Sarga 9

Verse 2.9.1

एवमुक्ता तु कैकेयी क्रोधेन ज्वलितानना।दीर्घमुष्णं विनिश्वस्य मन्थरामिदमब्रवीत्।।।।

Thus addressed, Kaikeyī—her face aflame with anger—breathed out a long, hot sigh and spoke these words to Mantharā.

Verse 2.9.2

अद्य राममितः क्षिप्रं वनं प्रस्थापयाम्यहम्।यौवराज्ये च भरतं क्षिप्रमेवाभिषेचये।।।।

“Ask your husband for those two boons: the consecration of Bharata, and the banishment of Rāma for fourteen years.”

Verse 2.9.3

इदं त्विदानीं सम्पश्य केनोपायेन मन्थरे।भरतः प्राप्नुयाद्राज्यं न तु रामः कथञ्चन।।।।

Now consider this, O Mantharā—by what means can Bharata obtain the kingdom, and not Rāma, by any means at all?

Verse 2.9.4

एवमुक्ता तया देव्या मन्थरा पापदर्शिनी।रामार्थमुपहिंसन्ती कैकेयीमिदमब्रवीत्।।।।

O hunchback, you alone are ever attentive to my affairs, seeking my welfare; without you I might not have understood what the king intends to do.

Verse 2.9.5

हन्तेदानीं प्रवक्ष्यामि कैकेयि श्रूयतां च मे।यथा ते भरतो राज्यं पुत्रः प्राप्स्यति केवलम्।।।।

O hunchback, I will have a splendid, auspicious tilaka of gold made for your face, and I will also commission fine ornaments for you.

Verse 2.9.6

किं न स्मरसि कैकेयि स्मरन्ती वा निगूहसे।यदुच्यमानमात्मार्थं मत्तस्त्वं श्रोतुमिच्छसि।।।।

Kaikeyī, do you not remember—or, remembering, do you conceal it—what I am about to say for your own advantage, which you wish to hear from me?

Verse 2.9.7

मयोच्यमानं यदि ते श्रोतुं छन्दो विलासिनि।श्रूयतामभिधास्यामि श्रुत्वा चापि विमृश्यताम्।।।।

O lovely one, if it pleases you to hear what I am about to say, then listen—I shall speak; and having heard it, you must also reflect upon it.

Verse 2.9.8

श्रुत्वैवं वचनं तस्या मन्थरायास्तु कैकेयी।किञ्चिदुत्थाय शयनात्स्वास्तीर्णादिदमब्रवीत्।।।।

Hearing Mantharā’s words, Kaikeyī rose slightly from her well-spread bed and spoke as follows.

Verse 2.9.9

कथय त्वं ममोपायं केनोपायेन मन्थरे।भरतः प्राप्नुयाद्राज्यं न तु रामः कथञ्चन।।।।

O Mantharā, tell me the means—by what device may Bharata obtain the kingdom, and Rāma not obtain it by any means whatsoever?

Verse 2.9.10

एवमुक्ता तया देव्या मन्थरा पापदर्शिनी।रामार्थमुपहिंसन्ती कुब्जा वचनमब्रवीत्।।।।

Thus spoken to by the queen, Mantharā—the hunchback, evil in outlook—replied, intent on harming Rāma’s cause.

Verse 2.9.11

तव दैवासुरे युद्धे सह राजर्षिभिः पतिः।अगच्छत्त्वामुपादाय देवराजस्य साह्यकृत्।।।।दिशमास्थाय वै देवि दक्षिणां दण्डकान्प्रति।वैजयन्तमिति ख्यातं पुरं यत्र तिमिध्वजः।।।।

O queen, in the war between the gods and the asuras, your husband went—together with royal seers—to aid Indra, lord of the devas, taking you with him. Setting out toward the southern quarter, toward Daṇḍaka, he reached the famed city called Vaijayanta, where Timidhvaja was.

Verse 2.9.12

तव दैवासुरे युद्धे सह राजर्षिभिः पतिः।अगच्छत्त्वामुपादाय देवराजस्य साह्यकृत्।।2.9.11।।दिशमास्थाय वै देवि दक्षिणां दण्डकान्प्रति।वैजयन्तमिति ख्यातं पुरं यत्र तिमिध्वजः।।2.9.12।।

That mighty asura, famed as Śambara—master of a hundred deceits—challenged Śakra (Indra) to battle, unconquered even by the hosts of the gods.

Verse 2.9.13

स शम्बर इति ख्यातश्शतमायो महासुरः।ददौ शक्रस्य सङ्ग्रामं देवसङ्घैरनिर्जितः।।।।

In that great battle, the rākṣasas would rush in by night and slaughter the warriors—those already wounded and those asleep.

Verse 2.9.14

तस्मिन्महति सङ्ग्रामे पुरुषान्क्षतविक्षतान्।रात्रौ प्रसुप्तान्घ्नन्ति स्म तरसाऽऽसाद्य राक्षसाः।।।।

There, King Daśaratha fought a mighty battle; yet the mighty-armed king was cut down and shattered by the weapons of the asuras.

Verse 2.9.15

तत्राकरोन्महद्युद्धं राजा दशरथस्तदा।असुरैश्च महाबाहुश्शस्त्रैश्च शकलीकृतः।।।।

O queen, when your husband lost consciousness, you carried him away from the battlefield and protected him; and even there, though wounded by weapons, your lord was saved by you.

Verse 2.9.16

अपवाह्य त्वया देवि सङ्ग्रामान्नष्टचेतनः।तत्रापि विक्षतश्शस्त्रैः पतिस्ते रक्षितस्त्वया।।।।

O fair-looking queen, pleased with you, he granted you two boons. And you said to your husband, “Whenever I wish, then shall I claim those boons.” The great-souled king replied, “So be it.”

Verse 2.9.17

तुष्टेन तेन दत्तौ ते द्वौ वरौ शुभदर्शने।स त्वयोक्तः पतिर्देवि यदेच्छेयं तदा वरौ।।।।गृह्णीयामिति तत्तेन तथेत्युक्तं महात्मना।

“O fair-looking queen! Pleased with you, he granted you two boons. And you told your husband, ‘Whenever I wish, then I shall claim those boons.’ To that, the great-souled king replied, ‘So be it.’”

Verse 2.9.18

अनभिज्ञाम्ह्यहं देवि त्वयैव कथिता पुरा।।।।कथैषा तव तु स्नेहान्मनसा धार्यते मया।रामाभिषेकसम्भारान्निगृह्य विनिवर्तय।।।।

“Today I will swiftly send Rāma away from here to the forest, and without delay I will have Bharata consecrated as prince-regent.”

Verse 2.9.19

अनभिज्ञाम्ह्यहं देवि त्वयैव कथिता पुरा।।2.9.18।।कथैषा तव तु स्नेहान्मनसा धार्यते मया।रामाभिषेकसम्भारान्निगृह्य विनिवर्तय।।2.9.19।।

“O queen, I truly did not know this; you yourself had told me of it earlier. Yet, out of affection for you, I kept this matter in my heart. Now, forcibly restrain and stop the preparations for Rāma’s consecration.”

Verse 2.9.20

तौ वरौ याच भर्तारं भरतस्याभिषेचनम्।प्रव्राजनं च रामस्य त्वं वर्षाणि चतुर्दश।।।।

For if Rāma is exiled to the forest for fourteen years, your son will be firmly established, having won the people’s affection and allegiance.

Verse 2.9.21

चतुर्दश हि वर्षाणि रामे प्रव्राजिते वनम्।प्रजाभावगतस्नेहस्स्थिरः पुत्रो भविष्यति।।।।

O daughter of Aśvapati, go today into the chamber of wrath; like one truly enraged, lie down there on the ground, unadorned and wearing soiled garments.

Verse 2.9.22

क्रोधागारं प्रविश्याऽद्य क्रुद्धेवाश्वपतेस्सुते।शेष्वाऽनन्तर्हितायां त्वं भूमौ मलिनवासिनी।।।।

Do not even look back at him, and do not speak to him. Seeing him, remain in tears—lying on the ground, intent on grief.

Verse 2.9.23

मास्मैनं प्रत्युदीक्षेथा मा चैनमभिभाषथाः।रुदन्ती चापि तं दृष्ट्वा जगत्यां शोकलालसा।।।।

You have always been dear to your husband—of this I have no doubt. For your sake, that great king would even enter the fire.

Verse 2.9.24

दयिता त्वं सदा भर्तुरत्र मे नास्ति संशयः।त्वत्कृते स महाराजो विशेदपि हुताशनम्।।।।

He is not able to provoke your anger, nor can he bear to look upon you when you are enraged. Indeed, for your pleasure, the king would even give up his life.

Verse 2.9.25

न त्वां क्रोधयितुं शक्तो न क्रृद्धां प्रत्युदीक्षितुम्।तव प्रियार्थं राजा हि प्राणानपि परित्यजेत्।।।।

For the lord of the earth is not able to transgress your word. O woman of ignoble disposition, understand the power of your own fortune and charm.

Verse 2.9.26

न ह्यतिक्रमितुं शक्तस्तव वाक्यं महीपतिः।मन्दस्वभावे बुध्यस्व सौभाग्यबलमात्मनः।।।।

The Lord of the Earth is indeed incapable of transgressing your word. O one of naive nature, realize the power of your own charm and fortune.

Verse 2.9.27

मणिमुक्तं सुवर्णानि रत्नानि विविधानि च।दद्याद्दशरथो राजा मास्म तेषु मनः कृथाः।।।।

King Daśaratha may offer you gems, pearls, gold, and many kinds of precious stones—do not let your mind be drawn to them.

Verse 2.9.28

यौ तौ दैवासुरे युद्धे वरौ दशरथोऽददात्।तौ स्मारय महाभागे सोऽर्थो न त्वामतिक्रमेत्।।।।

O highly fortunate queen, remind him of the two boons Daśaratha granted you in the war between gods and demons, so that your purpose does not slip away from you.

Verse 2.9.29

यदातु ते वरं दद्यात्स्वयमुत्थाप्य राघवः।व्यवस्थाप्य महाराजं त्वमिमं वृणुया वरम्।।।।

When the Rāghava himself lifts you up and offers you a boon, establish the great king in a firm resolve—and then choose this boon.

Verse 2.9.30

रामं प्रव्राजयारण्ये नव वर्षाणि पञ्च च।भरतः क्रियतां राजा पृथिव्याः पार्थिवर्षभः।।।।

Exile Rāma to the forest for nine years and five more, and have Bharata made king of the earth, O best of kings.

Verse 2.9.31

चतुर्दश हि वर्षाणि रामे प्रव्राजिते वनम्।रूढश्च कृतमूलश्च शेषं स्थास्यति ते सुतः।।।।

For when Rāma has been exiled to the forest for fourteen years, your son will have grown strong and taken deep root; thereafter he will remain secure for the rest of his time.

Verse 2.9.32

रामप्रव्राजनं चैव देवि याचस्व तं वरम्।एवं सिद्ध्यन्ति पुत्रस्य सर्वार्थास्तव भामिनि।।।।

O queen, ask him also for that boon—Rāma’s exile; thus, O passionate lady, all your son’s aims will be accomplished.

Verse 2.9.33

एवं प्रव्राजितश्चैव रामोऽरामो भविष्यति।भरतश्च हतामित्रस्तव राजा भविष्यति।।।।

Thus, once exiled, Rāma will become ‘no longer Rāma’; and Bharata—his rivals removed—will become your king.

Verse 2.9.34

येन कालेन रामश्च वनात्प्रत्यागमिष्यति।तेन कालेन पुत्रस्ते कृतमूलो भविष्यति।।।।सुगृहीतमनुष्यश्च सुहृद्भिस्सार्धमात्मवान्।

By the time Rāma returns from the forest, by that very time your son will be firmly rooted—self-possessed, supported by loyal friends, and having secured the people’s allegiance.

Verse 2.9.35

प्राप्तकालं नु मन्येऽहं राजानं वीतसाध्वसा।।।।रामाभिषेकसङ्कल्पान्निगृह्य विनिवर्तय।

I deem the proper moment has now arrived. Without fear, restrain the king and turn him back from his resolve to consecrate Rāma.

Verse 2.9.36

अनर्थमर्थरूपेण ग्राहिता सा ततस्तया।।।।हृष्टा प्रतीता कैकेयी मन्थरामिदमब्रवीत्।

Thus addressed by Queen Kaikeyī, Mantharā—evil in her outlook—spoke these words to Kaikeyī, intent on harming Rāma’s cause.

Verse 2.9.37

सा हि वाक्येन कुब्जायाः किशोरीवोत्पथं गता।।।।कैकेयी विस्मयं प्राप्ता परं परमदर्शना।

After Mantharā had made her accept a harmful plan as though it were beneficial, Kaikeyī—convinced and delighted—spoke these words to Mantharā.

Verse 2.9.38

कुब्जे त्वां नाभिजानामि श्रेष्ठां श्रेष्ठाभिथायिनीम्।।।।पृथिव्यामसि कुब्जानामुत्तमा बुद्धिनिश्चये।

For Kaikeyī—though famed for clear judgment—was astonished by the hunchback’s words and, like an immature girl, strayed onto a wrongful path.

Verse 2.9.39

त्वमेव तु ममाऽर्थेषु नित्ययुक्ता हितैषिणी।।।।नाहं समवबुध्येयं कुब्जे राज्ञश्चिकीर्षितम्।

O hunchback, I did not know you to be so excellent, one who speaks such noble counsel. In this world, among hunchbacks, you are foremost in firmness of judgment.

Verse 2.9.40

सन्ति दुस्संस्थिताः कुब्जा वक्राः परमदारुणाः।।।।त्वं पद्ममिव वातेन सन्नता प्रियदर्शना।त्वं पद्ममिव वातेन सन्नता प्रियदर्शना।

There are hunchbacks ill-formed, crooked, and dreadful to behold; but you, lovely to look upon, are like a lotus gently bent by the wind, pleasing to the eye.

Verse 2.9.41

उरस्तेऽभिनिविष्टं वै यावत्स्कन्धात् समुन्नतं।।।।अधस्ताच्चोदरं शातं सुनाभमिव लज्जितम्।

Your bosom is full and rises up to the shoulders; beneath it your belly is slender, with a lovely navel, as though modestly hidden.

Verse 2.9.42

परिपूर्णं तु जघनं सुपीनौ च पयोधरौ।।।।विमलेन्दुसमं वक्त्रमहोराजसि मन्थरे।

Your hips are full, your breasts round and firm; your face is like the spotless moon—how radiant you are, O Mantharā!

Verse 2.9.43

जघनं तव निर्घुष्टं रशनादामशोभितम्।।।।जङ्घे भृशमुपन्यस्ते पादौ चाप्यायतावुभौ।

Your hips, adorned with a jingling girdle, resound as you move; your calves are firmly set and strong, and both your feet are long and well formed.

Verse 2.9.44

त्वमायताभ्यां सक्थिभ्यां मन्थरे क्षौमवासिनी।।।।अग्रतो मम गच्छन्ती राजहंसीव राजसे।

O Mantharā, clad in fine cloth, when you walk before me with your long thighs, you shine like a royal swan moving ahead.

Verse 2.9.45

आसन्याश्शम्बरे मायास्सहस्रमसुराधिपे।।।।सर्वास्त्वयि निविष्टास्ता भूयश्चान्यास्सहस्रशः।

Very well—now I shall tell you, O Kaikeyī. Listen to me: how your son Bharata alone will obtain the kingship.

Verse 2.9.46

तवेदं स्थगु यद्दीर्घं रथघोणमिवायतम्।।।।मतयः क्षत्रविद्याश्च मायाश्चात्र वसन्ति ते।

A thousand stratagems once belonged to Śambara, lord of the Asuras; yet all of those are lodged in you—and beyond them, thousands more besides.

Verse 2.9.47

अत्र ते प्रतिमोक्ष्यामि मालां कुब्जे हिरण्मयीम्।।।।अभिषिक्ते च भरते राघवे च वनं गते।

That long hump of yours—broad like a chariot’s hub—houses your shrewd designs, your kṣatriya-like tactics, and your arts of deception as well.

Verse 2.9.48

जात्येन च सुवर्णेन सुनिष्टप्तेन मन्थरे।।।।लब्धार्था च प्रतीता च लेपयिष्यामि ते स्थगु।

Here, upon your hump, O hunchback, I shall place a golden garland—when Bharata has been consecrated and Rāghava has gone to the forest.

Verse 2.9.49

मुखे च तिलकं चित्रं जातरूपमयं शुभम्।।।।कारयिष्यामि ते कुब्जे शुभान्याभरणानि च।

O Mantharā, when my purpose is achieved and I am satisfied, I will anoint your hump with the finest, well-refined gold.

Verse 2.9.50

परिधाय शुभे वस्त्रे देवतेव चरिष्यसि।।।।चन्द्रमाह्वयमानेन मुखेनाप्रतिमानना।गमिष्यसि गतिं मुख्यां गर्वयन्ती द्विषज्जनम्।।।।

Clad in auspicious garments, you will move about like a goddess. With a peerless face, as though challenging the moon itself, you will attain high eminence—proud amid those who oppose you.

Verse 2.9.51

परिधाय शुभे वस्त्रे देवतेव चरिष्यसि।।2.9.50।।चन्द्रमाह्वयमानेन मुखेनाप्रतिमानना।गमिष्यसि गतिं मुख्यां गर्वयन्ती द्विषज्जनम्।।2.9.51।।

Even other hunchbacks, adorned with every ornament, will attend upon your feet—just as you have always attended upon mine.

Verse 2.9.52

तवापि कुब्जाः कुब्जायास्सर्वाभरणभूषिताः।पादौ परिचरिष्यन्ति यथैव त्वं सदा मम।।।।

Thus praised, Mantharā spoke these words to Kaikeyī, who lay upon a radiant white couch, blazing like a flame upon a sacrificial altar.

Verse 2.9.53

इति प्रशस्यमाना सा कैकेयीमिदमब्रवीत्।शयानां शयने शुभ्रे वेद्यामग्निशिखामिव।।।।

Being praised in this manner, Mantharā spoke these words to Kaikeyī, who was lying on a radiant white couch, resembling a flame upon a sacrificial altar.

Verse 2.9.54

गतोदके सेतुबन्धो न कल्याणि विधीयते।उत्तिष्ठ कुरु कल्याणि राजानमनुदर्शय।।।।

O auspicious lady, once the water has already flowed away, one cannot set about building a dam. Rise now; act at once, and show your resolve before the king.

Verse 2.9.55

तथा प्रोत्साहिता देवी गत्वा मन्थरया सह।क्रोधागारं विशालाक्षी सौभाग्यमदगर्विता।।।।अनेकशतसाहस्रं मुक्ताहारं वराङ्गना।अवमुच्य वरार्हाणि शुभान्याभरणानि च।।।।ततो हेमोपमा तत्र कुब्जावाक्यवशं गता।संविश्य भूमौ कैकेयी मन्थरामिदमब्रवीत्।।।।

Thus urged on, the queen—large-eyed and intoxicated with pride in her good fortune—went with Mantharā into the Chamber of Wrath.

Verse 2.9.56

तथा प्रोत्साहिता देवी गत्वा मन्थरया सह।क्रोधागारं विशालाक्षी सौभाग्यमदगर्विता।।2.9.55।।अनेकशतसाहस्रं मुक्ताहारं वराङ्गना।अवमुच्य वरार्हाणि शुभान्याभरणानि च।।2.9.56।।ततो हेमोपमा तत्र कुब्जावाक्यवशं गता।संविश्य भूमौ कैकेयी मन्थरामिदमब्रवीत्।।2.9.57।।

That noble lady cast off a pearl necklace worth many hundreds of thousands, and also her other auspicious, exceedingly precious ornaments.

Verse 2.9.57

तथा प्रोत्साहिता देवी गत्वा मन्थरया सह।क्रोधागारं विशालाक्षी सौभाग्यमदगर्विता।।2.9.55।।अनेकशतसाहस्रं मुक्ताहारं वराङ्गना।अवमुच्य वरार्हाणि शुभान्याभरणानि च।।2.9.56।।ततो हेमोपमा तत्र कुब्जावाक्यवशं गता।संविश्य भूमौ कैकेयी मन्थरामिदमब्रवीत्।।2.9.57।।

Then Kaikeyī—golden in radiance, yet now swayed by the hunchback’s words—lay down there upon the ground and spoke to Mantharā as follows:

Verse 2.9.58

इह वा मां मृतां कुब्जे नृपायावेदयिष्यसि।वनं तु राघवे प्राप्ते भरतः प्राप्स्यति क्षितिम्।।।।

O hunchback, you shall report to the king this: either I shall lie dead here, or—when Rāghava is sent to the forest—Bharata will obtain the kingdom.

Verse 2.9.59

न सुवर्णेन मे ह्यर्थो न रत्नैर्न च भूषणैः।एष मे जीवितस्यान्तो रामो यद्यभिषिच्यते।।।।

I have no desire for gold, nor for gems, nor even for ornaments. If Rāma is consecrated, that will be the end of my life.

Verse 2.9.60

अथो पुनस्तां महिषीं महीक्षितोवचोभिरत्यर्थमहापराक्रमैः।उवाच कुब्जा भरतस्य मातरंहितं वचो राममुपेत्य चाहितम्।।।।

Then again the hunchback addressed that queen—the king’s consort and Bharata’s mother—with words of fierce force: words deemed a ‘benefit’ for Bharata, yet harmful as they bore upon Rāma.

Verse 2.9.61

प्रपत्स्यते राज्यमिदं हि राघवोयदि ध्रुवं त्वं ससुता च तप्स्यसे।अतो हि कल्याणि यतस्व तत्तथायथा सुतस्ते भरतोऽभिषेक्ष्यते।।।।

If Rāghava truly comes to possess this kingdom, then surely you and your son will suffer. Therefore, O auspicious lady, strive to act so that your son Bharata is consecrated.

Verse 2.9.62

तथाऽतिविद्धा महिषी तु कुब्जयासमाहता वागिषुभिर्मुहुर्मुहुः।निधायहस्तौ हृदयेऽतिविस्मिताशशंस कुब्जां कुपिता पुनः पुनः।।।।

Thus, deeply pierced—struck again and again by the hunchback’s arrow-like words—the queen, amazed, placed her hands upon her chest; and, inflamed, she praised the hunchback repeatedly.

Verse 2.9.63

यमस्य वा मां विषयं गतामितोनिशाम्य कुब्जे प्रतिवेदयिष्यसि।वनं गते वा सुचिराय राघवेसमृद्धकामो भरतो भविष्यति।।।।

O hunchback, when you see that I have departed from here to Yama’s realm, you may report it. Or else, when Rāghava has gone to the forest for a long time, Bharata will have his desire fully fulfilled.

Verse 2.9.64

अहं हि नैवास्तरणानि न स्रजोन चन्दनं नाञ्जनपानभोजनम्।न किञ्चिदिच्छामि न चेह जीवितंन चेदितो गच्छति राघवो वनम्।।।।

If Rāghava does not go from here to the forest, then I desire neither beds nor garlands, nor sandal paste, nor collyrium, nor drink and food—indeed, I desire nothing here, not even life itself.

Verse 2.9.65

अथैतदुक्त्वा वचनं सुदारुणंनिधाय सर्वाभरणानि भामिनी।असंवृतामास्तरणेन मेदिनींतदाऽधिशिश्ये पतितेव किन्नरी।।।।

After speaking those most dreadful words, the lovely Kaikeyī set aside all her ornaments and then lay down upon the bare earth, with the covering removed—like a fallen kinnarī.

Verse 2.9.66

उदीर्णसंरम्भतमोवृताननातथाऽवमुक्तोत्तममाल्यभूषणा।नरेन्द्रपत्नी विमना बभूव सातमोवृता द्यौरिव मग्नतारका।।।।

Thus Kaikeyī, the king’s consort—her face veiled in the darkness of surging wrath, her finest garlands and ornaments cast away—became distraught, like a sky wrapped in gloom where the stars have sunk from sight.