Prakarana 19

Verse 378 (दोहा/सोरठा)

छुधा छीन बलहीन सुर सहजेहिं मिलिहहिं आइ। तब मारिहउँ कि छाड़िहउँ भली भाँति अपनाइ।।181।।

chudhā-chīna balahīna sur sahajehiṁ milihahiṁ āi | tab mārihaũ ki chāṛihaũ bhalī bhā̃ti apanāi ||181||

“The gods—famished and enfeebled—will readily come to meet me. Shall I then slay them, or, having well weighed the righteous course, shall I spare them?”

Verse 379 (चौपाई)

मेघनाद कहुँ पुनि हँकरावा। दीन्ही सिख बलु बयरु बढ़ावा।। जे सुर समर धीर बलवाना। जिन्ह कें लरिबे कर अभिमाना।। तिन्हहि जीति रन आनेसु बाँधी। उठि सुत पितु अनुसासन काँधी।। एहि बिधि सबही अग्या दीन्ही। आपुनु चलेउ गदा कर लीन्ही।। चलत दसानन डोलति अवनी। गर्जत गर्भ स्त्रवहिं सुर रवनी।। रावन आवत सुनेउ सकोहा। देवन्ह तके मेरु गिरि खोहा।। दिगपालन्ह के लोक सुहाए। सूने सकल दसानन पाए।। पुनि पुनि सिंघनाद करि भारी। देइ देवतन्ह गारि पचारी।। रन मद मत्त फिरइ जग धावा। प्रतिभट खौजत कतहुँ न पावा।। रबि ससि पवन बरुन धनधारी। अगिनि काल जम सब अधिकारी।। किंनर सिद्ध मनुज सुर नागा। हठि सबही के पंथहिं लागा।। ब्रह्मसृष्टि जहँ लगि तनुधारी। दसमुख बसबर्ती नर नारी।। आयसु करहिं सकल भयभीता। नवहिं आइ नित चरन बिनीता।।

meghanāda kahuṁ puni haṁkarāvā | dīnhī sikha balu bayaru baṛhāvā || je sura samara dhīra balavānā | jinha keṁ laribe kara abhimānā || tinahi jīti rana ānesu bāṁdhī | uṭhi suta pitu anusāsana kāṁdhī || ehi bidhi sabahī agyā dīnhī | āpunu caleu gadā kara līnhī || calata dasānana ḍolati avanī | garjata garbha stravahiṁ sura-ravanī || rāvana āvata suneu sakohā | devan̐ha take meru-giri khohā || digapālanha ke loka suhāe | sūne sakala dasānana pāe || puni puni siṁghanāda kari bhārī | dei devatanha gāri pacārī || rana-mada matta phirai jaga dhāvā | pratibhaṭa khaujata katahuṁ na pāvā || rabi sasi pavana baruna dhanadhārī | agini kāla jama saba adhikārī || kiṁnara siddha manuja sura nāgā | haṭhi sabahī ke panthahiṁ lāgā || brahma-sṛṣṭi jahaṁ lagi tanudhārī | dasamukha basabartī nara nārī || āyasu karahiṁ sakala bhayabhītā | navahiṁ āi nita carana binītā ||

Again he summoned Meghanada, instructing him and inflaming his strength and enmity. Those gods who were steadfast and mighty in battle, whose pride was to fight— after conquering them in war he brought them in and bound them; and the son, rising, bore the father’s command upon his shoulders. Thus he issued orders to all, and then himself set forth, taking his mace in hand. As the ten-headed one moved, the earth trembled; at his roaring, the wives of the gods miscarried in terror. Hearing that Ravana was coming, dread arose; the gods hid themselves in the caves of Mount Meru. The pleasant realms of the guardians of the quarters—Ravana found them all deserted. Again and again he gave a mighty lion-roar, hurling abuses and driving the gods away. Drunk with the frenzy of battle, he ranged through the world; seeking a rival champion, he found none anywhere. Sun and Moon, Wind, Varuna the bow-bearing lord, Fire, Time, Yama—all the cosmic authorities, Kinnaras, Siddhas, men, gods, and Nagas—by force he set all upon his path. As far as Brahma’s creation extends with embodied beings, men and women were under the ten-faced one’s domination. All, terrified, carried out his commands, and daily came to bow humbly at his feet.

Verse 380 (दोहा/सोरठा)

भुजबल बिस्व बस्य करि राखेसि कोउ न सुतंत्र। मंडलीक मनि रावन राज करइ निज मंत्र।।182(क)।। देव जच्छ गंधर्व नर किंनर नाग कुमारि। जीति बरीं निज बाहुबल बहु सुंदर बर नारि।।182ख।।

bhujabala bisva basya kari rākhēsi kōu na sutantra | maṇḍalīka mani rāvaṇa rāja karai nija mantra ||182(ka)|| deva jaccha gandharva nara kiṁnara nāga kumāri | jīti barīṁ nija bāhubala bahu sundara bara nāri ||182(kha)||

By the sheer strength of his arms he held the whole world in subjection; none remained free. Rāvaṇa—jewel among tributary kings—ruled by his own will and counsel. Gods, Yakṣas, Gandharvas, men, Kinnaras, and Nāga maidens—having conquered them, he seized many radiant and choice women as wives by force.

Verse 381 (चौपाई)

इंद्रजीत सन जो कछु कहेऊ। सो सब जनु पहिलेहिं करि रहेऊ।। प्रथमहिं जिन्ह कहुँ आयसु दीन्हा। तिन्ह कर चरित सुनहु जो कीन्हा।। देखत भीमरूप सब पापी। निसिचर निकर देव परितापी।। करहि उपद्रव असुर निकाया। नाना रूप धरहिं करि माया।। जेहि बिधि होइ धर्म निर्मूला। सो सब करहिं बेद प्रतिकूला।। जेहिं जेहिं देस धेनु द्विज पावहिं। नगर गाउँ पुर आगि लगावहिं।। सुभ आचरन कतहुँ नहिं होई। देव बिप्र गुरू मान न कोई।। नहिं हरिभगति जग्य तप ग्याना। सपनेहुँ सुनिअ न बेद पुराना।।

indrajīta sana jo kachu kaheū | so saba janu pahilehiṃ kari raheū || prathamahiṃ jinha kahuṃ āyasu dīnhā | tinh kara carita sunahu jo kīnhā || dekhata bhīmarūpa saba pāpī | nisīcara nikara deva paritāpī || karahi upadrava asura nikāyā | nānā rūpa dharahim̐ kari māyā || jehi bidhi hoi dharma nirmūlā | so saba karahiṃ beda pratikūlā || jehiṃ jehiṃ desa dhenu dvija pāvahiṃ | nagara gāuṃ pura āgi lagāvahiṃ || subha ācarana katahūṃ nahiṃ hoī | deva bipra gurū māna na koī || nahiṃ haribhagati jagya tapa gyānā | sapanehūṃ suni-a na beda purānā ||

Whatever I spoke in Indrajit’s presence—understand that all of it had already been carried out. First, hear the deeds of those to whom he had given the command. All were sinners of dreadful form—hosts of night-rovers who tormented the gods. The demon-bands raised tumults, assuming many shapes by their powers of delusion. In every way that could uproot righteousness, they did it—acting in open opposition to the Veda. Wherever they found cows and twice-born priests, they set fire to cities, villages, and towns. Nowhere was there any good conduct; none honored god, Brahmin, or guru. There was no devotion to Hari, no sacrifice, no austerity, no true knowledge; one did not hear—even in dream—of Veda or Purana.

Verse 382 (छंद)

जप जोग बिरागा तप मख भागा श्रवन सुनइ दससीसा। आपुनु उठि धावइ रहै न पावइ धरि सब घालइ खीसा।। अस भ्रष्ट अचारा भा संसारा धर्म सुनिअ नहि काना। तेहि बहुबिधि त्रासइ देस निकासइ जो कह बेद पुराना।।

japa joga birāgā tapa makha bhāgā śravaṇa sunai dasasīsā | āpunu uṭhi dhāvai rahai na pāvai dhari saba ghālai khīsā || asa bhraṣṭa acārā bhā saṃsārā dharma suni-a nahi kānā | tehi bahu-bidhi trāsai desa nikāsai jo kaha beda purānā ||

Japa, yoga, detachment, austerity, and sacrifice have all taken flight—Ravana merely hears with his ears. He himself springs up and rushes about, unable to stay contained; whatever he can seize he stuffs into his own pouch. Such has the world become—conduct is corrupted, and as though deaf, none will listen to dharma. In countless ways he oppresses and drives men from their land—those who speak the teaching of the Vedas and the Puranas.

Verse 383 (दोहा/सोरठा)

बरनि न जाइ अनीति घोर निसाचर जो करहिं। हिंसा पर अति प्रीति तिन्ह के पापहि कवनि मिति।।183।।

barani na jāi anīti ghora nisācara jo karahiṁ | hiṁsā para ati prīti tinh ke pāpahi kavani miti ||183||

No words can fully recount the dreadful unrighteousness wrought by the night-roaming rākṣasas. Drunk with violence beyond all measure—what limit can one set to their sin?

Verse 384 (चौपाई)

बाढ़े खल बहु चोर जुआरा। जे लंपट परधन परदारा।। मानहिं मातु पिता नहिं देवा। साधुन्ह सन करवावहिं सेवा।। जिन्ह के यह आचरन भवानी। ते जानेहु निसिचर सब प्रानी।। अतिसय देखि धर्म कै ग्लानी। परम सभीत धरा अकुलानी।। गिरि सरि सिंधु भार नहिं मोही। जस मोहि गरुअ एक परद्रोही।। सकल धर्म देखइ बिपरीता। कहि न सकइ रावन भय भीता।। धेनु रूप धरि हृदयँ बिचारी। गई तहाँ जहँ सुर मुनि झारी।। निज संताप सुनाएसि रोई। काहू तें कछु काज न होई।।

bāṛhe khala bahu cora juārā | je laṁpaṭa paradhana paradārā || mānahĩ mātu pitā nahĩ devā | sādhunha saṅ karavāvahĩ sevā || jinha ke yaha ācarana bhavānī | te jānehu nisi-cara saba prānī || atisaya dekhi dharma kai glānī | parama sabhīta dharā akulānī || giri sari siṁdhu bhāra nahĩ mohī | jasa mohĩ garuā eka para-drohī || sakala dharma dekhai biparītā | kahi na sakai rāvaṇa bhaya-bhītā || dhenu rūpa dhari hṛdayã bicārī | gaī tahā̃ jahã sura-muni jhārī || nija saṁtāpa sunāyesi roī | kāhū teṁ kachu kāja na hoī ||

The wicked multiplied—thieves and gamblers in great number—men given to debauchery, coveting another’s wealth and another’s wife. They honored neither mother nor father, nor the gods; and with the holy they would force servile attendance. O Bhavani, whose conduct is such—know them all to be of demon-nature. Beholding the grievous decay of Dharma, the Earth grew exceedingly afraid and sorely distraught. ‘The weight of mountains, rivers, and oceans is no burden to me; but one who betrays and wrongs others is heavier than all.’ Seeing every rule of righteousness overturned, Ravana—stricken with fear—could not even speak. Assuming the form of a cow, and pondering in her heart, she went there where the gods and sages had their grove-hermitage. Weeping, she told her burning anguish; yet from none could any remedy be found.

Verse 385 (छंद)

सुर मुनि गंधर्बा मिलि करि सर्बा गे बिरंचि के लोका। सँग गोतनुधारी भूमि बिचारी परम बिकल भय सोका।। ब्रह्माँ सब जाना मन अनुमाना मोर कछू न बसाई। जा करि तैं दासी सो अबिनासी हमरेउ तोर सहाई।।

sura muni gandharbā mili kari sarbā ge birañci ke lokā | saṅga go-tanu-dhārī bhūmi bicārī parama bikala bhaya sokā || brahmā̃ saba jānā mana anumānā mora kachū na basāī | jā kari taĩ dāsī so abināsī hamareu tora sahāī ||

The gods, the sages, and the Gandharvas—all together—went to Brahmā’s realm. Along with them, Earth herself, taking the form of a cow, pondered their plight, and was sorely shaken with grief. Brahmā understood everything, yet in his mind he inferred: “Nothing lies within my power. He for whose sake you are but a handmaid—He, the Imperishable—He alone is your help, and ours as well.”

Verse 386 (दोहा/सोरठा)

धरनि धरहि मन धीर कह बिरंचि हरिपद सुमिरु। जानत जन की पीर प्रभु भंजिहि दारुन बिपति।।184।।

dharani dharahi mana dhīra kaha birañci haripada sumiru | Jānata jana kī pīra prabhu bhañjihi dāruna bipati ||184||

“O Earth, be steadfast at heart,” said Brahmā; “keep the Lord’s feet in remembrance. The Master, who knows the anguish of His own, will surely shatter this dreadful calamity.”

Verse 387 (चौपाई)

बैठे सुर सब करहिं बिचारा। कहँ पाइअ प्रभु करिअ पुकारा।। पुर बैकुंठ जान कह कोई। कोउ कह पयनिधि बस प्रभु सोई।। जाके हृदयँ भगति जसि प्रीति। प्रभु तहँ प्रगट सदा तेहिं रीती।। तेहि समाज गिरिजा मैं रहेऊँ। अवसर पाइ बचन एक कहेऊँ।। हरि ब्यापक सर्बत्र समाना। प्रेम तें प्रगट होहिं मैं जाना।। देस काल दिसि बिदिसिहु माहीं। कहहु सो कहाँ जहाँ प्रभु नाहीं।। अग जगमय सब रहित बिरागी। प्रेम तें प्रभु प्रगटइ जिमि आगी।। मोर बचन सब के मन माना। साधु साधु करि ब्रह्म बखाना।।

baiṭhe sura saba karahiṁ bicārā | kahaṁ pāia prabhu karia pukārā || pura baikuṇṭha jāni kaha koī | kou kaha payanidhi basa prabhu soī || jāke hṛdayaṁ bhagati jasi prīti | prabhu tahaṁ pragaṭa sadā tehiṁ rītī || tihi samāja girijā maiṁ raheūṁ | avasara pāi bacana eka kaheūṁ || hari byāpaka sarbatra samānā | prema teṁ pragaṭa hohiṁ maiṁ jānā || desa kāla disi bidisi-hu māhīṁ | kahahu so kahāṁ jahāṁ prabhu nāhīṁ || aga jagamaya saba rahita birāgī | prema teṁ prabhu pragaṭi jimi āgī || mora bacana saba ke mana mānā | sādhu sādhu kari brahma bakhānā ||

All the gods sat together in counsel: “Where may the Lord be found, and how shall we call upon Him?” One said, “He is in the city of Vaikuntha”; another, “Nay, the Lord abides in the ocean.” (But the truth is this:) in whatever heart devotion dwells as living love, there the Lord is ever manifest—after that very manner. In that assembly I too was present, O Girija; and finding occasion, I spoke a word: “Hari is all-pervading, present everywhere; yet I have understood that by love He becomes manifest. In place and time, in every quarter and every byway of the directions—tell me, where is that spot where the Lord is not? Like fire, which pervades the world yet remains unattached, so the Lord is revealed by love.” My saying found assent in every heart; and they cried, “Well spoken! well spoken!” and praised the Supreme.

Verse 388 (दोहा/सोरठा)

सुनि बिरंचि मन हरष तन पुलकि नयन बह नीर। अस्तुति करत जोरि कर सावधान मतिधीर।।185।।

suni birañci mana haraṣa tana pulaki nayana baha nīra | astuti karata jori kara sāvadhāna mati-dhīra ||185||

Hearing this, Brahmā’s heart brimmed with joy; his body thrilled, and tears streamed from his eyes. With folded hands, that steadfast, clear-minded one offered praise, absorbed in reverent attention.

Verse 389 (छंद)

जय जय सुरनायक जन सुखदायक प्रनतपाल भगवंता। गो द्विज हितकारी जय असुरारी सिधुंसुता प्रिय कंता।। पालन सुर धरनी अद्भुत करनी मरम न जानइ कोई। जो सहज कृपाला दीनदयाला करउ अनुग्रह सोई।। जय जय अबिनासी सब घट बासी ब्यापक परमानंदा। अबिगत गोतीतं चरित पुनीतं मायारहित मुकुंदा।। जेहि लागि बिरागी अति अनुरागी बिगतमोह मुनिबृंदा। निसि बासर ध्यावहिं गुन गन गावहिं जयति सच्चिदानंदा।। जेहिं सृष्टि उपाई त्रिबिध बनाई संग सहाय न दूजा। सो करउ अघारी चिंत हमारी जानिअ भगति न पूजा।। जो भव भय भंजन मुनि मन रंजन गंजन बिपति बरूथा। मन बच क्रम बानी छाड़ि सयानी सरन सकल सुर जूथा। सारद श्रुति सेषा रिषय असेषा जा कहुँ कोउ नहि जाना। जेहि दीन पिआरे बेद पुकारे द्रवउ सो श्रीभगवाना।। भव बारिधि मंदर सब बिधि सुंदर गुनमंदिर सुखपुंजा। मुनि सिद्ध सकल सुर परम भयातुर नमत नाथ पद कंजा।।

jaya jaya suranāyaka jana sukhadāyaka pranatapāla bhagavaṃtā | go dvija hitakārī jaya asurārī siṃdhusutā priya kaṃtā || pālana sur dharanī adbhuta karanī marama na jānai koī | jo sahaja kṛpālā dīnadayālā karau anugraha soī || jaya jaya abināsī saba ghaṭa bāsī byāpaka paramānaṃdā | abigata gotītaṃ carita punītaṃ māyārahita mukuṃdā || jehi lāgi birāgī ati anurāgī bigatamoha munibṛṃdā | nisi bāsara dhyāvahiṃ guna gana gāvahiṃ jayati saccidānaṃdā || jehiṃ sṛṣṭi upāī tribidha banāī saṃga sahāya na dūjā | so karau aghārī ciṃta hamārī jāni-a bhagati na pūjā || jo bhava bhaya bhaṃjana muni mana raṃjana gaṃjana bipati barūthā | mana baca krama bānī chāḍi sayānī sarana sakala sur jūthā | sārada śruti seṣā ṛṣaya aseṣā jā kahuṃ kou nahi jānā | jehi dīna piāre beda pukāre dravau so śrībhagavānā || bhava bāridhi maṃdara saba bidhi suṃdara guṇamaṃdira sukhapuṃjā | muni siddha sakala sur parama bhayātura namata nātha pada kaṃjā ||

Victory, victory to the Lord of the gods—giver of the people’s welfare, protector of the bowed and surrendered, the Blessed One. Victory to Him who seeks the good of cow and twice-born; victory, slayer of the demons—beloved consort of the Ocean’s daughter. Protector of the gods and of the earth—His deeds are wondrous; none can fathom their inner secret. O Thou who art compassion by nature, tender to the poor—do Thou alone show grace. Victory, victory to the Imperishable—dwelling in every heart, all-pervading, supreme bliss. Unmanifest, beyond the reach of speech; His deeds are purifying; Māyā cannot touch that Mukunda. For whose sake the passionless become passionately devoted—the company of sages, freed from delusion, night and day meditate and sing the multitude of His qualities: victorious is Being–Consciousness–Bliss. He who brought forth creation, shaping it threefold—no second stands beside Him as helper. O remover of sin, take up my concern—know this: devotion is not mere ritual worship. He who shatters the fear of worldly becoming, who delights the sages’ minds, who crushes the host of calamities— abandoning clever speech and all self-reliance of mind, word, and deed, the whole host of gods takes refuge in Him. Saraswati, the Vedas, Shesha, and countless seers—none has fully known Him; yet to Him, dear to the lowly, the Vedas cry aloud: may that Lord be moved to mercy. The mountain that steadies the ocean of existence—beautiful in every way, a temple of virtues, a heap of bliss— sages, siddhas, and all the gods, sore afraid, bow to the lotus-feet of that Master.

Verse 390 (दोहा/सोरठा)

जानि सभय सुरभूमि सुनि बचन समेत सनेह। गगनगिरा गंभीर भइ हरनि सोक संदेह।।186।।

jāni sabhaya surabhūmi suni bacana sameta saneha | gaganagirā gambhīra bhai harani soka sandeha ||186||

Knowing the gods’ abode was seized by fear, from the very sky there came a deep and majestic voice—words steeped in compassion—dispelling grief and doubt.

Verse 391 (चौपाई)

जनि डरपहु मुनि सिद्ध सुरेसा। तुम्हहि लागि धरिहउँ नर बेसा।। अंसन्ह सहित मनुज अवतारा। लेहउँ दिनकर बंस उदारा।। कस्यप अदिति महातप कीन्हा। तिन्ह कहुँ मैं पूरब बर दीन्हा।। ते दसरथ कौसल्या रूपा। कोसलपुरीं प्रगट नरभूपा।। तिन्ह के गृह अवतरिहउँ जाई। रघुकुल तिलक सो चारिउ भाई।। नारद बचन सत्य सब करिहउँ। परम सक्ति समेत अवतरिहउँ।। हरिहउँ सकल भूमि गरुआई। निर्भय होहु देव समुदाई।। गगन ब्रह्मबानी सुनी काना। तुरत फिरे सुर हृदय जुड़ाना।। तब ब्रह्मा धरनिहि समुझावा। अभय भई भरोस जियँ आवा।।

jani ḍarapahu muni siddha suresā | tumhahi lāgi dharihaũ nara besā || aṁsanh sahita manuja avatārā | lehauṁ dinakara baṁsa udārā || kaśyapa aditi mahātapa kīnhā | tinh kahuँ maiṁ pūraba bara dīnhā || te dasaratha kausalya rūpā | kosalapurīṁ pragaṭa narabhūpā || tinh ke gṛha avatarihaũ jāī | raghukula tilaka so cāriu bhāī || nārada bacana satya saba karihaũ | parama śakti sameta avatarihaũ || harihaũ sakala bhūmi garuāī | nirbhaya hohu deva samudāī || gagana brahmabānī sunī kānā | turata phire sura hṛdaya juḍānā || taba brahmā dharani-hi samujhāvā | abhaya bhaī bharosa jiyã āvā ||

“Do not be afraid, O sages, perfected ones, and lords of the gods. For your sake I shall assume a human guise. With my portions also descending, I shall take a human incarnation in the noble Solar line. Kashyapa and Aditi performed great austerity; to them I had formerly granted a boon. They shall become Dasharatha and Kausalya—manifest as a human king in the city of Kosala. In their house I shall descend; as the glory of Raghu’s race I shall appear with all four brothers. I shall make every word of Narada come true; with supreme power I shall incarnate. I shall remove the whole burden of the earth. Be fearless, O host of gods.” Hearing Brahma’s voice from the sky, the gods at once returned, their hearts comforted. Then Brahma instructed the Earth, and fearlessness arose; trust entered her heart.

Verse 392 (दोहा/सोरठा)

निज लोकहि बिरंचि गे देवन्ह इहइ सिखाइ। बानर तनु धरि धरि महि हरि पद सेवहु जाइ।।187।।

nija lokahi birañci ge devanha iha-i sikhāi | bānara tanu dhari-dhari mahi hari pada sevahu jāi ||187||

Brahmā, returning to his own celestial abode, thus instructed the gods: “Go down to the earth time and again, assuming vānar forms, and serve at the lotus-feet of Hari.”

Verse 393 (चौपाई)

गए देव सब निज निज धामा। भूमि सहित मन कहुँ बिश्रामा । जो कछु आयसु ब्रह्माँ दीन्हा। हरषे देव बिलंब न कीन्हा।। बनचर देह धरि छिति माहीं। अतुलित बल प्रताप तिन्ह पाहीं।। गिरि तरु नख आयुध सब बीरा। हरि मारग चितवहिं मतिधीरा।। गिरि कानन जहँ तहँ भरि पूरी। रहे निज निज अनीक रचि रूरी।। यह सब रुचिर चरित मैं भाषा। अब सो सुनहु जो बीचहिं राखा।। अवधपुरीं रघुकुलमनि राऊ। बेद बिदित तेहि दसरथ नाऊँ।। धरम धुरंधर गुननिधि ग्यानी। हृदयँ भगति मति सारँगपानी।।

gae deva saba nija nija dhāmā. bhūmi sahita mana kahuṁ bisrāmā. jo kachu āyasu brahmā̃ dīnhā. haraṣe deva bilaṁba na kīnhā. banacara deha dhari chiti māhīṁ. atulita bala pratāpa tinh pāhīṁ. giri taru nakha āyudha saba bīrā. hari māraga chitavahiṁ mati-dhīrā. giri kānana jahaṁ tahaṁ bhari pūrī. rahe nija nija anīka rachi rūrī. yaha saba rucira carita maiṁ bhāṣā. aba so sunahu jo bīcahiṁ rākhā. avadhapurīṁ raghukulamani rāū. beda bidita tehi dasaratha nāū̃. dharama dhuraṁdhara guna-nidhi gyānī. hṛdayaṁ bhagati mati sāraṅgapānī.

All the gods returned each to his own abode, and the earth as well found repose in the heart. Whatever command Brahmā had given, the gods obeyed with joy and made no delay. Assuming the bodies of forest-dwellers upon the earth, they gained incomparable strength and splendor. Those valiant ones—mountain, tree, and claw as their weapons—kept watch upon Hari’s course, steadfast in counsel. Filling mountains and forests everywhere, they remained, each troop well-arrayed in orderly ranks. All this lovely episode I have narrated; now listen to what lies at the very center of the tale. In Ayodhyā there was a king, the jewel of Raghu’s line; the Vedas themselves proclaim his name—Daśaratha. A chief bearer of dharma, a treasury of virtues, a man of true discernment—yet with devotion to Śārṅgapāṇi (the Lord) set firm within his heart.

Verse 394 (दोहा/सोरठा)

कौसल्यादि नारि प्रिय सब आचरन पुनीत। पति अनुकूल प्रेम दृढ़ हरि पद कमल बिनीत।।188।।

kausalyādi nāri priya saba ācarana punīta | pati anukūla prema dṛḍha hari pada kamala binīta ||188||

Kausalyā and the other noble queens were beloved of all; every custom of their lives was sanctifying. With steadfast devotion, ever pleasing to their lords, they remained humble at the lotus-feet of Hari.

Verse 395 (चौपाई)

एक बार भूपति मन माहीं। भै गलानि मोरें सुत नाहीं।। गुर गृह गयउ तुरत महिपाला। चरन लागि करि बिनय बिसाला।। निज दुख सुख सब गुरहि सुनायउ। कहि बसिष्ठ बहुबिधि समुझायउ।। धरहु धीर होइहहिं सुत चारी। त्रिभुवन बिदित भगत भय हारी।। सृंगी रिषहि बसिष्ठ बोलावा। पुत्रकाम सुभ जग्य करावा।। भगति सहित मुनि आहुति दीन्हें। प्रगटे अगिनि चरू कर लीन्हें।। जो बसिष्ठ कछु हृदयँ बिचारा। सकल काजु भा सिद्ध तुम्हारा।। यह हबि बाँटि देहु नृप जाई। जथा जोग जेहि भाग बनाई।।

eka bāra bhūpati mana māhīṁ | bhai galāni moreṁ suta nāhīṁ || guru gṛha gayau turata mahipālā | caraṇa lāgi kari binaya bisālā || nija dukha sukha saba gurahi sunāyu | kahi basiṣṭha bahubidhi samujhāyu || dharahu dhīra hoihahiṁ suta cārī | tribhuvana bidita bhagata bhaya hārī || sṛṁgī riṣahi basiṣṭha bolāvā | putra-kāma subha jagya karāvā || bhagati sahita muni āhuti dīnhēṁ | pragaṭe agini carū kari līnhēṁ || jo basiṣṭha kachu hṛdayaṁ bicārā | sakala kāju bhā siddha tumhārā || yaha habi bāṁṭi dehu nṛpa jāī | jathā joga jehi bhāga banāī ||

Once, within the king’s mind there arose a heaviness: “I have no son.” Straightway the monarch went to his गुरु’s dwelling; clasping his feet, he made a great and humble petition. All his griefs and comforts alike he told to the गुरु. Then Vasiṣṭha, speaking, consoled and instructed him in many ways. “Hold firm; you shall have four sons—renowned through the three worlds, and the dispellers of devotees’ fear.” Vasiṣṭha summoned the sage Śṛṅgī and caused the auspicious पुत्रकाम yajña to be performed. With devotion the sage offered oblations; Fire manifested and took up the consecrated porridge. Whatever Vasiṣṭha had pondered in his heart—your whole purpose has been fulfilled. Go, O king, and distribute this havis, each according to the portion properly assigned.”

Verse 396 (दोहा/सोरठा)

तब अदृस्य भए पावक सकल सभहि समुझाइ।। परमानंद मगन नृप हरष न हृदयँ समाइ।।189।।

taba adṛsya bhae pāvaka sakala sabahi samujhāi. paramānanda magana nṛpa haraṣa na hṛdayaṁ samāi..189..

Then the sacrificial Fire became invisible, having instructed and consoled the whole assembly. The king, immersed in supreme bliss, found that his joy could no longer be contained within his heart.

Verse 397 (चौपाई)

तबहिं रायँ प्रिय नारि बोलाईं। कौसल्यादि तहाँ चलि आई।। अर्ध भाग कौसल्याहि दीन्हा। उभय भाग आधे कर कीन्हा।। कैकेई कहँ नृप सो दयऊ। रह्यो सो उभय भाग पुनि भयऊ।। कौसल्या कैकेई हाथ धरि। दीन्ह सुमित्रहि मन प्रसन्न करि।। एहि बिधि गर्भसहित सब नारी। भईं हृदयँ हरषित सुख भारी।। जा दिन तें हरि गर्भहिं आए। सकल लोक सुख संपति छाए।। मंदिर महँ सब राजहिं रानी। सोभा सील तेज की खानीं।। सुख जुत कछुक काल चलि गयऊ। जेहिं प्रभु प्रगट सो अवसर भयऊ।।

tabahiṁ rāyaṁ priya nāri bolāīṁ। kausalyādi tahāṁ cali āī।। ardha bhāga kausalyāhi dīnhā। ubhaya bhāga ādhe kara kīnhā।। kaikeī kahaṁ nṛpa so dayau। rahyo so ubhaya bhāga puni bhayau।। kausalyā kaikeī hātha dhari। dīnha sumitrahi mana prasanna kari।। ehi bidhi garbha-sahita saba nārī। bhaīṁ hṛdayaṁ haraṣita sukha bhārī।। jā dina teṁ hari garbhahi āe। sakala loka sukha saṁpati chāe।। mandira mahaṁ saba rājahiṁ rānī। sobhā sīla teja kī khānīṁ।। sukha juta kachuka kāla cali gayau। jehiṁ prabhu pragaṭa so avasara bhayau।।

Then the king summoned his beloved queens, and Kausalya with the others came there. He gave half the sacred portion to Kausalya, and divided the remaining two portions into equal halves. That which the king gave to Kaikeyi—what was left again became the other half. Kausalya, taking Kaikeyi by the hand, gave it to Sumitra, gladdening her heart. Thus all the ladies, now with child, were inwardly filled with great joy and happiness. From the day Hari entered their wombs, happiness and prosperity spread over all the world. Within the palace the royal ladies were as mines of beauty, gentle virtue, and splendor. So passed a little time in contentment, until the destined moment when the Lord would manifest.

Verse 398 (दोहा/सोरठा)

जोग लगन ग्रह बार तिथि सकल भए अनुकूल। चर अरु अचर हर्षजुत राम जनम सुखमूल।।190।।

joga lagana graha bāra tithi sakala bhae anukūla | cara aru acara harṣajuta rāma janama sukhamūla ||190||

The auspicious conjunctions—ascendant, planets, weekday, and lunar date—were all made propitious. All creation, moving and unmoving, filled with gladness, acclaimed Rāma’s birth, the very fountainhead of joy.

Verse 399 (चौपाई)

नौमी तिथि मधु मास पुनीता। सुकल पच्छ अभिजित हरिप्रीता।। मध्यदिवस अति सीत न घामा। पावन काल लोक बिश्रामा।। सीतल मंद सुरभि बह बाऊ। हरषित सुर संतन मन चाऊ।। बन कुसुमित गिरिगन मनिआरा। स्त्रवहिं सकल सरिताऽमृतधारा।। सो अवसर बिरंचि जब जाना। चले सकल सुर साजि बिमाना।। गगन बिमल सकुल सुर जूथा। गावहिं गुन गंधर्ब बरूथा।। बरषहिं सुमन सुअंजलि साजी। गहगहि गगन दुंदुभी बाजी।। अस्तुति करहिं नाग मुनि देवा। बहुबिधि लावहिं निज निज सेवा।।

naumī tithi madhu māsa punītā | sukala paccha abhijita hariprītā || madhya-divasa ati sīta na ghāmā | pāvana kāla loka bisrāmā || sītala manda surabhi baha bāū | haraṣita sura santana mana cāū || bana kusumita girigana maniārā | stravahiṃ sakala saritā’mṛta-dhārā || so avasara birañci jaba jānā | cale sakala sura sāji bimānā || gagana bimala sakula sura jūthā | gāvahiṃ guna gandharba barūthā || baraṣahiṃ sumana su-añjali sājī | gahagahi gagana duṃdubhī bājī || astuti karahiṃ nāga muni devā | bahu-bidhi lāvahiṃ nija nija sevā ||

It was the holy ninth day of the month of Madhu, the bright fortnight, and the Abhijit hour—dear to Hari. At high noon there was no scorching heat, but a coolness; a purifying time when the world found repose. A gentle, fragrant breeze was blowing; the gods and the saints were gladdened, their hearts filled with delight. The forests were in bloom, the mountain ranges shone like jewels, and all the rivers flowed as streams of nectar. When Brahma learned of that auspicious moment, all the celestials set forth, arrayed in splendour, in their vimanas. The sky was clear; the hosts of gods were gathered, while companies of Gandharvas sang the Lord’s praises. They showered flowers in fair handfuls, and the heavens rang with the beating of celestial drums. Serpent-deities, sages, and gods offered hymns, each rendering service in his own appointed way.