Prakarana 22

Verse 440 (चौपाई)

प्रात कहा मुनि सन रघुराई। निर्भय जग्य करहु तुम्ह जाई।। होम करन लागे मुनि झारी। आपु रहे मख कीं रखवारी।। सुनि मारीच निसाचर क्रोही। लै सहाय धावा मुनिद्रोही।। बिनु फर बान राम तेहि मारा। सत जोजन गा सागर पारा।। पावक सर सुबाहु पुनि मारा। अनुज निसाचर कटकु सँघारा।। मारि असुर द्विज निर्मयकारी। अस्तुति करहिं देव मुनि झारी।। तहँ पुनि कछुक दिवस रघुराया। रहे कीन्हि बिप्रन्ह पर दाया।। भगति हेतु बहु कथा पुराना। कहे बिप्र जद्यपि प्रभु जाना।। तब मुनि सादर कहा बुझाई। चरित एक प्रभु देखिअ जाई।। धनुषजग्य मुनि रघुकुल नाथा। हरषि चले मुनिबर के साथा।। आश्रम एक दीख मग माहीं। खग मृग जीव जंतु तहँ नाहीं।। पूछा मुनिहि सिला प्रभु देखी। सकल कथा मुनि कहा बिसेषी।।

In the morning the Lord of the Raghus said to the sage, "Go without fear and perform the sacrifice." The sage began to perform the fire offerings, while he himself remained as guardian of the sacrifice. Hearing this, the wrathful demon Maricha took Subahu as his ally and rushed forward, that foe of the sages. Rama struck him down with an arrow that needed no feather; he fell a hundred yojanas away, beyond the sea. Then he shot the fire-arrow and slew Subahu, and his younger brother destroyed the demon host. Having slain the demons, the twice-born sages performed the purification rites; the gods and sages offered praise. There for some days the Lord of the Raghus remained, showing kindness to the brahmins. Though the Lord knew all, the brahmin related many ancient stories for the sake of devotion. Then the sage respectfully explained and said, "Come, let us see one more feat of the Lord." "There is the bow sacrifice of the sage, O Lord of the Raghu line." Joyfully they set out with the great sage. On the way they saw a hermitage; no bird, deer, creature or living being was there. The Lord saw the stone and asked the sage about it; the sage told the whole story in detail.

Verse 441 (दोहा/सोरठा)

गौतम नारि श्राप बस उपल देह धरि धीर। चरन कमल रज चाहति कृपा करहु रघुबीर।।210।।

Gautama's wife, under a curse, has taken on a stone body; she longs for the dust of the lotus feet. O Raghubira, show mercy.

Verse 442 (छंद)

परसत पद पावन सोक नसावन प्रगट भई तपपुंज सही। देखत रघुनायक जन सुख दायक सनमुख होइ कर जोरि रही।। अति प्रेम अधीरा पुलक सरीरा मुख नहिं आवइ बचन कही। अतिसय बड़भागी चरनन्हि लागी जुगल नयन जलधार बही।। धीरजु मन कीन्हा प्रभु कहुँ चीन्हा रघुपति कृपाँ भगति पाई। अति निर्मल बानीं अस्तुति ठानी ग्यानगम्य जय रघुराई।। मै नारि अपावन प्रभु जग पावन रावन रिपु जन सुखदाई। राजीव बिलोचन भव भय मोचन पाहि पाहि सरनहिं आई।। मुनि श्राप जो दीन्हा अति भल कीन्हा परम अनुग्रह मैं माना। देखेउँ भरि लोचन हरि भवमोचन इहइ लाभ संकर जाना।। बिनती प्रभु मोरी मैं मति भोरी नाथ न मागउँ बर आना। पद कमल परागा रस अनुरागा मम मन मधुप करै पाना।। जेहिं पद सुरसरिता परम पुनीता प्रगट भई सिव सीस धरी। सोइ पद पंकज जेहि पूजत अज मम सिर धरेउ कृपाल हरी।। एहि भाँति सिधारी गौतम नारी बार बार हरि चरन परी। जो अति मन भावा सो बरु पावा गै पतिलोक अनंद भरी।।

As she touched his feet, the purifier, the destroyer of sorrow, the accumulated penance she had endured became manifest. Seeing the Lord of the Raghus, the giver of joy to his servants, she stood before him with folded hands. Overcome with love, her body thrilling, she could not speak a word. Most fortunate, she clung to his feet, and from her eyes twin streams of tears flowed. She steadied her mind, recognized the Lord, and through the Raghu Lord's grace attained devotion. With most pure words she offered praise; victory to the Raghu Lord, whom knowledge alone can attain. "I am a sinful woman; the Lord is the purifier of the world, the giver of joy to his servants, the foe of Ravana. O lotus-eyed one, deliverer from the fear of existence, protect me, protect me; I have come to your refuge. The curse the sage gave me was most good; I count it the highest grace. I have seen Hari, the deliverer from existence, with my eyes full; this gain I regard as Shiva's gift. This is my prayer, O Lord; I am of simple mind; I ask for no other boon, O Master. Let my mind, like a bee, drink the pollen and nectar of your lotus feet. Those feet which the most holy Ganga bore, when she appeared and Shiva bore her on his head Those lotus feet which Brahma worships, may the merciful Hari place upon my head. Thus Gautama's wife departed, falling again and again at Hari's feet. She attained what her heart desired most, and went to her husband's world, filled with bliss.

Verse 443 (दोहा/सोरठा)

अस प्रभु दीनबंधु हरि कारन रहित दयाल। तुलसिदास सठ तेहि भजु छाड़ि कपट जंजाल।।211।।

Thus is the Lord, the friend of the humble, Hari, compassionate and free from selfish motive. Tulsidas says, O wretch, worship him and abandon the tangle of deceit.

Verse 444 (चौपाई)

चले राम लछिमन मुनि संगा। गए जहाँ जग पावनि गंगा।। गाधिसूनु सब कथा सुनाई। जेहि प्रकार सुरसरि महि आई।। तब प्रभु रिषिन्ह समेत नहाए। बिबिध दान महिदेवन्हि पाए।। हरषि चले मुनि बृंद सहाया। बेगि बिदेह नगर निअराया।। पुर रम्यता राम जब देखी। हरषे अनुज समेत बिसेषी।। बापीं कूप सरित सर नाना। सलिल सुधासम मनि सोपाना।। गुंजत मंजु मत्त रस भृंगा। कूजत कल बहुबरन बिहंगा।। बरन बरन बिकसे बन जाता। त्रिबिध समीर सदा सुखदाता।।

Rama and Lakshmana set out with the sage, and went to where the world-purifying Ganga flows. The son of Gadhi told them the whole story, in the manner the divine river came to earth. Then the Lord bathed together with the sages, and gave various gifts to the lords of the earth. Joyfully they set out, aided by the host of sages, and quickly drew near the city of Videha. When Rama saw the beauty of the city, he rejoiced, and his brother with him, in special measure. There were tanks, wells, rivers and lakes of many kinds; their waters were like nectar, with jeweled steps. Bees hummed sweetly, drunk on nectar; birds of many colors sang. Forests bloomed with trees of every kind; the threefold breeze always brought happiness.

Verse 445 (दोहा/सोरठा)

सुमन बाटिका बाग बन बिपुल बिहंग निवास। फूलत फलत सुपल्लवत सोहत पुर चहुँ पास।।212।।

There were flower gardens, groves, and forests, the abodes of countless birds. Blossoming, fruit-bearing, and clothed in fresh foliage, the city shone on every side.

Verse 446 (चौपाई)

बनइ न बरनत नगर निकाई। जहाँ जाइ मन तहँइँ लोभाई।। चारु बजारु बिचित्र अँबारी। मनिमय बिधि जनु स्वकर सँवारी।। धनिक बनिक बर धनद समाना। बैठ सकल बस्तु लै नाना।। चौहट सुंदर गलीं सुहाई। संतत रहहिं सुगंध सिंचाई।। मंगलमय मंदिर सब केरें। चित्रित जनु रतिनाथ चितेरें।। पुर नर नारि सुभग सुचि संता। धरमसील ग्यानी गुनवंता।। अति अनूप जहँ जनक निवासू। बिथकहिं बिबुध बिलोकि बिलासू।। होत चकित चित कोट बिलोकी। सकल भुवन सोभा जनु रोकी।।

The city's beauty cannot be described in words; wherever the mind goes, there it is captivated. The charming markets were filled with wondrous mansions, as if Vishnu himself had adorned his own dwelling. Wealthy merchants, equal to the god of wealth, sat displaying all manner of goods. Beautiful crossroads and lovely streets were ever filled with fragrance. Every house was auspicious, painted as if by the god of love himself. The men and women of the city were fair, pure, and virtuous, righteous, wise, and full of merit. Most wondrous was the palace where Janaka dwelt; even the gods were bewildered to behold its splendor. The heart was amazed to see the fortress; it seemed to hold back the beauty of all the worlds.

Verse 447 (दोहा/सोरठा)

धवल धाम मनि पुरट पट सुघटित नाना भाँति। सिय निवास सुंदर सदन सोभा किमि कहि जाति।।213।।

White mansions, golden doors, and curtains of many kinds beautifully arranged. How can I describe the beauty of Sita's lovely abode?

Verse 448 (चौपाई)

सुभग द्वार सब कुलिस कपाटा। भूप भीर नट मागध भाटा।। बनी बिसाल बाजि गज साला। हय गय रथ संकुल सब काला।। सूर सचिव सेनप बहुतेरे। नृपगृह सरिस सदन सब केरे।। पुर बाहेर सर सारित समीपा। उतरे जहँ तहँ बिपुल महीपा।। देखि अनूप एक अँवराई। सब सुपास सब भाँति सुहाई।। कौसिक कहेउ मोर मनु माना। इहाँ रहिअ रघुबीर सुजाना।। भलेहिं नाथ कहि कृपानिकेता। उतरे तहँ मुनिबृंद समेता।। बिस्वामित्र महामुनि आए। समाचार मिथिलापति पाए।।

The splendid gates had doors of adamant; kings, bards, panegyrists, and minstrels stood in attendance. There were grand stables for horses and elephants; at all times they were filled with horses, cattle, and chariots. Warriors, ministers, and generals were many; every house was like a royal palace. Near the city were lakes and rivers where many kings would alight. Seeing a peerless grove, lovely on every side, all were delighted. Kushika said, "My mind is made up; here let the wise Raghunatha stay." Saying, "Very well, lord," the abode of mercy, he alighted there with the company of sages. The great sage Vishvamitra came, and the king of Mithila received the news.

Verse 449 (दोहा/सोरठा)

संग सचिव सुचि भूरि भट भूसुर बर गुर ग्याति। चले मिलन मुनिनायकहि मुदित राउ एहि भाँति।।214।।

Accompanied by his ministers, pure and many warriors, excellent brahmins, and learned priests, the king went forth joyfully to meet the lord of sages.

Verse 450 (चौपाई)

कीन्ह प्रनामु चरन धरि माथा। दीन्हि असीस मुदित मुनिनाथा।। बिप्रबृंद सब सादर बंदे। जानि भाग्य बड़ राउ अनंदे।। कुसल प्रस्न कहि बारहिं बारा। बिस्वामित्र नृपहि बैठारा।। तेहि अवसर आए दोउ भाई। गए रहे देखन फुलवाई।। स्याम गौर मृदु बयस किसोरा। लोचन सुखद बिस्व चित चोरा।। उठे सकल जब रघुपति आए। बिस्वामित्र निकट बैठाए।। भए सब सुखी देखि दोउ भ्राता। बारि बिलोचन पुलकित गाता।। मूरति मधुर मनोहर देखी। भयउ बिदेहु बिदेहु बिसेषी।।

He bowed his head and placed it at their feet in salutation; the lord of sages, filled with joy, gave him his blessing. All the company of brahmins paid reverence with devotion, knowing their great fortune; the king was filled with delight. After inquiring about his welfare many times, Vishvamitra seated the king. At that moment the two brothers arrived; they had gone to see the flowering groves and remained there. Dark and fair, tender of age, in their youth, their eyes brought joy and stole the hearts of the world. When the Lord of the Raghus came, all rose; Vishvamitra made them sit near him. All were happy to see the two brothers; their eyes filled with tears and their bodies thrilled. Seeing their sweet and enchanting forms, the king of Videha became especially eager to know who they were.

Verse 451 (दोहा/सोरठा)

प्रेम मगन मनु जानि नृपु करि बिबेकु धरि धीर। बोलेउ मुनि पद नाइ सिरु गदगद गिरा गभीर।।215।।

Knowing the king's mind to be immersed in love, yet exercising discernment and maintaining his composure, he bowed his head at the sage's feet and spoke in a voice deep with emotion.

Verse 452 (चौपाई)

कहहु नाथ सुंदर दोउ बालक। मुनिकुल तिलक कि नृपकुल पालक।। ब्रह्म जो निगम नेति कहि गावा। उभय बेष धरि की सोइ आवा।। सहज बिरागरुप मनु मोरा। थकित होत जिमि चंद चकोरा।। ताते प्रभु पूछउँ सतिभाऊ। कहहु नाथ जनि करहु दुराऊ।। इन्हहि बिलोकत अति अनुरागा। बरबस ब्रह्मसुखहि मन त्यागा।। कह मुनि बिहसि कहेहु नृप नीका। बचन तुम्हार न होइ अलीका।। ए प्रिय सबहि जहाँ लगि प्रानी। मन मुसुकाहिं रामु सुनि बानी।। रघुकुल मनि दसरथ के जाए। मम हित लागि नरेस पठाए।।

Tell me, lord, who are these two beautiful boys? Are they the ornament of the sage lineage, or the nurturers of the royal line? Is that Brahman whom the Vedas proclaim as 'not this, not that'? Has he come assuming a dual form? My heart is naturally inclined to detachment; yet it grows weary like the chakora bird pining for the moon. Therefore, lord, I ask you in all sincerity; tell me, and do not conceal the truth. At the sight of them I am filled with such love that my mind has forsaken even the bliss of Brahman. The sage smiled and said, "Ask, O king, what is good; your words will not go in vain." These two are dear to all living beings. Hearing their words, Rama smiled in his heart. They are the jewels of Raghu's line, born to Dasharatha; the king has sent them here for my benefit.

Verse 453 (दोहा/सोरठा)

रामु लखनु दोउ बंधुबर रूप सील बल धाम। मख राखेउ सबु साखि जगु जिते असुर संग्राम।।216।।

Rama and Lakshmana, the two excellent brothers, are the abode of beauty, virtue, and strength; they protected the sacrifice, and all the world bore witness when they conquered the demons in battle.

Verse 454 (चौपाई)

मुनि तव चरन देखि कह राऊ। कहि न सकउँ निज पुन्य प्राभाऊ।। सुंदर स्याम गौर दोउ भ्राता। आनँदहू के आनँद दाता।। इन्ह कै प्रीति परसपर पावनि। कहि न जाइ मन भाव सुहावनि।। सुनहु नाथ कह मुदित बिदेहू। ब्रह्म जीव इव सहज सनेहू।। पुनि पुनि प्रभुहि चितव नरनाहू। पुलक गात उर अधिक उछाहू।। म्रुनिहि प्रसंसि नाइ पद सीसू। चलेउ लवाइ नगर अवनीसू।। सुंदर सदनु सुखद सब काला। तहाँ बासु लै दीन्ह भुआला।। करि पूजा सब बिधि सेवकाई। गयउ राउ गृह बिदा कराई।।

O sage, seeing your feet, the king says that he cannot describe the fruit of his own merit. The two brothers, dark and fair, are beautiful; they are the givers of joy to joy itself. Their mutual love is purifying; its pleasing effect upon the heart cannot be put into words. Hear me, lord, says the king of Videha with joy: they are like Brahman and the soul, naturally affectionate. Again and again the king gazed at the Lord; his body thrilled, his heart overflowed with gladness. Praising the sage and bowing his head at his feet, the king departed, making his way to the city. He gave them a beautiful mansion, pleasant at all seasons; there they took up residence, and he assigned them attendants. After worshipping them and providing every service, the king took leave and went to his own house.

Verse 455 (दोहा/सोरठा)

रिषय संग रघुबंस मनि करि भोजनु बिश्रामु। बैठे प्रभु भ्राता सहित दिवसु रहा भरि जामु।।217।।

Having taken food and rest with the sages, the jewel of the Raghu line, the Lord, sat with his brothers; the day passed in full measure.

Verse 456 (चौपाई)

लखन हृदयँ लालसा बिसेषी। जाइ जनकपुर आइअ देखी।। प्रभु भय बहुरि मुनिहि सकुचाहीं। प्रगट न कहहिं मनहिं मुसुकाहीं।। राम अनुज मन की गति जानी। भगत बछलता हिंयँ हुलसानी।। परम बिनीत सकुचि मुसुकाई। बोले गुर अनुसासन पाई।। नाथ लखनु पुरु देखन चहहीं। प्रभु सकोच डर प्रगट न कहहीं।। जौं राउर आयसु मैं पावौं। नगर देखाइ तुरत लै आवौ।। सुनि मुनीसु कह बचन सप्रीती। कस न राम तुम्ह राखहु नीती।। धरम सेतु पालक तुम्ह ताता। प्रेम बिबस सेवक सुखदाता।।

In Lakshmana's heart a special longing arose: "If only I could go and see Janakpur!" But out of fear of the Lord and bashfulness before the sage, he did not speak his desire aloud, but only smiled within his heart. Rama, knowing his younger brother's state of mind, felt his heart rejoice with tender love for his devotee. He, exceedingly humble, smiled bashfully and spoke, having received his guru's permission. "My lord, Lakshmana wishes to see the city; but out of fear and bashfulness before you he does not say so openly. If I obtain your command, I will take him at once to see the city and bring him back." Hearing this, the lord of sages spoke words full of love: "How could Rama not keep you in the path of righteousness? You are the guardian of the bridge of dharma, my child; and out of love, the servant gives happiness to his master."

Verse 457 (दोहा/सोरठा)

जाइ देखी आवहु नगरु सुख निधान दोउ भाइ। करहु सुफल सब के नयन सुंदर बदन देखाइ।।218।।

Go, see the city and return, both of you brothers, you who are a treasure-house of joy; show your beautiful faces and bring fulfillment to all eyes.

Verse 458 (चौपाई)

मुनि पद कमल बंदि दोउ भ्राता। चले लोक लोचन सुख दाता।। बालक बृंदि देखि अति सोभा। लगे संग लोचन मनु लोभा।। पीत बसन परिकर कटि भाथा। चारु चाप सर सोहत हाथा।। तन अनुहरत सुचंदन खोरी। स्यामल गौर मनोहर जोरी।। केहरि कंधर बाहु बिसाला। उर अति रुचिर नागमनि माला।। सुभग सोन सरसीरुह लोचन। बदन मयंक तापत्रय मोचन।। कानन्हि कनक फूल छबि देहीं। चितवत चितहि चोरि जनु लेहीं।। चितवनि चारु भृकुटि बर बाँकी। तिलक रेखा सोभा जनु चाँकी।।

Bowing at the sage's lotus feet, the two brothers set forth, they who give joy to the eyes of the world. Seeing their surpassing beauty, a throng of boys began to follow them, their hearts captivated by the sight. Clad in yellow garments, with quivers at their waists, they shone with charming bows and arrows in their hands. Where they passed, the very sandalwood paste seemed to follow their bodies; their dark and fair complexions were a ravishing pair. With shoulders like a lion's and massive arms, on their chests shone exquisite garlands of serpent-gems. Their lovely eyes were like golden lotuses, their faces like the moon, granting release from the threefold suffering. Their ears, with the beauty of golden flowers, seemed to steal the heart with every glance. Their glances were charming, their brows curved and graceful; the tilak mark and its line shone as if made bright on purpose.

Verse 459 (दोहा/सोरठा)

रुचिर चौतनीं सुभग सिर मेचक कुंचित केस। नख सिख सुंदर बंधु दोउ सोभा सकल सुदेस।।219।।

Their four faces were ravishing, their heads bore beautiful topknots, their hair was curled; from toenail to crown the two brothers were beautiful, their splendor shone in every limb.