Prakarana 3

Verse 45 (चौपाई)

बरनि उमापति राम गुन हरषि गए कैलास। तब प्रभु कपिन्ह दिवाए सब बिधि सुखप्रद बास।।14(ख)।।

barani umāpati rāma guna harakhi gae kailāsa | taba prabhu kapinha divāe saba bidhi sukha-prada bāsa ||14(kha)||

Having sung Rama’s virtues, Uma’s Lord (Śiva) departed in joy to Kailāsa; and then the Lord arranged for the monkeys every manner of comfort-giving abode. (14b)

Verse 46 (दोहा/सोरठा)

सुनु खगपति यह कथा पावनी। त्रिबिध ताप भव भय दावनी।। महाराज कर सुभ अभिषेका। सुनत लहहिं नर बिरति बिबेका।। जे सकाम नर सुनहिं जे गावहिं। सुख संपति नाना बिधि पावहिं।। सुर दुर्लभ सुख करि जग माहीं। अंतकाल रघुपति पुर जाहीं।। सुनहिं बिमुक्त बिरत अरु बिषई। लहहिं भगति गति संपति नई।। खगपति राम कथा मैं बरनी। स्वमति बिलास त्रास दुख हरनी।। बिरति बिबेक भगति दृढ़ करनी। मोह नदी कहँ सुंदर तरनी।। नित नव मंगल कौसलपुरी। हरषित रहहिं लोग सब कुरी।। नित नइ प्रीति राम पद पंकज। सबकें जिन्हहि नमत सिव मुनि अज।। मंगन बहु प्रकार पहिराए। द्विजन्ह दान नाना बिधि पाए।।

sunu khagapati yaha kathā pāvanī | tribidha tāpa bhava bhaya dāvanī || mahārāja kara subha abhiṣekā | sunata lahahiṁ nara birati bibekā || je sakāma nara sunahiṁ je gāvahiṁ | sukha saṁpati nānā bidhi pāvahiṁ || sura durlabha sukha kari jaga māhīṁ | aṁta-kāla raghupati pura jāhīṁ || sunahiṁ bimukta birata aru biṣayī | lahahiṁ bhagati gati saṁpati naī || khagapati rāma kathā maiṁ baranī | svamati bilāsa trāsa dukha haranī || birati bibeka bhagati dṛḍha karanī | moha nadī kahaṁ suṁdara taranī || nita nava maṅgala kausalapurī | harasita rahahiṁ loga saba kurī || nita naī prīti rāma pada paṅkaja | sabakeṁ jinhahi namata siva muni aja || maṅgana bahu prakāra pahirāe | dvijanha dāna nānā bidhi pāe ||

Listen, O Lord of birds: this tale is purifying, a forest-fire to the fear of worldly existence and the threefold afflictions. Hearing of the great king’s auspicious coronation, men at once gain detachment and discernment. Even those who listen or sing with worldly aims obtain many kinds of happiness and prosperity; They enjoy in this world delights hard even for the gods, and at life’s end go to the city of Raghu’s Lord. The liberated, the detached, and even the sense-bound—whoever hears—gain new devotion, a higher course, and fresh riches of spirit. O Garuda, I have narrated Rama’s story—play of my own understanding, yet a remover of terror and sorrow. It makes dispassion, discernment, and devotion firm; it is a beautiful boat to cross the river of delusion. In Kosala’s city, ever-new auspiciousness prevails; the people of every household remain joyful. Ever new is their love for Rama’s lotus-feet—feet to which Śiva, the sages, and Brahmā bow. They don manifold garments of festive kind; and Brahmins receive gifts in many ways.

Verse 47 (चौपाई)

ब्रह्मानंद मगन कपि सब कें प्रभु पद प्रीति। जात न जाने दिवस तिन्ह गए मास षट बीति।।15।।

brahmānanda magana kapi saba keṁ prabhu pada prīti | jāta na jāne divasa tinh gae māsa ṣaṭ bīti ||15||

Immersed in Brahman-like bliss, all the monkeys were filled with love for the Lord’s feet; they did not know how the days passed—six months slipped away. (15)

Verse 48 (दोहा/सोरठा)

अब गृह जाहु सखा सब भजेहु मोहि दृढ़ नेम। सदा सर्बगत सर्बहित जानि करेहु अति प्रेम।।16।।

aba gṛha jāhu sakhā saba bhajēhu mōhi dṛḍha nēma | sadā sarbagata sarbahita jāni karēhu ati prēma ||16||

“Now return to your homes, friends; worship me with steadfast resolve. Ever knowing me as all-pervading and the welfare of all, love me with a most intense devotion.”

Verse 49 (चौपाई)

सुनि प्रभु बचन मगन सब भए। को हम कहाँ बिसरि तन गए।। एकटक रहे जोरि कर आगे। सकहिं न कछु कहि अति अनुरागे।। परम प्रेम तिन्ह कर प्रभु देखा। कहा बिबिध बिधि ग्यान बिसेषा।। प्रभु सन्मुख कछु कहन न पारहिं। पुनि पुनि चरन सरोज निहारहिं।। तब प्रभु भूषन बसन मगाए। नाना रंग अनूप सुहाए।। सुग्रीवहि प्रथमहिं पहिराए। बसन भरत निज हाथ बनाए।। प्रभु प्रेरित लछिमन पहिराए। लंकापति रघुपति मन भाए।। अंगद बैठ रहा नहिं डोला। प्रीति देखि प्रभु ताहि न बोला।।

suni prabhu bacana magana saba bhae | ko hama kahā̃ bisari tana gae || ēkaṭaka rahē jōri kara āgē | sakahĩ na kachu kahi ati anurāgē || parama prēma tinh kara prabhu dēkhā | kahā bibidha bidhi gyāna biśēṣā || prabhu sanmukha kachu kahan na pārhĩ | puni puni carana sarōja nihārhĩ || taba prabhu bhūṣana basana magāē | nānā raṅga anūpa suhāē || sugrīvahi prathamahĩ pahirāē | basana bharata nija hātha banāē || prabhu prērita lachimana pahirāē | laṅkāpati raghupati mana bhāē || aṅgada baiṭha rahā nahĩ ḍōlā | prīti dēkhi prabhu tāhi na bōlā ||

Hearing the Lord’s words, all were plunged in rapture, as though they had forgotten who and where they were. With joined palms they stood before Him, staring unblinking; in their great love they could not utter a thing. The Lord beheld the fullness of their devotion—what need to speak of subtle kinds of knowledge? Unable to say anything in His presence, they again and again gazed upon His lotus feet. Then the Lord sent for ornaments and garments of many hues, matchless and fair. First He arrayed Sugrīva; the robes were those Bharata had fashioned with his own hands. At the Lord’s bidding Lakṣmaṇa clothed Vibhīṣaṇa, pleasing Raghupati’s heart. Aṅgada sat unmoving; seeing his love, the Lord did not address him.

Verse 50 (दोहा/सोरठा)

जामवंत नीलादि सब पहिराए रघुनाथ। हियँ धरि राम रूप सब चले नाइ पद माथ।।17(क)।। तब अंगद उठि नाइ सिरु सजल नयन कर जोरि। अति बिनीत बोलेउ बचन मनहुँ प्रेम रस बोरि।।17(ख)।।

jāmbavanta nīlādi saba pahirāē raghunātha | hiyã dhari rāma rūpa saba calē nāi pada mātha ||17(ka)|| taba aṅgada uṭhi nāi siru sajal nayana kara jōri | ati binīta bōlēu bacana manahũ prēma-rasa bōri ||17(kha)||

Jāmbavān, Nīla and all the rest—thus adorned by Raghunātha—set forth, bearing Rāma’s form within their hearts, bowing their heads to His feet. Then Aṅgada rose; with head bowed, eyes brimming, and palms joined, he spoke most humbly, as though drenched in love’s nectar.

Verse 51 (चौपाई)

सुनु सर्बग्य कृपा सुख सिंधो। दीन दयाकर आरत बंधो।। मरती बेर नाथ मोहि बाली। गयउ तुम्हारेहि कोंछें घाली।। असरन सरन बिरदु संभारी। मोहि जनि तजहु भगत हितकारी।। मोरें तुम्ह प्रभु गुर पितु माता। जाउँ कहाँ तजि पद जलजाता।। तुम्हहि बिचारि कहहु नरनाहा। प्रभु तजि भवन काज मम काहा।। बालक ग्यान बुद्धि बल हीना। राखहु सरन नाथ जन दीना।। नीचि टहल गृह कै सब करिहउँ। पद पंकज बिलोकि भव तरिहउँ।। अस कहि चरन परेउ प्रभु पाही। अब जनि नाथ कहहु गृह जाही।।

sunu sarbagya kṛpā sukha sĩdhō | dīna dayākara ārata bãdhō || maratī bēra nātha mōhi bālī | gayau tumhārehi kō̃chē̃ ghālī || asaran saran biradu sãbhārī | mōhi jani tajahu bhagata hita-kārī || morē̃ tumha prabhu guru pitu mātā | jāũ kahā̃ taji pada jalajāta || tumhahi bicāri kahahu naranāhā | prabhu taji bhavana kāja mama kāhā || bālaka gyāna buddhi bala hīnā | rākhahu saran nātha jana dīnā || nīci ṭahala gṛha kai saba karihū̃ | pada paṅkaja bilōki bhava tarihū̃ || asa kahi carana parēu prabhu pāhī | aba jani nātha kahahu gṛha jāhī ||

“Hear me, O Omniscient One, ocean of grace and bliss, compassionate to the lowly, the helper of the afflicted. At the hour of death, my lord, Vālī cast me into your lap—he has gone, leaving me under your protection. Remembering your vow to be the refuge of the refuge-less, forsake me not, O benefactor of your devotees. To me you are Lord, teacher, father, and mother; where shall I go, abandoning your lotus feet? Consider and tell me, O king of men: if I leave you and return home, what business is mine? I am but a child, bereft of knowledge, judgment, and strength—protect your helpless servant. I will do all lowly service in your household; beholding your lotus feet, I shall cross the ocean of this world.” Saying so, he fell at the Lord’s feet: “Do not, O master, tell me now to go home.”

Verse 52 (दोहा/सोरठा)

अंगद बचन बिनीत सुनि रघुपति करुना सींव। प्रभु उठाइ उर लायउ सजल नयन राजीव।।18(क)।। निज उर माल बसन मनि बालितनय पहिराइ। बिदा कीन्हि भगवान तब बहु प्रकार समुझाइ।।18(ख)।।

aṅgada bacana binīta suni raghupati karunā sī̃va | prabhu uṭhāi ura lāyu sajal nayana rājīva ||18(ka)|| nija ura māla basana mani bāli-tanaya pahirāi | bidā kīnhi bhagavāna taba bahu prakāra samujhāi ||18(kha)||

Hearing Aṅgada’s humble words, Raghupati—limitless in compassion—lifted him up and clasped him to His breast, His lotus eyes brimming with tears. Then the Lord placed upon Vālī’s son His own garland, garments, and a jewel; and at last He took leave of him, counseling him in many ways.

Verse 53 (चौपाई)

भरत अनुज सौमित्र समेता। पठवन चले भगत कृत चेता।। अंगद हृदयँ प्रेम नहिं थोरा। फिरि फिरि चितव राम कीं ओरा।। बार बार कर दंड प्रनामा। मन अस रहन कहहिं मोहि रामा।। राम बिलोकनि बोलनि चलनी। सुमिरि सुमिरि सोचत हँसि मिलनी।। प्रभु रुख देखि बिनय बहु भाषी। चलेउ हृदयँ पद पंकज राखी।। अति आदर सब कपि पहुँचाए। भाइन्ह सहित भरत पुनि आए।। तब सुग्रीव चरन गहि नाना। भाँति बिनय कीन्हे हनुमाना।। दिन दस करि रघुपति पद सेवा। पुनि तव चरन देखिहउँ देवा।। पुन्य पुंज तुम्ह पवनकुमारा। सेवहु जाइ कृपा आगारा।। अस कहि कपि सब चले तुरंता। अंगद कहइ सुनहु हनुमंता।।

bharata anuj saumitra sametā | paṭhavan cale bhagat kṛta cetā || aṅgada hṛdayã prema nahĩ thorā | phiri-phiri citava rāma kī̃ orā || bāra-bāra kara daṇḍa pranāmā | mana asa rahana kahahĩ mohi rāmā || rāma bilokani bolani calanī | sumiri-sumiri socata hãsi milanī || prabhu rukha dekhi binaya bahu bhāṣī | caleu hṛdayã pada paṅkaja rākhī || ati ādara saba kapi pahũcāe | bhāinh sahita bharata puni āe || taba sugrīva carana gahi nānā | bhā̃ti binaya kīnhe hanumānā || dina dasa kari raghupati pada sevā | puni tava carana dekhihaũ devā || punya puñja tumha pavanakumārā | sevahu jāi kṛpā āgārā || asa kahi kapi saba cale turaṃtā | aṅgada kahai sunahu hanumaṃtā ||

Bharata, along with his younger brother Saumitra, set forth—sent on their way, their minds fixed in devotion. Angada’s heart held no scant love; again and again he turned his gaze toward Rama’s side. Repeatedly he made full prostration, his mind wishing only this: ‘May I ever remain, calling “Rama” to myself.’ In looking upon Rama, in speaking of Him, and in his very gait, he was absorbed; remembering and remembering, pondering, he would smile and meet others. Perceiving the Lord’s inward wish, he spoke many humble petitions and departed, keeping the lotus-feet within his heart. With great honor all the monkeys escorted them; and Bharata returned with his brothers. Then Sugriva, clasping the feet, made varied entreaties through Hanuman: ‘For ten days let me serve the feet of Raghupati; thereafter, O Lord, I shall behold your feet again. O son of the Wind, you are a treasury of merit—go and serve the abode of compassion.’ Saying so, all the monkeys departed at once; Angada said, ‘Listen, Hanuman…’

Verse 54 (दोहा/सोरठा)

कहेहु दंडवत प्रभु सैं तुम्हहि कहउँ कर जोरि। बार बार रघुनायकहि सुरति कराएहु मोरि।।19(क)।। अस कहि चलेउ बालिसुत फिरि आयउ हनुमंत। तासु प्रीति प्रभु सन कहि मगन भए भगवंत।।!9(ख)।। कुलिसहु चाहि कठोर अति कोमल कुसुमहु चाहि। चित्त खगेस राम कर समुझि परइ कहु काहि।।19(ग)।।

kahehu daṇḍavat prabhu saĩ tumhahi kahaũ kara jori | bāra-bāra raghunāyakahi surati karāehu mori ||19(ka)|| asa kahi caleu bāli-suta phiri āyu hanumaṃta | tāsu prīti prabhu sana kahi magana bhae bhagavaṃta ||19(kha)|| kulisahu cāhi kaṭhora ati komala kusumahu cāhi | citta khagesa rāma kara samujhi parai kahu kāhi ||19(ga)||

‘Make my prostration to the Lord,’ he said, ‘and I speak to you with folded hands: again and again, bring Raghunatha to my remembrance.’ So spoke Bali’s son and departed; then Hanuman returned. Telling the Lord of his love, the Blessed One was filled with joy. One would have a thunderbolt be hard, and a flower be exceedingly soft—yet tell me, O Khagesa, how can the heart understand the hand of Rama?

Verse 55 (चौपाई)

पुनि कृपाल लियो बोलि निषादा। दीन्हे भूषन बसन प्रसादा।। जाहु भवन मम सुमिरन करेहू। मन क्रम बचन धर्म अनुसरेहू।। तुम्ह मम सखा भरत सम भ्राता। सदा रहेहु पुर आवत जाता।। बचन सुनत उपजा सुख भारी। परेउ चरन भरि लोचन बारी।। चरन नलिन उर धरि गृह आवा। प्रभु सुभाउ परिजनन्हि सुनावा।। रघुपति चरित देखि पुरबासी। पुनि पुनि कहहिं धन्य सुखरासी।। राम राज बैंठें त्रेलोका। हरषित भए गए सब सोका।। बयरु न कर काहू सन कोई। राम प्रताप बिषमता खोई।।

puni kṛpāla liyo boli niṣādā | dīnhe bhūṣana basana prasādā || jāhu bhavana mama sumirana karehū | mana krama bacana dharma anusarehū || tumha mama sakhā bharata-sama bhrātā | sadā rahehu pura āvata jātā || bacana sunata upajā sukha bhārī | pareu carana bhari locana bārī || carana nalina ura dhari gṛha āvā | prabhu subhāu parijananhĩ sunāvā || raghupati carita dekhi purabāsī | puni-puni kahahĩ dhanya sukha-rāsī || rāma-rāja baĩṭhẽ trelokā | haraṣita bhae gae saba sokā || bayaru na kara kāhū sana koī | rāma pratāpa biṣamatā khoī ||

Then the Compassionate Lord called the Nishada to Him and bestowed upon him garments and ornaments as gracious gifts. ‘Go home and keep remembering Me; in mind, in deed, and in speech, follow dharma. You are My friend—like a brother equal to Bharata; ever remain in the city, coming and going.’ Hearing these words, great joy arose; he fell at the feet, his eyes brimming with tears. Holding the lotus-feet within his heart, he returned home and told his family of the Lord’s noble nature. Seeing the deeds of Raghupati, the citizens again and again exclaimed, ‘Blessed—an ocean of happiness!’ When Rama sat enthroned in kingship, the three worlds rejoiced and all sorrows departed. None bore enmity toward anyone; by Rama’s might, inequality was erased.

Verse 56 (दोहा/सोरठा)

बरनाश्रम निज निज धरम बनिरत बेद पथ लोग। चलहिं सदा पावहिं सुखहि नहिं भय सोक न रोग।।20।।

baranāśrama nija-nija dharama bani-rata beda patha loga | calahĩ sadā pāvahĩ sukhahi nahĩ bhaya soka na roga ||20||

People, devoted to their own proper duties within the order of varna and ashrama, walked always upon the Vedic path; they attained happiness—there was no fear, no grief, and no disease.

Verse 57 (चौपाई)

दैहिक दैविक भौतिक तापा। राम राज नहिं काहुहि ब्यापा।। सब नर करहिं परस्पर प्रीती। चलहिं स्वधर्म निरत श्रुति नीती।। चारिउ चरन धर्म जग माहीं। पूरि रहा सपनेहुँ अघ नाहीं।। राम भगति रत नर अरु नारी। सकल परम गति के अधिकारी।। अल्पमृत्यु नहिं कवनिउ पीरा। सब सुंदर सब बिरुज सरीरा।। नहिं दरिद्र कोउ दुखी न दीना। नहिं कोउ अबुध न लच्छन हीना।। सब निर्दंभ धर्मरत पुनी। नर अरु नारि चतुर सब गुनी।। सब गुनग्य पंडित सब ग्यानी। सब कृतग्य नहिं कपट सयानी।।

daihika daivika bhautika tāpā | rāma rāja nahĩ kāhuhi byāpā || saba nara karahĩ paraspara prītī | calahĩ svadharma nirata śruti nītī || cāriu carana dharma jaga māhī̃ | pūri rahā sapanehũ agha nāhī̃ || rāma bhagati rata nara aru nārī | sakala parama gati ke adhikārī || alpa-mṛtyu nahĩ kavanīu pīrā | saba suṃdara saba biruja sarīrā || nahĩ daridra kou dukhī na dīnā | nahĩ kou abudha na lacchana hīnā || saba nirdaṃbha dharmarata punī | nara aru nāri catura saba gunī || saba gunagya paṇḍita saba gyānī | saba kṛtagya nahĩ kapaṭa sayānī ||

The bodily, the fateful, and the material torments afflicted no one in Rama’s reign. All people cherished mutual love; they walked in their own duties, devoted to the ethics taught by Shruti. Dharma in the world stood on all four legs; not even in dream did sin appear. Men and women were absorbed in devotion to Rama; all were entitled to the supreme goal. There was no untimely death, nor any pain; all were fair, all bodies free of disease. None was poor, none miserable or wretched; none was foolish, none devoid of good qualities. All were without hypocrisy, pure and devoted to dharma; men and women alike were wise and virtuous. All were discerning of merit, all learned, all knowing; all were grateful—no cleverness of deceit remained.

Verse 58 (दोहा/सोरठा)

राम राज नभगेस सुनु सचराचर जग माहिं।। काल कर्म सुभाव गुन कृत दुख काहुहि नाहिं।।21।।

rāma-rāja nabhageśa sunu sacarācara jaga māhiṃ | kāla karma subhāva guna kṛta dukha kāhuhi nāhiṃ ||21||

Hear, O lord of the sky: in Rama’s reign, throughout the moving and unmoving world, no one suffers pain caused by time, karma, innate nature, or the play of the guṇas.

Verse 59 (चौपाई)

भूमि सप्त सागर मेखला। एक भूप रघुपति कोसला।। भुअन अनेक रोम प्रति जासू। यह प्रभुता कछु बहुत न तासू।। सो महिमा समुझत प्रभु केरी। यह बरनत हीनता घनेरी।। सोउ महिमा खगेस जिन्ह जानी। फिरी एहिं चरित तिन्हहुँ रति मानी।। सोउ जाने कर फल यह लीला। कहहिं महा मुनिबर दमसीला।। राम राज कर सुख संपदा। बरनि न सकइ फनीस सारदा।। सब उदार सब पर उपकारी। बिप्र चरन सेवक नर नारी।। एकनारि ब्रत रत सब झारी। ते मन बच क्रम पति हितकारी।।

bhūmi sapta sāgara mekhalā | eka bhūpa raghupati kosalā || bhuana aneka roma prati jāsu | yaha prabhutā kachu bahuta na tāsu || so mahimā samujhata prabhu kerī | yaha baranata hīnatā ghanerī || sou mahimā khageśa jinha jānī | phirī ehiṃ carita tinhahuṃ rati mānī || sou jāne kara phala yaha līlā | kaha-hiṃ mahā munibara damasīlā || rāma rāja kara sukha saṃpadā | barani na sakai phanīsa sārādā || saba udāra saba para upakārī | bipra carana sevaka nara nārī || eka-nāri vrata rata saba jhārī | te mana baca krama pati hitakārī ||

The earth, girdled by the seven seas—over it ruled one king: Raghu’s lord of Kosala. Though countless worlds abide in every pore of His being, such sovereignty counts as little to Him. To grasp the Lord’s greatness and yet describe it—this is profound inadequacy. Those who have known that greatness, O king of birds, return again and again to delight in this sacred tale. Only the self-restrained great sages speak of the fruit of this divine play. The happiness and prosperity of Rama’s reign cannot be fully set forth even by Shesha or Sarasvati. All were generous, all helpful to others; men and women served the feet of the brahmins. All were steadfast in the vow of one spouse; in thought, word, and deed they worked for the good of their husbands.

Verse 60 (दोहा/सोरठा)

दंड जतिन्ह कर भेद जहँ नर्तक नृत्य समाज। जीतहु मनहि सुनिअ अस रामचंद्र कें राज।।22।।

daṃḍa jatinha kara bheda jahaṃ nartaka nṛtya samāja | jītahu manahi suni-a asa rāmacandra keṃ rāja ||22||

Where punishment has become mere distinction among ascetics, and where dancers gather in ordered assemblies—hear this: such is the reign of Ramachandra. Conquer your mind.

Verse 61 (चौपाई)

फूलहिं फरहिं सदा तरु कानन। रहहि एक सँग गज पंचानन।। खग मृग सहज बयरु बिसराई। सबन्हि परस्पर प्रीति बढ़ाई।। कूजहिं खग मृग नाना बृंदा। अभय चरहिं बन करहिं अनंदा।। सीतल सुरभि पवन बह मंदा। गूंजत अलि लै चलि मकरंदा।। लता बिटप मागें मधु चवहीं। मनभावतो धेनु पय स्त्रवहीं।। ससि संपन्न सदा रह धरनी। त्रेताँ भइ कृतजुग कै करनी।। प्रगटीं गिरिन्ह बिबिध मनि खानी। जगदातमा भूप जग जानी।। सरिता सकल बहहिं बर बारी। सीतल अमल स्वाद सुखकारी।। सागर निज मरजादाँ रहहीं। डारहिं रत्न तटन्हि नर लहहीं।। सरसिज संकुल सकल तड़ागा। अति प्रसन्न दस दिसा बिभागा।।

phūlahiṃ pharahiṃ sadā taru kānana | rahahi eka saṅga gaja pañcānana || khaga mṛga sahaja bayaru bisarāī | sabanhi paraspara prīti baṛhāī || kūjahiṃ khaga mṛga nānā bṛndā | abhaya carahiṃ bana karahiṃ anaṃdā || sītala surabhi pavana baha maṃdā | gūṃjata ali lai cali makaraṃdā || latā biṭapa māgeṃ madhu cavahīṃ | manabhāvato dhenu paya stravahīṃ || sasi saṃpanna sadā raha dharanī | tretāṃ bhi kṛta-juga kai karanī || pragaṭīṃ girinha bibidha mani khānī | jagadātamā bhūpa jaga jānī || saritā sakala bahahiṃ bara bārī | sītala amala svāda sukhakārī || sāgara nija marajādāṃ rahahīṃ | ḍārahiṃ ratna taṭanhi nara lahahīṃ || sarasija saṃkula sakala taṛāgā | ati prasanna dasa disā bibhāgā ||

Trees and forests ever blossomed and bore fruit; elephant and lion dwelt together. Birds and beasts forgot their natural enmity; all increased mutual love. In many flocks they called and played; fearless, they grazed and rejoiced in the woods. Cool, fragrant breezes blew softly; bees hummed as they carried nectar. Creepers and trees yielded honey when asked; cows gave milk as one desired. The earth remained ever prosperous; in Treta it was as though the deeds of the Krita age had returned. In the mountains appeared many mines of jewels, knowing the king as the very soul of the world. All rivers flowed with excellent water—cool, pure, sweet, and life-giving. The oceans kept within their proper bounds, and cast up gems upon the shores for men to gather. Lotus-filled ponds were everywhere; the ten directions were exceedingly glad.

Verse 62 (दोहा/सोरठा)

बिधु महि पूर मयूखन्हि रबि तप जेतनेहि काज। मागें बारिद देहिं जल रामचंद्र के राज।।23।।

bidhu mahi pūra mayūkhanhi rabi tapa jetanehi kāja | māgeṃ bārida dehiṃ jala rāmacandra ke rāja ||23||

The moon filled the earth with its rays; the sun gave heat only as much as was required. The clouds yielded water when asked—such was the reign of Ramachandra.

Verse 63 (चौपाई)

कोटिन्ह बाजिमेध प्रभु कीन्हे। दान अनेक द्विजन्ह कहँ दीन्हे।। श्रुति पथ पालक धर्म धुरंधर। गुनातीत अरु भोग पुरंदर।। पति अनुकूल सदा रह सीता। सोभा खानि सुसील बिनीता।। जानति कृपासिंधु प्रभुताई। सेवति चरन कमल मन लाई।। जद्यपि गृहँ सेवक सेवकिनी। बिपुल सदा सेवा बिधि गुनी।। निज कर गृह परिचरजा करई। रामचंद्र आयसु अनुसरई।। जेहि बिधि कृपासिंधु सुख मानइ। सोइ कर श्री सेवा बिधि जानइ।। कौसल्यादि सासु गृह माहीं। सेवइ सबन्हि मान मद नाहीं।। उमा रमा ब्रह्मादि बंदिता। जगदंबा संततमनिंदिता।।

koṭinh bājimedha prabhu kīnhe | dāna aneka dvijanha kahaṁ dīnhe || śruti-patha pālaka dharma dhuraṁdhara | guṇātīta aru bhoga puraṁdara || pati anukūla sadā raha sītā | sobhā khāni suśīla binītā || jānati kṛpāsiṁdhu prabhutāī | sevati carana kamala mana lāī || jadyapi gṛhaṁ sevaka sevakinī | bipula sadā sevā bidhi gunī || nija kara gṛha paricarajā karaī | rāmacandra āyasu anusaraī || jehi bidhi kṛpāsiṁdhu sukha mānai | soi kara śrī sevā bidhi jānai || kausalyādi sāsu gṛha māhīṁ | sevai sabanhi māna mada nāhīṁ || umā ramā brahmādi baṁditā | jagadambā saṁtata-maninditā ||

The Lord performed countless horse-sacrifices and bestowed many gifts upon the twice-born. He upheld the Vedic path, a champion bearing the weight of Dharma—beyond the guṇas, yet the giver of all enjoyments. Sītā ever remained pleasing to her Lord, a very mine of beauty—gentle-natured and full of modesty. Knowing the majesty of the Ocean of Mercy, she served His lotus-feet with her mind fixed there. Though the palace abounded in servants and handmaids, she herself, rich in the art of service, would attend to the household with her own hands, ever following the command of Rāmacandra. Whatever manner of service the Compassionate Lord found pleasing, that alone she deemed the true rule of attendance. Within the home she served Kausalyā and the other mothers-in-law, free from all pride. She—whom Umā, Ramā, and Brahmā and the rest adore—remained ever unblemished in mind, the Mother of the world.

Verse 64 (दोहा/सोरठा)

जासु कृपा कटाच्छु सुर चाहत चितव न सोइ। राम पदारबिंद रति करति सुभावहि खोइ।।24।।

jāsu kṛpā kaṭācchu sur cāhata citava na soi | rāma padārabiṁda rati karati subhāvahi khoi ||24||

She whose mere sidelong glance of grace the gods long for, yet cannot obtain—she fixes her love upon Rāma’s lotus-feet, even setting aside her own natural self.

Verse 65 (चौपाई)

सेवहिं सानकूल सब भाई। राम चरन रति अति अधिकाई।। प्रभु मुख कमल बिलोकत रहहीं। कबहुँ कृपाल हमहि कछु कहहीं। राम करहिं भ्रातन्ह पर प्रीती। नाना भाँति सिखावहिं नीती।। हरषित रहहिं नगर के लोगा। करहिं सकल सुर दुर्लभ भोगा।। अहनिसि बिधिहि मनावत रहहीं। श्रीरघुबीर चरन रति चहहीं।। दुइ सुत सुन्दर सीताँ जाए। लव कुस बेद पुरानन्ह गाए।। दोउ बिजई बिनई गुन मंदिर। हरि प्रतिबिंब मनहुँ अति सुंदर।। दुइ दुइ सुत सब भ्रातन्ह केरे। भए रूप गुन सील घनेरे।।

sevahiṁ sānakūla saba bhāī | rāma carana rati ati adhikāī || prabhu mukha kamala bilokata rahahīṁ | kabahuṁ kṛpāla hamahi kachu kahahīṁ || rāma karahiṁ bhrātanha para prītī | nānā bhāँti sikhāvahiṁ nītī || haraṣita rahahiṁ nagara ke logā | karahiṁ sakala sur durlabha bhogā || ahanisi bidhihi manāvata rahahīṁ | śrīraghubīra carana rati cahahīṁ || dui suta sundara sītāँ jāe | lava kusa beda purānanha gāe || doü bijaī binai guṇa maṁdira | hari pratibiṁba manahuँ ati suṁdara || dui dui suta saba bhrātanha kere | bhae rūpa guṇa sīla ghanere ||

All the brothers served with glad hearts, their love for Rāma’s feet ever increasing. They kept gazing on the Lord’s lotus-face, hoping: “Perhaps the Compassionate One will speak to us.” Rāma loved his brothers and, in many ways, instructed them in righteous policy and conduct. The people of the city remained joyful, enjoying prosperity rare even among the gods; day and night they sought to please Providence and longed for devotion to the feet of Śrī Raghubīr. Sītā bore two beautiful sons—Lava and Kuśa—who sang the Vedas and Purāṇas. Victorious, humble, and a very abode of virtues, they seemed like radiant reflections of Hari. Likewise each brother had two sons, rich in beauty, goodness, and noble character.

Verse 66 (दोहा/सोरठा)

ग्यान गिरा गोतीत अज माया मन गुन पार। सोइ सच्चिदानंद घन कर नर चरित उदार।।25।।

gyāna girā gotīta aja māyā mana guna pāra | soi saccidānanda ghana kara nara carita udāra ||25||

Beyond knowledge and speech, beyond the senses—unborn, beyond Māyā, mind, and the guṇas—He, the dense fullness of Being-Consciousness-Bliss, performs magnanimous deeds in human form.

Verse 67 (चौपाई)

प्रातकाल सरऊ करि मज्जन। बैठहिं सभाँ संग द्विज सज्जन।। बेद पुरान बसिष्ट बखानहिं। सुनहिं राम जद्यपि सब जानहिं।। अनुजन्ह संजुत भोजन करहीं। देखि सकल जननीं सुख भरहीं।। भरत सत्रुहन दोनउ भाई। सहित पवनसुत उपबन जाई।। बूझहिं बैठि राम गुन गाहा। कह हनुमान सुमति अवगाहा।। सुनत बिमल गुन अति सुख पावहिं। बहुरि बहुरि करि बिनय कहावहिं।। सब कें गृह गृह होहिं पुराना। रामचरित पावन बिधि नाना।। नर अरु नारि राम गुन गानहिं। करहिं दिवस निसि जात न जानहिं।।

prātakāla sarū kari majjana | baiṭhahiṁ sabhāँ saṅga dvija sajjana || beda purāna basiṣṭha bakhānahiṁ | sunahiṁ rāma jadyapi saba jānahiṁ || anujanha saṁjuta bhojana karahīṁ | dekhi sakala jananīṁ sukha bharahīṁ || bharata satruhana donau bhāī | sahita pavanasuta upabana jāī || būjhahiṁ baiṭhi rāma guna gāhā | kaha hanumāna sumati avagāhā || sunata bimala guna ati sukha pāvahiṁ | bahuri bahuri kari binaya kahāvahiṁ || saba keṁ gṛha gṛha hohiṁ purānā | rāmacarita pāvana bidhi nānā || nara aru nāri rāma guna gānahiṁ | karahiṁ divasa nisi jāta na jānahiṁ ||

At dawn they bathed in the Sarayu and then sat in the royal hall with virtuous Brahmins. Vasiṣṭha expounded the Vedas and Purāṇas; Rāma listened—though he already knew all. He dined together with his younger brothers, and seeing this, all the mothers were filled with joy. Bharata and Śatrughna, along with the Wind’s son, went to the grove; seated there, they inquired into Rāma’s virtues, and Hanumān—plunged in right understanding—spoke. Hearing those spotless excellences they felt great delight and again and again offered humble petitions. In every home the Purāṇas were recited—Rāma’s holy deeds in many ways; men and women sang Rāma’s virtues, so absorbed they did not notice day or night passing.