Sarga 46

Verse 3.46.1

तया परुषमुक्तस्तु कुपितो राघवानुजः।स विकाङ्क्षन्भृशं रामं प्रतस्थे नचिरादिव।।।।

Stung by her harsh words, Rāghava’s younger brother grew angry; yet, deeply anxious for Rāma, he set out at once without delay.

Verse 3.46.2

तदासाद्य दशग्रीवः क्षिप्रमन्तरमास्थितः।अभिचक्राम वैदेहीं परिव्राजकरूपधृक्।।।।

This recension repeats the same praise: your hips and thighs are full and powerful, and your breasts—rounded, close-set, heavy, smooth like palm-fruits, and gem-adorned—appear especially charming.

Verse 3.46.3

श्लक्ष्णकाषायसंवीतश्शिखी छत्री उपानही।वामे चांसेऽवसज्याथ शुभे यष्टिकमण्डलू।।।।परिव्राजकरूपेण वैदेहीमन्वपद्यत।

Here are monkeys and lions, and also leopards, tigers, and other beasts; bears, hyenas, and kanka-birds as well—how is it that you do not fear them?

Verse 3.46.4

तामाससादातिबलो भ्रातृभ्यां रहितां वने।।।।रहितां चन्द्रसूर्याभ्यां सन्ध्यामिव महत्तमः।

Seeing him—fierce in power and in deeds—the great trees growing at Janasthāna trembled, and even the wind did not blow.

Verse 3.46.5

तामपश्यत्ततो बालां रामपत्नीं यशस्विनीम्।।।।रोहिणीं शशिना हीनां ग्रहवद्भृशदारुणः।

The swift-flowing Godāvarī, seeing him with blood-red eyes scanning about, began to move slowly, as though from fear.

Verse 3.46.6

तमुग्रतेजःकर्माणं जनस्थानरूहा द्रुमाः।।।।समीक्ष्य सम्प्रकम्पन्ते न प्रवाति च मारुतः।

Seeking an opening in Rāma’s absence, the ten-necked Rāvaṇa approached Vaidehī, disguised as a mendicant.

Verse 3.46.7

शीघ्रस्रोताश्च तं दृष्ट्वा वीक्षन्तं रक्तलोचनम्।।।।स्तिमितं गन्तुमारेभे भयाद्गोदावरी नदी।

The wicked one, assuming a respectable guise, drew near to Vaidehī as she lamented for her husband—like Saturn advancing toward Citrā.

Verse 3.46.8

रामस्य त्वन्तरप्रेप्सुर्दशग्रीवस्तदन्तरे।।।।उपतस्थे च वै देहीं भिक्षुरूपेण रावणः।

As he was being courteously invited, Rāvaṇa watched Maithilī—the king’s wife, gentle and gracious in speech—and set his mind on abducting her by force, thereby consigning himself to his own destruction.

Verse 3.46.9

अभव्यो भव्यरूपेण भर्तारमनुशोचतीम्।।।।अभ्यवर्तत वैदेहीं चित्रामिव शनैश्चरः।

Then she waited for her husband, fair in appearance, who had gone hunting with Lakṣmaṇa; looking out anxiously, she saw only the vast green forest, but not Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa.

Verse 3.46.10

स पापो भव्यरूपेण तृणैः कूप इवावृतः।।।।अतिष्ठत्प्रेक्ष्य वैदेहीं रामपत्निं यशस्विनीम्।

That sinful one, concealed beneath a respectable guise—like a well hidden by grass—stood there, watching Vaidehī, the illustrious wife of Rāma.

Verse 3.46.11

शुभां रुचिरदन्तोष्ठीं पूर्णचन्द्रनिभाननाम्।।।।आसीनां पर्णशालायां बाष्पशोकाभिपीडिताम्।स तां पद्मपलाशाक्षीं पीतकौशेयवासिनीम्।।।।अभ्यगच्छत वैदेहीं दुष्टचेता निशाचरः।

The wicked-minded night-roamer approached Vaidehī as she sat in the leaf-hut, oppressed by tears and grief—an auspicious woman with lovely lips and teeth, a face like the full moon, lotus-petal eyes, and clad in yellow silk.

Verse 3.46.12

शुभां रुचिरदन्तोष्ठीं पूर्णचन्द्रनिभाननाम्।।3.46.11।।आसीनां पर्णशालायां बाष्पशोकाभिपीडिताम्।स तां पद्मपलाशाक्षीं पीतकौशेयवासिनीम्।।3.46.12।।अभ्यगच्छत वैदेहीं दुष्टचेता निशाचरः।

The wicked-minded night-roamer drew near to Vaidehī—lotus-eyed, clad in yellow silk—while she sat in the leaf-hut, weighed down by tears and sorrow.

Verse 3.46.13

स मन्मथशराविष्टो ब्रह्मघोषमुदीरयन्।।3.46.13।।अब्रवीत्प्रश्रितं वाक्यं रहिते राक्षसाधिपः।

Struck by Manmatha’s arrows of desire and uttering sacred-sounding Vedic chants, the lord of the rākṣasas spoke humbly to her in that secluded place.

Verse 3.46.14

तामुत्तमां स्त्रियं लोके पद्महीनामिव श्रियम्।।।।विभ्राजमानां वपुषा रावणः प्रशशंस ह।

Seeing her shining with beauty—the finest woman in the world, like Śrī (Lakṣmī) without her lotus—Rāvaṇa praised her.

Verse 3.46.15

का त्वं काञ्चनवर्णाभे पीतकौशेयवासिनि।।।।कमलानां शुभां मालां पद्मिनीव हि बिभ्रती।

Who are you—golden-hued, clad in yellow silk—wearing an auspicious garland of lotuses, like a lotus-lake itself?

Verse 3.46.16

ह्रीः कीर्तिः श्रीश्शुभा लक्ष्मीरप्सरा वा शुभानने।।।।भूतिर्वा त्वं वरारोहे रतिर्वा स्वैरचारिणी।

O fair-faced one of lovely limbs—are you modesty itself, Hrī, or Fame, Kīrti, or auspicious Śrī/Lakṣmī, or an apsaras? Are you Bhūti, or perhaps Rati who moves at will?

Verse 3.46.17

समाश्शिखरिणस्स्निग्धाः पाण्डुरा दशनास्तव।।।।विशाले विमले नेत्रे रक्तान्ते कृष्णतारके।

Your teeth are even, delicately pointed, glossy, and white; your eyes are broad and clear, with reddish corners and dark pupils.

Verse 3.46.18

विशालं जघनं पीनमूरू करिकरोपमौ।।।।एतावुपचितौ वृत्तौ संहतौ सम्प्रवल्गितौ।पीनोन्नतमुखौ कान्तौ स्निग्धौ तालफलोपमौ।।।।मणिप्रवेकाभरणौ रुचिरौ ते पयोधरौ।

Then the ten-necked Rāvaṇa, quickly taking shelter in concealment, assumed the guise of a wandering mendicant and approached Vaidehī (Sītā).

Verse 3.46.19

विशालं जघनं पीनमूरू करिकरोपमौ।।3.46.18।।एतावुपचितौ वृत्तौ संहतौ सम्प्रवल्गितौ।पीनोन्नतमुखौ कान्तौ स्निग्धौ तालफलोपमौ।।3.46.19।।मणिप्रवेकाभरणौ रुचिरौ ते पयोधरौ।

Your hips are broad and full; your thighs are stout, like an elephant’s trunk. Those two breasts of yours—well-grown, rounded, close-set and heavy—are lovely and smooth like palm-fruits, adorned with precious gems, and they heighten your beauty.

Verse 3.46.20

चारुस्मिते चारुदति चारुनेत्रे विलासिनि।।।।मनो हरसि मे कान्ते नदी कूलमिवाम्भसा।करान्तमितमध्यासि सुकेशी संहतस्तनी।।।।

O you of lovely smile, lovely teeth, and beautiful eyes—graceful and enchanting—my mind is borne away by you, beloved, as a river’s waters press upon its banks. Your waist is so slender it can be spanned by a hand; your hair is beautiful, and your breasts are close-set and full.

Verse 3.46.21

चारुस्मिते चारुदति चारुनेत्रे विलासिनि।।3.46.20।।मनो हरसि मे कान्ते नदी कूलमिवाम्भसा।करान्तमितमध्यासि सुकेशी संहतस्तनी।।3.46.21।।

O you of lovely smile, lovely teeth, and beautiful eyes—graceful and charming—my mind you seize, beloved, as a river’s waters press against its bank. Your waist is so slender it can be spanned by a hand; your hair is beautiful, and your breasts are close-set and full.

Verse 3.46.22

नैव देवी न गन्धर्वी न यक्षी न च किन्नरी।नैवंरूपा मया नारी दृष्टपूर्वा महीतले।।।।

Neither goddess, nor Gandharva-maiden, nor Yakṣī, nor Kinnarī—never before upon this earth have I seen a woman of such a form.

Verse 3.46.23

रूपमग्र्यं च लोकेषु सौकुमार्यं वयश्चते।इह वासश्च कान्तारे चित्तमुन्मादयन्ति मे।।।।

Your beauty is foremost in the worlds; tenderness and youth are yours. And that you dwell here in this wild forest—these things drive my mind into restless agitation.

Verse 3.46.24

सा प्रतिक्राम भद्रं ते नैवं वस्तुमिहार्हसि।राक्षसानामयं वासो घोराणां कामरूपिणाम्।।।।

O auspicious lady, turn back—you should not remain here. This is the dwelling of dreadful Rākṣasas, who can assume forms at will.

Verse 3.46.25

प्रासादाग्राणि रम्याणि नगरोपवनानि च।सम्पन्नानि सुगन्धीनि युक्तान्याचरितुं त्वया।।।।

You are fit to roam upon lovely palace-terraces and in the city’s gardens—prosperous and fragrant—not to dwell in such a wilderness.

Verse 3.46.26

वरं माल्यं वरं भोज्यं वरं वस्त्रं च शोभने।भर्तारं च वरं मन्ये त्वद्युक्तमसितेक्षणे।।।।

O beautiful dark-eyed lady—garlands of the finest kind, the best foods, and the fairest garments befit you; and I deem that a worthy husband, fit for you, is also due to you.

Verse 3.46.27

का त्वं भवसि रुद्राणां मरुतां वा वरानने।वसूनां वा वरावोहे देवता प्रतिभासि मे।।।।

Then Rāvaṇa, clad in fine ochre robes, with matted hair, parasol and sandals, and with an auspicious staff and water-pot slung over his left shoulder, approached Vaidehī in the guise of a wandering mendicant.

Verse 3.46.28

नेह गच्छन्ति गन्धर्वा न देवा न च किन्नराः।राक्षसानामयं वासः कथं नु त्वमिहागता।।।।

O lovely-faced lady, O fair-hipped one—who are you? Are you among the Rudras, the Maruts, or the Vasus? To me you appear like a goddess.

Verse 3.46.29

इह शाखामृगास्सिंहा द्वीपिव्याघ्रमृगास्तथा।ऋक्षास्तरक्षवः कङ्काः कथं तेभ्यो न बिभ्यसि।।।।

Gandharvas do not come here, nor do the gods, nor the Kinnaras. This place is a dwelling of rākṣasas—how then have you come here?

Verse 3.46.30

मदान्वितानां घोराणां कुञ्जराणां तरस्विनाम्।कथमेका महारण्ये न बिभेषि वरानने।।।।

O beautiful-faced lady, how is it that, all alone in this great forest, you do not fear the fierce and powerful elephants in rut?

Verse 3.46.31

कासि कस्य कुतश्चित्त्वं किं निमित्तं च दण्डकान्।एका चरसि कल्याणि घोरान्राक्षससेवितान्।।।।

Who are you, auspicious lady? To whom do you belong, and from where have you come? For what reason do you wander alone in these dreadful Daṇḍaka woods, frequented by rākṣasas?

Verse 3.46.32

इति प्रशस्ता वैदेही रावणेन दुरात्मना।द्विजातिवेशेण हि तं दृष्ट्वा रावणमागतम्।।।।सर्वैरतिथिसत्कारैः पूजयामास मैथिली।

Thus praised by the wicked Rāvaṇa, Vaidehī—seeing him arrive in the guise of a brāhmaṇa—Maithilī honored him with every form of guest-hospitality.

Verse 3.46.33

उपनीयासनं पूर्वं पाद्येनाभिनिमन्त्र्य च।।।।अब्रवीत्सिद्धमित्येव तदा तं सौम्यदर्शनम्।

First she brought him a seat, and offered water for washing his feet, and then invited the pleasant-looking guest, saying, “It is ready.”

Verse 3.46.34

द्विजातिवेषेण समीक्ष्य मैथिली समागतं पात्रकुसुम्भधारिणम्।अशक्यमुद्वेष्टुमपायदर्शनम् न्यमन्त्रयद्ब्राह्मणवत्तदाङ्गना।।।।

Maithilī, seeing him arrive in the guise of a brāhmaṇa, bearing a vessel and a gourd, could not suspect the danger hidden in him; therefore that noble lady invited him as one would a brāhmaṇa.

Verse 3.46.35

इयं बृसी ब्राह्मण काममास्यतामिदं च पाद्यं प्रतिगृह्यतामिति।इदं च सिद्धं वनजातमुत्तमं त्वदर्थमव्यग्रमिहोपभुज्यताम्।।।।

“O brāhmaṇa, here is a seat—be seated as you wish. Here is water for your feet—please accept it. And here is excellent forest fare, prepared for you—eat here without hesitation.”

Verse 3.46.36

निमन्त्र्यमाणः प्रतिपूर्णभाषिणीं नरेन्द्रपत्नीं प्रसमीक्ष्य मैथिलीम्।प्रसह्य तस्याहरणे धृतं मनः समर्पयत्स्वात्मवधाय रावणः।।।।

The exceedingly mighty (Rāvaṇa) came upon her in the forest when she was bereft of the two brothers—like dense darkness enveloping twilight when both the sun and the moon are absent.

Verse 3.46.37

ततः सुवेषं मृगयागतं पतिं प्रतीक्षमाणा सहलक्ष्मणं तदा।विवीक्षमाणा हरितं ददर्श तन्महद्वनं नैव तु रामलक्ष्णौ।।।।

Then the exceedingly cruel one beheld her—young, illustrious, Rāma’s wife—like a baleful planet gazing upon Rohiṇī when the moon is absent.