Passage 1
सुखित उवाच— किमत्र दुर्लभं लोके प्रसन्ने निखिलेश्वरे। किञ्चापि दुर्लभं राजन् नु प्रसन्ने परे प्रभौ॥१॥
Sukhita said: “What can be difficult to obtain in this world when the Lord of all is pleased? King, when the Supreme Lord is gracious, nothing whatsoever remains unattainable.
Passage 2
अथापरां प्रभोर्लीलां शृणु राजर्षिसत्तम। महोदार्यगुणो यस्यामुद्देशेन स्फुटीकृतः॥२॥
“Now hear another play of the Lord, best of royal sages, in which a mere glimpse of his immense generosity becomes manifest.
Passage 3
अस्ति वै सुरिशर्मेति द्विजो वै मिथिलापुरे। अयाचितोपपन्नेन प्राणान् सञ्जीवयन् गृहे॥३॥
“In Mithilā lived a brāhmaṇa named Suriśarman, who sustained the lives of his household solely with whatever came to him without asking.
Passage 4
दरिद्रो दुर्बलः श्रान्तो व्यवहाराक्षमोऽधनी। दिनस्य तुर्ये भुञ्जानो यथासम्पन्नमेव सः॥४॥
“Poor, weak, exhausted, without resources, and unable to engage in business, he ate only in the fourth part of the day and only what happened to be available.
Passage 5
तस्येन्दिरावती नाम भार्या क्षुत्क्षामविग्रहा। सा चार्थानामसम्बन्धाद्वास्यमाना कुटुम्बिभिः॥५॥
“His wife was named Indirāvatī. Her body was emaciated by hunger, and because the family possessed no wealth she endured the reproaches of householders.
Passage 6
तपस्विनी महोदारा यथासम्पन्नमेव सा। पूर्वं निवेद्य विप्राय तदर्धं पतिपुत्रयोः॥६॥
“That austere and noble woman first presented whatever food arose to the brāhmaṇa and then divided the remaining half between husband and child.
Passage 7
शिष्टं स्वयं सदा भुङ्क्ते इति सा प्रतिवासरम्। कुर्वती विप्रभार्या सा निर्वाहं सुतपस्विनी॥७॥
“She herself always ate only what remained. In this way the ascetic brāhmaṇa’s wife maintained the household day after day.
Passage 8
एवं तयोराचरतोः कन्या जाता विधेर्वशात्। दरिद्रस्य पितुः कन्या मास्तु कस्यापि वै विधे॥८॥
“While the couple lived thus, fate gave them a daughter. O destiny, may no daughter ever be born to an impoverished father!
Passage 9
इति प्रार्थयतोरेव कन्या सा निरुजा भवत्। कृतनामक्रिया सा तु नाम्ना चन्द्रमती धृता॥९॥
“Even while her parents prayed in this way, the girl grew up free of illness. At the naming rite she received the name Candramatī.
Passage 10
दिने दिने वर्धमाना बभौ परिणयोचिता। अथ चिन्तातुरा जाता माता तस्यास्तपस्विनी॥१०॥
“Growing day by day, she reached marriageable age. Her ascetic mother then became overwhelmed with anxiety.
Passage 11
इन्दिरावत्युवाच— अतः परं किं कर्तव्यं जातासौ तनया मम। प्रबुद्धयौवनौचित्यं बिभ्रती सुस्मितानना॥११॥
Indirāvatī said: “What are we to do now? My sweetly smiling daughter has reached the fullness appropriate to youth.
Passage 12
दारिद्र्यायाः मम सुतां कः खलूद्वोढुमिच्छति। अतोऽस्या दुर्लभो भर्ता समुदायैर्द्विजन्मनाम्॥१२॥
“Who will wish to marry the daughter of a destitute woman? Therefore a husband for her will be difficult to find even among the communities of brāhmaṇas.
Passage 13
मिलितोऽपि स्वापतेयं विना सर्वक्रियावहम्। योजनीयोऽनया सार्धं कथमुद्वाहकर्मणि॥१३॥
“Even if one is found, how can we join him to her in the marriage rite without the property required to carry out every ceremony?
Passage 14
क्रियया चापि शाकादिर्भोजनीयः कथं खलु। इति चिन्ताप्रदग्धायां न किञ्चिदुपतिष्ठते॥१४॥
“How could we even feed the customary vegetables and other fare? Burned by this worry, I can discover no means at all.
Passage 15
येन सा पतिसम्बन्धं कारणीया पतिंवरा। अथैकदा सहस्रार्थस्तदाश्रममुपेयिवान्॥१५॥
“How shall this excellent girl be united with a husband?” One day a wealthy company happened to approach their hermitage.
Passage 16
मद्गृहाद्गच्छतां पूर्णकामानां धनिनां नृणाम्। याचकानां शृण्वतां सूतमागधवन्दिनाम्॥१६॥
They heard wealthy men leaving Rāma’s residence with every wish fulfilled, together with petitioners, bards, heralds, and panegyrists.
Passage 17
विप्राणां वेदविदुषां श्रीरामोपगतश्रियाम्। आनन्दिनां वार्तयतां रामस्य शुभगान् गुणान्॥१७॥
Veda-knowing brāhmaṇas, made prosperous by Śrī Rāma, joyfully spoke of his auspicious virtues.
Passage 18
अहो साक्षाद्रामो जयति सुरवृक्षः क्षितितले वितन्वन् सर्वेभ्यः सकलमसकृद्वाञ्छितफलम्। मनस्तुष्ट्या युक्तः कलयति समूहं सुमनसां द्विजांस्तत्तच्छाखासमुदयसुसंस्थांश्च सखयन्॥१८॥
“Glory to Rāma, the manifest wish-fulfilling tree upon the earth, repeatedly extending every desired fruit to all! With a satisfied heart he befriends the assemblies of noble brāhmaṇas established upon his many branches.
Passage 19
रामो दाता राम एवास्ति पाता रामो नामैकोऽशरणानां सोऽभिरामः। इन्द्रश्चन्द्रः सूर्य ईशः कुबेरो रामस्यांशा रचिता वेधसैव॥१९॥
“Rāma is the giver and Rāma alone the protector. Delightful Rāma is the sole refuge of those without shelter. Indra, the Moon, the Sun, Śiva, and Kubera were fashioned by the Creator as mere portions of Rāma.
Passage 20
चिदानन्दागारं भुवनभयहारं नतिकृता- मपारं संसारं भुवि सविकारं सनिरयम्। महामेघश्यामं सदयमभिरामं नयनयोः प्रकामं स्वारामं विरमयत रामं निजहृदि॥२०॥
“Establish Rāma within your own heart: the abode of consciousness and bliss, remover of the world’s fear and of the boundless, changing, hell-shadowed saṃsāra of those who bow; dark as a great cloud, compassionate, delightful to the eyes, and complete in himself.
Passage 21
रामश्चेत् सर्वचेतोरमणगुणगणैराढ्य आनन्दरूपः साक्षात् संसेवितश्चेत् परनृपतिभिः सेवितैः किं खलु स्यात्। नो रामः सेवितश्चेत् त्रिभुवनसुखदानन्दकेलीनिधानं कारुण्यस्यार्णवस्तर्ह्यपरनृपतिभिः सेवितैः किं खलु स्यात्॥२१॥
“If Rāma—the form of bliss, rich in qualities that charm every heart—is directly served, what is gained by serving other kings? If Rāma, ocean of compassion and treasury of blissful play that delights the three worlds, is not served, what indeed can service to other kings accomplish?
Passage 22
इत्यमालपतां तेषां सुवाक्यानि परस्परम्। दरिद्रयेन्दिरावत्या श्रुत्वा पत्ये निवेदितम्॥२२॥
Destitute Indirāvatī heard these people exchanging such beautiful words and reported them to her husband.
Passage 23
इन्दिरावत्युवाच— इह खलु वर्तते प्रमुदकाननराज इति प्रथितयशा भुवि प्रणयिनां प्रणयन् कमलाः। अधिगतमङ्गलालय उदारकराम्बुरुहः स जयति रामचन्द्र उदयं दधदस्खलितः॥२३॥
Indirāvatī said: “Here dwells the celebrated king of Pramoda forest, Rāmacandra. His lotus hand is generous, his abode is all-auspicious, and he steadily raises up those on earth who love him.
Passage 24
तमुपसर प्रिय प्रणयिनो वचनादपि ते सुजनितधनाय क्षतमयाचितकं सुतया। अथ यदिमां वरे समुपयोज्य भवेः सुकृतो पुनरपि तादृगेव सहजं व्रतमस्तु सदा॥२४॥
“Beloved, approach him at my request, even if our daughter’s need requires you to suspend the vow of not asking. Once you have piously joined her to a worthy groom, you may resume that natural vow forever.”
Passage 25
इत्युक्तः प्रियया विप्रः प्रमोदवनमाययौ। रामः प्रभुं द्रष्टुमितश्चेतश्च धावति॥२५॥
Thus urged by his beloved, the brāhmaṇa came to Pramoda forest. Eager to see Lord Rāma, his mind raced in every direction.
Passage 26
तदा स चिन्तयामास ब्राह्मणोऽयाचितव्रतः। कथं नु खलु रामस्य सविधे याचितास्म्यहम्॥२६॥
Then the brāhmaṇa, bound by his vow never to ask, reflected: “How can I become a petitioner in Rāma’s presence?
Passage 27
अपि मद्वदने वाणी देहीत्यद्यावधि क्वचित्। नावतीर्णा साद्य कथं प्रादुर्भावमुपैष्यति॥२७॥
“Until today the words ‘Please give me something’ have never descended from my mouth. How can such speech appear now?”
Passage 28
इति चिन्ताज्वरोत्तप्तः पथि श्वासं समुत्सृजन्। निषसाद तरोर्मूले श्वासेन शुष्ककण्ठकः॥२८॥
Burning with the fever of anxiety and sighing on the road, he sat beneath a tree, his throat dried by his heavy breath. Rāma meets him in disguise
Passage 29
तत्र प्राप्तः स्वयं रामोऽवतीर्णः प्रार्थितार्थदः। स यावदुत्थितोऽपश्यदग्रे पुरुषसत्तमम्॥२९॥
Rāma himself, who descends to grant the sought-for object, came there. As the brāhmaṇa rose, he saw the best of persons before him.
Passage 30
अदृष्टपूर्वसौन्दर्यसम्पदं निस्तुलं त्विषा। सर्वाङ्गरुचिरं दिव्यवेषं राजीवलोचनम्॥३०॥
The lotus-eyed stranger possessed unprecedented beauty, incomparable radiance, limbs lovely in every part, and celestial dress.
Passage 31
सुरिशर्मा द्विजः प्रीत्वा तन्मुखं पद्ममञ्जुलम्। अवाप मुदमत्युच्चैर्नानुभूतां पुरा क्वचित्॥३१॥
Seeing his charming lotus face, the brāhmaṇa Suriśarman felt an exalted joy unlike anything he had ever experienced.
Passage 32
सुरिशर्मोवाच— कस्त्वं भोः पुण्डरीकाक्ष सुबाहो पुरुषर्षभ। रामं द्रष्टुमहं प्राप्तस्त्वां दृष्ट्वा मुदितोऽस्म्यहम्॥३२॥
Suriśarman said: “Who are you, lotus-eyed, strong-armed bull among men? I came to see Rāma, yet seeing you has filled me with joy.
Passage 33
आजानुबाहुः सुखदः सुरूपः समद्वक्षाः कमलारुणाक्षः। स्मिताननः शोभितरत्नचूडः प्रत्यङ्गभूषारुचिभास्वरस्त्वम्॥३३॥
“Your arms reach your knees, your form gives delight, your chest is broad, and your eyes are lotus-red. Your face smiles, a jeweled crest adorns you, and every limb shines with the beauty of its ornaments.
Passage 34
दारिद्र्यानलतप्तोऽपि त्वां दृष्ट्वा शीतलोऽस्म्यहम्। जाने नृणां शोकनुदो विधिना त्वं विनिर्मितः॥३४॥
“Though scorched by the fire of poverty, I have become cool upon seeing you. I believe the Creator fashioned you to dispel human sorrow.
Passage 35
तव नाम कुलं शीलं श्रोतुमुत्कण्ठितोऽस्म्यहम्। आख्याहि कृपया धीमन् यदि योग्यं मम श्रुतेः॥३५॥
“I long to hear your name, lineage, and character. Wise one, please tell me if they are fit for my ears.”
Passage 36
श्रीभगवानुवाच— रामस्यानुचरः कश्चिदस्म्यहं निर्जने वने। नियुक्तः स्वप्रतिनिधिरतिथीनां समाहितः॥३६॥
The Blessed Lord said: “I am merely one attendant of Rāma, stationed in this solitary forest as his attentive representative for guests.
Passage 37
वने स्वादृतमान्यस्मिन् फलन्ति विविधानि च। तर्पयाम्यतिथीनेतैः सारवेण च पाथसा॥३७॥
“Many kinds of fruit ripen in this honored forest. With these and the water of the Sārava lake I satisfy visiting guests.
Passage 38
एतावन्मम कर्तव्यं तदादेशादितोऽधिकम्। स एव कर्तुमुचितः सर्वसामर्थ्यसंयुतः॥३८॥
“This alone is my duty under his command. Anything beyond it should be done by Rāma himself, who possesses every power.
Passage 39
स देवोऽद्य स्वयं यातः कामेश्वरमुपासितुम्। रक्ताशोकलताकुञ्जे निभृतः क्वापि वर्तते॥३९॥
“Today that Lord has gone personally to worship Kāmeśvara. He is secluded somewhere in a bower of red aśoka vines.”
Passage 40
सुरिशर्मोवाच— अहो राममहं द्रष्टुमिहायातः प्रमोदने। कदा तद्दर्शनं लप्स्ये क्व च तन्महदास्पदम्॥४०॥
Suriśarman said: “Alas, I came here to Pramoda forest to see Rāma. When shall I obtain his vision, and where is his great abode?”
Passage 41
श्रीभगवानुवाच— न याति कुञ्जभवनाद्बहिरेषु वनेष्वसौ। दर्शनाकाङ्क्षिणो लोका बहवो विफलं गताः॥४१॥
The Blessed Lord said: “He does not leave his bower-house to enter these forests. Many people longing to see him have gone away disappointed.
Passage 42
सुस्वादूनि फलान्येतान्यशान सुहितो भव। सारवं सलिलं पीत्वा तृप्तो गच्छ यथागतम्॥४२॥
“Eat these delicious fruits and be refreshed. Drink the water of Sārava, become satisfied, and return by the way you came.”
Passage 43
सुखित उवाच— इत्युक्तः स्वयमेवासौ रामेण निभृतात्मना। अयाचितव्रतध्वंसभीतस्तुष्टोऽभवद्द्विजः॥४३॥
Sukhita said: Thus addressed by Rāma himself in concealed form, the brāhmaṇa was pleased, for he had feared the destruction of his vow not to ask.
Passage 44
अद्यावधि व्रतं नित्यमक्षतं मम मौनिनः। निधिना पालितं यस्माद्रामो न मिलितो मया॥४४॥
He reflected: “My lifelong vow and silence have remained unbroken, preserved by providence because I did not meet Rāma.
Passage 45
करिष्ये कन्यकायास्तु विवाहं येन केनचित्। वन्यैः फलैः पल्लवैश्च पूजयिष्ये सुतापतिम्॥४५॥
“I shall arrange my daughter’s marriage somehow. With forest fruits and leaves I will honor my daughter’s husband.
Passage 46
पुष्पैः सुतां भूषयित्वा हरिद्राग्रन्थिभिस्तथा। यस्य कस्यापि विप्रस्य करिष्ये करगामिनीम्॥४६॥
“I shall adorn my daughter with flowers and turmeric-thread ornaments and place her hand in that of some suitable brāhmaṇa.
Passage 47
फलपल्लवपुष्पेषु सत्सु नाना वने वने। स्वयमेवोपपन्नासु वेदमन्त्रकुशादिषु॥४७॥
“Every forest contains fruits, leaves, and flowers, while Vedic mantras, kuśa grass, and the other essentials arise without asking.
Passage 48
किमन्याभिः संविधाभिः कन्यादानं सुविधीयते। यदर्थं श्रीदुरन्धारान् याचन्ते दीनया गिरा॥४८॥
“Why are other elaborate provisions needed to give a daughter in marriage— the very things for which the poor beg the wealthy in a pitiable voice?
Passage 49
अहं स्त्रियोपदेशेन स्वाश्रमाच्चपलीकृतः। तथापि रक्षितं धात्रा मदीयं नियतं व्रतम्॥४९॥
“My wife’s counsel made me leave my hermitage in agitation, yet the Creator has preserved my fixed vow.”
Passage 50
इत्युक्त्वा हृदयेनासौ विप्रस्तामुपदां ददौ। तस्मै पुरुषवर्याय प्रोवाच च वचः पुनः॥५०॥
Having spoken thus within his heart, the brāhmaṇa gave the fruits as an offering to that excellent man and addressed him again.
Passage 51
मदाश्रमफलान्येतान्यागते रघुनायके। मन्नाम्ना प्रतिपाद्यन्तां मदाशीश्च निवेद्यताम्॥५१॥
“When the Lord of Raghus returns, please offer him these fruits from my hermitage in my name, and convey my blessing.”
Passage 52
तेनायाचितदत्तानि फलानि सुरसानि सः। प्राश्य पीत्वा च सरसं सारवं विमलं पयः॥५२॥
He ate the delicious fruits given without his asking and drank the clear, flavorful water of Sārava.
Passage 53
तमामन्त्र्य नरश्रेष्ठं परमापृच्छ्य दर्शनम्। स्वाश्रमाभिमुखो विप्रः प्रतस्थौ वै प्रमोदनात्॥५३॥
Taking leave of that best of men and respectfully bidding farewell to the beautiful sight, the brāhmaṇa set out from Pramoda forest toward his hermitage. The hermitage transformed
Passage 54
अथापश्यदसौ दूरात् स्वाश्रमस्थानमाकुलम्। सुवर्णरत्नप्रासादैर्वैजयन्तैरिवाद्भुतैः॥५४॥
From a distance he saw the site of his hermitage crowded with astonishing palaces of gold and jewels, splendid as celestial banners.
Passage 55
तपनांशुसमाद्योतद्योतितैर्भवनोत्तमैः। चित्रध्वजपताकाभिः शिखरैः स्वर्णरञ्जितैः॥५५॥
Excellent buildings shone with the brilliance of sunbeams, bearing colorful flags and banners and peaks ornamented with gold.
Passage 56
शातकुम्भजकुम्भैश्च मणिस्तम्भैश्च शोभनैः। वैदूर्यरत्नकिरणद्योतिताभिश्च भित्तिभिः॥५६॥
Golden finials, beautiful jeweled pillars, and walls illuminated by rays from cat’s-eye gems adorned the place.
Passage 57
अनेकैश्चित्रशालैश्च वाजिशालाभिरन्ततः। गजैः पर्वतसङ्काशैर्गण्डस्थलहेमभूषितैः॥५७॥
There were many picture galleries and inner stables, and elephants massive as mountains with gold ornaments upon their temples.
Passage 58
मदच्युद्भिर्हलधरैः स्वर्णकम्बलधारिभिः। दिव्यस्त्रीणां समुद्गीतैर्विश्वक् कोलाहलीकृतम्॥५८॥
Rut flowed from elephants bearing golden coverings, while the songs of celestial women filled every side with festive sound.
Passage 59
वेष्टितं गजशालाभिः समन्तात् सुसमाकुलम्। कालागुरुभवैर्धूमैः परिव्याप्तनभस्तलम्॥५९॥
Elephant houses surrounded the bustling estate on every side, and smoke from black aloeswood spread across the sky.
Passage 60
सरोभिः सरसीभिश्च फुल्लपद्मोज्ज्वलाशिभिः। गृहारामैश्च पुष्पाणां वाटिकाभिरलङ्कृतम्॥६०॥
It was adorned with lakes and pools bright with masses of blooming lotuses, household gardens, and flower groves.
Passage 61
ततो वितर्कयामास मुनिः सञ्जातसंशयः। किमिदं कस्य च स्थानं यातो वाऽहमति विभ्रमम्॥६१॥
The sage began to reason in growing doubt: “What is this, and whose place is it? Have I wandered here through some great confusion?
Passage 62
अहो स्वप्नं प्रपश्यामि दिङ्मोहो वा ममाजनि। देशः खलु स एवायं नाश्रमो दृश्यते कुतः॥६२॥
“Am I dreaming, or have I become disoriented? This is certainly the same region, yet why can I not see my hermitage?
Passage 63
क्वाभूद् दैववशात् सा मे पर्णशाला लघीयसी। दृश्यन्ते चात एवामी दूरादाश्रमपादपाः॥६३॥
“Where, by fate, has my little leaf hut gone? From here I can still see in the distance the trees that stood around the hermitage.
Passage 64
हरिन्मणिमयैः पत्रैः पुष्पैर्मणिमयैरपि। फलैरमृतपाकाढ्यैर्विविधैश्चापि काञ्चनैः॥६४॥
Those trees now bore emerald leaves, jeweled flowers, many kinds of golden fruit, and fruit rich with nectarean ripeness.
Passage 65
तस्मिन्नेवाथ देशे वै श्रीरन्या दृश्यते त्वसौ। विचित्रैर्विविधैर्गेहैः सुधया धवलीकृतैः॥६५॥
In that very place a wholly different magnificence appeared: varied and wondrous houses whitened with bright plaster.
Passage 66
रजताचलसङ्काशैः सुमेरुगिरिसन्निभैः। द्रक्ष्यामि चाग्रतो गत्वा किमेतदजनि स्फुटम्॥६६॥
They resembled silver mountains and mighty Mount Sumeru. “I shall go forward and see clearly what has arisen here.”
Passage 67
अथायं सविधे गत्वा ददर्श नगरोत्तमम्। तदा शुशोच मनसा हतः केन ममाश्रमः॥६७॥
Drawing near, he saw a splendid city. He grieved inwardly: “Who has destroyed my hermitage?
Passage 68
क्व चाभविष्यत् सा नाम भार्या मे निर्धना सदा। किं करोमि क्व गच्छामि कं नु पृच्छामि सम्प्रति॥६८॥
“Where can my ever-destitute wife be? What shall I do, where shall I go, and whom can I ask now?”
Passage 69
अहो नगरवास्तूनां प्रभासञ्चरतां नृणाम्। एषां प्रभावमालोक्य धर्षिते इव चक्षुषी॥६९॥
The buildings of the city and the radiant people moving through it were so splendid that their brilliance seemed almost to overpower his eyes.
Passage 70
एवमाशङ्कमानोऽसौ ददर्श वरवर्णिनीः। प्रेषिता इन्दिरावत्या प्रेष्या भवनदासिकाः॥७०॥
While he wondered in this way, he saw beautiful palace attendants whom Indirāvatī had sent to meet him.
Passage 71
ता आलोक्य प्रियं प्राप्तं कृताञ्जलय आदरात्। ववन्दिरेऽभिवाञ्छन्त्यः कृपालोकममुष्य वै॥७१॥
Seeing their beloved master arrive, they respectfully folded their hands and bowed, longing to receive his gracious glance.
Passage 72
नीराजयित्वा कर्पूरदीपिकाभिः समन्ततः। निर्मञ्छ्य मुक्तामाणिक्यसमूहैस्तारकोर्जितैः॥७२॥
They waved camphor lamps around him and performed auspicious rites with heaps of pearls and gems shining like stars.
Passage 73
ऊचुरेनं महाभाग प्रासादाग्रे प्रविश्यताम्। यत्रेन्दिरावती देवी ध्यायन्ती त्वां गृहोपरि॥७३॥
They said, “Fortunate lord, please enter the palace where Lady Indirāvatī, meditating upon you, waits upon the upper floor.
Passage 74
वलभीं तुङ्गजालस्थां पुरवीथीर्विलोकते। तया सङ्गम्य विप्रेन्द्र भुङ्क्ष्वैनां परमां श्रियम्॥७४॥
“From the high latticed balcony she watches the city streets. Join her, foremost brāhmaṇa, and enjoy this supreme prosperity.
Passage 75
श्रीरामचन्द्रचरणोपगमप्रसादा- दासादितां सुमहतीं वत भूतिमेनाम्। दृष्ट्वा कुरुष्व सफलां भृशमाश्रितेभ्यो देहि प्रकाशय यशो विपुलं जगत्सु॥७५॥
“This immense fortune has come through the grace of approaching Śrī Rāmacandra’s feet. Make it fruitful: give generously to those who depend upon you and spread his vast glory throughout the worlds.”
Passage 76
इत्युक्तो विप्रवर्योऽसौ ताभिरत्यन्तमादृतः। तत्क्षणे प्राप वै तादृग्भोगार्हां विपुलां श्रियम्॥७६॥
Thus addressed and greatly honored by the attendants, the excellent brāhmaṇa instantly acquired the splendid appearance appropriate to such prosperity.
Passage 77
महेन्द्र इव दुर्धर्षः कन्दर्प इव सुन्दरः। चन्द्रवत्कान्तसन्दोहभूषितस्तेजसा रविः॥७७॥
He became unassailable like Indra, beautiful like Kāma, adorned with a mass of moonlike charm, and radiant as the sun.
Passage 78
व्यरोचत महाबाहुर्भोगार्हपट्टायुतः। यद्दिने प्रस्थितो विप्रो रामचन्द्रदिदृक्षया॥७८॥
The mighty-armed brāhmaṇa shone in garments suited to enjoyment. All this occurred on the very day he had set out hoping to see Rāmacandra.
Passage 79
स्वाश्रमात् स्त्रिया ज्ञप्त आसीत्तद्दिन एव वै। रात्रावियं परा लक्ष्मीर्वैकुण्ठनगरोचिता॥७९॥
On the same day that his wife had sent him from the hermitage, this supreme splendor—worthy of Vaikuṇṭha’s city—appeared during the night.
Passage 80
सा प्रातरिन्दिरावत्या दृष्टा विस्मितचित्तया। सापि श्रीरिव सञ्जाता महासौन्दर्यभाविता॥८०॥
Indirāvatī beheld it in astonishment the next morning. She herself became like the goddess Śrī, invested with immense beauty.
Passage 81
वीक्ष्यात्मानं परां प्राप्ता विस्मयं भवनानि च। सर्वतश्चकिताक्षी च पश्यन्ती चिरमास सा॥८१॥
Seeing her own transformed form and the surrounding buildings, she entered profound wonder and sat for a long time gazing in every direction with amazed eyes.
Passage 82
अथ विप्रवरः प्राप्तो महाप्रासादमन्दिरम्। दूरादालोकितः पत्न्या महासौभाग्यभूषितः॥८२॥
The excellent brāhmaṇa reached the great palace. His wife saw him from afar, adorned with extraordinary good fortune.
Passage 83
दृष्ट्वैवालिङ्गितः प्रेम्णा भूयः प्राप्ताभिलाषया। स्नातः सुगन्धभूषाद्यैर्भूषितः प्रीतमानसः॥८३॥
As soon as she saw him, she embraced him lovingly, her longing fulfilled once more. He bathed and, joyful at heart, was adorned with perfumes and ornaments.
Passage 84
भुक्तश्च विविधैर्भोज्यैः सर्वैर्भोजनपोषितैः। एकान्ते सुसमासीनस्तया हृष्टो वरासने॥८४॥
Nourished with many varieties of excellent food, he sat happily with her in seclusion upon a splendid seat.
Passage 85
सुवर्णरत्नप्रासादे मणिदीपप्रदीपिते। महार्हे चारुपल्यङ्के गजदन्तैर्विनिर्मिते॥८५॥
They were in a palace of gold and gems illuminated by jeweled lamps, upon a beautiful and costly couch fashioned from ivory.
Passage 86
दुग्धफेनोज्ज्वले तल्पे सोपधानेऽतिशोभने। पट्टराज्ञ्या सहासीनः साक्षान्नृपवरो यथा॥८६॥
Seated with his queenlike wife upon a splendid cushioned bed white as milk foam, he appeared like the finest of kings. Suriśarman recognizes Rāma’s grace
Passage 87
अचिन्तयत्तदा तत्र ब्राह्मणस्तुष्टमानसः। विस्मयं च परं प्राप्तो वीक्ष्य स्त्रियमनन्यगाम्॥८७॥
Contented at heart and filled with supreme wonder as he looked upon his faithful wife, the brāhmaṇa began to reflect.
Passage 88
नूनं स राम एवासौ दृष्टोऽयं यः पुरुषो मया। अतिमात्रं कृपायुक्तो मादृशे शरणागते॥८८॥
“Surely the man I saw was Rāma himself, immeasurably compassionate toward a refuge-seeker such as me.
Passage 89
तं विहाय पुमान् कोऽन्य ईदृशः स्यान्मनोहरः। दृष्ट्वैव मे मनो जह्रे महतीमापदं तथा॥८९॥
“Apart from him, what other man could be so enchanting? The instant I saw him, he stole my heart and took away my great calamity.
Passage 90
उदारचूडामणिना दीनोऽहं भूपतिः कृतः। अहो मया तदावासो न ज्ञातः पुरुषोत्तमः॥९०॥
“By the crown jewel of generosity, I who was destitute have been made a king. Alas, while there I failed to recognize the Supreme Person!
Passage 91
इदानीं तु प्रभावेण ज्ञातो रामः स एव हि। ईदृग्विधो भवेद्दाता न भूतो न भविष्यति॥९१॥
“Now his power has revealed that he was indeed Rāma. No giver like him has ever existed or ever will.
Passage 92
कृपाकटाक्षमात्रेण चक्रे शक्रपुराधिपम्। अयाचितोऽपि यत्प्रादाद्याचितः किमदास्यत॥९२॥
“By a mere sidelong glance of grace he made me a lord like the ruler of Indra’s city. If he gave this much unasked, what would he not have given had I asked?
Passage 93
धर्मार्थकाममोक्षाणां दाता परः प्रभुः। तमेतं कोऽनुयाचेत तुच्छमैहिकवैभवम्॥९३॥
“He is the Supreme Lord, giver of dharma, wealth, pleasure, and liberation. Who would ask such a Lord merely for trivial worldly magnificence?
Passage 94
यः स्वयं भुक्तिमुक्त्यादिदानोदारकराम्बुजः। परमेव प्रार्थनीयस्तत्पदाम्भोजभक्तये॥९४॥
“His generous lotus hand itself bestows enjoyment, liberation, and every other good. The highest prayer to him is only for devotion to his lotus feet.
Passage 95
भक्त्या प्रसन्नो भगवान् स्वरूपमपि यच्छति। मानुषं भावमास्थाय स्वयं स भगवान् परः॥९५॥
“To one who prays with devotion, the Lord grants even his own form. That Supreme Lord himself has assumed a human manner of being.
Passage 96
जगतां शोकशमनो महाकल्याणदायकः। सतामुद्धारकः साक्षादसतां कुलनाशकः॥९६॥
“He dispels the worlds’ sorrow, grants the highest welfare, directly delivers the holy, and destroys the lineages of the wicked.
Passage 97
नूनमेष स्फुटो लोके पूर्णः श्रीपुरुषोत्तमः। क्रीडति स्वजनैः सार्धं रञ्जयन् प्रमुदाटवीम्॥९७॥
“Surely the complete and glorious Supreme Person is manifest in this world, playing with his own people and delighting the Pramoda forest.
Passage 98
ज्ञाततत्त्वो जनस्तस्य चरणौ शरणं व्रजेत्। स आशु लभते मुक्तिं घोरात् संसारसागरात्॥९८॥
“One who knows this truth should take refuge at his feet and will quickly gain release from the dreadful ocean of worldly existence.
Passage 99
यस्मै कृपयति त्वेष चिदानन्दमहोघनः। स एव धन्यो जगति तन्मायामोहिते नरः॥९९॥
“In this world, bewildered by his māyā, the one whom this great treasury of consciousness and bliss favors is truly blessed.
Passage 100
न ब्राह्मं पदमूर्जितं स्पृहयते वैरिञ्च्यधिष्ण्यं महत् स्वाराज्येन विराजितं न वसुधासम्पूर्णराज्यश्रियम्। यस्तस्याङ्घ्रिसरोजयोः करुणया सन्तीर्णमोहाणवो लब्ध्वा भक्तिमथोर्जितामसुलभां शश्वत्कृतार्थो भवेत्॥१००॥
“One who by the grace of his lotus feet has crossed the ocean of delusion and attained powerful, rarely obtained devotion desires neither Brahmā’s exalted station nor universal sovereignty and the full glory of earthly kingship; he remains fulfilled forever.
Passage 101
नमस्तस्मै भगवतेऽचिन्त्यानन्तशक्तये। महापुरुषरूपाय रामाय परमात्मने॥१०१॥
“Homage to the Blessed Lord of inconceivable and infinite power, to Rāma, the Supreme Self in the form of the Supreme Person.
Passage 102
त्रिगुणातीतरूपाय सच्चिदानन्दकेलये। परापरपरेशाय नमो रामाय वेधसे॥१०२॥
“Homage to him whose form transcends the three guṇas, whose play is being, consciousness, and bliss; the supreme Lord of higher and lower, the rasa-filled Creator.
Passage 103
अहो ते रामार्य पुरुषवर माहात्म्यजलधे क ईष्टे देव त्वामतुलमवगाढं त्रिजगति। मुनीन्द्राणां श्रेष्ठा अपि परमहंसाः कृतधियो न ते पारं प्राप्तुं दधति न तु सामर्थ्यमुचितम्॥१०३॥
“Ah Rāma, best of persons and ocean of greatness! Lord, who in the three worlds can master your incomparable depth? Even the finest sage-kings, realized paramahaṃsas, lack the capacity to reach your farther shore.
Passage 104
अनन्तस्त्वं मायातिगवपुरनन्तास्तव गुणा नराकारं ब्रह्म त्वमुदयसि यद्धाम परमम्। अतद्व्यावृत्त्या त्वं श्रुतिभिरभिधेयस्तु किमपि स्फुटं नेतीति त्वां जगदुरवशा अन्तत इमाः॥१०४॥
“You are infinite, your body transcends māyā, and your virtues are infinite. You arise as Brahman in human form, the supreme abode. Unable to define you except by excluding what you are not, the scriptures finally declare only, ‘Not this, not this.’
Passage 105
किं त्वां याचेय भगवन् भोगस्वर्गापवर्गदम्। त्वत्स्वरूपानन्दमात्रे रुचिरस्तु जगत्पते॥१०५॥
“What should I ask of you, Lord who grants enjoyment, heaven, and liberation? Master of the world, may my taste rest solely in the bliss of your own form.”
Passage 106
इत्यसौ पूर्णसर्वार्थः सञ्जातप्रणयः प्रभौ। ध्यायमानस्तमेवान्तर्विषयेभ्यो न्यवर्तत॥१०६॥
Having thus found every purpose fulfilled and developed love for the Lord, he meditated inwardly upon Rāma alone and turned away from sense objects. Prosperity used in Rāma’s service
Passage 107
कस्मैचिद्द्विजवर्याय कन्यां सोपस्करां ददौ। तं भूपस्तोषयामास रामदत्तैर्महाधनैः॥१०७॥
He gave his daughter, together with all provisions, to an excellent brāhmaṇa and honored the groom like a king with the great wealth Rāma had given.
Passage 108
सुवर्णमणिरत्नौघैर्वासोभिर्वाजिभी रथैः। पुर एव स्वके तत्र जामातरमवासयत्॥१०८॥
With heaps of gold, gems, and jewels, garments, horses, and chariots, he established his son-in-law there in his own city.
Passage 109
सम्पाद्य च विविधान् भोगान् बहुमानपुरःसरम्। ब्राह्मणान् पूजयामास तया परमया श्रिया॥१०९॥
Using that supreme prosperity, he arranged many enjoyments and worshiped the brāhmaṇas with the highest honor.
Passage 110
आगतानतिथीन् नित्यं मुनीन् तत्त्वार्थवेदिनः। भक्तान् परमहंसांश्च महाभागवतान् जनान्॥११०॥
He continually honored arriving guests, sages who knew ultimate truth, devotees, paramahaṃsas, and exalted Bhāgavatas.
Passage 111
रामेण दत्तां तां भूतिं रामस्यार्थे महामनाः। व्ययीकुर्वन् सदा रेजे सुरिशर्मा द्विजाग्रणीः॥१११॥
Great-hearted Suriśarman, foremost among brāhmaṇas, shone by continually spending the prosperity given by Rāma for Rāma’s own purposes.
Passage 112
भार्यया चेन्दिरावत्या कथञ्चिदनुरञ्जितः। तस्या एवानुरोधेन विषयान् बुभुजे रतः॥११२॥
Sometimes, to please his wife Indirāvatī and only at her request, he accepted the enjoyment of sense objects.
Passage 113
दर्शयन्नात्मनासक्तिं रामासक्तमनोगतिः। विषयापनुदं भोगं विषयाणां चकार सः॥११३॥
Though outwardly appearing engaged, his mind remained attached to Rāma. His experience of objects itself expelled attachment to those objects.
Passage 114
यतो यतः संस्पृहा स्यात् तं तं पूरयति स्म ह। भोगं विषयसन्दोहेष्वलिप्तश्चास स स्वयम्॥११४॥
He fulfilled whatever desire arose, yet while surrounded by enjoyments he himself remained unstained.
Passage 115
एवं शीलयमानोऽसौ गार्हस्थ्यं परमया श्रिया। निष्ठामौपशमीं प्राप यया सद्योपशाम्यते॥११५॥
Living the householder’s life amid supreme prosperity in this way, he attained the steadfast peace by which all agitation immediately subsides.
Passage 116
इहैव परमं ज्ञानं परमानन्दरूपिणः। परात्मनः श्रीरामस्य स्वरूपमात्रगोचरम्॥११६॥
Here in this very life he gained supreme knowledge, whose sole object is the own form of Śrī Rāma, the Supreme Self whose nature is highest bliss.
Passage 117
लब्ध्वा द्विजः सुरिशर्मा निर्विद्य सहसैव सः। विविच्य तत्पदं सूक्ष्मं विवेश सदसत्परम्॥११७॥
Receiving that knowledge, the brāhmaṇa Suriśarman at once became detached. Discerning Rāma’s subtle station beyond both manifest and unmanifest, he entered it.
Passage 118
एवमेव नृपश्रेष्ठ बहवः पुण्यभागिनः। लेभिरे तत्परं धाम रामाख्यमभिरामकम्॥११८॥
“In just this way, best of kings, many fortunate souls attained that delightful supreme abode known as Rāma.
Passage 119
तेनैव दत्तया दृष्ट्या श्रीरामेण दयालुना। जानीयात्तत्स्वरूपं वै यतो भूयो न संसरेत्॥११९॥
“By the vision bestowed by compassionate Śrī Rāma himself, one may know his true form and never again enter worldly existence.” Colophon इति श्रीमदादिरामायणे ब्रह्मभुशुण्डसंवादे पूर्वखण्डे दशरथतीर्थयात्रायाम् आदिव्रजागमने चतुस्त्रिंशदधिकशततमोऽध्यायः ॥ १३४ ॥ Thus ends Chapter 134, “Rāma’s Unasked Gift to Suriśarman,” in the Ādi Rāmāyaṇa, within the dialogue of Brahmā and Bhuśuṇḍa, in the Pūrva-khaṇḍa, in the account of Daśaratha’s pilgrimage and arrival in primordial Vraja. Source control note Chapter 134 occupies registered source leaves 960–970 of the 1975 Pūrva-khaṇḍa volume (physical PDF pages 961–971) and contains 119 passages. The chapter begins on the lower portion of physical page 961, immediately after Chapter 133, and Chapter 135 begins below its colophon on physical page 971. The printed sequence runs 1–74, leaves the next independent four-line passage unnumbered, and then resumes at 76 through 119. The unnumbered unit is registered editorially as passage 75 above, yielding 119 passages. All eleven source pages were collated in ordered page batches; uncertain OCR segmentation and obvious spacing faults were resolved against the scan, and the English is a fresh direct translation of the resulting Sanskrit.