Passage 1
एष ज्ञानगुणः प्रोक्तो भगं यत्परमात्मनः। अथ वक्ष्यामि वैराग्यं शृणुष्वावहितो द्विज॥१॥
The divine quality of knowledge belonging to the Supreme Self has been taught. Now, attentive brahmin, hear me explain detachment.
Passage 2
एकमेव हि वैराग्यं श्रीरामस्य गुणात्मकम्। ज्ञानिनां योगिनां चैव वृत्तिभिर्बहुधा ततम्॥२॥
Śrī Rāma’s detachment is one essential quality, yet it extends in many forms through the dispositions of knowers and yogis.
Passage 3
आत्मारामस्य रामस्य स्वानन्दैककलाजुषः। ब्रह्मानन्दावधिः सर्वोऽप्यानन्दो नोपरोधकः॥३॥
Rāma delights in the Self and possesses the unique fullness of his own bliss. No joy whatsoever, even the highest bliss of Brahman, can limit him.
Passage 4
भुञ्जन्ते योगिनः सर्वे रामानन्दमनेकधा। रामः स्वात्मानन्दभोगेऽप्युदासीनवदास्थितः॥४॥
All yogis enjoy Rāma’s bliss in countless ways, while Rāma remains as though indifferent even to enjoyment of his own intrinsic bliss.
Passage 5
आब्रह्मभुवनाद्यावान् भोग आनन्दगोचरः। सोऽस्य तुच्छवदाभाति पूर्णस्वानन्दरूपिणः॥५॥
Every pleasure and happiness up to Brahmā’s world appears trivial to him, for his nature is complete self-existent bliss.
Passage 6
एतावद्योगिनोऽप्यस्ति ज्ञानिनश्च विरक्तता। श्रीरामे तु विशेषो यत् स्वानन्देऽपि विरक्तिमान्॥६॥
Yogis and knowers may attain detachment to this extent; Śrī Rāma’s distinction is that he remains detached even from his own bliss.
Passage 7
यथा वह्नौ न संतापः संतापैकस्वभाविनः। जलस्य न यथा शैत्यं शैत्यमात्रस्वभाविनः॥७॥
Fire, whose very nature is heat, is not attached to heating; water, whose very nature is coolness, is not attached to cooling.
Passage 8
तथानन्दस्वरूपस्य रामस्य परमात्मनः। नानन्दो येन रक्तिः स्यात् क्वाप्यस्य परमेशितुः॥८॥
Likewise no experience of bliss can produce attachment in Rāma, the Supreme Self whose own nature is bliss and who is the highest Lord.
Passage 9
ईशितव्येषु जीवेषु रमते रामचन्द्रमाः। तथा न तेषु संसक्तिराप्तकामस्य दृश्यते॥९॥
Rāmacandra delights among the living beings he governs, yet no attachment to them is seen in him, whose every desire is fulfilled.
Passage 10
परब्रह्मस्वरूपस्य पूर्णानन्दपयोनिधेः। इयमेवास्य सततं ह्याप्तकामस्य कामना॥१०॥
For him whose form is supreme Brahman, an ocean of complete bliss and one whose wishes are fulfilled, this divine play itself is his one perpetual desire.
Passage 11
अथास्य बहुधा वक्ष्ये वैराग्यं नाम सद्गुणम्। यच्छ्रुत्वा योगिनोऽप्याशु विरक्तं जायते मनः॥११॥
I shall now describe in many ways his excellent quality called detachment. Hearing of it, even a yogi’s mind quickly becomes dispassionate.
Passage 12
ऋषिभिर्बहुधा प्रोक्तं वाल्मीकिप्रमुखैश्च यत्। वैराग्यं रामचन्द्रस्य तत्ते वक्ष्यामि भूरिशः॥१२॥
I shall relate fully that detachment of Rāmacandra which sages headed by Vālmīki have described in many ways.
Passage 13
ब्रह्मानन्दमतिक्रम्य प्रेमानन्दवती प्रिया। सा प्रिया कौशिकी नित्यं तां मुञ्चन्नैव बाधितः॥१३॥
His beloved Kauśikī possessed the bliss of love surpassing even Brahman-bliss; yet when he left that eternally dear companion, he was not overcome.
Passage 14
सुधासुमधुरैर्नित्यं मनःसंतापहारिभिः। आलापैर्या वशीचक्रे तां मुञ्चन्नैव बाधितः॥१४॥
With speech sweeter than nectar, forever removing the mind’s distress, she brought him under her control; yet when he left her, he was not overcome.
Passage 15
खञ्जरीटकुरङ्गालिचकोरमदहारिभिः। व्याकृतैरक्तदृग्भिर्या तां मुञ्चन्नैव बाधितः॥१५॥
Her expressive, love-reddened eyes humbled the pride of wagtails, deer, bees, and cakora birds; yet when he left her, he was not overcome.
Passage 16
राकानिशाकरोद्योतपराभवसमुज्जितैः। राजितैर्मन्दहासैर्या तां मुञ्चन्नैव बाधितः॥१६॥
Her lovely gentle smiles rose victorious over the radiance of the full moon; yet when he left her, he was not overcome.
Passage 17
अलकावलिसंवीतैर्मधुरस्मितराजितैः। मुखचन्द्रांशुभिर्या भाति तां मुञ्चन्नैव बाधितः॥१७॥
She shone through rays from her moonlike face, encircled by curling locks and adorned with a sweet smile; yet when he left her, he was not overcome.
Passage 18
भ्रुकुटीकुटिलश्रीभिश्चञ्चलापाङ्गवीक्षितैः। अनन्यप्रेमपात्रैर्या तां मुञ्चन्नैव बाधितः॥१८॥
The curved beauty of her brows and the restless glances from the corners of her eyes made him the exclusive vessel of her love; yet when he left her, he was not overcome.
Passage 19
बिम्बीफलारुणद्योतैर्विद्रुमाभैर्मनोहरैः। याधरांशुभिरुद्भाति तां मुञ्चन्नैव बाधितः॥१९॥
She shone through the charming rays of lips red as bimba fruit and lustrous as coral; yet when he left her, he was not overcome.
Passage 20
त्रैलोक्यजयिनो नित्यं पञ्चेषोर्जयहेतवे। यस्याः शङ्खनिभः कण्ठस्तां मुञ्चन्नैव बाधितः॥२०॥
Her conchlike neck was a source of victory for the five-arrowed Love-god who conquers the three worlds; yet when he left her, he was not overcome.
Passage 21
यस्याः सिन्दूरपूर्णेन भूषितो मौक्तिकाञ्चितः। नित्यमुद्भाति सीमन्तस्तां मुञ्चन्नैव बाधितः॥२१॥
Her hair-parting, filled with vermilion and adorned with pearls, always shone; yet when he left her, he was not overcome.
Passage 22
यस्याः सीमन्तरत्नेन निर्जितो मङ्गलग्रहः। करैररुणयत्याशास्तां मुञ्चन्नैव बाधितः॥२२॥
The jewel in her hair-parting surpassed auspicious Mars and reddened the directions with its rays; yet when he left her, he was not overcome.
Passage 23
पीयूषमधुराम्भोदमसृणः काममोदनः। यस्याः प्रभाति धम्मिल्लस्तां मुञ्चन्नैव बाधितः॥२३॥
Her smooth hair-knot shone like a nectar-sweet cloud and delighted Love himself; yet when he left her, he was not overcome.
Passage 24
यस्याः वेणी समुद्भाति शृङ्गाररसराजिवत्। रक्तसूत्रेण ग्रथिता तां मुञ्चन्नैव बाधितः॥२४॥
Her braid, woven with a red thread, shone like a streaming line of romantic rasa; yet when he left her, he was not overcome.
Passage 25
पात्रमिव कामस्य समुद्भासितदीधितिः। मुखचन्द्रस्तुतो यस्यास्तां मुञ्चन्नैव बाधितः॥२५॥
Her praised moonlike face radiated as though it were Love’s own treasured vessel; yet when he left her, he was not overcome.
Passage 26
यस्याः सुधासरोद्भूतमृणालसदृशौ भुजौ। राजेते हस्तपद्माभ्यां तां मुञ्चन्नैव बाधितः॥२६॥
Her arms, like lotus fibers rising from a lake of nectar, shone with lotus hands; yet when he left her, he was not overcome.
Passage 27
यस्याः करौ पारिजातलुलत्पल्लवशोभितौ। नैवापगच्छतश्चित्तात् तां मुञ्चन्नैव बाधितः॥२७॥
Her hands, lovely as swaying shoots of the pārijāta tree, never left his mind; yet when he left her, he was not overcome.
Passage 28
यस्याः कनककुम्भाभ्यां कुचाभ्यामुरसः प्रभा। चेतोऽवसायितुं शक्ता तां मुञ्चन्नैव बाधितः॥२८॥
The beauty of her breast, with two golden-vessel-like breasts, could make the mind sink into absorption; yet when he left her, he was not overcome.
Passage 29
यस्याः सुसूक्ष्ममुदरं रोमराजिविराजितम्। समुद्भातितरां चित्ते तां मुञ्चन्नैव बाधितः॥२९॥
Her exceedingly slender abdomen, adorned with a fine line of hair, shone intensely in his heart; yet when he left her, he was not overcome.
Passage 30
यस्याः परमगम्भीरं पीयूषसरसोपमम्। नाभिस्थलं समुद्भाति तां मुञ्चन्नैव बाधितः॥३०॥
Her deep navel shone like a lake of nectar; yet when he left her, he was not overcome.
Passage 31
यस्यास्त्रिवलिशोभाभिः सुधास्रोतांसि संततम्। निर्मीयन्ते विचित्राणि तां मुञ्चन्नैव बाधितः॥३१॥
The beauty of the three folds at her waist seemed continually to create wondrous streams of nectar; yet when he left her, he was not overcome.
Passage 32
यस्याः काञ्चीसनाथाभ्यां नितम्बाभ्यां सुशोभितम्। मध्यस्थलं समुद्भाति तां मुञ्चन्नैव बाधितः॥३२॥
Her middle shone beautifully between hips adorned by a jeweled girdle; yet when he left her, he was not overcome.
Passage 33
करिदन्तावलश्रीभ्यां जितशुण्डासमुच्छ्रये। जेते जघने यस्यास्तां मुञ्चन्नैव बाधितः॥३३॥
Her two thighs triumphed over the lofty trunks of royal elephants in grace; yet when he left her, he was not overcome.
Passage 34
ताम्बूलसंपुटाकारं यस्याः जानु मनोभुवः। नित्यं मादयते चित्तं तां मुञ्चन्नैव बाधितः॥३४॥
Her knees, shaped like elegant betel boxes, continually intoxicated the mind of Love; yet when he left her, he was not overcome.
Passage 35
सुजातपद्मपत्रस्थरक्तिमश्रीहरौ पदौ। यस्याः नित्यं सुशोभेते तां मुञ्चन्नैव बाधितः॥३५॥
Her feet eternally shone, stealing the red beauty resting upon perfectly formed lotus petals; yet when he left her, he was not overcome.
Passage 36
यस्याः गतिः सुमधुरा मरालकुलगञ्जिनी। मनो वशयितुं शक्ता तां मुञ्चन्नैव बाधितः॥३६॥
Her exceedingly sweet gait humbled whole flocks of swans and could subdue the mind; yet when he left her, he was not overcome.
Passage 37
यस्या विग्रहलावण्यं रतिरम्भादिनिर्जयि। चमत्करोति हृदयं तां मुञ्चन्नैव बाधितः॥३७॥
The beauty of her form surpassed Rati, Rambhā, and the rest and filled the heart with wonder; yet when he left her, he was not overcome.
Passage 38
भ्रामयन्ती करे पद्मं मन्दमन्दं च गच्छति। विलासवाटिकामध्ये तां मुञ्चन्नैव बाधितः॥३८॥
Turning a lotus in her hand, she walked slowly through the pleasure garden; yet when he left her, he was not overcome.
Passage 39
रक्तवस्त्रपरीधाना प्रवाललतिकेव या। अकालसंध्यां कुरुते तां मुञ्चन्नैव बाधितः॥३९॥
Dressed in red like a coral creeper, she seemed to create twilight out of time; yet when he left her, he was not overcome.
Passage 40
प्रमोदविपिने क्रीडामध्ये कौतुककारिणी। अग्रणीः सर्वयूथेषु तां मुञ्चन्नैव बाधितः॥४०॥
She created delight amid the games of Pramodavana and led every company; yet when he left her, he was not overcome.
Passage 41
तडिल्लतेव शुशुभे युवतीगणमध्यगा। या प्रमोदारण्यवीथ्यां तां मुञ्चन्नैव बाधितः॥४१॥
Among the young women on the paths of Pramodavana she shone like a streak of lightning; yet when he left her, he was not overcome.
Passage 42
यस्याः कामविलासेन सहजानन्दिनी स्वयम्। अमर्षं कुरुते चित्ते तां मुञ्चन्नैव बाधितः॥४२॥
Her amorous grace made Sahajānandinī herself feel jealousy in her heart; yet when he left her, he was not overcome.
Passage 43
कदाचिद्या स्वयं कृत्वा भण्डितां स्ववपुर्लताम्। मानं जहार कृष्णायास्तां मुञ्चन्नैव बाधितः॥४३॥
Once, having adorned her own vine-like body, she stole away Kṛṣṇā’s proud reserve; yet when he left her, he was not overcome.
Passage 44
अहो अत्यद्भुतं यस्यां सौभाग्यं सुविशेषतः। स्वयं संवर्धितमभूत् तां मुञ्चन्नैव बाधितः॥४४॥
Extraordinary good fortune grew of itself to a remarkable degree in her; yet when he left her, he was not overcome.
Passage 45
अशेषललनामौलिभूता गुणवती तु या। आनन्दमातनोद्भूरि तां मुञ्चन्नैव बाधितः॥४५॥
Virtuous and the crown of all women, she spread immense joy; yet when he left her, he was not overcome.
Passage 46
नित्यं रासविलासादौ विस्फुरन्ती सदैव या। ततान मुदमत्यर्थं तां मुञ्चन्नैव बाधितः॥४६॥
Always radiant at the beginning of rāsa and other pastimes, she expanded immeasurable delight; yet when he left her, he was not overcome.
Passage 47
जनकस्य गृहे या च सखीनामग्रणीः स्वयम्। मनोनुगा श्रीजानक्यास्तां मुञ्चन्नैव बाधितः॥४७॥
In Janaka’s home she was foremost among the companions and followed Śrī Jānakī’s every wish; yet when he left her, he was not overcome.
Passage 48
एकान्ते च समासाद्य प्रियम आनन्दरूपिणम्। चकार सहजाकाय तां मुञ्चन्नैव बाधितः॥४८॥
Meeting the beloved embodiment of bliss in private, she made him favorable to Sahajā; yet when he left her, he was not overcome.
Passage 49
ज्ञात्वापि सहजा यस्याः कौटिल्यं दूत्यमेव च। मुखदाक्षिण्यसंरुद्धा न किंचिद्वदति स्वयं॥४९॥
Although Sahajā knew of her clever intrigue and private role as messenger, she was restrained by the graciousness of her face and said nothing herself.
Passage 50
तेनैव रमते साधु धूर्ता प्रियमनोरमा। एकान्ते च समासाद्य तां मुञ्चन्नैव बाधितः॥५०॥
The charming, artful beloved therefore met him in private and delighted with him perfectly; yet when he left her, he was not overcome. Bhuśuṇḍi said:
Passage 51
कदा खलु मुमोचासौ कौशिकीं दुस्त्यजामपि। एतन्मम विशेषेण विरञ्चे विस्तराद्वद॥५१॥
When did he leave Kauśikī, though she was so impossible to abandon? Brahmā, please explain this to me fully and in detail.
Passage 52
श्रीरामचन्द्रचरितं भरितं गुणौघैः पीयूषमेव मम कर्णपुटद्वयस्य। त्वद्वक्त्रचन्द्रगलितं पिबतां सुराणां नो तृप्तिरुद्भवति किं पुनरेव पद्मयोने॥५२॥
Śrī Rāmacandra’s life, filled with hosts of virtues, is nectar for both my ears. Even the gods who drink it as it flows from the moon of your face never become satisfied—how then could I, lotus-born Lord? Brahmā said:
Passage 53
इदमाख्यानमतुलं भुशुण्ड श्रूयतां त्वया। रहस्यं रामचन्द्रस्य देवस्य सुमहात्मनः॥५३॥
Bhuśuṇḍi, hear this incomparable account, a secret of the greatly exalted Lord Rāmacandra.
Passage 54
यदा गर्भमभूद्देव्याः सीतायाः श्रीशसंगतः। तदा स्वयमुवाचैनां क्रीडाकारणमानुषः॥५४॥
When divine Sītā became pregnant through union with the Lord of Śrī, he who had assumed humanity for the sake of play spoke to her himself. Śrī Rāma said:
Passage 55
कश्चित्तवाभिलाषोऽस्ति जनकेन्द्रस्य नन्दिनि। तमहं पूरयिष्यामि मय्याज्ञापय भामिनि॥५५॥
Daughter of King Janaka, do you have some cherished wish? Beautiful one, tell me; I shall fulfill it. Śrī Sītā said:
Passage 56
इत्युक्ता प्रभुणा देवी जानकी चारुलोचना। उवाच सुमधुरं वाक्यमीषत्स्मितमनोहरा॥५६॥
Addressed in this way by the Lord, lovely-eyed divine Jānakī answered in exceedingly sweet words, beautiful with a gentle smile.
Passage 57
न किंचिद्दुर्लभं नाथ त्रैलोक्यस्थेषु वस्तुषु। यद्यदिच्छामि मनसा तत्सर्वं संस्थितं पुरः॥५७॥
Lord, nothing in the three worlds is difficult for me to obtain. Whatever I desire in my heart already stands before me.
Passage 58
एकस्तु मेऽभिलाषोऽस्ति हृदये बलवत्तरः। अरण्ययात्रासमये मिलिता या मुनिस्त्रियः॥५८॥
Yet one powerful longing remains in my heart. During our forest journey I met the wives of sages,
Passage 59
मुनीनां कन्यकाश्चैव तापस्यो वनवासिनीः। तासां वस्त्राणि भूषाश्च भोगांश्च विविधान् विभो॥५९॥
the sages’ daughters, and women ascetics dwelling in the forest. Lord, I wish to give them garments, ornaments, and many kinds of comforts.
Passage 60
दातुं मया प्रतिज्ञातास्तासामाश्रमवेश्मसु। मण्डनानि विचित्राणि करिष्यामीति निश्चितम्॥६०॥
I promised to give these things in their hermitage homes, firmly resolving to provide them with beautiful adornments.
Passage 61
तासां कुमारिकाणां च कुमाराणां च योगिनाम्। अहमुद्वाहकार्येषु संपदं कर्तुमुत्सुका॥६१॥
I long to supply abundance for the wedding ceremonies of their young women and the young sons of yogis.
Passage 62
दरिद्रा वनवासिन्यस्तापस्यो मुक्तभोगकाः। तासां भोगं प्रदास्यामि भुक्तिभूषाम्बरादिभिः॥६२॥
Those women ascetics are poor forest-dwellers who have renounced enjoyment. I wish nevertheless to offer them food, ornaments, garments, and other comforts.
Passage 63
इति संकल्पितं चित्ते पूर्वमेव मया प्रभो। तं पूरयाभिलाषं मे गर्भवत्या विशेषतः॥६३॥
Lord, I had already formed this resolve in my heart. Now that I am pregnant, I ask you especially to fulfill this longing.
Passage 64
एवं नीत्वा कानिचिद्वासराणि तासां रम्येष्वाश्रमेषूपगत्य। आशीःपूजां तापसीनां गृहीत्वा भूयो यास्यामो ते राजधानीम्॥६४॥
Take me there so that I may spend some days visiting their lovely hermitages. After receiving the ascetics’ blessings and honoring them, we shall return to your capital.
Passage 65
इति श्रुत्वा प्रियावाक्यं रामो विरहकातरः। कष्टेन तामादिदेश तथेति रहसि स्थितः॥६५॥
Hearing his beloved’s words, Rāma grew distressed at the thought of separation. Standing with her in private, he answered with difficulty, “So be it.”
Passage 66
ततः परेद्युः प्रभुणा प्रियायाः कर्तुं पूर्णं तं नियताभिलाषम्। उक्तो भ्राता लक्ष्मणः प्रेषणाय पुण्यस्थानेष्वाश्रमेषु प्रियायाः॥६६॥
The next day, to fulfill his beloved’s settled wish, the Lord instructed his brother Lakṣmaṇa to escort her to the hermitages in those sacred places. Śrī Rāma said:
Passage 67
गच्छ लक्ष्मण पारे त्वं सरय्वाः पुण्यवत्सु वै। तापसीनामाश्रमेषु गृहीत्वा जनकात्मजाम्॥६७॥
Lakṣmaṇa, take Janaka’s daughter across the Sarayū and go to the sacred hermitages of the women ascetics.
Passage 68
तापसीनां पूजनाय गच्छत्येषा तु भामिनी। अस्याः संकल्पितं चित्ते प्रणीय विशेषतः॥६८॥
This beautiful woman goes to honor the ascetics. Carefully carry out the resolve she has formed in her heart.
Passage 69
नीयन्तां पटभूषासंभाराः शकटस्थिताः। अन्ये च विविधा भोगाः कर्पूरसुमनादयः॥६९॥
Let carts carry abundant garments and ornaments, along with many comforts such as camphor, flowers, and other gifts.
Passage 70
भूरिचन्दनसंभाराः स्थाप्यन्तां शकटादिषु। जनकेन्द्रसुता देवी यदाज्ञापयति स्वयम्॥७०॥
Load the carts with plentiful sandalwood and everything else divine Janaka’s daughter personally requests.
Passage 71
तत्सर्वं क्रियतां भूरि तापसीनां सुखावहम्। ताः सर्वाः शश्वदामन्त्र्य देवी पूजयतु स्वयम्॥७१॥
Provide all that brings abundant happiness to the ascetics. Let the divine lady invite each of them and personally offer worship.
Passage 72
तासामाश्रमदेशेषु यात्वेषा पूजनोत्सुका। दंपतींस्तान् समापूज्य भवत्वाप्तमनोरथा॥७२॥
Eager to worship, let her visit their hermitage regions, honor the ascetic couples, and fulfill her heart’s desire.
Passage 73
इत्याज्ञा विद्यते भ्रातर्जानक्यास्तत्तथास्तु वै। भवानिदं साधयतु प्रजावत्या मनोरथम्॥७३॥
Brother, this is Jānakī’s wish; let it be exactly so. Fulfill the longing of the mother-to-be.
Passage 74
एषा हि वनवासान्तस्तापसीस्तपसि स्थिताः। तत्कन्यकाः कुमारांश्च नित्यं भोगविवर्जितान्॥७४॥
During our forest residence she saw women established in austerity, their daughters, and young sons, all continually without material comforts.
Passage 75
वीक्ष्य जाता सकरुणा तेन संकल्पितं हृदि। एताः संपूजयिष्यामि प्राप्तराज्ये प्रभावहम्॥७५॥
Seeing them, she became compassionate and resolved in her heart: “When we gain the kingdom, I shall honor them magnificently.”
Passage 76
ततस्तु त्वरितं कार्यं चित्ताभिलषितं व्रतम्। गर्भवत्या मनःकामः प्रणीयो विशेषतः॥७६॥
Therefore this heart-desired vow must be completed quickly. A pregnant woman’s longing especially must be brought to fulfillment.
Passage 77
अन्यथा तु कृते भ्रातर्भाविनी संततिः स्त्रियाः। यावज्जन्माभिलाषेण ग्रस्ता स्यान्नात्र संशयः॥७७॥
Otherwise, brother, the woman’s future child would remain afflicted by that unfulfilled longing throughout life; there is no doubt.
Passage 78
तत्रैनां खलु संस्थाप्य दासदासीसखीजनैः। तूर्णमागम्यतां भ्रातर्मत्पार्श्वे प्रीतिपूर्वकम्॥७८॥
Settle her there with servants, attendants, and companions; then, brother, return quickly and gladly to my side. Brahmā said:
Passage 79
इति भ्रातुर्निदेशेन लक्ष्मणो विहिताञ्जलिः। सूदं धृत्वा तदाज्ञामादाय तस्थौ गन्तुं तदाश्रमान्॥७९॥
Receiving his brother’s command, Lakṣmaṇa joined his palms, summoned the charioteer, accepted the order, and prepared to leave for those hermitages.
Passage 80
तदैव त्वरितं वीरो लक्ष्मणः प्राणवत्प्रभोः। संपाद्याखिलसामग्रीः शकटैर्भारवाहकैः॥८०॥
That very day heroic Lakṣmaṇa, who cherished the Lord like his own life, quickly assembled every provision with carts and carriers.
Passage 81
अक्षय्यपटभूषान्ननानाभोगरसादिभिः। संभृत्य शकटांस्तूर्णं नानोपायनराशिभिः॥८१॥
He rapidly filled the carts with inexhaustible stores of cloth, ornaments, food, varied delicacies, and heaps of many gifts.
Passage 82
गृहीत्वा भ्रातृजायां तां मणिकाञ्चनमण्डिते। स्थितां महारथे देवीमनयत्तापसीगृहान्॥८२॥
He placed his brother’s divine wife in a great chariot adorned with gems and gold and conveyed her to the ascetics’ dwellings.
Passage 83
सरय्वा अपरे पारे उटजाश्रममण्डले। संस्थाप्य मुनिपत्नीनां पार्श्वे जनकनन्दिनीम्॥८३॥
Across the Sarayū, within a circle of hermitage cottages, he settled Janaka’s daughter beside the sages’ wives.
Passage 84
उवाच लक्ष्मणो भूयः सिद्धकामां प्रजावतीम्। अत्र त्वं तापसीनां वै कुरु पूजां दिने दिने॥८४॥
Lakṣmaṇa then said to the expectant mother whose wish was ready for fulfillment: “Remain here and honor the women ascetics day after day.
Passage 85
यथाभिलषितैरर्थैः पटभूषासनादिभिः। भोगैश्च विविधै रत्नैरक्षय्यैर्भूरिसंभृतैः॥८५॥
Give them whatever they desire—cloth, ornaments, seats, many comforts, and abundant inexhaustible jewels.
Passage 86
तव संकल्पसिद्ध्यर्थं प्रभुणा प्रतिपादितैः। अलभ्यैरपि सामर्थ्यात् संचितैर्भूरिवस्तुभिः॥८६॥
The Lord has supplied many things otherwise impossible to obtain, gathered by his power so that your resolve may be fulfilled.
Passage 87
अनुज्ञां देहि मे देवि गच्छाम्यार्यस्य संनिधौ। कृतकार्या पुनस्त्वां हि नेष्यामि नगरीं प्रति॥८७॥
Divine lady, grant me leave to return to my noble brother. When your purpose is accomplished, I shall take you back to the city.” Brahmā said:
Passage 88
ततश्चाज्ञापितो देव्या जानक्या लक्ष्मणः स्वयम्। नत्वा तस्याः पदाम्भोजे ह्यभिवाद्य मुनीश्वरान्॥८८॥
Jānakī then granted Lakṣmaṇa permission. He bowed at her lotus feet and saluted the sage-lords.
Passage 89
तापसीश्च प्रणम्यासौ ताभ्यो देवीं प्रदाय च। रथेन तूर्णवेगेन आजगाम पुरीं प्रति॥८९॥
He bowed to the women ascetics, entrusted the divine lady to them, and returned toward the city in a swiftly moving chariot.
Passage 90
सा तत्र पुण्येषु तपोवनानां रम्येषु चैवाश्रममण्डलेषु। सुच्छायपुण्यद्रुमशोभितेषु कुरङ्गपोतैः परिशीलितेषु॥९०॥
She remained among sacred forest hermitages, in beautiful circles of retreats adorned by holy shade trees and frequented by young deer.
Passage 91
अनेकशाखामृगसेवितेषु कूजद्विहङ्गव्रजनादितेषु। सुशीतलैः सारवतोयसङ्गान्मन्दानिलैः संततसेवितेषु॥९१॥
Many monkeys moved among their branches, and flocks of calling birds filled them with sound. Gentle breezes, cooled by contact with pure water, constantly served those retreats.
Passage 92
स्वाध्यायमुच्चैः पठतां मुनीनां घोषेण रात्रिंदिवमावृतेषु। नादेन शश्वच्छुकसारिकाणां वेदाक्षरोल्लापव्रतान्वितेषु॥९२॥
Day and night they resounded with sages loudly reciting sacred study and with parrots and mynas continually uttering syllables of the Veda as though under a vow.
Passage 93
निरन्तरं वर्तितदीर्घसंस्थैर्महामखैः सत्रगणैश्च मुख्यैः। सौम्यैस्त्रिकर्माकुलऋत्विगादिगणैः कृतैः स्वस्वगतक्रियेषु॥९३॥
Long sacrificial sessions and eminent assemblies continued without break, performed by serene groups of officiants absorbed in their respective threefold ritual duties.
Passage 94
सारैः समुच्चारितयाज्यामहे श्रौषड्वषड्वौषडादिस्वरैश्च। महेन्द्रमामन्त्रयतां मुनीनां ब्रह्मण्यघोषैः स्वरितोच्चस्वरेषु॥९४॥
Clear ritual calls—“we sacrifice,” “śrauṣaṭ,” “vaṣaṭ,” “vauṣaṭ,” and others— rang out in high accents as sages invoked Mahendra with sacred voices.
Passage 95
स्वच्छस्फुरत्पुष्करिणीजलान्तःसमुल्लसत्पद्मसमूहसौरभैः। सुगन्धिताशेषसरित्तटेषु हुताज्यगन्धैश्च समन्ततो वै॥९५॥
The fragrance of masses of lotuses blooming in clear, sparkling pools perfumed all the riverbanks, mingling everywhere with the scent of offered ghee.
Passage 96
मनोहरैः फलितैः पुष्पवद्भिः सपल्लवच्छायततैरनोकहैः। मुनीन्द्रकन्याकरसिक्तबाहैः समन्ततश्चीतपयन्तकेषु॥९६॥
Lovely trees laden with fruit, flowers, fresh shoots, and spreading shade stood everywhere, their branches watered by the hands of the sages’ daughters and cooling the grounds around them.
Passage 97
इतस्ततो वीक्ष्यमाणा सखीभिः साकं सुरुच्या परितः पर्यटन्ती। राजेन्द्रपुत्री हृदये प्रसन्ना बभूव भूयः समवाप तुष्टिम्॥९७॥
Looking here and there as she wandered pleasantly with her companions, the king’s daughter became serene at heart and found deep satisfaction.
Passage 98
सा संगता तापसीभिः समन्तात् संमानिता संस्तुता पूजिता च। श्रीरामपत्नी मुमुदे विशेषात् कृतातिथ्या तद्दिने ताभिरेव॥९८॥
The women ascetics gathered around Śrī Rāma’s wife, honored, praised, and worshiped her, and offered hospitality that day; she rejoiced greatly.
Passage 99
ऊचुश्चैनां मुनिदाराः समन्तादातिथ्यान्ते स्वागतादीन् विधाय। भक्त्या नतां राजराजेन्द्रपत्नीं सत्कृत्य चात्यन्तमनोज्ञया गिरा॥९९॥
After completing the welcome and other courtesies, the sages’ wives surrounded the queen of the king of kings. Bowing with devotion, they honored her and spoke in exceedingly beautiful words. The sages’ wives said:
Passage 100
अहो अतीव धन्यासि जनकेन्द्रस्य नन्दिनि। अत्युदारचरित्रासि विश्वतः पावनैर्गुणैः॥१००॥
O daughter of King Janaka, you are supremely blessed. Your conduct is most noble, and your virtues purify the universe.
Passage 101
तवैव पातिव्रत्येन सुभगाः सकला वयम्। मण्डितं भुवनं सर्वं स्त्रीकुलं च विशेषतः॥१०१॥
Through your fidelity to your husband, all of us women are blessed. The whole world, and womanhood especially, is adorned by you.
Passage 102
चिरं जीवतु ते स्वामी शश्वद्दशरथात्मजः। तव सौभाग्यपुण्येन विश्वभूषणकारिणा॥१०२॥
By the sacred fortune through which you adorn the universe, may your husband, Daśaratha’s son, live forever and long.
Passage 103
अवाप्नुहि परां लक्ष्मीं त्वं च लक्ष्मी रघोः कुले। रघोर्निमेश्च वंशस्य भूषारूपासि जानकि॥१०३॥
Attain supreme prosperity, for you are Lakṣmī in Raghu’s line. Jānakī, you are the very ornament of both Raghu’s and Nimi’s dynasties.
Passage 104
अतिसम्यक् कृतं देवि भवत्या भव्यरूपया। आश्रमान् समुपेयुष्या वयं सर्वाः कृतार्थिताः॥१०४॥
Divine and auspicious lady, you have done perfectly in coming to these hermitages. All of us have thereby attained life’s purpose.
Passage 105
कस्य न स्पृहणीयासि सत्त्वेन च गुणेन च। सफले नयने तस्या या त्वां देवि विलोकयेत्॥१०५॥
Who would not long for your strength of character and virtue? The eyes of the woman who beholds you, divine lady, are truly fruitful.
Passage 106
अहो अत्यद्भुततमं शीलं ते वरवर्णिनि। पतिव्रतानां सर्वासां शीलनीयमिदं सदा॥१०६॥
Fair-complexioned lady, your character is extraordinarily wonderful and should always be cultivated by every faithful wife.
Passage 107
पत्या साकं यदा दृष्टा पुरा वननिषेवणे। तदावधि महोत्कण्ठा वर्धतेऽस्माकमुत्तमे॥१०७॥
Excellent lady, ever since we saw you long ago serving the forest beside your husband, our intense longing to see you again has grown.
Passage 108
चिराद्दृष्टासि भाग्येन देवि त्वं नो विलोचनैः। अद्य नः सफलं जन्म त्वत्समागममोदतः॥१०८॥
Through good fortune our eyes behold you again after a long time. Our birth is fulfilled today by the joy of meeting you.
Passage 109
तापस्योऽपि वयं नाम त्वया देवि वशीकृताः। निःस्पृहाः सकले लोके त्वामेकां स्पृहयामहे॥१०९॥
Though we are called women ascetics and remain without desire for the entire world, you have captivated us, divine lady; we long for you alone.
Passage 110
तव पुण्यकथाश्चित्रा विश्वतः पावयन्ति नः। तापसीरपि चात्यर्थं तव पत्युर्महात्मनः॥११०॥
The wondrous sacred stories of you and your great husband purify us women ascetics completely in every direction.
Passage 111
युवयोः पुण्यवृत्तेन वेदगीतेन जानकि। पूतं पावयितव्यं च त्रैलोक्यमपि चाखिलम्॥१११॥
Jānakī, the sacred conduct of you both, sung by the Vedas, has purified and will continue to purify all three worlds.
Passage 112
यथा पुनाति त्रैलोक्यं विष्णुपादोद्भवा सरित्। सदैव युवयोः पुण्यश्लोकामृततरङ्गिणी॥११२॥
Just as the river born from Viṣṇu’s foot purifies the three worlds, so does the ever-flowing nectar-river of sacred verses about you both.
Passage 113
निगूढं चरितं देवि भवत्या विश्वपावनम्। यस्य कर्णपथं नैति तस्य जन्म निरर्थकम्॥११३॥
Divine lady, your hidden life sanctifies the universe. The birth of one whose ears it never reaches is fruitless.
Passage 114
दिष्ट्या हतः स पापोऽद्य तव पत्या महात्मना। जगद्विद्रावणकरो रावणस्तपसोजितः॥११४॥
By good fortune your great husband destroyed sinful Rāvaṇa, who had conquered through austerity and made the world flee in terror.
Passage 115
तव शीलेन वृत्तेन हतः स हि खलाग्रणीः। जगद्दुरितरूपात्मा रावणः सकुटुम्बकः॥११५॥
Through your character and conduct, that leader of the wicked—Rāvaṇa, embodiment of the world’s evil—was destroyed with his whole household.
Passage 116
अद्य देवि प्रजाः सर्वा मोदन्ते सुकृतैस्तव। विदधत्याशिषः पूर्णास्ताभिस्त्वं सुखिनी भव॥११६॥
Today all people rejoice through your meritorious deeds, divine lady, and offer complete blessings. Through them, may you be happy.
Passage 117
सुराङ्गनाभिस्त्रिदशापगायास्तीरेषु कल्पद्रुमसंवृतेषु। पुण्यानि रुच्यानि गिरां फलानि गीयन्त उच्चैर्ननु ते यशांसि॥११७॥
On the wish-fulfilling-tree-lined banks of the celestial Gaṅgā, divine women sing your sacred, delightful glories aloud as the finest fruits of speech.
Passage 118
पुण्येषु तीर्थेषु च तापसानां शुभाश्रमेषु त्वरितस्वरेण। गायन्त्य उच्चैर्मुनिकन्यकास्त्वां तुष्यन्ति कीर्तिव्रजगूढमूर्तिम्॥११८॥
At holy bathing places and auspicious ascetic hermitages, sages’ daughters sing of you in eager, elevated voices, delighting in your form concealed within a host of glories.
Passage 119
अत्युदारगुणा लक्ष्मीर्यथा वैकुण्ठवासिनी। तथा त्वमनवद्याङ्गि साकेतपुरवासिनी॥११९॥
Faultless-limbed lady, you dwell in Sāketa just as Lakṣmī of supremely noble virtues dwells in Vaikuṇṭha.
Passage 120
अथात्र नः सुपुण्येष्वाश्रमेषु विनोदिनी। यावद्गर्भप्रसवनं चिरं तिष्ठ पतिव्रते॥१२०॥
Faithful wife, remain here happily in our sacred hermitages until you deliver your child.
Passage 121
गर्भिणीनां खलु मनो वनश्रीदर्शनोत्सुकम्। इह स्थित्वा प्रजायेथाः संततिं वीर्यवत्तराम्॥१२१॥
A pregnant woman’s mind naturally longs to see the forest’s beauty. Stay here and give birth to a child of immense valor.
Passage 122
अवाप्स्यसि महाभाग्येन रघुवंशदिवामणेः। तया त्वं प्रजया देवि नृपं संतोषय ध्रुवम्॥१२२॥
Through the immense fortune of the sun of Raghu’s line, you will obtain such a child. Divine lady, surely you will delight the king with that offspring.
Passage 123
यथा दशरथो राजा रामादेः पुत्रवत्तमः। तथा श्रीरामचन्द्रोऽपि भूयाद्वै पुत्रवत्तमः॥१२३॥
As King Daśaratha was supremely blessed with sons headed by Rāma, may Śrī Rāmacandra likewise be supremely blessed with sons.
Passage 124
रघोः कुलस्वभावोऽयं वर्णितो विदुषां गणैः। लुम्पन्ति कीर्तिं पूर्वेषां जाता जाता गुणोत्तराः॥१२४॥
Learned assemblies describe this as the nature of Raghu’s line: each generation is born with still greater virtue and eclipses the fame of those before it.
Passage 125
इति ताभिः स्तुता देवी वचनैः सत्यसुन्दरैः। प्रत्युवाच विशालाक्षी स्मयमानमुखाम्बुजा॥१२५॥
Praised by their truthful and beautiful words, the wide-eyed divine lady replied, her lotus face smiling. Śrī Jānakī said:
Passage 126
इयं हि भवतीनां वै तपसः सिद्धिरद्भुता। यतः शुभफलोदर्कः सर्वलोकविलक्षणः॥१२६॥
Your attainment through austerity is truly wondrous, for its excellent final fruit is unlike anything in all the worlds.
Passage 127
अस्माकमेतदेवोच्चैर्धनं राज्यपदस्पृशाम्। भवतीनां तापसीनां यत्तपः समुपार्जितम्॥१२७॥
For us who touch the station of royalty, the greatest wealth is the austerity accumulated by women ascetics such as you.
Passage 128
वयं गार्हस्थ्यचिन्ताभिः संततं क्लिष्टमानसाः। तत्रापि भवतीनां वै दर्शनं सुकृतं परम्॥१२८॥
Our minds are continually wearied by household concerns. Amid them, beholding you is supreme merit.
Passage 129
एतच्च परमं पुण्यं भवतीभिर्निरूपितम्। स्वाश्रितानां यदस्माकमुत्कर्षोऽस्ति स एव च॥१२९॥
You have described this as great holiness, yet whatever excellence exists in us who seek refuge is itself due to you.
Passage 130
वृथा जनुर्याति गृहस्थितानां गार्हस्थ्यचिन्तापरिशीलनेन। तत्रापि यस्मिन् भवतीषु संगः स एव कालः सुकृतेन पूर्णः॥१३०॥
The life of those remaining at home passes fruitlessly in repeated household concerns. Only the time spent in your company is filled with merit.
Passage 131
क्व नः सदा गृह्यकृत्याकुलानां युष्माभिः स्यात्तापसीभिः प्रसङ्गः। तपोनुरागेण तृणीकृतोच्चैर्महेन्द्रलक्ष्मीसुखसंपदाभिः॥१३१॥
How could we, always absorbed in household duties, otherwise gain the company of women ascetics who through love of austerity regard even Indra’s exalted prosperity and pleasure as straw?
Passage 132
इति विज्ञाय तापस्यो युष्माकं दर्शनं मया। प्रार्थितं स्वामिने गत्वा पुण्यमाश्रममण्डलीम्॥१३२॥
Understanding this, I asked my Lord for the blessing of seeing you and came to this sacred circle of hermitages.
Passage 133
एतद्दुर्लभमस्माकं भवतीनां विलोकनम्। सर्वार्थसमवेतानां साक्षादिव तपःश्रियाम्॥१३३॥
To behold you—endowed with every true good and resembling the embodied wealth of austerity—is rare for us.
Passage 134
भाग्येन दर्शनं याता भवत्यः पुण्यमूर्तयः। द्रष्टुं योग्याः क्व नोऽस्माकं साक्षादिव तपःश्रियः॥१३४॥
Through fortune you embodiments of holiness have entered our sight. How could people such as us be fit to behold you, who are austerity’s splendor itself?
Passage 135
इति ताः परितः स्तुत्वा मुनीनां धर्मचारिणीः। जानकी तोषयामास व्यक्तं सूनृतया गिरा॥१३५॥
Thus Jānakī praised all those wives of sages who followed dharma and clearly delighted them with truthful, gentle speech.
Passage 136
अन्योन्यं ताभिरालप्य राघवेन्द्रकुलेन्दिरा। पूजयामास विधिवदुपचारैरुदाहृतैः॥१३६॥
After speaking affectionately with them, the Lakṣmī of Rāghavendra’s line worshiped them properly with the prescribed offerings.
Passage 137
आसनैर्भूषणैर्वस्त्रैर्मणिकाञ्चनराशिभिः। महार्हाभिश्च मालाभिर्हारावलिभिरुच्चकैः॥१३७॥
She gave seats, ornaments, garments, heaps of gems and gold, priceless garlands, and splendid rows of necklaces.
Passage 138
स्वयं च परिधानार्हैः सुगन्धाम्बरभूषणैः। देश्यैः सुजातिसंपन्नैरानीतैः पत्युराज्ञया॥१३८॥
At her husband’s command, excellent locally made fragrant garments and ornaments had been brought for the women to wear personally.
Passage 139
तासामाश्रमसद्मानि छादितानि समन्ततः। वासोभिः कान्तिसंपन्नैः काञ्चनोद्योतशालिभिः॥१३९॥
Their hermitage dwellings were covered on every side with radiant cloth that shone like gold.
Passage 140
तोरणानि निबद्धानि द्वारेष्वाश्रमसद्मनाम्। मणिकाञ्चनमालाभिरुद्गतामलकान्तिभिः॥१४०॥
At the doors of the hermitage homes, arches were hung with garlands of gems and gold whose stainless radiance streamed upward.
Passage 141
उटजेषु मुनीन्द्राणां रोपिता विपुलध्वजाः। फलिता इव रत्नौघैः पर्णशालाः समन्ततः॥१४१॥
Great banners were raised upon the sage-lords’ cottages, and the leaf huts appeared to bear masses of jewels as fruit.
Passage 142
बलिभिर्धूपदीपैश्च रत्नकुम्भैः फलान्वितैः। पूर्णावशुद्धतोयेन शातकौम्भाम्बरावृतैः॥१४२॥
Offerings, incense, lamps, and jeweled pots filled with pure water and fruit, wrapped in golden cloth, adorned the grounds.
Passage 143
पञ्चरत्नाभ्युपेतैश्च सकाञ्चनशरावकैः। कदलीस्तम्भरोपैश्च लसत्पल्लववल्लिभिः॥१४३॥
There were golden dishes set with five gems, planted banana-pillars, and creepers gleaming with fresh shoots.
Passage 144
रचितैः पर्णशालायां द्वारेषु विपुलाः श्रियः। अमरावती भोगवती वासीदाश्रममण्डली॥१४४॥
Such abundant splendor arranged at the leaf huts’ doors made the circle of hermitages resemble Amarāvatī or Bhogavatī.
Passage 145
स्वेतः कान्तिसंपन्ना सर्वतो भोगसंयुता। राघवेन्द्रपुरश्रीश्च तत्राविरभवत्तदा॥१४५॥
Radiance and every comfort appeared everywhere; the splendor of Rāghavendra’s city manifested there at that time.
Passage 146
भोजिता परमान्नेन मुनयो मुनिकन्यकाः। मुनीनां धर्मपत्न्यश्च तथा तेषां कुमारकाः॥१४६॥
The sages, their daughters, their dharma-wives, and their young sons were fed with the finest food.
Passage 147
तथान्तेवासिनस्तेषां पटभूषणसत्कृताः। भोजिता विविधैरन्नैः स्वादुसंतुष्टिकारकैः॥१४७॥
Their resident students were honored with cloth and ornaments and fed many sweet and satisfying foods.
Passage 148
उटजावलिमार्गेषु घुसृणैश्चन्दनैस्तथा। कर्पूरैरप्यगुरुभिस्तथा मृगमदादिभिः॥१४८॥
Along the paths between rows of cottages were saffron, sandalwood, camphor, aloeswood, musk, and other fragrances.
Passage 149
द्रवीकृतैरभूत् सेको मूलेष्वाश्रमशाखिनाम्। इतस्ततः सौरभौघैर्व्यापिताः सकला दिशः॥१४९॥
These were liquefied and poured at the roots of the hermitage trees, and floods of fragrance filled every direction.
Passage 150
मृगाः शाखामृगाश्चैव येऽन्येऽत्राश्रमवासिनः। शुकसारिकाप्रभृतयस्तथैवोच्चावचाः खगाः॥१५०॥
Deer, monkeys, other hermitage animals, parrots, mynas, and birds of every kind were remembered as residents too.
Passage 151
भोजिता विविधैरन्नैः पशवः पक्षिणस्तथा। धेनवश्च विशेषेण मुनीनां होमसाधनाः॥१५१॥
The animals and birds were fed many foods, and special care was given to the sages’ cows that supplied their fire offerings.
Passage 152
अलङ्कृताः शुभैर्वस्त्रभूषणैर्मणिकाञ्चनैः। भोजिता विपुलैरन्नैः सवत्सा विपुलोधसः॥१५२॥
The broad-uddered cows and their calves were decorated with auspicious cloth, ornaments, gems, and gold and fed abundant food.
Passage 153
वत्साश्च वत्सतर्यश्च वृषाश्च शुभदर्शनाः। पूजिता गन्धमाल्याद्यैः पट काञ्चनभूषणैः॥१५३॥
Calves, heifers, and handsome bulls were honored with fragrances, garlands, cloth, and golden ornaments.
Passage 154
भोजिताश्च विशेषेण मिष्टान्नयवसादिभिः। शृङ्गाण्यलङ्कृतान्युच्चैः पुष्पमालाकदम्बकैः॥१५४॥
They were specially fed sweet foods and fodder, and their horns were richly adorned with clusters of flower garlands.
Passage 155
इत्थं प्रतिदिनं तत्र तासामाश्रममण्डले। पूजां विदधती देवी न्यवसज्जनकात्मजा॥१५५॥
In this way divine Janaka’s daughter lived in the circle of their hermitages, offering honor each day.
Passage 156
धर्मार्जनपरा देवी तापसीनां तपोवने। सानुरागमना जाता त्यक्तग्रामजनस्थितिः॥१५६॥
Devoted to gathering merit in the ascetics’ forest, the divine lady became deeply affectionate and left behind the ways of city society.
Passage 157
तासां पुत्रेषु पौत्रेषु स्निग्धचित्ता हरेर्वधूः। चलितुं नाशकत्तस्मात् स्थानाद्राजेन्द्रकन्यका॥१५७॥
Hari’s bride grew tenderhearted toward their sons and grandsons; the king’s daughter could not bring herself to leave that place.
Passage 158
तपस्विनां संपठतां स्वाध्यायं श्रुतिसुन्दरम्। कुर्वतां ब्रह्मकर्माणि यजतां प्रतिवासरम्॥१५८॥
She watched the ascetics beautifully reciting revealed scripture, performing sacred duties, and sacrificing every day.
Passage 159
अनवद्यां स्थितिं वीक्ष्य मुमुदे जानकी वने। स्वच्छतोयेषु पुण्येषु तीर्थेषु च तपस्विनाम्॥१५९॥
Seeing their faultless way of life in the forest, Jānakī rejoiced amid the ascetics’ holy bathing places of clear water.
Passage 160
स्नान्ती प्रतिदिनं देवी पूजयन्ती च तापसीः। बहूनि वासराण्यत्र निवसन्ती निनाय सा॥१६०॥
Bathing each day and honoring the women ascetics, the divine lady passed many days living there.
Passage 161
सकुटुम्बतापसीनां मण्डलेषु निवासिनी। तासां हृदयरागस्य पात्रमत्र बभूव सा॥१६१॥
Living amid the circles of ascetic families, she became the chosen object of their hearts’ affection.
Passage 162
प्रियस्य विरहेऽप्येषा तपस्विवनवासतः। अनुद्विग्नमना देवी चिरमाप सुनिर्वृतिम्॥१६२॥
Despite separation from her beloved, life in the ascetics’ forest kept the divine lady’s mind undisturbed, and for a long time she found deep contentment.
Passage 163
रामोऽप्यस्या मनोवृत्तिमाश्रमेषु तपस्विनाम्। सुप्रसन्नतमां वीक्ष्य प्रेषयामास नानुजम्॥१६३॥
Rāma saw that her mind was supremely content in the ascetics’ hermitages and did not send his younger brother for her.
Passage 164
कानिचिद्दिवसान्युच्चैस्तत्रैव वसतु प्रिया। इति न प्रेषयामास नेतुं लक्ष्मणमीश्वरः॥१६४॥
“Let my beloved remain there happily for some days.” Thinking thus, the Lord did not send Lakṣmaṇa to bring her back.
Passage 165
कदाचिदनवद्याङ्गी तिष्ठन्ती सा तपोवने। कस्याश्चिदपि तापस्या मुखाच्छुश्राव जल्पितम्॥१६५॥
One day, while faultless-limbed Sītā remained in the ascetic forest, she heard a remark from the mouth of one woman ascetic. The woman ascetic said:
Passage 166
अहो राघववर्येण रामचन्द्रेण जानकि। ननु त्वं संपरित्यक्ता यतो नाकारयत्यसौ॥१६६॥
Jānakī, surely noble Rāmacandra has abandoned you; otherwise why has he not called you back?
Passage 167
एवं हि श्रूयते शब्दो नित्यं साकेतवासिनाम्। रावणस्य गृहे वासात् त्यक्ता रामेण जानकी॥१६७॥
This report is constantly heard among Sāketa’s residents: “Because she lived in Rāvaṇa’s house, Rāma has rejected Jānakī.”
Passage 168
सभास्थितेन प्रभुणा पृष्टः कोऽपि विदूषकः। इत्युवाच प्रभुं धृष्टो जनतामुखजल्पितम्॥१६८॥
While the Lord sat in the assembly he questioned a certain jester, and the bold man told him what the people were saying.
Passage 169
असाधु साधु वा लोकः किं नो वदति संसृतौ। इति पृष्टो मुहुर्देवं प्रत्युवाच विदूषकः॥१६९॥
The Lord repeatedly asked him, “What do the people say of us in the world, whether good or bad?” The jester replied:
Passage 170
सर्वं खलु भवद्वृत्तं लोकः साध्विति जल्पति। एकमेव चरित्रं ते मन्यतेऽनुचितं जनः॥१७०॥
“The people praise all your conduct as righteous. They regard only one action of yours as improper.
Passage 171
अतः परं जगत्यस्मिन् दुष्टामपि निजां स्त्रियम्। न कोऽपि त्यक्ष्यति जनो रामं कृत्वा निदर्शनम्॥१७१॥
“From now on no man in this world will reject even an unfaithful wife, for he will cite Rāma as his example.
Passage 172
परपुरुषकरेण स्पृष्टगात्रा निजांसं मदनशरवशेनारोप्य नीता निकेतम्। अपि बहुदिवसौघं तत्र सा जातवासा जनकनृपतिपुत्री स्वामिना संगृहीता॥१७२॥
“Another man touched her body, lifted her upon his shoulder under the power of desire’s arrows, and carried her to his home. Although King Janaka’s daughter lived there for many days, her husband accepted her again.
Passage 173
इति स्त्रीणामसाध्वीनां भविष्यत्यवलम्बनम्। भर्त्रा चेत्त्यज्यते तर्हि वदेद्रामं निदर्शनम्॥१७३॥
“This will become the support of unfaithful women: if a husband rejects one, she will point to Rāma as her precedent.
Passage 174
उपस्थितोऽयं जगति महान् धर्मस्य विप्लवः। स्त्रीणां स्वातन्त्र्यकरणे मूलमन्त्र इवोद्गतः॥१७४॥
“A great overthrow of dharma has thus arisen in the world, like a root-mantra for making women independent of restraint.
Passage 175
इति जल्पति लोकोऽयं द्वारि द्वारि गृहे गृहे। साकूतं सोपहासं च तेन क्लिश्यन्ति साधवः॥१७५॥
“People speak this at every door and in every house, suggestively and with mockery, and the righteous are distressed by it.”
Passage 176
इत्थं जजल्प रामेण मुहुः पृष्टो विदूषकः। तच्छ्रुत्वा रघुवीरस्य प्रियात्यागोन्मुखं मनः॥१७६॥
Thus the jester spoke when repeatedly questioned by Rāma. Hearing it, the hero of the Raghus inclined his mind toward separation from his beloved.
Passage 177
इति तस्याः समाकर्ण्य वाक्यं जनकनन्दिनी। निश्चिकाय स्वमानेतुमनागमनकारणम्॥१७७॥
Hearing the ascetic woman’s words, Janaka’s daughter understood why no one had come to bring her home.
Passage 178
अतिसंतप्तहृदया देवी प्रियचरित्रके। ज्ञात्वा व्याकुलचित्ता सा रुरोद करुणायुतम्॥१७८॥
Learning what her beloved had done, the divine lady’s heart burned intensely. Distraught, she wept in profound sorrow. Jānakī said:
Passage 179
अहो किमेतदधुना निरागसि कृतं मयि। स्वप्नेऽपि नानुपश्यामि व्यभिचारमहं क्वचित्॥१७९॥
Why has this now been done to me, though I am innocent? Even in a dream I have never seen the slightest unfaithfulness in myself.
Passage 180
अप्युक्तं वीतिहोत्रेण साक्षाद्भगवता स्वयम्। सर्वैरपि सुरैस्तद्वद्गिरा च व्योमसंस्थया॥१८०॥
The divine Fire himself testified directly, as did all the gods and a voice from the sky.
Passage 181
तथा समस्तैर्मुनिभिस्तदा शपथपूर्वकम्। अहं च भगवत्यग्नौ साक्षाद्वैश्वानरेऽर्चिषि॥१८१॥
All the sages likewise testified under oath. I myself entered the flame of divine Vaiśvānara Fire.
Passage 182
शोधयित्वा स्वमात्मानं निर्गता वीतकल्मषा। सर्वं विस्मृतवानेष प्रभुरद्य रघूत्तमः॥१८२॥
Purified in my own person, I emerged entirely stainless. Today this Lord, best of the Raghus, has forgotten it all.
Passage 183
अहो असह्यं हृदयस्य जातं प्रियस्य वृत्तं किमिदं ह्यकस्मात्। येनाहमद्धा मदसून् विहाय प्रवेष्टुमर्हा ननु पावकान्तः॥१८३॥
This sudden conduct of my beloved has become unbearable to my heart. Surely I should abandon my life and enter the fire outright.
Passage 184
किं नु कुर्वे गर्भवती प्रविशेयं शुचौ कथम्। कथं वा जीवितं तावद्धारयिष्याम्यहं खलु॥१८४॥
But what can I do while pregnant? How could I enter the purifying fire, and how can I sustain life until the child is born?
Passage 185
स सर्वं कर्तुमर्होऽस्ति देवः श्रीरघुनन्दनः। नाहं किमपि वै कर्तुं शक्ता दुर्दैववश्यगा॥१८५॥
Divine Śrī Raghunandana is entitled to do anything; governed by cruel fate, I have no power to act at all.
Passage 186
स तादृक्प्रणयस्तस्य तानि वृत्तानि ते गुणाः। सर्वमेकपदे जातं मयि दुर्दैवमोदृशम्॥१८६॥
His extraordinary love, all those deeds, and those virtues have in a single instant become this terrible fate for me.
Passage 187
अथवा पुरुषा नाम स्वभावेनैव निष्ठुराः। भवन्तीति स्फुटं मन्ये जानकी विधिना हता॥१८७॥
Or perhaps men are harsh by their very nature. I, Jānakī, struck down by fate, now understand this clearly.
Passage 188
इत्यादि विलपन्त्येषा तत्क्षणाज्जातदुर्गतिः। वाल्मीकिना समाश्वस्ता रुदती साश्रुलोचना॥१८८॥
As she lamented in this way and instantly fell into misery, tearful and weeping, Vālmīki consoled her. Vālmīki said:
Passage 189
मा रोदीः करुणं वत्से जनकेन्द्रस्य नन्दिनि। प्रभुरेष स्वयं रामो वृत्तं जानाति तावकम्॥१८९॥
Do not weep so bitterly, child, daughter of King Janaka. Lord Rāma himself knows your true conduct.
Passage 190
न विजानाति लोकोऽयं दुर्दान्तो देववञ्चितः। रामस्तु केवलं लोकमुपासीनोऽस्ति संप्रति॥१९०॥
This unruly world, deceived by divine power, does not know it. At present Rāma is simply attending to the demands of the people.
Passage 191
न कदापि च देवेशो भवतीं त्यक्ष्यति प्रियाम्। अलं विलप्य करुणं भवत्या स्थीयतां सुखम्॥१९१॥
The Lord of gods will never truly abandon you, his beloved. Enough of this bitter lament; remain here in peace.
Passage 192
इदं तपोवनं नाम मम तापससेवितम्। प्रशान्ततवापदाकीर्णमत्र तिष्ठ चिरं सति॥१९२॥
This is my ascetic forest, served by sages and free from disturbance and calamity. Faithful lady, remain here as long as needed.
Passage 193
लोकस्य लोक एवायं परिच्छेत्स्यति संशयम्। रामस्तु केवलं देवि निर्लेपः पद्मपत्रवत्॥१९३॥
The world itself will eventually resolve the world’s doubt. Divine lady, Rāma remains untouched like a lotus leaf.
Passage 194
युवामेव विजानीथो युवयोर्महिमोत्करम्। स रामः श्रीपतिः साक्षात्त्वं श्रीस्तस्याङ्कभूषणे॥१९४॥
You two alone know the fullness of your shared majesty. Rāma is directly the Lord of Śrī, and you are Śrī, the ornament upon his lap.
Passage 195
परं ब्रह्म स्वयं रामस्त्वं तदानन्दिनी प्रिया। शक्तिः प्रमोदविपिने सहजेति धृता तु या॥१९५॥
Rāma himself is supreme Brahman, and you are his beloved bliss-giving power, known as Sahajā in Pramodavana.
Passage 196
वृन्दावने तथा राधा त्वमेव परिगीयसे। वैकुण्ठे च स्वयं लक्ष्मीर्जानकी जनकालये॥१९६॥
In Vṛndāvana you are celebrated as Rādhā; in Vaikuṇṭha you are Lakṣmī herself; and in Janaka’s palace you are Jānakī.
Passage 197
को विजानाति देवि त्वां चर्मेण स्वचक्षुषा। ब्रह्मादीनामपि दृशां गोचरत्वं न गच्छसि॥१९७॥
Divine lady, who can know you with ordinary fleshly eyes? You do not enter even the field of vision of Brahmā and the other gods.
Passage 198
महिमा युवयोर्नित्यं वेदेन खलु गीयते। प्राकृतः किल लोकोऽयं किं जानाति शिवात्मिकाम्॥१९८॥
The Veda eternally sings the majesty of you both. What can this ordinary world know of you whose nature is auspicious consciousness?
Passage 199
भवतीं नामरूपाभ्यां पावयन्तीं जगत्त्रयम्। कोटितीर्थसमश्लोकां श्रीरामस्य परां प्रियाम्॥१९९॥
Through your name and form you purify the three worlds. Every verse about you equals ten million holy places, for you are Śrī Rāma’s supreme beloved.
Passage 200
इत्येवं तां सुसत्कृत्य मुनिर्वल्मीकसंभवः। निजाश्रमपदे नीत्वा लोकलक्ष्मीमवासयत्॥२००॥
Having honored and consoled the Lakṣmī of the world in this way, sage Vālmīki took her to his own hermitage and gave her a dwelling.
Passage 201
एतस्मिन्नन्तरे लीला कौशिकी नाम तत्सखी। सीताविरहितं रामं रहःस्थाने समाययौ॥२०१॥
Meanwhile Sītā’s playful companion named Kauśikī approached Rāma, who was without Sītā, in a private place.
Passage 202
चन्द्रानना चारुचकोरनेत्रा कस्तूरिकाबिन्दुविराजिभाला। सीमन्तरत्नद्युतिभिः समन्ताद्दिशः समस्ताः परिरोचयन्ती॥२०२॥
Her face was the moon, her lovely eyes cakora birds, and a musk dot adorned her brow. Rays from the jewel in her hair-parting illumined every direction.
Passage 203
मरालगत्या सितपादपद्मा मञ्जीरनादैर्जितहंसनादा। पादाङ्गुलीभूषणचारुचेलकैः कलक्वणैर्लक्षितमन्दयाना॥२०३॥
She walked like a swan upon pale lotus feet; the sound of her anklets surpassed the swans’ calls. Soft jingling ornaments upon her toes marked her gentle steps.
Passage 204
शोणाम्बरोल्लासिनितम्बबिम्बद्युतिस्फुरच्चञ्चलकामचक्रा। सुवर्णरम्भातरुकाण्डजङ्घा करीन्द्रशुण्डाविजितोरुकान्तिः॥२०४॥
Red cloth shone around the globe of her hips, setting Love’s restless wheel in motion. Her calves resembled golden plantain trunks, and the beauty of her thighs surpassed royal elephants’ trunks.
Passage 205
गम्भीरनाभीह्रदहारिशोभया सुधासरःस्पर्धितया हरन्ती। शैवालवल्लीकलरोमराजीच्छलेन वल्लीमिव रोपयन्ती॥२०५॥
Her deep navel-lake rivaled a pool of nectar and stole the mind; the fine line of hair above it seemed a delicate water-creeper planted there.
Passage 206
करीन्द्रकुम्भोच्छ्रयशालिराजद्वक्षोरुहक्षोभितलोकचित्ता। हारावलीगुम्फितरत्नराजीनक्षत्रमालाञ्चितवक्त्रचन्द्रा॥२०६॥
Her majestic breasts rose like the temples of royal elephants and agitated the world’s minds. Rows of jewels woven into her necklaces formed a constellation around the moon of her face.
Passage 207
ग्रैवेयकद्योतिमहोनिरस्तदिक्चक्रवालप्रसरत्तमिस्रा। समुल्लसत्पल्लवपाणिशोभा भुजद्वयीनिर्जितकन्दनाला॥२०७॥
The great brilliance of her necklace expelled darkness spreading across the quarters. Her hands shone like fresh shoots, and her two arms surpassed lotus stalks.
Passage 208
कराङ्गुलीचारुनखप्रभौघविनिर्जिताशेषमणिप्रचारा। प्रवालपङ्केरुहपत्रकान्तिन्यक्कारिणी पाणितलप्रभाभिः॥२०८॥
Floods of light from the lovely nails of her fingers conquered every jewel’s radiance, while her palms eclipsed the beauty of coral and lotus petals.
Passage 209
पञ्चेषुकम्बुद्युतिजैत्रकण्ठी विराजितचञ्चच्चिबुकाग्ररम्या। संध्यातपोद्गारिसुधांशुलक्ष्मीविजेत्रमोष्ठद्वितयं वहन्ती॥२०९॥
Her neck surpassed Love’s conch in radiance, and her moving chin was lovely. Her two lips outshone a moon pouring out the red glow of twilight.
Passage 210
शुकास्यमुद्राकरकिंशुकाभनासाविलासिश्वसनानिलेन। समस्तसौरभ्यसमूहधारां प्रभूतचेतस्तृषमुद्वमन्ती॥२१०॥
Her parrotlike nose bore the seal of beauty and the hue of a kiṃśuka blossom. Its playful breath carried every fragrance and awakened intense thirst in the heart.
Passage 211
दीव्यन्मनोभूमुकुरायमाणकपोलयुग्माञ्चितकुन्तलाढ्या। प्रदीप्तताटङ्कनिबद्धमुक्ताकलापताराञ्चितवक्त्रचन्द्रा॥२११॥
Her two shining cheeks were mirrors for the mind, enriched by curling locks. Pearl clusters bound to her swinging earrings formed stars around her moonlike face.
Passage 212
समस्तसौभाग्यविभाविनीभिर्भूषाभिराभासितचारुगात्रा। चाम्पेयविद्युत्कनकादिजेत्री दिगन्तसंचारकलाप्रवीणा॥२१२॥
Ornaments manifesting every fortune illumined her lovely limbs. She surpassed campaka gold and lightning and moved with consummate grace to the ends of the directions.
Passage 213
प्रभाषमाणा किल वल्लकीव विद्योतमाना तडितां लतेव। संवर्धमानामृतकूलिनीव प्रसर्पमाणांशुदलेव लीलया॥२१३॥
When she spoke she was like a vīṇā; when she shone, like a vine of lightning; when she moved playfully, like a swelling river of nectar or a spreading petal made of rays.
Passage 214
व्रजे च कृष्णासहजानुजीविनी व्रजाङ्गनानां निवहेऽपि रामम्। प्रमोदयन्ती भ्रुकुटीविलासैर्विराजते या नयनाञ्चलैश्च॥२१४॥
In Vraja she attended upon Kṛṣṇā and Sahajā; among the cowherd women she shone by delighting Rāma with the play of her brows and sidelong glances.
Passage 215
सा मन्दमन्दं समुपेत्य रामं लोकाभिरामं सुसमीक्ष्य किंचित्। लज्जावती भूत्वा चकाशे साक्षाज्जयश्रीरिव मन्मथस्य॥२१५॥
Approaching slowly, she looked upon Rāma, delight of the world, and became slightly shy, shining like the embodied victory-fortune of Love.
Passage 216
अभ्यासमासाद्य जवेन तस्थौ सा योगनिद्राविनिमीलिताक्षम्। श्रीराममुद्बोधयितुं चकार लीलारविन्दभ्रमणेन वायुम्॥२१६॥
She quickly came near and stood beside Śrī Rāma, whose eyes were closed in yogic sleep. To awaken him she playfully turned a lotus and made a breeze.
Passage 217
अथाक्षिणी पद्मदलाभिरामे उन्मील्य रामः समचष्ट पार्श्वे। तां कौशिकीं मेचकदृक्कटाक्षैः संताडयन्तीमिव हृत्प्रियस्य॥२१७॥
Rāma opened his lovely lotus-petal eyes and saw Kauśikī beside him, as though striking her beloved’s heart with dark sidelong glances.
Passage 218
अथोवाच महायोगी रामः परमनिःस्पृहः। कौशिकीं तप्तहेमाङ्गीमेकान्ते सुसमागताम्॥२१८॥
Then Rāma, the great yogi and supremely desireless one, addressed golden-limbed Kauśikī who had come to him in private. Śrī Rāma said:
Passage 219
किमर्थं कौशिकि प्राप्ता मत्सकाशमिहाधुना। रहस्यहं तपोनिष्ठस्त्यक्तसर्वपरिग्रहः॥२१९॥
Kauśikī, why have you come to me here now? In this solitude I am established in austerity and have abandoned every possession and attachment. Kauśikī said:
Passage 220
इदानीं पुण्डरीकाक्ष रहितः प्रियया भवान्। अतोऽहं त्वां रमयितुं प्राप्तास्मि रहसि स्थितम्॥२२०॥
Lotus-eyed Lord, you are now separated from your beloved. Therefore I have come to delight you as you remain here alone. Śrī Rāma said:
Passage 221
मत्प्रिया जानकी साक्षाद्रतिकोटिमनोहरा। सैव चेन्मां परित्यज्य मुनीनामाश्रमं गता॥२२१॥
My beloved Jānakī is directly more captivating than ten million Ratis. Even if she has left me and gone to the sages’ hermitage,
Passage 222
कान्या मम मनो हर्तुं समर्थास्ति जगत्त्रये। एकपत्नीव्रतधरो नाहमन्यत्र लोलुपः॥२२२॥
what other woman in the three worlds could steal my mind? I uphold the vow of one wife and do not desire anyone else.
Passage 223
तदाज्ञावशगो भूत्वा तया सह सुसंगताम्। कदाचित्त्वां रमितवान् यथान्या गोपकन्यकाः॥२२३॥
Only by submitting to her command did I sometimes delight with you, her close companion, just as with the other cowherd maidens.
Passage 224
सहजाज्ञावशेनाहं रतवान् व्रजमण्डले। सहजा जानकी चेति रूपमेकं द्विधा वपुः॥२२४॥
I enjoyed play in Vraja only under Sahajā’s command. Sahajā and Jānakī are one essential form appearing in two bodies. Brahmā said:
Passage 225
विज्ञापयन्तीमपि तां कौशिकीं जानकीसखीम्। नोररीकृतवान् रामो महायोगेश्वरो रहः॥२२५॥
Although Jānakī’s companion Kauśikī petitioned him, Rāma, the great Lord of yoga, did not accept her in private.
Passage 226
ततः सा विमुखीभूय भग्नमाना सुदुर्मनाः। जानकीमेव समगात्तापसीनां समीपगाम्॥२२६॥
Rejected, her pride broken and her heart dejected, she went directly to Jānakī who remained beside the women ascetics.
Passage 227
अन्याश्च सकलाः सख्यः सीतायाः पद्मलोचनाः। कमलेशीप्रभृतयः प्रियेण सहसोज्झिताः॥२२७॥
All Sītā’s other lotus-eyed companions, headed by Kamaleśī, were likewise suddenly left by the beloved.
Passage 228
सीताविरहतप्तेन योगं समधितिष्ठता। भग्नमाना हतधियः सीतामेव समाययुः॥२२८॥
Rāma, scorched by separation from Sītā, remained absorbed in yoga. Their pride broken and understanding confounded, the companions also went to Sītā.
Passage 229
ताः सर्वाः संगता वीक्ष्य तत्रापि जनकात्मजा। सीता भग्नदशा वीक्ष्य प्रोवाच वचनं सती॥२२९॥
Seeing all of them assembled there in a broken condition, faithful Sītā, Janaka’s daughter, spoke.
Passage 230
किमर्थं भग्नमानाः स्थ सख्यः सर्वा विनिन्दिताः। केनापि वञ्चिताः किं नु भग्नसानीकृताश्च वः॥२३०॥
Companions, why are you all crestfallen and disgraced? Has someone deceived you and broken your confidence? The companions said:
Passage 231
प्रभुः कमलपत्राक्षो देवो दशरथात्मजः। तवैव विरहोद्रेकात्तपस्मानादिदृक्षते सखि॥२३१॥
Friend, the divine lotus-petal-eyed son of Daśaratha is so overwhelmed by separation from you that he appears established in austerity and solemn reserve.
Passage 232
वयं सर्वास्तं समेत्य रहस्यं तपस्यन्तं योगमुद्रां वहन्तम्। अनेकधा चक्रुममोहनं सखि स्वभावलोलैर्नयनैर्निरीक्ष्य॥२३२॥
We all approached him in private while he practiced austerity and bore the gesture of yoga. Friend, looking upon him with our naturally restless eyes, we tried in many ways to enchant him.
Passage 233
स वै धीरस्त्वां विना नेतरस्यां स्वप्नेऽपि नासक्तमना मनागपि। अनादृतानामिति तेन पत्या गतो मानस्त्वत्सखीनामतो नः॥२३३॥
But steadfast Rāma never attaches his mind even slightly to another woman, without you—not even in a dream. Thus disregarded by the Lord, we your companions have lost our pride.
Passage 234
अतः सर्वा दुर्मनसो बभूवुस्त्वत्संनिधानं प्राप्तवत्यः स्म तस्मात्। यथा त्वमत्राश्रममण्डले वसस्येवं तथा वयमप्यावसामः॥२३४॥
Therefore all of us became dejected and came into your presence. As you dwell here in this circle of hermitages, we shall dwell here too.
Passage 235
तीव्रेण तपसा नित्यं कर्षयन्त्यो निजं वपुः। श्रीरामचन्द्रचरणध्यानधारासुधाप्लुताः॥२३५॥
We shall continually wear down our bodies through severe austerity while immersed in the nectar-stream of meditation on Śrī Rāmacandra’s feet.
Passage 236
नेष्यामः कतिचिदहानि ते समीपे तिष्ठन्त्यः परमतरमात्मयोगनिष्ठाः। सायुज्यं पुनरथ राघवेण गत्वा देहान्ते परमपदं व्रजाम शीघ्रम्॥२३६॥
We shall pass some days beside you, established in the highest yoga of the Self. Then, attaining union with Rāghava, at the end of the body we shall quickly reach the supreme abode.
Passage 237
इति ताः कृतसंकल्पाः सीतासंनिधितोषिताः। अचीकरंस्तपस्तीव्रं कौशिकीप्रमुखाः स्त्रियः॥२३७॥
Having made this resolve and found contentment in Sītā’s presence, the women headed by Kauśikī undertook severe austerity.
Passage 238
इदमग्रे प्रवक्ष्यामि विशेषेण तवाग्रतः। वैराग्यस्य प्रसङ्गेन किंचिदुक्तं मया द्विज॥२३८॥
Brahmin, I shall explain this later in detail before you. I have mentioned it here only because it illustrates detachment.
Passage 239
इति वैराग्यनामासौ भगः श्रीरामचन्द्रगः। तुभ्यं मया कथितमुपलक्षणमात्रतः॥२३९॥
Thus I have given you only an indicative account of the divine excellence in Śrī Rāmacandra called detachment.
Passage 240
योऽतिप्रियतमो दान्तो लक्ष्मणः कृतलक्षणः। यं विना न क्वचित्तस्थौ तं त्यजन्नैव बाधितः॥२४०॥
Self-controlled Lakṣmaṇa, marked by every excellence, was exceedingly dear; Rāma had never stayed anywhere without him, yet when he left him, he was not overcome.
Passage 241
यस्यानुग्रहमिच्छन्ति नित्यं श्रीरामसेवकाः। सखायमात्मनः साक्षात्तं त्यजन्नैव बाधितः॥२४१॥
Śrī Rāma’s servants always seek Lakṣmaṇa’s grace, for he is directly the Lord’s own companion; yet when Rāma left him, he was not overcome.
Passage 242
येन सार्धं समावात्सीदरण्येऽपि प्रियान्वितः। विनीतमात्मनो भक्तं तं त्यजन्नैव बाधितः॥२४२॥
Together with that humble devotee Rāma had lived in the forest beside his beloved; yet when he left him, he was not overcome.
Passage 243
यः साक्षादात्मना तुल्यः प्रियो भ्राता सुहृत्तमः। लक्ष्मणः परमोदारस्तं त्यजन्नैव बाधितः॥२४३॥
Noble Lakṣmaṇa was equal to Rāma’s own self, a beloved brother and best of friends; yet when Rāma left him, he was not overcome.
Passage 244
एकान्ते यत्र सहजा जानकी वा स्वसंनिधौ। तत्रापि यस्य सेवास्ति तं त्यजन्नैव बाधितः॥२४४॥
Lakṣmaṇa served even in those secluded places where Sahajā or Jānakī remained near Rāma; yet when Rāma left him, he was not overcome.
Passage 245
आज्ञावशो निजसुहृत् सखा साहाय्यपण्डितः। यो लक्ष्मणः प्रियोऽत्यन्तं तं त्यजन्नैव बाधितः॥२४५॥
Lakṣmaṇa submitted to every command, was Rāma’s own intimate friend, and was expert in assistance and utterly dear; yet when Rāma left him, he was not overcome.
Passage 246
विनीतो वनवासेऽपि व्रतं द्वादशवार्षिकम्। आज्ञाऽनुरोधात् कृतवान् तं त्यजन्नैव बाधितः॥२४६॥
Humbly obeying Rāma during forest exile, he observed a twelve-year vow; yet when Rāma left him, he was not overcome.
Passage 247
सर्वकार्येषु कुशलो धर्मात्मा प्राणसंमितः। अनुजश्चैव मित्रं च तं त्यजन्नैव बाधितः॥२४७॥
Skilled in every task, righteous, equal to Rāma’s life itself, he was younger brother and friend; yet when Rāma left him, he was not overcome.
Passage 248
वनेषु पर्णशालादिसर्वकार्यविधानकृत्। अनुजश्चैव शिष्यश्च तं त्यजन्नैव बाधितः॥२४८॥
In the forest he arranged every task, from constructing leaf huts onward, as both younger brother and disciple; yet when Rāma left him, he was not overcome.
Passage 249
अनुग्रहस्य प्रेम्णश्च य एकः पात्रतां गतः। स्थितश्च निकटे नित्यं तं त्यजन्नैव बाधितः॥२४९॥
He alone became the vessel of Rāma’s grace and love and remained constantly near him; yet when Rāma left him, he was not overcome.
Passage 250
यस्य क्षणवियोगे तु युगं कल्पायते दिनम्। पटान्तरेऽप्यमुक्तश्च तं त्यजन्नैव बाधितः॥२५०॥
A moment’s separation from him seemed an age and a day an aeon; Rāma would not be apart even across a curtain, yet when he left him, he was not overcome.
Passage 251
येन सार्धं विहृतवान् गृहेषु च वनेषु च। अनेकविधलीलाभिस्तं त्यजन्नैव बाधितः॥२५१॥
Rāma had shared countless kinds of play with him in homes and forests; yet when he left him, he was not overcome.
Passage 252
हे लक्ष्मण सखे भ्रातः प्रियमित्रेति चाब्रवीत्। यं नित्यमात्मदयितं तं त्यजन्नैव बाधितः॥२५२॥
Rāma constantly addressed his heart’s beloved as “Lakṣmaṇa, companion, brother, dear friend”; yet when he left him, he was not overcome.
Passage 253
यस्यानघ्यतमोदारगुणसंतुष्टमानसः। वनेऽपि सुखितोऽवात्सीत् तं त्यजन्नैव बाधितः॥२५३॥
Satisfied by Lakṣmaṇa’s priceless noble virtues, Rāma lived happily even in the forest; yet when he left him, he was not overcome.
Passage 254
यस्य बाहुबलेनासौ हृतवान् राक्षसीं चमूम्। महाबलां महाघोरां तं त्यजन्नैव बाधितः॥२५४॥
Through Lakṣmaṇa’s arm-strength Rāma destroyed the immensely powerful and terrible Rākṣasa army; yet when he left him, he was not overcome.
Passage 255
येनैव निहतो बाणैरिन्द्रजित्समरोद्धतः। सर्वदेवौघविजयी तं त्यजन्नैव बाधितः॥२५५॥
With arrows Lakṣmaṇa slew battle-arrogant Indrajit, conqueror of all the hosts of gods; yet when Rāma left him, he was not overcome.
Passage 256
यस्य वीर्यबलेनासौ प्रबलं राक्षसेश्वरम्। न किंचिद्गणयामास तं त्यजन्नैव बाधितः॥२५६॥
Through Lakṣmaṇa’s heroic strength Rāma regarded even the mighty lord of the Rākṣasas as nothing; yet when he left him, he was not overcome.
Passage 257
यस्यानुभावमखिलं लौकिकं वाप्यलौकिकम्। स्वयं वेत्ति प्रभुर्नान्यस्तं त्यजन्नैव बाधितः॥२५७॥
The Lord alone knew Lakṣmaṇa’s entire power, worldly and transcendent; no one else did. Yet when he left him, he was not overcome.
Passage 258
यस्य सौन्दर्यसारेण स्वयमेष वशीकृतः। आत्मसौन्दर्यतुल्येन तं त्यजन्नैव बाधितः॥२५८॥
Rāma himself was captivated by the essence of Lakṣmaṇa’s beauty, equal to his own; yet when he left him, he was not overcome.
Passage 259
आबाल्याच्छीलितो यस्य सङ्गः परमसौख्यदः। नेत्रसंतृप्तिजननस्तं त्यजन्नैव बाधितः॥२५९॥
From childhood Rāma had cultivated his company, which gave supreme happiness and fully satisfied the eyes; yet when he left him, he was not overcome.
Passage 260
अयं चास्य भगो नित्यं महावैराग्यशब्दितः। संप्रोक्तो बहुधा तुभ्यं भगवान् येन कीर्तितः॥२६०॥
This eternal divine excellence of his is called great detachment. I have described it to you in many ways, and through it the Blessed Lord is glorified.
Passage 261
इत्थं ते षड्गुणाः प्रोक्ता रामस्य सुमहात्मनः। श्रुत्वैतान् सर्वमाहात्म्यज्ञाता भवति भक्तिमान्॥२६१॥
Thus the six qualities of greatly exalted Rāma have been taught to you. Hearing them, a devotee comes to know the fullness of his majesty.
Passage 262
माहात्म्यज्ञानमङ्गं हि भक्तेः श्रीरामगोचरम्। अतस्ते बहुधा ख्याता माहात्म्यज्ञप्तये गुणाः॥२६२॥
Knowledge of Śrī Rāma’s majesty is indeed a limb of devotion to him. Therefore these qualities have been described in many ways so that his majesty may be known. Thus ends Chapter 97, “An explanation of detachment,” in the account of the six divine qualities in the Pūrva-khaṇḍa of the glorious Ādi Rāmāyaṇa, within the dialogue of Brahmā and Bhuśuṇḍi. Source note This treatment is controlled against the 1975 Sanskrit–Hindi edition, Pūrva khaṇḍa, source leaves 550–570 (physical PDF pages 551–571). OCR was used as an alignment aid. The scan confirms 262 distinct passages in a clean sequence; OCR misread the numerals of passages 91, 139, and 235 as repetitions of their predecessors. The sustained refrains about Kauśikī and Lakṣmaṇa, the hermitage episode, the public-rumor speech, and Vālmīki’s identification of Sītā with Sahajā, Rādhā, and Lakṣmī are all retained without abridgment.