Passage 1
ब्रह्मोवाच— अथ सर्वगुणागारं त्रैलोक्यस्यानुरञ्जनम्। साधुसंस्तुत्यचरितं रामं राजीवलोचनम्॥१॥
Brahmā said: “Then the aged king contemplated lotus-eyed Rāma—the treasury of every virtue, the delight of the three worlds, and one whose deeds the saints praise.
Passage 2
रमारमणकर्तारं हर्तारं त्रिदशापदाम्। जगदानन्दिशीलाढ्यं सर्वशस्त्रास्त्रकोविदम्॥२॥
“Rāma gives delight to Ramā, removes the gods' afflictions, possesses a nature that gladdens the world, and is skilled in every weapon and missile.
Passage 3
पालकं सर्वसाधूनां त्रयीधर्माभिरक्षकम्। नयाकरं दुर्नयघ्नमनन्तगुणमन्दिरम्॥३॥
“He protects all saints and guards the dharma taught by the three Vedas. He is a mine of wise governance, a destroyer of misrule, and the abode of endless virtues.
Passage 4
ईतिभीतिसमूहघ्नं यक्षरक्षोभयापहम्। चातुर्वर्ण्येहितं देवं श्रुत्याचाराभिरक्षकम्॥४॥
“He destroys every mass of calamity and fear and dispels terror of yakṣas and rākṣasas. This divine Lord seeks the good of the four social orders and protects conduct grounded in revelation.
Passage 5
दुरदृष्टविनाशाय लोके दर्शनदायिनम्। सर्वकल्याणभवनं सर्वसौख्यविवर्धनम्॥५॥
“He grants the world his sight so that evil fortune may be destroyed. He is the home of every blessing and increases every happiness.
Passage 6
लौकिकालौकिकानन्ददायिनं परमाद्भुतम्। राजा तं लक्षयन् मनसा मुमुदे परया मुदा॥६॥
“He gives both worldly and transcendent joy and is supremely wondrous. Contemplating him in his heart, the king rejoiced with the highest delight.
Passage 7
कुलक्रमागते राज्ये प्रजासौख्यविवर्धने। अभिषेक्तुं तदा राममाचकाङ्क्ष महावयाः॥७॥
“The very aged king then desired to consecrate Rāma to the hereditary kingdom that increased the people's happiness.
Passage 8
तं देवाः पुरुहूताद्या वशिष्ठाद्या महर्षयः। मन्त्रेषु दक्षिणाः सर्वे मन्त्रिणश्चोपतस्थिरे॥८॥
“The gods headed by Indra, the great sages headed by Vasiṣṭha, and all the ministers skilled in counsel attended him.
Passage 9
गते च भरते दूरं कैकेय्याः पितृवेश्मनि। सर्वैः सम्मन्त्रयाञ्चक्रे राजा रामहिते रतः॥९॥
“While Bharata was far away at the home of Kaikeyī's father, the king, devoted to Rāma's welfare, consulted with them all.
Passage 10
सभां सुमहतीं चक्रे सहस्रस्तम्भशालिनीम्। मूर्तिमद्भिर्निधिकुलैः सर्वदा समुपासिताम्॥१०॥
“He made a magnificent assembly hall with a thousand pillars, perpetually attended as though by whole hosts of treasures embodied in visible form.
Passage 11
यत्र सिंहासनं साक्षात्सूर्यमण्डलभासुरम्। महामणिगणोद्योति काञ्चनं कमलास्पदम्॥११॥
“There stood a golden lion-throne, the seat of royal fortune, radiant like the solar orb and shining with clusters of great jewels.
Passage 12
मान्धातृप्रमुखैः पूर्वमाक्रान्तं धर्मवित्तमैः। अधःस्फाटिकपीठेन युक्तमजस्रलं महत्॥१२॥
“In former times it had been occupied by Māndhātṛ and other supreme knowers of dharma. It was lofty and magnificent, resting upon a crystal base below.
Passage 13
अशेषधरणीपालमौलिमालामणित्विषा। नीराज्यमानपीठान्तं वन्द्यमानं कृताञ्जलिम्॥१३॥
“The edges of its seat were illumined as though in worship by the jewel-light from the diadems of all the earth's rulers, who bowed before it with joined palms.
Passage 14
विराजते मणिस्तम्भचतुष्कपरिमध्यगम्। यत्र स्थितं मर्त्यमपि साक्षाद् रामः स्वयं विशेत्॥१४॥
“It shone within a square of jeweled pillars. Rāma himself would enter and empower even a mortal who was properly seated there.
Passage 15
तस्योपरि तपद्भासा सूर्यमण्डलचण्डिमम्। छत्रमुद्भाति विमलं स्वयं लक्ष्म्या करे कृतम्॥१५॥
“Above it gleamed a spotless parasol, blazing with the fierce radiance of the sun's orb, as though held in the hand of royal Fortune herself.
Passage 16
चामरे वितते चारुचञ्चच्चन्द्रांशुनिर्मले। विराजेते वीज्यमाने भूपालैश्छत्रवर्जितैः॥१६॥
“Two outspread yak-tail fans, spotless and lovely like quivering moonbeams, shone as they were waved by conquered kings who stood without their own parasols.
Passage 17
सप्तद्वीपावनीसम्पत्सम्भारैकनिकेतनम्। तद् राज्यं रघुवंश्यानां राज्ञां प्रकृतिरञ्जनम्॥१७॥
“That kingdom of the Raghus' kings was the single repository of the wealth of the seven-continent earth and brought delight to its subjects.
Passage 18
न्यस्तुकामः स्वयं राजा रामे सर्वगुणाश्रये। मन्त्रिभिर्मन्त्रयाञ्चक्रे वानप्रस्थव्रतोन्मुखः॥१८॥
“Wishing to place it in Rāma, the abode of every virtue, the king consulted his ministers as he prepared to undertake the forest-dweller's vow. The King's Proposal
Passage 19
राजोवाच— शृण्वन्तु नीतिनिपुणा वृद्धाः सचिवपुङ्गवाः। न मेऽधुना पुत्रवतो रोचन्ते राज्यसम्पदः॥१९॥
The king said: “Let the elder and eminent ministers, expert in statecraft, listen. Now that I have sons, the riches of kingship no longer please me.
Passage 20
धुरन्धरेषु पुत्रेषु यस्य राज्योन्मुखी मतिः। न तस्य विषयासक्तिरन्तकालेऽपि नङ्क्ष्यति॥२०॥
“When capable sons are present, a man whose mind still turns toward sovereignty will not lose his attachment to sense objects even at life's end.
Passage 21
प्रजानां पालनार्थं हि राज्यं गृह्णन्ति साधवः। विषयाणामरत्यापि भोगस्तत्रानुषङ्गिकः॥२१॥
“The virtuous accept kingship only to protect the people. Even when they take no delight in sense objects, some enjoyment follows incidentally.
Passage 22
नहि वैषयिकं भोगमुद्दिश्य रघुवंशजाः। राज्यं कर्तुं समीहन्तेऽध्यात्मविद्याविचक्षणाः॥२२॥
“The descendants of Raghu, discerning in spiritual knowledge, do not seek to rule for the sake of sensual enjoyment.
Passage 23
चिरं जयन्तु रामाद्यास्तनयाः सूर्यवर्चसः। प्रजानां भाग्यसन्दोहैरवतीर्णाः स्वयं ह्यमी॥२३॥
“May my sons—Rāma and his brothers, radiant like the sun—live victorious for a long time. They have personally descended through the accumulated good fortune of the people.
Passage 24
रामं सर्वगुणारामं सौमित्रिरनुवर्तते। तथैव भरतं सौम्यः शत्रुघ्नोऽप्यनुवर्तताम्॥२४॥
“Saumitri follows Rāma, the delight and abode of every virtue. In the same way, let gentle Śatrughna follow Bharata.
Passage 25
रामश्च भरतश्चोभौ विभज्य सकलां भुवम्। नित्यं पालयतां वीरौ परस्परहिते रतौ॥२५॥
“Let the two heroes Rāma and Bharata divide the whole earth and protect it continually, each devoted to the other's welfare.
Passage 26
अथवा राममेवैते लक्ष्मणाद्याः सुवर्चसः। मन्तरस्थयोऽनुवर्तन्तां पुरुषं तद्गुणा इव॥२६॥
“Or let radiant Lakṣmaṇa and the others follow Rāma alone, just as a person's own qualities abide within and follow him.
Passage 27
चत्वारोऽप्यथवा राज्यं चतुःखण्डावनीगतम्। अङ्गीकुर्वन्तु साधूनामनुमत्या यथोचितम्॥२७॥
“Or, with the saints' approval, let all four accept the kingdom divided into four regions, as may be fitting.
Passage 28
एतेषु खलु पक्षेषु कतमो वोऽभिरोचते। तद् ब्रूत सचिवश्रेष्ठाः प्रजानां हितकाम्यया॥२८॥
“Eminent ministers, tell me which of these alternatives pleases you, with the people's welfare as your aim.
Passage 29
राज्यं निधाय पुत्रेषु प्रजापालनकारिषु। मुनीनां वृत्तिमास्थाय स्थास्यामि वनगोचरः॥२९॥
“Having entrusted the kingdom to sons capable of protecting the people, I shall adopt the sages' way of life and dwell in the forest.
Passage 30
स्वयं यो भगवान् रामः परमात्मा प्रियः सुहृत्। तस्मिन् प्रेम समास्थाय विधास्ये स्वात्मनो गतिम्॥३०॥
“The venerable Rāma is himself the Supreme Self, my dear well-wisher. By establishing my love in him, I shall secure the destiny of my soul.
Passage 31
यस्य मे तनयः साक्षाद् रामो राजीवलोचनः। विश्वानन्दैकभवनं तस्य किं मे सुदुर्लभम्॥३१॥
“Lotus-eyed Rāma, the sole dwelling of the universe's bliss, is my very son. What, then, could be exceedingly difficult for me to attain?” The Ministers and Sages Approve Rāma
Passage 32
इत्युक्तं राजवर्येण सभायामवधार्य ते। मन्त्रिणः स्वगतं ध्यात्वा जगदुः सर्वमङ्गलम्॥३२॥
Hearing and considering what the excellent king had said in the assembly, the ministers reflected privately and spoke words of complete auspiciousness.
Passage 33
नैतद् वै मनुजेन्द्राणां वैवस्वतमनोर् कुले। राजर्षीणां पवित्राणां विषयौदास्यमद्भुतम्॥३३॥
“This indifference toward sense enjoyment is no wonder among the pure royal sages descended in the line of Vaivasvata Manu.
Passage 34
भवन्तो ह्यखिलं वेत्थ लौकिकं चाप्यलौकिकम्। पूर्वं सर्वावनीराज्यहेतवे परमात्मने॥३४॥
“Your Majesty knows everything, both worldly and transcendent. Formerly, when the Supreme Self who would bear the entire earth's sovereignty appeared in the line—
Passage 35
वंशे धुरन्धरं जातं वीक्ष्य भोगेषु निःस्पृहाः। वानप्रस्थोचितां वृत्तिं श्रयन्ति रघुवंशजाः॥३५॥
“—the descendants of Raghu, seeing that capable heir born, became indifferent to enjoyment and adopted conduct suitable for forest-dwellers.
Passage 36
दैवमेवानुकूलं वः सर्वत्र वसतां सताम्। गृहे वापि वने वापि क्षेमं प्राप्याधितिष्ठताम्॥३६॥
“May providence remain favorable to you, a righteous man, wherever you dwell. Whether at home or in the forest, may you abide in well-being.
Passage 37
राज्यक्षेपश्च यो राजंस्त्वया चित्ते विचारितः। स रामचन्द्र एवोच्चैः सर्वथा शोभतेतराम्॥३७॥
“O king, of the candidates for sovereignty that you have considered, Rāmacandra alone is incomparably and entirely fitting.
Passage 38
यद् गदन्ति स्फुटं वृद्धा नाविष्णुः पृथिवीपतिः। स रामः स्वयमेवैष ततोऽन्यः कोऽस्तु भूपतिः॥३८॥
“The elders plainly declare that no one who is not Viṣṇu can truly be lord of the earth. This Rāma is Viṣṇu himself—who else, then, should be king?
Passage 39
शोभते राम एवेदं राज्यं भूमण्डलस्य यत्। तद्भक्तिरेव चान्येषां सर्वकल्याणदायिनी॥३९॥
“This sovereignty over the terrestrial sphere suits Rāma alone, while devotion to him will bestow every blessing upon the others.
Passage 40
त्वमिवैष स्वयं रामः पृथिवीं पालयत्वलम्। प्रजा भद्राणि पश्यन्तु निःसपत्ना निरीतयः॥४०॥
“Let Rāma himself protect the earth completely, just as you have. May the people behold good fortune, free from enemies and calamities.
Passage 41
रामस्य भुजदण्डाभ्यां गुप्तमेतद् धरातलम्। सर्वसौख्यान्वितं राजन् पुनर्नवमिवास्तु च॥४१॥
“O king, guarded by Rāma's mighty arms, may this earth possess every happiness and become ever fresh again.
Passage 42
लक्ष्मणो भरतश्चैव वीरेन्द्रः शत्रुसूदनः। रामभक्तियुताः नित्यं कर्मणा मनसा गिरा॥४२॥
“Lakṣmaṇa, Bharata, and heroic Śatrughna are perpetually joined to devotion for Rāma in deed, mind, and speech.
Passage 43
एषामाचरिते राजन् प्रकटं तर्कयामहे। राज्यं रामेऽर्पयिष्यन्ति दीयमानमपि त्वया॥४३॥
“O king, from their evident conduct we infer that even if you gave them the kingdom, they would offer it to Rāma.
Passage 44
अतोऽभिषिच्यतां राजन् राम एव त्वया भुवः। पयोधिमेखलावत्या राज्यपाणिग्रहे विधौ॥४४॥
“Therefore, O king, you should consecrate Rāma alone in the rite by which he takes the hand of sovereignty over the ocean-girdled earth.
Passage 45
न कनिष्ठश्च राज्यार्हो ज्येष्ठे शक्ते विराजति। परिवेत्तेति तं दुष्टं वयोवृद्धाः प्रचक्षते॥४५॥
“A younger brother is not entitled to rule while a capable elder brother is present. The aged call one who violates that order a transgressor.
Passage 46
अतोऽचिरेण रामेन्दौ राज्यमेतन्निबध्यताम्। ततस्तिष्ठ यथेच्छं त्वं वने वा गृह एव वा॥४६॥
“Therefore bind this kingdom without delay to moonlike Rāma. Then live as you wish, either in the forest or at home.
Passage 47
यौवराज्यं दधद् रामो नित्यं रञ्जितवान् प्रजाः। भविष्यति पुनश्चास्य राज्यं ते द्विगुणश्रिये॥४७॥
“While holding the office of crown prince, Rāma has always delighted the people. His full sovereignty will bring you twice the splendor.”
Passage 48
मुनय ऊचुः— त्वया समर्पितं राज्यं रामे सर्वगुणाश्रये। शोभिष्यते महीपाल शशिखण्डमिवेश्वरे॥४८॥
The sages said: “O protector of the earth, the kingdom you offer to Rāma, the abode of every virtue, will adorn him as the crescent moon adorns Śiva.
Passage 49
त्रैलोक्यमपि वीर्येण रामः पालयितुं क्षमः। आसमुद्रावनीभारं किं नोढुमसौ क्षमः॥४९॥
“Rāma is powerful enough to protect even the three worlds. How could he not be able to bear the burden of the earth as far as the oceans?
Passage 50
न तस्य लिप्सा राजर्षे पूर्णकामस्य भुक्तिषु। भक्त्या जनैरर्प्यमाणानादत्ते विषयानसौ॥५०॥
“O royal sage, he whose every desire is fulfilled has no craving for enjoyment. He accepts objects of enjoyment only when people offer them with devotion.
Passage 51
सर्वोत्कृष्टतमः शक्त्या स्वाभाविकमहोनिधिः। समस्तावनिराज्यस्य स्वयमेवाधिकारी सः॥५१॥
“Supreme over all in power and a natural treasury of majesty, he alone is intrinsically entitled to sovereignty over the entire earth.”
Passage 52
इति निश्चितमाकर्ण्य सर्ववर्षीयसां नृपः। राज्याभिषेचनं कर्तुं सर्वथैवान्वसज्जत॥५२॥
Hearing this settled judgment of all the elders, the king made every preparation to perform the royal consecration.
Passage 53
दूरं गतेऽधिवसति भरते मातृबन्धुषु। रामभक्तिं विनिर्णीय राजा निःशङ्कतां दधौ॥५३॥
Although Bharata was residing far away among his maternal relatives, the king, certain of Bharata's devotion to Rāma, became free from concern.
Passage 54
सुमित्रातनयौ चापि राम एव सदा रतौ। लक्ष्मणश्चापि शत्रुघ्नो भ्रूसंज्ञाज्ञाकरावुभौ॥५४॥
Sumitrā's two sons, Lakṣmaṇa and Śatrughna, were always absorbed in Rāma. Both obeyed even a command conveyed by the movement of his brow.
Passage 55
न रामात्परतः किञ्चित्प्रियं वस्तु धरातले। त्रयाणामपि तुल्यानां भ्रातॄणां दीप्ततेजसाम्॥५५॥
For all three equally devoted and splendid brothers, nothing on earth was dearer than Rāma.
Passage 56
इति निश्चित्य मनसा राजा दशरथस्तदा। रामे राज्यभरं न्यस्य वने गन्तुमना अभूत्॥५६॥
Having settled this in his mind, King Daśaratha resolved to place the burden of sovereignty upon Rāma and depart for the forest.
Passage 57
स पुरोधसमाहूय वशिष्ठं सर्वदर्शिनम्। उवाच वदतां श्रेष्ठं सर्वविश्वैकमङ्गलम्॥५७॥
He summoned the all-seeing royal priest Vasiṣṭha, foremost of speakers and the unique source of blessing for the whole universe, and addressed him. Daśaratha Entrusts the Rite to Vasiṣṭha
Passage 58
राजोवाच— भगवन् मुनिशार्दूल सर्वज्ञ तपसां निधे। पितृपैतामहं राज्यं रामे समभिषिच्यताम्॥५८॥
The king said: “Venerable tiger among sages, all-knowing treasury of austerity, please consecrate Rāma to the kingdom inherited from my fathers and forefathers.
Passage 59
सर्वतीर्थोदकैः स्नानं सर्वमन्त्राभिमन्त्रितम्। रामं विशतु राज्यश्रीः कन्या वरमिवोर्जिता॥५९॥
“Let him be bathed with waters from every sacred ford, empowered by all the mantras. Let the splendor of sovereignty approach Rāma like a noble maiden approaching her bridegroom.
Passage 60
दशवर्षसहस्राणि भोगान् भुक्तवतो मम। नेदानीं विषयस्नेहस्त्यक्तुमीहे कलेवरम्॥६०॥
“I have enjoyed royal pleasures for ten thousand years. I now have no love for sense objects and desire to relinquish this body.
Passage 61
पलितैर्धवलश्मश्रुदशा परिणता मम। आरोपयति हृद्वृत्तिं श्रीरामचरणाम्बुजे॥६१॥
“My stage of life, with beard made white by age, has matured; it directs the movement of my heart toward Śrī Rāma's lotus feet.
Passage 62
अपि चानुगृहीतोऽस्मि साक्षाद् भगवता मुने। यो मां पुत्रस्वरूपेण भजते नात्र संशयः॥६२॥
“Moreover, O sage, the Lord himself has graced me, for he attends me in the form of my son. Of this there is no doubt.
Passage 63
भवदाद्याः सर्वदृशो वर्षीयांसो मुनीश्वराः। राममेव विजानन्ति सर्वकारणकारणम्॥६३॥
“All-seeing elder sages such as you know Rāma alone as the cause of every cause.
Passage 64
स्वतोऽनुग्रहकर्तारं रामचन्द्रं रमेश्वरम्। यास्यामि शरणं ब्रह्मन् कृत्वा भरसमर्पणम्॥६४॥
“O brāhmaṇa, I shall take refuge in Rāmacandra, Lord of Ramā, who bestows grace of his own accord, surrendering my entire burden to him.
Passage 65
अतोऽभिषिच्यतां ब्रह्मन् सुमुहूर्ते रघूद्वहः। रामचन्द्रो महाराज्ये पितृपैतामहे पदे॥६५॥
“Therefore, O brāhmaṇa, at a most auspicious moment let Rāmacandra, scion of Raghu, be consecrated to the great ancestral kingdom.”
Passage 66
वशिष्ठ उवाच— साधु व्यवसितं राजन् दशोचितमिदं त्वया। सुशको हीन्द्रियजयः शत्रून् जितवतस्तव॥६६॥
Vasiṣṭha said: “Well resolved, O king! This is fitting for your stage of life. Having conquered your enemies, you can surely conquer the senses.
Passage 67
साधयात्मानमव्यग्रो न्यस्य रामे धराधुरम्। एष ते निखिलार्थानां निधिः प्रादुरभूत् कुले॥६७॥
“Without anxiety, perfect the self after placing the earth's burden upon Rāma. This treasury of all your purposes has appeared in your family.
Passage 68
रामे जाग्रति राजर्षे सर्ववंशधुरन्धरे। किं तेऽनुचिन्तयेदानीं राज्यगोचरयामया॥६८॥
“O royal sage, while Rāma, the capable bearer of the entire dynasty, keeps watch, why should you now suffer any anxiety concerning the kingdom?
Passage 69
न भोगाय रघूणां वो राज्यमेतत् परं भुवः। प्रजानां पालनायैव तद् रामेण विधास्यते॥६९॥
“For you Raghus, this supreme sovereignty over the earth is not for enjoyment. Rāma will exercise it solely to protect the people.
Passage 70
पूर्वमेवोदितो रामः प्रजानां तापमोक्षणे। अलं राज्यधुरोद्वाहश्रमेण तव सूनुना॥७०॥
“Rāma has already arisen to free the people from suffering. Your son is fully equal to the exertion of bearing the burden of kingship.
Passage 71
अभिषेक्ष्यामि रामेन्दुं सर्वथाद्य तवाज्ञया। प्रजानां भावुकैरेष स्वयं हि प्रकटो हरिः॥७१॥
“At your command I shall certainly consecrate moonlike Rāma today. Hari himself has appeared for the people's welfare.”
Passage 72
ब्रह्मोवाच— निरीतयः प्रजाः सर्वाः सर्वोपद्रववर्जिताः। विश्राणिते त्वयि स्वं राज्यं रामे तु नितरां ततः॥७२॥
Brahmā said: “When you bestow your own kingdom upon Rāma, all the people will become still more free from calamity and every disturbance.
Passage 73
वर्षीयांसोऽपि तरुणा आत्मनिष्ठाः शठा अपि। नरकार्हा अपि स्वर्गार्हा भविष्यन्ति भवे जनाः॥७३॥
“In that realm the aged will become youthful, the deceitful will become established in the Self, and even those fit for hell will become fit for heaven.
Passage 74
स्वयं जानामि राजेन्द्र रामचन्द्रं परात्परम्। अकर्तुमन्यथाकर्तुं कर्तुं च नियतं प्रभुम्॥७४॥
“O king of kings, I personally know Rāmacandra as higher than the highest—the Lord with unfailing power to act, not act, or act otherwise.
Passage 75
यस्यांशांशभवा राजन् विधिविष्णुमहेश्वराः। स एष भगवान् रामस्तवाद्य तनयोऽभवत्॥७५॥
“O king, Brahmā, Viṣṇu, and Maheśvara arise from portions of whose portions—that very venerable Rāma has now become your son.
Passage 76
अतः परं किं भाग्यं ते वर्णयामि जनाधिप। याह्येनं सर्वभावेन शरणं जगदीश्वरम्॥७६॥
“O ruler of men, what fortune greater than this could I describe for you? Take refuge with your whole being in this Lord of the universe.
Passage 77
सर्वार्पणप्रकारेण यं सेवन्ते सदा बुधाः। तस्मै राज्यार्पणं कृत्वा कृतकृत्यो भव प्रभो॥७७॥
“The wise perpetually serve him through every form of complete offering. Offer the kingdom to him and become one who has fulfilled all that must be done.” Ayodhyā Prepares for the Consecration
Passage 78
इति श्रुत्वा मुनेर्वाक्यं प्राजापत्यस्य योगिनः। राज्याभिषेकसामग्रीं कारयामास सेवकैः॥७८॥
Hearing these words of the yogic sage, a son of Prajāpati, the king had his servants prepare the materials for the royal consecration.
Passage 79
जलान्यानाययामास सर्वतीर्थमयानि सः। विप्रानामन्त्रयामास ऋत्विग्वरणहेतवे॥७९॥
He had waters brought from every sacred ford and invited brāhmaṇas so that officiating priests could be chosen.
Passage 80
महतीं कारयामास हेमरत्नाढ्यनिर्मिताम्। शालां भूदेवदेवर्षिराजवृन्दसभोचिताम्॥८०॥
He had a great hall made, richly fashioned with gold and jewels and suitable for an assembly of brāhmaṇas, divine sages, and hosts of kings.
Passage 81
तत्र वेदीं सुमहतीं कुण्डमण्डपमण्डिताम्। कारयामास विधिवन्मन्त्रज्ञैर्ब्राह्मणोत्तमैः॥८१॥
There he had eminent brāhmaṇas who knew the mantras properly construct a vast altar adorned with a fire-pit and pavilion.
Passage 82
क्षत्रियानाजुहावाथ नानादिग्देशवर्तिनः। ते धनानि समादाय कोसलां सुसमाययुः॥८२॥
He then summoned kṣatriyas residing in lands throughout the different directions. Bringing their gifts, they arrived in Kosala in great numbers.
Passage 83
गजाश्वरथपत्तीनां सम्मर्दः कोसलापुरे। समभूदभितो वीन्द्र गच्छतां प्रतिगच्छताम्॥८३॥
O greatest of heroes, Kosala's city became crowded on every side with elephants, horses, chariots, and foot soldiers coming and going.
Passage 84
अलङ्कृतं पुरं सर्वं पताकध्वजतोरणैः। रामं निःस्पृहमप्यन्वक् सेवितुं श्रीरिवागता॥८४॥
The whole city was adorned with banners, standards, and gateways. It seemed as though royal Fortune had arrived to serve Rāma even though he desired nothing.
Passage 85
एतस्मिन्नन्तरे शक्रः सर्वदेवगणैर्वृतः। उन्मना इव लोकेशसंसदं समुपेयिवान्॥८५॥
Meanwhile Indra, surrounded by all the hosts of gods, approached the assembly of the world's lord with an anxious mind.
Passage 86
प्रजापतिं नमस्कृत्य हंसासनगतं हरिः। उवाच कार्यं देवानां यदर्थं पूर्वमुद्यतम्॥८६॥
Indra bowed to Prajāpati seated upon the swan throne and spoke of the gods' purpose—the work for which Rāma had earlier set forth. Indra Recalls Rāma's Unfinished Work
Passage 87
इन्द्र उवाच— जानासि भगवन् यस्मै स्वयं रामो ह्यवातरत्। अनादिनिधनः साक्षाद् भगवान् भास्वतः कुले॥८७॥
Indra said: “Venerable lord, you know the purpose for which Rāma himself—the beginningless and endless Lord—descended directly into the solar dynasty.
Passage 88
त्रैलोक्यशल्यमेतद् हि रावणाख्यमनुद्धृतम्। सञ्जीविता न मुनयो रक्षोभिर्भक्षिताश्च ये॥८८॥
“The thorn of the three worlds named Rāvaṇa has not yet been uprooted, nor have the sages devoured by rākṣasas been restored to life.
Passage 89
चन्द्रादिदेवावरोधानां नोद्धारः स्ववीर्यतः। न चोद्धुरान् विराधाद्यानसुरान् स्वशरैरहन्॥८९॥
“By his valor he has not yet liberated the women confined from Candra and the other gods, nor slain the insolent asuras headed by Virādha with his arrows.
Passage 90
न चक्रे दण्डकारण्यं क्षेमावासं तपस्विनाम्। न च पञ्चवटीं तत्र मुनीनामस्थिभिर्वृताम्॥९०॥
“He has not made Daṇḍaka Forest a secure home for ascetics, nor yet entered Pañcavaṭī, strewn there with the sages' bones.
Passage 91
रक्षोनीकशतैः शून्यं न चक्रे दक्षिणापथम्। न च भक्ततमान् रामो भव्यैर्योजितवान् बहून्॥९१॥
“He has not emptied the southern land of its hundreds of rākṣasa armies, nor joined his many greatest devotees to their blessed destinies.
Passage 92
ये तस्य दर्शनाकाङ्क्षानिरताः सुचिराज्जनाः। श्रुत्वा श्रुत्वा गुणान् रम्यान् बद्धोत्कण्ठा वियोगिनः॥९२॥
“For a very long time people have remained intent upon longing for his sight. Hearing again and again of his lovely virtues, they are separated from him and bound by yearning.
Passage 93
वियोगातुरसंश्रान्तहृदयाः परमातुराः। पुण्डरीकाक्षपद्रेणुप्राप्तिकामनया स्थिताः॥९३॥
“Their hearts are exhausted and deeply afflicted by separation. They live only with the desire to obtain dust from the lotus-eyed Lord's feet.
Passage 94
इहामुत्रार्थविषयाननाहृत्य व्यवस्थिताः। रामस्नेहगुणैर्बद्धा दृढपाशोपमैश्च ये॥९४॥
“They remain indifferent to objects and aims in this world and the next, bound by Rāma's qualities and affection like one held by powerful cords.
Passage 95
न तेषां मनसां कामाः पर्याप्ता रामवल्लभे। मानिनां दम्भिनां चैव न च दोषा निराकृताः॥९५॥
“Their hearts' desires for beloved Rāma have not been fulfilled; nor have the faults of the proud and hypocritical yet been removed.
Passage 96
न च भक्तिपथं लेभे प्रतिष्ठां सुगरीयसीम्। न च भक्तेषु तत्प्रीतिमधिकामविदन् जनाः॥९६॥
“The path of devotion has not yet gained its most exalted standing, and people have not learned the surpassing greatness of his love for devotees.
Passage 97
न च भक्तेषु वश्यत्वं ज्ञातवन्तोऽस्य लौकिकाः। न चास्य विहृतिः पूर्णा सीतया सह कानने॥९७॥
“People in the world have not learned how he submits to his devotees, nor have his forest pastimes with Sītā been fulfilled.
Passage 98
न च सार्थकतां निन्ये देवान् कपितया स्थितान्। न चास्य महिमा सर्वोऽप्यसाधारणतां गतः॥९८॥
“He has not brought to fulfillment the gods who wait in the form of monkeys, nor has the incomparable fullness of his glory yet been revealed.
Passage 99
लौकिकैर्नाभिरज्ञायि दुःशका चरणादिभिः। न च रक्षोऽधिपः साकं परिवारैः क्षयं गतः॥९९॥
“Worldly people have not recognized through his astonishing conduct and other deeds who he truly is, and the lord of the rākṣasas has not perished together with his retinue.
Passage 100
न च युद्धाभिलाषोऽपि पूर्णतामगमत् प्रभोः। शस्त्रास्त्रशिक्षा गाधेयी प्रतिष्ठां नालभद् भुवि॥१००॥
“The Lord's desire for battle has not reached fulfillment, and the training in weapons and missiles given by Gādhi's son has not attained renown on earth.
Passage 101
न च मन्मनसः शल्यं मेघनादः क्षयं गतः। इत्याद्यनेककार्याणि कर्तव्यानि भूभृता॥१०१॥
“Meghanāda, the thorn in my heart, has not been destroyed. These and many other deeds still must be accomplished by the ruler of the earth.
Passage 102
न कृतानि कथं सोऽत्र पित्रा राज्येऽभिषिच्यते। किं तस्य जगदीशस्य कोदण्डनिवहेशितुः॥१०२॥
“Before accomplishing them, how can his father consecrate him here as king? What value can this kingship have for the Lord of the universe, sovereign wielder of the Kodanda bow—
Passage 103
आराध्यस्य स्वयं पूर्णब्रह्मणः परमात्मनः। आसमुद्रान्तधरणीराज्येन लघुना भृशम्॥१०३॥
“—the worshipful Supreme Self who is himself the complete Absolute? Rule over the earth as far as the oceans is exceedingly small for him.
Passage 104
स्वाभाविकं तस्य चरित्रमद्भुतं जगत्पवित्रीकरणं सुमङ्गलम्। गायन्ति धातः परितो जगज्जनाः किं तस्य राज्येन समुन्नतिः परा॥१०४॥
“O Creator, people throughout the world sing his natural, wondrous, supremely auspicious deeds that purify the universe. What greater elevation could a kingdom give him?
Passage 105
यस्य श्रिया मण्डितमेतदीक्ष्यते ज्योतिर्मयं चक्रमजस्रमम्बरे। यस्यांशभूतिर्ननु वैश्वतेजसी किं तस्य राज्येन परो महोदयः॥१०५॥
“Through his splendor the radiant solar disc is seen forever adorned in the sky; the universal source of light is only a portion of his power. What higher rise could kingship give him?
Passage 106
यतोऽखिलं विश्वमिदं प्रसूयते विश्वम्भरो यश्च पिता जगत्त्रये। यः स्वेच्छया संहरतेऽखिलं च तत् कोऽन्योऽस्ति राजा च ततः परो जनः॥१०६॥
“From him this entire universe is born; he sustains the world and is father of the three worlds. By his own will he withdraws it all. What other king or person could be above him?
Passage 107
तस्मात्तस्यैच्छिकी लीला व्याहन्येत यथा न सा। तथा कार्यं त्वया ब्रह्मन् किं राज्यं जगदीशितुः॥१०७॥
“Therefore, O Brahmā, you must act so that his freely chosen līlā is not obstructed. What is a kingdom to the Lord of the universe?
Passage 108
अन्यथा त्वखिलं कार्यं देवानां प्रतिरुध्यते। इतीन्द्रभाषितं श्रुत्वा पद्मयोनिर्जगाद तम्॥१०८॥
“Otherwise all the gods' work will be thwarted.” Hearing Indra's speech, the lotus-born Brahmā replied to him. Brahmā Reveals the Divine Intervention
Passage 109
ब्रह्मोवाच— पुरैव चिन्तितं शक्र मयेदं प्रभुचेष्टितम्। तत्र विघ्नोपमं राज्यमवश्यं संनिवार्यताम्॥१०९॥
Brahmā said: “O Indra, I already considered this movement of the Lord's līlā. The kingdom, which would act as an obstacle to it, must certainly be averted.
Passage 110
मन्थरा नाम कैकेय्या दासी मन्दतमा धिया। तस्याः कण्ठे संनिविश्य ब्राह्मी प्रतिविधास्यति॥११०॥
“Kaikeyī has a maid named Mantharā whose understanding is exceedingly dull. Entering her throat, Sarasvatī will devise the countermeasure.
Passage 111
पुरैव राज्ञा कैकेय्यै वरयुग्मं प्रतिश्रुतम्। रामराज्याभिषेके तत् स्मारयिष्यति मन्थरा॥१११॥
“Long ago the king promised Kaikeyī a pair of boons. At the time of Rāma's consecration, Mantharā will remind her of them.
Passage 112
ततस्तद्वचनोद्बुद्धा कैकेयी भरतप्रसूः। राज्यार्थं निजपुत्रस्य रामं प्रेषयिता वने॥११२॥
“Awakened by those words, Kaikeyī, Bharata's mother, will send Rāma to the forest so that her own son may receive the kingdom.
Passage 113
दैत्यानां देवतानां च युद्धे दशरथः पुरा। देवपक्षस्थितोऽयुद्ध्यद् दितिजैरपरिश्रमः॥११३॥
“Long ago, in a war between daityas and gods, the tireless Daśaratha stood on the gods' side and fought the sons of Diti.
Passage 114
समं पञ्च सहस्राब्दान् निद्रातन्द्राविवर्जितः। अजस्रबद्धतूणीरो बाणसञ्चारणोद्धुरः॥११४॥
“For a full five thousand years he remained without sleep or lassitude, his quiver always fastened and his arms untiring in the discharge of arrows.
Passage 115
तस्य दक्षकराङ्गुष्ठो धनुर्ज्याकृष्टिधारया। लग्नाङ्गुलित्रक्षरणोऽभूत् स तेन व्यथितो भृशम्॥११५॥
“From the constant drawing of the bowstring, the finger-guard abraded the thumb of his right hand, and he became deeply afflicted by the wound.
Passage 116
मुखे निक्षिप्य कैकेय्या जिह्वोत्थामृतबिन्दुभिः। भृशमङ्गुष्ठपर्वास्य रक्षितं ह्ययनान्तरे॥११६॥
“Kaikeyī placed his thumb in her mouth and, with nectar-like drops arising from her tongue, preserved its badly injured joint during the campaign.
Passage 117
तेनैष मुदितः किञ्चिन्निद्रां निर्व्यथमास्थितः। बह्वब्दजागरोद्भूतभूरिनिद्रालुताधरः॥११७॥
“Relieved by her action, he rested for a while in painless sleep, overcome by the immense drowsiness born of wakefulness lasting many years.
Passage 118
तदा तेन वरौ तस्यै प्राप्ते काले प्रतिश्रुतौ। तावेव स्मारयन्ती मा मन्थरा विघ्नयिष्यति॥११८॥
“At that time he promised her two boons to be claimed when the occasion came. Mantharā will remind her of those very boons and bring about the necessary obstruction.
Passage 119
इति धातुर्वचः श्रुत्वा मुदितोऽभूत् पुरन्दरः। ज्ञात्वा सिद्धं देवकार्यमातिष्ठत सुरालयम्॥११९॥
Hearing the Creator's words, Indra became delighted. Knowing that the gods' purpose was assured, he returned to the celestial realm.