Sarga 14

Verse 1

पुत्रशोकार्दितं पापा विसंज्ञं पतितं भुवि।विवेष्टमानमुद्वीक्ष्य सैक्ष्वाकमिदमब्रवीत्।।।।

Seeing the Ikṣvāku king fallen senseless upon the ground, writhing and tormented by grief for his son, the sinful woman spoke these words.

Verse 2

पापं कृत्वैव किमिदं मम संश्रुत्य संश्रवम्।शेषे क्षितितले सन्नः स्थित्यां स्थातुं त्वमर्हसि।।।।

What is this—as though you had committed a sin? After hearing my response to the boon you promised, why do you lie dejected on the ground? It befits you to stand firm in your royal station.

Verse 3

आहु स्सत्यं हि परमं धर्मं धर्मविदो जनाः।सत्यमाश्रित्य हि मया त्वं च धर्मं प्रबोधितः।।।।

Those who know dharma declare that truth is the highest dharma; and relying on truth, I have instructed you too in your duty.

Verse 4

संश्रुत्य शैब्यश्श्येनाय स्वां तनुं जगतीपतिः।प्रदाय पक्षिणे राज न्जगाम गतिमुत्तमाम्।।।।

O king, Śaibya, lord of the earth, true to his pledge, gave his own body to the hawk and thereby attained the highest state.

Verse 5

तथा ह्यलर्कस्तेजस्वी ब्राह्मणे वेदपारगे।याचमाने स्वके नेत्रे उद्धृत्याविमना ददौ।।।।

So too did radiant King Alarka: when a brahmin, well-versed in the Vedas, begged him, he plucked out his own eyes and gave them, without wavering.

Verse 6

सरितां तु पतिस्स्वल्पां मर्यादां सत्यमन्वितः।सत्यानुरोधात्समये स्वां वेलां नातिवर्तते।।।।

Even the ocean, lord of rivers, though its boundary is slight, does not overstep its own shore when the time comes—out of fidelity to truth.

Verse 7

सत्यमेकपदं ब्रह्म सत्ये धर्मः प्रतिष्टितः।सत्यमेवाक्षया वेदा सत्येनैवाप्यते स्परम्।।।।

Truth—spoken in a single word—is Brahman; upon truth dharma stands firmly established. Truth itself is the imperishable Veda, and by truth alone the supreme state is attained.

Verse 8

सत्यं समनुवर्तस्व यदि धर्मे धृता मतिः।सफलस्स वरो मेऽस्तु वरदो ह्यसि सत्तम।।।।

If your mind is truly held fast in dharma, then follow truth; let the boon granted to me be fulfilled—for you are indeed the giver of boons, O best of men.

Verse 9

धर्मस्यैहाभिकामार्थं मम चैवाभिचोदनात्।प्रव्राजय सुतं रामं त्रिःखलु त्वां ब्रवीम्यहम्।।।।

For the sake of dharma in this matter, and at my urging, send your son Rama into exile. Truly, I say this to you three times.

Verse 10

समयं च ममार्येमं यदि त्वं न करिष्यसि।अग्रतस्ते परित्यक्ता परित्यक्ष्यामि जीवितम्।।।।

O noble one, if you do not carry out this agreement of mine, then—abandoned before your very eyes—I will renounce my life in your presence.

Verse 11

एवं प्रचोदितो राजा कैकेय्या निर्विशङ्कया।नाशकत्पाशमुन्मोक्तुं बलिरिन्द्रकृतं यथा।।।।

Thus pressed by Kaikeyī, who showed no hesitation, the king could not free himself from the noose of his promise—like Bali, bound by the snare contrived by Indra.

Verse 12

उद्भ्रान्तहृदयश्चापि विवर्णवदनोऽभवत्।स धुर्योवैपरिस्पन्दन्युगचक्रान्तरं यथा।।।।

His heart reeled and his face grew pale; like a yoked draught-beast trembling restlessly between yoke and wheels, he was shaken and unsteady.

Verse 13

विह्वलाभ्यां च नेत्राभ्यामपश्यन्निव भूपतिः।कृच्छ्राद्धैर्येण संस्तभ्य कैकेयीमिदमब्रवीत्।।।।

With eyes overwhelmed, as though he could not see, the king—steadying himself with great difficulty and courage—spoke these words to Kaikeyī.

Verse 14

यस्ते मन्त्रकृतः पाणिरग्नौ पापे मया धृतः।तं त्यजामि स्वजं चैव तव पुत्रं त्वया सह।।।।

O wicked woman—your hand which I once took before the sacred fire, with the mantras as witness—I now renounce that bond; I renounce you, and your son born of me as well, together with you.

Verse 15

प्रयाता रजनी देवि सूर्यस्योदयनंप्रति।अभिषेकं गुरुजनस्त्वरयिष्यति मां ध्रुवम्।।।।

O queen, the night has passed and the sun draws near to rising. The elders and preceptors will surely urge me to hasten to the consecration.

Verse 16

रामाभिषेकसंभारैस्तदर्थमुपकल्पितैः।रामः कारयितव्यो मे मृतस्य सलिलक्रियाम्।।।।

With the very materials prepared for Rāma’s consecration, Rāma will have to perform for me—once I am dead—the funeral rite of water-offering.

Verse 17

त्वया सपुत्रया नैव कर्तव्या सलिलक्रिया।व्याहन्ताऽस्यशुभाचारे यदि रामाभिषेचनम्।।।।

O woman of evil conduct—if you obstruct Rāma’s consecration, then you and your son must not perform for me the water-offering rites after my death.

Verse 18

न च शक्तोऽस्म्यहं द्रष्टुं दृष्ट्वा पूर्वं तथासुखम्।हतहर्षं निरानन्दं पुनर्जनमवाङ्मुखम्।।।।

Having once seen the people so happy before, I am not able to see them again—cheerless, joyless, with faces cast down.

Verse 19

तां तथा ब्रुवतस्तस्य भूमिपस्य महात्मनः।प्रभाता शर्वरी पुण्या चन्द्रनक्षत्रशालिनी।।।।

As that high-souled king spoke to her in that manner, the holy night—bright with moon and stars—passed into dawn.

Verse 20

ततः पापसमाचारा कैकेयी पार्थिवं पुनः।उवाच परुषं वाक्यं वाक्यज्ञा रोषमूर्छिता।।।।

Then Kaikeyī—of sinful conduct, skilled in speech, and dizzy with wrath—again addressed the king with harsh words.

Verse 21

किमिदं भाषसे राजन्वाक्यं गररुजोपमम्।आनाययितुमक्लिष्टं पुत्रं राममिहार्हसि।।।।

O King, why do you speak words like the pain of poison? You should summon here your son Rāma, who is not afflicted as you are.

Verse 22

स्थाप्य राज्ये मम सुतं कृत्वा रामं वनेचरम्।निस्सपत्नां च मां कृत्वा कृतकृत्यो भविष्यसि।।।।

Only after installing my son in the kingdom, making Rāma a dweller in the forest, and rendering me without rivals, will you have fulfilled your obligation.

Verse 23

स नुन्न इव तीक्ष्णेन प्रतोदेन हयोत्तमः।राजा प्रचोदितोऽभीक्ष्णं कैकेयीमिदमब्रवीत्।।।।

Spurred again and again by her, the king—like a fine horse struck with a sharp goad—spoke these words to Kaikeyī.

Verse 24

धर्मबन्धेन बध्दोऽस्मि नष्टा च मम चेतना।ज्येष्ठं पुत्रं प्रियं रामं द्रष्टुमिच्छामि धार्मिकम्।।।।

I am bound by the bond of dharma, and my clarity of mind is shattered. I wish to see my beloved eldest son Rāma, the righteous one.

Verse 25

ततः प्रभातां रजनीमुदिते च दिवाकरे।पुण्ये नक्षत्रयोगे च मुहूर्ते च समाहिते।।।।वसिष्ठो गुणसम्पन्न श्शिष्यै परिवृतस्तदा।उपगृह्याशु सम्भारान्प्रविवेश पुरोत्तमम्।।।।

Then, when the night had ended and the sun had risen—when the sacred stellar conjunction and the auspicious muhūrta had arrived—Vasiṣṭha, rich in virtues and surrounded by disciples, quickly gathered the ceremonial requisites and entered the finest palace quarters.

Verse 26

ततः प्रभातां रजनीमुदिते च दिवाकरे।पुण्ये नक्षत्रयोगे च मुहूर्ते च समाहिते।।2.14.25।।वसिष्ठो गुणसम्पन्न श्शिष्यै परिवृतस्तदा। उपगृह्याशु सम्भारान्प्रविवेश पुरोत्तमम्।।2.14.26।।

Then, when the night had ended and the sun had risen—when the sacred stellar conjunction and the auspicious muhūrta had arrived—Vasiṣṭha, rich in virtues and surrounded by disciples, quickly gathered the ceremonial requisites and entered the finest palace quarters.

Verse 27

सिक्तसम्मार्जितपथां पताकोत्तम भूषिताम्।विचित्रकुसुमाकीर्णां नानास्रग्भिर्विराजिताम्।।।।संहृष्टमनुजोपेतां समृद्धविपणापणाम्।महोत्सवसमाकीर्णां राघवार्थे समुत्सुकाम्।।।।चन्दनागरुधूपैश्च सर्वतः प्रतिधूपिताम्।तां पुरीं समतिक्रम्य पुरन्दरपुरोपमाम्।।।।।ददर्शान्तःपुरश्रेष्ठं नानाद्विजगणायुतम्।पौरजानपदाकीर्णं ब्राह्मणैरुपशोभितम्।।।।यज्ञविद्भि स्सुसम्पूर्णं सदस्यैः परमद्विजैः।

He saw the city with streets sprinkled and swept, adorned with fine banners, strewn with many-colored flowers, and shining with garlands of every kind.

Verse 28

सिक्तसम्मार्जितपथां पताकोत्तम भूषिताम्।विचित्रकुसुमाकीर्णां नानास्रग्भिर्विराजिताम्।।2.14.27।।संहृष्टमनुजोपेतां समृद्धविपणापणाम्। महोत्सवसमाकीर्णां राघवार्थे समुत्सुकाम्।।2.14.28।।चन्दनागरुधूपैश्च सर्वतः प्रतिधूपिताम्। तां पुरीं समतिक्रम्य पुरन्दरपुरोपमाम्।।।2.14.29।।ददर्शान्तःपुरश्रेष्ठं नानाद्विजगणायुतम्।पौरजानपदाकीर्णं ब्राह्मणैरुपशोभितम्।।2.14.30।। यज्ञविद्भि स्सुसम्पूर्णं सदस्यैः परमद्विजैः।

It was filled with delighted crowds, with markets richly stocked, overflowing with great festivities—eager for the sake of the Rāghava (Rāma).

Verse 29

सिक्तसम्मार्जितपथां पताकोत्तम भूषिताम्।विचित्रकुसुमाकीर्णां नानास्रग्भिर्विराजिताम्।।2.14.27।।संहृष्टमनुजोपेतां समृद्धविपणापणाम्। महोत्सवसमाकीर्णां राघवार्थे समुत्सुकाम्।।2.14.28।।चन्दनागरुधूपैश्च सर्वतः प्रतिधूपिताम्। तां पुरीं समतिक्रम्य पुरन्दरपुरोपमाम्।।।2.14.29।।ददर्शान्तःपुरश्रेष्ठं नानाद्विजगणायुतम्।पौरजानपदाकीर्णं ब्राह्मणैरुपशोभितम्।।2.14.30।। यज्ञविद्भि स्सुसम्पूर्णं सदस्यैः परमद्विजैः।

Fragrant on every side with sandalwood and agaru incense, he passed through that city—like Indra’s Amarāvatī—and went onward.

Verse 30

सिक्तसम्मार्जितपथां पताकोत्तम भूषिताम्।विचित्रकुसुमाकीर्णां नानास्रग्भिर्विराजिताम्।।2.14.27।।संहृष्टमनुजोपेतां समृद्धविपणापणाम्। महोत्सवसमाकीर्णां राघवार्थे समुत्सुकाम्।।2.14.28।।चन्दनागरुधूपैश्च सर्वतः प्रतिधूपिताम्। तां पुरीं समतिक्रम्य पुरन्दरपुरोपमाम्।।।2.14.29।।ददर्शान्तःपुरश्रेष्ठं नानाद्विजगणायुतम्।पौरजानपदाकीर्णं ब्राह्मणैरुपशोभितम्।।2.14.30।। यज्ञविद्भि स्सुसम्पूर्णं सदस्यैः परमद्विजैः।

He beheld the finest quarters of the inner palace, thronged with many companies of Brahmins; crowded with townsmen and villagers, and graced by Brahmins—eminent twice-born elders and learned members of the assembly, fully versed in the rites of yajña.

Verse 31

तदन्तःपुरमासाद्य व्यतिचक्राम तं जनम्।।।।वसिष्ठः परमप्रीतः परमर्षिर्विवेश च।

Having reached the inner apartment, the eminent sage Vasiṣṭha, exceedingly delighted, passed through the crowd and entered within.

Verse 32

सत्वपश्यद्विनिष्क्रान्तं सुमन्त्रं नाम सारथिम्।।।।द्वारे मनुजसिंहस्य सचिवं प्रियदर्शनम्।

He saw Sumantra, the handsome minister and charioteer, coming out at the gate of the lion among men, Daśaratha—the beloved, fair-seeming counselor.

Verse 33

तमुवाच महातेजा स्सूतपुत्रं विशारदम्।।वसिष्ठः क्षिप्रमाचक्ष्व नृपतेर्मामिहागतम्।

The greatly radiant Vasiṣṭha said to the skilled son of the sūta: “Announce to the King at once that I have arrived here.”

Verse 34

इमे गङ्गोदकघटा स्सागरेभ्यश्च काञ्चनाः।।।।औदुम्बरं भद्रपीठमभिषेकार्थमागतम्।सर्वबीजानि गन्धाश्च रत्नानि विविधानि च।।।।क्षौद्रं दधि घृतं लाजा दर्भास्सुमनसः पयः।अष्टौ च कन्या रुचिरा मत्तश्च वरवारणः।।।।चतुरश्वो रथश्श्रीमान्निस्त्रिंशो धनुरुत्तमम्।वाहनं नरसंयुक्तं छत्रं च शशिसन्निभम्।।।।श्वेते च वालव्यजने भृङ्गारुश्च हिरण्मयः।हेमदामपिनध्दश्च ककुद्मान्पाण्डुरो वृषः।।।।केसरी च चतुर्दंष्ट्रो हरिश्रेष्ठो महाबलः।सिंहासनं व्याघ्रतनु स्समिद्धश्च हुताशनः।।।।सर्ववादित्रसङ्घाश्च वेश्याश्चालङ्कृता स्स्त्रयः।आचार्या ब्राह्मणा गावः पुण्याश्च मृगपक्षिणः।।।।पौरजानपदश्रेष्ठा नैगमाश्च गणै स्सह।एते चान्ये च बहवो नीयमानाः प्रियंवदाः।।।।अभिषेकाय रामस्य सह तिष्ठन्ति पार्थिवैः।

Here are jars filled with water from the Gaṅgā, and golden vessels holding water brought from the seas. An auspicious seat of udumbara-wood has arrived for the abhiṣeka. There are all kinds of seeds, fragrances, and many varieties of jewels; honey, curd, ghee, parched grains, kuśa-grass, flowers, and milk; eight lovely maidens, and a fine elephant in musth. A splendid chariot yoked with four horses is ready, along with a sword and an excellent bow; a palanquin attended by bearers, and a parasol like the full moon; two white yak-tail fans, and a golden sprinkling vessel. A pale, humped bull adorned with a garland of gold; a lion with four great fangs, and a mighty, best-bred horse; a throne, a tiger-skin, and the sacrificial fire kindled with fuel. Companies of every kind of musical instruments are assembled; courtesans and well-adorned women; teachers, brāhmaṇas, cows, and auspicious animals and birds; the foremost townsmen and villagers, and guild-merchants with their groups—these and many others, speaking pleasing words, stand together with kings, all brought here for Rāma’s coronation.

Verse 35

इमे गङ्गोदकघटा स्सागरेभ्यश्च काञ्चनाः।।2.14.34।।औदुम्बरं भद्रपीठमभिषेकार्थमागतम्।सर्वबीजानि गन्धाश्च रत्नानि विविधानि च।।2.14.35।।क्षौद्रं दधि घृतं लाजा दर्भास्सुमनसः पयः। अष्टौ च कन्या रुचिरा मत्तश्च वरवारणः।।2.14.36।।चतुरश्वो रथश्श्रीमान्निस्त्रिंशो धनुरुत्तमम्। वाहनं नरसंयुक्तं छत्रं च शशिसन्निभम्।।2.14.37।।श्वेते च वालव्यजने भृङ्गारुश्च हिरण्मयः। हेमदामपिनध्दश्च ककुद्मान्पाण्डुरो वृषः।।2.14.38।।केसरी च चतुर्दंष्ट्रो हरिश्रेष्ठो महाबलः। सिंहासनं व्याघ्रतनु स्समिद्धश्च हुताशनः।।2.14.39।।सर्ववादित्रसङ्घाश्च वेश्याश्चालङ्कृता स्स्त्रयः। आचार्या ब्राह्मणा गावः पुण्याश्च मृगपक्षिणः।।2.14.40।।पौरजानपदश्रेष्ठा नैगमाश्च गणै स्सह। एते चान्ये च बहवो नीयमानाः प्रियंवदाः।।2.14.41।।अभिषेकाय रामस्य सह तिष्ठन्ति पार्थिवैः।

An auspicious seat of udumbara wood has been brought for the coronation anointing; likewise, all kinds of seeds, fragrant substances, and various precious gems have been assembled.

Verse 36

इमे गङ्गोदकघटा स्सागरेभ्यश्च काञ्चनाः।।2.14.34।।औदुम्बरं भद्रपीठमभिषेकार्थमागतम्।सर्वबीजानि गन्धाश्च रत्नानि विविधानि च।।2.14.35।।क्षौद्रं दधि घृतं लाजा दर्भास्सुमनसः पयः। अष्टौ च कन्या रुचिरा मत्तश्च वरवारणः।।2.14.36।।चतुरश्वो रथश्श्रीमान्निस्त्रिंशो धनुरुत्तमम्। वाहनं नरसंयुक्तं छत्रं च शशिसन्निभम्।।2.14.37।।श्वेते च वालव्यजने भृङ्गारुश्च हिरण्मयः। हेमदामपिनध्दश्च ककुद्मान्पाण्डुरो वृषः।।2.14.38।।केसरी च चतुर्दंष्ट्रो हरिश्रेष्ठो महाबलः। सिंहासनं व्याघ्रतनु स्समिद्धश्च हुताशनः।।2.14.39।।सर्ववादित्रसङ्घाश्च वेश्याश्चालङ्कृता स्स्त्रयः। आचार्या ब्राह्मणा गावः पुण्याश्च मृगपक्षिणः।।2.14.40।।पौरजानपदश्रेष्ठा नैगमाश्च गणै स्सह। एते चान्ये च बहवो नीयमानाः प्रियंवदाः।।2.14.41।।अभिषेकाय रामस्य सह तिष्ठन्ति पार्थिवैः।

Honey, curd, ghee, puffed grains, kuśa grass, flowers, and milk are ready; and eight lovely maidens, along with a fine elephant in rut, have also been brought.

Verse 37

इमे गङ्गोदकघटा स्सागरेभ्यश्च काञ्चनाः।।2.14.34।।औदुम्बरं भद्रपीठमभिषेकार्थमागतम्।सर्वबीजानि गन्धाश्च रत्नानि विविधानि च।।2.14.35।।क्षौद्रं दधि घृतं लाजा दर्भास्सुमनसः पयः। अष्टौ च कन्या रुचिरा मत्तश्च वरवारणः।।2.14.36।।चतुरश्वो रथश्श्रीमान्निस्त्रिंशो धनुरुत्तमम्। वाहनं नरसंयुक्तं छत्रं च शशिसन्निभम्।।2.14.37।।श्वेते च वालव्यजने भृङ्गारुश्च हिरण्मयः। हेमदामपिनध्दश्च ककुद्मान्पाण्डुरो वृषः।।2.14.38।।केसरी च चतुर्दंष्ट्रो हरिश्रेष्ठो महाबलः। सिंहासनं व्याघ्रतनु स्समिद्धश्च हुताशनः।।2.14.39।।सर्ववादित्रसङ्घाश्च वेश्याश्चालङ्कृता स्स्त्रयः। आचार्या ब्राह्मणा गावः पुण्याश्च मृगपक्षिणः।।2.14.40।।पौरजानपदश्रेष्ठा नैगमाश्च गणै स्सह। एते चान्ये च बहवो नीयमानाः प्रियंवदाः।।2.14.41।।अभिषेकाय रामस्य सह तिष्ठन्ति पार्थिवैः।

A splendid chariot yoked with four horses is ready, as are a sword and an excellent bow; a palanquin with its bearers, and an umbrella resembling the moon have also been prepared.

Verse 38

इमे गङ्गोदकघटा स्सागरेभ्यश्च काञ्चनाः।।2.14.34।।औदुम्बरं भद्रपीठमभिषेकार्थमागतम्।सर्वबीजानि गन्धाश्च रत्नानि विविधानि च।।2.14.35।।क्षौद्रं दधि घृतं लाजा दर्भास्सुमनसः पयः। अष्टौ च कन्या रुचिरा मत्तश्च वरवारणः।।2.14.36।।चतुरश्वो रथश्श्रीमान्निस्त्रिंशो धनुरुत्तमम्। वाहनं नरसंयुक्तं छत्रं च शशिसन्निभम्।।2.14.37।।श्वेते च वालव्यजने भृङ्गारुश्च हिरण्मयः। हेमदामपिनध्दश्च ककुद्मान्पाण्डुरो वृषः।।2.14.38।।केसरी च चतुर्दंष्ट्रो हरिश्रेष्ठो महाबलः। सिंहासनं व्याघ्रतनु स्समिद्धश्च हुताशनः।।2.14.39।।सर्ववादित्रसङ्घाश्च वेश्याश्चालङ्कृता स्स्त्रयः। आचार्या ब्राह्मणा गावः पुण्याश्च मृगपक्षिणः।।2.14.40।।पौरजानपदश्रेष्ठा नैगमाश्च गणै स्सह। एते चान्ये च बहवो नीयमानाः प्रियंवदाः।।2.14.41।।अभिषेकाय रामस्य सह तिष्ठन्ति पार्थिवैः।

Two white yak-tail fans are there, and a golden sprinkling vessel; and a pale, humped bull, adorned with a golden garland, has also been brought.

Verse 39

इमे गङ्गोदकघटा स्सागरेभ्यश्च काञ्चनाः।।2.14.34।।औदुम्बरं भद्रपीठमभिषेकार्थमागतम्।सर्वबीजानि गन्धाश्च रत्नानि विविधानि च।।2.14.35।।क्षौद्रं दधि घृतं लाजा दर्भास्सुमनसः पयः। अष्टौ च कन्या रुचिरा मत्तश्च वरवारणः।।2.14.36।।चतुरश्वो रथश्श्रीमान्निस्त्रिंशो धनुरुत्तमम्। वाहनं नरसंयुक्तं छत्रं च शशिसन्निभम्।।2.14.37।।श्वेते च वालव्यजने भृङ्गारुश्च हिरण्मयः। हेमदामपिनध्दश्च ककुद्मान्पाण्डुरो वृषः।।2.14.38।।केसरी च चतुर्दंष्ट्रो हरिश्रेष्ठो महाबलः। सिंहासनं व्याघ्रतनु स्समिद्धश्च हुताशनः।।2.14.39।।सर्ववादित्रसङ्घाश्च वेश्याश्चालङ्कृता स्स्त्रयः। आचार्या ब्राह्मणा गावः पुण्याश्च मृगपक्षिणः।।2.14.40।।पौरजानपदश्रेष्ठा नैगमाश्च गणै स्सह। एते चान्ये च बहवो नीयमानाः प्रियंवदाः।।2.14.41।।अभिषेकाय रामस्य सह तिष्ठन्ति पार्थिवैः।

A lion with four great fangs is present, and a mighty horse of the finest breed; a throne, a tiger-skin, and a well-kindled sacred fire are also ready.

Verse 40

इमे गङ्गोदकघटा स्सागरेभ्यश्च काञ्चनाः।।2.14.34।।औदुम्बरं भद्रपीठमभिषेकार्थमागतम्।सर्वबीजानि गन्धाश्च रत्नानि विविधानि च।।2.14.35।।क्षौद्रं दधि घृतं लाजा दर्भास्सुमनसः पयः। अष्टौ च कन्या रुचिरा मत्तश्च वरवारणः।।2.14.36।।चतुरश्वो रथश्श्रीमान्निस्त्रिंशो धनुरुत्तमम्। वाहनं नरसंयुक्तं छत्रं च शशिसन्निभम्।।2.14.37।।श्वेते च वालव्यजने भृङ्गारुश्च हिरण्मयः। हेमदामपिनध्दश्च ककुद्मान्पाण्डुरो वृषः।।2.14.38।।केसरी च चतुर्दंष्ट्रो हरिश्रेष्ठो महाबलः। सिंहासनं व्याघ्रतनु स्समिद्धश्च हुताशनः।।2.14.39।।सर्ववादित्रसङ्घाश्च वेश्याश्चालङ्कृता स्स्त्रयः। आचार्या ब्राह्मणा गावः पुण्याश्च मृगपक्षिणः।।2.14.40।।पौरजानपदश्रेष्ठा नैगमाश्च गणै स्सह। एते चान्ये च बहवो नीयमानाः प्रियंवदाः।।2.14.41।।अभिषेकाय रामस्य सह तिष्ठन्ति पार्थिवैः।

There were gathered companies of musicians of every kind, along with courtesans and women adorned in splendor; preceptors, brahmins, cows, and auspicious animals and birds were assembled as well.

Verse 41

इमे गङ्गोदकघटा स्सागरेभ्यश्च काञ्चनाः।।2.14.34।।औदुम्बरं भद्रपीठमभिषेकार्थमागतम्।सर्वबीजानि गन्धाश्च रत्नानि विविधानि च।।2.14.35।।क्षौद्रं दधि घृतं लाजा दर्भास्सुमनसः पयः। अष्टौ च कन्या रुचिरा मत्तश्च वरवारणः।।2.14.36।।चतुरश्वो रथश्श्रीमान्निस्त्रिंशो धनुरुत्तमम्। वाहनं नरसंयुक्तं छत्रं च शशिसन्निभम्।।2.14.37।।श्वेते च वालव्यजने भृङ्गारुश्च हिरण्मयः। हेमदामपिनध्दश्च ककुद्मान्पाण्डुरो वृषः।।2.14.38।।केसरी च चतुर्दंष्ट्रो हरिश्रेष्ठो महाबलः। सिंहासनं व्याघ्रतनु स्समिद्धश्च हुताशनः।।2.14.39।।सर्ववादित्रसङ्घाश्च वेश्याश्चालङ्कृता स्स्त्रयः। आचार्या ब्राह्मणा गावः पुण्याश्च मृगपक्षिणः।।2.14.40।।पौरजानपदश्रेष्ठा नैगमाश्च गणै स्सह। एते चान्ये च बहवो नीयमानाः प्रियंवदाः।।2.14.41।।अभिषेकाय रामस्य सह तिष्ठन्ति पार्थिवैः।

The foremost citizens and villagers, and the merchants with their companies—these and many others, speaking pleasing words, are being brought; and with the kings they stand assembled for Rama’s coronation.

Verse 42

त्वरयस्व महाराजं यथा समुदितेऽहनि।।।।पुष्ये नक्षत्रयोगे च रामो राज्यमवाप्नुयात्।

Make haste, great king, so that when the day breaks—and under the conjunction of the Puṣya star—Rama may receive the kingship.

Verse 43

इति तस्य वच श्श्रुत्वा सूतपुत्रो महात्मनः।।।।स्तुवन्नृपतिशार्दूलं प्रविवेश निवेशनम्।

Hearing these words of the great-souled one, Sumantra, the charioteer’s son, praising the tiger among kings, entered the royal residence.

Verse 44

तं तु पूर्वोदितं वृध्दं द्वारस्था राज सम्मतम्।।।।न शेकुरभिसंरोध्दुं राज्ञः प्रियचिकीर्षवः।

But the doorkeepers—well-wishers devoted to what was dear to the king—could not restrain the aged Sumantra, who had arrived earlier and stood in the king’s favor.

Verse 45

स समीपस्थितो राज्ञस्तामवस्थामजज्ञिवान्।।।।वाग्भिः परमतुष्टाभिरभिष्टोतुं प्रचक्रमे।

Drawing near to the king, he remained unaware of the king’s inner condition and began to extol him with words meant to please greatly.

Verse 46

तत स्सूतो यथाकालं पार्थिवस्य निवेशने।।।।सुमन्त्रः प्राञ्जलिर्भूत्वा तुष्टाव जगतीपतिम्।

Then Sumantra the charioteer, entering the king’s residence at the proper hour, stood with folded hands and praised the lord of the earth.

Verse 47

यथा नन्दति तेजस्वी सागरो भास्करोदये।।।।प्रीतः प्रीतेन मनसा तथाऽनन्दघन स्स्वतः।

As the mighty ocean rejoices at sunrise, so too Sumantra—by nature a mass of cheer—was glad at heart.

Verse 48

इन्द्रमस्यां तु वेलायामभितुष्टाव मातलिः।।।।सोऽजयद्दानवान्सर्वांस्तथा त्वां बोधयाम्यहम्।

At this very hour Mātali extols Indra—the conqueror of all Dānavas; in the same manner, I too rouse you.

Verse 49

वेदास्सहाङ्गविद्याश्च यथाह्यात्मभुवं विभुम्।।।ब्रह्माणं बोधयन्त्यद्य तथा त्वां बोधयाम्यहम्।

Just as today the Vedas, together with the sciences of the Vedāṅgas, awaken mighty Brahmā, the self-born, so do I awaken you.

Verse 50

आदित्यस्सह चन्द्रेण यथा भूतधरां शुभाम्।।।।बोधयत्यद्य पृथिवीं तथा त्वां बोधयाम्यहम्।

As the Sun together with the Moon awakens today the auspicious Earth, bearer of all beings, so do I awaken you.

Verse 51

उत्तिष्ठाशु महाराज कृतकौतुकमङ्गलः।।।।विराजमानो वपुषा मेरोरिव दिवाकरः।

Rise quickly, O great king, adorned with auspicious festive rites, and shine in your form like the Sun upon Mount Meru.

Verse 52

सोमसूर्यौ च काकुत्स्थ शिववैश्रवणावपि।।।।वरुणश्चाग्निरिन्द्रश्च विजयं प्रदिशन्तु ते।

O scion of Kakutstha, may Soma and Sūrya, Śiva and Vaiśravaṇa, and Varuṇa, Agni, and Indra grant you victory.

Verse 53

गता भगवती रात्रिः कृतं कृत्यमिदं तव।।।।बुद्ध्यस्व नृपशार्दूल कुरु कार्यमनन्तरम्।उदतिष्ठत रामस्य समग्रमभिषेचनम्।।।।

The sacred night has passed; what was to be done on your part up to this point has been accomplished.

Verse 54

गता भगवती रात्रिः कृतं कृत्यमिदं तव।।2.14.53।।बुद्ध्यस्व नृपशार्दूल कुरु कार्यमनन्तरम्। उदतिष्ठत रामस्य समग्रमभिषेचनम्।।2.14.54।।

Awaken to your resolve, tiger among kings, and do what must be done next; all the arrangements for Rāma’s consecration are now fully ready.

Verse 55

पौरजानापदैश्चापि नैगमैश्च कृताञ्जलिः।स्वयं वशिष्ठो भगवान्ब्राह्मणै स्सह तिष्ठति।।।।

With hands folded in reverence, the townspeople and countryfolk—along with the merchants—stand waiting; and Vasiṣṭha himself, the revered sage, remains there with the brāhmaṇas.

Verse 56

क्षिप्रमाज्ञाप्यतां राजन्राघवस्याभिषेचनम्।यथा ह्यपालाः पशवो यथा सेना ह्यनायका।।।।यथा चन्द्रं विना रात्रिर्यथा गावो विना वृषम्।एवं हि भविता राष्ट्रं यत्र राजा न दृश्यते।।।।

O King, let Rāghava’s consecration be commanded without delay—for cattle without a keeper and an army without a leader are left in disorder.

Verse 57

क्षिप्रमाज्ञाप्यतां राजन्राघवस्याभिषेचनम्। यथा ह्यपालाः पशवो यथा सेना ह्यनायका।।2.14.56।।यथा चन्द्रं विना रात्रिर्यथा गावो विना वृषम्। एवं हि भविता राष्ट्रं यत्र राजा न दृश्यते।।2.14.57।।

As night is bereft without the moon, and cows are bereft without a bull, so too a realm becomes bereft where no king is seen.

Verse 58

इति तस्य वच श्शृत्वा सान्त्वपूर्वमिवार्थवत्।अभ्यकीर्यत शोकेन भूय एव महीपतिः।।।।

Hearing those meaningful words, spoken as if with gentle consolation, the lord of the earth was once again overwhelmed by grief.

Verse 59

तत स्सराजा तं सूतं सन्नहर्ष स्सुतं प्रति।शोकरक्तेक्षण श्श्रीमानुद्वीक्ष्योवाच धार्मिकः।।।।वाक्यैस्तु खलु मर्माणि मम भूयो निकृन्तसि।

Then the righteous king—joyless as he thought of his son, his eyes reddened by grief—looked up and spoke to the charioteer: “Indeed, by your words you pierce my very vitals yet again.”

Verse 60

सुमन्त्रः करुणं श्रुत्वा दृष्ट्वा दीनं च पार्थिवम्।प्रगृहीताञ्जलिः किञ्चित्तस्माद्देशादपाक्रमत्।।।।

Hearing the king’s sorrowful words and seeing him wretched, Sumantra—hands folded—stepped back a little from that place.

Verse 61

यदा वक्तुं स्वयं दैन्यान्न शशाक महीपतिः।।।।तदा सुमन्त्रं मन्त्रज्ञा कैकेयी प्रत्युवाच ह।

When, in his wretchedness, the lord of the earth could not speak for himself, then Kaikeyī—skilled in counsel—answered Sumantra.

Verse 62

सुमन्त्र राजा रजनीं रामहर्षसमुत्सुकः।।।।प्रजागरपरिश्रान्तो निद्राया वशमुपेयिवान्।

O Sumantra, the king—eager and thrilled with joy at the prospect of Rama’s consecration—kept awake through the night; exhausted by wakefulness, he has now fallen under the power of sleep.

Verse 63

तद्गच्छ त्वरितं सूत राजपुत्रं यशस्विनम्।।।।राममानय भद्रं ते नात्र कार्या विचारणा।

Therefore, O charioteer, go quickly and bring the illustrious prince Rama here—may it be well with you; in this matter there must be no hesitation.

Verse 64

स मन्यमानः कल्याणं हृदयेन ननन्द च।।।।निर्जगाम च सम्प्रीत्या त्वरितो राजशासनात्।

Believing in his heart that an auspicious event was about to occur, he rejoiced; and, acting on the royal command, he set out at once with gladness.

Verse 65

सुमन्त्रश्चिन्तयामास त्वरितं चोदितस्तया।।।।व्यक्तं रामोऽभिषेकार्थमिहायास्यति धर्मवित्।

Urged on by her, Sumantra reflected: “Surely Rama—the knower of dharma—will come here for the purpose of consecration.”

Verse 66

इति सूतो मतिं कृत्वा हर्षेण महताऽऽवृतः।।।।निर्जगाम महाबाहो राघवस्य दिदृक्षया।

Having thus decided, the charioteer—overwhelmed with great joy—went out, eager to see Rāghava, the mighty-armed one.

Verse 67

सागरह्रदसङ्काशात्सुमन्त्रोऽन्तःपुराच्छुभात्।।।।निष्क्रम्य जनसम्बाधं ददर्श द्वारमग्रतः।

Sumantra, emerging from the auspicious inner palace—like a deep pool of the ocean—came out and beheld before him the gate thronged with people.

Verse 68

ततः पुरस्तात्सहसा विनिर्गतो महीपतीन्द्वारगतो विलोकयन्।ददर्श पौरान्विविधान्महाधना नुपस्थितान्द्वारमुपेत्य विष्ठितान्।।।।

Then, hastening to the front and reaching the gate, he looked about and saw kings and various wealthy citizens, already arrived, who had approached the gate and were standing there.