehi bana nikaa dasnana gaya u, taba mrca kapaamga bhaya u.
ati bicitra kachu barani na j, kanaka deha mani racita ban.1.
st parama rucira mga dekh, aga aga sumanohara be.
sunahu deva raghubra kpl, ehi mga kara ati sudara chl.2.
satyasadha prabhu badhi kari eh, nahu carma kahati baideh.
taba raghupati jnata saba krana, uhe harai sura kju sa vrana.3.
mga biloki kai parikara b

dh, karatala cpa rucira sara s

dh.
prabhu lachimanahi kah samujh, phirata bipina nisicara bahu bh.4.
st keri karehu rakhavr, budhi bibeka bala samaya bicr.
prabhuhi biloki cal mga bhj, dhe rmu sarsana sj.5.
nigama neti siva dhyna na pv, mymga pche so dhv.
kabahu nikaa puni duri par, kabahu ka pragaai kabau chap.6.
pragaata durata karata chala bhur, ehi bidhi prabhuhi gayau lai dur.
taba taki rma kahina sara mr, dharani pareu kari ghora pukr.7.
lachimana kara prathamahi

lai nm, pche sumiresi mana mahu rm.
prna tajata pragaesi nija deh, sumiresi rmu sameta saneh.8.
atara prema tsu pahicn, muni durlabha gati dnhi sujn.9.
When the ten-headed Rvaa drew near to the forest ( in which r Rma had
taken up His abode), Mrca assumed the false appearance of a deer, so very wonderful
as to defy description, with a body of gold artistically inlaid with jewels. When St saw
the exquisitely beautiful creature, most lovely in every limb, She said, Listen, my
gracious Lord r Rma (Hero of Raghus line), this deer has a most charming skin. Pray
kill this animal, my lord, and get me the hide, true as you are to your word. Thereupon
the Lord of Raghus, even though He knew all the circumstances (that had led Mrca to
assume the semblance of a deer) arose with joy to accomplish the object of the gods.
Casting a look at the deer He girded up His loins with a piece of cloth and taking the
bow in His hand fitted a shining arrow to the same. The Lord cautioned Lakmaa: A
host of demons, brother, roam about in the woods. Take care of St with due regard to
your strength and circumstances and making use of your intellect and discretion. The
deer took to flight at the sight of the Lord and r Rma ran after it pulling His bow-string.
How strange that He whom the Vedas describe in negative terms such a not that and
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
686
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
whom iva is unable to catch hold of even in meditation, ran in pursuit of a false deer!
Now close at hand. The very next moment it ran away to some distance; at one time it
came into view, at another it went out of sight. Thus alternately revealing and concealing
itself and practising every kind of wile, it took the Lord far away. Now r Rma took
a steady aim and let fly the fatal shaft, when the animal fell to the ground with a fearful
cry, first calling aloud to Lakmaa but afterwards mentally invoking r Rma. While
giving up the ghost it manifested its real form and lovingly remembered r Rma. The
omniscient Lord, who could see the love of his heart, conferred on him the state which
cannot be easily attained to even by the sages. (19)
0f f nrf n nr
f t- t rrr+ +
Do.: bipula sumana sura baraahi

gvahi

prabhu guna gtha,

nija pada dnha asura kahu dnabadhu raghuntha.27.
The gods rained down flowers in abundance and sang praises of the Lord: The
Lord of Raghus is such a friend of the humble that He conferred His own state (divinity)
on a demon. (27)
0 f aa f rrtr r r f atr+
ra fnr t tar f tar+ {+
r fn fa rar f ff r rar+
f fr fy r; ; f r;+ +
tar rr f fa f zrr+
ff f r r r f r+ -+
t r rr f at r+
r z zrt ff t f r rt+ +
r t tr t r; ;a sa fa; r fzr;+
;f n a nr a a f r+ ~+
rr ff f r r; rtfa tfa r;+
tar at nrr; r y t r; + +
a r f = rr ; r rr+
tar f t nrr r; ns rr+ +
ff ff rr f r ff rr+
a t frr f rr+ c+
Cau.: khala badhi turata phire raghubr, soha cpa kara kai t unr.
rata gir sun jaba st, kaha lachimana sana parama sabht.1.
jhu begi sakaa ati bhrt, lachimana bihasi kah sunu mt.
bhkui bilsa si laya ho, sapanehu sakaa parai ki so.2.
marama bacana jaba st bol, hari prerita lachimana mana ol.
bana disi deva saupi saba kh u, cale jah

rvana sasi rh u.3.

"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
ARA NYA-K NA
*
687
suna bca dasakadhara dekh, v nikaa jat ke be.
jke ara sura asura erh

, nisi na nda dina anna na khh

.4.
so dasassa svna k n

, ita uta citai cal bhaRih

.
imi kupatha paga deta khages, raha na teja tana budhi bala les.5.
nn bidhi kari kath suh, rjanti bhaya prti dekh.
kaha st sunu jat gos

, bolehu bacana dua k n

.6.
taba rvana nija rupa dekhv, bha sabhaya jaba nma sunv.
kaha st dhari dhraju gRh, i gayau prabhu rahu khala hRh.7.
jimi haribadhuhi chudra sasa ch, bhaesi klabasa nisicara nh.
sunata bacana dasassa risn, mana mahu carana badi sukha mn.8.
As soon as He had slain the wretch the Hero of Raghus line turned back, the
charming bow in his hand and the quiver at His waist. When St heard the cry of
distress, She was seized with excessive fear and said to Lakmaa, Go quickly, your
brother is in great peril. Lakmaa answered with a smile, Listen, mother ! By the very
play of r Rmas eyebrows the entire creation is annihilated; could He then ever dream
of being in danger? But when St urged him with words that cut him to the quick,
Lakmaas resolutionfor such was r Haris willwas shaken, He entrusted Her to
the care of all the sylvan gods and the deities presiding over the quarters and proceeded
to the place where r Rma, a veritable Rhu to the moonlike Rvaa, was. Availing
himself of this opportunity, when there was none by the side of St, the ten-headed
Rvaa drew near to Her cottage in the guise of a recluse. He, in fear of whom the gods
and demons equally trembled, so much so that they could neither sleep by night nor eat
their food by daythat very Rvaa proceeded on his mission of thieving looking this
side and that like a cur. Even so the moment a man sets his foot on the path of vice,
O Garua (king of birds), his bodily glow, reason and strength completely disappear.
Having invented alluring stories of various kinds he not only showed Her the course
which was dictated by political wisdom but also used threats and made love to Her. Said
St, Listen, O holy father: you have spoken like a villain. Then Rvaa revealed his
real form; and She was terrified when he mentioned his name. St plucked all Her
courage and said, Stay awhile, O wretch; my lord has come. Even as a tiny hare would
wed a lioness, so have you wooed your own destruction (by setting your heart on me),
O king of demons. On hearing these words the ten-headed Rvaa flew into a rage,
though in his heart he rejoiced to adore Her feet. (18)
0ra a r tf-f r;
r nn ra rf r;+ c+
Do.: krodhavata taba rvana lnhisi ratha baihi,
cal gaganapatha tura bhaya ratha h

ki na ji.28.
Full of rage, Rvaa now seated Her in his chariot and drove through the air in
great flurry: he was so much afraid that he was scarcely able to drive. (28)
0r n t rrrr f r fr rr+
rfa r r rr r fr+ {+
r f arr f rr r rs t- s rr+
ff fr fa t f r f t+ +
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
688
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
ffa rf r f rr rzr r rr+
tar fr f rt r t rt+ {-+
ntr f ra rt rrfa rf frt+
fr t- r; ff fr nr;+ {+
ta fr f f rrr fs rar rr+
rr ra n ; f a + {~+
y r f rt f f rf rt+
ra f ara rr ff rr+ {+
t r f nfa r; r fa fa r;+
rr r r at rfzf r+ {+
a nt rra rr r r frr+
af rff n r rf a r;f r+ {c+
r r r fa rrrr r;f arr+
sa= a r rr af nt rr f rr+ {+
f f t- f fnr taf rf nt f fr+
r- rf frf t z ; =r at+ {+
a r ff ffrr rf r rr+
rf r n t ff r f a t+ {{+
taf r r; rt r sar; rr rt+
fa fr rfa tar r f nt tar+ {+
fnf f- frt f f r t- zrt+
f ff taf r n r ra + {-+
Cau.: h jaga eka bra raghury, kehi

apardha bisrehu dy.
rati harana sarana sukhadyaka, h raghukula saroja dinanyaka.1.
h lachimana tumhra nahi

dos, so phalu pyau knheu ros.

bibidha bilpa karati baideh, bhuri kp prabhu duri saneh.2.
bipati mori ko prabhuhi sunv, purosa caha rsabha khv.
st kai bilpa suni bhr, bhae carcara jva dukhr.3.
gdharja suni rata bn, raghukulatilaka nri pahicn.
adhama niscara lnhe j, jimi malecha basa kapil g.4.
ste putri karasi jani trs, karihau jtudhna kara ns.
dhv krodhavata khaga kaise , chuai pabi parabata kahu jaise .5.
re re dua haRha kina hoh, nirbhaya calesi na jnehi moh.
vata dekhi ktta samn, phiri dasakadhara kara anumn.6.
k mainka ki khagapati ho, mama bala jna sahita pati so.
jn jaraha jay u eh, mama kara tratha ch

Rihi deh.7.
sunata gdha krodhtura dhv, kaha sunu rvana mora sikhv.
taji jnakihi kusala gha jhu, nhi

ta asa hoihi bahubh u.8.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
ARA NYA-K NA
*
689
rma roa pvaka ati ghor, hoihi sakala salabha kula tor.
utaru na deta dasnana jodh, tabahi

gdha dhv kari krodh.09.
dhari kaca biratha knha mahi gir, stahi rkhi gdha puni phir.
cocanha mri bidresi deh, daa eka bhai muruch teh.10.
taba sakrodha nisicara khisin, kRhesi parama karla kpn.
kesi pakha par khaga dharan, sumiri rma kari adabhuta karan.11.
stahi jna caRhi bahor, cal utila trsa na thor.
karati bilpa jti nabha st, bydha bibasa janu mg sabht.12.
giri para baihe kapinha nihr, kahi hari nma dnha paa r.
ehi bidhi stahi so lai gaya u, bana asoka maha rkhata bhayau.13.
Ah! Lord of Raghus, peerless champion of the world, reliever of distress and
delighter of the suppliant, ah! the sun that gladdens the lotus-like race of Raghu, for what
fault of mine have you become so hard-hearted against your nature? Ah! Lakmaa, the
fault is none of yours; I have reaped the fruit of the temper I showed. Manifold were the
lamentations that Videhas Daughter uttered. Though boundless his mercy, my loving
lord is far away. Who will apprize the lord of my calamity? An ass would eat the sacrificial
oblation! At the sound of Sts loud wailing all created beings, whether animate or
inanimate, felt distressed, Jayu (the king of vultures) heard the piteous cry and
recognized (from Her voice) that it was the spouse of r Rma, the Glory of Raghus
race, who was being carried away by the vile demon (Rvaa) like a dun cow that had
fallen into the hands of some barbarian. St, my daughter, fear not; I will kill this demon.
The bird darted off in its fury like a thunderbolt hurled against a mountain. Why do you
not stop, O villain ? You are proceeding fearlessly as if you have not yet known me!
When he saw the vulture bearing down upon him like Death, the ten-headed monster
turned towards him and reflected, Is it Mount Mainka or can it be Garua (the king of
birds) ? The latter, however, knows my strength as also his lord (Bhagavn Viu)!
When the bird drew near, he recognized it and said, It is no other than the aged Jayu;
he has come to drop his body at the sanctuary of my hands. At this the vulture rushed
in the excitement of his fury, exclaiming: Listen, Rvaa, to my advice and return home
safely, letting Janakas Daughter alone. Otherwise despite your many arms what will
happen is this: in the most terrible flame of r Rmas wrath your whole house will be
consumed like a moth. Bellicose Rvaa, however gave no answer. The vulture
(Jayu) thereupon rushed wildly on and clutching the demon by his hair pulled him from
the chariot so that he fell to the ground. Having placed St in a safe retreat, the vulture
turned once more towards Rvaa and striking him with his beak tore his body. For
nearly half an hour Rvaa lay unconscious. Much annoyed at this the demon now
angrily drew his most dreadful sword and cut off Jatyus wings. Invoking r Rma and
having accomplished marvellous feats, the bird fell to the ground. Rvaa took St once
more into his car and drove off in haste, greatly alarmed. St was borne through the air
lamenting like a frightened doe caught in the trap of a hunter. Perceiving some monkeys
perched on a hill She dropped some cloth uttering r Haris name. In this manner
Rvaa took St away and kept Her in the Aoka garden. (113)
0rf r ff = tfa r;
a r r a rff a r;+ (+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
690
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Do.: hri par khala bahu bidhi bhaya aru prti dekhi,
taba asoka pdapa tara rkhisi jatana kari.29(A).
The wretch tried every kind of threat and endearment but failed miserably. At last
he kept Her under an Aoka tree strongly guarded. (29 A)
[ PAUSE 6 FOR A NINE-DAY RECITATION ]
f ff n n r; >rtr
r f tar rf s fa fa fr+ (+
jehi bidhi kapaa kuraga sa ga dhi cale rrma,
so chabi st rkhi ura raati rahati harinma. 29(B)
Having impressed on Her heart the beautiful image of r Rma as He appeared while
running in pursuit of the false deer, St incessantly repeated r Haris Name. (29 B)
0rrfa f ra t rf far tf- ft+
ar ff t r ara t+ {+
ff f ff rt tar r>r rt +
nf rt s r rf rt+ +
a n ar nrrf a r>r r+
r>r f rt tr f ra tr+ -+
r n rf rt tar = t a tar+
f rr r at a ar a= rat+ +
n n >rt ar t tar nt+
ra n tr f rfr tr+ ~+
t rfz rft f frft+
= r r r n f f a r+ +
>rt f rt rt+
rt arf f r r; r+ +
ff f ra arf rt fr fn nf rt+
f ff ra fa trt r ft fa rt+ c+
r r rt fa frt+
rn r ntfa r fa r f- r+ +
Cau.: raghupati anujahi vata dekh, bhija cit knhi bise.
janakasut pariharihu akel, yahu tta bacana mama pel.1.
nisicara nikara phirahi

bana mh

, mama mana st rama nh

.
gahi pada kamala anuja kara jor, kaheu ntha kachu mohi na khor.2.
anuja sameta gae prabhu tahav

, godvari taa rama jahav

.
rama dekhi jnak hn, bhae bikala jasa prkta dn.3.
h guna khni jnak st, r upa sla brata nema punt.
lachimana samujhe bahu bh

t, p uchata cale lat taru p

t.4.
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ARA NYA-K NA
*
691
he khaga mga he madhukara ren, tumha dekh st mganain.
khajana suka kapota mga mn, madhupa nikara kokil prabn.5.
kuda kal dRima dmin, kamala sarada sasi ahibhmin.
baruna psa manoja dhanu has, gaja kehari nija sunata prasas.6.
rphala kanaka kadali harh

, neku na saka sakuca mana mh

.
sunu jnak tohi binu ju, harae sakala pi janu rju.7.
kimi sahi jta anakha tohi ph

, priy begi pragaasi kasa nh

.
ehi bidhi khojata bilapata svm, manahu mah birah ati km.8.
puranakma rma sukha rs, manuja carita kara aja abins.
ge par gdhapati dekh, sumirata rma carana jinha rekh.9.
When the Lord of Raghus saw His younger brother coming, He outwardly
expressed much concern. Alas! You have left Janakas daughter alone and come here
against my instructions. Hosts of demons are roaming about in the forest; I, therefore,
suspect St is not at the hermitage. Lakmaa clasped r Rmas lotus feet and
replied with joined palms, Lord, it is no fault of mine. Accompanied by His younger
brother, the Lord went back to His hermitage on the bank of the Godvar. When He
saw the hermitage bereft of Janakas Daughter, He felt as perturbed and afflicted as any
common man. Alas! St, Janakas daughter, the very mine of virtues, of such flawless
beauty, character, austerity and devotion! Lakmaa consoled Him in many ways. He
questioned all the creepers and trees (that stood on the way ) as He went along (in
search of Her): O birds and deer, O string of bees, have you seen the fawn-eyed St?
The wagtail, the parrot, the pigeon, the deer, the fish, the swarms of bees, the clever
cuckoo, the jasmine buds, the pomegranate, the lightning, the lotus, the autumnal moon,
the gliding serpent, the noose of Varua (the god of water), the bow of Cupid, the swan,
the elephant and the lion now hear themselves praised. The Bilva fruit and the gold
banana rejoice and do not feel the least misgiving or bashfulness* Listen, Janakas
daughter : in your absence today they are all glad as if they have got a Kingdom. How
can you bear such rivalry? Why do you not reveal yourself quickly, my darling? In this
way the Lord searched and lamented like an uxorious husband sore smitten with pangs
of separation. r Rma, who is Bliss personified and has all His wishes accomplished,
and who is both unborn and immortal, behaved like a mortal. Further on they saw the
king of vultures lying, with his thoughts fixed on r Rmas feet which bear characteristic
marks on their soles. (19)
* r Rma here well-nigh exhausts the list of birds and beasts as well as of inanimate objects to which
Indian poets usually liken the limbs of a charming lady. Of these the eyes are compared to the fish and the
wagtail as well as to the eyes of a fawn, the nose to the parrots beak, the neck to that of the pigeon, the curly
hair to a swarm of bees, the voice to the notes of a cuckoo, the teeth to the jasmine buds and the seeds of the
pomegranate, the complexion to the lightning, the eyes and the face as well as the hand and feet to the lotus,
the face to the autumnal moon, the braid of hair hanging on the back to a gliding serpent, the smile to the
noose of Varua, the eyebrows to Cupids bow, the gait to that of the swan and the elephant, the waist to that
of the lion, the breasts to the Bilva fruit and the thigh to the gold banana. The idea here is that though models
of beauty so far as earthly women are concerned, none of these analogues stood comparison with Sts
limbs and hence they dare not face the latter out of shame. Now that St was no more to be seen, they all
regained their supremacy and exulted over their good fortune.
The scriptures mention 48 marks on the soles of the Lords feet, 24 on each. Those on the left are:
(1) a vertical line (Urdhvarekh), (2) a Svastika, (3) an Aakoa ( a figure consisting of a pair of squares
intersecting each other), (4) Goddess Lakm (represented by a golden coil describing two and a half concentric
circles), (5) a plough, (6) a pestle, (7) a figure of ea (the serpent-god), (8) an arrow, (9) the sky (represented
by a cipher), (10) a lotus, (11) a chariot, (12) a thunderbolt, (13) a grain of barley, (14) the wish-yielding
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
692
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
0 r f s rf rrt
ff r f r fna ; t+ -+
Do.: kara saroja sira paraseu kpsidhu raghubra,
nirakhi rma chabi dhma mukha bigata bha saba pra.30.
The Hero of Raghus line, the ocean of mercy, stroked Jayus head with His
lotus hands. As the bird gazed on r Rmas countenance, the home of loveliness, all
his pain disappeared. (30)
0a nt f tr r tr+
r r nfa t-t af ar f t-t+ {+
f- ff ns nrr; ffa fa t t r; +
rfn rs rr a rfrr+ +
r r a r arar r; t af rar+
r r a rr s a r; >rfa nrr+ -+
r r nr rn r r f rn+
f f rrr; ara f a nfa r;+ +
fa f- rt fa- n rt +
a af ara r rr s r ar rr+ ~+
Cau.: taba kaha gdha bacana dhari dhr, sunahu rma bhajana bhava bhr.
ntha dasnana yaha gati knh, tehi

khala janakasut hari lnh.1.
lai dacchina disi gayau gos

, bilapati ati kurar k n

.
darasa lgi prabhu rkheu prn, calana cahata aba kpnidhn.2.
rma kah tanu rkhahu tt, mukha musuki kah tehi

bt.
j kara nma marata mukha v, adhamau mukuta hoi ruti gv.3.
so mama locana gocara ge , rkhau deha ntha kehi kh

ge .
jala bhari nayana kahahi

raghur, tta karma nija te gati p.4.

parahita basa jinha ke mana mh

, tinha kahu jaga durlabha kachu nh

.
tanu taji tta jhu mama dhm, deu kha tumha p uranakm.5.
The vulture now recovered himself and spoke as follows: Listen, Rma, the
allayer of the fear of transmigration: it was the ten-headed Rvaa, my lord, who
reduced me to this plight; it was the same wretch who carried off Janakas daughter. He
tree in heaven, (15) a goad, (16) a flag, (17) a crown, (18) the discus ( Sudarana), (19) a throne,
(20) the staff of Yama (the god of death), (21) a chowrie, (22) an umbrella, (23) a human figure and
(24) a wreath of victory (placed by a bride round the neck of the suitor of her choice); while those borne on the
right sole are: (1) the river Sarayu, (2) a cows hoof, (3) the earth, (4) a pitcher, (5) a small flag, (6) a Jambu fruit
(the black plum), (7) the crescent, (8) a conchshell, (9) a akoa ( a figure consisting of a pair of triangles
intersecting each other), (10) a triangle, (11) a mace, (12) a Jva or the individual soul (represented by a point
illustrating its atomic size), (13) Vindu ( a point) and (14) akti ( represented by a semi-circle and forming the
base of the Vindu), (15) a reservoir of nectar, (16) three horizontal lines like the folds of the belly, (17) a fish,
(18) the full-moon, (19) a lute, (20) a flute, (21) a bow, (22) a quiver, (23) a swan and (24) an ornament for the
head of a lady. It should be remembered here that r St also bears the same marks in Her soles, with this
difference that the marks on r Rmas right sole are borne by St on Her left and vice-versa.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
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*
693
took Her away, holy sir, to the south while she kept screaming loudly as an osprey. I
have survived, my lord, only to behold You, my life now is about to depart, O fountain
of mercy. Said r Rma, Live yet more, father. He, however, replied with a smile on
his countenance, He whose very name, so declare the Vedas, redeems the most
depraved soul even if it appears on his lips at the moment of his death, is present before
me in a visible form ! What more is wanting now, for which I should retain my body any
longer? With His eyes full of tears the Lord of Raghus replied, Dear father, you have
attained to an enviable state by virtue of your own noble deeds. Nothing is difficult of
attainment in this world to those who have others interests at heart. Casting off your
body, dear father, proceed now to My divine abode. What shall I give you, when you
have all your desires already accomplished ? (15)
0tar ara f far r;
r a fa ff r r;+ -{+
Do.: st harana tta jani kahahu pit sana ji,
jau mai

rma ta kula sahita kahihi dasnana i.31.

But on reaching there, sire, tell not my father about Sts abduction. If I am no
other than Rma ( if I am what I am), the ten-headed Rvaa and his whole house will
go and say everything to him. (31)
0nt af f f =r ta r+
tr nra fr rt tafa a f rt+ {+
Cau.: gdha deha taji dhari hari r up, bh uana bahu paa pta an up,
syma gta bisla bhuja cr, astuti karata nayana bhari br.1.
The vulture now dropped his body and assumed r Haris own form, bedecked
with many jewels and clad in a yellow attire of matchless splendour, and possessed of
a dark hue and four long arms; and with his eyes full of tears he burst into praises of
his lord. (1)
U0 r = fn n n t
t r z z z z t+
rr nra r rt ra r
fa f r r r fr r+ {+
rf+nr
nrf nr frrr t+
r r a a a
fa f r r f rrf n+ +
f >r fa f zr r f f nrt
f r r frn rn f f rt+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
694
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
r n =r rr n n r;
z n n n f r;+ -+
r n n r f ta r
tfa rnt a f a nr r+
r r r fr aa r fr t
s s r fa r tfa rt+ +
Cha.: jaya rma rupa anupa nirguna saguna guna preraka sah,
dasassa bhu pracaa khaana caa sara maana mah.
pthoda gta saroja mukha rjva yata locana,
nita naumi rmu kpla bhu bisla bhava bhaya mocana.1.
balamaprameyamandimajamabyaktamekamagocara,
gobida gopara dvadvahara bigynaghana dharandhara.
je rma matra japata sata anata jana mana rajana,
nita naumi rma akma priya kmdi khala dala gajana.2.
jehi ruti nirajana brahma bypaka biraja aja kahi gvah

,
kari dhyna gyna birga joga aneka muni jehi pvah

.
so pragaa karun kada sobh bda aga jaga moha,
mama hdaya pakaja bhga aga anaga bahu chabi soha.3.
jo agama sugama subhva nirmala asama sama stala sad,
pasyati ja jog jatana kari karata mana go basa sad.
so rma ram nivsa satata dsa basa tribhuvana dhan,
mama ura basau so samana sasti jsu krati pvan.4.
Glory to r Rma of incomparable beauty, who is absolute as well as qualified
and the true impeller of Guas (My) too. His fierce arrows are potent enough to cut
off the terrible arms of the ten-headed Rvaa. I incessantly adore the all-merciful r
Rma, the ornament of the earth, who is endowed with a form dark as the rain-cloud, a
face resembling the blue lotus and large eyes resembling the red lotus. Possessed of
long arms, He rids His devotees of the fear of transmigration. His strength is immeasurable;
He is without beginning and unborn, the one (without a second), unmanifest and
imperceptible, beyond the reach of the senses, though attainable with the help of the
Vedic hymns, the dispeller of pairs of opposites (such as joy and sorrow, birth and death,
pleasure and pain etc.,) consciousness personified, the supporter of the earth, death and
the delighter of the soul of countless saints and devotees who repeat the sacred Name
of Rma. I ever extol r Rma, who loves and is loved by those who are free from
desire and curbs the host of vicious propensities such as lust and so on. He, whom the
Vedas glorify under the name of Brahma, pure (free from the taint of My), all-pervading,
passionless and unborn, whom the sages attain to through manifold practices such as
meditation, discretion, dispassion and Yoga (self-discipline), that fountain of mercy has
become manifest as the very incarnation of beauty and enraptures the whole animate
and inanimate creation. He is the bee that resides in the lotus of my heart and through
every limb of His shines the splendour of many a god of love. He, who is at once
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ARA NYA-K NA
*
695
inaccessible and easily accessible, who has a guileless disposition and is both partial
and impartial and ever placid, whom the Yogs perceive with great effort subduing their
senses and mind, that Rma, the abode of Ram (Goddess Lakm) and the Lord of the
three spheres (the entire creation) is ever at the beck and call of His devotees. May He
abide in my heart, whose holy praises put a stop to transmigration. (14)
0f nfa rfn nt ns fr
af t fr rfa f t-t r+ -+
Do.: abirala bhagati mgi bara gdha gayau haridhma,
tehi k kriy jathocita nija kara knh rma.32.
Asking the boon of uninterrupted devotion the vulture (Jayu) ascended to r Haris
Abode. r Rma performed his funeral rites with due ceremony and with His own hands. (32)
0r fa fa trr r f rrr rr+
nt n rf rnt nfa t-t r ra rnt+ {+
sr a rn rnt f af rf f rnt+
f taf ra r; fra ar;+ +
ar f rr r n n a n r+
ra frar af t r rar+ -+
rr rf t-t rr f fr r rr+
n s art rf rr; zr rt+ +
Cau.: komala cita ati dnadayl, krana binu raghuntha kpl.
gdha adhama khaga mia bhog, gati dnh jo jcata jog.1.
sunahu um te loga abhg, hari taji hohi

biaya anurg.
puni stahi khojata dvau bh, cale bilokata bana bahut.2.
sakula lat biapa ghana knana, bahu khaga mga taha gaja pacnana.
vata patha kabadha nipt, tehi

saba kah spa kai bt.3.

durabs mohi dnh sp, prabhu pada pekhi mi so pp.
sunu gadharba kahau mai

toh, mohi na sohi brahmakula droh.4.

The Lord of Raghus is most tender-hearted and compassionate to the humble and
shows His mercy even where there is no occasion for it. On a vulture, who is a most
unclean and carnivorous bird, He conferred a state which is solicited even by Yogs.
Listen, Um: those people are unfortunate indeed, who abandon r Hari and become
attached to the object of sense. The two brothers proceeded further in quest of St and
marked the thickening of the forest even as they went. The thicket was full of creepers
and trees and inhabited by many birds and deer, elephants and lions, r Rma
overthrew the demon Kabandha even as the latter met Him on the way; he told Him the
whole story about the curse pronounced on him: The sage Durvs had imprecated me;
the sin has now been wiped out by the sight of the Lords feet. Listen, O Gandharva,
to what I tell you: I cannot tolerate an enemy of the Brhmaas. (14)
0 af r
rf a ff f ar + --+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
696
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Do.: mana krama bacana kapaa taji jo kara bhusura seva,
mohi sameta biraci siva basa tke saba deva.33.
He who without guile in thought, word and deed does service to the Brhmaas
(the very gods on earth), wins over Brahm, iva, Myself and all other divinities. (33)
0ra arza = ar f nrf ar+
f f t n tr n n r tr+ {+
f f arf rrr f tfa f rr+
rrfa f= r; ns nn rf nfa r;+ +
arf ; nfa r srr t r>r n rr+
t f r n r f fr f r+ -+
f r r frr r f s rr+
tr n rs r; t t r;+ +
n rr f f r f rr+
r r f r r+ ~+
Cau.: spata tRata parua kahat, bipra pujya asa gvahi

sat.
pujia bipra sla guna hn, sudra na guna gana gyna prabn.1.
kahi nija dharma thi samujhv, nija pada prti dekhi mana bhv.
raghupati carana kamala siru n, gayau gagana pani gati p.2.
thi dei gati rma udr, sabar ke rama pagu dhr.
sabar dekhi rma gha e, muni ke bacana samujhi jiya bhe.3.
sarasija locana bhu bisl, ja mukua sira ura banaml.
syma gaura sudara dou bh, sabar par carana lapa.4.
prema magana mukha bacana na v, puni puni pada saroja sira nv.
sdara jala lai carana pakhre, puni sudara sana baihre.5.
A Brhmaa, even though he curse you, beat you or speak harsh words to you,
is still worthy of adoration: so declare the saints. A Brhmaa must be respected, though
lacking in amiability and virtue; not so a udra, though possessing a host of virtues and
rich in knowledge. The Lord instructed Kabandha in His own cult ( the cult of Devotion)
and was delighted at heart to see his devotion to His feet. Having regained his original
form (that of a Gandharva ) he bowed his head to the lotus feet of r Rma (the Lord
of Raghus) and ascended to the heaven. Having conferred on him his own (Gandharva)
state the beneficent Rma repaired to the hermitage of abar*. When abar saw that
r Rma had called at her abode, she recalled the words of the sage (Mataga) and
was glad of heart. With lotus-like eyes, long arms, a tuft of matted hair adorning their
* abar was known by the name of the wild tribe (abaras) to which she belonged. Though low-born,
she had already acquired some celebrity for her piety and devotion; hence the poet has chosen to call her
abode a hermitage ( a name generally applied to the abode of sages and hermits). This can easily serve as
an illustration of the catholicity of the great Hindu religion, which, though rigid in social matters, does not fail
to give proper recognition to individual merit and virtue. The whole of this episode is a great eye-opener in this
respect.
From other sources it can be gathered that the sage, who was abars own Guru, had predicted to
her, on the eve of his demise long before, that the Lord would visit her. It is this prediction of the sage that has
been referred to above.
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ARA NYA-K NA
*
697
head like a crown and a garland of wild flowers hanging upon their breast, the two brothers
looked most charmingthe one dark of hue and the other fair; abar fell prostrate and
embraced their feet. She was so owerwhelmed with love that no words came to her lips.
Again and again she bowed her head at their lotus feet. Presently she look some water
and reverently laved their feet and then conducted them to a seat of honour. (15)
0 fa f r rf
fa r rr rf+ -+
Do.: kada mula phala surasa ati die rma kahu ni,
prema sahita prabhu khe brabra bakhani.34.
She brought and offered to r Rma the most delicious bulbs, roots and fruits.
The Lord partook of them again and again. (34)
0rf rf rn ; rt f frf tfa fa rt+
f ff tafa arrt rfa zfa rt+ {+
a fa rt fa- fa rrrt+
rrfa rff rar rs nfa rar+ +
rfa rfa zr; f n ar;+
nfa t r; r f rf f r+ -+
r nfa s arf rt rr = rt+
nfa a- nr f fa r nr+ +
Cau.: pni jori ge bhai hRh, prabhuhi biloki prti ati bRh.
kehi bidhi astuti karau tumhr, adhama jti mai

jaRamati bhr.1.
adhama te adhama adhama ati nr, tinha maha mai

matimada aghr.
kaha raghupati sunu bhmini bt, mnau eka bhagati kara nt.2.
jti p

ti kula dharma baR, dhana bala parijana guna catur.

bhagati hna nara sohai kais, binu jala brida dekhia jais.3.
navadh bhagati kahau tohi ph

, svadhna sunu dharu mana mh

.
prathama bhagati satanha kara sag, d usari rati mama kath prasag.4.
Joining her palms she stood before Him; as she gazed upon the Lord her love
waxed yet more ardent. How can I extol You, lowest in descent and the dullest of wit
as I am ? A woman is the lowest of those who rank as the lowest of the low. Of women
again I am the most dull-headed, O Destroyer of sins. Answered the Lord of Raghus:
Listen, O good lady, to My words I recognize no other kinship except that of Devotion.
Despite caste, kinship, lineage, piety, reputation, wealth, physical strength, numerical
strength of his family, accomplishments and ability, a man lacking in Devotion is of no
more worth than a cloud without water. Now I tell you the nine forms of Devotion; please
listen attentively and cherish them in your mind. The first in order is fellowship with the
saints and the second is marked by a fondness for My stories. (14)
0n r atf nfa r
f nfa n n ; af nr+ -~+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
698
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Do.: gura pada pakaja sev tsari bhagati amna,
cauthi bhagati mama guna gana karai kapaa taji gna.35.
Humble service of the lotus feet of ones preceptor is the third form of Devotion,
while the fourth type of Devotion consists in singing My praises with a guileless
purpose. (35)
0r r ftrr r rr+
t ffa r fa fa r r+ {+
ra rf n r ra a f f r+
r rr arr f ; rr+ +
tr r f tr+
s f- r; rf = r r;+ -+
r; fa f rff r r nfa ar+
rfn nfa r; ar r ; r;+ +
r t r f =r+
ar ; f rft rf fnrft+ ~+
r f r rrr; a r;f nt far;+
r ff rrtr ra fatr+ +
r r f= r; fa r r;+ +
Cau.: matra jpa mama dRha bisvs, pacama bhajana so beda praks.
chaha dama sla birati bahu karam, nirata niratara sajjana dharam.1.
stava sama mohi maya jaga dekh, mote sata adhika kari lekh.
hava jathlbha sato, sapanehu nahi

dekhai parado.2.
navama sarala saba sana chalahn, mama bharosa hiya haraa na dn.
nava mahu ekau jinha ke ho, nri purua sacarcara ko.3.
soi atisaya priya bhmini more , sakala prakra bhagati dRha tore .
jogi bda duralabha gati jo, to kahu ju sulabha bhai so.4.
mama darasana phala parama an up, jva pva nija sahaja sar up.
janakasut kai sudhi bhmin, jnahi kahu karibaragmin.5.
pap sarahi jhu raghur, taha hoihi sugrva mit.
so saba kahihi deva raghubr, jnatahu

puchahu matidhr.6.
bra bra prabhu pada siru n, prema sahita saba kath sun.7.
Muttering My Name with unwavering faith constitutes the fifth form of adoration
revealed in the Vedas. The sixth variety consists in the practice of self-control and virtue,
desisting from manifold activities and ever pursuing the course of conduct prescribed for
saints. He who practises the seventh type sees the world full of Me without distinction
and reckons the saints as even greater than Myself. He who cultivates the eighth type
of Devotion remains contented with whatever he gets and never thinks of detecting others
faults. The ninth form of Devotion demands that one should be guileless and straight in
ones dealings with everybody, and should in his heart cherish implicit faith in Me without
either exultation or depression. Whoever possesses any one of these nine forms of
Devotion, be he man or woman or any other creature sentient or insentient is most
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
ARA NYA-K NA
*
699
dear to Me, O good lady. As for yourself, you are blessed with unflinching devotion of all
these types. The prize which is hardly won by the Yogs is within your easy reach today.
The most incomparable fruit of seeing Me is that the soul attains its natural state. If you
know anything about Janakas daughter, My good lady, tell Me her news, O fair dame. Go
to the Pamp lake, O Lord of Raghus; there You will make friends with Sugrva. He will
tell You everything, my Lord Rma, Hero of Raghus line; You are of steady resolve and
know everything; nevertheless You ask me! Bowing her head at the Lords feet again and
again she lovingly related the whole story (of what the sage Mataga had told her and how
eagerly she had watched His approach all the time). (17)
U0f r frf f z
af rn r f t ; f f+
ff a r -rn
ftr f r at r rn+
Cha.: kahi kath sakala biloki hari mukha hdaya pada pakaja dhare,
taji joga pvaka deha hari pada lna bhai jaha nahi

phire.
nara bibidha karma adharma bahu mata sokaprada saba tygahu,
bisvsa kari kaha dsa tulas rma pada anurgahu.
After telling the whole story she gazed on the Lords countenance and imprinted
the image of His lotus feet on her heart; and casting her body in the fire of Yoga she
entered r Haris state wherefrom there is no return. O men, abandon your varied
activities, sins and diverse creeds, which all give birth to sorrow, and with genuine faith,
says Tulasdsa, be devoted to the feet of r Rma.
0rfa t rr - f + tf- f rf
r f f frf+ -+
Do.: jti hna agha janma mahi mukta knhi asi nri,
mahmada mana sukha cahasi aise prabhuhi bisri.36.
The Lord conferred final beatitude even on a woman who was not only an outcaste
but a very mine of sin; you seek happiness, my most foolish mind, by forgetting such
a master ! (36)
0 r -rnr r afa f r+
ft ; a frr a r rr+ {+
f ff ; rr a f f rr+
rf fa n n r r rf a f fr+ +
f f n f rt nt f ar rt+
ar r n r n r r+ -+
n r; ft f t r rf fr t+
rtr ffaa f f f fa f f+ +
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
700
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
rf rf f s rt at rtr fa rt +
ara a rr fr t rf srr+ ~+
Cau.: cale rma tyg bana sou, atulita bala nara kehari dou.
birah iva prabhu karata bid, kahata kath aneka sabd.1.
lachimana dekhu bipina kai sobh, dekhata kehi kara mana nahi

chobh.
nri sahita saba khaga mga bd, mnahu mori karata hahi

nid.2.
hamahi dekhi mga nikara parh

, mg

kahahi

tumha kaha bhaya nh

.
tumha nada karahu mga je, kacana mga khojana e e.3.
saga li karin

kari leh

, mnahu mohi sikhvanu deh

.
sstra sucitita puni puni dekhia, bhupa susevita basa nahi

lekhia.4.
rkhia nri jadapi ura mh

, jubat sstra npati basa nh

.
dekhahu tta basata suhv, priy hna mohi bhaya upajv.5.
r Rma left even that forest and proceeded further. The two brothers were lions
among men and possessed immeasurable strength. The Lord lamented like one smitten
with pangs of separation; He narrated stories and had many a dialogue (with Lakmaa).
Lakmaa, mark the beauty of the forest; whose heart will not be stirred at its sight ?
United with their mates all the swarms of birds and herds of deer are reproaching me as
it were. When the bucks see me and scamper away (in fear), their mates would stop
them saying, You have nothing to fear; you may enjoy yourselves at will, O progeny of
deer. He has come in search of a gold deer. The elephants would take their mates
alongwith them as if to teach me a lesson (that a man should never leave his wife alone).
The sacred lore, however thoroughly studied, must be gone through over and over again;
a king, however well served, should never be depended upon; and a woman like the
scriptures and the king, even though you may cherish her in your bosom, is never
thoroughly mastered. See, brother, how pleasant the spring is; yet to me, bereft of my
beloved, it is frightful. (15)
0f f t rf r f f
fa ff n t- n + - (+
f ns rar fa ar a f ra
zr t-s a f ra+ - (+
Do.: biraha bikala balahna mohi jnesi nipaa akela,
sahita bipina madhukara khaga madana knha bagamela.37(A).
dekhi gayau bhrt sahita tsu duta suni bta,
er knheu manahu taba kaaku haaki manajta.37(B).
When the god of love found me tortured by separation, languishing and all alone,
he rushed against me with the verdant forest, bees and birds for his army. His spy (the
wind), however, has seen me with my brother and on his report the mind-born Cupid has
held up his advancing army and besieged me as it were. (37 A-B)
0f fr ar =rrt ff far f art+
f ar r arr f r t rr+ {+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
ARA NYA-K NA
*
701
ff rfa a= rr ra rr+
f r fn fn r; r+ +
a f r n ra r fra+
r r t rt rra r art+ -+
atfa r r f r; r =r+
fnf fr t rr ra t n n r+ +
f r; frf rf tt r;+
afnt n t- fa f at t-+ ~+
f a r tr f t fa- n tr+
f rt af a s r; rt+ +
Cau.: biapa bisla lat arujhn, bibidha bitna die janu tn.
kadali tla bara dhuj patk, dekhi na moha dhra mana jk.1.
bibidha bha ti phule taru nn, janu bnaita bane bahu bn.
kahu kahu sudara biapa suhe, janu bhaa bilaga bilaga hoi che.2.
kujata pika mnahu gaja mte, heka mahokha u

a bisarte.
mora cakora kra bara bj, prvata marla saba tj.3.
ttira lvaka padacara juth, barani na ji manoja bar uth.
ratha giri sil dudubh

jharan, ctaka bad guna gana baran.4.

madhukara mukhara bheri sahan, tribidha bayri bash

.
caturagin sena sa ga lnhe , bicarata sabahi cunaut dnhe .5.
lachimana dekhata kma ank, rahahi

dhra tinha kai jaga lk.
ehi ke eka parama bala nr, tehi te ubara subhaa soi bhr.6.
Creepers have entwined themselves round gigantic trees, spreading as it were a
variety of canopies in the sky. The plantains and stately palms are standing like beautiful
pennons and standards; he alone who is stout of heart could help being fascinated by
their sight. Trees of every description are adorned with flowers of various kinds, like
warriors arrayed in all their different kinds of panoply. Other beautiful trees standing here
and there look charming like champions separately encamped. The murmuring cuckoos
are his excited elephants; herons and rooks, his camels and mules; peacocks, Cakoras
and parrots, his noble war-horses; the pigeons and swans, his Arab steeds; the
partridges and quails, his foot soldiers. But there is no describing the whole host of
Cupid. Mountain rocks are his chariots; the rills, his kettledrums; the Ctakas, the bards
that utter his praises; the garrulous bees are his trumpets and clarionets and the soft,
cool and fragrant breezes have come in the capacity of his ambassadors. Accompanied
by an army complete in all its four limbs (viz., the horse, the foot, the chariots and the
elephants), he goes about challenging all to a combat. Lakmaa, they who remain firm
even at the sight of Cupids battle-array are men that count in this world. His greatest
strength lies in woman; he alone who can escape her is a mighty champion. (16)
0ara atf fa r r = r
f fr r f ff r+ -c (+
r ;-r r rf
r = f f frf + -c (+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
702
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Do.: tta tni ati prabala khala kma krodha aru lobha,
muni bigyna dhma mana karahi

nimia mahu chobha.38(A).

lobha ke icch dabha bala kma ke kevala nri,
krodha ke parua bacana bala munibara kahahi

bicri.38(B).
Brother, there are three evils most formidable of alllust, anger and greed. In an
instant they distract the mind of hermits who are the very repositories of wisdom. The
weapons of greed are desire and hypocrisy, of lust naught but woman; while angers
weapon is harsh speech: so declare the great sages after deep thought. (38 A-B)
0nrata r trt r sr art+
rf- tar r; t- ffa r;+ {+
r r r rr f r t rr+
r ;r f r r r; r r+ +
sr s r a f na r+
f n r atr r r n ntr+ -+
a z f rt r rrr r rt+
a ff ff n tr sr n r tr+ +
Cau.: guntta sacarcara svm, rma um saba atarajm.
kminha kai dnat dekh, dhranha ke mana birati dRh.1.
krodha manoja lobha mada my, chuahi

sakala rma k

dy.
so nara idrajla nahi

bhul, j para hoi so naa anuk ul.2.

um kahau mai

anubhava apan, sata hari bhajanu jagata saba sapan.

puni prabhu gae sarobara tr, pap nma subhaga gabhr.3.
sata hdaya jasa nirmala br, b

dhe gha manohara cr.

jaha taha piahi

bibidha mga nr, janu udra gha jcaka bhr.4.
r Rma, dear Um, (says Bhagavn iva) is beyond the three Guas (Sattva,
Rajas and Tamas), though the lord of the animate and inanimate creation, and the inner
controller of all. (By speaking as above) He demonstrated the miserable plight of earthly
lovers and strengthened dispassion in the mind of the wise. Anger, lust, greed, pride and
delusion, all these get eliminated through r Rmas grace. He who wins the favour of
that divine player is never deluded by His jugglery. Um, I tell you my own realization;
the only thing real is worship of r Rma, and the whole world is a dream. The Lord then
repaired to the shore of the deep and beautiful lake known by the name of Pamp. Its
water was as limpid as the heart of saints and it had charming flights of steps on all its
four sides. Beasts of various kinds drank of its water wherever they listed, as if there
was a crowd of beggars ever present at the house of a generous man. (14)
0;f rr r fn r;
rrr f fn zr + - (+
t t fa nr rf
r t- f a rf+ - (+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
ARA NYA-K NA
*
703
Do.: puraini saghana oa jala begi na pia marma,
mychanna na dekhiai jaise nirguna brahma.39(A).
sukh mna saba ekarasa ati agdha jala mhi

,
jath dharmaslanha ke dina sukha sajuta jhi

.39(B).
Covered by dense lotus leaves the water could not be easily discerned, even as
the attributeless Brahma is not perceived when veiled by My (Ignorance). All the fish
that had their abode in the fathomless water of the lake were uniformly happy, even as
the virtuous ever pass their days peacefully. (39 A-B)
0f f rr nr na nr+
ra a r frf a r+ {+
r n r; a ; f f r;+
n n fnr r; ra f a rr;+ +
ar t f- n r ff r f r+
arr r r rr+ -+
fa a= rr t t nrr+
ta n r aa ; r r+ +
rf f t f r f t+ ~+
Cau.: bikase sarasija nn rag, madhura mukhara gujata bahu bhg.
bolata jalakukkua kalahas, prabhu biloki janu karata prasas.1.
cakrabka baka khaga samud, dekhata banai barani nahi

j.
sudara khaga gana gir suh, jta pathika janu leta bol.2.
tla sampa muninha gha che, cahu disi knana biapa suhe.
capaka bakula kadaba taml, pala panasa parsa rasl.3.
nava pallava kusumita taru nn, cacarka paal kara gn.
stala mada sugadha subh u, satata bahai manohara b u.4.
kuhu kuhu kokila dhuni karah

, suni rava sarasa dhyna muni arah

.5.
Lotuses of different colours had opened their petals and swarms of bees sweetly
hummed. Swans and waterfowls made such a noise as though they had burst into
the Lords praises the moment they saw Him. Birds like the Cakrawka and the heron
were lovely beyond words; one could form an idea of their beauty only after seeing
them. The voice of the beautiful birds was so captivating that it seemed they invited
the wayfarers who passed by them. By the side of the lake hermits had erected their
thatched cottages; there were charming forest trees all around. The Campaka, the
Bakula, the Kadamba, the Tamla, the Pala, the Panasa, the Pala, the mango
and many other varieties of trees had put forth new leaves and blosoms and swarms
of bees hummed on them. A delightful breeze which was naturally cool, gentle and
fragrant, ever breathed there. The cuckoos cooed so sweetly that their melody disturbed
the hermits in their meditation. (15)
0 r f f f fr;
srt = ff f fa r;+ +
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
704
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Do.: phala bhrana nami biapa saba rahe bhumi niari,
para upakr purua jimi navahi

susapati pi.40.
Weighed down with the load of their fruits all the fruit trees well-nigh touched
the ground, even as benevolent souls grow all the more humble on getting a large
fortune. (40)
0f r fa =f arr r t- rr+
t a= rr fa rrrr+ {+
a f f r tafa f f r fr+
r rr a r rr+ +
fa naf t r r r ft+
r r f ntrr a r rr rr+ -+
f frs r; f ff = r;+
frf r tr n r rtr+ +
nra r fa rt fa rfa rt+
a za f sr; r a r s r;+ ~+
trna f f r f r r+ +
Cau.: dekhi rma ati rucira talv, majjanu knha parama sukha pv.
dekh sudara tarubara chy, baihe anuja sahita raghury.1.
taha puni sakala deva muni e, astuti kari nija dhma sidhe.
baihe parama prasanna kpl, kahata anuja sana kath rasl.2.
birahavata bhagavatahi dekh, nrada mana bh soca bise.
mora spa kari agkr, sahata rma nn dukha bhr.3.
aise prabhuhi bilokau j, puni na banihi asa avasaru .
yaha bicri nrada kara bn, gae jah

prabhu sukha sn.4.

gvata rma carita mdu bn, prema sahita bahu bh

ti bakhn.
karata daavata lie uh, rkhe bahuta bra ura l.5.
svgata pu

chi nikaa baihre, lachimana sdara carana pakhre.6.

When r Rma saw this most beautiful lake, He took a dip into it and felt
supremely delighted. Seeing the pleasant shade of a stately tree, the Lord of Raghus sat
in it with His younger brother. There all the gods and sages came once more and having
hymned His praises returned to their several homes. The All-merciful sat in a most
cheerful mood and discoursed with His younger brother on delightful topics. When the
sage Nrada saw the Lord suffering the pangs of separation, he felt much perturbed at
heart. It is in submission to my curse* that the Lord is undergoing many hardships of
an oppressive nature. Let me, therefore, go and see such a noble Lord; for such an
opportunity may not present itself again, Reflecting thus Nrada went, lute in hand, to
the spot where the Lord was sitting at ease. He fondly sang in a soft voice the exploits
of r Rma dwelling upon them in all detail. As he prostrated himself the Lord lifted him
up and held him in His embrace for a long time. After enquiring of his welfare He seated
him by His side, while Lakmaa reverently laved His feet. (16)
* Vide Blaka, the Caups following Doha 136, Doh 137 and the Caups coming after it.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
ARA NYA-K NA
*
705
0rr ff fat f r f rf
r r a rf r= rf+ {+
Do.: nn bidhi binat kari prabhu prasanna jiya jni,
nrada bole bacana taba jori saroruha pni.41.
After much supplication and realizing that the Lord was pleased at heart, Nrada
joined his lotus palms and spoke as follows: (41)
0 sr rrr n n r+
rns trt uf ra art+ {+
r f ar r r f s r+
ta f f rf rnt r f ar rnt+ +
f r ftr a f r+
a r r r; rns s fr;+ -+
uf r r >rfa f a r+
r r- a fr rs r rr n n fr+ +
Cau.: sunahu udra sahaja raghunyaka, sudara agama sugama bara dyaka.
dehu eka bara mgau svm, jadyapi jnata atarajm.1.
jnahu muni tumha mora subh u, jana sana kabahu ki karau dur u.
kavana bastu asi priya mohi lg, jo munibara na sakahu tumha mg.2.
jana kahu kachu adeya nahi

more , asa bisvsa tajahu jani bhore .

taba nrada bole hara, asa bara mgau karau hih.3.
jadyapi prabhu ke nma anek, ruti kaha adhika eka te ek.
rma sakala nmanha te adhik, hou ntha agha khaga gana badhik.4.
Listen, O Lord of Raghus, generous by nature as You are: You confer delightful
boons that are unattainable as well as those that are attainable. Grant me, my master, only
one boon that I ask of You, even though You already know it (even without my asking),
indwelling as You do the hearts of all. You know my disposition, dear sage: do I ever
hide anything from my devotees ? What object do I hold so dear, O chief of sages, that
you may not ask it of Me ? There is nothing which I may withhold from my votary: never
give up this belief even by mistake. Then Nrada gladly said, This is the boon I
presume to ask: even though my lord has many names, each greater than the rest, as
the Vedas declare, let the name RMA, my lord, surpass all other names in exterminating
the whole brood of sins even as a fowler kills an entire flock of birds. (14)
0rr t nfa a r r r; r
r szn f na s r+ (+
ta f s rf rrr
a r fa rs r+ (+
Do.: rk rajan bhagati tava rma nma soi soma,
apara nma uagana bimala basahu bhagata ura byoma.42(A).
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
706
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
evamastu muni sana kaheu kpsidhu raghuntha,
taba nrada mana haraa ati prabhu pada nyau mtha.42(B).
May the name RMA shine as the moon and the other names as so many stars
in the cloudless sky of Your devotees heart during the full-moon night of devotion to
You. The all-merciful Lord of Raghus replied to the sage, So be it Thereupon Nrada
felt much delighted at heart and bowed at the Lords feet. (42 A-B)
0fa r rrrf rt f r r rt+
r f s f rr r rf rrrr+ {+
a fr rs t-r f r t-r+
f arf s rr f rf af rr+ +
s r fa- rt ff r r; art+
n f - f r; a r; t nr;+ -+
af a rar tfa ; f rff rar+
r a rt r a r rt+ +
f r f art r r f rt+
frf fza rf t r r nfa f at+ ~+
Cau.: ati prasanna raghunthahi jn, puni nrada bole mdu bn.
rma jabahi

prereu nija my, mohehu mohi sunahu raghury.1.
taba bibha mai

chau knh, prabhu kehi krana karai na dnh.
sunu muni tohi kahau saharos, bhajahi

je mohi taji sakala bharos.2.
karau sad tinha kai rakhavr, jimi blaka rkhai mahatr.
gaha sisu baccha anala ahi dh, taha rkhai janan arag.3.
prauRha bhae tehi suta para mt, prti karai nahi

pchili bt.
more prauRha tanaya sama gyn, blaka suta sama dsa amn.4.
janahi mora bala nija bala th, duhu kaha kma krodha ripu h.
yaha bicri paita mohi bhajah

, pehu gyna bhagati nahi

tajah

.5.
Seeing the Lord of Raghus so highly pleased, Nrada spoke again in gentle tones
Listen, O Rma: when You impelled Your My (deluding potency) and infatuated me,
O Lord of Raghus, I wanted to marry. Why, then, did You not let me accomplish my
desire ? Listen, O sage: I tell you with all the emphasis at My command that I always
take care of those who worship Me with undivided faith, even as a mother tends her child.
If an infant child runs to catch hold of fire or a snake, the mother rescues it by drawing it
aside. When, however, her son has grown up she loves him no doubt, but not as before.
The wise are like My grown up sons, while humble devotees are like My infant children.
A devotee depends on Me, while the former ( a wise man) depends on his own strength;
and both have to face enemies like lust and anger. Pondering thus the prudent adore Me
and never take leave of devotion even after attaining wisdom. (15)
0r r rrf r rf
fa- fa r= rr=t rf+ -+
Do.: kma krodha lobhdi mada prabala moha kai dhri,
tinha maha ati druna dukhada myrup nri.43.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
ARA NYA-K NA
*
707
Lust, anger, greed, pride etc., constitute the most powerful army of Ignorance.
But among them all the fiercest and the most troublesome is that incarnation of My (the
Lords deluding potency) called woman. (43)
0 f r >rfa ar r ff rf ar+
a r>r rrt r; nt r; rt+ {+
r r - r ;-f r r+
rr r; fa- r r;+ +
t= r r; f fa-f ; r+
f ar r ar; ; rf ff fa r;+ -+
r s f rt rf ffz t frt+
f t - tr t fr f tr+ +
Cau.: sunu muni kaha purna ruti sat, moha bipina kahu nri basat.
japa tapa nema jalraya jhr, hoi grama soai saba nr.1.
kma krodha mada matsara bhek, inhahi haraaprada bara ek.
durbsan kumuda samud, tinha kaha sarada sad sukhad.2.
dharma sakala sarasruha bd, hoi hima tinhahi dahai sukha mad.
puni mamat javsa bahut, paluhai nri sisira ritu p.3.
ppa uluka nikara sukhakr, nri nibiRa rajan a dhir.
budhi bala sla satya saba mn, banas sama triya kahahi

prabn.4.
Listen, O sage: the Puras, the Vedas and the saints declare that woman is like
the vernal season to the forest of ignorance. Nay, like the hot season she dries up all the
ponds and lakes of Japa (the muttering of prayers), austerity and religious observances.
Again, lust, anger, pride and jealousy are so many frogs as it were; like the rainy season
woman is the only agency that gladdens them all. Even so latent desires of a vicious type
are like a bed of lilies, to which, like the autumn, she is ever agreeable. All the different
virtues are like a bed of lotuses; like the middle of winter, woman, who is a source of base
(sensuous) pleasure, blights them all. Again, the overgrowth of the Yavsa plant in the
shape of mineness flourishes when the close of winter in the shape of woman appears. For
owls in the shape of sins woman is a delightful night thick with darkness. Even so reason,
strength, virtue and truth are all so many fishes as it were; and woman, so declare the wise,
is like a hook to catch them. (14)
0n r rf
ara t- fr f f rf+ +
Do.: avaguna mula sulaprada pramad saba dukha khni,
tte knha nivrana muni mai

yaha jiya jni.44.

A young woman is the root of all evil, a source of torment and a mine of all woes.
Therefore, bearing this in mind, O sage, I prevented your marriage. (44)
0f rrfa r f a f r+
f tat ar = tat+ {+
f -rnt r rnt+
f r r f r r fr fr+ +
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
708
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
a- - rrtr r tr+
f -r- n f- a s- + -+
fr fa rr rr f f rr+
far t farnt -r f rf rnt+ +
rr r tr t nfa tr+ ~+
Cau.: suni raghupati ke bacana suhe, muni tana pulaka nayana bhari e.
kahahu kavana prabhu kai asi rt, sevaka para mamat aru prt.1.
je na bhajahi

asa prabhu bhrama tyg, gyna raka nara mada abhg.

puni sdara bole muni nrada, sunahu rma bigyna bisrada.2.
satanha ke lacchana raghubr, kahahu ntha bhava bhajana bhr.
sunu muni satanha ke guna kahau

, jinha te mai

unha ke basa rahau

.3.
aa bikra jita anagha akm, acala akicana suci sukhadhm.
amitabodha anha mitabhog, satyasra kabi kobida jog.4.
svadhna mnada madahn, dhra dharma gati parama prabn.5.
As the sage listened to the delightful of r Rma (the Lord of Raghus), a thrill ran
through his body and his eyes filled with tears. He said to himself, Tell me, is there any
other master whose wont it is to show such attachment and fondness for his servants?
Men who refuse to worship such a lord shaking off all delusion are bankrupt of wisdom,
dull-writted and wretched. The sage Nrada again reverentially spoke to the Lord, Listen,
O Rma, who are well-versed in sacred lore: tell me, my lord Raghuvra (Hero of Raghus
line), the distinguishing marks of saints, O dispeller of the fear of transmigration. I tell you,
dear sage, the qualities of saints, by virtue of which they hold Me in subjection. They are
masters of the six passions (lust, anger, greed, infatuation, pride and jealousy), sinless,
disinterested, firm, possessing nothing, pure (both within and without), full of bliss, of
boundless wisdom, desireless, moderate in diet, truthful, inspired, learned and united with
God, circumspect, bestowing honour on others, free from pride, strong-minded and highly
conversant with the course of Dharma (righteousness). (15)
0nrnr r fa fna
af r f fa- n+ ~+
Do.: gungra sasra dukha rahita bigata sadeha,
taji mama carana saroja priya tinha kahu deha na geha.45.
They are abodes of virtue, above the sorrows of the world and free from doubt.
Nothing besides My lotus feet is dear to them, not even their body nor their home. (45)
0f n >r a rt n a f rt+
ta f -rnf tat rs f tat+ {+
a a r n= nrf f r+
>rqr r rt rr far tfa rr+ +
ffa f f frr r r rr+
r f r f f rn r+ -+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
ARA NYA-K NA
*
709
nrf f r tr a fa fa a tr+
f r- n a f f r >rfa aa+ +
Cau.: nija guna ravana sunata sakuch

, para guna sunata adhika harah

.
sama stala nahi

tygahi

nt, sarala subhu sabahi sana prt.1.

japa tapa brata dama sajama nem, guru gobida bipra pada prem.
raddh cham mayatr dy, mudit mama pada prti amy.2.
birati bibeka binaya bigyn, bodha jathratha beda purn.
dabha mna mada karahi

na k u, bhuli na dehi

kumraga p u.3.
gvahi

sunahi

sad mama ll, hetu rahita parahita rata sl.
muni sunu sdhunha ke guna jete, kahi na sakahi

srada ruti tete.4.
They blush to hear themselves praised but feel much delighted to hear others
praises. Even-minded and placid, they never abandon the right course. Guileless by
nature and loving, they are given over to prayer, austerity, control of the senses, self-
denial and religious observances and undertake sacred vows. They are devoted to the
feet of their Guru, Lord Govinda (Viu) and the Brhmaas. They are full of piety,
forgiving, friendly to all, compassionate, cheerful under all circumstances and sincerely
devoted to My feet. They are further characterized by dispassion, discretion, modesty,
knowledge of the truth relating to God as well as by a correct knowledge of the Vedas
and Puras. They never take recourse to hypocrisy, pride or arrogance nor set their
foot on the evil path even by mistake. They are ever engaged in singing or hearing My
stories and are intent on doing good to others without any consideration. In short, O good
sage, the qualities of the saints are so numerous that they cannot be exhausted even
by rad ( the goddess of speech) nor by the Vedas. (14)
U0f r r a n
t r na n f +
f= r; rf r f- zr r n
a - atr r fr; f n +
Cha.: kahi saka na srada sea nrada sunata pada pakaja gahe,
asa dnabadhu kpla apane bhagata guna nija mukha kahe.
siru ni brahi

bra carananhi brahmapura nrada gae,

te dhanya tulasdsa sa bihi je hari ra ga ra e.
Neither rad nor ea could tell them! Even as he heard this the sage Nrada
clasped the Lords lotus feet. In this way the all-merciful Lord, the befriender of the meek,
recounted with His own lips the virtues of His devotees. Nrada bowed his head at the
Lords feet again and again and left for the abode of Brahm (the Creator). Blessed are
they, says Tulasdsa, who, giving up all hopes, are steeped in love for r Hari.
0rrf r nrf f rn
r nfa rf f frn rn+ (+
t fr fa a f rf a n
f r af r f r an+ (+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
710
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Do.: rvanri jasu pvana gvahi

sunahi

je loga,
rma bhagati dRha pvahi

binu birga japa joga.46(A).

dpa sikh sama jubati tana mana jani hosi pataga,
bhajahi rma taji kma mada karahi sad satasaga.46(B).
People who sing or hear the sanctifying praises of Rvaas Foe shall be
rewarded with steadfast devotion to r Rma even without dispassion, prayer or
concentration of mind. The body of a young woman is like fhe flame of a candle; be not
a moth to it, O my mind. Abandoning lust and pride worship r Rma and enjoy the
company of saints. (46A-B)
[PAUSE 22 FOR A THIRTY-DAY RECITATION]
;fa >rtrfar ff aat rr re
iti rmadrmacaritamnase sakalakalikaluavidhvasane ttya sopna sampta.
Thus ends the third descent into the Mnasa lake of r Rmas exploits, that
eradicates all the impurities of the Kali age.
\\vv\\ \\vv\\ \\vv\\ \\vv\\ \\vv\\

r Rmacaritamnasa
(The Mnasa lake containing the exploits of r Rma)
Descent Four
(Kikindh-Ka)

--t-rfa f-rrrr
rrrv f- >rfaa nrf-f
rrr=fr rr q fa
tar-ra- fna f+ a f + {+
loka
kundendvarasundarvatibalau vijnadhmvubhau
obhhyau varadhanvinau rutinutau govipravndapriyau,
mymnuarupiau raghuvarau saddharmavarmau hitau
stnveaatatparau pathigatau bhaktipradau tau hi na.1.
Lovely as a jasmine and a blue lotus, of surpassing strength, repositories of
wisdom, endowed with natural grace, excellent bowmen, hymned by the Vedas, and
lovers of the cow and the Brhmaas, who appeared in the form of mortal men through their
own My (deluding potency) as the two noble scions of Raghu, the armours of true
religion, friendly to all and journeying in quest for St, may they both grant us Devotion. (1)
zr rrrf f r
>rt-r-- rrfa r
rr >rtrtt
-rta fa ff-a aa >rtrrra+ +
brahmmbhodhisamudbhava kalimalapradhvasana cvyaya
rmacchambhumukhendusundaravare saobhita sarvad,
sasrmayabheaja sukhakara rjnakjvana
dhanyste ktina pibanti satata rrmanmmtam.2.
Blessed are those pious souls who ceaselessly quaff the nectar of r Rmas
Name, churned out of the ocean of the Vedas, which completely destroys the sins of the
Kali age and knows no decay, which shines ever bright in the most beautiful moon-like

712
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
mouth of the glorious ambhu (Lord iva), a palatable remedy for the disease of
transmigration and the very life of St (Janakas Daughter). (2)
f+ - f rf r rf rr rf
rf r rt ; +
a f n f r f
af f r r f+
So.: mukti janma mahi jni gyna khni agha hni kara,
jaha basa sabhu bhavni so ks seia kasa na.
jarata sakala sura bda biama garala jehi

pna kiya,
tehi na bhajasi mana mada ko kpla sakara sarisa.
Why not reside in K (the modern Vras), the abode of ambhu and Bhavn
(Goddess Prvat), knowing it to be the birthplace of Mukti (final beatitude), the mine of
spiritual wisdom and the destroyer of sins? O stupid mind, how is it that you do not
worship Him who drank off the deadly venom (churned out of the ocean of milk at the
dawn of creation), the very presence of which was burning all the host of gods? Who
else is so merciful as Lord akara?
rn f rrrr fr a frr+
a f fa ntr ra f a tr+ {+
fa ta rr = n = frr+
f = a r; rf f rr;+ +
rf rf r rn aa a r+
f = f f a n r r; a + -+
r ar tr n tr rt = f tr+
f f r nrt a f trt+ +
r nrar a ra rar+
t ar atf r rr t ar r+ ~+
Cau.: ge cale bahuri raghury, riyam uka parbata niary.
taha raha saciva sahita sugrv, vata dekhi atula bala sv.1.
ati sabhta kaha sunu hanumn, purua jugala bala r upa nidhn.
dhari bau rupa dekhu tai

j, kahesu jni jiya sayana bujh.2.

pahae bli hohi

mana mail, bhgau turata tajau yaha sail.

bipra rupa dhari kapi taha gaya u, mtha ni p uchata asa bhaya u.3.
ko tumha symala gaura sarr, chatr r upa phirahu bana br.
kahina bh umi komala pada gm, kavana hetu bicarahu bana svm.4.
mdula manohara sudara gt, sahata dusaha bana tapa bt.
k tumha tni deva maha kou, nara nryana k tumha do u.5.
The Lord of Raghus proceeded still further and approached the Ryamuka hill.
There dwelt Sugrva (a monkey chief*) with his counsellors. When he saw the two
* Though monkeys to all appearance, Sugrva and others were as good as highly civilized men and
were incarnations of gods. They could change their form at will and were not only endowed with human

*
KIKINDH-K NA
*
713
brothers, the highest embodiments of immeasurable strength, he was exceedingly
alarmed and said (to one of his ministers), Listen, Hanumn: those two men are
repositories of strength and beauty. Disguised as a Brhmaa student go and see them
and perceiving their intention in your mind inform me accordingly by means of signs. If
they have been despatched by the malicious Vli, I must leave this hill and flee away at
once. Taking the form of a Brhmaa the monkey (Hanumn) went up to the two
brothers and bowing his head accosted them thus: Who are you, heroesone of dark
hue, the other fairthat roam the woods disguised as Katriyas? Treading the hard
ground with your tender feet, wherefore are you wandering in the forest, my masters?
Though possessed of delicate, charming and beautiful limbs, how is it that you have
exposed yourself to the scorching sun and stormy wind of these wild regions? Do you
count in the Trinity (viz., Brahm, Viu and iva, the Creator, Preserver and Destroyer
of the three worlds) or are you the twin divine sages Nara and Nryaa? (15)
n r ar t r
t ar f fa t- ar+ {+
Do.: jaga krana trana bhava bhajana dharan bhra,
k tumha akhila bhuvana pati lnha manuja avatra.1.
Or are you the Prime Cause of the world and the Lord of all the spheres,
manifested in human form to bridge the ocean of mundane existence and relieve the
burden of the earth? (1)
r r fa rf r+
r r f rs r; n rf rf r;+ {+
;r t ff t f ff ra at+
r fa r nr; f f r rr; + +
frf s nf r r sr r; f r+
fa a r r a =f r+ -+
f t f tafa t-t z f rf t-t+
r -rs r r; ar t r;+ +
a rr fs rr ar a f frr+ ~+
Cau.: kosalesa dasaratha ke je, hama pitu bacana mni bana e.
nma rma lachimana dou bh, saga nri sukumri suh.1.
ih

har nisicara baideh, bipra phirahi

hama khojata teh.

pana carita kah hama g, kahahu bipra nija kath bujh.2.
prabhu pahicni pareu gahi caran, so sukha um ji nahi

baran.
pulakita tana mukha va na bacan, dekhata rucira bea kai racan.3.
puni dhraju dhari astuti knh, haraa hdaya nija nthahi cnh.
mora nyu mai

puch s

, tumha p uchahu kasa nara k n

.4.
taba my basa phirau bhuln, t te mai

nahi

prabhu pahicn.5.
We are sons of King Daaratha, the lord of Kosala, and have come to the forest
speech but were proficient in the arts and sciences. They walked straight, even though they could easily climb
up to tree-tops and mountain-summits. They can thus be easily classed as a human tribe or clan.

714
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
in obedience to our fathers command. We two brothers are called by the names of Rma
and Lakmaa. We had with us a pretty and delicate girl, the daughter of King Videha,
who has been carried away by some demon here. It is in quest of her that we are moving
about, O holy Brhmaa. We have furnished you with our account in some detail; now
tell us your story in a comprehensive manner, O good Brhmaa. Now Hanumn
recognized his lord and falling to the ground clasped His feet. That joy, Um, was more
than could be described. A thrill ran through his body and no words came to his lips as
he gazed on the lovely style of their dress. Then recovering himself he sang His praises
and was glad at heart to have found his master. It was quite in the fitness of things that
I questioned my lord; but how is it that You ask me like a mortal ? I have been roving
in error under the spell of Your My ( deluding potency); it was for this reason that I
failed to recognize my lord. (15)
r f z r
f rf frs t nr+ +
Do.: eku mai

mada mohabasa kuila hdaya agyna,

puni prabhu mohi bisreu dnabadhu bhagavna.2.
In the first place I am dull-witted and deluded, wicked at heart and ignorant; to
crown all, my master, who is a befriender of the humble and is no other than the almighty
Lord Himself, had forgotten me. (2)
f r n r f f r+
r t a rr rr r fta; arrf rr+ {+
ar rrt rr; rs f sr;+
a fa ra r ; r ; r+ +
f s r; f a nf tfa s r;+
a rrfa sr; s rr f r tf zrr+ -+
f f rf f r a f f a r+
t rf r f -nfa r+ +
Cau.: jadapi ntha bahu avaguna more , sevaka prabhuhi parai jani bhore .
ntha jva tava my

moh, so nistarai tumhrehi

choh.1.
t para mai

raghubra doh, jnau nahi

kachu bhajana up.
sevaka suta pati mtu bharose , rahai asoca banai prabhu pose .2.
asa kahi pareu carana akul, nija tanu pragai prti ura ch.
taba raghupati uhi ura lv, nija locana jala sci juRv.3.
sunu kapi jiya mnasi jani un, tai

mama priya lachimana te d un.
samadaras mohi kaha saba kou, sevaka priya ananyagati so u.4.
Although, my lord, I have many faults, let not the servant be cast into oblivion by
the master. The Jva (ego), O Lord, is deluded by Your My and can be redeemed only
by Your grace. On top of it, I swear by the Hero of Raghus line, I know neither adoration
nor any other means (of pleasing You). A servant depends on his master and a child on
its mother and both remain free from anxiety; for a master needs must take care of his

*
KIKINDH-K NA
*
715
servant. So saying he fell at the Lords feet much agitated; his heart was overwhelmed
with love and he manifested his own (monkey) form. The Lord of Raghus then lifted and
clasped him to His bosom and soothed him by wetting him with the tears of His eyes.
Listen, O Hanumn: be not depressed at heart; you are twice as dear to Me as
Lakmaa. Everyone says that I look upon all with the same eye; but a devotee is
particularly dear to Me because he too depends on none but Me. (14)
r - r f fa ; a
r = trf na+ -+
Do.: so ananya jke asi mati na arai hanumata,
mai

sevaka sacarcara rupa svmi bhagavata.3.

And he alone, Hanumn, is exclusively devoted to Me, who is steadfast in his
conviction that he is the servant and that the Lord manifested in the form of the whole
animate and inanimate creation is his master. (3)
f a fa r z tat r+
r ffa ; r nt r a ;+ {+
af r rt t t rf af t+
r tar r r;f a rf r;f+ +
f ff r rr; f tf r;+
nt r r fa - - f r+ -+
r fs r; rr s fa rrrr+
f fr f tat ff ff r tat+ +
Cau.: dekhi pavanasuta pati anuk ul, hdaya haraa bt saba s ul.
ntha saila para kapipati raha, so sugrva dsa tava aha.1.
tehi sana ntha mayatr kje, dna jni tehi abhaya karje.
so st kara khoja karihi, jaha taha marakaa koi pahihi.2.
ehi bidhi sakala kath samujh, lie duau jana phi caRh.
jaba sugrva rma kahu dekh, atisaya janma dhanya kari lekh.3.
sdara mileu ni pada mth, bheeu anuja sahita raghunth.
kapi kara mana bicra ehi rt, karihahi

bidhi mo sana e prt.4.
When Hanumn, the son of the wind-god, found his master so gracious to him he
rejoiced at heart and all his agony disappeared. My Lord, on the summit of this hill dwells
Sugrva, the chief of the monkeys; he is a servant of Yours. Make friends with him, my
lord; knowing him to be in affliction rid him of all fear. He will have St tracked by drafting
millions of monkeys in every direction (in search of Her). Having thus explained to Him
everything, he lifted both the brothers on his back (and took them to the place where
Sugrva was). When Sugrva saw r Rma, he accounted his birth as highly blessed.
He reverently advanced to meet Him and bowed his head at His feet; while the Lord of
Raghus and His younger brother embraced him in return. The monkey chief pondered
thus within himself, Will they, good heavens, make friends with me? (14)

716
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
a a s ff t r r;
r rt ; f rt tfa r;+ +
Do.: taba hanumata ubhaya disi k saba kath suni,
pvaka skh dei kari jor prti dRhi.4.
Then Hanumn related all the circumstances of both the sides, and having
installed the sacred fire as a witness he concluded a firm alliance (between r Rma
and Sugrva). (4)
tf- tfa t rr f r fa rr+
nt f rt fff r ffrt+ {+
fr- fa ;r rr s a frr+
nn t rar t a frar+ +
r r r r rt f f t-s zrt+
rnr r aa af t-r s r; r fa t-r+ -+
nt rrtr a r r tr+
r fs r; f ff fff rt r;+ +
Cau.: knhi prti kachu bca na rkh, lachimana rma carita saba bh.
kaha sugrva nayana bhari br, milihi ntha mithilesakumr.1.
matrinha sahita ih

eka br, baiha raheu mai

karata bicr.
gagana patha dekh mai

jt, parabasa par bahuta bilapt.2.

rma rma h rma pukr, hamahi dekhi dnheu paa r.
mg rma turata tehi

dnh, paa ura li soca ati knh.3.

kaha sugrva sunahu raghubr, tajahu soca mana nahu dhr.
saba prakra karihau sevak, jehi bidhi milihi jnak .4.
The alliance was thus unreservedly concluded and Lakmaa narrated all the past
history of r Rma. Said Sugrva with his eyes full of tears, The daughter of Janaka
(the lord of Mithil), my lord, will be surely recovered. On one occasion when I sat here
deliberating with my counsellors I saw her fallen in the enemys hands and being borne
through the air loudly wailing. Crying Rma, Rma, Ah! my Rma she dropped her scarf
when she saw us. When r Rma asked for that he handed it over to Him at once. r
Rma pressed it to His bosom and grieved much. Said Sugrva, Listen, O hero of
Raghus line; sorrow no more and take courage in your heart. I will render service to you
in every way so that Janakas daughter may come and see you. (14)
r f rf t
r rf nt+ ~+
Do.: sakh bacana suni harae kpsidhu balasva,
krana kavana basahu bana mohi kahahu sugrva.5.
The Ocean of Mercy, who was at the same time the highest embodiment of
physical strength, rejoiced to hear his allys words, Tell me, Sugrva, why have you
come to stay in the forest? (5)

*
KIKINDH-K NA
*
717
r rf = r; tfa t f r;+
a rrt af r rr r nr+ {+
rfa r rr rt f rr+
rr rf f r rnr f ns n rnr+ +
fnf nr r r; a rt rf r rr;+
f rf rr f r a r rr+ -+
r f a s rt ft =f r a rt+
rf af rf rff r; fr ; a s r;+ +
fr- r f r; t-s rf r fr;+
rt arf rf n rr f rf f rr+ ~+
f rf rf fa rt f t-f = rt+
ar rrt rr fs frr+ +
;r r ra rt af ta s rt+
f trr f st r frr+ +
Cau.: ntha bli aru mai

dvau bh, prti rah kachu barani na j.
maya suta myv tehi nu

, v so prabhu hamare

gu

.1.
ardha rti pura dvra pukr, bl ripu bala sahai na pr.
dhv bli dekhi so bhg, mai

puni gayau badhu sa ga lg.2.
giribara guh

paiha so j, taba bl

mohi kah bujh.

parikhesu mohi eka pakhavr, nahi

vau taba jnesu mr.3.
msa divasa taha raheu kharr, nisar rudhira dhra taha bhr.
bli hatesi mohi mrihi , sil dei taha caleu par.4.
matrinha pura dekh binu s

, dnheu mohi rja bari

.
bl thi mri gha v, dekhi mohi jiya bheda baRhv.5.
ripu sama mohi mresi ati bhr, hari lnhesi sarbasu aru nr.
tke bhaya raghubra kpl, sakala bhuvana mai

phireu bihl.6.
ih

spa basa vata nh

, tadapi sabhta rahau mana mh

.
suni sevaka dukha dnadayl, pharaki uth

dvai bhuj bisl.7.

My lord, Vli and myself are two brothers. The affection that existed between us
was past all telling. Once upon a time, O lord, the son of the demon Maya, who was
known by the name of Myv, came to our town (Kikindh). At dead of night he called
out at the gate of the town. Vli could not brook his enemys challenge to a bout and
sallied forth to meet him. But when he saw Vli coming, he took to flight. I too had
accompanied my brother. The enemy went and entered the cave of a big mountain. Then
Vli gave instructions to me, Await my return till a fortnight. If I do not return, then take
me as slain. When I had waited there for a month, O slayer of Khara, a copious stream
of blood issued from the cave. I, therefore, concluded that the demon had slain Vli and
that he would come and kill me too. Accordingly I blocked the mouth of the cave with
a rock and fled away. When the ministers saw the town without a master, they forced
me to accept the throne. Meanwhile Vli, who had killed the enemy, returned home and
saw me (installed on the throne), he nursed a grudge against me in his heart. He gave
me a most severe beating as he would an enemy, and robbed me of all that I had

718
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
including my wife. For fear of him, O gracious Hero of Raghus line, I wandered all over
the world in a pitiable condition. A curse* prevents him from coming over here; yet I
remain ill at ease in mind. When the gracious Lord heard of His devotees distress both
His long arms started throbbing (thus showing His martial spirit as well as His
determination to punish Vli). (17)
nt rfs rff f r
zr = rna n sff r+ +
Do.: sunu sugrva mrihau blihi ekahi

bna,
brahma rudra sarangata gae na ubarihi

prna.6.
Listen, Sugrva: I will kill Vli with a single arrow His life will not be saved even
if he takes refuge with Brahm (the Creator) or even with Rudra (Lord iva). (6)
fr rf rt fa-f fra ra rt+
f fnf f rr fr = rr+ { +
f- f fa r; a a f a far;+
frf rr n n nf- rr+ +
a a ; r r fa ;+
ffa r an r >rfa a fr n r+ - +
rn r; r fa fr;+
r fa f nfa r; fr ff r;+ +
rt t fr rt+
r r -rn r ff rr r ar+ ~ +
nt rrtr rf r fa tr+
f ft ar r f r rrr r+ +
f fa rt tat rf ;- ; atat+
r r r; tr f rf tr+ +
sr r a rr r r s rr+
fa fr zr; ff fs r;+ c +
r nfa r f a a r+
r fr n rt rr a r rt + +
rf fa r rr f r ar frr+
f r; r; rn ra r;+ {+
* The demon Myv had a younger brother, Dundubhi by name. Dundubhi too had, on a previous
occasion, attacked Vli in the form of a buffalo and was slain by him. Vli hurled the gigantic corpse of the
buffalo to a distance of eight miles from his capital. A few drops of blood, however, fell from its mouth in the
hermitage of sage Mataga on the Ryamuka hill. This enraged the Ri, who pronounced a curse that
whoever had desecrated his hermitage by spilling blood there would have his head shattered to pieces if he
dared approach the precincts of his hermitage.

*
KIKINDH-K NA
*
719
r f r at af f rat+
f frn a f rt r ff r rt+ {{+
r - r; r r r;+
; f ra r n nra+ {+
nt n rrrr r r nf rr+
a rrfa nt rr nf r; f rr+ {-+
a rf rra rr nf rf rrr+
fa f-f fs ntr a a tr+ {+
r a f rr r tfa f nrr+ {~+
Cau.: je na mitra dukha hohi

dukhr, tinhahi bilokata ptaka bhr.

nija dukha giri sama raja kari jn, mitraka dukha raja meru samn. 1.
jinha ke asi mati sahaja na , te saha kata hahi karata mit.
kupatha nivri supatha calv, guna pragaai avagunanhi durv. 2.
deta leta mana saka na dhara, bala anumna sad hita kara.
bipati kla kara sataguna neh, ruti kaha sata mitra guna eh. 3.
ge kaha mdu bacana ban, pche anahita mana kuil.
j kara cita ahi gati sama bh, asa kumitra pariharehi

bhal. 4.
sevaka saha npa kpana kunr, kapa mitra s ula sama cr.
sakh soca tygahu bala more , saba bidhi ghaaba kja mai

tore . 5.
kaha sugrva sunahu raghubr, bli mahbala ati ranadhr.
dudubhi asthi tla dekhare, binu praysa raghuntha hahe. 6.
dekhi amita bala bRh prt, bli badhaba inha bhai paratt.
bra bra nvai pada ss, prabhuhi jni mana haraa kaps. 7.
upaj gyna bacana taba bol, ntha kp

mana bhayau alol.

sukha sapati parivra baR, saba parihari karihau sevak. 8.
e saba rma bhagati ke bdhaka, kahahi

sata tava pada avardhaka.

satru mitra sukha dukha jaga mh

, my kta paramratha nh

. 9.
bli parama hita jsu prasd, milehu rma tumha samana bid.
sapane jehi sana hoi lar, jge samujhata mana sakuc.10.
aba prabhu kp karahu ehi bh

t, saba taji bhajanu karau dina rt.

suni birga sajuta kapi bn, bole biha si rmu dhanupn.11.
jo kachu kahehu satya saba so, sakh bacana mama m na ho.
naa marakaa iva sabahi nacvata, rmu khagesa beda asa gvata.12.
lai sugrva saga raghunth, cale cpa syaka gahi hth.
taba raghupati sugrva pahv, garjesi ji nikaa bala pv.13.
sunata bli krodhtura dhv, gahi kara carana nri samujhv.
sunu pati jinhahi mileu sugrv, te dvau badhu teja bala sv.14.
kosalesa suta lachimana rm, klahu jti sakahi

sagrm.15.
One would incur great sin by the very sight of those who are not distressed to
see the distress of a friend. A man should regard his own mountain-like troubles as
of no more account than a mere grain of sand, while the troubles of a friend should
appear to him like Mount Sumeru, though really they may be as trifling as a grain of

720
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
sand. Those fools who are not of such a temperament presume in vain to make friends
with anybody. A friend should restrain his companion from the evil path and lead him
on the path of virtue; he should proclaim the latters good points and screen his faults,
should give and take things without any scruple and serve his friends interest to the
best of his ability and finding him in distress love him a hundred times more than ever.
The Vedas declare these to be the qualities of a noble friend. He, however, who
contrives to speak bland words to your face and harms you behind your back and
harbours some evil design in his heart, and whose mind is as tortuous as the movements
of a snake is an unworthy friend and one had better bid good-bye to such a friend. A
stupid servant, a stingy monarch, a bad wife and a false friendthese four are
tormenting like a pike. Relying on my strength, dear friend, grieve no more; I will serve
your cause in everyway possible. Said Sugrva, Listen, O Hero of Raghus race: Vli
is possessed of immense strength and is exceedingly staunch in battle. He then
showed Him Dundubhis bones and the seven palm-trees, which were struck down by
the Lord of Raghus without any exertion. When Sugrva witnessed r Rmas
immeasurable strength his affection for Him grew all the more and he was now satisfied
that he would succeed in killing Vli. He bowed his head at His feet again and again
and was delighted at heart to recognize the Lord. When the light of wisdom dawned
on him, he said; My mind, O Lord, has been set at rest by Your grace. Renouncing
pleasure, prosperity, home, personal glory and all I will render service to You. All these
are stumbling-blocks on the path of Devotion to r Rma (Yourself): so declare saints
given to the worship of Your feet. Pairs of opposites such as friend and foe, joy and
sorrow, in this world are products of My (Illusion) and have no reality. Vli is my
greatest friend, by whose grace I have met You, Rma, the Allayer of sorrow. On waking
from a dream when a man comes to know the identity of him with whom he had fought
in the dream, he feels abashed. Now, my Lord, do me this favour that I may renounce
all and worship You night and day. On hearing the words of Sugrva, imbued as they
were with dispassion, r Rma, who held a bow in His hand, smiled and said, Whatever
you have said is all true; but my words, O friend, can never be otherwise. r Rma
(says the saint Kkabhuui), O Garua (king of birds), makes us all dance even as
a juggler would make his monkey dance: so declare the Vedas. Taking Sugrva with
Him the Lord of Raghus proceeded with a bow and arrow in His hands. Then the Lord
of Raghus sent Sugrva, who, strengthened by r Rma, thundered under the very nose
of Vli. On hearing his roar Vli sallied forth frantic with fury. His wife, however, clasped
his feet with her hands and warned him thus: Listen, my lord: the two brothers with
whom Sugrva has concluded an alliance are of unapproachable majesty and might.
They are no other than r Rma and Lakmaa, the sons of King Daaratha (the lord
of Kosala), who can conquer Death himself on the field of battle. (115)
rt t= f t rrr
rf rf rf a f rs r+ +
Do.: kaha bl sunu bhru priya samadaras raghuntha,
jau kadci mohi mrahi

tau puni hou santha.7.

Said Vli, Listen, my timid darling, the Lord of Raghus looks upon all with the
same eye. Even if He kills me, I will attain His divine abode and have Him as my eternal
Lord. (7)

*
KIKINDH-K NA
*
721
f r r frt a r ntf rt+
f s rt fa ar fr rf rf nr+ {+
a nt f r; rnr fy r r rnr+
r r rrt rr r; r rr+ +
= ar rar r af a f rs r+
r nt tr a r f n; tr+ -+
t rr r f ; frr+
f rr ff ; r; f r f rrr;+ +
Cau.: asa kahi cal mah abhimn, tna samna sugrvahi jn.
bhire ubhau bl ati tarj, muhik mri mahdhuni garj.1.
taba sugrva bikala hoi bhg, mui prahra bajra sama lg.
mai

jo kah raghubra kpl, badhu na hoi mora yaha kl.2.
ekarupa tumha bhrt dou, tehi bhrama te nahi

mreu so u.
kara paras sugrva sarr, tanu bh kulisa ga saba pr.3.
mel kaha sumana kai ml, pahav puni bala dei bisl.
puni nn bidhi bha lar, biapa oa dekhahi

raghur.4.
So saying he sallied forth in his great pride, thinking no more of Sugrva than of
a blade of grass. The two brothers closed with each other. Vli browbeat Sugrva, and
striking him with his fist roared in a thundering voice. Sugrva now fled in dismay (and
returned to r Rma); the stroke of his clenched fist had fallen on him as a bolt from
heaven. What did I say, O gracious Hero of Raghus line? This is no brother of mine
but Death himself. You two brothers are identical in appearance; it was because of this
confusion that I did not kill him. He stroked Sugrvas body with His hand and Io ! It
became as hard as adamant and all his pain was gone. He put on his neck a wreath of
flowers and giving him enormous strength sent him back. Again the two brothers fought
in many ways, while the Lord of Raghus watched them from behind a tree. (14)
nt f rr rf
rr rf r a z rr arf+ c+
Do.: bahu chala bala sugrva kara hiya hr bhaya mni,
mr bli rma taba hdaya mjha sara tni.8.
When Sugrva had tried many a trick and exerted all his might he lost heart and
felt much alarmed. r Rma then drew His arrow and shot Vli in the heart. (8)
r f f rn f sf f rn+
tr nra f r r = r r+ {+
f f fa; fa t-r - rr t-r+
z tfa rr rr fa; r t rr+ +
a a nrr; r rf r t r; +
t nt frr n r rf rr+ -+

722
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
fnt a rt -r rt+
;-f fy fr; r; arf r r;+ +
arf fa frr rf fr f rr+
rf>ra af rt rr f frt+ ~+
Cau.: par bikala mahi sara ke lge , puni uhi baiha dekhi prabhu ge .
syma gta sira ja bane , aruna nayana sara cpa caRhe .1.
puni puni citai carana cita dnh, suphala janma mn prabhu cnh.
hdaya prti mukha bacana kahor, bol citai rma k or.2.
dharma hetu avatarehu gos

, mrehu mohi bydha k n

.
mai

bair sugrva pir, avaguna kavana ntha mohi mr.3.

anuja badhu bhagin suta nr, sunu saha kany sama e cr.
inhahi kudi bilokai jo, thi badhe kachu ppa na ho.4.
muRha tohi atisaya abhimn, nri sikhvana karasi na kn.
mama bhuja bala rita tehi jn, mr cahasi adhama abhimn.5.
Struck by the shaft Vli fell to the ground smarting with pain; again he sprang up
and sat, when he saw the Lord before himdark of hue, with His matted hair coiled on
His head, bloodshot eyes and the bow still drawn. Gazing on Him again and again he
fixed his heart on His feet; now that he recognized the Lord he felt that he had realized
the reward of his birth. Although his heart was full of love, the words on his lips were
harsh; looking towards r Rma he said, Even though, my lord, You descended on
earth for upholding righteousness. You have killed me as a hunter would kill a wild beast.
I, Your enemy and Sugrva, Your dear friend! For what fault did You take my life, my
lord? Listen, O wretch: a younger brothers wife, a sister, a daughter-in-law and ones
own daughterthese four are alike. One would incur no sin by killing him who looks
upon these with an evil eye. Fool, in your extravagant pride you paid no heed to your
wifes warning. You knew that your brother had taken refuge under the might of my arm;
and yet in your vile arrogance you sought to kill him! (15)
r trt rat rf
rt ar nfa arf+ +
Do.: sunahu rma svm sana cala na ctur mori,
prabhu ajahu

mai

pp atakla gati tori.9.

Listen, Rma: my shrewdness cannot avail against my master. But, my lord, am
I a sinner yet even though I have found shelter in You at the hour of my death? (9)
a r fa r rt rf t s f rt+
a r rr rf r rfrr+ {+
- - f a rt a r f ra rt+
r r rt a f nfa frt+ +
r nr r; rr f f ff rr+ -+
Cau.: sunata rma ati komala bn, bli ssa paraseu nija pn.
acala karau tanu rkhahu prn, bli kah sunu kpnidhn.1.

*
KIKINDH-K NA
*
723
janma janma muni jatanu karh

, ata rma kahi vata nh

.
jsu nma bala sakara ks, deta sabahi sama gati abins.2.
mama locana gocara soi v, bahuri ki prabhu asa banihi banv.3.
When r Rma heard this most tender speech of Vli, He stroked his head with
His hand. I make your body immortal; you may keep up your life. Said Vli, Listen,
O Ocean of Mercy: sages continue their efforts (for God-Realization) during successive
births; but at the last moment they fail to utter the name Rma. But He, on the strength
of whose Name Lord akara bestows immortality* on all alike, has appeared in a visible
form before my very eyes! Shall I ever get such a golden opportunity again? (13)
r nr r n fa fa f >rfa nrt
ffa nr f f f r rt +
rf rf fa fr s r tt
f rf a= rf ff t+ {+
r f =r fr r rn
f rf -r a r rn+
a f rr tf
nf r r r r n tf+ +
Cha.: so nayana gocara jsu guna nita neti kahi ruti gvah

,
jiti pavana mana go nirasa kari muni dhyna kabahu ka pvah

.
mohi jni ati abhimna basa prabhu kaheu rkhu sarrah,
asa kavana saha hahi ki surataru bri karihi baburah.1.
aba ntha kari karun bilokahu dehu jo bara mgau

,
jehi

joni janmau karma basa taha rma pada anurgau

.
yaha tanaya mama sama binaya bala kalynaprada prabhu ljiai,
gahi b

ha sura nara nha pana dsa agada kjiai.2.

He has appeared before my very eyes, whose praises the Vedas ever sing
only in negative terms and whom sages are scarcely able to perceive in their meditation
even after they have controlled their breath and mind and freed their senses from
passion. Knowing me to be a victim of excessive pride the Lord said to me, Preserve
your life! But who would be such a fool as to insist on cutting down a celestial tree
and using it as a fence to protect an acacia tree? Now, my lord, look upon me with
compassion and grant me the boon that I ask; in whatever species of life it may be
my fate to be born, I may continue to love r Rmas (Your) feet. This son of mine,
Agada by name, is my equal in training and strength. O Bestower of Blessedness;
therefore, accept him, my master; and holding him by the arm, O Lord of gods and
men, treat him as Your servant. (1-2)
* It is mentioned in the scriptures that Lord iva personally whispers the name Rma into the right
ear of every creature dying at K and redeems its soul.

724
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
r tfa f rf t- a -rn
r ff a fna r; rn+ {+
Do.: rma carana dRha prti kari bli knha tanu tyga,
sumana mla jimi kaha te girata na jnai nga.10.
Intensifying his devotion to r Rmas feet Vli dropped his body (without his
knowing it) even as an elephant little knows the falling of a wreath of flowers from its
neck. (10)
r rf f r rr n rn r rr+
rr ff fr arr rr+ {+
arr f f rrrr t- r f t-t rr+
ffa r nn tr fa fa tr+ +
n r a a rn rr t f- f fn ar rr+
sr r a rnt t-f nfa rnt+ -+
sr r= rfa t r; f ra r nrr;+
a ntf r t-r a ffa t-r+ +
r r f rr; r ntf r;+
rrfa r; f rr fa rrrr+ ~+
Cau.: rma bli nija dhma pahv, nagara loga saba bykula dhv.
nn bidhi bilpa kara tr, ch ue kesa na deha sa bhr.1.
tr bikala dekhi raghury, dnha gyna hari lnh my.
chiti jala pvaka gagana samr, paca racita ati adhama sarr.2.
pragaa so tanu tava ge sov, jva nitya kehi lagi tumha rov.
upaj gyna carana taba lg, lnhesi parama bhagati bara mg.3.
um dru joita k n

, sabahi nacvata rmu gos

.
taba sugrvahi yasu dnh, mtaka karma bidhivata saba knh.4.
rma kah anujahi samujh, rja dehu sugrvahi j.
raghupati carana ni kari mth, cale sakala prerita raghunth.5.
r Rma sent away Vli to His own abode. All the people of the city ran in dismay.
With dishevelled hair and a tottering frame Tr (Vlis wife) wailed in many ways. When
the Lord of Raghus saw her distress, He imparted to her wisdom and dispelled her
delusion. Made up of the five elements, viz., earth, water, fire, ether and air, this body
is extremely vile. The mortal frame lies, buried in eternal sleep before your eyes, while
the soul is everlasting. For whom, then, do you lament ? The light of wisdom dawned
on her and now she embraced His feet and asked of Him the boon of supreme Devotion.
The almighty r Rma, O Um (says Bhagavn akara) makes us all dance like so
many marionettes. r Rma then gave orders to Sugrva, who performed all the funeral
rites with due ceremony. He next instructed His younger brother (Lakmaa), Go and
crown Sugrva as the king. Bowing their head to the Lord of Raghus, all left in obedience
to His orders. (15)

*
KIKINDH-K NA
*
725
f aa rr f r
r t- nt n r+ {{+
Do.: lachimana turata bole purajana bipra samja,
rju dnha sugrva kaha agada kaha jubarja.11.
Lakmaa immediately summoned the citizens and the Brhmaas and (in their
presence) crowned Sugrva as the king and installed Agada as the Crown Prince. (11)
sr r fa n rt n = fa ra rt +
f tat tr rfn f tat+ {+
rf rr r f rat a far rat+
r; nt t- fr fa r rrt r+ +
ra ft r ffa r t+
f ntf t- rr; r tfa fr;+ -+
nt tr rs rf tr+
na nt r fa r; fs f r;+ +
n fa ar r aa z r+
nt ff r r fnf r+ ~+
Cau.: um rma sama hita jaga mh

, guru pitu mtu badhu prabhu nh

.
sura nara muni saba kai yaha rt, svratha lgi karahi

saba prt.1.
bli trsa bykula dina rt, tana bahu brana cit

jara cht.
soi sugrva knha kapir u, ati kpla raghubra subh u.2.
jnatahu

asa prabhu pariharah

, khe na bipati jla nara parah

.
puni sugrvahi lnha bol, bahu prakra npanti sikh.3.
kaha prabhu sunu sugrva hars, pura na ju dasa cri bars.
gata grama bara ritu , rahihau nikaa saila para ch.4.
agada sahita karahu tumha rju, satata hdaya dharehu mama kju.
jaba sugrva bhavana phiri e, rmu prabaraana giri para che.5.
Um, there is no such friend as r Rma in this worldneither preceptor, nor father,
nor mother, nor brother, nor master. Gods, men and sages, all as a rule have some selfish
motive behind their love. The same Sugrva who trembled day and night in fear of Vli, who
had many a sore on his body and whose breast ever burnt with the fire of anxiety, was
made the king of monkeys! The Hero of Raghus line is extremely compassionate by
nature. No wonder that men who knowingly abandon such a lord should be caught in the
meshes of calamity. The Lord then sent for Sugrva and instructed him in the various
principles of statecraft. Said the Lord, Listen, O Sugrva, lord of the monkeys: I may not
enter a town for four years and ten. The hot season is now over and the rains have set in.
I will, therefore, encamp on the hills not far from you. You and Agada rule over the
kingdom, and ever cherish my business in your heart. When Sugrva returned home, r
Rma took up His abode on the Pravaraa hills. (15)
f - fnf nr rs =f r;
r rff f r fn r;+ {+

726
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Do.: prathamahi

devanha giri guh rkheu rucira bani,

rma kpnidhi kachu dina bsa karahige i.12.
The gods had already kept ready for Him a charming cave in the mountain in the
hope that the all-merciful r Rma would come and stay there for a few days. (12)
fa fa rr na f rr+
r r a a r+ {+
f r r a fa r+
n n a f r f fq f r+ +
n= s a a t- fr rfa a+
f fr fa r; rt ar r;+ -+
a r r nfa ffa tfa fr+
r r rr r na rna r+ +
Cau.: sudara bana kusumita ati sobh, gujata madhupa nikara madhu lobh.
kada mula phala patra suhe, bhae bahuta jaba te prabhu e.1.
dekhi manohara saila an up, rahe taha anuja sahita surabh up.
madhukara khaga mga tanu dhari dev, karahi

siddha muni prabhu kai sev.2.
magalarupa bhayau bana taba te, knha nivsa rampati jaba te.
phaika sil ati subhra suh, sukha sna tah

dvau bh.3.
kahata anuja sana kath anek, bhagati birati npanti bibek.
bara kla megha nabha che, garajata lgata parama suhe.4.
The lovely forest, rich in flowers, presented a most splendid sight with its swarms
of bees humming in greed of honey. Delightful bulbs, roots, fruit and leaves grew in
abundance from the time the Lord came there. Seeing the mountain incomparable in its
charms r Rma, the suzerain Lord of gods, stayed there with His younger brother.
Taking the form of bees, birds and beasts, gods, Siddhas and hermits did service to the
Lord. The forest became a picture of felicity from the time r Rma, the Lord of Lakm
(the goddess of prosperity), took up His residence there. There was a delightful and
glistening rock of crystal, on which the two brothers sat at ease. r Rma gave a
discourse to His younger brother on many a topic such as Devotion, dispassion,
statecraft and spiritual wisdom. As the rains had set in, the sky was overcast with
clouds, which made a delightful rumbling noise. (14)
f r n ra rf f
nt ffa a fr na f+ {-+
Do.: lachimana dekhu mora gana ncata brida pekhi,
gh birati rata haraa jasa binu bhagata kahu dekhi.13.
Look here, Lakmaa: the peacocks dance at the sight of the clouds, even as
a householder having a leaning towards dispassion would rejoice to see a devotee of
Bhagavn Viu. (13)
rr rrz na rrrr f r t za rr+
rff rr rt tfa r f rt + {+

*
KIKINDH-K NA
*
727
f f fr r f fur r+
rrra f fnf a + +
t f t arr; r ;ar;+
f a r r rt tf rr rt+ -+
ff ff f arr ff n r f rr+
far ff r; r; ff f f r;+ +
Cau.: ghana ghamaa nabha garajataghor, priy hna darapata mana mor.
dmini damaka raha na ghana mh

, khala kai priti jath thira nh

.1.
baraahi

jalada bhumi niare , jath navahi

budha bidy pe .
b u

da aghta sahahi

giri kaise , khala ke bacana sata saha jaise .2.
chudra nad

bhari cal

tor, jasa thorehu dhana khala itar.

bhumi parata bh hbara pn, janu jvahi my lapan.3.
samii samii jala bharahi

talv, jimi sadaguna sajjana pahi

v.
sarit jala jalanidhi mahu j, hoi acala jimi jiva hari p.4.
The clouds are fast gathering in the sky and making a terrible noise. Bereft as I
am of my darling (St), my heart trembles to see all this. The lightning flashes fitfully
amid the clouds, like the friendship of the wicked, which never endures. The pouring
clouds cleave close to the ground even as the learned stoop beneath accumulated lore.
The mountains endure the buffeting of showers even as a saint would put up with the
taunts of the wicked. The swelling streamlets rush with great speed just as the wicked
would feel elated even with a small fortune. The water becomes turbid the moment it
descends on earth, even as the Jva (an embodied soul) is enveloped in My as soon
as born. The water coming from various directions gathers into a pool even as
commendable virtues find their way into the heart of a noble soul. The water of the
stream, becomes still once it pours into the ocean, just as the ego finds eternal rest on
attaining union with r Hari. (14)
fa f a fr f f
ff rz r a nta rf n+ {+
Do.: harita bhumi tna sakula samujhi parahi

nahi

patha,
jimi pkhaa bda te gupta hohi

sadagratha.14.
The green earth is so choked with grass that the tracks cannot be distinguished,
just as holy books are obscured by heretic doctrines. (14)
r f fr r; f r;+
f r r f fr+ {+
r ra f r su n+
ra a f; f t ; r ff f t+ +
f r r f t srt fa t+
ff a rr ura frr f- fr rr+ -+
rfy f f frt ff ar fnf rt+
t frf a frr ff af r rr+ +

728
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
fa r n rt ff r; ff rt+
; a f rr ff f f s rr+ ~+
ff a f rr r r ff r; rr+
a f f rr ff ;f n s rr+ +
Cau.: ddura dhuni cahu dis suh, beda paRhahi

janu bau samud.

nava pallava bhae biapa anek, sdhaka mana jasa mile bibek.1.
arka javsa pta binu bhaya u, jasa surja khala udyama gaya u.
khojata katahu milai nahi

dhur, karai krodha jimi dharamahi dur.2.

sasi sapanna soha mahi kais, upakr kai sapati jais.
nisi tama ghana khadyota birj, janu dabhinha kara mil samj.3.
mahbi cali phui kir

, jimi sutatra bhae bigarahi

nr

.
k nirvahi

catura kisn, jimi budha tajahi

moha mada mn.4.
dekhiata cakrabka khaga nh

, kalihi pi jimi dharma parh

.
uara baraai tna nahi

jm, jimi harijana hiya upaja na km.5.

bibidha jatu sakula mahi bhrj, praj bRha jimi pi surj.
jaha taha rahe pathika thaki nn, jimi idriya gana upaje gyn.6.
On all sides one hears the delightful croaking of frogs, which reminds one of a
batch of religious students chanting the Vedas. Clothed with new leaves the trees of
different species look as green and cheerful as the mind of a striving soul who has
attained spiritual wisdom. The leaves of the ka and Javsa plants have fallen off even
as under a good government the plans of the wicked come to naught. Dust cannot be
found even if one searches for it, just as piety is scared away by anger. The earth rich
with crops appears as delightful as the wealth of a generous man. In the thick darkness
of the night fireflies gleam like a mustered band of hypocrites. The embankments of the
fields have been breached by torrential rains just as women get spoiled by freedom.
Clever husbandmen protect their crop by uprooting the weeds, just as the wise discard
infatuation, vanity and pride. The Cakravka birds are no more to be seen, just as virtues
disappear with the Kali age. Even though it rains on the barren lands as well, not a blade
of grass sprouts on it, just as concupiscence takes no root in the heart of a servant of
r Hari. The earth looks charming with the swarms of various living creatures even as
the population grows under a good government. Many a weary traveller has stopped
here and there just as with the dawning of wisdom the senses become still. (16)
r=a a rr frf
ff a s q rf+ {~ (+
f ffz a n an
f; s; r ff r; n n+ {~ (+
Do.: kabahu prabala baha mruta jaha taha megha bilhi

,
jimi kaputa ke upaje kula saddharma nashi

.15(A).
kabahu divasa maha nibiRa tama kabahu ka pragaa pataga,
binasai upajai gyna jimi pi kusaga susaga.15(B).
Sometimes a strong wind would blow and disperse the clouds in various

*
KIKINDH-K NA
*
729
directions, just as with the birth of an unworthy son the noble traditions of a family get
extinct. Now it becomes pitch dark even during the day, while at other times the sun
would shine brightly, just as the light of wisdom is obscured in the company of the vile
and manifests itself in the company of the good. (15 A-B)
r fna fa r; f r;+
r f r; r a n r;+ {+
sfa nfta rr ff rf r; arr+
far f rr a z na rr+ +
fa rt ar -rn f ff rt+
rf fa r r; ff a r+ -+
r f t tfa f f t+
r f ; tr t ff tr+ +
f rr f r rr f ; ff rr+
fy rt rt rs r nfa ff rt+ ~+
Cau.: bara bigata sarada ritu , lachimana dekhahu parama suh.
phule ksa sakala mahi ch, janu bara

kta pragaa buRh.1.

udita agasti patha jala so, jimi lobhahi soai sato.
sarit sara nirmala jala soh, sata hdaya jasa gata mada moh.2.
rasa rasa sukha sarita sara pn, mamat tyga karahi

jimi gyn.
jni sarada ritu khajana e, pi samaya jimi sukta suhe.3.
paka na renu soha asi dharan, nti nipuna npa kai jasi karan.
jala sakoca bikala bhai

mn, abudha kuub jimi dhanahn.4.

binu ghana nirmala soha aks, harijana iva parihari saba s.
kahu kahu bi srad thor, kou eka pva bhagati jimi mor.5.
Look here, Lakmaa: the rains are over now and the most charming autumn has
arrived. The whole earth is covered by the Ka grass with its white flowers as if the rainy
season has exposed its old age. The constellation known by the name of Agastya
(Canopus)* has appeared and dried up the water on the roads even as contentment
swallows greed. The limpid water of the rivers and lakes looks charming as a saints heart
devoid of pride and infatuation. Drop by drop the water of the streams and lakes is drying up
even as the wise shake off the possessive instinct. Knowing that the autumn had set in the
Khajana bird has made its appearance, just as the welcome fruit of ones meritorious
deeds appears at the appointed time (neither sooner nor later). Devoid of mud and dust the
earth has assumed a lovely aspect just like the administration of a monarch well-versed in
politics. The fish are distressed on account of the diminishing waters even as an improvident
householder suffering from want of money. The cloudless sky is shining as bright as a
devotee of r Hari, who has abandoned all desires. Here and there we have light autumnal
showers, just as a rare soul comes to develop devotion to Me. (15)
f af n ar f frf
ff f nfa r; >r af r>rt rf+ {+
* The heliacal rising of the constellation named above takes place on the seventh day after the new
moon of the month of Bhdrapada.

730
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Do.: cale harai taji nagara npa tpasa banika bhikhri,
jimi hari bhagati pi rama tajahi

ram cri.16.
Kings and ascetics, merchants and mendicants are gladly leaving the city (kings
for extending their dominions, ascetics in search of a suitable place for practising
penance, merchants for carrying on their trade and mendicants for begging alms), just
as men in any of the four stages* of life cease to toil (for perfection) once they have
acquired devotion to r Hari. (16)
t t t nrr ff f s rr+
r r fn zr n r+ {+
na r n rr =r+
r ff t ff fa t+ +
ra a ar fa rt ff ; rt+
ra ff f ; a ff ra ;+ -+
f ; r r; faf ff f f r;+
ta f rrr ff f r f rr+ +
Cau.: sukh mna je nra agdh, jimi hari sarana na ekau bdh.
phule kamala soha sara kais, nirguna brahma saguna bhae jais.1.
gujata madhukara mukhara an up, sudara khaga rava nn rup.
cakrabka mana dukha nisi pekh, jimi durjana para sapati dekh.2.
ctaka raata t ati oh, jimi sukha lahai na sakaradroh.
saradtapa nisi sasi apahara, sata darasa jimi ptaka ara.3.
dekhi idu cakora samud, citavahi

jimi harijana hari p.
masaka dasa bte hima trs, jimi dvija droha kie kula ns.4.
In deep waters the fish are as happy as ever, just as those who have taken
refuge in r Hari (i.e., Myself) never fall into trouble of any kind. With full-blown lotuses
the lake appears as charming as when the absolute Brahma appears with form. The
bees are making a humming sound which possesses a unique melody of its own, and
the birds a charming concert of diverse sounds. The Cakravka bird is sad at heart to
see the night, just as a villain is grieved at the sight of anothers fortune. The Ctaka
cries out in its agony of excessive thirst just as an enemy of akara knows no rest.
The moon by night relieves the heat of the autumnal sun, just as the sight of a holy man
drives away sin. Flocks of Cakora birds fix their gaze on the moon as soon as she
comes to their view, even as the votaries of r Hari on meeting Him. Mosquitoes and
gadflies have perished due to fear of cold, just as hostility to the Brhmaas brings, ruin
to the entire family. (14)
f t n fa r;
n f rf ff r;+ {+
Do.: bhumi jva sakula rahe gae sarada ritu pi,
sadagura mile jhi

jimi sasaya bhrama samudi.17.

* The four stages of life through which a Brhmaa in particular and all the twice-born in general
have to pass are: (1) Brahmacarya (student life), (2) Grhasthya (married life), (3) Vnaprastha (asceticism)
and (4) Sanysa (renunciation).

*
KIKINDH-K NA
*
731
The insects that teemed on the earth have perished with the advent of the
autumn, just as a man who has found a teacher in the real sense of the term is rid of
all doubt and error. (17)
r na f fa r; f ara tar r;+
r f r r tfa ff r+ {+
a s tfa r; ara a f rs r;+
nt f rf frt rr r r rt+ +
f r rr rt af a rt+
r r f rr ar sr f rr+ -+
rf fr f rt f- rrt fa rt+
f ra rr r; n rr+ +
Cau.: bara gata nirmala ritu , sudhi na tta st kai p.
eka bra kaisehu sudhi jnau , klahu jti nimia mahu nau .1.
katahu rahau jau jvati ho, tta jatana kari nau so.
sugrvahu sudhi mori bisr, pv rja kosa pura nr.2.
jehi

syaka mr mai

bl, tehi

sara hatau m uRha kaha kl.

jsu kp

chuahi

mada moh, t kahu um ki sapanehu koh.3.
jnahi

yaha caritra muni gyn, jinha raghubra carana rati mn.
lachimana krodhavata prabhu jn, dhanua caRhi gahe kara bn.4.
The rains are over and the autumn, which is marked by a cloudless sky and
limpid waters, has arrived; yet, dear brother, we have received no news about St. If
only once I could anyhow come to know of her whereabouts I would recover her out of
the hands of Death himself. Wherever she may be, if only she is still alive I would make
an effort to rescue her, dear brother. Sugrva too has forgotten me now that he has got a
kingdom, a treasury, the amenities of city life and his own spouse. I will shoot the fool
tomorrow with the same arrow which I used in killing Vli. (Says akara) He whose
very grace rids one of pride and infatuation, could He ever dream of being angry, Um ?
Those enlightened sages alone who have conceived a love for the feet of r Rma (the
Hero of Raghus race) can know the inwardness of this conduct of His. When Lakmaa
found the Lord angry, he strung his bow and took arrows in his hands. (14)
a f rrr rrfa =r t
r; r ara r nt+ {c+
Do.: taba anujahi samujhv raghupati karun sva,
bhaya dekhi lai vahu tta sakh sugrva.18.
The Lord of Raghus, who was the highest embodiment of compassion, then
instructed His younger brother saying, Sugrva is our friend, dear brother; you should
only frighten him and bring him here. (18)
;r a z frr r r nt frr+
f r; f- f= rr rf ff af f rrr+ {+
f nt rr f r f t-s rr+
r=aa a r a r r+ +

732
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
r r r; r ar r;+
a a rr ar f r ar+ -+
= tfa tfa r; f- f r;+
f f r r f a f r+ +
Cau.: ih

pavanasuta hdaya bicr, rma kju sugrva bisr.

nikaa ji carananhi siru nv, crihu bidhi tehi kahi samujhv.1.
suni sugrva parama bhaya mn, biaya mora hari lnheu gyn.
aba mrutasuta duta sam uh, pahavahu jaha taha bnara j uh.2.
kahahu pkha mahu va na jo, more kara t kara badha ho.
taba hanumata bole d ut, saba kara kari sanamna bah ut.3.
bhaya aru prti nti dekhar, cale sakala carananhi sira n.
ehi avasara lachimana pura e, krodha dekhi jaha taha kapi dhe.4.
There (at Kikindh) Hanumn, the son of the wind-god, thought to himself,
Sugrva has forgotten the task entrusted to him by r Rma. Approaching Sugrva,
therefore, he bowed his head at his feet and tried to bring him round by employing all
the four methods of persuasion*. Sugrva felt much alarmed to hear the words of
Hanumn. Sensuality has robbed me of my senses. Now, O son of the wind-god,
troops of monkeys are scattered here and there: send batches of messengers to them
and have it proclaimed that anyone who fails to appear before me within a fortnight shall
meet his death at my hands. Thereupon Hanumn sent for envoys and receiving them
most politely charged them with their duty making use of threats, blandishments and
persuasion. They all bowed their head at his feet and proceeded on their journey. That
very moment Lakmaa entered the city; seeing him angry monkeys ran away helter-
skelter. (14)
r; r a rf s r
r n f a rs rfr+ {+
Do.: dhanua caRhi kah taba jri karau pura chra,
bykula nagara dekhi taba yau blikumra.19.
Lakmaa then strung his bow and said, I will burn the city to ashes (by making
use of the Agni-astra). Thereupon came Vlis son (prince Agada), seeing the whole
city in dismay. (19)
r; f= fat t-t f r af t-t+
ra f f rr t fa rr+ {+
a n arr f fat rrs rr+
arr fa r; rr f rr+ +
* The four recognized methods of persuasion are:(1) Sma (argument or expostulation), (2) Dna
(inducement in the shape of gift etc.), (3) Bheda (sowing seeds of dissension) and (4) Daa (use of force).
Hanumn must have told Sugrva that apart from (1) moral obligations towards a friend and ally, (2) he owed
his all to the grace of r Rma and was thus in duty bound to return His services, (3) that as a warrior he was
no match for r Rma, who could punish him even as He did Vli, and (4) that He could win over Agada to
His side and use him as a tool in dethroning Sugrva.

*
KIKINDH-K NA
*
733
f fat f r rf n r+
a t f- f= rr nf f nrr+ -+
r f rt f r ; rt+
a fta rr f af ff rrr+ +
a r r; f ff n a r;+ ~+
Cau.: carana ni siru binat knh, lachimana abhaya b

ha tehi dnh.
krodhavata lachimana suni kn, kaha kapsa ati bhaya akuln.1.
sunu hanumata saga lai tr, kari binat samujhu kumr.
tr sahita ji hanumn, carana badi prabhu sujasa bakhn.2.
kari binat madira lai e, carana pakhri pala ga baihe.
taba kapsa carananhi siru nv, gahi bhuja lachimana kaha lagv.3.
ntha biaya sama mada kachu nh

, muni mana moha karai chana mh

.
sunata binta bacana sukha pv, lachimana tehi bahu bidhi samujhv.4.
pavana tanaya saba kath sun, jehi bidhi gae d uta samud.5.
He bowed his head at Lakmaas feet and made humble petition to him,
whereupon Lakmaa extended to him his protecting arms. When the report of Lakmaas
wrath reached the ears of the monkey lord (King Sugrva), he was terribly distracted with
fear and said, Listen, Hanumn: take Tr with you and with suppliant prayers appease
the prince (Lakmaa). Hanumn accordingly went with Queen Tr and bowing at
Lakmaas feet recounted the Lords glory. With much supplication he escorted the
prince to the palace and after laving his feet seated him on a couch. Then the monkey
lord (Sugrva) bowed his head at the princes feet, while Lakmaa took him by the arm
and hugged him. There is nothing so intoxicating, my lord, as the pleasures of sense
which in an instant infatuate the soul even of a sage. Lakmaa was gratified to hear
his humble speech and reassured him in many ways. The son of the wind-god told him
all that had happened in the meantime, viz., how batches of spies had been despatched
(in various directions). (15)
f nt a nrf f r
rr rn f r rrr+ +
Do.: harai cale sugrva taba agaddi kapi stha,
rmnuja ge kari e jaha raghuntha.20.
Accompanied by Agada and other monkeys and placing r Rmas younger
brother at the head. King Sugrva went forth with joy and arrived in r Rmas
presence. (20)
r; f= rt r rf rf rt+
fa a rr ; r rr+ {+
f t f trt r f fa rt+
rf rf rnr rrr r a ff r rnr+ +
r r f n rr r ar r rrrr+
n r a f r; art r r r; r;+ -+

734
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
a rrfa r r; ar f rf a ff r;+
r; a r; f ff tar f r;+ +
Cau.: ni carana siru kaha kara jor, ntha mohi kachu nhina khor.
atisaya prabala deva tava my, ch uai rma karahu jau dy.1.
biaya basya sura nara muni svm, mai

pva ra pasu kapi ati km.
nri nayana sara jhi na lg, ghora krodha tama nisi jo jg.2.
lobha p

sa jehi

gara na ba dhy, so nara tumha samna raghury.

yaha guna sdhana te nahi

ho, tumhar kp

pva koi ko.3.

taba raghupati bole musuk, tumha priya mohi bharata jimi bh.
aba soi jatanu karahu mana l, jehi bidhi st kai sudhi pa.4.
Bowing his head at r Rmas feet he exclaimed with joined palms, My lord, I am
not at all to blame (for what I have done). Exceedingly powerful, O Lord, is Your My
(deluding potency), which withdraws itself only when You, O Rma, show Your grace to
a Jva. Gods, men and sages, my master, are all slaves of their senses; while I am a
vile brute and a monkey, the most libidinous of animals. A man who is not pierced by
the shaft of a womans glances, nay, who remains wakeful even in the dark night of
anger (who is not swayed by passion) and who is never caught in the meshes of greed,
is as good as Yourself, O Lord of Raghus. It is a virtue which cannot be attained by
personal endeavour; it is only by Your grace that one here and one there can acquire
it. Thereupon the Lord of Raghus smiled and said: Brother, you are dear to me as
Bharata. Now with all your heart make some organized effort whereby we may get
tidings of St. (14)
f ff ra at r r
rr ff f t =+ {+
Do.: ehi bidhi hota batakah e bnara jutha,
nn barana sakala disi dekhia ksa barutha.21.
While a talk was thus going on between them, multitudes of monkeys arrived.
Legions of monkeys of various colours were visible in all the quarters. (21)
r sr r r = r r+
r; r rf rr ff rf rr+ {+
f r rt r f t rt +
f ; fr; ft= r rr r; + +
r a r r; nt f rr;+
r r = r frr r r rr+ -+
ar r r; r f r r;+
f f r f f r r; ff r rf r+ +
Cau.: bnara kaaka um mai

dekh, so m urukha jo karana caha lekh.

i rma pada nvahi

mth, nirakhi badanu saba hohi

santh.1.
asa kapi eka na sen mh

, rma kusala jehi p uch nh

.
yaha kachu nahi

prabhu kai adhik, bisvarupa bypaka raghur.2.

*
KIKINDH-K NA
*
735
hRhe jaha taha yasu p, kaha sugrva sabahi samujh.
rma kju aru mora nihor, bnara jutha jhu cahu or.3.
janakasut kahu khojahu j, msa divasa maha ehu bh.
avadhi mei jo binu sudhi pe , vai banihi so mohi mare .4.
(Says akara:) I saw the army of monkeys, Um; he is indeed a fool who would
try to count them. They came and bowed their head at r Rmas feet and found their
true lord in Him when they gazed on His countenance. In the whole host there was no
monkey whose welfare r Rma did not personally enquire. This was no miracle for my
master, the Lord of Raghus, who has taken all forms and is omnipresent. They stood in
martial array as ordered and King Sugrva thus instructed them all: I exhort and
commission you to do r Rmas work. Therefore, O monkey hosts, go forth in every
direction and institute a search for Janakas Daughter, but you should all return in course
of a month, my brethren, He who returns beyond this limit without any news shall meet
his death at my hands. (14)
a r a aa
a nt rr n a+ +
Do.: bacana sunata saba bnara jaha taha cale turata,
taba sugrva bole agada nala hanumata.22.
On hearing his command the monkeys proceeded at once in various directions.
Sugrva then called Agada, Nala and Hanumn. (22)
t n rr ra fat rr+
ff f- r tar f r+ {+
r a fr r r r+
r tf ; s rnt trff r -rnt+ +
af rr ; rr ff rr+
r; f r r fr;+ -+
r; n r; zrnt r rrt rnt+
r rfn f= r; f fa rrr;+ +
r a f= rr rf r f rrr+
r t r= rt fr tf- rt+ ~+
r taf rr f f fn ar r+
a - f rr s z f rfrr+ +
uf ra rar rtfa ra rrar+ +
Cau.: sunahu nla agada hanumn, jmavata matidhra sujn.
sakala subhaa mili dacchina jhu, st sudhi p u

chehu saba kh u.1.

mana krama bacana so jatana bicrehu, rmacadra kara kju sa vrehu.
bhnu phi seia ura g, svmihi sarba bhva chala tyg.2.
taji my seia paralok, miahi

sakala bhavasabhava sok.
deha dhare kara yaha phalu bh, bhajia rma saba kma bih.3.

736
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
soi gunagya so baRabhg, jo raghubra carana anurg.
yasu mgi carana siru n, cale harai sumirata raghur.4.
pche pavana tanaya siru nv, jni kja prabhu nikaa bolv.
paras ssa saroruha pn, karamudrik dnhi jana jn.5.
bahu prakra stahi samujhehu, kahi bala biraha begi tumha ehu.
hanumata janma suphala kari mn, caleu hdaya dhari kpnidhn.6.
jadypi prabhu jnata saba bt, rjanti rkhata suratrt.7.
Listen, O Nla, Agada, Hanumn and Jmbavn: you are all resolute of mind and
wise. Proceed all of you, gallant warriors, together to the south and enquire of everyone
you meet the whereabouts of St. Use every faculty of yours to devise some means of
tracing Her and thereby accomplish the object of r Rmacandra. (For warming oneself)
one should wait upon the sun turning ones back towards the same, while fire should be
waited upon turning ones breast towards it; but a master must be served with ones
whole being (in thought, word and deed) without resorting to any wiles. Similarly one
should strive for (lasting happiness in) the other world by discarding the unrealities of the
world. In this way all ones woes incident to birth and death are eradicated. The
consummation of human birth, brethren, lies in worshipping r Rma in a disinterested
spirit. He is verily a man of flair and he alone is highly blessed, who is enamoured of r
Rmas feet. Taking leave of Sugrva and bowing their head at his feet they joyously set
out with their thoughts fixed on the Lord of Raghus. The last to make obeisance was
Hanumn, (the son of the wind-god). The Lord knew that His work was going to be
accomplished by him and therefore called him near. He stroked his head with His lotus
hand and recognizing him to be His devotee gave him the ring off His finger. Comfort
St in various ways and return quickly after telling Her of my might and the agony of my
heart due to separation from Her. Hanumn felt that he had reaped the reward of his
birth and departed with the image of the All-merciful enshrined in his heart. Although the
Lord knew everything, the Protector of the gods respected the recognized principles of
statecraft (by sending spies in the first instance to trace out His lost spouse). (17)
ra far fnf r
r r t fr a r+ -+
Do.: cale sakala bana khojata sarit sara giri khoha,
rma kja layalna mana bisar tana kara choha.23.
All the monkeys set forth ransacking woods, streams, lakes, hills and ravines with
their mind wholly devoted to r Rmas business and shaking off all attachment to their
body. (23)
a r; ff r r f r+
r fnf r f rs f f; arf rrf+ {+
rfn ar fa r f; rr n r+
r t- rr a f rr+ +
f fnf f ff r f f a r+
r szrt a n ff af rt+ -+
fnf a saf a rr r; f rr+
rn af t-r f f t-r+ +

*
KIKINDH-K NA
*
737
Cau.: katahu hoi nisicara sai

bhe, prna lehi

eka eka cape.

bahu prakra giri knana herahi

, kou muni milai thi saba gherahi

.1.
lgi t atisaya akulne, milai na jala ghana gahana bhulne.
mana hanumna knha anumn, marana cahata saba binu jala pn.2.
caRhi giri sikhara cah u

disi dekh, bh umi bibara eka kautuka pekh.

cakrabka baka hasa uRh

, bahutaka khaga prabisahi

tehi mh

.3.
giri te utari pavanasuta v, saba kahu lai soi bibara dekhv.
ge kai hanumatahi lnh, paihe bibara bilabu na knh.4.
If at any place they came across some demon they would take his life by a single
slap. They looked into every recess of forest and hill; and if they met any hermit they
would all surround him. Presently they felt much oppressed with thirst; but water could
be found nowhere and they also lost their way in the dense forest. Hanumn thought to
himself that without water to drink all would die. Climbing a hill-top he looked all round
and noticing a cavity in the ground saw a strange phenomenon there. Cakravkas,
herons and swans hovered at its mouth and a number of other birds were making their
way into it. Coming down the hill Hanumn (the son of the wind-god) took them all and
showed them the cavern. They placed Hanumn at their head and entered the cave
without further loss of time. (14)
t r; s fnfa
f =f a f rf a + +
Do.: dkha ji upabana bara sara bigasita bahu kaja,
madira eka rucira taha baihi nri tapa puja.24.
Going further they saw a lovely garden and a lake with many full-blown lotuses.
There stood a beautiful temple close by, where sat a woman who was austerity
incarnate. (24)
f a arf f- f= rr f -rra rr+
af a r rr r rr+ {+
r t- r ar f f f r+
af rf r r; r r rrr;+ +
f af r taf f far+
f f f tr r f atr+ -+
r f n; r rrrr r; rf rr+
rr rfa f af t-t rt nfa t-t+ +
Cau.: duri te thi sabanhi siru nv, puche nija bttta sunv.
tehi

taba kah karahu jala pn, khhu surasa sudara phala nn.1.
majjanu knha madhura phala khe, tsu nikaa puni saba cali e.
tehi

saba pani kath sun, mai

aba jba jah

raghur.2.
mudahu nayana bibara taji jhu, paihahu stahi jani pachithu.
nayana mudi puni dekhahi

br, hRhe sakala sidhu ke tr.3.

so puni ga jah

raghunth, ji kamala pada nesi mth.

nn bh

ti binaya tehi

knh, anapyan bhagati prabhu dnh.4.

738
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
From a distance all bowed their head to her and in response to her enquiry told
her all about themselves. She then said, Go and drink water and partake of beautiful and
luscious fruits of various kinds. They bathed and took some delicious fruits and all came
once more to her. She related to them her own story from the beginning to the end and
added, I will now go and see the Lord of Raghus. Close your eyes and you will find
yourself outside the cavern. You shall find St; you need not feel remorse. The
champions closed their eyes and looking again they found themselves standing on the
sea-shore. She on her part went to the Lord of Raghus and drawing near to Him bowed
her head at His lotus feet. She made supplication in diverse ways and the Lord granted
to her unceasing Devotion. (14)
t r n; r f t
s f r n a ;+ ~+
Do.: badarbana kahu so ga prabhu agy dhari ssa,
ura dhari rma carana juga je badata aja sa.25.
Bowing to the Lords command she left for the forest of Badrntha (in the
Himlayas), cherishing in her heart r Rmas feet, that are adored by the unborn
Brahm as well as by Lord akara. (25)
;r frf f rt tat f r rt +
ff f t rar f f r rar+ {+
n r f rt r ; - rt+
;r f tar r; sr n rff fr;+ +
far ra rt rr r fr rt+
f f n rt s rt+ -+
n a f tr rf f tr+
r n r; f a + +
tar f t- fr f r tr+
f f a r; f zr;+ ~+
ra n t t r s ft+
ara r f r fn zr fa r+ +
fa zrnt aa n zr rnt+ +
Cau.: ih

bicrahi

kapi mana mh

, bt avadhi kju kachu nh

.
saba mili kahahi

paraspara bt, binu sudhi lae karaba k bhrt.1.
kaha agada locana bhari br, duhu prakra bhai mtyu hamr.
ih

na sudhi st kai p, uh

gae mrihi kapir.2.

pit badhe para mrata mohi, rkh rma nihora na oh.
puni puni agada kaha saba ph

, marana bhayau kachu sasaya nh

.3.
agada bacana sunata kapi br, boli na sakahi

nayana baha nr.
chana eka soca magana hoi rahe, puni asa bacana kahata saba bhae.4.
hama st kai sudhi lnhe bin, nahi

jaihai

jubarja prabn.
asa kahi lavana sidhu taa j, baihe kapi saba darbha as.5.

*
KIKINDH-K NA
*
739
jmavata agada dukha dekh, kah

kath upadesa bise.

tta rma kahu nara jani mnahu, nirguna brahma ajita aja jnahu.6.
hama saba sevaka ati baRabhg, satata saguna brahma anurg.7.
On this side (standing on the sea-coast) the monkeys thought to themselves, The
time-limit (fixed by Sugrva) has expired, yet nothing has been done. Sitting together
they all said to one another, Without obtaining any news (about St) what shall we gain
by returning to Kikindh either? Said Agada with eyes full of tears, It is death for us
both ways.* Here we have failed to get tidings of St and if we go home King Sugrva
(the lord of monkeys) will behead us. He would have finished me immediately my father
was killed, had not r Rma protected me; hence I owe no gratitude to him. Again and
again Agada told them all, Our death has arrived: there is no doubt about it. When the
monkey chiefs heard Agadas words, they could make no answer and tears rolled from
their eyes. For a moment they remained plunged in sorrow; but at last they spoke as
follows: We are not going to return without obtaining Sts news, O sagacious prince!
So saying all the monkeys went to the sea-shore and spreading Kua grass there
squatted on it. Seeing Agadas distress Jmbavn (the old bear chief) gave a highly
instructive discourse. Imagine not Rma to be a mortal, dear child; know Him to be the
same as Brahma (the Supreme Spirit) without attributes, invincible and unborn. We, His
servants, are all highly blessed in that we are ever devoted to the same Brahma
endowed with a qualified form. (17)
f ;-r a; f nr f rfn
n sr n a f r- -rfn+ +
Do.: nija icch

prabhu avatarai sura mahi go dvija lgi,

saguna upsaka saga taha rahahi

moccha saba tygi.26.

Of His own free will the Lord descends on earth for the sake of gods, Earth, cows
and the Brhmaas. Spurning all the varieties of final beatitude the worshippers of His
qualified form (come down and) remain with Him even on earth. (26)
f ff r f r at fnf r t rat+
r r; f tr rf r t- ntr+ {+
r f - f r f +
f f s rr r t- ff f rr+ +
z nt f rr r - rr+
f s nt t ra r ft+ -+
n frf rt - r rs rt +
r r r a -rnt f ns z rnt+ +
* Failure to do ones allotted duty is worse than death to a hero like Agada. It is in this sense that he
speaks of death in either case.
Our Scriptures enumerate as many as six varieties of final beatitude. They are: (1) Slokya
(residence in the abode of the supreme Deity), (2) Sri (sharing the powers, enjoyments and splendour of
the Deity), (3) Smpya (close proximity to the Deity in Heaven), (4) Srupya (possessing a form exactly
similar to the Deity), (5) Syujya (absorption into the Deity) and (6) Identity with the attributeless and formless
Brahma (the Absolute).

740
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
f n r a rt rr f f- rt+
fa-f f f r; r fa- arf r;+ ~+
f rfa t rrfa fr ff t+ +
Cau.: ehi bidhi kath kahahi

bahu bh

t, giri kadar

sun sapt.
bhera hoi dekhi bahu ks, mohi ahra dnha jagads.1.
ju sabahi kaha bhacchana kara u

, dina bahu cale ahra binu mara u

.
kabahu na mila bhari udara ahr, ju dnha bidhi ekahi

br.2.
arape gdha bacana suni kn, aba bh marana satya hama jn.
kapi saba uhe gdha kaha dekh, jmavata mana soca bise.3.
kaha agada bicri mana mh

, dhanya jay u sama kou nh

.
rma kja krana tanu tyg, hari pura gayau parama baRa bhg.4.
suni khaga haraa soka juta bn, v nikaa kapinha bhaya mn.
tinhahi abhaya kari puchesi j, kath sakala tinha thi sun.5.
suni sapti badhu kai karan, raghupati mahim bahubidhi baran.6.
Thus they discoursed among themselves in many ways. Sampt* (Jayus elder
brother) heard them from his cave in the mountain. When he came out of it and saw a
host of monkeys, he said to himself, God has provided me with a feast: I will devour
them all today. I have been starving for many days past and have never had a full meal;
today God has supplied me with abundant food all at a time. The monkeys trembled with
fear to hear the vultures words. Our doom is now sealed, we are sure, they said to
themselves. All the monkeys rose when they saw the vulture; while Jmbavn felt much
perturbed at heart. Agada reflected within himself and said: There is no one so blessed
as Jayu, who laid down his life in the service of r Rma and ascended to the abode
of r Hari, supremely lucky as he was. When the bird (Sampt) heard these words,
which stirred in him a mixed feeling of joy and grief, he drew near to the monkeys, who
felt alarmed by his presence. Assuring them of safety he went and enquired them about
his younger brother and the monkeys told him the whole story. When Sampt heard of
his brothers obsequies (performed by the Lord with His own hands), he glorified the Lord
of Raghus in many ways. (16)
rf r fa s farf arf
r; f r rf+ +
Do.: mohi lai jhu sidhutaa deu tiljali thi,
bacana sahi karabi mai

paihahu khojahu jhi.27.

Take me to the sea-shore, so that I may make an offering of water with sesamum
seeds (to my departed brother). I can help you only with my instructions, by following
which you will succeed in recovering Her whom you seek. (27)
* We learn from rmad Bhgavata and other scriptures that the sage Kayapa, the progenitor of gods
and demons as well as of the various sub-human species, begot two sons by Vinat (the mother of the
feathered creation)Arua and Garua by name. Of these Arua serves as the charioteer of the sun-god,
while Garua was chosen by Bhagavn Viu as His own mount. Arua is the father of Sampt and Jayu,
who thus belonged to the earliest period of the worlds history. Their enormous size and uncommon strength,
their astounding longevity and their speaking and behaving like human beings will therefore, cause little
wonder when it is remembered that the world has steadily deteriorated since its creation.

*
KIKINDH-K NA
*
741
fr f rn atr f f r f tr+
a=r; nn n f f szr;+ {+
a f r ff rr frt f frr+
fa a rr s f f rrr frr+ +
f r r rt rnt r f f rt+
r af r rr fa fr zrr+ -+
rar zr a ft ar rf ff fa ft+
ar r ;f ar fa-f f a r tar+ +
ff f f f ar fa-f r; a tar+
f ; fnr - ; r f r+ ~+
fnf fr r a r r+
a r s ; tar f r a ;+ +
Cau.: anuja kriy kari sgara tr, kahi nija kath sunahu kapi br.
hama dvau badhu prathama tarun, gagana gae rabi nikaa uR.1.
teja na sahi saka so phiri v, mai

abhimn rabi niarv.
jare pakha ati teja apr, pareu bh umi kari ghora cikr.2.
muni eka nma cadram ohi, lg day dekhi kari moh.
bahu prakra tehi

gyna sunv, deha janita abhimna chaRv.3.
tret

brahma manuja tanu dharih, tsu nri nisicara pati harih.

tsu khoja pahaihi prabhu d ut, tinhahi mile tai

hoba punt.4.
jamihahi

pakha karasi jani cit, tinhahi dekhi dehesu tai

st.
muni kai gir satya bhai ju, suni mama bacana karahu prabhu kj u.5.
giri trikua upara basa lak, taha raha rvana sahaja asak.
taha asoka upabana jaha raha, st baihi soca rata aha.6.
Having performed the after-death ceremonies in respect of his departed brother
(Jayu) on the sea-shore Sampt narrated his own story. Listen, O monkey chiefs: in
the prime of our youth we two brothers (Jayu and myself) soared in the heavens and
approached the orb of the sun. Jayu could not bear the heat of the sun and came back;
but I in my pride advanced nearer the sun. My wings were scorched with the inordinate
heat and I fell to the ground with a fearful scream. A sage, Candram by name, (who
lived there) was moved with compassion when he saw me. He taught me spiritual
wisdom in many ways and rid me of my identification with the body. In the Tret age the
Supreme Spirit will take the form of a human being and the demon king (Rvaa) will
carry off His Spouse. The Lord will send out spies to search Her and you will be
absolved of all sins by meeting them. Your wings will sprout again; worry not any longer
on that account. You will have to do only this much: show them where St may be. The
sages predictions has come true today; therefore, follow my instructions and set about
the business of your Lord. On the summit of the Trikua hill stands the city of Lak;
Rvaa, who is fearless by nature, lives there. There, in the Aoka garden, is lodged
St, who sits there, plunged in grief, even now. (16)
s ar rt ntf fy r
s a as r arr+ c+

742
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Do.: mai

dekhau tumha nh

gdhahi di apra,
buRha bhayau na ta karateu kachuka sahya tumhra.28.
I see Her, though you cannot; for the range of a vultures sight is unlimited. I have
grown old now, or else I would have rendered some help to you. (28)
r rrr; a r rn ; r r r fa rn+
rf frf tr r r s tr+ {+
rfs r r ft fa r rn at+
ar a ar af r; r z f sr;+ +
f n=z nt n fa- fa f +
f f r rr r r; rr+ -+
s ; fr f a r r+
f frf rt a a= s rt+ +
Cau.: jo nghai sata jojana sgara, karai so rma kja mati gara.
mohi biloki dharahu mana dhr, rma kp

kasa bhayau sarr.1.

ppiu j kara nma sumirah

, ati apra bhavasgara tarah

.
tsu duta tumha taji kadar, rma hdaya dhari karahu up.2.
asa kahi garuRa gdha jaba gaya u, tinha ke mana ati bisamaya bhayau.
nija nija bala saba khu

bh, pra ji kara sasaya rkh.3.

jaraha bhayau aba kahai riches, nahi

tana rah prathama bala les.
jabahi

tribikrama bhae kharr, taba mai

taruna raheu bala bhr.4.
He who can leap over the ocean having a width of eight hundred miles and is a
repository of intelligence will be able to do r Rmas business. Look at me and take
courage in your heart. See how rejuvenated I feel in body (with a new pair of wings) by
r Rmas grace. Even sinners who invoke r Rmas Name are able to cross the vast
and boundless ocean of mundane existence. You, therefore, who are His spies, should
never lose nerve but be up and doing with the image of r Rma enshrined in your
heart. So saying, O Garua! Continues Kkabhuui the vulture departed, leaving
them much amazed at heart. Now each one of the monkeys talked of his own strength,
but doubted his ability to leap across. Said Jmbavn (the king of bears), I am now too
old and not a particle of my former strength is left in my body. When r Rma, the Slayer
of the demon Khara, assumed the form of Trivikrama (the Lord with three strides, Lord
Vmana), I was young and possessed great strength. (14)
f ra rs r a f r;
s rrt t-t ra f- r;+ +
Do.: bali b

dhata prabhu bRheu so tanu barani na ji,

ubhaya ghar maha dnh

sta pradacchina dhi.29.

In His effort to make Bali captive the Lord grew to an indescribable size. Yet in
less than an hour I devoutly ran clockwise around Him as many as seven times. (29)
n ; rs rr f fat rr+
ra ar r ; ff t r+{+

*
KIKINDH-K NA
*
743
; trfa rr r rf s rr+
a rr f f fr frr+ +
r r f n rt r f r; ara ar rt+
r r fn a arr af s arrr+ -+
a a frr r fnf- rr+
fr f rf rr tf rrrs ff rr+ +
fa r rf rt rs ;r fr srt+
ra s art sfa fr t rt+ ~+
ar ara ar r; taf f f r;+
a f rfr a rfn n f r+ +
Cau.: agada kahai ju mai

pr, jiya sasaya kachu phirat br.

jmavata kaha tumha saba lyaka, pahaia kimi saba h kara nyaka.1.
kahai rchapati sunu hanumn, k cupa sdhi rahehu balavn.
pavana tanaya bala pavana samn, budhi bibeka bigyna nidhn.2.
kavana so kja kahina jaga mh

, jo nahi

hoi tta tumha ph

.
rma kja lagi tava avatr, sunatahi

bhayau parbatkr.3.
kanaka barana tana teja birj, mnahu apara girinha kara rj.
sihanda kari brahi

br, llahi

nghau jalanidhi khr.4.
sahita sahya rvanahi mr, nau ih

trik ua upr.
jmavata mai

pu

chau toh, ucita sikhvanu djahu moh.5.

etan karahu tta tumha j, stahi dekhi kahahu sudhi .
taba nija bhuja bala rjivanain, kautuka lgi saga kapi sen.6.
Said Agada, I will leap across; but I have some diffidence in my heart about my
getting back. Jmbavn, however, interposed, Even though you are competent in every
way, how can we send you, the leader of us all? The king of bears then turned towards
Hanumn: Listen, O mighty Hanumn: how is it that you are keeping mum? A son of the
wind-god, you are as strong as your father and are a storehouse of intelligence, discretion
and spiritual wisdom. What undertaking in this world is too difficult for you to accomplish,
dear child? It is for the service of r Rma that you have come down upon earth. The
moment Hanumn heard these words he grew to the size of a mountain, with a body
shining as gold and full of splendour as though he was another king of mountains (Sumeru).
Roaring again and again like a lion he said, I can easily spring across the salt ocean and
killing Rvaa with all his army can uproot the Trikua hill and bring it here. But I ask you,
Jmbavn kindly tender me suitable advice. All that you have to do, my son, is to go
and see St and come back with Her tidings. Then the lotus-eyed r Rma will recover
Her by the strength of His arm taking with Him a host of monkeys for mere sport. (16)
f n rrrf ff r taf rf
rr r f rrf rf+
r a nra a ra r;
rrt rr r at nr;+

744
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Cha.: kapi sena saga sa ghri nisicara rmu stahi nihai

,
trailoka pvana sujasu sura muni nraddi bakhnihai

.
jo sunata gvata kahata samujhata parama pada nara pva,
raghubra pada pthoja madhukara dsa tulas gva.
Taking with Him an army of monkeys r Rma will exterminate the demons and
bring back St: and the gods as well as Nrada and other sages will utter His praises,
that sanctify the three spheres. A man who hears, sings, repeats or studies them will
attain to the supreme state and Tulasdsa, who is devoted like a bee to the lotus feet
of r Rma (the Hero of Raghus line), ever sings them.
rrr f = rf
fa- r fq f frfrf+ - (+
tr- a tr r rf rr f
f ar n nr r r rr n f+ - (+
Do.: bhava bheaja raghuntha jasu sunahi

je nara aru nri,

tinha kara sakala manoratha siddha karahi

trisirri.30(A).
So.: nlotpala tana syma kma koi sobh adhika,
sunia tsu guna grma jsu nma agha khaga badhika.30(B).
r Rma, the slayer of the demon Triir, will grant all the desires of those men
and women who listen to r Rmas praises, the remedy for the disease of transmigration.
Listen to the praises of r Rma, who possesses a form dark as the blue lotus, who
by His elegance extinguishes millions of Cupids and whose Name is a veritable fowler
for birds in the shape of sins. (30 A-B)
[PAUSE 23 FOR A THIRTY-DAY RECITATION]
;fa >rtrfar ff a rr re
iti rmadrmacaritamnase sakalakalikaluavidhvasane caturtha sopna sampta.
Thus ends the fourth descent into the Mnasa lake of r Rmas exploits,
that eradicates all the impurities of the Kali age.
\\vv\\ \\vv\\ \\vv\\ \\vv\\ \\vv\\

r Rmacaritamnasa
(The Mnasa lake containing the exploits of r Rma)
Descent Five
(Sundara-Ka)

rr-a rr4arr frrrrf-a

zr rrrrt-fr r-au f
rr= nt4 n= rrr f
- =rr rr rzrfr+ {+
loka
nta vatamaprameyamanagha nirvantiprada
brahmambhuphandrasevyamania vedntavedya vibhum,
rmkhya jagadvara suraguru mymanuya hari
vandeha karukara raghuvara bhuplacumaim.1.
I adore the Lord of the universe bearing the name of Rma, the Chief of Raghus
line and the crest-jewel of kings, the mine of compassion, the dispeller of all sins,
appearing in human form through His My (deluding potency), the greatest of all gods,
knowable through Vednta (the Upaniads), constantly worshipped by Brahm (the
Creator), ambhu (Lord iva) and ea (the serpent-god), the bestower of supreme
peace in the form of final beatitude, placid, eternal, beyond the ordinary means of
cognition, sinless and all-pervading. (1)
r-r tr rra ztt
- rf rfr-ar-r
f+ - rry fr
rrfrfa = r + +
nny sph raghupate hdayesmadye
satya vadmi ca bhavnakhilntartm,
bhakti prayaccha raghupugava nirbhar me
kmdidoarahita kuru mnasa ca.2.
There is no other craving in my heart, O Lord of the Raghus: I speak the truth and
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
746
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
You are the Spirit indwelling the hearts of all. Grant me intense devotion to Your feet, O
crest-jewel of Raghus, and free my mind from faults like concupiscence etc. (2)
afar rr
rr -rrfrnn
nrfr rrrrtr
rrfaf+ rara rf+ -+
atulitabaladhma hemaailbhadeha
danujavanaknu jninmagragayam,
sakalaguanidhna vnarmadha
raghupatipriyabhakta vtajta nammi.3.
I bow to the son of the wind-god, the beloved devotee of r Rma (the Lord of
the Raghus), the chief of the monkeys, the repository of all virtues, the foremost among
the wise, a fire to consume the forest of the demon race, possessing a body shining as
a mountain of gold and a home of immeasurable strength. (3)
0ra r f a z fa r+
a fn rf f ar r; f r;+ {+
fn r taf t r;f r rf ft+
f r; f- rr s f f f rrrr+ +
f at a f s ar +
r r rrt rt as a rt+ -+
f fnf ; ar s r nr rar aar+
ff rrr rrfa rr t rfa s rr+ +
ff rrfa a frt a r rf >rrt+ ~+
Cau.: jmavata ke bacana suhe, suni hanumata hdaya ati bhe.
taba lagi mohi parikhehu tumha bh, sahi dukha kada mula phala kh.1.
jaba lagi vau stahi dekh, hoihi kju mohi haraa bise.
yaha kahi ni sabanhi kahu mth, caleu harai hiya dhari raghunth.2.
sidhu tra eka bhudhara sudara, kautuka k udi caRheu t upara.
bra bra raghubra sa bhr, tarakeu pavanatanaya bala bhr.3.
jehi

giri carana dei hanumat, caleu so g ptla turat.
jimi amogha raghupati kara bn, eh bh

ti caleu hanumn.4.
jalanidhi raghupati duta bicr, tai

mainka hohi ramahr.5.

Hanumn was much delighted at heart to hear the heartening speech of Jmbavn.
He said, Suffering hardships and living on bulbs, roots and fruits, wait for me, brethren, till
I return after seeing St. I am sure our object will be accomplished as I feel very cheerful.
So saying and after bowing his head to them all he set out full of joy with an image of r
Rma (the Lord of the Raghus) enshrined in his heart. There was a beautiful hill on the sea-
coast; he lightly sprang on to its top. And invoking the Hero of Raghus line again and again,
the son of the wind-god took a leap with all his might. The hill on which Hanumn planted his
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
SUNDARA-K NA
*
747
foot while leaping sank down immediately into the nethermost region (Ptla). Hanumn
sped forth in the same way as the unerring shaft of r Rma (the Lord of the Raghus).
Knowing him to be r Rmas emissary, the deity presiding over the ocean spoke to mount
Mainka,* Relieve him of his fatigue, O Mainka (by allowing him to rest on you). (15)
0r af r f t- r
r r t- f rf r f>rr+ {+
Do.: hanumna tehi paras kara puni knha pranma,
rma kju knhe binu mohi kah

birma.1.
Hanumn simply touched the mountain with his hand and then made obeisance to
it saying, There can be no rest for me till I have accomplished r Rmas work. (1)
0ra a - r r fq fr+
r r f- rar ;f- r; t af rar+ {+
r - rf t- rr a rr+
r r f ff r tar ; f f r+ +
a a fs r; - s rf r r;+
a ; f rr nf rf s rr+ -+
r f af rr f a t- n ftarr+
r r af aa a f-r + +
r rr ar f = rr+
a r af r t-r fa rr = a t-r+ ~+
;f f r rr rnr fr arf f= rr+
rf - f rfn rr f ar rr+ +
Cau.: jta pavanasuta devanha dekh, jnai

kahu bala buddhi bise.

suras nma ahinha kai mt, pahainhi i kah tehi

bt.1.
ju suranha mohi dnha ahr, sunata bacana kaha pavanakumr.
rma kju kari phiri mai

vau , st kai sudhi prabhuhi sunvau .2.

taba tava badana paihihau , satya kahau mohi jna de m.
kavanehu jatana dei nahi

jn, grasasi na mohi kaheu hanumn.3.

jojana bhari tehi

badanu pasr, kapi tanu knha duguna bistr.
soraha jojana mukha tehi

haya u, turata pavanasuta battisa bhaya u.4.

* It is mentioned in our scriptures that formerly mountains had wings and could fly like birds, but
later on Indra clipped them of their wings by his thunderbolt and since then they became stationary.
Mainka, however, who was able to accelerate his speed with the help of the wind-god, rushed into the
ocean and hid himself under its waters. The deity presiding over the ocean, who had been begotten by
King Sagara, and was thus an ancestor of the Lord, took this opportunity to oblige r Rma and directed
Mainka to come out of his hiding-place and give rest to His envoy in the mid-ocean so as to enable him
to cross the ocean by easy stages. Out of gratitude to the ocean, who had afforded him shelter all the
time, and in order to repay his obligation to the wind-god, Mainka emerged from his asylum and served
as a stepping-stone for Hanumn to rest on and replenish his store of energy. Hanumn, however, who
was spurred on by his devotion to r Rma and depended on His all-sufficient grace, needed no other
support and took leave of the mountain by merely acknowledging his services. The incident further shows
Hanumns unremitting zeal in the service of his Lord.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
748
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
jasa jasa suras badanu baRhv, tsu d una kapi r upa dekhv.
sata jojana tehi

nana knh, ati laghu r upa pavanasuta lnh.5.
badana paihi puni bhera v, mg bid thi siru nv.
mohi suranha jehi lgi pahv, budhi bala maramu tora mai

pv.6.
The gods saw the son of the wind-god sweeping along; and in order to test his
extraordinary strength and intelligence they sent Suras, a mother of serpents, who
came near him and said: The gods have provided me a meal today. On hearing these
words the son of the wind-god said in reply, Let me return after accomplishing r
Rmas errand and tell my lord the news of St. Then I will approach you and enter
your mouth; I tell you the truth. Mother, only let me go now. When, however, she would
not let him go on any account, Hanumn said, Then why not devour me? She
distended her mouth to a distance of eight miles, while the chief of monkeys grew
double the size of her mouth. She stretched her mouth to a circumference of a hundred
and twenty-eight miles, and the son of the wind-god immediately took a form covering
two hundred and fifty-six miles. Even as Suras expanded her jaws the chief of the
monkeys manifested a form twice as large as her mouth. When she further expanded
her mouth eight hundred miles wide, the son of the wind-god assumed a very minute
form, by which he entered her mouth and came out again and bowing his head to her
begged leave to proceed. I have gauged the extent of your wit and strength, the errand
for which the gods had despatched me. (16)
0r r f ar fq fr
rf ; n; r f s r+ +
Do.: rma kju sabu karihahu tumha bala buddhi nidhna,
sia dei ga so harai caleu hanumna.2.
You will accomplish all the work of r Rma, a storehouse that you are of
strength and intelligence. Having blessed Hanumn she departed and Hanumn too
joyfully resumed his journey (through the air). (2)
0fff f ; f rr n n;+
t a nn szrt frf fa- frt+ {+
n; r r szr; f ff r nn r;+
r; r t-r ar f aaf t-r+ +
arf rf r=aa tr rff r ns fatr+
ar r; t rr na t rr+ -+
rr a= r n n f r+
fr f rn ar r; s -rn+ +
sr f fr; ar r rf r;+
fnf f r af t f r; fa n ft+ ~+
fa san ff rr r rr+ +
Cau.: nisicari eka sidhu mahu raha, kari my nabhu ke khaga gaha.
jva jatu je gagana uRh

, jala biloki tinha kai parichh

.1.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
SUNDARA-K NA
*
749
gahai chha saka so na uR, ehi bidhi sad gaganacara kh.
soi chala hanumna kaha knh, tsu kapau kapi turatahi

cnh.2.
thi mri mrutasuta br, bridhi pra gayau matidhr.
tah

ji dekh bana sobh, gujata cacarka madhu lobh.3.

nn taru phala phula suhe, khaga mga bda dekhi mana bhe.
saila bisla dekhi eka ge , t para dhi caRheu bhaya tyge .4.
um na kachu kapi kai adhik, prabhu pratpa jo klahi kh.
giri para caRhi lak tehi

dekh, kahi na ji ati durga bise.5.

ati utaga jalanidhi cahu ps, kanaka koa kara parama praks.6.
There was a demoness who dwelt in the ocean and would catch the birds in the
air by conjuring tricks. Seeing on the surface of the water the reflection of the creature
that coursed in the air she would catch it and the bird was unable to move. In this way
she would devour birds everyday. She employed the same trick against Hanumn, but
the chief of monkeys at once saw through her game. The valiant son of the wind-god
dispatched her and swept across the ocean, resolute of mind as he was. Reaching the
other shore he gazed on the loveliness of the forest with the bees humming in quest of
honey. Trees of various kinds looked charming with fruits and flowers; and he was
particularly delighted at heart to see the numerous birds and beasts. Beholding a huge
mountain ahead of him, he fearlessly ran up to its summit. The chief of the monkeys, O
Um (Prvat), deserved no credit for it: it was all attributable to the glory of the Lord, who
devours Death himself. Climbing up the hill he surveyed Lak, a most marvellous
fortress that defied description. It was very high and was enclosed by the ocean on all
sides. The ramparts of gold shed great lustre all round. (16)
U0 r ffr f a rar rrr
s tt r= ff r+
n rf r f =f- r n
= ff fa a f + {+
rn s rfr rt rt
rn n -r = f rt+
r fr r fa nt
rr r- ff ff - at+ +
f a rf- f a n ff -t
f r fr -t+
f rfn atr ;- t r t
rrt at tf- -rfn nfa f t+ -+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
750
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Cha.: kanaka koa bicitra mani kta sudaryatan ghan,
cauhaa haa subaa bth

cru pura bahu bidhi ban.

gaja bji khaccara nikara padacara ratha bar uthanhi ko ganai,
bahurupa nisicara jutha atibala sena baranata nahi

banai.1.
bana bga upabana bik sara kupa bp

sohah

,
nara nga sura gadharba kany rupa muni mana mohah

.
kahu mla deha bisla saila samna atibala garjah

,
nn akhrenha bhirahi

bahu bidhi eka ekanha tarjah

.2.
kari jatana bhaa koinha bikaa tana nagara cahu disi racchah

,
kahu mahia mnua dhenu khara aja khala niscara bhacchah

.
ehi lgi tulasdsa inha k kath kachu eka hai kah,
raghubra sara tratha sarranhi tygi gati paihahi

sah.3.
The charming city was enclosed by a fortification wall of gold inlaid with precious
stones of various kinds, and contained many beautiful houses, cross roads, bazars,
lovely streets and lanes, and was decorated in everyway. Who could count the
multitudes of elephants, horses and mules, the crowds of foot soldiers and chariots and
the troops of demons of every shapea formidable host beyond all description ? Groves
and orchards, gardens and parks, lakes and also wells, big and small, looked charming;
daughters of human beings, Ngas, gods and Gandharvas (celestial musicians) enraptured
with their beauty the minds of even hermits. Here roared mighty wrestlers endowed with
huge mountainlike forms. They grappled with one another in many ways in different
courts and challenged one another to a duel. Myriads of champions possessing frightful
forms sedulously guarded the city on all sides. Elsewhere the vile demons feasted on
buffaloes, human beings, cows, donkeys and goats. Tulasdsa has briefly told their
story only because they will drop their bodies at the sanctuary of r Rmas arrows and
thereby attain the supreme state. (13)
0 r f f t- fr
fa rr = ff n ;r+ -+
Do.: pura rakhavre dekhi bahu kapi mana knha bicra,
ati laghu rupa dharau nisi nagara karau paisra.3.
Seeing a host of guards defending the city, the chief of the monkeys thought to
himself, Let me assume a very minute form and enter the city at night. (3)
0 r = f t f s ff t+
r ft fft r f rf ft+ {+
rf t rr r r r fn rr+
fr r f t =f a t t+ +
f rf st r r rf rf f r+
rf zr t-r a ff r rf t-r+ -+
f rf a f r a r ff rrr+
ara r fa - ar s r ar+ +
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
SUNDARA-K NA
*
751
Cau.: masaka samna rupa kapi dhar, lakahi caleu sumiri narahar.
nma lakin eka nisicar, so kaha calesi mohi nidar.1.
janehi nahi

maramu saha mor, mora ahra jah

lagi cor.
muhik eka mah kapi han, rudhira bamata dharan

hanaman.2.
puni sabhri uh so lak, jori pni kara binaya sasak.
jaba rvanahi brahma bara dnh, calata biraci kah mohi cnh.3.
bikala hosi tai

kapi ke mre, taba jnesu nisicara saghre.

tta mora ati punya bah ut, dekheu nayana rma kara d ut.4.
Hanumn assumed a form as small as a gnat and, invoking the Lord in human
semblance (Bhagavn r Rma), headed towards Lak. (At the gateway of Lak)
lived a demoness, Lakin by name. Where should you be going heedless of me? she
said. Fool, have you not been able to know who I am? Every thief hereabout is my food.
The great monkey dealt her such a blow with his fist that she toppled down vomiting
blood. Then, recovering herself, Lak (Lakin), stood up, and joining her palms in dismay,
humbly addressed him, When Brahm granted Rvaa the boon he had asked for, the
Creator furnished me with the following clue (to the extermination of the demon race)
while departing:When you get discomfited by a blow from a monkey, know that all is
over with the demon race. I must have earned very great merit, dear Hanumn, that I
have been blessed with the sight of r Rmas own messenger. (14)
0ara tn n f ar n
a arf ff r an+ +
Do.: tta svarga apabarga sukha dharia tul eka aga,
tula na thi sakala mili jo sukha lava satasaga.4.
In one scale of the balance, dear son, put together the delights of heaven and the
bliss of final beatitude; but they will all be outweighed by a moments joy derived from
communion with the saints. (4)
0ff n t rr z rf r rr+
n r f f far; nr f far;+ {+
n=z = art r r f far rt+
fa rr = s rr r n ff nrr+ +
f f fa f rr a nfa rr+
ns r f rt fa ffr f ra r rt+ -+
f r f at f tf t+
f t rr f f a fr rr+ +
Cau.: prabisi nagara kje saba kj, hdaya rkhi kosalapura rj.
garala sudh ripu karahi

mit, gopada sidhu anala sital.1.

garuRa sumeru renu sama th, rma kp kari citav jh.
ati laghu rupa dhareu hanumn, paih nagara sumiri bhagavn.2.
madira madira prati kari sodh, dekhe jaha taha aganita jodh.
gayau dasnana madira mah

, ati bicitra kahi jta so nh

.3.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
752
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
sayana kie dekh kapi teh, madira mahu na dkhi baideh.
bhavana eka puni dkha suhv, hari madira taha bhinna banv.4.
Enter the city with the Lord of Ayodhy enshrined in your heart and accomplish
all your business. Poison is transformed into nectar, foes turn friends, the ocean
contracts itself to the size of a cows footprint, fire becomes cool and Mount Meru, O
Garua, appears like a grain of sand to him on whom r Rma has cast His benign
look. Hanumn assumed a very minute form and invoking r Rma entered the city.
He ransacked every mansion and saw countless warriors here and there. Then he made
his way into Rvaas palace, which was marvellous beyond words. He saw the demon
chief buried in sleep; but he did not find Videhas Daughter there. He then noticed another
splendid building, with a temple sacred to r Hari standing apart. (14)
0rr fa n rr f r;
afr a f fr;+ ~+
Do.: rmyudha akita gha sobh barani na ji,
nava tulasik bda taha dekhi haraa kapiri.5.
The mansion had the weapons (bow and arrow) of r Rma painted on its walls
and was beautiful beyond words. The monkey chief rejoiced to see clusters of young
Tulas plants there. (5)
0r ff f frr ;r r r rr+
a f rnr at ft rnr+ {+
r r af f t-r z f r t-r+
f f fs frt r a r; r rt+ +
f = f r a ft sf a r+
f r t r; f f r rr;+ -+
t ar f r- r; r z tfa fa r;+
t ar r t rnt r rf zrnt+ +
Cau.: lak nscara nikara nivs, ih

kah

sajjana kara bs.

mana mahu taraka karai

kapi lg, teh

samaya bibhanu jg.1.
rma rma tehi

sumirana knh, hdaya haraa kapi sajjana cnh.
ehi sana hahi karihau pahicn, sdhu te hoi na kraja hn.2.
bipra rupa dhari bacana sune, sunata bibhana uhi taha e.
kari pranma p u

ch kusal, bipra kahahu nija kath bujh.3.

k tumha hari dsanha maha ko, more hdaya prti ati ho.
k tumha rmu dna anurg, yahu mohi karana baRabhg.4.
Lak is the abode of a gang of demons; how could a pious man take up his
residence here? While the monkey chief was thus reasoning within himself, Vibhaa
(Rvaas youngest brother) woke up. He began to repeat r Rmas name in prayer
and Hanumn was delighted at heart to find a virtuous soul. I shall make acquaintance
with him at all events; for ones cause would never suffer at the hands of a good man.
Having thus resolved he assumed the form of a Brhmaa and accosted Vibhaa. As
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
SUNDARA-K NA
*
753
soon as he heard Hanumns words he rose and came where the latter was. Bowing
low he enquired after the Brhmaas welfare: Tell me all about you, holy sir. Are you
one of r Haris own servants (Nrada and others)? My heart is filled with exceeding
love at your sight. Or are you r Rma Himself, a loving friend of the poor, who have
come to bless me (by your sight)? (14)
0a a t r r f r
a n a n ff n nr+ +
Do.: taba hanumata kah saba rma kath nija nma,
sunata jugala tana pulaka mana magana sumiri guna grma.6.
Thereupon Hanumn told him all about r Rma and disclosed his identity as well.
The moment Vibhaa heard this a thrill ran through the body of both and they were
transported with joy at the thought of r Rmas host of virtues. (6)
0 a f rt ff f- t frt+
ara rf rf rr ff r r rr+ {+
ar a r rt tfa r rt+
rf r r ar f fr ff f ar+ +
rrt n t-r a ar rf f t-r+
ft tat f r tat+ -+
tr f t ff tr+
ra ; r r rr af f arf f rr+ +
Cau.: sunahu pavanasuta rahani hamr, jimi dasananhi mahu jbha bicr.
tta kabahu mohi jni anth, karihahi

kp bhnukula nth.1.
tmasa tanu kachu sdhana nh

, prti na pada saroja mana mh

.
aba mohi bh bharosa hanumat, binu harikp milahi

nahi

sat.2.
jau raghubra anugraha knh, tau tumha mohi darasu hahi dnh.
sunahu bibhana prabhu kai rt, karahi

sad sevaka para prt.3.
kahahu kavana mai

parama kuln, kapi cacala sabah

bidhi hn.
prta lei jo nma hamr, tehi dina thi na milai ahr.4.
Hear, O son of the wind-god, how I am living here: my plight is similar to that of
the poor tongue, that lives in the midst of the teeth. Will the Lord of the solar race, dear
friend, ever show His grace to me, knowing me to be masterless? Endowed as I am with
a sinful (demoniac) form, I am incapable of doing any Sdhana (striving for God-
Realization); and my heart cherishes no love for the Lords lotus-feet. But I am now
confident, Hanumn, that r Rma will shower His grace on me; for one can never meet
a saint without r Haris grace. It is only because the Hero of Raghus race has been
kind to me that you have blessed me with your sight unsolicited. Listen, Vibhaa: the
Lord is ever affectionate to His servants; for such is His wont. Tell me what superior birth
can I claima frivolous monkey vile in everyway, so much so that if anyone mentions
our name early in the morning he is sure to go without any food that day. (14)
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
754
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
0 r r rrt
t-t r ff n fr t+ +
Do.: asa mai

adhama sakh sunu mohu para raghubra,

knh kp sumiri guna bhare bilocana nra.7.
Listen, my friend: though I am so wretched, the Hero of Raghus race has shown
His grace even to me ! And his eyes filled with tears as he recalled the Lords virtues. (7)
0ra trf frt ff a r rf rt+
f ff a r n n rr rr fr- f>rrr+ {+
f r ft t f ff ar a t+
a a r rar t s rt rar+ +
nfa ft r; s a fr r;+
f r; = ns f ar r tar r+ -+
f f t- rr f tfa ra ff rr+
a t r t fa z rrfa n >rt+ +
Cau.: jnatahu

asa svmi bisr, phirahi

te khe na hohi

dukhr.
ehi bidhi kahata rma guna grm, pv anirbcya birm.1.
puni saba kath bibhana kah, jehi bidhi janakasut taha rah.
taba hanumata kah sunu bhrt, dekh cahau jnak mt.2.
juguti bibhana sakala sun, caleu pavanasuta bid kar.
kari soi rupa gayau puni tahav

, bana asoka st raha jahav

.3.
dekhi manahi mahu knha pranm, baihehi

bti jta nisi jm.
ksa tanu ssa ja eka ben, japati hdaya raghupati guna ren.4.
It is not to be wondered that those who knowingly forget such a lord and go adrift
should be unhappy. Thus recounting r Rmas virtues, Hanumn derived unspeakable
solace. Then Vibhaa fully narrated how Janakas Daughter had been living there.
Thereupon Hanumn said, Listen, brother: I should like to see Mother St: Vibhaa
fully explained to him the method of seeing Her and the son of the wind-god took leave
of Vibhaa and proceeded on his errand. Assuming the same (minute) form as he had
taken before, he repaired to the Aoka grove where St dwelt. He mentally bowed to Her
as soon as he saw Her. Obviously She had been squatting away the hours of the night.
Emaciated in body, She wore a single braid* of matted hair on Her head and repeated
to Herself the list of r Rmas excellences. (14)
0f f r t
t r a f rt t+ c+
Do.: nija pada nayana die mana rma pada kamala lna,
parama dukh bh pavanasuta dekhi jnak dna.8.
She had Her eyes fixed on Her own feet, while Her mind was absorbed in the
* It is customary with Indian women to wear a single braid of hair when separated from their husband.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
SUNDARA-K NA
*
755
thought of r Rmas lotus feet. The son of the wind-god felt supremely miserable to see
Janakas Daughter sad. (8)
0a= r r; ; fr r r;+
af r a rr n rf f rr+ {+
ff taf rrr r r rr+
r f rt rt rf rt+ +
a t s rr r fr rr+
a f r fa t ff fa t+ -+
ura rr f ft ; frr+
r fa rt f f rrt r t+ +
f rf rt fr r f art+ ~+
Cau.: taru pallava mahu rah luk, karai bicra karau k bh.
tehi avasara rvanu taha v, saga nri bahu kie banv.1.
bahu bidhi khala stahi samujhv, sma dna bhaya bheda dekhv.
kaha rvanu sunu sumukhi sayn, madodar di saba rn.2.
tava anucar

karau pana mor, eka bra biloku mama or.

tna dhari oa kahati baideh, sumiri avadhapati parama saneh.3.
sunu dasamukha khadyota praks, kabahu ki nalin karai biks.
asa mana samujhu kahati jnak, khala sudhi nahi

raghubra bna k.4.

saha sune hari nehi moh, adhama nilajja lja nahi

toh.5.
Concealing himself among the leaves of a tree he mused within himself, Come, sir,
what should I do? At that very moment Rvaa arrived there gaily adorned and
accompanied by a troop of women. The wretch tried to prevail upon Her in many ways
through friendly advice, allurements, threats and estrangement. Said Rvaa, Listen, O
beautiful and wise lady: I will make Mandodar and all other queens your handmaids, I
swear, provided you cast your look on me only once. Interposing* a blade of grass
between Herself and Rvaa and fixing Her thoughts on Her most beloved lord (r
Rma), the King of Ayodhy, Videhas Daughter rejoined: Listen, O ten-headed monster:
can a lotus flower ever expand in the glow of a fire-fly? Ponder this at heart, continued
Janakas Daughter; perhaps you have no idea what r Rmas shafts are like, O
wretch. You carried me off at a time when there was none by my side; yet you do not
feel ashamed, O vile and impudent rogue! (15)
0rf f ura rf r r
= f rf f rr fa ffr+ +
Do.: puhi suni khadyota sama rmahi bhnu samna,
parua bacana suni kRhi asi bol ati khisina.9.
Hearing himself likened to a glow-worm and r Rma compared to the sun, and
exasperated at Her harsh words, the monster drew out his sword and said: (9)
* According to the Hindu etiquette a lady must not talk to a male stranger without a medium Being
forced to violate the above rule at this emergency St takes recourse to the aforesaid expedient.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
756
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
0tar a a rr fs a f f rr+
rf a f r rt f rfa a t rt+ {+
tr r r f +
r f a f rrrr r rr+ +
r = far rrfa f ra+
ta ffa f rr tar = rr+ -+
a f r rr ar f tfa rrr+
f fff- rr; taf ff rr r;+ +
r f r rr a rf rf rr+ ~+
Cau.: st tai

mama kta apamn, kaihau tava sira kahina kpn.

nhi

ta sapadi mnu mama bn, sumukhi hoti na ta jvana hn.1.

syma saroja dma sama sudara, prabhu bhuja kari kara sama dasakadhara.
so bhuja kaha ki tava asi ghor, sunu saha asa pravna pana mor.2.
cadrahsa haru mama paritpa, raghupati biraha anala sajta.
stala nisita bahasi bara dhr, kaha st haru mama dukha bhr.3.
sunata bacana puni mrana dhv, mayatanay

kahi nti bujhv.

kahesi sakala nisicarinha bol, stahi bahu bidhi trsahu j.4.
msa divasa mahu kah na mn, tau mai

mrabi kRhi kpn.5.

St, you have offered me an insult; I will accordingly cut off your head with my
relentless sword. If not, obey my command at once; or else you lose your life, O beautiful
lady. My lords arm is lovely as a string of blue lotuses and shapely and long as the
trunk of an elephant, O ten-headed monster. Either that arm or your dreadful sword will
have my neck: hear this my solemn vow, O fool. (Turning to Rvaas glittering scimitar)
Take away, O Candrahsa*, the burning anguish of my heart caused by the fire of
separation from the Lord of the Raghus. You possess a cool, sharp and good blade;
therefore, relieve the burden of my sorrow, St said. On hearing these words he rushed
forward to kill Her; it was Queen Mandodar (Mayas daughter) who (intervened and)
pacified him with words of good counsel. Summoning all the demonesses (posted there)
he said, Go and intimidate St in every way. If she does not accept my advice in a
months time I will draw my sword and behead her. (15)
0 ns ;r frff
taf rr rf f = + {+
Do.: bhavana gayau dasakadhara ih

piscini bda,
stahi trsa dekhvahi

dharahi

rupa bahu mada.10.

(Having issued these instructions) the ten headed Rvaa returned to his palace;
* The word literally means That which derides the moon by its cool brilliance. Though generally
used as a synonym for a curved sword, it particularly denotes the sword possessed by Rvaa as a gift from
Bhagavn akara, to whom it originally belonged. In Her utter despair St looked to Rvaas sword alone
to come to Her rescue and end Her miserable existence; and the sowrd, though cruel and dreadful to all
appearance, appeared to Her as agreeable and soothing as the moons rays to a burning heart. The
appellation Candrahsa thus sounded most appropriate to Her.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
SUNDARA-K NA
*
757
while the host of fiendesses in the Aoka grove assumed various kinds of hideous forms
and intimidated St. (10)
0frr r r-t r r fa f fr+
- rf rf r taf ; fa r+ {+
r r rt rar r rt+
r= n tr fza f fza tr+ +
f ff r f- ff r; r ft r;+
n ft rrt rr; a tar rf r;+ -+
r s rt r;f - n f rt+
ar f a zt ar f- t+ +
Cau.: trija nma rcchas ek, rma carana rati nipuna bibek.
sabanhau boli sunesi sapan, stahi sei karahu hita apan.1.
sapane bnara lak jr, jtudhna sen saba mr.
khara ruRha nagana dasass, muita sira khaita bhuja bs.2.
ehi bidhi so dacchina disi j, lak manahu bibhana p.
nagara phir raghubra doh, taba prabhu st boli pah.3.
yaha sapan mai

kahau pukr, hoihi satya gae dina cr.
tsu bacana suni te saba ar

, janakasut ke carananhi par

.4.
One of these demonesses, Trija by name, was devoted to r Rmas feet and
perfect in spiritual wisdom. She summoned all her companions, told them her dream and
exhorted them to serve St and thus bless themselves. In my dream a monkey burnt
Lak and the whole demon host was killed. As for the ten-headed Rvaa, I saw him
mounted on a donkey, all naked, with his heads shorn and his twenty arms chopped off.
In this fashion he went his way to the south*; and it so appeared that Lak had passed
into the hands of Vibhaa. r Rmas victory was proclaimed (by beat of drum)
throughout the city: it was then that the Lord (r Rma) sent for St. This dream, I loudly
proclaim, will come true a few days hence. They were all dismayed to hear her words
and fell at the feet of Janakas Daughter. (14)
0 a n; a tar r
r f ta rf rff ff r+ {{+
Do.: jaha taha ga

sakala taba st kara mana soca,

msa divasa bte mohi mrihi nisicara poca.11.
Then they all dispersed in various directions and St anxiously thought within
Herself: At the end of a long month this vile monster will slay me. (11)
0frr rt rt ra ffa fnf a rt+
a = fn sr; f f f r;+ {+
* The abode of Yama (the god of death) is believed to be in the south. That is why journey in a dream
to the south is supposed to forebode death.
As appears from what follows, it is not death that St dreads, but the long interval of a month which
has to elapse before Her threatened death.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
758
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
rf r far r; ra f f nr;+
- f tfa rt r >r rt+ +
a nf rrf ar rf+
ff f rt f r f frt+ -+
tar ff r far fff r fff r+
fa n nn nrr f ra s arr+ +
r f na rnt r rf rf a rnt+
f f f rr - r = = rr+ ~+
a f rr f fnf f f frr+
f fr tar r ff tar+ +
Cau.: trija sana bol

kara jor, mtu bipati sagini tai

mor.
tajau deha karu begi up, dusaha birahu aba nahi

sahi j.1.
ni kha racu cit ban, mtu anala puni dehi lag
satya karahi mama prti sayn, sunai ko ravana s ula sama bn.2.
sunata bacana pada gahi samujhesi, prabhu pratpa bala sujasu sunesi.
nisi na anala mila sunu sukumr, asa kahi so nija bhavana sidhr.3.
kaha st bidhi bh pratik ul, milihi na pvaka miihi na s ul.
dekhiata pragaa gagana agr, avani na vata ekau tr.4.
pvakamaya sasi sravata na g, mnahu mohi jni hata bhg.
sunahi binaya mama biapa asok, satya nma karu haru mama sok.5.
nutana kisalaya anala samn, dehi agini jani karahi nidn.
dekhi parama birahkula st, so chana kapihi kalapa sama bt.6.
With joined palms She said to Trija, Mother, you are my only companion in adversity.
Therefore, quickly devise some means whereby I may be enabled to cast off this body; for
this desolation, which is so hard to bear, can no longer be endured. Bring some wood and
put up a pyre; and then, my mother, set fire to it. Thus prove the genuineness of my love for
the Lord, O wise lady. Who will stand Rvaas words,that pierce the ear like a shaft? On
hearing these words she clasped Sts feet and comforted Her by recounting the majesty,
might and glory of Her lord. Listen, O tender lady: no fire can be had at night. So saying
she left for her residence. St said (to Herself) Heaven itself has turned hostile to me;
there is no fire to be had and I cannot be cured of my agony otherwise. Sparks of fire are
visibly seen in the heavens; but not a single star drops to the earth. The moon, though all
fire, refuses to rain sparks, as if conscious of my wretchedness. Hear my prayer, O Aoka
tree: take away my sorrow and answer to your name*. Your fresh and tender leaves bear
the colour of flames; therefore, supply me with fire and do not aggravate my agony beyond
limits. The moment seemed like an age to Hanumn as he beheld St extremely distressed
due to Her separation from Her lord. (16)
0f f z fr tf- fr zrf a
r nr t- f sf ns+ {+
* The word Aoka literally means that which ends sorrow.
Literally speaking, the word Kalpa denotes the span of life of the universe, which has been
calculated to cover 4,32,00,000 years.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
SUNDARA-K NA
*
759
So.: kapi kari hdaya bicra dnhi mudrik ri taba,
janu asoka agra dnha harai uhi kara gaheu.12.
Then, taking thought within himself, Hanumn (the monkey chief) dropped down
the signet ring, as though the Aoka tree had thrown a spark (in response to Her prayer).
She sprang up with joy and took it in Her hand. (12)
0a t fr r r r fa fa +
fa fa t frt fr z rt+ {+
tfa r ; rrr; rr a f f f r;+
tar fr rr rs rr+ +
r n rnr af tar rnr+
rnt >r r; rf a r r;+ -+
>rra f r r; t r n rfa f r;+
a a f f n ff t f + +
r a ra rt - =rfr t+
fr ra rt tf- r ar frt+ ~+
rf n t r ; nfa + +
Cau.: taba dekh mudrik manohara, rma nma akita ati sudara.
cakita citava mudar pahicn, haraa bida hdaya akuln.1.
jti ko sakai ajaya raghur, my te asi raci nahi

j.
st mana bicra kara nn, madhura bacana boleu hanumn.2.
rmacadra guna baranai

lg, sunatahi

st kara dukha bhg.
lg

sunai

ravana mana l, dihu te saba kath sun.3.
ravanmta jehi

kath suh, kah so pragaa hoti kina bh.
taba hanumata nikaa cali gaya u, phiri baih

mana bisamaya bhaya u.4.

rma duta mai

mtu jnak, satya sapatha karunnidhna k.
yaha mudrik mtu mai

n, dnhi rma tumha kaha sahidn.5.

nara bnarahi saga kahu kaise , kah kath bhai sagati jaise .6.
Now She saw the charming ring with the name of r Rma most beautifully
engraved on it. Recognizing the ring She looked at it with wonder and was agitated at
heart with a mixed feeling of joy and sorrow. Who can conquer the invincible Lord of
the Raghus and such a (divine) ring cannot be prepared through My ( a conjuring
trick). As St thus indulged in fancies of various kinds, Hanumn spoke in honeyed
accents and began to recount r Rmacandras praises. The moment they reached
Sts ears Her grief took flight. She listened with all Her soul and ears while Hanumn
narrated the whole story from the very beginning. Wherefore does she who has told this
tale, which is like nectar to my ears, not reveal herself?* Thereupon Hanumn drew
near Her, while St sat with her back turned towards him, full of amazement. I am r
Rmas messenger, mother Jnak: I solemnly swear by the all-merciful Lord Himself.
* Obviously the orchard in which St had been confined was open to the fair sex alone. Naturally,
therefore, when She heard an unseen voice utter r Rmas praises, She concluded that it must be some
female.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
760
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
This ring has been brought by me, O mother; r Rma gave it to me as a token for you.
Tell me what brought about this fellowship between a man and a monkey. Then
Hanumn explained the circumstances in which a union was brought about between men
and monkeys. (16)
0f f sr ftr
rr rf r+ {-+
Do.: kapi ke bacana saprema suni upaj mana bisvsa,
jn mana krama bacana yaha kpsidhu kara dsa.13.
As She heard the monkeys affectionate words Her soul trusted him and She
recognized him to be a servant of the all-merciful Lord in thought, word and deed. (13)
0f rf tfa fa nrt rf rt+
za f f rr ara r rr+ {+
rs frt fa rt+
rfa r rrr; f f a t fr;+ +
rf r fa a rrr+
ta arar r;f ff tr nrar+ -+
r rt r f frt+
f fr tar rr f ftar+ +
ra ar a t r far+
f t r f r ar a r r+ ~+
Cau.: harijana jni prti ati gRh, sajala nayana pulakvali bRh.
buRata biraha jaladhi hanumn, bhayahu tta mo kahu jalajn.1.
aba kahu kusala ju balihr, anuja sahita sukha bhavana kharr.
komalacita kpla raghur, kapi kehi hetu dhar nihur.2.
sahaja bni sevaka sukha dyaka, kabahu ka surati karata raghunyaka.
kabahu nayana mama stala tt, hoihahi

nirakhi syma mdu gt.3.
bacanu na va nayana bhare br, ahaha ntha hau nipaa bisr.
dekhi parama birahkula st, bol kapi mdu bacana bint.4.
mtu kusala prabhu anuja samet, tava dukha dukh sukp niket.
jani janan mnahu jiya un, tumha te premu rma ke d un.5.
Perceiving him to be a devotee of r Hari She developed an intense affection for
him. Her eyes filled with tears and a thrill ran through Her body. To me who was being
drowned in the ocean of desolation, dear Hanumn, you have come as a veritable bark.
Now tell me, I adjure you, the welfare of all-blissful r Rma (the Slayer of Khara) and
His younger brother (Lakmaa). Wherefore has the tender-hearted and compassionate
Lord of the Raghus become so hard-hearted? Does the Chief of the Raghus ever
remember meHe who is by natural disposition a source of delight to His servants ? Will
my eyes, dear Hanumn, be ever gladdened by the sight of His swarthy and delicate
limbs? Words failed Her and Her eyes swam with tears. Ah, my lord ! You have entirely
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*
SUNDARA-K NA
*
761
forgotten me. Seeing St sore distressed due to Her separation from Her lord,
Hanumn addressed Her in soft and polite accents: The Lord and His younger brother
(Lakmaa) are both doing well, mother, except for the fact that the all-merciful is
sorrowful because of Your sorrow. Do not feel vexed at heart, mother; r Rma loves
You twice as much as You love Him. (15)
0rrfa t f t
f f nn s fr t+ {+
Do.: raghupati kara sadesu aba sunu janan dhari dhra,
asa kahi kapi gadagada bhayau bhare bilocana nra.14.
Mother, compose Yourself now and hear the message of r Rma (the Lord of
the Raghus). Even as he uttered these words, the monkeys voice was choked with
emotion and his eyes filled with tears. (14)
0s r frn a tar r ftar+
a= f r r fr ff f r+ {+
ff a fr rf aa a fr+
fa a a; tr sn tr frf tr+ +
a rrf r; rf r r;+
a- = arr ra fr rr+ -+
r r a arf rt r tfa af rt+
a t n a f f at+ +
f z t = rar f= r rar+
s r rrfa ar; f a r;+ ~+
Cau.: kaheu rma biyoga tava st, mo kahu sakala bhae bipart.
nava taru kisalaya manahu ksn u, kla nis sama nisi sasi bhn u.1.
kubalaya bipina kuta bana saris, brida tapata tela janu baris.
je hita rahe karata tei pr, uraga svsa sama tribidha samr.2.
kahehu te kachu dukha ghai ho, khi kahau yaha jna na ko.
tatva prema kara mama aru tor, jnata priy eku manu mor.3.
so manu sad rahata tohi ph

, jnu prti rasu etanehi mh

.
prabhu sadesu sunata baideh, magana prema tana sudhi nahi

teh.4.
kaha kapi hdaya dhra dharu mt, sumiru rma sevaka sukhadt.
ura nahu raghupati prabhut, suni mama bacana tajahu kadar.5.
r Rma said: Ever since I have been separated from you, St, everything to
me has become its very reverse. The fresh and tender leaves on the trees look like
tongues of fire; nights appear as dreadful as the night of final dissolution and the moon
scorches like the sun. Beds of lotuses are like so many spears planted on the ground,
while rain-clouds pour boiling oil as it were. Those that were friendly before have now
become tormenting; the cool, soft and fragrant breezes are now like the breath of a
serpent. Ones agony is assuaged to some extent even by speaking of it; but to whom
shall I speak about it? For there is no one who will understand. The reality about the
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
762
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
chord of love that binds you and me, dear, is known to my soul alone; and my soul ever
abides with you. Know this to be the essence of my love. Videhas Daughter was so
absorbed in love the moment She heard the Lords message, that She lost all consciousness
of Her body. Said the monkey, Mother, collect Yourself, and fix Your thoughts on r
Rma, the delight of His servants. Reflect on the glory of the Lord of the Raghus and
shake off all faint-heartedness upon my word. (15)
0ff f an rrfa r r
t z t = fr r+ {~+
Do.: nisicara nikara pataga sama raghupati bna ksnu,
janan hdaya dhra dharu jare niscara jnu.15.
The hosts of demons are like so many moths, while the shafts of the Lord of the
Raghus are like flames. Have courage in Your heart, mother, and take the demons as
consumed. (15)
0 rrt rfa f r; a f f rrr;+
r r f s rt a = rar t+ {+
f ra rs r; r f r rr;+
f t = tr f- fa ;f rrtr+ +
ff rf arf f fa rrf nf+
a f arf rr rar fa rr+ -+
r z r f f n tf- f r+
rr tr fa tr+ +
tar r a f rr = a + ~+
Cau.: jau raghubra hoti sudhi p, karate nahi

bilabu raghur.
rma bna rabi ue jnak, tama barutha kaha jtudhna k.1.
abahi

mtu mai

ju lav, prabhu yasu nahi

rma doh.
kachuka divasa janan dharu dhr, kapinha sahita aihahi

raghubr.2.
nisicara mri tohi lai jaihahi

, tihu pura nraddi jasu gaihahi

.
hai

suta kapi saba tumhahi samn, jtudhna ati bhaa balavn.3.
more hdaya parama sadeh, suni kapi pragaa knhi nija deh.
kanaka bhudharkra sarr, samara bhayakara atibala br.4.
st mana bharosa taba bhaya u, puni laghu r upa pavanasuta laya u.5.
Had the Hero of Raghus line any news about You, the Lord of the Raghus would
not have tarried. The moment r Rmas arrows make their appearance like the sun, the
demon host would be scattered like the shadows of night. Mother, I would take You to
Him this very moment; but, I swear by Rma, I have no such orders from the Lord.
Therefore, wait patiently for some days more, mother, till the Hero of Raghus line arrives
with the troops of monkeys. Slaughtering the demons, He will take You away; while
Nrada and the other sages will glorify Him in all the three spheres of creation. But, my
son, all the monkeys must be pygmies like you, whereas the demons are mighty and
great warriors. I have grave misgivings in my heart on this score. On hearing this the
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*
SUNDARA-K NA
*
763
monkey revealed His natural form, colossal as a mountain of gold, terrible in battle,
possessing great might and full of valour. St now took comfort in Her heart and the son
of the wind-god thereupon resumed his diminutive appearance. (15)
0 rar rrn f fq fr
ar a n=zf r; rr r+ {+
Do.: sunu mt skhmga nahi

bala buddhi bisla,

prabhu pratpa te garuRahi khi parama laghu byla.16.
Listen, mother: monkeys possess no great strength or intelligence either; but,
through the Lords might, the most tiny snake might swallow Garua (the king of birds
and the mount of Bhagavn Viu). (16)
0 ar a f rt nfa ar a rt+
rf tf- rf rr r ara t frr+ {+
nff a r a rrr r+
r f rr f n rr+ +
r r rf tr rr rf tr+
a- s rar rf a rrr f=rar+ -+
ra rf fa r rfn f =r+
a f ff rt t rt+ +
fa- rar rf rt ar r rt+ ~+
Cau.: mana satoa sunata kapi bn, bhagati pratpa teja bala sn.
sia dnhi rmapriya jn, hohu tta bala sla nidhn.1.
ajara amara gunanidhi suta hohu, karahu bahuta raghunyaka choh u.
karahu kp prabhu asa suni kn, nirbhara prema magana hanumn.2.
bra bra nesi pada ss, bol bacana jori kara ks.
aba ktaktya bhayau mai

mt, sia tava amogha bikhyt.3.

sunahu mtu mohi atisaya bh ukh, lgi dekhi sudara phala r ukh.
sunu suta karahi

bipina rakhavr, parama subhaa rajancara bhr.4.
tinha kara bhaya mt mohi nh

, jau tumha sukha mnahu mana mh

.5.
St felt gratified at heart even as She heard the monkeys words full of devotion
and revealing r Rmas majesty, glory and strength. Recognizing him as the beloved
of r Rma She gave him Her blessing: May you become a repository of strength and
virtue, dear child. May you ever remain immune from old age and death and prove to be
a storehouse of good qualities, my son; and may the Lord of the Raghus shower His
abundant grace on you. The moment the words May the Lord be gracious to you
reached his ears Hanumn was utterly overwhelmed with emotion. Again and again the
monkey bowed his head at Her feet and with joined palms addressed Her thus: I have
now accomplished all that I had to accomplish, my mother; for your blessing, everyone
knows, is unfailing. Listen, mother: I am feeling frightfully hungry at the sight of these
trees laden with delicious fruits. I tell you, my son, this grove is guarded by most valiant
and mighty demons. Mother, I am not at all afraid of them, only if I have your hearty
approval. (15)
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764
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
0f fq f f s rt r
rrfa z f ara r+ {+
Do.: dekhi buddhi bala nipuna kapi kaheu jnak

jhu,
raghupati carana hdaya dhari tta madhura phala khhu.17.
Seeing the monkey perfect in strength and wit, Janakas Daughter said, Go, my
son, and enjoy the luscious fruit with your heart fixed on r Rmas feet. (17)
0s r; f= s rnr rf a= ar rnr+
ar r rf r; r+ {+
r rr f rt af r rfr srt+
rf = f sr - f f f zr+ +
f r rr fa-f f ns rr+
t f rrr n ra r+ -+
f s af -rr r n rr+
ra f f nf ar arf frfa rf nr+ +
Cau.: caleu ni siru paiheu bg, phala khesi taru torai

lg.
rahe tah

bahu bhaa rakhavre, kachu mresi kachu ji pukre.1.

ntha eka v kapi bhr, tehi

asoka bik ujr.
khesi phala aru biapa upre, racchaka mardi mardi mahi re.2.
suni rvana pahae bhaa nn, tinhahi dekhi garjeu hanumn.
saba rajancara kapi saghre, gae pukrata kachu adhamre.3.
puni pahayau tehi

acchakumr, cal saga lai subhaa apr.

vata dekhi biapa gahi tarj, thi nipti mahdhuni garj.4.
Bowing his head he went forth and entered the grove; and having eaten the
fruit he began to break down the trees. A number of warriors had been posted there
as guards; some of them were killed by him, while the rest took flight and cried for
help, O lord, a huge monkey has made his appearance and laid waste the Aoka
grove. He has eaten fruits, uprooted trees, and, having crushed the watchmen, has
laid them on the ground. On hearing this, Rvaa despatched a number of his
champions. Hanumn roared when he saw them and slaughtered the whole demon
host. A few that had survived though well-nigh killed, escaped screaming. Rvaa then
sent prince Aka, who sallied forth with a vast number of his best warriors. Seeing
them approach, Hanumn seized a tree and threatened them and, having overthrown
the prince, roared with a loud yell. (14)
0 rf f ff f f
f r; r f+ {c+
Do.: kachu mresi kachu mardesi kachu milaesi dhari dhuri,
kachu puni ji pukre prabhu markaa bala bhuri.18.
Some he slew, some he crushed and some he seized and pounded with dust. And
some who escaped cried, O lord, the monkey is too strong for us. (18)
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*
SUNDARA-K NA
*
765
0f a frr f rrr rr+
rf f a r art f ff r rt+ {+
r ;fa afa rr f f sr rr+
f r r= rr r; nr = rr+ +
fa fr a= srr f t- rr+
r ar nr nf nf f ; f nr+ -+
fa-f frfa arf rr f n r nrr+
fr rf r a= r; arf =r r;+ +
sf rf tf-f rr tfa r; rr+ ~+
Cau.: suni suta badha lakesa risn, pahaesi meghanda balavn.
mrasi jani suta b

dhesu th, dekhia kapihi kah

kara h.1.
cal idrajita atulita jodh, badhu nidhana suni upaj krodh.
kapi dekh druna bhaa v, kaakai garj aru dhv.2.
ati bisla taru eka upr, biratha knha lakesa kumr.
rahe mahbhaa tke sag, gahi gahi kapi mardai nija ag.3.
tinhahi nipti thi sana bj, bhire jugala mnahu gajarj.
muhik mri caRh taru j, thi eka chana muruch .4.
uhi bahori knhisi bahu my, jti na ji prabhajana jy.5.
The King of Lak flew into a rage when he heard of his sons death and sent the
mighty Meghanda. Kill him not, my son, but bind him. Let us see the monkey and
ascertain wherefrom he comes. Meghanda (the conqueror of Indra) sallied forth, a
peerless champion, seized with fury at the news of his brothers death. When Hanumn
saw this fierce warrior approach, he gnashed his teeth and with a roar rushed forward
to meet him. He tore up a tree of enormous size and smashed with it the car, thus
rendering the crown prince of Lak without any transport. As for the mighty warriors
who accompanied him, Hanumn seized them one by one and crushed them by the
weight of his limbs. Having finished them off, he closed with Meghanda. It was like the
encounter of two lordly elephants. Striking the opponent with his clenched fist, Hanumn
sprang and climbed up a tree; while Meghanda lay unconscious for a moment. He rose
again and resorted to many a delusive device; but the son of the wind-god was not to
be vanquished. (15)
0zr tr af rr f t- fr
zr rs fr f; r+ {+
Do.: brahma astra tehi

dh kapi mana knha bicra,

jau na brahmasara mnau mahim miai apra.19.
Meghanda ultimately fitted to his bow the arrow known as Brahmstra (the weapon
presided over by Brahm), when Hanumn thought within himself: If I submit not to Brahms
own weapon, its infinite glory will be cast to the winds. (19)
0zr r f af rr fa r rrrr+
af r f =fa rnr rf n+ {+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
766
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
r r f rt rf rt+
ar a f a= rr r fn ff rr+ +
f f ff r a rfn r r+
r tf f r; f r; fa ar;+ -+
r ff ftar f fra tar+
f ar f r ff fn n=z r+ +
Cau.: brahmabna kapi kahu tehi

mr, paratihu bra kaaku saghr.

tehi

dekh kapi muruchita bhaya u, ngapsa b

dhesi lai gayau.1.

jsu nma japi sunahu bhavn, bhava badhana kahi

nara gyn.
tsu duta ki badha taru v, prabhu kraja lagi kapihi

ba dhv.2.
kapi badhana suni nisicara dhe, kautuka lgi sabh

saba e.
dasamukha sabh dkhi kapi j, kahi na ji kachu ati prabhut.3.
kara jore sura disipa bint, bhkui bilokata sakala sabht.
dekhi pratpa na kapi mana sak, jimi ahigana mahu garuRa asak.4.
He launched the Brahmstra against Hanumn, who crushed a whole host even
as he fell. When he saw that the monkey had swooned, he entangled the latter in
a noose of serpents* and carried him off. Now, Prvat, is it conceivable that the envoy
of the Lord whose very name enables the wise to cut asunder the bonds of mundane
existence should come under bondage? No, it was in the service of the Lord that
Hanumn allowed himself to be bound. When the demons heard that the monkey had
been captured and noosed, they all rushed to the court in order to enjoy the spectacle.
The monkey arrived and saw Rvaas court: his superb glory baffled description. Even
gods and regents of the quarters stood meek with joined palms, all watching the
movement of his eyebrows in great dismay. But the monkeys soul was no more
disturbed at the sight of his power than Garua (the king of birds) would be frightened
in the midst of a number of serpents. (14)
0ff frf r fr f r
a fa tf- f sr z fr+ +
Do.: kapihi biloki dasnana bihas kahi durbda,
suta badha surati knhi puni upaj hdaya bida.20.
When the ten-headed monster saw the monkey he laughed and railed at him. But
presently he recalled his sons death and felt sad at heart. (20)
0 a tr f rrrf tr+
t >r f f rt s fa art+ {+
r ff f rr arf r ; rr+
r zr rz frr r; r ffa rr+ +
r ff f ;r ra a a tr+
r t a r zr a fnf r+ -+
* A special contrivance to entangle the enemy, possessed by Varua (the god presiding over the
waters) and evidently snatched from the latter by Rvaa.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
SUNDARA-K NA
*
767
; r ff rrar ar - fr rar+
rz f f r af a nr+ +
frfr = rt afa rt+ ~+
Cau.: kaha lakesa kavana tai

ks, kehi ke bala ghlehi bana khs.

k dhau ravana sunehi nahi

moh, dekhau ati asaka saha toh.1.

mre nisicara kehi

apardh, kahu saha tohi na prna kai bdh.

sunu rvana brahma niky, pi jsu bala biracati my.2.
jke bala biraci hari s, plata sjata harata dasass.
j bala ssa dharata sahasnana, aakosa sameta giri knana.3.
dharai jo bibidha deha suratrt, tumha se sahanha sikhvanu dt.
hara kodaa kahina jehi

bhaj, tehi sameta npa dala mada gaj.4.

khara duana trisir aru bl, badhe sakala atulita balasl.5.
Said the king of Lak, Who are you, monkey, and by whose might have you
wrought the destruction of the grove? What, did you never hear my name? I see you are
an exceptionally bold wretch. For what offence did you kill the demons? Tell me, fool, are
you not afraid of losing your life? Listen, Rvaa: recall Him by whose might My
(Nature) brings forth numberless universes; by whose might, O ten-headed monster,
Brahm, Hari (Viu) and a (iva) carry on their respective function of creation,
preservation and destruction; by whose might the thousand-headed serpent (ea)
supports on his head the entire globe with its mountains and forests, who assumes
various forms in order to protect the gods and teach a lesson to wretches like you; who
broke ivas unbending bow and crushed with it the pride of a host of princes; who
despatched Khara, Duaa, Triir and Vl, all unequalled in strength. (15)
0r a fa r rrf
ar a r f f r f rf+ {+
Do.: jke bala lavalesa te jitehu carcara jhri,
tsu duta mai

j kari hari nehu priya nri.21.

By an iota of whose might you were able to conquer the entire creation, both
animate and inanimate, and whose beloved spouse has been stolen away by you. Know
me to be His envoy. (21)
0rs arrf ar; r t r;+
rf f rr f f ff frr+ {+
rs rnt r f r a ars =r+
f trt rf rf rn nrt+ +
f- rf rr a r af rs a arr+
rf r ; rr t- s f rr+ -+
fat s rf r r af r fr+
ar f f frt af na rt+ +
r z fa r zr; r r r;+
arr = f t r rt t+ ~+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
768
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Cau.: jnau mai

tumhri prabhut, sahasabhu sana par lar.

samara bli sana kari jasu pv, suni kapi bacana bihasi biharv.1.
khyau phala prabhu lg bh u

kh, kapi subhva te toreu r ukh.

saba ke deha parama priya svm, mrahi

mohi kumraga gm.2.

jinha mohi mr te mai

mre, tehi para b

dheu tanaya tumhre.

mohi na kachu b

dhe kai lj, knha cahau nija prabhu kara kj.3.

binat karau jori kara rvana, sunahu mna taji mora sikhvana.
dekhahu tumha nija kulahi bicr, bhrama taji bhajahu bhagata bhaya hr.4.
jke ara ati kla er, jo sura asura carcara kh.
tso bayaru kabahu nahi

kjai, more kahe jnak djai.5.

I am aware of your glory: you had an encounter with Sahasrabhu* and won
distinction in your contest with Vli. Rvaa heard the words of Hanumn but laughed
them away. I ate the fruit because I felt hungry and broke the boughs as a monkey is
wont to do. Ones body, my master, is supremely dear to all; yet those wicked fellows
would insist on belabouring me, so that I had no course left but to return their blows. Still
your son (Meghanda) put me in bonds; but I am not at all ashamed of being bound, keen
as I am to serve the cause of my lord. I implore you with joined palms, Rvaa: give up
your haughtiness and heed my advice. Think of your lineage and view things in that
perspective; in any case disillusion yourself and adore Him who dispels the fear of His
devotees. Never antagonize Him who is a source of terror even to Death, that devours
all created beings, both animate and inanimate, gods as well as demons. And return
Janakas Daughter at my request. (15)
0ar rrr =r f rf
n rf a r frf+ +
Do.: pranatapla raghunyaka karun sidhu kharri,
gae sarana prabhu rkhihai

tava apardha bisri.22.

Lord r Rma, the Slayer of Khara, is a protector of the suppliant and an ocean
of compassion. Forgetting your offences, He will give you shelter if you but turn to Him
for protection. (22)
0r s r r ar +
ff fta f r af f f r r+ {+
r r f fnr rr frf -rfn rr+
t f r rt fa rt+ +
r f fa ar; r; t r; f r;+
f- fa- rt f n f af rt+ -+
s rt f r rrar f rt+
fr art f rf r rt+ +
* (Vide Lak-Ka 23, 8)
Once upon a time, when Vli was performing his Sandhy, Rvaa sought to capture him by
stealing behind him. Vli, however, got scent of his mischievous intention; and the moment Rvaa
approached Vli the latter caught hold of him and held him secure in his arm-pit till he had finished his
Sandhy and Tarpaa (offering water to the manes). Rvaa remained in that position for six months till at last
Brahm himself came to his rescue and secured his release.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
SUNDARA-K NA
*
769
Cau.: rma carana pakaja ura dharah u, lak acala rju tumha karah u.
rii pulasti jasu bimala mayak, tehi sasi mahu jani hohu kalak.1.
rma nma binu gir na soh, dekhu bicri tygi mada moh.
basana hna nahi

soha surr, saba bh uana bh uita bara nr.2.
rma bimukha sapati prabhut, ji rah p binu p.
sajala mula jinha saritanha nh

, barai gae puni tabahi

sukhh

.3.
sunu dasakaha kahau pana rop, bimukha rma trt nahi

kop.
sakara sahasa binu aja toh, sakahi

na rkhi rma kara droh.4.
Install the image of r Rmas lotus feet in your heart and enjoy the uninterrupted
sovereignty of Lak. The glory of the sage Pulastya (your grandfather) shines like the
moon without its spot; be not a speck in that moon. Speech is charmless without r
Rmas name. Ponder and see for yourself, casting aside arrogance and infatuation. A
fair lady without clothes, O enemy of gods, does not commend herself even though
adorned with all kinds of jewels. The fortune and lordship of a man who is hostile to
Rma eventually leave him even if they stay a while, and are as good as lost if acquired
anew. Rivers that have no perennial source get dried up as soon as the rains are over.
Listen, O ten-headed Rvaa, I tell you on oath: there is none to save him who is
opposed to r Rma. akara, Viu and Brahm* in their thousands are unable to
protect you, an enemy of r Rma. (14)
0r -rn a fr
r rrr r f nr+ -+
Do.: mohamula bahu sula prada tygahu tama abhimna,
bhajahu rma raghunyaka kp sidhu bhagavna.23.
Abandon pride, which is the same as Tamogua (darkness), rooted as it is in
ignorance and is a source of considerable pain; and adore Lord r Rma, the Chief of
the Raghus and an ocean of compassion. (23)
0f t f fa fa rt nfa f ffa rt+
rr ff r frt fr f f n z rt+ {+
- f r; art rn f fr rt+
sr r;f rr fa ar n rr+ +
f f a ffrr fn rr+
a fr r r f- fa ft r+ -+
r; t f f ar tfa fr rf ar+
r z f nrr; t r r r;+ +
a ff rr n n f ; + ~+
Cau.: jadapi kah kapi ati hita bn, bhagati bibeka birati naya sn.
bol bihasi mah abhimn, mil hamahi kapi gura baRa gyn.1.
* Brahm,Viu and iva are spoken of here as part manifestations of the Supreme Deity, responsible
for the creation etc., of only one of the countless millions of universes ruled over by r Rma, who represents
the Supreme Deity.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
770
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
mtyu nikaa khala toh, lgesi adhama sikhvana moh.
ula hoihi kaha hanumn, matibhrama tora pragaa mai

jn.2.
suni kapi bacana bahuta khisin, begi na harahu muRha kara prn.
sunata niscara mrana dhe, sacivanha sahita bibhanu e.3.
ni ssa kari binaya bah ut, nti birodha na mria d ut.
na daa kachu karia gos

, sabah

kah matra bhala bh.4.

sunata bihasi bol dasakadhara, aga bhaga kari pahaia badara.5.
Although Hanumn gave him exceedingly salutary advice, full of devotion, discretion,
dispassion and wisdom, the most haughty Rvaa laughed and said, We have found a
most wise Guru in this monkey ! (Turning towards Hanumn he continued) Death hangs
over your head, O wretch; that is why you have started exhorting me, O vile monkey.
Just the contrary is going to happen; retorted Hanumn. I clearly perceive that you are
labouring under some mental illusion. Hearing these words of Hanumn Rvaa got nettled.
Why not some of you quickly kill this fool? As soon as the demons heard it, they rushed
forward to kill him. That very moment came Vibhaa (Rvaas youngest brother) with
his counsellors. Bowing his head he made humble entreaty: It is against all statecraft: an
envoy must not be killed. He may be punished in some other way, my master. All exclaimed
to one another, This is sound counsel, brother. Hearing this the ten-headed Rvaa laughed
and said, All right, the monkey may be sent back mutilated. (15)
0f ar f s rr;
a rf rf f r nr;+ +
Do.: kapi ke mamat pu

cha para sabahi kahau samujhi,

tela bori paa b

dhi puni pvaka dehu lagi.24.

A monkey is very fond of his tail: I tell you this secret. Therefore, swathe his tail
with rags soaked in oil and then set fire to it. (24)
0t r a r;f a f rf ; r;f+
f- tf-f a zr; s fa- ar;+ {+
a f rr ; r r rr+
rar f r r rn r; r+ +
r n rra ar rt t- f r+
a r rt rf f rt+ -+
rf r f art n f f rt+
r a f ar s rr= aar+ +
ff s f rt ; ta fr rt+ ~+
Cau.: pu

chahna bnara taha jihi, taba saha nija nthahi lai ihi.
jinha kai knhisi bahuta baR, dekhau mai

tinha kai prabhut.1.

bacana sunata kapi mana musukn, bhai sahya srada mai

jn.
jtudhna suni rvana bacan, lge racai

m uRha soi racan.2.

rah na nagara basana ghta tel, bRh p u

cha knha kapi khel.

kautuka kaha e purabs, mrahi

carana karahi

bahu h

s.3.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
SUNDARA-K NA
*
771
bjahi

hola dehi

saba tr, nagara pheri puni p u

cha prajr.
pvaka jarata dekhi hanumat, bhayau parama laghur upa turat.4.
nibuki caRheu kapi kanaka ar

, bha

sabhta niscara nr

.5.
When the tailless monkey will go back, the wretch will bring his master with him,
and I shall have an opportunity of seeing his might, whom he has so lavishly exalted.
Hanumn smiled to himself on hearing these words. Goddess rad has proved
helpful to me, I believe. On hearing Rvaas command the stupid demons started doing
as they were bid. Not a rag was left in the city nor a drop of ghee (clarified butter) or
oil, the tail had grown to such a length through Hanumns playful gesture. The citizens
thronged to see the fun; they kicked Hanumn and jeered much at him. With beating of
drums and clapping of hands they took him round the city and then set fire to his tail.
When Hanumn saw the fire blazing, he immediately assumed an utterly diminutive size,
and slipping out of his bonds sprang to the attics of the gold palace, to the dismay of the
demonesses. (15)
0f fa af =a sr
r f nr f f rn r+ ~+
Do.: hari prerita tehi avasara cale maruta unacsa,
aahsa kari garj kapi baRhi lga aksa.25.
At that moment, impelled by God, all the forty-nine* winds began to bluster.
Hanumn roared with a loud laugh and swelled to such a size that he seemed to touch
the sky. (25)
0 fr =r; f a f r;+
; n r rn frr r rf rr+ {+
ara ra r f rr f r f srr+
r r f f r; r = r;+ +
r r r ; n r r+
rr n= ff rt ft n rt + -+
ar a f ffr r r af r fnfr+
sf f r rt f r f f rrt+ +
Cau.: deha bisla parama haru, madira te madira caRha dh.
jarai nagara bh loga bihl, jhapaa lapaa bahu koi karl.1.
tta mtu h sunia pukr, ehi

avasara ko hamahi ubr.
hama jo kah yaha kapi nahi

ho, bnara r upa dhare

sura ko.2.
sdhu avagy kara phalu ais, jarai nagara antha kara jais.
jr nagaru nimia eka mh

, eka bibhana kara gha nh

.3.
t kara duta anala jehi

sirij, jar na so tehi krana girij.

ulai palai lak saba jr, k udi par puni sidhu majhr.4.
* Our scriptures tell us that there are forty-nine varieties of winds, each presided over by a distinct god,
these gods being collectively known as the Maruts. In the ordinary course it is only at the time of universal
dissolution () that all these winds are let loose by the god of destruction.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
772
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Though colossal in size, Hanumn appeared most nimble-bodied; he ran and
sprang from palace to palace. The city was all ablaze and the people were at their wits
end. Terrible flames burst forth in myriads and piteous cries were heard everywhere:
O father ! Ah, my mother ! Who will save us at this hour? As I said, he is no monkey
but some god in the form of a monkey. Such is the result of despising a noble soul:
the city is being consumed by fire as though it had no master. In the twinking of an
eye Hanumn burnt down the whole city barring the solitary house of Vibhaa.
Prvat, (continues Lord iva,) Hanumn went unscathed because he was the
messenger of Him who created fire itself. He burnt the whole of Lak from one end
to the other and then leapt into the ocean. (14)
0 rr; r; >r f rr = rf
ar rn r s rf+ +
Do.: pu

cha bujhi khoi rama dhari laghu rupa bahori,

janakasut ke ge hRha bhayau kara jori.26.
After quenching his tail and relieving his fatigue he resumed his diminutive form
and stood before Janakas Daughter with joined palms. (26)
0ra rf t t-r rrr rf t-r+
zrf sarf a a a + {+
ara r rr r rr+
t r ff rt r rt+ +
ara a r r r ar f rr+
r f r rr a f rf fa f rr+ -+
f f ff r rr ar ara a rr+
arf f taf ; rat f r r; f r rat+ +
Cau.: mtu mohi dje kachu cnh, jaise raghunyaka mohi dnh.
cuRmani utri taba daya u, haraa sameta pavanasuta laya u.1.
kahehu tta asa mora pranm, saba prakra prabhu puranakm.
dna dayla biridu sabhr, harahu ntha mama sakaa bhr.2.
tta sakrasuta kath sunehu, bna pratpa prabhuhi samujhehu.
msa divasa mahu nthu na v, tau puni mohi jiata nahi

pv.3.
kahu kapi kehi bidhi rkhau prn, tumhah u tta kahata aba jn.
tohi dekhi stali bhai cht, puni mo kahu soi dinu so rt.4.
Be pleased, Mother, to give me some token, such as the Lord of the Raghus gave
me. She thereupon unfastened the jewel on Her head and gave it to the son of the wind-
god, who gladly received it. Convey my obeisance to Him, dear son, with these words:
My lord is all sufficient; yet recalling Your vow of kindness to the afflicted, relieve, O
master, my grievous distress. Repeat to him, my son, the episode of Indras son
(Jayanta) and remind the Lord of the might of His arrows. If the Lord does not arrive here
within a month, he will not find me alive. Tell me, Hanumn, how can I preserve my life;
for you too, my son, now speak of going. Your sight had brought relief to my heavy heart:
I have before me now the same dreary days and weary nights. (14)
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
SUNDARA-K NA
*
773
0af rr; f ff t t-
f= r; f n r f t-+ +
Do.: janakasutahi samujhi kari bahu bidhi dhraju dnha,
carana kamala siru ni kapi gavanu rma pahi

knha.27.
Reassuring Janakas Daughter he consoled Her in many ways and, bowing his
head at Her lotus feet, set forth to meet r Rma. (27)
0a rf nf rt n nf f ff rt+
rfrr f f rf rr fffr f- rr+ {+
frf rr a - f- a rr+
r a a frr t-f r rr+ +
f fa rt aa t r ff rt+
f rrr rr a a ;farr+ -+
a ta r n a r+
r rn fy r a rn+ +
Cau.: calata mahdhuni garjesi bhr, garbha sravahi

suni nisicara nr.
nghi sidhu ehi prahi v, sabada kilikil kapinha sunv.1.
harae saba biloki hanumn, n utana janma kapinha taba jn.
mukha prasanna tana teja birj, knhesi rmacadra kara kj.2.
mile sakala ati bhae sukhr, talaphata mna pva jimi br.
cale harai raghunyaka ps, pu

chata kahata navala itihs.3.

taba madhubana bhtara saba e, agada samata madhu phala khe.
rakhavre jaba barajana lge, mui prahra hanata saba bhge.4.
While leaving he roared aloud with such a terrible noise that the wives of the demons
miscarried. Taking a leap across the ocean he reached the opposite shore and greeted
his fellow-monkeys with a shrill cry of joy. They were all delighted to see Hanumn and
felt as if they had been born anew. He wore a cheerful countenance and his body shone
with a brilliance which left no doubt in their mind that he had executed r Rmacandras
commission. They all met him and felt as delighted as a fish writhing with agony for lack
of water would feel on getting it. They then gladly proceeded to see the Lord of the Raghus,
asking and telling the latest events. On their way they all entered Sugrvas garden called
Madhuvana and with Agadas consent began to eat the luscious fruit. When the guards
interfered, they were beaten with fists till they took to their heels. (14)
0r; r a sr r
f nt f f r r+ c+
Do.: ji pukre te saba bana ujra jubarja,
suni sugrva haraa kapi kari e prabhu kja.28.
They all approached Sugrva and complained that the Crown Prince was laying
waste the royal garden. Sugrva rejoiced to hear this; for he concluded that the monkeys
must have returned after accomplishing the Lords business. (28)
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
774
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
0 rfa tar f r; f f r;+
f ff fr rr r; n f fa rr+ {+
r; f- rr tr fs f- fa tr+
t t r r r r ft+ +
r r t-s rr r f- rr+
f nt f af f f- fa rrfa f + -+
r f- ra r f r fr+
f fr r; f f- r;+ +
Cau.: jau na hoti st sudhi p, madhubana ke phala sakahi

ki kh.
ehi bidhi mana bicra kara rj, i gae kapi sahita samj.1.
i sabanhi nv pada ss, mileu sabanhi ati prema kaps.
p u

ch kusala kusala pada dekh, rma kp

bh kju bise.2.
ntha kju knheu hanumn, rkhe sakala kapinha ke prn.
suni sugrva bahuri tehi mileu, kapinha sahita raghupati pahi

caleu.3.
rma kapinha jaba vata dekh, kie kju mana haraa bise.
phaika sil baihe dvau bh, pare sakala kapi carananhi j.4.
If they had failed to get any news of St, they could never dare to eat the fruit
of Madhuvana. While the king was thus musing, the monkey chiefs arrived with their
party. Drawing near they all bowed their head at his feet and the lord of the monkeys
received them all most cordially and enquired after their welfare. It is well with us, now
that we have seen your feet. By Rmas grace the work has been accomplished with
remarkable success. It is Hanumn, Your Majesty, who did everything and saved the life
of the whole monkey host. Hearing this Sugrva embraced him again and then
proceeded with all the monkeys to see the Lord of the Raghus. When r Rma saw the
monkeys approaching with their mission duly accomplished, He was particularly delighted
at heart. The two brothers were seated on a crystal rock and all the monkeys went and
fell at Their feet. (14)
0tfa fa rrfa =r
t r f + +
Do.: prti sahita saba bhee raghupati karun puja,
pu

ch kusala ntha aba kusala dekhi pada kaja.29.

The all-merciful Lord of the Raghus embraced them all with affection and asked
of their welfare. All is well with us, now that we have seen Your lotus feet. (29)
0ra rrrr r r ar rr+
arf r fa f r ar + {+
r; f; f; n rn ar rr srn+
t r s r - r r r+ +
r a tf- r t r; r t+
a fa r ra rrfaf r+ -+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
SUNDARA-K NA
*
775
a rff fa r f r f f r+
ara f rfa rt fa fa -r tr t+ +
Cau.: jmavata kaha sunu raghury, j para ntha karahu tumha dy.
thi sad subha kusala niratara, sura nara muni prasanna t upara.1.
soi bija bina guna sgara, tsu sujasu trailoka ujgara.
prabhu k

kp bhayau sabu kju, janma hamra suphala bh j u.2.

ntha pavanasuta knhi jo karan, sahasahu mukha na ji so baran.
pavanatanaya ke carita suhe, jmavata raghupatihi sune.3.
sunata kpnidhi mana ati bhe, puni hanumna harai hiya le.
kahahu tta kehi bh

ti jnak, rahati karati racch svaprna k.4.

Said Jmbavn, Listen, O Lord of the Raghus: he on whom You bestow Your
blessings is ever lucky and incessantly happy; gods, human beings and sages are
all kind to him. He alone is victorious, modest and an ocean of virtues; his fair renown
shines brightly through all the three spheres of creation. Everything has turned out
well by the grace of my Lord; it is only today that our birth has been consummated.
The achievement of Hanumn (the son of the wind-god) cannot be described even
with a thousand tongues. Jmbavn then related to the Lord of the Raghus the charming
exploits of Hanumn (the son of the wind-god). The All-merciful felt much delighted
at heart to hear them and in His joy He clasped Hanumn once more to His bosom.
Tell me, dear Hanumn, how does Janakas daughter pass her days and sustain her
life? (14)
0r r= f ff r arr r
r f fra rf r f r+ -+
Do.: nma pharu divasa nisi dhyna tumhra kapa,
locana nija pada jatrita jhi

prna kehi

ba.30.
Your Name keeps watch night and day, while Her continued thought of You acts
as a pair of closed doors. She has Her eyes fastened on Her own feet; Her life thus finds
no outlet whereby to escape. (30)
0a rf zrf t-t rrfa z r; r; t-t+
r n r f rt rt+ {+
a n r t arfa r+
rnt f r r -rnt+ +
n r rr fa r t- rr+
r r f- r rr fa r f f rr+ -+
f fnf a a tr tr ; rf tr+
nf f fa rnt r frnt+ +
tar fa ffa frr ff f trr+ ~+
Cau.: calata mohi cuRmani dnh, raghupati hdaya li soi lnh.
ntha jugala locana bhari br, bacana kahe kachu janakakumr.1.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
776
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
anuja sameta gahehu prabhu caran, dna badhu pranatrati haran.
mana krama bacana carana anurg, kehi

apardha ntha hau tyg.2.
avaguna eka mora mai

mn, bichurata prna na knha payn.

ntha so nayananhi ko apardh, nisarata prna karahi

hahi bdh.3.
biraha agini tanu tula samr, svsa jarai chana mhi

sarr.
nayana sravahi

jalu nija hita lg, jarai

na pva deha birahg.4.

st kai ati bipati bisl, binahi

kahe bhali dnadayl.5.
When I was leaving, She gave me this jewel from the top of Her head. The Lord
of the Raghus took it and pressed it to His bosom. My lord, with tears in both Her eyes
Janakas Daughter uttered the following few words: Embrace the feet of my lord and His
younger brother crying; O befriender of the distressed, reliever of the suppliants agony,
I am devoted to Your feet in thought, word and deed; yet for what offence, my lord, have
You forsaken me? I do admit one fault of mine, that my life did not depart the moment
I was separated from You. That, however, my lord, is the fault of my eyes, which forcibly
prevent my life from escaping. The agony of separation from You is like fire, my sighs
fan it as a gust of wind and in between stands my body like a heap of cotton, which
would have been consumed in an instant. But my eyes, in their own interest (i.e., for
being enabled to feast themselves on Your beauty) rain a flood of tears; that is why the
body fails to catch the fire of desolation. Sts distress is so overwhelmingly great, and
You are so compassionate to the afflicted, that it is better not to describe it. (15)
0ff ff =rff rf tfa
fn f rf tfa+ -{+
Do.: nimia nimia karunnidhi jhi

kalapa sama bti,

begi calia prabhu nia bhuja bala khala dala jti.31.
Each single moment, O fountain of mercy, passes like an age to Her. Therefore,
march quickly, my lord, and vanquishing the miscreant crew by Your mighty arm,
recover Her. (31)
0f tar r f r rf r+
r nfa rt fr ffa f art+ {+
a ffa r; a f r;+
fa ra rar t ff tfa rft rt+ +
f arf r srt f rs f art+
fa sr r arr r; a rr+ -+
a arf sf rt s f fr rt+
f f ff fa rrar r t fa nrar+ +
Cau.: suni st dukha prabhu sukha ayan, bhari e jala rjiva nayan.
bacana kya mana mama gati jh, sapanehu b ujhia bipati ki th.1.
kaha hanumata bipati prabhu so, jaba tava sumirana bhajana na ho.
ketika bta prabhu jtudhna k, ripuhi jti nib jnak.2.
sunu kapi tohi samna upakr, nahi

kou sura nara muni tanudhr.
prati upakra karau k tor, sanamukha hoi na sakata mana mor.3.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
SUNDARA-K NA
*
777
sunu suta tohi urina mai

nh

, dekheu kari bicra mana mh

.
puni puni kapihi citava suratrt, locana nra pulaka ati gt.4.
When the all-blissful Lord heard of Sts agony, tears rushed to his lotus eyes.
Do you think anyone who depends on me in thought, word and deed can ever dream
of adversity? Said Hanumn: There is no misfortune other than ceasing to remember
and adore You. Of what account are the demons to You? Routing the enemy You will
surely bring back Janakas Daughter. No one endowed with a bodya god, human
being or sagehas put me under such obligation, Hanumn, as you have done. Even
my mind shrinks to face you; how, then, can I repay your obligation? Listen, my son: I
have thought over the question and concluded that the debt which I owe you cannot be
repaid. Again and again as the Protector of the gods gazed on Hanumn His eyes filled
with tears and His body was overpowered with a thrill of emotion. (14)
0f frf nra f a
s r rrf rrf na+ -+
Do.: suni prabhu bacana biloki mukha gta harai hanumata,
carana pareu premkula trhi trhi bhagavata.32.
Even as Hanumn listened to the words of his lord and gazed on His countenance
he experienced a thrill of joy all over his body and fell at His feet, overwhelmed with love
and crying: Save me, save me (from the tentacles of egoism), my lord. (32)
0r r ; srr n af s rr+
f tr ff r r n ntr+ {+
rr f f rn r fa +
f sr; z nrr nf f rr+ +
f r rfa r f ff s n fa r+
r rr rr rr fna frr+ -+
rrn fz r; rr a rr r;+
rfrr f r rr ff n f ff srr+ +
r a ar rrr; r rf ar;+ ~+
Cau.: bra bra prabhu cahai uhv, prema magana tehi uhaba na bhv.
prabhu kara pakaja kapi ke ss, sumiri so das magana gaurs.1.
svadhna mana kari puni sakara, lge kahana kath ati sudara.
kapi uhi prabhu hdaya lagv, kara gahi parama nikaa baihv.2.
kahu kapi rvana plita lak, kehi bidhi daheu durga ati bak.
prabhu prasanna jn hanumn, bol bacana bigata abhimn.3.
skhmga kai baRi manus, skh te skh para j.
nghi sidhu hakapura jr, nisicara gana badhi bipina ujr.4.
so saba tava pratpa raghur, ntha na kach u mori prabhut.5.
Again and again the Lord sought to raise him up; he, however, was so absorbed
in love that he would not rise. The lotus hand of the Lord rested on his head. Gaurs lord
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
778
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
(iva) was overcome with emotion as He called to mind Hanumns enviable lot.* But,
recovering Himself, iva resumed the most charming narrative. The Lord lifted up
Hanumn and clasped him to His bosom; then He took him by the hand and seated him
very close to Him. Tell me, Hanumn, how could you burn Rvaas stronghold of
Lak, a most impregnable fortress? When Hanumn found the Lord so pleased, he
replied in words altogether free from pride. A monkeys greatest valour lies in his
skipping about from one bough to another. That I should have been able to leap across
the ocean, burn the gold city, kill the demon host and lay waste the Aoka grove was
all due to Your might; no credit, my lord, is due to me for the same. (15)
0ar n f r ar
a r zrf rf ; a+ --+
Do.: t kahu prabhu kachu agama nahi

j para tumha anukula,

tava prabhva baRavnalahi jri sakai khalu tula.33.
Nothing is unattainable, my lord, to him who enjoys Your grace. Through Your
might a mere shred of cotton can surely burn a submarine fire (the impossible can be
made possible). (33)
0r nfa fa rt r f rt+
f f rt ta a s rt+ {+
sr r rs f rr arf af r rr+
r r s rr rrfa nfa r; rr+ +
f f fr r r+
a rrfa ffaf rrr r rr+ -+
f f r t aa f- r t+
a f t a t+ +
Cau.: ntha bhagati ati sukhadyan, dehu kp kari anapyan.
suni prabhu parama sarala kapi bn, evamastu taba kaheu bhavn.1.
um rma subhu jehi

jn, thi bhajanu taji bhva na n.

yaha sabda jsu ura v, raghupati carana bhagati soi pv.2.
suni prabhu bacana kahahi

kapibd, jaya jaya jaya kpla sukhakad.

taba raghupati kapipatihi bolv, kah calai

kara karahu banv.3.

aba bilabu kehi krana kje, turata kapinha kahu yasu dje.
kautuka dekhi sumana bahu bara, nabha te bhavana cale sura hara.4.
Therefore, be pleased, my lord, to grant me unceasing Devotion, which is a
source of supreme bliss. When the Lord, O Prvat, heard the most artless speech of
Hanumn He said, Be it so ! Um , he who has come to know the true nature of Rma
can have no relish for anything other than His worship. Even he who takes this dialogue
(between r Rma and Hanumn) to heart is blessed with devotion to r Rmas feet.
On hearing the words of the Lord the whole host of monkeys cried, Glory, glory, all glory
* It should be remembered in this connection that Lord iva Himself had taken the form of Hanumn.
It was, therefore, easy for Him to recall that thrilling experience.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
SUNDARA-K NA
*
779
to the gracious Lord, the fountain of bliss ! The Lord of the Raghus then summoned
Sugrva (the King of the monkeys) and said, Make preparations for the march. Why
should we tarry any longer? Issue orders to the monkeys at once. The gods who were
witnessing the spectacle rained down flowers in profusion and then gladly withdrew from
the lower air to their own celestial spheres. (14)
0ffa fn rr r
rr a r r =+ -+
Do.: kapipati begi bole e juthapa jutha,
nn barana atula bala bnara bhlu barutha.34.
Sugrva (the lord of the monkeys) quickly summoned the commanders of the
various troops and they presented themselves in multitudes. The troops of monkeys and
bears, though varying in colour, were all unequalled in strength. (34)
0 rf tr nf r r tr+
t r f r fa; r f rf r+ {+
r r r; fr -a fnfr+
f r a t- rr n rr+ +
r n tat ar r n tat+
r rr t f r n f t+ -+
r; r; n rff r; n s rf r;+
r r rr nf r r rr+ +
r fnf rrt nn f ;-rrt+
fr r f t znnrf fn fat+ ~+
Cau.: prabhu pada pakaja nvahi

ss, garjahi

bhlu mahbala ks.
dekh rma sakala kapi sen, citai kp kari rjiva nain.1.
rma kp bala pi kapid, bhae pacchajuta manahu girid.
harai rma taba knha payn, saguna bhae sudara subha nn.2.
jsu sakala magalamaya kt, tsu payna saguna yaha nt.
prabhu payna jn baideh

, pharaki bma a ga janu kahi deh

.3.
joi joi saguna jnakihi ho, asaguna bhayau rvanahi so.
cal kaaku ko baranai

pr, garjahi

bnara bhlu apr.4.
nakha yudha giri pdapadhr, cale gagana mahi icchcr.
keharinda bhlu kapi karah

, agamaghi

diggaja cikkarah

.5.
The mighty bears and monkeys bowed their head at the Lords lotus feet and
roared. r Rma surveyed the whole monkey host and cast on them His gracious
lotus-like eyes. Emboldened by His grace the monkey chiefs vied as it were with huge
mountains equipped with wings. r Rma then sallied forth glad of heart and many
were the delightful and auspicious omens that occurred to Him. It was in the fitness
of things that good omens should appear at the time of His departure (on an expedition)
whose glory itself embodies all blessings. Videhas Daughter came to know of the Lords
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
780
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
march; the throbbing of Her left limbs apprised Her of the same as it were. But what
were good omens for Janakas Daughter foreboded evil for Rvaa.* Who could
adequately describe the army as it marched with its countless monkeys and bears
roaring. With no weapon other than their sharp claws, they carried rocks and trees
(that they had uprooted on the way) and marched now in the air and now on land,
for they had unhampered motion everywhere. The bears and monkeys roared like lions
as they marched, while the elephants guarding the eight cardinal points shook and
trumpeted. (15)
U0faf fn zr f fnf r rn
n f rn f +
f f rf rf- rt
r ar rr n n nrt+ { +
f r sr ffa r rf r;
n f f y r r ff r;+
rrt =f r ftfa rf rt
r r fa f rt+ +
Cha.: cikkarahi

diggaja ola mahi giri lola sgara kharabhare,

mana haraa sabha gadharba sura muni nga kinara dukha are.
kaakaahi

markaa bikaa bhaa bahu koi koinha dhvah

,
jaya rma prabala pratpa kosalantha guna gana gvah

.1.
sahi saka na bhra udra ahipati bra brahi

moha,
gaha dasana puni puni kamaha pa kahora so kimi soha.
raghubra rucira prayna prasthiti jni parama suhvan,
janu kamaha kharpara sarparja so likhata abicala pvan.2.
The elephants of the eight cardinal points trumpeted, the earth rocked, the
mountains trembled and the oceans were agitated. The Gandharvas, gods, sages,
Ngas and Kinnaras, all felt delighted at heart to perceive that their troubles were over.
Myriads of formidable monkey warriors gnashed their teeth (in a bellicose mood); while
many more millions dashed forward crying Glory to r Rma, Kosalas lord, of mighty
valour and hymning His praises. Even the great lord of serpents (ea) found himself
unable to bear the crushing weight of the belligerent troops and felt dizzy again and
again. But each time he would struggle by clutching with his teeth the hard shell of the
divine Tortoise. The scratches thus made by his teeth would make one imagine as if,
knowing the departure of r Rma (the Hero of Raghus line) on His glorious expedition
to be a most attractive theme, the serpent-king was inscribing its immortal and sacred
story on the Tortoises back. (1-2)
* According to the science of omens (which was most developed in this country in the remote past) the
throbbing of left limbs is considered as auspicious for women but inauspicious for men.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
SUNDARA-K NA
*
781
0f ff r; rff sa rn at
a rn r r f f t+ -~+
Do.: ehi bidhi ji kpnidhi utare sgara tra,
jaha taha lge khna phala bhlu bipula kapi bra.35.
Continuing His march in this way the All-merciful arrived at the seashore and halted
there. The host of valiant bears and monkeys began to guttle fruits all round there. (35)
0sr fr f r a rf ns f r+
f f n f frr f ff srr+ {+
r a f r; af r r;+
fa- f rt rt f rt+ +
f rf fa n rnt rt tfa rnt+
a f f r r fa fa f + -+
ra r a ; t nf n t rrt+
ar rf f f rr; a r r;+ +
a ff r; tar ta fr r;+
r tar f t- fa arr t-+ ~+
Cau.: uh

niscara rahahi

sasak, jaba te jri gayau kapi lak.

nija nija gha saba karahi

bicr, nahi

nisicara kula kera ubr.1.
jsu duta bala barani na j, tehi e pura kavana bhal.
dutinha sana suni purajana bn, madodar adhika akuln.2.
rahasi jori kara pati paga lg, bol bacana nti rasa pg.
kata karaa hari sana pariharah u, mora kah ati hita hiya dharah u.3.
samujhata jsu duta kai karan, sravahi

garbha rajancara gharan.
tsu nri nija saciva bol, pahavahu kata jo cahahu bhal.4.
tava kula kamala bipina dukhad, st sta nis sama .
sunahu ntha st binu dnhe , hita na tumhra sabhu aja knhe .5.
Ever since Hanumn left after burning down Lak the demons there had lived in
constant terror. In their own houses they thought, There is no hope for the demon race
now. If his messenger was mighty beyond words, what good would result when the
master himself enters the city? When Mandodar (Rvaas principal queen) heard from
her female spies what the citizens were saying, she felt much perturbed. Meeting her lord
in seclusion she fell at his feet and with joined palms addressed to him words steeped
in wisdom: My lord, avoid all strife with r Hari. Take my words to your heart as a most
salutary advice. My lord, if you seek your own welfare, call one of your ministers and
send back with him the consort of that prince (r Rma), the very thought of whose
messengers doings makes the wives of the demons miscarry. Just as a frosty night
spells disaster to a bed of lotuses, so St has come here as a bane to your race. Listen,
my lord: unless you return St, not even ambhu (Lord iva) and Brahm (the creator)
can be of any good to you. (15)
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
782
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
0r r f n f f fr
fn na a fn a af + -+
Do.: rma bna ahi gana sarisa nikara niscara bheka,
jaba lagi grasata na taba lagi jatanu karahu taji eka.36.
Rmas arrows are like a swarm of serpents, while the demon host can only
compare with frogs. Therefore, giving up obstinacy, devise some means of safety before
the serpents devour them. (36)
0>r t ar f rt fr na ffa frt+
rs rf rr n fa rr+ {+
r; r; ff fr ff r;+
f r rt rrr ar rf ta fz rr+ +
f ff arf s r; s r ar fr;+
rt z f ar s a ff ftar+ -+
s r f f r; f r r r;+
rf f sfa a a y f + +
fa r a >r rt r f rt+ ~+
Cau.: ravana sun saha t kari bn, bihas jagata bidita abhimn.
sabhaya subhu nri kara sc, magala mahu bhaya mana ati kc.1.
jau vai markaa kaak, jiahi

bicre nisicara kh.
kapahi

lokapa jk

trs, tsu nri sabhta baRi hs.2.

asa kahi bihasi thi ura l, caleu sabh

mamat adhik.
madodar hdaya kara cit, bhayau kata para bidhi bipart.3.
baiheu sabh

khabari asi p, sidhu pra sen saba .

bujhesi saciva ucita mata kahahu, te saba ha se maa kari rahah u.4.
jitehu sursura taba rama nh

, nara bnara kehi lekhe mh

.5.
When the foolish Rvaa, who was known all the world over for his haughtiness,
heard Mandodars admonition, he roared with laughter, A woman is timorous by nature,
it is truly said. She entertains fear even on an auspicious occasion; for her mind is very
weak. If the monkey host comes, the poor demons would feast on them and sustain
themselves. The very guardians of the spheres tremble for fear of me; how ridiculous
that you, my wife, should be afraid! So saying he laughed and embraced her and then
left for his council-chamber exhibiting great fondness for her. Mandodar, however, felt
troubled at heart and thought that heaven had turned against her lord. As he occupied
his royal seat in the council-chamber, he received intelligence that all the invading host
had arrived on the other side of the ocean. He thereupon asked his councillors; Give
me proper advice. They however, laughed and submitted, Only remain quiet, my lord.
Your Majesty experienced no difficulty when you conquered the gods and demons. Of
what account, then, can men and monkeys be? (15)
0f n atf f rf r
r a atf r; fnt r+ -+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
SUNDARA-K NA
*
783
Do.: saciva baida gura tni jau priya bolahi

bhaya sa,
rja dharma tana tni kara hoi begih

nsa.37.
When a minister, a physician and a religious preceptor these three use pleasing
words from fear or hope of reward, the result is that dominion, health and faithall the
three forthwith go to the dogs. (37)
0r; r t r; tafa f r; r;+
rf ft rr rar t af rr+ {+
f f= r; f r rr r; r+
r r f rf rar fa = s fa arar+ +
r r r rrr fa nfa rr+
r rf fr nrr; as sf f r; + -+
fa r; a r fay ; f r; +
n rn rn r r ; r+ +
Cau.: soi rvana kahu ban sah, astuti karahi

suni sun.
avasara jni bibhanu v, bhrt carana ssu tehi

nv.1.
puni siru ni baiha nija sana, bol bacana pi anussana.
jau kpla pu

chihu mohi bt, mati anurupa kahau hita tt.2.

jo pana chai kalyn, sujasu sumati subha gati sukha nn.
so paranri lilra gos

, tajau cauthi ke cada ki n

.3.
caudaha bhuvana eka pati ho, bhutadroha tiai nahi

so.
guna sgara ngara nara jou, alapa lobha bhala kahai na kou.4.
It was such a contingency that presented itself before Rvaa. They all extolled
him only to his face. Perceiving it to be an opportune hour, Vibhaa (Rvaas
youngest brother) arrived and bowed his head at his brothers feet. Bowing his head
once more he occupied his own seat and, when ordered to speak, addressed him thus:
Since Your gracious Majesty has asked me my opinion I tender it, dear brother,
according to my own lights and in your own interest. Let him who seeks after his welfare,
good reputation, wisdom, a good destiny after his death and joys of various kinds turn
his eyes away from the brow of anothers wife even as one should refuse to see the
moon on the fourth night (of the bright half) of a lunar month. Even though a man
happened to be the sole lord of the fourteen spheres, he would certainly fall if he turned
hostile to living beings. No one will speak well of a man who has the slightest avarice
even if he were an ocean of virtues and clever too. (14)
0r r r r
ff rrtf f f a+ -c+
Do.: kma krodha mada lobha saba ntha naraka ke patha,
saba parihari raghubrahi bhajahu bhajahi

jehi sata.38.
Lust, anger, vanity and covetousness are all paths leading to hell. Abjuring, all
these adore the Hero of Raghus line, whom saints worship. (38)
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
784
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
0ara r f rr t r rr+
zr r nar r fa rf ar+ {+
nr f fart r f r art+
rar - rar+ +
arf = af r; rr arfa rrrr+
r t r f a t+ -+
n ar -rnr ft r a rr f rnr+
r r r ar r r; n r f r+ +
Cau.: tta rma nahi

nara bhupl, bhuvanesvara klahu kara kl.
brahma anmaya aja bhagavat, bypaka ajita andi anat.1.
go dvija dhenu deva hitakr, kp sidhu mnua tanudhr.
jana rajana bhajana khala brt, beda dharma racchaka sunu bhrt.2.
thi bayaru taji nia mth, pranatrati bhajana raghunth.
dehu ntha prabhu kahu baideh, bhajahu rma binu hetu saneh.3.
sarana gae prabhu thu na tyg, bisva droha kta agha jehi lg.
jsu nma traya tpa nasvana, soi prabhu pragaa samujhu jiya rvana.4.
r Rma, dear brother, is no mere human king; He is the Lord of the universe and
the Death of Death himself. He is the Brahma (Absolute) who is free from the malady
of My, the unborn God, all-pervading, invincible, without beginning or end. An ocean
of compassion, He has assumed the form of a human being for the good of Earth, the
Brhmaa, the cow and the gods. Listen, brother: He delights His devotees and breaks
the ranks of the impious and is the champion of the Vedas and true religion. Giving up
enmity with Him, bow your head to Him; for the Lord of the Raghus relieves the distress
of those who seek refuge in Him. My master, restore Videhas Daughter to the Lord r
Rma, and adore Him, the disinterested friend of all. On being approached, He forsakes
not even him who has incurred sin by wishing ill to the whole world. Bear this in mind,
Rvaa: the same Lord whose Name destroys the threefold agony has manifested
Himself (in human form). (14)
0r r rns f s t
ff r r rrt+ - (+
f fta f fr f ; ra
aa r t r; = ara+ - (+
Do.: bra bra pada lgau binaya karau dasassa,
parihari mna moha mada bhajahu kosaldhsa.39(A).
muni pulasti nija siya sana kahi paha yaha bta,
turata so mai

prabhu sana kah pi suavasaru tta.39(B).

Again and again I fall at your feet and pray you, Rvaa: abandoning pride,
infatuation and arrogance, adore the Lord of Kosala. The sage Pulastya (our grand-
father) had sent this message to us through a disciple of his. Availing myself of this
golden opportunity, dear brother, I have immediately conveyed it to you. (39 A-B)
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
SUNDARA-K NA
*
785
0rra fa f rr ar f fa rr+
ara a tfa f r s r a ft+ {+
f sa a r f ;r ; r+
rra n ns rt ; ft f rt+ +
fa fa s t r r fn t+
r fa a fa rr r fa a ffa frr+ -+
a s fa t ftar fa fa r f tar+
rrfa ff t af tar tfa rrt+ +
Cau.: mlyavata ati saciva sayn, tsu bacana suni ati sukha mn.
tta anuja tava nti bibh uana, so ura dharahu jo kahata bibhana.1.
rpu utakaraa kahata saha dou, duri na karahu ih

hai ko u.
mlyavata gha gayau bahor, kahai bibhanu puni kara jor.2.
sumati kumati saba ke ura rahah

, ntha purna nigama asa kahah

.
jah

sumati taha sapati nn, jah

kumati taha bipati nidn.3.

tava ura kumati bas bipart, hita anahita mnahu ripu prt.
klarti nisicara kula ker, tehi st para prti ghaner.4.
Rvaa had a very old and sagacious minister named Mlyavn. He felt much
gratified to hear Vibhaas words. Your younger brother, dear son, is the very
ornament of wisdom. Therefore, take to heart what Vibhaa says. Both these fools
glorify the enemy ! Is there no one here who will remove them out of my sight ?
Mlyavn thereupon returned to his residence, while Vibhaa began again with joined
palms: Wisdom and unwisdom dwell in the heart of all: so declare the Puras and
Vedas, my lord. Where there is wisdom, prosperity of every kind reigns; and where there
is unwisdom misfortune is the inevitable end. Perversity has obviously taken possession
of your heart; that is why you account your friends as foes and your enemies as friends.
And that is why you are so very fond of St, who is the very night of destruction* for
the demon race. (14)
0ara nf rns r r r
tar r fa r; arr+ +
Do.: tta carana gahi mgau rkhahu mora dulra,
st dehu rma kahu ahita na hoi tumhra.40.
Clasping your feet I beseech you: grant this prayer of mine as a token of affection
for me. Restore St to Rma so that no harm may come to you. (40)
0 r >rfa a rt t ft tfa rt+
a r sr fr; arf f - r;+ {+
ff r r frr f - arf rr+
f r n rt rf far rt + +
* Klartri literally means the night preceding universal destruction at the end of a Kalpa or the span
of life of the universe.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
786
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
f af- tat f r; fa-f tat+
f t-f rr n rf rr+ -+
sr a ; ;; zr; a r ; r;+
ar fa f f rf rr r fa r arrr+ +
f n n f r; a + ~+
Cau.: budha purna ruti samata bn, kah bibhana nti bakhn.
sunata dasnana uh ris, khala tohi nikaa mtyu aba .1.
jiasi sad saha mora jiv, ripu kara paccha muRha tohi bhv.
kahasi na khala asa ko jaga mh

, bhuja bala jhi jit mai

nh

.2.
mama pura basi tapasinha para prt, saha milu ji tinhahi kahu nt.
asa kahi knhesi carana prahr, anuja gahe pada brahi

br.3.
um sata kai ihai baR, mada karata jo karai bhal.
tumha pitu sarisa bhalehi

mohi mr, rmu bhaje hita ntha tumhr.4.
saciva saga lai nabha patha gaya u, sabahi suni kahata asa bhayau.5.
Vibhaa spoke wisdom and that too in words that had the approval of the wise,
as well as of the Puras and Vedas. Rvaa, however, rose in a fury as soon as he
heard them. O wretch, your death is imminent now. O fool, you have always lived on my
generosity; yet, O dullard, you have favoured the enemys cause. Tell me, wretch, if there
is any one in this world whom I have failed to conquer by the might of my arm. Dwelling in
my capital you cherish love for the hermits ! If so, go and join hands with them, O fool,
and teach wisdom to them. So saying, he kicked his younger brother, who in his turn
clasped his brothers feet again and again. Um, here lies the greatness of a saint, who
returns good for evil. It is well you have beaten me, since you are like a father to me. But
your welfare, my lord, lies in adoring r Rma. Taking his ministers with him Vibhaa
departed through the air exclaiming so as to make himself heard by all: (15)
0r -r r r arf
rrt rs f rf+ {+
Do.: rmu satyasakalpa prabhu sabh klabasa tori,
mai

raghubra sarana aba ju dehu jani khori.41.

r Rma is true to His resolve and all-powerful; while your councillors are all
doomed. I, therefore, now betake myself to the Hero of Raghus line for protection; blame
me no more. (41)
0 f r ft t rt at+
r r aa rt rr f rt+ {+
r f ft -rnr s f f af rnr+
s f rrr rt a r rt+ +
fs r; rar = rar+
f at ffrt z r rrt+ -+
ar s r n n r+
s r ; rr fs a;+ +
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
SUNDARA-K NA
*
787
Cau.: asa kahi cal bibhanu jabah

, yuhna bhae saba tabah

.
sdhu avagy turata bhavn, kara kalyna akhila kai hn.1.
rvana jabahi

bibhana tyg, bhayau bibhava binu tabahi

abhg.
caleu harai raghunyaka ph

, karata manoratha bahu mana mh

.2.
dekhihau ji carana jalajt, aruna mdula sevaka sukhadt.
je pada parasi tar riinr, daaka knana pvanakr.3.
je pada janakasut

ura le, kapaa kuraga saga dhara dhe.

hara ura sara saroja pada je, ahobhgya mai

dekhihau te.4.
No sooner had Vibhaa left with these words than the doom of them all was
sealed. Disrespect to a saint, Prvat, immediately robs one of all blessings. The moment
Rvaa abandoned Vibhaa the wretch lost all his glory. Indulging in many expectations
Vibhaa, however, gladly proceeded to the Lord of the Raghus. On reaching there I
will behold those lotus-feet with ruddy soles, so soft and so delightful to the devotees.
Nay, I will behold those feet whose very touch redeemed the Ris wife (Ahaly), that
hallowed the Daaka forest, that Janakas Daughter has locked up in Her bosom, that
chased the delusive deer and that dwell as a pair of lotuses in the lake of ivas heart.
I am really blessed that I am going to see those very feet. (14)
0f- r- rf- a r;
a r frfs ;- f- r;+ +
Do.: jinha pyanha ke pdukanhi bharatu rahe mana li,
te pada ju bilokihau inha nayananhi aba ji.42.
I will go today and presently behold with these eyes of mine those very feet in
whose wooden sandals Bharatas mind remains absorbed ! (42)
0f ff a frr rs f f f rr+
f- ft ra r rr rs f a fr+ {+
arf rf t f r rr arf r+
nt rrr; rr f r r;+ +
r fr rr ; t rr+
rf r; fr rr r= f r rr+ -+
r rr rf rf rf rr+
r tfa ar tf frt rna rt+ +
f rr rna - nrr+ ~+
Cau.: ehi bidhi karata saprema bicr, yau sapadi sidhu ehi

pr.
kapinha bibhanu vata dekh, jn kou ripu d uta bise.1.
thi rkhi kapsa pahi

e, samcra saba thi sune.

kaha sugrva sunahu raghur, v milana dasnana bh.2.
kaha prabhu sakh bujhiai kh, kahai kapsa sunahu naranh.
jni na ji niscara my, kmar upa kehi krana y.3.
bheda hamra lena saha v, rkhia b

dhi mohi asa bhv.

sakh nti tumha nki bicr, mama pana sarangata bhayahr.4.
suni prabhu bacana haraahanumn, sarangata bacchala bhagavn.5.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
788
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Cherishing such fond expectations Vibhaa instantly crossed over to the other
side of the ocean (where r Rma had encamped with His host). When the monkeys
saw Vibhaa coming, they took him for some special messenger of the enemy.
Detaining him outside they approached Sugrva (the lord of the monkeys) and told him
all the news. Said Sugrva, Listen, O Lord of the Raghus: Rvaas brother (Vibhaa)
has come to see You. The Lord, however, asked, What do you think of the matter, my
friend? The lord of the monkeys replied, Listen, O Ruler of men: the wiles of these
demons are beyond ones comprehension. One does not know wherefore he has come,
capable as he is of taking any form he likes. Obviously the fool has come to spy out our
secrets; what appeals to me, therefore, is that he should be taken prisoner and detained.
Friend, you have thought out a wise course: but My vow is to dispel all fears from the
mind of those who seek refuge in Me. Hanumn rejoiced to hear these words of the
Lord, who cherished paternal affection for His protege. (15)
0rna af f fa rf
a r r fa-f fra rf+ -+
Do.: sarangata kahu je tajahi

nija anahita anumni,

te nara pva ra ppamaya tinhahi bilokata hni.43.
Those people who forsake a suppliant, apprehending evil from him are vile and
sinful; their very sight is abominable. (43)
0rf f rnf r r as f ar+
r; t rf t - rf rr rf at+ {+
ra r r af r r+
y z r; r; r r f r;+ +
f r rf rr rf f rr+
r tr a rf tr+ -+
n r fr a f ; ff aa+
ta rr r; fs arf r t r;+ +
Cau.: koi bipra badha lgahi

jhu, e sarana tajau nahi

th u.
sanamukha hoi jva mohi jabah

, janma koi agha nsahi

tabah

.1.
ppavata kara sahaja subh u, bhajanu mora tehi bhva na k u.
jau pai duahdaya soi ho, more sanamukha va ki so.2.
nirmala mana jana so mohi pv, mohi kapaa chala chidra na bhv.
bheda lena pahav dasass, tabahu na kachu bhaya hni kaps.3.
jaga mahu sakh niscara jete, lachimanu hanai nimia mahu tete.
jau sabhta v saran

, rakhihau thi prna k n

.4.
I will not abandon even the murderer of myriads of Brhmaas, if he seeks refuge
in Me. The moment a creature turns its face towards Me the sins incurred by it through
millions of lives are washed away. A sinner by his very nature is averse to My worship.
Had Vibhaa been wicked at heart, could he ever dare to approach Me? That man
alone who has a pure mind can attain to Me; I have an aversion for duplicity, wiles and
censoriousness. Even if Rvaa has sent him to find out our secrets, we have nothing
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
SUNDARA-K NA
*
789
to fear or lose, O lord of the monkeys. Lakmaa, O my friend, can dispose of in a trice
all the demons the world contains. And if he has sought shelter with Me out of fear, I will
cherish him as My own life. (14)
0s rfa af r f rfa
r f f n a+ +
Do.: ubhaya bh

ti tehi nahu ha si kaha kpniketa,

jaya kpla kahi kapi cale agada hanu sameta.44.
In either case bring him here, the All-merciful laughed and said. Glory to the
merciful Lord, cried the monkeys and proceeded with Agada and Hanumn (to usher
in Vibhaa). (44)
0r af rn f r r rrfa =r+
ff a rar r r rar+ {+
f r fr frt s f rt+
r= r tr nra a r+ +
frr ra s rr r fa rr+
t fa fa nrar f t t rar+ -+
r r rar ff rrar+
rf ar r r sf a r+ +
Cau.: sdara tehi ge kari bnara, cale jah

raghupati karunkara.
durihi te dekhe dvau bhrt, nayannada dna ke dt.1.
bahuri rma chabidhma bilok, raheu hauki ekaaka pala rok.
bhuja pralaba kajruna locana, symala gta pranata bhaya mocana.2.
sigha kadha yata ura soh, nana amita madana mana moh.
nayana nra pulakita ati gt, mana dhari dhra kah mdu bt.3.
ntha dasnana kara mai

bhrt, nisicara basa janama suratrt.

sahaja ppapriya tmasa deh, jath ul ukahi tama para neh.4.
The monkeys respectfully placed Vibhaa ahead of them and proceeded to the
place where the all-merciful Lord of the Raghus was. Vibhaa beheld from a distance
the two brothers who ravished the eyes of all. Again as he beheld r Rma, the home
of beauty, he stopped winking and stood stockstill with his gaze intently fixed on the
Lord. He had exceptionally long arms, eyes resembling the red lotus and swarthy limbs
that rid the suppliant of all fear. His lion-like shoulders and broad chest exercised great
charm, while His countenance bewitched the mind of countless Cupids. The sight
brought tears to his eyes and a deep thrill ran through his body. He, however, composed
his mind and spoke in gentle accents: My lord, I am Rvaas brother. Having been born
in the demon race. O Protector of gods, my body has the element of Tmas (inertia and
ignorance) preponderating in it and I have a natural affinity for sins even as an owl is fond
of darkness. (14)
0>r f rs t
rrf rrf rfa rrt+ ~+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
790
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Do.: ravana sujasu suni yau prabhu bhajana bhava bhra,
trhi trhi rati harana sarana sukhada raghubra.45.
Having heard with my own ears of Your fair renown I have come to You with the
belief that my lord (You) dissipates the fear of rebirth. Save me, save me, O Hero of
Raghus line, reliever of distress, delighter of those who take refuge in you. (45)
0 f a za r aa s fr+
t f rr fr nf z nrr+ {+
fa ff fn rt r na rt+
fa frr r r arrr+ +
zt f rat r f; f rat+
rs arrf tat fa f r tat+ -+
= r arar y n f ; frar+
f rrrr ar tf- rf rr+ +
Cau.: asa kahi karata daavata dekh, turata uhe prabhu haraa bise.
dna bacana suni prabhu mana bhv, bhuja bisla gahi hdaya lagv.1.
anuja sahita mili higa baihr, bole bacana bhagata bhayahr.
kahu lakesa sahita parivr, kusala kuhahara bsa tumhr.2.
khala maal

basahu dinu rt, sakh dharama nibahai kehi bh

t.
mai

jnau tumhri saba rt, ati naya nipuna na bhva ant.3.
baru bhala bsa naraka kara tt, dua saga jani dei bidht.
aba pada dekhi kusala raghury, jau tumha knhi jni jana dy.4.
When the Lord saw Vibhaa falling prostrate with these words, He immediately
started up much delighted. The Lord rejoiced at heart to hear his humble speech and,
taking him in His long arms, clasped him to His bosom. Meeting him with His younger
brother (Lakmaa) He seated him by His side and spoke words that dispelled the fear
of His devotee: Tell me, king of Lak, if all is well with you and your family, placed as
you are in vicious surroundings. You live day and night in the midst of evil-minded
persons; I wonder how you are able to maintain your piety, my friend, I know all your
ways: you are a past master in correct behaviour and are averse to wrong-doing. It is
much better to live in hell, dear Vibhaa; but may Providence never place us in the
company of the wicked. All is well with me now that I have beheld Your feet, O Lord
of the Raghus, and since You have shown Your mercy to me, recognizing me as Your
servant. (14)
0a fn t f>rr
fn a r r r af r+ +
Do.: taba lagi kusala na jva kahu sapanehu mana birma,
jaba lagi bhajata na rma kahu soka dhma taji kma.46.
There can be no happiness for a creature nor can its mind know any peace even
in a dream so long as it does not relinquish desire, which is an abode of sorrow, and
adore r Rma (Yourself). (46)
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
SUNDARA-K NA
*
791
0a fn z a rr r r - rr+
fn s a rrrr r r f rr+ {+
ar a= at frt rn s rt+
a fn fa t rt fn ar f rt + +
f r f r arr+
ar r r r arf r frf r+ -+
ff fa r r t- f r+
r = f r rr af f z rf rr+ +
Cau.: taba lagi hdaya basata khala nn, lobha moha macchara mada mn.
jaba lagi ura na basata raghunth, dhare cpa syaka kai bhth.1.
mamat taruna tam a dhir, rga dvea ul uka sukhakr.
taba lagi basati jva mana mh

, jaba lagi prabhu pratpa rabi nh

.2.
aba mai

kusala mie bhaya bhre, dekhi rma pada kamala tumhre.
tumha kpla j para anuk ul, thi na bypa tribidha bhava s ul.3.
mai

nisicara ati adhama subh u, subha caranu knha nahi

k u.
jsu rupa muni dhyna na v, tehi

prabhu harai hdaya mohi lv.4.
That villainous crewgreed, infatuation, jealousy, arrogance and pride haunts
the mind only so long as the Lord of the Raghus does not take up His abode there, armed
with a bow and arrow and with a quiver fastened at His waist. Attachment to the world is
like a dark night fully advanced, which is so delightful to the owls of attraction and aversion;
it abides in the heart of a creature only so long as the sun of the Lords glory does not
shine there. Having seen Your lotus feet, O Rma, I am now quite well and my grave
fears have been set at rest. The threefold torments of mundane existence cease to have
any effect on him who enjoys Your favour, my gracious lord. I am a demon vilest of nature
and have never done any good act. Yet the Lord whose beauty even sages fail to perceive
with their minds eye has been pleased to clasp me to His bosom. (14)
0rr fa fa r r
s ff f n + +
Do.: ahobhgya mama amita ati rma kp sukha puja,
dekheu nayana biraci siva sebya jugala pada kaja.47.
Ah, I am blessed beyond measure, O all-gracious and all-blissful Rma, in that
I have beheld with my own eyes the lotus feet which are worthy of adoration even to
Brahm and iva. (47)
0 r f s r r fz fnfr+
r; r rt r af rt+ {+
af r rr s u af r rr+
t a rr a z frr+ +
ar arn rt f r f zrt+
t ;-r rt r f rt+ -+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
792
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
r s rt z ; +
ar rf a f r s f r fr+ +
Cau.: sunahu sakh nija kahau subh u, jna bhusui sabhu girij u.
jau nara hoi carcara droh, vai sabhaya sarana taki moh.1.
taji mada moha kapaa chala nn, karau sadya tehi sdhu samn.
janan janaka badhu suta dr, tanu dhanu bhavana suhda parivr.2.
saba kai mamat tga baor, mama pada manahi b

dha bari or.

samadaras icch kachu nh

, haraa soka bhaya nahi

mana mh

.3.
asa sajjana mama ura basa kaise , lobh hdaya basai dhanu jaise .
tumha srikhe sata priya more , dharau deha nahi

na nihore .4.
Listen, My friend: I tell you My nature, which is known to Bhuui, ambhu (Lord
iva) and Girij (Prvat) too. If a man, even though he has been an enemy of the whole
animate and inanimate creation, comes terror-stricken to Me, seeking My protection and
discarding vanity, infatuation, hypocrisy and trickeries of various kinds, I speedily make
him the very like of a saint. The ties of affection that bind a man to his mother, father,
brother, son, wife, body, wealth, house, friends and relations are like so many threads
which a pious soul gathers up and twists into a string wherewith he binds his soul to My
feet. Nay, he looks upon all with the same eye and has no craving and his mind is free
from joy, grief and fear. A saint of this description abides in My heart even as mammon
resides in the heart of a covetous man. Only saints of your type are dear to Me; for the
sake of none else do I body Myself forth. (14)
0n sr fa fa tfa
a r r f- f + c+
Do.: saguna upsaka parahita nirata nti dRha nema,
te nara prna samna mama jinha ke dvija pada prema.48.
Those men who worship My personal form, are intent on doing good to others,
firmly tread the path of righteousness, and are steadfast in their vow and devoted to the
feet of the Brhmaas are dear to Me as life. (48)
0 n ar ara ar fa f r+
r f r r f r =r+ {+
a ft rt f rrra >rra rt+
nf rf rr z ra rr+ +
r trt ar s art+
s rr t tfa fa r t+ -+
r f nfa rt r f rt+
ta f tr rnr aa f tr+ +
f r a ;-r rt r rrr n rt+
f r fa af rr fy ; rr+ ~+
Cau.: sunu lakesa sakala guna tore , tte tumha atisaya priya more ,
rma bacana suni bnara juth, sakala kahahi

jaya kp bar uth.1.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
SUNDARA-K NA
*
793
sunata bibhanu prabhu kai bn, nahi

aghta ravanmta jn.
pada abuja gahi brahi

br, hdaya samta na premu apr.2.

sunahu deva sacarcara svm, pranatapla ura atarajm.
ura kachu prathama bsan rah, prabhu pada prti sarita so bah.3.
aba kpla nija bhagati pvan, dehu sad siva mana bhvan.
evamastu kahi prabhu ranadhr, mg turata sidhu kara nr.4.
jadapi sakh tava icch nh

, mora darasu amogha jaga mh

.
asa kahi rma tilaka tehi sr, sumana bi nabha bha apr.5.
Listen, O king of Lak; you possess all the above virtues; hence you are
extremely dear to Me. On hearing the words of r Rma all the assembled monkeys
exclaimed, Glory to the All-merciful ! Vibhaas eagerness to hear the Lords speech,
which was all nectar to his ears, knew no satiety. He clasped His lotus feet again and
again, his heart bursting with boundless joy. Listen, my lord, Ruler of the whole
creationanimate as well as inanimate, Protector of the suppliant and Knower of all
hearts: I did have some lurking desire in my heart before; but the same has been washed
away by the stream of devotion to the Lords feet. Now, my gracious Lord, grant me such
pure devotion (to Your feet) as that which gladdens ivas heart. So be it, replied the
Lord, staunch in fight, and immediately asked for the water of the sea. Even though, My
friend, you have no craving, My sight in this world never fails to bring its reward. So
saying, r Rma applied on his forehead the sacred mark of sovereignty and a copious
shower of flowers rained down from the heavens. (15)
0r r f tr t z
a ft rs t-s r z+ (+
r fa f rf tf- f r
r; r ftf f tf- rrr+ (+
Do.: rvana krodha anala nija svsa samra pracaa,
jarata bibhanu rkheu dnheu rju akhaa.49(A).
jo sapati siva rvanahi dnhi die dasa mtha,
soi sapad bibhanahi sakuci dnhi raghuntha.49(B).
Thus did the Lord of the Raghus save Vibhaa from being consumed by the fire
of Rvaas wrath, fanned to fury by his own (Vibhaas) breath (words), and bestowed
on him unbroken sovereignty. Nay, He conferred on Vibhaa with much diffidence the
same fortune which Lord iva had bestowed on Rvaa after the latter had offered his
ten heads to Him in a sacrifice. (49 A-B)
0 rfz f rr a f frr+
f rf arf rr r f rr+ {+
f s rt = fa srt+
r tfa far r rrr+ +
t rfa tr f ff af f ntr+
sn r rat fa nr ta rat+ -+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
794
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
rrr rf f r a r+
uf af tfa f nr; f f rn r;+ +
Cau.: asa prabhu chRi bhajahi

je n, te nara pasu binu p u

cha bin.
nija jana jni thi apanv, prabhu subhva kapi kula mana bhv.1.
puni sarbagya sarba ura bs, sarbar upa saba rahita uds.
bole bacana nti pratiplaka, krana manuja danuja kula ghlaka.2.
sunu kapsa lakpati br, kehi bidhi taria jaladhi gabhr.
sakula makara uraga jhaa jt, ati agdha dustara saba bh

t.3.
kaha lakesa sunahu raghunyaka, koi sidhu soaka tava syaka.
jadyapi tadapi nti asi g, binaya karia sgara sana j.4.
Those men who worship anyone else, giving up such a (benign) lord, are mere
beasts without a tail and a pair of horns. Recognizing Vibhaa as His own man the Lord
accepted him in His service; the amiability of His disposition gladdened the heart of the
whole monkey host. Then the All-wise, who dwells in the heart of all, is manifest in all
forms, though bereft of all and unconcerned, and who had appeared in human semblance
with a specific motive and as the exterminator of the demon race, spoke words strictly
observing the rules of decorum: Listen, O lord of the monkeys and O valiant sovereign
of Lak, how are we to cross the deep ocean full of alligators, snakes and all varieties
of fishes, most unfathomable and difficult to cross in everyway? Listen, O Lord of the
Raghus, replied the king of Lak, Although Your arrow ifself can dry up innumerable
oceans, yet propriety demands that You should approach the ocean and request the
deity presiding over it (to allow You a passage). (14)
0 arr n f ff sr frf
f r rn aff r f rf+ ~+
Do.: prabhu tumhra kulagura jaladhi kahihi upya bicri,
binu praysa sgara tarihi sakala bhlu kapi dhri.50.
My lord, the deity presiding over the ocean is an ancestor of Yours; hence he
will think over the question and suggest some means (of crossing the ocean).* The
whole host of bears and monkeys will thus be able to cross the ocean without much
ado. (50)
0r t ar tf sr; f r; r;+
r f rr r f fa rr+ {+
r rr rf f f rr+
r rr rt rr+ +
a ff r rrtr f tr+
f f rr; f t n rrr;+ -+
r t- f= r; f a zr;+
f ft f r r r a r+ +
* It is stated in the Rmyaa of Vlmki and other scriptures that the bed of the ocean was dug by King
Sagara, hence it is known by the name of Sgara. King Sagara was an ancestor of r Rma and thus the
deity presiding over the ocean is also spoken of by Vibhaa as a forefather of the Lord.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
SUNDARA-K NA
*
795
Cau.: sakh kah tumha nki up, karia daiva jau hoi sah.
matra na yaha lachimana manabhv, rma bacana suni ati dukha pv.1.
ntha daiva kara kavana bharos, soia sidhu karia mana ros.
kdara mana kahu eka adhr, daiva daiva las pukr.2.
sunata bihasi bole raghubr, aisehi

karaba dharahu mana dhr.
asa kahi prabhu anujahi samujh, sidhu sampa gae raghur.3.
prathama pranma knha siru n, baihe puni taa darbha as.
jabahi

bibhana prabhu pahi

e, pche rvana duta pahe.4.

Friend, you have suggested an excellent plan; let us try it and see if Providence
helps it. This counsel, however, did not find favour with Lakmaa, who was greatly
pained to hear r Rmas words. No reliance can be placed on the freaks of fortune.
Fill your mind with indignation and dry up the ocean. Fate is a crutch for the mind of
cowards alone; it is the indolent who proclaim their faith in fate. Hearing this the Hero
of Raghus line laughed and said, We shall do accordingly; pray, ease your mind.
Reassuring His younger brother (Lakmaa) with these words the Lord of the Raghus
went to the seashore. First of all He bowed His head and greeted the ocean and then,
spreading some Kua grass on the shore, took His seat thereon. As soon as Vibhaa
proceeded towards the Lord, Rvaa sent spies after him. (14)
0 fa fa- f
n z rf rna + ~{+
Do.: sakala carita tinha dekhe dhare kapaa kapi deha,
prabhu guna hdaya sarhahi

sarangata para neha.51.

Assuming the false appearance of monkeys they witnessed all the doings of r
Rma and praised in their heart the Lords virtues and His fondness for those who come
to Him for protection. (51)
0n rf r r fa nr ff r+
f a f- a r rf t f r+ {+
nt r n n f ff+
f nt f r rf r fr+ +
r r f rn t ra af -rn+
r r rr rr af rrt rr+ -+
f f f rr r rfn f aa rzr+
r t rat f r rrrat+ +
Cau.: pragaa bakhnahi

rma subh u, ati saprema g bisari dur u.
ripu ke duta kapinha taba jne, sakala b

dhi kapsa pahi

ne.1.
kaha sugrva sunahu saba bnara, aga bhaga kari pahavahu nisicara.
suni sugrva bacana kapi dhe, b

dhi kaaka cahu psa phire.2.

bahu prakra mrana kapi lge, dna pukrata tadapi na tyge.
jo hamra hara ns kn, tehi kosaldhsa kai n.3.
suni lachimana saba nikaa bole, day lgi ha si turata choRe.
rvana kara djahu yaha pt, lachimana bacana bcu kulaght.4.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
796
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
They openly commenced applauding r Rmas amiability and in the intensity of
their emotion forgot their disguise. The monkeys now recognized them as the enemys
spies; they bound them all and brought them in the presence of Sugrva (the lord of the
monkeys). Said Sugrva, Listen, all you monkeys: mutilate the demons and dismiss
them. Hearing Sugrvas command the monkeys ran and paraded them in bonds all
through the camp. The monkeys, then started belabouring them right and left; the
demons piteously cried for help, yet the monkeys would not let them alone. Whosoever
robs us of our nose and ears, we adjure him by r Rma not to do so. When Lakmaa
heard this, he called them all near him; and moved to pity he laughed and immediately
had them released. Give this note into Rvaas hands and tell him: read, destroyer of
your race, what Lakmaa says. (14)
0 rn sr
tar ; f a rr r arr+ ~+
Do.: kahehu mukhgara muRha sana mama sadesu udra,
st dei milahu na ta v klu tumhra.52.
Further convey to the fool by word of mouth my generous message: surrender
St and make peace or your hour is come. (52)
0aa r; f rr a a n nrr+
a r r r r t fa- r+ {+
ff r t rar f rf rar+
f f ft t rf - r; fa t+ +
a r r -rnt r;f t rnt+
f r t r; f r fa f r;+ -+
f- t rr s fa f frr+
af- ra rt f- z rr fa rt+ +
Cau.: turata ni lachimana pada mth, cale d uta baranata guna gth.
kahata rma jasu lak

e, rvana carana ssa tinha ne.1.

bihasi dasnana pu

ch bt, kahasi na suka pani kusalt.

puni kahu khabari bibhana ker, jhi mtyu ati ner.2.
karata rja lak saha tyg, hoihi java kara ka abhg.
puni kahu bhlu ksa kaak, kahina kla prerita cali .3.
jinha ke jvana kara rakhavr, bhayau mdula cita sidhu bicr.
kahu tapasinha kai bta bahor, jinha ke hdaya trsa ati mor.4.
Bowing their head at Lakmaas feet the spies immediately departed, recounting
the virtues of r Rma. With r Rmas praises on their lips they entered Lak and
bowed their head at Rvaas feet. The ten-headed monster laughed and asked them the
news: Report me, uka, your own welfare and then tell me the news about Vibhaa
whom death has approached very near. The fool left Lak where he was ruling; the wretch
will now be crushed as a weevil with barley-grains. Tell me next all about the host of bears
and monkeys, that has been driven over here by a cruel destiny. It is the poor soft-hearted
sea that has stood as a protector of their lives. Lastly tell me the news about the ascetics
(Rma and Lakmaa) whose heart is obsessed with unceasing terror of me. (14)
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
SUNDARA-K NA
*
797
0t ; f ff n >r f r
f f a a fa fa ar+ ~-+
Do.: k bhai bhea ki phiri gae ravana sujasu suni mora,
kahasi na ripu dala teja bala bahuta cakita cita tora.53.
Did you meet them or did they beat their retreat on hearing my fair renown? Why
should you not speak of the enemys prowess and strength; your wits seem utterly
dazed. (53)
0r r f r r r af a+
fr r; arrr raf r fa af rr+ {+
r a f f rr f- rf t- rr+
>r rfr r rn r t- -rn+ +
f r r r; rf a f r;+
rr r f rt fr fr rt+ -+
f s as a arr f- af rr+
fa r f rr fa rn f frr+ +
Cau.: ntha kp kari pu

chehu jaise , mnahu kah krodha taji taise .

mil ji jaba anuja tumhr, jtahi

rma tilaka tehi sr.1.
rvana duta hamahi suni kn, kapinha b

dhi dnhe dukha nn.

ravana nsik kai

lge, rma sapatha dnhe hama tyge.2.

p u

chihu ntha rma kaak, badana koi sata barani na j.

nn barana bhlu kapi dhr, bikanana bisla bhayakr.3.
jehi

pura daheu hateu suta tor, sakala kapinha maha tehi balu thor.
amita nma bhaa kahina karl, amita nga bala bipula bisl.4.
My lord, just as you have so kindly put these questions to me, so do you believe
what I say and be not angry. No sooner had your younger brother (Vibhaa) met r
Rma then the latter applied the sacred mark of sovereignty on his forehead. When the
monkeys heard that we were Rvaas (Your majestys) spies, they bound us and
persecuted us in many ways. They were about to cut off our ears and nose; but when
we adjured them by Rma not to do so, they let us go. You have enquired, my lord, about
r Rmas army; but a thousand million tongues would fail to describe it. It is a host of
bears and monkeys of diverse hue and gruesome visage, huge and terrible. He who
burnt your capital and killed your son (Aka) is the weakest of all the monkeys. The army
includes innumerable champions with as many names, fierce and unyielding monsters of
vast bulk and possessing the strength of numberless elephants. (14)
0ff t n n frf
f f f ra rf+ ~+
Do.: dvibida mayada nla nala agada gada bikasi,
dadhimukha kehari nisaha saha jmavata balarsi.54.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
798
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Dvivida, Mainda, Nla, Nala, Agada, Gada, Vikasya, Dadhimukha, Kesar,
Niaha, aha and the powerful Jmbavn are some of them. (54)
0 f nt rr ;- rf- n; r rr+
r r afa fa-t a r rrf nt+ {+
r >r r +
r r f rt r arf ta rt+ +
r tf rr r f rrrr+
rf f fa r rr f a f frr+ -+
f n ff tr ; f tr+
nf af r r n a f r+ +
Cau.: e kapi saba sugrva samn, inha sama koinha ganai ko nn.
rma kp

atulita bala tinhah

, tna samna trailokahi ganah

.1.
asa mai

sun ravana dasakadhara, paduma ahraha j uthapa badara.
ntha kaaka maha so kapi nh

, jo na tumhahi jtai rana mh

.2.
parama krodha mjahi

saba hth, yasu pai na dehi

raghunth.
soahi

sidhu sahita jhaa byl, p urahi

na ta bhari kudhara bisl.3.
mardi garda milavahi

dasass, aisei bacana kahahi

saba ks.
garjahi

tarjahi

sahaja asak, mnahu grasana cahata hahi

lak.4.
Each of these monkeys is as mighty as Sugrva (the king) and there are tens of
millions like them; who can dare count them? By the grace of r Rma they are
unequalled in strength and reckon the three spheres of creation as of no more account
than a blade of grass. I have heard it said, Rvaa, that the commanders of the various
monkey-troops alone number eighteen thousand billions. In the whole host, my lord, there
is not a single monkey who would not conquer you in battle. They are all wringing their
hands in excess of passion; but the Lord of the Raghus does not order them (to march).
We shall suck the ocean dry with all its fish and serpents or fill it up with huge
mountains. Nay, we shall crush the ten-headed Rvaa and reduce him to dust. Such
were the words that all the monkeys uttered. Fearless by nature, they roared and bullied
as if they would devour Lak. (14)
0 f r f f r
r r rf tfa f nr+ ~~+
Do.: sahaja sura kapi bhlu saba puni sira para prabhu rma,
rvana kla koi kahu jti sakahi

sagrma.55.
All the monkeys and bears are born warriors and, besides, they have Lord r
Rma over their head. Rvaa, they can conquer in battle even millions of Yamas
(death personified). (55)
0r a f fr; a f nr;+
rf a rn a raf s rn+ {+
ar f rn rt rna r rt+
a fr tr f fa r a tr+ +
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
SUNDARA-K NA
*
799
t= r; rn rt r;+
r r f zr; f fq r r;+ -+
f ta ft r f ffa r n ar+
f a f rt frf frr rt+ +
rr t-t rat r r; zr rat+
ff r t-t r f rf rn r+ ~+
Cau.: rma teja bala budhi bipul, sea sahasa sata sakahi

na g.
saka sara eka soi sata sgara, tava bhrtahi p u

cheu naya ngara.1.

tsu bacana suni sgara ph

, mgata patha kp mana mh

.
sunata bacana bihas dasass, jau asi mati sahya kta ks.2.
sahaja bhru kara bacana dRh, sgara sana hn macal.
muRha m k karasi baR, ripu bala buddhi thha mai

p.3.
saciva sabhta bibhana jke , bijaya bibh uti kah

jaga tke .
suni khala bacana duta risa bRh, samaya bicri patrik kRh.4.
rmnuja dnh yaha pt, ntha baci juRvahu cht.
bihasi bma kara lnh rvana, saciva boli saha lga bacvana.5.
A hundred thousand eas would fail to describe the greatness of r Rmas
valour, strength and intelligence. With a single shaft He could dry up a hundred seas;
yet, being a master of propriety, He consulted your brother (Vibhaa) and in accordance
with his suggestion He is asking passage of the ocean with a heart full of compassion.
The ten-headed monster laughed to hear these words. It was because of such wits
that he (Rma) took monkeys for his allies. That is why, confirming the advice of my
brother, who is a born coward, he is persistent in demanding of the ocean (like a
pet child) something which is impossible. Fool, why do you bestow false praise on
the enemy, whose might and wisdom I have fathomed. Triumph and glory in this world
are inaccessible to him who has a cowardly counsellor like Vibhaa. The spy waxed
angry to hear the words of the wicked monarch and taking it to be an opportune moment
he took out the letter (from Lakmaa). r Rmas younger brother (Lakmaa) gave
me this note; have it read, my lord, and soothe your heart. Rvaa laughed when
he took the letter in his left hand; and summoning his minister, the fool asked him
to read it out. (15)
0ra- f frr; f rrrf t
r fr sf fr ;+ ~ (+
t af r ; n
rf f r r fa an+ ~ (+
Do.: btanha manahi rijhi saha jani ghlasi kula khsa,
rma birodha na ubarasi sarana binu aja sa.56(A).
k taji mna anuja iva prabhu pada pakaja bhga,
hohi ki rma sarnala khala kula sahita pataga.56(B).
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
800
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Beguiling your mind with flattering words, O fool, do not bring your race to utter
ruin. By courting enmity with r Rma you will not be spared even though you seek the
protection of Viu, Brahm or iva. Therefore, abandoning pride, like your younger
brother, either seek the lotus feet of the Lord as a bee or be consumed with your family
like a moth into the fire of r Rmas shafts, O wretch. (56 A-B)
0a r; a r f r;+
f r na rr rr ar rn frr+ {+
r - rt r rfz fa frt+
ff rr r r a frr+ +
fa r rrt r uf f r r+
fa r ar ft s r s ft+ -+
ar rrrf t ar r r t+
af r t r t- at+ +
r; f= r r ar rf rrr r+
f r f r r; r r rf nfa r;+ ~+
ff nfta t r rt r s r f rt+
f r rf rr f f r>r n rr+ +
Cau.: sunata sabhaya mana mukha musuk, kahata dasnana sabahi sun.
bhumi par kara gahata aks, laghu tpasa kara bga bils.1.
kaha suka ntha satya saba bn, samujhahu chRi prakti abhimn.
sunahu bacana mama parihari krodh, ntha rma sana tajahu birodh.2.
ati komala raghubra subh u, jadyapi akhila loka kara r u.
milata kp tumha para prabhu karih, ura apardha na ekau dharih.3.
janakasut raghunthahi dje, etan kah mora prabhu kje.
jaba tehi

kah dena baideh, carana prahra knha saha teh.4.
ni carana siru cal so tah

, kpsidhu raghunyaka jah

.
kari pranmu nija kath sun, rma kp

pani gati p.5.

rii agasti k

spa bhavn, rchasa bhayau rah muni gyn.

badi rma pada brahi

br, muni nija rama kahu pagu dhr.6.

Rvaa was dismayed at heart as he listened to the above message but wore a
feigned smile on his face and spoke aloud for all to hear: The younger hermits grand
eloquence is just like attempt of a man lying on the ground to clutch with hands the vault
of heaven. Said uka, My lord, giving up haughtiness take every word of it as true.
Abandon passion and give ear to my advice: my lord, avoid a clash with r Rma. The
Hero of Raghus line is exceedingly mild of disposition, even though He is the lord of the
entire universe. The Lord will shower His grace on you the moment you meet Him, and
will not take to heart even a single offence of yours. Pray, restore Janakas Daughter to
r Rma; at least concede this request of mine. When uka asked him to surrender
Videhas Daughter, the wretch kicked him. uka, however, bowed his head at Rvaas
feet and proceeded to the place where the all-merciful Lord of the Raghus was. Making
obeisance to the Lord he told Him all about himself and by Rmas grace recovered his
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
SUNDARA-K NA
*
801
original state. He was an enlightened sage; it was by Agastyas curse, Prvat, that he
had been transformed into a demon. Adoring r Rmas feet again and again the sage
returned to his hermitage. (16)
0f ra f z n atf f tfa
r r r a f r; tfa+ ~+
Do.: binaya na mnata jaladhi jaRa gae tni dina bti,
bole rma sakopa taba bhaya binu hoi na prti.57.
Although three days had elapsed, the crass ocean would not answer the Lords
prayer. r Rma thereupon indignantly said, There can be no friendship without
inspiring fear. (57)
0f r r r r rff ff r+
f f tat tat+ {+
ar a r rt fa rt ffa rt+
rff rff f r t r+ +
f rrfa r rr a f rr+
rs ff rr st sf s a rr+ -+
sn r n r a a ff r+
r f f n rr f = rs af rr+ +
Cau.: lachimana bna sarsana nu, soau bridhi bisikha ksn u.
saha sana binaya kuila sana prt, sahaja kpana sana sudara nt.1.
mamat rata sana gyna kahn, ati lobh sana birati bakhn.
krodhihi sama kmihi hari kath, usara bja bae phala jath.2.
asa kahi raghupati cpa caRhv, yaha mata lachimana ke mana bhv.
sadhneu prabhu bisikha karl, uh udadhi ura atara jvl.3.
makara uraga jhaa gana akulne, jarata jatu jalanidhi jaba jne.
kanaka thra bhari mani gana nn, bipra r upa yau taji mn.4.
Lakmaa, bring Me My bow and arrows; I will dry up the ocean with a missile
presided over by the god of fire. Supplication before an idiot, friendship with a rogue,
inculcating liberality on a born miser, talking wisdom to one steeped in worldliness,
glorifying dispassion before a man of excessive greed, a lecture on mindcontrol to an
irascible man and a discourse on the exploits of r Hari to a libidinous person are as
futile as sowing seeds in a barren land. So saying, the Lord of the Raghus strung His
bow and this stand (of the Lord) delighted Lakmaas heart. When the Lord fitted the
terrible arrow to His bow, a blazing fire broke out in the heart of the ocean; the alligators,
serpents and fishes felt distressed. When the god presiding over the ocean found the
creatures burning, he gave up his pride and, assuming the form of a Brhmaa, came
with a gold plate filled with all kinds of jewels. (14)
0rf ; t ; rf a rs t
f r n zrf ; t+ ~c+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
802
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Do.: kehi

pai kadar pharai koi jatana kou s

ca,
binaya na mna khagesa sunu ehi

pai nava nca.58.

Though one may take infinite pains in watering a plantain it will not bear fruit unless
it is hewed. Similarly, mark me, O king of birds, (continues Kkabhuui,) a vile fellow
heeds no prayer but yields only when reprimanded. (58)
0 f nf r n +
nn t t ;- ; r z t+ {+
a fa rr sr fy a nf nr+
r f ; r af rfa ;+ +
t- rf f t-t rr f art t-t+
r nr rt arzr frt+ -+
ar r r; saff rf zr;+
r >rfa nr; r fn r arf rr;+ +
Cau.: sabhaya sidhu gahi pada prabhukere, chamahu ntha saba avaguna mere.
gagana samra anala jala dharan, inha kai ntha sahaja jaRa karan.1.
tava prerita my

upaje, si hetu saba grathani ge.

prabhu yasu jehi kaha jasa aha, so tehi bh

ti rahe sukha laha.2.

prabhu bhala knha mohi sikha dnh, marajd puni tumhar knh.
hola gav

ra sudra pasu nr, sakala tRan ke adhikr.3.

prabhu pratpa mai

jba sukh, utarihi kaaku na mori baR.

prabhu agy apela ruti g, karau so begi jo tumhahi soh.4.
The god presiding over the ocean clasped the Lords feet in dismay. Forgive, my
lord, all my faults. Ether, air, fire, water and earth all these, my lord, are dull by nature. It
is My (Cosmic Nature) which brought them forth for the purpose of creation under an
impulse from You; so declare all the scriptures. One would attain happiness in life only by
remaining where he has been placed by the Lord. My Lord has done well in giving me a
lesson; but You have fixed certain limits for everyone. A drum, a rustic, a udra, a beast
and a womanall these deserve instructions. By the Lords glory I shall be dried up and the
army will cross over; but this will bring no credit to me. Your command, however is inviolable;
thus declare the Vedas, I shall do at once what pleases You. (14)
0a fta fa r r;
f ff sa f ara r sr;+ ~+
Do.: sunata binta bacana ati kaha kpla musuki,
jehi bidhi utarai kapi kaaku tta so kahahu upi.59.
On hearing his most submissive words the all-merciful smiled and said, Tell me,
dear father, some device whereby the monkey host may cross over. (59)
0r t f +rr; fr; ff rf r; +
fa- f fnf r aff f ar arr+ {+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
SUNDARA-K NA
*
803
f s f ar; fs r r;+
f ff r rf r; f r fa nr;+ +
f s-r a rt a r rr rt+
f r rn tr aaf t r tr+ -+
f r = rt f rff s rt+
fa f f rr f rrf frr+ +
Cau.: ntha nla nala kapi dvau bh, larik

rii sia p.
tinha ke parasa kie giri bhre, tarihahi

jaladhi pratpa tumhre.1.

mai

puni ura dhari prabhu prabhut, karihau bala anumna sah.

ehi bidhi ntha payodhi ba dhia, jehi

yaha sujasu loka tihu gia.2.

ehi

sara mama uttara taa bs, hatahu ntha khala nara agha rs.
suni kpla sgara mana pr, turatahi

har rma ranadhr.3.

dekhi rma bala paurua bhr, harai payonidhi bhayau sukhr.
sakala carita kahi prabhuhi sunv, carana badi pthodhi sidhv.4.
My lord, the two monkey brothers, Nla, and Nala, got a boon in their childhood
from a sage. Touched by them even huge mountains will float on the ocean by Your
glory. Cherishing my lords (Your) greatness I too shall help You to the best of my ability.
In this way, my lord, have the ocean bridged, so that this glorious achievement of Yours
may be sung in all three spheres of creation. With this arrow, my Lord, exterminate a
race of vile criminals inhabiting my northern coast. On hearing this, r Rma, who was
as tender-hearted as He was staunch in battle, immediately relieved the agony of
Oceans heart. The god presiding over the ocean was rejoiced and gratified to witness
r Rmas astounding might and valour. He related to the Lord all the doings (of those
villains); and bowing to His feet, Ocean took his leave. (14)
U0f ns f >rtrrfaf a r
fa f rfa r at nr+
fr rrfa n nr
af r r nrf f aa r+
Cha.: nija bhavana gavaneu sidhu rraghupatihi yaha mata bhyau,
yaha carita kali malahara jathmati dsa tulas gyau.
sukha bhavana sasaya samana davana bida raghupati guna gan,
taji sakala sa bharosa gvahi sunahi satata saha man.
The god presiding over the ocean left for his home; the idea (of bridging the ocean)
commended itself to the blessed Lord of the Raghus. This story (of r Rmas exploits in
this Ka), which wipes out the impurities of the Kali age, has been sung by Tulasdsa
according to his own (poor) lights. The excellences of r Rma (the Lord of the Raghus)
are an abode of delight, a panacea for all doubt and an unfailing remedy for sorrow. Therefore,
giving up all other hope and faith, ever sing and hear them, O foolish mind.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
804
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
0 n r rrr n nr
r f a af f fr r+ +
Do.: sakala sumagala dyaka raghunyaka guna gna,
sdara sunahi

te tarahi

bhava sidhu bin jalajna.60.

A recital of the virtues of r Rma (the Lord of the Raghus) bestows all blessings.
Those who reverently hear them cross the ocean of mundane existence without any
bark. (60)
[PAUSE 24 FOR A THIRTY-DAY RECITATION]
;fa >rtrfar ff rr re
iti rmadrmacaritamnase sakalakalikaluavidhvasane pacama sopna sampta.
Thus ends the fifth descent into the Mnasa lake of r Rmas exploits, that
eradicates all the impurities of the Kali age.
\\vv\\ \\vv\\ \\vv\\ \\vv\\ \\vv\\

r Rmacaritamnasa
(The Mnasa lake containing the exploits of r Rma)
Descent Six
(Lak-Ka)

r rrf r r-rf
rnt- -rrnr nrfffa fnr ffr
rrata r fa zr -
- -rra f tr=+ {+
loka
rma kmrisevya bhavabhayaharaa klamattebhasiha
yogndra jnagamya guanidhimajita nirgua nirvikram,
mytta surea khalavadhanirata brahmavndaikadeva
vande kandvadta sarasijanayana devamurvarupam.1.
I adore r Rma, the supreme Deity, the object of worship even of iva
(the Destroyer of Cupid), the Dispeller of the fear of rebirth, the lion to quell the mad
elephant in the form of Death, the Master of Yogs, attainable through immediate
knowledge, the storehouse of good qualities, unconquerable, attributeless, immutable,
beyond the realm of My, the Lord of celestials, intent on killing the evil-doers, the only
protector of the Brhmaas, beautiful as a cloud laden with moisture, who has lotus-like
eyes and appeared in the form of an earthly king. (1)
rg -rat-a rrrr
rrrr ny rrrr f
rrtr frrrr rrrr
tzv fnfrfa nrff - r + +
akhendvbhamatvasundaratanu rdulacarmmbara
klavylakarlabhuaadhara gagakapriyam,
ka kalikalmaaughaamana kalyakalpadruma
naumya girijpati guanidhi kandarpaha akaram.2.

806
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
I glorify akara, the Lord of K (the modern Vras), the Consort of Girij
(Himlayas Daughter), the storehouse of good qualities, the Destroyer of Cupid, worthy
of all praise, shining like a conchshell or the moon, most handsome of person, clad in
a tigers skin, decked with dreadful ornaments in the shape of deadly serpents, fond of
the Gag and the moon, the allayer of the sins of the Kali age and the celestial tree
yielding the fruit of Blessedness for the mere asking. (2)
r rfa ar rr rf
rr zur r r ara + -+
yo dadti sat ambhu kaivalyamapi durlabham,
khaln danakdyosau akara a tanotu me.3.
May Lord ambhu, the bestower of blessings, who confers on the virtuous even
final beatitude, which is so difficult to obtain, and who punishes the evil-doers, extend His
blessings to me. (3)
f r n z
f af r r r r rz+
Do.: lava nimea paramnu juga baraa kalapa sara caa,
bhajasi na mana tehi rma ko klu jsu kodaa.
O my soul, who do you not worship r Rma, who has the indivisible Time for
His bow and the various divisions of time such as a Paramu,* a twinkling, a moment,
a year, an age and a cycle for His fierce arrows?
f f r f rf s
f f r a sa +
r a ra rf
r r a a f rn af+
So.: sidhu bacana suni rma saciva boli prabhu asa kaheu,
aba bilabu kehi kma karahu setu utarai kaaku.
sunahu bhnukula ketu jmavata kara jori kaha,
ntha nma tava setu nara caRi bhava sgara tarahi

.
On hearing Oceans words r Rma called His counsellors and spoke to them
thus : Why delay now? Build the bridge, so that the army may cross over. Listen, O
Glory of the solar race. said Jmbavn with joined palms, Your name itself, my lord,
is a bridge by ascending which men cross over the ocean of mundane existence.
rr f aa fa rr f f rr+
ar zr rt rs rff rt+ {+
* The measure of time taken by a sunbeam in passing by an atom of matter.

*
LAK-K NA
*
807
a f rf = rr s rf s af rr+
f fa sfa a t f rrfa a t+ +
ra r rs r; tf r r;+
r ar ff rt a r rt + -+
rf f f f rt fat rt+
r s a r f + +
r f =r r f fnf- r+
f f r f r rrt ar r+ ~+
Cau.: yaha laghu jaladhi tarata kati br, asa suni puni kaha pavanakumr.
prabhu pratpa baRavnala bhr, soeu prathama payonidhi br.1.
tava ripu nri rudana jala dhr, bhareu bahori bhayau tehi

khr.
suni ati ukuti pavanasuta ker, harae kapi raghupati tana her.2.
jmavata bole dou bh, nala nlahi saba kath sun.
rma pratpa sumiri mana mh

, karahu setu praysa kachu nh

.3.
boli lie kapi nikara bahor, sakala sunahu binat kachu mor.
rma carana pakaja ura dharah u, kautuka eka bhlu kapi karah u.4.
dhvahu markaa bikaa bar uth, nahu biapa girinha ke j uth.
suni kapi bhlu cale kari huh, jaya raghubra pratpa sam uh.5.
It will take no time to cross this insignificant sea! Hearing this, the son of the
wind-god added : My lords glory is a great submarine fire that had long since sucked
up the water of the ocean. But it was filled again by the flood of tears shed by Your
enemies wives; that is how it came to be salt in taste. When the monkeys present there
heard this hyperbolic remark made by the son of the wind-god, they gazed on the person
of r Rma (the Lord of the Raghus) and smiled. Jmbavn called the two brothers,
Nala and Nla, and related to them the whole story. Calling to mind the glory of r Rma
start building the bridge and you will experience no difficulty. He then called the monkey
troops and said, Hear, all of you, a small request of mine. Enshrine in your heart the
lotus-feet of r Rma and engage yourself in a sport, bears and monkeys all. Go forth,
you formidable monkey troops and bring heaps of trees and mountains. On hearing this
command the monkeys and bear set forth hurrahing and exclaiming, Glory to the
almighty Hero of Raghus race! (15)
fa san fnf r tf f sr;
rf f tf f a a r;+ {+
Do.: ati utaga giri pdapa llahi

lehi

uhi,
ni dehi

nala nlahi racahi

te setu bani.1.
They would lift up gigantic trees and mountains in mere sport and bring them to
Nala and Nla, who in their turn carefully set to build the bridge. (1)
fr rf f t ; t a t+
f a fa r ff rff r r+ {+

808
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
r s-r t fr fa r; f t+
fs ;r rr r z r+ +
f t a r f rf r+
fn rf ffa f r f r f rf r+ -+
f rt na rr r rf rr+
f nfa rt r rt fa rt+ +
Cau.: saila bisla ni kapi deh

, kaduka iva nala nla te leh

.
dekhi setu ati sudara racan, bihasi kpnidhi bole bacan.1.
parama ramya uttama yaha dharan, mahim amita ji nahi

baran.
karihau ih

sabhu thpan, more hdaya parama kalapan.2.

suni kapsa bahu duta pahe, munibara sakala boli lai e.
liga thpi bidhivata kari puj, siva samna priya mohi na duj.3.
siva droh mama bhagata kahv, so nara sapanehu mohi na pv.
sakara bimukha bhagati caha mor, so nrak muRha mati thor.4.
The monkeys brought huge mountains, which were received like playballs by Nala
and Nla. When the All-merciful saw the exceedingly beautiful construction of the bridge,
He smiled and observed thus: This is a most delightful and excellent spot; its glory is
immeasurable and cannot be described in words. I will install (an emblem of) Lord
ambhu here: it is the crowning ambition of My heart. Hearing this the lord of the
monkeys despatched a number of messengers, who invited and fetched all the great
sages. Having installed an emblem of Lord iva and worshipped It with due solemnity,
He said, No one else is so dear to Me as iva. An enemy of iva although he calls
himself a devotee of Mine, cannot attain to Me even in a dream. He who is opposed to
akara and yet aspires for devotion to Me is doomed to perdition, stupid and dull-witted
as he is. (14)
f rt f rt r
a f f rrr r+ +
Do.: sakarapriya mama droh siva droh mama dsa,
te nara karahi

kalapa bhari ghora naraka mahu bsa.2.

Men, who, though devoted to akara, are hostile to Me and even so those who
are enemies of iva but votaries of Mine shall have their abode in the most frightful hell
till the end of creation. (2)
rt ff a a af r fff+
r nnr rf r;f r r f+ r;f+ {+
r; r r af ;f nfa rf af ;f+
a a r ft r f >r rn aft+ +
r f r f f f r>r r+
fnfr rrfa tat aa f a tat+ -+

*
LAK-K NA
*
809
rr a t rn r r s srn+
zf rf rf ; s rfa a;+ +
fr f ; t r n f- ; t+ ~+
Cau.: je rmesvara darasanu karihahi

, te tanu taji mama loka sidharihahi

.
jo gagjalu ni caRhihi, so sjujya mukti nara pihi.1.
hoi akma jo chala taji seihi, bhagati mori tehi sakara deihi.
mama kta setu jo darasanu karih, so binu rama bhavasgara tarih.2.
rma bacana saba ke jiya bhe, munibara nija nija rama e.
girij raghupati kai yaha rt, satata karahi

pranata para prt.3.

b

dh setu nla nala ngara, rma kp

jasu bhayau ujgara.

buRahi

nahi borahi

je, bhae upala bohita sama te.4.

mahim yaha na jaladhi kai baran, phana guna na kapinha kai karan.5.
They who will behold Lord Rmevara will, on quitting the body, go direct to My
sphere in heaven. And a man who takes the water of the Gag and pours it on the Lord
will attain liberation in the form of absorption into My being. Again, whosoever adores the
Lord in a disinterested spirit and without guile will be blessed by akara with devotion
to Me. And he who sees the bridge erected by me will be able to cross the ocean of
worldly existence without any exertion. r Rmas words gladdened the heart of all and
the great sages returned each to his own hermitage. Girij, (says akara,) such is the
way of the Lord of the Raghus: He ever loves those who take refuge in Him. The clever
Nala and Nla constructed the bridge and by Rmas grace their renown spread far and
wide. Those very rocks that not only sink themselves but cause even other things to
sink alongwith them floated like so many rafts. This is, however, not ascribed to any
miraculous power of the ocean, nor to a virtue of the rocks themselves, nor again to any
skill of the monkeys. (15)
>rt rrt ar a f a rr
a fa r af f r; r+ -+
Do.: r raghubra pratpa te sidhu tare pna,
te matimada je rma taji bhajahi

ji prabhu na.3.
It was by the might of r Rma (the Hero of Raghus line) that rocks floated on the
ocean. They are dull-witted indeed, who go to worship a lord other than r Rma. (3)
rf a fa rr f rff rr+
t f r; nf r;+ {+
a fn f rrr; fa r f ar;+
=r r n r+ +
rr r rr a r a frr+
;s fa-f rt - z af zrt+ -+
f frf f r fa r+
fa- t r f rt n f = frt+ +
r r r; r f f fr;+ ~+

810
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Cau.: b

dhi setu ati sudRha banv, dekhi kpnidhi ke mana bhv.

cal sena kachu barani na j, garjahi

markaa bhaa samud.1.

setubadha higa caRhi raghur, citava kpla sidhu bahut.
dekhana kahu prabhu karun kad, pragaa bhae saba jalacara bd.2.
makara nakra nn jhaa byl, sata jojana tana parama bisl.
aiseu eka tinhahi je khh

, ekanha ke ara tepi erh

.3.
prabhuhi bilokahi

arahi

na re, mana haraita saba bhae sukhre.

tinha k oa na dekhia br, magana bhae hari r upa nihr.4.
cal kaaku prabhu yasu p, ko kahi saka kapi dala bipul.5.
Having completed the bridge they made it exceptionally secure; the All-merciful was
glad at heart to see it. As the army marched it was a sight beyond all telling, the troops
of monkey warriors roaring as they went. Ascending an eminence near the bridge the
gracious Lord of the Raghus surveyed the vast expanse of the ocean. All the creatures
inhabiting the ocean appeared on the surface in order to have a look at the Lord, who
was the very fountain-head of mercy. There were many kinds of alligators, crocodiles,
fishes and serpents with bodies eight hundred miles in length and colossal in size. There
were others who could devour even these. They in their turn were afraid of some other
creatures. All gazed upon the Lord and would not stir even when diverted. They were
all glad of heart and felt very happy. Covered by them the water could not be seen; they
were filled with ecstasy at the sight of r Haris beauty. The army advanced on receiving
the Lords command : who can describe the vastness of the monkey host? (15)
a ; t fa f szrf
f- f f rf rf+ +
Do.: setubadha bhai bhra ati kapi nabha patha uRhi

,
apara jalacaranhi upara caRhi caRhi prahi jhi

.4.
The bridge being overcrowded, some of the monkeys flew through the air; while
others crossed over treading on the backs of sea monsters. (4)
a frf r; ff r rrr;+
fa sa rrtr f r; f tr+ {+
f r zr t-r f- r t-r+
r r; r a r f a r+ +
a= r fa rnt fa = fa r nfa -rnt+
rf f rf r - f rf+ -+
fa fr rf rrf r rf+
f- rf rfr rr f f a rr+ +
f- rr r frar fa- rf t rar+
a >r rff rr rf sr rr+ ~+
Cau.: asa kautuka biloki dvau bh, biha si cale kpla raghur.
sena sahita utare raghubr, kahi na ji kapi j uthapa bhr.1.
sidhu pra prabhu er knh, sakala kapinha kahu yasu dnh.
khhu ji phala mula suhe, sunata bhlu kapi jaha taha dhe.2.

*
LAK-K NA
*
811
saba taru phare rma hita lg, ritu aru kuritu kla gati tyg.
khhi

madhura phala biapa halvahi

, lak sanmukha sikhara calvahi

.3.
jaha kahu phirata niscara pvahi

, gheri sakala bahu nca nacvahi

.
dasananhi ki nsik kn, kahi prabhu sujasu dehi

taba jn.4.
jinha kara ns kna nipt, tinha rvanahi kah saba bt.
sunata ravana bridhi badhn, dasa mukha boli uh akuln.5.
The gracious Lord of the Raghus and His brother laughed at the sight of this
amusing spectacle and marched. The Hero of Raghus line reached the other shore
alongwith the host: the throng of monkey chiefs was beyond all description. The Lord
encamped Himself across the ocean and commanded all the monkeys to go and regale
themselves on the delightful fruit and roots. As soon as they heard this the bears and
monkeys ran off in all directions. All the trees bore fruit in the interest of r Rma in
season or out of season without any regard to the laws of time. The bears and monkeys
would eat the luscious fruit, shake the trees and hurl hill-tops towards Lak. If they ever
found a straggling demon anywhere, they all hemmed him in and teased him not a little;
nay, they would bite off his nose and ears and let him go only after reciting to him the
Lords fair renown. Those who had thus lost their nose and ears went and related
everything to Rvaa. The moment he heard that the sea had been bridged the ten-
headed monster exclaimed in consternation with all his tongues at once (using different
phraseology with each): (15)
rr ff tff f f rt
- arff fa sf rf t+ ~+
Do.: b

dhyo bananidhi nranidhi jaladhi sidhu brsa,

satya toyanidhi kapati udadhi payodhi nadsa.5.
What ! has he really bridged the waves, the billows, the sea, the ocean, the main,
the deep, the brine, the tide, the hyaline, the lord of rivers? (5)
f far frf rt ff ns n f rt+
rt -r rr at rrf rr+ {+
nf faf f rt rt r rt+
r; f= rr f ff rr+ +
r = t art r f f tfa rt r+
arf rrfaf a r ura ff r+ -+
fa f r rt ffaa rrr+
f f rf rr r; as f rr+ +
ar fr tf rr r f r rr+ ~+
Cau.: nija bikalat bicri bahor, biha si gayau gha kari bhaya bhor.
madodar

sunyo prabhu yo, kautukah

pthodhi ba dhyo.1.
kara gahi patihi bhavana nija n, bol parama manohara bn.
carana ni siru acalu rop, sunahu bacana piya parihari kop.2.

812
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
ntha bayaru kje th so , budhi bala sakia jti jh so .
tumhahi raghupatihi atara kais, khalu khadyota dinakarahi jais.3.
atibala madhu kaiabha jehi

mre, mahbra ditisuta saghre.

jehi

bali b

dhi sahasabhuja mr, soi avatareu harana mahi bhr.4.

tsu birodha na kjia nth, kla karama jiva jke hth.5.
Then, realizing his own nervousness, he laughed and left for his palace forgetting
his fear. When Mandodar (Rvaas consort) heard that the Lord had arrived and
bridged the ocean in mere sport, she took her spouse by the hand, led him to her own
palace and spoke to him in most sweet accents. Bowing her head at his feet, she spread
the end of her garment as a token of supplication and said, Listen to my words without
getting angry, my beloved: one should enter into hostilities with him alone whom one may
be able to conquer by wit or physical force. The disparity between you and the Lord of
the Raghus, however, is certainly analogous to that obtaining between a fire-fly and the
sun. He who disposed of the most powerful Madhu and Kaiabha and finished the most
valiant sons of Diti (Hirayakaipu and Hirayka), nay, who bound Bali and despatched
King Sahasrabhu (so-called because he was possessed of a thousand arms)it is He
who has descended on earth in order to relieve it of its burden. My lord, you should not
oppose Him who is the Master of Time, fate and the soul. (15)
rf f rt r; r
a r f r; f rrr+ +
Do.: rmahi sau pi jnak ni kamala pada mtha,
suta kahu rja samarpi bana ji bhajia raghuntha.6.
Bowing your head at r Rmas lotus feet restore Janakas Daughter to Him;
then, handing over the kingdom to your son and, retiring to the forest, worship the Lord
of the Raghus. (6)
r tr rrr; rrrs n r;+
rf r f ta ar r ta+ {+
a f f tfa r r;f r+
ar tf a ar r ar r ar+ +
r; rrt a rnt r ar -rnt+
f a f f rnt r af rf frnt+ -+
r; rrt rrrr rs arf rr+
f r r fr r; fa fa r+ +
Cau.: ntha dnadayla raghur, bghau sanamukha gae na kh.
chia karana so saba kari bte, tumha sura asura carcara jte.1.
sata kahahi

asi nti dasnana, cauthe pana jihi npa knana.

tsu bhajanu kjia taha bhart, jo kart plaka sahart.2.
soi raghubra pranata anurg, bhajahu ntha mamat saba tyg.
munibara jatanu karahi

jehi lg, bh upa rju taji hohi

birg.3.
soi kosaldhsa raghury, yau karana tohi para dy.
jau piya mnahu mora sikhvana, sujasu hoi tihu pura ati pvana.4.

*
LAK-K NA
*
813
r Rma (the Lord of the Raghus), my lord, is compassionate to the humble (He
will surely forgive you). Even a tiger (the most ferocious of all beasts) will not devour a
man if he goes submissively before him. You have already accomplished all that you had
to do: you have conquered not only gods and demons but the whole animate and
inanimate creation. Holy men, my lord, have declared this maxim that a monarch should
retire to the forest in the fourth stage of his life. There, my spouse, you should adore Him
who is the creator, preserver and destroyer (of the universe). Renouncing all worldly ties,
my lord, worship the selfsame Hero of Raghus line, who is fond of the suppliant. The
same Lord of the Raghus, the King of Kosala, whom the greatest of sages strive hard
to realize and for whom monarchs relinquish their throne and shed every attachment
it is He who has arrived here to shower His grace on you. If, my beloved, you accept
my advice, your fair and exceedingly holy renown shall spread through all the three
spheres. (14)
f t f nf fa nra
r rrrf r; fra+ +
Do.: asa kahi nayana nra bhari gahi pada kapita gta,
ntha bhajahu raghunthahi acala hoi ahivta.7.
So saying she clasped him by the feet; and with eyes full of tears and trembling
in every limb she added, My lord, worship r Rma (the Lord of the Raghus) so that
my union with you may last till eternity. (7)
a r ar sr; rn f ar;+
a fr r rr n rr r rf rr+ {+
= rr fas fnrr+
r a sr ar+ +
rr ff af f rr; r rf r r;+
rt z rr r t sr frr+ -+
r r; fr- af rr ff f rr+
f f ff rr r r rr+ +
f frr f r r rr+ ~+
Cau.: taba rvana mayasut uh, kahai lga khala nija prabhut.
sunu tai

priy bth bhaya mn, jaga jodh ko mohi samn.1.

baruna kubera pavana jama kl, bhuja bala jiteu sakala digapl.
deva danuja nara saba basa more , kavana hetu upaj bhaya tore .2.
nn bidhi tehi kahesi bujh, sabh

bahori baiha so j.
madodar

hdaya asa jn, kla basya upaj abhimn.3.

sabh

i matrinha tehi

bujh, karaba kavana bidhi ripu sai

j ujh.
kahahi

saciva sunu nisicara nh, bra bra prabhu puchahu kh.4.

kahahu kavana bhaya karia bicr, nara kapi bhlu ahra hamr.5.
Thereupon Rvaa lifted Mayas daughter (Mandodar) and the wretch began
to harp on his own glory. Listen, darling; you are haunted by idle fears. What warrior

814
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
in this world is my equal? I have conquered by the might of my arm not only Varua
(the god presiding over the waters), Kubera (the god of riches), the wind-god, Yama
(the god of punishment), and all the other regents of the quarters but Death himself.
Gods, demons and human beings are all under my control; what is the cause of your
fear, then? He thus reassured her in many ways and once more went and sat in his
council-chamber. Mandodar was now convinced at heart that it was her husbands
impending death which had turned his head. Returning to his council-hall he asked
his ministers: How shall we proceed to fight the enemy? Listen, O lord of the
demons, replied the ministers, why do you ask this question again and again? What
is there to be afraid of, which should engage our thought? Human beings, monkeys
and bears are our food. (15)
>r f ta rf
tfa fr f fr- fa fa rf+ c+
Do.: saba ke bacana ravana suni kaha prahasta kara jori,
nti birodha na karia prabhu matrinha mati ati thori.8.
Hearing the words of all, Prahasta (Rvaas son) said with joined palms,
Transgress not the bounds of propriety, my lord; your counsellors possess very little
wit. (8)
f f rrat r r f rat+
rff rfrr f rr ar fa nrr+ {+
r t arf a r ra n= f r+
a t rn rr f a f rr+ +
f rt rs r sas a r+
r r r; f nr r;+ -+
ara fa r f n rf f r+
f rt f t fr n t+ +
fa a r f f a r+
t s tat tar ; f tat+ ~+
Cau.: kahahi

saciva saha hakurasoht, ntha na p ura va ehi bh

t.
bridhi nghi eka kapi v, tsu carita mana mahu sabu gv.1.
chudh na rah tumhahi taba kh u, jrata nagaru kasa na dhari khh u.
sunata nka ge dukha pv, sacivana asa mata prabhuhi sunv.2.
jehi

brsa ba dhyau hel, utareu sena sameta subel.

so bhanu manuja khba hama bh, bacana kahahi

saba gla phul.3.

tta bacana mama sunu ati dara, jani mana gunahu mohi kari kdara.
priya bn je sunahi

je kahah

, aise nara nikya jaga ahah

.4.
bacana parama hita sunata kahore, sunahi

je kahahi

te nara prabhu thore.

prathama basha pahau sunu nt, st dei karahu puni prt.5.
All your stupid ministers tell you only that which is pleasing to their master; but
that way you cannot succeed; my lord. A stray monkey sprang across the ocean and

*
LAK-K NA
*
815
came this side and all the people still extol his doings in their heart of hearts. What ! Did
none of you have any appetite then? Why did you not seize and devour him while he was
burning your city? Your ministers have given you, my lord, an advice which, though
pleasant to hear, will hand you in trouble afterwards. He who has had the sea bridged
in mere sport and has crossed over to the Suvela hill with all his army, tell me, is He
an ordinary mortal whom you say you will devour? All these people are simply bragging.
Dear father, listen to my words with great attention and do not account me a coward.
There are multitudes of men in this world who are given to hearing and uttering pleasant
words. Those men, however, who hear and utter words which are most salutary yet
jarring to the ear are few and far between, my lord. Listen to my sound advice : first send
an envoy to r Rma; and afterwards, when you have restored Janakas Daughter,
make friends with Him. (15)
rf r; ff rf a r; rf
rf a - f ara f f rf+ +
Do.: nri pi phiri jhi

jau tau na baRhia rri,

nhi

ta sanmukha samara mahi tta karia hahi mri.9.

If He withdraws on receiving back His Consort, you should have no more
quarrel with Him. Otherwise meet Him face to face on the battle-field, and give him a
tough fight. (9)
a r rr s r n arr+
a fr; f fa f arf fr;+ {+
t a s r; a rrr;+
f fa fnr = fa rrrr r f rr+ +
fa a arf rna r f +
r rf tr s fa tr+ -+
r f s rnrr fa ffr a r; rr+
r; af f r rn f n n nr+ +
rf ar rs tr - f r tr+ ~+
Cau.: yaha mata jau mnahu prabhu mor, ubhaya prakra sujasu jaga tor.
suta sana kaha dasakaha ris, asi mati saha kehi

tohi sikh.1.
abah

te ura sasaya ho, benum ula suta bhayahu ghamo.

suni pitu gir parua ati ghor, cal bhavana kahi bacana kahor.2.
hita mata tohi na lgata kaise , kla bibasa kahu bheaja jaise .
sadhy samaya jni dasass, bhavana caleu nirakhata bhuja bs.3.
lak sikhara upara gr, ati bicitra taha hoi akhr.
baiha ji tehi

madira rvana, lge kinara guna gana gvana.4.

bjahi

tla pakhuja bn, ntya karahi

apachar prabn.5.
If, my lord, you accept this advice of mine, your fair renown will spread throughout
the world in either case. The ten-headed monster asked his son (Prahasta) in a fury,
Fool, who has taught you such wisdom? If you entertain doubt in your mind from even

816
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
now, my son, you have proved yourself to be a prickly plant at the root of a bamboo
(which brings about the destruction of the bamboo). On hearing the harsh and most
malignant remarks of his father Prahasta left for home uttering these bitter words: Words
of good counsel fall flat on you even as a medicine proves ineffectual for a man who is
doomed to die. Finding that it was evening now the ten-headed monster turned towards
his palace fondly gazing on his twenty arms. On the highest level of Lak stood a most
wonderful hall, where music and dancing contests used to be held. Rvaa went and
took his seat in that hall, while Kinnaras (celestial songsters) began to sing his praises.
Expert celestial nymphs commenced their dance to the accompaniment of cymbals,
tabors and lutes. (15)
rt a f r aa ; fr
f t auf r rr+ {+
Do.: sunsra sata sarisa so satata karai bilsa,
parama prabala ripu ssa para tadyapi soca na trsa.10.
He constantly revelled in luxuries which could be enjoyed only by a hundred
Indras. He had a most powerful foe threatening at his door; yet he had no anxiety or
fear. (10)
;r rrtr sa fa fa tr+
f san fa t r ft+ {+
a a= f r f f f r zr+
ar =f nrr af r rt rr+ +
a t t snr r f ff r fnr+
ra rr r fn rr+ -+
zrnt n rr ra ff rr+
r f tr f fn r r+ +
Cau.: ih

subela saila raghubr, utare sena sahita ati bhr.

sikhara eka utaga ati dekh, parama ramya sama subhra bise.1.
taha taru kisalaya sumana suhe, lachimana raci nija htha ase.
t para rucira mdula mgachl, tehi

sana sna kpl.2.

prabhu kta ssa kapsa uchag, bma dahina disi cpa niag.
duhu kara kamala sudhrata bn, kaha lakesa matra lagi kn.3.
baRabhg agada hanumn, carana kamala cpata bidhi nn.
prabhu pche lachimana brsana, kai niaga kara bna sarsana.4.
At this end the Hero of Raghus line encamped with his vast army on Mount
Suvela. Observing a very lofty, supremely lovely, even and remarkably shining peak,
Lakmaa carefully spread on it whith his own hands beautiful young leaves and
blossoms of trees, which he covered with a charming and soft deerskin; it was on this
seat that the gracious Lord rested Himself. The Lord placed His head in the lap of
Sugrva (the lord of the monkeys) with the bow and quiver to His left and right. He was
passing both His lotus hands on an arrow, while the would-be king of Lak (Vibhaa)
whispered some secret in His ears. The blessed Agada and Hanumn kneaded His

*
LAK-K NA
*
817
lotus-feet in diverse ways; while behind the Lord sat Lakmaa in the pose of a warrior,
with the quiver fastened at his waist and the bow and arrow ready in his hands. (14)
f ff r = n r r rt
- a f r a r t+ {{ (+
fr frf r sfa
a f ff nfa f + {{ (+
Do.: ehi bidhi kp rupa guna dhma rmu sna,
dhanya te nara ehi

dhyna je rahata sad layalna.11(A).

puraba dis biloki prabhu dekh udita mayaka,
kahata sabahi dekhahu sasihi mgapati sarisa asaka.11(B).
Thus rested r Rma, the embodiment of benignity, beauty and goodness.
Blessed are those men who remain ever immersed in the thought of the Lord as depicted
here. Looking towards the east the Lord saw the moon risen above the horizon and said
to them all, Just look at the moon and see how undaunted like the king of beasts he
appears. (11 A-B)
ff fnfnr frt ar a rt+
-r rn a frt f t nn rt+ {+
f ar arr ff t fnrr+
f ar; r f f fa r;+ +
nt rrr; f n f rr;+
rs r ff r; s t trar r;+ -+
rs ff fa t-r r rn f f t-r+
f r n ; s rt a f n f frt + +
n f r fa f f s t- r+
f a f rt ra fa rt+ ~+
Cau.: puraba disi giriguh nivs, parama pratpa teja bala rs.
matta nga tama kubha bidr, sasi kesar gagana bana cr.1.
bithure nabha mukuthala tr, nisi sudar kera sigr.
kaha prabhu sasi mahu mecakat, kahahu kha nija nija mati bh.2.
kaha sugrva sunahu raghur, sasi mahu pragaa bh umi kai jh

.
mreu rhu sasihi kaha ko, ura maha par symat so.3.
kou kaha jaba bidhi rati mukha knh, sra bhga sasi kara hari lnh.
chidra so pragaa idu ura mh

, tehi maga dekhia nabha parichh

.4.
prabhu kaha garala badhu sasi ker, ati priya nija ura dnha baser.
bia sajuta kara nikara pasr, jrata birahavata nara nr.5.
Dwelling in the eastern quarter, which may be compared to a mountain-cave, this
lion of a moon, an embodiment of supreme grandeur, glory and strength, struts through
the forest of the sky having rent asunder the crown of a mad elephant in the form of the

818
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
darkness. The stars appear like so many pearls strewn all over the sky, which serve to
adorn the lovely dame of night. Now tell me, brethren, continued the Lord, What you
think, each of you, of the dark spot in the moon. Said Sugrva, Listen, O Lord of the
Raghus: it is only the shadow of the earth that is seen in the moon. The demon Rhu
struck the moon, said another; and the spot is nothing but a scar left on the latters
bosom. A third suggested: When Brahm (the Creator) fashioned the face of Rati
(consort of the god of love), he took out the essence of the moon (thus leaving a hole
in the orb thereof). The hole is still visible in the heart of the moon and through it can be
seen the shade of the blue. The Lord said, Poison is the moons most beloved brother;
that is why he has lodged it in his heart and, diffusing his envenomed rays, torments
parted lovers. (15)
a f arr f r
a fa f s fa r; trar r+ { (+
Do.: kaha hanumata sunahu prabhu sasi tumhra priya dsa,
tava murati bidhu ura basati soi symat abhsa.12(A).
Said Hanumn, Listen, my lord: the moon is Your own beloved servant and it is
Your image enshrined in his heart that appears as a dark patch. (12 A)
[PAUSE 7 FOR A NINE-DAY RECITATION]
a f f r r
f- ff r f r rfr+ { (+
Do.: pavana tanaya ke bacana suni biha se rmu sujna,
dacchina disi avaloki prabhu bole kpnidhna.12(B).
The all-wise r Rma smiled to hear the words of Hanumn (the son of the
wind-god). Then, looking towards the south, the All-merciful Lord spoke thus:(12 B)
ft f- rr rr rrz rft frr+
n; rr rrrr r; fy f s rr+ {+
a ft rr r; afza rf rr+
r f s rnrr a rr+ +
r rrz f rt r; rrr fa rt+
rt >r arr r; rft r+ -+
rf ar n r r; r+
r fr frr r r; r rr+ +
Cau.: dekhu bibhana dacchina s, ghana ghamaa dmin bils.
madhura madhura garajai ghana ghor, hoi bi jani upala kahor.1.
kahata bibhana sunahu kpl, hoi na taRita na brida ml.
lak sikhara upara gr, taha dasakadhara dekha akhr.2.
chatra meghaabara sira dhr, soi janu jalada gha ati kr.
madodar ravana tak, soi prabhu janu dmin damak.3.

*
LAK-K NA
*
819
bjahi

tla mdaga an up, soi rava madhura sunahu surabhup.

prabhu musukna samujhi abhimn, cpa caRhi bna sadhn.4.
Vibhaa, see how clouds are gathering fast and the lightning flashes in the
southern quarter. A lowering cloud is gently rumbling and I fear lest a severe hail-storm
may ensue. Vibhaa replied, Listen, my gracious lord: there is neither lightning nor a
gathered mass of cloud. On the top of Lak there stands a hall where Rvaa is
witnessing a music and dancing contest. It is the large royal umbrella spread over his
head which presents the appearance of a thick dark mass of cloud; the ornaments in
Queen Mandodars ears, my lord, flash like lightning; while the incomparable music of
cymbals and tabors is the sweet rumbling that You hear, O King of celestials. The Lord
smiled to perceive Rvaas arrogance; He strung His bow and fitted an arrow to the
string. (14)
r ar a a t r
a f r r+ {- (+
a f r fs r; fn
r r f r n+ {- (+
Do.: chatra mukua taka taba hate ekah

bna,
saba ke dekhata mahi pare maramu na kou jna.13(A).
asa kautuka kari rma sara prabiseu i niaga,
rvana sabh sasaka saba dekhi mah rasabhaga.13(B).
With a single shaft the Lord then struck Rvaas umbrella and crowns as well as
Mandodars ear-drops, which fell to the ground before the very eyes of all; but none
could know the mystery. Having performed this startling feat r Rmas shaft came
back and dropped into His quiver again. And everybody in Rvaas assembly was
alarmed to see this great interruption in his revelry. (13 A-B)
f =a fr tr tr r+
rf f z rrt n s rt+ {+
f r r; ff nfa r;+
fs fn aa rt n art+ +
f f n r; n f r;+
rt r s a >r f + -+
n rt rfa fat rt+
a r fr f rf f + +
Cau.: kapa na bhumi na maruta bise, astra sastra kachu nayana na dekh.
socahi

saba nija hdaya majhr, asaguna bhayau bhayakara bhr.1.

dasamukha dekhi sabh bhaya p, bihasi bacana kaha juguti ban.
sirau gire satata subha jh, mukua pare kasa asaguna th.2.
sayana karahu nija nija gha j, gavane bhavana sakala sira n.
madodar soca ura base u, jaba te ravanap ura mahi khase u.3.

820
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
sajala nayana kaha juga kara jor, sunahu prnapati binat mor,
kata rma birodha pariharah u, jni manuja jani haha mana dharahu.4.
There was no earthquake nor any strong gust of wind. Nor did they see any
weapon or missile. All however, pondered within themselves that it was a most alarming
ill-omen. When the ten-headed monster saw that the assembly had taken fright, he
laughed and made the following ingenious remarks: How can the mere dropping down
of crowns be an ill-omen to him in whose case even the falling of heads proved a lasting
boon? Therefore, return each to your own home and retire. Accordingly all bowed their
head and returned home. But anxiety lodged in Mandodars hearts ever since her ear-
rings dropped to the ground. With eyes full of tears and joining both her palms she said,
O lord of my life, listen to my prayer. My beloved, cease hostility with r Rma and
have no more of obstinacy in your heart taking Him to be a mere mortal. (14)
ft= rr f ftr
r rr n n fa r+ {+
Do.: bisvarupa raghubasa mani karahu bacana bisvsu,
loka kalpan beda kara aga aga prati jsu.14.
Believe my word that r Rma (the Jewel of Raghus race) Himself is manifested
in the form of this universe and that the Vedas conceive of every limb of His as a distinct
sphere. (14)
rar t rr r n n f>rrr+
f fr rr fr rr rr+ {+
r rrr fttrr ff = f f rr+
>r fr rt r=a tr fn f rt+ +
r rr rr r r fnrr+
r fa tr safa r tr+ -+
r rf y r rr ft far rr+
s sf nr rar n r r+ +
Cau.: pada ptla ssa aja dhm, apara loka a ga a ga birm.
bhkui bilsa bhayakara kl, nayana divkara kaca ghana ml.1.
jsu ghrna asvinkumr, nisi aru divasa nimea apr.
ravana dis dasa beda bakhn, mruta svsa nigama nija bn.2.
adhara lobha jama dasana karl, my hsa bhu digapl.
nana anala abupati jh, utapati plana pralaya samh.3.
roma rji adasa bhr, asthi saila sarit nasa jr.
udara udadhi adhago jtan, jagamaya prabhu k bahu kalapan.4.
The subterranean regions (Ptla) are His feet and the abode of Brahm His
head; while the other (intermediate) spheres are located in His other limbs. Terrible Death
is the mere contraction of His eyebrows, the sun is His eye and the mass of clouds His
locks. The twin-born gods Avinkumras (the celestial physicians) are His nostrils and
the alternating days and nights constitute the repeated twinkling of His eyelids; while the

*
LAK-K NA
*
821
ten quarters of the heavens are His ears: so declare the Vedas. The winds are His
breath and the Vedas, His own speech; greed is His lower lip and Yama (the god who
sits in judgment on the dead), His dreadful teeth; My (cosmic illusion) is His laughter
and the regents* of the ten quarters, His arms; fire is His mouth and Varua (the god
presiding over the waters), His tongue; while the creation, preservation and destruction
of the universe are His gestures. The eighteen principal species of the vegetable
kingdom constitute the line of hair on His belly, the mountains are His bones and the
rivers represent the network of His veins. The ocean is His belly and the inferno, His
organs of urination and excretion. In short, the universe is a manifestation of the Lord and
it is no use going into further details. (14)
r f fq f f-r r
r r = r nr+ {~ (+
frf rfa = fr;
tfa rrt fra r;+ {~ (+
Do.: ahakra siva buddhi aja mana sasi citta mahna,
manuja bsa sacarcara rupa rma bhagavna.15(A).
asa bicri sunu prnapati prabhu sana bayaru bihi,
prti karahu raghubra pada mama ahivta na ji.15(B).
Lord iva is His ego, Brahm His reason, the moon His mind and the great
Viu is His faculty of understanding. It is the same Lord r Rma, manifested in the
form of this animate and inanimate creation, who has assumed a human semblance.
Pondering thus, hear me, O lord of my life: cease hostility with the Lord and cultivate
devotion to the feet of r Rma (the Hero of Raghus line) so that my good-luck may
not desert me. (15 A-B)
fr rf f rr r r fr rr+
rf rs - t n r r s t+ {+
r a ar rr f rr+
f = a nrr fa fr rf rr+ +
* The ten quarters alongwith their regents are named below:
Name of the quarter Regent
East Indra (the lord of paradise)
South-East Agni (the god of fire)
South Yama (the god who recompenses our deeds after death)
South-West Nirti (the lord of the Rkasas of a benevolent type)
West Varua (the god presiding over the waters)
North-West Vyu (the wind-god)
North Kubera (the god of riches)
North-East na (Lord iva)
The Upper Region Brahm (the Creator)
The Lower Region Ananta (the serpent-god)
Good-luck in the eyes of a Hindu lady consists in the longevity of her husband and widowhood is
considered as the greatest curse.

822
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
r fr r fr r r ar+
rfs fr arf ar; f ff rf ar;+ -+
a at n nrf ra a rf+
rf ff r fa + +
Cau.: biha s nri bacana suni kn, aho moha mahim balavn.
nri subhu satya saba kahah

, avaguna ha sad ura rahah

.1.
shasa anta capalat my, bhaya abibeka asauca ady.
ripu kara rupa sakala tai

gv, ati bisla bhaya mohi sunv.2.

so saba priy sahaja basa more , samujhi par prasda aba tore .
jniu priy tori catur, ehi bidhi kahahu mori prabhut.3.
tava batakah guRha mgalocani, samujhata sukhada sunata bhaya mocani.
madodari mana mahu asa haya u, piyahi kla basa matibhrama bhayau.4.
Rvaa laughed when he heard the words of his wife. Oh, how mighty is the
power of infatuation! They rightly observe in regard to the character of a woman that the
following eight evils ever abide in her heart: recklessness, mendacity, fickleness, deceit,
timidity, indiscretion, impurity and callousness. You have described the enemys cosmic
form and thus told me a most alarming story. But all that (whatever is comprised in that
cosmic form), my beloved, is naturally under my control; it is by your grace that this has
become clear to me now. I have come to know your ingenuity, my dear; for in this way
you have told my greatness. Your words, O fawn-eyed lady, are profound: they afford
delight when understood and dispel all fear even when heard. Mandodar was now
convinced at heart that her husbands impending death had deluded him. (1 4)
f ff a fr ra n
fa r ns + { (+
; ; a f r f
= z a n ff ff + { (+
Do.: ehi bidhi karata binoda bahu prta pragaa dasakadha,
sahaja asaka lakapati sabh

gayau mada adha.16(A).

So.: phulai pharai na beta jadapi sudh baraahi

jalada,
murukha hdaya na ceta jau gura milahi

biraci sama.16(B).
While Rvaa was laughing and joking in diverse ways as mentioned above, the
day broke and the king of Lak, who was intrepid by nature and further blinded by pride,
entered the court. The reed neither blossoms nor bears fruit even though the clouds rain
nectar on it. Similarly the light of wisdom would never dawn on a fool even though he may
have a teacher like Viraci (Brahm). (16 A-B)
;r ra rn rrr; r a f rr;+
fn r f sr; ra f= r;+ {+
s rt f a n rt+
r s f fa rr a r; rfrr+ +

*
LAK-K NA
*
823
t r rr n rfrr+
rfa f n rr r r ara rr+ -+
a rr; arf r a ra +
r r ar fa r; f at r;+ +
Cau.: Ih

prta jge raghur, p uch mata saba saciva bol.

kahahu begi k karia up, jmavata kaha pada siru n.1.
sunu sarbagya sakala ura bs, budhi bala teja dharma guna rs.
matra kahau nija mati anusr, d uta pahia blikumr.2.
nka matra saba ke mana mn, agada sana kaha kpnidhn.
blitanaya budhi bala guna dhm, lak jhu tta mama km.3.
bahuta bujhi tumhahi k kaha u

, parama catura mai

jnata aha u

.
kju hamra tsu hita ho, ripu sana karehu batakah so.4.
At this end the Lord of the Raghus woke at daybreak and, summoning all His
counsellors, asked their opinion: Tell me quickly what course should be adopted.
Jmbavn bowed his head at the Lords feet and said, Listen, O omniscient Lord,
indweller of all hearts, storehouse of wisdom, strength, glory, piety and goodness: I offer
advice to You according to my own lights. It is that Vlis son (Prince Agada) may be
sent as an envoy (to Rvaa). The good counsel commended itself to all and the All-
merciful turned to Agada and said, O son of Vli, repository of wisdom, strength and
goodness! go to Lak, dear son, for My cause. I need not give you any elaborate
instructions. I know you are supremely clever. You should talk with the enemy in such
words as may advance My cause and serve his interest at the same time. (14)
r f t f n ss
r; n rn ; r r r + { ( +
t fq r r rf r= fs
frf r a fa fa fs+ {+ (+
So.: prabhu agy dhari ssa carana badi agada uheu,
soi guna sgara sa rma kp j para karahu.17(A).
svaya siddha saba kja ntha mohi daru diyau,
asa bicri jubarja tana pulakita haraita hiyau.17(B).
Bowing to the Lords command and adoring His feet, Agada arose and said,
He alone is an ocean of virtues, on whom You shower Your grace, O divine Rma.
All the objects of my Lord are self-accomplished, he thought; He has only honoured
me (by charging me with this task). And the thought thrilled his body and delighted
his heart. (17 A-B)
f s f ar; n s f f= r;+
ar s r rr rfa r+ {+
a r r a r r r; n r+
raf ra f r; n a f a=r;+ +

824
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
af n ra sr; nf s f r;+
ff f f rt a f rt+ -+
t fr ar f t+
s rr n rrt rr f r f rt+ +
r ff arr fa ta f frr+
f n f fr; f fr r; r; r;+ ~+
Cau.: badi carana ura dhari prabhut, agada caleu sabahi siru n.
prabhu pratpa ura sahaja asak, rana b

kur blisuta bak.1.

pura paihata rvana kara be, khelata rah so hoi gai bhe.
btahi

bta karaa baRhi , jugala atula bala puni tarun.2.

tehi

agada kahu lta uh, gahi pada paakeu bh umi bhav

.
nisicara nikara dekhi bhaa bhr, jaha taha cale na sakahi

pukr.3.
eka eka sana maramu na kahah

, samujhi tsu badha cupa kari rahah

.
bhayau kolhala nagara majhr, v kapi lak jehi

jr.4.
aba dhau kah karihi karatr, ati sabhta saba karahi

bicr.
binu puche magu dehi

dikh, jehi biloka soi ji sukh.5.

Adoring the Lords feet and keeping His glory in his heart Agada bowed his head
to all and departed. The gallant son of Vli, who was an adept in warfare, was dauntless
by nature, cherishing as he did the might of the Lord. As soon as he entered the city he
met one of Rvaas sons (Prahasta by name), who was playing there. From words they
proceeded to fight; for both were unrivalled in strength and in the prime of youth to boot.
He raised his foot to kick Agada, who in his turn seized the foot and, swinging him
round, dashed him to the ground finding him a formidable warrior, the demons ran helter-
skelter in large numbers, too much frightened to raise an alarm. They did not tell one
another what had happened, but kept quiet when they thought of the death of Rvaas
son. There was a cry in the whole city that the same monkey who had burnt down Lak
had come again. Who knows what turn Providence is going to take? everyone thought
in excessive dismay. People showed him the way unasked: if he but looked at anyone,
the latter would turn deadly pale. (15)
ns r r a ff r
f f ;a sa fa t t + {c+
Do.: gayau sabh darabra taba sumiri rma pada kaja,
siha havani ita uta citava dhra bra bala puja.18.
With his thoughts fixed on the lotus-feet of r Rma he then reached the gate of
Rvaas council-chamber. And there the stout-hearted and mighty hero stood with the
mien of a lion glancing this side and that. (18)
aa fr rr rr rf rr+
a ff rr tr r rf r tr+ {+
r r; a r ff rf r+
n t r fa r rfnf + +

*
LAK-K NA
*
825
r f f n rr rrt ar rr+
rfr = rr fnf r r rr+ -+
ns r r rfa fa rr+
s r f t r s r r ft+ +
Cau.: turata niscara eka pahv, samcra rvanahi janv.
sunata biha si bol dasass, nahu boli kah

kara ks.1.
yasu pi duta bahu dhe, kapikujarahi boli lai e.
agada dkha dasnana baise , sahita prna kajjalagiri jaise .2.
bhuj biapa sira sga samn, romval lat janu nn.
mukha nsik nayana aru kn, giri kadar khoha anumn.3.
gayau sabh

mana neku na mur, blitanaya atibala b

kur.
uhe sabhsada kapi kahu dekh, rvana ura bh krodha bise.4.
He forthwith sent a demon and apprised Rvaa of his arrival. On hearing the
news the ten-headed monster laughed and said. Go, usher him in my presence and let
me see where the monkey has come from. Receiving his order a host of messengers
ran and fetched the monkey chief. Agada saw the ten-headed giant seated on his
throne like a living mountain of collyrium. His arms looked like trees and heads like
peaks; while the hair on his body presented the appearance of numerous creepers. His
mouths, nostrils, eyes and ears were as big as mountain caves and chasms. With an
unflinching mind he entered the court, the valiant son of Vli, possessed of great might.
The assembly abruptly rose at the sight of the monkey; at this Rvaas heart was filled
with great fury. (14)
r -r n r f r;
r ar ff r f= r;+ {+
Do.: jath matta gaja jutha mahu pacnana cali ji,
rma pratpa sumiri mana baiha sabh

siru ni.19.
Thinking of r Rmas might Agada bowed his head and took his seat in the
assembly as fearlessly as a lion treads in the midst of mad elephants. (19)
a rrt a +
f arf t far; a fa r rs r;+ {+
s-r fta rat f ff rat+
r t- rr ta rr rr+ +
fr r fr f rf tar nr+
r ar rr r ff arr+ -+
n a rt f fa n f rt+
r ar f rn f ff -rn+ +
Cau.: kaha dasakaha kavana tai

badara, mai

raghubra d uta dasakadhara.

mama janakahi tohi rah mit, tava hita krana yau bh.1.
uttama kula pulasti kara nt, siva biraci pujehu bahu bh

t.
bara pyahu knhehu saba kj, jtehu lokapla saba rj.2.

826
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
npa abhimna moha basa kib, hari nihu st jagadab.
aba subha kah sunahu tumha mor, saba apardha chamihi prabhu tor.3.
dasana gahahu tna kaha kuhr, parijana sahita saga nija nr.
sdara janakasut kari ge , ehi bidhi calahu sakala bhaya tyge .4.
Monkey, who are you? Rvaa asked. I am an ambassador from the Hero of
Raghus line, Rvaa. There was friendship between you and my father; hence it is in
your interest, brother, that I have come. Of noble descent and a grandson of the sage
Pulastya (one of the mind-born sons of Brahm), you worshipped Lord iva and Brahm
in various ways, obtained boons from them, accomplished all your objects and conquered
the guardians of the different spheres as well as all earthly sovereigns. Under the
influence of kingly pride or infatuation you carried off St, the Mother of the Universe.
But even now you listen to my friendly advice and the Lord will forgive all your offences.
Put a straw between the rows of your teeth and an axe by your throat and take all your
people including your wives with you, respectfully placing Janakas Daughter at the
head. In this way repair to Him shedding all fear. (14)
ar rrf rrf rrf rf
ra fnr a nr arf+ +
Do: pranatapla raghubasamani trhi trhi aba mohi,
rata gir sunata prabhu abhaya karaigo tohi.20.
And address Him thus: O Protector of the suppliant, O Jewel of Raghus race,
save me, save me now. The moment He hears your piteous cry the Lord will surely rid
you of every fear. (20)
fra r rt rf rf rt+
f r r; f ra rf far;+ {+
n r rf r arr ; t r+
n a rr r rf r rr+ +
n at rf r s rrr+
n n ar r f ar a r+ -+
rf ; ff a n ;+
f n rf f r; r r s r;+ +
r fr f r; r arf r;f r;+
r; ar >rtrrt z f r+ ~+
Cau.: re kapipota bolu sabhr, muRha na jnehi mohi surr.
kahu nija nma janaka kara bh, kehi nte mniai mit.1.
agada nma bli kara be, tso kabahu bhai h bhe.
agada bacana sunata sakucn, rah bli bnara mai

jn.2.
agada tah

bli kara blaka, upajehu basa anala kula ghlaka.

garbha na gayahu byartha tumha jyahu, nija mukha tpasa d uta kahyahu.3.
aba kahu kusala bli kaha aha, biha si bacana taba agada kaha.
dina dasa gae bli pahi

j, b ujhehu kusala sakh ura l.4.

*
LAK-K NA
*
827
rma birodha kusala jasi ho, so saba tohi sunihi so.
sunu saha bheda hoi mana tke , rraghubra hdaya nahi

jke .4.
Mind what you speak, you little monkey. Fool, are you not aware of my being
an avowed enemy of the gods? Tell me, young fellow, your own name as well as your
fathers. What is the common ground on which you claim fellowship between your
father and myself? Agada is my name: I am Vlis son. Did you ever meet him?
Rvaa felt uncomfortable when he heard Agadas reply. Yes, I do remember that
there was a monkey, Vli by name. But, Agada, are you Vlis son? You have been
born as a fire in a cluster of bamboos for the destruction of your own race. Why should
you have not perished even in the womb? In vain were you born, who have called
yourself with your own mouth a hermits envoy. Now tell me if all is well with Vli and,
if so, where is he? Agada laughed at this and then replied. Ten days hence you shall
go to Vli and embracing your friend personally enquire after his welfare. He will tell
you all about the welfare that follows from hostility with r Rma. Listen, O fool: the
seeds of dissension can be sown in the mind of him alone whose heart is closed to
the Hero of Raghus line. (15)
rrr - ar r t
s f f r a t+ {+
Do.: hama kula ghlaka satya tumha kula plaka dasassa,
adhau badhira na asa kahahi

nayana kna tava bsa.21.

I, forsooth, am the exterminator of my race; while you, Rvaa, are the preserver
of yours. Even the blind and the deaf would not say so, whereas you possess a score
of eyes and an equal number of ears. (21)
f ff f r; ra r r;+
ar a r; rr ;f fa s f arr+ {+
f r rt f t a r at+
a f tfa ra + +
f tar art t a fr rt+
t a rt fz art+ -+
r r f fnf frt r tf- ar frt+
tar a n rnt rr zrnt+ +
Cau.: siva biraci sura muni samud, chata jsu carana sevak.
tsu duta hoi hama kula bor, aisihu mati ura bihara na tor.1.
suni kahora bn kapi ker, kahata dasnana nayana tarer.
khala tava kahina bacana saba sahau

, nti dharma mai

jnata aha u

.2.
kaha kapi dharmaslat tor, hamahu sun kta para triya cor.
dekh nayana duta rakhavr, b uRi na marahu dharma bratadhr.3.
kna nka binu bhagini nihr, cham knhi tumha dharma bicr.
dharmaslat tava jaga jg, pv darasu hamahu baRabhg.4.
What ! Did I bring dishonour on my family by acting as His ambassador whose

828
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
feet even iva, Brahm and all the gods and sages desire to serve? It is strange that
your heart does not burst asunder even on entertaining such an idea. When he heard
the monkeys sharp rejoinder, Rvaa glowered at him and said, Wretch, I put up with
your harsh words only because I know the bounds of decorum and righteousness. Said
the monkey, I too have heard of your piety, which is evident from the fact that you stole
away anothers wife. And I have witnessed with my own eyes the protection you
vouchsafed to an envoy. An upholder of piety, why do you not drown yourself and thus
end your life? When you saw your sister with her ears and nose cut off, it was from
considerations of piety that you forgave the wrong. Your piety is famed throughout the
world: I too am very fortunate in having been able to see you. (1 4)
f rf z a f fr r
rr f f n a r+ (+
f f f- f r
ra s r ; fa r+ (+
Do.: jani jalpasi jaRa jatu kapi saha biloku mama bhu,
lokapla bala bipula sasi grasana hetu saba rhu.22(A).
puni nabha sara mama kara nikara kamalanhi para kari bsa,
sobhata bhayau marla iva sabhu sahita kailsa.22(B).
Prate no more, you stupid creature, but look at my arms, O foolish monkey, that are
like so many Rhus to eclipse the tremendous moon-like might of the guardians of the
spheres. Again, (you might have heard that) while resting on my lotus-like palms in the lake
of the heavens. Mount Kailsa with ambhu (Lord iva) shone like a swan. (22 A-B)
ar rr n r fff rr +
a rf f tr ar t tr+ {+
ar nt r r t= fa r+
ra rt fa r r f r; r=r+ +
ffr rf tr f r tr+
rr n= f rr a rfrr+ -+
- ff rr r t t- rr+
r n r f ; f - r ;+ +
r fa r r r nt rr r+
; a r t r; r f r;+ ~+
Cau.: tumhare kaaka mjha sunu agada, mo sana bhirihi kavana jodh bada.
tava prabhu nri biraha balahn, anuja tsu dukha dukh maln.1.
tumha sugrva kuladruma dou, anuja hamra bhru ati sou.
jmavata matr ati b uRh, so ki hoi aba samarr uRh.2.
silpi karma jnahi

nala nl, hai kapi eka mah balasl.

v prathama nagaru jehi

jr, sunata bacana kaha blikumr.3.

*
LAK-K NA
*
829
satya bacana kahu nisicara nh, s

cehu ksa knha pura dh.

rvana nagara alpa kapi daha, suni asa bacana satya ko kaha.4.
jo ati subhaa sarhehu rvana, so sugrva kera laghu dhvana.
calai bahuta so bra na ho, pahav khabari lena hama so.5.
Listen, Agada; tell me which warrior in your army will dare encounter me. Your
master (Rma) has grown weak due to separation from his wife, while his younger brother
(Lakmaa) shares his grief and is consequently very sad. You and Sugrva are like trees
on a river bank (that can be washed away any moment); as for my younger brother (Vibhaa),
he is a great coward. Your counsellor, Jmbavn, is too advanced in age to take his stand
on the field of battle; while Nala and Nla are mere architects (and no warriors). There
is one monkey, no doubt, of extraordinary mighthe who came before and set fire to the
city. On hearing this Vlis son (Agada) replied: Tell me the truth, O demon king: is
it a fact that a monkey burnt down your capital? A puny monkey set on fire Rvaas
capital ! Who, on hearing such a report, would declare it as true? Rvaa, he whom you
have extolled as a distinguished warrior is only one of Sugrvas petty runners. He who
walks long distances is no champion; we sent him only to get news. (15)
- n= f rs f r r;
ff ns nt f af r r;+ - (+
- f rf f r
rs r ar a r r+ - (+
tfa fr r f tfa f rf
nfa zf- f ; rs arf+ - (n+
uf rrar r arf z r
af f r rfa r+ - (rr+
sf+ z s f t
fas-r zf- ra t+ - (z+
f r s f a f z n
r far; ar fa ; sr + - (+
Do.: satya nagaru kapi jreu binu prabhu yasu pi,
phiri na gayau sugrva pahi

tehi

bhaya rah luki.23(A).

satya kahahi dasakaha saba mohi na suni kachu koha,
kou na hamre kaaka asa to sana larata jo soha.23(B).
prti birodha samna sana karia nti asi h,
jau mgapati badha meukanhi bhala ki kahai kou thi.23(C).
jadyapi laghut rma kahu tohi badhe baRa doa,
tadapi kahina dasakaha sunu chatra jti kara roa.23(D).

830
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
bakra ukti dhanu bacana sara hdaya daheu ripu ksa,
pratiuttara saRasinha manahu kRhata bhaa dasassa.23(E).
ha si boleu dasamauli taba kapi kara baRa guna eka,
jo pratiplai tsu hita karai upya aneka.23(F).
It seems true that the monkey set fire to your capital without receiving an order
from his master. That is why he did not go back to Sugrva and remained in hiding for
fear. All that you say, Rvaa, is true and I am not in the least angry at hearing it. There
is none in our army who would fight you with any amount of grace. Make friends or enter
into hostilities only with your equals: this is a sound maxim to follow. If a lion were to kill
frogs, will anyone speak well of him? Though it would be derogatory on the part of r
Rma to kill you and He will incur great blame thereby, yet, mark me, Rvaa, the fury
of the Katriya race is hard to face. The monkey (Agada) burnt the enemys heart with
shafts of speech shot forth from the bow of sarcasm; and the ten-headed hero
proceeded to extract the arrows, so to speak, with pairs of pincers in the form of
rejoinders. He laughed and said: A monkey possesses one great virtue: it does
everything in its power to serve him who maintains it. (23 AF)
- t r f rr a r; ff rr+
rf f f rn frr; fa fa ; fr;+ {+
n trf+ a rat n f f rat+
n nr rr a f s f rr+ +
f a n nrar; - a rf r;+
ff a f rr af af a rr+ -+
r; frf a fa r; tf- fr;+
s r; r f rr ar r r rr+ +
f fa fa r tr f r tr+
faf r; ras f art t fr r rt+ ~+
rf f r rt as arf frt+
r r n a f >r a+ +
ff fa ns arr rs rf f- rr+
f r rf r; r rfn f t- rzr;+ +
rf r r; r ff a fr+
a rfn rr r fta f r; rzrr+ c+
Cau.: dhanya ksa jo nija prabhu kj, jaha taha ncai parihari lj.
nci k udi kari loga rijh, pati hita karai dharma nipun.1.
agada svmibhakta tava jt, prabhu guna kasa na kahasi ehi bh

t.
mai

guna ghaka parama sujn, tava kau raani karau nahi

kn.2.
kaha kapi tava guna ghakat, satya pavanasuta mohi sun.
bana bidhasi suta badhi pura jr, tadapi na tehi

kachu kta apakr.3.

soi bicri tava prakti suh, dasakadhara mai

knhi hih.
dekheu i jo kachu kapi bh, tumhare lja na roa na mkh.4.

*
LAK-K NA
*
831
jau asi mati pitu khe ks, kahi asa bacana ha s dasass.
pitahi khi khteu puni toh, abah

samujhi par kachu moh.5.

bli bimala jasa bhjana jn, hatau na tohi adhama abhimn.
kahu rvana rvana jaga kete, mai

nija ravana sune sunu jete.6.

balihi jitana eka gayau patl, rkheu b

dhi sisunha hayasl.

khelahi

blaka mrahi

j, day lgi bali dnha choR.7.

eka bahori sahasabhuja dekh, dhi dhar jimi jatu bise.
kautuka lgi bhavana lai v, so pulasti muni ji choRv.8.
Bravo for a monkey, who dances unabashed in the service of its master
anywhere and everywhere. Dancing and skipping about to amuse the people it serves
the interest of its master; this shows its keen devotion to duty. Agada, all of your race
are devoted to their lord; how could you, then, fail to extol the virtues of your master in
the way you have done? I am a respecter of merit and too magnanimous to pay any
attention to your scurrilously glib talk. Said Agada: The son of the wind-god gave me
a true account of your partiality to merit. He laid waste your garden, killed your son and
set fire to your city and yet (in your eyes) he did you no wrong. Remembering such
amiability of your disposition I have been so insolent in my behaviour with you, O
Rvaa. On coming here I have witnessed all that Hanumn told me, viz., that you have
no shame, no anger and no feeling of resentment. It is because you possess such a
mentality that you have proved to be the death of your own father. Uttering these words
Rvaa burst into a laughter. Having been the death of my father I would have next
claimed you as my victim; but a thought has come to me just now. Knowing you to be
a living memorial of Vlis unsullied fame, I desist from killing you, O vile boaster. Tell me,
Rvaa, how many Rvaas there are in the world? Or hear from me how many I have
heard of. One went to the nether world (Ptla) to conquer Bali and was tied up in the
stables by the children, who made sport of him and thrashed him till Bali took
compassion on him and had him released. Another again was discovered by King
Sahasrabhu, who ran and captured him as a strange creature and brought him home
for the sake of fun. The sage Pulastya then went and secured his release. (18)
a rf fa r rf t r
;- r a - f af r+ +
Do.: eka kahata mohi sakuca ati rah bli k

kha,
inha mahu rvana tai

kavana satya badahi taji mkha.24.

Yet another, I am much ashamed to tell you, was held tight under Vlis arm. Be
not angry, Rvaa, but tell me the truth, which of these may you be? (24)
r; r tr fnf r r tr+
r srfa r r; s f f r;+ {+
f r f f- sart s fa r frrt+
f rf fnrr f- s rr+ +
rf fn s fr; fs r; fr;+
f- r s rna ; + -+

832
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
r a zrfa ;f t a -r n ff rr at+
r; r n ffa art f >r t rt+ +
Cau.: sunu saha soi rvana balasl, haragiri jna jsu bhuja ll.
jna umpati jsu sur, p ujeu jehi sira sumana caRh.1.
sira saroja nija karanhi utr, p ujeu amita bra tripurr.
bhuja bikrama jnahi

digapl, saha ajah u

jinha ke ura sl.2.

jnahi

diggaja ura kahin, jaba jaba bhirau ji bari.

jinha ke dasana karla na ph ue, ura lgata m ulaka iva ue.3.
jsu calata olati imi dharan, caRhata matta gaja jimi laghu taran.
soi rvana jaga bidita pratp, sunehi na ravana alka pralp.4.
Listen, O fool: I am the same mighty Rvaa, the sport of whose arms is familiar
to Mount Kailsa (the peak sacred to Lord iva) and whose valour is known to Ums
Spouse (iva Himself), in whose worship I offered my heads as flowers. Times without
number have I removed my lotus-like heads with my own hands to worship Lord iva
(the Slayer of Tripura). The prowess of my arms is well-known to the guardians of the
eight quarters, whose heart, you fool, still smarts under injuries inflicted by them. The
toughness of my chest is familiar to the elephants supporting the eight quarters, whose
fierce tusks, whenever I impetuously grappled with them, failed to make any impression
on it and snapped off like radishes the moment they struck against it. Even as I walk,
the earth shakes like a small boat when a mad elephant steps into it. I am the same
Rvaa, known for his might all over the world; did you never hear of him, you lying
prattler ? (14)
af r rr f f r
f rr a r+ ~+
Do.: tehi rvana kaha laghu kahasi nara kara karasi bakhna,
re kapi barbara kharba khala aba jn tava gyna.25.
You belittle that Rvaa and extol a mortal man? Barbarous monkey, O puny
wretch. I have now fathomed your wisdom. (25)
f n r rt r rf frt+
r n rr r rr+ {+
r rn rr z nfa rr+
ar n f a rnr r r t rnr+ +
r nr -t r t f nnr+
ra= =r r r = tr+ -+
a n f r farf f s r+
fa r r r f rrfa nfa r+ +
Cau.: suni agada sakopa kaha bn, bolu sa bhri adhama abhimn.
sahasabhu bhuja gahana apr, dahana anala sama jsu kuhr.1.
jsu parasu sgara khara dhr, b uRe npa aganita bahu br.
tsu garba jehi dekhata bhg, so nara kyo dasassa abhg.2.

*
LAK-K NA
*
833
rma manuja kasa re saha bag, dhanv kmu nad puni gag.
pasu suradhenu kalpataru r ukh, anna dna aru rasa py u.3.
bainateya khaga ahi sahasnana, citmani puni upala dasnana.
sunu matimada loka baikuh, lbha ki raghupati bhagati akuh.4.
On hearing this, Agada indignantly replied: Take care what you say, you
vainglorious wretch. How can He be accounted a man, you wretched Rvaa, at whose
very sight melted away the pride of Paraurmathe same Paraurma whose axe was
like a fire to consume King Sahasrabhus boundless forest of arms, or (to use another
simile) like the sea in whose swift tide have drowned innumerable kings time after time.
How can r Rma be a mortal, you arrogant fool? Is the god of love a mere archer, the
Gag a mere stream, the cow of plenty a mere beast, the tree of Paradise a mere tree,
the gift of food an ordinary gift, nectar an ordinary drink, Garua (the mount of God
Viu) a mere bird, the thousand-headed ea a mere serpent and the wish-yielding gem
a mere stone, O ten-headed monster? Listen, O dullard: is Vaikuha an ordinary sphere
and unflinching devotion to the Lord of the Raghus an ordinary gain? (14)
fa a r f srf rf
r f ns r a a rf+ +
Do.: sena sahita tava mna mathi bana ujri pura jri,
kasa re saha hanumna kapi gayau jo tava suta mri.26.
What ! is Hanumn, O fool, an ordinary monkey, who got off unhurt after trampling
your pride as well as that of your army, laying waste your garden, setting your capital
on fire and slaying your own son? (26)
r ff ar; f rf rrr;+
f r rt zr = rf art+ {+
r f rf nrr r r;f rr+
a f f f- rn ff f r rn+ +
a a f rr ff r t nrr+
f rff rrr ff fa r r+ -+
a f ff nr arrr frf r srr+
a r r a r rra r+ +
Cau.: sunu rvana parihari catur, bhajasi na kpsidhu raghur.
jau khala bhaesi rma kara droh, brahma rudra saka rkhi na toh.1.
muRha bth jani mrasi gl, rma bayara asa hoihi hl.
tava sira nikara kapinha ke ge , parihahi

dharani rma sara lge .2.

te tava sira kaduka sama nn, khelihahi

bhlu ksa caugn.

jabahi

samara kopihi raghunyaka, chuihahi

ati karla bahu syaka.3.

taba ki calihi asa gla tumhr, asa bicri bhaju rma udr.
sunata bacana rvana parajar, jarata mahnala janu ghta par.4.
Listen, Rvaa: giving up all hypocrisy, why do you not adore the All-merciful
Lord of the Raghus? Oh wretch, if you pit yourself against Rma, even Brahm (the
Creator) and Rudra (Lord iva) cannot save you. Fool, brag not in vain; if you contend

834
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
with Rma, such will be your fate: struck with r Rmas arrows your many heads will
fall to the ground in front of the monkeys, and the bears and monkeys will play with those
heads as with so many balls. When the Lord of the Raghus gets enraged in battle and
His many fierce arrows dart, will you then be able to bounce like this? Realizing this,
adore the high-souled r Rma. On hearing these words Rvaa flared up like a
blazing fire on which clarified butter has been thrown. (14)
a fq rf
r r f f fas r rrf+ +
Do.: kubhakarana asa badhu mama suta prasiddha sakrri,
mora parkrama nahi

sunehi jiteu carcara jhri.27.

I have a brother like Kumbhakara (lit., one having ears as big as a pair of jars)
and the renowned Meghanda (the vanquisher of Indra) for my son. And have you never
heard of my own valour, by which I have conquered the entire creation, both animate and
inanimate? (27)
rrn rf r; rr f ;; ar;+
rrrf n rtr rf a tr+ {+
rn r z r+
t rf nr rr r t r r;f rr+ +
fnr- t rr rf rr+
a rr f f f r n nrr+ -+
a t a f rr f tfa a f rr+
fnf f r f f f f r+ +
Cau.: saha skhmga jori sah, b

dh sidhu ihai prabhut.

nghahi

khaga aneka brs, s ura na hohi

te sunu saba ks.1.

mama bhuja sgara bala jala p ur, jaha b uRe bahu sura nara s ur.
bsa payodhi agdha apr, ko asa bra jo pihi pr.2.
digaplanha mai

nra bharv, bh upa sujasa khala mohi sunv.

jau pai samara subhaa tava nth, puni puni kahasi jsu guna gth.3.
tau basha pahavata kehi kj, ripu sana prti karata nahi

lj.
haragiri mathana nirakhu mama bhu, puni saha kapi nija prabhuhi sarhu.4.
Fool, with the help of monkeys your master has bridged the ocean; is this what
you call valour? There are many birds which fly across the ocean; yet listen, O monkey,
they are no heroes all. Now each of my arms is a veritable ocean, brimming over with
a flood of strength, beneath which many a valiant god and man has been drowned. What
hero is there, who will cross these twenty unfathomable and boundless oceans? I made
the guardians of the eight quarters do menial service to me; while you, O wretch, glorify
an earthly prince before me! If your lord, whose virtues you recount again and again, is
valiant in battle, why does he send an ambassador to me? Is he not ashamed to make
terms with his enemy? Look at my arms, which lifted and violently shook Mount Kailsa,
and then, foolish monkey, extol your master, if you like. (14)

*
LAK-K NA
*
835
r f t rf f t
fa r rf nt+ c+
Do.: sura kavana rvana sarisa svakara kti jehi

ssa,
hune anala ati haraa bahu bra skhi gaursa.28.
What hero is there equal to Rvaa, who with his own hands cut off his heads
time and again and offered them to the sacrificial fire with great delight, as will be borne
out by Gaurs Spouse (Lord iva) Himself. (28)
a frs f rr ff f f rr+
r rt s rf ff fnr rt+ {+
rs fr rr f r fr ff fa r+
r t rn f f f r fa -rn+ +
n r n rt r arf r rs rt +
ra a r f f n f r+ -+
f = r fa t ara r t a t+
r r s rrrt ta r f rt+ +
fa f r r t f r; r+
;rf f tr r; f tr+ ~+
Cau.: jarata bilokeu jabahi

kapl, bidhi ke likhe aka nija bhl.

nara ke kara pana badha b

c, haseu jni bidhi gir as

c.1.
sou mana samujhi trsa nahi

more , likh biraci jaraha mati bhore .

na bra bala saha mama ge , puni puni kahasi lja pati tyge .2.
kaha agada salajja jaga mh

, rvana tohi samna kou nh

.
ljavata tava sahaja subh u, nija mukha nija guna kahasi na ku.3.
sira aru saila kath cita rah, tte bra bsa tai

kah.
so bhujabala rkhehu ura ghl, jtehu sahasabhu bali bl.4.
sunu matimada dehi aba p ur, kte ssa ki hoia s ur.
idrajli kahu kahia na br, kai nija kara sakala sarr.5.
When as my skulls began to burn I saw the decree of Providence traced on my
brow and read that I was going to die at the hands of a mortal, I laughed; for I knew
Brahms prophecy to be false. I am not afraid in my heart even when I remember this;
for (I am sure) Brahm must have traced the decree in his senile dementia. Yet, you fool,
you repeatedly exalt the might of another hero in my presence, giving up all shame and
decorum. Agada replied: Yes, there is no one in the whole world so shamefaced as
you. You are bashful by your innate disposition, since you never indulge in self-praise.
Only the story of offering your heads (to Lord iva) and lifting the mountain (Kailsa) has
been foremost in your mind and hence you have told it twenty times over. As for (the
tale of) that strength of arm by which you were able to conquer Sahasrabhu, Bali and
Vli, you have kept it secret in your heart. Listen, fool, and brag no more. Can anyone
turn a hero by cutting off ones head ? A juggler is never called a hero even though he
hacks to pieces his whole body with his own hands. (15)

836
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
f an r r f
a f rf fr fa+ +
Do.: jarahi

pataga moha basa bhra bahahi

khara bda,
te nahi

sura kahvahi

samujhi dekhu matimada.29.

Ponder, O fool, and see for yourself that due to infatuation moths burn themselves
in fire and donkeys carry loads; but they are never termed as heroes. (29)
f ar t r ft+
tt rs frf rrt rs+ {+
r r ; rr f nrf rr+
fr s r a+ +
rf a f arr ras taf rr+
rs a rt f rff rt+ -+
a ff fa n ar rrfa ar+
r rf z arf a a + +
Cau.: aba jani batabaRhva khala karah, sunu mama bacana mna pariharah.
dasamukha mai

na bash

yau , asa bicri raghubra pahyau .1.

bra bra asa kahai kpl, nahi

gajri jasu badhe skl.

mana mahu samujhi bacana prabhu kere, saheu kahora bacana saha tere.2.
nhi

ta kari mukha bhajana tor, lai jteu stahi barajor.

jneu tava bala adhama surr, sune hari nihi paranr.3.
tai

nisicara pati garba bah ut, mai

raghupati sevaka kara d ut.

jau na rma apamnahi arau

, tohi dekhata asa kautuka kara u

.4.
Cease wrangling any more, O wretch; listen to my advice and have done away
with pride. I have not come to you as an envoy (to seek terms with you), O ten-headed
monster; the Hero of Raghus line has sent me from other considerations. The All-
merciful has said again and again: A lion earns no reputation by killing a jackal. Bearing
in mind the words of my lord I have suffered, O fool, your pungent speech. Otherwise,
I would have smashed your jaws and taken back St by force. I have judged your
strength, O vile enemy of heaven, from the very fact that you carried off anothers wife
while she was all by herself. You are the lord of demons and exceedingly haughty, while
I am a messenger of one of r Rmas servants. If I were not afraid of insulting r
Rma, I would have wrought this wonder before your very eyes : (14)
arf f f fa f a nrs
a fa- a af rs+ -+
Do.: tohi paaki mahi sena hati caupaa kari tava gu ,
tava jubatinha sameta saha janakasutahi lai ju .30.
Dashing you to the ground, exterminating your army and laying waste your town,
O fool, I would have taken away Janakas Daughter with all your wives. (30)

*
LAK-K NA
*
837
af zr; f f r;+
r f fr fa f t fa r+ {+
r rn aa rt fr f >rfa a frt+
a r f rrrt ta rt+ +
frf s art f f srf rt+
f r ff rr f ta rr+ -+
f t r ra fz t+
rf z f r ar f a ar+ +
Cau.: jau asa karau tadapi na baR, muehi badhe nahi

kachu manus.
kaula kmabasa kpina bimuRh, ati daridra ajas ati b uRh.1.
sad rogabasa satata krodh, binu bimukha ruti sata birodh.
tanu poaka nidaka agha khn, jvata sava sama caudaha prn.2.
asa bicri khala badhau na toh, aba jani risa upajvasi moh.
suni sakopa kaha nisicara nth, adhara dasana dasi mjata hth.3.
re kapi adhama marana aba cahas, chote badana bta baRi kahas.
kau jalpasi jaRa kapi bala jke , bala pratpa budhi teja na tke .4.
Even if I did so, it would hardly bring me any credit; for it is no act of valour to
slay the slain. A follower of the Vmamrga (a sect of akti-worshippers indulging in
certain prohibited practices as a part of their worship), a man given over to lust, a miser,
a grossly stupid fellow, an utterly destitute person, a man suffering from disrepute, an
extremely old man, an ever sick person, one who is always angry, he who is hostile to
Lord Viu, an enemy of the Vedas and saints, he who exclusively nourishes his own
body, he who is given to slandering others, and he who is a storehouse of sinsthese
fourteen persons are no better than corpses, even while they live. Realizing this, O
wretch, I refrain from killing you. But rouse my anger no more. On hearing this, the
demon king bit his lips, wrung his hands and burst out furiously: O vile monkey, you are
now bent upon dying; for though small, you have spoken big words. He, on whose
strength you dare utter such wild and sharp words, O stupid monkey, has no strength,
glory, intelligence or majesty at all. (14)
n r rf af t- far r
r = at f f ff f rr+ -{ (+
f- n arf ;
rf fr f ff r af +-{ (+
Do.: aguna amna jni tehi dnha pit banabsa.
so dukha aru jubat biraha puni nisi dina mama trsa.31(A).
jinha ke bala kara garba tohi aise manuja aneka,
khhi

niscara divasa nisi muRha samujhu taji eka.31(B).

Finding him devoid of merit and self-esteem, his father sent him into exile. Apart
from that sorrow the separation from his wife is telling on him and above all he is

838
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
constantly obsessed with terror of me. The demons devour day and night many such
men as he of whose might you are proud; realize this, O fool, and cease to be
perverse. (31 A-B)
af tf- r f r ra fa s fr+
f fr ; r rr r; r nrrrra rr+ {+
r f rt z af f rt+
zra f r rf r=a n+ +
fna rf sr a fa +
af f ff- r n r r+ -+
ra f f rn ft ff rn+
t r f r r f rf ra fa r+ +
f f z zr f a f r+
ft ra rfa + ~+
Cau.: jaba tehi

knhi rma kai nid, krodhavata ati bhayau kapid.

hari hara nid sunai jo kn, hoi ppa goghta samn.1.
kaakana kapikujara bhr, duhu bhujadaa tamaki mahi mr.
olata dharani sabhsada khase, cale bhji bhaya mruta grase.2.
girata sa bhri uh dasakadhara, bh utala pare mukua ati sudara.
kachu tehi

lai nija siranhi sa vre, kachu agada prabhu psa pabre.3.

vata mukua dekhi kapi bhge, dinah

luka parana bidhi lge.

k rvana kari kopa cale, kulisa cri vata ati dhe.4.
kaha prabhu ha si jani hdaya erh u, l uka na asani ketu nahi

rh u.
e kira dasakadhara kere, vata blitanaya ke prere.5.
When he thus inveighed against r Rma, the monkey chief grew furious with
rage. For he who opens his ears to vituperation against Hari (Bhagavn Viu) or Hara
(Lord iva) incurs as great a sin as he who kills a cow. Agada (the great monkey) gave
a loud yell and furiously struck both his mighty arms against the ground. The earth shook
and members of the assembly were thrown off their seats and took to flight, possessed
as they were by the hobgoblin of fear. The ten-headed monster (Rvaa) too was about
to topple down but recovered himself and stood up. Yet his most beautiful crowns fell to
the ground; some of them he took and set on his heads, while Agada sent the rest flying
to the Lord. The monkeys fled when they saw the crowns coming. Good heavens, how
is it that meteors have begun to fall even during the daytime ? Or is it that Rvaa in his
fury has hurled four thunderbolts, which are coming with great speed ? The Lord smiled
and said, Be not afraid at heart. They are neither meteors nor thunderbolts, nor even the
planets Rhu and Ketu. They are the crowns of the ten-headed Rvaa, despatched by
Vlis son (Agada), that are coming this side. (15)
af a n rf r
a f r f f f r+- (+
sr rf r a fr;
ff f r f n r;+ - (+

*
LAK-K NA
*
839
Do.: taraki pavanasuta kara gahe ni dhare prabhu psa,
kautuka dekhahi

bhlu kapi dinakara sarisa praksa.32(A).

uh

sakopi dasnana saba sana kahata risi,

dharahu kapihi dhari mrahu suni agada musuki.32(B).
The son of the wind-god sprang forward and caught them in his own hands; he
then took them to the Lord and placed them before Him. The bears and monkeys gazed
on them with wonder; for they were dazzling like the sun. At the other end the ten-headed
monster (Rvaa) in his fury indignantly cried to all about him, Seize the monkey, and
seizing him forthwith slay him. Agada smiled to hear this. (32 A-B)
f f fn r r r f r+
t f r; fa ar r;+ {+
f r rs rr nr ra arf rr+
= n rf f rrrat frf ffa f rat+ +
fr r rn nrt rf fa rt+
-ra rf rr f r rr+ -+
rr rfnr rn r r f- rn+
r ra f rt fnf a r frt+ +
fnff r rt ff- a f rt+ ~+
Cau.: ehi badhi begi subhaa saba dhvahu, khhu bhlu kapi jaha jaha pvahu.
markaahna karahu mahi j, jiata dharahu tpasa dvau bh.1.
puni sakopa boleu jubarj, gla bajvata tohi na lj.
maru gara ki nilaja kulaght, bala biloki biharati nahi

cht.2.
re triya cora kumraga gm, khala mala rsi madamati km.
sanyapta jalpasi durbd, bhaesi klabasa khala manujd.3.
yko phalu pvahigo ge , bnara bhlu capeanhi lge .
rmu manuja bolata asi bn, girahi

na tava rasan abhimn.4.

girihahi

rasan sasaya nh

, siranhi sameta samara mahi mh

.5.
After killing him sally forth at once, all you mighty warriors, and devour every
bear and monkey wherever you find one. Go and clear the earth of monkeys and
capture the two ascetic brothers (Rma and Lakmaa) alive. The monkey prince
(Agada) got enraged and exclaimed again: Are you not ashamed to wag your tongue
like this? Cut your throat and die, you shameless destroyer of your race. Your heart
does not crack even on witnessing my strength! O vicious stealer of women, storehouse
of impurities, O sense-bound, dull-witted wretch, you babble abuse in a state of delirium,
which shows that death has overtaken you, O wretched demon. You will reap its
consequences later on when the monkeys and bears belabour you. Even as you utter
the words that r Rma is a mortal, it is strange that your tongues, O proud demon,
do not drop off. It is, however, certain that your tongues will drop off alongwith your
heads on the battlefield. (15)
r r rf r f
t r fn a - rfa z+ -- (+

840
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
a rfa t tr afa r r f
as arf af rr r ff + -- (+
So.: so nara kyau dasakadha bli badhyo jehi

eka sara,
bsahu locana adha dhiga tava janma kujti jaRa.33(A).
tava sonita k

pysa tita rma syaka nikara,

tajau tohi tehi trsa kau jalpaka nisicara adhama.33(B).
How can He be a mortal, O ten-headed monster, who killed Vli with a single
shaft? You are blind with all your twenty eyes; fie upon your birth, O dullard of ignoble
womb. r Rmas arrow are all thirsting for your blood and I spare you only for fear of
displeasing Him, O vile demon of biting tongue. (33 A-B)
a arf r r rf t- rrr+
f f rfa s ar r nf r+ {+
nf r a r ar a r+
r ra rr r t- r srr+ +
nfa a r r; fff a rr;+
rf nr rr ff af- a f rr+ -+
r r tr srfs a tr+
fr r ar f rr r rr f rr+ +
f rt ff r tar rt+
tr nf f r tr+ ~+
;ta rf rr f s a rr+
rf f f sr; ; f f= r;+ +
f sf rf rrat ; t f rat+
= rnt ff snrt r f f f srt+ +
Cau.: mai

tava dasana toribe lyaka, yasu mohi na dnha raghunyaka.

asi risa hoti dasau mukha torau , lak gahi samudra maha borau .1.
gulari phala samna tava lak, basahu madhya tumha jatu asak.
mai

bnara phala khta na br, yasu dnha na rma udr.2.

juguti sunata rvana musuk, muRha sikhihi kaha bahuta jhuh.
bli na kabahu gla asa mr, mili tapasinha tai

bhaesi labr.3.
s

cehu mai

labra bhuja bh, jau na upriu tava dasa jh.

samujhi rma pratpa kapi kop, sabh mjha pana kari pada rop.4.
jau mama carana sakasi saha r, phirahi

rmu st mai

hr.
sunahu subhaa saba kaha dasass, pada gahi dharani pachrahu ks.5.
idrajta dika balavn, harai uhe jaha taha bhaa nn.
jhapaahi

kari bala bipula up, pada na arai baihahi

siru n.6.
puni uhi jhapaahi

sura rt, arai na ksa carana ehi bh

t.
purua kujog jimi uragr, moha biapa nahi

sakahi

upr.7.

*
LAK-K NA
*
841
I am capable of smashing your jaws; but I have no command from the Lord of the
Raghus to do so. Otherwise I feel so enraged that I would break all your ten heads and
lifting up Lak drop it into the ocean. Your Lak is like a fruit of the Udumbara tree;
while you are like so many unsuspecting insects that reside in it. A monkey as I am, I
would lose no time in eating it; but the gracious Rma has not given me the order.
Rvaa smiled to hear this witty remark. Fool, where did you learn to tell such big lies?
Vli never boasted like this; it seems association with the hermits has made you such
a vaunting liar. I am a blustering liar indeed, O monster with twenty arms, if I do not
tear out your ten tongues. Recalling r Rmas might Agada grew indignant and firmly
planted his foot in the midst of the whole assembly. If you can but stir my foot, O fool
r Rma will return forthwith and I shall forgo St as a lost wager. Listen, champions
all : exclaimed the ten-headed monster, seize the monkey by the leg and dash him to
the ground. Meghanda (the vanquisher of Indra) and many other stout warriors rose
with delight from their respective seats and rushed with all their might, employing
numerous devices; but Agadas foot refused to stir. The competitors, therefore,
resumed their seats with their heads bent low. The enemies of heaven rose again and
dashed forward; but the monkeys foot moved no more than a sensually-minded striver,
O Garua (the enemy of serpents), is able to uproot the tree of error implanted in his
heart (continues Kkabhuui). (17)
rf- rrr s r;
rf f f f f r;+ - (+
f rza f a f rn
rf frr a a ff tfa -rn+ - (+
Do.: koinha meghanda sama subhaa uhe harai,
jhapaahi

arai na kapi carana puni baihahi

sira ni.34(A).
bh umi na ch

Rata kapi carana dekhata ripu mada bhga,

koi bighna te sata kara mana jimi nti na tyga.34(B).
Myriads of great warriors of Meghandas might arose with joy and swooped
down; but the monkeys foot did not budge, and they hung their heads and sat down
again. The monkeys foot would no more leave the ground than the soul of a saint would
give up moral uprightness even though confronted with numberless obstacles. The
enemys pride left him when he witnessed this. (34 A-B)
f f f r sr r f r+
na rfrr n ar srr+ {+
nf r r; a fr fa r;+
s aa >rt n; f ff f r;+ +
frrr s f r; r fa nr;+
nrar rfa rr ar f ff f>rrr+ -+
sr r t f frr r; ft f r; rr+
a a f f a ; ar a ff ;+ +

842
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
f f t tfa ff rr r arf r frr+
f f rr f rr rf rr+ ~+
a a r; r; arf f r zr;+
f ar a f rr r f r s rr+ +
rar n t r ft+ +
Cau.: kapi bala dekhi sakala hiya hre, uh pu kapi ke paracre.
gahata carana kaha blikumr, mama pada gahe na tora ubr.1.
gahasi na rma carana saha j, sunata phir mana ati sakuc.
bhayau tejahata r saba ga, madhya divasa jimi sasi soha.2.
sighsana baiheu sira n, mnahu sapati sakala ga v.
jagadtam prnapati rm, tsu bimukha kimi laha birm.3.
um rma k bhkui bils, hoi bisva puni pvai ns.
tna te kulisa kulisa tna kara, tsu d uta pana kahu kimi ara.4.
puni kapi kah nti bidhi nn, mna na thi klu niarn.
ripu mada mathi prabhu sujasu sunyo, yaha kahi calyo bli npa jyo.5.
hatau na kheta kheli khel, tohi abahi

k karau baR.
prathamahi

tsu tanaya kapi mr, so suni rvana bhayau dukhr.6.

jtudhna agada pana dekh, bhaya bykula saba bhae bise.7.
Everyone who saw the monkeys strength was discomfited at heart. Challenged
by the monkey Rvaa himself now rose. Even as Rvaa proceeded to grasp his foot,
Vlis son (Agada) broke out, You cannot be saved by clinging to my feet. Fool, why
do you not go and clasp r Rmas feet ? He turned back much abashed at heart to
hear this. All his splendour was gone and he was robbed of his glory even as the moon
fades away at midday. With drooping heads he resumed his seat on the throne as if
despoiled of all his riches. r Rma is the soul of the universe and the lord of life : how
can he who is hostile to Him find any rest ? The universe, Um (Prvat), springs into
existence and is again dissolved with a mere play of r Rmas eyebrows. When He
is capable of transforming a blade of grass into a thunderbolt and a thunderbolt into a
blade of grass, how, then, can a vow of His ambassador prove false ? Agada
admonished him in various ways; but as his end had drawn near, he would not listen.
Having squashed the enemys pride, the son of King Vli glorified his lord to his very face
and departed, saying : If I do not slay you after I have sported with you on the battlefield
for some time, it will be no use my indulging in self-praise just now. Agada had killed
Rvaas son even before he arrived in the latters presence and Rvaa felt very sad
at the news. The demons too grew particularly nervous with fear when they witnessed
the effectiveness of Agadas challenge. (17)
f f f f rfa
t n r + -~ (+
rr rf ns fr;
rt rf f r rr;+ -~ (+

*
LAK-K NA
*
843
Do.: ripu bala dharai harai kapi blitanaya bala puja,
pulaka sarra nayana jala gahe rma pada kaja.35(A).
s

jha jni dasakadhara bhavana gayau bilakhi,

madodar

rvaahi bahuri kah samujhi.35(B).

Setting at naught Rvaas power, the mighty monkey, Vlis son, his body thrilling
over with emotion and eyes full of tears, clasped in delight r Rmas lotus feet.
Perceiving that it was evening, the ten-headed monster returned disconsolately to his
palace, where Mandodar again spoke and advised him: (35 A-B)
a fr a fat r arf rrfat+
rr rr r; rs f rrr f r;+ {+
f ar arf fa nrr r a rr+
a f rfrr a r rs f t r+ +
r fa ff srr a arf - af rr+
rf t-f rr r r n arrr+ -+
fa r nr f r r r z fr+
fa rrfaf fa f r n n r a r+ +
r ar r rtr ar r f rf tr+
r nfa rr ars a frr+ ~+
f rt frt a nr fa f art+
fa a r; rr rr fa rf nf rr+ +
r nfa ar t af z f r ft+ +
Cau.: kata samujhi mana tajahu kumatih, soha na samara tumhahi raghupatih.
rmnuja laghu rekha khac, sou nahi

nghehu asi manus.1.

piya tumha thi jitaba sagrm, jke d uta kera yaha km.
kautuka sidhu nghi tava lak, yau kapi kehar asak.2.
rakhavre hati bipina ujr, dekhata tohi accha tehi

mr.
jri sakala pura knhesi chr, kah

rah bala garba tumhr.3.

aba pati m gla jani mrahu, mora kah kachu hdaya bicrahu.
pati raghupatihi npati jani mnahu, aga jaga ntha atula bala jnahu.4.
bna pratpa jna mrc, tsu kah nahi

mnehi nc.
janaka sabh

aganita bhupl, rahe tumhau bala atula bisl.5.

bhaji dhanua jnak bih, taba sagrma jitehu kina th.
surapati suta jnai bala thor, rkh jiata

khi gahi phor.6.

supanakh kai gati tumha dekh, tadapi hdaya nahi

lja bise.7.
Ponder in your mind, my beloved lord, and abandon perversity; your conflict
with the Lord of the Raghus is quite out of place. r Rmas younger brother (Lakmaa)
had traced a thin line;* that too you could not cross. Such is your valour! My beloved,
* It is mentioned in other works that, while leaving St all alone to join r Rma, who had been out
chasing the gold deer, Lakmaa traced with an end of his bow a line round, Her cottage at Pacava with a
curse that any demon whatsoever who dared to cross the line would be instantly reduced to ashes. Availing
himself of the opportunity Rvaa made his appearance there in the guise of a mendicant and begged alms

844
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
do you expect to conquer Him in battle, whose messenger performed such feats?
Leaping across the ocean in mere sport, that lion among monkeys fearlessly entered
your Lak, killed your guards and laid waste your garden. Nay, he killed Prince Aka
under your very nose, and, setting fire to the whole capital, reduced it to ashes. Where
did your pride of power remain lurking at that time? Indulge no more in idle boasts,
my spouse, and lay my words a little to heart. Do not imagine that the Lord of the
Raghus is a mere earthly king, my husband; but know him to be the Ruler of the
animate and inanimate creation, unequalled in strength. The might of His arrows is
known to Mrca; but you did not heed his words, taking him to be a mean fellow.
In Janakas court were assembled numberless kings; you too were present there with
your incomparable and enormous strength. There r Rma broke ivas bow and won
the hand of Janakas Daughter; why did you not conquer Him in battle then? The son
of Indra (the lord of celestials) tasted of His strength when He caught hold of him
and spared his life after destroying one of his eyes. You also witnessed urpaakhs
condition, yet you did not feel much abashed in your heart. (17)
f fr f tr -r
rf rvr af r + -+
Do.: badhi birdha khara duanahi ll

hatyo kabadha,
bli eka sara mryo tehi jnahu dasakadha.36.
My ten-headed lord, try to recognize Him, who, having slain Virdha as well as
Khara and Duaa, killed Kabandha in mere sport and disposed of Vli with a single
arrow. (36)
f r rs r sa fa r+
r=t f a a rs a fa a+ {+
r rr f a r f = nfa r+
n a r r t fa r+ +
af f f f r r ar +
a a r frr r f s rr+ -+
r z nf r rr ; fq frr+
f r f ra r; af r; arrff r;+ +
Cau.: jehi

jalantha ba dhyau hel, utare prabhu dala sahita subel.

krunka dinakara kula ket u, d uta pahyau tava hita het u.1.
sabh mjha jehi

tava bala math, kari bar utha mahu mgapati jath.

agada hanumata anucara jke, rana b

kure bra ati b

ke.2.
tehi kaha piya puni puni nara kahah u, mudh mna mamat mada bahahu.
ahaha kata kta rma birodh, kla bibasa mana upaja na bodh.3.
kla daa gahi khu na mr, harai dharma bala buddhi bicr.
nikaa kla jehi vata s

, tehi bhrama hoi tumhrihi n

.4.
He who had the ocean bridged as a mere pastime and has encamped with His
of St; and the latter offered to give him alms while keeping within the line. Rvaa, however, refused to
accept the alms from within a barrier and carried off St as soon as She overstepped the boundary.

*
LAK-K NA
*
845
host on Mount Suvela, the same merciful Lord, the glory of the solar race, sent to you
in your own interest an ambassador who, like a lion in the midst of a herd of elephants
trampled on your might in open court. Nay, He has for His servants most formidable
warriors like Agada and Hanumn, who are so dauntless in battle; and still, my beloved
lord, you speak of Him again and again as a mortal ! In vain do you carry on your head
the burden of pride, attachment and arrogance. Ah, my lord, you have turned hostile to
r Rma and, overtaken as you are by death, the light of wisdom does not dawn on your
mind. Death does not smite anyone with uplifted rod; he simply robs the victim of his
piety, strength, reason and judgment. He alone whom death has approached very near
falls a prey to delusion like you. (14)
; a s f
rf rrr f r f + -+
Do.: dui suta mare daheu pura ajahu pura piya dehu,
kpsidhu raghuntha bhaji ntha bimala jasu lehu.37.
Two of your sons have been slain and your capital has been burnt down; retrace
your step even now, my beloved. Adore the All-merciful Lord of the Raghus, my
husband, and win unsullied fame thereby. (37)
rf f ff rr r ns sf ra frr+
r; frrr t fa fr rr t+ {+
;r r nf rrr r; f= rr+
fa r t rt r ff r rt+ +
rfa a fa rt ara - s art+
r rar tr a r n tr+ -+
ar ar rf r ara t ff r+
a rt rf n rt+ +
r r = z fr s f r r+
tfa r f rf r f r+ ~+
Cau.: nri bacana suni bisikha samn, sabh

gayau uhi hota bihn.

baiha ji sighsana phul, ati abhimna trsa saba bhul.1.
ih

rma agadahi bolv, i carana pakaja siru nv.

ati dara sampa baihr, bole biha si kpla kharr.2.
blitanaya kautuka ati moh, tta satya kahu p uchau toh.
rvanu jtudhna kula k, bhuja bala atula jsu jaga lk.3.
tsu mukua tumha cri cale, kahahu tta kavan bidhi pe.
sunu sarbagya pranata sukhakr, mukua na hohi

bh upa guna cr.4.

sma dna aru daa bibhed, npa ura basahi

ntha kaha bed.

nti dharma ke carana suhe, asa jiya jni ntha pahi

e.5.
Hearing the words of his consort (Mandodar), which were piercing like a shaft, he
rose and left for his council-chamber as soon as the day broke. Forgetting all his fears
he went and occupied his throne bloated with excess of pride. At this end r Rma

846
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
summoned Agada, who came and bowed his head at the Lords lotus feet. The gracious
Rma (the slayer of Khara) most politely seated him by His side and smilingly said, O
son of Vli, I have great curiosity in my mind; therefore, I ask you a question. Tell me
the truth, dear child. Rvaa is the head of the demon race; he is celebrated throughout
the world for his incomparable might. It is rather strange that you tossed no less than four
of his crowns to me; tell me, my son, by what device you were able to lay your hands
on them? Listen, O omniscient lord, the delighter of the suppliant : they were no crowns
but the four virtues (resources) of a king, viz., Sma (conciliation), Dna (gift), Daa
(physical force or coercion) and Bheda (division), which abide in the heart of a king
so declare the Vedas, my lord. They are the beautiful pedestals of statesmanship:
remembering this, they themselves came to my lord (who is a true repository of all
statesmanlike virtues). (15)
t f r f t
af ff n r rrt+ -c (+
aar >r f f r sr
rr f n rfr+ -c (+
Do.: dharmahna prabhu pada bimukha kla bibasa dasassa,
tehi parihari guna e sunahu kosaldhsa.38(A).
parama caturat ravana suni biha se rmu udra,
samcra puni saba kahe gaRha ke blikumra.38(B).
Listen, O Lord of Kosala : Rvaa (the ten-headed monster) is lacking in piety,
bears a settled aversion to my lords feet and has fallen into the clutches of death. Hence
the aforementioned virtues have forsaken him and sought refuge in You. The noble-
minded Rma smiled to hear his most ingenious reply. The son of Vli then gave Him
a report about the fort of Lak. (38 A-B)
f rr r r f f rr+
r r rf rr f ff rfn frr+ {+
a t f- ft ff z f +.
f fr fa- rr rf t f rr+ +
rrn rfa t- rf a t-+
ar f rr f f frrr f r+ -+
fa r f rf nf fnf f t rf+
nf af r tr rrt rrtr+ +
ra n fa r ar f r+
rrrr f ff rrt f fr rf t+ ~+
Cau.: ripu ke samcra jaba pe, rma saciva saba nikaa bole.
lak b

ke cri dur, kehi bidhi lgia karahu bicr.1.

taba kapsa ricchesa bibhana, sumiri hdaya dinakara kula bhuana.
kari bicra tinha matra dRhv, cri an kapi kaaku banv.2.

*
LAK-K NA
*
847
jathjoga senpati knhe, j uthapa sakala boli taba lnhe.
prabhu pratpa kahi saba samujhe, suni kapi sighanda kari dhe.3.
haraita rma carana sira nvahi

, gahi giri sikhara bra saba dhvahi

.
garjahi

tarjahi

bhlu kaps, jaya raghubra kosaldhs.4.

jnata parama durga ati lak, prabhu pratpa kapi cale asak.
ghaopa kari cahu disi gher, mukhahi

nisna bajvahi

bher.5.
When r Rma received the news about the enemy, He summoned all His
counsellors by His side. Lak has four massive gates; take counsel as to how we
should assail them. Thereupon the monkey lord (Sugrva), Jmbavn (the king of bears)
and Vibhaa (Rvaas brother) invoked in their heart the Ornament of the solar race;
and putting their heads together they resolved upon a definite plan. They divided the
monkey host into four brigades and appointed efficient generals to each. They then
summoned all the company commanders and bringing the Lords might home to them
issued instructions hearing which the monkeys rushed forward roaring like lions. They
gladly bowed their head at r Rmas feet, and with mountain-peaks in their hands all
the heroes sallied forth. Shouting, Glory to the Hero of Raghus line, the Lord of Kosala
the bears and monkey chiefs roared and assumed a threatening attitude. Even though
they knew that Lak was a most impregnable fortress, the monkeys marched forward
undaunted depending on the might of their lord. Encompassing all the four quarters like
a mass of clouds spreading over the horizon on all sides, they imitated the sound of
drums and kettledrums with their mouth. (15)
fa r f t nt
nf frrr f r r t+ -+
Do.: jayati rma jaya lachimana jaya kapsa sugrva,
garjahi

sighanda kapi bhlu mah bala s

va.39.
Glory to Rma, glory to Lakmaa and glory to Sugrva (the lord of the
monkeys), thus roared the monkeys and bears, unsurpassed in their great might, like
so many lions. (39)
r s rr rt r r fa rt+
- f fr; ff fr rr;+ {+
r t r ra ff +
f r t-r n r ff t-r+ +
rf ff r f f r t r+
sr rf frr ff ff n a sarr+ -+
fr r rnt nf ffzr rnt+
ar zr r frr fnfzr+ +
ff =r f frt rf n r rt+
r n fa-f rr faf r r rr+ ~+
Cau.: lak

bhayau kolhala bhr, sun dasnana ati aha kr.

dekhahu banaranha keri hih, biha si niscara sena bol.1.
e ksa kla ke prere, chudhvata saba nisicara mere.
asa kahi aahsa saha knh, gha baihe ahra bidhi dnh.2.

848
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
subhaa sakala crihu disi jhu, dhari dhari bhlu ksa saba khhu.
um rvanahi asa abhimn, jimi iibha khaga s uta utn.3.
cale niscara yasu mg, gahi kara bhiipla bara s

g.
tomara mudgara parasu praca, s ula kpna parigha girikha.4.
jimi arunopala nikara nihr, dhvahi

saha khaga msa ahr.

coca bhaga dukha tinhahi nasujh,timi dhe manujda ab ujh.5.
Lak became a scene of great uproar. When the highly conceited Rvaa heard
it, he with a smile said, Look at the insolence of these monkeys! and summoned the
demon host. The monkeys have crossed over here driven by fate, and my demons are
all hungry. God has provided them with a meal even at their home. So saying the idiot
burst into a horselaugh. Sally forth in every direction, champions all; and wherever you
find the bears and monkeys seize and devour them all. Um, Rvaas conceit was as
great as that of the sandpiper, which goes to sleep with its legs in the air (and thinks that
it will support the heavens in case they fall). Taking his orders, the demons sallied forth,
armed with excellent slings, javelins, iron clubs and maces, fierce axes, pikes, swords,
bludgeons and masses of rock in their hands. As foolish carnivorous birds swoop down
upon a heap of rubies the moment they see it, and have no idea of the pain they would
have on breaking their beaks against it, so did the man-eating monsters rush forth in their
folly. (15)
rr r rar t
r nf- f n rf rf t+ +
Do.: nnyudha sara cpa dhara jtudhna bala bra,
koa ka guranhi caRhi gae koi koi ranadhra.40.
Armed with bows and arrows as well as with other weapons of various kinds, a
vast cloud of mighty and valiant demons, staunch in battle, climbed up the battlements
of the fort. (40)
r nf- rf = nf rr +
rf r fr rr f f r; f- r+ {+
rf f tf rr f r s rf rr+
f- r; f- r fa fr a r r+ +
rf nf rr rrrr a rf f nf rr+
rf rf- nf r rf fa af+ -+
sa r ;a r rr; fa fa t r;+
ff f rf f f f f rf+ +
Cau.: koa ka guranhi sohahi

kaise, meru ke sgani janu ghana baise.

bjahi

hola nisna jujhu, suni dhuni hoi bhaanhi mana cu.1.

bjahi

bheri naphri apr, suni kdara ura jhi

darr.
dekhinha ji kapinha ke ha, ati bisla tanu bhlu subha.2.
dhvahi

ganahi

na avaghaa gh, parbata phori karahi

gahi b.
kaakahi

koinha bhaa garjahi

, dasana oha kahi

ati tarjahi

.3.

*
LAK-K NA
*
849
uta rvana ita rma doh, jayati jayati jaya par lar.
nisicara sikhara samuha hahvahi

, k udi dharahi

kapi pheri calvahi

.4.
On the gold battlements they looked like dark clouds hanging on the heights of Mount
Meru. Martial drums and tabors sounded; the soul of the warriors was stirred by their crash.
Numberless kettledrums and clarionets were also playing; their music cracked the heart of
cowards. Advancing further, the demons saw the hosts of monkey and bear champions,
exceptionally huge in size, who in their onrush would make no account of rugged valleys
and catching hold of mountains would cleave them asunder and make passage through
them. Gnashing their teeth and biting their lips, myriads of warriors on both sides roared
and bullied, calling here on Rma and there on Rvaa. With shouts of victory on both
sides the fight actually commenced. The demons cast down volleys of mountain-peaks,
which the monkeys would seize with a bound and hurl them back. (14)
f z z r n zrt
rf nf f f f a f rt+
fa a a= ar af af n f f n
f r f f- a r nra +
Cha.: dhari kudhara khaa pracaa markaa bhlu gaRha para rah

,
jhapaahi

carana gahi paaki mahi bhaji calata bahuri pacrah

.
ati tarala taruna pratpa tarapahi

tamaki gaRha caRhi gae,

kapi bhlu caRhi madiranha jaha taha rma jasu gvata bhae.
The fierce monkeys and bears would lay hold of masses of rock and hurl them
against the fort. Darting against their adversary they would seize him by the leg and dash
him to the ground; and in the event of his taking to flight they would challenge him to a
duel again. The most agile and redoubtable monkeys and bears lightly sprang and
climbed up the fort and penetrating the palaces sang r Rmas praises wherever they
pleased.
ff nf f f r;
r fnf f r;+ {+
Do.: eku eku nisicara gahi puni kapi cale pari,
upara pu heha bhaa girahi

dharani para i.41.

Catching hold of a demon each the monkeys rushed back and jumped down to the
ground with the demons beneath themselves on the top. (41)
r ar fr f ff =r+
n f a r rrt ar fr+ {+
fr f r; ff rr r;+
rrr s rt rf r ra rt+ +
ff f rf nrt r a f - rt+
f f t af rr f frr+ -+

850
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
r f r rr r a r rr+
r; rn f rr f rr+ +
sn f zr r f r+
- t rr a fa- ar r rr+ ~+
Cau.: rma pratpa prabala kapij uth, mardahi

nisicara subhaa baruth.

caRhe durga puni jaha taha bnara, jaya raghubra pratpa divkara.1.
cale niscara nikara par, prabala pavana jimi ghana samud.
hhkra bhayau pura bhr, rovahi

blaka tura nr.2.

saba mili dehi

rvanahi

gr, rja karata ehi

mtyu ha kr.
nija dala bicala sun tehi

kn, pheri subhaa lakesa risn.3.

jo rana bimukha sun mai

kn, so mai

hataba karla kpn.

sarbasu khi bhoga kari nn, samara bh umi bhae ballabha prn.4.
ugra bacana suni sakala erne, cale krodha kari subhaa lajne.
sanmukha marana bra kai sobh, taba tinha taj prna kara lobh.5.
Strengthened by r Rmas might, the monkey host crushed the ranks of the
demon warriors. They then climbed up the fort here and there and shouted glory to the
Hero of Raghus line, who was majestic as the sun. The demon host fled before them
like a mass of clouds driven by a strong blast. The city now burst into wails and howls;
children, invalids and women in particular wept aloud. All joined in calling Rvaa names;
he, they said, had invited death while enjoying sovereignty. When he heard that his
troops had beaten a retreat, the king of Lak rallied his champions and then exclaimed
in fury: If I hear of anyone turning his back on the battlefield, I will behead him with
my own terrible sword. You consumed my all and enjoyed all sorts of luxuries till now
and lo ! life has become so dear to you on the field of battle. The champions were
all alarmed and put to shame to hear this stern rebuke, and marched against the enemy
in great fury. To die in open combat is the glory of a warrior, they thought; and they
loved their life no more. (15)
r ff rf rf
r f r f frr frf- rf+ +
Do.: bahu yudha dhara subhaa saba bhirahi

pacri pacri,
bykula kie bhlu kapi parigha trisulanhi mri.42.
Armed with weapons of various kinds, all the champions grappled with their
antagonists, challenging them again and again. Striking the bears and monkeys with iron
bludgeons and tridents, they deprived them of their nerve. (42)
ra f rn rn uf sr tfaf rn+
rs n ar t f ar+ {+
f f r rr f- r r rr+
rrr a ; r; r fr;+ +
a r fa rr ns r rr+
f n rr nf fnf rrr rr+ -+

*
LAK-K NA
*
851
s rt frar arf z rf rar+
a f af rr t rrrf aa n rr+ +
Cau.: bhaya tura kapi bhgana lge, jadyapi um jtihahi

ge.
kou kaha kaha agada hanumat, kaha nala nla dubida balavat.1.
nija dala bikala sun hanumn, pacchima dvra rah balavn.
meghanda taha karai lar, ua na dvra parama kahin.2.
pavanatanaya mana bh ati krodh, garjeu prabala kla sama jodh.
kudi laka gaRha upara v, gahi giri meghanda kahu dhv.3.
bhajeu ratha srath nipt, thi hdaya mahu mresi lt.
dusare suta bikala tehi jn, syadana ghli turata gha n.4.
Struck with terror (continues Lord iva) the monkeys turned tail, although Um,
they would come out victorious in the end. One exclaimed, Where are Agada and
Hanumn? Where are the mighty Nala, Nla and Dvivida? At the time Hanumn heard
that his troops were breaking, that mighty warrior held his position at the western gate
of Lak, where Meghanda led the defence. The gate, however, would not give way and
Hanumn was faced with a mighty impediment. The son of the wind-god grew terribly
furious at heart and the warrior, who was formidable as death, gave a loud roar. He
sprang and reached the fort of Lak; and seizing a rock he rushed at Meghanda,
shattered his chariot, overthrew the charioteer and kicked Meghanda himself at his
chest. Another charioteer, who perceived the distress of the prince, picked him up in his
own chariot and speedily brought him home. (14)
n r a n ns
rr rfa af s f + -+
Do.: agada sun pavanasuta gaRha para gayau akela,
rana b

kur blisuta taraki caRheu kapi khela.43.

When Agada heard that the son of the wind-god had gone to the fort single-
handed, the son of Vli, who was so valiant in battle, reached the fort in a single bound
as a monkey would do out of sheer fun. (43)
q f=q q r ar ff s a+
r r; f rrt rr;+ {+
fa nf rr f frfa rr+
rf tf rat ; f r sarat+ +
ftr f fa-f zrf r rf+
f nf r f- f sara r+ -+
nf f rrt rn rt+
rf ra f- rf r + +
Cau.: juddha biruddha kruddha dvau badara, rma pratpa sumiri ura atara.
rvana bhavana caRhe dvau dh, karahi

kosaldhsa doh.1.
kalasa sahita gahi bhavanu hahv, dekhi niscarapati bhaya pv.
nri bda kara pahi

cht, aba dui kapi e utapt.2.

852
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
kapill kari tinhahi ervahi

, rmacadra kara sujasu sunvahi

.
puni kara gahi kacana ke khabh, kahenhi karia utapta arabh.3.
garji pare ripu kaaka majhr, lge mardai bhuja bala bhr.
khuhi lta capeanhi keh u, bhajahu na rmahi so phala leh u.4.
The two monkeys let loose their fury against the enemy on the battlefield. Invoking
in their heart the might of r Rma, both ran up to Rvaas own palace and proclaimed
the victory of Kosalas lord. Holding the edifice in their hands they overthrew it with every
pinnacle. The demon king was dismayed when he saw this. The women beat their breast
with their hands crying: This time the two pestilent monkeys have come! Agada and
Hanumn frightened them with their monkey-like pranks and proclaimed to them the
glories of r Rmacandra. Then, grasping each a gold pillar in their hands, the two
champions exclaimed, Let us now begin upon our ravaging job! Presently they roared
and fell on the enemys ranks and began to crush them with their mighty strength of
arms, striking some with their foot and slapping another on the face and crying: Take
the consequences of not adoring r Rma! (14)
r f arf rf z
r rn f a f f z+ +
Do.: eka eka so mardahi

tori calvahi

mua,
rvana ge parahi

te janu phuahi

dadhi kua.44.
The two heroes crushed their adversaries one against another and pulling off the
victims heads, hurled them with such precision that they dropped in front of Rvaa and
burst like so many earthen vases full of curds. (44)
r r fr rf a nf r rf+
; ft fa- rr f r fa- f rr+ {+
r frf rnt rf nfa r ra rnt+
sr r fa =r r fa rf ff+ +
f nfa r f rt r r rt+
f f -rnt fa a rnt+ -+
n = a r t- n r+
r f rf f f ; + +
Cau.: mah mah mukhi je pvahi

, te pada gahi prabhu psa calvahi

.
kahai bibhanu tinha ke nm, dehi

rma tinhah u nija dhm.1.

khala manujda dvijmia bhog, pvahi

gati jo jcata jog.

um rma mducita karunkara, bayara bhva sumirata mohi nisicara.2.
dehi

parama gati so jiya jn, asa kpla ko kahahu bhavn.

asa prabhusuninabhajahi

bhrama tyg, nara matimada te parama abhg.3.

agada aru hanumata prabes, knha durga asa kaha avadhes.
lak

dvau kapi sohahi

kaise , mathahi

sidhu dui madara jaise .4.

Whenever the two monkey chiefs caught hold of any great general of the demon
host, they would seize him by the leg and send him flying to their lord (r Rma).

*
LAK-K NA
*
853
Vibhaa would mention their name and r Rma assigned even them a quarter in His
own abode. Man-eating monsters who feasted on the flesh of holy Brhmaas thus
attained a destiny which is solicited even by Yogs (ascetics given to contemplation on
God). Um, (continues Lord iva,) r Rma is so tender-hearted and such a storehouse
of compassion that He bestows the highest state (final beatitude) even on the demons,
remembering that they think of Him even though in a spirit of hostility! Tell me, Bhavn,
who else is so benignant? Most dull-witted and utterly wretched are the men who, even
on hearing of such a lord, worship Him not, disabusing themselves of all delusion.
Agada and Hanumn have evidently forced their way into the fort of Lak, thus
observed Ayodhys lord. Rampaging in Lak, the two monkeys looked like a pair of
Mandaras churning the ocean. (14)
f f f f a
n fna >r r na+ ~+
Do.: bhuja bala ripu dala dalamali dekhi divasa kara ata,
kude jugala bigata rama e jaha bhagavata.45.
Having crushed and battered the enemys ranks by the might of their arm and
perceiving that it was now the close of day, the two champions jumped down without any
exertion and came where the Lord was. (45)
t fa- r f rrfa r+
r r f n fr fna>r r+ {+
n rf n rr f r rr+
rar r r; r f t rr;+ +
ff t f f f a r; f+
rf rt a f rf rt+ -+
rt ff r rr t r+
n rr a a a f rr+ +
rf r rr a r=a +
f = farr fa tf- ;- rr+ ~+
s ff fa frr fy r; =fr rr+ +
Cau.: prabhu pada kamala ssa tinha ne, dekhi subhaa raghupati mana bhe.
rma kp kari jugala nihre, bhae bigatarama parama sukhre.1.
gae jni agada hanumn, phire bhlu markaa bhaa nn.
jtudhna pradoa bala p, dhe kari dasassa doh.2.
nisicara an dekhi kapi phire, jaha taha kaakai bhaa bhire.
dvau dala prabala pacri pacr, larata subhaa nahi

mnahi

hr.3.
mahbra nisicara saba kre, nn barana balmukha bhre.
sabala jugala dala samabala jodh, kautuka karata larata kari krodh.4.
prbia sarada payoda ghanere, larata manahu mruta ke prere.
anipa akapana aru atiky, bicalata sena knhi inha my.5.
bhayau nimia maha ati a dhir, bi hoi rudhiropala chr.6.

854
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
They bowed their head at the lotus-feet of their Master, and the Lord of the Raghus
was glad at heart to see the valiant warriors. r Rma graciously regarded them both
and presently their fatigue was gone and they felt supremely happy. On learning that
Agada and Hanumn had left, the numerous monkey and bear warriors retired from the
field; while the demons, recovering their strength at nightfall, sallied forth, calling on their
ten-headed lord. At the sight of the demon host the monkeys turned again; and gnashing
their teeth in fury the champions closed with their opponents here and there. The two
armies stood formidable; their champions challenging one another every time, came to
a grim fight without giving in. The demons were all great warriors and dark in complexion;
while the monkeys were stupendous in size and of numerous colours. The two armies
were equally strong and the warriors too equally matched; displaying their martial feats
they fought with fury and looked like masses of rainy and autumnal clouds driven against
one another by a strong wind. The generals Akampana and Atikya (sons of Rvaa),
when they perceived their troops losing ground, employed My (illusive devices); in an
instant it grew pitch dark and there was a downpour of blood, stone and ashes. (16)
f ffz a ff f s r
f ; a f r+ +
Do.: dekhi nibiRa tama dasahu disi kapidala bhayau khabhra,
ekahi eka na dekha jaha taha karahi

pukra.46.
Seeing the dense darkness all round, the monkey host was thrown into disorder.
They could not see one another and there was an outcry everywhere. (46)
rrr rr f rf n rr+
rr f rr a rf f r+ {+
f r f r rr r r f rr+
s r a a rt r s ff rt+ +
r t r; rr r fna >r rrr+
r n nr r a t r+ -+
rna f f t f r f a t+
nf zrf rn rt sn r f f rt+ +
Cau.: sakala maramu raghunyaka jn, lie boli agada hanumn.
samcra saba kahi samujhe, sunata kopi kapikujara dhe.1.
puni kpla ha si cpa ca Rhv, pvaka syaka sapadi calv.
bhayau praksa katahu tama nh

, gyna udaya jimi sasaya jh

.2.
bhlu balmukha pi praks, dhe haraa bigata rama trs.
hanumna agada rana gje, h

ka sunata rajancara bhje.3.

bhgata bhaa paakahi

dhari dharan, karahi

bhlu kapi adbhuta karan.

gahi pada rahi

sgara mh

, makara uraga jhaa dhari dhari khh

.4.
The Lord of the Raghus understood the secret of it all and summoned Agada and
Hanumn. He apprised them of all that was going on and issued necessary instructions
to them. The two monkey chiefs rushed forth in a fury as soon as they heard the
instructions. The All-merciful then drew His bow with a smile and forthwith let fly a flery

*
LAK-K NA
*
855
dart. Lo! there was light all round and no trace of darkness left anywhere, even as doubts
disappear with the dawn of spiritual enlightenment. The bear and monkeys were relieved
of their fatigue and rid of all fear when they saw light again, and pressed on exultingly.
Hanumn and Agada thundered on the field of battle and the demons fled at their
menacing roar. But the bears and monkeys seized the demon warriors in their flight and
dashed them to the ground, performing marvellous feats of strength even as they did so,
or catching them by the leg, hurled them into the ocean, where alligators, serpents and
fish snapped them up and devoured them. (14)
r rrr n r;
nf r t f fr;+ +
Do.: kachu mre kachu ghyala kachu gaRha caRhe pari,
garjahi

bhlu balmukha ripu dala bala bicali.47.

Some were killed, some more were wounded, while others scampered away and
clambered the fort. Having thus scattered the hostile forces, the bears and monkeys
gave a loud roar. (47)
fr rf f rfs t r r rr t+
r r f far t fna>r r at+ {+
sr r f r f r+
rr f- rrrr fn r f frr+ +
rra fa fr r ra far t +
rr tfa fa r ara r fr+ -+
a ar tar f rt n rf rf rt+
r r nrr r f r rr+ +
Cau.: nis jni kapi criu an, e jah

kosal dhan.
rma kp kari citav sabah, bhae bigatarama bnara tabah.1.
uh

dasnana saciva ha kre, saba sana kahesi subhaa je mre.

dh kaaku kapinha saghr, kahahu begi k karia bicr.2.
mlyavata ati jaraha niscara, rvana mtu pit matr bara.
bol bacana nti ati pvana, sunahu tta kachu mora sikhvana.3.
jaba te tumha st hari n, asaguna hohi

na jhi

bakhn.
beda purna jsu jasu gyo, rma bimukha khu na sukha pyo.4.
Perceiving that it was now night, all the four divisions of the monkey host returned to
the camp of Kosalas lord. The monkeys were all relieved of their fatigue the moment r
Rma cast His benign look on them. There (in Lak) the ten-headed monster sent for all
his ministers and told them about the warriors that had been killed in action. The monkeys
have disposed of half our forces; tell me at once what counsel should be adopted. There
upon Mlyavn, a very aged demon, who was Rvaas maternal grandfather and an
eminent counsellor, spoke words of highly devout wisdom: Listen, my son, to a few words
of advice from me. Ever since you carried off St and brought Her here, there have been ill-
omens more than one can tell. By opposing r Rma, whose glory has been the theme of
the Vedas and Puras, none has ever enjoyed happiness. (14)

856
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
f-r- rar fa r
f r r; as rf nr+ c (+
Do.: hiranyccha bhrt sahita madhu kaiabha balavna,
jehi

mre soi avatareu kpsidhu bhagavna.48(A).

The same gracious Lord who despatched Hirayka with his brother Hiraykaipu,
as well as the mighty Madhu and Kaiabha, has descended on earth (in the person of
r Rma). (48 A)
[PAUSE 25 FOR A THIRTY-DAY RECITATION]
r= nrnr rrr
f ff f f arr fr+ c (+
klarupa khala bana dahana gungra ghanabodha,
siva biraci jehi sevahi

tso kavana birodha.48(B).

Hostility is quite out of the question with Him who is the personification of the
Time-Spirit (the principle of destruction), a fire to consume the forest in the shape of the
wicked, a repository of virtues and an embodiment of wisdom, and who is adored even
by iva, and Brahm. (48 B)
ff = t rff t+
ar r rn fr f rf rn+ {+
f a as art f rf rt+
af rr r a f rfrr+ +
r sf ns a rr a r rs rrrr+
a ra f rr fs a r rr+ -+
f a rr rr tfa a rr+
a fr s frr rn f f rr+ +
rf f- rr n rrr n rr s rrr+
ffr ff r n a a f r+ ~+
Cau.: parihari bayaru dehu baideh, bhajahu kpnidhi parama saneh.
tke bacana bna sama lge, kari muha kari jhi abhge.1.
buRha bhaesi na ta marateu toh, aba jani nayana dekhvasi mohi

.
tehi

apane mana asa anumn, badhyo cahata ehi kpnidhn.2.

so uhi gayau kahata durbd, taba sakopa boleu ghanand.
kautuka prta dekhiahu mor, karihau bahuta kahau k thor.3.
suni suta bacana bharos v, prti sameta aka baihv.
karata bicra bhayau bhinusr, lge kapi puni cah u

dur.4.
kopi kapinha durghaa gaRhu gher, nagara kolhalu bhayau ghaner.
bibidhyudha dhara nisicara dhe, gaRha te parbata sikhara hahe.5.
Giving up all quarrel with r Rma, restore Videhas Daughter to Him and

*
LAK-K NA
*
857
worship the All-merciful, who has a most loving disposition. His words stung Rvaa
like shafts. Away, wretch, with your accursed face. If it were not for your age, I would
have finished you; now please do not appear before my eyes again. Mlyavn,
however, thought within himself that the All-merciful would soon kill him; he, therefore,
rose and departed abusing Rvaa as he went. Meghanda thereupon exclaimed in a
fury : See what wonders I work the very next morning. I am going to accomplish much;
why should I, therefore, belittle its worth by speaking of it just now? Confidence returned
to Rvaa when he heard his sons words; and he fondly took him into his lap. The day
broke even while they deliberated, and the monkeys again assailed the four gates. In
their fury they laid siege to the most powerful citadel. This gave rise to an uproarious
alarm in the city. The demons darted forward with their weapons of every description and
hurled down mountain-peaks from the ramparts. (15)
r t f rf- ff ff nrr
rrra ff fra na r+
f a a a a
nf af n rf r a ff +
Cha.: hhe mahdhara sikhara koinha bibidha bidhi gol cale,
ghaharta jimi pabipta garjata janu pralaya ke bdale.
markaa bikaa bhaa juata kaata na laata tana jarjara bhae,
gahi saila tehi gaRha para calvahi

jaha so taha nisicara hae.

The demons hurled mountain-peaks in myriads and fired bomb-shells of every
description, which came roaring like a crash of thunder; while the contending warriors
roared like the clouds on the day of universal destruction. Fierce monkey warriors
combated with their adversaries and had their bodies severely wounded and badly
battered; yet they languished not. Seizing rocks, they hurled them against the fort; and
the demons fell to them wherever they stood.
rrr f >r n f r r;
savr t n a - rr r;+ +
Do.: meghanda suni ravana asa gaRhu puni chek i,
utaryo bra durga te sanmukha calyo baji.49.
When Meghanda heard that the monkeys had come and besieged the fort again,
the hero tore down the fort and sallied forth with beat of drum to meet the enemy face
to face. (49)
rrt rar -t r f=rar+
t f ntr n a tr+ {+
r ft rarrt r f f rs rt+
f f r r fa r >r fn ar+ +
r rz rnr - rf rnr+
a a ff r - r; af + -+

858
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
a rfn f tr ft f q ;r+
r f r r t-f f r r+ +
Cau.: kaha kosaldhsa dvau bhrt, dhanv sakala loka bikhyt.
kaha nala nla dubida sugrv, agada han umata bala s

v.1.
kah

bibhanu bhrtdroh, ju sabahi hahi mrau oh.

asa kahi kahina bna sadhne, atisaya krodha ravana lagi tne.2.
sara samuha so chRai lg, janu sapaccha dhvahi

bahu ng.
jaha taha parata dekhiahi

bnara, sanmukha hoi na sake tehi avasara.3.

jaha taha bhgi cale kapi rch, bisar sabahi juddha kai ch.
so kapi bhlu na rana maha dekh, knhesi jehi na prna avase.4.
Where are the two brother princes of Kosala, those archers celebrated throughout
the spheres? Where are Nala, Nla, Dvivida and Sugrva as well as Agada and
Hanumn, the most powerful of all? Where is Vibhaa the traitor to his own brother?
I will kill them all today and him (Vibhaa) too at all events. So saying, he fitted sharp
arrows to his bow and in excess of fury drew the string up to his ear. Presently he
started discharging a volley of arrows that flew like so many winged serpents. Everywhere
monkeys were seen falling to the ground, at that time there was none who would dare
to face him. Bears and monkeys fled in every direction; none had any desire left to
continue the fight. Not a single monkey or bear was to be seen on the field, whom he
had left with anything but life. (14)
rf f f t
fr f nr rrr t+ ~+
Do.: dasa dasa sara saba mresi pare bhumi kapi bra,
sihanda kari garj meghanda bala dhra.50.
He struck his opponents with ten arrows each, and the monkey warriors dropped
to the ground. Meghanda, who was as powerful as he was staunch in fight, now roared
like a lion. (50)
f a frr ra rs rr+
r aa srr fa f rrr zrr+ {+
ra f ns r; rt an r;+
r r r rr f r r rr+ +
rrfa f ns rrrr rr r fa f r r+
tr tr r zr at rf fr+ -+
f ar ffrr rn rr ff rr+
ff rs n=z r zr nf tr r+ +
Cau.: dekhi pavanasuta kaaka bihl, krodhavata janu dhyau kl.
mahsaila eka turata upr, ati risa meghanda para r.1.
vata dekhi gayau nabha so, ratha srath turaga saba kho.
bra bra pacra hanumn, nikaa na va maramu so jn.2.

*
LAK-K NA
*
859
raghupati nikaa gayau ghanand, nn bha ti karesi durbd.
astra sastra yudha saba re, kautukahi

prabhu ki nivre.3.
dekhi pratpa muRha khisin, Karai lga my bidhi nn.
jimi kou karai garuRa sai

khel, arapvai gahi svalpa sapel.4.

When the son of the wind-god saw his army in distress, he flew into a rage and
rushed forth as if he were death personified. He forthwith tore up a huge rock and hurled
it at Meghanda with great fury. When he saw the rock coming towards him, he mounted
up into the air, leaving his car, charioteer and horses to perish. Again and again did
Hanumn challenge him to a duel, but the demon dared not come nearer; for he knew
the monkeys real strength. Meghanda now approached r Rma and hurled every
kind of abuse at him. He tried weapons and missiles of every description against Him;
but the Lord with the utmost ease cut them asunder before they could reach Him. The
fool was put out of countenance when he saw the Lords might, and began to practise
all sorts of illusive devices, as if catching hold of a poor little snakeling one were to
frighten Garua and sport with him. (14)
r rr f ff z r
arf fr; ff f rr fa r+ ~{+
Do.: jsu prabala my basa siva biraci baRa choa,
thi dikhvai nisicara nija my mati khoa.51.
The evil-minded demon displayed his demoniac powers before Him whose
powerful My (deluding potency) holds sway over all, both great and small, iva and
Viraci (the Creator) not excepted. (51)
f f nrr f a n rf rr+
rr rfa fr frt r= r f rf rt+ {+
fyr =f rzr ; s rzr+
f f t-f frr r r r rr+ +
f r rr r f +
a f r r ta f r+ -+
r rt rr ff f faf frr+
rfy f r fr f r+ +
Cau.: nabha caRhi baraa bipula agr, mahi te pragaa hohi

jaladhr.
nn bh

ti pisca pisc, mru ku dhuni bolahi

nc.1.
bi puya rudhira kaca hR, baraai kabahu upala bahu chR.
barai dhuri knhesi a dhir, sujha na pana htha pasr.2.
kapi akulne my dekhe , saba kara marana ban ehi lekhe .
kautuka dekhi rma musukne, bhae sabhta sakala kapi jne.3.
eka bna k saba my, jimi dinakara hara timira niky.
kpdi kapi bhlu biloke, bhae prabala rana rahahi

na roke.4.
Mounting up into the air he rained down a shower of firebrands, and spouts of
water issued forth from the earth. Fiends and fiendesses of diverse form danced with

860
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
cries of Maim and kill? Now he would rain down showers of faeces, pus, blood, hair
and bones; and now he would hurl a volley of stones. By discharging dust all round
he made it so dark that if you held out your own hand you would not see it. The
monkeys lost their nerve when they saw these supernatural phenomena. At this rate
we are all doomed they thought. r Rma smiled when he saw this fun; at the same
time He understood that the monkeys were all alarmed. With a single arrow He broke
the illusive web, even as the sun removes the thick veil of darkness. He cast a
gracious look on the monkeys and bears, and lo! they grew too strong to be restrained
from fighting. (14)
r rfn r f nrf f r
f q r; r r r+ ~+
Do.: yasu mgi rma pahi

agaddi kapi stha,

lachimana cale kruddha hoi bna sarsana htha.52.
Asking leave of r Rma and accompanied by Agada and other monkey chiefs,
Lakmaa marched forth in fury, bow and arrow in hand. (52)
a s r frr ffnf f a rr+
;r r r rr tr tr nf r+ {+
fr rt r f r rt+
f rff rt ;a sa ;-r f rt+ +
f- ra- ra- rf f t rf f zrf+
r= r= = = = r= t arf nf +rr sr=+ -+
f f t zr rf a =z zr+
f a r f r+ +
Cau.: chataja nayana ura bhu bisl, himagiri nibha tanu kachu eka ll.
ih

dasnana subhaa pahe, nn astra sastra gahi dhe.1.

bhudhara nakha biapyudha dhr, dhe kapi jaya rma pukr.
bhire sakala jorihi sana jor, ita uta jaya icch nahi

thor.2.
muhikanha ltanha dtanha kahi

, kapi jayasla mri puni ahi

.
mru mru dharu dharu dharu mru, ssa tori gahi bhuj upru.3.
asi rava puri rah nava kha, dhvahi

jaha taha rua praca.

dekhahi

kautuka nabha sura bd, kabahu ka bisamaya kabahu anad.4.

With bloodshot eyes, a broad chest and long arms, his white form shone like the
snow-clad Himlaya with a slight admixture of red. At the other end the ten-headed
monster sent out champions, who rushed forth equipped with missiles and other
weapons of every description. With mountains, claws and trees for weapons, the
monkeys hastened to meet the demons, shouting Victory to Rma. They all closed in
the fray, match with match, both the sides equally agog to win. The monkeys, who had
now the upper hand, battered the demons with their fists and feet and bit them with their
teeth. They struck them down and browbeat them. Kill, kill, seize, seize, seize, slay,
break his head, seize his arm and tear it up!such were the cries that filled the air
through all the nine divisions of the globe. Headless bodies sprinted furiously hither and

*
LAK-K NA
*
861
thither. Hosts of celestials witnessed the spectacle from heaven, now with joy and now
in dismay. (14)
=f nrz f f rr f szr;
nr rf- a n r r;+ ~-+
Do.: rudhira gRa bhari bhari jamyo upara dhuri uRi,
janu a gra rsinha para mtaka dhuma rahyo chi.53.
Blood had collected in the hollows of the earth and dried up there and clouds of
dust hung over it like ashes over heaps of live coal. (53)
rrr t frf fa f a= +
f rrr rr ff f fa rr+ {+
f ; f tat ff ; tat+
ra a s ar s rt aar+ +
rr ff r r r- s r r+
r a f rr s ff rr+ -+
trrrfat rfzf rnt a f s rnt+
=r ; f+ rn a f ns f -rn+ +
Cau.: ghyala bra birjahi

kaise, kusumita kisuka ke taru jaise.

lachimana meghanda dvau jodh, bhirahi

parasapara kari ati krodh.1.

ekahi eka sakai nahi

jt, nisicara chala bala karai ant.

krodhavata taba bhayau anat, bhajeu ratha srath turat.2.
nn bidhi prahra kara se, rcchasa bhayau prna avase.
rvana suta nija mana anumn, sakaha bhayau harihi mama prn.3.
braghtin chRisi s

g, teja puja lachimana ura lg.

muruch bha sakti ke lge , taba cali gayau nikaa bhaya tyge .4.
The wounded warriors shone like so many Kiuka* trees in flower. The two
champions, Lakmaa and Meghanda, grappled with each other in mounting fury.
Neither could get the better of the other. The demon, however, resorted to wily tricks and
unfair means. Lakmaa, who was no other than Ananta (the serpent-god ea, whose
wrath brings about the dissolution of the universe), then waxed furious and in a trice
smashed the chariot and tore its driver to pieces. ea (Lakmaa) smote him in so
many ways that the demon (Meghanda) was all but dead. The son of Rvaa thought
within himself that he was in straits and the enemy would surely take his life. He threw
a javelin which was notorious for killing warriors and was all brilliance; and lo! it struck
Lakmaa in the breast. The blow was so smart that the prince swooned and Meghanda
now went near him shedding all fear. (14)
rrr rf a rr sr;
nrr ff s ffr;+ ~+
* A Kiuka tree bears crimson flowers; hence the wounded parts of the warriors have been
compared with the flowers of a Kiuka tree.

862
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Do.: meghanda sama koi sata jodh rahe uhi,
jagaddhra sea kimi uhai cale khisii.54.
A vast number of champions as powerful as Meghanda strove to lift him; but how
could ea, the support of the entire globe, be thus lifted? Hence they returned smarting
with shame. (54)
fnfr rr r r; rf r+
nr tfa r art f n n rt+ {+
a r; r; r r r r;+
r ; ff rt n r f f t+ +
r zr fa t f r r =r+
a fn rs rr f fa rr+ -+
ra r r ; r ; r+
f rr = ns ar rs a aar+ +
Cau.: sunu girij krodhnala jsu, jrai bhuvana cridasa s u.
saka sagrma jti ko th, sevahi

sura nara aga jaga jh.1.

yaha kaut uhala jnai so, j para kp rma kai ho.
sadhy bhai phiri dvau bhan, lage sa bhrana nija nija an.2.
bypaka brahma ajita buvanesvara, lachimana kah

b ujha karunkara.
taba lagi lai yau hanumn, anuja dekhi prabhu ati dukha mn.3.
jmavata kaha baida suen, lak

rahai ko paha len.

dhari laghu rupa gayau hanumat, neu bhavana sameta turat.4.
Listen, Prvat : (continues Lord akara,) none can conquer him in battle, the fire
of whose wrath speedily consumes all the fourteen spheres (at the time of universal
dissolution), and whom gods and human beings, nay, all animate and inanimate beings
adore. He alone can understand this mystery, on whom descends r Rmas grace.
Now that it was evening, both the armies retired and the commanders of the different
units began taking count of their troops. The All-merciful and invincible Lord of the
universe, the all-pervading supreme Spirit, asked : Where is Lakmaa? Meanwhile
Hanumn brought him; seeing His younger brother (in a swoon) the Lord felt sore
distressed. Jmbavn said, Suea, the physician, lives in Lak; someone should be
sent to fetch him here. Assuming a minute (indiscernible) form Hanumn went and
immediately brought him, house and all. (14)
r rf f rs r;
r r fnf t r a + ~~+
Do.: rma padrabida sira nyau i suena,
kah nma giri auadh jhu pavanasuta lena.55.
Suea came and bowed his head at r Rmas lotus-feet. He mentioned the
name of the herb as well as of the mountain where it could be had, and said, Proceed,
O son of the wind-god, to bring it. (55)

*
LAK-K NA
*
863
r f s rt r a rt+
sr a rr r rf n rr+ {+
r af r f f rf f= r+
a arf n= f rr ar r r rr+ +
f rrfa = fa rr rz r r rr+
t a trr z r rrfrr+ -+
a r ar -rn r r ff aa rn+
r r - r; f tfa r;+ +
Cau.: rma carana sarasija ura rkh, cal prabhajana suta bala bh.
uh

duta eka maramu janv, rvanu klanemi gha v.1.

dasamukha kah maramu tehi

sun, puni puni klanemi siru dhun.

dekhata tumhahi nagaru jehi

jr, tsu patha ko rokana pr.2.

bhaji raghupati karu hita pan, ch

Rahu ntha m jalpan.

nla kaja tanu sudara sym, hdaya rkhu locanbhirm.3.
mai

tai

mora m uRhat tyg u, mah moha nisi s utata jg u.

kla byla kara bhacchaka jo, sapanehu samara ki jtia so.4.
Enshrining r Rmas lotus-feet in his heart and assuring the Lord of his own
might, the son of the wind-god departed. At the other end a spy disclosed the secret to
Rvaa, who called at the house of Klanemi (a demon ally of Rvaa). The ten-headed
monster told him all that he had to say, hearing which Klanemi beat his head again and
again. Nobody can obstruct him who burnt your capital before your very eyes. Therefore,
adore the Lord of the Raghus in your own interest and desist, my lord, from all vain
prattle. Hold in your heart that lovely form, swarthy as the blue lotus, the delight of all
eyes. Dismiss the foolish idea of I and You, mine and thine and awake from slumber in
the night of gross infatuation. Can anyone even dream of conquering Him in battle, who
devours even the serpent of Time (which in its turn devours the entire creation)? (14)
f fr fa af t- fr
r a = a r+ ~+
Do.: suni dasakaha risna ati tehi

mana knha bicra,

rma duta kara marau baru yaha khala rata mala bhra.56.
The ten-headed monster flew into a tearing rage when he heard this. Thereupon
Klanemi reasoned to himself: I should rather die at the hands of r Rmas servant;
for this wretch revels in his load of sins! (56)
f r ff n rr f rn rr+
r=aa r r>r ff fr f r; >r+ {+
r- a rr rrfa af rr+
r; a rs rr rn r r n nrr+ +
ra r r rf ffaf r r f+
;r s r; r fy rf fr;+ -+

864
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
rnr af t- z f f rrrs r +
r f ra r f-r s r f r+ +
Cau.: asa kahi cal racisi maga my, sara madira bara bga bany.
mrutasuta dekh subha rama, munihi b ujhi jala piyau ji rama.1.
rcchasa kapaa bea taha soh, mypati d utahi caha moh.
ji pavanasuta nyau mth, lga so kahai rma guna gth.2.
hota mah rana rvana rmahi

, jitihahi

rma na sasaya y mahi

.
ih

bhae mai

dekhau bh, gyna di bala mohi adhik.3.

mg jala tehi

dnha kaala, kaha kapi nahi

aghu thore jala.

sara majjana kari tura vahu, dicch deu gyna jehi

pvahu.4.
So saying to himself he departed and resorted to his black art; he produced by the
path a lake, a temple and a lovely garden. The son of the wind-god saw the good
hermitage and thought to himself : Let me ask leave of the hermit over there and drink
some water, so that I may be relieved of my fatigue. The demon (Klanemi) had
ensconced himself there in the deceitful garb of a hermit and sought to delude the
messenger even of the Lord of My. The son of the wind-god went and bowed his head
before him; and the demon in his turn began to recite r Rmas praises. A fierce war
is raging between r Rma and Rvaa, of which Rma will undoubtedly emerge
victorious. I behold everything, my brother, even from here; for my great strength lies in
my intuition. On his asking for water, the demon gave Hanumn his own waterpot; but
the monkey chief said, My thirst will not be quenched by a small quantity of water.
Then take a plunge in the lake and speedily come back. After that I will initiate you and
you will have spiritual insight. (14)
a f nr t a r
rt r f f a t nn f r+ ~+
Do.: sara paihata kapi pada gah makar

taba akulna,
mr so dhari dibya tanu cal gagana caRhi jna.57.
No sooner had Hanumn stepped into the lake than a she-alligator seized him by
the foot in great excitement. Having been slain by Hanumn, she assumed a celestial
form and, mounting an aerial car, soared into the heavens. (57)
f a ;s frrr fr ara f rr+
f r; ff rrrr r - f rr+ {+
f n; r t ff f ns f at+
f f nfr r f r ar + +
f n f rr f a nf at rr+
r r f rzf rr f f s rr+ -+
r t-r r f srf fnf t-r+
nf fnf ff ra t f n+ +
Cau.: kapi tava darasa bhaiu nipp, mi tta munibara kara sp.
muni na hoi yaha nisicara ghor, mnahu satya bacana kapi mor.1.

*
LAK-K NA
*
865
asa kahi ga apachar jabah

, nisicara nikaa gayau kapi tabah

.
kaha kapi muni guradachin lehu, pche hamahi matra tumha deh u.3.
sira lag ura lapei pachr, nija tanu pragaesi marat br.
rma rma kahi chResi prn, suni mana harai caleu hanumn.4.
dekh saila na auadha cnh, sahas kapi upri giri lnh.
gahi giri nisi nabha dhvata bhaya u, avadhapur upara kapi gaya u.5.
By your very sight, O dear monkey, I have been absolved of all sins and the
curse of the great sage (which accounted for my birth in an alligators womb) has come
to an end. This fellow, O monkey chief, is no hermit but a terrible demon : believe my
words to be true. So saying, the celestial nymph left for her abode in heaven and
Hanumn immediately returned to the demon. Said the monkey: First receive, holy sir,
your fee as my spiritual preceptor and after that impart to me the sacred formula.
Hanumn then twisted his tail round the hermits head and knocked him down, and he
appeared in his natural (demoniac) form at the moment of his death and gave up the
ghost while muttering Rma, Rma. Hanumn was delighted at heart to hear this name
and proceeded on his journey. He found the mountain but failed to single out the herb
(prescribed by Suea); he, therefore, lost no time in uprooting the mount itself. Holding
up the mountain in his hand, Hanumn darted back through the air while it was yet night
and happened to pass over the city of Ayodhy. (14)
r a fr fa ff rf
f r rs r >r fn arf+ ~c+
Do.: dekh bharata bisla ati nisicara mana anumni,
binu phara syaka mreu cpa ravana lagi tni.58.
Bharata (who kept vigil at night ever since his return from Citrakua) espied a
colossal figure coursing through the air and thinking it to be some demon drew his bow
to the ear and struck him with a headless shaft. (58)
s =f f rna r fa r r rrr+
f f a a r f t fa ra r+ {+
f frf t s rr rna f rfa nrr+
t rt a f r rt+ +
f ff r f rf t-r af f r= t-r+
r = rr tfa r rr+ -+
a f rs fna >r r r rrfa r+
a sf tr f fa rrtr+ +
Cau.: pareu muruchi mahi lgata syaka, sumirata rma rma raghunyaka.
suni priya bacana bharata taba dhe, kapi sampa ati tura e.1.
bikala biloki ksa ura lv, jgata nahi

bahu bh

ti jagv.
mukha malna mana bhae dukhr, kahata bacana bhari locana br.2.
jehi

bidhi rma bimukha mohi knh, tehi

puni yaha druna dukha dnh.

jau more mana baca aru ky, prti rma pada kamala amy.3.
tau kapi hou bigata rama sul, jau mo para raghupati anuk ul.
sunata bacana uhi baiha kaps, kahi jaya jayati kosaldhs.4.

866
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Struck by the dart, Hanumn dropped unconscious to the ground, crying Rma,
Rma, O Lord of the Raghus! The moment Bharata heard these pleasing words he
rushed and came posthaste by the side of the monkey. Seeing the monkey in swoon,
the prince clasped him to his bosom and tried every means to bring him back to
consciousness but in vain. With a sad look in his face and much distressed at heart and
his eyes full of tears, he spoke the following words; The selfsame Providence who
alienated me from r Rma has also inflicted this terrible suffering on me. If in thought,
word and deed I cherish sincere devotion to r Rmas lotus feet, and if the Lord of the
Raghus is kindly disposed towards me, may this monkey be relieved of all exhaustion
and pain. As soon as these words entered his ears the monkey chief arose and sat up,
crying Glory, all glory to the Lord of Kosala! (14)
t- ff s r; fa a r
tfa z r; ff r rr fa+ ~+
So.: lnha kapihi ura li pulakita tanu locana sajala,
prti na hdaya sami sumiri rma raghukula tilaka.59.
A thrill of joy ran through his body and tears rushed to his eyes as Bharata took
and clasped the monkey to his bosom. His heart overflowed with love at the very thought
of r Rma, the glory of Raghus race. (59)
ara fr t fa = ra rt+
f fa r r t far+ {+
a n rs r rs+
rf = f tr f f r tr+ +
ara n= r;f arf rar r r;f ra rar+
r ar arf rfar+ -+
f f sr frr r r ff ff rr+
r r frf rt f f rt+ +
Cau.: tta kusala kahu sukhanidhna k, sahita anuja aru mtu jnak.
kapi saba carita samsa bakhne, bhae dukh mana mahu pachitne.1.
ahaha daiva mai

kata jaga jyau , prabhu ke ekahu kja na yau .

jni kuavasaru mana dhari dhr, puni kapi sana bole balabr.2.
tta gaharu hoihi tohi jt, kju nasihi hota prabht.
caRhu mama syaka saila samet, pahavau tohi jaha kpniket.3.
suni kapi mana upaj abhimn, more bhra calihi kimi bn.
rma prabhva bicri bahor, badi carana kaha kapi kara jor.4.
Tell me, dear friend, if all is well with r Rma, the Fountain of Joy, as well as
with His younger brother (Lakmaa) and my mother Jnak (Janakas Daughter). The
monkey chief told him in brief all that had happened and Bharata felt much distressed to
hear it and his heart was filled with remorse. Ah me, good heavens, why should I have
been born into this world at all, if I could not be of any service to the Lord? But realizing
the adverse circumstances, the gallant and mighty prince recollected himself and
addressed Hanumn again, You will be delayed in your journey and nothing will avail

*
LAK-K NA
*
867
after daybreak. Therefore, ascend my arrow, mountain and all, and I will send you
straight into the presence of the All-merciful. Hanumns pride was tickled when he
heard these words. How will the arrow fly with my weight? he thought. Then, recalling
r Rmas glory, he bowed at Bharatas feet and spoke with joined palms: (14)
a ar s rf s r aa
f r r; f s a+ (+
a r t n tfa r
ra ra f f r+ (+
Do.: tava pratpa ura rkhi prabhu jaihau ntha turata,
asa kahi yasu pi pada badi caleu hanumata.60(A).
bharata bhu bala sla guna prabhu pada prti apra,
mana mahu jta sarhata puni puni pavanakumra.60(B).
Cherishing the thought of your majesty, my lord, I will go swiftly. So saying
and obtaining leave of Bharata, Hanumn bowed at his feet and sped on. As he
journeyed forth, the son of the wind-god extolled to himself again and again Bharatas
strength of arm, amiability and goodness as well as his boundless devotion to the Lords
feet. (60 A-B)
sr r ff frt r rt+
rfa n; f f rs r sr; s rs+ {+
fa f rf r r a r+
fa rfn a fa rar ff f ra rar+ +
r rn r r; s f fr;+
as fr far as f r+ -+
a fa rf frr rf rf n rf rr+
frf f rn arar f; na r rar+ +
r f n fa tr f f f f tr+
f f art z fr rt+ ~+
s r; rf a f r; nr;+
= as n rt rf rf f fa rt + +
r r a arr ff f r s rr+
f t rr ara ar ar r rr+ +
f rf arf nf rt ff fa rt+
sa= r s af r; sf f rf fr r;+ c+
ff ra r fr na f rf r+
sr z rrr; nfa na r r;+ +
Cau.: uh

rma lachimanahi nihr, bole bacana manuja anusr.

ardha rti gai kapi nahi

yau, rma uhi anuja ura lyau.1.

868
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
sakahu na dukhita dekhi mohi k u, badhu sad tava mdula subh u.
mama hita lgi tajehu pitu mt, sahehu bipina hima tapa bt.2.
so anurga kah

aba bh, uhahu na suni mama baca bikal.

jau janateu bana badhu bichohu, pit bacana manateu nahi

oh u.3.
suta bita nri bhavana parivr, hohi

jhi

jaga brahi

br.
asa bicri jiya jgahu tt, milai na jagata sahodara bhrt.4.
jath pakha binu khaga ati dn, mani binu phani karibara kara hn.
asa mama jivana badhu binu toh, jau jaRa daiva jivai moh.5.
jaihau avadha kavana muhu l, nri hetu priya bhi ga v.
baru apajasa sahateu jaga mh

, nri hni bisea chati nh

.6.
aba apaloku soku suta tor, sahihi nihura kahora ura mor.
nija janan ke eka kumr, tta tsu tumha prna adhr.7.
sau pesi mohi tumhahi gahi pn, saba bidhi sukhada parama hita jn.
utaru kha daihau tehi j, uhi kina mohi sikhvahu bh.8.
bahu bidhi socata soca bimocana, sravata salila rjiva dala locana.
um eka akhaa raghur, nara gati bhagata kpla dekh.9.
Now, there on Suvela r Rma uttered words befitting a mortal as He looked at
Lakmaa, Although it is now past midnight, Hanumn has not yet turned up! r Rma
raised His younger brother and clasped him to His bosom. Brother, you could never
bear to see me in distress, since your disposition has always been so tender. On my
account you left both father and mother and exposed yourself to the cold, the heat and
the winds of the forest. Where is that old love now, brother, that you refuse to get up
even on hearing my lament ? Had I known that I would lose my brother in the forest, I
would never have obeyed even my fathers command. Sons, riches, wives, houses and
kinsfolk in this world repeatedly come and go; but a real brother cannot be had again in
this world. Ponder this in your mind and arise, dear brother. As a bird is utterly miserable
without wings, a serpent without its head-jewel and a noble elephant without its trunk, so
is my life without you, brother, in case stupid fate compels me to survive. With what face
shall I return to Ayodhy after sacrificing a beloved brother for the sake of my wife. I
would rather have suffered obloquy in the world (for my inability to recover my wife); for
after all the loss of a wife is not a serious loss. Now, however, my unfeeling and stony
heart will endure both that obloquy and the deep anguish of your loss, my son. Your
mothers only son, you are the sole prop of her life. Yet she took you by the hand and
entrusted you to me, knowing that I would make you happy in everyway and that I am
your greatest well-wisher. What answer shall I give her when I go back? Why should you
not get up and advise me, brother? Thus lamented the Dispeller of sorrow in diverse
ways; and tears flowed from His eyes which resembled the petals of a lotus. Um,
(continues Lord iva,) the Lord of the Raghus is one (without a second) and indivisible;
He exhibited the ways of human being only because He is so compassionate to His
devotees. (19)
r f r f r f
r; ns r ff =r t + {+
So.: prabhu pralpa suni kna bikala bhae bnara nikara,
i gayau hanumna jimi karun maha bra rasa.61.

*
LAK-K NA
*
869
The hosts of monkeys that surrounded the Lord were distressed to hear the
Lords frantic wailing. Presently arrived Hanumn like a heroic strain in the midst of
pathos. (61)
f r s rr fa a rr+
aa a tf- sr; sf f r;+ {+
z r; s rar r f rar+
f f ar rr f ff af arf ; rr+ +
-rra r fa fr f f f +
r f rr ff a f arf nrr+ -+
rnr ff f r r r f r+
rr r; r a r;+ +
r t af frt f r tar f rt+
ara f- ff r r r rr rrr+ ~+
f rt far rt+
r rf tr f tr+ +
Cau.: harai rma bheeu hanumn, ati ktagya prabhu parama sujn.
turata baida taba knhi up, uhi baihe lachimana hara.1.
hdaya li prabhu bheeu bhrt, harae sakala bhlu kapi brt.
kapi puni baida tah

pahu cv, jehi bidhi tabahi

thi lai v.2.
yaha bttta dasnana sune u, ati bida puni puni sira dhune u.
bykula kubhakarana pahi

v, bibidha jatana kari thi jagv.3.

jg nisicara dekhia kais, mnahu klu deha dhari bais.
kubhakarana bujh kahu bh, khe tava mukha rahe sukh.4.
kath kah saba tehi

abhimn, jehi prakra st hari n.

tta kapinha saba nisicara mre, mah mah jodh saghre.5.
durmukha suraripu manuja ahr, bhaa atikya akapana bhr.
apara mahodara dika br, pare samara mahi saba ranadhr.6.
Transported with joy, r Rma embraced Hanumn; for the Lord is exceedingly
grateful by nature and supremely wise. The physician (Suea) then immediately applied
the remedy and Lakmaa cheerfully rose and sat up. The Lord clasped His brother to
His heart and the whole host of bears and monkeys was rejoiced. Hanumn took the
physician back to Lak in the same way he had brought him the previous night. When
the ten-headed monster heard this news, he beat his head in utter despair again and
again. In sore perplexity he called on Kumbhakara (his younger brother) and succeeded
in waking him by using all sorts of devices. Having woken and sat up, he looked like
Death himself in a corporeal body. Kumbhakara asked; Tell me, brother, why do you
look so withered up? The haughty Rvaa told him the whole story as to how he had
carried off St Dear brother, the monkeys have killed all the demons and extirpated the
greatest warriors. Durmukha, Devntaka (the enemy of gods), Narntaka (the devourer
of men), the mighty champions Atikya (of enormous size) and Akampana (who never
trembles in fear) and other heroes like Mahodara (the bigbellied), so staunch in battle,
have all fallen on the field of battle. (16)

870
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
f a fr
nr f rf ra rr+ +
Do.: suni dasakadhara bacana taba kubhakarana bilakhna,
jagadab hari ni aba saha chata kalyna.62.
On hearing the words of his ten-headed brother, Kumbhakara felt very sorry. Having
carried off the Mother of the universe, O fool, you still expect good out of it! (62)
t- a ff rr rf r; nrf rr+
ara -rfn frr r r;f rrr+ {+
t rrr r r r+
a tf- rr; f rf rf r;+ +
t- fr af f ff r +
r f rf r r r as arf fr+ -+
f rf r; r r; +
tr nra t= r r; ar r r+ +
Cau.: bhala na knha tai

nisicara nh, aba mohi i jagehi kh.

ajahu

tta tygi abhimn, bhajahu rma hoihi kalyn.1.

hai

dasassa manuja raghunyaka, jke hanumna se pyaka.

ahaha badhu tai

knhi kho, prathamahi

mohi na sunehi .2.

knhehu prabhu birodha tehi devaka, siva biraci sura jke sevaka.
nrada muni mohi gyna jo kah, kahateu tohi samaya nirabah.3.
aba bhari aka bheu mohi bh, locana suphala karau mai

j.
syma gta sarasruha locana, dekhau ji tpa traya mocana.4.
You have not acted well, O demon king. And now why have you come and woke
me up? Yet, abandoning pride, worship r Rma and you will be blessed. Can the Lord
of the Raghus, O ten-headed Rvaa, be a man, who has couriers like Hanumn? Alas,
brother, you acted unwisely in that you did not break this news to me earlier. You have
courted war with the Divinity who has for His servants gods like iva and Viraci (the
Creator). I would have confided to you the secret which the sage Nrada had once imparted
to me; but the time has passed. Squeeze me, brother, in close embrace now, so that I
may go and bless my eyes with the sight of the Lord who has a swarthy complexion and
lotus-like eyes and who relieves the threefold agony of His devotees. (14)
r = n fa n s
r rns rf rr = f + -+
Do.: rma rupa guna sumirata magana bhayau chana eka,
rvana mgeu koi ghaa mada aru mahia aneka.63.
As he thought of r Rmas beauty and virtues he forgot himself for a moment.
In the meantime Rvaa requisitioned (for his consumption) myriads of jars full of wine
and a whole herd of buffaloes. (63)

*
LAK-K NA
*
871
f r; f fr rr nr rrrrra rr+
nr r n af nr+ {+
f ft rn rs s f r rs+
sr; z af rr rrfa + rf rr+ +
ara ra r rf rr a fa r frr+
af nrf rrfa f rs f t rs+ -+
a s r r r f r fr+
- - a - ft ara ff + +
a t- srn r rr rn+ ~+
Cau.: mahia khi kari madir pn, garj bajrghta samn.
kubhakarana durmada rana rag, cal durga taji sena na sag.1.
dekhi bibhanu ge yau, pareu carana nija nma sunyau.
anuja uhi hdaya tehi lyo, raghupati bhakta jni mana bhyo.2.
tta lta rvana mohi mr, kahata parama hita matra bicr.
tehi

galni raghupati pahi

yau , dekhi dna prabhu ke mana bhyau .3.

sunu suta bhayau klabasa rvana, so ki mna aba parama sikhvana.
dhanya dhanya tai

dhanya bibhana, bhayahu tta nisicara kula bhuana.4.

badhu basa tai

knha ujgara, bhajehu rma sobh sukha sgara.5.

Having feasted on the buffaloes and drunk off the wine, Kumbhakara roared like
a crash of lightning. Heavily drunk and full of passion for war, he sallied forth from the
fort without any troops. When Vibhaa saw him, he came forward and falling at his feet
told him his name. Kumbhakara in his turn lifted his younger brother and clasped him
to his bosom; he was delighted at heart to know that his brother was a devotee of r
Rma (the Lord of the Raghus). Dear brother, Rvaa spurned me with his foot when
I gave him a most salutary advice and told him my view. Disgusted with such treatment
I came away to r Rma, and the Lords heart was drawn towards me when he
perceived my distress. Listen, my son; Rvaa is in the clutches of death and would
not listen even to the best advice at this stage. Thrice blessed are you, Vibhaa; you
have proved to be the ornament of the demon race. Brother, you have brought glory to
our line by adoring r Rma, that ocean of beauty and felicity. (15)
af r t
r f r rf s r t+ +
Do.: bacana karma mana kapaa taji bhajehu rma ranadhra,
jhu na nija para sujha mohi bhayau klabasa bra.64.
In thought, word and deed you should guilelessly worship r Rma, who is
staunch in battle. Now leave me; for, doomed as I am to death, brother, I can no longer
distinguish between friend and foe. (64)
f r ft rs rr f+
r rr tr ra tr+ {+
ar f- r rr ffr; r rr+
f sr; f = r; zrf ar + +

872
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
rf rf fnf f rr f r f rr+
vr a vr rvr ff n f r rvr+ -+
a r=aa fr -r vr f r f -r+
f sf af rs ar rrfa a s aar+ +
f tf f rf a f f zrf+
t t r; fa rfa rs r;+ ~+
Cau.: badhu bacana suni cal bibhana, yau jaha trailoka bibh uana.
ntha bhudharkra sarr, kubhakarana vata ranadhr.1.
etan kapinha sun jaba kn, kilakili dhe balavn.
lie uhi biapa aru bh udhara, kaakai rahi

t upara.2.
koi koi giri sikhara prahr, karahi

bhlu kapi eka eka br.

muryo na manu tanu aryo na ryo, jimi gaja arka phalani ko mryo.3.
taba mrutasuta muhik hanyo, paryo dharani bykula sira dhunyo.
puni uhi tehi

mreu hanumat, ghurmita bh utala pareu turat.4.

puni nala nlahi avani pachresi, jaha taha paaki paaki bhaa dresi.
cal balmukha sena par, ati bhaya trasita na kou samuh.5.
On hearing the words of his brother (Kumbhakara) Vibhaa turned back and
came into the presence of r Rma (the Ornament of the three spheres). My lord, here
comes Kumbhakara, possessed of a body huge as a mountain and staunch in battle!
The moment the mighty monkeys heard this they rushed forth crying with joy. They
plucked up trees and mountains and hurled them against Kumbhakara gnashing their
teeth all the while. The bears and monkeys threw myriads of mountain-peaks at him each
time. But neither he felt daunted in spirit nor did he stir from his position in spite of the
best efforts on the part of the monkeys to push him back, even like an elephant pelted
with the fruits of the sun-plant. Thereupon Hanumn struck him with his fist and he fell
to the earth beating his head in great confusion. Rising again he hit Hanumn back and
the latter whirled round and immediately dropped to the ground. Next he overthrew Nala
and Nla upon the ground and knocked down the warriors here, there and everywhere.
The monkey host stampeded; in utter dismay none dared face him. (15)
nrf f =fa f a nt
r rf fr r fa t+ ~+
Do.: agaddi kapi muruchita kari sameta sugrva,
k

kha dbi kapirja kahu cal amita bala sva.65.

Having rendered unconscious Agada and the other principal monkeys including
Sugrva, Kumbhakara, who was of unbounded might, nay, the very perfection of
strength, pressed the king of the monkeys under his arm and went off. (65)
sr a rrfa tr a n=z ff fn tr+
f n r rf r; arf f r; f r;+ {+
n rf tfa ftaff nr; nr; ff aff+
=r n; r=aa rnr ntf a r rnr+ +

*
LAK-K NA
*
873
nt =r tat ff ns af a atat+
rf rfr rr nf r s af rr+ -+
ns nf f rr fa rrr sf f af rr+
f rs f rr fa fa rfrr+ +
r r r f rt fr r f ; rt+
t f f >rfa rr a f st rrr+ ~+
Cau.: um karata raghupati narall, khelata garuRa jimi ahigana ml.
bhkui bhaga jo klahi kh, thi ki sohai aisi lar.1.
jaga pvani krati bistarihahi

, gi gi bhavanidhi nara tarihahi

.
muruch gai mrutasuta jg, sugrvahi taba khojana lg.2.
sugrvahu kai muruch bt, nibuki gayau tehi mtaka pratt.
kesi dasana nsik kn, garaji aksa caleu tehi

jn.3.
gaheu carana gahi bhumi pachr, ati lghava uhi puni tehi mr.
puni yau prabhu pahi

balavn, jayati jayati jaya kpnidhn.4.

nka kna ke jiya jn, phir krodha kari bhai mana gln.
sahaja bhma puni binu ruti ns, dekhata kapi dala upaj trs.5.
Um, (continues Lord iva,) the Lord of the Raghus played the part of a human
being in the same way as Garua (the mount of Bhagavn Viu) would sport in the
company of snakes. Otherwise how could He who devours Death himself with the mere
knitting of His brows engage with any grace in such a conflict as this? He will thereby
spread His fame, which will not only sanctify the whole world but will undoubtedly take
across the ocean of mundane existence the people who sing it. Now Hanumns
unconsciousness ceased and he woke and presently began to look about for Sugrva.
Meanwhile Sugrva too recovered from his swoon and slipped out of Kumbhakaras
grips, who had taken him for dead (and consequently loosened his grip). Kumbhakara
discovered his escape only when Sugrva bit off the monsters nose and ears and ascended
into the air roaring. The demon caught Sugrva by the foot and, having thus secured him,
dashed him against the ground. Sugrva, however, rose with remarkable agility and hit his
adversary back. The mighty hero then returned into the Lords presence, shouting Glory,
glory, all glory to the merciful Lord! Kumbhakara felt sick at heart when he realized that
he had been deprived of his nose and ears, and turned back in a fury. The monkey host
was horror-stricken when they saw the monster, who was frightful by nature and looked
more so in the absence of his nose and ears. (15)
rr f r f
f r ar rzf- fnf a= + +
Do.: jaya jaya jaya raghubasa mani dhe kapi dai huha,
ekahi bra tsu para chRenhi giri taru juha.66.
Raising a shout of Glory, glory, all glory to the Jewel of Raghus race! the monkeys
rushed forward and rained upon him all at once a volley of rocks and trees. (66)
n f=qr - r r qr+
rf rf f f f r; tzt fnf nr r;+ {+

874
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
rf- nf t r rf- tf f f nr+
rr >rf- t rr ff rf r f rr+ +
-r fr r ft nff f ff r+
ff r f f + -+
f fzrt f r; t rt+
t r f r; f t rr ff r;+ +
Cau.: kubhakarana rana raga biruddh, sanmukha cal kla janu kruddh.
koi koi kapi dhari dhari kh, janu R giri guh

sam.1.
koinha gahi sarra sana mard, koinha mji milava mahi gard.
mukha ns ravananhi k

b, nisari parhi

bhlu kapi h.2.

rana mada matta niscara darp, bisva grasihi janu ehi bidhi arp.
mure subhaa saba phirahi

na phere, sujha na nayana sunahi

nahi

ere.3.
kubhakarana kapi phauja bir, suni dh rajancara dhr.
dekh rma bikala kaak, ripu anka nn bidhi .4.
Maddened with the Iust of battle, Kumbhakara marched against the enemy like
Death himself furious with rage. He seized and devoured myriads of monkeys, that
looked like swarms of locusts entering a mountain cave. Seizing many more millions he
crushed them against his body, and millions he levigated between his palms and mixed
with the dust on the ground. Multitudes of bears and monkeys escaped through his
mouth, nostrils and ears and ran away. lntoxicated with the frenzy of battle the demon
stood in a challenging mood; as though the Creator had placed the whole universe at his
disposal and he was going to devour it. All great warriors scuttled away from the battle-
field and would not return under any persuasion whatsoever. They could neither see with
their eyes nor hear any call. The demon host also sallied forth when they learnt that
Kumbhakara had dispersed the monkey army. r Rma saw the discomfiture of His
forces and further perceived all kinds of enemy reinforcements pouring in. (14)
nt ft r
s f r rf+ +
Do.: sunu sugrva bibhana anuja sa bhrehu saina,
mai

dekhau khala bala dalahi bole rjivanaina.67.

Listen, Sugrva, Vibhaa and Lakmaa; take care of the army while I test the
might and man-power of this wretch, said the lotus-eyed Lord. (67)
rn rf f rr f rrrr+
tf- rr f f s f rr+ {+
- rz -r r -r+
a f rrr n f frr+ +
f s f zr a t rf a zr+
rrf rrf rrr f t sf rf f t+ -+
rna r ff nrf a f f rf+
=z z z f rf = = r= r= f nrf+ +

*
LAK-K NA
*
875
Cau.: kara sraga sji kai bhth, ari dala dalana cale raghunth.
prathama knhi prabhu dhanua a kor, ripu dala badhira bhayau suni sor.1.
satyasadha ch

Re sara lacch, klasarpa janu cale sapacch.

jaha taha cale bipula nrc, lage kaana bhaa bikaa pisc.2.
kaahi

carana ura sira bhujada, bahutaka bra hohi

sata kha.
ghurmi ghurmi ghyala mahi parah

, uhi sabhri subhaa puni larah

.3.
lgata bna jalada jimi gjahi

, bahutaka dekhi kahina sara bhjahi

.
rua pracaa mua binu dhvahi

, dharu dharu mru mru dhuni gvahi

.4.
Taking His famous bow, known by the name of rga, in His hand and with a
quiver fastened to His waist, the Lord of the Raghus went forth to crush the enemys
ranks. The Lord first twanged His bow: the sound was so piercing that the enemy host
was deafened to hear it. r Rma of unfailing resolve discharged a hundred thousand
arrows, which sped like winged cobras. Numerous arrows flew in every direction; fierce
demon warriors began to be mowed down. Feet, chest, head and arms were dismembered;
while many a hero was cut into a hundred pieces. Whirling round and round, the
wounded fell to the ground; the champions among them rose and, recovering themselves,
would join battle again. They thundered like clouds even as the arrows struck them; while
many of them took to flight at the very sight of the terrible arrows. Headless trunks
rushed fiercely on with the cries of Seize, seize, kill, kill. (14)
rf- r f fr
f rrt fn f rr+ c+
Do.: chana mahu prabhu ke syakanhi ke bikaa pisca,
puni raghubra niaga mahu prabise saba nrca.68.
In a trice the Lords arrows mowed down the terrible demon host. All the arrows
then made their way back into r Rmas quiver. (68)
t frt fa rr fr rt+
r fa q r tr fr nr r ntr+ {+
rf t ; srt zr; rt+
ra f r f- rf f zr+ +
f arf rf rrr rz fa r r+
a ff ff rt ff rff rr rr rt + -+
rfa na r a r r fnf n= r+
f frf r f r fr f f f r+ +
Cau.: kubhakarana mana dkha bicr, hati chana mjha niscara dhr.
bh ati kruddha mahbala br, kiyo mganyaka nda ga bhr.1.
kopi mahdhara lei upr, rai jaha markaa bhaa bhr.
vata dekhi saila prabhu bhre, saranhi ki raja sama kari re.2.
puni dhanu tni kopi raghunyaka, ch

Re ati karla bahu syaka.

tanu mahu prabisi nisari sara jh

, jimi dmini ghana mjha samh

.3.
sonita sravata soha tana kre, janu kajjala giri geru panre.
bikala biloki bhlu kapi dhe, biha s jabahi

nikaa kapi e.4.

876
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
When Kumbhakara perceived and realized that the demon army had been wiped
out in an instant, the formidable hero flew into a violent rage and gave a grim roar as that
of a lion (the king of beasts). In his fury he tore up mountains by the roots and dashed
them upon detachments of mighty monkey warriors. The Lord saw the huge mountains
coming and shattered them with His arrows into dust as it were. The Lord of the Raghus
once more pulled the string of His bow and indignantly discharged a volley of His
exceedingly terrible shafts. The arrows entered and passed through his body like flashes
of lightning disappearing into a cloud. Blood gushing out from his dark figure resembled
spouts of red ochre shooting from a mountain of soot. Perceiving him in fluster, bears
and monkeys dashed forward; the monster, however, laughed when the monkeys drew
near. (14)
rr f nr rf rf nf t
f ; nr ; ; t+ +
Do.: mahnda kari garj koi koi gahi ksa,
mahi paakai gajarja iva sapatha karai dasassa.69.
He burst into a terrible roar and, seizing millions and millions of monkeys,
dashed them to the ground like a huge elephant, swearing by his ten-headed brother
the while. (69)
rn r t r frf ff =r+
rfn f r rt f ra ra rt+ {+
ff r ; f ;+
r rf r rt rf rf arfa rt+ +
= a nrr rf r rr+
r f r rrrt r r rt+ -+
f a r at t r+
rna rr f r znna zrfa r+ +
t- af srt rr fa r r; rt+
rr r r fnf rt rs r rf f rt+ ~+
r r r r -t fnf r+
sn frf f frr n a r rrr+ +
Cau.: bhge bhlu balmukha juth, bku biloki jimi mea bar uth.
cale bhgi kapi bhlu bhavn, bikala pukrata rata bn.1.
yaha nisicara dukla sama aha, kapikula desa parana aba caha.
kp bridhara rma kharr, phi phi pranatrati hr.2.
sakaruna bacana sunata bhagavn, cale sudhri sarsana bn.
rma sena nija pche ghl, cale sakopa mah balasl.3.
khai

ci dhanua sara sata sadhne, ch ue tra sarra samne.

lgata sara dhv risa bhar, kudhara agamagata olati dhar.4.
lnha eka tehi

saila up, raghukula tilaka bhuj soi k.

dhv bma bhu giri dhr, prabhu sou bhuj ki mahi pr.5.

*
LAK-K NA
*
877
ke bhuj soha khala kais, pacchahna madara giri jais.
ugra bilokani prabhuhi bilok, grasana cahata mnahu trailok.6.
Hosts of bears and monkeys fled like flocks of sheep at the sight of a wolf. The
monkeys and bears, O Bhavn, turned tail in terror, crying in a piteous voice. Yonder
demon is like unto a famine, which threatens to visit this land in the shape of the monkey
host. Therefore, O Rma, Slayer of Khara, the cloud laden with the water of compassion,
reliever of the suppliants, agony, save us, protect us. The moment the Lord heard the
pathetic words He advanced to meet him, putting His bow and arrows in order, Placing
His army in the rear the most powerful Rma marched ahead, full of indignation. Pulling
the string of His bow, He fitted a hundred arrows to it; they flew and disappeared into
the demons body. Even as the arrows struck him the demon rushed forth burning with
rage; the mountains staggered and the earth shook as he ran. He tore up a rock; but the
Glory of Raghus race cut off the arm that bore it. He then rushed forward with the rock
in his left hand; but the Lord struck off even that arm to the ground. Thus shorn of his
arms, the wretched resembled Mount Mandara without its wings. He cast a fierce look
on the Lord as if ready to devour all the three spheres. (16)
f far rrr fa rr rf
nn fq rrfa r r fa rf+ +
Do.: kari cikkra ghora ati dhv badanu pasri,
gagana siddha sura trsita h h heti pukri.70.
With a most terrible yell he rushed forth with his mouth wide open. The Siddhas
and gods in the heavens shouted in great alarm Ah, alas, dear me! (70)
=rff r-r >r a r ar-r+
ff f ff af r f + {+
f- r - rr r rr t rr+
a rf at t-r a fr ar f t-r+ +
r f s r rn f s ff f f -rn+
f ; r zr a rf t- ; zr+ -+
f ff a rf f r fr+
ar a rr f f rr+ +
t rf f tafa f f+
f fat fr at ff r+ ~+
nnrf f n n nr =f t r+
fn a f f n r f ra + +
Cau.: sabhaya deva karunnidhi jnyo, ravana prajata sarsanu tnyo.
bisikha nikara nisicara mukha bhareu, tadapi mahbala bh umi na pare u.1.
saranhi bhar mukha sanmukha dhv, kla trona sajva janu v.
taba prabhu kopi tbra sara lnh, dhara te bhinna tsu sira knh.2.
so sira pareu dasnana ge , bikala bhayau jimi phani mani tyge .
dharani dhasai dhara dhva pracad, taba prabhu ki knha dui khad.3.

878
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
pare bhumi jimi nabha te bh udhara, heha dbi kapi bhlu niscara.
tsu teja prabhu badana samn, sura muni sabahi

acabhava mn.4.
sura dudubh

bajvahi

haraahi

, astuti karahi

sumana bahu baraahi

.
kari binat sura sakala sidhe, teh samaya devarii e.5.
gaganopari hari guna gana ge, rucira brarasa prabhu mana bhe.
begi hatahu khala kahi muni gae, rma samara mahi sobhata bhae.6.
Perceiving the gods much alarmed, the All-merciful pulled the string of His bow
right up to His ear and blocked the demons mouth with a flight of His arrows; yet he did
not fall to the ground, most powerful as he was. With his mouth full of arrows he rushed
forward like a living quiver of Death Himself. Then the Lord in His wrath took a sharp
arrow and struck his head right off his body. The head dropped in front of his ten-headed
brother, who was filled with agony at its sight like a snake that has lost its crest-jewel.
The earth sunk beneath the weight of the terrible trunk that still sprinted there; thereupon
the Lord cut it in two. The two pieces fell to the ground like a pair of mountains dropped
from the heavens, crushing beneath them monkeys, bears and demons alike. His soul
entered the Lords mouth in the form of a mass of light, to the astonishment of gods,
sages and all. The gods sounded their kettle-drums in great exultation, extolled the Lord
and rained down flowers in profusion. Having prayed to the Lord, all the gods went their
way. Just at that moment arrived the celestial sage, Nrada. Standing high in the air he
sang r Haris praises in a delightful heroic strain, which pleased the Lords soul. The
sage departed with the words Pray, despatch this wretch (Rvaa) quickly. r Rma
shone forth on the field of battle. (16)
nr f fr rrfa a r t
>r f rt r = a rfa t+
n a r r f ff
r at f f f r rr+
Cha.: sagrma bhumi birja raghupati atula bala kosala dhan,
rama bidu mukha rjva locana aruna tana sonita kan.
bhuja jugala pherata sara sarsana bhlu kapi cahu disi bane,
kaha dsa tulas kahi na saka chabi sea jehi nana ghane.
The Lord of the Raghus, the king of Kosala, who was matchless in strength, shone
resplendent on the field of battle in the midst of bears and monkeys, with drops of
perspiration on His face, His lotus eyes turned red and His person specked with
particles of blood, and both His hands busy playing with His bow and arrow. Even ea
(the serpent-god), says Tulasdsa, could not describe the Lords beauty despite his
numerous tongues.
ff r arf t- f r
fnfr a fa f >rtr+ {+
Do.: nisicara adhama malkara thi dnha nija dhma,
girij te nara madamati je na bhajahi

rrma.71.

*
LAK-K NA
*
879
r Rma vouchsafed a place in his own abode to a vile demon, who was a
mine of impurities! Girij, (continues Lord iva,) dull-witted are those men who adore
Him not. (71)
f a ft t ; - >r rrt+
r r f rr ff a r; rn fa zrr+ {+
tf ff f = rat f a f rat+
fr ; t f f s ;+ +
rf rf z fa rt ar a f rt+
rrr af rs f r far rrs+ -+
rf rf r; f a r zr;+
;y rs r ara arf rs+ +
f ff ra s frr r rn f rr+
;a f r r tr sa t fa tr+ ~+
f f f a f r; na+ +
Cau.: dina ke ata phir

dvau an, samara bha subhaanha rama ghan.

rma kp

kapi dala bala bRh, jimi tna pi lga ati Rh.1.

chjahi

nisicara dinu aru rt, nija mukha kahe sukta jehi bh

t.
bahu bilpa dasakadhara kara, badhu ssa puni puni ura dhara.2.
rovahi

nri hdaya hati pn, tsu teja bala bipula bakhn.

meghanda tehi avasara yau, kahi bahu kath pit samujhyau.3.
dekhehu kli mori manus, abahi

bahuta k karau baR.

iadeva sai

bala ratha pyau , so bala tta na tohi dekhyau .4.

ehi bidhi jalpata bhayau bihn, cahu dura lge kapi nn.
ita kapi bhlu kla sama br, uta rajancara ati ranadhr.5.
larahi

subhaa nija nija jaya het u, barani na ji samara khagaket u.6.

At the close of the day the two contending armies retired from the battle-field. The
battle had proved exceedingly strenuous even to the stoutest warrior. But the monkey
host waxed stronger by r Rmas grace, even as fire blazes up when fed with straw.
The ranks of the demons were thinning night and day like merit, which is exhausted by
speaking of ones good deeds with ones own lips. The ten-headed monster made much
lamentation, clasping his brothers head to his bosom again and again. The women wept
and beat their breast with their hands, paying tributes to his extraordinary majesty and
strength. At that juncture Meghanda (Rvaas eldest son) came and consoled his
father by narrating a number of (reassuring) stories. See my heroism tomorrow; I need
not make any pretentious statement just now. I have had no occasion to show you, dear
father, the strength which I acquired alongwith the chariot from my beloved deity. While
he rattled on in this manner the day broke and swarms of monkeys besieged all the four
gates. On this side ranged the monkey and bear warriors terrible as death, while on the
other side stood the demons exceedingly staunch in battle. Every champion fought for
the victory of his own camp; the battle, O Garua (says Kkabhuui), defied all
description. (16)

880
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
rrr rr f ns r
ns r f ; f f rr+ +
Do.: meghanda mymaya ratha caRhi gayau aksa,
garjeu aahsa kari bhai kapi kaakahi trsa.72.
Mounting his charmed car Meghanda ascended into the air and roared with a
terrible laugh, which struck the monkey host with terror. (72)
f+ arf rr tr tr fr rr+
zr; frr rrr rns fy rr+ {+
ff r r; r rrr rr rf r;+
= = r= f f rr r r; af rs rr+ +
nf fnf a= r f rf f af fa ff rf+
rr rrr r fnf rr t-f + -+
rf r r fa f +
r=aa n tr t-f f tr+ +
f f nt ft f- rf t-f a+
f rrfa r rnr rz; r; rnf rnr+ ~+
r r rt t a frt+
; fa rr r ta r nrr+ +
rr fn f rr rnr - rr+ +
Cau.: sakti sula taravri kpn, astra sastra kulisyudha nn.
rai parasu parigha pn, lgeu bi karai bahu bn.1.
dasa disi rahe bna nabha ch, mnahu magh megha jhari l.
dharu dharu mru sunia dhuni kn, jo mrai tehi kou na jn.2.
gahi giri taru aksa kapi dhvahi

, dekhahi

tehi na dukhita phiri vahi

.
avaghaa gha ba giri kadara, my bala knhesi sara pajara.3.
jhi

kah

bykula bhae badara, surapati badi pare janu madara.

mrutasuta agada nala nl, knhesi bikala sakala balasl.4.
puni lachimana sugrva bibhana, saranhi mri knhesi jarjara tana.
puni raghupati sai

jujhai lg, sara ch

Rai hoi lgahi

ng.5.
byla psa basa bhae kharr, svabasa anata eka abikr.
naa iva kapaa carita kara nn, sad svatatra eka bhagavn.6.
rana sobh lagi prabhuhi

ba dhyo, ngapsa devanha bhaya pyo.7.

He discharged a volley of lances, pikes, swords and scimitars as well as axes,
bludgeons and stones, and other missiles and weapons of every description, terrible as
a thunderbolt, and further rained down shafts in profusion. The sky was thickly covered
with arrows on all sides, as though the clouds poured in torrents in the month of
Bhdrapada, when the constellation Magh (the tenth in order of the twenty-seven
Nakatras) is in the ascendant. The cries of Seize, seize, kill, kill filled every ear; but
nobody knew who it was that struck them. Snatching up rocks and trees, the monkeys

*
LAK-K NA
*
881
sprang into the air; but they could not see him and returned sore disappointed. Meanwhile
by his delusive power Meghanda had turned every rugged valley, path and mountain
cave into a veritable aviary of arrows. The monkeys were confounded and did not know
where to turn. They felt helpless like so many Mandaras thrown into prison as it were
by Indra. The son of the windgod, Agada, Nala, Nla and all the other mighty heroes
were completely discomfited by him. Again he assailed with his shafts Lakmaa,
Sugrva, and Vibhaa and pierced their bodies through and through. Then he confronted
the Lord of the Raghus Himself; the arrows he let fly turned into serpents even as they
struck r Rma. The Slayer of Khara, who is all-independent, infinite and immutable, the
one without a second, was overpowered by the serpents coils. Like an actor, He plays
many a part,He, the one, ever-free and omnipotent Lord. It was in order to invest the
battle with a glory of its own that the Lord allowed Himself to be bound by a snare of
serpents, even though the gods were dismayed at this sight. (17)
fnfr r r f f rf r
r f a r; r ft fr+ -+
Do.: girij jsu nma japi muni kahi

bhava psa,
so ki badha tara vai bypaka bisva nivsa.73.
Girij, (continues Lord iva,) is it ever possible that the Lord, who is the all-
pervading abode of the universe and whose name, when repeated enables the hermits
to cut asunder the bonds of existence, should fall in bondage? (73)
fa r n rt af rf fq rt+
frf a frnt rf f a -rnt+ {+
r t- rrrr f r n ; r r+
ra rr f f arf r fa rr+ +
rf rzs art rn f r rt+
f a fr rr ra nf r; rr+ -+
rff rrr rat r f rrfa rrrat+
f fr nf frr f rf f rr+ +
r r ; rr a nf r zrr+
;r ff n=z rr r t f r rr+ ~+
Cau.: carita rma ke saguna bhavn, tarki na jhi

buddhi bala bn.

asa bicri je tagya birg, rmahi bhajahi

tarka saba tyg.1.

bykula kaaku knha ghanand, puni bh pragaa kahai durbd.
jmavata kaha khala rahu hRh, suni kari thi krodha ati bRh.2.
buRha jni saha ch

Reu toh, lgesi adhama pacrai moh.

asa kahi tarala trisula calyo, jmavata kara gahi soi dhyo.3.
mrisi meghanda kai cht, par bh umi ghurmita suraght.
puni risna gahi carana phiryo, mahi pachri nija bala dekharyo.4.
bara prasda so marai na mr, taba gahi pada lak para r.
ih

devarii garuRa pahyo, rma sampa sapadi so yo.5.

882
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
The doing of r Rma when appearing in an embodied form, Bhavn, cannot be
logically interpreted by the power of reason or speech. Realizing this those who know
the truth about Him and are full of dispassion adore r Rma, discarding all theological
speculation. Having thus thrown the monkey host into confusion, Ghananda (a synonym
for Meghanda) at last revealed himself and began to pour abuses. Jmbavn said,
Remain standing a while, O wretch! When he heard this, his anger knew no bound.
Fool, I spared you only on account of your age. And yet you have had the audacity to
challenge me, O vile creature!So saying he hurled his glittering trident. Jmbavn,
however, caught it in his hand and, darting forward, struck Meghanda in the chest with
it so vehemently that the enemy of gods reeled and fell to the ground. Once again
Jmbavn in his fury took Meghanda by the foot and, swinging him round, dashed him
against the ground and thus showed him his strength. By virtue of the boon* (granted to
him by the Creator), however, he died not for all his killing. Thereupon Jmbavn seized
him by the foot and tossed him into Lak. At this end the celestial sage Nrada
despatched Garua, who took no time in reaching by the side of r Rma. (15)
nfa f r rr rn =
rr fna r + (+
nf fnf r s r t fr;
at fa n r;+ (+
Do.: khagapati saba dhari khe my nga barutha,
my bigata bhae saba harae bnara jutha.74(A).
gahi giri pdapa upala nakha dhe ksa risi,
cale tamcara bikalatara gaRha para caRhe pari.74(B).
The king of birds seized and devoured the whole swarm of snakes created by
Meghandas demoniac power. The charm was thus dispelled and all the divisions of the
monkey host rejoiced again. Armed with rocks, trees, stones, and claws, the monkeys
rushed forth in their fury; while the demons took to their heels in utter confusion and
climbed up the fort. (74 A-B)
rrr r rnt faf frf r fa rnt+
aa ns fnf r r+ {+
* In the Adhytmarmyaa Vibhaa tells r Rma:
- ; + ` `: `-
-:- -`1-
``:--` + -: . `
.+ `` + ;
(Yuddhaka VIII. 6467)
Brahm (the Creator) has ordained the death of this wicked soul (Meghanda) at the hands of one
who has neither slept nor taken any food for full twelve years. Given over to your service, Lakmaa, O Chief
of the Raghus, has known neither sleep nor food etc., ever since he came away from Ayodhy: I have come
to know all this, O King of kings. Therefore, O Ruler of gods, command Lakmaa to accompany me with all
speed; for he is no other than ea, the supporter of the earth, and will doubtless slay this demon.

*
LAK-K NA
*
883
;r ft r frr r a srr+
rrr ; r rrt ar+ +
fq r; r r;f r fn f tfa r;f+
f rrfa fa rr r nrf f rr+ -+
f n r r; f r; +
ar f r rt f fa rt+ +
r af fq sr; f t ff r;+
ra nt ft a atfs + ~+
rrt tf- r f fn f rf r+
ar s f tr r rr ; fnr ntr+ +
af r f r a rrfa r+
a f r; af as rrt rr;+ +
Cau.: meghanda kai murach jg, pitahi biloki lja ati lg.
turata gayau giribara kadar, karau ajaya makha asa mana dhar.1.
ih

bibhana matra bicr, sunahu ntha bala atula udr.

meghanda makha karai apvana, khala myv deva satvana.2.
jau prabhu siddha hoi so pihi, ntha begi puni jti na jihi.
suni raghupati atisaya sukha mn, bole agaddi kapi nn.3.
lachimana saga jhu saba bh, karahu bidhasa jagya kara j.
tumha lachimana mrehu rana oh, dekhi sabhaya sura dukha ati moh.4.
mrehu tehi bala buddhi up, jehi

chjai nisicara suni bh.

jmavata sugrva bibhana, sena sameta rahehu tniu jana.5.
jaba raghubra dnhi anussana, kai niaga kasi sji sarsana.
prabhu pratpa ura dhari ranadhr, bole ghana iva gir ga bhr.6.
jau tehi ju badhe binu vau , tau raghupati sevaka na kahvau .
jau sata sakara karahi

sah, tadapi hatau raghubra doh.7.

When Meghanda recovered from his swoon, he felt much ashamed to find his
father before him. He speedily betook himself to a convenient mountain cave and
resolved to perform a sacrifice which would render him invincible. At this end Vibhaa
approached the Lord and told Him his considered view. Listen, my lord of incomparable
might and generosity: the wicked Meghanda, who is a past master in creating illusions
and the scourge of heaven, is performing an unholy sacrifice. If, my lord, the sacrifice
is allowed to be completed, he will not then be speedily conquered. The Lord of the
Raghus was highly gratified to hear this and summoned Agada and many other
monkeys. Go with Lakmaa, brethren all, and wreck the sacrifice. And it is for you,
Lakmaa, to kill him in battle. I am much distressed to find the gods in terror. You must
finish him by force of your wit might or one way or other, mark me, brother, the demon
must be put an end to. And Jmbavn, Sugrva and Vibhaa, you three must keep by
his side with your regiment. When the Hero of Raghus line had finished His command,
Lakmaa, who was staunch in battle, girt the quiver by his side and strung his bow; and
cherishing the Lords glory in his heart, he spoke in a voice deep as thunder, If I return
today without slaying him (Meghanda), let me no longer be called a servant of r Rma

884
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
(the Lord of the Raghus). Nay, even if a hundred ivas come to his help, I shall
nonetheless kill him in the name of Rma (the Hero of Raghus line). (17)
rrfa r; f= s aa a
n t n a+ ~+
Do.: raghupati carana ni siru caleu turata anata,
agada nla mayada nala saga subhaa hanumata.75.
Bowing his head at the feet of r Rma (the Lord of the Raghus), Lakmaa (who
was none else than Lord Ananta or ea) set out at once, accompanied by champions
like Agada, Nla, Mayanda, Nala and Hanumn. (75)
r; f- r r r rfa a =f = r+
t- f- fr s; a f r+ {+
af s; f- r; raf- fa fa r;+
fr rr f rn r rr rn+ +
rr r rr n rrr rf rr+
rf =aa n r fa fr s f fnr+ -+
rzf zr fa a a n zr+
sf rf r=fa rr af rf af rrrs rr+ +
f t f ; rr a rr f rrr frr+
ra f q rr f rz ff rr+ ~+
f ra f rr aa s arr+
ff f ; r; n f r;+ +
f f z tr q a s tr+
f r rr f rff a rr+ +
ff rrt arr r t- f rr+
rzr r rr s rnr at r -rnr+ c+
Cau.: ji kapinha so dekh bais, huti deta rudhira aru bhais.
knha kapinha saba jagya bidhas, jaba na uhai taba karahi

prasas.1.
tadapi na uhai dharenhi kaca j, ltanhi hati hati cale par.
lai trisula dhv kapi bhge, e jaha rmnuja ge.2.
v parama krodha kara mr, garja ghora rava brahi

br.
kopi marutasuta agada dhe, hati tris ula ura dharani gire.3.
prabhu kaha ch

Resi s ula praca, sara hati kta anata juga kha.

uhi bahori mruti jubarj, hatahi

kopi tehi ghu na bj.4.

phire bra ripu marai na mr, taba dhv kari ghora cikr.
vata dekhi kruddha janu kl, lachimana chRe bisikha karl.5.
dekhesi vata pabi sama bn, turata bhayau khala ataradhn.
bibidha bea dhari karai lar, kabahu ka pragaa kabahu duri j.6.

*
LAK-K NA
*
885
dekhi ajaya ripu arape ks, parama kruddha taba bhayau ahs.
lachimana mana asa matra dRhv, ehi ppihi mai

bahuta khelv.7.
sumiri kosaldhsa pratp, sara sadhna knha kari dp.
chR bna mjha ura lg, marat bra kapau saba tyg.8.
Arriving there, the monkeys found him squatting and offering oblations of blood and
live buffaloes to the sacrificial fire. The monkeys wrecked the whole sacrifice; yet, when
the demon refused to stir, they proceeded to applaud him (ironically). Even then he did
not quit his place; the monkeys thereupon went and caught him by the hair and, striking
him with the foot one after the other, ran away. He rushed forth, trident in hand, while the
monkeys fled before him and came where r Rmas younger brother (Lakmaa) stood
at the head of his army. Driven by the wildest fury he came and shouted with a terrible
roar again and again. The son of the wind-god and Agada darted forward in great
indignation: but he struck them on the breast with his trident and felled them to the
ground. He then hurled his fierce trident at the Lord (Lakmaa): but Ananta intercepted
it with his arrow and broke it in two. Meanwhile the son of the wind-god and Prince
Agada had risen again and struck him furiously; but he received no injury. When the
heroes turned round thinking that the enemy could not be killed in spite of the best efforts,
he rushed forth with a terrible yell. When Lakmaa saw him coming furiously like Death
himself, he let fly fierce arrows. The wretch, however, vanished out of sight the moment
he saw arrow terrible as thunderbolt darting towards him. He fought in various guises,
now revealing himself and now disappearing. The monkeys were filled with dismay when
they saw that the enemy could not be conquered. Lakmaa (the lord of serpents)
thereupon flew into a towering rage. He made a firm resolve in his mind to dispose of
the demon; for he thought, I have played with this wretch long enough. Recalling the
might of r Rma (the Lord of Kosala), he defiantly fitted an arrow to his bow and shot
it with such steady aim that it struck Meghanda full in the breast and the demon
abandoned all false appearances at the moment of death. (18)
rr r f rzf r
- - a t n r+ +
Do.: rmnuja kaha rmu kaha asa kahi ch

Resi prna,
dhanya dhanya tava janan kaha agada hanumna.76.
He gave up his ghost with the words Where is Rmas younger brother
(Lakmaa)? Where is Rma? On his lips. Blessed indeed is your mother! exclaimed
Agada and Hanumn. (76)
f r r srr r r rf f rr+
ar f nr f fr r r+ {+
f t rf >rtrrr f nrf+
a nrrr ar f- ftarr+ +
tafa f fq fr f rf f r+
a r r t =fa s s f at+ -+
rt = rt s arz rfa rt+
n rn r rr f rr+ +

886
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Cau.: binu praysa hanumna uhyo, lak dvra rkhi puni yo,
tsu marana suni sura gadharb, caRhi bimna e nabha sarb.1.
barai sumana dudubh

bajvahi

, rraghuntha bimala jasu gvahi

.
jaya anata jaya jagaddhr, tumha prabhu saba devanhi nistr.2.
astuti kari sura siddha sidhe, lachimana kpsidhu pahi

e.
suta badha sun dasnana jabah

, muruchita bhayau pareu mahi tabah

.3.
madodar rudana kara bhr, ura tRana bahu bh

ti pukr.
nagara loga saba bykula soc, sakala kahahi

dasakadhara poc.4.
Hanumn lifted him without any exertion and after placing him at the main gate of
Lak returned. Hearing of his death, the gods as well as the Gandharvas all appeared
in the heavens in their aerial cars. Raining down flowers, they beat their drums and sang
the spotless glory of r Rma (the Lord of the Raghus). Glory to Lord Ananta! Glory
to the support of the whole universe! You, O lord, have delivered the gods. Having thus
hymned his praises, the gods as well as the Siddhas went their way, while Lakmaa
arrived in the presence of the All-merciful. The moment the ten-headed monster heard
the news of his sons death, he dropped senseless to the ground. Mandodar made
grievous lamentation, beating her breast and crying in many ways. The citizens were all
smitten with grief; everyone abused Rvaa. (14)
a fff ff rr; rf
t = na z frf+ +
Do.: taba dasakaha bibidhi bidhi samujh

saba nri,
nasvara rupa jagata saba dekhahu hdaya bicri.77.
The ten-headed monster then consoled all the womenfolk in various ways.
Perceive and realize in your heart, he said, That the entire universe is perishable. (77)
fa-f r sr r r r r+
s a rf a rr+ {+
fr frf s frr n r f rf rr+
rr; r rr - r zrr+ +
r t = rs r; n f r;+
f = rr s sa= r f f rr+ -+
f =a n rr r rr rr+
t afa t r rt t+ +
n fa rf af rr n; n frr+ ~+
Cau.: tinhahi gyna upades rvana, puna mada kath subha pvana.
para upadesa kusala bahutere, je carahi

te nara na ghanere.1.
nis sirni bhayau bhinusr, lage bhlu kapi crihu dvr.
subhaa boli dasnana bol, rana sanmukha j kara mana ol.2.
so abah

baru ju par, sajuga bimukha bhae na bhal.

nija bhuja bala mai

bayaru baRhv, dehau utaru jo ripu caRhi v.3.

asa kahi maruta bega ratha sj, bje sakala jujh u bj.

*
LAK-K NA
*
887
cale bra saba atulita bal, janu kajjala kai

dh cal.4.
asaguna amita hohi

tehi kl, ganai na bhujabala garba bisl.5.

Rvaa taught them sound wisdom; though vile himself, his counsel was so pious
and wholesome! Indeed there are hosts of people clever in instructing others; but those
who practise good morals themselves are few and far between. When the night was over
and the day broke, the bears and monkeys invested all the four gates. The ten-headed
monster summoned his champions and said, He whose heart quails before the enemy
in battle had better withdraw even now; for if he turns his back on the field of battle, he
will have to suffer for it. Relying on the strength of my own arm have I prosecuted the
war and shall give befitting reply to the enemy who has invaded us. So saying, he got
ready his chariot, swift as the wind, and all the musical instruments of war sounded. The
heroes, who were all matchless in strength, rushed forth like a storm of soot. Numberless
ill-omens occurred at that time; but, extremely proud of his might of arm, he heeded them
not. (15)
fa n n; n n nf r r a
fna a rf n faa rf r a+
nrr nt r tr rf fa rr
ra s rf r+
Cha.: ati garba ganai na saguna asaguna sravahi

yudha htha te,

bhaa girata ratha te bji gaja cikkarata bhjahi

stha te.
gomya gdha karla khara rava svna bolahi

ati ghane,
janu kladuta uluka bolahi

bacana parama bhayvane.

In his overweening pride he took no heed of the omens, whether good or bad.
Weapons dropped from his hands and warriors fell down from their cars, while horses
and elephants ran shrieking out of the line. Frightful jackals, vultures and donkeys gave
a shrill cry while dogs whined in large numbers. And owls, like messengers of death,
uttered most alarming notes.
arf f fa n f>rr
a r a r r f fa r+ c+
Do.: thi ki sapati saguna subha sapanehu mana birma,
bhuta droha rata mohabasa rma bimukha rati kma.78.
Can he ever expect prosperity and good omens and attain peace of mind even in
dream, who is actively malevolent to the living creation, is hostile to r Rma and is
steeped in the enjoyment of the senses, all under a spell of delusion? (78)
s fr rr afnt t rr+
fff rfa r rr f ar rr+ {+
-r n rr rf =a +
fa frr rf rr+ +

888
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
fa ffr rft frt t a rt+
a fnf znt fa rf znnt+ -+
st f ns r; =a fa r r;+
fr rrr rf rr nrf+ +
f tf r r; r= rn r;+
f r t t f f = srt+ ~+
; r r r f- r+
rfs r; f - nr;+ +
f f- r; r f rrt rr;+ +
Cau.: caleu niscara kaaku apr, caturagin an bahu dhr.
bibidhi bh

ti bhana ratha jn, bipula barana patka dhvaja nn.1.

cale matta gaja jutha ghanere, prbia jalada maruta janu prere.
barana barana biradaita niky, samara s ura jnahi

bahu my.2.
ati bicitra bhin birj, bra basata sena janu sj.
calata kaaka digasidhura agah

, chubhita payodhi kudhara agamagah

.3.
uh renu rabi gayau chap, maruta thakita basudh akul.
panava nisna ghora rava bjahi

, pralaya samaya ke ghana janu gjahi

.4.
bheri naphri bja sahan, mr u rga subhaa sukhad.
kehari nda bra saba karah

, nija nija bala paurua uccarah

.5.
kahai dasnana sunahu subha, mardahu bhlu kapinha ke ha.
hau mrihau bhupa dvau bh, asa kahi sanmukha phauja re g.6.
yaha sudhi sakala kapinha jaba p, dhe kari raghubra doh.7.
The demon host, which defied all calculation, marched. Complete in all its four
limbs, viz., elephants and chariots, horse and foot, it was divided into many regiments
and was equipped with mounts, cars and other conveyances of every description as well
as with numerous banners and standards of diverse colour. Numberless troops of
infuriated elephants marched like rainy clouds driven by the wind. There were multitudes
of distinguished warriors wearing uniforms of various colours, all heroic in battle and
conversant with many illusive devices. Thus the army was magnificent in every way and
looked like the mustered array of the gallant deity presiding over the vernal season. Even
as the host marched, the elephants guarding the eight quarters tottered, the ocean was
stirred to its very depth and the mountains rocked. The dust rose in clouds that obscured
the sun, the air became still and the earth was troubled. Drums and kettledrums made
an awful din like the thundering of clouds at the time of universal destruction. Tabors,
clarionettes and hautboys sounded the martial strain that gladdens the heart of champions.
All the heroes roared like lions, each extolling his own might and valour. Rvaa
exclaimed; Listen, my valiant warriors: wipe out the hordes of these bears and
monkeys, while I shall slay the two brother princes. So saying he ordered his army to
march forward. When the monkeys received this news, they all rushed forth invoking the
help of r Rma. (17)
r fr r r r r a
r - szrf rr r a+

*
LAK-K NA
*
889
rr rt
r r -r n nr rt+
Cha.: dhe bisla karla markaa bhlu kla samna te,
mnahu sapaccha uRhi

bhudhara bda nn bna te.

nakha dasana saila mahdrumyudha sabala saka na mnah

,
jaya rma rvana matta gaja mgarja sujasu bakhnah

.
The gigantic monkeys and bears, who were terrible as death, rushed forward like
hosts of winged mountains of diverse colour. With claws and teeth, rocks and huge trees
for their weapons they were all very powerful and knew no fear. They shouted Glory to
r Rma, a veritable lion for the wild elephant in the shape of Rvaa and sang His
praises.
ff r f f f rt rf
f t ;a rf sa rf rf+ +
Do.: duhu disi jaya jayakra kari nija nija jor jni,
bhire bra ita rmahi uta rvanahi bakhni.79.
With a shout of Victory! victory!! on both sides and each finding his own match,
the heroes came to a close combat, the monkeys singing the glory of r Rma and the
demons extolling Rvaa. (79)
r t f rrtr f ft s tr+
f tfa r r f fa r+ {+
r f a rrr f ff fa t rr+
r rfrr f r; r t rr+ +
t af rr - t r arr+
f fa rrr r r ar r+ -+
; rt rr ffa ar rr+
r f f+ zr fr f rzr+ +
rr rr f ft rr+
f n r f f sr r+ ~+
r r ta a f ar+ +
Cau.: rvanu rath biratha raghubr, dekhi bibhana bhayau adhr.
adhika prti mana bh sadeh, badi carana kaha sahita saneh.1.
ntha na ratha nahi

tana pada trn, kehi bidhi jitaba bra balavn.

sunahu sakh kaha kpnidhn, jehi

jaya hoi so syadana n.2.

sauraja dhraja tehi ratha ck, satya sla dRha dhvaj patk.
bala bibeka dama parahita ghore, cham kp samat raju jore.3.
sa bhajanu srath sujn, birati carma satoa kpn.
dna parasu budhi sakti praca, bara bigyna kahina koda.4.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
890
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
amala acala mana trona samn, sama jama niyama silmukha nn.
kavaca abheda bipra gura puj, ehi sama bijaya upya na duj.5.
sakh dharmamaya asa ratha jke , jtana kaha na katahu ripu tke .6.
Vibhaa was disconcerted when he saw Rvaa mounted on a chariot and the
Hero of Raghus line without any. His great fondness for the Lord filled his mind with
diffidence; and bowing to His feet he spoke with a tender heart: My lord, You have no
chariot nor any protection either for Your body (in the shape of armour) or for Your feet
(in the shape of shoes). How, then, can You expect to conquer this mighty hero?
Listen, friend: replied the All-merciful, the chariot which leads one to victory is quite
another. Valour and fortitude are the wheels of that chariot, while truthfulness and good
conduct are its enduring banner and standard. Even so strength, discretion, self-control
and benevolence are its four horses, that have been joined to the chariot with the cords
of forgiveness, compassion and evenness of mind. Adoration of God is the expert driver;
dispassion, the shield and contentment, the sword. Again, charity is the axe; reason, the
fierce lance and the highest wisdom, the relentless bow. A pure and steady mind is like
a quiver; while quietude and the various forms of abstinence (Yamas) and religious
observances (Niyamas) are a sheaf of arrows. Homage to the Brhmaas and to ones
own preceptor is an impenetrable coat of mail; there is no other equipment for victory as
efficacious as this. My friend, he who owns such a chariot of piety shall have no enemy
to conquer anywhere. (16)
0r r f tfa ; r t
r r; r fat+ c (+
f ft f n
f f rf s r r + c (+
sa r ;a n r
a fr r f f f f r+ c (n+
Do.: mah ajaya sasra ripu jti sakai so bra,
jke asa ratha hoi dRha sunahu sakh matidhra.80(A).
suni prabhu bacana bibhana harai gahe pada kaja,
ehi misa mohi upadesehu rma kp sukha puja.80(B).
uta pacra dasakadhara ita agada hanumna,
larata niscara bhlu kapi kari nija nija prabhu na.80(C).
Listen, O friend of resolute mind: the hero who happens to be in possession of such
a strong chariot can conquer even that mighty and invincible foe, attachment to the world.
Hearing the Lords words, Vibhaa clasped His lotus feet in joy. You have utilized this
opportunity to exhort me, O Rma, an embodiment of grace and bliss that You are. On that
side the ten-headed Rvaa threw his challenge, while on this side Agada and Hanumn
invited him to a contest. The demons, on the one hand, and the bears and monkeys, on the
other, steadily fought, each side swearing by its lord. (80 AC)
0 zrrf fq f rr a frr+
sr af nr a r fa nr+ {+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
LAK-K NA
*
891
ff ra f t r ara+
ff rf - f f rf+ +
rf rf f rf t arf t- rf+
s frf r srf nf f f zrf+ -+
ff f nrzf r rf f r+
t t q f=q fa f r q+ +
Cau.: sura brahmdi siddha muni nn, dekhata rana nabha caRhe bimn.
hamahu um rahe tehi

sag, dekhata rma carita rana rag.1.

subhaa samara rasa duhu disi mte, kapi jayasla rma bala tte.
eka eka sana bhirahi

pacrahi

, ekanha eka mardi mahi prahi

.2.
mrahi

kahi

dharahi

pachrahi

, ssa tori ssanha sana mrahi

.
udara bidrahi

bhuj uprahi

, gahi pada avani paaki bhaa rahi

.3.
nisicara bhaa mahi gRahi

bhlu, upara hri dehi

bahu bl u.
bra balmukha juddha biruddhe, dekhiata bipula kla janu kruddhe.4.
Brahm and the other gods, as well as a number of Siddhas and sages mounted
their aerial cars and watched the contest from the heavens. I too, Um (continues Lord
iva,) happened to be in that company and witnessed r Rmas exploits replete with
martial zeal. The champions of both sides were maddened with a passion for war; the
monkeys, however, led the field through the might of r Rma. With shouts of defiance
they closed in single combat, each crushing his adversary and throwing him to the
ground. They smote the enemy, hacked him to pieces, clutched him and dashed him to
the ground; nay, they tore, his head off and pelted another with the same. They ripped
up bellies, plucked up arms and, seizing the opponent by the foot, dashed him to the
ground. The bears buried the demon warriors underground and piled over them large
heaps of sand. The gallant monkeys on the battlefield looked like so many infuriated
forms of Death as they desperately fought against the enemy. (14)
U0q ara r f a na rfa rt
f fr a rr ff nrt+
rf f- zrf ra- rf ra- tt
faf r f f tt + {+
f nr rf s frf n arf t
rfa ff a f n t+
= r= r r= rrr fnr nn f f t
r r a a f f a a t+ +
Cha.: kruddhe ktta samna kapi tana sravata sonita rjah

,
mardahi

niscara kaaka bhaa balavata ghana jimi gjah

.
mrahi

capeanhi i dtanha ki ltanha mjah

,
cikkarahi

markaa bhlu chala bala karahi

jehi

khala chjah

.1.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
892
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
dhari gla phrahi

ura bidrahi

gala a tvari melah

,
prahldapati janu bibidha tanu dhari samara agana khelah

.
dharu mru ku pachru ghora gir gagana mahi bhari rah,
jaya rma jo tna te kulisa kara kulisa te kara tna sah.2.
Their bodies streaming with blood, the powerful monkey warriors looked like the
god of death in fury. Crushing the champions of the demon host they roared like thunder-
clouds. They slapped and browbeat their opponents, bit them and trampled them under
foot. The monkeys and bears sent out a shrill cry and employed every stratagem to
annihilate the miscreant host. They seized and tore open the cheeks, ripped up the
bellies and hung the entrails round their necks, as though the lord of Prahlda (Bhagavn
Nsiha) had assumed a multiplicity of forms and sported on the field of death. The
savage cries of Seize, smite, cut to pieces and knock down! filled both heaven and
earth. Glory to r Rma, who can actually convert a blade of grass into a thunderbolt
and vice versa. (12)
0f fa f t r r
f s r f f f r+ c{+
Do.: nija dala bicalata dekhesi bsa bhuj

dasa cpa,
ratha caRhi caleu dasnana phirahu phirahu kari dpa.81.
When the ten-headed Rvaa saw his troops breaking, he mounted his chariot
and drawing ten bows in his twenty arms turned round, shouting in great fury Turn back,
turn back. (81)
0rs q - +
nf r s rr zrf- ar f rr+ {+
rnf r a ar z z r; f r+
r r rt r fa rt+ +
;a sa rf f f rr rn s fa rr+
r; r f rr rrf rrf n rr+ -+
rf rf rrt nrr; r; r t r;+
af f r r r r+ +
Cau.: dhyau parama kruddha dasakadhara, sanmukha cale h uha dai badara.
gahi kara pdapa upala pahr, renhi t para ekahi

br.1.
lgahi

saila bajra tana ts u, khaa khaa hoi ph uahi

s u.
cal na acala rah ratha rop, rana durmada rvana ati kop.2.
ita uta jhapai dapai kapi jodh, mardai lga bhayau ati krodh.
cale pari bhlu kapi nn, trhi trhi agada hanumn.3.
phi phi raghubra gos

, yaha khala khi kla k n

.
tehi

dekhe kapi sakala parne, dasahu cpa syaka sadhne.4.

The wrath of the ten-headed monster knew no bound as he darted forward. But
the monkeys also hurried to confront him shouting with glee. Taking in their hands trees,
stones and rocks, they hurled them upon him all at once. The rocks broke to pieces the
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
LAK-K NA
*
893
moment they struck his adamantine frame. Rvaa, who was maddened with the lust for
war and most furious by temperament, flinched not but remained firm as a rock, planting
his chariot where it stood. Burning all over with rage he darted and bullied hither and
thither and started crushing the monkey warriors. Many a bear and monkey took to his
heel, crying: Help, help, Agada and Hanumn! Save, save, O Lord Raghuvra (Hero
of Raghus line)! This wretch is devouring us like Death. When the monster saw that all
the monkeys had fled, he fitted an arrow to each of his ten bows. (14)
U0rf f rzf sn ff sfz rnt
f t nn ff fff f rnt+
r fa rr f f r rf ra
rrt =r f ra - +
Cha.: sadhni dhanu sara nikara chResi uraga jimi uRi lgah

,
rahe puri sara dharan gagana disi bidisi kaha kapi bhgah

.
bhayo ati kolhala bikala kapi dala bhlu bolahi

ture,
raghubra karun sidhu rata badhu jana racchaka hare.
Fitting an arrow to each of his bows, he shot a volley of arrows, which flew and
lodged like winged serpents. The shafts filled all available space on earth as well as in
the heavens including the eight quarters, so that the monkeys knew not where to go.
There was a wild uproar in the ranks of the monkeys and bears, who were all sore
distressed and cried in anguish: O Hero of Raghus line, O Ocean of mercy, O
Befriender of the distressed, O Hari, O Saviour of mankind!
0f f f f f fn r
f q r; r; r r+ c+
Do.: nija dala bikala dekhi kai kasi niaga dhanu htha,
lachimana cale kruddha hoi ni rma pada mtha.82.
Seeing the distress of his troops Lakmaa fastened the quiver to his waist; and
taking the bow in his hand he bowed his head at r Rmas feet and sallied forth, full
of rage. (82)
0 r rf f r rf fr ar r+
ra s arf arrrat r frfa zrs rat+ {+
f rzf r zr f f a zr+
rf- r r zr fa r f rf fr+ +
f f r- t- rr t f rt rr+
a a r rr fnf n- ff rr+ -+
f a rr s rt s f a f rt+
sr f =r rnt rfzf zr tf- r rnt+ +
Cau.: re khala k mrasi kapi bhlu, mohi biloku tora mai

kl u.
khojata raheu tohi sutaght, ju nipti juRvau cht.1.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
894
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
asa kahi chResi bna praca, lachimana kie sakala sata kha.
koinha yudha rvana re, tila pravna kari ki nivre.2.
puni nija bnanha knha prahr, syadanu bhaji srath mr.
sata sata sara mre dasa bhl, giri sganha janu prabisahi

byl.3.
puni sata sara mr ura mh

, pareu dharani tala sudhi kachu nh

.
uh prabala puni muruch jg, chRisi brahma dnhi jo s

g.4.
Pooh! You are making the monkeys and bears your target, O vile wretch; look
at me, I am your death. It is you whom I have been looking for, you slayer of my son.
Today I will soothe my heart by killing you. So saying he discharged a flight of fierce
arrows; but Lakmaa shivered them into a hundred pieces each. Nay, Rvaa hurled
upon him myriads of other missiles, but Lakmaa foiled them all by reducing them to
particles as small as sesamum seeds. Again, Lakmaa assailed him with his own
shafts, smashing his chariot and killing the charioteer. Nay, each of his ten heads he
transfixed with a hundred arrows, which seemed like serpents boring their way into the
peaks of a mountain. With a hundred arrows more he struck him in the breast: he fell
senseless to the ground. On regaining his consciousness the mighty demon rose again
and hurled a lance that had been bestowed on him by Brahm (the Creator). (14)
U 0r zr -r z f+ a s rnt t
vr t f sr a fr t+
zr rz fr r f ff t
af sr r r f fr t+
Cha.: so brahma datta pracaa sakti anata ura lg sah,
paryo bra bikala uhva dasamukha atula bala mahim rah.
brahma bhavana birja jke eka sira jimi raja kan,
tehi caha uhvana muRha rvana jna nahi

tribhuana dhan.
That fierce lance, the gift of Brahm, struck Lord Ananta (Lakmaa) right in the
breast and the hero dropped to the ground full of agony. The ten-headed monster tried
to lift the Prince and carry him off, but the glory of the demons matchless strength
proved ineffective. How foolish it was on the part of Rvaa to have sought to lift him
on one of whose (thousand) heads rest all the spheres of the universe like a mere grain
of sand. He little knew that he was no other than the Lord of the three spheres.
0f a rs ra r
ra ff -r af fy r rrr+ c-+
Do.: dekhi pavanasuta dhyau bolata bacana kahora,
vata kapihi hanyo tehi

mui prahra praghora.83.

The son of the wind-god, who perceived this, rushed forward speaking harsh
words; but even as the monkey came near, the monster struck him a terrible blow with
his fist. (83)
0r f f f fnr sr rf a f r+
fr arf f rr s r rr+ {+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
LAK-K NA
*
895
=r n rf r rnr f f r rnr+
fn fn r= fn rt a fa f rt+ +
f f f rrr f r f rr+
rrt r f rar ar ara - rrar+ -+
a sf rr n; nn r fa rr+
f rz r nf r f - fa ra r+ +
Cau.: jnu eki kapi bhumi na gir, uh sa bhri bahuta risa bhar.
muhik eka thi kapi mr, pareu saila janu bajra prahr.1.
muruch gai bahori so jg, kapi bala bipula sarhana lg.
dhiga dhiga mama paurua dhiga moh, jau tai

jiata rahesi suradroh.2.

asa kahi lachimana kahu kapi lyyo, dekhi dasnana bisamaya pyo.
kaha raghubra samujhu jiya bhrt, tumha ktta bhacchaka sura trt.3.
sunata bacana uhi baiha kpl, ga gagana so sakati karl.
puni kodaa bna gahi dhe, ripu sanmukha ati tura e.4.
Hanumn sank on his knees but did not fall to the ground. Recovering himself, he
rose in exceeding wrath and struck Rvaa a blow with his fist; the demon fell like a
mountain struck by lightning. When the spell of his swoon was over and consciousness
returned to him, he began to admire the monkeys enormous strength. Shame on my
valour and shame on myself, if you are still alive, you enemy of gods! So saying, Hanumn
carried Lakmaa off to r Rma : the ten-headed monster was amazed at this sight.
Said the Hero of Raghus line, Bear in mind, brother, that you are the devourer of Death
and the saviour of the gods. Immediately, on hearing these words the gracious prince
(Lakmaa) arose and sat up, while the fierce lance vanished into the heavens. Taking
his bow and arrows again he darted and came post-haste in front of the enemy. (14)
0 ra rf ff t a fa r fr
fnr f fa r a r fr+
rt rrrf af aa r nr
rrt ar rf f- r+
Cha.: tura bahori bibhaji syadana suta hati bykula kiyo,
giryo dharani dasakadhara bikalatara bna sata bedhyo hiyo.
srath dusara ghli ratha tehi turata lak lai gayo,
raghubra badhu pratpa puja bahori prabhu carananhi nayo.
With great despatch Lakmaa smashed Rvaas chariot again and struck down
his charioteer, who felt writhing with pain. Rvaa, whose heart he transfixed with a
hundred arrows, fell to the ground, much distressed. Another charioteer came and laid
him in his own chariot and immediately took him away to Lak; while Lakmaa, r
Rmas glorious brother, bowed at the Lords feet again.
0sr r rfn f rn
r fr f fa + c+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
896
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Do.: uh

dasnana jgi kari karai lga kachu jagya,

rma birodha bijaya caha saha haha basa ati agya.84.
At the other end the ten-headed monster, on coming to himself, set to perform
some sacrifice. In his perversity and rank ignorance the fool sought to gain victory even
by antagonizing r Rma! (84)
0;r ft f r; f r; rrfaf r;+
r ; r rnr fq f ff rnr+ {+
r fn f f r +
ra ra r rf n r+ +
a f f r r r+
a t r r f- r r fr+ -+
a f rf n rr ;r r; r nrr+
f n rr rar fa tr rar+ +
Cau.: ih

bibhana saba sudhi p, sapadi ji raghupatihi sun.

ntha karai rvana eka jg, siddha bhae nahi

marihi abhg.1.
pahavahu ntha begi bhaa badara, karahi

bidhasa va dasakadhara.
prta hota prabhu subhaa pahe, hanumaddi agada saba dhe.2.
kautuka kudi caRhe kapi lak, paihe rvana bhavana asak.
jagya karata jabah

so dekh, sakala kapinha bh krodha bise.3.

rana te nilaja bhji gha v, ih

i baka dhyna lagv.

asa kahi agada mr lt, citava na saha svratha mana rt.4.
At this end Vibhaa got all the information and, hastening to the Lord of the
Raghus, apprised Him of everything. My lord, Rvaa is busy with a sacrificial
performance; and if he completes it, the wretch will never die. Therefore, my lord,
despatch some valiant monkeys at once, so that they may wreck his sacrifice, and the
ten-headed monster be compelled to return. As soon as the day broke the Lord sent out
His championsHanumn, Agada and otherswho all rushed forward. In mere sport
the monkeys sprang up to the fort of Lak and fearlessly entered Rvaas palace. The
moment they saw him engaged in a sacrifice all the monkeys grew wildly furious. You
shameless wretch, having run away home from the battle, you have sat down here and
feigned meditation! So saying Agada struck him with his foot; but the fool did not even
look at them, his mind being absorbed in the pursuit of his own end. (14)
U0f fa f r f nf ra- rt
f rf frf r afat rt+
a ss q ara nf r zr;
f t f- f a f r;+
Cha.: nahi

citava jaba kari kopa kapi gahi dasana ltanha mrah

,
dhari kesa nri nikri bhera tetidna pukrah

.
taba uheu kruddha ktta sama gahi carana bnara ra,
ehi bca kapinha bidhasa kta makha dekhi mana mahu hra.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
LAK-K NA
*
897
When he refused to look at them, the monkeys in their fury bit him with their teeth
and kicked him. His wives too they seized by their locks and dragged out of doors while
they cried most piteously. Then at last he rose, furious as Death, and, catching hold of
the monkeys by their legs, he threw them away. Meanwhile, when he saw that the
monkeys had wrecked the sacrifice, he felt discomfited at heart.
0 ff f r rrfa r
s fr q r; -rfn f r+ c~+
Do.: jagya bidhasi kusala kapi e raghupati psa,
caleu niscara kruddha hoi tygi jivana kai sa.85.
Having wrecked his sacrifice the monkeys safely returned to the Lord of the
Raghus; while the demon (Rvaa) set out ablaze with fury, abandoning all hope of
life. (85)
0a rf fa f nt szr; f- +
s r r rr f r q frr+ {+
t at t rr n rfa rr+
- r + +
;r a- tafa t-t r= ffa f f t-t+
f r r t fa fa rfa t+ -+
f rr sf rrt r rr+
r r r rf t f nr+ +
= rf a trr f r rrfrr+
fa f tr fnr rz f rnr+ ~+
Cau.: calata hohi

ati asubha bhayakara, baihahi

gdha uRi siranha para.

bhayau klabasa khu na mn, kahesi bajvahu juddha nisn.1.
cal tamcara an apr, bahu gaja ratha padti asavr.
prabhu sanmukha dhe khala kaise , salabha sam uha anala kaha jaise .2.
ih

devatanha astuti knh, druna bipati hamahi ehi

dnh.
aba jani rma khelvahu eh, atisaya dukhita hoti baideh.3.
deva bacana suni prabhu musukn, uhi raghubra sudhre bn.
ja jua dRha b

dhe mthe, sohahi

sumana bca bica gthe.4.

aruna nayana brida tanu sym, akhila loka locanbhirm.
kaitaa parikara kasyo niag, kara kodaa kahina srag.5.
Evil omens of a most fearful nature occurred to him even as he went. Vultures flew
and perched on his heads. Being in the jaws of death, he paid no heed to anyone and
exclaimed : Beat the drums of war. The demon host appeared endless as it marched
on with its myriads of elephants, chariots, foot-soldiers and horsemen. The wicked
demons rushed to face the Lord like a swarm of moths darting towards fire. At this end
the gods prayed to the Lord : This fellow (Rvaa) has inflicted terrible suffering on us.
Play with him no more, Rma; Videhas Daughter (St) is feeling most disconsolate.
The Lord smiled to hear the gods prayer; the Hero of Raghus line rose and put His
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
898
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
arrows in order. The matted locks on His head had been tightly coiled and were
interlaced with flowers. With His ruddy eyes and body dark as a rain-cloud He ravished
the eyes of the whole world. He fastened His quiver to a piece of cloth girt round His
loins and took in His hand formidable rga bow. (15)
U 0rn fn ftr f tr
z t rra s r tr+
r at f r n
zr rz fn f f f znn+
Cha.: sraga kara sudara niaga silmukhkara kai kasyo,
bhujadaa pna manoharyata ura dharsura pada lasyo.
kaha dsa tulas jabahi

prabhu sara cpa kara pherana lage,

brahma diggaja kamaha ahi mahi sidhu bh udhara agamage.
The Lord took the rga bow in His hand and fastened to His waist the beautiful
quiver with an inexhaustible stock of arrows. He had a pair of muscular arms and a
charming and broad chest which was adorned with the print of the Brhmaas (Bhgus)
foot. When the Lord, says Tulasdsa, commenced feeling the bow and arrow with His
hands, the whole universe, including the elephants guarding the eight quarters, the divine
Tortoise, the serpent-god (ea) and the earth with its oceans and mountains, began to
tremble.
0rr f f f r
=rff f n rnr+ c+
Do.: sobh dekhi harai sura baraahi

sumana apra,
jaya jaya jaya karunnidhi chabi bala guna gra.86.
The gods rejoiced to see His beauty and rained down flowers in an endless
shower, exclaiming Glory, glory, all glory to the Fountain of mercy, the storehouse of
beauty, strength and goodness. (86)
0t t fr t ra r; fa rrt+
f - f r r rr rrr+ {+
r arf f ff rft f+
n an fr rr nf r rrrr+ +
f n f r ; s r+
s; f r rr r fy rr+ -+
ff a f rr rra rf rr+
rrfa rf r rf r; rrr ff r;+ +
rna r t fat rrf rrf a f t+
nf fr rt rfa f r rt+ ~+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
LAK-K NA
*
899
Cau.: eh

bca niscara an, kasamasta ati ghan.

dekhi cale sanmukha kapi bha, pralayakla ke janu ghana gha.1.
bahu kpna taravri camakahi

, janu daha disi dmin

damakahi

.
gaja ratha turaga cikra kahor, garjahi

manahu balhaka ghor.2.

kapi lagura bipula nabha che, manahu idradhanu ue suhe.
uhai dhuri mnahu jaladhr, bna buda bhai bi apr.3.
duhu disi parbata karahi

prahr, bajrapta janu brahi

br.
raghupati kopi bna jhari l, ghyala bhai nisicara samud.4.
lgata bna bra cikkarah

, ghurmi ghurmi jaha taha mahi parah

.
sravahi

saila janu nirjhara bhr, sonita sari kdara bhayakr.5.

Meanwhile arrived the vast demon host with its overcrowded ranks. The moment
the monkey warriors saw the army they advanced to meet it like the masses of clouds
that gather at the time of universal destruction. A numberless swords and claymores
flashed like gleams of lightning from every direction. The shrill cries of the elephants and
horses and the rattling sound of the chariots resembled the terrible thundering of clouds.
Myriads of monkeys tails stretched across the heavens like an array of magnificent
rainbows appearing in the sky. The dust rose in thick columns like streams of water in
the air and the arrows shot forth in an endless shower like rain-drops. Mountains hurled
from either side crashed like repeated strokes of lightning. The Lord of the Raghus in His
fury let fly arrows in showers, which straightway wounded the demon crew. The demon
warriors shrieked with pain as the arrows struck them; and swinging round and round
they fell to the ground here, there and everywhere. Streaming with blood, the wounded
demons looked like mountains with their large cascades; and the blood ran in the form
of a river, the terror of cowards. (15)
U0r =f far t rt
rs a a fa rt+
a n an ff r r n
f+ ar r an rr+
Cha.: kdara bhayakara rudhira sarit cal parama apvan,
dou kula dala ratha reta cakra abarta bahati bhayvan.
jalajatu gaja padacara turaga khara bibidha bhana ko gane,
sara sakti tomara sarpa cpa taraga carma kamaha ghane.
A most unholy river of blood, that smote recreants with terror, ran across the
battlefield. With the two armies for its banks, the chariots for its intervening sands and
their wheels for its whirlpools, it was a frightful flood indeed. The foot-soldiers, and even
so elephants, horses, donkeys and other mounts of all kinds, more than one could count,
(that floated on the river) represented the various aquatic creatures; the arrows, lances
and iron clubs (swept by it) stood for its serpents: the bows borne along the current
represented its waves and the shields stood for its many tortoises.
0t f at a= rr
r f zf a - + c+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
900
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Do.: bra parahi

janu tra taru majj bahu baha phena,

kdara dekhi arahi

taha subhaanha ke mana cena.87.

Warriors fell here and there like the trees on its banks and the abundant, marrow
of their bones represented its scum. Dastards shuddered at its very sight, while
champions were delighted at heart to see it. (87)
0rf a fr arr r rrfn rr+
r r sz rt a tf rt+ {+
f fs rrr; arr f r;+
a rrr a fn a + +
f nt ra a t a fa +
f n rt rf f f rt + -+
rfnf f f t f a fr f+
r ar rf rzr rr ff nrf+ +
f a f rf rf rrrf f+
rf- =z z f zrf t f rf+ ~+
Cau.: majjahi

bhuta pisca betl, pramatha mah jhoiga karl.

kka kaka lai bhuj uRh

, eka te chni eka lai khh

.1.
eka kahahi

aisiu sau gh, sahahu tumhra daridra na j.

kaha rata bhaa ghyala taa gire, jaha taha manahu ardhajala pare.2.
khai

cahi

gdha

ta taa bhae, janu bas khelata cita dae.

bahu bhaa bahahi

caRhe khaga jh

, janu nvari khelahi

sari mh

.3.
jogini bhari bhari khappara sacahi

, bhuta pisca badhu nabha nacahi

.
bhaa kapla karatla bajvahi

, cmu nn bidhi gvahi

.4.
jabuka nikara kaakkaa kaahi

, khhi

huhi

aghhi

dapaahi

.
koinha rua mua binu ollahi

, ssa pare mahi jaya jaya bollahi

.5.
Spirits, ghouls and goblins and even so frightful genii with a long shaggy mass of
hair and Pramathas (ivas own attendants) took their plunge in it. Crows and kites flew
off with human arms, which they tore from one another and ate themselves. Some said,
What a pity, fools that you should continue to suffer from want even in such plenty?
Wounded warriors fallen on the banks groaned like the moribund lying all round half in
and half out of water (on the bank of a sacred river, lake etc., in order to ensure that they
may breathe their last while their body is being washed by the sacred water since such
a death is accounted as highly beneficial to the spirit of the dying man). Standing on its
banks, vultures tore the entrails of the dead like fishermen angling with rapt attention.
Many a dead warrior floated down with birds perched on them, as if the latter were
enjoying a game of boating on the river. The Yogins (female attendants of Goddess
Durg) took to storing blood in skulls, while female spirits and sprites danced in the air.
Even so Cmus (another class of female attendants of Durg) sang songs in various
strains, clashing the skulls of dead warriors like so many pairs of cymbals. Herds of
Jackals snapped their teeth as they tore the dead, feasted upon them and yelled; and,
when surfeited, they snarled. Myriads of headless trunks trotted along the battlefield,
while the heads lying on the ground shouted Victory! Victory!! (15)
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
LAK-K NA
*
901
U0rf r z =z z f f rt
tf- n fr rf - rt+
r fr f f r fa
nr n rf r ff- +
Cha.: bollahi

jo jaya jaya mua rua pracaa sira binu dhvah

,
khapparinha khagga alujjhi jujjhahi

subhaa bhaanha hahvah

.
bnara niscara nikara mardahi

rma bala darpita bhae,

sagrma agana subhaa sovahi

rma sara nikaranhi hae.

The heads shouted Victory! Victory!! while headless trunks darted wildly about.
Birds got entangled in skulls even as they contended with one another; while champions
overthrew their rivals. Imperious through r Rmas strength, the monkeys crushed the
demon crew; and mortally struck by r Rmas flight of arrows, the champions lay in
eternal sleep on the field of death.
0r z frr r ff rrr
f r rr r+ cc+
Do.: rvana hdaya bicr bh nisicara saghra,
mai

akela kapi bhlu bahu my karau apra.88.

Rvaa thought within himself, The demons have been wiped out and I am left
alone, while the monkeys are still numerous. Let me, therefore, create illusions without
number. (88)
0- f r r sr s fa r fr+
fa f aa rr fa raf rr+ {+
a f r f r r+
an r rt nfart+ +
r= rrrf t r f r; ft+
t r; f- rt a r rr ftart+ -+
r rr rrtf rt f f- r rt rt+
t f- fr t fa rt+ +
Cau.: devanha prabhuhi payde dekh, upaj ura ati chobha bise.
surapati nija ratha turata pahv, haraa sahita mtali lai v.1.
teja puja ratha dibya an up, harai caRhe kosalapura bhup.
cacala turaga manohara cr, ajara amara mana sama gatikr.2.
rathruRha raghunthahi dekh, dhe kapi balu pi bise.
sah na ji kapinha kai mr, taba rvana my bistr.3.
so my raghubrahi b

c, lachimana kapinha so mn s

c.
dekh kapinha niscara an, anuja sahita bahu kosaladhan.4.
When the gods saw that the Lord was on foot, they were exceedingly troubled at
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
902
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
heart. Indra (the lord of heaven) forthwith despatched his own chariot, which Mtali
(Indras charioteer) gladly brought there. It was a heavenly and unique car, which was
all splendour; the King of Kosalapura (Ayodhy) gladly mounted it. It was driven by four
high-spirited and charming horses, which knew no decay or death and flew as fast as
thought. The monkeys rushed forward with renewed vigour when they saw the Lord of
the Raghus mounted on a chariot. When Rvaa felt that the monkeys onset was
irresistible, he took to creating illusions. The illusive creation did not touch the Lord of the
Raghus; while the monkeys, nay, even Lakmaa took it for real. The monkeys saw
among a large demon host a number of Rmas and as many Lakmaa. (14)
U0 r f f r fa z
fr ffa a f r a faf +
f fa frf f r f r t
rr t f ff t t+
Cha.: bahu rma lachimana dekhi markaa bhlu mana ati apaare,
janu citra likhita sameta lachimana jaha so taha citavahi

khare.
nija sena cakita biloki ha si sara cpa saji kosala dhan,
my har hari nimia mahu hara sakala markaa an.
The monkeys and bears were much terrified at heart to see numerous Rmas and
Lakmaas. All of them, including Lakmaa, stood gazing like the figures in a picture
wherever they were. The Lord of Kosala smiled to see His army at a nonplus; He fitted
an arrow to His bow and in a trice r Hari dispersed the delusion to the delight of the
whole monkey host.
0f r a fa; r nt
q >rfa fa t+ c+
Do.: bahuri rma saba tana citai bole bacana ga bhra,
dvadajuddha dekhahu sakala ramita bhae ati bra.89.
r Rma then cast His glance on all and spoke in meaningful words: Watch now
my duel (with Rvaa); for all of you, my heroes, are extremely tired. (89)
0 f rrr rr f f= rr+
a r s rr na aa - rr+ {+
ta n rt ar fa- rt+
r r na rr r r trr+ +
fr ar rr r ; rf frr+
ff f rrr rrrf r+ -+
r = s frt rf f rt+
r s r r f r r+ +
f r rr ff rfrr+
- - a ar; rf f rs r;+ ~+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
LAK-K NA
*
903
Cau.: asa kahi ratha raghuntha calv, bipra carana pakaja siru nv.
taba lakesa krodha ura chv, garjata tarjata sanmukha dhv.1.
jtehu je bhaa sajuga mh

, sunu tpasa mai

tinha sama nh

.
rvana nma jagata jasa jn, lokapa jke badkhn.2.
khara duana birdha tumha mr, badhehu bydha iva bli bicr.
nisicara nikara subhaa saghrehu, kubhakarana ghanandahi mrehu.3.
ju bayaru sabu leu nibh, jau rana bh upa bhji nahi

jh.
ju karau khalu kla havle, parehu kahina rvana ke ple.4.
suni durbacana klabasa jn, biha si bacana kaha kpnidhn.
satya satya saba tava prabhut, jalpasi jani dekhu manus.5.
So saying, the Lord of the Raghus bowed His head at the Brhmaas lotus feet
even as He urged forward His chariot. Thereupon Rvaa felt much enraged at heart
and darted to meet Him, challenging Him in a thundering voice: Listen, hermit: I am not
like one of those warriors whom you have vanquished in battle. My name is Rvaa,
whose glory is known all the world over, and whose prison holds within its walls the
regents of the spheres! You slew Khara, Duaa and Virdha and killed poor Vli even
as a hunter would shoot his game. Nay, you wiped out a host of demon champions and
killed even Kumbhakara and Meghanda. Today I will, wreak vengeance on you for all
this unless, O prince, you flee away from the battle. Today I will surely give you over
to death; for it is the relentless Rvaa whom you have to deal with. Hearing his foul
talk the All-merciful took him as doomed to death and smilingly replied as follows: True,
true is all your greatness. But prate no more; show your valour if you can. (15)
U0f rr f rf tfa f f r
r = frf r r r+
; rnt
f f f f a rnt+
Cha.: jani jalpan kari sujasu nsahi nti sunahi karahi cham,
sasra maha purua tribidha pala rasla panasa sam.
eka sumanaprada eka sumana phala eka phalai kevala lgah

,
eka kahahi

kahahi

karahi

apara eka karahi

kahata na bgah

.
Do not ruin your reputation by bragging. Pray, excuse me and listen to a sound
maxim. There are three types of men in this worldthose resembling the rose, the
mango and the bread-tree respectively. The one gives flowers alone, the second flowers
and fruit both and the third yields fruit alone. Even so the one talks, the second talks as
well as does, while the third does but never goes about proclaiming it.
0r f fr rf fra r
= a f a z rn f r+ +
Do.: rma bacana suni biha s mohi sikhvata gyna,
bayaru karata nahi

taba are aba lge priya prna.90.

"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
904
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Rvaa heartily laughed when he heard r Rmas words. Ah! You teach me
wisdom! You did not shrink from waging war against me then; now it seems you hold
your life very dear. (90)
0f q f r rn rz +
rrr ft r ff = fff nn f r+ {+
r rzs rrtr fr atr+
rfzf at f+ ffr; r n f r;+ +
rf- fr r f r rf fr+
f rf r r + -+
a a r rt rf s f r rf+
r r f a srr a r rr+ +
Cau.: kahi durbacana kruddha dasakadhara, kulisa samna lga ch

Rai sara.
nnkra silmukha dhe, disi aru bidisi gagana mahi che.1.
pvaka sara ch

Reu raghubr, chana mahu jare niscara tr.

chRisi tbra sakti khisi, bna saga prabhu pheri cal.2.
koinha cakra trisula pabrai, binu praysa prabhu ki nivrai.
niphala hohi

rvana sara kaise , khala ke sakala manoratha jaise .3.

taba sata bna srath mresi, pareu bh umi jaya rma pukresi.
rma kp kari suta uhv, taba prabhu parama krodha kahu pv.4.
Having uttered these taunting words Rvaa furiously began to discharge arrows
like so many thunderbolts. Shafts of various designs flew and filled all the quarters, nay,
every corner of the earth and heavens. The Hero of Raghus line let fly a fiery dart, and
in a moment the demons bolts were all consumed. Rvaa ground his teeth out of
frustration and hurled a fierce lance; but the Lord sent it back alongwith His arrow. The
demon then cast a cloud of discs and tridents; but the Lord frustrated them by tearing
them asunder without any exertion. Rvaas arrows proved as futile as the schemes
of the wicked invariably are. Then with a hundred arrows he struck r Rmas charioteer
(Mtali), who fell to the ground crying Victory to r Rma! r Rma took compassion
and lifted up the driver; He was now stirred up with a terrible fury. (14)
U0 q q f=q rrfa rr r
rz f fa z f r r=a n+
rt s fa r
faf fn nf f f a +
Cha.: bhae kruddha juddha biruddha raghupati trona syaka kasamase,
kodaa dhuni ati caa suni manujda saba mruta grase.
madodar ura kapa kapati kamaha bhu bhudhara trase,
cikkarahi

diggaja dasana gahi mahi dekhi kautuka sura ha se.

When the Lord of the Raghus encountered the enemy on the battlefield, full of
rage, the arrows in His quiver vied with one another in their endeavour to shoot forth. The
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
LAK-K NA
*
905
man-eating demons were all seized with terror at the sound of the most awful twang of
His bow. Mandodars heart quaked; the ocean, the Tortoise supporting the globe, the
earth and the mountains trembled; and the elephants guarding the quarters squealed, and
clutched the globe with their tusks. The gods smiled at this amusing sight.
0ars r >r fn rz ff r
r rn n ra r+ {+
Do.: tneu cpa ravana lagi ch

Re bisikha karla,
rma mragana gana cale lahalahta janu byla.91.
r Rma drew the bow-string right up to His ear and let fly His terrible darts,
which sped forth vibrating like so many serpents. (91)
0 r - snr f as rt anr+
ff fa a arr nr fa a rr+ {+
aa r f ffrr tr tr rzf ff rr+
f rf su ar ff r fa r + +
a r rr rf rf f rf fnrr+
an sr; rf rrr f r rz r+ -+
r f r rt f rrt ft rt+
r r r ff n =f r+ +
na =f rs rr f a rr+
at at rrt r f- a t f r+ ~+
rat f t r rf r f t+
r r f a rffa f a + +
f f ra tr fa at rrtr+
r; f = r r fa a = r+ +
Cau.: cale bna sapaccha janu urag, prathamahi

hateu srath turag.

ratha bibhaji hati ketu patk, garj ati atara bala thk.1.
turata na ratha caRhi khisin, astra sastra ch

Resi bidhi nn.

biphala hohi

saba udyama tke, jimi paradroha nirata manas ke.2.

taba rvana dasa sula calv, bji cri mahi mri girv.
turaga uhi kopi raghunyaka, khai

ci sarsana ch

Re syaka.3.
rvana sira saroja banacr, cali raghubra silmukha dhr.
dasa dasa bna bhla dasa mre, nisari gae cale rudhira panre.4.
sravata rudhira dhyau balavn, prabhu puni kta dhanu sara sadhn.
tsa tra raghubra pabre, bhujanhi sameta ssa mahi pre.5.
katah

puni bhae nabne, rma bahori bhuj sira chne.

prabhu bahu bra bhu sira hae, kaata jhaiti puni n utana bhae.6.
puni puni prabhu kata bhuja ss, ati kautuk kosaldhs.
rahe chi nabha sira aru bhu, mnahu amita ketu aru rh u.7.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
906
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
The arrows flew like winged serpents. At the first onset they killed Rvaas
charioteer and horses; then, smashing the car, they tore off his ensign and flags. Even
though his strength had inwardly failed him, he roared aloud and, immediately mounting
another car, ground his teeth and hurled missiles and other weapons of every description.
All his efforts, however, failed like those of a man whose mind is ever intent on harming
others. Then Rvaa hurled forth ten pikes, which struck the four horses of r Rmas
chariot and overthrew them. The Lord raised His horses and, drawing the bow string, let
fly His darts in great fury. The arrows of r Rma (the Hero of Raghus line) sped forth
like a string of bees* to enter Rvaas heads, which compared a bed of lotuses. r
Rma struck each of his brows with ten arrows, which pierced through them; and blood
gushed forth in torrents. Though bleeding profusely, the mighty demon rushed forward;
the Lord once more fitted arrows to His bow. The Hero of Raghus line discharged thirty
shafts, which shot down his heads and arms to the ground. But they grew afresh as
soon as they were severed; r Rma, however, struck off his heads and arms once
more. Time after time the Lord smote off his arms and heads; but they were renewed as
soon as they were blown off. Again and again the Lord tore off his arms and heads; for
the King of Kosala takes delight in playing. The sky was full of heads and arms like an
infinite number of Ketus and Rhus. (17)
U0 r a na rfa rt
rrt at z rnf f fn rt+
f f sza ;f rt
rf f f a fa rt+
Cha.: janu rhu ketu aneka nabha patha sravata sonita dhvah

,
raghubra tra pracaa lgahi

bhumi girana na pvah

.
eka eka sara sira nikara chede nabha uRata imi sohah

,
janu kopi dinakara kara nikara jaha taha bidhutuda pohah

.
It seemed as though multitudes of Rhus and Ketus were rushing through the air,
streaming with blood; hit by the terrible shafts of r Rma (the Hero of Raghus line)
again and again, they could not fall to the ground. The arrows, as they flew through the
air, each transfixing a set of heads, seemed like so many rays of the angry sun each
strung all over with a number of Rhus.
0ff ff ar f faf faf rf r
a f f ff fa fa a r+ +
Do.: jimi jimi prabhu hara tsu sira timi timi hohi

apra,
sevata biaya bibardha jimi nita nita nutana mra.92.
As quickly as the Lord struck off his heads, they were renewed without end, like
the passions of a man, which grow ever more and more even as he enjoys the pleasures
of sense. (92)
* The word ilmukha in the original bears a double meaning. It denotes both an arrow and a bee.
Hence the sentence has been translated as above.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
LAK-K NA
*
907
0 f f- rt fr ; f nrt+
ns r frt rs r art+ {+
f rtr f r rrfa artr+
z f fr f + +
rrr - t-r a rf r t-r+
frf f f r a ff fff nn f r+ -+
r f rn rf f f srf+
f nt tr rrt rrtr+ +
Cau.: dasamukha dekhi siranha kai bRh, bisar marana bha risa gRh.
garjeu muRha mah abhimn, dhyau dasahu sarsana tn.1.
samara bhumi dasakadhara kopyo, barai bna raghupati ratha topyo.
daa eka ratha dekhi na pare u, janu nihra mahu dinakara dureu.2.
hhkra suranha jaba knh, taba prabhu kopi kramuka lnh.
sara nivri ripu ke sira ke, te disi bidisi gagana mahi pe.3.
ke sira nabha mraga dhvahi

, jaya jaya dhuni kari bhaya upajvahi

.
kaha lachimana sugrva kaps, kaha raghubra kosaldhs.4.
When the ten-headed monster perceived the multiplication of his heads, he thought
no more of his own death, but was seized with burning wrath. The fool roared in his great
pride and rushed forward with all his ten bows drawn. Flying into a rage on the battle-
field, the ten-headed monster discharged a shower of arrows and screened with it the
chariot of r Rma (the Lord of the Raghus), which was lost to sight for nearly half an
hour, even as the sun is obscured by mist. When the gods raised a piteous cry, the Lord
took up His bow, full of wrath. Intercepting the enemys arrows He struck off his heads,
which covered all the quarters as well as the intermediate points of the compass, as well
as heaven and earth. The severed heads flew through the air and struck terror into the
monkeys hearts as they uttered the cries of Victory, Victory!! Where is Lakmaa?
Where is Sugrva, the lord of the monkeys? Where is the hero of Raghus line, the lord
of Kosala? (14)
U0 r f f f r f f
rf rrf f f- f +
f rfr rfr nf f- ft
f =f f r nr t+
Cha.: kaha rmu kahi sira nikara dhe dekhi markaa bhaji cale,
sadhni dhanu raghubasamani ha si saranhi sira bedhe bhale.
sira mlik kara klik gahi bda bdanhi bahu mil

,
kari rudhira sari majjanu manahu sagrma baa pujana cal

.
Where is Rma? cried the multitudes of heads as they sped. The monkeys took
to flight as they saw them. The Jewel of Raghus line smilingly fitted arrows to His bow
and shot the heads through and through. Taking a rosary of skulls in their hands a large
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
908
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
number of Kliks (female attendants of Goddess Kl) collected in numerous batches,
as though having bathed in the stream of blood they had proceeded to worship the
banyan tree of the battle.
0f q r; rzt f+ z
t ft - r z+ -+
Do.: puni dasakaha kruddha hoi ch

R sakti pracaa,
cal bibhana sanmukha manahu kla kara daa.93.
Then the ten-headed monster in his fury hurled forth his terrible lance, which flew
straight towards Vibhaa like the rod of Death. (93)
0ra f f+ fa rrrr arfa rr+
aa ft r r - r s r; r+ {+
rfn f+ =r ; a - f;+
f ft >r rr nf nr q r; rr+ +
r q a f rn f=q+
r f t r rf- r+ -+
af r fn r-r a r t r-r+
r f f r f f rr s nr+ +
Cau.: vata dekhi sakti ati ghor, pranatrati bhajana pana mor.
turata bibhana pche mel, sanmukha rma saheu soi sel.1.
lgi sakti muruch kachu bha, prabhu kta khela suranha bikala.
dekhi bibhana prabhu rama pyo, gahi kara gad kruddha hoi dhyo.2.
re kubhgya saha mada kubuddhe, tai

sura nara muni nga biruddhe.

sdara siva kahu ssa caRhe, eka eka ke koinha pe.3.
tehi krana khala aba lagi b

cyo, aba tava klu ssa para ncyo.

rma bimukha saha cahasi sapad, asa kahi hanesi mjha ura gad.4.
When the Lord saw the most fearful lance coming, He thought to Himself, It is My
sacred vow to put an end to the distress of the suppliant! Instantly r Rma put
Vibhaa behind Him and exposed Himself to the full force of the spear. When the lance
struck Him, the Lord fainted for a while. Although it was a mere sport on the part of the
Lord, the gods were filled with dismay. When Vibhaa saw that the Lord had been
grievously hurt, he seized his club and rushed forward full of rage. You wretched vile
and perverse fool ! You have antagonized gods, human beings, sages and Ngas alike.
You devoutly offered your heads to Lord iva and have got millions for one in return. It
is for this reason, O wretch, that you have been spared till this time; your death,
however, seems to be impending now. Fool, you seek happiness through enmity with r
Rma? So saying, Vibhaa struck his brother right on the chest with his club. (14)
U0s rr nr r rrr r rna f vr
rfa na f rf rr f vr+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
LAK-K NA
*
909
f fa q f=q f
rrt fa ft rrrf f ar n+
Cha.: ura mjha gad prahra ghora kahora lgata mahi paryo,
dasa badana sonita sravata puni sabhri dhyo risa bharyo.
dvau bhire atibala mallajuddha biruddha eku ekahi hanai,
raghubra bala darpita bibhanu ghli nahi

t kahu ganai.
At the terrible impact of the mighty club on his chest Rvaa fell to the ground, all
his ten mouths spouting blood. But he picked himself up again and darted forward full of
fury. The two mighty champions closed with each other in a wrestling contest, each
mauling the other. Vibhaa, however, who was inspired with the strength of r Rma
(the Hero of Raghus line), deemed his adversary as of no account.
0sr ft rf - fa f rs
r fa r r >rtrrt rs+ +
Do.: um bibhanu rvanahi sanmukha citava ki ku,
so aba bhirata kla jyo rraghubra prabhu.94.
Um, (continues Lord iva,) Vibhaa would never have dared of himself to look
Rvaa in the face. Armed with the might of r Rma (the Hero of Raghus line),
however, he now closed with his brother like Death himself. (94)
0r >rfa ft rt rs r fnf rt+
an rt frar z rr af rf rar+ {+
r r fa fa nrar ns ft rrar+
f r f as rt s nn f rt+ +
nff f fa szrr f ff fs rr+
a r n rr f a f rr+ -+
rf t r fnf = t+
f ff ; rvr a r=a a rvr+ +
Cau.: dekh ramita bibhanu bhr, dhyau hanumna giri dhr.
ratha turaga srath nipt, hdaya mjha tehi mresi lt.1.
hRha rah ati kapita gt, gayau bibhanu jaha janatrt.
puni rvana kapi hateu pacr, caleu gagana kapi p u

cha pasr.2.
gahisi pu

cha kapi sahita uRn, puni phiri bhireu prabala hanumn.

larata aksa jugala sama jodh, ekahi eku hanata kari krodh.3.
sohahi

nabha chala bala bahu karah

, kajjala giri sumeru janu larah

.
budhi bala nisicara parai na pryo, taba mruta suta prabhu sabhryo.4.
Perceiving Vibhaa much exhausted, Hanumn rushed forward with a rock in
his hand; crushing the chariot, the horses and the charioteer all at once he gave Rvaa
a kick right in his breast. The demon, however, kept standing though shaking violently
all over. Meanwhile Vibhaa withdrew into the presence of r Rma (the Protector of
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
910
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
His devotees). Rvaa thereupon challenged and assailed the monkey (Hanumn), who
ascended into the air spreading his tail. Rvaa laid hold of his tail, but the monkey
(Hanumn) flew alongwith him. The mighty Hanumn then turned and closed with him.
The two well-matched warriors fought overhead, each striking the other in great fury.
Putting forth all their strength and stratagem while in the air the two looked like a
mountain of soot and Mount Sumeru contending with each other. When the demon could
not be overthrown either through wit or through physical force, the son of the wind-god
invoked his lord. (14)
U0rf >rtrrt t rf f r -r
f a f sf a - n -r+
a f r rra
-r r z +
Cha.: sabhri rraghubra dhra pacri kapi rvanu hanyo,
mahi parata puni uhi larata devanha jugala kahu jaya jaya bhanyo.
hanumata sakaa dekhi markaa bhlu krodhtura cale,
rana matta rvana sakala subhaa pracaa bhuja bala dalamale.
Invoking the Hero of Raghus line, the strong-minded Hanumn challenged and
struck Rvaa. The two fell to the ground and rising again resumed fighting. The gods
shouted Victory to both. Seeing Hanumn in such a strait, the monkeys and bears
sallied forth in furious haste; while Rvaa, who was battle-mad, crushed all the
champions by the tremendous might of his arm.
0a rrt r r t z
f f af t- n rz+ ~+
Do.: taba raghubra pacre dhe ksa pracaa,
kapi bala prabala dekhi tehi

knha pragaa paa.95.

Then, rallied by the Hero of Raghus line, the fierce monkeys rushed forward. Seeing
the overwhelming monkey host, Rvaa, however, displayed his My (black art). (95)
0ar s r f n = r+
rrfa r f a a n r aa+ {+
f- fa tr a r = tr+
rn r f tr rrf rrf f rrtr+ +
ff rf rf- r nf rrr r r+
z r; r a r;+ -+
fa a fnf +
ff f rt f- f- fr rt+ +
Cau.: ataradhna bhayau chana ek, puni pragae khala r upa anek.
raghupati kaaka bhlu kapi jete, jaha taha pragaa dasnana tete.1.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
LAK-K NA
*
911
dekhe kapinha amita dasass, jaha taha bhaje bhlu aru ks.
bhge bnara dharahi

na dhr, trhi trhi lachimana raghubr.2.

daha disi dhvahi

koinha rvana, garjahi

ghora kahora bhayvana.

are sakala sura cale par, jaya kai sa tajahu aba bh.3.
saba sura jite eka dasakadhara, aba bahu bhae takahu giri kadara.
rahe biraci sabhu muni gyn, jinha jinha prabhu mahim kachu jn.4.
He became invisible for a moment and then the wretch revealed himself in
multitudinous forms. The ten-headed monster appeared in as many forms as there were
bears and monkeys in the army of r Rma (the Lord of the Raghus). The monkey host
beheld numberless Rvaas; the bears and monkeys then fled in every direction. The
monkeys had no courage to stay. They fled crying, Help, Lakmaa! Help, Raghuvra
(Hero of Raghus line) ! Myriads of Rvaas darted in all directions, thundering in a deep,
shrill and frightful voice. All the gods took flight in panic crying, Now, brethren, abandon
all hope of victory. A single Rvaa subdued the whole heavenly host. Now that he has
been multiplied, let us seek mountain caves. Only Brahm (the Creator), Lord ambhu
(iva) and the wise seers, whoever knew something of the Lords glory, remained
unshaken. (14)
U0rr ar a f f- f r
ff r r rf ra+
a n t fa a r
f r rf rf- +
Cha.: jn pratpa te rahe nirbhaya kapinha ripu mne phure,
cale bicali markaa bhlu sakala kpla phi bhayture.
hanumata agada nla nala atibala larata rana b

kure,
mardahi

dasnana koi koinha kapaa bhu bhaa akure.

They who understood the Lords might remained fearless. But the monkeys took
the apparitions for real enemies. They all lost courage and fled, monkeys and bears alike,
crying in their dismay: Protect us, our merciful lord! The most powerful Hanumn,
Agada, Nla and Nala, who were all valiant in battle, fought and crushed the myriads of
gallant Rvaas that had sprouted on the soil of deception.
0 r f tr rrt
f rn a t+ +
Do.: sura bnara dekhe bikala ha syo kosaldhsa,
saji sraga eka sara hate sakala dasassa.96.
The Lord of Kosala smiled to see the dismay of the gods and the monkeys. He
fitted an arrow to His famous rga bow and wiped out the whole host of illusive
Rvaa. (96)
0 rr rt ff f s rf a rt+
r f f + {+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
912
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
sr; rrfa f f - a +
r; r f r a af n f r+ +
tafa a af- s ;- +
r ar r r f rf nn r+ -+
rrr a rn r r rn+
f f n rr f nf f fnrr+ +
Cau.: prabhu chana mahu my saba k, jimi rabi ue jhi

tama ph.
rvanu eku dekhi sura harae, phire sumana bahu prabhu para barae.1.
bhuja uhi raghupati kapi phere, phire eka ekanha taba ere.
prabhu balu pi bhlu kapi dhe, tarala tamaki sajuga mahi e.2.
astuti karata devatanhi dekhe , bhayau eka mai

inha ke lekhe .
sahahu sad tumha mora maryala, asa kahi kopi gagana para dhyala.3.
hhkra karata sura bhge, khalahu jhu kaha more ge.
dekhi bikala sura agada dhyo, k udi carana gahi bh umi giryo.4.
In a trice the Lord dispersed the whole phantom, even as the veil of darkness is
torn asunder with the rising of the sun. The gods rejoiced to see only one Rvaa and,
turning back, rained abundant flowers on the Lord. Raising His arm, the Lord of the
Raghus rallied the monkeys, who returned, each shouting to other. Inspired by the
might of their lord, the bears and monkeys ran; and leaping briskly they arrived on the
battlefield. When Rvaa saw the gods extolling r Rma, he thought to himself, They
think I am now reduced to one. Fools ! you have ever been victims of my thrashing !
So saying he sprang into the air with great indignation. As the gods fled uttering a piteous
cry, Rvaa said, Wretches whither can you go from my presence? Seeing the
distress of the gods, Agada rushed forward and with a bound seized Rvaa by the foot
and threw him to the ground. (14)
U0nf f rvr ra rvr rfa f nr
rf sf rrr r na r+
f r r r; rf ;
f rrr r f f ;+
Cha.: gahi bhumi pryo lta mryo blisuta prabhu pahi

gayo,
sabhri uhi dasakaha ghora kahora rava garjata bhayo.
kari dpa cpa caRhi dasa sadhni sara bahu baraa,
kie sakala bhaa ghyala bhaykula dekhi nija bala haraa.
Having seized Rvaa and thrown him to the ground, Vlis son (Agada) gave
him a kick and then rejoined his lord. The ten-headed monster, on recovering himself,
rose again and roared terribly in a shrill voice. Proudly drawing the string of all his
ten bows he fitted a dart to each and rained a flight of arrows, wounding all the warriors
in the enemys ranks to their utter dismay and confusion; and rejoiced to see his own
might.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
LAK-K NA
*
913
0a rrfa r t r r
r a f ff at r+ +
Do.: taba raghupati rvana ke ssa bhuj sara cpa,
ke bahuta baRhe puni jimi tratha kara ppa.97.
Thereupon the Lord of the Raghus tore off Rvaas heads and arms, alongwith
the arrows and bows; more than once. But each time they all multiplied like sins
committed in a holy place. (97)
0f rf f f t r f- f ; rrt+
a tr r rf r tr+ {+
rfa r=fa tr rr f tr+
f t f rr r; fnf a= nf f- r rr+ +
f- f frt rfn f ra- rt+
a t ff- f n f- fr fra + -+
=f f fr s rt fa-f r rt+
n rf f- ft n t+ +
rf f f rt f a r rt+
f r t- f- rf rrr f t-+ ~+
rf =fa f r; r +
=fa f f tr ra rs tr+ +
n r a= rt r n rf rt+
s q r rr nf f ; rr+ +
f rfa f rrrar rf rr s rf rar+ c+
Cau.: sira bhuja bRhi dekhi ripu ker, bhlu kapinha risa bha ghaner.
marata na muRha kaehu bhuja ss, dhe kopi bhlu bhaa ks.1.
blitanaya mruti nala nl, bnararja dubida balasl.
biapa mahdhara karahi

prahr, soi giri taru gahi kapinha so mr.2.

eka nakhanhi ripu bapua bidr, bhgi calahi

eka ltanha mr.

taba nala nla siranhi caRhi gaya u, nakhanhi lilra bidrata bhaya u.3.
rudhira dekhi bida ura bhr, tinhahi dharana kahu bhuj pasr.
gahe na jhi

karanhi para phirah

, janu juga madhupa kamala bana carah

.4.
kopi kudi dvau dharesi bahor, mahi paakata bhaje bhuj maror.
puni sakopa dasa dhanu kara lnhe, saranhi mri ghyala kapi knhe.5.
hanumaddi muruchita kari badara, pi pradoa haraa dasakadhara.
muruchita dekhi sakala kapi br, jmavata dhyau ranadhr.6.
saga bhlu bhudhara taru dhr, mrana lage pacri pacr.
bhayau kruddha rvana balavn, gahi pada mahi paakai bhaa nn.7.
dekhi bhlupati nija dala ght, kopi mjha ura mresi lt.8.
The bears and monkeys grew furious when they saw the repeated renewal of
Rvaas heads and arms. This fool would not die even though his arms and heads are
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
914
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
cut off! So saying, the bear and monkey warriors darted towards him in great fury. Vlis
son (Agada), the son of the wind-god, Nala, Nla, Sugrva (the king of the monkeys) and
Dwivida, all mighty heroes, hurled trees and rocks on him. Rvaa, however, caught
them and threw the same back upon the monkeys. Some of the monkeys tore the
enemys body with their claws, while others would kick him and run away. Then Nala and
Nla climbed up his heads and set to tearing his foreheads with their claws. When he saw
blood coming, he felt much troubled at heart and moved up his arms to catch hold of the
monkeys. But they were not to be caught and leapt about from one hand to another like
a pair of bees hovering over a bed of lotuses. At last with a furious bound he clutched
them both; but before he could dash them to the ground, they twisted his arms and ran
away. Again in his fury he took ten bows in his hands and with his arrows struck and
wounded the monkeys. Having rendered Hanumn and other monkey chiefs senseless
he rejoiced to see the approach of night. Seeing all the monkey heroes in a swoon the
valiant Jmbavn rushed forward with a host of bears carrying rocks and trees, which
they hurled upon him, challenging him again and again. This enraged the mighty Rvaa,
who seized a number of the warriors by the foot and began dashing them to the ground.
Jmbavn (the king of the bears) flew into a rage when he saw the havoc wrought on
his host, and gave Rvaa a kick on the breast. (18)
U0s ra rrra z rna f a f r
nf r t f- ff r+
=fa frf rf fa rfa f nr
ff rf t rrrf af a a a a r+
Cha.: ura lta ghta pracaa lgata bikala ratha te mahi par,
gahi bhlu bsahu kara manahu kamalanhi base nisi madhukar.
muruchita biloki bahori pada hati bhlupati prabhu pahi

gayo,
nisi jni syadana ghli tehi taba suta jatanu karata bhayo.
The violent impact of the foot on his breast made Rvaa senseless and he fell
from his chariot to the ground, grasping a bear in each of his twenty hands, like bees
reposing by night in the folds of the lotus. Seeing him unconscious, the king of the bears
struck him with his foot once more and rejoined the Lord. Perceiving that it was night,
the charioteer lifted him on to his chariot and then tried to bring him back to his senses.
0=r fna r f r r
ff rf rrf fa rr+ c+
Do.: muruch bigata bhlu kapi saba e prabhu psa,
nisicara sakala rvanahi gheri rahe ati trsa.98.
On recovering from their swoon the bears and monkeys all arrived in the presence
of the Lord, while all the demons stood round Rvaa in great consternation. (98)
[PAUSE 26 FOR A THIRTY-DAY RECITATION]
0at ff tar f r; frr f r r;+
f rf a f t tar s ; rr rrt+ {+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
LAK-K NA
*
915
t st far frr rt a tar+
r;f r f f rar f ff ff ft rar+ +
rrfa f ; ff fta fa ;+
r r fra rt f r f frt+ -+
f a n rr r rf =r+
f ff rf r f r+ +
rrfa f f rt af af r r rt+
r r rr r; ff arf fr rr+ ~+
ff fr rt f f fa rfr t+
frr rrt s rna ; rt+ +
ara s a; at f z fa t+ +
Cau.: teh nisi st pahi

j, trija kahi saba kath sun.

sira bhuja bRhi sunata ripu ker, st ura bhai trsa ghaner.1.
mukha malna upaj mana cit, trija sana bol taba st.
hoihi kah kahasi kina mt, kehi bidhi marihi bisva dukhadt.2.
raghupati sara sira kaehu na mara, bidhi biparta carita saba kara.
mora abhgya jivata oh, jehi

hau hari pada kamala bichoh.3.

jehi

kta kapaa kanaka mga jhuh, ajahu so daiva mohi para r uh.
jehi

bidhi mohi dukha dusaha sahe, lachimana kahu kau bacana kahe.4.
raghupati biraha sabia sara bhr, taki taki mra bra bahu mr.
aisehu dukha jo rkha mama prn, soi bidhi thi jiva na n.5.
bahu bidhi kara bilpa jnak, kari kari surati kpnidhna k.
kaha trija sunu rjakumr, ura sara lgata marai surr.6.
prabhu tte ura hatai na teh, ehi ke hdaya basati baideh.7.
That very night the demoness Trija called on St and told Her the whole story.
When St heard of the renewal of the enemys heads and arms, She felt much dismayed
at heart. She wore a doleful countenance and Her mind was filled with anxiety. Then St
addressed Trija thus : Why do you not tell me, mother, what is going to happen? How
can this plague of the universe be obliterated? He does not die even though the arrows
of r Rma (the Lord of the Raghus) have struck off his heads. It is Heaven who is
disposing of things perversely. Nay, it is my ill luck that sustains him, the same
misfortune which separated me from r Haris lotus-feet. The fate which created the
phantom of a fictitious deer of gold still frowns at me. The same Providence who made
me suffer terrible woes and prompted me to speak harsh words to Lakmaa, nay, who
pierced me through and through time and again with the mighty and poisoned shafts of
separation from the Lord of the Raghus, and who keeps me alive even under such trying
circumstancesit is He and He alone who is conserving Rvaas life. With many such
words did Janakas Daughter make lament as She recalled to Her mind the All-merciful.
Trija replied: Listen, O Princess: the enemy of the gods will surely die if an arrow
pierces his breast. But the Lord is careful not to strike him there; for He knows that
Videhas Daughter (Yourself) abides in his heart. (17)
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
916
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
U0f z rt rt s r
s rna r r +
f fr fa f f frr r
ff f f ff f f af r+
Cha.: ehi ke hdaya basa jnak jnak ura mama bsa hai,
mama udara bhuana aneka lgata bna saba kara nsa hai.
suni bacana haraa bida mana ati dekhi puni trija

kah,
aba marihi ripu ehi bidhi sunahi sudari tajahi sasaya mah.
He is prevented by the thought that Janakas Daughter dwells in Rvaas heart
and that Jnaks heart is His own abode; in His belly, again, are contained the
numberless spheres, which will all perish the moment His arrow pierces Rvaas heart.
Trijas explanation filled Sts mind with both joy and sorrow in a superlative degree.
Perceiving this Trija spoke again: Now listen, fair lady, how your enemy will meet his
death, and shake off the great misgiving which still haunts your mind.
0ra f r;f f f r;f a r
a rf z ff r r+ +
Do.: kata sira hoihi bikala chui jihi tava dhyna,
taba rvanahi hdaya mahu marihahi

rmu sujna.99.
Rvaa will get disconcerted when his heads are cut off, with the result that you
will escape his mind. That particular moment will the all-wise r Rma strike him in his
heart. (99)
0 f a rfa rr; f frr f fr;+
r rs ff t st f fr fa at+ {+
fff ff ffa r at n ; frfa rat+
fa fr f rt r f rt rt+ +
fa s f s r s r = r+
n frf t tr fff r rrtr+ -+
;r ff r rnr f rf tr rnr+
f zr;f r t fn fn fa ar t+ +
a f nf ff rrr r = f f rr+
f rn r r f s rrr+ ~+
a f srt r r; rt+ +
Cau.: asa kahi bahuta bh

ti samujh, puni trija nija bhavana sidh.

rma subhu sumiri baideh, upaj biraha bith ati teh.1.
nisihi sasihi nidati bahu bh

t, juga sama bha sirti na rt.

karati bilpa manahi

mana bhr, rma biraha jnak dukhr.2.

"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
LAK-K NA
*
917
jaba ati bhayau biraha ura dhu, pharakeu bma nayana aru bhu.
saguna bicri dhar mana dhr, aba milihahi

kpla raghubr.3.
ih

ardhanisi rvanu jg, nija srathi sana khjhana lg.

saha ranabhumi chaRisi moh, dhiga dhiga adhama madamati toh.4.
tehi

pada gahi bahu bidhi samujhv, bhoru bhae ratha caRhi puni dhv.
suni gavanu dasnana ker, kapidala kharabhara bhayau ghaner.5.
jaha taha bhudhara biapa upr, dhe kaakai bhaa bhr.6.
With many such words did Trija comfort St and then returned to her residence.
As She recalled r Rmas kind disposition Videhas Daughter was overwhelmed with
the anguish of separation from Him. She reproached the night and the moon in many
ways. The night has already assumed the length of an age and does not end She
added. Disconsolate at Her separation from r Rma, Janakas Daughter grievously
lamented within Herself. When Her agony of separation grew acute, Her left eye and arm
throbbed. Considering it to be a good omen, She took heart and said to Herself, The
gracious Hero of Raghus line will surely meet me. In his palace Rvaa recovered from
his swoon at midnight and cut up rough with his charioteer, Fool, to have severed me
from the battlefield; shame, shame on you, O vile dullard! The charioteer clasped his
feet and deprecated his anger in many ways. As soon as it was dawn Rvaa mounted
his car and sallied forth again. There was a great stir in the monkey host at the news
of Rvaas return. Tearing up mountains and trees from wherever they could, mighty
warriors rushed forward gnashing their teeth. (16)
U0r r f r r r
fa r f r ra f tr+
fr; a t- rrf f r fr
ff f- rf f- frf a r fr+
Cha.: dhe jo markaa bikaa bhlu karla kara bhudhara dhar,
ati kopa karahi

prahra mrata bhaji cale rajancar.

bicali dala balavata ksanha gheri puni rvanu liyo,
cahu disi capeanhi mri nakhanhi bidri tanu bykula kiyo.
The fierce monkeys and terrible bears darted with mountains in their hands, which
they hurled forth with the utmost fury. The demons, who were unable to resist the
onslaught, turned and fled. Having thus scattered the enemy ranks, the powerful
monkeys next closed around Rvaa and discomfited him by buffeting him on every side
and tearing his body with their claws.
0f r r t- fr
afa r; ff a rr ftar+ {+
Do.: dekhi mah markaa prabala rvana knha bicra,
atarahita hoi nimia mahu kta my bistra.100.
Finding the monkeys most powerful, Rvaa took thought. Consequently he
became invisible and in a moment revealed his illusive power. (100)
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
918
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
U0 t- af r z n a z+
ar a fr r rr+ {+
rfnf n r r r+
f u rfa r rf f nr+ +
= r= rf rrr f f f r+
r; rf r a n t r+ -+
rf rfn a a f rfn+
f r r f rn r+ +
a fa f t ns f t+
f t a t a+ ~+
r r r rr r f tf r+
f ff ar f af t- rf+ +
nf f r r n rr+
fa- r rr r; ff = r;+ +
r f r; f sr;+
ff n fr af rr+ c+
Cha.: jaba knha tehi

paa, bhae pragaa jatu pracaa.

betla bhuta pisca, kara dhare dhanu nrca.1.
jogini gahe karabla, eka htha manuja kapla.
kari sadya sonita pna, ncahi

karahi

bahu gna.2.
dharu mru bolahi

ghora, rahi puri dhuni cahu ora.

mukha bi dhvahi

khna, taba lage ksa parna.3.

jaha jhi

markaa bhgi, taha barata dekhahi

gi.
bhae bikala bnara bhlu, puni lga baraai blu.4.
jaha taha thakita kari ksa, garjeu bahuri dasassa.
lachimana kapsa sameta, bhae sakala bra aceta.5.
h rma h raghuntha, kahi subhaa mjahi

htha.
ehi bidhi sakala bala tori, tehi

knha kapaa bahori.6.

pragaesi bipula hanumna, dhe gahe pna.
tinha rmu ghere ji, cahu disi barutha bani.7.
mrahu dharahu jani ji, kaakaahi

p u

cha uhi.
daha disi la gura birja, tehi

madhya kosalarja.8.
As he let loose his illusive power terrible beings appeared on the scenegoblins,
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
LAK-K NA
*
919
ghosts and ghouls with bows and arrows in their hands. Yogins holding a sword in one
hand and a human skull in another, from which they quaffed draughts of fresh blood,
danced and sang many a song. They uttered horrible cries of Seize and kill !, which
echoed all round. With their mouths wide open they rushed to devour the monkeys, who
then took to their heels. But whithersoever they turned in their flight they saw a blazing
fire. The monkeys and bears were thus in a quandary. Then Rvaa began raining on
them a shower of sand. Having thus flabbergasted the monkeys on all sides, the ten-
headed monster roared again. All the heroes, including Lakmaa and Sugrva (the king
of the monkeys), fainted. The bravest of them wrung their hands, crying Ah, Rma !
Alas, Raghuntha (Lord of the Raghus)! Having thus crushed the might of all, he wrought
another delusion. He manifested a host of Hanumns, who rushed forward with rocks in
their hands and encircled r Rma in a dense cordon on every side. With uplifted tails
and gnashing their teeth they shouted, Seize and kill him; let him not escape! Surrounded
by their tails on every side, the Lord of Kosala shone in their midst. (18)
U0af rr tr a rr t
; t rf an art+
f fr s a t
rrt f at rf f rr t+ {+
rr fna f r f fnf nf f
f rz r r r f f f fn+
>rtr r fa r r nrt
a r fn f as af r rt+ +
Cha.: tehi

madhya kosalarja sudara syma tana sobh lah,

janu idradhanua aneka k bara bri tuga tamlah.
prabhu dekhi haraa bida ura sura badata jaya jaya jaya kar,
raghubra ekahi

tra kopi nimea mahu my har.1.

my bigata kapi bhlu harae biapa giri gahi saba phire,
sara nikara chRe rma rvana bhu sira puni mahi gire.
rrma rvana samara carita aneka kalpa jo gvah

,
sata sea srada nigama kabi teu tadapi pra na pvah

.2.
In their midst the King of Kosala with His dark-hued body shone forth as
resplendent as a lofty Tamla tree encircled by a magnificent hedge of multitudinous
rainbows. The gods experienced in their heart a mixed feeling of joy and sorrow and
raised the cries of Victory ! Victory !! Victory !!! The Hero of Raghus line now flew into
a rage and with a single arrow instantly dispersed the delusion. The delusion having
vanished, the monkeys and bears rejoiced and all turned back with trees and rocks in
their hands. r Rma shot forth a volley of arrows, which once more cut off Rvaas
arms and heads to the ground. If hundreds of eas (serpent-gods), rads (goddesses
of speech), the Vedas and bards were to recite the story of the battle between r Rma
and Rvaa and that too for many cycles together, even they would never be able to do
justice to it. (1-2)
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
920
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
0ar n n zfa atr
ff f = a rt sz; r+ {{ (+
r f r a
tza fq f r f + {{ (+
Do.: tke guna gana kachu kahe jaRamati tulasdsa,
jimi nija bala anurupa te mch uRai aksa.101(A).
ke sira bhuja bra bahu marata na bhaa lakesa,
prabhu krRata sura siddha muni bykula dekhi kalesa.101(B).
The dull-witted Tulasdsa has described only a few salient features of that combat
just as a fly wings the sky according to its own capacity. The valiant lord of Lak could
not be killed even though his heads and arms were struck off many times over. It was
simply a pastime for the Lord; while the gods, the Siddhas and the sages fidgeted to see
the Lord struggling (with him). (101 A-B)
0ra f t r; ff fa r r fr;+
; f >r s fr r ft a a r+ {+
sr r rt ;r r tfa tr+
r r ar f r+ +
rfz f r r fa r ar+
a ft rr f n r rr+ -+
r rn a rr rf r trr+
rf n n rfa a n a a+ +
ff r r fa rnr s f f srnr+
rf s fa rt far nf n rt+ ~+
Cau.: kata baRhahi

ssa samud, jimi prati lbha lobha adhik.

marai na ripu rama bhayau bise, rma bibhana tana taba dekh.1.
um kla mara jk

ch, so prabhu jana kara prti parch.

sunu sarabagya carcara nyaka, pranatapla sura muni sukhadyaka.2.
nbhikua piyua basa yke , ntha jiata rvanu bala tke .
sunata bibhana bacana kpl, harai gahe kara bna karl.3.
asubha hona lge taba nn, rovahi

khara skla bahu svn.

bolahi

khaga jaga rati het u, pragaa bhae nabha jaha taha ket u.4.
dasa disi dha hona ati lg, bhayau paraba binu rabi uparg.
madodari ura kapati bhr, pratim sravahi

nayana maga br.5.

No sooner were Rvaas heads cut off than a fresh crop grew like covetousness,
which increases with every new gain. The enemy could not be killed in spite of the prolonged
struggle; r Rma then looked at Vibhaa. Um, (continues Lord iva,) the Lord whose
will causes the death of Death himself thereby tested the devotion of His servant. Listen,
all-wise Ruler of the animate and inanimate creation, Protector of the suppliant, delight of
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
LAK-K NA
*
921
the gods and sages : nectar abides in the depth of his navel; by virtue of it, my lord, Rvaa
survives. The All-merciful rejoiced to hear the words of Vibhaa and took terrible shafts
in His hands. Many ill-omens manifested themselves at that time. Donkeys, jackals
and dogs howled in large numbers. Birds too screamed, and thereby portended a world
calamity: and comets appeared in every quarter of the heavens. There was a preternatural
and unusual glow in the horizon on all sides and a solar eclipse occurred even without
the day of the new moon (when the sun and the moon are in conjunction). Mandodars
heart beat wildly and idols shed tears from their eyes. (15)
U0far =f fra fa ra zrfa t
f r =f fa r t+
sara fa frf f rf
rf r rrfa r ra +
Cha.: pratim rudahi

pabipta nabha ati bta baha olati mah,

baraahi

balhaka rudhira kaca raja asubha ati saka ko kahi.

utapta amita biloki nabha sura bikala bolahi

jaya jae,
sura sabhaya jni kpla raghupati cpa sara jorata bhae.
Idols wept, lightning flashed with thunderclap in the air, furious winds blew, the
earth quaked and the clouds dropped blood, hair and dust; who could recount the great
ill-omens? The gods in heaven were dismayed at the sight of the boundless portentous
phenomena and shouted Victory ! Victory !! And perceiving the distress of the gods the
gracious Lord of the Raghus set an arrow to His bow.
0f r >r fn rz at
rrr r r r t+ {+
Do.: khai

ci sarsana ravana lagi chRe sara ekatsa,

raghunyaka syaka cale mnahu kla phansa.102.
Drawing the bow-string right up to His ear the Lord of the Raghus let fly thirty-one
shafts, which flew forth like the serpents of Death. (102)
0r rf rr n f f rr+
f r rrr f t =z f rr+ {+
f ; r zr a fa a ; zr+
ns a rrr rt r r ar rt+ +
zrt f fna fa f f fn +
f s r z r; rf r r;+ -+
rf rn tr f r ntr+
f fn r; f - t r;+ +
ar a r r f ar+
f t zrzr rrt zr+ ~+
f f r r fa r+ +
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
922
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Cau.: syaka eka nbhi sara so, apara lage bhuja sira kari ro.
lai sira bhu cale nrc, sira bhuja hna rua mahi nc.1.
dharani dhasai dhara dhva praca, taba sara hati prabhu kta dui kha.
garjeu marata ghora rava bhr, kah

rmu rana hatau pacr.2.

ol bhumi girata dasakadhara, chubhita sidhu sari diggaja bh udhara.
dharani pareu dvau khaa baRh, cpi bhlu markaa samud.3.
madodari ge bhuja ss, dhari sara cale jah

jagads.
prabise saba niaga mahu j, dekhi suranha dudubh

baj.4.
tsu teja samna prabhu nana, harae dekhi sabhu caturnana.
jaya jaya dhuni pur brahma, jaya raghubra prabala bhujada.5.
baraahi

sumana deva muni bd, jaya kpla jaya jayati mukud.6.

One arrow sucked up the depths of the navel, while the rest struck his ten heads
and twenty arms with impetuosity. The arrows carried off with them all his heads and
arms, while the headless and armless trunk danced on the battle-field. The earth sunk
under the weight of the trunk as it rushed violently on, till the Lord struck it with His
arrow and split it in two. While dying he shouted with a loud and terrible roar: Where
is Rma, that I may challenge and slay him in battle? The earth reeled as the ten-
headed monster fell; the ocean, the rivers, the elephants guarding the quarters, and
the mountains were shaken. Expanding the two halves he dropped to the ground,
crushing under their weight a host of bears and monkeys. After depositing the arms
and heads before Mandodar, the darts returned to the Lord of the universe and all
found their way back into the quiver. Seeing this, the gods sounded their kettle-drums.
His soul entered the Lords mouth in the form of effulgence. Lord ambhu and the
four-faced Brahm (the Creator) rejoiced to see the spectacle. The whole universe
resounded with cries of Victory ! Victory !! Glory to the Hero of Raghus line, mighty
of arm !!! Gods and sages rained down flowers, shouting Glory, glory to the
All-merciful ! Glory to Mukunda (the Bestower of liberation) !! (16)
U0 r r
fr r r=t r fr+
f rr r f nnt
nr n r n n rr t+ {+
f r f f fa r rt
tfnf afza a szn rt+
z rz a =f a fa
rt ar t f r+ +
Cha.: jaya kp kada mukuda dvada harana sarana sukhaprada prabho,
khala dala bidrana parama krana krunka sad bibho.
sura sumana baraahi

haraa sakula bja dudubhi gahagah,

sagrma agana rma aga anaga bahu sobh lah.1.
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*
LAK-K NA
*
923
sira ja mukua prasuna bica bica ati manohara rjah

,
janu nlagiri para taRita paala sameta uugana bhrjah

.
bhujadaa sara kodaa pherata rudhira kana tana ati bane,
janu ryamun

tamla para baih

bipula sukha pane.2.

Glory to You, O Mukunda (the Bestower of liberation), the fountain of mercy, the
dispeller of all fear of pairs of opposites, the delight of those who take refuge in You, the
torment of the ranks of the wicked, the Prime Cause, the ever compassionate and omnipresent
Ruler of all. Full of joy, the gods rained down flowers; their kettle-drums sounded with a
crash. On the battle-field r Rmas limbs displayed the beauty of a number of Cupids.
The crown of matted hair on His head, interspersed with most beautiful flowers, gleamed
like flashes of lightning on the star-lit peak of a dark mountain. As He stood turning His
bow and arrow between His arms, specks of blood adorned His person, like a swarm of
Raimuni* birds perched on a Tamla tree absorbed in their delight. (1-2)
0rfy f fy f
r t r + {-+
Do.: kpdi kari bi prabhu abhaya kie sura bda,
bhlu ksa saba harae jaya sukha dhma mukuda.103.
With a shower of His gracious glances the Lord dispelled the fears of the gods;
and the bears and monkeys all shouted in their joy : Glory to Mukunda, the abode of
Bliss! (103)
0fa f a rt =fa f f f t+
fa ra sf r; af sr; r f r;+ {+
fa nfa f a f rr f rr+
s arzr f ff rr ra f ar rr+ +
a r zr fa t a t r f at+
f f rr r a f s f rr+ -+
= tr - f r tr+
fa r r; r r t r;+ +
na ffa arrf ar; a f f r;+
r f r arrr r rs rfrr+ ~+
a ff rr ff fa rf rr+
a f rt r f fa rt+ +
r f fa r rr n n r f rr+ +
Cau.: pati sira dekhata madodar, muruchita bikala dharani khasi par.
jubati bda rovata uhi dh

, tehi uhi rvana pahi

.1.
pati gati dekhi te karahi

pukr, chue kaca nahi

bapua sa bhr.
ura tRan karahi

bidhi nn, rovata karahi

pratpa bakhn.2.
* A tiny bird deep red in colour.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
924
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
tava bala ntha ola nita dharan, teja hna pvaka sasi taran.
sea kamaha sahi sakahi

na bhr, so tanu bh umi pareu bhari chr.3.

baruna kubera suresa samr, rana sanmukha dhari khu na dhr.
bhujabala jitehu kla jama s

, ju parehu antha k n

.4.
jagata bidita tumhri prabhut, suta parijana bala barani na j.
rma bimukha asa hla tumhr, rah na kou kula rovanihr.5.
tava basa bidhi prapaca saba nth, sabhaya disipa nita nvahi

mth.
aba tava sira bhuja jabuka khh

, rma bimukha yaha anucita nh

.6.
kla bibasa pati kah na mn, aga jaga nthu manuja kari jn.7.
The moment Mandodar (Rvaas principal spouse) saw her lords heads she
fainted in her grief and dropped to the ground. His other wives too sprang up and rushed
to the spot weeping; lifting up and supporting Mandodar they all arrived where Rvaas
remains lay. Seeing their lords condition they set up a shriek; their hair flew loose and
they became oblivious of their body. Wildly beating their bosom and weeping, they
recounted his glory. At your might, my Lord, the earth ever shook; fire, the moon and
the sun stood obscure before your splendour. Even ea (the serpent-god) and the
divine Tortoise could not bear the weight of your body, which is now lying on the ground
soiled with dust. Varua (the god presiding over the waters), Kubera (the god of riches),
Indra (the lord of the celestials) and the wind-godnone of these ever had the courage
to confront you in battle. By the might of your arm, my lord, you conquered Death as well
as Yama (the god who punishes evil-doers in the other world); yet you lie today like a
forlorn creature. Your greatness is known all the world over; even your sons and
kinsmen possessed untold strength. Hostility with Rma has, however, reduced you to
such a plight : not one of your stock is left to lament over your death. The whole of Gods
creation, my lord, was under your control; the frightened regents of the eight quarters
ever bowed their heads to you. But now jackals feast on your heads and arms, a fate
in no way undeserved by an enemy of r Rma. Doomed to death, my lord, you heeded
not my words, and took the Ruler of all animate and inanimate beings for an ordinary
mortal. (17)
U0r-r f r r f t
f a f zrrf f f =r+
r- a r a rrrr a a
ar fr f r r rf zr fr+
Cha.: jnyo manuja kari danuja knana dahana pvaka hari svaya,
jehi namata siva brahmdi sura piya bhajehu nahi

karunmaya.
janma te paradroha rata ppaughamaya tava tanu aya,
tumhahu diyo nija dhma rma nammi brahma nirmaya.
You took for a mere man r Hari Himself, a veritable fire to consume the forest
of the demon race, and did not adore the All-merciful, to whom, my beloved spouse, Lord
iva, Brahm (the Creator) and other gods do homage. This body of yours had taken
delight from its very birth in harming others and was a sink of multitudinous sins; yet r
Rma has absorbed you in His own being ! I bow to Him, the immutable Brahma.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
LAK-K NA
*
925
0 r rrr rf f r
rfn nfa arf tf- nr+ {+
Do.: ahaha ntha raghuntha sama kpsidhu nahi

na,
jogi bda durlabha gati tohi dnhi bhagavna.104.
Ah, my lord ! there is none else so gracious as the divine r Rma (the Lord
of the Raghus), who bestowed on you a state which is difficult even for the Yogs to
attain. (104)
0rt f rr f fq f- rr+
r rt f rrt+ {+
f r rrfaf frt n rt+
= a t rt ns ft rt+ +
r frf t-r a f r t-r+
f af ff rrr f ft f rr+ -+
rfy arf frr fr ff rr+
tf- fr r rt ffa r f rt+ +
Cau.: madodar bacana suni kn, sura muni siddha sabanhi sukha mn.
aja mahesa nrada sanakd, je munibara paramrathabd.1.
bhari locana raghupatihi nihr, prema magana saba bhae sukhr.
rudana karata dekh

saba nr, gayau bibhanu mana dukha bhr.2.

badhu das biloki dukha knh, taba prabhu anujahi yasu dnh.
lachimana tehi bahu bidhi samujhyo, bahuri bibhana prabhu pahi

yo.3.
kpdi prabhu thi bilok, karahu kriy parihari saba sok.
knhi kriy prabhu yasu mn, bidhivata desa kla jiya jn.4.
The gods, sages and Siddhas, all rejoiced to hear Mandodars words. Brahm, the
great Lord iva, Nrada, Sanaka and his three brothers (Sanandana, Santana and
Sanatkumra) and all other great sages who taught the highest truth (the identity of the
individual soul with the supreme Spirit) were all overwhelmed with emotion as they
feasted their eyes on the Lord of the Raghus, and felt supremely gratified. Seeing all the
women making lamentation Vibhaa approached them with a very heavy heart and was
grieved to see his Brothers condition. The Lord thereupon gave an order to His younger
brother, Lakmaa, who consoled him in many ways. Then Vibhaa returned to his
lord, who looked upon him with an eye of compassion and said, Abandon all sorrow and
perform the funeral rites. In obedience to the Lords command he celebrated the
obsequies, strictly observing the scriptural ordinance and with due regard to time and
place. (14)
0rt rf ; farf arf
n; rrfa n n a rf+ {~+
Do.: madodar di saba dei tiljali thi,
bhavana ga

raghupati guna gana baranata mana mhi.105.

"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
926
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
After offering to the deceased handfuls of water and sesamum seeds (for the propitiation
of his soul) Mandodar and all the other queens returned to their palace, recounting to themselves
the host of excellences of r Rma (the Lord of the Raghus). (105)
0r; ft f f= rr rf a rrr+
ar t n tr ra r=fa tr+ {+
ff r ft rr r fa s rr rr+
far n rs r f f rs+ +
aa f f r t-t r; fa t r+
r fr rt fa rf tafa rt+ -+
rf rf t f r fa ft f r+
a rrt rf f t- f f t t-+ +
Cau.: i bibhana puni siru nyo, kpsidhu taba anuja bolyo.
tumha kapsa agada nala nl, jmavata mruti nayasl.1.
saba mili jhu bibhana sth, srehu tilaka kaheu raghunth.
pit bacana mai

nagara na vau , pu sarisa kapi anuja pahvau .2.

turata cale kapi suni prabhu bacan, knh ji tilaka k racan.
sdara sihsana baihr, tilaka sri astuti anusr.3.
jori pni sabah

sira ne, sahita bibhana prabhu pahi

e.
taba raghubra boli kapi lnhe, kahi priya bacana sukh saba knhe.4.
(After finishing the obsequies) Vibhaa came and bowed his head once more.
The All-merciful then called His younger brother. Do you and Sugrva (the lord of the
monkeys) as well as Agada, Nala and Nla with Jmbavn and Hanumn (the son of
the wind-god), sagacious as you are, all of you accompany Vibhaa and make
arrangements for his coronation, said the Lord of the Raghus. In deference to my
fathers command I may not enter a town, but send the monkeys and my younger
brother, who are as good as myself. On hearing the Lords command the monkeys
proceeded at once and arriving in the town made preparations for the installation. With
due reverence they seated him on the throne and applying a sacred mark on his
forehead as a token of sovereignty) they glorified him. Nay, joining their palms, they all
bowed their head to him; and then with Vibhaa they returned to the Lord. The Hero
of Raghus line next called the monkeys together and gratified them all by addressing
kind words to them. (14)
U0f t f rt r arr f r
rr ft r fa arrr fa r+
rf fa tfa arrt tfa r nr;
r f r r r f r;+
Cha.: kie sukh kahi bn sudh sama bala tumhre ripu hayo,
pyo bibhana rja tihu pura jasu tumhro nita nayo.
mohi sahita subha krati tumhr parama prti jo gihai

,
sasra sidhu apra pra praysa binu nara pihai

.
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*
LAK-K NA
*
927
The Lord cheered them by speaking to them words sweet as nectar : It is by your
might that the enemy has been killed and Vibhaa has got the kingdom (of Lak);
while your glory will remain ever fresh in all the three spheres. Men who sing your
blessed glory alongwith Mine shall easily cross the boundless ocean of mundane
existence.
0 >r f f rrrf f
r r f rf nf + {+
Do.: prabhu ke bacana ravana suni nahi

aghhi

kapi puja,
bra bra sira nvahi

gahahi

sakala pada kaja.106.

The monkey host would never feel sated with listening to the Lords words. They
all bowed their head and clasped His lotus feet again and again. (106)
0f rf fs rr r r s nrr+
rr rff r ar ar f r+ {+
a a n r f fft fr r+
r fa- r t-t ar r; f t-t+ +
ff a r f t-r rrfa a rt t-r+
ara rfar f ar+ -+
ff rrtr ra t-r tr+
f r ft rr f f s rr+ +
Cau.: puni prabhu boli liyau hanumn, lak jhu kaheu bhagavn.
samcra jnakihi sunvahu, tsu kusala lai tumha cali vahu.1.
taba hanumata nagara mahu e, suni nisicar niscara dhe.
bahu prakra tinha p uj knh, janakasut dekhi puni dnh.2.
durihi te pranma kapi knh, raghupati d uta jnak

cnh.
kahahu tta prabhu kpniket, kusala anuja kapi sena samet.3.
saba bidhi kusala kosaldhs, mtu samara jtyo dasass.
abicala rju bibhana pyo, suni kapi bacana haraa ura chyo.4.
The Lord then called Hanumn. Go to Lak, said the Almighty, and telling Janakas
Daughter all that has happened return with the news of her welfare. Thereupon Hanumn
entered the city and on hearing of his arrival demons and demonesses ran to meet him.
They did him all kinds of homage and thereafter conducted him into the presence of Janakas
Daughter. Hanumn made obeisance to Her from a respectable distance, and Janakas
Daughter recognized him as r Rmas own messenger. Tell me, dear son, if my gracious
lord is doing well with His younger brother and the monkey host. All is well with the Lord
of Kosala. Mother, the ten-headed monster has been conquered in battle, while Vibhaa
has attained everlasting dominion (that will endure till the end of this Kalpa). Her heart
was filled with joy when She heard the monkeys words. (14)
U0fa a r f f r
r s arf rr f ff f rt r+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
928
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
ra rr f n r r
tfa f a trf rr+
Cha.: ati haraa mana tana pulaka locana sajala kaha puni puni ram,
k deu tohi trailoka mahu kapi kimapi nahi

bn sam.
sunu mtu mai

pyo akhila jaga rju ju na sasaya,

rana jti ripudala badhu juta pasymi rmamanmaya.
Her soul was overjoyed, a thrill ran through Her body and with eyes full of tears
Ram (St) said again and again. What can I give you? There is nothing in all the three
worlds equal in value to this information. Listen, mother: today I have doubtless attained
the sovereignty of the entire creation when I find r Rma safe and sound with His
brother after conquering the enemys ranks on the battlefield.
0 a n a z a
r rfa a a+ {+
Do.: sunu suta sadaguna sakala tava hdaya basahu hanumata,
snukula kosalapati rahahu sameta anata.107.
Listen, Hanumn, my son : may all commendable virtues abide in your heart and
may the Lord of Kosala with Ananta (Lakmaa) be ever gracious to you. (107)
0 r; a ar arar r tr nrar+
a r r f r; ar r;+ {+
f r rf f r ft+
r=aa n fr r af r+ +
aaf n tar f fft ftar+
fn ft fa-f frr fa- ff r rr+ -+
r fr ffr =f rf f rr+
ar f t t ff r r t+ +
arf - rr rr+
r t r - rf fr r+ ~+
rrt r r taf r r r+
f t t r; ff r rrr nrr;+ +
f r f a - +
tar rt n tf- a rt+ +
Cau.: aba soi jatana karahu tumha tt, dekhau nayana syma mdu gt.
taba hanumna rma pahi

j, janakasut kai kusala sun.1.

suni sadesu bhnukulabh uana, boli lie jubarja bibhana.
mrutasuta ke saga sidhvahu, sdara janakasutahi lai vahu.2.
turatahi

sakala gae jaha st, sevahi

saba nisicar

bint.
begi bibhana tinhahi sikhyo, tinha bahu bidhi majjana karavyo.3.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
LAK-K NA
*
929
bahu prakra bhuana pahire, sibik rucira sji puni lye.
t para harai caRh baideh, sumiri rma sukhadhma saneh.4.
betapni racchaka cahu ps, cale sakala mana parama huls.
dekhana bhlu ksa saba e, racchaka kopi nivrana dhe.5.
kaha raghubra kah mama mnahu, stahi sakh payde nahu.
dekhahu kapi janan k n

, bihasi kah raghuntha gos

.6.
suni prabhu bacana bhlu kapi harae, nabha te suranha sumana bahu barae.
st prathama anala mahu rkh, pragaa knhi caha atara skh.7.
Now, my dear son, devise some means whereby I may behold with my own eyes
the tender swarthy limbs of my Lord. Then Hanumn returned to r Rma and apprised
Him of Sts welfare. On hearing Her tidings the Ornament of the solar race called
Prince Agada and Vibhaa. Both of you accompany the son of the wind-god and
respectfully escort Janakas Daughter here. Forthwith all went to the place where St
was and found a whole host demonesses waiting on Her in all humility. Vibhaa gave
prompt instructions to the demonesses, who washed Her body in all possible ways.
They also decked Her with ornaments of every description and then brought a beautiful
palanquin duly equipped. Videhas Daughter gladly mounted it with Her thoughts fixed on
the all-blissful Rma, Her loving lord. Guards marched on all four sides, staves in hand;
they were all supremely delighted at heart. The bears and monkeys all came to have a
look at Her; but the guards darted in a fury to keep them back. Said the Hero of Raghus
line, Follow my advice, Vibhaa and bring St on foot. Let the monkeys gaze on Her
as they would on their own mother, smilingly added the Almighty Lord of the Raghus.
The bears and monkeys rejoiced to hear the Lords words, while from the heavens the
gods rained down flowers in profusion. St (it will be remembered) had been previously
lodged in fire (vide Arayaka XXIII. 1-2); r Rma (the inner Witness of all) now
sought to bring Her back to light. (17)
0af r =rff r
a rart rnt fr+ {c+
Do.: tehi krana karunnidhi kahe kachuka durbda,
sunata jtudhn

saba lg

karai bida.108.
It was for this reason that the All-merciful addressed some reproachful words to
Her. On hearing them the demon ladies (who had accompanied Her) all began to
lament. (108)
0 t f tar rt tar+
f r nt r n ar nt+ {+
f f tar rt f f ffa rt+
r rf r f a r+ +
f r = f r r nf r r+
r f t z f at+ -+
r s rt af rr t r nfa rt +
ar r nfa rr r rs >rtz rr+ +
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
930
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Cau.: prabhu ke bacana ssa dhari st, bol mana krama bacana punt.
lachimana hohu dharama ke neg, pvaka pragaa karahu tumha beg.1.
suni lachimana st kai bn, biraha bibeka dharama niti sn.
locana sajala jori kara dou, prabhu sana kachu kahi sakata na ou.2.
dekhi rma rukha lachimana dhe, pvaka pragai kha bahu le.
pvaka prabala dekhi baideh, hdaya haraa nahi

bhaya kachu teh.3.

jau mana baca krama mama ura mh

, taji raghubra na gati nh

.
tau ksnu saba kai gati jn, mo kahu hou rkhaa samn.4.
St, however, bowed to the Lords commandpure as She was in thought,
word and deedand said, Lakmaa, help me as a priest in the performance of this
sacred rite and quickly kindle me a fire. When Lakmaa heard Sts words, full of
anguish caused by separation (from Her Lord) and imbued with critical insight, piety
and prudence, tears rushed to his eyes and he joined his palms in prayer; but he too
could not speak a word to the Lord. Reading r Rmas tacit approval in His looks,
however, Lakmaa ran and after kindling a fire brought plenty of firewood. Videhas
Daughter rejoiced at heart to perceive the blazing fire and did not flinch at all. If in
thought, word and deed I have never set my heart on anyone other than the Hero of
Raghus line, may this fire, which knows the working of all minds, become cool like
sandal-paste to me. (14)
U0>rtz r fr ff ft
r fa fa fa ft+
faf = rf z r
fa r fq f f + {+
f = r rf nf >rt - >rfa n ffa r
ff trn ;fr rf t rf r+
r r r frn rfa =f fa rr t
t t f r t t+ +
Cha.: rkhaa sama pvaka prabesa kiyo sumiri prabhu maithil,
jaya kosalesa mahesa badita carana rati ati nirmal.
pratibiba aru laukika kalaka pracaa pvaka mahu jare,
prabhu carita khu na lakhe nabha sura siddha muni dekhahi

khare.1.
dhari rupa pvaka pni gahi r satya ruti jaga bidita jo,
jimi chrasgara idir rmahi samarp ni so.
so rma bma bibhga rjati rucira ati sobh bhal,
nava nla nraja nikaa mnahu kanaka pakaja k kal.2.
With Her thoughts fixed on the Lord, the Princess of Mithil entered the flames as
though they were cool like sandal-paste, crying Glory to the Lord of Kosala, whose feet
are adored by the great Lord iva with the purest devotion ! Both Her shadow-form as
well as the social stigma (occasioned by Her forced residence at Rvaas) were consumed
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
LAK-K NA
*
931
in the blazing fire; but no one could know the secret of the Lords doings. Even the gods,
Siddhas and sages stood gazing in the air. Fire assumed a bodily form and, taking by the
hand the real r (St), celebrated alike in the Vedas and the world, escorted and
presented Her to r Rma even as the Ocean of milk presented Goddess Indir (Lakm)
to Lord Viu. Standing on the left side of r Rma, She shone resplendent in Her
exquisite beauty like the bud of a gold lily beside a fresh blue lotus. (1-2)
0f f rf nn fr
nrf f rf t fr+ { (+
ar a rr fa r
f r f rrfa r+ { (+
Do.: baraahi

sumana harai sura bjahi

gagana nisna,
gvahi

kinara surabadhu ncahi

caRh

bimna.109(A).
janakasut sameta prabhu sobh amita apra,
dekhi bhlu kapi harae jaya raghupati sukha sra.109(B).
The gods in their delight rained down flowers and kettledrums sounded in the air.
The Kinnaras sang their melodies and the celestial nymphs danced, all mounted on their
aerial cars. The beauty of the Lord reunited with Janakas Daughter was beyond all
measure and bound. The bears and monkeys rejoiced at the sight and shouted Glory
to the Lord of the Raghus, the essence of bliss. (109 A-B)
0a rrfa r r; raf s f= r;+
r r trt f rt+ {+
t r rrrr tf- - rr+
ft r a rt f rr ns rnnrt+ +
ar = zr frt r srt+
n rr r fa rrrf+ =r+ -+
t t r r t+
r - rr rr a rf ar; rr+ +
f r rt r r a fa rt+
frf a rr f rr+ ~+
ar frt tr a nfa frt+
r aa rf + +
Cau.: taba raghupati anussana p, mtali caleu carana siru n.
e deva sad svrath, bacana kahahi

janu paramrath.1.
dna badhu dayla raghury, deva knhi devanha para dy.
bisva droha rata yaha khala km, nija agha gayau kumragagm.2.
tumha samarupa brahma abins, sad ekarasa sahaja uds.
akala aguna aja anagha anmaya, ajita amoghasakti karunmaya.3.
mna kamaha sukara narahar, bmana parasurma bapu dhar.
jaba jaba ntha suranha dukhu pyo, nn tanu dhari tumhai

nasyo.4.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
932
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
yaha khala malina sad suradroh, kma lobha mada rata ati koh.
adhama siromani tava pada pv, yaha hamare mana bisamaya v.5.
hama devat parama adhikr, svratha rata prabhu bhagati bisr.
bhava prabha satata hama pare, aba prabhu phi sarana anusare.6.
Then, with the permission of r Rma (the Lord of the Raghus); Mtali (Indras
charioteer) left (for his abode in heaven) after bowing his head at the Lords feet. Now
came the gods, ever alive to their own selfish interests, and spoke words as though they
were seekers of the highest truth : Friend of the meek, gracious, and divine Lord of the
Raghus, you have shown mercy to the gods. This sensual wretch, who took delight in
doing mischief to the whole world and trod the evil way, has perished through his own
sins. You are alike to all, the imperishable Brahma, ever unchangeable, impartial by
nature, integral, devoid of material properties, unborn, sinless, immutable, invincible,
unfailing in power, and full of compassion. It was You who assumed the form of a fish,
a tortoise; a boar, a man-lion and a dwarf as well as that of Paraurma. Whenever, O
Lord, the gods have been in trouble, You have put an end to it by appearing in one form
or other. This impure wretch, a perpetual enemy of the gods, was given up to lust, greed
and vanity, and very passionate too. That even this vilest creature attained Your state
is a marvel to us. We gods are supremely qualified (for the highest state): yet, devoted
as we are to our own selfish ends, we have forgotten the worship of our lord and are
ever involved in the flood of birth and death. Now redeem us, O Lord, since we have
sought shelter in You. (16)
0f fat fq a rf
fa a f ff tafa a rf+ {{+
Do.: kari binat sura siddha saba rahe jaha taha kara jori,
ati saprema tana pulaki bidhi astuti karata bahori.110.
Having thus made their supplication, the gods and Siddhas all remained standing
where they were with joined palms. Then, thrilling all over with excess of love, Brahm
(the Creator) commenced his prayer. (110)
U0 r r r rrr r r +
r r f r n rn rn r fr+ {+
a r t n nra fq t t+
r r rn r nr r f r nr+ +
r nar r r+
ar sr r n f r f rrr+ -+
rrf r =r r rf r+
rr f r a ft t r+ +
n r fr r fa r rf f f+
z z ar f r + ~+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
LAK-K NA
*
933
f r t r fa f r rf r fa+
ar r r r= r + +
r r rr r= r +
f >rt r r ar + +
u z nr nr = r r; nr+
;fa fa ar f ra frfr r+ c +
a- fr r ffa ar r +
fn t t a f+ fr f + +
tr r f fa rf ft f+
f a fta fr f r rf t f+ {+
z z r r fa sr+
r rf r r + {{+
Cha: jaya rma sad sukhadhma hare, raghunyaka syaka cpa dhare.
bhava brana drana siha prabho, guna sgara ngara ntha bibho. 1.
tana kma aneka anupa chab, guna gvata siddha mundra kab.
jasu pvana rvana nga mah, khagantha jath kari kopa gah. 2.
jana rajana bhajana soka bhaya, gatakrodha sad prabhu bodhamaya.
avatra udra apra guna, mahi bhra bibhajana gynaghana. 3.
aja bypakamekamandi sad, karunkara rma nammi mud.
raghubasa bibhuana duana h, kta bhupa bibhana dna rah. 4.
guna gyna nidhna amna aja, nita rma nammi bibhu biraja.
bhujadaa pracaa pratpa bala, khala bda nikada mah kusala. 5.
binu krana dna dayla hita, chabi dhma nammi ram sahita.
bhava trana krana kja para, mana sabhava druna doa hara. 6.
sara cpa manohara trona dhara, jalajruna locana bhupabara.
sukha madira sudara rramana, mada mra mudh mamat samana. 7.
anavadya akhaa na gocara go, sabarupa sad saba hoi na go.
iti beda badati na datakath, rabi tapa bhinnamabhinna jath. 8.
ktaktya bibho saba bnara e, nirakhati tavnana sdara e.
dhiga jvana deva sarra hare, tava bhakti bin bhava bh uli pare. 9.
aba dnadayla day kariai, mati mori bibhedakar hariai.
jehi te biparta kriy kariai, dukha so sukha mni sukh cariai.10.
khala khaana maana ramya cham, pada pakaja sevita sabhu um.
npa nyaka de baradnamida, caranbuja prema sad subhada.11.
Glory to You, O Rma, perpetual abode of bliss. O Hari (the reliever of suffering),
O Chief of the Raghus, bearing a bow and arrows! Lord, You are a veritable lion to
tear in pieces the elephant of mundane existence, and an ocean of virtues, my clever
and omnipresent Master. In Your person stands concentrated the incomparable beauty
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
934
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
of a myriad Cupids; Siddhas, as well as the greatest of sages and bards sing Your
praises. Your glory is not only sacred, it purifies all; in Your wrath You seized Rvaa
even as Garua (the king of the birds) might seize a huge serpent. Delight of devotees,
and dispeller of their grief and fear, You are ever unmoved by passion, and are all-
intelligence, my lord. Your descent on the mortal plane is beneficent and full of untold
virtues: You come to relieve Earths burdens and Your manifestations on earth are
wisdom personified. (Though descended on earth,) You are ever unborn, omnipresent,
one (without a second) and beginningless. I gladly bow to You, O Rma, fountain of
mercy ! Ornament of Raghus race and Slayer of demon Duaa (Rvaas Cousin),
You eradicate the faults of Your devotees and made Vibhaa, destitute as he was,
the Ruler of Lak. Storehouse of virtue and wisdom and beyond all measure, You have
no pride in You and are unborn, all pervading and free from the taint of My; I constantly
adore You, Rma. Terrible is the glory and might of Your arms, which are deft in
exterminating the hordes of the impious. Compassionate and friendly to the poor without
any ostensible reason and a reservoir of beauty, I adore You alongwith Ram (St).
Deliverer from the rounds of birth and death, You are beyond both cause (Prakti) and
effect (the phenomenal universe) and eradicate the awful weaknesses of the (devotees)
mind. Armed with a charming bow, arrows, and quiver, You have eyes resembling a
red lotus. A paragon of kings, home of bliss, Lakms lovely Consort, subduer of
arrogance, lust and the false sense of mineness, You are free from blemish integral and
imperceptible to the senses. Though manifest in all forms, You never transmuted
Yourself into them all: so declare the Vedas; it is no mere gossip, as will be clear from
the analogy of the sun and the sunshine, which are different and yet identical. Blessed
are all these monkeys, O ubiquitous Lord, who reverently gaze on Your countenance;
while accursed, O Hari, is our (so-called) immortal existence and our ethereal bodies
in that we lack in devotion to You and are lost in worldly pleasures. Now show Your
mercy to me, compassionate as You are to the afflicted, and take away my differentiating
sense (which makes the world appear as apart from You), which leads me to wrong
action and deluded by which I pass my days in merriment, mistaking woe for happiness.
Destroyer of the wicked and lovely jewel of the earth, Your lotus feet are adored even
by ambhu (Lord iva) and Um (Goddess Prvat). O King of kings, grant me this
boon that I may cherish loving devotion to Your lotus feet, which is a perennial source
of blessings. (111)
0f tf- ar fa nra
rrf fra r t rrra+ {{{+
Do.: binaya knhi caturnana prema pulaka ati gta,
sobhsidhu bilokata locana nah

aghta.111.
As the four-faced Brahm thus prayed, his body was deeply thrilled with emotion.
And his eyes knew no satiation as they gazed on the Ocean of beauty. (111)
0af a r a frf r+
fa t-r rfr far a t-r+ {+
ara a - r t-r fr r+
f a tfa fa rt f rrf rt+ +
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
LAK-K NA
*
935
rrfa rr fa; faf t-s rr+
ara sr r- f rr nfa rr+ -+
nrr r- t fa- r nfa f t+
r r f f rr f n rr+ +
Cau.: tehi avasara dasaratha taha e, tanaya biloki nayana jala che.
anuja sahita prabhu badana knh, sirabda pit

taba dnh.1.
tta sakala tava punya prabh u, jtyo ajaya niscara ru.
suni suta bacana prti ati bRh, nayana salila romvali hRh.2.
raghupati prathama prema anumn, citai pitahi dnheu dRha gyn.
tte um moccha nahi

pyo, dasaratha bheda bhagati mana lyo.3.

sagunopsaka moccha na leh

, tinha kahu rma bhagati nija deh

.
bra bra kari prabhuhi pranm, dasaratha harai gae suradhm.4.
That very moment King Daaratha appeared on the scene (in his celestial form);
his eyes were flooded with tears as he beheld his son (r Rma). The Lord and His
younger brother (Lakmaa) made obeisance and the father in his turn gave them his
blessing. Dear father, it was all due to your religious merit that I conquered the invincible
demon king. Daaratha was overwhelmed with emotion when he heard his sons words;
tears rushed to his eyes again and the hair on his body stood erect. The Lord of the
Raghus understood that His father bore the same affection for Him as he did before; He,
therefore, looked at His father and bestowed on him solid wisdom. Um, (continues Lord
iva,) Daaratha did not attain final beatitude for this simple reason that he set his heart
on Devotion while maintaining his separate identity. Worshippers of God in His embodied
form spurn final beatitude: to them r Rma vouchsafes devotion to His own person.
Having prostrated himself before the Lord again and again, Daaratha joyfully returned
to his abode in heaven. (14)
0 rt fa rrt
rr f frr tafa ;+ {{+
Do.: anuja jnak sahita prabhu kusala kosaldhsa,
sobh dekhi harai mana astuti kara sura sa.112.
Perceiving the Almighty Lord of Kosala safe and sound with His younger brother
(Lakmaa) and Janakas Daughter, and beholding their beauty, Indra (the Lord of the
celestials) began extolling Him with a cheerful heart: (112)
0 r rr r r a f>rr+
a rr r z ar+ {+
rf rf fr rf+
y rs r r+ +
t r fr sr r+
rrf r f rar fr+ -+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
936
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
fa n f t n+
f fq n rn f rn+ +
r a fa y rr r rfy +
t r rt fr+ ~+
rf r fa fr f rs rf r+
f na r + +
rs zr fn r + f >rfa nr+
rf r r >rtr n =+ +
f a z fa+
rf rf f r f+ rfr+ c+
Cha.: jaya rma sobh dhma, dyaka pranata birma.
dhta trona bara sara cpa, bhujadaa prabala pratpa.1.
jaya duanri kharri, mardana niscara dhri.
yaha dua mreu ntha, bhae deva sakala santha.2.
jaya harana dharan bhra, mahim udra apra.
jaya rvanri kpla, kie jtudhna bihla.3.
lakesa ati bala garba, kie basya sura gadharba.
muni siddha nara khaganga, hahi patha saba ke lga.4.
paradroha rata ati dua, pyo so phalu ppia.
aba sunahu dna dayla, rjva nayana bisla.5.
mohi rah ati abhimna, nahi

kou mohi samna.

aba dekhi prabhu pada kaja, gata mna prada dukha puja.6.
kou brahma nirguna dhyva, abyakta jehi ruti gva.
mohi bhva kosala bh upa, rrma saguna sarupa.7.
baidehi anuja sameta, mama hdaya karahu niketa.
mohi jniai nija dsa, de bhakti ramnivsa.8.
Glory to r Rma, beauty personified, the bestower of peace on the suppliant,
equipped with an excellent bow, arrows and quiver and triumphing in His mighty strength
of arm. Glory to the Slayer of Duaa and Khara and the crusher of the demon hordes!
Now that You have disposed of this wretch, my lord, all the gods enjoy full security.
Glory to the Reliever of Earths burden, whose greatness is beneficent and unbounded.
Glory to the All-merciful Slayer of Rvaa, who reduced the demon host to a miserable
plight. Outrageous was the pride of Rvaa (the lord of Lak), who had subdued even
gods and Gandharvas (the celestial musicians). Nay, he relentlessly pursued sages, the
Siddhas, human beings, birds and Ngas alike. He took delight in injuring others and was
most wicked; the vile sinner has now reaped the fruit of his misdeeds. Now listen, my
lord, possessed of eyes as large as the lotus and compassionate to the humble: my
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
LAK-K NA
*
937
pride was inordinate; I accounted no one as equal to me. At the sight of Your lotus feet,
however, my pride, which entailed much woe, has taken leave of me. Some people
meditate on the attributeless Brahma (the Absolute), whom the Vedas declare as
unmanifest. What attracts my mind, however, is the Supreme embodied as r Rma,
King of Kosala. Together with Videhas Daughter and Your younger brother (Lakmaa),
therefore, pray abide in my heart; and recognizing me as Your own servant, bless me
with devotion, O Abode of Ram (Lakm). (18)
U 0 f+ rfr rr r
r r rf r f rrr+
a afa
zr rf r rf =r r+
Cha.: de bhakti ramnivsa trsa harana sarana sukhadyaka,
sukha dhma rma nammi kma aneka chabi raghunyaka.
sura bda rajana dvada bhajana manuja tanu atulitabala,
brahmdi sakara sebya rma nammi karun komala.
Grant me devotion to Your feet, O Abode of Ram, dispeller of fear and solace
of the suppliant. I adore You, O blissful Rma, the Lord of the Raghus, possessing the
beauty of a myriad Cupids. Delight of the hosts of heaven, Queller of contrary
experiences (like joy and sorrow etc.), appearing in a human form possessing incomparable
strength, worthy of adoration even to Brahm (the creator) and akara, O Rma, I bow
to You, tender as You are through compassion.
0 f r frf rf r r
r r f f r tr+ {{-+
Do.: aba kari kp biloki mohi yasu dehu kpla,
kha karau suni priya bacana bole dnadayla.113.
Now cast Your gracious look on me, O merciful Lord, and command me what to
do. Hearing these polite words, r Rma, who is noted for His compassion to the meek,
enjoined him as follows: (113)
0 fa f r r f fff- r+
fa rfn a ;- rr frs rr+ {+
n rt fa nr rf f rt+
fr rf fr; f tf- z r; + +
r f f r fr f s f r+
rfy f r f f t+ -+
rrr fa- + +
f f = tr f rrfa t ;r+ +
r f r t fart t- a fr rrt+
r r a r nfa r; r f r + ~+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
938
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Cau.: sunu surapati kapi bhlu hamre, pare bh umi nisicaranhi je mre.
mama hita lgi taje inha prn, sakala jiu suresa sujn.1.
sunu khagesa prabhu kai yaha bn, ati agdha jnahi

muni gyn.
prabhu saka tribhuana mri ji, kevala sakrahi dnhi baR.2.
sudh barai kapi bhlu jie, harai uhe saba prabhu pahi

e.
sudhbi bhai duhu dala upara, jie bhlu kapi nahi

rajancara.3.
rmkra bhae tinha ke mana, mukta bhae chue bhava badhana.
sura asika saba kapi aru rch, jie sakala raghupati k

ch.4.
rma sarisa ko dna hitakr, knhe mukuta niscara jhr.
khala mala dhma kma rata rvana, gati p jo munibara pva na.5.
Listen, King of the gods: our monkeys and bears, those that were killed by the
demons, are lying on the ground. They have laid down their lives in my service:
therefore, restore them all to life, O wise lord of the celestials. Listen, O king of the birds:
(continues Kkabhuui,) these words of the Lord are profoundly mysterious; only
enlightened sages can apprehend them. The Lord Himself can wipe out the inhabitants
of the three spheres and bring them back to life; He wished only to give Indra honour.
By a shower of nectar the latter restored the monkeys and bears to life. They all arose
with delight and betook themselves to the Lord. Although the shower of nectar
promiscuously fell on the dead of both the armies, it is the bears and monkeys alone that
returned to life, but not the demons. Their mind was absorbed in the thought of r Rma
when they gave up the ghost; that is why they got liberated and were rid of the bonds
of mundane existence. As for the monkeys and bears, they were all part manifestations
of the gods (who are all immortal): hence they all came to life by the will of r Rma (the
Lord of the Raghus). Is there anyone so kind to the afflicted as r Rma, who liberated
the whole demon host? Even the wicked Rvaa, who was a sink of impurities and given
up to sensuality, attained to an exalted state which is withheld even from the greatest
of sages. (15)
0 f f f =f fr
f f rs r+ {{ (+
tfa rf n f f rf
fa a nn fnr f a frrf+ {{ (+
Do.: sumana barai saba sura cale caRhi caRhi rucira bimna,
dekhi suavasara prabhu pahi

yau sabhu sujna.114(A).

parama prti kara jori juga nalina nayana bhari bri,
pulakita tana gadagada gir

binaya karata tripurri.114(B).

After raining down flowers the gods mounted each his own shining aerial car and
departed. Finding it a welcome opportunity the all-wise ambhu (Lord iva) arrived in the
presence of the Lord. Most lovingly, with joined palms, His lotus eyes full of tears and
the hair on His body standing erect, the Slayer of the demon Tripura made the following
supplication with choked voice : (114 A-B)
U0rfr rr r a r =f r+
r r rr ff + {+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
LAK-K NA
*
939
n n n f a ar fr+
r r n r fa r+ +
f r ar sr r +
rff r ar fa ta+ -+
tr nra rt fr t arfa r+
rt fa fa r s a+ +
f f z z afr rr fz+ ~+
Cha.: mmabhirakaya raghukula nyaka, dhta bara cpa rucira kara syaka.
moha mah ghana paala prabhajana, sasaya bipina anala sura rajana.1.
aguna saguna guna madira sudara, bhrama tama prabala pratpa divkara.
kma krodha mada gaja pacnana, basahu niratara jana mana knana.2.
biaya manoratha puja kaja bana, prabala tura udra pra mana.
bhava bridhi madara parama dara, braya traya sasti dustara.3.
syma gta rjva bilocana, dna badhu pranatrati mocana.
anuja jnak sahita niratara, basahu rma npa mama ura atara.4.
muni rajana mahi maala maana, tulasidsa prabhu trsa bikhaana.5.
Save me, Chief of Raghus line, bearing an excellent bow and shining arrows in
Your hands. A furious wind to disperse the mass of clouds in the shape of colossal
ignorance, a fire to consume the forest of doubts, and delight of the gods, You are both with
and without attributes, a shrine of virtues and most lovely to look at; nay, You are a burning
midday Sun to scatter the darkness of delusion. A veritable lion to kill the elephants of lust,
anger and pride, pray, constantly abide in the forest of the devotees mind. A severe frost to
blast the lotus bed of sensual desires, You are generous beyond conception. Nay, playing
the role of Mount Mandara for churning the ocean of mundane existence, kindly stave off
my fear (of birth and death) and transport me across the stormy ocean of mundane
existence. Possessed of a swarthy form with lotus eyes, befriender of the meek, reliever of
the suppliants agony, take up Your abode in my heart for ever, O King Rma, with Your
younger brother (Lakmaa) and Janakas Daughter, O Delight of the sages, Jewel of the
terrestrial globe, lord of Tulasdsa and destroyer of fear. (15)
0r f rt r;f fa arr
rf rs fa sr+ {{~+
Do.: ntha jabahi

kosalapur

hoihi tilaka tumhra,

kpsidhu mai

uba dekhana carita udra.115.

When, my lord, Your Coronation takes place at Kosalapura (Ayodhy), I will come
to witness Your benevolent role, O Ocean of Mercy ! (115)
0f fat fr a f ft r+
r; f= rt f rnrt+ {+
r rvr r fr ftarvr+
t t t fa rat r r tf- rat+ +
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
940
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
n ta t r f >r t+
f r f r r f- r+ -+
ff r rf r; f rf fa r;+
a trr r frr+ +
Cau.: kari binat jaba sabhu sidhe, taba prabhu nikaa bibhanu e.
ni carana siru kaha mdu bn, binaya sunahu prabhu sra gapn.1.
sakula sadala prabhu rvana mryo, pvana jasa tribhuvana bistryo.
dna malna hna mati jt, mo para kp knhi bahu bh

t.2.
aba jana gha punta prabhu kje, majjanu karia samara rama chje.
dekhi kosa madira sapad, dehu kpla kapinha kahu mud.3.
saba bidhi ntha mohi apania, puni mohi sahita avadhapura jia.
sunata bacana mdu dnadayl, sajala bhae dvau nayana bisl.4.
When ambhu (Lord iva) had finished His prayer and left, Vibhaa then
approached the Lord. Bowing his head at the latters feet, he submitted in gentle terms:
Listen to my prayer, O Lord wielding the rga bow. My lord, You have killed Rvaa
with all his kinsfolk and army and spread Your sacred renown throughout the three
spheres. And above all You have shown mercy in every way to me, humble, impure, low-
born and mean-minded as I am. Now, my lord, consecrate Your servants abode (by
Your holy presence), bathe Yourself and beguile the exertion of the battle. Then inspect
the treasury, palaces and wealth and gladly bestow, my gracious lord, whatever You
please on the monkeys. Pray, accept me as Your own in every way, my lord, and then
proceed to Ayodhy taking me alongwith you. Even as the Lord, who is so compassionate
to the meek, heard these polite words, His large eyes filled with tears. (14)
0ar r n r - ra
a r fa rf ff r ra+{{ (+
ar nra a fa rf
r fn r a = r frs arf+ {{ (+
ta f rs r fa rs t
fa tfa f f t+ {{ (n+
r f r ar rf f rf
f r r; r a rf+ {{ (rr+
Do.: tora kosa gha mora saba satya bacana sunu bhrta,
bharata das sumirata mohi nimia kalpa sama jta.116(A).
tpasa bea gta ksa japata niratara mohi,
dekhau begi so jatanu karu sakh nihorau tohi.116(B).
bte avadhi ju jau jiata na pvau bra,
sumirata anuja prti prabhu puni puni pulaka sarra.116(C).
karehu kalpa bhari rju tumha mohi sumirehu mana mhi

,
puni mama dhma pihahu jah

sata saba jhi

.116(D).
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
LAK-K NA
*
941
Listen, brother: what you say is quite true: your treasury and palaces are all My
own. But, when I recollect Bharatas condition, every moment that passes seems an age
to Me. Clad in the robes of a hermit, with wasted body he constantly repeats My name.
Therefore, take steps, My friend, I beseech you, that I may soon be able to see him
again. If, on the other hand, I reach there on the expiry of the term of My exile, I do not
expect to find My brother alive. And even as the Lord recalled His brothers affection He
felt a thrill all over His body again and again. As for yourself, you shall enjoy sovereignty
till the end of creation, inwardly thinking of Me all the time; and then you shall ascend to
My abode, the destination of all holy men. (116 AD)
0a ft r f n rr +
r r r nf n f r+ {+
f ft frr f n fr rr+
r rn rr f f rf a rr+ +
f fr r ft nn r; +
r; ft at frr f f t+ -+
r; r; r; r; t f f zrf f t+
r >rt ar rat r far+ +
Cau.: sunata bibhana bacana rma ke, harai gahe pada kpdhma ke.
bnara bhlu sakala harane, gahi prabhu pada guna bimala bakhne.1.
bahuri bibhana bhavana sidhyo, mani gana basana bimna bharyo.
lai pupaka prabhu ge rkh, ha si kari kpsidhu taba bh.2.
caRhi bimna sunu sakh bibhana, gagana ji baraahu paa bhuana.
nabha para ji bibhana tabah, barai die mani abara sabah.3.
joi joi mana bhvai soi leh

, mani mukha meli ri kapi deh

.
ha se rmu r anuja samet, parama kautuk kp niket.4.
Delighted to hear r Rmas words, Vibhaa clasped the feet of the All-merciful.
The monkeys and bears too all rejoiced and, clasping the Lords feet, began to recount
His sacred virtues. Then Vibhaa withdrew to his palace and had his celebrated aerial
car loaded with precious stones and articles of dress. He then brought the aerial car,
Pupaka as it was called, and set it before the Lord; and the All-merciful thereupon
smilingly said, Listen, my friend, Vibhaa; step into the aerial car and rising into the air,
scramble the clothes and ornaments. Vibhaa immediately rose into the air and
dropped down all the jewels and raiment. The monkeys picked up whatever each took
a fancy to; they put precious stones into their mouth (thinking them to be some edible
substance) but would throw them away (the moment they realized their mistake). r
Rma as well as r (St) and His younger brother (Lakmaa) felt amused at the sight,
exceedingly playful as the All-merciful is. (14)
0f f r rf fa fa
rf r; f- a fr+ {{ (+
sr rn r a rr a
r r f f af f fr + {{ (+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
942
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Do.: muni jehi dhyna na pvahi

neti neti kaha beda,

kpsidhu soi kapinha sana karata aneka binoda.117(A).
um joga japa dna tapa nn makha brata nema,
rma kp nahi

karahi

tasi jasi nikevala prema.117(B).

That Ocean of compassion, whom sages are unable to catch even in meditation
and whom the Vedas describe only in negative terms such as Not that, not that,
amused himself with the monkeys in diverse ways. Um, (continues Lord iva,) practice
of Yoga (concentration of mind), Japa (muttering of prayers), charity and penance,
performance of sacrifices, fasting and other religious observances fail to evoke r
Rmas compassion to the same degree as unalloyed devotion does. (117 A-B)
0r f- r ff ff rrfa f r+
rr f f tr f f a rrtr+ {+
fa; f- t-t rr r rrrr+
ar r rvr fa ft f rvr+ +
f f n ar r f rf z f r+
a r r rf rf r r+ -+
r; arf rr ra f rr+
t rf f f rr ar rr ; rrrr+ +
f r t nfa fa t+
f r = r tr n f n ;r+ ~+
Cau.: bhlu kapinha paa bhuana pe, pahiri pahiri raghupati pahi

e.
nn jinasa dekhi saba ks, puni puni ha sata kosaldhs.1.
citai sabanhi para knh dy, bole mdula bacana raghury.
tumhare bala mai

rvanu mryo, tilaka bibhana kaha puni sryo.2.

nija nija gha aba tumha saba jhu, sumirehu mohi arapahu jani khu.
sunata bacana premkula bnara, jori pni bole saba sdara.3.
prabhu joi kahahu tumhahi saba soh, hamare hota bacana suni moh.
dna jni kapi kie santh, tumha trailoka sa raghunth.4.
suni prabhu bacana lja hama marah

, masaka kah u

khagapati hita karah

.
dekhi rma rukha bnara rch, prema magana nahi

gha kai ch.5.

Having thus secured raiment and jewels, the bears and monkeys adorned their
person with the same and appeared before the Lord of the Raghus. The Lord of Kosala
laughed again and again to see all the monkeys, a motley host indeed. The Lord of the
Raghus showered His grace on all by casting a look at them, and spoke to them in
endearing terms: It was through your might that I succeeded first in killing Rvaa and
then in crowning Vibhaa. Now return all of you to your several homes; keep your
thought fixed on Me and fear none. The monkeys were all overcome with affection to
hear these words and reverently replied with joined palms: O Lord, whatever You say
well becomes of You. But we get mystified on hearing Your words. You are the
Sovereign of all the three spheres, O Lord of the Raghus; knowing our humble state You
took us under Your protection. But we are overwhelmed with shame to hear such words
from the lips of our Master (Yourself). Can a swarm of mosquitoes ever help Garua
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
LAK-K NA
*
943
(the king of the birds)? The bears and monkeys were overpowered with emotion when
they saw what was in the mind of the Lord, (viz., His reluctance to take them to
Ayodhy); they had no inclination to return home. (15)
0 fa f r r = s rf
fr fa f ff ff rf+ {{c (+
ffa t tfa n r
fa ft f r+ {{c (+
f f f f r rf
- faf r a f frf+ {{c (n+
Do.: prabhu prerita kapi bhlu saba rma rupa ura rkhi,
haraa bida sahita cale binaya bibidha bidhi bhi.118(A).
kapipati nla rchapati agada nala hanumna,
sahita bibhana apara je juthapa kapi balavna.118(B).
kahi na sakahi

kachu prema basa bhari bhari locana bri,

sanmukha citavahi

rma tana nayana nimea nivri.118(C).

But in obedience to the Lords command the monkeys and bears all dispersed with
a mixed feeling of joy and sorrow and with many a humble submission, enshrining r
Rmas image in their heart. The monkey-king (Sugrva), Nla, Jmbavn (the lord of the
bears), Agada, Nala, Hanumn and all the other mighty generals of the monkey host,
together with Vibhaa, were too overwhelmed with emotion to utter a word. With eyes
full of tears they stood facing r Rma and gazing intently on Him. (118 AC)
0fa tfa f rrr; t- fr r;+
f f= rr s-r fff fr rr+ {+
a fr rr r; rrt ; r;+
fr fa sr r >rt a ar + +
ra r fa rft = n rr rft+
=f fr s fa ra t-t fy + -+
f frf rt rn f f rt+
n rf rr r f rr+ +
rrt tar f ;r -r ;tar+
r n r f fr r+ ~+
r r r; ;r a f r;+ +
Cau.: atisaya prti dekhi raghur, lnhe sakala bimna caRh.
mana mahu bipra carana siru nyo, uttara disihi bimna calyo.1.
calata bimna kolhala ho, jaya raghubra kahai sabu ko.
sihsana ati ucca manohara, r sameta prabhu baihe t para.2.
rjata rmu sahita bhmin, meru sga janu ghana dmin.
rucira bimna caleu ati tura, knh sumana bi harae sura.3.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
944
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
parama sukhada cali tribidha bayr, sgara sara sari nirmala br.
saguna hohi

sudara cahu ps, mana prasanna nirmala nabha s.4.

kaha raghubra dekhu rana st, lachimana ih

hatyo i

drajt.
hanumna agada ke mre, rana mahi pare niscara bhre.5.
kubhakarana rvana dvau bh, ih

hate sura muni dukhad.6.

Perceiving their excessive love the Lord of the Raghus (mounted the aerial car
alongwith St and Lakmaa and) took them all up into the car. He mentally bowed
His head at the feet of the Brhmaas and directed the car to move towards the north.
An uproarious noise burst forth as the car took off, all shouting Glory to the Hero
of Raghus line ! The car was provided with a lofty and charming throne; the Lord
took His seat on it alongwith r (St). Accompanied by His Spouse, r Rma shone
forth like a cloud with lightning on a peak of Mount Meru. The splendid car moved
with all speed on its way, to the joy of the gods, who rained down flowers on it. A
most delightful cool breeze breathed soft and fragrant; the water of the ocean, lakes
and streams became transparent and auspicious omens occurred on all sides. Nay,
everyone felt cheerful at heart; the whole expanse of the sky including the four quarters
was clear. Said the Hero of Raghus line: Mark, St: it was on this spot that Lakmaa
slew Meghanda (the Crown Prince of Lak). Here lie on the battlefield mighty demons
killed by Hanumn and Agada. And here fell the two brothers, Kumbhakara and
Rvaa, the torment of gods and sages. (16)
0;r a rr = rs f r
tar fa rff f t- r+ {{ (+
rf t- r f>rr
r rff f- r+ {{ (+
Do.: ih

setu b

dhyo aru thpeu siva sukha dhma,

st sahita kpnidhi sabhuhi knha pranma.119(A).
jaha jaha kpsidhu bana knha bsa birma,
sakala dekhe jnakihi kahe sabanhi ke nma.119(B).
It was here that I had a bridge constructed and also installed a symbol of the
blissful Lord iva. So saying, the All-merciful r Rma and St both made obeisance
to ambhu. Every spot in the woods, where the Ocean of compassion had either taken
up His abode or rested awhile, was then pointed out by the Lord to Janakas Daughter
and mentioned by name. (119 A-B)
0aa fr ar f rr z rr+
rf fr rr n r trr+ {+
ff- r; tr fr r ntr+
a f f- arr r fr ar a rr+ +
f r rff r; r f f r;+
f t t tar r r r = tar+ -+
atfa f rnr fa - rf rr rnr+
rf f t f r f r ft+ +
f t fa rf frf ar rn rf+ ~+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
LAK-K NA
*
945
Cau.: turata bimna tah

cali v, daaka bana jaha parama suhv.

kubhajdi muninyaka nn, gae rmu saba ke asthn.1.
sakala riinha sana pi ass, citrak ua e jagads.
taha kari muninha kera sato, cal bimnu tah

te cokh.2.
bahuri rma jnakihi dekh, jamun kali mala harani suh.
puni dekh surasar punt, rma kah pranma karu st.3.
trathapati puni dekhu prayg, nirakhata janma koi agha bhg.
dekhu parama pvani puni ben, harani soka hari loka nisen.4.
puni dekhu avadhapur ati pvani, tribidha tpa bhava roga nasvani.5.
Forthwith the aerial car reached the most charming Daaka forest, the abode of
many a great sage like Kumbhaja (the jar-born Agastya) and others: r Rma visited the
hermitages of all. After receiving the blessings of all these sages the Lord of the universe
arrived at Citrakua; and, having gratified the sages there, the aerial car departed thence
with all speed. r Rma next pointed out to Janakas Daughter the beautiful Yamun,
that washes away the impurities of the Kali age. Thereafter they espied the holy Gag
(the celestial stream) and r Rma said, St, make obeisance. Now have a look at
Prayga, the king of all sacred places, whose very sight drives away sins committed
through a myriad lives. Again look at the most holy Trive (the confluence of the Gag,
Yamun and the subterranean Sarasvat), the dispeller of grief and a ladder to r Haris
Abode. Now see the most sacred city of Ayodhy, that relieves the threefold agony and
uproots the malady of transmigration. (15)
0tar fa t- r r
a fa f f fa r+{(+
f r; frt fa r t-
f- fa f- r ff ff t-+ { (+
Do.: st sahita avadha kahu knha kpla pranma,
sajala nayana tana pulakita puni puni haraita rma.120(A).
puni prabhu i triben

haraita majjanu knha,

kapinha sahita bipranha kahu dna bibidha bidhi dnha.120(B).
The gracious Rma and St both made obeisance to Ayodhy. Tears rushed to
His eyes, every hair on His body stood erect and the Lord felt delighted again and again.
The Lord then landed at the Trive and with much joy bathed in the confluence. He bestowed
a variety of gifts on the Brhmaas and the monkeys too joined Him. (120 A-B)
0 af r rr; f = r;+
af rf r rr ar f r+ {+
aa a na a r f n+
rr ff f r t-t tafa f f rf t-t+ +
f f n rt f fr rt+
;r fr r r r r rn rr+ -+
f rfrr r a rr sas a r rr+
a tar t t r f f- t+ +
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
946
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
tf- t f nnr f a fra nr+
a nr rs r rs f + ~+
f fa frf t s f a f f at+
tfa frf rrr; f sr; fr s r;+ +
Cau.: prabhu hanumatahi kah bujh, dhari bau rupa avadhapura j.
bharatahi kusala hamri sunehu, samcra lai tumha cali ehu.1.
turata pavanasuta gavanata bhaya u, taba prabhu bharadvja pahi

gaya u.
nn bidhi muni p uj knh, astuti kari puni sia dnh.2.
muni pada badi jugala kara jor, caRhi bimna prabhu cale bahor.
ih

nida sun prabhu e, nva nva kaha loga bole.3.

surasari nghi jna taba yo, utareu taa prabhu yasu pyo.
taba st

puj surasar, bahu prakra puni carananhi par.4.

dnhi assa harai mana gag, sudari tava ahivta abhag.
sunata guh dhyau premkula, yau nikaa parama sukha sakula.5.
prabhuhi sahita biloki baideh, pareu avani tana sudhi nahi

teh.
prti parama biloki raghur, harai uhi liyo ura l.6.
The Lord instructed Hanumn as follows:Go ahead of us to the city of Ayodhy
in the guise of a religious student, tell Bharata the news of our welfare and then come
back with all the news about him. The son of the wind-god immediately left and the
Lord then called on Bharadvja. The sage offered Him all kinds of worship and after
hymning His praises further gave Him his blessing. The Lord in His turn adored the
sages feet with joined palms, mounted the car and went on His journey. At this end
the Nida chief heard that the Lord had come and exclaiming The boat, where is
the boat ? summoned his people. Meanwhile the aerial car flew across the celestial
stream and landed on the bank (adjoining gaverapura) in obedience to the Lords
command. Then St offered all kinds of worship to the celestial stream and threw
Herself at the feet of the Goddess presiding over the stream. In gladness of soul Gag
pronounced Her blessing. May You enjoy a happy married life without a break, O
fair lady. Overwhelmed with love, Guha ran to meet the Lord as soon as he heard
of His landing and approached his Master, full of ecstatic joy. Perceiving the Lord
accompanied by Videhas Daughter, he fell flat on the ground oblivious of his own
existence. The Lord of the Raghus felt overjoyed to see his excessive fondness; He
took and clasped him to His bosom. (16)
U0fr z r; r fr r r rat
rf t rt r tat+
frf ff
r r r rf r rf a+ {+
rfa fr r f a r s r;r
fa atr r r fr;r+
rrf fr r r fa r
rrf fr fq f nrf r+ +
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
LAK-K NA
*
947
Cha.: liyo hdaya li kp nidhna sujna rya rampat,
baihri parama sampa bujh kusala so kara bnat.
aba kusala pada pakaja biloki biraci sakara sebya je,
sukha dhma puranakma rma nammi rma nammi te.1.
saba bh

ti adhama nida so hari bharata jyo ura liyo,

matimada tulasdsa so prabhu moha basa bisariyo.
yaha rvanri caritra pvana rma pada ratiprada sad,
kmdihara bigynakara sura siddha muni gvahi

mud.2.
The All-merciful Lord of Ram (St or Lakm), the wisest among the wise, took and
clasped him to His bosom and, seating him very close to Him, enquired after his welfare.
Guha submitted in reply: Now all is well with me; for I have beheld Your lotus-feet, worthy
of adoration even to Viraci (Brahm) and Lord akara. O blissful Rma, self-sufficient as
You are, I simply adore You; O Rma, I adore You. That Nida, who was low in every
respect, r Hari clasped to His bosom as though he were Bharata himself ! A victim of
infatuation, this dull-witted Tulasdsa, however, has cast out of his mind even such a
benign lord. This story of the Slayer of Rvaa, is not only sanctifying but vouchsafes
loving and perpetual devotion to r Rmas feet. Nay, it uproots lust and other evil passions
and begets true wisdom and is gladly sung by gods, the Siddhas and sages. (1-2)
0 f rrt fa f r
f f f+rfa fa fa-f f nr+ {{ (+
fr ra f fr
>rtrrr r af rf r r+ {{ (+
Do.: samara bijaya raghubra ke carita je sunahi

sujna,
bijaya bibeka bibhuti nita tinhahi

dehi

bhagavna.121(A).
yaha kalikla malyatana mana kari dekhu bicra,
rraghuntha nma taji nhina na adhra.122(B).
The Lord rewards with everlasting victory, wisdom and worldly prosperity those
men of good understanding who listen to the stories relating to the victory of r Rma
(the Hero of Raghus line) in battle. Ponder well and see for yourself, O my mind: this
age of Kali is the very home of impurities. There is nothing to fall back upon in this age,
other than the name of the illustrious Lord of the Raghus. (121 A-B)
[PAUSE 27 FOR A THIRTY-DAY RECITATION]
;fa >rtrfar ff rr re
iti rmadrmacaritamnase sakalakalikaluavidhvasane aha sopna sampta.
Thus ends the sixth descent into the Mnasa lake of r Rmas exploits, that
eradicates all the impurities of the Kali age.
\\vv\\ \\vv\\ \\vv\\ \\vv\\ \\vv\\
n=--
r; n r= fa fa ar=+

r Rmacaritamnasa
(The Mnasa lake containing the exploits of r Rma)
Descent Seven
(Uttara-Ka)

trt ffrrf
rrrv tatr f r r
rrr rrr ffa -r r
rtzv rtr rrfr rr=r + {+
loka
kekkahbhanla suravaravilasadviprapdbjacihna
obhhya ptavastra sarasijanayana sarvad suprasanna,
pau nrcacpa kapinikarayuta bandhun sevyamna
naumya jnaka raghuvaramania pupakruharmam.1.
I unceasingly extol r Rma, the praiseworthy lord of St (Janakas Daughter),
the chief of Raghus line, possessed of a form greenish blue as the neck of a peacock
and adorned with a print of the Brhmaas lotus-footwhich testifies to His being the
greatest of all godsrich in splendour, clad in yellow robes, lotus-eyed, ever-propitious,
holding a bow and arrow in His hands, mounted on the aerial car named Pupaka,
accompanied by a host of monkeys and waited upon by His own brother (Lakmaa). (1)
r-r rrrf-ar
rtrrfar f-at y fy r+
kosalendrapadakajamajulau komalvajamaheavanditau,
jnakkarasarojallitau cintakasya manabhgasaginau.2.
The lotus-feet of r Rma (the Lord of Kosala), charming and delicate, are adored
by Brahm (the Unborn) and the greatest Lord iva and fondled by the lotus hands of
Janakas Daughter and are the haunt of the bee-like mind of the worshipper. (2)
-;-nr- frrfaty ffq
r=rtr rf r y r +

950
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
kundaindudaragaurasundara ambikpatimabhasiddhidam,
krukakalakajalocana naumi akaramanagamocanam.3.
I glorify the All-merciful Lord akara, possessing a comely form, white as the
jasmine flower, the moon and the conch, with eyes resembling a lovely lotus, Ambiks
(Mother Prvats) Spouse, the bestower of ones desired fruit and the deliverer from the
clutches of carnality. (3)
r f f fa ra rn
a rf rf a r frn+
n rf r
rn r n r +
rrrf ra r;
rs >rt a a r;+
a f- a rf r
rf n fa rn fr+
Do.: rah eka dina avadhi kara ati rata pura loga,
jaha taha socahi

nri nara ksa tana rma biyoga.

saguna hohi

sudara sakala mana prasanna saba kera,

prabhu gavana janva janu nagara ramya cahu phera.
kausalydi mtu saba mana anada asa hoi,
yau prabhu r anuja juta kahana cahata aba koi.
bharata nayana bhuja dacchina pharakata brahi

bra,
jni saguna mana haraa ati lge karana bicra.
The term of r Rmas exile was to expire only the next day, which made the people
of the city extremely anxious. Wasted in body through separation from r Rma, men and
women alike were plunged in thought everywhere. Meanwhile auspicious omens of all
kinds occurred and everyone felt cheerful at heart. The city itself brightened up all round,
as if to announce the Lords advent. Kausaly and the other mothers all felt inwardly happy
as if someone was about to tell them that the Lord had come with St and Lakmaa.
Bharatas right eye and arm throbbed again and again. Recognizing this to be a lucky
omen, he felt overjoyed at heart; but the very next moment he became thoughtful again.
s f f rr ra s rr+
r r f rs rf f fr rf frs+ {+
- f zrnt r rf rnt+
t f rf t-r ara r n f t-r+ +
r t r rt f ftar a rt+
n r r t fa r+ -+
r f r r; fff r n r;+
ta f f r rr n rf rr+ +

*
UTTARA-K NA
*
951
Cau.: raheu eka dina avadhi adhr, samujhata mana dukha bhayau apr.
krana kavana ntha nahi

yau, jni kuila kidhau mohi bisaryau.1.

ahaha dhanya lachimana baRabhg, rma padrabidu anurg.
kapa kuila mohi prabhu cnh, tte ntha saga nahi

lnh.2.
jau karan samujhai prabhu mor, nahi

nistra kalapa sata kor.

jana avaguna prabhu mna na k u, dna badhu ati mdula subh u.3.
more jiya bharosa dRha so, milihahi

rma saguna subha ho.

bte avadhi rahahi

jau prn, adhama kavana jaga mohi samn.4.

The term of r Rmas exile, which was the sole hope of his life, was going to expire
only a day hence: the thought filled Bharatas mind with untold grief. How is it that the Lord
did not turn up? Has He cast me out of His mind, knowing me to be crooked? Ah ! How
blessed and fortunate is Lakmaa, who is truly devoted to r Rmas lotus-feet. The Lord
knew me to be false and perverse; that is why He refused to take me alongwith Him. If the
Lord were to consider my doings, there would be no redemption for me even after countless
cycles. But the Lord never takes into account the faults of His devotees, being a friend of
the humble and most tender-hearted. I have a firm conviction in my heart that r Rma will
surely meet me; for the omens are so propitious. But, if I outlive the expiry of the time-limit,
no one would be so despicable in this world as I. (14)
r f rn a n ra
f = f a r; ns ra+ { (+
f r r nra
r r rrfa a na ra+ { (+
Do.: rma biraha sgara maha bharata magana mana hota,
bipra rupa dhari pavana suta i gayau janu pota.1(A).
baihe dekhi kussana ja mukua ksa gta,
rma rma raghupati japata sravata nayana jalajta.1(B).
While Bharatas mind was thus sinking in the ocean of separation from r Rma,
the son of the wind-god, disguised as a Brhmaa, came like a bark to his rescue. He
found Bharata seated on a mat of Kua grass, emaciated in body, with a coil of matted
hair for a crown and the words, Rma, Rma, Raghupati on his lips, his lotus eyes
streaming with tears. (1 A-B)
a r fa s nra r s+
a rfa rt rs >r r rt+ {+
r f r f rat fa n n rat+
rr fa rar rs f rrar+ +
f tfa nra tar fa ra+
a f r ara ff r; fr+ -+
r ar ara r a r rf f r+
r=a a f rr r r rfrr+ +

952
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
t rrfa f a a s sf r+
fa f z rar na fa nrar+ ~+
f a ta f r rf r fta+
r r rt rar ar s r rar+ +
f f n rt f fr s rt +
rf ara sf art fa r rt+ +
a a r; rr rrfa n nrr+
f r nrr; ff rf r t r;+ c+
Cau.: dekhata hanumna ati haraeu, pulaka gta locana jala baraeu.
mana maha bahuta bh

ti sukha mn, boleu ravana sudh sama bn.1.

jsu biraha socahu dina rt, raahu niratara guna gana p

t.
raghukula tilaka sujana sukhadt, yau kusala deva muni trt.2.
ripu rana jti sujasa sura gvata, st sahita anuja prabhu vata.
sunata bacana bisare saba d ukh, tvata jimi pi piy u.3.
ko tumha tta kah

te e, mohi parama priya bacana sune.

mruta suta mai

kapi hanumn, nmu mora sunu kpnidhn.4.

dnabadhu raghupati kara kikara, sunata bharata bhe eu uhi sdara.
milata prema nahi

hdaya samt, nayana sravata jala pulakita gt.5.

kapi tava darasa sakala dukha bte, mile ju mohi rma pirte.
bra bra bujh kusalt, to kahu deu kha sunu bhrt.6.
ehi sadesa sarisa jaga mh

, kari bicra dekheu kachu nh

.
nhina tta urina mai

toh, aba prabhu carita sunvahu moh.7.

taba hanumata ni pada mth, kahe sakala raghupati guna gth.
kahu kapi kabahu kpla gos

, sumirahi

mohi dsa k n

.8.
At this sight Hanumn was over-joyed; every hair on his body stood erect and his
eyes rained copiously. He felt gratified at heart in everyway and addressed Bharata in
words that were as nectar to his ears: He, in whose absence you sorrow day and night,
the catalogue of whose virtues you are incessantly recounting the glory of Raghus line,
the delight of the virtuous and the deliverer of gods and sages, has safely arrived. Having
conquered His foe in battle, with the gods to hymn His praises, the Lord is now on His
way with St and Lakmaa. The moment Bharata heard these words he forgot all his
woes, like a thirsty man who has secured nectar. Who are you, my beloved friend, and
whence have you come? You have told me a most pleasing news. Listen, O fountain
of mercy: I am the son of the wind-god, a monkey; Hanumn is my name. I am a humble
servant of r Rma (the Lord of the Raghus), the befriender of the meek. Hearing this,
Bharata rose and reverently embraced him. The affection with which he embraced him
was too great for his heart to contain; his eyes streamed with tears and every hair on
his body stood erect. At your very sight, O Hanumn, all my woes have disappeared.
In you I have embraced today my beloved Rma Himself. Again and again he enquired
after r Rmas health and said, Listen, brother; what shall I give you (in return for this
happy news)? I have pondered and found that there is nothing in this world to match the
news you have brought. I am thus unable to repay my debt to you. Now, pray, recount
to me the doings of my lord. Then Hanumn bowed his head at Bharatas feet and

*
UTTARA-K NA
*
953
narrated all the meritorious deeds of r Rma (the Lord of the Raghus). Tell me,
Hanumn, does my gracious lord ever remember me as one of His servants? (18)
f r r rr f vr
f a fta fa f f a f- vr +
rrt f r n n a n n r r
r r; fta ta n f r+
Cha.: nija dsa jyo raghubasabhuana kabahu mama sumirana karyo,
suni bharata bacana binta ati kapi pulaki tana carananhi paryo.
raghubra nija mukha jsu guna gana kahata aga jaga ntha jo,
khe na hoi binta parama punta sadaguna sidhu so.
Did the Jewel of Raghus line ever remember me as His servant ? Hanumn
was thrilled with joy to hear this over-modest question of Bharata and fell at the latters
feet, saying to himself, How can he be otherwise than humble, the holiest of the holy
and an ocean of noble virtues, whose praises r Rma (the Hero of Raghus line), the
lord of the animate and inanimate creation, recites with His own lips?
r r f r ar - ara
f f fa a f z ra+ (+
a f= r; afa ns f r f
t r; f s r f + (+
Do.: rma prna priya ntha tumha satya bacana mama tta,
puni puni milata bharata suni haraa na hdaya samta.2(A).
So.: bharata carana siru ni turita gayau kapi rma pahi

,
kah kusala saba ji harai caleu prabhu jna caRhi.2(B).
To Rma you are dear as life, my lord: take my words to be true, dear brother.
Hearing this, Bharata embraced Hanumn again and again with a joy which could not be
contained in his heart. Bowing his head at Bharatas feet, Hanumn forth with returned
to r Rma and drawing close to Him told Him that all was well. The Lord then mounted
His aerial car and joyfully proceeded (towards His destination). ( 2 A-B)
f a r r rr nf r+
f f ra r; ra n rrr;+ {+
a t sf r; f a rr; +
rr rf- r = rf f r+ +
f r r r at n r+
f f r rft nra f fnrft+ -+
f af sf rf r q n rf+
- rf r; ar r rrr;+ +

954
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
t ra rt ; rr rt+
; r frf tr ; fa f tr+ ~+
Cau.: harai bharata kosalapura e, samcra saba gurahi sune.
puni madira maha bta jan, vata nagara kusala raghur.1.
sunata sakala janan

uhi dh

, kahi prabhu kusala bharata samujh

.
samcra purabsinha pe, nara aru nri harai saba dhe.2.
dadhi durb rocana phala phul, nava tulas dala magala m ul.
bhari bhari hema thra bhmin, gvata cali

sidhuragmin.3.
je jaisehi

taisehi

uhi dhvahi

, bla bddha kaha saga na lvahi

.
eka ekanha kaha bujhahi

bh, tumha dekhe dayla raghur.4.

avadhapur prabhu vata jn, bha sakala sobh kai khn.
bahai suhvana tribidha samr, bhai saraj u ati nirmala nr.5.
Bharata too returned with joy to Ayodhy and broke all the news to his preceptor
(the sage Vasiha). He then made it known inside the palace that the Lord of the
Raghus was approaching Ayodhy safe and sound. On hearing the news all the mothers
started up and ran; but Bharata eased their mind by personally telling them of the Lords
welfare. When the information reached the citizens, men and women all ran out in their
joy (to meet their lord). With gold plates containing curds, Durv grass, the sacred yellow
pigment known by the name of Gorocana, fruits and flowers and young leaves of the
sacred Tulas (basil) plant, the root of all blessings, ladies sallied forth with the stately
gait of an elephant, singing as they went. All ran out just as they happened to be and
did not take children or old folk with them. People asked one another: Brother, did you
see the gracious Lord of the Raghus? Having come to know of the Lords advent, the
city of Ayodhy became a mine of all beauty. A delightful breeze breathed soft, cool and
fragrant. The Sarayu rolled down crystal clear water. (15)
fa n f a
a fa - rfa+ - (+
a t rf- ff nn fr
f fa f n nr+ - (+
rr f rrfa f f r
vr rr a rf an r+ - (n+
Do.: haraita gura parijana anuja bhusura bda sameta,
cale bharata mana prema ati sanmukha kpniketa.3(A).
bahutaka caRh

arinha nirakhahi

gagana bimna,
dekhi madhura sura haraita karahi

sumagala gna.3(B).
rk sasi raghupati pura sidhu dekhi harana,
baRhyo kolhala karata janu nri taraga samna.3(C).
Accompanied by his preceptor (the sage Vasiha) and kinsmen, his younger
brother (atrughna) and a host of Brhmaas, with a heart overflowing with affection,

*
UTTARA-K NA
*
955
Bharata joyfully set forth to receive the All-merciful. Many women, who had climbed up
their attics, looked above for the aerial car in the sky. And the moment they espied it they
began in their joy to sing festal songs in melodious strains. Just as the sight of the full
moon brings joy to the ocean and swells it, the city of Ayodhy too joyfully rushed with
a tumultuous noise to meet the Lord of the Raghus, the women of the city moving to and
fro like so many waves. (3 AC)
;r r fr f- ra n r+
t n r r t =f r+ {+
uf rr r ffa n rr+
t f f r n r; rs r+ +
-f t rf s-r ff rf+
r r a ff rr t rf rr+ -+
fa f rf ;r rt rr t rt+
f f rt - r r rt+ +
Cau.: ih

bhnukula kamala divkara, kapinha dekhvata nagara manohara.

sunu kapsa agada lakes, pvana pur rucira yaha des.1.
jadyapi saba baikuha bakhn, beda purna bidita jagu jn.
avadhapur sama priya nahi

sou, yaha prasaga jnai kou ko u.2.

janmabhumi mama pur suhvani, uttara disi baha saraj u pvani.
j majjana te binahi

prays, mama sampa nara pvahi

bs.3.
ati priya mohi ih

ke bs, mama dhmad pur sukha rs.

harae saba kapi suni prabhu bn, dhanya avadha jo rma bakhn.4.
At the other end r Rma, who brought delight to the solar race as the sun to
the lotus, was busy showing the charming city to the monkeys. Listen, Sugrva (lord of
the monkeys), Agada and Vibhaa (lord of Lak), holy is this city and beautiful this
land. Although all have extolled Vaikuha (My divine Abode), which is familiar to the
Vedas and the Puras and known throughout the world, it is not so dear to Me as the
city of Ayodhy: only some rare soul knows this secret. This beautiful city is My
birthplace; to the north of it flows the holy Sarayu, by bathing in which men secure a
home near Me without any difficulty. The dwellers here are very dear to Me; the city is
not only full of bliss itself but bestows a residence in My divine Abode. The monkeys
were all delighted to hear these words of the Lord and said, Blessed indeed is Ayodhy,
that has evoked praise from r Rma Himself ! (14)
ra f rn rf nr
n f s sas f fr+ (+
saf s rf ar f r
fa r s r f fa ar+ (+
Do.: vata dekhi loga saba kpsidhu bhagavna,
nagara nikaa prabhu prereu utareu bhumi bimna.4(A).

956
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
utari kaheu prabhu pupakahi tumha kubera pahi

jhu,
prerita rma caleu so harau birahu ati thu.4(B).
When the All-merciful Lord saw all the people coming out to meet Him, He urged
on the aerial car to halt near the city and so it came down to the ground. On alighting
from the car, the Lord said to the Pupaka, You now return to Kubera. Thus enjoined
by r Rma, the aerial car, departed, full of joy and deep agony at parting. (4 A-B)
r a n r nr a >rtrrt frnr+
r fy fr f f r+ {+
r; n r= fa fa ar=+
f rt frr arrff rr+ +
f- ff rs rr rrrr+
n a f a f-f f + -+
f f sa sr f rf s r+
tr nra r r rt r+ +
Cau.: e bharata saga saba log, ksa tana rraghubra biyog.
bmadeva basia muninyaka, dekhe prabhu mahi dhari dhanu syaka.1.
dhi dhare gura carana saroruha, anuja sahita ati pulaka tanoruha.
bhe i kusala bujh muniry, hamare kusala tumhrihi

dy.2.
sakala dvijanha mili nyau mth, dharma dhuradhara raghukulanth.
gahe bharata puni prabhu pada pakaja, namata jinhahi sura muni sakara aja.3.
pare bhumi nahi

uhata uhe, bara kari kpsidhu ura le.

symala gta roma bhae hRhe, nava rjva nayana jala bRhe.4.
Alongwith Bharata came all the other people, emaciated in body because of their
separation from the Hero of Raghus line. When the Lord saw the great sages
Vmadeva, Vasiha and others, He dropped His bow and arrows on the ground and ran
with His brother (Lakmaa) to clasp His preceptors lotus-feet with every hair on their
body erect. Vasiha (the chief of the sages) embraced them (in return) and enquired
after their welfare. r Rma replied, It is in your grace alone that our welfare lies. The
Lord of Raghus race, the champion of righteousness, now met all the other Brhmaas
and bowed His head to them. Then Bharata clasped the Lords lotus-feet, which are
adored by gods and sages, akara and Brahm not excepted. He lay prostrate on the
ground and would not rise even though being lifted up, till at last the All-merciful forcibly
took and pressed him to His bosom. Every hair on His swarthy form stood erect and His
lotus eyes were flooded with tears. (14)
rt r na a fa rf t
fa z nr; f f fr t+
fa f r r f rfa f sr t
= fnr a f f r t+ {+
ra rff af fn r;
fr r a fr r r r;+

*
UTTARA-K NA
*
957
rr ra rf fr
za f rt rfr rf nf fr+ +
Cha.: rjva locana sravata jala tana lalita pulakvali ban,
ati prema hdaya lagi anujahi mile prabhu tribhuana dhan.
prabhu milata anujahi soha mo pahi

jti nahi

upam kah,
janu prema aru sigra tanu dhari mile bara suam lah.1.
bujhata kpnidhi kusala bharatahi bacana begi na va,
sunu siv so sukha bacana mana te bhinna jna jo pva.
aba kusala kausalantha rata jni jana darasana diyo,
buRata biraha brsa kpnidhna mohi kara gahi liyo.2.
His lotus eyes streamed with tears, while bristling hair served to adorn His comely
person as Lord r Rma, the sovereign of the three spheres, clasped Bharata to His
bosom with utmost affection. I find no parallel by which I may illustrate the beauty of the
Lords meeting with his younger brother: it seemed as though the Erotic sentiment and
affection had met together in exquisite bodily form. The All-merciful enquired after Bharatas
welfare; but words did not readily come to his help. Listen, Siv: (continues Lord iva,) the
bliss (which Bharata enjoyed at the moment) was beyond ones speech and mind; it is
known only to those who feel it. All is now well with me, since the All-merciful Lord of
Kosala has blessed me with His sight, realizing the distress of His servant, and taken me
by the hand just when I was sinking in the ocean of desolation. (1-2)
f f r z nr;
f a f a rs r;+ ~+
Do.: puni prabhu harai satruhana bhe e hdaya lagi,
lachimana bharata mile taba parama prema dou bhi.5.
The Lord then gladly met atrughna and pressed him to His bosom. Next came
the turn of Lakmaa and Bharata and the two brothers embraced each other with
utmost affection. (5)
ar f f f +
tar a f= rr a rr+ {+
frf rt fa frn ffa rt+
ra rn frt ra t- r rt+ +
fa = n af rr rrn f f rr+
rfy rrt frt f rf frt+ -+
f f f nrr sr r rr+
f ff f t f rr rn t n rr+ +
rrrf ra r; ff - r;+ ~+
Cau.: bharatnuja lachimana puni bhee, dusaha biraha sabhava dukha mee.
st carana bharata siru nv, anuja sameta parama sukha pv.1.

958
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
prabhu biloki harae purabs, janita biyoga bipati saba ns.
premtura saba loga nihr, kautuka knha kpla kharr.2.
amita rupa pragae tehi kl, jath joga mile sabahi kpl.
kpdi raghubra bilok, kie sakala nara nri bisok.3.
chana mahi

sabahi mile bhagavn, um marama yaha khu na jn.

ehi bidhi sabahi sukh kari rm, ge cale sla guna dhm.4.
kausalydi mtu saba dh, nirakhi baccha janu dhenu lav.5.
Then Lakmaa embraced atrughna (Bharatas younger brother)* and thus
relieved each other of the terrible agony of separation. Bharata and atrughna bowed
their head at Sts feet and felt supreme delight. The citizens were transported with joy
at the sight of the Lord. All the woes begotten of their separation from the Lord now
ended. Seeing all the people impatient in thier love to meet the Lord, the All-merciful
Slayer of Khara wrought a miracle. He forthwith appeared in countless forms and in this
way the gracious Lord met everybody in an appropriate manner. The Hero of Raghus
line rid all men and women of their sorrow by casting His benign look on them. In a
moment the Lord greeted them all; Um, this was a mystery which none could comprehend.
Having thus gratified all, r Rma, who was a repository of amiability and goodness,
proceeded further. Kausaly and the other mothers all ran out to meet Him, even as a
cow that has lately calved would run at the sight of its little one. (15)
r - af n n;
f a = na r f ra ;+
fa ra t ff
n; f ffa frn fa- nfa +
Cha.: janu dhenu blaka baccha taji gha carana bana parabasa ga

,
dina ata pura rukha sravata thana hukra kari dhvata bha

.
ati prema prabhu saba mtu bhe

bacana mdu bahubidhi kahe,

gai biama bipati biyoga bhava tinha haraa sukha aganita lahe.
It seemed as though cows that had recently calved and had been forced to go out
to the woods for grazing, leaving their little ones at home, had at the close of day rushed
forth lowing towards the village with dripping teats. The Lord met all the mothers with
utmost affection and spoke many a soft words to them. In this way the dire calamity that
had come upon them as a result of separation from r Rma came to an end and they
derived infinite joy and gratification.
+rs a frr r fa rf
rf fa ; z a rf+ (+
f ra- ff rf r;
; f f f r r;+ (+
* Although Lakmaa and atrughna were real brothers, the latter bore greater affinity to Bharata and
preferred to live with him. Hence he is referred to here as Bharatas younger brother.

*
UTTARA-K NA
*
959
Do.: bheeu tanaya sumitr

rma carana rati jni,

rmahi milata kaika hdaya bahuta sakucni.6(A).
lachimana saba mtanha mili harae sia pi,
kaikai kaha puni puni mile mana kara chobhu na ji.6(B).
Sumitr embraced her son (Lakmaa) remembering how devoted he was to
r Rmas feet. As for Kaikey, she felt very uncomfortable at heart while embracing
r Rma. Lakmaa too embraced all his mothers and was delighted to receive their
blessings. But even though he met Kaikey again and again, his bitterness of feeling
towards her did not leave him. (6 A-B)
r- f ft t f- rfn fa at+
f t fr rar r; arr frar+ {+
rrfa frf n rf rf+
r rat sarf r r nra frf+ +
rr rfa frf t r s t+
rrr f f rrtf fafa rf tf+ -+
z frfa rf rr rfa rfa rr+
fa r n r ff r r+ +
Cau.: ssunha sabani mil baideh, carananhi lgi harau ati teh.
dehi

assa bujhi kusalt, hoi acala tumhra ahivt.1.

saba raghupati mukha kamala bilokahi

, magala jni nayana jala rokahi

.
kanaka thra rat utrahi

, bra bra prabhu gta nihrahi

.2.
nn bh

ti nichvari karah

, paramnada haraa ura bharah

.
kausaly puni puni raghubrahi, citavati kpsidhu ranadhrahi.3.
hdaya bicrati brahi

br, kavana bh

ti lakpati mr.
ati sukumra jugala mere bre, nisicara subhaa mahbala bhre.4.
Videhas Daughter (St) greeted all Her mothers-in-law and was transported with
joy as She clasped their feet. They enquired after Her welfare and blessed Her : May your
married life be happy forever. All gazed upon the lotus face of r Rma (the Lord of the
Raghus) and, remembering that it was an occasion for rejoicing, checked the tears that
rose in their eyes. Burning festal lights in gold plates they waved them above r Rmas
head (in order to ward off evil forces) and again and again contemplated the Lords person.
They scattered every kind of offering about Him (in order to avert an evil eye), their heart full
of supreme felicity and jubilation. Again and again did Kausaly gaze upon the Hero of
Raghus line, who was an ocean of compassion and an irresistible warrior, each time pondering
within herself : How can he have killed the lord of Lak? Too delicate of body are my two
boys, while the demons were great champions of extraordinary might ! (14)
f = tar fa f frfa ra
r n f f fa nra+ +
Do.: lachimana aru st sahita prabhuhi bilokati mtu,
paramnada magana mana puni puni pulakita gtu.7.

960
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
As the mother (Kausaly) looked upon the Lord with Lakmaa and St, her soul
was overwhelmed with supreme felicity and the hair on her body bristled up again
and again. (7)
rfa t tr ra n tr+
rf r tr r tr+ {+
a t a r r f fa r+
f nrf- tat rf tat+ +
f rrfa r rr f rn fr+
n fy r ;- t r r+ -+
r f rn +
fa rfn - ;- r a a rf f fr+ +
f n ff ff sa + ~+
Cau.: lakpati kapsa nala nl, jmavata agada subhasl.
hanumaddi saba bnara br, dhare manohara manuja sarr.1.
bharata saneha sla brata nem, sdara saba baranahi

ati prem.
dekhi nagarabsinha kai rt, sakala sarhahi

prabhu pada prt.2.

puni raghupati saba sakh bole, muni pada lgahu sakala sikhe.
gura basia kulapujya hamre, inha k kp

danuja rana mre.3.

e saba sakh sunahu muni mere, bhae samara sgara kaha bere.
mama hita lgi janma inha hre, bharatahu te mohi adhika pire.4.
suni prabhu bacana magana saba bhae, nimia nimia upajata sukha nae.5.
Vibhaa (the king of Lak), Sugrva (the lord of the monkeys), Nala, Nla,
Jmbavn, Agada, Hanumn and the other monkey heroes, who were all of a virtuous
disposition, had assumed charming human forms. With great reverence and love all
applauded Bharatas affection, amiability, austerities and discipline. When they saw the
citizens mode of life, they all extolled their devotion to the Lords feet. Then the Lord of the
Raghus summoned all His comrades and exhorted them: Clasp the feet of My Guru, the
sage Vasiha, who is worthy of adoration to our whole race. It was by his grace that all the
demons were slain in battle. (Turning to the sage) Listen, holy Sir : all these My comrades
proved as so many barks in taking Me across the ocean of the battle. They staked their life
in My cause: they are dearer to Me even than Bharata. They were all enraptured to hear
the Lords word; every moment that passed gave birth to some new joy. (15)
rrr f- f fa- rs r
rf t- f ar f ff rrr+ c (+
fy
t rf- f n rf + c (+
Do.: kausaly ke carananhi puni tinha nyau mtha,
sia dnhe harai tumha priya mama jimi raghuntha.8(A).
sumana bi nabha sakula bhavana cale sukhakada,
caRh arinha dekhahi

nagara nri nara bda.8(B).

*
UTTARA-K NA
*
961
Then they bowed their heads at Kausalys feet, who rejoiced to give them her blessing,
adding : You are as dear to me as the Lord of the Raghus. The sky was obscured with the
showers of flowers as the Fountain of joy took His way to the palace. Throngs of men and
women of the city mounted the attics to have a look at the Lord. (8 A-B)
ffr r f f f f r+
r arr a f- r n a+ {+
tt n fr; nf f r r;+
rr rfa n r f n fr r+ +
a rf frf t f t s t+
r rat rr at f nrr+ -+
f rat rfa rr ff f +
rr fa rrr fn rr rr+ +
as fa f fn t sr ar n ff t+ ~+
Cau.: kacana kalasa bicitra sa vre, sabahi

dhare saji nija nija dvre.

badanavra patk ket u, sabanhi bane magala het u.1.
bth

sakala sugadha sic

, gajamani raci bahu cauka pur

.
nn bh

ti sumagala sje, harai nagara nisna bahu bje.2.

jaha taha nri nichvari karah

, dehi

assa haraa ura bharah

.
kacana thra rat

nn, jubat

saje karahi

subha gn.3.
karahi

rat ratihara ke , raghukula kamala bipina dinakara ke .

pura sobh sapati kalyn, nigama sea srad bakhn.4.
teu yaha carita dekhi hagi rahah

, um tsu guna nara kimi kahah

.5.
All the people placed at their door vases of gold picturesquely decorated and
equipped with necessary articles. Everyone prepared and set festoons, flags and
buntings, all to make a glad show. All the streets were sprinkled with perfumes and
scented water and a number of mystic squares were drawn and filled in with pearls found
in the projections of an elephants forehead. Every kind of festive preparation was taken
in hand; the city was en fete and a large number of kettledrums sounded all at once.
Ladies scattered their offerings about the Lord wherever He went, and invoked blessing
on Him with their hearts full of joy. Bevies of young women sang festal songs, while gold
plates provided with lights were ready at hand, which they waved about the Lord, who
is the Reliever of all agony and brought delight to Raghus race even as the sun delights
a bed of lotuses. The splendour, the wealth and the good fortune of the city have been
extolled by the Vedas, ea (the serpent-god) and rad (the goddess of speech and
learning). But they too were dazed to see this spectacle. Um, (continues Lord iva,)
how, then, can any mortal recount His virtues? (15)
rf ft rrfa f f
ta fna ; ff r r+ (+
rf n fff ff rf nn fr
rf r f nr+ (+

962
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Do.: nri kumudin

avadha sara raghupati biraha dinesa,

asta bhae bigasata bha

nirakhi rma rkesa.9(A).

hohi

saguna subha bibidhi bidhi bjahi

gagana nisna,
pura nara nri santha kari bhavana cale bhagavna.9(B).
The women, who were like water-lilies growing in the lake of Ayodhy and had
been withered by the sun in the form of separation from the Lord of the Raghus,
blossomed again at the sight of r Rma, who resembled the full moon, the sun of
separation having now set. Auspicious omens of every description occurred and kettle-
drums sounded in the sky as the Lord proceeded to the palace after blessing the men
and women of the city with His sight. (9 A-B)
rt ; rt ar n n rt+
arf rf a t-r f f n f t-r+ {+
rf f n rf t +
n fy f f r; r rrt f r;+ +
f f r r f frrr+
f fy r a f- fa r+ -+
f f r n fr r fr+
f f f t rr fa t+ +
Cau.: prabhu jn kaika lajn, prathama tsu gha gae bhavn.
thi prabodhi bahuta sukha dnh, puni nija bhavana gavana hari knh.1.
kpsidhu jaba madira gae, pura nara nri sukh saba bhae.
gura basia dvija lie bul, ju sughar sudina samud.2.
saba dvija dehu harai anussana, rmacadra baihahi

sighsana.
muni basia ke bacana suhe, sunata sakala bipranha ati bhe.3.
kahahi

bacana mdu bipra anek, jaga abhirma rma abhiek.

aba munibara bilaba nahi

kjai, mahrja kaha tilaka karjai.4.

Bhavn, (continues Lord iva,) the Lord came to know that Kaikey was ashamed
and went first to her palace. After reassuring and gratifying her much r Hari (r Rma)
then moved to His own palace. When the All-merciful entered the palace, every man and
woman of the city felt gratified. The preceptor, Vasiha called the Brhmaas and said
to them, The day and the hour, nay, all the other factors are favourable today. Therefore,
all of you, Brhmaas, be pleased to order that r Rmacandra may occupy the royal
throne. On hearing the agreeable words of the sage Vasiha all the Brhmaas warmly
welcomed them. Many of the Brhmaas spoke in endearing terms, r Rmas
coronation will bring delight to the whole world. Delay no more, O good sage, but apply
the sacred mark on the forehead of His Majesty as a token of sovereignty. (14)
a f s r a s r;
rf n aa r r;+ { (+
a r ; f n nr;
a fy f f= rs r;+ { (+

*
UTTARA-K NA
*
963
Do.: taba muni kaheu sumatra sana sunata caleu harai,
ratha aneka bahu bji gaja turata sa vre ji.10(A).
jaha taha dhvana pahai puni magala drabya magi,
haraa sameta basia pada puni siru nyau i.10(B).
The sage thereupon instructed Sumantra, who, as soon as he received the order,
merrily proceeded and forthwith got ready a number of chariots and numerous horses
and elephants. Despatching messengers here and there he sent for articles of good
omen; then gladly returning to Vasiha, he bowed his head at his feet. (10 A-B)
[PAUSE 8 FOR A NINE-DAY RECITATION]
t fa =f r; - fy rf r;+
r r - r; - -r r;+ {+
a a r ntrf aa -r+
f =rff a r f r r f=r+ +
-r atfs r; na r rrr;+
a r rar; rf a f nr;+ -+
f f r r fr n r rfn r+
f r r n n f a r+ +
Cau.: avadhapur ati rucira ban, devanha sumana bi jhari l.
rma kah sevakanha bul, prathama sakhanha anhavvahu j.1.
sunata bacana jaha taha jana dhe, sugrvdi turata anhave.
puni karunnidhi bharatu ha kre, nija kara rma ja nirure.2.
anhave prabhu tniu bh, bhagata bachala kpla raghur.
bharata bhgya prabhu komalat, sea koi sata sakahi

na g.3.
puni nija ja rma bibare, gura anussana mgi nahe.
kari majjana prabhu bhuana sje, aga anaga dekhi sata lje.4.
The city of Ayodhy was most tastefully decorated and the gods rained down a
continuous shower of flowers. r Rma called His servants and said, Go and first
arrange a bath for my comrades. The moment they heard the command the servants
ran in all promptness and quickly bathed Sugrva and the rest. The All-merciful Rma
next called Bharata and disentangled his matted hair with His own hands. The gracious
and almighty Lord of the Raghus, who is so fond of His devotees, now bathed all His
three brothers. The blessedness of Bharata and the Lords tenderness were both more
than countless eas could sing. Then r Rma disentangled His own matted hair,
and after obtaining the Gurus permission bathed Himself. Having finished His ablutions,
the Lord decked Himself with jewels; the beauty of His person put to shame hundreds
of Cupids.
r- r rff r aa r;
f n n r;+ {{ (+

964
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
r r ff rfa r = n rf
f ra t - f rf+ {{ (+
n af zrr f f
f fr r + {{ (n+
Do.: ssunha sdara jnakihi majjana turata kari,
dibya basana bara bhuana a ga a ga saje bani.11(A).
rma bma disi sobhati ram rupa guna khni,
dekhi mtu saba hara

janma suphala nija jni.11(B).

sunu khagesa tehi avasara brahm siva muni bda,
caRhi bimna e saba sura dekhana sukhakada.11(C).
(In the gynaeceum) the mothers-in-law immediately bathed Janakas Daughter
with all tenderness and carefully attired her in heavenly robes with rich jewels for every
part of Her body. On r Rmas left side shone forth Ram (Lakm) Herself, a mine of
beauty and goodness. The mothers were all delighted at the sight and accounted their
life as fully rewarded. Listen, O king of the birds: (continues Kkabhuui) on that
occasion Brahm (the Creator), Lord iva and multitudes of sages came to see the
Fountain of joy and so did all the gods, mounted on their aerial cars. (11 AC)
frf f rnr aa f frrr rnr+
f a r f r; r f- f= r;+ {+
ar a rrr; f f r;+
r a f- sr f fa r+ +
fa fy f t-r f f- r t-r+
a frf t art r r rat sart+ -+
f- r fff ff t- r r t-+
frrr fr r; f - t r;+ +
Cau.: prabhu biloki muni mana anurg, turata dibya sighsana mg.
rabi sama teja so barani na j, baihe rma dvijanha siru n.1.
janakasut sameta raghur, pekhi praharae muni samud.
beda matra taba dvijanha ucre, nabha sura muni jaya jayati pukre.2.
prathama tilaka basia muni knh, puni saba bipranha yasu dnh.
suta biloki hara

mahatr, bra bra rat utr.3.

bipranha dna bibidhi bidhi dnhe, jcaka sakala ajcaka knhe.
sighsana para tribhuana s

, dekhi suranha dudubh

baj

.4.
The soul of the sage (Vasiha) was enraptured as he gazed upon the Lord; he
sent at once for a heavenly throne, which was effulgent as the sun and defied all
description. Bowing His head to the Brhmaas, r Rma took His seat thereon. The
whole host of sages was overjoyed as they looked upon the Lord of the Raghus along-
with Janakas Daughter. Then the Brhmaas recited the Vedic hymns, while in the
heavens above the gods and sage shouted, Victory! Victory! The sage Vasiha first

*
UTTARA-K NA
*
965
of all applied the sacred mark himself and then he directed all the other Brhmaas to
do likewise. The mothers were transported with joy at the sight of their son and waved
lights above His head again and again. They bestowed a variety of gifts on the
Brhmaas and gave the beggars so much that they begged no more. Perceiving
the lord of all the three spheres seated on the throne of Ayodhy the gods sounded
their kettledrums. (14)
t rf f n f nrt
rf r r f rt+
arf ftrn rf a a
n r r f f+ fra+ {+
>rt fa f r f r;
nra ta r;+
rnrf ffr n nf- fa
r fr s - ffa + +
Cha.: nabha dudubh

bjahi

bipula gadharba kinara gvah

,
ncahi

apachar bda paramnada sura muni pvah

.
bharatdi anuja bibhangada hanumaddi sameta te,
gahe chatra cmara byajana dhanu asi carma sakti birjate.1.
r sahita dinakara basa bhuana kma bahu chabi soha,
nava abudhara bara gta abara pta sura mana moha.
mukugaddi bicitra bhuana aga aganhi prati saje,
abhoja nayana bisla ura bhuja dhanya nara nirakhati je.2.
A large number of kettledrums sounded in the heavens above; the Gandharvas
and Kinnaras (the celestial musicians) sang and heavenly nymphs danced to the
supreme delight of the gods and sages. Bharata, Lakmaa and atrughna with
Vibhaa, Agada, Hanumn and the rest shone forth beside the Lord each holding
severally the royal umbrella, chowrie, fan, bow, sword with shield and spear. With
Lakm (St) by His side the Jewel of the solar race shone forth with the beauty of a
myriad Cupids. His exquisite form, possessing the hue of a fresh rain-cloud, clad in
yellow robes, enchanted the soul of gods. A diadem, armlets and other marvellous
ornaments adorned the various parts of His body; He had lotus-like eyes and a broad
chest and long arms. Blessed indeed are those men who behold such a form. (1-2)
rr r a ; n
f r >rfa r r + { (+
fr fr tafa f n f f r
t a r >rtr+ { (=r+

966
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
t- fa r rfr
s r n n nr+ { (n+
Do.: vaha sobh samja sukha kahata na banai khagesa,
baranahi

srada sea ruti so rasa jna mahesa.12(A).

bhinna bhinna astuti kari gae sura nija nija dhma,
bad bea beda taba e jaha rrma.12(B).
prabhu sarbagya knha ati dara kpnidhna,
lakheu na khu

marama kachu lage karana guna gna.12(C).

O king of the birds, (continues Kkabhuui), the beauty of the sight, the
uniqueness of the assembly and the delight of the occasion each defied description.
rad (the goddess of learning), ea (the thousand-headed serpent-god) and the
Vedas ever describe them; while their sapor is known to the great Lord iva alone.
Having severally hymned the Lords praises the gods returned each to his own abode.
Then came the Vedas, in the disguise of bards, into the presence of r Rma. The
omniscient and All-merciful Lord received them with great honour, though no else could
penetrate into the mystery; and the bards began to recite His praises: (12 AC)
n fn = = fr
rf z ff +
ar r r ff r=
ar r + f+ r+ {+
a f rr r rn n n
a fa f ff r n f +
r f =r fr frff a f
- - r r+ +
r r f-r a f f+ rt
a r; rf a a t+
ftr f r ff r a r;
f r a f >r af r r r+ -+
f f ffat at
fnar f far rr rf t+
f a fa f
r f- r+ +

*
UTTARA-K NA
*
967
+rf a= - rf fnrn
rr t rr+
n ff f f f rf>ra
a a fa r f r+ ~+
zr anr rt
a r r a n fa nrt+
=ra nr rnt
fr af a rnt+ +
Cha.: jaya saguna nirguna r upa r upa an upa bh upa siromane,
dasakadhardi pracaa nisicara prabala khala bhuja bala hane.
avatra nara sasra bhra bibhaji druna dukha dahe,
jaya pranatapla dayla prabhu sajukta sakti nammahe.1.
tava biama my basa sursura nga nara aga jaga hare,
bhava patha bhramata amita divasa nisi kla karma gunani bhare.
je ntha kari karun biloke tribidhi dukha te nirbahe,
bhava kheda chedana daccha hama kahu raccha rma nammahe.2.
je gyna mna bimatta tava bhava harani bhakti na dar,
te pi sura durlabha paddapi parata hama dekhata har.
bisvsa kari saba sa parihari dsa tava je hoi rahe,
japi nma tava binu rama tarah bhava ntha so samarmahe.3.
je carana siva aja pujya raja subha parasi munipatin tar,
nakha nirgat muni badit trailoka pvani surasar.
dhvaja kulisa akusa kaja juta bana phirata kaaka kina lahe,
pada kaja dvada mukuda rma ramesa nitya bhajmahe.4.
abyaktamulamandi taru tvaca cri nigamgama bhane,
aa kadha skh paca bsa aneka parna sumana ghane.
phala jugala bidhi kau madhura beli akeli jehi rita rahe,
pallavata phulata navala nita sasra biapa nammahe.5.
je brahma ajamadvaitamanubhavagamya manapara dhyvah ,
te kahahu jnahu ntha hama tava saguna jasa nita gvah.
karunyatana prabhu sadagunkara deva yaha bara mgah ,
mana bacana karma bikra taji tava carana hama anurgah.6.
Hail, Crest-Jewel of kings, incomparable is your beauty; though transcending
My and her attributes, you possess innumerable divine attributes. You killed by the
might of Your arm fierce, mighty and wicked demons like the ten-headed Rvaa.
Appearing in human garb, you crushed the armies that constituted the Earths burden
and ended her terrible woes. Hail, merciful Lord, Protector of the suppliant ! We adore

968
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
you with Your Spouse. Subject to Your relentless My (deluding potency), O Hari,
gods and demons, Ngas and human beings, nay, all animate and inanimate beings
wander for numberless days and nights in the path of metempsychosis impelled by
Time, Karma (destiny) and the Guas (modes of Prakti). Those, O Lord, whom You
ever regarded with compassion have been rid of the threefold affliction. Protect us,
Rma, prompt as You are in putting an end to the toils of mundane existence; we
adore You. Intoxicated with the pride of wisdom, they who respect not Devotion to
You, which takes away the fear of transmigration, may climb up to a rank which even
gods find it difficult to attain; yet, O Hari, we see them fall from it. On the other hand,
they who have abandoned all other hopes and with unqualified faith choose to remain
Your servants easily cross the ocean of transmigration by merely repeating Your
name. It is for this reason, O Lord, that we particularly invoke You. O Mukunda
(Bestower of Liberation), O Rma, O Lord of Ram (Lakm), we ever adore Your
lotus-feet, which are worthy of adoration to Lord iva and the unborn Brahm, the
touch of whose blessed dust redeemed Ahaly (the wife of the sage Gautama), from
whose nails flowed the heavenly stream (Gag)which is reverenced even by the
sages and sanctifies all the three spheres and the soles of which, while bearing
the marks of a flag, thunderbolt, goad and lotus, are further adorned by scars left by
thorns that pricked them in course of Your wanderings in the forest. We further adore
You as the tree of the universe, which, as the Vedas and the gamas (Tantras)
declare, has its root in the Unmanifest (Brahma) and has existed from time without
beginning; which has four coats* of bark, six stems, twenty-five boughs, numberless
leaves and abundant flowers; which bears two kinds of fruitsbitter and sweet,
which has a solitary creeper clinging to it and which puts on ever fresh foliage and
evernew flowers. Let those who meditate on Brahma (the Absolute) as unborn, the
one without a second, perceptible only through intuition and as beyond the ken of
mind, preach and believe like that. We, for our part, O Lord, ever chant the glories
of Your visible form. O All-merciful and All-effulgent Lord, O mine of noble virtues,
this is the boon we ask of You: may we love Your feet, casting off all aberrations of
thought, word and deed. (16)
a - fat tf- sr
ar f n zr rnr+ {- (+
a a r rrt
f a nn fnr fa t+ {- (+
* The four states of consciousness, viz., waking life -1) dream -+) sound sleep `) and the
pure impersonal state ) are the four coats of bark referred to here; the six states of existence, viz., to be
`-) to come into being -) to undergo transformation `+`) to grow ;) to decay ) and to
perish `)are the six stems; the twenty-five categories of which this world of matter is composed (viz.,
Prakti or Primordial Matter, Mahat or Cosmic Reason, Ahakra or the Cosmic Ego-sense, Manas or the
Cosmic Mind, Citta or the Cosmic Intellect, the five senses of perception, viz., the senses of hearing, touch,
sight, taste and smell, the five subtle elements (Tanmtrs) and the five Mahbhutas are the twenty-five
boughs; the countless latent desires are the numberless leaves, the numerous acts of volition to attain such
desires are the abundant flowers, pleasure and pain are the twofold fruit and My (Cosmic Illusion) is the
creeper that clings to this tree of the universe.

*
UTTARA-K NA
*
969
Do.: saba ke dekhata bedanha binat knhi udra,
atardhna bhae puni gae brahma gra.13(A).
bainateya sunu sabhu taba e jaha raghubra,
binaya karata gadagada gir purita pulaka sarra.13(B).
While everyone looked on, the Vedas uttered their grand prayer; and then they
vanished out of sight and returned to Brahms abode (Satyaloka or the seventh
Paradise). Listen, O Garua (son of Vinat): then came ambhu (Lord iva) into the
presence of r Rma (the Hero of Raghus line) and with a choking voice and every hair
on his body standing erect He thus made supplication: (13 A-B)
r r ar r rf +
fr rna rna rf r+ { +
t fr t r a f r f f =r+
t an r a z + +
f z z r=a a r r fn +
r r ar t a fr a t+ - +
ra fra fra f n rn rn f+
fa r rf rf fr r f + +
rn frnf- rn frr fr +
f nr a a+ ~ +
fa t t t fat f- tfa t +
a r f- f a a r fa- + +
f rn r r r fa- r fr+
f a a ra r f -rna rn r r+ +
f fa f a q f+
rf fr rt a t ffa t+ c +
f r n rrt r t +
a r rf rf t rn rn r t+ +
n t r ra rf fa >rt+
rr f rr fr fr t+ {+
Cha.: jaya rma ramramana samana, bhava tpa bhaykula phi jana.
avadhesa suresa ramesa bibho, sarangata mgata phi prabho. 1.
dasassa binsana bsa bhuj, kta duri mah mahi bhuri ruj.
rajancara bda pataga rahe, sara pvaka teja pracaa dahe. 2.
mahi maala maana crutara, dhta syaka cpa niaga bara.
mada moha mah mamat rajan, tama puja divkara teja an. 3.

970
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
manajta kirta nipta kie, mga loga kubhoga sarena hie.
hati ntha anthani phi hare, biay bana pva ra bhuli pare. 4 .
bahu roga biyoganhi loga hae, bhavadaghri nirdara ke phala e.
bhava sidhu agdha pare narate, pada pakaja prema na je karate. 5 .
ati dna malna dukh nitah

, jinha ke pada pakaja prti nah

.
avalaba bhavata kath jinhake , priya sata anata sad tinha ke . 6 .
nahi

rga na lobha na mna mad, tinha ke sama baibhava b bipad.

ehi te tava sevaka hota mud, muni tygata joga bharosa sad. 7 .
kari prema niratara nema lie , pada pakaja sevata suddha hie .
sama mni nirdara darah, saba sata sukh bicarati mah. 8 .
muni mnasa pakaja bhga bhaje, raghubra mah ranadhra aje.
tava nma japmi nammi har, bhava roga mahgada mna ar. 9 .
guna sla kp paramyatana, pranammi niratara rramana.
raghunada nikadaya dvadvaghana, mahipla bilokaya dnajana.10.
Hail to You, Rma, Rams (Sts) Spouse, Reliever of the afflictions of worldly
existence ! Protect this servant, who is obsessed with the fear of transmigration. O
King of Ayodhy, Ruler of the gods, Lord of Lakm, all-pervading Master! Having fled
to You for refuge, I implore You: pray, extend Your protection to Me. By disposing
of Rvaa who possessed as many as ten heads and twenty arms. You rid the earth
of many a severe scourge. The hosts of demons were a veritable swarm of moths
that were reduced to ashes by the fierce glow of Your fire-like arrows. An exceedingly
beautiful jewel of the terrestrial globe, You have armed Yourself with an excellent bow,
arrows and quiver. You are a radiant sun as it were to disperse the thick darkness
prevailing in the night of pride, gross ignorance and attachment. The hunter in the form
of lust has laid low the human deer by piercing his heart with the shafts of evil desire:
O Lord ! pray, kill the hunter and thus save the life of these poor helpless creatures,
lost as they are in the wilderness of sensuality, O Hari ! People are stricken with a
host of diseases and bereavements, which are surely the result of neglecting Your
feet. Those men who cherish no love for your lotus-feet continue to drift in the fathomless
ocean of mundane existence. They are ever most wretched, impure and unhappy, who
have no devotion to Your lotus-feet. On the other hand, they who derive their sustenance
from Your stories hold the saints and the eternal Lord (Yourself) as constantly dear
to them. They are free from passion, greed, pride and arrogance; prosperity and
adversity are alike to them. That is why sages give up forever all faith in Yoga (mental
discipline) and gladly become Your servants. With a pure heart and under a solemn
pledge they constantly and lovingly adore Your lotus-feet. Regarding honour and
ignominy alike, all such saints move about happily on earth. O Hero of Raghus line,
invincible and exceedingly staunch in battle, indwelling as a bee the lotus heart of sages,
I take refuge in You. I repeat Your Name and bow to You, O Hari; You are a sovereign
remedy for the disease of birth and death and an enemy of pride. I constantly greet
You, Lakms Spouse, supreme abode of goodness, amiability and compassion. O
Delight of the Raghus, put an end to all pairs of contrary experiences (such as joy
and sorrow, pleasure and pain, attraction and repulsion, etc.); O Ruler of the earth,
just cast a glance on this humble servant. (110)

*
UTTARA-K NA
*
971
r r rns f >rtn
r rt nfa r an+ { (+
f srfa r n f n r
a f- fr ff r+ { (+
Do.: bra bra bara mgau harai dehu rraga,
pada saroja anapyan bhagati sad satasaga.14(A).
barani umpati rma guna harai gae kailsa,
taba prabhu kapinha dive saba bidhi sukhaprada bsa.14(B).
Again and again I ask only this boon of Yoube pleased to grant it, O Lord of
Lakm: unceasing devotion to Your lotus-feet and constant communion with your
devotees. Having thus hymned r Rmas praises, Ums Lord (iva) joyously
returned to Kailsa. The Lord then assigned the monkeys residences that were
comfortable in every respect. (14 A-B)
nfa r rt frf ar rt+
rr fr a f ffa fr+ {+
r f nrf fa rr ff rf+
f n rt ar rrfa rt+ +
f f+ fa = f; f nfa nfa fa ;+
nfa r r t tfa fr rr t+ -+
ffa f nfa t r t at+
fa n t fa f rn t+ +
fa ; tfa r f-f a f f +
n r fr f- r rr ff r+ ~+
Cau.: sunu khagapati yaha kath pvan, tribidha tpa bhava bhaya dvan.
mahrja kara subha abhiek, sunata lahahi

nara birati bibek.1.

je sakma nara sunahi

je gvahi

, sukha sapati nn bidhi pvahi

.
sura durlabha sukha kari jaga mh

, atakla raghupati pura jh

.2.
sunahi

bimukta birata aru bia, lahahi

bhagati gati sapati na.

khagapati rma kath mai

baran, svamati bilsa trsa dukha haran.3.

birati bibeka bhagati dRha karan, moha nad kaha sudara taran.
nita nava magala kausalapur, haraita rahahi

loga saba kur.4.

nita nai prti rma pada pakaja, saba ke jinhahi namata siva muni aja.
magana bahu prakra pahire, dvijanha dna nn bidhi pe.5.
Listen, O king of the birds, (continues Kkabhuui): this story purifies the heart
and rids one of the threefold affliction and the fear of birth and death. By hearing the
narrative of King Rmas blessed Coronation men acquire dispassion and discernment.
Those men who hear or sing it with some interested motive attain happiness and
prosperity of every kind; after enjoying in this world pleasures to which even gods can
scarce attain they ascend to r Rmas divine Abode at the end of their earthly career.
If a liberated soul, a man of dispassion and a sensual person hear it, they severally

972
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
obtain Devotion, final beatitude and everincreasing prosperity. O king of the birds,
(continues Kkabhuui,) the story of r Rma, that I have narrated according to my
own lights, takes away the fear of birth and death and rids one of sorrow. It confirms
ones dispassion, discernment and devotion and is a splendid boat to take one across
the river of ignorance. Everyday there was some new rejoicing in Kosalapura (the city
of Ayodhy) people of all classes were happy. Everybody cherished an ever-growing
affection for r Rmas lotus-feet, which are adored even by Lord iva, Brahm (the
Unborn) and the sages. Mendicants were provided with clothes of various kinds; while
the twice-born (Brhmaas) received gifts of every description. (15)
zr r n f tfa
ra r f fa- n r tfa+ {~+
Do.: brahmnada magana kapi saba ke prabhu pada prti,
jta na jne divasa tinha gae msa aa bti.15.
The monkeys were drowned in the joy of absorption into Brahma; all were devoted to
the Lords feet. Days rolled by them unnoticed till a period of six months had elapsed.(15)
f n f rt ff r a rt+
a rrfa r rr r; f- r f= r+ {+
tfa t r na sr+
ar fa tf- rf r; f ff zr;+ +
ara rf ar fa f rn fa rfn -rn+
r fa t n fr t+ -+
f f arf rr r s r rr+
f tat r f r tat+ +
Cau.: bisare gha sapanehu sudhi nh

, jimi paradroha sata mana mh

.
taba raghupati saba sakh bole, i sabanhi sdara siru ne.1.
parama prti sampa baihre, bhagata sukhada mdu bacana ucre.
tumha ati knhi mori sevak, mukha para kehi bidhi karau baR.2.
tte mohi tumha ati priya lge, mama hita lgi bhavana sukha tyge.
anuja rja sapati baideh, deha geha parivra saneh.3.
saba mama priya nahi

tumhahi samn, m na kahau mora yaha bn.

saba ke priya sevaka yaha nt, more adhika dsa para prt.4.
They had forgotten their home so completely that they never thought of it even in
a dream any more than a saint would harbour ill-will towards another. The Lord of the
Raghus then called all His comrades; all came and bowed their heads with reverence.
Most lovingly He seated them by His side and addressed them in tender words, which
were the delight of devotees: You have rendered unstinted service to Me; but how can
I praise you to your face? You renounced your home and comforts on My account; hence
you have endeared yourselves most to Me. My younger brothers, My crown, My fortune,
St (My spouse), My life, My home, My near and dear once are all dear to Me; but none
so dear as you; I tell you no untruth, I simply reveal My nature to you. Every master, as
a rule, loves his servant; but I, for one, am exceptionally fond of My servants. (14)

*
UTTARA-K NA
*
973
n r r rf
r na fa rf fa + {+
Do.: aba gha jhu sakh saba bhajehu mohi dRha nema,
sad sarbagata sarbahita jni karehu ati prema.16.
Now, My comrades, return to your homes all of you, and, worship Me with a
steadfast vow. Knowing Me as omnipresent and friendly to all, love Me most dearly. (16)
f n r r ff a n+
rf rn f f fa rn+ {+
fa- r r fff ff r fr+
- rf f f r frf+ +
a nr rr n r+
ntf f fr a f r r+ -+
fa f fr rfa rrfa r+
n r f zrr tfa f arf rr+ +
Cau.: suni prabhu bacana magana saba bhae, ko hama kah

bisari tana gae.

ekaaka rahe jori kara ge, sakahi

na kachu kahi ati anurge.1.

parama prema tinha kara prabhu dekh, kah bibidhi bidhi gyna bise.
prabhu sanmukha kachu kahana na prahi

, puni puni carana saroja nihrahi

.2.
taba prabhu bh uana basana mage, nn raga anupa suhe.
sugrvahi prathamahi

pahire, basana bharata nija htha bane.3.

prabhu prerita lachimana pahire, lakpati raghupati mana bhe.
agada baiha rah nahi

ol, prti dekhi prabhu thi na bol.4.

On hearing the Lords words all were so enraptured that they forgot their bodily
existence and did not know who and where they were. Joining their palms they stood
looking on with unwinking eyes; they were too overwhelmed with love to speak anything.
The Lord perceived their excessive fondness and gave them special instruction in
wisdom inculcating the truth on them in various ways. They, however, could not utter a
word in the presence of the Lord; they would simply gaze on His lotus-feet again and
again. The Lord then called for jewels and costumes of various colours, incomparably
beautiful; and Bharata with his own hands got ready a set with which he invested
Sugrva first of all. By the Lords command Lakmaa then invested Vibhaa (the king
of Lak) with another set, which gladdened the heart of r Rma (the Lord of the
Raghus). Agada, however, remained seated and refused to stir; and the Lord who saw
his affection did not call him. (14)
ra trf fr rrr
f f r = r; r+ { (+
a n sf r; f= rf
fa fta rs rf+ { (+

974
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Do.: jmavata nldi saba pahire raghuntha,
hiya dhari rma rupa saba cale ni pada mtha.17(A).
taba agada uhi ni siru sajala nayana kara jori,
ati binta boleu bacana manahu prema rasa bori.17(B).
Then the Lord of the Raghus Himself invested with clothes and jewels Jmbavn,
Nla and all the rest; and enshrining r Rmas image in their heart they all bowed their
heads at His feet and took their leave. Now Agada arose and bowed his head; and with
joined palms and eyes full of tears he addressed the Lord in words which were not only
most polite but steeped as it were in the nectar of love: (17 A-B)
r fr t r ra r+
at r rf rt ns arrf r rrrt+ {+
f rt rf f a na fart+
r ar n fa rar rs r af rar+ +
arf frf rr af r rr+
r r fq tr r r tr+ -+
tf n fs frf afs+
f s rt f r n rt+ +
Cau.: sunu sarbagya kp sukha sidho, dna daykara rata badho.
marat bera ntha mohi bl, gayau tumhrehi koche ghl.1.
asarana sarana biradu sabhr, mohi jani tajahu bhagata hitakr.
more tumha prabhu gura pitu mt, ju kah

taji pada jalajt.2.

tumhahi bicri kahahu naranh, prabhu taji bhavana kja mama kh.
blaka gyna buddhi bala hn, rkhahu sarana ntha jana dn.3.
nci ahala gha kai saba karihau , pada pakaja biloki bhava tarihau .
asa kahi carana pareu prabhu ph, aba jani ntha kahahu gha jh.4.
Listen, all-wise, all-merciful and all-blissful Lord, full of compassion to the meek and
the befriender of the afflicted; it was in Your charge, my lord, that Vli (my father) left me
while departing from this world. Therefore, recalling Your vow of affording protection to the
forlorn, forsake me not, O benefactor of the devotees. You are my master, preceptor, father
and mother, all in one; where can I go, leaving Your lotus-feet? Ponder Yourself and tell
me, O Ruler of men; severed from You, of what use is my home to me? Extend Your
protection to this humble servant, a mere child, without knowledge, reason or strength. I
will do all menial service in your household and shall cross the ocean of mundane
existence by the mere sight of Your lotus-feet. So saying he fell at His feet, adding, Save
me, my lord, and tell me no more, my master, to return home. (14)
n fta f rrfa =r t
sr; s rs rt+ {c (+
f s r f rfa fr;
fr tf- nr a r rr;+ {c (+
Do.: agada bacana binta suni raghupati karun sva,
prabhu uhi ura lyau sajala nayana rjva.18(A).

*
UTTARA-K NA
*
975
nija ura mla basana mani blitanaya pahiri,
bid knhi bhagavna taba bahu prakra samujhi.18(B).
Hearing Agadas humble entreaty Lord r Rma, the perfection of tenderness,
raised him and clasped him to His bosom, His lotus eyes streaming with tears.
Investing Vlis son (Agada) with the garland that hung on His own bosom as well as
with His own robes and jewels, the Lord then sent him away with many words of
consolation. (18 A-B)
a ffr ar na a ar+
n z f rr ff ff fa r t rr+ {+
r r z rr f rf rr+
r frf rf t ff ff ra f ft+ +
= f f rt s z rt+
fa r f r r;- fa a f r+ -+
a nt nf rr rfa f t- rr+
f f rrfa r f a fs r+ +
- ar rr r; r rnrr+
f f aar n ; ar+ ~+
Cau.: bharata anuja saumitri samet, pahavana cale bhagata kta cet.
agada hdaya prema nahi

thor, phiri phiri citava rma k

or.1.
bra bra kara daa pranm, mana asa rahana kahahi

mohi rm.
rma bilokani bolani calan, sumiri sumiri socata ha si milan.2.
prabhu rukha dekhi binaya bahu bh, caleu hdaya pada pakaja rkh.
ati dara saba kapi pahu ce, bhinha sahita bharata puni e.3.
taba sugrva carana gahi nn, bh

ti binaya knhe hanumn.

dina dasa kari raghupati pada sev, puni tava carana dekhihau dev.4.
punya puja tumha pavanakumr, sevahu ji kp gr.
asa kahi kapi saba cale turat, agada kahai sunahu hanumat.5.
Conscious of the devotees services, Bharata as well as his younger brother
(atrughna) and Lakmaa (Sumitrs son) proceeded to see them off. Agadas heart
was so full of love that he would turn again and again to have one more look at r Rma.
He would repeatedly prostrate himself on the ground and expected that r Rma might ask
him to stay on. He became sad as he recalled the characteristic way in which r Rma
looked, talked, walked and smilingly greeted His friends. But when he perceived in the
Lords look what was in His mind, he departed with many a word of prayer, impressing His
lotus-feet on his heart. Having seen all the monkeys off with utmost respect, Bharata and
his younger brothers returned. Then Hanumn (who had evidently accompanied his
master to see him off) clasped the feet of Sugrva and sought his favour in many ways :
After spending ten more days in the service of r Rma (the Lord of the Raghus), if you
please, I will see your feet again, my master. A storehouse of merit as you are, O son of
the wind-god, you go and serve the All-merciful. So saying, all the monkeys forthwith
departed. Agada, however, tarried to say, Listen, Hanumn: (15)

976
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
za arf s rf
r r rrrf fa r rf+ { (+
f s rfa ff rs a
ar tfa t n na+ { (+
f rf r fa r rf
f-r n r fr ; rf+ { (n+
Do.: kahehu daavata prabhu sai

tumhahi kahau kara jori,

bra bra raghunyakahi surati karehu mori.19(A).
asa kahi caleu blisuta phiri yau hanumata,
tsu prti prabhu sana kah magana bhae bhagavata.19(B).
kulisahu chi kahora ati komala kusumahu chi,
citta khagesa rma kara samujhi parai kahu khi.19(C).
With joined palms I beseech you: please convey my prostrations to the Lord and
remember me to r Rma (the Lord of the Raghus) from time to time. So saying, Vlis
son (Agada) started on his journey; while Hanumn came back and told the Lord of
Agadas love, which filled the Lord with ecstatic delight. Harder far than adamant and
softer than a flower is the heart of r Rma, O king of the birds, (continues Kkabhuui):
tell me, who can know it ? (19 AC)
f r fr rf frr t- rr+
r f + {+
ar r a rar r ra rar+
a sr rt s f r rt+ +
f s f n rr rs ff- rr+
rrfa fa f rt f f f - rt+ -+
r r rrr fa n rr+
= r r; r ar far r;+ +
Cau.: puni kpla liyo boli nid, dnhe bhuana basana prasd.
jhu bhavana mama sumirana kareh u, mana krama bacana dharma anusareh u.1.
tumha mama sakh bharata sama bhrt, sad rahehu pura vata jt.
bacana sunata upaj sukha bhr, pareu carana bhari locana br.2.
carana nalina ura dhari gha v, prabhu subhu parijananhi sunv.
raghupati carita dekhi purabs, puni puni kahahi

dhanya sukhars.3.
rma rja baihe trailok, haraita bhae gae saba sok.
bayaru na kara khu sana ko, rma pratpa biamat kho.4.
Next the All-merciful summoned the Nida chief (Guha) and presented him with
jewels and raiment as a token of His pleasure. Now return to your home; but remember
Me and follow the dictates of religion in thought, word and deed. You, My friend, are as

*
UTTARA-K NA
*
977
much My brother as Bharata; you must continue to visit the capital every now and then.
Guha was immensely gratified to hear these words; he fell at the Lords feet, his eyes full of
tears. Enshrining an image of His lotus feet in his heart he returned home and told his
kinsmen of the Lords amiable disposition. Witnessing the doings of r Rma (the Lord of
the Raghus) the citizens repeatedly said, Blessed is the All-blissful Lord ! r Rmas
installation to the throne brought joy to all the three spheres and ended all their sorrows. No
one bore enmity to another; r Rmas glory had obliterated all disharmony. (14)
r>r f f fa rn
f r rf f f r rn+ +
Do.: baranrama nija nija dharama nirata beda patha loga,
calahi

sad pvahi

sukhahi nahi

bhaya soka na roga.20.

Devoted to duty each according to his own caste and stage of life, the people trod
the path of the Vedas and enjoyed happiness. They knew no fear, nor sorrow nor
disease. (20)
f f fa arr r r f rf rr+
f t tat f t fa >rfa tat+ {+
rfs n rt f r rr rt +
r nfa a = rt nfa frt+ +
r- f fs tr f= tr+
f f rs t tr f rs - tr+ -+
f a t = rf a nt+
n fza rt a f rt+ +
Cau.: daihika daivika bhautika tp, rma rja nahi

khuhi byp.
saba nara karahi

paraspara prt, calahi

svadharma nirata ruti nt.1.

criu carana dharma jaga mh

, p uri rah sapanehu agha nh

.
rma bhagati rata nara aru nr, sakala parama gati ke adhikr.2.
alpamtyu nahi

kavaniu pr, saba sudara saba biruja sarr.

nahi

daridra kou dukh na dn, nahi

kou abudha na lacchana hn.3.

saba nirdabha dharmarata pun, nara aru nri catura saba gun.
saba gunagya paita saba gyn, saba ktagya nahi

kapaa sayn.4.
In the whole of r Rmas dominions there was none who suffered from affliction
of any kindwhether of the body, or proceeding from divine or supernatural agencies or
that caused by another living being. All men loved one another : each followed ones
prescribed duty, conformably to the precepts of the Vedas. Dharma with its four pillars
(viz., truth, purityboth external and internal, compassion and charity) reigned everywhere
throughout the world; no one even dreamt of sin. Men and women alike were devoted
to r Rmas worship and all were qualified for final beatitude. There was no premature
death nor suffering of any kind; everyone was comely and sound of body. No one was
destitute, afflicted or miserable; no one was stupid or devoid of auspicious marks. All
were unaffectedly good, pious and virtuous; all were clever and accomplished both
men and women. Everyone recognized the merits of others and was learned and wise;

978
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
nay, everyone acknowledged the services and benefits received from others and there
was no guileful prudence. (14)
r r n r n rf
r r n a rf rf+ {+
Do.: rma rja nabhagesa sunu sacarcara jaga mhi

,
kla karma subhva guna kta dukha khuhi nhi

.21.
Listen, O king of the birds, (continues Kkabhuui,) during r Rmas reign
there was not a creature in this world, animate or inanimate, that was liable to any of the
sufferings attributable to time, past conduct, personal temperament and character. (21)
f e rn r rrfa rr+
r fa r ar a ar+ {+
r fr ra t a tar rrt+
rs fr n f- rt ff f fa fa- fa rt+ +
rs r tr f r f tr+
r r r f ; t rr+ -+
sr srt f rt+
rf a a rrt a fa fart+ +
Cau.: bhumi sapta sgara mekhal, eka bh upa raghupati kosal.
bhuana aneka roma prati jsu, yaha prabhut kachu bahuta na tsu.1.
so mahim samujhata prabhu ker, yaha baranata hnat ghaner.
sou mahim khagesa jinha jn, phiri ehi

carita tinhahu rati mn.2.

sou jne kara phala yaha ll, kahahi

mah munibara damasl.

rma rja kara sukha sapad, barani na sakai phansa srad.3.
saba udra saba para upakr, bipra carana sevaka nara nr.
ekanri brata rata saba jhr, te mana baca krama pati hitakr.4.
r Rma (the Lord of the Raghus), who reigned in Ayodhy, was the undisputed
sovereign of the entire globe girdled by the seven oceans. This lordship (of the entire
globe) was nothing great for Him every hair-hole in whose (Cosmic) body contains
myriads of universes. To him who has realized such infinite greatness of the Lord,
even this description (viz., to speak of Him as the sovereign of the entire globe) will
sound highly disparaging. But even those, O king of the birds, (continues Kkabhuui)
who have realized the greatness of the Lord (as indicated above) have turned round
and conceived a fondness for this story of the Lord. For the immediate perception of
such exploits of the Lord is the reward of knowing His infinite greatness; so declare
the greatest of sages that have subdued their senses. The happiness and prosperity
of r Rmas reign were more than even ea (the serpent-god) and rad (the
goddess of learning) could describe. All were generous and all beneficent; men and
women alike were devoted to the feet of the Brhmaas. Every husband was pledged
to a vow of monogamy and the wives too were devoted to their husband in thought,
word and deed. (14)

*
UTTARA-K NA
*
979
z fa- a - r
ta f f r r+ +
Do.: daa jatinha kara bheda jaha nartaka ntya samja,
jtahu manahi sunia asa rmacadra ke rja.22.
Daa* was never seen save in the hands of the recluse and Bheda too had
ceased to exist except among the dancers in a dancing party. Even so the order Conquer !
was heard only with reference to the mind throughout the realm of r Rmacandra. (22)
f f r a= r f n n r+
n n = fr; f- t tfa r;+ {+
f n n rr r f f r+
ta f r na f f r+ +
ar f rn t rar nt+
f r r t rar ; an t+ -+
nt fnf- fff f rt nr-rr n rt+
far f rt ta tr rt+ +
rn f rr t zrf af- t+
f azrnr fa r fr frnr+ ~+
Cau.: phulahi

pharahi

sad taru knana, rahahi

eka sa ga gaja pacnana.

khaga mga sahaja bayaru bisar, sabanhi paraspara prti baRh.1.
kujahi

khaga mga nn bd, abhaya carahi

bana karahi

anad.
stala surabhi pavana baha mad, gujata ali lai cali makarad.2.
lat biapa mge madhu cavah

, manabhvato dhenu paya sravah

.
sasi sapanna sad raha dharan, tret

bhai ktajuga kai karan.3.

praga

girinha bibidhi mani khn, jagadtam bh upa jaga jn.

sarit sakala bahahi

bara br, stala amala svda sukhakr.4.

sgara nija marajd

rahah

, rahi

ratna taanhi nara lahah

.
sarasija sakula sakala taRg, ati prasanna dasa dis bibhg.5.
Trees in the forest blossomed and bore fruit throughout the year; the elephant and
the lion lived together as friends. Nay, birds and beasts of every description had
forgotten their natural animosities and developed friendly relations with one another.
Birds sang and beasts fearlessly moved about in the woods in distinct herds, making
merry all the time. The air breathed cool, soft and fragrant; bees hummed even as they
* Our scriptures have recognized four common methods of persuasion, viz., (1) Sma (argument or
expostulation), (2) Dna (inducement in the shape of gift etc.), (3) Daa (use of force or corporal
punishment) and (4) Bheda (sowing seeds of dissension); it is the last two of the above four methods that
are evidently referred to in this context. There is however, a pun on these words. The word Daa when
used with reference to a recluse denotes the staff which he is required to carry as a symbol of self-restraint;
and Bheda ordinarily means variety. The poet thus seeks to convey through this verse that during r
Rmas reign such absolute harmony and moral uprightness prevailed throughout the world that the last
two methods of persuasion had become entirely obsolete. The word Daa was understood only in the
sense of a staff carried by a Sanys and the word Bheda merely conveyed the variety of notes and
cadence displayed in music and dancing. Similarly, since there was no enemy to conquer, the only object
to be conquered was the mind.

980
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
moved about laden with honey. Creepers and trees dropped honey to those who asked
for it; cows yielded milk to ones hearts content. The earth was ever clothed with crops;
even in the Tret age the conditions of the Satyayuga prevailed. Conscious of the fact
that the Ruler of the earth was no other than the Universal Spirit, the mountains brought
to light their mines containing jewels of every description. Every river carried in it
excellent watercool, transparent and pleasant to the taste. The oceans kept within
their bounds and scattered jewels on their shores for men to gather. Ponds were all thick
with lotuses and every quarter was clear and bright. (15)
f f f- f a af r
rn rf f r r+ -+
Do.: bidhu mahi pura mayukhanhi rabi tapa jetanehi kja,
mge brida dehi

jala rmacadra ke rja.23.

The moon flooded the earth with her rays, while the sun shone just as much as
was necessary. Similarly clouds poured forth showers for the mere asking so long as
r Rmacandra wielded the sceptre. (23)
rf- rf t- r f- t-+
>rfa r nrata = rn + {+
fa r tar rr rf t ftar+
rfa rf ar; fa r;+ +
uf n ft f r r ff nt+
f n fr ; r r ;+ -+
f ff rf r; r; >rt r ff r;+
rrf r n rt ; f- r rt+ +
sr r zrrf far nr aaffar+ ~+
Cau.: koinha bjimedha prabhu knhe, dna aneka dvijanha kaha dnhe.
ruti patha plaka dharma dhuradhara, guntta aru bhoga puradara.1.
pati anukula sad raha st, sobh khni susla bint.
jnati kpsidhu prabhut, sevati carana kamala mana l.2.
jadyapi gha sevaka sevakin, bipula sad sev bidhi gun.
nija kara gha paricaraj kara, rmacadra yasu anusara.3.
jehi bidhi kpsidhu sukha mnai, soi kara r sev bidhi jnai.
kausalydi ssu gha mh

, sevai sabanhi mna mada nh

.4.
um ram brahmdi badit, jagadab satatamanidit.5.
The Lord performed myriads of horse-sacrifices and bestowed innumerable gifts
on the Brhmaas. The Defender of the Vedic usage and the champion of righteousness,
He transcended the three modes of Prakti (Sattva, Rajas and Tamas) and was another
Indra (the lord of paradise) so for as enjoyment was concerned. A mine of beauty,
virtuous and meek, St was ever devoted to Her lord. She knew the greatness of the
All-merciful Lord and adored His lotus-feet with a devoted heart. Although there were
many man-servants and maid-servants in Her palace, all expert in the art of service,
She did all household work with Her own hands and carried out the behests of

*
UTTARA-K NA
*
981
r Rmacandra. St invariably did what would afford delight to the All-merciful,
conversant as She was with the art of service. Devoid of pride and conceit, She waited
upon Kausaly and all the other mothers-in-law in the palace. Um, (continues Lord
iva,) St was no other than Goddess Ram (Lakm), the Mother of the universe, who
is adored even by Brahm and other gods and is ever flawless. (15)
r r r- ra fa r;
r rf fa fa rf r;+ +
Do.: Jsu kp kacchu sura chata citava na soi,
rma padrabida rati karati subhvahi khoi.24.
The same Lakm whose benign look is craved by the gods but who never casts a
glance at them constantly loves r Rmas lotus feet, forgetting Her natural majesty. (24)
f r r; r fa fa fr;+
fra t r f t+ {+
r f ra- tat rr rfa frf tat+
fa f n rnr f rnr+ +
ff fff ra t >rtrrt fa t+
; a tar r r- nr+ -+
rs f; f; n f f faf fa +
; ; a ra- = n t rr+ +
Cau.: sevahi

snakula saba bh, rmacarana rati ati adhik.

prabhu mukha kamala bilokatarahah

, kabahu kpla hamahi kachu kahah

.1.
rma karahi

bhrtanha para prt, nn bh

ti sikhvahi

nt.
haraita rahahi

nagara ke log, karahi

sakala sura durlabha bhog.2.

ahanisi bidhihi manvata rahah

, rraghubra carana rati cahah

.
dui suta sudara st

je, lava kusa beda purnanha ge.3.

dou bija bina guna madira, hari pratibiba manahu ati sudara.
dui dui suta saba bhrtanha kere, bhae r upa guna sla ghanere.4.
All the younger brothers served the Lord with great fidelity; for their love for r Rma
knew no bounds. They ever kept gazing on His lotus face in the hope that the benign
Lord might give some order to them at any moment. r Rma too loved His younger
brothers and taught them wisdom of every kind. The citizens led a happy life and enjoyed
all sorts of pleasures which even gods could scarcely obtain. Day and night they prayed
to God and sought the boon of devotion to the feet of r Rma (the Hero of Raghus
line). St gave birth to two pretty sons, Lava and Kua by name, who have figured in
the Vedas and Puras. Both these boys were victorious in battle, modest, accomplished
and handsome, the very images as it were of r Hari (Rma). r Rmas other brothers
too had two sons each, pre-eminent in comeliness of form, merit and virtue. (14)
r fnr nrata rr n r
r; frr rr fa sr+ ~+

982
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Do.: gyna gir gotta aja my mana guna pra,
soi saccidnada ghana kara nara carita udra.25.
The same Brahma who is beyond all knowledge, speech and sense-perception,
nay, who is unborn and transcends My (Prakti or Matter), the mind and the modes
of Prakti and is truth, knowledge and bliss solidified, exhibited the ideal behaviour of a
human being. (25)
rar f r f r n f r+
r fy rf f r uf rf+ {+
- a r t f t t+
a r rs r; fa a s r;+ +
rf f r n nrr r fa nrr+
a f n fa rf f f f f rf+ -+
n n rf rr rfa r ff rr+
= rf r n nrf f f ff ra rf+ +
Cau.: prtakla sarau kari majjana, baihahi

sabh

saga dvija sajjana.

beda purna basia bakhnahi

, sunahi

rma jadyapi saba jnahi

.1.
anujanha sajuta bhojana karah

, dekhi sakala janan

sukha bharah

.
bharata satruhana donau bh, sahita pavanasuta upabana j.2.
bujhahi

baihi rma guna gh, kaha hanumna sumati avagh.

sunata bimala guna ati sukha pvahi

, bahuri bahuri kari binaya kahvahi

.3.
saba ke gha gha hohi

purn, rmacarita pvana bidhi nn.

nara aru nri rma guna gnahi

, karahi

divasa nisi jta na jnahi

.4.
After taking a bath in the Sarayu early in the morning the Lord sat in an assembly
of Brhmaas and holy men. The sage Vasiha expounded the Vedas and Puras,
while r Rma listened to the exposition, even though He knew everything Himself. He
took His meals with His younger brothers and the sight filled all the mothers with joy. The
two brothers, Bharata and atrughna, would accompany the son of the wind-god to some
grove, where they would sit and ask Hanumn to expatiate on r Rmas virtues, and
Hanumn would plunge his sound intellect into the ocean of His virtues and then recount
them. The two brothers derived much joy from the discourse on His immaculate virtues
and with much entreaty had it repeated again and again. Everywherein every house
the people recited the Puras and narrated r Rmas holy exploits of a diverse
character. Men and women alike joined in hymning r Rmas praises and days and
nights passed on unnoticed. (14)
t rf- r r
f f f r fr+ +
Do.: avadhapur bsinha kara sukha sapad samja,
sahasa sea nahi

kahi sakahi

jaha npa rma birja. 26.

Not a thousand eas could tell all the happiness and prosperity of the people of
Ayodhy, where r Rma reigned as King. (26)

*
UTTARA-K NA
*
983
rrf rf tr rfn rrtr+
f fa rr rf f n= frn frf+ {+
ra= f fa rt rr n =f n rt+
r r fa nr n n + +
n f t r; rrt rfa r;+
f n fa n rr r frf f rr+ -+
r a f f fa fa+
f fa rrr rf n n fa f t frf+ +
Cau.: nraddi sanakdi muns, darasana lgi kosaldhs.
dina prati sakala ajodhy vahi

, dekhi nagaru birgu bisarvahi

.1.
jtarupa mani racita ar

, nn raga rucira gaca hr

.
pura cahu psa koa ati sudara, race ka gur raga raga bara.2.
nava graha nikara anka ban, janu gher amarvati .
mahi bahu raga racita gaca k

c, jo biloki munibara mana nc.3.

dhavala dhma upara nabha cubata, kalasa manahu rabi sasi duti nidata.
bahu mani racita jharokh bhrjahi

, gha gha prati mani dpa birjahi

.4.
All great sages like Nrada, Sanaka and others came to Ayodhy everyday to
have a sight of the Lord of Kosala, and forgot all their indifference to the world the
moment they saw the city, with its attics built of gold and jewels and having splendid
pavements laid in diverse colours. A most beautiful boundary wall with its battlements
painted in different colours enclosed the city on all sides, as though the nine planets had
mustered a large army and besieged Amarvat (Indras capital). The ground (the streets
and squares etc.,) was so beautifully paved with crystals of various colours that the
mind of the greatest Sages would be enraptured at the sight. The white palaces were so
high as to reach the skies; their shining pinnacles put to shame as it were the effulgence
of the sun and the moon. Latticed windows made of diverse precious stones shone here
and there; while every house was lit up with jewels that served as lamps. (14)
f t rf rf t f t
f tfa ff ft f a t+
r fra f =f f
fa r r r r; rf- +
Cha.: mani dpa rjahi

bhavana bhrjahi

dehar

bidruma rac,
mani khabha bhti biraci birac kanaka mani marakata khac.
sudara manohara madiryata ajira rucira phaika race,
prati dvra dvra kapa puraa bani bahu bajranhi khace.
The mansions were illumined by jewels that served as so many lamps and had
shining thresholds made of coral, pillars of jewels and walls of gold inlaid with emeralds,
which were as lovely as though they had been built by the Creator (Brahm) himself.
Beautiful, charming and commodious as the palaces were, they had their courtyards

984
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
inworked with crystal, and every gate thereof was provided with doors of gold embossed
with diamonds.
r= frrr n n fa f r;
r fa f f a f rr;+ +
Do.: cru citrasl gha gha prati likhe bani,
rma carita je nirakha muni te mana lehi

cori. 27.
Every house equipped with a hall adorned with lovely frescos which had r
Rmas exploits reproduced in such beautiful colours that they would ravish the soul of
a sage who looked at them. (27)
rfr f nr; ff rfa f a r;+
ar fa rfa r; f r a f r;+ {+
na r r=a frff r +
rr n rf- fr ra szra r+ +
r r rra f rr fa ra+
a f f frt ff f - rt+ -+
rfr rf r r rrfa r+
r r ff r= tt =f r=+ +
Cau.: sumana bik sabahi

lag

, bibidha bh

ti kari jatana ban

.
lat lalita bahu jti suh

, phulahi

sad basata ki n

.1.
gujata madhukara mukhara manohara, mruta tribidhi sad baha sudara.
nn khaga blakanhi jie, bolata madhura uRta suhe.2.
mora hasa srasa prvata, bhavanani para sobh ati pvata.
jaha taha dekhahi

nija parichh

, bahu bidhi k ujahi

ntya karh

.3.
suka srik paRhvahi

blaka, kahahu rma raghupati janaplaka.

rja dura sakala bidhi cr u, bth

cauhaa rucira bajr u.4.

Everyone had a flower garden planted in a characteristic design and trimmed with
the greatest care, in which beautiful and lovely creepers of every variety blossomed all
the year round as in the vernal season. Bees hummed in a pleasant strain and a
delightful breeze breathed cool, soft and fragrant. Birds of all kinds, reared by the
children, sang in melodious notes and looked graceful in their flight. Peacocks, swans,
cranes and pigeons presented a most lovely sight on the houses, warbling and dancing
in a variety of ways at the sight of their own shadow reflected everywhere (on the glossy
surface of the roofs and balconies etc.). The children taught parrots and Mains to repeat
the words, Rma, Raghupati (the Lord of the Raghus), the Protector of His devotees.
The gates of the royal palace were magnificent in everyway; the streets, cross-roads
and bazars were all splendid. (14)
rr =f ; a ta f n r;
rfr a t r ff nr;+

*
UTTARA-K NA
*
985
r r f a
t rfa rf f +
Cha.: bjra rucira na banai baranata bastu binu gatha pie,
jaha bhupa ramnivsa taha k sapad kimi gie.
baihe bajja sarpha banika aneka manahu kubera te,
saba sukh saba saccarita sudara nri nara sisu jaraha je.
The bazars were splendid beyond description; things could be had without any
consideration there. How can anyone describe the wealth of the city where the Abode
of Lakm Himself reigned as King? The cloth- merchants, bankers and other dealers sat
at their shops like so many Kuberas (gods of riches). All men and women, children and
aged folk alike were happy, all of good conduct and comely in appearance.
s-r ff f nt
r rrr r tr f at+ c+
Do.: uttara disi saraju baha nirmala jala gabhra,
b

dhe gha manohara svalpa paka nahi

tra.28.
To the north (of the city) flowed the deep and limpid stream of the Sarayu with a
line of charming Ghas and no trace of mud at the bank. (28)
f r =f r rrrr ff rf n rr+
frr r rr ar = f =rr+ {+
rrrr ff rf ar rfs +
at at - f ff fa- s + +
far at srt f r a f -rt+
at at afr r; f- nr;+ -+
rr f r; r n =fr;+
a t f rr rnr s rfr azrnr+ +
Cau.: duri pharka rucira so gh, jaha jala piahi

bji gaja h.
panighaa parama manohara nn, tah

na purua karahi

asnn.1.
rjagha saba bidhi sudara bara, majjahi

tah

barana criu nara.

tra tra devanha ke madira, cahu disi tinha ke upabana sudara.2.
kahu kahu sarit tra uds, basahi

gyna rata muni sanys.

tra tra tulasik suh, bda bda bahu muninha lag.3.
pura sobh kachu barani na j, bhera nagara parama rucir.
dekhata pur akhila agha bhg, bana upabana bpik taRg.4.
Apart from the other Ghas and situated at some distance from them was the fine
Gha where multitudes of horses and elephants went to drink. There were numerous
most charming Ghas for women to take water from, where men did not bathe. The best
of all and beautiful in everyway was the royal Gha, where men of all the four castes
could bathe. All along the bank stood temples sacred to the gods and surrounded by

986
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
lovely groves. Here and there on the river bank dwelt sages and recluses unconcerned
with the world and devoted to spiritual wisdom. All along the bank stood in clusters many
a lovely Tulas plant reared by hermits. The splendour of the city defied all description;
its outskirts too were most picturesque. The very sight of the city with its groves and
gardens, wells and ponds, drove away all ones sins. (14)
rt azrn rra rt
rr t f f f rt+
n n f nrt
rr r frf n f rt+
Cha.: bp

taRga anupa kupa manoharyata sohah

,
sopna sudara nra nirmala dekhi sura muni mohah

.
bahu raga kaja aneka khaga kujahi

madhupa gujrah

,
rma ramya pikdi khaga rava janu pathika hakrah

.
Its peerless ponds and tanks and charming and spacious wells looked so beautiful
with their elegant flights of steps and transparent water that even gods and sages were
fascinated by their sight. The lakes were adorned with many-coloured lotuses and
resounded with the cooing of the numerous birds and the humming of the bees; and the
delightful gardens seemed to invite the passers-by through the notes of the cuckoos and
other birds.
rr rr r f f r;
frf r t r;+ +
Do.: ramntha jaha rj so pura barani ki ji,
animdika sukha sapad rah

avadha saba chi.29.

Is it ever possible to describe the city of which Rams lord was the King ? Aim
(the power of assuming atomic size) and all other superhuman powers and even so joys
and riches of every kind stayed in Ayodhy forever. (29)
a rrfa n nrf f ;; frf+
a far rf rr t = n rf+ {+
fr tr nraf ; rraf+
a =f r atf a f tf+ +
r r r nrf a r r ar f+
r r n fraf f f f raf+ -+
r ffz a r f n rr r f+
ar a rrtf tf+ +
rr f rff r frff+
f f rf afr f srf+ ~+

*
UTTARA-K NA
*
987
Cau.: jaha taha nara raghupati guna gvahi

, baihi parasapara ihai sikhvahi

.
bhajahu pranata pratiplaka rmahi, sobh sla rupa guna dhmahi.1.
jalaja bilocana symala gtahi, palaka nayana iva sevaka trtahi.
dhta sara rucira cpa tunrahi, sata kaja bana rabi ranadhrahi.2.
kla karla byla khagarjahi, namata rma akma mamat jahi.
lobha moha mgajutha kirtahi, manasija kari hari jana sukhadtahi.3.
sasaya soka nibiRa tama bhnuhi, danuja gahana ghana dahana ksnuhi.
janakasut sameta raghubrahi, kasa na bhajahu bhajana bhava bhrahi.4.
bahu bsan masaka hima rsihi, sad ekarasa aja abinsihi.
muni rajana bhajana mahi bhrahi, tulasidsa ke prabhuhi udrahi.5.
Everywhere men sang the praises of r Rma (the Lord of the Raghus), and even
as they sat this is how they exhorted one another: Worship r Rma, the Protector of
the suppliant, the home of elegance, amiability, beauty and goodness, who has lotus-like
eyes and swarthy limbs, who looks after His servants even as the eyelids guard the eye-
balls, who is armed with a splendid bow, arrows and quiver and is staunch in battle, who
delights the saints even as the sun brings joy to a bed of lotuses, who is a Garua (the
king of the birds) to devour the dreadful serpent in the shape of Death, who destroys the
feeling of mineness the moment a person bows to Him in a disinterested spirit, and who
is a hunter to kill the herd of deer in the shape of greed and infatuation, a lion to quell
the elephant of concupiscence, the delight of His servants, a sun to scatter the thick
darkness of doubt and sorrow, and a fire to consume the dense forest of the demon race.
Oh, why should you not adore the Hero of Raghus line, who is ever accompanied by
Janakas Daughter, who dispels the fear of transmigration, who plays the role of frost to
destroy mosquitoes in the disguise of manifold latent desires, who is ever unchangeable,
unborn and imperishable, the delight of the sages, the reliever of the earths burdens, the
munificent lord of Tulasdsa. (15)
f ff n rf f r n nr
r f aa rfr+ -+
Do.: ehi bidhi nagara nri nara karahi

rma guna gna,

snukula saba para rahahi

satata kpnidhna.30.
In this way the men and women of the city sang r Rmas praises and the All-
merciful was ever propitious to all. (30)
a r ar nr sfa s fa fr+
f r s fa rr a- a rr+ {+
f-f r a s rt fur fr rt+
rr s ar r r r r+ +
ff n r r r f r+
- r r rr ;- f rr+ -+
azrn r frr f ff rr+
ar frn fr fna r r r+ +

988
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Cau.: jaba te rma pratpa khages, udita bhayau ati prabala dines.
puri praksa raheu tihu lok, bahutenha sukha bahutana mana sok.1.
jinhahi soka te kahau bakhn, prathama abidy nis nasn.
agha uluka jaha tah

lukne, kma krodha kairava sakucne.2.

bibidha karma guna kla subh u, e cakora sukha lahahi

na ku.
matsara mna moha mada cor, inha kara hunara na kavanihu or.3.
dharama taRga gyna bigyn, e pakaja bikase bidhi nn.
sukha satoa birga bibek, bigata soka e koka anek.4.
From the time, O king of the birds, (continues Kkabhuui,) the most dazzling
sun of r Rmas glory appeared on the horizon the three spheres were all flooded with
light, which brought delight to many and sorrow to many others. First I enumerate at
length those to whom it caused sorrow. To begin with, the night of ignorance terminated;
the owl-like sins hid themselves wherever they could; the white lily in the shape of lust
and anger closed. Cakora birds in the shape of activities of various kinds, the
phenomenal existence, Time and Nature never rejoiced; thieves like jealousy, pride,
infatuation and arrogance had no occasion to display their skill in any quarter; lotuses of
every description in the shape of knowledge and realization opened in the pond of piety.
Happiness, contentment, dispassion and discernment, like so many Cakravka birds,
were rid of sorrow. (14)
ar f r s ; r
f rf a rf r+ -{+
Do.: yaha pratpa rabi jke ura jaba karai praksa,
pachile bRhahi

prathama je kahe te pvahi

nsa.31.
When the sun of r Rmas glory illumines the heart of an individual, the qualities
enumerated in the end grow while those mentioned in the beginning die away. (31)
ra- fa r rr n f rr+
s n a= fa + {+
rf rf r a n t r+
zrr r tr a r rtr+ +
= rfs r t f fna fr+
rr fa-t rrfa fa r; a t+ -+
ar rf rt rr f rt+
r r f t r rf r ff t+ +
Cau.: bhrtanha sahita rmu eka br, saga parama priya pavanakumr.
sudara upabana dekhana gae, saba taru kusumita pallava nae.1.
jni samaya sanakdika e, teja puja guna sla suhe.
brahmnada sad layaln, dekhata blaka bahukln.2.
rupa dhare janu criu bed, samadaras muni bigata bibhed.
s basana byasana yaha tinhah

, raghupati carita hoi taha sunah

.3.
tah

rahe sanakdi bhavn, jaha ghaasabhava munibara gyn.

rma kath munibara bahu baran, gyna joni pvaka jimi aran.4.

*
UTTARA-K NA
*
989
One day, r Rma and his brothers, accompanied by His most favourite Hanumn,
went to see a beautiful grove, where the trees were all blossoming and had put on fresh
leaves. Finding it a good opportunity the sage Sanaka* and his three brothers (Sanandana,
Santana and Sanatkumra) arrived there. They were all embodiments of spiritual glow,
adorned with amiability and other noble qualities and constantly absorbed in the ecstasy
of union with Brahma; though infants to all appearance, they are aeons old. The sages
looked upon all with the same eye and were above all diversity; it seemed as if the four
Vedas had each assumed a bodily form. They had no covering on their body except the
quarters; and their only hobby was to hear the recital of r Rmas exploits wherever
it was carried on. Sanaka and his brothers, O Bhavn, (continues Lord iva,) had
stayed in the hermitage of the enlightened sage Agastya and the noble sage had narrated
to them many a story relating to r Rma, which are productive of wisdom in the same
way as the friction of two pieces of wood produces fire. (14)
f r f ra f za t-
trna f ta t-+ -+
Do.: dekhi rma muni vata harai daavata knha,
svgata pu

chi pta paa prabhu baihana kaha dnha.32.

r Rma saw the sages approaching and gladly prostrated Himself before them.
And after an enquiry about their health etc., the Lord spread His own yellow scarf for
them to squat on. (32)
t- za atfs +rr; fa a fr;+
f rrfa f a frt n rt+ {+
tr nra r= r ar f r+
f rf r t rf+ +
fa- r f rrtr na tr+
nf f r r sr+ -+
r - tr ar rf rr tr+
z rn r; anr ff r rf nr+ +
Cau.: knha daavata tniu bh, sahita pavanasuta sukha adhik.
muni raghupati chabi atula bilok, bhae magana mana sake na rok.1.
symala gta saroruha locana, sudarat madira bhava mocana.
ekaaka rahe nimea na lvahi

, prabhu kara jore ssa navvahi

.2.
tinha kai das dekhi raghubr, sravata nayana jala pulaka sarr.
kara gahi prabhu munibara baihre, parama manohara bacana ucre.3.
ju dhanya mai

sunahu muns, tumhare darasa jhi

agha khs.
baRe bhga piba satasag, binahi

praysa hohi

bhava bhag.4.
All His three brothers (Bharata, Lakmaa and atrughna) then prostrated themselves
alongwith Hanumn and everyone felt very happy. The sages were beside themselves
* The sage Sanaka and his three brothers are the first progeny of Brahm during the present creation,
and therefore the eldest of all creation. They are perpetual celibates and are still living in the abode of
Brahm, their present age being computed at 1,95,00,00,000 odd years.

990
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
with rapture on beholding the incomparable beauty of r Rma (the Lord of the Raghus).
They remained gazing with unwinking eyes on the Lord, who is the abode of comeliness
and brings about release from worldly existence and has a swarthy form and lotus-eyes.
The Lord in His turn bowed His head with joined palms. When the Hero of Raghus line
perceived their condition, His eyes too streamed with tears and every hair on His body
stood on its end. Taking them by the hand, the Lord seated them and addressed them
in most charming words : Listen, great sages: I am indeed blessed today. By your very
sight all ones sins are wiped out. By extreme good luck one is able to secure the
company of saints; for through such communion the chain of births and deaths is broken
without the least exertion. (14)
a n n rt
f a f rf >rfa r n+ --+
Do.: sata saga apabarga kara km bhava kara patha,
kahahi

sata kabi kobida ruti purna sadagratha.33.

Communion with saints is the road to emancipation, while that of the sensualist
paves the way for transmigration: so declare the saints themselves, the men of wisdom
and the learned, as well as the Vedas, Puras and other real scriptures. (33)
f f f rt fa a tafa rt+
na a r rr =r+ {+
fnr n rn f fa rn+
;fr rf rr+ +
r fr r r r r +
a a ar r r f+ -+
na sr f r fr+
ffa f zf f r r n+ +
Cau.: suni prabhu bacana harai muni cr, pulakita tana astuti anusr.
jaya bhagavata anata anmaya, anagha aneka eka karunmaya.1.
jaya nirgua jaya jaya guna sgara, sukha madira sudara ati ngara.
jaya idir ramana jaya bh udhara, anupama aja andi sobhkara.2.
gyna nidhna amna mnaprada, pvana sujasa purna beda bada.
tagya ktagya agyat bhajana, nma aneka anma nirajana.3.
sarba sarbagata sarba urlaya, basasi sad hama kahu pariplaya.
dvada bipati bhava phada bibhajaya, hdi basi rma kma mada gajaya.4.
The four sages were all rejoiced to hear the Lords words and with every hair on
their body standing erect they proceeded to hymn His praises : Glory to the Almighty
Lord, who is infinite, immutable and sinless, who is one as well as many and all-
gracious ! Glory to the Lord who is beyond the modes of Prakti ! Glory, glory to the
Ocean of goodness, the Abode of bliss, handsome and most urbane in manners. Glory
to Indirs (Lakms) Spouse ! Glory to the Supporter of the earth, peerless, unborn and
dateless, a mine of elegance. A storehouse of wisdom that You are, You are free from
pride and yet bestow honour on others : the Vedas and Puras sing Your sanctifying

*
UTTARA-K NA
*
991
glory. Knower of Truth, You acknowledge the services of Your devotees and destroy
their ignorance. Untainted by My, You bear numberless names and are yet beyond all.
You are manifest as all, pervade all and dwell in the heart of all; therefore, protect us
every moment. Break asunder the bonds in the form of pairs of opposites (such as heat
and cold, joy and sorrow, etc.,) adversity and mundane existence; and abiding in our
heart, O Rma, eradicate our sensuality and vanity. (14)
r ra f r
nfa rt f >rtr+ -+
Do.: paramnada kpyatana mana paripurana kma,
prema bhagati anapyan dehu hamahi rrma.34.
You are supreme bliss personified and the abode of mercy and fulfil the desire of
Your devotees heart. Pray, grant me the boon of unceasing love and devotion (to Your
feet), O graceful Rma. (34)
nfa rrfa fa rf frff ar r rf+
a r a= r; r t =+ {+
rff rrr a r+
r= r t ar ftar+ +
r rr ;frf fr f f ffa ftar+
f f z t f nfa fa f at+ -+
f r fa fa +
rr a a >rfa - r rs n -+ +
ar a afr fr + ~+
Cau.: dehu bhagati raghupati ati pvani, tribidhi tpa bhava dpa nasvani.
pranata kma suradhenu kalapataru, hoi prasanna djai prabhu yaha baru.1.
bhava bridhi kubhaja raghunyaka, sevata sulabha sakala sukha dyaka.
mana sabhava druna dukha draya, dnabadhu samat bistraya.2.
sa trsa iridi nivraka, binaya bibeka birati bistraka.
bhupa mauli mani maana dharan, dehi bhagati sasti sari taran.3.
muni mana mnasa hasa niratara, carana kamala badita aja sakara.
raghukula ketu setu ruti racchaka, kla karama subhu guna bhacchaka .4.
trana tarana harana saba d uana, tulasidsa prabhu tribhuvana bh uana.5.
Bestow on us, O Lord of the Raghus, that most sanctifying devotion which
destroys the threefold agony and the turmoils of transmigration. A celestial cow and a
wish-yielding tree to satisfy the desires of the suppliant, be propitious, my lord, and grant
this boon. A veritable jar-born sage (Agastya) to suck up the ocean of mundane
existence, O Chief of the Raghus, You are easy of access to those who adore You and
bestow all blessings on them. Put an end to the terrible sufferings caused by the mind and
diffuse even-mindedness in us, O befriender of the meek. O banisher of hope (of
gratifying oneself through self-indulgence), fear, jealousy etc., and propagator of humility,
right judgment and dispassion, crest-jewel of earthly kings, and ornament of the globe,

992
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
grant us devotion to Your feet, which serves as a boat to take one across the river of
mundane existence. A swan that You are, constantly residing in the Mnasa lake of the
sages mind, Your lotus feet are adored even by Brahm and Lord akara. Glory of
Raghus race, custodian of the Vedic laws, devourer of time, destiny, Prakti (Primordial
Nature) and the three Guas You are both the boatman and the boat to take Your
devotees across the ocean of metempsychosis and the stealer of all vices, the lord of
Tulasdsa, the jewel of the three spheres. (15)
r r tafa f fa f= r;
zr rf n fa ty r;+ -~+
Do.: bra bra astuti kari prema sahita siru ni,
brahma bhavana sanakdi ge ati abha bara pi.35.
Having thus extolled the Lord again and again, Sanaka and his three brothers
lovingly bowed their head and, having obtained their most cherished boon, returned to
Brahms abode. (35)
rf ff r fr ra- r f= r+
a f rt faf r=aa rt+ {+
t f rt r f r; rt+
art rr ra r rr+ +
rf rf a ar tr nar+
r a t = a a t+ -+
ar r f r r af rf a r+
f a n r r arfa r+ +
Cau.: sanakdika bidhi loka sidhe, bhrtanha rma carana siru ne.
puchata prabhuhi sakala sakuch

, citavahi

saba mrutasuta ph

.1.
sun cahahi

prabhu mukha kai bn, jo suni hoi sakala bhrama hn.

atarajm prabhu sabha jn, bujhata kahahu kha hanumn.2.
jori pni kaha taba hanumat, sunahu dnadayla bhagavat.
ntha bharata kachu pu

chana cahah

, prasna karata mana sakucata ahah

.3.
tumha jnahu kapi mora subh u, bharatahi mohi kachu atara k u.
suni prabhu bacana bharata gahe caran, sunahu ntha pranatrati haran.4.
When Sanaka and his brothers had left for Brahms abode, the three brothers
(Bharata, Lakmaa and atrughna) bowed their head at r Rmas feet; but being too
modest themselves to interrogate the Lord, they all looked at the son of the wind-god.
They wished to hear from the Lords own mouth something which would eradicate all the
misconceptions. The Lord, however, who regulates the internal feelings of all, came to
know everything and enquired : Tell me, Hanumn, what is the matter? Hanumn
replied with joined palms, Listen, O lord, compassionate as You are to the meek.
Bharata, my lord, wishes to ask something; but he is too diffident at heart to put the
question. Hanumn, you know my disposition. Has there ever been any secrecy
between Bharata and myself? On hearing the Lords words Bharata clasped His feet.

*
UTTARA-K NA
*
993
Listen, my lord, reliever of the suppliants agony: (14)
r rf r r
r arrff r r+ -+
Do.: ntha na mohi sadeha kachu sapanehu soka na moha,
kevala kp tumhrihi kpnada sadoha.36.
I have no doubts whatever, my lord, nor have I ever known any dejection or infatuation
even in a dream. It is all due to Your grace, O all-merciful and all blissful Lord. (36)
s trrff fr; ar r;+
a- fr rrr; ff r- nr;+ {+
>rt ar f tf- zr; fa- f tfa fr;+
r s fa- - rf n r f-+ +
a a fnr; ar rf rr;+
a- - rar nfa >rfa r f=rar+ -+
a af- f t ff r rt+
r; r; f n ; n r;+ +
Cau.: karau kpnidhi eka hih, mai

sevaka tumha jana sukhad.

satanha kai mahim raghur, bahu bidhi beda purnanha g.1.
rmukha tumha puni knhi baR, tinha para prabhuhi prti adhik.
sun cahau prabhu tinha kara lacchana, kpsidhu guna gyna bicacchana.2.
sata asata bheda bilag, pranatapla mohi kahahu bujh.
satanha ke lacchana sunu bhrt, aganita ruti purna bikhyt.3.
sata asatanhi kai asi karan, jimi kuhra cadana caran.
kai parasu malaya sunu bh, nija guna dei sugadha bas.4.
Yet, O storehouse of compassion, I make bold to make one submission, I being
Your servant and You the delight of Your devotees. The glory of the saints, O Lord of
the Raghus, has been sung in various ways by the Vedas and Puras. You too have
exalted them by Your own graceful mouth and my lord bears great affection for them. I
would fain hear, my lord, their distinctive marks, O Ocean of compassion, conspicuous
as You are by Your excellences and wisdom. O protector of the suppliant, tell me clearly
and severally the distinguishing traits of the good and the wicked. Hear, brother, the
characteristics of saints, which as told in the Vedas and Puras are innumerable. The
conduct of saints and the wicked is analogous to that of sandalwood and the axe. Mark,
brother : the axe cuts down a sandal-tree, while the latter in its turn perfumes the axe
by imparting its virtue (fragrance) to it. (14)
ara t- a n >rtz
rf ta rrf z+ -+
Do.: tte sura ssanha caRhata jaga ballabha rkhaa,
anala dhi pata ghanahi

parasu badana yaha daa.37.

994
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
For this reason sandalwood (in the form of paste) finds its way to the head of
gods (their images) and is loved by the world so much; while the axe has its steel edge
heated in the fire and beaten with a hammer as punishment. (37)
f t nr +
af f frnt rr -rnt+ {+
rfa t- rr nfa rr+
f r r rt a r a rt+ +
fna r r r rfa ffa fat far+
taar ar rt f tfa rt+ -+
- f r s r ara a aa +
f tfa f zrf = f rf+ +
Cau.: biaya alapaa sla gunkara, para dukha dukha sukha sukha dekhe para.
sama abhutaripu bimada birg, lobhmaraa haraa bhaya tyg.1.
komalacita dnanha para dy, mana baca krama mama bhagati amy.
sabahi mnaprada pu amn, bharata prna sama mama te prn.2.
bigata kma mama nma paryana, sti birati binat mudityana.
stalat saralat mayatr, dvija pada prti dharma janayatr.3.
e saba lacchana basahi

jsu ura, jnehu tta sata satata phura.

sama dama niyama nti nahi

olahi

, parua bacana kabah u

nahi

bolahi

.4.
Saints as a rule have no hankering for the pleasures of sense and are the very
mines of amiability and other virtues. They grieve to see others in distress and rejoice
at the sight of others joy. They are even-minded and look upon none as their enemy.
Free from vanity and passion, they are conquerers of greed, anger, joy and fear. Tender
of heart and compassionate to the distressed, they cherish guileless devotion to Me in
thought, word and deed; and giving honour to all, they are modest themselves. Such
souls, Bharata, are dear to Me as life. Having no interested motive of their own they are
devoted to My Name and are abodes of tranquillity, dispassion, humility and good
humour. Again, know him for all time, dear brother, a genuine saint, whose heart is a
home of all such noble qualities as placidity, guilelessness, friendliness and devotion to
the feet of the Brhmaas, which is the fountain of all virtues. They never swerve from
the control of their mind and senses, religious observances and correct behaviour and
never utter a harsh word. (14)
fr tafa s ar
a r rf n f + -c+
Do.: nid astuti ubhaya sama mamat mama pada kaja,
te sajjana mama prnapriya guna madira sukha puja.38.
They who regard both obloquy and praise alike and who claim My lotus feet as
their only possessionsuch saintly souls are dear to Me as life and are veritable abodes
of noble qualities and embodiments of bliss. (38)
a- r nfa f r+
fa- n r r; ff ff rrr; r;+ {+

*
UTTARA-K NA
*
995
- z fa ar ft f r fa t+
fr f r; f t ff r;+ +
r r r r f t f r+
= r r r r fa fa ar r+ -+
r; r r; r r; r r r+
rf ff rr r; r f z rr+ +
Cau.: sunahu asatanha kera subh u, bhulehu sagati karia na ku.
tinha kara saga sad dukhad, jimi kapilahi ghlai harah.1.
khalanha hdaya ati tpa bise, jarahi

sad para sapati dekh.

jaha kahu nid sunahi

par, haraahi

manahu par nidhi p.2.

kma krodha mada lobha paryana, nirdaya kapa kuila malyana.
bayaru akrana saba khu so , jo kara hita anahita th u so .3.
jhuhai len jhuhai den, jh uhai bhojana jh uha caben.
bolahi

madhura bacana jimi mor, khi mah ahi hdaya kahor.4.

Now hear the characteristics of the impious, association with whom should be
scrupulously avoided; for their company ever brings woe, even as a wicked cow ruins by
her company a cow of noble breed. The heart of the wicked suffers terrible agony; for they
ever burn at the sight of others prosperity. Wherever they hear others reviled, they feel
delighted as though they had stumbled upon a treasure lying on the road. Devoted to
sensuality, anger, arrogance and greed, they are merciless, deceitful, crooked and impure.
They bear enmity towards all without rhyme or reason; nay, they behave inimically even
with those who are actively kind to them. They are false in their dealings (lying is their
stock-in-trade); nay, falsehood is their dinner and falsehood their breakfast (whatever they
eat is intended to deceive others). They speak honeyed words just like the peacock, that
has a stony heart and devours the most venomous snake. (14)
rt r a r
a r r r+ -+
Do.: para droh para dra rata para dhana para apabda,
te nara p

vara ppamaya deha dhare manujda.39.

Malevolent by nature, they enjoy others wives and others wealth and take delight
in slandering others. Such vile and sinful men are demons in human garb. (39)
r; r r; zr f=r rr +
r t f zr; tr f zt r;+ {+
r f fat t r n at+
tr a fr frt r r fa rt+ +
ra far n f rf r n = rrrf rf+
f r r rr a n f r rr+ -+
n f fa rt f trt+
f r r fr f r+ +

996
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Cau.: lobhai oRhana lobhai sana, sisnodara para jamapura trsa na.
khu k jau sunahi

baR, svsa lehi

janu juR .1.

jaba khu kai dekhahi

bipat, sukh bhae mnahu jaga npat.

svratha rata parivra birodh, lapaa kma lobha ati krodh.2.
mtu pit gura bipra na mnahi

, pu gae aru ghlahi

nahi

.
karahi

moha basa droha parv, sata saga hari kath na bhv.3.

avaguna sidhu madamati km, beda biduaka paradhana svm.
bipra droha para droha bise, dabha kapaa jiya dhare sube.4.
Greed is their covering and greed their bedding (they wallow in greed; they are
ever given up to sexual enjoyment and gluttony and have no fear of punishment in the
abode of Yama (the god of death). If they ever hear anyone exalted, they heave a deep
sigh as though they had an attack of ague. On the other hand, when they find anyone
in distress, they rejoice as though they had attained the sovereignty of the whole world.
Devoted to their own selfish interests, they antagonize their kinsfolk, are given up to
sensuality and greed and are most irascible. They recognize neither mother nor father
nor preceptor nor the Brhmaas; utterly ruined themselves, they bring ruin upon others.
Overcome by infatuation they bear malice to others and have no love for communion with
saints nor for the stories relating to r Hari. Oceans of vice, dull-witted and lascivious,
they revile the Vedas and usurp others wealth. Though bearing malice to all, they are
enemies of the Brhmaas in particular; and full of hypocrisy and deceit at heart, they
outwardly wear a saintly appearance. (14)
an rar rf
r r;f fn rf+ +
Do.: aise adhama manuja khala ktajuga tret

nhi

,
dvpara kachuka bda bahu hoihahi

kalijuga mhi

.40.
Such vile and wicked men are absent in the Satya and Tret Yugas; a sprinkling of
them will appear in Dvpara, while multitudes of them will crop forth in the Kali age. (40)
fa f f r; tzr f r;+
f r s ara rf rf + {+
t f tr f a f r tr+
f r rr rr tr a r rr+ +
r= fa- rar = rar+
frf r f rf a r+ -+
-rnf r r f rf f r+
a a- n r a f f- f r+ +
Cau.: para hita sarisa dharma nahi

bh, para pR sama nahi

adham.
nirnaya sakala purna beda kara, kaheu tta jnahi

kobida nara.1.
nara sarra dhari je para pr, karahi

te sahahi

mah bhava bhr.

karahi

moha basa nara agha nn, svratha rata paraloka nasn.2.

*
UTTARA-K NA
*
997
klarupa tinha kaha mai

bhrt, subha aru asubha karma phala dt.

asa bicri je parama sayne, bhajahi

mohi sasta dukha jne.3.

tygahi

karma subhsubha dyaka, bhajahi

mohi sura nara muni nyaka.

sata asatanha ke guna bhe, te na parahi

bhava jinha lakhi rkhe.4.

Brother, there is no virtue like benevolence, and no meanness like oppressing
others. I have declared to you, dear brother, the verdict of all the Vedas and Puras;
the wise also know it. They who inflict pain on others even after attaining the human body
have to suffer the terrible pangs of birth and death. Dominated by infatuation and devoted
to their selfish interest men commit various sins and thereby ruin their prospects in the
next world. Figuring as Yama (the god of death) for their sake, brother, I dispense the
fruit of their good and evil actions. Realizing this, those who are supremely clever adore
Me, knowing the cycle of births and deaths as full of pain. They renounce actions which
yield good or evil results and take refuge in Me, the lord of gods, men and sages. Thus
I have told you the characteristics of saints and vile men. They who have fully
comprehended them are no more subjected to the process of transmigration. (14)
ara rr a n = r
n s ff f r f+ {+
Do.: sunahu tta my kta guna aru doa aneka,
guna yaha ubhaya na dekhiahi

dekhia so abibeka.41.
Listen, dear brother: the numerous merits and demerits are all products of My.
The greatest merit is that they should cease to exist in ones eye; to discern them is
ignorance. (41)
>rt a r; z r;+
f f fa rf rr r f rr+ {+
f rrfa f f n f ff fa a fa +
r r r f rf fa ta r nrf+ +
fa fa f f rt zr r r rt +
f ff fa rf f f ara n nrf+ -+
rf rf rf uf zr fa f rf+
f n nr rf frt r f frt+ +
Cau.: rmukha bacana sunata saba bh, harae prema na hdaya sam.
karahi

binaya ati brahi

br, hanumna hiya haraa apr.1.

puni raghupati nija madira gae, ehi bidhi carita karata nita nae.
bra bra nrada muni vahi

, carita punta rma ke gvahi

.2.
nita nava carita dekhi muni jh

, brahmaloka saba kath kahh

.
suni biraci atisaya sukha mnahi

, puni puni tta karahu guna gnahi

.3.
sanakdika nradahi sarhahi

, jadyapi brahma nirata muni hahi

.
suni guna gna samdhi bisr, sdara sunahi

parama adhikr.4.
All the three brothers (Bharata, Lakmaa and atrughna) rejoiced to hear these
words from the blessed lips of the Lord and their heart overflowed with love. Again and
again they showed Him profound reverence; there was immence joy in the heart of

998
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Hanumn in particular. The Lord of the Raghus then retired to His own palace. In this
way He enacted some new sport everyday. The sage Nrada paid frequent visits and
sang r Rmas holy exploits. After witnessing fresh deeds everyday,the sage returned
to Brahms abode and recited the whole story there. Viraci (the Creator) felt overjoyed
to hear it and said, Dear son, hymn His praises again and again. Sanaka and his three
brothers extolled Nrada : and, though absorbed in Brahma (the Infinite), the sages forgot
their Samdhi (absorption) on hearing the hymn of praise to the Lord and listened to it
with reverence, supremely qualified as they were. (14)
t+ zr fa f af r
f r f fa fa- f rr+ +
Do.: jvanamukta brahmapara carita sunahi

taji dhyna,
je hari kath

na karahi

rati tinha ke hiya pna.42.

Even those (like Sanaka and others) who are liberated though embodied and are
absorbed in Brahma hear the narrative of r Rma even by interrupting their meditation
(abstraction). Truly theirs must be a heart of stone, who take no delight in the stories
of r Hari. (42)
r rrr rr n f rt r+
n f = f r r na + {+
rt s ar s rt+
f tfa f ar; r arf rr;+ +
r; fa r; r r r;+
tfa r r; a rf fr;+ -+
z rn r a rr nf- nrr+
r r r- rr r; f r rr+ +
Cau.: eka bra raghuntha bole, gura dvija purabs saba e.
baihe gura muni aru dvija sajjana, bole bacana bhagata bhava bhajana.1.
sunahu sakala purajana mama bn, kahau na kachu mamat ura n.
nahi

anti nahi

kachu prabhut, sunahu karahu jo tumhahi soh.2.

soi sevaka priyatama mama so, mama anussana mnai jo.
jau anti kachu bhau bh, tau mohi barajahu bhaya bisar.3.
baRe bhga mnua tanu pv, sura durlabha saba grathanhi gv.
sdhana dhma moccha kara dvr, pi na jehi

paraloka sa vr.4.
One day, invited by the Lord of the Raghus, the preceptor (Vasiha) and other
leading Brhmaas and all the other citizens assembled (in the royal court). When the
preceptor and the other sages and Brhmaas as well as all other gentlemen had taken
their seats, the Lord who puts an end to the round of births of His devotees, addressed
them in the following words:Listen to My words, citizens all: I am not going to say
anything out of attachment for you in My heart; I do not ask you to do any thing wrong
nor do I make use of My authority. Therefore, listen to Me and act accordingly if you
please. He is My servant and he is dearest to Me, who obeys My command. If I say
anything which is wrong, brethren, be not afraid to correct Me. It is by good fortune that

*
UTTARA-K NA
*
999
you have secured a human body, whichas declared by all the scripturesis difficult
even for the gods to attain. It is a tabernacle suitable for spiritual endeavours, gateway
to liberation. He who fails to earn a good destiny hereafter even on attaining it. (14)
r r r; f f f far;
rf f ;tf fr r nr;+ -+
Do.: so paratra dukha pvai sira dhuni dhuni pachiti,
klahi karmahi svarahi mithy doa lagi.43.
He reaps torture in the other world and beats his head in remorse, wrongly
attributing the blame to Time, Fate and God. (43)
f a f r; tns tr a r;+
a r; f t f r a f t+ {+
arf ; r; nr n; f r;+
r rf - rt rf a f frt+ +
fa r rr r r r n rrr+
f =r t a ; f a t+ -+
a rff r - =a n r+
r n rr r f rr+ +
Cau.: ehi tana kara phala biaya na bh, svargau svalpa ata dukhad.
nara tanu pi biaya mana deh

, palai sudh te saha bia leh

.1.
thi kabahu bhala kahai na ko, guj grahai parasa mani kho.
kara cri laccha caurs, joni bhramata yaha jiva abins.2.
phirata sad my kara prer, kla karma subhva guna gher.
kabahu ka kari karun nara deh, deta sa binu hetu saneh.3.
nara tanu bhava bridhi kahu bero, sanmukha maruta anugraha mero.
karanadhra sadagura dRha nv, durlabha sja sulabha kari pv.4.
Sensuous enjoyment, brethren, is not the be-all and end-all of human existence;
even heavenly enjoyment is short-lived and ends in sorrow. The fools who devote their
mind to the pleasures of sense even after attaining human birth take poison in
exchange for nectar. None will ever speak well of him who picks up a peppercorn
throwing away the philosophers stone. This immortal soul goes round through eighty-
four lakh species of life, falling under four broad divisions. Driven by My (My
deluding potency) and encompassed by Time, destiny, Nature and phenomenal
existence, it ever drifts along. Rarely does God, who loves the Jva without any self-
interest, graciously bestow on it a human form, which is a veritable raft whereby it can
cross the ocean of mundane existence, with My grace for a favourable wind and a
worthy preceptor for a helmsman to steer this strong barka combination which,
though difficult to secure, has been made easily available to it. (14)

1000
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
r a rn r r;
r a f fa r-r nfa r;+ +
Do.: jo na tarai bhava sgara nara samja asa pi,
so kta nidaka madamati tmhana gati ji.44.
The man who, though equipped with all these resources, fails to cross the ocean of
metempsychosis is ungrateful and dull-witted and meets the fate of a self-murderer. (44)
r ;r f z n+
rn r; nfa rf r >rfa nr;+ {+
r n - r r f r+
a y r; r f+ t rf f f r+ +
f+ ar rt f an rf rt+
- f ff ar anfa fa ar+ -+
- n f r f r+
r af f r r af ; f r+ +
Cau.: jau paraloka ih

sukha cahah u, suni mama bacana hdaya dRha gahah u.

sulabha sukhada mraga yaha bh, bhagati mori purna ruti g.1.
gyna agama pratyuha anek, sdhana kahina na mana kahu ek.
karata kaa bahu pvai kou, bhakti hna mohi priya nahi

so u.2.
bhakti sutatra sakala sukha khn, binu satasaga na pvahi

prn.
punya puja binu milahi

na sat, satasagati sasti kara at.3.

punya eka jaga mahu nahi

duj, mana krama bacana bipra pada puj.

snukula tehi para muni dev, jo taji kapau karai dvija sev.4.
If you seek happiness here as well as hereafter, listen to My words and imprint
them deeply in your heart. It is an easy and pleasant road, brethren, that of devotion to
My feet, extolled in the Puras and Vedas. Gnosis is difficult to attain and beset with
numerous obstacles. The path is rugged and there is no solid ground for the mind to rest
on. Scarcely one attains it after a hard struggle; yet, lacking in Devotion, the man fails to
win My love. Devotion is independent and a mine of all blessings; men, however, cannot
attain it except through the fellowship of saints. Saints for their part are inaccessible without
a stock of merit; communion with the Lords devotees in any case brings to an end the
cycle of births and deaths. There is only one meritorious act in this world and no other
to adore the feet of the Brhmaas by thought, word and deed. The sages and gods are
propitious to him who guilelessly serves the twice-born (the Brhmaas). (14)
s na a f s rf
fr nfa r; rf+ ~+
Do.: aurau eka guputa mata sabahi kahau kara jori,
sakara bhajana bin nara bhagati na pvai mori.45.
With joined palms I lay before you all another secret doctrine: without adoring
akara (Lord iva) man cannot attain devotion to Me. (45)

*
UTTARA-K NA
*
1001
nfa rr rn a srr+
r fr; r r ar r;+ {+
r r r; rr ; a r ftrr+
a s r r r; f r t r;+ +
fn r rrr arf r rr+
r fa rt rr r - frt+ -+
tfa r r nr a f tn nr+
nfa - f ar; y a f r;+ +
Cau.: kahahu bhagati patha kavana prays, joga na makha japa tapa upavs.
sarala subhva na mana kuil, jath lbha satoa sad.1.
mora dsa kahi nara s, karai tau kahahu kah bisvs.
bahuta kahau k kath baRh, ehi carana basya mai

bh.2.
baira na bigraha sa na trs, sukhamaya thi sad saba s.
anrabha aniketa amn, anagha aroa daccha bigyn.3.
prti sad sajjana sasarg, tna sama biaya svarga apabarg.
bhagati paccha haha nahi

sahat, dua tarka saba d uri bah.4.

Tell Me what pains are involved in treading the path of Devotion : it requires
neither Yoga (mind-control), nor sacrifices, nor Japa (muttering of prayers), nor penance,
nor fasting. A guileless disposition, a mind free from perversity and absolute contentment
with whatever may be gotthis is all that is needed. If he who is called a devotee yet
counts upon man, tell me, what faith does he have in Me? What use My dwelling on the
subject further : I am won by the conduct of a man as depicted below, brethren. He who
has no enmity or quarrel with anyone and is devoid of hope and fearto such a man
all the quarters are ever full of joy. Undertaking nothing (with an interested motive),
without home, without pride and without sin, free from wrath, clever and wise, ever
loving the company of saints and accounting the enjoyments even of heaven as well as
final beatitude as no more than a blade of grass, tenaciously adhering to the cult of
Devotion but avoiding bigotry, and giving up all sophistical reasoning: (14)
n nr r a na ar r
ar r; r; r r+ +
Do.: mama guna grma nma rata gata mamat mada moha,
t kara sukha soi jnai parnada sadoha.46.
Fond of singing and hearing My praises and devoted to My Name, and free from
attachment to the world, arrogance and infatuationthe felicity that such a man enjoys
is known to him alone who has become one with God, the embodiment of supreme
bliss. (46)
a r r n f rr +
f n r r fr r a tr+ {+
a r r fart ff ar arfa rt+
f f ar f ; r ra far tr a r+ +

1002
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
a fa n n srt ar arr rt+
tr ta n rt r rt + -+
r f rrr z r+
f f n n r r; a at r;+ +
Cau.: sunata sudhsama bacana rma ke, gahe sabani pada kpdhma ke.
janani janaka gura badhu hamre, kp nidhna prna te pyre.1.
tanu dhanu dhma rma hitakr, saba bidhi tumha pranatrati hr.
asi sikha tumha binu dei na kou, mtu pit svratha rata o u.2.
hetu rahita jaga juga upakr, tumha tumhra sevaka asurr.
svratha mta sakala jaga mh

, sapanehu prabhu paramratha nh

.3.
saba ke bacana prema rasa sne, suni raghuntha hdaya harane.
nija nija gha gae yasu p, baranata prabhu batakah suh.4.
On hearing r Rmas nectar-like words all who (had assembled there) clasped
the feet of the All-merciful. Fountain of mercy ! You are our father and mother, preceptor
and kinsman; You are dearer to us than our own life. Rma, You are our body, wealth
and habitat and You are beneficent to us in everyway, relieving as You do the agony of
the suppliant. None other than You could give such instruction; for even father and
mother are devoted to their own interest. You two are the only disinterested benefactors
in this worldYourself and Your servant, O Destroyer of the demons. Everyone else in
this world has his own interest to serve; no one thinks of others highest (spiritual)
interests even in a dream, O Lord. The Lord of the Raghus was delighted at heart to
hear the words of all, steeped as they were in the nectar of love. On receiving the Lords
permission they returned each to his own residence, repeating on the way the Lords
charming discourse. (14)
sr rt rf ar =
zr frr rr rrr + +
Do.: um avadhabs nara nri ktratha rupa,
brahma saccidnada ghana raghunyaka jaha bhupa.47.
Um, (continues Lord iva,) the people of Ayodhy, both men and women, were
the very picture of blessedness : for the Lord of the Raghus, who was none other than
Brahma, the embodiment of truth, intelligence and bliss, ruled there as king. (47)
r fy f r r r r r+
fa r rrr t-r rf rr t-r+ {+
r f rt rf fat rt+
f f r arrr ra r z rr+ +
fr ffa f rr f rfa s nrr+
srf- fa r r fa fr+ -+
s a ff rt r r rn a art+
r-rr zr =r r;f rr r+ +

*
UTTARA-K NA
*
1003
Cau.: eka bra basia muni e, jah

rma sukhadhma suhe.

ati dara raghunyaka knh, pada pakhri pdodaka lnh.1.
rma sunahu muni kaha kara jor, kpsidhu binat kachu mor.
dekhi dekhi carana tumhr, hota moha mama hdaya apr.2.
mahim amiti beda nahi

jn, mai

kehi bh

ti kahau bhagavn.
uparohitya karma ati mad, beda purna sumti kara nid.3.
jaba na leu mai

taba bidhi moh, kah lbha ge suta toh.

paramtam brahma nara r up, hoihi raghukula bhuana bhup.4.
One day the sage Vasiha called at the palace where the charming and all-blissful
r Rma was. The Lord of the Raghus received him with great reverence, laved his feet
and sipped the water into which they had been washed. Listen, Rma : said the sage
with joined palms, I make my humble submission, O Ocean of mercy. Even as I watch
Your doings infinite bewilderment possesses my soul. Your immeasurable greatness is
beyond the knowledge of the Vedas; how can I describe it, O Almighty Lord? The
vocation of a familypriest is very low : the Vedas, Puras and the Smti texts equally
denounce it. When I would not accept it, Brahm (my father) said to me, It will redound
to your benefit hereafter, my son : Brahma Itself, the Supreme Spirit, will appear in human
semblance as a king, the ornament of Raghus race. (14)
a z frr rn a r
r f r s f r+ c+
Do.: taba mai

hdaya bicr joga jagya brata dna,

j kahu karia so paihau dharma na ehi sama na.48.
Then I thought to myself, (through this very office) I shall attain to Him who is the
object of Yogic practices, performance of sacrifices, religious vows and charity. Thus
there can be no other vocation like this. (48)
a f rn f r >rfa rr r+
r r at r fn a >rfa r+ {+
rn fn r r r+
a tfa fa r + +
; f f r rra f r r; rf fr+
nfa f rrr; fa r;+ -+
r; a r; fza r; n n fr fza+
- - a r; r r fa r;+ +
Cau.: japa tapa niyama joga nija dharm, ruti sabhava nn subha karm.
gyna day dama tratha majjana, jaha lagi dharma kahata ruti sajjana.1.
gama nigama purna anek, paRhe sune kara phala prabhu ek.
tava pada pakaja prti niratara, saba sdhana kara yaha phala sudara.2.
chuai mala ki malahi ke dhoe , ghta ki pva koi bri biloe .
prema bhagati jala binu raghur, abhiatara mala kabahu na j.3.
soi sarbagya tagya soi paita, soi guna gha bigyna akhaita.
daccha sakala lacchana juta so, jke pada saroja rati ho.4.

1004
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Japa (muttering of prayers), austere penance, religious observances, Yogic
practices, the performance of ones allotted duties, the various pious acts recommended
by the Vedas, the cultivation of spiritual enlightenment, compassion, self-control, bathing
in sacred waters and whatever other sacred practices have been advocated by the
Vedas and holy men and the recitation and hearing of various Tantra texts, Vedas and
Puras have only one reward, my lord; nay, all spiritual endeavours lead to the same
glorious end, viz., unceasing devotion to Your lotus feet. Can dirt be removed by
cleansing with dirt? Can anyone obtain butter by churning water? Even so, except by
cleansing with the water of loving devotion, O Lord of the Raghus, the impurity
accumulated within can never be washed away. He alone is all-wise, he the knower of
Truth and he alone learned; he alone is an abode of virtues and possessed of
uninterrupted and immediate perception; nay, he is clever and endowed with all auspicious
attributes, who is devoted to Your lotus feet. (14)
r rns r r f
- - rr f + +
Do.: ntha eka bara mgau rma kp kari dehu,
janma janma prabhu pada kamala kabahu ghaai jani nehu.49.
My lord, I would ask one boon; grant it in Your mercy, Rma. May my love for
Your lotus feet, O Lord, never flag in the course of my future births. (49)
f f fy n r rf fa r+
r arf rar n f rar+ {+
f r r n n an nra +
f r f r f sfa f- f- a; r+ +
>r >r r; n r ta r;+
a t- f zr; f r;+ -+
r=aa a r=a ; r ;+
r f zrnt f rs r rnt+ +
fnfr r tfa r; r r f nr;+ ~+
Cau.: asa kahi muni basia gha e, kpsidhu ke mana ati bhe.
hanumna bharatdika bhrt, saga lie sevaka sukhadt.1.
puni kpla pura bhera gae, gaja ratha turaga magvata bhae.
dekhi kp kari sakala sarhe, die ucita jinha jinha tei che.2.
harana sakala rama prabhu rama p, gae jah

stala ava r.
bharata dnha nija basana as, baihe prabhu sevahi

saba bh.3.
mrutasuta taba mruta kara, pulaka bapua locana jala bhara.
hanumna sama nahi

baRabhg, nahi

kou rma carana anurg.4.

girij jsu prti sevak, bra bra prabhu nija mukha g.5.
So saying, the sage Vasiha returned home. The All-merciful was highly pleased
with him in His heart of hearts. r Rma, the delight of His servants, took with Him
Hanumn as well as Bharata and His other two brothers (Lakmaa and atrughna) and

*
UTTARA-K NA
*
1005
the benign Lord then went outside the city and ordered elephants, chariots and horses
to be immediately brought before Him. Regarding them with kindness He praised them
all and distributed them among the people giving each what one deserved and what one
wished to have. The Lord, who is the reliever of all fatigue, Himself felt tired and retired
to a cool mango grove, where Bharata spread his own scarf and the Lord took His seat
thereon with all His brothers in attendance. The son of the wind-god now began to fan
Him; he felt a thrill of joy all over his body and his eyes filled with tears. (Says iva,)
There is no one so blessed nor anyone so devoted to r Rmas lotus feet as Hanumn,
whose love and service, O daughter of the mountain-king have been repeatedly extolled
by the Lord with His own mouth. (15)
af f r r a t
nr n r tfa r t+ ~+
Do.: tehi

avasara muni nrada e karatala bna,

gvana lage rma kala krati sad nabna.50.
At that time came Nrada, lute in hand, and began to sing r Rmas sweet
renown, which always has a fresh charm about it. (50)
rr r r frf r fr+
t ar tr r f z f+ {+
rar = f r rr n+
f r t nr+ +
f r f fza fr fza+
rrf = r+ -+
r ffa fnrn nra f a rn+
r=t t z ff rr z+ +
f r ar afr rf a + ~+
Cau.: mmavalokaya pakaja locana, kp bilokani soca bimocana.
nla tmarasa syma kma ari, hdaya kaja makarada madhupa hari.1.
jtudhna barutha bala bhajana, muni sajjana rajana agha gajana.
bhusura sasi nava bda balhaka, asarana sarana dna jana ghaka.2.
bhuja bala bipula bhra mahi khaita, khara duana birdha badha paita.
rvanri sukharupa bh upabara, jaya dasaratha kula kumuda sudhkara.3.
sujasa purna bidita nigamgama, gvata sura muni sata samgama.
krunka byalka mada khaana, saba bidhi kusala kosal maana.4.
kali mala mathana nma mamathana, tulasidsa prabhu phi pranata jana.5.
Regard me, O lotus-eyed Lord, O Reliever of anxiety, with a benignant look. Dark of
hue as the blue lotus, O Hari, You are as it were a bee enjoying the honey of the lotus heart
of Lord iva (the Destroyer of Cupid), shattering the might of the demon hosts, You bring
delight to saints and sages and wipe out sins. Beneficent to the Brhmaas as a mass of
fresh clouds to a thirsty crop. You are the refuge of the helpless and the befriender of the
afflicted. By the might of Your arm You have crushed Earths enormous burden and ingeniously

1006
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
killed the demons Khara, Duaa and Virdha. Hail, all-blissful Slayer of Rvaa, noblest
of kings, a moon to the lily-like line of King Daaratha. Your fair renown is familiar to the
Puras, Vedas and Tantras and is sung in the congregations of gods, sages and saints.
Crushing false pride in Your mercy You are clever in everyway, O Jewel of the city of
Ayodhy. Your very name wipes out the impurities of the Kali age and destroys worldly
attachment. Pray, protect the suppliant, O lord of Tulasdsa. (15)
fa f r f r n nr
rrf z f n r ff r+ ~{+
Do.: prema sahita muni nrada barani rma guna grma,
sobhsidhu hdaya dhari gae jah

bidhi dhma.51.
Having lovingly recounted r Rmas catalogue of virtues, the sage Nrada
returned to Brahms abode, enshrining the Ocean of beauty in his heart. (51)
fnfr f r t rf fa r+
r fa a rf rr >rfa rr rr+ {+
r a a nrt - a rrt+
t f nf rt rr fa fa f frt + +
f r f rt nfa r; f rt+
sr fs r r; r fz nfaf r;+ -+
r n s rt r r rt+
f r sr rt rt fa fta rt+ +
- - - rt s r n rt+ ~+
Cau.: girij sunahu bisada yaha kath, mai

saba kah mori mati jath.

rma carita sata koi apr, ruti srad na baranai pr.1.
rma anata anata gunn, janma karma anata nmn.
jala skara mahi raja gani jh

, raghupati carita na barani sirh

.2.
bimala kath hari pada dyan, bhagati hoi suni anapyan.
um kahiu saba kath suh, jo bhusui khagapatihi sun.3.
kachuka rma guna kaheu bakhn, aba k kahau so kahahu bhavn.
suni subha kath um haran, bol ati binta mdu bn.4.
dhanya dhanya mai

dhanya purr, suneu rma guna bhava bhaya hr.5.

Listen, Girij; (continues Lord akara,) I have told you in full this holy narrative
according to My own lights. The stories of r Rma are without number and beyond all
dimensions. Not even the Vedas and rad (the goddess of speech) could recount
them all. Infinite is Rma and infinite His excellences; His births, exploits and names too
are endless. It may be possible to count the drops of water (in a shower of rain) or the
grains of sand; but the exploits of r Rma (the Lord of the Raghus) cannot be
recounted in full. This sacred story enables one to reach the abode of r Hari; whoever
hears it is blessed with unceasing devotion. Um, (goes on Lord iva,) I have repeated
in full the delightful story which Bhuui recited to the king of the birds. I have thus
recounted a few of r Rmas virtues; let me know, Bhavn (Prvat), what am I to tell

*
UTTARA-K NA
*
1007
you next. Um was glad to have heard the blessed story and replied in exceedingly
polite and soft accents : I am thrice blessed, O Slayer of the demon Tripura, to have
heard r Rmas praises, that take away the fear of birth and death. (15)
art r ra a- r
rs r ar fr r+ ~ (+
r ar f na r r rrt
>r f- r f f rrra fat+ ~ (+
Do.: tumhar kp

kpyatana aba ktaktya na moha,

jneu rma pratpa prabhu cidnada sadoha.52(A).
ntha tavnana sasi sravata kath sudh raghubra,
ravana puanhi mana pna kari nahi

aghta matidhra.52(B).
By Your grace, O Abode of mercy, I have now attained the object of my life and
have no delusion left in me. I have realized the greatness of Lord r Rma, who is
knowledge and bliss personified. O lord of resolute mind, my soul knows no satiety as
I quaff with the cups of my ears the nectar-like story of r Rma (the Hero of Raghus
line) flowing from Your moon-like mouth. (52 A-B)
r fa a rrrt f rr fa- rt+
t+ rf f n f fa a+ {+
rn r r rr r r ar rr+
f;- f f n n rr >r = frr+ +
>ra r n rt rf rrfa fa rrt+
a z t fr- rrrat f-f rrfa r rrat+ -+
ffr r ar nrr f r ffa rr+
ar r t r r; rnfz n=z fa nr;+ +
Cau.: rma carita je sunata aghh

, rasa bisea jn tinha nh

.
jvanamukta mahmuni jeu, hari guna sunahi

niratara te u.1.
bhava sgara caha pra jo pv, rma kath t kaha dRha nv.
biainha kaha puni hari guna grm, ravana sukhada aru mana abhirm.2.
ravanavata asa ko jaga mh

, jhi na raghupati carita sohh

.
te jaRa jva nijtmaka ght, jinhahi na raghupati kath soht.3.
haricaritra mnasa tumha gv, suni mai

ntha amiti sukha pv.

tumha jo kah yaha kath suh, kgabhasui garuRa prati g.4.
They who feel satiated with hearing the exploits of r Rma have little known
their peculiar sapor. Even those great sages who have attained final beatitude in their
very lifetime constantly hear the praises of r Hari. To him who seeks to cross the
ocean of worldly existence, the narrative of r Rma serves as a secure bark. Nay, the
praises of r Hari are delightful to the ear and pleasing to the mind even of the
sensualist. Is there in this world anyone with ears to hear, whom the exploits of r Rma
(the Lord of the Raghus) do not delight. Stupid are those creatures and indeed killers of

1008
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
their soul, whom the narrative of r Rma does not attract. While You sang what You
have chosen to call, the Mnasa Lake of r Haris exploits I listened, my lord, with
boundless joy. You have just told me that this charming story was recited by Kkabhuui
to Garua. (14)
ffa r fr r fa
r a rrfa nfa rf + ~-+
Do.: birati gyna bigyna dRha rma carana ati neha,
byasa tana raghupati bhagati mohi parama sadeha.53.
Bhuui is staunch in his dispassion and steadfast in his wisdom and realization,
and cherishes deep devotion to r Rmas feet. That one possessing the form of a crow
should be a devotee of r Rma (the Lord of the Raghus) fills me with great doubt. (53)
n rt rs r; art+
t rf r; f f frn a r;+ {+
rf f+ >rfa ; r r a rs ;+
ra rf r t+ a n r+ +
fa- n rt zrt frt+
t f+ = rt t + zr rt+ -+
a r rr r nfa a na rr+
r fnfa rn ff r; ftr rf rr;+ +
Cau.: nara sahasra maha sunahu purr, kou eka hoi dharma bratadhr.
dharmasla koika maha ko, biaya bimukha birga rata ho.1.
koi birakta madhya sruti kaha, samyaka gyna sakta kou laha.
gynavata koika maha kou, jvanamukta sakta jaga so u.2.
tinha sahasra mahu saba sukha khn, durlabha brahmalna bigyn.
dharmasla birakta aru gyn, jvanamukta brahmapara prn.3.
saba te so durlabha surary, rma bhagati rata gata mada my.
so haribhagati kga kimi p, bisvantha mohi kahahu bujh.4.
Listen, O Slayer of demon Tripura : among a thousand men there is scarce
one who is steadfast in his vow of piety. Among ten million souls devoted to religion
there may be one who is averse to the pleasures of sense and takes delight in
dispassion. Among ten million souls free from worldly attachment, so declare the Vedas,
scarce one succeeds in acquiring perfect wisdom. Among ten million enlightened souls
in this world there is hardly one who attains final beatitude even when living. Among
a thousand such souls he who has not only realized his oneness with Brahma but
merged his identity in the Absolute and has accordingly become a fountain of all joy
is rarely to be found. Of the religious, the unattached, the enlightened and the
emancipated, as well as of those merged in the Absolute, O lord of divinities, he who
takes delight in devotion to r Rma and is free from vanity and wiles is most difficult
to find. Kindly explain to me at length, O Lord of the universe, how such a devotion
to r Hari was attained by a crow. (14)

*
UTTARA-K NA
*
1009
r r r a nrnr fa t
r f r rs r t+ ~+
Do.: rma paryana gyna rata gungra mati dhra,
ntha kahahu kehi krana pyau kka sarra.54.
Also tell me, my lord, how did Bhuui obtain the form of a crow even though
devoted to r Rma, steeped in wisdom, a home of virtues and resolute of mind? (54)
fa fr rr r rn rr+
ar f rfa r rt rf fa a rt+ {+
n=z rrt n rt f fa f frt+
af f a rn r; t r f f fr;+ +
ff r rr rs fna rn snrr+
nf fnr f r; r f r r;+ -+
- at r fa art rrfa tfa f rt+
ta ;farr r f r rr+ +
s; r ftrr ff a ff rr+ ~+
Cau.: yaha prabhu carita pavitra suhv, kahahu kpla kga kaha pv.
tumha kehi bh

ti sun madanr, kahahu mohi ati kautuka bhr.1.

garuRa mahgyn guna rs, hari sevaka ati nikaa nivs.
tehi

kehi hetu kga sana j, suni

kath muni nikara bih.2.

kahahu kavana bidhi bh sabd, dou haribhagata kga uragd.
gauri gir suni sarala suh, bole siva sdara sukha p.3.
dhanya sat pvana mati tor, raghupati carana prti nahi

thor.
sunahu parama punta itihs, jo suni sakala loka bhrama ns.4.
upajai rma carana bisvs, bhava nidhi tara nara binahi

prays.5.
Further tell me, O merciful lord, wherefrom did the crow get this sacred and
delightful story? And also let me know how could You hear it, O Destroyer of Cupid:
for all this fills me with much inquisitiveness. Garua, again, is highly enlightened and an
embodiment of virtues; moreover, he is a servant of r Hari (being His own mount) and
lives very close to Him. Leaving a host of sages, wherefore did he approach a crow and
hear r Rmas story from him? Further let me know how the dialogue proceeded
between the crow and Garua (the devourer of serpents), both of whom are devotees
of r Hari. Lord iva rejoiced to hear the artless and welcome speech of His Consort
(Gaur) and politely replied, You are blessed indeed, O virtuous lady; your idea is holy,
and you possess not a little love for the feet of r Rma (the Lord of the Raghus).
Therefore, listen to a most sacred story, which, when heard, puts an end to the delusion
of the whole universe, engenders faith in r Rmas feet and enables a man to cross
the ocean of worldly existence without any difficulty. (15)
f = fnfa tf- rn r;
r r fs sr r;+ ~~+

1010
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Do.: aisia prasna bihagapati knhi kga sana ji,
so saba sdara kahihau sunahu um mana li.55.
The king of the birds too went and put quite similar questions to the crow. I will
reverently tell you all that: listen, Um with an attentive mind. (55)
ff r t rf r n f rf+
- n a arr at r a r arrr+ {+
- a r rr ar fa r a a rr+
- t- nr r ar r nr+ +
a fa r s r t s frn f ar+
fnf fa azrnr a a fs rnr+ -+
fnf s-r ff t t t+
ar f r rf r= r r+ +
fa- f frr t rt rr+
rf rr f rr f rr+ ~+
Cau.: mai

jimi kath sun bhava mocani, so prasaga sunu sumukhi sulocani.

prathama daccha gha tava avatr, sat nma taba rah tumhr.1.
daccha jagya tava bh apamn, tumha ati krodha taje taba prn.
mama anucaranha knha makha bhag, jnahu tumha so sakala prasag.2.
taba ati soca bhayau mana more , dukh bhayau biyoga priya tore .
sudara bana giri sarita taRg, kautuka dekhata phirau berg.3.
giri sumera uttara disi dur, nla saila eka sudara bhur.
tsu kanakamaya sikhara suhe, cri cru more mana bhe.4.
tinha para eka eka biapa bisl, baa ppara pkar rasl.
sailopari sara sudara soh, mani sopna dekhi mana moh.5.
Listen, O charming and bright-eyed lady, to the circumstances in which I heard this
story, that delivers one from the cycle of births and deaths. You first took birth in the house
of Daka and Sat was the name you then bore. At Dakas sacrifice you were subjected to
contumely and in the heat of your indignation you gave up your life then. My servants
wrecked the sacrifice : you know the whole episode already. I felt much troubled at heart
thereafter; for your loss had left me disconsolate, my dear. I wandered among beautiful
woodlands, mountains, rivers and tanks seeing sights, but found no charm anywhere. In
the far north, even beyond Mount Sumeru, there stands a most lovely mountain, known by
the name of Nlagiri (the Blue Mountain). It has four charming and delightful gold peaks,
which gladdened my soul : on each stood one gigantic tree, a banyan, a Peepul (the sacred
bo-tree), a Plaka (the Indian fig tree) and a mango. On the top of the mountain sparkled a
beautiful tarn with jewelled steps, which were so enchanting to behold. (15)
ta f n
a n na n+ ~+
Do.: stala amala madhura jala jalaja bipula bahuraga,
kujata kala rava hasa gana gujata majula bhga.56.

*
UTTARA-K NA
*
1011
Its water was cool, limpid and sweet; its lotuses abundant and many coloured. Flocks
of swans murmured their sweet notes and the bees made a delightful buzzing. (56)
af fnf =f ; n r; ar r rra r;+
rr a n r r r r rf fr+ {+
rf ta n rt af fnf f f rt+
a f ff ; ff rnr r sr fa rnr+ +
t a= a r r ; r rf a ;+
r r r r af f r f r+ -+
a f r nr rf f fnr+
r fa ffr ff rr fa r nrr+ +
f fa f rr f fa af arr+
r; r a r s sr r fr+ ~+
Cau.: tehi

giri rucira basai khaga so, tsu nsa kalpta na ho.

my kta guna doa anek, moha manoja di abibek.1.
rahe bypi samasta jaga mh

, tehi giri nikaa kabahu nahi

jh

.
taha basi harihi bhajai jimi kg, so sunu um sahita anurg.2.
ppara taru tara dhyna so dhara, jpa jagya pkari tara kara.

ba ch

ha kara mnasa puj, taji hari bhajanu kju nahi

duj.3.
bara tara kaha hari kath prasag, vahi

sunahi

aneka bihag.
rma carita bicitra bidhi nn, prema sahita kara sdara gn.4.
sunahi

sakala mati bimala marl, basahi

niratara je tehi

tl.
jaba mai

ji so kautuka dekh, ura upaj nada bise.5.

On that splendid mountain dwells the same bird (Kkabhuui), that outlives
even the end of the world. The various good and evil phenomena created by My (the
Cosmic Illusion), and ignorance in its varied forms such as infatuation,lust etc., which
hold sway all over the universe, never touch the precincts of that mountain. Now hear,
Um, with tender affection how the crow spends his days there in adoring r Hari. Under
the Peepul tree he practises meditation; he performs secrifice in the form of Japa
(muttering of prayers) under the Plaka; in the shade of the mango tree he offers mental
worship to the Lord, having no occupation other than adoring r Hari; and under the
banyan he narrates episodes from the story of r Hari, to hear which many a bird flocks
there. With loving reverence he sings the various marvellous exploits of r Rma; the
swans of pure mind, that ever dwell in that lake, all listen to the story. When I arrived
there and saw the spectacle, an intense joy welled up in my heart. (15)
a r r a f a t- fr
r f rrfa n f rs r+ ~+
Do.: taba kachu kla marla tanu dhari taha knha nivsa.
sdara suni raghupati guna puni yau kailsa.57.
Then, assuming the form of a swan, I sojourned there for some length of time. And,
after reverently listening to the praises of r Rma (the Lord of the Raghus), I returned
to Kailsa. (57)

1012
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
fnfr s r ;farr f ns n rr+
r r f a ns rn f n a+ {+
rrr tf- tzr ra fa rfa rf tzr+
;ta r rr a r f n=z rr+ +
rf nr snrr sr z z frr+
ra r at a fr sn rrat+ -+
r zr f rntr rr r r tr+
r ar s n rt s r r rt + +
Cau.: girij kaheu so saba itihs, mai

jehi samaya gayau khaga ps.

aba so kath sunahu jehi het u, gayau kga pahi

khaga kula ketu.1.

jaba raghuntha knhi rana krR, samujhata carita hoti mohi brR.
idrajta kara pu ba dhyo, taba nrada muni garuRa pahyo.2.
badhana ki gayo uragd, upaj hdaya pracaa bid.
prabhu badhana samujhata bahubh

t, karata bicra uraga rt.3.

bypaka brahma biraja bgs, my moha pra params.
so avatra suneu jaga mh

, dekheu so prabhva kachu nh

.4.
Girij, I have thus narrated the whole episode as to when I visited the bird
(Kkabhuui). Now hear the circumstances under which Garua (the glory of the
feathered kingdom) called on the crow. When the Lord of the Raghus enacted the sport
of a combat (with Meghanda, Rvaas son)the very thought of which fills me with
shameand allowed Himself to be bound by Meghanda (the conqueror of Indra), the
sage Nrada despatched Garua. When Garua (the devourer of serpents) had cut the
bonds and departed a terrible dejection possessed his soul. Racalling the Lords
bondage, the enemy of the serpents thought over the incident in many ways : It was the
all-pervading and passionless Brahma, the lord of speech, the supreme Ruler beyond
My and error, who had, I was told, taken descent in this world. But I saw none of His
divine glory. (14)
a f f r r
fr rs rnr r; r+ ~c+
Do.: bhava badhana te chuahi

nara japi j kara nma,

kharba niscara b

dheu ngapsa soi rma.58.

The same Rma, by repeating whose Name men get freedom from the bonds of
worldly existence was tied down by a puny demon with coils of snakes ! (58)
rr rfa f rrr n r z rr+
fr a r; s r arff r;+ {+
r ns ff rt f r f rt+
f rf rfn fa rr n r rr+ +
r rf- fa ; fr; fr ;+
f r rr rt r; rt fnfa art+ -+

*
UTTARA-K NA
*
1013
rr sr s ar fff fn n r+
ar f r nr r; f r; fr+ +
Cau.: nn bh

ti manahi samujhv, pragaa na gyna hdaya bhrama chv.

kheda khinna mana tarka baRh, bhayau mohabasa tumharihi

n.1.
bykula gayau devarii ph

, kahesi jo sasaya nija mana mh

.
suni nradahi lgi ati dy, sunu khaga prabala rma kai my.2.
jo gyninha kara cita apahara, bari

bimoha mana kara.

jehi

bahu bra nacv moh, soi byp bihagapati toh.3.

mahmoha upaj ura tore , miihi na begi kahe khaga more .
caturnana pahi

jhu khages, soi karehu jehi hoi nides.4.

Garua did all he could to reassure himself; but the light of wisdom did not dawn
on him; on the other hand,error overshadowed his soul all the more. Torn by torments
and full of mental questionings, he fell a prey to delusion just like yourself. In his
perplexity he approached the celestial sage (Nrada) and apprized him of the doubt
that preyed upon his mind. On hearing his tale Nrada was moved with great compassion
and said, Listen, Garua: formidable is r Rmas My (delusive power); it robs
even the wise of their sense and bringing them under its sway clouds their mind with
utter infatuation. The same My that befooled me many a time has laid its hold on
you, O lord of the feathered creation. A blinding infatuation has taken root in your heart
and it will not be readily eradicated by any words of mine. Therefore, betake yourself
to Brahm (the four-faced Creator), O lord of the winged creatures, and do whatever
he enjoins you. (14)
f ff a r n nr
f rr a f f r+ ~+
Do.: asa kahi cale devarii karata rma guna gna,
hari my bala baranata puni puni parama sujna.59.
So saying the most enlightened celestial sage went his way, chanting r Rmas
praises and repeatedly recalling to his mind the power of r Haris My. (59)
a nfa ff f n f ra +
f ff rf f= rr fr ar fa rr+ {+
; fr frar rr f rf rar+
f rr ffa rr f r f rf rr+ +
n n n srr f r r nrr+
a r ff fnr r; r r ar;+ -+
a f r ara a f r+
a r;f a rt s fn a ff rt+ +
Cau.: taba khagapati biraci pahi

gaya u, nija sadeha sunvata bhayau.

suni biraci rmahi siru nv, samujhi pratpa prema ati chv.1.
mana mahu karai bicra bidht, my basa kabi kobida gyt.
hari my kara amiti prabhv, bipula bra jehi

mohi nacv.2.

1014
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
aga jagamaya jaga mama uparj, nahi

caraja moha khagarj.

taba bole bidhi gir suh, jna mahesa rma prabhut.3.
bainateya sakara pahi

jhu, tta anata puchahu jani khu.

taha hoihi tava sasaya hn, caleu bihaga sunata bidhi bn.4.
The lord of the feathered creation then went to the Creator and told him his doubt.
On hearing his story Brahm bowed his head to r Rma and, realizing His might, was
overwhelmed with love. The Creator mused within himself : The seers and sages as
well as the learned are all dominated by My. Unbounded is the power of r Haris
My, that has often made a puppet of me. The whole of this animate and inanimate
creation was evolved by me; no wonder, then, that the king of the birds has been
beguiled by it. Thereupon Brahm said in charming accents, The great Lord iva is
conversant with r Rmas glory. Therefore, O son of Vinat, approach Lord akara
and ask no question of anyone elsewhere, dear child. There alone will your doubts be
resolved. On hearing the Creators advice the bird flew away. (14)
ra fnfa rs a r r
ra s n f sr r+ +
Do.: paramtura bihagapati yau taba mo psa,
jta raheu kubera gha rahihu um kailsa.60.
Then came the lord of the feathered kingdom in utmost distress to me. At that time I
was on my way to Kuberas residence; while you, Um, were here on Mount Kailsa.(60)
af r f= rr f r rr+
f ar f fat rt fa s rt+ {+
f n=z rn rt rfa rr art+
af r; nr r f anr+ +
f ar f r r; rr rfa f- r nr;+
f rf rr faru r nrr+ -+
fa f r ra r; s ar a r r; +
r;f a r r r;f fa r+ +
Cau.: tehi

mama pada sdara siru nv, puni pana sadeha sunv.

suni t kari binat mdu bn, prema sahita mai

kaheu bhavn.1.
milehu garuRa mraga maha moh, kavana bh

ti samujhvau toh.
tabahi

hoi saba sasaya bhag, jaba bahu kla karia satasag.2.

sunia tah

hari kath suh, nn bh

ti muninha jo g.
jehi mahu di madhya avasn, prabhu pratipdya rma bhagavn.3.
nita hari kath hota jaha bh, pahavau tah

sunahu tumha j.
jihi sunata sakala sadeh, rma carana hoihi ati neh.4.
He reverently bowed his head at my feet and then placed his doubt before me. On
hearing his submission, which was couched in polite terms, Bhavn, I lovingly replied to
him, Garua, you have met me on the way; how then, shall I instruct you? Doubts are
wholly resolved only when one enjoys the fellowship of saints for a long time, and listens

*
UTTARA-K NA
*
1015
there to the delightful story of r Hari, that has been sung by the sages in diverse ways
and the sole theme of whichat the beginning, in the middle as well as at the endis the
divine Lord r Rma. I shall accordingly send you to a place where, O brother, the story
of r Hari is recited everyday; you go there and listen. As you hear it all your doubts will
vanish and you will develop intense love for r Rmas feet. (14)
f an f r af f r rn
r n f r r; rn+ {+
Do.: binu satasaga na hari kath tehi binu moha na bhga,
moha gae binu rma pada hoi na dRha anurga.61.
Except in the company of saints there is no talk of r Hari, and one cannot be
rid of error except through such talk. And till ones error is dispersed one cannot have
deep-rooted affection for r Rmas feet. (61)
ff rrfa f rnr f rn a r frnr+
s-r ff fnf tr a rfz tr+ {+
r nfa tr rt n n rtr+
r r r ; fa r f ff fn+ +
r; a f n t r;f r fa t+
af r rr; s f f= r;+ -+
ara sr rrr rrfa r rr+
r;f t- frr r r rfrr+ +
af a f f rr r; n nt rr+
rr a rt rf r rt+ ~+
Cau.: milahi

na raghupati binu anurg, kie joga tapa gyna birg.

uttara disi sudara giri nl, taha raha kkabhusui susl.1.
rma bhagati patha parama prabn, gyn guna gha bahu kln.
rma kath so kahai niratara, sdara sunahi

bibidha bihagabara.2.
ji sunahu taha hari guna bhur, hoihi moha janita dukha dur.
mai

jaba tehi saba kah bujh, caleu harai mama pada siru n.3.
tte um na mai

samujhv, raghupati kp

maramu mai

pv.
hoihi knha kabahu abhimn, so khovai caha kpnidhn.4.
kachu tehi te puni mai

nahi

rkh, samujhai khaga khagah kai bh.

prabhu my balavata bhavn, jhi na moha kavana asa gyn.5.
The Lord of the Raghus cannot be found except through love, even though you
may practise Yoga (mind-control) or austere penance or culivate spiritual wisdom or
dispassion. In the north there is a beautiful blue mountain called Nlagiri, where lives the
amiable Kkabhuui, highly conversant with the path of Devotion to r Rma,
enlightened, full of all good qualities and ages old. He unceasingly recites r Rmas
narrative and noble birds of different species reverently listen to it. Go there and hear of
the many virtues of r Hari; your distress born of infatuation will thus disappear. When
I had thus told him everything in unambiguous terms, Garua bowed his head at my feet

1016
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
and departed with joy. Um, I did not instruct him myself, because by the grace of r
Rma (the Lord of the Raghus) I had come to know the secret (of Garuas infatuation).
He must have given vent to his pride on some ocassion and the All-merciful evidently
wished to cure him of it. Partly there was another reason why I did not detain him; a bird
can follow the language of a bird alone. My lords My, Bhavn, is formidable; who is
there so wise as not to be beguiled by it? (15)
rt na frf frfa r
arf r rr r f nr+ (+
Do.: gyn bhagata siromani tribhuvanapati kara jna,
thi moha my nara pva ra karahi

gumna.62(A).
Even Garua, the very crest-jewel of devotees and enlightened souls and the
mount of Lord Viu (the sovereign of the three spheres), was deluded by My how
absurd, then, the poor mortals vaunt their immunity from it. (62 A)
[PAUSE 28 FOR A THIRTY-DAY RECITATION]
f ff r; r r r
f rf f f rr fa nr+ (+
siva biraci kahu mohai ko hai bapur na,
asa jiya jni bhajahi

muni my pati bhagavna.62(B).

The Lords My beguiles even iva and Brahm; of what account in any poor
creature? Bearing this in mind, the sages adore the divine Lord of My. (62 B)
ns n=z ; zr fa f nfa zr+
f r rr r r n+ {+
f azrn r rr a ns z rr+
q q fn a r r fa r+ +
r r; rr at ns nrr+
ra f nrr s r fa rr+ -+
fa r nfa t-r trna f r t-r+
f r a rnr -r a rs rnr+ +
Cau.: gayau garuRa jaha basai bhusu, mati akuha hari bhagati akha.
dekhi saila prasanna mana bhaya u, my moha soca saba gaya u.1.
kari taRga majjana jalapn, baa tara gayau hdaya haran.
bddha bddha bihaga taha e, sunai rma ke carita suhe.2.
kath arabha karai soi ch, teh samaya gayau khaganh.
vata dekhi sakala khagarj, haraeu byasa sahita samj.3.
ati dara khagapati kara knh, svgata p uchi susana dnh.
kari p uj sameta anurg, madhura bacana taba boleu kg.4.
Garua went to the abode of Bhuui (Kkabhuui) of unhampered intellect and

*
UTTARA-K NA
*
1017
possessing uninterrupted devotion to r Hari. At the sight of the mountain his heart
rejoiced and he was rid of all My (delusion), infatuation and anxiety. After bathing in the
tarn and drinking of its water he betook himself under the banyan tree, delighted at heart.
Aged birds of all kinds flocked there to hear r Rmas charming exploits. Bhuui was
just on the point of commencing the narration when the king of the birds arrived. All were
rejoiced to see the king of the whole feathered creation approach, the crow no less than
the rest of the assembly. Bhuui received the king of the birds with the utmost reverence
and, having enquired after his welfare, conducted him to an exalted seat. After offering him
loving worship the crow addressed him in honeyed accents: (14)
r ar s a nr
r r r f r+ - (+
r ar = ar n
f tafa r f tf- +- (+
Do.: ntha ktratha bhayau mai

tava darasana khagarja,

yasu dehu so karau aba prabhu yahu kehi kja.63(A).
sad ktratha rupa tumha kaha mdu bacana khagesa,
jehi kai astuti sdara nija mukha knhi mahesa.63(B).
My lord, I have been blessed by your sight; now let me do whatever you bid me, O
king of the birds. With what object have you come, my master ? You have always been a
picture of blessedness, replied the lord of the feathered kingdom in gentle phrase, as I find
that the great Lord iva reverently extolled you with His own mouth. (63 A-B)
ara f r rs r s a rs+
f r a r>r ns r rr + {+
>rtr r fa rf r rf+
r ara r rt r r fs art+ +
a n=z fnr ftar tar+
s ar srr rn rrfa n nrr+ -+
f fa rn rt rfa f rt+
f r r rr f f r arr+ +
ar r f nr; a f fa f r;+ ~+
Cau.: sunahu tta jehi krana yau , so saba bhayau darasa tava pyau .
dekhi parama pvana tava rama, gayau moha sasaya nn bhrama.1.
aba rrma kath ati pvani, sad sukhada dukha puja nasvani.
sdara tta sunvahu moh, bra bra binavau prabhu toh.2.
sunata garuRa kai gir bint, sarala suprema sukhada supunt.
bhayau tsu mana parama uchh, lga kahai raghupati guna gh.3.
prathamahi

ati anurga bhavn, rmacarita sara kahesi bakhn.

puni nrada kara moha apr, kahesi bahuri rvana avatr.4.
prabhu avatra kath puni g, taba sisu carita kahesi mana l.5.

1018
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Listen, dear one : the object for which I came has already been fully accomplished
and I have also had the privilege of seeing you. At the very sight of your most holy
hermitage my infatuation, doubt and many misconceptions have been removed. Now, dear
one, narrate to me with due reverence the most sacred story of r Rma, which is ever
delightful and a cure for all sufferings. This is what I beg of you again and again. The
moment Bhuui heard Garuas prayer, humble, sincere, loving; delightful and pious, a
supreme joy diffused over his soul and he commenced recounting the virtues of r Rma
(the Lord of the Raghus). First of all, with fervent devotion, O Bhavn, he gave an
elaborate description of the lake of r Rmas exploits. Next he told about Nradas terrible
infatuation and then of Rvaas incarnation. Thereafter he sang the story of the Lords
descent and then recounted with deep interest His childlike sports. (15)
rfa f fff ff sr
ff rn f f >rtrrt fr+ +
Do.: blacarita kahi bibidhi bidhi mana maha parama uchha.
rii gavana kahesi puni rraghubra bibha.64.
After narrating His boyish sports of various kinds with the utmost rapture of soul
he told of the sages (Vivmitras) arrival and thereafter of r Rmas wedding. (64)
f r f nr f r nr+
rf- f frr f r f rr+ {+
ff n rnr f saf fr rnr+
rt f rr fr ff nrr+ +
frn n r arn r+
f fr n rt a n rt+ -+
f rrfa ff rr rr r+
a f fa a t = fr f t+ +
Cau.: bahuri rma abhieka prasag, puni npa bacana rja rasa bhag.
purabsinha kara biraha bid, kahesi rma lachimana sabd.1.
bipina gavana kevaa anurg, surasari utari nivsa prayg.
blamka prabhu milana bakhn, citrak ua jimi base bhagavn.2.
sacivgavana nagara npa maran, bharatgavana prema bahu baran.
kari npa kriy saga purabs, bharata gae jaha prabhu sukha rs.3.
puni raghupati bahubidhi samujhe, lai pduk avadhapura e.
bharata rahani surapati suta karan, prabhu aru atri bhe a puni baran.4.
Then he narrated the episode of r Rmas projected installaion (as the Prince-
Regent of Ayodhy) and after that he spoke of the sudden interruption in the festivities
connected with the installation due to King Daarathas solemn pledge (to Kaikey), as well
as of the citizens agony at Rmas parting. He then reproduced the dialogue between
r Rma and Lakmaa and further described their journey to the forest, the devotion of
the boatman and their ferrying across the celestial stream (Gag) and halt at Prayga.
He further described the Lords meeting with the sage Vlmki and how the divine r Rma
sojourned at Citrakua. Again, he then told of the ministers (Sumantras) return to the

*
UTTARA-K NA
*
1019
capital, the Kings demise, Bharatas coming back (from his maternal grandfathers) as well
as his abundant love (for r Rma). He further related how after performing the Kings
obsequies Bharata with all the citizens betook himself to where the All-blissful Lord was,
and how when the Lord of the Raghus consoled him in every way he took the Lords
sandals and returned to the city of Ayodhy. Bhuui continued and described Bharatas
mode of life (at Nandigrma), the (mischievous) conduct of Jayanta (the son of Indra, the
lord of the celestials) and the Lords meeting with the sage Atri. (14)
f fr f ff at n
f at tfa f nfta an+ ~+
Do.: kahi birdha badha jehi bidhi deha taj sarabhaga,
barani sutchana prti puni prabhu agasti satasaga.65.
After giving an account of Virdhas death (at the hands of the Lord) he told how
the sage arabhaga dropped his body, and further described Sutkas devotion and
also the Lords holy communion with the sage Agastya. (65)
f z rar; nt ;rt f af nr;+
f t a rr t f- t rrr+ {+
f f s r r ff tf- =r+
f rr ff r rr+ +
rt at f ff ; r af t+
f rr tar r >rtrrt f r+ -+
f nt fr ff t-t f ff nfa t-t+
f f a rrtr f ff n r atr+ +
Cau.: kahi daaka bana pvanat, gdha maitr puni tehi

g.
puni prabhu pacaba

kta bs, bhaj sakala muninha k trs.1.

puni lachimana upadesa an up, s upanakh jimi knhi kur up.
khara duana badha bahuri bakhn, jimi saba maramu dasnana jn.2.
dasakadhara mrca batakah, jehi bidhi bhai so saba tehi

kah.
puni my st kara haran, rraghubra biraha kachu baran.3.
puni prabhu gdha kriy jimi knh, badhi kabadha sabarihi gati dnh.
bahuri biraha baranata raghubr, jehi bidhi gae sarobara tr.4.
After speaking about the purification of the Daaka forest Bhuui told of the
Lords friendship with the vulture king (Jayu). He further narrated how the Lord took up
His abode at Pacava and dissipated the fears of all the hermits. Then came the Lords
incomparable exhortation to Lakmaa and the story of urpaakhs mutilation. He
further narrated the death of Khara and Duaa (at the Lords hands) and how Rvaa
(the ten-headed monster) got all the information. Again, he then told all the particulars of
the latters talk with Mrca. Thereafter he described the abduction of the fictitious St
and briefly referred to the desolation of r Rma (the Hero of Raghus line). After this
he told how the Lord performed the Obsequies of the vulture king, slew the demon
Kabandha and bestowed the highest state (final beatitude) on abar (the Bhla woman),
and further narrated how the Hero of Raghus line went to the bank of the Pamp lake,
bewailing His desolation all the way. (14)

1020
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
r r f r=fa f n
f nt far; rf r n+ (+
ff fa f a r
r = r r f rr+ (+
Do.: prabhu nrada sabda kahi mruti milana prasaga,
puni sugrva mit bli prna kara bhaga.66(A).
kapihi tilaka kari prabhu kta saila prabaraana bsa,
baranana bar sarada aru rma roa kapi trsa.66(B).
After repeating the Lords talk with the sage Nrada as well as the episode of His
meeting with the son of the wind-good, Bhuui told of r Rmas alliance with Sugrva
and of Vlis death at His hands. He further related how after installing Sugrva (on the
throne of Kikindh) the Lord took up His abode on Mount Pravaraa, gave an account
of the rains as well as of the autumn that immediately followed and told of r Rmas
wrath on Sugrva and the latters dismay. (66 A-B)
f ff ffa t r tar r ff r+
f t- f r at f- rf fr rat+ {+
f r trr rrra s rf rr+
r f ff t-r f taf t ff t-r+ +
srf rf rt f rrrs f rt+
r f rrr; t t r;+ -+
fa r rrtr sa r; rfff atr+
fr ft f ff r; rn fn r r;+ +
Cau.: jehi bidhi kapipati ksa pahe, st khoja sakala disi dhe.
bibara prabesa knha jehi bh

t, kapinha bahori mil sapt.1.

suni saba kath samrakumr, nghata bhayau payodhi apr.
lak

kapi prabesa jimi knh, puni stahi dhraju jimi dnh.2.
bana ujri rvanahi prabodh, pura dahi ngheu bahuri payodh.
e kapi saba jaha raghur, baideh k kusala sun.3.
sena sameti jath raghubr, utare ji brinidhi tr.
mil bibhana jehi bidhi , sgara nigraha kath sun.4.
The crow further narrated how Sugrva (the lord of the monkeys) sent out monkeys,
who rushed forth in every direction in quest of St; how the party sent to the south entered
a cave and were met later on by Sampt (Jayus elder brother); how after hearing all the
news from him the son of the wind-god jumped over the vast ocean, how the monkey chief
made his way into Lak and how later on he saw and reassured St; how after laying
waste the grove (where St had been lodged) and exhorting Rvaa he set fire to his
capital and leapt back across the sea; how the whole party of the monkeys rejoined the
Lord of the Raghus and told Him of Sts welfare and how the Hero of Raghus line with His
army went and encamped on the seashore and how Vibhaa came and saw Him; and
further recited the story of the oceans subjugation. (14)

*
UTTARA-K NA
*
1021
a rf f ff sat rn r
ns tt t f ff rfr+ (+
ff t r; ff fff r
rrr = rrr+ (+
Do.: setu b

dhi kapi sena jimi utar sgara pra,

gayau bash brabara jehi bidhi blikumra.67(A).
nisicara ksa lar baranisi bibidhi prakra,
kubhakarana ghananda kara bala paurua saghra.67(B).
Bhuui then narrated how after building a bridge across the ocean the monkey
host crossed over to the other side and how the most heroic son of Vli went as an
envoy to Rvaa. He further described the conflict between the demons and the
monkeys in all its phases, and in course of it the might and valour, and eventually the
destruction, of Kumbhakara and Meghanda. (67 A-B)
ff f ff rr rrfa r rr+
r rf rr r ft rr+ {+
tar rrfa f rt - tf- tafa rt+
f r f f- ar r far+ +
f ff r n f r r f fa nr+
f rf r fr a tfa r+ -+
r ta z rt r ar t rt+
f r r nrr a srr+ +
Cau.: nisicara nikara marana bidhi nn, raghupati rvana samara bakhn.
rvana badha madodari sok, rja bibhana deva asok.1.
st raghupati milana bahor, suranha knhi astuti kara jor.
puni pupaka caRhi kapinha samet, avadha cale prabhu kp niket.2.
jehi bidhi rma nagara nija e, byasa bisada carita saba ge.
kahesi bahori rma abhiek, pura baranata npanti anek.3.
kath samasta bhusua bakhn, jo mai

tumha sana kah bhavn.

suni saba rma kath khaganh, kahata bacana mana parama uchh.4.
The crow then told about the extermination of the demon host and the various phases
of the combat between the Lord of the Raghus and Rvaa, Rvaas death and Mandodars
lament, the enthronement of Vibhaa, the cessation of the gods sorrow and Sts reunion
with the Lord of the Raghus. He further narrated how the gods with joined palms hymned
the Lords praises, how the All-merciful Lord then mounted the aerial car known by the
name of Pupaka alongwith the monkeys and flew to Ayodhy and how r Rma arrived
at His own capital and all such holy doings. He then told of r Rmas coronation and also
described the city and all its kingly polity. In this way Bhuui narrated the whole story as
I have already told you, Bhavn. When he heard the whole of r Rmas narrative, Garuas
mind was filled with rapture and he spoke as follows: (14)

1022
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
ns r s rrfa fa
s r a r r fa+ c (+
rf s fa r ff
fr r r f r + c (+
So.: gayau mora sadeha suneu sakala raghupati carita,
bhayau rma pada neha tava prasda byasa tilaka.68(A).
mohi bhayau ati moha prabhu badhana rana mahu nirakhi,
cidnada sadoha rma bikala krana kavana.68(B).
My doubts have gone, now that I have heard the whole of r Rmas narrative.
And by your grace, O best of crows, I have developed devotion to r Rmas feet. A
mighty bewilderment possessed me when I saw the Lord bound in battle : r Rma is
Knowledge and Bliss personified; how can He be embarrassed? (68 A-B)
f fa fa rt s z rt+
r; fa f rr t- n trrfrr+ {+
r fa ra r r; a= rr r; r;+
f ra r fa rt fas ara ff art+ +
as ff f r r; fa ffr ff ar nr;+
fnrn r a r f fq f f r+ -+
a fq ff f at faf r r f t+
r r a a r n+ +
Cau.: dekhi carita ati nara anusr, bhayau hdaya mama sasaya bhr.
soi bhrama aba hita kari mai

mn, knha anugraha kpnidhn.1.

jo ati tapa bykula ho, taru chy sukha jnai so.
jau nahi

hota moha ati moh, milateu tta kavana bidhi toh.2.

sunateu kimi hari kath suh, ati bicitra bahu bidhi tumha g.
nigamgama purna mata eh, kahahi

siddha muni nahi

sadeh.3.
sata bisuddha milahi

pari teh, citavahi

rma kp kari jeh.

rma kp

tava darasana bhaya u, tava prasda saba sasaya gayau.4.

As I found His ways so closely resembling those of a human being, a grievous
doubt arose in my soul. Now I regard that error of mine as a blessing and feel that the
All-merciful bestowed a favour on me (in the form of that error). For he alone who is
terribly oppressed with the heat of the sun can appreciate the blessing of an umbrageous
tree. Had I not thus fallen a prey to gross infatuation, how could it have been possible
for me to meet you, revered sir, and how could I get an opportunity to hear the charming
and most wonderful story of r Hari that you have just sung in all its details. The Vedas,
the Tantras and the Puras are at one on this point and so declare the Siddhas and
sages in unequivocal terms that the fellowship of genuine saints is only attained by those
whom r Rma regards with favour. By r Rmas grace I have been blessed with your
sight and by your blessing, again, all my doubts have disappeared. (14)
*
UTTARA-K NA
*
1023

f fnfa rt fa f rn
nra r s fa rn+ (+
>rrar fa t f r f f r
r; sr fa nrtf r f r+ (+
Do.: suni bihagapati bn sahita binaya anurga,
pulaka gta locana sajala mana haraeu ati kga.69(A).
rot sumati susla suci kath rasika hari dsa,
pi um ati gopyamapi sajjana karahi

praksa.69(B).
On hearing Garuas speech, so modest and affectionate, the crow was greatly
rejoiced at heart; every hair on his body stood erect and tears rushed to his eyes. Um,
(continues Lord iva,) saints reveal their profoundest secrets when they find a listener
who is not only intelligent, virtuous and pious, but fond of r Rmas story and a devotee
of r Hari. (69 A-B)
rs rz rt n r tfa rt+
ff r ar rrr rrr + {+
arf r rr r r tf- a r rr+
; r f nfa art rr fa tf- z r; rt+ +
ar f r t n r; r f r nrr;+
r ff rt fr rart+ -+
r t- f t r n r r t+
a=r f t- rr f z r f rr+ +
Cau.: boleu kkabhasua bahor, nabhaga ntha para prti na thor.
saba bidhi ntha pujya tumha mere, kpptra raghunyaka kere.1.
tumhahi na sasaya moha na my, mo para ntha knhi tumha dy.
pahai moha misa khagapati toh, raghupati dnhi baR moh.2.
tumha nija moha kah khaga s

, so nahi

kachu caraja gos

.
nrada bhava biraci sanakd, je muninyaka tamabd.3.
moha na adha knha kehi keh, ko jaga kma nacva na jeh.
tsn

kehi na knha baurh, kehi kara hdaya krodha nahi

dh.4.
Then answered Kkabhuui, who had no small affection for the lord of the
feathered creation : My lord, you are in everyway entitled to my homage, a recipient as
you are of r Rmas favour. You had neither doubt nor infatuation, nor delusion; it was
only an excuse, my lord, for doing me a kindness. By sending you, O king of the birds,
under the pretext of infatuation the Lord of the Raghus has conferred an honour on me.
Yet, my lord, there is nothing peculiar in that delusion of yours of which you have told
me, O king of the birds; for the celestial sage Nrada, Bhava (Lord iva) and Viraci (the
Creator), as well as Sanaka and the other great sages, exponents of the truth of the
Spirit which of these has not been blinded by infatuation? Again, is there anyone in this
world whom lust has not made a puppet of? Who has not been maddened by the thirst
for enjoyment and whose heart has not been inflamed by anger? (14)

1024
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
rt ar f rf n rnr
f r fzr tf- f r+ (+
>rt t- f ar f rf
nrf r rn rf+ (+
Do.: gyn tpasa sura kabi kobida guna gra,
kehi kai lobha biaban knhi na ehi

sasra.70(A).
r mada bakra na knha kehi prabhut badhira na khi,
mgalocani ke naina sara ko asa lga na jhi.70(B).
Is there any sage, ascetic, hero, seer, man of learning or man of virtue in this
world, whom greed has not batrayed? Again, whom has the pride of pelf not perverted?
Who has not been deafened by power? And is there anyone who has not been smitten
by the shaft-like glances of a fawn-eyed woman? (70 A-B)
n a -ra f t rs r as ft+
r f f rr ar f rr+ {+
- rf rr rf r t zrrr+
far rff r f rr r n rf rt rr+ +
t r r= tr f rn rr r tr+
a fa r ;r att f fa ;- a tt+ -+
rr frr ffa r rr+
f ar rf zrt t f rt+ +
Cau.: guna kta sanyapta nahi

keh, kou na mna mada tajeu nibeh.

jobana jvara kehi nahi

balakv, mamat kehi kara jasa na nasv.1.

macchara khi kalaka na lv, khi na soka samra olv.
cit s

pini ko nahi

khy, ko jaga jhi na byp my.2.

ka manoratha dru sarr, jehi na lga ghuna ko asa dhr.
suta bita loka an tn, kehi kai mati inha kta na maln.3.
yaha saba my kara parivr, prabala amiti ko baranai pr.
siva caturnana jhi erh

, apara jva kehi lekhe mh

.4.
Who is not thrown out of his mental equipoise by the combined action of the three
Guas (modes of Prakti) as by the synchronous derangement of the three humours of
the body (which generally proves fatal to the victim according to the principles of
yurveda)? None has escaped the stings of pride and arrogance. Who does not get
wildly excited under an attack of fever in the form of youth and whose good reputation
is not marred by worldly attachment? Who does not incur obloquy through envy and who
is not shaken by the blast of grief? Who is not bitten by the serpent of care? And is there
anyone in this world who is not overcome by My (the delusive potency of God)?
Again, is there anyone so resolute of mind, whose body is not being consumed by desire
as a piece of wood is eaten away by a wooded-borer? Whose mind has not been
polluted by the threefold desirethe desire of progeny, the desire of wealth and the
*
UTTARA-K NA
*
1025

desire of fame? All these constitute the retinue of My, formidable and infinite in number,
more than any can tell. Even Lord iva and the four-faced Brahm (the Creator) are ever
afraid of these; of what account, then, are other creatures? (14)
rf s r rr z
rfa rrf rz+ { (+
r rt rrt r fr rf
r r f r s rf+ { (+
Do.: bypi raheu sasra mahu my kaaka pracaa,
senpati kmdi bhaa dabha kapaa paa.71.(A).
so ds raghubra kai samujhe mithy sopi,
chua na rma kp binu ntha kahau pada ropi.71(B).
Mys formidable army is spread over the whole universe. Concupiscence and
others (viz., Anger and Greed) are its generals; Hypocrisy, Deceit and Heresy its
champions. That My, however, is r Rmas own handmaid; though unreal when
understood, there is no release from her grip except by r Rmas grace: I declare this
with the utmost confidence. (71 A-B)
r rr nf rr r fa f r rr+
r; fr nrr r t ; fa rr+ {+
r; frr rr rr fr = rr+
r rt z ar f rrrf+ nar+ +
n fnr nratar t u tar+
f frr frr f- f rr+ -+
fa r s rt zr ft f frt+
;r r r rt f - a f rt+ +
Cau.: jo my saba jagahi nacv, jsu carita lakhi khu na pv.
soi praphu bhru bilsa khagarj, nca na iva sahita samj.1.
soi saccidnada ghana rm, aja bigyna r upa bala dhm.
bypaka bypya akhaa anat, akhila amoghasakti bhagavat.2.
aguna adabhra gir gott, sabadaras anavadya ajt.
nirmama nirkra niramoh, nitya nirajana sukha sadoh.3.
prakti pra prabhu saba ura bs, brahma nirha biraja abins.
ih

moha kara krana nh

, rabi sanmukha tama kabahu ki jh

.4.
The same My that has made a puppet of the whole world and whose ways are
unknown to anyone, dences with all her troups like an actress on the stage to the play
of the Lords eyebrows, O king of birds. Such is r Rma, who is devoid of birth, the
totality of Existence, Knowledge and Bliss, wisdom personified, the home of beauty and
strength. He is both pervading and pervaded, fractionless, infinite and integral, the Lord
of unfailing power, attributeless, vast, transcending speech as well as the other senses,
all-seeing, free from blemish, invincible, unattached, devoid of form, free from error,

1026
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
eternal and untainted by My, beyond the realm of Prakti (Matter), bliss personified, the
Lord indwelling the heart of all, the actionless Brahma, free from passion and imperishable.
In Him error finds no ground to stand upon; can the shades of darkness ever approach
the sun? (14)
na a nr r s a
f fa r ra =+ (+
r f - ; r;
r; r; r r; r r; r;+ (+
Do.: bhagata hetu bhagavna prabhu rma dhareu tanu bh upa,
kie carita pvana parama prkta nara anurupa.72(A).
jath aneka bea dhari ntya karai naa koi,
soi soi bhva dekhvai puna hoi na soi.72(B).
For the sake of His devotees, the divine Lord r Rma took the form of an earthly
sovereign and performed most sacred deeds, in the manner of an ordinary mortal, even
as an actor, while acting on the stage, assumes various guises and exhibits different
characters but himself remains the same. (72 A-B)
f rrfa tr snrt frf rt+
fa f f rt r f ;f trt+ {+
r r r; ta f r;+
f ff r; nr r f- ss fr+ +
r= a n r r rf r+
r f f n rt f t frrt+ -+
f f; r fnr f r nr+
rr fa rnt z fr ff rnt+ +
a t f r r t+ ~+
Cau.: asi raghupati ll uragr, danuja bimohani jana sukhakr.
je mati malina biayabasa km, prabhu para moha dharahi

imi svm.1.
nayana doa j kaha jaba ho, pta barana sasi kahu kaha so.
jaba jehi disi bhrama hoi khages, so kaha pacchima uyau dines.2.
naukruRha calata jaga dekh, acala moha basa puhi lekh.
blaka bhramahi

na bhramahi

ghd, kahahi

paraspara mithybd.3.
hari biaika asa moha bihag, sapanehu nahi

agyna prasag.
mybasa matimada abhg, hdaya jamanik bahubidhi lg.4.
te saha haha basa sasaya karah

, nija agyna rma para dharah

.5.
Such, O enemy of serpents, is the pastime of r Rma (the Lord of the Raghus),
a bewilderment to the demons but a delight to His servants. Those who are impure of
mind, given over to the pleasures of sense and slaves of passion attribute infatuation to
the Lord in the following manner, my master. He who has a jaundiced eye declares the
moon as of a yellow colour so long as the disease is there. When a man is bewildered
*
UTTARA-K NA
*
1027

as to the point of the compass, O Garua, he affirms that the sun has risen in the west.
A man who is sailing on a boat finds the world moving and deludes himself with the idea
that he himself is standing still. Children whirl round in play, but not the surrounding
buildings etc., yet they dub one another a liar (when some of them insist that it is they
themselves who are moving). It is in this way, O king of the birds, that error is ascribed
to r Hari; otherwise not even in a dream is He subject to delusion. Those dull-witted
wretches who are dominated by My and who have many a veil hanging over their soul,
such fools alone raise doubts in their perversity and ascribe their own ignorance to r
Rma. (15)
r r r a nr+ =
a ff rf rrfaf a + - (+
fn = fa n r f r;
n n rr fa f f r;+ - (+
Do.: kma krodha mada lobha rata ghsakta dukharupa,
te kimi jnahi

raghupatihi muRha pare tama kupa.73(A).

nirguna rupa sulabha ati saguna jna nahi

koi,
sugama agama nn carita suni muni mana bhrama hoi.73(B).
Steeped in lust, anger, arrogance and greed and attached to their home, which is a
picture of woe, how can such dullards know the Lord of the Raghus, fallen as they are in
the depths of darkness (ignorance)? The attributeless aspect of the Godhead is easy to
understand; but no one can comprehend the embodied form (which is beyond all modes
of Prakti and divine in character). Even a sages soul is bewildered on hearing of the
various exploits of the Lord, both of an intelligible and baffling character. (73 A-B)
n rrfa ar; s rfa r r;+
f ff r s rt rs r rs art+ {+
r r r ar arar f n tfa rf rar+
ara f arf rs t r nrs+ +
r r fr rf r+
a rr r r frr+ -+
ara f rff t ar fa t+
ff f a r; nrr; ra fr f t r; + +
Cau.: sunu khagesa raghupati prabhut, kahau jathmati kath suh.
jehi bidhi moha bhayau prabhu moh, sou saba kath sunvau toh.1.
rma kp bhjana tumha tt, hari guna prti mohi sukhadt.
tte nahi

kachu tumhahi

durvau , parama rahasya manohara gvau .2.

sunahu rma kara sahaja subh u, jana abhimna na rkhahi

k u.
sasta mula sulaprada nn, sakala soka dyaka abhimn.3.
tte karahi

kpnidhi dur, sevaka para mamat ati bhur.
jimi sisu tana brana hoi gos

, mtu cirva kahina k n

.4.

1028
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Hear, O lord of the feathered kingdom, of the greatness of r Rma (the Lord of
the Raghus). I recite to you according to the best of my lights a delightful story in this
connection. I shall also narrate to you the whole story as to how I fell a prey to delusion,
my lord. You, dear Garua, are a favourite of r Rma and fond of hearing r Haris
praises and a source of delight to me. I am, therefore, concealing nothing from you and
tell you a profound and charming secret. Hear of r Rmas innate disposition: He never
tolerates pride in His people. For pride is the root of metempsychosis and the cause of
all kinds of pain and every form of grief. Hence the All-merciful gets rid of it in His
extreme fondness for His servants, even as when a boil appears on the body of a child,
my lord, the mother gets it opened like one having a stony heart. (14)
f r; r; r t
rf r fa t nfa r f t+ (+
faf rr fa f r f r fa rfn
a fr f -rfn+ (+
Do.: jadapi prathama dukha pvai rovai bla adhra,
bydhi nsa hita janan ganati na so sisu pra.74(A).
timi raghupati nija dsa kara harahi

mna hita lgi,

tulasidsa aise prabhuhi kasa na bhajahu bhrama tygi.74(B).
Although at first (while the boil is being cut open) the child experiences pain
and cries helplessly the mother minds not the childs agony, in her anxiety to see
the child cured. Even so, in the interest of the devotee himself, the Lord of the Raghus
takes away his pride. Forswearing all error, Tulasdsa, why should you not adore
such a lord as this? (74 A-B)
r r rf zar; s n r;+
r a t + a tr t+ {+
a a t r rfa frf r+
- r- s r; r a s rr;+ +
;y r rr rr rf a rr+
f frf frt r s snrt+ -+
rr r f f nr s rfa nr+ +
Cau.: rma kp pani jaRat, kahau khagesa sunahu mana l.
jaba jaba rma manuja tanu dharah

, bhakta hetu ll bahu karah

.1.
taba taba avadhapur mai

ju

, blacarita biloki hara u

.
janma mahotsava dekhau j, baraa p

ca taha rahau lobh.2.

iadeva mama blaka rm, sobh bapua koi sata km.
nija prabhu badana nihri nihr, locana suphala karau uragr.3.
laghu byasa bapu dhari hari sag, dekhau blacarita bahu rag.4.
Now, O lord of the feathered kingdom, I tell you of r Rmas benignity and my own
opacity; listen attentively. Whenever r Rma appears in human semblance and enacts
*
UTTARA-K NA
*
1029

numberless sports for the sake of His devotees I betake myself to the city of Ayodhy and
delight to watch His childish exploits. I go and witness the grand festival of His birth and,
fascinated (by the charm of His childish sports), stay on there for full five years. The child
Rma is my beloved deity, who sums up in His person the charm of countless Cupids.
Ever gazing on the countenance of my lord, I allow my eyes to enjoy the fruit of their existence,
O enemy of serpents. Assuming the form of a small crow and remaining in the company of
r Hari I witness His childish exploits of all kinds. (14)
fr; ff a a n szrs
f ; f r sr; f rs+ ~ (+
r fa fa f rrt
fa tr r; fa s t+ ~ (+
Do.: larik

jaha jaha phirahi

taha taha saga uRu ,

juhani parai ajira maha so uhi kari khu .75(A).
eka bra atisaya saba carita kie raghubra,
sumirata prabhu ll soi pulakita bhayau sarra.75(B).
Wherever He moves about as a child I flutter about close to Him. And the crumbs
that fall from His mouth in the courtyard I pick up and eat. In one particular cycle the Hero
of Raghus line performed all His exploits in an extreme degree. The moment Kkabhuui
recalled those exploits every hair on his body stood erect. (75 A-B)
; z nr rfa r+
f r at fa f rr rat+ {+
f r; =f nr; f fa rfs r;+
rfr a rrr; fa f f r;+ +
a trr n n fa f rr+
rt = r =f f fa r+ -+
fa frf rt r= rt+
r= f fa r; f fff r;+ +
Cau.: kahai bhasua sunahu khaganyaka, rmacarita sevaka sukhadyaka.
npamadira sudara saba bh

t, khacita kanaka mani nn jt.1.

barani na ji rucira a gan, jaha khelahi

nita criu bh.

blabinoda karata raghur, bicarata ajira janani sukhad.2.
marakata mdula kalevara sym, aga aga prati chabi bahu km.
nava rjva aruna mdu caran, padaja rucira nakha sasi duti haran.3.
lalita aka kulisdika cr, nupura cru madhura ravakr.
cru puraa mani racita ban, kai kikini kala mukhara suh.4.
Continued Bhuui : Listen, O chief of the birds; the story of r Rma is the
delight of His servants. The kings palace (at Ayodhy) was beautiful in everyway; it was
all of gold studded with precious stones of various kinds. The courtyard, where the four
brothers played everyday, was magnificent beyond description. The Lord of the Raghus

1030
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
frolicked about in this yard carrying on childish pastimes that were the delight of His
mother. His tender frame was dark of hue with a greenish tinge resembling that of the
emerald; every limb of it had the loveliness of numberless Cupids compressed into it. His
feet were soft and ruddy like a young lotus, with bright toes and nails that outshone the
brilliance of the moon. They had soles bearing the fourfold lovely marks of the
thunderbolt, the elephant-goad, the flag and the lotus, and were adorned with beautiful
anklets that sweetly jingled. The charming zone about His waist, which was made of gold
bossed with jewels produced a pleasant tinkling sound. (14)
r r s rt =f nt
s ra ra fff r f t+ +
Do.: rekh traya sudara udara nbh rucira ga bhra,
ura yata bhrjata bibidhi bla bibhuana cra.76.
The belly contained three lovely folds with a charming deep navel. The broad
chest gleamed with jewels and raiment of various kinds, all befitting a child. (76)
= rf r r fr f +
r f n tr r= f r f tr+ {+
=r ; ; f r+
fa r r rr f rr+ +
t r r ra r fa nrr+
f f >r r fa f r+ -+
ta rtf rnt a rt ff faf rfa rt+
= rf f frt rf f faf frt+ +
rf f fff ff tzr a rf rfa fa tzr+
fa rf rf s rfn a rf+ ~+
Cau.: aruna pni nakha karaja manohara, bhu bisla bibh uana sudara.
kadha bla kehari dara grv, cru cibuka nana chabi s

v.1.
kalabala bacana adhara arunre, dui dui dasana bisada bara bre.
lalita kapola manohara ns, sakala sukhada sasi kara sama hs.2.
nla kaja locana bhava mocana, bhrjata bhla tilaka gorocana.
bikaa bhkui sama ravana suhe, kucita kaca mecaka chabi che.3.
pta jhni jhagul tana soh, kilakani citavani bhvati moh.
rupa rsi npa ajira bihr, ncahi

nija pratibiba nihr.4.

mohi sana karahi

bibidhi bidhi krR, baranata mohi hoti ati brR.

kilakata mohi dharana jaba dhvahi

, calau bhgi taba p upa dekhvahi

.5.
His roseate hands, nails and fingers were all captivating; His long arms were richly
adorned. He had shoulders resembling those of a lions cub and a neck shaped like a
conch, a lovely chin and a face which was the very perfection of beauty. His speech was
yet indistinct, His lips rosy and His mouth contained a pair of small pearly and shapely teeth
both above and below. He had lovely cheeks, a charming nose and a smile which afforded
delight and was bright as the rays of the moon. His eyes, which resembled a pair of blue
*
UTTARA-K NA
*
1031

lotuses, undid the bonds of worldly existence; while His forehead gleamed with a sacred
mark made with yellow pigment. He had arched eyebrows, pretty well-matched ears and
curly darkblue hair that scattered their charm all round. A thin yellow garment set off His
swarthy person, and His shrill gleeful cry and glance captivated me. Thus frolicking in the
courtyard of the royal palace, the All-beautiful danced at the sight of His own shadow and
played with me in diverse ways, which I blush to tell you. Crying with joy as He ran to catch
hold of me, I flew away; then He showed me a piece of sweet cake. (15)
ra f f ra = rf
rs t n ff ff fa; rf+ (+
ra f ; tr f s rf r
fr a fr r+ (+
Do.: vata nikaa ha sahi

prabhu bhjata rudana karhi

,
ju sampa gahana pada phiri phiri citai parhi

.77(A).
prkta sisu iva ll dekhi bhayau mohi moha,
kavana caritra karata prabhu cidnada sadoha.77(B).
As I went near Him the lord smiled; but the moment I flew away He fell acrying.
And when I approached Him to lay hold of His feet He scampered off, turning round again
and again to look at me. Seeing Him play like an ordinary child I was overcome by
bewilderment : What ! are these actions in anyway worthy of Him who is knowledge and
bliss personified? (77 A-B)
ar ra nrr rrfa fa rt rr+
r rr rf rt r t ; a rt+ {+
r ;r r rr r rr frr+
r z tar rr t t r+ +
r ;t tf +
rr t t frt ; t rr nrt+ -+
t t nar t >rtar+
r uf a rr f f r; rf srr+ +
Cau.: etan mana nata khagary, raghupati prerita byp my.
so my na dukhada mohi kh

, na jva iva sasta nh

.1.
ntha ih

kachu krana n, sunahu so svadhna harijn.

gyna akhaa eka stbara, my basya jva sacarcara.2.
jau saba ke raha gyna ekarasa, svara jvahi bheda kahahu kasa.
my basya jva abhimn, sa basya my gunakhn.3.
parabasa jva svabasa bhagavat, jva aneka eka rkat.
mudh bheda jadyapi kta my, binu hari ji na koi upy.4.
The moment I allowed this doubt to enter my mind, O king of the birds, r Rmas
My (delusive power) took possession of me as directed by the Lord of the Raghus.
That My, however, did not prove to be a source of trouble to me, nor did it throw me

1032
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
into the whirlpool of birth and death as it does in the case of other creatures. This, my
lord, was attributable to some extraordinary reason. Hear it attentively, O mount of r
Hari, Sts Spouse alone is absolute intelligence; every creature, whether animate or
inanimate, is subject to My. If all had the same perfect wisdom, tell me, what would be
the difference between God and the Jva (the individual soul)? The latter, which identifies
itself with a particular psycho-physical organism, is subject to My; while My itself,
the source of the three Guas, is controlled by God. The Jva is dependent (subject to
My), while God is self-dependent. The Jvas are many, while the Beloved of Lakm is
one (without a second). Even though this difference, which has been created by My, is
false, it cannot disappear except by r Haris grace, whatever you may do. (14)
r f r fr
ra f r f fr+ c (+
rrfa rz sf arrn r;
fnf- r; f f rfa r;+ c (+
Do.: rmacadra ke bhajana binu jo caha pada nirbna,
gynavata api so nara pasu binu pu

cha bina.78(A).
rkpati oRasa uahi

trgana samudi,
sakala girinha dava lia binu rabi rti na ji.78(B).
The man who seeks to attain the state of eternal bliss without adoring
r Rmacandra is a beast without tail and horns, however wise he may be. Even though
the moon rose complete in all her sixteen digits with the entire starry host, and even if all the
mountains were set on fire, night would not yield except to the sun. (78 A-B)
f f f nr f; t- r+
f f r fur fa r; af fur+ {+
ara r r; r nfa r; fn+
a fa r rf r f r fa fr+ +
af a r rr ra far+
r rf r rf r tr nra = r+ -+
a rfn s snrt r n r rt+
ff ff f szrs rr a f s f rr+ +
Cau.: aisehi

hari binu bhajana khages, miai na jvanha kera kales.

hari sevakahi na bypa abidy, prabhu prerita bypai tehi bidy.1.
tte nsa na hoi dsa kara, bheda bhagati bRhai bihagabara.
bhrama te cakita rma mohi dekh, biha se so sunu carita bise.2.
tehi kautuka kara maramu na kh u

, jn anuja na mtu pithu

.
jnu pni dhe mohi dharan, symala gta aruna kara caran.3.
taba mai

bhgi caleu uragr, rma gahana kaha bhuj pasr.

jimi jimi duri uRu aks, taha bhuja hari dekhau nija ps.4.
In like manner, O lord of the feathered race mortals cannot be rid of their suffering
without adoring r Hari. Avidy (Nescience) has no power over a servant of r Hari; it is
*
UTTARA-K NA
*
1033

Vidy (knowledge of Brahma in Its relative aspect) that holds away over him as directed by
the Lord. That is why a servant of the Lord never falls; on the other hand, O best of birds,
his devotion to the Lord as apart from himself grows. r Rma smiled to see me bewildered
with error : now hear further particulars in this connection. The secret of this diversion
nobody came to know, neither His younger brothers nor His parents. The Lord with a swarthy
form and rosy hands and feet crawled on His hands and knees in order to catch me. Thereupon,
O enemy of serpents, I took to flight. r Rma stretched out His arm to lay hold on me.
Away as I flew into the air I saw r Haris arm close to me everywhere. (14)
zrr fn ns fas r szra
n n t r f rf ara+ (+
er f r n nfa rf
ns ar ff r s rf+ (+
Do.: brahmaloka lagi gayau mai

citayau pcha uRta,

juga agula kara bca saba rma bhujahi mohi tta.79(A).
saptbarana bheda kari jah

lage gati mori,

gayau tah

prabhu bhuja nirakhi bykula bhayau bahori.79(B).

I flew up to Brahms abode; but when I looked back in my flight, two fingers
breadth, dear Garua, was all the distance between r Rmas arm and myself.
Penetrating the seven folds of the universe (consisting of earth, water, fire, air, ether, the
cosmic ego and the cosmic intellect) I mounted to the utmost height I could reach. But
there too I saw the Lords arm; then I felt alarmed. (79 A-B)
s rfa f faa r n+
rf frf r rt fa aa ns rt+ {+
s rr z rr s zrrz frr+
fa ffr a r r r f a r+ +
rf- ar ntr nfa szn f tr+
nfa rr rr nfa f frr+ -+
rn f ff rr rr rfa fy ftarr+
f fq rn f rf r t r+ +
Cau.: mudeu nayana trasita jaba bhayau

, puni citavata kosalapura gaya u

.
mohi biloki rma musukh

, biha sata turata gayau mukha mh

.1.
udara mjha sunu aaja ry, dekheu bahu brahma niky.
ati bicitra taha loka anek, racan adhika eka te ek.2.
koinha caturnana gaurs, aganita uagana rabi rajans.
aganita lokapla jama kl, aganita bh udhara bh umi bisl.3.
sgara sari sara bipina apr, nn bh

ti si bistr.
sura muni siddha nga nara kinara, cri prakra jva sacarcara.4.
In my terror I closed my eyes; and when I opened them again I found myself at
Kosalapura (Ayodhy). r Rma smiled to see me back; and even as He laughed I was

1034
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
instantly driven into His mouth (throat). Listen, king of the birds: inside His belly I beheld
multitudinous universes with many strange spheres each more wonderful than the rest,
with myriads of Brahms and ivas, countless stars, suns and moons, numberless
Lokaplas (guardians of spheres), Yamas (gods of punishment) and Klas (gods of
death), innumerable mountains and vast terrestrial globes, oceans, rivers, lakes and
forests without end and manifold other varieties of creation, with gods and sages, the
Siddhas, Ngas, human beings and Kinnaras and the four classes of living beings, both
moving and motionless. (14)
r f r f r r r;
r a s f f ff r;+ c (+
zr rz s a
f ff a fs z r + c(+
Do.: jo nahi

dekh nahi

sun jo manah u

na sami,
so saba adbhuta dekheu barani kavani bidhi ji.80(A).
eka eka brahma mahu rahau baraa sata eka,
ehi bidhi dekhata phirau mai

aa kaha aneka.80(B).
I saw there all such marvels as I had never seen or heard of before and such as
could not be conceived even by the mind; how, then, can I describe them? I stayed a
full hundred year in each of those universes and in this manner I went round and beheld
multitudinous universes having the shape of an egg. (80A-B)
r r fa fr frar fr fr f ffrrar+
n a arr f ff n rr+ {+
n rr rat t a rf rat+
f f rn fnf rr a r; rr+ +
zr fa fa f =r s f r+
t fa frt fr fr rt+ -+
rrr arar ff = arf rar+
fa zrrz r arr s rfr rr+ +
Cau.: loka loka prati bhinna bidht, bhinna binu siva manu disitrt.
nara gadharba bhuta betl, kinara nisicara pasu khaga byl.1.
deva danuja gana nn jt, sakala jva taha nahi bh

t.
mahi sari sgara sara giri nn, saba prapaca taha nai n.2.
aakosa prati prati nija r up, dekheu jinasa aneka an up.
avadhapur prati bhuvana ninr, saraj u bhinna bhinna nara nr.3.
dasaratha kausaly sunu tt, bibidha r upa bharatdika bhrt.
prati brahma rma avatr, dekhau blabinoda apr.4.
Each universe had its own Brahm (Creator), its own Viu (Preserver), iva
(Destroyer), Manu (lord of creation presiding over a single Manvantara, consisting of a
little more than 74 rounds of the four Yugas), regents of the quarters, human beings,
*
UTTARA-K NA
*
1035

Gandharvas (celestial musicians), spectres and goblins, Kinnaras (another class of

heavenly musicians having a human figure with the head of a horse), Rkasas (giants),
quadrupeds, birds, serpents, gods and demons of all classes, all the creatures having
a shape peculiar to that universe. The earth with its multitudinous rivers, oceans, lakes
and mountains, nay, the entire creation in each universe had a distinctive character. In
all these universes I found myself possessed of manifold incomparable forms. Each
universe had its own Ayodhy with its own Sarayu and its own men and women. And
listen, dear Garua : r Rmas parentsDaaratha and Kausalyas well as
r Rmas brothers, Bharata and others, were all different in each universe. In each
such universe I witnessed the descent of r Rma as well as the infinite variety of His
childish sports. (14)
fr fr t fa ffr fr
nfa fs r s r+ c{ (+
r; f r; rr r; r rrt
a fs fa r t+ c{ (+
Do.: bhinna bhinna mai

dkha sabu ati bicitra harijna,

aganita bhuvana phireu prabhu rma na dekheu na.81(A).
soi sisupana soi sobh soi kpla raghubra,
bhuvana bhuvana dekhata phirau prerita moha samra.81(B).
Everything I saw had a distinctive stamp of its own universe and was exceedingly
wonderful too, O mount of r Hari. But in my round of the innumerable universes I saw
no other Rma, my lord. Tossed by the blast of infatuation I saw, in each successive
world that I visited, the same child-like ways, the same beauty, the same gracious Rma
(Hero of Raghus line). (81 A-B)
a rf zr rz r ta r a r+
fa fa f r>r rs a f f r nrs+ {+
f - f rs f f sf rs+
s - r- r; f ff r nr;+ +
r s s n rr a ; r; rr+
a f s r rr rr fa r nrr+ -+
s fr rf rt r f rfa fa rt+
s rrt r s fa r fr+ +
Cau.: bhramata mohi brahma anek, bte manahu kalpa sata ek.
phirata phirata nija rama yau , taha puni rahi kachu kla gav

yau .1.
nija prabhu janma avadha suni pyau , nirbhara prema harai uhi dhyau .
dekhau janma mahotsava j, jehi bidhi prathama kah mai

g.2.
rma udara dekheu jaga nn, dekhata banai na ji bakhn.
taha puni dekheu rma sujn, my pati kpla bhagavn.3.
karau bicra bahori bahor, moha kalila bypita mati mor.
ubhaya ghar maha mai

saba dekh, bhayau bhramita mana moha bise.4.

1036
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
It seemed as if a hundred cycles had been spent in my wanderings through the
many universes. At last after all my travels I came to my own hermitage and stayed there
for sometime. Meanwhile as I happened to hear of my lords birth at Ayodhy I started
up and ran in an overwhelming ecstasy of love and went and witnessed the grand
festival of His birth as I have already told you at length. (It need hardly be said that all
this happened inside the belly of my lord.) Thus in the belly of r Rma I beheld a
number of universes. But what I saw could only be seen with ones eyes: it was beyond
all telling. There again I beheld the divine r Rma, the gracious and all-wise Lord of
My. I pondered again and again. But my understanding was obscured by the mists
of delusion. In less than an hour I had seen everything. My soul being utterly bewildered,
I was lost in a maze. (14)
f r f rf f a rrt
fat r rs fat+ c (+
r; fr; r n f r
rf rfa rrs ; f>rr+ c (+
Do.: dekhi kpla bikala mohi biha se taba raghubra,
biha satah

mukha bhera yau sunu matidhra.82(A).

soi larik mo sana karana lage puni rma,
koi bh

ti samujhvau manu na lahai birma.82(B).

Seeing my distress the gracious Hero of Raghus line laughed; and mark me, O
Garua of resolute mind; the moment He laughed I came out of His mouth. r Rma
again began the same childish pranks with me. I reasoned with myself in everyway I
could; but my mind knew no peace. (82 A-B)
f fa r ar; ra r fr;+
f s r rar rrf rrf ra rrar+ {+
r rf frt f rr ar a rt+
r f tr + +
t- r rf fna frr r rr+
ar frf frt r; fa rt+ -+
na ar t st s tfa ft+
fa rt tf-s ff f rt+ +
Cau.: dekhi carita yaha so prabhut, samujhata deha das bisar.
dharani pareu mukha va na bt, trhi trhi rata jana trt.1.
premkula prabhu mohi bilok, nija my prabhut taba rok.
kara saroja prabhu mama sira dhare u, dnadayla sakala dukha hare u.2.
knha rma mohi bigata bimoh, sevaka sukhada kp sadoh.
prabhut prathama bicri bicr, mana maha hoi haraa ati bhr.3.
*
UTTARA-K NA
*
1037

bhagata bachalat prabhu kai dekh, upaj mama ura prti bise.
sajala nayana pulakita kara jor, knhiu bahu bidhi binaya bahor.4.
Seeing this childish play and recalling that glory (which I had seen inside the
Lords belly) I lost consciousness of my body, and crying : Save me, save me, O
Protector of the devotees in distress ! dropped to the ground. No other word came to
my mouth. When the Lord saw me overpowered with love, He immediately checked the
power of His My. The Lord, who is so merciful to the afflicted, placed His lotus hand
on my head and relieved me of all sorrow. The gracious r Rma, the delight of His
servants, rid me of my deep-rooted error. As I reflected on His former glory my mind was
flooded with joy. Seeing the Lords loving kindness to His devotees my heart began to
throb with profuse love. With eyes full of tears and joined palms and every hair on my
body standing erect, I then made supplication to Him in many ways. (14)
f rt f t f r
nt r rfr+ c-(+
rfz rn fa r rf rf
frf ff ff r- rf+ c-(+
Do.: suni saprema mama bn dekhi dna nija dsa,
bacana sukhada gabhra mdu bole ramnivsa.83(A).
kkabhasui mgu bara ati prasanna mohi jni,
animdika sidhi apara ridhi moccha sakala sukha khni.83(B).
Hearing my loving words and seeing the wretched plight of His servants, r Rma
(the Abode of Lakm) spoke in words which were not only soft and pleasing but
profound at the same time; Kkabhuui ! ask of Me a boon, knowing Me to be highly
pleased with you. Be it mystic powers such as Aim (the power of assuming a form
as small as an atom), fabulous wealth (such as that possessed by Kubera, the god of
riches) and final beatitude, which is the fountain of all joy : (83 A-B)
r f ffa frr f n n rr+
r s rt rn r arf r rt+ {+
f f rns r a rns+
t nfa rt t+ +
nfa t n fr f +
t rr frf rs nrr+ -+
r; r r r = +
ra rns trt ar sr s art+ +
Cau.: gyna bibeka birati bigyn, muni durlabha guna je jaga nn.
ju deu saba sasaya nh

, mgu jo tohi bhva mana mh

.1.
suni prabhu bacana adhika anurgeu , mana anumna karana taba lgeu .
prabhu kaha dena sakala sukha sah, bhagati pan dena na kah.2.
bhagati hna guna saba sukha aise, lavana bin bahu bijana jaise.
bhajana hna sukha kavane kj, asa bicri boleu khagarj.3.

1038
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
jau prabhu hoi prasanna bara dehu, mo para karahu kp aru neh u.
mana bhvata bara mgau svm, tumha udra ura atarajm.4.
Or spiritual wisdom, critical judgment, dispassion, realization and numerous
other virtues which cannot be easily attained in this world even by the sagestoday I
am prepared to give you all undoubtedly; therefore, ask whatever pleases your mind. On
hearing the words of the Lord I was overwhelmed with love and began to reason thus
within myself : The Lord, it is true, has promised to give me all kinds of blessings; but
He did not offer to grant me devotion to His own feet. Without such devotion all sorts of
virtues and blessings are like so many auxiliary dishes without salt. Of what avail is any
blessing without adoration. Pondering thus, O king of the birds, I replied as follows : If
it is Your pleasure, my lord, to grant me a boon and if You are kind and affectionate to
me, I ask my cherished boon, O master; for You are generous and know the secrets of
all hearts. (14)
f nfa f q a >r fa r r nr
f ra rnt f r rs r+ c (+
na ra= a fa r f r
r; f nfa rf r f r+ c (+
Do.: abirala bhagati bisuddha tava ruti purna jo gva,
jehi khojata jogsa muni prabhu prasda kou pva.84(A).
bhagata kalpataru pranata hita kp sidhu sukha dhma,
soi nija bhagati mohi prabhu dehu day kari rma.84(B).
O my lord, r Rma, tree of paradise to the devotee, friend of the suppliant,
ocean of compassion and abode of bliss, in Your mercy grant me that devotion to Your
feet, uninterrupted, and unalloyed, which the Vedas and Puras extol, which is sought
after by Sages and great Yogs (contemplative mystics) but attained by few and that too
by the Lords grace. (84 A-B)
ta f rrr r r+
r a rr r rnf rr+ {+
rf nfa a rnt f n rs arf zrnt+
r f rf a f t rn a t+ +
trs f arf ar; rn nfa rf fa r;+
fn r r n ff s ar+ -+
nfa r fr frnr rn fr t frnr+
r a t r r f r r+ +
Cau.: evamastu kahi raghukulanyaka, bole bacana parama sukhadyaka.
sunu byasa tai

sahaja sayn, khe na mgasi asa baradn.1.

saba sukha khni bhagati tai

mg, nahi

jaga kou tohi sama baRabhg.

jo muni koi jatana nahi

lahah

, je japa joga anala tana dahah

.2.
rjheu dekhi tori catur, mgehu bhagati mohi ati bh.
sunu bihaga prasda aba more , saba subha guna basihahi

ura tore .3.

*
UTTARA-K NA
*
1039

bhagati gyna bigyna birg, joga caritra rahasya bibhg.

jnaba tai

sabah kara bhed, mama prasda nahi

sdhana khed.4.
So be it ! said the Chief of Raghus line, and continued in these most pleasing
terms : Listen, Kkabhuui : you are sagacious by nature; no wonder, therefore, that
you ask this boon. No one in this world is so highly blessed as you, since you have
sought the gift of Devotion, which is the fountain of all blessings and which even sages
cannot attain in spite of all their efforts, even though they consume their body in the fire
of prayer and meditation. I am pleased to see your sagacity in that you have sought
Devotion, which is extremely dear to My heart. Listen, O bird : by My grace now all good
qualities shall abide in your heart. Devotion, spiritual wisdom, Realization, dispassion,
Yoga, My exploits as well as their secrets and classificationby My grace you shall
obtain insight into all these and shall not be required to undergo the rigours of Sdhana
(self-discipline). (14)
rr rff arf
r zr rf n nr rf+ c~ (+
rf na f aa frf rn
r rn+ c~ (+
Do.: my sabhava bhrama saba aba na bypihahi

tohi,
jnesu brahma andi aja aguna gunkara mohi.85(A).
mohi bhagata priya satata asa bicri sunu kga,
kya bacana mana mama pada karesu acala anurga.85(B).
None of the errors that arise from My shall cloud your mind any more.
Henceforth know Me to be the same as Brahma, who is without beginning, birthless,
devoid of attributes (the products of My) and yet a mine of (transcendent divine)
virtues. Listen, Kkabhuui : devotees are always dear to Me. Realizing this, cherish
unflinching devotion to My feet in thought, word and deed. (85 A-B)
f rt - n fnrf rt+
f fqra rs art = af rt+ {+
rr rr t r fff rr+
f sr a f rf r+ +
fa- f f >rfart fa- fn rt+
fa- f f+ f rt rf a fa f frt+ -+
fa- a f rf f f rr f nfa rf f rr+
f f - s arf rt rf f rs rt+ +
nfa t ff f r; t f rf r;+
nfaa fa ts rt rf rf f rt+ ~+
Cau.: aba sunu parama bimala mama bn, satya sugama nigamdi bakhn.
nija siddhta sunvau toh, sunu mana dharu saba taji bhaju moh.1.
mama my sabhava sasr, jva carcara bibidhi prakr.
saba mama priya saba mama upaje, saba te adhika manuja mohi bhe.2.

1040
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
tinha maha dvija dvija maha rutidhr, tinha mahu nigama dharama anusr.
tinha maha priya birakta puni gyn, gynihu te ati priya bigyn.3.
tinha te puni mohi priya nija ds, jehi gati mori na d usari s.
puni puni satya kahau tohi ph

, mohi sevaka sama priya kou nh

.4.
bhagati hna biraci kina ho, saba jvahu sama priya mohi so.
bhagativata ati ncau prn, mohi prnapriya asi mama bn.5.
Now listen to My most sacred teaching, which is not only true and easily
intelligible but has also been echoed by the Vedas and other scriptures. I give you to
hear My own conclusion; listen to it and imprint it on your mind; and forswearing
everything else, worship Me. This world with all its varieties of life, both moving and
motionless, is a creation of my My (delusive potency). I love them all, because all are
My creatures. But human beings are the dearest to Me of all. Of human beings, the
Brhmaas; of the Brhmaas, those well-versed in the Vedas; of these, again, those
that follow the course of conduct prescribed in the Vedas; of these latter, those who are
averse to the pleasure of sense are dear to Me, and yet more the wise; of the wise too
I love a man of realization all the more; more beloved to Me even than these is my own
servant (devotee), who solely depends on Me and has no other hope. Again and again
I repeat to you the truth that no one is so dear to Me as My devotee. If Viraci (the
Creator) too had no devotion to Me, he would be only as dear to Me as all the other
creatures. And the humblest creature that breathes, if possessed of Devotion, is dear to
Me as life : such is My nature. (15)
f t fa f rf rn
>rfa r tfa f rr rn+ c+
Do.: suci susla sevaka sumati priya kahu khi na lga,
ruti purna kaha nti asi svadhna sunu kga.86.
Tell Me, who would not love a faithful, amiable and sagacious servant? Listen
attentively, O Kkabhuui : the Vedas and Puras declare this to be a sound
principle: (86)
far f rr rf n t rr+
rs fza rs ar rar rs a rs rar+ {+
rs a r; faf tfa r;+
rs fa na r r r+ +
r a f fa r rr uf r rfa rr+
f ff t r a frn a+ -+
f ft r srr rf rf rr+
fa- r ff rr rf = rr+ +
Cau.: eka pit ke bipula kumr, hohi

pthaka guna sla acr.

kou paita kou tpasa gyt, kou dhanavata s ura kou dt.1.
kou sarbagya dharmarata ko, saba para pitahi prti sama ho.
kou pitu bhagata bacana mana karm, sapanehu jna na dusara dharm.2.
*
UTTARA-K NA
*
1041

so suta priya pitu prna samn, jadyapi so saba bh

ti ayn.
ehi bidhi jva carcara jete, trijaga deva nara asura samete.3.
akhila bisva yaha mora upy, saba para mohi barbari dy.
tinha maha jo parihari mada my, bhajai mohi mana baca aru ky.4.
A father has a number of sons, each differing from the others in character,
temper and conduct. One is learned, another given to austerities, a third spiritually
enlightened, a fourth rich, a fifth possessed of valour, a sixth charitably disposed, a
seventh all-wise and an eighth intent on piety; but the father equally loves all. A ninth son
is devoted to his father in thought, word and deed and never dreams of any other duty.
This is the son whom the father loves as his own life, though he be a perfect ignoramus.
In a like manner all animate and inanimate beings, including the subhuman species,
gods, men and demonsin short, the whole of this universe is My creation and I am
equally compassionate to all. Of these, however, he who adores Me in thought, word and
deed, forswearing arrogance and wiles (14)
= rf r t r r;
r af rf f r;+ c (+
- s n arf f rf
frf rf ff r r + c (+
Do.: purua napusaka nri v jva carcara koi,
sarba bhva bhaja kapaa taji mohi parama priya soi.87(A).
So.: satya kahau khaga tohi suci sevaka mama prnapriya,
asa bicri bhaju mohi parihari sa bharosa saba.87(B).
Be it man, woman or one lacking the characteristics of both, or, for the matter of
that, any living being whatsoever of the animate or inanimate worldhe who adores Me
with all his being, giving up all guile, is supremely dear to Me. O bird, I tell you in all
sincerity that a guileless servant is dear to Me as life. Realizing this worship Me,
abandoning all other hope and reliance. (87 A-B)
r rff art f fa rt+
ra f rrr a fa fa r+ {+
r r; = rr f r f r; rr+
rr rf r f ff f fa-f f r++
ff rf rf ; n f a a;+
f =r fa; ra rnt fa r+ -+
f ra ra sf r; f f s r; +
nr rf r rr rrfa fa fa nrr+ +
Cau.: kabahu

kla na bypihi toh, sumiresu bhajesu niratara moh.

prabhu bacanmta suni na agh u

, tanu pulakita mana ati hara u

.1.
so sukha jnai mana aru kn, nahi

rasan pahi

ji bakhn.
prabhu sobh sukha jnahi

nayan, kahi kimi sakahi

tinhahi nahi

bayan.2.

1042
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
bahu bidhi mohi prabodhi sukha de, lage karana sisu kautuka te.
sajala nayana kachu mukha kari r ukh, citai mtu lg ati bh ukh.3.
dekhi mtu tura uhi dh, kahi mdu bacana lie ura l.
goda rkhi karva paya pn, raghupati carita lalita kara gn.4.
Time shall have no power over you. Remember and adore Me unceasingly. I did
not feel sated with hearing the nectar-like words of the Lord; the hair on my body stood
erect and I felt extremely delighted at heart. The joy I felt on the occasion was shared
only by the mind and the ears (the auditory sense); the tongue had no power to tell it.
The eyes alone had the blissful experience of beholding the Lords beauty; but how could
they describe it, devoid of speech as they are? After He had gladdened me by His
manifold exhortations in this way He again began to sport like a child as before. With
tears in His eyes and His looks somewhat gloomy He looked at His mother (Kausaly)
as if He were hungry. Seeing this the mother started up in haste and ran; and addressing
Him in soft words clasped Him to her bosom. Then, laying Him in her lap she began to
suckle Him, singing the while of r Rmas charming exploits. (14)
f rfn rf a f
t rf af aa n+ cc (+
r; f- r s
a f nf n zr f r fa+ cc (+
So.: jehi sukha lgi purri asubha bea kta siva sukhada,
avadhapur nara nri tehi sukha mahu satata magana.88(A).
so sukha lavalesa jinha braka sapanehu laheu,
te nahi

ganahi

khagesa brahmasukhahi sajjana sumati.88(B).

The men and women of Ayodhy remained ever absorbed in that (transcendental)
joy, to attain which the blessed Lord iva, the delighter of all, assumed His unsightly garb
(such as a garland of human skulls, serpents for His ornaments, ashes for scented
cosmetics and a tiger-skin for a loin-cloth). Those wise and virtuous souls who have
tasted of that joy only once even in a dream think nothing of the joy of absorption into
Brahma (much less of any other earthly or heavenly joy). (88 A-B)
f s rr s rfr rr+
r r nfa rs f fr>r rs+ {+
a a rf rt rr a rrr rr+
ne fa nrr f rr ff rf rr+ +
f s nr f f rf r+
r r f nr; rf r; r ar;+ -+
r f r; atat f atfa r; f tat+
tfa fr f nfa fr; ff nfa fr;+ +
Cau.: mai

puni avadha raheu kachu kl, dekheu blabinoda rasl.

rma prasda bhagati bara pyau , prabhu pada badi nijrama yau .1.
taba te mohi na byp my, jaba te raghunyaka apany.
yaha saba gupta carita mai

gv, hari my

jimi mohi nacv.2.

*
UTTARA-K NA
*
1043

nija anubhava aba kahau khages, binu hari bhajana na jhi

kales.
rma kp binu sunu khagar, jni na ji rma prabhut.3.
jne binu na hoi paratt, binu paratti hoi nahi

prt.
prti bin nahi

bhagati diRh, jimi khagapati jala kai cikan.4.

After this I stayed a while at Ayodhy and enjoyed the Lords delightful childish
sports. Having by r Rmas grace obtained the boon of Devotion I adored my Lords
feet and returned to my own hermitage. Ever since the Lord accepted me as his own I
have never fallen a victim to delusion. I have told you at length all this strange story of how
r Haris My made a puppet of me. Now I tell you my own realization, O lord of the
winged creatures : unless we adore r Hari our troubles will not end. Listen, king of the
birds : without r Rmas grace it is not possible to know the Lords greatness. Without
knowledge faith is out of the question; and without faith there can be no love. Shorn of
love, devotion will not abide any more than the lubricity produced by water. (14)
f n r; f r r f r; frn f
nrf r f f f nfa f + c (+
rs f>rr f r ara ar f
f f r rf a f f f+ c (+
So.: binu gura hoi ki gyna gyna ki hoi birga binu,
gvahi

beda purna sukha ki lahia hari bhagati binu.89(A).

kou birma ki pva tta sahaja satoa binu,
calai ki jala binu nva koi jatana paci paci maria.89(B).
Is spiritual illumination possible without a preceptor ? Or, again, is it possible to
acquire wisdom without dispassion? Or, as the Vedas and Puras declare, can one
attain happiness without devotion to r Hari? Again, dear Garua, can one find peace
without innate content? Can a boat ever float without water even though you strain every
nerve till your last breath? (89 A-B)
f ar r rt r a rt+
r f ff f rr ft a= f rr+ {+
f fr f ar r; rs r f f r;+
>rqr fr f r; f f n f r; r;+ +
f a a f ftarr f f r; rr+
t f f f r; ff f a = nrr;+ -+
f f r; f tr f r; ft tr+
fs ffq f f ftrr f f rr+ +
Cau.: binu satoa na kma nash

, kma achata sukha sapanehu nh

.
rma bhajana binu miahi

ki km, thala bihna taru kabahu ki jm.1.

binu bigyna ki samat vai, kou avaksa ki nabha binu pvai.
raddh bin dharma nahi

ho, binu mahi gadha ki pvai ko.2.

binu tapa teja ki kara bistr, jala binu rasa ki hoi sasr.
sla ki mila binu budha sevak, jimi binu teja na r upa gos

.3.

1044
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
nija sukha binu mana hoi ki thr, parasa ki hoi bihna samr.
kavaniu siddhi ki binu bisvs, binu hari bhajana na bhava bhaya ns.4.
Without content desire cannot cease; and so long as desire continues you can
never dream of happiness. Again, can desire be got rid of without adoring r Rma? Can
a tree ever take root without soil? Can even-mindedness be acquired without spiritual
enlightenment? Can anyone get moving space without ether ? There can be no piety
without faith. Can anyone get odour except from the earth and spread ones glory except
through austere penance? Can there be any taste in this world without water ? Can virtue
be acquired without waiting upon the wise, any more than colour can exist without the
element of fire, my master? Can the mind be at rest without experiencing the joy inherent
in ones own self ? Can there be any sensation of touch without air, and any success
without faith? In a like manner the fear of rebirth can never cease except through worship
of r Hari. (14)
f ftr nfa f a f f f r
r r f t f>rr+ (+
frf fat af a
r rrt =r + (+
Do.: binu bisvsa bhagati nahi

tehi binu dravahi

na rmu,
rma kp binu sapanehu jva na laha birmu.90(A).
So.: asa bicri matidhra taji kutarka sasaya sakala,
bhajahu rma raghubra karunkara sudara sukhada.90(B).
Without faith there can be no Devotion and r Rma never melts except through
Devotion; and without r Rmas grace the human soul can never attain peace even in
a dream. Pondering thus, O Garua of resolute mind, abandon all cavilling and
scepticism and adore the all beautiful r Rma, the Hero of Raghus line, a fountain of
mercy and the delight of all. (90 A-B)
f fa f r nr; ar fr nr;+
s f nfa ft f f- t+ {+
fr r = n nrr fa a rrrr+
f f fa f f n nrf fn f r rf+ +
arf rf n ar szrf f rf ar+
faf rrfa fr nrr ara rs r f rr+ -+
r r a rf n a nr rf fa f +
rf a f frr a rf fa rr+ +
Cau.: nija mati sarisa ntha mai

g, prabhu pratpa mahim khagar.

kaheu na kachu kari juguti bise, yaha saba mai

nija nayananhi dekh.1.

mahim nma rupa guna gth, sakala amita anata raghunth.
nija nija mati muni hari guna gvahi

, nigama sea siva pra na pvahi

.2.
tumhahi di khaga masaka prajat, nabha uRhi

nahi

pvahi

at.
timi raghupati mahim avagh, tta kabahu kou pva ki thh.3.
*
UTTARA-K NA
*
1045

rmu kma sata koi subhaga tana, durg koi amita ari mardana.
sakra koi sata sarisa bils, nabha sata koi amita avaks.4.
Thus, my master, have I sung according to my own light the greatness of my
lords glory, O king of the birds. I have not had recourse to any inventive skill; I have
seen all this with my own eyes. r Rmas greatness, His Name, beauty and the song
of His praises, they are all boundless and endless; and the Lord of the Raghus Himself
is infinite. The sages sing r Hars praises each according to his wits; but neither the
Vedas nor ea (the serpent-god) nor the blessed iva Himself can reach their end. All
winged creatures, from yourself down to the mosquito, take their flight across the sky;
but none can reach the end of it. Even so, dear Garua, can anyone ever gauge the
exent of r Rmas greatness, unfathomable as it is ? r Rmas body possesses the
charm of a myriad Cupids. He is as inexorable in crushing the enemy as countless
millions of Durgs. He enjoys the luxury of a myriad Indras and is immeasurable in
expanse as a myriad firmaments. (14)
=a rf a f f a rf r
f a rf ta rr+ { (+
r rf a f fa ta n a
a a rf r na+ { (+
Do.: maruta koi sata bipula bala rabi sata koi praksa,
sasi sata koi sustala samana sakala bhava trsa.91(A).
kla koi sata sarisa ati dustara durga durata,
dhumaketu sata koi sama durdharaa bhagavata.91(B).
He has the might of a myriad winds and the brilliance of a myriad suns. He is as
cool as a myriad moons and allays all the fears of mundane existence. Again, He is
irresistible unappoachable and interminable as a myriad Deaths. Nay, the Lord is
irrepressible as a myriad fires. (91 A-B)
nr a rf arr rf a f rr+
at fa rf r r f rr n r+ {+
ffnf rf rrtr f rf a ntr+
r a rf rr r r nrr+ +
r rf fa ar; ff a rf fy fr;+
fr rf r ar = rf a ar+ -+
rf a rr rr rf frr+
r a rf tr ff f= ntr+ +
Cau.: prabhu agdha sata koi patl, samana koi sata sarisa karl.
tratha amita koi sama pvana, nma akhila agha puga nasvana.1.
himagiri koi acala raghubr, sidhu koi sata sama gabhr.
kmadhenu sata koi samn, sakala kma dyaka bhagavn.2.
srada koi amita catur, bidhi sata koi si nipun.
binu koi sama plana kart, rudra koi sata sama sahart.3.

1046
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
dhanada koi sata sama dhanavn, my koi prapaca nidhn.
bhra dharana sata koi ahs, niravadhi nirupama prabhu jagads.4.
The Lord is unfathomable as a myriad Ptlas and dreadful as a myriad Yamas.
He is as sanctifying as countless millions of sacred places; nay, His very name
obliterates all ones accumulated sins. The Hero of Raghus line is as immovable as a
myriad Himlayas and as deep as a myriad seas. The Lord is as liberal in bestowing all
ones cherished objects as a myriad cows of plenty. He is as sharp as countless millions
of rads and possesses the creative skill of a myriad Brahms. Again, He is as good
a preserver as a myriad Vius and as thorough a destroyer as a myriad Rudras. He
is as rich as a myriad Kuberas and as capable of bringing forth material universes as
a myriad Mys. He is as good a supporter (of the universes) as a myriad eas. In
short, Lord r Rma, the sovereign of the universe, is infinite and incomparable ( in
every respect). (14)
f= sr r r r r fn
ff rf a ura f a fa rrar +
f rfa f f fa fr t ff rt
r nr fa r f rt+
Cha.: nirupama na upam na rma samna rmu nigama kahai,
jimi koi sata khadyota sama rabi kahata ati laghut lahai.
ehi bh

ti nija nija mati bilsa munsa harihi bakhnah

,
prabhu bhva ghaka ati kpla saprema suni sukha mnah

.
Incomparable as He is, He has no compeer. r Rma alone is r Rmas peer
so declare the Vedaseven as the sun really suffers diminution by being likened to a
myriad glow-worms. So do the great sages sing the praises of r Hari each according
to the flight of his own wits and the Lord lovingly hears them and feels delighted (however
inadequate the praise may be); for He respects the sentiment of His devotees and is
extremely kind.
r fa n rn r f r; r;
a- f s arf rs r;+ (+
r t nr fr =r
af ar r f r tar + (+
Do.: rmu amita guna sgara thha ki pvai koi,
satanha sana jasa kichu suneu tumhahi sunyau soi.92(A).
So.: bhva basya bhagavna sukha nidhna karun bhavana,
taji mamat mada mna bhajia sad st ravana.92(B).
r Rma is an ocean of countless virtues : can anyone sound His depth? I have
only told you the little I have myself heard from the saints. The Lord is won only by sincere
Devotion and is a fountain of joy and an abode of compassion. Therefore, giving up worldly
attachment, vanity and pride, one should ever adore Sts Spouse. (92 A-B)
*
UTTARA-K NA
*
1047

f fz r fa nfa r+
t fa rr >rtrrfa ar s rr+ {+
rf r fr farr zr rf f rr+
f f rn f= rr rf r rr+ +
n f ff a; r; ff r;+
ns rf arar f a rar+ -+
a = nr=fz rrr rf frs r+
a r r rr r t rr+ +
Cau.: suni bhusui ke bacana suhe, haraita khagapati pakha phule.
nayana nra mana ati haran, rraghupati pratpa ura n.1.
pchila moha samujhi pachitn, brahma andi manuja kari mn.
puni puni kga carana siru nv, jni rma sama prema baRhv.2.
gura binu bhava nidhi tarai na ko, jau biraci sakara sama ho.
sasaya sarpa graseu mohi tt, dukhada lahari kutarka bahu brt.3.
tava sarupa gruRi raghunyaka, mohi jiyau jana sukhadyaka.
tava prasda mama moha nasn, rma rahasya an upama jn.4.
The lord of the winged creatures was rejoiced to hear the agreeable words of
Bhuui and fluffed up his feathers. Tears rushed to his eyes and his soul was flooded
with joy as he meditated on the glory of r Rma (the Lord of the Raghus). Recalling
his former delusion he was filled with remorse at the thought that He had taken the
dateless Brahma for a mere mortal. Again and again he bowed his head at the crows
feet and loved him all the more, knowing him to be as good as Rma. Without a spiritual
guide none can cross the ocean of mundane existence, though he be the equal of Viraci
(the Creator) or Lord akara. He said, I was bitten by the serpent of doubt, dear Sir.
(As an effect of this snake-bite) I had several painful fits of stupor in the form of so many
fallacies. But the Lord of the Raghus, the delight of His devotees, has saved me by
sending me to a charmer in your person. By your grace my infatuation has ceased and
I have learnt the incomparable mystery of r Rma. (14)
arf f fff ff t r; rf
fta rs n=z rf+ - (+
f a rs trt arf
rf r rf r f rf+ - (+
Do.: thi prasasi bibidhi bidhi ssa ni kara jori,
bacana binta saprema mdu boleu garuRa bahori.93(A).
prabhu apane abibeka te bujhau svm tohi,
kpsidhu sdara kahahu jni dsa nija mohi.93(B)
After eulogizing Kkabhuui in many ways and bowing his head before him with
joined palms Garua proceeded in these polite, affectionate and gentle words : In my
ignorance, O my lord and master, I ask you a question. Knowing me to be your own
servant, O ocean of compassion, carefully answer it. (93 A-B)

1048
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
ar a a rr fa t rrr+
r ffa fr frr rrr ar f rr+ {+
r r; ara rf rr;+
r fa trt r r nrt+ +
r r f rt r r a rt+
r f ;t ; rs r ;+ -+
n n t rn r r n r r+
z r fa rt r r fa rt+ +
Cau.: tumha sarbagya tagya tama pr, sumati susla sarala cr.
gyna birati bigyna nivs, raghunyaka ke tumha priya ds.1.
krana kavana deha yaha p, tta sakala mohi kahahu bujh.
rma carita sara sudara svm, pyahu kah

kahahu nabhagm.2.
ntha sun mai

asa siva ph

, mah pralayahu nsa tava nh

.
mudh bacana nahi

svara kaha, sou more mana sasaya aha.3.

aga jaga jva nga nara dev, ntha sakala jagu kla kalev.
aa kaha amita laya kr, klu sad duratikrama bhr.4.
You are an omniscient knower of Truth, having reached beyond the darkness (of
ignorance), intelligent, amiable, straight in your dealings and a storehouse of wisdom,
dispassion and Realization. Above all you are a beloved servant of r Rma (the Lord
of the Raghus). Yet wherefore did you get this form (of a crow)? Dear Sir, explain all this
to me clearly. Also tell me, my master, where did you get this lovely Lake of
r Rmas exploits, O good bird? My lord, I have heard it from iva Himself that you
do not perish even during Mahpralaya (the Great Dissolution when Brahm himself
retires into the Lords body after completing the 100 years of his existence). The divine
Lord iva would never utter an idle word and therefore my mind is in doubt. My lord, the
whole universe with all its animate and inanimate beings, including the Ngas, human
beings and gods, is an intended victim of Death. The Time-Spirit, which destroys
countless universe, is ever mighty and irresistible. (14)
a rf ra r fa r r
rf r r r r f rn + (+
a r>r r r r rn
r r r fa rn+ (+
So.: tumhahi na bypata kla ati karla krana kavana,
mohi so kahahu kpla gyna prabhva ki joga bala.94(A).
Do.: prabhu tava rama e mora moha bhrama bhga,
krana kavana so ntha saba kahahu sahita anurga.94(B).
How is it that the most formidable Time-Spirit has no power over you? Tell me,
my gracious lord, if it is a glory of spiritual insight or a feat of Yoga? O lord, my infatuation
and delusion disappeared the moment I visited your hermitage. Tell me in a loving spirit,
my lord, how did all this happen? (94 A-B)
*
UTTARA-K NA
*
1049

n=z fnr f s rnr r s sr rnr+

- - a fa snrt = arrf rf fa trt+ {+
f a = r; a f rf r;+
f r s nr; ara r r; + +
a a rr ffa f rn frr+
rrfa r af f rs r; r+ -+
f a r nfa r; ara rf ar fr;+
f a f tr r; af ar r;+ +
Cau.: garuRa gir suni haraeu kg, boleu um parama anurg.
dhanya dhanya tava mati uragr, prasna tumhri mohi ati pyr.1.
suni tava prasna saprema suh, bahuta janama kai sudhi mohi .
saba nija kath kahau mai

g, tta sunahu sdara mana l.2.

japa tapa makha sama dama brata dn, birati bibeka joga bigyn.
saba kara phala raghupati pada prem, tehi binu kou na pvai chem.3.
ehi

tana rma bhagati mai

p, tte mohi mamat adhik.

jehi te kachu nija svratha ho, tehi para mamat kara saba ko.4.
Um, (continues Lord iva,) the crow (Kkabhuui) rejoiced to hear Garuas
words and replied with utmost affection : Blessed, blessed indeed is your intellect, O
enemy of serpents. Your question is very pleasing to me. On hearing your loving and
agreeable question I have been reminded of many previous births. I shall now narrate the
whole of my story at full length; dear Garua, listen to it attentively with all reverence.
The muttering of prayers, austere penance, performing sacrifices, subjugation of the
mind and the senses, undertaking sacred vows, charity, dispassion, right judgment,
Yoga (union with God) and Realizationthe fruit of all these is devotion to the feet of r
Rma (the Lord of the Raghus); without this no one can attain lasting peace. It was in
this body that I was blessed with devotion to r Rma; hence it is so very dear to me.
Everyone naturally loves that through which one has attained ones object. (14)
rnrf f tfa >rfa a r f
fa t tfa f rf f fa+ ~ (+
r t a r; af a r =f
f r; r; r r + ~ (+
So.: pannagri asi nti ruti samata sajjana kahahi

,
ati ncahu sana prti karia jni nija parama hita.95(A).
pa ka te hoi tehi te pabara rucira,
kmi plai sabu koi parama apvana prna sama.95(B).
It is a sound maxim, O enemy of serpents, approved of by the Vedasand the
saints too endorse itthat love should be shown to the meanest creature if we come to
know it to be our greatest friend. Silk, for instance, is the product of a worm and from
it we have beautiful silken textiles. That is why everyone tends the worm like ones own
life even though it is most impure. (95 A-B)

1050
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
tr r t r r r+
r; r r; n tr r a r; f rrtr+ {+
r f f ff t f rf f at+
r nfa f a s rt ara rf f trt+ +
as a f ;-r -rr a f f r+
r rf a fnrr r f rr+ -+
rr f rr f rn a rr+
rf s rt n f f n rt+ +
s f nrr; t s f t r;+
f rf r - t f r fa r rrt+ ~+
Cau.: svratha s

ca jva kahu eh, mana krama bacana rma pada neh.

soi pvana soi subhaga sarr, jo tanu pi bhajia raghubr.1.
rma bimukha lahi bidhi sama deh, kabi kobida na prasasahi

teh.
rma bhagati ehi

tana ura jm, tte mohi parama priya svm.2.

tajau na tana nija icch maran, tana binu beda bhajana nahi

baran.
prathama moha mohi bahuta bigov, rma bimukha sukha kabahu na sov.3.
nn janama karma puni nn, kie joga japa tapa makha dn.
kavana joni janameu jaha nh

, mai

khagesa bhrami bhrami jaga mh

.4.
dekheu kari saba karama gos

, sukh na bhayau abahi

k n

.
sudhi mohi ntha janma bahu ker, siva prasda mati moha na gher.5.
The real self-interest of every living creature lies in cultivating devotion to r
Rmas feet in thought, word and deed. That body alone is sacred and that alone
blessed, in which one is able to worship the Hero of Raghus line. The wise and the
learned never extol him who is hostile to r Rma, even though he may acquire a body
as exalted as that of Brahm (the Creator) himself, Devotion to r Rma took root in my
heart in this very body; hence I hold it supremely dear, my master. Although my death
depends on my own will, I refuse to quit this body, becauseas the Vedas declare
adoration of the Lord is not possible without a corporeal frame. At first infatuation gave
me much trouble; so long as I remained hostile to r Rma I never had a restful sleep.
Through a number births I practised Yoga (concentration of mind), Japa (muttering of
prayers), austere penance and charity and performed sacrifices and other acts of
various kinds. Which species is there in this world, O lord of the winged creatures, in
which I have not at sometime been born during my round of births? I have had
experience of all kinds of pursuits, my lord; but I was never so happy as I am now. I
recollect many previous existences, my lord, in which by ivas grace my understanding
was not clouded by infatuation. (15)
- fa s fn
f fa s; ra ff + (+
= r n fn
= rf a fn fa + (+
*
UTTARA-K NA
*
1051

Do.: prathama janma ke carita aba kahau sunahu bihagesa,

suni prabhu pada rati upajai jte miahi

kalesa.96(A).
puruba kalpa eka prabhu juga kalijuga mala mula,
nara aru nri adharma rata sakala nigama pratikula.96(B).
Listen, O lord of the feathered kingdom: I now proceed to narrate the story of my very
first birth (within my memory), which is sure to engender in the heart of the listener love for
the Lords feet, which is the remedy for all afflictions. In a former Kalpa (round of creation),
my lord, the world was passing through a Kaliyuga, the hotbed of sin, in which men and
women were all steeped in unrighteousness and acted contrary to the Vedas. (96 A-B)
af fn r r; -a s a r;+
f = rt r f frt+ {+
-r rrr snfq s frr+
f s rrfa rt af fr a rt+ +
rr rr fnrn r nrr+
- r; r r r f r;+ -+
r r a rt s f r rt+
r fr f snrt r r rt+ +
Cau.: tehi

kalijuga kosalapura j, janmata bhayau s udra tanu p.

siva sevaka mana krama aru bn, na deva nidaka abhimn.1.
dhana mada matta parama bcl, ugrabuddhi ura dabha bisl.
jadapi raheu raghupati rajadhn, tadapi na kachu mahim taba jn.2.
aba jn mai

avadha prabhv, nigamgama purna asa gv.

kavanehu janma avadha basa jo, rma paryana so pari ho.3.
avadha prabhva jna taba prn, jaba ura basahi

rmu dhanupn.
so kalikla kahina uragr, ppa paryana saba nara nr.4.
In that Kaliyuga I was born in the city of Ayodhy and got the body of a udra (a
member of the labouring and artisan classes). A devotee of Lord iva in thought, word
and deed, I was a reviler of other gods and conceited too. Intoxicated with the pride of
pelf, I was most loquacious and savage of purpose and carried an enormous load of
hypocrisy in my heart. Even though I dwelt in the capital of r Rma (the lord of the
Raghus), I failed to know even an iota of its glory then. Now I have come to know the
greatness of Ayodhy. Thus has it been sung by the Vedas, Tantras and Puras that
whoever has resided in Ayodhy in any birth whatsoever surely becomes a votary of r
Rma. A man comes to know the glory of Ayodhy only when r Rma, bow in hand,
takes up His abode in his heart. That particular age of Kali was terrible indeed, O enemy
of serpents; every man and woman was given over to sin. (14)
f n e n
f- f fa fr f n f + (+
rn r r n
fr r ff s f+ (+

1052
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Do.: kalimala grase dharma saba lupta bhae sadagratha,
dabhinha nija mati kalpi kari pragaa kie bahu patha.97(A).
bhae loga saba mohabasa lobha grase subha karma,
sunu harijna gyna nidhi kahau kachuka kalidharma.97(B).
Every virtue had been engulfed by the sins of Kali; all good books had disappeared;
impostors had promulgated a number of creeds which they had invented out of their own
wit. The people had all fallen a prey to delusion and all pious acts had been swallowed
by greed. Now listen, all-wise mount of r Hari, while I describe a few peculiarities of
Kali. (97 A-B)
f r>r rt >rfa fr a rt+
f >rfa r rs f r fn r+ {+
rn r; r r; rr fza r; r nr rr+
fr a r; ar a ; r;+ +
r; r r rt r r z rrt+
r r t rr fn r; na rr+ -+
frr r >rfa -rnt fn r; rt r frnt+
r = r frr r; ar fq frr+ +
Cau.: barana dharma nahi

rama cr, ruti birodha rata saba nara nr.

dvija ruti becaka bhupa prajsana, kou nahi

mna nigama anussana.1.

mraga soi j kahu joi bhv, paita soi jo gla bajv.
mithyrabha dabha rata jo, t kahu sata kahai saba ko.2.
soi sayna jo paradhana hr, jo kara dabha so baRa cr.
jo kaha jh u

ha masakhar jn, kalijuga soi gunavata bakhn.3.

nircra jo ruti patha tyg, kalijuga soi gyn so birg.
jke nakha aru ja bisl, soi tpasa prasiddha kalikl.4.
No one follows the duties of ones own caste, and the four ramas or stages of
life also disappear. Every man and woman takes delight in revolting against the Vedas.
The Brhmaas sell the Vedas; the kings bleed their subjects; no one respects the injunction
of the Vedas. The right course for every individual is that which one takes a fancy to; a
man of erudition is he who plays the braggart. Whoever launches spurious undertakings
and is given over to hypocrisy, him does everyone call a saint. He alone is clever, who
robs another of his wealth; he who puts up false appearances is an ardent follower of
established usage. He who is given to lying and is clever at joking is spoken of as a man
of parts in the Kali age. He alone who is a reprobate and has abandoned the path of the
Vedas is a man of wisdom and dispassion in the Kali age. He alone who has grown big
nails and long locks of matted hair is a renowned ascetic in the Kali age. (14)
-r- rf
a; rnt a; fq a fn rf+ c (+
rt r fa- n r- a;
-r r a ; ar fr + c (+
*
UTTARA-K NA
*
1053

Do.: asubha bea bhuana dhare bhacchbhaccha je khhi

,
tei jog tei siddha nara pujya te kalijuga mhi

.98(A).
So.: je apakr cra tinha kara gaurava mnya tei,
mana krama bacana labra tei bakat kalikla mahu .98(B).
They alone who put on an unsightly garb and ornaments, eat anything and everything,
no matter whether it is worth eating or not, are ascetics; they alone are perfect men and
they are worth adoring in the Kali age. They who are of maleficent conduct are held in
great esteem and they alone are worthy of honour. Even so they alone who are babblers
in thought, word and deed are orators in the Kali age. (98 A-B)
rf f nrr; rf t r; +
f- sf rr f f rr+ {+
r r a rt f >rfa a frt+
n f fa -rnt f rf = rnt+ +
rfnt f tr f- fnr tr+
n f f r r ; f r+ -+
; fr r ; r n rrr ;+
ra far rf- rrf s r; frf+ +
Cau.: nri bibasa nara sakala gos

, ncahi

naa markaa k n

.
sudra dvijanha upadesahi

gyn, meli jane u lehi

kudn.1.
saba nara kma lobha rata krodh, deva bipra ruti sata birodh.
guna madira sudara pati tyg, bhajahi

nri para purua abhg.2.

saubhgin

bibhuana hn, bidhavanha ke sigra nabn.

gura sia badhira adha k lekh, eka na sunai eka nahi

dekh.3.
harai siya dhana soka na hara, so gura ghora naraka mahu para.
mtu pit blakanhi bolvahi

, udara bharai soi dharma sikhvahi

.4.
Dominated by women, my lord, all men dance to their tune like a monkey
controlled by its trainer. udras instruct the twice-born in spiritual wisdom and, wearing
the sacred thread, accept the worst type of gifts. All men are given over to sensuality
and greed and irascible too, and are hostile to the gods; the Brhmaas, the Vedas as
well as to the saints. Unfortunate wives desert their accomplished and handsome
husband and bestow their heart on a paramour. Wives having their husband alive have
no ornament on their person, while widows adorn themselves in the latest style. The
disciple and the preceptor severally resemble a deaf man and a blind man : the one
would not listen, while the other cannot see. A spiritual guide who robs his disciple of
money but fails to rid him of his sorrow is cast into a terrible hell. Parents call their
children and teach them such religion as may fill their belly. (14)
zr r f rf f f ra
zt rfn r f f n rrra+ (+
rf f- ar a rrrf
r; zr r f rf rf zrf+ (+

1054
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Do.: brahma gyna binu nri nara kahahi

na dusari bta,
kauR lgi lobha basa karahi

bipra gura ghta.99(A).

bdahi

sudra dvijanha sana hama tumha te kachu ghi,

jnai brahma so biprabara

khi dekhvahi

i.99(B).
Men and women talk of nothing else than the Knowledge of Brahma; while in their
greed they would kill a Brhmaa or, for the matter of that, even their own spiritual guide
for the sake of a single shell. udras argue with the twice-born : Are we in anyway
inferior to you? A good Brhmaa is he who knows the truth of Brahma ! and defiantly
glower at them. (99 A-B)
fr r r r ar r+
a; rt rt r fr fn + {+
r n = fa- rrrf a rn farf+
r r f r f f >rfa f ar+ +
r af rrr t fra r rr+
rf ; n fa rt z zr; rf -rt+ -+
a f- r rf s r f r rf+
f f- r rt frr t trt+ +
f a a rr f r f rr+
fra f rr r; f tfa rr+ ~+
Cau.: para triya lapaa kapaa sayne, moha droha mamat lapane.
tei abhedabd gyn nara, dekh mai

caritra kalijuga kara.1.

pu gae aru tinhahu ghlahi

, je kah u

sata mraga pratiplahi

.
kalpa kalpa bhari eka eka narak, parahi

je duahi

ruti kari tarak.2.

je barandhama teli kumhr, svapaca kirta kola kalavr.
nri mu gha sapati ns, m uRa muRi hohi

sanys.3.
te bipranha sana pu pujvahi

, ubhaya loka nija htha nasvahi

.
bipra niracchara lolupa km, nircra saha bal svm.4.
sudra karahi

japa tapa brata nn, baihi barsana kahahi

purn.
saba nara kalpita karahi

acr, ji na barani anti apr.5.

They alone who are covetous of antothers wife and are clever at wiles and
steeped in delusion, malice and worldly attachment are enlightened men swearing by the
identity of the individual soul with Brahma. Such is the practice I have seen in every Kali
age. Doomed themselves, such people bring ruin even to those rare souls who tread the
path of virtue. They who find fault with the Vedas by dint of logic are condemned to each
hell for a whole Kalpa (cycle). People of the lowest grade in society such as oil-men,
potters, the outcaste (lit., those who cook and feed on the flesh of a dog), the Kirtas
and Kolas and the distillers of spirituous liquors get their heads shaved and enter the
order of Sanysa (renunciation) when their wife is no more in this world and they have
lost their household property. They allow themselves to be worshipped by the Brhmaas
and bring ruin to themselves here as well as hereafter. As for the Brhmaas, they are
unlettered, grasping, lascivious, reprobate and stupid and marry low-caste women of a
lewd character. udras, on the other hand, practise Japa (the muttering of prayers) and
*
UTTARA-K NA
*
1055

austere penance, undertake sacred vows of various kinds and expound the Puras
from an exalted seat. All men follow a course of conduct of their own imagination; the
endless variety of wrongdoing cannot be described in words. (15)
f fra rn
f r rf = r frn+ { (+
>r fa a f f+ a ffa f
a f f r rf + { (+
Do.: bhae barana sakara kali bhinnasetu saba loga,
karahi

ppa pvahi

dukha bhaya ruja soka biyoga.100(A).

ruti samata hari bhakti patha sajuta birati bibeka,
tehi

na calahi

nara moha basa kalpahi

patha aneka.100(B).
In the age of Kali there ensues a confusion of castes (due to promiscuous
intermarriages) and everyone infringes the sacred laws. Men perpetrate sins and reap
suffering terror, disease, sorrow and desolation. Overcome by delusion they walk not in
the path of Devotion to r Hari, conjoined with dispassion and wisdoma path which
has the approval of the Vedasand invent diverse creeds of their own. (100 A-B)
r rf r at fr f tf- f fat+
at a f nt f a ara ra t+ {+
fa frf rf at n rf f ff nat+
a rf ra far a r t t + +
rf frf nt a f= a a+
r r t f z fz r fat+ -+
a t t t f f- s srrr at+
f r r f r f a t f r+ +
f sr t t n ra rf nt+
f rf r r f r t rn + ~+
Cha.: bahu dma sa vrahi dhma jat, biay hari lnhi na rahi birat.
tapas dhanavatadaridragh, kali kautuka tta na jta kah.1.
kulavati nikrahi

nri sat, gha nahi

ceri niberi gat.

suta mnahi

mtu pta taba lau , abalnana dkha nah

jaba lau .2.

sasurri piri lag jaba te , ripurupa kuuba bhae taba te .
npa ppa paryana dharma nah

, kari daa biaba praj nitah

.3.
dhanavata kulna malna ap, dvija cinha janeu ughra tap.
nahi mna purna na bedahi jo, hari sevaka sata sah kali so.4.
kabi bda udra dun na sun, guna duaka brta na kopi gun.
kali brahi

bra dukla parai, binu anna dukh saba loga marai.5.

1056
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
The so-called recluses build themselves houses and furnish them at considerable
expense; dispassion is no more to be seen in them, the same having been wiped out by
their sensuality. The so-called ascetics grow wealthy and householders go penniless: the
freaks of the Kali age, dear Garua, are beyond all telling. Men drive out a well-born and
virtuous wife and bring home some servant-girl, casting to the winds all good usage.
Sons respect their father and mother only so long as they have not seen the face of their
wife. From the time they take a fancy to their wifes kinsfolk they begin to look upon their
own people as their enemies. Kings get addicted to sin and cease to have anything to
do with piety. They ever persecute their subjects by inflicting unmerited punishment on
them. The meanest churl, if he is rich, is accounted noble. A Brhmaa is known only
by his sacred thread, and an ascetic by his naked body. He who refuses to recognize
the Vedas and Puras is a true saint and servant of r Hari in the Kali age. Poets are
seen in large numbers; but the munificent (who reward them) are seldom heard of. Those
who find fault with others virtues can be had in any number, but no one possessing
virtues. In the Kali age famines are of frequent occurrence: for want of foodgrains people
perish miserably en masse. (15)
n f rz
r r rrf rf zr z+ {{ (+
ar f a a r
f t rf r+ {{ (+
Do.: sunu khagesa kali kapaa haha dabha dvea paa,
mna moha mrdi mada bypi rahe brahmaa.101(A).
tmasa dharma karahi

nara japa tapa brata makha dna,

deva na baraahi

dharan

bae na jmahi

dhna.101(B).
Listen, lord of the winged creatures : in the age of Kali duplicity, perversity, hypocrisy,
malice, heresy, pride, infatuation, concupiscence and arrogance etc., pervade the whole
universe. Men practise Japa (the muttering of prayers), austere penance and charity, perform
sacrifices and undertake sacred vows with some unholy motive. The gods rain not upon
the earth and foodgrains sown in the soil do not germinate. (101 A-B)
r f r t t ar r+
rf ar fa rf rf rar+ {+
tfza rn rn t fr fr rt+
rr t a r ra r nr r+ +
fr fr f r f ra r ar+
f ar fr taar rfa rfa nar+ -+
;fr =r- rar f f t ar fnar+
rn frn fr r>r r n+ +
r r f rt zar arfa rrt+
a r rf r n f n r n+ ~+
*
UTTARA-K NA
*
1057

Cha.: abal kaca bhuana bhuri chudh, dhanahna dukh mamat bahudh.
sukha chahi

muRha na dharma rat, mati thori kahori na komalat.1.
nara pRita roga na bhoga kah

, abhimna birodha akranah

.
laghu jvana sabatu paca das, kalapta na nsa gumnu as.2.
kalikla bihla kie manuj, nahi

mnata kvau anuj tanuj.

nahi toa bicra na stalat, saba jti kujti bhae magat.3.
iri parucchara lolupat, bhari puri rah samat bigat.
saba loga biyoga bisoka hae, baranrama dharma acra gae.4.
dama dna day nahi jnapan, jaRat parabacanatti ghan.
tanu poaka nri nar sagare, paranidaka je jaga mo bagare.5.
Women have no ornament except their tresses and have an enormous appetite.
Though miserable for want of money, they are rich in attachment of various kinds.
Though hankering after happiness they love not piety, stupid as they are. Though they
are poor in wits, their mind is hardened and knows no tenderness. As for men, they are
tormented with diseases and find no enjoyment anywhere. They are conceited and
contend with others without any rhyme or reason. Mens life is short, extending to not
more than five or ten years; yet in their pride they reckon on surviving the end of
creation. The age of Kali has driven men mad: no one respects the sanctity even of ones
sister or daughter. There is no contentment, nor discernment, nor composure. People of
all classes, whether high or low, have taken to begging. Envy, harsh words and
covetousness are rampant; while evenness of mind is absent. People are all smitten with
bereavement and deep sorrow. The duties and rules of conduct prescribed for the four
orders of society and stages in life are neglected. Self-control, charity, compassion and
wisdom disappear; while stupidity and fraud multiply to a large extent. Men and women
all pamper their body; while slanderers are diffused all over the world. (15)
rrf r f n rnr
n s a f n f r ftar+ { (+
an rar r r = rn
r nfa r; r f f r a rf rn+ { (+
Do.: sunu bylri kla kali mala avaguna gra,
gunau bahuta kalijuga kara binu praysa nistra.102(A).
ktajuga tret

dvpara puj makha aru joga,

jo gati hoi so kali hari nma te pvahi

loga.102(B).
Listen, O enemy of serpents: the age of Kali is a storehouse of impurities and
vices. But it has many virtues too; final emancipation is possible (in this age) without any
exertion. Moreover, the same goal which is reached through worship of God, performance
of sacrifices or practice of Yoga in the Satyayuga, Tret and Dvpara, men are able to
attain through the name of r Hari in the Kali age. (102 A-B)
an rnt frt f f r af rt+
rar ff t f f at+ {+

1058
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
r f rrfa r af sr r+
fn f n nrr nra rf rr+ +
fn rn rr r r n nrr+
r af r rf a nr n nrf+ -+
r; a rt r ar n f rt+
f ta arr r - rf f rr+ +
Cau.: ktajuga saba jog bigyn, kari hari dhyna tarahi

bhava prn.
tret

bibidha jagya nara karah

, prabhuhi samarpi karma bhava tarah

.1.
dvpara kari raghupati pada puj, nara bhava tarahi

upya na d uj.
kalijuga kevala hari guna gh, gvata nara pvahi

bhava thh.2.
kalijuga joga na jagya na gyn, eka adhra rma guna gn.
saba bharosa taji jo bhaja rmahi, prema sameta gva guna grmahi.3.
soi bhava tara kachu sasaya nh

, nma pratpa pragaa kali mh

.
kali kara eka punta pratp, mnasa punya hohi

nahi

pp.4.
In the Satyayuga everyone is possessed of mystic powers and wise too. Hence
in that age men cross the ocean of mundane existence by meditating on r Hari. In the
Tret age men perform sacrifices of various kinds and cross the ocean of metempsychosis
by dedicating their actions to the Lord. In the Dvpara age men cross the ocean of
worldly existence by adoring the feet of r Rma (the Lord of the Raghus), there being
no other means to do it. In the Kali age, however, men reach the end of mundane
existence simply by singing r Haris praises. In the age of Kali neither Yoga (concentration
of mind), nor the performance of sacrifices nor spiritual wisdom is of any avail; ones only
hope lies in hymning r Rmas praises. Giving up all other hopes, whosoever worships
r Rma and fondly chants His praises undoubtedly crosses the ocean of transmigration.
The power of the Name is thus manifest in the age of Kali. The Kali age possesses
another sacred virtue: in this age projected acts of virtue are rewarded, but projected
sins are not punished. (14)
fn n r f ftr
nr; r n n f a ff r+ {- (+
n rf f r
ff t- r ; rr+ {- (+
Do.: kalijuga sama juga na nahi

jau nara kara bisvsa,

gi rma guna gana bimala bhava tara binahi

praysa.103(A).
pragaa cri pada dharma ke kali mahu eka pradhna,
jena kena bidhi dnhe dna karai kalyna.103(B).
No other age can compare with the Kali age provided a man has faith (in its virtue);
for in this age one can easily cross the ocean of transmigration simply by singing r
Rmas holy praises. Piety has four well-known pillars, of which one is predominant in
the Kali: charity practised in any way conduces to ones spiritual good. (103 A-B)
*
UTTARA-K NA
*
1059

fa n rf z r rr +
q - ar frr a r r rr+ {+
- a fa r ff rar r+
tr - ar r r+ +
ar a rn rr f r fr rr+
n rf rt af fa rt + -+
r f rf art rrfa tfa fa rt+
a f nrr f r; rr+ +
Cau.: nita juga dharma hohi

saba kere, hdaya rma my ke prere.

suddha satva samat bigyn, kta prabhva prasanna mana jn.1.
satva bahuta raja kachu rati karm, saba bidhi sukha tret kara dharm.
bahu raja svalpa satva kachu tmasa, dvpara dharma haraa bhaya mnasa.2.
tmasa bahuta rajoguna thor, kali prabhva birodha cahu or.
budha juga dharma jni mana mh

, taji adharma rati dharma karh

.3.
kla dharma nahi

bypahi

th, raghupati carana prti ati jh.

naa kta bikaa kapaa khagary, naa sevakahi na bypai my.4.
Prompted by r Rmas delusive potency, the characteristics of all the four
Yugas manifest themselves in everyones heart everyday. The presence of pure
Sattva (harmony), evenness of mind, spiritual insight and the feeling of vivacity in the
heart are the effects of Satyayuga. Abundance of Sattva with a slight admixture of
Rajas, attachment to action, and happiness of every kind are the characteristics of
Tret. Much Rajas, little Sattva, and some Tamas, with a feeling of mingled joy and
terror in the heart, are the distinguishing features of Dvpara. A large proportion of
Tamas with a slight admixture of Rajas and antagonism everywhere are the effects of
Kali. The wise discern the characteristics of the different Yugas in their mind and
forswearing unrighteousness devote themselves to piety. The characteristics of the
Time-Spirit have no effect on him who is excessively fond of r Rmas feet. The
deception practised by a juggler, O king of the birds, is formidable indeed: but the tricks
of a juggler cannot deceive his servant. (14)
f rr a r n f f rf
f r af r frf rf + { (+
af fr s fn
s r ffa a ns f+ { (+
Do.: hari my kta doa guna binu hari bhajana na jhi

,
bhajia rma taji kma saba asa bicri mana mhi

.104(A).
tehi

kalikla baraa bahu baseu avadha bihagesa,

pareu dukla bipati basa taba mai

gayau bidesa.104(B).
The good and evil, which are the creation of r Haris delusive potency, cannot
be eliminated except through worship of r Har. Bearing this in mind, and forswearing
all desire, one should adore r Hari. In that particular age of Kali, O lord of the winged

1060
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
creatures, I lived in Ayodhy for many years till a famine occurred, when, stricken by
adversity, I had to move to another place. (104 A-B)
ns st snrt t t f rt+
n r fa r; a f s r;+ {+
f f f r ; r af r r+
r r f sr f f f+ +
af s ar f r fa tfa far+
rf f rf r; f r r t r;+ -+
r rf f t-r s ff ff t-r+
s r f f r; z ffa fr;+ +
Cau.: gayau ujen sunu uragr, dna malna daridra dukhr.
gae kla kachu sapati p, taha puni karau sabhu sevak.1.
bipra eka baidika siva p uj, karai sad tehi kju na d uj.
parama sdhu paramratha bidaka, sabhu upsaka nahi

hari nidaka.2.
tehi sevau mai

kapaa samet, dvija dayla ati nti niket.

bhija namra dekhi mohi s

, bipra paRhva putra k n

.3.
sabhu matra mohi dvijabara dnh, subha upadesa bibidha bidhi knh.
japau matra siva madira j, hdaya dabha ahamiti adhik.4.
Listen, O enemy of serpents : I went to Ujjainmiserable, downcast, penniless
and afflicted. When sometime had elapsed, I acquired some wealth and after that I began
worshipping Lord ambhu at that very place. There was a Brhmaa there who
constantly worshipped Lord iva according to the Vedic rites and had no other
occupation. He was an extremely pious soul and a knower of the highest truth, a votary
of Lord ambhu but no reviler of r Hari. I served him though with a guileful heart. The
Brhmaa was very kind-hearted and an abode of piety. Seeing me outwardly so
humble, my Lord, the Brhmaa taught me as his own son. The great Brhmaa
imparted to me a mystic formula sacred to Lord ambhu and gave me every kind of good
advice. I used to go to a temple of Lord iva and repeat the formula there with unbounded
ostentation and conceit in my heart. (14)
fa t rfa r
f f s s fr r+ {~ (+
n fa rf r fa f r
rf s; fa r ff tfa f r;+ {~ (+
Do.: mai

khala mala sakula mati nca jti basa moha,

hari jana dvija dekhe jarau karau binu kara droha.105(A).
So.: gura nita mohi prabodha dukhita dekhi carana mama,
mohi upajai ati krodha dabhihi nti ki bhva.105(B).
A wretch impure of mind, low-born and overcome by infatuation, I was filled with
jealousy at the very sight of a servant of r Hari or a Brhmaa and hated God Viu
*
UTTARA-K NA
*
1061

Distressed to see my conduct, my preceptor would admonish me everyday; but on hearing

his admonition I burnt with rage. Can sober counsel appeal to a hypocrite? (105 A-B)
r n t- rr; rf tfa rfa fr;+
f r a r; f nfa r r;+ {+
rf f ara f rar r fa rar+
r f rnt ar r f rnt+ +
f n f nr z +
rfa fur r s r f fr+ -+
rt f r rat n r s f rat+
fa r n tr rr f f rf fr rr+ +
f a t zr; rr r f fa arf rr+
r; af rr rr t r;+ ~+
n t fr ; r fa ;+
=a szr af ; f ftf- ;+ +
nfa fr nr f f nr+
f rf nrf f tat f tat+ +
srt fa f nrr; ff tr t r; +
z fr; n fa ; rf rr;+ c+
Cau.: eka bra gura lnha bol, mohi nti bahu bh

ti sikh.
siva sev kara phala suta so, abirala bhagati rma pada ho.1.
rmahi bhajahi

tta siva dht, nara pva ra kai ketika bt.

jsu carana aja siva anurg, tsu droha sukha cahasi abhg.2.
hara kahu hari sevaka gura kahe u, suni khagantha hdaya mama daheu.
adhama jti mai

bidy pe , bhayau jath ahi d udha pie .3.
mn kuila kubhgya kujt, gura kara droha karau dinu rt.
ati dayla gura svalpa na krodh, puni puni mohi sikhva subodh.4.
jehi te nca baR pv, so prathamahi

hati thi nasv.

dhuma anala sabhava sunu bh, tehi bujhva ghana padav p.5.
raja maga par nirdara raha, saba kara pada prahra nita saha.
maruta uRva prathama tehi bhara, puni npa nayana kiranhi para.6.
sunu khagapati asa samujhi prasag, budha nahi

karahi

adhama kara sag.

kabi kobida gvahi

asi nt, khala sana kalaha na bhala nahi

prt.7.
udsna nita rahia gos

, khala pariharia svna k n

.
mai

khala hdaya kapaa kuil, gura hita kahai na mohi soh.8.

One day my preceptor called me and taught me wisdom in every possible way;
The sole reward, my son, of worshipping Lord iva is uninterrupted devotion to
r Rmas feet. iva Himself as well as Brahm (the Creator), dear son, adore
r Rma; of what account, then, is a vile human being ! Do you hope to attain
happiness, O wretched soul, by harbouring ill-will to Him whose feet are loved by
Brahm and iva Himself? When I heard my Guru speak of Lord Hara as a votary of

1062
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
r Hari, my heart, O lord of the feathered kingdom, was all on fire. Vile of descent as
I was, the little learning that I had acquired turned my head even as a serpent becomes
all the more poisonous when fed on milk. Proud, perverse, wretched and low-born, I
meditated mischief to my Guru day and night. My Guru, however, was too tenderhearted
to have the least anger in him; on the other hand, he gave me good advice time after
time. The first thing a vile fellow does is to kill and destroy the very man who has been
instrumental in exalting him. Listen, brother : smoke, which is produced by fire, extinguishes
the latter when it attains to the dignity of a cloud. The dust lying on the road is held in
contempt and is ever trodden under foot by all (the wayfarers). But when carried aloft by
the wind, it first envelopes the air itself and then descends on the eyes or diadems of
king. Listen, O lord of the winged creatures: realizing this state of things, the wise shun
the company of vile men. Seers and learned men have declared this maxim: it is good
neither to quarrel with a wretch nor to make friends with him. One should always remain
aloof from him, my master; a wicked fellow should be avoided even as a dog. Vicious
as I was with a heart full of falsehood and perversity, the Gurus admonition did not
appeal to me, even though it was wholesome. (18)
r f a s f r
n rs fr a sf f t- r+ { (+
r r f s s r
fa rr n rar f f + { (+
Do.: eka bra hara madira japata raheu siva nma,
gura yau abhimna te uhi nahi

knha pranma.106(A).
so dayla nahi

kaheu kachu ura na roa lavalesa,

ati agha gura apamnat sahi nahi

sake mahesa.106(B).
One day I was repeating ivas Name in a temple sacred to Lord Hara, when my
Guru came in; but in my pride I did not rise to greet him. He was too gracious to say
anything; neither did he feel the least resentment in his heart. But the grievous sin of showing
disrespect to a Guru was more than the great Lord iva could tolerate. (106 A-B)
f rr ; rt ar frt+
uf a n f rr fa r fa r rr+ {+
af r s art tfa fr rr; rt+
f z arr y r; >rfarn rr+ +
n ;fr t rf n t+
frn rf f f tr a - f rf tr+ -+
f n ; rt rf fa rt+
r f r r; r nfa r;+ +
Cau.: madira mjha bha nabha bn, re hatabhgya agya abhimn.
jadyapi tava gura ke nahi

krodh, ati kpla cita samyaka bodh.1.

tadapi spa saha daihau toh, nti birodha sohi na moh.
jau nahi

daa karau khala tor, bhraa hoi rutimraga mor.2.

*
UTTARA-K NA
*
1063

je saha gura sana iri karah

, raurava naraka koi juga parah

.
trijaga joni puni dharahi

sarr, ayuta janma bhari pvahi

pr.3.
baiha rahesi ajagara iva pp, sarpa hohi khala mala mati byp.
mah biapa koara mahu j, rahu adhamdhama adhagati p.4.
An ethereal voice proceeded from the temple itself: you wretched and conceited
fool, even though your preceptor has no anger in him and he is very tender-hearted
and possessed of true and perfect wisdom, yet, O fool, I must pronounce a curse
on you; for any transgression of propriety is loathsome to Me. If I do not punish you,
O wretch, the sanctity of My Vedic laws will be violated. The fools who bear malice
against their Guru are cast into the hell named Raurava for a myriad Yugas. After
that they take birth in the subhuman species and suffer torment for ten thousand
successive existence. Since you remained rooted to your seat like a python, O vile
wretch, take the form of a snake; for your mind is steeped in sin. And, condemned
to that vile state, O vilest of the vile, go and take up your abode in the hollow of
some huge tree. (14)
rrr t- n r= f f r
fa rf frf fa s sr far+ { (+
f za f f - rf
f a nn t fr rrr nfa rf+ { (+
Do.: hhkra knha gura druna suni siva spa,
kapita mohi biloki ati ura upaj paritpa.107(A).
kari daavata saprema dvija siva sanmukha kara jori,
binaya karata gadagada svara samujhi ghora gati mori.107(B).
The Guru raised a piteous wail as he heard Lord ivas terrible curse. And when
he saw me trembling with fear, deep agony possessed his soul. Reflecting on my awful
fate, the Brhmaa prostrated himself before Lord iva and, with joined palms and his
voice choked with emotion, he prayed as follows: (107 A-B)
rtrtrr frr= f r zr t=+
f fnr ffr ft frrrrrrr + {+
frrrr at fnr r nratatr fntr+
r rr r r nrrnr rr ar+ +
arrf rr n nt ra rf r >rt rt+
t-f rft r= nnr rr- nr+ -+
-z r frr rr t r+
nrtrrr zr f r r rf+ +
z y nr r z rrfrr+
rr f rrfr rtfa rnr+ ~+
rata rrr rr-art r rr-rar rt+
frr rrrt t t r -rt+ +

1064
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
r srr rrf- at r r rrr+
ar- rrf-a -arrr t r arfr+ +
rrf rn r ar r r r a++
r - rr aratr r rf rrrtr rr+ c+
Cha.: nammamna nirvar upa, vibhu vypaka brahma vedasvar upa.
nija nirgua nirvikalpa nirha, cidkamkavsa bhajeha.1.
nirkramokram ula turya, gir gyna gottama gira.
karla mahkla kla kpla, gugra sasrapra natoha.2.
turdri saka gaura gabhra, manobhuta koi prabh r arra.
sphuranmauli kallolin cru gag, lasadbhlablendu kahe bhujag.3.
calatkuala bhru sunetravila, prasannnana nlakaha dayla.
mgdhacarmmbara muamla, priya akara sarvantha bhajmi.4.
pracaa praka pragalbha parea, akhaa aja bhnukoipraka.
trayaula nirmulana ulapi, bhajeha bhavnpati bhvagamya.5.
kaltta kalya kalpntakr, sad sajjannandadt purr.
cidnadasadoha mohpahr, prasda prasda prabho manmathr.6.
na yvad umntha pdravinda, bhajatha loke pare v nar.
na tvatsukha nti santpana, prasda prabho sarvabh utdhivsa.7.
na jnmi yoga japa naivapuj, natoha sad sarvad abhu tubhya.
jar janma dukhaugha ttapyamna, prabho phi pannamma abho.8.
I adore You, the guardian of the south-east quarter and Ruler of the whole
universe, eternal bliss personified, the omnipresent and all-pervading Brahma manifest in
the form of the Vedas. I worship Lord iva, shining in His own glory, devoid of material
attributes, undifferentiated, desireless, all-pervading consciousness, having nothing to
wrap about Himself except ether (or enveloping ether itself). I bow to the supreme Lord,
who is devoid of form, transcendent and extra-cosmic, beyond speech, understanding
and senseperception, terrible yet gracious, the seed of the mystic syllable OM, the Ruler
of Kailsa, the Devourer even of the great Time-Spirit and the abode of virtues. I adore
the all-merciful akara, the universal Lord, who is loved by all and yet unfathomable,
who is possessed of a form white as the snowclad Himlaya, and radiant with the beauty
of a myriad Cupids, whose head sparkles with the lovely stream of the Gag, whose
brow is adorned by the crescent moon and neck coiled by serpents, who has tremulous
pendants hanging from His ear-lobes, is possessed of beautiful eyebrows and large
eyes, who has a cheerful countenance and a blue speck on His throat, and who has a
lion-skin wrapped round His waist and a garland of skulls round His neck. I take my
refuge in Bhavns Spouse, the supreme Lord, terrible, exalted, intrepid indivisible,
unborn and invested with the glory of a myriad suns, who roots out the threefold agony
and holds a trident in His hand and who is accessible only through love. Beyond number,
ever blessed, bringing about universal destruction at the end of each round of creation,
a source of perpetual delight to the virtuous, Slayer of the demon Tripura, Consciousness
and Bliss personified, dispeller of delusion, be propitious, my lord, be propitious, O
Destroyer of Cupid. So long as they worship not the lotus-feet of Ums lord, there is no
happiness nor peace nor cessation of suffering for men either in this world or in the next.
Therefore, be propitious, my lord, dwelling as You do in the heart of all living beings.
*
UTTARA-K NA
*
1065

I know not Yoga (concentration), nor Japa (the muttering of prayers) nor ritual. I simply
bow to you at all times and at every moment, O ambhu! Pray, protect me, my lord,
miserable and afflicted by sufferings attendant on old age and birth (and death) as I am,
O Lord ambhu! (18)
=ry f r+ fr ar
f-a r -r ar rr tfa+ +
loka: rudrakamida prokta viprea haratoaye,
ye pahanti nar bhakty te ambhu prasdati.9.
This hymn of eight verses was uttered by the Brhmaa in order to propitiate Lord
Hara. r ambhu is pleased with those men who devoutly repeat it. (9)
f fat f f f rn
f f rt ; f rn+ {c (+
r r r t
f nfa ; f + {c (+
a rr t z aa f; r
af r f r f nr+{c (n+
tr f r r
r n r; f r rt r+ {c (rr+
Do.: suni binat sarbagya siva dekhi bipra anurgu,
puni madira nabhabn bhai dvijabara bara mgu.108.(A).
jau prasanna prabhu mo para ntha dna para nehu,
nija pada bhagati dei prabhu puni dusara bara dehu.108(B).
tava my basa jva jaRa satata phirai bhulna,
tehi para krodha na karia prabhu kpsidhu bhagavna.108(C).
sakara dnadayla aba ehi para hohu kpla,
spa anugraha hoi jehi

ntha thoreh

kla.108(D).
The all-wise iva heard the Brhmaas prayer and saw his devotion. An ethereal
voice issued from the temple again: Ask for a boon, O great Brhmaa. If, my lord, you
are pleased with me and if, my master, You are affectionate to the meek, first bless me
with devotion to Your feet and then grant me another boon. Overcome by Your My
(delusive power) the stupid Jva (individual soul) constantly wanders (from one womb to
another) in error. Therefore, O all-merciful Lord, be not angry with him. Now be gracious
to this creature, O akara, compassionate as You are to the humble, so that Your
curse may prove a blessing to him not long afterwards. (108 AD)
f r; rrr r; rfrr+
ffnr f fa rt ta ;fa ; rt+ {+

1066
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
f t- f r= rr f tf- r f rr+
af arrf rar t fs f r ft+ +
rt srt a f rf f r rt+
r >rr f r;f - t r;f+ -+
a a r; f trs f rff r;+
s - fff f rr f rr+ +
rrfa t - a f a r +
t r n r r nfa sff s ar+ ~+
- r; far a f r;+
f f f rr r a a rr+ +
; f frr rz f rr+
r ;- rr f ; fr r r ;+ +
f r rt ar n rt+
s rfr rt faa nfa r;f art+ c+
Cau.: ehi kara hoi parama kalyn, soi karahu aba kpnidhn.
bipragir suni parahita sn, evamastu iti bhai nabhabn.1.
jadapi knha ehi

druna pp, mai

puni dnhi kopa kari sp.

tadapi tumhri sdhut dekh, karihau ehi para kp bise.2.
chamsla je para upakr, te dvija mohi priya jath kharr.
mora rpa dvija byartha na jihi, janma sahasa avasya yaha pihi.3.
janamata marata dusaha dukha ho, ehi svalpau nahi

bypihi so.
kavaneu janma miihi nahi

gyn, sunahi sudra mama bacana pravn.4.

raghupati pur

janma tava bhaya u, puni tai

mama sev

mana daya u.
pur prabhva anugraha more , rma bhagati upajihi ura tore .5.
sunu mama bacana satya aba bh, haritoana brata dvija sevak.
aba jani karahi bipra apamn, jnesu sata anata samn.6.
idra kulisa mama sula bisl, kladaa hari cakra karl.
jo inha kara mr nahi

mara, bipradroha pvaka so jara.7.

asa bibeka rkhehu mana mh

, tumha kaha jaga durlabha kachu nh

.
aurau eka si mor, apratihata gati hoihi tor.8.
Now do that which may bring him supreme blessedness, O fountain of mercy !
On hearing the Brhmaas words, steeped as they were in charity, the heavenly voice
replied : So be it ! Although he has committed a grievous sin and I in My wrath have
pronounced a curse on him, yet, realizing your goodness, I shall do him a special favour.
O holy Brhmaa, they who are of a forgiving disposition and beneficent are as dear to
Me as r Rma (the Slayer of the demon Khara) Himself. Nonetheless, O Brhmaa,
My curse shall not go in vain : this fellow shall surely pass through a thousand incarnations.
But the terrible agony involved in each successive birth and death shall not affect him in
the least. (Turning to me, the voice continued :) Hear, O udra, my authentic word : in
none of your births shall your awareness (of previous existences) leave you. (In the first
place) You were born in the capital of r Rma (the Lord of the Raghus), and besides
*
UTTARA-K NA
*
1067

that you set your heart on My worship. Due to the miraculous power of the holy city and
by My grace, devotion to r Rma shall spring up in your bosom. Now, brother, hear My
solemn declaration: a vow to serve the Brhmaas is the surest means of propitiating
r Hari. Insult the Brhmaas no more and reckon a saint to be on a par with the infinite
Lord Himself. Even he who does not succumb to the stroke of Indras thunderbolt, My
own mighty trident, the rod of Death and the terrible discus of r Hari, is consumed by
the fire of hostility with the Brhmaas. Treasure up this counsel in your heart, and there
will be nothing in this world which may be too difficult for you to attain. I bestow one more
blessing on you: you shall have unobstructed access everywhere. (18)
f f f n ta ;fa rf
rf rf ns n s rf+ { (+
fa r ff fnf r; s r
f r f r a as n r+ { (+
r; a s as f rr fr
ff a f; f; r+ { (n+
f rt >rfa tfa = f rr
f ff s fff a r ns n+ { (rr+
Do.: suni siva bacana harai gura evamastu iti bhi,
mohi prabodhi gayau gha sabhu carana ura rkhi.109(A).
prerita kla bidhi giri ji bhayau mai

byla,
puni praysa binu so tanu tajeu gae kachu kla.109(B).
joi tanu dharau tajau puni anysa harijna,
jimi nutana paa pahirai nara pariharai purna.109(C).
siva rkh ruti nti aru mai

nahi

pv klesa,
ehi bidhi dhareu bibidhi tanu gyna na gayau khagesa.109(D)
The Guru rejoiced to hear the word of Lord iva (as conveyed through the ethereal
voice) and cried Amen! And after admonishing me he returned home, with the image of
Lord ambhus feet impressed upon his heart. Driven by my fate I went to the Vindhya
mountains and was (on giving up the ghost) reborn as a serpent and again, when
sometime had elapsed, I easily dropped that form. Whatever form I assumed, O mount
of r Hari, dropped again with utmost ease, even as a man would cast off worn-out
clothes and put on a new set. Lord iva vindicated the Vedic law, while I was spared
the agony (involved in the rounds of birth and death). In this way, O lord of the winged
creatures, I assumed various forms; but my understanding never left me. (109 AD)
frn r; a a a r +
rf f r n r t r+ {+
f r; r >rfa nr;+
s a r- tr s rr r tr+ +

1068
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
rf far rr rs s ns f rr+
a rr rnt r rnt+ -+
n rnt t f -rnt+
n rf rr; rs far r; r;+ +
r fa rar ns rrar+
ff tt rs r>r r; r; f= rs+ ~+
rs fa-f r n nrr f s fa nrr+
a fs f n rr ra nfa rr+ +
t frff ;r nrt rr s fa rt+
r rf a f - f + +
f s r; f ; ;t a ;+
fn a f rf rr; n zr fa s fr;+ c+
Cau.: trijaga deva nara joi tanu dharau

, taha taha rma bhajana anusara u

.
eka s ula mohi bisara na k u, gura kara komala sla subh u.1.
carama deha dvija kai mai

p, sura durlabha purna ruti g.

khelau tah u

blakanha ml, karau sakala raghunyaka ll.2.

prauRha bhae mohi pit paRhv, samajhau sunau gunau nahi

bhv.
mana te sakala bsan bhg, kevala rma carana laya lg.3.
kahu khagesa asa kavana abhg, khar seva suradhenuhi tyg.
prema magana mohi kachu na soh, hreu pit paRhi paRh.4.
bhae klabasa jaba pitu mt, mai

bana gayau bhajana janatrt.

jaha jaha bipina munsvara pvau , rama ji ji siru nvau .5.
bujhau tinhahi rma guna gh, kahahi

sunau haraita khaganh.

sunata phirau hari guna anubd, abyhata gati sabhu prasd.6.
chu tribidhi an gRh, eka llas ura ati bRh.
rma carana brija jaba dekhau , taba nija janma saphala kari lekhau .7.
jehi pu

chau soi muni asa kaha, svara sarba bh utamaya aha.

nirguna mata nahi

mohi soh, saguna brahma rati ura adhik.8.

Whatever form I assumed, whether of an irrational being, god or man, I continued
to adore r Rma even in that form. Yet one thing ever stung my conscience: my Gurus
mild and amiable disposition I could never forget. The last body I got was that of a
Brhmaa, which the Vedas and Puras declare as difficult even for the gods to attain.
Even in that incarnation whenever I joined the other boys for play, I would enact all the
pastimes of r Rma (the Lord of the Raghus) alone. As I grew up my father gave me
lessons (in secular subjects). I tried to understand things, listened to the lessons and
reflected on them; yet they failed to attract my mind. All worldly cravings left my soul; I
was solely absorbed in the thought of r Rmas feet. Tell me, O lord of the feathered
creation: is there anyone so wretched as to give up a cow of plenty and tend a she-ass?
Overwhelmed with love I had no charm left for anything and my father was tried of
coaching me. When both my father and mother died, I withdrew to the forest in order to
worship the Protector of His servants. In the forest wherever I met any great sage I
visited his hermitage and bowed my head to him. I would ask them to recount r Rmas
*
UTTARA-K NA
*
1069

virtues and listened with delight to what they told me. O lord of the winged creatures ! In
this way I went about listening to the recital of r Haris praises. By ambhus grace my
movements were unchecked everywhere. The three types of ardent seeking (viz., those
for progeny, wealth and fame) left me and one solitary longing grew to inordinate
proportions in my heart. I shall deem the object of my birth accomplished only when I
behold r Rmas lotus-feet, I said to myself. Every sage I interrogated observed, God
represents the totality of created beings. But the view which holds God as impersonal
did not find favour with me and the love I bore in my heart for the embodied Brahma grew
from more to more. (18)
n fa f r rn
rr fa nra fs rn+ {{ (+
= f rr f r rt
f f= rs s fa t+ {{ (+
f fta f r nr
rf r a f r f r+ {{ (n+
a r rff ar r
n zr r rf nr+ {{ (rr+
Do.: gura ke bacana surati kari rma carana manu lga,
raghupati jasa gvata phirau chana chana nava anurga.110(A).
meru sikhara baa chy

muni lomasa sna,

dekhi carana siru nyau bacana kaheu ati dna.110(B).
suni mama bacana binta mdu muni kpla khagarja,
mohi sdara pu

chata bhae dvija yahu kehi kja.110(C).

taba mai

kah kpnidhi tumha sarbagya sujna,

saguna brahma avardhana mohi kahahu bhagavna.110(D).
Even as I recalled the words of my erstwhile preceptor my mind conceived a
fondness for Rmas feet and I went about singing the praises of r Rma (the Lord of
the Raghus) with a love which gathered new strength every moment. On a peak of
Mount Meru in the shade of a banyan tree sat the sage Lomaa. On seeing him I bowed
at his feet and addressed him in the humblest strain. When the gracious sage heard my
meek and gentle address, O king of the birds, he politely enquired : For what purpose
have you come, O Brhmaa? Thereupon I replied, O fountain of mercy, you are
omniscient and sagacious. Tell me, blessed one, how to worship the embodied supreme
Spirit. (110 AD)
a t rrfa n nrr r nrr+
zr r a f frt rf frt rt+ {+
rn zr sr a n zr+
t r =r nr z r+ +

1070
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
nrata frt ffr ff rt+
r a arf arf f r rf tf ; nrf r+ -+
fff rfa rf f rrr fn a z rr+
f s r; tr n sr tr+ +
r nfa tr ff fnr; t tr+
r; s f rr f f- rrrr+ ~+
f r frf r a fs fn sr+
f f f fr r fz n a n f=r+ +
a fn a t n f=s f t+
s-r fas-r t-r f a r t-r+ +
a r f s r rf- f+
fa rr r; n a r;+ c+
Cau.: taba munsa raghupati guna gth, kahe kachuka sdara khaganth.
brahmagyna rata muni bigyn, mohi parama adhikr jn.1.
lge karana brahma upades, aja advaita aguna hdayes.
akala anha anma ar up, anubhava gamya akhaa anup.2.
mana gotta amala abins, nirbikra niravadhi sukha rs.
so tai

thi tohi nahi

bhed, bri bci iva gvahi

bed.3.
bibidhi bh

ti mohi muni samujhv, nirguna mata mama hdaya na v.

puni mai

kaheu ni pada ss, saguna upsana kahahu muns.4.

rma bhagati jala mama mana mn, kimi bilagi munsa prabn.
soi upadesa kahahu kari dy, nija nayananhi dekhau raghury.5.
bhari locana biloki avadhes, taba sunihau nirguna upades.
muni puni kahi harikath an up, khai saguna mata aguna nir up.6.
taba mai

nirguna mata kara dur, saguna nirupau kari haha bh ur.

uttara pratiuttara mai

knh, muni tana bhae krodha ke cnh.7.

sunu prabhu bahuta avagy kie , upaja krodha gyninha ke hie .
ati sagharaana jau kara ko, anala pragaa cadana te ho.8.
Thereupon the great sage recounted with reverence a few virtues of r Rma (the
Lord of the Raghus), O lord of the feathered creation. But himself devoted to the
knowledge of Brahma (the Absolute), and knowing me to be the fittest person (to be
initiated into such knowledge), the enlightened sage began a sermon on Brahma, the
unborn, the One without a second and without attributes, the Ruler of the heart (the inner
Controller), incomprehensible, desireless, without name or form, attainable only through
realization, indivisible and incomparable, beyond the mind and the senses, immaculate
and indestructible, immutable, unlimited and all-blissful : You are identical with the
Brahma referred to above; no more difference exists between Him and you than between
a sheet of water and the ripples on its surface: so declare the Vedas. The sage
instructed me in various ways; but the truth that the individual soul is identical with the
attributeless Brahma did not appeal to my heart. Bowing my head at his feet I submitted
again, Kindly tell me how to worship the embodied Brahma, O lord of the sages. My
mind takes delight in the worship of r Rma even as a fish rejoiees in water; how, then,
*
UTTARA-K NA
*
1071

can it exist without it, O wise lord of the sages? Be gracious, therefore, to teach me the
method whereby I may be able to behold the Lord of the Raghus with my own eyes.
Having feasted my eyes on the King of Ayodhy I will then listen to your discourse on
the attributeless Brahma. The sage once more recited the incomparable story of
r Hari; but demolishing the doctrine that the supreme Spirit does appear in an embodied
form, he established the proposition that He is ever without attributes. Thereupon I would
set aside the view that God is ever attributeless and establish with great obstinacy the
doctrine that He takes an embodied form. When I thus entered into hot discussion with
him, signs of resentment appeared on the sages person. Listen, my lord: insolence
carried to an excess rouses passion even in the breast of an enlightened soul. Too much
friction will produce fire even out of sandal-wood. (18)
rr r f ; f= r
a s fff r+ {{{ (+
r f afq f a f f r
rr ffr z t f ; r+ {{{ (+
Do.: brabra sakopa muni karai nirupana gyna,
mai

apane mana baiha taba karau bibidhi anumna.111(A).

krodha ki dvaitabuddhi binu dvaita ki binu agyna,
mybasa parichinna jaRa jva ki sa samna.111(B).
Again and again in the heat of passion the sage expatiated on spiritual wisdom,
while I sat still and put myself various questions : Can there be anger without duality or
duality without ignorance? Can an individual soul, dull, finite and subject to My, ever
be on a par with God? (111 A-B)
f fa ar af f f f r+
rt t rf fr rt f f f r+ {+
f f fa t- f rf t=f t-+
r fa f n rt nfa r f fr nrt+ +
f f r-r f t f rf ff+
r f ; tfa f r rr f f ffa r+ -+
r f - f r; f rr f r; r;+
r f f f nfa rr f nrf >rfa a rr+ +
rf f n f f r; f rf a r;+
rr f far rr f r f frr+ ~+
f ff ffa nfa n f s r +
f f n - rr a f rs rr+ +
f s rf s-r fas-r rf+
- ftr t r ; t a zt+ +
t- a z frr f rf -t zrr+
t- >rr t r; f tar r;+ c+

1072
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Cau.: kabahu ki dukha saba kara hita tke , tehi ki daridra parasa mani jke .
paradroh k hohi

nisak, km puni ki rahahi

akalak.1.
basa ki raha dvija anahita knhe , karma ki hohi

svar upahi cnhe .

khu sumati ki khala sa ga jm, subha gati pva ki paratriya gm.2.
bhava ki parahi

paramtm bidaka, sukh ki hohi

kabahu harinidaka.
rju ki rahai nti binu jne , agha ki rahahi

haricarita bakhne .3.

pvana jasa ki punya binu ho, binu agha ajasa ki pvai ko.
lbhu ki kichu hari bhagati samn, jehi gvahi

ruti sata purn.4.

hni ki jaga ehi sama kichu bh, bhajia na rmahi nara tanu p.
agha ki pisunat sama kachu n, dharma ki day sarisa harijn.5.
ehi bidhi amiti juguti mana guna u

, muni upadesa na sdara suna u

.
puni puni saguna paccha mai

rop, taba muni boleu bacana sakop.6.

muRha parama sikha deu na mnasi, uttara pratiuttara bahu nasi.
satya bacana bisvsa na karah, byasa iva sabah te arah.7.
saha svapaccha tava hdaya bisl, sapadi hohi pacch cal.
lnha rpa mai

ssa caRh, nahi

kachu bhaya na dnat .8.

Can suffering ensue from solicitude for others well-being? Can anyone possessing
the philosophers stone suffer from want any longer ? Can the malevolent be free from
anxiety? Can the sensualist escape obloquy? Can ones posterity survive even though
one has persecuted the Brhmaas? Can one continue to perform actions (with
attachment) even after attaining Self-Realization? Has anyone acquired sound wisdom
while living in the company of the vicious? Can an adulterer attain a happy destiny? Can
those who have realized God fall again into the ocean of transmigration? Can the revilers
of r Hari be ever happy? Can a kingdom stand without a knowledge of statecraft? Can
sins persist even after one has commenced narrating r Haris exploits? Can one enjoy
sacred renown without religious merit and can anyone earn a bad reputation without a
sin? Is there any gain as valuable as Devotion to r Hari, which is glorified alike by
saints as well as by the Vedas and Puras? And, brother, is there any loss in the world
as grievous as that of the man who fails to adore r Rma even after obtaining a human
body? Is there any other sin so bad as backbiting or any virtue so great as compassion,
O mount of r Hari? In this way I mentally advanced numberless arguments in my
favour and did not listen to the sages teaching with any reverence. Again and again I
maintained the cause of the Sagua form of worship (the worship of an embodied Deity),
till at last the sage uttered these angry words : Fool, you refuse to accept the supreme
lesson I have been inculcating on you and indulge in endless arguments and counter-
arguments. You give no credence to my authentic words and, like a crow, look on
everything with distrust ! Fool, you are exceedingly self-opinionated; therefore, you shall
at once take the form of a crow (the pariah among birds). I bowed to the curse
prohounced by the sage but felt neither alarmed nor humbled. (18)
a a s rn a f f f= r;
ff r rr f fa s szr;+ {{ (+
sr r a fna r r
f f na f f fr+ {{ (+
*
UTTARA-K NA
*
1073

Do.: turata bhayau mai

kga taba puni muni pada siru ni,

sumiri rma raghubasa mani haraita caleu uRi.112(A).
um je rma carana rata bigata kma mada krodha,
nija prabhumaya dekhahi

jagata kehi sana karahi

birodha.112(B).
I was immediately transformed into a crow. Thereupon I bowed my head at the
sages feet again and, fixing my thoughts on r Rma, the Jewel of Raghus line, joyfully
took flight. Um, (continues Lord akara,) they who are devoted to r Rmas feet and
are free from lust, vanity and anger look upon the whole word as full of their lord; against
whom can they harbour animosity? (112 A-B)
n f ff s rr f+
rf f fa f rt t-t f-r rt+ {+
rf f rr f fa f t nrr+
ff a tar t r ftr ft+ +
fa f f f far; r f rf t- rr;+
far fff ff t-r fa rr a t-r+ -+
r= r rr s rf f rfrr+
rf fa rr r f arf rr+ +
f rf r a rr rfar a rr+
r rf r r; f r f fnr r;+ ~+
rfa ne rr r ara rr+
arf f na r rt ara s rt+ +
r nfa f- s rt ara f fa- rt+
f rf fff rfa rrr f f= rr+ +
f f tr fa rf t- tr+
r nfa f s ar ff r r r+ c+
Cau.: sunu khagesa nahi

kachu rii d uana, ura preraka raghubasa bibhuana.

kpsidhu muni mati kari bhor, lnh prema paricch mor.1.
mana baca krama mohi nija jana jn, muni mati puni pher bhagavn.
rii mama mahata slat dekh, rma carana bisvsa bise.2.
ati bisamaya puni puni pachit, sdara muni mohi lnha bol.
mama paritoa bibidhi bidhi knh, haraita rmamatra taba dnh.3.
blakarupa rma kara dhyn, kaheu mohi muni kpnidhn.
sudara sukhada mohi ati bhv, so prathamahi

mai

tumhahi sunv.4.
muni mohi kachuka kla taha rkh, rmacaritamnasa taba bh.
sdara mohi yaha kath sun, puni bole muni gir suh.5.
rmacarita sara gupta suhv, sabhu prasda tta mai

pv.
tohi nija bhagata rma kara jn, tte mai

saba kaheu bakhn.6.

rma bhagati jinha ke ura nh

, kabahu na tta kahia tinha ph

.
muni mohi bibidhi bh

ti samujhv, mai

saprema muni pada siru nv.7.

nija kara kamala parasi mama ss, haraita sia dnha muns.
rma bhagati abirala ura tore , basihi sad prasda aba more .8.

1074
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Listen, O lord of the winged creatures : the sage was in no way at fault; it is
r Rma (the Ornament of Raghus race) who prompts all hearts. The All-merciful put
my devotion to the test by clouding the sages reason. When He came to know that I was
His devoted servant in thought, word and deed, the Lord disabused the saint again. The
sage was amazed at my extraordinary forbearance and the unique faith in r Rmas
feet and, repenting again and again politely called me back. He consoled me in everyway
and then gladly imparted to me the formula sacred to r Rma. The gracious sage also
taught me how to meditate on r Rma as a child. The form which I was thus taught to
fix my thoughts upon, charming and delightful as it was, pleased me much; I have
already told you the same. The sage detained me in his hermitage for sometime and then
recited the Rmacaritamnasa (the Mnasa lake of r Rmas exploits). Having reverently
repeated the story the sage then addressed me in the following gracious words : I
discovered this secret and charming lake of r Rmas exploits, dear son, by the grace
of Lord ambhu. I have come to know that you are a beloved devotee of r Rma;
hence I recited it to you in full. Never repeat it, dear child, in the presence of those whose
heart is void of devotion to r Rma. The sage admonished me in various ways and I
lovingly bowed my head at his feet. The great sage touched my head with his lotus palm
and gladly gave me his blessing : Henceforth, by my grace, devotion to r Rma shall
ever abide in your heart and know no interruption. (18)
r r f r a r n r
r= ;-r r frn fr+ {{- (+
f r>r ar f fa >rtna
rff a fur r a+ {{- (+
Do.: sad rma priya hohu tumha subha guna bhavana amna,
kmarupa icchmarana gyna birga nidhna.113(A).
jehi

rama tumha basaba puni sumirata rbhagavata,

bypihi taha na abidy jojana eka prajata.113(B).
You shall ever be a favourite with r Rma and a storehouse of good qualities, free
from pride, changing your form at will and choosing your own time for death, and a repository
of wisdom and dispassion. Nay, in whatever hermitage you live with your thought fixed on
the Lord, ignorance will have no access within a radius of eight miles from it. (113 A-B)
r n r r arf rff r+
r t fa ff rr ne n ;far rr+ {+
f >r ar r r fa r r+
r ;-r f rt f r rt + +
f f rf fatr zr fnr ; nn ntr+
ta a f rt na rt+ -+
f fnr rf n n+
f fat f r r; r f f f= r;+ +
fa f r>r rs r rs+
*
UTTARA-K NA
*
1075

;r a rf n ;r ta ra = tr+ ~+
s r rrfa n nrr r f fn rr+
t rrtr f na fa tr+ +
a a r; r ftr frf +
f s rf r f=r f r>r rs nr+ +
r arf r; rn f r r;+
fs ara = arrt r nfa fr fa rt+ c+
Cau.: kla karma guna doa subh u, kachu dukha tumhahi na bypihi ku.
rma rahasya lalita bidhi nn, gupta pragaa itihsa purn.1.
binu rama tumha jnaba saba sou, nita nava neha rma pada hou.
jo icch karihahu mana mh

, hari prasda kachu durlabha nh

.2.
suni muni sia sunu matidhr, brahmagir bhai gagana ga bhr.
evamastu tava baca muni gyn, yaha mama bhagata karma mana bn.3.
suni nabhagir haraa mohi bhaya u, prema magana saba sasaya gayau.
kari binat muni yasu p, pada saroja puni puni siru n.4.
haraa sahita ehi

rama yau , prabhu prasda durlabha bara pyau .

ih

basata mohi sunu khaga s, bte kalapa sta aru bsa.5.

karau sad raghupati guna gn, sdara sunahi

bihaga sujn.
jaba jaba avadhapur

raghubr, dharahi

bhagata hita manuja sarr.6.

taba taba ji rma pura rahau , sisull biloki sukha laha u

.
puni ura rkhi rma sisur up, nija rama vau khagabh up.7.
kath sakala mai

tumhahi sun, kga deha jehi

krana p.
kahiu tta saba prasna tumhr, rma bhagati mahim ati bhr.8.
No suffering occasioned by time, fate, merit, demerit or disposition shall ever
torment you. The manifold charming mysteries of r Rma, that are found mentioned
in the chronicles and Puras either explicitly or implicitly, you will come to know
without any difficulty; and the flame of your devotion to r Rmas feet will grow
ever brighter and brighter. Whatever longing you may entertain in your mind, you
shall have no difficulty in attaining it by the grace of r Hari. On hearing the sages
benediction, mark me, O Garua of steadfast reason, a deep voicewhich was
evidently the voice of the Supreme Spiritwas heard from the heavens: May your
prophesy come to be true, O enlightened sage ! He is My votary in thought, word
and deed. I rejoiced to hear the heavenly voice and stood overwhelmed with love
and rid of all my doubts. On receiving the sages permission in response to my
prayer I repeatedly bowed my head at his feet and gladly came away to this hermitage,
having obtained by the Lords grace a rare boon. Listen, O lord of the feathered
creation : I have now lived in this hermitage for seven and twenty rounds of creation.
I am ever engaged in hymning the praises of r Rma (the Lord of the Raghus),
while enlightened birds reverently listen to them. Each time the Hero of Raghus line
assumes the form of a man in the city of Ayodhy for the sake of His devotees
I go and stay at the capital of r Rma and enjoy the spectacle of His childish
sports. Again, enshrining an image of the child Rma in my heart I return to my
hermitage, O king of the birds. I have now told you all the circumstances that invested

1076
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
me with the form of a crow, and have also replied to all your queries. The glory
of devotion to r Rma is superb indeed. (18)
ara a rf f s r
f rs n + {{ (+
Do.: tte yaha tana mohi priya bhayau rma pada neha,
nija prabhu darasana pyau gae sakala sadeha.114(A).
I love this body only because it was in this body that devotion to r Rmas feet
sprang up in my heart, I was blessed with the sight of my lord and all my doubts
vanished. (114 A)
[PAUSE 29 FOR A THIRTY-DAY RECITATION]
nfa - f s tf- rff r
f rs ar+ {{ (+
bhagati paccha haha kari raheu dnhi mahrii spa,
muni durlabha bara pyau dekhahu bhajana pratpa.114(B).
I stubbornly upheld the cause of Devotion, for which the great sage Lomaa
cursed me; but eventually I obtained a boon which is difficult even for the sages to
obtain ! Witness the efficacy of adoration. (114 B)
f nfa rf ft r a >r t+
a z r n -rnt ra r ff rnt+ {+
n f nfa fr; rf r sr;+
a rf f at f r rf z t+ +
f fz rt rs n=z f rt+
a r s rt r r rt + -+
s ta r n n rr art r s f>rrr+
ra s art rr; rff rt+ +
f a f rr f r rr+
r; f ar s nrr; f r nfa t r; + ~+
rf nfaf a ar r far+
f snrf rr r rs rn rr+ +
nfaf rf f r s f r+
r t f a rr rs fn+ +
r frn rn frr = frr+
= ar r at r z rat+ c+
Cau.: je asi bhagati jni pariharah

, kevala gyna hetu rama karah

.
te jaRa kmadhenu gha tyg, khojata ku phirahi

paya lg.1.
sunu khagesa hari bhagati bih, je sukha chahi

na up.
te saha mahsidhu binu taran, pairi pra chahi

jaRa karan.2.
*
UTTARA-K NA
*
1077

suni bhasui ke bacana bhavn, boleu garuRa harai mdu bn.

tava prasda prabhu mama ura mh

, sasaya soka moha bhrama nh

.3.
suneu punta rma guna grm, tumhar kp

laheu birm.
eka bta prabhu p u

chau toh, kahahu bujhi kpnidhi moh.4.

kahahi

sata muni beda purn, nahi

kachu durlabha gyna samn.

soi muni tumha sana kaheu gos

, nahi

darehu bhagati k n

.5.
gynahi bhagatihi atara ket, sakala kahahu prabhu kp niket.
suni uragri bacana sukha mn, sdara boleu kga sujn.6.
bhagatihi gynahi nahi

kachu bhed, ubhaya harahi

bhava sabhava khed.

ntha munsa kahahi

kachu atara, svadhna sou sunu bihagabara.7.

gyna birga joga bigyn, e saba purua sunahu harijn.
purua pratpa prabala saba bh

t, abal abala sahaja jaRa jt.8.

They who knowingly cast aside such Devotion and take pains to acquire mere
wisdom are fools who would leave alone the cow of plenty at their own house and knock
about in search of the ka plant (the milk-weed) to get milk out of it. Listen. O lord of
the winged creatures; the fools who ignore Bhakti and seek happiness by any other
means stupidly seek to swim across the ocean without the help of a vessel . Garua,
O Bhavn, (continues Lord akara,) rejoiced to hear Bhuuis words and submitted
in gentle accents : By your grace, my lord, doubt, sorrow, error and delusion have
disappeared from my heart. I have also listened to the praises of r Rma and attained
peace of mind by your blessing. My lord, I ask you one question more: pray, explain the
whole thing clearly, O ocean of compassion. The saints and sages as well as the Vedas
and Puras declare that there is nothing so difficult of attainment as wisdom. Although
the sage (Lomaa) instructed you in the same, my lord, you did not show the same
amount of regard for Gnosis as for Devotion. Explain to me, my gracious lord, all the
difference between Gnosis and Devotion. The sagacious crow was gratified to hear the
question of Garua (the enemy of the serpents) and politely replied, There is no
difference whatsoever between Gnosis and Devotion : both are equally efficacious in
relieving the torments of birth and death. Great sages nonetheless point out some
difference between the two, my lord: listen to the same with rapt attention, O chief of the
birds ! Wisdom, dispassion, Yoga (union with God) and Realizationmark meare all
masculine in conception, O mount of r Hari ! The might of man is formidable indeed;
while a woman is naturally weak and dull by her very birth. (18)
= -rfn rff r f+ fa t
a rt fr f r rrt+ {{~ (+
rs f rfr nt f ff
f r; fr rf fr rr n+ {{~ (+
Do.: purua tygi saka nrihi jo birakta mati dhra,
na tu km biaybasa bimukha jo pada raghubra.115(A).
So.: sou muni gynanidhna mganayan bidhu mukha nirakhi,
bibasa hoi harijna nri binu my pragaa.115(B).
But that man alone who is unattached and resolute of mind can forwear woman
not the sensual voluptuary, who has turned his face against the feet of r Rma (the
Hero of Raghus line). But even such an enlightened sage, O mount of r Hari, succumbs

1078
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
to the charms of a pretty woman at the very sight of her moon-like face. It is God Vius
own My (deluding potency) that manifests itself in the form of a woman! (115 A-B)
;r -ra rs r a a rs+
r rf rf =r rnrf tfa r+ {+
rr nfa ar r rf n r; r+
f rrtf nfa frt rr at frt+ +
nfaf r rrrr ara af zfa fa rr+
r nfa f= f=rt ; r s r rt+ -+
af frf rr r; f ; f ar;+
frf f frt rf nfa rt+ +
Cau.: ih

na pacchapta kachu rkhau , beda purna sata mata bhau .

moha na nri nri ke r up, pannagri yaha rti an up.1.
my bhagati sunahu tumha dou, nri barga jnai saba kou.
puni raghubrahi bhagati pir, my khalu nartak bicr.2.
bhagatihi snukula raghury, tte tehi arapati ati my.
rma bhagati nirupama nirupdh, basai jsu ura sad abdh.3.
tehi biloki my sakuc, kari na sakai kachu nija prabhut.
asa bicri je muni bigyn, jcahi

bhagati sakala sukha khn.4.

Here I do not speak in a partisan spirit, but merely state the view of the Vedas
and Puras as well as of the saints. A woman is never enamoured of another womans
beauty : this, O enemy of the serpents, is a strange phenomenon. My and Bhakti
(Devotion), mark me, both belong to the feminine group, as everyone knows. Again,
Bhakti is beloved of r Rma (the Hero of Raghus line); while poor My is a mere
dancing girl. The Lord of the Raghus is well-disposed towards Bhakti; hence My is
terribly afraid of her. Nay, My shrinks at the very sight of the man in whose heart ever
abides unobstructed the peerless and guileless spirit of Devotion, and cannot wield her
authority over him. Knowing this, sages who have realized the Truth solicit Bhakti, which
is the fountain of all blessings. (14)
t rrr fn r; r;
r r; rrfa r r r;+ {{ (+
s r nfa t
r f r; r tfa r ft+ {{ (+
Do.: yaha rahasya raghuntha kara begi na jnai koi,
jo jnai raghupati kp

sapanehu moha na hoi.116(A).

aurau gyna bhagati kara bheda sunahu suprabna,
jo suni hoi rma pada prti sad abichna.116(B).
No one can speedily know this secret of r Rma (the Lord of the Raghus); but
whoever comes to know it by the grace of Raghupati Himself can never fall a prey to
infatuation even in a dream. Further hear, most sagacious Garua, the distinction
*
UTTARA-K NA
*
1079

between Gnosis and Devotion, by hearing which one develops perpetual and uninterrupted
love for r Rmas feet. (116 A-B)
ara rt ra ; r; rt+
;t t frt a rt+ {+
r rr s nrr; r t t r; +
z af nf f n; f r a f;+ +
a a t s rt nf r; rt+
>rfa r s sr; f f =rr;+ -+
t z a r ft nf ff ; t+
rn ; ; a rfa r f=;+ +
rf- >rqr r; f r z r;+
a a f rr >rfa rr+ ~+
a; a fa nr; r - f r; -r; +
r; ff-r rr ftrr f t f rr+ +
f r; r r;+
ar =a a r zr fa r ; r+ +
far fr rt r - rt+
a f rf ; tar f frn n tar+ c+
Cau.: sunahu tta yaha akatha kahn, samujhata banai na ji bakhn.
svara asa jva abins, cetana amala sahaja sukha rs.1.
so mybasa bhayau gos

, ba dhyo kra marakaa k n

.
jaRa cetanahi grathi pari ga, jadapi m ch uata kahina.2.
taba te jva bhayau sasr, ch ua na grathi na hoi sukhr.
ruti purna bahu kaheu up, ch ua na adhika adhika arujh.3.
jva hdaya tama moha bise, grathi chua kimi parai na dekh.
asa sajoga sa jaba kara, tabahu kadcita so niruara.4.
sttvika raddh dhenu suh, jau hari kp

hdaya basa .
japa tapa brata jama niyama apr, je ruti kaha subha dharma acr.5.
tei tna harita carai jaba g, bhva baccha sisu pi penh.
noi nibtti ptra bisvs, nirmala mana ahra nija ds.6.
parama dharmamaya paya duhi bh, avaai anala akma ban.
toa maruta taba cham

juRvai, dhti sama jvanu dei jamvai.7.

mudit

mathai bicra mathn, dama adhra raju satya subn.

taba mathi kRhi lei navant, bimala birga subhaga supunt.8.
Listen, dear Garua, to this unutterable romance, which can only be comprehended
by the mind but is incapable of expression. The soul is a particle of the Divinity, immortal,
conscious, untainted by My and blissful by nature. Such a soul, my lord, has allowed
itself to be dominated by My and has been caught in its own trap like a parrot or a
monkey*. Matter and Spirit have been linked together with a knot which, though imaginary,
* The allusion is to two popular modes of catching parrots and monkeys. A stick with a bait at the end
and a string attached to it is so set in the ground that it revolves from the weight of the parrot when it lights upon

1080
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
is difficult to untie. Since then the soul has become worldly: it can have no happiness till
this knot is untied. The Vedas and Puras have suggested a number of devices for
untying the knot; but the knot, far from being resolved, becomes harder and harder. The
interior of the soul being utterly clouded with the darkness of ignorance, the knot cannot
even be perceived; how, then, can it be untied? If God were to bring about such conditions
(as are depicted below), even then the disentanglement of the knot is problematical.
Suppose by the grace of r Hari the blessed cow in the shape of Sttvika (genuine)
piety comes to abide in ones heart and feeds on green herbage in the shape of Japa
(muttering of prayers), austere penance, sacred observances, the Yamas or forms of
self-restraint (viz., continence, veracity, non-violence, non-stealing and non-possession),
the five Niyamas or positive virtues (viz., external and internal purity, contentment, self-
study, self-discipline and self-surrender to God) and innumerable other blessed virtues
and religious practices recommended by the Vedas. Milk begins to flow from her teats,
let us hope, when she is united with her newly-born calf in the form of love. Quietism
serves as the cord by which her hind legs are tied (in order to milk her); faith represents
the pot in which the cow is milked; while a pure mind, which is at ones beck and call,
plays the role of a milker. Having thus drawn the milk in the shape of supreme righteousness
one should boil it, brother, on the fire of desirelessness. When boiled, it should be cooled
down with the breath of contentment and forbearance and congealed by mixing with it a
little curd in the shape of fortitude and mind-control. The curd thus made should be
churned in the earthen vase of cheerfulness with the churning-stick of reflection after
fastening the stick to the host of self-restraint with the cord of truthful and agreeable
words; and by this process of churning one should extract the pure, excellent and holy
butter of dispassion. (18)
rn fnf f n a r r;
fq fr r rra ar f r;+ {{ (+
a fr=ft fq f rra r;
f-r fr f ar ff r;+ {{ (+
atf tr atf n af r a rf
a at rf f rat nrf+ {{ (n+
f ff t a rf fr
raf r t f rf + {{ (rr+
Do.: joga agini kari pragaa taba karma subhsubha li,
buddhi sirvai gyna ghta mamat mala jari ji.117(A).
taba bigynarupin buddhi bisada ghta pi,
citta di bhari dharai dRha samat diai bani.117(B).
it; and the bird, confused by the motion, fancies it is entangled in the string, though it is really loose and might
fly away if it tried. For the monkey a large jar, with a narrow mouth, is sunk in the ground full of grain. The
monkey puts in his hand and clutches a handful; but being unable to draw out his closed fist on account of the
smallness of the jars mouth, he fancies himself caught, though if he stretches the palm of his hand he could
extricate it immediately.
*
UTTARA-K NA
*
1081

tni avasth tni guna tehi kapsa te kRhi,

tula turya sa vri puni bt karai sugRhi.117(C).
So.: ehi bidhi lesai dpa teja rsi bigynamaya,
jtahi

jsu sampa jarahi

maddika salabha saba.117(D).

After kindling the fire of Yoga (concentration of mind) ones past Karma, both good
and evil, should be consigned to it as fuel, and the butter placed on it. When the scum
in the form of worldly attachment is burnt, the ghee (clarified butter) that is left in the form
of Gnosis should be cooled down by Buddhi (Reason). Having obtained this pure ghee
(in the form of wisdom), Buddhi, which is of the nature of understanding, should fill with
it the lamp of the Citta (reasoning faculty), and making a stand of even-mindedness set
the lamp securely there. Extracting cotton in the form of the transcendental state out of
the boll of the three states of conciousness (viz., waking, dream and dreamless sleep)
and the three modes of Prakti (viz., Sattva, Rajas and Tamas) the same should be
carded and fashioned into a strong wick. In this manner one should light the glorious
lamp of immediate knowledge, by merely approaching which moths in the shape of vanity
etc., are all consumed. (117 AD)
rft ;fa f-r zr t fr r; zr+
ra rr a rr+ {+
fur frr r rf a f; rr+
a r; fq r; sfrr s n f nf f=rr+ +
r nf r r; a t ar r;+
ra nf rf nrr fr ; a rr+ -+
ffq ffq ; r; fqf r frf r;+
f rf tr ra rrf tr+ +
r; fq rt fa- a fa fa rt+
af frr fq f rt a rf f srt+ ~+
;t r rrr rr a a f rr+
ra f f rt a f f r srrrt+ +
r s n r; af t fr rr;+
nf f fr r rr fq f ; f arr+ +
;f- - r rr; f rn tfa r;+
f t fq a rt af ff t r r rt+ c+
Cau.: sohamasmi iti btti akha, dpa sikh soi parama praca.
tama anubhava sukha supraks, taba bhava mula bheda bhrama ns.1.
prabala abidy kara parivr, moha di tama miai apr.
taba soi buddhi pi u jir, ura gha baihi grathi nirur.2.
chorana grathi pva jau so, taba yaha jva ktratha ho.
chorata grathi jni khagary, bighna aneka karai taba my.3.
riddhi siddhi prerai bahu bh, buddhihi lobha dikhvahi

.
kala bala chala kari jhi

samp, acala bta bujhvahi

dp.4.

1082
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
hoi buddhi jau parama sayn, tinha tana citava na anahita jn.
jau tehi bighna buddhi nahi

bdh, tau bahori sura karahi

updh.5.
idr dvra jharokh nn, taha taha sura baihe kari thn.
vata dekhahi

biaya bayr, te hahi dehi

kapa ughr.6.
jaba so prabhajana ura gha j, tabahi

dpa bigyna bujh.

grathi na chui mi so praks, buddhi bikala bhai biaya bats.7.
idrinha suranha na gyna soh, biaya bhoga para prti sad.
biaya samra buddhi kta bhor, tehi bidhi dpa ko bra bahor.8.
The constant awareness that I am the same (Brahma) represents the most
dazzling flame of the lamp. In this way when the bliss of Self-Realization sheds its bright
lustre, the error of duality, the root of worldly existence, is dispersed and the infinite
darkness of infatuation etc. which forms the family of Avidy (Nescience)disappears.
Having thus procured a light, the Buddhi referred to above sits in the chamber of the
heart to untie the ligature (that binds the Spirit with Matter). The soul can hope to attain
its object only in the event of Buddhi succeeding in untying it. But when My, O king
of the birds, finds her attempting to untie the knot, she creates many difficulties. She
sends forth, brother, a number of Rddhis and Siddhis (riches and supernatural powers
in their embodied forms), that try to excite her cupidity. By artifice, force or fraud they
approach her and put off the light by fanning it with the end of their garment. If the Buddhi
happens to be most sagacious, she refuses even to look at them considering them to
be her enemies. If these impediments fail to distract her, the gods next proceed to create
trouble. The various appertures of the body that locate the five senses are so many
windows in the chamber of the heart, each of which is presided over by a god. Even as
they find the gust of sensuality entering the chamber the gods wantonly throw the
shutters of these appertures wide open. As soon as the blast penetrates the chamber
of the heart the light of immediate knowledge gets extinguished. In this way while the
ligature binding the Spirit with Matter remains untied, the light (of Self-Realization) also
disappears and the understanding gets bewildered when buffetted by the blast of
sensuality. Gnosis is welcome neither to the senses nor the gods presiding over them,
who are ever fond of sensuous enjoyments. And the Buddhi too having been distracted
by the blast of sensuality, who can light the lamp again as before? (18)
a ff t fff ff r; fa
f rr fa ta af r; fn+ {{c (+
a f ra f ra f f
r; rrr- -r f - + {{c (+
Do.: taba phiri jva bibidhi bidhi pvai sasti klesa,
hari my ati dustara tari na ji bihagesa.118(A).
kahata kahina samujhata kahina sdhata kahina bibeka,
hoi ghuncchara nyya jau puni pratyuha aneka.118(B).
(When the light of wisdom is thus extinguished) the soul then goes again through the
manifold agonies of transmigration. r Haris deluding potency, O lord of the winged creatures,
is most difficult to cross: it cannot easily be crossed over. Gnosis is difficult to expound,
*
UTTARA-K NA
*
1083

difficult to grasp and difficult to achive through practice. And if by chance one succeeds in
attaining it, there are many impediments in the way of preserving it. (118 A-B)
r r rr a n r; f rr+
r ffr f; r r ;+ {+
fa r a r fn rn +
r a r; fa nrr; ;f-a r; fr; + +
ff f f r; rf rfa rs sr;+
ar r- nr; f ; f nfa fr;+ -+
frf f na r f+ fr nfa r+
nfa a f a rr fa fur rr+ +
r f affa fa rnt ff r rnt+
f f nfa n r; r rf rr;+ ~+
Cau.: gyna patha kpna kai dhr, parata khagesa hoi nahi

br.
jo nirbighna patha nirbaha, so kaivalya parama pada laha.1.
ati durlabha kaivalya parama pada, sata purna nigama gama bada.
rma bhajata soi mukuti gos

, anaicchita vai bari

.2.
jimi thala binu jala rahi na sak, koi bh

ti kou karai up.

tath moccha sukha sunu khagar, rahi na sakai hari bhagati bih.3.
asa bicri hari bhagata sayne, mukti nirdara bhagati lubhne.
bhagati karata binu jatana prays, sasti m ula abidy ns.4.
bhojana karia tpiti hita lg, jimi so asana pacavai jaharg.
asi haribhagati sugama sukhad, ko asa m uRha na jhi soh.5.
The path of wisdom is like the edge of a sword : one is apt to fall from it very soon,
O king of the birds. He alone who successfully treads it attains to the supreme state of
final emancipation. But this supreme state of final beatitude is most difficult to attain, so
declare the saints as well as the Puras, Vedas and gamas (Tantras). By worshipping
r Rma, my lord, the same beatitude comes unsolicited even against our will. Water
cannot stay except on land notwithstanding our best efforts; even so, mark you, O king
of the birds, the joy of final beatitude cannot stay apart from Devotion to r Hari.
Realizing this, the wise devotees of r Hari spurn final emancipation and remain
enamoured of Devotion. By practising Devotion ignorance, which is the root of
metempsychosis, is eradicated without any effort or exertion, in the same way as we eat
for our own gratification but the gastric fire digests the food so eaten (without any effort
on our part). What fool is there who does not welcome such Devotion to r Hari, which
is so easy and delightful at the same time?
r f af snrf
r fqra frf+ {{ (+
r a z ; zf ; a-
rrrf f t a -+ {{ (+

1084
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Do.: sevaka sebya bhva binu bhava na taria uragri,
bhajahu rma pada pakaja asa siddhta bicri.119(A).
jo cetana kaha jaRa karai jaRahi karai caitanya,
asa samartha raghunyakahi bhajahi

jva te dhanya.119(B).
The ocean of transmigration, O enemy of serpents, cannot be crossed without
cultivating the same feeling of r Rma as a servant cherishes towards his master.
Knowing this to be the established doctrine, adore the lotus feet of r Rma. The Lord
of the Raghus can make the animate inanimate and the inanimate animate: the souls that
adore such an omnipotent lord are blessed indeed. (119 A-B)
s r fqra rr; nfa f ar;+
r nfa farf ; n=z r s a+ {+
r = f rat f f fr rra rat+
r f f f rr r ra f arf rrr+ +
fur a ff r; rf r; +
rrf f f rt ; nfa r s rt + -+
n r f fa r; af f f r r;+
rf r rn rt f- t rt+ +
r nfa f s r ar+
a frf a; n rt f rfn a rt + ~+
r f f n n ; r r f f rs ;+
n sr r; ar f + +
r a rr r r =fr rr+
t r fa rt r frn snrt+ +
r fa r; r rt r nfa f rt+
r ftrr r a f r rr+ c+
r f rr r tr a= f a tr+
f nfa r; r f a r r;+ +
frf r; anr r nfa af fnr+ {+
Cau.: kaheu gyna siddhta bujh, sunahu bhagati mani kai prabhut.
rma bhagati citmani sudara, basai garuRa jke ura atara.1.
parama praksa rupa dina rt, nahi

kachu cahia di ghta bt.

moha daridra nikaa nahi

v, lobha bta nahi

thi bujhv.2.
prabala abidy tama mii j, hrahi

sakala salabha samud.

khala kmdi nikaa nahi

jh

, basai bhagati jke ura mh

.3.
garala sudhsama ari hita ho, tehi mani binu sukha pva na ko.
bypahi

mnasa roga na bhr, jinha ke basa saba jva dukhr.4.

rma bhagati mani ura basa jke , dukha lavalesa na sapanehu tke .
catura siromani tei jaga mh

, je mani lgi sujatana karh

.5.
so mani jadapi pragaa jaga aha, rma kp binu nahi

kou laha.
sugama upya pibe kere, nara hatabhgya dehi

bhaabhere.6.
*
UTTARA-K NA
*
1085

pvana parbata beda purn, rma kath rucirkara nn.

marm sajjana sumati kudr, gyna birga nayana uragr. 7 .
bhva sahita khojai jo prn, pva bhagati mani saba sukha khn.
more mana prabhu asa bisvs, rma te adhika rma kara ds. 8 .
rma sidhu ghana sajjana dhr, cadana taru hari sata samr.
saba kara phala hari bhagati suh, so binu sata na kh u

p. 9 .
asa bicri joi kara satasag, rma bhagati tehi sulabha bihag.10.
I have expounded at length the established doctrine relating to Gnosis; hear now the
virtue of Devotion, which has been likened to a jewel. The beautiful wish-yielding gem of
Devotion to r Rma is an embodiment of supreme effulgence, which sheds its radiance
day and night, requiring neither a vessel nor clarified butter nor a wick (to light it). He in
whose heart, O Garua, such a jewel abides is not haunted by poverty in the shade of
infatuation. No blast of greed can ever extinguish this light, which dispels the overpowering
gloom of ignorance and the swarms of moths (in the shape of vanity etc.,) keep away from
it in a mood of frustration. Nay, vicious propensities like lust dare not approach him in
whose heart the gem of Devotion abides. For him venom is transformed into ambrosia and
enemies turn into friends; nobody can attain happiness without this jewel. Again, he is
never attacked by the terrible mental diseases from which all living beings are grievously
suffering. He in whose heart the gem of Devotion to r Rma abides cannot have the least
woe even in a dream. They alone are paragons of wisdom in this world; who spare no pains
to secure this gem. Although this jewel is manifest in the world, none can find it without the
grace of r Rma. There are easy devices for finding it, but luckless souls attempt harder
methods. The Vedas and Puras represent holy mountains; and the stories of r Rma,
the many glorious mines located in their midst. The saints are the expert minerologists and
their penetrating intellect, the pickaxe; while spiritual wisdom and dispassion, Garua, are
the two eyes (surveying the mines). Any creature who looks for it with faith succeeds in
discovering the gem of Devotion, a mine of all blessings. I have this conviction in my heart,
my lord, that a servant of r Rma is greater than r Rma Himself. While r Rma is
the ocean, the wise saints are like the rain-clouds; or (to use another metaphor) while r
Hari is the sandal-tree, the saints represent the winds (that diffuse its perfume). Devotion
to r Hari, which is so delightful, is the reward of all spiritual endeavours; none has ever
secured it except through a saint. Realizing this whoever cultivates the fellowship of saints
finds Devotion to r Rma easy of attainment, O king of the birds. (110)
zr rff r a rf
r r f r f nfa ar rf + { (+
ffa f r r r f rf
r; r f nfa n frf+ { (+
Do.: brahma payonidhi madara gyna sata sura hi

,
kath sudh mathi kRhahi

bhagati madhurat jhi

.120(A).
birati carma asi gyna mada lobha moha ripu mri,
jaya pia so hari bhagati dekhu khagesa bicri.120(B).
The Vedas are compared to the ocean (of milk); spiritual wisdom plays the role
of Mount Mandara; while saints are the gods who churn out nectar in the form of the
sacred legends; and Devotion represents its sweetness. Using Dispassion as a shield

1086
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
(for self-defence) and slaying with the sword of wisdom enemies in the form of vanity,
greed and infatuation, it is Devotion to r Hari that triumphs; ponder and realize this,
O king of the birds. (120 A-B)
f rs nr r rf r+
r rf f rt e = rt+ {+
f r fatr a tr+
z rt rs f frt+ +
a a ar r fa- r r+
- >rfa ffa frr rr rr+ -+
r rn rr; ar r fr;+
ara r fa tat s tat+ +
a f fs t t r ra at+
tn n ft r frn nfa t+ ~+
r a f f f rf f a a+
r ff a t a zrf f t+ +
f f n rt a f n rt+
sr rr a rs nrr+ +
a f fa rnt a a rnt+
a= a rr fa ffa ffa frr+ c+
; ; r r; ffa f ;+
f tr rt f ; snrt+ +
r frf rt ff f fa f s frt+
y s n rfa a r fq n a+ {+
a s aa rt ft ff ; art+
>rfa ffa fr fr rr ntr+ {{+
n f r r; - n r a r;+
f f rn f n ; r t f+ {+
>rfa f frt f a rt+
rf s a fr a r fr f r r na+ {-+
fr z t a nr r; at+
ara r rnr f- a rf rnr+ {+
r rf- r fa- a f sf r+
r ra r rr r f-r fa rat rr+ {~+
tfa f atfs r; s; -ra r;+
f r n rr a r r rr+ {+
ar r z ;r; fr n ar;+
f f r; ; y yar f;+ {+
r fa z=r r =r+
a=r sfq fa rt frff ;r a= fart+ {c+
n ff - fr fn rn r+ {+
*
UTTARA-K NA
*
1087

Cau.: puni saprema boleu khagar u, jau kpla mohi upara bh u.

ntha mohi nija sevaka jn, sapta prasna mama kahahu bakhn. 1.
prathamahi

kahahu ntha matidhr, saba te durlabha kavana sarr.

baRa dukha kavana kavana sukha bhr, sou sachepahi

kahahu bicr. 2.
sata asata marama tumha jnahu, tinha kara sahaja subhva bakhnahu.
kavana punya ruti bidita bisl, kahahu kavana agha parama karl. 3.
mnasa roga kahahu samujh, tumha sarbagya kp adhik.
tta sunahu sdara ati prt, mai

sachepa kahau yaha nt. 4.

nara tana sama nahi

kavaniu deh, jva carcara jcata teh.

naraka svarga apabarga nisen, gyna birga bhagati subha den. 5.
so tanu dhari hari bhajahi

na je nara, hohi

biaya rata mada mada tara.

k

ca kirica badale te leh

, kara te ri parasa mani deh

. 6.
nahi

daridra sama dukha jaga mh

, sata milana sama sukha jaga nh

.
para upakra bacana mana ky, sata sahaja subhu khagary. 7.
sata sahahi

dukha parahita lg, paradukha hetu asata abhg.

bhurja taru sama sata kpl, parahita niti saha bipati bisl. 8.
sana iva khala para badhana kara, khla kaRhi bipati sahi mara.
khala binu svratha para apakr, ahi m uaka iva sunu uragr. 9.
para sapad binsi nash

, jimi sasi hati hima upala bilh

.
dua udaya jaga rati het u, jath prasiddha adhama graha ketu.10.
sata udaya satata sukhakr, bisva sukhada jimi idu tamr.
parama dharma ruti bidita ahis, para nid sama agha na gars.11.
hara gura nidaka ddura ho, janma sahasra pva tana so.
dvija nidaka bahu naraka bhoga kari, jaga janamai byasa sarra dhari.12.
sura ruti nidaka je abhimn, raurava naraka parahi

te prn.
hohi

uluka sata nid rata, moha nis priya gyna bhnu gata.13.
saba kai nid je jaRa karah

, te camagdura hoi avatarah

.
sunahu tta aba mnasa rog, jinha te dukha pvahi

saba log.14.
moha sakala bydhinha kara mul, tinha te puni upajahi

bahu s ul.
kma bta kapha lobha apr, krodha pitta nita cht jr.15.
prti karahi

jau tniu bh, upajai sanyapta dukhad.

biaya manoratha durgama nn, te saba s ula nma ko jn.16.
mamat ddu kau ira, haraa bida garaha bahut.
para sukha dekhi jarani soi cha, kua duat mana kuila.17.
ahakra ati dukhada amaru, dabha kapaa mada mna neharu.
tsn udarabddhi ati bhr, tribidhi an taruna tijr.18.
juga bidhi jvara matsara abibek, kaha lagi kahau kuroga anek.19.
Garua (the king of the birds) further submitted in loving tones : If you cherish
fondness for me, my gracious master, kindly recognize me as your servant, and answer
me the following seven questions. Tell me, first of all, my strong-minded master; which
form of all is the most difficult to obtain? Next consider and tell me briefly which is the
greatest misery and which again is the highest pleasure. You know the essential
characteristics of the saints and the evil-minded; therefore, describe their innate disposition.
Also tell me which is the highest religious merit made known in the Vedas and which,

1088
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
again, is the most terrible sin. Further tell me in unambiguous terms the diseases of the
mind, omniscient as you are and richly endowed with compassion. Listen, dear Garua,
with reverence and rapt attention while I tell you briefly my views on these questions.
There is no other form as good as the human body: every living creaturewhether
animate or inanimatecraves for it. It is the ladder that takes the soul either to hell or
to heaven or again to final beatitude, and is the bestower of blessings in the form of
wisdom, dispassion and Devotion. Men who fail to adore r Hari even after obtaining this
body, and wallow in the basest pleasures of sense, throw away the philosophers stone
from the palm of their hand and take bits of glass in exchange for the same. There is
no misery in this world as terrible as poverty and no blessing as great as communion
with saints. Beneficence in thought, word and deed is the innate disposition of saints, O
king of the birds. The saints undergo suffering in the interest of others while impious
wretches do so with a view to tormenting others. Tender-hearted saints, like the birch
tree, submit to the greatest torture (even allow their skin to be peeled off) for the good
of others; while the wicked, like the hemp, have their skin flayed off and perish in agony
in order to be able to bind others (in the form of cords). Listen, O enemy of serpents:
like the rat and the serpent, the wicked injure others without any gain to themselves.
Having destroyed others prosperity they perish themselves, even as the hail dissolves
after destroying the crops. The elevation of the wicked, like the rising of a cometwhich
is a detestable heavenly bodyis a source of calamity to the world. The advancement
of a saint, on the other hand, is ever conducive to joy, even as the rising of the sun and
the moon brings delight to the whole universe. A vow of non-violence is the highest
religious merit known to the Vedas; and there is no sin as grievous as speaking ill of
others. A reviler of Lord Hara and his own preceptor takes the form of a frog (after his
death) and his birth in that form is repeated a thousand times. A reviler of the Brhmaas,
after suffering tortures in a number of hells, is born on earth in the form of a crow. Those
conceited souls who revile the gods and the Vedas are cast into the hell known as
Raurava. They who delight in vilifying the saints are reborn as owls, who love the night
of error and for whom the sun of wisdom has set. The fools who censure all are reborn
as bats. Note now, dear Garua, the diseases of the mind, from which everyone suffers.
Infatuation is the root of all ailments and from these again arise many other troubles. Lust
is a counterpart of wind and inordinate greed corresponds to an abundance of phlegm;
while anger represents bile, which constantly burns the breast. Should all these three
combine, there results what is known as Sannipta (a derangement of the aforesaid
three humours of the body, causing fever which is of a dangerous type). The cravings
for the manifold pleasures of the sense, so difficult to realize, are the various distempers,
which are too numerous to name. The feeling of mineness corresponds to ringworms,
envy represents itches while joy and grief correspond to a disease of the throat marked
by an excessive enlargement of its glands. Grudging contemplation of others happiness
represents consumption; while wickedness and perversity of soul correspond to leprosy.
Egotism is a counterpart of the most painful gout; while hypocrisy, deceit, arrogance and
pride correspond to the disease known as Dracontiasis (which is marked by the
presence in the body of a parasite known as the guinea-worm). Thirst for enjoyment
represents the most advanced type of dropsy; while the three types of craving (those for
progeny, riches and honour) correspond to the violent quartan ague. Jealousy and
thoughtlessness are the two types of fever. There are many more fell diseases, too
numerous to mention. (119)
*
UTTARA-K NA
*
1089

rf f rf rf
tz f aa t r ff rf+ {{ (+
rr a r r
f rf- f rn rf fr+ {{ (+
Do.: eka bydhi basa nara marahi

e asdhi bahu bydhi,

pRahi

satata jva kahu so kimi lahai samdhi.121(A).

nema dharma cra tapa gyna jagya japa dna,
bheaja puni koinha nahi

roga jhi

harijna.121(B).
People die even of one disease; while I have spoken of many incurable diseases
which constantly torment the soul. How, then, can it find peace? There are sacred vows
and religious observances and practices, austere penance, spiritual wisdom, sacrifices,
Japa (muttering of prayers), charity and myriads of other remedies too; but the maladies
just enumerated do not yield to these, O mount of r Hari. (121 A-B)
f ff t n rnt r tfa frnt+
r rn nr f f f- r+ {+
r a tf rt r rf fart+
f r; f z r r+ +
r r rf rnr f rfa rnr+
n ftrr f rr+ -+
rrfa nfa t t r >rqr fa t+
f ff f r rn rt rf a a rf f rt+ +
rf a f= nrr; s frn fr;+
fa r r; fa ; f r ar n;+ ~+
f r r r; a r nfa s r;+
f rf r f zr fr fr+ +
a nr r f r r+
>rfa r n rt rrfa nfa fr rt+ +
t rf = rr r a = rf rr+
f = ff r t f far+ c+
ar r; = n rr = rf t frr+
r= = ff r r f t r+ +
f a n = r; f r r r;+ {+
Cau.: ehi bidhi sakala jva jaga rog, soka haraa bhaya prti biyog.
mnasa roga kachuka mai

ge, hahi

saba ke lakhi biralenha pe.1.

jne te chjahi

kachu pp, nsa na pvahi

jana paritp.
biaya kupathya pi akure, munihu hdaya k nara bpure.2.

1090
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
rma kp

nsahi

saba rog, jau ehi bh

ti banai sayog.
sadagura baida bacana bisvs, sajama yaha na biaya kai s. 3.
raghupati bhagati sajvana m ur, an upna raddh mati p ur.
ehi bidhi bhalehi

so roga nash

, nhi

ta jatana koi nahi

jh

. 4.
jnia taba mana biruja gos

, jaba ura bala birga adhik.

sumati chudh bRhai nita na, biaya sa durbalat ga. 5.
bimala gyna jala jaba so nah, taba raha rma bhagati ura ch.
siva aja suka sanakdika nrada, je muni brahma bicra bisrada. 6.
saba kara mata khaganyaka eh, karia rma pada pakaja neh.
ruti purna saba gratha kahh

, raghupati bhagati bin sukha nh

. 7.
kamaha pha jmahi

baru br, badhy suta baru khuhi mr.

phulahi

nabha baru bahubidhi phul, jva na laha sukha hari pratikul. 8.

t ji baru mgajala pn, baru jmahi

sasa ssa bin.

adhakru baru rabihi nasvai, rma bimukha na jva sukha pvai. 9.
hima te anala pragaa baru ho, bimukha rma sukha pva na ko.10.
Thus every creature in this world is ailing and is further afflicted with grief and
joy, fear, love and desolation. I have mentioned only a few diseases of the mind; although
everyone is suffering from them, few are able to detect them. These wretches, the
plague of mankind, diminish to a certain extent on being detected, but are not completely
destroyed. Fed by the unwholesome diet of sensuality they sprout even in the mind
of sages, to say nothing of poor mortals. All these ailments can no doubt be eradicated
if by r Rmas grace the following factors combine. There must be faith in the words
of the physician in the form of a true preceptor; and the regimen is indifference to
the pleasures of sense. Devotion to the Lord of the Raghus is the life-giving herb (to
be used as a recipe); while a devout mind serves as the vehicle in which it is taken.
By this process the ailments can certainly be eradicated; otherwise all our efforts will
fail to get rid of them. The mind should be accounted as cured, my lord, only when
the heart gathers strength in the form of dispassion, appetite in the shape of good
resolutions grows stronger and stronger everyday and weakness in the form of sensual
appetite goes. (Being thus rid of all diseases) when the soul bathes in the pure water
of wisdom, the heart is saturated with Devotion to r Rma. Lord iva, Brahm (the
Unborn), Sanaka and his three brothers, Nrada and other sages who are adept in
the investigation of Brahma, all are of this opinion, O lord of the winged creatures,
that one should cultivate devotion to the lotus-feet of r Rma. The Vedas and Puras
and all other scriptures declare that there can be no happiness without practising
devotion to the Lord of the Raghus. It would be easier for the hair to grow on the
shell of a tortoise, or for the progeny of a barren woman to slay anyone or for flowers
of every description to appear in the air than for any creature to be happy even though
hostile to r Hari. Sooner shall thirst be slaked by drinking of a mirage or horns sprout
on a hares head or darkness efface the sun than a creature who has turned his face
against r Rma find happiness. Sooner shall fire appear out of ice than an enemy
of r Rma enjoy happiness. (110)
rf rra r; = far a = a
f f af fqr a + { (+
*
UTTARA-K NA
*
1091

f ; f f f a t
frf af rf f t+ { (+
Do.: bri mathe ghta hoi baru sikat te baru tela,
binu hari bhajana na bhava taria yaha siddhta apela.122(A).
masakahi karai biraci prabhu ajahi masaka te hna,
asa bicri taji sasaya rmahi bhajahi

prabna.122(B).
Sooner shall butter be churned out of water or oil be extracted from sand than the
ocean of worldly existence be crossed without adoring r Hari : this is a conclusion
which cannot be set aside. The Lord can exalt a mosquito to the position of Brahm (the
Creator) and degrade Brahm to a position lower than that of a mosquito. Realizing this,
the wise discard all doubt and worship r Rma. (122 A-B)
fffna rf a -r rf
f r f-a fata af-a a+ { (n+
loka.:vinicita vadmi te na anyath vacsi me,
hari nar bhajanti yetidustara taranti te.122(C).
I tell You my considered view and my words can never be untrue: men who worship
r Rma are able to cross the most turbulent ocean of mundane existence. (122 C)
s r f fa r r r tfa =r+
>rfa fqra ;; snrt r f r frt+ {+
rrfa af ; rt rf ar rt+
ar fr= f rr r tf- r fa rr+ +
f r r fa rf rf rf+
a nfa rr ff z f s rr+ -+
n=z f z frt rrt frt+
r rfa r rf t- ffa n r+ +
Cau.: kaheu ntha hari carita an up, bysa samsa svamati anur up.
ruti siddhta ihai uragr, rma bhajia saba kja bisr.1.
prabhu raghupati taji seia kh, mohi se saha para mamat jh.
tumha bigynarupa nahi

moh, ntha knhi mo para ati choh.2.

p u

chihu rma kath ati pvani, suka sanakdi sabhu mana bhvani.
sata sagati durlabha sasr, nimia daa bhari ekau br.3.
dekhu garuRa nija hdaya bicr, mai

raghubra bhajana adhikr.

sakundhama saba bh

ti apvana, prabhu mohi knha bidita jaga pvana.4.

I have narrated, my lord, the incomparable story of r Hari according to my own
lights, now briefly and now in detail. The conclusion of the Vedas, O enemy of serpents,
is just this: forgetting all other duties r Rma alone should be adored. Who else is worth
serving, if you renounce the almighty, Lord of the Raghus, who regards even a fool like
me as His own. You are wisdom incarnate and have no infatuation; on the other hand,

1092
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
you have done me a unique favour, my lord, in that you asked me to repeat the most
sacred story of r Rma, which delights the soul of sages like uka, Sanaka and
others, as well as of Lord ambhu. The fellowship of saints is difficult to get in this world,
be it for the twinkling of an eye or for half an hour even for once. Ponder in your heart,
Garua, and see for yourself whether I am competent in anyway to worship the Hero of
Raghus line. The vilest of birds and impure in everyway as I was, the Lord has made
me known as a purifier of the world. (14)
r - - fa uf ff t
f rf r rf a rn t+ {- (+
r rfa rs rs f nr;
fa f rrr r f r; r;+ {- (+
Do.: ju dhanya mai

dhanya ati jadyapi saba bidhi hna,

nija jana jni rma mohi sata samgama dna.123(A).
ntha jathmati bheu rkheu nahi

kachu goi,
carita sidhu raghunyaka thha ki pvai koi.123(B).
Though vile in everyway, I am blessed, most blessed today, in that r Rma has
acknowledged me as one of His own servants and therefore vouchsafed to me the
fellowship of a saint (like you). My lord, I have spoken to the best of my ability and have
concealed nothing. But the story of r Rma (the Lord of the Raghus) is vast as an
ocean: can anyone find the bottom of it ? (123 A-B)
ff r n n rr f f fz rr+
fr fn fa f nr; afa ar ar;+ {+
f rrr; r r r;+
rs s s f n rrfa s+ +
r fq f+ srt f rf a -rt+
rnt ar rt fa fza frt+ -+
af f trt r rf rf rt+
n r rr rt rf q rf frt+ +
Cau.: sumiri rma ke guna gana nn, puni puni haraa bhusui sujn.
mahim nigama neti kari g, atulita bala pratpa prabhut.1.
siva aja pujya carana raghur, mo para kp parama mdul.
asa subhu kahu sunau na dekhau , kehi khagesa raghupati sama lekhau .2.
sdhaka siddha bimukta uds, kabi kobida ktagya sanys.
jog sura sutpasa gyn, dharma nirata paita bigyn.3.
tarahi

na binu see mama svm, rma nammi nammi namm.

sarana gae mo se agha rs, hohi

suddha nammi abins.4.

The wise Kkabhuui rejoiced again and again as he pondered r Rmas
manifold virtues. That I should enjoy the grace of r Rma (the Lord of the Raghus),
whose glory is sung by the Vedas only in negative terms as not that, whose might,
*
UTTARA-K NA
*
1093

majesty and glory are unequalled and whose feet are worthy of adoration even to Lord
iva and Brahm (the Unborn, Creator)betrays His supreme tenderness of heart.
Nowhere have I heard of, much less seen, such a kind disposition: to whom shall I
compare the Lord of the Raghus, O chief of the birds? Strivers and perfect souls, the
liberated and the unworldly-minded, the seers and learned men, those knowing the
secrets of Karma (duty) and those who have renounced all action, Yogs (mystics), and
valiant heroes, great ascetics and wise men, pious souls and men of erudition and even
men who have realized the Selfnone of these can cross the ocean of mundane
existence without adoring my lord, r Rma, to whom I bow again and again and yet
again. I bow once more to that imperishable Lord by approaching whom for shelter even
sinful souls like me get purified. (14)
r r rrr r
r r rf ar r s + { (+
f fz f r
rs fa fnr n=z fna + { (+
Do.: jsu nma bhava bheaja harana ghora traya sula,
so kpla mohi to para sad rahau anukula.124(A).
suni bhusui ke bacana subha dekhi rma pada neha,
boleu prema sahita gir garuRa bigata sadeha.124(B).
He whose name is an unfailing remedy for the disease of birth and death and
alleviates the three kinds of terrible painmay that gracious Lord remain propitious
both to me and to you. On hearing Bhuuis blessed discourse and perceiving his
devotion to r Rmas feet, Garua, who was now rid of all doubt, replied in endearing
terms: (124 A-B)
a- s a rt f rrt nfa rt+
r a fa ; rr fa ffa n;+ {+
r f rfa ar r r ff +
r f r; fa srr s a rf rr+ +
r r rnt ar ara rs zrnt+
a f far fnf t fa a - t+ -+
a z ta rr r f- f rr+
f far ; tar f a tar+ +
t - a r n+
r r rf f f f f sr ; fn+ ~+
Cau.: mai

ktaktya bhayau tava bn, suni raghubra bhagati rasa sn.

rma carana nutana rati bha, my janita bipati saba ga.1.
moha jaladhi bohita tumha bhae, mo kaha ntha bibidha sukha dae.
mo pahi

hoi na prati upakr, badau tava pada brahi

br.2.

1094
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
purana kma rma anurg, tumha sama tta na kou baRabhg.
sata biapa sarit giri dharan, para hita hetu sabanha kai karan.3.
sata hdaya navanta samn, kah kabinha pari kahai na jn.
nija paritpa dravai navant, para dukha dravahi

sata supunt.4.
jvana janma suphala mama bhaya u, tava prasda sasaya saba gayau.
jnehu sad mohi nija kikara, puni puni um kahai bihagabara.5.
I have attained the object of my life now that I have listened to your discourse,
imbued with the nectar of Devotion to r Rmas feet. My love for r Rmas feet has
been renewed and the trouble created by My (the Lords deluding potency) has all
ended. You have been a vessel to me, drifting as I was in the ocean of infatuation and
have afforded me delight in various ways, my lord. I am, however, incapable of repaying
my obligation to you and simply adore your feet again and again. You are fully satiated
and a lover of r Rma; no one is so blessed as you, venerable sir. Saints, trees, rivers,
mountains and the earth, all these operate for the good of others. The poets have
declared the heart of a saint to be soft as butter; but they did not know what should be
said. For, while butter melts only when the same is heated on fire, the holy saints melt
at the suffering of others. My life and birth into this world have both been rewarded and
by your grace all my doubts have fled. Ever regard me as your own servant. Again and
again did the chief of the birds speak thus, O Um. (15)
ar f= r; f fa fat
ns n=z a z rf rrt+ {~ (+
fnfr a rn r r
f f r r; r nrf r+ {~ (+
Do.: tsu carana siru ni kari prema sahita matidhra,
gayau garuRa baikuha taba hdaya rkhi raghubra.125(A).
girij sata samgama sama na lbha kachu na,
binu hari kp na hoi so gvahi

beda purna.125(B).
Lovingly bowing his head at Kkabhuuis feet, Garua, who was so resolute
of purpose, then flew away to Vaikuha (the divine abode of Lord Viu), with an image
of r Rma (the Hero of Raghus line) imprinted on his heart. Girij, there is no gain so
valuable as the fellowship of saints; the same, however, cannot be had without the grace
of r Hari : so declare the Vedas and Puras. (125 A-B)
s ta ;farr a >r f rr+
a ra= =r r s; tfa r r+ {+
fa rr r; f r >r r;+
atr r r; rn frn r fr;+ +
rr a rr a rr+
a r f n r; fur f f zr;+ -+
fn r rt f nfa rt+
r rrr nfa >rfa nr; r r r r; + +
*
UTTARA-K NA
*
1095

Cau.: kaheu parama punta itihs, sunata ravana chuahi

bhava ps.
pranata kalpataru karun puj, upajai prti rma pada kaj.1.
mana krama bacana janita agha j, sunahi

je kath ravana mana l.

trthana sdhana samud, joga birga gyna nipun.2.
nn karma dharma brata dn, sajama dama japa tapa makha nn.
bhuta day dvija gura sevak, bidy binaya bibeka baR.3.
jaha lagi sdhana beda bakhn, saba kara phala hari bhagati bhavn.
so raghuntha bhagati ruti g, rma kp

khu

eka p.4.
I have thus repeated the most sacred narrative, by hearing which one is freed
from the bonds of worldly existence and comes to have devotion to the lotus-feet of
the All-merciful r Rma, who is a wish-yielding tree to the suppliant. Again, they who
listen to this narrative attentively are absolved of sins committed with the mind, speech
or body. Pilgrimages to sacred places and other means of self-purification, perfection
in Yoga (mind-control), dispassion and wisdom, sacred rites and religious practices,
vows and charitable acts of various kinds, self-denial and self-control, Japa (muttering
of prayers) and austere penance, performing manifold sacrifices, compassion to all living
beings, ministering to the Brhmaas and ones preceptor, learning, modesty, right
judgment and nobility of mind and character, in short, all the expedients extolled in
the Vedas, Bhavn, have but one rewardDevotion to r Hari. Such devotion to the
Lord of the Raghus as has been glorified in the Vedas is attained to by some rare
soul by the grace of r Rma Himself. (14)
f f nfa rf ff r
r fa f rf ftr+ {+
Do.: muni durlabha hari bhagati nara pvahi

binahi

praysa,
je yaha kath niratara sunahi

mni bisvsa.126.
Although such devotion to r Hari is scarce attainable even by the sages, it can
be easily attained by men who constantly listen to this story with faith. (126)
r; nt r; rar r; f fza fza rar+
r r; rrar r r rar+ {+
tfa f r; rr >rfa fqra t af rr+
r; f rf r; tr r rfz ; rrtr+ +
- r t - rf faa t+
- r tfa r ; - r f f ;+ -+
r - nfa rt - - a fa r; rt+
- rrt r; anr - - f nfa nr+ +
Cau.: soi sarbagya gun soi gyt, soi mahi maita paita dt.
dharma paryana soi kula trt, rma carana j kara mana rt.1.
nti nipuna soi parama sayn, ruti siddhta nka tehi

jn.
soi kabi kobida soi ranadhr, jo chala chRi bhajai raghubr.2.
dhanya desa so jaha surasar, dhanya nri patibrata anusar.
dhanya so bh upu nti jo kara, dhanya so dvija nija dharma na ara.3.

1096
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
so dhana dhanya prathama gati jk, dhanya punya rata mati soi pk.
dhanya ghar soi jaba satasag, dhanya janma dvija bhagati abhag.4.
He alone is omniscient and accomplished, he alone is wise, he alone is an
ornament of the globe, learned and munificent, he alone is pious and he the saviour of
his race, whose mind is devoted to the feet of r Rma. He alone is perfect in correct
behaviour and most sagacious, he alone has thoroughly grasped the conclusion of the
Vedas, and he alone is a seer, a man of erudition, and staunch in battle, who adores the
Hero of Raghus line in a guileless spirit. Blessed is the land where flows the celestial
stream (the Gag); blessed the wife who observes a vow of fidelity to her husband.
Blessed is the monarch who administers justice; blessed the Brhmaa who swerves
not from his duty. Blessed is the wealth which is used to the best advantage;* blessed
is the intellect and ripe too, which is devoted to pious acts. Blessed is the hour which
is spent in communion with saints; blessed the birth in which one practises unceasing
devotion to the twice-born (the Brhmaas). (14)
r - sr na ta
>rtrrt r f s fta+ {+
Do.: so kula dhanya um sunu jagata pujya supunta,
rraghubra paryana jehi

nara upaja binta.127.

Listen, Um : blessed is the family, worthy of adoration for the whole world and
most hallowed too, in which is born an humble devotee of the illustrious Rma (the Hero
of Raghus line). (127)
fa = r rt uf ne f rt+
a tfa f fr; a rrfa r r;+ {+
f t tf r r; f tf+
f rff rff rff r ; r trff+ +
f rff r; fa f r; +
r r a; frt f- anfa fa trt+ -+
n tfa tfa a ; f frt a;+
ar f r; rf rf >rtrrr;+ +
Cau.: mati anurupa kath mai

bh, jadyapi prathama gupta kari rkh.

tava mana prti dekhi adhik, taba mai

raghupati kath sun.1.

yaha na kahia sahah hahaslahi, jo mana li na suna hari llahi.
kahia na lobhihi krodhihi kmihi, jo na bhajai sacarcara svmihi.2.
dvija drohihi na sunia kabahu

, surapati sarisa hoi npa jabah u

.
rma kath ke tei adhikr, jinha ke satasagati ati pyr.3.
gura pada prti nti rata je, dvija sevaka adhikr te.
t kaha yaha bisea sukhad, jhi prnapriya rraghur.4.
* Wealth invariably meets with one of the following three fates: it is either devoted to some charitable
purpose, squandered away on luxury and enjoyment or lost. Evidently the first of these is the best use of it. The
wealth of the miser who neither devotes it to the service of the needy, nor spends it on his own comforts meets
with the third, which is the worst fate.
*
UTTARA-K NA
*
1097

I have told you this narrative according to my own lights, although at first I kept
it secret. I saw excessive fondness for the same in your heart and then I narrated to you
the story of r Rma (the Lord of the Raghus). This story, however, should not be
repeated to a perverse knave, who does not listen attentively to the story of r Hari; nor
should it be recited to a greedy, irascible or lustful man who worship not the Lord of all
animate and inanimate creation. It should never be repeated to a Brhmaa-hater, be he
a monarch as great as Indra (the lord of the celestials). They alone are qualified to hear
r Rmas narrative, who are extremely fond of communion with holy men. They alone
are fit to hear it, who are devoted to the feet of their preceptor, and are lovers of propriety
and votaries of the Brhmaas. The story affords special delight to them who hold the
graceful Lord of the Raghus dear as life. (14)
r fa r r fr
r fa r r s >r r+ {c+
Do.: rma carana rati jo caha athav pada nirbna,
bhva sahita so yaha kath karau ravana pua pna.128.
He who seeks devotion to the feet of r Rma or to enjoy the state of eternal
bliss should fondly drink in this story with the cups of his ears. (128)
r r fnfr t f f r t+
fa rn t t r r nrf >rfa t+ {+
f =f e rrr rrfa nfa rr+
fa f r rf r; rs ; f rn r;+ +
rr ffq rr r af nrr+
f f r t a nr ; ff at+ -+
f r z fa r; fnfr rt fnr r;+
r r na r r ss r+ +
Cau.: rma kath girij mai

baran, kali mala samani manomala haran.

sasti roga sajvana mur, rma kath gvahi

ruti s ur.1.
ehi maha rucira sapta sopn, raghupati bhagati kera pathn.
ati hari kp jhi para ho, pu dei ehi

mraga so.2.
mana kman siddhi nara pv, je yaha kath kapaa taji gv.
kahahi

sunahi

anumodana karah

, te gopada iva bhavanidhi tarah

.3.
suni saba kath hdaya ati bh, girij bol gir suh.
ntha kp

mama gata sadeh, rma carana upajeu nava neh.4.

I have narrated, Girij, the story of r Rma, which wipes out the sins of the Kali
age and removes the impurities of the mind. The narrative of r Rma, as is declared
by the Vedas and the seers, is a life-giving herb to cure the disease of birth and death.
It has seven beautiful stairs, which are so many roads as it were leading to the goal of
Devotion to the Lord of the Raghus. He alone who enjoys the utmost grace of r Hari
can set his foot on this road (the road to Devotion). Men who sing this story in a guileless
spirit attain the object of their souls desire. Nay, they who repeat or listen to it or even
approve of its recitation cross the ocean of mundane existence as they would the print

1098
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
of a cows hoof. Girij (Daughter of the mountain-king) was greatly delighted at heart to
hear the whole narrative and replied in pleasing tones : By the grace of my
lord (Yourself) my doubts have disappeared and my devotion to r Rmas feet has
been renovated. (14)
a- ;s a r ft
st r nfa ta + {+
Do.: mai

ktaktya bhaiu aba tava prasda bisvesa,

upaj rma bhagati dRha bte sakala kalesa.129.
By your blessing, O Lord of the universe, I have now attained the object of my
life. Unswerving devotion to r Rma has sprung in my heart and all my afflictions
have ended. (129)
sr rr r frr+
n r r f r+ {+
r sr n rt f f fa- rt +
rrfa r rfa nrr r fa rr+ +
f fr r r rn a a r+
rf ff nr; rf aa f r n nrf+ -+
r faa r z rr nrf f >rfa a rr+
arf f af fr; r nfa f f r;+ +
Cau.: yaha subha sabhu um sabd, sukha sapdana samana bid.
bhava bhajana gajana sadeh, jana rajana sajjana priya eh.1.
rma upsaka je jaga mh

, ehi sama priya tinha ke kachu nh

.
raghupati kp

jathmati gv, mai

yaha pvana carita suhv.2.

ehi

kalikla na sdhana duj, joga jagya japa tapa brata puj.

rmahi sumiria gia rmahi, satata sunia rma guna grmahi.3.
jsu patita pvana baRa bn, gvahi

kabi ruti sata purn.

thi bhajahi mana taji kuil, rma bhaje gati kehi

nahi

p.4.
This blessed dialogue between Lord ambhu and Goddess Um begets joy and
lifts the gloom of depression. It puts an end to transmigration, disperses doubt, delights
the devotees and is dear to the saints. To the worshippers of r Rma, nothing is
so dear as this (narrative of r Rma). By the grace of r Rma (the Lord of the
Raghus) Himself I have sung to the best of my ability this sacred and charming story.
In this age of Kali no other discipline is of any availneither Yoga (mind-control) nor
sacrifices, nor Japa (muttering of prayers) not austere penance nor any sacred vows
nor ritual : Rma alone should be remembered, Rma alone should be glorified; and
it is the catalogue of Rmas virtues alone that should be given ear to. Forswearing
perversity, my soul, adore Him whose great vow it is to sanctify the fallen, as is declared
by seers and saints, the Vedas and Puras : who has not secured redemption by
worshipping r Rma? (14)
*
UTTARA-K NA
*
1099

r; f nfa faa r r f r
nfr rf r nt nrf ar rrr+
rt fra trf fa rr=
f r r af r rf r rf a+ {+
rr fa f f nrt
f r r; f >r r r frt+
a r; r rf r s
r= fur fa fr >rtrr + +
r r fr r tfa r
r r r fa fr r r+
rt r a fa atr
rr f>rr r r rt + -+
Cha.: p na kehi

gati patita pvana rma bhaji sunu saha man,

ganik ajmila bydha gdha gajdi khala tre ghan.
bhra jamana kirta khasa svapacdi ati agharupa je,
kahi nma braka tepi pvana hohi

rma nammi te.1.

raghubasa bh uana carita yaha nara kahahi

sunahi

je gvah

,
kali mala manomala dhoi binu rama rma dhma sidhvah

.
sata paca caup

manohara jni jo nara ura dharai,

druna abidy paca janita bikra rraghubara harai.2.
sudara sujna kp nidhna antha para kara prti jo,
so eka rma akma hita nirbnaprada sama na ko.
jk kp lavalesa te matimada tulasdsahu

,
pyo parama birmu rma samna prabhu nh

kahu

.3.
Listen, my stupid soul : who has not been saved by adoring r Rma, the purifier
of the fallen? The harlot (Pigal), Ajmila, the hunter (Vlmki), the vulture (Jayu), the
elephant and many other wretches have been delivered by Him. Even bhras (a hilly
tribe inhabiting the south-west coast in the ancient times), Yavanas, Kirtas (Bhlas),
Khasas (another hill-tribe found in Assam), Clas (the pariah) and others, the very
embodiments of grievous sin, are hallowed by merely uttering Your name even once :
I adore You, O Rma. Men who repeat to others, listen to (when repeated by others)
or chant alone this narrative of r Rma (the Ornament of Raghus race) thereby wipe
out the sins that are incident to the Kali age as well as the impurities of their soul, and
ascend to the Abode of r Rma without any difficulty. Nay the Chief of the Raghus

1100
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
cures the perversities, caused by the fivefold* ignorance, of those men who treasure
up in their heart even a few Caups (small four-footed verses) of this narrative that
appeal to them as most charming. If there is anyone who is all-beautiful, all-wise and
all-merciful and who is fond of the forlorn, it is Rma and Rma alone; who else can
compare with Him as a disinterested friend and a bestower of eternal bliss? Nowhere
can we find a lord like r Rma, by an iota of whose grace even the dull-witted
Tulasdsa has found supreme peace. (13)
r t t fa ar r rrt
frf rr f f t+ {- (+
rff rf frf ff rff f ff r
faf rrr fa f rn rf r+ {- (+
Do.: mo sama dna na dna hita tumha samna raghubra,
asa bicri raghubasa mani harahu biama bhava bhra.130(A).
kmihi nri piri jimi lobhihi priya jimi dma,
timi raghuntha niratara priya lgahu mohi rma.130(B).
There is no one so miserable as I nor such a friend of the miserable as You, O Hero
of Raghus line ! Realizing this, O Jewel of Raghus race, take away my fear of transmigration,
which is so terrible. May You be ever so dear to me, Rma, as woman is dear to a lustful
man, and as lucre is dear to the greedy, O Lord of the Raghus. (130 A-B)
- rr a fr >rtrrr n
>rtrrf+fr rt- a rrr
-r arrrrfa tr-atarr-a
rrqf r atrtar r+ {+
r r fr f-rrf+
rrrr f rr r
>rtrfrrf -rnrf-a
a ray rrrfrn f-a r rr+ +
loka: yatpurva prabhu kta sukavin rambhun durgama
rmadrmapadbjabhaktimania prptyai tu rmyaam,
matv tadraghunthanmanirata svntastamantaye
bhbaddhamida cakra tulasdsastath mnasam.1.
* The fivefold ignorance has been characterized as mistaking (1) the unreal for real, (2) the ephemeral
for the eternal, (3) the painful as pleasurable, (4) the impure for pure and (5) that which is worth discarding for
something worth acquiring.
*
UTTARA-K NA
*
1101

puya ppahara sad ivakara vigynabhaktiprada

mymohamalpaha suvimala premmbupura ubham,
rmadrmacaritramnasamida bhaktyvaghanti ye
te sasrapatagaghorakiraairdahyanti no mnav.2.
The same mysterious Mnasa-Rmyaa (the story of r Rma figuratively
spoken of as a Mnasa lake) which was composed of yore by the blessed Lord ambhu,
the best of all poets, with the object of developing unceasing devotion to the lotus-feet
of the all-beautiful r Rma, has been likewise rendered into the vulgar tongue by
Tulasdsa for dispersing the gloom of his heart, cognizing the fact that it is devoted to
the Name of r Rma (the Lord of the Raghus). This glorious, holy, purifying, blessed
and most limpid Mnasa lake of r Rmas exploits ever begets happiness; nay, it
bestows both wisdom and Devotion, wipes out delusion, infatuation and impurity and is
brimful with the water of love. Men who devoutly take a plunge into it are never scorched
with the burning rays of the sun of worldly illusion. (1-2)
[PAUSE 30 FOR A THIRTY-DAY RECITATION]
[PAUSE 9 FOR A NINE-DAY RECITATION]
;fa >rt rfar f f e r r re
iti rmadrmacaritamnase sakalakalikaluavidhvasane saptama sopna sampta.
Thus ends the seventh descent into the Mnasa lake of r Rmas exploits,
that eradicates all the impurities of the Kali age.
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