Passage 1
विवस्वानुवाच— उपदिश्य परं गुह्यमिदं ज्ञानं मयाच्युतः। ज्ञात्वा मां गतसंदेहं तत्रैवान्तरधीयत॥१॥
Vivasvān said: “Having taught me this supremely secret knowledge and known me to be free of doubt, Acyuta disappeared there itself.
Passage 2
इदं ते सनिगदितं रहस्यं वैष्णवं मतम्। हृदि निश्चित्य न पुनः शोकमेवं प्रयास्यसि॥२॥
I have fully related to you this secret Vaiṣṇava teaching. Fix it in your heart, and you will never again fall into such grief.
Passage 3
निर्भयो वीतशोकश्च प्रवर्तय विशेषतः। प्रजासर्गमिमं तात यथेच्छा पारमेश्वरी॥३॥
Fearless and free of sorrow, dear son, set this creation of beings in motion according to the supreme Lord's will.
Passage 4
न ह्यसौ बाधकः कश्चिज्ज्ञानिनः शुद्धचेतसः। ब्रह्मण्यारोप्यमाणत्वाद्बाधितः स्वयमेव तत्॥४॥
For one of pure mind and knowledge, creation is no obstruction: because it is superimposed upon Brahman, it is itself sublated.
Passage 5
पुराज्ञा मम संजाता देवदेवस्य वै हरेः। सदा मां भज भावेन प्रजाश्च विविधाः सृज॥५॥
Long ago this command came to me from Hari, God of gods: ‘Always worship me with devotion and create beings of many kinds.’
Passage 6
माया भगवतः सा वै ज्ञानिनां नैव बाधिका। कुतस्तरां तदीयानां भक्तानां तन्मयात्मनाम्॥६॥
The Lord's māyā does not bind the wise; how much less could it bind his devotees, whose whole being is absorbed in him?”
Passage 7
श्रीशुक उवाच— स्वपितुर्मतमाज्ञाय यथोक्तं हरिणा पुरा। प्रावर्तयत्प्रजासर्गं देवो वैवस्वतो मनुः॥७॥
Śrī Śuka said: Understanding his father's teaching as Hari had formerly declared it, the divine Vaivasvata Manu set creation in motion.
Passage 8
वीतशोको गतग्लानिर्गार्हस्थ्यधर्ममाश्रितः। मनो निवेश्य परमे ब्रह्मणि क्षतसंशयः॥८॥
Free from sorrow and despondency, he embraced the householder's dharma, placed his mind in the supreme Brahman, and cast off doubt.
Passage 9
यज्ञानुष्ठानपरमो ज्ञानवान् भक्तिसंश्रितः। तपस्वी विजितस्वान्तः प्रजासर्गमचीकरत्॥९॥
Devoted to sacrifice, endowed with knowledge and grounded in bhakti, the austere and self-mastered Manu brought forth living beings.
Passage 10
तमागत्याब्रवीद्वेधा राज्यसंस्थानमद्भुतम्। क्षात्रवंशसमुत्पत्तिं राजधर्मं च भूरिशः॥१०॥
Brahmā came to him and spoke at length of the wondrous foundation of kingship, the arising of the royal lineage, and royal dharma.
Passage 11
ब्रह्मोवाच— वैवस्वत मनुश्रेष्ठ धन्योऽसि त्वं जगत्प्रभो। दिष्ट्या ते विगता ग्लानिः पितुरेव निदेशतः॥११॥
Brahmā said: “Vaivasvata, best of Manus and lord of the world, blessed are you. By good fortune your despondency has vanished through your father's instruction.
Passage 12
पिता ते भगवान् साक्षादादिदेवस्त्रयीमयः। विवस्वान् रविरादित्यस्तपत्येष सदैव यः॥१२॥
Your father is the blessed primordial deity himself, embodied as the three Vedas—Vivasvān, the Sun, the Āditya who ever shines.
Passage 13
मण्डलेऽर्चिषि चात्मन्युद्भासते सततं प्रभुः। सामर्ग्यजुःस्वरूपेण क्रमाद्वेदात्मकः स्वयम्॥१३॥
The Lord shines continually in the solar orb, its rays, and its inner self, successively taking the forms of Sāman, Ṛc, and Yajus, himself the essence of the Vedas.
Passage 14
तेन त्वमुपदिष्टोऽसि विशुद्धं भगवन्मतम्। यदाह भगवांस्तस्मै पुरा रामः स्वयं प्रभुः॥१४॥
He has instructed you in the pure teaching of the Lord that the sovereign Lord Rāma himself declared to him long ago.
Passage 15
आत्मयोगप्रभावेण नैष मुह्यति कश्चन। यस्यान्तः सर्वदैवास्ति देवो रामः स्वयं हरिः॥१५॥
By the power of inner yoga, one within whom the divine Rāma, Hari himself, ever dwells is never deluded.
Passage 16
पद्मासने संनिविष्टः कनकाङ्गदभूषितः। द्विभुजो वै धनुर्बाणवनमालाविराजितः॥१६॥
He sits upon a lotus seat, adorned with golden armlets, two-armed and resplendent with bow, arrows, and forest garland.
Passage 17
कुण्डली पीतवसनो रत्नकङ्कणभासुरः। मेघश्यामः पुण्डरीकनेत्रो दिव्यकिरीटवान्॥१७॥
He wears earrings and yellow garments, gleams with jeweled bracelets, is dark as a raincloud, lotus-eyed, and crowned with a celestial diadem.
Passage 18
पितापि ते तत्स्वरूपः कालात्मा भगवानसौ। तस्य त्वं तनयः साक्षाद्भव वैवस्वतो मनुः॥१८॥
Your father too is a form of that Lord, whose nature is Time; and you are truly his son, Vaivasvata Manu.
Passage 19
लोकयात्राप्रवृत्त्यर्थमाविर्भूतः स्वयं हरिः। धर्मात्मा धर्मनिपुणो धर्मकर्मप्रवृत्तिकृत्॥१९॥
Hari himself has appeared to set worldly life in motion. You are righteous, skilled in dharma, and an initiator of righteous action.
Passage 20
अतः परं मे सकलं चिकीर्षितं बभूव तावत्सफलं मनूत्तम। प्रवर्तितं यद्भवताखिलं जगद्विवृद्धिमेष्यत्युरुवीर्यवर्चसा॥२०॥
Best of Manus, all that I desired to accomplish has now borne fruit. The world you have set in motion will flourish through your immense power and splendor. The Solar Dynasty and Ayodhyā Foretold
Passage 21
अयोध्याख्या पुरी पुण्या तव स्थानं भविष्यति। पृथिव्यां भारते वर्षे परं क्षेत्रं भविष्यति॥२१॥
The holy city named Ayodhyā will become your abode and the supreme sacred field upon earth in Bhārata.
Passage 22
रामचन्द्रस्य पाणिस्थं कमलं निपतिष्यति। सा धन्या नगरी भूमावयोध्याख्या भविष्यति॥२२॥
The lotus held in Rāmacandra's hand will descend there; that blessed city upon earth will be known as Ayodhyā.
Passage 23
नान्यैर्योद्धयितुं शक्या ब्रह्मक्षत्रविडादिभिः। ऊर्जस्वलैर्बलोपेतैरयोध्या तेन सा मता॥२३॥
Neither brāhmaṇas, warriors, merchants, nor any other mighty and powerful force can conquer it; therefore it is called Ayodhyā, the unconquerable.
Passage 24
अत्युत्तमा योगमयी ध्यानगम्या पुरी तु सा। तेनाप्ययोध्येति भवे कीर्तिता सा भविष्यति॥२४॥
That most exalted city is made of yoga and reached in meditation; for that reason too it will be celebrated as Ayodhyā.
Passage 25
तत्र ते पुत्रपौत्रादिक्रमाद्वृद्धिगतेऽन्वये। देवो रामचन्द्रः साक्षादाविर्भूतो भविष्यति॥२५॥
There, when your lineage has expanded through sons, grandsons, and their successors, the divine Rāmacandra himself will appear.
Passage 26
तं हि ये भुवने लोकाः प्रपत्स्यन्तेऽप्रमया धिया। तेषां तापत्रयं दृष्ट्वा तत्क्षणेन हरिष्यति॥२६॥
Whoever in the world takes refuge in him with immeasurable faith will have the three afflictions removed by him in that very instant.
Passage 27
ततः परं च वितते वंशे तव महीभृतः। पुण्यश्लोका भविष्यन्ति भूयांसः सत्यविक्रमाः॥२७॥
As your royal line extends thereafter, many kings of sacred fame and true valor will arise.
Passage 28
एवं त्वं क्षत्रवंशस्य बीजरूपोऽसि वै मनो। अतस्त्वां मानयिष्यन्ति क्षत्रबीजं मनीषिणः॥२८॥
Thus, Manu, you are the seed-form of the royal lineage; therefore the wise will honor you as the seed of kṣatriyas.
Passage 29
इक्ष्वाकुनामा तनयो भवतः सम्भविष्यति। ततः प्रसृतरो वंशः क्षत्रियाणां भविष्यति॥२९॥
A son named Ikṣvāku will be born to you, and from him the royal lineage will spread still farther.
Passage 30
एवमुक्त्वा गतो देवो भगवान् कमलासनः। वैवस्वतस्तपश्चक्रे प्रजासृष्ट्यर्थमुत्तमम्॥३०॥
Having spoken thus, the blessed lotus-seated god departed. Vaivasvata then performed supreme austerity for the creation of beings.
Passage 31
वर्षवातातपहिमैः कायक्लेशसहो मुनिः। ऊर्ध्वबाहुरुपासीनो भगवन्तं दिनेश्वरम्॥३१॥
The sage endured bodily torment from rain, wind, heat, and cold, sitting with arms uplifted while worshiping the Lord of day.
Passage 32
अङ्गुष्ठाग्रे धरणीं स्पृशन्नेकाग्रमानसः। जितेन्द्रियो जिताहारो जितश्वासो दृढव्रतः॥३२॥
Touching the earth with the tip of one toe, concentrated in mind, he mastered his senses, food, and breath and remained firm in his vow.
Passage 33
शुष्कपर्णाशनोऽद्भक्षो वायुभक्षो महातपाः। दिव्यवर्षसहस्रं स बभूवातीव निश्चलः॥३३॥
That great ascetic lived successively on dry leaves, water, and air, remaining utterly motionless for a thousand divine years.
Passage 34
कामयानः प्रजासर्गं स्वस्माद्वैवस्वतो मनुः। निवासं चात्मनोऽत्यर्थं पुण्यक्षेत्रमनुत्तमम्॥३४॥
Vaivasvata Manu desired to produce beings from himself and to obtain for his own residence an unsurpassed holy field.
Passage 35
ब्रह्मावर्ताभिधे देशे चकार शुचिमानसः। ततस्तपस्यतस्तस्य राम आविरभूत्पुरः॥३५॥
Pure in mind, he practiced austerity in the land called Brahmāvarta. Then Rāma appeared before him as he performed his penance.
Passage 36
भगवान् पुण्डरीकाक्षो धनुर्बाणधरो विभुः। वरं ब्रूहीति वचसा स तं प्रोवाच सादरम्॥३६॥
The blessed lotus-eyed Lord, bearing bow and arrows, graciously said to him, “Choose a boon.”
Passage 37
मनुर्हर्षान्वितो नत्वा ददर्श राममग्रतः। भक्त्या नतकिरा राजन् स तं तुष्टाव वत्सलम्॥३७॥
Filled with joy, Manu bowed and beheld Rāma before him. With devotion and a bowed head, O king, he praised the affectionate Lord.
Passage 38
मनुरुवाच— नमस्त्रिभुवनेशाय रामचन्द्राय राघव। निजमायागुणैरात्मस्वैरकेलिविनोदिने॥३८॥
Manu said: “Homage to the Lord of the three worlds, Rāmacandra, Rāghava, who sports freely through the qualities of his own māyā.
Passage 39
त्वामक्षरं वेदविदो वदन्ति सर्वस्य लोकस्य निधानभूतम्। स्वकालशक्त्यामितया त्रिलोकीं सृजस्यवस्यसि च देवदेव॥३९॥
Knowers of the Veda call you the imperishable foundation of all worlds. By your boundless power of Time you create and govern the three worlds, God of gods.
Passage 40
त्वं वै महद्भूतमनन्तमादौ भूतानि सर्वाणि पृथक् करोषि। स्वस्मादिहेदं निजशक्तिरूपं स्वभावजे जीविनिदेश जीवैः॥४०॥
You are the infinite Great Principle at the beginning and differentiate all beings. From yourself you manifest this universe as your own power and direct embodied lives through their innate nature.
Passage 41
प्रसूत्स्वं त्वत्त एकमासीत्ततो भवान् पूर्णनिजप्रकाशः। आदित्यवर्णः स निजांशुरूपान् जीवाननेकान् व्यसृजद्भूमन्॥४१॥
Before creation you alone existed; then you, full in your own radiance and sun-bright, sent forth countless jīvas as your own rays, Infinite One.
Passage 42
त्वमादिजीवः पुरुषः पुराणः सृष्टेच्छयानेककृतप्रकाशः। विदृत्य भूयः खलु तानि स्वदेहे प्रवेशयस्यम्भुदमण्डलोले॥४२॥
You are the primordial living principle, the ancient Person, appearing as many through the wish to create. Dissolving them again, you draw them into your own being as clouds enter the vast sky.
Passage 43
यदादिशामि वयमीश काले काले निदेशात्तव कर्म एतत्। जानीतां स्थावरजंगमौघस्त्वं तस्य जीवाकृततारकर्मा॥४३॥
Whatever we perform at each appointed time, Lord, is done by your command. Let the hosts of moving and unmoving beings know you as the inner life and true agent of their acts.
Passage 44
ओजः सहो बलं तेजस्त्वं धामायुश्च देहिनाम्। ततो मे देहि सामर्थ्यं यथेदं सम्भवेद्विभो॥४४॥
You are vigor, endurance, strength, brilliance, splendor, and the life of embodied beings. Grant me the power, Lord, by which this creation may arise.
Passage 45
न हि त्वत्करुणादृष्टिं विना कापि महेश्वर। अम्भोजिनि कान्तिर्लेशोऽस्ति पादाभोर्नखद्वये॥४५॥
Without your compassionate glance, great Lord, even a lotus possesses not the slightest beauty beside the radiance of the nails of your two feet.
Passage 46
यत्कर्णचिकुरद्वन्द्वमपि चाकचक्यं विलोभयते। तत्त्वेवांशसयोगादिति मे निश्चिता मतिः॥४६॥
The dazzling beauty that captivates even in the paired locks beside your ears exists only through contact with a portion of your splendor—this is my firm conviction.
Passage 47
पिता ममेष तपति प्रभावांस्तव राघव। इन्द्रश्चन्द्रो वसुः श्रीदः श्रीमांस्त्वाथ तव प्रियाः॥४७॥
My father shines by your power, Rāghava; Indra, the Moon, the Vasus, the giver of wealth, and all the glorious gods are dear to you and depend upon you.
Passage 48
इति स्तुतः स मनुना रामो वैवस्वतेन वै। प्रत्युवाच प्रसन्नात्मा वरं दित्सुर्दयाधिः॥४८॥
Thus praised by Vaivasvata Manu, Rāma, gracious in heart and an ocean of compassion, replied, desiring to grant a boon.
Passage 49
श्रीराम उवाच— ददामि तव सामर्थ्यं प्रजासर्गप्रवर्तने। उत्पादयोघाचभूतसर्गं त्रैलोक्यनिर्माणविवृद्धिकारकः॥४९॥
Śrī Rāma said: “I grant you power to set creation in motion. Produce the hosts of beings and cause the three worlds to be formed and expanded.
Passage 50
न ते प्रजासर्गविधौ विमोहो भविष्यति त्वं हि विधेः सहायः। इदं महीयं करसंस्थमब्जं क्षिपामि भूमौ विषये पुनीते॥५०॥
No delusion will arise in your work of creation, for you are Brahmā's helper. I cast this lotus held in my hand upon a holy region of the earth. Rāma Manifests Ayodhyā
Passage 51
इहैव साकेतपुरी महापुरी निवासहेतुस्तव सा भविष्यति। पुण्यातिधन्या खलु कोटितीर्थश्रितामिता सार्धदिनेशयोजनैः॥५१॥
Here itself that great city, Sāketa, will become your dwelling: exceedingly holy and blessed, sheltering millions of tīrthas and extending twelve yojanas.
Passage 52
नाम्ना त्वयोध्या मम यत्र संनिधिर्नित्यं कलेर्यत्र न च प्रभावः। मम धाम परं नित्यं प्रमोदवनसंज्ञितम्॥५२॥
It shall be called Ayodhyā. My presence abides there eternally, and Kali has no power there. My eternal supreme realm is known as Pramodavana.
Passage 53
सच्चिदानन्दरूपं वै तत्रैवाभाति निर्मलम्। परं ब्रह्म स्वयं रामः सहजानन्दिनीयुतः॥५३॥
There that stainless realm of being, consciousness, and bliss shines forth, where Rāma himself, the supreme Brahman, dwells with Sahajānandinī.
Passage 54
यस्मिन् विहरते नित्यं गोपगोपीगणैर्वृतः। सुखितस्य गवेन्द्रस्य यत्र घोषः सनातनः॥५४॥
There he sports eternally, surrounded by hosts of cowherds and cowherd women; there stands the timeless settlement of the joyful lord of cattle.
Passage 55
माङ्गल्यामितसौभाग्यरक्षिताखिलगोष्ठभूः। गोवत्सकूजितैर्यत्र गवां हुङ्कारवैस्तथा॥५५॥
Its entire pastoral ground is guarded by auspicious and immeasurable good fortune; there resound the calls of calves and the lowing of cows.
Passage 56
दधिमन्थाननिर्घोषैः श्रीरपूर्वा प्रयुज्यते। सर्वाणि तत्र तीर्थानि यावन्ति वसुधातले॥५६॥
The sounds of churning curds announce an incomparable abundance. All the sacred fords found upon the earth—
Passage 57
सप्तद्वीपगते सन्ति निवत्स्यन्ति मदाज्ञया। एवं सा परमा पुरी मम कराम्भोजस्वरूपा भुवि॥५७॥
all those throughout the seven continents—will dwell there by my command. Thus that supreme city, formed from the lotus of my hand, will appear on earth.
Passage 58
ख्यातिं यास्यति कोटितीर्थकलिता श्रीमत्ययोध्याभिधा। यस्यामुग्रतरैर्वसिष्ठतपसा भूप प्रभावैः सरिन्नाम्ना श्रीसरयूरुपैष्यति तरामाप्लावयन्ती महीम्॥५८॥
Adorned with millions of tīrthas, it will become renowned as glorious Ayodhyā. Through Vasiṣṭha's most intense austerity, O king, the mighty river named Śrī Sarayū will come and flood the land with blessing.
Passage 59
इत्युक्त्वा भगवान् विष्णुः पाणिस्थं कमलं निजम्। तत्र प्राप्य पुरीं चक्रे नाम्नायोध्येति कीर्तिताम्॥५९॥
Having spoken thus, Lord Viṣṇu cast down the lotus in his hand and made it into the city celebrated by the name Ayodhyā.
Passage 60
नालं तस्याव्रजदधो ब्रह्माण्डाधारवासिनीम्। विरजाख्यां नदीं तेन कल्पान्तेऽपि न शीर्यति॥६०॥
Its stalk descended to the Virajā River that abides beneath and supports the cosmic egg; therefore the city does not perish even at the end of a kalpa.
Passage 61
परितश्चापि तत्पुर्या रक्षणाय सुदर्शनम्। आदिदेश निजं चक्रं ज्वालामालातिभीषणम्॥६१॥
For the city's protection on every side he appointed his own Sudarśana discus, terrifying with its wreath of flames.
Passage 62
असम्पृक्तैव सा भाति तेन भूम्यां नगर्यसौ। न तत्र कलिदोषाणां प्रवेशश्चापि विद्यते॥६२॥
Thus that city shines upon earth yet remains untouched, and the faults of Kali find no entrance there.
Passage 63
उत्साद्यन्तेऽखिला दोषा बाणराजस्य दर्शनात्। ब्रह्मा विष्णुश्च रुद्रश्च ये देवाः सुरसत्तमाः॥६३॥
Every fault is destroyed at the sight of the king of arrows. Brahmā, Viṣṇu, Rudra, and all the foremost gods—
Passage 64
स्वं स्वं वैभवमादाय तां पुरीं समुपासते। रत्नोपलौघखचिता यस्यां स्वर्णमयी मही॥६४॥
each bringing his own splendor, attend upon that city, where the golden earth is inlaid with masses of gems.
Passage 65
सुवर्णमणिनिर्व्यूढाः सप्तप्राकारभूमयः। गोपुराणि विशालानि चिन्तामणिमयानि च॥६५॥
Its seven enclosure walls are built of gold and jewels, and its vast gateways are made of wish-fulfilling gems.
Passage 66
स्वर्णप्रासादशृङ्गाणि रत्नमाणिक्यभानुभिः। भास्वराणि विमानान्युञ्चैः स्फटिकेष्वपि भित्तयः॥६६॥
Golden palace spires blaze with rays of jewels and rubies; lofty mansions shine, and their walls are crystal.
Passage 67
मन्दारपारिजाताद्यैर्नित्यसंफुल्लभूरुहैः। विराजिता गुहारामा गायत्कोकिलषट्पदाः॥६७॥
Its groves and gardens are adorned with eternally flowering mandāra, pārijāta, and other trees, while cuckoos and bees sing.
Passage 68
वाप्यो विमलपीयूषसलिलैः पूरिताशयाः। सुवर्णरत्नसोपानजातशोभा मनोहराः॥६८॥
Its lovely stepwells are filled with stainless nectar-like water and beautified by stairways of gold and jewels.
Passage 69
आपणानामुभयतो वीथयश्चातिमञ्जुलाः। यत्र मूर्तिधरा वेदाः श्रीरामगुणगायनाः। गन्धर्वा इव राजन्ति तथोपनिषदां गणाः॥६९॥
Most charming avenues extend along both sides of its markets. There the Vedas embodied sing Śrī Rāma's virtues, and the hosts of Upaniṣads shine like Gandharvas.
Passage 70
इत्यद्भुतातिरचनैकमयीमयोध्यां श्रीराघवस्य करपद्ममयीं मनोज्ञाम्। वैवस्वतो मनुरुदीक्ष्य नितान्तहृष्टश्चक्रे निवासविधये निजराजधानीम्॥७०॥
Beholding delightful Ayodhyā—wholly made of wondrous design and formed from Śrī Rāghava's lotus hand—Vaivasvata Manu rejoiced deeply and made it his royal capital. Vasiṣṭha Becomes the Dynastic Priest
Passage 71
तत्र स्थितः स धरणीवलयं जुगोप धर्मेण नीतिकलितेन समस्तलोकान्। पुण्यान् परं च भजमान उदारचेताः श्रीराघवं सकलकल्मषनाशनोग्रम्॥७१॥
Dwelling there, he protected the circle of the earth and all its peoples through dharma joined with wise governance, while nobly worshiping Śrī Rāghava, the mighty destroyer of every stain.
Passage 72
पौरोहित्येन स ततो वरीतुं विधिवत्तरः। वसिष्ठं प्रार्थयांचक्रे निजवंशशुभप्रदम्॥७२॥
He then duly sought to choose Vasiṣṭha—bestower of blessing upon his lineage—as his officiating priest.
Passage 73
वैवस्वत उवाच— प्राजापत्यो मुनिश्रेष्ठस्तपस्वी नियतव्रतः। जितेन्द्रियो मन्त्रयोगी वेदविद्याविशारदः॥७३॥
Vaivasvata said: “You are a Prajāpati sage, foremost among seers, austere and firm in vows, master of the senses, adept in mantra-yoga, and learned in Vedic knowledge.
Passage 74
भवांस्तपोधनः श्रेष्ठः पौरोहित्ये ममोचितः। यतः पुरोधसमृते यजमानस्य नो शुभम्॥७४॥
Rich in austerity, you are supremely suited to be my priest, for without a purohita no good comes to the patron of sacrifice.
Passage 75
पुरोहिते कुलं सर्वं क्षेमं चापि पुरोहितः। यशो धनं च वृद्धिश्च यज्ञाश्चापि पुरोहितः॥७५॥
The entire family rests in its priest; welfare is the priest, fame and wealth and increase are the priest, and sacrifices too depend upon the priest.
Passage 76
तस्मात्पुरोहिते सर्वमैहिकामुष्मिकं फलम्। प्रतिष्ठिततमं वेद्मि ततः कुर्वे पुरोहितम्॥७६॥
Therefore I know every fruit of this world and the next to be most firmly established in the priest, and so I choose you as purohita.
Passage 77
यस्मिन् कुले मन्त्रनिष्ठो विद्यते न पुरोहितः। नष्टप्रायं कुलं तद्धि विना नौरिव नाविकम्॥७७॥
A family without a priest grounded in mantra is nearly ruined, like a ship without a helmsman.
Passage 78
यज्ञैर्याजयते श्रोत्रं रक्षति त्रायते कुलम्। आपद्भ्यस्तारयत्येव पौरोहित्यमिदं स्मृतम्॥७८॥
He conducts sacrifices through sacred learning, guards and saves the family, and carries it across dangers: this is remembered as the priestly office.
Passage 79
स्वाध्यायवर्जितं पुंसां कुलं नष्टमिति स्थितिः। स्वाध्यायाध्ययने हेतुः पुरोधा एव केवलम्॥७९॥
A family bereft of sacred study is held to be lost, and the priest alone is the cause of continued recitation and learning.
Passage 80
मन्त्रज्ञो विनयी दक्षो वैदिकाचारतत्परः। कुलीनः सुकृती धीरः पापकृत्यात्पराङ्मुखः॥८०॥
He should know mantra, be humble and capable, devoted to Vedic conduct, well-born, virtuous, steadfast, and turned away from sinful action.
Passage 81
शूरो विधिज्ञः प्रवणः सुहृद्दान्तः शमी यमी। प्रसिद्धो देशकालज्ञः प्रभुवत्फलसाधकः॥८१॥
He should be courageous, know the rites, be devoted, friendly, disciplined, tranquil, restrained, renowned, aware of place and time, and able like a master to secure results.
Passage 82
सर्वोपायविधानज्ञ आपद्भ्यस्तारणक्षमः। वेदशास्त्रार्थविज्ञाता समर्थः सर्ववस्तुषु॥८२॥
He should know every method and ordinance, be able to rescue from danger, understand the meaning of Veda and śāstra, and be capable in all matters.
Passage 83
ईतिदोषप्रतीकर्ता प्रजाहितकरः सदा। स वै पुरोहितः प्रोक्तो राज्ञा सेव्यो विशेषतः॥८३॥
He who wards off calamity and fault and always promotes the people's welfare is called a true priest and should especially be honored by a king.
Passage 84
यदीच्छेद्विपुलां भूतिं कीर्तिं चापि श्रियं तथा। तदा राजा प्रथमतः कुर्यात्कंचित्पुरोहितम्॥८४॥
If a king desires abundant prosperity, fame, and fortune, he should first appoint a worthy priest.
Passage 85
तादृशस्त्वं मया लब्धो भ्रमता धरणीतले। भाग्येनैव तपोराशे कुलं तारय नः प्रभो॥८५॥
As I wandered the earth, by fortune I found such a one in you, treasury of austerity. Lord, carry our lineage safely across.
Passage 86
कुलमेतद्भगवत्प्रसादात्प्रभविष्णु च। तेनैव त्वं मया लब्धो वृणे च त्वां पुरोहितम्॥८६॥
By the Lord's grace this lineage will become powerful; by that same grace I have found you, and I choose you as my priest.”
Passage 87
इत्युक्त्वा विधिवद्वव्रे वसिष्ठं मुनिपुङ्गवम्। सोऽप्युरीकृतवांस्तस्य पौरोहित्यं महामुनिः॥८७॥
Speaking thus, he duly chose Vasiṣṭha, foremost of sages, and the great seer accepted the office of priest for him.
Passage 88
कश्यपस्य प्रियां कन्यां मुनिर्येमे मतोत्तमः। सत्कृतिर्नाम वै तस्यामिक्ष्वाकुमुदपादयत्। ततः प्रवर्तितो वंशः सूर्यस्य कृपयाञ्चितः॥८८॥
The excellent Manu married Satkṛti, the beloved daughter of Kaśyapa, and begot Ikṣvāku upon her. From him the solar dynasty, graced by divine mercy, began.
Passage 89
कदाचिदूचे मनुराजो वसिष्ठं प्रसन्नचित्तं विनयेनाशुतुष्टयत्। कृताञ्जलिर्यजमानप्रवीरः पुरोधसं सर्वलोकेष्टदक्षम्॥८९॥
Once King Manu, foremost among patrons, folded his hands and humbly addressed Vasiṣṭha, the gracious priest skilled in securing the good of every world. Manu Requests a River for Ayodhyā
Passage 90
मनुरुवाच— भगवन् भवतो नित्यं प्रसादादासादिता मया। अपूर्वा धनसम्पत्तिः पुत्रपौत्रादियोगिनी॥९०॥
Manu said: “Lord, through your constant grace I have obtained unprecedented wealth together with sons, grandsons, and descendants.
Passage 91
मही चाप्यखिला ब्रह्मन् धर्मतः पाल्यते मया। सृष्टाश्च विविधाकाराः प्रजाः श्रीशनिदेशतः॥९१॥
Brāhmaṇa, I govern the entire earth according to dharma, and by the Lord's command I have created beings of many forms.
Passage 92
पुरी चापि मया प्राप्ता रमणीयतमा भुवि। भाविनां भूमिपालानां राजधानी मनोहरा॥९२॥
I have also received the loveliest city upon earth, the charming capital of future rulers.
Passage 93
नातः परतरो देशः सम्पत्समुदयाञ्चितः। पृथिव्यां भारते वर्षे रत्नरूपा पुरी ह्यसौ॥९३॥
No land is higher or more endowed with rising prosperity; in Bhārata upon earth this city is itself a jewel.
Passage 94
एका मे प्रार्थना ब्रह्मन् गङ्गाभत्रानय प्रभो। अयोध्याख्या पुरी त्वेषा प्रवाहेण विवर्जिता॥९४॥
I have one request, brāhmaṇa: Lord, bring a river like Gaṅgā here, for this city named Ayodhyā is without a flowing stream.
Passage 95
तस्मादिह स्वतपसा नदीमानेष्यसि प्रभो। इत्युक्तस्तेन मनुना वसिष्ठो भगवान् मुनिः॥९५॥
Therefore, Lord, please bring a river here through your austerity.” Thus addressed by Manu, the blessed sage Vasiṣṭha—
Passage 96
उवाच मनुशार्दूलं दिव्यदर्शी तपोनिधिः। अहो ते मनुशार्दूल सम्यग्जातास्ति वै स्पृहा॥९६॥
the divine-seeing treasury of austerity—said to that tiger among Manus: “Ah, tiger among Manus, a truly worthy desire has arisen in you.
Passage 97
पुरा खलु विधेः सर्गे योग एष सनातनः। अयोध्यासरयूर्नद्योरिश्वरालंकारभूतयोः॥९७॥
From the ancient creation of Brahmā there has been an eternal union between Ayodhyā and the Sarayū, which together adorn the Lord.
Passage 98
अस्ति वै सरयूर्नाम सरित् त्रैलोक्यपावनी। दर्शनाच्चैव यत्स्पर्शान्महामाङ्गल्यशेवधिः॥९८॥
There is a river named Sarayū, purifier of the three worlds and a treasury of supreme auspiciousness through sight and touch alone.
Passage 99
रामप्रेमवशाङ्मग्नः पुरुषः स सहस्रदृक्। सहस्रशोऽश्रुधाराभिः सुस्राव प्रेमजं जलम्॥९९॥
Overcome and immersed in love for Rāma, the thousand-eyed Puruṣa poured forth love-born water in thousands of streams of tears.
Passage 100
ब्रह्मा विष्णुश्च रुद्रश्च त्रिदशाश्च सवासवाः। सुस्रुवुः प्रेमसलिलं रामप्रेमवशाः पृथक्॥१००॥
Brahmā, Viṣṇu, Rudra, and the thirty gods with Indra each shed the water of love, overcome by love for Rāma. Vasiṣṭha's Austerity and Sarayū's Commission
Passage 101
तत एषा समुद्भूता सरयूः सुरसा सरित्। तीर्थानां कोटयश्चास्यां विविशुः सहसोत्सुकाः॥१०१॥
From that arose the delightful river Sarayū, and millions of tīrthas eagerly entered her at once.
Passage 102
गङ्गाद्याः सरितश्चास्यां विविशुः स्वस्वरूपतः। मेधाद्या ब्रह्मविद्याश्च सावित्र्याद्याः श्रियस्तथा॥१०२॥
Gaṅgā and the other rivers entered her in their own forms, as did sacred knowledges beginning with Medhā and divine powers beginning with Sāvitrī.
Passage 103
द्रवरूपं समास्थाय तस्यां विविशुरुत्सुकाः। सा वै विरजया पश्चात्सुसंगम्य महोज्ज्वला॥१०३॥
Assuming liquid form, they eagerly entered her. Thereafter she, brilliantly radiant, joined the Virajā.
Passage 104
आस्तेऽधुना हिमगिरौ दिव्यरूपधरा सरित्। हिमाद्रेः पूर्वशिखरे कैलासगिरिनामनि॥१०४॥
Now that river, bearing a divine form, dwells in the Himalaya upon its eastern summit known as Mount Kailāsa.
Passage 105
विचरन्ती सिद्धवने सिद्धगन्धर्वपूजिता। तामिहागमयिष्यामि सुधातोयां महानदीम्॥१०५॥
She moves through the forest of siddhas and is worshiped by siddhas and Gandharvas. I shall bring that great river of nectar-like water here.
Passage 106
यावद्दशसहस्रं तु तपः कृत्वा सुदुष्करम्। आराध्य श्रीरामं विभुं तपसा खलु भूरिणा॥१०६॥
After performing extremely difficult austerity for ten thousand years and worshiping the sovereign Śrī Rāma through abundant penance,
Passage 107
तं वै प्रसन्नं याचिष्ये सरयूं शीतलोदकाम्। त्रिधासंतापहरणीं साक्षात्कामदुघां नृणाम्॥१०७॥
I shall ask the gracious Lord for Sarayū, whose waters are cool, who removes the three afflictions, and who directly fulfills human desires.
Passage 108
अथापि खलु सा नित्यं सूक्ष्मरूपेण संस्थिता। रामवद्रामगङ्गापि तथाप्याविर्भविष्यति॥१०८॥
Though she is eternal and already abides in subtle form, this Gaṅgā of Rāma, like Rāma himself, will nevertheless become manifest.
Passage 109
नित्यायोध्या सरयूश्चापि नित्या नित्या प्रमोदाटविरत्र यूपः। नित्योऽयमादिव्रज ईशलीलास्थानं तथेशो नित्य एवात्र रामः॥१०९॥
Ayodhyā is eternal, Sarayū is eternal, Pramodavana and the sacrificial post here are eternal; this primordial Vraja, the ground of the Lord's play, is eternal, and Rāma himself is eternally present here.
Passage 110
आविर्भावः क्रमेणैषां नित्यानामपि वस्तुतः। अतोऽहमत्रानेष्यामि सरयूं लोकमङ्गलाम्॥११०॥
Though eternal in truth, these realities manifest in sequence. Therefore I shall bring Sarayū, the blessing of the world, here.
Passage 111
मुनीनामपि सर्वेषामत्रत्यानां मनूत्तम। भवेदिष्टमिदं भूयः सरयूसरितागमात्॥१११॥
Best of Manus, the arrival of the river Sarayū will also fulfill the wish of all the sages who dwell here.
Passage 112
कोटितीर्थाश्रया पुण्या विश्वमङ्गलरूपिणी। पुर्येव खलु पूरेषा सर्वा तु विशेषतः॥११२॥
Holy, sheltering millions of tīrthas, and embodying the world's welfare, she will above all make this city truly complete.
Passage 113
इत्युक्त्वा मुनिशार्दूलो देवं वैवस्वतं मनुम्। सरय्वानयनार्थाय प्रतस्थावुत्तरां दिशम्॥११३॥
Having spoken thus to the divine Vaivasvata Manu, the tiger among sages departed northward to bring Sarayū.
Passage 114
तत्र गत्वा तपस्तेपे कैलासाचलसन्निधौ। जिताहारो जितायासो नित्यं मौनव्रते स्थितः॥११४॥
Reaching the vicinity of Mount Kailāsa, he practiced austerity, mastering food and fatigue and continually observing a vow of silence.
Passage 115
मुष्टिमात्रतिलप्राशी शीर्णपर्णाशनस्ततः। पयोव्रतो वायुभक्षस्ततस्तिष्ठद्व्रतं चरन्॥११५॥
He first ate only a fistful of sesame, then fallen leaves; afterward he observed a milk vow, lived on air, and practiced austerity while standing.
Passage 116
कृच्छ्रातिकृच्छ्रसुमहागहनव्रततत्परः। प्राणायामपरो योगी त्यक्तसर्वाशनस्ततः॥११६॥
Devoted to the severe and most severe disciplines and extremely arduous vows, the yogin practiced breath control and finally abandoned all food.
Passage 117
शुष्ककायोऽतिमांसास्थिशेषः सुकृशविग्रहः। रामचन्द्राराधनकृदास्थितः कठिनं तपः॥११७॥
His body dried until little but flesh and bone remained; terribly emaciated, he stood in hard austerity worshiping Rāmacandra.
Passage 118
तपसा तस्य संतुष्टो भगवान् पुरुषः परः। प्रत्यक्षं समनुप्राप्य प्रोवाच विमलं वचः॥११८॥
Pleased by his austerity, the blessed Supreme Person appeared directly before him and spoke these stainless words.
Passage 119
अयि श्रीमुनिशार्दूल कठिनं ते परं तपः। निरीक्ष्य निजधाम्नोऽहं चलितः करुणान्वितः॥११९॥
“O glorious tiger among sages, seeing your exceedingly difficult austerity, I have left my own abode, moved by compassion.
Passage 120
वरं ब्रूहि प्रसन्नोऽहं यत्ते समभिकाङ्क्षितम्। अपि यद्दुर्लभं लोके दास्ये तदपि साम्प्रतम्॥१२०॥
Choose a boon; I am pleased. Whatever you desire, even if difficult to obtain in the world, I shall grant it now.
Passage 121
वशीभूतोऽस्मि तपसा वद किं नाम याचितम्। इत्युक्तो वै भगवता वसिष्ठो वश्यमानसः। उवाच मौनमुत्सृज्य निजचेतोऽभिवाञ्छितम्॥१२१॥
I have been won over by your austerity; tell me what you seek.” Thus addressed by the Lord, self-controlled Vasiṣṭha abandoned his silence and declared his heart's desire.
Passage 122
वसिष्ठ उवाच— अहं तपस्यामि श्रीराम सरयूप्राप्तये तपः। अयोध्यायां मुक्तिपुर्यां सा नित्यं प्रवहेदिति॥१२२॥
Vasiṣṭha said: “Śrī Rāma, I perform this austerity to obtain Sarayū, so that she may flow eternally through Ayodhyā, the city of liberation.
Passage 123
नदीप्रवाहरहिता न हि सा शोभते पुरी। रामप्रेमद्रवमयी सरयूर्विश्वपाविनी॥१२३॥
That city does not shine without a flowing river. Sarayū, made of the liquid love of Rāma, purifies the universe.
Passage 124
अयोध्यायाः समुचिता रामपुर्याः शुभाकृते। इति मे वाञ्छितं नाथ व्यक्तं कमललोचन। विना त्वत्कृपया देव सा लभ्या मनुजेन च॥१२४॥
She is the fitting adornment of Ayodhyā, Rāma's city. Lotus-eyed Lord, I have declared my desire; without your grace no human being can obtain her.”
Passage 125
श्रीराम उवाच— अस्त्वेवं मुनिशार्दूल मयाप्येतन्मतं ध्रुवम्। इत्युक्त्वा भगवान् रामो वसिष्ठं प्रति वत्सलः। प्रेरयामास सरयूं तस्यां गमनहेतवे॥१२५॥
Śrī Rāma said: “Let it be so, tiger among sages; this is certainly my wish as well.” Speaking thus, Lord Rāma, affectionate toward Vasiṣṭha, directed Sarayū to depart with him.
Passage 126
श्रीभगवानुवाच— गच्छ देवि महापुण्यामयोध्यां मुक्तिरूपिणीम्। तत्रस्था जगतां देवि पशुपक्ष्यन्त्यजात्मनाम्॥१२६॥
The blessed Lord said: “Go, goddess, to supremely holy Ayodhyā, embodiment of liberation. Dwelling there, goddess, grant liberation to beings of the world—to animals, birds, and those deemed outcast—
Passage 127
स्थावराणां द्रुमलतादीनां त्वद्वारिसंगिनाम्। मुक्तिं कुरु शुभां नाम मत्स्थानप्राप्तिलक्षणाम्॥१२७॥
and to stationary beings such as trees and vines that touch your waters: the blessed liberation characterized by attainment of my abode.”
Passage 128
ओमित्युक्त्वाथ सरयूर्गन्तुं समुपचक्रमे। तावद्यमो धर्मराजः प्राप्य संयमिनीं पुरीम्॥१२८॥
Saying “Om,” Sarayū prepared to depart. At that moment Yama, King of Dharma, reached his city Saṃyaminī—
Passage 129
उवाच कमलाकान्तमिदं वचनमादृतः। किमर्थमधिकारोऽयं मयि नाथ निवेशितः॥१२९॥
and respectfully addressed the lotus-beloved Lord: “Why, Lord, has this authority been vested in me?
Passage 130
न ह्यस्यां धरणिस्थायां पापं स्थास्यति देहिनाम्। अस्यास्तरंगासम्पृक्तो यत्र वाति समीरणः॥१३०॥
Once she is established upon earth, no sin will remain in embodied beings. Wherever wind touched by her waves blows,
Passage 131
देशे तत्र मदीयानां संचारो नैव विद्यते। अस्याश्च नाममात्रेण मुक्तिमेष्यन्ति मानवाः॥१३१॥
my agents will have no movement in that land. By merely uttering her name, human beings will attain liberation.
Passage 132
तोयपानाच्च वै सद्यो रामभक्तिर्विवर्धते। इति तस्य वचः श्रुत्वा रामः प्रोवाच सस्मितम्॥१३२॥
By drinking her water, devotion to Rāma at once increases.” Hearing his words, Rāma replied with a smile.
Passage 133
कीकटेषु त्रिशङ्कोश्च छायादेशस्थभूमिषु। धन्वदेशेषु च तथा म्लेच्छप्रायेषु चान्तक॥१३३॥
“Ender of life, remain active in Kīkaṭa, Triśaṅku, the lands of Chāyā, desert regions, and places dominated by mlecchas;
Passage 134
विषयेषु मम स्तोत्रपूजावर्जितभूमिषु। अन्येषु चाशुचिस्थानेष्वपुण्येषु च ये नराः॥१३४॥
in territories devoid of my praise and worship, and among people who live in other impure and unholy places;
Passage 135
म्रियन्ते सुदुराचाराः सूतिकास्थाश्च याः स्त्रियः। दुर्वासनाश्च ये जीवा महापातककारिणः॥१३५॥
among those who die in profoundly corrupt conduct, women who die in childbirth, beings of evil disposition, and perpetrators of great sins;
Passage 136
रामभक्तेश्च विमुखा विष्णुनिन्दापराश्च ये। शिवनिन्दापराश्चैव दुर्गानिन्दापराश्च ये॥१३६॥
among those turned away from devotion to Rāma, those devoted to reviling Viṣṇu, and those who revile Śiva or Durgā;
Passage 137
अन्ये च येऽतिपिशुना देवनाद्विजगोद्रुहः। परोपकारहिंस्राश्च परवृत्तिविघातकाः॥१३७॥
among the exceedingly malicious who hate gods, brāhmaṇas, or cows, who injure beneficent action, and who destroy the livelihoods of others.
Passage 138
तेषां पातकिनां नॄणां दण्डधारणहेतवे। जागरूकः सदा तिष्ठ न त्वस्यास्तटवासिनाम्॥१३८॥
Remain ever vigilant to punish those sinful people, but never the inhabitants of her banks.”
Passage 139
इत्यादिश्य यमं रामः स्वं धाम प्रत्यपद्यत। परतश्च सरयूर्देवी वसिष्ठान्तिकमागमत्॥१३९॥
Having so instructed Yama, Rāma returned to his own abode. Then the goddess Sarayū approached Vasiṣṭha.
Passage 140
उवाच मुनिशार्दूलं दिव्यवेशधरा सरित्। आदिष्टाहं भगवता विष्णुना करुणावता॥१४०॥
The river, bearing a celestial form, said to the tiger among sages: “Compassionate Lord Viṣṇu has commanded me.
Passage 141
अयोध्यां प्रति यास्यामि रामचन्द्रमहापुरीम्। तत्रैव चापि वत्स्यामि रामचन्द्रस्य संनिधौ। उत्तिष्ठ मुनिशार्दूल सम्पूर्णस्ते मनोरथः॥१४१॥
I shall go to Ayodhyā, Rāmacandra's great city, and dwell there in Rāmacandra's presence. Rise, tiger among sages; your desire is fulfilled.” Sarayū Enters Ayodhyā
Passage 142
श्रीशुक उवाच— अथोदतिष्ठत्तत्स्थानाद्वसिष्ठो भगवान् मुनिः। तमनुप्रययौ देवी सरयूर्लोकपावनी॥१४२॥
Śrī Śuka said: Then the blessed sage Vasiṣṭha rose from that place, and the world-purifying goddess Sarayū followed him.
Passage 143
प्लावयन्ती शुभान् देशान् निजतोयघटाभरैः। लिम्पन्ती धरणीं तुङ्गैस्तरंगैश्चन्दनैरिव॥१४३॥
She flooded auspicious lands with the abundance of her waters and anointed the earth with lofty waves as though with sandal paste.
Passage 144
कूर्दन्ती लोलकल्लोलैः केलीमिव समन्ततः। भिन्दन्ती निजमार्गस्थान् विकटांश्चापि भूधरान्॥१४४॥
Leaping with restless billows as if sporting on every side, she broke through rugged mountains standing in her path.
Passage 145
अम्भोजवेन गच्छन्ती पुण्यसेनैव पापभित्। तत्र तत्र मिलन्ती च नदीभिर्मार्गमध्यतः॥१४५॥
Moving with the force of her waters, she shattered sin like a holy army and joined other rivers here and there along her course.
Passage 146
घोषयन्ती दिशः सर्वाः प्रवाहजवकाहलैः। स्तूयमाना तत्र तत्र वसिष्ठेन महर्षिणा॥१४६॥
She filled every direction with the tumult of her swift current while the great sage Vasiṣṭha praised her at every stage.
Passage 147
अन्यैश्च सिद्धगन्धर्वैर्मुनिवर्यैश्च संस्तुता। उच्चावचान् शुभान् देशानेकीकृत्य महोर्मिभिः॥१४७॥
Praised also by siddhas, Gandharvas, and eminent sages, she united high and low auspicious lands with her great waves.
Passage 148
शोभयन्ती निःसरन्ती काप्यस्तब्धौघवाहिनी। अयोध्याभिमुखी देवी बभूव सरयूस्तदा॥१४८॥
Beautifying the lands as she issued forth, carrying an irresistible flood, the goddess Sarayū then turned toward Ayodhyā.
Passage 149
योजनैस्त्रिभिरभ्येत्य जग्राहामितभक्तिमान्। महर्षिणा साकमेनां राजा वैवस्वतो मनुः। ततः स पूर्वमस्तोषीद्वसिष्ठं स्वपुरोधसम्॥१४९॥
Vaivasvata Manu, filled with boundless devotion, went three yojanas out to receive her together with the great sage. He first praised Vasiṣṭha, his priest.
Passage 150
मनुरुवाच— नमो महर्षये तुभ्यं प्राजापत्याय योगिने। अवन्ध्यकर्मणे दीर्घतपसे ब्रह्मणे नमः॥१५०॥
Manu said: “Homage to you, great Prajāpati sage and yogin, whose actions never fail, whose austerity is prolonged, who are Brahman embodied.
Passage 151
त्वत्प्रसादादहं ब्रह्मन् कृतकृत्योऽस्मि सद्गुरो। तारितं मे कुलं सर्वं भासितं च नमस्तु ते॥१५१॥
Through your grace, brāhmaṇa and true guru, I have fulfilled my purpose. You have carried my whole lineage across and illumined it; homage to you.
Passage 152
यदा यदा कुलेऽस्माकं भवेत्कार्यममानुषम्। तदा तदा सहायस्त्वमधुनेव भविष्यसि॥१५२॥
Whenever a superhuman task arises in our lineage, may you assist us then just as you have now.
Passage 153
तापितं भगवन् कृत्स्नं त्रैलोक्यं तपसा त्वया। येन स्थानात्प्रचलितो विष्णुस्त्रैलोक्यपूजितः॥१५३॥
Lord, your austerity heated the whole of the three worlds and moved Viṣṇu, worshiped throughout them, to leave his abode.”
Passage 154
इति स्तुतस्तेन ततो वसिष्ठः प्रोवाच तस्मै विहितप्रसादः। पाद्यार्घपूजादिभिरेवमेनां गृहाण राजन् सरयूं समेताम्॥१५४॥
Thus praised, gracious Vasiṣṭha said to him: “King, receive Sarayū, who has arrived, with water for the feet, an offering of honor, worship, and the other rites.
Passage 155
स्तुवीहि चैनां स्तुतिभिस्तत्पराभिः श्रीरामप्रेमद्रवैकस्वरूपाम्। इत्थं हि ते पुरलक्ष्मीर्भवित्री तरंगिणी सततं पुण्यरूपा॥१५५॥
Praise her with exalted hymns, for her sole nature is the liquid love of Śrī Rāma. This ever-holy river will become the fortune of your city.”
Passage 156
इत्याज्ञप्तो वसिष्ठेन मनुर्वैवस्वतः स्वयम्। तुष्टाव सरयूरूपां श्रीरामप्रेमसम्पदम्॥१५६॥
Thus instructed by Vasiṣṭha, Vaivasvata Manu praised Sarayū, the treasure of Śrī Rāma's love.
Passage 157
प्रेमद्रवे नमस्तुभ्यमयोध्याभिमुखद्रवे। महापुण्ये सुरे वन्द्ये राजसम्पत्प्रदायिनि॥१५७॥
“Homage to you, liquid love flowing toward Ayodhyā, supremely holy, worshiped by the gods, and bestower of royal prosperity.
Passage 158
अनेककल्पावधिसंस्थितोदके मार्कण्डेयाद्यैर्मुनिभिः स्तव्यरूपे। प्रेमामृते ब्रह्मसुखातिगामिसुखप्रदे श्रीसरयु प्रसीद॥१५८॥
Your waters endure through countless kalpas and sages beginning with Mārkaṇḍeya praise your form. Nectar of love, giver of bliss beyond even Brahman's joy, Śrī Sarayū, be gracious.
Passage 159
वसिष्ठतपसानीते गङ्गाजलमनोहरे। वासिष्ठ्ये रामगङ्गायै नित्यं तुभ्यं नमोऽम्ब मे॥१५९॥
Brought by Vasiṣṭha's austerity, lovely as Gaṅgā's water, O Vāsiṣṭhī and Gaṅgā of Rāma, my mother, eternal homage to you.
Passage 160
प्रायो मत्कुलसंस्थानां सदा कल्याणकारिणि। स्थाने समागता मातर्नित्यमास्स्व पुरे मम॥१६०॥
You ever bring welfare to those established in my lineage. Mother, now that you have reached your proper place, dwell eternally in my city.”
Passage 161
इति स्तुत्वा चकारोच्चैः पूजां पाद्यार्घसम्मुखैः। उपचारैः षोडशभिरानयत्स्वपुरे ततः॥१६१॥
Having praised her, he performed lofty worship with water for the feet, the honor-offering, and all sixteen services, and then led her into his city.
Passage 162
अभ्यागतां तां पुरवासिनो जनाः सपर्यया भूरितमोपचारया। प्रत्यग्रहीषुः स्तुतिभिश्च भूरिशः समङ्गलोपायनपाणयो भृशम्॥१६२॥
The people of the city received their arriving guest with lavish worship and abundant hymns, their hands filled with auspicious gifts.
Passage 163
ततः प्रभृत्येव पुरी महोत्तमा बभूव सात्यन्तरुचिप्रवर्धिनी। श्रियान्विता रत्नतटद्वयत्विषा विराजमाना सरयूप्रसंगतः॥१६३॥
From that time the supreme city grew ever more radiant. Through Sarayū's presence it became endowed with fortune and shone with the brilliance of her two jeweled banks.
Passage 164
तस्याः पुर्यास्तलतो वाहिनी सा चक्राह्वकारण्डवराजहंसयुक्। अनेकरूपैर्मुनिभिः पक्षिरूपैर्निषेवितातीव रराज सुश्रिया॥१६४॥
Flowing beneath the city, she was filled with cakravāka birds, kāraṇḍavas, and royal swans. Sages serving her in many avian forms made her shine with extraordinary beauty.
Passage 165
पीयूषद्रववाहिनी मुनिवरश्रीराजहंसान्विता। रत्नाबद्धतटद्वयातिसुषमा संफुल्लपद्माकरा। सौवर्णोज्ज्वलसैकता शुभमणिस्वर्णाङ्कितनिःश्रेणिका। रामारोहणसारणीव सरयूस्तस्यां विरेजे तराम्॥१६५॥
Bearing a current of liquid nectar and attended by eminent swan-like sages, Sarayū was exquisitely beautiful between her gem-set banks, filled with blooming lotuses, her sandbanks gleaming gold, and her stairways marked with auspicious gems and gold. There she shone like a ladder by which one ascends to Rāma.