Sarga 3

Verse 2.3.1

तेषामञ्जलिपद्मानि प्रगृहीतानि सर्वशः।प्रतिगृह्याब्रवीद्राजा तेभ्यः प्रियहितं वचः।।।।

Receiving their lotus-like folded palms raised in reverence, the king accepted their homage and spoke to them words both pleasing and beneficial.

Verse 2.3.2

अहोऽस्मि परमप्रीतः प्रभावश्चातुलो मम।यन्मे ज्येष्ठं प्रियं पुत्रं यौवराज्यस्थमिच्छथ।।।।

Let all the warriors—clad in fresh garments, fully armed, with long swords fastened—enter the glorious courtyard of the great king.

Verse 2.3.3

इति प्रत्यर्च्य तान्राजा ब्राह्मणानिदमब्रवीत्।वसिष्ठं वामदेवं च तेषामेवोपशृण्वताम्।।।।

Sumantra helped Rāghava alight from the excellent chariot; and as Rāma went toward his father’s presence, Sumantra followed behind with folded hands.

Verse 2.3.4

चैत्रश्श्रीमानयं मासः पुण्यः पुष्पितकाननः।यौवराज्याय रामस्य सर्वमेवोपकल्प्यताम्।।।।राज्ञस्तूपरते वाक्ये जनघोषो महानभूत्।

“This auspicious month of Caitra is sacred, with groves in full bloom. Let everything be prepared for Rāma’s consecration as heir-apparent.” When the king finished speaking, a great roar of acclaim rose from the people.

Verse 2.3.5

शनैस्तस्मिन्प्रशान्ते च जनघोषे जनाधिपः।।।।वसिष्ठं मुनिशार्दूलं राजा वचनमब्रवीत्।

Once that tumult of the people had gradually subsided, the King, the lord of men, spoke these words to Vasiṣṭha, the tiger among ascetics.

Verse 2.3.6

अभिषेकाय रामस्य यत्कर्म सपरिच्छदम्।।।।तदद्य भगवन् सर्वमाज्ञापयितु मर्हसि।

O revered one, be pleased to command today everything—together with all required articles—needed for Rama’s sacred consecration (abhisheka).

Verse 2.3.7

तच्छ्रुत्वा भूमिपालस्य वसिष्ठो द्विजसत्तमः।।।।आदिदेशाग्रतो राज्ञ स्स्थितान्युक्तान् कृताञ्जलीन्।

Hearing the king’s words, Vasiṣṭha—the foremost among brahmins—issued instructions to the appointed officials who stood before the king with folded hands.

Verse 2.3.8

सुवर्णादीनि रत्नानि बलीन् सर्वौषधीरपि।।।।शुक्लमाल्यांश्च लाजांश्च पृथक्च मधुसर्पिषी।अहतानि च वासांसि रथं सर्वायुधान्यपि।।।।चतुरङ्गबलं चैव गजं च शुभलक्षणम्।चामरव्यजने श्वेते ध्वजं छत्रं च पाण्डुरम्।।।।शतं च शातकुम्भानां कुम्भानाग्निवर्चसाम्।हिरण्यशृङ्गमृषभं समग्रं व्याघ्रचर्म च।।।।उपस्थापयत प्रातरग्न्यगारं महीपतेः।

By tomorrow morning, assemble in the king’s fire-sanctuary: gold and other precious metals, gems, offerings and medicinal herbs; white garlands, parched grain, and honey and ghee kept separately; unused garments, a chariot, and weapons of every kind; the fourfold army and an auspicious-marked elephant; white yak-tail fans, a banner and a pale parasol; a hundred radiant golden vessels; a complete tiger-skin; and a bull with gold-plated horns.

Verse 2.3.9

सुवर्णादीनि रत्नानि बलीन् सर्वौषधीरपि।।2.3.8।। शुक्लमाल्यांश्च लाजांश्च पृथक्च मधुसर्पिषी। अहतानि च वासांसि रथं सर्वायुधान्यपि।।2.3.9।। चतुरङ्गबलं चैव गजं च शुभलक्षणम्। चामरव्यजने श्वेते ध्वजं छत्रं च पाण्डुरम्।।2.3.10।। शतं च शातकुम्भानां कुम्भानाग्निवर्चसाम्। हिरण्यशृङ्गमृषभं समग्रं व्याघ्रचर्म च।।2.3.11।। उपस्थापयत प्रातरग्न्यगारं महीपतेः।

Though consoled by Rama regarding the impending forest-life, Maithilī—Janaka’s daughter—spoke these words to her husband.

Verse 2.3.10

सुवर्णादीनि रत्नानि बलीन् सर्वौषधीरपि।।2.3.8।। शुक्लमाल्यांश्च लाजांश्च पृथक्च मधुसर्पिषी। अहतानि च वासांसि रथं सर्वायुधान्यपि।।2.3.9।। चतुरङ्गबलं चैव गजं च शुभलक्षणम्। चामरव्यजने श्वेते ध्वजं छत्रं च पाण्डुरम्।।2.3.10।। शतं च शातकुम्भानां कुम्भानाग्निवर्चसाम्। हिरण्यशृङ्गमृषभं समग्रं व्याघ्रचर्म च।।2.3.11।। उपस्थापयत प्रातरग्न्यगारं महीपतेः।

By early morning, have all this set forth in the king’s agni-gṛha, the fire-sanctuary: gold and other precious metals, gems, offerings and every medicinal herb; white garlands and roasted grains; honey and ghee kept separate; fresh garments, a chariot and all kinds of weapons; the fourfold army and an auspiciously marked elephant; white yak-tail fans, a banner and a pale parasol; a hundred radiant golden vessels; a complete bull with gold-plated horns, and a tiger-skin.

Verse 2.3.11

सुवर्णादीनि रत्नानि बलीन् सर्वौषधीरपि।।2.3.8।।शुक्लमाल्यांश्च लाजांश्च पृथक्च मधुसर्पिषी।अहतानि च वासांसि रथं सर्वायुधान्यपि।।2.3.9।।चतुरङ्गबलं चैव गजं च शुभलक्षणम्।चामरव्यजने श्वेते ध्वजं छत्रं च पाण्डुरम्।।2.3.10।।शतं च शातकुम्भानां कुम्भानाग्निवर्चसाम्।हिरण्यशृङ्गमृषभं समग्रं व्याघ्रचर्म च।।2.3.11।।उपस्थापयत प्रातरग्न्यगारं महीपतेः।

And whatever else, however small, is required—let all of it be duly prepared. Let the gates of the inner palace and of the entire city be honored with sandal garlands and with incense sweet to the smell.

Verse 2.3.12

यच्चान्यत्किञ्चिदेष्टव्यं तत्सर्वमुपकल्प्यताम्।।।।अन्तःपुरस्य द्वाराणि सर्वस्य नगरस्य च।चन्दनस्रग्भिरर्च्यन्तां धूपैश्च घ्राणहारिभिः।।।।

“And whatever else—even the smallest thing—must be procured, let it all be duly arranged. Let the gates of the inner apartments, and of the whole city as well, be honored and adorned with sandalwood and garlands, and with sweet, fragrant incense.”

Verse 2.3.13

यच्चान्यत्किञ्चिदेष्टव्यं तत्सर्वमुपकल्प्यताम्।।2.3.12।।अन्तःपुरस्य द्वाराणि सर्वस्य नगरस्य च।चन्दनस्रग्भिरर्च्यन्तां धूपैश्च घ्राणहारिभिः।।2.3.13।।

Thus, having duly honored those brāhmaṇas, the king spoke these words as they listened, addressing Vasiṣṭha and Vāmadeva as well.

Verse 2.3.14

प्रशस्तमन्नं गुणवद्दधिक्षीरोपसेचनम्।द्विजानां शतसाहस्रे यत्प्रकाममलं भवेत्।।।।

Ah, I am supremely delighted, and my splendour too is beyond compare—since you desire my beloved eldest son to be installed as yuvarāja, the prince-regent.

Verse 2.3.15

सत्कृत्य द्विजमुख्यानां श्वःप्रभाते प्रदीयताम्।घृतं दधि च लाजाश्च दक्षिणाश्चापि पुष्कलाः।।।।

Let excellent food be prepared—fine rice enriched with curd (dadhi) and milk—pure and sufficient for a hundred thousand brahmins to eat to their heart’s content.

Verse 2.3.16

सूर्येऽभ्युदितमात्रे श्वो भविता स्वस्तिवाचनम्।ब्राह्मणाश्च निमन्त्र्यन्तां कल्प्यन्तामासनानि च।।।।

Having duly honoured the foremost brahmins, let ghee, curd (dadhi), roasted grains, and ample gifts (dakshina) be given to them tomorrow at dawn.

Verse 2.3.17

आबध्यन्तां पताकाश्च राजमार्गश्च सिंच्यताम्।सर्वे च तालावचरा गणिकाश्च स्वलङ्कृताः।।।।कक्ष्यां द्वितीयामासाद्य तिष्ठन्तु नृपवेश्मनः।

Tomorrow, as soon as the sun has just risen, let benedictory recitations be performed; and let brahmins be invited and seats arranged for them.

Verse 2.3.18

देवायतनचैत्येषुसान्नभक्षा स्सदक्षिणाः।।।।उपस्थापयितव्या स्स्युर्माल्ययोग्याः पृथक्पृथक्।

Let banners be fastened, and let the royal roads be sprinkled with water. Let all performers and courtesans (ganikās), beautifully adorned, proceed to the second inner court of the king’s palace and remain stationed there.

Verse 2.3.19

दीर्घासिबद्धा योधाश्च सन्नद्धा मृष्टवाससः।।।।महाराजाङ्गणं सर्वे प्रविशन्तु महोदयम्।

At temples and sacred shrines, let attendants be stationed separately—provided with food and eatables, along with gifts (dakshina)—fit to present garlands.

Verse 2.3.20

एवं व्यादिश्य विप्रौ तौ क्रियास्तत्र सुनिष्ठितौ।।।।चक्रतुश्चैव यच्छेषं पार्थिवाय निवेद्य च।

Thus the two disciplined brahmins, having given instructions there for the rites, carried out what remained to be done and reported it to the king.

Verse 2.3.21

कृतमित्येव चाब्रूतां अभिगम्य जगत्पतिम्।।।।यथोक्तवचनं प्रीतौ हर्षयुक्तौ द्विजर्षभौ।

Approaching the lord of the land, the two eminent brahmins—pleased and filled with joy—said, in accordance with his command, “It is done.”

Verse 2.3.22

ततस्सुमन्त्रं द्युतिमान्राजा वचनमब्रवीत्।रामः कृतात्मा भवता शीघ्रमानीयतामिति।।।।

Then the radiant king said to Sumantra: “Bring here at once Rāma, the self-possessed.”

Verse 2.3.23

स तथेति प्रतिज्ञाय सुमन्त्रो राजशासनात्।।।।रामं तत्रानयाञ्चक्रे रथेन रथिनां वरम्।

Sumantra, foremost of charioteers, assented, “So be it,” and, acting on the king’s command, brought Rāma there in a chariot.

Verse 2.3.24

अथ तत्र समासीना स्तदा दशरथं नृपम्।।।।प्राच्योदीच्याः प्रतीच्याश्च दाक्षिणात्याश्च भूमिपाः।म्लेच्छाश्चार्याश्च ये चान्ये वनशैलान्तवासिनः।।।।उपासाञ्चक्रिरे सर्वे तं देवा इव वासवम्।

Then, seated there, kings from the east and north, from the west and the south—mleccha and ārya rulers alike, and others dwelling by forests and mountain frontiers—all paid homage to King Daśaratha, as the devas do to Indra.

Verse 2.3.25

अथ तत्र समासीना स्तदा दशरथं नृपम्।।2.3.24।।प्राच्योदीच्याः प्रतीच्याश्च दाक्षिणात्याश्च भूमिपाः।म्लेच्छाश्चार्याश्च ये चान्ये वनशैलान्तवासिनः।।2.3.25।।उपासाञ्चक्रिरे सर्वे तं देवा इव वासवम्।

In their midst, that royal sage—like Indra among the Maruts—standing in the palace, saw his son approaching, seated in the chariot.

Verse 2.3.26

तेषां मध्ये स राजर्षिर्मरुतामिव वासवः।।।।प्रासादस्थो रथगतं ददर्शायान्तमात्मजम्।

Rāma looked like the very image of the king of the Gandharvas, famed in the world for valor—long-armed, mighty, moving with the majestic gait of an intoxicated elephant, with a moonstone-like face and exceedingly pleasing to behold. By his beauty, nobility, and virtues he stole the eyes and hearts of men; like rain that delights people scorched by heat, he gladdened the populace. Watching him draw near, the king could not be sated.

Verse 2.3.27

गन्धर्वराजप्रतिमं लोके विख्यातपौरुषम्।।।।दीर्घबाहुं महासत्त्वं मत्तमातङ्गगामिनम्।चन्द्रकान्ताननं राममतीव प्रियदर्शनम्।।।।रूपौदार्यगुणैः पुंसां दृष्टिचित्तापहारिणम्।घर्माभितप्ताः पर्जन्यं ह्लादयन्तमिव प्रजाः।।।।न ततर्प समायान्तं पश्यमानो नराधिपः।

Having helped Rāghava alight from the splendid chariot, Sumantra followed behind with folded hands as Rāma went toward his father.

Verse 2.3.28

गन्धर्वराजप्रतिमं लोके विख्यातपौरुषम्।।2.3.27।।दीर्घबाहुं महासत्त्वं मत्तमातङ्गगामिनम्।चन्द्रकान्ताननं राममतीव प्रियदर्शनम्।।2.3.28।।रूपौदार्यगुणैः पुंसां दृष्टिचित्तापहारिणम्।घर्माभितप्ताः पर्जन्यं ह्लादयन्तमिव प्रजाः।।2.3.29।।न ततर्प समायान्तं पश्यमानो नराधिपः।

Rāghava, best among men, ascended that palace lofty like the peak of Kailāsa, accompanied by the charioteer, in order to see the king.

Verse 2.3.29

गन्धर्वराजप्रतिमं लोके विख्यातपौरुषम्।।2.3.27।।दीर्घबाहुं महासत्त्वं मत्तमातङ्गगामिनम्।चन्द्रकान्ताननं राममतीव प्रियदर्शनम्।।2.3.28।।रूपौदार्यगुणैः पुंसां दृष्टिचित्तापहारिणम्।घर्माभितप्ताः पर्जन्यं ह्लादयन्तमिव प्रजाः।।2.3.29।।न ततर्प समायान्तं पश्यमानो नराधिपः।

Thus, having duly honored those brāhmaṇas in return, the king spoke these words—addressing Vasiṣṭha and Vāmadeva while the others listened.

Verse 2.3.30

अवतार्य सुमन्त्रस्तं राघवं स्यन्दनोत्तमात्।।।।पितुस्समीपं गच्छन्तं प्राञ्जलिः पृष्ठतोऽन्वगात्।

Then Rāghava—best among men—ascended that palace, lofty like the peak of Kailāsa, accompanied by his charioteer, in order to see the king.

Verse 2.3.31

स तं कैलासशृङ्गाभं प्रासादं नरपुङ्गवः।।।।आरुरोह नृपं द्रष्टुं सह सूतेन राघवः।

When the people’s clamour had gradually subsided, the king—lord of the people—spoke to Vasiṣṭha, the tiger among sages.

Verse 2.3.32

स प्राञ्जलिरभिप्रेत्य प्रणतः पितुरन्तिके।।।।नाम स्वं श्रावयन्रामो ववन्दे चरणौ पितुः।

With palms joined, Rāma approached his father, bowed low at his side, uttered his own name in humility, and reverently touched his father’s feet.

Verse 2.3.33

तं दृष्ट्वा प्रणतं पार्श्वे कृताञ्जलिपुटं नृपः।।।।गृह्याञ्जलौ समाकृष्य सस्वजे प्रियमात्मजम्।

Seeing his beloved son standing nearby, bowed with palms joined, the king clasped his folded hands, drew him close, and embraced him.

Verse 2.3.34

तस्मै चाभ्युदितं दिव्यं मणिकाञ्चनभूषितम्।।।।दिदेश राजा रुचिरं रामाय परमासनम्।

Then the king directed that a splendid, elevated, divine seat—adorned with gems and gold—be set for Rāma.

Verse 2.3.35

तदासनवरं प्राप्य व्यदीपयत राघवः।।।।स्वयैव प्रभया मेरुमुदये विमलो रविः।

Seated upon that excellent seat, Rāghava shone forth—like the spotless morning sun illuminating Mount Meru with its own radiance.

Verse 2.3.36

तेन विभ्राजता तत्र सा सभाऽभिव्यरोचत।।।।विमलग्रहनक्षत्रा शारदी द्यौरिवेन्दुना।

As he shone there, the assembly itself gleamed—like the clear autumn sky, strewn with planets and stars, made dazzling by the moon.

Verse 2.3.37

तं पश्यमानो नृपतिस्तुतोष प्रियमात्मजम्।।।।अलङ्कृतमिवात्मानमादर्शतलसंस्थितम्।

Beholding his beloved son, the king felt profound delight—as though he were seeing his own adorned self reflected upon the surface of a mirror.

Verse 2.3.38

स तं सस्मितमाभाष्य पुत्रं पुत्रवतां वरः।।।।उवाचेदं वचो राजा देवेन्द्रमिव काश्यपः।

Smiling as he addressed his son, the king—best among fathers—spoke these words, like Kaśyapa speaking to Devendra.

Verse 2.3.39

ज्येष्ठायामसि मे पत्न्यां सदृश्यां सदृशस्सुतः।।।।उत्पन्नस्त्वं गुणश्रेष्ठो मम रामात्मजः प्रियः।

O Rāma, from my eldest wife—herself most worthy—you were born a worthy son, foremost in virtues, and dear to me as my own child.

Verse 2.3.40

यतस्त्वया प्रजाश्चेमा स्स्वगुणैरनुरञ्जिताः।।।।तस्मात्त्वं पुष्ययोगेन यौवराज्यमवाप्नुहि।

Since by your own virtues you have won the hearts of these subjects, therefore, when the Moon joins the auspicious Puṣya, assume the office of yuvarāja, the heir-apparent.

Verse 2.3.41

कामतस्त्वं प्रकृत्यैव विनीतो गुणवानसि।।।।गुणवत्यपि तु स्नेहात्पुत्र वक्ष्यामि ते हितम्।

When the people’s uproar had gradually subsided, the king—lord of his subjects—addressed Vasiṣṭha, the tiger among sages, with these words.

Verse 2.3.42

भूयो विनयमास्थाय भव नित्यं जितेन्द्रियः।।।।कामक्रोधसमुत्थानि त्यजेथा व्यसनानि च।

Truly, by your very nature you are courteous and endowed with virtues; yet, my son, even to one so virtuous I will speak what is beneficial to you—out of affection.

Verse 2.3.43

परोक्षया वर्तमानो वृत्त्या प्रत्यक्षया तथा।।।।अमात्यप्रभृतीस्सर्वाःप्रकृतीश्चानुरञ्जय।

Cultivate humility still more, and always keep your senses conquered; renounce also the failings and afflictions that arise from desire and anger.

Verse 2.3.44

कोष्ठागारायुधागारैःकृत्वा सन्निचयान्बहून्।।।।तुष्टानुरक्तप्रकृतिर्यः पालयति मेदिनीम्।तस्यनन्दन्ति मित्राणि लब्ध्वाऽमृतमिवामराः।।।।तस्मात्त्वमपि चात्मानं नियम्यैवं समाचर।

By your conduct—whether in their absence or in their presence—keep all groups content: the ministers and the people alike.

Verse 2.3.45

कोष्ठागारायुधागारैःकृत्वा सन्निचयान्बहून्।।2.3.44।।तुष्टानुरक्तप्रकृतिर्यः पालयति मेदिनीम्।तस्यनन्दन्ति मित्राणि लब्ध्वाऽमृतमिवामराः।।2.3.45।।तस्मात्त्वमपि चात्मानं नियम्यैवं समाचर।

He who, having made ample stores in granaries and armories, governs the earth while keeping his subjects content and devoted—his allies rejoice, like the gods who have obtained amṛta. Therefore you too, restraining yourself, act in this very way.

Verse 2.3.46

तच्छ्रुत्वा सुहृदस्तस्य रामस्य प्रियकारिणः।।।।त्वरिताः शीघ्रमभ्येत्य कौसल्यायै न्यवेदयन्।

Hearing this, Rāma’s well-wishers, eager to bring joy, hurried at once to Kauśalyā and informed her.

Verse 2.3.47

सा हिरण्यं च गाश्चैव रत्नानि विविधानि च।।।।व्यादिदेश प्रियाख्येभ्यः कौसल्या प्रमदोत्तमा।

Kauśalyā, foremost among women, ordered that gold, cows, and various gems be given to the messengers who brought the pleasing news.

Verse 2.3.48

अथाऽभिवाद्य राजानं रथमारुह्य राघवः।।।।ययौ स्वं द्युतिमद्वेश्म जनौघैः प्रतिपूजितः।

Then Rāghava, having paid obeisance to the king, mounted his chariot and proceeded to his radiant residence, honored by crowds of people.

Verse 2.3.49

ते चापि पौरा नृपतेर्वचस्तच्छृत्वा तथा लाभमिवेष्टमाशु।नरेन्द्रमामन्त्र्य गृहाणि गत्वादेवान्समानर्चुरतिप्रहृष्टाः।।।।

The citizens too, hearing the king’s announcement, felt it like a cherished gain. Taking leave of the ruler, they quickly went to their homes and, filled with joy, worshipped the gods.