Passage 1
यौवराज्ये स्थितं रामं नीतिज्ञं धर्मकोविदम्। राज्ञो नैश्चिन्त्यकर्तारं श्रियः सर्वाः प्रपेदिरे॥१॥
Every form of prosperity came to Rāma when he became heir-apparent—knower of statecraft and dharma, and the one who freed the king from care.
Passage 2
ऐश्वर्यं वीर्यं यशस्त्रैलोक्यशीतलम्। जानक्या संमता श्रीश्च ज्ञानं स्वात्मनिदर्शनम्॥२॥
He possessed sovereignty, valor, fame that cooled the three worlds, fortune approved by Jānakī, and knowledge that reveals one’s own Self.
Passage 3
वैराग्यं विषयोन्मोकं सर्वभोगसुखातिगम्। षड्विधं भगमित्येतद्रामचन्द्रे बभूव ह॥३॥
He also possessed dispassion, release from sense objects, surpassing every pleasure of enjoyment. This sixfold divine excellence was present in Rāmacandra. Bhuśuṇḍi said:
Passage 4
षड्विधेन भगेनैष भगवानिति शब्दितः। तत्प्रायो विश्वतः प्रायं वेदेभ्यो बहुरूपतः॥४॥
“Because of this sixfold excellence he is called Bhagavān. The Vedas widely proclaim such excellence in many forms.
Passage 5
तथापि न समाज्ञातं रामचन्द्रगतं भगम्। प्रत्येकमैश्वर्यमुखं मे समाचक्ष्व यादृशम्॥५॥
“Yet I have not fully understood the divine excellence present in Rāmacandra. Tell me separately what each quality, beginning with sovereignty, is like.” Brahmā said:
Passage 6
बहुधा वर्णितं वेदैर्भगवत्त्वममुष्य तत्। भगं भाग्यं पराशक्तिरन्तरङ्गतया स्थितम्॥६॥
The Vedas describe his divinity in many ways. Bhaga is his blessed supreme power abiding as his innermost nature.
Passage 7
स्वरूपधर्मरूपं तत् परे ब्रह्मणि राघवे। न परो भगवांस्तस्माद्रामात् त्रैलोक्यसुन्दरात्॥७॥
In Rāghava, supreme Brahman, it is the essential property of his own nature. There is no Lord higher than that Rāma, beauty of the three worlds.
Passage 8
अथ तेऽहं प्रवक्ष्यामि रामस्यैश्वर्यमुत्तमम्। यस्याज्ञावशगा माया देवानामपि मोहिनी॥८॥
I shall now explain Rāma’s supreme sovereignty. Māyā, who bewilders even the gods, remains subject to his command.
Passage 9
सापि दासीवदासीना कस्तस्मात् पर ईश्वरः। कालोऽप्याज्ञाकरो यस्य सृष्टिस्थितिलयावहः॥९॥
She sits like his maidservant; who could be a higher Lord? Even Time, which brings creation, preservation, and dissolution, obeys his command.
Passage 10
सर्वभूतैकग्रसनः सर्वभूतभयङ्करः। आध्यात्मिकोऽधिदैवश्च स तथैवाधिभौतिकः॥१०॥
Time devours all beings and terrifies them all. It operates internally, through the gods, and through material existence.
Passage 11
लीलारसपदार्थानामाधारो रसवत्तरः। आधिदैव इति ख्यातः कालो रामस्वरूपकः॥११॥
As the most relishable foundation of every element of līlā’s rasa, Time in the form of Rāma is known as the divine governing principle.
Passage 12
आध्यात्मिकस्तथा कालः सूर्यरूपो गुणात्मकः। त्रयीमयः स सविता आधिदैववशानुगः॥१२॥
Internal Time assumes the form of the quality-bearing sun. That solar power, embodying the three Vedas, follows the governing divine Time.
Passage 13
आधिभौतिककालोऽयमाध्यात्मिकवशानुगः। परिणामकरः सर्वभूतानां फलभावनः॥१३॥
Material Time follows internal Time, producing transformation in every being and bringing its fruits into existence.
Passage 14
कर्मोपासाज्ञानमार्गेष्वेको यः प्रतिबन्धकः। भगवन्तं प्रपन्नं तं सर्वथैव विमुञ्चति॥१४॥
Though Time alone obstructs the paths of action, worship, and knowledge, it entirely releases the person who has surrendered to the Lord.
Passage 15
जीवाश्चाज्ञा यस्य सूक्ष्माणुमात्राः स्वस्यैवाभिध्यानतः संसरन्तः। कामक्लेशाद्येतिरानन्दरूपाः स्वस्यैवाविर्भावतः स्वेन तुल्याः॥१५॥
Living beings are his commands embodied as minute atoms. Through contemplation of themselves they wander in saṃsāra, passing through desire and affliction; through his self-manifestation they become blissful and like him.
Passage 16
ब्रह्मेत्याहुर्यच्च वेदान्तवाचः सत्यज्ञानानन्दपूर्णप्रकाशम्। निर्विशेषं ज्ञानिनामेकधिष्ण्यं तच्चाप्येकं यद्विभाति स्वरूपम्॥१६॥
What the words of Vedānta call Brahman—full radiance of truth, knowledge, and bliss, distinctionless and the sole abode of knowers—is likewise a single shining form of his.
Passage 17
सूर्याचन्द्रौ यस्य नेत्रे विशुद्धे द्यौर्वै मूर्धा खं च नाभिर्विशाला। आशाः श्रोत्रे भूतलं पाददेशो यस्य स्थूलं रूपमेतद्विराट् सः॥१७॥
The sun and moon are his pure eyes, heaven his head, space his vast navel, the directions his ears, and the earth the region of his feet. This is his gross cosmic form, Virāṭ.
Passage 18
निराकारं निर्विशेषं निर्भेदं च निरञ्जनम्। सर्वभूतान्तरात्मैकसूक्ष्मं तत्त्वं च यस्य तत्॥१८॥
His subtle reality is formless, distinctionless, undivided, stainless, and the one inner Self of every being.
Passage 19
योगिनां हृदयाकाशे प्रकाशं ज्ञानदीपितम्। यन्मायया तिरोभूय सर्वं निर्व्याप्य तिष्ठति॥१९॥
Illumined by knowledge, he shines in the heart-space of yogins. Concealed by his māyā, he remains everywhere without being limited by anything.
Passage 20
सर्वतः पाणिपादाद्यं सर्वतोऽक्षिशिरःश्रुति। एकाकारं निराकारं नानाकारं विभक्तिमत्॥२०॥
His hands and feet are everywhere, as are his eyes, heads, and ears. He is one form, formless, many-formed, and apparently divided.
Passage 21
अणोरणु महच्चादिमहतो विश्वगुद्भवम्। सैवान्तर्यामिता यस्य कस्तस्मात् पर ईश्वरः॥२१॥
He is smaller than the smallest and greater than the greatest, the all-pervading source. Such is his indwelling rule; who could be a higher Lord?
Passage 22
इतीदमैश्वर्यमनन्तमेव श्रीरामसंज्ञस्य परस्य धाम्नः। वेदेषु गीतं कविभिर्वर्णितं च ततोऽप्यनन्तं वदतो मे निबोध॥२२॥
This endless sovereignty of the supreme abode called Śrī Rāma is sung in the Vedas and described by poets. Hear from me what is more boundless still.
Passage 23
अनन्तकोटिब्रह्माण्डं विश्वद्रोमविलः परः। पुरुषः सोऽपि यस्यांशः कस्तस्मात् पर ईश्वरः॥२३॥
Even the transcendent cosmic Person, in whose hair-pores lie countless crores of universes, is his portion. Who could be a higher Lord?
Passage 24
यस्य लीलेव कैवल्यं जीवानां संप्रगायताम्। ब्रह्मादीनामप्यगम्यं कस्तस्मात् पर ईश्वरः॥२४॥
For living beings who sing of him, liberation is merely an incident of his play, though he remains inaccessible even to Brahmā and the gods. Who could be a higher Lord?
Passage 25
सृजत्यवति भूयोऽपि साक्षीव निखिलं जगत्। जीवेनेवात्मरूपेण तथान्तर्यामिरूपतः॥२५॥
As witness, he creates and preserves the whole world, acting through the living being as its Self and through the indwelling ruler.
Passage 26
विक्रीडति विशेषेण निजलीलारसात्मकः। सहजानन्दिनीशक्त्या कस्तस्मात् पर ईश्वरः॥२६॥
He sports supremely, embodying the rasa of his own līlā through the power Sahajānandinī. Who could be a higher Lord?
Passage 27
एक एव द्विरूपेण नानालीलार्थरूपतः। नित्याविर्भूत एवासौ भुङ्क्ते स्वानन्दधोरणीम्॥२७॥
Though one, he eternally manifests in a dual form for the sake of many līlās and enjoys the abundant current of his own bliss.
Passage 28
अप्राकृतः प्राकृतैश्च वस्तुभिः स्वैस्तदर्थकैः। नटवत् कुरुते केलीः कस्तस्मात् पर ईश्वरः॥२८॥
Though beyond material nature, he plays like an actor with natural objects that belong to him and serve his purpose. Who could be a higher Lord?
Passage 29
यथा कश्चिन्महाराजो निजेच्छामनुरुध्य वै। अशक्यं च सुशक्यं च दुःशक्यं च विधाय हि॥२९॥
Just as a great king, following his own will, may perform what is impossible, easy, or exceedingly difficult,
Passage 30
अन्यथा कुरुते भूयः करोति न करोति च। यथा प्राचीनवस्तूनि कृतानि स्वयमादरात्॥३०॥
and then make it otherwise, do it, or leave it undone—just as he treats ancient structures once made with care—
Passage 31
प्राकारगोपुरादीनि भक्तोद्यानवनादिकम्। कुरुते तत्पुनर्भङ्क्त्वा प्राकारगोपुरादिकम्॥३१॥
walls, gateways, devotees’ gardens, forests, and the like—building them and then again breaking walls, gateways, and all the rest,
Passage 32
एवं स्वयं कृतान्येव कुरुते स्वेच्छयान्यथा। निजलीलारसैकार्थं कस्तस्मात् पर ईश्वरः॥३२॥
so the Lord freely remakes what he himself created solely for the rasa of his own līlā. Who could be a higher Lord?
Passage 33
मत्स्यो भूत्वा कदाप्येष भक्तरक्षाविचक्षणः। महाम्बुधौ महामीनः शृङ्गस्थापितपोतकः॥३३॥
Once, skilled in protecting devotees, he became Matsya, a great fish in the great ocean who held the boat upon his horn.
Passage 34
प्रलयार्णवनिमग्नां वेदवाचं समाहरत्। तत्कालोचितमाधुर्यवेषविग्रहशोभितः॥३४॥
Adorned with a form and appearance whose sweetness suited that moment, he recovered the Vedic word submerged in the ocean of dissolution.
Passage 35
सत्यव्रताय बहुशो वेदानां हृदमुक्तवान्। चकच्चकायमानाङ्गः शुद्धसत्त्वमुपाविशत्॥३५॥
Again and again he revealed the heart of the Vedas to Satyavrata. His body flashing brilliantly, he entered the realm of pure being.
Passage 36
कदाचित् कच्छपाकारो मन्दराचलधारणात्। ईषत्कण्डूतिसुखवान् देवानां हितमाचरत्॥३६॥
At another time, in tortoise form, he bore Mount Mandara. Enjoying the slight pleasure of its scratching, he served the welfare of the gods.
Passage 37
कदाचिद्दिव्यवाराहरूपभृत् संनिवेशवान्। कल्पान्तसमयाम्भोधिजलवृन्दं विनिर्धुवन्॥३७॥
At another time he assumed the majestic divine boar form, shaking off the floodwaters of the ocean at the end of a kalpa.
Passage 38
उर्वीमुदवहद् भूरि सटामण्डितकन्धरः। खुराघातैः कुलाद्रीणां कूटानि त्रोटयन् रुषा॥३८॥
His shoulders richly adorned by a mane, he lifted the earth and angrily split the peaks of the great mountain chains with blows of his hooves.
Passage 39
संवत्सरसहस्राणि हिरण्याक्षेण युद्धवान्। विनयन् बाहुकण्डूतीः केवलं वीर्यसंमदः॥३९॥
He fought Hiraṇyākṣa for thousands of years, merely relieving the itch of his arms in the exhilaration of valor.
Passage 40
अपातयन्महेन्द्रस्य विद्वेष्टारं तमुद्धतम्। साक्षाद्यज्ञस्वरूपेण दृष्टो ब्रह्मशिवादिभिः॥४०॥
He struck down that arrogant enemy of great Indra and was beheld by Brahmā, Śiva, and the others as sacrifice itself.
Passage 41
व्यतनोत् कर्मणां संस्थाः स्वरूपेणैव तत्क्षणात्। अथ भूयोऽपि देवोऽयं दिव्यकेवलरूपधृक्॥४१॥
In that very form he immediately established the institutions of sacred action. Then the Lord assumed another uniquely divine form.
Passage 42
अरण्यादागतो रुष्टो दुर्दर्शः क्रूरविग्रहः। षष्टिवर्षसहस्राणि दितिजेन्द्रमयोधयत्॥४२॥
Furious, terrible to behold, and bearing a fearsome form, he emerged from the forest and battled the lord of the Daityas for sixty thousand years.
Passage 43
प्रह्लादस्य हितार्थाय तथारूपो बभौ प्रभुः। अथान्यदा बलिं नाम दैत्येन्द्रं त्रिजगत्प्रभुम्॥४३॥
The Lord shone in that form for Prahlāda’s welfare. At another time there was the Daitya king named Bali, lord of the three worlds,
Passage 44
सुरेन्द्रलक्ष्मीहर्तारं प्रशमं छलमात्रतः। पातालं वेशयामास वामनोऽथ त्रिविक्रमः॥४४॥
who had taken the sovereignty of the gods. Vāmana, becoming Trivikrama, subdued him through a mere stratagem and sent him to the netherworld.
Passage 45
दैत्यैर्नरैर्मुनिगणैर्दृष्टोऽत्यद्भुतविक्रमः। कोटिबिम्बार्कदुर्दर्शो रसनाबद्धतारकः॥४५॥
Daityas, humans, and hosts of sages witnessed his exceedingly wondrous stride. Hard to behold as ten million suns, his tongue seemed to bind the stars.
Passage 46
गणैर्जयेत्यभिहितस्त्रैलोक्येन विराजितः। शुशुभे भगवान् साक्षाद्यमेन शुभाकृतिः॥४६॥
Hosts acclaimed “Victory!” and the three worlds glorified him. The blessed Lord of auspicious form shone openly beside Yama.
Passage 47
अथ राजन्यवंशेषु विधर्माक्रान्तबुद्धिषु। अब्रह्मण्येषु दुर्वृत्तेष्वात्मवीर्यविकासवान्॥४७॥
Later, when royal dynasties became irreligious, hostile to brahmins, and corrupt, he displayed his own valor.
Passage 48
कुठारधारादुर्दर्शो विप्रः क्षत्रियघातकः। दुःक्षत्ररहितां भूमिं चक्रे वारैकविंशतिम्॥४८॥
As the brahmin warrior terrible through the edge of his axe, he cleared the earth of corrupt warriors twenty-one times.
Passage 49
अपोषयद् ब्राह्मणांश्च दानं कृत्वा महाद्भुतम्। चकृत कार्तवीर्यस्य दोर्दण्डद्रुममण्डलीम्॥४९॥
He nourished the brahmins through a wondrous gift and cut down the forest of Kārtavīrya’s staff-like arms.
Passage 50
अथ दाशरथे गेहे सर्वसंपद्विभूषिते। भ्रातृभिः सहितो जातो रसिकेन्द्रशिखामणिः॥५०॥
Then, in Daśaratha’s home adorned with every prosperity, the crest-jewel of connoisseurs of rasa was born together with his brothers.
Passage 51
कल्पं सारस्वतं प्राप्य साक्षात् पूर्णः शुभाकृतिः। मैथिलीनयनानन्ददायी पौरुषभूषणः॥५१॥
Entering the Sārasvata kalpa, the complete Lord of auspicious form appeared as the ornament of manhood and giver of delight to Maithilī’s eyes.
Passage 52
नीतिधर्मप्रवृत्तित्वात् सतां संमतसद्गुणः। योगिभिर्वृतहत्तर्षो गीयमान उदारधीः॥५२॥
Devoted to statecraft and dharma, his virtues were honored by the good. The noble-minded Lord, praised by yogins, dispelled the heart’s agitation.
Passage 53
मर्यादापालनपरश्चक्रे लीलां मनोहराम्। तामहं गदितुं शक्तो नैव जिह्वासहस्रकैः॥५३॥
Intent on preserving sacred bounds, he performed a captivating līlā that I could not recount even with a thousand tongues.
Passage 54
श्रीरामो नाममात्रेण रमयन् जीवधोरणीः। रमते रत्नाचले नित्यं भ्रात्रा सेवितपार्श्वकः॥५४॥
By the mere name Śrī Rāma he delights the streams of living beings. He sports eternally on Ratnācala, his brother serving at his side.
Passage 55
भूय एष क्षपयिता रावणं लोकरावणम्। अगस्त्यहयशीर्षाच्च ज्ञाततत्त्वः कथञ्चन॥५५॥
Again he will destroy Rāvaṇa, tormentor of the worlds, having somehow received the relevant knowledge from Agastya and Hayagrīva.
Passage 56
महावीरो महाधीरो महाकारुणिकेश्वरः। कृतज्ञो यशसां राशिर्विप्राशीर्भिः समेधितः॥५६॥
He is supremely heroic, steadfast, and compassionate; grateful, a treasury of fame, and increased in glory by brahmins’ blessings.
Passage 57
लोकलोचनविश्रामो विरामो भूरिदुर्हृदाम्। वेदमार्गनयारामो रामो विजयतेतराम्॥५७॥
Rāma, repose of the world’s eyes, ender of many evildoers, delight of the Vedic path and right governance, is ever victorious.
Passage 58
बलकृष्णादिरूपेण भविता च समः क्वचित्। अथ यज्ञगताञ्जन्तून् दयमानो दयानिधिः॥५८॥
At another time he will appear in forms such as Balarāma and Kṛṣṇa. Then the treasury of compassion, pitying creatures caught in sacrificial killing,
Passage 59
बुद्ध इत्याख्यया युक्तो भविता स्वयमेव च। ततश्च म्लेच्छभावेषु जनेषु कलिकालतः॥५९॥
will himself appear under the name Buddha. Later, when people assume barbarous ways through the age of Kali,
Passage 60
पुनः संस्मृत्य स्वं धर्मं भविता कल्किरूपधृक्। इमानि दश मुख्यानि रूपाण्यस्य महात्मनः॥६०॥
he will remember his own dharma and take the form of Kalkin. These are the ten principal forms of the great Lord.
Passage 61
युगे युगेष्वितरतो गीयन्ते वेदवित्तमैः। अन्यानि चापि रूपाणि युगरूपाणि बिभ्रति॥६१॥
The greatest Vedic knowers sing of these in age after age. He also assumes other forms suited to each yuga.
Passage 62
गुणावताररूपाणि तथैवान्यानि भूरिशः। श्वेतरक्तपीतकृष्णनानावर्णानि वै खग॥६२॥
There are also many descents governing the qualities, colored white, red, yellow, black, and in other hues, O bird.
Passage 63
तथैवान्यानि रूपाणि कलाश्चांशाः सनातनाः। तथैवावेशरूपाणि पृथुराजमुखानि च॥६३॥
There are further eternal forms, powers, portions, and empowered descents, beginning with King Pṛthu.
Passage 64
रामस्यैवाखिलारम्भा दृष्टाश्चैव श्रुता अपि। स्मृताः पुनन्ति भुवनं कस्तस्मात् पर ईश्वरः॥६४॥
All originate in Rāma. Seen, heard, or remembered, they purify the world. Who could be a higher Lord?
Passage 65
सकलैश्वर्यसीम्नोऽस्यैश्वर्यमुपवर्णितम्। तथा हि महती भूतिरेनेनात्र प्रदर्शिता॥६५॥
Thus the sovereignty of him who is the limit of all sovereignty has been described; he displayed immense glory here as well.
Passage 66
यौवराज्यस्थितेनैव श्रीमद्दाशरथे गृहे। गृहं चास्य विशालं तद्योजनोच्छ्रायमीडितम्॥६६॥
While he served as heir-apparent in splendid Daśaratha’s household, his vast and celebrated palace rose a yojana high.
Passage 67
सभामण्डपसंशोभि मणिमाणिक्यभूषितम्। पितृपैतामहं यत्र हेमरत्नविभूषितम्॥६७॥
It shone with an assembly pavilion adorned by jewels and rubies, including the ancestral hall ornamented with gold and gems.
Passage 68
निःश्रेणिकात्रययुतं दिव्यं सिंहासनं स्थितम्। तत्रस्थोऽयं सभाकाले युवराजपदं भुक्॥६८॥
A divine throne with three flights of steps stood there. At assembly time, Rāma occupied it in his office as crown prince.
Passage 69
पितुराज्ञामनुल्लङ्घ्य नीतिधर्मानुशासकः। गायका नर्तकाश्चैव वादकाश्चोपवीणकाः॥६९॥
Never transgressing his father’s command, he governed according to statecraft and dharma. Singers, dancers, instrumentalists, and vīṇā players attended him.
Passage 70
अनेके शिल्पवैचित्र्यशालिनः शुभकर्मिणः। स्वां स्वां विद्यां दर्शयन्त उपासाञ्चक्रिरे स्थिताः। युवराज्यस्थितं रामं त्रिजगत्कामवर्षणम्॥७०॥
Many virtuous artisans skilled in wondrous crafts stood displaying their several arts as they attended Rāma, the heir-apparent who rained fulfillment upon the three worlds.
Passage 71
युवानमाजानुविशालदोर्द्वयं महार्हरत्नाढ्यलसत्किरीटिनम्। बलक्षमुक्ताफलपूरितश्रुतिविलम्बिहाराभरणायुरःश्रियम्॥७१॥
He was youthful, with broad arms reaching his knees, a shining crown rich in precious jewels, ears filled with bright pearls, and long necklaces beautifying his chest.
Passage 72
निरङ्कपूर्णेन्दुविराजिताननं जगत्त्रयीनेत्रचकोरतुष्टिदम्। समोदमिषत्स्मितरञ्जिताधरं नितान्तमाज्ञावशगाखिलेश्वरम्॥७२॥
His flawless face shone like the full moon and satisfied the cakora-bird eyes of the three worlds. A joyful slight smile colored his lips, while all rulers remained wholly obedient to his command.
Passage 73
सुपीवरांसं सुविशालवक्षसं सुराजराजीवविराजितेक्षणम्। सुवर्णरत्नाङ्गदभातिरस्कृतस्फुरत्सभामण्डलभूतमिस्रकम्॥७३॥
He had powerful shoulders, a broad chest, and splendid lotus eyes. The glow of his gold and jeweled armlets drove darkness from the assembly hall.
Passage 74
स्वामित्रधर्मेण वशीकृताखिलं स्वाभाविकोद्योतसहस्रदीधितिम्। प्रसन्नकान्त्याभिसुधांशुसंपदं मनोरमालापक्लासु कोविदम्॥७४॥
Through the dharma of lordship and friendship he won everyone’s loyalty. His natural splendor cast a thousand rays, his serene beauty surpassed the moon, and he was expert in delightful conversation.
Passage 75
के के न तोषितास्तेन के के न च वशीकृताः। के के न संगताश्चैव के के न कृतार्थिताः॥७५॥
Whom did he not satisfy? Whom did he not win? With whom did he not associate, and whom did he not make fulfilled?
Passage 76
के के न काञ्चनासारैः कवयो धनदीकृताः। के के न गजसंदोहैर्जना गजपतीकृताः॥७६॥
How many poets did he make wealthy through showers of gold? How many people did he make lords of elephants through gifts of whole herds?
Passage 77
के के न वाजिसंदोहैर्जना हयपतीकृताः। के के न मणिसंदोहैर्जना रत्नाकरीकृताः॥७७॥
How many did he make masters of horses through whole herds, and how many into treasuries through masses of gems?
Passage 78
दिवामणिकुलोद्योते रामे प्रकृतिरञ्जने। यौवराज्यस्थिते दूरमगात् कलुषसंभवः॥७८॥
When Rāma, illuminator of the solar dynasty and delight of his subjects, held the heir-apparency, the arising of impurity went far away.
Passage 79
अघस्यापि न लेशोऽभूत् प्रजा धर्मानुवर्तिताः। निरस्ततिमिरं रेजे सर्वतोऽवनिमण्डलम्॥७९॥
Not even a trace of sin remained; the subjects followed dharma, and the whole earth shone with darkness dispelled.
Passage 80
दारिद्र्यमगमद् दूरं दिवाभीत इवोदये। चतुर्दिक्षु जयेत्येव शब्दोऽभूत् सुखवर्धनः॥८०॥
Poverty fled far away like a creature of darkness at sunrise, and in all four directions the joy-increasing cry was simply, “Victory!”
Passage 81
चतुर्णां च पुमर्थानामेष कल्पद्रुमोऽभवत्। साकेतपुरराजेन्द्रकुमारो लोकसुन्दरः॥८१॥
The beautiful prince, son of Sāketa’s great king, became a wish-fulfilling tree for all four aims of human life.
Passage 82
मित्राणां स्थापनकरः प्रोज्जासनकरो द्विषाम्। कोटिकन्दर्पसूतित्वात् त्रिलोकीचित्तमोहनः॥८२॥
He established his friends and drove away his enemies. As the source of ten million Cupids, he enchanted the minds of the three worlds.
Passage 83
तरुणार्क इवोद्योतशाली महिमभूषितः। तदेव चक्रे यत्राभूदन्येषामत्यशक्यता॥८३॥
Radiant like the young sun and adorned with majesty, he accomplished precisely what was utterly impossible for others.
Passage 84
तत्रास्य बाणसंचारो यत्र राक्षससंक्षयः। ततान तादृशीं कीर्तिं भ्रातृव्या यत्र मर्षिताः॥८४॥
Wherever his arrows moved, Rākṣasas were destroyed. He spread such fame that even rivals were forced to endure it.
Passage 85
जगाद तादृशं वाक्यं यादृशं वेदसंमितम्। सज्जीकृत्य बलं गच्छन् गिरिशृङ्गाण्यपातयत्॥८५॥
His speech accorded with the Veda. When he marshaled his force and advanced, he cast down mountain peaks.
Passage 86
पुनश्च विनयं कृत्वा यात्रासिद्धिमवाप्य सः। जयतो यन्त्रिकोद्घोषैः प्रविशन् निजमन्दिरे॥८६॥
Having again shown humility and brought his expedition to success, he entered his own palace amid the heralds’ cries of victory.
Passage 87
असंख्यातान् गुणांस्तस्य को वा वर्णयितुं क्षमः। द्वितीयः सूर्य एवासौ साक्षाद्रामः स्वयंप्रभुः॥८७॥
Who could describe his countless virtues? Self-radiant Rāma was truly a second sun.
Passage 88
दिलीपस्य रघोश्चैव तथैवाजस्य भूपतेः। साक्षाद् दशरथस्यासावनुचक्रे पितुर्गुणान्॥८८॥
He directly reproduced the virtues of his fathers—King Dilīpa, Raghu, Aja, and Daśaratha.
Passage 89
आहोपुरुषिकां साक्षाद्देवानां समपूपुषत्। असुराणां नाशकृते सिद्धीनामासनं बभौ॥८९॥
He openly nourished the gods’ confidence in their own divine strength and shone as the foundation of the powers that destroy demons.
Passage 90
वीरतायाश्च मञ्जूषा श्रुतशासनो बभौ। अधर्मस्य च संहर्ता धर्मस्याधार एव च॥९०॥
He shone as a treasury of heroism, obedient to revealed teaching, destroyer of adharma, and the very support of dharma.
Passage 91
पारावारो बलस्यैष कीर्तेः कर्तानुवासरम्। भूमेर्भर्ता दशरथस्तस्य संतोषदायकः॥९१॥
He was the boundless ocean of strength and daily creator of fame, sustainer of the earth and giver of satisfaction to Daśaratha.
Passage 92
विश्राणंश्च स्वयं शक्त्या विप्रगोवेदबान्धवान्। परपीडापहर्ता च संसारस्योपरि स्थितः॥९२॥
By his own power he enriched brahmins, cows, the Vedas, and kinsmen. He removed others’ suffering and stood above saṃsāra.
Passage 93
सर्वस्योच्चैः स्थितोऽप्येष नीचैरेवास्थितो गुरोः। वेदानां रक्षकः साक्षात् क्षत्रधर्मव्रताकरः॥९३॥
Though standing above everyone, before his teacher he always stood humbly below. He directly protected the Vedas and was a treasury of vows proper to a warrior.
Passage 94
दूरात् कालाग्नियन्त्राभः शत्रूणां भयवर्धनः। समीपे च महातैक्ष्ण्यकालजिद्वाक्यपाणवत्॥९४॥
From afar he resembled the engine of time’s fire and increased his enemies’ fear; nearby, his keen and time-conquering speech was like a sharp weapon.
Passage 95
दुर्गाणामावरणकृद् द्वाररोद्धा कपाटवत्। सद्धर्मकर्मणां भस्मिर्गुणगङ्गासमुज्ज्वलः॥९५॥
He enclosed fortresses and blocked their gates like a door. He was the ground of righteous acts, shining with a Gaṅgā of virtues.
Passage 96
अघतर्णकुटीपुञ्जज्वालनो नाममात्रतः। परसैन्यमहामेघघटासंघट्टमारुतः॥९६॥
His mere name burned heaps of huts made from the straw of sin. He was the wind that scattered the massed storm-clouds of enemy armies.
Passage 97
आकाश इव विस्तारी ज्योतिषां स्थानमव्ययम्। सूर्यमण्डलवच्छत्रं चामरे चन्द्रबिम्बवत्॥९७॥
He extended like the sky, the imperishable station of lights. His parasol resembled the solar orb and his two fans the disk of the moon.
Passage 98
सिंहासनं मेरुसमं पादप्रोञ्छनवन्मही। यस्योचितं परं त्वेष पितुराज्ञाकरो भृशम्॥९८॥
A Meru-like throne and the earth as a footstool would have suited him; yet he remained intensely obedient to his father’s command.
Passage 99
द्वीपाद् द्वीपान्तरं गच्छन् नामयामास भूपतीन्। समुद्रान् ग्राहयामास सैन्यैः सचतुरङ्गकैः॥९९॥
Traveling from island-continent to island-continent, he made kings bow and had the oceans contained by his fourfold armies.
Passage 100
पर्वतान् लोपयामास यातायातबलस्य सः। देशान्तरादुपागत्य जगुरेनं महीभृतः॥१००॥
For the passage of his forces he leveled mountains. Kings came from distant lands and praised him.
Passage 101
लेभिरे रत्नकूटानि महेभांश्च महाहयान्। लक्षकोट्यधिकं द्रव्यं प्रसादीकृत्य तान् ददौ॥१०१॥
They received heaps of jewels, great elephants, mighty horses, and wealth exceeding hundreds of millions, which he graciously gave them.
Passage 102
लेभे च महतीं कीर्तिं शरच्चन्द्रांशुशीतलाम्। यया प्रोद्भासितं विश्वं यावत् कल्पो विधेर्दिनम्॥१०२॥
He gained immense fame, cool as autumn moonbeams, which illuminated the world for as long as a kalpa, a day of the Creator.
Passage 103
प्रजानां भालसौभाग्यं साक्षादेव रघूद्वहः। उज्जागरः श्रियामेष सागरः सर्वसंपदाम्॥१०३॥
The scion of Raghu was the manifest good fortune written upon his subjects’ foreheads, wakeful guardian of prosperity, and ocean of every wealth.
Passage 104
आशीर्भिर्वर्धयामासुरेनं सिंहासनस्थितम्। चिरंजीव महाराजकुमार नयनोत्सव॥१०४॥
They blessed him as he sat upon the throne: “Live long, great royal prince, festival for our eyes!
Passage 105
श्रीराम लक्ष्मणसख भरताहनुजान्वित। तानेव नतवान् मूर्ध्ना बहुमानपुरःसरम्॥१०५॥
“Śrī Rāma, friend of Lakṣmaṇa, accompanied by Bharata and your younger brother!” He in turn bowed his head to them with profound respect.
Passage 106
सिंहासनस्थे श्रीरामे युवराजे रघूद्वहे। रत्नभाजनसंदोहनानोपायनपाणयः॥१०६॥
As Śrī Rāma, scion of Raghu and crown prince, sat on the throne, attendants stood holding jeweled vessels and many gifts.
Passage 107
ताम्बूलभाजनकराः पर्यस्थुः पारिपार्श्वकाः। मायद्गजवरारूढा नटवद्वंशसंस्थिताः॥१०७॥
Personal attendants stood around with betel vessels. Mahouts mounted excellent elephants arranged in lines like performers.
Passage 108
उपसेदुर्महामात्राः संतुष्ट्यै राघवेशितुः। कूर्दमानाः केकिशिराश्चतुरङ्गा जयोद्धराः॥१०८॥
The great officers approached to please Lord Rāghava, with prancing, victory-bearing fourfold forces whose crests resembled peacocks.
Passage 109
लघुपल्याणिनो वीरा अश्वपालकरस्थिताः। पट्टसूत्रसमाबद्धा उपसेदुस्तुरङ्गमाः॥१०९॥
Heroic keepers stood by swift, lightly saddled horses, which approached bound with silken reins.
Passage 110
कृष्णसाराश्चारुदृशस्तीक्ष्णशृङ्गा जयोद्धताः। पट्टसूत्रसमाबद्धा उपसेदुस्तदग्रतः॥११०॥
Black antelopes with lovely eyes and sharp horns, proudly bearing emblems of victory and tethered with silken cords, were brought before him.
Passage 111
संगराधावननवाः श्वानो मध्ये तरक्षुवत्। ललद्दोलजिह्वाग्रा हयानामग्रगामिनः॥१११॥
Dogs newly trained to charge in battle moved among them like leopards, their long tongues lolling as they ran ahead of the horses.
Passage 112
शार्दूलपोतैः सदृशाः परस्परगुणाधिकाः। कालवर्णाः कपिलाः श्वेताश्चित्रतनुत्विषः॥११२॥
They resembled tiger cubs, each excelling another in quality—black, tawny, white, and dappled in bodily sheen.
Passage 113
धूम्राक्षाश्चातिचित्राभाः पट्टसूत्रावलम्बिनः। कूर्दमानमृगीपोतग्राहिणस्तृतीये क्रमे॥११३॥
Grey-eyed and wonderfully colored, they strained against silken leashes; in a third rank were hounds able to seize bounding young deer.
Passage 114
ग्रामसिंहोत्तमास्तत्र ह्युपसेदुरनेकशः। ग्रामाणां नगराणां च देशानां च विशेषतः॥११४॥
Many excellent village guardian dogs also approached from villages, cities, and especially from distant regions.
Passage 115
निष्पत्तिं तु समादाय सेवका उपतस्थिरे। कान्त्या विशालरसना नेत्रैः पीयूषवार्मुचः॥११५॥
Servants presented these accomplished animals, splendid and broad-tongued, their eyes seeming to rain nectar.
Passage 116
गत्या चापि गरीयांसः कीर्तिविस्तारकारकाः। आख्यानाख्यायकाः काव्यगुरवो वर्णनक्षमाः॥११६॥
Then came eminent narrators whose movement spread his fame, masters of poetry capable of skillful description.
Passage 117
अनेकशास्त्रनिपुणाः कवयश्चोपतस्थिरे। देशेषु परदेशेषु तपन्तो भानुबिम्बवत्॥११७॥
Poets expert in many sciences attended him, shining like the solar disk in their own and foreign lands.
Passage 118
पञ्चहस्तप्रमाणाङ्गा युवानोऽगण्यविक्रमाः। सर्वे विज्ञातविजयाः शस्त्रशास्त्रविशारदाः॥११८॥
Young warriors five cubits tall and of immeasurable valor also came, all known for victory and expert in weapons and military science.
Passage 119
कृपाणिकटिसंनद्धा बाणेषुधिधराश्च ये। वाचामन्यतमाः सर्वे शूराः समुपसेदिरे॥११९॥
Heroes approached with swords fastened at their waists and arrows in their quivers, every one outstanding in speech.
Passage 120
तत्र तत्राभवद् भाग्यं यत्र यत्र दृशं ददौ। यदा यदा प्रसङ्गोऽभूत् कवीनां भाग्यवृद्धये॥१२०॥
Good fortune arose wherever he cast his gaze. Whenever an occasion came to increase the poets’ fortune,
Passage 121
तदा तदा समभवत् काञ्चनासारवारिदः। इति ते प्रोक्तमैश्वर्यं वीर्यमस्य शृणु द्विज॥१२१॥
he became each time a rain-cloud pouring showers of gold. Thus I have explained his sovereignty; now, twice-born one, hear of his valor. Thus ends Chapter Ninety-two, within “Rāma’s installation as heir-apparent,” in the dialogue of Brahmā and Bhuśuṇḍi in the glorious Ādi Rāmāyaṇa. Source note This chapter is transcribed directly from printed pages 378–388 of the 1975 Pūrva-khaṇḍa witness (source leaves 509–519). The scan controls the text. The edition prints 42 twice and then proceeds to 44; the second 42 is therefore registered as passage 43. It also prints two independent passages as 69 and then continues with 70, creating 121 actual passages; the second printed 69 is registered as 70 and all later units as 71–121. Within that shifted sequence, the source misprints what is editorial passage 87 as 68 and editorial passage 110 as 106; their evident positions control the numbering. The chapter moves from a theological definition of sovereignty through the avatāras to Rāma’s court and royal beneficence. Dense compounds and unusual courtly catalogues are translated conservatively rather than silently abbreviated.