Adhyaya 38

Verse 1

भीष्म उवाच । कथं रामेण विप्रर्षे कान्यकुब्जे तु वामनः । स्थापितः क्व च लब्धोसौ विस्तरान्मम कीर्तय

Bhīṣma said: O best of brahmins, how did Rāma establish Vāmana at Kānyakubja, and where was he obtained? Tell me this in full detail.

Verse 2

तथा हि मधुरा चैषा या वाणी रामकीर्तने । कीर्तिता भगवन्मह्यं हृता कर्णसुखावह

Indeed, this utterance is most sweet—this speech in praise of Rāma. O Blessed Lord, once spoken it has captivated my heart and brings delight to the ears.

Verse 3

अनुरागेण तं लोकाः स्नेहात्पश्यंति राघवम् । धर्मज्ञश्च कृतज्ञश्च बुद्ध्या च परिनिष्ठितः

Out of affection, the people behold that Rāghava with love; for he knows dharma, is grateful for kindness shown, and is firmly established in wisdom.

Verse 4

प्रशास्ति पृथिवीं सर्वां धर्मेण सुसमाहितः । तस्मिन्शासति वै राज्यं सर्वकामफलाद्रुमाः

Steady and well-composed in righteousness, he governs the whole earth. And while he thus rules, the kingdom becomes like wish-fulfilling trees, yielding every desired fruit.

Verse 5

रसवंतः प्रभूताश्च वासांसि विविधानि च । अकृष्टपच्या पृथिवी निःसपत्ना महात्मनः

There were abundant delicacies and plentiful garments of many kinds; the earth bore crops without being ploughed, and for that great-souled one she had no rival.

Verse 6

देवकार्यं कृतं तेन रावणो लोककंटकः । सपुत्रोमात्यसहितो लीलयैव निपातितः

By him the gods’ work was accomplished: Rāvaṇa, the scourge of the world, was effortlessly struck down—along with his sons and ministers.

Verse 7

तस्यबुद्धिस्समुत्पन्ना पूर्णे धर्मे द्विजोत्तम । तस्याहं चरितं सर्वं श्रोतुमिच्छामि वै मुने

O best of twice-born ones, when his understanding arose in the fullness of dharma, I wish, O sage, to hear the entire account of his life and deeds.

Verse 8

पुलस्त्य उवाच । कस्यचित्त्वथ कालस्य रामो धर्मपथे स्थितः । यच्चकार महाबाहो शृणुष्वैकमना नृप

Pulastya said: After some time, Rama—steadfast on the path of righteousness—performed a deed. Listen to it with single-minded attention, O mighty-armed king.

Verse 9

सस्मार राक्षसेंद्रं तं कथं राजा विभीषणः । लंकायां संस्थितो राज्यं करिष्यति च राक्षसः

He then remembered that lord of the Rākṣasas, thinking: “How will King Vibhīṣaṇa, established in Laṅkā, govern the kingdom—and how will the Rākṣasa carry out the rule?”

Verse 10

गीर्वाणेषु प्रातिकूल्यं विनाशस्य तु लक्षणम् । मया तस्य तु तद्दत्तं राज्यं चंद्रार्ककालिकम्

Hostility toward the gods is indeed a sign of ruin. Yet I granted him that sovereignty—enduring as long as the moon and the sun.

Verse 11

तस्याविनाशतः कीर्तिः स्थिरा मे शाश्वती भवेत् । रावणेन तपस्तप्तं विनाशायात्मनस्त्विह

May my fame remain firm and everlasting through his indestructibility. Yet here Rāvaṇa has performed austerities only for his own destruction.

Verse 12

विध्वस्तः स च पापिष्ठो देवकार्ये मयाधुना । तदिदानीं मयान्वेष्यः स्वयं गत्वा विभीषणः

That most sinful one has now been destroyed by me in the service of the gods. Therefore, O Vibhīṣaṇa, I must now go myself and seek him out.

Verse 13

संदेष्टव्यं हितं तस्य येन तिष्ठेत्स शाश्वतम् । एवं चिंतयतस्तस्य रामस्यामिततेजसः

“One should convey to him what is beneficial—by which he may remain steadfast forever.” Thus did that Rāma of immeasurable splendor reflect.

Verse 14

आजगामाथ भरतो रामं दृष्ट्वाब्रवीदिदम् । किं त्वं चिंतयसे देव न रहस्यं वदस्व मे

Then Bharata came; seeing Rāma, he spoke: “O divine one, what are you thinking about? Do not keep it secret—tell me.”

Verse 15

देवकार्ये धरायां वा स्वकार्ये वा नरोत्तम । एवं ब्रुवंतं भरतं ध्यायमानमवस्थितम्

“Whether in the service of the gods upon the earth or in one’s own duty, O best of men”—thus spoke Bharata, standing absorbed in contemplation.

Verse 16

अब्रवीद्राघवो वाक्यं रहस्यं तु न वै तव । भवान्बहिश्चरः प्राणो लक्ष्मणश्च महायशाः

Rāghava spoke these words: “This secret is not meant for you. You are one who moves outside; and Lakṣmaṇa, of great fame, is my very life-breath.”

Verse 17

अवेद्यं भवतो नास्ति मम सत्यं विधारय । एषा मे महती चिंता कथं देवैर्विभीषणः

Nothing is unknown to you; accept my words as true. This is my great anxiety: how is Vibhīṣaṇa to be treated by the gods?

Verse 18

वर्तते यद्धितार्थं वै दशग्रीवो निपातितः । गमिष्ये तदहं लंकां यत्र चासौ विभीषणः

Since Rāvaṇa (the ten-necked one) has been brought down for the welfare of the world, I shall now go to Laṅkā—where Vibhīṣaṇa is.

Verse 19

तं च दृष्ट्वा पुरीं तां तु कार्यमुक्त्वा च राक्षसम् । आलोक्य सर्ववसुधां सुग्रीवं वानरेश्वरम्

Having seen that city, and having dismissed the rākṣasa after giving him his instructions, he surveyed the whole earth and then addressed Sugrīva, the lord of the monkeys.

Verse 20

महाराजं च शत्रुघ्नं भातृपुत्रांश्च सर्वशः । एवं वदति काकुत्स्थे भरतः पुरतः स्थितः

Standing before Kakutstha (Rāma), Bharata spoke thus—addressing the great king, Śatrughna, and all the sons of the brothers in every way.

Verse 21

उवाच राघवं वाक्यं गमिष्ये भवता सह । एवं कुरु महाबाहो सौमित्रिरिह तिष्ठतु

He spoke these words to Rāghava: “I will go with you. Do this, O mighty-armed one—let Saumitri stay here.”

Verse 22

इत्युक्त्वा भरतं रामः सौमित्रं चाह वै पुरे । रक्षाकार्या त्वया वीर यावदागमनं हि नौ

Having thus spoken to Bharata, Rāma then addressed Saumitra (Lakṣmaṇa) in the city: “O hero, keep watch and ensure protection until our return.”

Verse 23

एवं लक्ष्मणमादिश्य ध्यात्वा वै पुष्पकं नृप । आरुरोह स वै यानं कौसल्यानंदवर्धनः

Thus, after instructing Lakṣmaṇa, O king, he meditated upon the Puṣpaka and then mounted that vehicle—he who increased the joy of Kausalyā.

Verse 24

पुष्पकं तु ततः प्राप्तं गांधारविषयो यतः । भरतस्य सुतौ दृष्ट्वा जगन्नीतिं निरीक्ष्य च

Then he obtained the Puṣpaka, which had come from the region of Gandhāra; and, having seen Bharata’s two sons and having observed the order and conduct of the world, he proceeded onward.

Verse 25

पूर्वां दिशं ततो गत्वा लक्ष्मणस्य सुतौ यतः । पुरेषु तेषु षड्रात्रमुषित्वा रघुनंदनौ

Then they went to the eastern quarter, where the two sons of Lakṣmaṇa were, and those descendants of Raghu stayed for six nights in those cities.

Verse 26

गतौ तेन विमानेन दक्षिणामभितो दिशम् । गंगायामुनसंभेदं प्रयागमृषिसेवितम्

Then, traveling in that celestial vimāna, they proceeded toward the southern quarter and reached Prayāga—the sacred confluence of the Gaṅgā and Yamunā—revered and frequented by the ṛṣi.

Verse 27

अभिवाद्य भरद्वाजमत्रेराश्रममीयतुः । संभाष्य च मुनींस्तत्र जनस्थानमुपागतौ

Having paid respects to Bharadvāja, they went to Atri’s āśrama; and after conversing there with the muni, they proceeded to Janasthāna.

Verse 28

राम उवाच । अत्र पूर्वं हृता सीता रावणेन दुरात्मना । हत्वा जटायुषं गृध्रं योसौ पितृसखो हि नौ

Rāma said: “Here, long ago, Sītā was abducted by Rāvaṇa of wicked soul, after he slew the vulture Jaṭāyus, who truly was a friend of my father.”

Verse 29

अत्रास्माकं महद्युद्धं कबंधेन कुबुद्धिना । हतेन तेन दग्धेन सीतास्ते रावणालये

Here we fought a great battle with Kabandha, that evil-minded one. When he was slain and burned, he told you: ‘Sītā is in Rāvaṇa’s abode.’

Verse 30

ॠष्यमूके गिरिवरे सुग्रीवो नाम वानरः । स ते करिष्यते साह्यं पंपां व्रज सहानुजः

On the excellent mountain Ṛṣyamūka there is a monkey named Sugrīva. He will render you assistance; go to Pampā along with your younger brother.

Verse 31

पंपासरः समासाद्य शबरीं गच्छ तापसीम् । इत्युक्तो दुःखितो वीर निराशो जीविते स्थितः

“Having reached the Pampā lake, go to Śabarī, the ascetic woman.” Thus addressed, the hero, grief-stricken and devoid of hope, continued to cling to life.

Verse 32

इयं सा नलिनी वीर यस्यां वै लक्ष्मणोवदत् । मा कृथाः पुरुषव्याघ्र शोकं शत्रुविनाशन

O hero, this is that lotus-pond where Lakṣmaṇa indeed spoke (those words). Do not grieve, O tiger among men—O destroyer of enemies.

Verse 33

आज्ञाकारिणि भृत्ये च मयि प्राप्स्यसि मैथिलीम् । अत्र मे वार्षिका मासा गता वर्षशतोपमाः

O obedient handmaid, through me you will attain Maithilī (Sītā). Here my rainy-season months have passed as though they were a hundred years.

Verse 34

अत्रैव निहतो वाली सुग्रीवार्थे परंतप । एषा सा दृश्यते नूनं किष्किंधा वालिपालिता

Here itself Vālī was slain for Sugrīva’s sake, O scorcher of foes. Surely, this is that Kiṣkindhā which was protected by Vālī.

Verse 35

यस्यां वै स हि धर्मात्मा सुग्रीवो वानरेश्वरः । वानरैः सहितो वीर तावदास्ते समाः शतम्

In that place indeed, Sugrīva—the righteous lord of the Vānaras—dwelt there with the Vānaras for a full hundred years, O hero.

Verse 36

वानरैस्सह सुग्रीवो यावदास्ते सभां गतः । तावत्तत्रागतौ वीरौ पुर्यां भरतराघवौ

While Sugrīva, accompanied by the Vānaras, remained in the assembly hall, at that very time the two heroes—Bharata and Rāghava—arrived there in the city.

Verse 37

दृष्ट्वा स भ्रातरौ प्राप्तौ प्रणिपत्याब्रवीदिदम् । क्व युवां प्रस्थितौ वीरौ कार्यं किं नु करिष्यथः

Seeing the two brothers arrive, he bowed down and said: “O heroes, where are you setting out to go, and what task do you intend to accomplish?”

Verse 38

विनिवेश्यासने तौ च ददावर्घ्ये स्वयं तदा । एवं सभास्थिते तत्र धर्मिष्टे रघुनंदने

Having seated them both upon their seats, he himself then offered them the arghya, the honorary water-offering. Thus, when the righteous delight of the Raghu line was seated there in the assembly hall,

Verse 39

अंगदोथ हनूमांश्च नलो नीलश्च पाटलः । गजो गवाक्षो गवयः पनसश्च महायशाः

Then came Aṅgada and Hanūmān, Nala and Nīla, and Pāṭala; also Gaja, Gavākṣa, Gavaya, and Panasa—men of great renown.

Verse 40

पुरोधसो मंत्रिणश्च दैवज्ञो दधिवक्रकः । नीलश्शतबलिर्मैन्दो द्विविदो गंधमादनः

There were the royal chaplains and the ministers; the astrologer; Dadhivakraka; Nīla; Śatabali; Mainda; Dvivida; and Gandhamādana.

Verse 41

वीरबाहुस्सुबाहुश्च वीरसेनो विनायकः । सूर्याभः कुमुदश्चैव सुषेणो हरियूथपः

Vīrabāhu and Subāhu; Vīrasena and Vināyaka; Sūryābha and Kumuda; and also Suṣeṇa—the leader of Hari’s troop.

Verse 42

ॠषभो विनतश्चैव गवाख्यो भीमविक्रमः । ॠक्षराजश्च धूम्रश्च सहसैन्यैरुपागताः

Ṛṣabha, Vinata, Gavākhya of dreadful valor, and also Ṛkṣarāja and Dhūmra—arrived, each accompanied by thousands of troops.

Verse 43

अंतःपुराणि सर्वाणि रुमा तारा तथैव च । अवरोधोंगदस्यापि तथान्याः परिचारिकाः

All the women of the inner palace—Rumā and Tārā as well—along with Aṅgada’s secluded women, and the other attendant maidservants, were present.

Verse 44

प्रहर्षमतुलं प्राप्य साधुसाध्विति चाब्रुवन् । वानराश्च महात्मानः सुग्रीवसहितास्तदा

Filled with boundless joy, the great-souled Vānara chiefs—together with Sugrīva—then exclaimed, “Sādhu! Sādhu! Well done! Well done!”

Verse 45

वानर्यश्च महाभागास्ताराद्यास्तत्र राघवम् । अभिप्रेक्ष्याश्रुकंठ्यश्च प्रणिपत्येदमब्रुवन्

There, the noble monkey-women—Tārā and the others—having gazed upon Rāghava, their voices choked with tears, bowed down and spoke these words.

Verse 46

क्व सा देवी त्वया देव या विनिर्जित्यरावणम् । शुद्धिं कृत्वा हि ते वह्नौ पितुरग्र उमापतेः

O Lord, where is that Goddess whom you purified in fire—after conquering Rāvaṇa—in the presence of her father, O consort of Umā?

Verse 47

त्वयानीता पुरीं राम न तां पश्यामि तेग्रतः । न विना त्वं तया देव शोभसे रघुनंदन

O Rāma, you brought the lady to the city, yet I do not see her before you. Without her, O divine one—O delight of the Raghu line—you do not shine.

Verse 48

त्वया विनापि साध्वी सा क्व नु तिष्ठति जानकी । अन्यां भार्यां न ते वेद्मि भार्याहीनो न शोभसे

Without you, where indeed is that virtuous Jānakī now staying? I know of no other wife for you; without a wife, you do not appear befitting.

Verse 49

क्रौंचयुग्मं मिथो यद्वच्चक्रवाकयुगं यथा । एवं वदंतीं तां तारां ताराधिपसमाननाम्

As a pair of krauñca-birds call to one another, or as a pair of cakravāka-birds cry out in longing, so too was Tārā speaking—Tārā, whose beauty was equal to the lord of the stars, the Moon.

Verse 50

प्राह प्रवचसां श्रेष्ठो रामो राजीवलोचनः । चारुदंष्ट्रे विशालाक्षि कालो हि दुरतिक्रमः

Rāma, lotus-eyed and foremost among eloquent speakers, said: “O fair-tusked one, O large-eyed lady—Time indeed is hard to overcome.”

Verse 51

सर्वं कालकृतं विद्धि जगदेतच्चराचरम् । विसृज्यताः स्त्रियः सर्वाः सुग्रीवोभिमुखः स्थितः

Know that this entire universe—moving and unmoving—is wrought by Time. Dismiss all the women; he stood facing Sugrīva.

Verse 52

सुग्रीव उवाच । भवंतौ येन कार्येण इहायातौ नरेश्वरौ । तच्चापि कथ्यतां शीघ्रं कृत्यकालो हि वर्तते

Sugrīva said: “O kings, for what purpose have you both come here? Tell that quickly as well, for the time for action is now at hand.”

Verse 53

ब्रुवाणमेवं सुग्रीवं भरतो रामचोदितः । आचचक्षे च गमनं लंकायां राघवस्य तु । तौ चाब्रवीच्च सुग्रीवो भवद्भ्यां सहितः पुरीम्

As Bharata, urged by Rāma, spoke thus to Sugrīva, he also informed him of Rāghava’s journey to Laṅkā. Then Sugrīva said to the two of them, “Come with me to the city.”

Verse 54

गमिष्ये राक्षसं देव द्रष्टुं तत्र विभीषणम् । सुग्रीवेणैवमुक्ते तु गच्छस्वेत्याह राघवः

Sugrīva said, “O Lord, I will go to see the rākṣasa Vibhīṣaṇa there.” When Sugrīva had spoken thus, Rāghava replied, “Go.”

Verse 55

सुग्रीवो राघवौ तौ च पुष्पके तु स्थितास्त्रयः । तावत्प्राप्तं विमानं तु समुद्रस्योत्तरं तटम्

Sugrīva and the two Rāghavas—those three—were seated in the sacred Puṣpaka. Meanwhile, the aerial car reached the northern shore of the ocean.

Verse 56

अब्रवीद्भरतं रामो ह्यत्र मे राक्षसेश्वरः । चतुर्भिः सचिवैः सार्धं जीवितार्थे विभीषणः

Rāma said to Bharata: “Here is my lord among the Rākṣasas—Vibhīṣaṇa—who has come with four ministers, seeking refuge to preserve his life.”

Verse 57

प्राप्तस्ततो लक्ष्मणेन लंकाराज्येभिषेचितः । अत्र चाहं समुद्रस्य परेपारे स्थितस्त्र्यहम्

Then, brought back by Lakṣmaṇa, I was anointed and consecrated to the kingship of Laṅkā. And here I remained for three days, staying on the far shore of the ocean.

Verse 58

दर्शनं दास्यते मेऽसौ ज्ञातिकार्यं भविष्यति । तावन्न दर्शनं मह्यं दत्तमेतेन शत्रुहन्

“He will grant me an audience; a duty to my kin will be fulfilled. Yet until now, O slayer of enemies, he has not granted me an audience.”

Verse 59

ततः कोपः सुमद्भूतश्चतुर्थेहनि राघव । धनुरायम्य वेगेन दिव्यमस्त्रं करे धृतम्

Then, O Rāghava, on the fourth day a fierce wrath arose; and, swiftly drawing his bow, he held a divine weapon in his hand.

Verse 60

दृष्ट्वा मां शरणान्वेषी भीतो लक्ष्मणमाश्रितः । सुग्रीवेणानुनीतोऽस्मि क्षम्यतां राघव त्वया

Seeing you, frightened and seeking refuge, I took shelter with Lakṣmaṇa. Brought here by Sugrīva, I beseech you, O Rāghava—please forgive me.

Verse 61

ततो मयोत्क्षिप्तशरो मरुदेशे ह्यपाकृतः । ततस्समुद्रराजेन भृशं विनयशालिना

Then the arrow I had loosed was turned aside in the desert region. After that, it was dealt with by the Ocean-king—exceedingly humble and rich in courtesy.

Verse 62

उक्तोहं सेतुबंधेन लंकां त्वं व्रज राघव । लंघयित्वा नरव्याघ्र वारिपूर्णं महोदधिम्

“I have told you of the building of the bridge. Now go to Laṅkā, O Rāghava; leaping across the water-filled great ocean, O tiger among men.”

Verse 63

एष सेतुर्मया बद्धः समुद्रे वरुणालये । त्रिभिर्दिनैः समाप्तिं वै नीतो वानरसत्तमैः

“This bridge has been built by me in the ocean, the abode of Varuṇa; and within three days it was indeed brought to completion by the foremost of the Vānaras.”

Verse 64

प्रथमे दिवसे बद्धो योजनानि चतुर्दश । द्वितीयेहनि षट्त्रिंशत्तृतीयेर्धशतं तथा

On the first day it was laid for fourteen yojanas; on the second day, for thirty-six; and on the third day, for fifty likewise.

Verse 65

इयं सा दृश्यते लंका स्वर्णप्राकारतोरणा । अवरोधो महानत्र कृतो वानरसत्तमैः

Behold, Laṅkā is now in sight, with golden ramparts and gateways; here a mighty blockade was raised by the foremost of the Vānaras.

Verse 66

अत्र युद्धं महद्वृत्तं चैत्राशुक्लचतुर्दशि । अष्टचत्वारिंशद्दिनं यत्रासौ रावणो हतः

Here took place the great and renowned battle—on the fourteenth day of the bright fortnight of Caitra—lasting forty-eight days, in which Rāvaṇa was slain.

Verse 67

अत्र प्रहस्तो नीलेन हतो राक्षसपुंगवः । हनूमता च धूम्राक्षो ह्यत्रैव विनिपातितः

Here Prahasta, the bull among the rākṣasas, was slain by Nīla; and here itself Dhūmrākṣa was struck down by Hanūmān.

Verse 68

महोदरातिकायौ च सुग्रीवेण महात्मना । अत्रैव मे कुंभकर्णो लक्ष्मणेनेंद्रजित्तथा

The great-souled Sugrīva slew Mahodara and Atikāya; here itself my Kumbhakarṇa was slain by Lakṣmaṇa, and Indrajit as well.

Verse 69

मया चात्र दशग्रीवो हतो राक्षसपुंगवः । अत्र संभाषितुं प्राप्तो ब्रह्मा लोकपितामहः

Here, by my hand, Daśagrīva—the foremost among the rākṣasas—was slain; and here Brahmā, grandsire and father of the worlds, arrived to converse.

Verse 70

पार्वत्या सहितो देवः शूलपाणिर्वृषध्वजः । महेंद्राद्याः सुरगणाः सगंधर्वास्स किंनराः

The god Śiva—bearing the trident and marked by the bull-banner—came with Pārvatī; and with him were the hosts of gods led by Mahendra (Indra), together with Gandharvas and Kinnaras.

Verse 71

पिता मे च समायातो महाराजस्त्रिविष्टपात् । वृतश्चाप्सरसां संघैर्विद्याधरगणैस्तथा

My father too arrived—the great king—from Svarga, the realm of the thirty-three gods, attended by hosts of Apsarās and likewise by companies of Vidyādharas.

Verse 72

तेषां समक्षं सर्वेषां जानकी शुद्धिमिच्छता । उक्ता सीता हव्यवाहं प्रविष्टा शुद्धिमागता

In the presence of them all, Jānakī—seeking to prove her purity—was spoken of; Sītā entered the fire and attained purity made manifest.

Verse 73

लंकाधिपैः सुरैर्दृष्टा गृहीता पितृशासनात् । अथाप्युक्तोथ राज्ञाहमयोध्यां गच्छ पुत्रकम्

Seen by the gods who were lords of Laṅkā, she was taken away in obedience to the father’s command. Then the king said to me as well, “Son, go to Ayodhyā.”

Verse 74

न मे स्वर्गो बहुमतस्त्वया हीनस्य राघव । तारितोहं त्वया पुत्र प्राप्तोऽस्मीन्द्रसलोकताम्

O Rāghava, heaven itself was of little worth to me when I was bereft of you. Yet you have delivered me, my son, and I have attained the world of Indra.

Verse 75

लक्ष्मणं चाब्रवीद्राजा पुत्र पुण्यं त्वयार्जितम् । भ्रात्रासममथो दिव्यांल्लोकान्प्राप्स्यसि चोत्तमान्

And the king said to Lakṣmaṇa: “My son, you have earned great merit; therefore, together with your brother, you shall attain the highest divine worlds.”

Verse 76

आहूय जानकीं राजा वाक्यं चेदमुवाच ह । न च मन्युस्त्वया कार्यो भर्तारं प्रति सुव्रते

Summoning Jānakī, the king spoke these words: “O virtuous one, you should not harbor anger toward your husband.”

Verse 77

ख्यातिर्भविष्यत्येवाग्र्या भर्तुस्ते शुभलोचने । एवं वदति रामे तु पुष्पके च व्यवस्थिते

“O auspicious-eyed one, your husband’s supreme fame will surely come to be.” As Rāma spoke thus, he was seated in the Puṣpaka, the celestial aerial chariot.

Verse 78

तत्र ये राक्षसवरास्ते गत्वाशु विभीषणं । प्राप्तो रामः ससुग्रीवश्चारा इत्थं तदाऽवदन्

Then those foremost of the Rākṣasas quickly went to Vibhīṣaṇa and, as spies, reported at that time: “Rāma has arrived, along with Sugrīva.”

Verse 79

विभीषणस्तु तच्छ्रुत्वा रामागमनमंतिके । चारांस्तान्पूजयामास सर्वकामधनादिभिः

Hearing that Rāma was drawing near, Vibhīṣaṇa honored those spies with gifts—wealth and other offerings that fulfill every desire.

Verse 80

अलंकृत्य पुरीं तां तु निष्क्रान्तः सचिवैः सह । दृष्ट्वा रामं विमानस्थं मेराविव दिवाकरं

Having adorned that city, he went forth with his ministers; and seeing Rāma seated in the aerial chariot—like the sun upon Mount Meru—he gazed upon him in wonder.

Verse 81

अष्टांगप्रणिपातेन नत्वा राघवमब्रवीत् । अद्य मे सफलं जन्म प्राप्ताः सर्वे मनोरथाः

After bowing to Rāghava with an eight-limbed prostration, he said: “Today my birth has become fruitful; all my wishes have been fulfilled.”

Verse 82

यद्दृष्टौ देवचरणौ जगद्वंद्यावनिंदितौ । कृतः श्लाघ्योस्म्यहं देव शक्रादीनां दिवौकसां

Since I have beheld the Lord’s feet—revered by the whole world and beyond reproach—O Deva, I have become worthy of praise even among the heavenly dwellers, beginning with Śakra (Indra).

Verse 83

आत्मानमधिकं मन्ये त्रिदशेशात्पुरंदरात् । रावणस्य गृहे दीप्ते सर्वरत्नोपशोभिते

I consider myself superior to Purandara (Indra), the lord of the gods, here in Rāvaṇa’s radiant mansion, adorned with every kind of jewel.

Verse 84

उपविष्टे तु काकुत्स्थे अर्घं दत्वा विभीषणः । उवाच प्रांजलिर्भूत्वा सुग्रीवं भरतं तथा

When Kakutstha (Rāma) had taken his seat, Vibhīṣaṇa offered him the arghya, the respectful water-offering, and with folded hands addressed Sugrīva and Bharata as well.

Verse 85

इहागतस्य रामस्य यद्दास्ये न तदस्ति मे । इयं च लंका रामेण रिपुं त्रैलोक्यकंटकम्

For Rāma who has come here, I have no service to offer that is worthy of Him. And this Laṅkā—Rāma will destroy the enemy, the thorn in the throat of the three worlds.

Verse 86

हत्वा तु पापकर्माणं दत्ता पूर्वं पुरी मम । इयं पुरी इमे दारा अमी पुत्रास्तथा ह्यहं

“After killing the sinful-doer, my city was formerly granted back to me. This is that city; these are my wives; those are my sons—and this indeed is me.”

Verse 87

सर्वमेतन्मया दत्तं सर्वमक्षयमस्तु ते । ततः प्रकृतयः सर्वा लंकावासिजनाश्च ये

“All this has been granted by me; may it all remain imperishable for you. Thereupon, all the beings of your retinue, and those people who dwell in Laṅkā as well…”

Verse 88

आजग्मू राघवं द्रष्टुं कौतूहलसमन्विताः । उक्तो विभीषणस्तैस्तु रामं दर्शय नः प्रभो

Eager with curiosity, they came to behold Rāghava. Then they addressed Vibhīṣaṇa, saying, “O lord, show us Rāma.”

Verse 89

विभीषणेन कथिता राघवाय महात्मने । तेषामुपायनं सर्वं भरतो रामचोदितः

Vibhīṣaṇa related that account to the great-souled Rāghava; and, at Rāma’s urging, Bharata arranged all of their gifts and offerings.

Verse 90

जग्राह वानरेन्द्रश्च धनरत्नौघसंचयं । एवं तत्र त्र्यहं रामो ह्यवसद्राक्षसालये

The lord of monkeys seized the amassed heaps of wealth and jewels. Thus Rāma stayed there for three days in the dwelling of the rākṣasas.

Verse 91

चतुर्थेहनि संप्राप्ते रामे चापि सभास्थिते । केकसी पुत्रमाहेदं रामं द्रक्ष्यामि पुत्रक

When the fourth day arrived, and Rāma too was seated in the assembly, Kekasī said to her son: “My child, I will see this Rāma.”

Verse 92

दृष्टे तस्मिन्महत्पुण्यं प्राप्यते मुनिसत्तमैः । विष्णुरेष महाभागश्चतुर्मूर्तिस्सनातनः

Upon beholding him, the greatest sages attain immense merit. This is Viṣṇu—the supremely fortunate, eternal one, manifest in four forms.

Verse 93

सीता लक्ष्मीर्महाभाग न बुद्धा साग्रजेन ते । पित्रा ते पूर्वमाख्यातं देवानां दिविसंगमे

O fortunate one, Sītā—Lakṣmī herself—was not recognized by you and your elder brother. Earlier, your father had told you about her at the assembly of the gods in heaven.

Verse 94

कुले रघूणां वै विष्णुः पुत्रो दशरथस्य तु । भविष्यति विनाशाय दशग्रीवस्य रक्षसः

Indeed, in the lineage of the Raghu dynasty, Viṣṇu will be born as the son of Daśaratha, for the destruction of the rākṣasa Daśagrīva (Rāvaṇa).

Verse 95

विभीषण उवाच । एवं कुरुष्व वै मातर्गृहाण नवमं वरम् । पात्रं चंदनसंयुक्तं दधिक्षौद्राक्षतैः सह

Vibhīṣaṇa said: “Do so indeed, O Mother; accept the ninth boon—a vessel prepared with sandalwood, together with curd, honey, and unbroken grains of rice.”

Verse 96

दूर्वयार्घं सह कुरु राजपुत्रस्य दर्शनम् । सरमामग्रतः कृत्वा याश्चान्या देवकन्यकाः

Along with an arghya offering of dūrvā grass, go to meet the prince; placing Saramā in front, and likewise the other celestial maidens.

Verse 97

व्रजस्व राघवाभ्याशं तस्मादग्रे व्रजाम्यहम् । एवमुक्त्वा गतं रक्षो यत्र रामो व्यवस्थितः

“Go to Rāghava at once; therefore I shall go ahead first.” Having said this, the rākṣasa went to the place where Rāma was stationed.

Verse 98

उत्सार्य दानवान्सर्वान्रामं द्रष्टुं समागतान् । सभां तां विमलां कृत्वा रामं स्वाभिमुखे स्थितम्

Having driven out all the Dānavas who had assembled to see Rāma, he purified that assembly-hall and stood facing Rāma.

Verse 99

विभीषण उवाच । विज्ञाप्यं शृणु मे देव वदतश्च विशांपते । दशग्रीवं कुंभकर्णं या च मां चाप्यजीजनत्

Vibhīṣaṇa said: O God, O lord of the people, listen to what I have to submit as I speak: she who gave birth to Daśagrīva (Rāvaṇa), Kumbhakarṇa, and also to me.

Verse 100

इयं सा देवमाता नः पादौ ते द्रष्टुमिच्छति । तस्यास्तु त्वं कृपां कृत्वा दर्शनं दातु मर्हसि

This is our Divine Mother; she longs to behold your feet. Therefore, show her compassion and grant her your sacred audience.

Verse 101

राम उवाच । अहं तस्याः समीपं तु मातृदर्शनकांक्षया । गमिष्ये राक्षसेंद्र त्वं शीघ्रं याहि ममाग्रतः

Rāma said: “Longing to see my mother, I will go to her at once. O lord of the Rākṣasas, go quickly ahead of me.”

Verse 102

प्रतिज्ञाय तु तं वाक्यमुत्तस्थौ च वरासनात् । मूर्ध्नि चांजलिमाधाय प्रणाममकरोद्विभुः

Having pledged to those words, the mighty one rose from his excellent seat; placing his joined palms upon his head, he bowed in reverence.

Verse 103

अभिवादयेहं भवतीं माता भवसि धर्मतः । महता तपसा चापि पुण्येन विविधेन च

I bow to you. By the law of dharma you are my mother—through great austerity, and through manifold merits as well.

Verse 104

इमौ ते चरणौ देवि मानवो यदि पश्यति । पूर्णस्स्यात्तदहं प्रीतो दृष्ट्वेमौ पुत्रवत्सले

O Goddess, if a human being beholds these two feet of yours, he becomes fulfilled. Seeing them, I too am delighted, O affectionate one who loves me like a son.

Verse 105

कौसल्या मे यथा माता भवती च तथा मम । केकसी चाब्रवीद्रामं चिरं जीव सुखी भव

“Just as Kausalyā is my mother, so too are you to me.” Then Kekasī said to Rāma: “Live long, and be happy.”

Verse 106

भर्त्रा मे कथितं वीर विष्णुर्मानुषरूपधृत् । अवतीर्णो रघुकुले हितार्थेत्र दिवौकसाम्

My husband told me, O hero, that Viṣṇu—assuming a human form—descended here into the Raghu dynasty for the welfare of the gods.

Verse 107

दशग्रीव विनाशाय भूतिं दातुं विभीषणे । वालिनो निधनं चैव सेतुबंधं च सागरे

For the destruction of Daśagrīva (Rāvaṇa), to bestow prosperity upon Vibhīṣaṇa, for the slaying of Vāli, and also for the building of the bridge across the ocean.

Verse 108

पुत्रो दशरथस्यैव सर्वं स च करिष्यति । इदानीं त्वं मया ज्ञातः स्मृत्वा तद्भर्तृभाषितम्

The son of Daśaratha alone—he will accomplish everything. Now I have recognized you, remembering the words spoken by my husband.

Verse 109

सीता लक्ष्मीर्भवान्विष्णुर्देवा वै वानरास्तथा । गृहं पुत्र गमिष्यामि स्थिरकीर्तिमवाप्नुहि

Sītā is Lakṣmī, and you are Viṣṇu; the monkeys, indeed, are the gods. My son, I shall return home—attain enduring fame.

Verse 110

सरमोवाच । इहैव वत्सरं पूर्णमशोकवनिकास्थिता । सेविता जानकी देव सुखं तिष्ठति ते प्रिया

Sarama said: “Here itself, for a full year, Jānakī has remained in the Aśoka grove. Attended upon, O lord, your beloved dwells here in comfort.”

Verse 111

नित्यं स्मरामि वै पादौ सीतायास्तु परंतप । कदा द्रक्ष्यामि तां देवीं चिंतयाना त्वहर्निशम्

O scorcher of foes, I constantly remember Sītā’s feet. When shall I behold that goddess, as I think of her day and night?

Verse 112

किमर्थं देवदेवेन नानीता जानकी त्विह । एकाकी नैव शोभेथा योषिता च तया विना

For what reason has Jānakī not been brought here by the God of gods? A woman does not appear becoming when alone—without her, you too would not shine.

Verse 113

समीपे शोभते सीता त्वं च तस्याः परंतप । एवं ब्रुवन्त्यां भरतः केयमित्यब्रवीद्वचः

“Nearby, Sītā shines in beauty—and you too, O scorcher of foes, beside her.” As she spoke thus, Bharata uttered the words: “Who is she?”

Verse 114

ततश्चेंगितविद्रामो भरतं प्राह सत्वरम् । विभीषणस्य भार्या वै सरमा नाम नामतः

Then Ceṅgitavidrāma quickly spoke to Bharata: “Indeed, Vibhīṣaṇa’s wife is named Saramā.”

Verse 115

प्रिया सखी महाभागा सीतायास्सुदृढं मता । सर्वंकालकृतं पश्य न जाने किं करिष्यति

My dear friend, O greatly fortunate one—Sītā’s resolve is firmly set. Behold: all is wrought by Time; I do not know what she will do.

Verse 116

गच्छ त्वं सुभगे भर्तृगेहं पालय शोभने । मां त्यक्त्वा हि गता देवी भाग्यहीनं गतिर्यथा

Go, fortunate and fair one, to your husband’s home and dwell there well. For the goddess, having left me, has departed—like good fortune leaving one bereft of luck.

Verse 117

तया विरहितः सुभ्रु रतिं विंदे न कर्हिचित् । शून्या एव दिशः सर्वाः पश्यामीह पुनर्भ्रमन्

O fair-browed one, separated from her I never find joy at any time; wandering here again and again, I see all directions as utterly empty.

Verse 118

विसृज्यतां च सरमां सीतायास्तु प्रियां सखीम् । गतायामथ केकस्यां रामः प्राह विभीषणम्

“Let Saramā—Sītā’s dear friend—be sent back.” Then, after Kekasī had departed, Rāma spoke to Vibhīṣaṇa.

Verse 119

दैवतेभ्यः प्रियं कार्यं नापराध्यास्त्वया सुराः । आज्ञया राजराजस्य वर्तितव्यं त्वयानघ

Do what is pleasing to the deities; you must not offend the gods. By the command of the king of kings, O sinless one, conduct yourself accordingly.

Verse 120

लंकायां मानुषो यो वै समागच्छेत्कथंचन । राक्षसैर्न च हंतव्यो द्रष्टव्योसौ यथा त्वहम्

Any human who, by whatever means, comes to Laṅkā—he must not be slain by the rākṣasas; rather, he should be brought so that he may be seen, just as I wish to see him.

Verse 121

विभीषण उवाच । आज्ञयाहं नरव्याघ्र करिष्ये सर्वमेव तु । विभीषणे हि वदति वायू राममुवाच ह

Vibhīṣaṇa said: “By your command, O tiger among men, I shall indeed do everything.” As Vibhīṣaṇa spoke thus, Vāyu said to Rāma:

Verse 122

इहास्तिवैष्णवी मूर्तिः पूर्वं बद्धो बलिर्यया । तां नयस्व महाभाग कान्यकुब्जे प्रतिष्ठय

Here there is a Vaiṣṇava sacred image—by which Bali was formerly bound. O fortunate one, take it and install it at Kānyakubja.

Verse 123

विदित्वा तदभिप्रायं वायुना समुदाहृतम् । विभीषणस्त्वलंकृत्य रत्नैः सर्वैश्च वामनम्

Having understood the intention conveyed by Vāyu, Vibhīṣaṇa then adorned Vāmana with every kind of jewel.

Verse 124

आनीय चार्पयद्रामे वाक्यं चेदमुवाच ह । यदा वै निर्जितः शक्रो मेघनादेन राघव

Bringing it, he presented it to Rāma and then spoke these words: “O Rāghava, when Śakra (Indra) was indeed defeated by Meghanāda…”

Verse 125

तदा वै वामनस्त्वेष आनीतो जलजेक्षण । नयस्व तमिमं देव देवदेवं प्रतिष्ठय

Then indeed, O lotus-eyed one, this Vāmana has been brought. O God, lead him here and duly install and consecrate this God of gods.

Verse 126

तथेति राघवः कृत्वा पुष्पकं च समारुहत् । धनं रत्नमसंख्येयं वामनं च सुरोत्तमम्

Saying, “So be it,” Rāghava mounted the Puṣpaka. He took with him countless riches and gems, and also Vāmana—the foremost among the gods.

Verse 127

गृह्य सुग्रीवभरतावारूढौ वामनादनु । व्रजन्नेवांबरे रामस्तिष्ठेत्याह विभीषणम्

Taking Sugrīva and Bharata—both already mounted—along with Vāmana, Rāma proceeded through the sky; and while moving, he said to Vibhīṣaṇa, “Stay here.”

Verse 128

राघवस्य वचः श्रुत्वा भूयोप्याह स राघवम् । करिष्ये सर्वमेतद्धि यदाज्ञप्तं विभो त्वया

Having heard Rāghava’s words, he again spoke to Rāghava: “Indeed, O Lord, I shall do all of this—whatever has been commanded by you.”

Verse 129

सेतुनानेन राजेंद्र पृथिव्यां सर्वमानवाः । आगत्य प्रतिबाधेरन्नाज्ञाभंगो भवेत्तव

O king, by means of this causeway, people from all over the earth would come and obstruct its use; thus your command would be violated.

Verse 130

कोत्र मे नियमो देव किन्नु कार्यं मया विभो । श्रुत्वैतद्राघवो वाक्यं राक्षसोत्तमभाषितम्

“O God, where is there any restraint upon me? And what duty is there for me, O Lord?” Hearing these words spoken by the foremost of the Rākṣasas, Rāghava (Rāma) listened.

Verse 131

कार्मुकं गृह्य हस्तेन रामः सेतुं द्विधाच्छिनत् । त्रिर्विभज्य च वेगेन मध्ये वै दशयोजनम्

Taking his bow in hand, Rāma cut the bridge in two; then, swiftly dividing it into three parts, he split it at the middle—by ten yojanas.

Verse 132

छित्वा तु योजनं चैकमेकं खंडत्रयं कृतम् । वेलावनं समासाद्य रामः पूजां रमापतेः

Having cut through a single yojana’s extent and made it into three sections, Rāma reached Velāvana and performed worship of Ramāpati (Viṣṇu, the Lord of Lakṣmī).

Verse 133

कृत्वा रामेश्वरं नाम्ना देवदेवं जनार्दनं । अभिषिच्याथ संगृह्य वामनं रघुनंदनः

Having established (a deity) by the name “Rāmeśvara” and consecrated Janārdana, the God of gods, then Raghunandana (Rāma), having gathered up (his things), took Vāmana (with him).

Verse 134

दक्षिणादुदधेश्चैव निर्जगाम त्वरान्वितः । अंतरिक्षादभूद्वाणी मेघगंभीरनिःस्वना

Then, hurriedly, he set out from the southern ocean; and from the sky there arose a voice, deep and resonant like the rumbling of clouds.

Verse 135

रुद्र उवाच । भो भो रामास्तु भद्रं ते स्थितोऽहमिह सांप्रतम् । यावज्जगदिदं राम यावदेषा धरा स्थिता

Rudra said: “O Rāma, O Rāma—may auspiciousness be yours. I stand here now, and I shall remain so long as this world endures, so long as this earth remains established.”

Verse 136

तावदेव च ते सेतु तीर्थं स्थास्यति राघव । श्रुत्वैवं देवदेवस्य गिरं ताममृतोपमाम्

“O Rāghava, that sacred ford known as your Setu will remain established only for that long.” Having thus heard the nectar-like words of the God of gods,

Verse 137

राम उवाच । नमस्ते देवदेवेश भक्तानामभयंकर । गौरीकांत नमस्तुभ्यं दक्षयज्ञविनाशन

Rāma said: “Salutations to you, O Lord of the gods, giver of fearlessness to devotees. O beloved of Gaurī, salutations to you—the destroyer of Dakṣa’s sacrifice.”

Verse 138

नमो भवाय शर्वाय रुद्राय वरदाय च । पशूनांपतये नित्यं चोग्राय च कपर्दिने

Salutations to Bhava, to Śarva, to Rudra, and to the boon-giver; ever salutations to Paśupati, and also to Ugra and Kapardin.

Verse 139

महादेवाय भीमाय त्र्यंबकाय दिशांपते । ईशानाय भगघ्नाय नमोस्त्वंधकघातिने

Salutations to Mahādeva—the Terrible One, the Three-Eyed Lord, the Protector of the directions; to Īśāna, the slayer of Bhaga—salutations to the destroyer of Andhaka.

Verse 140

नीलग्रीवाय घोराय वेधसे वेधसा स्तुत । कुमारशत्रुनिघ्नाय कुमारजननाय च

Salutations to the Blue-throated One, the Terrible, the Creator—praised by the Creator Himself; and to the Slayer of Kumāra’s foes, and also to the Begetter of Kumāra.

Verse 141

विलोहिताय धूम्राय शिवाय क्रथनाय च । नमो नीलशिखंडाय शूलिने दैत्यनाशिने

Salutations to the Ruddy One, the Smoky-hued One, to Śiva, and to the Destroyer. Homage to the Blue-crested Lord, the Trident-bearer, the Slayer of daityas and demons.

Verse 142

उग्राय च त्रिनेत्राय हिरण्यवसुरेतसे । अनिंद्यायांबिकाभर्त्रे सर्वदेवस्तुताय च

Salutations to the Fierce One, to the Three-eyed Lord, to Him whose seed is golden and radiant; to the Blameless One, the consort of Ambikā, and to Him who is praised by all the gods.

Verse 143

अभिगम्याय काम्याय सद्योजाताय वै नमः । वृषध्वजाय मुंडाय जटिने ब्रह्मचारिणे

Indeed, salutations to the Approachable One, the Fulfiller of desires, and to Sadyojāta; salutations to the Bull-bannered Lord, to the shaven-headed ascetic, to the matted-haired One, and to the celibate brahmacārin.

Verse 144

तप्यमानाय तप्याय ब्रह्मण्याय जयाय च । विश्वात्मने विश्वसृजे विश्वमावृत्य तिष्ठते

Salutations to Him who is ardently engaged in tapas and who is the very power of austerity; to the protector of Brahmins and to Victory itself; to the Soul of the universe and the Creator of the universe—He stands, pervading and enveloping the whole world.

Verse 145

नमो नमोस्तु दिव्याय प्रपन्नार्तिहराय च । भक्तानुकंपिने देव विश्वतेजो मनोगते

Salutations, salutations to the Divine—remover of the distress of those who surrender; O God, compassionate to devotees, O universal radiance, who moves within the mind.

Verse 146

पुलस्त्य उवाच । एवं संस्तूयमानस्तु देवदेवो हरो नृप । उवाच राघवं वाक्यं भक्तिनम्रं पुरास्थितम्

Pulastya said: Thus being praised, O king, Hara—God of gods—addressed Rāghava with words humble with devotion, as he stood before him.

Verse 147

रुद्र उवाच । भो भो राघव भद्रं ते ब्रूहि यत्ते मनोगतम् । भवान्नारायणो नूनं गूढो मानुषयोनिषु

Rudra said: “O Rāghava, O Rāghava—may auspiciousness be yours. Tell me what is in your mind. Surely you are Nārāyaṇa himself, concealed within a human birth.”

Verse 148

अवतीर्णो देवकार्यं कृतं तच्चानघ त्वया । इदानीं स्वं व्रजस्थानं कृतकार्योसि शत्रुहन्

You have descended into the world, and the divine task has indeed been accomplished by you, O sinless one. Now return to your own abode in Vraja; your mission is fulfilled, O slayer of enemies.

Verse 149

त्वया कृतं परं तीर्थं सेत्वाख्यं रघुनंदन । आगत्य मानवा राजन्पश्येयुरिह सागरे

O Raghunandana, you have created the supreme sacred ford named Setu. O King, may people, coming here, behold it in this ocean.

Verse 150

महापातकयुक्ता ये तेषां पापं विलीयते । ब्रह्मवध्यादिपापानि यानि कष्टानि कानिचित्

Even for those burdened with the great sins, their sin is dissolved—(even) grievous offenses such as brahma-slaughter and other harsh sins of whatever kind.

Verse 151

दर्शनादेव नश्यंति नात्र कार्या विचारणा । गच्छ त्वं वामनं स्थाप्य गंगातीरे रघूत्तम

By mere sight they are destroyed—there is no need for deliberation here. Go, O best of the Raghus, and install Vāmana on the bank of the Gaṅgā.

Verse 152

पृथिव्यां सर्वशः कृत्वा भागानष्टौ परंतप । श्वेतद्वीपं स्वकं स्थानं व्रज देव नमोस्तु ते

Having divided the earth in every way into eight portions, O scorcher of foes—go now, O Lord, to Śvetadvīpa, your own abode. Salutations to you.

Verse 153

प्रणिपत्य ततो रामस्तीर्थं प्राप्तश्च पुष्करम् । विमानं तु न यात्यूर्ध्वं वेष्टितं तत्तु राघवः

Then Rama, having bowed down, reached the sacred ford of Puṣkara. But the aerial chariot did not rise upward; it remained held fast—so it was for Rāghava.

Verse 154

किमिदं वेष्टितं यानं निरालंबेऽम्बरे स्थितम् । भवितव्यं कारणेन पश्येत्याह स्म वानरम्

“What is this covered vehicle, stationed in the unsupported sky? It must be for some destined reason—look!”—thus he spoke to the monkey.

Verse 155

सुग्रीवो रामवचनादवतीर्य धरातले । स च पश्यति ब्रह्माणं सुरसिद्धसमन्वितम्

At Rāma’s command, Sugrīva descended to the surface of the earth; and there he beheld Brahmā, attended by the gods and the perfected sages, the siddhas.

Verse 156

ब्रह्मर्षिसङ्घसहितं चतुर्वेदसमन्वितम् । दृष्ट्वाऽऽगत्याब्रवीद्रामं सर्वलोकपितामहः

Seeing Rāma accompanied by a host of Brahmarṣis and endowed with the four Vedas, Pitāmaha, the Grandfather of all the worlds, approached and addressed Rāma.

Verse 157

सहितो लोकपालैश्च वस्वादित्यमरुद्गणैः । तं देवं पुष्पकं नैव लंघयेद्धि पितामहम्

Accompanied by the guardians of the worlds, along with the Vasus, Ādityas, and hosts of Maruts, even Pitāmaha (Brahmā) would not dare to overstep that divine Puṣpaka.

Verse 158

अवतीर्य ततो रामः पुष्पकाद्धेमभूषितात् । नत्वा विरिंचनं देवं गायत्र्या सह संस्थितम्

Then Rāma descended from the Puṣpaka, adorned with gold. Having bowed to the god Viriñca (Brahmā), who stood together with Gāyatrī, he remained there.

Verse 159

अष्टांगप्रणिपातेन पंचांगालिंगितावनिः । तुष्टाव प्रणतो भूत्वा देवदेवं विरिंचनम्

With an eight-limbed prostration—his body embracing the earth at five points—he bowed down and praised Viriñca (Brahmā), the God of gods.

Verse 160

राम उवाच । नमामि लोककर्तारं प्रजापतिसुरार्चितम् । देवनाथं लोकनाथं प्रजानाथं जगत्पतिम्

Rāma said: I bow to the Creator of the worlds, worshipped by the Prajāpatis and the gods—to the Lord of the gods, the Lord of the worlds, the Lord of creatures, the Master of the universe.

Verse 161

नमस्ते देवदेवेश सुरासुरनमस्कृत । भूतभव्यभवन्नाथ हरिपिंगललोचन

Salutations to you, O Lord of the gods, revered by devas and asuras alike; O Master of past, future, and present—O Lord, Hari, whose eyes are tawny-golden.

Verse 162

बालस्त्वं वृद्धरूपी च मृगचर्मासनांबरः । तारणश्चासि देवस्त्वं त्रैलोक्यप्रभुरीश्वरः

You are a child, and yet you bear the form of an elder; you wear a deer-skin as your seat and garment. You are the saving deliverer; you are indeed the God—the Lord and sovereign ruler of the three worlds.

Verse 163

हिरण्यगर्भः पद्मगर्भः वेदगर्भः स्मृतिप्रदः । महासिद्धो महापद्मी महादंडी च मेखली

He is Hiraṇyagarbha (the Golden Embryo), Padmagarbha (lotus-born), Vedagarbha (the source-womb of the Vedas), the giver of sacred remembrance; a great perfected being, the great lotus-bearer, the great staff-holder, and the wearer of the girdle.

Verse 164

कालश्च कालरूपी च नीलग्रीवो विदांवरः । वेदकर्तार्भको नित्यः पशूनां पतिरव्ययः

He is Time itself and the very form of Time; the Blue-necked One, the foremost among the wise—ever youthful, the maker of the Vedas, the eternal and imperishable Lord of creatures.

Verse 165

दर्भपाणिर्हंसकेतुः कर्ता हर्ता हरो हरिः । जटी मुंडी शिखी दंडी लगुडी च महायशाः

With kuśa-grass in his hand and the swan as his emblem, he is the doer and the withdrawer; he is Hara and Hari. He is the ascetic with matted locks, the shaven-headed one, the top-knotted one; the bearer of staff and club—of great renown.

Verse 166

भूतेश्वरः सुराध्यक्षः सर्वात्मा सर्वभावनः । सर्वगः सर्वहारी च स्रष्टा च गुरुरव्ययः

He is the Lord of all beings, the overseer of the gods, the Self of all, and the sustainer of every state of existence. All-pervading, the one who withdraws everything, he is also the Creator—the imperishable Guru.

Verse 167

कमंडलुधरो देवः स्रुक्स्रुवादिधरस्तथा । हवनीयोऽर्चनीयश्च ओंकारो ज्येष्ठसामगः

He is the divine one who bears the kamaṇḍalu water-pot, and likewise holds the sacrificial ladles (sruk and sruva). He is fit to receive oblations and worthy of worship; he is the syllable Oṃ, and the foremost chanter of the Sāman hymns.

Verse 168

मृत्युश्चैवामृतश्चैव पारियात्रश्च सुव्रतः । ब्रह्मचारी व्रतधरो गुहावासी सुपङ्कजः

He is ‘Death’ and also ‘Immortality’; and Pāriyātra; and Suvrata—also the celibate brahmacārin, the bearer of vows, the cave-dweller, and Supaṅkaja.

Verse 169

अमरो दर्शनीयश्च बालसूर्यनिभस्तथा । दक्षिणे वामतश्चापि पत्नीभ्यामुपसेवितः

Amara was lovely to behold, radiant like the rising sun, and was attended by his two wives—one on his right and the other on his left.

Verse 170

भिक्षुश्च भिक्षुरूपश्च त्रिजटी लब्धनिश्चयः । चित्तवृत्तिकरः कामो मधुर्मधुकरस्तथा

(He appears as) a mendicant, and also in the guise of a mendicant; as Trijaṭī, firm in resolve; as Kāma who stirs the mind’s waves; and likewise as Madhu and as Madhukara.

Verse 171

वानप्रस्थो वनगत आश्रमी पूजितस्तथा । जगद्धाता च कर्त्ता च पुरुषः शाश्वतो ध्रुवः

He is the forest-dwelling vānaprastha, the revered ascetic; and He is also the supporter of the universe and its doer—the eternal, steadfast Supreme Person.

Verse 172

धर्माध्यक्षो विरूपाक्षस्त्रिधर्मो भूतभावनः । त्रिवेदो बहुरूपश्च सूर्यायुतसमप्रभः

He is the overseer of dharma, the wide-eyed One; the embodiment of the threefold dharma; the nurturer of all beings—He who is the very form of the three Vedas, manifold in appearance, radiant like ten thousand suns.

Verse 173

मोहकोवंधकश्चैवदानवानांविशेषतः । देवदेवश्च पद्माङ्कस्त्रिनेत्रोऽब्जजटस्तथा

He is indeed the dispeller of delusion, especially the one who subdues the Dānavas; the God of gods—bearing the emblem of a lotus—three-eyed, and likewise with matted locks adorned with lotuses.

Verse 174

हरिश्मश्रुर्धनुर्धारी भीमो धर्मपराक्रमः । एवं स्तुतस्तु रामेण ब्रह्मा ब्रह्मविदांवरः

Thus was Brahmā—the foremost among the knowers of Brahman—praised by Rāma: “Tawny-bearded, bearer of the bow, formidable, and mighty in righteous valor.”

Verse 175

उवाच प्रणतं रामं करे गृह्य पितामहः । विष्णुस्त्वं मानुषे देहेऽवतीर्णो वसुधातले

Pitāmaha (Brahmā), taking the bowed Rāma by the hand, spoke: “You are Viṣṇu, descended upon the earth in a human body.”

Verse 176

कृतं तद्भवता सर्वं देवकार्यं महाविभो । संस्थाप्य वामनं देवं जाह्नव्या दक्षिणे तटे

O great Lord, you have accomplished all the divine work, having installed the god Vāmana on the southern bank of the Jāhnavī (Gaṅgā).

Verse 177

अयोध्यां स्वपुरीं गत्वा सुरलोकं व्रजस्व च । विसृष्टो ब्रह्मणा रामः प्रणिपत्य पितामहं

“Go to Ayodhyā, your own city, and then proceed to the world of the gods.” Thus dismissed by Brahmā, Rāma bowed down to Pitāmaha.

Verse 178

आरूढः पुष्पकं यानं संप्राप्तो मधुरां पुरीम् । समीक्ष्य पुत्रसहितं शत्रुघ्नं शत्रुघातिनं

Mounting the Puṣpaka aerial chariot, he arrived at the city of Mathurā; and, seeing Śatrughna—the slayer of enemies—together with his son, he approached him.

Verse 179

तुतोष राघवः श्रीमान्भरतः स हरीश्वरः । शत्रुघ्नो भ्रातरौ प्राप्तौ शक्रोपेन्द्राविवागतौ

The illustrious Rāghava rejoiced; so too did Bharata, that lord devoted to Hari. And Śatrughna arrived with his two brothers—like Śakra and Upendra coming together.

Verse 180

प्रणिपत्य ततो मूर्ध्ना पंचांगालिंगितावनिः । उत्थाप्य चांकमारोप्य रामो भ्रातरमंजसा

Then, bowing with his head—his five limbs embracing the earth—Rāma swiftly lifted up his brother and set him upon his lap.

Verse 181

भरतश्च ततः पश्चात्सुग्रीवस्तदनंतरं । उपविष्टोऽथ रामाय सोऽर्घमादाय सत्वरं

Then Bharata, and after him Sugrīva immediately thereafter, sat down; and he quickly took the arghya-offering and presented it to Rāma.

Verse 182

राज्यं निवेदयामास चाष्टांगं राघवे तदा । श्रुत्वा प्राप्तं ततो रामं सर्वो वै माथुरो जनः

Then he formally offered the kingdom—together with all its constituent limbs—to Rāghava. Hearing that Rāma had arrived, all the people of Mathurā gathered there.

Verse 183

वर्णा ब्राह्मणभूयिष्ठा द्रष्टुमेनं समागताः । संभाष्य प्रकृतीः सर्वा नैगमान्ब्राह्मणैः सह

The social orders—mostly composed of brāhmaṇas—assembled to see him; and, after conversing with all the leading men, he also spoke with the Veda-knowing brāhmaṇas.

Verse 184

दिनानि पंचोषित्वाऽत्र रामो गंतुं मनो दधे । शत्रुघ्नश्च ततो रामे वाजिनोथ गजांस्तथा

After staying there for five days, Rāma resolved in his mind to depart. Then Śatrughna arranged horses for Rāma, and likewise elephants.

Verse 185

कृताकृतं च कनकं तत्रोपायनमाहरत् । रामस्त्वाह ततः प्रीतः सर्वमेतन्मया तव

There he brought, as an offering-gift, both wrought and unwrought gold. Then Rāma, pleased, said: “All this is for you—from me.”

Verse 186

दत्तं पुत्रौ तेऽभिषिञ्च राजानौ माथुरे जने । एवमुक्त्वा ततो रामः प्राप्तो मध्यंदिने रवौ

“Having given you your two sons, consecrate them as kings among the people of Mathurā.” Having spoken thus, Rāma then arrived when the Sun stood at midday.

Verse 187

महोदयं समासाद्य गंगातीरे स वामनं । प्रतिष्ठाप्य द्विजानाह भाविनः पार्थिवांस्तथा

Having reached the auspicious Mahodaya on the bank of the Gaṅgā, he installed (the image of) Vāmana; and then he addressed the brāhmaṇas, as well as the future kings.

Verse 188

मया कृतोऽयं धर्मस्य सेतुर्भूतिविवर्धनः । प्राप्ते काले पालनीयो न च लोप्यः कथंचन

This bridge of Dharma has been established by me, and it increases prosperity. When the proper time arrives, it must be protected—and it must never be destroyed in any way.

Verse 189

प्रसारितकरेणैवं प्रार्थनैषा मया कृता । नृपाः कृते मयार्थित्वे यत्क्षेमं क्रियतामिह

Thus, with my hand outstretched, I have made this request. O kings, since I have come before you as a supplicant, please do here whatever will secure my welfare.

Verse 190

नित्यं दैनंदिनीपूजा कार्या सर्वैरतंद्रितैः । ग्रामान्दत्वा धनं तच्च लंकाया आहृतं च यत्

Daily worship should always be performed by all, without negligence; and villages should be given in charity, together with that wealth which was brought from Laṅkā.

Verse 191

प्रेषयित्वा च किष्किंधां सुग्रीवं वानरेश्वरं । अयोध्यामागतो रामः पुष्पकं तमथाब्रवीत्

After sending Sugrīva, the lord of the Vānaras, to Kiṣkindhā, Rāma returned to Ayodhyā; then he addressed that Puṣpaka aerial chariot.

Verse 192

नागंतव्यं त्वया भूयस्तिष्ठ यत्र धनेश्वरः । कृतकृत्यस्ततो रामः कर्तव्यं नाप्यमन्यत

“You must not go again; stay where the Lord of wealth dwells.” Thereupon Rāma, feeling his purpose fulfilled, thought that nothing else remained to be done.

Verse 193

पुलस्त्य उवाच । एवन्ते भीष्म रामस्य कथायोगेन पार्थिव । उत्पत्तिर्वामनस्योक्ता किं भूयः श्रोतुमिच्छसि

Pulastya said: Thus, O Bhīṣma—O king—through the connected narration of Rāma’s account, the birth of Vāmana has been explained to you. What more do you wish to hear?

Verse 194

कथयामि तु तत्सर्वं यत्र कौतूहलं नृप । सर्वं ते कीर्त्तयिष्यामि येनार्थी नृपनंदन

I shall indeed tell you all that about which you are curious, O king. I will recount everything to you, O prince, by which your purpose will be fulfilled.