Passage 1
ब्रह्मोवाच— अथोदिते दिवानाथे नदत्पक्षिगणस्वरैः। विनीतनिद्राः प्रोत्थाय ततः स्थानात्प्रतस्थिरे॥१॥
Brahmā said: When the lord of day rose amid the calls of flocks of birds, the three shook off sleep, arose, and departed from that place.
Passage 2
संफुल्लचित्रपुष्पौघान् गुञ्जद्भ्रमरनादितान्। पश्यन्तः पादपान् रम्यान् लताश्च कुसुमान्विताः॥२॥
They beheld lovely trees covered in masses of varied, fully opened flowers and resounding with humming bees, along with vines laden with blossoms.
Passage 3
नानावर्णान् मनोज्ञांश्च नवपल्लवभूषितान्। देशांश्च विविधान् पद्भ्यां विगाहन्तो दृढव्रताः॥३॥
Firm in their vows, they walked through many landscapes of varied colors, enchanting and adorned with fresh leaves.
Passage 4
कल्याणतरमध्वानं प्राप्य कौतूहलान्विताः। जग्मुः सम्प्रमुदिताः प्रसन्नमनसो भृशम्॥४॥
Finding the road increasingly auspicious, they traveled onward with curiosity, deeply delighted and serene at heart.
Passage 5
रक्तायमाने तपने भरद्वाजाश्रमं ययुः। यत्र गङ्गामनुगता यमुना भूरिवेगिनी॥५॥
As the sun grew red, they reached Bharadvāja’s hermitage, where the powerfully flowing Yamunā follows toward the Gaṅgā.
Passage 6
तयोः सन्धिं समासाद्य स्थिता यत्र सरस्वती। यत्र त्यक्त्वा तनुं मर्त्या ब्रह्मज्योतिर्विशन्ति हि॥६॥
There the Sarasvatī abides at the meeting of the two rivers. Mortals who leave the body there enter the light of Brahman.
Passage 7
वसन्ति मुनयो यत्र भरद्वाजमनुव्रताः। तपस्विनो वीतरागाः परापरविदुत्तमाः॥७॥
Sages devoted to Bharadvāja lived there—ascetics free from passion and foremost knowers of both the higher and lower truth.
Passage 8
तेषां सम्पठतां नित्यं ब्रह्मघोषो दिवानिशम्। प्रवर्तते मुखरयन् वनानि च दिशो दश॥८॥
Day and night the sacred resonance of their constant recitation rang out, making the forests and all ten directions resound.
Passage 9
तत्र दूरात्समालक्ष्य मुनीनामाश्रमेष्वलम्। अग्निहोत्रोद्भवं धूमं मुमुदे रघुपुङ्गवः॥९॥
From afar the finest of the Raghus saw abundant smoke rising from the sages’ fire offerings throughout their hermitages and rejoiced.
Passage 10
सीतासौमित्रिसंयुक्तः पश्यन्नाश्रमभूरुहान्। गङ्गायमुनयोः शृण्वन् मिथः संघर्षजं रवम्॥१०॥
Accompanied by Sītā and Sumitrā’s son, he looked upon the hermitage trees and heard the roar born from the Gaṅgā and Yamunā pressing together.
Passage 11
अस्तं याति रवौ प्राप महर्षेः पुण्यमाश्रमम्। तीर्थराजे प्रयागाख्ये प्रतिष्ठिततमं शुभम्॥११॥
As the sun was setting, he reached the great seer’s sacred and supremely auspicious hermitage, established at the king of holy places called Prayāga. Bharadvāja Receives the Travelers
Passage 12
तत्र गत्वा मुनीशानं भरद्वाजं तपोनिधिम्। एकान्ते सुसमासीनं हुताग्निं शंसितव्रतम्॥१२॥
There they approached Bharadvāja, lord among sages and treasury of austerity, seated properly in solitude after tending the sacred fire, renowned for his vows.
Passage 13
दृष्ट्वा ननाम वैदेह्या लक्ष्मणेन च संयुतः। स्वात्मानं ज्ञापयामास मुनये रघुनन्दनः॥१३॥
Seeing him, Raghu’s descendant bowed together with Vaidehī and Lakṣmaṇa, then introduced himself to the sage.
Passage 14
ब्रह्मन् दशरथस्यावामात्मजौ रामलक्ष्मणौ। इयं मेऽनुव्रता भार्या पुत्री जनकभूपतेः॥१४॥
“Venerable sage, we are Daśaratha’s sons, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa. This is my devoted wife, daughter of King Janaka.
Passage 15
गृहात्प्रव्राजितं पित्रा मामेषानुगता सती। अयं च मेऽनुजो ब्रह्मन् सौमित्रिः कृतनिश्चयः॥१५॥
“When my father sent me from home into exile, this virtuous lady followed me. And this is my resolute younger brother, Sumitrā’s son.
Passage 16
स्वयमेवान्वगाद् धीरो वनवासोन्मुखं हि माम्। सोऽहं वने चरिष्यामि धर्मं प्रव्रजितो गृहात्॥१६॥
“The steadfast prince followed me of his own accord when I turned toward forest life. Banished from home, I shall now wander the forest in accordance with dharma.
Passage 17
वन्यैरेव विधास्ये वृत्तिं मूलफलादिभिः। इत्युक्तो रघुवर्येण मुनिवर्यस्तपोनिधिः॥१७॥
“I shall sustain myself only on forest fare—roots, fruits, and the like.” Thus addressed by the finest of the Raghus, the eminent sage and treasury of austerity—
Passage 18
सूक्ष्मदर्शी ददौ तस्मै आसनं चार्घ्यमुत्तमम्। उदकं च प्रदायास्मै फलमूलैरभोजयत्॥१८॥
—who saw subtle truth, gave him a seat and an excellent respectful offering. He presented water and fed him fruits and roots.
Passage 19
काकुत्स्थः प्रतिगृह्यास्मादातिथ्यमतिथिप्रियात्। सूपविष्टः शुभे देशे शुभासनपरिग्रहः॥१९॥
Kakutstha’s descendant accepted the hospitality of the sage who cherished guests, then sat comfortably upon a fine seat in an auspicious place. The Sage Invites Rāma to Remain
Passage 20
सीतासौमित्रिसहितो बभाषे मुनिना ततः। भवद्भिः पालिते देशे योगक्षेमाद् वसामहे॥२०॥
With Sītā and Sumitrā’s son beside him, Rāma then conversed with the sage, who said: “We dwell in security and well-being in the land protected by your family.
Passage 21
चिरं तव पितुः प्रीत्यै सरयूतीरमाश्रितम्। इदानीमत्र तिष्ठामि स्वाश्रमे मे पुरातने॥२१॥
“For a long time, to please your father, I made my home on the Sarayū’s bank. Now I remain here in this ancient hermitage of mine.
Passage 22
गङ्गायमुनयोर्मध्यं पुण्यं त्रैलोक्यविश्रुतम्। इयं मे वसतिः पुण्या चिरं तिष्ठात्र राघव॥२२॥
“This sacred place between the Gaṅgā and Yamunā is renowned throughout the three worlds. This is my holy dwelling; remain here for a long time, Rāghava.
Passage 23
चिरेण निःसृतो गेहादिति त्वामनुशुश्रुम। कारणं चापि विज्ञातं वनं प्रवसति त्वयि॥२३॥
“We heard that after so long you had departed from home, and we learned the reason why you now dwell in the forest.
Passage 24
इमं देशं समातिष्ठ रघूद्वह मया सह। गङ्गायमुनयोर्मध्ये सावकाशमिदं वनम्॥२४॥
“Exalted heir of Raghu, stay in this country with me. This forest between the Gaṅgā and Yamunā offers ample space.
Passage 25
इहैव सीतया सार्धं पुत्र्या जनकभूपतेः। सुखं विहर रामेन्दो वर्धयन् मद्दृशोः सुखम्॥२५॥
“Moonlike Rāma, live happily here with Sītā, daughter of King Janaka, and increase the delight of my eyes.
Passage 26
सौमित्रिश्च तव भ्राता सुखं तिष्ठतु मे वने। गङ्गायमुनयोः सन्धौ विस्तृते पुण्यतीर्थके॥२६॥
“Let your brother, Sumitrā’s son, also live happily in my forest at this broad and sacred confluence of the Gaṅgā and Yamunā.
Passage 27
पत्रमूलफलादीनामिह सौलभ्यमस्ति च। अतोऽत्र स्थीयतां राम यदि ते हृदि रोचते॥२७॥
“Leaves, roots, fruits, and other forest provisions are readily available here. Therefore stay here, Rāma, if the place pleases your heart.”
Passage 28
इत्युक्तस्तेन मुनिना रामो मुदितमानसः। उवाच दीर्घतपसं भरद्वाजं स्ववेदिनम्॥२८॥
Thus addressed by the sage, Rāma rejoiced at heart and replied to long-austere Bharadvāja, knower of the Self.
Passage 29
महदेव भवेद् भाग्यं शुभं च महदेव मे। त्वया परावरज्ञेन सह संवसतो वने॥२९॥
“It would indeed be my great fortune and a very great blessing to live in the forest with you, knower of the higher and lower truth.
Passage 30
किं त्वितो निकटेऽयोध्या भगवन् सा पुरी मम। पौरैर्जानपदैर्लोकैः प्रेक्षकैर्मा विशेषतः॥३०॥
“But, venerable one, my city Ayodhyā lies close to this place. Its townspeople, country folk, and especially those eager to see me—
Passage 31
करिष्यतेऽत्र सम्मर्द एकान्ते भवदाश्रमे॥३१॥
“—will create a great crowd here in the solitude of your hermitage.
Passage 32
अतो नात्र रुचिर्वासे कृपैव तव भूयसी। एकान्ते मम वासार्थं क्वचिद् स्थानं विमृष्यताम्॥३२॥
“Therefore I do not favor remaining here, though your compassion is immense. Please consider some solitary place in which I may dwell.” Bharadvāja Recognizes Rāma
Passage 33
इत्युक्तः सत्यसन्धेन रामेण मुनिसत्तमः। सर्वैः कामैरदीनात्मा तस्यां निशि सहावसत्॥३३॥
Thus addressed by truth-bound Rāma, the eminent sage, undiminished in spirit, stayed with him that night and supplied every desirable provision.
Passage 34
सुविचित्राः कथाः कुर्वन् मुनिना तत्त्ववेदिना। मुमुदे रघुशार्दूलो जानकीलक्ष्मणान्वितः॥३४॥
The tiger among the Raghus, accompanied by Jānakī and Lakṣmaṇa, rejoiced as the truth-knowing sage related wonderfully varied accounts.
Passage 35
पूजितस्तापसवरैर्भरद्वाजाश्रमस्थितैः। श्लाघितः संस्तुतश्चैव सुप्रसन्नोऽभवद् भृशम्॥३५॥
Honored by the excellent ascetics living in Bharadvāja’s hermitage, praised and extolled by them, Rāma became deeply pleased.
Passage 36
भरद्वाजो मुनिश्रेष्ठः प्रतिपूज्य रघूद्वहम्। शुभासनस्थितं पश्चादिदमूचे वचोऽमृतम्॥३६॥
After duly worshiping the exalted heir of Raghu and seating him upon a fine seat, Bharadvāja, best of sages, spoke these nectar-like words.
Passage 37
जानामि त्वां रघुश्रेष्ठ धर्मरक्षणहेतवे। संजातं सूर्यवंशस्य भूषणं स्वेन तेजसा॥३७॥
“Best of the Raghus, I know you have appeared to protect dharma, adorning the Solar dynasty with your own splendor.
Passage 38
साकेतनाथो भगवान् पूर्णः सहजशक्तिभिः। स्वयं सर्वगुणैराढ्यः स त्वं त्रिभुवनेश्वरः॥३८॥
“You are the Lord of Sāketa, complete in your innate powers, personally endowed with every virtue, sovereign of the three worlds.
Passage 39
कुर्वन्नद्भुतकर्माणि वितन्वन् विशदं यशः। विचरिष्यसि धर्मात्मन् वनेषु पुरुषोत्तम॥३९॥
“Righteous Supreme Person, performing wondrous deeds and spreading stainless fame, you will wander through the forests.
Passage 40
दर्शनस्पर्शनप्रश्नपादशौचासनादिभिः। पावयन् सर्वदेशेषु मुनीनामाश्रमान् शुभान्॥४०॥
“By your sight and touch, your inquiries, the washing of your feet, your taking a seat, and other exchanges, you will purify the sages’ holy hermitages in every region.
Passage 41
संहरन्नसुरानीकमुद्धरन्नायुधैर्निजैः। शोभयन् धरणीमेतां चरणाङ्कमनोहरैः॥४१॥
“Destroying demonic armies and uprooting them with your own weapons, you will beautify this earth with the enchanting marks of your feet.
Passage 42
चरिष्यसि हितं कुर्वन् देवानां च द्विजन्मनाम्। गाश्च त्वं पालयन् धर्ममाविर्भूतोऽसि यत्कृते॥४२॥
“You will journey on, securing the welfare of the gods and twice-born and protecting the cows and the dharma for whose sake you appeared.
Passage 43
प्रस्थास्यमानं त्वां ज्ञात्वा पूर्वमेव मया पुरी। परित्यक्ता कृतो यस्यां तव पित्रा ममाश्रमः॥४३॥
“Knowing beforehand that you would depart, I left your city, where your father had provided a hermitage for me.
Passage 44
येऽन्ये च मुनयो राम तव पुर्यां निवासिनः। ते प्रस्थितं त्वां विज्ञाय त्यक्ष्यन्ति वसतिं ध्रुवम्॥४४॥
“Rāma, the other sages who live in your city will certainly abandon their homes when they learn that you have departed.
Passage 45
न त्वां विहाय किमपि प्रियं नो भुवनत्रये। येषां हृतं तपश्चैव त्वदर्थं रघुपुङ्गव॥४५॥
“Exalted Raghu, nothing in the three worlds is dear to those whose very austerity has been carried away for your sake when they are bereft of you.”
Passage 46
ब्रह्मोवाच— एवं विचित्रवार्ताभिर्मोदयन् रघुवल्लभम्। निनाय तां निशं तस्य पार्श्वे परमनिर्वृतः॥४६॥
Brahmā said: Delighting the beloved of the Raghus with these wondrous accounts, Bharadvāja passed that night beside him in supreme contentment. Crossing the Yamunā
Passage 47
अथ प्रभातेऽभ्युदिते दिनेश्वरे प्रणम्य रामो मुनिवर्यमादरात्। सौमित्रिसीतासहितो महामना निमज्ज्य गङ्गायमुनासमागमे॥४७॥
When the lord of day rose the next morning, great-minded Rāma respectfully bowed to the eminent sage. Together with Sītā and Sumitrā’s son, he bathed at the meeting of the Gaṅgā and Yamunā.
Passage 48
मुनीन्द्रदिष्टेन पथा प्रथीयसा सम्प्रस्थितो धर्मधरो धनुर्धरः। पुरोनिधायानुजमस्य पृष्ठगां प्रियां पुरोधाय विदेहजां ययौ॥४८॥
The bow-bearing upholder of dharma set out upon the broad path shown by the great sage. He placed his younger brother in front and traveled with his beloved Vaidehī following behind him.
Passage 49
सन्तीर्यांशुमतीं स लक्ष्मणसमाबद्धप्लवेनाशुगां कालिन्दीं यमुनां सुतीर्थसलिलां न्यग्रोधमासाद्य च। वैदेह्या भृशसंस्तुतस्य च तले विश्रम्य तस्य क्षणं गव्यूत्यन्तरमागमेत्य च ततश्चक्रे निवासं वने॥४९॥
With Lakṣmaṇa’s well-bound raft, Rāma crossed the swift, radiant Kālindī—the Yamunā of sacred waters. He reached a banyan greatly praised by Vaidehī, rested beneath it briefly, then traveled another two miles and made camp in the forest.
Passage 50
श्रीमान् मनोज्ञे यमुनातटे शुभे जलार्थमायातमपश्यदुद्धतम्। कुलं मृगाणां विनिहत्य तेष्वसौ कांश्चिन् निवासाय ततो द्रुतं ययौ॥५०॥
On the lovely and auspicious bank of the Yamunā, glorious Rāma saw a restless herd of animals that had come for water. He took some of them as permitted food and then went quickly to the camping place.
Passage 51
सूर्यात्मजावप्रवने सुशीतले तरङ्गसंशीलितवातसेविते। चिरं विहृत्य प्रिययानुजेन च क्षपागमे सोऽध्यवसन्मुदान्वितः॥५१॥
In the deeply cool forest by the Sun’s daughter, served by breezes conditioned by her waves, he wandered for a long while with his beloved and younger brother. At nightfall he made camp there, filled with joy. Thus ends Chapter Fourteen, “Dwelling beside the Yamunā,” in the Dakṣiṇa-khaṇḍa of the glorious Ādi Rāmāyaṇa, in the dialogue of Brahmā and Bhuśuṇḍa.