Passage 1
सुमन्त्र उवाच— पुरीं विहाय विपिनं गच्छतस्ते परन्तप। कथं निवेदये राम सज्जोऽयं रथ आस्यताम्॥१॥
Sumantra said: “Rāma, subduer of foes, as you leave the city for the forest, how shall I convey the king’s command? This chariot stands ready; please take your seat.
Passage 2
राज्ञो विशिष्टकामस्य बुद्धिरेषा गरीयसी। यत्त्वां विहाय कैकेय्या वचनेऽभिरतिं दधौ॥२॥
“This is the solemn intention of the king, who, though deprived of you, has submitted himself to Kaikeyī’s word.”
Passage 3
इत्युक्तः स सुमन्त्रेण सौमित्रिमिदमब्रवीत्। गच्छ लक्ष्मण दोलायां समारोपय जानकीम्॥३॥
Addressed in this way by Sumantra, Rāma said to Sumitrā’s son, “Go, Lakṣmaṇa, and seat Jānakī in the palanquin.
Passage 4
तस्यां हि दोलारूढायां पुत्र्यां जनकभूपतेः। आवां स्यन्दनमारुह्य गच्छावः पुरतो वनम्॥४॥
“Once King Janaka’s daughter has entered it, we two shall mount the chariot and proceed toward the forest.”
Passage 5
स तद्वचनमादाय त्वरितो जनकात्मजाम्। गत्वाब्रवीद् वचो देवि दोलामारोह सम्प्रति॥५॥
Receiving this instruction, Lakṣmaṇa hurried to Janaka’s daughter and said, “Divine lady, please enter the palanquin now.
Passage 6
आर्यः स सप्तमीं कक्षां समलङ्कुरुतेऽधुना। त्वय्यारूढस्वयानायामार्य आरोक्ष्यते रथम्॥६॥
“My elder brother now stands within the seventh court. When you have entered your vehicle, he will mount the chariot.”
Passage 7
सा तस्य वचनं श्रुत्वा लक्ष्मणस्य महात्मनः। सर्वाः श्वश्रूः समामन्त्र्य प्रणम्य च मुहुर्मुहुः॥७॥
Hearing noble Lakṣmaṇa’s words, Sītā took leave of all her mothers-in-law and bowed to them again and again.
Passage 8
अन्याश्चान्तःपुरचरीः पृष्ट्वा साधु प्रसन्नधीः। रुदतीरेव ताः सर्वा विहाय पतिदेवता॥८॥
The pure-hearted woman also bade farewell to the other women of the inner apartments. Devoted to her husband, she left them all weeping.
Passage 9
आरुरोह शुभां दोलां मुदिता जनकात्मजा। तदा काश्चिन्निजा आल्यः कमलेशीमुखाः स्वयम्॥९॥
Janaka’s daughter joyfully entered the auspicious palanquin. At that moment some of her own intimate companions, led by Kamaleśī—
Passage 10
पश्यतो बाष्पनेत्रस्य अन्तःपुरजनस्य सा। आत्मन्येव तिरोभावं निनाय गमनक्षणे॥१०॥
—vanished back into her own being as the tearful people of the inner apartments watched her departure.
Passage 11
अथैकामवरोधस्थामुवाच स्मितशालिनी। भगिन्यौ मे पितुर्गेहे जनकस्य महीपतेः॥११॥
Then the smiling Sītā spoke to one woman who remained inside: “My two sisters are at the home of my father, King Janaka.
Passage 12
पतिभ्यां स्थापिते पूर्वमलं मत्प्रीतिकातरैः। सम्बोधनीये सततं भवत्या वचनान्मम॥१२॥
“Their husbands, deeply concerned for my welfare, sent them there earlier. Please continually console them in my name.
Passage 13
न सीताविषये साध्व्यौ भवत्यौ शोकमूर्च्छिते। इति चान्यच्च वक्तव्यमम्ब आश्वासनं तयोः॥१३॥
“Tell those good women, ‘Do not fall senseless with grief over Sītā,’ and speak whatever other reassuring words will comfort them.”
Passage 14
अथ लक्ष्मण आगत्य रामं प्रियसुहृत्तमम्। आरुह्यतां रथं शीघ्रमित्युवाच स तन्मनाः॥१४॥
Lakṣmaṇa returned to Rāma, his dearest friend and beloved elder, and, his mind fixed upon him, said, “Please mount the chariot at once.” Ayodhyā Watches Rāma Depart
Passage 15
तस्मिन् कालेऽवरोधस्थाः प्रयान्तं राममीक्षितुम्। शिरःस्थारुसहस्तूर्णमारुह्य दर्शनातुराः॥१५॥
At that moment the women of the inner apartments, desperate for one more sight of the departing Rāma, hurriedly climbed the highest terraces.
Passage 16
पुरे नराश्च नार्यश्च सर्वेऽप्याकुलमानसाः। अनुगन्तुं तदा राममसज्जन्त मुदान्विताः॥१६॥
Throughout the city, men and women alike, their hearts agitated yet eager to be near him, prepared to follow Rāma.
Passage 17
ऊचुरन्तःपुरजना रामसौहार्दतोषिताः। लालप्यमानाः सर्वेऽपि कीर्तयन्तश्च तद्गुणान्॥१७॥
The people of the inner apartments, fulfilled by affection for Rāma, lamented together while proclaiming his virtues.
Passage 18
किमकारि वतास्माभिः पुण्ये कर्मणि दुष्कृतम्। यल्लब्धोऽपि मनोहारी रामो द्रष्टुं न लभ्यते॥१८॥
They said, “Alas, what wrong have we committed amid our pious deeds, that even after gaining enchanting Rāma we are now denied the sight of him?
Passage 19
त्रैलोक्यमोहनो रामः स्वभावान्मधुराकृतिः। दयावान् सत्यसन्धश्च महोदारो महामनाः॥१९॥
“Rāma enchants the three worlds and is sweet in form by his very nature. He is compassionate, true to his word, immensely generous, and noble-minded.
Passage 20
नयनानन्दजननो दासजनैकविग्रहः। चिरं निपेयश्चक्षुर्भ्यामन्तरायं चिराद् गतः॥२०॥
“He gives joy to the eyes and is the very life of those who serve him. We had hoped to drink in his beauty forever, yet after so long he has passed beyond our sight.
Passage 21
युगकोटिसमानानि क्व वर्षाणि चतुर्दश। क्व चासोढवियोगानां दर्शनातुरता दृशाम्॥२१॥
“Fourteen years will feel like tens of millions of ages. How can eyes unable to bear separation survive their longing to behold him?
Passage 22
असावपुण्यराशिर्नो युगपत्प्रकटोऽभवत्। यदभूदेष विश्लेषो रमणीयेन वस्तुना॥२२॥
“The full mass of our demerit has manifested all at once, for we have been separated from the most beautiful being.
Passage 23
राजानं बोधयामः किं सर्वाः संहत्य सङ्गताः। रामं सर्वगुणारामं विप्रवासयसे कथम्॥२३॥
“Shall we all gather and reason with the king? How can he exile Rāma, the abode of every virtue?
Passage 24
अथवा मूढः कैकेयीवाक्यवश्यो जनाधिपः। अतीतलोकदुर्वादो मानयेत् किमु नो वचः॥२४॥
“But the foolish ruler is captive to Kaikeyī’s word and has disregarded the world’s reproach. Why would he honor anything we say?
Passage 25
हा हताः स्म वयं नूनं रामे प्रवसति प्रिये। प्राणाधिके गुणैराढ्ये जीवातौ जीवदातरि॥२५॥
“Alas, we are surely destroyed now that beloved Rāma departs—he who is richer in virtues and dearer than life, our very life-force and giver of life.
Passage 26
न जीवितुमतो युक्तमस्माकं क्लिष्टचेतसाम्। यासां सर्वस्वभूतोऽसौ वने वत्स्यति राघवः॥२६॥
“It is not fitting that we, whose hearts are tormented, should continue living while Rāghava, our everything, dwells in the forest.
Passage 27
अवधीरितसाधूक्तिः कैकेयीवशमागतः। नूनं हि लप्स्यते दुःखं रघूणामधिपो भृशम्॥२७॥
“The lord of the Raghus has rejected wise counsel and fallen under Kaikeyī’s power. Surely he will suffer greatly.
Passage 28
चक्षुषी परितप्येते दीर्यन्ते हृदयानि नः। विगलन्तीव चाङ्गानि विनिर्गच्छति राघवे॥२८॥
“Our eyes burn, our hearts split, and our limbs seem to dissolve as Rāghava leaves.
Passage 29
किं कुर्मः कं प्रति ब्रूमः कथं तिष्ठतु राघवः। प्रतिकूले विधौ सर्वं प्रतिकूलमिवाभवत्॥२९॥
“What shall we do, and to whom can we speak so that Rāghava might remain? When fate is adverse, everything turns against us.
Passage 30
स्वभावदारुणां बुद्धिं धिक् कैकेयि तवेदृशीम्। रमणीयतमे रामे प्रतिकूल्यं गतासि किम्॥३०॥
“Shame, Kaikeyī, upon this naturally cruel mind of yours. Why have you opposed Rāma, the most beautiful and worthy of love?
Passage 31
हा देवि रामदयिते निमिचन्द्रकुलोद्भवे। सखि भूमिसुते सीते कथं स्थास्यसि कानने॥३१॥
“Alas, divine Sītā, beloved of Rāma, born from the moonlike dynasty of Nimi! Dear daughter of the earth, how will you live in the forest?
Passage 32
अशेषलोकसाम्राज्यमहिषीपदभाजनम्। सीतां वने प्रवत्स्यन्तीमद्य पश्यामहे वयम्॥३२॥
“Today we see Sītā, worthy to be empress of the entire world, preparing to dwell in the forest.
Passage 33
धिक् चक्षुषी धिग् जनुर्धिक् क्लिष्टं धिगायुर्धिक् च कर्म नः। यासां प्राणप्रियो रामः सदारो याति काननम्॥३३॥
“Shame upon our eyes, our birth, our tormented life, and our deeds, for Rāma, dearer than our breath, is going to the forest with his wife.
Passage 34
अयं कमलपत्राक्षो लक्ष्मणः शुभलक्षणः। अस्माकं दुष्कृतेनैव राममेवानुगच्छति॥३४॥
“Lotus-eyed Lakṣmaṇa, marked by every auspicious sign, follows Rāma alone because of our own misdeeds.
Passage 35
अयं सर्वात्मना वीरो रामेण सदृशो गुणैः। आर्तानां नः शुचो हन्तुं किं नास्थास्यदिहैव हि॥३५॥
“This hero resembles Rāma in every virtue. Why will he not remain here to dispel the grief of us afflicted women?
Passage 36
अथवा सर्वथार्तानां प्रतिकूलोऽद्य नो विधिः। उभावपि विनिर्यातौ राघवौ प्राणजीवनौ॥३६॥
“But today fate is wholly opposed to us in our distress, for both Rāghavas, the very life of our lives, have departed.
Passage 37
इत्थं खलु वदन्तीनामवरोधस्थयोषिताम्। मनांस्यादाय सहसा मुदितो रामचन्द्रमाः॥३७॥
As the women of the inner apartments spoke in this way, moonlike Rāma, outwardly joyful, suddenly carried away their hearts.
Passage 38
आरुरोह रथं दीप्तं भ्रात्रा सह विचक्षणः। पार्श्वस्थजनचित्तानि सकृत् सम्मोहयन् दृशा॥३८॥
The discerning prince mounted the shining chariot with his brother, enchanting the hearts of all nearby with a single glance.
Passage 39
अथाश्वान् प्रेरयामास सुमन्त्रस्तान् मनोजवान्। तत्पश्चाज्जानकीयानमूह्यमानं नरेरयः॥३९॥
Sumantra urged forward the horses, swift as thought. Behind the chariot men carried Jānakī’s palanquin.
Passage 40
चैतन्यं भृशतप्तायाः कौसल्याया महाशुचः। कैकेय्याश्चैव सौजन्यं सुमित्रायास्तथात्मजम्॥४०॥
Rāmacandra departed carrying with him the consciousness of Kauśalyā, scorched by immense grief; whatever goodness remained in Kaikeyī; and Sumitrā’s son—
Passage 41
प्राणितव्यं पितुश्चैव प्रजानां च मनःसुखम्। मनांसि मुनिवर्याणामाप्तानां वपुषो रुचिम्॥४१॥
—his father’s reason to remain alive, the happiness of his subjects’ minds, the hearts of the great sages and relatives, and the beauty of every body—
Passage 42
अयोध्यायाः श्रियं चैव सौभाग्यं राजवेश्मनः। देवानां च हितं कार्यं समादाय स्वयं तदा॥४२॥
—together with Ayodhyā’s splendor, the royal palace’s good fortune, and the great task that would benefit the gods.
Passage 43
दर्शयन्नात्मनो मोहं प्रतस्थौ रामचन्द्रमाः। तमनुव्रज्ययुः सर्वे जनाः पुरनिवासिनः॥४३॥
Revealing his own power of enchantment, moonlike Rāma set forth, and all the city’s people followed him.
Passage 44
यावत् संदृश्यते दूराद् ध्वजो रामरथस्य सः। तावत् सौधवराग्रेषु स्थितोऽन्तःपुरिको जनः॥४४॥
As long as the banner of Rāma’s chariot could be seen in the distance, the people of the inner apartments remained upon the palace rooftops.
Passage 45
दूरं गते रथकेतौ सञ्जाते दृष्ट्यगोचरे। पश्चान्निववृते शोकान्मुक्तबाष्पं रुदन् भृशम्॥४५॥
When the chariot’s banner passed far beyond sight, they turned back, weeping profusely and releasing the tears of their grief.
Passage 46
न पौरा रथपर्यन्तयायिनो भृशदुःखिताः। अग्रे कृत्वा द्विजवरान् विहिताञ्जलयो मुहुः॥४६॥
But the deeply distressed citizens who had followed beside the chariot did not turn back. Placing the best brāhmaṇas in front, they repeatedly folded their hands.
Passage 47
अयाचन्त समुद्विग्ना मा गच्छ विपिनं प्रभो। नो चेत् त्वामनुयास्यामः सर्वथा प्राणजीवनम्॥४७॥
Greatly agitated, they begged, “Lord, do not go to the forest. Otherwise we shall certainly follow you, the life of our lives.”
Passage 48
स तथा याच्यमानोऽपि जनैः पुरनिवासिभिः। पितुः सत्येन भगवान् वनमेवान्वरोचत॥४८॥
Although the city’s residents pleaded with him in this way, the Lord, intent upon preserving his father’s truth, chose the forest alone.
Passage 49
रामोऽनुयायिनः पौरान् दूरं प्राप्ताननुव्रतान्। प्रीणयन् दृष्टिपातेन जगाद स्निग्धमानसः॥४९॥
With an affectionate heart, Rāma delighted with his glance the loyal citizens who had followed him so far and addressed them. Rāma Commends Bharata to the Citizens
Passage 50
निवर्तन्तां जनाः पौराः पितुः सत्यं बिभर्म्यहम्। भवतां भाग्यवृन्देन भ्राता मे भरताभिधः॥५०॥
“Citizens, please turn back. I am upholding my father’s truth. Through the abundance of your good fortune, my brother named Bharata—
Passage 51
चिरं जीवतु धर्मिष्ठः पुण्यकर्मा यशोनिधिः। मम प्राणप्रियो वीरः सत्यसन्धो दयाकरः॥५१॥
“—will live long. He is righteous, performs holy deeds, is a treasury of fame, dearer to me than life, heroic, true to his word, and compassionate.
Passage 52
कल्याणगुणसन्दोहः कैकेय्याः प्रीतिवर्धनः। ज्ञानवान् गुणसम्पन्नो धीरः प्रकृतिरञ्जनः॥५२॥
“He is a mass of auspicious virtues and increases Kaikeyī’s joy. Wise, richly endowed with qualities, and steadfast, he delights the people.
Passage 53
स्वभावमधुरो वाग्मी महोदारो महाशयः। साधयिष्यति वो नूनं हितानि विविधानि सः॥५३॥
“Naturally gentle, eloquent, greatly generous, and noble-hearted, he will surely accomplish many kinds of good for you.
Passage 54
यूयं तेन सदा भूरि शुभानि समवाप्स्यथ। अतो मयीव वस्तस्मिन् प्रीतिः सम्परिवर्धताम्॥५४॥
“Through him you will always obtain abundant blessings. Therefore let your love for him grow exactly as your love for me has grown.
Passage 55
प्रीणयिष्यति वः प्राज्ञो मनांसि भरतो बुधः। योग्य एव हि वो राजा स वै भर्ता समीहितः॥५५॥
“Wise Bharata will delight your hearts. He is truly worthy to be your king and the ruler you desire.
Passage 56
तदाज्ञा वः सदा कार्या राज्ञः प्रियचिकीर्षुभिः। एतदेव प्रियं पौराः ममापि सुसमीहितम्॥५६॥
“Those who wish to please the king should always obey his command. Citizens, that obedience is also what I hold most dear.”
Passage 57
बोध्यमानोऽपि रामेण चातुर्वर्ण्यजनो भृशम्। गुणैराकृष्टहृदयो रथमेवान्वगच्छत॥५७॥
Although Rāma repeatedly reasoned with them, the people of all four social orders, their hearts drawn by his virtues, continued following the chariot.
Passage 58
रामः पौरजनस्नेहाल्लक्ष्मणश्च दयानिधिः। बाष्पोपरुद्धनयनौ बभूवतुरुभावपि॥५८॥
Moved by the citizens’ love, Rāma and compassionate Lakṣmaṇa both found their eyes obstructed by tears.
Passage 59
अथ प्रयान्तमेवैनं दृष्ट्वा प्रकृतिरञ्जनम्। रामं लक्ष्मणसीताभ्यां सहितं लोकमङ्गलम्॥५९॥
Seeing that Rāma, delighter of his people and blessing of the world, continued onward with Lakṣmaṇa and Sītā—
Passage 60
तपोयशःप्रतापाढ्या ब्राह्मणाः सन्न्यवारयन्। अये सुमन्त्र नयसे क्व च नः प्राणजीवनम्॥६०॥
—brāhmaṇas rich in austerity, fame, and spiritual power tried to stop him. They cried, “Sumantra, where are you taking the life of our lives?
Passage 61
कृतं नृपेण दुर्बुद्धिं कैकेयीवशवर्तिना। परावर्तयसे किं न विपरीतगतीन् हयान्॥६१॥
“The king, captive to Kaikeyī, has acted with evil judgment. Why do you not turn these horses in the opposite direction?”
Passage 62
इत्थमार्तद्विजोदीर्णां गिरं श्रुत्वा ससम्भ्रमः। अवतीर्य रथात्तूर्णं भक्तिसन्नतकन्धरः॥६२॥
Hearing this anguished cry raised by the brāhmaṇas, Rāma quickly descended from the chariot, his neck bowed in devotion. The Brāhmaṇas Plead with Rāma
Passage 63
पद्भ्यामेव ययौ रामः सीतालक्ष्मणसंयुतः। कथमग्रे चलेदेष हित्वा ब्राह्मणसत्तमान्॥६३॥
Rāma continued on foot with Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa. How could he proceed ahead in a chariot while leaving the foremost brāhmaṇas behind?
Passage 64
इत्यवेक्ष्य चिरं पश्चात् सादरं पर्यवस्थितः। रामस्य सन्निधिं प्राप्य समवोचन्त ते द्विजाः॥६४॥
Recognizing his consideration, they respectfully gathered behind him. Reaching Rāma’s presence, those brāhmaṇas spoke together.
Passage 65
अन्तःसन्तापविकलानस्मान् हित्वा निरागसः। क्व नु गच्छसि धर्मात्मन् वयं त्वामनुयायिनः॥६५॥
“Righteous and innocent Rāma, where can you go after leaving us helpless with inward anguish? We are your followers.
Passage 66
साग्निहोत्राः सपत्नीकाः न निवर्त्स्याम निश्चितम्। जानीमस्त्वां धर्ममूर्ते न त्यक्ष्यामः कथञ्चन॥६६॥
“We shall certainly not turn back; we come with our sacred fires and our wives. We know you to be the embodiment of dharma and will never abandon you.
Passage 67
सदधीतैर्वेदमन्त्रैर्यज्ञैश्च सदनुष्ठितैः। इदमेकं विजानीमो भजामस्त्वां सदा वयम्॥६७॥
“From the Vedic mantras we have diligently studied and the sacrifices we have faithfully performed, we know this single truth: we shall always serve you.
Passage 68
वने त्वामनुयास्यामस्त्वद्गुणैर्विश्वमङ्गलैः। आकृष्टचित्ताः स्थास्यामो नैवात्र नगरे वयम्॥६८॥
“Our hearts drawn by your universe-blessing virtues, we shall follow you into the forest. We will not remain here in the city.
Passage 69
साम्राज्यदीक्षालब्धानि सितच्छत्राण्यमूनि नः। तव त्यक्तातपत्रस्य छायार्थं बिभृमो वयम्॥६९॥
“We received these white umbrellas at our initiations into Vedic sovereignty. Since you have renounced the royal parasol, we shall carry them to shade you.
Passage 70
यथा राजकुमार त्वामङ्गैः कमलकोमलम्। मध्यन्दिनार्कविद्योतो न ग्लापयति दुःसहः॥७०॥
“Prince, your limbs are tender as lotuses. We shall ensure that the unbearable blaze of the midday sun does not make you wither.
Passage 71
धर्मोऽयमेव चास्माकं त्वयि धर्माभिरक्षके। नो चेद् वृद्धैर्द्विजैः पौरैर्याच्यमानः प्रजाहितः॥७१॥
“This is our dharma toward you, the protector of dharma. Otherwise, though elders, brāhmaṇas, and citizens plead with you for the people’s welfare—
Passage 72
निवर्तस्व वनाद् राम कैकेयी तप्यतां चिरम्। जनेषु तव भक्तेषु भक्तिं कुरु महामते॥७२॥
“—turn back from the forest, Rāma, and let Kaikeyī suffer the consequence of her demand. Great-minded prince, show love to the people devoted to you.
Passage 73
किं ते भक्तजनत्यागो विहितो भक्तवत्सल। अर्धानुष्ठितयज्ञानां जातार्धमहकर्मणाम्॥७३॥
“Beloved of devotees, how can abandoning your devotees be ordained for you? Our sacrifices are only half performed and our great rites only half complete.
Passage 74
वनात् त्वयि निवृत्तेऽद्य सम्पूर्णाः स्युर्मनोरथाः। अमी पक्षिरवैर्वृक्षाः कुर्वन्ति करुणस्वरान्॥७४॥
“If you turn back from the forest today, all our hopes will be fulfilled. Even these trees produce piteous voices through the cries of their birds.
Passage 75
रोरुवन्ति चिरं क्लिष्टाः खगा वृक्षेष्ववस्थिताः। सरःसु गुञ्जद्भ्रमरा यामिन्यो विश्रान्ति च॥७५॥
“The distressed birds perched in the trees cry without cease; bees hum in the lakes, and even the night seems unable to rest.
Passage 76
अर्धावलोढघासास्याः पशवः कृच्छ्रमासते। इत्थमापतितं कष्टं त्वयि सम्प्रस्थिते वनम्॥७६॥
“The animals stand in misery with grass only half chewed in their mouths. Such suffering has descended now that you have set out for the forest.”
Passage 77
इति विक्रोशमार्तानां द्विजानां दीनचेतसाम्। शृण्वन् तूष्णीं जगामैष कथञ्चिन्न न्यवर्तत॥७७॥
Hearing the cries of the afflicted and downcast brāhmaṇas, Rāma continued in silence. With great difficulty he kept going and did not turn back. The Tamasā River
Passage 78
अपश्यत् तमसामग्रे तरङ्गभुजवेगिनीम्। वारयन्तीमिवात्मानं गद्गदस्वरघोषिणीम्॥७८॥
Ahead he saw the swift Tamasā, its waves like outstretched arms and its gurgling voice seeming to restrain him personally.
Passage 79
तस्यास्तीरे तरोर्मूलमाश्रित्य रघुनन्दनः। सह सौमित्रिसीताभ्यामवात्सीत् प्रथमां निशाम्॥७९॥
Taking shelter beneath a tree on its bank, Raghu’s delight passed his first night away from home with Sītā and Sumitrā’s son.
Passage 80
अथाह लक्ष्मणं रामः सोद्वेग इव लक्षितः। पश्येमां तमसां भ्रातर्मध्ये मार्गमुपस्थिताम्॥८०॥
Rāma, visibly troubled, then said to Lakṣmaṇa, “Brother, behold this Tamasā, standing across the middle of our path.
Passage 81
तरङ्गभुजवल्लीभिर्वनाद् वर्जयतीव माम्। पश्य पुण्याच्यरण्यानि शून्यानि परितः सखे॥८१॥
“With the vine-like arms of her waves she seems to prevent me from entering the forest. Friend, see how all the sacred woodlands around us have become empty.
Passage 82
जानेऽस्माकं दशां द्रष्टुमशक्ताः पुण्यपक्षिणः। इतो देशान्तरं याताः कः पश्येत् स्वामिनः शुचम्॥८२॥
“I think the holy birds, unable to bear the sight of our condition, have flown to another land. Who could endure seeing the sorrow of their lord?
Passage 83
स्थावरा जङ्गमाश्चाद्य रुदन्त्यस्मत्कृते स्फुटम्। प्रथमेयं निशास्माकं गृहात् प्रवसतां वने॥८३॥
“Today both the moving and unmoving beings plainly weep for us. This is our first night in the forest after leaving home.
Passage 84
अद्यायोध्यापुरी भ्रातः कां दशां लप्स्यते शुचा। आबालवृद्धस्त्रीलोकजनशब्दविवर्जिता॥८४॥
“Brother, what condition will Ayodhyā reach today in her grief, emptied of the voices of her children, elders, women, and people?
Passage 85
पितरौ परिशोचामि यौ रुदन्तौ समुज्झितौ। शोकाब्धिलहरीवृन्देनाद्यमानौ विचेतसौ॥८५॥
“I grieve for my abandoned parents, weeping and senseless as waves in an ocean of sorrow batter them.
Passage 86
त्वया मया च रहितौ कथं खलु भविष्यतः। जातो नूनमहं पित्रोः केवलं दुःखहेतवे॥८६॥
“How will they survive without you and me? Surely I was born only to become a cause of sorrow to my parents.
Passage 87
न तर्हि भरत एवाद्य तयोः शोकोदधेर्हितः। आश्वासनाय भक्तोऽस्त्यवशेषपुरुषार्थभूः॥८७॥
“Even devoted Bharata, the one remaining source of purpose and comfort for them in their ocean of grief, is not there today.
Passage 88
मत्कृते तप्तमनसोर्मत्पित्रोर्दुःखहारिणा। तेनैव हृदि नैश्चिन्त्यं किञ्चिदाप्नोमि लक्ष्मण॥८८॥
“Lakṣmaṇa, I find a little peace only in knowing that he will remove the sorrow from my parents’ hearts, which burn because of me.
Passage 89
त्वया च सहितो भ्रातर्वनवासेऽपि नोद्विजे। जाने कुटुम्बमध्यस्थमात्मानं सुसहायिनम्॥८९॥
“Brother, accompanied by you I do not fear even forest exile. With such a good companion, I feel as though I still stand amid my family.
Passage 90
वैदेहीरक्षणे कार्ये मुक्तचिन्तो बभूव ह। अद्भिरेवाद्य वर्तिष्ये फलवर्ज्यापि कानने॥९०॥
“I am free of anxiety regarding Vaidehī’s protection. Today I shall subsist on water alone, even if the forest offers no fruit.
Passage 91
सम्पादयन् विहितं धर्ममिति मे सम्मता मतिः। इति सौमित्रिराकर्ण्य सुमन्त्रश्च प्रभोर्वचः॥९१॥
“Thus I shall fulfill the prescribed dharma; this is my settled resolve.” Sumitrā’s son and Sumantra heard their lord’s words.
Passage 92
सावधानतया तस्थौ सेवासम्पतमानसः। सुमन्त्रोऽपि विमुच्याश्वान् पाययित्वोदकं शुचि॥९२॥
Lakṣmaṇa remained alert, his mind intent upon service. Sumantra unharnessed the horses and gave them clean water.
Passage 93
आशयत् स्वादु यवसं ततः प्रभुमसेवत। महतीं पश्चिमां सन्ध्यामुपास्यारुणमण्डलाम्॥९३॥
He fed them sweet barley fodder and then attended his lord. After worshiping at the great evening twilight beneath the reddening orb—
Passage 94
विलोक्य यामिनीं प्राप्तामुद्रिक्तोडुगणप्रभाम्। प्रभवे व्यदधत् तल्पं नवपल्लवमञ्जुलम्॥९४॥
—and seeing night arrive brilliant with rising stars, Lakṣmaṇa prepared for his lord a lovely bed of fresh leaves.
Passage 95
सुमित्रासुत आयस्य चरणौ पल्लवारुणौ। अविनिज्य कृताहारे तस्मिन् केवलमम्बुना॥९५॥
Sumitrā’s son washed Rāma’s feet, red as tender leaves. When his lord had taken only water as his meal—
Passage 96
अङ्गीचक्रे तु वैदेह्याः स्वयमप्युदकं बुधः। ततः सुप्ते महाराजकुमारे सीतया सह॥९६॥
—the wise prince arranged water for Vaidehī and took water himself. Then the great king’s son lay down with Sītā.
Passage 97
सुप्ताः प्रकृतयः सर्वास्तमसातीरकानने। रामप्रवासनोद्वेगशोकमोहभरातुराः॥९७॥
All the people, exhausted by agitation, grief, and bewilderment over Rāma’s exile, fell asleep in the woodland along the Tamasā’s bank.
Passage 98
जाग्रदेव स्थितो वीरः सौमित्रिः सारथिं प्रति। कथयामास रामस्य गुणांस्त्रिभुवनाद्भुतान्॥९८॥
Heroic Lakṣmaṇa alone remained awake and recounted to the charioteer Rāma’s wondrous virtues, which amaze the three worlds. ॥ इति श्रीमदादिरामायणे ब्रह्मभुशुण्डसंवादे दक्षिणखण्डे तमसातीरनिवासो नाम दशमोऽध्यायः ॥ Thus ends Chapter Ten of the Dakṣiṇa-khaṇḍa of the Śrīmad Ādi Rāmāyaṇa, in the dialogue of Brahmā and Bhuśuṇḍa, entitled “The Sojourn beside the Tamasā.”