Passage 1
ब्रह्मोवाच— विषण्णां मातरं वीक्ष्य कौसल्यां सर्वदेवताम्। प्रबोधयञ्छुभैर्वाक्यैरुवाच रघुपुङ्गवः॥१॥
Brahmā said: Seeing his despondent mother Kauśalyā, who embodied every divine virtue, the foremost Raghu spoke auspicious words to awaken and console her.
Passage 2
श्रीराम उवाच— कर्तुं सत्यगिरं तातमाजन्मवरधार्मिकम्। गन्ताहं काननं मातर्मा विषीदस्व चेतसा॥२॥
Śrī Rāma said: “Mother, I shall go to the forest so that my father, supremely righteous throughout his life, may remain true to his word. Do not let your heart sink.
Passage 3
बाल्यादारभ्य भवती यन्मां रक्षितवत्यलम्। सा प्रीतिस्त्वां विना मातश्चेतो बाधिष्यते मम॥३॥
“From my childhood you have protected me completely. Mother, away from you, the memory of that love will surely trouble my heart.
Passage 4
अवशः किमयं कुर्याद् देवमेवाश्रयेत् तराम्। भाविनां हि यतोऽर्थानां प्रतीकारो न विद्यते॥४॥
“What can a person without control over events do? One should take firm refuge in providence, for there is no remedy against what is destined to occur.
Passage 5
अब्दांश्चतुर्दश मितानुषित्वा वनगोचरः। पुनर्द्रष्टास्मि ते मातश्चरणौ मङ्गलप्रदौ॥५॥
“After dwelling in the forest for the appointed fourteen years, I shall again behold your feet, Mother, which bestow all blessing.
Passage 6
तवैव कृपया मातर्वनेऽपि वसतो मम। दुःखानि नैव हृदयं बाधिष्यन्ते महान्त्यपि॥६॥
“By your grace alone, Mother, even while I live in the forest, the greatest hardships will not afflict my heart.
Passage 7
सुदृश्या तव कल्याणदायिन्या जननि ध्रुवम्। कृच्छ्राण्यतितरिष्यामि पोतारूढो नदीमिव॥७॥
“Through your auspicious and gracious regard, Mother, I shall certainly cross every difficulty as one aboard a boat crosses a river.
Passage 8
अवश्यंभाविनार्थे च मा खिद्यस्व हृदा सति। सत्त्वमेवाश्रयेत् प्राज्ञस्तत्र शोकतमोनुदम्॥८॥
“Good mother, do not grieve in your heart over what must inevitably happen. A wise person takes refuge in courage, which dispels the darkness of sorrow.
Passage 9
नित्यं मोहाकृतेर्जीविरात्मा स्वाराज्यभाजनम्। कदर्थीकृत्य स्वानन्दात् पातितः कर्मणां वशे॥९॥
“The Self is eternally entitled to its own sovereignty, yet the individual, fashioned by delusion, degrades it and falls from innate bliss beneath the power of karma.
Passage 10
यथा कारयते दैवं तथा कुर्वञ्छुभाशुभम्। लिप्यते स पुनस्तेन नीहारेणेव भास्करः॥१०॥
“Acting as destiny impels him, he performs good and evil and is again veiled by their results, as the sun is covered by mist.
Passage 11
दृष्ट्वा मोहाभिभूतानि भूतान्युच्चावचान्यपि। प्राज्ञः स्वयं विरज्येत संसृतेर्घोरकर्मणः॥११॥
“Seeing beings of every rank overcome by delusion, the wise should themselves grow detached from the dreadful action and reaction of saṃsāra.
Passage 12
कैकेयराजतनया नासूयितुमथोचिता। अन्यो हि प्रेरकस्तस्या अन्तरस्थो भवस्य यः॥१२॥
“The daughter of the Kekaya king should therefore not be blamed. Another, dwelling within her, has impelled her—the power that governs becoming.
Passage 13
सा त्वं शोकं परित्यज्य भाव्यार्थं सुबृहत्तमम्। अजस्रमाशिषाना मां वर्तेथा दैवमाश्रिता॥१३॥
“Therefore abandon sorrow, take refuge in providence, recognize the vast purpose that is to unfold, and continually bless me. The Good to Be Accomplished in the Forest
Passage 14
भरतो मे प्रियो भ्राता लप्स्यते राज्यमुत्तमम्। पिता मे सत्यवचनात् स्वर्गी नित्यं भविष्यति॥१४॥
“My beloved brother Bharata will obtain this excellent kingdom, and because my father keeps his word, he will forever attain the heavenly state.
Passage 15
कैकेयी त्वत्समा मातर्मम मातृपदे स्थिता। सुखं प्राप्स्यति तेनैव सुतराज्यसुखार्थिनी॥१५॥
“Mother, Kaikeyī stands in the place of a mother to me just as you do. Desiring the happiness of her son’s sovereignty, she too will thereby find happiness.
Passage 16
देवानां च महत्कार्यं वनेऽपि वसता मया। असुरानीकहननं रक्षा च जगतः स्फुटम्॥१६॥
“While dwelling in the forest I shall also accomplish the gods’ great task: the destruction of demonic hosts and the evident protection of the world.
Passage 17
अनेकाश्रमवास्तूनां महर्षीणां नमस्विनाम्। दर्शनं स्पर्शनं प्रश्नः पूजा नित्यं च सद्गतिः॥१७॥
“I shall behold and meet the venerable great seers who reside in many hermitages, question and honor them, and continually receive their holy guidance.
Passage 18
आशो वनफलानां च शयनं पल्लवेषु च। पुण्यतीर्थावगाहश्च वसतिर्निवनेषु च॥१८॥
“I shall eat forest fruits, sleep upon leaves, bathe in sacred fords, and dwell in secluded groves.
Passage 19
दर्शनं पुण्यतीर्थानां वनानां फलपुष्पिणाम्। किमतोऽपि परं मातर्मम भूयस्तमं हितम्॥१९॥
“I shall see holy places and forests rich with flowers and fruit. Mother, what greater good than this could come to me?
Passage 20
भ्राता मे नीतिनिपुणो भरतो भक्तिसत्तमः। पोषको ज्ञातिबन्धूनां प्रजानां हितसाधकः॥२०॥
“My brother Bharata is skilled in statecraft and foremost in devotion. He will sustain our relatives and secure the welfare of the people.
Passage 21
तस्य चेद् राज्यलाभः स्यान्ममैव हितमुत्तमम्। कैकेय्यां त्वयि चात्यन्तं मम भेदो न कर्हिचित्॥२१॥
“If he gains the kingdom, that is my own highest good. I never make the slightest distinction between Kaikeyī and you.
Passage 22
सा चेत् सुखवती लोके हितं मे किमतः परम्। तेषु घोरेष्वरण्येषु गिरीणां गह्वरेषु च॥२२॥
“If she is happy in this world, what greater good could there be for me? And in those fearsome forests and mountain caves—
Passage 23
तिष्ठन्तो घोरकर्माणः प्रजावित्रासकारकाः। हन्येरन्नसुरा नूनं वनेषु चरता मया॥२३॥
“—the demons who dwell there, committing terrible deeds and terrorizing the people, will surely be slain as I range through the woods.
Passage 24
देवानां तन्महत्कार्यं हितं मे किमतः परम्। अधिज्यं धनुरादाय प्रतिग्रामपुराटवि॥२४॥
“That is the gods’ great undertaking; what could benefit me more? Taking up my strung bow, through every village, town, and forest—
Passage 25
मया पर्यटता नित्यं रक्षितं स्यादिदं जगत्। अवाप्नुयुर्जनाः सौख्यं हितं मे किमतः परम्॥२५॥
“—I shall roam continually and this world will be protected. Its people will gain happiness; what could benefit me more?
Passage 26
महर्षयस्तीर्थपादास्तपसा धूतकल्मषाः। पुण्यतीर्थाश्रमजुषो द्रष्टव्याः पतितासरम्॥२६॥
“I shall behold the great seers whose feet sanctify holy places, whose sins are cleansed by austerity, and who dwell in sacred hermitages, destroying evil.
Passage 27
पूजनीयाः संविधाभिर्वन्याभिः सत्फलादिभिः। प्रष्टव्यान् भूरि सन्दिग्धानर्थान् वैदिकलौकिकान्॥२७॥
“I shall worship them with such forest offerings as good fruits and ask them about the many difficult matters, Vedic and worldly, that call for discernment.
Passage 28
निर्वृतिस्तैः सहालापाद्धितं मे किमतः परम्। स्नानं पुण्येषु तीर्थेषु तत्रत्यैः पुण्यमूर्तिभिः॥२८॥
“Conversation with them will bring deep peace; what could benefit me more? I shall bathe at holy fords in the company of those embodiments of sanctity.
Passage 29
दर्शनस्पर्शनालापैः सङ्गतिः स्यादनुक्षणम्। तैरेव सह संवासो हितं मे किमतः परम्॥२९॥
“At every moment I shall be with them through seeing, meeting, and speaking; what could benefit me more than living among them?
Passage 30
वन्यैर्यथोपलब्धैश्च पत्रपुष्पफलादिभिः। मृगाणां चैव मेध्यानां लब्धैः क्षत्रियधर्मतः॥३०॥
“With whatever the forest provides—leaves, flowers, fruits, and the clean game obtained according to a kṣatriya’s duty—
Passage 31
पललैर्देवताशेषैः षष्ठे काले सुतर्पणम्। तपस्विभिर्द्विजैः साकं हितं मे किमतः परम्॥३१॥
“—I shall be well sustained at the sixth part of the day with food first offered to the gods, together with ascetic brāhmaṇas. What could benefit me more?
Passage 32
अनुजानीहि मां मातर्गमनाय वनं प्रति। नातः परं क्षणमपि संस्थितिर्नगरे मम॥३२॥
“Therefore permit me, Mother, to leave for the forest. I must not remain in the city even a moment longer.
Passage 33
पिता मे सत्यवाग् भूयात्तन्मे कार्यं सुनिश्चितम्। इति रामवचः श्रुत्वा कौसल्या साश्रुरब्रवीत्॥३३॥
“My father must remain true to his word; that is my firm duty.” Hearing these words of Rāma, Kauśalyā spoke through her tears. Kauśalyā’s Lament
Passage 34
कौसल्योवाच— दीर्यते हृदयं वत्स मनो मे परिदह्यते। मुखं शुष्यति तापेन बुद्धिर्भ्रश्यति तत्क्षणात्॥३४॥
Kauśalyā said: “My child, my heart is breaking and my mind is burning. My mouth dries from anguish, and in an instant my understanding fails.
Passage 35
गलन्तीव ममाङ्गानि शोकश्च परिवर्धते। स्तम्भितं नयनाश्रूणि न शक्नोमि सुदुःखिता॥३५॥
“My limbs seem to dissolve and my sorrow continually increases. Overwhelmed by grief, I cannot restrain the tears in my eyes.
Passage 36
ईदृशं परमं दुःखं नानुभूतिपथं गतम्। विधात्रा जीविता किं नु कथं नैव मृता पुरा॥३६॥
“Never before has such supreme pain entered my experience. Why has the Creator kept me alive? Why did I not die before this?
Passage 37
त्वं वत्स सर्वसौख्यानां दायकः सर्वरक्षकः। ज्ञातिबन्धुसुहृत्प्राणजीवातुतम ईदृशः॥३७॥
“My child, you bestow every happiness and protect everyone. To relatives, kinsmen, and friends, you are life itself and dearer than their own breath.
Passage 38
उदयं प्राप्नुवन् लोके न सेहेऽद्य कथं तया। अपि नाम यदर्थे सा प्रतिकूलकरी तव॥३८॥
“How could she not bear to see you rising in the world today? What possible purpose could make her act against you?
Passage 39
सोऽपि वै भरतः श्रीमांस्त्वयि भक्त्या सदा नतः। अस्याः क्रूरचरित्रेण कथं सन्तोषमेष्यति॥३९॥
“Glorious Bharata himself is always bowed to you in devotion. How could her cruel conduct ever satisfy him?
Passage 40
त्वयि सर्वहिते वत्स मदमत्सरवर्जिते। विशुद्धहृदयेऽत्यन्तं सर्वकल्याणकारिणि॥४०॥
“My child, you seek the good of all, are free from pride and envy, utterly pure of heart, and bring blessing to everyone.
Passage 41
सर्वानुरञ्जके नित्यं जगज्जीवातुवर्ष्मणि। नित्यं मन्त्रिविशेषेण चेतसा परिपश्यति॥४१॥
“You continually delight everyone and your very form is the life of the world. Even the ministers always regard you with exceptional affection.
Passage 42
लोके सर्वजनप्रेमभाजने मङ्गलात्मनि। प्रातिकूल्येन वर्तन्ती धिक् तां कैकेयपुत्रिकाम्॥४२॥
“Shame upon that daughter of Kekaya who opposes one so auspicious and worthy of the love of everyone in the world.
Passage 43
धिक् तस्याः कुत्सितां बुद्धिं क्रूरां कीर्तिविरोधिनीम्। जगतः प्राणरूपं त्वां सहते या न दुर्भगा॥४३॥
“Shame upon her base, cruel intelligence, hostile to all good fame. Unfortunate woman—she cannot bear you, though you are the very life of the world.
Passage 44
मन्दधीर्मन्दभाग्या च मन्थरावाक्यकारिणी। लोकमाङ्गल्यकालोऽपि भूरिदुःखविवर्धिनी॥४४॥
“Dull-minded and ill-fated, she follows Mantharā’s words. At the very hour of the world’s blessing she has greatly increased its sorrow.
Passage 45
सर्वलोकजनीनोऽपि कलङ्कभरवर्धकः। नापवादोऽपि वै तस्या बाधकोऽभवदद्भुतम्॥४५॥
“Strangely, not even the universal reproach that heaps dishonor upon her has been able to restrain her.
Passage 46
किं मां वक्ष्यन्ति मनुजा अस्थाने शोकवर्धिनीम्। स्वार्थं विनिहिताशेषपरमार्थां मुधा प्रियम्॥४६॥
“What will people say of me, whose grief grows at this unbearable hour, whose every higher purpose has been sacrificed to the love of her own child?
Passage 47
प्रस्तोक्ष्यन्ति कथं वा मां पुण्यशीला दयालवः। साधवः शुद्धहृदयाः कथयिष्यन्ति किं नु माम्॥४७॥
“How will the virtuous and compassionate speak of me? What will the pure- hearted saints say about me?
Passage 48
इत्थं भूरिविचारेण लज्जया च विवर्जिता। सा जीवति जगद्दुःखहेतुभूता खलाशया॥४८॥
“Yet she lives, devoid of reflection and shame, wicked in intent and now the cause of the world’s sorrow.
Passage 49
धिक् तस्या जीवनं लोके यदत्यन्तं बहुदुःखकृत्। तां जुगुप्सितकर्माणमनुबध्नाति किं नृपः॥४९॥
“Shame upon a life that has produced such vast misery in the world. Why does the king submit to this woman of loathsome deeds?
Passage 50
नेदृशं वचनं राज्ञाप्यङ्गीकर्तुमिहोचितम्। जाने तस्यापि जरया बुद्धिर्नाशमुपागमत्॥५०॥
“The king should never have accepted such a demand. I can only think that age has destroyed his judgment as well.
Passage 51
अनुज्ञां याचसे वत्स वनवासाय मां कथम्। कथं मया मुखाद्वाच्यं वनं गच्छेति दुर्बचः॥५१॥
“My child, how can you ask me for permission to live in the forest? How can my mouth utter the terrible words, ‘Go to the forest’?
Passage 52
त्वां विना चेह वर्तन्त्याः किं मे जीवितमीदृशम्। धन्यास्त एव भुवने भाग्यवन्तः सुकर्मभिः॥५२॥
“What kind of life could I have here without you? Fortunate indeed are those blessed people in this world—
Passage 53
अदृष्ट्वैव दृशे दुःखं पूर्वमेव मृताः गताः। तेषां लोकजनैर्दुःखं दृष्ट्वा न क्रियते घृणा॥५३॥
“—who died before their eyes ever saw such suffering. When people see their grief, no one can reproach them.
Passage 54
त्वद्वक्त्रचन्द्रमसि दर्शनलालसाहं दूये पटान्तरगतापि वितम्यदक्षा। सा लोकमङ्गल चतुर्दशसंख्यवर्षान् यावत्त्वया विधुरिता किमु शर्म वक्ष्ये॥५४॥
“I long to behold the moon of your face and suffer even when a curtain hides it from me. O blessing of the world, bereft of you for fourteen full years, what happiness could I possibly speak of?
Passage 55
कैकेयिकारसनया किल कालसर्प्या दुर्दान्तयावमि विषं वचनच्छलेन। याशेषलोकजनमानसमोहमूर्च्छा- हेतुस्त्वमेत्थ नितरां भयदाविरासीत्॥५५॥
“Through Kaikeyī’s tongue, that unconquerable serpent of death has vomited poison disguised as words. It has become the cause of delusion and swooning in every heart and has arisen to terrify you so completely.
Passage 56
भवतोर्दीप्तमहसोः कृतविश्वप्रकाशयोः। नृदेवपद्मकुमुदसमुल्लासविधायिनोः॥५६॥
“You two blaze with splendor and illumine the world, causing the lotus hearts of kings and the night-lilies of the people to bloom.
Passage 57
शस्त्रास्त्रदीप्तिगणदैत्यध्वान्तविनाशिनोः। तामसात्तीकद्विषतोः सूर्याचन्द्रमसोरिव॥५७॥
“Like sun and moon, you destroy the darkness of demonic hosts with the radiance of your weapons and are enemies of every force of darkness.
Passage 58
वनवासादहस्यत्वं गतयोरस्ततो यथा। कैकेय्या प्रावृषा नूनं जललोचनवारिदैः॥५८॥
“When you both vanish into the forest as sun and moon set, the rainy season created by Kaikeyī will surely come, its clouds the people’s tear-filled eyes.
Passage 59
वर्षद्भिर्बाष्पसन्दोहधारासारैरखण्डितैः। द्रागेवैतत्त्रिभुवनं सान्धकारं भविष्यति॥५९॥
“As those clouds pour unbroken torrents of gathered tears, all three worlds will at once be plunged into darkness.
Passage 60
कुहूरात्रिसमा ह्येषा भवन्तौ रामलक्ष्मणौ। सूर्याचन्द्रमसौ नित्यं सर्वविश्वप्रकाशकौ॥६०॥
“This Kaikeyī is like the moonless night, while you, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, are the sun and moon that continually illumine the whole universe.
Passage 61
अदर्शयन्ती कैकेयी जगच्छोभां हरिष्यति। जगदुद्वेगदा नित्यमकीर्तिध्वान्तमेचका॥६१॥
“By making you disappear, Kaikeyī will rob the world of its beauty. She will continually distress the world and become a black mass of infamous darkness.”
Passage 62
यदर्थं मानवा लोके म्रियन्ते रणमूर्धनि। तां कीर्तिमिह कैकेयी लोपयामास किं स्वयम्॥६२॥
“Has Kaikeyī herself destroyed the very honor for which people in this world are willing to die at the head of battle?”
Passage 63
इत्युक्त्वा भूरिनिःश्वस्य कौसल्या विश्वमङ्गलौ। निभालयन्ती चक्षुर्भ्यां प्रवत्स्यन्तौ क्षणेन तौ॥६३॥
Having spoken thus, Kauśalyā heaved deep sighs and gazed upon those two blessings of the world, who would leave in only a moment.
Passage 64
रुरोद करुणं देवी निमग्ना दुःखसागरे। कैकेयीक्रूरचारित्रजातशोकनिमीलिता॥६४॥
The queen wept piteously, submerged in an ocean of pain and blinded by the sorrow born of Kaikeyī’s cruel conduct.
Passage 65
तस्या आर्तस्वरं श्रुत्वा वैदेही विश्वमङ्गला। सीता चैवोर्मिलोद्विग्ना तयोरजग्मतुरुत्त्वरे॥६५॥
Hearing her anguished voice, world-blessing Vaidehī and the alarmed Urmilā hurried to the two mothers.
Passage 66
अथ रामो लक्ष्मणश्च जनन्यौः शोकमीलिते। आश्वासयामासतुरुभे वचोभिरमृतोपमैः॥६६॥
Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa then comforted both grief-blinded mothers with words like nectar. The Brothers Teach Steadiness
Passage 67
रामलक्ष्मणावूचतुः— अलं जनन्यौ शोकेन किं दैवं कस्यचिद् वरम्। यथा नियुज्यते जन्तुः करोत्येष तथावशः॥६७॥
Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa said: “Mothers, enough of sorrow. Is destiny subject to anyone’s preference? A creature without mastery acts as it is impelled.
Passage 68
जीवन् पश्यति भद्राणि भूरीणि भुवने जनः। मृतस्यास्य पुनर्नैव भविष्यति समागमः॥६८॥
“While living, a person beholds many good things in this world; once dead, there can be no reunion in this same body.
Passage 69
मरणं जीवनं चैव वियोगो योग एव वा। सुखं दुःखं लाभहानिर्जयो वापि पराजयः॥६९॥
“Death and life, separation and union, pleasure and pain, gain and loss, victory and defeat—
Passage 70
सर्वं दैवेन नियतं लभते मानुषोऽवशः। किं तत्र शोकमोहाभ्यामात्मा केवलमात्मना॥७०॥
“—all are allotted by providence and received by a person without command over them. Why, then, should one’s own mind afflict the Self with grief and delusion?
Passage 71
व्याकुलीक्रियते मूढैः शोचन्नर्थे दुरत्यये। ये तु ज्ञानामृतरसै रक्षन्त्यात्मानमात्मना॥७१॥
“The foolish agitate themselves by mourning what cannot be overcome, while those who protect themselves with the nectar of knowledge preserve their own inner being.
Passage 72
तेषां न बाधकौ मातः शोकमोहौ भविष्यतः। अथो चतुर्दशैवाब्दान् प्रवासिनौ भविष्यतः॥७२॥
“Mother, grief and delusion cannot overpower such people. We shall be away for only fourteen years.
Passage 73
ततः परं तु जननि तीर्त्वा पदमनुत्तमम्। कृत्वा सत्यगिरं तातं स्वर्गिणं निरुपद्रवम्॥७३॥
“After crossing that unsurpassed stage and making our father true to his word, secure and destined for heaven—
Passage 74
पुनरप्यागमिष्यावो नगरीं भूरिमङ्गलाम्। भवतीं सुखयिष्यावो हृतशत्रुबलौ बलात्॥७४॥
“—we shall return to this greatly blessed city and delight you, having forcefully broken the power of our enemies.
Passage 75
पितृपैतामहं राज्यं करिष्यावो वयं ध्रुवम्। मा शुचः क्षणवन्मातर्गमिष्यन्ति दिनानि ते॥७५॥
“We shall surely administer the kingdom inherited from father and grandfather. Do not grieve, Mother; those days will pass like a moment.
Passage 76
इति विज्ञाय नात्यन्तं शोके मज्जय मानसम्। इत्थमाश्वास्य जननीं तौ वीरौ धैर्यसागरौ॥७६॥
“Knowing this, do not drown your mind in excessive sorrow.” Thus the two heroes, oceans of fortitude, reassured their mother.
Passage 77
क्षौमाम्बरे समुत्तार्य बध्नतुर्वल्कलाम्बरे। वनवासोचितं वेषं कल्पयामासतुः क्षणात्॥७७॥
They removed their fine garments, fastened bark-cloth, and in a moment assumed the dress proper for forest life. Rāma Asks Sītā to Remain
Passage 78
सीतोर्मिला च तौ दृष्ट्वा प्रवत्स्यन्तौ वनं प्रति। स्वयमप्यन्वसज्जेतां वनयानोचितां क्रियाम्॥७८॥
Seeing that the two were about to depart for the forest, Sītā and Urmilā also began preparing themselves for the journey.
Passage 79
अथ रामः प्रियां दृष्ट्वा सत्वरं वाक्यमब्रवीत्। त्वं गृहे तिष्ठ नैवासि वनवासोचिता प्रिये॥७९॥
Rāma saw his beloved and quickly said, “Remain at home, dear one; you are not suited to forest life.
Passage 80
साक्षाद् विदेहराजस्य तनया सुखभाजनम्। शिरीषसुकुमाराङ्गी पादाभ्यां पद्मदलोपमा॥८०॥
“You are the daughter of King Videha himself, accustomed to happiness, with limbs tender as śirīṣa blossoms and feet like lotus petals.
Passage 81
क्व सा महत्यरण्यानी दर्भगर्भक्षमातता। क्व ते वपुः सौकुमार्यं तस्मात्त्वं तिष्ठ वेश्मनि॥८१॥
“How different is that vast wilderness with ground thick with sharp grass from the delicacy of your body! Therefore remain in the palace.
Passage 82
त्वं भीरुः पद्मपत्राक्षि स्वभावादेव भामिनि। क्व तद्वनं भयकरं सिंहव्याघ्रादिभिर्वृतम्॥८२॥
“Lotus-eyed beauty, you are naturally timid, while that frightening forest is filled with lions, tigers, and other beasts.
Passage 83
श्वश्रूं परिचरन्तीह तस्मात्त्वं तिष्ठ वेश्मनि। किं नो वक्ष्यन्ति राजानो येषामन्तःपुरे स्थिताः॥८३॥
“Remain in the palace and serve your mothers-in-law. What will other kings say of us, when the women in their inner apartments—
Passage 84
दाराः सौख्यानि दधते पश्यन्ति न दिवाकरम्। वयं तु पुरुषा वीराः सर्वं कर्तुं क्षमा भुवि॥८४॥
“—enjoy every comfort and do not even see the sun? We men are warriors and can endure everything upon earth.
Passage 85
स्वभावादेव कठिनाः किमस्माननुवर्तसे। स्त्रीधर्ममनुवर्तन्ती तस्मात्त्वं तिष्ठ वेश्मनि॥८५॥
“We are hard by nature; why follow us? Follow the duty proper to women and remain in the palace.
Passage 86
कुर्वन्तो मृगयावृत्तिं क्षत्रिया वनगोचराः। स्वैरं भ्रमन्ति वैदेहि न स्त्रियोऽनुव्रजन्ति तान्॥८६॥
“Kṣatriyas wander freely through forests in pursuit of the hunt, Vaidehī; their wives do not follow them.
Passage 87
स्त्रीष्वेव नियतं वासः स्त्रीणामिति मतिर्मम। कुटुम्बमनुवर्तन्ती तस्मात्त्वं तिष्ठ वेश्मनि॥८७॥
“I believe a woman should remain among the women. Attend to the household and therefore stay in the palace.
Passage 88
क्व तद्व्रतं सुविषमं मुनीनां वनवासिनाम्। कन्दमूलफलाहारं क्व च तेनापि वर्जितम्॥८८॥
“How could you bear the extremely difficult discipline of forest-dwelling sages, subsisting on roots and fruits and sometimes deprived even of those?
Passage 89
क्व च त्वं पद्मपत्राक्षि शिरीषमृदुविग्रहा। राजहंसगतिस्तन्वी तस्मात्त्वं तिष्ठ वेश्मनि॥८९॥
“Lotus-eyed one, where is that life and where are you—slender, soft as a śirīṣa blossom, and moving like a royal swan? Therefore remain in the palace.
Passage 90
मृगान् समनुधावन्तं बद्धतूणं धनुर्धरम्। ग्रीष्मातपे पर्यटन्तं श्राम्यन्तं शरकर्मणा॥९०॥
“As I carry bow and quiver, pursue game, wander beneath the summer sun, and grow weary from the work of arrows—
Passage 91
कठिनं बद्धनिस्त्रिंशं कथं मामनुवर्त्स्यसि। शिरीषादपि मृद्वङ्गी तस्मात्त्वं तिष्ठ वेश्मनि॥९१॥
“—how will you, softer even than a śirīṣa blossom, follow me, hardened and girded with a sword? Therefore remain in the palace.
Passage 92
वचःकरी सदा पत्युर्बन्धुचित्तानुरञ्जिनी। श्वश्रूं परिचरन्ती या सा वधूः कुलदीपिनी॥९२॥
“A bride who always obeys her husband, delights the hearts of his relatives, and serves her mother-in-law is the lamp of her family.
Passage 93
आत्मानं स्त्रियमाज्ञाय तस्मात्त्वं तिष्ठ वेश्मनि। इत्युक्ता प्राणनाथेन रामेण जनकात्मजा॥९३॥
“Recognize the life appointed to a woman and therefore remain in the palace.” Thus was Janaka’s daughter addressed by Rāma, the lord of her life. Sītā Chooses the Forest
Passage 94
अन्तर्विषादमलिनाननचन्द्रकान्ति- र्निःश्वासधूममलिनीकृतनास्यभूषा। अत्याकुला भृशमसह्यवियोगताप- सम्भावनाकृशतनुर्निजगाद सीता॥९४॥
The moonlight of Sītā’s face was dimmed by inward grief and her adornments darkened by the smoke of her sighs. Greatly agitated, her body already made frail by imagining the unbearable fire of separation, she spoke.
Passage 95
सीतोवाच— पत्यौ वने विप्रवसत्यङ्गीकृतमुनिव्रते। स्वयं तिष्ठन्ति भवने ता अन्या एव योषितः॥९५॥
Sītā said: “Women who remain at home while their husband dwells in the forest under a sage’s vow are women other than I.
Passage 96
पत्यौ वल्कलचीरादिवनवासोचितव्रते। स्वयं विभ्रति चीराणि ता अन्या एव योषितः॥९६॥
“Women who wear fine garments while their husband observes the forest vow in bark and ragged cloth are women other than I.
Passage 97
पत्यौ वनं पर्यटति दर्भगर्भावनिस्थलम्। स्वयं वसन्ति सौधेषु ता अन्या एव योषितः॥९७॥
“Women who live in mansions while their husband wanders forest ground filled with sharp grass are women other than I.
Passage 98
पत्यौ शिलामधिष्ठाय वीतनिद्रे विवर्तनैः। उज्जागरपरे रात्रिमतिवाहयति क्षपाः॥९८॥
“While their sleepless husband lies upon stone, turning from side to side and passing his nights awake—
Passage 99
स्वयं तल्पानधिष्ठाय पद्मपत्रसुकोमलान्। स्वपन्ति निद्रया स्वस्थास्ता अन्या एव योषितः॥९९॥
“—women who sleep peacefully on beds soft as lotus petals are women other than I.
Passage 100
पत्यौ मार्गाटनश्रान्ते ताम्यति ग्रीष्मभानुना। छायामध्यास्य तिष्ठन्ति ता अन्या एव योषितः॥१००॥
“Women who sit in shade while their husband, exhausted from the road, suffers beneath the summer sun are women other than I.
Passage 101
पत्यौ भृशं परिक्लिष्टे मृद्यमाने महापदा। स्वयं च भुञ्जते भोगान् ता अन्या एव योषितः॥१०१॥
“Women who enjoy pleasures while their husband is sorely afflicted and oppressed by great adversity are women other than I.
Passage 102
पत्यौ वनेषु दुर्जीवक्रूरशब्दान् विशृण्वति। स्वयं वीणाध्वनिरतास्ता अन्या एव योषितः॥१०२॥
“Women who delight in the sound of the vīṇā while their husband hears the frightful cries of savage forest creatures are women other than I.
Passage 103
अहं वैदेहराजस्य तनया युक्तचेतसः। समानसुखदुःखस्य तुल्यनिन्दास्तुतेर्मुनेः॥१०३॥
“I am the daughter of the self-possessed King of Videha, a sage equal in pleasure and pain and the same in blame and praise.
Passage 104
ममापि तादृशी वृत्तिः पत्युरेवानुरोधतः। भोगं दधामि नियतं न तु स्वार्थाय कर्हिचित्॥१०४॥
“My own conduct follows his example and is wholly aligned with my husband. I accept comfort only as part of that duty, never for selfish enjoyment.
Passage 105
किं मे गृहेण किं सौख्यैः किं धनेन च बन्धुभिः। यस्मै प्रियं तत्सकलं सद्यः व्रजति काननम्॥१०५॥
“What use have I for home, comfort, wealth, or relatives when the one for whose sake they are dear is now going to the forest?
Passage 106
किं मयात्रामिव स्थेयं भीषणेन विरोधिना। सर्वथैवाभिगन्तव्यं सार्थ एव न संशयः॥१०६॥
“Why should I remain here like one separated from her caravan and surrounded by danger? Without doubt, I must go with my true companion.
Passage 107
लौकिकैर्वैदिकैश्चापि विधिभिर्यत्करे कृता। तस्य सार्धं वनं यान्त्याः शोभा मे किमतः परम्॥१०७॥
“The worldly and Vedic rites placed my hand in his. What greater glory could I have than going to the forest beside him?
Passage 108
द्रक्ष्यामि भूरितपसस्त्यक्तलोकसुखादरान्। मुनीनां योगिनां दारान् पर्यटन्ती शुभाश्रमान्॥१०८॥
“As I travel among auspicious hermitages, I shall behold the wives of sages and yogins, rich in austerity and indifferent to worldly pleasure.
Passage 109
द्रक्ष्यामि पुण्यतीर्थानि स्नान्ती पुण्यतमाः स्थलीः। प्राणप्रियेण संयुक्ता सुखं मे किमतः परम्॥१०९॥
“I shall see holy fords and bathe at the most sacred places. United with the beloved of my life, what greater happiness could I possess?
Passage 110
तपस्तेषु मनोज्ञेषु स्थानेषु पतिसङ्गता। स्थास्यामि रक्ष्यमाणा च देवरेण मनीषिणा॥११०॥
“Together with my husband I shall practice austerity in those enchanting places, protected also by my wise brother-in-law.
Passage 111
पर्णशालाः शुभास्तास्तास्तरुपल्लवनिर्मिताः। काननेष्वाश्रयनिष्ठन्ती न स्मरिष्यामि मन्दिरम्॥१११॥
“Dwelling in lovely leaf-huts made from the tender shoots of trees, I shall not even remember the palace.
Passage 112
इति निश्चित्य मनसा वनं गन्तुं समुत्सहे। अतो मे प्रियकृत्कश्चिन्निरोधं करोत्वतः॥११२॥
“Having firmly resolved this in my heart, I am eager to go to the forest. Therefore let no one who wishes me well prevent me.” Urmilā’s Choice and Sītā’s Counsel
Passage 113
इत्युक्त्वा निश्चिता तूष्णीं वर्तमाना विदेहजा। उर्मिलानुजगादोच्चैः पतिमौजस्त्रिलोक्यतम्॥११३॥
After speaking, Videha’s daughter stood silent and resolute. Urmilā then spoke aloud to her husband, whose power was renowned through the three worlds.
Passage 114
उर्मिलोवाच— सत्यं वदसि मज्ज्येष्ठभगिनि त्वं सदेदृशी। पातिव्रत्यं तवातुल्यं विदितं धरणीतले॥११४॥
Urmilā said: “My elder sister, you speak the truth and have always been so. Your unequaled devotion to your husband is known throughout the earth.
Passage 115
पत्युः सुखं तथा दुःखं या नित्यमनुवर्तते। सैव सत्कुलजा योषित् पूज्यते देवतैरपि॥११५॥
“A woman of noble family who always shares both her husband’s happiness and his pain is honored even by the gods.
Passage 116
यथा त्वया मतं साध्वि ममापि मतमीदृशम्। आवां सहैव वत्स्यावो वनेषु पतिसार्थगे॥११६॥
“Good sister, my resolve is the same as yours. We two shall dwell together in the forest, each accompanying her husband.
Passage 117
तत्रैव नियतो भोगस्तत्रैव च सुखं महत्। तत्रैव सुहृदः सर्वे गृहं तत्रैव भाविनि॥११७॥
“There alone will be our proper enjoyment and our greatest happiness. There will be all our friends; there alone will be home.
Passage 118
तत्रैव भूतयः सर्वास्तत्रैवाप्ताश्च बान्धवाः। तत्रैव दास्यो दासाश्च सख्यश्चाज्ञावशस्थिताः॥११८॥
“There will be every prosperity, trusted relatives, servants and attendants, and companions obedient to our wishes.
Passage 119
यत्रैव प्राणनाथेन सङ्गः स्यात्सकलेष्टदः। विना च तेन भगिनि शून्यमेवाखिलं जगत्॥११९॥
“Wherever one is united with the lord of one’s life, every desire is fulfilled. Without him, sister, the entire world is empty.
Passage 120
अतः प्रकाशरहिते सर्वमङ्गलवर्जिते। गृहे न स्थेयमावाभ्यां स्वयं वदति चेद् विधिः॥१२०॥
“Therefore we should not remain in a home without light and bereft of every blessing, even if destiny itself orders us to do so.”
Passage 121
इत्युक्त्वानुगता सीतामुर्मिलाप्यन्वसज्जत। तां लक्ष्मणो महावीर आत्मनो धर्मचारिणीम्॥१२१॥
Having said this, Urmilā joined Sītā and prepared to follow. But mighty Lakṣmaṇa saw his wife, the partner of his dharma—
Passage 122
भ्रूसंज्ञयैव सहसा पर्यषेधन्महाव्रतः। सा पत्या प्रतिषिद्धान्तरतप्यत भृशं सती॥१२२॥
—and the great observer of vows stopped her at once with only a gesture of his brow. Forbidden by her husband, the faithful woman burned inwardly with pain.
Passage 123
ततस्तां दुःखितात्मानं दीनां प्रियवचःकरीम्। उवाच सान्त्वनगिरा सीता शीतांशुहासिनी॥१२३॥
Moon-smiling Sītā then spoke consoling words to the miserable and downcast Urmilā, who always honored her beloved’s word.
Passage 124
यथाज्ञापयते साध्वि पतिस्ते विदितव्रतः। तदेव कर्तुं योग्यासि स्त्रियो हि पतिदेवताः॥१२४॥
“Good sister, do exactly as your husband, whose vows are well known, commands. For a wife, her husband is her deity.
Passage 125
मया त्ववश्यं गन्तव्यं पत्या साकं वनं प्रति। राज्याभिषेके विघ्नोऽस्य मया साकमभूद्यतः॥१२५॥
“I, however, must go to the forest with my husband, because the obstruction to his consecration arose together with my own loss.
Passage 126
अहमेवाभविष्यं च महिषी राज्यसम्पदि। अहमेव भविष्यामि वनेऽपि सहचारिणी॥१२६॥
“I alone would have been his queen amid royal prosperity, and I alone shall be his companion in the forest.
Passage 127
पत्या सह स्त्री नियतं भाजनं सुखदुःखयोः। मा विषीदोर्मिले नित्यं श्वश्रूं परिचरिष्यसि॥१२७॥
“A wife invariably shares her husband’s pleasure and pain. Do not despair, Urmilā; you will continually serve our mothers-in-law.
Passage 128
माण्डव्या श्रुतिकीर्त्या च सार्धं धर्मपरायणा। गुरुदेवार्चनरता कालं कञ्चिन्नयिष्यसि॥१२८॥
“Devoted to dharma, you will pass this span of time with Māṇḍavī and Śrutakīrti, intent upon serving our elders and the gods.”
Passage 129
इत्युक्ता सा भवत्तूष्णीं पातिव्रत्यपरायणा। गन्तुं कृतमतिः सीता प्रियस्य निहितेक्षणा॥१२९॥
Thus addressed, Urmilā fell silent, devoted to fidelity. Sītā remained resolved to depart, her gaze fixed upon her beloved. Farewell to the Mothers
Passage 130
ब्रह्मोवाच— अथ मातरमानम्य पादयो रामलक्ष्मणौ। सुमित्रां भृशमापृच्छ्य भक्तियुक्तौ प्रणेमतुः॥१३०॥
Brahmā said: Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa bowed at their mother’s feet and, taking an affectionate leave of Sumitrā, reverently prostrated before her.
Passage 131
तयोरनु ततः सीता श्वश्र्वाः पादप्रणामिनी। उवाच वचनं सौम्या निमिवंशाब्धिचन्द्रिका॥१३१॥
Sītā followed them and bowed at her mother-in-law’s feet. The gentle moon of the ocean-like Nimi dynasty then spoke.
Passage 132
अनुजानीहि मां श्वश्रूः पत्या निविशतीं वनम्। शुभवत्या त्वया स्थेयं न मनश्चिन्ता विधीयताम्॥१३२॥
“Mother, permit me to dwell in the forest with my husband. Remain here in blessedness and do not give your mind to anxiety.
Passage 133
कष्टं ते समनुप्राप्तं सुखकालेऽपि भाविनि। यत्ते प्रियसुहृत्पुत्रो वियोगं समुपेष्यति॥१३३॥
“Good mother, hardship has reached you at the very hour of happiness because your dearly beloved son is about to be separated from you.
Passage 134
कैकेय्या दुश्चरित्रेण सर्वं व्याकुलितं जगत्। नागीव रसना चास्या उद्ववाम वचोविषम्॥१३४॥
“Kaikeyī’s evil conduct has thrown the whole world into turmoil. Like a female serpent, her tongue has vomited the poison of these words.
Passage 135
तत्किं नु कं प्रति जनं प्रतिवाच्यमद्धा दैवं हि साधु फलति ध्रुवमप्यसाधु। नो चेदिमौ दशरथस्य सुतौ प्रियौ च प्रेष्ठौ कथं नु वनवासविधिं लभेताम्॥१३५॥
“Yet whom can one truly blame? Providence brings both good and evil fruit. If it were not so, how could these two dearest sons of Daśaratha have received the decree of forest exile?
Passage 136
सन्ततं नाम्ब कुर्वीथाश्चिन्ता जर्जरितं मनः। चिन्ता हि ग्रसते प्राणान् जीवन्ती द्रक्ष्यसे सुखम्॥१३६॥
“Mother, do not continually let anxiety wear down your mind. Anxiety consumes life itself; by remaining alive you will again behold happiness.
Passage 137
गता राजेन्द्रपुत्री सा घोरं वनमिति स्मृतिम्। विधाय मनसः खेदं न कुर्यास्त्वं चिराय च॥१३७॥
“Do not long distress your mind by repeatedly thinking, ‘The princess has gone to the dreadful forest.’
Passage 138
रामभक्तं च भरतं नान्यथा द्रष्टुमर्हसि। स वै वीरो महाबाहुर्विनयी प्रश्रयानतः॥१३८॥
“Do not judge Bharata, who is devoted to Rāma, otherwise. That long-armed hero is disciplined, humble, and reverent.
Passage 139
दयावान् सत्यसन्धश्च महोदारो महाधनः। नासौ दुष्यति धर्मात्मा कैकेय्याः क्रूरकर्मणा॥१३९॥
“Compassionate, true to his word, immensely noble, and rich in virtue, that righteous man is not tainted by Kaikeyī’s cruel deed.”
Passage 140
इत्युक्त्वा बाष्पपूर्णाक्षी श्वश्र्वा अङ्घ्री पुनः पुनः। बाष्पैः प्रक्षालयाञ्चक्रे तस्याः स्नेहेन मोहिता॥१४०॥
Having spoken, Sītā’s eyes filled with tears. Overcome by affection, she again and again bathed her mother-in-law’s feet with those tears.
Passage 141
पुनरूचे समुत्थाय श्रीमती जनकात्मजा। मोहेन वा प्रमादेन बाल्या चाविनीतया॥१४१॥
Glorious Janaka’s daughter rose and continued, “Whether through confusion, carelessness, childishness, or lack of discipline—
Passage 142
अपराद्धं मया किञ्चित् कदाचिद् यदि भाविनि। तत् क्षन्तुमर्हसि हृदा त्वं सदा करुणावती॥१४२॥
“—if I have ever offended you in any way, good mother, please forgive it from your heart, for you are always compassionate.
Passage 143
वनेऽपि निवसन्त्या मे कृपया तव सुव्रते। भविष्यति सुखं नित्यं सुभगाभ्यां निरन्तरम्॥१४३॥
“Good mother, by your grace I shall live happily even in the forest, continually accompanied by these two blessed men.
Passage 144
आभ्यां संरक्ष्यमाणायाः किं मे कष्टं वने भवेत्। गृहं शून्यतमं भाति विनाभ्यां भूरिकण्टकम्॥१४४॥
“Protected by them, what hardship could the forest hold for me? Without them, the palace appears utterly empty and filled with countless thorns.
Passage 145
कैकेयी कुरुतां राज्यं तत्सुतो भरतोऽपि वा। वयं वने निवत्स्यामो नाभ्यसूयात्र चेतसः॥१४५॥
“Let Kaikeyī rule, or let her son Bharata do so. We shall dwell in the forest without the least resentment in our hearts.” Kauśalyā’s Final Grief
Passage 146
इत्युक्ता सीतया देव्या प्रवत्स्यन्त्या वनं प्रति। शोकसागरनिर्मग्ना कौसल्या पुनरब्रवीत्॥१४६॥
Thus addressed by divine Sītā as she prepared to depart for the forest, Kauśalyā, submerged in an ocean of sorrow, spoke again.
Passage 147
हा हतास्मि चिरं सीते कैकेय्या वचसा भृशम्। या मां वियोजयामास पुत्रेण त्वयापि च॥१४७॥
“Alas, Sītā, Kaikeyī’s words have utterly destroyed me. She has separated me from my son and from you as well.
Passage 148
रामः सर्वगुणारामः सर्वशास्त्रार्थवित्तमः। सर्वलोकानुरागैकभाजनं यशसां निधिः॥१४८॥
“Rāma is the abode of every virtue, the finest knower of the meaning of all scriptures, the unique object of every being’s love, and a treasury of fame.
Passage 149
अनसूयापरो नित्यं धर्मात्मा सर्वसम्मतः। प्राणाधिकश्च सर्वेषां कैकेय्या नैव सह्यते॥१४९॥
“Always free of envy, righteous, approved by all, and dearer to everyone than life itself—yet Kaikeyī cannot bear him.
Passage 150
अपराद्धं किं नु तस्यास्तादृक् पिशुनकर्मणः। रामेण मम पुत्रेण निर्विशेषधियाच्युते॥१५०॥
“What offense could my son Rāma possibly have committed against that woman of such malicious deeds, when his unwavering mind makes no distinctions?
Passage 151
सर्वलोकानुरक्तेन सर्वप्राणप्रियेण च। न यद्यपि विशेषोऽस्य वने वा गृह एव वा॥१५१॥
“He is loved by all and dear to every living being. For him there is truly no difference between forest and home.
Passage 152
अहं तु दीर्घशोकार्ता मरिष्ये त्वदृशां विना। वियुक्ता निजवत्सेन गौरिव बलेन पीडिता॥१५२॥
“But I, afflicted by prolonged grief, shall die without the sight of you, separated from my own child like a cow violently robbed of her calf.
Passage 153
नूनं कैकेयि ते नष्टः परलोकः कुकर्मणा। इह चाकीर्तिसन्दोहमलिना त्वं बभूव ह॥१५३॥
“Kaikeyī, your evil deed has surely destroyed your future world, while here you have become stained by a mass of infamy.
Passage 154
रघूणां त्वं कुलवधूर्जननी भरतस्य च। कैकेयि कथमेवासि प्राप्ता दुर्बुद्धिमीदृशीम्॥१५४॥
“You are a bride of Raghu’s lineage and Bharata’s mother. Kaikeyī, how did you come to possess such wicked judgment?
Passage 155
भवत्यापकृतं नूनमिदमेव न केवलम्। सर्वेषामेव लोकानां त्वया ननु हृतं सुखम्॥१५५॥
“This wrong has surely not been done to me alone; you have stolen the happiness of every person in the world.
Passage 156
विलपन्त्यसकृत् पौराः सस्त्रीपुत्रकुटुम्बकाः। येषां प्राणप्रियो रामस्त्वया सम्प्रेषितो वनम्॥१५६॥
“The citizens, together with their wives, children, and households, lament again and again, for you have sent Rāma, dearer than their lives, to the forest.
Passage 157
सौजन्यं रामचन्द्रस्य गायन्ति भुवनत्रये। तत्रैवाकीर्तिसन्दोहं तव कैकेयि निर्भरम्॥१५७॥
“Throughout the three worlds they sing of Rāmacandra’s goodness and, in the same breath, of the overwhelming infamy you have gathered, Kaikeyī.
Passage 158
विनापराधं कैकेयि दण्डयन्त्याः सुदारुणम्। विना वैरं च सुजनं जिघांसन्त्या भृशं तव॥१५८॥
“You punish him terribly though he is without offense, Kaikeyī, and seek to destroy a good man although there is no enmity between you.
Passage 159
स्वभाव एव दृष्टोऽयं दुश्चरित्रोपबृंहितः। मातुः स्तनं प्रपिबतो वत्सानाच्छिद्य रुन्धसि॥१५९॥
“Your nature, strengthened by evil conduct, is now plain: you tear calves away and prevent them from drinking at their mother’s breast.
Passage 160
स्वैरं तृणं भक्षयन्तीं गां च भूयोऽनुकर्षसि। दौरजन्यमेकतश्चास्तां त्वया पापं न गण्यते॥१६०॥
“You drag away even the cow grazing harmlessly on grass. Leave cruelty aside— you do not count any action as sinful.”
Passage 161
इत्याद्यनेकमाक्रोश्य कौसल्या दीनमानसा। अरोदीत् करुणं भूयो वीक्षमाणा सुताननम्॥१६१॥
After denouncing Kaikeyī in these and many other ways, broken-hearted Kauśalyā again wept piteously as she looked upon her son’s face.
Passage 162
तामाह राम आश्वास्य लक्ष्मणश्च महामनाः। मा रोदीः करुणं मातर्मा च भर्त्सय कैकेयीम्॥१६२॥
Rāma and noble-minded Lakṣmaṇa reassured her: “Mother, do not weep so piteously, and do not condemn Kaikeyī.
Passage 163
मा च शोकातुरं चित्तं कुरुष्वार्थेन भाविना। दैवमेवाश्रय तरां धीरा भव महाशये॥१६३॥
“Do not torment your heart with sorrow over what must occur. Take firm refuge in providence and be steadfast, noble lady.”
Passage 164
इत्यावेद्य विनिर्यातो राजाज्ञामनुयाचितुम्। रामो लक्ष्मणमाहेदं भृशं मुदितमानसः॥१६४॥
Having said this, Rāma departed to seek the king’s permission and, his heart greatly joyful, spoke to Lakṣmaṇa. Rāma Takes Leave of Daśaratha
Passage 165
श्रीराम उवाच— अनुजानीहि मां तात गच्छामि मुदितो वनम्। भवान् सत्यवचा भूप कैकेयी सुखमृच्छतु॥१६५॥
Śrī Rāma said: “Father, permit me to go happily to the forest. Let Your Majesty remain true to his word, and let Kaikeyī obtain happiness.
Passage 166
गृहं वनं च मे तुल्यमप्रमादेन वस्तुतः। त्रिवर्गपालने तुल्ये प्रीये धर्मेण केवलम्॥१६६॥
“In truth, home and forest are alike to me when one lives without negligence. Both can preserve life’s three aims; I cherish only dharma.
Passage 167
नीतिरेव मनस्तुष्ट्यै न राज्यवहनादरः। स्वभावसिद्धमेतन्मे न यशांसि न वा गुणाः॥१६७॥
“Right conduct alone satisfies my mind, not attachment to bearing the burden of kingship. This is simply my nature, not a claim to fame or virtue.
Passage 168
मा विषीद ततश्चित्ते भरते राज्यमर्पय। नीतिमान् स हि धर्मज्ञः प्रजापालनयत्नवान्॥१६८॥
“Therefore do not grieve in your heart. Entrust the kingdom to Bharata; he is upright, knows dharma, and diligently protects the people.
Passage 169
निर्दोषगुणसन्दोहसंश्रयः शास्त्रवित्तमः। प्रजानां रञ्जनश्चैव सर्वेषां दुःखनाशकः॥१६९॥
“He is a faultless abode of virtues, an excellent knower of scripture, a source of delight to his subjects, and a remover of everyone’s suffering.
Passage 170
ममापि प्रेमविषयः प्राणादप्यधिकश्च मे। न स्वात्मभोगाय गृही धर्मायैव च संयतः॥१७०॥
“He is also the object of my love and dearer to me than life. He maintains a household not for personal enjoyment but solely in disciplined service to dharma.
Passage 171
स पालयिष्यति भुवं प्रकृती रञ्जयिष्यति। पालयिष्यति वै राज्यं धर्मायैव न भुक्तये। इत्यालप्य स्थिते रामे भक्तिसन्नतकन्धरे॥१७१॥
“He will protect the earth and delight its people. He will govern the kingdom for dharma, not for enjoyment.” When Rāma had spoken and stood with his neck bent in devotion—
Passage 172
उवाच राजा दीनात्मा रामविश्लेषकातरः। प्रभूतप्रेमसञ्जातकण्ठगद्गदिताक्षरः॥१७२॥
—the miserable king, terrified of separation from Rāma, spoke in syllables choked in his throat by the force of love.
Passage 173
राजोवाच— धिङ्मां दुर्दैवनिहतं सन्दृढदुरिताङ्कुरम्। कैकेय्या दुष्टतमया वार्धके लघुतां गतम्॥१७३॥
The king said: “Shame upon me, struck down by evil fortune, the seeds of my sin now firmly rooted, and brought low in old age by utterly wicked Kaikeyī.
Passage 174
मलीमसानि पापेन पलितानि कृतानि मे। ईदृग्दशां दृशा द्रष्टुं विधिना जीवितः किमु॥१७४॥
“My gray hairs have been stained by sin. Why has fate kept me alive to behold such a condition with my own eyes?
Passage 175
कथं न्वहं सहिष्यामि विरहं तव सम्प्रति। नूनं श्रोष्यसि मां वत्स धर्मराजपुरातिथिम्॥१७५॥
“How can I now endure separation from you? My child, surely you will soon hear that I have become a guest in the city of the lord of death.
Passage 176
त्वादृशं नीतिभवनं सर्वभूतिनिकेतनम्। नयनानन्ददं पुत्रं रघुवंशयशोनिधिम्॥१७६॥
“A son like you is the abode of right conduct and every prosperity, the joy of my eyes and the treasury of Raghu’s fame.
Passage 177
प्रवास्य घोरं विपिनमपराधविवर्जितम्। नूनं नरकवासस्य गमिष्याम्यधिकारिताम्॥१७७॥
“By banishing such an innocent son to the dreadful forest, I shall surely earn the right to dwell in hell.
Passage 178
बोध्यमानापि कैकेयी वचो न मम मन्यते। दुर्दैवेनाभिपन्नस्य जाया मे दुर्मतिं गता॥१७८॥
“Though repeatedly reasoned with, Kaikeyī does not heed my words. Assailed by evil fortune, my wife has fallen into wicked judgment.
Passage 179
प्रतिकूले विधौ सर्वं प्रतिकूलं बभूव मे। भुक्त्वा सुखानि भूरीणि परिणामेऽस्मि दुःखितः॥१७९॥
“When fate turned against me, everything became adverse. After enjoying abundant happiness, I am miserable at the end.
Passage 180
राजीवलोचनं स्निग्धं त्वादृशं प्राणसम्मितम्। अपश्यतः सुतं शूरं धर्मिष्ठं दानकोविदम्॥१८०॥
“When I no longer see my lotus-eyed, gentle son—dear as life, heroic, righteous, and skilled in generosity—
Passage 181
महाघोरेण तमसा दृशौ मे परिनङ्क्ष्यतः। द्रक्ष्यामि लग्नदावाग्निदीप्यमाना दिशो दश॥१८१॥
“—my eyes will perish in dreadful darkness and I shall see the ten directions blazing as though caught in a forest fire.
Passage 182
हा वत्स मां परित्यज्य वनं गन्तुं सुसंयतः। इदानीं मे दृशौ दग्धे त्वद्वियोगादरिन्दम॥१८२॥
“Alas, my child, you are firmly resolved to abandon me and go to the forest. Subduer of enemies, my eyes are already burned by separation from you.
Passage 183
कदा नु मन्मनस्तुष्ट्यै भविता तव दर्शनम्। अथवा मृत एवाहं क्व नु ते दर्शनं विभो॥१८३॥
“When will the sight of you again satisfy my heart? Or shall I already be dead? Where then could I behold you, mighty one?”
Passage 184
इति मुह्यन्तमाज्ञाय पितरं रघुवंशजम्। दर्शयामास परमं स्वं धाम जगदीश्वरः॥१८४॥
Knowing that his father, descendant of Raghu, was overcome in this way, the Lord of the universe revealed to him his own supreme abode.
Passage 185
ददौ दिव्यां दृशं तस्मै गुणसङ्गविवर्जिताम्। रामस्य परमं धाम यया पश्यन्ति सूरयः॥१८५॥
He granted Daśaratha divine sight, free from attachment to the qualities of matter, by which the wise behold Rāma’s supreme realm. Daśaratha Beholds the Eternal Ayodhyā
Passage 186
राजोवाच— ततः स परमया भक्त्या प्रमोदविपिनं तु वै। अपश्यत् सर्वतो व्याप्तं सत्यं ज्ञानमनन्तकम्॥१८६॥
The king said: Then, through supreme devotion, he beheld the Pramoda forest, all-pervading, real, conscious, and infinite.
Passage 187
तत्रायोध्यापुरीं दिव्यां दिव्यकाञ्चनभूमिगाम्। रत्नप्राकारमध्यस्थां कल्पद्रुमवनावृताम्॥१८७॥
There he saw divine Ayodhyā upon celestial golden ground, enclosed by jeweled ramparts and surrounded by groves of wish-fulfilling trees.
Passage 188
प्रेमामृतप्रवाहाढ्यसरयूतीरसंश्रिताम्। परमानन्दसन्दोहमयीं कौतूहलान्विताम्॥१८८॥
It rested upon the Sarayū’s bank, rich with streams of love’s nectar, formed of massed supreme bliss, and filled with ever-fresh wonder.
Passage 189
दिव्यपार्षदसन्दोहसङ्कुलां सुमहोत्सवाम्। मणिस्तम्भशताकीर्णं तत्र प्रासादमुत्तमम्॥१८९॥
It thronged with hosts of divine companions and celebrated an eternal great festival. There stood an excellent palace filled with hundreds of jeweled pillars.
Passage 190
दिव्यसिंहासनासीनमपश्यत् परमोत्सवम्। आत्मानं परमानन्दं सर्वमङ्गलभाजनम्॥१९०॥
Seated upon a divine throne, he saw himself in the highest festivity—an embodiment of supreme bliss and a vessel of every blessing.
Passage 191
आत्मनः परितः पुत्रांश्चतुरो विश्वसुन्दरान्। रामादीन् विश्वरमणान् रमाकामितविग्रहान्॥१९१॥
Around himself he saw his four world-enchanting sons beginning with Rāma, forms desired even by the goddess of fortune and beautiful to the universe.
Passage 192
रामसत्तापरिव्याप्तं सर्वं च समपश्यत। न तत्र कालगमनं न च मायाप्रवेशनम्॥१९२॥
He perceived everything pervaded by Rāma’s very being. Time did not pass there, nor could māyā enter.
Passage 193
कुतस्तद्गुणसम्बन्धस्तत्र सम्भावितो भवेत्। अनुभूय परानन्दं स तस्मादुदतिष्ठत॥१९३॥
How then could any relation to māyā’s qualities even be imagined there? Having experienced supreme bliss, the king arose from that vision.
Passage 194
दृष्ट्वा पुरोगतं रामं प्रवत्स्यन्तं वनं प्रति। समवोचद् दशरथो राजा विस्मितमानसः॥१९४॥
Seeing Rāma before him, about to depart for the forest, King Daśaratha spoke with a heart filled with wonder.
Passage 195
जानामि रघुशार्दूल त्वामहं परमेश्वरम्। सर्वहेतुं सर्वरूपं स्वतन्त्रं सर्ववस्तुषु॥१९५॥
“Tiger among the Raghus, I know you to be the Supreme Lord: the cause of all, present in every form, and independent within all things.
Passage 196
तवैव माया विश्वात्मन् यया मोहयसे जगत्। यथेच्छसि तथा लीलां विस्तारयसि सन्ततम्॥१९६॥
“Cosmic Self, this is your own māyā by which you bewilder the world. You continually unfold your play exactly as you desire.
Passage 197
न ते रूपं विजानन्ति तत्त्वतो विश्वदेवत। विश्वेशशिवविरिञ्च्याद्या मुनयो नारदादयः॥१९७॥
“God of the universe, not even Viśveśa, Śiva, Brahmā, Nārada, and the other sages truly know your form.
Passage 198
नाहं तत्त्वं ततो ज्ञातुं प्रभवाम्यखिलेश्वर। समक्षं यत् प्रपश्यामि तद्विजानामि वासव॥१९८॥
“Lord of all, I am therefore unable to know your reality. I know only what you allow me to behold directly before me.
Passage 199
सामान्यतस्त्वां जानामि परब्रह्मस्वरूपतः। न शक्नोमि विशेषेण निर्देष्टुं महसां निधे॥१९९॥
“In a general way I know you as the form of the Supreme Brahman, but, treasury of splendor, I cannot define you in any particular manner.
Passage 200
तथापि खलु मुह्यामि पुत्रभावनयाप्लुतः। वात्सल्योपहता बुद्धिर्न त्वां स्पृशति तत्त्वतः॥२००॥
“Even so, flooded by the feeling that you are my son, I remain bewildered. My understanding, overwhelmed by parental love, cannot reach you as you truly are.
Passage 201
निर्दह्येऽहं वियोगेन विपिनं ते प्रवत्स्यतः। न च शक्नोम्यहं कर्तुं यथेच्छसि तथा कुरु॥२०१॥
“I am scorched by separation as you prepare to leave for the forest, yet I can do nothing. Act exactly as you desire.” Lakṣmaṇa Follows and the Chariot Is Ordered
Passage 202
ब्रह्मोवाच— ततः स भगवान् रामः पादयोर्न्यपतत् पितुः। उत्थाय संस्थितस्तावल्लक्ष्मणो वाक्यमब्रवीत्॥२०२॥
Brahmā said: Lord Rāma then fell at his father’s feet. When he had risen and stood again, Lakṣmaṇa spoke.
Passage 203
यत्रैव रामो नृपते तत्रैवाहं न संशयः। अनुजानीहि तस्मात्त्वं सह रामेण मामपि॥२०३॥
“Your Majesty, wherever Rāma is, there without doubt am I. Therefore permit me also to go with Rāma.
Passage 204
वनाय गन्तुमद्याहं संयतोऽस्मि मुदान्वितः। इत्युक्त्वा संस्थितं राजा लक्ष्मणं वाक्यमब्रवीत्॥२०४॥
“Today I am fully resolved and joyful to depart for the forest.” When Lakṣmaṇa had spoken and stood before him, the king replied.
Passage 205
राजोवाच— कथं लक्ष्मण मामद्य दुरदृष्टवशानुगम्। कैकेयीवाक्यनिर्दग्धं त्यक्तुमिच्छसि सुव्रत॥२०५॥
The king said: “Lakṣmaṇa, good son, how can you wish to abandon me today, subject to cruel fate and burned by Kaikeyī’s words?
Passage 206
पुरैव मातुलागारं प्रेषितौ तौ कुमारकौ। युवां प्रवसतोरद्य दह्येते नयने मम॥२०६॥
“Those other two princes were already sent to their maternal uncle’s home. Now, when you both leave, my eyes are burning.
Passage 207
कं वत्स पुत्र मामेहीत्युक्त्वा यास्यामि निर्वृतिम्। जानामि दुर्नयं मामद्य को नु शिष्टो न सन्त्यजेत्॥२०७॥
“Whom, my child, shall I call, ‘Son, come to me,’ and so find peace? I know how wrongly I have acted today; what honorable person would not abandon me?
Passage 208
रामेणाद्य विनिर्मुक्तः पापोऽहं विधिना कृतः। यन्मां विहाय त्वमपि वत्स गच्छसि लक्ष्मण॥२०८॥
“Fate has made me a sinner, forsaken today by Rāma, since you too are leaving me, my child Lakṣmaṇa.”
Passage 209
इत्युक्त्वा व्यरुदद् भूयो मुक्तास्थूलाश्रुबिन्दुभिः। ततः प्रणम्य सौमित्रिस्त्वरितं पादयोः पितुः॥२०९॥
Having said this, he wept again, shedding large tears like pearls. Then Sumitrā’s son quickly bowed at his father’s feet.
Passage 210
अन्वगात् प्रस्थितं रामं वनवासाय सत्यधीः। धनुष्मान् कवची खड्गी बद्धतूणीर उत्सुकः॥२१०॥
True in resolve and eager, bearing bow, armor, sword, and fastened quiver, he followed Rāma as he set out for forest exile.
Passage 211
अथ राजा सुमन्त्राख्यं मन्त्रिणां प्रवरं बुधम्। शीघ्रमाज्ञापयामास विषादग्रस्तमानसः॥२११॥
The king, his mind seized by grief, then urgently summoned the wise Sumantra, foremost of his ministers, and gave him an order.
Passage 212
रामं प्रयान्तं वनवासहेतवे भवान् सुमन्त्र त्वरितोऽनुगच्छतु। संयोज्य दीप्तं कनकावृतं रथं सदश्ववर्यैरथ सन्निवेदय॥२१२॥
“Sumantra, quickly follow Rāma as he departs for forest exile. Harness excellent horses to the shining, gold-covered chariot and present it to him.
Passage 213
तत्र रामं समारोप्य लक्ष्मणं चानुगामिनम्। तदेकानुगतां साध्वीं सीतां च कुलमङ्गलाम्॥२१३॥
“Seat Rāma upon it, together with Lakṣmaṇa who follows him, and faithful Sītā, the blessing of her family, who follows him alone.
Passage 214
अहानि पञ्च वा सप्त रमयित्वा पुराद् बहिः। वनेषु फुल्लवासन्तीपरागौघसुगन्धिषु॥२१४॥
“Entertain them for five or seven days outside the city among forests fragrant with clouds of pollen from blossoming spring flowers.
Passage 215
पुनरानय शीघ्रं तं रामं मे प्राणवल्लभम्। सीतासौमित्रिसहितमयोध्यानगरीमिमाम्॥२१५॥
“Then quickly bring my Rāma, beloved as my own life, back to this city of Ayodhyā together with Sītā and Sumitrā’s son.”
Passage 216
स इत्थमादाय वचो नृपस्य ययौ सुमन्त्रस्त्वरितं सदश्वैः। युक्त्वा महार्हं रथमेत्य रामं न्यवेदयत् सप्तमगोपुरस्थम्॥२१६॥
Receiving the king’s command, Sumantra hurried away. He harnessed fine horses to the magnificent chariot, approached Rāma at the seventh gateway, and presented it to him. ॥ इति श्रीमदादिरामायणे ब्रह्मभुशुण्डसंवादे दक्षिणखण्डे रामप्रस्थानं नाम नवमोऽध्यायः ॥ Thus ends Chapter Nine of the Dakṣiṇa-khaṇḍa of the Śrīmad Ādi Rāmāyaṇa, in the dialogue of Brahmā and Bhuśuṇḍa, entitled “Rāma’s Departure.”