Passage 1
सा वर्धमाना गोपराजस्य गेहे कलाः सर्वाः पोषयन्ती क्रमेण। शिशुत्वभावोचितकेलिवृन्दललामरूपा व्यरुच्चन्द्रिकेव॥१॥
Growing in the cowherd king’s home and gradually bringing every art to fullness, she shone like moonlight, the very ornament of all the games proper to childhood.
Passage 2
अतीत्य शैशवं सम्यक्तारुण्यं समुपेयुषी। गूढभावाञ्चिता दृष्ट्वा मात्रा गोपेन्द्रकान्तया॥२॥
The cowherd king’s beloved wife saw that Sahajā had completely passed beyond childhood, entered youth, and become filled with hidden feeling.
Passage 3
तस्याश्चित्तेऽभवच्चिन्ता कोऽस्याः समुचितो वरः। रूपलावण्यमाधुर्यकान्तिभिस्तुल्यभावनः॥३॥
The thought arose in her mind: “What bridegroom could be suitable for her, one equal in beauty, grace, sweetness, and radiance?
Passage 4
त्रैलोक्ये दुर्लभं मन्ये तादृशं रूपमीप्सितम्। देवगन्धर्वमनुजमनिवार्येषु साम्प्रतम्॥४॥
“I think such desired beauty is now exceedingly rare throughout the three worlds, among gods, gandharvas, and human beings.
Passage 5
अस्याश्चातुर्यसदृशं सुतरां दुर्लभं भवेत्। अन्यत्र खलु चातुर्यमिति मे धीर्विषीदति॥५॥
“Still rarer would be cleverness equal to hers. My understanding despairs at the thought that such refinement could be found elsewhere.
Passage 6
रूपमस्या अप्रतिमं सुखयिष्यति कं जनम्। अनर्हवरलाभे तु पश्चात्तापो भविष्यति॥६॥
“What man will her incomparable beauty make happy? If she obtains an unworthy bridegroom, there will only be regret afterward.
Passage 7
अनन्यगोचरं चास्या यौवनं रूपमण्डितम्। कस्य नेत्रातिथिर्भूत्वा कृतार्थत्वमुपेष्यति॥७॥
“Her beauty-adorned youth lies beyond the reach of anyone else. Whose eyes will receive it as a guest and thereby attain fulfillment?” The queen counsels Nandana
Passage 8
इति चिन्तासमाविष्टा गोपराज्ञी नितम्बिनी। रहः सङ्गम्य भर्तारमिदमूचे मनोहरम्॥८॥
Absorbed in these thoughts, the shapely cowherd queen met her husband in private and spoke these charming words.
Passage 9
गोपेन्द्र सर्वसम्पद्भिः समुपेतोऽसि सम्प्रति। एषा श्रीरिव मूर्ता ते पुत्रीभावं समागता॥९॥
“O lord of the cowherds, you are now endowed with every prosperity, for this girl, fortune embodied, has come to you in the relation of a daughter.
Passage 10
नैतादृशी सुरनरनागलोके दृष्टा श्रुता चापि मनोज्ञरूपा। अहो भाग्यं धरणीमण्डलस्य पुत्रीयमुच्चैः स्फुटमाविरासीत्॥१०॥
“No one of such enchanting beauty has ever been seen or even heard of in the worlds of gods, humans, or nāgas. How great is the earth’s good fortune that this daughter has manifest so gloriously upon it!
Passage 11
धन्ये उभे अपि कुले तपसां समूहैर्भाग्योच्चितैरितरलोकदुरापपुण्यैः। यत्रेदृशी सकलसौभगभाजनं श्रीः साक्षादतुल्यसुषमानिधिराविरासीत्॥११॥
“Blessed are both families, through stores of austerity and merit suited to such fortune yet unattainable by others, for in them this very goddess Śrī has appeared—the vessel of every felicity and treasury of peerless loveliness.
Passage 12
धन्ये दृशौ खलु नृणां सुकृतौघभाजामेनामशेषगुणरत्नगणाभिरामाम्। सम्पश्यतां निमिषविघ्नभराकुलेऽप्यह्नाय रूपपरमामृतपानपात्रे॥१२॥
“Truly blessed are the eyes of those who possess abundant merit and behold her, delightful with the entire host of jewel-like virtues. Though blinking repeatedly interrupts them, those eyes immediately become vessels drinking the supreme nectar of her beauty.
Passage 13
एषा सम्प्रति नाथ शैशवकलामुत्तीर्य नव्यं वय- स्तारुण्यं वपुषा विभूषयति दृष्ट्यालापगत्यादिभिः। क्रीडन्ती सहिता सखीभिरसकृत्किञ्चिद्रहोबोधिता मन्दाक्षं भवती दृशा रुचिरया वक्षो निजं वीक्षते॥१३॥
“Lord, she has now crossed beyond the phase of childhood and adorns the fresh age of youth with her body, glances, speech, gait, and other qualities. While playing among her companions she is repeatedly awakened to something secret; growing bashful, she casts a lovely glance upon her own breast.
Passage 14
तस्माद्विज्ञापयामीदं त्वामस्या विषये प्रभो। अनुरूपवयोवेशो वरः कश्चिद्विमृश्यताम्॥१४॥
“Therefore, my lord, I make this request concerning her: thoughtfully seek some bridegroom whose age and appearance correspond to hers.
Passage 15
सामान्यवरयोग्यत्वं नैषा कल्पयते गुणैः। यस्यास्तनुरुचा हेमभूषणं मलिनायते॥१५॥
“Her qualities do not permit her to be matched with an ordinary bridegroom; the radiance of her body makes even golden ornaments appear dull.
Passage 16
इन्दीवरश्रियमियं दृग्भ्यां तिरयति स्फुटम्। मुखेन शारदं पूर्णचन्द्रं विजयते स्फुटम्॥१६॥
“With her eyes she plainly eclipses the beauty of blue lotuses, and with her face she plainly conquers the autumn full moon.
Passage 17
अनुरूपेण भर्त्रासौ योजिता हंसगामिनी। दुहिता मेऽनवद्याङ्गी सुखयिष्यति लोचने॥१७॥
“When this swan-gaited daughter of mine, faultless in every limb, is joined to a fitting husband, she will bring delight to our eyes.
Passage 18
एषा रामचन्द्रसमा वयोवेषगुणादिभिः। सामान्यपुरुषेणातो योजनीया न कर्हिचित्॥१८॥
“In age, appearance, virtues, and all else, she is equal to Rāmacandra. Therefore she must never be joined to an ordinary man.
Passage 19
अस्याश्च सकलं तत्त्वं रुद्रो मेऽभिजगाद ह। ईदृशं दुहितारत्नं भाग्यैरेवाभवन्मम॥१९॥
“Rudra told me the whole truth about her. Only through extraordinary fortune has such a jewel of a daughter become mine.”
Passage 20
इत्युक्तो नन्दनः श्रीमान् राज्ञ्या निजभार्यया। अनुरूपं वरं प्रष्टुं शाण्डिल्यमुनिमाह्वयत्॥२०॥
Thus addressed by the queen, his own wife, the illustrious Nandana summoned the sage Śāṇḍilya to inquire after a suitable bridegroom. Nandana sends Śāṇḍilya to seek a bridegroom
Passage 21
सम्पूज्य मुनिशार्दूलं त्रिकालज्ञविदां पतिम्। उवाच नन्दनो वाक्यं सुधाभिस्तर्पयन्निव॥२१॥
After worshiping that tiger among sages, the master of those who know the three divisions of time, Nandana addressed him with words that seemed to satisfy him with nectar. Śrī Nandana said:
Passage 22
भगवंस्तपसां राशे शाण्डिल्य मुनिसत्तम। मया विज्ञाप्यसे किञ्चित्सावधानमनाः शृणु॥२२॥
“Blessed Śāṇḍilya, treasure-house of austerity and best of sages, I have something to submit to you. Please listen with an attentive mind.
Passage 23
साम्प्रतं दुहितेयं मे स्वानुरूपतयोचितम्। वरमर्हति सौभाग्यसागरं जगतीतले॥२३॥
“My daughter has now reached the proper time to obtain a bridegroom suited to her own nature, an ocean of good fortune upon the earth.
Passage 24
भवान् पश्यतु व्यक्तं दुहितुर्मे गुणोचितम्। रूपसौन्दर्यसम्पन्नं वरं सत्कुलसम्भवम्॥२४॥
“Please seek out a bridegroom plainly suited to my daughter’s qualities, endowed with beauty and loveliness and born in a noble family.
Passage 25
इह चान्यत्र च प्राज्ञ जगत्यां यत्र कुत्रचित्। उदारगुणसन्दोहं वरमस्यै समानय॥२५॥
“Wise sage, wherever he may be in this world or elsewhere, bring her a bridegroom possessing an abundance of exalted virtues.”
Passage 26
एवमुक्तो मुनिर्यातो वरचिन्तासमाकुलः। संवर्ध्य तं शुभाशीर्भिः स्तुतः सम्पूजितो ययौ॥२६॥
Thus addressed, the sage departed, wholly occupied with finding a bridegroom. Having honored Nandana with auspicious blessings, and having himself been praised and worshiped, he went on his way. Śāṇḍilya searches the three worlds
Passage 27
दैत्यदानवदेवर्षिनरकिन्नरसद्मसु। नगनागनभश्चारिनिकेतनेषु च पर्यटन्॥२७॥
He traveled through the dwellings of Daityas, Dānavas, divine sages, humans, and Kinnaras, and through the abodes of mountains, Nāgas, and sky-roaming beings.
Passage 28
गवेषमाणो गोपेन्द्रदुहितुः सद्गुणोचितम्। वरं पुरुषधौरेयो नालभत्तेषु कुत्रचित्॥२८॥
Searching for a bridegroom suited to the cowherd king’s virtuous daughter, that foremost man found no one anywhere among them.
Passage 29
ततोऽसौ सन्निववृते मुनिर्बहुकृतश्रमः। अगमत्सुखिताख्यस्य गोपवर्यस्य मन्दिरम्॥२९॥
The sage then turned back after his extensive exertions and came to the home of the eminent cowherd named Sukhita.
Passage 30
यत्र रामः स्वयं साक्षाद्भगवान् पद्मलोचनः। ईषत्पौगण्डमत्येत्य कैशोरवयसि स्थितः॥३०॥
There the lotus-eyed Lord Rāma himself, directly manifest, had passed just beyond early boyhood and entered the age of adolescence.
Passage 31
लीलालावण्यजलधिः क्रीडते सखिभिः सह। नवनीलमणिश्यामः प्रकाममधुरद्युतिः॥३१॥
That ocean of playful grace sported with his companions. Dark as a fresh blue jewel, he possessed an exceedingly sweet radiance.
Passage 32
पारेपरार्धकन्दर्पदर्पनिर्हरणोद्धुरः। ईषत्कटाक्षपातेन मोहयन् देवसुन्दरीः॥३२॥
He was supremely capable of crushing the pride of countless Cupids, and with the slightest cast of his sidelong glance he enchanted the celestial beauties.
Passage 33
भाति भासितमाधुर्यलावण्यगुणविग्रहः। मन्दहाससुधासिक्तवियोगिजनमानसः॥३३॥
He shone as the embodied qualities of manifest sweetness and grace, bathing the hearts of those afflicted by separation in the nectar of his gentle smile.
Passage 34
तत्र गोपालवर्येण पूजितः स स्तुतो मुनिः। रामं वीक्ष्य परं प्रीतः प्रसन्नहृदयोऽभवत्॥३४॥
There the eminent cowherd worshiped and praised the sage. Seeing Rāma, the sage became deeply pleased and joyful at heart.
Passage 35
आमन्त्र्य सुखितं पश्चादागतो मुनिसत्तमः। श्रीनन्दस्य भवनं यथावृत्तमवेदयत्॥३५॥
After taking leave of Sukhita, the excellent sage returned to Śrī Nandana’s home and reported everything exactly as it had occurred. The sage recommends Rāma The sage said:
Passage 36
शृणु गोपेन्द्र भवतो दुहितुर्घटनोचितः। त्रैलोक्येऽपि मया नैव दृष्टः पुरुषसत्तमः॥३६॥
“Listen, lord of the cowherds. Even throughout the three worlds I found no excellent man fit to be joined with your daughter—
Passage 37
विहायैकं गुणारामं रामं राजीवलोचनम्। सौनासीरमणिश्यामं साक्षात्कामं मनोहरम्॥३७॥
“except one: lotus-eyed Rāma, the dwelling place of virtues, dark as Indra’s jewel, directly manifest as captivating Love himself.
Passage 38
गुणरूपवयोवेशैः सोऽस्याः समुचितो वरः। पूर्वमेवैष विधिना प्रायो योगो विनिर्मितः॥३८॥
“In virtue, beauty, age, and appearance, he is the fitting bridegroom for her. It seems that destiny fashioned this union beforehand.
Passage 39
अन्यथा विहितं चात्र न वै युक्ततमं भवेत्। इति विज्ञाय हृदये समाचर यथोचितम्॥३९॥
“Any other arrangement here would certainly not be most fitting. Understand this in your heart and act as is proper.” The families approve the proposal
Passage 40
इत्युक्त्वा मुनिवर्येऽस्मिन् गते निजनिकेतनम्। भ्रातृभिः स्वजनैः साकं गोपराजो न्यरूपयत्॥४०॥
After the eminent sage spoke thus and returned to his dwelling, the cowherd king deliberated together with his brothers and relatives.
Passage 41
त एनमूचुः सम्पृष्टा भ्रातरः स्वजना अपि। श्रीनन्द भवांस्तावत्कुलेन परमोज्ज्वलः॥४१॥
When consulted, his brothers and relatives said to him, “Śrī Nandana, you are already exceedingly illustrious by lineage.
Passage 42
अहो ऐक्ष्वाकवे वंशे भवान् जातोऽसि भूतले। इति विज्ञाय सम्बन्धः श्रीरामेण सदा भवेत्॥४२॥
“Indeed, you were born upon earth in the Ikṣvāku lineage. Recognizing this, the family bond with Śrī Rāma should certainly be established.”
Passage 43
सम्बन्धिनो भ्रातृवर्गं तथाप्तान् सुहृत्तमान् सुखितादींश्च गोपान्। श्रीनन्दनः प्रणयमाततान स्वकन्यकायाः सहजाया विधानतः॥४३॥
Accordingly, Śrī Nandana extended the proposal for his daughter Sahajā through the proper forms to his relations and brothers, his trusted dearest friends, and the cowherds headed by Sukhita. Sukaṇṭha explains the rasa framework Sukaṇṭha said:
Passage 44
रसानुकूलमेवासीत्तदिदं राजसत्तम। रसशास्त्रस्य दृष्टिर्हि परकीयैकगोचरा॥४४॥
“Best of kings, this arrangement existed only in conformity with rasa, for the vision of the scripture of rasa has parakīyā love alone as its proper sphere.
Passage 45
श्रीनन्दनस्य च ज्येष्ठो भ्रातासीन्नरनन्दनः। तस्यापि चासीद्दुहिता नाम्ना कृष्णेति कीर्तिता॥४५॥
“Śrī Nandana had an elder brother, a delight to humankind. He too had a daughter celebrated by the name Kṛṣṇā.
Passage 46
सा वीररामचन्द्रेण योजिता धातुरिच्छया। यथा श्रीसहजानन्दा रूपशीलगुणादिभिः॥४६॥
“By the Creator’s will, she too was joined with heroic Rāmacandra, just like Śrī Sahajānandā, being endowed with beauty, character, virtues, and more. Kṛṣṇā and Sahajā as Rāma’s two group leaders
Passage 47
तथैव सानवद्याङ्गी पृथक्परिकरान्विता। रूपसौन्दर्यसारेण रामस्य प्रेमभाजनम्॥४७॥
“She too was faultless in every limb and attended by her own distinct circle. Through the very essence of her beauty and loveliness, she became a vessel of Rāma’s love.
Passage 48
उभे अपि व्रजे नित्यं गूढसापत्नभावके। राघवेन्द्रकुमारस्य वशीकरणकारिके॥४८॥
“The two always remained in Vraja with a hidden sense of amorous rivalry, and each brought the young prince of the Raghus under her spell.
Passage 49
पृथक्कुञ्जनिकुञ्जेषु रममाणेऽपि केलिभिः। पृथग्रासविलासादिलीलाचातुर्यभाजने॥४९॥
“They sported separately in their respective bowers and secluded groves, each possessing skill in her own rāsa, playful pastimes, and other līlās.
Passage 50
यूथेश्वर्याविमौ साक्षाद्रामस्य परमे प्रिये। एका ज्येष्ठा कनिष्ठान्या तयोर्लीलां निशामय॥५०॥
“These two group leaders are directly Rāma’s supremely beloved ones. One is the elder and the other younger; now hear of their play. Sahajā is brought to Sukhita’s home
Passage 51
यदा श्रीः सहजानन्दा दिव्येन वयसा युता। पितृगेहं विहायैषा श्वशुरस्य गृहं गता॥५१॥
“When glorious Sahajānandā attained her divine age, she left her father’s home and went to the house of her father-in-law.
Passage 52
तदाष्टभिर्वयस्याभिः क्रीडन्तीभिर्वने वने। नीयते तत आकृष्य नन्दिग्रामं मुदावहम्॥५२॥
“Her eight companions, playing from forest to forest, then drew her along and conducted her to joy-giving Nandigrāma.
Passage 53
यत्र श्रीसुखितागारे सर्वसमृद्धिरन्विते। विभाति कलयन् केलीं रामो राजीवलोचनः॥५३॥
“There, in Sukhita’s home endowed with every prosperity, lotus-eyed Rāma shone while performing his pastimes.
Passage 54
तत्रागतामिमां बालामीषत्कैशोरभूषिताम्। गृह्णाति सादरा भूत्वा माङ्गल्या सुखितप्रिया॥५४॥
“When the girl arrived, adorned with the first touch of adolescence, Māṅgalyā, Sukhita’s beloved wife, received her with respect.
Passage 55
अये परमकल्याणि श्रीसद्गोपेन्द्रनन्दिनि। अलङ्कुरु ममागारं नित्यं सन्निहिता भव॥५५॥
“‘O supremely auspicious daughter of the noble cowherd king, adorn my home and remain continually present here.
Passage 56
तवागमनमात्रेण मत्सुतः पद्मलोचनः। अत्यर्थं भवति प्रीतो न वै दुःखमुपैति सः॥५६॥
“‘At the mere arrival of you, my lotus-eyed son becomes exceedingly happy and does not fall into sorrow.
Passage 57
ज्योत्स्नायसे त्वं सहजे तस्य नेत्रचकोरयोः। अपि तत्तनुवासन्तीविषये सुरभीयसे॥५७॥
“‘Sahajā, you become moonlight for his two cakora-like eyes; dwelling within his very being, you pervade its whole domain like fragrance.
Passage 58
अथ निर्मञ्छयाञ्चक्रे रत्नमुक्तामणिव्रजम्। सुखं प्रवेशयामास स्वागारं सर्वसौख्यदम्॥५८॥
“She then performed a protective warding rite with a mass of gems, pearls, and jewels, and happily brought Sahajā into her all-delighting home.
Passage 59
सर्वमाङ्गल्यसम्पन्नं नानाकौतुकवर्धनम्। सा दृष्ट्वा सुखितागारं सानुरागमना अभूत्॥५९॥
“Seeing Sukhita’s house filled with every auspiciousness and increasing all kinds of festive delight, Sahajā’s mind became full of affection.
Passage 60
रामः श्रीसहजां वीक्ष्य प्राणजीवातुमञ्जसा। अभवद्विरहार्तोऽपि दूरात्प्रापमनोरथः॥६०॥
“Seeing Śrī Sahajā, the sustaining medicine of his very life, Rāma—though afflicted by separation—at once attained his longing even from afar.
Passage 61
पश्यन्नयनकोणेन सहजायाः शुभं वपुः। ईषन्निर्वापयाञ्चक्रे ज्वलन्तं विरहानलम्॥६१॥
“Gazing from the corner of his eye at Sahajā’s auspicious form, he slightly extinguished the blazing fire of separation.
Passage 62
अन्योन्यवदनोत्कण्ठाविलोलनयनावुभौ। आपतुः सहजारामावन्योन्यं परमां मुदम्॥६२॥
“Both Sahajā and Rāma had restless eyes yearning for one another’s face, and each attained the highest delight through the other. Sahajā prepares Rāma’s meal
Passage 63
तत्र सा पाकशालायां गता श्रीसहजेश्वरी। चतुर्विधव्यञ्जनेषु प्रावीण्यं समदर्शयत्॥६३॥
“Śrī Sahajeśvarī then entered the kitchen and displayed her mastery of the four classes of preparations.
Passage 64
अथ माङ्गल्यका देवी सादरा सहजां प्रति। अवोचद्वचनं प्रीता सुतस्यादायवेदिनी॥६४॥
“The goddess Māṅgalyakā, pleased and respectfully aware of her son’s feelings, then addressed Sahajā.
Passage 65
त्वमेव सहजानन्दे पाककर्मणि दक्षिणा। सुखमश्नाति मे पुत्रस्त्वत्कराब्जविनिर्मितम्॥६५॥
“‘Sahajānandā, you alone are expert in cookery. My son happily eats whatever is fashioned by your lotus hand.
Passage 66
अन्नं चतुर्विधं स्वादु व्यञ्जनं जनरञ्जनम्। त्वमेव कर्तुं जानासि सहजे परमोदये॥६६॥
“‘Sahajā of supreme joy, you alone know how to prepare the four kinds of delicious food and people-delighting dishes.’
Passage 67
इत्युक्त्वाभ्यर्हणं तस्याः कृत्वा वाक्येन मञ्जुना। कारयामास सूपादि तत्करेण मनोहरम्॥६७॥
“Speaking thus and honoring her with charming words, Māṅgalyakā had Sahajā’s own hand prepare the delightful soups and other dishes.
Passage 68
तथा तद्बुभुजे रामो मध्याह्ने बन्धुभिः सह। श्लाघ्यमानः स्वादुकारं सहजाकरनिर्मितम्॥६८॥
“At midday Rāma ate that food with his relatives, praising the delicious meal made by Sahajā’s hand.
Passage 69
सुखितो गोष्ठधामवर्यो गोपमण्डलमण्डितः। अन्नं नानारसोपेतं बुभुजे भुक्तिपण्डितः॥६९॥
“Sukhita, eminent in the cowherd settlement and surrounded by the circle of cowherds, expertly enjoyed the food endowed with many flavors.
Passage 70
सुधासाराधिकं सर्वं मन्यमानो मुदान्वितः। विशेषेण तदश्नाति पाचितं यद्विदग्धया॥७०॥
“Joyfully regarding everything as sweeter than the essence of nectar, Rāma especially ate what the clever young woman had cooked.
Passage 71
श्रीनन्दनसुधर्मेरुद्गतेयं सुहृत्तमा। सहजानन्दिनी चञ्चत्कटाक्षव्यजनानिलैः॥७१॥
“This dearest friend Sahajānandinī, arisen from Śrī Nandana’s excellent dharma, fanned him with breezes from the fan of her darting sidelong glances.
Passage 72
वीज्यमानतनुर्भुङ्क्ते सानन्दं सुखितात्मजः। इत्थं समाप्य सुखदां रसिको भोजनक्रियाम्॥७२॥
“His body thus being fanned, Sukhita’s son ate with delight. In this way the rasika completed the pleasure-giving act of dining. Rāma burns in renewed separation
Passage 73
ताम्बूलवासितमुखः शय्यामन्दिरमागमत्। तत्रायं सहजानन्दादृग्बाणविनिपीडितः॥७३॥
“His mouth fragrant with betel, he came to his sleeping chamber. There he was deeply pierced by the arrows of Sahajānandā’s eyes.
Passage 74
आकुलव्याकुलतनुः शय्यामालिङ्ग्य संस्थितः। निरम्बुपल्वले यद्वन्मीनः सम्परिवर्तते॥७४॥
“His body overcome by agitation, he lay embracing the bed and tossed like a fish in a waterless pond.” Sahajā sends Rāma a secret rendezvous
Passage 75
तद्वदेषोऽपि शय्यायामासीन्निःसहविग्रहः। तदा भुक्तिक्रियान्ते तां रामानीय व्यदर्शयत्॥७५॥
“Like that fish, he too remained helpless upon his bed. At the end of the meal, Rāmā brought Sahajā and showed her to him.
Passage 76
रामाय रमणोद्युक्ता सहजानन्दिनी रहः। तस्यास्तरलदृक्कोणदर्शनामृतधारया॥७६॥
“Sahajānandinī, eager to sport with Rāma, secretly poured upon him the stream of nectar flowing from the sight of her restless sidelong glance.
Passage 77
ईषत्सिक्ततनुः कान्तः किञ्चित्स्वास्थ्यमवाप सः। अथानयोरभूत्तत्र सन्देशः सुखवर्धनः॥७७॥
“His body lightly bathed by it, her beloved regained a little composure. Then a joy-increasing message passed between the two.
Passage 78
प्रमोदविपिने रम्ये कामेश्वरनिकेतने। तत्राशोकलताकुञ्जे यत्र भद्रवटो द्रुमः॥७८॥
“‘Within the delightful Pramoda forest is Kāmeśvara’s dwelling. There is a grove of aśoka vines where the auspicious banyan tree stands—
Passage 79
माणिक्यकुसुमो रत्नफलो मरकतच्छदः। तत्र नौ सङ्गमो भूयादनुक्षणमहनिशम्॥७९॥
“‘its flowers are rubies, its fruits are jewels, and its leaves are emeralds. May our union take place there at every moment, day and night.’
Passage 80
इत्थं झटिति संलप्य नत्वा कान्तस्य पादयोः। माङ्गल्यकाकराब्जेन सम्यग्भूषितविग्रहा॥८०॥
“Having quickly spoken in this way and bowed at her beloved’s feet, Sahajā’s form was thoroughly adorned by Māṅgalyakā’s lotus hands—
Passage 81
रत्नैर्मुक्ताफलैः पुष्पैर्विद्रुममणिभिस्तथा। नह्यन्ती रूपसौन्दर्यं क्रीडन्ती पुष्पकन्दुकैः॥८१॥
“with jewels, pearls, flowers, coral, and precious stones. Displaying her beauty and loveliness, she played with flower balls,
Passage 82
हसन्ती हासयन्ती च सखीस्तुल्यवयोचिताः। भूषयन्ती कुञ्जवीथीः कान्तिसारेण वर्मणा॥८२॥
“laughing and making her companions of equal age laugh, and adorning the bower paths with the concentrated radiance of her body. Sahajā returns home overwhelmed by separation
Passage 83
लीलासौन्दर्यचन्द्रेव श्वशुरस्यालयं ययौ। यातमात्रेण सा नूनं तल्पमालिङ्ग्य मन्दिरे॥८३॥
“Like the moon of playful beauty, she went to her father-in-law’s home. The moment she arrived, she embraced the bed within her chamber.
Passage 84
अतिष्ठत्सहजानन्दा हाहेति व्याधिपीडिता। तस्याः श्वश्रूः स्निग्धमनास्तरला नाम सत्वरम्॥८४॥
“Sahajānandā remained there crying, ‘Alas!’ as though tormented by illness. Her affectionate mother-in-law, named Taralā, acted at once.
Passage 85
वैद्यराजमभीप्सन्ती प्रेषयामास गोपिकाः। ताः सर्वतो दिशं याता वैद्यराजगवेषणे॥८५॥
“Desiring a master physician, she sent out cowherd women, and they went in every direction to search for one.
Passage 86
स्वयं च निर्गता गोपी शाण्डिल्यस्याश्रमं सती। यत्र सा मण्डला देवी तद्वधूः सिद्धयोगिनी॥८६॥
“The virtuous cowherd woman herself went to Śāṇḍilya’s hermitage, where the goddess Maṇḍalā, his daughter-in-law and an accomplished yoginī, resided. Rāma assumes a brāhmaṇa disguise
Passage 87
अथ यामे तृतीयेऽह्न आगमावसरे गवाम्। रामः शृङ्गारितो मात्रा महासौन्दर्यवारिधिः॥८७॥
“In the third watch of the day, when the cows were due to return, Rāma—the great ocean of beauty—was ornamented by his mother.
Passage 88
सुवर्णवस्त्रमादाय वयस्यैः सखिभिर्वृतः। मुक्तारत्नमणिस्तोमप्रत्यङ्गपरिभूषितः॥८८॥
“Wearing a golden garment, surrounded by boyhood and intimate companions, and adorned on every limb with masses of pearls, gems, and jewels,
Passage 89
मुरलीं वादयन् मञ्जु वयस्यैः शृङ्गनादिभिः। रममाणो मुदा गायन् प्रतस्थे सुखितालयात्॥८९॥
“he set out from Sukhita’s home, sweetly playing the flute while his companions sounded horns, joyfully singing and sporting.
Passage 90
प्रविश्य गह्वरे सर्वान् वयस्यान् गोपबालकान्। कुसुमावचयाद्यर्थमाज्ञाप्य रसिकाग्रणीः॥९०॥
“Entering a secluded place, the foremost rasika instructed all the cowherd boys of his own age to gather flowers and perform other tasks.
Passage 91
स्वयं ब्राह्मणवेशेन मण्डलान्तिकमागमत्। सा तं दृष्ट्वा द्विजवरं मन्त्रसिद्धं महाधियम्॥९१॥
“He himself adopted a brāhmaṇa’s dress and came near Maṇḍalā. Seeing him as an eminent, greatly intelligent brāhmaṇa accomplished in mantra,
Passage 92
अब्रवीत्तरलाईष तव वध्वङ्गशरीरगाम्। हरिष्यति महापीडामावेशाच्चेद्रोगतः॥९२॥
“she told Taralā, ‘This man will remove the great affliction that has entered your daughter-in-law’s body, whether it arises from possession or disease.
Passage 93
कृत्रिमाद्वापि दुष्टेभ्यः सर्पाघातप्रसूततः। एष सिद्धोऽखिलां बाधां हरिष्यति न संशयः॥९३॥
“‘Whether produced by artificial harm, a malign influence, or the strike of a serpent, this adept will remove the entire affliction—there is no doubt.’
Passage 94
ततश्च मण्डलेश्वर्या विश्वस्ता भाषितेन सा। तरलादाय तं सिद्धं ब्राह्मणं मन्त्रकोविदम्॥९४॥
“Reassured by Maṇḍaleśvarī’s statement, Taralā took that accomplished brāhmaṇa, the knower of mantra,
Passage 95
जगाम च निजं सद्म यत्र श्रीसहजातया। निपीडितातिदुःखेन शय्यामालिङ्ग्य संस्थिता॥९५॥
“and went at once to her own home, where Śrī Sahajā lay embracing the bed, oppressed by extreme suffering. The disguised Rāma diagnoses Sahajā
Passage 96
द्विजः सिद्धोऽथ तां दृष्ट्वा तरलायाः स्नुषां सतीम्। आवर्तेन विवर्णाङ्गीं सर्पन्तीमधितल्पकम्॥९६॥
“The accomplished brāhmaṇa saw Taralā’s virtuous daughter-in-law, her limbs discolored by the turmoil as she writhed across the bed,
Passage 97
बलादितस्ततोऽङ्गानि क्षिपन्तीं पाण्डुराननाम्। शुष्यतीमिव सूर्यांशुस्पर्शाद्ग्रीष्मलतामिव॥९७॥
“violently casting her limbs here and there, her face pale, withering like a summer vine touched by the sun’s rays.
Passage 98
विलोक्य नाडिकां चैव ज्ञाततत्त्वोऽब्रवीदथ। तरले तव कल्याणि स्नुषेयं भाग्यभूयसी॥९८॥
“After examining her pulse and discerning the truth, he said, ‘Auspicious Taralā, this daughter-in-law of yours possesses abundant good fortune.
Passage 99
पीडिता हेतुना येन तमहं ते निवेदये। कृते च तत्प्रतीकारे शान्तिमेष्यत्युपद्रवः॥९९॥
“‘I shall tell you the cause by which she is afflicted. Once the corresponding remedy is performed, the disturbance will become pacified.
Passage 100
भवतां हि कुले पूर्वं कामेश्वरः सदाशिवः। केनापि मानितः किञ्चित्कस्मैचित्कारणाय च॥१००॥
“‘Formerly, someone in your family honored Kāmeśvara Sadāśiva in some small way and for some particular reason.
Passage 101
तत्कार्यं तु कृतं तेन कामेश्वरशिवेन वै। न च सम्मानितोऽत्यर्थं तेनेदं कर्मणा स्फुटम्॥१०१॥
“‘Kāmeśvara Śiva fulfilled that person’s purpose, but was not afterward honored sufficiently. This affliction has plainly arisen from that deed.
Passage 102
स्नुषायास्तव पीडाभूत्ततः सम्मानय द्रुतम्। कामेश्वरं वराध्यक्षं शिवं सर्वार्तिनाशनम्॥१०२॥
“‘Your daughter-in-law’s suffering arose from this. Therefore quickly honor Kāmeśvara, lord of boons, Śiva who destroys every affliction. The disguised Rāma prescribes Kāmeśvara worship
Passage 103
प्रमोदविपिनस्यान्तस्तस्यालयमनुत्तमम्। अशोकलतिकाकुञ्जे तत्र प्रेष्या त्वया स्नुषा॥१०३॥
“‘His incomparable dwelling stands within the Pramoda forest, in a bower of aśoka vines. You must send your daughter-in-law there.
Passage 104
गन्धैः पुष्पैस्तथा धूपैर्दीपैर्नैवेद्यवस्तुभिः। भूयश्च फलताम्बूलदक्षिणाभिर्दिवानिशम्॥१०४॥
“‘Day and night she should worship with fragrances, flowers, incense, lamps, food offerings, abundant fruits, betel, and gifts.
Passage 105
मण्डलं पूजयत्वेषा पद्मैश्चात्मकराहृतैः। आत्मनावचितैः पुष्पैर्विरच्य विपुलाः स्रजः॥१०५॥
“‘Let her worship the sacred enclosure with lotuses gathered by her own hand, fashioning great garlands from flowers she has herself collected.
Passage 106
फलैश्चात्मकरानीतैर्माल्यैर्बिल्वजलैस्तथा। आत्मनेवाहृतैस्तोयैर्जलधारा विधीयताम्॥१०६॥
“‘With fruits brought by her own hand, garlands, bilva offerings, and water she has herself carried, let a continuous stream of water be offered.
Passage 107
एवमाराधितो देवः शङ्करः पार्वतीपतिः। हरिष्यत्यखिलां बाधां कामेशो वरदेश्वरः॥१०७॥
“‘Thus propitiated, the god Śaṅkara, Pārvatī’s husband—Kāmeśa, lord of boons— will remove the whole affliction.
Passage 108
यस्मिन् दिने सविश्रम्भं पूजारम्भो भविष्यति। तदैव दिनमारभ्य पीडानाशो भविष्यति॥१०८॥
“‘On the very day that the worship begins with full confidence, the destruction of her suffering will begin.
Passage 109
प्रातः समयमारभ्य सायंपर्यन्तमादृता। पूजयिष्यति कामेशं ततः शुभमवाप्स्यति॥१०९॥
“‘Attentively worshiping Kāmeśa from morning until evening, she will attain auspiciousness.
Passage 110
आधयो व्याधयश्चैव ग्रहपीडाश्च दारुणाः। आवेशो भूतजा पीडा न कदाचिद्भविष्यति॥११०॥
“‘Mental and bodily illnesses, terrible planetary afflictions, possession, and suffering produced by spirits will never arise.
Passage 111
धनधान्यमयी लक्ष्मीर्गृहाच्चापगमिष्यति। आयुष्यं विपुलं भोग्यं सौभाग्यं सर्वसम्पदः॥१११॥
“‘Prosperity consisting of wealth and grain will [not] depart from the house; there will be abundant longevity, enjoyment, good fortune, and every prosperity.’ The printed first line lacks the expected negative and therefore literally reads “will depart from the house.” The bracketed “not” follows the unbroken sequence of promised benefits without altering the Sanskrit witness.
Passage 112
प्रीतिः कीर्तिस्तथा तुष्टिः पुष्टिश्चापि दिने दिने। भविष्यति न सन्देहो नूनमेतद्विधीयताम्॥११२॥
“‘Love, fame, contentment, and flourishing will increase day by day. There is no doubt; therefore this must certainly be performed.
Passage 113
सखीभिः सवयस्काभिः सहिता गानपूर्वकम्। रात्रौ जागरणं कुर्याद्विशेषात्सोमवासरे॥११३॥
“‘Accompanied by companions of her own age and preceded by song, she should keep vigil at night, especially on a Monday.
Passage 114
इत्येष विधिरुद्दिष्टः कामेश्वरशिवार्चने। अतोऽन्यथा कृते चैव विपरीतं भविष्यति॥११४॥
“‘This is the prescribed procedure for worshiping Kāmeśvara Śiva. If it is performed otherwise, the result will be contrary.
Passage 115
अत आवश्यकं कार्यं कामेश्वरशिवार्चनम्। अल्पे कृते फलं भूयो येन स्यात्तद्विधीयताम्॥११५॥
“‘Therefore worship of Kāmeśvara Śiva must necessarily be performed. Arrange it so that a small act will yield abundant fruit.
Passage 116
अहं चास्याः कारयिष्ये कामेश्वरशिवार्चनम्। परस्त्रियं न स्पृशामि स्प्रक्ष्यामि कुशमात्रतः॥११६॥
“‘I myself shall conduct her worship of Kāmeśvara Śiva. I do not touch another man’s wife; I shall touch her only by means of kuśa grass.
Passage 117
तावच्च ते सुतो गोपः स्पर्शं नास्याः करिष्यति। कृते शिवकृता बाधा करिष्यति न संशयः॥११७॥
“‘Until then, your cowherd son must not touch her. When the rite has been performed, the affliction produced by Śiva will reach its appointed end—there is no doubt.’ The damaged witness makes the second half syntactically compressed; the English states its sense in the immediate ritual context.
Passage 118
इत्युक्त्वा चाशिषं दत्त्वा द्विजः सिद्धः प्रसन्नधीः। तरलां समुपामन्त्र्य यथोद्देशं यथोचितम्॥११८॥
“Having spoken thus and given his blessing, the accomplished brāhmaṇa of serene understanding took proper leave of Taralā in accordance with his purpose.” Colophon इति श्रीमदादिरामायणे ब्रह्मभुशुण्डसंवादे दशरथतीर्थयात्रायां व्रजागमने चतुर्विंशाधिकशततमोऽध्यायः॥ १२४ ॥ “Thus ends Chapter 124, concerning the coming to Vraja within Daśaratha’s pilgrimage, in the dialogue of Brahmā and Bhuśuṇḍi in the venerable Ādi Rāmāyaṇa.” Source control note Chapter 124 occupies registered source leaves 868–877 of the Pūrva-khaṇḍa volume (physical PDF pages 869–878). It contains 118 continuously numbered passages, followed immediately by the Chapter 124 colophon and the opening of Chapter 125 on physical page 878. All ten source pages were reviewed directly against the scan in batches of no more than two rendered pages, and the English is a fresh translation from the scan-controlled Sanskrit. The edition notes after passage 74 that the Ayodhyā manuscript is defective from that point through the end of the Pūrva-khaṇḍa. Passage 111 lacks the negative required by its sequence of promised benefits, and passage 117 is syntactically compressed; both printed readings are preserved in Sanskrit and the English flags the contextual resolution rather than silently emending the witness.