Passage 1
ब्रह्मोवाच— ततः प्रधानप्रवराः समुत्थाप्य महीतलात्। नृपात्मजौ ततो निन्युः प्रकर्तुमुदकक्रियाम्॥१॥
Brahmā said: The foremost ministers raised the two princes from the ground and led them away to perform the water rite.
Passage 2
अपसव्येन तौ राज्ञश्चितां गन्धप्रसूनकैः। अवकीर्य विनिर्यातौ रुदन्तौ सरयूतटे॥२॥
Keeping the king’s pyre to their left, they scattered fragrances and flowers upon it, then departed weeping for the bank of the Sarayū.
Passage 3
अवेक्ष्य पावकं दीप्तं राज्ञः सर्वाङ्गदाहिनम्। उद्दिदीपे महान् शोको भरतस्य मनोगतः॥३॥
Seeing the blazing fire consume the king’s entire body, the great grief within Bharata’s heart flared up.
Passage 4
भरतं वीक्ष्य शत्रुघ्नो रुदन्तं शोकसम्प्लुतम्। विललाप भृशं क्लिष्टः परिरभ्य परस्परम्॥४॥
Seeing Bharata weeping and submerged in sorrow, afflicted Śatrughna embraced him and lamented intensely.
Passage 5
विलपन्तौ महाराजकुमारौ शोकसंवृतौ। समादधुर्वसिष्ठाद्याः मुनयो ज्ञानलोचनाः॥५॥
The clear-sighted sages led by Vasiṣṭha steadied the two royal princes as they lamented, enveloped in grief.
Passage 6
समाहितौ मुनिवरैः शत्रुघ्नभरतौ तदा। जलक्रियां पितुः कर्तुं सरयूमभिजग्मतुः॥६॥
Thus composed by the eminent sages, Śatrughna and Bharata approached the Sarayū to perform their father’s water rite.
Passage 7
तां पुण्यसलिलां स्वच्छां सरयूं सह बन्धुभिः। सुहृद्भिः स्वजनैः पौरैर्नरनारीकुमारकैः॥७॥
Together with relatives, friends, their own people, citizens, men, women, and children, they entered the Sarayū, whose pure water is holy.
Passage 8
अवगाह्य ददौ पित्रे प्रेताय सलिलाञ्जलीन्। तस्य प्रेताय ताताय ददतः सलिलाञ्जलीन्॥८॥
Bharata immersed himself and offered handfuls of water to his departed father. As he made those water offerings to his deceased parent—
Passage 9
सान्निध्यं चक्रिरे सर्वाः सरितो भुवनस्थिताः। गङ्गा च यमुना चैव गोदा चैव सरस्वती॥९॥
—all the rivers of the world became present there: the Gaṅgā, Yamunā, Godā, and Sarasvatī,
Passage 10
नर्मदासिन्धुकावेरीप्रमुखाः पुण्यशैवलाः। विपाशा चन्द्रभागा च शतद्रुप्रमुखास्तथा॥१०॥
the holy Narmadā, Sindhu, Kāverī, and their peers, as well as the Vipāśā, Candrabhāgā, Śatadru, and the other sacred streams.
Passage 11
तासां जलैः पवित्रैस्तैः सरयूजलमिश्रितैः। दिवं प्रयातं पितरं भरतः समतर्पयत्॥११॥
With their purifying waters mingled into the Sarayū, Bharata satisfied his father, who had gone to heaven.
Passage 12
शत्रुघ्नो मुनयश्चैव वसिष्ठाद्याः पुरोधसः। पौराश्च सर्वे विधिवद्राज्ञश्चक्रुस्तिलाञ्जलीन्॥१२॥
Śatrughna, the sages, the family priests led by Vasiṣṭha, and all the citizens properly offered the king water mixed with sesame.
Passage 13
शत्रुघ्नभरताद्यास्ते सर्वे पौरजनास्तदा। विरूपाः क्षौरविधिना कृत्वा राज्ञो जलक्रियाम्॥१३॥
Śatrughna, Bharata, and all the citizens completed the king’s water rite, their appearance altered by the prescribed shaving.
Passage 14
समाहिता वसिष्ठाद्यैर्मौनेन विविशुः पुरीम्। सम्प्राश्य निम्बपत्राणि महाशोकपरिप्लुताः॥१४॥
Composed by Vasiṣṭha and the other sages, they tasted neem leaves and entered the city in silence, overwhelmed by immense grief.
Passage 15
उवाच भरतः शोकात्प्रविशन् दुर्भगां पुरीम्। नाहं पुरीं प्रवेक्ष्यामि भ्रात्रा पित्रा च वर्जिताम्॥१५॥
As he approached the stricken city, Bharata said in sorrow, “I will not enter a city bereft of both my brother and my father.
Passage 16
शून्यां च दुर्भगां जातां मन्मातुः क्रूरकर्मणा। वन एव निवत्स्यामि शोकदुःखसमाहृतः॥१६॥
“My mother’s cruel deed has left it empty and desolate. Gathered up by the pain of grief, I shall live only in the forest.
Passage 17
प्रमीते नृपतौ ताते धर्मात्मनि महाक्रतौ। तदादेशाद्वनं याते ज्येष्ठे भ्रातरि सानुजे॥१७॥
“My father, the righteous king and performer of great sacrifices, is dead, and at his command my elder brother has gone to the forest with his younger brother.
Passage 18
न भाति नगरीयं मे श्मशानधरणी यथा। जीवितुं चापि नेच्छामि सुविपन्नोऽहमीदृशः॥१८॥
“This city appears to me like the ground of a cremation place. Fallen into such calamity, I do not even wish to live.
Passage 19
कृतमीदृग्विधं कर्म शोचिष्यति चिरं प्रसूः। किं मे तयातिपापिन्या किं पुर्या मृतनाथया॥१९॥
“The mother who committed such a deed will grieve for a long time. What have I to do with that exceedingly sinful woman, or with a city whose lord is dead?
Passage 20
सोऽहं न वस्तुमिच्छामि पुर्यामिह हतौजसि। इत्यादि बहुधा तस्य श्रुत्वा विलपनं मुहुः॥२०॥
“I do not wish to dwell in this city whose splendor is destroyed.” Hearing Bharata repeatedly lament in these and many other ways—
Passage 21
अमात्यप्रवरा धीरा वसिष्ठाद्या मुनीश्वराः। अन्ये च पौरप्रवरा बोधयाञ्चक्रिरे भृशम्॥२१॥
—the steadfast chief ministers, the lordly sages led by Vasiṣṭha, and other eminent citizens earnestly instructed him.
Passage 22
निदर्शनैर्ज्ञानवाक्यैर्लोकवृत्तैश्च भूरिशः। बोध्यमानो महाराजकुमारः प्राविशत्पुरीम्॥२२॥
Admonished with many examples, words of wisdom, and accounts of the world’s way, the great king’s son entered the city.
Passage 23
निरानन्दां विनिर्दग्धामिव कान्तिविवर्जिताम्। शोकैकबहुलां भूयो रोदनार्तरवाकुलाम्॥२३॥
It was joyless, as if burned out, deprived of radiance, filled only with grief, and again disturbed by anguished cries of lamentation. Daśaratha’s Remaining Funeral Observances
Passage 24
सानुगः प्रविवेशासौ सप्रजः समुनिव्रजः। भूमौ तृणानि संस्तीर्य दशाहमुपविष्टवान्॥२४॥
Bharata entered with his followers, the citizens, and the company of sages. Spreading grass upon the ground, he remained seated there for ten days.
Passage 25
चक्रे प्रतिदिनं राज्ञो गात्रपिण्डान् यथाविधि। विधाय दशगात्राणि प्रायश्चित्तानि च क्रमात्॥२५॥
Each day he duly offered the bodily funeral cakes for the king, completing in sequence the ten-day bodily rites and expiations.
Passage 26
दशमेऽह्नि ततः स्नात्वा सुहृद्बन्धुसमन्वितः। ऐकादशाहिकं कर्म चकार स यथाविधि॥२६॥
On the tenth day he bathed together with friends and relatives; then he properly performed the rite appointed for the eleventh day.
Passage 27
प्रादायित्वा द्विजान् पिण्डान् धनमस्मै सुबह्वदात्। ततो द्वादशिकं कर्म चक्रे विधिवदूर्जितम्॥२७॥
He had the funeral cakes given to the brāhmaṇas and bestowed abundant wealth. Then he performed the splendid twelfth-day rite according to rule.
Passage 28
अर्घसम्मेलनं कर्म पिण्डसम्मेलनं तथा। विधाय विधिवद्विप्रैश्चक्रे दानानि भूरिशः॥२८॥
After the brāhmaṇas properly completed the joining of the water offerings and the joining of the funeral cakes, he gave abundant gifts.
Passage 29
शुद्धश्राद्धं विधायाथ पितुः स्वर्गगतस्य सः। सम्प्रीणनाय विप्रेभ्यो दानानि प्रत्यपादयत्॥२९॥
He then performed the purification śrāddha for his father who had gone to heaven and presented gifts to brāhmaṇas for his satisfaction.
Passage 30
त्रयोदशाहिके श्राद्धे विधिवद्विहिते द्विजैः। धनानि भूरि विप्रेभ्यो भरतो विससर्ज ह॥३०॥
When the brāhmaṇas had duly performed the thirteenth-day śrāddha, Bharata distributed abundant wealth to them.
Passage 31
छत्राण्युपानहश्चैव पादुकाः स्वर्णरत्नजाः। महार्हाणि च वासांसि रत्नानि विविधानि च॥३१॥
He gave parasols, sandals, slippers made with gold and gems, precious garments, and jewels of many kinds;
Passage 32
गाः सवत्सा रूप्यखुरीः स्वर्णशृङ्गीः सुभूषिताः। मुक्तापुच्छीस्ताम्रपृष्ठीः कलशोध्नीः सुदोहनाः॥३२॥
cows with calves, silver hooves, golden horns, and fine ornaments, their tails adorned with pearls, their backs copper-colored, filling pots with abundant milk;
Passage 33
वेश्मानि तुङ्गशृङ्गाणि सुधाढ्यानि महान्ति च। पृथक्स्थानानि गोशालमन्दुराविततानि च॥३३॥
large, richly plastered mansions with lofty pinnacles and separate grounds extending through cow sheds and horse stables;
Passage 34
भूषणानि प्रभाभाञ्जि स्वर्णरत्नमयानि च। ग्रामव्रजगृहारामवाटिकाक्षेत्रसंयुताम्॥३४॥
radiant ornaments made of gold and gems; and land endowed with villages, pastures, houses, groves, gardens, and fields—
Passage 35
वापीकूपसरोयुक्तां महीं कोटिहलोन्मिताम्। सरित्प्रवाहसरसां पुण्याश्रमविराजिताम्॥३५॥
—vast land measured in millions of plow-lengths, furnished with stepwells, wells, lakes, delightful flowing rivers, and shining holy hermitages.
Passage 36
गजानश्वांस्तथा मुख्यानुष्ट्रांश्च महिषीस्तथा। दासान् दासीश्च निष्काढ्या मणिमाणिक्यभूषिताः॥३६॥
He gave excellent elephants and horses, camels and buffaloes, and male and female servants adorned with gold coins, gems, and rubies.
Passage 37
विहितानि विशिष्टानि दानानि विविधानि च। देशे काले च पात्रेभ्यः श्रद्धया विससर्ज सः॥३७॥
At the proper place and time, he faithfully distributed these prescribed, distinguished gifts of many kinds to worthy recipients.
Passage 38
राजाश्वं राजमातङ्गं राजयानं विशेषतः। पात्राय वेदवित्ताय ददौ भरत आदृतः॥३८॥
With reverence Bharata gave the royal horse, royal elephant, and especially the royal vehicle to a worthy knower of the Veda.
Passage 39
एवं पितरमुद्दिश्य दत्त्वा दानानि भूरिशः। दिने दिनेऽकरोच्छ्राद्धं यावद्वर्षसमापनम्॥३९॥
Having bestowed abundant gifts for his father in this way, he performed a śrāddha each day until the year was complete. Bharata Refuses the Throne
Passage 40
अथो समेताः सर्वेऽपि मन्त्रिणो राजकारिणः। प्रजा अनाथाः संवीक्ष्य जगदुर्भरतं प्रति॥४०॥
Then all the ministers responsible for royal affairs assembled. Seeing the people without a protector, they spoke to Bharata.
Passage 41
गतो राजा दशरथः पिता ते समाधिं प्रति। अर्धासनं महेन्द्रस्य येनाक्रान्तं पुरा तत्॥४१॥
“Your father, King Daśaratha, who formerly occupied half of great Indra’s throne, has gone to his final rest.
Passage 42
तस्य ज्येष्ठसुतो रामः सत्यसन्धोऽतिधार्मिकः। सानुजः सहभार्यश्च वने वसति सोऽधुना॥४२॥
“His eldest son Rāma, utterly righteous and true to his word, now dwells in the forest with his wife and younger brother.
Passage 43
त्वमेवाद्य महाबाहो प्रदिष्टो विधिना भृशम्। प्रजानां पालको नित्यं त्वयि धर्मः प्रतिष्ठितः॥४३॥
“Therefore, mighty-armed prince, destiny now clearly appoints you the people’s constant protector, for dharma is established in you.
Passage 44
अराजकं पुरं राष्ट्रं धरणीमण्डलं तथा। तापाद्भिरभिभूयेत तस्मात्त्वं भूपतिर्भव॥४४॥
“A city, kingdom, and realm without a king would be overwhelmed by afflictions. Therefore become the ruler.
Passage 45
राज्येऽभिषिच्यतामात्मा पितृपैतामहे निजे। कुलक्रमागतं श्रीमद्राज्यं भूषय तेजसा॥४५॥
“Have yourself consecrated in your ancestral kingdom. Adorn with your splendor this glorious realm inherited through the succession of your lineage.
Passage 46
प्राप्तोऽभिषेकसम्भारः प्रजाश्चेमास्त्वयाखिलाः। एतासां रञ्जनं कार्यं त्वया राज्येऽधितिष्ठता॥४६॥
“The consecration provisions are ready, and all these subjects are yours. Occupying the throne, you must bring them happiness.
Passage 47
इत्युक्तो राजतन्त्रज्ञैः प्रवरेर्मन्त्रिभिस्तदा। राज्याभिषेचनद्रव्याण्युपन्यस्य शुभाय सः॥४७॥
Thus addressed by eminent ministers skilled in government, who had set out the auspicious materials for his royal consecration—
Passage 48
उवाच वचनं विद्वान् धर्मयुक्तमुदारधीः। मान्धाता सगरो राजा भगीरथ इळापतिः॥४८॥
—wise and noble-minded Bharata spoke words founded in dharma: “King Māndhātṛ, Sagara, Bhagīratha, and Iḷāpati,
Passage 49
ययातिनहुषाद्याश्च पुराभूवन् प्रजेश्वराः। यावन्नो जनकस्तावज्ज्येष्ठो राज्यपदाश्रयः॥४९॥
“and Yayāti, Nahuṣa, and the other ancient rulers of peoples all followed this rule among our ancestors: the eldest was heir to the throne.
Passage 50
नैतावज्जाग्रति ज्येष्ठे लघिष्ठो राज्यभाजनम्। माभूत्स्वप्नेऽपि मे बुद्धिरीदृशी भृतिलोभतः॥५०॥
“While the eldest still lives, the younger is never entitled to the kingdom. May no such thought arise in me even in a dream through greed for power.
Passage 51
रामचन्द्रः स नो राजा गुणवान् श्रीनिकेतनः। साक्षात्परात्परो देवः प्रजानां भाग्यमूर्जितम्॥५१॥
“Rāmacandra is our king, replete with virtues and the abode of splendor. He is the manifest God beyond the highest, the abundant good fortune of the people. Bharata Vows to Bring Rāma Home
Passage 52
तस्मिन् विराजमानेऽद्य श्रीरामे भूमिभूषणे। कोऽहं राज्यपदस्यार्हः सेवको भृत्य एव च॥५२॥
“While Śrī Rāma, ornament of the earth, shines among us, who am I to deserve the throne? I am merely his servant and attendant.
Passage 53
तमहं प्रणतो भक्त्या विज्ञाप्य बहुभावतः। आनेष्ये वनवासस्थं भूमिराज्याभिषिक्तये॥५३॥
“I shall bow to him in devotion, petition him in many ways, and bring him back from the forest to be consecrated over the earthly kingdom.
Passage 54
रघूणां महतीं सेनामादाय चतुरङ्गिणीम्। राज्याभिषेकद्रव्याणि छत्रं चामरयुग्मकम्॥५४॥
“I shall take the great fourfold army of the Raghus, the materials for royal consecration, a parasol, and a pair of yak-tail fans.
Passage 55
भवद्भिः सहितो राममभिषेक्ष्यामि मन्त्रिणः। पुरस्कृत्य महावीरमानेष्ये भूरिहर्षितः॥५५॥
“Together with you ministers I shall consecrate Rāma. Placing that great hero at our head, I shall bring him home in immense joy.
Passage 56
तस्य शोभिष्यते राज्यमिदं वंशक्रमागतम्। उपहन्यामहं मातुर्मनोरथमपार्थकम्॥५६॥
“This kingdom inherited through the lineage will shine under him, and I shall destroy my mother’s futile design.
Passage 57
अहं वने निवत्स्यामि तस्यार्यस्य प्रतिज्ञया। तमहं स्थापयिष्यामि पितृपैतामहासने॥५७॥
“I shall dwell in the forest in fulfillment of that noble brother’s vow, and I shall establish him upon the ancestral throne.
Passage 58
राज्यासनस्थः सततं रामो राजीवलोचनः। पालयन् प्रजाः सर्वा मम प्रीत्यै भविष्यति॥५७॥
“Lotus-eyed Rāma will remain upon the royal throne and protect all the people, to my great delight.” The witness repeats printed marker 57 for this independent passage. It is registered editorially as passage 58; the printed marker is preserved above.
Passage 59
पुरो गच्छन्तु पुरुषाः कुर्वतां मार्गशोधनम्। अहं शीघ्रं गमिष्यामि सेनामादाय भूयसीम्॥५९॥
“Let men go ahead and clear the road. I shall soon depart, taking a vast army.
Passage 60
अलंकरोति यं देशं रघूणां सोऽधिभूपतिः। तं देशमहमेष्यामि भक्तिसन्नतकन्धरः॥६०॥
“I shall go, my neck bowed in devotion, to whatever land the sovereign of the Raghus now adorns.”
Passage 61
तस्य तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा मन्त्रिणो हृष्टमानसाः। अङ्गीचक्रुर्विशेषेण रामे सुप्रीतिभागिनः॥६१॥
Hearing these words, the delighted ministers warmly assented, sharing Bharata’s deep love for Rāma.
Passage 62
ततश्च भरताज्ञप्ता मन्त्रिणो बुद्धिसत्तमाः। सेनां संघटयाञ्चक्रुर्गजवाजिसमाकुलाम्॥६२॥
Then, commanded by Bharata, the wise ministers assembled an army thronged with elephants and horses.
Passage 63
भ्रातुरानयनार्थाय भरतो भ्रातृवत्सलः। प्रस्थास्यतीति संघोषो मिथोऽभूत् कोसलापुरे॥६३॥
The news spread throughout the city of Kosala: “Brother-loving Bharata will depart to bring his brother home.” Road and Camp Preparations
Passage 64
पुरस्तात्प्रययुर्लोकाः सेनामार्गस्य शोधकाः। भूमिप्रदेशज्ञातारो नानाकर्मविचक्षणाः॥६४॥
Men who knew the terrain and were skilled in many kinds of work went ahead to clear the army’s route.
Passage 65
खनकाः कूपकर्तारो वर्धकाः स्थपतीश्वराः। मालाकाराः सुधाकाराः जलयन्त्रविधायकाः॥६५॥
They included excavators, well diggers, carpenters, master builders, garland makers, plasterers, and makers of waterworks;
Passage 66
शिविरारोपपटवः सद्योवेश्मविधायकाः। पानीयवाहकाश्चैव मार्गवृक्षाधिरोपकाः॥६६॥
experts in setting up camps and quickly building dwellings, water carriers, and planters of roadside trees;
Passage 67
वंशदाराः कर्मकाराः परदेशसुखप्रदाः। सर्वेऽपि सज्जा अभवन् पुरुषा उपयोगिनः॥६७॥
bamboo workers and artisans who could make foreign places comfortable. Every useful worker made himself ready.
Passage 68
उष्ट्रपाला अश्वपालाः शिविकावाहकास्तथा। महामात्राः पत्तिगणा लौहयन्त्रधरास्तथा॥६८॥
Camel keepers, horse keepers, palanquin bearers, elephant officers, infantry, and bearers of iron tools also prepared.
Passage 69
धनुर्वाणधराश्चैव खड्गवाहाः पदातयः। दोलावहाः पटकुटीरोपकाः पुरुषास्तथा॥६९॥
There were bow-and-arrow bearers, swordsmen, infantry, palanquin bearers, and men skilled in erecting tents.
Passage 70
अनेके सञ्जिता लोका भरतस्याज्ञया तदा। विषमान् समीकुर्वन्तश्छेदयन्तश्च कूलकान्॥७०॥
At Bharata’s command many assembled workers leveled uneven ground and cut through obstructing banks. The witness prints a metrically incomplete first half for this passage. It is preserved without conjectural supplementation.
Passage 71
पथिद्रुमान् प्रवृश्चन्तो ह्रासयन्तः स्थलानि च। समीकुर्वन्त उद्देशानुत्सृजन्त वनानि च॥७१॥
They cut roadside trees, lowered high places, leveled the terrain, and cleared the woods.
Passage 72
प्रकुर्वन्तो नदीघट्टान् पुरस्तात्प्रययुर्जनाः। ततश्च महतीं सेनामादाय शुभकर्मणे॥७२॥
The workers went ahead constructing river landings. Then, for his auspicious undertaking, Bharata took up the great army— The Great Departure
Passage 73
प्रतस्थे भरतः श्रीमाननुज्ञातः सुमन्त्रिभिः। वाचयित्वा द्विजैः स्वस्तिपुण्याहं मन्त्रवित्तमैः॥७३॥
—and set out in splendor with the good ministers’ assent, after the foremost mantra-knowing brāhmaṇas had recited benedictions and the auspicious-day rite.
Passage 74
देवज्ञैर्ज्ञापिते शुद्धे मुहूर्ते शुभवासरे। रामस्यानयनोद्भूतहर्षोत्साहवशंवदाः॥७४॥
At the pure moment and auspicious day announced by the astrologers, everyone was governed by the joy and enthusiasm born of bringing Rāma home.
Passage 75
तस्यानुमेनिरे सर्वे प्रधानामन्त्रिणो जनाः। वसिष्ठजाबालिमुख्याः सार्धं जग्मुर्मुनीश्वराः॥७५॥
All the leading ministers and citizens approved his purpose, and lordly sages headed by Vasiṣṭha and Jābāli went with him.
Passage 76
भक्त्या भरतवीरस्य पूजिता बहुमानिताः। कौसल्या च सुमित्रा च कैकेयी चान्वगात् ततः॥७६॥
Worshiped and greatly honored by heroic Bharata, Kauśalyā, Sumitrā, and Kaikeyī then followed.
Passage 77
तथान्या राजवनिताः प्रतस्थुः शिविकागताः। सुहृदो बान्धवाश्चैव रामानयनहर्षिताः॥७७॥
The other royal women also departed in palanquins, as did friends and relatives delighted at the prospect of bringing Rāma home.
Passage 78
प्रतस्थुः कलितोत्साहा भरतेन प्रपूजिताः। प्रचेलुर्वारणाः मत्ताः कोविदारध्वजान्विताः॥७८॥
Honored by Bharata, they set forth with eager enthusiasm. Intoxicated elephants bearing kovidāra-emblazoned standards moved out.
Passage 79
उच्छलन्तो हयवराः सेनामण्डलभूषणाः। स्यन्दनाः कोविदाराङ्काः प्रययुर्वेगवत्तराः॥७९॥
Fine leaping horses adorned the divisions of the army, and swift chariots marked with the kovidāra emblem raced onward.
Passage 80
पत्तयः क्रूरदमनाः खड्गवर्मविभूषिताः। धनुर्धरा बद्धतूणाः कवचच्छन्नविग्रहाः॥८०॥
The infantry, subduers of the fierce, were equipped with swords and armor. Archers wore fastened quivers and had their bodies covered in mail.
Passage 81
पश्चादग्रवामदक्षपार्श्वयोश्चान्ववस्थिताः। निर्ययुर्भरताज्ञप्ता रामानयनसोत्सवाः॥८१॥
Stationed at the rear, front, left, and right flanks, they departed at Bharata’s command, celebrating the mission to bring Rāma home.
Passage 82
भरतः श्वेततुरगैर्भूषिते रत्नमालिनि। महति स्यन्दनवरेऽधिष्ठितः प्रययौ पुरः॥८२॥
Bharata rode at the front upon a great, excellent chariot adorned with white horses and jeweled garlands.
Passage 83
ब्रह्मघोषं प्रकुर्वन्तः प्रययुर्द्विजसत्तमाः। मत्स्यमांससुराहस्तास्तस्य व्याधाजना पुरः॥८३॥
Foremost brāhmaṇas went chanting Vedic sounds. Ahead of Bharata walked hunters carrying fish, meat, and liquor as auspicious offerings.
Passage 84
शकुनं सूचयामासुर्मातङ्गाश्च तुरङ्गमाः। अन्ये शाकुनिकाचार्या गच्छन्तोऽस्य पुरोऽभवन्॥८४॥
Elephants and horses displayed favorable omens, and other experts in augury walked before him.
Passage 85
पुरोधसो महाप्राज्ञा मन्त्रिणो मन्त्रवित्तमाः। तमन्वयुः सभास्ताराः क्षत्रियाः पङ्क्तिभाजिनः॥८५॥
Greatly wise priests, ministers expert in counsel, assembly dignitaries, and Kṣatriyas entitled to the ceremonial row followed him.
Passage 86
सामन्तैर्योधिमुख्यैश्च राजकार्यकरैर्जनैः। अमात्यैर्मन्त्रिप्रवरैर्नैगमैश्चाप्यनेकशः॥८६॥
Many feudatory chiefs, foremost warriors, royal officials, ministers, eminent counselors, and merchant guilds accompanied the expedition.
Passage 87
सान्विता महती सेना गजवाजिरथाकुला। अन्वगाद्भरतं यान्तं रामदर्शनहर्षितम्॥८७॥
The vast army, crowded with elephants, horses, and chariots, followed Bharata, who journeyed in delight at the prospect of seeing Rāma.
Passage 88
कोविदारध्वजाङ्कानां रथानां सुमहान् ध्वनिः। रोदसी रोधयामास मथ्यमानाम्बुधेर्यथा॥८८॥
The tremendous sound of chariots marked with kovidāra standards filled heaven and earth like the ocean being churned.
Passage 89
अश्वकाः अश्वतर्यश्च वामिकाश्च करेणवः। महाद्रव्यभराक्रान्ताः प्रचेलुर्विस्तृते बले॥८९॥
Horses, mares, pack animals, and elephants moved with the expansive force, laden with abundant supplies.
Passage 90
नैगमा हृष्टपण्याश्च नानावस्तुसमन्विताः। अभवन् सार्थगाः कृत्वा हृष्टाः पटकुटीमयाः॥९०॥
Merchant guilds with abundant merchandise and many kinds of goods joyfully joined the caravan and established tented quarters.
Passage 91
पुरोधा भगवांस्तत्र वसिष्ठो मुनिभिर्वृतः। अन्यैश्च ब्राह्मणवरैरन्वगाद्भरतार्चितः॥९१॥
The venerable family priest Vasiṣṭha, honored by Bharata, followed surrounded by sages and other eminent brāhmaṇas. Encampment beside the Gaṅgā
Passage 92
ततः सेनापतिस्तस्य गङ्गामासाद्य पावनीम्। अब्रवीद्भरतं कूले संनिवेशयितुं बलम्॥९२॥
When they reached the purifying Gaṅgā, the commander asked Bharata to encamp the army on its bank.
Passage 93
सम्प्राप्तेयं त्रिपथगा गङ्गा त्रैलोक्यपावनी। अस्याः कूलभुवि श्रीमन् सेनेयं संनिवेश्यताम्॥९३॥
“We have reached the threefold Gaṅgā, purifier of the three worlds. Splendid prince, let this army be encamped upon her bank.
Passage 94
इह विश्रम्यतां वीर भवता शत्रुकर्षण। दिव्यं पटकुटीवेश्म त्वदर्थमुपकल्पितम्॥९४॥
“Rest here, heroic subduer of enemies. A fine tented residence has been prepared for you.
Passage 95
इवेत्युक्ते च ततो नौभिः सेनां संतार्य भूयसीम्। गन्तुमर्हसि वीरेन्द्र ससुहृत्सखिबान्धवः॥९५॥
“After this, once the great army has been ferried across in boats, you may proceed, lord of heroes, with your friends, companions, and relatives.”
Passage 96
ततः सेनापतिस्तेन समाज्ञप्तो महामतिः। प्रवाहमनुगङ्गायास्तद्बलं संन्यवेशयत्॥९६॥
Commanded by Bharata, the wise commander encamped that force along the current of the Gaṅgā.
Passage 97
यथास्थानं तु सा सेना गङ्गायां संनिवेशिता। रराज मथ्यमानाब्धिघोषकोलाहलान्विता॥९७॥
Stationed in order beside the Gaṅgā, the army shone amid a tumult like the roar of the churning ocean.
Passage 98
शिविराणि पृथग्रेजुर्मातॄणां राजयोषिताम्। उन्नम्रसांध्यजलदव्यूहतुल्यानि सर्वतः॥९८॥
Separate camps for the royal mothers and women gleamed on every side like lofty masses of evening clouds.
Passage 99
भरतस्य च शत्रुसूदनस्य प्रथिमोच्छायविराजिते समन्तात्। शिविरे व्यतिरेजतुर्घनाभे पटकोट्टामिततुङ्गगोपुराढ्ये॥९९॥
Bharata and Śatrughna shone within their vast, cloudlike camp, which towered on every side with high gateways formed by lofty tented structures.
Passage 100
महार्हमणिभूषिताद्रथवरात्समुत्तीर्य स त्रिलोकपरिपाविनीं त्रिपथगां ववन्दे बुधः। वगाह्य विगतश्रमो निजपितुः प्रमीतस्य च प्रदाय सलिलाञ्जलीन् शिविरमाविशत्सानुजः॥१००॥
The wise Bharata descended from his excellent chariot adorned with precious gems and bowed to the threefold Gaṅgā, purifier of the three worlds. He entered her waters, dispelled his weariness, offered a handful of water for his departed father, and entered the camp with Śatrughna.