Adhyaya 37

Verse 1

पुलस्त्य उवाच । तदद्भुततमं वाक्यं श्रुत्वा च रघुनंदनः । गौरवाद्विस्मयाच्चापि भूयः प्रष्टुं प्रचक्रमे

Pulastya said: Hearing those most wondrous words, Raghunandana—out of reverence and astonishment—began once again to ask further questions.

Verse 2

राम उवाच । भगवंस्तद्वनं घोरं यत्रासौ तप्तवांस्तपः । श्वेतो वैदर्भको राजा तदद्भुतमभूत्कथं

Rāma said: “O Blessed one, how did that wondrous event occur—concerning that dreadful forest where that king Śveta of Vidarbha performed austerities?”

Verse 3

विषमं तद्वनं राजा शून्यं मृगविवर्जितं । प्रविष्टस्तप आस्थातुं कथं वद महामुने

That forest was rugged, O King—desolate and devoid of deer. How did he enter it and undertake austerities there? Tell me, O great sage.

Verse 4

समंताद्योजनशतं निर्मनुष्यमभूत्कथं । भवान्कथं प्रविष्टस्तद्येन कार्येण तद्वद

How did this entire region—extending a hundred yojanas in every direction—become devoid of people? And how did you enter it? Tell me: for what purpose have you come here?

Verse 5

अगस्त्य उवाच । पुरा कृतयुगे राजा मनुर्दंडधरः प्रभुः । तस्य पुत्रोथ नाम्नासीदिक्ष्वाकुरमितद्युतिः

Agastya said: In ancient times, in the Kṛta Yuga, there was the king Manu, a sovereign bearer of the rod of justice. His son, renowned by name, was Ikṣvāku, of immeasurable splendor.

Verse 6

तं पुत्रं पूर्वजं राज्ये निक्षिप्य भुविसंमतम् । पृथिव्यां राजवंशानां भव राजेत्युवाच ह

Having installed that elder-born son—approved by the people—upon the throne, he said: “Be king upon the earth, ruler of the royal lineages.”

Verse 7

तथेति च प्रतिज्ञातं पितुः पुत्रेण राघव । ततःपरमसंहृष्टः पुनस्तं प्रत्यभाषत

“So be it,” thus did the son make his promise to his father, O Rāghava. Then, exceedingly delighted, he again spoke to him in reply.

Verse 8

प्रीतोस्मि परमोदार कर्मणा ते न संशयः । दंडेन च प्रजा रक्ष न च दंडमकारणम्

I am pleased, O most generous one—there is no doubt about your conduct. Protect the people through just punishment, but never inflict punishment without cause.

Verse 9

अपराधिषु यो दंडः पात्यते मानवैरिह । स दंडो विधिवन्मुक्तः स्वर्गं नयति पार्थिवम्

The punishment that people impose here upon offenders—when it is administered and remitted according to proper rule—that punishment leads the king to heaven.

Verse 10

तस्माद्दण्डे महाबाहो यत्नवान्भव पुत्रक । धर्मस्ते परमो लोके कृत एवं भविष्यति

Therefore, O mighty-armed one, my son, be diligent in the use of righteous punishment. Thus established, your dharma will become supreme in the world—and it shall indeed be so.

Verse 11

इति तं बहुसंदिश्य मनुः पुत्रं समाधिना । जगाम त्रिदिवं हृष्टो ब्रह्मलोकमनुत्तमम्

Thus, having repeatedly instructed his son with composed concentration, Manu—delighted—departed for the heavenly worlds, to the unsurpassed realm of Brahmā, Brahmaloka.

Verse 12

जनयिष्ये कथं पुत्रानिति चिंतापरोऽभवत् । कर्मभिर्बहुभिस्तैस्तैस्ससुतैस्संयुतोऽभवत्

Thinking, “How shall I beget sons?”, he became absorbed in चिंतā—anxious contemplation. Then, by performing many kinds of rites and acts, he became endowed with sons.

Verse 13

तोषयामास पुत्रैस्स पितॄन्देवसुतोपमैः । सर्वेषामुत्तमस्तेषां कनीयान्रघुनंदन

With his sons—who were like the sons of the gods—he satisfied the forefathers. Among them all, the youngest, O delight of the Raghu dynasty, was the most excellent.

Verse 14

शूरश्च कृतविद्यश्च गुरुश्च जनपूजया । नाम तस्याथ दंडेति पिता चक्रे स बुद्धिमान्

He was valiant, well-educated, and, by the people’s reverence, regarded as a teacher. Therefore his wise father gave him the name “Daṇḍa.”

Verse 15

भविष्यद्दण्डपतनं शरीरे तस्य वीक्ष्य च । संपश्यमानस्तं दोषं घोरं पुत्रस्य राघव

O Rāghava, seeing upon his body the sign of impending punishment, and perceiving that dreadful fault in his son, he was deeply troubled.

Verse 16

स विंध्यनीलयोर्मध्ये राज्यमस्य ददौ प्रभुः । स दंडस्तत्र राजाभूद्रम्ये पर्वतमूर्द्धनि

The Lord granted him a kingdom between the Vindhya and Nīla ranges. There, upon a delightful mountain summit, Daṇḍa became king.

Verse 17

पुरं चाप्रतिमं तेन निवेशाय तथा कृतम् । नाम तस्य पुरस्याथ मधुमत्तमिति स्वयम्

He also built an incomparable city for habitation, and he himself bestowed upon it the name “Madhumattama.”

Verse 18

तथादेशेन संपन्नः शूरो वासमथाकरोत् । एवं राजा स तद्राज्यं चकार सपुरोहितः

Thus empowered by that command, the valiant one established his residence. In this way, that king—together with his priest (purohita)—administered the kingdom.

Verse 19

प्रहृष्ट सुप्रजाकीर्णं देवराजो यथा दिवि । ततः स दंडः काकुत्स्थ बहुवर्षगणायुतम्

Joyful and thronged with excellent subjects—like Indra among the gods in heaven—thus, O Kakutstha, that rule endured for many tens of thousands of years.

Verse 20

अकारयत्तु धर्मात्मा राज्यं निहतकंटकं । अथ काले तु कस्मिंश्चिद्राजा भार्गवमाश्रमम्

That righteous king had his realm administered so that it became free of thorns—free of troubles. And at a later time, the king went to Bhārgava’s hermitage (āśrama).

Verse 21

रमणीयमुपाक्रामच्चैत्रमासे मनोरमे । तत्र भार्गवकन्यां तु रूपेणाप्रतिमां भुवि

In the delightful month of Caitra, a charming season began; there appeared the Bhārgava maiden, unmatched in beauty upon the earth.

Verse 22

विचरंतीं वनोद्देशे दंडोऽपश्यदनुत्तमाम् । उत्तुंगपीवरीं श्यामां चंद्राभवदनां शुभाम्

As she roamed in a tract of forest, Daṇḍa beheld that unsurpassed, auspicious woman—tall and full-figured, dark-hued, with a face radiant like the moon.

Verse 23

सुनासां चारुसर्वांगीं पीनोन्नतपयोधराम् । मध्ये क्षामां च विस्तीर्णां दृष्ट्वा तां कुरुते मुदम्

Seeing her—lovely-nosed, beautiful in every limb, with full and uplifted breasts, slender at the waist yet broad in the hips—he was filled with delight.

Verse 24

एकवस्त्रां वने चैकां प्रथमे यौवने स्थिताम् । स तां दृष्ट्वात्वधर्मेण अनंगशरपीडितः

He saw her alone in the forest, clad in a single garment, standing in the first bloom of youth; and upon seeing her, tormented by Kāma’s arrows and driven by adharma, he acted wrongly.

Verse 25

अभिगम्य सुविश्रांतां कन्यां वचनमब्रवीत् । कुतस्त्वमसि सुश्रोणि कस्य चासि सुशोभने

Approaching the maiden who was well at ease, he spoke: “From where have you come, O fair-hipped one? And whose daughter are you, O beautiful one?”

Verse 26

पीडतोहमनंगेन पृच्छामि त्वां सुशोभने । त्वया मेऽपहृतं चित्तं दर्शनादेव सुंदरि

I am tormented by Anaṅga, the god of love; therefore I ask you, O most radiant one. You have stolen my heart, O beautiful lady, by your very sight alone.

Verse 27

इदं ते वदनं रम्यं मुनीनां चित्तहारकम् । यद्यहं न लभे भोक्तुं मृतं मामवधारय

Your face is so lovely, stealing the hearts of sages. If I do not obtain the chance to enjoy it, then know me to be as good as dead.

Verse 28

त्वया हृता मम प्राणा मां जीवय सुलोचने । दासोस्मि ते वरारोहे भक्तं मां भज शोभने

You have stolen away my very life-breath; O fair-eyed one, restore my life. I am your servant, O noble-hipped beauty—accept me, your devotee, and show me your favor, O lovely one.

Verse 29

तस्यैवं तु ब्रुवाणस्य मदोन्मत्तस्य कामिनः । भार्गवी प्रत्युवाचेदं वचः सविनयं नृपम्

As he spoke thus—intoxicated with pride and driven by desire—Bhārgavī replied to the king with these courteous words.

Verse 30

भार्गवस्य सुतां विद्धि शुक्रस्याक्लिष्टकर्मणः । अरजां नाम राजेंद्र ज्येष्ठामाश्रमवासिनः

Know her to be the daughter of Bhṛgu—of Śukra, whose deeds are untroubled. O king of kings, her name is Arajā, the eldest among those dwelling in the hermitage.

Verse 31

शुक्रः पिता मे राजेंद्र त्वं च शिष्यो महात्मनः । धर्मतो भगिनी चाहं भवामि नृपनंदन

O king, Śukra is my father, and you are a disciple of that great soul; therefore, by the law of dharma, I am your sister, O son of a king.

Verse 32

एवंविधं वचो वक्तुं न त्वमर्हसि पार्थिव । अन्येभ्योपि सुदुष्टेभ्यो रक्ष्या चाहं सदा त्वया

O king, you ought not to speak such words. Even from other very wicked people, I am to be protected—always—by you.

Verse 33

क्रोधनो मे पिता रौद्रो भस्मत्वं त्वां समानयेत् । अथवा राजधर्मेणासंबंधं कुरुषे बलात्

My father is fierce and quick to anger; in his wrath he could reduce you to ashes. Otherwise, by force, in accordance with the king’s dharma, your association with me would be severed.

Verse 34

पितरं याचयस्व त्वं धर्मदृष्टेन कर्मणा । वरयस्व नृपश्रेष्ठ पितरं मे महाद्युतिम्

You should petition my father through conduct guided by dharma. O best of kings, choose as your boon my father, who is of great splendor.

Verse 35

अन्यथा विपुलं दुःखं तव घोरं भवेद्ध्रुवम् । क्रुद्धो हि मे पिता सर्वं त्रैलोक्यमभिनिर्दहेत्

Otherwise, terrible and immense suffering will surely befall you; for if my father becomes angry, he would burn up the entire three worlds.

Verse 36

ततोऽशुभं महाघोरं श्रुत्वा दंडः सुदारुणम् । प्रत्युवाच मदोन्मत्तः शिरसाभिनतः पुनः

Then, hearing of that inauspicious and exceedingly dreadful punishment—most harsh indeed—the man, intoxicated with pride, replied again, bowing his head.

Verse 37

प्रसादं कुरु सुश्रोणि कामोन्मत्तस्य कामिनि । त्वया रुद्धा मम प्राणा विशीर्यंति शुभानने

Show me your favor, O fair-hipped beloved—O lover of one maddened by desire. My very breaths, checked by you, are breaking apart, O auspicious-faced one.

Verse 38

त्वां प्राप्य वैरं मेऽत्रास्तु वधो वापि महत्तरः । भक्तं भजस्व मां भीरु त्वयि भक्तिर्हि मे परा

Having met you, let my enmity end here—whether it leads to my death or to something even greater. O timid one, turn to me in devotion; for in you, indeed, my devotion is supreme.

Verse 39

एवमुक्त्वा तु तां कन्यां बलात्संगृह्य बाहुना । अन्येन राज्ञा हस्तेन विवस्त्रा सा तथा कृता

After speaking thus, the king, acting with coercive intent, seized the young woman by the arm; with his other hand he caused her to be left without proper covering.

Verse 40

अंगमंगे समाश्लेष्य मुखे चैव मुखं कृतम् । विस्फुरंतीं यथाकामं मैथुनायोपचक्रमे

Embracing limb to limb and placing his mouth upon her mouth, he began intercourse with her as he desired, while she trembled and quivered.

Verse 41

तमनर्थं महाघोरं दंडः कृत्वा सुदारुणम् । नगरं स्वं जगामाशु मदोन्मत्त इव द्विपः

Having inflicted upon that villain a most harsh and dreadful punishment, he swiftly returned to his own city—like an elephant gone mad in rut, intoxicated with pride.

Verse 42

भार्गवी रुदती दीना आश्रमस्याविदूरतः । प्रत्यपालयदुद्विग्ना पितरं देवसम्मितम्

Bhārgavī—wretched and weeping—remained not far from the hermitage, anxiously awaiting her father, revered as though he were a god.

Verse 43

स मुहूर्तादुपस्पृश्य देवर्षिरमितद्युतिः । स्वमाश्रमं शिष्यवृतं क्षुधार्तः सन्यवर्तत

Then that divine seer of boundless splendor, having for a moment performed ācamana, returned to his own hermitage, surrounded by disciples, afflicted by hunger.

Verse 44

सोपश्यदरजां दीनां रजसा समभिप्लुताम् । चंद्रस्य घनसंयुक्तां ज्योत्स्नामिव पराजिताम्

He then beheld the spotless one, now wretched and overwhelmed by dust—like moonlight when the moon is veiled by thick clouds, as though defeated.

Verse 45

तस्य रोषः समभवत्क्षुधार्तस्य महात्मनः । निर्दहन्निव लोकांस्त्रींस्तान्शिष्यान्समुवाच ह

Then anger arose in that great-souled one, tormented by hunger; as though burning the three worlds, he addressed those disciples.

Verse 46

पश्यध्वं विपरीतस्य दंडस्यादीर्घदर्शिनः । विपत्तिं घोरसंकाशां दीप्तामग्निशिखामिव

Behold the calamity—terrible in form, blazing like a tongue of fire—that has fallen upon this far-seeing man, for the punishment he dealt to others has turned back upon himself.

Verse 47

यन्नाशं दुर्गतिं प्राप्तस्सानुगश्च न संशयः । यस्तु दीप्तहुताशस्य अर्चिः संस्पृष्टवानिह

He surely meets destruction and an evil destiny—together with his followers; of this there is no doubt. Yet one who here has been touched by the flame of the blazing fire does not fall to that fate.

Verse 48

यस्मात्स कृतवान्पापमीदृशं घोरसंमितम् । तस्मात्प्राप्स्यति दुर्मेधाः पांसुवर्षमनुत्तमम्

Because he committed such a sin, dreadful even in its measure, therefore that dull-witted man shall incur an unsurpassed rain of dust—severe calamity and disgrace.

Verse 49

कुराजा देशसंयुक्तः सभृत्यबलवाहनः । पापकर्मसमाचारो वधं प्राप्स्यति दुर्मतिः

That wicked king—surrounded by his realm, with his attendants, army, and mounts—engaged in sinful conduct, will meet his death, being of perverse understanding.

Verse 50

समंताद्योजनशतं विषयं चास्य दुर्मतेः । धुनोतु पांसुवर्षेण महता पाकशासनः

May Pākaśāsana (Indra), with a mighty rain of dust, scour and lay waste the entire region of that evil-minded man—one hundred yojanas in every direction.

Verse 51

सर्वसत्वानि यानीह जंगमस्थावराणि वै । सर्वेषां पांसुवर्षेण क्षयः क्षिप्रं भविष्यति

All beings that exist here—both the moving and the immobile—will swiftly fall to ruin; for by a rain of dust, destruction will soon come upon them all.

Verse 52

दंडस्य विषयो यावत्तावत्सवनमाश्रमम् । पांसुवर्षमिवाकस्मात्सप्तरात्रं भविष्यति

As far as the sphere of punishment extends, so far will that hermitage become like a sacrificial enclosure; suddenly, like a rain of dust, it will endure for seven nights.

Verse 53

इत्युक्त्वा क्रोधसंतप्तस्तमाश्रमनिवासिनम् । जनं जनपदस्यांते स्थीयतामित्युवाच ह

Having spoken thus, inflamed with anger, he addressed the resident of that hermitage, saying, “Let the people remain at the border of the kingdom.”

Verse 54

उक्तमात्रे उशनसा आश्रमावसथो जनः । क्षिप्रं तु विषयात्तस्मात्स्थानं चक्रे च बाह्यतः

As soon as Uśanas had spoken, the man who had been dwelling in the hermitage quickly made his abode outside, away from that worldly sphere.

Verse 55

तं तथोक्त्वा मुनिजनमरजामिदमब्रवीत् । आश्रमे त्वं सुदुर्मेधे वस चेह समाहिता

Having spoken to him thus, the sage’s wife then said: “O dull-witted one, remain here in the hermitage, composed in mind and attentive.”

Verse 56

इदं योजनपर्यंतमाश्रमं रुचिरप्रभम् । अरजे विरजास्तिष्ठ कालमत्र समाश्शतम्

This hermitage extends for a yojana and shines with a pleasing radiance. O Virajā, dwell here in this spotless place for a span of a hundred years.

Verse 57

श्रुत्वा नियोगं विप्रर्षेररजा भार्गवी तदा । तथेति पितरं प्राह भार्गवं भृशदुःखिता

Hearing the Brahmin sage’s command concerning niyoga, Arajā, the Bhārgavī woman, then—deeply distressed—said to her father Bhārgava, “So be it.”

Verse 58

इत्युक्त्वा भार्गवो वासं तस्मादन्यमुपाक्रमत् । सप्ताहे भस्मसाद्भूतं यथोक्तं ब्रह्मवादिना

Having spoken thus, Bhārgava left that dwelling and took up another. Within a week it was reduced to ashes—exactly as the knower of Brahman had foretold.

Verse 59

तस्माद्दंडस्य विषयो विंध्यशैलस्य मानुष । शप्तो ह्युशनसा राम तदाभूद्धर्षणे कृते

Therefore, O man, the Vindhya mountain became the domain of punishment. For when the outrage was committed, O Rāma, he was cursed by Uśanas (Śukra).

Verse 60

ततःप्रभृति काकुत्स्थ दंडकारण्यमुच्यते । एतत्ते सर्वमाख्यातं यन्मां पृच्छसि राघव

From that time onward, O scion of Kakutstha, it has been called the Daṇḍaka forest. Thus I have fully explained to you what you asked me, O Rāghava.

Verse 61

संध्यामुपासितुं वीर समयो ह्यतिवर्तते । एते महर्षयो राम पूर्णकुंभाः समंततः

O hero, the time for Sandhyā worship is indeed passing. O Rāma, these great sages stand all around, bearing water-pots filled to the brim.

Verse 62

कृतोदका नरव्याघ्र पूजयंति दिवाकरम् । सर्वैरॄषिभिरभ्यस्तैः स्तोत्रैर्ब्रह्मादिभिः कृतैः

Having made the water-offering, O tiger among men, they worship the Sun with hymns practiced by all the sages and composed by Brahmā and the other primordial beings.

Verse 63

रविरस्तंगतो राम गत्वोदकमुपस्पृश । ॠषेर्वचनमादाय रामः संध्यामुपासितुम्

When the sun had set, O Rāma, he went to the water and performed ācamana. Taking the sage’s instruction to heart, Rāma set about worshipping the Sandhyā.

Verse 64

उपचक्राम तत्पुण्यं ससरोरघुनंदनः । अथ तस्मिन्वनोद्देशे रम्ये पादपशोभिते

Then Raghunandana (Rāma) set forth toward that sacred lake; and in that delightful stretch of forest, adorned with trees, he continued onward.

Verse 65

नदपुण्ये गिरिवरे कोकिलाशतमंडिते । नानापक्षिरवोद्याने नानामृगसमाकुले

On that excellent mountain, sanctified by sacred rivers—adorned by hundreds of kokilā—there was a grove resonant with the calls of many kinds of birds and filled with herds of diverse wild animals.

Verse 66

सिंहव्याघ्रसमाकीर्णे नानाद्विजसमावृते । गृध्रोलूकौ प्रवसितौ बहून्वर्षगणानपि

In that place, thronged with lions and tigers and filled with many kinds of birds, the vulture and the owl also dwelt there for many years.

Verse 67

अथोलूकस्य भवनं गृध्रः पापविनिश्चयः । ममेदमिति कृत्वाऽसौ कलहं तेन चाकरोत्

Then the vulture, whose resolve was set upon sin, laid claim to the owl’s dwelling; thinking, “This is mine,” he stirred up a quarrel with him.

Verse 68

राजा सर्वस्य लोकस्य रामो राजीवलोचनः । तं प्रपद्यावहै शीघ्रं कस्यैतद्भवनं भवेत्

Rāma, the lotus-eyed king of all the world—let us swiftly take refuge in him. Whose dwelling could this be?

Verse 69

गृध्रोलूकौ प्रपद्येतां जातकोपावमर्षिणौ । रामं प्रपद्यतौ शीघ्रं कलिव्याकुलचेतसौ

The vulture and the owl, their anger and resentment newly inflamed, swiftly took refuge in Rāma, their minds agitated by the influence of Kali.

Verse 70

तौ परस्परविद्वेषौ स्पृशतश्चरणौ तथा । अथ दृष्ट्वा राघवेंद्रं गृध्रो वचनमब्रवीत्

Though they bore mutual enmity, they nevertheless touched his feet. Then, upon seeing Rāghavendra (Rāma), the vulture spoke these words.

Verse 71

सुराणामसुराणां च त्वं प्रधानो मतो मम । बृहस्पतेश्च शुक्राच्च त्वं विशिष्टो महामतिः

Among both the gods and the asuras, I regard you as the foremost; and even beyond Bṛhaspati and Śukra, you stand distinguished—O great-minded one.

Verse 72

परावरज्ञो भूतानां मर्त्ये शक्र इवापरः । दुर्निरीक्षो यथा सूर्यो हिमवानिव गौरवे

He knows the higher and the lower realities of all beings; among mortals he is like another Indra. He is hard to look upon like the sun, and in dignity he is like the Himālaya.

Verse 73

सागरश्चासि गांभीर्ये लोकपालो यमो ह्यसि । क्षांत्या धरण्या तुल्योसि शीघ्रत्वे ह्यनिलोपमः

In depth, you are like the ocean; indeed, you are Yama, the world-guardian. In forbearance, you are equal to the Earth; in swiftness, you are unrivaled like the wind.

Verse 74

गुरुस्त्वं सर्वसंपन्नो विष्णुरूपोसि राघव । अमर्षी दुर्जयो जेता सर्वास्त्रविधिपारगः

You are a teacher, fully endowed with every excellence; O Rāghava, you bear the very form of Viṣṇu. Unyielding, unconquerable, and victorious, you have mastered the proper methods of all weapons.

Verse 75

शृणु त्वं मम देवेश विज्ञाप्यं नरपुंगव । ममालयं पूर्वकृतं बाहुवीर्येण वै प्रभो

Listen, O Lord of the gods, O best of men, to what I have to submit: formerly, O master, I built my dwelling by the strength of my own arms.

Verse 76

उलूको हरते राजंस्त्वत्समीपे विशेषतः । ईदृशोयं दुराचारस्त्वदाज्ञा लंघको नृप

O King, Ulūka is committing theft—especially in your very presence. Such is his wicked conduct: he transgresses your command, O ruler.

Verse 77

प्राणांतिकेन दंडेन राम शासितुमर्हसि । एवमुक्ते तु गृध्रेण उलूको वाक्यमब्रवीत्

“O Rāma, you ought to punish him with a penalty extending up to death.” When the vulture had spoken thus, the owl replied with these words.

Verse 78

शृणु देव मम ज्ञाप्यमेकचित्तो नराधिप । सोमाच्छक्राच्च सूर्याच्च धनदाच्च यमात्तथा

O king of men, listen with single-pointed attention as I declare: this is received from Soma, from Śakra (Indra), from Sūrya, from Dhanada (Kubera), and likewise from Yama.

Verse 79

जायते वै नृपो राम किंचिद्भवति मानुषः । त्वं तु सर्वमयो देवो नारायणपरायणः

O Rāma, a king is indeed born and becomes, in some measure, a mere human; but you are the all-comprising Lord, devoted wholly to Nārāyaṇa.

Verse 80

प्रोच्यते सोमता राजन्सम्यक्कार्ये विचारिते । सम्यग्रक्षसि तापेभ्यस्तमोघ्नो हि यतो भवान्

O King, when the matter is rightly examined, your “somatā”—moon-like, cooling beneficence—is proclaimed; for you protect well from afflictions, and you are truly a dispeller of darkness.

Verse 81

दोषे दंडात्प्रजानां त्वं यतः पापभयापहः । दाता प्रहर्ता गोप्ता च तेनेंद्र इव नो भवान्

Because you punish wrongdoing among the people and thereby remove the fear born of sin, you are a giver, a chastiser, and a protector; therefore, to us you are like Indra.

Verse 82

अधृष्यः सर्वभूतेषु तेजसा चानलो मतः । अभीक्ष्णं तपसे पापांस्तेन त्वं राम भास्करः

Unassailable among all beings, by your radiance you are regarded as fire itself. Constantly, through austerity, you burn away sinners; therefore, O Rāma, you are like the Sun, the Illuminator.

Verse 83

साक्षाद्वित्तेशतुल्यस्त्वमथवा धनदाधिकः । चित्तायत्ता तु पत्नीश्रीर्नित्यं ते राजसत्तम

You are directly equal to the Lord of Wealth—or even greater than Kubera. Yet the prosperity of your household, as the auspicious fortune of a wife, is always dependent upon your mind, O best of kings.

Verse 84

धनदस्य तु कोशेन धनदस्तेन वैभवान् । समः सर्वेषु भूतेषु स्थावरेषु चरेषु च

By the treasury of Dhanada (Kubera) he possessed riches and splendor; and he was even-minded toward all beings—both the immovable and the moving.

Verse 85

शत्रौ मित्रे च ते दृष्टिः समंताद्याति राघव । धर्मेण शासनं नित्यं व्यवहारविधिक्रमैः

O Rāghava, your vision extends equally in all directions toward both enemy and friend; you always govern through dharma, following the ordered procedures of proper conduct and legal practice.

Verse 86

यस्य रुष्यसि वै राम मृत्युस्तस्याभिधीयते । गीयसे तेन वै राजन्यम इत्यभिविश्रुतः

O Rāma, the one at whom you grow wrathful is said to meet death; therefore, O king, you are sung of and widely renowned as “Yama,” the Lord of Death.

Verse 87

यश्चासौ मानुषो भावो भवतो नृपसत्तम । आनृशंस्यपरो राजा सर्वेषु कृपयान्वितः

And that truly human disposition of yours, O best of kings—being a ruler devoted to non-cruelty, and endowed with compassion toward all—

Verse 88

दुर्बलस्य त्वनाथस्य राजा भवति वै बलम् । अचक्षुषो भवेच्चक्षुरमतेषु मतिर्भवेत्

For the weak and the unprotected, the king truly becomes their strength; for the eyeless he becomes eyes, and for those without counsel he becomes understanding.

Verse 89

अस्माकमपि नाथस्त्वं श्रूयतां मम धार्मिक । भवता तत्र मंतव्यं यथैते किल पक्षिणः

You too are our protector. Please listen, O righteous one: you should consider this matter as these birds indeed have done (or are doing).

Verse 90

योस्मन्नाथः स पक्षींद्रो भवतो विनियोज्यकः । अस्वाम्यं देव नास्माकं सन्निधौ भवतः प्रभो

The lord of birds who is our protector has indeed been appointed by you. O Deva, in your very presence, O Lord, there can be no lack of a master for us.

Verse 91

भवतैव कृतं पूर्वं भूतग्रामं चतुर्विधम् । ममालयप्रविष्टस्तु गृध्रो मां बाधते नृप

It was you indeed who once created the fourfold multitude of beings. Yet now a vulture, having entered my dwelling, troubles me, O king.

Verse 92

भवान्देवमनुष्येषु शास्ता वै नरपुंगव । एतच्छ्रुत्वा तु वै रामः सचिवानाह्वयत्स्वयम्

“O best of men, among the devas and humankind you are indeed the ruler and the giver of law.” Hearing this, Rāma himself summoned his ministers.

Verse 93

विष्टिर्जयंतो विजयः सिद्धार्थो राष्ट्रवर्धनः । अशोको धर्मपालश्च सुमंत्रश्च महाबलः

Viṣṭi, Jayanta, Vijaya, Siddhārtha, Rāṣṭravardhana, Aśoka, Dharmapāla, Sumantra, and Mahābala—these are the names mentioned.

Verse 94

एते रामस्य सचिवा राज्ञो दशरथस्य च । नीतियुक्ता महात्मानः सर्वशास्त्रविशारदाः

These are the ministers of Rāma and also of King Daśaratha—great-souled men, grounded in statecraft and well-versed in all the śāstras.

Verse 95

सुशांताश्च कुलीनाश्च नये मंत्रे च कोविदाः । तानाहूय स धर्मात्मा पुष्पकादवरुह्य च

Calm and well-born, skilled in counsel and governance, they were summoned by that righteous-hearted one; and, descending from the Puṣpaka, he addressed them.

Verse 96

गृध्रोलूकौ विवदंतौ पृच्छति स्म रघूत्तमः । कति वर्षाणि भो गृध्र तवेदं निलयं कृतं

Seeing the vulture and the owl disputing, Raghūttama (Rāma) asked: “O vulture, for how many years have you made this place your dwelling?”

Verse 97

एतन्मे कौतुकं ब्रूहि यदि जानासि तत्त्वतः । एतच्छ्रुत्वा वचो गृध्रो बभाषे राघवं स्थितं

“Tell me this curiosity of mine, if you truly know it in essence.” Hearing these words, the vulture then spoke to Rāghava, who stood there.

Verse 98

इयं वसुमती राम मानुषैर्बहुबाहुभिः । उच्छ्रितैराचिता सर्वा तदाप्रभृति मद्गृहं

“O Rāma, this earth became wholly filled with men—many-armed and lofty in stature; from that time onward, this has been my dwelling.”

Verse 99

उलूकस्त्वब्रवीद्रामं पादपैरुपशोभिता । यदैव पृथिवी राजंस्तदाप्रभृति मे गृहं

Then Ulūka spoke to Rāma: “O King, ever since the earth became adorned with trees, from that very time onward this has been my home.”

Verse 100

एतच्छ्रुत्वा तु रामो वै सभासद उवाचह । न सा सभा यत्र न संति वृद्धा वृद्धा न ते ये न वदंति धर्मं

Hearing this, Rāma spoke to the members of the assembly: “That is not an assembly where there are no elders; and they are not truly elders who do not speak of dharma.”

Verse 101

नासौ धर्मो यत्र न चास्ति सत्यं न तत्सत्यं यच्छलमभ्युपैति । ये तु सभ्याः सभां गत्वा तूष्णीं ध्यायंत आसते

That is not dharma where truth is absent; nor is that truth which takes refuge in deceit. Yet the honored elders, having entered the assembly, sit in silence, only pondering—

Verse 102

यथाप्राप्तं न ब्रुवते सर्वे तेऽनृतवादिनः । न वक्ति च श्रुतं यश्च कामात्क्रोधात्तथा भयात्

All who do not speak matters as they truly are become utterers of falsehood; and he too who does not state what he has heard—out of desire, anger, or fear—also falls into false speech.

Verse 103

सहस्रं वारुणाः पाशाः प्रतिमुंचंति तं नरं । तेषां संवत्सरे पूर्णे पाश एकः प्रमुच्यते

A thousand of Varuṇa’s nooses (pāśa) are fastened upon that man; and when a full year is completed, one noose among them is released.

Verse 104

तस्मात्सत्यं तु वक्तव्यं जानता सत्यमंजसा । एतच्छ्रुत्वा तु सचिवा राममेवाब्रुवंस्तदा

Therefore, one who knows should speak the truth—plainly and straightforwardly. Hearing this, the ministers then spoke to Rama alone.

Verse 105

उलूकः शोभते राजन्न तु गृध्रो महामते । त्वं प्रमाणं महाराज राजा हि परमा गतिः

O King, the owl appears fitting, but not the vulture, O wise one. You are the authority, O great king—for a king is indeed the highest refuge.

Verse 106

राजमूलाः प्रजाः सर्वा राजा धर्मः सनातनः । शास्ता राजा नृणां येषां न ते गच्छंति दुर्गतिम्

All subjects are rooted in the king; the king is the eternal embodiment of dharma. Those men whose ruler is a true disciplinarian do not fall into misfortune or an evil destiny.

Verse 107

वैवस्वतेन मुक्ताश्च भवंति पुरुषोत्तमाः । सचिवानां वचः श्रुत्वा रामो वचनमब्रवीत्

“Released by Vaivasvata (Yama), they become noble men. Hearing the words of his ministers, Rāma then spoke.”

Verse 108

श्रूयतामभिधास्यामि पुराणं यदुदाहृतं । द्यौः सचंद्रार्कनक्षत्रा सपर्वतमहीद्रुमम्

Listen—I shall now expound that Purāṇa which has been proclaimed: it describes the heavens with the moon, sun, and stars, and the earth with its mountains and trees.

Verse 109

सलिलार्णवसंमग्नं त्रैलोक्यं सचराचरं । एकमेव तदा ह्यासीत्सर्वमेकमिवांबरं

Then the three worlds—together with all that moves and all that does not—were submerged in the ocean of waters; at that time, everything existed as one alone, as if the whole expanse were a single sky.

Verse 110

पुनर्भूः सह लक्ष्म्या च विष्णोर्जठरमाविशत् । तां निगृह्य महातेजाः प्रविश्य सलिलार्णवं

Then Punarbhū, together with Lakṣmī, entered into Viṣṇu’s belly. Having restrained her, the greatly radiant one entered the ocean of waters.

Verse 111

सुष्वाप हि कृतात्मा स बहुवर्षशतान्यपि । विष्णौ सुप्ते ततो ब्रह्मा विवेश जठरं ततः

That self-possessed one indeed slept for many hundreds of years. And when Viṣṇu had fallen into slumber, then Brahmā thereafter entered into His belly.

Verse 112

बहुस्रोतं च तं ज्ञात्वा महायोगी समाविशत् । नाभ्यां विष्णोः समुद्भूतं पद्मं हेमविभूषितं

Knowing it to be a manifold expanse of many channels and streams, the great yogin entered it—the lotus, adorned with gold, that had arisen from Viṣṇu’s navel.

Verse 113

स तु निर्गम्य वै ब्रह्मा योगी भूत्वा महाप्रभुः । सिसृक्षुः पृथिवीं वायुं पर्वतांश्च महीरुहान्

Then Brahmā, having emerged, became a yogin—the great Lord—and, wishing to create, brought forth the earth, the wind, the mountains, and the great trees.

Verse 114

तदंतराः प्रजाः सर्वा मानुषांश्च सरीसृपान् । जरायुजाण्डजान्सर्वान्ससर्ज स महातपाः

In the interval thereafter, that great ascetic created all beings—humans and reptiles alike, and all creatures born from wombs and from eggs.

Verse 115

तस्य गात्रसमुत्पन्नः कैटभो मधुना सह । दानवौ तौ महावीर्यौ घोरौ लब्धवरौ तदा

From his body arose Kaiṭabha together with Madhu; those two Dānava were of great might, terrifying, and at that time had obtained boons.

Verse 116

दृष्ट्वा प्रजापतिं तत्र क्रोधाविष्टावुभौ नृप । वेगेन महता भोक्तुं स्वयंभुवमधावतां

Seeing the Prajāpati there, O king, both of them—seized by anger—rushed with great speed to devour Svayambhuva (Brahmā).

Verse 117

दृष्ट्वा सत्वानि सर्वाणि निस्सरन्ति पृथक्पृथक् । ब्रह्मणा संस्तुतो विष्णुर्हत्वा तौ मधुकैटभौ

Seeing all beings emerge and disperse separately, Viṣṇu—praised by Brahmā—slew those two, Madhu and Kaiṭabha.

Verse 118

पृथिवीं वर्धयामास स्थित्यर्थं मेदसा तयोः । मेदोगंधा तु धरणी मेदिनीत्यभिधां गता

For the sake of stability, he enlarged the Earth with the fat of those two. Therefore the Earth, fragrant with fat, came to be known by the name ‘Medinī’.

Verse 119

तस्माद्गृध्रस्त्वसत्यो वै पापकर्मापरालयम् । स्वीयं करोति पापात्मा दण्डनीयो न संशयः

Therefore this vulture is indeed deceitful—one who commits sinful deeds and gives no refuge. That sinful soul makes what belongs to others into his own; he is certainly punishable, without doubt.

Verse 120

ततोऽशरीरिणीवाणी अंतरिक्षात्प्रभाषते । मा वधी राम गृध्रं त्वं पूर्वंदग्धं तपोबलात्

Then a bodiless voice spoke from the sky: “Do not kill the vulture, O Rāma; it has already been scorched before, by the power of austerity.”

Verse 121

पुरा गौतम दग्धोऽयं प्रजानाथो जनेश्वर । ब्रह्मदत्तस्तु नामैष शूरः सत्यव्रतः शुचिः

Formerly, O lord of men, this ruler of subjects was burnt (cursed) by Gautama. His name is Brahmadatta—valiant, devoted to truth, and pure.

Verse 122

गृहमागत्य विप्रर्षेर्भोजनं प्रत्ययाचत । साग्रं वर्षशतं चैव भुक्तवान्नृपसत्तम

Returning home, he requested food from the brahmin sage; and for a full hundred years (and more), the best of kings continued to eat.

Verse 123

ब्रह्मदत्तस्य वै तस्य पाद्यमर्घ्यं स्वयं ततः । आत्मनैवाकरोत्सम्यग्भोजनार्थं महाद्युते

Then, he himself properly offered water for washing the feet and the arghya offering to that Brahmadatta, O greatly radiant one, in preparation for the meal.

Verse 124

समाविश्य गृहं तस्य आहारे तु महात्मनः । नारीं पूर्णस्तनीं दृष्ट्वा हस्तेनाथ परामृशत्

Entering his house at the time of that noble man’s meal, and seeing a woman with full breasts, he then touched her with his hand.

Verse 125

अथ क्रुद्धेन मुनिना शापो दत्तः सुदारुणः । गृध्रत्वं गच्छ वै मूढ राजा मुनिमथाब्रवीत्

Then the enraged sage pronounced a most dreadful curse: “Go, you fool—become a vulture!” Thus the king spoke to the sage.

Verse 126

कृपां कुरु महाभाग शापोद्धारो भविष्यति । दयालुस्तद्वचः श्रुत्वा पुनराह नराधिप

“Show compassion, O illustrious one; the curse will be lifted.” Hearing those words, the compassionate king spoke again.

Verse 127

उत्पत्स्यते रघुकुले रामो नाम महायशाः । इक्ष्वाकूणां महाभागो राजा राजीवलोचनः

In the lineage of Raghu there will be born a greatly renowned king named Rāma—an illustrious scion of the Ikṣvāku dynasty, the lotus-eyed ruler.

Verse 128

तेन दृष्टो विपापस्त्वं भविता नरपुंगव । दृष्टो रामेण तच्छ्रुत्वा बभूव पृथिवीपतिः

O best of men, once you are seen by him, you will become free from sin. Hearing that Rāma had seen (him/you), the king became satisfied and composed.

Verse 129

गृध्रत्वं त्यज्य वै शीघ्रं दिव्यगंधानुलेपनः । पुरुषो दिव्यरूपोऽसौ बभाषे तं नराधिपं

Quickly casting off his vulture-nature, anointed with a divine fragrance, that radiant, celestial-looking man spoke to the lord of men (the king).

Verse 130

साधु राघव धर्मज्ञ त्वत्प्रसादादहं विभो । विमुक्तो नरकाद्घोरादपापस्तु त्वया कृतः

Well done, O Rāghava, knower of dharma! By your grace, O Lord, I have been freed from dreadful hell; indeed, you have made me sinless.

Verse 131

विसर्जितं मया गार्ध्यं नररूपी महीपतिः । उलूकं प्राह धर्मज्ञ स्वगृहं विश कौशिक

Released by me, that king of the earth—having assumed a human form—addressed Ulūka. The knower of dharma said: “O Kauśika, enter your own house.”

Verse 132

अहं संध्यामुपासित्वा गमिष्ये यत्र वै मुनिः । अथोदकमुपस्पृश्य संध्यामन्वास्य पश्चिमां

Having performed the Sandhyā worship, I shall go to where that sage is. Then, after touching and sipping water for purification, I duly completed the evening Sandhyā facing the west…

Verse 133

आश्रमं प्राविशद्रामः कुंभयोनेर्महात्मनः । तस्यागस्त्यो बहुगुणं फलमूलं च सादरं

Rāma entered the hermitage (āśrama) of the great-souled Agastya, the one born from the pot. There, Agastya respectfully offered him many excellent fruits and edible roots.

Verse 134

रसवंति च शाकानि भोजनार्थमुपाहरत् । सभुक्तवान्नरव्याघ्रस्तदन्नममृतोपमम्

He brought flavorful vegetables for the meal; and the tiger among men ate that food, which was like amṛta—nectar-like.

Verse 135

प्रीतश्च परितुष्टश्च तां रात्रिं समुपावसत् । प्रभाते काल्यमुत्थाय कृत्वाह्निकमरिंदम

Pleased and fully content, he spent that night in sacred observance. At dawn, rising early, the subduer of foes performed his morning rites.

Verse 136

ॠषिं समभिचक्राम गमनाय रघूत्तमः । अभिवाद्याब्रवीद्रामो महर्षिं कुंभसंभवम्

For the sake of departure, Raghūttama (Rāma) approached the sage; having bowed in reverence, Rāma spoke to the great seer born from the pitcher, Agastya.

Verse 137

आपृच्छे साधये ब्रह्मन्ननुज्ञातुं त्वमर्हसि । धन्योस्म्यनुगृहीतोस्मि दर्शनेन महामुने

I take my leave, O holy one. O Brahman, be pleased to grant me permission (to depart). Blessed am I; I have been graced by your sight, O great sage.

Verse 138

दिष्ट्या चाहं भविष्यामि पावनात्मा महात्मनः । एवं ब्रुवति काकुत्स्थे वाक्यमद्भुतदर्शनं

“By good fortune, I too shall be purified in spirit through that great soul.” As Kakutstha spoke thus, an utterance bearing wondrous vision arose.

Verse 139

उवाच परमप्रीतो बाष्पनेत्रस्तपोधनः । अत्यद्भुतमिदं वाक्यं तव राम शुभाक्षरं

Overjoyed, the ascetic—his eyes filled with tears—spoke: “O Rāma, this utterance of yours, formed of auspicious syllables, is truly most wondrous.”

Verse 140

पावनं सर्वभूतानां त्वयोक्तं रघुनंदन । मुहूर्तमपि राम त्वां मैत्रेणेक्षंति ये नराः

O Raghunandana (Rāma), what you have spoken is purifying for all beings. O Rāma, even those who look upon you with friendliness for but a moment become purified.

Verse 141

पावितास्सर्वसूक्तैस्ते कथ्यंते त्रिदिवौकसः । ये च त्वां घोरचक्षुर्भिरीक्षंते प्राणिनो भुवि

Those who dwell in the heavenly realms are said to be purified by every sacred utterance; and the beings on earth who behold you with dreadful eyes are also spoken of in this manner.

Verse 142

ते हता ब्रह्मदंडेन सद्यो नरकगामिनः । ईदृशस्त्वं रघुश्रेष्ठ पावनः सर्वदेहिनां

Struck down by the rod of Brahmā, they became destined for hell at once. But you, O best of the Raghu line, are such a purifier of all embodied beings.

Verse 143

कथयंतश्च लोकास्त्वां सिद्धिमेष्यंति राघव । गच्छस्वानातुरोऽविघ्नं पंथानमकुतोभयः

O Rāghava, people who speak of you will attain success. Go on your way—free from distress and without obstacles—fearless on the path.

Verse 144

प्रशाधि राज्यं धर्मेण गतिस्तु जगतां भवान् । एवमुक्तस्तु मुनिना प्राञ्जलि प्रग्रहो नृपः

“Rule the kingdom in accordance with dharma; you are the guiding course of the worlds.” Thus addressed by the sage, the king, with folded hands, accepted the instruction with reverence.

Verse 145

अभिवादयितुं चक्रे सोऽगस्त्यमृषिसत्तमम् । अभिवाद्य मुनिश्रेष्ठंस्तांश्च सर्वांस्तपोधिकान्

He then proceeded to offer his respectful salutations to Agastya, the foremost of sages; and having bowed to that best of munis, he also paid homage to all the other ascetics rich in austerity (tapas).

Verse 146

अथारोहत्तदाव्यग्रः पुष्पकं हेमभूषितम् । तं प्रयांतं मुनिगणा आशीर्वादैस्समंततः

Then, in haste, he mounted the Puṣpaka chariot adorned with gold; and as he departed, the hosts of sages on every side bestowed blessings upon him.

Verse 147

अपूपुजन्नरेंद्रं तं सहस्राक्षमिवामराः । ततोऽर्धदिवसे प्राप्ते रामः सर्वार्थकोविदः

The gods honored that king as they would honor Sahasrākṣa (Indra). Then, when half the day had passed, Rāma—skilled in understanding every matter—(spoke/acted).

Verse 148

अयोध्यां प्राप्य काकुत्स्थः पद्भ्यां कक्षामवातरत् । ततो विसृज्य रुचिरं पुष्पकं कामवाहितं

Having reached Ayodhyā, Kakutstha descended and entered the palace quarters on foot; then, dismissing the splendid Puṣpaka—moved at will—he let it depart.

Verse 149

कक्षांतराद्विनिष्क्रम्य द्वास्थान्राजाऽब्रवीदिदं । लक्ष्मणं भरतं चैव गच्छध्वं लघुविक्रमाः

Stepping out from an inner chamber, the king said to the doorkeepers: “Go at once and bring Lakṣmaṇa and Bharata here, O swift-acting ones.”

Verse 150

ममागमनमाख्याय समानयत मा चिरम् । श्रुत्वाथ भाषितं द्वास्था रामस्याक्लिष्टकर्मणः

“Announce my arrival and bring him here—do not delay.” Hearing these words of Rāma, whose deeds are unwearied and untroubled, the two attendants at once set about their task.

Verse 151

गत्वा कुमारावाहूय राघवाय न्यवदेयन् । द्वास्थैः कुमारावानीतौ राघवस्य निदेशतः

Having gone and summoned the two princes, they presented them to Rāghava. By Rāghava’s command, the doorkeepers brought the two princes in.

Verse 152

दृष्ट्वा तु राघवः प्राप्तौ प्रियौ भरतलक्ष्मणौ । समालिंग्य तु रामस्तौ वाक्यं चेदमुवाच ह

Seeing his beloved Bharata and Lakṣmaṇa arrive, Rāghava (Rāma) embraced them both and then spoke these words.

Verse 153

कृतं मया यथातथ्यं द्विजकार्यमनुत्तमं । धर्महेतुमतो भूयः कर्तुमिच्छामि राघवौ

I have carried out, as truly as I could, the unsurpassed duty owed to a brāhmin. Yet, O Rāghavas, for the sake of dharma I wish to do still more.

Verse 154

भवद्भ्यामात्मभूताभ्यां राजसूयं क्रतूत्तमं । सहितो यष्टुमिच्छामि यत्र धर्मश्च शाश्वतः

Together with you two—who are as my very self—I wish to perform the Rājasūya, the finest of sacrifices, in which eternal Dharma is established.

Verse 155

पुष्करस्थेन वै पूर्वं ब्रह्मणा लोककारिणा । शतत्रयेण यज्ञानामिष्टं षष्ट्याधिकेन च

Formerly, Brahmā—the creator of the worlds—while residing at Puṣkara, performed sacrifices: three hundred in number, and sixty more besides.

Verse 156

इष्ट्वा हि राजसूयेन सोमो धर्मेण धर्मवित् । प्राप्तः सर्वेषु लोकेषु कीर्तिस्थानमनुत्तमम्

For, having duly performed the Rājasūya sacrifice in accordance with dharma, Soma—the knower of righteousness—attained, in all the worlds, an unsurpassed station of fame.

Verse 157

इष्ट्वा हि राजसूयेन मित्रः शत्रुनिबर्हणः । मुहूर्तेन सुशुद्धेन वरुणत्वमुपागतः

Having indeed performed the Rājasūya sacrifice, Mitra—the destroyer of foes—attained the status of Varuṇa through an auspicious and perfectly purified muhūrta (ritual moment).

Verse 158

तस्माद्भवंतौ संचिंत्य कार्येस्मिन्वदतं हि तत् । भरत उवाच । त्वं धर्मः परमः साधो त्वयि सर्वा वसुंधरा

Therefore, you two should reflect upon this matter and then speak what ought to be done. Bharata said: “O holy one, you are the supreme Dharma; in you rests the entire earth.”

Verse 159

प्रतिष्ठिता महाबाहो यशश्चामितविक्रम । महीपालाश्च सर्वे त्वां प्रजापतिमिवामराः

O mighty-armed one, your fame is firmly established, O you of immeasurable valor; all the kings, like the gods, regard you as (their) Prajāpati.

Verse 160

निरीक्षंते महात्मानो लोकनाथ तथा वयं । प्रजाश्च पितृवद्राजन्पश्यंति त्वां महामते

O Lord of the world, the great-souled ones look up to you—and so do we. And the people, O king, behold you as a father; O greatly wise one.

Verse 161

पृथिव्यां गतिभूतोसि प्राणिनामिह राघव । सत्वमेवंविधं यज्ञं नाहर्त्तासि परंतप

O Rāghava, upon this earth you have become the refuge and the very course of living beings. Therefore, O scorcher of foes, do not obstruct such a sacred yajña.

Verse 162

पृथिव्यां सर्वभूतानां विनाशो दृश्यते यतः । श्रूयते राजशार्दूल सोमस्य मनुजेश्वर

Since on earth the destruction of all beings is indeed seen, O tiger among kings, O lord of men, there is heard the account concerning Soma.

Verse 163

ज्योतिषां सुमहद्युद्धं संग्रामे तारकामये । तारा बृहस्पतेर्भार्या हृता सोमेनकामतः

In the star-filled battlefield there arose a very great war among the celestial luminaries, because Tārā, the wife of Bṛhaspati, was carried off by Soma, driven by desire.

Verse 164

तत्र युद्धं महद्वृत्तं देवदानवनाशनम् । वरुणस्य क्रतौ घोरे संग्रामे मत्स्यकच्छपाः

There a great battle took place, bringing destruction upon both gods and demons. In Varuṇa’s terrible sacrificial rite, amid that fierce conflict, fishes and tortoises too were caught up in the war.

Verse 165

निवृत्ते राजशार्दूल सर्वे नष्टा जलेचराः । हरिश्चंद्रस्य यज्ञांते राजसूयस्य राघव

When it was concluded, O tiger among kings, all aquatic beings had vanished. At the end of King Hariścandra’s Rājasūya sacrifice, O Rāghava—

Verse 166

आडीबकंमहद्युद्धं सर्वलोकविनाशनम् । पृथिव्यां यानि सत्वानि तिर्यग्योनिगतानि वै

The great battle called Āḍībaka, the destroyer of all worlds—therein, whatever creatures upon the earth are born from animal wombs (as non-human beings)…

Verse 167

दिव्यानां पार्थिवानां च राजसूये क्षयः श्रुतः । स त्वं पुरुषशार्दूल बुद्ध्या संचिंत्य पार्थिव

It is heard that even for the divine and for earthly kings, ruin may arise in a Rājasūya sacrifice. Therefore, you—tiger among men—ponder this with discerning intellect, O king.

Verse 168

प्राणिनां च हितं सौम्यं पूर्णधर्मं समाचर । भरतस्य वचः श्रुत्वा राघवः प्राह सादरम्

“O gentle one, practice the complete dharma that brings welfare to living beings.” Having heard Bharata’s words, Rāghava replied with reverence.

Verse 169

प्रीतोस्मि तव धर्मज्ञ वाक्येनानेन शत्रुहन् । निवर्तिता राजसूयान्मतिर्मे धर्मवत्सल

O knower of dharma, O slayer of foes—this speech of yours has pleased me. O lover of righteousness, my intention to perform the Rājasūya sacrifice has been restrained and turned back.

Verse 170

पूर्णं धर्मं करिष्यामि कान्यकुब्जे च वामनम् । स्थापयिष्याम्यहं वीर सा मे ख्यातिर्दिवं गता

“I shall fulfill dharma in its fullness, and in Kānyakubja I will establish the sacred image of Vāmana. O hero, that fame of mine has risen up to heaven.”

Verse 171

भविष्यति न संदेहो यथा गंगा भगीरथात्

There will be no doubt: it shall surely come to pass—just as the sacred Gaṅgā came forth through Bhagīratha.