सेनानिवेशः रामविलापश्च (Encampment on the Northern Shore; Rama’s Lament and Sandhyā)
युद्धकाण्ड
Sarga 5 opens with disciplined military organization: Nīla establishes the Vānara host on the sea’s northern shore according to customary procedure, while Mainda and Dvivida patrol in all directions to secure the camp. Once the army is settled, Rāma turns to Lakṣmaṇa and articulates a sustained lament of separation (vipralambha), noting that ordinary grief may fade with time, yet his sorrow intensifies because Sītā remains unseen. His speech moves through ethical anxiety (her youth passing, her vulnerability among rākṣasas) and vivid poetic similes—surviving by news of her life as a dry field moistened by a neighboring irrigated field; Sītā emerging from rākṣasas like the crescent moon from autumn clouds. The lament oscillates between longing, protective duty, and resolve to defeat the rākṣasa king and retrieve her. As the day ends, Lakṣmaṇa consoles him; Rāma, still grief-stricken yet disciplined, performs evening worship (sandhyā-upāsanā) while remembering Sītā.
Verse 6.5.1
सातुनीलेनविधिवत्स्वारक्षासुसमाहिता ।सागरस्योत्तरेतीरेसाधुसेनानिवेशिता ।।।।
Then Nīla, observing proper order and arranging the guards, successfully encamped the army on the northern shore of the ocean.
Verse 6.5.2
मैन्दश्चद्विविदश्चोभौतत्रवानरपुङ्गवौ ।विचेरतुश्चतांसेनांरक्षार्थंसर्वतोदिशम् ।।।।
When indeed, after planting my arrows in the chest of the king of the Rākṣasas, shall I bring Sītā back and cast this grief out of my heart?
Verse 6.5.3
निविष्टायांतुसेनायांतीरेनदनदीपतेः ।पार्श्वस्थंलक्ष्मणंदृष्टवारामोवचनमब्रवीत् ।।।।
When the army had taken its position on the shore of the ocean—the lord of rivers—Rāma, seeing Lakṣmaṇa standing at his side, spoke these words.
Verse 6.5.4
शोकश्चकिलकालेनगच्छताह्यपगच्छति ।ममचापश्यतःकान्तामहन्यहनिवर्धते ।।।।
They say that grief departs as time moves on; yet for me—unable to behold my beloved—it swells day after day.
Verse 6.5.5
नमेदुःखंप्रियादूरेनमेदुःखंहृतेतिवा ।एतदेवानुशोचामिवयोऽस्याह्यतिवर्तते ।।।।
I do not grieve because my beloved is far away, nor do I grieve merely that she has been taken; what I truly lament is this alone—that her youth is indeed passing away.
Verse 6.5.6
वाहिवातयतःकान्तातांस्पृष्टवामामपिस्पृश ।त्वयिमेगात्रसंस्पर्शश्चन्द्रेदृष्टिसमागमः ।।।।
O Wind, go where my beloved dwells; having touched her, touch me as well—through you I shall feel the contact of her body, and through the moon I shall meet her gaze.
Verse 6.5.7
तन्मेदहतिगात्राणिविषंपीतमिवाशये ।हानाथेतिप्रियासामांह्रियमाणायदब्रवीत् ।।।।
That thought burns my limbs as though I had swallowed poison within: for my beloved, as she was being borne away, cried out to me, “Alas, my lord!”
Verse 6.5.8
तद्वियोगेन्धनवतातच्चिन्ताविपुलार्चिषा ।रात्रिंदिवंशरीरंमेदह्यतेमदनाग्निना ।।।।
With separation as its fuel and the vast flames of ceaseless thought, the fire of love burns my body by day and by night.
Verse 6.5.9
अवगाह्यर्णवंस्वप्स्येसौमित्रेभवताविना ।कथञ्चित्प्रज्वलन्कामस्समांसुप्तंजलेदहेत् ।।।।
O Saumitri, without you I shall plunge into the ocean and lie down there; perhaps then the blazing god of desire will not burn me while I sleep in the water.
Verse 6.5.10
बह्वेतत्कामयानस्यशक्यमेतेनजीवितुम् ।यदहंसाचवामोरूरेकांधरणिमाश्रितौ ।।।।
For one consumed by longing, life is bearable only because this is so: she of lovely thighs and I still stand upon the same earth.
Verse 6.5.11
केदारस्येवकेदारस्सोदकस्यनिरूदकः ।उपस्नेहेनजीवामिजीवन्तींयच्छृणोमिताम् ।।।।
Like a dry paddy-field that is moistened by the nearness of a watered one, I live on by that closeness alone—by hearing that she is still alive.
Verse 6.5.12
कदानुखलुसुश्रोणींशतपत्त्रायतेक्षणाम् ।विजित्यशत्रून्द्रक्ष्यामिसीतास्फीतामिवश्रियम् ।।।।
When indeed, after conquering the enemies, shall I see Sītā—graceful in form, lotus-petalled in gaze—like prosperity itself in fullness?
Verse 6.5.13
कदानुचारुबिम्बोष्ठंतस्याःपद्ममिवाननम् ।ईषदुन्नम्यपास्यामिरसायनमिवातुरः ।।।।
When shall I gently raise her lotus-like face and drink in her lovely bimba-fruit lips—like a sick man taking a restorative draught?
Verse 6.5.14
तस्यात्तुसंहितौपीनौस्तनौतालफलोपमौ ।कदानुखलुसोत्कम्पौश्लिष्यन्त्यामांभजिष्यत: ।।।।
When indeed will I be met by her eager, trembling embrace—and those full breasts, close-set and like palmyra fruits, press against me?
Verse 6.5.15
सानूनमसितापाङ्गीरक्षोमध्यगतासती ।मन्नाथानाथहीनेवत्रातारंनाधिगच्छति ।।।।
Surely that dark-eyed, faithful wife has fallen amid the rākṣasas; and though I am her lord, she, as if husbandless, finds no protector.
Verse 6.5.16
कथंजनकरजस्यदुहिताममचप्रिया ।राक्षसीमध्यगाशेतेस्नुषादशरथस्यच ।।।।
How is it that my beloved—daughter of King Janaka and daughter-in-law of Daśaratha—lies in the midst of the rākṣasīs?
Verse 6.5.17
कदाऽविक्षोभ्यरक्षांसिसाविधूयोत्पतिष्यति ।विधूयजलदान्नीलान् शशिरेखाशरत्स्विव ।।।।
There, Mainda and Dvivida—both foremost among the Vānaras—moved about on every side to safeguard that army.
Verse 6.5.18
स्वभावतनुकानूनंशोकेनानशनेनच ।भूयस्तनुतरासीतादेशकालविपर्ययात् ।।।।
When will she burst forth, shaking off the unyielding rākṣasas, as in autumn the crescent moon emerges after scattering the dark clouds?
Verse 6.5.19
कदानुराक्षसेन्द्रस्यनिधायोरसिसायकान् ।सीतांप्रत्याहरिष्यामिशोकमुत्सृज्यमानसम् ।।।।
Sītā, slender by nature, must have grown still more frail through grief, through fasting, and through the harsh reversal of place and time.
Verse 6.5.20
कदानुखलुमांसाध्वीसीतासुरसुतोपमा ।सोत्कण्ठाकण्ठमालम्ब्यमोक्ष्यत्यानन्दजंजलम् ।।।।
When indeed will virtuous Sītā—like a daughter of the gods—cling to my neck in eager longing and let fall tears born of joy?
Verse 6.5.21
कदाशोकमिमंघोरंमैथिलीविप्रयोगजम् ।सहसाविप्रमोक्ष्यामिवासश्शुक्लेतरंयथा ।।।।
When will I suddenly cast away this terrible grief born of separation from Maithilī—like one discards a stained garment?
Verse 6.5.22
एवंविलपतस्तस्यतत्ररामस्यधीमतः ।दिनक्षयान्मन्दवपुर्भास्करोऽस्तमुपागतः ।।।।
As wise Rāma lamented there in this manner, the day ended, and the sun—its light grown faint—descended to the west.
Verse 6.5.23
आश्वासितोलक्ष्मणेनरामस्सन्ध्यामुपासत ।स्मरन्कमलपत्राक्षींसीतांशोकाकुलीकृतः ।।।।
Comforted by Lakṣmaṇa, Rāma performed the evening worship; yet, remembering Sītā of lotus-petal eyes, he remained shaken with grief.
Verse 6.5.24
When indeed shall I, slightly lifting her lotus-like face with its beautiful bimba-fruit lips, drink of it as a sick man drinks a life-restoring elixir?
Verse 6.5.25
When indeed shall I pierce the broad chest of Ravana, king of the rakshasas, with sharp arrows anointed with oil and feathered with vulture plumes?
Verse 6.5.26
सातुनीलेनविधिवत्स्वारक्षासुसमाहिता ।सागरस्योत्तरेतीरेसाधुसेनानिवेशिता ।।6.5.1।।
Then Nīla, having duly arranged their own defensive measures, properly encamped the army on the northern shore of the ocean.
Verse 6.5.27
सातुनीलेनविधिवत्स्वारक्षासुसमाहिता ।सागरस्योत्तरेतीरेसाधुसेनानिवेशिता ।।6.5.1।।
Then Nīla, having duly arranged their own defensive measures, properly encamped the army on the northern shore of the ocean.
Verse 6.5.28
सातुनीलेनविधिवत्स्वारक्षासुसमाहिता ।सागरस्योत्तरेतीरेसाधुसेनानिवेशिता ।।6.5.1।।
Then Nīla, in due and proper manner, organized the guards and established the army’s camp on the ocean’s northern shore.
Verse 6.5.29
सातुनीलेनविधिवत्स्वारक्षासुसमाहिता ।सागरस्योत्तरेतीरेसाधुसेनानिवेशिता ।।6.5.1।।
Thus Nīla, in due order and with the protective watch duly arranged, established the army well upon the ocean’s northern shore.
Verse 6.5.30
सातुनीलेनविधिवत्स्वारक्षासुसमाहिता ।सागरस्योत्तरेतीरेसाधुसेनानिवेशिता ।।6.5.1।।
Then Nīla, having duly organized the guards, established the army well on the northern shore of the sea.
Verse 6.5.31
सातुनीलेनविधिवत्स्वारक्षासुसमाहिता ।सागरस्योत्तरेतीरेसाधुसेनानिवेशिता ।।6.5.1।।
Thus, in proper order and with defenses arranged, Nīla settled the army on the northern shore of the ocean.
Verse 6.5.32
सातुनीलेनविधिवत्स्वारक्षासुसमाहिता ।सागरस्योत्तरेतीरेसाधुसेनानिवेशिता ।।6.5.1।।
Nīla, proceeding according to proper custom and arranging the watch, set the army firmly on the sea’s northern shore.
Verse 6.5.33
सातुनीलेनविधिवत्स्वारक्षासुसमाहिता ।सागरस्योत्तरेतीरेसाधुसेनानिवेशिता ।।6.5.1।।
Then Nīla, in due and prescribed order, set the guards and defenses in place, and the host was well established on the ocean’s northern shore.
Verse 6.5.34
सातुनीलेनविधिवत्स्वारक्षासुसमाहिता ।सागरस्योत्तरेतीरेसाधुसेनानिवेशिता ।।6.5.1।।
Nīla, acting in the prescribed manner and setting the guards in place, established the army securely on the northern shore of the sea.
Verse 6.5.35
सातुनीलेनविधिवत्स्वारक्षासुसमाहिता ।सागरस्योत्तरेतीरेसाधुसेनानिवेशिता ।।6.5.1।।
Under Nīla’s direction, the army was duly organized with its own guards in place, and it was properly encamped on the northern shore of the ocean.
Verse 6.5.36
सातुनीलेनविधिवत्स्वारक्षासुसमाहिता ।सागरस्योत्तरेतीरेसाधुसेनानिवेशिता ।।6.5.1।।
Under Nīla’s direction, the army was duly organized with its own guards in place, and it was properly encamped on the northern shore of the ocean.
Verse 6.5.37
सातुनीलेनविधिवत्स्वारक्षासुसमाहिता ।सागरस्योत्तरेतीरेसाधुसेनानिवेशिता ।।6.5.1।।
Under Nīla’s command, the army was set in good order with its own watch established, and the camp was duly made on the ocean’s northern shore.
Verse 6.5.38
सातुनीलेनविधिवत्स्वारक्षासुसमाहिता ।सागरस्योत्तरेतीरेसाधुसेनानिवेशिता ।।6.5.1।।
Under Nīla’s guidance, the army was duly arrayed, with its own guards set in place, and it was properly encamped on the ocean’s northern shore.
Verse 6.5.39
सातुनीलेनविधिवत्स्वारक्षासुसमाहिता ।सागरस्योत्तरेतीरेसाधुसेनानिवेशिता ।।6.5.1।।
Under Nīla’s guidance, the army was duly arrayed, with its own guards set in place, and it was properly encamped on the ocean’s northern shore.
Verse 6.5.40
सातुनीलेनविधिवत्स्वारक्षासुसमाहिता ।सागरस्योत्तरेतीरेसाधुसेनानिवेशिता ।।6.5.1।।
Under Nīla’s guidance, the army was duly arrayed, with its own guards set in place, and it was properly encamped on the ocean’s northern shore.
Verse 6.5.41
सातुनीलेनविधिवत्स्वारक्षासुसमाहिता ।सागरस्योत्तरेतीरेसाधुसेनानिवेशिता ।।6.5.1।।
Under Nīla’s guidance, the army was duly arrayed, with its own guards set in place, and it was properly encamped on the ocean’s northern shore.
Verse 6.5.42
सातुनीलेनविधिवत्स्वारक्षासुसमाहिता ।सागरस्योत्तरेतीरेसाधुसेनानिवेशिता ।।6.5.1।।
Under Nīla’s guidance, in due order, the army was arranged with its own guards, and it was properly encamped upon the ocean’s northern shore.
Verse 6.5.43
सातुनीलेनविधिवत्स्वारक्षासुसमाहिता ।सागरस्योत्तरेतीरेसाधुसेनानिवेशिता ।।6.5.1।।
Under Nīla’s direction, duly and in proper order, the army was organized with its own guards and firmly encamped on the northern shore of the ocean.
Verse 6.5.44
सातुनीलेनविधिवत्स्वारक्षासुसमाहिता ।सागरस्योत्तरेतीरेसाधुसेनानिवेशिता ।।6.5.1।।
Nīla, following proper procedure, organized the army with its own guards and successfully encamped it on the ocean’s northern shore.
Verse 6.5.45
सातुनीलेनविधिवत्स्वारक्षासुसमाहिता ।सागरस्योत्तरेतीरेसाधुसेनानिवेशिता ।।6.5.1।।
Nīla, in accordance with proper order, arranged the army with its own guards and set it well in camp on the northern shore of the ocean.
Verse 6.5.46
सातुनीलेनविधिवत्स्वारक्षासुसमाहिता ।सागरस्योत्तरेतीरेसाधुसेनानिवेशिता ।।6.5.1।।
Nīla, observing proper procedure, organized the army with its own guards and established it well on the northern shore of the ocean.
Verse 6.5.47
सातुनीलेनविधिवत्स्वारक्षासुसमाहिता ।सागरस्योत्तरेतीरेसाधुसेनानिवेशिता ।।6.5.1।।
Then Nīla, in due order and according to proper rule, arranged the army with its own guards set in place, and duly encamped it on the ocean’s northern shore.
Verse 6.5.48
सातुनीलेनविधिवत्स्वारक्षासुसमाहिता ।सागरस्योत्तरेतीरेसाधुसेनानिवेशिता ।।6.5.1।।
Then Nīla, in due order and according to proper rule, arranged the army with its own guards set in place, and duly encamped it on the ocean’s northern shore.
Verse 6.5.49
सातुनीलेनविधिवत्स्वारक्षासुसमाहिता ।सागरस्योत्तरेतीरेसाधुसेनानिवेशिता ।।6.5.1।।
Then Nīla, in due order and according to proper rule, arranged the army with its own guards set in place, and duly encamped it on the ocean’s northern shore.
Verse 6.5.50
सातुनीलेनविधिवत्स्वारक्षासुसमाहिता ।सागरस्योत्तरेतीरेसाधुसेनानिवेशिता ।।6.5.1।।
Then Nīla, in due order and according to proper rule, arranged the army with its own guards set in place, and duly encamped it on the ocean’s northern shore.
Verse 6.5.51
सातुनीलेनविधिवत्स्वारक्षासुसमाहिता ।सागरस्योत्तरेतीरेसाधुसेनानिवेशिता ।।6.5.1।।
Then Nīla, in due order and according to proper rule, arranged the army with its own guards and firmly established the camp on the ocean’s northern shore.
Verse 6.5.52
सातुनीलेनविधिवत्स्वारक्षासुसमाहिता ।सागरस्योत्तरेतीरेसाधुसेनानिवेशिता ।।6.5.1।।
Then Nīla, in due order and according to proper rule, arranged the army with its own guards and firmly established the camp on the ocean’s northern shore.
Verse 6.5.53
सातुनीलेनविधिवत्स्वारक्षासुसमाहिता ।सागरस्योत्तरेतीरेसाधुसेनानिवेशिता ।।6.5.1।।
Thereupon Nīla, duly following the prescribed order, arranged the army with its own guards and securely set the camp upon the ocean’s northern shore.
Verse 6.5.54
सातुनीलेनविधिवत्स्वारक्षासुसमाहिता ।सागरस्योत्तरेतीरेसाधुसेनानिवेशिता ।।6.5.1।।
Thereupon Nīla, duly following the prescribed order, arranged the army with its own guards and securely set the camp upon the ocean’s northern shore.
Verse 6.5.55
सातुनीलेनविधिवत्स्वारक्षासुसमाहिता ।सागरस्योत्तरेतीरेसाधुसेनानिवेशिता ।।6.5.1।।
Thereupon Nīla, duly following the prescribed order, arranged the army with its own guards and securely set the camp upon the ocean’s northern shore.
Verse 6.5.56
सातुनीलेनविधिवत्स्वारक्षासुसमाहिता ।सागरस्योत्तरेतीरेसाधुसेनानिवेशिता ।।6.5.1।।
Then Nīla, in due order, arrayed the army with its own guards and duly established the camp upon the ocean’s northern shore.
Verse 6.5.57
सातुनीलेनविधिवत्स्वारक्षासुसमाहिता ।सागरस्योत्तरेतीरेसाधुसेनानिवेशिता ।।6.5.1।।
Then Nīla, in due order, arrayed the army with its own guards and duly established the camp upon the ocean’s northern shore.
Verse 6.5.58
सातुनीलेनविधिवत्स्वारक्षासुसमाहिता ।सागरस्योत्तरेतीरेसाधुसेनानिवेशिता ।।6.5.1।।
Then Nīla, in due order, arrayed the army with its own guards and duly established the camp upon the ocean’s northern shore.