Passage 1
ब्रह्मोवाच— अथ प्राभातिकीं वेलामधिगम्य सुखोषितः। भरतः प्रीतहृदयः कृतस्नानार्चनक्रियः॥१॥
Brahmā said: When morning arrived after the pleasant night, Bharata bathed, performed worship, and arose with a joyful heart.
Passage 2
समये मुनिमभ्येत्य हुताग्निं विधिवत्तदा। प्राञ्जलिः सन्नतस्कन्धः पुरस्तात्पर्युपस्थितः॥२॥
At the proper time he approached the sage, who had duly offered into the fire, and stood before him with joined palms and bowed shoulders.
Passage 3
तमपृच्छन्मुनिवरो वीक्ष्य कौमल्या दृशा। कच्चिदद्य सुखं रात्रिर्व्यतीयाय तवाश्रमे॥३॥
Looking upon him with a gentle gaze, the eminent sage asked, “Did the night pass pleasantly for you today in this hermitage?
Passage 4
कच्चित्ते सैनिकाः सर्वे सुखमत्रावसन् निशि। तमब्रवीत् ततो राजकुमारो भरतस्तदा॥४॥
“Did all your soldiers dwell comfortably here through the night?” Prince Bharata then replied.
Passage 5
कृताञ्जलिपुटो धीमान् विनतः प्रणयान्वितः। प्रणम्य बहुशः प्रीतो दृष्ट्वा सिद्धिमलौकिकीम्॥५॥
Wise, humble, and affectionate, he joined his palms and bowed repeatedly, delighted by the celestial perfection he had witnessed.
Passage 6
यैर्नावकलितो ब्रह्मन् स्वर्गलोकः सुखालयः। तेऽपीह मामका लोकाः स्वर्गस्था अभवन् निशि॥६॥
“Revered one, even my people who had never conceived of heaven, the abode of happiness, dwelt in heaven here last night.
Passage 7
सभृत्यः सहसैन्यश्च सामात्यः सपुरोहितः। त्वया स्वर्गार्चितं सौख्यमहमद्य समागतः॥७॥
“With my servants, army, ministers, and priests, I have now received from you happiness worthy of heaven.
Passage 8
ये केचन महाभोगा मर्त्यलोकेऽतिदुर्लभाः। तेऽभूवन्निह लोकानां मामकानां त्वदाज्ञया॥८॥
“Every magnificent enjoyment exceedingly rare in the mortal world appeared here for my people at your command.
Passage 9
आश्रमोऽयं महर्षे ते स्वर्गलोकः सुखालयः। यथा मुमुदिरे लोकाः सर्व एव न संशयः॥९॥
“Great sage, this hermitage of yours is heaven itself, the abode of happiness. There is no doubt that everyone rejoiced.
Passage 10
किं किं नु कथयाम्यद्य नृणां भोगसुखं महत्। सर्वे कामा इहैकत्र निवसन्ति तवाश्रमे॥१०॥
“How can I describe today the people’s immense pleasure? Every object of desire dwells together here in your hermitage.
Passage 11
स्वर्गस्थानामियं रात्रिर्गतास्माकं महामुने। तवानुग्रहमाहात्म्यं किं वाच्यमसकृन्मया॥११॥
“Great sage, this night passed for us as though we were established in heaven. How often must I proclaim the greatness of your grace?
Passage 12
तृप्ताः कामरसैर्भोगैरपेताध्वश्रमा जनाः। नानाभक्ष्यौघसुप्रीताः शयनासनतोषिताः॥१२॥
“The people are satisfied by desired pleasures, freed from the weariness of travel, delighted by abundant foods, and refreshed by beds and seats.
Passage 13
आनन्दिता न किमपि वक्तुं शक्ताश्च मामकाः। अधुना आज्ञापयतु मां गन्तुमार्यस्य सन्निधौ॥१३॥
“My people are so delighted that they cannot express it. Now please grant me leave to go into my noble brother’s presence.
Passage 14
प्रस्थापयाशिषं दत्त्वा लभे तद्दर्शनं यथा। एतावन्मे प्रियं ब्रह्मन् सुलभं भवदाशिषा॥१४॥
“Send me forth with your blessing so that I may obtain his sight. Revered one, this alone is dear to me and will be attainable through your blessing.
Passage 15
केन मार्गेण गन्तव्यं मया ब्रह्मविदां वर। तन्निरूपय मे भक्त्या सन्नताय महाशय॥१५॥
“Foremost knower of Brahman, by which road should I go? Great soul, please describe it to me as I bow before you devotedly.” The Road to Citrakūṭa
Passage 16
एवमुक्तो मुनिश्रेष्ठो भरतेन तदाब्रवीत्। अस्ति तात महान् रम्यश्चित्रकूटो महीधरः॥१६॥
Thus addressed by Bharata, the foremost sage replied, “Child, there is a great and beautiful mountain named Citrakūṭa.
Passage 17
इतो विदूरेण पथा कान्तिमान् भूरिधातुभिः। विचित्रशृङ्गः कनकस्राविपाषाणसन्धिभृत्॥१७॥
“It lies some distance from here and shines with abundant minerals, varied peaks, and rocky clefts streaming with gold.
Passage 18
अनेकपक्षिसंरावजुष्टकाननमञ्जुलः। अनेकविधपश्वोघसेवमानदरीगृहः॥१८॥
“Its lovely forests resound with many birds, and its cavern dwellings are frequented by herds of animals of every kind.
Passage 19
गिरेस्तस्योत्तरपार्श्वे भाति मन्दाकिनी नदी। बहुपुष्पभराक्रान्ततरुजुष्टतटद्वया॥१९॥
“On the mountain’s northern side shines the Mandākinī River, whose banks are lined by trees laden with masses of flowers.
Passage 20
हंससारसवक्राह्वकादम्बकुलकलिनी। तथा नानाविधा नद्यश्चित्रकूटाचलोद्गताः॥२०॥
“It rings with the calls of swans, cranes, curlews, and geese. Many other rivers also arise from Mount Citrakūṭa.
Passage 21
वाल्मीकेराश्रमस्थानं महर्षेस्तत्र शोभते। तदन्तरा महापुण्यं पुण्यारण्यनिषेवितम्॥२१॥
“There stands the hermitage of the great sage Vālmīki, and within that greatly sacred region lies a holy forest retreat.
Passage 22
तस्मिन्नचलवर्ये तु बद्ध्वाश्रमपदं निजम्। जानकीलक्ष्मणोपेत एकान्ते वसति स्वयम्॥२२॥
“Upon that excellent mountain, having established his own hermitage, Rāma dwells in seclusion with Jānakī and Lakṣmaṇa.
Passage 23
रामः कमलपत्राक्ष इति भूयः श्रुतं मया। तमुपेहि महाभाग द्रक्ष्यसि स्वेष्टपूर्तये॥२३॥
“I have repeatedly heard that lotus-eyed Rāma is there. Fortunate prince, approach him, and you will see him and fulfill your cherished aim.
Passage 24
इतस्त्वं दक्षिणेनैव पथा तत्र गमिष्यसि। महत्या सेनया युक्तो विलङ्घ्य यमुनानदीम्॥२४॥
“From here you will travel by the southern road with your great army, crossing the Yamunā River.
Passage 25
ततो गन्तासि तं देशं चित्रकूटं मनोरमम्। एवमाभाष्यमाणे तु भरते मुनिना तदा॥२५॥
“You will then reach that enchanting region of Citrakūṭa.” As the sage spoke thus to Bharata— Bharadvāja Meets the Royal Mothers
Passage 26
सम्प्रस्थितायां सेनायां तुमुले भवति ध्वनौ। कौसल्यादयो राजदारा मुनेर्दर्शनकाङ्क्षया॥२६॥
—the army began to depart amid tremendous noise. Kauśalyā and the other royal women came, desiring to see the sage.
Passage 27
आययुस्तत्र ताः सर्वा भरतेन च दर्शिताः। उवाच भरतः श्रीमान् सूचयंस्तां महर्षये॥२७॥
They all arrived and were presented by Bharata. Glorious Bharata indicated the first mother to the great sage and said:
Passage 28
इयं हि कोसलेन्द्रस्य सुता ब्रह्मन् ययाजनि। त्रैलोक्यसुन्दरो रामः सुविक्रान्तगुणोर्जितः॥२८॥
“Revered one, this is the daughter of the king of Kosala who gave birth to Rāma, beauty of the three worlds, endowed with valor and virtue.
Passage 29
इयं साध्वी महाशोकवह्निना तप्तमानसा। अनर्गलगलद्बाष्पधौताननविलोचना॥२९॥
“This virtuous lady’s heart is scorched by the fire of immense grief; her face and eyes are washed by ceaselessly falling tears.
Passage 30
कौसल्या नाम भगवन् निःश्वसन्ती सुदुःखतः। विलोक्यतामिह प्राप्ता भवन्तमभिवन्दितुम्॥३०॥
“Lord, her name is Kauśalyā. Sighing in great pain, she has come here to see and bow to you.
Passage 31
असौ मगधराजस्य तनया दुःखकर्शिता। कौसल्यामनुदीर्घेण संतापेन निमीलिता॥३१॥
“This is the daughter of the king of Magadha, emaciated by sorrow and following Kauśalyā, her eyes closed by prolonged anguish.
Passage 32
सुमित्रा नाम यासूत पुत्रौ विक्रमशालिनौ। त्रैलोक्यप्रथितप्रख्यौ वीरौ शत्रुघ्नलक्ष्मणौ॥३२॥
“Her name is Sumitrā. She gave birth to the valiant heroes Śatrughna and Lakṣmaṇa, whose fame is renowned throughout the three worlds.
Passage 33
एनां निरीक्षसे ब्रह्मन् यथामूलमुपार्जितम्। शोकस्यायशसश्चैव तथा वीरौ प्रवासितौ॥३३॥
“Revered one, behold this woman, the very root from which grief and disgrace were obtained and through whom the two heroes were exiled.
Passage 34
श्रीरामलक्ष्मणौ सद्यो राजा चापि मृतिं गतः। सर्वानर्थमयीमेनां जानीहि मम मातरम्॥३४॥
“Śrī Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa departed at once, and the king died. Know this mother of mine as the embodiment of all these calamities.
Passage 35
यया मम यशो लोके हर्तुमारब्धमुग्रया। तदहं त्वार्यदास्येन स्थापयिष्यामि निश्चितम्॥३५॥
“She fiercely began to destroy my reputation in the world. I am resolved to restore it through service to my noble brother.”
Passage 36
एवमाख्यातवान् मातॄर्भरतः शोककर्शितः। सर्वाभिः प्रणतो भूयः स मुनिर्दीर्घदर्शनः॥३६॥
Thus grief-worn Bharata introduced the mothers. The far-seeing sage was then bowed to again by all of them.
Passage 37
उवाचाश्वासयन् विद्वान् भरतं राजनन्दनम्। मा वीर दोषदृष्ट्यैनां योजयस्वात्ममातरम्॥३७॥
The wise sage reassured Bharata, the king’s son: “Hero, do not look upon your own mother through the eye of blame.
Passage 38
कैकयी भूरिमाव्यार्थानुकूलधिषणावती। रामप्रवासनं चैतत्सुखायैव भविष्यति॥३८॥
“Kaikeyī’s understanding accords with a profound hidden purpose. This exile of Rāma will ultimately lead only to good.” Departure toward Citrakūṭa
Passage 39
ततोऽभिवाद्य भरतो भरद्वाजं महामुनिम्। सम्पूज्य मातरः सर्वास्तेनाश्वासितमानसाः॥३९॥
Bharata then bowed to the great sage Bharadvāja. All the mothers honored him, their hearts comforted by his words.
Passage 40
प्रतस्थुः सहितास्तस्य कृत्वा चाभिप्रदक्षिणम्। आमन्त्र्य च महामन्त्रसिद्धं तमृषिमादृतः॥४०॥
They circumambulated him together, respectfully took leave of the sage perfected in great mantras, and set out.
Passage 41
प्रययौ भरतः साकं सेनया दीर्घया तया। असज्जन्त गजा अश्वाः स्यन्दनाश्च महाध्वजाः॥४१॥
Bharata departed with that far-stretching army. Elephants, horses, and chariots bearing great banners were made ready.
Passage 42
उच्चावचानि यानानि प्रययुः प्रस्थिते बले। महान्ति राजयानानि रेजुः स्वर्णपरिच्छदैः॥४२॥
As the force moved, conveyances of every size went forth. The great royal vehicles shone with golden fittings.
Passage 43
ध्वजारोहा गजास्तुङ्गाः सपक्षाः पर्वता इव। निर्ययुः सहसा सैन्ये भरतस्याभिगच्छति॥४३॥
Lofty elephants bearing standards, like winged mountains, surged out as Bharata’s army advanced.
Passage 44
अश्वाः पल्याणिनो रेजुः स्वर्णरत्नपरिच्छदाः। मरुदुत्तालगतयो गच्छन्तो बलमध्यतः॥४४॥
Saddled horses adorned with gold and gems shone as they moved through the army with the bounding speed of wind.
Passage 45
दासेरकाः स्वर्णरत्नभारवाहा विनिर्ययुः। रथाश्च दीर्घघोषाढ्याः कोविदारध्वजा ययुः॥४५॥
Pack animals carrying loads of gold and jewels went forth, while long-roaring chariots advanced beneath kovidāra standards.
Passage 46
शिविकामास्थितस्तत्र भरतः सौम्यदर्शनः। रराज श्रीरामभक्तश्रीसंदोहेन कृतास्पदः॥४६॥
Gentle-looking Bharata rode in a palanquin, radiant as the dwelling place of the abundant splendor of devotion to Śrī Rāma.
Passage 47
तमनुप्रययौ श्रीमाञ्छत्रुघ्नो मधुराकृतिः। सर्वे च रामचन्द्रस्य दर्शनस्पृहयान्विताः॥४७॥
Handsome and glorious Śatrughna followed him, and everyone was filled with longing to behold Rāmacandra.
Passage 48
मातरो राजदाराश्च प्रययुर्यानमास्थिताः। यमुनामतरत्सैन्यं सद्यो दक्षिणगामि तत्॥४८॥
The mothers and royal women traveled in their vehicles. The southbound army immediately crossed the Yamunā.
Passage 49
संहृष्टद्विपवाजियानध्वनिवहव्याप्ता मृगान् पक्षिणः संत्रासेन विभीषयन्त्यतितरां क्ष्वेलाश्वनिर्घोषिणी। सा सेना जविनी वनानि परितः सम्बाधमाना गिरी- नुद्देशादव निपातयन्त्यभिययौ श्रीचित्रकूटोन्मुखी॥४९॥
Filled with the sounds of excited elephants, horses, and vehicles, and loudly resounding with cries and neighing, the swift army terrified the forest’s animals and birds. Crowding the woods on every side and seeming to shake the mountain slopes, it advanced toward holy Citrakūṭa.