Passage 1
ब्रह्मोवाच— अथायं मुनिवर्यांस्तान् निर्दिश्य तपसां निधीन्। रामाय कथयामास राजा प्राणप्रियान् द्विजान्॥१॥
Brahmā said: “The king then pointed out those eminent sages, treasuries of austerity, and described to Rāma the twice-born men who were dearer to him than life.
Passage 2
राजोवाच— अयं स गौतमो नाम परमर्षिस्तपोनिधिः। यं स्मृत्वा प्रविशन् ग्रामे सुखमाप्नोति पूरुषः॥२॥
The king said: “This is the supreme seer named Gautama, a treasury of austerity. A person who remembers him while entering a village obtains well-being.
Passage 3
अस्य सप्तर्षिवचनैर्लोके शास्त्रं प्रवर्तते। यस्य ज्ञानं विना नैव संजायेत पदार्थधीः॥३॥
“Through the sayings of this member of the Seven Seers, sacred teaching circulates in the world. Without knowledge of his teaching, true discernment of the categories of reality does not arise.
Passage 4
अस्मायाश्रमसंस्थानं विधायात्र समर्पय। अत्रासौ सहशिष्यैस्तु मोदतां तपसां निधिः॥४॥
“Prepare and grant him a hermitage here. May this treasury of austerity dwell here joyfully with his disciples.
Passage 5
सपत्नीकः सपुत्रोऽसौ सशिष्यो यत्र तिष्ठति। तत्र क्षेमं भवेन्नित्यं प्रजानां राष्ट्रभूपयोः॥५॥
“Wherever he resides with wife, sons, and disciples, there is perpetual security for the people, the kingdom, and its ruler.
Passage 6
आयासश्च शरद्वांश्च सौमाण्डो मुनिसत्तमः। तथा दीर्घतमा नाम करेणुपालिरेव च॥६॥
“Here too are Āyāsa, Śaradvān, the excellent sage Saumāṇḍa, Dīrghatamas, and Kareṇupāli.
Passage 7
वामदेव उतथ्यश्च कक्षीवान् मुनिसत्तमः। एतेऽस्य परिषच्छ्रेष्ठा मोदयन्ति मनो मम॥७॥
“Vāmadeva, Utathya, and the excellent sage Kakṣīvān are the foremost members of his assembly, and they delight my heart.
Passage 8
सर्वे विदितवेद्याश्च त्रिकालज्ञा महाधियः। तवैव दर्शनाकाङ्क्षात्यक्तनानानिजाश्रमाः॥८॥
“All of them know what is to be known, understand the three times, and possess mighty intelligence. Longing only for your sight, they abandoned their many former hermitages.
Passage 9
किमप्येतेऽभिजानन्ति त्वामेव विधिसंमितम्। अतः सर्वं परित्यज्यायोध्यावासाभिलाषुकाः॥९॥
“They have discerned something ineffable in you, the very one affirmed by sacred ordinance. Therefore, relinquishing everything, they desire to live in Ayodhyā.
Passage 10
उतथ्य औशिजश्चैव बृहदुक्थ्यो महामुनिः। अङ्गिराश्च भरद्वाजो गर्गो रूक्षायणः कपिः॥१०॥
“Here are Utathya, Auśija, the great sage Bṛhadukthya, Aṅgiras, Bharadvāja, Garga, Rūkṣāyaṇa, and Kapi.
Passage 11
एते त्वच्चरणाम्भोजसमीपे वासकामुकाः। मुनयो दीर्घतपसः कर्मतन्त्रक्रमोद्धुराः॥११॥
“These long-practicing sages desire to dwell near the lotus of your feet. They bear the responsibility for the ordered system of sacred rites.
Passage 12
विष्णुवृद्धस्तथा कण्वो हरितश्च रथीतरः। मुद्गलः पुरुकुत्सश्च त्रसदस्युर्महामुनिः॥१२॥
“Here are Viṣṇuvṛddha, Kaṇva, Harita, Rathītara, Mudgala, Purukutsa, and the great sage Trasadasyu.
Passage 13
अजमीढो विरूपश्च भाम्यश्च तार्क्ष्य एव च। कौत्सः पैङ्गिस्तथा शङ्खोदाभिर्भार्गवस्तथा॥१३॥
“Here are Ajamīḍha, Virūpa, Bhāmya, Tārkṣya, Kautsa, Paiṅgi, Śaṅkhodābhi, and Bhārgava.
Passage 14
पृषदश्वोऽष्टदंष्ट्रश्च सर्वेऽङ्गिरस अमी। द्विजा ज्ञातरहस्याश्च सर्वज्ञास्त्वयि सस्पृहाः॥१४॥
“Pṛṣadaśva and Aṣṭadaṃṣṭra are here as well. All these descendants of Aṅgiras are twice-born knowers of sacred mysteries, learned in everything and full of longing for you.
Passage 15
एतेभ्य आश्रमस्थानान्यत्र सम्पत्फलादिभिः। युक्तानि बहुसस्यानि देहि सम्प्रति राघव॥१५॥
“Rāghava, now give them places for hermitages here, rich in resources, fruit, and abundant crops.
Passage 16
अयं च भगवानत्रिर्वेदविद्वान् महातपाः। दर्शनेनैव शुभदः स्थाप्यतामिह सन्निधौ॥१६॥
“This is the venerable Atri, learned in the Veda and mighty in austerity. His mere sight brings blessing; establish him nearby.
Passage 17
गविष्ठिरो वाधृतक आर्चनानस एव च। पूर्वातिथिर्मुनीशानो मुनिश्रेष्ठो धनञ्जयः॥१७॥
“Here are Gaviṣṭhira, Vādhṛtaka, Ārcanānasa, Pūrvātithi, and the foremost sage Dhanañjaya, a lord among seers.
Passage 18
सुमङ्गलश्च श्यावश्च एते चात्रेयसंज्ञकाः। मुनिवर्या रामचन्द्र भवद्दर्शनकाङ्क्षिणः॥१८॥
“Sumaṅgala and Śyāva are here too. These eminent sages of Atri's lineage, Rāmacandra, yearn for your sight.
Passage 19
एभ्य आश्रययुक्तानि वनानि प्रतिपादय। बहुसस्यफलाढ्यानि बहुदिव्यजलानि च॥१९॥
“Assign them forests suitable for dwelling, rich in crops and fruits and possessing abundant celestial waters.
Passage 20
अयं स कश्यपो नाम भगवान् सर्वदर्शनः। विदिताखिलवेद्यश्च विज्ञातात्मा तपोनिधिः॥२०॥
“This is the venerable Kaśyapa, the all-seeing one. He knows everything that may be known, has realized the Self, and is a treasury of austerity.
Passage 21
सरयूतीरविपिने बहुधान्यफलान्विते। अस्मै शुभाश्रमं राम प्रतिपाद्य समादिश॥२१॥
“Rāma, designate and grant him an auspicious hermitage in a forest on the Sarayū's bank, abundant in grain and fruit.
Passage 22
नैध्रुवश्चैव रैभ्यश्च शाण्डिल्यो भगवानयम्। असितो देवलश्चैव कश्यपाश्रमपार्श्वगाः॥२२॥
“Nidhruva, Raibhya, the venerable Śāṇḍilya, Asita, and Devala should dwell beside Kaśyapa's hermitage. Vasiṣṭha, Viśvāmitra, Agastya, and Their Assemblies
Passage 23
अयं वसिष्ठो भगवान् कुले नोऽनुग्रहान्वितः। यस्य मे तीर्थयात्रायां सङ्गो भूयानभूत्तराम्॥२३॥
“This is the venerable Vasiṣṭha, whose grace rests upon our dynasty. During my pilgrimage, I enjoyed his company in the fullest measure.
Passage 24
अस्य विज्ञानगोष्ठीभिर्नीतिगोष्ठीभिरेव च। क्षणतुल्यानि यातानि दिनानि मम भूरिशः॥२४॥
“Through his discussions of realized knowledge and of wise governance, many of my days passed as though they were only moments.
Passage 25
कौण्डिन्य उपमन्युश्च मुनिश्चैव पराशरः। शाकल्य ऐन्द्रप्रमदो भरद्वाजो मुनिसत्तमः॥२५॥
“Here are Kauṇḍinya, Upamanyu, Parāśara, Śākalya, Aindrapramada, and the excellent sage Bharadvāja.
Passage 26
एते वसिष्ठस्य महामुनीन्द्रवर्यौघमान्यस्य मनस्विनो भृशम्। समीप एवाश्रममण्डलेषु संस्थापनीयास्तव रामचन्द्र॥२६॥
“Rāmacandra, these deeply respected and high-minded associates of Vasiṣṭha, foremost among the great lords of sages, should be settled in circles of hermitages close to him.
Passage 27
त्वद्दर्शनानन्दविधूतसर्वतपश्चर्यास्त्वत्पदाम्भोजनिष्ठाः। त्वामेव शश्वत् किमपि विदन्ति एते स्थास्यन्ति पुर्यामिह सन्निकृष्टाः॥२७॥
“The joy of seeing you has swept away the purpose of all their former austerities, and they are fixed upon the lotus of your feet. Perceiving an ineffable reality in you alone, they will remain close by in this city.
Passage 28
अयं स भगवान् राम विश्वामित्रो महामुनिः। त्वामभिज्ञाय साकेते वस्तुमिच्छति शाश्वतम्॥२८॥
“Rāma, this is the venerable great sage Viśvāmitra. Having recognized you, he wishes to dwell forever in Sāketa.
Passage 29
अस्यैते पार्श्वगा राम मुनीन्द्रा वै तपोधनाः। येषां दर्शनमात्रेण प्रजा राष्ट्रं च वृद्धिमत्॥२९॥
“These ascetic lords of sages accompany him, Rāma. Merely beholding them makes the people and kingdom flourish.
Passage 30
औदलो देवरातश्च मधुच्छन्दाश्च रोहितः। अष्टको रोक्षकश्चैव रेवणो गाथितस्तथा॥३०॥
“Here are Audala, Devarāta, Madhucchandas, Rohita, Aṣṭaka, Rokṣaka, Revaṇa, and Gāthita.
Passage 31
दैवश्रवा देवरसो भगवान् कामकायनः। कात्य आत्कील आजश्चाप्यघमर्षण एव च॥३१॥
“Here are the venerable Daivaśravas, Devarasa, Kāmakāyana, Kātya, Ātkīla, Āja, and Aghamarṣaṇa.
Passage 32
आश्मरथ्यः पुराणश्च वाधूलो बहुमन्त्रवित्। हर्यश्वो वेणुरेवापि शालङ्कायन एव च॥३२॥
“Here are Āśmarathya, Purāṇa, Vādhūla, who knows many mantras, Haryaśva, Veṇu, and Śālaṅkāyana.
Passage 33
रोहिणः काथकश्चैव क्राथको वेदवित्तमः। बहुलोमा हुतश्चैव तथा हिरण्यरेतसः॥३३॥
“Here are Rohiṇa, Kāthaka, Krāthaka, an eminent knower of the Veda, Bahuloma, Huta, and Hiraṇyaretas.
Passage 34
सुवर्णरेताः कापोतरेतसो घृतकौशिकः। एते त्वद्दर्शनाकाङ्क्षाविस्मृताशेषलौकिकाः॥३४॥
“Here are Suvarṇaretas, Kāpotaretas, and Ghṛtakauśika. Longing to see you, they have forgotten every worldly concern.
Passage 35
निवास्यैनान् सदा राम विश्वामित्रस्य सन्निधौ। सुखदाश्रमदेशेषु बहुसस्यफलेषु च॥३५॥
“Rāma, settle them permanently near Viśvāmitra, in pleasant hermitage-lands rich with crops and fruit.
Passage 36
अगस्त्यो भगवानेष सर्वेषां प्रीतिवर्धनः। दिव्येन तपसा यस्य मुनयो विस्मिता हृदि॥३६॥
“This is the venerable Agastya, who increases everyone's joy. The sages marvel in their hearts at his divine austerity.
Passage 37
अश्मवाहः सामवाहः सोमवाहस्तथैव च। यज्ञवाहश्चेध्मवाहो मुनिवर्यो दृढच्युतः॥३७॥
“Here are Aśmavāha, Sāmavāha, Somavāha, Yajñavāha, Ādhmavāha, and the eminent sage Dṛḍhacyuta.
Passage 38
दर्भवाहश्च भगवान् समेते परिषद् द्विजाः। राम त्वद्दर्शनाकाङ्क्षाविस्मृताशेषसत्क्रियाः॥३८॥
“The venerable Darbhavāha and the twice-born members of this assembly are here. Longing to see you, Rāma, they have forgotten even all their former holy observances.
Passage 39
पुलस्त्यो भगवानेष सर्वज्ञो वेदवित्तमः। यस्य सत्तीर्थचर्यायां तीर्थतामगमन्महः॥३९॥
“This is the venerable Pulastya, omniscient and an eminent knower of the Veda. During his holy pilgrimage, even the places reached the condition of tīrthas through his radiance.
Passage 40
अयं च पुलहो नाम भगवान् विदितार्थकः। वरेण्यः सर्वयोगीन्द्रसंस्तुतं तपसां निधिः॥४०॥
“This is the venerable Pulaha, who knows the truth, is worthy of reverence, is praised by every lord of yoga, and is a treasury of austerity.
Passage 41
अयं क्रतुर्महायोगी मुनीन्द्रः सुरहस्यवित्। अमीषां शुद्धरूपाणि स्थानानि सरयूतटे। कृत्वा त्वं देहि रामेन्द्र प्रजानां शुभहेतवे॥४१॥
“This is Kratu, a great yogin, lord of sages, and knower of divine mysteries. Rāma, prepare pure dwelling places for these sages on the Sarayū's bank and grant them for the welfare of your people.
Passage 42
अयं शुको नाम महामुनीन्द्रः श्रीरामपादाम्बुजभक्तिचित्तः। वेद्याखिलार्थागमसारवेत्ता गारुत्मनीनां विविधोपजीव्यः॥४२॥
“This is Śuka, a great lord among sages whose heart is devoted to the lotus feet of Śrī Rāma. He knows the essence of scripture and everything worthy of knowledge, and the many teachings of the followers of Garuḍa depend upon him.
Passage 43
इमौ महामुनी राम हिमचर्वहिमोदकौ। नित्यं समाधिनिरतौ जिताहारौ जितेन्द्रियौ॥४३॥
“Rāma, these are the two great sages Himacarva and Himodaka. Always absorbed in samādhi, they have mastered food and the senses.
Passage 44
इमौ विदितवेद्यार्थौ मुनीन्द्रेशौ गणेश्वरौ। अयं स कौत्सो भगवान् वेदवेदाङ्गपारगः॥४४॥
“These two lords of sages and leaders of communities understand the meaning of the Veda. This is the venerable Kautsa, who has crossed to the farther shore of the Veda and its limbs.
Passage 45
अयं स वामरथ्याख्यो मुनीन्द्रः सर्ववेदवित्। यौक्तिको नाम योगीन्द्रो मुनिरेष समाधिभृत्॥४५॥
“This lord of sages is named Vāmarathya and knows every Veda. This sage named Yauktika is a master of yoga who abides in samādhi.
Passage 46
अयं स जातुकर्णाख्यो मुनिर्वेदार्थसारवित्। तपसा यस्य सर्वेऽपि मुनयो विस्मयं ययुः॥४६॥
“This sage is named Jātukarṇa and knows the essence of the Veda's meaning. All the sages marveled at his austerity.
Passage 47
अयं स साङ्कृतिर्नाम मुनीन्द्रो विजितेन्द्रियः। तपोनिधिर्ज्ञाननिधिः सर्वकर्मविशारदः॥४७॥
“This is the lord of sages named Sāṅkṛti. He has conquered the senses, is a treasury of austerity and knowledge, and is skilled in every sacred act.
Passage 48
गौरवीतो मुनिरयं सर्वधर्माभिरक्षकः। सर्वशास्त्रार्थसिद्धान्तवेत्ता निष्णातमानसः॥४८॥
“This sage is Gauravīta, a guardian of every dharma. His mind is deeply immersed in the established conclusions and meanings of all scripture.
Passage 49
अयं शातातपो नाम मुनिः सच्चरिताशयः। अयं स पृतिमाषाख्यो मुनिरिन्द्रस्तपस्विनाम्॥४९॥
“This sage is named Śātātapa and is devoted to noble conduct. This is the sage Pṛtimāṣa, a lord among ascetics.
Passage 50
लौगाक्षिरेष भगवान् तपस्वी ज्ञानवारिधिः। अयमुद्दालको नाम महर्षिर्वीतकल्मषः॥५०॥
“This is the venerable ascetic Laugākṣi, an ocean of knowledge. This is the great seer Uddālaka, free from impurity. Why the Sages Came to Ayodhyā
Passage 51
अमीषां मुनिवर्याणां पृथक् स्थानानि निर्दिश। सगृहाः साग्निहोत्राश्च यथातिष्ठेयुरध्वरेः॥५१॥
“Designate separate places for these eminent sages so that, possessing homes and sacred fires, they may remain devoted to sacrifice.
Passage 52
तेऽमी राम महामान्या महाशास्त्रार्थवेदिनः। कर्मतन्त्रैककुशलाः स्मृतिमार्गप्रवर्तकाः॥५२॥
“Rāma, they are greatly honored, know the meaning of the great scriptures, are uniquely skilled in the system of rites, and set the path of remembered tradition in motion.
Passage 53
आहिताग्नय आचारसम्पन्ना दीक्षितोत्तमाः। शापानुग्रहकर्तारः श्रद्धावन्तोऽनसूयकाः॥५३॥
“They maintain the sacred fires, possess right conduct, and are foremost among the initiated. They can pronounce a curse or bestow grace, and they are faithful and free from envy.
Passage 54
ज्ञानविज्ञानसम्पन्ना नानाशास्त्रप्रवर्तकाः। गोत्रप्रवरकर्तारो नानावंशविधायकाः॥५४॥
“Endowed with knowledge and realization, they promulgate many disciplines, establish gotras and their ancestral seers, and order the many lineages.
Passage 55
प्रवृत्तिमार्गनिपुणा निवृत्तिषु विचक्षणाः। तक्षकाः कर्मपाशानां सत्सङ्गतिविचक्षणाः॥५५॥
“They are expert in the path of engaged life and discerning in renunciation. They cut the bonds of karma and understand the transforming power of holy company.
Passage 56
तेऽमी सहापत्यगृहाग्निहोत्रैः समागतास्त्वां रघुवंशकेतो। विज्ञाय तत्त्वं किमपि प्रकृष्टं त्वामेव याताः शरणाय राम॥५६॥
“Banner of Raghu's line, these sages have come to you with their children, households, and sacred fires. Perceiving in you a sublime, ineffable reality, they have sought refuge in you alone, Rāma.
Passage 57
किं जानते चेतसि रामचन्द्र त्वामेत आसादितसत्तपःफलाः। त्वमेव तद्वत्स महानुभावो न तावकं कश्चन वेत्ति तत्त्वम्॥५७॥
“What do these sages, who have attained the fruit of true austerity, inwardly know you to be, Rāmacandra? You alone know that, dear son; no one comprehends your true nature.
Passage 58
यत्र यत्र मया राम गतं तीर्थानुयात्रया। तत्र तत्रैव मुनय उपासाञ्चक्रिरे हि माम्॥५८॥
“Wherever I went while following the pilgrimage route, Rāma, sages gathered around and attended upon me.
Passage 59
तव माहात्म्यसारं तु प्रविज्ञाय रघूत्तम। मामाद्रियन्तो मुनयः परिवार्यावतस्थिरे॥५९॥
“But after discerning the essence of your greatness, best of Raghus, they honored me and remained surrounding me only for your sake.
Passage 60
उपासेऽहं मुनीनेतान् मुनयो मामुपासते। भवन्तमभिसन्धाय श्रीराम किमहं ब्रुवे॥६०॥
“I attended upon these sages, and the sages attended upon me, yet both acts were directed toward you, Śrī Rāma. What more can I say?
Passage 61
भगवान् जामदग्न्यो मे तव तत्त्वमचीकथत्। तद्विज्ञातुं न शक्नोमि वात्सल्येन समावृतः॥६१॥
“The venerable son of Jamadagni explained your true nature to me, but I cannot fully realize it because paternal affection envelops me.
Passage 62
माहात्म्यमेकतो राम तावकं मुनिभिर्मितम्। अनुकर्षत्येकतो मां वात्सल्यं प्रेमवर्धितम्॥६२॥
“On one side, Rāma, stands your greatness as measured by the sages; on the other, paternal tenderness, swollen with love, draws me toward you.
Passage 63
माहात्म्यं ज्ञानवात्सल्यप्रेम्णोरभ्यन्तरे गतम्। मामकं मानसं राम काममालोकितं मुहुः॥६३॥
“My mind moves between knowledge of your greatness and love's paternal tenderness, Rāma. You have surely observed this condition in me again and again. Daśaratha's Request for Perfect Hermitages
Passage 64
तवैव तत्त्वं विज्ञातुं सङ्गृहीता मया ह्यमी। नानाश्रमेभ्य आनीय मुनयो दिव्यदर्शनाः॥६४॥
“I gathered these divinely perceptive sages from their many hermitages in order to understand your reality alone.
Passage 65
एतेभ्यो रमणीयानि स्थानानि यज्ञसन्निधे। स्वाश्रमाणि पवित्राणि सरय्वास्तटयोर्द्वयोः॥६५॥
“Give them lovely, sacred hermitages suited to sacrifice upon both banks of the Sarayū.
Passage 66
प्रभूतफलपुष्पाणि सुपुण्यसलिलानि च। शाकपत्रादियुक्तानि बहुसस्यानि सर्वतः॥६६॥
“Let those places abound everywhere in fruits, flowers, exceptionally holy waters, edible greens and leaves, and plentiful crops.
Passage 67
पशुपक्षिसुविश्रामसौख्यदानि समन्ततः। निरामयानि रम्याणि तपोयोग्यानि नित्यशः॥६७॥
“Let them provide easy rest and comfort for animals and birds on every side, remain wholesome and delightful, and always be suitable for austerity.
Passage 68
यज्ञोपद्रवदुर्जीवरहितानि विशेषतः। सुवास्तूनि सुशालानि विशालानि समन्ततः॥६६॥
“Above all, let them be free from anything that disturbs sacrifice or makes life difficult, with auspicious sites, fine halls, and spacious grounds on every side.
Passage 69
शूद्रम्लेच्छादिसान्निध्यवर्जितानि सुदूरतः। लतामण्डपयुक्तानि निकुञ्जाढ्यानि सर्वतः॥६९॥
“Let profaning disturbances remain far away, while vine-pavilions and rich, secluded bowers fill the grounds everywhere.
Passage 70
निरुद्वेगानि वर्षासु ग्रीष्मेषु शिशिराणि च। शिशिरेऽर्कातपाढ्यानि योगक्षेमबहानि च॥७०॥
“Let them be free from distress in the rains, cool in summer, filled with sunlight in winter, and rich in both attainment and protection.
Passage 71
जनैर्जानपदैर्नित्यं नोपमर्दीकृतानि च। नगर्या नातिसामीप्यनातिदूरत्ववन्ति च॥७१॥
“Let the surrounding populace never crowd or trample them, and let them stand neither too near nor too far from the city.
Passage 72
अमीषामृषिबालानां यत्र सौख्यं प्रजायते। तथा महर्षिपत्नीनामयत्नसुखदानि च॥७१॥
“Let the sages' children find happiness there, and let the places effortlessly provide comfort to the wives of the great seers as well.
Passage 73
नामीषामृषिवर्याणां भोगेऽस्त्यभिरुचिः क्वचित्। अतः स्वभावतस्तानि भोगदानि विधापय॥७३॥
“These eminent sages have no inclination whatsoever toward enjoyment; therefore arrange that the places yield their comforts spontaneously.
Passage 74
नैषां सुखेन सन्तोषो नोद्वेगो दुःखयोगजः। परतत्त्वज्ञानविद्भिः सर्वं सममुदीक्ष्यते॥७४॥
“Pleasure does not make them complacent, nor does contact with suffering disturb them. Knowing the supreme reality, they regard everything equally.
Passage 75
अस्माकं तु सदा धर्मो यदमीषां सुखोदयः। न तत्रोद्योग एतेषामतो युक्तिं विचारय॥७५॥
“Yet our perpetual duty is to bring about their well-being. Since they will make no effort toward it themselves, devise the proper means.
Passage 76
यथा स्वभावसिद्धानि स्थानानि स्युर्निरन्तरम्। एषां निःस्पृहचित्तानां मुनीनां वसतामिह॥७६॥
“Arrange that the dwellings of these desireless sages who live here remain perfectly supplied by their own inherent nature.
Passage 77
फुल्लपङ्कजरम्याणि गुञ्जद्भ्रमरमण्डलैः। सरांसि परितः सन्तु मुनीन्द्राणामुपाश्रमम्॥७७॥
“Let lakes beautiful with open lotuses and circles of humming bees surround the hermitages of these lords of sages.
Passage 78
सङ्फुल्लमल्लिकाशाली चन्दनस्पर्शसौरभी। मन्दो वायुः सदा यातु मुनीन्द्राणां तपोवने॥७८॥
“May a gentle breeze always move through the sages' ascetic forest, laden with fully opened jasmine and fragrant with the cooling touch of sandalwood.
Passage 79
एषामाश्रमपर्यन्तस्निग्धकाननवीथिषु। कुसुमाकर आनन्दी सदा तिष्ठतु राघव॥७९॥
“Rāghava, may joyful spring remain forever along the lush forest paths at the edges of their hermitages.
Passage 80
रामरत्नमयी भूमिः सुवर्णधनघट्टिता। अस्त्वेषामाश्रमस्थाने दैवादेवोपसेदुषी॥८०॥
“May ground made of Rāma-gems and clustered with stores of gold appear at their hermitage sites by divine power alone.
Passage 81
लतिकाश्च प्रसूयन्तां सुवर्णदलधोरणीः। हरिन्मणिमयीः शाखा बिभ्रतां भूरुहाः स्फुटम्॥८१॥
“May the vines produce festoons of golden leaves, and may the trees visibly bear branches made of emerald.
Passage 82
पीयूषपाकरुचिरां बिभ्राणाः फलधोरणीः। पोषयन्तु सदा वृक्षा मुदं स्वर्गेऽपि दुर्लभाम्॥८२॥
“May the trees, bearing rows of fruits lovely with nectar-ripened sweetness, continually nourish a joy difficult to obtain even in heaven.
Passage 83
वीणानिनादरुचिरं स्वनन्तु वनकीचकाः। मन्दानिलसुसंस्पृष्टां बिभ्राणा रन्ध्रधोरणीम्॥८३॥
“May the hollow forest reeds, touched softly by the gentle breeze, sound through their rows of openings with the beauty of a vīṇā's music.
Passage 84
कलमालपतामुच्चैः कोकिलानां कलापिनाम्। मुनीनामाश्रमे राजी हृत्कर्णसुभगध्वनिम्॥८४॥
“May rows of cuckoos and peacocks sing sweetly and loudly throughout the sages' hermitages, their lovely calls captivating both heart and ear.
Passage 85
इति लोकोत्तरा शोभा स्वाभाविक्याश्रमावनौ। प्रादुर्भूय सदा राम तिष्ठतादिति मे मतिः॥८५॥
“Thus, Rāma, may a beauty surpassing the world arise naturally in the land of their hermitages and remain there forever. This is my wish.
Passage 86
फलपत्रसुमस्तोममभिव्याप्य सुधारसः। सदोपसीदतु मुनीन् वैराग्यतपसां निधीन्॥८६॥
“May nectar-sap permeate their abundance of fruits, leaves, and flowers and continually approach these sages, treasuries of renunciation and austerity.
Passage 87
अत्रोपसीदतान्नित्यं कर्पूरागुरुसौरभः। कुसुमाकरसंसाली मनोहारी समीरणः॥८७॥
“May an enchanting breeze, attended by spring and fragrant with camphor and aloeswood, continually move near them here.
Passage 88
सर्वात्मना राजवर्योपभोग्या त्वदाज्ञातो निर्मिता मायया ते। सदा सम्पत्संविधा तिष्ठतां वै मुनिस्थानेऽभ्याहता रामचन्द्र॥८८॥
“Rāmacandra, by your command let your divine power bring into the sages' dwellings every arrangement of prosperity fit in all respects for the finest of kings, and let it remain there without obstruction.
Passage 89
नैतामेते विजानन्तु संविधां राजदुर्लभाम्। अन्यथास्मत्कृतां ज्ञात्वा त्यजेयुर्निःस्पृहा अमी॥८९॥
“Yet do not let them recognize this provision, which even kings rarely obtain. If these desireless sages knew that we had arranged it, they would abandon it.
Passage 90
अथो अमीषां हृदयानि राम त्वद्दर्शनानन्दसुधारसाय। चिरं स्पृहावन्ति रघूत्तमेन्दो तमेव कामं प्रतिपूरयादृतः॥९०॥
“Moon among the best of Raghus, these sages' hearts have long thirsted for the nectar of joy found in seeing you. Kindly fulfill that desire itself.” Rāma Reveals Pramodavana
Passage 91
श्रीराम उवाच— तथ्यं वदसि राजेन्द्र शुभाय जगतश्च नः। प्रसन्नचित्ततामेषां परब्रह्मैकवेदिनाम्॥९१॥
Śrī Rāma said: “King of kings, what you say is true and conduces to the good of the world and of us. These sages, whose minds are serene, know the one supreme Brahman.
Passage 92
पठद्भिः शर्वरीशेषेऽभ्युत्थाय मुनिभिः पृथक्। समस्तराष्ट्रकल्याणं क्रियतेऽमीभिरक्षयम्॥९२॥
“Rising separately at the end of night to recite the sacred texts, these sages secure inexhaustible welfare for the entire kingdom.
Passage 93
गोदोहमात्रं यत्रैते तिष्ठन्ति परमर्षयः। तत्स्थानं कुर्वते तीर्थं गीयमानं पुरातनैः॥९३॥
“Wherever these supreme seers remain for only the time needed to milk a cow, they transform that place into a tīrtha praised by the ancients.
Passage 94
किं नाम तव राष्ट्रस्य महिमा तात वर्ण्यताम्। अजस्रं यत्र स्थास्यन्ति मुनयोऽमी तपोधनाः॥९४॥
“Dear father, how then could the greatness of your kingdom be described, when these ascetic treasures will dwell here without interruption?
Passage 95
तीर्थपादाः शुभाचाराः सर्वे विदितवेद्यकाः। वेदार्थकल्पतरवः स्थास्यन्तीह शुभायनाः॥९५॥
“Their feet are themselves tīrthas, their conduct is auspicious, and they know everything worthy of knowledge. These wish-fulfilling trees of Vedic meaning, whose paths are blessed, will remain here.
Passage 96
अहो अमीषां सुखदं स्थानमेतत् स्वभावतः। अयोध्यापुरपर्यन्ते प्रमोदवनसंज्ञकम्॥९६॥
“Ah, by its very nature this place extending around the city of Ayodhyā brings them happiness. It is known as Pramodavana, the Forest of Delight.
Passage 97
विद्धि राजन् निजं स्थानं सरय्वाः कलयोर्द्वयोः। साक्षाच्छ्रीरामधामैव प्रमोदवनमद्भुतम्॥९७॥
“Know, O king, that this wondrous Pramodavana, situated between the Sarayū's two branches, is my own realm, the manifest abode of Śrī Rāma.
Passage 98
स्वभावादेवात्र क्षितिरतुलचिन्तामणिमयी सवर्णैः सम्बद्धा हरितमणिबद्धाखिलपथा। तदन्तःसम्पाती दिवसपतिमरीचीनिकर- चमत्कारं धत्ते कमपि जनतालोचनहरम्॥९८॥
“Here the earth is naturally made of incomparable wish-fulfilling gems, joined with gold, while all its paths are paved with emerald. The mass of the sun's rays falling within it creates an indescribable wonder that steals every beholder's eyes.
Passage 99
अमुष्यां भुव्युच्चैस्तरव उदिताः स्वादुरफलाः स्फुरन्मल्लीवल्लीप्रसरनिभृतावेष्टितभुजाः। शरद्यम्भःसंस्पर्शात् समुदितानन्दविभवः समीरोऽयं वाति प्रचुरपरमामोदभरितः॥९९॥
“Across this ground rise lofty trees yielding delicious fruits, their limbs closely embraced by spreading, radiant jasmine vines. A breeze carrying the touch of autumn's clear waters blows there, rich with awakened joy and abundant supreme fragrance.
Passage 100
स्वाभाविकमतो राजन्नत्रत्यानां महत्सुखम्। यत्सुखं नैव वैकुण्ठे लभन्ते विष्णुपार्षदाः॥१००॥
“Therefore the inhabitants here naturally possess a great happiness, O king, a happiness that even Viṣṇu's attendants do not obtain in Vaikuṇṭha.
Passage 101
मोदिष्यन्ते मुनीशाना इह प्रेमसुधाप्लुताः। स्वभावसिद्धो महिमा कोऽप्यस्यैव विराजते॥१०१॥
“The lords of sages, immersed here in the nectar of love, will rejoice. This place possesses an ineffable glory established in its own nature.
Passage 102
अस्मिन्निवसतां स्थाने कामः क्रोधो भयं मदः। मात्सर्यं मानदम्भाद्यचिन्तादुःखामयादयः॥१०२॥
“For those who reside in this place, lust, anger, fear, pride, envy, self-importance, hypocrisy, anxiety, suffering, illness, and the rest—
Passage 103
स्वत एवोपशाम्यन्ति ये दोषा मोहसम्भवाः। प्रकाशते परं ज्ञानं परतत्त्वैकगोचरम्॥१०३॥
“—all faults born from delusion subside of themselves, and the highest knowledge, whose sole object is supreme reality, shines forth.
Passage 104
नन्दव्रजोऽपि चास्यैव कोऽप्यंशश्चित्सुखाकृतिः। रहस्यं केलिसदनं कृष्णस्य कथमन्यथा॥१०४॥
“Nanda's Vraja too is a certain portion of this very realm, formed of conscious bliss. How else could it be Kṛṣṇa's secret dwelling of play?
Passage 105
एतत्सुखमयं धाम मामकं परमेष्टदम्। यद्धित्वा न लभेऽन्यत्र त्रैलोक्याधिकवैभवम्॥१०५॥
“This blissful realm is mine and grants the highest cherished attainment. Leaving it, I find nowhere else a splendor surpassing the three worlds.
Passage 106
अतः प्रमोदविपिनमित्युक्तं सुमहर्षिभिः। सनकादिभिराप्तश्रीमुखतः श्रुतवैभवम्॥१०६॥
“Therefore the great seers call it Pramodavana. Sanaka and the other realized sages heard its glory from the blessed Lord's own mouth.
Passage 107
एतावज्जन्मनः सारमेतावच्च वपुःफलम्। यत्प्रमोदवने वासं प्राप्नुवन्ति मनीषिणः॥१०७॥
“This is the very essence of birth and the ultimate fruit of possessing a body: that the wise obtain residence in Pramodavana.
Passage 108
यन्नित्यं सच्चिदानन्दं परब्रह्म सनातनम्। तदत्र वसतः पुंसो गोचरीभवति स्फुटम्॥१०८॥
“The eternal supreme Brahman, which is everlasting being, consciousness, and bliss, becomes directly perceptible to a person who dwells here.
Passage 109
इति विज्ञाय सेवन्ते प्रमोदवनमद्भुतम्। मुनयः शास्त्रतत्त्वज्ञा भवितालाभाभिलाषुकाः॥१०९॥
“Knowing this, sages who understand scripture's truth and desire the supreme attainment serve the wondrous Pramodavana. The Sages' Eternal Destination
Passage 110
ब्रह्मोवाच— इत्युक्त्वा भगवान् रामः प्रणम्य मुनिसत्तमान्। आश्रमाणि विनिर्दिश्य स्थापयामास तत्पुरे॥११०॥
Brahmā said: “Having spoken thus, the venerable Rāma bowed to the eminent sages, designated their hermitages, and settled them before the city.
Passage 111
ते पूर्वदक्षिणप्रत्यगुत्तराशासमाश्रिताः। स्वस्वाश्रमनिकेतस्था अलञ्चक्रुरलंपुरीम्॥१११॥
“Dwelling in their respective hermitages throughout the eastern, southern, western, and northern quarters, they adorned the already resplendent city.
Passage 112
पिबन्तः सारवं वारि प्रमोदवनफलाशनाः। भावयन्तो रामचन्द्रं सानुजं जानकीयुतम्॥११२॥
“They drank excellent water, ate the fruits of Pramodavana, and meditated upon Rāmacandra together with his younger brothers and Jānakī.
Passage 113
पश्यन्तः प्रत्यहं पूर्णप्रेमानन्दसुधाभरैः। परमात्मपदद्रष्टुं भवत्यालस्यममुष्य वै॥११३॥
“Beholding him every day amid floods of the nectar of complete loving bliss, they became disinclined to seek a separate vision of the Paramātman's station.
Passage 114
विस्मृतात्मतपोयोगा बहिर्योगपरायणाः। तस्थुः सुखमयोध्यायामृषयः शुद्धबुद्धयः॥११४॥
“Their former austerity and inward yoga forgotten, the pure-minded sages became wholly devoted to outward union through service and lived happily in Ayodhyā.
Passage 115
ते कालेन भविष्यन्ति सहजारामपार्श्वगाः। यथाधिकारं मुनयः सखीदासीपदाश्रिताः॥११५॥
“In time those sages will become intimate attendants of Sahajā and Rāma, each according to his qualification taking refuge in the station of a companion or maidservant.
Passage 116
इयं हि परमा मुक्तिर्भक्तानां तादृशोद्भवा। नित्यलीलामण्डलान्तः प्रवेष्टव्या सुदुर्लभा॥११६॥
“This indeed is the highest liberation arising for devotees of that kind: the exceedingly rare entrance into the circle of the eternal līlā.
Passage 117
सर्वकामफलभोगरूपिणीं यां जगुः किमपि तैत्तिरीयकाः। सोऽश्नुतेऽखिलसुखं विपश्चितो ब्रह्मणा सहित इत्यलं वचः॥११७॥
“The Taittirīyaka sages intimate this condition as the enjoyment of the fruit of every desire: ‘The wise one enjoys all blessedness together with the all-knowing Brahman.’ That statement is sufficient.” Colophon इति श्रीमदादिरामायणे ब्रह्मभुशुण्डसंवादे पूर्वखण्डे महर्षिजन- संस्थापनं नाम षट्चत्वारिंशदधिकशततमोऽध्यायः ॥ १४६ ॥ Thus ends Chapter 146, “The Establishment of the Great Sages,” in the Pūrva-khaṇḍa of the glorious Ādi Rāmāyaṇa, in the dialogue between Brahmā and Bhuśuṇḍa. ॥ इति श्री आदिरामायणे पूर्वखण्डः समाप्तः ॥ Thus the Pūrva-khaṇḍa of the glorious Ādi Rāmāyaṇa is complete. Witness control note Chapter 146 begins below the Chapter 145 colophon on source leaf 1096 and ends with the Pūrva-khaṇḍa conclusion on source leaf 1105 (physical PDF pages 1097–1106). It contains 117 independent passages. The witness prints passages 1–67, misprints editorial passage 68 as 66, continues 69–71, misprints editorial passage 72 as a second 71, and then continues 73–117. Both printed markers are preserved in the Sanskrit while the reader headings register the two units editorially as passages 68 and 72. All ten scan pages were reviewed directly, and the English is a fresh translation from the scan-controlled Sanskrit.