Passage 1
ब्रह्मोवाच— एकं तयोः सुसंवादः समभून्मिथिलापुरे। ततः स नैम्यमामन्त्र्य स्नात्वा च कमलेश्वरीम्॥१॥
Brahmā said: “Thus the two enjoyed their noble conversation in Mithilā. Then Daśaratha took leave of Naimi-Janaka and bathed at Kamaleśvarī.
Passage 2
योगिवर्यैः सुसङ्गस्य जनकस्य पुरःस्थितैः। परमप्रीतहृदयो भूत्वा प्रेमैकनिर्भरः॥२॥
“His heart filled with supreme joy and wholly steeped in love through the good company of the eminent yogins who dwelt in Janaka's city.
Passage 3
आदिव्रजस्यातुल्यत्वं ज्ञातुकामो जनेश्वरः। उत्तीर्य गङ्गां यमुनां मथुरामण्डलं ययौ॥३॥
“Desiring to know the incomparable nature of primordial Vraja, the king crossed the Gaṅgā and Yamunā and entered the region of Mathurā.
Passage 4
प्रागानन्दव्रजं स्निग्धैर्जनैः सर्वत आवृतः। तत्र गत्वा सुमधुरां मथुरां समुदैक्षत॥४॥
“Surrounded on every side by affectionate people, he first came to blissful Vraja and there gazed upon exceedingly lovely Mathurā.
Passage 5
यत्र श्रीकेशवः साक्षाद्योगिध्येयपदाम्बुजः। यमुनाकेलिनी यत्र तरङ्गनिकरावृता॥५॥
“There Śrī Keśava stands manifest, his lotus feet the object of yogic meditation, and there the sportive Yamunā flows, covered with hosts of waves.
Passage 6
प्रसन्नसलिला कूजद्राजहंसकुलाकुला। दक्षिणां कोटिमारभ्य स्फुरदुत्तरकोटिका॥६॥
“Her waters are clear and thronged with calling royal swans; she gleams from the southern boundary all the way to the northern boundary.
Passage 7
तत्र स्नात्वा महाराजस्तीर्थे विश्रान्तिसंज्ञके। ददौ सहस्रं लक्षं च धेनूनां विपुलोधसाम्॥७॥
“The great king bathed there at the tīrtha called Viśrānti and gave away one hundred and one thousand richly milk-bearing cows.
Passage 8
दश सोमान् चकारोच्चैर्भूपो दक्षिणयान्वितान्। सत्रांश्च भूरिहव्यांश्च भूरिसम्भारकल्पितान्॥८॥
“The king performed ten Soma sacrifices with abundant gifts, as well as extended sacrificial sessions supplied with copious offerings and provisions.
Passage 9
अत्र स्नात्वोभयोः कोट्योः कुरुक्षेत्राधिकं फलम्। लब्धं ज्ञात्वा सहृदयो बभूव प्रीतमानसः॥९॥
“Learning that bathing at both boundaries here yields fruit greater than at Kurukṣetra, the sensitive king became delighted at heart.
Passage 10
दृष्ट्वा केशवदेवं च शिवलिङ्गं प्रणम्य च। महाविद्यां पीठराज्ञीं दृष्ट्वातिसुखितोऽभवत्॥१०॥
“He beheld Lord Keśava, bowed to the liṅga of Śiva, and became exceedingly happy upon seeing Mahāvidyā, sovereign of the sacred seat.
Passage 11
ततो दत्त्वा कुरुक्षेत्रे गयाधिकफलप्रदे। ध्रुवक्षेत्रे महाक्षेत्रे पितृभ्यः श्राद्धमुत्तमम्॥११॥
“Then, at the great Dhruva-kṣetra—which grants fruit surpassing Kurukṣetra and Gayā—he offered an excellent śrāddha for his ancestors.
Passage 12
दृष्ट्वा दक्षिणभागस्थं श्रीमद्वाराहमूर्जितम्। नत्वा स्तुत्वा सुसम्पूज्य धन्यमात्मानमप्यवैत्॥१२॥
“He saw glorious, mighty Varāha in the southern quarter, bowed, praised, and worshiped him well, and knew himself blessed.
Passage 13
तत उत्तरकोटिस्थं गोकर्णेश्वरमीश्वरम्। सम्पूज्य विधिवद्राजा यातः सुप्रीतमानसः॥१३॥
“Next the king duly worshiped Lord Gokarṇeśvara at the northern boundary and went onward with a deeply gladdened heart.
Passage 14
एवं तीर्थाटनं कुर्वन् दक्षिणोत्तरकोटिगः। उवास पञ्चरात्राणि मथुरायां जनाधिपः॥१४॥
“Journeying in this way among the tīrthas of the southern and northern boundaries, the ruler remained in Mathurā for five nights.
Passage 15
एकदा रजनीं सुप्तो जागरान्तमुपागतः। नातिनिद्रश्च भूपालो मध्यसन्धाविव स्थितः॥१५॥
“One night, as sleep was giving way to waking, the king rested in a threshold state, neither fully asleep nor fully awake. Daśaratha's revelation and arrival in Madhuvana
Passage 16
रामस्यांशकलं कृष्णं सीतांशां राधिकां तथा। स्वस्यांशं वसुदेवं च कौशल्यांशां च देवकीम्॥१६॥
“He saw Kṛṣṇa as a partial portion of Rāma, Rādhikā as a portion of Sītā, Vasudeva as a portion of himself, and Devakī as a portion of Kauśalyā.
Passage 17
अयोध्यांशां मथुरां वै प्रमोदांशां तु वृन्दिकाम्। ततः प्रबुद्धः सपदि प्रसन्नहृदयो रघुः॥१७॥
“He saw Mathurā as a portion of Ayodhyā and Vṛndikā as a portion of Pramoda-vana. Then the descendant of Raghu awoke at once, his heart serene.
Passage 18
वसिष्ठादिमुनीन्द्रेभ्यः सर्वमाख्यातवान् नृपः। तेषां वसिष्ठो भगवान् पुराणमुनिरब्रवीत्॥१८॥
“The king related everything to Vasiṣṭha and the other foremost sages. The venerable ancient seer Vasiṣṭha then spoke among them.
Passage 19
रामांशो भगवान् कृष्णः सीतांशा राधिका सती। नान्यथा दण्डकारण्यवासिनां स्यान्मनोरथः॥१९॥
“‘Lord Kṛṣṇa is a portion of Rāma, and holy Rādhikā a portion of Sītā. Only in this way could the aspiration of the sages dwelling in Daṇḍakāraṇya be fulfilled.
Passage 20
ये रामं प्रार्थयाञ्चक्रुस्तद्रूपरमणार्थिनः। तेभ्यो रामोऽवदत् प्रीतः कृष्णावतरणे फलम्॥२०॥
“‘Those sages petitioned Rāma, desiring amorous union with him in that very form. Pleased with them, Rāma promised its fulfillment during Kṛṣṇa's descent.
Passage 21
त ऊवुर्नान्यरूपेण रमणेच्छा रमापते। सोऽवदद् वांस्तदाकारो भविष्यामहमेव हि॥२१॥
“‘They said, “Lord of Ramā, we do not desire union with another form.” He replied, “I myself shall indeed assume that form for you.
Passage 22
अनेनैव स्वरूपेण रमयिष्यामि वोऽबलाः। इत्युक्त्वा भगवान् रामो विससर्ज मुनीश्वरान्॥२२॥
“‘“In precisely this form I shall delight with you when you become women.” Having spoken thus, Lord Rāma dismissed the eminent sages.
Passage 23
तस्माद् भूमिभृतां श्रेष्ठः सत्यसन्धः परात्परः। तेनैव हि स्वरूपेण रतवान् मुनिरूपिणीः॥२३॥
“‘Therefore the supreme Lord, greatest of kings and true to his promise, delighted with those who had formerly borne the forms of sages in that very manifestation.
Passage 24
परात्परेशं श्रीरामं विद्धि स्वात्मजमव्ययम्। जनोऽयं नैव जानाति मोहितस्तस्य मायया॥२४॥
“‘Know your own imperishable son, Śrī Rāma, as Lord beyond the highest. The people do not recognize him, for they are bewildered by his māyā.’
Passage 25
एवमुक्तो वसिष्ठेन प्रीतो दशरथो नृपः। व्रजदर्शनसोत्कण्ठो जगाम मधुकाननम्॥२५॥
“Thus addressed by Vasiṣṭha, King Daśaratha rejoiced. Longing intensely to see Vraja, he proceeded to Madhuvana.
Passage 26
केकयेन्द्रसुतायुक्तो वसिष्ठादिपुरस्कृतः। सह स्वजनैः सार्धं कुर्वन् कौतूहलं महत्॥२६॥
“Accompanied by the daughter of the Kekaya king, led by Vasiṣṭha and the other sages, and surrounded by his people, he experienced great wonder.
Passage 27
प्रविष्टमात्रो मधुकाननेऽसौ ददर्श योगीश्वरशुकाख्यम्। जगाद यो रामपरान् सुधर्मान् संसारपाथोनिधिपोतरूपान्॥२७॥
“The instant he entered Madhuvana he saw the master yogin named Śuka, who proclaimed the excellent dharmas centered on Rāma, a ship across the ocean of saṃsāra.
Passage 28
तं व्याससूनुं करुणावतारं श्रीरामतत्त्वैकविदं मुनीन्द्रम्। दृष्ट्वा महाप्रेमरतः स राजा मुमोद सर्वावयवाङ्कुराढ्यः॥२८॥
“Seeing Vyāsa's son—the compassionate incarnation, foremost sage, and unique knower of Śrī Rāma's truth—the king was absorbed in immense love and rejoiced, the signs of ecstasy sprouting through every limb. Daśaratha questions Śuka
Passage 29
तस्यार्हणं महच्चक्रे पाद्यादिभिरुदारधीः। उवाच मधुरं भक्त्या विनयानतकन्धरः॥२९॥
“The noble-minded king honored him magnificently with water for his feet and the other offerings, then spoke sweetly in devotion, his neck bowed with humility.
Passage 30
राजोवाच— भगवन् मुनिशार्दूल दिदृक्षोर्मे व्रजावनिम्। भवता सह सम्बन्धः परं निःश्रेयसायनम्॥३०॥
The king said: “Venerable tiger among sages, while I yearn to behold the land of Vraja, this encounter with you has become the supreme path to final good.
Passage 31
गोदोहमात्रं भवतो दर्शनं दुर्लभं भुवि। यः साक्षाद्भगवानेव भासि लोकानुकम्पया॥३१॥
“Even a cow-milking's span of your presence is difficult to obtain on earth, for you shine as the Lord himself out of compassion for the world.
Passage 32
स मे भवान् भक्तियुताय विद्वन् ब्रवीतु माहात्म्यमशेषमस्य। व्रजस्य पूर्वं भगवद्वसिष्ठमुखाच्छ्रुतं चापि विशिष्टवेद्यम्॥३२॥
“Learned master, please tell me, your devoted servant, the full greatness of this Vraja. I heard of it earlier from the lips of venerable Vasiṣṭha, yet its distinctive reality remains to be known.
Passage 33
आदिव्रजः कथं कोऽत्र व्रजश्च वद कः पुनः। कथमत्रोभयोर्ब्रह्मन् प्रादुर्भावोऽभवत् पुरा॥३३॥
“What is primordial Vraja, and what is this Vraja here? Tell me, holy sage, how the two came to be manifested here in ancient times.
Passage 34
रामस्य वद माहात्म्यं परस्य च मुनीश्वर। उभयोस्तारतम्यस्य यद्भेदो वा स्वरूपयोः॥३४॥
“Foremost sage, explain the greatness of Rāma and of the other supreme form, and whatever gradation or difference exists between their essential natures.
Passage 35
वनानां महिमानं च ब्रह्मविद्वन्नशेषतः। कथं च यात्रा कर्तव्या को विधिः किं फलं तथा॥३५॥
“Knower of Brahman, tell me completely the glory of the forests, how their pilgrimage should be performed, its discipline, and its fruit. Śuka reveals Rāma as the source
Passage 36
श्रीशुक उवाच— अये राजन्नतिधन्योऽसि यत्ते स्वयं च रामो भगवान् सुतोऽभूत्। पश्यन्ति यं योगिन आत्मतत्त्वे ज्ञानप्रकाशं न तु साक्षात्स्वरूपम्॥३६॥
Śrī Śuka said: “Ah, king, you are supremely blessed, for Lord Rāma himself became your son. Yogins perceive him within the self as the light of knowledge, but not in his directly manifest personal form.
Passage 37
स ते परब्रह्मनिधिः स्वयंभूः श्रीराम आस्ते तनयो निकेतने। विभूषयन्नात्मगुणप्रकाशैस्त्रैलोक्यमानन्दसुधार्णवः प्रियः॥३७॥
“That self-manifest Śrī Rāma, treasury of the Supreme Brahman and ocean of the nectar of bliss, dwells lovingly as your son at home, adorning the three worlds with the radiance of his own virtues.
Passage 38
स त्वं विमुक्तसंसारबन्धनैरात्मवित्तमैः। ईडितो रघुशार्दूल रामचन्द्रप्रसङ्गतः॥३८॥
“Tiger of Raghu's line, because of your intimate relation with Rāmacandra, the greatest self-knowers—freed from the bonds of saṃsāra—sing your praise.
Passage 39
द्रष्टुमिच्छामहे राजंस्त्वां सदा योगिनो वयम्। यस्य गेहमलङ्कुर्वन् परब्रह्म विलोक्यते॥३९॥
“King, we yogins always desire to see you, for the Supreme Brahman is visible while gracing your house.
Passage 40
तस्यैव प्रभुवर्यस्य रामस्य परमात्मनः। आज्ञया त्वामनुप्राप्तं विद्धि मां बुद्धिमत्तम॥४०॥
“Most discerning king, know that I have come to you by the command of that very supreme Lord, Rāma, the highest Self.
Passage 41
आदिव्रजस्य यात्रा ते सुकृतेन फलीकृता। व्रजस्य यात्रा सुकृतं मया सार्धं फलिष्यति॥४१॥
“Your pilgrimage to primordial Vraja has been fulfilled by your merit. Your meritorious pilgrimage through manifested Vraja will bear fruit in my company.
Passage 42
आदिव्रजस्यांशश्चेति व्रजमेवमवेहि भोः। हेतुं तस्य ब्रवीम्यद्धा सावधानोऽवधारय॥४२॥
“Understand this Vraja to be a portion of primordial Vraja. I shall now tell you its cause directly; listen with full attention.
Passage 43
धात्रा विज्ञापितः पूर्वं प्रमोदवननायकः। भूमिभारावतारार्थं द्वापरान्तेऽप्यवातरत्॥४३॥
“Long ago the Creator petitioned the Lord of Pramoda-vana, and at the end of Dvāpara he descended to relieve the earth of its burden.
Passage 44
कल्पे कल्पे तथा नित्यं रामस्यांशकलासयः। बभूव भगवान् बालः कृष्ण इत्यभिधीयते॥४४॥
“In every kalpa the divine child called Kṛṣṇa appears in this way, resting within a partial portion of Rāma.
Passage 45
यदा यदा हि लोकेऽस्मिन् जायते धर्मसङ्कटः। तदा तदा स्वयं रामोऽवतरत्यात्मधामतः॥४५॥
“Whenever a crisis of dharma arises in this world, Rāma himself descends from his own realm.
Passage 46
तस्य धाम परं तद्धि प्रमोदवननामकम्। यत्ते सुकृतगोपालो दर्शयामास चिन्मयम्॥४६॥
“His supreme realm is indeed called Pramoda-vana—that conscious realm which the blessed cowherd revealed to you.
Passage 47
यत्ते रहसि संजातं गोचरं स्वात्मसंविदि। तत्प्रमोदवनं नाम राजन् विज्ञातमेव ते॥४७॥
“That which privately entered the field of your own inner awareness, king, is the place called Pramoda-vana, which you have already come to know.
Passage 48
अवतीर्णे परिकरैः सार्धं रामे रमापतौ। प्रमोदविपिनं चापि यथास्थानमवातरत्॥४८॥
“When Rāma, Lord of Ramā, descended together with his retinue, the forest of Pramoda likewise descended in its proper place.
Passage 49
पद्माकारं प्रमुदविपिनं रामचन्द्रस्य साक्षा- त्प्रेमानन्दप्रगुणमगुणं निर्विशेषं निरीहम्। वृन्दावृन्दप्रभृतिसुभगद्वादशारण्यमुख्यं पुण्यं धन्यं क्षितिनिवसतामक्षतं धाम रम्यम्॥४९॥
“Shaped like a lotus, Pramoda's forest is Rāmacandra's own inviolate and lovely realm: rich in the bliss of love yet beyond material qualities, undifferentiated and desireless, foremost among the twelve charming forests beginning with Vṛndāvana, holy and beatifying for those who dwell on earth.
Passage 50
एतदानन्दभवनं सदा विपिनमद्भुतम्। प्रमोदविपिनं पश्य परब्रह्मरसालयम्॥५०॥
“Behold this wondrous forest, the eternal home of bliss—Pramoda-vana, abode of the rasa of the Supreme Brahman. The sages of Daṇḍakāraṇya petition Rāma
Passage 51
अस्ति प्रयोजनं रामः सानुबन्धो बभूव यत्। भवद्भिः सह शुभां लीलां दण्डकारण्यवासिभिः॥५१॥
“There was a purpose for Rāma's appearing with all his associates: an auspicious play with you sages who had dwelt in Daṇḍakāraṇya.
Passage 52
योगिनो मुनयः शान्ता रमणा ऊर्ध्वरेतसः। तपस्विनो वातरशना ब्रह्मचर्यव्रते स्थिताः॥५२॥
“Those tranquil yogins and sages were celibate seers of sublimated seed, ascetics clothed in air and established in the vow of brahmacarya.
Passage 53
अग्नेः कुमाराः कृतिनः षष्टिसाहस्रसङ्ख्यकाः। दृष्ट्वा नटन्तं रामेन्दुं सहजानन्दिनीसखम्॥५३॥
“They were the accomplished sons of Agni, sixty thousand in number. They saw the moonlike Rāma dancing as Sahajānandinī's beloved.
Passage 54
प्रमोदविपिनस्येन्द्रं कोटिकन्दर्पसुन्दरम्। चुक्षुभुः कामयानास्ते रूपलुब्धाः स्मरार्दिताः॥५४॥
“Beholding the Lord of Pramoda-vana, more beautiful than ten million Cupids, they were stirred with desire, captivated by his beauty and pierced by love.
Passage 55
स्वाश्रमाणां परिसरे यदा रामः समागतः। तदाभ्यराधयञ्चक्रुर्मुनयः सहजान्वितम्॥५५॥
“When Rāma came near their hermitages, the sages worshiped him together with Sahajā.
Passage 56
तेभ्यः प्रसन्नो भगवान् रामो राजीवलोचनः। अनेनैव स्वरूपेण रमयास्मान् रमापते॥५६॥
“Lotus-eyed Lord Rāma was pleased with them. They prayed, ‘Lord of Ramā, delight with us in this very form.
Passage 57
दृष्ट्वा तमेवं मधुराधरप्रभासमिश्रमञ्जुस्मितचन्द्रिकाञ्चितम्। मुखेन्दुमानन्दनिधेः स्मरार्दिताः स्वतेजसा नाथ वयं बभूविम॥५७॥
“‘Seeing the moon of your face, treasury of bliss, adorned with lovely moonlight from a gentle smile mingled with the radiance of sweet lips, we have been pierced by love and overpowered by your splendor, Lord.
Passage 58
यदावधि त्वं प्रिययानया विभो प्रमोदवनाभ्यन्तरकुञ्जवेश्मनि। दधद्विलासान् रसनिर्भराश्रयान् विलोकितोऽस्माभिरहो तदावधि॥५८॥
“‘From the moment we beheld you, Lord, sporting with this beloved in a bower- house deep within Pramoda-vana, your pastimes filled to overflowing with rasa— from that very moment our condition changed.
Passage 59
दुर्मनो नः क्षुभितं स्मरेषुभिर्महावियोगानलकीलकीलितम्। तवाधराधारसुधारसे क्षणाद् विस्मृतं तत् खलु तादृशं तपः॥५९॥
“‘Our distressed minds were agitated by Love's arrows and scorched by tongues of the great fire of separation. In an instant, through the nectar-rasa borne upon your lips, all austerity of that kind was utterly forgotten.
Passage 60
अहो असि त्वं प्रकटः पुमान् परः परार्धकन्दर्पमनोहराकृतिः। कुलाबलाधैर्यविलोपनोद्धुरो विलोलविस्तीर्णविलोचनेषुभिः॥६०॥
“‘Ah, you are the manifest Supreme Person, your form more enchanting than countless Cupids, formidable in destroying the composure of respectable women with the arrows of your restless, wide eyes.
Passage 61
कथं नुताः सम्प्रति गोपयोषितो जीवन्ति विश्लेषवशाच्च्युतास्त्वया विना। यासां पतिश्चापि मतिर्गतिभवान् स्वरूपतः केलिरसं वितीर्णवान्॥६१॥
“‘How can those cowherd women live now, fallen into separation and deprived of you—you who are their lord, their thought and destination, and who bestowed upon them the rasa of play in your own person?
Passage 62
तस्माद्वयं नाथ विमोहिताशया नितान्तमाराध्नुम कामतत्त्वतः। स्त्रीभूय सम्भूय भवन्तमादराद् वरेण्यं वरयाम वल्लभम्॥६२॥
“‘Therefore, Lord, our hearts utterly enchanted, we wish to worship you in the full reality of love. Becoming women and appearing together, we choose you with reverence as our supremely desirable beloved.
Passage 63
इति ते वित्रपा नाथ वाचा याचामहे स्फुटम्। एतावानेव चास्माकं वरोऽन्येन किमस्ति नः॥६३॥
“‘Thus, setting shame aside, we ask you plainly, Lord. This alone is our boon; what use have we for any other?’
Passage 64
श्रीशुक उवाच— इति निवेदिते पावकात्मजैर्मुनिभिरात्मनः कामिते वरे। कमललोचनो जानकीमुखं किमपि वीक्ष्य तान् प्रत्युवाच सः॥६४॥
Śrī Śuka said: “When the fire-born sages had thus stated the boon they desired, the lotus-eyed Lord glanced meaningfully at Jānakī's face and answered them.
Passage 65
श्रीभगवानुवाच— इदं हि वो लुब्धमनस्त्वमद्भुतं जितेन्द्रियाणां सततं तपस्विनाम्। यत्कामबाणेन पराजितान्तरा अस्वोचितं वर्णयथात्मवित्तमाः॥६५॥
The Lord said: “This greed in the hearts of you ever-austere masters of the senses is astonishing. Conquered within by Love's arrow, you self-knowers speak of what is unfitting for you.
Passage 66
अनर्हमेतच्च भवद्भिरीरितं न वै पुमान् कामयते पुमांसम्। यद्योगशक्त्यापि भविष्यथ स्त्रियस्तथापि लोल्यं विदुषामनर्हम्॥६६॥
“What you have proposed is improper: a man does not desire another man. Even if yogic power will make you women, such covetousness is unworthy of the wise.
Passage 67
समाधिनावेश्य मनो मयि स्थिरं ये सम्यगानन्दमवाप्य निर्वृताः। तरन्ति ते वै न चिराद् भवार्णवं लभन्ति भोगं च चिरं रसात्मकम्॥६७॥
“Those who place the mind firmly in me through samādhi, attain complete bliss, and rest fulfilled soon cross the ocean of becoming and obtain enduring enjoyment composed of rasa.
Passage 68
स्मरन्ति शृण्वन्ति च कीर्तयन्ति ये ध्यायन्ति बुद्ध्याद्यभिदं सदैव माम्। ते यान्ति तद्ब्रह्मरसं सनातनं न तु स्वरूपेण मयाङ्गसङ्गिताः॥६८॥
“Those who remember, hear, praise, and always meditate upon me through the mind and its faculties attain that eternal rasa of Brahman; they do not, however, embrace my body in my personal form.
Passage 69
एकैव सा मेऽस्ति सदाङ्गसङ्गिनी लक्ष्मीः सरोजान्तरकोशवासिनी। नान्या च मेऽतीव विमोहनक्षमा नित्यानुकूलस्य मितैकभाषिणः॥६९॥
“Only one forever shares my embrace: Lakṣmī, who dwells in the inner chamber of the lotus. No other has power to enchant me so completely, for I am ever faithful and sparing in intimate speech.
Passage 70
शुक उवाच— इत्युदीरितमीशस्य श्रुत्वा ते मुनयस्तदा। तस्थुर्विवर्णवदनाश्चिरं सन्तापकातराः॥७०॥
Śuka said: “Hearing these words of the Lord, the sages stood for a long time with colorless faces, stricken by anguish.
Passage 71
ऊचुश्च सुचिराच्छोकसागरादुद्धृताशयाः। सैवंवादीर्नरश्रेष्ठ हानं विज्ञापनस्य नः॥७१॥
“At length they raised their minds from the ocean of grief and said, ‘Best of men, by speaking so, you bring our petition to ruin.
Passage 72
त्वयि प्रकामं पुरुषप्रकाण्डे विज्ञापना विफला यदि स्यात्। भवेत्तदा किं निगमो न शोच्यस्तवैव निःश्वासतया प्रसिद्धम्॥७२॥
“‘If a heartfelt petition should prove fruitless before you, the foremost Person, would not the Veda itself become lamentable—the Veda renowned as your very breath?
Passage 73
अमोघं याचनं नाथ त्वयि सर्ववरास्पदे। अन्ततोऽपि न मोघं नः प्रार्थनं सम्भविष्यति॥७३॥
“‘A plea addressed to you, Lord and abode of every boon, cannot fail. Even in the end, our prayer will not prove vain.
Passage 74
अपि निर्बन्ध एवास्ति तवास्मासु यदाह नः। तदा वयं दैवहीनाः करिष्यामः शृणुष्व तत्॥७४॥
“‘But if your refusal toward us is indeed absolute, then hear what we, bereft of good fortune, shall do.
Passage 75
भवद्वियोगानलकीलजालैः सन्ताप्य शुद्धं भसितं शरीरम्। तवैव पादाम्बुजवर्त्म रुद्ध्वा स्थास्याम आनन्दनिधेः समन्तात्॥७५॥
“‘We shall burn these bodies pure to ash in the mesh of flames from separation from you, then lie all around and block the path of your lotus feet, treasury of bliss.
Passage 76
तेनाप्यहो आकुलिता भविष्यन्त्यस्मद्विपक्षा इव ते सपक्षाः। तदर्हसि प्राणपते वरीतुं नितान्तमस्मानखिलस्पृहायत॥७६॥
“‘Ah, that will distress those on your side as though they were our opponents. Therefore, Lord of our lives, you ought to choose us, whose every longing is wholly fixed upon you.’
Passage 77
इति निर्बन्धमाकर्ण्य तेषां रामो वरप्रदः। उवाच प्रहसन् मन्दं कामनाः पूरयन्निव॥७७॥
“Hearing their insistence, boon-giving Rāma smiled gently and spoke as though already fulfilling their desires. Rāma grants the future birth as gopīs
Passage 78
श्रीभगवानुवाच— अशक्यो दातुमप्येष भवतां कामितो वरः। चिरेण सेत्स्यति प्राज्ञास्तावत्तिष्ठत मद्गिरा॥७८॥
The Lord said: “The boon you desire cannot be granted now, but in time it will be fulfilled. Wise ones, until then abide by my instruction.
Passage 79
मम या प्रेयसी लक्ष्मीरेषा नित्याङ्गसङ्गिनी। तामाराधयमाणानां कालोऽयं यातु वो द्विजाः॥७९॥
“This Lakṣmī, my beloved and eternal companion in embrace—let your intervening time pass in worshiping her, twice-born sages.
Passage 80
आगामिनि तु तत्त्वज्ञाः कल्पे सारस्वताभिधे। यद्विंशके द्वापरान्ते व्रजे गोप्यो भविष्यथ॥८०॥
“Knowers of truth, in the coming kalpa called Sārasvata, at the end of its twentieth Dvāpara, you will become gopīs in Vraja.
Passage 81
तदाहमपि युष्माकं कामलीलारसं मुहुः। अनुपूरयितुं प्राप्स्याम्यनेनेव स्वरूपतः॥८१॥
“Then I too shall come in precisely this essential form, repeatedly to fulfill for you the rasa of love-play.
Passage 82
तदा वंशीधरं तं मां रासलोलारसानयम्। भवन्तः सङ्गताः सर्वे भविष्यन्ति मुनीश्वराः॥८२॥
“At that time, foremost sages, all of you will meet me bearing the flute, eager for the rasa of the rāsa dance.
Passage 83
त्यक्त्वा गृहापत्यपतिस्वधर्मं मदेकचित्ताः मम रूपकृष्टाः। स्वात्मानमङ्गे मम सन्निवेद्य चिराय रंस्यध्व इहैव धाम्नि॥८३॥
“Attracted by my beauty and fixing your minds on me alone, you will abandon home, children, husbands, and customary duty. Offering your very selves upon my body, you will sport for a long time here in this realm.
Passage 84
तदाहमात्मनः सर्वलीलोपकरणान्वितम्। प्रमोदवनमाधास्ये जम्बूद्वीपे महीतले॥८४॥
“Then I shall establish Pramoda-vana upon the earth in Jambūdvīpa, complete with every instrument of my divine play.
Passage 85
सरय्वाः पुलिने तद्धि भविष्यति भुवि स्फुटम्। मनुष्यपशुपक्ष्यादिपरमानन्दकन्दलम्॥८५॥
“It will appear manifestly on earth along the bank of the Sarayū, sprouting supreme bliss for humans, animals, birds, and all beings.
Passage 86
तावद्यूयं मुनिश्रेष्ठा मदनुस्मृतितत्पराः। अस्याश्च सहजेशान्या मन्त्रजापपरायणाः॥८६॥
“Until then, foremost sages, remain wholly devoted to remembering me and to repeating the mantra of this sovereign Sahajā.
Passage 87
मत्प्रमोदवनक्रीडाकीर्तनश्रवणादिभिः। नयन्तः कालमखिलं श्रीमद्वैष्णवसेवकाः॥८७॥
“Pass all your time serving the glorious Vaiṣṇavas and praising, hearing, and remembering my sports in Pramoda-vana.
Passage 88
भुञ्जाना मद्भुक्तशेषं शुभान्नं मद्दत्तस्रग्गन्धवस्त्रादियुक्तम्। विश्राणाः श्रीजानकीपादपद्मप्राप्तप्रज्ञाः कालमायाद्यवध्याः॥८८॥
“Eat the auspicious food remaining from my meal and wear the garlands, fragrances, garments, and other things I have given. Rest in the wisdom gained at Śrī Jānakī's lotus feet, beyond the reach of time, māyā, and the rest.
Passage 89
पठन्तो राघवं रामं शृण्वन्तो राघवं मतम्। ध्यायन्तो राघवं धाम मत्स्वरूपमवाप्स्यथ॥८९॥
“Reciting the Rāghava scriptures, hearing the Rāghava teaching, and meditating on Rāghava's realm, you will attain my own form.
Passage 90
मद्विप्रयोगसम्भूता महती वेदना च वः। नैषा बाधिष्यते प्राज्ञाः सुखे स्थास्यथ भूतले॥९०॥
“Wise ones, the great pain born from separation from me will not torment you; you will remain happily upon the earth.
Passage 91
एवं कालं समुत्तीर्य महाराससमुत्सुकाः। प्राप्य सारस्वतं कल्पं व्रजे गोप्यो भविष्यथ॥९१॥
“Having crossed that span of time and become eager for the great rāsa, you will reach the Sārasvata kalpa and become gopīs in Vraja.
Passage 92
तदाहं वो मोदयिष्यामि धीरा दत्त्वा वरं सर्वकामोपभोगम्। द्वापरं कालमायादिमूर्ध्नि क्रीडिष्यध्वं मान्मथैर्दिव्यभोगैः॥९२॥
“Then, steadfast ones, I shall delight you by granting the boon of every desired enjoyment. Atop Dvāpara, time, māyā, and all limitation, you will sport in divine pleasures of love. Rādhā, Candrāvalī, and the hosts of gopīs
Passage 93
श्रीश्चैषा सहजानन्दा वृषभानुव्रजेशितुः। धर्मपत्न्यां कीर्तिदायां राधा नाम्ना भविष्यति॥९३॥
“This Śrī, Sahajānandā, will appear with the name Rādhā through Kīrtidā, the lawful wife of Vṛṣabhānu, lord of the cowherd settlement.
Passage 94
तद्भ्राता चन्द्रभानुश्च गोपालो धर्मकृत्सदा। सुखदानाम तत्पत्नी तस्यां कृष्णा भविष्यति॥९४॥
“Vṛṣabhānu's brother will be the ever-righteous cowherd Candrabhānu. Through his wife named Sukhadā, the dark-complexioned maiden will appear.
Passage 95
नाम्ना चन्द्रावली सा तु ज्येष्ठा राधा मृगीदृशः। उभे अपि पृथग्भावैर्यूथेश्वर्यौ भविष्यतः॥९५॥
“She will be called Candrāvalī and will be older than doe-eyed Rādhā. With their distinct modes of love, both will become leaders of their own groups.
Passage 96
आदिव्रजनिवासिन्यो याश्चैवान्या मृगेक्षणाः। ऋग्यजुःसामऋग्रूपा देवरूपाश्च प्राग्भवे॥९६॥
“Other doe-eyed maidens dwelling in primordial Vraja will have previously existed as embodiments of Ṛg, Yajus, and Sāman hymns and as divine forms.
Passage 97
ऋषिरूपास्तथैवान्या देवगन्धर्वकन्यकाः। नगनागनरोद्भूताः प्रमोदवनरासगाः॥९७॥
“Others will have been sages, daughters of gods or Gandharvas, or beings born among mountains, Nāgas, and humans—all destined for Pramoda-vana's rāsa.
Passage 98
ताः सर्वास्तत्र मत्सार्थे कृत्वावतरणं पृथक्। महारासे सुसङ्गम्य रंस्यन्ते वै मया सह॥९८॥
“All of them will descend separately there for my sake, meet together in the great rāsa, and delight with me.
Passage 99
मुदिता मोदयिष्यन्ति महामाना मनोजिताः। तां केलीं वीक्ष्य गगने वैमानिक्योऽपि देवताः॥९९॥
“Joyful and filled with the exalted pride of love, those conquerors of my mind will give me delight. Seeing that play from the sky, even the deities riding celestial vehicles—
Passage 100
तथैवाप्सरसो देव्यो गलन्नीव्यश्चलांशुकाः। मोहमेष्यन्ति विवशाः स्थगिताश्च विशेषतः॥१००॥
“—and likewise the divine Apsarases, their girdles slipping and garments trembling, will become helplessly enchanted and utterly transfixed. Śuka concludes the revelation
Passage 101
श्रीशुक उवाच— इति तान् समुदीर्येशो वरदानमभीप्सितम्। पूजितः संस्तुतो भूयो दण्डकारण्यवासिभिः॥१०१॥
Śrī Śuka said: “Having thus declared their desired boon, the Lord was again worshiped and praised by the dwellers of Daṇḍakāraṇya.
Passage 102
सर्वानामन्त्र्य योगीन्द्रान् स्वरूपनिरतान् द्विजान्। जगाम सह सौमित्रिः सीतासेवितपार्श्वकः॥१०२॥
“Taking leave of all those twice-born masters of yoga, absorbed in his own form, he departed with Saumitri while Sītā attended at his side.
Passage 103
इति ते कथितं राजन् कृष्णलीलासमुद्भवम्। योऽसौ रामस्तव सुतस्तस्यांशो वसुदेवजः॥१०३॥
“Thus, king, I have told you the origin of Kṛṣṇa's līlā. The son of Vasudeva is a portion of that Rāma who is your son.
Passage 104
तं सेवमानः परया भक्त्या संयोजिताशयः। मुच्यते कर्मपाशेभ्यो नित्यं लीलारसं स्पृशेत्॥१०४॥
“One whose heart is joined to him and who serves him with supreme devotion is freed from the bonds of karma and forever touches the rasa of divine play.
Passage 105
समासव्यासयोगेन सर्वोऽपि निगमः स्फुटम्। राममेवाह नियतं प्रधानपुरुषेश्वरम्॥१०५॥
“Whether expressed concisely or at length, the entire Veda clearly and consistently declares Rāma alone to be Lord of the primal Person.
Passage 106
यत्प्राप्नुवन्ति सद्भक्ता भजन्तो नियतं प्रभुम्। तत्कीर्तितं श्रुतिगणै राम एव परं पदम्॥१०६॥
“The supreme station attained by true devotees who constantly worship the Lord is proclaimed by the hosts of śrutis to be Rāma himself.
Passage 107
न रामात् परतः किञ्चित्तत्त्वमस्ति निरूपितम्। श्रुतिभिश्चाप्युपनिषद्गणैः सर्वान्तभाषणैः॥१०७॥
“Nothing higher than Rāma has been established as ultimate reality by the śrutis, the hosts of Upaniṣads, or any conclusive sacred declaration.
Passage 108
स एव भगवान् नित्यं माधुर्यमेचकद्युतिः। श्रीराजरूपमास्थाय क्रीडन्तं सरयूतटे॥१०८॥
“That very eternal Lord, darkly radiant with sweetness, assumes the form of the glorious prince and sports upon the bank of the Sarayū.
Passage 109
एवं यो वेत्ति निखिलं तत्त्वं श्रीरामसीतयोः। स तत्प्रेमरसं प्राप्य विमुक्तः सुखमश्नुते॥१०९॥
“Whoever fully knows this truth of Śrī Rāma and Sītā attains the rasa of their love, becomes liberated, and enjoys bliss.
Passage 110
यद् ब्रह्मेति श्रुतं वेदैः सर्वदैकरसस्फुटम्। निर्गुणं च निराकारं तद्धाम परमं हरेः॥११०॥
“That which the Vedas proclaim as Brahman—always manifest as one undivided essence, beyond qualities and without form—is Hari's supreme effulgent realm.
Passage 111
अतस्तत्र व्रजन्त्येव भक्त्या आयासवर्जिताः। ज्ञानिनामिव नैतेषामायासस्तत्र जायते॥१११॥
“Therefore devotees reach that realm through bhakti, free of strain. They do not undergo the arduous effort that arises there for seekers through knowledge.
Passage 112
अयोध्या रामवैकुण्ठवर्षकिम्पुरुषादिषु। प्रमोदवनसप्ताद्रिचित्रकूटाचलादिषु॥११२॥
“In Ayodhyā, Rāma-Vaikuṇṭha, Kimpuruṣa-varṣa, Pramoda-vana, Saptādri, Citrakūṭa mountain, and the other divine stations—
Passage 113
यत्र यत्र स्थितो रामस्तत्र तत्र ध्रुवं स्थितम्। सर्वेऽवतारा यावन्तः स्तुवन्तः स्तवधराः पृथक्॥११३॥
“—wherever Rāma abides, the eternal realm is firmly present. All the avatāras, however many there are, stand apart bearing hymns and praise him.
Passage 114
मध्यसिंहासने देवः सीतया सहितो मुदा। सर्वप्रसादसुमुखः सर्वाधिष्ठानतां गतः॥११४॥
“At the central throne the Lord sits joyfully with Sītā, his gracious face bestowing favor upon all, established as the ground of everything.
Passage 115
दक्षिणे लक्ष्मणयुतो वामे चादिश्रियान्वितः। पुरो हनुमत्सुग्रीवसुपर्णाद्यैः सुसंस्तुतः॥११५॥
“Lakṣmaṇa accompanies him on the right and primordial Śrī on the left. Before him Hanumān, Sugrīva, Suparṇa, and the others offer splendid praise.
Passage 116
महामहिमसन्दोहैः कोटिब्रह्माण्डनायकैः। प्रसादाकाङ्क्षिभिर्विश्वक् स्तूयमानो मनोहरः॥११६॥
“Enchanting Rāma is praised on every side by hosts of immensely glorious lords of millions of universes, all longing for his grace.
Passage 117
विराजते त्रयीशब्दस्तुतिभाजनतां गतः। शारदिन्दुद्युतिः शूरः प्रमोदवनविश्रमः॥११७॥
“The heroic Lord, radiant like the autumn moon and resting in Pramoda-vana, shines as the recipient of the Veda's words of praise.”
Passage 118
ब्रह्मोवाच— इत्यन्योन्यं कृतालापैरन्योन्यं मिलनोत्सुकौ। मुनीन्द्रराजेन्द्रवरौ वनानि द्रष्टुमीयतुः॥११९॥
Brahmā said: “Having conversed together in this way, the foremost sage and the great king—each eager for the other's company—set out to behold the forests.” Colophon इति श्रीमदादिरामायणे ब्रह्मभुशुण्डसंवादे दशरथतीर्थयात्रायां व्रजागमने त्रिचत्वारिंशदधिकशततमोऽध्यायः ॥ १४३ ॥ Thus ends Chapter 143, “The Arrival in Vraja during Daśaratha's Pilgrimage,” in the glorious Ādi Rāmāyaṇa, in the dialogue between Brahmā and Bhuśuṇḍa. Witness control note Chapter 143 begins below the Chapter 142 colophon on source leaf 1064 and ends above the Chapter 144 heading on source leaf 1074 (physical PDF pages 1065–1075). The witness prints a continuous sequence from 1 through 117, then labels the final independent unit 119, omitting printed marker 118. That final unit is registered editorially as passage 118 while its printed marker 119 is preserved in the Sanskrit. The complete chapter therefore contains 118 independent units. All eleven scan pages were reviewed directly, and the English is a fresh translation from the scan-controlled Sanskrit.