Passage 1
ब्रह्मोवाच— गुहेन चिरमुक्तोऽपि लक्ष्मणः सुमहाव्रतः। न शिश्ये वरशय्यायां कल्पितायां स्वस्य हेतवे॥१॥
Brahmā said: Though Guha repeatedly urged him, greatly vowed Lakṣmaṇa would not sleep upon the excellent bed prepared for him.
Passage 2
तमेव चात्मनो धर्मं गुहाय समदर्शयत्। दुःखं च सुमहत्प्राप्तं सर्वेषां समवर्णयत्॥२॥
He explained to Guha that this alone was his own duty and described the immense sorrow that had befallen everyone.
Passage 3
ततः प्रभातकल्पायां रजन्यां तममीक्षते। भास्करस्योदये सूतं सौमित्रं चाब्रवीदिदम्॥३॥
Then, as the night began to resemble dawn and the sun was about to rise, Rāma looked toward them and spoke to the charioteer and Sumitrā’s son.
Passage 4
उत्थीयतामितो भ्रातः सुमन्त्रायोज्यतां रथः। श्रूयते पक्षिणां शब्दः कोकिलः कुरुते रवम्॥४॥
“Rise now, brother, and let Sumantra harness the chariot. The calls of birds can be heard, and the cuckoo is sounding its song.
Passage 5
अरुणस्य प्रभा ताम्रा रञ्जयत्यखिलां भुवम्। काश्मीरक्षोदसलिलैः काननं परिरञ्जितम्॥५॥
“The copper glow of dawn colors the whole earth. The forest appears sprinkled and dyed with saffron-colored water.
Passage 6
अधुना जह्नुतनयां तरिष्यामो दिवो नदीम्। जगतः पावनीं रम्यां स्रोतसा दीर्घवेगिनीम्॥६॥
“Now we shall cross Jahnu’s daughter, the river of heaven, lovely purifier of the world whose current sweeps swiftly onward.”
Passage 7
ततः सुमन्त्रसौमित्रिगुहा बद्धाञ्जलीपुटाः। अग्रतः संस्थिता रामं गुहो नावमथानयत्॥७॥
Sumantra, Sumitrā’s son, and Guha then stood before Rāma with joined palms, and Guha brought a boat.
Passage 8
ततस्तौ बद्धतूणीरौ बद्धखड्गौ महारथौ। धनुष्मन्तौ महावीरौ सुधीरौ सीतया सह॥८॥
The two great chariot-warriors fastened their quivers and swords. Those steadfast, mighty heroes stood bearing bows together with Sītā.
Passage 9
त्रैलोक्यपाविनीं गङ्गां मुदा समुपजग्मतुः। रामः सुमन्त्रमुद्दिश्य वचनं समवोचत॥९॥
They joyfully approached the Gaṅgā, purifier of the three worlds. Rāma then turned toward Sumantra and spoke. Sumantra’s First Lament
Passage 10
गच्छाधुना सुमन्त्र त्वमयोध्यां सुखदायिनीम्। अतः परं निवर्तस्व गमिष्यामो वयं वनम्॥१०॥
“Return now, Sumantra, to joy-giving Ayodhyā. Turn back from this point; we shall go onward into the forest.
Passage 11
पद्भ्यामेवोचितः पन्था गन्तुमस्माकमुत्तमः। इति तेनाभ्यनुज्ञातः सारथिर्दीनमानसः॥११॥
“From here the best and proper path for us is to travel on foot.” Thus dismissed by Rāma, the charioteer became heartsick.
Passage 12
तद्वचो निष्ठुरं मत्वा प्रत्युवाच स्खलन्मनाः। अहो ते पुरुषव्याघ्र धर्मनिष्ठा किमद्भुता॥१२॥
Taking those words as unbearably stern, Sumantra’s mind faltered and he replied: “Ah, tiger among men, how wondrous is your steadfastness in dharma!
Passage 13
शास्ता त्वं सर्वलोकानां धर्मस्य च महामते। त्वया वियुज्य धर्मात्मन् किं सुखं भुवने नृणाम्॥१३॥
“Great-minded one, you are the guide of all worlds and of dharma itself. O righteous Lord, what happiness can people find in the world when parted from you?
Passage 14
भवान् सौमित्रिसीताभ्यां वनेऽपि निवसन् प्रभो। प्राप्तासि परमं सौख्यं कुर्वन् विश्वस्य मङ्गलम्॥१४॥
“Lord, even while dwelling in the forest with Sumitrā’s son and Sītā, you have attained supreme happiness and are bringing welfare to the universe.
Passage 15
वयं तु त्वां विना वीर निहताः स्म स्वकर्मणा। कैकेय्या दुश्चरित्रेण सर्वेषां दुःखमुत्थितम्॥१५॥
“But without you, hero, we have been slain by our own past deeds. Kaikeyī’s wicked conduct has raised sorrow for everyone.
Passage 16
यत्र यत्र भवान् राम निवत्स्यसि महाव्रत। तत्र तत्रैव नियतं विजयो मङ्गलं श्रियः॥१६॥
“Wherever you dwell, greatly vowed Rāma, victory, auspiciousness, and prosperity will certainly abide.
Passage 17
अस्माकं तु महावीर न किञ्चिज्जीवतां फलम्। कैकेय्या वशगा भूत्वा प्राप्स्यामः परमां शुचम्॥१७॥
“For us, mighty hero, there is no reward in remaining alive. Subjected to Kaikeyī’s power, we shall meet only the deepest grief.
Passage 18
पदे पदे महद्दुःखमापदश्च पदे पदे। त्वया विवर्जिते नाथ नगरे नः शुभं गतम्॥१८॥
“At every step there will be great sorrow and calamity upon calamity. Lord, all good has departed from our city now that it is bereft of you.”
Passage 19
एवमुक्त्वा भृशं सूतो रुरोद बहुदुःखितः। तं सान्त्वयित्वा भगवान् विलुप्ताश्रुं चकार ह॥१९॥
Having spoken this way, the deeply afflicted charioteer wept bitterly. The Lord consoled him until his tears subsided. Rāma’s Messages for Ayodhyā
Passage 20
उवाच च भृशं तस्य दुःखेन परितापितः। मा वोचः करुणं प्राज्ञ पुरीं गच्छ सुहृत्तम॥२०॥
Rāma, deeply pained by Sumantra’s sorrow, said: “Do not speak so mournfully, wise and excellent friend. Go back to the city.
Passage 21
त्वमस्माकं कुलस्यासि चिरेण हितकारकः। आश्वासय महीपालं वृद्धं मद्विरहातुरम्॥२१॥
“You have long served the welfare of our family. Console the aged king, who is tormented by separation from me.
Passage 22
यथा स नानुतप्येत वर्षीयान् धरणीपतिः। तथाश्वासय तं गत्वा मद्वाक्येन गरीयसा॥२२॥
“Go to the venerable ruler of the earth and console him with my earnest message so that he does not torment himself.
Passage 23
प्रजानां पालनार्थाय भरतो धर्मतत्परः। मम प्राणप्रियो भ्राता भूयं राजा विधीयताम्॥२३॥
“Let my brother Bharata, dearer to me than life and devoted to dharma, be made king for the protection of the people.
Passage 24
समानसुखदुःखस्य समगेहवनस्य च। मम दुःखेन भूपालो नानुतप्येत तथा कुरु॥२४॥
“To me happiness and sorrow, home and forest, are equal. See that the king does not grieve over hardship on my account.
Passage 25
समाश्वासय कैकेयीं सुमित्रां च विशेषतः। तथैवान्याश्च मे मातॄः शोकं नाभिभवेद् यथा॥२५॥
“Console Kaikeyī, Sumitrā in particular, and all my other mothers as well, so that grief does not overwhelm them.
Passage 26
तां च सौभाग्यसम्पन्नां मदर्थे भूरिवेदनाम्। सुखदायिसुतां भूयः कौसल्यां च विशेषतः॥२६॥
“Above all, console fortunate Kauśalyā, who has borne immense anguish for my sake and whose son once gave her joy.
Passage 27
आश्वासय महाप्राज्ञ भूयसा वचसा मम। प्रजाश्च दुःखसन्तप्ताश्चिरमाश्वासयिष्यसि॥२७॥
“Greatly wise one, reassure her fully with my words, and spend time comforting the citizens who are scorched by sorrow.
Passage 28
पुनः पुनश्च राजानं बोधयिष्यसि मद्गिरा। रामे त्वया न संतापः कर्तव्यस्त्वद्वचोवशे॥२८॥
“Again and again instruct the king with my message: ‘You must not grieve over Rāma; he remains obedient to your word.
Passage 29
सहस्रवर्षपर्यन्तं वसेद् रामो वनालये। न च खिद्येत सत्येन तव वाक्यानुरोधतः॥२९॥
“‘Rāma would live in a forest dwelling for a thousand years and feel no sorrow, for he is honoring your truthful command.
Passage 30
कियच्चतुर्दशाब्दं च वने वासोऽस्य दुःखकृत्। पितुराज्ञां त्यजेद्यस्तं धिक् तं पुत्रं सुखार्थिनम्॥३०॥
“‘How could a mere fourteen years in the forest cause him pain? Shame upon a pleasure-seeking son who would cast aside his father’s command.
Passage 31
पितुः सत्यं तथा स्वर्गो येन नैव व्यपेक्ष्यते। अलं तेन प्रजातेन पुत्रेणापुत्रता वरम्॥३१॥
“‘Better to have no son at all than one who disregards his father’s truth and his attainment of heaven.
Passage 32
अकार्यमपि कुर्वेऽहमशक्यमितरैर्जनैः। न तत्कार्यं मया येन वचनीयं पितुर्भवेत्॥३२॥
“‘I would perform even an improper or impossible act that others could not do, but I will never act so that my father becomes blameworthy.’
Passage 33
सर्वाश्च मातरो वाच्याः शुभं मद्विषये महत्। पादाभिवन्दनं कार्यं मातॄणां नृपतेश्च मे॥३३॥
“Tell all my mothers that everything concerning me is greatly auspicious. Bow at the feet of the mothers and of the king on my behalf.
Passage 34
त्वरितं च नृपो वाच्यो भरतानयनं प्रति। यौवराज्याभिषेकेण सत्कार्यश्च विशेषतः॥३४॥
“Urge the king to summon Bharata quickly and especially honor him through consecration as heir to the throne.
Passage 35
मम प्राणप्रियो भ्राता भरतो नीतिमान् बुधः। एवं कृते पितुर्दुःखं मत्कृते न भविष्यति॥३५॥
“My brother Bharata is wise, principled, and dearer to me than life. Once this is done, my father will no longer suffer on my account.
Passage 36
इत्येते मम संदेशाः पितुर्वाच्यास्त्वया भृशम्। भरतोऽपि चिरं सूत संदेश्यो गिरा मम॥३६॥
“Deliver all these messages fully to my father. Charioteer, you must also speak at length to Bharata in my words:
Passage 37
वर्तस्व न्यायतो राज्यमपि सम्पाल्य प्रजाः। सर्वासु चाविशेषेण वर्तेथा वत्स मातृषु॥३७॥
“‘Rule justly and protect the people. Dear brother, behave without distinction toward every one of our mothers.
Passage 38
विशेषान्मद्वियुक्तायां कौसल्यायां दयां कुरु। इत्यादि सर्वबन्धुभ्यः संदिदेश रघूद्वहः॥३८॥
“‘Show particular compassion to Kauśalyā, who is separated from me.’” In this way the exalted heir of Raghu sent messages to all his relations. Lakṣmaṇa Rebukes Daśaratha
Passage 39
अथ रामं समालोक्य लक्ष्मणः सूतमब्रवीत्। कैकेयीं प्रति सामर्षो निःश्वासैः पूरिताननः॥३९॥
Lakṣmaṇa then looked toward Rāma and addressed the charioteer. Indignant at Kaikeyī, his face heaved with sighs.
Passage 40
भ्रुकुटीकुटिलापाङ्गः क्रोधारक्तविलोचनः। भुवं विलोकयन् वीर उवाच पितरं प्रति॥४०॥
His sidelong glance bent beneath a frown and his eyes reddened with anger. The hero looked down at the earth and spoke this message for his father.
Passage 41
इदं ममापि वाक्येन संदेश्यो महीपतिः। चिरं राजन् प्रणामोऽयं लक्ष्मणस्यातिखिद्यतः॥४१॥
“Convey this message of mine to the king as well: ‘O king, deeply grieving Lakṣmaṇa offers you his enduring obeisance.
Passage 42
सम्यक्कृतं महीपाल रामः प्रव्राजितो वनम्। विनापराधं मे भ्राता कैकेय्या वचनात्त्वया॥४२॥
“‘You have acted splendidly, ruler of the earth: at Kaikeyī’s word you exiled my brother Rāma to the forest though he committed no offense.
Passage 43
इदं ते दुष्कृतं राजन् गास्यन्ति भुवने जनाः। त्रैलोक्यरञ्जनो रामः कीर्तिमान् धर्मतत्परः॥४३॥
“‘O king, people throughout the world will sing of this evil deed of yours. Rāma delights the three worlds, is renowned, and is wholly devoted to dharma.
Passage 44
शान्तिनिष्ठस्तपोनिष्ठस्त्वयि प्रीतिविवर्धनः। किमागः कृतवान् रामो यद्वने निरवासयः॥४४॥
“‘Firm in peace and austerity, he always increased his love for you. What offense did Rāma commit that you banished him to the forest?
Passage 45
यत् पुत्रेण प्रकर्तव्यं तद् रामेणाखिलं कृतम्। यशस्यं धर्मयुक्तं च त्रैलोक्ये प्रथितं महत्॥४५॥
“‘Rāma has done everything a son ought to do—deeds glorious, righteous, great, and celebrated throughout the three worlds.
Passage 46
पित्रा तु यत् प्रकर्तव्यं पुत्रस्नेहेन भूपते। न तत्त्वया कृतं किञ्चिद् द्वयोस्तुल्ये कृताकृते॥४६॥
“‘Yet, king, you have done nothing a father ought to do from affection for his son. You have treated his virtue and another’s fault as though they were equal.
Passage 47
निःस्नेहत्वे च पारुष्ये दुष्कृते च महीपते। न किञ्चिदवशिष्टं ते कैकेय्या वचनाद् भृशम्॥४७॥
“‘Ruler of the earth, by submitting completely to Kaikeyī’s word, you have left nothing undone in lovelessness, cruelty, and wrongdoing.
Passage 48
प्रमादरूपिणीं तात निपीय मदिरामिमाम्। अलं ते परितापेन शोकेन च महीयसा॥४८॥
“‘Father, having drunk this wine that is folly itself, it is useless for you to burn afterward with such immense grief.
Passage 49
स्वयमेवेदृशं कर्म यशोधर्मविवर्जितम्। विधाय परितप्यन्ते न तु जातु भवादृशाः॥४९॥
“‘Those who themselves commit an act so bereft of honor and dharma may grieve afterward—but never should a man such as you have done it at all.’”
Passage 50
इत्यादि क्रोधरक्ताक्षश्चिरं संदिश्य सारथिम्। तूष्णीमास विलोक्याथ वारयन्तं महाभुजम्॥५०॥
With eyes red from anger, Lakṣmaṇa long dictated words such as these to the charioteer. Then, seeing mighty-armed Rāma restraining him, he fell silent. Rāma Defends His Father
Passage 51
ततोऽब्रवीत्स्वयं रामो लक्ष्मणेन रूक्षोदितम्। न वाच्यः परुषं राजा दुःखी मद्विरहाद् भृशम्॥५१॥
Rāma then addressed the harsh words spoken by Lakṣmaṇa: “Do not speak cruelly to the king. He is already suffering deeply from separation from me.
Passage 52
सद्यः परुषमाकर्ण्य त्यजेत्प्राणानपि क्वचित्। न निःस्नेहो महाराजः सत्यसंयुक्त एव सः॥५२॥
“Hearing such harshness, he might surrender his life at once. The great king is not loveless; he is bound to truth.
Passage 53
मातरं पितरं चैव स्वर्गं कीर्तिं सुखानि च। सत्येन संत्यजन् पुत्रं परं धर्ममवाप्नुते॥५३॥
“For truth he renounces mother, father, heaven, fame, happiness, and even his son; thereby he attains the highest dharma.
Passage 54
लुप्यते न मयि स्नेहो राज्ञः सत्यं हि रक्षतः। अतः क्रुद्धस्य मे भ्रातुर्लक्ष्मणस्य वचस्त्वया॥५४॥
“The king’s love for me has not vanished; he is protecting his truth. Therefore these words of my angry brother Lakṣmaṇa—
Passage 55
न वाच्यं पृथिवीपाले भृशं ह्यसि विचक्षणः। प्रियम् एव सदास्माभिर्वाच्यं तस्मिन् प्रियोचिते॥५५॥
“—must not be repeated to the ruler of the earth. You are highly discerning. We must always speak lovingly to one so worthy of love.
Passage 56
अपि नैतत्क्वचिद् दृष्टं यत्स्वपुत्रं निरागसम्। पिता त्यजेत् स्त्रीवाक्येन विनैवार्थं तु भाविनम्॥५६॥
“Nowhere has it been seen that a father abandons his innocent son merely at a woman’s word without some purpose destined to unfold.
Passage 57
इत्यादिभिर्वचोरूपैरमृतैः परिवोधितः। सुमन्त्रो रामविश्लेषशोकादतिनिपीडितः॥५७॥
Though instructed by these and other nectar-like words, Sumantra remained crushed by grief at separation from Rāma. Sumantra Begs to Remain
Passage 58
उवाच दीनहृदयो रामं कमललोचनम्। क्व मां निवर्तयस्येवं नगर्यां किं धृतं मम॥५८॥
With a stricken heart he addressed lotus-eyed Rāma: “Why do you turn me back in this way? What remains for me in the city?
Passage 59
सर्वस्वमसवस्त्वं मे वनं व्रजामि राघव। त्वया विना पुरे किं मे न गन्तुं तत्र रोचये॥५९॥
“You are my entire wealth and my very life. Rāghava, I shall go into the forest. What do I have in the city without you? I have no desire to return there.
Passage 60
वन एव गमिष्यामि त्वया सह महामते। न निवर्तय मां राम शून्ये तत्र पुरे त्वया॥६०॥
“Great-minded Rāma, I shall go into the forest with you. Do not send me back to that city, emptied by your absence.
Passage 61
कथं त्वया विरहितं रथमास्थाय राघव। गमिष्यामि पुरीं किं मां वक्ष्यन्ति पुरवासिनः॥६१॥
“Rāghava, how can I mount the chariot bereft of you and return to the city? What will its residents say to me?
Passage 62
प्रसीद रामचन्द्र त्वं वने गन्तुं त्वया सह। अग्रे सारथिस्तव वने भविष्यामि रघूद्वह॥६२॥
“Be gracious, Rāmacandra, and let me enter the forest with you. Exalted heir of Raghu, I shall remain your charioteer even there.
Passage 63
तव सेवापरो नित्यं परां गतिमवाप्नुयाम्। त्वां प्रवास्य वने पापभागिनो नृपतेरहम्॥६३॥
“Ever devoted to your service, I shall attain the highest destination. Having carried you into exile, I will not return to the sinful king—
Passage 64
संनिधिं न भजिष्यामि विहाय त्वां सुधानिधिम्। वनवासं व्यतिक्रम्य त्वया सह पुनः प्रभो॥६४॥
“—or remain near him after abandoning you, treasury of nectar. Lord, once your forest exile has passed, I shall still be here with you.
Passage 65
अनेनैव रथेनाहं नेष्यामि त्वां शुभां पुरीम्। क्षणवन्मम यास्यन्ति त्वत्सङ्गेऽब्दाश्चतुर्दश॥६५॥
“With this very chariot I shall carry you back to the auspicious city. In your company the fourteen years will pass for me like a moment.
Passage 66
अन्यथा न क्षपयितुं शक्नोऽहं शतवत्सरान्। भक्तोऽस्मि तव दासोऽस्मि न मां त्यक्तुं त्वमर्हसि॥६६॥
“Otherwise I could not endure even a hundred years. I am your devotee and your servant; you ought not abandon me.
Passage 67
त्वया त्यक्तो न जीविष्ये प्रवेक्ष्ये ज्वलितेऽनले। मयि वन्ध्या कथं चास्तु भक्तवत्सलता तव॥६७॥
“Abandoned by you, I will not live; I shall enter blazing fire. How can your tenderness toward devotees prove fruitless in my case?”
Passage 68
एवं विलप्य बहुधा सुमन्त्रो भूरिदीनवाक्। निपत्य पदयोस्तस्य चिरमास महात्मनः॥६८॥
Lamenting at length in these deeply piteous words, Sumantra fell at the great Lord’s feet and remained there for a long time.
Passage 69
ततस्तं करुणासिन्धुर्भगवान् रघुपुङ्गवः। उवाच बाष्पनयनः सान्त्वयन् कल्यया गिरा॥६९॥
Then the Lord, ocean of compassion and finest of the Raghus, consoled him in a gentle voice and spoke with tears in his own eyes.
Passage 70
अवश्यमेव गन्तव्यं सुमन्त्र नगरीं प्रति। कैकेय्याः प्रत्ययार्थाय नूनं रामो वनं गतः॥७०॥
“Sumantra, you must return to the city. Kaikeyī needs assurance that Rāma has indeed gone into the forest.
Passage 71
इति निःशङ्कहृदया यास्यते महतीं मुदम्। ज्ञास्यते स्वात्मना नूनं तातं नः सत्यवादिनम्॥७१॥
“Her heart freed from doubt, she will feel immense relief, and she will know for herself that our father is true to his word.
Passage 72
अन्यथा जातु शङ्केत मिथ्यावादीति भूपतिम्। यदर्थं सकलो यत्नो मया सम्यगनुष्ठितः॥७२॥
“Otherwise she might suspect the king of speaking falsely. It is to prevent that that I have carried out this entire effort so thoroughly.
Passage 73
जानामि ते परां भक्तिं मय्यनन्यमना असि। कुरु मद्वचनं सम्यक् सुमन्त्र नगरीं व्रज॥७३॥
“I know your supreme devotion and that your mind seeks no one but me. Honor my word fully, Sumantra, and return to the city.”
Passage 74
इत्युक्त्वा रघुशार्दूलः खिद्यन्तं तं पुनः पुनः। सान्त्वयामास भूयश्च बाष्पोदयेऽपि हिताननः॥७४॥
Having said this, the tiger among the Raghus repeatedly comforted the grieving charioteer. Even as tears rose, his benevolent face reassured him again. The Brothers Assume the Ascetic Vow
Passage 75
ततश्चाज्ञापयामास गुहं सुहृदमात्मनः। समानय वटक्षीरं लेपयिष्यामि मूर्धजान्॥७५॥
Rāma then instructed his friend Guha: “Bring the milky sap of a banyan tree. I shall apply it to my hair.
Passage 76
वनवासोचिताः सम्यक् करिष्यामि जटाः सखे। स तदाज्ञाकरः क्षिप्रं तथा चक्रे गुहः सुहृत्॥७६॥
“Friend, I shall properly form the matted locks appropriate to forest exile.” Guha obeyed his command and quickly did as requested.
Passage 77
रघुनाथो जटाश्चक्रे लक्ष्मणस्य तथात्मनः। आजानुबाहुरुचिरौ जटाधारणशालिनौ॥७७॥
Raghunātha fashioned matted locks for Lakṣmaṇa and himself. Long-armed to their knees, the two looked beautiful wearing their matted hair.
Passage 78
तेजसा तेन दीव्यन्तौ तापसोत्तमवेशिनौ। भ्रातरौ तुल्यवयसौ नीलमेघमनोहरौ॥७८॥
Clad as the finest ascetics, the brothers shone with that splendor. Equal in youth, they were enchanting as dark rain clouds.
Passage 79
अशोभतामुभौ सम्यगनुभावविशेषतः। अथोवाच गुहं रामः स्मयमानो मुदान्वितः॥७९॥
Both shone perfectly through their exceptional majesty. Smiling with delight, Rāma then addressed Guha.
Passage 80
सदा त्वं कुशली भूया निजं राज्यभरं वहन्। निषादाधिपते नित्यं मम मैत्रीं न विस्मरेः॥८०॥
“May you always prosper while bearing the responsibility of your kingdom. Lord of the Niṣādas, never forget your friendship with me.
Passage 81
अप्रमत्तोऽखिलेष्वङ्ग प्रजाः समनुपालय। इत्यनुज्ञाप्य सहसा गुहं काकुत्स्थसत्तमः॥८१॥
“Dear friend, remain vigilant in every matter and protect your subjects well.” Having thus taken leave of Guha, the finest descendant of Kakutstha—
Passage 82
पूर्वं लक्ष्मणमारोप्य नावारोहणकर्मणि। ततः सीतां समारोप्य स्वयं नावमथारुहत्॥८२॥
—first had Lakṣmaṇa board the boat, then helped Sītā aboard, and finally embarked himself.
Passage 83
अभिवीक्ष्य पुनश्चैष प्रसन्नतमया दृशा। सुमन्त्रं च गुहं चैव सामात्यं भक्तमात्मनः॥८३॥
With a final, deeply gracious glance, he looked again upon Sumantra and upon Guha, his ministers, and his devoted people.
Passage 84
अथ सम्प्रेरयामास नाविकान् रघुसत्तमः। तैः प्रेरिता तु नौः शीघ्रं कर्णधारैः प्रवाहगा॥८४॥
The finest of the Raghus then urged the boatmen onward. Steered rapidly by those helmsmen, the boat entered the current.
Passage 85
बभूव वायुवेगेन परपारोन्मुखी ततः। मध्ये गङ्गां परिप्राप्ता तुष्टाव जनकात्मजा॥८५॥
Driven with the speed of wind, it turned toward the farther shore. Upon reaching midstream, Janaka’s daughter praised the Gaṅgā. Sītā’s Prayer to the Gaṅgā
Passage 86
अयि देवि पुरारिकपर्दचरीं नवमौक्तिकमालिकया तुलिताम्। सुरलोकतरङ्गिणि सिन्धुवधूं प्रणमामि चिरं भवतीं जननि॥८६॥
“O goddess who courses through the matted locks of Śiva, comparable to a fresh pearl garland; O river of heaven and bride of the ocean, Mother, I bow to you forever.
Passage 87
सुरभूरुहपुष्पवराञ्जलिभिस्तव पूजितमम्ब सुरर्षिगणैः। सुविभाति सदा सुधया मधुरं भृशमञ्चितसौरभसारमिदम्॥८७॥
“Mother, hosts of divine seers worship you with excellent handfuls of flowers from heaven’s trees. Your sweet, nectar-filled water always shines, richly laden with the essence of fragrance.
Passage 88
त्रिविधान्तरतापविनाशकरीं त्रिदशालयमञ्जुलवीथिचरीम्। विलसत्परमामृतपूरझरीं भववारिनिधेस्तरणाय तरीम्॥८८॥
“You destroy the three inner afflictions and wander the lovely avenues of the gods’ abode. A shining cascade flooded with supreme nectar, you are the boat that crosses the ocean of becoming.
Passage 89
त्वमनन्तशुभोदयमोदनिधिर्विधिविष्णुशिवादिसुरौघनुता। जयसि प्रसभं जनपापहरा धरणीतलशोभिवलक्षरुचिः॥८९॥
“You are a treasury of delight from which endless auspiciousness arises, praised by Brahmā, Viṣṇu, Śiva, and the hosts of gods. Victorious, you forcibly remove human sin and beautify the earth with your radiant whiteness.
Passage 90
प्रसादयामि जाह्नवि त्वमीश्वरी शुभं कुरु। पुनस्त्वया समागमो ममास्तु निर्धुतापदः॥९०॥
“I seek your grace, Jāhnavī. You are sovereign; grant me good fortune. May I meet you again when every danger has been driven away.
Passage 91
गङ्गे तव प्रसादार्थं घटोध्नीर्गाः सहस्रशः। संकल्पयामि मनसा शीघ्रं कुरु ममोदयम्॥९१॥
“Gaṅgā, to gain your favor I mentally pledge thousands of milk-rich cows. Bring about my good fortune swiftly.
Passage 92
जवेन विपदं तीर्त्वा पत्या साकं महात्मना। कदा द्रक्ष्यामि देवि त्वां गङ्गे त्रैलोक्यमङ्गलाम्॥९२॥
“When, after swiftly crossing this danger with my noble husband, shall I behold you again, goddess Gaṅgā, auspicious blessing of the three worlds?”
Passage 93
इति संस्तूय सा गङ्गां मध्येस्रोतसि संस्थिता। समीरजवया नावा परं पारमुपागमत्॥९३॥
Standing in the middle of the current, she praised the Gaṅgā in this way. The wind-swift boat then reached the farther shore. The Farther Shore
Passage 94
दक्षिणं तीर्थमासाद्य जाह्नव्या लोकपावनम्। सीतासौमित्रिसहितः कृतकार्यातरीं जहौ॥९४॥
Reaching the world-purifying southern landing of the Jāhnavī, Rāma disembarked with Sītā and Sumitrā’s son and left the boat, its task complete.
Passage 95
ते गङ्गां लोकशुभदां प्रणम्य नतकन्धराः। ततो विसर्जयामासुर्नाविकान् भक्तिसंनतान्॥९५॥
With bowed necks, the three honored the Gaṅgā, giver of welfare to the world, and then dismissed the boatmen who bent before them in devotion.
Passage 96
रामं त्यक्तुमनिच्छन्तो नाविका विरहातुराः। सान्त्वयित्वा चिरं तेन मुक्तास्तीरावनौ स्थिताः॥९६॥
The boatmen, distressed by separation, did not wish to leave Rāma. After he consoled them for a long while and released them, they remained on the riverbank.
Passage 97
चक्षुःपथादतिक्रान्ते रामे त्रैलोक्यसुन्दरे। विषण्णहृदयः सूतो गुहश्चापि न्यवर्तत॥९७॥
When Rāma, beauty of the three worlds, had passed beyond their sight, the charioteer and Guha turned back with desolate hearts.
Passage 98
प्रसादं बहुलं प्राप्य रामस्याच्युतकर्मणः। मैत्रीं सौमित्रितुल्यां च कृतकार्योऽभवद् गुहः॥९८॥
Having received abundant grace from Rāma, whose deeds never fail, and a friendship equal to Lakṣmaṇa’s, Guha felt his purpose fulfilled.
Passage 99
पुरः सुमित्रातनयस्तत्पश्चाज्जनकात्मजा। तस्याः पश्चात्पथं रक्षन् धनुष्पाणिः स्वयं ययौ॥९९॥
Sumitrā’s son walked in front, Janaka’s daughter followed him, and behind her Rāma himself went bow in hand, guarding the path. The Lotus Lake
Passage 100
महान्तं मार्गमभ्येत्य सीतया सहितावुभौ। ततः पुष्करिणीं दिव्यां भ्रातरौ समपश्यताम्॥१००॥
After traveling a great distance, the two brothers together with Sītā beheld a divine lotus lake.
Passage 101
राजहंसशताकीर्णां फुल्लकह्लारमण्डिताम्। पद्मकैरवसंदोहशोभिविमलोदकाम्॥१०१॥
Hundreds of royal swans filled it, and blooming white water lilies adorned it. Its pure water shone with hosts of lotuses and night-blooming lilies.
Passage 102
दर्शनीयशुभाकारां चक्रसारसनादिताम्। कारण्डवकुलध्वाननादिताशेषकाननाम्॥१०२॥
Lovely to behold and auspicious in form, it resounded with cakra birds and cranes. The calls of flocks of waterfowl echoed through the entire forest.
Passage 103
दर्शयामास वैदेहीं तां रामो जातसम्भ्रमः। पश्य प्रिये शुभामेतां सरसीं त्वामिवोज्ज्वलाम्॥१०३॥
Delighted, Rāma pointed it out to Vaidehī: “Beloved, see this auspicious lake, radiant like you.
Passage 104
उत्फुल्लपद्मवदनां फुल्लेन्दीवरलोचनाम्। भ्रमरावलिसंजातलोलालकलतारुचिम्॥१०४॥
“Its face is a fully opened lotus and its eyes are blossoming blue lilies. Rows of bees form the beauty of its playfully curling locks.
Passage 105
राजहंसकुलोन्नादिमञ्जीरध्वनिमञ्जुलाम्। उत्तुङ्गपुलिनारोहनितम्बद्युतिशोभिताम्॥१०५॥
“The calls of royal swans are the charming sound of its anklets, and its lofty, rising banks shine with the grace of hips.
Passage 106
चलत्तरङ्गसंदोहतारुण्यमदविभ्रमाम्। समीरवेगजातोर्मित्रिवलीचारुविग्रहाम्॥१०६॥
“Its moving multitude of waves is the playful pride of youth, and ripples born from the wind’s force form three lovely folds upon its body.
Passage 107
मिथुनीभूतचक्राह्ववक्षोजद्वयशोभिताम्। मृणालकाण्डदोलायितकरपङ्कजभूषिताम्॥१०७॥
“A pair of cakra birds beautifies it like two breasts, while swaying lotus stalks adorn it as lotus hands.
Passage 108
ततः पद्मपरागौघदिव्यांशुकविराजिताम्। निशम्य पत्युर्वचनं वैदेही सत्रपाभवत्॥१०८॥
“And masses of lotus pollen shine as its divine garment.” Hearing her husband’s comparison, Vaidehī became bashful.
Passage 109
अलं प्रिय मृषोद्येनेत्युक्त्वा तां सुमुदैक्षत। तस्यास्तीरे महोत्तुङ्गं न्यग्रोधतरुमाश्रितौ॥१०९॥
“Enough, beloved, of this playful untruth,” she said, and looked upon the lake with delight. On its bank the brothers took shelter beneath a towering banyan. The Banyan-Tree Vigil
Passage 110
भ्रातरौ सीतया युक्तौ तां रात्रिं तौ व्यतीयतुः। लक्ष्मणो जानकीप्रीत्यै पद्मानि समुपाहरत्॥११०॥
The two brothers passed that night there with Sītā. To please Jānakī, Lakṣmaṇa brought her lotuses.
Passage 111
पद्महस्ता तु सा रेजे साक्षाल्लक्ष्मीरिवाद्भुता। त्रिरात्रं ते जलं प्राश्य तस्थुर्घोरतरे वने॥१११॥
With lotuses in her hands she looked wondrous, like Lakṣmī herself. For three nights they remained in that fearsome forest, subsisting only on water.
Passage 112
चतुर्थीं तां निशां प्राप्य फलान्यादुर्महाव्रताः। हत्वा च चतुरो मेध्यान् सायं न्यग्रोधमास्थिताः॥११२॥
When the fourth night arrived, the greatly vowed travelers ate fruit. Having taken four animals permitted as food, they returned to the banyan at evening.
Passage 113
त्वरितास्तत्र सम्प्राप्तास्त्रिरात्रेण बुभुक्षिताः। उपास्य पश्चिमां संध्यां प्राणावृत्तिमकल्पयन्॥११२॥
Hungry from the three-night fast, they hastened back. After performing the evening twilight worship, they made provision to sustain their lives. The witness repeats printed marker 112 for this independent passage. It is registered editorially as passage 113; the printed marker is preserved above.
Passage 114
लोकवृत्तमधिष्ठाय विललाप चिरं वटे। सौमित्रिसहितो रामः कैकेयीं समनुस्मरन्॥११४॥
Remaining within the conduct of ordinary human life, Rāma lamented for a long time beneath the banyan with Sumitrā’s son as he remembered Kaikeyī.
Passage 115
देशादिनिष्क्रान्तवतोऽस्य सा निशा विना सुमन्त्रं प्रथमान्वपद्यत। घोरे वने जाग्रत एव तत्र ते न्यग्रोधमूले विजनेऽवतस्थिरे॥११५॥
That was the first night since leaving his land that came upon him without Sumantra. In the dreadful forest the three remained awake there in solitude beneath the banyan tree. Thus ends Chapter Thirteen, “The Sojourn beneath the Banyan Tree,” in the Dakṣiṇa-khaṇḍa of the glorious Ādi Rāmāyaṇa, in the dialogue of Brahmā and Bhuśuṇḍa.