Passage 1
ब्रह्मोवाच— शुकोक्तमाकर्ण्य रघूद्वहस्तथा विधाय गोवर्धनशैलयात्राम्। स्नातश्च तीर्थेषु विधानतस्तदा जगाम काम्याभिधमुत्तमं वनम्॥१॥
Brahmā said: “Having heard Śuka and completed the pilgrimage of Mount Govardhana, the descendant of Raghu bathed duly at its tīrthas and proceeded to the excellent forest called Kāmyavana.
Passage 2
शुकोक्त्या तत्र निर्णीय तीर्थानां तत्त्वमुत्तमम्। बभ्राम स्नानदानादिकुशलः पुण्यमर्जयन्॥२॥
“Following Śuka's teaching, he discerned the highest truth of those tīrthas and traveled skillfully performing baths, charity, and the other observances, accumulating merit.
Passage 3
विमलोदे महाकुण्डे विशेषेण निमज्जितः। ददौ ब्राह्मणमुख्येभ्यः सुवर्णाङ्गाश्च भूयसीः॥३॥
“He immersed himself especially in the great pond of stainless water and gave the foremost brāhmaṇas many cows adorned with gold.
Passage 4
ततो वृतो वसिष्ठाद्यैः पुरस्कृत्य शुकं तथा। वरसानुगिरिं प्राप वृषभानुपुरं हि यत्॥४॥
“Then, surrounded by Vasiṣṭha and the others and placing Śuka before him, he reached Varasānu Hill, the settlement of Vṛṣabhānu.
Passage 5
दिव्यकुञ्जनिकुञ्जाढ्यं कन्दरागह्वराश्रयम्। अनेकशिखरोच्छ्रायं दृष्ट्वा प्रीतमना अभूत्॥५॥
“Seeing it rich with celestial groves and secluded bowers, sheltered by caves and ravines and rising through many peaks, he became delighted at heart.
Passage 6
तत्र सम्पूजिता राधा साक्षाद् वृन्दावनेश्वरी। कृष्णेन सहिता तेन ददौ भक्तिं सुनिश्चलाम्॥६॥
“There he fully worshiped Rādhā, the manifest sovereign of Vṛndāvana. Together with Kṛṣṇa, she granted him unwavering devotion.
Passage 7
वृषभानुसरस्तोयैः प्रक्षालिततनुस्तदा। अध्वश्रमं सुनिर्मुच्य विश्रान्तोऽभूज्जनैः सह॥७॥
“Bathing his body in the waters of Vṛṣabhānu's lake, he cast off the fatigue of the road and rested with his people.
Passage 8
तत्र तं मुनिशार्दूलः शुको योगीन्द्रसम्मतः। उवाच सुप्रसन्नास्यः शृण्वतां सर्वयोगिनाम्॥८॥
“There Śuka, tiger among sages and honored by the masters of yoga, addressed him with a radiant face while all the yogins listened.
Passage 9
श्रीशुक उवाच— अहो ते राजशार्दूल भाग्यं वक्तुं न शक्यते। श्रीरामस्य प्रतापेन दृष्टवानसि वै व्रजम्॥९॥
Śrī Śuka said: “Ah, tiger among kings, your fortune cannot be described: by Śrī Rāma's power you have truly beheld Vraja.
Passage 10
तत्रापि कृष्णस्वामिन्या एतत् पितृनिकेतनम्। वृषभानुपुरं नाम दृष्टवान् भक्तिसंयुतः॥१०॥
“Within it, filled with devotion, you have seen Vṛṣabhānupura, the paternal home of Kṛṣṇa's sovereign beloved.
Passage 11
इदं सरः सूर्यसरः प्रसिद्धं राधापितुः प्रीतिविवर्धनं च यत्। वृन्दावनेशीजलकेलिपात्रे निमज्ज्यास्मिन् संसृतिर्नाशमेति॥११॥
“This famous lake is Sūrya-saras, which increases the joy of Rādhā's father. One who immerses in this vessel of Vṛndāvana's queen's water-sports sees saṃsāra come to an end.
Passage 12
कृष्णप्रेमोदये जाते ब्रह्मानन्दोपसर्जने। कृतकृत्यो भवेदाशु व्रजदर्शनमात्रतः॥१२॥
“At the mere sight of Vraja, love for Kṛṣṇa arises, the bliss of Brahman becomes secondary, and one quickly attains fulfillment.
Passage 13
इतो विदूरे सङ्केतस्थानमस्ति मनोहरम्। तद्दृष्ट्वा मनुजव्याघ्र न भूयः संसृतिं व्रजेत्॥१३॥
“Not far from here is the lovely meeting-place called Saṅketa. Having seen it, tiger among men, one does not return again to saṃsāra.
Passage 14
ततो नन्दीश्वरं पश्य कृष्णस्थापितमन्दिरम्। एतान्यतिरहस्यानि स्थानानि धरणीतले॥१४॥
“Next behold Nandīśvara, where Kṛṣṇa established his dwelling. These places upon the earth are exceedingly secret.
Passage 15
नाल्पपुण्येन राजेन्द्र दृश्यन्ते संसृताविह। यत्र नित्यं हरेः क्रीडा न विश्राम्यति राधया॥१५॥
“They cannot be seen in this world through scant merit, king of kings. Here Hari's eternal play with Rādhā never pauses.
Passage 16
वरसानुगिरिश्चैव तथा नन्दीश्वरो गिरिः। उभयोरन्तरे कृष्णक्रीडास्थानं सुदुर्गमम्॥१६॥
“Between Varasānu Hill and Mount Nandīśvara lies a most inaccessible place of Kṛṣṇa's play.
Passage 17
यत्र भूमिरजोमध्ये श्रीकृष्णचरणाङ्किते। लुण्ठन्ति ब्रह्मशर्वादयस्त्रिदशा भक्तिकामुकाः॥१७॥
“There Brahmā, Śiva, and the other gods, longing for devotion, roll in the dust marked by Śrī Kṛṣṇa's feet.
Passage 18
इदं रहस्यं राजेन्द्र व्रजभूमौ विलोक्यते। नन्दालयश्च सङ्केतो वरसानुरिति त्रयम्॥१८॥
“This threefold mystery is seen in the land of Vraja, king of kings: Nanda's home, Saṅketa, and Varasānu. Khadiravana and Śeṣaśāyī
Passage 19
ब्रह्मोवाच— कृतार्थयित्वा सङ्केतं तत्र राजा रघूद्वहः। जगाम खादिरं नाम वनानामुत्तमं वनम्॥१९॥
Brahmā said: “Having fulfilled the observance at Saṅketa, the descendant of Raghu went to the excellent forest named Khadiravana.
Passage 20
तद्दृष्ट्वा विधिवत् स्नात्वा दत्त्वा दानादि भूरिशः। उवासैकां निशां राजा हरिकीर्तनतत्परः॥२०॥
“He saw it, bathed duly, gave abundant charity, and remained there one night wholly absorbed in praising Hari.
Passage 21
श्रीशुक उवाच— ततः शेषशयं विष्णुमपश्यद् भवमोचनम्। यः क्षीरसागरतटे शेते कमलया सह॥२१॥
Śrī Śuka said: “Then he beheld world-liberating Viṣṇu reclining upon Śeṣa, who lies with Kamalā upon the shore of the Ocean of Milk.
Passage 22
पूजितो यः पुरा देवो नन्दाद्यैः कृष्णसंयुतैः। सम्पूज्य तं विधानेन भार्यया सह भूपतिः॥२२॥
“That Lord had formerly been worshiped by Nanda, Kṛṣṇa, and the others. The king duly worshiped him together with his wife.
Passage 23
स्नात्वा क्षीरसमुद्रे च प्रससाद निजे हृदि। ततो वृन्दावनं द्रष्टुमियाय शुकसङ्गतः॥२३॥
“After bathing in the Ocean of Milk, he found serenity within his heart and went with Śuka to behold Vṛndāvana. Vṛndāvana and its divine throne
Passage 24
श्रीशुक उवाच— इदं वृन्दावनं राजन् भुवः कीर्तिविवर्धनम्। अत्र चीराणि गोपीनां जहार भगवान् हरिः॥२४॥
Śrī Śuka said: “This is Vṛndāvana, king, which increases the earth's glory. Here blessed Hari stole the gopīs' garments.
Passage 25
विधित्युव्रतसम्पत्तिं महावरदराट् स्वयम्। अत्र वंशीवटतले वेणुवाद्यं विधाय च॥२५॥
“The supreme giver of boons personally brought their prescribed vow to completion. Here, beneath Vaṃśīvaṭa, he played upon his flute.
Passage 26
आजुहाव हरिः सर्वा गोपिकाः काममोहिताः। महारासं ततस्ताभिश्चक्र त्रैलोक्यमोहनम्॥२६॥
“Hari summoned all the gopīs, overcome by love, and with them performed the great rāsa that enchants the three worlds.
Passage 27
अत्रैव कालियो नाम कालसर्पो जलाशये। नाथितो देवदेवेन निर्विषा च कृता सरित्॥२७॥
“Here too the deadly serpent Kāliya was subdued in the lake by the God of gods, and the river was freed from poison.
Passage 28
अत्रैव निहतः केशी कृष्णेन क्रीडता वने। तत्क्षेत्रं कोटिगुणितं काश्या अपि विशिष्यते॥२८॥
“Here Keśī was killed by Kṛṣṇa as he played in the forest. This sacred field is millions of times more excellent even than Kāśī.
Passage 29
अत्र सङ्क्रन्दनं नाम तीर्थमस्ति पुरातनम्। यत्र स्नात्वा च दत्त्वा च वाजिमेधफलं लभेत्॥२९॥
“Here is the ancient tīrtha called Saṅkrandana. By bathing and giving charity there one gains the fruit of a horse sacrifice.
Passage 30
अत्रैव योगपीठाख्यं स्थानमस्ति मनोरमम्। नानावल्लीद्रुमाकीर्णं चन्द्रकोटिप्रभामयम्॥३०॥
“Here too is the lovely place called Yoga-pīṭha, filled with many vines and trees and radiant like ten million moons.
Passage 31
तत्र सिंहासनं दिव्यं पारिजाततरोस्तले। तेजोमयं ज्वलत्कान्तिसहस्रकिरणावृतम्॥३१॥
“There beneath a pārijāta tree stands a divine throne made of light, surrounded by a thousand rays of blazing splendor.
Passage 32
प्रभासमुदयव्याप्तधरणीगगनान्तरम्। सर्वानन्दपदं जाग्रत्कालमायाद्यगोचरम्॥३२॥
“Its rising radiance fills the interval between earth and sky. It is the station of all bliss, eternally awake and beyond time, māyā, and all limitation.
Passage 33
तत्र सख्यष्टकवृता श्रीमद्वृन्दावनेश्वरी। राधिका नियतं भाति श्रीमद्गोविन्दपार्श्वगा॥३३॥
“There glorious Rādhikā, sovereign of Vṛndāvana, eternally shines beside Govinda, surrounded by her eight companions.
Passage 34
कामलीलागुणवती सौन्दर्यरसमञ्जरी। माधुर्यमधुरोद्रिक्ता कान्तिपीयूषवीचिका॥३४॥
“She is rich in the virtues of love-play, a flowering cluster of beauty's rasa, overflowing with the sweetness of sweetness and a wave of the nectar of radiance.
Passage 35
रसा सौरभवासन्ती कीर्तिप्रद्योतचन्द्रिका। मञ्जुला चञ्चलापाङ्गी व्रजमण्डलमण्डना॥३५॥
“She is rasa itself, springtime fragrance, and moonlight illuminating fame; lovely and restless-eyed, she ornaments the circle of Vraja.
Passage 36
तां सेवते सदा कृष्णः कामकेलिप्रसूनकैः। स्मितचन्दनगन्धेन परिरम्भणधूपकैः॥३६॥
“Kṛṣṇa forever worships her with flowers of love-play, the sandal fragrance of his smile, and the incense of embraces.
Passage 37
कटाक्षदीपमालाभिर्नैवेद्यैरधरामृतैः। तयोर्नित्यविहारेण सर्वा आनन्दिता व्रजे॥३७॥
“He serves her with rows of sidelong-glance lamps and offerings of nectar from his lips. Through their eternal play, everyone in Vraja is filled with bliss.
Passage 38
चन्द्रावलीप्रभृतयो याश्चान्या गोपदारिकाः। तयोरेव प्रीतिवश्याः सकला व्रजनायिकाः॥३८॥
“Candrāvalī and the other cowherd maidens—all the heroines of Vraja—are governed by love for those two alone.
Passage 39
तस्याश्चरणपाथोजरेणुलाभार्थमिन्दिरा। तपः करोति सततं वैकुण्ठस्वामिनी स्वयम्॥३९॥
“Indirā herself, sovereign of Vaikuṇṭha, continually performs austerity to gain the dust of Rādhā's lotus feet.
Passage 40
तस्या ध्यानपरा नित्यं पार्वती शिवसन्निधौ। शिवः सङ्कीर्तयत्येनां तन्त्रैर्मन्त्रैश्च भूरिशः॥४०॥
“Pārvatī always meditates upon her in Śiva's presence, and Śiva abundantly praises her through tantras and mantras.
Passage 41
आराधयन्ति तां काश्चिद् गोप्यो नन्दव्रजे स्थिताः। तासामियं दिशत्याशु लीलासाम्राज्यमुत्तमम्॥४१॥
“Certain gopīs dwelling in Nanda's Vraja worship her, and she swiftly grants them supreme sovereignty within divine play.
Passage 42
नास्यास्तत्त्वं विजानन्ति ब्रह्माद्या अपि देवताः। वेदान्ताश्च रहस्यानि तामेव निर्दिशन्ति हि॥४२॥
“Even Brahmā and the other gods do not know her reality. The secret declarations of Vedānta point to her alone.
Passage 43
एतद्युग्मं चिदानन्दमयमद्वैतमद्भुतम्। आत्मनो हृदये राजन् स्थापयित्वा सुखी भव॥४३॥
“Establish this wondrous, nondual pair—composed of consciousness and bliss—in your heart, king, and be happy.
Passage 44
ब्रह्मोवाच— दृष्ट्वा वृन्दावनं राजा क्रीडास्थानानि तानि सः। भावयानो नन्दसूनुं पञ्चरात्रमुवास ह॥४४॥
Brahmā said: “Having seen Vṛndāvana and those places of play, the king remained for five nights contemplating Nanda's son.
Passage 45
अथ तं शुकयोगीन्द्र उवाच मधुरं वचः। यमुनातीरगां तस्मै निर्देष्टुं वनराजिकाम्॥४५॥
“Then Śuka, lord of yogins, spoke sweetly to him, intending to point out the line of forests along the Yamunā's banks. The forests across the Yamunā
Passage 46
यमुनापरपारे तु भद्राख्यं वनमद्भुतम्। स्नानदानादिभिर्भूयस्तत्कोटिगुणपुण्यदम्॥४६॥
“Across the Yamunā is the wondrous forest called Bhadravana. Through bathing, charity, and the other rites it grants merit multiplied ten million times.
Passage 47
गमनादेव वै तत्र पुनात्यासप्तमं कुलम्। कृष्णस्यैकान्तिकीं लीलां भावयेत्तत्र भक्तिमान्॥४७॥
“Merely going there purifies one's family through seven generations. A devotee should contemplate Kṛṣṇa's most intimate līlā there.
Passage 48
अस्ति बिल्ववनं दिव्यं यत्र गोचारणे हरिः। सहितो गोपबालाद्यैर्मुदितः क्रीडतेऽनिशम्॥४८॥
“There is also divine Bilvavana, where joyful Hari plays continually while tending the cows with the cowherd boys and others.
Passage 49
तत्र स्नात्वा च दत्त्वा च सुवर्णं गाः सहस्रशः। भोजयेद् ब्राह्मणान् राजन् श्रीकृष्णप्रीतये सुधीः॥४९॥
“A wise person should bathe there, give gold and thousands of cows, and feed brāhmaṇas for Śrī Kṛṣṇa's pleasure, king.
Passage 50
लोहजङ्घवनं चास्ति लोकातीतगुणान्वितम्। तस्मिन् गमनमात्रेण पातकौघः पलायते॥५०॥
“There is also Lohajaṅghavana, endowed with qualities beyond the world. Merely going there puts the whole mass of sin to flight.
Passage 51
भाण्डीरं नाम च वनं रामकृष्णाभिरक्षितम्। दृष्ट्वा चालौकिकं स्थानं कृष्णप्रेम विवर्धते॥५१॥
“The forest named Bhāṇḍīra is protected by Rāma and Kṛṣṇa. Seeing that otherworldly place increases love for Kṛṣṇa.
Passage 52
प्रलम्बाख्योऽसुरस्तत्र रामेण निहतः पुरा। आरोप्य स्कन्धयोरेनं यथाद्रेर्नयन् रिपुः॥५२॥
“There the demon named Pralamba was slain long ago by Rāma, after the enemy had placed him upon his shoulders and carried him like a mountain.
Passage 53
तत्र गत्वा वटस्याधः क्षणं स्थित्वा च मानवः। मन्दानिलं सेवमानो मुञ्चते तापमान्तरम्॥५३॥
“A person who goes there, remains beneath the banyan for a moment, and enjoys the gentle breeze releases all inner affliction.
Passage 54
भाण्डीरवनकूपस्थास्ता आपो ब्रह्मद्रवामृताः। स्नात्वा पीत्वा च मनुजो लभते कृष्णभावनाम्॥५४॥
“The waters in Bhāṇḍīravana's well are the liquid nectar of Brahman. Bathing in and drinking them, a person attains contemplation of Kṛṣṇa.
Passage 55
एतेषु वनवर्येषु रामकृष्णौ रसात्मकौ। सखिमण्डलमध्यस्थौ कुरुतः क्रीडनं मिथः॥५५॥
“In these excellent forests, Rāma and Kṛṣṇa, embodiments of rasa, stand among their circles of companions and sport together. Mahāvana and Kṛṣṇa's childhood līlās
Passage 56
महावनं नाम वनं तदस्ति कृष्णस्य बाल्याचरितस्थलं यत्। ब्रह्माण्डतीर्थे मनुजोऽत्र भक्त्या स्नायान्मुदा यत्र जघास कृष्णः॥५६॥
“There is the forest called Mahāvana, the place of Kṛṣṇa's childhood deeds. A person should joyfully bathe with devotion at Brahmāṇḍa-tīrtha, where Kṛṣṇa ate earth.
Passage 57
यत्रामुना मदिरलोचनेन सा पूतना नाम हतास्ति राक्षसी। तां क्रूरबालजननीपदं ददौ स्तन्यप्रदानेन महानुभावः॥५७॥
“There the dark-eyed Lord killed the demoness named Pūtanā. Yet the magnanimous Lord granted that cruel child-killer the station of a mother because she had offered him her breast.
Passage 58
बभञ्ज यस्मिन् यमलार्जुनौ हरिः श्रीमातृहस्तोद्यतदोलूखलाश्रितः। कृपाम्बुधिस्तौ च सुमोच बन्धनात् संसारपाशादुपयात इच्छया॥५८॥
“There Hari, bound to the mortar raised by his glorious mother's hand, broke the twin arjuna trees. The ocean of compassion freed the two spirits from bondage and, by his will, from the noose of saṃsāra.
Passage 59
एवं बहूनि चित्राणि चरित्राणि चकार सः। बाललीलारसं पुष्णन् कौतुकी पुरुषः परः॥५९॥
“Thus the playful Supreme Person performed many wondrous deeds, nourishing the rasa of his childhood līlās.
Passage 60
यानि सङ्गीयमानानि यशोरूपाणि भूतले। पुनन्ति बहुधा लोकांस्तीर्थरूपाणि सन्ततम्॥६०॥
“Those deeds, sung on earth as forms of his glory, perpetually purify the worlds in many ways as embodied tīrthas.
Passage 61
ब्रह्मोवाच— ततो जगाम धर्मात्मा वनं पुण्यं महावनम्। तमुवाच शुको दृष्ट्वा वनं निर्दिश्य तत्तदा॥६१॥
Brahmā said: “The righteous king then entered holy Mahāvana. Seeing him, Śuka pointed out the forest and spoke.
Passage 62
इदं श्रीगोकुलं रम्यं नन्दगोपस्य भूपते। परमानन्दभवनं कृष्णक्रीडारहःस्थलम्॥६२॥
“Ruler of the earth, this lovely Śrī Gokula belongs to the cowherd Nanda. It is the home of supreme bliss and the secret ground of Kṛṣṇa's play.
Passage 63
अस्य दर्शनमात्रेण जनः कैवल्यमश्नुते। परमानन्दं लभेदाशु ब्रह्मानन्दपदोपरि॥६३॥
“Merely seeing it, a person attains liberation and quickly gains supreme bliss beyond the station of Brahman-bliss.
Passage 64
स्नात्वा दत्त्वा द्विजन्मभ्यः सुवर्णं दक्षिणामपि। तत्कोटिगुणितं पुण्यं फलतीति विनिश्चयः॥६४॥
“Bathing and giving gold and gifts to the twice-born produces merit multiplied ten million times; this is certain.
Passage 65
यानि यानीह तीर्थानि पारेऽवारे च भूपते। न तानि वर्णितुं शक्यान्यतिकल्पशतैरिह॥६५॥
“The tīrthas here on both the near and far banks, king, could not be described even over hundreds of immense kalpas.
Passage 66
एतेषां महिमानं तु स्वयं वेत्ति रमापतिः। धन्येयं माथुरी भूमिः स्वैरेव समलङ्कृता॥६६॥
“The Lord of Ramā alone knows their greatness. Blessed is this land of Mathurā, adorned by these very places.
Passage 67
अस्याः स्वरूपं माहात्म्यं गुणान् वेत्ति हरिः स्वयम्। मथुरामण्डलभुव इति वेदैर्विनिश्चितम्॥६७॥
“Hari himself knows the nature, greatness, and qualities of Mathurā's land; thus the Vedas have determined.
Passage 68
अस्या भुवः परं पारं हरिर्जानाति निश्चितम्। हृते गोवत्सके पाले प्राप्य गोवत्सतामपि॥६८॥
“Hari alone certainly knows the farthest limit of this land. When the keeper of the calves was taken away, he himself assumed the form of the calves.
Passage 69
हरिर्जघास रम्याणि तृणानि व्रजमण्डले। गोवत्सतां परिप्राप्य को वेत्ति स्वादुमीदृशम्॥६९॥
“Taking calfhood upon himself, Hari ate the lovely grasses of Vraja's circle. Who else knows sweetness of such a kind?
Passage 70
अहो आनन्दरूपस्य लोकस्यास्य परन्तप। न भूमितलसंस्पर्शः कमलस्येव वारिणि॥७०॥
“Ah, scorcher of foes, this realm is bliss itself. Like a lotus resting upon water, it is untouched by the material earth.
Passage 71
इह यस्य जनुर्गृहभावनया समुपैति विशिष्टसुखौघभुजा। स न मुक्तिपदं स्पृहयेद्यदि वा स्पृहयत्यभूताह इवाब्जजलम्॥७१॥
“One who takes birth here and makes it home enjoys a special flood of happiness. Such a person does not desire liberation—or, if he does, that wish is as incongruous as water sought upon a lotus leaf.
Passage 72
इति मे मतिरस्ति भूय इदं यमुनाजलवीचिविलोलमरुत्। तटकुञ्जकुटीरगृहं भजतो न रमापतिधाम मुदे मनसः॥७२॥
“This is my conviction: for one who dwells in a bower-cottage on the bank, served by breezes dancing over the Yamunā's waves, even Ramāpati's formal realm cannot bring greater joy to the mind. Śuka's disappearance and Daśaratha's return journey
Passage 73
ब्रह्मोवाच— इति व्रजं दर्शयित्वा राज्ञे दशरथाय सः। तस्मिन्नेव निकुञ्जान्तः पश्यतोऽन्तर्दधे शुकः॥७३॥
Brahmā said: “Having shown Vraja to King Daśaratha, Śuka vanished before his eyes within that very bower.
Passage 74
असौ मुनिर्नित्यविलासदर्शने कुतूहली श्रीजनकात्मजायाः। सखीपदं प्राप्य निकुञ्जराज्ये प्रियेण साकं रमते सदैव॥७४॥
“That sage, eager to behold the eternal pastimes of Śrī Janaka's daughter, attained the station of a female companion and forever delights with the beloved pair in the kingdom of bowers.
Passage 75
एवं हि यः प्रेमरसं गरिष्ठमाप्नोति सीतारमणे निरन्तरम्। न तस्य संसारदवाग्निवायुमहोग्रतीक्ष्णोऽप्यनुबाधते वपुः॥७५॥
“One who continually attains the most exalted rasa of love for Sītā's beloved is not afflicted even by the fiercest wind driving saṃsāra's forest fire.
Passage 76
नैके शुष्कं ज्ञानमिच्छन्त्यभिज्ञाः कुतः कर्मोपासनासाधनानि। येषां चेतः प्रत्यहं मोदतेऽन्तो रामप्रेमानन्दसन्दोहपूर्णम्॥७६॥
“Those who truly understand do not desire dry knowledge—much less practices of ritual action or formal worship—when their hearts rejoice each day filled with the mass of bliss born from love of Rāma.
Passage 77
प्रेमानन्दमयी मुक्तिः प्राप्यते तत्कृपावशात्। साधनैर्लभ्यते सान्या ब्रह्मानन्दपदात्मिका॥७७॥
“By his grace one attains liberation made of the bliss of love. The other kind, whose nature is the station of Brahman-bliss, is gained through disciplines.
Passage 78
तच्छुकाद् रघुशार्दूलो ज्ञाततत्त्वो रमापतेः। प्राप्य प्रेमरसानन्दं क्षेममुत्कृष्टमात्मनः॥७८॥
“Learning Ramāpati's truth from Śuka, the tiger of Raghu's line attained the bliss of love's rasa and the highest welfare of the self.
Passage 79
एवं कृताखिलमहीतलतीर्थयात्रापुण्यप्रकर्षसुविशुद्धमना महीपः। श्रीराममङ्गलगुणानभिलाषुकात्मा साकेतपत्तनमुपैतुमथाचकाङ्क्ष॥७९॥
“Thus purified in mind by the abundant merit of pilgrimage to every earthly tīrtha, the king, longing for Śrī Rāma's auspicious virtues, desired to return to the city of Sāketa.
Passage 80
प्रग्रामारण्यप्रकरसुरहस्यस्थलगणा- नटित्वा श्रीरामप्रणयविनिबद्धो दशरथः। जनुः सार्थं कृत्वा करचरणचक्षुःफलमसौ समादायायोध्यां ससुखमगमद् रामकलिताम्॥८०॥
“Having traversed hosts of villages, forests, and divine secret places, Daśaratha—bound by love for Śrī Rāma—made his birth fruitful through the work of hands, feet, and eyes, and joyfully set out for Rāma-filled Ayodhyā.
Passage 81
यत्र यत्र गतो राजा तीर्थयात्रापरायणः। तत्र तत्रैव शुश्राव रामस्य यशसां भरम्॥८१॥
“Wherever the king went, devoted to pilgrimage, he heard everywhere the abundant glories of Rāma.
Passage 82
ददर्श व्यापकं रामं सर्वतीर्थेषु सुस्थितम्। तत्सामान्यविशेषाभ्यां विश्वमेवावृतं यतः॥८२॥
“He saw all-pervading Rāma firmly present in every tīrtha, for through his universal and particular manifestations he embraces the entire cosmos.
Passage 83
पुलस्त्येन कृता यात्रा श्रूयते ग्रन्थदर्शने। तथा सोमकृतां तीर्थयात्रां प्राहुः पराविदः॥८३॥
“Scriptural accounts tell of the pilgrimage made by Pulastya, and knowers of the supreme likewise describe Soma's pilgrimage.
Passage 84
मनोश्च धर्मशीलस्य लोमशस्य मनीषिणः। धौम्यस्य च वसिष्ठस्य पराशरमुनेरपि॥८४॥
“They describe those of righteous Manu, wise Lomaśa, Dhaumya, Vasiṣṭha, and the sage Parāśara as well.
Passage 85
अन्ये च पृथिवीपालाः पुण्यात्मानो महौजसः। प्रदक्षिणेन धरणीं विचेरुर्मुनिसत्तमाः॥८५॥
“Other mighty and meritorious kings and eminent sages circumambulated and traveled across the earth.
Passage 86
राष्ट्रपालाभिधो वैश्यः सर्ववैश्यशिरोमणिः। बभ्राम धरणीं सर्वामर्जयन् सुकृतं बहु॥८६॥
“The merchant named Rāṣṭrapāla, crest-jewel of all merchants, wandered over the whole earth earning abundant merit.
Passage 87
ऋषयः सिद्धगन्धर्वा राजानश्चक्रवर्तिनः। बहवो बभ्रमुस्तीर्थेष्वयजंश्च यथामति॥८७॥
“Many sages, Siddhas, Gandharvas, and universal monarchs traveled among the tīrthas and made offerings according to their understanding.
Passage 88
नैतादृशी केनचित्तीर्थयात्रा चीर्णा पुरा भूपतिना द्विजेन वा। वैश्येन वा सर्वसमृद्धिभाजा कृता यादृश्यमुना राघवेण॥८८॥
“Yet no king, brāhmaṇa, merchant, or possessor of every prosperity had ever performed a pilgrimage like that undertaken by this Rāghava.
Passage 89
आसीन्न चासमुद्रक्षितितलवलये कोऽपि दीनो धनेन क्लिष्टो वा वैरिपीडापरिमुदितमना नापि कश्चिच्चिरायुः। त्यागादौदार्यबलाच्चाप्यतुलतरतपःपुण्यसम्पूरणाच्च प्राज्यानन्दं ददानो व्यचरत भुवने तीर्थयात्राक्रमेण॥८९॥
“Throughout the earth encircled by the oceans, no one remained poor, tormented by enemies, joyless, or deprived of long life. Through his generosity, noble power, unequaled austerity, and fullness of merit, he traveled in the course of pilgrimage giving abundant happiness to the world.
Passage 90
अवतीर्णे सीताकान्ते साक्षात् श्रीपुरुषोत्तमे। अपूर्वा श्रीरभूद् भूम्यां तामपश्यद् रघूद्वहः॥९०॥
“When Sītā's beloved, the manifest Supreme Person, descended, unprecedented splendor arose upon the earth, and the descendant of Raghu beheld it.
Passage 91
रमणीयतमां शोभां पश्यन् भूमण्डलस्य सः। तत्कारणं हृदा मेने श्रीशावतरणं तदा॥९१॥
“Seeing the earth's surpassing beauty, he understood within his heart that the descent of the Lord of Śrī was its cause.
Passage 92
मथुरामण्डलं सर्वं यात्रयित्वा रघूद्वहः। सरयूतीर्थनियमं समाप्य सुखितोऽभवत्॥९२॥
“After completing pilgrimage throughout the Mathurā region and finishing the Sarayū tīrtha observance, the descendant of Raghu became content.
Passage 93
शतं ग्रामान् समदाद् द्वे च कोटीर्धेनूनां स्वर्णभूषावृतानाम्। गवां मुक्तारत्नभारांस्तथा त्रीन् पुण्यमदैर्वारणान् विंशतिश्च॥९३॥
“He gave one hundred villages, twenty million cows adorned with gold, three loads of pearls and jewels for the cattle, and twenty mighty elephants.
Passage 94
शतान्यष्टौ तथाश्वानां स्यन्दनानां तथा शतम्। दासीनां रत्नभूषाणां चत्वारि च शतानि सः॥९४॥
“He also gave eight hundred horses, one hundred chariots, and four hundred maidservants adorned with jewels.
Passage 95
एवं विप्राय विधिवद् दत्त्वा रघुकुलोद्वहः। वाचयामास विप्रेभ्यः स्वस्ति पुण्याहमेव च॥९५॥
“Having duly given these things to the brāhmaṇas, the descendant of Raghu had them proclaim blessings and the auspicious-day formula.
Passage 96
भूयसीं दक्षिणां दत्त्वा ब्राह्मणेभ्यः प्रमाणवित्। ततः प्रतस्थे स महद् गण्डकाक्षेत्रमुत्तमम्॥९६॥
“Knowing the proper measure, he gave the brāhmaṇas abundant gifts, then set out for the great and excellent field of Gaṇḍakā. Daśaratha meets Paraśurāma
Passage 97
यस्मिन् भृगुपतिः साक्षात्तपस्यति महातपाः। तत्क्षेत्रममितं भूमौ गुह्यस्थानं प्रकीर्तितम्॥९७॥
“There the great ascetic lord of Bhṛgu's line personally performs austerity. That immeasurable field upon earth is renowned as the Secret Place.
Passage 98
तत्र च सङ्गतो रामो ब्रह्मक्षत्रमयोऽपि सन्। अवतीर्णे रामचन्द्रे ब्रह्ममात्रावशेषकः॥९८॥
“There he met Rāma of Bhṛgu's line, who embodies both priestly and royal power. After Rāmacandra descended, only his brāhmaṇa nature remained active.
Passage 99
उपशान्तमतिर्वीरो निर्वृतक्रोध ईश्वरः। अवलम्ब्य तपस्तिष्ठन् पुण्यक्षेत्रमुदारधीः॥९९॥
“That heroic lord, his mind pacified and wrath extinguished, remained in the sacred field supported by austerity, noble in understanding.
Passage 100
तं वीक्ष्य रघुशार्दूलः सहसा विनयान्वितः। तुष्टाव प्राञ्जलिर्भूत्वा भार्गवं तपसां निधिम्॥१००॥
“Seeing him, the tiger of Raghu's line at once became humble, joined his palms, and praised the Bhārgava, treasury of austerity.
Passage 101
नमस्ते भृगुवर्याय ब्रह्मक्षत्राय तेजसे। रामणाद् रामचन्द्राय वीरेन्द्राय तपोऽग्नये॥१०१॥
“Obeisance to the finest descendant of Bhṛgu, the radiance of priestly and royal power; to Rāmacandra by delight, lord of heroes and fire of austerity.
Passage 102
यस्य ते भृगुशार्दूल कुठारः सूर्यदर्शनः। आसुरक्षत्रियतमस्तोमादित्याय विश्वतः॥१०२॥
“Tiger of Bhṛgu's line, your sunlike axe rose everywhere as an Āditya against the massed darkness of demonic kṣatriyas.
Passage 103
भृगूणां वंशदीपस्य यस्य ते तपसां निधेः। तेजोऽग्नौ सुसमिद्धेऽगादर्जुनोऽपि पतङ्गताम्॥१०३॥
“O lamp of Bhṛgu's lineage and treasury of austerity, even Arjuna became like a moth entering your fiercely kindled fire of splendor.
Passage 104
येन त्वया भार्गव सार्वभौमसद्वीपशैला बहुकाननेयम्। मही सुवर्णाद्रियुता द्विजेभ्यस्त्रिसप्तदत्ता निजपुत्रिकावत्॥१०४॥
“Bhārgava, you gave this sovereign earth—with its continents, mountains, many forests, and golden ranges—to the twice-born twenty-one times, like your own daughter.
Passage 105
भुवं वितीर्य भुवि देवतेभ्यो विज्ञापयन् त्वं तपसे पर्णशालाम्। विधित्सुकामो जलधिं ययाचे स्थलं कियत्तापसवासयोग्यम्॥१०५॥
“After giving away the earth to its sacred recipients, you wished to establish a leaf-hut for austerity and asked the ocean for a small place suited to an ascetic dwelling.
Passage 106
बहूनि वीर्याणि तव प्रशस्तान्यह्वाय नो वै सशकानि वक्तुम्। अनुग्रहस्ते जगतां शुभाय क्रोधः पुनः कालवत् सङ्क्षयाय॥१०६॥
“Your many celebrated feats cannot possibly be recounted even over many days. Your grace brings good to the worlds, while your wrath destroys like Time.
Passage 107
कोट्यः कियन्त्यद्भुतमातपत्रभाजां नृपाणां भवता विभिद्य। कुठारधाराञ्चलकालजिह्वया वधावशेषे रुधिरोदबिन्दुभिः॥१०७॥
“How many millions of kings beneath splendid parasols were split by you with the Time-like tongue of your axe's edge, leaving drops of blood after the slaughter?
Passage 108
ब्रह्मन् कुरुक्षेत्रमधिष्ठितस्त्वं समन्ततः पञ्च सरांस्यकार्षीः। पितॄन् सुसन्तर्प्य च यानि सद्यश्चकार पुण्योदमयानि तैर्वृतः॥१०८॥
“Holy one, dwelling at Kurukṣetra you made five lakes at Samantapañcaka. With their waters you fully satisfied your ancestors, making those lakes sacred.
Passage 109
तानि तीर्थानि कवयो गृणन्ति भृगुसत्तम। समन्तपञ्चकेत्याख्यावन्ति पुण्यानि भूतले॥१०९॥
“Best of Bhṛgus, sages praise those holy earthly tīrthas by the name Samantapañcaka.
Passage 110
दृष्टानि चोपस्पृष्टानि स्नातानि च मया मुने। अनन्तपुण्यलाभाय तस्मात् सन्दर्शनं तव॥११०॥
“Sage, I have seen, touched, and bathed in them. Now beholding you brings the gain of limitless merit.”
Passage 111
श्रीपरशुराम उवाच— स्वस्त्यस्तु ते रघुकुलामितकीर्तनस्य राजंस्त्रिलोकजनमङ्गलमन्दिरस्य। पुण्येन यस्य हरिरप्रमेयः पुत्रत्वमाप धरणीभरनाशनाय॥१११॥
Śrī Paraśurāma said: “Blessings upon you, king of immeasurable fame in Raghu's line and dwelling of auspiciousness for the three worlds. By your merit, immeasurable Hari became your son to remove the earth's burden.
Passage 112
स्वच्छाशयः कीर्तिसुधोदपूर्णस्त्वं भूतले पुण्यसरोवरोऽसि। चत्वारि पद्मानि यतोऽभ्युदीर्णत्रैलोक्यतापैकरुजानि राजन्॥११२॥
“Pure in heart and full of the nectar-water of fame, you are a sacred lake upon earth, king, from which four lotuses have arisen to cure the single fever afflicting the three worlds.
Passage 113
महोदधिस्त्वं महनीयकीर्तिर्यतोऽभ्युदेत् पूर्णकलः सुधांशुः। त्रयीचकोरीहृदयैकहर्षी विद्वत्समूहैककुमुद्वतीशः॥११३॥
“You are an ocean of venerable fame from which the full-rayed moon arose, delighting the cakora-hearts of the three Vedas and ruling the night-lotus community of the learned.
Passage 114
जानासि राजन् किमु तस्य राजन् रामस्य राजीवविलोचनस्य। यस्यात्मविज्ञानविचिन्तनेन नेतीति वेदा जगदुर्मुखेन॥११४॥
“King, what can even you know of that lotus-eyed Rāma? While contemplating the knowledge of his self, the Vedas declare with every mouth, ‘Not this, not this.’
Passage 115
महोपनिषदः सर्वा एकं रामं प्रचक्षते। न सामान्यावतरणं विद्धि रामं रसाश्रयम्॥११५॥
“All the great Upaniṣads proclaim the one Rāma. Know Rāma, abode of rasa, not as an ordinary descent.
Passage 116
कथ्यतां नाम केनापि निःशेषं तस्य वैभवम्। तत्त्वतोऽप्यधिकं राजन्नुदेत्य विदितं गिराम्॥११६॥
“Who could possibly describe his glory without remainder? King, he rises beyond even ultimate reality as speech can know it.
Passage 117
यस्यैकसत्तया व्याप्तं ब्रह्माण्डं सचराचरम्। तादृशी भूयसी राजन् तस्य सत्ता विजृम्भते॥११७॥
“A single degree of his being pervades the entire universe, moving and unmoving; yet his own being unfolds infinitely greater than that.
Passage 118
किमर्थं तीर्थयात्रायै अटितोऽसि वनाद् वनम्। तमेव किं न सेवेथाः सर्वसेव्यपदाम्बुजम्॥११८॥
“Why have you wandered from forest to forest on pilgrimage? Why not simply serve him, whose lotus feet are served by all?
Passage 119
यदाश्रितमहीपालसनकाद्यैर्मुनीश्वरैः। अकुतोभयमिच्छद्भिः कालमायादिमूर्धगम्॥११९॥
“Those feet, higher than time and māyā, are sought for refuge by kings and by Sanaka and the other eminent sages who desire fearlessness.”
Passage 120
ब्रह्मोवाच— स तस्य भाषितं श्रुत्वा भार्गवस्य तपस्विनः। प्रसन्नहृदयो राजा ज्ञात्वात्मभवने हरिम्॥१२०॥
Brahmā said: “Hearing the words of the ascetic Bhārgava, the king rejoiced, recognizing Hari within his own household.
Passage 121
निमज्य रेणुकातीर्थे यमुनायां विशेषतः। तत्पुरश्च महातीर्थे यत्रोत्तरवहार्कजा॥१२१॥
“He immersed himself especially at Reṇukā-tīrtha in the Yamunā and at the great tīrtha before it, where the Sun's daughter flows northward.
Passage 122
न तत्तीर्थस्य माहात्म्यं वक्तुं शक्यं सुरैरपि। परशुराममुखाच्छ्रुत्वा स्नातवांस्तस्य वारिणि॥१२२॥
“Even the gods cannot describe that tīrtha's greatness. Hearing of it from Paraśurāma, the king bathed in its waters.
Passage 123
दत्त्वा तत्र द्विजन्मभ्यो वेदविद्भ्यो धनं बहु। जगाम तेन मार्गेण वटेश्वरमरिन्दमः॥१२३॥
“After giving great wealth there to twice-born knowers of the Veda, the subduer of enemies went by that route to Vaṭeśvara.
Passage 124
यमुनायां महत्तीर्थं पुण्यं स्थानं पिनाकिनः। चकार तदपां तीरे दश सोमान् यथाविधि॥१२४॥
“It is a great tīrtha in the Yamunā, a holy station of the bearer of Pināka. On its bank he duly performed ten Soma sacrifices.
Passage 125
तोषयित्वा द्विजांस्तत्र सुवर्णमणिभोजनैः। प्रतस्थे पूर्णसर्वार्थस्तामयोध्यां निजां पुरीम्॥१२५॥
“Having satisfied the brāhmaṇas there with gold, jewels, and food, he set out for his own city Ayodhyā, every purpose fulfilled.
Passage 126
तस्याभिजग्मुः परतः कुमारा रामादयः स्वर्णरथाधिरूढाः। कृत्वा पुरो विप्रकुले श्रुतिज्ञं महाहयानप्रवराधिरूढम्॥१२६॥
“The princes, led by Rāma, came out to meet him riding golden chariots. Before them went a Veda-knowing priest of noble lineage mounted upon an excellent, powerful horse.
Passage 127
राज्ञा सार्धं प्रययुर्योगिमुख्या नानादेशाश्रमवास्तव्यशीलाः। निजां पुरीमध्युषितुं समन्तादत्यादरेणोपनीता मुनीन्द्राः॥१२७॥
“Foremost yogins and eminent sages who had lived in hermitages throughout many regions traveled with the king, respectfully invited from every side to dwell in his city.
Passage 128
ते वै प्रतिग्रामसीमं सुमन्त्रेण निमन्त्रिताः नित्यमिष्ट्वा यजन्तः। प्रापुः कथञ्चिद् दिवसैः कियद्भिर्नृपस्य भक्त्या महतादरेण॥१२८॥
“At the boundary of every village Sumantra welcomed them. Continually making oblations and sacrifices, after several days they approached the king's city amid profound devotion and honor.
Passage 129
तेषां वेदं पठतां ब्रह्मघोषो दूरादश्रूयत ब्राह्मणानाम्। ततो रथस्य ध्वजकोविदारं रामादयो वीक्ष्य तदावतेरुः॥१२९॥
“The sacred sound of those brāhmaṇas reciting the Veda was heard from afar. Seeing the kovidāra emblem upon the chariot's banner, Rāma and the others dismounted.
Passage 130
महत्या सेनया युक्तः पुरोधाः पुरतो गतः। कृत्वा प्रणामं भूपस्य प्रसाददृशमग्रहीत्॥१३०॥
“Accompanied by a great army, the royal priest went forward, bowed to the king, and received his gracious glance.
Passage 131
ततो रामादयः सर्वे कुमाराः भक्तिसन्नताः। रथोपस्थस्थितस्यैव जगृहुश्चरणौ पितुः॥१३१॥
“Then all the princes headed by Rāma, bowed with devotion, clasped their father's feet while he still stood upon the chariot.
Passage 132
ते प्रणम्य महाराजं यथापूर्वं यथाक्रमम्। बद्ध्वाञ्जलीन् पुरस्तस्थुस्तोषयामासुरस्य हृत्॥१३२॥
“They bowed to the great king in their customary order, then stood before him with joined palms and delighted his heart.
Passage 133
अवतीर्य रथात् सद्यो राजा दशरथः सुतान्। आलिलिङ्ग प्रमोदेन परिपूर्णतमाशयः॥१३३॥
“King Daśaratha immediately descended from the chariot and embraced his sons, his heart utterly filled with joy.
Passage 134
दृष्ट्वा रामस्य वदनं कोटिचन्द्रामृतद्युतिम्। प्रमोदसागरो राज्ञ उल्ललास हृदन्तरे॥१३४॥
“Seeing Rāma's face, radiant with the nectar-light of ten million moons, an ocean of delight surged within the king's heart. Rāma welcomes the returning sages
Passage 135
रामः पितुः प्रणयेनावनम्रो दिशोस्त्रपाभारगभीरदृष्टिः। भक्तिप्रपन्नो निजभावदर्शनाज्जहार माहात्म्यदृशं नृपस्य॥१३५॥
“Rāma bowed through filial affection, his deep gaze lowered in modesty. By revealing his intimate human mood in loving submission, he drew the king's vision away from divine majesty.
Passage 136
भक्त्याचरणजैर्भावैर्माहात्म्यज्ञोऽपि भूपतिः। मुमोह रामचन्द्रस्य परतत्त्वे पुराश्रुते॥१३६॥
“Though the king knew Rāmacandra's greatness, the emotions born from loving conduct enchanted him and veiled the supreme truth he had previously heard.
Passage 137
यदस्य तत्त्वं श्रुतिभिर्विमृग्यते परात्परं सच्चिदानन्दसान्द्रम्। ध्यानावधानैः कथमप्यगोचरं तदस्य वात्सल्यधिया न लक्ष्यते॥१३७॥
“His reality—sought by the śrutis, beyond the highest and dense with being, consciousness, and bliss, scarcely reached even through concentrated meditation—was not perceived by the king's parental awareness.
Passage 138
रामं प्रदर्शयामास राजा तानृषिपुङ्गवान्। साकेतपुण्यवासाय येऽस्य सार्थे समागताः॥१३८॥
“The king presented to Rāma those eminent sages who had accompanied him in order to dwell in holy Sāketa.
Passage 139
ज्ञानानुग्रहसामर्थ्यवन्तः सन्तः शुभाशयाः। यायजूकाः शास्त्रविदो वेदशाखाप्रवर्तकाः॥१३९॥
“They were virtuous and noble-minded, capable of bestowing knowledge and grace, performers of sacrifice, knowers of scripture, and transmitters of Vedic branches.
Passage 140
तन्त्रमन्त्रादिकुशला विशुद्धज्ञानदृष्टयः। आययुर्भूपतेर्भक्त्या निवासाय महापुरे॥१४०॥
“Skilled in tantras, mantras, and the other disciplines, their vision purified by knowledge, they had come through devotion to the king to reside in the great city.
Passage 141
केचिद्विशुद्धधिषणा विदिताखिलार्था विज्ञाय पूर्णपुरुषं तमिहावतीर्णम्। तद्भक्तिभावसुधया स्नपितान्तरङ्गाः साकेतपत्तननिवासधियोपजग्मुः॥१४१॥
“Some, pure in understanding and knowing all truths, recognized the complete Person descended here. Their hearts bathed in the nectar of devotion to him, they came resolved to dwell in Sāketa.
Passage 142
ते वीक्ष्य राममविताखिलमातृबन्धुं परात्परं द्विभुजमद्भुतमादिदेवम्। सीतारमारमणचारुकलानिकेतं ब्रह्मानुभूतिमधिकां मुदमापुरन्तः॥१४२॥
“Seeing Rāma—the protector of every mother and kinsman, the wondrous two-armed primordial Lord beyond the highest, abode of lovely arts and beloved of Sītā-Ramā—they inwardly gained joy surpassing the experience of Brahman.
Passage 143
ते राघवेन्द्रतनयैर्विनयेन भक्त्या भूयोऽभिवादितपदा मुनयो वरेण्याः। आशीःसुधाजलभरैः स्नपयाम्बभूवुरेनानशेषभवभव्यकरान् पुमग्र्यान्॥१४३॥
“Those eminent sages, whose feet the princes of Raghu's line repeatedly saluted with humble devotion, bathed those foremost men—benefactors of all past and future beings—with floods of nectar-like blessings.
Passage 144
एके सूक्ष्मधियो जज्ञुरेनान् विदितवेद्यकाः। रममाणान् सरयूतीरे नित्यं च सखिभिः सह॥१४४॥
“Some subtle-minded knowers recognized the princes as eternal companions who forever sport together upon the Sarayū's bank.
Passage 145
एके रामं हृदा जज्ञुर्भगवन्तं स्वयं हरिम्। लीलारसालयं नित्यं लक्ष्मणाद्याख्यया स्फुटम्॥१४५॥
“Some knew inwardly that Rāma was blessed Hari himself, the eternal abode of līlā-rasa, manifest together with those called Lakṣmaṇa and the others.
Passage 146
केचिद् रामं विदुः साक्षादक्षरात्मानमद्वयम्। लक्ष्मणं कालरूपं च भरतं कर्मरूपिणम्॥१४६॥
“Some knew Rāma directly as the nondual imperishable Self, Lakṣmaṇa as the form of Time, and Bharata as the form of action.
Passage 147
शत्रुघ्नं च स्वभावाख्यं जगतः पालनोद्यमम्। एवं स्वमत्यनुसृता विदुरेनान् मुनीश्वराः॥१४७॥
“They understood Śatrughna as intrinsic nature engaged in preserving the world. Thus the eminent sages knew the princes according to their own insight.
Passage 148
कश्चिद् रामं विशालाक्षं पुरुषोत्तमशब्दितम्। विदन्नपि प्रेममुग्धं प्रियं निजममन्यत॥१४८॥
“One sage, though knowing wide-eyed Rāma as the one called the Supreme Person, became enchanted by love and regarded him simply as his own beloved.
Passage 149
रामः सर्वान् मुनिवरान् वसिष्ठाद्यान् प्रणम्य च। सप्रेमदृष्टिपातेन सर्वांस्तोषितवान् हृदि॥१४९॥
“Rāma bowed to all the eminent sages headed by Vasiṣṭha and delighted every heart with a loving glance.
Passage 150
अथ स्वभर्त्रा सह धर्मचारिणीं या तीर्थयात्रातपसि प्रसक्ताम्। तां केकयेन्द्रस्य सुतां सुमातरं प्रणेमुरङ्घ्र्योरुपगत्य सर्वे॥१५०॥
“Then they all approached and bowed at the feet of the noble mother, daughter of the Kekaya king, who had practiced the austerity of pilgrimage with her husband as his partner in dharma.
Passage 151
सा रामादीन् शुभाशीर्भिरानन्दितवती पृथक्। हृदा च भरते स्निग्धां दृशं स्थापितवत्यसौ॥१५१॥
“She delighted Rāma and each of his brothers with auspicious blessings, while her heart placed an especially tender gaze upon Bharata. Ayodhyā celebrates the king's return
Passage 152
अथ पितुराज्ञया दशरथस्य महाविदुषः सपदि कुमारका रथचतुष्टयमारुरुहुः। श्रुतिगणघोषपूर्वकमथ प्रययुर्नगरीं ध्वजपटचित्रितोच्चतरसौधशिरोरुचिराम्॥१५२॥
“At learned Daśaratha's command the princes immediately mounted four chariots. Preceded by the sound of Vedic recitation, they traveled toward the city whose high palace roofs shone with colorful banners.
Passage 153
नृत्यन्तस्तुरगास्तत्र सेनायां दिव्यभूषणाः। शोभयाञ्चक्रुरवनीं वत्सा इव विवस्वतः॥१५३॥
“Celestially adorned horses pranced within the army and beautified the earth like the Sun's radiant offspring.
Passage 154
मदेन मन्दगतयो वारणाः परवारणाः। घण्टाघोषनिनादेन जगर्जुर्जलदा इव॥१५४॥
“Massive elephants moved slowly in rut, roaring like clouds through the peal of their bells.
Passage 155
रथानां गच्छतां घोषैर्घनगम्भीरमञ्जुलैः। छादयामास हरितो राज्ञः पुरनिवेशने॥१५५॥
“As the king entered the city, the deep, resonant, lovely sounds of the moving chariots filled every direction.
Passage 156
अथोऽयोध्यापुरवीथिमार्गाः काश्मीरखण्डवारिक्षरणेन सिक्ताः। सुधूपिता मन्दमरुद्विलोलैः कालागुरूत्थैरतिनीलधूपैः॥१५६॥
“Ayodhyā's streets and avenues were sprinkled with saffron water and richly incensed with dark clouds of aloeswood smoke swaying in a gentle breeze.
Passage 157
नानाप्रसूनप्रकरप्रसङ्गी समीरणः शीतलमन्दवाही। आनन्दयामास चिरेण भूपं समागतं तं नगरीप्रवेशे॥१५७॥
“A cool, gentle breeze carrying hosts of many flowers delighted the king as he entered his city after so long.
Passage 158
पौराः सुमृष्टमणिभूषणभूषिताङ्गा नव्याम्बराणि दधतो हरिचन्दनाक्ताः। आलापसुप्रकटमोदसमूहसिन्धुमग्नाः कुतूहलावृताः पुरतः समीयुः॥१५८॥
“The citizens came forward in eager wonder, their bodies adorned with polished jewels, wearing new garments and anointed with sandal. Their lively talk revealed that they were immersed in an ocean of collective joy.
Passage 159
नार्यो वनिताः सर्वाः सभूषिततनुत्विषः। केकयेन्द्रसुतां द्रष्टुकामाः पुरत आययुः॥१५९॥
“All the women, their bodies radiant with ornaments, came forward desiring to see the daughter of the Kekaya king.
Passage 160
प्रादक्षिण्यं भुवः कृत्वा तीर्थयात्रां विधाय च। तद्दर्शनं पुण्यमिति नागरा ईक्षणार्थिनः॥१६०॥
“Thinking that seeing one who had circumambulated the earth and completed pilgrimage was itself meritorious, the townspeople longed for his sight.
Passage 161
अभीयुः सम्मुखं तस्य महासुकृतवर्मणः। तेनापि दृष्ट्या सर्वे ते पुण्यया सुसमीक्षिताः॥१६१॥
“They approached the great king whose armor was sacred merit, and he in turn looked graciously upon them all with a sanctifying gaze.
Passage 162
स राजभवनं प्राप पुरीं पश्यन् सुसंस्कृताम्। नरनारीगणाकीर्णां केतुध्वजपताकिनीम्॥१६२॥
“He reached the royal residence while beholding the beautifully prepared city, filled with men and women and covered in standards, banners, and flags.
Passage 163
तोरणेषु सुविन्यस्तकदलीकाण्डशोभिताम्। उदपूर्णलसत्पूर्णकुम्भदिव्यफलान्विताम्॥१६३॥
“Its gateways were beautifully arranged with banana trunks, shining pots filled with water, and celestial fruits.
Passage 164
सोत्साहयुवतागीतनादमनोरमाम्। आच्छादितां चित्रपटैर्ब्रह्मघोषेण नादिताम्॥१६४॥
“It charmed with the enthusiastic songs of young women, was covered with colorful cloths, and resounded with Vedic chant.
Passage 165
पुष्पतोरणमालाभिर्द्वारेषु विहितश्रियम्। विभूषितापणपथां शृङ्गाटककृतश्रियम्॥१६५॥
“Garlands and flower arches made every doorway splendid; decorated markets, roads, and crossroads shone with beauty.
Passage 166
आभूषितानन्दितसञ्चरज्जनां प्रसन्नगन्धर्वकुलस्वरान्विताम्। मुनीन्द्रवृन्देक्षणसङ्गताखिलद्विजेन्द्रराजीपरिवारितां पुरः॥१६६॥
“Adorned, joyful people moved everywhere amid the glad voices of Gandharva hosts. Rows of eminent brāhmaṇas gathered to behold the companies of sages and surrounded the procession.
Passage 167
विवेश भवनं राजा प्रासादशतसङ्कुलम्। वलभीतुङ्गमूर्धाग्रसौधराजिविराजितम्॥१६७॥
“The king entered the residence, crowded with hundreds of palaces and splendid with rows of mansions whose upper chambers rose high.
Passage 168
वातायनसमासक्तदिव्यस्त्रीमुखचन्द्रिकम्। रत्नभित्तिसुसङ्क्रान्तसूर्यांशुद्योतदीपितम्॥१६८॥
“Moonlike faces of celestial women leaned from its windows, while sunlight reflected from jeweled walls illumined it.
Passage 169
तुङ्गतोरणविन्यस्तविचित्ररचनायुतम्। निवासमिन्दिरादेव्या निधिसम्पदंशालिनम्॥१६९॥
“It held wondrous designs upon lofty gateways, a residence fit for Goddess Indirā and rich with portions of every treasure.
Passage 170
वैजयन्तमिवानेककौतूहलसमन्वितम्। नदत्तूर्यसमघोषप्रतिनादविशारदम्॥१७०॥
“Filled with countless marvels, it resembled Indra's Vaijayanta palace and skillfully echoed the harmonious sound of instruments.
Passage 171
राजदम्पत्तिसंवीक्षासमुत्कण्ठितमानसैः। नरनारीगणैर्विश्वगाकीर्णं महसोन्वितम्॥१७१॥
“It was brilliant and filled on every side with men and women whose hearts longed to see the royal couple.
Passage 172
कलानिधिकलावृन्दैः सर्वतो नटितं यथा। रविमण्डलविभ्राजत्कमनीयतमद्युतिम्॥१७२॥
“It seemed surrounded by dancing clusters of the moon's rays, yet its lovely radiance shone like the solar orb.
Passage 173
प्रविष्टो दिव्यभवनं ब्रह्मघोषपुरःसरम्। मुनीन्द्रान् पुरतः कृत्वा भक्तिवश्यान् विदुत्तमान्॥१७३॥
“Preceded by Vedic chanting, the king entered the celestial residence with the eminent, learned sages—won by devotion—before him.
Passage 174
स तान् सम्मानयामास प्रथमं ससपर्यया। पुण्याहं वाचयामास महार्हैर्द्विजसत्तमैः॥१७४॥
“He first honored them with full hospitality and had the most worthy brāhmaṇas proclaim the auspicious-day blessing.
Passage 175
कौसल्या च सुमित्रा च केकयेन्द्रसुतां सतीम्। परिरभ्यांशतः पुण्यं प्रापतुस्तीर्थयात्रिकम्॥१७५॥
“Kauśalyā and Sumitrā embraced the virtuous daughter of the Kekaya king and thereby received a share of the pilgrim's merit.
Passage 176
अथो समेतं तिसृभिर्वधूभिः सुपुत्रसम्पद्बहुसौभगाभिः। द्विजोत्तमामन्त्रजलेन नरेन्द्रं महाभिषेकेण शुशोधुरेनम्॥१७६॥
“Then the three fortunate queens, rich in noble sons, assembled and purified the king through a great consecration with water empowered by the foremost brāhmaṇas' mantras.
Passage 177
राजोवाच— कृतानि सर्वतीर्थानि पुण्यानि सुमहान्ति च। तवाङ्गे सुस्थिरीभूय तिष्ठन्तु धरणीपते॥१७७॥
The officiants said: “May all the exceedingly holy tīrthas you have visited become firmly established and remain within your limbs, ruler of the earth.
Passage 178
आसमुद्रान्तधिष्ण्यानि पुण्यतीर्थानि यानि ते। दृष्टानि चोपस्पृष्टानि वसन्त्वङ्गेषु तानि ते॥१७८॥
“May all the sacred tīrthas extending to the ocean's edge that you have seen and touched dwell within your body.”
Passage 179
इत्थं तीर्थाभिषेकेण राजानं महिषीयुतम्। सिषिचुर्ब्राह्मणवराः पल्लवैर्मन्त्रवज्जलैः॥१७९॥
“Thus the excellent brāhmaṇas consecrated the king and his queen in a tīrtha- abhiṣeka, sprinkling them with leafy branches and mantra-filled waters.
Passage 180
तीर्थयात्राभिपूर्त्यर्थं तेभ्योऽदाद् दक्षिणामसौ। हिरण्यं गाः सुवासांसि रत्नानि विविधानि च। ते प्रसन्नहृदो विप्रा ब्रुवाणाः परमाशिषः॥१८०॥
“To complete the pilgrimage he gave them gifts of gold, cows, fine garments, and many kinds of jewels. The brāhmaṇas, delighted at heart, spoke supreme blessings.
Passage 181
अथ राजाधिपो राममब्रवीद् भक्तिसन्नतः। उद्दिश्य तान् मुनिवरान् नानादेशाश्रमागतान्॥१८१॥
“Then the lord of kings bowed with devotion and addressed Rāma concerning the eminent sages who had come from hermitages in many lands.
Passage 182
एते मे मुनयः प्राणा जीवितादपि च प्रियाः। योगक्षेमं विधायैनान् पुरीवासाभिलाषुकान्॥१८२॥
“These sages are my very life and dearer to me than life itself. Provide for the welfare of those who desire to dwell in the city.
Passage 183
संस्थापय सदा राम भक्त्या चैवादरेण च। कृत्वाश्रमवरानेभ्यः प्रयच्छ सुमहामते॥१८३॥
“Rāma, establish them permanently with devotion and honor. Most wise one, prepare excellent hermitages and present them to these sages.
Passage 184
वनेष्वयोध्यापर्यन्तशोभितेषु ततेषु च। स्थापयैनान् महाभाग योगक्षेमं विधाय च॥१८४॥
“Fortunate prince, settle them in the lovely forests extending around Ayodhyā and ensure their well-being.
Passage 185
साग्निकाः केऽपि मुनयः केऽप्यन्तर्निहिताग्निकाः। तेभ्यो यथोचितं राम स्थानानि प्रतिपादय॥१८५॥
“Some sages maintain sacred fires, while others hold the fire within. Assign each of them a place suited to his discipline.
Passage 186
नोद्विजन्ते यथा राम मुनयस्तत्त्वदर्शिनः। तथा त्विमे सन्निवेद्या यथास्थानं महामते॥१८६॥
“Arrange these truth-seeing sages in their proper places, wise Rāma, so that they experience no disturbance.
Passage 187
रघूणां सम्पदो नूनं ब्राह्मणानां महात्मनाम्। सुखायैवेति विमृशन् यथोचितमुपाचर॥१८७॥
“Reflect that the wealth of Raghu's line surely exists for the happiness of great brāhmaṇas, and care for them fittingly.” Colophon इति श्रीमदादिरामायणे ब्रह्मभुशुण्डसंवादे पूर्वखण्डे राज्ञ आगमने पञ्चचत्वारिंशदधिकशततमोऽध्यायः ॥ १४५ ॥ Thus ends Chapter 145, “The King's Arrival,” in the Pūrva-khaṇḍa of the glorious Ādi Rāmāyaṇa, in the dialogue between Brahmā and Bhuśuṇḍa. Witness control note Chapter 145 begins below the Chapter 144 colophon on source leaf 1081 and ends above the Chapter 146 heading on source leaf 1096 (physical PDF pages 1082–1097). The witness prints a continuous sequence of passages 1–187. The research OCR misreads the marker of passage 43 as a second 42, but the scan unambiguously prints 43; no numbering anomaly is therefore registered. The complete chapter contains 187 independent units. All sixteen scan pages were reviewed directly, and the English is a fresh translation from the scan-controlled Sanskrit.