Passage 1
श्रीशुक उवाच— तस्यां संजातमात्रा सा दिव्यदेहविभूषिता। शुक्ले पक्षे चन्द्रिकेव व्यवर्धत दिने दिने॥१॥
Śrī Śuka said: Born to her, the girl was graced with a divine body and grew day by day like moonlight during the waxing fortnight.
Passage 2
तस्या रूपं सुसंजातं मनोहारि हरेरपि। लक्ष्मीपयोधराश्लेषपरमानन्दनिर्वृतेः॥२॥
Her beauty matured so enchantingly that it could captivate even Hari, who rests in the supreme bliss of Lakṣmī's embrace.
Passage 3
चरणौ जघने चैव मध्यनाभिस्थलोदरम्। त्रिवली रोमराजिश्च वक्षोजौ कण्ठमाननम्॥३॥
Her feet, hips, waist, navel, abdomen, three folds, line of down, breasts, neck, and face—
Passage 4
नासिके लोचने कर्णौ भालं मूर्धा कचोत्कराः। एकमेकं वपुस्तस्या दृष्टमन्यदिवाजनि॥४॥
her nose, eyes, ears, brow, head, and mass of hair—each part, when seen, seemed a distinct body of beauty.
Passage 5
यौवनार्यमहाशिल्पिसम्पादितसुमञ्जिम। क्वचिद्रक्तं क्वचिच्छ्यामं क्वचिच्छ्वेतं क्वचिच्छिति॥५॥
The master craftsman Youth fashioned her exquisite grace: red in one place, dark in another, white here, and variegated there.
Passage 6
क्वचिद्गौरं वपुस्तस्या भृतं रङ्गकृतेव तत्। अणिमा लघिमा चैव महिमा गरिमा तथा॥६॥
Elsewhere her body was fair, as though painted by an artist. Aṇimā, laghimā, mahimā, and garimā—
Passage 7
प्राप्तिः प्राकाम्यमीशित्वं वशित्वं चापि तत्तनौ। अणिमा मध्यदेशे स्याल्लघिमा पुष्पवत्तनौ॥७॥
along with prāpti, prākāmya, lordship, and mastery—appeared in her body. Subtlety dwelt in her slender waist and lightness in her flower-like frame.
Passage 8
महिमा दृश्यते तस्याः सततं दृङ्नितम्बयोः। गरिमा कुचयोः प्राप्तिर्देवानामपि दुर्लभा॥८॥
Greatness shone continually in her eyes and hips; weight and fullness in her breasts were an attainment difficult even for gods.
Passage 9
प्राकाम्यमीशता चास्यास्तनावुज्जृम्भते पृथक्। वशित्वं दृष्टिमात्रेण पूर्वा वश्यत्वकारणात्॥९॥
Fulfilled desire and sovereign power unfolded distinctly in her form, while a mere glance from her brought others under her sway.
Passage 10
प्रथमे यौवने तस्याश्चाङ्गमङ्गं व्यरोचत। निर्णिक्तमुकुराकारं निर्मेघशशिबिम्बवत्॥१०॥
At the beginning of youth, each of her limbs shone like a polished mirror and like the moon's disk in a cloudless sky.
Passage 11
तस्यां स्मरमहीपालो निजाज्ञामातनोत्तदा। विजित्येव विपक्षेभ्यो नगर्या मधुराकृतौ॥११॥
Then King Love extended his command over her sweetly formed city of a body, as though after defeating every rival.
Passage 12
कियद्वाच्यमदो रूपं पुष्टं यौवनकारुणा। रामचन्द्ररसीन्द्रेण भोगार्हं भूय एव तत्॥१२॥
What more can be said of that beauty, nourished by Youth's compassion and increasingly worthy of enjoyment by Rāmacandra, lord of rasa?
Passage 13
तां विलोक्य गिरिर्बालां काले परिणयोन्मुखीम्। त्रैलोक्ये तद्वराभावादन्वतप्यत मानसे॥१३॥
Seeing that the maiden had reached marriageable age, the mountain grieved inwardly because no bridegroom equal to her existed in the three worlds.
Passage 14
निरीक्ष्य चाकचक्योघं चमत्कारितलोचनम्। अन्वेत्येव चकोरीणामप्यदो बालिनां हृदि॥१४॥
The flood of her dazzling beauty astonished every eye and seemed to enter the hearts even of young cakora birds.
Passage 15
तदङ्गमपुषत्काञ्चिद्रूपसम्पदमीक्षताम्। नारदस्तत्पितुः पार्श्वं कदाचिदगमन्मुनिः। स तमभ्यर्च्य विधिवद्ददावुत्तममासनम्॥१५॥
Her limbs nourished a rare wealth of beauty for all who looked upon them. One day the sage Nārada came to her father, who duly worshiped him and offered an excellent seat. Nārada Foretells Her Marriage
Passage 16
गिरिरुवाच— अद्य मे सफलं जन्म भवत्पादाब्जवन्दनात्। अतीव कोमलं हृद्यं प्राप्तं ते दर्शनामृतम्॥१६॥
The mountain said: “Today my birth has borne fruit through reverence to your lotus feet; I have received the exceedingly gentle, heart-delighting nectar of your sight.
Passage 17
जाता पुण्यवती सम्यगद्यास्मत्कुलसंततिः। धन्यं मेरोः कुलं चाद्य युष्मदागमनात्प्रभो॥१७॥
Today our lineage has become truly meritorious, and Meru's family is blessed by your arrival, lord.
Passage 18
गृहिणां गृहकृत्येषु व्यग्राणां दुर्भगात्मनाम्। अनुधावति युष्माकं दर्शनं सौभगावहम्॥१८॥
Your fortune-bestowing presence follows even unfortunate householders preoccupied with domestic duties.
Passage 19
क्व नो दुश्चरितं ब्रह्मन्नहन्ताममताकुलम्। क्व च वो दर्शनमिदं योगिनामुचितं मुने॥१९॥
Where are we, brāhmaṇa—burdened by misconduct, ego, and possessiveness—and where is this sight of you, worthy of yogins?
Passage 20
गोदोहमात्रं विरमेद्यत्र भाग्यवशाद्भवान्। तत्र स्यादचला सम्पत्सा मे किं नु करिष्यति॥२०॥
Wherever by fortune you remain even for the time needed to milk a cow, unwavering prosperity abides. What will that prosperity not accomplish for me?”
Passage 21
श्रीनारद उवाच— गिरिराज सुधन्योऽसि मेरोः पुत्रो महायशाः। इदं ते शीर्षमुत्तुङ्गं सरयूपातसुन्दरम्॥२१॥
Śrī Nārada said: “Mountain king, you are greatly blessed, a celebrated son of Meru. Your lofty summit is beautiful with Sarayū's descent.
Passage 22
इयं ते परमा कन्या सिन्धोरिव सुता रमा। उभयोस्तुल्यं सौभाग्यमुभे अपि हि पद्मजे॥२२॥
This supreme daughter of yours resembles Ramā, daughter of the ocean. Both lotus-born maidens possess equal good fortune.
Passage 23
इमां दाशरथी रामः समये परिणेष्यति। अतो न देया कस्मैचिन्नाहं सिंहबलिं गजः॥२३॥
In due time Rāma, son of Daśaratha, will marry her. Therefore give her to no one else: an elephant is not offered as prey to a lion.
Passage 24
निश्चिन्तो भव शैलेन्द्र वराय त्वमतः परम्। नदीयं तादृशं कान्तं विनान्यं जनमर्हति॥२४॥
From now on be free of worry about a bridegroom, lord of mountains. This river-maiden deserves no man other than that beautiful Lord.”
Passage 25
इत्युक्त्वा प्रययौ योगी महाभागवतो मुनिः। गायन् रामयशः पुण्यं क्वणन् वीणां मनोहराम्॥२५॥
Having spoken thus, the yogin and great devotee departed, singing Rāma's holy fame and sounding his enchanting vīṇā.
Passage 26
स इयाय पुरीरत्नमयोध्यां रामभूषिताम्। तत्र संमानितो राजन् रामेणाचारकोविदः। ततः प्रसन्नो देवर्षिरुवाच मधुरं वचः॥२६॥
He reached Ayodhyā, jewel among cities and adorned by Rāma. Honored there by Rāma, the sage skilled in right conduct joyfully spoke sweet words.
Passage 27
अहो इदं राम जगत्समस्तं त्वयाभिगुप्तं कुशलेन विभाति। यद्दीप्तिवानाथयुतं प्रभाभिर्नयैः परीतं दिवसे समन्तात्॥२७॥
“Ah, Rāma, this entire world, skillfully protected by you, shines with radiant guardianship and is surrounded on every side by the light of just governance.
Passage 28
पाल्यन्ते साधवः सम्यक् संह्रियन्ते दुराशयाः। यदर्थं चावतीर्णोऽसि तत्त्वया क्रियते स्फुटम्॥२८॥
The virtuous are rightly protected and the wicked restrained. You visibly accomplish the very purpose for which you descended.
Passage 29
अथ विज्ञाप्यमस्त्येकं वेत्सि यद्यपि तत्स्वयम्। तथापि सेवकाः कुर्युः स्वधर्मं भूतिमिच्छवः॥२९॥
I have one matter to submit, although you already know it. Even so, servants who seek welfare should perform their duty.
Passage 30
अस्ति पद्मगिरिर्नाम मेरोः पुत्रो महायशाः। गन्धमादनपुत्रीं यां लेभे भार्यामुत्सुकाम्॥३०॥
There is a celebrated son of Meru named Padmagiri, who took the daughter of Gandhamādana as his devoted wife.
Passage 31
नाम्ना कुमुदिनी नाम सरयूस्तस्य कन्यका। वोढुमर्हसि तां राम चिरात्त्वयि धृताशयाम्॥३१॥
His daughter Sarayū is named Kumudinī. Rāma, you should marry her, for she has long fixed her heart upon you.” Rāma Visits Sarayū's Bank
Passage 32
इत्युक्त्वा नारदे याते रामस्त्रैलोक्यसुन्दरः। जलावगाहनकृते सरयूमुपजग्मिवान्॥३२॥
After Nārada spoke and departed, Rāma, beauty of the three worlds, went to Sarayū to bathe.
Passage 33
सावरोधजनः सार्धं भ्रातृभिर्लक्ष्मणादिभिः। स एकान्ततमे स्थाने निष्क्रम्य नगराद्बहिः॥३३॥
With the women of the palace and his brothers beginning with Lakṣmaṇa, he left the city for a secluded place.
Passage 34
यत्रारामो महानस्ति रमणीयकमञ्जुलः। रसालमञ्जरीसुन्दररजसाञ्चितमारुतः॥३४॥
There stood a vast and delightful pleasure garden, its breeze laden with beautiful pollen from mango blossoms.
Passage 35
सदा वसन्तवसतिर्जलयन्त्रमनोहरः। अनेकवृक्षगहनः फुल्लपुष्पकदम्बकः॥३५॥
Spring dwelt there always; waterworks charmed the eye, many trees formed deep groves, and masses of flowers bloomed.
Passage 36
कल्पवृक्षद्रुमलतामहामण्डपमण्डितः। मणिसौधो मनोहारी सरयूतीरभूस्थितः॥३६॥
Great bowers of wish-fulfilling trees and vines adorned it, and a captivating jeweled palace stood upon Sarayū's bank.
Passage 37
तत्र रामो रुचिं तन्वन् रेमे जानकजान्वितः। भ्रातरो लक्ष्मणाद्याश्च स्वस्वपत्नीसमन्विताः॥३७॥
There Rāma spread radiance and delighted with Janaka's daughter, while Lakṣmaṇa and his other brothers were joined by their own wives.
Passage 38
चिक्रीडुः सरयूतीरे विविधैः सम्भ्रमैर्युताः। स्थले विहृत्य रमणः पुष्पावचयनादिभिः॥३८॥
They played on Sarayū's bank in many joyous ways, sporting on land by gathering flowers and other pastimes.
Passage 39
वनेषु विजहारोच्चैः सरयूतीरभूमिषु। ततः श्रान्तवपुः श्रीमान् प्रियया सह राघवः॥३९॥
Glorious Rāghava sported freely in the forests along Sarayū's shore until his body grew tired, accompanied by his beloved.
Passage 40
जले विहर्तुं राजेन्द्रतनयोऽवततार सः। करीव करिणीयुक्तो विहृत्य स च निर्भरम्॥४०॥
The king's son entered the water to play and sported fully like an elephant accompanied by his mate.
Passage 41
जानक्या सहितोऽवात्सीत्तत्रैव निशि नायकः। ततो रात्री प्रजातायां पारिजातसुगन्धिना॥४१॥
The Lord remained there through the night with Jānakī. When night had fallen, a breeze fragrant with pārijāta—
Passage 42
वीजितः पवनेनासौ मल्लिकाकुसुमसंगिना। एकाकी विचरन् पूर्णचन्द्रज्योत्स्नाप्रकाशिते॥४२॥
and mingled with jasmine flowers fanned him as he wandered alone beneath the full moon's light.
Passage 43
सरय्वाः पुलिने रामः स्त्रियमेकां ददर्श सः। नवीनयौवनोल्लासमण्डितावयवश्रियम्॥४३॥
On Sarayū's sandy bank Rāma saw a woman whose beautiful limbs were adorned by the radiance of fresh youth.
Passage 44
श्रियं यथा विस्फुरन्तीं चञ्चलानां छटामिव। कुर्वन्तीं देहदीप्तीनां वृन्दैर्वितिमिरा दिशः॥४४॥
She flashed like fortune embodied, like a play of lightning, while the gathered brilliance of her body dispelled darkness from the directions.
Passage 45
अङ्गरागातिसौरभ्यसम्भारसुरभीकृते। कानने विस्फुरन्तीं च स्वाभाविकतनुत्विषा॥४५॥
In the grove made fragrant by abundant scented cosmetics, she shone with the natural luster of her body.
Passage 46
पल्लवारक्तचरणां रम्भोरुं हंसगामिनीम्। रक्तांशुकपरीधानां संध्यापूर्णातिथेरिव॥४६॥
Her feet were red as new leaves, her thighs like plantain stems, and her gait like a swan's. Dressed in red cloth, she resembled twilight on the full-moon day.
Passage 47
निम्ननाभिसरोरम्यं त्रिवलीललितोदराम्। रोमराजीसमुद्भासिमध्यां मध्यां च सुन्दरीम्॥४७॥
Her deep navel was lovely as a lake, her abdomen graced by three folds, and her slender waist shone with a fine line of down.
Passage 48
उत्तुङ्गस्तनकुम्भाक्तकाश्मीरागुरुसौरभाम्। मुक्ताहारलतारत्नमालासंशोभितोरसम्॥४८॥
Her high, rounded breasts were fragrant with saffron and agaru, and her chest shone with strings of pearls and jeweled necklaces.
Passage 49
ग्रैवेयकमहारत्नदीधितिद्योतिकाननाम्। मन्दस्मितमनोहारिमुखचन्द्रोत्थचन्द्रिकाम्॥४९॥
Great gems at her neck cast radiance upon her face, and the moonlight of a gentle smile arose from her enchanting moon-like countenance.
Passage 50
चारुनासां चकोराक्षीं कपोलादर्शभासुराम्। रत्नताटङ्कसम्पन्नश्रवणद्वयमञ्जुलाम्॥५०॥
She had a lovely nose, cakora-like eyes, mirror-bright cheeks, and two beautiful ears adorned with jeweled pendants.
Passage 51
विशालभालफलकभृतसौभाग्यभासिनीम्। सीमन्तरत्नपदान्तगुप्तसिन्दूररेखिकाम्॥५१॥
Her broad forehead shone with good fortune, while the line of vermilion in her parting was sheltered beneath a jeweled ornament.
Passage 52
श्यामां रजनिसंशोभिवेणीमौक्तिकतारकाम्। सर्वाभरणसम्पन्नां सर्वसौन्दर्यसंयुताम्॥५२॥
Her dark braid beautified the night and its pearls were stars. She possessed every ornament and every form of beauty.
Passage 53
सर्वसौभाग्यभवनां सर्वत्रैलोक्यमोहिनीम्। जाम्बूनदमयीं मालां दधानां करपङ्कजे॥५३॥
She was the abode of all good fortune and enchantress of the three worlds, holding a golden garland in her lotus hand.
Passage 54
वरणार्थं प्रियस्यास्य बहलोत्कलिकाकुलाम्। तां दृष्ट्वा रघुशार्दूलः प्रोवाच वचनं ततः॥५४॥
Overwhelmed by intense longing to choose her beloved, she stood there; seeing her, the tiger among Raghus addressed her.
Passage 55
कासि त्वं विपुलश्रोणि चरन्ती निर्जने वने। नारी वा किंनरी वापि देवी वा वनदेवता। नागी वा नगकन्या वा धन्या सौभाग्यसंयुता॥५५॥
“Who are you, broad-hipped one, wandering in this deserted grove? Are you a woman, a Kinnarī, a goddess, a forest deity, a Nāga maiden, or a mountain daughter blessed with good fortune?” Recognition and Gandharva Marriage
Passage 56
स्त्र्युवाच— अहं पद्मगिरेः पुत्री सरयूर्नामतः प्रिय। चिराय त्वां कामयन्ती ध्रुवं प्राप्तास्मि सम्प्रति॥५६॥
The woman said: “Beloved, I am Padmagiri's daughter, named Sarayū. Long desiring you, I have now surely attained your presence.
Passage 57
कच्चित्स्मरसि मां नाथ पूर्वजन्मनि संगताम्। अरुन्धत्या समुत्पन्नां वसिष्ठान्मुनिपुङ्गवात्॥५७॥
Lord, do you remember meeting me in my former birth, when I was born from Arundhatī and the eminent sage Vasiṣṭha?
Passage 58
ब्रह्मपुत्रीति मामत्याक्षीस्तदा कामेन संयुताम्। अधुना तु प्रपन्नां मां स्वाश्रयामुररीकुरु॥५८॥
Then you rejected me, though filled with love, because I was a brāhmaṇa's daughter. Now accept me, surrendered and seeking your refuge.”
Passage 59
श्रीराम उवाच— स्मरामि त्वां पूर्वभवे संगतां मम काङ्क्षया। ब्रह्मपुत्रीति संत्यक्तामधुना तु मदाशयाम्॥५९॥
Śrī Rāma said: “I remember meeting you in your former birth when you desired me. I rejected you as a brāhmaṇa's daughter, but now your heart rests in me.
Passage 60
प्राप्तामुरीकरिष्यामि त्वामहं पद्मशैलजे। प्रमोदवनमध्ये तु सुखितस्थालये शुभे॥६०॥
Daughter of Padmagiri, now that you have come I shall accept you. In the midst of Pramoda forest, in the blessed abode of delight—
Passage 61
आदिव्रजे सदानन्दे विहरन्तं महोत्सवैः। गोपीरासविलासाद्यैस्तत्र त्वं मामुपैष्यसि॥६१॥
in eternal, blissful Ādi-Vraja—you will attain me as I sport in great festivals beginning with the gopīs' rāsa play.
Passage 62
स्मरक्रीडारसे मग्नो विहरिष्याम्यहं त्वया। त्वत्कामं पूरयिष्यामि यथान्यासां मृगीदृशाम्॥६२॥
Immersed in the rasa of love play, I shall sport with you and fulfill your desire as I fulfill that of the other doe-eyed women.
Passage 63
रासमण्डलमध्ये तु गोपीनां प्रेमलीलया। वशीकृतस्ते साक्षात्त्वं गमिष्यामि मृगेक्षणे॥६३॥
Doe-eyed one, in the center of the rāsa circle, mastered by your loving play among the gopīs, I shall come directly to you.
Passage 64
व्रजप्रेमोचिता त्वं हि तत्र मां समुपैष्यसि। जाम्बूनदमयीं मालां मम कण्ठेऽर्पय प्रिये॥६४॥
You are truly suited to the love of Vraja and will attain me there. Beloved, place the golden garland around my neck.”
Passage 65
इति निशम्य रमापतेः सा वचनमर्थवदर्थविशारदा। रसवती सरयूः ससुखं न्यधात्प्रियगले मणिहेममयीं स्रजम्॥६५॥
Hearing the meaningful words of Ramā's Lord and understanding their import, rasa-filled Sarayū joyfully placed the jewel-and-gold garland around her beloved's neck.
Passage 66
स गान्धर्वविधानेन रमणीमुदवोढ ताम्। ततो रतिं तया सार्धं प्रावर्तयदुदारधीः॥६६॥
He married that lovely woman according to the Gandharva rite, and the noble-minded Lord then began loving union with her.
Passage 67
इत्थं सा रमणी तस्य व्रजप्रेमानुशालिनी। प्रमोदविपिने नित्यं लीलारसमवर्धयत्॥६७॥
Thus his beloved, fully aligned with the love of Vraja, eternally increased the rasa of divine play in Pramoda forest.