Sarga 16

Verse 2.16.1

तदन्तःपुरद्वारं समतीत्य जनाकुलम्।प्रविविक्तां ततः कक्ष्यामाससाद पुराणवित्।।।।प्रासकार्मुकबिभ्रद्भिर्युवभिर्मृष्टकुण्डलैः।अप्रमादिभिरेकाग्रै स्स्वनुरक्तैरधिष्ठिताम्।।।।

Then Sumantra, learned in ancient custom, passed through the crowded gateway of the inner apartments and reached a more secluded courtyard. It was guarded by vigilant, single-minded young men devoted to their duty, bearing spears and bows and wearing polished earrings.

Verse 2.16.2

तदन्तःपुरद्वारं समतीत्य जनाकुलम्।प्रविविक्तां ततः कक्ष्यामाससाद पुराणवित्।।2.16.1।।प्रासकार्मुकबिभ्रद्भिर्युवभिर्मृष्टकुण्डलैः।अप्रमादिभिरेकाग्रै स्स्वनुरक्तैरधिष्ठिताम्।।2.16.2।।

It was guarded by young men with gleaming earrings—ever watchful, single-minded, devoted to their lord—bearing spears and bows.

Verse 2.16.3

तत्र काषायिणो वृद्धान् वेत्रपाणीन् स्वलङ्कृतान्।ददर्श विष्ठितान् द्वारि स्त्र्यध्यक्षान्सुसमाहितान्।।।।

The chariot thundered like a cloud, broad and unconfined, adorned with gold and jewels; its radiance seemed to steal the eyes, shining with the brilliance of the sun. Harnessed to superb horses, vigorous like young elephants, it sped swiftly like the chariot of Indra, the thousand-eyed, drawn by his steeds.

Verse 2.16.4

ते समीक्ष्य समायान्तं रामप्रियचिकीर्षवः।सहसोत्पतितास्सर्वे स्वासनेभ्यस्ससम्भ्रमाः।।।।

Surely your mother Kausalyā will rejoice, O delight of your mother, seeing you—your life’s course made fruitful—secure in your father’s kingdom.

Verse 2.16.5

तानुवाच विनीतात्मा सूतपुत्रः प्रदक्षिणः।क्षिप्रमाख्यात रामाय सुमंन्त्रो द्वारि तिष्ठति।।।।

Learning from their report that the charioteer—his father’s trusted intimate—had come, Raghava (Rama), wishing to honor him, had him brought in to that very place.

Verse 2.16.6

ते राममुपसङ्गम्य भर्तुः प्रियचिकीर्षवः।सहभार्याय रामाय क्षिप्रमेवाभिचक्षिरे।।।।

Sumantra beheld Rama, radiant like Vaiśravaṇa (Kubera), seated and splendidly adorned upon a golden couch with a fine coverlet. The foe-subduer was anointed with precious, pure, fragrant sandalpaste of deep reddish hue. And with Sita standing at his side, holding a yak-tail fan, he appeared like the moon accompanied by the star Citrā.

Verse 2.16.7

प्रतिवेदितमाज्ञाय सूतमभ्यन्तरं पितुः।तत्रैवानाययामास राघवप्रियकाम्यया।।।।

With trumpeting elephants and resounding horses, with bards and panegyrists going before him chanting auspicious blessings, and praised by the finest musicians, Rama proceeded in state like Vaiśravaṇa (Kubera).

Verse 2.16.8

तं वैश्रवणसङ्काशमुपविष्टं स्वलङ्कृतम्।ददर्श सूतः पर्य्यङ्के सौवर्णे सोत्तरच्छदे।।।।वराहरुधिराभेण शुचिना च सुगन्धिना।अनुलिप्तं परार्ध्येन चन्दनेन परन्तपम्।।।।स्थितया पार्श्वतश्चापि वालव्यजनहस्तया।उपेतं सीतयाभूयश्चित्रया शशिनं यथा।।।।

Rama beheld the splendid main road—thronged with she-elephants, elephants, chariots, and horses; its crossroads packed with great crowds; rich with gems and abundant with stores of merchandise.

Verse 2.16.9

तं वैश्रवणसङ्काशमुपविष्टं स्वलङ्कृतम्।ददर्श सूतः पर्य्यङ्के सौवर्णे सोत्तरच्छदे।।2.16.8।।वराहरुधिराभेण शुचिना च सुगन्धिना।अनुलिप्तं परार्ध्येन चन्दनेन परन्तपम्।।2.16.9।।स्थितया पार्श्वतश्चापि वालव्यजनहस्तया।उपेतं सीतयाभूयश्चित्रया शशिनं यथा।।2.16.10।।

Rama mounted the chariot, his friends rejoicing; and the glorious prince looked upon the city—adorned with flags and pennants, fragrant with costly agaru-incense, and crowded with people of every kind.

Verse 2.16.10

तं वैश्रवणसङ्काशमुपविष्टं स्वलङ्कृतम्।ददर्श सूतः पर्य्यङ्के सौवर्णे सोत्तरच्छदे।।2.16.8।।वराहरुधिराभेण शुचिना च सुगन्धिना।अनुलिप्तं परार्ध्येन चन्दनेन परन्तपम्।।2.16.9।।स्थितया पार्श्वतश्चापि वालव्यजनहस्तया।उपेतं सीतयाभूयश्चित्रया शशिनं यथा।।2.16.10।।

With Sītā standing at his side, holding a yak-tail fan in her hand, Rāma appeared once again like the Moon accompanied by the star Citrā.

Verse 2.16.11

तं तपन्तमिवादित्यमुपपन्नं स्वतेजसा।ववन्दे वरदं वन्दी विनयज्ञो विनीतवत्।।।।

Sumantra—the courtly herald, skilled in humility—bowed reverently to Rāma, the giver of boons, who shone like the Sun, established in his own innate splendour.

Verse 2.16.12

प्राञ्जलिस्सुमुखं दृष्ट्वा विहारशयनासने।राजपुत्रमुवाचेदं सुमन्त्रो राजसत्कृतः।।।।

Seeing the prince—charming of countenance—resting upon a couch, Sumantra, honoured by the king, spoke these words with folded hands.

Verse 2.16.13

कौशल्यासुप्रजा राम पिता त्वां द्रष्टुमिच्छति।महिष्या सह कैकेय्या गम्यतां तत्र मा चिरम्।।।।

“Rāma, noble son of Kauśalyā—your father wishes to see you, together with Queen Kaikeyī. Please go there at once; do not delay.”

Verse 2.16.14

एवमुक्तस्तु संहृष्टो नरसिंहो महाद्युतिः।ततस्सम्मानयामास सीतामिदमुवाच ह।।।।

Thus addressed, Rāma—the radiant lion among men—was delighted. Then, after duly honouring Sumantra, he spoke these words to Sītā.

Verse 2.16.15

देवि देवश्च देवी च समागम्य मदन्तरे।मन्त्रयेते धृवं किञ्चिदभिषेचनसंहितम्।।।।

“Devi, the king and the queen have met together to consult—surely—about something connected with my consecration.”

Verse 2.16.16

लक्षयित्वा ह्यभिप्रायं प्रियकामा सुदक्षिणा।सञ्चोदयति राजानं मदर्थमसितेक्षणा।।।।

“Having understood his intention, the dark-eyed queen—well-disposed and seeking what is dear—urges the king on my behalf.”

Verse 2.16.17

सा प्रहृष्टा महाराजं हितकामानुवर्तिनी।जननी चार्थकामा मे केकयाधिपतेस्सुता।।।।

My mother—the daughter of the Kekaya king—rejoices; aligned with the great king’s beneficent intent, she seeks my welfare.

Verse 2.16.18

दिष्ट्या खलु महाराजो महिष्या प्रियया सह।सुमन्त्रं प्राहिणोद्दूतमर्थकामकरं मम।।।।

Truly, fortune smiles: the great king, together with his beloved queen, has sent Sumantra as messenger—one who advances my welfare and rightful aims.

Verse 2.16.19

यादृशी परिषत्तत्र तादृशो दूत आगतः।ध्रुवमद्यैव मां राजा यौवराज्येऽभिषेक्ष्यति।।।।

As fitting as the council there is, so fitting a messenger has arrived. Surely, this very day the king will consecrate me as heir-apparent.

Verse 2.16.20

हन्त शीघ्रमितो गत्वा द्रक्ष्यामि च महीपतिम्।सह त्वं परिवारेण सुखमास्व रमस्व च।।।।

Come, I shall go from here at once and see the king. You, together with your attendants, remain here in comfort and be at ease.

Verse 2.16.21

पतिसम्मानिता सीता भर्तारमसितेक्षणा।आद्वारमनुवव्राज मङ्गलान्यभिदध्युषी।।।।

Sītā—dark-eyed and honored by her husband—followed him to the doorway, pondering the auspicious turn of events.

Verse 2.16.22

राज्यं द्विजातिभिर्जुष्टं राजसूयाभिषेचनम्।कर्तुमर्हति ते राजा वासवस्येव लोककृत्।।।।

“The king is fit to bestow on you a kingdom upheld by the brāhmins, together with the consecration of the Rājasūya—just as the Creator granted sovereignty to Vāsava (Indra).”

Verse 2.16.23

दीक्षितं व्रतसम्पन्नं वराजिनधरं शुचिम्।कुरङ्गशृङ्गपाणिं च पश्यन्ती त्वां भजाम्यहम्।।।।

“I shall rejoice to behold you consecrated—steadfast in vows, pure, clad in fine deer-skin, and holding the antelope’s horn in your hand.”

Verse 2.16.24

पूर्वां दिशं वज्रधरो दक्षिणां पातु ते यमः।वरुणः पश्चिमामाशां धनेशस्तूत्तरां दिशम्।।।।

“May Vajradhara (Indra) guard you in the east; Yama in the south; Varuṇa in the west; and Dhaneśa (Kubera) in the north.”

Verse 2.16.25

अथ सीतामनुज्ञाप्य कृतकौतुकमङ्गलः।निश्चक्राम सुमन्त्रेण सह रामो निवेशनात्।।।।

Then Rāma, having taken leave of Sītā and bearing auspicious adornments, set out from his residence together with Sumantra.

Verse 2.16.26

पर्वतादिव निष्क्रम्य सिंहो गिरिगुहाशयः।लक्ष्मणं द्वारिसोऽपश्यत्प्रह्वाञ्जलिपुटं स्थितम्।।।।

Like a lion emerging from a mountain cave, Rāma, as he came out, saw Lakṣmaṇa standing at the doorway, bowed in reverence with hands folded in añjali.

Verse 2.16.27

अथ मध्यमकक्ष्यायां समागच्छत्सुहृज्जनैः।स सर्वानर्थिनो दृष्ट्वा समेत्य प्रतिनन्द्य च।।।।ततः पावकसङ्काशमारुरोह रथोत्तमम्।वैयाघ्रं पुरुषव्याघ्रो राजतं राजनन्दनः।।।।

Then, in the middle courtyard, he met his dear friends. Seeing them all eager for him, he went up to them, joined them, and greeted them warmly.

Verse 2.16.28

अथ मध्यमकक्ष्यायां समागच्छत्सुहृज्जनैः।स सर्वानर्थिनो दृष्ट्वा समेत्य प्रतिनन्द्य च।।2.16.27।।ततः पावकसङ्काशमारुरोह रथोत्तमम्।वैयाघ्रं पुरुषव्याघ्रो राजतं राजनन्दनः।।2.16.28।।

Then the king’s son—tiger among men—mounted the finest chariot, silver and draped with tiger-skin, blazing like fire.

Verse 2.16.29

मेघनादमसम्बाधं मणिहेमविभूषितम्।मुष्णन्तमिव चक्षूंषि प्रभया सूर्यवर्चसम्।।।।करेणुशिशुकल्पैश्च युक्तं परमवाजिभिः।हरियुक्तं सहस्राक्षो रथमिन्द्र इवाशुगम्।।।।प्रययौ तूर्णमास्थाय राघवो ज्वलितश्श्रिया।

There he saw elderly wardens of the women’s quarters stationed at the doorway—clad in ochre, well-adorned, staffs in hand, and standing with unwavering attentiveness.

Verse 2.16.30

मेघनादमसम्बाधं मणिहेमविभूषितम्।मुष्णन्तमिव चक्षूंषि प्रभया सूर्यवर्चसम्।।2.16.29।।करेणुशिशुकल्पैश्च युक्तं परमवाजिभिः।हरियुक्तं सहस्राक्षो रथमिन्द्र इवाशुगम्।।2.16.30।।प्रययौ तूर्णमास्थाय राघवो ज्वलितश्श्रिया।

Resounding like a storm-cloud in the sky, that magnificent chariot rolled out from the residence—like the moon emerging from behind a great mass of cloud.

Verse 2.16.31

स पर्जन्य इवाकाशे स्वनवानभिनादयन्।।।।निकेतान्निर्ययौ श्रीमान्महाभ्रादिव चन्द्रमाः।

Lakṣmaṇa, Rāma’s younger brother, holding the parasol and the yak-tail fan, mounted the chariot behind and, as a true brother, kept watch over his brother.

Verse 2.16.32

छत्रचामरपाणिस्तु लक्ष्मणो राघवानुजः।।।।जुगोप भ्रातरं भ्राता रथमास्थाय पृष्ठतः।

Then, as he moved out, a great clamorous cry—“hā hā!”—rose from the surging crowds all around.

Verse 2.16.33

ततो हलहलाशब्दस्तुमुलस्समजायत।।।।तस्य निष्क्रममाणस्य जनौघस्य समन्ततः।

Then the foremost leaders—mounted on excellent horses and on elephants huge as hills—followed Rāma, in hundreds and in thousands.

Verse 2.16.34

ततो हयवरा मुख्या नागाश्च गिरिसन्निभाः।।।।अनुजग्मुस्तदा रामं शतशोऽथ सहस्रशः।

In front of him went brave men, armored and bearing swords and bows, their bodies anointed with sandal and agaru—moving as heralds announcing his approach.

Verse 2.16.35

अग्रतश्चास्य सन्नद्धाश्चन्दनागरुभूषिताः।।।।खड्गचापधराश्शूरा जग्मुराशंसवो जनाः।

Then, on the road, the sounds of instruments were heard, along with the hymns of praise sung by bards, and the lion-like roars of warriors.

Verse 2.16.36

ततो वादित्रशब्दाश्च स्तुतिशब्दाश्च वन्दिनाम्।।।।सिंहनादाश्च शूराणां तदा शुश्रुविरे पथि।

Rāma, the subduer of enemies, went on; and women—adorned and standing at the windows of their mansions—showered him from every side with heaps of lovely flowers.

Verse 2.16.37

हर्म्यवातायनस्थाभिर्भूषिताभिस्समन्ततः।।।।कीर्यमाण स्सुपुष्पौघैर्ययौ स्त्रीभिररिन्दमः।

Rama, subduer of enemies, went on; and women—adorned, standing at the windows of their mansions—showered him on every side with heaps of fragrant flowers.

Verse 2.16.38

रामं सर्वानवद्याङ्ग्यो रामपिप्रीषया ततः।।।।वचोभिरग्य्रैर्हर्म्यस्था क्षितिस्थाश्च ववन्दिरे।

Seeing Sumantra arrive, all those who wished for Rāma’s welfare sprang up at once from their seats in eager haste.

Verse 2.16.39

नूनं नन्दति ते माता कौशल्यामातृनन्दन।।।।पश्यन्ती सिद्धयात्रं त्वां पित्र्यं राज्यमवस्थितम्।

Then women of flawless beauty—some standing on rooftop terraces and others on the ground—paid homage to Rāma with choice, pleasing words, seeking to honor and gladden him.

Verse 2.16.40

सर्वसीमन्तिनीभ्यश्च सीतां सीमन्तिनी वराम्।।।।अमन्यन्त हि ता नार्यो रामस्य हृदयप्रियाम्।

Those women indeed regarded Sītā—dear to Rāma’s heart—as the finest of all noble ladies.

Verse 2.16.41

तया सुचरितं देव्या पुरा नूनं महत्तपः।।।।रोहिणीव शशाङ्केन रामसंयोगमाप या।

Surely, in former times that noble lady performed great austerities; therefore she attained union with Rama—like Rohiṇī with the Moon.

Verse 2.16.42

इति प्रासादशृङ्गेषु प्रमदाभिर्नरोत्तमः।।।।शुश्राव राजमार्गस्थः प्रिया वाच उदाहृताः।आत्मसंपूजनै शृण्वन् ययौ रामौ महापथम्।।।।

Thus, while on the royal road, Rama—the best of men—heard the pleasing words spoken by women from the tops of lofty buildings; listening to such praise of himself, he went on along the great highway.

Verse 2.16.43

इति प्रासादशृङ्गेषु प्रमदाभिर्नरोत्तमः।।2.16.42।।शुश्राव राजमार्गस्थः प्रिया वाच उदाहृताः।आत्मसंपूजनै शृण्वन् ययौ रामौ महापथम्।।2.16.43।।

There Rama heard the many streams of talk from the assembled people—varied words about himself—while the citizens before him were radiant with joy.

Verse 2.16.44

स राघवस्तत्र कथाप्रपञ्चान्शुश्राव लोकस्य समागतस्य।आत्माधिकारा विविधाश्च वाचःप्रहृष्टरूपस्य पुरो जनस्य।।।।

Today this Rāghava goes toward prosperity, set to attain vast dominion by the king’s favor; with him as our ruler, all of us will have our hopes fulfilled.

Verse 2.16.45

एष श्रियं गच्छति राघवोऽद्यराजप्रसादाद्विपुलां गमिष्यन्।एते वयं सर्व समृद्धकामायेषामयं नो भविता प्रशास्ता।।।।

It will be a true gain for these people if he governs this whole realm for a long time; under this lord of men, no one would ever see anything unpleasant—nor any sorrow.

Verse 2.16.46

लाभो जनस्यास्य यदेष सर्वंप्रपत्स्यते राष्ट्रमिदं चिराय।न ह्यप्रियं किञ्चन जातु कश्चित्पश्येन्न दुःखं मनुजाधिपेऽस्मिन्।।।।

If this Rama should obtain the whole kingdom for a long time, it will be a true gain for the people; for under this lord of men no one would ever behold even the least of what is unpleasant or sorrowful.

Verse 2.16.47

स घोषवद्भिश्च मतङ्गाजैर्ययैःपुरस्सरै स्स्वस्तिकसूतमागधैः।महीयमानः प्रवरैश्च वादकैरभिष्टुतो वैश्रवणो यथा ययौ।।।।

Then the charioteer’s son, humble and most courteous, said to them: “Quickly inform Rama—Sumantra is waiting at the doorway.”

Verse 2.16.48

करेणुमातंङ्गरथाश्वसंकुलंमहाजनौघ परिपूर्णचत्वरम्।प्रभूतरत्नं बहुपण्यसञ्चयंददर्श रामो रुचिरं महापथम्।।।।

Wishing to do what would please their lord, they approached Rama—who was with his wife—and quickly informed him.