Sarga 15

Verse 2.15.1

ते तु तां रजनीमुष्य ब्राह्मणा वेदपारगाः।उपतस्थुरुपस्थानं सह राजपुरोहिताः।।2.15.1।।

But the brāhmaṇas, fully versed in the Vedas, having kept vigil through that night, assembled at the consecration pavilion together with the royal priests.

Verse 2.15.2

अमात्या बलमुख्याश्च मुख्या ये निगमस्य च।राघवस्याभिषेकार्थे प्रियमाणास्तु संगताः।।2.15.2।।

Having spoken thus, Sumantra—learned in tradition and royal history—went to the gate of the inner apartments; and he entered that palace-area which is customarily kept closed.

Verse 2.15.3

उदिते विमले सूर्ये पुष्ये चाभ्यागतेऽहनि।लग्ने कर्कटके प्राप्ते जन्म रामस्य च स्थिते।।2.15.3।।अभिषेकाय रामस्य द्विजेन्द्रैरुपकल्पितम्।

Cheerful and delighted, the charioteer quickly went on, gazing upon the royal road adorned with pennants and banners.

Verse 2.15.4

काञ्चना जलकुम्भाश्च भद्रपीठं स्वलंकृतम्।।2.15,4।।रथः च सम्यगास्तीर्णो भास्वता व्याघ्रचर्मणा।

It was thronged by countryfolk who had come bearing gifts—faces bright and uplifted, eager for Rama’s consecration—so that the place itself seemed adorned by their presence.

Verse 2.15.5

गङ्गायमुनयोःपुण्यात्सङ्गमादाहृतं जलम्।।2.15.5।।याश्चान्या स्सरितः पुण्या ह्रदाः कूपा स्सरांसि च।प्राग्वाहाश्चोर्ध्ववाहाश्च तिर्यग्वाहा स्समाहिताः।।2.15.6।।ताभ्यश्चैवाहृतं तोयं समुद्रेभ्यश्च सर्वशः।

Water was brought from the sacred confluence of the Gaṅgā and Yamunā, and also from other holy rivers, ponds, wells, and lakes—streams flowing eastward, upward, and winding—gathered from every side; and water was collected from all the seas as well.

Verse 2.15.6

गङ्गायमुनयोःपुण्यात्सङ्गमादाहृतं जलम्।।2.15.5।।याश्चान्या स्सरितः पुण्या ह्रदाः कूपा स्सरांसि च।प्राग्वाहाश्चोर्ध्ववाहाश्च तिर्यग्वाहा स्समाहिताः।।2.15.6।।ताभ्यश्चैवाहृतं तोयं समुद्रेभ्यश्च सर्वशः।

Golden and silver vessels—covered with fresh, milky-green leaves, adorned with lotuses and water-lilies—shone brightly, filled to the brim with the purest consecrated water and with puffed grain.

Verse 2.15.7

सलाजाः क्षीरिभिश्छन्ना घटाः काञ्चनराजताः।।2.15.7।।पद्मोत्पलयुता भान्ति पूर्णाः परमवारिणा।

Honey, curds, ghee, puffed grain, darbha grass, flowers, and milk were set out; and courtesans as well—of noble conduct and adorned with every ornament—stood ready in attendance.

Verse 2.15.8

क्षौद्रं दधि घृतं लाजा दर्भा स्सुमनसः पयः।।2.15.8।।वेश्याश्चैव शुभाचारा स्सर्वाभरणभूषिताः।

For Rāma, an excellent yak-tail fan stood ready—its golden handle set with gems—radiant like the softly diffused beams of the moon.

Verse 2.15.9

चन्द्रांशुविकचप्रख्यं काञ्चनं रत्नभूषितम्।।2.15.9।।सज्जं तिष्ठति रामस्य वालव्यजनमुत्तमम्।

Sumantra, skilled in ancient custom, passed beyond the people-crowded door of the inner apartments and reached a quieter courtyard. It was guarded by devoted young men—alert and focused—bearing spears and bows, their earrings gleaming brightly.

Verse 2.15.10

चन्द्रमण्डलसङ्काशमातपत्रं च पाण्डुरम्।।2.15.10।।सज्जं द्युतिकरं श्रीमदभिषेकपुरस्कृतम्।

A pale-white royal umbrella, radiant and splendid—like the circle of the moon—was kept ready in front of the coronation pavilion.

Verse 2.15.11

पाण्डुरश्च वृषस्सज्जः पाण्डुरोऽश्वश्च सुस्थितः।।2.15.11।।प्रसृतश्च गजःश्रीमानौपवाह्यः प्रतीक्षते।

A pale-white bull stood ready; a pale-white horse stood well-placed; and a splendid elephant—ichor flowing in rut, fit for a king to ride—waited in attendance.

Verse 2.15.12

अष्टौ च कन्या माङ्गल्या स्सर्वाभरणभूषिताः।।2.15.12।।वादित्राणि च सर्वाणि वन्दिनश्च तथाऽपरे।

Eight auspicious maidens, adorned with every ornament, and all kinds of musical instruments—along with panegyrists and others—stood ready for the ceremony.

Verse 2.15.13

इक्ष्वाकूणां यथा राज्ये संभ्रियेताभिषेचनम्।।2.15.13।।तथाजातीयमादाय राजपुत्राभिषेचनम्।ते राजवचनात्तत्र समवेतामहीपतिम्।।2.15.14।।अपश्यन्तोऽब्रुवन् को नु राज्ञो नः प्रतिवेदयेत्।न पश्यामश्च राजानमुदितश्च दिवाकरः।।2.15.15।।यौवराज्याभिषेकश्च सज्जो रामस्य धीमतः।

Just as, in the kingdom of the Ikṣvāku line, the requisites for consecration are traditionally gathered, so too were the proper articles brought together for the consecration of the king’s son. Those assembled there by the king’s command, not seeing the lord of the earth, said: “Who will report our arrival to the king? The sun has risen, yet we do not see the king. And Rāma’s consecration as heir-apparent is fully prepared.”

Verse 2.15.14

इक्ष्वाकूणां यथा राज्ये संभ्रियेताभिषेचनम्।।2.15.13।।तथाजातीयमादाय राजपुत्राभिषेचनम्।ते राजवचनात्तत्र समवेतामहीपतिम्।।2.15.14।।अपश्यन्तोऽब्रुवन् को नु राज्ञो नः प्रतिवेदयेत्।न पश्यामश्च राजानमुदितश्च दिवाकरः।।2.15.15।।यौवराज्याभिषेकश्च सज्जो रामस्य धीमतः।

As those sovereign rulers spoke thus, Sumantra—honoured and trusted by the king—addressed them all with these words.

Verse 2.15.15

इक्ष्वाकूणां यथा राज्ये संभ्रियेताभिषेचनम्।।2.15.13।।तथाजातीयमादाय राजपुत्राभिषेचनम्।ते राजवचनात्तत्र समवेतामहीपतिम्।।2.15.14।।अपश्यन्तोऽब्रुवन् को नु राज्ञो नः प्रतिवेदयेत्।न पश्यामश्च राजानमुदितश्च दिवाकरः।।2.15.15।।यौवराज्याभिषेकश्च सज्जो रामस्य धीमतः।

“By the king’s command I am quickly setting out for Rāma. You are worthy of honour from the king—and especially from Rāma as well.”

Verse 2.15.16

इति तेषु ब्रुवाणेषु सार्वभौमान् महीपतीन्।।2.15.16।।अब्रवीत्तानिदं सर्वान्सुमन्त्रो राजसत्कृतः।

“At your request, I shall ask the king—now awake—after his well-being, and also the reason for his summoning.”

Verse 2.15.17

रामं राज्ञो नियोगेन त्वरया प्रस्थितोऽस्म्यहम्।।2.15.17।।पूज्या राज्ञो भवन्तस्तु रामस्य च विशेषतः।

By the King’s command I am setting out in haste to Rāma. You are all venerable to the King, and especially to Rāma.

Verse 2.15.18

अयं पृच्छामि वचनात्सुखमायुष्मतामहम्।।2.15.18।।राज्ञः संप्रति बुद्धस्य यच्चागमनकारणम्।

At your word, O long-lived ones, I shall enquire about the welfare of the King, now awakened, and the reason for his summoning.

Verse 2.15.19

इत्युक्त्वाऽन्तः पुरद्वारमाजगाम पुराणवित्।।2.15.19।।सदाऽसक्तं च तद्वेश्म सुमन्त्रः प्रविवेश ह।

For Rāma’s consecration, the ministers, the foremost military commanders, and the leading representatives of the merchant guilds assembled—brimming with joy.

Verse 2.15.20

तुष्टावास्य तदा वंशं प्रविश्य स विशांपतेः।।2.15.20।।शयनीयं नरेन्द्रस्य तदाऽऽसाद्य व्यतिष्ठत।

Entering the king’s inner quarters, he praised the royal lineage; then, approaching the monarch’s sleeping chamber, he stood there.

Verse 2.15.21

सोऽत्यासाद्य तु तद्वेश्म तिरस्करणिमन्तरा।।2.15.21।।आशीर्भिर्गुणयुक्ताभि रभितुष्टाव राघवम्।

Drawing near to that chamber, he remained behind the screen and praised Rāghava with blessings rich in virtue.

Verse 2.15.22

सोमसूर्यौ च काकुत्स्थ शिववैश्रवणावपि।।2.15.22।।वरुणश्चाग्निरिन्द्रश्च विजयं प्रदिशन्तु ते।

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

Verse 2.15.23

गता भगवती रात्रिरहः शिवमुपस्थितम्।।2.15.23।।बुद्ध्यस्व नृपशार्दूल कुरु कार्यमनन्तरम्।

The sacred night has passed; the auspicious day has arrived. Awake, O tiger among kings, and attend at once to the duties that follow.

Verse 2.15.24

ब्राह्मणा बलमुख्याश्च नैगमाश्चागता नृप।।2.15.24।।दर्शनं तेऽभिकांक्षन्ते प्रतिबुध्यस्व राघव।

O King, brāhmaṇas, leading commanders, and merchants have arrived; they seek your audience. Awake, O Rāghava.

Verse 2.15.25

स्तुवन्तं तं तदा सूतं सुमन्त्रं मन्त्रकोविदम्।।2.15.25।।प्रतिबुध्य ततो राजा इदं वचनमब्रवीत्।

Then the king awoke and spoke these words to Sumantra—the charioteer and skilled counselor—who was praising him.

Verse 2.15.26

राममानय सूतेति यदस्यभिहितोऽनया।।2.15.26।।किमिदं कारणं येन ममाज्ञा प्रतिहन्यते।

‘Bring Rāma, O charioteer’—you were instructed thus by her. What is the reason that my command is being thwarted?

Verse 2.15.27

न चैव संप्रसुप्तोऽहमानयेहाशु राघवम्।।2.15.27।।इति राजा दशरथ स्सूतं तत्रान्वशात्पुनः।

“Nor have I been asleep. Bring Rāghava here at once.” Thus King Daśaratha again commanded the charioteer there.

Verse 2.15.28

स राजवचनं श्रुत्वा शिरसा प्रतिपूज्य तम्।।2.15.28।।निर्जगाम नृपावासान्मन्यमानः प्रियं महत्।

When the bright, spotless sun had risen, on the day when the Puṣya asterism was ascendant, and when the Karkaṭa (Cancer) lagna—Rāma’s natal ascendant—had arrived, the foremost brahmins made the preparations for Rāma’s consecration (abhiṣeka).

Verse 2.15.29

प्रसन्नो राजमार्गं च पताकाध्वजशोभितम्।।2.15.29।।हृष्टः प्रमुदित स्सूतो जगामाशु विलोकयन्।

Having heard the king’s words, he honored him with a bow of the head and went out from the royal residence, thinking it a great and welcome occasion.

Verse 2.15.30

स सूतस्तत्र शुश्राव रामाधिकरणाः कथाः।।2.15.30।।अभिषेचनसंयुक्तास्सर्वलोकस्य हृष्टवत्।

There the charioteer heard, among the rejoicing people, conversations about Rāma—talk connected with the consecration.

Verse 2.15.31

ततो ददर्श रुचिरं कैलासशिखरप्रभम्।।2.15.31।।रामवेश्म सुमन्त्रस्तु शक्रवेश्मसमप्रभम्।

Then Sumantra beheld Rāma’s lovely residence—splendid like the summit of Kailāsa, radiant like the mansion of Śakra (Indra).

Verse 2.15.32

महाकवाटविहितं वितर्दिशतशोभितम्।।2.15.32।।काञ्चनप्रतिमैकाग्रं मणिविद्रुमतोरणम्। शारदाभ्रघनप्रख्यं दीप्तं मेरुगुहोपमम्।।2.15.33।।मणिभिर्वरमाल्यानां समुहद्भिरलंकृतम्।मुक्तामणिभिराकीर्णं चन्दनागरूधूपितम्।।2.15.34।।गन्धान्मनोज्ञान् विसृजद्दार्दुरं शिखरं यथा।सारसैश्च मयूरैश्च विनदद्भिर्विराजितम्।।2.15.35।।सुकृतेहामृगाकीर्णं सुकीर्णं भक्तिभिस्तथा।मनश्चक्षुश्च भूतानामाददत्तिग्मतेजसा।।2.15.36।।चन्द्रभास्करसङ्काशं कुबेरभवनोपमम्।महेन्द्रधामप्रतिमं नानापक्षिसमाकुलम्।।2.15.37।।मेरुशृङ्गसमं सूतो रामवेश्म ददर्श ह।उपस्थितैःसमाकीर्णं जनैरञ्जलिकारिभिः।।2.15.38।।उपादाय समाक्रान्तैस्तथा जानपदैर्जनैः।रामाभिषेकसुमुखैरुन्मुखैस्समलंकृतम्।।2.15.39।।महामेघसमप्रख्यमुदग्रं सुविभूषितम्।नानारत्नसमाकीर्णं कुब्जकैरातकावृतम्।।2.15.40।।

Sumantra beheld Rāma’s palace: secured with massive double doors and adorned with many galleries; crowned with golden figures and fitted with gem-and-coral arches. Bright like dense autumn clouds, it shone like a cavern of Mount Meru. Decorated with splendid garlands and jewels, strewn with pearls, and perfumed with sandal and aloe-wood, it sent forth mind-delighting fragrance like the peak of Dārdura. Graced by the calls of sārasas and peacocks, filled with fine carvings and rich ornamentation, it captivated the eyes and minds of all beings by its keen brilliance. Resplendent like moon and sun, like Kubera’s abode and akin to Mahendra’s dwelling, it teemed with birds of many kinds. Lofty as Meru’s summit, it was crowded with people with folded hands and with countryfolk bearing gifts, faces uplifted in eager anticipation of Rāma’s consecration. High and splendid like a vast cloud, richly adorned and filled with many gems, it was also thronged with hunchbacks and Kirātas (hunters).

Verse 2.15.33

महाकवाटविहितं वितर्दिशतशोभितम्।।2.15.32।।काञ्चनप्रतिमैकाग्रं मणिविद्रुमतोरणम्। शारदाभ्रघनप्रख्यं दीप्तं मेरुगुहोपमम्।।2.15.33।।मणिभिर्वरमाल्यानां समुहद्भिरलंकृतम्।मुक्तामणिभिराकीर्णं चन्दनागरूधूपितम्।।2.15.34।।गन्धान्मनोज्ञान् विसृजद्दार्दुरं शिखरं यथा।सारसैश्च मयूरैश्च विनदद्भिर्विराजितम्।।2.15.35।।सुकृतेहामृगाकीर्णं सुकीर्णं भक्तिभिस्तथा।मनश्चक्षुश्च भूतानामाददत्तिग्मतेजसा।।2.15.36।।चन्द्रभास्करसङ्काशं कुबेरभवनोपमम्।महेन्द्रधामप्रतिमं नानापक्षिसमाकुलम्।।2.15.37।।मेरुशृङ्गसमं सूतो रामवेश्म ददर्श ह।उपस्थितैःसमाकीर्णं जनैरञ्जलिकारिभिः।।2.15.38।।उपादाय समाक्रान्तैस्तथा जानपदैर्जनैः।रामाभिषेकसुमुखैरुन्मुखैस्समलंकृतम्।।2.15.39।।महामेघसमप्रख्यमुदग्रं सुविभूषितम्।नानारत्नसमाकीर्णं कुब्जकैरातकावृतम्।।2.15.40।।

It bore a lofty summit set with golden images, and its gateways were arched with gems and coral. Bright like a dense autumn cloud, it gleamed—like a cavern of Mount Meru.

Verse 2.15.34

महाकवाटविहितं वितर्दिशतशोभितम्।।2.15.32।।काञ्चनप्रतिमैकाग्रं मणिविद्रुमतोरणम्। शारदाभ्रघनप्रख्यं दीप्तं मेरुगुहोपमम्।।2.15.33।।मणिभिर्वरमाल्यानां समुहद्भिरलंकृतम्।मुक्तामणिभिराकीर्णं चन्दनागरूधूपितम्।।2.15.34।।गन्धान्मनोज्ञान् विसृजद्दार्दुरं शिखरं यथा।सारसैश्च मयूरैश्च विनदद्भिर्विराजितम्।।2.15.35।।सुकृतेहामृगाकीर्णं सुकीर्णं भक्तिभिस्तथा।मनश्चक्षुश्च भूतानामाददत्तिग्मतेजसा।।2.15.36।।चन्द्रभास्करसङ्काशं कुबेरभवनोपमम्।महेन्द्रधामप्रतिमं नानापक्षिसमाकुलम्।।2.15.37।।मेरुशृङ्गसमं सूतो रामवेश्म ददर्श ह।उपस्थितैःसमाकीर्णं जनैरञ्जलिकारिभिः।।2.15.38।।उपादाय समाक्रान्तैस्तथा जानपदैर्जनैः।रामाभिषेकसुमुखैरुन्मुखैस्समलंकृतम्।।2.15.39।।महामेघसमप्रख्यमुदग्रं सुविभूषितम्।नानारत्नसमाकीर्णं कुब्जकैरातकावृतम्।।2.15.40।।

It was adorned with the finest garlands and jewels; strewn with pearls and gems, and richly perfumed with sandalwood and agaru incense.

Verse 2.15.35

महाकवाटविहितं वितर्दिशतशोभितम्।।2.15.32।।काञ्चनप्रतिमैकाग्रं मणिविद्रुमतोरणम्। शारदाभ्रघनप्रख्यं दीप्तं मेरुगुहोपमम्।।2.15.33।।मणिभिर्वरमाल्यानां समुहद्भिरलंकृतम्।मुक्तामणिभिराकीर्णं चन्दनागरूधूपितम्।।2.15.34।।गन्धान्मनोज्ञान् विसृजद्दार्दुरं शिखरं यथा।सारसैश्च मयूरैश्च विनदद्भिर्विराजितम्।।2.15.35।।सुकृतेहामृगाकीर्णं सुकीर्णं भक्तिभिस्तथा।मनश्चक्षुश्च भूतानामाददत्तिग्मतेजसा।।2.15.36।।चन्द्रभास्करसङ्काशं कुबेरभवनोपमम्।महेन्द्रधामप्रतिमं नानापक्षिसमाकुलम्।।2.15.37।।मेरुशृङ्गसमं सूतो रामवेश्म ददर्श ह।उपस्थितैःसमाकीर्णं जनैरञ्जलिकारिभिः।।2.15.38।।उपादाय समाक्रान्तैस्तथा जानपदैर्जनैः।रामाभिषेकसुमुखैरुन्मुखैस्समलंकृतम्।।2.15.39।।महामेघसमप्रख्यमुदग्रं सुविभूषितम्।नानारत्नसमाकीर्णं कुब्जकैरातकावृतम्।।2.15.40।।

It sent forth delightful, mind-enchanting fragrances, like the peak of Mount Dardura exhaling perfume; and it shone, made splendid by the sweet calls of sarasa-cranes and peacocks.

Verse 2.15.36

महाकवाटविहितं वितर्दिशतशोभितम्।।2.15.32।।काञ्चनप्रतिमैकाग्रं मणिविद्रुमतोरणम्। शारदाभ्रघनप्रख्यं दीप्तं मेरुगुहोपमम्।।2.15.33।।मणिभिर्वरमाल्यानां समुहद्भिरलंकृतम्।मुक्तामणिभिराकीर्णं चन्दनागरूधूपितम्।।2.15.34।।गन्धान्मनोज्ञान् विसृजद्दार्दुरं शिखरं यथा।सारसैश्च मयूरैश्च विनदद्भिर्विराजितम्।।2.15.35।।सुकृतेहामृगाकीर्णं सुकीर्णं भक्तिभिस्तथा।मनश्चक्षुश्च भूतानामाददत्तिग्मतेजसा।।2.15.36।।चन्द्रभास्करसङ्काशं कुबेरभवनोपमम्।महेन्द्रधामप्रतिमं नानापक्षिसमाकुलम्।।2.15.37।।मेरुशृङ्गसमं सूतो रामवेश्म ददर्श ह।उपस्थितैःसमाकीर्णं जनैरञ्जलिकारिभिः।।2.15.38।।उपादाय समाक्रान्तैस्तथा जानपदैर्जनैः।रामाभिषेकसुमुखैरुन्मुखैस्समलंकृतम्।।2.15.39।।महामेघसमप्रख्यमुदग्रं सुविभूषितम्।नानारत्नसमाकीर्णं कुब्जकैरातकावृतम्।।2.15.40।।

It was filled with finely wrought deer-figures and richly spread with ornamentation; by its keen brilliance it captivated both the minds and the eyes of all living beings.

Verse 2.15.37

महाकवाटविहितं वितर्दिशतशोभितम्।।2.15.32।।काञ्चनप्रतिमैकाग्रं मणिविद्रुमतोरणम्। शारदाभ्रघनप्रख्यं दीप्तं मेरुगुहोपमम्।।2.15.33।।मणिभिर्वरमाल्यानां समुहद्भिरलंकृतम्।मुक्तामणिभिराकीर्णं चन्दनागरूधूपितम्।।2.15.34।।गन्धान्मनोज्ञान् विसृजद्दार्दुरं शिखरं यथा।सारसैश्च मयूरैश्च विनदद्भिर्विराजितम्।।2.15.35।।सुकृतेहामृगाकीर्णं सुकीर्णं भक्तिभिस्तथा।मनश्चक्षुश्च भूतानामाददत्तिग्मतेजसा।।2.15.36।।चन्द्रभास्करसङ्काशं कुबेरभवनोपमम्।महेन्द्रधामप्रतिमं नानापक्षिसमाकुलम्।।2.15.37।।मेरुशृङ्गसमं सूतो रामवेश्म ददर्श ह।उपस्थितैःसमाकीर्णं जनैरञ्जलिकारिभिः।।2.15.38।।उपादाय समाक्रान्तैस्तथा जानपदैर्जनैः।रामाभिषेकसुमुखैरुन्मुखैस्समलंकृतम्।।2.15.39।।महामेघसमप्रख्यमुदग्रं सुविभूषितम्।नानारत्नसमाकीर्णं कुब्जकैरातकावृतम्।।2.15.40।।

Golden water-jars and a finely adorned ceremonial seat were kept ready; and the chariot too had been properly spread with a gleaming tiger-skin.

Verse 2.15.38

महाकवाटविहितं वितर्दिशतशोभितम्।।2.15.32।।काञ्चनप्रतिमैकाग्रं मणिविद्रुमतोरणम्। शारदाभ्रघनप्रख्यं दीप्तं मेरुगुहोपमम्।।2.15.33।।मणिभिर्वरमाल्यानां समुहद्भिरलंकृतम्।मुक्तामणिभिराकीर्णं चन्दनागरूधूपितम्।।2.15.34।।गन्धान्मनोज्ञान् विसृजद्दार्दुरं शिखरं यथा।सारसैश्च मयूरैश्च विनदद्भिर्विराजितम्।।2.15.35।।सुकृतेहामृगाकीर्णं सुकीर्णं भक्तिभिस्तथा।मनश्चक्षुश्च भूतानामाददत्तिग्मतेजसा।।2.15.36।।चन्द्रभास्करसङ्काशं कुबेरभवनोपमम्।महेन्द्रधामप्रतिमं नानापक्षिसमाकुलम्।।2.15.37।।मेरुशृङ्गसमं सूतो रामवेश्म ददर्श ह।उपस्थितैःसमाकीर्णं जनैरञ्जलिकारिभिः।।2.15.38।।उपादाय समाक्रान्तैस्तथा जानपदैर्जनैः।रामाभिषेकसुमुखैरुन्मुखैस्समलंकृतम्।।2.15.39।।महामेघसमप्रख्यमुदग्रं सुविभूषितम्।नानारत्नसमाकीर्णं कुब्जकैरातकावृतम्।।2.15.40।।

Rama’s residence shone like the moon and the sun; it was like Kubera’s mansion, like a reflection of Mahendra’s abode, and it teemed with birds of many kinds.

Verse 2.15.39

महाकवाटविहितं वितर्दिशतशोभितम्।।2.15.32।।काञ्चनप्रतिमैकाग्रं मणिविद्रुमतोरणम्। शारदाभ्रघनप्रख्यं दीप्तं मेरुगुहोपमम्।।2.15.33।।मणिभिर्वरमाल्यानां समुहद्भिरलंकृतम्।मुक्तामणिभिराकीर्णं चन्दनागरूधूपितम्।।2.15.34।।गन्धान्मनोज्ञान् विसृजद्दार्दुरं शिखरं यथा।सारसैश्च मयूरैश्च विनदद्भिर्विराजितम्।।2.15.35।।सुकृतेहामृगाकीर्णं सुकीर्णं भक्तिभिस्तथा।मनश्चक्षुश्च भूतानामाददत्तिग्मतेजसा।।2.15.36।।चन्द्रभास्करसङ्काशं कुबेरभवनोपमम्।महेन्द्रधामप्रतिमं नानापक्षिसमाकुलम्।।2.15.37।।मेरुशृङ्गसमं सूतो रामवेश्म ददर्श ह।उपस्थितैःसमाकीर्णं जनैरञ्जलिकारिभिः।।2.15.38।।उपादाय समाक्रान्तैस्तथा जानपदैर्जनैः।रामाभिषेकसुमुखैरुन्मुखैस्समलंकृतम्।।2.15.39।।महामेघसमप्रख्यमुदग्रं सुविभूषितम्।नानारत्नसमाकीर्णं कुब्जकैरातकावृतम्।।2.15.40।।

The charioteer beheld Rama’s palace, lofty like Meru’s peak, filled with people who had gathered there, standing with palms joined in reverence.

Verse 2.15.40

महाकवाटविहितं वितर्दिशतशोभितम्।।2.15.32।।काञ्चनप्रतिमैकाग्रं मणिविद्रुमतोरणम्। शारदाभ्रघनप्रख्यं दीप्तं मेरुगुहोपमम्।।2.15.33।।मणिभिर्वरमाल्यानां समुहद्भिरलंकृतम्।मुक्तामणिभिराकीर्णं चन्दनागरूधूपितम्।।2.15.34।।गन्धान्मनोज्ञान् विसृजद्दार्दुरं शिखरं यथा।सारसैश्च मयूरैश्च विनदद्भिर्विराजितम्।।2.15.35।।सुकृतेहामृगाकीर्णं सुकीर्णं भक्तिभिस्तथा।मनश्चक्षुश्च भूतानामाददत्तिग्मतेजसा।।2.15.36।।चन्द्रभास्करसङ्काशं कुबेरभवनोपमम्।महेन्द्रधामप्रतिमं नानापक्षिसमाकुलम्।।2.15.37।।मेरुशृङ्गसमं सूतो रामवेश्म ददर्श ह।उपस्थितैःसमाकीर्णं जनैरञ्जलिकारिभिः।।2.15.38।।उपादाय समाक्रान्तैस्तथा जानपदैर्जनैः।रामाभिषेकसुमुखैरुन्मुखैस्समलंकृतम्।।2.15.39।।महामेघसमप्रख्यमुदग्रं सुविभूषितम्।नानारत्नसमाकीर्णं कुब्जकैरातकावृतम्।।2.15.40।।

Lofty and splendidly ornamented, it looked like a great cloud-mass; it was strewn with many kinds of gems and surrounded by attendants—hunchbacks and Kirātas (hunters) as well.

Verse 2.15.41

स वाजियुक्तेन रथेन सारथिःनराकुलं राजकुलं विराजयन्।वरूथिना रामगृहाभिपातिना पुरस्य सर्वस्य मनांसि हर्षयन्।।2.15.41।।

That charioteer, on a horse-yoked chariot fitted with a protective fender and heading toward Rama’s residence, moved through the people-filled royal precinct, delighting the hearts of the entire city.

Verse 2.15.42

ततस्समासाद्य महाधनं महत्प्रहृष्टरोमा स बभूब सारथिः। मृर्गैर्मयूरैश्च समाकुलोल्बणं गृहं वरार्हस्य शचीपतेरिव।।2.15.42।।

Then, reaching that vast and opulent residence—alive with deer and peacocks, splendidly bustling like the palace of Śacī’s lord, Indra—the charioteer’s hair stood on end in joy.

Verse 2.15.43

स तत्र कैलासनिभास्स्वलंकृताःप्रविश्य कक्ष्यास्त्रिदशालयोपमाः।प्रियान्वरान् राममते स्थितान् बहून्व्यपोह्य शुद्धान्तमुपस्थितो रथी।।2.15.43।।

Entering there, he passed through beautifully adorned courtyards, lofty like Kailāsa and like the dwellings of the gods; moving past many dear and eminent companions devoted to Rama, the charioteer approached the inner apartments.

Verse 2.15.44

स तत्र शुश्राव च हर्षयुक्ताःरामाभिषेकार्थकृता जनानाम्।नरेन्द्रसूनोरभिमङ्गलार्थाःसर्वस्य लोकस्य गिरः प्रहृष्टः।।2.15.44।।

There he heard, with delight, the joyful words of the people—spoken in connection with Rama’s consecration and for the auspicious welfare of the king’s son.

Verse 2.15.45

महेन्द्रसद्मप्रतिमं तु वेश्मरामस्य रम्यं मृगपक्षि जुष्टम्।ददर्श मेरोरिव श्रुङ्गमुच्चंविभ्राजमानं प्रभया सुमन्त्रः।।2.15.45।।

Sumantra beheld Rama’s lovely residence—frequented by animals and birds—resembling Mahendra’s mansion, and shining like the lofty summit of Mount Meru with its radiance.

Verse 2.15.46

उपस्थितैरञ्जलिकारकैश्चसोपायनैर्जानपदैर्जनैश्च।कोट्या परार्धैश्च विमुक्तयानैःसमाकुलं द्वारपथं ददर्श।।2.15.46।।

He saw the approach to the gateway packed with people—villagers and townsmen in countless multitudes—some having stepped down from their vehicles, some with palms folded in reverence, and others arriving with gifts in hand.

Verse 2.15.47

ततो महामेघमहीधराभं प्रभिन्नमत्यङ्कुशमत्यसह्यम्।रामौपवाह्यं रुचिरं ददर्शशत्रुञ्जयं नागमुदग्रकायम्।।2.15.47।।

Thereafter he beheld the splendid elephant named Śatruñjaya—massive in body, fit for Rāma to mount—like a great cloud or a mountain; ichor streamed from its temples, and it was impatient and unyielding even to the goad.

Verse 2.15.48

स्वलङ्कृतान् साश्वरथान् सकुञ्जरानमात्य मुख्यांश्च ददर्श वल्लभान्।व्यपोह्य सूतस्सहितान् समन्ततःसमृद्धमन्तःपुरमाविवेश ह।।2.15.48।।

He also saw the foremost ministers, dear to the king, arriving richly adorned with horses, chariots, and elephants. Then the charioteer, pushing through those gathered on every side, entered the splendid inner quarters.

Verse 2.15.49

तदन्द्रिकूटाचलमेघसन्निभं महाविमानोपमवेश्मसंयुतम्।अवार्यमाणः प्रविवेश सारथिःप्रभूतरत्नं मकरो यथार्णवम्।।2.15.49।।

That palace—like a cloud resting upon a mountain peak, and like a great aerial mansion ringed with splendid chambers—was entered by the charioteer without obstruction, as a makara slips into the ocean rich with many gems.