Sri Ramchritmanas Hindi-English

1318
r Rmacaritamnasa
or
[The Mnasa lake brimming over with the exploits of r Rma]
With Hindi Text and English Translation
(A Romanized Edition)
Gita Press, Gorakhpur, India
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r
Rmacaritamnasa
of
Gosvm
Tulasdsa
enjoys
a
unique
place
among the classics of the worlds literature. It is a specimen of most
exquisite poetry and can compare favourably with the best poems of the
world. It was considered to be the best work on Devotion by Mahtm
Gndh, the greatest man of the modern world and styled as the perfect
example of the perfect book by foreign scholars. It is universally accepted
by all classes of people from Bihar to the Punjab and from the Himlayas to
the Narmad. According to an old Christian missionary, who is no more in
this world, no one could hope to understand the people of Upper India till he
had mastered every line that Tulasdsa had written.
This
universal
appeal
of
the
immortal
poem
encouraged
us
to
publish
a faithful and accurate English translation of the book with the original text
critically
edited
with
the
utmost
care
on
the
basis
of
most
authentic
sources
available and was published in Kalyana-Kalpataru in three instalments as the
special number of the magazine.
For the first time in 1968 it was published in a consolidated formthe
original
text
in
Ngar
with
english
translation.
It
was
given
a
hearty
welcome
by the readers and since then ten more impressions were brought out.
For
sometimes
in
the
past
we
were
pressurised
to
bring
about
an
edition with Romanized transliteration also of the original text. It was a big job
and
required
herculean
labour
on
the
part
of
the
press
and
with
the
result
the
book is in the hands of the readers.
Gita
Press
did
it
with
the
sole
purpose
that
those
also
who
cannot
read Ngar script particularly those who have migrated from India and
settled
abroad
may
get
themselves
benefited
and
enjoy
the
greatest
epic
of
the world.
It
is
expected
to
supply
a
long-felt
desideratum
and
we
shall
deem
our
labours amply repaid if the volume finds acceptance with the English-reading
public.
The
book
will
be
found
illustrated
with
some
of
the
best
pictures
available in our stock on the life of r Rma and relevant to the theme of
r
Rmacaritamnasa.
With
these
few
words
of
introduction
we
take
leave
of our kind readers and leave it to them to judge how far we have succeeded
in
preserving
intact
the
beauties
of
the
original
in
our
translation.
Publishers Note
r Rmyaajk rat
U
U
fl r U
L U
fl
U
CU
U
fl
fl

UU U
U fl U
U H
UH
U fl U H
U S UH
U U H
L Ufl H
U LU U H
U Q H
H
rati
rrmyanaj
k,
gvata brahmdika muni
nrada,
suka sanakdi sea aru srada,
gvata
beda
purna aadasa,
muni jana dhana satana ko sarabasa,
gvata satata sabhu bhavn,
bysa
di
kabibarja
bakhn,
kalimala harani biaya rasa phk,
dalana roga bhava muri am k,
krati kalita lalita siya p k.

blamka
bigyna
bisrada.
barani
pavanasuta
krati
nk.
chao sstra saba grathana ko rasa.
sra asa samata sabah k.
aru ghaasabhava muni bigyn.
kgabhusui garua ke h k.
subhaga sigra mukti jubat k.
tta mta saba bidhi tulas k.
An rat Song*
(Rendered into English verse by Madhava araa M.A., L.L.B.)
Soft lights we wave, soft lights display,
Before this Lord of Sts lay
The Rmyaa, so sweet and dear,
So beautiful, without a peer,
Which gods like Brahm, Nrada sing.
The ant-hill sage, soul-seers king,
uka, rada, ea, boy sages four,
The wind-gods son recount this lore
With great delight and voices gay.
The holy books their music mix
To sing this gist of stras six,
Of all good works, of all good thought;
The wealth of sages; yet what not

Of all the saints?their mainstay,
Um and akara eer intone,
As well the wise Agastya pot-grown.
The crows, Garuas it heart indwells.
The poets great like Vysa and else
In ecstasies this song relay.
Shuns sensuous joy, sins abluent,
The dame of Muktis ornament;
Ambrosial herb rebirth to cure,
And parents both, tis only sure,
For
Tulasdsa
in
everyway.
* A hymn of praise addressed to r Rmyaa at the time of waving lights while worshipping the same.
r Rmacaritamnasa
Contents
Subject
1. An rat Song (by Gosvm Tulasdsa)
2. Procedure for Reciting the Rmacaritamnasa
Page No.
....
iv
....
xiii
Descent I
(Bla-Ka)
1. Invocations ............................................
2. Salutations to the Guru ........................
3. Salutations to Brhmaas and
saints ....................................................
4. Salutations to the wicked .....................
1
3
4
7
5. Contrast between saints and the

evil-minded ............................................ 8
6. Salutations to all living beings as
so many images of r Rma ............ 12
7. Tulasdsas humility and the glory
of poetry describing r Rmas
greatness ............................................ 16
8. Salutations to the immortal bards ...... 22
9. Salutations to the sage Vlmki, the
Vedas, Brahm, iva, Prvat and
other gods and goddesses ................. 22
10. Salutations to the abode and
companions of St and Rma .......... 24
11. Salutations to and the glory of the
Name .................................................. 27
12. The excellences of r Rma and
the greatness of His story ................. 42
13. The date of composition of the
Rmacaritamnasa ............................. 44
14. The metaphorical representation of
the Mnasa as a lake and its glory ... 48
15. Dialogue between the sages

Yjavalkya and Bharadvja and
the greatness of Prayga ...................
16. Sats bewilderment, r Rmas
divine glory and Sats remorse .........
17. Disowning of Sat by iva and
ivas trance .......................................
18. Sats visit to Dakas sacrifice .........
58
62
67
72
19. Sats self-immolation through the fire

of Yoga out of indignation at the
slight offered to Her Spouse by
Her father: destruction of Dakas
sacrifice .............................................. 73
20. Descent of Goddess Prvat and
Her penance ....................................... 75
21. r Rmas intercession with
Bhagavn iva for marriage ............... 84
22. Prvats unique fidelity as revealed
through Her test by the seven seers .... 85
23. Loves departure on the errand of
the gods and his being burnt to
death ................................................... 90
24. ivas boon to Rati (Cupers consort) . 94
25. The gods prayer to iva for
marriage; the seven seers visit to
Prvat ................................................. 95
[ VI ]
26. ivas peculiar marriage procession
and preparations for the wedding
(undertaken by the other party) .......... 98
27. ivas nuptials ................................... 109
28. A
dialogue between iva and

Prvat ................................................ 115
29. Causes of r Rmas Descent ........ 128

30. Egos sway over Nrada and the
effect of the Lords My .................. 133
31. Princess Vivamohins self-election
of a husband; Nradas pronouncing
a curse on the attendants of iva as
well as on the Lord Himself and his
subsequent freedom from the spell
of infatuation ...................................... 138
32. The austerities of Manu and atarup
and their receiving a boon from
the Lord ............................................. 145
33. The story of king Pratpabhnu ........ 154
34. The birth of Rvaa and his brothers,
their
austerities, opulence and

tyranny ............................................... 174
43. Janakas ecstasy of love at the

sight of Rma and Lakmaa ........... 213
44. A visit to the town by Rma and
Lakmaa .......................................... 215
45. r Rmas visit to Janakas garden;
Rma and St catch sight of each
other ................................................... 223
46. Worship of Goddess Prvat by St,
Her receiving blessing from the
Goddess and a dialogue between
Rma and Lakmaa ........................ 229
47. r Rmas entry into the pavilion
erected for the Bow-Sacrifice alongwith Lakmaa .................................... 234
48. Sts entry into the pavilion ............. 240

49. Proclamation of Janakas vow by
his heralds ......................................... 242
50. The princes failure to lift the bow and
Janakas despondent utterance ......... 243
51. Lakmaas fulmination ..................... 245
52. The breaking of the Bow ................... 252
53. St places the wreath of victory
round Rmas neck ........................... 254
35. The piteous appeal of mother Earth

and other gods .................................. 182
54. Arrival of Paraurma, exchange of
36. The Lords compassion on them ....... 185
hot words between Lakmaa and
37. King Daarathas sacrifice for the
Paraurma and r Rmas triumph

over the latter .................................... 258
birth of a son and his Queens

pregnancy .......................................... 187
38. The Lords manifestation and the
delightful nature of His childish
sports ................................................. 189
39. Vivmitra visits king Daaratha
and
asks for r Rma and

Lakmaa .......................................... 203
40. Protection of Vivmitras sacrifice ... 206
41. Redemption of Ahaly ....................... 208
42. Entry of Vivmitra with Rma and
Lakmaa into the precincts of
Mithil ................................................ 209
55. Janakas despatching of messengers

to Ayodhy and departure of the
marriage procession from there .......... 274
56. Arrival of the marriage procession and
its reception etc., at Janakapura ....... 289
57. The wedding of St and Rma
and Their farewell .............................. 297
58. Return of the marriage procession
to Ayodhy and rejoicing in
the city ............................................... 337
59. The glory of hearing and singing
the story of r Rma ....................... 348
[VII]
Descent II
(Ayodhy-Ka)
60. Invocations ......................................... 351
61. Preparations for r Rmas installation
as the Prince Regent of Ayodhy;
the gods concern over the same and
their approaching Goddess Sarasvat
for help .............................................. 355
62. Sarasvat perverts the mind of
Manthar (a handmaid of queen
Kaikey); a dialogue between Kaikey
and Manthar ..................................... 362
63. Kaikey enters the sulking-chamber ..... 371
64. Dialogue between king Daaratha
and Kaikey; Daarathas lamentation;
Sumantra goes to the palace and,
returning from it, sends r Rma to
His father ........................................... 373
65. Dialogue between r Rma and
mother Kaikey ................................... 387
66. Dialogue between r Rma and His
father; the sadness of the people of
Ayodhy; their remonstrances with
Kaikey ............................................... 390
mother Kausaly ................................ 397
68. Dialogue between St and r Rma ..... 405
69. Dialogue between r Rma, Kausaly
and St ............................................. 412
Lakmaa .......................................... 413
71. Dialogue between Lakmaa and
mother Sumitr .................................. 416
72. r Rma, Lakmaa and St call on
king Daaratha to take leave of
him; Daarathas advice to St ........ 419
73. r Rma, St and Lakmaa proceed
to the woods and slip past the
citizens buried in slumber .................. 421
74. r Rmas arrival at gaverapura;
the Nida chiefs services ............... 428
75. Dialogue between Lakmaa and

the Nida; Sumantras dialogue
with r Rma and St and his
returning to Ayodhy ......................... 431
76. The boatmans love and the passage
across the Gag .............................. 439
77. Arrival at Prayga and dialogue between
r Rma and the sage Bharadvja;
the love of the people inhabiting the
bank of the Yamun .......................... 445
78. The episode of an ascetic ................ 449
79. r Rma greets the Yamun; love
of the villagers ................................... 450
the sage Vlmki ............................... 461
81. r Rma takes up His abode at
Citrakua; the services of the Kolas
and Bhlas .......................................... 468
82. Sumantra returns to Ayodhy and
finds the city a picture of grief ......... 481
83. Dialogue between king Daaratha
and Sumantra, Daarathas passing
away .................................................. 482
84. The sage Vasiha sends envoys
to call Bharata ................................... 490
85. Arrival and lamentation of Bharata
and atrughna ................................... 491
86. Dialogue between Bharata and mother
Kausaly and king Daarathas
cremation ........................................... 495
87. Dialogue between the sage Vasiha
and Bharata; Bharata prepares for a
journey to Citrakua in order to
bring r Rma back to Ayodhy ..... 500
88. Departure of Bharata and atrughna
with the citizens of Ayodhy to the
woods ................................................. 515
89. The
Nidas
suspicion
and
.........................................
precautions
517
[VIII]
90. Bharatas meeting and dialogue with
99. Vasihas speech ............................. 577
the Nida chief; the love of Bharata
100. Dialogue between r Rma, Bharata

and others .......................................... 583
and the citizens of Ayodhy for

r Rma ........................................... 521
91. Bharatas arrival at Prayga and
dialogue between Bharata and the
sage Bharadvja ................................ 531
101. King Janakas arrival at Citrakua; the

Kolas and Kirtas offer presents to the
visitors and all meet one another ..... 596
102. Dialogue between queens Kausaly
92. Bharadvja shows hospitality to

Bharata .............................................. 539
and Sunayan (king Janakas wife);

Sts amiability ................................. 602
93. Dialogue between Indra and his

preceptor (the sage Bhaspati) .......... 543
103. Dialogue between king Janaka and

his wife; Bharatas glory .................... 608
94. Bharata on his way to Citrakua ....... 547
104. Dialogue between king Janaka and
95. Sts dream; the Kolas and Kirtas bring

news of Bharatas arrival to r Rma;
Bharata; Indras anxiety; Goddess

Sarasvats admonition to Indra ......... 612
r Rmas concern at the report;

Lakmaas outburst of passion ......... 551
105. Dialogue between the sage Vasiha,

r Rma and Bharata ....................... 617
96. r Rma admonishes Lakmaa

and dwells on Bharatas greatness ..... 556
106. Bharata deposits the sacred waters;

his perambulation through Citrakua ..... 629
97. Bharata takes a dip in the Mandkin
and arrives at Citrakua; Bharata and
Bharata; the gift of sandals; Bharatas
others meet one another, mourn the
farewell ............................................... 632
kings death and perform his rddha

(obsequies) ......................................... 558
98. Hospitality of the foresters towards
Bharata and his party; Kaikeys remorse ....... 573
108. Returning
to
Ayodhy,
Bharata
enthrones the sandals and takes up

his residence at Nandigrma; the
virtue of listening to Bharatas story ..... 635
Descent III
(Araya-Ka)
109. Invocations ......................................... 647
110. Jayantas mischief and punishment ..... 648
111. Meeting with the sage Atri and his
hymn of praise to r Rma ............. 650
112. Sts meeting with Anasuy (Atris
wife) and the latters discourse on
the duties of a devoted wife ............. 653
113. r Rma proceeds further and kill
Virdha; the episode of the sage
arabhaga ........................................ 657
114. r Rma takes a vow to kill the
demons .............................................. 659
115. Sutkas love and r Rmas meeting

with the sage Agastya; dialogue with
Agastya; r Rmas entry into the
Daaka forest and His meeting
with Jayu ........................................ 659
116. r Rma takes up His abode at
Pacava; dialogue between r Rma
and Lakmaa ................................... 667
117. The story of urpaakh; her
approaching Khara, Duaa and Triir
for redress and their subsequent
death at r Rmas hands ................. 670
[IX]
118. urpaakh approaches Rvaa; St
119.
120.
121.
122.
123.
enters into the fire leaving Her

shadow behind ................................... 678
The episode of Mrca and how he
was killed in the form of a gold
deer .................................................... 682
Sts abduction and Her wail ........... 686
The combat of Jayu with Rvaa .... 688
r Rmas lament; His meeting
with Jayu ........................................ 690
Deliverance of Kabandha ................... 695
124. Grace on abar; a discourse on the

nine forms of Devotion and departure
for the Pamp lake ........................... 696
125. A description of the spring; Nradas
meeting with r Rma ...................... 703
126. Dialogue between the sage Nrada
and r Rma .................................... 705
127. The glory of hearing the praises of
r Rma and an exhortation to
cultivate fellowship with saints and
practise adoration .............................. 707
Descent IV
(Kikindh-Ka)
128. Invocations ......................................... 711
129. r Rmas meeting with Hanumn
and the conclusion of an alliance
between r Rma and Sugrva ........ 712
130. Sugrva apprizes r Rma of his woes;
the latters vow to kill Vli; r Rma
expatiates on the characteristics
of a friend .......................................... 717
131. Sugrvas dispassion .......................... 718
132. Duel between Vli and Sugrva;
deliverance of Vli ............................. 721
133. Trs wail; r Rmas advice to
Tr and Sugrvas coronation and
Agadas installation as his HeirApparent ............................................. 724
134. A
description
of
the
rainy
...............................................
season
726
135. r Rmas show of displeasure

towards Sugrva and Lakmaas
wrath .................................................. 731
136. Dialogue between Sugrva and
r Rma and the departure of the
monkeys in quest of St .................. 733
137. Their meeting with a hermitess in
a cavern ............................................. 737
138. The monkeys arrival at the seashore;
their meeting and conversation with
Sampt (Jayus brother) .................. 738
139. Sampts advice to the monkeys to
leap across the ocean; Jmbavn
encourages Hanumn by reminding
him of his strength ............................ 742
140. The greatness of r Rmas
praises ............................................... 744
Descent V
(Sundara-Ka)
141. Invocations ......................................... 745
142. Hanumn leaves for Lak, meets
Suras and kills the image-catching
demoness .......................................... 746
143. Description of Lak; Hanumn strikes
Lakin and enters Lak .................. 749
144. Hanumn meets Vibhaa ................ 752
145. Hanumns grief at the sight of St

in the Aoka grove and Rvaas
threat to St ..................................... 754
146. Trijas dream ................................... 757
147. Dialogue between St and Trija .... 757
148. Dialogue
between
St
and
...........................................
Hanumn
759
[X]
149. Hanumn lays waste the Aoka grove
and kills prince Akaya; at last
Meghanda entangles Hanumn in a
noose of serpents and carries him
off to Rvaas court ........................ 764
150. Dialogue between Hanumn and
Rvaa ............................................... 766
151. Burning of Lak ............................... 771
152. After burning Lak Hanumn asks
leave of St and obtains the
crest-jewel from Her .......................... 772
153. On Hanumns reaching the opposite
shore all the monkeys return and
enter Madhuvana; their meeting with
Sugrva and the dialogue between
r Rma and Hanumn .................... 773
154. r Rmas march to the beach
alongwith the army of monkeys ........ 779
155. Dialogue between Mandodar and

Rvaa ............................................... 781
156. Vibhaa offers advice to Rvaa
and meets with an affront at the
latters hands ...................................... 783
157. Vibhaa sallies forth to obtain r
Rmas protection and secures it ..... 786
158. Deliberation over the question of
crossing the sea; appearance of uka,
a spy of Rvaa, and his return with
Lakmaas letter .............................. 793
159. The spy gives counsel to Rvaa
and delivers Lakmaas note to
him ..................................................... 797
160. r Rmas fury against the sea
and the latters supplication .............. 801
161. Glory of hymning r Rmas
praises ................................................ 804
Descent VI
(Lak-Ka)
162. Invocations ......................................... 805
163. Bridging of the ocean by Nala
and Nla; r Rmas installation of
r Rmevara ................................... 807
164. r Rma crosses the ocean with the
whole army and encamps on Mount
Suvela; Rvaa feels agitated at
the news ............................................ 809
165. Mandodar expostulates with Rvaa;
dialogue between Rvaa and
Prahasta (his son) ............................. 811
166. A mental view of r Rma on Mount
Suvela and a description of the
rising moon ......................................... 816
167. An arrow from r Rmas bow
strikes down Rvaas diadems
and umbrella ...................................... 819
168. Mandodar makes remonstrance with
Rvaa again and dwells upon
r Rmas glory ................................ 819
169. Agadas departure for Lak and

dialogue between Agada and
Rvaa in the latters court ............... 823
170. Mandodar offers advice to Rvaa
once more .......................................... 843
171. Dialogue between Agada and r
Rma; conflict actually begins .......... 845
172. Mlyavns admonition to Rvaa .... 855
173. The battle recommences; encounter
between Lakmaa and Meghanda;
a javelin thrown by the latter strikes
Lakmaa in the breast .................... 857
174. Hanumn fetches the physician Suea
and proceeds in quest of the life-giving
herb; dialogue between Klanemi and
Rvaa, redemption of the she-alligator;
deliverance of Klanemi ..................... 862
175. Struck by Bharatas arrow, Hanumn
drops down unconscious; dialogue
between Bharata and Hanumn ........ 865
[XI]
176. r Rmas sport of a frantic wail;
Hanumns return; Lakmaas coming
back to consciousness ...................... 867
177. Rvaa
awakes
Kumbhakara;
Kumbhakaras exhortation to Rvaa
and dialogue between Vibhaa
and Kumbhakara .............................. 869
178. Kumbhakara joins the bele and
attains final beatitude ........................ 871
179. Meghanda
gives
battle
and
r Rma sportfully allows Himself
to be bound by a snare of serpents 880
180. Destruction of Meghandas sacrificial
performance; his engagement on the
battle-field and deliverance at the
hands of Lakmaa ............................ 883
181. Rvaas march to the field of battle;
r Rmas victory-chariot and an
encounter between the monkeys
and the demons ................................. 886
182. Encounter between Lakmaa and
Rvaa ............................................... 893
183. Rvaas swoon; destruction of his
sacrificial performance; combat
between r Rma and Rvaa ........ 895
184. Indra (the lord of paradise) sends a
chariot for the use of r Rma; encounter
between r Rma and Rvaa ........... 901
185. Rvaa hurls a lance at Vibhaa :
r Rma puts Vibhaa behind Him
and exposes Himself to its full force;
encounter between Vibhaa and Rvaa .... 908
186. Combat of Rvaa and Hanumn;

Rvaa creates phantoms and r Rma
disperses the phantoms .................... 909
187. Fierce fighting; Rvaas swoon ....... 912
188. Dialogue
between
St
and
.................................................
Trija
914
189. Final encounter between r Rma
and Rvaa; end of Rvaa; shouts
of victory everywhere ........................ 919
190. Mandodar and other queens lament;
Rvaas funeral ................................ 923
191. Vibhaas installation ...................... 926
192. Hanumn carries the happy news to
St; St rejoins r Rma and enters
fire as a test of her purity ................ 927
193. The gods sing the Lords praises;
Indra rains down nectar on the
dead ................................................... 932
194. Vibhaas entreaty; Sri Rama
portrayal and Bharatas condition by
due to the excessive love he bore
towards the Lord; r Rma urges
Vibhaa to arrange His speedy return
to Ayodhy.....................................939
195. Vibhaa rains down clothes and
ornaments from the air and the
monkeys and bears pick them
up and adorn their person with
them ................................................... 941
196. r Rma and St leave for Ayodhy
on the aerial car, Pupaka ................ 943
197. The glory of r Rmas story .......... 947
Descent VII
(Uttara-Ka)
198. Invocations ......................................... 949
199. Bharatas desolation; meeting of
Bharata and Hanumn; rejoicing in
Ayodhy ............................................. 950
200. r Rmas Reception; meeting with
Bharata; universal rejoicing on meeting
r Rma ............................................ 956
201. r Rmas Coronation; Vedas
Alleluia; Lord ivas Alleluia .............. 965
202. r Rma bestows parting presents

on the monkeys and the Nida
chief ................................................... 973
203. Account of r Rmas Reign ........... 976
204. Birth of sons to the four brothers;
Ayodhys loveliness; arrival of
the sage Sanaka and his three
brothers and their dialogue with
r Rma ........................................... 981
[XII]
205. Hanumns introduction to Bharatas
question and r Rmas discourse
on the subject ................................... 992
206. r Rmas exhortation to His
subjects
(r
Rma-Gt); the
citizens acknowledgement ................ 997

the sage Vasiha; r Rmas
excursion to a mango grove in the
company of His brothers ................. 1002
208. Nradas visit and return to Brahms
abode after hymning the Lords
praises ............................................. 1005
211. Insult offered by him to his preceptor

in a previous birth and the curse
pronounced on him by Lord iva ...... 1061
212. A hymn of eight verses addressed
to Lord iva ..................................... 1063
213. Gurus appeal to Lord iva for
forgiving the wrong; mollification
of the curse; continuation of
Kkabhuuis narrative ................ 1065
214. Kkabhuui approaches the sage
Lomaa, who first pronounces a
curse on him but later on showers
his grace and bestows a boon on him 1069
209. Dialogue between Lord iva and
215. Delineation of Gnosis and Devotion;
Goddess Prvat; Garuas delusion;
a description of the Lamp of wisdom
Garua listens to r Rmas story
and the surpassing glory of Devotion 1076
and to an account of His glory

from Kkabhuui .......................... 1006
210. Kkabhuui narrates the story
of his previous lives and tells
Garua the glory of the Kali
age ................................................... 1050
216. Seven questions of Garua and

Kkabhuuis replies to them ...... 1086
217. Glory of adoration ............................ 1089
218. Greatness
of
the
Rmyaa;
Tulasdsas prayer and reward of

reciting this poem ............................ 1091
Procedure of Reciting the Rmacaritamnasa

Those who undertake to read the Rmacaritamnasa according to the correct
procedure should before commencing the reading invoke and worship the author.
Gosvm Tulasdsa, the sage Vlmki, Lord iva and r Hanumn, and then invoke the
Divine Couple, St and Rma, alongwith r Rmas three divine brothers (Bharata,
Lakmaa and atrughna), offer them the sixteenfold worship and meditate on them. The
reading should be commenced after that.
INVOCATION
SUU
fl Ufl sH 1H

Obeisance to you, O Tulasdsa ! Please come here, O saint of holy vows.

Taking your seat in the south-west, accept this adoration. Obeisance to Tulasdsa.
fl SUU UUfl DU U cfl H 2H

fl
Obeisance to you, O Vlmki ! Pray come here, O bestower of blessings ! Take

your seat in the north-east and accept my homage. Obeisance to Vlmki.
SUU
UEU fl D U H 3H
U
Obeisance to You, O Spouse of Gaur (Prvat) ! Pray come here, O mighty Lord.
Kindly take Your seat in the south-east and accept my homage. Obeisance to the
Spouse of Gaur.
SUU U DU U H 4H
%
Obeisance to you, O Lakmaa; please come here with your beloved consort
(Urmil). Kindly occupy the southern quarter of the altar, and accept my homage.
Obeisance to Lakmaa with his consort.
A SUU
U US p SflLcfl H 5H
% A
Obeisance to you, O atrughna ! Please come here with your beloved consort
(rutakrti). Seating yourself in the western quarter of this altar pray accept my homage.
Obeisance to atrughna with his consort.
SUU
U USU DU U H 6H
% U
Obeisance to you, O Bharata! Pray come here with your beloved consort
(Mav), Please sit down in the northern quarter of the altar and accept my homage.
Obeisance to Bharata and his wife.
USUU
fl DU SflL H 7H
[XIV]
Obeisance to you, O Hanumn ! Pray come here, O mine of compassion.

Please occupy the eastern quarter and accept my homage, O Lord! Obeisance to
Hanumn.
flfl cT Ufl US H 8H
The principal deity (r Rma accompanied by His Consort, St) should then be
worshipped with due ceremony. Taking flowers in the hollow of his or her palms the
reader should meditate on the Supreme Deity (r Rma) in the light of the following
verse:
UQU UV XU m fl
LU fl flflcfl QCUhH 9H
I ever adore r Rma, whose charming eyes resemble the petals of a red lotus,
who is clad in yellow raiments and has a dark-brown form endowed with a pair of arms,
who wears a cheerful countenance, is accompanied by r St, and is an ocean of
nectar in the form of mercy, who is waited upon even by Viu, iva and others and is
meditated upon alongwith His three brothers and other favourite attendants (Hanumn
and others) and who grants the desire of His devotees.
U U Ufl U flH 10H

Please come, O Lord of Janakas Daughter, alongwith St and accept my
homage with Hanumn (son of the wind-god) and others, O Scion of Raghu.
flU
SU U U H
11H
Occupy, O Rma, this bejewelled seat of gold, offered by me, and spread over
with an exquisite covering.
The Deity should then be worshipped with the sixteenfold equipage prescribed in
the scriptures.*
S UUUS flUflSfl
U fl U flUUU Q Q flA
UflUhKZ U fl
Of this story of r Rma, known by the name of Mnasa-Rmyaa, Lord iva,
the sages Kkabhuui and Yjavalkya and Gosvm Tulasdsa are the seers; r
Rma united with His Consort, St, is the deity; the name Rma is the seed; Devotion
which cures the disease of transmigration, is the akti (motive force or energy); and the
object of this reading is to ward off all evils and accomplish all ones desires through the
propitiation of St and Rma.
Then water should be sipped thrice with the recitation of the following Mantras one
after another U ; U and U . A Pryma should also be
performed with the recitation of the Bja-Mantra sacred to St and Rma.
* The sixteenfold equipage of worship consists of:
1. Pdya (water for washing the feet with); 2. Arghya (water for washing the hands with); 3. camanya
(water of rinsing the mouth with); 4. Snnya (water for performing ablutions with); 5. Vastra (raiment);
6. bhuaa (ornaments); 7. Gandha (sandal-paste); 8. Pupa (flowers); 9. Dhupa (burning incense);
10. Dpa (light); 11. Naivedya (food); 12. camanya (water for rinsing the mouth); 13. Tmbula (betel-leaves
with other ingredients for cleansing and scenting the mouth); 14. Stava-Pha (singing praises); 15. Tarpaa
(water for slaking thirst) and 16. Namaskra (salutation).
[XV]
KARANYSA
Karanysa consists in invoking and installing typical Mantras on the various
fingers, palms and back of the hands. In Karanysa as well as in Aganysa the
Mantras are treated as possessing a living form and it is these personified forms of the
Mantras that the touched and greeted by citing the names of the particular limbs. Through
this process the reciter himself is indentified with the Mantra and brought under the full
protection of the Mantra-god. He is purified both externally and internally and is infused
with divine energy. His spiritual practice runs a smooth course till the very end and
proves beneficial to him.
The procedure of Karanysa in this case is as follows:
U H
XUDU
(The hosts of virtues possessed by Rma are a blessing to the world and the
bestowers of Liberation, riches, religious merit and the Divine Abode).
Uttering these words the thumbs of both the hands should be touched with the
index-fingers.
UU UU
UUH
(Multitudes of sins dare not stand in the presence of those who utter the name
Rma even while yawning.)
Uttering this the index-fingers of both the hands should be touched with the
thumbs.
UU H
(May Your appellation Rma, O Lord, excel all other divine names and play the
role of a fowler in relation of birds in the form of sins.)
Uttering this the middle fingers of both the hands should be touched with the
thumbs.
Z U
fl
ZH
(Bhagavn r Rma makes the whole creation dance like a wooden doll, O
Prvat.)
Uttering this the ring-fingers of both the hands should be touched with the
thumbs.
fl
UH
DU
(The moment a creature turns its face towards Me(says the Lord)the sins
committed by it through millions of births are dissolved then and there.)
Uttering this the little fingers of both the hands should be touched with the
thumbs.
U U LU U H
UUDU
[XVI]
(Protect me, O Leader of Raghus race, holding as You do an excellent bow and
brilliant arrow in Your hands.)
Uttering this the palms and backs of both the hands should be touched one after
another each with the other hand.
AGANYSA
In Aganysa the heart and other parts of the body are touched with all the fingers
of the right hand joined together.
U H
NU
Uttering this the heart should be touched with all the five fingers of the right
hand.
Similarly the forehead should be touched after uttering the following line:
UU UU
UUH
U SflU
The tuft of hair on the head should then be touched after uttering the following
line:
UU H
flU
After uttering the following line the right shoulder should be touched with the fingers
of the left hand and vice versa:
Z U
fl
ZH
fl U
After uttering the following line both the eyes should be touched with the finger-tips
of the right hand:
fl
U U
UH
flU
After uttering the following line the right hand should be taken round the head
counter-clockwise from the forehead to the back of the head and back to the forehead,
and the palm of the left hand should be struck with the index and middle fingers of the
right.
U U LU U H
DHYNA
S U
The form of the Lord should then be meditated upon with the help of the following
lines:
fl

U S U

U fl U
U U U
H
NU U UUH
U H
U U UH
U U UH
[XVII]
UflU
M
U U UH
U
fl U H
L

U UH
U U H
(Look at me, O Lord with lotus-like eyes! You rid the devotee of sorrow by Your
gracious look. You are swarthy of hue like the blue lotus, O Hari, and a bee as it were
drinking in he nectarean love of the lotus-like heart of Lord iva (an avowed enemy of
the god of love). You crush the might of the demon hosts, delight the sages and saints
and wipe out sins. You are a mass of fresh clouds for the crop in the form of the
Brhmaas (the gods on this earth), the refuge of the forlorn and a brateater of the
humble. You relieve the burden of the earth by the enormous strength of Your arm and
are an adept in killing the demons Khara, Duaa and Virdha. An enemy of the demon
king Rvaa and bliss personified, You are the noblest of kings. Glory to You, who are
as moon to the lily-like race of Daaratha. Your bright glory is known to the Puras,
Vedas and Tantras, and is sung by gods, sages and the assemblages of saints. Full of
compassion, You crush false pride and are perfect in everyway, O ornament of
Ayodhy! Your Name wipes out the impurities of this sinful age and curbs the feeling of
meum. Protect this humble devotee, O Lord of Tulasdsa!)
N.B. The pauses for a nine-day and thirty-day recitation have been noted in the
body of the text itself and have therefore not been separately mentioned.
r Rmacaritamnasa
(The Mnasa lake containing the exploits of r Rma)
Descent One
(Bla-Ka)
fl
U
XU U fl
U
flflH 1H
loka
varnmarthasaghn
rasn
magaln
ca
karttrau
vande
chandasmapi,
vvinyakau.1.
I reverence V ( the goddess of speech) and Vinyaka (Lord Gaea), the

originators of sounds represented by the alphabet, of the multitudes of objects denoted by those
sounds, of poetic sentiments as well as of metres, and the begetters of all auspiciainess.(1)
flVUU
fl
hflEM
fl h SflSEUH 2H
bhavnakarau
vande
raddhvivsarupiau,
ybhy vin na payanti siddh svntasthamvaram.2.
I greet Goddess Prvat and Her consort, Bhagavn akara, embodiments of
reverence and faith respectively, without which even the adept cannot perceive God
enshrined in their very heart.
(2)
fl L VUUM
U fl fl fllH 3H
vande bodhamaya nitya guru akararupiam,
yamrito hi vakropi candra sarvatra vandyate.3.
I make obeisance to the eternal preceptor in the form of Lord akara, who is all
wisdom, and resting on whose brow the crescent moon, though crooked in shape, is
universally adored.
(3)
UUflUU
fl
flhfl
flEUEUH 4H
strmaguagrmapuyrayavihriau
,
vande
viuddhavijnau
kavvarakapvarau.4.
20
* R RMACARITAMNASA *
I pay homage to the king of poes (Vlmki) and the chief of monkeys (Hanumn),
of pure intelligence, both of whom sport in the holy woods in the shape of glories of St
and Rma.
(4)
UjflSUUU
UU
flSU U UflH 5H
udbhavasthitisahrakri
sarvareyaskar
st
natoha
kleahrim,
rmavallabhm.5.
I bow to St the beloved consort of r Rma, who is responsible for the

creation, sustenance and dissolution (of the universe), removes afflictions and begets
all bleneshess.
(5)
flfl flE rflU

flfl U U
flfl U flSfl
flU UU U UUH 6H
yanmyvaavartti vivamakhila brahmdidevsur
yatsattvdamaiva bhti sakala rajjau yathherbhrama,
yatpdaplavamekameva hi bhavmbhodhestitrvat
vandeha tamaeakraapara rmkhyama harim.6.
I adore Lord Hari, known by the name of r Rma, who is superior to and
lies beyond all causes, whose My (illusive power) holds sway over the entire
universe including gods from Brahm (the Creator) downwards and demons, whose
presence lends positive reality to the world of appearanceseven as the false notion
of a serpent is entertained with reference to a ropeand whose feet are the only
bark for those who are eager to cross the ocean of mundane existence.
(6)
U U `
Sfl U H 7H
nnpuranigamgamasammata yad rmyae nigadita kvacidanyatopi,
svntasukhya tulas raghunthagthbhnibandhamatimajulamtanoti.7.
For the gratification of his own self Tulasdsa brings forth this very elegant
composition relating in common parlance the story of the Lord of Raghus, which is in accord
with the various Puras, Vedas and the gamas (Tantras), and incorporates what has
been recorded in the Rmyaa (of Vlmki) and culled from some other sources.
(7)
U U UU
UU U h U H 1H
So.: jo sumirata sidhi hoi gana nyaka karibara badana,

karau anugraha soi buddhi rsi subha guna sadana.1.
May Lord Gaea, the leader of ivas retinue, whose very thought ensures
success, who carries on his shoulders the head of a beautiful elephant, who is a
repository of wisdom and an abode of blessed qualities, shower his grace.
(1)
* BLA-KNA *
21
U U UU U
flU UH 2H
muka hoi bcla pagu caRhai giribara gahana,
jsu kp so dayla dravau sakala kali mala dahana.2.
May that merciful Lord, whose grace enables the dumb to wax eloquent and a
cripple to ascend an inaccessible mountain, and who burns all the impurities of the Kali
age, be moved to pity.
(2)
ULU S L L U
UU UU UUU H 3H
nla saroruha syma taruna aruna brija nayana,
karau so mama ura dhma sad chrasgara sayana.3.
May the Lord who ever sleeps on the ocean of milk, and who is swarthy as a
blue lotus and has eyes resembling a pair of full-blown red lotuses, take up His abode
in my bosom.
(3)
U U U L
U U U UU H 4H
kuda idu sama deha um ramana karun ayana,
jhi dna para neha karau kp mardana mayana.4.
May the crusher of Cupid, Bhagavn iva, whose form resembles in colour the
jasmine flower and the moon, who is the consort of Goddess Prvat and an abode of
compassion and who is fond of the afflicted, be gracious.
(4)
L UM UU
UU U U UH 5H
badau guru pada kaja kp sidhu nararupa hari,
mahmoha tama puja jsu bacana rabi kara nikara.5.
I bow to the lotus feet of my Guru, who is an ocean of mercy and is no other than
r Hari Himself in human form, and whose words are sunbeams as it were for
dispersing the mass of darkness in the form of gross ignorance.
(5)
0U L U
U
U M

U UU
U
U
UUU U
U U U
L U UH
fl L UflMH 1H
H
UH 2H
U cU U UH
U UU fl H 3H
U fl U H
U U U H 4H
22
.
Cau.: bada~~u guru pada paduma parg,

amia
murimaya
curana
cru,
sukti sabhu tana bimala bibhut,
jana mana maju mukura mala haran,
rgura pada nakha mani gana jot,
dalana moha tama so sapraksu,
ugharahi bimala bilocana h
ke,
sujhahi rma carita mani mnika,
suruci subsa sarasa anurg.

samana sakala bhava ruja parivru.1.
majula magala moda prasut.
.
ki~e tilaka guna gana basa karan.2.
sumirata dibya di hiya hot.
baRe
bhga
ura
vai
jsu.3.
miahi doa dukha bhava rajan ke.
guputa pragaa jaha jo jehi khnika.4.
I greet the pollen-like dust of the lotus feet of my preceptor, refulgent, fragrant and
flavoured with love. It is a lovely powder of the life-giving herb, which allays the host of all
the attendant ills of mundane existence. It adorns the body of a lucky person even as white
ashes beautify the person of Lord iva, and brings forth sweet blessings and joys. It rubs
the dirt off the beautiful mirror in the shape of the devotees heart; when applied to the
forehead in the form of a Tilaka (a religious mark), it attracts a host of virtues. The
splendour of gems in the form of nails on the feet of the blessed Guru unfolds divine vision
in the heart by its very thought. The lustre disperses the shades of infatuation, highly
blessed is he in whose bosom it shines. With its very appearance the bright eyes of the
mind get opened; the attendant evils and sufferings of the night of mundane existence
disappear; and gems and rubies in the shape of stories of r Rma, both patent and
hidden, wherever and in whatever mine they may be, come to light
(14)
h
U H 1H
Do.: jath suajana aji dga sdhaka siddha sujna,

kautuka dekhata saila bana bhutala bhuri nidhna.1.
as for instance, by applying to the eyes the miraculous salve known by the
name of Siddhjana (the eye-salve of perfection) strivers, adepts as well as men of
wisdom easily discover a host of mines on hill-tops, in the midst of forests and in the
bowels of the earth.
(1)
0L U
U
UU U

U U
U UU Ufl

U Q U UU U
UU
UU UU U
U Sfl U
U
UU
H
UU U U fl H 1H
U UUH
UU H 2H
U H
U flH 3H
UUH
U r U UH 4H
U U UH
H 5H
UU
UH
fl U H 6H
l U H 7H
* BLA-KNA *
23
Cau.: guru pada raja mdu majula ajana, nayana amia dga doa bibhajana.
tehi kari bimala bibeka bilocana,
.
bada~~u prathama mahsura caran,
sujana samja sakala guna khn,
sdhu carita subha carita kapsu,
baranau rma carita bhava mocana.1.

moha janita sasaya saba haran.
karau pranma saprema subn.2.
nirasa bisada gunamaya phala jsu.
jo sahi dukha parachidra durv,

muda magalamaya sata samju,
rma bhakti jaha surasaridhr,
bidhi niedhamaya kali mala haran,
hari hara
kath birjati ben,
bau bisvsa acala nija dharam,
sabahi sulabha saba dina saba des,
akatha
alaukika
tratharu,
badanya jehi jaga jasa pv.3.

jo
jaga
jagama
tratharju.
sarasai brahma bicra pracr.4.
karama kath rabinadani baran.
sunata sakala muda magala den.5.
tratharja
samja
sukaram.
sevata sdara samana kales.6.
dei sadya phala pragaa prabhu.7.
The dust of the Gurus feet is a soft and agreeable, salve, which is ambrosia as
it were for the eyes and remedies the defects of vision. Having brightened my eyes of
discernment thereby I proceed to relate the story of r Rma, which secures freedom
from the bondage of mundane existence. First I reverence the feet of Brhmaas, the
very gods on earth, who are able to dispel all doubts born of ignorance. Then I make
loving obeisance, in a polite language, to the whole body of pious souls, the mines of all
virtues. The conduct of holy men is noble as the career of the cotton plant, the fruit
whereof is tasteless, white and fibrous (even as the doings of saints yield results which
are free from attachment, stainless and full of goodness).* Even by suffering hardships
( in the form of ginning, spinning and weaving) the cotton covers others faults and has
thereby earned in the world a renown which is worthy of adoration. The assemblage of
saints, which is all joy and felicity, is a moving Prayga (the king of all holy places) as
it were. Devotion to r Rma represents, in this moving Prayga, the stream of the holy
Gag, the river of the celestials; while the proceeding of an enquiry into the nature of
Brahma (the Absolute) constitutes the Sarasvat (a subterranean stream which is
traditionally believed to join the Gag and the Yamun at Prayga, thus accounting for
the name Trive, which signifies a meeting-place of three rivers). Discourses on Karma
or Action, consisting of injunctions and interdictions, have been spoken of as the sacred
Yamuna daughter of the sun-god in her angelic formwashing the impurities of the
Kali age; while the anecdotes of Viu and iva stand out as the triple stream known as
Trive, bringing joy and blessings to those who listen to them. Unwavering faith in their
own creed constitutes the immortal banyan tree and noble actions represent the royal
court of that king of holy places. Easy of access to all on anyday and at every place,
this moving Prayga assuages the afflictions of those who resort to it with reverence.
This king of holy places is beyond all description and supra-mundane in character; it
bestows the reward immediately and its glory is manifest.
(17)
U U U
UU U U H 2H
Do.: suni samujhahi jana mudita mana majjahi ati anurga,

lahahi cri phala achata tanu sdhu samja prayga.2.
* The fruit of the cotton plant has been characterized in the original as Nrasa, Visada and
Gunamaya, which words can be interpreted both ways as in the rendering given above.
24
Men who having heard the glory of this moving Prayga in the form of the
assemblage of holy men, appreciate it with an enraptured mind and then take a plunge
into it with extreme devotion obtain the four rewards* of human existence during their
very lifetime.
(2)
0
U U
U
U
U U U
U

U UU

UU
UU UU
U
UU U UH
U U H 1H
U UH
U fl UH 2H
U U U H
U UH 3H
U H
H 4H
U U UH
UUH 5H
U U H
H 6H
Cau.: majjana phala pekhia

tatakl,
suni caraja
karai
jani
ko,
blamka
nrada
ghaajon,
jalacara thalacara nabhacara nn,
mati krati gati
bhuti
bhal,
so jnaba satasaga
prabhu,
binu satasaga bibeka na ho,
satasagata muda magala mul,
saha sudharahi satasagati p,
bidhi basa sujana kusagata parah,
kka hohi pika bakau marl.

satasagati mahim nahi go.1.
nija nija mukhani kah nija hon.
je
jaRa
cetana
jva
jahn.2.
jaba jehi jatana jah

jehi p.
lokahu
beda
na
na
upu.3.
rma kp binu sulabha na so.
soi phala sidhi saba sdhana phul.4.
prasa
parasa
kudhta
suh.
phani mani sama nija guna anusarah.5.
bidhi hari hara kabi kobida bn, kahata sdhu mahim sakucn.
so mo sana kahi jta na kaise , ska banika mani guna gana jaise .6.
The result of dipping into the sacred waters of this king of holy places is instantly
perceived: crows turn into cuckoos and herons into swans. Let no one marvel to hear
this; the glory of contact with saints is no secret. Vlmki, Nrada and Agastya, who
was born of a pitcher, have related the story of their birth and transformation with their
own lips. Of the various creatures, both animate and inanimate, living in this world,
whether in water or on land or in the air, whoever has ever attained wisdom, glory,
salvation, material prosperity or welfare anywhere and by any means whatsoever, know
* The four rewards of human existence are: (1) Dharma or religious merit (2) Artha or material riches
(3) Kma or sensuous enjoyment and (4) Moka or release from the bondage of worldly existence.
Vlmki had been a hunter and a highway robber in his early life. He was reclaimed by the seven
seers and eventually turned out a great seer and poet.
We read in the Bhgavata that Nrada was the son of a maid-servant in his previous incarnation
and even as a child came in touch with holy men, who imparted him the highest wisdom and made him a real
devotee by their very contact. In his next birth he appeared as a mind-born son of Brahm.
Agastya was begotten of god Varua through a pitcher. Another great sage, Vasiha, was also born of
the same pitcher. The association thus obtained in his embryonic state with a great sage made him equally great.
* BLA-KNA *
25
it to be the result of association with holy men; there is no other means either in the world
or in the Vedas. Wisdom dawns not without association with saints and such association
cannot be easily had without the grace of r Rma. Contact with noble souls is the root
of joy and blessings; it constitutes the very fruit and fulfilment of all endeavours, whereas
all other practices are blossoms as it were. Through contact with the virtuous even the
wicked get reformed, just as a base metal is transmuted by the touch of the philosophers
stone. On the other hand, if by mischance good men fall into evil company, they maintain
their noble character like the gem on the hood of a serpent. Even the speech of deities
like Brahm, Viu and iva, poets and men of wisdom falters in depicting the glory of
pious souls. Much less can it be described by me, even as a dealer in vegetables finds
himself incapable of expatiating on the qualities of gems.
(16)
0 U
U U U
U H 3 ()H
U U U U
U UU U UH 3 ()H
Do.: badau sata samna cita hita anahita nahi koi,

ajali gata subha sumana jimi sama sugadha kara doi.3(A).
sata sarala cita jagata hita jni subhu sanehu,
blabinaya suni kari kp rmacarana rati dehu.3(B).
I bow to the saints, who are even-minded towards all and have no friend or foe,
just as a flower of good quality placed in the palm of ones hands communicates its
fragrance alike to both the hands (the one which plucked it and that which held and
preserved it). Realizing thus the noble disposition and loving nature of saints, who are
innocent at heart and catholic in spirit, I make this humble submission to them. Listening
to my childlike prayer and taking compassion on me, O noble souls, bless me with
devotion to the feet of r Rma.
(3 A-B)
0UU
U U U U U
UU UU U UU
U U U
U
U
U U U
U U UUUU
U U
flU U
UU flU U
U U
U H
UU
UU
UH 1H
U U UU H
U U U H 2H
fl H
U fl H 3H
U U UUH
U U U H 4H
U U H
U U UH 5H
U U UUH 6H
26
Cau.: bahuri badi khala gana satibhe , je

para
hita hni lbha jinha kere , ujare
hari
hara
je
para
teja
jasa
rkesa
binu
kja
haraa
dhinehu
bida
be .
basere .1.
rhu se, para akja bhaa sahasabhu se.
doa lakhahi sahaskh, para hita ghta jinha ke mana mkh.2.
ksnu
roa
mahies, agha avaguna dhana dhan dhanes.
udaya keta sama hita saba h ke, kubhakarana sama sovata nke.3.
para akju lagi tanu pariharah, jimi hima upala k dali garah.
badau
puni
khala jasa
pranavau
bahuri
bacana
sakra
bajra
sea saro, sahasa badana baranai para do.4.
pthurja samn, para agha sunai sahasa dasa kn.

sama binavau teh, satata
jehi
sad
surnka
hita
jeh.5.
pir, sahasa nayana para doa nihr.6.
Again, I greet with a sincere heart the malevolent class, who are hostile without
purpose even to the friendly, to whom others loss is their own gain, and who delight
in others desolation and wail over their prosperity. They try to eclipse the glory of
Viu and iva even as the demon Rhu intercepts the light of the full moon (during
what is known as the lunar eclipse); and they are valiant like the reputed king
Sahasrabhu* (so-called because of his possessing a thousand arms) in working
others woe. They detect others faults as if with a thousand eyes and their (designing)
mind mars others interests even as a fly spoils clarified butter. In splendour they
emulate the god of fire and in anger they vie with the god of death, who rides a buffalo.
They are rich in crime and vice as Kubera, the god of riches, is in gold. Like the rise
of a comet their advancement augurs ill for others interests; like the slumber of
Kumbhakara their decline alone is propitious for the world. They lay down their very
life in order to be able to harm others, even as hail-stones dissolve after destroying the
crop. I reverence a wicked soul as the fiery (thousand-tongued) serpent-god ea, in
so far as he eagerly expatiates on others faults with a thousand tongues as it were.
Again, I bow to him as the celebrated king Pthu (who prayed for ten thousand ears
in order to be able to hear the glories of the Lord to his hearts content) inasmuch as
he hears of others faults with ten thousand ears as it were. Once more do I supplicate
to him as Indra (the lord of celestials) in so far as wine appears charming and beneficial
to him (even as the army of gods is beneficent to Indra). Harsh Ianguage is dear to
him even as the thunderbolt is fondly cherished by Indra; and he detects others faults
with one thousand eyes as it were.
(16)
0 U
U U UU U
U U H 4H
* Sahasrabhu was a mighty warrior and a contemporary of Rvaa, who was once captured and
held captive by him. He was slain by Paraurma.
Kumbhakara was a younger brother to Rvaa, the demon-king of Lak. He was a voracious
eater and consumed a large number of goats. and buffaloes everyday. He kept awake for six months and slept
during the other half-year. Living beings thus obtained a fresh lease of life during the period of his slumber.
There is a pun on the expression Surnka in the original Surnka (Sura+Anka) is a compound
word in Saskta, meaning the army of the gods. In Hindi it can as well be treated as two separate words Sur
(wine) and Nka (charming). Hence it has been interpreted both ways in the above rendering.
* BLA-KNA *
27
Do.: udsna ari mta hita sunata jarahi khala rti,

jni pni juga jori jana binat karai saprti.4.
The wicked burn with jealousy as they hear of others welfare, be they his friends,
foes or neutrals: such is their wont. Knowing thus, this humble soul makes loving
entreaties to them with joined palms.
(4)
0 U UU
U U
U
U
UU UU U
UU U
U
U
U UU
fl
U U U UH
UU U U H 1H
U U UH
L UH 2H
UH
H 3H
U H
U U H 4H
U fl U H 5H
Cau.: mai apan disi knha

nihor,
byasa
paliahi
ati
anurg,
badau sata asajjana
caran,
bichurata eka prna hari
leh,
upajahi eka saga jaga
mh,
sudh sur sama sdhu asdhu,
bhala anabhala nija nija karatut,
sudh sudhkara surasari sdhu,
guna avaguna jnata saba
ko,
tinha nija ora na luba bhor.

hohi nirmia kabahu ki kg.1.
dukhaprada ubhaya bca kachu baran.
milata eka dukha druna deh.2.
jalaja jo ka jimi guna bilagh.
janaka eka jaga jaladhi agdhu.3.
lahata sujasa apaloka bibhut.
garala anala kalimala sari bydhu.4.
jo jehi bhva nka tehi so.5.
I for my part have made entreaties to them; they too must not fail to do their part.
However fondly you may nurture a brood of crows, can you ever expect ravens to turn
non carvivoaus I adore the feet of saint and wicked soul both of whom give pain,
though some difference is said to exist between them. Whereas the former class cause
mortal pain while parting, the latter give agonizing torment during their meeting. Though
born together in the world, they differ in their traits even as the lotus and the leech
(both of which spring from water). The good and the wicked resemble nectar and
wine respectively; the unfathomable ocean in the form of this world is their common
parent.* The good and the wicked gather a rich harvest of good reputation and infamy
by their respective doings. Although the merits of nectar, the moonthe seat of nectar
the Gagthe river of the celestialsand a pious soul, on the one hand, and the
demerits of venom, fire, the unholy river Karmanwhich is said to be full of the
impurities of the Kali ageand the hunter, on the other, are known to all, only that which
is to a mans taste appears good to him.
(15)
U U U U
UU U U UU H 5H
* In the Puras we read how both nectar and wine were churned out of the ocean of milk, by the joint
efforts of the gods and the demons.
28
Do.: bhalo
sudh
bhalihi
sarhia
pai
lahai
lahai
nicihi
amarat garala
sarhia
ncu,
mcu.5.
Of course, a good man has a bias for goodness alone, while a vile person is prone
to vileness. While nectar is praised for its immortalizing virtue, poison is extolled for its
deadly effects.
(5)
0 U
U U
U U
UU
U U
U
fl fl L
r
fl
UU
U U U
U
U U U flUH
U UH 1H
H
fl H 2H
H
fl UL H 3H
U U U flH
L Ufl Ufl flH 4H
H 5H
Cau.: khala agha aguna sdhu guna gh,

tehi te kachu guna doa bakhne,
bhaleu poca saba bidhi upaje,
kahahi
beda
itihsa
purn,
dukha sukha ppa punya dina rt,
dnava
deva u ca aru
ncu,
my
brahma
jva
jagads,
ks
maga surasari kramans,
saraga
naraka anurga birg,
ubhaya apra udadhi avagh.

sagraha tyga na binu pahicne.1.
gani guna doa beda bilage.
bidhi prapacu guna avaguna sn.2.
sdhu
asdhu
sujti
kujt.
amia
sujvanu
mhuru
mcu.3.
lacchi
alacchi
raka
avans.
maru mrava mahideva gavs.4.
nigamgama guna doa bibhg.5.
The tales of sins and vices of the wicked, on the one hand, and of the virtues of the
virtuous, on the other, are like boundless and unfathomable oceans. That is why I have
enumerated only a few virtues and vices; for they cannot be acquired or discarded without
being duly distinguished. The good as well as the vile, all have been brought into being by
the Creator; it is the Vedas that have differentiated them by reckoning the merits of the
former class and the demerits of the other. The Vedas, the Itihsas (such as the Rmyaa
and the Mahbhrata) and the Puras unanimously declare that the creation of Brahm
(the Creator) is an intermixture of good and evil. It is characterized by pairs of opposites
such as pain and pleasure, sin and merit, day and night, the good and the wicked, good
birth and vile birth, demons and gods, the high and the low, nectar and poison, a happy life
and death, My and Brahma, i.e., Matter and Spirit, the soul and God (the Lord of the
universe), plenty and poverty, the pauper and the king, the sacred K or Vras and
Magadha or North Bihar (the accursed land), the holy Gag the river of the celestials
and the unholy Karman* (in Bihar), the desert land of Mravra (Western Rjaputn
and Sindha) and the rich soil of Mlav, the Brhmaawho is a veritable god on earth
and the barbarian who feeds on the cow, heaven and hell, attachment and dispassion. The
Vedas and other sacred books have sifted good from evil.
(15)
* A river of sinful origin in Bihar, a plunge in whose waters is said to destroy ones religious merits.
Hence it is called Karman (that which neutralizes ones meritorious acts).
* BLA-KNA *
29
0U
Sfl U UU
U UU UUU U UH 6H
Do.: jaRa cetana guna doamaya bisva knha karatra,

sata hasa guna gahahi paya parihari bri bikra.6.
God has created the universe consisting of animate and inanimate beings as
partaking of both good and evil; swans* in the form of saints imbibe the milk of goodness
rejecting water in the form of evil.
(6)
U
U UZ
U UU U
U UU

UUU
U U
U

U
U
U U fl
U
U U

U UH
U ZH 1H
UH
U U H 2H
U H
Ufl UUH 3H
fl UH
U UH 4H
U H
UU U U UH 5H
U H
U fl H 6H
Cau.: asa bibeka

jaba dei bidht,
kla
subhu
karama
bari,
so sudhri harijana
jimi leh,
khalau karahi bhala pi susagu,
lakhi subea jaga bacaka jeu,
taba taji doa gunahi manu rt.

bhaleu prakti basa cukai bhal.1.
dali dukha doa bimala jasu deh.
miai na malina subhu abhagu.2.
bea
pratpa
pujiahi
teu.
ugharahi
kiehu
hni
ata
na
hoi
nibhu, klanemi
jimi
rvana
rhu.3.
kubeu sdhu sanamnu, jimi jaga jmavata hanumnu.

kusaga susagati lhu, lokahu beda bidita saba khu.4.
gagana caRhai raja
pavana prasag, kcahi milai nca jala sag.

sr, sumirahi rma dehi gani gr.5.
sdhu asdhu sadana suka

dhuma
soi
kusagati
jala
krikha
anala anila
ho, likhia
saght, hoi
purna
jalada
maju
jaga
masi
jvana
so.
dt.6.
When Providence blesses one with such discrimination (as is possessed by the
swan), then alone does the mind abandon evil and gets enamoured of goodness. By
force of the spirit of the times, old habits and past Karma even the good deviate from
goodness under the influence of My. But just as servants of r Hari rectify that error
and, eradicating sorrow and weakness, bring untarnished glory to them, even so the
* The swan is traditionally believed to feed on pearls and credited with the natural gift of separating
milk from water.
30
wicked occasionally perform a noble deed due to their good association, although their
evil nature, which is unchangeable, cannot be obliterated. Even those who are impostors
are respected on account of their garb, as the world is taken in by their attractive
appearance. But they are eventually exposed, and cannot keep up their false appearance
till the end, as was the case with Klanemi*, Rvaa and Rhu. The good are
honoured notwithstanding their un becaning appearance, even as Jmbavn (a general of
Sugrvas army, who was endowed with the form of a bear and possessed miraculous
strength) and Hanumn (the monkey-god) won honour in this world. Bad association is
harmful, while good company is an asset in itself: this is true in the world as well as in
the eyes of the Vedas, and is known to all.Through contact with the wind dust ascends
to the sky, while it is assimilated with mud when united with low-lying waters. Parrots
and Mains nurtured in the house of the virtuous and the wicked repeat the name of
Rma and pour a volley of abuses respectively. Smoke coming in contact with an evil
(earthy) substance turns into soot; the same is used as a material for copying the
Puras with when converted into beautiful ink. Again, in conjunction with water, fire and
air it is transformed into a cloud and brings life to the world.
(16)
0U
fl U
UU S S U U H 7 ()H
U U
UH 7 ()H
U fl U
U U H 7 ()H
fl U U
U U UU UU H 7 ()H
Do.: graha bheaja jala pavana paa pi kujoga sujoga,

hohi kubastu subastu jaga lakhahi sulacchana loga.7(A).
* Klanemi was a demon chief, who was a contemporary of Rvaa, the mighty king of Lak. In the
Lak-Ka (Book VI. 5658) of this very work we are told how he assumed the false appearance of an
ascetic and tried to deceive Hanumn, the devoted servant of the divine r Rma, but was ultimately detected
and killed by Hanumn.
We read in the Arayaka (Book III. 27. 47) how Rvaa appeared before St in the garb of a
mendicant but could not keep up his false appearance for long and had to throw off his mask at last.
In the Puras we are told how at the beginning of creation nectar was churned out of the ocean of
milk conjointly by the gods and the demons. When the same was being served to the gods by God Viu
Himself (who had assumed the form of a charming damsel in order to put the demons off the scent), the demon
Rhu disguised himself as a god and took his seat in the celestial row to participate in the feast. He was,
however, soon detected by the sun-god and the moon-god, who exposed his real character.
There is a pun on the compound word Kusagati in the original. Ku is both a noun and an
indeclinable prefixed to nouns. As an indeclinable it means bad or evil, while as a noun it is a synonym for the
earth. Here it is used in both the senses and has been translated accordingly.
* BLA-KNA *
31
sama praksa tama pkha duhu nma bheda bidhi knha,

sasi soaka poaka samujhi jaga jasa apajasa dnha.7(B).
jaRa cetana jaga jva jata sakala rmamaya jni,
badau saba ke pada kamala sad jori juga pni.7(C).
deva danuja nara nga khaga preta pitara gadharba,
badau kinara rajanicara kp karahu aba sarba.7(D).
The planets, medicines, water, air and cloth prove good or bad in the world
according to their good or evil associations; only men endowed with a keen insight
are able to know this. The proportion of moonlight and darkness is the same in the
bright as well as in the dark fortnight; only the two have been named differently by
the Creator. Knowing the one as the nourisher and the other as the emaciator of the
moon, the world has given it a good name and a bad one. Whatever beings, animate
or inanimate, there are in the universe, recognizing them, one and all, as consisting
of r Rma, I ever adore the lotus feet of all with joined palms. I reverence gods,
demons, human beings, Ngas, birds, evil spirits, manes (the souls of departed
ancestors) and Gandharvas, Kinnaras and Rkasas (giants).* Pray, be gracious to
me all on this occasion.
(7 AD)
0U U
U
U
U U U
U U U
U U U U U
U U
L U
UUU
U UU
U U
UUU U U U
U
U UUU
U U U U

fl H
UU U H 1H
U UU U UUH
UU UH 2H
U U flUH
U U UH 3H
U U UUH
UU H 4H
U L H
UH 5H
U UU fl H
U L U UH 6H
U UU H
U U H 7H
Cau.: kara
cri
lkha
caurs,
sya rmamaya saba jaga jn,
jni
kpkara
kikara mohu,
nija budhi bala bharosa mohi nh,
jti jva jala thala nabha bs.

karau
pranma jori juga pn.1.
saba mili karahu chRi chala chohu.
tte binaya karau saba ph.2.
*Gandharvas, Kinnaras and Rkasa are different species of superhuman beings. Of these the
Gandharvas are celestial songsters and are specially noted for their handsome appearance, while the
kinnaras are credited with the head of a horse. The Rkasas are monstrous in appearance and are said to
roam at night and feed on the human flesh. The Ngas are another class of semi-divine beings, who, though
resembling serpents in shape, can take the human form at will.
32
karana cahau raghupati guna gh,
sujha
na
ekau aga upu,
mati
ati nca u ci ruci ch,
chamihahi sajjana mori hih,
jau
blaka
kaha
totari bt,
ha sihahi
kura
kuila kubicr,
nija kabitta kehi lga na nk,
je para bhaniti sunata harah ,
jaga bahu nara sara sari samabh,
sajjana sakta sidhu sama ko,
laghu mati mori carita avagh.

mana mati raka manoratha ru.3.
cahia amia jaga jurai na chch.
sunihahi blabacana mana l.4.
sunahi mudita mana pitu aru mt.
je para duana bhuanadhr.5.
sarasa hou athav ati phk.
te bara purua bahuta jaga nh.6.
je nija bRhi baRhahi jala p.
dekhi pura bidhu bRhai jo.7.
Eight million and four hundred thousand* species of living beings, classified under
four broad divisions, inhabit land, water and the air. Recognizing the entire creation as
full of St and Rma, I make obeisance to them with joined palms. Knowing me as your
servant, bestav gritin affeeter upan me all of you, O mines of compassion. I have no
confidence in my intellectual power, hence I supplicate you all. I would recount the
virtues of the Lord of Raghus, r Rma; but my wits are poor, whereas the exploits
of r Rma are unfathomable. For this I find not the least resources, while I am dull of
mind and intellect, my ambition is right royal. Even though my intellect is exceedingly
mean, my aspiration is pitched too high; while I crave for nectar, I have no means in this
world to procure even butter-milk. The virtuous will forgive my presumption and listen to
my childish babbling with interest. When a child prattles in lisping accents, the parents
hear it with a mind full of delight. Those, however, who are hard-hearted, mischievous
and perverse and cherish others faults as an ornament, will feel amused. Who does not
like ones own poetry, be it delightful or exceedingly insipid? Such good people as delight
to hear others composition are rare in this world. The world abounds in men who
resemble lakes and rivers, that get swollen with their own rise when waters are added
to them. There is some rare good soul like the ocean, which swells at the sight of the
full moon.
(17)
UU U UU Sfl
UU UUU UUH 8H
Do.: bhga choa abhilu baRa karau eka bisvsa,

paihahi sukha suni sujana saba khala karihahi upahsa.8.
Humble is my lot and my ambition high; my only hope is that all good men will be
gratified to hear what I say, while the evil-minded will ridicule.
(8)
0 UU U U U UU U UUH
UU U
U U UH 1H
* The number of species of living beings has been categorically fixed in Hindu scriptures as
eighty-four lakhs. The four broad divisions are: (1) Jaryuja (viviparous, such as men and beasts), (2)
Aaja (oviparous), (3) Svedaja (born of sweat, such as lice, bugs etc.,) and (4) Udbhijja (sprouting from
the soil, viz., plants).
King Raghu was a forbear of r Rma. His descendants bore the name of Raghus. Having been the
head of the clan after His father, Daaratha, He is aptly called the Lord of the Raghus.
* BLA-KNA *
U U
U U

UU UU U U
U
UU U
U U
fl U U
U U
U U U U UH
U U U UH 2H
UU U H
U U U UU H 3H
UU UU H
l UH 4H
U H
UH 5H
UU UH 6H
Cau.: khala parihsa hoi

hita mor,
hasahi baka ddura ctakah,
kabita rasika na rma pada nehu,
bh bhaniti bhori mati mor,
prabhu pada prti na smujhi nk,
hari hara pada rati mati na kutarak,
rma bhagati bhuita jiya jn,
kabi na hou nahi bacana prabnu,
khara
aratha
alakti nn,
bhva bheda rasa bheda apr,
kabita bibeka
eka nahi mor~e ,
kka kahahi kalakaha kahor.

ha sahi malina khala bimala batakah.1.
tinha kaha sukhada hsa rasa ehu.
.
ha sibe joga ha se
nahi khor.2.
tinhahi kath suni lgihi phk.
tinha kahu madhura kath raghubara k.3.
sunihahi sujana sarhi subn.
sakala kal saba bidy hnu.4.
chada prabadha aneka bidhn.
kabita doa guna bibidha prakr.5.
satya kahau likhi kgada kore .6.
33
The Vidicule of the evil-minded will benefit me; crows call the cuckoo hoarse.
Herons ridicule the swan, frogs make fun of the Ctaka bird and malicious rogues deride
refined speech. To those who have no taste for poetry nor devotion to the feet of r
Rma, this undertaking of mine will serve as a subject for delightful mirth. My composition
is couched in the popular dialect and my intellect is feeble; hence it is a fit subject for
ridicule, and those who laugh shall not incur any blame. To those who cherish no love
for the feet of the Lord and have no sound reason either, this story will sound unattractive
to the ears. To those, however, who possess devotion to the feet of God Viu and iva
and whose mind is not perverse, the tale of the Chief of the Raghus will taste as sweet.
Knowing it in their heart as adorned with devotion to r Rma, the virtuous will listen to
it with bland words of praise. I am no poet nor an adept in the art of speech and am a
cipher in all arts and sciences. There are elegant devices of letters, subtleties of meaning,
various figures of speech, metrical compositions of different kinds, infinite varieties of
emotions and sentiments and multifarious flaws and excellences of poetic composition.
Of these details of poesy, I possess critical knowledge of none. I vouch for it in writing
on a blank sheet.
(16)
U UU Sfl
U UU U H 9H
Do.: bhaniti mori saba guna rahita bisva bidita guna eka,
so bicri sunihahi sumati jinha ke bimala bibeka.9.
34
My composition is devoid of all charm; it has only one merit, which is known
throughout the world. Recognizing this merit, men of sound reason, who are gifted with
unbiased judgment, will surely hear it.
(9)
0U U U UU
fl
UU

flU
UU
U UU U U
U U U
U fl
U
U LU
S U
Cau.: ehi maha
raghupati nma
fl U UH
U U U UUH 1H
U U H
U U UH 2H
U H
U U UH 3H
U U U UH
U U flH 4H
L H
U UH 5H
udr, ati
magala bhavana amagala hr, um

bhaniti
bicitra
bidhubadan
pvana
sahita
purna
jehi
ruti
japata
sr.
purr.1.
sukabi
kta jou, rma nma binu soha na sou.

bh ti sa vr, soha na basana bin bara nr.2.
saba
saba guna rahita kukabi kta bn, rma
nma
jasa
akita
jn.
sdara kahahi sunahi budha th, madhukara sarisa sata gunagrh.3.

jadapi
kabita rasa ekau nh, rma pratpa pragaa ehi mh.
soi
bharosa
dhumau
tajai
more
mana
sahaja
v, kehi na susaga baRappanu pv.4.

karu, agaru prasaga sugadha bas.
bhaniti bhadesa bastu bhali baran, rma kath jaga magala karan.5.
It contains the gracious name of the Lord of Raghus, which is exceedingly holy
and the very cream of the Puras and the Vedas. It is the abode of blessings and the
remover of evils, and is muttered by Lord iva, the enemy of the demon Tripura, alongwith his consort, Um. Even a composition of marvellous beauty and written by a gifted
poet does not commend itself without the name of r Rma. A pretty woman with a
charming countenance and fully adorned, does not look attractive when undressed. On
the other hand, the wise recite and hear with admiration even the composition of a
worthless poet, which is devoid of all merit, knowing it as adorned with the name and
glory of r Rma; for, like the bee, saints have a bias for goodness. Although it has no
poetic charm whatsoever, the glory of r Rma is manifest in it. This is the only hope
which flashes on my mind; who has not been exalted by noble company? Even smoke
rising from burning aloe wood is impregnated with the latters fragrance and gives up its
natural pungency. Although my composition is clumsy, it treats of a commendable theme,
viz., the story of r Rma, which brings felicity to the world.
(15)
U0
U UU U
U U U fl H
* BLA-KNA *
35
UU fl
fl U Ufl flH
magala karani kalimalaharani tulas kath raghuntha k,
gati kura kabit sarita k jyo sarita pvana ptha k.
prabhu sujasa sagati bhaniti bhali hoihi sujana mana bhvan,
bhava aga bhuti masna k sumirata suhvani pvan.
Cha.:
The tale of the Lord of Raghus, O Tulasdsa, brings forth blessings and wipes
away the impurities of the Kali age. The course of this stream of my poetry is tortuous
like that of the holy Gag. By its association with the auspicious glory of the Lord my
composition will be blessed and will captivate the mind of the virtuous. On the person of
Lord iva, even the ashes of the cremation-ground appear charming and purify by their
very thought.
0 U U U
L L U U
H 10 ()H
S U UU
U U flU U H 10()H
Do.: priya lgihi ati sabahi mama bhaniti rma jasa saga,
dru bicru ki karai kou badia malaya prasaga.10(A).
syma surabhi paya bisada ati gunada karahi saba pna,
gir grmya siya rma jasa gvahi sunahi sujna.10(B).
My composition will appear extremely delightful to all by its association with the
glory of r Rma, even as timber of every description is transformed into sandal and
becomes worthy of adoration by contact with the Malaya mountain (in South India),
and nobody takes into account the quality of wood in that region. The milk of even
a dark cow is white and possesses a great medicinal value and is drunk by all. So
do the wise chant and hear the glory of St and Rma even though couched in the
vulgar tongue.
(10 A-B)
0 U
UU L
U UU
U fl U
U U U Ufl
NU U
U
NU
U U U M
U U UU H
UU H 1H
UU U UUH
U U fl H 2H
U UH
flU UU UUH 3H
U U UH
Sfl U U H 4H
UU MH 5H
36
Cau.: mani mnika mukut chabi jais,

npa
kira
tarun
tanu p,
taisehi sukabi kabita budha kahah,
bhagati hetu bidhi bhavana bih,
rma carita
sara binu anhave ,
kabi kobida asa hdaya bicr,
knhe prkta jana guna gn,
hdaya sidhu mati spa samn,
jau
barasai bara bri bicru,
ahi giri gaja sira soha na tais.

lahahi
sakala
sobh
adhik.1.
upajahi anata anata chabi lahah.
sumirata
srada
vati
dh.2.
so rama ji na koi upe .
gvahi hari jasa kali mala hr.3.
sira dhuni gir lagata pachitn.
svti
srad
kahahi
sujn.4.
hohi kabita mukutmani cru.5.
The beauty of a gem, a ruby and a pearl does not catch the eye as it should so
long as they are borne on the head of a serpent, the top of a mountain and the crown
of an elephant respectively. The charm of them all is enhanced when they adorn the
diadem of a king or the person of a young lady. Even so, the wise say, the outpourings
of a good poet originate at one place (in the poets own mind) and exercise their charm
elsewhere (on the mind of the admirer). Attracted by his devotion, Sarasvat (the
goddess of poetry) comes with all speed from the abode of Brahm (the topmost heaven)
at his very invocation. The fatigue occasioned by this long journey cannot be relieved by
millions of devices unless she takes a dip in the lake of r Rmas exploits. Realizing
this in their heart, poets and wise men chant the glory of r Hari alone, which wipes
away the impurities of the Kali age. Finding the bard singing the glories of worldly men
the goddess of speech begins to beat her brow and repent. The wise liken the heart of
a poet to the sea, his intellect to the shell containing pearls and goddess Sarasvat to the
star called Svt (the modern Arcturus, the fifteenth lunar asterism considered as
favourable to the formation of pearls). If there is a shower in the form of beautiful ideas,
lovely pearls make their appearance in the form of poetic effusions.
(15)
UU UU U
UUU UU UH 11H
Do.: juguti bedhi puni pohiahi rmacarita bara tga,

pahirahi sajjana bimala ura sobh ati anurga.11.
If those pearls are pierced with skill and strung together on the beautiful thread of
r Rmas exploits, and if noble souls wear them in their innocent heart, grace in the
form of excessive fondness is the result.
(11)
0
U
UU
U U
U U U U
fl U

U
U U UUU
U UH
U flU UH 1H
U U H
Ufl UH 2H
U U U UH
U U UU H 3H
U U UH
U U UH 4H
* BLA-KNA *
UU U
U U
U L U
U UflU
U U
L UUU
U
U
UU
U
37
M U flUH
U U UH 5H
U UH
UH 6H
Cau.: je
janame
kalikla
karl, karataba byasa bea marl.
calata kupatha beda maga ch Re, kapaa kalevara kali mala bh Re.1.
bacaka bhagata kahi rma ke, kikara kacana koha kma ke.
tinha maha prathama rekha jaga mor, dhga dharamadhvaja dhadhaka dhor.2.
jau apane avaguna saba kahau , bRhai kath pra nahi lahau .
tte
mai ati alapa
bakhne,
samujhi bibidhi bidhi binat mor,
etehu para karihahi je asak,
kabi na hou nahi catura kahvau ,
kaha raghupati ke carita
apr,
jehi
mruta giri meru uRh,
samujhata amita rma prabhut,
thore
mahu
jnihahi
sayne.3.
kou na kath suni deihi khor.
mohi te adhika te jaRa mati rak.4.
mati anurupa rma guna gvau .
kaha mati mori nirata sasr.5.
kahahu tula kehi lekhe mh.
karata kath mana ati kadar.6.
Those who are born in this terrible age of Kali, who though akin to the crow in their
doings have put on the garb of a swan, who tread the evil path, abandoning the track
of the Vedas, who are embodiments of falsehood and repositories of sins of the Kali age,
who are impostors claiming to be devotees of r Rma, though slaves of mammon,
anger and passion, and who are unscrupulous, hypocritical and foremost among
intriguersI occupy the first place among them. Were I to recount all my vices, their tale
will assume large dimensions, and yet I shall not be able to exhaust them. Hence I have
mentioned very few. A word should suffice for the wise. Entering into the spirit of my
manifold prayers, none should blame me on hearing this story. Those who will raise
objections even then are more stupid and deficient in intellect than myself. I am no poet
and have no pretensions to ingenuity; I sing the glories of r Rma according to my own
lights, My intellect, which wallows in the world, is a poor match for the unlimited exploits
of the Lord of Raghus. Tell me, of what account is cotton in the face of the strong wind
before which even mountains like Meru are blown away? Realizing the infinite glory of
r Rma, my mind feels very diffident in proceeding with this story.
(16)
0 U
U U
U UU UU H 12H
Do.: srada sesa mahesa bidhi gama nigama purna,

neti neti kahi jsu guna karahi niratara gna.12.
Goddess Sarasvat ea (the thousand-headed serpent-god), the great Lord
iva, Brahm (the Creator), the gamas (Tantras), the Vedas and the Puras unceasingly
sing His virtues, saying not that, not that.*
* This shows that the gods and scriptures mentioned above, though ever engaged in singing the
virtues of r Rma, are able only to touch the fringe of His glory and find themselves unable to describe it in
full. That is why they make only a negative assertion Na iti (not that), meaning thereby that whatever is
predicated of God falls much too short of His real glory and is at best only a faint indication of it.
38
0
U U U
U M

SflM
fl
fl U
U U UU
UU
U
fl
U U UU
U U
U UU U
U UU H
U U H 1H
U H
U U U U H 2H
U UH
U L U U UH 3H
U U UUH
UU H 4H
UUU U H
U U H 5H
Cau.: saba jnata prabhu prabhut so,

tah
beda asa krana rkh,
eka
anha
arupa
anm,
bypaka
bisvarupa bhagavn,
so kevala bhagatana hita lg,
jehi jana para mamat ati chohu,
ga
bahora
garba
nevju,
budha baranahi hari jasa asa jn,
tehi bala mai raghupati gunagth,
muninha prathama hari krati g,
tadapi kah~e binu rah na ko.

bhajana prabhu bh ti bahu bh.1.
aja saccidnada para dhm.
tehi dhari deha carita kta nn.2.
parama kpla pranata anurg.
jehi karun kari knha na kohu.3.
sarala sabala shiba raghurju.
karahi punta suphala nija bn.4.
kahihau ni rma pada mth.
tehi maga calata sugama mohi bh.5.
Though all know the Lords greatness as such, yet none has refrained from
describing it. The Vedas have justified it thus; they have variously sung the glory of
remembering the Lord, God, who is one, desireless, formless, nameless and unborn,
who is Truth, Consciousness and Bliss, who is supreme effulgence, all-pervading and
all-formedit is He who has performed many deeds assuming a suitable form. That He
has done only for the good of His devotees; for He is supremely gracious and loving to
the suppliant. He is excessively fond of His devotees and treats them as His own; He
has never frowned at him to whom He has once shown His favour. The restorer of what
has been lost, the proteetor of the poor, the Lord of Raghus is a straightforward and
powerful master. Knowing thus, the wise sing the glory of r Hari and thereby hallow and
bring supreme reward to their speech. It is on this strength (the supreme efficacy of
remembering the Lord and the potency of His grace) that I shall sing the virtues of the
Lord of Raghus, bowing my head to the feet of r Rma. Sages have sung the glory of
r Hari in the past; it will be easy for me to follow that very path.
(15)
U U U UU
U U U UU UH 13H
Do.: ati apra je sarita bara jau npa setu karhi,

caRhi piplikau parama laghu binu rama prahi jhi.13.
If kings get bridges constructed over big rivers, which are too broad, even the
tiniest ants cross them without exertion.
(13)
* BLA-KNA *
0U U U
fl
U U U U
U UU U
U
UU UUU
UU
U
U
U UU
U
U
U
UU U U
Cau.: ehi
prakra
bysa
UUU U UH
U U UU H 1H
UflU U UH
U U U H 2H
U UU U H
flU U U H 3H
H
UUH 4H
UU U U UH
U H 5H
Ufl UU UUH 6H
bala manahi dekh, karihau
di kabi pugava
39
raghupati
kath
suh.
nn, jinha sdara hari sujasa bakhn.1.
carana kamala badau tinha kere, puravahu sakala manoratha mere.

kali ke kabinha karau
je
prkta
paranm, jinha barane raghupati guna grm.2.

kabi parama sayne, bh jinha hari carita bakhne.
bhae je ahahi
je hoihahi
ge , pranavau sabahi kapaa saba tyge .3.
hohu prasanna dehu baradnu, sdhu samja bhaniti sanamnu.
jo prabadha budha nahi darah, so rama bdi bla kabi karah.4.
krati
bhaniti
bhuti
bhali
so, surasari sama saba kaha hita ho.
rma
sukrati
bhaniti bhades, asamajasa
asa
tumhar kp sulabha sou more, siani
suhvani
mohi
a des.5.
paore.6.
Reassuring the mind in this way, I shall narrate the charming story of the Lord of
Raghus. Vysa and various other top-ranking poets, who have reverently recounted the
blessed glory of r Hari, I bow to the lotus feet of them all; let them fulfil all my desires.
I make obeisance to the poets of the Kali age, who have sung the multitudinous virtues
of the Lord of Raghus. Even those poets of supreme wisdom who belong to the Prkta
or popular class (as opposed to the Saskta or the cultured class), who have narrated
the exploits of r Hari in the spoken language, including those who have flourished in
the past, those who are still living and those who are yet to come, I reverence them, one
and all, renouncing all false appearance. Be propitious and grant this boon that my song
may be honoured in the assemblage of pious souls. A composition which the wise refuse
to honour is fruitless labour which only silly poets undertake. Of glory, poetry and affluence
that alone is blessed which, like the celestial river (Gag), is conducive to the good of
all. The glory of r Rma is charming indeed, while my speech is rough. This is
something incongruous, I am afraid. By your grace, even this incongruity will turn out well
for me; embroidery of silk looks charming even on coarse cloth.
(16)
0 U U UU
U U U U UU H 14 ()H
40
U U U
UU UU UU UU UUH 14 ()H
UU U U
L U U H 14 ()H
Do.: sarala kabita krati bimala soi darahi sujna,
sahaja bayara bisari ripu jo suni karahi bakhna.14(A).
so na hoi binu bimala mati mohi mati bala ati thora,
karahu kp hari jasa kahau puni puni karau nihora.14(B).
kabi kobida raghubara carita mnasa maju marla,
bla binaya suni suruci lakhi mo para hohu kpla.14(C).
The wise admire only that poetry which is lucid and portrays a spotless character
and which even opponents hear with applause forgetting natural animosity. Such poetry
is not possible without a refined intellect, and of intellectual power I have very little. Be
gracious, therefore so that I may depict the glory of r Hari; I solicit again and again.
Poets and wise men, lovely swans sporting in the Mnasarovara lake of r Rmas
exploits ! Hearing my childlike prayer and recognizing my refined taste, be kindly
disposed towards me.
(14 AC)
0 U
U U U
U UU UH 14 ()H
U UU fl U U U
UU U U UU H 14 (U)H
U U fl U U U U
U L H 14 ()H
0 U U UU U U
U UflU U UH 14 (U)H
So.: badau muni pada kaju rmyana jehi niramayau,
sakhara sukomala maju doa rahita duana sahita.14(D).
badau criu beda bhava bridhi bohita sarisa,
jinhahi na sapanehu kheda baranata raghubara bisada jasu.14(E).
badau bidhi pada renu bhava sgara jehi knha jaha ,
sata sudh sasi dhenu pragae khala bia brun.14(F).
Do.: bibudha bipra budha graha carana badi kahau kara jori,
hoi prasanna puravahu sakala maju manoratha mori.14(G).
* BLA-KNA *
41
I bow to the lotus feet of the sage (Vlmki) who composed the Rmyaa, which
though containing an account of the demon Khara (a cousin of Rvaa), is yet very soft
and charming, and though faultless, is yet full of references to Duaa (another cousin
of the demon-king Rvaa).* I reverence, all the four Vedas, barks as it were on the
ocean of mundane existence, which never dream of weariness in singing the untarnished
glory of r Rma, the Chief of Raghus. I greet the dust on the feet of Brahm (the
Creator), who has evolved the ocean of worldly existence, the birth-place of nectar, the
moon and the cow of plenty in the form of saints, on the one hand, and of poison and
wine in the form of the wicked, on the other. Making obeisance to the feet of gods, the
Brhmaas, wise men and the deities presiding over the nine planets, I pray to them with
joined palms ! Be pleased to accomplish all my fair desires.
(14 DG)
0 U
U UU
UU

U U fl
fl Sfl
U UU U
U U
U U U
U fl fl
U fl
U U U
UUU
U
U U
UU UH
U UU H 1H
flU H
U L H 2H
U U UH
U U U H 3H
UU H
UU UU H 4H
U UH
UUU UU H 5H
UU H 6H
Cau.: puni badau

srada surasarit,
majjana pna ppa hara ek,
gura pitu mtu mahesa bhavn,
sevaka
svmi sakh siya p ke,
kali biloki jaga hita hara girij,
anamila khara aratha na jpu,
so
umesa mohi para anukul,
sumiri
siv
siva
pi pasu,
bhaniti
mori siva kp bibht,
je ehi kathahi saneha samet,
hoihahi
rma carana anurg,
jugala punta manohara carit.

kahata sunata eka hara abibek.1.
pranavau
dnabadhu dina dn.
hita nirupadhi saba bidhi tulas ke.2.
sbara matra jla jinha sirij.
pragaa prabhu mahesa pratpu.3.
karihi kath muda magala mul.
baranau
rmacarita cita cu.4.
sasi samja mili manahu surt.
kahihahi sunihahi samujhi sacet.5.
kali mala rahita sumagala bhg.6.
* There is a pun on the words Sakhara and Duaa sahita in the original, which are capable of a
twofold interpretation Khara and Duaa as proper nouns denote two of Rvaas cousins, whose figure in
the Arayaka of the great epic poem of Vlmki and lead a military expedition against r Rma in order
to avenge themselves of the insult offered to their sister, urpaakh, by Lakmaa, r Rmas younger
brother. They are eventually killed by r Rma, who proves too strong for the redoubtable demon chiefs.
Khara also means sharp-edged or hard and is thus contrasted with Sukomala (soft). Similarly, Duaa
also means a fault and thus the poet express himself to a contradiction in terms when he calls the Rmyaa
both Doarahita (faultless) and Duaasahita (full of faults). The contradiction, however, is only verbal in
both cases and constitutes a figure of speech known by the name Virodha or Virodhbhsa.
This has an indirect reference to the churning of the ocean of milk as described in the Puras, by
the joint labours of gods and demons at the beginning of creation, which yielded beneficent objects like
nectar, the moon and the cow of plenty, on the one hand, and pernicious substances like poison and wine on
the other.
42
Again, I bow to goddess Sarasvat and the celestial river Gag, both of whom are
holy and perform agreeable roles. The one (Gag) wipes away sin through immersion
and draught; the other (Sarasvat) dispels ignorance through the recital and hearing of
her glory. I adore the great Lord iva and His consort Goddess Bhavn (Prvat), my
preceptors and parents, friends of the forlorn and ever given to charity, servants,
masters and friends of Sts Lord, and true benefactors of Tulasdsa in everyway.
Seeing the prevalence of the Kali age Hara and Girij (iva and Prvat) evolved a string
of spells in the tongue of savages, incoherent syllables which yield no interpretation and
require no repetition, but whose efficacy is patent, revealing ivas glory. That Lord of
Um (Prvat), favourable as He is to me, shall make this story of mine a source of
blessings and joy. Thus invoking Lord iva and His Consort, iv (Prvat), and
obtaining Their favour, I relate the exploits of r Rma with a heart full of ardour. By
ivas grace my composition will shed its lustre even as a night shines in conjunction
with the moon and the stars. Those who will fondly and intelligently recite or hear this
story with attention will develop devotion to the feet of r Rma and, purged of the
impurities of Kali, will obtain choice blessings.
(16)
0 U
U U U UU U U
U UU UU UH 15H
Do.: sapanehu scehu mohi para jau hara gauri pasu,

tau phura hou jo kaheu saba bh bhaniti prabhu.15.
If Hara and Gaur (Lord iva and Prvat) are really propitious to me, even in
dream, let all that I have said in glorification of this poetry of mine, written in a popular
dialect, come out true.
(15)
0U fl U fl
flU U U U UU

U

UU U U M
U UU U U
UU U
UU U U U
U U flH
U U U UH 1H
H
U H 2H
Sfl MH
U H 3H
UU fl H
U fl U H 4H
Cau.: badau avadha pur ati pvani,

pranavau pura nara nri bahor,
siya nidaka agha ogha nase,
badau
kausaly
disi
prc,
pragaeu jaha raghupati sasi cru,
dasaratha ru sahita saba rn,
karau pranma karama mana bn,
jinhahi biraci baRa bhayau bidht,
saraju sari kali kalua nasvani.

mamat jinha para prabhuhi na thor.1.
loka
bisoka
bani
base.
krati jsu sakala jaga mc.2.
bisva sukhada khala kamala tusru.
sukta sumagala murati mn.3.
karahu kp suta sevaka jn.
mahim avadhi rma pitu mt.4.
I reverence the exceedingly holy city of Ayodhy (r Rmas birth-place) and the
river Sarayu (flowing beside it), which wipes out the sins of the Kali age. Again, I bow
* BLA-KNA *
43
to the men and women of the city, who enjoy the affection of the Lord in no small degree.
Even though they were damned as a result of the heap of sins incurred by the
calumniators of St (who were instrumental in bringing about Her lifelong exile), they
were lodged in a heavenly abode, having been divested of sorrow. I greet Kausaly (the
eldest queen of king Daaratha) whose glory stands diffused throughout the world. She
is the eastern horizon whence arose the lovely moon in the shape of the Lord of Raghus,
who affords delight to the entire universe and is blighting as frost to lotuses in the form
of the wicked. Recognizing king Daaratha together with all his consorts as incarnations
of merit and fair blessings, I make obeisance to them in thought, word and deed. Knowing
me as a servant of your son, be gracious to me. The father and mothers of r Rma
are the very perfection of glory, by creating whom even Brahm (the Creator) has
exalted himself.
(14)
0 U
fl U U
UU fl UUUUH 16H
So.: badau avadha bhula satya prema jehi rma pada,

bichurata dnadayla priya tanu tna iva parihareu.16.
I adore the king of Ayodhy, who cherished such true love for the feet of r Rma
that he gave up his dear life as a mere straw the moment the Lord, who is compassionate
to the poor, parted from him.
(16)
0flU U U
U
U
U U
flU U U
U U
U U

U U
Ud
U
UU U
U
UU
flU
U
U U U UH
U UU H 1H
UH
fl H 2H
H
U U H 3H
flUU UUH
UH 4H
U U H
U H 5H
Cau.: pranavau parijana sahita bidehu,

joga bhoga maha rkheu go,
pranavau prathama bharata ke caran,
rma carana pakaja mana jsu,
badau lachimana pada jalajt,
raghupati krati
bimala patk,
sea
sahasrassa
jaga krana,
sad so snukula raha mo para,
ripusudana pada kamala namm,
mahbra
binavau
hanumn,
jhi rma pada guRha sanehu.

rma
bilokata
pragaeu
so.1.
jsu nema brata ji na baran.
lubudha madhupa iva tajai na psu.2.
stala subhaga bhagata sukhadt.
daa samna bhayau jasa jk.3.
jo avatareu bhumi bhaya rana.
kpsidhu
saumitri
gunkara.4.
sura
susla
bharata
anugm.
rma jsu jasa pa bakhn.5.
I make obeisance to king Janaka, alongwith his family, who bore secret affection
44
for the feet of r Rma. Even though he had veiled it under the cloak of asceticism and
luxury, it broke out the moment he saw r Rma. Of r Rmas brothers, I bow, first
of all, to the feet of Bharata, whose self-discipline and religious austerity beggar
description and whose mind thirsts for the lotus feet of r Rma like a bee and never
leaves their side. I reverence the lotus feet of Lakmaacool and charming and a
source of delight to the devoteewhose renown served as a staff for the spotless flag
of r Rmas glory. He is no other than the thousand-headed serpent-god, ea, the
cause (support) of the universe, who came down to dispel the fear of the earth. May that
son of Sumitr, an ocean of benevolence and a mine of virtues, be ever propitious to me.
I adore the lotus feet of atrughna (lit., the slayer of his foes), who is valiant yet amiable
in disposition, and a constant companion of Bharata. I supplicate Hanumn, the great
hero, whose glory has been extolled by r Rma Himself.
(15)
0flU
flU fl
NU U U U U UH 17H
So.: pranavau pavanakumra khala bana pvaka gynaghana,

jsu hdaya gra basahi rma sara cpa dhara.17.
I greet Hanumn, the son of the wind-god, an embodiment of wisdom, who is fire
as it were for the forest of the wicked, and in the abode of whose heart resides r Rma,
equipped with a bow and arrows.
(17)
0 UU U U
U U
U
U U U

U U
U
U
flU U U U

flU
U
Ufl U
H
UU U U H 1H
U U U H
U UH 2H
U UH
UU H 3H
L H
U flUH 4H
U U H
H 5H
Cau.: kapipati
rcha
niscara
rj,
badau saba ke carana suhe,
raghupati carana
upsaka
jete,
.
bada~~u pada saroja saba kere,
suka sanakdi bhagata muni nrada,
pranavau sabahi dharani dhari ss,
janakasut
jaga janani jnak,
tke juga pada kamala manvau ,
puni mana bacana karma raghunyaka,
rjivanayana dhare dhanu syaka,
agaddi
je
ksa
samj.
adhama sarra rma jinha pe.1.
khaga mga sura nara asura samete.
je binu kma rma ke cere.2.
je munibara bigyna bisrada.
karahu kp jana jni muns.3.
atisaya priya karun nidhna k.
jsu kp niramala mati pvau .4.
carana kamala badau saba lyaka.
bhagata bipati bhajana sukha dyaka.5.
The lord of monkeys (Sugrva), the chief of bears (Jmbavn), the king of demons
* BLA-KNA *
45
(Vibhaa) and the host of monkeys beginning with Agada, I reverence the charming
feet of all, who attained r Rma even though born in the lowest species. As many
worshippers there are of the feet of Raghupati (the Lord of Raghus), including birds,
beasts, gods, human beings and demons, I adore the lotus feet of them all, who are
disinterested servants of r Rma. uka, Sanaka and others (viz., Sanandana, Santana
and Sanatkumra), sage Nrada and all other eminent sages who are devotees of
God and proficient in the spiritual lore, I make obeisance to all, placing my head on
the ground; be gracious to me, O Lords of ascetics knowing me as your servant. Jnak,
daughter of Janaka and mother of the universe and the most beloved consort of r
Rma, the Fountain of Mercy, I seek to propitiate the pair of Her lotus feet, so that
by Her grace I may be blessed with a refined intellect. Again, I adore, in thought, word
and deed, the lotus feet of the all-worthy Lord of Raghus, who has lotus-like eyes
and wields a bow and arrows, and who relieves the distress of His devotees and
affords delight to them.
(15)
0 U
U U
U UU U H 18H
Do.: gir aratha jala bci sama kahiata bhinna na bhinna,

badau st rma pada jinhahi parama priya khinna.18.
I reverence the feet of St and Rma, who though stated to be different are yet
identical just like a word and its meaning or like water and the waves on its surface, and
to whom the afflicted are most dear.
(18)
0U U UU
UU UU
U
U

U fl
UU U UU UU U
U fl
.
Cau.: bada~~u nma rma raghubara ko,

bidhi hari haramaya beda prna so,
mahmatra joi japata mahesu,
mahim
jsu
jna
ganaru,
jna
dikabi nma
pratpu,
sahasa nma sama suni siva bn,
harae hetu heri hara h ko,
nma prabhu jna
siva nko,
U UU H
H 1H
U UH
H 2H
U h U UU H
Z flH 3H
H
U U H 4H
hetu ksnu bhnu himakara ko.
aguna anupama guna nidhna so.1.
ks
mukuti
hetu
upadesu.
prathama pujiata nma prabhu.2.
bhayau suddha kari ula jpu.
japi je piya saga bhavn.3.
kiya bhuana tiya bhuana t ko.
klakua phalu dnha am ko.4.
I greet the name Rma of the chief of Raghus,* which is composed of

* This distinguishes the Name from the two other names bearing the same sound but denoting two
other personalities, viz., Paraurma and Balarma (the elder brother of r Ka).
46
seed-letters* representing the fire-god, the sun-god and the moon-god (viz., Ra, and
Ma respectively). It is the same as Brahm (the creative aspect of God), Viu (His
preservative aspect) and iva (His disintegrating aspect), and the vital breath of the Vedas;
It is attributeless, peerless and a mine of virtues. It is the great spell which Lord Mahevara
mutters and which, when imparted by Him at K (the modern Vras) leads to
emancipation. Its glory is known to Lord Gaea, who is worshipped before all others
as a glary of the Name. The oldest poet (Vlmki) is acquainted with the glory of the Name,
inasmuch as he attained to purity by repeating It in the reverse order. Hearing the verdict
of Lord iva that the name is as good as a thousand other names of God, Goddess Bhavn
(Prvat) dined with Her consort after uttering It only once#. Noticing such partiality of Her
heart for the Name, Hara (Lord iva) made that lady, who was the ornament of Her sex,
the ornament of His own person (i.e., made Her a part of His own being by assigning to
Her the left half of His body). iva knows full well the power of the Name, due to which
deadly poison served the purpose of nectar to Him.
(14)
0 U
U U
U U U fl fl H 19H
Do.: bara ritu raghupati bhagati tulas sli sudsa,

rma nma bara barana juga svana bhdava msa.19.
Devotion to the Lord of Raghus is, as it were, the rainy season and the noble
devotees, says Tulasdsa, represent the paddy crop; while the two charming syllables
of the name Rma stand for the two months of rvaa and Bhdrapada (corresponding
roughly to July and August).
(19)
* Each letter-sound of the Saskta Alphabet represents one or more gods of the Hindu pantheon and
the Tantras claim that these letters (which are technically known by the name of Bja-Mantras or seed-letters),
if joined with other spells sacred to that particular deity and repeated with due ceremony a fixed number of
times possess the efficacy of revealing the deity in person before the worshipper and propitiating him or her.
The scriptures maintain that Lord iva, the deity presiding over the holy city of K, whispers into the
right ear of every creature, dying within its boundaries, the name Rma and thereby brings emancipation to
the dying soul.
We read in the Puras how there was a scramble for precedence among the gods, each of whom
claimed the first position for himself. They approached Brahm for a ruling. He told them that they should race
round the world and that whoever finished the round quickest of all would be accounted the highest. Gaea,
who rode on no better animal than a rat, naturally lagged behind. He met on the way the celestial sage
Nrada, who advised him to scratch the word Rma on the ground and pace round It, as the word comprised
in Itself the entire creation. Gaea did accordingly and was naturally the first to finish the round of the
universe. Brahm appreciated this act of Gaea and conceded his title to precedence over all the other gods.
Since then Gaea has uninterruptedly enjoyed the right of being worshipped first of all.
Vlmki was a highway robber in his earlier life and was known by the name of Ratnkara.Seven
seers, who once fell a victim to his depredation, awakened him to the reprehensible nature of his conduct and
instructed him in the holy name of Rma. Completely immersed in sin he was, however, unable to utter the
word. The seers, therefore, asked him to repeat the name in the reverse order. In this way he was eventually
able to utter the name correctly and in course of time became so fond of repeating It that he ultimately turned
out to be a pious sage and seer and related the story of r Rma in fine verse even before His advent.
# We are told in the Padmapura how Bhagavn akara once invited His consort to join Him in His
dinner. Goddess Prvat, however, declind on the ground that She had not yet recited the Viu-Sahasranma,
which She must before Her breakfast. Bhagavn akara asked Her to repeat the name of Rma instead, as
a single utterance of the Name was as good as reciting a thousand other names of the Lord. Prvat did
accordingly and forthwith joined Her lord in dinner.
* BLA-KNA *
0U
U UU

U U
U U U
U U

U
U U
U
Sfl
U
U H
U U UH 1H
U H
r fl U H 2H
H
U U H 3H
U U H
U UU UU H 4H
Cau.: khara madhura manohara dou,

sumirata sulabha sukhada saba khu,
kahata sunata sumirata suhi nke,
baranata
barana prti
bilagt,
nara
nryana
sarisa subhrt,
bhagati sutiya kala karana bibhuana,
svda toa sama sugati sudh ke,
jana mana maju kaja madhukara se,
barana bilocana jana jiya jou.

loka
lhu
paraloka
nibhu.1.
rma lakhana sama priya tulas ke.
brahma jva sama sahaja sa ght.2.
jaga plaka bisei jana trt.
jaga hita hetu bimala bidhu puana.3.
kamaha sea sama dhara basudh ke.
jha jasomati hari haladhara se.4.
47
Both the letter-sounds are sweet and attractive; they are the two eyes, as it were,
of the Alphabet and the very life of the devotee. Easy to remember and delightful to one
and all, they bring gain here and provide sustenance hereafter. They are most delightful
to utter, hear and remember and are dear as Rma and Lakmaa to Tulasdsa. When
treated separately, the two letters lose their harmony (i.e., are differently pronounced,
bear diverse meaning in the form of seed-letters and as such yield different results);
whereas they are naturally allied even as Brahma (the Cosmic Spirit) and Jva (the
individual soul) Good brothers like the divine sages Nara and Nryaa, they are
sustainers of the universe and redeemers of the devotee in particular. They are beautiful
ornaments for the ears of the fair damsel in the form of Bhakti (Devotion) and stand as
the spotless sun and moon for the good of the world.They are like the taste and the
gratifying quality of nectar in the form of emancipation, and are supporters of the globe
like the divine Tortoise* and the serpent-god ea. Again, they are like bees for the
beautiful lotus in the shape of the devotees mind and are the very like of Hari (r Ka)
and Haladhara (Balarma, who wielded a plough as a weapon) for Yaod (Their fostermother, the wife of Nanda) in the shape of the tongue.
(14)
U U U U U
UU U U UH 20H
Do.: eku chatru eku mukuamani saba baranani para jou,

tulas raghubara nma ke barana birjata dou.20.
Lo! the two letters ( U and ) forming part of the name of Raghuvara (the Chief of
the Raghu) crown all the letters of the Alphabet, the one spreading like an umbrella and
the other resting as a crest-jewel, O Tulasdsa.
(20)
* We are told in the Bhgavata and other Puras how God Viu assumed the form of a gigantic
tortoise in order to support Mount Mandara and prevent it from sinking while it was being rotated by gods and
demons in their attempt to churn the ocean of milk and obtain nectar out of it.
The letter U of the Saskta alphabet, when immediately preceding another consonant or the
48
0 U L
M U
U UU U U
U
M
M
U M
M U

UU H
H 1H
UU H
M U UH 2H
U UU UH
fl NU U H 3H
U H
U U H 4H
Cau.: samujhata sarisa nma aru nm,

nma rupa
dui
sa
updh,
ko baRa choa kahata apardhu,
dekhiahi
rupa
nma dhn,
rupa bisea nma binu
jne ,
sumiria nma rupa binu dekhe ,
nma rupa gati akatha kahn,
aguna saguna bica nma suskh,
prti parasapara prabhu anugm.

akatha andi susmujhi sdh.1.
suni guna bhedu samujhihahi sdhu.
rupa gyna nahi nma bihna.2.
karatala gata na parahi pahicne .
vata
hdaya
saneha
bisee .3.
samujhata sukhada na parati bakhn.
ubhaya prabodhaka catura dubh.4.
The name and the object named, though similar in significance, are allied as
master and servant one to the other. (That is to say, even though there is complete
identity between God and His name, the former closely follows the latter even as a
servant follows his master. The Lord appears in person at the very mention of His
Name). Name and form are the two attributes of God; both of them are ineffable and
beginningless and can be rightly understood only by means of good intelligence. It is
presumptuous on ones part to declare as to which is superior or inferior. Hearing the
distinctive merits of both, pious souls will judge for themselves. Forms are found to be
subordinate to the name; without the name you cannot come to the knowledge of a form.
Typical forms cannot be identified, even if they be in your hand, without knowing their
name. And if the name is remembered even without seeing the form, the latter flashes
on the mind with a special liking for it. The mystery of name and form is a tale which
cannot be told; though delightful to comprehend, it cannot be described in words.
Between the unqualified Absolute and qualified Divinity, the Name is a good intermediary;
it is a clever interpreter revealing the truth of both.
(14)
0 U
L U UU mU
U UUU U UUH 21H
Do.: rma nma manidpa dharu jha dehar

tulas
bhtara
bherahu
jau
chasi
dvra,
ujira.21.
Instal the luminous gem in the shape of the divine name Rma on the threshold
vowel is placed above that letter in the shape of a curved line (e.g. in and ); while the nasal
consonant when preceded by any other letter, is changed into a dot (technically known by the name of
Anusvra) when placed on the top of that letter (e.g., in U). The curved line standing for the letter U has been
poetically compared in the above Doh to an umbrella and the dot substituted for likened to a crest-jewel,
both of which enjoy an exalted position and are emblems of the royal state. In this way they are recognized as
superior to all other letters of the Alphabet.
* BLA-KNA *
49
of the tongue at the doorway of your mouth, if you will have light both inside and outside,
O Tulasdsa.
(21)
0 U U
rU
flU

UU U
U
U U U
U U U
U U U U
U U
U U H
MH 1H
U U H
UU h H 2H
UU U UU UH
UU UUH 3H
U UH
U UH 4H
Cau.: nma jha

japi
jgahi
jog,
brahmasukhahi anubhavahi anup,
jn cahahi
guRha
gati jeu,
sdhaka nma japahi laya le ,
japahi namu jana rata bhr,
rma bhagata jaga cri prakr,
cahu catura kahu nma adhr,
cahu juga cahu ruti nma prabhu,
birati biraci prapaca biyog.

akatha anmaya nma na rup.1.
nma
jha
japi jnahi teu.
hohi
siddha
animdika
pe .2.
miahi kusakaa hohi sukhr.
sukt
criu
anagha
udr.3.
gyn
prabhuhi
bisei
pir.
kali
bisei
nahi
na
upu.4.
Yogs (mystics) who are full of dispassion and are wholly detached from Gods
creation keep awake (in the daylight of wisdom) muttering the Name with their tongue,
and enjoy the felicity of Brahma (the Absolute), which is incomparable, unspeakable,
unmixed with sorrow and devoid of name and form. Even those (seekers of Truth) who
aspire to know the mysterious ways of Providence are able to comprehend them by
muttering the Name. Strivers (hankering after worldly achievements) repeat the Name,
absorbed in contemplation, and become accomplished, acquiring superhuman powers
such as that of becoming infinitely small in size.* If devotees in distress mutter the Name,
their worst calamities of the gravest type disappear and they become happy. In this world
there are four kinds of devotees of r Rma; all the four of them are virtuous, sinless
and noble. All the four, clever as they are, rely upon the Name. Of these the enlightened
devotee is specially dear to the Lord. The glory of the Name is supreme in all the four
Yugas and all the four Vedas, particularly in the Kali age, in which there is no other
means of salvation.
(14)
U U U
OU UU H 22H
* Works on Yoga enumerate the following eight kinds of miraculous powers acquired by Yogs:
(i) Aim (the faculty of reducing ones body to the size of an atom), (ii) Mahim (the power of expanding ones body to an infinitely large size), (iii) Garim (the power of becoming infinitely heavy), (iv) Laghim
(the power of becoming infinitely light in body), (v) Prpti (unrestricted access to all places), (vi) Prkmya
(realizing whatever one desires), (vii) itva (absolute lordship) and (viii) Vaitva (subjugating all).
rmad bhagavadgt mentions four kinds of devotees, viz., (i) rta (the afflicted), (ii) Jijsu (the
seeker of Truth), (iii) Arthrth (the seeker of worldly riches) and (iv) Jn (the enlightened), and speaks of
them all as virtuous and benevolent. Of course, the enlightened devotee, it is pointed out, is the most beloved
of the Lord and constitutes His very self (vide VII 1618).
50
Do.: sakala kman hna je rma bhagati rasa lna,

nma suprema piyua hrada tinhahu kie mana mna.22.
Even those who are free from all desires and absorbed in the joy of devotion to
r Rma have thrown their heart as fish into the nectarine lake of supreme affection for
the Name.
(22)
0 r M
U U U
U U
L
U
r
NU U U
M
Cau.: aguna
H
U H 1H
UU L H
fl r H 2H
UU U r U H
UH 3H
fl UH
U U U H 4H
saguna dui brahma sarup, akatha
more mata baRa nmu duhu

drugata
dekhia
andi
anup.
te , kie jehi juga nija basa nija bute .1.
prauRhi sujana jani jnahi jana k, kahau

eku
agdha
pratti prti ruci mana k.
eku, pvaka sama juga brahma bibeku.2.
ubhaya agama juga sugama nma te , kaheu nmu baRa brahma rma te .
bypaku
eku
brahma
abins, sata
asa prabhu hdaya achata abikr, sakala

nma nirupana
nma jatana
cetana
jva
ghana
jaga
na da
dna
rs.3.
dukhr.
te , sou pragaata jimi mola ratana te .4.
There are two aspects of Godthe one unqualified and the other qualified. Both
these aspects are unspeakable, unfathomable, without beginning and without parallel. To
my mind, greater than both is the Name, that has established Its rule over both by Its
might. Friends should not take this as a bold assertion on the part of this servant; I record
my minds own conviction, love and liking. The two aspects of Brahma (God) should be
recognized as akin to fire: the one (viz., the Absolute) represents fire which is latent in
wood; while the other (qualified Divinity) corresponds to that which is externally visible.
Though both are inaccessible by themselves, they are easily attainable through the
Name; therefore I have called the Name greater than Brahma and r Rma both.
Brahma (God) is one, all-pervading and imperishable; He is all truth, consciousness and
a compact mass of joy. Even though such immutable Lord is present in every heart, all
beings in this world are nonetheless miserable and unhappy. Through the practice of the
Name preceded by Its true appraisement, however, the same Brahma reveals Itself even
as the value of a jewel is revealed by its correct knowledge.
(14)
0U
U U U U
UU U U U UH 23H
Do.: niraguna te ehi bh ti baRa nma prabhu apra,

kahau nmu baRa rma te nija bicra anusra.23.
* BLA-KNA *
51
The glory of the Name is thus infinitely greater than that of the Absolute; I shall
show below how in my judgment the Name is superior even to r Rma.
(23)
0U U U U

U U
U U U
U U
U U fl
U U Ufl
U U
U
U U UH
UU H 1H
U UH
U U H 2H
U H
fl H 3H
flH
H 4H
Cau.: rma bhagata hita nara tanu dhr,

nmu saprema japata anays,
rma
eka
tpasa
tiya tr,
rii hita rma suketusut
k,
sahita doa dukha dsa durs,
bhajeu rma pu bhava cpu,
daaka banu prabhu knha suhvana,
nisicara nikara dale raghunadana,
sahi sakaa kie sdhu sukhr.

bhagata hohi muda magala bs.1.
nma koi khala kumati sudhr.
sahita sena suta knhi bibk.2.
dalai nmu jimi rabi nisi ns.
bhava bhaya bhajana nma pratpu.3.
jana mana amita nma kie pvana.
nmu sakala kali kalua nikadana.4.
For the sake of His devotees r Rma assumed the form of a human being and,
suffering calamities Himself, brought relief to the pious. By fondly repeating His Name,
on the other hand, devotees easily become abodes of joy and blessings. r Rma
Himself redeemed a single woman (Ahaly),1 the wife of an ascetic; while His Name
corrected the error of crores of wicked souls. For the sake of the sage (Vivmitra) r
Rma wrought the destruction of Suketus daughter2 (Tak) with her army and son
(Subhu); while His Name puts an end to the devotees vain hopes alongwith his errors
and sorrows even as the sun terminates night. In His own person r Rma broke the
bow of iva3, while the very glory of His Name dispels the fear of rebirth4. The Lord
restored the charm of the Daaka forest5 alone, while His Name purified the mind of
countless devotees .The Delighter of Raghus (r Rma) crushed only a host of demons,
while His Name uproots all the impurities of the Kali age.
(14)
0U
fl U U
UU H 24H
1. See Blaka (209. 6 to 211)

2. Ibid., 203. 3 and 209. 3.
3. Ibid., 260. 4.
4. Here there is a pun on the word Bhava which has been used as a synonym of Lord iva in the first
instance and again in the sense of rebirth. The comparison has been drawn between r Rma Himself, on
the one hand, and the glory of His Name (not the Name Itself) on the other. The latter, it is pointed out, excels
the former in that while r Rma broke a concrete object like the bow, the glory of His Name dispels an
abstract thing like the fear of rebirth.
5. The forest of Daaka had been rendered unfit for life in any form whatsoever under a curse from
the sage ukrcrya. The divine presence of r Rma, however, removed the curse and restored the forest
to its original charm.
52
Do.: sabar gdha susevakani sugati dnhi raghuntha,

nma udhre amita khala beda bidita guna gtha.24.
The Lord of Raghus conferred immortality only on faithful servants like abar (the
celebrated Bhla woman) and the vulture (Jayu)*, while His Name has delivered
innumerable wretches; the tale of Its virtues is well-known in the Vedas.
(24)
0U
U

U
fl
U U UU
fl U
U U Ufl U
U
U
fl U
fl U

U U
Cau.: rma
sukaha
nma
garba
rma bhlu
nmu
leta
bibhana
aneka
kapi
sevaka
rmu
dou, rkhe
nevje, loka
sarana
beda
jna
bara
sabu
birida
kou.
birje.1.
kaaku
baor, setu hetu ramu knha na thor.

bhavasidhu sukhh, karahu bicru sujana mana mh.2.
rma sakula rana rvanu

rj
U U H
U U UH 1H
U U UH
UU L UH 2H
U U UH
fl U U H 3H
U H
U H 4H
avadha
sumirata
nmu
mr, sya sahita nija pura pagu dhr.
rajadhn, gvata guna sura muni bara bn.3.

saprt, binu rama prabala moha dalu jt.
phirata saneha magana sukha apane , nma prasda soca nahi sapane .4.
As is well-known to all, r Rma extended His protection to two devotees only,

viz., Sugrva and Vibhaa; His Name, on the other hand, has showered Its grace on
numerous humble souls. This superb glory of the Name shines forth in the world as well
as in the Vedas. r Rma collected an army of bears and monkeys and took no little
pains over the construction of a bridge (to connect the mainland with the island of Lak).
Through the repetition of His Name, however, the ocean of mundane existence itself gets
dried up: let the wise bear this in mind. r Rma killed in battle Rvaa with all his family
and returned to His own city with St. He was then crowned king in the capital of
Ayodhy, while gods and sages sang His glories in choicest phrases. His servants are,
however, able to conquer the formidable army of error by fondly remembering His Name
and, absorbed in devotion, move about in joy which is peculiarly their own; by the grace
of the Name they know not sorrow even in dream.
(14)
0 r
U U U U
UU U U U H 25H
Do.: brahma rma te nmu baRa bara dyaka bara dni,

rmacarita sata koi maha liya mahesa jiya jni.25.
The Name is thus greater than Brahma and r Rma both and confers blessings
* For the accounts of abar and Jayu see Arayaka 33.3 to 36 and 28.4 to 32 respectively.
* BLA-KNA *
53
even on the bestowers of boons. Knowing this in His heart, the great Lord iva chose this
word (Rma) for Himself out of r Rmas story comprising 100 crore verses.*
(25)
[PAUSE I FOR A THIRTY-DAY RECITATION]
0

h
U
U

U
fl U UU
U fl fl

U U
UH
r H 1H
UU UU UU H
U UH 2H
U UH
U U UH 3H
UU H
U U H 4H
Cau.: nma prasda sabhu

abins,
suka sanakdi siddha muni jog,
nrada
jneu
nma
pratpu,
nmu japata prabhu knha prasdu,
dhruva sagalni japeu hari nu ,
sumiri pavanasuta pvana nmu,
apatu
ajmilu
gaju
ganiku,
kahau kah lagi
nma
baR,
sju amagala magala rs.

nma prasda brahmasukha bhog.1.
jaga priya hari hari hara priya pu.
bhagata siromani bhe prahaldu.2.
pyau
acala
anupama
hu .
apane basa kari rkhe rmu.3.
bhae mukuta hari nma prabhu.
rmu na sakahi nma guna g.4.
By the grace of the Name alone Lord ambhu (iva) is immortal and, though
endowed with inauspicious paraphernalia (such as a wreath of skulls), is yet a
storehouse of blessings. Again, it is by the grace of the Name alone that Siddhas
(adepts), sages and Yogs like uka, Sanaka and others enjoy divine raptures, Nrada
realized the glory of the Name; that is why, while r Hari is beloved of the world (and
Hara is dear to r Hari), he (Nrada) is dear to Hari and Hara (Viu and iva) both.
It was because of his repeating the Name that the Lord showered His grace on Prahlda,
who thereby became the crest-jewel of devotees. Dhruva repeated the name of r Hari
with a feeling of indignation (at the harsh treatment received from his step-mother) and
thereby attained a fixed and incomparable station in the heavens. It is by remembering
the holy Name that Hanumn (son of the wind-god) holds r Rma under His thumb.
The vile Ajmila and even the celebrated elephant and the harlot of the legend were
liberated by the power of r Haris name. I have no words to depict the glory of the
Name: not even Rma can adequately glorify it.
(14)
U L fl
U H 26H
Do.: nmu rma

jo sumirata
ko kalapataru
bhayo bh ga
kali kalyna nivsu,

te tulas tulasdsu.26.
The name of Rma is a wish-yielding tree, the very home of beatitude in this age
of Kali, by remembering which Tulasdsa (the poet himself) was transformed from an
intoxicating drug like the hemp-plant into the holy basil.
(26)
* The Rmyaa as originally composed by Brahm himself and delivered to Lord iva through
Nrada is believed to have contained as many as a 100 crore verses.
54
0U U
U
U

fl
L U
U
U U
U
fl H
U UH 1H
mU U H
H 2H
U H
U U H 3H
U fl H
U UH 4H
Cau.: cahu
juga tni kla tihu lok, bhae nma japi jva bisok.
beda purna sata mata ehu, sakala sukta phala rma sanehu.1.
dhynu prathama juga makhabidhiduje ,
dvpara paritoata prabhu puje .
kali kevala mala mula maln, ppa payonidhi jana mana mn.2.
nma
kmataru
kla
karl, sumirata samana sakala jaga jl.
rma nma kali abhimata dt, hita paraloka loka pitu mt.3.
nahi kali karama na bhagati bibeku, rma
nma
avalabana
eku.
klanemi
kali kapaa nidhnu, nma sumati samaratha hanumnu.4.
(Not only in this Kali age, but) in all the four ages*, at all times (past, present and
future) and in all the three spheres (viz., heaven, earth and the subterranean region)
creatures have been rid of grief by repeating the Name. The verdict of the Vedas and
the Puras as well as of saints is just this; that love of Rma (or the name Rma) is
the reward of all virtuous acts. In the first age, through meditation; in the second age,
through sacrifice; and in the Dvpara age the Lord is propitiated through worship. This
age of Kali, however, is simply corrupt and the root of all impurities, where the mind of
man wallows like a fish in the ocean of sin. In this terrible age the Name alone is the
wish-yielding tree, the very thought of which puts an end to all the illusions of the world.
The Name of Rma is the bestower of ones desired object in this age of Kali; It is
beneficent in the other world and ones father and mother in this world. In Kaliyuga neither
Karma (action) nor Bhakti (devotion) nor again Jna (knowledge) avails; the name of
Rma is the only resort. The age of Kali is as it were the demon Klanemi, the repository
of all wiles; whereas the Name is the wise and mighty Hanumn.
(14)
0 U
UU
U U UH 27H
* The span of life of the universe, which is known by the name of Kalpa and consists of 4,32,00,00,000
human years, has been divided into 1,000 epochs or Caturyugas. Each Caturyuga is made up of four Yugas
or ages, viz., Satyayuga, Tret, Dvpara and Kaliyuga. Their duration is given below:
Satyayuga......................17,28,000 years
Tret................................12,96,000
Dvpara...........................8,64,000
Kaliyuga............................4,32,000
Thus it will, be seen that the duration of Dvpara is twice that of Kaliyuga, that of Tret thrice that of
Kaliyuga and that of Satyayuga four times that of Kaliyuga. In this way the duration of a Caturyuga is ten times
that of Kaliyuga.
The story of Klanemi and his death at the hands of Hanumn has been briefly told in the foot-note
under 6.3 in this very Ka.
* BLA-KNA *
Do.: rma
nma
narakesar
kanakakasipu
jpaka jana prahalda jimi plihi dali
55
kalikla,
surasla.27.
(To use another metaphor) the Name of Rma is, as it were, the Lord manifested
as a man-lion and the age of Kali; the demon Hirayakapu. Crushing this enemy of
gods, the Name will protect the devotees repeating It, even as the Man-lion protected
Prahlda.
(27)
0 U
U U
U UU
U
Sfl
fl
U
U U
U
U U
UU

U U
U
U
U
U
U
UH
UU UU H 1H
U H
H 2H
U H
U U UUH 3H
U UU U UH
fl U H 4H
UH
U
UH 5H
H 6H
Cau.: bhya kubhya anakha lasahu , nma japata magala disi dasahu .
sumiri so nma rma guna gth, karau ni raghunthahi mth.1.
mori sudhrihi so saba bh t, jsu
kp nahi kp
aght.
rma susvmi kusevaku moso, nija disi dekhi daynidhi poso.2.
lokahu
beda
sushiba
rt, binaya sunata pahicnata prt.
gan
garba grmanara ngara, paita muRha malna ujgara.3.
sukabi kukabi nija mati anuhr, npahi sarhata saba nara nr.
sdhu
sujna
susla
npl, sa asa bhava parama kpl.4.
suni sanamnahi sabahi subn, bhaniti bhagati nati gati pahicn.
yaha prkta
mahipla subhu, jna
siromani
kosalaru.5.
rjhata
rma
saneha nisote , ko jaga mada malinamati mote .6.
The Name repeated either with good or evil intentions, in an angry mood or even
while yawning, diffuses joy in all the ten directions. Remembering that Name and
bowing my head to the Lord of Raghus, I proceed to recount the virtues of r Rma.
He whose grace is never tired of showing its good-will to others will mend my errors
in everyway. Rma a noble Lord, and a poor servant like myself ! Yet, true to His
own disposition, that storehouse of compassion has fostered me. In the world as well
as in the Vedas we observe the following characteristic in a good master, viz., that
he comes to recognize ones devotion to him as soon as he hears ones prayer. Rich
or poor, rustic or urban, learned or unlettered, of good repute or bad, a good poet
or a bad one, all men and women extol the king according to his or her light. And
the pious, sensible, amiable and supremely compassionate ruler, who takes his descent
from a lragnest of God, greets all with sweet words hearing their compliments and
appraising their composition, devotion, supplication and conduct. Such is the way of earthly
monarchs, to say nothing of the Lord of Kosala (r Rma), who is the crest-jewel
56
of wise men. r Rma gets pleased with unalloyed love; but who is duller and more
impure of mind in this world than I ?
(16)
0 U
fl L UUU U
U U fl H 28 ()H
UU Ufl U U U UU
U fl H 28 ()H
Do.: saha sevaka k prti ruci rakhihahi rma kplu,

upala kie jalajna jehi saciva sumati kapi bhlu.28(A).
hau hu kahvata sabu kahata rma sahata upahsa,
shiba
stntha
so
sevaka
tulasdsa.28(B).
The benevolent Rma will nonetheless respect the devotion and pleasure of this
wicked servantr Rma, who made barks out of rocks and wise counsellors out of
monkeys and bears. Everybody calls me a servant of the Lord and I myself claim to be
one; and r Rma puts up with the scoffing remark that a master like Sts Lord has
a servant like Tulasdsa.
(28 A-B)
0 U U UU U
U U UU
fl U
U U U
UU
U U
U U
UU
U

UU UH
U U U H 1H
U Sfl UUH
U U H 2H
U U U U H
U U U H 3H
U U U UUH
U
UU
H 4H
Cau.: ati
baRi mori
hih
khor,
samujhi sahama mohi apaara apane ,
suni avaloki sucita cakha ch,
kahata
nasi
hoi
hiya nk,
rahati na prabhu cita cuka kie k,
jehi agha badheu bydha jimi bl,
soi
karatuti
bibhana ker,
te
bharatahi bhe ata sanamne,
suni agha narakahu nka sakor.

so sudhi rma knhi nahi sapane .1.
bhagati mori mati svmi sarh.
rjhata rma jni jana j k.2.
karata surati saya bra hie k.
phiri sukaha soi knhi kucl.3.
sapanehu so na rma hiya her.
rjasabh
raghubra
bakhne.4.
My presumption and error are indeed very great and, hearing the tale of my sins,
even hell has scarnet at them. I shudder to think of it due to my assumed fears; while
r Rma took no notice of them even in a dream. The Lord, on the other hand, applauded
my devotion and spirit on hearing of, perceiving and scanning them with the minds eye.
If there is anything good in ones heart, it is marred by the telling; for r Rma is pleased
to note what is there in the devotees mind. The Lord never cherishes in His mind the
lapse, if any, on part of a devotee; while He remembers the latters spirit a hundred
times. For instance, the very crime of which He had killed Vl (the monkey-king
of Kikindh) even as a huntsman, was repeated in the misdemeanour perpetrated
* BLA-KNA *
57
by Sugrva* Vibhaa too was guilty of the same offence; but r Rma took no
cognizance of it even in a dream. The Hero of Raghus clan, on the other hand, honoured
them both at His meeting with Bharata (on His return from Lak) and commended them
in open court.
(14)
L U UU U
U U U H 29 ()H
U Z UflU U U
U U H 29 ()H
U U U UU L
UU UU H 29 ()H
Do.: prabhu taru tara kapi ra para te kie pu samna,

tulas kahu
na rma se shiba slanidhna.29(A).
rma
nik
rvar
hai
sabah
ko
nka,
jau yaha sc hai sad tau nko tulaska.29(B).

ehi bidhi nija guna doa kahi sabahi bahuri siru ni,
baranau raghubara bisada jasu suni kali kalua nasi.29(C).
While the Lord sat at the foot of trees, the monkeys perched themselves high
on the boughs; such insolent creatures He exalted to His own position ! There is no
lord so generous as r Rma, O Tulasdsa ! Your goodness, O Rma, is beneficent
to all; if this is a fact, Tulasdsa too will be blessed by the same. Thus revealing
my merits and demerits and bowing my head once more to all, I proceed to sing the
immaculate glory of the Chief of Raghus, by hearing which the impurities of the Kali
age are wiped away.
(29 AC)
0 U
UUU

U U U Ufl
fl UU U
U fl

U
UU
UU
Um
UU
H
U H 1H
UU U UU flH
U U UH 2H
U Um flH
flU
U
UUH 3H
U H
UU U U H 4H
* Vl was killed by r Rma on the plea that the former had usurped his younger brothers wife.
Sugrva and Vibhaa too are stated to have taken Tr (Vls wife) and Mandodar (Rvaas wife)
respectively as their consort after the death of their husbands. In this way even though Sugrva and Vibhaa
too were practically guilty of the same offence which brought the Lords wrath on Vl, their guilt was
extenuated by the fact that they took those ladies as wife after their brothers death and with the consent of the
other party, and by the further fact that their conduct was in keeping with the practice in vogue among the
monkey and demon chiefs.That is why, while the poet characterizes Vls conduct as a crime (Agha), he
dismisses Sugrvas act as a mere misdemeanour ().
58
Cau.: jgabalika
jo
kahihau
soi
kath
sabda
suh, bharadvja
munibarahi
bakhn, sunahu sakala sajjana sukhu mn.1.
sabhu knha yaha carita suhv, bahuri
kp
soi
siva
bhagata
tehi
sana
te
kgabhusuihi dnh, rma
rot
jnahi
tni
aurau
je
jgabalika puni
bakat
kla
nija
haribhagata
sun.
kari
umahi
adhikr
sunv.
cnh.2.
pv, tinha puni bharadvja prati gv.
samasl, sava daras

gyn, karatala
gata
jnahi
malaka
harill.3.
samn.
sujn, kahahi sunahi samujhahi bidhi nn.4.
The charming story which Yjavalkya related to the good sage Bharadvja, I shall
repeat the same dialogue at length; let all good souls hear it with a feeling of delight. This
ravishing tale was conceived by ambhu (Lord iva), who graciously communicated it to
His Consort Um (Prvat). iva imparted it once more to Kkabhuui (a sage in the
form of crow), knowing him to be a devotee of r Rma and one qualified to hear it. And
it was Yjavalkya who received it from the latter (Kkabhuui) and narrated it to
Bharadvja. Both these, the listener (Bharadvja) and the reciter (Yjavalkya), are
equally virtuous; they view all alike and are acquainted with the pastimes of r Hari. Like
aremblic myrobalan fruit placed on ones palm, they hold the past, present and future
within their knowledge. Besides these, other enlightened devotees of r Hari too recite,
hear and understand this story in diverse ways.
(14)
U U
U UUU H 30 ()H
U U
fl U U H 30 ()H
Do.: mai puni nija gura sana sun kath so sukarakheta,

samujh nahi tasi blapana taba ati raheu aceta.30(A).
rot bakat gynanidhi kath rma kai guRha,
kimi samujhau mai jva jaRa kali mala grasita bimuRha.30(B).
Then I heard the same story in the holy ukaraketra* (the modern Soron in
the western United Provinces) from my preceptor; but as I had no sense in those
days of my childhood, I could not follow it full well. Both the listener and the reciter
of the mysterious story of r Rma must be repositories of wisdom. How, then could
I, a dull and stupid creature steeped in the impurities of the Kali age, expect to
follow it ?
(30 A-B)
0 U U UU U
h
U

U U
U U
UU
U U UH
U U UH 1H
UUU U UU UH
UU fl U UH 2H
* The name is associated with the descent of r Har as a Boar (ukara) who killed Hirayka, the
elder brother of Hirayakaipu, and lifted up the earth from the depths of the ocean, to which it had been
consigned by the said demon.
* BLA-KNA *
U
U
U
U

U
U U
U
U
UU fl
fl
U
U H
fl U UH 3H
fl U UH
H 4H
U UH
Sfl U U U H 5H
fl U H
U U U H 6H
h UH
UU U H 7H
Cau.: tadapi kah gura brahi br,

bhbaddha
karabi
mai so,
jasa kachu budhi bibeka bala mere ,
nija sadeha moha bhrama haran,
budha birma sakala jana rajani,
rmakath kali panaga bharan,
rmakath
kali
kmada
g,
soi basudhtala sudh taragini,
asura sena sama naraka nikadini,
sata samja payodhi ram s,
jama gana muha masi jaga jamun s,
rmahi
priya pvani tulas s,
sivapriya mekala saila sut s,
sadaguna suragana aba aditi s,
samujhi par kachu mati anusr.

more mana prabodha jehi ho.1.
.
tasa kahihau hiy~a hari ke prere .
karau kath bhava sarit taran.2.
rmakath kali kalua bibhajani.
puni bibeka pvaka kahu aran.3.
sujana
sajvani
muri
suh.
bhaya bhajani bhrama bheka bhuagini.4.
sdhu bibudha kula hita girinadini.
bisva bhra bhara acala cham s.5.
jvana mukuti hetu janu ks.
tulasidsa hita hiya hulas s.6.
sakala siddhi sukha sapati rs.
raghubara bhagati prema paramiti s.7.
59
Nevertheless, when the preceptor repeated the story time after time, I followed it
to a certain extent according to my poor lights. I shall versify the same in the popular
tongue, so that my mind may derive satisfaction from it. Equipped with what little
intellectual and critical power I possess, I shall write with a heart inspired by r Hari. The
story I am going to tell is such as will dispel my own doubts, errors and delusion and
will serve as a boat for crossing the stream of mundane existence. The story of Rma
is a solace to the learned and a source of delight to all men and wipes out the impurities
of the Kali age. r Rmas story is a pea-hen for the serpent in the form of the Kali age;
again, it is a wooden stick* for kindling the sacred fire of wisdom. The tale of Rma is
the cow of plenty in this age of Kali; it is a beautiful life-giving herb for the virtuous. It is
a veritable river of nectar on the surface of this globe; it shatters the fear of birth and
death and is a virtual snake for the frog of delusion. It is beneficent to pious souls-even
as Goddess Prvat (the daughter of Himavn) is friendly to gods; again, it puts an end
to hell even as Prvat exterminated the army of demons. It flows from the assemblage
of saints, even as Lakm (the goddess of wealth) sprang from the ocean; and like the
immovable earth it bears the burden of the entire creation. Like the sacred river Yamun
in this world it scares away the messengers of Yama (the god of death). It is holy K
* The fire used in sacrifices in India is produced by revolving a wooden stick against a wooden block.
60
as it were for the liberation of souls. It is dear to Rma as the sacred basil plant and is
truly beneficent to Tulasdsa as his own mother, Hulas. It is beloved of Lord iva as
the river Narmad (which has its source in Mount Mekala, a peak of the Amarakaaka
hills); it is a mine of all attainments as well as of happiness and prosperity. It is to noble
qualities what mother Aditi is to gods; it is the culmination as it were of devotion to and
love for r Rma.
(17)
0 U
U L
U UU ULH 31H
Do.: rmakath
madkin
citrakua
cita
cru,
tulas subhaga saneha bana siya raghubra bihru.31.
The story of r Rma is the river Mandkin (which washes the foot of Citrakua);
a guileless heart is Mount Citrakua (one of the happy resorts of r Rma during his
wanderings in the forest); while pure love, says Tulasdsa, is the woodland in which St
and Rma carry on Their divine pastimes.
(31)
0UU
M
U
U U
U

fl U U
U U
UU
U
UU U U U
flL U
U UU
U
fl
U
MH
U H 1H
fl U H
U H 2H
U H
U U H 3H
UU fl H
U flU H 4H
U U H
fl U H 5H
fl U UU H
U fl H 6H
U L H
fl U H 7H
Cau.: rmacarita
citmani
cru,
jaga magala gunagrma rma ke,
sadagura gyna birga joga ke,
janani janaka siya rma prema ke,
samana ppa satpa soka ke,
saciva subhaa bhupati bicra ke,
kma koha kalimala karigana ke,
atithi pujya priyatama purri ke,
matra mahmani biaya byla ke,
harana moha tama dinakara kara se,
sata sumati tiya subhaga sigru.

dni mukuti dhana dharama dhma ke.1.
bibudha baida bhava bhma roga ke.
bja sakala brata dharama nema ke.2.
priya plaka
paraloka loka ke.
kubhaja lobha udadhi apra ke.3.
kehari svaka jana mana bana ke.
kmada ghana drida davri ke.4.
meata kahina kuaka bhla ke.
sevaka sli pla jaladhara se.5.
* BLA-KNA *
61
abhimata dni devataru bara se, sevata sulabha sukhada hari hara se.
sukabi sarada nabha mana uaganase, rmabhagata jana jvana dhana se.6.
sakala sukta phala bhuri bhoga se, jaga hita nirupadhi sdhu loga se.
sevaka mana mnasa marla se, pvana gaga taraga mla se.7.
The narrative of Rma is a lovely wish-yielding gem, and a graceful adornment

for saintly wisdom. The hosts of virtues possessed by r Rma are a blessing to the
world and the bestowers of liberation, riches, religious merit and the divine abode. They
are true teachers of wisdom, dispassion and Yoga (contemplative union with God) and
celestial physicians (Avinkumras) for the fell disease of metempsychosis; parents
of devotion to St and Rma and the seed of all holy vows, practices and observances;
antidotes for sins, agonies and griefs and beloved guardians in this as well as in the
next world; valiant ministers to King Reason,and a veritable Agastya* drinking up the
illimitable ocean of greed; young lions residing in the forest of the devotees mind to kill
the herd of elephants in the shape of lust, anger and impurities of the Kali age; dear
to Lord iva (the Slayer of the demon Tripura) as a highly respectable and most
beloved guest, and wish-yielding clouds quenching the wild fire of indigence.They are
spells and valuable gems as it were for counteracting the venom of serpents in the
form of sensuous enjoyments, and efface the deep marks of evil destiny contained on
the forehead. They are sunbeams, as it were, dispelling the darkness of ignorance, and
clouds nourishing the paddy crop in the form of devotees; trees of paradise, as it were,
yielding the object of ones desire; easily available for service and gratifying like Viu
and iva; stars as it were adorning the autumnal sky in the shape of the poets mind,
and the very lifes treasure for the devotees of r Rma; a rich harvest of enjoyments
as it; were yielded by the totality of ones meritorious deeds and sincerely devoted to
the good of the world like holy men; sporting in the mind of the devotees as swans in
the Mnasarovara lake and purifying as the waves of the holy Gag.
(17)
0 U U U
U U UH 32 ()H
UU U U U U
U U U UH 32 ()H
Do.: kupatha kutaraka kucli kali kapaa dabha paa,
dahana rma guna grma jimi idhana anala pracaa.32(A).
rmacarita rkesa kara sarisa sukhada saba khu,
sajjana kumuda cakora cita hita bisei baRa lhu.32(B).
The hosts of virtues possessed by r Rma are like a blazing fire to consume
the dry wood of evil ways, fallacious reasoning, mischievous practices, deceit,
hypocrisy and heresy prevailing in Kali. The exploits of r Rma are delightful to one
and all even as the rays of the full moon; they are particularly agreeable and highly
beneficial to the mind of the virtuous, who can be compared to the white water-lily and
the Cakora bird.
(32 A-B)
* Sage Agastya is said to have drunk up the ocean in three draughts. He was born of a jar; this earn
him the tittle of Kumbhaja.
The white water-lily is proverbially noted for its attachment to the moon and is supposed to open its
62
0U S U fl
U U
U U U U
U
U U
U flU
UUU
U
U UU
U U U H
H 1H
U U H
U U UU H 2H
U UH
U U UH 3H
U H
U U H 4H
Cau.: knhi prasna jehi bh ti bhavn,

so saba hetu kahaba mai g,
jehi yaha kath sun nahi ho,
kath alaukika sunahi je gyn,
rmakath
kai miti
jaga nh,
nn
bh ti
rma
avatr,
kalapabheda
haricarita suhe,
karia na sasaya asa ura n,
jehi bidhi sakara kah bakhn.

kathprabadha
bicitra
ban.1.
jani
caraju
karai
suni
so.
nahi caraju karahi asa jn.2.
asi pratti tinha ke mana mh.
rmyana
sata
koi
apr.3.
bh ti
aneka
munsanha
ge.
sunia kath sdara rati mn.4.
I shall now relate at some length the seed of the storyviz., how Goddess
Bhavn (Prvat) questioned Lord akara and how the latter answered Her questions
weaving a strange narrative round this episode. Let no one who should happen not to
have heard this anecdote before, be surprised to hear it. Wise men who hear this
uncommon, legend marvel not; for they know there is no limit to the stories of r Rma
in this world. They are convinced in their heart that r Rma has bodied Himself forth
in diverse ways and that the Rmyaa, though consisting of a thousand million verses,
is yet infinite. Great sages have diversely sung the charming stories of r Hari, relating
as they do to different Kalpas or cycles. Bearing this in mind the reader should not
entertain any doubt and should hear this narrative reverently and with devotion. (14)
0 U
SU
U UU U UH 33H
Do.: rma anata anata guna amita kath bistra,

suni caraju na mnihahi jinha ke bimala bicra.33.
Rma is infinite, infinite are His virtues and the dimensions of His story are also
immeasurable. Those whose thoughts are pure will, therefore, feel no surprise when they
hear it.
(33)
0U U U U U U UH
U flU U U U U UH 1H
U flU UU U H
U U UU UU U H 2H
petals in moonlight alone. Similarly the Cakora is said to feed on moonbeams and supposed to be particularly
enamoured of the moon.
* BLA-KNA *
63
U
flU U U H
U U flU U U flUH 3H
U U fl UU U flH
Ufl UU UU U U H 4H
Cau.: ehi bidhi saba sasaya kari dur,
puni sabah binavau
kara jor,
sdara
sivahi ni aba mth,
sabata
soraha
sai ekats,
naum bhauma bra madhu ms,
jehi dina rma janama ruti gvahi,
asura nga khaga nara muni dev,
janma mahotsava racahi sujn,
sira dhari gura pada pakaja dhur.

karata kath jehi lga na khor.1.
.
barana~~u bisada rma guna gth.
.
kara~~u kath hari pada dhari ss.2.
avadhapur yaha carita praks.
tratha sakala tah cali vahi.3.
i
karahi
raghunyaka
sev.
karahi rma kala krati gn.4.
Putting away all doubts in this way and placing on my head the dust from the lotus
feet of my preceptor, I supplicate all with joined palms once more, so that no blame may
attach to the telling of the story. Reverently bowing my head to Lord iva, I now proceed
to recount the fair virtues of r Rma. placing my head on the feet of r Hari I
commence this story in the Savat year 1631. On Tuesday, the ninth of the lunar
month of Caitra, this story shed its lustre at Ayodhy. On thes day of r Rmas birth
the presiding spirits of all holy places flock thereso declare the Vedasand demons,
Ngas, birds, human beings, sages and gods come and pay their homage to the
Lord of Raghus. Wise men celebrate the great birthday festival and sing the sweet glory
of r Rma.
(14)
0 U
U fl U U
U U U UU U S UUH 34H
Do.: majjahi sajjana bda bahu pvana saraju nra,

japahi rma dhari dhyna ura sudara syma sarra.34.
Numerous groups of pious men take dip in the holy water of the Sarayu river and,
visualizing in their heart the beautiful swarthy form of r Rma, mutter His name. (34)
0U U L
U
U
U Ufl
U fl U
U UU
U U U
UU
U

U U
UU
fl
U fl
UU U UH
U U H 1H
S flH
fl U UH 2H
h H
U H 3H
fl H
U U U UH 4H
UU Ufl flH
flH 5H
64
U U U U fl H
UU
U UU U UU UU UUH 6H
UU U U U H 7H
Cau.: darasa
nad
parasa majjana aru pn, harai

punta amita mahim
rma
dhmad
jaga
pur
khni
jva
saba
bidhi pur manohara
kaha
beda
purn.
ati, kahi na sakai srad bimalamati.1.
suhvani, loka
cri
ppa
samasta
apr, avadha
bidita
taj~e tanu
ati
nahi
pvani.
sasr.2.
jn, sakala siddhiprada magala khn.
bimala kath kara knha arabh, sunata nashi kma mada dabh.3.
rmacaritamnasa
ehi
nm, sunata
mana kari biaya anala bana jara, hoi

rmacaritamnasa
ravana
sukh
ja~u
pia
ehi
birm.
sara
parai.4.
muni bhvana, biraceu sabhu suhvana pvana.
tribidha doa dukha drida dvana, kali kucli kuli kalua nasvana.5.
raci
mahesa
tt~e
nija mnasa rkh, pi
rmacaritamnasa
.
kaha~~u
kath
soi
susamau
siv
sana
bh.
bara, dhareu nma hiya heri harai hara.6.
sukhada suh, sdara sunahu sujana mana l.7.
The very sight and touch of the Sarayu, a dip into its waters or a draught from
it cleanses ones sinsso declare the Vedas and Puras. Even rad, the goddess
of learning, with Her pure intelligence cannot describe the infinite glory of this most
sacred river. The beautiful town of Ayodhy grants an abode in r Rmas heaven;
it is celebrated through all the worlds and is the holiest of the holy. There are countless
living beings in this world belonging to the four species (viz., viviparous, oviparous,
sweat-born and those shooting from the earth); whoever of these shed their mortal
coil in Ayodhy are never born again. Knowing the town to be charming in everyway,
a bestower of all forms of success and a storehouse of blessings, I commenced writing
this sacred story there. The impulses of lust, arrogance and hypocrisy positively
disappear from the mind of those who hear it. One derives solace by hearing its very
name, Rmacaritamnasa (the Mnasa lake of r Rmas exploits). The elephant of
our mind, which is being scorched by the wild fire of sensuous enjoyments, is sure
to get relief, should it drop into this lake. The holy and beautiful Rmacaritamnasa
is the delight of sages; it was conceived by ambhu (Lord iva). It puts down the
three kinds of error, sorrow and indigence* and uproots all evil practices and impurities
of the Kali age. Having conceived it, the great Lord iva treasured it in His mind till,
when a favourable opportunity presented itself, He communicated it to His consort,
iv (Prvat). Therefore, after due consideration Lord Hara joyously gave it the excellent
title of Rmacaritamnasa. I repeat the same delightful and charming story; hear it
reverently and attentively, O noble souls.
(17)
* The three kinds of error are those relating to thought, word and deed; birth, death and old age
constitute the three kinds of sorrow and the three kinds of indigence referred to her are: (1) poverty of body (2)
poverty in men and (3) poverty of means.
The word Mnasa also denotes the mind and Lord iva gave this story the title of Rmacaritamnasa
firstly because it contains a life-account of r Rma and secondly because He treasured it in His mind before
communicating it to Prvat.
* BLA-KNA *
65
U U U U U
UU U U H 35H
Do.: jasa mnasa jehi bidhi bhayau jaga pracra jehi hetu,
aba soi kahau prasaga saba sumiri um baketu.35.
Invoking Um (Goddess Prvat) and Lord iva (who has a bull emblazoned on
His standard), I now proceed to give a full account as to what this Rmacaritamnasa
is like, how it came to be and what led to its popularity in the world.
(35)
0 U U
U
UU
UU
NU
UU U U U
UU
U
U U
U fl
UU U
UU H
U UH 1H
U U H
U
UU
UH 2H
SflU U UH
U
H 3H
U fl H
fl U UflH 4H
L L UH 5H
Cau.: sabhu prasda sumati hiya hulas, rmacaritamnasa

karai
manohara
mati
kabi
tulas.
anuhr, sujana sucita suni lehu sudhr.1.
sumati bhumi thala hdaya agdhu, beda purna udadhi ghana sdhu.
baraahi
ll
saguna
prema
so
rma sujasa bara

jo
kahahi
bakhn, soi
bhagati jo barani na
jala
sukta
sli
br, madhura
hita
svacchat
j, soi
ho, rma
manohara
karai
madhurat
bhagata
jana
magalakr.2.
mala
hn.
sustalat.3.
jvana
so.
medh mahi gata so jala pvana, sakili ravana maga caleu suhvana.4.
bhareu sumnasa suthala thirn, sukhada
sta
ruci
cru
cirn.5.
By the grace of ambhu (Lord iva) a blessed idea inspired the mind of
Tulasdsa, which made him the author of Rmacaritamnasa. The author has polished
his composition to the best of his intellect; yet listen to it with a sympathetic mind, O
noble souls, and correct it. A refined (Sttvika) intellect is the catchment area, heart is
the fathomless cavity, the Vedas and Puras constitute the ocean; while holy men
represent the clouds which rain down pure, sweet, agreeable and blessed water in the
form of r Rmas excellent glory. Pastimes of a personal God that such holy men narrate
in extenso are the transparency of this water, which cleanses all impurity; while loving
Devotion, which defies all description, represents its sweetness and coolness. This water
is beneficial for the paddy crop in the form of virtuous deeds, it is life itself to the devotees
of r Rma. The same holy water, when it dropped on the soil of the intellect, flowed
in a volume through the beautiful channel of the ears and, collecting in the lovely spot
called the heart, came to be stationary. Having remained there for a long time, it became
clear, agreeable, cool and refreshing.
(15)
66
0 U
U U U h U
U fl U U UU UH 36H
Do.: suhi sudara sabda bara birace buddhi bicri,

tei ehi pvana subhaga sara gha manohara cri.36.
The four most beautiful and excellent dialogues (viz., those between (i) Bhuui
and Garua, (ii) iva and Prvat (iii) Yjavalkya and Bharadvja and (iv) between
Tulasdsa and other saints) that have been cleverly woven into this narrative are the
four lovely Ghas of this holy and charming lake.
(36)
0#

U
U
U
U
L
U
UU
U
U
U fl

flU
U U
U
fl U U

U
flU
M

UU
U H
U U U H 1H
U UH
UH 2H
UU UH
U U H 3H
U U UH
UU UH 4H
U UH
U L UH 5H
U H
h U H 6H
U H
UU U U H 7H
UU UH 8H
Cau.: sapta prabadha subhaga sopn,

raghupati mahim aguna abdh,
rma sya jasa salila sudhsama,
puraini
saghana
cru caup,
chada sorah sudara doh,
aratha anupa subhva subhs,
sukta puja majula ali ml,
dhuni avareba kabita guna jt,
aratha dharama kmdika
cr,
nava rasa japa tapa joga birg,
sukt sdhu nma guna gn,
.
satasabh cah~~u
disi
ava r,
bhagati nirupana bibidha bidhn,
sama jama niyama phula phala gyn,
aurau
kath
aneka prasag,
gyna nayana nirakhata mana mn.

baranaba soi bara bri agdh.1.
upam
bci
bilsa
manorama.
juguti maju mani spa suh.2.
soi bahuraga kamala kula soh.
soi parga makarada subs.3.
gyna
birga
bicra
marl.
mna
manohara
te
bahubh t.4.
kahaba
gyna
bigyna
bicr.
te saba jalacara cru taRg.5.
te bicitra jala bihaga samn.
raddh ritu basata sama g.6.
cham day dama lat bitn.
hari pada rati rasa beda bakhn.7.
tei suka pika bahubarana bihag.8.
* BLA-KNA *
67
The seven Books are the seven beautiful flights of steps, which the soul delights
to look upon with the eyes of wisdom; the unqualified and unbounded greatness of r
Rma, which will be presently discussed, represents the unfathomable, depth of this holy
water. The glory of r Rma and St constitutes the nectarean water; the similes
represent the soul-ravishing sport of its wavelets. The beautiful Caups represent the
thick growth of lotus-plants; the various poetic devices constitute the lovely shells that
yield beautiful pearls. The other metres, viz., Chandas, Sorahs and Dohs, are the
cluster of charming many-coloured lotuses. The incomparable sense, the beautiful ideas
and the elegant expression represent the pollen, honey and fragrance of those flowers
respectively. The virtuous acts mentioned therein are the charming swarms of bees; the
references to spiritual enlightenment, dispassion and reason represent the swan. The
implications and involutions and the various excellences and styles of poetry are the
lovely fishes of various kinds. The four ends of human existence, viz., worldly riches
religious merit, enjoyment and liberation, the reasoned exposition of Jna (Knowledge
of God in His absolute formless aspect) and vijna (Knowledge of qualified Divinity both
with and without form), the nine sentiments of poetry,* and the references to Japa (the
muttering of mystic formulae), austerity, Yoga (contemplative union with God) and
detachment from the worldall these represent the charming aquatic creatures of this
lake. Eulogies on virtuous men, pious souls and the Name of Godthese correspond
to water-birds of various kinds. The assemblages of saints referred to herein are the
mango groves hemming the lake on all sides and piety has been likened to the vernal
season. The exposition of the various types of Devotion and the references to forbearance,
compassion and sense-control represent the canopies of creepers. Even so mindcontrol, the five Yamas or forms of self-restraint (viz., non-violence, truthfulness, nonthieving, continence and non-acquisition of property), the five Niyamas or religious vows
(viz., those of external and internal purity, contentment, austerity, study of sacred books
or repetition of the Divine Name and self-surrender to God) are the blossoms of these
creepers; spiritual enlightenment is their fruit and loving devotion to the feet of r Hari
constitutes the sap of this fruit of spiritual enlightenment: so declare the Vedas. The
various other episodes forming part of this narrative are the birds of different colours
such as the parrot and the cuckoo.
(18)
U U UL
U LH 37H
Do.: pulaka bik bga bana sukha subihaga bihru,

ml sumana saneha jala scata locana cru.37.
The thrill of joy that one experiences while listening to this narrative represents the
flower gardens, orchards and groves; and the delight one feels is the sporting of birds;
while a noble mind is the gardener, who waters the garden etc., with the moisture of love
through the charming jars of eyes.
(37)
0 flU U U
U U U
U U U UflUH
U U UH 1H
* The nine sentiments of poetry are: (1) gra (the erotic sentiment or the sentiment of love)
(2) Hsya (the humorous sentiment) (3) Karua (the pathetic sentiment) (4) Vra (the heroic sentiment)
(5) Raudra (the sentiment of wrath or fury) (6) Bhaynaka (the sentiment of terror) (7) Bbhatsa (the sentiment
of disgust) (8) nta (the sentiment of quietism) and (9) Adbhuta (the marvellous sentiment).
68
flU
U U fl U UU
fl U U U
U
U
U
U

U U
U U U U H
U U H 2H
UH
U H 3H
U UU H
H 4H
U H 5H
Cau.: je gvahi yaha carita sabhre,

sad sunahi sdara nara
nr,
ati khala je bia baga kg,
sabuka bheka sevra samn,
tehi krana vata hiya
hre,
vata
ehi sara ati
kahin,
kahina kusaga kupatha karl,
gha
kraja
nn
jajl,
bana bahu biama moha mada mn,
tei ehi tla catura rakhavre.

tei surabara mnasa adhikr.1.
ehi sara nikaa na jhi abhg.
ih na biaya kath rasa nn.2.
km
kka
balka
bicre.
rma
kp
binu
i
na
j.3.
tinha ke bacana bgha hari byl.
te
ati
durgama
saila
bisl.4.
nad kutarka bhayakara nn.5.
Those who carefully recite this poem, they alone are the vigilant guardians of this
lake. And those men and women who reverently hear it everyday are the great gods
exercising jurisdiction over this Mnasarovara lake. Sensual wretches are the accursed
herons and crows who never approach the lake. For here there are no varied talks of
the pleasures of sense, corresponding to snails, frogs and moss. That is why poor crows
and herons in the form of lustful men lack the heart to visit this place. For there is much
difficulty in getting to this place and it is not possible to reach it without the grace of r
Rma. Bad company, which is so obdurate, constitutes a terribly rough road; and the
words of such companions are so many tigers, lions and serpents. The various
occupations and entanglements of domestic life are huge mountains which are so difficult
to approach. Infatuation, arrogance and pride are so many inaccessible woods; and
sophisms of various kinds are frightful streams.
(15)
h UU U U U
U U UU UH 38H
Do.: je raddh sabala rahita nahi satanha kara stha,

tinha kahu mnasa agama ati jinhahi na priya raghuntha.38.
The Mnasa is most inaccessible to those who lack provisions for the journey in
the shape of piety, who do not enjoy the company of saints and who have no love for
the Lord of Raghus (r Rma).
(38)
0 U CU
U U UU
U U
UU U U
A U U
U U

fl
U
U
U
UH
U fl H 1H
U fl H
U U U flH 2H
U U UH
U U UH 3H
* BLA-KNA *
U U U U
U U U U
U
U
NU
UUU
U
U
U U U H
UU H 4H
h flUH
UU UH 5H
U U H
H 6H
L H 7H
Cau.: jau
kari
kaa ji
puni ko,
jaRat
jRa
biama
ura lg,
kari
na ji sara
majjana pn,
jau
bahori
kou puchana v,
sakala bighna bypahi nahi teh,
soi
sdara sara
majjanu kara,
te nara yaha sara tajahi na ku,
jo
nahi caha
ehi
sara bh,
asa mnasa mnasa cakha ch,
bhayau hdaya nada uchhu,
cal
subhaga
kabit
sarit so,
saraju
nma
sumagala mul,
nad punta sumnasa nadini,
jtahi
nda
juR
ho.
gaehu
na majjana pva abhg.1.
phiri
vai
sameta
abhimn.
sara nid kari thi bujhv.2.
rma
sukp
bilokahi
jeh.
mah ghora trayatpa na jara.3.
jinha ke rma carana bhala bhu.
so satasaga karau mana l.4.
bhai kabi buddhi bimala avagh.
umageu prema pramoda prabhu.5.
rma bimala jasa jala bharit so.
loka beda mata majula kul.6.
kalimala tna taru mula nikadini.7.
69
Even if anyone makes his way to it undergoing so much hardship, he is forthwith

attacked by ague in the shape of drowsiness. Benumbing cold in the shape of stupor
overtakes his heart, so that the unhappy soul is deprived of a dip even after reaching
there. Finding himself unable to take a plunge into the lake or to drink from it, he returns
with a feeling of pride. And if anyone comes to inquire about the lake, he tries to satisfy
him by vilifying it. All these obstacles do not, however, deter him whom r Rma regards
with overwhelming kindness. He alone reverently bathes in the lake and thus escapes
the threefold agony* of the fiercest kind. Those men who cherish ideal devotion to the
feet of r Rma never quit this lake. Let him who would bathe in this lake, brother,
diligently practise Satsaga (association with saints). Having seen the said Mnasa lake
with the minds eye and taken a dip into it, the poets intellect got purged of all its dross.
The heart was flooded with joy and alacrity and a torrent of love and rapture welled from
it. Thence flowed a stream of beautiful poetry, carrying the water of r Rmas fair
renown. Sarayu is the name of this river, which is the very fountain of pure bliss. The
secular view-point and the view-point of the Vedasthese represent its two charming
banks. This holy stream, issuing as it does from the beautiful Mnasa lake, uproots in
its course all the impurities of the Kali age, whether in the form of tiny blades of grass
or of mighty trees.
(17)
U U U
fl H 39H
* The three kinds of agony referred to above are:

(i) that inflicted by other living beings (ii) that proceeding from natural causes and (iii) that caused by
bodily or mental distemper.
70
Do.: rot tribidha samja pura grma nagara duhu kula,

satasabh anupama avadha sakala sumagala mula.39.
The three* types of audience are the towns, villages and cities on both the banks;
and the congregation of saints is the imcomparable Ayodhy, which is the fountain of all
auspicious blessings.
(39)
0U
UUU

U U fl
fl U
U
UUU

U
U
U
U
UU

Cau.: rmabhagati
surasaritahi
snuja rma samara jasu
U U UH
U U UflH 1H
U U U UH
U M UH 2H
fl UUH
U U U H 3H
U UH
flU
U
UUH 4H
j, mil
sukrati
juga bica bhagati devadhuni dhr, sohati

tribidha
mnasa
tpa
mula
bica bica kath

um
mahesa
trsaka
mil
saraju
suh.
pvana, mileu mahnadu sona suhvana.1.

timuhn, rma
sahita
subirati
sarupa
sidhu
bicr.
samuhn.2.
surasarih, sunata sujana mana pvana karih.
bicitra
bibha
raghubara janama anada
bibhg, janu
sari
bart, te
jalacara
badh, bhava ra
tra
tra
aganita
taraga
bana
bg.3.
bahubh t.
manoharat.4.
The beautiful Sarayu in the form of r Rmas fair renown joined the heavenly
stream (Gag) of devotion to Rma. The latter was joined again by the charming stream
of the mighty Sona in the form of the martial glory of Rma with His younger brother
Lakmaa. Intervening the two streams of Sarayu and Sona shines the celestial stream
of Devotion blended with noble dispassion and knowledge. This triple stream, which
scares away the threefold agony referred to above, headed towards the ocean of r
Rmas divine personality. With its source in the Mnasa lake and united with the celestial
river (Gag), the Sarayu of r Rmas fame will purify the mind of the pious souls who
listen to it; while the strange episodes interspersed here and there are the groves and
gardens as it were adjoining the river banks. The bridegrooms party in the wedding of
Goddess Um (Prvat) and the great Lord iva are the numberless aquatic creatures of
various kinds. The rejoicings and felicitations that attended the advent of r Rma, the
Chief of Raghus represent the charm of the eddies and waves.
(14)
0 U
U UU
U U U UUH 40H
Do.: blacarita cahu badhu ke banaja bipula bahuraga,

npa rn parijana sukta madhukara bribihaga.40.
* The three types of listeners referred to here may be understood to mean (i) liberated souls (ii) seekers
of liberation and (iii) sensually-minded men.
* BLA-KNA *
71
The childlike sports of the four divine brothers are the, numerous lotus flowers of
varied colours; while the stock of merits of king Daaratha and his consorts and court
represent the bees and water-birds.
(40)
0
SflU
U
fl U S
USU
U
U
U U
U
U UUU
U UUU U
U U
U Ufl U UH
flU UU H 1H
U U H
U h U U H 2H
U UH
UUH 3H
U U H
U UH 4H
Cau.: sya
svayabara
kath
suh,
nad
nva pau prasna anek,
suni anukathana paraspara ho,
ghora dhra bhguntha risn,
snuja
rma
bibha
uchhu,
kahata sunata haraahi pulakh,
rma tilaka hita magala
sj,
k
kumati
keka
ker,
sarita suhvani so chabi ch.

kevaa kusala utara sabibek.1.
pathika samja soha sari so.
gha subaddha rma bara bn.2.
so subha umaga sukhada saba khu.
te sukt mana mudita nahh.3.
paraba joga janu jure samj.
par jsu phala bipati ghaner.4.
The fascinating story of Sts choicemarriage is the delightful charm surrounding

the river. The numerous pertinent questions are the boats on the river, while the
judicious replies to the same are the skilled boatmen. The conversation that follows the
narration of the story is the crowd of travellers moving along the river banks. The
wrath of Paraurma (the Lord of Bhgus) represents the furious current of this river;
while r Rmas soft words are the strongly built Ghas on the banks. The festivities
connected with the wedding of r Rma and His younger brothers represent the
graceful swell in the river, which is a source of delight to all. Those who rejoice and
experience a thrill of joy in narrating or hearing the story are the lucky souls who take
an exhilarating dip in the river. The auspicious preparations that were gone through in
connections with the installation of r Rma as the Yuvarja (Prince-regent) represent
as it were, the crowds of bathers assembled at the river bank on a sacred occasion.
Kaikeys evil counsel represents the moss on the bank, which brought a serious
calamity in its wake.
(14)
U UU
fl H 41H
Do.: samana amita utapta saba bharatacarita japajga,

kali agha khala avaguna kathana te jalamala baga kga.41.
The story of Bharata, which wards off all calamities, is a congregational muttering
of sacred formulae carried on at the river bank; while the references to the corruptions
of the Kali age and to the evil propensities of wicked souls represent the scum on the
water as well as the herons and crows living by the riverside.
(41)
72
0U U UU U MU
U U fl U
U U U

U U
fl
U
U U
UU
U U U
U
U
U

Ufl fl UH
U UUUH 1H
UUH
U flH 2H
U UH
U UH 3H
H
U U H 4H
sarita chahu
ritu rur, samaya suhvani pvani bhur.
himasailasut siva byhu, sisira
sukhada
prabhu
janama
c
h
u
.
1
.
Cau.: krati
hima
u
baranaba
rma
bibha
samju, so
muda
magalamaya
riturju.
grama dusaha rma banagavanu, pathakath khara tapa pavanu.2.

bara
rma
sat
ghora
niscara
rr, surakula
sli
sumagalakr.
rja sukha binaya baR, bisada sukhada soi sarada suh.3.

siromani
siya gunagth, soi guna amala anupama pth.
bharata
subhu
sustalat, sad
ekarasa
barani
na
j.4.
The river of r Rmas glory is delightful during all the six seasons; it is exceedingly
charming and holy at all times. The wedding of Goddess Prvat (the daughter of
Himavn) with Lord iva represents Hemanta or the cold season while the festival
connected with the Lords advent represents the delightful iira or chilly season. The
story of the preparations for r Rmas wedding constitutes the vernal season* (the king
of all seasons), which abounds in joy and felicity; while r Rmas departure for the forest
constitutes the oppressive hot seasan and the tale of His wanderings represents the
blazing sun and hot winds. The terrible conflict with the demons represents the rainy
season, which constituted a veritable blessing to the paddy crop in the form of gods; while
the prosperity attending r Rmas reign, His politeness and glory represent the
cloudless, delightful and charming autumn. The recital of the virtues of St, the crest-jewel
of faithful wives, constitutes the excellence of the transparent and incomparable water.
And Bharatas amiability represents its coolness, which is uniform at all times and beyond
description.
(14)
0 fl
UU U
U U H 42H
Do.: avalokani bolani milani prti parasapara hsa,

bhyapa bhali cahu badhu k jala mdhur subsa.42.
The way the four brothers look at one another, talk with one another meet and love
one another, their mirth and their ideal brotherlinessthese constitute the sweetness and
fragrance
of the ofwater.
(42)
Mrgara and Paua (corresponding roughly to November and December) consti* The months
tute the cold season; Mgha and Phlguna (corresponding roughly to January and February) constitute the
chilly season; the months of Caitra and Vaikha (corresponding roughly to March and April) constitute the
vernal season; Jyeha and ha (corresponding roughly to May and June) constitute the hot weather;
rvana and Bhdrapada (corresponding roughly to July and August) constitute the rainy season and vina
Krtika (corresponding roughly to September and October) constitute the autumnal season.
* BLA-KNA *
0U

U
U
U
U

fl
U U
fl
U

U U U
U U U fl U
U UH
UUH 1H
UU H
U U H 2H
U UflH
UU U U H 3H
U H
UUU fl UH 4H
Cau.: rati
binaya
dnat
mor,
adabhuta salila sunata gunakr,
rma
supremahi poata
pn,
bhava rama soaka toaka to,
kma koha mada moha nasvana,
sdara
majjana pna kie
te ,
jinha ehi bri na mnasa dhoe,
tita nirakhi rabi kara bhava br,
laghut lalita subri na thor.

sa
pisa
manomala
hr.1.
harata sakala kali kalua galn.
samana durita dukha drida do.2.
bimala bibeka birga baRhvana.
miahi ppa paritpa hie te .3.
te
kyara
kalikla
bigoe.
phirihahi mga jimi jva dukhr.4.
73
My intense longing, supplication and humility represent the not inconsiderable

lightness of this pure and holy water. This marvellous water heals by the mere hearing,
quenches the thirst of desire and washes the dirt of the mind. This water nourishes true
love for r Rma and drives away all the sins of the Kali age as well as the feeling of
self-depreciation resulting therefrom. It relieves the fatigue of transmigration, gratifies
gratification itself and puts an end to sin, sorrow, indigence and error. It wipes out lust,
anger, pride and infatuation and enhances pure wisdom and dispassion. By reverently
bathing in it and drinking from it all traces of sin and remorse are obliterated from the
heart. Those who have not washed their heart with this water are wretches that have
been duped by the age of Kali.These creatures, wandering in pursuit of sensuous
pleasures, will come to grief even as a thirsty deer runs after a mirage mistaking it for
real water and returns disappointed.
(14)
0 UU U Ufl
U fl UU U UH 43 ()H
U LU U U
UU U H 43 ()H
Do.: mati anuhri subri guna gana gani mana anhavi,
sumiri bhavn sakarahi kaha kabi kath suhi.43(A).
aba raghupati pada pakaruha hiya dhari pi prasda,
kahau jugala munibarja kara milana subhaga sabda.43(B).
Having enumerated the virtues of this excellent water to the best of his intellectual
capacity and bathed his mind in it, and remembering Goddess Bhavn (Prvat) and
Lord akara, the poet (Tulasdsa) narrates the beautiful story. Installing in my heart
74
the lotus feet of the Lord of Raghus and thus securing His grace, I now proceed to
relate the charming story of the meeting of the two great sages (Yjavalkya and
Bharadvja).
(43 A-B)
0Um U

U U U
fl
U U
U
fl

Um
fl
U U U
U
UUU
Cau.: bharadvja
muni basahi
UU U UH
UU U H 1H
UU fl H
U U H 2H
U U UUU H
U U U flH 3H
U UUH
UU UU UU UH 4H
prayg, tinhahi
rma
pada
ati
anurg.
tpasa sama dama day nidhn, paramratha patha parama sujn.1.

mgha
deva
pujahi
makaragata rabi jaba ho, trathapatihi

va
saba
ko.
danuja kinara nara ren, sdara
majjahi
sakala
triben.2.
mdhava
bharadvja
hoi
tah
majjahi
pada
rama
muni
prta
ati
jalajt, parasi akhaya bau haraahi gt.

pvana, parama ramya munibara mana bhvana.3.
riaya samj, jhi

sameta
je
majjana
tratharj.
uchh, kahahi parasapara hari guna gh.4.
The sage Bharadvja lives in Prayga; he is extremely devoted to the feet of

r Rma. A great ascetic and an embodiment of self-restraint, composure of mind and
compassion, he is highly advanced on the spiritual path. In the month of Mgha, when the
sun enters the sign of Capricorn, everyone visits the chief of holy places, Prayga. Troops
of gods and demons, Kinnaras (demigods) and men, all devoutly bathe in the confluence of
the Gag, Yamun and Sarasvat. They worship the lotus feet of God Vindumdhava (the
presiding deity of Prayga); and the touch of the immortal banyan tree sends a thrill into their
limbs. The hermitage of Bharadvja is a most sacred spot, exceedingly charming and
attractive even to great hermits and the haunt of sages and seers who go to bathe at that
holiest of holy places. At daybreak they all perform their ablutions with religious fervour and
then converse together on the virtues of r Hari.
(14)
0 r
M U UU fl
UU fl UH 44H
Do.: brahma nirupana dharama bidhi baranahi tattva bibhga,

kahahi bhagati bhagavata kai sajuta gyna birga.44.
They discuss the nature of Brahma (the Supreme Eternal), the precepts of religion
and the classification of fundamental entities and expatiate on Devotion to the Lord
coupled with spiritual enlightenment and dispassion.
(44)
0U U U UU UH
U U flU H 1H
* BLA-KNA *
U U U U
U
U
U U
U
U
U U U
U U
U H
Um
U
UH 2H
UUH
H 3H
U fl UH
UU U U H 4H
Cau.: ehi prakra bhari mgha nahh,

prati sabata ati hoi anad,
eka bra bhari makara nahe,
jgabalika muni parama bibek,
sdara
carana saroja
pakhre,
kari puj muni sujasu bakhn,
ntha eka sasau baRa more ,
kahata so mohi lgata bhaya lj,
puni saba nija nija rama jh.

makara majji gavanahi munibd.1.
saba munsa ramanha sidhe.
bharadvja
rkhe
pada
ek.2.
ati
punta
sana
baihre.
bole
ati
punta
mdu
bn.3.
karagata bedatattva sabu tore .
jau na kahau baRa hoi akj.4.
75
In this way they bathe for the whole month of Mgha and then return each to his
hermitage. There is a great rejoicing every year and having performed their ablutions
while the sun stays in Capricorn the hosts of sages disperse. Having bathed on one
occasion for the whole period of the suns stay in Capricorn when all the great sages had
left for their hermitages, Bharadvja clasped by the feet and detained the supremely wise
saint Yjavalkya. He reverently washed the latters lotus feet and installed him on a
most sacred seat. And extolling his fair renown with religious ceremony, Bharadvja
spoke in mild and reverential tones, A grave doubt haunts my mind, holy sir ! and the
whole mystery of the Vedas stands revealed to you. I am afraid and ashamed to utter
the doubt; and I lose a great opportunity if I keep it back.
(14)
UU U fl
UU U UflH 45H
Do.: sata kahahi asi nti prabhu ruti purna muni gva,
hoi na bimala bibeka ura gura sana kie durva.45.
The saints lay down the rule, and the Vedas as well as the Puras and sages
too loudly proclaim, that pure wisdom cannot dawn in the heart, should one keep
anything concealed from ones spiritual preceptor.
(45)
0 U UU U
U U fl

U U fl UU
U U
U
U fl UU U
U fl
U
U UU UU U
UUU U U UUH
U U flH 1H
fl fl UH
U U UUH 2H
fl U U U H
U UH 3H
U U U UH
U U U Ufl UH 4H
Cau.: asa bicri pragaau nija mohu, harahu ntha kari jana para chohu.
rma nma kara amita prabhv, sata purna upaniada gv.1.
76
satata
japata
sabhu abins,
kara
cri
jva
jaga ahah,
sopi
rma
mahim muniry,
rmu kavana prabhu puchau toh,
eka
rma
avadhesa kumr,
nri biraha
dukhu laheu apr,
siva bhagavna gyna guna rs.

ks marata parama pada lahah.2.
siva upadesu karata kari dy.
kahia
bujhi
kpnidhi
moh.3.
tinha kara carita bidita sasr.
bhayau rou rana rvanu mr.4.
Remembering this I disclose my folly; dispel it, taking pity on this servant, my lord !
The saints as well as the Puras and the Upaniads too declare that the potency of the
name Rma is unlimited. The immortal Lord iva, who is the fountain of joy and a
storehouse of wisdom and goodness, incessantly repeats It.There are four broad
divisions of living beings in the world; such of them as die in the holy city of K
(Vras) attain to the highest state. This too marks the glory of r Rmas Name, O
chief of sages; for it is this very Name that Lord iva mercifully imparts to the dying soul
in K. I ask you, my lord, who that Rma is; pray explain to me, O storehouse of
compassion. One such Rma is the prince of Ayodhy whose exploits are known
throughout the world. Infinite was his sorrow due to the loss of his wife; and flying into
a rage he slew Rvaa in battle.
(14)
U U U U UU
U UU UH 46H
Do.: prabhu soi rma ki apara kou jhi japata tripurri,

satyadhma sarbagya tumha kahahu bibeku bicri.46.
Is it this very, Rma, my lord, or some one else whose name the Slayer of the
demon Tripura, iva, ever repeats? You are an abute of truth and omniscient; so ponder
well and give me your considered reply.
(46)
0 U U

U U
UU U U
U U
UU
U

U U
U fl
UU SUH
UU U H 1H
U UU H
UU S U UH 2H
UU U UH
U
UH 3H
U UU U H
Ufl U H 4H
Cau.: jaise miai mora bhrama bhr,

jgabalika
bole
musuk,
rmabhagata tumha mana krama bn,
chahu sunai rma guna guRh,
tta sunahu sdara manu
l,
mahmohu
mahiesu
bisl,
rmakath sasi kirana samn,
aisei
sasaya knha
bhavn,
kahahu so kath ntha bistr.

tumhahi bidita raghupati prabhut.1.
catur
tumhri
mai
jn.
knhihu prasna manahu ati muRh.2.
kahau rma
kai
kath
suh.
rmakath
klik
karl.3.
sata cakora karahi jehi pn.
mahdeva taba kah bakhn.4.
Tell me in detail, my master, the story whereby my overwhelming perplexity may

be overcome. Yjavalkya smilingly said, The glory of the Lord of Raghus is already
* BLA-KNA *
77
known to you. You are a devotee of Rma in thought, word and deed; I have come to
know your ingenuity. You wish to hear an account of the hidden virtues of Rma; that
is why you have questioned me as if you were quite ignorant. Listen, then, with devout
attention, my child, while I narrate the beautiful story of Rma. Appalling ignorance is the
gigantic demon Mahisura (so-called because he was endowed with the form of a
buffalo); while the narrative of Rma is the dread Klik* (who made short work of the
demon). The story of Rma is like the moonbeams that are drunk in by Cakora bird in
the form of saints. A similar doubt was expressed by no less a personage than Bhavn
(Goddess Prvat), and the great God iva then expounded the matter in detail . (14)
0 UU
UU U
U U U U UU H 47H
Do.: kahau so mati anuhri aba um sabhu sabda,

bhayau samaya jehi hetu jehi sunu muni miihi bida.47.
I shall repeat now to the best of my lights, the dialogue between Um (Goddess
Prvat) and ambhu (Lord iva). Hear, O sage, the time and the occasion of this
dialogue; your gloom will be lifted.
(47)
0 U U
fl
U

U
U
UU U
U U
UU
U flU UU
U U
U
U
UU
U
U UH
U SflU H 1H
U U H
U H 2H
U UU UH
fl UUH 3H
U U flUH
U H 4H
Cau.: eka
bra
tret juga
mh,
saga sat jagajanani bhavn,
rmakath
munibarja
bakhn,
rii
puch haribhagati
suh,
kahata sunata raghupati guna gth,
muni sana bid mgi tripurr,
tehi avasara bhajana mahibhr,
pit
bacana
taji
rju uds,
sabhu gae kubhaja rii ph.

puje
rii
akhilesvara
jn.1.
sun mahesa parama sukhu mn.
kah
sabhu
adhikr
p.2.
.
kachu dina tah rahe girinth.

cale bhavana sa ga dacchakumr.3.
hari raghubasa lnha avatr.
daaka bana bicarata abins.4.
Once upon a time, in the age of Tret, Lord iva called on the jar-born sage
Agastya. His consort, Goddess Sat, Mother of the universe, accompanied Him. The
sage worshipped Him knowing Him to be the universal lord. The great sage narrated at
length the story of Rma and Lord Mahea listened to it with extreme delight. The sage
then inquired about Devotion to Hari and ambhu discoursed on it finding in the sage
a fit recipient. Thus narrating and hearing the tale of r Rmas virtues, the Lord of
Kailsa (iva) spent some days there. Finally, asking leave of the sage, the Slayer of
the demon Tripura, akara, proceeded to His home (Mount Kailsa) with Dakas
* The story is told in Durg-Saptaat or the Ca a work most popular with the Hindus and forming
part of the Mrkaeya-Pura.
78
daughter (Sat). During those very days, with a view to relieving the burden of the earth,
r Hari had descended in the line of king Raghu. Renouncing His right to the Throne at
the word of His father (Daaratha), the immortal Lord was wandering in the Daaka
forest in the garb of an ascetic.
(14)
0 NU U UU U U U
# M flUU H 48 ()H
0U UU U U U
U UL H 48 ()H
Do.: hdaya bicrata jta hara kehi bidhi darasanu hoi,
gupta rupa avatareu prabhu gae jna sabu koi.48(A).
So.: sakara ura ati chobhu sat na jnahi maramu soi,
tulas darasana lobhu mana aru locana llac.48(B).
Lord Hara (iva) kept pondering as He went, How can I obtain a sight of Him?
The Lord has bodied Himself forth secretly; and if I visit Him, everyone will know who
He is. In akaras heart there was a great tumult; Sat, however, had no inkling of this
secret. His mind, says Tulasdsa, apprehended lest the secret might be disclosed while
the temptation of obtaining a sight of the Lord made His eyes wistful.
(48 A-B)
0Ufl U U
U U UU Ufl
U
U
UU

U U U UU U
U UU
UU U fl UU
U
Cau.: rvana marana manuja kara
jau
nahi
ju
ehi
bidhi
bhae
lnha
kari
nca
chalu
rahai
mrcahi
har
jc, prabhu bidhi bacanu knha caha sc.
pachitv, karata bicru na banata banv.1.
socabasa
muRha
U U H
U L flH 1H
U H
U U U UH 2H
U UH
UH 3H
U U H
U UU H 4H
s, teh
samaya
ji
dasass.
sag, bhayau turata soi kapaa kurag.2.

baideh, prabhu prabhu tasa bidita na teh.
mga badhi badhu sahita hari e, ramu dekhi nayana jala che.3.
biraha
kabahu
bikala
joga
nara
iva
biyoga
raghur, khojata bipina phirata dou bh.

na
jke , dekh pragaa biraha dukhu tke .4.
Rvaa (the demon king of Lak) had sought from Brahm the boon of death
at the hands of a human foe; and the Lord would have the words of Brahm come true.
If I do not go to meet Him, I shall ever regret it. iva pondered, but found no solution
to the puzzle. The Lord was thus lost in a reverie. Meanwhile the vile Rvaa (who had
no less than ten heads) took with him the demon Mrca, who forthwith assumed the
* BLA-KNA *
79
illusory form of a deer. The fool (Rvaa) carried off king Videhas daughter (St) by
fraud; the Lords real might was not known to him. Having killed the antelope r Hari
returned with His brother (Lakmaa) ; and His eyes were filled with tears when He saw
the empty hermitage. The Lord of Raghus felt distressed at the loss like a mortal man,
and the two brothers roamed about in the woods in search of Her. He who knows neither
union nor separation showed unmistakable signs of grief born of separation.
(14)
U U U U
U NU UU U H 49H
Do.: ati bicitra raghupati carita jnahi parama sujna,

je matimada bimoha basa hdaya dharahi kachu na.49.
Exceedingly mysterious are the ways of the Lord of Raghus; the supremely wise
alone can comprehend them. The dull-witted in their height of folly imagine something
quite different.
(49)
0 U UU
U U UU

fl
fl

L
l

U U U U
U
U U UU H
U UUH 1H
U U flH
H 2H
UU U U H
U U fl H 3H
U
UH
U UU UU UH 4H
Cau.: sabhu samaya tehi rmahi dekh,

bhari locana chabisidhu nihr,
jaya saccidnada jaga pvana,
cale
jta
siva
sat
samet,
sat so das sabhu kai dekh,
sakaru jagatabadya jagads,
tinha npasutahi knha paranm,
bhae magana chabi tsu bilok,
upaj hiya ati harau bise.

kusamaya jni na knhi cinhr.1.
asa kahi caleu manoja nasvana.
puni puni pulakata kpniket.2.
ura
upaj
sadehu
bise.
sura nara muni saba nvata ss.3.
kahi
saccidnada
paradhm.
ajahu prti ura rahati na rok.4.
On that very occasion ambhu saw r Rma and excessive joy of an

extraordinary type welled up in His heart. He feasted His eyes on that Ocean of
Beauty; but He did not disclose His identity as He knew it was no appropriate
occasion for the same. The Destroyer of Cupid, iva, passed on exclaiming Glory to
the Redeemer of the universe, who is all Truth, Consciousness and Bliss! As iva
went on His way with Sat, the all-merciful Lord was repeatedly thrilled with joy. When
Sat beheld ambhu in this state, a grave doubt arose in Her mind: akara is a Lord
of the universe Himself, and deserves universal adoration; gods, men and sages all
bow their head to Him. Yet He made obeisance to this prince, referring to him as the
Supreme Being who is all Truth, Consciousness and Bliss. He was enraptured to
behold his beauty and felt an upsurge of emotion in His heart, which He was unable
to control even to this moment!
(14)
80
0 r
U U
U U U U U H 50H
Do.: brahma jo bypaka biraja aja akala anha abheda,

so ki deha dhari hoi nara jhi na jnata beda.50.
The Supreme Eternal, which is all-pervading, unbegotten, without parts, free from
desire, beyond My and beyond all distinction and which not even the Vedas can
comprehendcan It assume the shape of a man?
(50)
0c U U U U
fl U
U U
U U
l U UU fl
U fl U
U
CUfl
UU
U UUH
UUH 1H
fl H
U N UH 2H
UU U H
U UU H 3H
U H
fl U UH 4H
Cau.: binu jo sura hita naratanu dhr,

khojai so ki agya iva nr,
sabhugir puni m na ho,
asa sasaya mana bhayau apr,
jadyapi pragaa na kaheu bhavn,
sunahi sat tava nri subhu,
jsu kath kubhaja rii g,
soi
mama
iadeva raghubr,
sou
sarbagya
jath
tripurr.
gynadhma
rpati
asurr.1.
siva sarbagya jna sabu ko.
hoi na hdaya prabodha pracr.2.
hara
atarajm
saba
jn.
sasaya asa na dharia ura ku.3.
bhagati jsu mai munihi sun.
sevata jhi sad muni dhr.4.
Even Viu Who takes a human form for the sake of gods, is omniscient like the
Slayer of Tripura, iva. Can He wander in search of His Consort like an ignorant man
He who is a repository of knowledge, the Lord of r (the goddess of prosperity) and the
slayer of demons? The words of ambhu too cannot be false. Everyone knows that He
is all-wise. Thus Her mind was filled with an interminable series of doubts; Her heart
could not be pacified by any means. Although Bhavn (Goddess Prvat) did not open
Her lips, Lord Hara, Who is the inner controller of all, came to know everything. Look
here, Sat, the woman is foremost in you; you should never harbour such a doubt in your
mind. He is no other than Rma, the Hero of Raghus race, My beloved Deity, whose
story was sung by the jar-born sage Agastya, faith in whom was the subject of the talk
I gave to him and whom illumined sages ever wait upon.
(14)
U0
U h U flU
U U U flUH
U r fl
flUU U UH
* BLA-KNA *
81
muni dhra jog siddha satata bimala mana jehi dhyvah,

kahi neti nigama purna gama jsu krati gvah.
soi rmu bypaka brahma bhuvana nikya pati my dhan,
avatareu apane bhagata hita nijatatra nita raghukulaman.
Cha.:
He who has bodied Himself forth as the Jewel of Raghus race for the sake of
His devotees, is no other than the Supreme Eternal, who is all-pervading and ever free,
who is the Ruler of all the worlds and the Lord of My, whom illumined sages, Yogs
(mystics) and Siddhas (adepts) constantly meditate upon with their sinless mind and
whose glory is sung by the Vedas as well as the Puras and other scriptures in
negative terms as not this.
UU U UU fl U U
U U UU H 51H
So.: lga na ura upadesu jadapi kaheu siva bra bahu,

bole bihasi mahesu harimy balu jni jiya .51.
Although Lord iva repeated this time after time, His exhortation made no
impression on the heart of Sat. Then the great Lord iva smilingly said, realizing in His
heart the potency of r Haris My:
(51)
0 UU U
U UU UUU
U U
fl
U
UU U U
UU U U U
U UU
Cau.: jau
taba
tumhare
UU UH
U UU U UH 1H
UU UH
UU L U H 2H
U U U H
U UH 3H
U Ufl H
Z U H 4H
ati sadehu, tau

kina
ji
parch
lehu.
lagi baiha ahau

baachh, jaba lagi tumha aihahu mohi ph.1.
jaise
cal
ji
hoihi
soi
mana
moha
bhrama bhr, karehu
so
jatanu
bibeka
bicr.
sat
siva
yasu
p, karahi bicru karau k bh.2.
ih sabhu asa mana anumn, dacchasut kahu nahi kalyn.
morehu kahe na sasaya jh, bidhi
biparta
bhal
nh.3.
asa
kahi
jo
rma
lage japana
raci
rkh, ko
kari tarka baRhvai skh.

.
harinm, ga sat jah~a prabhu sukhadhm.4.
If you have a grave doubt in your mind, why not go and verify the thing? I shall
be waiting in the shade of this banyan tree till you come back to Me. Using your critical
judgment you should resort to some device whereby the stupendous error born of your
ignorance may be rectified. Thus obtaining leave of iva, Sat proceeded on Her
mission. She racked Her brains to find out what step She should take (in order to test
the divinity of Rma). On this side iva came to the conclusion that providenee is
unfavaurable that is seems there is no good for Dakas daughter (Sat). When her doubt
82
did not yield even to My assurances, He said to Himself, it seems the stars are
unpropitious to her and no good-will come out of it. After all, whatever r Rma has willed
must come to pass; why should one add to the complication by indulging in further
speculation? So saying, Lord iva began to mutter the name of r Hari; while Sat
proceeded to the spot where the all-blissful Lord (r Rma) was.
(14)
NU L U U U M
U U fl UH 52H
Do.: puni puni hdaya bicru kari dhari st kara rupa,

ge hoi cali patha tehi jehi vata narabhupa.52.
After many an anxious thought Sat assumed the form of St and moved ahead
on the same route along which the Ruler of men (r Rma) was passing.
(52)
0U U

U U U
U USfl
U U U
U U UU U
NU
U U
UU
UU
U
NU H
U UH 1H
U
UH
U U flH 2H
U U fl H
U U H 3H
U H
UU U UH 4H
Cau.: lachimana
dkha umkta be,
kahi na sakata kachu ati gabhr,
sat
kapau
jneu surasvm,
sumirata
jhi
miai
agyn,
sat knha caha taha hu
duru,
nija my balu hdaya bakhn,
jori pni prabhu knha pranmu,
kaheu
bahori
kah
baketu,
cakita bhae bhrama hdaya bise.

prabhu prabhu jnata matidhr.1.
sabadaras
saba
atarajm.
soi sarabagya rmu bhagavn.2.
dekhahu nri subhva prabhu.
bole bihasi rmu mdu bn.3.
pit sameta lnha
nija nmu.
bipina akeli phirahu kehi hetu.4.
When Lakmaa saw Um (Sat) in Her disguise, he was astonished and much
puzzled. He was tongue-tied and looked very grave; the sagacious brother was
acquainted with the Lords glory. All-perceiving and the inner controller of all, the lord of
gods, r Rma, took no time in detecting the false appearance of Sat, Rma was the
same omniscient Lord whose very thought wipes out ignorance. Sat sought to practise
deception even on Him: see the impact of the nature of a woman is! Extolling in His heart
the potency of His My (delusive power), r Rma smilingly accosted Her in a mild tone.
Joining the palms of His hands, He first made obeisance to Her mentioning His name
alongwith His fathers. He then asked Her the whereabouts of Lord iva (who has a bull
emblazoned on His standard) and wondered what made Her roam about all alone in the
forest.
(14)
0 U
U
U U NU U H 53H
* BLA-KNA *
83
Do.: rma bacana mdu guRha suni upaj ati sakocu,

sat sabhta mahesa pahi cal hdaya baRa socu.53.
Sat felt very uncomfortable when She heard these soft yet suggestive words of
Rma. She turned towards the great Lord iva with a feeling of awe and much dejected
at heart.
(53)
0 U U U
UL UU U
U fl

U fl U
U flU U
fl c
U U fl
U U H
UU U L UH 1H
U U U flH
U U H 2H
U U H
flU h H 3H
U H
flH 4H
Cau.: mai sakara kara kah na mn,

ji
utaru
aba
dehau
kh,
jn
rma
sat dukhu
pv,
sat dkha kautuku maga jt,
phiri citav pche prabhu dekh,
nija agynu rma para n.

ura
upaj
ati
druna
dh.1.
nija prabhu kachu pragai janv.
ge rmu
sahita
r
bhrt.2.
sahita badhu siya sudara be.
jaha citavahi taha prabhu sn, sevahi siddha munsa prabn.3.

dekhe siva bidhi binu anek, amita
prabhu
eka
te
ek.
badata carana karata prabhu sev, bibidha bea dekhe saba dev.4.
I heeded not the word of akara and imposed My own ignorance on Rma.
What reply shall I give to my lord now? The agony of Her heart was most terrible. r
Rma perceived that Sat had got vexed; He, therefore, revealed to Her a part of His
glory. As She went on Her way Sat beheld a strange phenomenon. Rma was going
ahead of Her alongwith His Consort, St, and His younger brother, Lakmaa. She
looked back and there too She saw the Lord with His brother and St in an attractive
garb. Whichever way She turned Her eyes, there was the Lord enthroned and the Siddhas
(adepts) and illumined sages ministering to Him. Sat saw many sets of iva, Brahm and
Viu, each set possessing a glory infinitely greater than that of the others. She also
beheld a whole host of gods bowing at the Lords feet and waiting upon Him in their
different garbs.
(14)
U
U U U U U MH 54H
Do.: sat
bidhtr
idir
dekh
amita
anupa,
jehi jehi bea ajdi sura tehi tehi tana anurupa.54.
She further perceived innumerable Sats (consorts of iva), consorts of Brahm
and Lakms (consorts of Viu), all peerless in beauty. They conformed in their
appearance to the garb in which Brahm and the other gods appeared.
(54)
0
fl
U U
UU
U QU U U H
U UH 1H
84
U U fl U
fl
U
UU U
NU U
UU U
U

UU

U
UU

Cau.: dekhe jaha taha raghupati jete,

jva
carcara
jo
sasr,
pujahi prabhuhi deva bahu be,
avaloke
raghupati
bahutere,
soi raghubara soi lachimanu st,
hdaya kapa tana sudhi kachu nh,
bahuri
bilokeu nayana ughr,
puni puni ni rma pada ss,
M U U H
U UH 2H
Z H
U UH 3H
UUH
U U UU UH 4H
saktinha sahita sakala sura tete.

dekhe
sakala
aneka
prakr.1.
rma rupa dusara nahi dekh.
st sahita na bea ghanere.2.
dekhi
sat
ati
bha
sabht.
nayana mudi baih maga mh.3.

kachu na dkha taha dacchakumr.
cal
tah
jaha
rahe
girs.4.
Each separate vision of Rma was attended by a whole host of gods with their
feminine counterparts, as well as by the whole animate and inanimate creation with its
multitudinous species. But while the gods who adored the Lord appeared in diverse
garbs, the appearance of r Rma was the same in every case. Although She saw
many Rmas with as many Sts, their garb did not vary. Seeing the same Rma, the
same Lakmaa and the same St, Sat was struck with great awe.Her heart quivered,
and She lost all consciousness of Her body. Closing Her eyes she sat down on the
wayside. When She opened Her eyes and gazed once more, the daughter of Daka saw
nothing there. Repeatedly bowing Her head at the feet of r Rma, She proceeded to
the spot where the Lord of Kailsa was.
(14)
0 Z
U U U
U UU fl UU H 55H
Do.: ga sampa mahesa taba ha si puch kusalta,

lnhi parch kavana bidhi kahahu satya saba bta.55.
When She came near, Lord iva smilingly inquired if all was well with Her and then
said, Tell me now the whole truth, how did you test r Rma?
(55)
[PAUSE 2 FOR A THIRTY-DAY RECITATION]
0
UU
U UU U Z
U U U
U U U
UU
UU L fl
UU
U
fl fl
U U
UU
fl U UH
U UUU ZH 1H
U H
U U H 2H
U U U U UflH
NU U H 3H
fl UU U H
U U H 4H
* BLA-KNA *
Cau.: sat
samujhi
kachu
na
85
raghubra
parch
prabhu, bhaya basa siva sana knha duru.

lnhi gos, knha
pranmu
tumhrihi
n.1.
jo tumha kah so m na ho, more

mana
taba sakara dekheu dhari dhyn, sat jo knha

bahuri
hari
sat
jau
rmamyahi
icch
knha
aba
bhv
st
karau
siru
nv, preri
satihi
balavn, hdaya
kara
be, siva
sat sana prt, miai
pratti
jehi
sabu jn.2.
jhu ha kahv.
sabhu
bhayau
bhagati
so.
carita
bicrata
ura
ati
bida
pathu
hoi
sujn.3.
bise.
ant.4.
Having realized the greatness of the Hero of Raghus race, Sat in Her awe
concealed the truth from iva. I made no test my Lord; I made obeisance just like You.
What You said cannot be untrue; I am fully convinced in my heart. Lord akara then
looked within by contemplation and came to know all that Sat had done. Again, He
bowed His head to the delusive power of r Rma, that had prompted Sat to tell a lie.
What has been preordained by the will of r Hari must have its way, the all-wise
ambhu thought within Himself. Sat had assumed the disguise of St: this made iva
much disconsolate at heart. If I continue to love Sat as heretofore, the cult of Devotion
will disappear and it will be indecorous to do so.
(14)
0 U
U
U U U U NU H 56H
Do.: parama punta na ji taji kie prema baRa ppu,

pragai na kahata mahesu kachu hdaya adhika satpu.56.
Sat is too chaste to be abandoned, and it is a great sin to love her any more as
a wife. The great Lord iva uttered not a word aloud, although there was great agony
in His heart.
(56)
0 U L fl
U U U U U
U L U
U U
U U
U UU
U fl UU
U U
U U NU flH
fl U UH 1H
fl U UUH
U UH 2H
U
U
flH
U flU H 3H
H
UU U UH 4H
Cau.: taba sakara prabhu pada siru nv,

ehi tana satihi bhea mohi nh,
asa
bicri
sakaru matidhr,
calata
gagana bhai gir suh,
asa pana tumha binu karai ko n,
suni nabhagir sat ura soc,
knha kavana pana kahahu kpl,
jadapi sat puch bahu bh t,
sumirata rmu hdaya asa v.

siva sakalpu knha mana mh.1.
cale bhavana sumirata raghubr.
jaya mahesa bhali bhagati dRh.2.
rmabhagata samaratha bhagavn.
puch
sivahi
sameta
sakoc.3.
satyadhma
prabhu
dnadayl.
tadapi na kaheu tripura rt.4.
86
Then akara bowed His head at the feet of the Lord; and as soon as He invoked
r Rma the idea came to His mind that He should have no connection with Sat so long
as she continued to remain in that body. iva resolved accordingly and having so
resolved the stable-minded Lord akara proceeded towards His home (Mount Kailsa)
with His mind fixed on the Hero of Raghus race. Even as He stepped forward a
charming voice from heaven thundered forth. Glory to the great Lord iva, who has so
staunchly upheld the cause of Devotion. Who else than You can take such a vow? You
are a devotee of r Rma and the all-powerful Lord at the same time. Sat felt troubled
at heart when She heard the heavenly voice. She addressed iva in a faltering voice,
Tell me, O merciful Lord! what vow You have taken. You are an embodiment of Truth
and compassionate to the poor. Even though Sat inquired in ways more than one, the
Slayer of the demon Tripura, akara spoke not a word.
(14)
NU U
U U U U U H 57 ()H
Do.: sat hdaya anumna kiya sabu jneu sarbagya,

knha kapau mai sabhu sana nri sahaja jaRa agya.57(A).
Sat concluded that the omniscient Lord had come to know everything and felt
sorry that She had tried to deceive ambhu. The woman is silly and stupid by nature,
She realized.
(57A)
0 U U U
U U U U U H 57 ()H
So.: jalu paya sarisa biki dekhahu prti ki rti bhali,
bilaga hoi rasu ji kapaa kha parata puni.57(B).
Even water (when mixed with milk) sells as milk; look at the unifying process of
love. The water, however, is separated from the milk and the taste also disappears the
moment a drop of acid is introduced into it in the form of a dees.
(57B)
0NU U
fl U
U L fl fl
U U
U
U U
U
U U M UU
U UH
U UU U UH 1H
U U NU H
fl fl UU H 2H
U U UH
Sfl
U
H 3H
U UU UH
U UH 4H
Cau.: hdaya socu samujhata nija karan,

kpsidhu siva parama agdh,
sakara rukha avaloki
bhavn,
nija agha samujhi na kachu kahi j,
cit
pragaa
prabhu
tapai
amita ji nahi baran.

na kaheu mora apardh.1.
mohi tajeu hdaya akuln.
av iva
ura
adhik.2.
* BLA-KNA *
87
satihi
sasoca
jni
baketu, kah kath sudara sukhahetu.
baranata patha bibidha itihs, bisvantha
pahu ce
kails.3.
taha puni sabhu samujhi pana pana, baihe baatara kari kamalsana.
sakara sahaja sarupu samhr, lgi
samdhi
akhaa
apr.4.
Sat felt perturbed in Her heart at the thought of what She had done; and the
extent of Her anxiety could neither be gauged nor described. She realized that Lord
iva is a supremely unfathomable ocean of mercy, hence He did not openly declare
Her fault. From the attitude of akara, however, She judged that the Lord had
abandoned Her, and felt disturbed in Her heart. Conscious of Her guilt She could not
utter a word of protest; but all the while Her heart smouldered like a furnace. Perceiving
the sad look of Sat, iva (who has a bull emblazoned on His standard) narrated
beautiful stories in order to divert Her mind. Relating various legends while on His way,
the Lord of the universe, iva, reached Kailsa. Then, recalling His vow, ambhu sat
down there under a banyan tree in the Yogic pose known as Padmsana (the pose of
a lotus). akara communed with His own Self and passed into an unbroken and
indefinitely long Samdhi (trance).
(14)
U U
U U fl UUH 58H
Do.: sat basahi kailsa taba adhika socu mana mhi,

maramu na kou jna kachu juga sama divasa sirhi.58.
Then Sat dwelt in Kailsa, Her mind grievously sorrowing. Nobody knew anything
about what was going on in Her mind; but the days hung heavy on Her like so many
Yugas or ages.
(58)
0 fl UU U
U U
U U
U U
U U NU
Ufl
UU U U
U fl U U
UU U UH
U H 1H
U U UU UH
U fl UH 2H
U UU U H
U UU flH 3H
UUU U U UH
UH 4H
Cau.: nita
mai
so
aba
kahi
jau
tau
jau
kaba jaihau dukha sgara pr.

puni patibacanu m kari jn.1.
jo kachu ucita rah soi knh.
sakara bimukha jivasi moh.2.
mana mahu rmahi sumira sayn.
rati harana beda jasu gv.3.
chuau begi deha yaha mor.
mana krama bacana satya bratu ehu.4.
nava socu sat ura bhr,

jo knha raghupati apamn,
phalu mohi bidht
dnh,
bidhi asa bujhia nahi toh,
na ji kachu hdaya galn,
prabhu dnadaylu kahv,
mai binaya karau kara jor,
more siva carana
sanehu,
The grief that preyed on Sats mind was ever new; for She did not know when She
would be able to cross the ocean of sorrow. I slighted the Lord of Raghus and again took
88
my husbands words to be untrue; Providence has repaid me for my sins and has done
only that which I deserved. Now, O God, it does not behove you that you should make
me survive even after alienating me from akara. The anguish of Her heart was beyond
words. The sane lady invoked the presence of Rma in Her heart and addressed Him
thus; If they refer to You as compassionate to the poor and if the Vedas have glorified
You as the dispeller of sorrow, I beseech with joined palms. O Lord, that I may be speedily
rid of this body of mine. If I have any devotion to the feet of iva and if I am true to my
vow in thought, word and deed
(14)
U UU U
U U U U U UH 59H
Do.: tau sabadaras sunia prabhu karau so begi upi,

hoi maranu jehi binahi rama dusaha bipatti bihi.59.
Then, O all-perceiving Lord, listen to me and speedily devise some plan whereby
I may die and be thus rid of this unbearable calamity without much exertion.
(59)
U

fl U
U
U UU U
U
U U fl
U U
0U
U
U
Cau.: ehi
bidhi
dukhita
L UH
H 1H
U H
U UH 2H
U U H
U U H 3H
NU flH
U UH 4H
prajesakumr, akathanya
bte
sabata
sahasa
rma
nma siva sumirana
druna
sats, taj
samdhi
lge, jneu
sat
dukhu
sabhu
bhr.
abins.1.
jagatapati
jge.
ji sabhu pada badanu knh, sanamukha sakara sanu dnh.2.

lage
dekh
kahana
bidhi
harikath
bicri
rasl, daccha
prajesa
bhae
tehi
kl.
saba lyaka, dacchahi knha prajpati nyaka.3.
baRa adhikra daccha jaba pv, ati abhimnu

nahi kou asa janam jaga mh, prabhut pi
hdaya
jhi
taba
mada
v.
nh.4.
The daughter of Daka, Sat, thus felt very miserable. Her deep agony was terrible
beyond words. When eighty-seven thousand years elapsed, the immortal ambhu
emerged from His trance. iva started repeating the name of Rma; then Sat came to
know that the Lord of the universe had come to the waking state. She went and bowed
at the feet of ambhu, akara gave Her a seat opposite Himself. He began to narrate
the delightful stories of r Hari. Meanwhile Daka (Sats father) had come to be the lord
of created beings. On careful consideration the Creator (Brahm) found Daka qualified
in everyway and appointed him as the supreme lord of created beings. When Daka
attained this high position, the pride of his heart knew no bounds. Never was a creature
born in this world, whom power did not intoxicate.
(14)
* BLA-KNA *
89
0 U
U U
fl U U fl H 60H
Do.: daccha lie muni boli saba karana lage baRa jga,
nevate sdara sakala sura je pvata makha bhga.60.
Daka got together all the sages and he began to perform a big sacrifice. All the
gods who obtain a share of the oblations offered at a sacrifice were cordially invited to
attend.
(60)
0U
h

c
U U
U

U U UU
UU fl UU
U U U
U NU U
UU

UU U H
U H 1H
U H
fl UUU H 2H
U UUH
U UU UH 3H
U U UH
U H 4H
Cau.: kinara nga siddha gadharb,

binu
biraci mahesu
bih,
sat
biloke
byoma
bimn,
sura sudar karahi kala gn,
pucheu taba siva kaheu bakhn,
jau mahesu mohi yasu deh,
pati parityga hdaya dukhu bhr,
bol
sat
manohara
bn,
badhunha sameta cale sura sarb.

cale sakala sura jna ban.1.
jta cale sudara bidhi nn.
sunata ravana chuahi muni dhyn.2.
pit jagya suni kachu haran.
kachu dina ji rahau
misa eh.3.
kahai na nija apardha bicr.
bhaya sakoca prema rasa sn.4.
Kinnaras (a species of demigods), Ngas, Siddhas (a class of celestial beings)

and Gandharvas (celestial songsters) and the whole host of gods proceeded to the
sacrifice alongwith their wives. All the gods with the exception of Viu, Viraci (the
Creator) and the great Lord iva, set out in their aerial cars. Sat beheld beautiful aerial
cars of various patterns coursing through the air. Celestial damsels were singing
melodious strains, which intruded upon the ears of ascetics and broke their meditation.
When Sat inquired about the stir in the air, iva explained the whole thing. She was
somewhat delighted to hear of the sacrifice, commenced by Her father and thought of
making it an excuse for staying a few days with Her father in case the great Lord iva
granted Her leave. Repudiation by Her lord tormented Her heart not a little; but conscious
of Her guilt She would not utter a word. At last Sat spoke in a charming voice tinged with
awe, misgiving and affection
(14)
fl Ufl U U
U U H 61H
Do.: pit bhavana utsava parama jau prabhu yasu hoi,

tau mai ju kpyatana sdara dekhana soi.61.
90
There is great rejoicing at my fathers house, O Lord. If You grant me leave, I

would fain go and see it, O storehouse of compassion.
(61)
0UU UU fl
U Z
r U
U fl
U U
U U
fl
U U U
U U fl UflH
UU U UU UZH 1H
U U UU H
UU U H 2H
U UH
U UH 3H
fl UU flH
U UU H 4H
Cau.: kahehu nka morehu mana bhv, yaha anucita nahi nevata pahv.
daccha sakala nija sut
bol, hamare bayara tumhau bisar.1.
brahmasabh hama sana dukhu mn, tehi te ajahu karahi apamn.
jau
binu bole
jhu
bhavn, rahai na slu sanehu na kn.2.
jadapi mitra prabhu pitu gura geh, jia
binu
bolehu na
sa deh.
tadapi birodha mna jaha
ko, tah gae
kalynu
na
ho.3.
bhti aneka sabhu samujhv, bhv basa na gynu ura v.

kaha prabhu jhu jo binahi bole , nahi bhali bta hamre bhe .4.
Lord iva replied, Your suggestion is good and has commended itself to Me as
well. But the anomaly is that Your father has sent no invitation to us. Daka has invited
all his other daughters; but because of the grudge he bears to us you too have been
ignored. In the court of Brahm he once took offence at my behaviour; that is why he
insults us even now. If you go there uninvited, Bhavn, all decorum, affection and honour
will be cast to the winds. It is no doubt true one should call on ones friend, master, father
or teacher without waiting for a formal invitation; yet where someone nurses a grudge
against you, you reap no good by going there. ambhu expostulated with Sat in so
many ways; but as fate had willed it, wisdom would not dawn on Her. The Lord repeated
once more that if She went to Her fathers place uninvited. He anticipated no good
results from it.
(14)
0 U
UU U UU UU
U UUH 62H
Do.: kahi dekh hara jatana bahu rahai na dacchakumri,

die mukhya gana saga taba bid knha tripurri.62.
Having reasoned with Her in ways more than one when Hara at last perceived
that the daughter of Daka was not going to stay, the Slayer of Tripura detailed a few
of His principal attendants as Her escort and sent Her away.
(62)
0
U
U
fl Z fl
U
U U U
U
U U H
U H 1H
U U H
U U H 2H
* BLA-KNA *
UU U
U NU
l L
U U
Cau.: pit bhavana jaba ga bhavn,

sdara bhalehi mil eka
mt,
daccha na kachu puch kusalt,
sat
ji
dekheu taba
jg,
taba cita caRheu jo sakara kaheu,
pchila dukhu na hdaya asa byp,
jadyapi jaga druna dukha nn,
samujhi so satihi bhayau ati krodh,
91
UU UH
U U U UH 3H
U flH
U H 4H
daccha trsa khu

na sanamn.
bhagin mil bahuta musukt.1.

satihi
biloki
jare
saba
gt.
katahu na dkha sabhu kara bhg.2.
prabhu apamnu samujhi ura daheu.
jasa yaha bhayau mah paritp.3.
saba te kahina jti avamn.
bahu bidhi janan knha prabodh.4.
When Bhavn (etymologically, the Consort of Bhava, an epithet of iva) reached

Her fathers house, no one greeted Her for fear of incurring Dakas displeasure. Her
mother was the solitary figure who met Her kindly. Her sisters received Her with profuse
smiles. Daka would not even inquire about Her health; he burnt all over with rage at
the very sight of Sat. Sat then went to have a look at the sacrifice; but nowhere did She
find any share of oblations set apart for ambhu.Then did She realize the force of
akaras warning; Her heart burnt within Her at the thought of the insult offered to Her
lord.The former grief (that of repudiation by Her lord) did not torment Her heart so much
as the great agony She now felt (as a result of the insult offered to Her husband).
Although there are terrible agonies of various kinds in this world, the insult offered to
ones own people is the most painful of them all. The thought of the same made Sat
furious. Her mother tried to pacify Her in many ways.
(14)
0 fl
U NU U
U UU UU H 63H
Do.: siva apamnu na ji sahi hdaya na hoi prabodha,

sakala sabhahi hahi haaki taba bol bacana sakrodha.63.
The insult to iva was something unbearable; Her heart could not, therefore,
be pacified. Then, sharply reproaching the whole assembly, She spoke in angry
accents:
(63)
0U
U U U
U
UU
U
UU U U U U
U U
U U U H
U UH 1H
U U UH
fl UH 2H
UUH
U fl U UH 3H
UU U H
U UUUH 4H
92
Cau.: sunahu sabhsada sakala munid,

so phalu turata lahaba saba khu ,
sata
sabhu rpati apabd,
kia
tsu
jbha
jo bas,
jagadtam
mahesu
purr,
pit
madamati nidata teh,
tajihau
turata deha tehi hetu,
asa kahi joga agini tanu jr,
kah sun jinha sakara nid.

bhal
bh ti
pachitba
pithu .1.
sunia jah
taha asi marajd.
ravana mudi na ta calia par.2.
jagata janaka saba ke hitakr.
daccha sukra sabhava yaha deh.3.
ura dhari cadramauli baketu.
bhayau sakala makha hhkr.4.
Hear ye elders of the assembly and all great sages! All of you who have reviled
akara or heard Him reviled must forthwith reap the fruit of your sin and My father
too shall fully repent. Wherever you hear a saint, ambhu or Viu (the Lord of Lakm)
vilified, the rule is that if it lies within your power you should tear out the tongue of the
reviler or you should run away closing your ears. The Slayer of Tripura, the great Lord
iva, is the universal Spirit; He is the father of the universe and is beneficent to all. It
is Him that my stupid father vilifies; and this body of Mine has sprung from the loins
of Daka. Therefore, installing in My heart Lord iva, who bears the moon on His
forehead and a bull as His emblem, I shall immediately quit this body. As She spoke
thus She burnt Her body with the fire of Yoga.* A plaintive cry rose from the whole
assembly.
(14)
U U
UU U H 64H
Do.: sat maranu suni sabhu gana lage karana makha khsa,
jagya bidhasa biloki bhgu racch knhi munsa.64.
Hearing of Sats death, the attendants of ambhu began to destroy the sacrifice.
Seeing the sacrifice being destroyed, the great sage Bhgu protected it.
(64)
0U
U

U U
U
U U
U UU L
U U UU U
U U Z
U U U U
U U UH
UU fl UH 1H
U UH
U
H 2H
fl UH
U H 3H
h U UZH
U U U UH 4H
Cau.: samcra
saba sakara
pe,
jagya bidhasa ji tinha knh,
bhai jagabidita daccha gati so,
yaha
itihsa sakala jaga
jn,
sat marata hari sana baru mg,

tehi krana himagiri gha
j,
jaba
te um saila gha j,
jaha taha muninha suramaknhe,
brabhadru
kari
kopa
pahe.
sakala suranha bidhivata phalu dnh.1.
jasi kachu sabhu bimukha kai ho.
tte
mai
sachepa
bakhn.2.
janama janama siva pada anurg.
janam
prabat
tanu
p.3.
sakala siddhi sapati taha ch.
ucita bsa hima bhudhara dnhe.4.
* Fire produced by Yogs through the friction of the vital airs within the body.
* BLA-KNA *
93
akara got all the news and in His wrath He sent Vrabhadra. Going there the
latter made havoc of the sacrifice and requited all the gods according to their deserts. As
is well-known to the world, Daka met the same fate which an opponent of ambhu
generally meets. The story is known throughout the world; that is why I have told it in
brief. While dying, Sat asked a boon of r Hari that She might remain devoted to the
feet of iva in all successive births.That is why She was reborn as Prvat (lit.,daughter
of a mountain) in the house of Himcala (the deity presiding over the Himlaya
mountain). Ever since Um was born in the house of Himlaya the mountain became an
abode of all blessings and prosperity. Sages built beautiful hermitages here and there
and Himlaya assigned them suitable abodes (in the form of caves etc.).
(14)
U fl
U U U U U H 65H
Do.: sad sumana phala sahita saba druma nava nn jti,

praga sudara saila para mani kara bahu bh ti.65.
Young trees of different varieties were endowed with never failing blossoms and
fruits, and mines of jewels of various kinds appeared on the beautiful mountain. (65)
0U
U L flU
U U U
U
U
U
U
U U
U U L
U U
UU

U
fl
U
UUUH
U U UU UH 1H
U H
r flU H 2H
U U U H
U U UH 3HU
U fl flH
UH 4H
Cau.: sarit saba punta jalu bahah,

sahaja bayaru saba jvanha tyg,
soha
saila
girij
gha
e ,
nita nutana magala gha tsu,
nrada
samcra
saba
pe,
sailarja
baRa
dara
knh,
nri sahita muni pada siru nv,
nija saubhgya bahuta giri baran,
khaga mga madhupa sukh saba rahah .

giri para sakala karahi anurg.1.
jimi janu rmabhagati ke pe .
brahmdika
gvahi
jasu
jsu.2.
kautukah
giri
geha
sidhe.
pada pakhri bara sanu dnh.3.
carana salila sabu bhavanu sicv.
sut boli mel muni caran.4.
All the rivers bore holy waters; birds, beasts and bees, all rejoiced. All animals
gave up their natural antipathies and all those who dwelt on the mountain loved one
another. With the advent of Girij (a synonym of Prvat) the mountain (Himlaya) wore
a cheerful look even as devotion to r Rma lights up the face of a devotee. Everyday
brought a new delight to the house of Himcala, whose glory was sung even by great
gods like Brahm (the Creator). Receiving all the news Nrada eagerly went to the
house of Himcala. The king of mountains (the presiding deity of the Himlayas),
received him with great honour; washing the sages feet he led him to a beautiful seat.
He bowed his head at the sages feet alongwith his wife and had his whole mansion
94
sprinkled with the water hallowed by his feet. Himcala extolled his own good luck and,
summoning his daughter, placed her at the sages feet.
(14)
U UU
UU U NU UH 66H
Do.: triklagya sarbagya tumha gati sarbatra tumhri,

kahahu sut ke doa guna munibara hdaya bicri.66.
You know everything, including the past, present and future, and have access
everywhere. Therefore, O good sage, tell me what is good and what is bad about my
daughter after a mature consideration.
(66)
0U U U
U
U

U
U U Ufl
UU U
U U U U
U
UU
U
UU H
U flH 1H
UU U UH
U UU H 2H
U fl U UH
UUU UH 3H
U fl UH
U UH 4H
Cau.: kaha muni bihasi guRha mdu bn,

sudara
sahaja susla sayn,
saba lacchana sapanna kumr,
sad
acala ehi kara
ahivt,
hoihi pujya sakala jaga mh,
ehi kara nmu sumiri sasr,
saila sulacchana sut
tumhr,
aguna amna mtu pitu hn,
sut tumhri sakala guna khn.

nma
um
abik
bhavn.1.
hoihi
satata
piyahi
pir.
ehi te jasu paihahi pitu mt.2.
ehi sevata kachu durlabha nh.
triya caRhihahi patibrata asidhr.3.
sunahu je aba avaguna dui cr.
udsna
saba
sasaya
chn.4.
The sage smilingly replied in the following soft yet significant words: Your
daughter is a mine of all virtuespretty, amiable and intelligent by nature. She will be
called Um, Ambik (lit., mother) and Bhavn. Adorned with all good traits, the girl shall
win the unfailing love of her husband.She shall remain ever united with her lord and bring
glory to her parents. She shall command the respect of the whole universe; he who waits
upon her shall lack nothing. By the mere thought of her name women in this world shall
be enabled to tread the path of fidelity to their lord, which is sharp as the edge of a sword.
Your daughter, O Himlaya, is endowed with auspicious marks. Hear now the few
drawbacks she possesses. Devoid of merits, free from pride, without father or mother,
unconcerned and free from doubts
(14)
U
Sfl U U U U US UH 67H
Do.: jog jaila akma mana nagana amagala bea,

asa svm ehi kaha milihi par hasta asi rekha.67.
* BLA-KNA *
95
An ascetic with matted hair and a heart devoid of longing, stark naked and with
hideous accoutrementssuch a one shall be her lord, as I can read from the lines on
her palm.
(67)
0 U
UU U

U U
U
flU
UU fl U
flL
U
U
U flU
UU U U U UU
U U UUH
H 1H
UU U H
U NU U UH 2H
U UH
UU U H 3H
U H
UU U UH 4H
Cau.: suni muni gir satya jiya jn, dukha dapatihi um haran.
nradahu yaha bhedu na jn, das eka samujhaba bilagn.1.
sakala sakh girij giri main, pulaka sarra bhare jala nain.
hoi
na
m
devarii bh, um so bacanu hdaya dhari rkh.2.
upajeu siva pada kamala sanehu, milana kahina mana bh sadehu.
jni
kuavasaru
prti
dur, sakh ucha ga baih puni j.3.
jhuhi
na hoi devarii
bn, socahi
dapati
sakh
sayn.
ura dhari dhra kahai giriru, kahahu ntha k karia upu.4.
Hearing the words of the sage and believing them to be true, Himlaya and his
wife became disconsolate; while Um felt delighted. Even Nrada could not perceive this
difference. Even though their outer expression was the same, their feeling was different,
Girij and all her playmates, Himlaya and his wife, Men, all had their hair standing on
their end and their eyes were full of tears. The words of the celestial sage Nrada could
not be untrue: Um cherished them in her heart. Love for the lotus feet of iva sprouted
in her heart. She however, felt diffident in her mind; union with iva appeared so difficult
to her. Finding the time inopportune for its disclosure, she concealed her emotion and
then sat down in the lap of one of her playmates.The prediction of the sage could not be
false: the thought made Himavn and his wife as well as the senior playmates anxious.
Collecting himself, the lord of mountains said, Tell me, holy sir, what remedy should now
be employed?
(14)
0 U
Ufl U
fl U U UUUH 68H
Do.: kaha munsa himavata sunu jo bidhi likh lilra,

deva danuja nara nga muni kou na meanihra.68.
The chief of sages, Nrada, replied: Hear, O Himavn; whatever has been
decreed by Fate no one can undonot even gods, demons, human beings, Ngas or
sages.
(68)
0 UU U U U U UH
L UU U U U UU UH 1H
96
U
U U U
U UU UU
U U
L U
U U U Z
Cau.: tadapi
up, hoi
karai
jau
daiu
sah.
jasa baru mai baraneu tumha ph, milihi umahi tasa sasaya nh.1.
je je bara ke doa
bakhne, te saba siva pahi mai anumne.
jau bibhu sakara sana ho, doau guna sama kaha sabu ko.2.
jau ahi seja sayana hari karah, budha kachu tinha kara dou na dharah .
bhnu
eka
mai
fl U H
U U UH 2H
U U U UUH
U U U U UH 3H
UU U UH
U fl UU ZH 4H
kahau
ksnu sarba rasa
khh, tinha kaha mada kahata kou nh.3.
subha aru asubha salila saba baha, surasari kou

samaratha kahu nahi dou gos, rabi
pvaka
apunta
surasari
na
kaha.
k
n.4.
Nevertheless I tell you one remedy: this may avail if Heaven helps you. Um will
undoubtedly get such a husband as I have described to you. But whatever demerits I
have shown in her bridegroom exist in iva so far as I can guess. If her marriage takes
place with akara, everyone will call the demerits as good as virtues. Even though r
Hari uses the serpent-god ea as His couch and sleeps thereon, the wise do not blame
Him for the same. Even so the sun and fire absorb moisture in all forms, but no one calls
them names. Again, water of every description, pure as well as impure, flows into the
Gag; yet no one calls the heavenly stream impure. Even like the sun, fire and the
Gag, the mighty incur no blame.
(14)
U UU U U
UU U U U fl H 69H
Do.: jau asa hisi karahi nara jaRa bibeka abhimna,

parahi kalapa bhari naraka mahu jva ki sa samna.69.
If in their pride of wisdom foolish men emulate the great, they are cast into
hell for a whole Kalpa or life-time of the universe. Can an embodied soul vie with
God?
(69)
0UU L
UU fl
U U UU fl
UU
UU U
U U UU
l U U
U
U
U fl flU
U UU U H
U L H 1H
U U H
H 2H
flU U U UUH
U U fl U UH 3H
fl H
U U H 4H
* BLA-KNA *
Cau.: surasari jala kta bruni jn,
surasari mile
so pvana jaise ,
sabhu sahaja samarathabhagavn,
durrdhya
pai ahahi mahesu,
jau
tapu karai kumri tumhr,
jadyapi bara aneka jaga mh,
bara dyaka pranatrati bhajana,
icchita phala binu siva avardhe ,
97
kabahu na sata karahi tehi pn.

sa
ansahi
ataru
taise .1.
ehi bibha saba bidhi kalyn.
sutoa
puni
kie
kalesu.2.
bhviu
mei
sakahi
tripurr.
ehi kaha siva taji dusara nh.3.
kpsidhu sevaka mana rajana.
lahia na koi joga japa sdhe .4.
Holy men would never drink wine even if they came to know that it had been made
of water from the Gag; but the same wine becomes pure when it is poured into the
Gag. The difference between an individual soul and God should be similarly explained.
ambhu is all-powerful by nature; for He is no other than God Himself. Hence matrimony
with Him will prove auspicious in everyway. The great Lord iva is certainly difficult to
propitiate; but He is quickly pleased when penance is undergone. If your daughter
practises austerity, the Slayer of the demon Tripura, iva, can even erase the lines of
Fate. Even though there may be many potential groom in the world, there is no match
for her except iva. He is the bestower of boons, the dispeller of the agony of the
suppliant, an ocean of benevolence and the delight of His devotee. Without propitiating
iva the object of ones desire cannot be attained through millions of Yogic practices and
Japa (repetitions of a mystic formula).
(14)
0 U U U UU UU U
UU U U UH 70H
Do.: asa kahi nrada sumiri hari girijahi dnhi assa,
hoihi yaha kalyna aba sasaya tajahu girsa.70.
So saying and with his thoughts fixed on r Hari, Nrada gave his blessings to
Girij and said, Shed all fear, O lord of mountains; all will now turn out well.
(70)
0U rfl
U U
L L U
L UUU U
U L UU
U UU U
U U U U
L fl U U
U U H
H 1H
U U MH
U UH 2H
U U U UU H
U UU U UU UH 3H
U U UH
U UH 4H
Cau.: kahi asa brahmabhavana muni gayau,

patihi ekta pi kaha main,
jau gharu baru kulu hoi anup,
na ta kany baru rahau kur,
jau na milihi baru girijahi jogu,
soi bicari pati karehu bibhu,
asa kahi par carana dhari ss,
baru pvaka pragaai sasi mh,
gila carita sunahu jasa bhayau.

ntha na mai samujhe muni bain.1.
karia
bibhu
sut
anurup.
kata
um
mama
prnapir.2.
giri jaRa sahaja kahihi sabu logu.
jehi na bahori hoi ura dhu.3.
bole
sahita
saneha
girs.
nrada
bacanu
anyath
nh.4.
98
Having spoken thus, the sage returned to the abode of Brahm (the Creator). Now
hear the end of the story how it came about. Finding her husband alone, Main
(Himlayas wife) said to him, My lord, I could not follow the words of the sage. If the
match, his house and his pedigree are without parallel and worthy of our daughter, the
marriage may be concluded. If not, the girl had better remain unmarried; for, my lord, Um
is dear to me as my own life. If we fail to secure a match worthy of Girij, everyone will
say Himlaya is dull by nature. Keep this in mind, my lord, while concluding an alliance,
so that there may be no cause for repentance. Having spoken these words Main laid
herself prostrate with her head at the feet of her lord. The lord of mountains, Himlaya,
replied in endearing terms, Sooner shall the moon way emit flames of fire but the
prophecy of Nrada should prove untrue.
(14)
UUUU UU fl
UU UU U UU H 71H
Do.: priy socu pariharahu sabu sumirahu rbhagavna,

prabatihi niramayau jehi soi karihi kalyna.71.
Put away all anxiety, my dear, and fix your thoughts on the Lord. He alone who
has created Prvat, will bring her happiness.
(71)
0 UU U U
U U U U
U
U
U U U
UU U
UU U U
UU U UU
fl
fl UH
U UU H 1H
U H
U L H 2H
U UU U UH
U U UUH 3H
U U U H
H 4H
Cau.: aba jau tumhahi sut para nehu,

karai so tapu jehi milahi mahesu,
nrada bacana sagarbha sahetu,
asa bicri tumha tajahu asak,
suni pati bacana harai mana mh,
umahi biloki nayana bhare br,
brahi
bra
leti
ura
l,
jagata
mtu sarbagya bhavn,
tau asa ji sikhvanu dehu.

na
upya na
miihi
kalesu.1.
sudara saba guna nidhi baketu.
sabahi bh ti sakaru akalak.2.
ga
turata
uhi
girij
ph.
sahita
saneha
goda
baihr.3.
gadagada kaha na kachu kahi j.
mtu sukhada bol mdu bn.4.
Now if you cherish any love for your child, then go and admonish her that she
should practise austerity which may bring about her union with iva: there is no other
way of overcoming sorrow. The words of Nrada are pregnant and full of reason. iva
(who bears a bull for His emblem) is handsome and a mine of all virtues: recognizing
this truth do not entertain any misgiving. akara is irreproachable in everyway.
Hearing the above words of her husband Main felt delighted at heart; she at once rose
and went where Girij was. At the sight of Um tears rushed to her eyes and she
affectionately took the girl in her lap. Again and again she hugged the child; her voice
* BLA-KNA *
99
was choked with emotion and she found herself tongue-tied. The Mother of the universe,
the all-knowing Bhavn, then spoke the following soft words, which brought delight to
her mother:
(14)
0 U
flU U
U U U UU UH 72H
Do.: sunahi mtu mai dkha asa sapana sunvau tohi,

sudara gaura subiprabara asa upadeseu mohi.72.
Listen, mother: I relate to you a vision which I saw. A handsome and faircomplexioned noble Brhmaa gave me the following exhortation.
(72)
0UU
U
U U fl
UU U
U CU fl
UU
U U
UflU L
U U UH
flH 1H
c H
U UUH 2H
UU H
U UU UH 3H
U U UUH
fl H 4H
Cau.: karahi
ji
tapu
sailakumr,
mtu pitahi puni yaha mata bhv,
tapabala racai prapacu bidht,
tapabala sabhu karahi saghr,
tapa adhra saba si bhavn,
sunata bacana bisamita mahatr,
mtu pitahi bahubidhi samujh,
priya parivra
pit
aru mt,
nrada kah so satya bicr.

tapu sukhaprada dukha doa nasv.1.
tapabala binu sakala jaga trt.
tapabala seu dharai mahibhr.2.
karahi ji tapu asa jiya jn.
sapana sunyau girihi ha kr.3.
cal
um
tapa
hita
hara.
bhae bikala mukha va na bt.4.
Recognizing the truth of Nradas words go and practise austerity, O mountainmaid; the idea has commended itself to your father and mother as well. Austerity is conducive
to joy and puts an end to sorrow and evils. By virtue of penance the Creator creats the
universe. By virtue of penance Viu protects the whole world. By virtue of penance ambhu
brings about dissolution. By virtue of penance, again, ea (the serpent-god) bears the
burden of the earth on his head. In fact, the entire creation rests on penance, Bhavn.
Bearing this in mind, go and practise austerity. Hearing these words the mother was filled
with wonder. She sent for Himlaya and communicated the vision to him. Consoling her
parents in many ways Um set out for penance in a joyous mood. Her loving household
and parents felt miserable and none could speak a word.
(14)
0 U
U U
U U UU U H 73H
Do.: bedasir
prabat
muni i taba sabahi kah samujhi,

mahim sunata rahe prabodhahi pi.73.
100
The sage Vedair then came and consoled them all. They were comforted when
they heard of the glory of Prvat.
(73)
0UU
U U U
U
fl U U U
U
U
U U
UUU U
U
UU UU
UH
U U H 1H
U U U H
U flH 2H
U U UH
U H 3H
UU U UH
rU UH 4H
Cau.: ura dhari um prnapati caran,

ati sukumra na tanu tapa jogu,
nita nava carana upaja anurg,
sabata sahasa mula phala khe,
kachu dina bhojanu bri bats,
bela
pt
mahi parai sukh,
puni parihare sukhneu paran,
dekhi umahi tapa khna sarr,
ji
bipina
lg
tapu
karan.
pati pada sumiri tajeu sabu bhogu.1.
bisar deha tapahi manu lg.
sgu khi sata baraa gav e.2.
kie kahina kachu dina upabs.
tni sahasa sabata soi kh.3.
umahi nmu taba bhayau aparan.
brahmagir bhai gagana gabhr.4.
Cherishing in her heart the feet of her dear lord, Um went to the forest and
began her penance. Her delicate frame was little fit for austerities; yet she renounced
all luxuries fixing her mind on the feet of her lord. Her devotion to the feet of her lord
presented a new phase everyday; and she got so absorbed in penance that she lost
all consciousness of her body. For a thousand years she lived on roots and fruits
alone; while for another hundred years she subsisted on vegetables. For some days
her only sustenance was water and air; while for a few days she observed a rigorous
fast. For three thousand years she maintained herself on the withered leaves of the
Bela* tree that dropped on the ground. Finally she gave up even dry leaves; Um
then came to be known by the name of Apar (living without leaves). Seeing her
body emaciated through self-mortification the deep voice of Brahm (the Creator)
resounded through the heavens:
(14)
0 U
U fl UUU
UUL U UU UUH 74H
Do.: bhayau manoratha suphala tava sunu girirjakumri,

pariharu dusaha kalesa saba aba milihahi tripurri.74.
Listen, O daughter of the mountain-king; your desire is accomplished. Cease all
your rigorous penance; the Slayer of Tripura will soon be yours.
(74)
0 U U fl U H
UU UU r U H 1H
* The Bela tree (Aegle marmelos) is specially sacred to iva.
* BLA-KNA *
fl fl
U
U UU # U
U
U U U fl

U U

UU UUU U U UH
U H 2H
U UUH
U U U UflH 3H
fl U UH
U U U U H 4H
Cau.: asa tapu khu na knha bhavn,

aba ura dharahu brahma bara bn,
vai
pit
bolvana
jabah,
milahi tumhahi jaba sapta ris,
sunata gir bidhi gagana bakhn,
um
carita sudara mai gv,
jaba te sat
ji
tanu tyg,
japahi sad raghunyaka nm,
bhae aneka dhra muni gyn.

satya sad satata suci jn.1.
haha parihari ghara jehu tabah.
jnehu
taba
pramna
bgs.2.
pulaka
gta
girij
haran.
sunahu sabhu kara carita suhv.3.
taba te siva mana bhayau birg.
jaha taha sunahi rma guna grm.4.
101
There have been many self-possessed and illumined sages; but not one of them,
Bhavn, performed such penance as this. Now cherish in your heart this supreme
utterance from heaven, knowing it to be invariably true and ever sacred. When your
father comes to call you, give up all resistance and return home at once. Again, when
the seven sages meet you, be assured of the veracity of this oracle. Girij (the daughter
of Himavn) rejoiced to hear this utterance of Brahm echoed by heaven and a thrill ran
through her limbs. [Yjavalkya says to Bharadvja] I have thus sung the beautiful story
of Um; now hear the charming account of ambhu. Ever since Sat went and quitted
her body, ivas mind recoiled from everything. He ever repeated the name of the Lord
of Raghus and heard the recitation of r Rmas glories here and there.
(14)
fl U
UU U U NU UU UH 75H
Do.: cidnada sukhadhma siva bigata moha mada kma,

bicarahi mahi dhari hdaya hari sakala loka abhirma.75.
The embodiment of intelligence and bliss, the abode of happiness, iva, who is
ever free from error, arrogance and desire, roamed about on earth with His heart fixed
on r Hari, the delight of the whole world.
(75)
0U U UU
fl
U U U
U U

U
U

U
U
UU
UU
U U flU fl
U U
U U UU H
UU H 1H
U U H
NU UH 2H
M H
U UUH 3H
U U flH
SU U UH 4H
102
Cau.: katahu muninha upadesahi gyn,

jadapi akma tadapi bhagavn,
ehi bidhi gayau klu bahu bt,
nemu premu sakara kara dekh,
pragae
rmu
ktagya kpl,
bahu prakra sakarahi sarh,
bahubidhi rma sivahi samujhv,
ati
punta
girij
kai karan,
katahu rma guna karahi bakhn.

bhagata biraha dukha dukhita sujn.1.
nita nai hoi rma pada prt.
.
abicala hday~a bhagati kai rekh.2.
rupa
sla
nidhi
teja
bisl.
tumha binu asa bratu ko nirabh.3.
prabat
kara
janmu
sunv.
bistara sahita kpnidhi baran.4.
Here He instructed the sages in wisdom and there He extolled the virtues of
r Rma. Though passionless and all-wise, the Lord was smitten with the pangs of
separation from His devotee (Sat). In this way a considerable time elapsed. Devotion
to the feet of r Rma was ever budding in His heart. When r Rma saw the selfdiscipline and affection of akara and the indelible stamp of devotion on His heart,
the merciful Lord, who fully recognizes services rendered to Him, and is a mine of beauty
and amiability and an embodiment of great splendour, appeared before akara and
extolled Him in ways more than one. Who else than You can accomplish such a
vow? He said, r Rma admonished Him in many ways and told Him of the birth
of Prvat. The Lord in His infinite compassion narrated at full length the most pious
doings of Girij.
(14)
U fl U U
UU U U U UH 76H
Do.: aba binat mama sunahu siva jau mo para nija nehu,
ji bibhahu sailajahi yaha mohi mge dehu.76.
Now, iva, if You have any affection for Me, listen to My appeal. Go and marry
ailaj (the daughter of Himcala): grant this boon to Me.
(76)
0U fl U U
U U U UU
U
U U UU
U U
U UU U U UU
U

U #U fl U
U UH
U U U UUH 1H
U U U H
U U UUH 2H
Q UH
UU UU U UH 3H
U U UU UH
UH 4H
Cau.: kaha siva jadapi ucita asa nh,

sira dhari yasu karia tumhr,
mtu pit gura prabhu kai bn,
tumha saba bh ti parama hitakr,
prabhu toeu suni sakara bacan,
kaha prabhu hara tumhra pana raheu,
ataradhna bhae
asa
bh,
tabahi saptarii
siva pahi e,
ntha bacana puni mei na jh.

parama dharamu yaha ntha hamr.1.
binahi bicra karia subha jn.
agy sira para ntha tumhr.2.
bhakti bibeka dharma juta racan.
aba ura rkhehu jo hama kaheu.3.
sakara soi murati ura rkh.
bole prabhu ati bacana suhe.4.
* BLA-KNA *
103
iva replied, Although this is hardly justifiable, the words of a master cannot be
set aside at the same time. My lord, your command must be respectfully carried out: this
is my paramount duty. The words of ones parents, teacher and master must be
unquestionably obeyed as conducive to bliss. You are my supreme benefactor in
everyway; therefore, my lord, I bow to Your commands. The Lord, was pleased to hear
the well-chosen words of akara; which were inspired with devotion, wisdom and piety.
The Lord said, Your vow has been kept; now bear in mind what I have told You. Saying
so He went out of sight. akara cherished the impression of the vision in His heart. That
very moment the seven sages called on iva. The Lord spoke to them in most charming
accents:
(14)
0 U
U U UU U
UU U UU fl U UU UH 77HU
Do.: prabat pahi ji tumha prema paricch lehu,

girihi preri pahaehu bhavana duri karehu sadehu.77.
Going to Prvat, you put her love to the test. Then directing her father, Himlaya,
to her, send her back to her home and dispel her doubts.
(77)
0UU U U

U
U flUU U U
U
UU U fl
U U
U UU
U
S
H
UU fl U UH 1H
U U UUH
UUU UU UH 2H
U U U UUflH
U U UU UUH 3H
U flU UUH 4H
Cau.: riinha gauri dekh taha kais,

bole
muni
sunu
sailakumr,
kehi avardhahu k tumha cahahu,
kahata bacana manu ati sakuc,
manu haha par na sunai sikhv,
nrada kah
satya
soi
jn,
dekhahu muni abibeku
hamr,
muratimata
tapasy
jais.
karahu kavana krana tapu bhr.1.
hama sana satya maramu kina kahahu.
ha sihahu suni hamri jaRat.2.
cahata bri para bhti uhv.
binu pakhanha hama cahahi uRn.3.
chia
sad
sivahi
bharatr.4.
There the seers saw Gaur (a name of Prvat; lit., fair-complexioned) as if she
were penance itself personified.The sages said, Hear, O daughter of Himcala: why
are you practising such rigorous penance? Whom do you worship and what do you
seek? Why not confide to us the real secret? I feel very shy in making my
submission. You will be amused to hear of my folly. Yet my mind has taken a rigid
attitude and heeds no advice; it would raise a wall on water. Relying on the truth of
Nradas prophecy, I long to fly even without wings. Look at my madness; I always
covet iva as my husband.
(14)
U U Ufl fl U
U U U UU U UH 78H
104
Do.: sunata bacana bihase riaya girisabhava tava deha,

nrada kara upadesu suni kahahu baseu kisu geha.78.
Hearing the above reply the sages laughed and said, After all your body owes its
existence to a mountain (Himlaya); tell us who could live in his home whoever listened
ti Nradas advice.
(78)
0UU
UU

U L U
U U U U
U U
U Sfl

UU fl L
U fl U
U U fl H
U UH 1H
fl UU fl UH
U U U UH 2H
U UU U UH
U U H 3H
U U UH
flUU UU UH 4H
Cau.: dacchasutanha
upadesenhi
j,
citraketu kara gharu una ghl,
nrada sikha je sunahi nara nr,
mana kapa tana sajjana cnh,
tehi
ke
bacana mni bisvs,
nirguna
nilaja
kubea kapl,
kahahu kavana sukhu asa baru pe ,
paca kahe siva
sat
bibh,
tinha phiri bhavanu na dekh .

kanakakasipu kara puni asa hl.1.
avasi hohi taji bhavanu bhikhr.
pu sarisa sabah caha knh.2.
tumha chahu pati sahaja uds.
akula
ageha
digabara
byl.3.
bhala bhulihu haga ke baure .
puni
avaeri
marenhi
th.4.
He called on and admonished the sons of Daka and they never saw their home
again. It was he who ruined the home of Citraketu; and again Hirayakaipu (the father
of Prahlda) met a similar fate. Men and women who listen to Nradas advice are sure
to leave their home and become mendicants. Guileful at heart, he bears on his person
the marks of a pious man; he would make everyone just like himself. Relying on his
words you crave for a husband who is apathetic by nature, devoid of attributes,
shameless, homeless and naked, who has an inauspicious look about him, wears a
string of skulls around his neck, is without a family and has serpents for his ornaments.
Tell us, what happiness do you expect by obtaining such a husband? You have fallen
an easy prey to the machinations of that imposter! iva married Sat at the intercession
of some friends; but later on he abandoned her and left her to die.
(14)
fl U fl U
U U fl U U UUH 79H
Do.: aba sukha sovata socu nahi bhkha mgi bhava khhi,
sahaja ekkinha ke bhavana kabahu ki nri khahi.79.
iva is care-free now; he lives on alms and enjoys a sound sleep.Can women
ever stay in the house of habitual recluses?
(79)
0U
U
U
UU U U L UH
U flU H 1H
* BLA-KNA *
UU U
L UU U
UU Ufl U
U U
U UUU
U U
Cau.: ajahu
mnahu
kah
U U flH
U U flH 2H
UU UU UU L UH
UU U UUU H 3H
U fl UUU U UUH
U UH 4H
hamr, hama tumha kahu baru nka bicr.
ati
sudara suci sukhada susl, gvahi

duana rahita sakala guna rs, rpati
asa
baru
tumhahi
105
beda
pura
jsu
jasa
baikuha
ll.1.
nivs.
miluba n, sunata bihasi kaha bacana bhavn.2.
satya kahehu giribhava tanu eh, haha na chua chuai baru deh.
kanakau
puni
gura
ho, jrehu
sahaju na parihara so.3.
nrada bacana na mai pariharau , basau bhavanu ujarau nahi arau .
bacana
ke
pana
te
pratti na jeh, sapanehu sugama na sukha sidhi teh.4.
Even now accept our advice; we have thought of an excellent match for you
exceptionally good-looking, pious, agreeable and amiable, whose glory and exploits are
sung by the Vedas. He is free from blemish, is a mine of all virtues and the lord of Lakm
(the goddess of prosperity) and has His abode in Vaikuha. Such a suitor we shall unite
with you. Hearing this, Bhavn laughed and said, You have rightly observed that this
body of mine is begotten of a rock: I would sooner die than give up my tenacity. Gold
is another product of rock which does not abandon its character even on being
consigned to fire. I may not ignore Nradas advice; whether my house is full or desolate,
I fear not. He who has no faith in the words of his preceptor, cannot easily attain either
happiness or success even in a dream.
(14)
0 Ufl
fl fl c
U U U U U U H 80H
Do.: mahdeva avaguna bhavana binu sakala guna dhma,

jehi kara manu rama jhi sana tehi teh sana kma.80.
The great God iva may be full of demerls and Viu may be a repository of all
virtues. One is, however, concerned with him alone who gladdens ones heart. (80)
0 U U
U UU
UU UU NU
U U
U UU UU
U U U U
UU U

U UU U H
U UH 1H
UU UH
U UH 2H
UU UUU UH
UU U UH 3H
U U flU U H
flH 4H
106
Cau.: jau tumha milatehu prathamamuns,

aba mai janmu sabhu hita hr,
jau tumhare haha hdaya bise,
tau
kautukianha
lasu nh,
janma koi lagi ragara hamr,
tajau
na nrada kara upadesu,
mai p parau kahai jagadab,
dekhi premu bole muni gyn,
sunatiu sikha tumhri dhari ss.

ko guna duana karai bicr.1.
rahi na ji binu kie bare.
bara kany aneka jaga mh.2.
barau sabhu na ta rahau kur.
pu kahahi sata bra mahesu.3.
tumha gha gavanahu bhayau bilab.
jaya jaya jagadabike bhavn.4.
Had you met me earlier, O great sages! I would have listened to your advice with
reverence. But now that I have staked my life for ambhu, who will weigh His merits and
demerits? If you are specially bent upon uniting a pair and cannot help negotiating a
match, there is no dearth of suitors and maidens; and those who take delight in such
games know no weariness. As for myself I must wed ambhu or remain a virgin, no
matter if I have to continue the struggle for ten million lives. I will not disregard Nradas
admonition even if ambhu Himself tells me a hundred times to do so. I fall at your feet,
continued Prvat, the Mother of the universe, Please return to your home. It is already
late. Seeing Prvats devotion the enlightened sages exclaimed, Glory, all glory to You,
O Bhavn, Mother of the universe!
(14)
0 U
fl fl
U U UU H 81H
Do.: tumha my bhagavna siva sakala jagata pitu mtu,

ni carana sira muni cale puni puni haraata gtu.81.
You are My, while iva is God Himself; You are the parents of the whole
universe. Bowing their head at the feet of Prvat, they departed. A thrill ran through their
frame again and again.
(81)
0
U
Ufl U
UU #U fl U
fl U
U U
U U U U
U
U U
U U
UU
UU
UU U H
U H 1H
U fl UH
U U H 2H
H
fl UH 3H
U U UH
fl UH 4H
Cau.: ji
muninha himavatu pahe,
bahuri
saptarii siva pahi j,
bhae magana siva sunata saneh,
manu thira kari taba sabhu sujn,
traku asura bhayau tehi kl,
tehi
saba
loka lokapati jte,
ajara
amara
so
jti
na j,
taba
biraci
sana
ji pukre,
kari binat girajahi gha lye.

kath um kai sakala sun.1.
harai
saptarii
gavane
geh.
lage karana raghunyaka dhyn.2.
bhuja pratpa bala teja bisl.
bhae deva sukha sapati rte.3.
hre sura kari bibidha lar.
dekhe bidhi saba deva dukhre.4.
* BLA-KNA *
107
The sages went and despatched Himavn to Girij and he with many entreaties
brought her home. The seven seers then called on iva and told Him the whole history
of Um. iva was enraptured to hear of her love; and the Saptaris gladly went home.
The all-wise ambhu then concentrated His mind and began to meditate on the Lord of
Raghus. A demon, Traka by name, flourished in those days; his strength of arm, glory
and majesty were great indeed. He conquered all the spheres as well as the guardians
of those spheres; all the gods were robbed of their happiness and prosperity. Knowing
neither age nor death, he was invincible. The gods fought many a battle with him and lost
them. They then went to Viraci (Brahm) and told him their grievances. The Creator
found all the gods miserable.
(14)
U U
U U H 82H
Do.: saba sana kah bujhi bidhi danuja nidhana taba hoi,
sabhu sukra sabhuta suta ehi jtai rana soi.82.
Brahm reassured them all saying, The demon shall die only when there is a son
sprung from the loins of ambhu; for he alone can subdue the demon in battle. (82)
0U U UU U
U U
U U
U U
UflU fl U
U flU U
U U flU U
S UU U U
UU SflU UU UH
U UH 1H
fl U H
U UUH 2H
U U U UH
UflU
U
UH 3H
U H
UU
H 4H
Cau.: mora
kah
suni karahu up,
sat jo taj daccha makha deh,

tehi tapu knha sabhu pati lg,
jadapi
ahai asamajasa bhr,
pahavahu kmu ji siva ph,
taba hama ji sivahi sira n,
ehi bidhi bhalehi devahita ho,
astuti
suranha
knhi ati hetu,
hoihi
svara
karihi
sah.
janam
ji
himcala
geh.1.
siva samdhi baihe sabu tyg.
tadapi bta eka sunahu hamr.2.
karai chobhu sakara mana mh.
karavuba
bibhu
bari.3.
mata ati nka kahai sabu ko.
pragaeu biamabna jhaaketu.4.
Hearing what I say, act accordingly; God will help you and the plan will succeed.
Sat, who left her body at the sacrifice performed by Daka, has been born again in the
house of Himcala. She has undergone penance for winning the hand of ambhu; while
iva has renounced everything and sits absorbed in contemplation. Although it is most
unseemly, yet hear one proposal of mine. Approaching Cupid (the god of love), send him
to iva; and let him disturb the serenity of akaras mind. Then we shall go and bow
our head at ivas feet and prevail on Him to marry even against His will. In this way alone
may the interests of the gods be served. The idea is excellent, everyone said. The gods
108
then prayed with great devotion and the god of love, armed with five* arrows and having
a fish emblazoned on his standard, appeared on the scene.
(14)
0 UU U U U
U U U UU UH 83H
Do.: suranha kah nija bipati saba suni mana knha bicra,
sabhu birodha na kusala mohi bihasi kaheu asa mra.83.
The gods told him all their distress; hearing their tale, the god of love pondered
and spoke thus with a smile, I expect no good results for myself from hostility to
ambhu.
(83)
0 U UU
U U U
U U U L
U NU U
U SU
U
U
UU
r
U U U UUH
U
UH 1H
U U UH
fl U fl U UUH 2H
U UH
U U U H 3H
U U H
U H 4H
Cau.: tadapi karaba mai kju tumhr,

para hita lgi tajai jo
deh,
asa kahi caleu sabahi siru n,
calata mra asa hdaya bicr,
taba
pana
prabhu
bistr,
kopeu
jabahi
bricaraketu,
brahmacarja brata sajama nn,
sadcra
japa
joga
birg,
ruti kaha parama dharama upakr.

satata sata prasasahi teh.1.
sumana dhanua kara sahita sah.
siva birodha dhruva maranu hamr.2.
nija basa knha sakala sasr.
chana mahu mie sakala ruti setu.3.
dhraja dharama gyna bigyn.
sabhaya bibeka kaaku sabu bhg.4.
However, I shall do your work; for the Vedas say benevolence is the highest
virtue. The saints ever praise him who lays down his life in the service of others. So
saying, the god of love bowed his head to all and departed with his associates, the bow
of flowers in hand. While leaving, Love thought within himself that hostility to iva would
mean sure death to him. He then exhibited his power and brought the whole world under
his sway. When the god of love (who bears a fish for his emblem) betrayed his anger,
all the barriers imposed by the Vedas were swept away in a moment. The whole army
of Viveka (discriminating knowledge)continence, religious vows, self-restraint of many
kinds, fortitude, piety, spiritual wisdom and the knowledge of qualified divinity both with
form and without form, morality, muttering of prayers, Yoga (contemplative union with
God), dispassion and so on, fled in panic.
(14)
U0U
U U U U U
UU U U flU UH
* The white lotus, the Aoka flower, the mango blossom, the jasmine and the blue lotusthese are the
five kinds of arrows with which the god of love is believed to be armed.
* BLA-KNA *
109
UUU UU UflU UL U
U U U U U L UH
Cha.:
bhgeu bibeku sahya sahita so subhaa sajuga mahi mure,

sadagratha parbata kadaranhi mahu ji tehi avasara dure.
honihra k karatra ko rakhavra jaga kharabharu par,
dui mtha kehi ratintha jehi kahu kopi kara dhanu saru dhar.
Viveka took to flight with his associates; his great warriors turned their back on
the field of battle. They all went and hid themselves in mountain-caves in the form of
sacred books at that time. There was commotion in the world and everybody said, My
goodness, what is going to happen? What power will save us? Who is that superhuman
being with two heads to conquer whom the lord of Rati,* Love, has lifted his bow and
arrows in rage?
fl U U U L
U H 84H
Do.: je sajva jaga acara cara nri purua asa nma,

te nija nija marajda taji bhae sakala basa kma.84.
Whatever creatures existed in the world, whether animate or inanimate and
bearing masculine or feminine appellations transgressed their natural bounds and were
completely possessed by lust.
(84)
NU
U U Z
UU U
U U

U U
U
UQ U
UU flU L H
UU fl ZH 1H
U UH
UH 2H
U flU H
H 3H
U H
H 4H
Cau.: saba ke hdaya madana abhil,

nad umagi abudhi kahu
dh,
jaha asi das jaRanha kai baran,
pasu pacch nabha jala thalacr,
madana adha bykula saba lok,
deva danuja nara kinara byl,
inha kai das na kaheu bakhn,
siddha birakta
mahmuni jog,
lat nihri navahi taru skh.

sagama
karahi
talva
tal.1.
ko kahi sakai sacetana karan.
bhae kmabasa samaya bisr.2.
nisi
dinu nahi avalokahi kok.
preta
pisca
bhuta
betl.3.
sad
kma
ke
cere
jn.
tepi
kmabasa
bhae
biyog.4.
fl
U
h
The minds of all were seized with lust; the boughs of trees bent low at the sight
of creepers. Rivers in spate rushed to meet the ocean; lakes and ponds united in love
with one another. Where such was reported to be the case with the inanimate creation,
* The name of Loves wife.
110
who can relate the doings of sentient beings? Beasts that walk on land and birds
traversing the air, and water lost all sense of time and became victims of lust. The whole
world was blinded with passion and agitated. The Cakravka birds (ruddy geese)*
regarded neither day nor night. Gods, demons, human beings, Kinnaras (a class of demigods), serpents, evil spirits, fiends, ghosts and vampiresI have refrained from dwelling
on the condition of these, knowing them to be eternal slaves of passion. Even Siddhas
(spiritual adepts), great sages who had no attraction for the world and Yogs (mystics)
gave up their Yoga (contemplative union with God) under the influence of lust. (14)
U0
flUU U
U UU U r UUH
U L L
U U rU U H
Cha.: bhae
kmabasa jogsa tpasa pva ranhi k ko kahai,

dekhahi carcara nrimaya je brahmamaya dekhata rahe.
abal bilokahi puruamaya jagu purua saba abalmaya,
dui daa bhari brahma bhtara kmakta kautuka aya.
Even great Yogs and ascetics were completely possessed by lust, to say nothing
of low-minded people? Those who till lately looked upon the animate and inanimate
creation as full of Brahma (God) now saw it as full of the fair sex. Women perceived the
whole world as full of men; while the latter beheld it as full of women. For nearly an hour
this wonderful game of Love lasted in the universe.
0U
U U UU
U UU UU U UH 85H
So.: dhar na khu dhra saba ke mana manasija hare,

je rkhe raghubra te ubare tehi kla mahu .85.
Nobody could remain self-possessed; the hearts of all were stolen by the god of
love. They alone could hold their own against him, to whom the Hero of Raghus race
extended His protection.
(85)
0U U
flU U M
U fl U
LU
U U U U
U U LU UU
U U
U U U U
U H
U MH 1H
UU flUH
UU
flH 2H
U U U UH
fl L U UH 3H
U H
U H 4H
* The red gander and goose are said to unite only during the daytime. They cannot meet at night even
if there is no physical barrier between them. During the brief span of time referred to above they ignored this
natural bar and met even during the night.
* BLA-KNA *
Cau.: ubhaya ghar asa kautuka bhayau,
sivahi
biloki
sasakeu mru,
bhae turata saba jva sukhre,
rudrahi dekhi madana bhaya mn,
phirata lja kachu kari nahi j,
pragaesi
turata
rucira riturj,
bana
upabana bpik taRg,
jaha taha janu umagata anurg,
111
jau lagi kmu sabhu pahi gayau.

bhayau jaththiti sabu sasru.1.
jimi mada utari gae matavre.
durdharaa durgama bhagavn.2.
maranu hni mana racesi up.
kusumita nava taru rji birj.3.
parama subhaga saba dis bibhg.
.
dekhi mueh~u mana manasija jg.4.
The wonder, lasted for an hour or so till the god of love reached abhu. Cupid
trembled at the sight of iva; the whole world returned to itself. All living beings regained
their peace of mind at once, even as the intoxicated feel relieved when their spell of
drunkenness is over. The god of love was struck with terror at the sight of Bhagavn Rudra
(iva), who is so difficult to conquer and so hard to comprehend. He felt shy in retreating
and was incapable of doing anything; ultimately he resolved upon death and devised a
plan. He forthwith manifested the lovely spring, the king of all seasons; rows of young
trees laden with flowers appeared so charming. Woods and groves, wells and ponds and
all the quarters of heaven assumed a most delightful aspect. Everywhere nature overflowed
with love as it were; the sight aroused passion even in dead souls.
(14)
U0
fl U U U
L UH
UU U U
U U Ufl U U UUH
Cha. : jgai manobhava muehu
mana bana subhagat na parai kah,

stala sugadha sumada mruta madana anala sakh sah.
bikase saranhi bahu kaja gujata puja majula madhukar,
kalahasa pika suka sarasa rava kari gna ncahi apachar.
Passion was aroused even in dead souls and the beauty of the forest beggared
description. A cool, gentle and fragrant breeze fanned the fire of passion as a faithful
companion. Rows of lotuses blossomed in lakes and swarms of charming bees hummed
on them. Swans, cuckoos and parrots uttered their sweet notes; while celestial damsels
sang and danced.
U U UUU
fl U NUH 86H
Do.: sakala kal kari koi bidhi hreu sena sameta,

cal na acala samdhi siva kopeu hdayaniketa.86.
The god of love with his army of followers exhausted all his numberless stratagems;
ivas unbroken trance, however, could not be disturbed. This made Cupid angry.
(86)
0 U

U U U U UU H
U U fl H 1H
112
UU UU
U U
U fl

fl U UU
UUU
U
U
U
Cau.: dekhi
rasla
biapa
UU H
UU H 2H
U U H
fl U U UUH 3H
U U U UH
U H 4H
bara skh, tehi para caRheu madanu mana mkh.
sumana cpa nija sara sadhne, ati

chRe biama bisikha ura
risa
tki
ravana
lagi
tne.1.
lge, chui samdhi sabhu taba jge.
bhayau sa mana chobhu bise, nayana ughri sakala disi dekh.2.

saurabha
taba
siva
hhkra
pallava madanu bilok, bhayau

tsara
bhayau
kopu
kapeu
trailok.
nayana ughr, citavata kmu bhayau jari chr.3.

jaga
bhr, arape sura bhae asura sukhr.
samujhi kmasukhu socahi bhog, bhae
akaaka
sdhaka
jog.4.
Seeing a beautiful bough of a mango tree, the god of love climbed up to it in a mood
of frustration. He joined his five arrows to his bow of flowers, and casting an angry look
drew the string home to his very ears. He discharged the five sharp arrows, which smote
the breast of iva. The trance was now broken and ambhu awoke. The Lords mind was
much agitated. Opening His eyes He looked all round. When He saw Cupid hiding behind
mango leaves, He flew into a rage, which made all the three spheres tremble. iva then
uncovered His third eye; the moment He looked at the god of love the latter was reduced
to ashes. A loud wail went up through the universe. The gods were alarmed, while the
domons were gratified. The thought of (loss of) sense-delights made the voluptuary sad;
while the striving Yogs were relieved of a thorn as it were.
(14)
U0
U U LU
U U L U U U H
U U U UU
fl U UH
Cha. : jog
akaaka bhae pati gati sunata rati muruchita bha,

rodati badati bahu bh ti karun karati sakara pahi ga.
ati prema kari binat bibidha bidhi jori kara sanmukha rah,
prabhu sutoa kpla siva abal nirakhi bole sah.
The Yogs were freed from torment; while Rati (wife of the god of love) fainted as
soon as she heard of the fate of her lord. Weeping and wailing and mourning in various
ways she approached akara; and making loving entreaties in divergent ways she stood
before the Lord with clasped hands. Seeing the helpless woman, the benevolent Lord
iva, who is so easy to placate, prophesied as follows:
U fl U UU
U U H 87H
* BLA-KNA *
113
Do.: aba te rati tava ntha kara hoihi nmu anagu,

binu bapu bypihi sabahi puni sunu nija milana prasagu.87.
Henceforth, O Rati, your husband shall be called by the name of Anaga
(bodiless); he shall dominate all even without a body. Now hear how you will meet him
again.
(87)
0 c
flU
c UU U
U fl U
flU
U

U c U
U U

U U U
UU UU U UUH
U UH 1H
U UU H
r
U
H 2H
U fl H
flH 3H
UU U U UH
flU SflH 4H
Cau.: jaba
jadubasa kna avatr,
kna tanaya hoihi pati
tor,
rati gavan suni sakara bn,
devanha
samcra saba
pe,
saba sura binu biraci samet,
pthaka pthaka tinha knhi prasas,
bole
kpsidhu
baketu,
kaha bidhi tumha prabhu atarajm,
hoihi harana mah mahibhr.

bacanu anyath hoi na mor.1.
kath apara aba kahau bakhn.
brahmdika
baikuha
sidhe.2.
gae
jah
siva
kpniket.
bhae prasanna cadra avatas.3.
kahahu amara e kehi hetu.
tadapi bhagati basa binavau svm.4.
When r Ka will descend in the line of Yadu to relieve the earth of its heavy
burden, your lord will be born again as His son (Pradyumna); this prediction of Mine can
never be untrue. Hearing the words of akara, Rati went away. I now proceed to relate
the subsequent part of the story. When Brahm (the Creator) and the other gods
received all the tidings, they repaired to Vaikuha (the abode of God Viu). Thence all
the gods, including Viu and Virac (Brahm), went where the all-merciful iva was.
They severally extolled and won the pleasure of the Lord whose crest is adorned by the
crescent. iva, who is an ocean of compassion and has a bull emblazoned on His
standard, said, Tell me, immortals, what has brought you here? To this Brahm replied,
Lord, You are the inner controller of all; even then, my master, my devotion to You urges
me to make the following submission
(14)
UU NU U U UUU
U UU UU UH 88H
Do.: sakala suranha ke hdaya asa sakara parama uchhu,

nija nayananhi dekh cahahi ntha tumhra bibhu.88.
The heart of all the immortals is seized with a dominating impulse. They long to
witness Your wedding with their own eyes, my lord.
(88)
0U Ufl U U UU H
U U U L U U UH 1H
114
U UU
U
U U

flU
Z
flL #U
U UU fl
U U U H
UU UH 2H
UU U
H
U U ZH 3H
UU Ufl UH
U U H 4H
Cau.: yaha utsava dekhia bhari locana,

kmu jri rati kahu baru dnh,
ssati kari puni karahi pasu,
prabat
tapu
knha
apr,
suni bidhi binaya samujhi prabhu bn,
taba devanha dudubh
baj,
avasaru
jni
saptarii
e,
prathama gae jaha rah bhavn,
soi kachu karahu madana mada mocana.

kpsidhu yaha ati bhala knh.1.
ntha prabhunha kara sahaja subhu.
karahu
tsu
aba
agkr.2.
aisei hou kah sukhu mn.
barai sumana jaya jaya sura s.3.
turatahi bidhi giribhavana pahe.
bole madhura bacana chala sn.4.
O humbler of the pride of Love! Devise some means whereby we may be enabled
to feast our eyes on this glad event. Having burnt the god of love You have done well
in granting a boon to Rati, O ocean of compassion. Having meted out punishment, good
masters shower their grace as a matter of course: such is their natural habit. Prvat has
practised penance the magnitude of which cannot be estimated; kindly accept her now.
Hearing the entreaty of Brahm and remembering the words of the Lord (r Rma), iva
gladly said, Amen! The gods thereupon sounded their kettledrums; and raining down
flowers they exclaimed, Victory, victory to the Lord of celestials! Considering it to be
an opportune moment, the seven seers arrived on the scene. Brahm immediately sent
them to the abode of Himavn. They approached Bhavn in the first instance and
addressed the following sweet yet deceptive words to her:
(14)
0 U
UU U U U
U UU UU UH 89H
Do.: kah hamra na sunehu taba nrada ke upadesa,

aba bh jhuha tumhra pana jreu kmu mahesa.89.
Relying on the advice of Nrada you would not heed our remonstrances then.
Your vow has failed now; for the great Lord iva has burnt the god of love!
(89)
0
UU
UU
fl
U
fl
fl
UU U
U UU UU U
U U
fl
U UU U H
UU UH 1H
fll H
H 2H
UUU H
U UUH 3H
U U U U H
U H 4H
* BLA-KNA *
bol
Cau.: suni
tumhare
musuki
jna
bhavn, ucita
kmu
115
kahehu
munibara
bigyn.
aba jr, aba lagi sabhu rahe sabikr.1.
hamare
jna
sad siva jog,
jau mai siva seye asa jn,
tau hamra pana sunahu muns,
tumha jo kah hara jreu mr,
tta anala kara sahaja subhu,
gae
sampa
so avasi nas,
aja
anavadya
akma
abhog.
prti sameta karma mana bn.2.
karihahi
satya
kpnidhi
s.
soi ati baRa abibeku tumhr.3.
hima tehi nikaa ji nahi ku.
asi manmatha mahesa k n.4.
Hearing this, Bhavn smiled and said, O great and illumined sages, you have spoken
aright. According to your belief it is only now that ambhu has burnt the god of love and that
till now He was smitten with love. To my mind, however, iva is eternally in rapport with the
Infinite, unbegotten, irreproachable, passionless and given to sensual in . Knowing Him as
such, if I have served Him lovingly in thought, word and deed, then hear, O great sages: the
gracious Lord will accomplish my vow. Your statement that Hara has burnt the god of love
betrays woeful lack of thought in you. my dear Fire, possesses this inherent property that
frost can never approach it: in case it does it must inevitably perish. Similar is the case with
the god of love and the great Lord iva.
(14)
0 U
UU Sfl
flU U U H 90H
Do.: hiya
cale
harae muni bacana suni dekhi prti bisvsa,

bhavnihi ni sira gae himcala psa.90.
Hearing the words of Bhavn and perceiving her devotion and faith, the sages
were gladdened at heart. Bowing their head to Her, they went to Himavn.
(90)
0 UU fl
UU UU U U U
NU
U
U
#UU U
U U U
U
CU
Cau.: sabu
prasagu
U flH
Ufl U H 1H
U U H
UH 2H
U U UH
NU H 3H
UU U H
U H 4H
giripatihi sunv, madana dahana suni ati dukhu pv.
bahuri
kaheu
rati kara baradn, suni himavata bahuta sukhu mn.1.
hdaya
bicri
sabhu
prabhut, sdara
munibara
patr
dnh, gahi pada binaya hmcala knh.
ji
soi
bidhihi tinha dnhi so

aja
sabahi
pt, bcata
prti
na
lagana
bol.
soc, begi
saptariinha
bedabidhi
lie
sudinu sunakhatu sughar
hdaya
dhar.2.
samt.3.
lagana
bci
sun, harae muni saba sura samud.
sumana
bi nabha bjana bje, magala kalasa dasahu disi sje.4.
116
They related the whole episode to him and he was much grieved to hear how iva
had burnt Love. The sages then told him of the boon granted to Rati and Himavn was
much relieved to learn this. Recalling to his mind the glory of ambhu Himcala
respectfully summoned great sages. He had an auspicious date, asterism and hour
ascertained and without delay got the exact time of wedding fixed and noted down
according to the Vedic precepts. Himcala handed over the note recording the exact time
of wedding to the seven seers, and clasping their feet made entreaties to them. Calling
on Brahm they delivered the note to him; and as he went through it his heart overflowed
with joy. Brahm read the note aloud to all; the sages as well as the whole concourse
of gods was delighted to hear it. Flowers were showered from the air, music flowed from
various instruments and auspicious jars were placed in all directions.
(14)
flU U U
UU UU UU H 91H
Do.: lage sa vrana sakala sura bhana bibidha bimna,

hohi saguna magala subhada karahi apachar gna.91.
All the gods began to adorn their vehicles and aerial cars of various kinds; happy
and auspicious omens were visible and celestial damsels sang for joy.
(91)
0flU UU U
U UU
U U U

U UU U U
U L UL U
flU U U
c U
U
U
Cau.: sivahi sabhu gana karahi
kuala
sasi
kakana
lala
pahire
U U U L flUH
U UU UH 1H
U U H
fl fl H 2H
U U U H
U U UH 3H
U U U UH
U U U MH 4H
sig
r, ja mukua ahi
byl, tana
sudara sira gag, nayana
garala kaha ura nara sira ml, asiva

kara
dekhi
binu
sura
trisula
aru
tni
bea
damaru birj, cale basaha

suratriya musukh, bara lyaka
sivahi
biraci
samja
bibhuti
di
saba
mauru sa vr.
paa
kehari
upabta
bhujag.
sivadhma
caRhi
dulahini
chl.1.
bjahi
jaga
kpl.2.
bj.
nh.3.
surabrt, caRhi caRhi bhana cale bart.

bh ti anup, nahi
barta
dulaha
anurup.4.
The attendants of ambhu began to adorn their lord. His matted locks were formed
into a crown and decked with a crest of serpents. He had serpents for His ear-rings and
bracelets, smeared His person with ashes and wrapped a lions skin round His loins.
He bore the crescent on His charming aest and the river Gag on the crown of His head
and had three eyes and a serpent for the sacred thread. His throat was black with the
poison swallowed by him at the beginning of creation and had a wreath of human skulls
about His neck. Thus clad in a ghastly attire, He was nonetheless an embodiment of
* BLA-KNA *
117
blessings and merciful to the core. A trident and a amaru (a shall drum shaped like an
hour-glass) adorned His hands. iva rode on a bull while musical instruments played.
Female divinities smiled to see Him. The world has no bride worthy of the bridegroom,
They said to one another. Viu, Brahm and hosts of other gods joined the bridegrooms
procession and rode on their respective vehicles. The gathering of the immortals was
incomparable in every respect; the procession, however, was hardly worthy of the
bridegroom.
(14)
0 c U U U
U U U H 92H
Do.: binu kah asa bihasi taba boli sakala disirja,
bilaga bilaga hoi calahu saba nija nija sahita samja.92.
God Viu then called all the guardians of the different quarters and smilingly said,
Everyone of you should march separately, each with his own retinue.
(92)
0U UU U
c U
U
U
U
U
fl

U U U
U U
Cau.: bara
anuhri
barta
na
U UUU U U H
U H 1H
UU U UH
U U UUH 2H
U H
U fl H 3H
U U U UH
UCUCU U H 4H
bh, ha s
karaihahu
para
pura
j.
binu bacana suni sura musukne, nija nija sena sahita bilagne.1.
manah mana mahesu musukh, hari ke bigya bacana nahi jh.
ati priya bacana sunata priya kere, bhgihi preri sakala gana ere.2.
siva
nn
anussana
bhana
suni
nn
saba
e, prabhu pada jalaja ssa tinha ne.

be, bihase
siva
samja
nija
dekh.3.
kou mukhahna bipula mukha khu, binu pada kara kou bahu pada bhu.
bipula nayana kou nayana bihn, riapua
kou
ati
tanakhn.4.
The procession, brothers, is no way worthy of the bridegroom; you will make
yourself a butt of ridicule in a strange city! Hearing the words of Viu, the gods smiled
and parted, each with his own group. The great Lord iva laughed in His sleeves and
noticed that r Haris humour never failed. As soon as He heard these most pleasing
remarks of His beloved friend, He sent Bhg to call all His attendants. And they all
came when they heard ivas command and bowed their head at the lotus feet of their
lord. iva laughed to see His host in their motley attire riding every kind of vehicle. Some
were headless, while others were hydra-headed monsters; some were without hands
and feet, while others had numerous hands and feet. Some had numerous eyes, while
others had no eyes at all; some were stout and well-built, while others had very slim
bodies.
(14)
118
U0
U fl U fl U
U U l UH
U Sfl U
U U U U H
tana khna kou ati pna pvana kou apvana gati dhare ,
bhuana karla kapla kara saba sadya sonita tana bhare .
khara svna suara skla mukha gana bea aganita ko ganai,
bahu jinasa preta pisca jogi jamta baranata nahi banai.
Cha.:
Some had lean and thin bodies, while others were very stout; some were tidy,
while others had dirty habits. They had frightful ornaments, carried skulls in their hands
and were all smeared with fresh blood. They bore heads of donkeys, dogs, swine and
jackals and the varieties of their appearan as could not be counted. The troops of spirits,
goblins and fairies of various kinds beggared description.
0U
flU U U
U U H 93H
So.: ncahi gvahi gta parama tarag bhuta saba,

dekhata ati biparta bolahi bacana bicitra bidhi.93.
The ghosts danced and sang; they were all extremely fantastic. They looked most
absurd and spoke words in a peculiar style.
(93)
0 U
U
U UU
U U
U fl
M
U
U
U U
U U U U flU
U
fl U
UU H
U H 1H
U U UUH
UU U fl UflH 2H
U U U UH
flU U H 3H
U U UH
U H 4H
Cau. : jasa
ih
dulahu tasi ban bart, kautuka bibidha hohi maga jt.

himcala
raceu
bitn, ati
bicitra
nahi ji bakhn.1.
saila sakala jaha lagi jaga mh, laghu bisla nahi barani sirh.
bana sgara saba nad talv, himagiri saba kahu nevata pahv.2.
kmarupa
sudara tana dhr, sahita samja sahita bara nr.
gae
sakala
tuhincala geh, gvahi magala sahita saneh.3.
prathamahi giri bahu gha savare, jathjogu taha
taha
saba che.
pura
sobh
avaloki
suh, lgai
laghu
biraci
nipun.4.
The procession was now quite worthy of the bridegroom; the processionists
indulged in gaieties of various kinds as they went along. On the other side Himcala
* BLA-KNA *
119
erected a most wonderful pavilion which beggared description. As many mountains as

existed in the world, small or big, more than man can count, and the whole host of
woods, seas, rivers and ponds* were all invited by Himcala. Capable of taking any form
they liked, they assumed handsome figures and repaired to the house of Himlaya
alongwith their retinues and fair consorts. They all sang festive songs out of affection.
The mountain-king had already caused a number of houses to be tastefully decorated;
all the guests were lodged therein, each occupying a house befitting ones status. The
splendour of the city was so captivating that after a glance at it the creative skill of
Brahm himself looked very insinificant.
(14)
U0
fl U U
U U UH
U U U UU
L U U U UUH
Cha.: laghu
lga bidhi k nipunat avaloki pura sobh sah,

bana bga kupa taRga sarit subhaga saba saka ko kah.
magala bipula torana patk ketu gha gha sohah,
banit purua sudara catura chabi dekhi muni mana mohah.
A glance at the beautiful city made the creative art of Brahm himself pale into
insignificance. Groves and gardens, wells and ponds and rivers, all looked charming
beyond words. Every house was decorated with a number of triumphal arches, flags and
buntings. Men and women of the city were so lovely and ingenious that they enraptured
the hearts even of sages.
U flU L U
Uh h H 94H
Do.: jagadab jaha

avatar so puru barani ki ji,
riddhi siddhi sapatti sukha nita nutana adhiki.94.
The city in which the Mother of the universe had bodied Herself forth baffled
all description. Prosperity and success, wealth and happiness were always on the
increase there and presented a new aspect.
(94)
0U U U
U fl U
UU U UU
fl
U U U UU
fl UU
U UL

UUU
UU

UU
H
U flH 1H
UH
U H 2H
fl UH
H 3H
* According to the Hindu scriptures every natural object is believed to be presided over by a spirit; it
is these spirits that are referred to here.
120
U U U U U UH
L UU U
flU UUH 4H
Cau.: nagara
nikaa
kari
banva
hiya
harae
siva
samja
barta
saji
sura
bhana
jaba dekhana lge, biari

taha
gae
puchahi
kahia
kha
baru
baurha
nn, cale
sena nihr, harihi
dhari dhraju
bhavana
suni , pura
kahi
rahe sayne, blaka

ji
basaha
kharabharu
sobh
lena
sdara
dekhi
ati
cale
bhana
saba
lai
adhik.
agavn.1.
bhae
saba
jva
sukhr.
bhge.2.
parne.
pitu mt, kahahi bacana bhaya kapita gt.3.

na bt, jama kara dhra kidhau
asavr, byla
kapla
bibhuana
barit.
chr.4.
When it was heard that the bridegrooms procession was close at hand, there was
commotion in the city, which added to its charm. Adorning themselves and decorating
their vehicles of various kinds, a party proceeded in advance to receive the procession
with due honour. They were gladdened at heart to see the gathering of the immortals.
And they were all the more happy to behold r Hari (Viu). But when they started
looking at ivas retinue, every animal they rode started back and fled in panic. The
adults recovered themselves and remained where they were, while every child that came
ran for its life. On their reaching home when their parents questioned them, they spoke
as follows, their limbs still shaking with fear, What shall we say? The sight was such
as could not be described. We wonder whether it was a bridegrooms procession or the
army of Death. The bridegroom is a maniac, riding on a bull; serpents, skulls and ashes
are his ornaments.
(14)
U0
UU U U
U UUH
UUU U U U U U
U U U U U UU UH
Cha.: tana
chra byla kapla bhuana nagana jaila bhayakar,

sa ga bhuta preta pisca jogini bikaa mukha rajancar.
jo jiata rahihi barta dekhata punya baRa tehi kara sah,
dekhihi so um bibhu ghara ghara bta asi larikanha kah.
His body is smeared with ashes and adorned with serpents and skulls. He is
naked, has matted hair on his head and is dreadful to look at. He is accompanied by
ghosts and evil spirits, goblins and fairies and demons with a frightful countenance. He
who survives on seeing the marriage procession is a man of great luck indeed and he
alone will witness the wedding of Um. These were the words uttered by the children
from house to house.
U U
UU UU UL UH 95H
* BLA-KNA *
121
Do.: samujhi mahesa samja saba janani janaka musukhi,

bla bujhe bibidha bidhi niara hohu daru nhi.95.
The parents smiled; for they knew that the children were talking of ivas retinue.
They reassured the children in many ways and said, Be not afraid, there is no cause
for fear.
(95)
0
fl
UU
U
U U U
U LU
fl U
NU U
U UU M

flU

U
UU
U
U fl UH
flU UH 1H
UU UUU UUH
U UU U H 2H
U U flH
UUH 3H
S U U UH
U U L UU UH 4H
Cau.: lai
agavna
bartahi
e,
main
subha
rat
sa vr,
kacana thra soha bara pn,
bikaa bea rudrahi jaba dekh,
bhgi bhavana paih ati trs,
main hdaya bhayau dukhu bhr,
adhika
saneha
goda
baihr,
jehi bidhi tumhahi rupu asa dnh,
die
sabahi
janavsa
suhe.
saga sumagala gvahi nr.1.
parichana cal harahi haran.
abalanha ura bhaya bhayau bise.2.
gae
mahesu
jah
janavs.
lnh
boli
girsakumr.3.
syma saroja nayana bhare br.
tehi jaRa baru bura kasa knh.4.
The party which had gone ahead to receive the marriage procession returned
with the procession and assigned beautiful lodgings to all the guests. Main (Prvats
mother) kindled auspicious lights for waving round the bridegroom and the women
accompanying her sang melodious songs of rejoicing. A salver of gold adorned
Mens fair hands and she proceeded to welcome Lord Hara with great delight. The
women were seized with excessive fear when they saw Rudra (iva) in frightful
accoutrements. They fled in great panic and entered the house; while the great Lord
iva repaired to the lodgings of the bridegrooms party. Main was sore distressed
at heart and sent for Prvat. With great affection she seated her in her lap; and tears
rushed to her eyes; which resembled a pair of blue lotuses. How the Creator, who
has made you so beautiful, has became so stupid to create such a raving madman
for your bridegroom!
(14)
U0
U L UU U UU U
U ULU U UU H
U U U U fl U U U
L U UU fl U U UH
Cha.: kasa
knha baru baurha bidhi jehi tumhahi sudarat da,

jo phalu cahia surataruhi so barabasa baburahi lga.
122
tumha sahita giri te girau pvaka jarau jalanidhi mahu parau ,

gharu ju apajasu hou jaga jvata bibhu na hau karau .
How strange that the Creator, who has made you so lovely, should have given you
a crazy fellow for a bridegroom ! A fruit which should have adorned the wish-yielding tree
is helplessly appearing on a thorny Babula. Taking you in my arms I would sooner fall
from a mountain-top, cast myself into the flames or drown myself into the sea. Let my
home be ruined and let me earn a bad reputation throughout the world; but in no case
would I marry you with this maniac so long as there is life in me.
0 Z
UU
U U U UH 96H
Do.: bha
kari
bikala
bilpu
abal sakala dukhita dekhi girinri,

rodati badati sut sanehu sa bhri.96.
All the ladies assembled there were distressed when they saw the consort of
Himcala sad. Recalling the affection of her daughter she wailed, wept and exclaimed as
below:
(96)
0U U U U
U UU U U
U UU U
U U U
U fl
U U
U UU U
U UU
fl U UUH
U UU UH 1H
U H
fl UH 2H
H
UU U H 3H
UH
U H 4H
Cau.: nrada kara mai kha

bigr,
asa upadesu umahi jinha dnh,
scehu unha ke moha na my,
para ghara ghlaka lja na bhr,
jananihi
bikala biloki bhavn,
asa bicri socahi mati
mt,
karama likh jau
bura nhu,
tumha sana miahi ki bidhi ke ak,
bhavanu mora jinha basata ujr.

baure barahi lgi tapu knh.1.
udsna dhanu dhmu na jy.
b jha ki jna prasava kai pr.2.
bol
juta
bibeka
mdu
bn.
so na arai jo racai bidht.3.
tau
kata
dosu
lagia
khu.
mtu byartha jani lehu kalak.4.
What harm have I done to Nrada that he should have ruined my home and
tendered such advice to Um as made her undergo penance for securing a crazy
husband? In good sooth the sage is passionless and without affection; he has no wealth,
no dwelling and no wife and is indifferent to all. That is why he destroys others homes.
He has neither shame nor fear. What does a barren woman know of the pains of
childbirth? Seeing Her mother distressed, Bhavn addressed the following soft yet
prudent words to her. Whatever is ordained by Providence cannot be altered. Realizing
this be not worried, mother. If I am destined to have a crazy husband, why should
anyone be blamed for it? Can you alter the decree of Providence? Therefore, take no
reproach on you unnecessarily.
(14)
* BLA-KNA *
123
U0
U L UUUU flU U
U UU U U UH
U U
U U U UH
lehu mtu kalaku karun pariharahu avasara nah,
dukhu sukhu jo likh lilra hamare jba jaha puba tah.
suni um bacana binta komala sakala abal socah,
bahu bh ti bidhihi lagi duana nayana bri bimocah.
Cha.: jani
Take no reproach on you; cease lamenting; this is no occasion for it. The amount
of joy and sorrow that has fallen to my lot I must reap wherever I go. Hearing the soft
and polite words of Um all the ladies became sad. They blamed the Creator in many
ways and tears flowed from their eyes.
0 U
flU U U L U #
U UU fl U H 97H
Do.: tehi avasara nrada sahita aru rii sapta sameta,

samcra suni tuhinagiri gavane turata niketa.97.
On hearing the news that very moment Himcala came to his house alongwith
Nrada and the seven seers.
(97)
0 U U fl
U
Q
fl U
U U
UU UU U
U fl fl
U U fl U U
flH
fl flH 1H
U flH
U UH 2H
U H
h UH 3H
U U H
U UH 4H
Cau.: taba nrada sabah

samujhv,
mayan satya sunahu mama bn,
aj
andi
sakti
abinsini,
jaga sabhava plana laya krini,
janam prathama daccha gha j,
taha hu
sati
sakarahi
bibh,
eka
bra
vata
siva sag,
bhayau mohu siva kah na knh,
puruba
kathprasagu
sunv.
jagadab tava sut bhavn.1.
sad sabhu aradhaga nivsini.
nija icch
ll
bapu
dhrini.2.
nmu sati sudara tanu p.
kath prasiddha sakala jaga mh.3.
dekheu raghukula kamala patag.
bhrama basa beu sya kara lnh.4.
Then Nrada reassured them all, narrating to them the past history of Um. He
said, Main, hear my true words: your daughter is none else than Bhavn (the eternal
Consort of iva), Mother of the universe. She is the unborn and imperishable divine
124
energy, who has no beginning; She is ambhus inseparable half. She creates, maintains
and then dissolves the universe and assumes the semblance of a human form of Her own
will. First she was born in the house of Daka. Sat was Her name and charming was
Her form. Even in that incarnation Sat was married with akara. The story is well-known
throughout the world. One day, while She was returning home with iva, She beheld r
Rma, who is a sun as it were to the lotus-like race of Raghu. Bewildered by His sight,
She did not listen to ivas advice and was beguiled into assuming the disguise of St.
(14)
U0
U U U U UUU
UU UU UU UH
UU fl L
U U U H
beu sat jo knha tehi apardha sakara parihar,
hara biraha ji bahori pitu ke jagya jognala jar.
aba janami tumhare bhavana nija pati lgi druna tapu kiy,
asa jni sasaya tajahu girij sarbad sakara priy.
Cha.: siya
akara repudiated Her because She had offended Him by assuming the
disguise of St. Separated from Hara, She then visited the sacrifice undertaken by Her
father and burnt Herself in the fire of Yoga (meditation) there. Now, reborn in your house,
She has undergone terrible penance for the sake of Her lord. Knowing this, give up all
doubt; Girij (your daughter) is ever beloved of akara.
U U U
U U U U U U U H 98H
Do.: suni nrada ke bacana taba saba kara mi bida,

chana mahu bypeu sakala pura ghara ghara yaha sabda.98.
When they heard Nradas explanation, the sadness of all was dispersed. In a trice
the news spread from house to house throughout the city.
(98)
Ufl

U L
U
U

flU
flU
U

U
U flU
U
U
fl
Cau.: taba mayan himavatu
nri purua sisu jub
U H
U UUH 1H
U UU U H
S flUUH 2H
U fl U flH
c U fl H 3H
L UH
U H 4H
anade, puni puni prabat pada bade.

sayne, nagara loga saba ati harane.1.
* BLA-KNA *
lage
hona pura
magalagn,
bh ti
aneka
bha
jevanr,
so
jevanra
ki ji
bakhn,
sdara
bole
sakala
bart,
bibidhi
pti
baih
jevanr,
nribda
sura
jeva ta
jn,
125
saje sabahi haka ghaa nn.

supasstra jasa kachu byavahr.2.
basahi bhavana jehi mtu bhavn.
binu biraci deva saba jt.3.
lge
parusana
nipuna
sur.
lag
dena
gr
mdu
bn.4.
Then Main and her consort Himavn rejoiced and bowed at Prvats feet again
and again. All the citizens, including men, women and children, youngmen as well as
elderly people, were immensely delighted. Festive songs began to be sung in the city;
vases of gold of every pattern were displayed by all. Dishes of various kinds were
prepared in accordance with the processes given in gastrological works. Is it ever possible
to describe the varieties of dishes prepared in the house where lived Mother Bhavn?
Himcala respectfully summoned all the members of the bridegrooms party, including
Viu, Brahm and other gods of all classes. The dinner guests sat in many rows; and
expert cooks began to serve. Finding the gods dining, batches of women began to banter
and rail at them in pleasant strains.
(14)
U0 U
U SflU U U flU
UU U flUH
fl K UU U UK
fl U fl U UUKH
Cha.: gr
madhura svara dehi sudari bigya bacana sunvah,

bhojanu karahi sura ati bilabu binodu suni sacu pvah.
jeva ta jo baRhyo anadu so mukha koihu na parai kahyo,
acav i dnhe pna gavane bsa jaha
jko rahyo.
Charming women railed in sweet strains and poured innuendoes. The gods felt
much amused to hear them and dined for an unusually long time. The joy that swelled
at the dinner cannot be described even with millions of tongues. Having been served with
water for rinsing their mouths at the end of the dinner, they were given betel-leaves; and
then they returned to their respective lodgings.
0 UU
U Ufl U
U U fl H 99H
Do.: bahuri muninha himavata kahu lagana sun i,

samaya biloki bibha kara pahae deva boli.99.
The seven sages called once more and read out to Himavn the note recording
the time fixed for the wedding; and perceiving that the hour had arrived, the latter sent
for the gods.
(99)
0 U U U
flU

Ufl
U fl U L
U UH
flU UH 1H
U U flH
NU U UUH 2H
126
UU U U
Z
M U U
fl

U
U
fl
U L ZH
U U UH 3H
UU U U H
UU H 4H
Cau.: boli sakala sura sdara lnhe,

bed
beda
bidhna
sa vr,
sighsanu
ati dibya suhv,
baihe siva bipranha siru n,
bahuri munsanha um
bol,
sabahi
jathocita
sana
dnhe.
subhaga sumagala gvahi nr.1.
ji na barani biraci banv.
hdaya sumiri nija prabhu raghur.2.
kari
sigru
sakh
lai
.
dekhata rupu sakala sura mohe, baranai chabi asa jaga kabi ko hai.3.
jagadabik jni bhava bhm, suranha manahi mana knha pranm.
sudarat
marajda
bhavn, ji na koihu
badana bakhn.4.
Himavn politely sent for all the gods and assigned an appropriate seat to each
of them. An altar was prepared in accordance with the Vedic ritual and women chanted
charming festal strains. A divinely beautiful throne with the images of a pair of lions for
its arms was placed on the altar; being a handiwork of the Creator himself, it beggared
description. Bowing His head to the Brhmaas and calling to His mind His own Master,
the Lord of Raghus, iva took His seat on the throne. The great sages then sent for
Um, who was brought in by Her girl companions richly adorned. All the gods were
enraptured at Her beauty. What poet in the world could describe such loveliness?
Recognizing in Her the Mother of the universe and Spouse of iva, the divinities
mentally bowed to Her. The perfection of beauty that Bhavn was, could not be
adequately praised even with millions of tongues.
(14)
0U UU
U U U
U U U UH
U fl fl U fl U
fl U L UH
Cha.: koihu
badana nahi banai baranata jaga janani sobh mah,

sakucahi kahata ruti sea srada madamati tulas kah.
chabikhni mtu bhavni gavan madhya maapa siva jah ,
avaloki sakahi na sakuca pati pada kamala manu madhukaru tah .
The superb beauty of the Mother of the universe could not be described even with
millions of tongues. When even the Vedas, ea (the serpent-god) and rad (the
goddess of learning) shrink abashed, of what account is the dull-witted Tulasdsa?
Mother Bhavn, the mine of beauty, walked to the middle of the pavilion, where iva was.
Out of shyness She could not gaze on Her lords lotus feet, although Her heart was fixed
thereon like a bee.
U U fl
U U U H 100H
* BLA-KNA *
127
Do.: muni anussana ganapatihi pujeu sabhu bhavni,

kou suni sasaya karai jani sura andi jiya jni.100.
At the direction of the sages ambhu and Bhavn paid divine honours to Lord
Gaapati. Let no one be puzzled to hear this; for one should bear in mind that gods have
existed from time without beginning.*
(100)
0
U U
U
U U
U
UUU
U
UU U U U U
U U
U
UU UflH
flU U flH 1H
U UU UH
U U UUH 2H
CU H
fl U UU UUUH 3H
S H
U H 4H
Cau.: jasi bibha kai bidhi ruti g,

gahi girsa kusa kany pn,
pnigrahana jaba knha mahes,
bedamatra
munibara uccarah,
bjahi bjana bibidha bidhn,
hara girij kara bhayau bibhu,
ds dsa
turaga ratha ng,
anna kanakabhjana bhari jn,
mahmuninha so
bhavahi samarap
saba karav.
jni bhavn.1.
hiya harae taba sakala sures.
jaya jaya jaya sakara sura karah.2.
sumanabi nabha bhai bidhi nn.
sakala bhuvana bhari rah uchhu.3.
dhenu basana mani bastu bibhg.
dija
dnha
na
ji
bakhn.4.
The great sages had the nuptial ceremony performed in all its details as laid down
in the Vedas. Taking sacred Kua grass in his hand and holding the bride by Her hand,
the mountain-king Himlaya made Her over to Bhava (iva) knowing Her to be His
eternal consort. When the great Lord iva took the hand of the bride, all the great gods
were glad at heart. The principal sages chanted the Vedic formulas, while the gods
exclaimed, Hail, Hail, all Hail to akara ! Musical instruments of various kinds were
sounded and flowers of different varieties were rained down from the heavens. The
wedding of Hara and Girij was thus concluded. A spirit of rejoicing pervaded the whole
universe. Men-servants and maid-servants, horses and chariots, elephants and cows,
raiment, jewels and various other articles and even so cart-loads of foodgrains and gold
utensils were given as dowry, which was more than one could describe.
(14)
U0
U U U UU s
U U U U U UsH
fl U U U U
U UU UH
* Lord Gaapati is reputed to be an offspring of iva and Prvat. It may, therefore, be asked how He
came to be worshipped by the divine pair even at the time of their wedding. The poet meets this question by
stating that Gaea and the other gods are eternal and unbegotten and that they only appear to be born.
128
diyo bahu bh ti puni kara jori himabhudhara kahyo,

k deu puranakma sakara carana pakaja gahi rahyo.
siv~a kpsgara sasura kara satou saba bh tihi kiyo,
puni gahe pada pthoja mayan prema paripurana hiyo.
Cha.: dija
Himcala gave presents of various kinds as dowry; then, joining his palms, he said,
I have nothing to give you, akara; You have all Yours desires sated! He could say
no more and remained clasping the latters feet. The ocean of mercy that iva is
reassured His father-in-law in every possible way. Then Men, with her heart overflowing
with love, clasped His lotus-feet and said:
U UU UU
UU U U L UH 101H
Do.: ntha um mama prna sama ghakikar karehu,

chamehu sakala apardha aba hoi prasanna baru dehu.101.
Lord, Um is dear to me as life; take her as a maid-servant of Your house and
forgive all her faults. Be pleased to grant this boon to me.
(101)
0U
U U
UU U
U U U
U U
UU
U U U
UU U fl
fl fl U L H
UU U UH 1H
UU U H
UU UU U UH 2H
U U UH
U U UH 3H
U U UH
UU UH 4H
Cau.: bahu bidhi sabhu ssu samujh,

janan
um
boli
taba
lnh,
karehu sad sakara pada puj,
bacana kahata bhare locana br,
kata bidhi sj nri jaga mh,
bhai ati prema bikala mahatr,
puni puni milati parati gahi caran,
saba nrinha mili bhei bhavn,
gavan bhavana carana siru n.

lai uchaga sudara sikha dnh.1.
nridharamu pati deu na duj.
bahuri
li
ura
lnhi
kumr.2.
pardhna sapanehu sukhu nh.
dhraju knha kusamaya bicr.3.
parama premu kachu ji na baran.
ji janani ura puni lapan.4.
ambhu comforted His mother-in-law in ways more than one; and she returned
home bowing her head at his feet. The mother then sent for Um, and taking Her into
her lap gave Her the following excellent advice. Ever adore the feet of akara this
sums up the duty of a wife. Her husband is her deity; there is no other god for her. As
she spoke these words, her eyes filled with tears and she pressed the girl to her bosom.
Why has god created woman in this world? One who is subardinate on others can never
dream of happiness. The mother was overwhelmed with emotion; but knowing as she
did that it was not an opportune moment for betraying ones weakness, she recovered
herself. Main met Prvat again and again and fell down clasping the girls feet; her
* BLA-KNA *
129
supreme love was beyond all words. Bidding adieu to all the ladies Bhavn ran and clung
to her mothers breast once more.
(14)
U0U
UU U U Z
U U fl U ZH
L U U fl
U UU U H
bahuri mili cal ucita assa saba khu da,
phiri phiri bilokati mtu tana taba sakh lai siva pahi ga.
jcaka sakala satoi sakaru um sahita bhavana cale,
saba amara harae sumana barai nisna nabha bje bhale.
Cha.: jananihi
Taking leave of Her mother once more, Bhavn departed; everyone uttered
appropriate blessings to Her. She often turned back to have a look at Her mother; Her
girl companions then took Her to iva. Having gratified all beggars. akara proceeded
to His home (Mount Kailsa) with Um. All the divinities delightfully rained down flowers
and kettledrums produced a charming sound in the heavens.
Ufl Ufl U
U U U H 102H
Do.: cale saga himavatu taba pahu cvana ati hetu,

bibidha bh ti paritou kari bid knha baketu.102.
Himavn then accompanied iva in order to see Him off with great affection. iva,
however, sent him back, consoling him in various ways.
(102)
0U
fl
UU
U U
U
U
fl
UU
UU U UU
U U U
h U
U H
U U UflH 1H
U H
U L UU H 2H
U U H
U H 3H
U L U U UH
H 4H
Cau.: turata
bhavana
e
girir,
dara
dna binaya bahumn,
jabahi
sabhu
kailsahi
e,
jagata mtu pitu sabhu bhavn,
karahi bibidha bidhi bhoga bils,
hara
girij bihra nita
nayau,
taba janameu aabadana kumr,
gama nigama prasiddha purn,
sakala
saila
sara
lie
bol.
saba kara bid knha himavn.1.
sura saba nija nija loka sidhe.
tehi sigru na kahau
bakhn.2.
gananha sameta basahi kails.
ehi bidhi bipula kla cali gayau.3.
traku asuru samara jehi mr.
anmukha janmu sakala jaga jn.4.
130
The mountain-king returned home at once and summoned all other mountains and
lakes. Himavn greeted them with due attention, gifts, polite words and great honour and
allowed them all to depart. No sooner had ambhu reached Mount Kailsa than all the
gods returned to their respective realms. ambhu and Bhavn are the parents of the
universe; hence I refrain from portraying their amorous sports. Indulging in luxuries and
enjoyments of various kinds the divine pair lived on Mount Kailsa alongwith Their
attendants. Hara and Girij enjoyed some new delight everyday. In this way a considerable
time elapsed. Thereafter was born to them a boy with six heads, who (later on) killed the
demon Traka in battle. The story of amukha (the six-headed deity) is well-known in
the Vedas, Tantras and Puras, and the entire world knows it.
(14)
U0
LU U
U U U U UU UH
U U U U U UU flU
U flUH
Cha.: jagu jna anmukha janmu karmu pratpu pururathu mah,
tehi hetu mai baketu suta kara carita sachepahi kah,

yaha um sabhu bibhu je nara nri kahahi je gvah,
kalyna kja bibha magala sarbad sukhu pvah.
The tale of the birth, exploits, glory and surpassing strength of amukha is
known to the whole world. That is why I have briefly touched the narrative of ivas son.
Men and women who narrate or sing this story of the wedding of Um and ambhu shall
ever rejoice in their auspicious undertaking as well as during festive occassions such as
wedding etc.
0 U
U U flU L
U flLH 103H
Do.: carita sidhu girij ramana beda na pvahi pru,

baranai tulasdsu kimi ati matimada gav ru.103.
The exploits of Girijs lord are illimitable like the ocean; even the Vedas cannot
reach their end. How, then, can Tulasdsa, a most dull-witted clown, succeed in
describing them?
(103)
0
U
U
fl
fl
U U Ufl
U U
fl
fl
UU U U
U Sfl U
U U
U U
Um flH
U L Ufl UUH 1H
UU H
UU UH 2H
UU U UUH
U U U H 3H
UH
fl UU H 4H
* BLA-KNA *
Cau.: sabhu carita suni sarasa suhv,
bahu llas kath para bRh,
prema bibasa mukha va na bn,
aho dhanya tava janmu muns,
siva pada kamala jinhahi rati nh,
binu chala bisvantha pada nehu,
siva sama ko raghupati bratadhr,
panu kari raghupati bhagati dekh,
131
bharadvja muni ati sukhu pv.

nayananhi nru romvali hRh.1.
das dekhi harae muni gyn.
tumhahi prna sama priya gaurs.2.
na sohh.
rmahi te sapanehu
rma bhagata kara lacchana ehu.3.
binu agha taj sat asi nr.
ko siva sama rmahi priya bh.4.
Bharadvja was much delighted to hear the sweet and charming story of ambhus
deeds. His passion for hearing the story grew to be inordinate; tears rushed to his eyes
and the hair on his body bristled with joy. Overpowered with emotion he could not utter
a word. The enlightened sage Yjavalkya was delighted to see his condition. Blessed
indeed is your birth. O great sage, he said, to you the Lord of Gaur is dear as life.
Those who love not ivas lotus feet cannot even dream of pleasing Rma. A guileless
love for ivas feet is the surest sign of a devotee of Rma. Who is so faithful to the Lord
of Raghus as iva, who renounced a sinless wife like Sat, and demonstrated ideal
devotion to Rma by His pledge of unswerving fidelity? Brother, whom does Rma hold
so dear as iva?
(14)
0U
U fl U U UU
fl U U UU S UH 104H
Do.: prathamahi mai kahi siva carita bujh maramu tumhra,

suci sevaka tumha rma ke rahita samasta bikra.104.
Having begun by recounting the deeds of iva I have come to know your secret.
You are indeed a faithful servant of Rma, free from all impurities.
(104)
0 UU
U
U U
UU
U LU Sfl
U U UU
flU U
U U
UL
Cau.: mai
jn
tumhra
sunu
muni
ju
rma
carita
ati
guna
jehi
drunri
para
pranavau
parama
sl, kahau
amita
sama
muns, kahi na sakahi sata koi ahs.

bakhn, sumiri girpati prabhu dhanupn.2.
svm, rmu
kp karahi janu
soi
ramya
sunahu aba raghupati ll.
samgama tore , kahi na ji jasa sukhu mana more .1.
tadapi jathruta kahau

srada
UU U U H
U UH 1H
U U U UH
U U H 2H
U
U
UH
UU U flU H 3H
UU H
U fl U flH 4H
kpla
jn, kabi
sutradhara
ura
ajira
atarajm.
nacvahi
bn.3.
raghunth, baranau bisada tsu guna gth.

giribaru kailsu, sad jah
siva um nivsu.4.
132
I have come to know your virtues and disposition. Listen, therefore, while I narrate
the story of the Lord of Raghus. O sage, I cannot say how glad I am at this meeting with
you today. O lord of sages, the exploits of r Rma are much beyond measure; even
a thousand million eas (serpent-kings) cannot recount them. Nevertheless, fixing my
thoughts on the Lord who wields a bow in His hand and is the lord of speech, I repeat
the tale as I have heard it. rad (the goddess of speech) is like a puppet; while r
Rma, the inner controller of all, is the master of the puppet show, who holds the strings
in his hands. When He blesses a poet knowing him to be a devotee, He causes the
goddess to dance in the courtyard of his heart. To Him, the benevolent Lord of Raghus,
I bow and commence the recital of His fair virtues. Of all mountains the most charming
and the best is Kailsa, where iva and Um eternally dwell.
(14)
0 h
U U
U U flU fl H 105H
Do.: siddha tapodhana jogijana sura kinara munibda,

basahi tah sukt sakala sevahi siva sukhakada.105.
Hosts of Siddhas (adepts) ascetics and Yogs (mystics), as well as gods, Kinnaras
and sages, all lucky souls, reside there and adore iva, the root of all joy.
(105)
0UU UU U U
U U U U U
U U
U U U
U U U U
U U UU
L L U
UU
U U U U UH
U H 1H
fl U H
L UU H 2H
U UU H
U UH 3H
NU UUH
U U UUH 4H
Cau.: hari hara bimukha dharma rati nh,

tehi giri para baa biapa bisl,
tribidha
samra sustali chy,
eka bra tehi tara prabhu gayau,
nija
kara si ngaripu chl,
kuda idu dara gaura sarr,
taruna aruna abuja sama caran,
bhujaga bhuti bhuana tripurr,
te nara tah~a sapanehu nahi jh.

nita nutana sudara saba kl.1.
siva birma biapa ruti gy.
taru biloki ura ati sukhu bhayau.2.
baihe sahajahi sabhu kpl.
bhuja pralaba paridhana municr.3.
nakha duti bhagata hdaya tama haran.
nanu sarada cada chabi hr.4.
Those who have their faces turned away from Hari and Hara and have no love for
righteousness cannot even dream of going there. On the summit of that mountain exists a
huge banyan tree, which is ever young and is charming during all seasons. Fanned by
cool, soft and fragrant breezes, its shade is very refreshing. It is the favourite resort of iva,
extolled by the Vedas. Once upon a time the Lord betook Himself beneath the tree and was
much gladdened at heart to see it. Spreading His tigerskin on the ground with His own
hands, the all-merciful iva sat down casually. His body fair in hue as the jasmine, the
* BLA-KNA *
133
moon and the conch-shell; long arms of inordinate length; a hermits covering, consisting of
the bark of trees, wrapped round His loins; His feet resembling a pair of full-blown red
lotuses and their toe-nails shedding a lustre which dispelled the darkness of the devotees
heart; serpents and the ashes serving as ornaments of the Slayer of Tripura and His countenance
eclipsing the splendour even of the autumnal full moon.
(14)
0U
U UU U
U fl U H 106H
Do.: ja mukua surasarita sira locana nalina bisla,

nlakaha lvanyanidhi soha blabidhu bhla.106.
With His twisted coils of hair for a crown and the celestial stream (the Gag)
adorning His head, eyes as big as a pair of lotuses, throat dark with poison and with the
crescent shining on His brow, the Lord looked like a veritable mine of beauty. (106)
0U
U
U
U
flL
L U
U
fl
UU
U U
UU
Sfl
UU
U L U U fl
U
UL
U
H
Z U flH 1H
UU UH
L H 2H
U U H
U U UH 3H
fl U UUH
UU flH 4H
Cau.: baihe
soha
kmaripu kaise ,
prabat
bhala
avasaru
jn,
jni
priy
daru
ati
knh,
baih
siva
sampa
hara,
pati hiya hetu adhika anumn,
kath jo
sakala loka hitakr,
bisvantha
mama ntha purr,
cara aru acara nga nara dev,
dhare
sarru
starasu
jaise .
ga sabhu pahi mtu bhavn.1.

bma bhga sanu hara dnh.
puruba janma kath cita .2.
bihasi
um
bol
priya
bn.
soi puchana caha sailakumr.3.
tribhuvana mahim bidita tumhr.
sakala karahi pada pakaja sev.4.
Seated there, the Destroyer of Cupid looked like an incarnation of the sentiment
of Quietism. Finding it a good opportunity, Mother Bhavn called on ambhu. In
recognition of Her wifely love Lord Hara showed Her great courtesy and assigned Her
a seat on His left side. Prvat gladly sat down beside iva and recalled the history of
Her past life. Presuming that Her lord cherished in His heart greater love for Her than
before, Um smilingly spoke the following sweet words to Him: the Daughter of Himlaya
sought to elicit from Her lord the story which is profitable to the whole world. O Lord of
the universe, O my Master, O slayer of the demon Tripura! Your glory is known to all
the three spheres. Animate as well as inanimate beings, Ngas, men and gods, all do
homage to Your lotus-feet.
(14)
U fl
U L H 107H
134
Do.: prabhu samaratha sarbagya siva sakala kal guna dhma,

joga gyna bairgya nidhi pranata kalapataru nma.107.
My Lord, You are all-powerful, all-wise and all-blissful; You are a repository of all
arts and virtues and a storehouse of Yoga (askesis), wisdom and dispassion. Your Name
is a wish-yielding tree as it were to the suppliant.
(107)
0 U U
UUU U
fl UL U U
NU U
UU
U
U U U U
U fl
Cau.: jau
U H
U U H 1H
U U H
UUU UH 2H
UU U U r H
UU U H 3H
U U UH
H 4H
mo para prasanna sukhars, jnia
satya
mohi
nija
ds.
tau prabhu harahu mora agyn, kahi raghuntha kath bidhi nn.1.
jsu
bhavanu surataru tara
sasibhuana
asa
prabhu
je muni
sesa
srad
hdaya
ho, sahi ki daridra janita dukhu so.

bicr, harahu ntha mama mati bhrama bhr.2.
paramrathabd, kahahi rma kahu brahma and.

beda
purn, sakala karahi raghupati guna gn.3.
tumha puni rma rma dina rt, sdara
japahu
an~a ga
rmu so avadha npati suta
aguna
alakhagati
so, k
aja
rt.
ko.4.
O blissful Lord, if You are pleased with me and know me to be Your faithful
servant, then, my Master, disperse my ignorance by repeating to me the various stories
of the Lord of Raghus. Why should he who has his abode beneath a wish-yielding tree
undergo the suffering born of want? Bearing this in mind, O Lord with the crescent on
the forehead, dispel the great confusion of my mind. O Lord, the sages who discourse
on the supreme Reality speak of Rma as the Brahma who has no beginning; ea and
rad, as well as the Vedas and the Puras, all sing praises of the Lord of Raghus.
You too, O Subduer of Love, reverently repeat the word Rma night and day. Is this
Rma the same as the son of the King of Ayodhy or some other unborn, unqualified and
imperceptible Being?
(14)
r U UU U
U U h UH 108H
Do.: jau npa tanaya ta brahma kimi nri birah~a mati bhori,
dekhi carita mahim sunata bhramati buddhi ati mori.108.
If a kings son, how could he be Brahma (the Infinite)? And if he were Brahma,
how could his mind get unhinged by the loss of his wife? When I see his acts on the one
hand, and hear of his glory on the other, my mind gets utterly confused.
(108)
* BLA-KNA *
0 U
U UU UU
U
fl
U U U U
U U
U U U
UU U
135
UU U H
U U U UUH 1H
UU H
U flH 2H
UU flU U UH
UU H 3H
U U L UH
U
UH 4H
Cau.: jau
anha bypaka bibhu kou,
agya jni risa ura jani dharahu,
mai bana dkhi rma prabhut,
tadapi malina mana bodhu na v,
ajahu kachu sasau mana more ,
prabhu taba mohi bahu bh ti prabodh,
taba kara asa bimoha aba nh,
kahahu
punta rma
kahahu bujhi ntha mohi sou.

jehi bidhi moha miai soi karahu.1.
ati bhaya bikala na tumhahi sun.
so phalu bhal bh ti hama pv.2.
karahu kp binavau kara jore .
ntha so samujhi karahu jani krodh.3.
rmakath para ruci mana mh.
guna gth, bhujagarja bhuana suranth.4.
If, my lord, there is any other desireless, all-pervading and all-powerful Brahma,
instruct me about the same. Be not angry at my folly, but take steps to wipe out my ignorance.
In the wood (in my previous birth) I witnessed r Rmas glory, although I was too awestricken to tell You. Yet, my mind was so impure that I did not understand, and I reaped a
good return for my folly. Some doubt still lingers in my mind. Be gracious to me, I implore
You with joined palms. Lord, You instructed me then in ways more than one; yet I did not
understand. Do not allow this thought to anger You. I have no such delusion now; I find
developed in me a taste for hearing the story of Rma. Recount the sacred virtues of r
Rma, O Lord of immortals, having the serpent-king (ea) for an ornament.
(14)
0 U
U U L UU U U
UU UU h UH 109H
Do.: badau pada dhari dharani siru binaya karau kara jori,
baranahu raghubara bisada jasu ruti siddhta nicori.109.
Placing my head on the ground, I adore Your feet and entreat You with joined
palms to recount the unsullied glory of the Chief of Raghus, giving in substance the
conclusion of the revealed texts (the Vedas) on the subject.
(109)
0
UU
UU
U U
fl UflU
U UU UU
U UU U
U U flU
U
U U U
U U U
UUH
U U U flUH 1H
U UU U H
r UH 2H
U UU UUH
U UH 3H
UU Ufl UH
UU U H 4H
136
Cau.: jadapi
joit
nahi
adhikr,
guRhau tattva na sdhu durvahi,
ati
rati
puchau
surary,
prathama so krana kahahu bicr,
puni prabhu kahahu rma avatr,
kahahu
jath
jnak
bibh,
bana
rja
ds mana krama bacana tumhr.

rata
adhikr
jaha
pvahi.1.
raghupati kath kahahu kari dy.
nirguna brahma saguna bapu dhr.2.
blacarita puni kahahu udr.
rja
taj
so
duana
kh.3.
basi knhe carita apr, kahahu ntha jimi rvana mr.
baihi
knh
bahu ll, sakala kahahu sakara sukhasl.4.
Though as a woman I am not qualified to hear it, I am Your servant in thought,

word and deed. Saints do not withhold even an esoteric truth wherever they find a person
smitten with agony, and therefore qualified to receive it. I ask You with a heart sore
distressed; be gracious enough to narrate the story of the Lord of Raghus. First tell me
after a mature thought what makes the unqualified Brahma assume a qualified form.
Then, my lord, relate the story of r Rmas descent, and tell me next the charming
exploits of His childhood. Then let me know how He wedded Janakas daughter, St,
and the fault for which He had to renounce His fathers kingdom later on. Then describe
the innumerable deeds performed by Him while He lived in the forest; and further tell me,
my lord, how He killed Rvaa. Then relate, O blissful akara, all the numerous sports
that were enacted by Him after his coronation.
(14)
0 UU
U L U U U
U U fl H 110H
Do.: bahuri kahahu karunyatana knha jo acaraja rma,

praj sahita raghubasamani kimi gavane nija dhma.110.
Thereafter relate, O gracious Lord, the miracle wrought by Rma, viz., how that
Jewel of Raghus line proceeded to His divine Abode alongwith all His subjects. (110)
0 UU fl
U
UU
U
UUS
U U U
U fl U
S U U U
UU U UU
U
M UU
fl
U H
UU U H 1H
UU H
U UU H 2H
fl flU H
U U fl H 3H
UH
U flH 4H
Cau.: puni prabhu kahahu so tattva bakhn,

bhagati
gyna bigyna
birg,
aurau
rma
rahasya
anek,
jo prabhu mai puch nahi
ho,
tumha tribhuvana gura beda bakhn,
prasna um kai sahaja
suh,
hara hiya rmacarita saba e,
rraghuntha
rupa
ura
v,
jehi bigyna magana muni gyn.

puni saba baranahu sahita bibhg.1.
kahahu ntha ati bimala bibek.
sou dayla rkhahu jani go.2.
na
jva
p vara
k
jn.
chala bihna suni siva mana bh.3.
prema pulaka locana jala che.
paramnada amita sukha pv.4.
* BLA-KNA *
137
Then expound, my lord, the truth in the realization of which enlightened sages
remain absorbed. And thereafter discuss in detail the conceptions of Devotion, Jna or
Knowledge of the formless Absolute, Vijna or the Knowledge of qualified Divinity with
and without form, and Dispassion. Over and above this, O Lord of purest understanding,
reveal to me the many other mysteries connected with Rma. And if there be anything
which I have omitted to ask, do not keep it back, my gracious lord. You are the preceptor
of all the three spheres, so declare the Vedas; what can other poor creatures know?
iva was glad at heart to hear these questions of Um, naturally pleasing and guileless
as they were. All the exploits of Rma flashed on His mind; the hair on His body bristled
with rapture and His eyes filled with tears. The figure of r Rma was reflected on the
mirror of His heart. This brought immense joy to iva, who is an embodiment of supreme
bliss Himself.
(14)
U U UU U
U U U UU U UH 111H
Do.: magana dhynarasa daa juga puni mana bhera knha,

raghupati carita mahesa taba haraita baranai lnha.111.
For an hour or so iva was lost in the ecstasy of meditation. He then recovered
Himself and thereafter began joyfully to tell the story of Rma.
(111)
0UU U
U UU
U
M
fl
UU
U
UU UU
UUU
UU
U

U
UU
U U
U UH
H 1H
H
flU U U UUH 2H
UU U U UUH
U U U UUH 3H
fl H
UU S U H 4H
Cau. : jhuheu satya jhi binu

jne ,
jehi
jne
jaga
ji
her,
badau
blarupa
soi rmu,
magala bhavana amagala hr,
kari pranma rmahi
tripurr,
dhanya
dhanya
girirjakumr,
pu chehu raghupati kath prasag,
tumha raghubra carana anurg,
jimi bhujaga binu raju pahicne .

jge jath sapana bhrama j.1.
saba sidhi sulabha japata jisu nmu.
dravau so dasaratha ajira bihr.2.
harai sudh sama gir ucr.
tumha samna nahi kou upakr.3.
sakala loka jaga pvani gag.
knhihu prasna jagata hita lg.4.
Due to lack of knowledge about r Rma even the unreal passes for real, just
as ignorance about a rope leads us to mistake it for a snake. Even so the moment we
know Him the world of matter vanishes, just as the delusion of a dream disappears as
soon as we wake up. Him do I reverence in the form of a Child, the repetition of whose
Name brings all kinds of success within our easy reach. May that Home of bliss and
Bane of woe take compassion on meHe who sports in the courtyard of king
Daaratha. After thus paying homage to Rma, the Slayer of the demon Tripura joyfully
138
spoke in mellifluous accents as follows: You are indeed blessed and worthy of applause,
O daughter of the mountain-king; there is no such benefactor as you. You have asked
Me to repeat the history of the Lord of Raghus, which is potent enough to sanctify all the
spheres even as the Gag purifies the whole world. You are full of love for the feet of
the Hero of Raghus race; You have put questions to Me only with an eye to the good
of the world.
(14)
0U
U U fl
U U U U UH 112H
Do.: rma kp te prabati sapanehu tava mana mhi,

soka moha sadeha bhrama mama bicra kachu nhi.112.
By the blessing of Rma, O Prvat, not even in dream can grief, infatuation,
doubt or error enter your mind, so far as I can judge.
(112)
0
UU
U UU U
U U U
U U U
U UU NU U
U U U
UU UU U
U U U
U U U UH
fl Ufl H 1H
U U H
UU U H 2H
fl fl H
U U U H 3H
UUU UUH
U U UH 4H
Cau.: tadapi
asak
knhihu
so,
jinha hari kath sun nahi kn,
nayananhi sata darasa nahi dekh,
te sira kau tubari samatul,
jinha haribhagati hdaya nahi n,
jo nahi karai rma guna gn,
kulisa kahora nihura soi cht,
girij
sunahu rma kai
ll,
kahata sunata saba kara hita ho.

ravana radhra ahibhavana samn.1.
locana morapakha kara lekh.
je na namata hari gura pada mul.2.
jvata sava samna tei prn.
jha so ddura jha samn.3.
suni haricarita na jo harat.
sura hita danuja bimohanasl.4.
Yet you have expressed the same old doubts again, so that all those who repeat
or hear this account may be benefited thereby. The ears of those who have never heard
the stories of r Hari are no better than snake-holes. The eyes of those who have not
blessed them with the sight of saints are as good as the sham eyes in a peacocks tail.
The heads that bow not at the soles of r Hari or of ones preceptor are just like bitter
pumpkins. Those who have cherished not in their heart the spirit of devotion to r Hari
are as good as dead, though living. The tongue that does not sing the praises of Rma
is just like the tongue of a frog. The heart which does not rejoice to hear the tales of r
Hari is hard as adamant and cruel indeed. Hear, O Girij, the exploits of r Rma, which
prove beneficial to the gods and mystify the demons.
(14)
0 U
U fl
U H 113H
* BLA-KNA *
139
Do.: rmakath suradhenu sama sevata saba sukha dni,

satasamja suraloka saba ko na sunai asa jni.113.
Like the cow of plenty, the story of Rma bestows all blessings on those who
devote themselves to it; and the assemblages of saints are the various abodes of gods.
Knowing this, who would not listen to it?
(113)
0U
U
U
U
U U UU
U U U
U
fl
U
U
S fl U U
U U U
U U U U
Cau.: rmakath
rmakath
sudara
kali
rma
nma
jath
anata
kara
biapa
guna
tr, sasaya
kuhr, sdara
carita
rma
U
UUflUUH
U
UUUH 1H
U H
U H 2H
UUU UH
U H 3H
U UU flH
U fl UU H 4H
bihaga
sunu
uRvanihr.
girirjakumr.1.
suhe, janama karama aganita ruti ge.
bhagavn, tath
kath
krati
guna
nn.2.
tadapi jath ruta jasi mati mor, kahihau

dekhi prti ati tor.
um prasna tava sahaja suh, sukhada satasamata mohi bh.3.
eka
bta
nahi
jo
kah
tumha
mohi
rma
sohn, jadapi moha basa kahehu bhavn.

kou n, jehi ruti gva dharahi muni dhyn.4.
The story of Rma is the lovely clap of hand-palms which scares away the
birds of doubt. Even so the story of Rma is an axe to the tree of Kaliyuga (the
impurities of the Kali age); listen to it with reverence, O daughter of the mountain-king.
The charming names of r Rma, as well as His virtues, stories, births and deeds
have all been declared by the Vedas to be beyond number. As there is no end to the
divine Rma, even so His stories, glory and virtues are also endless. Yet, seeing your
great love, I will tell them even as I have heard of them to the best of my intellectual
capacity. Um, your inquiries are naturally winning and delightful and such as are
approved of by the saints; as for myself I am particularly pleased to hear them. But
there was one thing, Bhavn, which I did not like, although you uttered it under a spell
of delusion: you suggested that the Rma whom the Vedas extol and on whom the
sages contemplate is someone else!
(14)
0 UU
U U U
U UU U U H 114H
Do.: kahahi sunahi asa adhama nara grase je moha pisca,

pa hari pada bimukha jnahi jhuha na sca.114.
Such words are spoken and heard by those vile men alone who are possessed
by the devil of infatuation, are impious and averse to the feet of r Hari and know no
difference between truth and falsehood.
(114)
140
0
U U U
UU
U L
U
UU

U UU
Cau.: agya
akobida
lapaa
kahahi
kapa
te
beda

U

U
flU

adha
U H
U U H 1H
U U UH
U M U H 2H
U H
UU U U U UH 3H
U U UH
U U U U U H 4H
abhg, k
kuila
biaya
bise, sapanehu
mukura
mana
lg.
satasabh nahi dekh.1.
asamata bn, jinha ke sujha lbhu nahi hn.
mukura malina aru nayana bihn, rma
rupa
dekhahi
kimi
dn.2.
jinha ke
aguna na saguna bibek, jalpahi

kalpita
bacana
anek.
harimy basa jagata bhramh, tinhahi kahata kachu aghaita nh.3.
btula
bhuta
bibasa
matavre, te
nahi
bolahi
bacana
bicre.
jinha kta mahmoha mada pn, tinha kara kah karia nahi kn.4.
Foolish, ignorant and blind wretches, the mirror of whose heart is clouded by the
film of sensuality, lecherous, deceitful and grossly perverse, who have never seen an
assemblage of holy men even in a dream and who have no sense of gain and loss, they
alone make statements which are repugnant to the Vedas. The mirror of their heart is
soiled and they have no eyes to see; how-then, can those wretched souls behold the
beauty of r Rma? For those who have no knowledge either of the unqualified Brahma
or of qualified Divinity, who indulge in fanciful utterances of various kinds and who spin
round in this world under the influence of r Haris deluding potency, no assertion is too
absurd to make. Those who are delirious or mad, those who are possessed and those
who are inebriated, do not talk sense. None should give ear to the ravings of those who
have drunk the wine of infatuation.
(14)
NU U U
UU U U U H 115H
So.: asa nija hdaya bicri taju sasaya bhaju rma pada,
sunu girirja kumri bhrama tama rabi kara bacana mama.115.
Thus assured in your heart, discard all doubt and adore r Rmas feet. O
daughter of the mountain-king, hear my words, which are sun-beams as it were for the
darkness of error.
(115)
0U U U U
M
UU
U
flU U H
UH 1H
U U U H
U U U H 2H
* BLA-KNA *

U
M
fl
UU

U
r
U U U flH
U U UH 3H
fl U H
U
U
UH 4H
Cau.: sagunahi agunahi nahi kachu bhed,

aguna
arupa
alakha
aja jo,
jo guna rahita saguna soi kaise ,
jsu nma bhrama timira patag,
rma
saccidnada
dines,
sahaja
praksarupa
bhagavn,
haraa
bida gyna
agyn,
rma brahma bypaka jaga jn,
gvahi muni purna budha bed.

bhagata prema basa saguna so ho.1.
jalu hima upala bilaga nahi jaise .
tehi kimi kahia bimoha prasag.2.
nahi taha
moha nis lavales.
nahi taha puni bigyna bihn.3.
jva dharma ahamiti abhimn.
paramnada
paresa
purn.4.
141
There is no difference between qualified Divinity and the unqualified Brahma: so

declare the sages and men of wisdom, the Vedas and the Puras. That which is
attributeless and formless, imperceptible and unborn, becomes qualified under the
influence of the devotees love. How can the Absolute become qualified? In the same
way as water and the hail-stone are non-different in substance. Infatuation is out of the
question for Him whose very Name is like the sun to the darkness of error. r Rma,
who is Truth, Consciousness and Bliss combined, is like the sun; the night of ignorance
cannot subsist in Him even to the smallest degree. He is the Lord whose very being is
light; there is no dawn of understanding in His case (for the dawn presupposes night and
night there is none in the sunlight of r Rma). Joy and grief, knowledge and ignorance,
egoism and pridethese are the characteristics of a Jva (finite being). r Rma is the
all-pervading Brahma; He is supreme bliss personified, the highest Lord and the most
ancient Being. The whole world knows it.
(14)
0 L
h U UflU
U Sfl U fl U H 116H
Do.: purua prasiddha praksa nidhi pragaa parvara ntha,

raghukulamani mama svmi soi kahi siva nyau mtha.116.
He who is universally known as the Spirit, the fount of light, manifest in all forms
and is the lord of life as well as of matter, that Jewel of Raghus line is my Master. So
saying iva bowed His head to Him.
(116)
0 U U
U UU
fl
U U U
U U fl
U U
S U
U U UU U H
U UU UH 1H
U U H
U UH 2H
H
U fl H 3H
H
fl U UH 4H
142
Cau.: nija bhrama nahi samujhahi agyn, prabhu para moha dharahi jaRa prn.
jath gagana ghana paala nihr, jh peu bhnu kahahi kubicr.1.
citava
um
biaya
saba
jo
locana
rma
biaika
karana
kara
sura
parama
jagata
praksya
jsu
satyat
aguli
le , pragaa jugala sasi tehi ke bhe .
asa
moh, nabha tama dhuma dhuri jimi soh.2.
jva samet, sakala

praksaka jo, rma
eka
andi
praksaka rmu, mydhsa

te
jaRa
my, bhsa
te
gyna
satya
eka
sacet.
avadhapati
iva
so.3.
guna
dhmu.
moha
sahy.4.
Fools do not perceive their own error; on the other hand, those stupid creatures
attribute infatuation to the Lord, just as on seeing the sky covered with clouds, men of
unsound judgment declare that the sun has been screened by the clouds. To him who
sees with a finger stuck into his eyes the moon appears as doubled. Um, infatuation
is attributed to Rma in the same way as darkness, smoke or dust appears in the sky.
The objects of the senses, the senses and their presiding deities as well as the Jva
(embodied soul)all these derive their illumination one from the other. (That is to say,
the objects are illumined by the senses, the senses are illumined by their presiding
deities and the deities presiding over the senses are illumined by the conscious Self).
The supreme illuminator of them all is the eternal Rma, king of Ayodhy. The world of
matter is the object of illumination, while Rma is its illuminator. He is the lord of My
and the abode of wisdom and virtues. It is due to His reality that even unconscious
Matter appears as real through ignorance.
(14)
0 U
U U U
U U UUH 117H
Do.: rajata spa mahu bhsa jimi jath bhnu kara bri,
jadapi m tihu kla soi bhrama na sakai kou ri.117.
Just as a shell is mistaken for silver and a mirage for water even though the
appearance is false at all times (in the past, present and future), nobody can dispel this
delusion.
(117)
0U UU UU
U U
U
U fl

UU U
U
U
UH
U UH 1H
U UUH
flH 2H
U U U H
U H 3H
U H
U U UH 4H
Cau.: ehi bidhi jaga hari rita raha,

jau
sapane sira
kai
ko,
jsu kp asa bhrama mii j,
di ata kou jsu na pv,
jadapi asatya deta dukha aha.

binu jge na duri dukha ho.1.
girij
soi
kpla
raghur.
mati anumni nigama asa gv.2.
* BLA-KNA *
binu pada calai sunai binu kn,
nana rahita sakala rasa bhog,
tana binu parasa nayana binu dekh,
asi saba bh ti alaukika karan,
143
kara binu karama karai bidhi nn.

binu bn bakat baRa jog.3.
grahai ghrna binu bsa ase.
mahim jsu ji nahi baran.4.
In a like manner is this world of matter superimposed on Hari. Though unreal,

it gives us pain nonetheless, just as if a mans head is cut off in a dream, he is not
rid of pain till he wakes. Girij, He whose grace wipes out such delusion is none else
than the benevolent Lord of Raghus. Nobody has been able to discover His beginning
or end. Basing their conclusions on speculation the Vedas have described Him in the
following words. He walks without feet, hears without ears and performs actions of
various kinds even without hands. He enjoys all tastes without a mouth (palate) and
is a most clever speaker even though devoid of speech. He touches without a body
(the tactile sense), sees without eyes and catches all odours even without a nose (the
olfactory sense). His ways are thus supernatural in every respect and His glory is
beyond description.
(14)
0 U
flU U UU
U U flH 118H
Do.: jehi imi gvahi beda budha jhi dharahi muni dhyna,
soi dasaratha suta bhagata hita kosalapati bhagavna.118.
He who is thus extolled by the Vedas and men of wisdom and whom the sages
love to contemplate is no other than the divine Rma, son of Daaratha, lord of Ayodhy,
the friend of His devotees.
(118)
0 U fl
U UU Sfl
U UU
U U U UU
U
U
fl
UU U
fl
U
Cau.: ks
marata
jatu
UU H
UU UU UH 1H
UUH
fl U fl UUH 2H
U U fl H
U UH 3H
U U UH
L
fl
H 4H
avalok, jsu
nma
bala
karau
bisok.
soi prabhu mora carcara svm, raghubara saba ura atarajm.1.

bibasahu jsu nma nara kahah , janama aneka racita agha dahah.
sdara sumirana je nara karah, bhava bridhi gopada iva tarah.2.
rma
asa
so
paramtam
sasaya
nata
bhavn, taha bhrama ati abihita tava bn.

mh, gyna birga sakala guna jh.3.
ura
suni siva ke bhrama bhajana bacan, mii gai saba kutaraka kai racan.
bhai
raghupati
pada
prti pratt, druna
asabhvan
bt.4.
When I behold any creature dying in the holy K (the modern Vras), it is by
the power of His Name that I rid it of all sorrow (liberate it). He is my Lord, the Chief of
144
Raghus, the sovereign of all creation, animate as well as inanimate, the witness of all
hearts. If men repeat His Name even in a helpless state, sins committed by them in a
series of previous existences are burnt away; while those who devoutly remember Him
are able to cross the ocean of mundane existence as if it were a mere hollow made by
the hoof of a cow. Rma is no other than that supreme Spirit. Bhavn; your assertion
that He is subject to delusion is wholly unwarranted. The moment a man harbours such
a doubt in his mind, his wisdom, dispassion and all other virtues bid adieu to him. When
Prvat heard ivas illuminating words, the whole structure of her sophistry collapsed.
Attachment and devotion to the feet of the Lord of Raghus sprang in her heart and her
shocking incredulity disappeared.
(14)
U U LU
U U U U H 119H
Do.: puni puni prabhu pada kamala gahi jori pakaruha pni,
bol girij bacana bara manahu prema rasa sni.119.
Clasping the lotus-feet of her lord again and again, and joining her lotus-like palms,
Prvat spoke the following fine words, steeping them as it were in the nectar of love:
0
U
U U UU
U UU
U
U U
U UU
r
UU U U U
U
U U U UH
U SflM U UH 1H
U U H
U U U H 2H
U UUH
UU UU U H 3H
U UU H
U U H 4H
Cau.: sasi kara sama suni gir tumhr, mi

tumha
ntha
aba
moha
saradtapa
bhr.
kpla sabu sasau hareu, rma svarupa jni mohi pareu.1.

kp aba gayau bid, sukh bhayau prabhu carana prasd.
mohi
pani
kikari
jn, jadapi
sahaja
jaRa
nri
ayn.2.
prathama jo mai puch soi kahahu, jau mo para prasanna prabhu ahahu.
rma
brahma
cinamaya
abins, sarba rahita saba ura pura bs.3.
ntha dhareu naratanu kehi hetu, mohi

um
bacana
samujhi
suni parama bint, rmakath
kahahu
para
prti
baketu.
punt.4.
Now that I have listened to Your words, which were refreshing as moonbeams,
my ignorance, like the feverish heat of the autumnal sunshine, has faded away. You
have removed all my doubt, O gracious Lord, and the reality of Rma has been revealed
to me. By Your grace, my lord, my gloom has been lifted and I feel happy now by the
blessing of my lords feet. Now, regarding me as Your slave, even though I am a woman,
ignorant and stupid by nature, answer my former question, if You are pleased with me,
my lord. Rma, I now understand, is no other than the indestructible Brahma (God), who
is consciousness itself and who, though bereft of all, yet dwells in the heart of all. Why
* BLA-KNA *
145
did He take the form of a human being? Explain this to me, O akara. Hearing Ums
most polite words and seeing Her unadulterated love for the story of r Rma(14)
0U
UU U U U
U UU H 120 ()H
Do.: hiya harae kmri taba sakara sahaja sujna,

bahu bidhi umahi prasasi puni bole kpnidhna.120(A).
The all-merciful and all-wise akara, the Destroyer of Cupid, was glad at heart
and, extolling Um in so many ways, said :
(120A)
[PAUSE 1 FOR A NINE-DAY RECITATION]
fl UU
U U U LUH 120 ()H
UU U U
U U flU U U U H 120 ()H
UU U M
U UU U U UH 120 ()H
So.: sunu subha kath bhavni rmacaritamnasa bimala,

kah bhusui bakhni sun bihaga nyaka garuRa.120(B).
so sabda udra jehi bidhi bh ge kahaba,
sunahu rma avatra carita parama sudara anagha.120(C).
hari guna nma apra kath rupa aganita amita,
mai nija mati anusra kahau um sdara sunahu.120(D).
Hear the blessed story of the holy Rmacaritamnasa, which was narrated at
length by the sage Bhuui and heard by the king of birds, Garua, I shall tell you later
on how that great dialogue took place. First listen to the most charming and sanctifying
story of His descent. The virtues, names, stories and forms of r Hari are all unlimited,
innumerable and immeasurable. Yet I proceed to tell them according to the best of my
intellectual capacity; listen, Um, with reverence.
(120 BD)
0
U UUU U
UU flU U U U
U h
U
flU U
U U U
UU U U
U UU
H
U H 1H
UU U H
U UU Sfl H 2H
U U UH
UU U H 3H
U U UH
UUU UH 4H
146
Cau.: sunu
girij
haricarita suhe,
hari
avatra
hetu jehi
ho,
rma atarkya buddhi mana bn,
tadapi sata muni beda purn,
tasa mai sumukhi sunvau toh,
jaba jaba hoi dharama kai hn,
karahi
anti
ji
nahi baran,
taba taba prabhu dhari bibidhasarr,
bipula bisada nigamgama ge.

idamittha
kahi
ji
na
so.1.
mata hamra asa sunahi sayn.
jasa kachu kahahi svamati anumn.2.
samujhi parai jasa krana moh.
bRhahi asura adhama abhimn.3.
sdahi bipra dhenu sura dharan.
harahi
kpnidhi
sajjana
pr.4.
Hark, O Girij: the Vedas and the Tantras have sung numerous charming and
sinless exploits of r Hari. The cause of r Haris descent cannot be precisely stated.
Listen, O sensible lady: r Rma is beyond the grasp of intellect, mind or speech: such
is my conviction. Yet, O charming lady, I tell you the reason as I understand it and even
as the saints and sages, the Vedas and the Puras have stated according to their
intellectual level. Whenever virtue declines and vile and haughty demons multiply and
work uniquity that cannot be told, and whenever Brhmaas, cows, gods and earth itself
are in trouble, the gracious Lord assumes various (transcendent) forms and relieves the
distress of the virtuous.
(14)
0 U
U U UU UU
SUU U U UH 121H
Do.: asura mri thpahi suranha rkhahi nija ruti setu,

jaga bistrahi bisada jasa rma janma kara hetu.121.
Killing the demons He reinstates the gods, preserves the bounds of propriety
fixed by the Vedas, which represent His own breath, and diffuses His immaculate glory
throughout the world. This is the motive of r Rmas descent.
(121)
0 fl UU
U U
UU
mU UU
U
L UU
U U

U UUU U U
U UUH
U H 1H
fl flH
L H 2H
U U U H
U H 3H
U UU H
U SUH 4H
Cau.: soi jasa gi bhagata bhava tarah, kpsidhu jana hita tanu dharah.
rma
janama
janama
eka
dvrapla
bipra
hoi
rpa
ke
te
anek, parama
bicitra
eka
te
ek.1.
bakhn, svadhna sunu sumati bhavn.
priya
dunau
dou, jaya
aru
bh, tmasa
bijaya
asura
jna
deha
saba
kou.2.
tinha
p.
aru haka locana, jagata bidita surapati mada mocana.3.
samara
narahari
hetu
dui kahau
hari
kanakakasipu
bija
ke
bra
bikhyt, dhari
dusara puni
mr, jana
barha
bapu
prahalda
eka
sujasa
nipt.
bistr.4.
* BLA-KNA *
147
Singing this glory the devotees cross the ocean of mundane existence; it is for
the sake of His devotees that the compassionate Lord bodies Himself forth. The motives
of r Rmas birth are many, each more wonderful than the other. I will refer to one
or two such births at some length; please listen attentively, O wise Bhavn. r Hari
has two favourite gate-keepers Jaya and Vijaya, who are known to everybody. Due to
the curse of certain Brhmaas (Sanaka and his three brothers) both these brothers
were born in the accursed species of demons. One of them was known as Hirayakaipu
and the other as Hirayka. They became known throughout the universe as the
tamers of the pride of Indra (the chief of gods). Both of them were celebrated heroes
who came out victorious in battle. The Lord assumed the form of a Boar in order to
kill one of the two brothers (viz., Hirayka); while bodying Himself forth as a ManLion, He killed the other (Hirayakaipu) and spread the fair renown of His devotee,
Prahlda (Hirayakaipus son).
(14)
U UU fl
U Ufl U U H 122H
Do.: bhae
niscara
ji
tei
mahbra
balavna,
kubhakarana rvana subhaa sura bija jaga jna.122.
It is these two brothers that were born again as the powerful and most valiant
Rkasas. Rvaa and Kumbhakara, who were great warriors and, as all the world
knows, conquered even gods.
(122)
0 U fl
U U U
S U
U flU
U U
U
U
U U
m flH
UU UU UH 1H
U
H
U fl UH 2H
U U UUH
U U UH 3H
U U U UUH 4H
Cau.: mukuta na bhae hate bhagavn,

eka
bra tinha ke hita lg,
kasyapa aditi tah pitu mt,
eka
kalapa ehi bidhi
avatr,
eka kalapa sura dekhi dukhre,
sabhu knha sagrma apr,
parama
sat asurdhipa
nr,
tni janama dvija bacana pravn.

dhareu sarra bhagata anurg.1.
dasaratha
kausaly
bikhyt.
carita
pavitra
kie
sasr.2.
samara jaladhara sana saba hre.
danuja mahbala marai na mr.3.
tehi bala thi na jitahi purr.4.
Even though slain by the Lord, the two brothers (Hirayka and Hirayakaipu)
did not attain liberation; for the Brhmaas had doomed them to three births. It was on
their account that the Lover of the devotees bodied Himself forth on one occasion. In that
birth Kayapa and Aditi were His parents, who were known by the names of Daaratha
and Kausaly respectively. This was how in one Kalpa (round of creation) the Lord
descended from heaven and performed purifying deeds on earth. In another Kalpa all the
gods were worsted in their conflict with the demon Jalandhara. Seeing their distress
148
ambhu waged war against him, which knew no end; but the demon, who possessed a
great might, could not be killed in spite of His best efforts. The wife of the demon chief
was a most virtuous lady. Armed by her strength of character the demon could not be
conquered even by the Vanquisher of Tripura.
(14)
0U
U UUU U U U
U U U U UH 123H
Do.: chala kari reu tsu brata prabhu sura kraja knha,
jaba tehi jneu marama taba rpa kopa kari dnha.123.
By a stratagem the Lord broke her vow of chastity and accomplished the purpose
of the gods. When the lady discovered the trick, she cursed Him in her wrath. (123)
0 UU U
U
U Ufl
U U
flU
U U
U Z
U fl
U U UU

U
U
U

U
UU
flH
U U U U H 1H
U U U UUH
U U UH 2H
U flUH
U c H 3H
U U UH
U U UH 4H
rpa hari dnha pramn,

jaladhara rvana bhayau,
eka janama kara krana
eh,
prati avatra kath prabhu ker,
nrada rpa dnha eka br,
girij
cakita bha
suni bn,
krana kavana rpa muni dnh,
yaha prasaga mohi kahahu purr,
kautukanidhi
kpla
bhagavn.
rana hati rma parama pada dayau.1.
jehi lagi rma dhar naradeh.
sunu muni baran kabinha ghaner.2.
kalapa eka tehi lagi avatr.
nrada binubhagata puni gyn.3.
k
apardha
rampati
knh.
muni mana moha caraja bhr.4.
Cau.: tsu
tah
The sportive and gracious Lord accepted her curse. It was this Jalandhara who
was reborn as Rvaa in this latter Kalpa. Killing him in battle r Rma conferred on him
the supreme state (final beatitude). This was the reason why r Rma assumed a
human form in one particular birth. Hark, O Bharadvja; the story of each birth of the Lord
has been sung by poets in diverse ways. On one occasion Nrada cursed the Lord; this
served as an excuse of His birth in one particular Kalpa. Girij was taken aback to hear
these words and said, Nrada is a votary of God Viu and enlightened soul too.
Wherefore did the sage pronounce a curse? What offence had Lakms lord committed
against him? Tell me the whole story, O Slayer of the demon Tripura. It is very strange
that the sage should have fallen a prey to delusion.
(14)
U U U
U U UU U U UH 124 ()H
Do.: bole bihasi mahesa taba gyn muRha na koi,

jehi jasa raghupati karahi jaba so tasa tehi chana hoi.124(A).
* BLA-KNA *
149
The great Lord iva then replied with a smile, There is no one enlightened or
deluded. Man instantly becomes what the Lord of Raghus wills him to be at a particular
moment.
(124 A)
0UU
U Um U U
fl U H 124 ()H
So.: kahau rma guna gtha bharadvja sdara sunahu,

bhava bhajana raghuntha bhaju tulas taji mna mada.124(B).
Said Yjavalkya, I am going to recount the virtues of Rma, O Bharadvja; listen
with a devout mind. Renouncing pride and intoxication, O Tulasdsa, adore the Lord of
Raghus, who puts an end to metempsychosis.
(124 B)
0UU U fl
U
Ufl
U U
U UUU
U UU
U U U U
U U
U
U UU UflH
flU flH 1H
U U UH
U H 2H
U U H
U UU U UH 3H
U flU U H
U fl U UUUH 4H
Cau.: himagiri guh eka ati

pvani,
rama parama punta suhv,
nirakhi saila sari bipina bibhg,
sumirata harihi rpa gati bdh,
muni gati dekhi suresa ern,
sahita sahya jhu mama hetu,
sunsra mana mahu asi trs,
je
km
lolupa jaga
mh,
baha sampa surasar suhvani.

dekhi devarii mana ati bhv.1.
bhayau rampati pada anurg.
sahaja bimala mana lgi samdh.2.
kmahi
boli
knha
sanamn.
caleu harai hiya
jalacaraketu.3.
cahata devarii mama pura bs.
kuila kka iva sabahi erh.4.
In the Himlaya mountains there was a most sacred cave; the beautiful heavenly
stream (Gag) flowed near by. The sight of this most holy and charming hermitage highly
attracted the mind of the celestial sage Nrada. Seeing the mountain, the river and the
forest glades, his heart developed love for the feet of Lakms lord. The thought of r Hari
broke the spell of the curse* (pronounced by Daka, which did not allow him to stay at one
place); and his mind, which was naturally sinless, fell into a trance. Seeing the sages
condition, Indra (the chief of gods) became apprehensive. Summoning the god of love, he
received him with great honour and said, For my sake go with your associates! The god
of love (who has a fish emblazoned on his standard) set out gladdened at heart. Indra
apprehended that the celestial sage sought to occupy his abode. Those who are lustful and
grasping are afraid of everyone like the evil-minded crow.
(14)
UU U Sfl U U
U U UU H 125H
* For the cause of the curse see Caup I following Doh 78 (p. 85)
150
Do.: sukha hRa lai bhga saha svna nirakhi mgarja,

chni lei jani jna jaRa timi surapatihi na lja.125.
Just as a foolish dog, on seeing a king of beasts, should run away with a dry bone,
fearing in his crass ignorance lest the lion should rob him of it, Indra too in his
shamelessness thought as above.
(125)
0U U
U UU
Ufl U
U
UU

UU U U
UU
U U
U
UH
U U H 1H
UflUUH
U H 2H
U UU H
U H 3H
UUU fl H
U UflU U H 4H
Cau.: tehi ramahi madana jaba gayau,

kusumita bibidha biapa bahurag,
cal
suhvani
tribidha
bayr,
rabhdika
suranri
nabn,
karahi gna bahu tna tarag,
dekhi sahya madana haran,
kma kal kachu munihi na byp,
sma ki c pi sakai kou tsu,
nija
my basata
niramayau.
kujahi kokila gujahi bhg.1.
kma
ksnu
baRhvanihr.
sakala asamasara kal prabn.2.
bahubidhi krRahi pni patag.
knhesi puni prapaca bidhi nn.3.
nija bhaya areu manobhava pp.
baRa rakhavra rampati jsu.4.
When the god of love reached that hermitage, he created a semblance of the
vernal season by his illusory power. Many-coloured blossoms appeared on the trees of
different kinds; cuckoos sang and bees hummed. Delightful breezes, cool, soft and
fragrant, blew, fanning the flame of passion. Rambh and other heavenly damsels, who
looked ever young and were all past masters in amorous sports, sang in undulating
tones of various kinds and sported in many ways, ball in hand. The god of love was
delighted to see his associates there and employed a variety of devices. But his amorous
devices had no effect on the sage. Guilty Cupid was now apprehensive of his own
destruction. Can anyone dare to trespass the bounds of him who has the Lord of Lakm
as his great protector.
(14)
0U
U UU
U U U U U H 126H
Do.: sahita sahya sabhta ati mni hri mana maina,

gahesi ji muni carana taba kahi suhi rata baina.126.
In dire dismay the god of love with his accomplices acknowledged his defeat and
clasped the sages feet, addressing him in accents of deep humility.
(126)
0U U U U U UH
U L U U UH 1H
* BLA-KNA *
U
U

U
U fl fl
U UU
U flU
UUU flU
U
fl
U

U
U
U UH
U UUU L flH 2H
U UH
U H 3H
U U UH
U UU H 4H
Cau.: bhayau na nrada mana kachu ro,

ni
carana
siru yasu
p,
muni
suslat
pani
karan,
suni saba ke mana acaraju v,
taba nrada gavane siva ph,
mra
carita sakarahi
sune,
bra bra binavau muni
toh,
timi jani harihi sunvahu kabah u ,
kahi priya bacana kma parito.

gayau madana taba sahita sah.1.
surapati sabh ji saba baran.
151
munihi prasasi harihi siru nv.2.

jit kma ahamiti mana mh.
atipriya
jni
mahesa
sikhe.3.
jimi yaha kath sunyahu moh.
calehu prasaga durehu tabahu .4.
There was no anger in Nradas mind; he reassured the god of love by

addressing him in friendly terms. Then, bowing his head at the sages feet and
obtaining his leave, Love retired with his accomplices. Reaching the court of Indra (the
chief of gods) he related his own doings, on the one hand, and the sages clemency,
on the other. Hearing the tale all were astonished; they extolled the sage and bowed
their head to Hari. Then Nrada called on iva; he was proud of his victory over Love
and told Him all Loves doings. Knowing him to be His most beloved friend, the great
Lord iva admonished him as follows:O sage, I pray you again and again: never
repeat this story to Hari as you have repeated it to me. Even if the topic ever comes
up before Him, please hush it up.
(14)
U U U U UU U
Um U UU U flH 127H
Do.: sabhu dnha upadesa hita nahi nradahi sohna,

bharadvja kautuka sunahu hari icch balavna.127.
Wholesome was the advice given by ambhu; but it did not please
Nrada. Bharadvja, now hear what interesting thing happened. The will of Hari is
predominant.
(127)
0U U UU U
U
U U U

UU
fl

UU UU U
U
UU U
U U
U U
U U H
U H 1H
fl UU H
U fl H 2H
U UU H
U U H 3H
l U fl UH
U U H 4H
152
Cau.: rma
knha
chahi soi ho,
sabhu bacana muni mana nahi bhe,
eka
bra
karatala bara bn,
chrasidhu
gavane muninth,
harai
mile
uhi ramniket,
bole
bihasi
carcara
ry,
kma carita nrada saba bhe,
ati pracaa raghupati kai my,
karai
anyath
asa
nahi
ko.
taba biraci ke loka sidhe.1.
gvata hari guna gna prabn.
jaha
basa rnivsa rutimth.2.
baihe
sana
riihi
samet.
bahute dinana knhi muni dy.3.
jadyapi prathama baraji siva rkhe.
jehi na moha asa ko jaga jy.4.
The will of r Rma alone prevails; there is no one who can alter it. ambhus
advice fell flat on the sage. Then he went to the abode of Brahm (the Creator). Singing
the glories of r Hari, to the accompaniment of the excellent lute he had in his hand, the
lord of sages, Nrada, who was skilled in music, once repaired to the ocean of milk.
Where dwells the abode of Lakm, Bhagavn Nryaa, who is Vednta (the crown of
all Vedas) personified. The abode of Ram (Lakm) rose to meet him in great joy and
shared His seat with the sage. The Lord of the entire creation, animate as well as
inanimate, said with a smile, It is after a long time that you have showed Me this favour,
reverend sir. Nrada told Him all the doings of Love, even though iva had already
forbidden him to do so. Most formidable is the My (deluding potency) of the Lord of
Raghus. No one was ever born in this world, who is beyond its charm.
(14)
0 M
U fl
UU U UU U U H 128H
Do.: rukha badana kari bacana mdu bole rbhagavna,

tumhare sumirana te miahi moha mra mada mna.128.
With an impassive look, yet in coaxing accents, said the Lord, By your very
thought self-delusion, lust, arrogance and pride disappear.
(128)
0 U U
rU
U U
U UU U
L
U
UUUU UU
U U U
U UU U
U
U NU U H
UU U fl UH 1H
UU flH
UU UU U L UH 2H
UU fl UUH
fl U U H 3H
NU U H
U U U U UH 4H
Cau.: sunu muni moha hoi mana tke ,

brahmacaraja brata rata matidhr,
nrada
kaheu sahita abhimn,
karunnidhi mana dkha
bicr,
begi
so mai rihau
ukhr,
muni kara hita mama kautuka ho,
taba nrada hari pada sira n,
rpati
nija my taba prer,
gyna birga hdaya nahi jke .

tumhahi ki karai manobhava pr.1.
kp tumhri sakala bhagavn.
ura akureu garaba taru bhr.2.
pana
hamra
sevaka
hitakr.
avasi upya karabi mai so.3.
cale
hdaya
ahamiti
adhik.
sunahu kahina karan tehi ker.4.
* BLA-KNA *
153
Hark, O sage! the mind of him alone is susceptible to delusion, whose heart is
devoid of wisdom and dispassion. You are steadfast in your vow of celibacy and resolute
of mind; you can never be smitten with pangs of Love. Nrada replied with a feeling
of pride, Lord it is all due to Your grace. The compassionate Lord pondered and saw
that a huge tree of pride had sprouted in his heart. I shall soon tear it up by roots; for
it is My vow to serve the best interest of My servants. I must contrive some plan which
may do good to the sage and serve as a diversion for Me. Then, bowing his head at
the feet of r Hari, Nrada departed. The pride in his heart had swelled. The Lord of
Lakm (the goddess of prosperity) then set His My into operation. Now hear of her
relentless doings.
(14)
0UU
U U SU
flU U UH 129H
Do.: biraceu maga mahu nagara tehi sata jojana bistra,

rnivsapura te adhika racan bibidha prakra.129.
The Lords My (deluding potency) created on the way a city with an area of eight
hundred square miles. The manifold architectural beauties of that city excelled even
those of Vius own capital (Vaikuha).
(129)
0U U U U U
U U U
U fl
SflU
U
UU
U
SflU

U U
U U
U U UH
U H 1H
M flH
U M UUH 2H
H
U UH 3H
UU U H
U UH 4H
Cau.: basahi nagara sudara nara nr,

tehi
pura basai slanidhi rj,
sata suresa sama bibhava bils,
bisvamohan
tsu
kumr,
soi harimy saba guna khn,
karai
svayabara so npabl,
muni kautuk nagara tehi gayau,
suni saba carita bhupagha e,
janu bahu manasija rati tanudhr.

aganita haya gaya sena samj.1.
rupa
teja
bala
nti
nivs.
r bimoha jisu rupu nihr.2.
sobh
tsu
ki
ji
bakhn.
e
taha
aganita
mahipl.3.
purabsinha saba puchata bhayau.
kari puj npa muni baihe.4.
It was inhabited by graceful men and women, whom you would take to be so many
incarnations of the god of love and his wife Rati. A king, lanidhi by name, ruled over
that city; he owned numberless horses, elephants and troops. He possessed the
grandeur and luxury of a hundred Indras, and was a repository of grace, splendour, might
and wisdom. He had a daughter, Vivamohin by name, whose beauty enraptured even
Lakm. She was no other than r Haris own My (enrapturing potency), the
fountainhead of all virtues; who can describe her charm? The princess was going to
marry by self-choice; hence kings beyond number arrived there as suitors. The sportive
154
sage (Nrada) entered the city and inquired everything from the people. Hearing all that
had been going on there, he wended his way to the kings palace. The king paid him
homage and gave him a seat.
(14)
UU UU
UU U NU UH 130H
Do.: ni
dekh
nradahi
bhupati
rjakumri,
kahahu ntha guna doa saba ehi ke hdaya bicri.130.
The king brought and showed the princess to Nrada and said, Tell me after
mature thought all that is good or bad about her.
(130)
0 M U U
U
U U U U
fl U UU U
U U UU U
U U U
U U
U U U
U U UU UUH
NU UU U U H 1H
U U H
U UH 2H
U H
U UH 3H
U U U U UH
U fl H 4H
Cau.: dekhi
rupa muni birati bisr,
lacchana
tsu biloki bhulne,
jo ehi barai amara soi ho,
sevahi
sakala
carcara
th,
lacchana saba bicri ura rkhe,
sut sulacchana kahi npa ph,
baR
bra
lagi
rahe
nihr.
hdaya haraa nahi pragaa bakhne.1.
samarabhumi tehi jta na ko.
barai
slanidhi
kany
jh.2.
kachuka bani bhupa sana bhe.
nrada cale soca mana mh.3.
karau
ji
soi
jatana
bicr, jehi prakra mohi barai kumr.
japa tapa kachu na hoi tehi kl, he bidhi milai kavana bidhi bl.4.
Seeing her beauty the sage forgot all about his dispassion and remained gazing
on her for a long time. When he read the auspicious marks on her body, he was lost
in reverie. He was gladdened at heart, but he would not openly mention the happy
characteristics. He who weds this girl, he said to himself, Shall become immortal;
and no one shall be able to conquer him in battle. He whom lanidhis daughter selects
for her lord shall be adored by the entire creation, both animate and inanimate. Having
read these characteristics the sage kept them to himself, and mentioned a few
fabricated ones to the king. Telling the king that his daughter was of good promise,
Nrada left. He thought within himself, Let me devise and try some means whereby
the princess may choose me for her husband. He had no more zeal to practise Japa
(muttering of sacred formulas) or austerity. Good God, how am I to get the girl? he
said to himself.
(14)
0U
flU U U M
U U H 131H
* BLA-KNA *
Do.: ehi
jo
155
avasara chia parama sobh rupa bisla,

biloki
rjhai
kua ri
taba
melai
jayamla.131.
What is needed on this occasion, is great personal charm and surpassing beauty,
whereby the princess may be enamoured of me and place the wreath of victory round
my neck, he continued.
(131)
0UU
U
UU U UU U
U UU
U
U U
M U U
U U U U

UU UL H
U flU U UH 1H
UU H
UU U UUH 2H
UU U UU UH
U fl UH 3H
UU UH
U U H 4H
Cau.: hari
sana
mgau
sudarat,
more hita hari sama nahi kou,
bahubidhi binaya knhi tehi kl,
prabhu biloki muni nayana juRne,
ati
rati
kahi
kath
sun,
pana rupa dehu prabhu moh,
jehi bidhi ntha hoi hita mor,
nija my bala dekhi
bisl,
hoihi
jta
gaharu
ati
bh.
ehi avasara sahya soi hou.1.
pragaeu prabhu kautuk kpl.
hoihi
kju
hie
harane.2.
karahu kp kari hohu sah.
na
bh ti
nahi
pvau oh.3.
karahu so begi dsa mai tor.
hiya
hasi
bole
dnadayl.4.
Let me ask Hari for a gift of beauty. But, alas! much time will be lost in going to
Him. Yet I have no such weel as Hari; let Him, therefore, come to my rescue at this
juncture. Then Nrada prayed in manifold ways and lo! The sportive and merciful Lord
appeared before him. The sight was soothing to the sages eyes. He was glad at heart
and felt assured that his object would be accomplished. In great humility he told the Lord
all that had happened, and said, Be gracious to me and be good enough to help me.
Lord, bestow on me Your own beauty; in no other way can I get possession of her.
Soon do that which may serve my best interests; I am Your own servant, my lord. Seeing
the mighty power of His My, the Lord, who is compassionate to the poor, smiled to
himself and said:
(14)
0U
UU U U U U UU
U U U UUH 132H
Do.: jehi bidhi hoihi parama hita nrada sunahu tumhra,

soi hama karaba na na kachu bacana na m hamra.132.
Nrada, listen to me; I shall do that alone which is good to you, and nothing else
My words can never be untrue.
(132)
0 L U U H
U U UU U U UU H 1H
156

U
fl
U
U
UU
U U
UU M U
U U
U U fl
U UU U UH
U SflU H 2H
U fl U U H
U U UU UH 3H
U M H
U U U flH 4H
Cau.: kupatha mga ruja bykula rog,

ehi bidhi hita tumhra mai hayau,
my bibasa bhae muni muRh,
gavane
turata
tah
riir,
baida na dei sunahu muni jog.

kahi asa atarahita prabhu bhayau.1.
samujh nahi hari gir niguRh.
jah svayabara
bhumi
ban.2.
bahu banva kari sahita samj.
mohi taji nahi barihi na bhore .3.
dnha kurupa na ji bakhn.
nrada jni sabahi sira nv.4.
nija
nija
sana baihe
rj,
muni mana haraa rupa ati more ,
muni
hita krana kpnidhn,
so caritra lakhi khu na pv,
Hark, O contemplative ascetic! if a patient distracted by his malady asks for

something which is harmful to him, the physician would not give it. In a like manner I have
resolved on doing what is good to you. So saying, the Lord disappeared. Under the spell
of His My the sage was so mystified that he could not understand even such
unambiguous words of r Hari. The chief of seers hastened to the spot where the arena
for the choice-marriage had been prepared. Richly adorned, the royal suitors had
occupied their respective seats, each with his retinue. The sage was glad at heart; for
he thought within himself, My beauty is so surpassing that the princess will never
commit the error of choosing for her husband anyone else than me. In the sages own
interest the gracious Lord had made him hideous beyond description. But no one could
mark the change that had taken place in him; everyone knew him to be Nrada and
greeted him as such.
(14)
0 UU
U L U U
UU U UH 133H
Do.: rahe tah dui rudra gana te jnahi saba bheu,

biprabea dekhata phirahi parama kautuk teu.133.
Two of ivas attendants too happened to be there. They knew the whole secret
and, disguised as Brhmaas, went about seeing the fun.
(133)
0U U
U U
U
UU
U
UU
UU
UU U
U U U U
U UU
U U
U
U
U
N M U H
H 1H
U UU UH
UU UU UU H 2H
UU H
U h H 3H
M H
NU UH 4H
* BLA-KNA *
Cau.: jehi
taha
samja
baihe
baihe
mahesa
karahi
kui
rjhihi
munihi
moha
sunahi
khu
na
markaa
j, hdaya
rupa
gana dou, biprabea
nradahi sun, nki
rjakua ri
jadapi
muni
157
chabi
dekh, inhahi
gati
dnhi
barihi
ahamiti
lakhai
hari
hari
adhik.
na
kou.1.
sudarat.
jni
bise.2.
mana htha pare , ha sahi sabhu gana ati sacu pe .
muni aapai bn, samujhi na parai buddhi bhrama sn.3.

lakh so carita bise, so
sarupa
npakany dekh.
badana
bhayakara deh, dekhata hdaya krodha bh teh.4.
In the row where sat Nrada, exceedingly proud of his beauty, the two attendants
of Mahea too seated themselves. Being disguised as Brhmaas they could not be
detected. They flung sarcastic remarks at Nrada, saying, Hari has given this man such
excellent beauty that the princess will be enamoured to look at it and shall certainly
choose him, taking him for Hari* Himself. The sage was under a spell of delusion; for
his heart had been stolen by love. The attendants of iva felt amused at this and greatly
enjoyed the fun. Even though the sage heard their ironical talk, he could not follow it, his
reason being clouded by infatuation. No one perceived this extra-ordinary phenomenon;
the princess alone saw his ugly form. The moment she beheld his monkey-like face and
frightful form she was filled with rage.
(14)
U UU
U U U U H 134H
Do.: sakh saga lai kua ri taba cali janu rjamarla,

dekhata phirai mahpa saba kara saroja jayamla.134.
Accompained by her girl companions the princess then glided as a swan. With
a wreath of victory in her lotus hands she moved about surveying each of her royal
suitors.
(134)
0U U U
UU U
U U U
U Ufl
U U
UU
U U U
U
U H
UU UH 1H
U UU U H
U UH 2H
U UU UH
U U H 3H
U UUH
UU U U UH 4H
Cau.: jehi
disi
baihe nrada phul,
puni puni muni ukasahi akulh,
dhari npatanu taha gayau kpl,
dulahini
lai
ge
lacchinivs,
so disi tehi na bilok bhul.

dekhi das hara gana musukh.2.
kua ri
harai
meleu
jayaml.
npasamja saba bhayau nirs.3.
* The word Hari also means a monkey: the attendants of iva, therefore, indirectly hinted that the
sage looked like a monkey.
158
muni ati bikala moha mati nh,
taba hara gana bole musuk,
asa kahi dou bhge bhaya bhr,
beu
biloki
krodha ati bRh,
mani giri ga chui janu g h.

nija mukha mukura bilokahu j.3.
badana dkha muni bri nihr.
tinhahi sarpa dnha ati gRh.4.
She did not care to look even casually at the quarter in which Nrada sat elated
with pride. Again and again the sage would raise himself and fidget about; the
attendants of Hara smiled to see him in that state. The gracious Lord too went there
in the form of a king; the princess joyfully placed the wreath of victory round His neck.
The Lord of Lakm carried off the bride to the despair of all assembled kings. The
sage felt much perturbed; for infatuation had robbed the sage of his reason. He felt as
if a gem had dropped from a loosened knot in the end of his garment. The attendants
of Hara then smilingly said, Just look at your face in a mirror. Uttering these words
both ran away in great alarm and the sage looked at his reflection in water. His fury
knew no bounds when he beheld his form; and he pronounced a terrible curse on the
attendants of iva:
(14)
0 UU
U U U U
U UU UU UU UH 135H
Do.: hohu niscara ji tumha kapa pp dou,

ha sehu hamahi so lehu phala bahuri ha sehu muni kou.135.
O you sinful impostors, go and be reborn as demons. You mocked me; therefore,
reap its reward. Mock again a sage, if you dare.
(135)
0 M fl
U U U
UU UU U
U
UZ
U
U U U
LU UU
Cau.: puni
pv, tadapi hdaya

pharakata adhara kopa mana mh, sapadi
cale
dehau
jala
dkha
rpa
rupa
NU flH
UH 1H
U UU UH
U UUH 2H
U ZH
UU H 3H
UU U U H
UU U UUH 4H
ki
nija
marihau
j, jagata
mori
satoa na v.
kamalpati
ph.1.
upahsa
kar.
bcahi
patha
mile
danujr, saga
ram
soi
rjakumr.2.
bole
madhura bacana suras, muni kaha
cale bikala k n.
sunata bacana upaj ati krodh, my basa na rah mana bodh.3.
para sapad sakahu nahi dekh, tumhare
iri
kapaa
bise.
mathata sidhu rudrahi bauryahu, suranha preri bia pna karyahu.4.
Looking again in water, he saw that he had regained his real form; yet his heart
found no solace. His lips quivered and there was indignation in his heart. At once he
proceeded to where the Lord of Lakm was. I shall either curse Him or die at His door,
* BLA-KNA *
159
he said to himself, seeing that He has made me a butt of ridicule throughout the world.
The terror of the demons, r Hari, met him right on the way. He was accompanied by
Goddess Ram and the princess referred to above. The lord of immortals spoke in
gentle tones, To what destination, holy sir, are you betaking yourself like one disconsolate
As soon as he heard these words Nrada was filled with rage. Dominated as he was by
My, there was no reason left in him. He said, You cannot bear to look upon the good
fortune of others. You are extremely jealous and guile. While churning the ocean You
drove Rudra mad and inciting Him through the gods You made Him quaff the poison.
(14)
0U
U UU U L
SflU U U U flULH 136H
Do.: asura
sur
bia
sakarahi
pu
ram
mani
cru,
svratha sdhaka kuila tumha sad kapaa byavahru.136.

Apportioning intoxicating liquor to the demons and poison to akara, You
appropriated Ram and the lovely gem (Kaustubha) to Yourself. You have ever been
selfish and perverse, and treacherous in Your dealings.
(136)
0U Sfl U U
U U
UU UU UU
U U U
fl
U U fl U
U U
U U U

UU
U

U
U
UU
U
fl U UU U H
UU U UH 1H
UUUH
UU U H 2H
flU UH
UU UH 3H
UUU U UUH
U UU U U UH 4H
Cau.: parama svatatra na sira para ko,

bhalehi mada madehi bhala karahu,
ahaki ahaki paricehu saba khu,
karama subhsubha tumhahi na bdh,
bhale bhavana aba byana dnh,
bacehu mohi javani dhari deh,
kapi kti tumha knhi hamr,
mama apakra knha tumha bhr,
bhvai manahi karahu tumha so.

bisamaya haraa na hiya kachu dharahu.1.
ati asaka mana sad uchhu.
aba lagi tumhahi na khu sdh.2.
pvahuge
phala
pana
knh.
soi tanu dharahu rpa mama eh.3.
karihahi
ksa
sahya
tumhr.
nri biraha tumha hoba dukhr.4.
You are absolutely independent and subordinate to none; therefore You do whatever
pleases Your mind. You debase a good soul and redeem a vile person and neither rejoice
nor grieve over it. Deceiving everyone You have become habituated to such tricks.You
entertain no fear and are always zealous in pursuing Your object. Good and evil deeds do
not come in Your way; no one has so far been able to correct You. You have this time
played with fire and shall reap what You have sown. Take that very form in which You have
imposed upon me: this is my curse. You made me look like a monkey; therefore You shall
have monkeys for Your helpmates. And as You have grievously wronged me, so shall You
suffer the pangs of separation from Your wife.
(14)
160
U UU U U U
U UH 137H
Do.: rpa ssa dhari harai hiya prabhu bahu binat knhi,
nija my kai prabalat karai kpnidhi lnhi.137.
Gladly accepting the curse, the compassionate Lord made many entreaties to the
sage, and withdrew the irresistible charm of His My.
(137)
0 UU U flU
UU U
UU
U
UU
U U
U U fl U
U U UU UU
UU U U UU
U U U UUH
U U U UUH 1H
U U H
U UU UH 2H
UU NU U H
U U UUH 3H
fl UUH
UU UH 4H
Cau.: jaba
hari
my
duri nivr,
taba muni ati sabhta hari caran,
m hou mama rpa kpl,
mai
durbacana
kahe bahutere,
japahu ji sakara sata nm,
kou nahi siva samna priya more ,
jehi para kp na karahi purr,
asa ura dhari mahi bicarahu j,
nahi taha
ram na rjakumr.
gahe
phi
pranatrati
haran.1.
mama
icch
kaha
dnadayl.
kaha muni ppa miihi kimi mere.2.
hoihi
hdaya
turata
birm.
asi paratti tajahu jani bhore .3.
so na pva muni bhagati hamr.
aba na tumhahi my niar.4.
When r Hari lifted the spell of His My, there was neither Ram nor the
princess to be seen by His side. In dire dismay the sage then clasped the feet of Hari
and said, O Reliever of the distress of the suppliant, save me! O gracious lord ! let my
curse prove ineffectual. It was My will, replied the Lord, who is so merciful to the
humble. I poured many abuses at You, the sage repeated, how shall my sins be
expiated? Go and repeat the names of akara a hundred times; your heart will be
disburdened at once. No one is so dear to Me as iva: never give up this belief even
by mistake. O sage, he who does not earn the good-will of iva shall never attain true
devotion to Me. Bearing this in mind, go and perambulate the globe. My My shall haunt
you no more.
(14)
0 U
U U
U U U H 138H
Do.: bahubidhi munihi prabodhi prabhu taba bhae ataradhna,

satyaloka nrada cale karata rma guna gna.138.
Having thus reassured the sage, the Lord then disappeared; while Nrada
proceeded to Satyaloka (the seventh paradise, the abode of Brahm) chanting r
Rmas praises as he went.
(138)
* BLA-KNA *
161
0UU U
U U
UU U U
U
UU
U UU U
Sfl U U
U U UU U UU
U
U UU H
U U H 1H
U U U H
U
H 2H
fl UH
UUU c UH 3H
UUU UH
U U H 4H
Cau.: hara gana munihi jta pathadekh,

ati
sabhta
nrada
pahi e,
hara gana hama na bipra muniry,
rpa
anugraha karahu kpl,
nisicara ji hohu tumha dou,
bhujabala bisva jitaba tumha jahi,
samara marana hari htha tumhr,
cale jugala muni pada sira n,
bigatamoha mana haraa bise.

gahi pada rata bacana sune.1.
baRa apardha knha phala py.
bole
nrada
dnadayl.2.
baibhava bipula teja bala hou.
dharihahi binu manuja tanu tahi.3.
hoihahu mukuta na puni sasr.
bhae
niscara
klahi
p.4.
When the attendants of iva saw the sage moving along the way free from delusion
and greatly delighted at heart, they approached him in great fer and, clasping his feet,
entreated piteously, We are servants of iva and no Brhmaas, O great sage; we
committed a great sin and have reaped its fruit. Now rid us of the curse, O benevolent
sage. Nrada, who was full of compassion to the humble, replied, Both of you go and
take the form of demons. You shall possess an enormous fortune, grandeur and strength.
When you have subdued the universe by the might of your arm, God Viu shall take
a human form. Dying at His hands in battle, you shall be liberated and shall never be
reborn. Bowing their head at the sages feet, both departed and were reborn as demons
in due course.
(14)
U U U flU
U U UU UH 139H
Do.: eka kalapa ehi hetu prabhu lnha manuja avatra,

sura rajana sajjana sukhada hari bhajana bhubi bhra.139.
In one Kalpa (round of creation) it was for this reason that Lord r Hari assumed
a human form as. It is His vow to gladden the gods, to delight the virtuous and to ease
the earth of its burden.
(139)
0U U UU U
flUU
U

UU
UU
U
U
U
U
L
U
UU
UU
UH
U UUH 1H
H
U H 2H
U U H
U U H 3H
162
fl UU UU H
UU fl UUH 4H
Cau.: ehi bidhi janama karama hari kere,

kalapa kalapa prati prabhuavatarah,
taba taba kath munsanha g,
bibidha prasaga anupa bakhne,
hari
anata harikath anat,
rmacadra
ke
carita suhe,
yaha prasaga mai kah bhavn,
prabhu
kautuk pranata hitakr,
sudara sukhada bicitra ghanere.

cru
carita
nnbidhi
karah.1.
parama punta prabadha ban.
karahi na suni caraju sayne.2.
kahahi sunahi bahubidhi saba sat.
kalapa koi lagi jhi na ge.3.
harimy
mohahi muni gyn.
sevata sulabha sakala dukha hr.4.
Thus r Haris births and exploits are many; they are all charming, delightful and
marvellous. In every cycle of creation the Lord manifests Himself and enacts lovely
sports of various kinds; and the great sages have on each such occasion sung His story
in most sacred strains, relating wonderful anecdotes of diverse kinds, hearing which the
allise marvel not. Infinite is r Hari and infinite are His stories; each sain sings and hears
them in divergent ways. The lovely sports of Rmacandra cannot be sung even in crores
of Kalpas.This episode, O Bhavn, has been narrated by me in order to show that even
enlightened sages are deluded by r Haris My. The Lord is sportive and a friend of
the suppliant; He is easy to serve and rids one of all sorrows.
(14)
0U
U U U U U
U U U UH 140H
So.: sura nara muni kou nhi jehi na moha my prabala,

asa bicri mana mhi bhajia mahmy patihi.140.
There is no god, man or sage whom r Haris powerful My cannot infatuate.
Bearing this in mind, one should adore the Lord of this great My.
(140)
0U U
U
U U M
U U
U fl fl
U U U UU
U U flU
Um
U

UU
UU SUH
r U U H 1H
U
H
UU UUU UH 2H
U L UUH
UUU UH 3H
U H
flU U U UH 4H
Cau.: apara
hetu
sunu
salakumr,
jehi
krana aja aguna arup,
jo prabhu bipina phirata tumha dekh,
jsu
carita
avaloki
bhavn,
ajahu na chy miati tumhr,
ll
knhi
jo
tehi
avatr,
bharadvja suni sakara
bn,
lage
bahuri
baranai baketu,
kahau
bicitra kath bistr.
brahma bhayau kosalapura bhup.1.
badhu sameta dhare munibe.
sat
sarra
rahihu
baurn.2.
tsu carita sunu bhrama ruja hr.
so saba kahihau mati anusr.3.
sakuci saprema um musukn.
so avatra bhayau jehi hetu.4.
* BLA-KNA *
163
Hear, O daughter of the mountain-king, another reason why the unbegotten,

unqualified and formless Brahma became king of Ayodhy. I shall relate at length the
marvellous story connected with it. The Lord whom you saw roaming in the forest with
His brother (Lakmaa) in the garb of hermits, and whose doings drove you mad in the
form of Sat to such an extent that the shadow of that madness haunts you even to this
dayhear His exploits, which serve as a cure for the disease of delusion. The sportive
deeds that were performed by the Lord in that birth, I shall relate them all to the best of
My talents. Hearing akaras words, O Bharadvja, Um blushed and smiled with love.
iva (who has a bull emblazoned on His standard) then began to relate the cause of the
Lords descent on that particular occasion.
(14)
U UU
U UU U UH 141H
Do.: so mai tumha sana kahau sabu sunu munsa mana li,
rma kath kali mala harani magala karani suhi.141.
I proceed to tell you all about it, O Bharadvja; listen attentively. The story of r
Rma wipes out all the impurities of the Kali age, brings forth all blessings and is most
charming.
(141)
0Sfl
L
M
U U
U

U
flU

U
fl

S U U
U U U U
U UCU
H
U fl U H 1H
fl UU U H
U U UH 2H
UH
UU UU U H 3H
fl U flH
H 4H
Cau.: svyabhu manu aru satarup,

dapati dharama carana
nk,
npa
uttnapda
suta
tsu,
laghu suta nma priyabrata th,
devahuti
puni
tsu
kumr,
dideva
prabhu
dnadayl,
skhya sstra jinha pragaa bakhn,
tehi manu rja knha bahu kl,
jinha te bhai narasi anup.

ajahu
gva ruti jinha kai lk.1.
dhruva hari bhagata bhayau suta jsu.
beda purna prasasahi jh.2.
jo muni kardama kai priya nr.
jahara dhareu jehi kapila kpl.3.
tattva bicra nipuna bhagavn.
prabhu yasu saba bidhi pratipl.4.
Swyambhuva* Manu had atarup as wife; of them was born this peerless human
race, in Gods creation. The piety and conduct of the pair were excellent; the standard
of morality set up by them is sung by the Vedas even to this day. Their son was king
* So-called because he was born of Swayambhu (the self-born Brahm). It is stated in the Puras
that the Creator divided himself into two halves, one of which was a male and the other a female. The former
was known by the name of Swyambhuva and the other as atarup. He was the first of the fourteen Manus
who rule over Gods creation in succession, each holding office for 71.1/2 Caturyugas or repetitions of the four
Yugas.
164
Uttnapda, who begot the celebrated devotee of r Hari, Dhruva. Manus younger son
was known as Priyavrata, who is mentioned with praise by the Vedas and the Puras.
They had a daughter too, Devahuti by name, who was the belord consort of the sage
Kardama, and who bore in her womb the all-powerful and benevolent Lord Kapila the
primal divinity, who is compassionate to the humble and who openly expounded the
philosophy of Skhya, an adept as He was in the enquiry after the ultimate principles.
The said Manu ruled for a long period and followed the Lords commandments (in the form
of the scriptural ordinance) in everyway.
(14)
0U
U fl
NU U U UU H 142H
So.: hoi na biaya birga bhavana basata bh cauthapana,

hdaya bahuta dukha lga janama gayau haribhagati binu.142.
I have reached the fourth stage of my life (old age) while I am still living under the
roof of my house as a householder; but I have not yet lost my relish for the pleasures
of sense, he said to himself. He felt sore distressed at heart that his life had been
wasted without devotion to r Hari.
(142)
0U U
U
U
U U

U U
UU
U U

h
UU U
U
h
U UU U
U U
U fl UH
H 1H
U U UU U UH
U UUH 2H
UU U U UH
U UU U H 3H
U U UflH
U UH 4H
Cau.: barabasa rja sutahi taba dnh, nri sameta gavana bana knh.
tratha
bara
naimia bikhyt, ati punta sdhaka sidhi dt.1.
basahi tah muni siddha samj, taha hiya harai caleu manu rj.
patha
jta sohahi matidhr, gyna bhagati janu dhare sarr.2.
pahu ce
ji
dhenumati
tr, harai
nahne
niramala
nr.
e milana siddha muni gyn, dharama dhuradhara nparii jn.3.
jaha
jaha tratha rahe suhe, muninha sakala sdara karave.
ksa sarra munipaa paridhn, sata samja nita sunahi purn.4.
Manu then perforce resigned the throne to his son and departed for the forest with
his wife. Pre-eminent of all holy places is the celebrated Naimiraya (the modern
Nimsar in Oudh), which is most sacred and bestows success on those striving for
realization. Multitudes of sages and adepts lived there. Glad of heart, king Manu
proceeded to that place. Passing along the way, the king and queen of resolute mind
looked like incarnations of spiritual wisdom and devotion respectively. On reaching the
bank of the Gomat they bathed with delight in the limpid stream. Adepts and enlightened
sages came to see him, recognizing in the royal sage a champion of virtue. The sages
reverently took them to all holy and lovely spots that were scattered here and there. With
* BLA-KNA *
165
emaciated bodies and clad in hermits robes they daily listened to the Puras in the
assembly of saints.
(14)
0m
UU U U U
fl LU H 143H
Do.: dvdasa acchara matra puni japahi sahita anurga,

bsudeva pada pakaruha dapati mana ati lga.143.
They further devoutly repeated the twelve-lettered formula ( fl flfl).
Their mind was fondly devoted to the lotus feet of Lord Vsudeva (the all-pervading
Viu).
(143)
0UU UU
UU U U
UU
UU
U
U

U M
U c fl
U fl U
U
UU
r
H
U U H 1H
U H
U
U
UUH 2H
L
H
UU H 3H
U UH
UU U H 4H
Cau.: karahi ahra ska phala kad,

puni hari hetu karana tapa lge,
ura
abhila
niratara
ho,
aguna akhaa anata and,
neti
neti
jehi
beda
nirup,
sabhu biraci binu bhagavn,
aiseu prabhu sevaka basa aha,
jau yaha bacana satya ruti bh,
sumirahi
brahma saccidnad.
bri adhra mula phala tyge.1.
dekhia nayana parama prabhu so.
jehi
citahi
paramrathabd.2.
nijnada
nirupdhi
anup.
upajahi
jsu
asa
te nn.3.
bhagata
hetu
lltanu
gaha.
tau
hamra
pujihi
abhil.4.
They lived on vegetables, fruits and roots and meditated on Brahma (the Absolute),
who is truth, consciousness and bliss combined. Again, they started undergoing
penance for the sake of r Hari, giving up roots and fruits for water alone, Their heart
ever clamoured, Let us see with our eyes that supreme Lord who is without attributes,
without parts and without beginning or end, who is contemplated upon by the exponents
of the highest reality, whom the Vedas describe in negative terms such as Not this, not
this, who is bliss itself, unconditioned and without comparison, and from a particle of
whose being emanate a number of ambhus, Viracis and Vius. Even such a Lord
is subordinate to the will of His devotees and assumes for their sake a form suitable
for sport. If the above utterance of the Vedas is true, our desire will be surely
accomplished.
(14)
0 U
U U U U UU
# Ud UU U UH 144H
Do.: ehi bidhi bte baraa aa sahasa bri hra,

sabata sapta sahasra puni rahe samra adhra.144.
166
In this way six thousand years elapsed even while they lived on water. Then for
another seven millennia they lived on air alone.
(144)
0U U U
UU UU U
U U U
S
U
UU UU

L
fl U U
NUCUc U
U
Cau.: baraa
sahasa
dasa
UU
U
fl
U
UU H
U UH 1H
U U U H
U U UH 2H
UH
U H 3H
U U UU H
U fl H 4H
tygeu sou, hRhe
rahe
eka
pada
dou.
bidhi hari hara tapa dekhi apr, manu sampa e bahu br.1.
mgahu bara bahu bh ti lobhe, parama dhra nahi calahi cale.
asthimtra
hoi
rahe
prabhu sarbagya dsa nija
sarr, tadapi manga manahi nahi pr.2.

jn, gati
ananya
mgu mgu baru bhai nabha bn, parama

mtaka
hapua
tpasa
gabhra
npa
kpmta
rn.
sn.3.
jivani
gir
suh, ravana radhra hoi ura jaba .
tana
bhae
suhe, mnahu
abahi
bhavana
te
e.4.
For ten thousand years they refused to inhale even air (i.e., held their breath) and
remained standing on one leg. Beholding their great penance Brahm, Hari and Hara
repeatedly called on Manu and tempted him in many ways, saying Ask for a boon. But
the king and queen were most resolute and did not swerve in spite of the deities efforts
to deflect them from their course. Although their frame had been reduced to a mere
skeleton there was not the least anguish in their heart. The omniscient Lord now
recognized the king and queen as His own servants. The ascetic couple solely
depended on Him. In the meantime a most deep voice thundered from heaven, Ask, ask
for a boon. The voice was steeped in the nectar of compassion and was so charming
that it infused life into the dead. Entering through the cavity of the ears when it reached
their very heart, they found their body attractive, animated and robust as before, as if
they had just returned from home.
(14)
0 fl

U Ufl NU H 145H
Do.: ravana sudh sama bacana suni pulaka praphullita gta,

bole manu kari daavata prema na hdaya samta.145.
As the royal couple heard these words, which were delightful to the ear as nectar
itself, the hair on their body bristled and a thrill ran through their limbs. Then, falling
prostrate on the ground and with his heart overflowing with love Manu spoke: (145)
0
fl UL
U UU UU UH
fl
UU
H 1H
* BLA-KNA *
U U U
U
M fl U
U U
U U M U
U
U
U U U UH
U U UUH 2H
U H
UU U H 3H
U H
Sfl
U
flH 4H
Cau.: sunu sevaka surataru suradhenu,

sevata sulabha sakala sukha dyaka,
jau antha hita hama para nehu,
jo sarupa basa siva mana mh,
jo bhusui mana mnasa has,
dekhahi hama so rupa bhari locana,
dapati bacana parama priya lge,
bhagata bachala prabhu kpnidhn,
bidhi hari hara badita pada renu.

pranatapla
sacarcara
nyaka.1.
tau prasanna hoi yaha bara dehu.
jehi krana muni jatana karh.2.
saguna aguna jehi nigama prasas.
kp karahu pranatrati mocana.3.
mdula binta prema rasa pge.
bisvabsa
pragae
bhagavn.4.
167
Listen, O Lord ! You are a wish-yielding tree and a cow of plenty to Your servants.
The dust below Your feet is adored by Brahm, Hari and Hara. You are easy to serve
and a fountain of all blessings. You are the protector of the suppliant and the lord of all
creation, both animate and inanimate. O friend of the forlorn, if You have any affection for
us, be pleased to grant this boon to us. The form which dwells in ivas heart and is
sought by sages, which sports like a swan in the lake of Bhuuis mind and is glorified
by the Vedas as both with and without attributesbe gracious to us and let us feast our
eyes on that form; O Reliever of the distress of the suppliant. The soft and humble
words of the royal couple, steeped as they were in the nectar of love, were liked by the
Lord very much. Full of affection for His devotees and a storehouse of compassion, the
all-powerful Lord, who pervades the whole universe, manifested Himself.
(14)
ULU UU S
U U U U H 146H
Do.: nla saroruha nla mani nla nradhara syma,

ljahi tana sobh nirakhi koi koi sata kma.146.
Billions and millions of Loves blushed to behold the elegance of His swarthy form,
which resembled a blue lotus (in the softness of its touch), a sapphire (in its gloss) and
a dark cloud (in its freshness).
(146)
0U U fl
U L U U
fl U
U UU
U U U U
UU
LU
UU
U L

U U U U
L U flH
U U UH 1H
fl fl H
U U UH 2H
U H
UU H 3H
U
U
H
U U U UH 4H
168
Cau.: sarada mayaka badana chabi sv, cru
kapola
cibuka
dara
grv.
adhara aruna
rada sudara ns, bidhu kara nikara binidaka hs.1.
nava
abaka
abuja
bhkui
manoja
cpa
chabi nk, citavani

chabi hr, tilaka
lalita
bhva t
lala
paala
k.
dutikr.2.
kuala makara mukua sirabhrj, kuila kesa janu madhupa samj.

ura
rbatsa
kehari
rucira
kadhara
banaml, padika
cru
janeu, bhu
hra
bhuana
bibhuana
manijl.3.
sudara
teu.
kari kara sarisa subhagabhujada, kai niaga kara sara koda.4.
His countenance, which resembled the autumnal full moon, was the very perfection
of beauty. Lovely were His cheeks and chin and His neck resembled the conch-shell in
its spiral shape. His ruddy lips, teeth and nose were charming. His smile put to shame
the rays of the moon. His eyes possessed the exquisite beauty of fresh-blown lotuses
and His lovely glance captivated the heart. His eyebrows stole the beauty of Loves bow
and a sectarian mark shone on His forehead. Fish-shaped ear-rings hung from his earlobes and a crown adorned His head. His curly locks looked like a swarm of bees. His
breast was marked by a curl of hair and adorned with a beautiful wreath of sylvan
flowers, a string of precious stones and other jewelled ornaments. His strong and wellbuilt shoulders resembled that of a lion and the lovely sacred thread was suspended from
it. His long beautiful arms resembled the trunk of an elephant. The ornaments adorning
them were also charming. A quiver was tied to His waist and His hands bore an arrow
and a bow.
(14)
0U
U UU U U
UU flU U UH 147H
Do.: taRita binidaka pta paa udara rekha bara tni,

nbhi manohara leti janu jamuna bhava ra chabi chni.147.
His yellow robes put to shame streaks of lightning and His belly had threefolds; while His attractive navel robbed, as it were, the eddies on the Yamun of their
beauty.
(147)
0 Ufl U U U

UU
U U
U UU M

flU U
M

UU
U U U
U U UH
Q U H 1H
U U rH
U H 2H
U UU U UH
U MH 3H
U U fl U H
U
UU
LH 4H
Cau.: pada
rjva barani nahi
jh,
bma
bhga sobhati
anukul,
jsu
asa upajahi gunakhn,
bhkui bilsa jsu jaga
ho,
muni mana madhupa basahi jenha mh.

disakti
chabinidhi
jagamul.1.
aganita
lacchi
um
brahmn.
rma
bma
disi
st
so.2.
* BLA-KNA *
chabisamudra
hari
rupa bilok,
citavahi
sdara
rupa
anup,
haraa bibasa tana das bhuln,
sira parase prabhu nija kara kaj,
169
ekaaka rahe nayana paa rok.

tpti na mnahi manu satarup.3
pare daa iva gahi pada pn.
turata
uhe
karunpuj.4.
His lotus feet, which attract the minds of sages like so many bees, were beyond
description. On His left side shone His primordial energy, St, who is ever devoted to
Him, and who is a storehouse of beauty and the source of the universe. St, who stood
to the left of r Rma, was the same from a fragment of whose being emanate countless
Lakms, Ums and Brahms (Sarasvats), all mines of virtues, and the mere play of
whose eyebrows brings the cosmos into existence. On the form of r Hari, the ocean
of beauty, Manu and atarup gazed intently with unblinking eyes. That incomparable
beauty they looked on with reverence and would not feel sated with it. Overcome with
joy they lost consciousness of their body and fell flat on the ground, clasping His feet
with their hands. The gracious Lord touched their heads with His own lotus hands and
lifted them up at once.
(14)
U
U U fl U H 148H
Do.: bole kpnidhna puni ati prasanna mohi jni,

mgahu bara joi bhva mana mahdni anumni.148.
The compassionate Lord then said, Knowing that I am highly pleased with you
and recognizing Me as a great donor, ask whatever boon you will.
(148)
0 U
UU
U UU U
UU Z
U
L

U U
U U
U
U U
U U H
U UUH 1H
U UH
U ZH 2H
U H
NU UH 3H
UflU U U SflH
U U U UH 4H
Cau.: suni prabhu bacana jori juga pn, dhari
dhraju
bol
mdu
bn.
ntha dekhi pada kamala tumhre, aba pure saba kma hamre.1.
eka
llas
baRi
ura
mh, sugama agama kahi jti so nh.
tumhahi deta ati sugama gos, agama lga mohi nija kpan.2.
jath
tsu
so
daridra
prabhu
tumha
sakuca
bihi
bibudhataru
jna nahi
jnahu
mgu
p, bahu sapati mgata sakuc.

so, tath hdaya mama sasaya ho.3.
atarajm, puravahu mora manoratha svm.

npa moh, more
nahi
adeya
kachu
toh.4.
On hearing the words of the Lord, Manu joined his palms and summoning courage
spoke in soft accents, Now that we have seen Your lotus feet, all our desires have been
fulfilled. Yet one ardent longing still lingers in my heart. It is easy of accomplishment and
170
at the same time hard to attain; hence it cannot be expressed. O Lord, it is easy for You
to grant it; but due to my wretched condition it appears to me so hard to attain. Just as
a pauper who has found a wish-yielding tree feels shy in asking for abundant wealth, little
realizing its glory, even so my heart is possessed by doubt. Being the witness of all
hearts, You know my mind; therefore, O my master, fulfil my desire. O king, ask of Me
unreservedly; there is nothing which I would not give you.
(14)
U UU U
UU UU fl UUH 149H
Do.: dni siromani kpnidhi ntha kahau

satibhu,
chau tumhahi samna suta prabhu sana kavana duru.149.
O crest-jewel of donors, O gracious lord, I tell You my sincere wish: I would have
a son like You. I can have nothing to conceal from You.
(149)
0
U U
MU U U
L U
U U U UU
U r Sfl
U
fl UU
flS
L
H
fl U H 1H
L L UH
U H 2H
U UU UH
r UU UH 3H
U fl H
flU UUH 4H
Cau.: dekhi prti suni bacana amole,

pu
sarisa khojau kaha
j,
satarupahi
biloki
kara
jore,
jo baru ntha catura npa mg,
prabhu paratu suhi hoti hih,
tumha brahmdi janaka jaga svm,
asa samujhata mana sasaya ho,
je nija bhagata ntha tava ahah,
evamastu
karunnidhi
bole.
npa tava tanaya hoba mai .1.
debi mgu baru jo ruci tore .
soi kpla mohi ati priya lg.2.
jadapi bhagata hita tumhahi soh.
brahma sakala ura atarajm.3.
kah jo prabhu pravna puni so.
jo sukha pvahi jo gati lahah.4.
On seeing his love and hearing his invaluable words, the compassionate Lord
said, Amen. But where shall I go to find My equal? I Myself, O king, shall be a son to
you. Then, seeing atarup with her hands still folded, He said, O good lady, ask
whatever boon you please. O gracious Lord, the boon which the clever king has just
asked has appealed to me much. But it is great presumption, my Lord, even though such
presumption is liked by You, O friend of the devotees. You are the progenitor even of
Brahm and other gods, the lord of the universe and the Supreme Being who dwells
within the heart of all. Realizing this, my mind is filled with doubt; but what You have said
is infallible. O my master, the bliss that is enjoyed and the goal that is reached by your
own devotees
(14)
U U
UU UU U UH 150H
* BLA-KNA *
171
Do.: soi sukha soi gati soi bhagati soi nija carana sanehu,
soi bibeka soi rahani prabhu hamahi kp kari dehu.150.
Grant me in Your mercy, O Lord, that very bliss the same destiny, the same
devotion, the same attachment to Your feet, the same insight and the same mode of
living.
(150)
0 U LU U U
U L UU U
U
U UU UU
fl U U

L U U UU
U
H
U UH 1H
U UU U UH
flU UH 2H
U U U U H
fl UU H 3H
flS
L
UH
U U UH 4H
Cau.: suni mdu guRha rucira bara racan,

jo kachu ruci tumhare mana mh,
mtu
bibeka
alaukika
tore ,
badi carana manu kaheu bahor,
suta biaika tava pada rati hou,
mani binu phani jimi jala binu mn,
asa baru mgi carana gahi raheu,
aba tumha mama anussana mn,
kpsidhu bole mdu bacan.

mai so dnha saba sasaya nh.1.
kabahu na miihi anugraha more .
avara eka binat prabhu mor.2.
mohi baRa muRha kahai kina kou.
mama jvana timi tumhahi adhn.3.
evamastu
karunnidhi
kaheu.
basahu ji surapati rajadhn.4.
Hearing the soft, pregnant, charming and excellent speech of atarup, the
gracious Lord gently replied, Whatever desire you cherish in your mind I have granted;
you should have no doubt about it. Mother, by My grace your uncommon wisdom shall
never fail. Bowing at His feet, Manu again said, Lord, I have one more request to make.
Let me have attachment to Your feet, of the same type as one has for a son, no matter
if anyone calls me a big fool. Just as a snake cannot live without the gem on its hood
and a fish without water, even so let my life be dependent on You (let me not survive
without You). Asking this boon, the king remained clasping the Lords feet till the Allmerciful said, Let it be so. Now, obeying My command go and dwell in the capital of Indra
(the chief of gods).
(14)
0U
U U
UUU fl U UU H 151H
So.: taha kari bhoga bisla tta gae kachu kla puni,
hoihahu avadha bhula taba mai hoba tumhra suta.151.
Having enjoyed extensive enjoyments there you shall, after some time, be born
as king of Ayodhy; then, odear one, I will be your son.
(151)
0U
U
flU UUU U UUH
U U U U UUU U H 1H
172
U U U
Q U U
UU
UU
U
UU U

fl UUU H
U flUU U U H 2H
UUH
U
flH 3H
U fl U H
U Ufl H 4H
Cau.: icchmaya
narabea
sa vre ,
asanha sahita deha dhari tt,
je suni sdara nara baRabhg,
disakti
jehi
jaga
upajy,
purauba mai abhila tumhr,
puni puni asa kahi kpnidhn,
dapati ura dhari bhagata kpl,
samaya pi tanu taji anays,
hoihau pragaa niketa tumhre .

karihau carita bhagata sukhadt.1.
bhava tarihahi mamat mada tyg.
sou avatarihi mori yaha my.2.
satya satya pana satya hamr.
ataradhna
bhae
bhagavn.3.
tehi rama nivase kachu kl.
ji
knha
amarvati
bs.4.
Voluntarily assuming human guise I will manifest Myself in your house. Bodying
Myself forth with My drayments I will perform sportive acts which will be a source of
delight to My devotees. Hearing of such exploits with reverence blessed men shall cross
the ocean of worldly existence, renouncing the feeling of meum and arrogance. This
My, who is no other than My primordial energy that has brought forth the universe, too
will manifest Herself. In this way I will accomplish your desire and this pledge of Mine shall
never, never, never fail. Repeating this again and again, the gracious Lord vanished out
of sight. Cherishing in their mind the image of the Lord who is so compassionate to His
devotees, the wedded couple stayed in that hermitage for some time more. And dropping
their body, when the time came, without the least pain they went and took their abode
in Amarvat, the city of immortals.
(14)
0U
U UU U
Um U U U UH 152H
Do.: yaha itihsa punta ati umahi kah baketu,

bharadvja sunu apara puni rma janama kara hetu.152.
This most sacred legend was related by iva (who has a bull emblazoned on His
standard) to Um. Bharadvja, now hear yet another cause of r Rmas birth. (152)
0 U
Sfl
U UU

U U
U U U
U U U
U
U U
U U U U
U H
U UH 1H
flH
U UUH 2H
UH
H 3H
U U H
UU U fl UH 4H
* BLA-KNA *
Cau.: sunu muni kath punta purn,
bisva bidita eka kaikaya desu,
dharama dhuradhara nti nidhn,
tehi ke bhae jugala suta br,
rja dhan jo jeha suta h,
apara sutahi arimardana nm,
bhihi
bhihi
parama
samt,
jehe sutahi rja npa dnh,
173
jo girij prati sabhu bakhn.

satyaketu
taha basai
naresu.1.
teja
pratpa
sla
balavn.
saba guna dhma mah ranadhr.2.
nma
pratpabhnu
asa
th.
bhujabala atula acala sagrm.3.
sakala doa chala barajita prt.
hari hita pu gavana bana knh.4.
Listen, O sage, to an old and sacred legend which was narrated by ambhu to
Girij.There was a principality known by the name of Kaikaya, which was celebrated
throughout the world. A king named Satyaketu ruled there. He was a champion of virtue,
a storehouse of political wisdom, dignified, glorious, amiable and powerful. He had two
gallant sons, who were repositories of all virtues and most staunch in battle. The elder
of the two and the heir to the throne was named Pratpabhnu. The other was known
by the name of Arimardana, who was unequalled in strength of arm and steady in battle.
There was perfect unity between the two brothers and the affection each bore to the
other was free from all blemish and guile. To the elder son the king resigned the throne
and withdrew himself into the forest for the sake of devotion to r Hari.
(14)
U U U U
U U H 153H
Do.: jaba pratparabi bhayau npa phir doh desa,

praj pla ati bedabidhi katahu nah agha lesa.153.
When Pratpabhnu became king, a proclamation to this effect was made throughout
the land. He looked after his subjects with utmost care according to the precepts of the
Vedas and there was not a speck of sin anywhere (in his kingdom).
(153)
0 UU fl
fl
U
U U
UU UU
U
U
U
U U UZ
# U
fl U U
UL H
UUH 1H
U U UH
L UU H 2H
U H
UZH 3H
U UU UH
UH 4H
Cau.: npa
saciva
sena
sena
bijaya
jaha
sapta
sakala
nma dharamaruci sukra samn.

pu
pratpapuja
ranadhr.1.
amita subhaa saba samara jujhr.
aru
bje
gahagahe
nisn.2.
sudina sdhi npa caleu baj.
jte
sakala
bhupa
bari.3.
lai lai daa chRi npa dnhe.
eka
pratpabhnu
mahipl.4.
hitakraka saciva sayn,

sayna badhu balabr,
saga caturaga
apr,
biloki
ru
haran,
hetu
kaaka
ban,
taha par
aneka
lar,
dpa bhujabala basa knhe,
avani maala tehi kl,
174
The prime minister, Dharmaruci by name, was a second ukra* and was as
devoted to the king as he was wise. With a prudent counseller and a gallant and powerful
brother, the king himself was an embodiment of glory and daring in war. He owned a vast
army consisting of horse and foot, chariots and elephants. It had numberless excellent
warriors all of whom fought fearlessly in battle. The king rejoiced to see his army and there
was a tumultuous sound of kettledrums. He collected a special force for the conquest of
the world, and availing himself of an auspicious day marched forth with beat of drums.
A number of battles were fought here and there and all hostile kings were brought to their
knees by superior might. By the strength of his arm be reduced all the seven sections
of the terrestrial region and let the princes go on payment of tribute. Now Pratpabhnu
was the undisputed sovereign of the entire globe.
(14)
0Sfl
Sfl U U U U
U U fl UH 154H
Do.: svabasa bisva kari bhubala nija pura knha prabesu,

aratha dharama kmdi sukha sevai samaya naresu.154.
Having thus subjugated the whole universe by the might of his arm, the king reentered his capital. He indulges in the pleasures of wealth, religious practices and sensegratification etc., at the appropriate time.
(154)

U U
fl UL U U
U U U Ufl
U
fl
Ufl
U
Cau.: bhupa
pratpabhnu
bala
UH
U U U UH 1H
U U fl H
U flH 2H
U U H
S U UH 3H
U U H
UU H 4H
p, kmadhenu
saba dukha barajita praj sukhr, dharamasla
bhai
bhumi
sudara
nara
suh.
nr.1.
saciva dharamaruci hari pada prt, npa hita hetu sikhava nita nt.
gura
sura sata pitara mahidev, karai sad npa saba kai sev.2.
bhupa dharama je beda bakhne, sakala karai sdara sukha mne.

dina prati dei bibidha bidhi dn, sunai sstra bara beda purn.3.
nn
bp
kupa
taRg, sumana bik sudara bg.
biprabhavana
surabhavana suhe, saba
trathanha
bicitra
bane.4.
Secured by king Pratpabhnus might, the charming earth became a cow of

plenty as it were (yielded all ones coveted products). The people were happy and
free from all sorrows and both men and women were good-looking and virtuous. The
minister, Dharmaruci, was devoted to the feet of r Hari; in the interest of his king he
* The celebrated preceptor of the Daityas, who is noted for his political insight and is credited with the
authorship of the famous work on political science, ukranti.
* BLA-KNA *
175
advised him on state policy everyday. Preceptors, gods, saints, manes and Brhmaas
the king invariably served them all. Whatever duties have been enjoined on a king in the
Vedas, he gladly and devoutly performed. He bestowed gifts of various kinds everyday and
listened to the best scriptures including the Vedas and the Puras. In all holy places he
constructed many small and big wells and tanks, flower gardens and lovely orchards,
dwellings for the Brhmaas and beautiful temples of wonderful architecture.
(14)
0U
U U
U Ud Ud U UH 155H
Do.: jaha lagi kahe purna ruti eka eka saba jga,
bra sahasra sahasra npa kie sahita anurga.155.
Whatever sacrifices have been enjoined in the Vedas and the Puras, the king
devoutly performed each one of them a thousand times.
(155)
0NU U
U U U
U U U U
U
U UU
U U U
U U
LU
U
U

U H
fl H 1H
U H
U U H 2H
UU U UUH
U U UH 3H
flU H
UUH 4H
Cau.: hdaya na kachu phala anusadhn,

karai je dharama karama mana bn,
caRhi bara bji bra eka rj,
bidhycala gabhra bana gayau,
phirata bipina npa dkha barhu,
baRa bidhu nahi samta mukha mh,
kola
karla dasana chabi g,
ghurughurta
haya
rau
pe ,
bhupa
bibek
parama
sujn.
bsudeva
arpita
npa
gyn.1.
mgay kara saba sji samj.
mga punta bahu mrata bhayau.2.
janu bana dureu sasihi grasi rhu.
manahu krodha basa ugilata nh.3.
tanu
bisla
pvara
adhik.
cakita
bilokata
kna
uhe .4.
There was no seeking for any reward in his heart; the king was a man of great
discrimination and wisdom. Whatever meritorious act he performed in thought, word or
deed, the wise king dedicated it to Lord Vsudeva (the all-pervading God Viu).
Equipping himself with all the outfit of hunting, the king mounted a gallant steed one day
and, entering the dense forest of the Vindhya range, killed many a sacred animals. While
ranging in the wood he espied a wild boar. It looked as if with the moon in his mouth
the demon Rhu had hid in the forest. The orb was too large to be contained in the mouth,
yet in his rage he would not disgorge it. Thus have I chosen to portray the beauty of the
frightful tusks of the boar, while its body too was of an enormous size and bulk. Growling
at the tramp of the horse and pricking up its ears it gazed with a startled look. (14)
UU U UU
U U U U U U UH 156H
176
Do.: nla mahdhara sikhara sama dekhi bisla barhu,

capari caleu haya suuki npa h ki na hoi nibhu.156.
On seeing the huge boar, which resembled a purple mountain-peak, the king
whipped the horse and advanced rapidly, challenging the boar at the same time and
saying it could no longer escape.
(156)
Ufl
U U
U U fl
U
U U UU

U U
U
U UU L H
U U H 1H
U U U UU flH
U U H 2H
U U UH
UH 3H
U UU UH
UU U UU H 4H
Cau.: vata dekhi adhika rava

bj,
turata knha npa sara sadhn,
taki
taki
tra
mahsa calv,
pragaata durata ji mga bhg,
gayau duri ghana gahana barhu,
ati akela bana
bipula kalesu,
kola biloki bhupa baRa
dhr,
agama dekhi npa ati pachit,
caleu barha maruta gati bhj.

mahi mili gayau bilokata bn.1.
kari chala suara sarra bacv.
risa basa bhupa caleu sa ga lg.2.
jaha
nhina gaja bji nibhu.
tadapi na mga maga tajai naresu.3.
bhgi
paiha
giriguh gabhr.
phireu mahbana pareu bhul.4.
0fl
U
U
U
When it saw the horse coming on with a great noise, the boar took to flight swift as
wind. The king lost no time in fitting the arrow to his bow and the boar crouched as soon as
it saw the shaft. The king discharged his arrows taking a steady aim each time, but the boar
saved itself by its wiliness. The beast rushed on, now hiding and now emerging into view;
while the king in much excitement followed closely on its track. The boar went afar into a
dense thicket, which was impenetrable by elephant or horse. Even though the king was all
by himself and was faced with untold hardships in the forest, still he would not abandon the
chase. Seeing the king so determined, the boar slunk away into a deep mountain-cave.
When the king perceived that there was no access to the cave, he had to return much
disappointed; and, what was worse, he lost his track in the great forest.
(14)
Uh U
U U U H 157H
Do.: kheda khinna chuddhita tita rj bji sameta,

khojata bykula sarita sara jala binu bhayau aceta.157.
Exhausted with much exertion and oppressed by hunger and thirst, the king and his
horse kept searching for a stream or pond and almost fainted for want of water.
(157)
0U U U H
U UU U U UH 1H
* BLA-KNA *
U
U
UU
UU
U
U U
U U U U
fl U
U U
U U
H
UU H 2H
H
U U U UH 3H
U H
U U UU H 4H
Cau.: phirata bipina rama eka dekh,

jsu desa npa lnha
chaR,
samaya pratpabhnu kara jn,
gayau na gha mana bahuta galn,
risa ura mri raka jimi rj,
tsu sampa gavana npa knh,
ru
tita nahi
so pahicn,
utari turaga te knha pranm,
taha basa npati kapaa munibe.

samara sena taji gayau par.1.
pana
ati
asamaya
anumn.
mil na rjahi npa abhimn.2.
bipina basai tpasa ke sj.
yaha pratparabi tehi taba cnh.3.
dekhi subea mahmuni jn.
parama catura na kaheu nija nm.4.
177
While wandering in the forest he espied a hermitage. In that hermitage dwelt,

in the disguise of a hermit, a monarch who had been despoiled of his kingdom by
Pratpabhnu and who had run away from the field of battle deserting his army. Knowing
that the time was propitious for Pratpabhnu and most unfavourable to his own self,
he felt much disgusted at heart and refused to return home; and he was too proud
to come to terms with the victor. Suppressing the anger in his own heart the ex-king
lived in the forest like a pauper in the garb of an anchorite. It was to him that king
Pratpabhnu went and he for his part immediately recognized that the newcomer was
no other than Pratpabhnu. Overcome by thirst, the latter, however, could not recognize
the ex-king. Perceiving his holy garb Pratpabhnu took him to be a great sage and,
getting down from his horse, made obeisance to him. The king was, however, too astute
to disclose his name.
(14)
U UL U
U U UUH 158H
Do.: bhupati tita biloki tehi sarabaru dnha dekhi,

majjana pna sameta haya knha npati harai.158.
Seeing king Pratpabhnu thirsty, he showed him a good lake and the king as well
as his horse gladly bathed in it and drank from it.
(158)
0
U S U
U UU
U
U
fl
U
UU
UU

U U U UU
U U U
H
U H 1H
U
fl
UUH
UH 2H
fl U H
U U H 3H
U U UUUH
U L UUH 4H
178
Cau.: gai rama sakala sukh npabhayau,

sana dnha
asta
rabi jn,
ko tumha kasa bana phirahu akele ,
cakrabarti
ke
lacchana tore ,
nma
pratpabhnu
avans,
phirata
ahere
pareu bhul,
hama kaha durlabha darasatumhr,
kaha muni tta bhayau a dhir,
nija rama tpasa lai gayau.

puni tpasa boleu mdu bn.1.
sudara
jub
jva
parahele .
dekhata
day
lgi
ati
more .2.
tsu saciva mai sunahu muns.
baRe bhga dekheu
pada .3.
jnata hau kachu bhala honihr.
jojana sattari nagaru tumhr.4.
The whole fatigue was gone and the king heaved a sigh of relief. The hermit
thereafter took him back to his hermitage; and perceiving that it was sunset now he gave
him a seat and then spoke to him in polite terms, Who are you and wherefore do you
risk your life by roaming in the forest all alone, even though you are so young and
handsome? Reading the marks of an emperor on your person I am moved with great
pity. Listen, O great sage: there is a king named Pratpabhnu; I am his minister.
Ranging in pursuit of hunt I have lost my way and by great good fortune I have been led
into your presence. Your sight is a rare boon to me; it leads me to believe that something
good is about to befall me. The hermit said, It is now dusk, my son; and your city is
five hundred and sixty miles away.
(14)
U U U
U U U U UH 159 ()H
Do.: nis ghora gabhra bana patha na sunahu sujna,

basahu ju asa jni tumha jehu hota bihna.159(A).
Listen, O wise: dark and dreary is the night, and the forest is dense and trackless;
knowing this, tarry here overnight and depart in the morning.
(159 A)
fl U
fl U U U U H 159 ()H
tulas
punu
jasi bhavatabyat tais milai sahi,

vai thi pahi thi tah
lai ji.159(B).
The inevitable, says Tulasdsa, is invariably preceded by circumstances that are

favourable to it. Either it comes to a man or takes him to the cause of his doom. (159 B)
0U U
U U
U U
U fl
U U
U U
U
U

U
U

U
U

U L U UH
U UUH 1H
UU UUH
UU H 2H
NU U H
U U U H 3H
fl fl UH
U U NU UUH 4H
* BLA-KNA *
179
Cau.: bhalehi ntha yasu dhari ss,b dhi turaga taru baiha mahs.
npa bahu bh ti prasaseu th, carana badi nija bhgya sarh.1.
hih.
puni
boleu
mdu gir suh, jni pit prabhu karau
mohi munsa suta sevaka jn, ntha nma nija kahahu bakhn.2.
tehi na jna npa npahi so jn, bhupa suhda so kapaa sayn.
bair
puni
chatr
puni rj, chala bala knha cahai nija kj.3.
samujhi rjasukha dukhita art, av anala
iva
sulagai
cht.
sarala bacana npa ke suni kn, bayara sa bhri hdaya haran.4.
Very well, my lord, the king replied; and bowing to the hermits command he tied
up the horse to a tree and then sat down. The king extolled him in many ways and
bowing at his feet congratulated himself. He then spoke to him in soft and endearing
terms, Regarding you as a father, my lord, I venture to address you. Looking upon me
as your son and servant O great sage, pray tell me your name in full, my master.
Although the king did not recognize him, he recognized the king. While the king had a
guileless heart, the hermit was a pastmaster in fraud. Being an enemy in the first
instance, and a Katriya on top of it and again of royal blood, he sought to accomplish
his end by dint of his cunning. The thought of the pleasures of royalty had made the
enemy king sad; the fire of jealousy smouldered within his heart like that of a furnace.
On hearing the artless words of Pratpabhnu and recalling the grudge he had nursed
against him, the hermit felt delighted at heart.
(14)
0 U
U U
UU U UU H 160H
Do.: kapaa bori bn mdula boleu juguti sameta,

nma hamra bhikhri aba nirdhana rahita niketa.160.
He uttered the following soft yet false and artful words, My name is now Bhikhr
(a mendicant), penniless and homeless as I am.
(160)

UUU
U
UU UU
U U
fl U

U UU

U UU U
U U H
H 1H
U UU UH
U U flU UH 2H
U U SflH
Sfl H 3H
U U H
U U H 4H
Cau.: kaha npa je bigyna nidhn,

sad
rahahi
apanapau dure ,
tehi te kahahi sata ruti ere ,
tumha sama adhana bhikhri ageh,
josi sosi tava carana
namm,
sahaja prti bhupati kai
dekh,
saba
prakra
rjahi
apan,
sunu satibhu
kahau mahipl,
tumha srikhe galita abhimn.

saba bidhi kusala kubea bane .1.
parama akicana priya hari kere .
hota
biraci
sivahi
sadeh.2.
mo para kp karia aba svm.
pu
biaya
bisvsa
bise.3.
boleu
adhika
saneha
jan.
ih
basata
bte
bahu
kl.4.
0U
U
U
180
The king replied, Those who are repositories of wisdom and free from pride like
you always keep their reality concealed; even though proficient in everyway, they prefer
to remain in tattered clothes. That is why saints as well as the Vedas proclaim that
those who are supremely indigent are held most dear by r Hari. Penniless and homeless
beggars like you fill the minds of even Viraci and iva with doubt. Whoever you may
be, I bow at Your feet; now be gracious to me, my lord. When the hermit saw the
kings artless affection and extraordinary faith in him, he won him over in everyway,
and spoke with a still greater affection Listen, O king; I tell you sincerely that I have
dwelt here for long.
(14)
0 U U U flU
U
U UH 161 ()H
Do.: aba lagi mohi na mileu kou mai na janvau khu,

lokamnyat anala sama kara tapa knana dhu.161(A).
No one has come to me so far nor do I make myself known to anyone;
for popular esteem is like a wild fire, which consumes the forest of penance (i.e.,
neutralizes it).
(161 A)
U U U U
U U UH 161 ()H
So.: tulas dekhi subeu bhulahi muRha na catura nara,

sudara kekihi pekhu bacana sudh sama asana ahi.161(B).
Not only fools, says Tulasdsa, but even clever men are taken in by fair
appearances. Look at the beautiful peacock: though its notes are sweet like nectar, it
devours snakes.
(161 B)
0 UUU U
U
U U U
UflU U
U
Sfl
UU

UU U U
UU UH
U fl UH 1H
U U UUH
L U UH 2H
U U SflH
H 3H
U L H
U fl H 4H
Cau.: tte
guputa rahau
jaga mh,
prabhu jnata saba binahi jane,
tumha suci sumati parama priya more,
aba
jau
tta
durvau toh,
jimi jimi tpasu kathai uds,
dekh svabasa karma mana bn,
nma
hamra
ekatanu bh,
kahahu nma kara aratha bakhn,
hari taji kimapi prayojana nh.

kahahu kavani sidhi loka rijhe .1.
prti
pratti
mohi
para
tore. .
druna doa ghaai ati moh.2.
timi timi npahi upaja bisvs.
taba
bol
tpasa
bagadhyn.3.
suni npa boleu puni siru n.
mohi sevaka ati pana jn.4.
* BLA-KNA *
181
That is why I live in this world away from the public gaze. I have little to do with
anything other than r Hari. The Lord knows everything without being told; tell me, then,
what is to be gained by humouring the world. You are sincere and intelligent and are therefore
supremely dear to me; and I too have earned your affection and confidence. Now, my son,
if I were to keep anything from you, I shall incur the most severe blame. The more the
hermit talked of his indifference to the world the more trustful grew the king. When the false
anchorite saw the king devoted to him in thought, word and deed, he said, My name,
brother, is Ekatanu. Hearing this, the king bowed his head and asked further, Kindly explain
to me the meaning of this appellation recognizing me as your faithful servant.
(14)
0 CU
U U U U
U U U U UUH 162H
Do.: disi upaj jabahi taba utapati bhai mori,

nma ekatanu hetu tehi deha na dhar bahori.162.
My birth took place at the first dawn of creation. Since then I have never taken
another body; that is why I am called Ekatanu.
(162)
0 U U

UU
U U
U
U
U
Ufl
U
U U
Cau.: jani caraju
tapabala te
U

U
U

U

U
U UH
c H 1H
U UH
U U H 2H
U M U H
U U H 3H
U H
UU U UH 4H
karahu mana mh, suta tapa te durlabha kachu nh.

jaga sjai bidht, tapabala binu bhae paritrt.1.
tapabala sabhu karahi saghr,

bhayau npahi suni ati anurg,
karama dharama itihsa anek,
udabhava plana pralaya kahn,
suni mahpa tpasa basa bhayau,
kaha tpasa npa jnau
toh,
tapa te agama na kachu sasr.

kath purtana kahai so lg.2.
karai
nirupana
birati
bibek.
kahesi amita caraja bakhn.3.
pana nma kahana taba layau.
knhehu kapaa lga bhala moh.4.
Marvel not, my son, to hear this; for nothing is too difficult to obtain through
penance. By dint of penance Brahm creates the universe; by dint of penance Viu
assumed the role of its protector. By dint of penance, again, ambhu destroys the world;
there is nothing in this world which cannot be attained through penance. Hearing this,
the king felt much enamoured and the hermit commenced relating old legends. Having
discussed topics of Karma (action) and Dharma (duty) and told many legends bearing
on them he discoursed on dispassion and knowledge. And he further related at length
countless marvellous stories connected with the creation, maintenance and dissolution
of the universe. Hearing all this the king completely yielded to the influence of the hermit
and then proceeded to tell him his real name. Said the hermit, O king, I know you. Even
though you tried to deceive me, I appreciated this move on your part.
(14)
182
U U U UU
U U U U U flH 163H
So.: sunu mahsa asi nti jaha taha nma na kahahi npa,
mohi tohi para ati prti soi caturat bicri tava.163.
O king, the political maxim is that kings should not disclose their name in all cases.
And when I thought of your political sagacity, I conceived great love for you.
(163)
0
UU

U U
fl U
U U U
U
UU
U U
U
fl UH
U H 1H
H
UU U UH 2H
fl UH
U U H 3H
U U U UH
U UU H 4H
Cau.: nma tumhra pratpa

dines,
gura prasda saba jnia
rj,
dekhi tta tava sahaja sudh,
upaji par mamat mana more ,
aba prasanna mai sasaya nh,
suni subacana bhupati haran,
kpsidhu muni darasana tore ,
prabhuhi tathpi prasanna bilok,
satyaketu
tava
pit
nares.
kahia
na
pana
jni
akj.1.
prti
pratti
nti
nipun.
kahau kath
nija
puche
tore .2.
mgu jo bhupa bhva mana mh.
gahi pada binaya knhi bidhi nn.3.
cri
padratha
karatala
more .
mgi
agama
bara
hou asok.4.
Your name is Pratpabhnu; king Satyaketu was your father. O king, by the
grace of my preceptor I know everything; but foreseeing my own harm I refuse to tell
everything I know. When I saw your natural straightforwardness, affection, faith and
political wisdom, I conceived a spontaneous affection for you; and that is why I told you
my own story on your asking. I am now pleased; doubt not and ask what you will, O
king. Hearing these agreeable words, the king rejoiced and, clasping the hermits feet,
supplicated to him in many ways. O gracious sage, by your very sight I have within my
grasp all the four ends of human existence (viz., religious merit, wealth, enjoyment and
final beatitude). Yet, as I see my lord so gracious, I would ask a boon which is impossible
to attain otherwise, and thereby overcome sorrow.
(14)
0 U
U UU U U
U UU U U UUH 164H
Do.: jar marana dukha rahita tanu samara jitai jani kou,
ekachatra ripuhna mahi rja kalapa sata hou.164.
Let my body be free from old age, death and suffering; let no one vanquish me
in battle and let me enjoy undisputed sovereignty over the globe for a hundred Kalpas
(repetitions of creation) and let me have no enemies.
(164)
* BLA-KNA *
0U U
U U
UU
U UU U
r U
U
UUU UU
fl
U U H
UU UH 1H
U U UflUH
c UH 2H
UU U UUH
U U flU H 3H
U U H
U H 4H
Cau.: kaha tpasa npa

aisei hou,
klau
tua
pada
nihi
ss,
tapabala
bipra
sad
barir,
jau bipranha basa karahu nares,
cala na brahmakula sana bari,
bipra rpa binu sunu mahipl,
haraeu ru bacana suni tsu,
tava prasda prabhu kpnidhn,
krana eka kahina sunu sou.

eka
biprakula
chRi
mahs.1.
tinha ke kopa na kou rakhavr.
tau tua basa bidhi binu mahes.2.
satya kahau dou bhuj uh.
tora nsa nahi kavanehu kl.3.
ntha na hoi mora aba nsu.
mo
kahu sarba
kla
kalyn.4.
183
Said the anchorite, So be it, O king. But there is one difficulty; hear it too. Even Death
shall bow his head at your feet (much more those who are subject to death). The only
exception shall be the Brhmaas, O ruler of the earth. The Brhmaas are ever powerful
by virtue of their penance; no one can deliver from their wrath. If you can propitiate the
Brhmaas to your will, O king, even Brahm, Viu and the great Lord iva shall be at your
command. Might is of no avail against the Brhmaas; with both arms raised to heaven I tell
you this truth. Listen, O sovereign; if you escape the Brhmaas curse, you shall never
perish. Hearing his words, the king rejoiced and said, My lord, I shall no longer die. By your
grace, O benevolent master, I shall be blessed at all times.
(14)
0flS
U U U UU
UU UU UU UH 165H
Do.: evamastu kahi kapaamuni bol kuila bahori,

milaba hamra bhulba nija kahahu ta hamahi na khori.165.
Amen! said the false anchorite, and added with crafty intent, If you tell anyone
about my meeting with you and your straying away, the fault shall not be mine. (165)
0
UU
U
U UU U
fl U U U
U fl m
U fl U
U
U
U U UU
U fl U H
UU H 1H
U H
UU UU U UH 2H
m U UU UH
U U U U H 3H
UU U UUH
184
Cau.: tte
mai tohi
barajau
rj, kahe
kath tava parama akj.
chahe ravana yaha paratakahn, nsa tumhra satya mama bn.1.
yaha
pragae
athav
dvijarp,
nsa tora sunu bhnupratp.
na upya nidhana tava nh, jau hari hara kopahi mana mh.2.
satya ntha pada gahi npa bh, dvija gura kopa kahahu ko rkh.
rkhai gura jau
kopa bidht, gura birodha nahi kou jaga trt.3.
jau na calaba hama kahetumhre , hou nsa nahi soca hamre .
ekahi ara arapata mana mor, prabhu mahideva rpa ati ghor.4.
I warn you, O king, because great harm shall befall you if you relate this incident
to anyone. If this talk happens to reach a third pair of ears, I tell you the truth, you are
doomed. O Pratpabhnu, if you divulge this secret or if a Brhmaa curses you, you
are undone. In no other way shall you die, even if r Hari and Hara get angry with you.
It is true, my lord, said the king, clasping the hermits feet. Tell me, who can deliver
from the wrath of a Brhmaa or a spiritual preceptor? A Guru can save one even if one
has evoked the wrath of Brahm; but in the event of a quarrel with ones preceptor there
is no one in the world who can save. If I do not follow your advice, let me perish; I care
not. My mind is disturbed by only one fear; the curse of a Brhmaa, my lord, is
something most terrible.
(14)
0UU
fl UU U U
U U U UH 166H
Do.: hohi bipra basa kavana bidhi kahahu kp kari sou,

tumha taji dnadayla nija hitu na dekhau kou.166.
How shall I be able to win over the Brhmaas? Kindly tell me that too. I see no
well wishes other than you, my gracious lord.
(166)
0 U
U
U

L
U fl U
U U
U U U U UU
U
CU UU UH
U U UH 1H
U fl U UH
U U H 2H
H
H 3H
U U UUH
U U U UH 4H
Cau.: sunu npa bibidha jatana jaga mh, kaasdhya puni hohi
ahai
eka
ati
sugama
up, tah paratu
eka
mama
dhna
juguti
ju
lage
aru
jau
na
ju
tava
mahsa
boleu
suni
jaba
ki
nh.
kahin.1.
npa
te
so, mora jba tava nagara na ho.

bhayau , khu ke gha grma na gayau .2.
hoi
akju, ban
asamajasa
ju.
mdu
bn, ntha nigama asi nti bakhn.3.

baRe saneha laghunha para karah, giri nija sirani sad tna dharah.
jaladhi agdha mauli baha phenu, satata dharani dharata sira renu.4.
* BLA-KNA *
185
Listen, O king: there are various expedients in this world. But they are hard to
accomplish and are of doubtful issue besides. Of course, there is one very simple
device; but that too involves one difficulty. Its contrivance depends on me; but my going
to your city is out of the question. Ever since I was born I have never been to anybodys
house or village so far. And if I do not go, it will be a misfortune for you. I am therefore
in a dilemma today. Hearing this, the king replied in a polite language, My lord, there
is a maxim laid down in the Vedas: the great show kindness to the small. Mountains
always bear tiny blades of grass on their tops, the fathomless ocean carries floating foam
on its breast and the earth ever bears dust on its bosom.
(14)
U U U Sfl UU
U U H 167H
Do.: asa kahi gahe naresa pada svm hohu kpla,

mohi lgi dukha sahia prabhu sajjana dnadayla.167.
So saying, the king clasped the hermits feet and said, Be gracious to me, my
master. You are a saint, compassionate to the humble; therefore, my lord, take this
trouble on my behalf.
(167)
0
U
UU U
fl UUU U

U U U
U
U U fl
U UU
U
U H
U U UH 1H
UH
U U UH 2H
U LU U H
fl UH 3H
fl U H
U UUH 4H
Cau.: jni
npahi
pana
dhn,
satya kahau bhupati sunu toh,
avasi
kja
mai karihau tor,
joga juguti tapa matra prabhu,
jau
naresa
mai
karau raso,
anna so joi joi bhojana kara,
puni tinha ke gha jeva i jou,
ji
upya
racahu npa
ehu,
bol
tpasa
kapaa
prabn.
jaga nhina durlabha kachu moh.1.
mana tana bacana bhagata tai mor.
phalai tabahi jaba karia duru.2.
tumha parusahu mohi jna na ko.
soi soi tava yasu anusara.3.
tava basa hoi bhupa sunu sou.
sabata bhari sakalapa karehu.4.
Knowing that the king was completely under his influence, the hermit, who was
clever at deception, said, Listen, O king: I tell you the truth. For me in this world there
is nothing hard to obtain. I will surely accomplish your object, devoted as you are in
thought, word and deed to me. The power of Yoga (contemplation), planning, penance
and mystic formulas work only when secrecy is maintained about them. O king, if I cook
food and you serve it and if nobody comes to know me, whoever tastes the food so
prepared shall become amenable to your orders. Again, I tell you, whosoever dines at the
house of such people shall, O king, be dominated by your will. Go and operate this
scheme, O king, and take this vow for a whole year.
(14)
186
m U UU U UflU
UU U U flUH 168H
Do.: nita nutana dvija sahasa sata barehu sahita parivra,

mai tumhare sakalapa lagi dinahi karabi jevanra.168.
Everyday invite a new set of a hundred thousand Brhmaas with their families;
while I, so long as your vow lasts, shall provide the daily banquet.
(168)
0U CU U
UUU U fl
U U UU
UU
UUU
U U
U U
U U
U
U U
Cau.: ehi
bidhi bhupa kaa ati
UUU UH
U U flH 1H
U U H
UU U H 2H
UUU U U UflH
U flU H 3H
U U U H
UUU
flU
H 4H
thore , hoihahi
sakala
bipra
basa
tore .
karihahi bipra homa makha sev, tehi prasaga sahajehi basa dev.1.
aura
eka tohi kahau lakhu, mai ehi bea na uba ku.
tumhare
tapabala
mai
gai
mai
uparohita
tehi
kari
kahu
ry, hari naba mai kari nija my.2.

pu samn, rakhihau ih baraa
paravn.
dhari tsu beu sunu rj, saba

nisi
bidhi
tora
sa vraba
kj.3.
bahuta sayana aba kje, mohi tohi bhupa bhe a dina tje.
tapabala
tohi
turaga samet, pahu caihau
sovatahi
niket.4.
In this way O king, with little exertion all the Brhmaas shall be proptiate to your
will. The Brhmaas in their turn will offer oblations into the sacred fire, perform big
sacrifices and practise adoration; and through that channel the gods too shall be easily
won over. I give you one more sign. I will never come in this form. By my delusive power,
O king, I will carry off your family priest and, making him just like myself by dint of my
penance, will keep him here for the year; while I, O king, will take his form and manage
everything for you. The night is far gone, so you had better retire now; on the third day
we will meet again. By my penitential power I will convey you home, both you and your
horse, even while you are asleep.
(14)
U U UU U
fl UH 169H
Do.: mai uba soi beu dhari pahicnehu taba mohi,

jaba ekta boli saba kath sunvau tohi.169.
I will come in the form I have told you, and you will recognize me when I call you
aside and remind you of all this.
(169)
* BLA-KNA *
0 U

U U fl
U U
U L
U U U
U U L U
U U U UU U
U UH
fl H 1H
U U U U flH
U UH 2H
fl H
U H 3H
UH
fl U UH 4H
Cau.: sayana knha npa yasu mn,

ramita
bhupa nidr ati
,
klaketu
nisicara
taha
v,
parama mitra tpasa npa ker,
tehi ke sata suta aru dasa bh,
prathamahi bhupa samara saba mre,
tehi khala pchila bayaru sa bhr,
jehi ripu chaya soi racenhi upu,
sana
ji
baiha
chalagyn.
so
kimi
sova
soca
adhik.1.
jehi sukara hoi npahi bhulv.
jnai so ati kapaa ghaner.2.
khala ati ajaya deva dukhad.
bipra sata sura dekhi dukhre.3.
tpasa npa mili matra bicr.
bhv basa na jna kachu ru.4.
187
The king went to sleep in obedience to the hermit; while the counterfeit sage
returned to his own seat and sat down there. Deep sleep came upon the weary monarch;
but how could the other fellow sleep, distracted as he was with anxiety. The demon
Klaketu made his appearance there; it was he who had assumed the form of a boar and
led the king astray. A great friend of the hermit-king, he was skilled in manifold ways of
deceit. He had a hundred sons and ten brothers, who were great villains, invincible and
annoying to the gods. Seeing the Brhmaas, saints and gods in distress the king had
already killed them all in battle. Recalling the old grudge the wretch conspired with the
hermit-king and contrived a plot for the extermination of the enemy; but, as fate would
have it, the king knew nothing of it.
(14)
0U
U U
U U U U fl UUH 170H
Do.: ripu tejas akela api laghu kari gania na thu,

ajahu deta dukha rabi sasihi sira avaseita rhu.170.
A spirited foe, even though left alone, should not be lightly regarded. The demon
Rhu,* who has nothing left of him but his head, is able to torment both the sun and moon
even to this day.
(170)
0 U UU UU U UU U UH
U U H 1H
* According to the Hindu belief a solar or lunar eclipse takes place only when in the astral plane the
demon Rhu, a sworn enemy of both the sun-god and the moon-god, devours the one or the other either
wholly or partly. The demon, however consists of the head alone, his trunk having been cut off by God Viu
while he was unlawfully attempting to partake of the nectar which was being served to the gods. Since,
however, he had already tasted the nectar, the head became immortal.
188
U U U U
UUU UUU U
U U
U U U
U

U U U U
U U U UH
H 2H
fl H
UU
UH 3H
U U H
UU H 4H
Cau.: tpasa npa nija sakhahi nihr,

mitrahi kahi saba kath sun,
aba sdheu ripu sunahu nares,
parihari soca rahahu tumha so,
kula sameta ripu mula
bah,
tpasa
npahi bahuta
parito,
bhnupratpahi
bji
samet,
npahi nri pahi sayana
kar,
harai mileu uhi bhayau sukhr.

jtudhna
bol
sukha
p.1.
jau tumha knha mora upades.
binu auadha bidhi bidhi kho.2.
cauthe divasa milaba mai .
cal
mahkapa
atiro.3.
pahu cesi chana mjha niket.
hayagha
b dhesi bji ban.4.
The hermit-king was delighted to see his ally and rose to meet him. The meeting
gave him much satisfaction and he related the whole story to his friend. The demon too
was glad and said, Listen, O king: since you have followed my advice, take the enemy
as subdued. Cease to worry now and lay yourself to rest. God has effected a cure
without the use of a medicine, I will sweep away the enemy root and branch and see you
on the fourth day. Fully reassuring the hermit-king, the arch-impostor, who was highly
irascible, departed. In an instant he conveyed Pratpabhnu to his palace, horse and all.
Putting the king to bed beside his queen, he tied up the horse in the stall in the proper
way.
(14)
0U
UUUU UU U UU
U U U U U UH 171H
Do.: rj
ke
uparohitahi
hari
lai
gayau
bahori,
lai rkhesi giri khoha mahu my kari mati bhori.171.

Again he carried off the kings family-priest and, depriving him of his senses by his
supernatural power, kept him in a mountain-cave.
(171)
0 U UUU M
U
U
U U
U U U
fl
UUUU
U
U
UUU fl
Cau.: pu
jgeu
biraci
npa
uparohita
anabhae
UU U H
fl U H 1H
UUU flU U UH
U U U U UH 2H
U U Ufl flH
U H 3H
U UU H
U U flH 4H
rup, pareu
ji
tehi
seja
anup.
bihn, dekhi bhavana ati acaraju mn.1.
* BLA-KNA *
muni mahim mana mahu anumn,
knana gayau bji caRhi teh,
gae
jma juga bhupati
v,
uparohitahi
dekha
jaba
rj,
juga sama npahi gae dina tn,
samaya
jni
uparohita
v,
189
uheu gava hi jehi jna na rn.

pura nara nri na jneu keh.2.
ghara ghara utsava bja badhv.
cakita biloka sumiri soi kj.3.
kapa muni pada raha mati ln.
npahi mate saba kahi samujhv.4.
Himself assuming the form of the family-priest, the demon went and lay down on
the formers sumptuous bed. The king woke even before daybreak and felt much
astonished to find himself at home. Attributing the miracle to the glory of the sage, he got
up quietly, unperceived by the queen. Mounting the same horse he rode off to the woods
without any man or woman of the city knowing it. When it was midday, the king returned;
there was rejoicing and festal music in every house. When the king saw his family-priest,
he looked at him in amazement, recollecting the object he held so dear to his heart. The
interval of three days hung heavy on the monarch as an age, his mind being set on the
feet of the false anchorite. At the appointed time the priest came and reminded him in
detail of all that had been agreed upon.
(14)
UUU U L UU
U U U U U H 172H
Do.: npa haraeu pahicni guru bhrama basa rah na ceta,

bare turata sata sahasa bara bipra kuuba sameta.172.
The king was delighted to recognize his preceptor (in the priests form); his mind
was too clouded to have any sense left. At once he invited a hundred thousand chosen
Brhmaas with their families.
(172)
0UUU
flU

U
U U
U U U
U
L U U
UU UU U U
U
UZ
U

U
UU U H
U H 1H
U U H
U U UH 2H
U H
U U U UH 3H
m UU SflH
fl fl H 4H
Cau.: uparohita
jevanra
ban,
mymaya
tehi
knhi
raso,
bibidha mganha kara mia r dh,
bhojana kahu saba bipra bole,
parusana jabahi lga mahipl,
biprabda uhi uhi gha
jhu,
m su,
bhayau
raso bhusura
bhupa bikala mati moha bhuln,
charasa cri bidhi jasi ruti g.

bijana bahu gani sakai na ko.1.
tehi mahu bipra m su khala s dh.
pada
pakhri
sdara
baihe.2.
bhai
aksabn
tehi
kl.
hai baRi hni anna jani khhu.3.
saba dvija uhe mni bisvsu.
bhv basa na va mukha bn.4.
The priest cooked four kinds of foods with six different tastes as mentioned in the
190
Vedas. He prepared an illusory banquet and a variety of seasoned dishes more than one
could count. Dressing the flesh of a variety of animals the wretch mixed with it the cooked
flesh of Brhmaas. All the invited Brhmaas were then called for the dinner. Their feet
were duly washed and they were respectfully shown to their places.The moment the king
began to serve the food, a (fictitious) voice from heaven (raised by the demon Klaketu
himself) said, Up, up, Brhmaas! and return to your homes. Taste not this food; it is
most harmful. The dishes include the flesh of the Brhmaas.Up rose all the Brhmaas
believing the ethereal voice. The king lost his nerve; his mind was bewildered with
infatuation. As fate would have it, he could not utter a word.
(14)
U U U U
U UU U U UflUH 173H
Do.: bole bipra sakopa taba nahi kachu knha bicra,

ji niscara hohu npa muRha sahita parivra.173.
Then exclaimed the Brhmaas in wrath, without a second thought, O foolish king,
go and take birth in the demons form, you and all your family.
(173)
0U

SflU
U
U
UU
fl U

U U U

U U U
UUU
U H
U UflUH 1H
UUU H
UU U U H 2H
U U U UH
U U H 3H
UU UU UH
UU fl H 4H
Cau.: chatrabadhu tai bipra

bol,
svara rkh dharama
hamr,
sabata madhya nsa tava hou,
npa suni rpa bikala ati trs,
biprahu rpa bicri na dnh,
cakita bipra saba suni nabhabn,
taha na asana nahi bipra sur,
saba prasaga mahisuranha sun,
ghlai
lie
sahita
samud.
jaihasi
tai
sameta
parivr.1.
jaladt
na
rahihi
kula
kou.
bhai bahori bara gir aks.2.
nahi apardha bhupa kachu knh.
bhupa gayau jaha bhojana khn.3.
phireu ru mana soca apr.
trasita
pareu
avan
akul.4.
O vile Katriya! inviting the Brhmaas you were out to ruin them with their
families. But God has preserved our sanctity; it is you and your race that are undone.
In the course of a year you shall perish; and not a soul shall be left in your family to
offer water to gratify your spirit. Hearing the curse the king was sore stricken with
fear. Again, a voice was heard from heaven, O holy Brhmaas you have uttered this
curse without careful thought; the king has committed no crime. The Brhmaas were
astounded when they heard the ethereal voice. The king hastened to the kitchen.
There was neither any food there nor the Brhmaa cook. The king returned in deep
thought. He related the whole story to the Brhmaas and threw himself on the ground
frantic with fear.
(14)
* BLA-KNA *
191
fl U U U U
U U UH 174H
Do.: bhupati bhv miai nahi jadapi na duana tora,

kie anyath hoi nahi biprarpa ati ghora.174.
Even though you are guiltless, O king, what is inevitable fails not. A Brhmaas
curse is very terrible; no amount of effort can counteract it.
(174)
0 U Ufl
U
flU
U
UUUU
fl
U
U U U U
UU
U

U U U
U U
U U
U
UU
H
U U UH 1H
U U U H
H 2H
U UH
UU UH 3H
U H
U fl H 4H
Cau.: asa kahi saba mahideva sidhe,

socahi
duana
daivahi
deh,
uparohitahi
bhavana
pahu c,
tehi khala jaha taha patra pahe,
gherenhi nagara nisna
baj,
jujhe sakala subhaa kari karan,
satyaketu kula kou nahi b c,
ripu jiti saba npa nagara bas,
samcra
puraloganha
pe.
biracata hasa kga kiya jeh.1.
asura
tpasahi
khabari
jan.
saji saji sena bhupa saba dhe.2.
bibidha
bh ti
nita
hoi
lar.
badhu sameta pareu npa dharan.3.
biprarpa
kimi
hoi
as c.
nija pura gavane jaya jasu p.4.
So saying, all the Brhmaas dispersed. When the people of the city received the
news, they were much perturbed and began to blame Providence, who had begun upon
a swan and produced a crow instead. Conveying the priest to his house, the demon
(Klaketu) communicated the tidings to the hermit. The wretch in his turn despatched
letters in all directions and a host of princes hastened with their troops martially arrayed
and, beating their kettledrums, beleaguered the city. Everyday battles were fought in
diverse forms. All his champions fought valiantly and fell. And the king with his brother
bit the dust. Not one of Satyaketus family survived; a Brhmaas curse can never fail.
Having vanquished the foe and re-inhabiting the city all the chiefs returned to their own
capitals enriched with victory and fame.
(14)
0Um
U U
U L U H 175H
Do.: bharadvja sunu jhi jaba hoi bidht bma,

dhuri merusama janaka jama thi bylasama dma.175.
Listen, O Bharadvja: whosoever incurs the displeasure of heaven, for him a grain
of dust becomes vast as Mount Meru, a father becomes frightful as Yama (the god of
death) and rope a snake.
(175)
192
0 U
U U U
U
fl UU UL
U
UU fl U
M
UU U
U U U H
Ufl
U UUH 1H
U U H
U H 2H
c
U
U
UH 3H
U U H
U U Sfl UH 4H
Cau.: kla pi muni sunu soi rj,

dasa sira thi bsa bhujada,
bhupa anuja arimardana nm,
saciva jo rah dharamaruci jsu,
nma bibhana jehi jaga jn,
rahe je suta sevaka npa kere,
kmarupa
khala
jinasa anek,
kp rahita hisaka saba pp,
bhayau niscara sahita samj.

rvana
nma
bra
bariba.1.
bhayau so kubhakarana baladhm.
bhayau bimtra badhu laghu tsu.2.
binubhagata
bigyna
nidhn.
bhae niscara ghora ghanere.3.
kuila bhayakara bigata bibek.
barani na jhi bisva paritp.4.
O sage, in due time, I tell you, this king, with his family, was born as a demon.
He had ten heads and twenty arms. His name was Rvaa; he was a formidable
hero. The kings younger brother, Arimardana by name, became the powerful
Kumbhakara. His minister, who was known as Dharmaruci, became Rvaas
younger half-brother, Vibhaa by name, who is known to the whole world as a
devotee of God Viu and a repository of wisdom. And the kings sons and servants,
they were born as fierce demon crew. These wretches could take any shape they
liked and belonged to various orders. They were all wicked, monstrous and devoid
of sense and were ruthless, bloody and sinful. They were a torment to all creation
beyond what words can tell.
(14)
0U
S fl
UU MH 176H
Do.: upaje jadapi pulastyakula pvana amala anupa,

tadapi mahsura rpa basa bhae sakala agharupa.176.
Even though they were born in the incomparably pure and holy line of the
sage Pulastya, yet, on account of the Brhmaas curse, they were all embodiments
of sin.
(176)
0U U
U U
U U
U U UU U
flS U U U
U U
U U U U H
U U H 1H
U U H
U UH 2H
r U U UH
U H 3H
* BLA-KNA *
193
U U UM UU UU MH
U U U U UH 4H
Cau.: knha bibidha tapa tnihu bh,
gayau nikaa tapa dekhi bidht,
kari binat pada gahi dasass,
hama khu ke marahi na mre ,
evamastu tumha baRa tapa knh,
puni prabhu kubhakarana pahi gayau,
jau ehi khala nita karaba ahru,
srada
preri
tsu
mati pher,
parama ugra nahi barani so j.

mgahu bara prasanna mai tt.1.
boleu bacana sunahu jagads.
bnara manuja jti dui bre .2.
mai brahm mili tehi bara dnh.
tehi biloki mana bisamaya bhayau.3.
hoihi
saba
ujri
sasru.
mgesi nda msa aa ker.4.
All the three brothers practised austerities of various kinds, most severe beyond all
description. Seeing their penance the Creator drew nigh and said to the eldest of them,
Ask a boon, dear son. The ten-headed Rvaa suppliantly clasped his feet and
addressed to him the following words. Listen, O lord of the universe; my prayer is that
I should die at the hands of none save monkeys and men. So be it; you have done great
penance. This was the boon Brahm and I granted to him (said iva). The Creator then
approached Kumbhakara and was astonished to see his gigantic form. Brahm said to
himself, Should this wretch have his daily repast, the whole world will be no more. So
Brahm directed rad, who changed his mind. Accordingly the demon asked for
continued sleep, extending over six months.
(14)
UU U
U U fl UH 177H
Do.: gae bibhana psa puni kaheu putra bara mgu,

tehi mgeu bhagavata pada kamala amala anurgu.177.
Last of all Brahm went up to Vibhaa and said, Ask a boon, my son. He asked
for pure love for the lotus feet of the Lord.
(177)
0UU U r
U
U UflU
UU U U
U U U
fl UU flU
fl U
U U
UU U H
U U U H 1H
UU
H
U U H 2H
UH
U fl UH 3H
Ufl flH
U H 4H
Cau.: tinhahi dei bara brahma sidhe,

maya tanuj madodari nm,
soi maya dnhi rvanahi
n,
haraita bhayau nri bhali
p,
giri trikua eka sidhu majhr,
soi maya dnava bahuri sa vr,
haraita
te
apane
gha
e.
parama
sudar
nri
lalm.1.
hoihi
jtudhnapati
jn.
puni dou badhu bihesi j.2.
bidhi nirmita durgama ati bhr.
kanaka racita manibhavana apr.3.
194
bhogvati
jasi
ahikula
bs, amarvati
jasi
sakranivs.
tinha te adhika ramya ati bak, jaga bikhyta nma tehi lak.4.
Having granted them boons Brahm went away, while they returned to their home
rejoicing. The demon Maya had a daughter, Mandodar by name, who was exceedingly
beautiful, a jewel of womankind. Maya brought and made her over to Rvaa, knowing
that the latter was going to become the lord of the demons. Delighted at having obtained
such a good wife, Rvaa next went and married his two brothers. On a three-peaked
mountain called Trikua in the middle of the ocean there stood a very large fortress built
by Brahm himself. The demon Maya (who was a great architect) renovated it. It
contained numberless palaces of gold and jewels, and was more beautiful and charming
than Bhogvat (the capital of Ptla, the nethermost region in the core of the globe), the
city of the serpents, and Amarvat, the capital of Indra (the lord of paradise). It was
known throughout the world by the name of Lak.
(14)
0Z
U UU U fl
U U U flH 178 ()H
UU U U U
U H 178 ()H
Do.: kh sidhu gabhra ati crihu disi phiri va,

kanaka koa manikhacita dRha barani na ji banva.178(A).
hari prerita jehi kalapa joi jtudhnapati hoi,
sura pratp atulabala dala sameta basa soi.178(B).
The ocean surrounded it on all sides as a very deep moat. It had a
strong fortification wall built of gold and jewels, the architectural beauty of which
defied description. Whoever was preordained by r Hari to be the chief of the
demons in a particular cycle, that illustrious hero of incomparable might live there
with his army.
(178 A-B)
0UU U
U U U
U UUU U
U U
U U U U
U U
U
U

U U U U
U U U fl
UU U UH
UU U U UH 1H
U U H
U fl UH 2H
U U H
U U Ufl UH 3H
UU UH
c flH 4H
Cau.: rahe tah nisicara bhaa bhre,

aba taha rahahi sakra ke prere,
dasamukha katahu khabari asi p,
dekhi bikaa bhaa baRi kaak,
phiri saba nagara dasnana dekh,
sudara sahaja agama anumn,
te saba suranha samara saghre.

racchaka koi jacchapati kere.1.
sena sji gaRha gheresi j.
jaccha
jva
lai
gae
par.2.
gayau soca sukha bhayau bise.
knhi
tah rvana
rajadhn.3.
* BLA-KNA *
jehi
eka
195
jasa joga b i gha dnhe, sukh sakala rajancara knhe.

bra kubera para dhv, pupaka
jna
jti
lai
v.4.
Great demon warriors had been living there. They were all exterminated in battle
by the gods. Now under Indras commission it was occupied by a garrison consisting
of ten million guards of Kubera (the chief of the Yakas). Having obtained this news
from some quarter Rvaa marshalled his army and besieged the fortress. Seeing his
vast force of fierce warriors, the Yakas fled for their lives. Thereupon Rvaa
surveyed the whole city; he was much pleased with what he saw and all his anxiety
(about a suitable capital) was gone. Perceiving that the city was naturally beautiful and
inaccessible for others, Rvaa fixed his capital there. By assigning quarters to his
followers according to their several deserts he made them all happy. On one occasion
he led an expedition against Kubera and carried away his aerial car known by the
name of Pupaka as a trophy.
(14)
0U
U UU
U U U H 179H
Do.: kautukah
kailsa
puni
lnhesi
ji
uhi,
manahu tauli nija bhubala cal bahuta sukha pi.179.
Again, in a sportive mood he went and lifted Mount Kailsa and, thereby testing
as it were, the might of his arms, returned most jubilant.
(179)
0
U
U
U
U fl U
UU U
U U U
U U

U U U
h UH
H 1H
U U U U H
U U U H 2H
Sfl U UH
U U flH 3H
U U H
UU U Ufl UH 4H
Cau.: sukha sapati suta sena sah,

nita nutana saba bRhata
j,
atibala kubhakarana asa bhrt,
karai pna sovai aa
ms,
jau dina prati ahra kara so,
samara dhra nahi ji bakhn,
bridanda
jeha
suta
tsu,
jehi na hoi rana sanamukha ko,
jaya pratpa bala buddhi baR.

jimi
pratilbha
lobha
adhik.1.
jehi kahu nahi pratibhaa jaga jt.
jgata
hoi
tihu pura
trs.2.
bisva begi saba caupaa ho.
tehi sama amita bra balavn.3.
bhaa mahu prathama lka jaga jsu.
surapura
nitahi
parvana
ho.4.
His happiness and prosperity, the number of his sons, his army and his allies, his
victories and glory, his might, wisdom and fame grew from more to more everyday even
as avarice grows with each new gain. He had a stalwart brother like Kumbhakara, a
rival to whom was never born in this world. Drinking his fill he remained buried in sleep
for six months; and at his waking the three worlds trembled. Were he to take his meals
everyday, the whole universe would soon have been ruined. He was unspeakably
196
staunch in fight and there were numberless brave warriors who could be compared with
him. Rvaas eldest son was Meghanda, who ranked foremost among the champions
of the world. Before him none could stand in battle. Due to him there was a stampede
in the city of the immortals everyday.
(14)
U
U H 180H
Do.: kumukha akapana kulisarada dhumaketu atikya,

eka eka jaga jti saka aise subhaa nikya.180.
There were many more champions such as the hideous Kumukha, the intrepid
Akampana, Kuliarada with teeth like thunderbolts, the fiery Dhumaketu and the gigantic
Atikya, each one of whom was able to subdue the whole world.
(180)
0M
U

U U
U U
U
U UU
U UU U
U U U U
m U U
U U U H
UflUH 1H
U U H
H 2H
UU U MH
U U UH 3H
UU U H
UU U H 4H
Cau.: kmarupa
jnahi
saba
my,
dasamukha baiha sabh eka br,
suta samuha jana parijana nt,
sena
biloki
sahaja
abhimn,
sunahu sakala rajancara
juth,
te sanamukha nahi karahi lar,
tenha kara marana eka bidhi ho,
dvijabhojana makha homa sardh,
sapanehu jinha ke dharama na dy.

dekhi
amita
pana
parivr.1.
ganai
ko
pra
niscara
jt.
bol bacana krodha mada sn.2.
hamare bair bibudha baruth.
dekhi sabala ripu jhi par.3.
kahau bujhi sunahu aba so.
saba kai ji karahu tumha bdh.4.
Taking form at will, they were skilled in all forms of demoniac My (deceit); they
never thought of piety or compassion even in dream. One day the ten-headed Rvaa
was seated in court and reviewed his innumerable retainers, hosts of sons and
grandsons, relatives and servants, troops of demons, more than anyone could count. On
seeing the host the naturally proud Rvaa spoke words full of wrath and
arrogance: Listen, all demon troops: the host of heaven are my enemies. They never
dare to stand up in open fight, but flee away at the sight of a powerful adversary. There
is only one way of causing their death, which I tell you in detail; now listen to it. Go
and prevent the feasting of Brhmaas, the performance of sacrifices, the pouring of
oblations into the sacred fire, the ceremony of rddha (offering food etc., to a departed
soul) and all other religious functions.
(14)
0U
U U U UU UU
UUU UUUU H 181H
* BLA-KNA *
197
Do.: chudh chna balahna sura sahajehi milihahi i,

taba mrihau ki chRihau bhal bh ti apani.181.
Emaciated with starvation and rendered weak, the gods will automatically surrender
to me. Then I will see whether I should kill them or let them go after subjecting them
perfectly to my will.
(181)
0
U
UUfl
U U U fl
UU U
U U U
U fl
Ufl fl U U
U
U
U U
U U fl
U fl L U
U h U
rCU
U
U
UU
U L UflH
U U U H 1H
UU H
U U UH 2H
dflU U UflH
flU L U UH 3H
H
flU U UH 4H
U U flH
UH 5H
UU U U H
U UH 6H
flU U H 7H
Cau.: meghanda kahu puni ha karv,

je sura samara dhra balavn,
tinhahi
jti rana nesu b dh,
ehi
bidhi sabah agy
dnh,
calata
dasnana olati
avan,
rvana
vata
suneu
sakoh,
digaplanha
ke
loka
suhe,
puni puni sighanda kari bhr,
rana mada matta phirai jaga dhv,
rabi sasi pavana baruna dhanadhr,
kinara siddha manuja sura ng,
brahmasi jaha lagi tanudhr,
yasu karahi sakala bhayabht,
dnh sikha balu bayaru baRhv.

jinha ke laribe kara abhimn.1.
uhi suta pitu anussana k dh.
punu caleu gad kara lnh.2.
garjata garbha sravahi sura ravan.
devanha take meru giri khoh.3.
sune
sakala
dasnana
pe.
dei
devatanha
gri
pacr.4.
pratibhaa khojata katahu na pv.
agini kla jama saba adhikr.5.
hahi sabah ke pathahi lg.
dasamukha basabart nara nr.6.
navahi i nita carana bint.7.
Then Rvaa sent for Meghanda and admonished him, inciting him to greater
strength and hostility.The gods who are staunch in battle, powerful and proud of their
fighting skill, you should conquer in battle and bring them in chains. The son got up and
bowed to the commands of his father. In this way Rvaa ordered all and himself sallied
forth, club in hand. Even as the ten-headed Rvaa marched, the earth shook and at
his thundering call the spouses of gods miscarried. Hearing of Rvaas angry approach
the gods themselves sought the caves of Mount Sumeru. When the ten-faced Rvaa
invaded the beautiful realms of the guardians of the ten quarters, he found them all
desolate. Again and again he roared loudly like a lion and, challenging the gods to
battle, scoffed at them. Mad after war he traversed the whole world in search of a
198
combatant; but nowhere could he find anyone.The sun-god, the moon-god, the wind-god,
the god of water, the gods of wealth and fire, the gods of time and death and all other
gods entrusted with the governance of the world. Kinnaras, Siddhas, men, gods and
Ngas, all were wilfully harassed by him. All embodied beings in the creation of Brahm,
whether men or women, submitted to Rvaas will. All did his bidding out of fear and
always bowed suppliantly at his feet.
(17)
Sfl S U U U
U Ufl U U H 182 ()H
fl U U U U
U U U U U UH 182 ()H
Do.: bhujabala bisva basya kari rkhesi kou na sutatra,

maalka mani rvana rja karai nija matra.182(A).
deva jaccha gadharba nara kinara nga kumri,
jti bar nija bhubala bahu sudara bara nri.182(B).
By his mighty arm he subdued the whole universe and left no one independent.
The king of kings, Rvaa, ruled according to his own will. He won by the might of his
arms and wedded daughters of gods, Yakas, Gandharvas, human beings, Kinnaras
and Ngas and many other beautiful and excellent dames.
(182 A-B)
0 U U
U U U U
M

UU Ufl U
U U
U U m flU
U U U U
U UU
UU UUH
U U U U UH 1H
U U fl UH
M UU U H 2H
UU H
U U U flUH 3H
fl L H
U UH 4H
Cau.: idrajta sana jo kachu kaheu,

prathamahi jinha kahu yasu dnh,
dekhata bhmarupa saba
pp,
karahi upadrava asura
niky,
jehi bidhi hoi dharma nirmul,
jehi jehi desa dhenu dvija pvahi,
subha carana katahu nahi ho,
nahi haribhagati jagya tapa gyn,
so saba janu pahilehi kari raheu.

tinha kara carita sunahu jo knh.1.
nisicara
nikara
deva
paritp.
nn rupa dharahi kari my.2.
so saba
karahi beda pratikul.
nagara gu pura gi lagvahi.3.
deva bipra guru mna na ko.
sapanehu sunia na beda purn.4.
Whatever Rvaa told Indrajit to do was done by him sooner as it were than the
former uttered the command. Now hear what they did who had been ordered by him even
earlier. The whole demon crew, sinful at heart and of terrible aspect, were the torment
of heaven. Roaming at night, they did outrages of various kinds and assumed diverse
forms through their delusive power. They acted in everyway contrary to Veda and did
* BLA-KNA *
199
everything in their power to eradicate religion. Wherever they found a cow or a Brhmaa
they set fire to that city, town or village. Virtuous acts were nowhere to be seen. No one
paid any respect to the gods, the Brhmaas and the spiritual preceptor. There was no
devotion to r Hari, no sacrificial performances, no austerities and no spiritual wisdom.
No one would ever dream of listening to the Vedas or the Puras.
(14)
U0
U fl
UU fl UU fl U H
CU U U U
U U U UH
Cha.:
japa joga birg tapa makha bhg ravana sunai dasass,

punu uhi dhvai rahai na pvai dhari saba ghlai khs.
asa bhraa acr bh sasr dharma sunia nahi kn,
tehi bahubidhi trsai desa niksai jo kaha beda purn.
If ever any talk of Japa (muttering of sacred formulas), Yoga (subjugation of mind),
dispassion, penance or of oblations to gods in a sacrifice entered Rvaas ears he
would at once be on his feet and run to stop them. He would allow nothing of these and
would destroy everything he laid his hands upon. There was such corruption in the world
that no talk of piety could be heard anywhere. Whoever recited the Vedas or the Puras
was intimidated in manifold ways and sent into exile.
0U
U U UU
U U U U fl H 183H
So.: barani na ji anti ghora niscara jo karahi,

his para ati prti tinha ke ppahi kavani miti.183.
The terrible outrages the demons did beggar description. There is no limit to the
evil-doings of those who hold violence most dear to their heart.
(183)
0U U U U
U U fl
U U U fl

U U U U U
U
M U NU U
U
Cau.: bRhe khala bahu
mnahi mtu pit
cora
nahi
U
U
UUH
U UflflU flH 1H
U U H
U U H 2H
U L UUH
U Ufl H 3H
U U U UH
U U UH 4H
jur, je lapaa paradhana paradr.

dev, sdhunha sana karavvahi sev.1.
200
jinha ke yaha carana bhavn,
atisaya dekhi dharma kai gln,
giri sari sidhu bhra nahimoh,
sakala
dharma dekhai bipart,
dhenu rupa dhari hdaya bicr,
nija
satpa
sunesi
ro,
te jnehu nisicara saba prn.

parama sabhta dhar akuln.2.
jasa mohi garua eka paradroh.
kahi na sakai rvana bhaya bht.3.
ga tah jaha sura muni jhr.
khu te kachu kja na ho.4.
The number of villains, thieves and gamblers and of those who coveted others
wealth and wives swelled to a great extent. People honoured not their parents and gods
and exacted service from pious souls. Those who act in this way, Bhavn, know all
such creatures as demons. Perceiving the supreme disrespect for religion Earth was
extremely distressed and perturbed. The weight of mountains, rivers and oceans, she
said to herself, is not so oppressive to me as of him who is malevolent to others. She
saw all goodness perverted; yet for fear of Rvaa she could not utter a word. After great
deliberation she took the form of a cow and went to the spot where all gods and sages
were in hiding. With tears in her eyes she told them her sufferings; but none of them
could be of any help to her.
(14)
U0 U
U U
U U U
r U
U UUU U
UH
Cha: sura
muni gadharb mili kari sarb ge biraci ke lok,

sa ga gotanudhr bhumi bicr parama bikala bhaya sok.
brahm saba jn mana anumn mora kachu na bas,
j kari tai ds so abins hamareu tora sah.
The gods, sages and Gandharvas (celestial songsters), all repaired to Brahms
abode; with them was poor Earth in the form of a cow grievously stricken with fear and
grief. Brahm came to know everything; and realizing in his heart of heart his inability to
help her, he said, The immortal Lord whose servant you are will be my help as well as
yours.
0U
UU U U U UU L
U U L H 184H
So.: dharani dharahi mana dhra kaha biraci haripada sumiru,

jnata jana k pra prabhu bhajihi druna bipati.184.
Have patience, Earth, said Brahm, and fix your mind on the feet of r Hari.
The Lord knows the distress of His servants and will put an end to your terrible
suffering.
(184)
0U
U
U UU U U U UH
U U U U H 1H
* BLA-KNA *
U
UU
NU
U UU

U U
UU U

U U U UH
flU UH 2H
U U H
UU U U UH 3H
U H
U r H 4H
Cau.: baihe sura saba karahi bicr,

pura baikuha jna kaha ko,
jke hdaya bhagati jasi prt,
tehi
samja
girij
mai raheu ,
hari bypaka sarbatra samn,
desa kla disi bidisihu mh,
aga jagamaya saba rahita birg,
mora bacana saba ke mana mn,
kaha
pia prabhu karia pukr.
kou kaha payanidhi basa prabhu so.1.
prabhu taha pragaa sad tehi rt.
avasara pi bacana eka kaheu .2.
prema te pragaa hohi mai jn.
kahahu so kah jah prabhu nh.3.
prema te prabhu pragaai jimi g.
sdhu sdhu kari brahma bakhn.4.
201
All the gods sat in counsel: Where can we find the Lord, so that we may appeal
to Him? Someone suggested that they should go to Vaikuha. Another said, The Lord
has His abode in the ocean of milk. The Lord always manifests Himself in response to
the devotion and love one cherishes in ones heart. Girij, I too happened to be in that
assembly and took occasion to put in a word: For aught I know r Hari is present
everywhere alike and is revealed only by love. Tell Me any place, time or quarter of the
heaven where the Lord is not. Having taken the form of all creation, both animate and
inanimate, He is yet destitute of everything and passionless; He is revealed by love even
as fire is manifested by friction. My words found favour with all and Brahm applauded
me saying, Well said, well said!
(14)
U UU U U
S U U U fl UH 185H
Do.: suni biraci mana haraa tana pulaki nayana baha nra,
astuti karata jori kara svadhna matidhra.185.
Brahm was glad at heart to hear My words the hair on his body bristled and tears
flowed from his eyes. Recovering himself, the stable-minded Brahm joined his palms
and prayed:
(185)
U0 U fl
m UU UU H
U U j U U
U UU U H 1H
U U
U UU H
202
U U U U
U flU flU H 2H
U CU U U
UU U UU H
fl U M
UU U U H 3H
U U U U U
U U U flU flH
fl U U U
h U U U H 4H
Cha.:
jaya jaya suranyaka jana sukhadyaka pranatapla bhagavat,

go dvija hitakr jaya asurr sidhusut priya kat.
plana sura dharan adbhuta karan marama na jnai ko,
jo sahaja kpl dnadayl karau anugraha so.1.
jaya jaya abins saba ghaa bs bypaka paramnad,
abigata gotta carita punta myrahita mukud.
jehi lgi birg ati anurg bigatamoha munibd,
nisi bsara dhyvahi gunagana gvahi jayati saccidnad.2.
jehi si up tribidha ban saga sahya na duj,
so karau aghr cita hamr jnia bhagati na puj.
jo bhava bhaya bhajana muni mana rajana gajana bipati baruth,
mana baca krama bn chRi sayn sarana sakala sura juth.3.
srada ruti se riaya ase j kahu kou nahi jn,
jehi dna pire beda pukre dravau so rbhagavn.
bhava bridhi madara saba bidhi sudara gunamadira sukhapuj,
muni siddha sakala sura parama bhaytura namata ntha pada kaj.4.
Glory, all glory to You, O Lord of immortals. O delight of the devotees, O protector
of the suppliant, O benefactor of cows and the Brhmaas, O slayer of demons, O beloved
consort of Lakm (daughter of the ocean), glory to You. O guardian of gods and the earth,
mysterious are Thy ways: their secret is known to none. Let Him who is benevolent by
nature and compassionate to the humble show His grace. Glory, all glory to the immortal
Lord Mukunda (the bestower of salvation and love), who resides in all hearts, is supreme
bliss personified, who is omnipresent, unknowable, and supersensuous, whose acts are
holy and who is beyond the veil of My (illusion). Glory to Him who is Truth, Consciousness
and Bliss combined, who is most lovingly meditated upon day and night and whose praises
are sung by multitudes of sages who are full of dispassion and entirely free from infatuation.
Let the Slayer of the sinful Agha, bestow His care on usHe who brought forth the
* BLA-KNA *
203
threefold creation (viz., that which is dominated by Sattva, Rajas and Tamas, viz., gods,
men and demons) without anyone else to assist Him; we know neither devotion nor
worship. He who disperses the fear of transmigration, delights the mind of sages and puts
an end to hosts of calamities, we gods betake ourselves to Him in thought, word and deed,
giving up our wonted cleverness. The Lord, who is known neither to rad (the goddess
of learning), nor to the Vedas, nor again to ea (the serpent-god), nor to any of the sages,
who as the Vedas proclaim loves the lowly, let Him be moved to pity. The sages, Siddhas
(a class of celestials naturally endowed with supernatural powers) and all gods, grievously
stricken with fear, bow at the lotus feet of the Lord who serves as Mount Mandara for churning
the ocean of worldly existence, who is charming in everyway, who is an abode of virtues and
an embodiment of bliss.
(14)
U U
U U UU UH 186H
Do.: jni sabhaya surabhumi suni bacana sameta saneha,

gaganagir gabhra bhai harani soka sadeha.186.
Knowing that the gods and Earth were terror-stricken and hearing their loving
entreaties, a deep voice came from heaven, which removed all their doubt and
anxiety :
(186)
0 UUU h U
U
U flU
S U U
U
M
U U flUUU
U UUU
UUUU
L
r UU fl
UU UUU U H
UU U UUH 1H
U U U UH
U
U
UH 2H
U UU H
U Q flUUUH 3H
UU
fl
H
U U U NU UH 4H
U flH 5H
Cau.: jani arapahu muni siddha sures,

asanha sahita manuja avatr,
kasyapa
aditi mahtapa knh,
te
dasaratha
kausaly
rup,
tinha
ke gha avatarihau
j,
nrada bacana satya saba karihau ,
harihau sakala
bhumi
garu,
gagana brahmabn suni
kn,
taba brahm dharanihi sumujhv,
tumhahi lgi dharihau nara bes.

lehau dinakara
basa
udr.1.
tinha kahu mai puraba bara dnh.
kosalapur
pragaa
narabhup.2.
raghukula tilaka so criu bh.
parama sakti sameta avatarihau .3.
nirbhaya hohu deva sumud.
turata phire sura hdaya juRn.4.
abhaya bha bharosa jiya v.5.
Fear not, O sages, Siddhas and Indra (the chief of gods); for your sake I will
assume the form of a human being. In the glorious solar race I shall be born as a human
being alongwith My part manifestations. The sage Kayapa and his wife Aditi did severe
penance; to them I have already vouchsafed a boon. They have appeared in the city of
204
Ayodhy as rulers of men in the form of Daaratha and Kausaly. In their house I shall
take birth in the form of four brothers, the ornament of Raghus line. I shall implement
all that was uttered by Nrada and shall descend with My Supreme Energy. In this way
I shall relieve the earth of all its burden; be fearless, O gods. As the divine voice from heaven
reached the gods ears they returned forthwith with their heart soothed.Then Brahm
admonished Earth, who was rid of all fear and felt reassured in her heart.
(15)
U U flU U
U U U U UU flU H 187H
Do.: nija lokahi biraci ge devanha ihai sikhi,

bnara tanu dhari dhari mahi hari pada sevahu ji.187.
Then Brahm proceeded to his realm after thus instructing the gods: Assuming
the form of monkeys you go to the earth and adore the feet of r Hari.
(187)
0 fl
U r U
U U U U U
U L U
U U U U U
U LU U
flU
U
U
U UU
U U H
UU fl UH 1H
U UH
UU U flU UH 2H
UU U MUH
U U UH 3H
U U H
NU UH 4H
Cau.: gae deva saba nija nija dhm, bhumi sahita mana kahu birm.
jo kachu yasu brahm dnh, harae deva bilaba na knh.1.
banacara deha dhar chiti mh, atulita bala pratpa tinha ph.
giri taru nakha yudha saba br, hari
mraga
giri knana jaha
nija
taha
bhari pur, rahe
nija
citavahi
anka
matidhr.2.
raci
rur.
yaha saba rucira carita mai bh, aba so sunahu jo bcahi rkh.3.
avadhapur
raghukulamani
ru, beda bidita tehi dasaratha nu .
dharama dhuradhara gunanidhi gyn, hdaya bhagati
mati
sra gapn.4.
All the gods went to their several abodes alongwith Earth; they all felt relieved
in their heart. And the gods were delighted to receive the orders that Brahm gave,
and lost no time in carrying them out. They took the form of monkeys on earth; their
might and glory were incomparable. They were all brave and had mountains, trees and
nails for their weapons. Resolute of mind, they awaited the advent of r Hari,
swarming on mountains and in woods wherever they liked and dividing themselves into
gallant troops of their own. I have related to you all this interesting account; now hear
that which was interrupted before. In the city of Ayodhy there ruled a king who was
a jewel of Raghus race; he was called Daaratha, a name which is familiar in the
Vedas. He was a champion of virtue, a repository of good qualities and a man of
wisdom; he was a sincere devotee of God Viu (the wielder of the rga bow) and
his mind was also set on Him.
(14)
* BLA-KNA *
205
U U
U UU H 188H
Do.: kausalydi
nri
priya
saba
carana
punta,
pati anukula prema dRha hari pada kamala binta.188.
Kausaly and his other beloved consorts were all of holy life; humble and devoted
to their lord, they had a strong attachment to the lotus feet of r Hari.
(188)
0 U U
U U U U U
UU U
UU U UUU U
UU DU fl
U U U
DU U NU U
U U U U
U UH
U U H 1H
U DU U UH
fl UUH 2H
UflH
U M U UH 3H
h UUH
U H 4H
Cau.: eka bra bhupati mana mh,

gura gha gayau turata mahipl,
nija dukha sukha saba gurahisunyau,
dharahu dhra hoihahi suta cr,
sg
riihi
basiha bolv,
bhagati sahita muni huti dnhe ,
jo basiha kachu hdaya bicr,
yaha habi b i dehu npa j,
bhai
galni
more suta
nh.
carana lgi kari binaya bisl.1.
kahi basiha bahu bidhi samujhyau.
tribhuvana bidita bhagata bhaya hr.2.
putrakma subha jagya karv.
pragae agini caru kara lnhe .3.
sakala kju bh siddha tumhr.
jath joga jehi bhga ban.4.
One day the king was sad at heart that he had no son. He hastened to his
preceptors residence and, falling at his feet, made many entreaties. He told the Guru all
his joys and sorrows; the sage Vasiha comforted him in many ways and said, Take
heart and wait; you will have four sons, who will be known throughout the three worlds
and will rid the devotees of their fears. Then Vasiha invited the sage g and had
a noble sacrifice performed by him for the birth of a son to the king. When the sage
devoutly offered oblations into the sacred fire, the fire-god appeared with an offering of
rice boiled with milk in his hand. Said the fire-god, Whatever Vasiha has contemplated
for you, that object is fully accomplished. Take this oblation, O king, and divide it in such
proportions as you think fit.
(14)
S fl U
U UU NU H 189H
Do.: taba adsya bhae pvaka sakala sabhahi samujhi,

paramnada magana npa haraa na hdaya sami.189.
The fire-god then disappeared after telling the whole assembly of what was to
be done. The king was transported with ecstasy and could not contain himself
for joy.
(189)
206
0U U U Z
U U
U

U U
U U U
UU U
U U UU U
U
U ZH
U U UH 1H
Us U H
U U UH 2H
Z NU UU UH
UH 3H
H
U U flU H 4H
Cau.: tabahi
rya
priya
nri bol, kausalydi
tah
cali
.
ardha bhga
kausalyahi dnh, ubhaya bhga dhe kara knh.1.
kaike
kaha
npa
so dayau, rahyo so ubhaya bhga puni bhayau.
kausaly
kaike
htha dhari, dnha sumitrahi mana prasanna kari.2.
ehi bidhi garbhasahita saba nr, bha hdaya haraita sukha bhr.
j dina te
hari garbhahi e, sakala loka sukha sapati che.3.
madira maha
saba rjahi rn, sobh
sla
teja
k
khn.
sukha juta kachuka kla cali gayau, jehi prabhu pragaa so avasara bhayau.4.
The king at once sent for his beloved consorts. When Kausaly and the other
queens arrived there, he gave one half of the offering to Kausaly and divided the other
into two halves, one of which he gave to Kaikey. The remnant was again divided into
two parts, which he placed in the hands of Kausaly and kaikey and after thus obtaining
their approval handed both the shares to Sumitr. In this way all the queens became
pregnant. They were all glad of heart and felt very happy. From the time r Hari found
His way into the womb joy and prosperity reigned in all the worlds. In the palace shone
the queens, who were all mines of beauty, virtue and glory. Some time was thus happily
spent, till the time arrived for the Lord to be revealed.
(14)
U U
U L U U U H 190H
Do.: joga lagana graha bra tithi sakala bhae anukula,

cara aru acara harajuta rma janama sukhamula.190.
The position of the sun and the moon, the zodiacal sign into which the sun had
entered, the position of the seven other planets, the day of the week as well as the day
of the lunar month, yoga, lagna, planet, Day,Luner Day (Tithi) all these turned out to be
propitious. And full of delight was all creation, animate and inanimate; for the birth of r
Rma is the source of joy.
(190)
0
fl
U U
U U
flU U
U
U UUH
fl H 1H
UU U H
dflU UUH 2H
U H
flU MH 3H
* BLA-KNA *
207
UU UU H
S UU fl U flU flH 4H
Cau.: naum tithi madhu msa punt,
madhya divasa ati sta na ghm,
stala mada surabhi baha bu,
bana kusumita girigana manir,
so avasara biraci jaba jn,
gagana bimala sakula sura juth,
baraahi sumana suajuli
sj,
astuti karahi nga muni dev,
sukala paccha abhijita hariprt.

pvana
kla
loka
birm.1.
haraita sura satana mana cu.
sravahi sakala
saritmtadhr.2.
cale sakala sura sji bimn.
gvahi guna gadharba baruth.3.
gahagahi gagana dudubh bj.
bahubidhi lvahi nija nija sev.4.
It was the ninth day of the bright half of the sacred month of Caitra; the moon
had entered the asterism named Abhijit, which is so dear to r Hari. The sun was
at its meridian; the day was neither cold nor hot. It was a holy time which gave rest
to the whole world. A cool, soft and fragrant breeze was blowing. The gods were feeling
exhilarated and the saints were bubbling with enthusiasm. The woods were full of
blossoms, the mountains were resplendent with gems and every river flowed a stream
of nectar. When Brahm perceived that the time of r Rmas birth had approached,
all the gods came out with their aerial cars duly equipped. The bright heaven was
crowded with their hosts and troops of Gandharvas chanted praises and rained down
flowers placing them in their beautiful palms. The sky resounded with the beat of
kettedrums. Ngas, sages and gods offered praises and tendered their services in
manifold ways.
(14)
0 U
U U U
fl U H 191H
Do.: sura samuha binat kari pahu ce nija nija dhma,

jaganivsa prabhu pragae akhila loka birma.191.
Having offered their praises the gods returned to their several abodes, when the
Lord, and abode of the universe and the solace of all creation, manifested Himself. (191)
U0
U UU
UU UU UU j M UH
U S U
UUH 1H
U U U S U U U
U H
L U U U flU
U U U U H 2H
208
rU U U U
UU U UU U U UU H
U U U U U
U U U U UH 3H
U U U M
U U H
U U U U
U U flU UU flU UU flH 4H
Cha.:bhae
pragaa kpl dnadayl kausaly hitakr,

haraita mahatr muni mana hr adbhuta rupa bicr.
locana abhirm tanu ghanasym nija yudha bhuja cr,
bhuana banaml nayana bisl sobhsidhu kharr.1.
kaha dui kara jor astuti tor kehi bidhi karau anat,
my guna gyntta amn beda purna bhanat.
karun sukha sgara saba guna gara jehi gvahi ruti sat,
so mama hita lg jana anurg bhayau pragaa rkat.2.
brahma niky nirmita my roma roma prati beda kahai,
mama ura so bs yaha upahs sunata dhra mati thira na rahai.
upaj jaba gyn prabhu musukn carita bahuta bidhi knha cahai,
kahi kath suh mtu bujh jehi prakra suta prema lahai.3.
mt puni bol so mati ol tajahu tta yaha rup,
kjai sisull ati priyasl yaha sukha parama anup.
suni bacana sujn rodana hn hoi blaka surabhup,
yaha carita je gvahi haripada pvahi te na parahi bhavakup.4.
The gracious Lord, who is compassionate to the lowly and the benefactor of
Kausaly appeared. The thought of His marvellous form, which stole the heart of
sages, filled the mother with joy. His body was dark as a cloud, the delight of all eyes;
in His four arms He bore His characteristic emblems (a conch-shell, a discus, a club and
a lotus). Adorned with jewels and a garland of sylvan flowers and endowed with
large eyes, the Slayer of the demon Khara was an ocean of beauty. Joining both her
palms the mother said, O infinite Lord, how can I praise You! The Vedas as well as the
Puras declare You as transcending My, Gua (made of prakti) and beyond
all measure. He who is sung by the Vedas and holy men as an ocean of mercy and bliss
and the repository of all virtues, the same Lord of Lakm, the lover of His devotees,
has revealed Himself for my good. The Vedas proclaim that every pore of Your body
contains multitudes of universes brought forth by My. That such a Lord stayed in my
wombthis amusing story staggers the mind of even men of wisdom. When the revelation
came upon the mother, the Lord smiled; He would perform many a sportive act. Therefore
He exhorted her by telling her the charming account of her previous birth so that she
might love Him as her own child. The mothers mind was changed; she spoke again,
* BLA-KNA *
209
Give up this superhuman form and indulge in childish sports, which are so dear to a
mothers heart; the joy that comes from such sports is unequalled in everyway. Hearing
these words the all-wise Lord of immortals became an infant and began to cry. Those who
sing this lay (says Tulasdsa) attain to the abode of r Hari and never fall into the well
of mundane existence.
(14)
U U U flU
U UH 192H
Do.: bipra dhenu sura sata hita lnha manuja avatra,

nija icch nirmita tanu my guna go pra.192.
For the sake of Brhmaas, cows, gods and saints, the Lord, who transcends
My and is beyond the three modes of Prakti (Sattva, Rajas and Tamas) as well as
beyond the reach of the senses took birth as a man assuming a form which is a product
of His own will.
(192)
0 L U
UU U U Z
U

U UU
U U
U
U
U
U DU U U UU
U
Z UH
UH 1H
U
r
H
U UU U UH 2H
U U fl H
U flU H 3H
m U mUH
M U U UH 4H
Cau.: suni sisu rudana parama priya bn,

haraita jaha
taha dh ds,
dasaratha putrajanma suni kn,
parama prema mana pulaka sarr,
jkara nma sunata subha ho,
paramnada
puri mana
rj,
gura basiha kaha gayau ha kr,
anupama blaka dekhenhi
j,
sabhrama cali saba rn.

na da magana sakala purabs.1.
mnahu brahmnada
samn.
chata uhana karata mati dhr.2.
more
gha
v
prabhu
so.
kah
boli
bajvahu
bj.3.
e
dvijana
sahita
npadvr.
rupa rsi guna kahi na sir.4.
On hearing the most pleasing sound of the baby's cries all the queens came in a
flurry. Maid-servants ran helter-skelter in great delight; all the people of the city were
transported with joy. When the tidings of the birth of a son reached Daaratha's ears he
was drowned as it were in the ecstasy of absorption into Brahma. With a mind saturated
with the highest love and with a body thrilling all over with joy he sought to rise, while
attempting to recover his senses."The same Lord, whose very Name brings blessings
with It even when It reaches one's ears, has arrived at my house," he said to himself;
and the thought filled his mind with supreme joy. Sending for musicians he said,
"Play on your instruments."The preceptor Vasiha was also invited and he called at the
palace door, with a train of Brhmaas. They all went and gazed upon the peerless babe,
who was an embodiment of beauty and possessed excellences more than one could tell.
(14)
210
U U U U
UU U U UH 193H
Do.: nadmukha sardha kari jtakarama saba knha,

haka dhenu basana mani npa bipranha kaha dnha.193.
After performing the Nndmukha rddha* the king completed all the jtakarmar
ites connected with the birth of a child and made gifts of gold, cows, raiment and jewels
to the Brhmaas.
(193)
0fl U U Ufl
CU
U
Z
U U
U U flUflU UU

U U
U U flH
r H 1H
U U UU ZH
fl UU UH 2H
U U UU UUH
fl flU UH 3H
U fl U U UH
U H 4H
Cau.: dhvaja patka torana pura chv,

sumanabi
aksa
te
ho,
bda bda mili cal
log,
kanaka kalasa magala bhari thr,
kari
rati
nevachvari
karah,
mgadha suta badigana gyaka,
sarbasa dna dnha saba khu,
mgamada cadana kukuma kc,
kahi na ji jehi bh ti banv.

brahmnada magana saba lo.1.
sahaja sigra kie uhi dh.
gvata
paihahi
bhupa
dur.2.
bra bra sisu carananhi parah.
pvana guna gvahi raghunyaka.3.
jehi
pv
rkh
nahi
thu.
mac sakala bthinha bica bc.4.
The city was full of flags and banners and festal arches. It was decorated in a way
which defie description. Showers of flowers dropped from heaven; everybody was rapt in
the joy of absorption into Brahma. Women streamed forth in troops; they came running
in their natural toilet. Carrying jars of gold and salvers full of auspicious articles, they
entered the portals of the royal palace singing as they went along. Waving lights and
passing offerings round and round over the child's head as an act of exorcism they threw
themselves at the babe's feet again and again. Bards, minstrels, panegyrists and
songsters chanted solemn praises of the Lord of Raghus. Everyone gave whatever one
possessed; even he who received did not retain it. All the lanes of the city were muddy
with pastes of musk, sandal and saffron.
(14)
0U
U fl U
UUfl U U U U U H 194H
Do.: gha gha bja badhva subha pragae suam kada,

haraavata saba jaha taha nagara nri nara bda.194.
* A commemorative offering to the Manes Preliminary to any joyous occasion, such as investiture with
the sacred thread, wedding etc.
* BLA-KNA *
211
There was happy music of festivity in every house; for the very fountain of
beauty had manifested Himself. All the men and women of the city were full of joy
everywhere.
(194)

flU
flU
U U

U U U
U U U
fl

U H
U U UUH 1H
U UH
H 2H
UU U U LUH
U UUH 3H
U H
H 4H
Cau.: kaikayasut
sumitr
dou,
vaha sukha sapati samaya samj,
avadhapur
sohai
ehi
bh t,
dekhi bhnu janu mana sakucn,
agara dhupa bahu janu a dhir,
madira mani samuha janu tr,
bhavana bedadhuni ati mdu bn,
kautuka dekhi pataga bhuln,
sudara suta janamata bhai ou.

kahi na sakai srada ahirj.1.
prabhuhi milana janu rt.
tadapi ban sadhy anumn.2.
uRai
abra
manahu arunr.
npa gha kalasa so idu udr.3.
janu khaga mukhara samaya janu sn.
eka msa tei jta na jn.4.
Kaikey and Sumitr each gave birth to lovely boys. The joy, grandeur, solemnity
of the occasion and the concourse of men were more than what rad and the serpentking could describe. The city of Ayodhy wore a galla appearance; it looked as if Night
had come to see the Lord and, feeling abashed as it were at the sight of the sun (her
own lord), had deliberately stayed over in the form of twilight. Clouds of incense
represented the dusk; and handfuls of red powder tossed up and wafted in the air
represented the redish light of sunset. The hosts of jewels that gleamed on house tops
looked like so many stars; while the round pinnacle on the top of the royal palace
corresponded to the beautiful moon. The sound of the chanting of Veda in the palace
resembled the chirping of birds appropriate to the occasion. Gazing upon this spectacle
the sun forgot himself; a whole month passed without his knowing it.
(14)
fl U fl U
U U U fl UH 195H
Do.: msa divasa kara divasa bh marama na jnai koi,

ratha sameta rabi thkeu nis kavana bidhi hoi.195.
The day assumed the length of a month; but no one could understand the mystery.
The sun stood motionless with his chariot; how could there be any night?
(195)
0U UUS U U
Ufl U
UU UU
U
U H
fl U H 1H
U U UH
M U H 2H
212
U UU
U U U U
U flU U fl U U
U U U UU U
Cau.: yaha
rahasya
khu
nahi
jn, dinamani
cale
karata
H
UH 3H
flH
UH 4H
gunagn.
dekhi mahotsava sura muni ng, cale bhavana baranata nija bhg.1.
aurau
eka
kahau
nija
kkabhusui
saga
hama dou, manujarupa
paramnada
premasukha phule, bthinha phirahi magana mana bhule.
yaha
subha
tehi
avasara
carita
jo
cor, sunu girij ati dRha mati tor.
jna pai so, kp
jehi bidhi
rma
jnai
kai
nahi
jpara
kou.2.
ho.3.
v, dnha bhupa jo jehi mana bhv.
gaja ratha turaga hema go hr, dnhe
npa
nnbidhi
cer.4.
Nobody noticed this strange phenomenon; the sun at last moved ahead singing
the praises of r Rma as he went. Witnessing the great festival the gods, sages and
Ngas proceeded to their several abodes congratulating themselves on their good luck.
I tell you one more covert act of Mine; listen to it, O Girij, for I know your steadfast faith.
The sage Kkabhuui and Myself both were there together in human form without
anyone knowing it. Elated with supreme joy and the delight of love we roamed about the
streets in ecstasy forgetting ourselves. He alone who enjoyed r Rma's grace could
be apprised of this blessed adventure of ours. On that occasion the king granted the
desire of everyone's heart, in whatever manner one came. He bestowed elephants,
chariots, horses, gold, cows, diamonds and costumes of various kinds.
(14)
U U U U
U fl H 196H
Do.: mana satoe sabanhi ke jaha taha. dehi assa,

sakala tanaya cira jvahu tulasidsa ke sa.196.
All were satisfied in their heart and invoked blessings here and there, saying, May
all the sons of Daaratha live long those Lord of Tulasdsa.
(196)
0U fl U
U U flL
U
U
U
U
Sfl U U
U U
L UH
U H 1H
U UH
U Sfl MH 2H
U H
H 3H
U U UH
U H 4H
Cau.: kachuka divasa bte ehi bh t, jta na jnia dina aru rt.
nmakarana
kara avasaru jn, bhupa boli pahae muni gyn.1.
* BLA-KNA *
kari
puj
bhupati
asa bh,
inha
ke
nma
aneka anup,
jo
nada
sidhu sukhars,
so sukha dhma rma asa nm,
bisva bharana poana kara jo,
jke
sumirana
te
ripu ns,
213
dharia nma jo muni guni rkh.

mai npa kahaba svamati anurup.2.
skara
te
trailoka
sups.
akhila
loka
dyaka
birm.3.
tkara nma bharata asa ho.
nma satruhana beda praks.4.
A few days rolled on in this way; days and nights passed unnoticed. Knowing that
the time had come for naming the children, the king sent for the enlightened sage
Vasiha. After paying him homage the king spoke to him thus, "Holy sir ! Kindly assign
them names that you have fixed your mind upon." "Their names are many and unique;
yet O king, I will declare them according to my own lights. This eldest boy of yours, who
is an ocean of felicity and embodiment of joy, a particle of which fills the three worlds with
delight, has for His name 'Rma', the very home of bliss and the comforter of all the
worlds. Your second son, who sustains and supports the universe, will be called
'Bharata'; while he whose very thought destroys one's enemies is celebrated in the
Vedas by the name of atrughna'."
(14)
0U
U U
L cU U U U UUH 197H
Do.: lacchana dhma rma priya sakala jagata dhra,

guru basia tehi rkh lachimana nma udra.197.
He who is the abode of noble characteristics, the beloved of r Rma and the
mainstay of the whole universe, was given by Guru Vasiha the splendid name of
Lakmaa.
(197)
0U U NU U
U fl
UU U
U
U
U

S U U U U
UU M
NU
U

U U U U
fl fl UH
U U H 1H
U U U U H
fl UH 2H
UU U UH
U UH 3H
U UU UH
U U H 4H
Cau.: dhare nma gura hdaya bicr,

muni dhana jana sarabasa siva prn,
brehi te nija hita pati
jn,
bharata satruhana dunau
bh,
syma gaura sudara dou
jor,
criu sla rupa guna
dhm,
hdaya anugraha idu praks,
kabahu uchaga kabahu bara palan,
beda tatva npa tava suta cr.

bla keli rasa tehi sukha mn.1.
lachimana rma carana rati mn.
prabhu sevaka jasi prti baR.2.
nirakhahi chabi janan tna tor.
tadapi adhika sukhasgara rm.3.
sucata kirana manohara hs.
mtu dulrai kahi priya lalan.4.
The preceptor assigned these names after careful thought and then said, "Your
214
four sons, O king, are the essence of Veda itself. Of them r Rma is the sages' treasure,
the devotee's all in all and iva's very life; He takes delight at present in the rapture of
childish sports. From his earliest days Lakmaa came to look upon r Rma as his
benefactor and master and conceived devotion to His feet. The love that existed between
the two half-brothers, Bharata and atrughna, was as glorious as that which obtains
between a master and his servant. As the mothers gazed on the beauty of the two lovely
pairs, one of whom was dark, the other fair, they would break a blade of grass in order
to avert the evil eye. Although all the four brothers were embodiments of amiability, beauty
and goodness, yet r Rma was an ocean of bliss par excellence. In His heart shone
the moon of grace and His captivating smile represented its rays. Now on her lap and
now in the beautiful cradle, the mother fondled Him calling Him her own darling.(14)
r U
H 198H
Do.: bypaka brahma nirajana nirguna bigata binoda,

so aja prema bhagati basa kausaly ke goda.198.
The unborn and all-pervading Brahma, who is untainted by My, without attributes
and devoid of play, has sought shelter in the arms of Kausaly conquered by her love
and devotion.
(198)
0 U U S UU
L U
U fl U
U UU U
U
UU UU
U U
U LU
U fl L
P U
UU
M U U U
Cau.: kma
koi
chabi
syma
U UH
U U H 1H
U UH
U U H 2H
U UU MUH
U H 3H
U UH
U UH 4H
U U H
U U U flUH 5H
U U H
U U H 6H
sarr, nla
kaja
brida
gabhr.
aruna carana pakaja nakha jot, kamala dalanhi baihe janu mot.1.
rekha kulisa dhvaja akusa sohe, nupura dhuni suni muni mana mohe.
kai
kikin
bhuja bisla
ura
udara
rekh, nbhi
bhuana juta bhur, hiya
manihra
kabu kaha
dui dui
traya
padika
ati cibuka
dasana
gabhra
jna
jehi
dekh.2.
hari nakha ati sobh rur.
sobh, bipra carana dekhata mana lobh.3.

suh, nana amita madana chabi ch.
adhara arunre, ns
tilaka
ko
baranai
pre.4.
* BLA-KNA *
sudara ravana sucru kapol,
cikkana kaca kucita gabhure,
pta
jhaguli
tanu
pahir,
rupa sakahi nahi kahi ruti se,
215
ati priya madhura totare bol .

bahu prakra raci mtu sa vre.5.
jnu pni bicarani mohi bh.
so jnai sapanehu jehi dekh.6.
His dark form, which resembles a blue lotus and a heavy rain-cloud, possessed the
beauty of millions of Cupids. The nails glistened on His red lotus-like feet as if pearls had
been set on the petals of a rosy lotus. Marks of a thunderbolt, a flag and a goad shone
on His soles and the tinkling of His anklets enraptured the heart of sages. A string of tiny
bells girdled His waist and there were threefolds in His belly; the depth of His navel is
known to him alone who has perceived it. His long arms were adorned with a number
of ornaments and the tiger's claw hanging on His breast possessed an exquisite beauty.
The elegance of the necklace of gems with a diamond at the lowest end and the print
of the Brhmaa's foot* fascinated one's mind. His neck resembled a conch-shell in its
spiral shape and the chin looked most beautiful; while His face flushed with the beauty
of countless Cupids. Pairs of small teeth were veiled by rosy lips and His beautiful nose
and the sectarian mark on His brow defied description. With charming ears and most
lovely cheeks, His sweet lisping prattle was most delightful to hear. The smooth and curly
hair that had never been trimmed since His very birth had been beautifully dressed in
manifold ways by the mother. A yellow frock covered His body and His crawling on knees
and hands was most pleasing to me. The elegance of His form was something which even
the Vedas and ea (the serpent-god) could not describe; it is known to him alone who
has beheld it even in a dream.
(16)
U UU U
U U U H 199H
Do.: sukha sadoha mohapara gyna gir gotta,

dapati parama prema basa kara sisucarita punta.199.
The all-blissful Lord, who is above delusion and transcends knowledge, speech
and all sensuous perception, sported like an innocent child, yielding to the supreme love
of the royal couple (Daaratha and Kausaly).
(199)
0U U U U H
U U U U U U U flH 1H
* Once upon a time there was a discussion among the sages as to which of the three Lords of
creation, viz., Brahm, Viu and iva was the greatest. In order to put the matter to the test Brahms son
Bhgu was deputed to visit the three divinities one by one. Bhgu first approached his own father and did not
bow to him as a dutiful son. This enraged Brahm; but he somehow managed to curb his anger by force of
reason. From Brahms court the sage went to Kailsa. The god of gods, akara, rose to greet the sage and
stretched His arms to embrace him. But Bhgu avoided His touch saying, Touch me not, since you have
broken social conventions and flouted the injunctions of the Vedas. iva lost His temper when He heard
these aspersions. Taking up His trident He proceeded to strike the sage; but Goddess Prvat intervened and
pacified Him. Thereafter Bhgu went to Vaikuha, the abode of Bhagavn Viu, and found the Lord
reposing with His head on the lap of r Lakm. Breaking into His room unceremoniously the sage suddenly
kicked Him on the chest. The almighty Lord quickly rose with r Lakm, alighted from His bed and, offering
him homage, asked his forgiveness for the incivility shown to him by not welcoming him in advance. The Lord
then rubbed the sages foot saying that it might have been hurt by striking against His hard breast. Since then
the Lord has ever borne on His bosom the print of the sages foot as a mark of honour and it stands an abiding
monument to His unequalled forbearance.
216
U U U
fl UU U
U fl U
UU U
U U
UU U UUfl
fl fl UUH
H 2H
UU U UH
UUU UUH 3H
UU UH
U flH 4H
Cau.: ehi bidhi rma jagata pitu mt,

jinha raghuntha carana rati mn,
raghupati bimukha jatana kara kor,
jva carcara basa kai rkhe,
bhkui
bilsa
nacvai
th,
mana krama bacana chRi catur,
ehi bidhi sisubinoda prabhu knh,
lai uchaga kabahu ka halarvai,
kosalapura
bsinha
sukhadt.
tinha k yaha gati pragaa bhavn.1.
kavana sakai bhava badhana chor.
so my prabhu so bhaya bhkhe.2.
asa prabhu chRi bhajia kahu kh.
bhajata kp karihahi raghur.3.
sakala nagarabsinha sukha dnh.
kabahu
plane
ghli
jhulvai.4.
In this way r Rma, the father and mother of the universe, delighted the people
of Ayodhy. Bhavn, this demonstrates how those who have conceived devotion to the
feet of the Lord of Raghus are repaid by Him. On the other hand, no one can liberate
from the bondage of worldly existence him who is averse to the Lord of Raghus, however
much he may struggle.Even that My which has held under her sway all living beings,
both animate and inanimate, trembles before the Lord, who makes her dance to the play
of His eye-brows. Leaving such a lord, tell me, whom should we adore? The Lord of
Raghus will shawer those who betake themselves to Him in thought, word and deed,
giving up all gnilenes. In this way the Lord sported as a child, to the delight of all the
people of the city. The mother would now dandle Him in her arms, and now put Him down
in the cradle and rock Him.
(14)

U U U H 200H
Do.: prema magana kausaly nisi dina jta na jna,

suta saneha basa mt blacarita kara gna.200.
Kausaly remained so rapt in love that days and nights passed unnoticed. Out of
affection for her boy she would sing lays of His childhood.
(200)
0
U
Ufl
CUfl fl
U
l
Ufl
UU Ufl
U
UU
U UU
U

U U UH
U U FH 1H
U flH
U H 2H
U H
NU U UH 3H
U H
U U U H 4H
* BLA-KNA *
Cau.: eka
bra
janan
anhave,
nija
kula
iadeva bhagavn,
kari
puj
naibedya
caRhv,
bahuri
mtu
tahav cali
,
gai janan sisu pahi bhayabht,
bahuri
i
dekh
suta
so,
ih
uh
dui
blaka
dekh,
dekhi
rma
janan
akuln,
217
kari
sigra
palan pauRhe.
puj
hetu
knha
asnn.1.
pka
banv.
pu ga jaha
bhojana karata dekha suta j.2.
dekh
bla
tah puni
sut.
hdaya kapa mana dhra na ho.3.
matibhrama mora ki na bise.
prabhu ha si dnha madhura musukn.4.
One day, mother Kausaly washed and adorned her boy and put Him to sleep in
the cradle. Thereafter she bathed herself in order to worship the patron deity of her
family. Having worshipped the deity she offered Him food and then returned to the
kitchen. When she came back to the place of worship, she beheld her boy eating the
food that had been offered to the Lord. Frightened at this, the mother went to her boy and
found Him asleep in the nursery. Coming back once more to the temple she still saw the
boy there. She now trembled with fear and her mind found no rest. She saw two boys,
one in the temple and the other in the nursery. She said to herself, "Is it my mental illusion
or some other unusual phenomenon?" When r Rma saw His mother perplexed, the
Lord gently smiled.
(14)
0 Ufl
U j M U
U U U U rUH 201H
Do.: dekharv mtahi nija adbhuta rupa akhaa,

roma roma prati lge koi koi brahmaa.201.
The Lord then revealed to His mother His marvellous infinite form, every pore of
whose skin contained millions of universes.
(201)
0 U fl U

U
fl
fl
U
fl
fl
UU
S U
UU UU
U U U U H
U H 1H
U U UUH
UU UH 2H
U L flH
UU M UUH 3H
U H
U U U H 4H
Cau.: aganita rabi sasi siva caturnana, bahu giri sarita sidhu mahi knana,
kla karma guna gyna
dekh
dekh
my
saba
jva
bidhi
nacvai
subhu, sou
dekh
gRh, ati
sabhta
jh, dekh
jo
bhagati
sun
jore
jo
na
kara
chorai
ku.1.
hRh,
th.2.
tana pulakita mukha bacana na v, nayana mudi caranani siru nv.

bisamayavata
astuti kari na
hari
janan
dekhi
mahatr, bhae bahuri sisurupa kharr.3.
ji bhaya mn, jagata pit mai suta kari jn.
bahubidhi
samujh, yaha jani katahu kahasi sunu m.4.
218
She saw therein countless suns and moons, ivas and four-faced Brahms, and
a number of mountains, rivers, oceans, plains and woods, as well as the spirit of time,
the principle of action, the modes of Prakti (Sattva, Rajas and Tamas), the spirit of
knowledge and Nature and many more things of which she had never heard before. She
further perceived My, who is powerful in every respect, stricken with terror and
standing with her palms joined together. The mother also beheld the embodied soul, who
is made to dance by My, and even so the spirit of devotion, which liberates the soul.
The hair on the mother's body bristled and she stood speechless. Closing her eyes she
bowed her head at the Lord's feet. Seeing the mother struck with wonder the Slayer of
Khara assumed the form of a child again. She was unable to utter praises and trembled
at the thought that she had looked upon the Father of the universe as her own child. r
Hari comforted His mother in many ways and said, "Listen, My mother: do not reveal this
fact anywhere."
(14)
0U
U U U U
U U UH 202H
Do.: bra bra kausaly binaya karai kara jori,

aba jani kabahu bypai prabhu mohi my tori.202.
Joining her palms Kausaly prayed again and again, "See, my Lord, that Your
My no longer casts her spell on me."
(202)
0U UU U
U
UU U
L
U
UU U
U
U
fl
U U U
Cau.: blacarita
kachuka
hari
kla
cuRkarana
parama
U

U

U

fl

bahubidhi
bte
manohara
knh, ati anada dsanha kaha
saba
knha
bh, baRe
guru
carita
U U UH
U U H 1H
U U U H
U U UU UH 2H
U U U H
U fl H 3H
U U U UH
U U UU flH 4H
U UH 5H
bhae
parijana
dnh.
sukhad.1.
j, bipranha puni dachin bahu p.

apr, karata
phirata
criu
sukumr.2.
mana krama bacana agocara jo, dasaratha ajira bicara prabhu so.
bhojana karata bola jaba rj, nahi vata taji bla samj.3.
kausaly
jaba
bolana
nigama neti siva ata na

dhusara
dhuri
bhare
tanu
j, humuku humuku prabhu calahi par.

pv, thi
dharai
e, bhupati
janan
bihasi
hahi
goda
dhv.4.
baihe.5.
r Hari indulged in many kinds of childish sports to the great delight of His
votaries. After some time all the four brothers passed the stage of infancy, gladdening the
inmates of the house. The preceptor then came and performed the ceremony of tonsure;
* BLA-KNA *
219
and the Brhmaas received handsome presents for officiating at the same. All the four
noble princes moved about indulging in numerous plays, which were most delightful to
look at. The Lord, who cannot be comprehended through mind, speech or action, sported
in the courtyard of Daaratha. When the king, while at meals, called Him, He would not
turn up, loth as he was to leave the company of His playmates. When Kausaly went to
call Him, the Lord would run away toddling. He whom the Vedas declare in negative terms
and whose end even iva could not find, the mother ran to catch Him by force. With His
body besmirched all over with dust, He came and the king smilingly took Him in his arms.
(15)
U U flL
UH 203H
Do.: bhojana karata capala cita ita uta avasaru pi,

bhji cale kilakata mukha dadhi odana lapai.203.
Even while the Lord sat at meals, His mind was restless, so that the moment He
got a chance He would run away hither and thither with a scream of delight, His mouth
daubed with curds and rice.
(203)
0U U U
U U U U U
U U
UU
U
UU
U Sfl U
l
U U
U U UUU
U H
H 1H
U L H
l H 2H
UU U U UH
U H 3H
M UU UH
UU H 4H
Cau.: blacarita
ati
sarala
suhe,
jinha kara mana inha sana nahi rt,
bhae kumra jabahi saba bhrt,
guragha gae paRhana raghur,
jk
sahaja
svsa ruti
cr,
bidy binaya nipuna guna sl,
karatala bna dhanua ati soh,
jinha bthinha biharahi saba bh,
srada sea sabhu ruti ge.

te jana bacita kie bidht.1.
dnha janeu guru pitu mt.
alapa
kla
bidy
saba
.2.
so hari paRha yaha kautuka bhr.
khelahi
khela
sakala
npall.3.
dekhata
rupa
carcara
moh.
thakita hohi saba loga lug.4.
His charming and most innocent childish sports have been sung by rad, ea,
ambhu and the Vedas. Those whose mind does not take delight in these, have been
deprived by Providence of a great good fortune. When all the four brothers attained of
boyhood, the preceptor as well as their parents invested them with the sacred thread. The
Lord of Raghus then proceeded to His preceptor's residence for study and in a short time
mastered all the branches of knowledge. What a great fun that r Hari, whose natural
breath stands crystallized in the form of the four Vedas, should go to school. Proficient
in learning and perfect in politeness, virtues and decorum, they played all the games
imitating the role of a king. With an arrow and bow in the hands of each they appeared
220
most charming; their beauty enraptured the whole creation, both animate and inanimate.
Through whichever street the four brothers passed in pursuit of their sport, all the men
and women there stood motionless on perceiving them.
(14)
0U
U U h L
U U U H 204H
Do.: kosalapura bs nara nri bddha aru bla,

prnahu te priya lgata saba kahu rma kpla.204.
The people of Ayodhy, men and women, elderly men as well as children, all held
the gracious Rma dearer than life.
(204)
0 U
fl UU
U U
UU
U UU U
U U
U U
UU U
U H
U flU H 1H
U UH
UUH 2H
UU H
UU U H 3H
L flU H
U UU UH 4H
Cau.: badhu sakh sa ga lehi bol,

pvana mga mrahi jiya jn,
je mga rma bna ke mre,
anuja sakh sa ga bhojana karah,
jehi bidhi sukh hohi pura log,
beda purna sunahi mana l,
prtakla
uhi
kai raghunth,
yasu mgi karahi pura kj,
bana mgay nita khelahi j.

dina prati npahi dekhvahi n.1.
te tanu taji suraloka sidhre.
mtu
pit
agy
anusarah.2.
karahi kpnidhi soi sajog.
pu kahahi anujanha samujh.3.
mtu pit guru nvahi mth.
dekhi carita haraai mana rj.4.
Calling his half-brothers and playmates r Rma would take them with Him and
go out to the forest for hunting everyday. He would deliberately kill only holy game and
brought and showed the daily bag to the king. The beasts that were killed by r Rma's
shaft went straight to heaven after death. He took His meals with His younger brothers
and companions and obeyed the orders of His parents. He would always contrive means
to delight the people of the city. He would listen to the Vedas and Puras with rapt
attention and would Himself expound the truths contained therein to His younger
brothers. Rising at break of day the Lord of Raghus would bow His head to His parents
and preceptor and, obtaining their permission, busied Himself with the affairs of the city.
The king was glad at heart to see His noble acts.
(14)
U M
U U U H 205H
Do.: bypaka akala anha aja nirguna nma na rupa,

bhagata hetu nn bidhi karata caritra anupa.205.
The Lord, who is all-pervading, indivisible, desireless, unbegotten, attributeless
* BLA-KNA *
221
and without name or form, performed marvellous acts of various kinds for the sake of His
devotees.
(205)
0U U U
Sfl
U

U U
U flU

U U U
U
U
U H
U H 1H
U UU UUUH
UU Ufl flUH 2H
UU UU U H
flUU UU U UH 3H
U U H
U H 4H
Cau.: yaha saba carita kah mai g,

bisvmitra
mahmuni
gyn,
jaha japa jagya joga muni karah,
dekhata jagya niscara dhvahi,
gdhitanaya mana cit byp,
taba munibara mana knha bicr,
ehu
misa
dekhau
pada j,
gyna birga sakala guna ayan,
gili kath sunahu mana l.

basahi bipina subha rama jn.1.
ati
mrca
subhuhi
arah.
karahi upadrava muni dukha pvahi.2.
hari binu marahi na nisicara pp.
prabhu avatareu harana mahi bhr.3.
kari
binat
nau
dou
bh.
so prabhu mai dekhaba bhari nayan.4.
All this story has been sung by me; now hear attentively what followed. The great
enlightened hermit Vivmitra lived in a forest knowing it to be a sacred spot. There he
practised Japa (muttering of sacred formulas) and Yoga (contemplation) and performed
sacrifices; but he was much afraid of the demons Mrca and Subhu. For as soon as
they saw a sacrifice they would hasten to desecrate it to the great chagrin of the sage,
who felt disturbed in his mind and thought that the wicked Rkasas could not be
disposed of without r Hari. The great sage then said to himself, The Lord has already
taken birth in order to relieve the earth of its burden. Let me make the outrage of the
demons an excuse of seeing His feet and after due entreaty bring the two brothers here.
I will regale my eyes with the sight of Him who is the abode of knowledge, dispassion
and all virtues."
(14)
0 U
U U U U
U U UUH 206H
Do.: bahubidhi karata manoratha jta lgi nahi bra,

kari majjana sarau jala gae bhupa darabra.206.
Indulging in expectation of various kinds the sage took no time in reaching his
destination. Bathing in the stream of the Sarayu he went to the royal court. (206)
0
U Ufl
U U

U
U
U
Uflfl
U H
UUU H 1H
U H
U NU UU flH 2H
222
U U

UU U U
U
U UU
U
U flU U
U
U
U U UH
U U H 3H
UU H
UU U flU UH 4H
U UH
U U H 5H
Cau.: muni gamana sun jaba rj,

kari daavata munihi sanamn,
carana pakhri knhi ati puj,
bibidha bh ti bhojana karavv,
puni caranani mele suta cr,
bhae magana dekhata mukha sobh,
taba mana harai bacana kaha ru,
kehi krana gamana tumhr,
asura
samuha
satvahi moh,
anuja sameta dehu raghunth,
milana gayau lai bipra samj.

nija
sana
baihrenhi
n.1.
mo sama ju dhanya nahi duj.
munibara hdaya haraa ati pv.2.
rma dekhi muni deha bisr.
janu cakora purana sasi lobh.3.
muni asa kp na knhihu ku.
kahahu so karata na lvau br.4.
mai
jcana
yau npa
toh.
nisicara badha mai hoba santh.5.
When the king heard of the sage's visit he went out to meet him with a party of
Brhmaas. Prostrating himself on the ground the king reverently brought him in and
seated him on his own throne. Then, washing the sage's feet, he paid him great honours
and said, "No one else is so blessed as I am today." The king next entertained him with
various kinds of food and the great sage was much delighted at heart. He then placed
his four sons on the latter's feet. At the sight of r Rma the sage forgot all about
himself. He was enraptured as he gazed on the beauty of r Rma's countenance even
as the Cakora bird is enamoured of the full moon. Gladdened at heart, the king then
addressed the following words to him, "Reverend sir, you have never shown such grace
to me before. Tell me what brings you here; I will carry out your order without delay."
"Hosts of demons molest me, O king; I have therefore come to ask something of you.
Let me have the Lord of Raghus, r Rma, with His younger brother (Lakmaa); with
the extermination of the demons I will feel secure.
(15)
0U
UU U U
U U U H 207H
Do.: dehu bhupa mana haraita tajahu moha agyna,

dharma sujasa prabhu tumha kau inha kaha ati kalyna.207.
Entrust them to me, O king, with a cheerful heart; let no infatuation or ignorance
stand in your way. You will earn religious merit and fair renown thereby, and your sons
will be highly blessed."
(207)
0 U
U
U

U U

U

U
NU H
U UU UH 1H
U UUH
U UH 2H
* BLA-KNA *
U Z
U U UU
U U
cU U fl
U U

Cau.: suni
rj
ati
apriya bn,
cauthe pana
pyau
suta cr,
mgahu bhumi dhenu dhana kos,
deha prna te priya kachu nh,
saba suta priya mohi prna ki n,
kaha nisicara ati ghora kahor,
suni npa gir prema rasa sn,
taba basiha bahubidhi samujhv,
ati
dara
dou
tanaya bole,
mere
prna
ntha
suta dou,
U
U
NU
NU
U
223
U ZH
U U UH 3H
UU H
U U flH 4H
U H
U H 5H
hdaya kapa mukha duti kumuln.

bipra bacana nahi kahehu bicr.1.
sarbasa
deu
ju
saharos.
sou muni deu nimia eka mh.2.
rma deta nahi banai gos.
kaha sudara suta parama kisor.3.
hdaya
haraa mn muni gyn.
npa sadeha nsa kaha pv.4.
hdaya
li bahu bh ti sikhe.
tumha muni pit na nahi kou.5.
Hearing this most unwelcome demand the king's heart quivered and the brightness
of his countenance faded. He said, "I have been blessed with these four sons in my old
age. You have, therefore, made your demand without due consideration, holy sir. Ask of
me land, cattle, goods and treasure; I will gladly give all I have without delay. Nothing is
dearer than ones body and life; even these I would part within a second. All my sons are
dear to me as life; but I cannot unasme we an away sroo Rma, my lord. My lovely boys,
who are yet too young, are no match for the most hideous and relentless demons." The
enlightened hermit Vivmitra felt delighted at heart to hear the king's reply, steeped as it
was in the nectar of love. Then Vasiha pleaded with the king in manifold ways and all
his doubts were gone. Most politely he sent for the two boys and pressing them to his bosom
admonished them in many ways. Turning to the sage he then said, "My lord, the two boys
are my very life. You are their only father now, holy sir; there is no one to look after them."
(15)
UU U
fl H 208 ()H
0LU U U UU UU
U Sfl U UH 208 ()H
Do.: sau pe bhupa riihi suta bahubidhi dei assa,
janan bhavana gae prabhu cale ni pada ssa.208(A).
So.: puruasiha dou bra harai cale muni bhaya harana,
kpsidhu matidhra akhila bisva krana karana.208(B).
Invoking various blessings on the boys the king committed them to the care of the
sage; then they called at the mother's apartment and bowing their head at her feet departed.
The two heroes, lions among men, oceans of compassion, resolute of purpose and the
224
ultimate cause of the whole universe, gladly proceeded to rid the sage of his fear. (208A-B)
L UU U
U U U
S U U U
rfl

U
U UU U
U U U
U
S H
LU U UH 1H
Sfl
U
H
U U flH 2H
U U H
U UH 3H
l U
l UH
H 4H
Cau.: aruna nayana ura bhu bisl,

kai paa pta kase bara bhth,
syma gaura sudara dou bh,
prabhu brahmanyadeva mai jn,
cale
jta
muni dnhi dekh,
ekahi
bna prna
hari lnh,
taba rii nija nthahi jiya cnh,
jte
lga na chudh pips,
nla jalaja tanu syma taml.

rucira cpa syaka duhu hth.1.
bisvmitra
mahnidhi
p.
mohi niti pit tajeu bhagavn.2.
suni tRak krodha kari dh.
dna jni tehi nija pada dnh.3.
bidynidhi
kahu
bidy
dnh.
atulita bala tanu teja praks.4.
The Lord had reddish eyes, a broad chest and long arms; His body was dark as
the blue lotus or the Tamla tree. With a beautiful quiver fastened at His back with a
yellow piece of cloth wrapped round His waist, He held in His two hands a lovely bow
and arrow respectively. In the two pretty boys, one of whom was dark and the other fair,
Vivmitra secured a great treasure. "I have now realized," said he to himself, "that the
Lord is a votary of the Brhmaas; on my account He has left His own father." While
on the way the sage pointed out the demoness Tak, who on hearing their voice
rushed up in a fury. With a single shaft the Lord took her life and recognizing her as
deserving of compassion bestowed His own state on her. Then the seer Vivmitra,
while recognizing his lord as the fountain of knowledge, imparted to Him a sacred formula
which armed Him against hunger and thirst and endowed Him with unequalled strength
of body and a glow of vigour.
(14)

U U H 209H
Do.: yudha sarba samarpi kai prabhu nija rama ni,

kada mula phala bhojana dnha bhagati hita jni.209.
Making over to Him every kind of weapon the sage took the Lord to his own
hermitage and devoutly gave Him bulbs, roots and fruits to eat, perceiving in Him his
greatest friend.
(209)
0 U
U U
U
U
U U U
fl U U
UU
U
U
U
U
UU U H
UU UflUH 1H
U fl UH
U UH 2H
U U UH
* BLA-KNA *
U U m U
U U fl UU
U U U
U U
U
U
U U
S UU fl UH 3H
UU U U U H
U l H 4H
U H
UU U H 5H
fl U UH
U H 6H
Cau.: prta kah muni sana raghur,

homa karana lge muni jhr,
suni
mrca
niscara
kroh,
binu phara bna rma tehi mr,
pvaka sara subhu puni mr,
mri
asura dvija nirbhayakr,
taha puni kachuka divasa raghury,
bhagati hetu bahu kath purn,
taba muni sdara kah bujh,
dhanuajagya suni raghukula nth,
rama eka dkha maga mh,
puch munihi sil prabhu dekh,
nirbhaya jagya karahu tumha j.

pu rahe makha k rakhavr.1.
lai
sahya
dhv
munidroh.
sata
jojana
g
sgara
pr.2.
anuja niscara kaaku sa ghr.
astuti karahi deva muni jhr.3.
rahe knhi bipranha para dy.
kahe bipra jadyapi prabhu jn.4.
carita eka prabhu dekhia j.
harai cale munibara ke sth.5.
khaga mga jva jatu taha nh.
sakala kath muni kah bise.6.
225
At daybreak the Lord of Raghus said to the sage, You may now go and perform
your sacrifice without any fear of molestation. All the sages then started offering
oblations into the sacred fire, while r Rma Himself guarded the sacrifice. On hearing
of it the furious demon Mrca, a great enemy of hermits, rushed with his army. r Rma
struck him with a headless shaft and he fell at a distance of eight hundred miles beyond
the sea-shore. The Lord next despatched Subhu with an arrow of fire; while His
younger brother, Lakmaa, exterminated the demon host. Having killed the demons in
this way the Lord rid the Brhmaas of their fear; the whole company of gods and sages
offered praises to Him. The Lord of Raghus stayed there a few days more and showed
His grace to the Brhmaas. Even though the Lord knew everything, the Brhmaas out
of their devotion repeated to Him many legends from the Puras. The sage then politely
said to Him in a pleading tone, My lord, let us go and witness a performance. Hearing
of a bow-sacrifice, the Lord of Raghus gladly accompanied the noble sage. On the way
they saw a hermitage without bird, beast or any other living creature. Observing a slab
of stone lying there the Lord inquired of the sage about it, and the latter in reply told Him
in detail the whole history behind it.
(16)
U U U U U
U U U UU UUH 210H
Do.: gautama nri rpa basa upala deha dhari dhra,

carana kamala raja chati kp karahu raghubra.210.
Gautamas consort, having assumed the form of a stone under a curse,
seeks with patience the dust of Your lotus feet; show mercy to her, O Hero of
226
U0U fl fl U U
U U U U UUH

U UU U fl U
U UU U UH 1H
U U U U U
S U UUH
U fl fl Ufl U
Ufl fl U U UU H 2H
U U U U
U U UU fl U U H
U U U U
U U U U H 3H
U UU U U fl U
U U UU UUH
U U U U U UU U U
fl L fl UH 4H
Cha.:
parasata pada pvana soka nasvana pragaa bha tapapuja sah,

dekhata raghunyaka jana sukhadyaka sanamukha hoi kara jori rah.
ati prema adhr pulaka sarr mukha nahi vai bacana kah,
atisaya baRabhg carananhi lg jugala nayana jaladhra bah.1.
dhraju mana knh prabhu kahu cnh raghupati kp bhagati p,
ati nirmala bn astuti hn gynagamya jaya raghur.
mai nri apvana prabhu jaga pvana rvana ripu jana sukhad,
rjva bilocana bhava bhaya mocana phi phi saranahi .2.
muni rpa jo dnh ati bhala knh parama anugraha mai mn,
dekheu bhari locana hari bhavamocana ihai lbha sakara jn.
binat prabhu mor mai mati bhor ntha na mgau bara n,
pada kamala parg rasa anurg mama mana madhupa karai pn.3.
jehi pada surasarit parama punt pragaa bha siva ssa dhar,
so pada pakaja jehi pujata aja mama sira dhareu kpla har.
ehi bh ti sidhr gautama nr bra bra hari carana par,
jo ati mana bhv so baru pv gai patiloka anada bhar.4.
* BLA-KNA *
227
At the very touch of His holy feet, which drive away sorrow, emerged Ahaly, a true
embodiment of austerity. Beholding the Lord of Raghus, the delight of His servants, she
stood before Him with joined palms. Her heart being overwhelmed with love, the hair on
her body stood on their end and she was unable to utter a word. The most blessed Ahaly
cleaved to His feet and tears streamed from both her eyes. Recovering herself she
recognized the Lord and by the grace of r Rma attained devotion to His feet. In a
guileless speech she began to praise the Lord, Glory to the Lord of Raghus, who is
accessible through spiritual knowledge. I am an impure woman, while the Lord is able to
sanctify the whole world and is the delight of His servants. O lotus-eyed enemy of
Rvaa, You rid Your devotees of the fear of rebirth; therefore, I have taken refuge in
You. Pray save me, save me. My consort (Gautama) did well in pronouncing a curse on
me, and I have deemed it the greatest favour. I have feasted my eyes on r Hari
(Yourself), who liberated from the bondage of worldly existence. Lord akara deems
Your sight as the only blessing worth the name. Lord, I am dull witted; I have only one
request to make. I seek no other boon from You, my Master; I only crave that my mind
may ever continue to enjoy the love of Your feet-dust even as a bee sucks the honey
from a lotus. The merciful Lord r Hari placed on my head the same lotus feet from which
issued the most holy Gag (the heavenly river)which is borne by iva on His head
and which are adored by Brahm (the Creator). Having thus praised r Hari and falling
again and again at His feet Gautamas consort (Ahaly) took leave of the Lord; and
securing a boon, which she held most dear to her heart, she went to her husbands abode
full of joy.
(14)
UU U UU
U U UU U H 211H
Do.: asa prabhu dnabadhu hari krana rahita dayla,

tulasidsa saha tehi bhaju chRi kapaa jajla.211.
The Lord r Hari is such a great friend of the humble and compassionate
beyond ones deserts. Adore Him, O foolish Tulasdsa, giving up all deceit and
wily wrangling.
(211)
0 U U

UU
UU
U U U
U U
U
U U

U
U

U fl H
U U UU U H 1H
UflU H
U U UH 2H
UU H
H 3H
UU UH
U H 4H
Cau.: cale rma lachimana muni sag, gae

gdhisunu
saba kath
sun, jehi
jah
jaga pvani gag.
prakra surasari mahi .1.
228
taba prabhu riinha sameta nahe,
harai cale muni bda sahy,
pura
ramyat rma jaba dekh,
bp
kupa
sarita
sara nn,
gujata maju matta rasabhg,
barana barana bikase bana jt,
bibidha dna mahidevanhi pe.

begi
bideha
nagara
niary.2.
harae
anuja
sameta
bise.
salila sudhsama mani sopn.3.
kujata kala bahubarana bihag.
tribidha samra sad sukhadt.4.
r Rma and Lakmaa accompanied the sage and reached the bank of the
Gag, the stream of which purifies the whole universe. The son of Gdhi, Vivmitra,
related the whole legend how the celestial stream had come down upon earth. The Lord
then performed His ablutions with all the sages, and the Brhmaas received gifts of
various kinds. Accompanied by a troop of hermits the Lord gladly proceeded further and
quickly drew near to the capital of the Videhas, Mithil. When r Rma beheld the
beauty of the city, He as well as His younger brother were much delighted. There were
many big and small wells, rivers and tanks with water as sweet as nectar and reached
by flights of steps made of jewels. Bees, drunk with honey, made a sweet humming
sound and birds of various hues softly cooed. Lotuses of different colours opened their
petals; while a cool, soft and fragrant breeze ever delighted the soul.
(14)
U U fl
fl U U U H 212H
Do.: sumana bik bga bana bipula bihaga nivsa,

phulata phalata supallavata sohata pura cahu psa.212.
The city was adorned on all sides with flower-gardens,orchards and groves, the
haunt of innumerable birds, full of blossoms, fruits and charming leaves.
(212)
0 U U
L L U
U
UU U
U
U
U U U
U fl
U U
U U H
SflU flUH 1H
U S H
UUU H 2H
U UH
U
flH 3H
U H
fl UH 4H
Cau.: banai na baranata nagara nik,

cru
bajru
bicitra
a br,
dhanika banika bara dhanada samn,
cauhaa
sudara
gal
suh,
magalamaya madira saba kere ,
pura nara nri subhaga suci sat,
ati
anupa jaha janaka nivsu,
hota
cakita
cita koa
bilok,
jah ji
mana
taha i
lobh.
manimaya bidhi janu svakara sa vr.1.
baihe sakala bastu lai nn.
satata rahahi sugadha sic.2.
citrita
janu
ratintha
citere .
dharamasla
gyn
gunavat.3.
bithakahi bibudha biloki bilsu.
sakala bhuvana sobh janu rok.4.
The beauty of the city surpassed description; every inch of it was soul-captivating.
* BLA-KNA *
229
There was a lovely bazar and gorgeous balconies made of jewels, fashioned as it were,
by the Creator with his own hands. Wealthy and good merchants, who vied with Kubera
(the god of wealth), sat with all their various goods. Beautiful crossings of roads and
charming streets were constantly sprinkled with scented waters. The houses of all were
abodes of bliss and contained beautiful wall-paintings portrayed, as it were, by Ratis lord
(Cupid) himself. The people of the city, both men and women, were good-looking, pious,
saintly, virtuous, wise and accomplished. The palace of King Janaka was most marvellous,
the sight of whose splendour astounded even gods. Even the fortification wall filled the
mind with wonder; it seemed as if it had enclosed within its limits the beauty of the whole
universe.
(14)
0fl
UU U U
fl U U H 213H
Do.: dhavala dhma mani puraa paa sughaita nn bh ti,

siya nivsa sudara sadana sobh kimi kahi jti.213.
White palaces were screened here and there by bejewelled gold tapestries of
various beautiful designs; while the exquisite palace where St lived was far too lovely
for words to describe.
(213)
0 mU U

U
fl
UU
U UU U U
flU
UU UU
U U
Sfl
U

U U UH
U U H 1H
U U UH
UU U U UH 2H
UH
U UU UU H 3H
UU U H
U
H 4H
Cau.: subhaga dvra saba kulisa kap,

ban
bisla
bji
gaja
sl,
sura
saciva
senapa
bahutere,
pura bhera sara sarita samp,
dekhi
anupa
eka
a var,
kausika kaheu mora manu mn,
bhalehi
ntha
kahi kpniket,
bisvmitra
mahmuni
e,
bhupa bhra naa mgadha bh.

haya gaya ratha sakula saba kl.1.
npagha sarisa sadana saba kere.
utare jaha taha bipula mahp.2.
saba supsa saba bh ti suh.
ih rahia
raghubra
sujn.3.
utare
taha munibda
samet.
samcra
mithilpati
pe.4.
The entrances to the palace were all beautiful and hard like thunder bolt (or made
of diamond). They were always thronged with feudatory princes, dancers, panegyrists and
bards. There were spacious stables and stalls for elephants, which were crowded at all
times with steeds, elephants and chariots. The king had a number of brave ministers and
generals. They all owned mansions that vied with the royal palace. In the outskirts of the
city by the side of lakes and rivers numerous princes had encamped here and there. On
seeing a fine mango-grove, which was comfortable and agreeable in everyway, the sage
230
Kauika (Vivmitra) said, O wise hero of Raghus race, I like this orchard; let us
stay here. Very well, my lord ! answered the gracious Lord, and encamped there with
all the hermits train. When the king of Mithil got the news that the great sage Vivmitra
had come.
(14)
fl U U U U U
U UU U H 214H
Do.: saga saciva suci bhuri bhaa bhusura bara gura gyti,
cale milana muninyakahi mudita ru ehi bh ti.214.
He took with him his faithful ministers, a number of warriors, noble Brhmaas, his
family preceptor (atnanda) and the chief of his kinsmen, and thus went forth rejoicing
to meet the formost among sages.
(214)
U U U
U

S U UU U
U flU U
S U U
UU U
U
U
U
UU

U H
U UU H 1H
Sfl
U
UUH
UU
flH 2H
Sfl UH
Sfl
U
UH 3H
U H
U U U H 4H
Cau.: knha pranmu carana dhari mth, dnhi

biprabda
saba
kusala prasna
tehi
avasara
sdara bade, jni
assa
bhgya
mudita
baRa
muninth.
ru
anade.1.
kahi
brahi
br, bisvmitra
npahi
baihr.
dou
bh, gae
dekhana
phulav.2.
rahe
syma gaura mdu bayasa kisor, locana sukhada bisva cita cor.
uhe
sakala
jaba
raghupati
e, bisvmitra
bhae saba sukh dekhi dou bhrt, bri

murati
madhura manohara dekh, bhayau
nikaa
bilocana
bidehu
baihe.3.
pulakita
gt.
bidehu
bise.4.
Placing his head on the sages feet the king made obeisance to him; while the lord
of the sages, Vivmitra, gladly gave him his blessing. The king then respectfully saluted
the Brhmaas and congratulated himself on his good fortune (in being able to receive
them). Inquiring again and again about his welfare, Vivmitra led the king to a seat. At that
very time arrived the two half-brothers, who had gone to see the garden. One dark and the
other fair, the two lads were yet tender of age. The delight of all eyes, they stole the heart
of the whole world. All those present there rose when the Lord of Raghus came; and Vivmitra
seated Him by his side. They were all delighted to see the two brothers: tears rushed to their
eyes and the hair on their body bristled with joy. Beholding r Rmas lovely and charming
form, King Videha* (Janaka) was particularly beside himself with joy.
(14)
* There is a pun on the word Videha in the original. The kings of Mithil enjoyed the hereditary title
of Videha because they ruled over the territory of Videha (Mithil). King Janaka was also a man of wisdom
and had, therefore, no feeling of self-identification with the body. At the sight of r Rma, however, he was
completely out of his body and therefore justified his name (Videha) in a special degree.
* BLA-KNA *
231
U U U
U L U UH 215H
Do.: prema magana manu jni npu kari bibeku dhari dhra,
boleu muni pada ni siru gadagada gir gabhra.215.
Finding his heart overwhelmed with love the king recovered himself by recourse
to reason and, bowing his head at the sages feet, spoke the following pregnant words
in a voice choked with emotion:
(215)
0UU U U
r U fl
U UM
U
UU
UU U
U U UU
U U
U U
H
U U flH 1H
U UH
UU UU UH 2H
U rU H
UU U H 3H
U U H
U U UH 4H
Cau.: kahahu ntha sudara dou blaka, munikula tilaka ki npakulaplaka.

brahma jo nigama neti kahi gv, ubhaya bea dhari k soi v.1.
sahaja birgarupa manu mor, thakita hota jimi cada cakor.
tte
prabhu
puchau satibhu, kahahu ntha jani karahu duru.2.
inhahi
bilokata
ati anurg, barabasa brahmasukhahi mana tyg.
kaha muni bihasi kahehu npa nk, bacana tumhra na hoi alk.3.
Ye priya sabahi jah
lagi prn, mana musukhi rmu suni bn.
raghukula mani dasaratha ke je, mama hita lgi naresa pahe.4.
Tell me, my lord: are these two pretty boys the ornament of a sages family or the
proteetors of some royal dynasty? Or, is it that Brahma (the Absolute), whom the Vedas
describe in negative terms such as Not that (Neti), has appeared in a dual form? My
mind, which is dispassion itself in its natural form, is enraptured at their sight even as the
Cakora bird is transported with joy at the sight of the moon. Therefore, Sir, I earnestly
inquire of you: tell me the truth, my Lord; hide nothing from me. Deeply attached to them
at their very sight, my mind has perforce renounced the joy of absorption into Brahma.
The sage smilingly answered, You have spoken well, O king; your words can never be
untrue. Whatever living beings there are in this world, they all love these boys. r Rma
smiled within Himself on hearing these words. They are the sons of King Daaratha, the
jewel of Raghus race; the king has sent them for my cause.
(14)
0U
U U M
UU U H 216H
Do.: rmu lakhanu dou badhubara rupa sla bala dhma,

makha rkheu sabu skhi jagu jite asura sagrma.216.
These two noble brothers, Rma and Lakmaa, are the embodiments of beauty,
232
virtue and strength. The whole world knows that they conquered the demons in battle and
protected my sacrifice from harm.
(216)
0 fl U U U
U S U U
U UU fl
U U
U fl U
U
U
U fl
U U H
U H 1H
U fl UflH
r fl fl U UH 2H
UU UUUH
U fl U flH 3H
U U H
U UU U UH 4H
Cau.: muni tava carana dekhi kaha ru,

sudara syma gaura dou bhrt,
inha kai prti parasapara pvani,
sunahu ntha kaha mudita bidehu,
puni puni prabhuhi citava naranhu,
munihi prasasi ni pada ssu,
sudara sadanu sukhada saba kl,
kari
puj saba bidhi sevak,
kahi na sakau nija punya prabhu.

na dahu
ke
na da
dt.1.
kahi na ji mana bhva suhvani.
brahma jva iva sahaja sanehu.2.
pulaka gta ura adhika uchhu.
caleu
lavi
nagara
avansu.3.
tah bsu
lai
dnha
bhul.
gayau
ru
gha
bid
kar.4.
When I behold your feet, O sage,added the king, I cannot tell what a great merit
I have earned in the past. These two brothers, one of whom is dark of hue and the other
fair, are the delight of delight itself. Their guileless affection for each other is beyond
description; it is so agreeable and soul-ravishing. Listen to me, my lord, continued King
Videha rejoicing, they have natural affinity for each other like the one existing between
Brahma (the Supreme Spirit) and Jva (the individual soul). The king gazed upon the
Lord over and over again; the hair on his body stood on end and his heart overflowed
with joy. Extolling the sage and bowing his head at the latters feet, the king escorted him
to his capital, and lodged the sage in a beautiful palace which was comfortable at all
times. Then, after further homage and rendering all kinds of service to him, the king took
leave of the sage and returned to his own palace.
(14)
0U
U U
U U fl UU U H 217H
Do.: riaya saga raghubasa mani kari bhojanu birmu,

baihe prabhu bhrt sahita divasu rah bhari jmu.217.
Having dined with the seers and rested awhile, Lord r Rma, the Jewel of
Raghus race, sat down by His brothers side, a quarter of the day still remained. (217)
0 NU
UU
U
U

U U

U H
U UU U UH 1H
U U UH
U H 2H
* BLA-KNA *
233
L UU UU U UUH
UUU fl U U flH 3H
U U U UU H
U U fl H 4H
Cau.: lakhana
hdaya
llas
bise,
prabhu bhaya bahuri munihi sakuch,
rma anuja mana k gat jn,
parama
binta sakuci musuk,
ntha lakhanu puru dekhana cahah,
ji
janakapura
ia
dekh.
pragaa na kahahi manahi musukh.1.
bhagata bachalat hiya
hulasn.
bole
gura
anussana
p.2.
prabhu sakoca ara pragaa na kahah.
jau
rura yasu mai
pvau , nagara dekhi turata lai vau .3.
suni munsu kaha bacana saprt, kasa na rma tumha rkhahu nt.
dharama setu plaka tumha tt, prema bibasa sevaka sukhadt.4.
Lakmaa felt in his heart a great longing to go and see Janakas capital. He was,
however, afraid of the Lord and stood in awe of the sage; therefore he did not openly
declare it and smiled within himself. r Rma understood what was passing in His
younger brothers mind; and His heart overflowed with a kindly feeling for His devotee.
Taking leave of His preceptor to speak, He smilingly spoke with much diffidence in most
polite terms, My lord, Lakmaa longs to see the city, but out of fear and respect for
you he does not make it known to you. If I have your permission, I will take him round
the city and quickly bring him back. Hearing this the chief of sages, Vivmitra, replied
in affectionate terms, It is no wonder, Rma, that You should respect good manners.
You are the upholder of the moral code, my son, and bring joy to Your servants out of
love for them.
(14)
flU L U
UU U H 218H
Do.: ji dekhi vahu nagaru sukha nidhna dou bhi,

karahu suphala saba ke nayana sudara badana dekhi.218.
Go, blissful pair of brothers, and having seen the city come back. Bless the eyes
of all by showing them your charming countenance.
(218)
U

UU U
UU
U
UU U
U
ULU
U U U
fl L U U
H
H 1H
L U U UH
S U UU UH 2H
UU LU H
H 3H
fl U U UH
U H 4H
Cau.: muni pada kamala badi dou bhrt, cale loka locana sukha dt.
blaka bda dekhi ati sobh, lage saga locana manu lobh.1.
234
pta basana parikara kaibhth,
tana anuharata sucadana khor,
kehari
kadhara bhu bisl,
subhaga sona sarasruha locana,
knanhi kanaka phula chabi deh,
citavani cru bhkui bara b k,
cru cpa sara sohata hth.

symala gaura manohara jor.2.
ura ati rucira ngamani ml.
badana mayaka tpatraya mocana.3.
citavata citahi cori janu leh.
tilaka rekha sobh janu c k.4.
Saluting the lotus-feet of the sage the two brothers, the delight of the eyes of the
whole world, departed. Beholding the exquisite beauty of the two brothers troops of boys
followed them, their eyes and mind being enamoured of it. Clad in yellow garments they
had a quiver fastened at their back, with a cloth (of the same colour) wrapped round their
waist; their hands were adorned with a graceful bow and arrow respectively. The
beautiful pair, one of whom was dark and the other fair, had streaks of (red or white)
sandalwood paste painted on their body so as to match the complexion. With a neck as
well-built as the lions and long arms they had on their bosom an exquisite string of pearls
obtained from the forehead of elephants. Their lovely eyes resembled the red lotus; and
the moon-like face relieved the threefold agony. Their ears were adorned with pendants
of gold, which stole as it were, the heart of those who looked on them. They cast a
bewitching glance and had a pair of arched and shapely eyebrows; the lines of the
sectarian mark on the forehead looked as if beauty had been sealed there. (14)
0LU
U
U U H 219H
Do.: rucira cautan subhaga sira mecaka kucita kesa,

nakha sikha sudara badhu dou sobh sakala sudesa.219.
Their beautiful head was covered with a charming rectangular cap and dark curly
locks. The two brothers were lovely from head to foot; the beauty of every limb was as
it should be.
(219)
0
L

U U U U
fl UU
UU UU
U U U U
c U U
U U U U
U
UU
H
U U U H 1H
UU H
UU U M UH 2H
U U U H
U UH 3H
U UUH
U U UU UH 4H
Cau.: dekhana nagaru bhupasuta

e,
dhe dhma kma saba tyg,
nirakhi sahaja sudara dou bh,
jubat bhavana jharokhanhi lg,
kahahi parasapara bacana saprt,
sura nara asura nga muni mh,
binu cri bhuja bidhi mukha cr,
apara
deu
asa kou na h,
samcra
purabsinha
pe.
manahu raka nidhi luana lg.1.
hohi sukh locana phala p.
nirakhahi
rma
rupa
anurg.2.
sakhi inha koi kma chabi jt.
sobh
asi
kahu suniati
nh.3.
bikaa bea mukha paca purr.
yaha chabi sakh paataria jh.4.
* BLA-KNA *
235
When the citizens received the news that the two princes had come to see the
town, they all left their business and ran out of their homes as if paupers were out to grab
a valuable property. Beholding the natural grace of two brothers, they were glad at heart
and attained the consummation of their eyes. Sticking to the air-holes of their houses
young ladies lovingly scanned r Rmas beauty. They fondly spoke to one another in
the following words: O friend, He has surpassed in beauty millions of Cupids. Nowhere
among gods, men, demons, Ngas or sages do we hear of such beauty. God Viu is
endowed with four arms, Brahm has four face, while iva, the Slayer of Tripura, has
a frightful garb and five faces. O friend, there is no other god who could stand
comparison with this beauty.
(14)
U S U
U flUU U U H 220H
Do.: baya kisora suam sadana syma gaura sukha dhma,

aga aga para vriahi koi koi sata kma.220.
The two lads, one dark and the other fair, are yet of tender age and are
repositories of beauty and abodes of bliss. Millions and hundreds of millions of Cupids
are worth sacrificing to each one of their limbs.
(220)
UU U
U
U UU
UflU
S

U U U U
U U
U U M UUH
U H 1H
UU UH
U U U U UH 2H
U H
U H 3H
U U U UH
H 4H
Cau.: kahahu sakh asa ko tanudhr, jo na moha yaha rupa nihr.

kou saprema bol mdu bn, jo mai sun so sunahu sayn.1.
e
dou
dasaratha
ke
ho, bla marlanhi ke kala jo.
muni kausika makha ke rakhavre, jinha rana ajira niscara mre.2.
syma gta kala kaja bilocana, jo mrca subhuja madu mocana.
kausaly suta so sukha khn, nmu rmu dhanu syaka pn.3.
gaura kisora beu bara kche , kara sara cpa rma ke pche .
lachimanu nmu rma laghu bhrt, sunu sakhi tsu sumitr mt.4.
Tell me, friend, what embodied being is there that would not be charmed to see
such beauty? One of them lovingly said in gentle tones, Hear, my dear, what I have
been told. These two lads, a beautiful pair of cygnets as it were, are sons of King Daaratha;
they are the protectors of Kauikas sacrifice, and have slain demons in the field of battle.
He who has a swarthy form and has charming lotus-like eyes and who has quelled the
pride of Mrca and Subhu, wielding a bow and shaft in His hands, is Kausalys son,
Rma by name, the very fountain of bliss. The fair youth in gallant attire, who is closely
following r Rma, a bow and arrow in hand, is the latters younger brother and is named
Lakmaa. Sumitr, friend, is his mother, you must know.
(14)
236
U U UU
UU UH 221H
Do.: biprakju kari badhu dou maga munibadhu udhri,

e dekhana cpamakha suni hara saba nri.221.
Having accomplished the object of the Brhmaa, Vivmitra, and redeeming the
sages wife, Ahaly, on the way, the two brothers have come here to witness the bowsacrifice. All the ladies were delighted to hear this.
(221)
0 U U U U
UU U
U U U
U UU
U U U
U U L U

UU U
U U L UH
UUU UU U UUH 1H
U H
UU U H 2H
U U H
U U UH 3H
U H
U flU U H 4H
Cau.: dekhi rma chabi kou eka kaha,

jau sakhi inhahi dekha naranhu,
kou kaha e bhupati pahicne,
sakhi paratu panu ru na taja,
kou kaha jau bhala ahai bidht,
tau jnakihi milihi baru ehu,
jau bidhi basa asa banai sa jogu,
sakhi
hamare
rati ati
tte ,
jogu jnakihi yaha baru aha.

pana parihari hahi karai bibhu.1.
muni sameta sdara sanamne.
bidhi basa hahi abibekahi bhaja.2.
saba kaha sunia ucita phaladt.
nhina
li
ih
sadehu.3.
tau ktaktya hoi saba logu.
kabahu ka
e
vahi
ehi
nte .4.
Beholding r Rmas beauty someone said, Here is a bridegroom worthy of

Princess Jnak. If the king does but see him, friend, I am sure he will abandon his vow
and insist upon their marriage. Said another, The king has come to know them and has
received them as well as the sage with all honour. But the king, my dear, refuses to give
up his vow and, as Fate would have it, persists in his folly. Yet another said, If
providence is good and, as we are told, gives every man his due, then Jnak is sure
to have him as her bridegroom. About this, my dear, there can be no doubt. If such a
union is brought about by Providence, everyone will have realized ones object. My
impatience, friend, is augmented by the thought that this alliance will impel him to visit this
place again.
(14)
0U
U U U U U U U
U U U U UH 222H
Do.: nhi ta hama kahu sunahu sakhi inha kara darasanu duri,
yaha saghau taba hoi jaba punya purkta bhuri.222.
Otherwise, my dear, it is out of question for us, I tell you, to see Him again. Such
* BLA-KNA *
237
an event can take place only when we have a rich stock of merit accumulated in previous
existences.
(222)
0 U UU
U U U UU
U
U U U U UU
U U
UUU fl U
U U U flU
UU
U U U U H
S UH 1H
U U U H
U U UUH 2H
U U UH
U UUU UH 3H
U S L UU UH
UU UU H 4H
Cau.: bol
apara kahehu sakhi nk,
kou kaha sakara cpa kahor,
sabu asamajasa
ahai sayn,
sakhi inha kaha kou kou asa kahah,
parasi jsu pada pakaja dhur,
so ki rahihi binu sivadhanu tore ,
jehi
biraci raci sya sa vr,
tsu bacana suni saba haran,
ehi biha ati hita sabah k.

e
symala
mdugta
kisor.1.
yaha suni apara kahai mdu bn.
baRa prabhu dekhata laghu ahah.2.
tar
ahaly
kta
agha
bhur.
yaha pratti pariharia na bhore .3.
tehi symala baru raceu bicr.
aisei hou kahahi mdu bn.4.
Someone else said, Friend, you have spoken well. This union will be conducive
to the best interests of all. Still another said, Sakaras bow is hard to bend, while this
swarthy lad is of delicate frame. Everything, my dear, is out of place, Hearing this,
another said in a soft voice, Friend, with regard to this lad I have heard some people
say that, though small in appearance, He wields a great power. Touched by the dust of
His lotus-feet Ahaly, who had perpetrated a great sin, attained salvation. He will,
therefore, surely break ivas bow; one should never commit the mistake of giving up
this faith. The same Creator, who fashioned St with great skill, has preordained for her
this dark-complexioned bridegroom. Everyone was pleased to hear the words of this
lady and softly exclaimed Amen!
(14)
0U
UUU UU
U U U U U U UH 223H
Do.: hiya haraahi baraahi sumana sumukhi sulocani bda,

jhi jah jaha badhu dou taha taha paramnada.223.
In their gladness of heart troops of fair-faced, bright-eyed dames rained flowers on
the princes. Wherever the two brothers went, there was supreme joy.
(223)
0U U U
SU L UU
U
U U U
U U
U U U
U U H
LU flUH 1H
U U UU UH
U U H 2H
UU U U H
fl UU H 3H
238
U U U U UUH
U U U U U fl UH 4H
Cau.: pura puraba disi ge dou bh,
ati
bistra
cru
gaca hr,
cahu disi kacana maca bisl,
tehi
pche
sampa cahu ps,
kachuka u ci saba bh ti suh,

tinha
ke
nikaa
bisla suhe,
jaha baihe
dekhahi saba nr,
pura blaka kahi kahi mdu bacan,
jaha dhanumakha hita bhumi ban.

bimala
bedik
rucira
sa vr.1.
race
jah baihahi
mahipl.
apara maca maal bils.2.
baihahi nagara loga jaha j.
dhavala dhma bahubarana bane.3.
jath jogu nija kula anuhr.
sdara prabhuhi dekhvahi racan.4.
The two brothers reached the eastern quarter of the city, where the arena for the
bow-sacrifice had been got ready. In the midst of a beautiful and spacious paved area a
spotless altar was richly adorned. On the four sides of this altar were erected elevated
and broad seats of gold to be occupied by the princes. Not far behind and surrounding them
on all sides shone another circular tier of raised seats, which was of somewhat greater
height and beautiful in everyway, and where the people of the city might come and take
their seat. Close to these were constructed spacious and beautiful gallaries of glistening
white, painted in diverse colours, whence ladies might view the spectacle seated in their
appropriate places according to their family rank. The children of the town politely showed
the Lord all the preparations speaking to Him in gentle words.
(14)
U U UU
U UU U U H 224H
Do.: saba sisu ehi misa premabasa parasi manohara gta,

tana pulakahi ati harau hiya dekhi dekhi dou bhrta.224.
Thus finding an occasion for touching their charming limbs all the children were
overwhelmed with love, experienced a thrill all over their body and their heart overflowed
with joy on seeing the two brothers again and again.
(224)
0 U
L U
U flU U U
fl U fl
U
L U
UU U UU U
U U UZ
H
U U U U H 1H
U U UU H
U H 2H
fl H
UH 3H
U fl H
UZH 4H
Cau.: sisu saba rma premabasa jne,

nija nija ruci saba lehi bol,
rma dekhvahi anujahi racan,
.
lava nimea mah~u bhuvana niky,
prti
sameta
niketa
bakhne.
sahita saneha jhi dou bh.1.
kahi mdu madhura manohara bacan.
racai
jsu
anussana
my.2.
* BLA-KNA *
bhagati
hetu
soi
dnadayl,
kautuka dekhi cale guru ph,
jsu
trsa
ara kahu ara ho,
kahi bte mdu madhura suh,
239
citavata cakita dhanua makhasl.

jni bilabu trsa mana mh.3.
bhajana prabhu dekhvata so.
kie
bid
blaka
bari.4.
Finding all the children under the spell of affection, r Rma lovingly extolled the
places shown by them. All of them would call the two brothers wherever they pleased
and the two brothers went to them out of loving kindness. r Rma showed to His
younger brother the arrangements that had been made there, speaking to him in soft,
sweet and agreeable words. He in obedience to whose fiat My brings forth multitudes
of universes in the quarter of a second, the same gracious Lord, conquered by devotion,
looks with amazement on the arena for the bow-sacrifice. Having seen the whole show
the two brothers returned to their Guru; but the thought of their being late disturbed their
mind. The Lord, whose sublimity inspires terror into Terror itself thus manifests the glory
of devotion. With many kind and courteous phrases they took leave of the youngsters
much against the latters will.
(14)
U U
U U U H 225H
Do.: sabhaya saprema binta ati sakuca sahita dou bhi,

gura pada pakaja ni sira baihe yasu pi.225.
Meekly and most submissively, with a mingled feeling of awe and love the two
brothers bowed their head at the lotus feet of the preceptor (Vivmitra) and sat down
with his permission.
(225)
0 U
U U U
U U
U U ULU
U
U U U
U UU
U flU
UH
LU U UH 1H
U U H
U UH 2H
U U H
UU UH 3H
U H
U UU H 4H
Cau.: nisi prabesa muni yasu dnh,

kahata
kath
itihsa
purn,
munibara sayana knhi taba j,
jinha ke carana saroruha
lg,
tei dou badhu prema janu jte,
bra
bra
muni
agy
dnh,
cpata carana lakhanu ura le ,
puni puni prabhu kaha sovahu tt,
sabah sadhybadanu knh.

rucira rajani juga jma sirn.1.
lage carana cpana dou bh.
karata bibidha japa joga birg.2.
gura pada kamala paloata prte.
raghubara ji sayana taba knh.3.
sabhaya saprema parama sacu pe .
pauRhe dhari ura pada jalajt.4.
At the approach of night the sage (Vivmitra) gave the word and all performed
their evening devotions; and while the sage recited old legends and narratives, two
240
watches of the beautiful night passed. The chief of the sages, Vivmitra, then retired to
his bed; and the two brothers began to shampooed his legs. The couple whose lotus legs
are sought by men of dispassion muttering various sacred formulae and practising
different kinds of Yoga (means of union with God) lovingly rubbed the lotus-like feet of
their Guru, conquered as it were by his love. When the sage asked Him again and again,
the Chief of Raghus race went to bed only then. Lakmaa pressed the Lords feet to
his bosom and shampooed them with reverence and love deriving supreme joy from this
service. It was only when the Lord repeatedly said, Retire now, my brother, that he laid
himself down cherishing his Brothers lotus feet in his heart.
(14)
0UU L
U UU U H 226H
Do.: uhe lakhanu nisi bigata suni arunasikh dhuni kna,
gura te pahilehi jagatapati jge rmu sujna.226.
Towards the close of night, at the craway of cock, got up Lakmaa. The Lord of
the universe, the all-wise r Rma, also woke before His preceptor.
(226)
0 U U
U
U U
U
UU
fl fl U
U U
L U Ufl
U UU
U U U H
U H 1H
U U UU H
U U U H 2H
U M H
U U UH 3H
flH
H 4H
Cau.: sakala sauca kari ji

nahe, nitya nibhi munihi sira ne.
samaya jni gura yasu
p, lena prasuna cale dou bh.1.
bhupa bgu bara dekheu j, jaha basata ritu rah lobh.
lge
biapa
manohara
nn, barana barana bara beli bitn.2.
nava pallava phala sumana suhe, nija sapati sura rukha laje.
ctaka
kokila
kra
cakor, kujata bihaga naata kala mor.3.
madhya bga saru soha suhv, mani
sopna
bicitra
banv.
bimala salilu sarasija bahurag, jalakhaga kujata gujata bhg.4.
Having performed all the customary acts of purification, they went and finished
their ablutions; and having gone through their daily routine of devotions etc., they
bowed before the sage. When the time came, the two brothers took leave of the
preceptor and went out to gather flowers. Having gone out they saw the lovely royal
garden, enamoured of whose beauty the vernal season had taken its permanent abode
there. It was planted with charming trees of various kinds and overhung with beautiful
creepers of different colours. Rich in fresh leaf, fruit and flower they put to shame even
kalpavka trees by their affluence. The feathered choir of the Ctakas, cuckoos, parrots
and Cakoras warbled and peacocks beautifully danced. In the centre of the garden a
lovely lake shone bright with flights of steps made of many-coloured gems. Its limpid water
* BLA-KNA *
241
contained lotuses of various colours and was vocal with the cooing of aquatic birds and
the humming of bees.
(14)
U UU
U U U U UU H 227H
Do.: bgu taRgu biloki prabhu harae badhu sameta,

parama ramya rmu yahu jo rmahi sukha deta.227.
Both the Lord and His brother were delighted to behold the garden with its
lake. Most lovely must have been that garden which delighted even r Rma (lit., the
delighter of all) !
(227)
0U U
U flU U

U U U U
U U U
U U
U
U U
H
U UH 1H
flU UU H
U UH 2H
U H
M L H 3H
UU
flH
U H 4H
Cau.: cahu
disi citai pu chi mlgana,
tehi
avasara
st
taha
,
saga sakh saba subhaga sayn,

sara sampa girij gha soh,
majjanu kari sara sakhinha samet,
puj
knhi
adhika
anurg,
eka sakh siya sagu
bih,
tehi dou badhu biloke
j,
lage lena dala phula mudita mana.

girij
pujana
janani
pah.1.
gvahi
gta
manohara
bn.
barani na ji dekhi manu moh.2.
ga mudita mana gauri niket.
nija anurupa subhaga baru mg.3.
ga
rah
dekhana
phulav.
prema
bibasa
st
pahi
.4.
After looking all about, and with the consent of the gardeners, the two brothers
began in high glee to gather leaves and flowers. On that very occasion St too arrived
there, having been sent by Her mother to worship Girij. She was accompanied by Her
girl-companions, who were all lovely and intelligent. They sang melodies in an enchanting
voice. Close to the lake stood a temple, sacred to Girij, which was beautiful beyond
description, and captivated the mind of those who looked at it. Having taken a dip into
the lake with Her companions, St went with a glad heart to Girijs temple. She offered
worship with great devotion and begged of the Goddess a handsome match worthy of
Her. One of Her companions had strayed away from Her in order to have a look at the
garden. She chanced to behold the two brothers and returned to St overwhelmed
with love.
(14)
U
U U UU U UU H 228H
Do.: tsu das dekh sakhinha pulaka gta jalu naina,

kahu kranu nija haraa kara puchahi saba mdu baina.228.
242
When her companions saw her condition, her body thrilling all over and her eyes
full of tears, they all asked her in gentle tones, Tell us what gladdens your heart. (228)
0 U
S U U
UU
U
U M U UU
U U U U
U U
U
U UH
U H 1H
U UU H
H 2H
U Sfl U U UH
fl U H 3H
U H
U H 4H
Cau.: dekhana
bgu
kua ra
dui e,
syma gaura kimi kahau bakhn,
suni hara saba sakh sayn,
eka
kahai
npasuta
tei l,
jinha
nija rupa mohan r,
baranata chabi jaha taha saba logu,
tsu bacana ati siyahi sohne,
cal agra kari priya sakhi so,
baya kisora saba bh ti suhe.

gir anayana nayana binu bn.1.
siya
hiya ati
utakah
jn.
sune je muni sa ga e kl.2.
knhe svabasa nagara nara nr.
avasi
dekhiahi
dekhana
jogu.3.
darasa
lgi
locana
akulne.
prti purtana lakhai na ko.4.
Two princes have come to see the garden, both of tender age and charming in
everyway, one dark of hue and the other fair; how shall I describe them ? For speech
is sightless, while the eyes are mute. All the clever maidens were delighted to hear this.
Perceiving the intense longing in Sts bosom one of them said,They must be the two
princes, my dear, who, I was told, arrived yesterday with the sage (Vivmitra), and who
have captivated the heart of men and women of the city by casting the spell of their
beauty. All are talking of their loveliness here, there and everywhere. We must see them,
for they are worth seeing. The words of this damsel highly pleased St; Her eyes were
restless for the sight of the princes. With that kind friend to lead the way She followed;
no one knew that Hers was an old love.
(14)
0U
U U
H 229H
Do.: sumiri sya nrada bacana upaj prti punta,

cakita bilokati sakala disi janu sisu mg sabhta.229.
Recollecting Nradas words She was filled with innocent love; and with anxious
eyes She gazed all round like a startled fawn.
(229)
0 U
U
U
U U U U
L
fl
U
U U NU H
Sfl U UH 1H
UH
U H 2H
NU UU flH
U Sfl U U H 3H
* BLA-KNA *
243
U
U
U
U UU UH
U UU UU U
UU
UUH 4H
Cau.: kakana kikini nupura dhuni suni,
mnahu madana dudubh dnh,
asa kahi phiri citae tehi or,
bhae
bilocana
cru
acacala,
dekhi sya sobh sukhu
pv,
janu biraci saba nija nipun,
sudarat kahu sudara kara,
saba upam kabi rahe juhr,
kahata lakhana sana rmu hdaya guni.

manas bisva bijaya kaha knh.1.
siya mukha sasi bhae nayana cakor.
manahu sakuci nimi taje digacala.2.
hdaya sarhata bacanu na v.
biraci bisva kaha pragai dekh.3.
chabigha dpasikh janu bara.
kehi
paatarau
bidehakumr.4.
Hearing the tinkling of bangles, the small bells tied round the waist and
the anklets r Rma thought within Himself and then said to Lakmaa, It seems
as if Cupid has sounded his kettledrum with intent to conquer the universe. So saying,
He looked once again in the same direction (whence the sound came); and lo !
His eyes feasted themselves on Sts countenance even as the Cakora bird gazes
on the moon. His charming eyes became motionless, as if Nimi* (the god of
winking) had left the eyelids out of shyness. r Rma was filled with rapture to
behold Sts beauty; He admired it in His heart, but utterance failed Him. He felt
as if the Creator had put his whole creative skill in visible form and demonstrated
it to the world at large. She lends charm to charm itself, He said to Himself, and
looks as if a flame of light is burning in a house of beauty. The similes already
employed by the poets are all stale and hackneyed; to whom shall I liken the
daughter of Videha?
(14)
U U U
UUH 230H
Do.: siya sobh hiya barani prabhu pani das bicri,

bole suci mana anuja sana bacana samaya anuhri.230.
Thus describing to Himself Sts loveliness and reflecting on His own condition
the Lord innocently spoke to His younger brother in terms appropriate to the
occasion:
(230)
U

U Z

U
U U U
U U
U U UH
U U flZH 1H
U U UH
UU H 2H
U H
U U UU UUH 3H
* Nimi was a forbear of King Janaka. On his death his spirit obtained a seat on the eyelids of human
beings and has ever since remained there. The poet here figuratively attributes the motionlessness of r
Rmas eyelids to the sudden departure therefrom of Nimi, who as a forbear of Janaka is described as loth to
witness this exchange of pure love between Rma and St.
244
U UU U U U U flU U UUH
UU U U UU U UH 4H
Cau.: tta
janakatanay
yaha
so,
pujana
gauri
sakh
lai
,
jsu
biloki
alaukika
sobh,
so sabu krana jna
bidht,
raghubasinha kara sahaja subhu,
mohi atisaya pratti mana ker,
jinha kai lahahi na ripu rana ph,
magana lahahi na jinha kai nh,
dhanuajagya jehi krana ho.

karata praksu phirai phulav.1.
sahaja punta mora manu chobh.
pharakahi subhada aga sunu bhrt.2.
manu kupatha pagu dharai na ku.
jehi sapanehu paranri na her.3.
nahi pvahi paratiya manu h.
te narabara thore jaga mh.4.
Brother, she is no other than the daughter of King Janaka, for whom the bowsacrifice is being arranged. She has been escorted by her girl-companions to worship
Goddess Gaur and is moving about in the garden diffusing light all about her. My heart
which is naturally pure, is agitated by the sight of Her transcendent beauty. The reason of
all this is known to God alone; but I tell you, brother, my right limbs are throbbing, which
is an index of coming good fortune. It is a natural trait with the race of Raghu that they
never set their heart on evil courses. As for myself I am fully confident of My mind, which
has never sought anothers wife even in a dream. Rare in this world are those noble men
who never turn their back on the foe in battle nor give their heart to or cast an amorous
glance on anothers wife, and from whom no beggar meets with a rebuff.
(14)
0U
U M
U U U fl H 231H
Do.: karata batakah anuja sana mana siya rupa lobhna,

mukha saroja makarada chabi karai madhupa iva pna.231.
While r Rma was talking to His younger brother in this strain, His mind, which
was enamoured of Sts beauty, was all the time drinking in the loveliness of Her
countenance, like a bee sucking the nectar from a lotus.
(231)
0fl U
U fl
U U
M
U
U U U
UU UU
U
U U H
U U H 1H
S U U UH
UU UH 2H
UU
UUU
H
U U fl UH 3H
U U H
U U U H 4H
Cau.: citavati cakita cahu

disi st,
jaha biloka mga svaka nain,
lat oa taba sakhinha lakhe,
dekhi
rupa
locana
lalacne,
kaha gae npakisora manu cit.

janu taha barisa kamala sita ren.1.
symala
gaura
kisora
suhe.
harae janu nija nidhi pahicne.2.
* BLA-KNA *
thake nayana raghupati chabidekhe ,
adhika saneha deha bhai bhor,
locana maga rmahi ura n,
jaba siya sakhinha premabasa jn,
245
palakanhihu
parihar
nimee .
sarada sasihi janu citava cakor.3.
dnhe
palaka
kapa
sayn.
kahi na sakahi kachu mana sakucn.4.
St looked surprsingly all round; Her mind was at a loss as to where the princes
had gone. Wherever the fawneyed princess cast Her glance, a continuous stream of white
lotuses seemed to rain there. Her companions then pointed out to Her the two lovely
brothers, the one dark, the other fair of hue, standing behind a fence of creepers. Beholding
the beauty of the two princes Her eyes were filled with greed; they rejoiced as if they had
discovered their longlost treasure. The eyes became motionless at the sight of r Rmas
loveliness; the eyelids too forgot to fall. Due to excess of love Her body-consciousness
began to fail; it looked as if a Cakora bird were gazing at the autumnal moon. Receiving
r Rma into the heart through the passage of the eyes, She cleverly shut Him up there
by closing the doors of Her eyelids. When Her girl-companions found St overpowered
with love, they were too much abashed to utter a word.
(14)
0fl
U U flU U
U H 232H
Do.: latbhavana te pragaa bhe tehi avasara dou bhi,

nikase janu juga bimala bidhu jalada paala bilagi.232.
At that very moment the two brothers emerged from a bower. It looked as if a pair
of spotless moons had shone forth tearing the veil of cloud.
(232)
0 fl U U
U
U
U
U
U U UflU
L
U U U U
UU fl
U
Cau.: sobh
sva
morapakha
subhaga
sira
dou
sohata
UUH
U H 1H
fl U UH
fl U UUH 2H
U H
U UH 3H
U flH
flU U U H 4H
br, nla
pta
jalajbha
sarr.
nke, guccha bca bica kusuma kal ke.1.
bhla tilaka ramabidu suhe, ravana subhaga bhuana chabi che.

bikaa bhkui kaca ghugharavre, nava
saroja
locana
ratanre.2.
cru
cibuka
nsik
kapol, hsa bilsa leta
mukhachabi kahi na ji mohi ph, jo
biloki
bahu
mol.
lajh.3.
ura mani mla kabu kala gv, kma kalabha kara bhuja balasv.
sumana sameta bma kara don, sva ra
kua ra
sakh
manu
kma
suhi
lon.4.
The two gallant heroes were the very perfection of beauty; their bodies resembled
in hue a blue and a yellow lotus respectively. Charming peacock-feathers adorned their head,
which had bunches of flower-buds stuck here and there. A sectarian mark and beads
246
of perspiration glistened on their brow; while graceful pendants shed their lustre on their
ears. With arched eyebrows and curly locks, eyes red as a lotus-bud and a lovely chin,
nose and cheeks their gracious smile was soul-enthralling. The beauty of their countenance
was more than I can describe; it would put to shame a myriad Cupids. They had a string of
jewels on their breast; their lovely neck resembled a conch-shell in its spiral shape; while
their mighty arms vied with the trunk of a young elephant, who was the very incarnation of
Cupid. With a cup of leaves full of flowers in His left hand the dark-hued prince, my dear, is
most charming.
(14)
0 UU
U U U
U U U H 233H
Do.: kehari kai paa pta dhara suam sla nidhna,

dekhi bhnukulabhuanahi bisar sakhinha apna.233.
Beholding the Ornament of the solar race, who had a slender waist like that of a
lion and was clad in yellow, and who was the very embodiment of beauty and amiability,
Sts companions forgot their very existence.
(233)
0U U
UU U U UU
UU
U
U U
U U U
U U
U U U U UU
U H
U UH 1H
U U UUH
U UH 2H
U UL UU H
U U H 3H
U H
U U H 4H
Cau.: dhari
dhraju
eka li
sayn,
bahuri gauri kara dhyna karehu,
sakuci sya taba nayana ughre,
nakha sikha dekhi rma kai sobh,
parabasa sakhinha lakh jaba st,
puni
uba
ehi
beri
kl,
guRha gir suni siya sakucn,
dhari baRi dhra rmu ura
ne,
st
sana
bol
gahi
pn.
bhupakisora
dekhi
kina
lehu.1.
sanamukha dou raghusigha nihre.
sumiri pit panu manu ati chobh.2.
bhayau gaharu saba kahahi sabht.
asa kahi mana bihas eka l.3.
bhayau bilabu mtu bhaya mn.
phir apanapau pitubasa jne.4.
Recovering herself, one of Her clever companions grasped St by the hand and
said to Her, Meditate on Gaur afterwards; why not behold the princes just now ? St
then bashfully opened Her eyes and saw the two lions of Raghus race opposite Herself.
Surveying r Rmas beauty from head to foot in the reverse order,* and remembering
Her fathers vow she felt much perturbed. When Sts companions saw Her thus
* Girls in India are coy by their very nature and would not have the audacity to look straight into the
eyes of a suitor. St, who is the very embodiment of feminine virtues and the ideal of Indian womanhood, is,
therefore, depicted here as beginning Her survey of r Rmas beauty from His feet and gradually passing
Her eyes to His head. It is unidiomatic in English to speak of one scanning a person from foot to head; hence
the order had to be reversed in the rendering. It was, however, necessary to point out this radical difference
between the Western and Indian cultures; and hence the words in the reverse order have been added to
keep the sense of the original intact while taking care not to allow the English idiom to suffer.
* BLA-KNA *
247
overcome with love, they all cried in alarm: We are already late . Let us come again
at this very hour tomorrow ! So saying one of them smiled within herself. St blushed
at this pregnant remark. She got afraid of Her mother; for she felt it was already late.
Recovering Herself with considerable effort she received r Rma into Her heart and
conscious of Her dependence on Her sire returned home.
(14)
U L U UU UU
U U UU U U UH 234H
Do.: dekhana misa mga bihaga taru phirai bahori bahori,

nirakhi nirakhi raghubra chabi bRhai prti na thori.234.
Under pretence of looking at a deer, bird or tree She turned again and again; and each
time She gazed on the beauteous Hero of Raghus race, Her love waxed not a little. (234)
U fl U

U
fl
fl UU
UUU U
U
fl fl
fl fl Ufl U
U UU S UH
U H 1H
L UH
U U UH 2H
U UH
H 3H
U U H
Sfl U Sfl UUH 4H
Cau.: jni
kahina sivacpa bisurati,
prabhu
jaba jta jnak jn,
parama premamaya mdu masi knh,
ga
bhavn bhavana
bahor,
jaya
jaya
giribararja
kisor,
jaya gajabadana anana mt,
nahi tava di madhya
avasn,
bhava bhava bibhava parbhava krini,
cal rkhi ura symala murati II

sukha saneha sobh guna khn II
cru
citta
bht
likhi
lnh II
badi
carana
bol
kara
jor II
jaya mahesa mukha cada cakor II
jagata janani dmini duti gt II
amita prabhu bedu nahi jn II
bisva bimohani svabasa bihrini II
U
fl
Drooping at the thought of the unyielding bow of iva, She proceeded with the
image of the swarthy form in Her heart. When the Lord perceived that Janakas
Daughter, a fountain of bliss, affection, grace and goodness, was going, He sketched
Her on the sheet of His heart with the soft ink of supreme love. St then sought
Bhavns temple and, adoring Her feet, prayed to Her with joined palms: Glory, all glory
to You, O Daughter of the mountain-king ! Glory to You, who gaze on the countenance
of the great Lord iva as a Cakora bird on the moon. Glory to You, O Mother of the
elephant-headed Gaea and the six-faced Krtikeya and mother of the universe with
limbs shining as lightning. You have no beginning, middle or end; Your infinite glory is a
mystery even to the Vedas. You are responsible for the birth, maintenance and
destruction of the universe; You enchant the whole universe and carry on Your sports
independently of others.
(14)
0fl
U fl U
U U U U U H 235H
248
Do.: patidevat sutya mahu mtu prathama tava rekha,

mahim amita na sakahi kahi sahasa srad sea.235.
Of all good women who adore their husband as a god, Mother, You rank foremost. Your
immeasurable greatness is more than a thousand rads and eas could tell.
(235)
0fl U U
UU
U
U
U

UU U U U
fl
U U U
UU
U
U
UU
UH
U U UU UH 1H
U UU U U H
U U U UH 2H
U H
U UU U UH 3H
U UUH
L U U UH 4H
Cau.: sevata tohi sulabha phala cr,

debi puji pada kamala tumhre,
mora
manorathu
jnahu nke ,
knheu pragaa na krana teh,
binaya prema basa bha bhavn,
sdara siya prasdu sira dhareu,
sunu siya satya assa hamr,
nrada bacana sad suci sc,
baradyan
purri
pir.
sura nara muni saba hohi sukhre.1.
basahu sad ura pura sabah ke .
asa kahi carana gahe baideh.2.
khas
mla
murati
musukn.
bol gauri harau hiya bhareu.3.
pujihi
mana
kman
tumhr.
so baru milihi jhi manu rc.4.
The fourfold rewards of life (viz., religious merit, worldly riches, sensuous enjoyment
and Liberation) are easily attainable through Your service, O bestower of boons, beloved
of iva (the Slayer of Tripura)! All who adore Your lotus feet, O Shining One, attain
happiness, be they gods, men or sages. You know well my hearts longing since You
ever dwell in the town of every heart. That is why I have refrained from openly declaring
it. With these words Videhas Daughter clasped the feet of the image. Bhavn was
overcome by Her meekness and devotion; the wreath on the image dropped and the idol
smiled. St reverently placed the divine gift on Her head. Gaurs heart was filled with
delight while She spoke, Hear, St, my infallible blessing: Your hearts desire shall be
accomplished. Nradas words are ever faultless and true; the suitor on whom Your
heart is set shall, indeed, be Yours.
(14)
U0
U UU U L U U flU
L U UflUH
U U U U UU
flU U H
jhi rceu milihi so baru sahaja sudara s varo,

karun nidhna sujna slu sanehu jnata rvaro.
ehi bh ti gauri assa suni siya sahita hiya hara al,
tulas bhavnihi puji puni puni mudita mana madira cal.
Cha.:manu
* BLA-KNA *
249
The dark-complexioned and naturally handsome suitor of whom You are enamoured
shall, indeed, be Yours. The gracious and omniscient Lord is aware of your fidelity and
love. St and all Her companions were delighted at heart to hear this blessing from
Gaurs lips. Worshipping Goddess Bhavn again and again St, says Tulasdsa,
returned to Her abode, rejoicing in Her heart.
U U UU U
U H 236H
So.: jni gauri anukula siya hiya harau na ji kahi,

majula magala mula bma aga pharakana lage.236.
Finding Gaur favourably disposed towards Her, St was more glad of heart than
words can tell. Her left limbs began to throb, indicating Her source of good fortune. (236)
0NU
U
UU

U U
U
U UU
U
U
fl L
UU Ufl
L U U
U fl U H
U U U U UH 1H
U U UH
U UH 2H
U U UH
U U H 3H
U flH
UU UH 4H
Cau.: hdaya
sarhata
sya
lon,
rma kah sabu kausika ph,
sumana
pi
muni
puj knh,
suphala manoratha hohu tumhre,
kari
bhojanu munibara bigyn,
bigata divasu guru yasu p,
prc
disi sasi uyau suhv,
bahuri bicru knha mana
mh,
gura sampa gavane dou bh.

sarala subhu chuata chala nh.1.
puni assa duhu bhinha dnh.
rmu lakhanu suni bhae sukhre.2.
lage kahana kachu kath purn.
sadhy karana cale dou bh.3.
siya mukha sarisa dekhi sukhu pv.
sya badana sama himakara nh.4.
Inwardly praising Sts beauty, the two brothers returned to their Guru (Vivmitra).
r Rma related everything to Kauika; for He was innocent of heart and free from all
guile. Having got the flowers the sage performed his devotions and then blessed the two
brothers, saying, May your hearts desire be accomplished. Rma and Lakmaa were
glad to hear the benediction. After finishing his meals the great and illumined hermit,
Vivmitra, began to recite old legends. The day was thus spent; and obtaining the
Gurus permission the two brothers proceeded to say their evening prayers. In the
meantime the charming moon rose in the eastern horizon; perceiving that her orb
resembled Sts face r Rma felt happy. The Lord then reasoned within Himself. The
queen of night bears no resemblance to St.
(14)

fl U UH 237H
250
Do.: janamu sidhu puni badhu biu dina malna sakalaka,

siya mukha samat pva kimi cadu bpuro raka.237.
Born of the ocean (with its salt water), with poison for her brother, dim and obscure
by the day and with a dark spot in her orb, how can the poor and wretched moon be
matched with Sts countenance ?*
(237)
0U U UU
U
U
UU
U
U
U U U

U
UU L flU
U
UU U H
fl U UH 1H
U U UH
U U U H 2H
U H
U H 3H
H
U H 4H
Cau.: ghaai baRhai birahini dukhad, grasai rhu nija sadhihi p.

koka sokaprada pakaja droh, avaguna bahuta cadram toh.1.
baideh mukha paatara
dnhe, hoi dou baRa anucita knhe.
siya mukhachabi bidhu byja bakhn, gura pahi cale nis baRi jn.2.
kari muni carana saroja pranm, yasu
pi
knha
birm.
bigata
nis
raghunyaka jge, badhu biloki kahana asa lge.3.
uyau
aruna
avalokahu tt, pakaja koka loka sukhadt.
bole
lakhanu
jori
juga pn, prabhu prabhu sucaka mdu bn.4.
Again, the moon waxes and wanes; she is the curse of lovesick damsels and is
devoured by Rhu when she crosses the latters orbit. She causes anguish to the
Cakravka (the ruddy goose) and withers the lotus. O moon, there are numerous faults
in you. One would incur the blame of having done a highly improper act by comparing
you with the countenance of Videhas daughter. Thus finding in the moon a pretext for
extolling the beauty of Sts countenance and perceiving that the night had far advanced,
r Rma returned to His Guru; and bowing at the sages lotus feet and receiving his
permission He retired to rest. At the close of night the Lord of Raghus woke; and looking
towards His brother He began to speak thus, Lo, brother, the day has dawned to the
delight of the lotus, the Cakravka and the whole world. Joining both of his palms
Lakmaa gently spoke the following words indicative of the Lords glory:
(14)
0L
UU
UU UH 238H
Do.: arunodaya
sakuce kumuda uagana joti malna,
jimi tumhra gamana suni bhae npati balahna.238.
* The moon is one of the fourteen jewels (treasures of the world) that were churned out of the ocean
by the joint efforts of the gods and demons at the dawn of creation. It is to this Paurika legend that the Lord
refers to above. The very first product of this churning was poison, which was swallowed by Lord iva. It is in
this sense that the moon is spoken of as having poison for a brother.
* BLA-KNA *
251
The day having dawned, the lily has faded and the brightness of the stars is
dimmed, just as at the news of Your arrival all the princes (assembled here) have
grown faint.
(238)
0 UU UU
U
U UU
UU
U U UU
fl U UU

U L U

U
UU U UH
UU flH 1H
UUU UU UH
U H 2H
U H
U U UUH 3H
U U UH
U U U H 4H
U U UH
UU U H 5H
Cau.: npa saba nakhata karahi ujir,

kamala koka madhukara khaga nn,
aisehi prabhu saba bhagata tumhre,
uyau bhnu binu rama tama ns,
rabi nija udaya byja raghury,
tava bhuja bala mahim udagh,
badhu bacana suni prabhu musukne,
nityakriy kari guru pahi
e,
satnadu
taba
janaka
bole,
janaka binaya tinha i sun,
ri na sakahi cpa tama bhr.

harae
sakala
nis
avasn.1.
hoihahi ue dhanua sukhre.
dure nakhata jaga teju praks.2.
prabhu pratpu saba npanha dikhy.
praga dhanu bighaana parip.3.
hoi suci sahaja punta nahne.
carana saroja subhaga sira ne.4.
kausika muni pahi turata pahe.
harae
boli
lie
dou
bh.5.
Though twinkling like stars, all the princes put together are unable to lift the thick
darkness in the form of the bow. And just as lotuses and bees and the Cakravka and
various other birds rejoice over the termination of night, even so, my lord, all Your
devotees will be glad when the bow is broken. Lo, the sun is up and the darkness has
automatically disappeared; the stars have vanished out of sight and light flashes upon
the world. Under pretence of its rising, O Lord of Raghus, the sun has demonstrated
to all the princes the glory of my lord (Yourself). It is in order to reveal the might of
Your arms that the process of breaking the bow has been set into operation. The Lord
smiled at these remarks of His brother. He who is pure by His very nature then
performed the daily acts of purification and bathed, and after finishing the daily routine
of prayer etc., called on His Guru and the two brothers bowed their graceful heads at
his lotus feet. Meanwhile King Janaka summoned his preceptor atnanda and sent
him at once to the sage Kauika. atnanda communicated to Vivmitra Janakas
humble submission and Vivmitra gladly sent for the two brothers.
(15)
U U U
U UU Ufl H 239H
Do.: satnada pada badi prabhu baihe gura pahi ji,

calahu tta muni kaheu taba pahav janaka boli.239.
252
Adoring atnandas feet the Lord went and sat down by His Guru; the sage then
said, Come on, my son: Janaka has sent for us.
(239)
0
SflL
U
UU U

U
U

U U
U U
U U U U
U UH
fl U UH 1H
U U H
H 2H
UU H
UU U UH 3H
fl UUH
U U UH 4H
Cau.: sya
svayabaru
dekhia
j,
lakhana kah jasa bhjanu so,
harae muni saba suni bara bn,
puni munibda sameta kpl,
ragabhumi
e
dou
bh,
cale sakala gha kja
bisr,
dekh janaka bhra bhai bhr,
turata sakala loganha pahi jhu,
su
khi
dhau
dei
baR.
ntha
kp
tava
jpara
ho.1.
dnhi assa sabahi sukhu mn.
dekhana cale dhanuamakha sl.2.
asi sudhi saba purabsinha p.
bla jubna jaraha nara nr.3.
suci sevaka saba lie ha kr.
sana ucita dehu saba khu.4.
Let us go and see how St elects her husband; we have yet to see whom
Providence chooses to honour. Said Lakmaa, He alone deserves glory, my lord, who
enjoys your favour. The whole company of hermits rejoiced to hear these apt words and
with a delighted heart they all gave their blessing to him. Accompanied by the whole
throng of hermits the gracious Lord then proceeded to visit the arena intended for the
bow-sacrifice. When the inhabitants of the town got the news that the two brothers had
reached the arena, they all sallied forth, oblivious of their homes and dutiesmen and
women, young and old and even children. When Janaka saw that a huge crowd had
collected there, he sent for all his trusted servants and said, Go and see all the people
at once and marshal them to their proper seats.
(14)
0U
U UU U U
U UUH 240H
Do.: kahi mdu bacana binta tinha baihre nara nri,

uttama madhyama nca laghu nija nija thala anuhri.240.
Addressing soft and polite words to the citizens, the servants seated them all,
both men and women, in their appropriate places, whether noble or middling, humble
or low.
(240)
0UU U flU
U U U U U
UU
S U
UH
UUH 1H
* BLA-KNA *
U UU
U
M
UU U
UU U U
U U
U MU
fl
U
UU
U UU
U
U
Cau.: rjakua ra
tehi
avasara
guna sgara ngara bara
rja
jinha
dekhahi
samja
ke
rah
rupa
birjata
bhvan
mah
rahe asura
purabsinha
UU U UH
U U H 2H
U U U U UUH
U U UH 3H
U U H
U
H 4H
e, manahu manoharat tana che.

br, sudara symala gaura sarr.1.
rure, uagana mahu janu juga bidhu pure.
jais, prabhu murati tinha dekh tais.2.
ranadhr, manahu bra rasu
are kuila npa prabhuhi
253
nihr, manahu bhaynaka
dhare
sarr.
murati
bhr.3.
chala chonipa be, tinha prabhu pragaa klasama dekh.

dekhe
dou bh, narabhuana
locana
sukhad.4.
Meanwhile there arrived the two princes, the very abodes of beauty as it were,
both ocean of goodness, polished in manners and gallent heroes, charming of forms,
the one dark and the other fair. Shining bright in the galaxy of princes, they looked like
two full moons in a circle of stars. Everyone looked on the Lords form according to
the conception each had about Him. Those who were surpassingly staunch in battle
gazed on His form as though He was the heroic sentiment personified. The wicked
kings trembled at the sight of the Lord as if He had a most terrible form. The demons,
who were cunningly disguised as princes, beheld the Lord as Death in visible form,
while the citizens regarded the two brothers as the ornaments of humanity and the
delight of their eyes.
(14)
0U U UU U L M
U U U U U H 241H
Do.: nri bilokahi harai hiya nija nija ruci anurupa,
janu sohata sigra dhari murati parama anupa.241.
With joy in their heart the women saw Him according to the attitude of mind each
had towards Him, as if the erotic sentiment itself had appeared in an utterly incomparable
form.
(241)
0U UU
flU
U U U U
U U
fl
UUU U
UU fl U
UU fl U
U UU U
U U H
U H 1H
H
h U H 2H
CUfl fl H
U U H 3H
fl U U H
U U UH 4H
254
Cau.: biduanha prabhu biramaya ds,

janaka
jti
avalokahi
kaise ,
sahita
bideha
bilokahi
rn,
joginha parama tattvamaya bhs,
haribhagatanha dekhe dou bhrt,
rmahi citava bhya jehi sy,
ura anubhavati na kahi saka sou,
ehi bidhi rah jhi jasa bhu,
bahu mukha kara paga locana ss.

sajana sage priya lgahi jaise .1.
sisu sama prti na jti bakhn.
sta suddha sama sahaja praks.2.
iadeva iva saba sukha dt.
so sanehu sukhu nahi kathany.3.
kavana prakra kahai kabi kou.
tehi
tasa
dekheu
kosalaru.4.
The wise saw the Lord in His cosmic form, with many faces, hands, feet, eyes
and heads. And how did He appear to Janakas kinsmen? Like ones own beloved
relation. The queen, no less than the king, regarded Him with unspeakable love like a
dear child. To the Yogs (those ever united with God) He shone forth as no other than
the highest truth, placid, unsullied, equipoised, and resplendent by its very nature. The
devotees of r Hari beheld the two brothers as their beloved deity, the fountain of all
joy. The emotion of love and joy with which t gazed on r Rma was ineffable. She
felt the emotion in Her breast, but could not utter it; how, then, can a poet describe it ?
In this way everyone regarded the Lord of Ayodhy according to the attitude of mind
each had towards Him.
(14)
0U
U U U U
U S U Sfl UH 242H
Do.: rjata
rja
samja
mahu kosalarja
kisora,
sudara symala gaura tana bisva bilocana cora.242.
Thus shone in the assembly of kings the two lovely princes of Ayodhy, the one
dark and the other fair of form, catching the eyes of the whole universe.
(242)
0U
UU
U

U
fl L U UU
U
U U
U
U U UZ
LU fl
Cau.: sahaja
manohara
murati
U U H
U fl H 1H
fl NU U UH
U U H 2H
U U UU H
fl UH 3H
ZH
fl flH 4H
dou, koi
kma
sarada cada nidaka mukha nke, nraja

citavani cru mra manu haran, bhvati
kala
kapola
rekhe
rucira
upam
nayana
hdaya
laghu
sou.
bhvate
jti
baran.
nahi
ke.1.
ruti
kuala lol, cibuka adhara sudara mdu bol.2.

kumudabadhu kara nidaka h s, bhku bikaa manohara ns.
bhla
bisla
tilaka
jhalakh, kaca
biloki
ali
avali
lajh.3.
pta
cautan
siranhi
suh, kusuma kal bica bca ban.
kabu
kala
gv , janu tribhuvana suam k sv .4.
* BLA-KNA *
255
Both were embodiments of natural grace; even millions of Cupids were a poor
match for them. Their charming faces mocked the autumnal moon, and their lotus-like
eyes were soul-ravishing. Their winning glances captivated the heart of even Cupid;
they were so unspeakably endearing. With beautiful cheeks, ears adorned with
swinging pendants, a charming chin and lips and a sweet voice, their smile ridiculed
the moonbeams. With arched eyebrows and a beautiful nose, the sacred mark shone
on their broad forehead, and their locks of hair put to shame a swarm of bees. Yellow
caps of a rectangular shape, which were embroidered here and there with figures of
flower-buds, adorned their heads. Their necks, which vied in their spiral form with a
conch-shell bore a triple line, which constituted as it were the high watermark of beauty
in all the three worlds.
(14)
0U
U UUU
UU Ufl U H 243H
Do.: kujara mani kah kalita uranhi tulasik mla,

babha kadha kehari havani bala nidhi bhu bisla.243.
Their breast was adorned with necklace of pearls found in elephants foreheads
and wreaths of Tulas. With shoulders resembling the lump of a bull they stood like lions
and had mighty long arms.
(243)
U U
U U
U
U

U U U U
L UU
U U
U U U H
UU UH 1H
U UH
U H 2H
U fl U H
U U fl H 3H
U U U H
U U UH 4H
Cau.: kai
tunra
pta
paa b dhe ,
pta
jagya
upabta
suhe,
dekhi loga saba bhae sukhre,
harae janaku dekhi dou bh,
kari
binat
nija
kath
sun,
jaha jaha jhi kua ra bara dou,
nija nija rukha rmahi sabu dekh,
bhali racan muni npa sana kaheu,
kara sara dhanua bma bara k dhe .

nakha sikha maju mahchabi che.1.
ekaaka locana calata na tre.
muni pada kamala gahe taba j.2.
raga avani saba munihi dekh.
taha taha cakita citava sabu kou.3.
kou na jna kachu maramu bise.
rj mudita
mahsukha
laheu.4.
0U
UU
U
U
They bore at their back a quiver secured with a yellow cloth wrapped round their
waist, and held an arrow in their right hand; while a bow and a charming sacred thread,
also of yellow tint, were slung across their left shoulder. In short, the two princes were
lovely from head to foot and were the very embodiments of great charm. Everyone who
saw them felt delighted; people gazed at them with unwinking eyes and their pupils too did
not move. King Janaka himself rejoiced to behold the two brothers; presently he went and
256
clasped the sages lotus-feet. Paying him homage he related to him his story and showed
him round the whole arena. Whithersoever the two elegant princes betook themselves,
all regarded them with wonder. Every man found r Rma facing himself; but none could
perceive the great mystery behind it. The sage told the king that the arrangements were
splendid; and the king was highly satisfied and pleased to hear this.
(14)
U U
U U UU UH 244H
Do.: saba macanha te macu eka sudara bisada bisla,

muni sameta dou badhu taha baihre mahipla.244.
Of all the tiers of raised seats one was beautiful, bright and capacious above all
the rest; the king seated the two brothers alongwith the sage thereon.
(244)
0 U U UU
U
U fl
U flU U
U U
UU U flU
U U U
U flU U
U U UH
U U UH 1H
U U UU H
flH 2H
H
U U UH 3H
U U U H
U
UU
H 4H
Cau.: prabhuhi dekhi saba npa hiya hre,

asi pratti saba ke mana mh,
binu bhajehu bhava dhanuu bisl,
asa bicri gavanahu ghara bh,
bihase apara bhupa suni bn,
torehu dhanuu byhu avagh,
eka
bra
klau
kina
hou,
yaha suni avara mahipa musukne,
janu rkesa udaya bhae tre.

rma cpa toraba saka nh.1.
melihi
sya
rma
ura
ml.
jasu pratpu balu teju gav .2.
je
abibeka
adha
abhimn.
binu
tore
ko
kua ri
bih.3.
siya hita samara jitaba hama sou.
dharamasla haribhagata sayne.4.
All the kings were disheartened at the sight of the Lord, just as stars fade away
with the rising of the full moon. For they all felt inwardly assured that Rma would
undoubtedly break the bow; or, even if the huge bow of iva proved too strong for Him,
that St would still place the garland of victory round His neck. They therefore, said to
one another, Realizing this, brothers, let us turn homewards, casting to the winds all
glory, fame, strength and pride. Other princes, who were blinded with ignorance and
pride, laughed at this and said, Union with the princess is a far cry for Rma even if he
succeeds in breaking the bow; who, then, can wed her without breaking it ? Should
Death himself for once come forth against us, even him we would conquer in battle for
Sts sake. At this other princes, who were pious and sensible and devoted to r Hari,
smiled and said:
(14)
U U U U U U
U U UH 245H
* BLA-KNA *
257
So.: sya bihabi rma garaba duri kari npanha ke,

jti ko saka sagrma dasaratha ke rana b kure.245.
Rma will certainly marry St to the discomfiture of these arrogant princes; for who
can conquer in battle the valiant sons of Daaratha?
(245)
0 UU
UU U
UU U
U U
U
UU U fl
U U
U U U
U H
U H 1H
U U U UUH
U UU H 2H
U U H
U flH 3H
M H
UU UU H 4H
Cau.: byartha marahu jani gla baj,

sikha hamri suni parama punt,
jagata
pit
raghupatihi
bicr,
sudara sukhada sakala guna rs,
sudh
samudra
sampa bih,
karahu ji j kahu joi bhv,
asa kahi bhale bhupa anurge,
dekhahi sura nabha caRhe bimn,
mana modakanhi ki bhukha but.

jagadab
jnahu
jiya
st.1.
bhari locana chabi lehu nihr.
e dou badhu sabhu ura bs.2.
mgajalu nirakhi marahu kata dh.
hama tau ju janama phalu pv.3.
rupa
anupa
bilokana
lge.
baraahi sumana karahi kala gn.4.
Do not thus brag unnecssarily: hunger cannot be satiated with imaginary

sweets. Listen to this my most salutary advice; be inwardly assured that St is no other
than the Mother of the universe. And recognizing the Lord of Raghus as the father of
the universe, feast your eyes to their fill on His beauty. Fountains of joy and
embodiments of all virtues, these two charming brothers have their abode in ambhus
heart. Leaving an ocean of nectar, which is so near, why should you run in pursuit
of a mirage and court death? Or else do whatever pleases you individually; we for our
part have reaped today the fruit of our human birth. So saying the good kings turned
to gaze with affection on the picture of incomparable beauty; while in heaven the gods
witnessed the spectacle from their aerial cars, and raining down flowers sang in
melodious strains.
(14)
flL U
U U U flH 246H
Do.: jni suavasaru sya taba paha janaka boli,

catura sakh sudara sakala sdara cal lavi.246.
Finding it an appropriate occasion Janaka then sent for t; and Her companions,
all lovely and accomplished, escorted Her with due honour.
(246)
0 U M H
U U U UH 1H
258
U U
UU
U U fl
L U
U U
U
L
M
U H
U H 2H
U H
U U UH 3H
U M U H
MH 4H
Cau.: siya
sobh
nahi
ji bakhn,
upam sakala mohi laghu
lg,
siya barania tei upam
de,
jau
paataria
tya sama sy,
gir mukhara tana aradha bhavn,
bia brun badhu priya jeh,
jau
chabi sudh payonidhi ho,
sobh
raju madaru
sigru,
jagadabik rupa guna khn.

prkta
nri
aga
anurg.1.
kukabi
kahi
ajasu
ko
le.
jaga asi jubati kah kamany.2.
rati ati dukhita atanu pati jn.
kahia ramsama kimi baideh.3.
parama rupamaya kacchapu so.
mathai pni pakaja nija mru.4.
Sts beauty defies all description, Mother of the universe that She is and an
embodiment of charm and excellence. All comparisons seem to me too poor; for they
have affinity with the limbs of mortal women. Proceeding to depict St with the help of
those very similes why should one earn the title of an unworthy poet and court ill-repute?
Should St be likened to any woman of this material creation, where in this world shall
one come across such a lovely damsel? The goddess of speech (Sarasvat), for
instance, is a chatterer; while Bhavn possesses only half a body (the other half being
represented by her lord, iva). And Rati (Loves consort) is extremely distressed by the
thought of her husband being without a form. And it is quite out of the question to
compare Videhas Daughter with Ram, who has poison and spirituous liquor for her
dear brothers. Supposing there was an ocean of nectar in the form of loveliness and the
tortoise serving as a base for churning it was an embodiment of consummate beauty,
and if splendour itself were to take the form of a cord, the erotic sentiment should
crystallize and assume the shape of Mount Mandara and the god of love himself were
to churn this ocean with his own hands
(14)
0U
U U U
UU H 247H
Do.: ehi bidhi upajai lacchi jaba sudarat sukha mula,

tadapi sakoca sameta kabi kahahi sya samatula.247.
And if from such churning were to be born a Lakm, who was the source of
all loveliness and joy, the poet would even then hesitatingly declare her as analogous
to St.
(247)
0
U fl U U
U
U U
fl UU H
U UH 1H
U U H
M U U UH 2H
* BLA-KNA *
UU
U U Z
U
U
UU U

U
259
U UU ZH
flU H 3H
U UUH
H 4H
Cau.: cal
saga
lai
sakh
sayn,
soha navala tanu sudara sr,
bhuana sakala sudesa suhe,
ragabhumi jaba siya pagu dhr,
harai suranha dudubh baj,
pni
sya
muni
gvata
gta
manohara
bn.
jagata janani atulita chabi bhr.1.
aga aga raci sakhinha bane.
dekhi
rupa
mohe
nara
nr.2.
barai
prasuna
apachar
g.
saroja
soha
jayaml, avacaa
citae
sakala
bhul.3.
cakita cita rmahi ch, bhae mohabasa saba naranh.
sampa dekhe dou bh, lage lalaki locana nidhi p.4.
Sts clever companions escorted Her to the arena, singing songs in a charming
voice. A beautiful Sr (covering for the body) adorned Her youthful frame; the Mother of
the universe was incomparable in her exquisite beauty. Ornaments of all kinds had been
beautifully set in their appropriate places, each limb having been decked by Her
companions with great care. When St stepped into the arena, men and women alike
were fascinated by Her charms. The gods gladly sounded their kettledrums, while
celestial damsels rained down flowers in the midst of songs. In Her lotus-like hands
sparkled the wreath of victory, as She cast a hurried glance at all the princes. While St
looked for r Rma with anxious heart, all the princes found themselves in the grip of
infatuation. Presently St discovered the two brothers by the side of the sage, and Her
eyes greedily fell on them as on a long-lost treasure.
(14)
0U
U
U UUU UU H 248H
Do.: gurajana lja samju baRa dekhi sya sakucni,

lgi bilokana sakhinha tana raghubrahi ura ni.248.
Out of natural bashfulness that She felt in the presence of elders and at the sight
of the vast assemblage, St shrank into Herself; and drawing the Hero of Raghus race
into Her heart She turned Her eyes towards Her companions.
(248)
0U M L U
U U U
UL U
U UU
UU fl U
U

U UU U
U UU UUU H
UU UH 1H
UU U UH
U U U UH 2H
UU U U UU UH
L flU H 3H
Ufl U H
U U UU UH 4H
260
Cau.: rma rupu aru siya chabi dekhe , nara

nrinha
parihar
nimee .
socahi
sakala
kahata sakuch, bidhi sana binaya karahi mana mh.1.
haru bidhi begi janaka jaRat,mati
hamri
asi
dehi
suh.
binu bicra panu taji naranhu, sya rma kara karai bibhu.2.
jagu bhala kahihi bhva saba khu, haha knhe atahu
ura dhu.
ehi
llas
magana saba logu, baru
s varo
jnak
jogu.3.
taba
badjana
janaka bole, biridval
kahata
cali
e.
kaha npu ji kahahu pana mor, cale bha hiya harau na thor.4.
Beholding r Rmas beauty and Sts loveliness, men and women alike forgot
to close their eyelids. All of them felt anxious in their heart but hesitated to speak;
they inwardly prayed to the Creator, Quickly take away, O Creator, Janakas stupidity
and give him right understanding like ours, so that the king without the least scruple
may abandon his vow and give St in marriage to Rma. The world will speak well
of him and the idea will find favour with all. On the other hand, if he persists in his folly,
he shall have to rue it in the end. Everyone is absorbed in the ardent feeling that the
dark-complexioned youth is a suitable match for Janakas daughter. Then Janaka
summoned the heralds, and they came eulogizing his race. The king said, Go round
and proclaim my vow. Forthwith they proceeded on their mission; there was not a little
joy in their heart.
(14)
U U U
U U UU U UU H 249H
Do.: bole bad bacana bara sunahu sakala mahipla,

pana bideha kara kahahi hama bhuj uhi bisla.249.
The heralds then uttered these polite words, Listen all princes: with our long arms
uplifted we announce to you King Videhas vow:
(249)
0 fl UU
Ufl
UU
U
U U U UU
fl
U

UU UU
fl UU
U U L U
L UU UH
U flU UH 1H
U UH
U U U UU UH 2H
U H
CUflU
U
H 3H
UU U UUH
U UH 4H
Cau.: npa bhujabalu bidhu sivadhanu rhu,

rvanu
bnu mahbhaa bhre,
soi
purri
kodau kahor,
tribhuvana jaya sameta
baideh,
suni pana sakala bhupa abhile,
parikara
b dhi
uhe
akul,
tamaki tki taki sivadhanu dharah,
jinha ke kachu bicru mana mh,
garua kahora bidita saba khu.

dekhi sarsana gava hi sidhre.1.
rja
samja
ju
joi
tor.
binahi bicra barai hahi teh.2.
bhaamn atisaya mana mkhe.
cale
iadevanha
sira
n.3.
uhai na koi bhti balu karah.

cpa sampa mahpa na jh.4.
* BLA-KNA *
261
The might of arm of the various princes stands as the moon, while ivas bow
is the planet Rhu as it were; it is massive and unyielding, as is well-known to all. Even
the great champions Rvaa and Bsura quietly slipped away as soon as they saw
the bow. Whoever in this royal assembly breaks today the yonder unbending bow of iva
shall be unhesitatingly and insistently wedded by Videhas daughter and shall triumph
over all the three worlds. Hearing the vow all the princes were filled with longing, while
those who prided on their valour felt very indignant. Girding up their loins they rose
impatiently and bowing their heads to their chosen deity went ahead. They cast an angry
look at ivas bow, grapled with it with steady aim and exerted all their strength; but the
bow refused to be lifted. Those princes, however, who had any sense at all did not even
approach the bow.
(14)
UU U UU U
U U U LH 250H
Do.: tamaki dharahi dhanu muRha npa uhai na calahi laji,

manahu pi bhaa bhubalu adhiku adhiku garui.250.
Those foolish kings indignantly strained at the bow and retired in shamefrlly when
it refused to leave its position, as though it grew more and more wughty by absorbing
the might of arm of each successive warrior.
(250)
0 U U U
U U
UU
U U U
U UU U U
U

fl U UU
UUfl UU UUH
H 1H
U H
U U UUH 2H
U H
U H 3H
U UH
U UUH 4H
Cau.: bhupa sahasa dasa ekahi br,

agai na sabhu sarsanu kaise ,
saba npa bhae jogu
upahs,
krati
bijaya
brat
bhr,
rhata
bhae
hri
hiya rj,
npanha biloki janaku
akulne,
dpa
dpa
ke bhupati
nn,
deva danuja dhari manuja sarr,
lage uhvana arai na r.

km bacana sat manu jaise .1.
jaise
binu
birga
sanys.
cale cpa kara barabasa hr.2.
baihe
nija
nija
ji
samj.
bole bacana roa janu
sne.3.
e suni hama jo panu hn.
bipula
bra
e
ranadhr.4.
Ten thousand kings then proceeded all at once to raise it; but it baffled all attempts
at moving it. ambhus bow did not stir in the same way as the mind of a virtuous lady
refuses to yield to the words of a gallant. All the princes made themselves butts of
ridicule like a recluse without dispassion. Helplessly forfeiting their fame, glory and great
valour to the bow they returned. Confused and disheartened, the kings went and sat in
the midst of their own company. Seeing the kings thus frustrated, King Janaka got
impatient and spoke words as if in anger; Hearing the vow made by me many a king
262
has come from diverse parts of the globe; gods and demons in human form and many
other heroes, staunch in fight, have assembled.
(14)
0U
UU U U
flUU U UU H 251H
Do.: kua ri manohara bijaya baRi krati ati kamanya,

pvanihra biraci janu raceu na dhanu damanya.251.
A lovely bride, a grand triumph and splendid renown are the prize; but Brahm,
it seems, has not yet created the man who may break the bow and win the above
rewards.
(251)
0UU U U fl
UUU
UU
U

U U
U U U
UUU
U U
U U
U U
U U UflH
U UUH 1H
U U U H
U UH 2H
U U UUU UH
U UU UH 3H
U UH
UU U UUH 4H
Cau.: kahahu khi yahu lbhu na bhv,

rahau
caRhuba
toraba
bh,
aba jani kou mkhai bhaa mn,
tajahu sa nija nija gha jhu,
suktu ji jau panu parihara u ,
jau janateu binu bhaa bhubi bh,
janaka bacana suni saba nara nr,
mkhe lakhanu kuila bhai bhau he,
khu
na sakara cpa caRhv.
tilu bhari bhumi na sake chaR.1.
bra
bihna
mah
mai
jn.
likh na bidhi baidehi bibhu.2.
kua ri kuri rahau k karau .
tau panu kari hoteu
na ha s.3.
dekhi
jnakihi
bhae
dukhr.
radapaa pharakata nayana risau he .4.
Tell me, who would not have this prize? But none could string the bow. Let alone
stringing or breaking it, there was not one of you, brothers, who could stir it even a inch
breadth from its place. Now no one who prides on his valour should feel offended if I assert
that there is no hero left on earth to my mind. Give up all hope and go back to your homes.
It is not the will of Providence that St should be married. All my religious merits shall be
gone if I abandon my vow. The princess must remain a maid; what can I do? Had I known,
brothers, that there are no more heroes in the world, I would not have made myself a
laughing-stock by undertaking such a vow. All who heard Janakas words, men and women
alike, felt distressed at the sight of Jnak. Lakmaa, however got incensed: his eyebrows
were knit, his lips quivered and his eyes shot fire.
(14)
0U
U UU
U L U H 252H
Do.: kahi na sakata raghubra ara lage bacana janu bna,

ni rma pada kamala siru bole gir pramna.252.
* BLA-KNA *
263
For fear of r Rma he could not speak, though Janakas words pierced his heart
like an arrow; yet at last, bowing his head at r Rmas lotus-feet he spoke words which
were impregnated with truth:
(252)
0UU U U U U
U
U

UU fl
U UU U
fl
U fl
U
Ufl
U U H
l U H 1H
UU U U H
fl rU UUflH 2H
U L UH
U UH 3H
U H
flH 4H
Cau.: ragubasinha mahu jaha kou ho,

kah janaka jasi anucita bn,
sunahu bhnukula pakaja bhnu,
jau
tumhri anussana
pvau,
kce ghaa jimi rau phor,
tava pratpa mahim bhagavn,
ntha
jni
asa
yasu
hou,
kamala nla jimi cpa caRhvau,
tehi samja asa kahai na ko.

bidyamna raghukula mani jn.1.
kahau subhu na kachu abhimnu.
kaduka iva brahma uhvau .2.
sakau meru mulaka jimi tor.
ko
bpuro
pinka
purn.3.
kautuku
karau
bilokia
sou.
jojana sata pramna lai dhvau .4.
In an assembly where any one of Raghus race is present no one would dare
speak such scandalous words as Janaka has spoken, even though conscious of the
presence of r Rma, the Jewel of Raghus race. (Turning towards his brother, he
added) Listen, O Delighter of the solar race, I sincerely tell You, without any vain
boasting: if I but have Your permission, I will lift the round world like a ball and smash
it like an ill-baked earthen jar; and by the glory of Your majesty, O blessed Lord,
I can break Mount Meru like a radish. What, then, is this wretched old bow? Realizing
this, my Lord, let me have Your command and see what wonders I work; I will string
the bow as though it were a lotus-stalk and run with it not less than eight hundred
miles.
(14)
0U
U U fl
U U U H 253H
Do.: torau chatraka daa jimi tava pratpa bala ntha,

jau na karau prabhu pada sapatha kara na dharau dhanu bhtha.253.
By the might of Your glory, O Lord, I will snap it like the stalk of a mushroom. Or,
if I fail, I swear by Your feet, never to handle a bow or quiver again.
(253)
0

U U
U U

UU
U
flU
U U UH
U UU H 1H
UH
U
UUH 2H
264
Sfl
UUU U U
fl
L U L fl
UU UU U
U H
UU UH 3H
UU U UU flH
Ufl U H 4H
Cau.: lakhana sakopa bacana je bole, agamagni mahi diggaja ole.

sakala loga saba bhupa erne, siya hiya harau janaku sakucne.1.
gura raghupati saba muni mana mh, mudita bhae puni puni pulakh.
sayanahi raghupati lakhanu nevre, prema sameta nikaa baihre.2.
bisvmitra
samaya
subha jn, bole
ati
sanehamaya
bn.
uhahu rma bhajahu bhavacp, meahu
tta
janaka
paritp.3.
suni guru bacana carana siru nv, harau bidu na kachu ura v.
hRhe bhae uhi sahaja subhe ,havani
jub
mgarju
laje .4.
As Lakmaa spoke these angry words, the earth shook and the elephants
supporting the quarters tottered. The whole assembly, including all the princes, was
struck with terror; St felt delighted at heart, while Janaka blushed. The preceptor
(Vivmitra), the Lord of Raghus and all the hermits were glad of heart and thrilled all
over again and again. affectionately r Rma checked Lakmaa and made him sit
beside Him. Perceiving that it was a propitious time, Vivmitra said in most endearing
terms, Up, Rma, break the bow of iva and relieve Janaka, my boy, of his anguish.
On hearing the Gurus words r Rma bowed His head at his feet; there was no joy or
sorrow in His heart. He stood up in all His native grace, putting to shame a young lion
by His elegant carriage.
(14)
0U
UU U UU
U UU H 254H
Do.: udita udayagiri maca para raghubara blapataga,

bikase sata saroja saba harae locana bhga.254.
As the Chief of the Raghus rose on His elevated seat like the morning sun rising
on the mountain, all the saints were delighted like so many lotuses and their eyes were
glad as bees at the return of day.
(254)
0U U
U
fl
U U U
UU Sfl
U U U U
U
fl Z
fl H
U H 1H
UU flU flH
U U H 2H
U U H
U UH 3H
U U UUH
UU
U
ZH 4H
Cau.: npanha
keri
s
nisi ns, bacana nakhata aval na praks.
mn mahipa kumuda
sakucne, kapa
bhupa
uluka
lukne.1.
* BLA-KNA *
bhae bisoka koka muni dev,
gura pada badi sahita anurg,
sahajahi cale sakala jaga svm,
calata rma saba pura nara nr,
badi pitara sura suktasa bhre,
tau sivadhanu mnla k
n,
265
barisahi sumana janvahi sev.

rma muninha sana yasu mg.2.
matta maju bara kujara gm.
pulaka puri tana bhae sukhr.3.
jau kachu punya prabhu hamre.
torahu
rmu
ganesa
gos . 4.
The hopes of the rival kings vanished as night and their boasts died away like the
serried stars. The arrogant princes shrivelled up like the lilies and the false kings shrank
away like owls. Sages and gods, like the Cakravka bird, were rid of their sorrow and
rained down flowers in token of their homage. Affectionately reverencing the Gurus feet
r Rma asked leave of the Munis. The Lord of all creation then stepped forth in His
natural grace with the tread of a noble and beautiful elephant in rut. As r Rma moved
ahead all men and women of the city rejoiced and thrilled all over their body. Invoking
the manes and gods and recalling their own past good deeds they prayed: If our religious
merits are of any value, O Lord Gaea may Rma snap the bow of iva as it were a
lotus-stalk.
(14)
0UU
U
U U H 255H
Do.: rmahi prema sameta lakhi sakhinha sampa boli,

st mtu saneha basa bacana kahai bilakhi.255.
Lovingly gazing on r Rma and bidding her companions draw near, Sts mother
spoke words full of anguish out of affection:
(255)
U
U U U
U U
UU U U
U
U
U U
U
U Ufl U UUH
UU UH 1H
UU
U H
U U UH 2H
U H
fl UH 3H
U UH
U fl H 4H
Cau.: sakhi saba kautuku dekhanihre,

kou na bujhi kahai gura ph,
rvana bna chu nahi cp,
so dhanu rjakua ra kara deh,
bhupa
saynapa
sakala sirn,
bol catura sakh mdu
bn,
kaha kubhaja kaha sidhu apr,
rabi maala dekhata laghu lg,
jeu
kahvata
hitu
hamre.
e blaka asi haha bhali nh.1.
hre sakala bhupa kari dp.
bla marla ki madara leh.2.
sakhi bidhi gati kachu jti na jn.
tejavata laghu gania na rn.3.
soeu sujasu sakala sasr.
udaya tsu tibhuvana tama bhg.4.
0
U
Ufl
U
U
Who even those are called our friends, dear ones, are mere spectators of a show;
no one urges the preceptor (Vivmitra) and tells him that the two princes are yet boys
and that such insistence on his part is not desirable. Knowing that Rvaa and Bsura did
266
not even touch the bow and that all other kings were worsted in spite of all their boasts,
strange that he should give the same bow into the hands of this young prince; can cygnets
ever lift Mount Mandara? Good sense has taken leave of the king; and unknown are the
dispensation of Providence, dear ones, One of her sharp-witted companions gently replied,
The glorious are not to be lightly regarded, O queen. What comparison is there between the
sage Agastya, who was born of a jar, and the vast ocean? Yet the sage drained it dry, and
his good fame has spread throughout the world. The orb of the sun is so small to look at, but
the moment it rises the darkness of all the three worlds disappears.
(14)
U UU UU U
U U U U H 256H
Do.: matra parama laghu jsu basa bidhi hari hara sura sarba,
mahmatta gajarja kahu basa kara akusa kharba.256.
A sacred formula, indeed, is very small, although it has under its sway Brahm,
Hari, Hara and all other gods. A tiny goad governs the mightiest and most furious
elephant.
(256)
0 U
U
U
UU
U
U
fl
UU fl
U
fl
U U U
fl H
U UH 1H
U U H
NU fl U UH 2H
UU U flH
U U UUU LH 3H
UU flH
UU L UH 4H
Cau.: kma kusuma dhanu syaka lnhe,

debi
tajia
sasau
asa jn,
sakh bacana suni bhai paratt,
taba
rmahi
biloki
baideh,
manah mana manva akuln,

karahu saphala pani
sevak,
gananyaka
baradyaka
dev,
bra
bra
binat
suni mor,
sakala bhuvana apane basa knhe.

bhajaba dhanuu rma sunu rn.1.
mi
bidu
baRh
ati
prt.
sabhaya hdaya binavati jehi teh.2.
hohu prasanna mahesa bhavn.
kari hitu harahu cpa garu.3.
ju
lage
knhiu
tua
sev.
karahu cpa gurut ati thor.4.
Armed with a bow and arrows of flowers Cupid has brought the whole universe
under subjection. Realizing this, O good lady, give up all doubt; Rma, O Queen, will
assuredly break the bow, I tell you. The queen felt reassured at these words of her
companion; her despondency was gone and her love for r Rma grew. Then, casting
a glance towards r Rma, Videhas daughter implored with anxious heart each god in
turn. She inwardly prayed in a distressed state of mind: Be gracious to me. O great Lord
iva and Bhavn, and reward my services by lightening the weight of the bow out of
affection for me. O god Gaea, the chief of ivas attendants, O bestower of boons, it
is for this day that I have adored You. Listening to my repeated supplication, therefore,
reduce the weight of the bow to a mere trifle.
(14)
* BLA-KNA *
267
UU U fl U U
U fl UUH 257H
Do.: dekhi dekhi raghubra tana sura manva dhari dhra,

bhare bilocana prema jala pulakval sarra.257.
Gazing repeatedly on the person of r Rma and summoning courage St
prayed to gods. Her eyes were filled with tears of love and the hair on Her body stood
on their end.
(257)
0 U U
UU L UU U
fl
U U U UU
U U UU U
U
U U U UU
U U
Cau.: nke nirakhi nayana bhari
ahaha
tta
druni
haha
U UU UH
U U UH 1H
U UH
U S UH 2H
U UUH
U UH 3H
UU UL UU UUH
fl UH 4H
sobh, pitu panu sumiri bahuri manu chobh.

hn, samujhata nahi kachu lbhu na hn.1.
saciva sabhaya sikha dei na ko, budha samja baRa anucita ho.
kaha dhanu kulisahu chi kahor, kaha
symala mdugta kisor.2.
bidhi kehi bh ti dharau ura dhr, sirasa sumana kana bedhia hr.
sakala sabh kai mati bhai bhor, aba mohi sabhucpa gati tor.3.
nija
jaRat
loganha
ati
paritpa
sya
para
mana
r, hohi harua raghupatihi nihr.

mh, lava nimea juga saya sama jh.4.
She feasted Her eyes to their fill on r Rmas beauty; but then the thought of Her
fathers vow agitated Her mind. She said to Herself. Alas, my father has made a terrible
resolve having no regard to good or evil consequences. The ministers are afraid; therefore
none of them gives him good counsel. It is all the more pity that it should be so in a
conclave of wise men. While on this side stands the bow harder than adamant, on the
other side we find that dark-complexioned prince of delicate frame and tender age. How
then, O god, can I maintain my balance of mind? Is a diamond ever pierced with the
pointed end of a ira flower? The sense of the whole assembly has become dull; hence
my only hope now lies in you, O ambhus bow. Imparting your heaviness to the assembly
grow light yourself at the sight of (in proportion to the size of) r Rma. St felt much
agitated at heart; an instant hung heavy on Her as a hundred Yugas.
(14)
0U
fl U U
U UH 258H
Do.: prabhuhi citai puni citava mahi rjata locana lola,

khelata manasija mna juga janu bidhu maala ola.258.
268
Gazing now at the Lord and now at the ground, Her restless eyes sparkled as if
two Cupids fish disported themselves in the pail-like orb of the moon.
(258)
U
UU
U
U
fl UU
U U U

U U
U

U
U

U flH
U U H 1H
U U UU H
U U UH 2H
UU U UU H
U U UH 3H
U H
fl LL U H 4H
Cau.: gir alini mukha pakaja rok,

locana jalu raha locana
kon,
sakuc
bykulat
baRi
jn,
tana mana bacana mora panu sc,
tau bhagavnu sakala ura bs,
jehi ke jehi para satya sanehu,
prabhu tana citai prema tana hn,
siyahi biloki takeu dhanu kaise ,
pragaa na lja nis avalok.

jaise parama kpana kara son.1.
dhari dhraju pratti ura n.
raghupati pada saroja citu rc.2.
karihi mohi raghubara kai ds.
so tehi milai na kachu sadehu.3.
kpnidhna
rma
sabu
jn.
citava garuru laghu bylahi jaise .4.
Held captive within Her lotus-like mouth Her bee-like speech did not stir out for fear
of the night of modesty. Tears remained confined within the corner of Her eyes,* just as
the gold of a stingy miser remains buried in a nook of his house. St felt abashed when
She perceived Her great agitation of mind; summoning up courage in Her heart, therefore,
She confidently said to Herself, If I am true to my vow in thought, word and deed, and
if my mind is really attached to the lotus-feet of r Rma, I am sure God, who dwells
in the heart of all, will make me r Rmas bondslave; for one gets united without doubt
with him for whom one cherishes true love. Casting a glance at the Lord She resolved
to love Him even at the cost of Her life. r Rma, the embodiment of compassion,
understood it all; looking at St He glanced at the bow as Garua (the king of birds )
would gaze on a poor little snake.
(14)
U U U UU U
U rUH 259H
Do.: lakhana lakheu raghubasamani tkeu hara kodau,

pulaki gta bole bacana carana cpi brahmu.259.
When Lakmaa perceived that the Jewel of Raghus race had cast a glance at
the bow of Hara, the hair on his body stood erect and he uttered the following words
pressing the crust of the earth under his foot:
(259)
0UU U U UU U U U UH
U UU U U UU UH 1H
* Shedding of tears is regarded in India as an ill-omen; therefore, on auspicious occasions Indian
women would take particular care not to allow tears to drop from their eyes.
* BLA-KNA *
269
U
U U L
U U LU
U Ufl
U
U
U
U
M
U UU U H
UU U H 2H
U UU U UH
UU U L flH 3H
U H
U L U U UUMH 4H
Cau.: disikujarahu kamaha ahi kol,

rmu cahahi sakara dhanu tor,
cpa
sampa
rmu
jaba
e,
saba kara sasau aru agynu,
bhgupati
keri
garaba garu,
siya kara socu janaka pachitv,
sabhucpa baRa bohitu
p,
rma
bhubala
sidhu apru,
dharahu dharani dhari dhra na ol.

hohu sajaga suni yasu mor.1.
nara nrinha sura sukta mane.
mada mahpanha kara abhimnu.2.
sura munibaranha keri kadar.
rninha kara druna dukha dv.3.
caRhe ji saba sagu ban.
cahata pru nahi kou kaRahru.4.
O elephants guarding the cardinal points, O divine tortoise*, O serpent-king, and

O divine boar*, steadily hold the earth that it may not shake. r Rma seeks to break the
bow of akara; therefore, listen to my command and be ready. When Rma drew near
to the bow, men and women present there invoked in His behalf the help of gods as well
as of their past good deeds. The doubts and ignorance of all who had assembled there,
the arrogance of the foolish kings, the proud pretensions of Paraurma (the Chief of
Bhrgus race), the apprehension of gods and the great sages, the distress of St, King
Janakas remorse and the fire of the queens terrible agonyall these boarded together the
great bark of ambhus bow, with whose help they sought to cross the boundless ocean
of r Rmas strength of arm; but there was no helmsman to steer the ship.
(14)
0U

H 260H
Do.: rma
cita
biloke
sya
loga saba
kpyatana
citra
jn
likhe se dekhi,
bikala
bisei.260.
Rma first looked at the crowd of spectators and found them motionless as the
figures of a drawing. The gracious Lord then turned His eyes towards St and perceived
Her in deep distress.
(260)
0 U
U
U

UU U U
U
U UH
U UH 1H
UH
H 2H
fl UU UH
U H 3H
* The divine tortoise referred to here is the same who served as the base for churning the ocean of
milk at the dawn of creation. And the divine boar refers to the manifestation of the Lord as a boar in order to lift
the earth out of the waters in which the demon Hirayka had submerged it. The tortoise as well as the boar
are represented here as ever holding the earth, conjointly with the serpent-king, the one on its back and the
other on its tusks.
270
Ufl
U U UUH
U U U U U fl U UUH 4H
Cau.: dekh
bipula
bikala baideh,
tita bri binu jo tanu tyg,
k bara saba k sukhne ,
asa
jiya
jni
jnak
dekh,
gurahi pranmu manahi mana knh,
damakeu dmini jimi jaba layau,
leta caRhvata khaicata gRhe ,
tehi chana rma madhya dhanutor,
nimia bihta kalapa sama teh.

mue
karai k sudh taRg.1.
samaya cuke puni k pachitne .
prabhu pulake lakhi prti bise.2.
ati lghava
uhi dhanu lnh.
puni nabha dhanu maala sama bhayau.3.
khu na lakh dekha sabu hRhe .
bhare bhuvana dhuni ghora kahor.4.
He found Videhas Daughter greatly agitated; every moment that passed hung on
Her as a whole life-time of the universe. If a thirsty man dies for want of water, of what
avail is a lake of nectar after death. What good is a shower when the whole crop is dried
up; what use repenting over an opportunity lost? Thinking thus within Himself the Lord
looked at Janakas Daughter and thrilled all over to perceive Her singular devotion. He
inwardly made obeisance to His preceptor (Vivmitra), and took up the bow with great
agility. The bow gleamed like a flash of lightning as He grasped it in His hand. And then
it appeared like a circle in the sky. No one knew when He took it in His hands, strung
it and drew it tight; everyone only saw Him standing (with the bow drawn). Instantly r
Rma broke the bow in halves; the awful crash resounded through all the spheres.
(14)
U0 U
fl U UU Ufl U U
PUU U U U L H
U U U U UU
U UU U UUUH
Cha.:
bhare bhuvana ghora kahora rava rabi bji taji mragu cale,
cikkarahi diggaja ola mahi ahi kola kuruma kalamale.
sura asura muni kara kna dnhe sakala bikala bicrah,
kodaa khaeu rma tulas jayati bacana ucrah.
The awful crash reached through the spheres; the horses of the sun-god strayed
from their course; the elephants of the quarters trumpeted, the earth shook; the serpentking, the divine boar and the divine tortoise fidgeted about, Gods, demons and sages put
their hands to their ears, and all began anxiously to ponder the cause; but when they
learnt, says Tulasdsa, that r Rma had broken the bow, they uttered shouts of
victory.
0U
U L UU U
U U U U H 261H
* BLA-KNA *
271
So.: sakara cpu jahju sgaru raghubara bhubalu,

buRa so sakala samju caRh jo prathamahi moha basa. 261.
The bow of akara was the bark and Rmas strength of arm was the ocean to
be crossed with its aid. The whole host (of which we have spoken above), that had
boarded the ship out of ignorance, was drowned (with the bark).
(261)
0 U U U UU
M
fl
UM
U
UU
UU

r U h
UU U U
UU fl U
UU U U U U
UH
U flU UflH 1H
U fl UH
fl U U H 2H
U U U H
flU U UH 3H
H
U U UH 4H
Cau.: prabhu dou cpakhaa mahi re, dekhi

kausikarupa
payonidhi
rmarupa
rkesu
bje
gahagahe
nabha
brahmdika
sura
loga
pvana, prema
saba
bri
nihr, baRhata
nisn, devabadhu
bhae
avaghu
bci
sukhre.
suhvana.1.
pulakvali
ncahi
kari
siddha muns, prabhuhi prasasahi dehi
bhr.
gn.2.
ass.
barisahi sumana raga bahu ml, gvahi

kinara
gta
rasl.3.
rah bhuvana bhari jaya jaya bn, dhanuabhaga dhuni jta na jn.
mudita kahahi jaha taha nara nr, bhajeu rma sabhudhanu bhr.4.
The Lord tossed on ground the two broken pieces of the bow, and everyone
rejoiced at the sight. Vivmitra stood as the holy ocean, full of the sweet and
unfathomable water of love. Beholding r Rmas beauty, which represented the full
moon, the sage felt an increasing thrill of joy, which may be compared to a rising tide in
the ocean. Kettledrums sounded with great noise in the heavens; celestial damsels sang
and danced. Brahm and the other gods, Siddhas and great sages praised the Lord and
gave Him blessings raining down wreaths and flowers of various colours; the Kinnaras
(a class of demigods) sang melodious strains. The shouts of victory re-echoed throughout
the universe; the crash that followed the breaking of the bow was drowned in it.
Everywhere men and women in their joy kept saying that Rma had broken the massive
bow of ambhu.
(14)
L U U
UU UflU U UH 262H
Do.: bad mgadha sutagana biruda badahi matidhra,

karahi nichvari loga saba haya gaya dhana mani cra.262.
Talented bards, minstrels and panegyrists sang praises; and everybody gave
away horses, elephants, riches, jewels and raiments as an act of invocation of Gods
blessings on the youthful champion.
(262)
272
U
U
U
U
U U UU U
UU UU
U

U
U U U
UU
U
U
UH
U U U H 1H
U H
U U H 2H
fl U UUH
SflH 3H
U U U H
U U UH 4H
Cau.: jh jhi mdaga sakha sahan,

bjahi
bahu
bjane
suhe,
sakhinha sahita hara ati rn,
janaka laheu sukhu socu bih,
rhata bhae bhupa dhanu ue,
sya sukhahi barania kehi bh t,
rmahi lakhanu
bilokata kaise ,
satnada
taba yasu
dnh,
bheri
hola
dudubh
suh.
jaha taha jubatinha magala ge.1.
sukhata dhna par janu pn.
pairata thake thha
janu p.2.
jaise divasa dpa chabi chue.
janu
ctak
pi
jalu
svt.3.
sasihi
cakora
kisoraku
jaise .
st gamanu rma pahi knh.4.
There was a crash of cymbals and tabors, conches and clarionets, drums and
sweet-sounding kettledrums, both large and small; and many other charming instruments
also played. Everywhere young women sang auspicious strains. The queen with her
companions was much delighted, as though a withering crop of paddy had been
refreshed by a shower. King Janaka was now care-free and felt gratified as if a tired
swimmer had reached a shallow. The kings countenance fell at the breaking of the bow,
just as a lamp is dimmed at dawn of day. Sts delight could only be compared to that
of a female Ctaka* bird on receiving a rain-drop when the sun is in the same longitude
as the constellation named Svt* (Arcturus). Lakmaa fixed his eyes on Rma as the
young of a Cakora bird gazes on the moon. atnanda then gave the word and St
advanced towards Rma.
(14)
U U flU U
fl U UH 263H
Do.: saga sakh sudara catura gvahi magalacra,

gavan bla marla gati suam aga apra.263.
Accompanied by Her fair and talented companions, who were singing festal
songs, She paced like a cygnet, Her limbs possessing infinite charm.
(263)
0U U
U
U
U
U U

U
UU

U UU H
Sfl U UH 1H
U U UH
UU U flUH 2H
* According to the Indian tradition a Ctaka bird would slake its thirst only with a rain-drop obtained
when the sun is in the same longitude as the Arcturus (which is generally in the month of October, a month
when showers are of rare occurrence).
* BLA-KNA *
U U
U
U
flU U fl

UU

U
273
UUflU
UH
UU H 3H
U H
U UU H 4H
Cau. : sakhinha madhya siya sohati kaise , chabigana madhya mahchabi jaise .
kara
saroja
jayamla suh, bisva bijaya sobh jehi ch.1.
tana sakocu mana parama uchhu, guRha premu lakhi parai na khu.
ji
sampa
rma chabi dekh, rahi janu kua ri citra avarekh.2.
catura sakh lakhi kah
bujh, pahirvahu
jayamla
suh.
sunata jugala kara mla uh, prema bibasa pahiri na j.3.
sohata janu juga jalaja sanl, sasihi
sabhta
deta
jayaml.
gvahi
chabi
avaloki sahel, siya
jayamla rma ura mel.4.
In the midst of Her companions St shone as a personification of supreme beauty

among other embodiments of beauty. She held in Her lotus hands the fair wreath of
victory, resplendent with the glory of triumph over the whole universe. While Her body
shrank with modesty, Her heart was full of rapture; Her hidden love could not be
perceived by others. As She drew near and beheld r Rmas beauty, Princess St
stood motionless as a portrait. A clever companion, who perceived Her in this condition,
exhorted Her saying, Invest the bridegroom with the beautiful wreath of victory. At this
She raised the wreath with both of Her hands, but was too overwhelmed with emotion
to garland Him. In this act Her uplifted hands shone as if a pair of lotuses with their stalks
were timidly investing the moon with a wreath of victory. At this charming sight Her
companions broke into a song, while St placed the wreath of victory round r Rmas
neck so as to adorn His breast.
(14)
0UU
UU fl UU
U H 264H
So.: raghubara ura jayamla dekhi deva barisahi sumana,

sakuce sakala bhula janu biloki rabi kumudagna.264.
Witnessing the wreath of victory resting on r Rmas bosom, gods rained down
flowers; while the kings all shrank in confusion like lillies at the rising of the sun. (264)
0U L
U U U
U
flU U
U U UU
U
UU U U U U
U U U
UU U
UH
U U H 1H
U U UUH
Ufl
UUUH 2H
U U U H
U UflU UH 3H
U L U UUH
U U U H 4H
Cau.: pura aru byoma bjane bje, khala bhae malina sdhu saba rje.
sura kinara nara nga muns, jaya jaya jaya kahi dehi ass.1.
274
ncahi gvahi bibudha badhu,
jaha taha bipra bedadhuni karah,
mahi ptla nka jasu byp,
rat pura nara
nr,
karahi
sohati
sya
rma
kai
jor,
sakh kahahi prabhupada gahu st,
bra
bra
kusumjali
chu.
bad
biridvali
uccarah.2.
rma bar siya bhajeu cp.
dehi
nichvari
bitta
bisr.3.
chabi sigru manahu
eka hor.
karati na carana parasa ati bht.4.
There was music both in the city and in the heavens; while the wicked were
downcast, the virtuous beamed with joy. Gods, Kinnaras, men, Ngas and great sages
uttered blessings with shouts of victory. Celestial dames danced and sang and handfuls
of flowers were showered again and again. Here and there the Brhmaas recited the
Vedas, while panegyrists sang praises. The glad tidings spread throughout the earth, the
subterranean regions and heaven that r Rma had broken the bow and won the hand
of St. The people of the city waved lights round the pair in order to ward off evil; and
regardless of their means they scattered gifts in profusion as an act of invocation of
Divine blessings on the couple. The pair of r Rma and St shone as if beauty and
the sentiment of Love had met together in human form. Her companions urged Her,St,
clasp your lords feet. But St was too much afraid to touch His feet.
(14)
0 U U U U
U U H 265H
Do.: gautama tiya gati surati kari nahi parasati paga pni,
mana bihase raghubasamani prti alaukika jni.265.
Remembering the fate of the sage Gautamas wife, Ahaly, She would not touch
His feet with Her hands; the Jewel of Raghus race inwardly smiled to perceive Her
transcendent love.
(265)

UU UU U
UU U
U U
U
U U U U

U
U
U U
U U H
U U fl H 1H
U U H
fl UU U UH 2H
U U U U H
UU
H 3H
U H
U H 4H
Cau.: taba siya dekhi bhupa abhile,

uhi uhi pahiri sanha abhge,
lehu
chaRi
sya
kaha
kou,
tore dhanuu cRa nahi sara,
jau
bidehu kachu karai sah,
sdhu bhupa bole suni bn,
balu
pratpu
brat
baR,
soi surat ki aba kahu
p,
kura kaputa muRha mana mkhe.

jaha
taha
gla bajvana lge.1.
dhari bdhahu npa blaka dou.

jvata hamahi kua ri ko bara.2.
jtahu samara sahita dou bh.
rjasamjahi
lja
lajn.3.
nka
pinkahi
saga
sidh.
asi budhi tau bidhi muha masi l.4.
0
UU
U
U
* BLA-KNA *
275
Then, as they looked on St, a few princes were filled with longing for her; those
wicked, degenerate fools grew indignant. Rising from their seats one after another and
donning their armour the wretches began to brag about. Someone said, Carry off St
by force and capturing the two princes hold them in bondage. No purpose will be served
by merely breaking the bow; for who shall marry the princess while we still live? Should
Janaka come forward to help them, rout him in battle alongwith the two brothers. When
the good kings heard these words, they said, Shame itself feels shy in approaching this
assembly of princes. Your might, glory, valour, fame and honour have been shattered
alongwith the bow. Is it the same valour of which you are boasting, or have you since
acquired it anew from somewhere else? It is because such is your mentality that God
has blackened your faces.
(14)
0U
UU U U U
U fl UUH 266H
Do.: dekhahu rmahi nayana bhari taji iri madu kohu,

lakhana rou pvaku prabala jni salabha jani hohu.266.
Giving up jealousy, arrogance and anger, therefore, feast your eyes upon Rma;
and knowing Lakmaas wrath to be a blazing fire, do not allow yourselves to be
consumed by it like a moth.
(266)
0 U
U U U
U U
UU U U
U
U L U
UU U
U U
U U H
U flUH 1H
UH
UU UUH 2H
fl Z U UH
U U UH 3H
U U UH
U UU UH 4H
Cau.: bainateya bali jimi caha kgu,

jimi caha kusala akrana koh,
lobh lolupa kala krati caha,
hari pada bimukha parama gati ch,
kolhalu
suni
sya
sakn,
rmu subhya cale guru ph ,
rninha
sahita
socabasa sy,
bhupa bacana suni ita uta takah,
jimi sasu cahai nga ari bhgu.

saba sapad cahai sivadroh.1.
akalakat
ki
km
laha.
tasa tumhra llacu naranh.2.
sakh
lavi
ga
jaha
rn.
sya sanehu baranata mana mh.3.
aba dhau
bidhihi kha karany.
lakhanu rma ara boli na sakah.4.
As a crow should seek an offering set apart for Garua (the king of birds), as a
rabbit should covet the share of a lion, as a man who is angry without any cause should
expect happiness, as an enemy of iva should crave for riches of all kinds, as a greedy
and covetous man should long for good fame and as a gallant should aspire to be free
from scandal, and as one who is averse to r Haris feet, should hanker after the highest
destiny (Liberation), your longing, O princes, (for St) is of the same category. When
St heard the tumult, She got afraid and Her companions took Her to the queen; while
276
r Rma advanced to His Guru, easy in mind and inwardly praising Her affection. The
queens as well as St were filled with anxiety and wondered what Providence had in
store for them. On hearing the words of the princes Lakmaa looked hither and thither;
for fear of Rma, however, he could not speak.
(14)
0L U U fl U
U U UU H 267H
Do.: aruna nayana bhku kuila citavata npanha sakopa,
manahu matta gajagana nirakhi sighakisorahi copa.267.
With fiery eyes and knitted brows he cast an angry look at the kings, as though,
at the sight of a herd of wild elephants in rut, a lions whelp were eager to pounce on
them.
(267)
0UL U U
U flU fl
U
U U U
U Ufl
U U U U
UU U
U
U UU UH
U H 1H
U fl H
U UH 2H
U U L U flH
UU fl U UH 3H
L U UH
U U UL H 4H
Cau.: kharabharu dekhi bikala pura nr, saba
mili
dehi
mahpanha
gr.
tehi avasara suni siva dhanu bhag, yau bhgukula kamala patag.1.
dekhi
mahpa
sakala
gauri
sarra
bhuti
ssa
ja
sasibadanu
bhku
kuila
sakucne, bja
bhala
nayana
jhapaa
bhrj, bhla
bisla
janu
lav
tripua
lukne.
birj.2.
suhv, risabasa kachuka aruna hoi v.

risa
rte, sahajahu
citavata manahu
riste.3.
babha kadha ura bhu bisl, cru

janeu
mla
mgachl.
kai munibasana tuna dui b dhe, dhanu sara kara kuhru kala k dhe .4.
Seeing the uproar the women of the city were all distressed and joined in cursing the
princes. The very moment arrived the sage Paraurma, a very sun to the lotus-like race
of Bhgu, led by the news of the breaking of the bow. At his very sight the kings all cowered
down even as a quail would shrink beneath the swoop of a hawk. A coat of ashes looked
most charming on his fair body; his broad forehead was adorned with a Tripura (as
peculiar mark consisting of three horizontal lines, sacred to iva). Having matted locks on
the head, his handsome moonlike face was a bit reddened with anger; with knitted brows
and eyes inflamed with passion, his natural look gave one the impression that he was
enraged. He had well-built shoulders like those of a bull and a broad chest and long arms;
he was adorned with a beautiful sacred thread, rosary and deerskin. With an anchorites
covering about his loins and a pair of quivers fastened by his side, he held a bow and
arrows in his hands and an axe upon his fair shoulder.
(14)
* BLA-KNA *
277
U U U M
U U U U H 268H
Do.: sta beu karan kahina barani na ji sarupa,

dhari munitanu janu bra rasu yau jaha saba bhupa.268.
Though serene in attire, he had a cruel record of deeds; his appear, therefore,
defied description. It looked as if the heroic sentiment had taken the form of a hermit and
arrived where the kings had assembled.
(268)
U
U U
U flU U
UU L fl
U UU
Sfl

U U UU
UU UU
UU H
U U H 1H
UH
UflH 2H
Z H
U U H 3H
U UH
M U U H 4H
Cau.: dekhata bhgupati beu karl,

pitu sameta kahi kahi nija nm,
jehi subhya citavahi hitu jn,
janaka
bahori
i
siru nv,
sia
dnhi
sakh
haran,
uhe sakala bhaya bikala bhul.

lage karana saba daa pranm.1.
so
jnai
janu
i
khun.
sya
boli
pranmu
karv.2.
nija
samja
lai
ga
sayn.
bisvmitru
mile
puni
, pada saroja mele dou bh.3.
rmu lakhanu dasaratha ke ho, dnhi assa dekhi bhala jo.
rmahi citai rahe thaki locana, rupa apra mra mada mocana.4.
Beholding the frightful figure of Paraurma the kings all rose in consternation; and
mentioning his own as well as his fathers name, each fell prostrate on the ground before
him. Even he on whom Paraurma cast a friendly look in a natural way thought the
sands of his life had run out. Then came Janaka and bowed his head; and sending for
St he made Her pay homage to the sage. Her companions rejoiced when he bestowed
his blessing on Her, and cleverly took Her where the other ladies were. Next came
Vivmitra, who met him and placed the two brothers at his lotus feet, saying that they
were King Daarathas sons, Rma and Lakmaa by name; seeing the well-matched
pair, he blessed them. His eyes were rivetted on r Rmas incomparable beauty, which
would humble the pride of Cupid himself.
(14)
0UU
U UU U U
U U UUH 269H
Do.: bahuri biloki bideha sana kahahu kha ati bhra,

puchata jni ajna jimi bypeu kopu sarra.269.
Then he looked round, and though knowing everything, he asked Videha, like one
ignorant, Tell me, what has attracted all this crowd here? And as he spoke thus wrath
took possession of his whole being.
(269)
278
0 U U
U UU
U UU
U U
UL UL U
U U U U
U
UU
U U
Cau.: samcra
kahi
janaka
U U U H
U U UUH 1H
U U UH
UUU U U U fl UH 2H
U UU UH
U UU UH 3H
flU UH
U H 4H
sune, jehi
sunata bacana phiri anata nihre, dekhe

ati
begi
risa
bole
dekhu
bacana
mahpa
cpakhaa
saba
mahi
e.
re.1.
kahor, kahu jaRa janaka dhanua kai tor.
ta ju, ulaau mahi jaha

lahi tava rju.2.
ati aru utaru deta npu nh, kuila bhupa harae mana mh.
sura muni nga nagara nara nr, socahi sakala trsa ura bhr.3.
mana
bhgupati
muRha
krana
pachitti
kara
na
sya mahatr, bidhi

subhu
aba
sa var
bta
bigr.
suni st, aradha nimea kalapa sama bt.4.
Janaka narrated to him the whole history, mentioning what had brought all the
kings there, on hearing this reply Paraurma turned round, and looking in the other
direction he espied the fragments of the bow lying on the ground. Flying into a rage he
spoke in harsh tones,Tell me, O stupid Janaka, who has broken the bow ? Show him
at once, or this very day I will overthrow the whole tract of land over which your
dominion extends. In his excess of fear, the king would make no answer; and the
wicked kings were glad of heart. Gods, sages, Ngas and the people of the city were
all filled with anxiety; their hearts were much agitated. Sts mother lamented within
herself, saying, Alas ! God has sported the game. When St heard of Paraurmas
temperament, even half a moment passed to Her like a whole life-time of the universe.
(14)
L
NU UU U ULH 270H
Do.: sabhaya biloke loga saba jni jnak bhru,

hdaya na harau bidu kachu bole rraghubru.270.
When the Hero of Raghus race saw everyone seized with panic and perceived
Jnaks anxiety, He interposed; there was neither joy nor sorrow in His heart. (270)
UU
U U U
fl U fl
U U U fl U
UU U UUH
U UH 1H
U U U U UH
UU U UH 2H
* BLA-KNA *
U U

U
U
U UZ
U U U U
U UU UH
UUU
H 3H
U U U ZH
U U H 4H
Cau.: ntha sabhudhanu bhajanihr,

yasu kha kahia kina
moh,
sevaku
so
jo karai sevak,
sunahu rma jehi sivadhanu tor,
so
bilagu
bihi
samj,
suni muni bacana lakhana musukne,
bahu
dhanuh
tor
larik,
ehi dhanu para mamat kehi hetu,
hoihi keu eka dsa tumhr.

suni
risi
bole
muni
koh.1.
ari
karan
kari
karia
lar.
sahasabhu sama so ripu mor.2.
na ta mre jaihahi saba rj.
bole
parasudharahi
apamne.3.
kabahu
na asi risa knhi gos.
suni risi kaha bhgukulaketu.4.
279
My lord, it must be some one of your servants who has broken the bow of iva.
What is your command? Why not tell me? At this the furious sage was all the more
incensed, and said, A servant is he who does service; having played the role of an
enemy, one should give battle, Listen. O Rma; whoever has broken ivas bow is my
enemy no less than the thousand-armed Krtavrya. Let him stand apart, leaving this
assembly; or else everyone of these kings shall be slain. Hearing the sages words
Lakmaa smiled and said insulting Paraurma (the wielder of an axe), I have broken
many a small bow in my childhood; but you never grew so angry, my lord. Why should
you be so fond of this particular bow? At this the Chief of Bhgus race burst out in
a fury:
(14)
0U
U U
U UU UH 271H
Do.: re npa blaka kla basa bolata tohi na sa bhra,

dhanuh sama tipurri dhanu bidita sakala sasra.271.
O young prince, being in the grip of death you have no control over your
speech. Would you compare to a small bow the mighty bow of iva, that is known
throughout the world?
(271)
0 U UU UU
U U
U UU UU
U U
U U U
rU
U
U
UU
UUU
Cau.: lakhana kah ha si hamare
k chati lbhu juna dhanu
U fl H
U UH 1H
U UH
U U U U UH 2H
fl U U UH
Sfl U UH 3H
U UflU UH
U
UUH 4H
jn, sunahu deva saba dhanua samn.

tore , dekh rma nayana ke bhore .1.
280
chuata ua raghupatihu na dosu,
bole
citai
parasu
k or,
blaku boli badhau
nahi toh,
bla
brahmacr
ati
koh,
bhujabala bhumi bhupa binu knh,
sahasabhu
bhuja chedanihr,
muni binu kja karia kata rosu.

re saha sunehi subhu na mor.2.
kevala muni jaRa jnahi moh.
bisva bidita chatriyakula droh.3.
bipula bra mahidevanha dnh.
parasu
biloku
mahipakumr.4.
Said Lakmaa with a smile, Listen, holy Sir: to my mind all bows are alike. What
gain or loss can there be in the breaking of a worn-out bow ? r Rma mistook it for
a new one, and at His very touch it broke in two; the Lord of Raghus, therefore, was not
to blame for it either. Why, then, be angry, reverend sir, for no cause? Casting a glance
at his axe, Paraurma replied, O foolish child, have you never heard of my temper ?
I slay you not because, as I say, you are a child yet; do you take me for a mere
anchorite, O dullard? I have been a celibate from my very boyhood, but also an irascible
one; and I am known throughout the world as a sworn enemy of the Katriya race. By
the might of my arm I made the earth kingless and bestowed it time after time upon the
Brhmaas. Look at this axe, which lopped off the arms of Sahasrabhu (the thousandarmed Krtavrya), O youthful prince.
(14)
U U UU
U U U UH 272H
Do.: mtu pitahi jani socabasa karasi mahsakisora,

garbhanha ke arbhaka dalana parasu mora ati ghora.272.
Do not bring woe to your parents, O princely lad, My most cruel axe has
exterminated even unborn offspring in the womb.
(272)
0U
U fl UM
U UU U U
UL U
U
U UU UU L U
U
UU
U UU
U U UH
U UUfl UMH 1H
U U UH
U U U H 2H
U UU UU U UH
UU U U UH 3H
UU U UUH
UU UUH 4H
Cau.: bihasi lakhanu bole mdu bn,

puni puni mohi dekhva kuhru,
ih
kumhaRabatiy
kou nh,
dekhi
kuhru
sarsana bn,
bhgusuta samujhi janeu bilok,
sura mahisura harijana aru g,
badhe
ppu
apakrati
hre ,
koi kulisa sama bacanu tumhr,
aho munsu mah bhaamn.

cahata uRvana phu ki pahru.1.
je
tarajan dekhi
mari
jh.
mai kachu kah sahita abhimn.2.
jo kachu kahahu sahau risa rok.
hamare kula inha para na sur.3.
mratahu
p
paria
tumhre .
byartha dharahu dhanu bna kuhr.4.
Lakmaa smilingly retorted in a mild tone, Ah, the great sage considers himself
* BLA-KNA *
281
an extraordinary warrior! He flaunts his axe before me again and again, as if he would
blow away a mountain with a mere puff of breath. Here there is no pumpkin in the bud
that would wither away as soon as an index finger is raised against it. It was only when
I saw you armed with an axe and a bow and arrows that I spoke with some pride. Now
that I understand you are a descendant of Bhgu and perceive a sacred thread on your
person, I suppress my anger and put up with whatever you say. In our family valour is
never shown against gods, the Brhmaas, devotees of r Hari and the cow; for by
killing any of these we incur sin while a defeat at their hands will bring disrepute on us.
We should throw ourselves at your feet even if you strike us. Every word of yours is as
incisive as millions of thunderbolts; the bow and arrows and the axe are, therefore, an
unnecessary burden to you.
(14)
UU UU U U
U U UH 273H
Do.: jo biloki anucita kaheu chamahu mahmuni dhra,

suni saroa bhgubasamani bole gir gabhra.273.
Pardon me, O great and illumined hermit, if I have said anything unseemly at the
sight of your weapons. Hearing this, the jewel of Bhgus race furiously rejoined in a
deep voice:
(273)
0 U U
U

fl UU U U
U UU UU UU
UU UU
U U U
U U UU
U U U U
U H
U U H 1H
UU U U U UH
U U UUH 2H
UU U U UH
U U UH 3H
U U U UUH
U flU H 4H
Cau.: kausika sunahu mada yahu blaku,

bhnu
basa
rkesa kalaku,
kla kavalu hoihi chana mh,
tumha haakahu jau cahahu ubr,
lakhana kaheu muni sujasu tumhr,
apane mu ha tumha pani karan,
nahi satou ta puni kachu kahahu,
brabrat tumha dhra achobh,
kuila klabasa nija kula ghlaku.

nipaa nirakusa abudha asaku.1.
kahau
pukri khori mohi nh.
Kahi pratpu balu rou hamr.2.
tumhahi achata ko baranai pr.
bra aneka bh ti bahu baran.3.
jani risa roki dusaha dukha sahahu.
gr deta na pvahu sobh.4.
Listen, O Vivmitra: this boy is stupid and perverse. He is in the grip of death
himself and will bring destruction on his whole family. A dark spot on the moon-like solar
race, he is utterly unruly, senseless and reckless. The very next moment he shall find
himself in the jaws of death; I proclaim it at the top of my voice and none should blame
me for it. Forbid him if you would save him, telling him of my glory, might and fury. Said
Lakmaa, Holy sir, so long as you live who else can expatiate on your bright glory ?
With your own lips you have recounted your exploits in diverse ways more than once.
If you are not yet satisfied, tell us something more; do not undergo a severe trial by
282
putting any restraint upon your anger. You have assumed the role of a hero and are
resolute and imperturbable; it is unbecoming of you to pour abuses.
(14)
0U
U U UU U flU
l U U U U H 274H
Do.: sura samara karan karahi kahi na janvahi pu,

bidyamna rana pi ripu kyara kathahi pratpu.274.
Heroes perform valiant deeds in fight, but never indulge in self-advertisement.
Finding before them a foe in battle, it is cowards who boast of their own glory. (274)
0U U fl
UU
U
U
U U U
U UU L U
UU UU U
U U UU UU
U U U flH
U U UU U UH 1H
U
H
U UUU H 2H
U H
U
LUH 3H
fl UUH
UU UU UU UH 4H
Cau.: tumha tau klu h ka janu lv,

sunata lakhana ke bacana kahor,
aba jani dei dosu mohi
logu,
bla biloki bahuta
mai
b c,
kausika kah chamia apardhu,
khara kuhra mai akaruna koh,
utara deta choRau
binu mre ,
na ta ehi ki kuhra kahore ,
bra bra mohi lgi bolv.

parasu sudhri dhareu kara ghor.1.
kaubd
blaku
badhajogu.
aba yahu maranihra bh s c.2.
bla doa guna ganahi na sdhu.
ge
apardh
gurudroh.3.
kevala
kausika
sla
tumhre .
gurahi urina hoteu
rama thore .4.
You seem to have Death at your beck and call and summon him again and
again for my sake! Hearing Lakmaas harsh words Paraurma closed his hand
upon his terrible axe. After this let no one blame me; this sharp-tongued boy deserves
his death. I have spared him long on account of his being a child; he is now surely
going to die. Said Vivmitra, Pardon his offence; holy men take no notice of the
merits and demerits of a child. Sharp-edged is my axe, while I am pitiless and furious;
and here stands before me an offender and an enemy of my Guru. Even though he
gives a retort, I spare his life solely out of regard for you, O Vivmitra. Or else,
hacking him to pieces with this cruel axe, I would have easily repaid the debt I have
owed to my Guru.
(14)
U NU U UUU
U U H 275H
Do.: gdhisunu kaha hdaya ha si munihi hariarai sujha,

ayamaya kh Ra na ukhamaya ajahu na bujha abujha.275.
* BLA-KNA *
283
Said Gdhis son (Vivmitra) smiling within himself,Everything looks green to the
sage (Paraurma); it is, however, the steel sword that he is faced with and not with
sugar extracted from a sugar-cane (that one could easily gulp). It is a pity that he does
not understand and still persists in his ignorance.*
(275)
0UU UU
U UU
UU U U
flUU
U UU U
U U flU U
U U U U
U U
U UH
U U UU U H 1H
U UH
U U H 2H
U U UH
U U UH 3H
m fl UU UH
U U flUH 4H
Cau.: kaheu lakhana muni slu tumhr,

mt
pitahi urina bhae
nke ,
so janu hamarehi mthe kRh,
aba
nia
byavahari
bol,
suni kau bacana kuhra sudhr,
bhgubara parasu dekhvahu moh,
mile na kabahu subhaa rana gRhe,
anucita kahi saba loga pukre,
ko nahi jna bidita sasr.

gura rinu rah socu baRa jke .1.
dina cali gae byja baRa bRh.
turata
deu
mai
thail
khol.2.
hya hya saba sabh pukr.
bipra bicri bacau
npadroh.3.
dvija devat gharahi ke bRhe.
raghupati sayanahi lakhanu nevre.4.
Said Lakmaa, Is there anyone, O good sage, who is not aware of your gentle
disposition, so well known throughout the world? You have fully paid the debt you owed
to your parents; the only debt which now remains to be paid by you is the one you owe
to your Guru, and that has been vexing your mind not a little. It looks as if you had
incurred the debt on our account; and since a considerable time has now elapsed a
heavy interest has accumulated thereon. Now you get the creditor here and I will at once
rapay him from my own purse. Hearing these sarcastic remarks Paraurma grasped
his axe and the whole assembly cried Alack ! Alack !! O chief of Bhgus, you are still
threatening me with your axe; but I am sparing you only because I hold you to be a
Brhmaa, O enemy of princes. You have never met champions staunch in fight; You
have grown important in your own little home, O holy Brhmaa. Everyone exclaimed, This
is wholly undesirable! The Lord of Raghus now becked Lakmaa to stop.
(14)
* This has reference to a popular saying A man who loses his eyesight in the month of rvaa
(corresponding roughly to August), when the whole landscape is green, visualizes everything as green.
Vivmitra thereby suggests that Paraurma was blind so far as the greatness of r Rma is concerned and
imagined that the latter was as easy to handle as the other Katriyas whom he could easily vanquish in battle.
Again there is a pun on the word Kh a in the original, which means both a sword and sugar.
There is a sarcastic allusion here to two notable incidents in Paraurmas life. We are told in the
Puras how Paraurma killed his own mother at the bidding of his father Jamadagni, who had got
incensed at her returning from a river rather late. Pleased with his obedience Jamadagni insisted on his
asking for a boon. At this Paraurma prayed for the restoration of his mothers life and his prayer was
immediately granted. His mother was brought to life again and did not even remember the cruel act of her
son. On another occasion, Paraurmas father Jamadagni was slain by the followers of king Sahasrabhu
in order to avenge themselves of their leaders death at Paraurmas hands and the latter retaliated by
extirpating not only the descendants of Sahasrrjuna but the whole Katriya race gradually.
284
UU U U U
U UH 276H
Do.: lakhana utara huti sarisa bhgubara kopu ksnu,

baRhata dekhi jala sama bacana bole raghukulabhnu.276.
Perceiving the flames of Paraurmas passion grow with the pouring of oblation
in the form of Lakmaas rejoinder, the Sun of Raghus race spoke words like
water.
(276)
0 UU U
U U
U U U
U fl
U U
U U
U UU S
U UU UU
UU

UU

U

U
U
U UH
UU U H 1H
U UUH
U U H 2H
U U UU H
U U U H 3H
U UH
UH 4H
Cau.: ntha karahu blaka para chohu,

jau pai prabhu prabhu kachu jn,
jau larik kachu acagari karah,
karia kp sisu sevaka
jn,
rma bacana suni kachuka juRne,
ha sata dekhi nakha sikha risa byp,
gaura sarra syma mana mh,
sahaja eRha anuharai na toh,
sudha dudhamukha karia na kohu.

tau ki barbari karata ayn.1.
gura pitu mtu moda mana bharah.
tumha sama sla dhra muni gyn.2.
kahi kachu lakhanu bahuri musukne.
rma tora bhrt baRa pp.3.
klakuamukha payamukha nah.
ncu mcu sama dekha na moh.4.
My Lord, have compassion on a child; and wreak not your wrath on this guileless
youngster (lit., who has the mothers milk still on its lips). If he had any idea of your might,
how could he be so foolish as to affront you? If children play some pranks, their teacher
and parents are in raptures at it; therefore, take pity on him, knowing him to be a child and
your servant. For you are an even-minded, good-tempered, forbearing and illumined anchorite.
On hearing r Rmas words Paraurma cooled down a little; but uttering something
Lakmaa smiled again. Seeing him smile, Paraurma flushed all over with rage and
said, Rma, your brother is too wicked. Though fair of hue, he is black at heart; he has deadly
poison, and not the mothers milk on his lips. Perverse by nature, he does not take after you,
nor does this vile imp regard me as the very image of Death.
(14)
UU U U U
U UU UU Sfl H 277H
Do.: lakhana kaheu ha si sunahu muni krodhu ppa kara mula,

jehi basa jana anucita karahi carahi bisva pratikula.277.
Lakmaa smilingly said, Listen, holy sir: passion is the root of sin. Swayed by
it men perpetrate unseemly acts and indulge in misanthropic activities.
(277)
* BLA-KNA *
0
UU U U
UU U UU U
U U
U UUU
U U U U U U
U
UU
UU
U
Cau.: mai
tumhra
ua
jau
cpa
ati
anucara
nahi
priya
bolata
tau
UUU U H
U UU UH 1H
U U U H
CU UU UH 2H
UU U U U UH
U U U UH 3H
U U UH
U U U H 4H
muniry, parihari
jurihi
285
kopu
risne, baihia
hoihi
karia
aba
pya
dy.
pirne.1.
karia
up, joria
kou
baRa
gun
bol.
janaku erh, maa karahu anucita bhala nh.2.
lakhanahi
thara thara k pahi pura nara nr, choa kumra khoa baRa bhr.
bhgupati suni suni nirabhaya bn, risa
bole
rmahi
dei
tana
jarai
hoi
bala
hn.3.
nihor, bacau bicri badhu laghu tor.
manu malna tanu sudara kaise , bia rasa bhar kanaka ghau jaise .4.
I am your servant, O Chief of sages; put away your wrath and show mercy upon me.
Anger will not mend the broken bow. Pray sit down; your legs must be aching. If you are very
fond of it, let us devise some means to mend it by calling in some expert. Janaka was
frightened at Lakmaas words and said, Pray be quiet; it is not good to transgress the limits
of propriety. The people of the city trembled like aspen leaves; they said to themselves. The
younger prince is really very naughty. As the chief of Bhgus heard the fearless words of
Lakmaa, his whole body burnt with rage and his strength diminished. In a condescending
manner he said to Rma,I am sparing the boy because I know he is your younger brother.
So fair without and foul within, he resembles a jar of gold full of poison.
(14)
U U UU UU U
U fl UUU H 278H
Do.: suni lachimana bihase bahuri nayana tarere rma,

gura sampa gavane sakuci parihari bn bma.278.
At this Lakmaa laughed again, but r Rma cast an angry look on him. Therefore,
putting away all petulance of speech he submissively went up to his Guru.
(278)

U
UU
U

U U

U U U
Z
U U
U U H
U U H 1H
UU U H
U UUH 2H
U U ZH
U UH 3H
286
U U U U fl fl H
U U UL U U U UH 4H
Cau.: ati
binta
mdu
stala
bn, bole
rmu
jori
sunahu ntha tumha sahaja sujn, blaka
bacanu
bararai
na
tehi
blaku
nh
kachu
eku
subhu, inhahi
juga
karia
sata
nahi
bigr, apardh
mai
ntha
kp kopu badhu ba dhaba gos, mo para karia dsa
begi
jehi
bidhi
kaha
muni
rma
ji
risa
risa
ehi ke kaha kuhru na
j, muninyaka
kaise, ajahu
dnh, tau
anuja
mai
soi
karau
tava
citava
kha
kn.1.
biduahi
kja
kahia
pn.
kopu
ku.
tumhr.2.
k n.
kari
up.3.
anaise .
knh.4.
Joining both His palms together and speaking in most humble, gentle and placid
tones r Rma said, I pray you, my lord: wise as you are by nature, pay no heed to
the words of a child. A wasp and a child have alike disposition; saints never find fault
with them. Besides, the boy has done you no harm; it is I, my lord, who have offended
you. Therefore, your reverence, deal to me as your servant whatever you please,
whether it be a favour or frown, death or captivity. Tell me quickly the means, O chief
of sages, by which your anger may be appeased; I shall do accordingly. Said the sage,
How can my passion be pacified, O Rma, when your younger brother is still looking
mischievously at me. So long as I do not cut his throat with my axe, my wrath is
ineffectual.
(14)
dflU fl Ufl UU U
U U U U UH 279H
Do.: garbha sravahi avanipa ravani suni kuhra gati ghora,

parasu achata dekhau jiata bair bhupakisora.279.
At the very news of the cruel doings of my axe the consorts of kings miscarry.
To think that having the same axe still at my service I should see this princeling, my
enemy, alive !
(279)
0U U U U U
U UU
U Ufl
U U
UU
UU U
UU U U
U U U
UL U H
U NU H 1H
U L flH
U H 2H
U H
U U U U UH 3H
UU U UUH
U U UH 4H
Cau.: bahai na hthu dahai risa cht,

bhayau bma bidhi phireu subhu,
ju day dukhu dusaha sahv,
bu
kp
murati
anukul,
bh kuhru kuhita npaght.

more hdaya
kp kasi ku.1.
suni saumitri bihasi siru nv.
bolata bacana jharata janu phul.2.
* BLA-KNA *
287
jau
pai kp
jarihi muni gt, krodha bhae tanu rkha bidht.
dekhu janaka hahi blaku ehu, knha cahata jaRa jamapura gehu.3.
begi karahu kina khinha o, dekhata choa khoa npa ho.
bihase lakhanu kah mana mh, mude khi katahu
kou nh.4.
My hand moves not, though passion consumes my breast; while this axe, which
has slain kings without number, has gone blunt. Fate has turned against me; that is why
I find my nature changed. Otherwise compassion at any time is unknown to my heart.
My tenderness of feeling has imposed on me a severe strain today. On hearing this the
son of Sumitr bowed his head with a smile. The breeze of your benevolence is so
befitting your frame; the words you speak appear as though blossoms drop from a tree.
O reverend sir, when compassion sets your whole frame on fire, God help you when you
are angry. Look here, Janaka, this stupid boy in his perversity intends to migrate to the
region of Death. Why not put him out of my sight ? Though small to look at, the princeling
is yet so wicked ! Lakmaa smilingly said to himself, Shut your eyes and the whole
world will vanish out of your sight.
(14)
0UU
U UU
U U U U UU H 280H
Do.: parasurmu taba rma prati bole ura ati krodhu,

sabhu sarsanu tori saha karasi hamra prabodhu.280.
Then Paraurma spoke to Rma, his heart boiling with rage, Having broken
ambhus bow, O wretch, do you now teach me?
(280)
0 U U U
L
U
U
U UU L flU
U UU UU
U U U U U
UU U
U UU U
U U U Sfl
U U U UH
U UU UU UH 1H
U UU UH
U U U H 2H
U U U H
U UUH 3H
U UL U H
U H 4H
Cau.: badhu kahai kau samata tore ,

karu paritou mora
sagrm,
chalu taji karahi samaru sivadroh,
bhgupati bakahi kuhra uhe ,
gunaha lakhana kara hama para rou,
eRha jni saba badai khu,
rma kaheu risa tajia muns,
jehi risa ji karia soi svm,
tu chala binaya karasi kara jore .

nhi ta chRa kahuba rm.1.
badhu sahita na ta mrau toh.
mana musukhi rmu sira ne .2.
katahu sudhihu te baRa dou.
bakra cadramahi grasai na rhu.3.
kara
kuhru
ge yaha
ss.
mohi
jnia
pana
anugm.4.
It is with your connivance that your brother addresses such pungent words to me;
while you make false entreaties with joined palms. Either give me satisfaction in combat,
or forswear your name of Rma. Give battle to me. O enemy of iva, without taking
288
recourse to any wily trick; or else I will despatch you and your brother both. While the
chief of Bhgus thus raved with his axe raised on high, r Rma smiled within Himself,
bowing His head to the sage, While the fault is Lakmaas, the sages wrath is against
me. Sometimes meekness too begets much evil. A crooked man is reverenced by all;
the crescent moon is not devoured by the demon Rhu. Said Rma, Cease from wrath,
O lord of sages; the axe is in your hand, while my head is before you. Do that, my lord,
which may pacify your anger; know me to be your servant.
(14)
0U
flU L U U U
U U U U H 281H
Do.: prabhuhi sevakahi samaru kasa tajahu biprabara rosu,

beu biloke kahesi kachu blakahu nahi dosu.281.
How can there be any duel between a master and his servant? Give up your
anger, O great Brhmaa; it is only because he saw you in the garb of a warrior that the
boy said something to you and he cannot be blamed for it.
(281)
0 U U U
UU U
U U Z
UU
U
UU UU UU
U UU
fl UU
U U U UU
UU U L UH
UL U UH 1H
U U U ZH
U UU UH 2H
UU U U U H
U U U UUH 3H
fl U UUH
UU U UUH 4H
Cau.: dekhi kuhra bna dhanu dhr, bhai

nmu jna pai tumhahi na cnh,
jau tumha autehu muni k n,
chamahu
cuka anajnata
ker,
hamahi tumhahi saribari kasi nth,
rma mtra laghu nma hamr,
deva eku gunu dhanua hamre ,
saba prakra hama tumha sana hre,
larikahi
risa
bru
bicr.
basa subhya
utaru tehi dnh.1.
pada raja sira sisu dharata gos.
cahia bipra ura kp ghaner.2.
kahahu na kah carana kaha mth.
parasu sahita baRa nma tohr.3.
nava guna parama punta tumhre .
chamahu bipra apardha hamre.4.
Seeing you equipped with an axe, arrows and bow, the boy took you for a champion
and got excited. Although he knew you by name, he did not recognize you in person and
answered you according to his lineage. If you had come as a sage, the child, O holy sir,
would have placed the dust of your feet on his head. Forgive the error of one who did not
know you; a Brhmaa should have plenty of mercy in his heart. What comparison, my
lord, can there be between you and me? Tell me if there is any affinity between the head
and feet. Mine is a small name consisting of the single word Rma; where as yours is a
long one, having the word Parau prefined to Rma. O lord, whereas there is only one
merit in me and that is my bow while you have got nine most auspicious characteristics
such as; tranquillity, restraint, penance, purity, forbearance, straight forwardness, knowledge,
supreme knowledge and faith in God. I am thus inferior to you in everyway; therefore, O
holy sir, forgive my faults.
(14)
* BLA-KNA *
289
0U
U U U U U
L U U H 282H
Do.: bra bra muni biprabara kah rma sana rma,

bole bhgupati sarua hasi tahu badhu sama bma.282.
Again and again did Rma address His namesake as a sage and as a great
Brhmaa, till the chief of Bhgus exclaimed in his fury, You are as perverse as your
younger brother!
(282)
0UU m U U U
dfl U U
U
U
U U U U
U U U U
U U U
U U UU U
UU U
U
flU UH
U U H 1H
U U H
U UU UH 2H
U UH
U U UUH 3H
U U UUH
U U U H 4H
Cau.: nipaahi dvija kari jnahi moh,

cpa sruv
sara
huti
jnu,
samidhi sena caturaga suh,
mai ehi parasu ki bali dnhe,
mora prabhu bidita nahi tore ,
bhajeu cpu dpu baRa bRh,
rma kah muni kahahu bicr,
chuatahi
ua
pinka
purn,
mai jasa bipra sunvau toh.

kopu mora ati ghora ksnu.1.
mah mahpa bhae pasu .
samara jagya japa koinha knhe.2.
bolasi nidari bipra ke bhore .
ahamiti manahu jti jagu hRh.3.
risa ati baRi laghu cuka hamr.
mai kehi hetu karau abhimn.4.
You know me to be a mere Brhmaa; I tell you what kind of a Brhmaa I am.
Know that the bow is my sacrificial ladle, the arrows my oblation and my wrath the blazing
fire; the brilliant fourfold forces (consisting of the horse, the elephant, the chariots and footsoldiers) are the fuel; and mighty princes have served as victims, whom I have cut to
pieces with this very axe and offered as sacrifice. In this way I have performed millions of
sacrifices in the shape of armed conflicts, accompanied by the muttering of sacred formulas
in the shape of war-cries. My glory is not known to you; that is why you address me in
contemptuous terms mistaking me for a mere Brhmaa. Since you have broken the bow,
your arrogance has transgressed all limits; in your self-esteem you stand as if you have
conquered the whole world. Said Rma, O sage, think before you speak; your anger is
out of all proportions with my error, which is a trifling one. Worn out as it was, the bow broke
at my mere touch. What reason have I to be proud?
(14)
U UU U
U U flU H 283H
Do.: jau hama nidarahi bipra badi satya sunahu bhguntha,

tau asa ko jaga subhau jehi bhaya basa nvahi mtha.283.
Hear the truth, O lord of the Bhgus; if, as you say, I treat you with disrespect
290
because you are a Brhmaa, who is that gallant warrior in this world to whom I would
bow my head out of fear?
(283)
0fl
U
U UU
U U U
U U U U

U U
U U U U
U
UU flH
UU UH 1H
U flU H
U UUU U UH 2H
U UU UUH
UU U UU H 3H
U
U
U
UH
UU H 4H
Cau.: deva danuja bhupati bhaa nn,

jau rana hamahi pacrai
kou,
chatriya tanu dhari samara sakn,
kahau subhu na kulahi prasas,
biprabasa
kai
asi prabhut,
suni mdu guRha bacana raghupati ke,
rma rampati kara dhanu lehu,
deta
cpu puhi cali
gayau,
samabala adhika hou balavn.

larahi sukhena klu kina hou.1.
kula kalaku tehi pva ra n.
klahu arahi na rana raghubas.2.
abhaya hoi jo tumhahi er.
ughare paala parasudhara mati ke.3.
khaicahu miai mora sadehu.
parasurma mana bisamaya bhayau.4.
A god, a demon, a king or a body of warriors, whether My equal in strength or

more powerful than myselfshould any of these challenge me to combat, I would
gladly fight with him, no matter if it is Death himself. For he who is born as a Katriya,
and is yet afraid of fighting, is a veritable wretch and has brought a slur on his lineage.
I tell you in my natural way and not by way of a tribute to my race: Raghus
descendants are not afraid of even death in battle. Such is the glory of the Brhmaa
race that he who is afraid of you (Brhmaas) is rid of all fear. When he heard these
soft yet profound words of r Rma, Paraurmas mind was disillusioned. O Rma,
take this bow of Rams lord and draw it, so that my doubts may be cleared.* As
Paraurma offered his bow it passed into Rmas hands of its own accord, and
Paraurma felt amazed at this.
(14)
U U
U NU H 284H
Do.: jn rma prabhu taba pulaka praphullita gta,

jori pni bole bacana hdaya na premu amta.284.
He then recognized r Rmas might and his whole frame was thrilled with joy and
his hair stood on end. Joining his palms together he addressed the following words to
r Rma, his heart bursting with emotion:
(284)
U U U H
U UU U U UUH 1H
* Paraurma had got this bow from God Viu Himself, who had told that when the Lord descended
on the earth in the form of r Rma, his own lifes work would have ended and the bow would pass into the
hands of r Rma.
* BLA-KNA *
L U
fl
U U
U UU
U U
U U UU
291
U UH
UU U U H 2H
U UH
UU UU U H 3H
U UH
U U U flU UH 4H
Cau.: jaya raghubasa banaja bana bhnu, gahana danuja kula dahana ksnu.
jaya
sura
binaya sla
bipra
dhenu hitakr, jaya mada moha koha bhrama hr.1.
karun
guna sgara, jayati bacana racan ati ngara.
sevaka sukhada subhaga saba ag, jaya

karau
sarra
chabi
koi
anag.2.
kha mukha eka prasas, jaya mahesa mana mnasa has.
anucita
bahuta
kaheu
agyt, chamahu chammadira dou bhrt.3.
kahi jaya jaya jaya raghukulaketu, bhgupati gae banahi tapa hetu.
apabhaya
kuila
mahpa
erne, jaha
taha
kyara gava hi parne.4.
Glory to r Rma, who delights Raghus line even as the sun delights a cluster
of lotuses ! Glory to the Fire that consumes the forest of the demon race ! Glory to the
Benefactor of gods, Brhmaas and cows ! Glory to Him who takes away pride,
ignorance, passion and delusion ! Glory to Him who is an ocean of humility, amiability,
compassion and goodness and a pastmaster in the art of speech. Glory to the
Delighter of His servants and to Him who is graceful of every limb and whose form
possesses the beauty of millions of Cupids ! How can I with one tongue utter Your
praises? Glory to Him who sports in the mind of the great Lord iva as a swan in the
Mnasarovara lake ! In my ignorance I have said much that was unseemly; therefore
pardon me, both brothers, abodes of forgiveness that You are. Glory, glory, all glory
to the Chief of Raghus race ! So saying, the lord of Bhgus withdrew to the forest to
practise penance. The wicked kings were all seized with imaginary fears and the
cowards quietly fled in all directions.
(14)
0flU
U U UU
UU U U U U U H 285H
Do.: devanha dnh dudubh prabhu para baraahi phula,

harae pura nara nri saba mi mohamaya sula.285.
The gods sounded their kettledrums and rained down flowers on the Lord. All the
people of the city rejoiced and their hearts agony, born of ignorance, disappeared. (285)
0
UU

U U U
U
U UU H
UU H 1H
U U H
U UUH 2H
292
U U
U U U Z
U U
UUU
U

U UH
U U ZH 3H
UU U H
U U UH 4H
Cau.: ati
gahagahe
bjane
bje,
jutha jutha mili sumukhi sunayan,
sukhu bideha kara barani na j,
bigata trsa bhai sya sukhr,
janaka knha kausikahi pranm,
mohi ktaktya knha duhu bh,
kaha muni sunu narantha prabn,
uatah
dhanu
bhayau bibhu,
sabahi manohara magala sje.

karahi gna kala kokilabayan.1.
janmadaridra manahu nidhi p.
janu bidhu udaya cakorakumr.2.
prabhu prasda dhanu bhajeu rm.
aba jo ucita so kahia gos.3.
rah
bibhu
cpa
dhn.
sura nara nga bidita saba khu.4.
There was a tumultuous clash of musical instruments and everyone displayed

charming and auspicious objects. Troops of fair-faced, bright-eyed damsels sang
melodious songs in chorus, their voice resembling the notes of the cuckoo. Janakas joy
was beyond description, as that of a born beggar who has found a treasure. St was
rid of Her fears and was as glad as a young of a Cakora bird at the rising of the moon.
Janaka made obeisance before Kauika and said, It is due to your grace, my lord, that
r Rma has been able to break the bow. I am blessed by the pair of brothers; pray tell
me now, reverend sir, what it behoves me to do. Said the sage, Listen, wise king: the
marriage depended on the bow, and took place directly the bow broke, as is well-known
to all, including gods, human beings and Ngas.
(14)
U UU flUL
h U LH 286H
Do.: tadapi ji tumha karahu aba jath basa byavahru,

bujhi bipra kulabddha gura beda bidita cru.286.
Nevertheless you now go and perform according to the family usage whatever
practices are prescribed in the Veda, after consulting the Brhmaas, the elders of your
family, and your own preceptor (atnanda).
(286)
0
flU UflU

UU UU
UU U
UU
U
U U
UU U
UU

U U
U U U U
Cau.: duta avadhapura
mudita ru kahi
U UU H
U U H 1H
U U U H
L flUU UU H 2H
UU UH
U U H 3H
H
U H 4H
pahavahu j, nahi
bhalehi kpl, pahae
npa
dasarathahi
duta
boli
tehi
bol.
kl.1.
* BLA-KNA *
bahuri mahjana sakala bole,
ha
ba
madira surabs,
harai cale nija nija gha e,
racahu
bicitra
bitna
ban,
pahae boli gun tinha nn,
bidhihi badi tinha knha arabh,
293
i
sabanhi
sdara
sira
ne.
nagaru sa vrahu crihu
ps.2.
puni
paricraka
boli
pahe.
sira dhari bacana cale sacu p.3.
je bitna bidhi kusala sujn.
birace kanaka kadali ke khabh.4.
Go and despatch to the city of Ayodhy messengers who may invite King
Daaratha and bring him here. Janaka gladly responded, Very well, gracious sir, and
summoning the messengers despatched them that very moment. He then summoned the
leading citizens, and they all came and respectfully bowed their head.Decorate the
bazars, streets, houses, temples and the whole city on all its four sides, was the royal
command. They returned in joy, each to his own house. The king then sent for his own
servants and instructed them: Erect pavilions of all kinds with due care. Bowing to the
kings orders they returned glad of heart, and sent for a number of clever artisans skilled
in erecting pavilions. Invoking Brahm they set to work and made pillars of gold in the
shape of plantain trees
(14)
0UU
U U
U U U H 287H
Do.: harita maninha ke patra phala padumarga ke phula,

racan dekhi bicitra ati manu biraci kara bhula.287.
With leaves and fruits of emeralds and blossoms of rubies; seeing this most
marvellous specimen of art the Creator himself was lost in bewilderment.
(287)
0 UU
U
U U
U U
UU
U
U U U
UZ
U
U
U UU U
U U U

U U
U fl

U
UH
UH 1H
UH
UH 2H
H
UUH 3H
UZH 4H
Cau.: benu harita manimaya saba knhe, sarala saparaba parahi nahi cnhe.
kanaka
kalita
ahibeli
ban, lakhi nahi parai saparana suh.1.
tehi ke raci paci badha bane, bica
bica
mukut
mnika
kori
paci
marakata
kulisa
piroj, cri
dma
suhe.
race
saroj.2.
kie bhga bahuraga bihag, gujahi kujahi pavana prasag.

sura pratim khabhana gaRhi kRh , magala drabya lie saba hRh.3.
cauke
bh ti
aneka
pur, sidhura manimaya sahaja suh.4.
The bamboo sticks were made of emeralds; they were so straight and knotted
that they could not be distinguished from real ones. Creepers known by the name
of Piper-betle (the leaves of which are chewed in India with areca-nut parings) were
artistically fashioned in gold and looked so charming with their leaves that they could
294
not be marked as artificial. These creepers were intertwined into so many cords
(for
holding the bamboos together) with beautiful strings of pearls inserted here
and
there. After much cutting, carving and inlaying they made lotuses of rubies, emeralds,
diamonds and turquoises. They also fashioned bees and birds of varied plumage, which
buzzed and whistled in the restling breeze. On the pillars they sculptured images
of gods, all standing with articles of good omen in their hands. Squares were drawn
on the floor in various naturally charming devices and filled in with elephant pearls.
(14)
0U
fl U U
U U U flU U UUH 288H
Do.: saurabha pallava subhaga suhi kie nlamani kori,

hema baura marakata ghavari lasata pamaya ori.288.
They made most lovely mango-leaves of graven sapphires with blossoms of gold
and bunches of emerald fruits glistening on silken cords.
(288)
0U
LU U
flU

UU

U
U
U U
U U M U
fl
U UU U UU

U U
Cau.: race
rucira
magala
bara
kalasa
U fl flUH
fl U U UH 1H
U H
U UH 2H
U UUH
U U U H 3H
U U fl UH
U UH 4H
badanivre, manahu manobhava phada sa vre.

aneka
dpa
manohara
manimaya
jehi
maapa
dulahini
nn, ji
na
barani
baideh, so
baranai
asi
sgara, so
bitnu
tihu
bicitra
mati
bitn.
kabi
rmu
janaka
bhavana kai sobh jais, gha gha prati pura dekhia tais.3.
jo
loka
keh.2.
dulahu
jehi
rupa guna
bane, dhvaja patka paa camara suhe.1.
ujgara.
terahuti
tehi samaya nihr, tehi laghu lagahi bhuvana dasa cr.

sapad nca gha soh, so
biloki
suranyaka
moh.4.
They further made charming and excellent festoons, which looked like so many
nooses prepared as it were by Cupid. They also put up many auspicious vases as well
as beautiful flags and banners, curtains and chowries. The marvellous pavilion with a
number of beautiful lamps consisting of brilliant gems was beyond description. What
poet has the wit wherewith to describe the pavilion which is going to shelter Videhas
Daughter as the bride? The canopy which is going to hold r Rma, the ocean of beauty
and perfection, as the bridegroom, must be the glory of all the three worlds. The
splendour that belonged to King Janakas palace was to be seen in every house of that
city; to him who beheld Tirahuta (Janakas capital) during that time, all the fourteen
* BLA-KNA *
295
spheres* appeared of small account. The prosperity that reigned in the house of the
humblest citizen was enough to fascinate even the lord of celestials.
(14)
U U U U U U U
U U U U U H 289H
Do.: basai nagara jehi lacchi kari kapaa nri bara beu,
tehi pura kai sobh kahata sakucahi srada seu.289.
The magnificence of the city wherein dwelt Goddess Lakm in the charming
disguise of a mortal woman made even rad (the goddess of eloquence) and (the
thousand-tongued) ea falter in describing it.
(289)
0U U U fl
mU U U
U U U
U
U UU U U U
U U
UU U
U U

UU U UflH
U H 1H
U UU UH
U UH 2H
UU U U UH
UU H 3H
U U U H
U H 4H
Cau.: pahu ce duta rma pura pvana,

bhupa dvra tinha khabari jan,
kari pranmu tinha pt dnh,
bri
bilocana
b cata
pt,
rmu lakhanu ura kara bara ch,
puni dhari dhra patrik b c,
khelata rahe
tah
sudhi p,
puchata
ati
saneha
sakuc,
harae nagara biloki suhvana.

dasaratha npa suni lie bol.1.
mudita mahpa pu uhi lnh.
pulaka
gta
bhari
cht.2.
rahi gae kahata na kh mh.
hara sabh bta suni s c.3.
e bharatu sahita hita bh.
tta
kah
te
pt
.4.
Janakas messengers arrived at r Rmas sacred birth-place and rejoiced to

behold the charming city. They sent in word at the entrance of the royal palace; hearing
of their arrival King Daaratha summoned them to his presence. With due reverence they
delivered the letter; and the king in his joy rose to receive it in person. As he read the
letter, tears rushed to his eyes; the hair on his body stood erect and his heart was full.
With Rma and Lakmaa in his heart and the valuable letter in his hand, he remained
mute and could not utter a word, either good or bad. Then recovering himself, he read
out the letter, and the court rejoiced to hear the authentic news. Obtaining the news at
the very spot where he had been playing about, Bharata came with his playmates and
brother (atrughna), and with the utmost modesty and affection asked,Father,where has
the letter come from?
(14)
* According to Hindu scriptures the universe is divided into fourteen spheres, seven higher and seven
lower. In their ascending order the seven higher spheres are named as Bhu, Bhuva, Sva, Maha, Jana,
Tapa and Satyam; while the lower seven are in their descending order named as Atala, Vitala, Sutala,
Taltala, Mahtala, Rastala and Ptla.
296
U UU UU U
U UU UH 290H
Do.: kusala prnapriya badhu dou ahahi kahahu kehi desa,

suni saneha sne bacana bc bahuri naresa.290.
Are my two beloved brothers doing well and in what land do they happen to be ?
On hearing these words steeped in love the king read the letter over again.
(290)
0 U
U
U UU
UU U U
S U U
UU U UU
fl
UU U fl
U H
UU H 1H
U UU UUH
U UUH 2H
U H
U UH 3H
H
H 4H
Cau.: suni
pt pulake dou bhrt,
prti punta bharata kai dekh,
taba npa duta nikaa baihre,
bhaiy kahahu kusala dou bre,
symala gaura dhare dhanu bhth,
pahicnahu tumha kahahu subhu,
j
dina te
muni gae lav,
kahahu bideha kavana bidhi jne,
adhika sanehu samta na gt.

sakala sabh sukhu laheu bise.1.
madhura manohara bacana ucre.
tumha nke
nija nayana nihre.2.
baya kisora kausika muni sth.
prema bibasa puni puni kaha ru.3.
taba te
ju s ci sudhi p.
suni priya bacana duta musukne.4.
On hearing the letter the two brothers experienced a thrill of joy; their whole frame
was bursting with an excess of emotion. The whole court was particularly delighted to see
Bharatas unalloyed love. The king then seated the messengers close by him and spoke
to them in sweet and winning tones: Tell me, friends, are the two boys well? Have you
seen them well with your own eyes? The one dark and the other fair of hue, they are
equipped with bow and quiver and are of tender age and accompanied by the sage Kauika.
Do you recognize them? If so, tell me something about their temperament. Overwhelmed
with love the king asked thus again and again. From the day the sage took them away it
is only today that I have obtained authentic news about them. Tell me how King Videha was
able to know them. At these fond words the messengers smiled.
(14)
0U
U U U U
U U Sfl UH 291H
Do.: sunahu mahpati mukua mani tumha sama dhanya na kou,

ramu lakhanu jinha ke tanaya bisva bibhuana dou.291.
Listen, O crest-jewel of kings: there is no one so blessed as you, who have for
your sons Rma and Lakmaa, the two ornaments of the universe.
(291)
* BLA-KNA *
0U
UU
U
U U U
SflU

U U UU
U U
UU
UU
M
U
fl UUfl
297
L U U UUH
U H 1H
U U UH
U U H 2H
UU U UUH
H 3H
U U UU U U MH
U U UU flH 4H
Cau.: puchana jogu na tanaya tumhre, puruasigha tihu pura ujire.

jinha ke jasa pratpa ke ge, sasi malna rabi stala lge.1.
tinha kaha kahia ntha kimi cnhe, dekhia rabi ki dpa kara lnhe.
sya
svayabara bhupa anek, samie
subhaa
eka
te ek.2.
sabhu sarsanu khu na r, hre
sakala
bra
barir.
tni loka maha
je bhaamn, sabha kai sakati sabhu dhanu bhn.3.
sakai
uhi
sarsura
meru, sou hiya
hri gayau kari pheru.
jehi
kautuka sivasailu uhv, sou tehi sabh parbhau pv.4.
No enquiry is needed in respect of your sons, who are lions among men and the
light of the universe, and before whose renown and glory the moon looks dim and the
sun appears cool. About them, my lord, you ask how they came to be recognized ! Does
one take a lamp in ones hand to see the sun ? On the occasion of Sts self-election
of her husband had assembled numerous princes, each one of whom was a greater
champion than the rest; but not one of them could stir ambhus bow and all the mighty
heroes failed. The might of all those who were proud of their valour in the three worlds
was crushed by it. Even the demon Ba, who could lift Mount Meru, lost heart and
retired after pacing round the bow; and even he (Rvaa) who had lifted up Mount
Kailsa (the abode of iva) in mere sport was worsted in that assembly.
(14)
0U
U U U U
U H 292H
Do. : tah rma raghubasa mani sunia mah mahipla,

bhajeu cpa praysa binu jimi gaja pakaja nla.292.
On that occasion, we submit, O great king, r Rma the jewel of Raghus race,
snapped the bow without the least exertion even as an elephant would break the stalk
of a lotus.
(292)

U
U
U
U
U
fl fl
U
U U H
U U fl UH 1H
H
UU U H 2H
U fl H
U U H 3H
298
UU
U U UflU H
U U U U H 4H
Cau.: suni
saroa
bhgunyaku e,
dekhi rma balu nija dhanu dnh,
rjana
rmu
atulabala
jaise ,
kapahi
bhupa bilokata
jke ,
deva dekhi tava blaka dou,
duta bacana racan priya lg,
sabh
sameta
ru
anurge,
kahi
anti
te
mudahi
kn,
bahuta bh ti tinha khi dekhe.

kari bahu binaya gavanu bana knh.1.
teja nidhna lakhanu puni taise .
jimi gaja hari kisora ke tke .2.
aba na khi tara vata kou.
prema pratpa bra rasa pg.3.
dutanha
dena
nichvari
lge.
dharamu bicri sabahi sukhu mn.4.
Hearing the news the chief of Bhgus came in a fury and indulged in much browbeating. But seeing r Rmas strength he handed his bow to the latter and after much
supplication withdrew to the woods. Even as Rma, O king, is unequalled in strength,
Lakmaa too is a mine of glory, at whose very sight the kings trembled as elephants
at the gaze of a young lion. Now that we have seen your two sons, my lord, no one
catches our eye any longer. The messengers eloquent speech, which was full of love,
glorifying and expressive of the heroic sentiment, attracted all. The king and his whole
court were overwhelmed with emotion and began to offer lavish gifts to the messengers.
They, however, closed their ears in protest crying, This is ethical ! Everyone was
(14)
delighted to note their sense of propriety.*
UU CU U U
UU U H 293H
Do.: taba uhi bhupa basia kahu dnhi patrik ji,

kath sun gurahi saba sdara duta boli.293.
The king then rose going up to Vasiha, gave the letter to him, and sending for
the messengers with due courtesy related the whole story to his preceptor.
(293)
U
U U U U
U
U U U
U U
U U
U U U
U U
L U U UH
l U UH 1H
U U U H
H 2H
U U U UU UH
U U U H 3H
U U UH
U U H 4H
* In India not only the blood relations but even servants and co-villagers of a bride consider it sinful
to accept even food or water, much less any gift or present, from the house of the bridegroom; for it is
customary in this country to give the hand of a girl as a sacred gift and one is naturally reluctant to accept
anything in return from him on whom a gift is made. This kind of sentiment prevails even in those cases
where a marriage alliance has only been stipulated and not yet brought into actual effect. The messengers,
in the above context, are actuated with a similar sentiment in refusing the gifts offered to them by King
Daaratha, who happened to be the father of the champion who had won the hand of Princess Jnak, their
masters daughter.
* BLA-KNA *
Cau.: suni bole gura ati sukhu p,
jimi
sarit
sgara
mahu jh,
timi sukha sapati binahi bole ,
tumha gura bipra dhenu sura seb,
sukt tumha samna jaga mh,
tumha te adhika punya baRa kke ,
bra binta dharama brata dhr,
tumha kahu sarba kla kalyn,
299
punya purua kahu mahi sukha ch.

jadyapi
thi
kman
nh.1.
dharamasla pahi jhi subhe .
tasi
punta
kausaly
deb.2.
bhayau na hai kou honeu nh.
rjana rma sarisa suta jke .3.
guna sgara bara blaka cr.
sajahu
barta
baji
nisn.4.
The Guru was highly pleased to hear the news and said, To a virtuous man
the world abounds in happiness. As rivers run into the sea, although the latter has
no craving for them, so joy and prosperity come unasked and of their own accord
to a pious soul. Just as you are given to the service of your preceptor, the Brhmaas
and cows as well as of gods, Queen Kausaly is no less devout than you. A pious
soul like you there has never been, nor is, nor shall be in this world. Who can be
more blessed than you, O king, who have a son like Rma, and whose four worthy
children are all valiant, submissive, true to their vow of piety and oceans of goodness.
You are blessed indeed for all time; now, prepare the marriage procession to the sound
of kettledrums.
(14)
0U
U U L
fl fl U flH 294H
Do. : calahu begi suni gura bacana bhalehi ntha siru ni,
bhupati gavane bhavana taba dutanha bsu devi.294.
And proceed quickly. On hearing these words of the preceptor the king bowed
his head and said, Very well, my lord! and after assigning lodgings to the messengers
returned to his palace.
(294)
0U
Ufl

UU
UU U
U U U
U USU
U U U
U mU
H
U H 1H
U U H
UUH 2H
NU UflU UH
UU U U UH 3H
UU Ufl H
U H 4H
Cau.: rj
sabu
ranivsa
bol,
suni sadesu sakala haran,
prema
praphullita
rjahi rn,
mudita assa dehi gura
nr,
lehi paraspara ati priya
pt,
rma lakhana kai krati karan,
muni prasdu kahi dvra sidhe,
die
dna
nada
samet,
janaka
patrik
bci
sun.
apara kath saba bhupa bakhn.1.
manahu sikhini suni brida bn.
ati
nada
magana
mahatr.2.
hdaya
lagi juRvahi cht.
brahi bra bhupabara baran.3.
rninha
taba
mahideva
bole.
cale
biprabara
sia
det.4.
300
The king then called all the ladies of the gynaeceum and read aloud Janakas letter
to them. All rejoiced to hear the message and the king himself related the other tidings
which he had heard from the lips of the messengers. Bursting with emotion the queens
shone like pea-hens rejoicing at the rumbling of clouds. The preceptors wife and the
wives of other elders in their joy invoked the blessings of heaven and the mothers of the
four brothers were overwhelmed with ecstasy. They took the most beloved letter from
each other and pressing it to their bosom cooled their burning heart. The great king
recounted again and again the glory and exploits of both Rma and Lakmaa, saying
that it was all due to the sages grace he went out of doors. The queens then sent for
the Brhmaas and joyfully bestowed gifts on them. And the Brhmaas returned to
their home uttering blessings.
(14)
0 UU U UflU U
L flU U U H 295H
So.: jcaka lie ha kri dnhi nichvari koi bidhi,
ciru jvahu suta cri cakrabarti dasarattha ke.295.
Next they called the beggars and lavished innumerable kinds of gifts on them.
Long live the four sons of Emperor Daaratha!
(295)
0U U U
U
U
fl U U UUU
U
l fl fl Ufl
U
fl U U M
U
UU U UU H
U U U H 1H
UU
UH
U flU H 2H
U U flH
U
U
H 3H
Ufl U MH
UU U H 4H
Cau.: kahata cale pahire

paa nn,
samcra
saba
loganha
pe,
bhuvana cri dasa bhar uchhu,
suni subha kath loga anurge,
jadyapi avadha sadaiva suhvani,
tadapi
prti
kai
prti suh,
dhvaja patka paa cmara cru,
kanaka kalasa torana mani jl,
harai hane gahagahe nisn.

lge ghara ghara hona badhe.1.
janakasut
raghubra
bihu.
maga gha gal sa vrana lge.2.

rma pur magalamaya pvani.
magala
racan
rac
ban.3.
chv
parama
bicitra
bajru.
harada duba dadhi acchata ml.4.
Thus they shouted as they left, attired in raiment of various kinds; there was a
jubilant and tempestuous clash of kettledrums. When the news spread among all the
people, festivities were started in every house. All the fourteen spheres were filled with
joy at the news of the forthcoming wedding of Janakas daughter with the hero of
Raghus race. The citizens were enraptured to hear the glad tidings and began to
decorate the streets, houses and lanes. Although the city of Ayodhy is ever charming,
being the blessed and sacred abode of r Rma, it was adorned with beautiful festal
decorations because of the love the people bore towards the very embodiment of love.
Flags and banners, curtains and graceful chowries canopied the bazars in a most
marvellous fashion. With vases of gold, festal arches, festoons of netted gems, turmeric,
blades of Durv grass, curds, unbroken rice and wreaths of flowers
(14)
* BLA-KNA *
301
fl U U
U L UH 296H
Do.: magalamaya nija nija bhavana loganha race bani,

bth
sc
caturasama
cauke
cru
puri.296.
The people decorated their respective houses, which were already full of
blessings; the lanes were sprinkled over with water, mixed with the fourfold pastes of
sandal, saffron, musk and camphor and the squares in front of their houses were filled
in with tasteful designs.
(296)
0U U
fl
flU

fl
UU
U
UUU
flU
U

U UUU fl U
fl# H
M U H 1H
Ufl U H
Sfl U UU H 2H
U H
U U UUH 3H
U L H
U U U UH 4H
Cau.: jaha taha jutha jutha mili bhmini, saji navasapta sakala duti dmini.
bidhubadan mga svaka locani, nija sarupa rati mnu bimocani.1.
gvahi magala majula bn, suni kalarava kalakahi lajn.
bhupa bhavana kimi ji bakhn, bisva
bimohana
raceu
bitn.2.
magala drabya manohara nn, rjata
bjata
bipula
nisn.
katahu
birida
bad uccarah, katahu beda dhuni bhusura karah.3.
gvahi sudari magala gt, lai lai nmu rmu aru st.
bahuta uchhu bhavanu ati thor, mnahu
umagi cal cahu or.4.
Collected here and there troops of ladies, all brilliant as the lightning, with moon-like
face and eyes resembling those of a fawn and beauty enough to rob Loves consort (Rati)
of her pride, and who had practised all the sixteen kinds of female adornment,* sang
auspicious strains with voice so melodious that the female cuckoo was put to shame on
hearing the sweet sound ! How is the kings palace to be described; the pavilion set up
there would dazzle the whole universe. Various articles of good omen and charming in
appearance were displayed and a number of kettledrums were sounded. Here were
panegyrists singing the family glory and here were Brhmaas chanting the Vedas; while
pretty women carolled festive songs, many times repeating the names of Rma and St.
* According to the standard works on poetics the sixteen forms of female adornment are as follows:
(1) rubbing and cleansing the body with fragrant unguents, (2) ablution, (3) putting on a new attire, (4) dyeing
the sides of ones feet with red lag, (5) dressing the hair, (6) adorning the parting line of the hair with red
lead, (7) painting the forehead with streaks of sandal-paste, (8) dotting the chin with a small black spot,
(9) colouring the palms of ones hands and the soles of ones feet with the reddish dye extracted from the
leaves of the Mehad plant, (10) an inting ones body with perfumed unguents, (11) adorning the body with
bejewelled ornaments, (12) beautifying the hair etc., with wreaths of flowers, (13) perfuming and dyeing ones
mouth by chewing betel-leaves etc., (14) colouring the teeth, (15) painting the lips and (16) applying collyrium
to ones eyes.
302
There was an excess of joy all round, while the palace was too small to contain it; it
seemed, therefore, as if it overflowed on all sides.
(14)
U fl U U
U U U U flUH 297H
Do.: sobh dasaratha bhavana kai ko kabi baranai pra,

jah sakala sura ssa mani rma lnha avatra.297.
What poet can describe the splendour of Daarathas palace in which Rma, the
crest-jewel of all divinities, had taken birth?
(297)
0
U
U
U
U
UU U
U
L U U
U U
U
U flU
U
U
U S U H
U U H 1H
U UU H
U U U UH 2H
fl U U UH
U fl U UUH 3H
U U UUH
U U U UH 4H
Cau.: bhupa bharata puni lie bol,

calahu
begi raghubra
bart,
bharata
sakala
shan
bole,
raci ruci jna turaga tinha sje,
subhaga sakala suhi cacala karan,
nn
jti
na
jhi
bakhne,
tinha saba chayala bhae asavr,
saba sudara saba bhuanadhr,
haya gaya syadana sjahu j.

sunata pulaka pure dou bhrt.1.
yasu dnha mudita uhi dhe.
barana barana bara bji birje.2.
aya iva jarata dharata paga dharan.
nidari pavanu janu cahata uRne.3.
bharata sarisa baya rjakumr.
kara sara cpa tuna kai bhr.4.
The king next called Bharata and said, Go and prepare the horses, elephants and
chariots and start at once in procession for Rmas marriage. The two brothers were
thrilled to hear this command. Bharata sent for the officers in charge of the stables and
issued necessary instructions; the latter rose in joy and hastened to execute the orders.
They equipped the horses with gorgeous saddles; gallant steeds of different colours
stood there in their majesty. They were all beautiful and surpassingly swift-footed; they
trod the ground as lightly as though it were red-hot iron. They belonged to different
breeds, which were more than one could tell; they would fly in the air, as it were,
outstripping the wind itself. Gallant princes, who were of the same age as Bharata,
mounted them. The princes were all handsome and adorned with jewels and had a bow
and arrow in their hands and a well-equipped quiver fastened at their side.
(14)
0UU
U U U
U flU H 298H
Do.: chare chable chayala saba sura sujna nabna,

juga padacara asavra prati je asikal prabna.298.
They were elegant blithesome youths, chosen and skilled warriors all; and with
each knight were two footmen, clever at sword-play.
(298)
* BLA-KNA *
0
U
U U U
UU U U
U
UU

flU L UU
flU
U U
U
U
U U Z
S S
U UU UUH
UUU fl H 1H
fl H
UUUH 2H
U UU UU H
UU UH 3H
U U ZH
U UU H 4H
Cau.: b dhe birada bra rana gRhe,

pherahi catura turaga gati nn,
ratha
srathinha
bicitra bane,
cava ra cru kikini dhuni karah,
sva karana
aganita
haya hote,
sudara sakala alakta sohe,
je
jala calahi thalahi k n,
astra
sastra
sabu sjuban,
nikasi bhae pura bhera hRhe.

haraahi suni suni panava nisn.1.
dhvaja patka mani bhuana le.
bhnu
jna
sobh
apaharah.2.
te tinha rathanha srathinha jote.
jinhahi bilokata muni mana mohe.3.
pa na buRa bega adhik.
rath
srathinha
lie
bol.4.
303
The champions, who were all great fighters and had taken a vow of chivalry, sallied
forth and halted outside the city. The clever fellows put their steeds through various paces
and rejoiced to hear the clash of tabor and drum. The charioteers had made their cars
equally gorgeous with flags and banners, gems and ornaments. They were also provided
with elegant chowries and tinkling bells, and outdid in splendour the chariot of the sungod. The king owned numberless horses with dark ears,* which the charioteers yoked to
their chariots. They were all beautiful and looked so charming with their ornaments that
even sages would be enraptured at the sight. They skimmed the surface of water even
as dry land and would not sink even hoof-deep; so marvellous was their speed. Having
provided the chariots with missiles and weapons and every other equipment the
charioteers called their masters.
(14)
0U
U U UU U U U
U U U U U H 299H
Do. : caRhi caRhi ratha bhera nagara lg jurana barta,

hota saguna sudara sabahi jo jehi kraja jta.299.
Mounting the chariots the processionists began to collect outside the city. On
whatever errand one went, each was greeted by auspicious omens.
(299)
UUU U U
U U
U U
U U U
U U U flUH
U fl UH 1H
H
U UH 2H
* A rare and invaluable breed of horses, milk white all over and dark only in the ears, which were
considered specially suitable for a horse-sacrifice.
304

U U U
UU flU UU

fl
U U H
S U H 3H
S U UH
H 4H
Cau.: kalita
karibaranhi
par
a br,
cale matta gaja ghaa birj,
bhana
apara
aneka bidhn,
tinha caRhi cale biprabara bd,
mgadha suta badi gunagyaka,
besara u a babha bahu jt,
koinha
k vari
cale
kahr,
cale
sakala sevaka
samud,
kahi na jhi jehi bh ti sa vr.

manahu subhaga svana ghana rj.1.
sibik subhaga sukhsana jn.
janu tanu dhare sakala ruti chad.2.
cale jna caRhi jo jehi lyaka.
cale bastu bhari aganita bh t.3.
bibidha bastu ko baranai pr.
nija nija sju samju ban.4.
On magnificent elephants were mounted splendid seats with canopies wrought in

a manner beyond all description. Elephants in rut, adorned with clanging bells, headed
like beautiful (rumbling) clouds in the rainy month of rvaa (roughly corresponding to
August). There were various kinds of other vehicles, such as charming palanquins,
sedans etc., on which rode companies of noble Brhmaas, incarnations, as it were, of
all the hymns of the Vedas. Genealogists, bards, panegyrists and rhapsodists too rode
on vehicles appropriate to their respective rank; while mules, camels and oxen of various
breeds carried on their backs commodities of innumerable kinds. Millions of porters
marched with burdens slung across their shoulders; who could enumerate the varieties
of goods they carried? Crowds of servants also proceeded on the journey equipping
themselves in their own way and forming batches of their own.
(14)
UU U UU U UU
U U U U UH 300H
Do. : saba ke ura nirbhara harau purita pulaka sarra,

kabahi dekhibe nayana bhari rmu lakhanu dou bra.300.
Each had boundless joy in his heart and a thrill ran through the bodies of all. They
whispered to one another, When shall we feast our eyes on the two heroes, Rma
and Lakmaa?
(300)
0UU U U
U U UU
U
U
mU
U
UUU U U
flU
UU
S
U U LU U
U U
U Ufl U U UH
U U H 1H
U U UH
U UH 2H
H
U U H 3H
U U U U H
U H 4H
Cau.: garajahi gaja gha dhuni ghor, ratha rava bji hisa cahu or.
nidari ghanahi ghurmmarahi nisn, nija pari kachu sunia na kn.1.
* BLA-KNA *
mah bhra bhupati ke dvre ,
caRh
arinha
dekhahi
nr,
gvahi
gta
manohara
nn,
taba sumatra dui syadana sj,
dou ratha rucira bhupa pahi ne,
rja
samju
eka
ratha sj,
305
raja
hoi
ji
pana
pabre .
lie
rat
magala
thr.2.
ati
nadu
na
ji
bakhn.
jote rabi haya nidaka bj.3.
nahi srada pahi jhi bakhne.
dusara teja puja ati bhrj.4.
The elephants trumpeted and their bells clanged with a terrific din; on all sides there
was a creaking of wheels and a neighing of horses. The clash of kettledrums would drown
the peal of thunder; no one could hear ones own words, much less of others. At the
entrance of the kings palace, there was such an enormous crowd that a stone thrown
there would be trodden into dust. Women viewed the sight from house-tops, carrying festal
lights in salvers used on auspicious occasions, and carolled melodious strains of various
kinds in an ecstasy of joy beyond description. Then Sumantra (King Daarathas own
charioteer and trusted counsellor) got ready a pair of chariots and yoked them with steeds
that would outrun even the horses of the sun-god, and brought them in all their splendour
before the king; their beauty was more than goddess rad could describe. One of them
was equipped with the royal paraphernalia while the other was a mass of splendour and
shone brightly.
(14)
0U
U LU DU UU U U
UU S U UU U U H 301H
Do.: tehi ratha rucira basiha kahu harai caRhi naresu,

pu caRheu syadana sumiri hara gura gauri ganesu.301.
This magnificent chariot the king joyfully caused Vasiha to mount, and then
himself ascended the other, with his thoughts fixed on Lord Hara, his preceptor
(Vasiha), goddess Gaur and the god Gaea.
(301)
U DU U
U U U
U U U
UU U
U U U
U U U Z
U U U U
UU
Cau.: sahita basiha soha npa kaise ,
kari kula rti beda bidhi ru,
sumiri rmu gura yasu p,
harae
bibudha
biloki bart,
bhayau kolhala haya gaya gje,
sura nara nri sumagala g,
ghaa ghai dhuni barani na jh,
karahi
biduaka
kautuka
U U UU H
U H 1H
U H
UU H 2H
U H
U U U UZH 3H
Ufl U UUUH
U H 4H
sura gura saga puradara jaise .

dekhi sabahi saba bh ti banu.1.
cale
mahpati
sakha
baj.
baraahi sumana sumagala dt.2.
byoma
barta
bjane
bje.
sarasa
rga
bjahi
sahan.3.
sarava karahi pika phaharh.
nn, hsa kusala kala gna sujn.4.
306
In the company of Vasiha the king shone forth as Indra (the lord of celestials) by
the side of his preceptor (Bhaspati). After performing all the rites sanctioned by family
usage or prescribed by the Vedas and seeing everyone fully equipped for the journey,
he sallied forth to the blast of the conch-shell after receiving the permission of his
preceptor and with his thoughts fixed on r Rma. The immortals rejoiced to see the
marriage procession and rained down flowers full of auspicious blessings. There was a
confused din of horses neighing, elephants trumpeting and music playing both in the
heavens and in the procession. Human and celestial dames alike sang festal melodies,
while clarionets played in sweet accord. There was an indescribable clamour of bells,
both large and small. The footmen leaped and danced, displaying exercises of various
kinds. Jesters, proficient in pleasantry and expert in singing melodious songs, practised
all kinds of buffoonery.
(14)
0U
flU U U
U U flU UU H 302H
Do. : turaga nacvahi kua ra bara akani mdaga nisna,

ngara naa citavahi cakita agahi na tla ba dhna.302.
Gallant princes made their steeds cruvet to the measured beat of tabors and
kettledrums; accomplished dancers noted with surprise that they never made a step out
of time.
(302)
U U
U

U
Ufl
U
U
fl U U U fl
U U
UU
U
U
U L
UU U H
U U H 1H
U U flH
U fl U UH 2H
U U flH
U H 3H
S L U H
U S H 4H
Cau.: banai na baranata ban bart,

cr
cu
bma
disi le,
dhina
kga
sukheta suhv,
snukula
baha
tribidha bayr,
lov phiri phiri darasu dekhv,
mgaml
phiri
dhini
,
chemakar
kaha chema bise,
sanamukha yau dadhi aru mn,
hohi saguna sudara subhadt.

manahu sakala magala kahi de.1.
nakula darasu saba khu pv.
saghaa
sabla va bara nr.2.
surabh sanamukha sisuhi piv.
magala gana janu dnhi dekh.3.
sym bma sutaru para dekh.
kara pustaka dui bipra prabn.4.
The splendour of the marriage procession was more than one could describe. Fair
and auspicious omens occurred. The blue-necked jay picked up food on the left and
announced as it were all good fortune. On a fair field in the right appeared a cow, and a
mongoose was seen by all. A soft, cool and fragrant breeze was blowing in a favourable
direction; a blessed (unwidowed) woman appeared with a pitcher and a child in her arms. A
fox turned round and showed himself again and again and a cow suckled its calf in front of
* BLA-KNA *
307
the procession; a herd of deer came round to the right, as if good omens appeared in visible
form. A Brahmani-kite promised great blessings; and a ym bird was observed on an
auspicious tree to the left. A man bearing curds and fish and two learned Brhmaas each
with a book in his hand came from the opposite direction.
(14)
U
U U UH 303H
Do.: magalamaya kalynamaya abhimata phala dtra,

janu saba sce hona hita bhae saguna eka bra.303.
All kinds of blessed and auspicious omens and those conducive of desired results
occurred all at once as if to fulfil themselves.
(303)
0
U U L U
U
U U U
fl

U
U U

r U H
U H 1H
U U U H
U U U H 2H
UU H
UU U UH 3H
flU H
UU U H 4H
Cau.: magala saguna sugama saba tke ,

rma sarisa baru dulahini st,
suni asa byhu saguna saba nce,
ehi bidhi knha barta payn,
vata
jni
bhnukula
ketu,
bca
bca
bara bsa bane,
asana sayana bara basana suhe,
nita nutana sukha lakhi anukule,
saguna brahma sudara suta jke .

samadh dasarathu janaku punt.1.
aba knhe biraci hama s ce.
haya gaya gjahi hane nisn.2.
saritanhi
janaka
ba dhe
setu.
surapura sarisa sapad che.3.
pvahi saba nija nija mana bhe.
sakala bartinha madira bhule.4.
Auspicious omens easily occur to him who has God with form as his own son. In
the marriage which was going to take place, the bridegroom was no other than r Rma
and St Herself was the bride; while the pious Daaratha and Janaka were the parents
of the bridegroom and the bride respectively; hearing of this marriage all good omens
danced and said, It is now that the Creator has justified us. In this way the procession
set forth amidst the neighing of horses, the trumpeting of elephants and the clash of
kettledrums. Learning that the chief of the solar race, King Daaratha, was already on
the way, King Janaka had the rivers bridged, and got beautiful rest-houses erected at
different stages, which vied in magnificence with the city of immortals (Amarvat), and
in which members of the bridegrooms party were supplied with excellent food, beds and
clothing each according to his own taste. Finding ever new pleasures agreeable to
themselves all the members of the bridegrooms party forgot their own home. (14)
0fl
U U UU
U U U flH 304H
308
Do.: vata jni barta bara suni gahagahe nisna,

saji gaja ratha padacara turaga lena cale agavna.304.
When it was learnt that the procession of the bridegrooms party was approaching
and the tempestuous clash of the kettledrums was heard, a deputation went out to
receive it with elephants, chariots, footmen and horses duly equipped.
(304)
0 U U U
U
fl
U S UZ
UU
UUU U
flU U
fl
U fl
UH
U H 1H
UU U U UZH
U U H 2H
U U UH
U U flU UUH 3H
UU U H
UU U H 4H
Cau.: kanaka kalasa bhari kopara thr,

bhare sudhsama saba pakavne,
phala aneka bara bastu suh,
bhuana basana mahmani nn,
magala saguna sugadha suhae,
dadhi
ciur
upahra
apr,
agavnanha
jaba dkhi bart,
dekhi
banva sahita agavn,
bhjana
lalita
aneka
prakr.
nn bh ti na jhi bakhane.1.
harai bhea hita bhupa pah.
khaga mga haya gaya bahu bidhi jn.2.
bahuta bh ti mahipla pahe.
bhari bhari k vari cale kahr.3.
ura nadu pulaka bhara gt.
mudita bartinha hane nisn.4.
Jars of gold full of sweet and cold drinks and trays and salvers and beautiful dishes
of various kinds laden with confections of indescribable variety and delicious as ambrosia,
with luscious fruit and many other delightful articles were sent as an offering by King
Janaka in his joy. The king also sent ornaments, wearing apparel, valuable gems of every
variety, birds, antelopes, horses, elephants, vehicles of every description, charming
aromatic substances of an auspicious nature and various articles of good omen; and a
train of porters marched with their loads of curds, parched rice and presents of endless
variety slung across their shoulders. When the deputation saw the bridegrooms party,
their mind was filled with rapture and a thrill ran through their frame. Seeing the deputation
equipped in everyway the members of the bridegrooms party had their drums beaten in
great joy.
(14)
0UU
UU U U
U H 305H
Do.: harai parasapara milana hita kachuka cale bagamela,

janu nada samudra dui milata bihi subela.305.
A batch from each side joyfully marched at a gallop in order to meet each other and
the two parties met as two oceans of bliss that had transgressed their bounds.
(305)
* BLA-KNA *
309
0U U U flU fl flUH
S U U U UH 1H
U U U UH
U
U fl U flH 2H
flU
UU UUUUH
U UU fl U U H 3H
U U U U U H
NU U h Z
UU
U
UZH 4H
Cau.: barai sumana sura sudari gvahi,
bastu sakala rkh npa
ge ,
prema sameta rya sabu lnh,
kari
puj
mnyat
baR,
basana
bicitra pvaRe
parah,
ati
sudara dnheu janavs,
jn
siya
barta
pura
,
hdaya sumiri saba siddhi bol,
mudita deva dudubh bajvahi.

binaya knhi tinha ati anurge .1.
bhai bakassa jcakanhi dnh.
janavse kahu
cale lav.2.
dekhi dhanadu dhana madu pariharah.
jaha saba kahu saba bh ti sups.3.
kachu nija mahim pragai jan.
bhupa pahuna karana pah.4.
Celestial damsels rained down flowers and sang, while the glad gods sounded
kettledrums. The members of the deputation placed all the offerings before King
Daaratha and supplicated him with an affectionate address. The king lovingly accepted
everything and distributed the offerings as presents among his own people, or
bestowed them as alms on the beggars. After due homage, reverence and courtesy
the deputation conducted the bridegrooms party to the lodgings set apart for them.
Gorgeous cloths were spread as carpets for the royal guests to tread upon, on seeing
which Kubera (the god of wealth) was no longer proud of his wealth. Magnificent were
the quarters assigned to the bridegrooms party, which provided every kind of comfort
for each guest. When St learnt that the bridegrooms party had arrived in the city, She
manifested Her glory to a certain extent. By Her very thought She summoned all the
Siddhis (miraculous powers personified) and despatched them to wait upon the king
and his party.
(14)
Z U fl
UU H 306H
Do. : sidhi saba siya yasu akani ga jah janavsa,

lie sapad sakala sukha surapura bhoga bilsa.306.
Hearing Sts command they repaired to the guests apartments, taking with them
every kind of riches, comforts as well as the enjoyments and luxuries of heaven. (306)
0
fl U U
U U
U
U H
U UU H 1H
UU NU U UH
NU H 2H
310
U U L U
Sfl
U
UU U NU
U U fl
U UH
U UU H 3H
UH
U UU U H 4H
Cau.: nija
nija bsa biloki
bart,
bibhava bheda kachu kou na jn,
siya mahim raghunyaka
jn,
pitu gamanu sunata dou bh,
sakucanha kahi na sakata guru ph,
bisvmitra
binaya baRi
dekh,
harai badhu dou hdaya lage,
cale jah dasarathu
janavse,
sura sukha sakala sulabha saba bh t.

sakala janaka kara karahi bakhn.1.
harae hdaya
hetu pahicn.
hdaya
na ati nadu am.2.
pitu darasana llacu mana mh.
upaj
ura
satou
bise.3.
pulaka aga abaka jala che.
manahu
sarobara takeu pise.4.
Each member of the bridegrooms party found in his own apartment all the
enjoyments of heaven ready at hand in everyway. No one, however, had an inkling of
the mystery behind this untold splendour; everyone sang Janakas praises. Rma alone
recognized Sts influence and was glad at heart to discern Her love . When the two
brothers heard of their fathers arrival, they could not contain themselves for joy, but were
too modest to speak to their Guru, though their heart longed to see their sire. Vivmitra
felt much gratified at heart to perceive this great humility. In his joy he pressed the two
brothers to his bosom; a thrill ran through his limbs, while tears rushed to his eyes. They
proceeded to the guests apartments, where King Daaratha was, as though a lake
sought to visit a thirsty soul.
(14)
U fl U
UU UU U U H 307H
Do.: bhupa biloke jabahi muni vata sutanha sameta,

uhe harai sukhasidhu mahu cale thha s leta.307.
When the king saw the sage coming with the two princes, he rose in joy and
advanced to meet them like a man who feels his footing in an ocean of bliss. (307)
0U
Ufl U U
UU UU
Ufl U U
U U U
DU U U
U Z
U
U
U
UU U
U U U U H
U U H 1H
UU H
UU UH 2H
U UU H
fl
ZH 3H
UU UU UH
UU H 4H
Cau.: munihi daavata knha mahs,

kausika
ru
lie
ura
l,
puni daavata karata dou bh,
suta hiya li dusaha dukha mee,
bra bra pada raja dhari ss.

kahi
assa
puch
kusal.1.
dekhi npati ura sukhu na sam.
mtaka sarra prna janu bhee.2.
* BLA-KNA *
puni basiha pada sira tinha ne,
bipra bda bade duhu bh,
bharata sahnuja knha pranm,
harae lakhana dekhi dou bhrt,
311
prema mudita munibara ura le.

manabhvat
asse
p.3.
lie
uhi
li
ura
rm.
mile
prema
paripurita
gt.4.
The king prostrated himself before the sage, placing the dust of the latters feet on
his head again and again. Kauika pressed the king to his bosom, blessed him and
inquired after his welfare. When King Daaratha saw the two brothers prostrating
themselves, he could not contain himself for joy. Pressing the boys to his bosom he
allayed the unbearable pangs of separation and looked like a dead body restored to life.
Rma and Lakmaa then bowed their head at Vasihas feet and the great sage
embraced them in the ecstasy of love. The two brothers next saluted all the Brhmaas
and in turn received their welcome blessings. Bharata and his younger half-brother
(atrughna) greeted Rma, who lifted them and embraced them. Lakmaa rejoiced to
see the two brothers (Bharata and atrughna) and as he embraced them his limbs were
throbbing with emotion.
(14)
0U
U
U U H 308H
Do.: purajana parijana jtijana jcaka matr mta,

mile jathbidhi sabahi prabhu parama kpla binta.308.
The most gracious and unassuming Lord greeted everyone else including the
citizens, attendants, kinsmen, beggars, ministers and friends in a manner befitting the
rank of each.
(308)
0UU
U U
UU U
U UU
U U UU
L fl
U
U
UU
U
r
UU
U H
U UH 1H
U U U H
U U U H 2H
H
U flH 3H
U H
U fl UUH 4H
Cau.: rmahi
dekhi
barta
juRn,
npa sampa sohahi suta cr,
sutanha sameta dasarathahi dekh,
sumana barisi sura hanahi nisn,
satnada aru bipra saciva gana,
sahita
barta
ru
sanamn,
prathama barta lagana te
,
brahmnadu loga saba lahah,
prti ki rti na jti bakhn.

janu dhana dharamdika tanudhr.1.
mudita nagara nara nri bise.
nkana
ncahi
kari
gn.2.
mgadha suta bidua badjana.
yasu
mgi
phire
agavn.3.
tte
pura
pramodu
adhik.
baRhahu divasa nisi bidhi sana kahah.4.
The sight of r Rma was so soothing to the guests; the ways of love are beyond
description. Beside the king his four sons looked like incarnations as it were, of the four
312
ends of human endeavour, viz., riches, religious merit etc. The people of the city were
delighted beyond measure to see King Daaratha with his sons. The gods rained down
flowers and beat their drums; the nymphs of heaven danced and sang. atnanda (King
Janakas family preceptor) and the other Brhmaas and ministers of State, as well as
the genealogists, minstrels, jesters and rhapsodists, who formed the deputation, paid due
honour to the king and his party and returned with their permission. The bridegrooms
party had arrived earlier than the day fixed for the wedding: there was great rejoicing in
the city on this account . Everyone enjoyed transcendent bliss and prayed to the Creator
that the days and nights might be lengthened.
(14)
0U
fl fl U U
U U U UU U U H 309H
Do.: rmu sya sobh avadhi sukta avadhi dou rja,

jaha taha purajana kahahi asa mili nara nri samja.309.
Rma and St are the perfection of beauty, and the two kings (Daaratha and
Janaka) the perfection of virtue! Thus would observe the men and women of the city
wherever they happened to meet.
(309)
U
U
U U fl flU
U U U U
U U
U U U
UU
U
UU
UU
U
U U U UH
U U H 1H
U U U UU UH
U H 2H
U U H
UH 3H
U U U H
UUU U H 4H
Cau.: janaka
sukta
murati
baideh,
inha sama khu na siva avardhe,
inha sama kou na bhayau jaga mh,
hama saba sakala sukta kai rs,
jinha jnak rma chabi dekh,
puni
dekhaba raghubra bihu,
kahahi
parasapara kokilabayan,
baRe bhga bidhi
bta ban,
dasaratha sukta rmu dhare deh.

khu na inha samna bhala ldhe.1.
hai nahi katahu
honeu nh.
bhae jaga janami janakapura bs.2.
ko sukt hama sarisa bise.
leba bhal bidhi locana lhu.3.
ehi biha
baRa lbhu sunayan.
nayana atithi hoihahi dou bh.4.
Vaideh (St) is the incarnation of Janakas merit, and Rma is Daarathas

virtue personified. No one has worshipped iva with such devotion as these two kings,
nor has anyone obtained such a reward as they have. No one has equalled them in
this world, nor is there anyone to equal them anywhere nor shall be. We are all
storehouses of all kinds of merits in that we have been born in this world as residents
of Janakas capital. Who is so highly blessed as we, who have beheld the beauty of
Jnak (St) and Rma? And we will witness r Rmas wedding and shall thereby
richly reap the benefit of havingour eyes. Damsels with voice as sweet as the notes
of the cuckoo whispered to one another, O bright-eyed friends, we shall gain much by
* BLA-KNA *
313
this union. By our great good-luck Providence has ordained things well: the two brothers
shall often delight our eyes.
(14)
0UU
U U U
UU U U H 310H
Do.: brahi bra

lena ihahi
saneha basa
badhu dou
janaka boluba sya,

koi kma kamanya.310.
Time after time out of affection Janaka will send for St (from Ayodhy); and
the two brothers, charming as millions of Cupids put together, will come to take
her back.
(310)

UU U
U U UU
U U U
S
U U
U UU
U
UU
UU
M
flU U U
U U H
UUU U UH 1H
UUH
UU H 2H
U U flUH
U U U UH 3H
H
U U fl U UH 4H
Cau.: bibidha
bh ti
hoihi
pahun,
taba taba rma lakhanahi nihr,
sakhi jasa rma lakhana kara jo,
syma gaura saba aga suhe,
kah
eka
mai
ju
nihre,
bharatu
rmah
k
anuhr,
lakhanu
satrusudanu
ekarup,
mana bhvahi mukha barani na jh,
priya na khi asa ssura m.

hoihahi saba pura loga sukhr.1.
taisei
bhupa saga dui ho.
te saba kahahi dekhi je e.2.
janu biraci nija htha sa vre.
sahas lakhi na sakahi nara nr.3.
nakha sikha te saba aga anup.
upam kahu
tribhuvana kou nh.4.
There will be hospitality of every kind; who, dear one, would not love to stay at
such a father-in-laws. On each such occasion all the people of the city will be happy to
behold r Rma and Lakmaa. King Daaratha, my friends, has brought with him two
other lads exactly resembling the pair of Rma and Lakmaa. One dark, the other fair,
but both charming of every limb: so declare all those who have seen them. Said another,
I saw them today: it appeared to me as though the Creator had fashioned them with his
own hands. Bharata is an exact copy of Rma; no man or woman could distinguish them
at first sight. Lakmaa and atrusudana (atrughna) are indistinguishable from each
other, peerless in every limb from head to foot. The four brothers attract the mind but
cannot be described in words; for they have no match in all the three worlds. (14)
U0 U
U U U U
l U UH
U U U U flU
UU UU U U U flUH
314
Cha.:upam
na kou kaha dsa tulas katahu kabi kobida kahai,

bala binaya bidy sla sobh sidhu inha se ei ahai.
pura nri sakala pasri acala bidhihi bacana sunvah,
byhiahu criu bhi ehi pura hama sumagala gvah.
Says Tulasdsa: They have no comparison anywhere, so declare the poets and
wise men. Oceans of strength, modesty, learning, amiability and beauty, they are their
own Compeers. Spreading out the skirt of their garment (as a beggar would while asking
for alms) all the women of the city made entreaties to the Creator, May all the four
brothers be married in this city and may we sing charming nuptial songs!
0UU
USU U U
U UU UH 311H
So.: kahahi paraspara nri bri bilocana pulaka tana,

sakhi sabu karaba purri punya payonidhi bhupa dou.311.
Said the damsels to one another, with tears in their eyes and the hair on their body
standing erect, Friends, the Slayer of the demon Tripura will accomplish everything: the
two kings are of such boundless merit.
(311)
0U U UU
SflU
U U
U U
fl
U U M
U U U
U U
U U UU UUH
U H 1H
fl UH
U UH 2H
U U U UflH
U MH 3H
U H
UU U H 4H
Cau.: ehi bidhi sakala manoratha karah,

je
npa sya svayabara
e,
kahata rma jasu bisada bisl,
gae bti kachu dina ehi bh t,
magala mula lagana dinu v,
graha tithi nakhatu jogu bara bru,
pahai dnhi nrada sana
so,
sun sakala loganha yaha bt,
na da umagi umagi ura bharah.

dekhi badhu saba tinha sukha pe.1.
nija nija bhavana gae mahipl.
pramudita purajana sakala bart.2.
hima ritu agahanu msu suhv.
lagana sodhi bidhi knha bicru.3.
gan janaka ke ganakanha jo.
kahahi
joti
hi
bidht.4.
In this way they all prayed and a flood of joy inundated their heart. The princes
who had come thus some days rejoiced to see the four brothers and returned each to his
own home extolling r Rmas widespread and spotless fame. Thus a few days elapsed
to the delight alike of the citizens and all the members of the bridegrooms party. At length
the blessed day of wedding arrived; it was the delightful month of Mrgara and the
beginning of the cold season. Having carefully examined and determined the propitious
nature of the planets, date, asterism, the conjunction of the stars, the day of the week
and the hour of the wedding the Creator despatched the note concerning the hour of the
* BLA-KNA *
315
wedding through Nrada; it was just the same that Janakas astrologers had already
determined. When all the people heard of this, they observed, The astrologers of this place
are so many creators as it were.
(14)
0U

U UU U H 312H
Do.: dhenudhuri bel bimala sakala sumagala mula,

bipranha kaheu bideha sana jni saguna anukula.312.
The most auspicious and sacred hour before sunset (which is the time when cows
generally return home from pasture, and is consequently marked by clouds of dust
raised by their hoofs) arrived; perceiving propitious omens, the Brhmaas apprised King
Videha of its approach.
(312)
0UUUU
UU
UU

fl
fl U
flU
U U
U
U U U
UU U U U
U U UH
H 1H
H
UU H 2H
U fl UH
UU UUH 3H
U U U H
H 4H
Cau.: uparohitahi
kaheu
naranh,
satnada
taba
saciva bole,
sakha nisna panava bahu bje,
subhaga
susini
gvahi
gt,
lena cale
sdara
ehi
bh t,
kosalapati
kara dekhi
samju,
bhayau samau aba dhria pu,
gurahi puchi kari kula bidhi rj,
aba bilaba kara kranu kh.

magala sakala sji saba lye.1.
magala kalasa saguna subha sje.
karahi beda dhuni bipra punt.2.
gae
jah
janavsa
bart.
ati laghu lga tinhahi surarju.3.
yaha suni par nisnahi ghu.
cale saga muni sdhu samj.4.
The king asked the family priest (atnanda), What is the cause of delay now?
atnanda then summoned the ministers, who came equipped with all auspicious
articles. A number of conches, drums and tabors sounded. Festal vases and articles of
good omen (such as curds, turmeric and blades of Durv grass) were displayed.
Graceful women (whose husbands were alive) sang songs, and holy Brhmaas
chanted Vedic texts. In this manner they proceeded to invite the bridegrooms party
with due honour and called at the latters lodgings. When they witnessed King Daarathas
glory, Indra (the lord of celestials) looked very small to them. The hour has come; be
good enough to start now, they submitted. At this the drums gave a thundering beat.
After consulting his preceptor and going through the family rites King Daaratha sallied
forth with a host of sages and holy men.
(14)
fl fl U fl r
UU U H 313H
316
Do.: bhgya bibhava avadhesa kara dekhi deva brahmdi,

lage sarhana sahasa mukha jni janama nija bdi.313.
Witnessing King Daarathas good fortune and glory and believing their birth as
fruitless, Brahm and the other gods began to extol him with a thousand tongues. (313)
0UU flL
fl r
NU
L U
flU
U U U M
UU U
U U U

M
UUU
U

U

UU H
U U H 1H
U UH
U H 2H
U H
U U H 3H
UUH
U U U H 4H
Cau.: suranha sumagala avasaru jn,

siva brahmdika bibudha baruth,
prema pulaka tana hdaya uchhu,
dekhi janakapuru sura anurge,
citavahi
cakita
bicitra
bitn,
nagara nri nara rupa nidhn,
tinhahi dekhi saba sura suranr,
bidhihi
bhayau
caraju
baraahi sumana baji nisn.

caRhe
bimnanhi
nn
juth.1.
cale
bilokana
rma
bihu.
nija nija loka sabahi laghu lge.2.
racan
sakala
alaukika
nn.
sughara sudharama susla sujn.3.
bhae nakhata janu bidhu ujir.
bise, nija karan kachu katahu na dekh.4.
The gods perceived that it was a fit occasion for happy rejoicings; hence they
rained down flowers and beat their drums. iva, Brahm and hosts of other gods
mounted aerial cars in several groups. Their frames thrilling over with emotion and
their hearts overflowing with joy they proceeded to witness r Rmas wedding. The
gods felt so enraptured to see Janakas capital that their own realms appeared to
them as of small account. They gazed with amazement at the wonderful pavilion and
all the different works of art which were of a transcendental character. The people
of the city, both men and women, were so many mines of beauty, well-formed, pious,
amiable and wise. In their presence all the gods and goddesses appeared like stars
in a moonlit night. The Creator (Brahm) was astounded above all; for nowhere did
he find his own handiwork.
(14)
0fl
fl U UU
NU UU U U UU UH 314H
Do.: siva
samujhe deva saba jani caraja bhulhu,
hdaya bicrahu dhra dhari siya raghubra bihu.314.
iva admonished all the gods saying, "Be not lost in wonder; calmly ponder in your
heart that it is the wedding of St and the Hero of Raghu's race."
(314)
0U U U UH
U
UU U U U UU UH 1H
* BLA-KNA *
U UU fl
flU
Ufl
U U
U U U U
UU U UU
U U flH
U H 2H
U UU flH
U UH 3H
UU UH
U UU U UH 4H
Cau.: jinha kara nmu leta jaga mh,

karatala
hohi
padratha
cr,
ehi bidhi sabhu suranha samujhv,
devanha dekhe dasarathu
jt,
sdhu samja saga mahidev,
sohata stha subhaga suta cr,
marakata kanaka barana bara jor,
puni rmahi biloki hiya harae,
sakala amagala mula nash.

tei siya rmu kaheu kmr.1.
puni ge bara basaha calv.
mahmoda mana pulakita gt.2.
janu tanu dhare karahi sukha sev.
janu apabaraga sakala tanudhr.3.
dekhi suranha bhai prti na thor.
npahi sarhi sumana tinha barae.4.
317
"At the very mention of whose name all evil is uprooted and the four ends of
human existence are brought within one's grasp, such are St and Rma," said the
Destroyer of Cupid, akara. In this way ambhu admonished the divinities, and then
spurred on His noble bull. The gods beheld Daaratha marching (to Janaka's palace)
with his heart full of rapture and the hair on his body standing erect. The assemblage of
holy men and Brhmaas accompanying the king appeared like joys incarnate ministering
to him. By his side shone forth the four handsome princes, incarnations as it were of the
four types of final beatitude.* The gods were greatly inspired with love to see two lovely
pairs, one possessing the hue of emeralds and the other of golden hue. They were
particularly delighted at heart to see Rma; and extolling the king they rained down
flowers on him.
(14)
0U
M UU U UU
U UUH 315H
Do.: rma rupu nakha sikha subhaga brahi bra nihri,

pulaka gta locana sajala um sameta purri.315.
As Um and the Slayer of the demon Tripura gazed again and again at r Rma's
charming beauty from head to foot, the hair on Their body stood erect and Their eyes
were bedewed with tears.
(315)
0 U S
U

U Ufl
U UH
UH 1H
fl Ufl flH
U U H 2H
* The four types of final beatitude as enumerated in the scriptures are as follows:(1) Slokya
(residence in the same heaven as the Supreme Deity), (2) Srupya (attaining a form similar to that of
the Deity), (3) Smpya (living in close proximity with the Deity), and (4) Syujya (complete absorption
into the Deity).
318
UU
UU

UU U flU
U U U U U
U Ufl
Cau.: keki
kaha
duti
byha bibhuana
fl UH
U flUH 3H
H
flH 4H
symala ag, taRita binidaka basana surag.

bibidha bane, magala saba saba bh ti suhe.1.
sarada bimala bidhu badanu suhvana, nayana

sakala
alaukika
navala
rjva lajvana.
sudarat, kahi na ji manah mana bh.2.
badhu manohara sohahi sag, jta nacvata capala turag.

rjakua ra
bara bji dekhvahi, basa prasasaka birida sunvahi.3.
jehi
turaga
kahi
na
ji
para
saba
rmu birje, gati

bh ti suhv, bji
biloki
beu
khaganyaku
janu
kma
lje.
banv.4.
His swarthy form possessed the glow of a peacock's neck, while His bright yellow
raiment outshone the lightning. Wedding ornaments of every kind, all auspicious and
graceful in everyway, adorned His person. His countenance was as delightful as the
moon in a cloudless autumnal night; while His eyes put to shame a blooming pair of
lotuses. The elegance of His form was transcendent in all its details; yet enrapturing
the mind, it defied description. Beside Him shone forth His lovely brothers, who rode
curveting their restive steed. The other princes too displayed the pace of their horses
and the family bards recited the glories of their line. Even the king of birds, Garua,
blushed for shame to note the speed of the steed that Rma bestrode; it was charming
beyond description in everyway; it seemed as though Cupid himself had taken the form
of horse.
(14)
U0
U U U
M fl UH
Ufl
U U UH
Cha.: janu
bji beu bani manasiju rma hita ati soha,

pane baya bala rupa guna gati sakala bhuvana bimoha.
jagamagata jnu jarva joti sumoti mani mnika lage,
kikini lalma lagmu lalita biloki sura nara muni hage.
It seemed as if Cupid himself had appeared with all his charm in the disguise of
a horse for the sake of r Rma and fascinated the whole universe with its youth and
vigour, form and virtues as well as with its pace. A bejewelled saddle, thick set with
beautiful pearls, gems and rubies shone on his back; the exquisite band with small
tinkling bells and the lovely bridle, dazed gods, men and sages alike.
U U fl
UU U U UU flH 316H
* BLA-KNA *
319
Do.: prabhu manasahi layalna manu calata bji chabi pva,

bhuita uRagana taRita ghanu janu bara barahi nacva.316.
Marching with its mind completely merged in the Lord's will, the horse looked most
beautiful, as though a cloud irradiated by stars and the fitful lightning had mounted a
peacock and made it dance.
(316)
0U U U flU
L
U
M
U
UU U U U U
U U U UU
U UU U UUU
UU fl
U
fl UU UU
fl
UU
U UU U UH
H 1H
U UU UH
U UH 2H
UflU UH
U U H 3H
UU U UH
U UU H 4H
Cau.: jehi bara bji rmu

asavr,
sakaru
rma
rupa
anurge,
hari hita sahita rmu jaba johe,
nirakhi rma chabi bidhi harane,
sura senapa ura bahuta uchhu,
rmahi
citava
suresa
sujn,
deva
sakala surapatihi
sihh,
mudita devagana rmahi dekh,
tehi sradau na baranai pr.

nayana pacadasa ati priya lge.1.
ram
sameta
rampati
mohe.
hai
nayana
jni
pachitne.2.
bidhi te evaRha locana lhu.
gautama srpu parama hita mn.3.
ju puradara sama kou nh.
npasamja duhu
harau bise.4.
Even rad is unable to describe the noble steed on which r Rma rode.
akara (who has five faces, with three eyes each) was enamoured of r Rma's
beauty and congratulated himself on His possessing as many as fifteen eyes. When r
Hari (Viu) fondly gazed on Rma, both Ram and Her lord were equally enchanted.
(The four-faced) Brahm too was delighted to behold r Rma's beauty; but he felt
sorry to think that he had only eight eyes. The generalissimo of the heavenly host (the
six-faced Krtikeya) exulted over the fact of his possessing one and a half as many eyes
as Brahm. When the wise lord of celestials gazed on r Rma (with his thousand
eyes), he thought Gautama's curse as the greatest blessing. All the gods envied Indra
and observed, "No one can vie with Purandara (Indra) today." The whole host of
heavenly beings rejoiced to behold r Rma and there was joy beyond measure in the
court of both the monarchs.
(14)
U0
UU U U U
UU U UU U UH
U U fl U U
U UU U UH
harau rjasamja duhu disi dudubh bjahi ghan,
baraahi sumana sura harai kahi jaya jayati jaya raghukulaman.
Cha.: ati
320
ehi bh ti jni barta vata bjane bahu

rn susini boli parichani hetu magala
bjah,
sjah.
There was great rejoicing in the court of both the kings and a tempestuous clash
of kettledrums on both sides; the gods rained down flowers, shouting in their joy, "Glory,
glory, glory to the Jewel of Raghu's race!" In this way when it was known that the
marriage procession was approaching, all sorts of music began to play; while Queen
Sunayan (St's mother) summoned married women whose husbands were alive and
prepared with their help auspicious materials for the ceremony of waving lights round
the bridegroom.
flU
UU U U UH 317H
Do.: saji rat aneka bidhi magala sakala sa vri,

cal mudita parichani karana gajagmini bara nri.317.
Kindling lights of various kinds and collecting all other articles of good omen, a
bevy of graceful women, who possessed the charming gait of an elephant, proceeded
joyfully to perform the ceremony of waving lights round the bridegroom.
(317)
0
UU U U U U

U U
U U
U
U fl
U U U
UU
U U H
UUH 1H
UU U H
UH 2H
L U UH
U U H 3H
UflU H
UU U H 4H
Cau.: bidhubadan saba saba mgalocani,

pahire barana barana bara cr,
sakala sumagala aga bane ,
kakana kikini nupura bjahi,
bjahi
bjane
bibidha prakr,
sac
srad
ram
bhavn,
kapaa
nri bara bea ban,
karahi gna kala magala bn,
saba nija tana chabi rati madu mocani.

sakala
bibhuana
saje
sarr.1.
karahi
gna
kalakahi
laje .
cli biloki kma gaja ljahi.2.
nabha aru nagara sumagalacr.
je suratiya suci sahaja sayn.3.
mil
sakala
ranivsahi
j.
haraa bibasa saba khu na jn.4.
They all had moon-like faces, and eyes like those of a gazelle; by the elegance
of their form they robbed Rati (Love's consort) of all self-conceit. Attired in costly
garments of various colours they had adorned their person with all kinds of ornaments.
They had further beautified all their limbs with auspicious materials, and sang melodies
that put to shame even a female cuckoo. Bracelets, small bells round their waistband as
well as anklets made a jingling sound as they moved and even Love's elephants blushed
for shame to see their gait. All kinds of music played and there were festive axtivt both
in the heavens and in the city. ac (Indra's consort), rad, Ram, Bhavn and other
* BLA-KNA *
321
goddesses, who were pure-hearted and clever by nature, assumed the disguise of lovely
women and joined the royal gynaeceum. They sang festal songs in a melodious voice; and
as everyone was overcome with joy no one could recognize them.
(14)
U0
U r U UU
U UU U H
U U UU
U fl UH
Cha.: ko
jna kehi nada basa saba brahmu bara parichana cal,

kala gna madhura nisna baraahi sumana sura sobh bhal.
nadakadu biloki dulahu sakala hiya haraita bha,
abhoja abaka abu umagi suaga pulakvali cha.
Who should recognize whom, when everyone in the gynaeceum proceeded in her
ecstatic joy to join the ceremony of waving lights round the bridegroom, who was no other
than the Supreme Spirit incarnate. Melodious songs were being sung and kettledrums
gently sounded; the gods rained down flowers and everything looked most charming. All
the women were delighted at heart to behold the bridegroom, who was the fountain of joy;
tears of love rushed to their lotus-like eyes and the hair on their pretty limbs stood erect.
U U
U U U U H 318H
Do.: jo sukhu bh siya mtu mana dekhi rma bara beu,

so na sakahi kahi kalapa sata sahasa srad seu.318.
The joy which St's mother felt in her heart on beholding r Rma in the attire
of a bridegroom was more than a thousand rads and eas could not tell in a
hundred Kalpas.
(318)
0 L UU
U L M

U U U U U
U
U U
U UU
L U U U
U U UU
UU UU UH
U flUMH 1H
U fl UU H
U U UH 2H
fl H
UU UU H 3H
U U H
U
UH 4H
Cau.: nayana nru hai magala jn,

beda bihita aru
kula
cru,
paca sabada dhuni magala gn,
kari rat araghu
tinha dnh,
parichani karahi mudita mana rn.

knha bhal bidhi saba byavahru.1.
paa p vaRe parahi bidhi nn.
rma gamanu maapa taba knh.2.
322
dasarathu sahita samja birje,
samaya samaya sura baraahiphul,
nabha aru nagara kolhala ho,
ehi bidhi rmu maapahi e,
bibhava
biloki
lokapati
lje.
sti paRhahi mahisura anukul.3.
pani para kachu sunai na ko.
araghu
dei
sana
baihe.4.
Restraining her tears out of regard for the auspicious occasion, Queen Sunayan
performed the ceremony of waving lights with a gladdened heart, and duly completed all
the rites prescribed by the Vedas as well as by family usage. The five kinds of music*
were being played, accompanied by five varieties of other sounds and festal songs;
carpets of different sorts were spread on the way. After waving lights the queen offered
water to r Rma for washing His hands with and the latter then proceeded to the
pavilion. Daaratha shone in all his glory with his followers; his magnificence put to
shame the guardians of the different worlds. From time to time the gods rained down
flowers; and the Brhmaas recited propitiatory texts appropriate to the occasion. There
was such a great uproar in the heavens as well as in the city that no one could hear
one's own words, much less of others. In this way r Rma entered the pavilion; after
offering Him water to wash His hands with, He was conducted to His seat.
(14)
U0 UU
U U U L flU
U flUU U flUH
r UU U
fl U U U fl UH
sana rat kari nirakhi baru sukhu pvah,
mani basana bhuana bhuri vrahi nri magala gvah.
brahmdi surabara bipra bea bani kautuka dekhah,
avaloki raghukula kamala rabi chabi suphala jvana lekhah.
Cha.: baihri
When Rma was installed on the seat reserved for Him, lights were waved round
Him and everyone rejoiced to behold the bridegroom, scattering about Him gems and
raiments and ornaments in profusion; while women sang festal songs. Brahm and the
other great gods witnessed the spectacle disguised as Brhmaas; and as they gazed
on the beauty of r Rma, who delighted Raghu's race even as the sun brings joy to
the lotuses, they regarded this privilege as the fulfilment of their life.
U U U U UflU
U U UU NU H 319H
Do.: nu
br
bha
naa
rma
nichvari
pi,
mudita assahi ni sira harau na hdaya sami.319.
* The five kinds of music referred to above are those produced from:(1) V or the lute, (2) the
clapping of hands, (3) the clashing of a pair of cymbals, (4) the beating of a kettledrum and (5) the blowing of
a trumpet of any other wind instrument.
The five varieties of other sounds are: (1) Vedadhvani (the murmuring of Vedic texts), (2) Vandidhvani
(the praises sung by family bards), (3) Jayadhvani (shouts of victory), (4) akhadhvani (the blast of
conches), and (5) Dundubhidhvani (beat of drums).
* BLA-KNA *
323
Having gathered the offerings scattered about r Rma, the barbers, torchbearers,
family bards and dancers bowed their head and gladly invoked blessings on Him with a
heart overflowing with joy.
(319)
0 U
U U U U
U U UU U
fl U
U Ufl

fl U U
flU U
U
U UH
U H 1H
U U UU H
U fl H 2H
U U H
U H 3H
U H
U UU H 4H
Cau.: mile janaku dasarathu ati prt,

milata
mah
dou
rja birje,
lah na katahu hri hiya mn,
smadha
dekhi
deva anurge,
jagu biraci upajv jaba te ,
sakala bh ti sama sju samju,
deva gir suni sudara s c,
deta
p vaRe
araghu
suhe,
kari baidika laukika saba rt.

upam khoji khoji kabi lje.1.
inha sama ei upam ura n.
sumana barai jasu gvana lge.2.
dekhe sune byha bahu taba te .
sama samadh dekhe hama ju.3.
prti alaukika duhu disi mc.
sdara janaku maapahi lye.4.
Having observed every custom that derived its authority from the Vedas or from
popular tradition the two kings Janaka and Daaratha, embraced each other with great
love. The two monarchs while embracing each other presented a glorious spectacle;
poets made repeated efforts to find a suitable analogy but felt abashed at their failure.
Finding no comparison anywhere, they felt baffled and concluded that the pair could be
likened to themselves alone. The gods were enraptured to see the tie of love between
the two kings embracing each other; raining down flowers they began to sing the glories
of both. "Ever since Brahm created the world, we have witnessed and heard of many
a marriage; but it is only today that we have seen the pomp and grandeur on both sides
so well-balanced in every respect and the fathers of the bride and the bridegroom so wellmatched." Hearing the above voice from heaven, which was so charming yet so true, there
was a flood of transcendent love on both sides. Unrolling beautiful carpets on the way
and offering water to wash his hands with, Janaka himself conducted Daaratha to the
pavilion with all honour.
(14)
U0U
U LU UU
U UH
CU U CU U U
U U U U UH
biloki bicitra racan rucirat muni mana hare,

nija pni janaka sujna saba kahu ni sighsana dhare.
Cha.: maapu
324
kula ia sarisa basia puje binaya kari sia lah,

kausikahi pujata parama prti ki rti tau na parai kah.
The marvellous art of the pavilion and its charm captivated the heart even of
sages; yet wise Janaka fetched and placed with his own hands thrones for all the
honoured guests. He worshipped the sage Vasiha as if he were his own family deity
and supplicating before him, received his blessings; while the supreme devotion with
which he paid his homage to Kauika was something too great for words.
0fl
U U
U U H 320H
Do.: bmadeva
die dibya
dika
sana
riaya
sabahi
puje mudita mahsa,

saba sana lah assa.320.
King Janaka gladly adored Vmadeva (another family preceptor of King Daaratha)
and the other Ris as well; he gave hem all gorgeous seats and received blessings from
all of them in return.
(320)
0UU
U
U
U U U
U
U U
U
UU UL U
U
fl
U H
U fl UH 1H
U H
U U UUUH 2H
U H
U UU H 3H
U H
UH 4H
Cau.: bahuri
knhi
kosalapati puj,
knhi
jori
kara binaya baR,
puje
bhupati
sakala
bart,
sana
ucita
die saba
khu,
sakala
barta janaka sanamn,
bidhi hari haru disipati dinaru,
kapaa bipra bara bea bane ,
puje janaka deva sama jne ,
jni sa sama bhu na duj.

kahi nija bhgya bibhava bahut.1.
samadh sama sdara saba bh t.
kahau kha mukha eka uchhu.2.
dna mna binat bara bn.
je
jnahi
raghubra
prabhu.3.
kautuka dekhahi ati sacu pe .
die
susana
binu
pahicne .4.
thereafter he adored the King of Ayodhy, taking him to be the peer of iva
and none other; and mentioning how his fortune and rank had been enhanced
through relation with King Daaratha, he made humble supplication to the latter and
extolled him with joined palms. King Janaka worshipped all the members of the
bridegroom's party with the same honour in every respect as he had paid to the
bridegroom's father, and assigned appropriate seats to them all. How am I to describe
with my one tongue the warmth of his feeling? Janaka honoured the whole bridegroom's
party with gifts, polite behaviour, supplication and sweet words. Brahm, Hari, Hara, the
guardians of the eight quarters of the world* and the sun-god, all of whom had knowledge
* The guardians of the eight quarters of the world are: (1) Indra (the lord of celestials), of the east;
(2) Agni (fire-god), of the south-east; (3) Yama (the god dispensing the fruit of ones good or evil actions), of the
* BLA-KNA *
325
of r Rma's glory, disguised themselves as noble Brhmaas and witnessed the

spectacle with great delight. Janaka worshipped them as on a par with gods and, though
he recognized them not, assigned them exalted seats.
(14)
U0 U
U U U
U U H
U U
fl U H
Cha.: pahicna
ko kehi jna sabahi apna sudhi bhor bha,

nada kadu biloki dulahu ubhaya disi na da ma.
sura lakhe rma sujna puje mnasika sana dae,
avaloki slu subhu prabhu ko bibudha mana pramudita bhae.
Who should recognize and whom should one know, when everyone had forgotten
one's own self? As they gazed on the bridegroom, who was Bliss personified, joy was
diffused on both sides (in the bridegroom's party as well as in the court of Janaka). The
all-wise Rma recognized the gods, worshipped them mentally and assigned them seats
of His own fancy. And the immortals were delighted at heart to perceive the congenial
manners and gentle disposition of the Lord.
0U
U L U
U U UH 321H
Do.: rmacadra mukha cadra chabi locana cru cakora,

karata pna sdara sakala premu pramodu na thora.321.
The graceful eyes of all fondly drank in the beauty of r Rmacandra's
countenance with the utmost love and rapture even as the Cakora bird feeds on the
moon's rays.
(321)
0U
U
UU
U
DU
U U
UUU

h
Z
U U
flU U
U
U
U
flU

U H
H 1H
U H
U U ZH 2H
U SH
U U UH 3H
U U U H
UU flH 4H
Cau.: samau
biloki
basiha
bole, sdara
satnadu
begi
kua ri
aba
nahu
j, cale mudita muni
suni
yasu
e.
p.1.
south; (4) Nirrti (the god of death), of the south-west; (5) Varua (the god of water), of the west; (6) Vyu (the windgod), of the north-west; (7) Kuvera (the god of riches), of the north; and (8) na (iva), of the north-east.
326
rn
suni
uparohita
bn,
bipra
badhu kulabddha bol,
nri bea je sura bara bm,
tinhahi dekhi sukhu pvahi nr,
bra
bra
sanamnahi
rn,
sya
sa vri
samju
ban,
pramudita sakhinha sameta sayn.

kari kula rti sumagala g.2.
sakala subhya sudar sym.
binu pahicni prnahu te pyr.3.
um ram srada sama jn.
mudita
maapahi
cal
lav.4.
Perceiving that the time of wedding had arrived, Vasiha sent for atnanda with
all the honour due to him, and on hearing the call the latter came with all reverence.
"Kiindly go and bring the bride quickly now." Receiving the sage's order he gladly left.
The wise queen with her associates was highly pleased to hear the priest's message;
she sent for a few Brhmaa ladies and the elder ladies of the family, who performed the
family rites and sang charming festal songs. The consorts of the principal gods, who
were disguised as mortal women, were all naturally lovely and in the prime of their youth.
The ladies of Janaka's household were delighted to see them and, even though none
recognized them, the ladies held them dearer than their life. The queen honoured them
again and again treating them on a par with Um, Ram and rad. After adorning St
and forming a circle about Her they joyously conducted Her to the pavilion.
(14)
U0
U U
fl# U U H
U U
U U U UH
lyi stahi sakh sdara saji sumagala bhmin,
navasapta sje sudar saba matta kujara gmin.
kala gna suni muni dhyna tygahi kma kokila ljah,
majra nupura kalita kakana tla gati bara bjah.
Cha.: cali
Equipping themselves with auspicious materials St's companions and other

ladies conducted Her to the pavilion with due honour; each of them was lovely of form
and had all the sixteen forms of adornment and moved with the grace of an elephant in
rut. At the sound of their melodious strains the sages felt obliged to give up their
meditation, and love's own cuckoos were abashed. Their ornaments for the toes and
ankles and the charming bangles on their wrists produced a delightful sound keeping tune
with their songs.
0U
U U Ufl
U H 322H
Do.: sohati banit bda mahu sahaja suhvani sya,

chabi lalan gana madhya janu suam tiya kamanya.322.
St in Her native loveliness shone forth among the bevy of ladies as a charming
personification of Beauty in the midst of the Graces.
(322)
0 U U U UUH
fl
UU M U H 1H
* BLA-KNA *
U U
UU
U U

U U UU
U U
U UU
U flU U flUM
U UH
U UU H 2H
H
U UH 3H
UU UH
U U U MH 4H
Cau.: siya sudarat barani na j,

vata
dkhi
bartinha
st,
sabahi manahi mana kie pranm,
harae dasaratha sutanha samet,
sura pranmu kari barisahi phul,
gna
nisna
kolhalu
bhr,
ehi bidhi sya maapahi ,
tehi avasara kara bidhi byavahru,
laghu mati bahuta manoharat.

rupa rsi saba bh ti punt.1.
dekhi rma bhae puranakm.
kahi na ji ura na du jet.2.
muni assa dhuni magala mul.
prema pramoda magana nara nr.3.
pramudita sti paRhahi munir.
duhu kulagura saba knha acru.4.
327
St's elegant form baffles all description: so poor is my wit and so surpassing
Her charm. When the members of the bridegroom's party saw St approach, a
veritable storehouse of beauty and spotless in everyway, all greeted Her from the core
of their heart. At the sight of Jnak Rma had His heart's desire fulfilled. King
Daaratha with all his other sons was filled with delight; the joy of their heart could not
be expressed. The gods made obeisance and rained down flowers; while the sages
uttered their benedictions, which were the source of all blessings. The songs that the
ladies sang, combined with the sound of kettledrums, produced a loud symphony; men
and women both were lost in love and rejoicing. In this manner St entered the
pavilion, while great sages recited propitiatory texts in great joy. The two family
preceptors (Vasiha and atnanda) performed all the religious rites and ceremonies
and observed the family customs.
(14)
U0L
U U U flU
U U U U flUH
U U U
U U U UU UUH 1H
U U U U
U fl U H
U fl UU U U
h U U U UH 2H
kari gura gauri ganapati mudita bipra pujvah,
sura pragai puj lehi dehi assa ati sukhu pvah.
madhuparka magala drabya jo jehi samaya muni mana mahu cahai,
bhare kanaka kopara kalasa so taba liehi paricraka rahai.1.
Cha.: cru
328
kula rti prti sameta rabi kahi deta sabu sdara kiyo,
ehi bh ti deva puji stahi subhaga sighsanu diyo.
siya rma avalokani parasapara premu khu na lakhi parai,
mana buddhi bara bn agocara pragaa kabi kaise karai.2.
Having observed the family customs the Gurus (Vasiha and atnanda) in great
joy are geting Gauri, Gansa and Brahamanas; the gods accepted the homage in visible
form and gave their blessing with great delight. Whatever auspicious article such as a
mixture of honey* etc., the sages mentally sought at any particular moment, attendants
stood ever ready with gold trays and pitchers full of that substance. The sun-god himself
lovingly pointed out the family usages, which were all scrupulously observed. Having thus
caused St to worship the gods, the sages assigned Her a beautiful throne. The mutual
love with which St and Rma regarded each other could not be perceived by anyone.
It was beyond the reach of the best mind, intellect and speech; how then, could the poet
express it?
(1-2)
0U U U U
U U U UH 323H
Do.: homa samaya tanu dhari analu ati sukha huti lehi,
bipra bea dhari beda saba kahi bibha bidhi dehi.323.
While oblations were offered to the sacred fire, the fire-god in person accepted the
offerings with great delight; and the Vedas in the guise of Brhmaas directed the
procedure of the nuptial ceremony.
(323)
0 UU
U
U UU Z
U
U M
U U L U
UU
L U
H
U U H 1H
U ZH
UU H 2H
UH
U U H 3H
U flL H
U H 4H
Cau.: janaka
pamahi
jaga
jn,
sujasu sukta sukha sudarat,
samau
jni munibaranha bol,
janaka bma disi soha sunayan,
kanaka kalasa mani kopara rure,
nija kara mudita rya aru rn,
paRhahi beda muni magala bn,
baru
biloki
dapati
anurge,
sya
mtu
kimi
ji
bakhn.
saba samei bidhi rac ban.1.
sunata
susini
sdara
ly.
himagiri saga ban janu mayan.2.
suci sugadha magala jala pure.
dhare
rma
ke
ge
n.3.
gagana sumana jhari avasaru jn.
pya
punta
pakhrana
lge.4.
* The mixture referred to above, which is known by the name of Madhuparka, is usually composed of
curds, clarified butter, water, honey and sugar. It is a respectful offering made to a guest or to the bridegroom
on his arrival at the door of the brides father.
* BLA-KNA *
329
What words can describe the world-renowned queen-consort of Janaka and St's
mother? The Creator had exhausted in fashioning her all the bright glory, virtue, joy and
beauty. Perceiving the appropriate time, the great sages sent for her; and in response to
their call married women whose hasbands were alive brought her with due honour. Queen
Sunayan shone forth to Janaka's left even as Main beside Himavn (the mountainking). The king and queen joyfully brought and placed with their own hands gold vases
and beautiful trays of jewels filled with holy, scented and auspicious water before r
Rma. The sages recited the Veda in joyous tones and at the proper time flowers rained
down from the heavens. The royal couple were enraptured to behold the Bridegroom and
began to wash His holy feet.
(14)
U0
U fl
U U U H
U U UU U fl UU
U UH
1H
U U UU
U U U fl U UH
U U
U UH 2H
U U U U L U U U
U U UH
U US U
U H 3H
Ufl U UU UUU U
UU U Sfl U H
U U U U flU
U U fl U U U flUH 4H
Cha.: lge
pakhrana pya pakaja prema tana pulakval,

nabha nagara gna nisna jaya dhuni umagi janu cahu disi cal.
je pada saroja manoja ari ura sara sadaiva birjah,
je sakta sumirata bimalat mana sakala kali mala bhjah.1.
je parasi munibanit lah gati rah jo ptakama,
makaradu jinha ko sabhu sira sucit avadhi sura barana.
kari madhupa mana muni jogijana je sei abhimata gati lahai,
te pada pakhrata bhgyabhjanu janaku jaya jaya saba kahai.2.
330
bara kua ri karatala jori skhocru dou kulagura karai,

bhayo pnigahanu biloki bidhi sura manuja muni na da bharai.
sukhamula dulahu dekhi dapati pulaka tana hulasyo hiyo,
kari loka beda bidhnu kanydnu npabhuana kiyo.3.
himavata jimi girij mahesahi harihi r sgara da,
timi janaka rmahi siya samarap bisva kala krati na.
kyo karai binaya bidehu kiyo bidehu murati sva r,
kari homu bidhivata g hi jor hona lg bhva r.4.
They began to love r Rma's lotus-feet; their whole frame was thrilled with
emotion. The sounds of singing and kettledrums and shouts of victory in the heavens as
well as in the city overflowed as it were in all direction . The lotus-feet that ever sparkle
in the lake of iva's bosom, by thinking of which even for once the mind gets purified
and all the impurities of the Kali age are driven away, by whose touch the sage
Gautama's wife, who was full of sin, attained salvation, whose nectar in the form of the
river Gag adorns ambhus head and is declared by the gods as the holiest of the
holy, and by resorting to which with their bee-like minds sages and mystics attain the
goal of their liking, it is those very feet that the most lucky Janaka washed amidst shouts
of victory from all corners. Joining the palms of the Bride and the Bridegroom, both the
family priests recited the genealogy of the two families; and perceiving that the
Bridegroom had accepted the Bride's hand, Brahm and the other divinities as well as
men and sages were filled with delight. As the king and queen gazed on the Bridegroom,
who was the very fountain of joy, the hair on their body stood erect, while their heart was
filled with rapture. And having gone through all the rites sanctioned either by the Vedas
or by family usage, the glorious King Janaka gave his Daughter to the Bridegroom. As
Himavn gave away Girij to the great Lord iva, and the deity presiding over seas
bestowed r on Hari, so did Janaka give St to Rma and thereby earned fair renown
of an unprecedented character. King Videha (Janaka) was unable to make any supplication,
since that Prince (r Rma) of swarthy complexion had justified his name (Videha) by
making him forget everything about his body. When oblations had been offered to the
sacred fire with due rite, the ends of garments of the Bride and the Bridegroom were tied
together (as a token of their indissoluble union) and the couple began to circumambulate
the fire (in order to show that the two had been united in the presence of the fire-god as
a witness).
(14)

UUU UU UL H 324H
Do.: jaya dhuni bad beda dhuni magala gna nisna,

suni haraahi baraahi bibudha surataru sumana sujna.324.
At the sound of the huzzas, the praises sung by the bards, the recitation of the
Vedic texts, the din of the festal songs and the beating of kettledrums the wise immortals
rejoiced and rained down flowers from the trees of paradise.
(324)
0L U flU U U H
U UU U U U U UH 1H
* BLA-KNA *
U
UU
U U U U M
U U

UU
U flU
U
U U U U
L U U
UU DU U
UH
U U H 2H
U U UU UUH
UH 3H
U U H
U UH 4H
U U H
L U U H 5H
Cau.: kua ru kua ri kala bhva ri deh,

ji
na
barani manohara jor,
rma
sya sudara pratichh,
manahu madana rati dhari bahu rup,
darasa llas sakuca na thor,
bhae magana saba dekhanihre,
pramudita muninha bh var pher,
rma sya sira sedura deh,
aruna parga jalaju bhari nke ,
bahuri basiha dnhi anussana,
nayana lbhu saba sdara leh.

jo upam kachu kahau so thor.1.
jagamagta mani khabhana mh.
dekhata
rma
bihu
anup.2.
pragaata durata bahori bahor.
janaka
samna
apna
bisre.3.
negasahita
saba
rti
niber.
sobh kahi na jti bidhi keh.4.
sasihi bhua ahi lobha am ke .
baru dulahini baihe eka sana.5.
331
The Bride and Bridegroom performed the circumambulation with charming paces;
while all present feasted their admiring gaze on the spectacle. The lovely couple was
beyond description; whatever comparison might be suggested would fall short of the
reality. Lovely images of Rma and St were reflected on the pillars of jewels and shone
as if Love and his consort, Rati, witnessed r Rma's matchless wedding appearing in
numerous forms. Their curiosity and bashfulness were equally great; that is why they
revealed themselves and went out of sight again and again. All the spectators were
enraptured; like Janaka they forgot all about themselves. Joyously the sages bade the
Bride and Bridegroom pace round the fire and accomplished all the rites including the
ceremonial gifts, r Rma applied the vermilion to St's forehead, a sight the charm of
which was altogether beyond description. It seemed as if with a lotus surcharged with
reddish pollen a serpent thirsting for nectar decorated the moon. Then Vasiha gave the
direction and the Bride and Bridegroom sat together on the same seat.
(15)
U0 U
U U U
UL H
U fl UU UUU U U U U
U U U U U UH 1H
DU U flU
Ufl U UU U Z UU H

U U U UU H 2H
332
U U
U U U H
U U U
UU M UUH 3H
M U U USU U UUU
U UUU U UUH
U U UU U U UU
fl UU UU flS U UUH 4H
Cha.: baihe
barsana rmu jnaki mudita mana dasarathu bhae,

tanu pulaka puni puni dekhi apane sukta surataru phala nae.
bhari bhuvana rah uchhu rma bibhu bh sabah kah,
kehi bh ti barani sirta rasan eka yahu magalu mah.1.
taba janaka pi basiha yasu byha sja sa vri kai,
mav rutakrati uramil kua ri la ha kri kai.
kusaketu kany prathama jo guna sla sukha sobhma,
saba rti prti sameta kari so byhi npa bharatahi da.2.
jnak laghu bhagin sakala sudari siromani jni kai,
so tanaya dnh byhi lakhanahi sakala bidhi sanamni kai.
jehi nmu rutakrati sulocani sumukhi saba guna gar,
so da ripusudanahi bhupati rupa sla ujgar.3.
anurupa bara dulahini paraspara lakhi sakuca hiya haraah,
saba mudita sudarat sarhahi sumana sura gana baraah.
sudar sudara baranha saha saba eka maapa rjah,
janu jva ura criu avasth bibhuna sahita birjah.4.
r Rma and Princess Jnak sat together on a costly seat and King Daaratha
was glad of heart to see them. Joy thrilled along his veins again and again as he perceived
the wish-yielding tree of his meritorious deeds bear new fruits. There was rejoicing all over
the universe; everyone proclaimed that r Rma's wedding had been accomplished . With
one tongue how could anyone describe in full the joy which knew no bounds? Then,
receiving Vasiha's order, Janaka sent for the other three princesses, Mav, rutakrti
and Urmil, each clad in a bride's attire. The eldest daughter of his younger brother Kuaketu,
who was an embodiment of goodness, virtue, joy and beauty, he gave in marriage to
Bharata after performing every rite with love. Jnak's younger sister (Urmil), whom
he knew to be the crest-jewel of charming girls, Janaka gave in marriage to Lakmaa
with all honour. Finally the bright-eyed and fair-faced princess rutakrti, who was a
mine of all virtues and was well-known for her beauty and amiability, the king gave to
Ripusudana. When each pair of bride and bridegroom saw that they were wellmatched with each others*, they felt shy, but rejoiced in their heart of hearts; everyone
* Rma and Bharata, who had a swarthy complexion were united with St and Mav respectively
(who were both fair in complexion); while Lakmaa and atrughna (who were fair of hue) were married with
Urmil and rutakrti (both of whom were swarthy of complexion).
* BLA-KNA *
333
joyfully applauded the beauty of each pair, while the gods rained down flowers. All the
lovely brides with their handsome bridegrooms shone forth in the same pavilion as it the
faer states (wadeing, sreaming, soe slelp the state) alary with their fore lard (visva Tajas
prasya and Brahme) are e within the seva.
(14)
fl U UU
U U U UH 325H
Do.: mudita avadhapati sakala suta badhunha sameta nihri,

janu pe mahipla mani kriyanha sahita phala cri.325.
The king of Ayodhy was delighted to see his four sons with their brides, as though
that jewel of monarchs had realized the four ends of life, (viz., worldly
riches,
religious merit, sensuous enjoyment and Liberation) alongwith the four processes of their
realization (viz., sacrificial performances, piety, practice of Yoga and spiritual exercise).
(325)
0 UU U U
U U U
UU
U U L
S U
fl
U
U U U fl
U U
U U U UH
UU U UH 1H
U UH
U H 2H
U U U H
U fl H 3H
UU flU flH
U H 4H
Cau.: jasi raghubra byha bidhi baran,

kahi na ji kachu dija bhur,
kabala basana bicitra paore,
gaja ratha turaga dsa aru ds,
bastu aneka karia kimi lekh,
lokapla
avaloki
sihne,
dnha jcakanhi jo jehi bhv,
taba kara jori janaku mdu bn,
sakala kua ra byhe tehi karan.

rah kanaka mani maapu pur.1.
bh ti bh ti bahu mola na thore.
dhenu
alakta
kmaduh
s.2.
kahi na ji jnahi jinha dekh.
lnha avadhapati sabu sukhu mne.3.
ubar
so
janavsehi
v.
bole
saba
barta
sanamn.4.
All the other princes were married according to the same rites as have been
described in the case of r Rmas marriage. The richness of the dowry was beyond
description; the whole pavilion was packed with gold and jewels. There were a number
of shawls, linen and silk of various colours and designs and of immense value, elephants,
chariots,
horses,
men-servants
and
maid-servants
and
cows
adorned
with ornaments and vying with the cow of plenty and many other things which were
more than one could count and defied description. They alone who saw the dowry
could have some idea of it; even the guardians of the different realms regarded it with
envy. The king of Ayodhy gladly accepted it all and gave to the beggars whatever
they liked; only that which was left was taken to the lodgings of the bridegroom's party.
Then with joined palms Janaka honoured the whole bridegroom's party and spoke in
gentle tones.
(14)
334
U0
U U U
U U H
L fl U U U
U U U H 1H
U U UU U
UU U H
U UflU U U
U U fl H 2H
U UU U L
U U U U U UUK H

U U USU UU UH 3H
U UU UU flU
U U H
U
U UU U U UU H 4H
Cha.: sanamni
sakala barta dara dna binaya baRi kai,

pramudita mah muni bda bade puji prema laRi kai.
siru ni deva mani saba sana kahata kara sapua kie ,
sura sdhu chata bhu sidhu ki toa jala ajali die .1.
kara jori janaku bahori badhu sameta kosalarya so ,
bole manohara bayana sni saneha sla subhya so .
sabadha rjana rvare hama baRe aba saba bidhi bhae,
ehi rja sja sameta sevaka jnibe binu gatha lae.2.
e
drik
paricrik
kari
plib
karun
na,
apardhu chamibo boli pahae bahuta hau hyo ka.
puni bhnukulabhuana sakala sanamna nidhi samadh kie,
kahi jti nahi binat paraspara prema paripurana hie.3.
bdrak gana sumana barisahi ru janavsehi cale,
dudubh jaya dhuni beda dhuni nabha nagara kautuhala bhale.
taba sakh magala gna karata munsa yasu pi kai,
dulaha dulahininha sahita sudari cal kohabara lyi kai.4.
* BLA-KNA *
335
Having honoured the whole bridegroom's party with courtesy, gifts, supplication and
compliments, King Janaka joyfully paid his homage to and greeted the great sages after
bestowing his loving attention on them. Bowing his head and invoking the gods he
addressed them all with joined palms, "Gods and holy men seek one's love alone; can
the ocean be propitiated by offering as much water as can be held within one's palms?"
Again, with joined palms Janaka and his younger brother (Kuaketu) submitted to the
King of Kosala in winning words full of affection, courtesy and sincerity, "By our
connection with you, O king, we have now been exalted in every respect; alongwith this
kingdom and all that we possess, pray, look upon us both as your slaves purchased
without any consideration. Taking these girls as your hand-maidens foster them with
your unremitting kindness. Pardon me my offence; it was too presumptuous on my part
to have called you here." The ornament of the solar race, King Daaratha, in his turn
flooded the bride's father with all kinds of honour. The courtesy they showed to each
other was past all telling; for their hearts overflowed with love. Hosts of gods rained down
flowers and King Daaratha proceeded to the palace where he and his party had been
lodged amidst the crash of kettledrums, voces of victory and the chanting of Vedic texts.
There was much rejoicing both in the heavens and in the city. Then, receiving orders from
the chief of sages, Vasiha, the lovely companions of the brides conducted them
alongwith the bridegrooms to the apartment where the guardian deities of the family, had
been installed for worship during the wedding days.
(14)
0 UU fl
UU UU U H 326H
Do.: puni puni rmahi citava siya sakucati manu sakucai na,
harata manohara mna chabi prema pise naina.326.
Again and again did St gaze on r Rma and shrink out of modesty; her heart
however, refused to shrink. Her charming eyes, athirst with love, outshone the fish.(326)
0S UL Ufl
fl U
UU

U UU
U
UU

U U
U
UU

U
U
U UU
U
L
UU

U flH
UU U UH 1H
UU U H
U UH 2H
U U H
UU UU UH 3H
U UU H
H 4H
LU flH
H 5H
Cau.: syma sarru subhya suhvana,

jvaka juta pada kamala suhe,
pta
punta
manohara
dhot,
kala kikini kai sutra manohara,
sobh
koi
manoja
lajvana.
muni mana madhupa rahata jinha che.1.
harati
bla
rabi
dmini
jot.
bhu bisla bibhuana sudara.2.
336
pta
janeu
mahchabi
de,
sohata byha sja saba sje,
piara
uparan
kkhsot,
nayana kamala kala kuala kn,
sudara bhkui manohara ns,
sohata mauru manohara mthe,
kara
mudrik
cori
citu
le.
ura
yata
urabhuana
rje.3.
duhu
caranhi lage mani mot.
badanu sakala saudarja nidhn.4.
bhla
tilaku
rucirat
nivs.
magalamaya mukut mani gthe.5.
Rma's swarthy form was naturally graceful; His beauty put to shame millions of
Cupids. Dyed with red lac, His lotus-feet, which ever attracted the bee-like minds of
sages, looked most lovely. His sacred and charming yellow loin-cloth outshone the rising
sun as well as the lightning. The girdle round His waist together with the sweet-sounding
small bells was soul-enchanting; His long arms were adorned with beautiful ornaments.
The yellow sacred thread greatly enhanced His charm; while the ring on His finger would
ravish all hearts. Beautified with all sorts of wedding adornments He looked most
charming; His broad chest was adorned with appropriate ornaments. He had a yellow
scarf with fringes of pearls and gems slung partly under His right armpit and partly
across His left shoulder. He had a pair of lotus-like eyes and beautiful pendants dangling
from the lobes of his ears; while His countenance was a storehouse of all comeliness.
He had lovely eyebrows and a charming nose; while the sacred mark on His forehead
was an abode of loveliness. And His head was adorned with a beautiful wedding crown
which had auspicious pearls and gems strung together and woven into it.
(15)
U U UU
U U U U UU UUH
flU U UU flU
U UU flUH 1H
UUU U U U
U U H
UU U fl UU U U
Ufl U U UH 2H
U U M
U H
U U
U U U fl flU H 3H
U U U U U
L U U L UK U UH
h fl U
UU U H 4H
* BLA-KNA *
337
gthe mahmani maura majula aga saba cita corah,

pura nri sura sudar barahi biloki saba tina torah.
mani basana bhuana vri rati karahi magala gvah,
sura sumana barisahi suta mgadha badi sujasu sunvah. 1.
kohabarahi ne kua ra kua ri susininha sukha pi kai,
ati prti laukika rti lg karana magala gi kai.
lahakauri gauri sikhva rmahi sya sana srada kahai,
ranivsu hsa bilsa rasa basa janma ko phalu saba lahai.2.
nija pni mani mahu dekhiati murati surupanidhna k,
clati na bhujaball bilokani biraha bhaya basa jnak.
kautuka binoda pramodu premu na ji kahi jnahi al,
bara kua ri sudara sakala sakh lavi janavsehi cal.3.
tehi samaya sunia assa jaha taha nagara nabha na du mah,
ciru jiahu jor cru cryo mudita mana sabah kah.
jogdra siddha munsa deva biloki prabhu dudubhi han,
cale harai barai prasuna nija nija loka jaya jaya jaya bhan.4.
Cha.:
Precious gems had been strung together and woven into the lovely wedding crown
and each of His limbs ravished the heart. At the sight of the bridegroom (r Rma) the
women of the city as well as pretty celestial ladies all tore blades of grass (in order to avert
the evil eye). After scattering about Him gems, raiment and ornaments they waved lights
around Him and sang festal songs. The gods rained down flowers; while bards, panegyrists
and rhapsodists uttered His praises. Married women, whose husbands were alive, happily
brought the brides and bridegrooms to the apartment reserved for the tutelary deities, and
with festal songs they most lovingly began to perform customary rites. Goddess Gaur
Herself taught Rma how to offer a morsel of food to St; while rad urged St to do
likewise with Rma. The whole gynaeceum was absorbed in the delight of merry-making;
everyone enjoyed the fruit of her birth. In the gems on Her hand Jnak saw the reflection
of r Rma, the repository of beauty; hence She dared not move Her arm or eyes for fear
of losing sight of Him. The rapture and love that characterized the gaiety and mirth of the
occasion surpassed all telling; St's companions alone knew them. They escorted all the
four charming couples to the palace assigned to King Daaratha and his party. At that
moment blessings might be heard on all sides and there was great exultation in the city as
well as in the heavens. Everyone exclaimed with a delighted heart, "Long live the four
lovely couples!" Great Yogs, Siddhas, eminent sages and divinities sounded their kettledrums
on beholding the Lord; and raining down flowers and crying "Victory, victory, victory" they
gladly returned, each to his own realm.
(14)
0 U
UU U
U UU flH 327H
Do.: sahita badhuinha kua ra saba taba e pitu psa,

sobh magala moda bhari umageu janu janavsa.327.
Then all the four princes with their brides approached their father. It appeared
at that time as if the lodgings of the bridegroom's party overflowed with beauty, felicity
and joy.
(327)
338
0 flU
U
fl
U
UU U
U
U
U
U

U
fl U

U
U U
U
flU
U UH
U fl H 1H
UU
UUH
U U UH 2H
UU NU U H
U H 3H
U UH
flUH 4H
Cau.: puni jevanra bha bahu bh t,

parata
p vaRe basana
anup,
sdara
saba ke pya pakhre,
dhoe janaka avadhapati caran,
bahuri rma pada pakaja dhoe,
tniu
bhi
rma sama
jn,
sana ucita sabahi npa dnhe,
sdara
lage parana
panavre,
pahae
janaka
boli
bart.
sutanha sameta gavana kiyo bhup.1.
jathjogu
pRhanha
baihre.
slu sanehu ji nahi baran.2.
je hara hdaya kamala mahu goe.
dhoe carana janaka nija pn.3.
boli
supakr
saba
lnhe.
kanaka kla mani pna sa vre.4.
Then there was a banquet with a rich variety of dishes, to which Janaka invited
all the members of the bridegroom's party. Carpets of incomparable beauty were spread
on the way as King Daaratha sallied forth with his sons. The feet of all were reverently
washed and then they were seated on wooden seats according to their rank. Janaka
laved the feet of Daaratha, King of Ayodhy; his courtesy and affection were past
telling. He then bathed r Rma's lotus-feet, that are enshrined in the lotus-like heart
of iva. Similarly he washed with his own hands the feet of the other three brothers also,
treating them on a par with r Rma. King Janaka assigned an appropriarte seat to each
guest and sent for all the cooks (for service). Leaves joined together so as to serve for
plates were set before the guests with due reverenceleaves which were made of
precious stones and had been joined with gold pins.
(14)
U U U Sfl
U U L U U H 328H
Do.: supodana surabh sarapi sudara svdu punta,

chana mahu saba ke parusi ge catura sura binta.328.
Clever and polite cooks passed round, and in a trice they served all with curry and
boiled rice mixed with clarified butter extracted from cows' milk, all of which were
pleasing and delicious and had been cooked with purity.
(328)
0 fl U fl

U
fl
L
U
U
UU LU U
fl U U U
U UH
U U U H 1H
H
U H 2H
U H
L L UH 3H
* BLA-KNA *
339
Ufl U U U UU U H
U U U U U UH 4H
Cau.: paca kavala kari jevana lge,
bh ti
aneka
pare
pakavne,
parusana
lage
sura
sujn,
cri bhti bhojana bidhi g,

charasa rucira bijana bahu jt,
jeva ta dehi madhura dhuni gr,
samaya
suhvani
gri birj,
ehi bidhi sabah bhojanu knh,
gri
gna
suni
ati
anurge.
sudh sarisa nahi jhi bakhne.1.
bijana bibidha nma ko jn.
eka eka bidhi barani na j.2.
eka
eka
rasa
aganita
bh t.
lai lai nma purua aru nr.3.
ha sata ru suni sahita samj.
dara
sahita
camanu
dnh.4.
Taking the five initial morsels as an oblation for the five vital airs the guests
commenced dining, and were enraptured to hear songs full of raillery. Confections of
various kinds, sweets as ambrosia and more delicious than one could describe, were
served to them. Expert cooks then began to serve a variety of seasoned articles which
were too numerous to be named. Of the four categories of food mentioned in the
scriptures (viz., 1. that which can be directly swallowed, 2. that which must be
masticated before it can be gulped, 3. that which can be licked with the tongue and
4. that which can be sucked) each comprised an indescribable variety of dishes.
Similarly there were seasoned dishes of various kinds, having six different flavours, each
flavour being exhibited in numberless varieties. As the dinner was in progress, women
railed in melodious strains at men and women both, mentioning each by name. Even
raillery at an opportune time is agreeable and welcome; King Daaratha and his whole
party felt amused to hear it. In this way the whole party dined and in the end they were
all reverently supplied with water to rinse their mouth with.
(14)
U U
flU fl UH 329H
Do.: dei pna puje janaka dasarathu sahita samja,

janavsehi gavane mudita sakala bhupa siratja.329.
Offering betel-leaves in due form, Janaka paid his homage to King Daaratha and
his company; and the crown of all monarchs, Daaratha, retired to his own apartments
with a cheerful heart.
(329)
0 U U
U
U

U U U
U L U
U U U
UU U U
Z
U U U UU
U UH
fl H 1H
U H
U UH 2H
U UH
U UH 3H
U ZH
U H 4H
Cau.: nita nutana magala pura mh, nimia sarisa dina jmini jh.
baRe bhora bhupatimani
jge, jcaka guna gana gvana lge.1.
340
dekhi kua ra bara badhunha samet,
prtakriy
kari
ge guru ph,
kari
pranmu
puj kara jor,
tumhar kp sunahu munirj,

aba
saba
bipra boli gos,
suni gura kari mahipla baR,
kimi kahi jta modu mana jet.

mah pramodu premu mana mh.2.
bole
gir
amia
janu
bor.
bhayau
ju mai puranakj.3.
dehu dhenu saba bh ti ban.
puni pahae muni bda bol.4.
Everyday there was a new festival in the city; days and nights passed like a
moment. The jewel of king, Daaratha, woke up at a very early hour; and mendicants
began to sing his praises. As he gazed upon the princes with their beautiful brides, the
rapture of his soul was beyond all telling. Having finished his morning routine he called
on his Guru with a heart full of exultation and love. Making obeisance to him and paying
him his homage the king with joined palms addressed him in a voice steeped as it were
in nectar, "Listen, O chief of sages: by your grace I have realized all my ambitions today.
Now summoning all the Brhmaas, O holy sir, present them with cows adorned in
everyway." On hearing these words the preceptor applauded the king and then sent for
the troops of sages.
(14)
0 U
L flU
U U H 330H
Do.: bmadeu
aru
devarii
e munibara nikara taba
blamki
kausikdi
jbli,
tapasli.330.
Then came Vmadeva, the celestial sage Nrada, Vlmki, Jbli, Vivmitra and
hosts of other great sages given to austerities.
(330)
0U U U
U U U Z
U
U U UU
U
U S
U fl
U U U UUU
U UH
U UZH 1H
U UflU UH
UU fl UH 2H
H
L UH 3H
U H
U U UH 4H
Cau.: daa pranma sabahi npa knhe, puji saprema barsana dnhe.
cri laccha bara dhenu mag, kmasurabhi sama sla suh.1.
saba bidhi sakala alakta knh, mudita mahipa mahidevanha dnh.
karata binaya bahu bidhinaranhu, laheu
ju jaga jvana lhu.2.
pi
assa
mahsu
anad, lie
boli
puni
jcaka
bd.
kanaka basana mani haya gayasyadana,
die bujhi ruci rabikulanadana.3.
cale paRhata gvata guna gth, jaya jaya jaya dinakara kula nth.
ehi bidhi rma biha uchhu, sakai na barani sahasa mukha jhu.4.
The king threw himself upon the ground before them all and worshipping them with
love offered them seats of honour. Next he sent for four lakhs of cows, all as gentle and
* BLA-KNA *
341
beautiful as the cow of plenty; and adorning them all in every possible way he gladly
bestowed them upon the Brhmaas. The king supplicated them in many ways and said,
"It is only today that I have attained the fruit of my existence." The delight of the solar
race was glad to receive their blessings and then sent for beggars and bestowed on
them, according to their liking, gold, wearing apparel, jewels, horses, elephants and
chariots. Singing the king's praises and saying, "Glory, glory, all glory to the lord of the
solar race!" they all went away. In this way the rejoicing in connection with r Rma's
wedding was more than the thousand-mouthed serpent-king could tell.
(14)
0U
U U U UU
U U fl UU UH 331H
Do.: bra bra kausika carana ssu ni kaha ru,

yaha sabu sukhu munirja tava kp kaccha pasu.331.
Again and again the king bowed his head at the feet of Kauika and said, "All this
joy, O chief of sages, is a gift of your gracious looks."
(331)
0
U
U
UU fl
L
fl U UUU
U fl U

U U U
U U fl
UU H
UU U UH 1H
U UH
U fl U UH 2H
U U UH
U U U H 3H
l UU U UH
U fl U H 4H
Cau.: janaka
sanehu
slu
karatut,
dina uhi bid avadhapati mg,
nita
nutana
daru
adhik,
nita nava nagara anada uchhu,
bahuta divasa bte
ehi bh t,
kausika
satnada
taba
j,
aba dasaratha kaha yasu dehu,
bhalehi ntha kahi saciva bole,
npu saba bh ti sarha bibhut.

rkhahi janaku sahita anurg.1.
dina prati sahasa bh ti pahun.
dasaratha gavanu sohi na khu.2.
janu saneha raju ba dhe bart.
kah
bideha
npahi
samujh.3.
jadyapi chRi na sakahu sanehu.
kahi jaya jva ssa tinha ne.4.
King Daaratha extolled in everyway Janaka's affection, amiability, affluence and

doings. Every morning the King of Ayodhy asked leave to return home; but each time
Janaka would lovingly detain him. The royal guest received greater and enhanced
attentions from day to day and was entertained in a thousand ways each day. The city
witnessed a new rejoicing and festivity everyday; no one liked Daaratha's departure. In
this way a number of days passed, as though members of the bridegrooms' party were
tied by cords of love. The sages Kauika and atnanda then called on King Videha and
advised him saying, "Now you must let Dearatha go, even though you may not be able
to part with him out of love." Very well, my lord", replied the king, and sent for his
ministers, who came and bowed their heads saying, "May you be victorious, may you
live long!"
(14)
342
0fl
U U UU U
fl UUH 332H
Do.: avadhanthu chata calana bhtara karahu janu,

bhae premabasa saciva suni bipra sabhsada ru.332.
"The King of Ayodhy longs to depart: make this known in the gynaeceum." At
these words the ministers, Brhmaas, courtiers as well as the king himself were
overwhelmed with emotion.
(332)
0U U U
fl
U U fl U
fl fl
U U U U UU
U U U
U U
U U
USU H
U U H 1H
U U h U H
H 2H
UZ UH
flU L H 3H
UU U H
U S H 4H
Cau.: purabs
suni
calihi
bart,
satya gavanu suni saba bilakhne,
jaha
jaha vata base
bart,
bibidha
bh ti mev
pakavn,
bhari bhari basaha apra kahr,
turaga lkha ratha sahasa pacs,
matta sahasa dasa sidhura sje,
kanaka basana mani bhari bhari jn,
bujhata bikala paraspara bt.

manahu s jha sarasija sakucne.1.
taha taha siddha cal bahu bh t.
bhojana sju na ji bakhn.2.
paha
janaka
aneka
susr.
sakala sa vre nakha aru ss.3.
jinhahi dekhi disikujara lje.
mahi dhenu bastu bidhi nn.4.
When the people of the city heard that the bridegrooms' party was leaving, they
anxiously asked one another if it were a fact. When they learnt that the departure of the
guests was certain, they were all sad in the same way as lotuses get shrivelled up in
the evening. Provisions of various kinds were sent to all those places where the
bridegrooms' party had halted while coming from Ayodhy. Dry fruits and confections of
all kinds and other articles of food too numerous to be mentioned were sent by Janaka
on the back of oxen and through numberless porters alongwith a number of beautiful
bedsteads. He also sent 1,00,000 horses and 25,000 chariots, all decorated from top
to bottom, 10,000 adorned elephants in rut, that put to shame the elephants guarding the
eight quarters, besides cartloads of gold, wearing apparel and jewels and even so shebuffaloes, cows and many other articles of various kinds.
(14)
U U U UU
fl UH 333H
Do.: dija amita na sakia kahi dnha bideha bahori,

jo
avalokata
lokapati
loka
sapad
thori.333.
In this way King Videha gave once more a dowry which was immeasurable and
* BLA-KNA *
343
beyond all telling, and before which the wealth possessed by the lords of the different
worlds looked small.
(333)
0 U
U U U
U U
UU
U U
U U fl UU
U
U U Z
UU UU
UU UU
flU U UH
H 1H
fl UH
L U UUH 2H
L UUH
U U flU H 3H
UU U U UU ZH
UU U U UH 4H
Cau.: sabu samju ehi bh ti ban,

calihi barta sunata saba rn,
puni puni sya goda kari leh,
hoehu
satata
piyahi
pir,
ssu sasura gura sev karehu,
ati saneha basa sakh sayn,
sdara
sakala
kua ri samujh,
bahuri bahuri bheahi mahatr,
janaka avadhapura dnha pah.

bikala mnagana janu laghu pn.1.
dei
assa
sikhvanu
deh.
ciru
ahibta
assa
hamr.2.
pati rukha lakhi yasu anusarehu.
nri dharama sikhavahi mdu bn.3.
rninha
bra
bra
ura
l.
kahahi biraci rac kata nr.4.
Having got all the equipage arranged in the order mentioned above, Janaka had
everything despatched to Ayodhy. When the queens heard that the bridegrooms' party
was about to start, they all felt miserable even as fish when faced with shortage of water.
Again and again they took St in their lap and blessed and exhorted her in the following
words: "May you be ever beloved of your lord, and may you live long with him: this is
our blessing. Serve the parents of your husband and other elders and do the bidding of
your lord according to his pleasure." In their excess of love St's clever companions too
taught her the duties of a housewife in soft accents. The queens politely admonished all
the other princesses too and clasped them to their bosom again and again; and as the
mothers embraced their daughters time and again, they exclaimed, "Why did Brahm ever
create a woman?"
(14)
0 U
flU U U U
U Ufl UH 334H
Do.: tehi avasara bhinha sahita rmu bhnu kula ketu,

cale janaka madira mudita bid karvana hetu.334.
That very moment did Rma, the chief of the solar race, gladly proceeded
alongwith His brothers to Janakas palace to take the brides along with them.
(334)
0UU
U
U U U UU
U U M UU
U
U
U
U
U
U
U
U

U
H
H 1H
UH
H 2H
344
U fl
fl
U UU

U U UU UU
U U
UL U U H
U U U U U H 3H
U UUH
U U H 4H
Cau.: criu
bhi
subhya
suhe,
kou kaha calana cahata hahi ju,
lehu nayana bhari rupa nihr,
ko
jnai
kehi
sukta sayn,
maranaslu
jimi
pva piu,
pva
nrak
haripadu jaise ,
nirakhi rma sobh ura dharahu,
ehi bidhi sabahi nayana phalu det,
nagara nri nara dekhana dhe.

knha bideha bid kara sju.1.
priya phune bhupa suta cr.
nayana atithi knhe bidhi n.2.
surataru lahai janama kara bhukh.
inha kara darasanu hama kaha taise .3.
nija mana phani murati mani karahu.
gae
kua ra
saba
rja
niket.4.
The people of the city, both men and women, ran to see the four brothers, who
were naturally lovely. Said one, "They intend leaving today; King Videha has made all
arrangements for their farewell. So let your eyes drink in their beauty; the four princes
have been our most welcome guests. Who knows, friend, what virtuous deed we have
perfomed, in return for which Providence has unexpectedly brought them before our
eyes? Even as a dying man should stumble on nectar or he who has been starving all
his life should be able to discover a wish-yielding tree or as one of the damned in hell
should attain to the abode of r Hari, even so have we been blessed with their sight.
Gaze on r Rma's beauty and treasure it in your heart; let your mind fondly cherish
His image even as a serpent loves the gem in its hood." Thus delighting the eyes of all,
the four princes went to the royal palace.
(14)
0 M
UU UU Ufl
UU UflU U U H 335H
Do.: rupa sidhu saba badhu lakhi harai uh ranivsu,

karahi nichvari rat mah mudita mana ssu.335.
The ladies of the gynaeceum were transported with joy to behold the four brothers,
who were oceans of beauty as it were, and the mothers-in-law in their ecstatic mood
scattered gift and waved lights about the bridegrooms.
(335)
0 U U U
UU UU U
U U UU Ufl
U
flL
UU flU
U

U
U Ufl
NU U U
Cau.: dekhi
rah
H
U U U H 1H
UU U flH
U H 2H
U U U UH
U UH 3H
U H
U UH 4H
rma chabi ati anurg, premabibasa puni puni pada lg.

na lja prti ura ch, sahaja sanehu barani kimi j.1.
* BLA-KNA *
bhinha sahita ubai
anhave,
bole
rmu
suavasaru
jn,
ru
avadhapura cahata sidhe,
mtu mudita mana yasu dehu,
sunata bacana bilakheu ranivsu,
hdaya
lagi kua ri saba lnh,
345
charasa asana ati hetu jev e.

sla saneha sakucamaya bn.2.
bid
hona
hama
ih pahe.
blaka jni karaba nita nehu.3.
boli na sakahi premabasa ssu.
patinha sau pi binat ati knh.4.
Greatly moved at the sight of r Rma's beauty they affectionately fell at His feet
again and again. Their heart being rapt in love, the feeling of shyness had bid them adieu;
how could their natural affection for their sons-in-law be described? After anointing the
body of r Rma and His brothers with urguent they were given a bath and were most
lovingly entertained with dishes containing the six flavours. Finding it a suitable opportunity
r Rma spoke in accents full of amiability, affection and modesty. Our royal father
intends leaving for Ayodhy, and has sent us here to take leave of you. Therefore,
mothers, grant us permission with a cheerful mind and ever regard us with affection as
your own children." The ladies of the gynaeceum were distressed to hear these words;
the mothers-in-law were too overwhelmed with emotion to speak a word. They clasped
all the princesses to their bosom and while giving them to their lords made humble
submission to them.
(14)
U0U
UU U U U U
U U U UH
UflU U U UU
U U U H
Cha.: kari
binaya siya rmahi samarap jori kara puni puni kahai,

bali ju tta sujna tumha kahu bidita gati saba k ahai.
parivra purajana mohi rjahi prnapriya siya jnib,
tulassa slu sanehu lakhi nija kikar kari mnib.
With humble submission Queen Sunayan committed St to Rma, and with

joined palms prayed again and again, "I offer myself as sacrifice to You, my all-wise
darling; You know what passes in the mind of all. May you know that St is dear as life
itself to the whole family, nay, to the entire population of the city, much more to me and
to her royal father. Therefore, considering her meekness and affection, O Lord of Tulas,
treat her as Your maid-servant.
0U
UU U fl
U U LH 336H
So.: tumha paripurana kma jna siromani bhvapriya,

jana guna ghaka rma doa dalana karunyatana.336.
"You have Your desires ever fulfilled, You are the crest-jewel of the wise; and it
is love alone that attracts You. You perceive only the good points of Your devotees; You
eradicate their weaknesses and are an abode of mercy, Rma!"
(336)
0 U UU U U U U H
U U U U H 1H
346
U U U
UU L
U U UU
U U U UU
UflU U U UU
U
U UU UUUH
U U UUH 2H
Z U UH
U U UU UUH 3H
U USU UH
U flH 4H
Cau.: asa kahi rah carana gahi rn,

suni
sanehasn
bara
bn,
rma
bid
mgata kara
jor,
pi
assa
bahuri siru
n,
maju madhura murati ura n,
puni dhraju dhari kua ri hakr,
pahu cvahi phiri milahi bahor,
puni puni milata sakhinha bilag,
prema paka janu gir samn.

bahubidhi rma ssu sanamn.1.
knha pranmu bahori bahor.
bhinha
sahita
cale
raghur.2.
bha saneha sithila saba rn.

bra
bra
bheahi
mahatr.3.
baRh paraspara prti na thor.
bla baccha jimi dhenu lav.4.
So saying the queen remained clinging to His feet; it seemed as if her speech had
been lost in the quicksands of love. On hearing her fine speech, which was full of
affection, r Rma honoured His mother-in-law in ways more than one. While seeking
her permission with joined palms He made obeisance to her again and again. Having
received her blessings the Lord of Raghus bowed His head once more and then
departed with His brothers. Treasuring up in their heart r Rma's lovely and beautiful
image all the queens were overcome with emotion. Then, recovering themselves, they
called their daughters and embraced them again and again. They escorted them to some
distance and then embraced them once more; the love on both sides swelled to a
considerable extent. While meeting their daughters again and again they were parted by
the companions of the princesses even as a cow who has just brought forth a calf may
be parted from the latter.
(14)
U U U U Ufl
U U UU L UU flH 337H
Do.: premabibasa nara nri saba sakhinha sahita ranivsu,

mnahu knha bidehapura karun biraha nivsu.337.
All men and women including the companions of the princesses and the ladies
of the gynaeceum were overpowered by emotion; it seemed as if pathos and the parting
of lovers had taken up their abode in the capital of the Videhas.
(337)
0
U
UU
U U
U

U
U U UU
UU U UH
U UUU UH 1H
U H
U UH 2H
UU Ufl U UH
U UU H 3H
* BLA-KNA *
347
fl fl U L flU H
UU U UU Z U ZH 4H
Cau.: suka
srik
jnak
jye,
bykula
kahahi
kah
baideh,
bhae bikala khaga mga ehi bh t,
badhu sameta janaku taba e,
sya
biloki
dhrat
bhg,
lnhi
rya
ura
li
jnak,
samujhvata saba saciva sayne,
brahi
bra
sut
ura
l,
kanaka pijaranhi rkhi paRhe.

suni dhraju pariharai na keh.1.
manuja das kaise kahi jt.
prema umagi locana jala che.2.
rahe
kahvata
parama
birg.
mi
mahmarajda
gyna
k.3.
knha bicru na avasara jne.
saji
sudara
plak
mag.4.
The parrots and mainas who had been reared by Princess Jnak and having been
kept in cages of gold had been taught to speak, cried in distress, "Where is Videha's
daughter?" On hearing their wail who would have the patience to stand the sight? When
birds and beasts were distressed in this way, how can one depict the feelings of the
human beeing. Then came King Janaka with his younger brother (Kuadhvaja); due to
excess of emotion tears rushed to his eyes. Although he was reputed to be a man of
supreme dispassion, his strength of mind took leave of him the moment he gazed on St.
The king clasped Jnak to his bosom and the great embankment of wisdom toppled
down. All his wise counsellors admonished him; and realizing that it was no occasion for
wailing, the king recovered himself. Again and again he pressed his daughters to his
bosom and ordered beautiful and well-equipped palanquins to be brought.
(14)
UflL U
U UZ U U h H 338H
Do.: premabibasa parivru sabu jni sulagana naresa,

kua ri caRh plakinha sumire siddhi ganesa.338.
The whole family was overwhelmed with emotion; yet, perceiving that the auspicious
moment had arrived the king invoked Lord Gaea and His consort, Siddhi, and helped
the princesses to ascend the palanquins.
(338)
0U
Z
UU
U
U
fl

U U
U U U U
U
U
UU
U
ZH
fl UH 1H
UU UH
Ufl UH 2H
U UU H
UU UH 3H
U H
H 4H
Cau.: bahubidhi bhupa sut samujh,

ds
dsa
die
bahutere,
sya
calata bykula
purabs,
bhusura saciva sameta samj,
nridharamu
kularti
sikh.
suci sevaka je priya siya kere.1.
hohi saguna subha magala rs.
saga
cale
pahu cvana
rj.2.
348
samaya
biloki
bjane
bje,
dasaratha bipra boli saba lnhe,
carana saroja dhuri dhari ss,
sumiri
gajnanu knha payn,
ratha gaja bji bartinha sje.

dna
mna
paripurana
knhe.3.
mudita
mahpati
pi
ass.
magalamula saguna bhae nn.4.
King Janaka admonished his daughters in various ways more than one, and
instructed them in the duties of a woman as well as in family customs. He bestowed upon
St a good many men-servants and maid-servants who had been her trusted and
favourite attendants. As She proceeded on Her journey the citizens felt miserable; while
good omens, which were all fountains of blessings, appeared. Accompanied by a crowd
of Brhmaas and his counsellors the king himself followed his daughters to escort them.
When it was found that the time of departure had come, music began to play and the
members of the bridegrooms' party made ready their chariots, elephants and horses.
King Daaratha sent to all the Brhmaas and sated them with gifts and courtesy. The
king placed the dust of their lotus-feet on his head and was glad to receive their
benediction. Invoking the elephant-headed Gaea he set out on his journey, when many
good omens, which were the roots of felicity, occurred.
(14)
0U
UU UU UU UU
fl flU H 339H
Do.: sura prasuna baraahi harai karahi apachar gna,

cale avadhapati avadhapura mudita baji nisna.339.
The gods gladly rained down flowers and heavenly nymphs sang, as the lord of
Ayodhy joyfully set forth for his capital amidst the clash of kettledrums.
(339)
U
UU
UU
U U U
U
U Ufl
UU UU
U U
UU UU UU
U U U
fl U
Cau.: npa kari binaya mahjana phere,

bhuana basana bji gaja dnhe,
bra
bra
biridvali
bh,
bahuri bahuri kosalapati kahah,
puni kaha bhupati bacana suhe,
ru
bahori utari bhae hRhe,
taba
bideha
bole
kara jor,
karau kavana bidhi binaya ban,
UU
U UU UU
U
U U U U
U
U
UU U U
UUH
UH 1H
UH
UUH 2H
H
UH 3H
UH
UH 4H
sdara
sakala
mgane
ere.
prema poi hRhe saba knhe.1.
phire sakala rmahi ura rkh.
janaku premabasa phirai na cahah.2.
phiria
mahsa
duri
baRi
e.
prema prabha bilocana bRhe.3.
bacana saneha sudh janu bor.
mahrja
mohi
dnhi
baR.4.
King Daaratha politely persuaded the respectable citizens to retire and having
reverently called all the mendicants he bestowed on them ornaments and clothes as well
* BLA-KNA *
349
as horses and elephants and satiating them with love he made them all self-supporting.
Glorifying the king again and again they all returned with r Rma in their heart. The Lord
of Ayodhy importuned King Janaka over and over again; but out of affection for his
relative the latter would not turn back. Once more King Daaratha addressed him in
polite terms, "I beg you to turn back, O king; you have already come far enonsh." At last
King Daaratha got down from his chariot and remained standing, while his eyes overflowed
with torrents of love. Then spoke King Videha with joined palms and in accents imbued
with the nectar of love, "How and in what words should I make my supplication to you?
You have conferred such high honour on me, O great king."
(14)

UU NU H 340H
Do.: kosalapati samadh sajana sanamne saba bh ti,

milani parasapara binaya ati prti na hdaya samti.340.
The king of Kosala showed every respect to the father of the bride and his relative,
Janaka. The embrace in which they held each other was characterized by utmost
humility and their heart could not contain the love they felt.
(340)
0 UU L fl
U
U

U
L
U
U U U
UU U
r
U
U U U
U U flH
M H 1H
H
UH 2H
U UU H
U
UH 3H
U U H
U U UUH 4H
Cau.: muni maalihi janaka siru nv,

sdara
puni
bhe e
jmt,
jori
pakaruha
pni
suhe,
rma karau kehi bh ti prasas,

karahi
joga
jog
jehi lg,
bypaku brahmu alakhu abins,
mana sameta jehi jna na bn,
mahim nigamu neti kahi kaha,
sirabdu
sabahi
sana
pv.
rupa sla guna nidhi saba bhrt.1.
bole bacana prema janu je.
muni mahesa mana mnasa has.2.
kohu mohu mamat madu tyg.
cidnadu
niraguna
gunars.3.
taraki na sakahi sakala anumn.
jo
tihu
kla
ekarasa
raha.4.
King Janaka bowed his head to the throng of sages and received blessings from
them all. Next he reverently embraced his sons-in-law, the four brothers, each a mine
of beauty, amiability and goodness; and joining his graceful lotus hands he spoke in
accents begotten of love as it were, "How can I extol You, O Rma, sporting as You do
in the hearts of sages as well as of the great Lord iva like a swan in the Mnasarovara
lake. That for whose sake Yogs (those given to contemplation) practise Yoga (contemplation)
renouncing anger, infatuation, the feeling of meum and pride, the all-pervading Brahma
(Absolute) who is imperceptible and imperishable, the embodiment of consciousness and
bliss, attributeless and simultaneously possessing divine qualities, who is beyond the ken
350
of speech and mind, who is past all speculation, but is only inferred by all and who is
the same at all times
(14)
U U S
fl U H 341H
Do.: nayana biaya mo kahu bhayau so samasta sukha mula,

sabai lbhu jaga jva kaha bhae su anukula.341.
"That souree of all joy has appeared before my eyes! Everything is easy of access
in this world to a living being when God is propitious.
(341)
0U U U U
UU U U
UUU
U UU U
U U U U U
U
U U U
UU U U
U H
UU U U H 1H
U UU U UH
U UU U UH 2H
UUU U UH
U
U
UH 3H
DU H
UH 4H
Cau.: sabahi bh ti mohi dnhi baR,

hohi sahasa dasa srada se,
mora bhgya rura guna gth,
mai kachu kahau eka bala more ,
bra
bra
mgau
kara jore ,
suni bara bacana prema janu poe,
kari bara binaya sasura sanamne,
binat bahuri bharata sana knh,
nija
jana
jni
lnha
apan.
karahi kalapa koika bhari lekh.1.
kahi na sirhi sunahu raghunth.
tumha rjhahu saneha suhi thore .2.
manu pariharai carana jani bhore .
puranakma
rmu
paritoe.3.
pitu kausika basiha sama jne.
mili saprem puni sia dnh.4.
"You have exalted me in everyway and accepted me as Your own servant. If there
were ten thousand rads and eas, and if they were to count for millions of Kalpas,
the tale of my good fortune, I tell You, and the record of Your virtues, could not be
exhausted, O Lord of Raghus. I make bold to say something on the strength of my
conviction that You are pleased with the slightest devotion. I repeatedly beseech You
with joined palms that my mind may never be deluded into deserting Your feet." On
hearing these polite words saturated with love r Rma who had all His desires fulfilled,
felt gratified. With the greatest courtesy the latter honoured His father-in-law treating him
on a par with His own father, Kauika or Vasiha. The king then humbly approached
Bharata and embracing him with affection gave him his blessings.
(14)
UU U U
UU U U flU H 342H
Do.: mile lakhana ripusudanahi dnhi assa mahsa,

bhae parasapara premabasa phiri phiri nvahi ssa.342.
* BLA-KNA *
351
Next the king embraced and blessed Lakmaa and Ripusudana; overpowered by
emotion they bowed their heads to one another again and again.
(342)
0U U U U
U
U U U
UU
U Sfl
U L
U

UU U U U
U H
U U U U H 1H
U UH
U U UUH 2H
fl U H
U U H 3H
U U H
UU UH 4H
Cau.: bra bra kari binaya

baR,
janaka gahe kausika pada
j,
sunu munsa bara darasana tore ,
jo sukhu sujasu lokapati cahah,
so sukhu sujasu sulabha mohi svm,
knhi binaya puni puni siru n,
cal
barta
nisna
baj,
rmahi nirakhi grma nara nr,
raghupati cale saga saba bh.

carana renu sira nayananha l.1.
agamu na kachu pratti mana more .
karata manoratha sakucata ahah.2.
saba sidhi tava darasana anugm.
phire
mahsu
si
p.3.
mudita choa baRa saba samud.
pi nayana phalu hohi sukhr.4.
Paying his respectful compliments to Janaka again and again the Lord of
Raghus set out on His journey with His three brothers. Janaka approached Kauika,
clasped his feet and put the dust of the same on his head and eyes. He said, "Listen,
O lord of sages: to him who has been blessed with your sight nothing is unattainable;
such is my marrige party conviction. The joy and the bright renown which the regional
lords of the universe long to have, but feel too diffident to expectsuch a joy and glory
has been brought within my reach; and all achievements follow on seeing you." In these
words King Janaka made humble submission to Vivmitra, bowing his head again and
again, and returned after receiving his blessings. The people started on its return
journey to the sound of kettledrums; all the sections, both big and small, were
transported with joy. Men and women of the villages, as they gazed on r Rma, felt
gratified on realizing the object of their eyes.
(14)
U U U
fl U H 343H
Do.: bca bca bara bsa kari maga loganha sukha deta,
avadha sampa punta dina pahuc i janeta.343.
Halting at convenient stages in course of the journey and gladdening the people
on the roadside the marriage procession approached Ayodhy on a sacred day. (343)
0U fl U
Ufl UU U
U fl U
U flU
U U H
U U U UH 1H
fl H
UU U UU U mUH 2H
352
U Z
L
U
L U U
U U L UZH
U H 3H
U H
UH 4H
Cau.: hane nisna panava bara bje,

jh jhi
birava
iim suh,
pura jana vata akani bart,
nija nija sudara sadana sa vre,
gal
sakala
aragaj sic,
ban
bajru na ji bakhn,
saphala pugaphala kadali rasl,
lage subhaga taru parasatadharan,
bheri sakha dhuni haya gaya gje.

sarasa
rga
bjahi
sahan.1.
mudita sakala pulakvali gt.
ha ba cauhaa pura dvre.2.
jaha
taha
cauke cru pur.
torana
ketu
patka
bitn.3.
rope
bakula
kadaba
taml.
manimaya labla kala karan.4.
Kettledrums were beaten and good tabors sounded, accompanied by the blast of
sackbuts and conchs, and the neighing of horses and trumpeting of elephants. Similarly
there was a clash of cymbals and drums, while clarionets played sweet tunes. The
citizens were all delighted to hear the procession coming; the hair on their body stood
erect. They all decorated their own beautiful houses as well as the markets, streets,
squares and gates of the city. All the lanes were watered with perfumes; here and there
festal squares were filled in with elegant devices. The bazar was beautified beyond all
description with festal arches, flags, banners and canopies. Trees of the areca-nut, the
plantain, the mango, the Bakula, the Kadamba and the Tamla were transplanted
alongwith their fruit. The beautiful trees thus planted touched the ground (on account of
their being laden with fruits); they had basins of precious stones constructed around
them with exquisite skill.
(14)
U U U flU
U r UU UU U UUH 344H
Do.: bibidha bh ti magala kalasa gha gha race sa vri,

sura brahmdi sihhi saba raghubara pur nihri.344.
Festal vases of various kinds were ranged in order in every house; Brahm and
the other gods were filled with envy to see the birthplace of r Rma (the Chief of
Raghus).
(344)
0 fl flU U
UU
UU U U
U
U
U

U
fl U U
U
UU
U UH
U UH 1H
U U U U UH
UU UU UH 2H
U UU H
flU U UH 3H
U U H
UH 4H
Cau.: bhupa bhavanu tehi avasara soh, racan dekhi madana manu moh.
magala
saguna
manoharat, ridhi sidhi sukha sapad suh.1.
* BLA-KNA *
janu uchha saba sahaja suhe,
dekhana
hetu
rma
baideh,
jutha
jutha
mili
cal susini,
sakala
sumagala
saje rat,
bhupati
bhavana kolhalu ho,
kausalydi
rma
mahatr,
353
tanu dhari dhari dasaratha gha che.

kahahu llas hohi na keh.2.
nija chabi nidarahi madana bilsini.
gvahi janu bahu bea bhrat.3.
ji na barani samau sukhu so.
premabibasa tana das bisr.4.
The king's palace looked very charming on that occasion; its decoration captivated
the heart of Cupid himself. It looked as if auspicious omens and loveliness; affluence
and mystic powers, joys and smiling prosperity and all kinds of rejoicings had assumed
a naturally beautiful form and taken their abode in the palace of King Daaratha. Tell me
who would not feel tempted to have a look at r Rma and Videha's Daughter? Married
women, whose husbands were alive, sallied forth in troops, each eclipsing Love's
consort (Rati) by her beauty. They all carried articles of good omen and were equipped
with lights for waving round the bridegrooms. As they moved along singing all the way,
it appeared as if Goddess Bhrat (the goddess of speech) had appeared in so many
forms. The king's palace was full of hilarious tumult; the joy of the occasion was ineffable.
Kausaly and other mothers of r Rma were so overwhelmed with emotion that they
forgot their own body.
(14)
U UU
U U U UH 345H
Do.: die dna bipranha bipula puji ganesa purri,

pramudita parama daridra janu pi padratha cri.345.
After worshipping Lord Gaea and the Slayer of the demon Tripura, they
bestowed enormous gifts upon the Brhmaas and were supremely delighted as an
utterly indigent man who had attained the four great prizes of life.
(345)
0
U U U U

UU fl
U U
UU UU U U U
U
U U
U
U U H
UU H 1H
H
H 2H
U UH
U H 3H
U UH
UU H 4H
Cau.: moda pramoda bibasa saba mt,

rma darasa hita ati anurg,
bibidha
bidhna bjane
bje,
harada duba dadhi pallava phul,
acchata
akura
locana
lj,
chuhe puraa ghaa sahaja suhe,
saguna sugadha na jhi bakhn,
rac
rat
bahuta
bidhn,
calahi na carana sithila bhae gt.

parichani sju sajana saba lg.1.
magala mudita sumitr
sje.
pna pugaphala magala mul.2.
majula majari tulasi birj.
madana sakuna janu nRa bane.3.
magala sakala sajahi saba rn.
mudita karahi kala magala gn.4.
354
All the mothers were so overcome with joy and rapture that their feet refused to
walk and all their limbs began to droop as it were. Full of intense longing for a sight of
r Rma they began to get everything ready for the reception of their sons. Music of
every kind started playing, while Sumitr gladly got together articles of good omen such
as turmeric, blades of Durv grass, curds, ordinary leaves, flowers, betel-leaves, arecanuts, auspicious roots, unbroken rice, sprouts of barley, Gorocana, parched paddy and
lovely blossoms of the Basil plant. Exceedingly charming gold vases, painted with
various colours, looked like nests built by Cupid's own birds. Auspicious perfumes defied
all description. In this way all the queens prepared all sorts of auspicious articles. They
got ready rows of lights arranged in various devices for waving round their sons and with
a cheerful heart sang melodious festal strains.
(14)
0 U U U UU
UU U fl H 346H
Do.: kanaka thra bhari magalanhi kamala karanhi lie mta,
cal mudita parichani karana pulaka pallavita gta.346.
Carrying in their lotus hands salvers of gold laden with articles of good omen, the
queen-mothers proceeded joyfully to greet their sons cesemoniously , every limb of their
body throbbing with emotion.
(346)
0
UL U UU
flU
UU UU UU U
U U
U UU U
U U U
U
U U
fl U UH
U fl UUH 1H
U U flUH
L U H 2H
U UH
U U UH 3H
U UH
U U H 4H
Cau.: dhupa dhuma nabhu mecaka bhayau,

surataru sumana mla sura baraahi,
majula manimaya badanivre,
pragaahi durahi aanha para bhmini,
dudubhi dhuni ghana garajani ghor,
sura sugadha suci baraahi br,
samau jni gura yasu dnh,
sumiri sabhu girija ganarj,
svana ghana ghamau janu hayau.

manahu balka avali manu karaahi.1.
manahu pkaripu cpa sa vre.
cru capala janu damakahi dmini.2.
jcaka
ctaka
ddura
mor.
sukh sakala sasi pura nara nr.3.
pura prabesu raghukulamani knh.
mudita mahpati sahita samj.4.
The sky became dark with the fumes of burning incense, as though overhung with
the fast gathering clouds of the month of rvaa (August). The gods rained down
wreaths of flowers from the trees of paradise, which looked like rows of herons in their
graceful flight. Lovely festoons made of Jewels looked like rainbows appearing in a row.
Charming and volatile ladies, appearing on house-tops as quickly or disappearing an alties
looked like flashes of lightning. The beat of drums resembled the crash of thunder; while
beggars were as clamorous as the Ctaka birds, frogs and peacocks. The gods poured
* BLA-KNA *
355
down showers in the form of sacred perfumes, which gladdened the crop in the form of
all the citizens. Perceiving that a propitious hour had arrived the preceptor (Vasiha) gave
the word, and the jewel of Raghu's race, King Daaratha, gladly entered the city with all
his followers, fixing his mind on Bhagavn ambhu, Goddess Prvat and Their son, Lord
Gaea.
(14)
0UU
UU U
U H 347H
Do.: hohi saguna baraahi sumana sura dudubh baji,

bibudha badhu ncahi mudita majula magala gi.347.
Good omens manifested themselves and the gods rained down flowers to the beat
of drums; while celestial dames danced for joy, singing melodious triumphal songs. (347)
0 U U
U

U U U
UU
U UU
UU
UflU U
U UU U U
UU UU
flU U UUH
H 1H
U U UH
U UH 2H
UU UH
U UUH 3H
UUU U U U UH
UU UU UH 4H
Cau.: mgadha suta badi naa ngara,

jaya dhuni bimala beda bara bn,
bipula
bjane
bjana
lge,
bane
bart
barani na
jh,
purabsinha
taba
rya johre,
karahi nichvari manigana cr,
rati karahi mudita pura nr,
sibik
subhaga
ohra ughr,
gvahi jasu tihu loka ujgara.

dasa disi sunia sumagala sn.1.
nabha sura nagara loga anurge.
mah mudita mana sukha na samh.2.
dekhata rmahi bhae sukhre.
bri
bilocana
pulaka
sarr.3.
haraahi nirakhi kua ra bara cr.
dekhi dulahininha hohi sukhr.4.
Bards, minstrels, rhapsodists and skilled dancers chanted the glory of Him (r
Rma) who illumines all the three worlds. Auspicious hailiy sounds and the sacred and
melodious chanting of the Vedas were heard in all the ten directions. Musical instruments
of all kinds began to play; gods in heaven and men in the city were enraptured alike.
Members of the bridegroom's party looked smart beyond description. They were highly
delighted and could not contain themselves for joy. The people of Ayodhy then greeted
the king, and were gladdened at the very sight of r Rma. They scattered about Him
jewels and vestments; their eyes were full of tears and their body thrilled over. The women
of the city gladly waved lights around His head and rejoiced to see the four noble princes.
They were all the more gratified when they lifted the curtains of the beautiful palanquins
and beheld the brides.
(14)
0U
U UU
UU UU U UH 348H
356
Do.: ehi bidhi sabah deta sukhu e rjadura,

mudita mtu parichani karahi badhunha sameta kumra.348.
Thus gladdening the heart of all, they arrived at the entrance of the royal palace;
the delighted mothers waved lights over the princes and their brides.
(348)
0UU
U
UU
U
U
U U
U U
U
UU UU U fl
UU
UU U
U U
Cau.: karahi
bhuana
rat
mani
brahi
paa
nn
badhunha sameta dekhi suta
U UH
UU UflU H 1H
U
UUH
fl H 2H
UU UUH
U flU flU flH 3H
U U UUUH
U UU M UH 4H
br, premu
pramodu
jt, karahi
nichvari
cr, paramnada
kahai
ko
aganita
magana
pr.
bh t.1.
mahatr.
puni puni sya rma chabi dekh, mudita saphala jaga jvana lekh.2.
sakh sya mukha puni puni ch, gna karahi nija sukta sarh.
gvahi
lvahi
sev.3.
baraahi sumana chanahi chana dev, ncahi
dekhi
manohara
criu
jor, srada upam sakala ha hor.
deta na banahi nipaa laghu lg, ekaaka
rah
rupa
anurg.4.
They waved lights again and again; the love and rapture which they felt in their
heart was beyond all words. They scattered about their sons and daughters-in-law
ornaments, jewels and costumes of various kinds and numberless other articles. The
queen-mothers were enraptured to behold their four sons alongwith their brides. As they
gazed again and again on the beauty of St and Rma they felt delighted and regarded
the object of their life in this world as realized. The queen-mothers companions, as they
gazed on St's countenance over and over again, sang and extolled their good fortune.
Moment after moment the gods rained down flowers, danced and sang and offered their
homage. Seeing the four charming couples Goddess rad ransacked all her stock of
similes, but her choice fell on none; they appeared too trivial. She therefore stood gazing
with unwinking eyes, enchanted with their beauty.
(14)
U U U flU
U U UU fl H 349H
Do.: nigama nti kula rti kari aragha p vaRe deta,

badhunha sahita suta parichi saba cal lavi niketa.349.
After performing the rites prescribed by the Vedas and family usage the queenmothers waved lights over all the princes and their brides and conducted them to the
palace, offering water to them as a mark of respect and spreading carpets along the
way.
(349)
* BLA-KNA *
U
UU

UU
UU

fl
U
U H
U UH 1H
U U H
L U U UUUH 2H
U UH
UU UH 3H
U UflH
U U U H 4H
Cau.: cri sighsana sahaja suhe,

tinha para kua ri kua ra baihre,
dhupa dpa naibeda beda bidhi,
brahi
bra
rat
karah,
bastu
aneka
nichvari hoh,
pv parama tatva janu jog,
janama raka janu prasa pv,
muka badana janu srada ch,
janu manoja nija htha bane.

sdara
pya
punta
pakhre.1.
puje bara dulahini magalanidhi.
byajana cru cmara sira harah.2.
bhar pramoda mtu saba soh.
amtu laheu janu satata rog.3.
adhahi locana lbhu suhv.
mnahu samara sura jaya p.4.
0U
U
UU
S
fl
U
U U U

U
U
UflU
U fl
U U
U
357
There were four exquisitely beautiful thrones, which had been fashioned by Cupid
with his own hands as it were; the queen-mothers seated the brides and the bridegrooms
on them and reverently laved their holy feet. They then worshipped the blessed couples
in accordance with the Vedic ritual by offering them incense, light and oblations of food.
They passed lights around them again and again and waved beautiful fans and chowries
over their heads. They scattered offerings of various kinds about them; the mothers were
as full of exultation as a Yog who has realized the highest truth, or as a lifelong chronic
who has been able to lay his hands on nectar or as a born pauper who has stumbled
on a philosopher's stone, or as a blind man who has regained a good vision, or as a dumb
fellow, whose tongue has been transfused with the eloquence of rad, the goddess of
speech, or even as a hero who has triumphed in battle.
(14)
0U
U flU
U U U U UH 350 ()H
U UU U U U
U U U UH 350 ()H
Do.: ehi sukha te sata koi guna pvahi mtu anadu,

bhinha sahita bihi ghara e raghukulacadu.350(A).
loka rti janan karahi bara dulahini sakuchi,
modu binodu biloki baRa rmu manahi musukhi.350(B).
The mothers derived joy millions of times greater than the joys mentioned above;
for in their case it was the Delighter of Raghu's race Himself who had returned home with
His brothers duly married. As the mothers performed the traditional rites the brides and
their grooms felt shy; while r Rma smiled within Himself on perceiving the ecstasy
and merriment of the occasion.
(350 A-B)
358
0fl U
U
U U
UU
U
U
U
U UU UU
U U U UU
U
fl

Cau.: deva
pitara
sabahi
puje
badi
atarahita
yasu
pura
jcaka
sevaka
boli
pi
nara
nk, puj
sakala
bsan
k.
mgahi
baradn, bhinha
sahita
rma
kalyn.1.
sia deh, mudita mtu acala bhari leh.
sura
bhupati
bidhi
H
U U U H 1H
U UH
UH 2H
UH
U U H 3H
UU U H
U H 4H
bart
rkhi
nri
jana
sakala
lnhe, jna basana mani bhuana dnhe.2.
ura rmahi, mudita gae saba nija nija dhmahi.
sakala
jcahi
pahire, ghara ghara bjana lage badhe.3.

joi
bajani
jo, pramudita
nn, purana
ru
kie
dehi
dna
soi
so.
sanamn.4.
The mothers gratefully worshipped the gods and manes with due ceremony; for
all the cravings of their heart had been satisfied. Bowing to all they begged as a boon
the welfare of Rma and His brothers. The gods conferred their blessings all unseen,
and the mothers gladly received them by spreading the end of their garment. The king
sent for those who had joined the marriage party and gave them vehicles, wearing
apparel, jewels and ornaments. Having received the king's permission and enshrining
r Rma's image in their heart they joyfully returned each to his own house. All the
men and women of the city were invested with garments and jewels and there was
jubilant music in every home. The king in his exultation gave whatever the mendicants
asked for. Every attendant and every musician was sated with gifts and kind
attentions.
(14)
0U
UU flU
U U U U fl U UH 351H
Do.: dehi assa johri saba gvahi guna gana gtha,

taba gura bhusura sahita gha gavanu knha narantha.351.
They all saluted and invoked blessing upon the king and sang his praises, and
thereafter the king, accompanied by his preceptor and other Brhmaas, proceeded to
the palace.
(351)
0
CU
U
U U U
U Ufl
U
U UH
UU U H 1H
flH
H 2H
* BLA-KNA *
U U
U
U
U fl U U
U UU
U H
UU U U UH 3H
fl UU UflH
U UU UH 4H
Cau.: jo
basia
anussana
dnh,
bhusura bhra dekhi saba rn,
pya
pakhri
sakala anhave,
dara
dna
prema
paripoe,
bahu bidhi knhi gdhisuta puj,
knhi
prasas bhupati bhur,
bhtara bhavana dnha bara bsu,
puje gura pada kamala bahor,
loka beda bidhi sdara knh.

sdara uh bhgya baRa jn.1.
puji bhal bidhi bhupa jev e.
deta
assa
cale
mana
toe.2.
ntha mohi sama dhanya na duj.
rninha sahita lnhi paga dhur.3.
mana jogavata raha npu ranivsu.
knhi binaya ura prti na thor.4.
359
Under Vasihas directions he reverently performed all the ceremonies prescribed

either by usage or by the Veda. The queens, on seeing a crowd of Brhmaas, deemed
themselves most fortunate and all rose to greet them. They laved the feet of the holy
ones and helped them all perform their ablutions; while the king duly worshipped and
entertained them at meal. Overwhelmed with the host's civility, gifts and love, they
departed glad of heart invoking blessings on him. To Gdhi's son (Vivmitra) he paid
homage in various ways and said, "My lord, there is no one so blessed as I am." The
king lavished his praises on him and with his queens took the dust of his feet. He assigned
the sage a fine quarter in his own palace, while the king and his whole gynaeceum kept
a vigilant eye on his wants even though unexpressed. Again he adored the lotus feet of
his preceptor (Vasiha) and made humble submission to him with great affection in his
heart.
(14)
0U
U UU U U
U U H 352H
Do.: badhunha sameta kumra saba rninha sahita mahsu,

puni puni badata gura carana deta assa munsu.352.
All the princes with their brides and the king with his queens bowed to the preceptor's
feet again and again, while the great sage invoked blessings on them all.
(352)
0 U UU
UU U UU

UU

U
fl
UU
Cau.: binaya knhi
negu
mgi
U
U

Z
U
U

U
U H
U U UH 1H
UU U U fl H
L UUZH 2H
L U UUfl UH
L M UH 3H
H
U UUUH 4H
ura ati anurge , suta sapad rkhi saba ge .

muninyaka lnh, sirabdu bahuta bidhi dnh.1.
360
ura dhari rmahi sya samet,
biprabadhu
saba bhupa bol,
bahuri
boli
susini
lnh,
neg
nega
joga
saba
leh,
priya phune pujya je
jne,
deva
dekhi
raghubra bibhu,
harai knha gura gavanu niket.

caila
cru
bhuana
pahir.2.
ruci
bicri
pahirvani
dnh.
ruci anurupa bhupamani deh.3.
bhupati bhal bh ti sanamne.
barai prasuna prasasi uchhu.4.
With his heart overflowing with love he made entreaties to the Guru and placed his
sons and all his wealth before him. The great sage, however, asked for and accepted
only his customary due (as a family priest) for the ceremonial occasion and blessed him
in profusion. And with the image of St and Rma installed in his heart he gladly
proceeded to his own residence. The king then summoned all the Brhmaa dames, and
invested them with beautiful robes, and ornaments. He next sent for the married women
of the city (whose husbands were alive and who, though born in Ayodhy, were married
elsewhere) and presented them with garments of their liking. All those who were entitled
to receive gifts and presents on ceremonial occasions, received their dues from the jewel
of kings, who rewarded them according to their choice; and the king duly honoured those
guests whom he regarded as worthy of affection and adoration. The gods who witnessed
r Rma's wedding, rained down flowers, while applauding the jubilation
(14)
U U
U UU U N H 353H
Do.: cale nisna baji sura nija nija pura sukha pi,
kahata parasapara rma jasu prema na hdaya sami.353.
And with beat of drum the celestials gladly proceeded each to his abode, talking
to one another of r Rma's glory with their heart overflowing with love.
(353)
0 U UU
U Ufl U
U
U
UU
Ufl
UU U U
U U
U U U
UU NU U U UUUH
U UUU U UUH 1H
U U H
U U U UU UH 2H
UU H
U U UH 3H
UH
U UH 4H
Cau.: saba bidhi sabahi samadi naranhu,

jaha
ranivsu tah pagu dhre,
lie
goda kari moda samet,
badhu saprema goda
baihr,
dekhi samju mudita ranivsu,
kaheu bhupa jimi bhayau bibhu,
janaka
rja guna slu baR,
bahubidhi bhupa bha jimi baran,
rah hdaya
bhari puri uchhu.
sahita bahuinha kua ra nihre.1.
ko kahi sakai bhayau sukhu jet.
bra bra hiya harai dulr.2.
saba ke ura anada kiyo bsu.
suni suni harau hota saba khu.3.
prti
rti
sapad
suh.
rn saba pramudita suni karan.4.
* BLA-KNA *
361
Having shown everyone all possible honour the king, whose heart was overbrimming
with joy, visited the private apartments and beheld the princes with their brides. He gladly
took the boys in his arms and experienced a thrill of joy which nobody could tell. Similarly
he affectionately seated the brides in his lap and fondled them again and again with a
heart full of rapture. The ladies of the gynaeceum were delighted to behold this spectacle;
the heart of everyone became an abode of joy. The king related how the wedding had
taken place and everyone was delighted to hear the account. The goodness, amiability,
nobility, loving nature and the splendid wealth of King Janaka were extolled by King
Daaratha in a variety of ways even as a rhapsodist would do; and the queens were
enraptured to hear the record of his doings.
(14)
0U
U U
U U UH 354H
Do.: sutanha sameta nahi npa boli bipra gura gyti,

bhojana knha aneka bidhi ghar paca gai rti.354.
After bathing with his sons the king called the Brhmaas, the preceptor and his
own kinsmen and, having entertained them at meal, feasted himself on a variety of
dishes till a couple of hours of the night passed.
(354)
0 UU U

U
UU
U
U U U
U fl U
U
U U U Z
UU H
d U UH 1H
fl U H
U
UUH 2H
U
U
H
U U UH 3H
U Z UH
UU ZH 4H
Cau.: magalagna karahi bara bhmini,

a cai
pna
saba
khu
pe,
rmahi
dekhi
rajyasu
p,
premu pramodu binodu baR,
kahi na sakahi sata srada sesu,
so mai kahau kavana bidhi baran,
npa saba bh ti sabahi sanamn,
badhu larikan para ghara ,
bhai sukhamula manohara jmini.

sraga sugadha bhuita chabi che.1.
nija nija bhavana cale sira n.
samau
samju
manoharat.2.
beda biraci mahesa ganesu.
bhumingu sira dharai ki dharan.3.
kahi mdu bacana bol rn.
rkhehu nayana palaka k n.4.
Lovely women sang joyous songs, and the night became a source of delight and
soul-enchanting. After rinsing their mouth the king and his party were all given betel-leaves;
and adorned with garlands and sandal-paste etc., they looked most charming. Looking
once more at r Rma and having received theis permision they proceeded each to his
own house, bowing their heads. The love and rapture, meriment and magnanimity,
prosperity, splendour and loveliness that manifested there were more than could be told by
a hundred rads and eas, Vedas and Brahms, ivas and Gaeas. How, then,
can I describe them at length any more than an earthly worm could support the globe on
362
its head? The king then summoned the queens and, showing every honour to them all,
admonished them in gentle tones. "The brides are yet damsels and have come to a strange
house; therefore, take care of them as eyelids protect the eyes.
(14)
0U
U UflU
U U U U H 355H
Do.: larik ramita unda basa sayana karvahu

asa kahi ge birmagha rma carana citu
ji,
li.355.
"The boys are tired and feeling drowsy; go and put them to bed." So saying he
retired to his own bedroom with his mind fixed on r Rma's feet.
(355)
0 U
U
UUU U U
U U L
LU U U
U
S
U
fl
U

U
fl
UU
U

U
U UH
H 1H
d U UH
U U flH 2H
H
U UH 3H
UU H
U U UH 4H
Cau.: bhupa bacana suni sahaja suhe,

subhaga surabhi paya phena samn,
upabarahana bara barani na jh,
ratanadpa
suhi
cru ca dov,
seja rucira raci rmu
uhe,
agy puni puni bhinha dnh,
dekhi syma mdu majula gt,
mraga
jta
bhayvani
bhr,
jarita kanaka mani pala ga ase.

komala
kalita
supet
nn.1.
sraga sugadha manimadira mh.
kahata na banai jna jehi jov.2.
prema sameta pala ga pauRhe.
nija nija seja sayana tinha knh.3.
kahahi saprema bacana saba mt.
kehi bidhi tta tRak mr.4.
Hearing the sweet and loving words of the king, the queens made ready
bejewelled beds of gold and furnished them with many a rich covering, soft and white as
the froth of cow's milk, and pillows more charming than words can tell. The bed-chamber,
made of precious stones, was decked with garlands and supplied with perfumes, lamps
consisting of bright gems and a canopy lovely beyond words. He alone who saw it could
know what it was like. Having thus prepared a number of fine beds the queens took up
r Rma and lovingly laid Him down upon one of them. On being repeatedly asked by
r Rma, His brothers too retired each to his own bed. As the mothers gazed on the
swarthy limbs of r Rma, so soft and attractive, they all exclaimed in loving accents,
"How did you manage, dear child; to kill the most dreadful demoness Tak while on
your way to the forest?
(14)
0 U
U U U U U U U
U U U U UH 356H
Do.: ghora niscara bikaa bhaa samara ganahi nahi khu,

mre sahita sahya kimi khala mrca subhu.356.
* BLA-KNA *
363
"How were you able to slay those monstrous giants, the wicked Mrca and Subhu
and their followers, who were formidable warriors and counted none before them in
battle?
(356)
0 UU
UflU U U Z
U U
U U U UU
Sfl
U UU
UU
U
UflU
UUH
L l ZH 1H
U UU fl U UH
U fl UH 2H
fl U H
fl UH 3H
UUH
U UU H 4H
Cau.: muni prasda bali tta tumhr,

makha rakhavr kari duhu bh,
munitiya tar lagata paga dhur,
kamaha phi pabi kua kahor,
bisva
bijaya jasu jnaki p,
sakala amnua karama tumhre,
ju suphala jaga janamu hamr,
je dina gae tumhahi binu dekhe ,
sa
aneka
karavare
r.
guru prasda saba bidy p.1.
krati rah bhuvana bhari pur.
npa samja mahu siva dhanu tor.2.
e bhavana byhi saba bh.
kevala
kausika
kp sudhre.3.
dekhi tta bidhubadana tumhr.
te biraci jani prahi lekhe .4.
"My darling may God bless you; it was through the grace of the sage Vivmitra
alone that God kept away a number of calamities from you. Even while you and your
brother (Lakmaa) guarded the sacrifice, you were initiated into all the secret lore. At
the mere touch of the dust from your feet the hermit's wife (Ahaly) attained salvation and
your glory filled the whole universe. In the assembly of princes you broke ivas bow, hard
though it was as a tortoise-shell or adamant or rock. You gained the glory of having
triumphed over the world and won the hand of Janaka's daughter, and then returned home
after marrying all your brothers. All your actions have been superhuman and were
accomplished only by the grace of the sage Kauika. Our birth into the world has borne
fruit today as we now behold, dear child, your moon-like face. Our prayer is that the
number of days that have been spent without seeing you, may not be reckoned by the
Creator at all."
(14)
0 U
U U
U U H 357H
Do.: rma prato mtu saba kahi binta bara baina,

sumiri sabhu gura bipra pada kie ndabasa naina.357.
r Rma gratified all His mothers by addressing sweet and polite words to them;
and fixing His thought on the feet of Lord ambhu, His preceptors (Vasiha and Vivmitra)
and the Brhmaas in general, He closed His eyes in order to sleep.
(357)
0U U U U
U U UU U U U
ULU
UU
H
UH 1H
364
U U U
U U
U
U U
U U
U
Z

UU
U UU U H
U U UU ZH 2H
LU U H
U mU UU H 3H
H
mU UH 4H
Cau.: ndau badana soha suhi lon,

ghara ghara karahi jgarana nr,
pur
birjati
rjati
rajan,
sudara badhunha ssu lai so,
prta punta kla prabhu jge,
badi mgadhanhi gunagana ge,
badi bipra sura gura pitu mt,
jananinha sdara badana nihre,
manahu
s jha sarasruha son.
dehi parasapara magala gr.1.
rn
kahahi
bilokahu
sajan.
phanikanha janu siramani ura go.2.
arunacuRa
bara
bolana
lge.
purajana
dvra
johrana
e.3.
pi assa mudita saba bhrt.
bhupati saga dvra pagu dhre.4.
Even during sleep His most charming countenance gleamed as a red lotus, half
closed at eventide. In every house women kept vigil and railed at one another in
auspicious strains. The queens said to one another, "See, friends, how resplendent the
city is, and how splendid the night !" The mothers-in-law then slept with the lovely brides
enfolded in their arms even as serpents would clasp to their bosom the gems from their
hood. At the holy hour before dawn the Lord awoke, and the cocks commenced their
beautiful crowing. The rhapsodists and genealogists sang His praises, while the citizens
flocked to the gate to make their obeisance. The four brothers saluted the Brhmaas
and gods as well as their preceptor and parents and were glad to receive their
benedictions. The mothers reverently gazed on their countenance as the princes
repaired to the gate with the king.
(14)
0 U
U U U
U U UU H 358H
Do.: knhi sauca saba sahaja suci sarita punta nahi,

prtakriy
kari
tta
pahi
e
criu
bhi.358.
Though pure in themselves, the four brothers performed all the purificatory acts
(such as evacuating the bowels, cleansing the privates and the hands with water and
clay, rinsing the mouth, brushing the teeth and cleansing the tongue etc.,) and bathed in
the holy river (Sarayu) and, having gone through their morning routine of prayer etc.,
returned to their sire.
(358)
0 UU
U U
cU
U
UU
U
H
fl H 1H
U UH
U U U UH 2H
* BLA-KNA *
UU cU U U
U

U U
U U U UflH
CU UH 3H
U U H
U UU UUUH 4H
Cau.: bhupa
biloki
lie
ura
l,
dekhi rmu saba sabh juRn,
puni basiu muni kausiku e,
sutanha sameta puji pada lge,
kahahi basiu dharama itihs,
muni mana agama gdhisuta karan,
bole
bmadeu
saba
s c,
suni nadu bhayau saba khu,
baihe
harai
rajyasu
p.
locana lbha avadhi anumn.1.
subhaga sananhi muni baihe.
nirakhi rmu dou gura anurge.2.
sunahi mahsu sahita ranivs.
mudita basia bipula bidhi baran.3.
krati kalita loka tihu
mc.
rma lakhana ura adhika uchhu.4.
365
The king, on seeing them, clasped them to his bosom; and the four brothers gladly
sat down on receiving his permission. The whole court was gratified to see Rma and
accounted their eyes supremely blest. Then came the sages Vasiha and Vivmitra
and were seated on splendid seats. The father and sons adored the sages and clasped
their feet and the two preceptors were enraptured to behold r Rma. The sage Vasiha
narrated sacred legends, while the king and the ladies of the gynaeceum listened. In the
course of his narration the sage gladly recounted in diverse ways the doings of Vivmitra,
that surpassed the imagination even of hermits. Vmadeva (another family preceptor of
King Daaratha) observed that whatever Vasiha said was true and that Vivmitra's
fair renown had pervaded all the three spheres. Everyone rejoiced to hear that, while r
Rma and Lakmaa were all the more delighted at heart.
(14)
UUU U fl U
U fl U H 359H
Do.: magala moda uchha nita jhi divasa ehi bh ti,

umag avadha anada bhari adhika adhika adhikti.359.
There was constant felicity, joy and rejoicing and days rolled on in this way. The
city of Ayodhy was inundated with a tidal wave of delight, swelling higher and still
higher.
(359)
0 UU
fl U UU
Sfl UU

UU
U

UU
U UU U UU
U UU U U
U U
U
UH
fl U UH 1H
U UUUH
UU
UUH 2H
U UU H
fl UH 3H
U UU UH
UU U fl H 4H
U U H
U UH 5H
366
Cau.: sudina sodhi kala kakana chore,

nita nava sukhu sura dekhi sihh,
bisvmitru
calana nita cahah,
dina dina sayaguna bhupati bhu,
mgata
bid
ru
anurge,
ntha sakala sapad tumhr,
karaba sad larikanha para chohu,
asa kahi ru sahita suta rn,
dnhi assa bipra bahu bh t,
rmu saprema saga saba bh,
magala moda binoda na thore.

avadha janma jcahi bidhi ph.1.
rma saprema binaya basa rahah.
dekhi
sarha
mahmuniru.2.
sutanha sameta hRha bhe ge.
mai sevaku sameta suta nr.3.
darasanu deta rahaba muni mohu.
pareu carana mukha va na bn.4.
cale
na
prti
rti
kahi
jt.
yasu
pi
phire
pahu c.5.
After fixing an auspicious day the sacred strings (tied round the wrist of the brides
and bridegrooms before the wedding for warding off evil-spirits) were untied with no little
felicity, joy and merriment. The gods were filled with envy to see new rejoicings everyday
and begged of the Creator that they might be born in Ayodhy. Vivmitra intended
leaving everyday, but was detained by r Rma's affectionate entreaties. Seeing the
king's devotion to him, grow a hundredfold day after day the great sage Vivmitra was
full of praise for him. At last when he asked permission to go, the king was greatly moved
and with his sons stood before him saying, "My lord, all that I have, is yours; while I and
my sons and wives are your servants. Be ever gracious to these boys and condescend
from time to time to bless me with your sight." So saying, the king with his sons and
queens fell at his feet, and speech failed his tongue. The Brhmaa (Vivmitra) invoked
upon him every kind of blessing and departed amidst a scene of love that defied all
description. r Rma and all His brothers lovingly escorted him and returned only when
they were allowed to go back.
(15)
0 U
M U UUU
UU U H 360H
Do.: rma rupu bhupati bhagati byhu uchhu anadu,

jta sarhata manahi mana mudita gdhikulacadu.360.
The delighter of Gdhi's race gladly went on his way praising within himself r
Rma's beauty, King Daaratha's piety, the wedding of r Rma and St and the
festivities and rejoicings connected therewith.
(360)
0fl
U
U
U U
UU
U

U U U U fl
U U U
U U UUU
fl fl
U U U
UU H
U H 1H
U U H
U UflH 2H
fl H
U U U UUH 3H
U H
U U H 4H
Cau.: bmadeva raghukula gura gyn, bahuri gdhisuta kath bakhn.

suni muni sujasu manahi mana ru, baranata pana punya prabhu.1.
* BLA-KNA *
bahure
loga rajyasu bhayau,
jaha taha rma byhu sabu gv,
e byhi rmu ghara jaba te ,
prabhu bibha jasa bhayau uchhu,
kabikula
jvanu
pvana
jn,
tehi te mai kachu kah bakhn,
367
sutanha sameta npati gha gayau.

sujasu punta loka tihu
chv.2.
basai anada avadha saba taba te .
sakahi na barani gir ahinhu.3.
rma sya jasu magala khn.
karana punta hetu nija bn.4.
Vmadeva and the wise preceptor of Raghu's race, Vasiha, once more narrated
the story of Vivmitra (Gdhi's son). On hearing the sage's bright glory the king praised
to himself the value of his stock of merits (which attracted the sage to his house and won
for him his favour). At the royal command the people dispersed, while the king with his
sons returned to his palace. Everywhere the people sang the story of r Rma's
wedding, and His holy and fair fame was diffused through all the three spheres. From the
day r Rma came home duly married, every kind of joy took its abode in Ayodhy. The
festivities that followed the Lord's wedding were more than the goddess of speech or the
Lord of serpents, ea, could tell. I know that the glory of r Rma and St is the very
life and sanctifier of the race of poets and a mine of blessings; that is why I have said
something about it just to hallow my speech.
(14)
U0
U fl U U U s
UU U U U L sH
U UUU U flU
U U flUH
gir pvani karana krana rma jasu tulas kahyo,
raghubra carita apra bridhi pru kabi kaune lahyo.
upabta byha uchha magala suni je sdara gvah,
baidehi rma prasda te jana sarbad sukhu pvah.
Cha.: nija
For the purpose of hallowing his speech has Tulasdsa sung r Rma's glory;
otherwise the story of r Rma is a limitless ocean, which no poet has ever been able
to cross. Those men who reverently hear or sing the tale of the auspicious festivities
attendant on r Rma's investiture with the sacred thread and marriage shall ever be
happy by the grace of Videha's Daughter and r Rma.
UU U flU U
U U UUU U H 361H
So.: siya raghubra bibhu je saprema gvahi sunahi,

tinha kahu sad uchhu magalyatana rma jasu.361.
Those who lovingly sing or hear the story of St and Rma's marriage shall ever
rejoice; for r Rma's glory is an abode of felicity.
(361)
U flfl #
iti rmadrmacaritamnase sakalakalikaluavidhvasane prathama sopna sampta.
Thus ends the first descent into the Mnasa lake of r Rma's exploits,
that eradicates all the impurities of the Kali age.
Kevaa Ke Bhgya
U U U U U H
r Rmacaritamnasa
(The Mnasa lake containing the exploits of r Rma)
Descent Two
(Ayodhy-Ka)

SVU fl UU fl S
fl U SU U
fl UflU fl fl
fl fl fl VUU H.1H
loka
yasyke ca vibhti bhudharasut devpag mastake
bhle blavidhurgale ca garala yasyorasi vylar,
soya bhutivibhuaa suravara sarvdhipa sarvad
arva sarvagata iva ainibha rakara ptu mm.1.
May He in whose lap shines forth the Daughter of the mountain-king, who carries
the celestial stream on His head, on whose brow rests the crescent moon, whose throat
holds poison and whose breast is the support of a huge serpent, and who is adorned by
the ashes on His body, may that Chief of gods, the Lord of all, the Destroyer of the
universe, the omnipresent iva, the moon-like akara, ever protect me.
(1)
S flfl
US S XUH.2H
prasannat y na gatbhiekatastath na mamle vanavsadukhata,

mukhmbujar raghunandanasya me sadstu s majulamagalaprad.2.
May the splendour of r Rmas lotus-like face, which neither grew brighter at the
prospect of His being installed on the throne of Ayodhy nor was dimmed by the painful
experience of exile in the woods, ever bring sweet felicity to me.
(2)
XU
UL
Ufl
U UflH.3H
370
nlmbujaymalakomalga
stsamropitavmabhgam,
pau mahsyakacrucpa nammi rma raghuvaantham.3.
I adore r Rma, the Lord of Raghus race, whose limbs are as dark and soft as
a blue lotus, who has St enthroned on His left side and who holds in His hands a
mighty arrow and a graceful bow.
(3)
0 L
U U U L U
UU UU UH
Do.: rguru carana saroja raja nija manu mukuru sudhri,

baranau raghubara bimala jasu jo dyaku phala cri.
Cleansing the mirror of my mind with the dust from the lotus feet of the revered
Guru, I sing r Rmas untarnished glory, that bestows the four rewards of human life.
0 U U U
fl
U U U
U U
U U U
U U U
U U
U
U M
fl H
UU UH 1H
U fl U H
U H 2H
U UH
U UUH 3H
U H
U UH 4H
Cau.: jaba te rmu byhi ghara e,

bhuvana cridasa bhudhara bhr,
ridhi sidhi sapati nad suh,
manigana pura nara nri sujt,
kahi na ji kachu nagara bibhut,
saba bidhi saba pura loga sukhr,
mudita mtu saba sakh sahel,
rma
rupu guna slu subhu,
nita nava magala moda badhe.

sukta megha baraahi sukha br.1.
umagi avadha abudhi kahu .
suci amola sudara saba bh t.2.
janu etania biraci
karatut.
rmacada mukha cadu nihr.3.
phalita
biloki
manoratha
bel.
pramudita hoi dekhi suni ru.4.
From the day r Rma returned home duly married, there was new festivity and
jubilant music everyday. The fourteen spheres were like huge mountains on which clouds
in the shape of meritorious deeds poured showers of joy. The water thus discharged
formed into gorgeous rivers of affluence, success and prosperity, that rose in spate and
flowed into the ocean of Ayodhy. The men and women of the city were like jewels of a
fine quality, bright, priceless and charming in everyway. The splendour of the capital was
beyond description; it seemed as if the Creators workmanship had been exhausted there.
Gazing on the moon-like face of r Rmacandra the citizens were all happy in everyway.
All the mothers with their companions and maids were delighted to see the creeper of their
hearts desire bear fruit. The king was particularly enraptured when he saw or heard of r
Rmas beauty, goodness, amiability and genial disposition.
(14)
UU UU U
U U UU U H 1H
* AYODHY-KNA *
371
Do.: saba ke ura abhilu asa kahahi mani mahesu,

pa achata jubarja pada rmahi deu naresu.1.
All cherished in their heart a common desire and said in their prayer to the great Lord
iva, Would that the king in his own life-time appointed r Rma as his regent.
(1)
0 U
U UU
UUU
fl U
U

U L U U
fl
U U U U
U
UU
UH
U U UUUH 1H
UU L UH
U U UH 2H
U U U H
U UH 3H
U UU UH
fl U UH 4H
Cau.: ek samaya saba sahita samj,

sakala sukta
murati naranhu,
npa saba rahahi kp abhile,
tibhuvana tni kla
jaga mh,
magalamula
rmu
suta jsu,
rya subhya mukuru kara lnh,
ravana sampa bhae sita kes,
npa jubarju rma kahu dehu,
rjasabh
raghurju
birj.
rma sujasu suni atihi uchhu.1.
lokapa karahi prti rukha rkhe .
bhuri bhga dasaratha sama nh.2.
jo kachu kahia thora sabu tsu.
badanu biloki mukuu sama knh.3.
manahu jarahapanu asa upades.
jvana janama lhu kina lehu.4.
One day the Chief of Raghus sat with all his court in the state assembly hall.
Himself the embodiment of all virtues, the king was overjoyed to hear of r Rmas fair
renown. Every monarch solicited his favour, and the very guardians of the world
cultivated his friendship while respecting his wishes. In all the three spheres of the
universe and in all time past, present or futurenone could be found so abundantly
blessed as Daaratha. Of him who had for his son Rma, the root of all bliss, whatever
might be said, would fall short of the truth. The king casually took a mirror in his hand
and looking at his face in the mirror, set his crown straight. The hair beside his ears had
turned grey; it seemed as if old age were whispering into his ears, O king, make Rma
your regent and thereby realize the object of your life and birth in this world. (14)
0 U
L UU flL
UU U H 2H
Do.: yaha bicru ura ni npa sudinu suavasaru pi,

prema pulaki tana mudita mana gurahi sunyau ji.2.
Entertaining this idea in his mind and finding an auspicious day and a suitable
opportunity the king communicated it to his Guru (Vasiha) with his body thrilling over
with emotion and his mind filled with rapture.
(2)
0U U H
fl fl U UU U UH 1H
372
U U U
U
UflU Z
U U U U UU
U U U
U
U U
Cau.: kahai
bhulu
sevaka
saciva
sunia
U UH
UU UU UUU ZH 2H
fl UUH
U U fl H 3H
U U UUH
UU U U UH 4H
muninyaka, bhae rma saba bidhi saba lyaka.
sakala
purabs, je
hamre
ari
mitra
uds.1.
sabahi rmu priya jehi bidhi moh, prabhu assa janu tanu dhari soh.
bipra
sahita
parivra
gos, karahi chohu saba raurihi n.2.
je gura carana renu sira dharah, te janu sakala bibhava basa karah.
mohi sama yahu anubhayau na duje , sabu
aba
abhilu
eku
mana more , pujihi
muni prasanna lakhi sahaja sanehu, kaheu
pyau
raja
pvani
puje .3.
ntha
anugraha
tore .
naresa
rajyasu
dehu.4.
Said the king, Listen, O chief of sages: Rma is now accomplished in everyway.
Servants and ministers, nay, all the people of the city and others who are either my
enemies or friends or neutrals, hold Rma as dear as I do. It seems your benediction
itself has incarnated in his lovely form. What more, my lord, all the Brhmaas and
their families cherish the same love for him as you do. Those who place on their head
the dust from the Gurus feet acquire mastery as it were, over all fortune. No one has
realized it as I have done; I have obtained everything by adoring the holy dust from
your feet. Now there remains only one longing in my heart and that too will be realized
by your grace, my lord. The sage was delighted to perceive his artless devotion and
said, O king, give me your commands.
(14)
0 U
UUU U
U UUH 3H
Do.: rjana rura nmu jasu saba abhimata dtra,

phala anugm mahipa mani mana abhilu tumhra.3.
O king, your very name and glory grant all ones desires. The object of your
hearts desire, O jewel of monarchs, is accomplished even before you entertain the
desire.
(3)
0 L
U
UU U
U U U U UUU
fl U
UUU
U U
UU
U UU Sfl
U UU UU H
U U U H 1H
UU UH
U UH 2H
U U U UH
H 3H
U UH
U H 4H
* AYODHY-KNA *
Cau.: saba bidhi guru prasanna jiya jn,
ntha rmu
kariahi jubarju,
mohi
achata yahu hoi uchhu,
prabhu prasda siva sabai nibh,
puni na soca tanu rahau ki ju,
suni muni dasaratha bacana suhe,
sunu npa jsu bimukha pachith,
bhayau tumhra tanaya soi svm,
373
boleu ru raha si mdu bn.

kahia kp kari karia samju.1.
lahahi loga saba locana lhu.
yaha llas eka mana mh.2.
jehi
na
hoi
pche pachitu.
magala moda mula mana bhe.3.
jsu bhajana binu jarani na jh.
rmu
punta
prema
anugm.4.
When the king was assured in his heart of the Guru being so favourably disposed
in everyway, he cheerfully said in gentle tones, My lord, let Rma be invested with regal
powers; pray, command me so that necessary preparations may be set on foot. Let this
happy event take place during my life-time so that all people may attain the reward of their
eyesight. By the Lords blessing iva has allowed everything to pass smoothly; this is the
only longing that I have in my mind. Then I will not mind whether this body survives or not,
so that I may not have to repent afterwards. The sage was pleased to hear these
agreeable words of Daaratha, which were the very fountain of felicity and joy. He said,
Listen, O king: aversion to r Rma makes one repent, while His adoration is the only
means of soothing the agony of ones heart; nay, He follows like a shadow where there is
unadulterated love; the same Lord r Rma has been born as a son to you.
(14)
U
U U UU UH 4H
Do.: begi bilabu na karia npa sjia sabui samju,

sudina sumagalu tabahi jaba rmu hohi jubarju.4.
O king, let there be no delay, and make every preparation quickly. That day itself
is auspicious and full of blessings, when Rma it proclaimed regent.
(4)
0
U
U
U fl U
U

fl UU U U
U
U fl
fl fl H
H 1H
UU UU U UU UH 2H
Ufl UU H
U U UUH 3H
UH
U U U H 4H
Cau.: mudita
mahpati madira
e,
kahi jayajva
ssa tinha ne,
jau
p cahi
mata
lgai nk,
matr mudita sunata priya bn,
binat saciva karahi
kara jor,
jaga magala bhala kju bicr,
npahi modu suni saciva subh,
sevaka saciva sumatru bole.

bhupa sumagala bacana sune.1.
karahu harai hiya
rmahi k.2.
abhimata birava
pareu janu pn.
jiahu
jagatapati
barisa
karor.3.
begia
ntha
na
lia
br.
baRhata bau Ra janu lah suskh.4.
The king returned rejoicing to his palace and summoned his servants and
counsellors including Sumantra. They bowed their heads saying, Victory to you may
374
you live long; and the king placed before them the most auspicious proposal. If this
proposal finds favour with you all, instal r Rma on the throne with a cheerful heart.
The counsellors were glad to hear these agreeable words, which fell like a shower on the
young plant of their desire. The ministers prayed with joined palms: May you continue
to live for millions of years, O sovereign of the world. You have thought out a good plan
which is a source of happiness to the whole world; therefore, lord, make haste and lose
no time. The king was pleased to hear the encouraging words of the ministers; it looked
as if a growing creeper had obtained the support of a strong bough.
(14)
0 UU
U U U
U U U UU H 5H
Do.: kaheu bhupa munirja kara joi joi yasu

rma rja abhieka hita begi karahu soi
hoi,
soi.5.
Said the king, Whatever orders the great sage Vasiha may be pleased to give
in connection with r Rmas coronation should be promptly carried out.
(5)
0UU UU

U U U
U U
UU M
U U fl
U U H
U H 1H
U U U H
H 2H
UU UU U H
UU U U U UH 3H
UU fl MH
UU U flH 4H
Cau.: harai munsa kaheu mdu bn,

auadha mula phula phala pn,
cmara carama basana bahu bh t,
manigana magala bastu anek,
beda bidita kahi sakala bidhn,
saphala rasla
pugaphala ker,
racahu maju mani cauke cru,
pujahu ganapati gura kuladev,
nahu
sakala
sutratha
pn.
kahe nma gani magala nn.1.
roma pa paa aganita jt.
jo jaga jogu bhupa abhiek.2.
kaheu racahu pura bibidha bitn.
ropahu bthinha pura cahu pher.3.
kahahu banvana begi bajru.
saba bidhi karahu bhumisura sev.4.
The great sage Vasiha gladly said in soft accents, Fetch water from all principal
sacred places. And then he enumerated by name a number of auspicious objects such
as herbs, roots, flowers, fruits, leaves, chowries, deerskins, and draperies of various
kinds including countless varieties of woollen and silken textiles, jewels and numerous
other articles of good omen which were considered useful in this world for the coronation
of a king. Detailing all the procedure laid down in the Vedas he said, Erect canopies of
all sorts in the city and transplant in the streets on all sides trees of the mango, arecanut
and plantain with fruits. Paint beautiful designs on the floors filling them with costly jewels
and tell the people to decorate the bazar promptly. Worship Lord Gaea and your
preceptor as well as the tutelary deity and render service in every form to the
Brhmaas, the very gods on earth.
(14)
* AYODHY-KNA *
375
0fl
U U U U
U U U U H 6H
Do.: dhvaja patka torana kalasa sajahu turaga ratha nga,

sira dhari munibara bacana sabu nija nija kjahi lga.6.
Prepare flags and banners, festal arches and vases as well as horses, chariots
and elephants. Bowing to these orders of the great sage (Vasiha) all concerned
applied themselves to their own work.
(6)
U U
U U
U Ufl
U
UU UU
U flU
U U U
UU
U
U UH
U U U H 1H
UU fl flH
UU UH 2H
U UUH
U UH 3H
U U UH
UU U NUU U H 4H
Cau.: jo munsa
jehi
yasu dnh,
bipra sdhu sura pujata rj,
sunata
rma
abhieka suhv,
rma sya tana saguna
jane,
pulaki saprema parasapara kahah,
bhae bahuta dina ati avaser,
bharata sarisa priya ko jaga mh,
rmahi badhu soca dina rt,
so tehi kju prathama janu knh.

karata rma hita magala kj.1.
bja gahgaha avadha badhv.
pharakahi magala aga suhe.2.
bharata gamanu sucaka ahah.
saguna pratti bhe a priya ker.3.
ihai saguna phalu dusara nh.
aanhi kamaha hdau jehi bh t.4.
With whatever duty the great sage charged any man, the latter accomplished it so
promptly as if it had been done by him beforehand. The king adored Brhmaas, holy men
and gods, and performed auspicious rites for the sake of r Rmas welfare. As soon as
the delightful news of r Rmas installation reached the ears of the people, the whole of
Ayodhy resounded with festal music. Good omens manifested themselves in the person
of r Rma and St; Their graceful lucky limbs began to throb. Experiencing a thrill of joy
they lovingly said to one another, The omens prognosticate Bharatas return. Many days
have passed and our heart longs to meet him. Auspicious omens assure us of our meeting
with a beloved friend, and in this world there is no one so dear as Bharata; the good omens
can thus have but one meaning. r Rma anxiously remembered His half-brother (Bharata)
day and night, even as a turtle has its heart fixed on its eggs.
(14)
0U
flU U UUU Ufl

U U H 7H
Do.: ehi avasara magalu parama suni raha seu ranivsu,

sobhata lakhi bidhu baRhata janu bridhi bci bilsu.7.
That very time the ladies of the palace were delighted to hear this most auspicious
376
news, even as the waves of the ocean commence their lovely sport on perceiving the
waxing moon.
(7)
0 U

U U
flU
U
U UU
U

U

U U H
H 1H
MUH
U UUH 2H
UU UU H
U U UH 3H
flH 4H
Cau.: prathama ji jinha bacana sune,

prema pulaki tana mana anurg,
cauke
cru
sumitr
pur,
na da magana
rma mahatr,
puj
grmadebi
sura
ng,
jehi
bidhi hoi rma kalynu,
gvahi
magala
kokilabayan,
bhuana basana bhuri tinha pe.

magala kalasa sajana saba lg.1.
manimaya bibidha bh ti ati rur.
die dna bahu bipra ha kr.2.
kaheu
bhori
dena
balibhg.
dehu day kari so baradnu.3.
bidhubadan
mgasvakanayan.4.
Those who broke the news first were richly rewarded with ornaments and costumes. With
their body thrilling over with emotion and heart full of rapture all the queens started preparing
festal vases. Queen Sumitr painted with coloured meal lovely diagrams in various charming
designs and filled them with jewels. Overwhelmed with delight r Rmas mother (Kausaly)
sent for the Brhmaas and gave them gifts profusely. She worshipped female deities of the
village and other gods and Ngas and vowing them further offerings said to them, In your
mercy grant me a boon which may ensure r Rmas welfare. Moon-faced and fawn-eyed
ladies sang festal strains in a voice as sweet as the notes of a cuckoo.
(14)
0U U U UU U U
UH 8H
Do.: rma rja abhieku suni hiya harae nara nri,
lage sumagala sajana saba bidhi anukula bicri.8.
Men and women rejoiced in their heart to hear of r Rmas installation on the
throne; and thinking God to be favourably disposed towards them all began to make
preparations.
(8)
0
UU cU
U U
U U
U
U U U UU
fl
Sfl
U
U U
U U Z
U UH
mU U H 1H
UU H
U U UH 2H
H
U H 3H
U U UH
fl U Sfl flZH 4H
* AYODHY-KNA *
Cau.: taba
naranha
bsihu bole,
gura gamanu sunata raghunth,
sdara aragha dei
ghara ne,
gahe carana siya sahita bahor,
sevaka sadana svmi gamanu,
tadapi ucita janu boli
saprt,
prabhut taji prabhu knha sanehu,
yasu hoi
so
karau
gos,
377
rmadhma sikha dena pahe.

dvra i pada nyau mth.1.
soraha
bh ti
puji
sanamne.
bole rmu kamala kara jor.2.
magala mula amagala damanu.
pahaia
kja
ntha
asi
nt.3.
bhayau punta ju yahu gehu.
sevaku
lahai
svmi
sevak.4.
The king then called Vasiha and sent him to r Rmas apartments for tendering
opportune advice. The moment the Lord of Raghus, r Rma, heard of the Gurus
arrival, He repaired to the door and, bowed His head at his feet. Reverently offering him
water to wash his hands with He ushered the sage and paid him honour by worshipping
him in the sixteen prescribed modes.* Then clasping his feet with St, r Rma spoke
with His lotus palms joined, A masters visit to his servants house is the root of all
blessings and a panacea for all evils; yet it would have been more fitting, my lord, for the
master to have lovingly sent for the servant and charged him with a duty; for such is the
right course. Since, however, my lord has laid aside his authority and showed his affection
to me (by calling on me) my house has been hallowed today. I am ready to do what I
am bid, holy sir; for a servant is benefited only by serving his master. (14)
U UUU
U U UU U flH 9H
Do.: suni saneha sne bacana muni raghubarahi prasasa,

rma kasa na tumha kahahu asa hasa basa avatasa.9.
On hearing these words, steeped in affection as they were, the sage applauded
the Chief of Raghus, r Rma, and said, It is but meet, O Rma, that you should say
so, the ornament of the solar race that you are.
(9)
0U U
U

U UU
L U U

U
U
U
U

U U
Cau.: barani
bhupa
rma guna slu

sajeu
abhieka
UH
U UU UH 1H
U H
U NU U H 2H
UH
UUUH 3H
U UU H
UUU UH 4H
subhu, bole
prema
samju, chata dena
pulaki
tumhahi
muniru.
jubarju.1.
* The sixteen modes of worship prescribed in Tantric works consist in offering the following:(1)
sana (seat), (2) Pdya (water for washing the feet), (3) Arghya (water for washing the hands), (4) camanya
(water to drink), (5) Snnya (water for ablution), (6) Gandha (sandal-paste), (7) Vastra (raiment), (8) Pupa
(flowers), (9) Dhupa (burning incense), (10) Dpa (light), (11) Naivedya (food), (12) camanya (water for
rinsing the mouth), (13) Tmbula (betel-leaves), (14) Daki (a gift in coins), (15) Pradaki (circumambulation), and (16) Nrjana (waving lights).
378
rma karahu saba sajama aju,
guru sikha dei rya pahi gayau,
janame eka saga saba bh,
karanabedha
upabta
bih,
bimala basa yahu anucita eku,
prabhu saprema pachitni suh,
jau
bidhi kusala nibhai kju.
rma hdaya asa bisamau bhayau.2.
bhojana
sayana
keli
larik.
saga saga saba bhae uchh.3.
badhu bihi baRehi abhieku.
harau bhagata mana kai kuil.4.
Extolling r Rmas goodness, amiability and noble disposition, the lord of sages,
Vasiha, said, thrilling over with emotion, The king has made preparations for the
installation ceremony; he would invest You with regal powers. Rma, You should observe
religious austerity today so that God may bring this affair to a happy conclusion. Having
admonished Him in this way the Guru returned to the king; while r Rma felt uneasy in
His heart and said to Himself, My brothers and myself were all born together and together
have we dined, slept and played in our childhood; the piercing of our ear-lobes, (one of the
sixteen sacraments incumbent on a Hindu), our investiture with the sacred thread, wedding
and all other ceremonies have been gone through together. The only unseemly practice in
this spotless line is that the eldest should be installed on the throne to the exclusion of his
younger brothers. May this loving and graceful expression of regret on the part of the Lord
drive away all crookedness from the mind of His devotees.
(14)
0 U
flU
U U Ufl H 10H
Do.: tehi avasara e lakhana magana prema nada,

sanamne priya bacana kahi raghukula kairava cada.10.
On that very occasion came Lakmaa steeped in love and rapture; r Rma,
who delighted Raghus race even as the moon delights a lily flower, greeted him with
endearing words.
(10)

flU
U U Z
U

UU UU
U fl fl
U UU
U U H
flU flUH 1H
UU UU ZH
U UUH 2H
UU U U H
flU fl H 3H
UU U flH
UU U UUH 4H
Cau.: bjahi bjane bibidh

bidhn,
bharata gamanu sakala manvahi,
ha
ba
ghara
gal
ath,
kli lagana bhali ketika
br,
kanaka sighsana sya samet,
sakala kahahi kaba hoihi kl,
tinhahi sohi na avadha badhv,
srada boli binaya sura karah,
pura pramodu nahi ji bakhn.

vahu begi nayana phalu pvahi.1.
kahahi parasapara
loga
log.
pujihi bidhi
abhilu
hamr.2.
baihahi rmu hoi cita cet.
bighana manvahi deva kucl.3.
corahi cadini rti na bhv.
brahi bra
pya
lai
parah.4.
0U
U
UU
UU
U
* AYODHY-KNA *
379
There was a sound of music of various kinds, and the rejoicing in the city was
beyond words. All prayed for Bharatas return (from his maternal uncles) and said to one
another, Would that Bharata came with expedition and obtained the reward of his eyes.
In every bazar, street, house, lane and place of resort men and women talked to one
another, When will that blessed hour start tomorow; during which God will fulfil our
desire, when with St beside Him r Rma will take His seat on the throne of gold and
when the object of our desire will be accomplished? They all said, When will the morrow
come? While the wicked gods prayed that some trouble might brew in the meantime.
The rejoicing that was going on in Ayodhy did not please them even as a moonlit night
is not liked by a thief. Invoking rad the gods supplicated her and laying hold of her
feet fell at them again and again.
(14)
0 UU U U
U U U U UH 11H
Do.: bipati hamri biloki baRi

rmu jhi bana rju taji
mtu karia
hoi sakala
soi ju,
surakju.11.
Perceiving our grave calamity, O Mother, manipulate things in such a way today
that r Rma may retire into the forest, relinquishing His throne, and the object of us
immortals may be wholly accomplished.
(11)
0 U UU U
fl UU UU
UU
UU UU
fl
U U U U
fl
U
U UU
UU NU U U
UUH
U U UU UH 1H
U U U H
fl flU H 2H
U H
U U H 3H
UUU U UH
U U H 4H
Cau.: suni sura binaya hRhi pachitt,

dekhi deva puni kahahi nihor,
bisamaya haraa rahita raghurau,
jva karama basa sukha dukhabhg,
bra bra gahi carana sa koc,
u
ca
nivsu
nci
karatut,
gila
kju
bicri
bahor,
harai hdaya dasaratha pura ,
bhaiu
saroja
bipina
himart.
mtu tohi nahi thoriu khor.1.
tumha jnahu saba rma prabhu.
jia
avadha
devahita
lg.2.
cal bicri bibudha mati poc.
dekhi na sakahi pari bibhut.3.
karihahi
cha kusala kabi mor.
janu graha das dusaha dukhad.4.
Hearing this prayer of the divinities goddess rad stood still and was grieved at
the thought that she was going to play the same role with reference to the people of
Ayodhy as a wintry night does with respect to a bed of lotuses. Seeing her downcast
the gods spoke again in a suppliant tone, Mother, not the least blame will attach to you;
for the Lord of Raghus is above sorrow and joy alike. You are fully acquainted with r
Rmas glory. As for the people, every embodied soul is subject to pleasure and pain
according to its fate. Therefore, you should go to Ayodhy for the good of the celestials.
380
Clasping her feet again and again they exerted great pressure on her till she yielded and
set out, considering the gods as mean-minded. She said to herself, Though their abode
is on high, their doings are mean; they cannot see others prosperity. Again, reflecting
on the role she was destined to perform in the days to come, when worthy poets would
seek her favour, she came with a cheerful heart to the capital of Daaratha like the
intolerably evil influence of a planet.
(14)
U U U
UU U U U UH 12H
Do.: nmu
ajasa
mathar
madamati
per thi kar ga
cer
gir
kaikai
keri,
mati pheri.12.
Now Kaikey (Bharatas mother) had a dull-witted servant-maid, Manthar by

name; having perverted her reason and making her a receptacle of ill-repute, the
goddess of speech returned to her abode.
(12)
0
U
L fl
U
U
U UUU
U L h
U U
U U
L U
U U U U
U U U
flH
U UU UH 1H
U fl UH
fl U U H 2H
U U U UH
U U U UU H 3H
U UH
UU Sfl U H 4H
Cau.: dkha mathar nagaru banv,

puchesi loganha kha uchhu,
karai
bicru
kubuddhi
kujt,
dekhi lgi madhu kuila kirt,
bharata mtu pahi gai bilakhn,
utaru
dei
na
lei
ussu,
ha si kaha rni glu baRa tore ,
tabahu na bola ceri baRi ppini,
majula magala bja badhv.

rma tilaku suni bh ura dhu.1.
hoi
akju
kavani
bidhi
rt.
jimi gava takai leu
kehi bh t.2.
k anamani hasi kaha ha si rn.
nri carita kari
hrai su.3.
dnha lakhana sikha asa mana more .
chRai svsa kri janu s pini.4.
Manthar saw the city decorated and festal music melodiously playing; she,
therefore, asked the people, What is all this rejoicing about? When she heard of r
Rmas coming installation, she felt distressed in her heart. That evil-minded and lowborn woman pondered how mischief might be created overnight, even as a wily Bhla
woman who has seen a honeycomb hanging from a tree schemes how to get hold of
the honey. Pulling a long face she approached Bharatas mother. What makes you
look so grave? the queen smilingly asked. She made no answer, but only heaved
deep sigh, and adopting the way of women shed crocodile tears. Said the queen
laughing, You are a most saucy girl; what I suspect, therefore, is that Lakmaa has
taught you a lesson. Even then the most wicked servant-maid would not speak and
merely hissed like a black cobra.
(14)
* AYODHY-KNA *
381
U U U U U
U U U UU H 13H
Do.: sabhaya rni kaha kahasi kina kusala rmu mahiplu,

lakhanu bharatu ripudamanu suni bh kubar ura slu.13.
Apprehensive of misfortune as she was, the queen said to her, How is it that you
do not speak? I hope Rma and his royal father, Lakmaa, Bharata and Ripudamana
(atrughna) are all well? The hump backed woman (Manthar) was pained at heart to
hear these words.
(13)
0 UU U
UU U
U U U
U
UU
U UU

U U UU
U U U H
U UH 1H
U UU UU UH
fl U UH 2H
UU U UUH
U U UH 3H
U UU UH
U UflU UH 4H
Cau.: kata sikha dei hamahi kou m,

rmahi chRi kusala kehi ju,
bhayau kausilahi bidhi ati dhina,
dekhahu kasa na ji saba sobh,
putu bidesa na socu tumhre ,
nda bahuta priya
seja tur,
suni priya bacana malina manu jn,
puni asa kabahu kahasi gharaphor,
glu karaba kehi kara balu p.

jehi
janesu
dei
jubarju.1.
dekhata garaba rahata ura nhina.
jo avaloki mora manu chobh.2.
jnati hahu basa nhu hamre .
lakhahu na bhupa kapaa catur.3.
jhuk rni aba rahu aragn.
taba dhari jbha kaRhvau
tor.4.
Why should anyone, O mother, give me a lesson? And on whose strength shall
I be cheeky? Who is happy today, except Rma, whom the king is going to invest with
regal powers? Providence has turned most favourable to Kausaly; seeing this she
cannot contain the pride of her bosom. Why not go and se for yourself all the splendour,
the sight of which has agitated my mind? Your son is away; while you are complacent
under the notion that your lord is under your thumb. You are excessively fond of sleeping
on a cushioned bed and are unable to detect the deceitful cunning of the king. Hearing
these affectionate words, yet knowing her malicious mind the queen angrily said, Keep
quiet now. If you ever speak thus again, expert as you are in sowing seeds of discord
in a family, I will have your tongue pulled out.
(14)
U U U
U U U H 14H
Do.: kne
khore
kubare
kuila
kucl
jni,
tiya bisei puni ceri kahi bharatamtu musukni.14.
The one-eyed, the lame and the hump-backed, know these to be perverse and
382
wicked, more so if they come of women folk and particularly those belonging to the menial
class! said Bharatas mother and smiled.
(14)
0 UU U

U Sfl fl
U U
UU
U UU U
U UU
U U
U U UH
U U U U UH 1H
U U U UH
U fl H 2H
UU U UH
U UU H 3H
UU U UH
U U UH 4H
Cau.: priyabdini
sikha
dnhiu
toh,
sudinu
sumagala
dyaku so,
jeha svmi sevaka laghu bh,
rma
tilaku
jau
s cehu kl,
kausaly sama
saba
mahatr,
mo para karahi sanehu bise,
jau bidhi janamu dei kari chohu,
prna te adhika rmu priya more ,
sapanehu to para kopu na moh.

tora kah phura jehi dina ho.1.
yaha dinakara kula rti suh.
deu
mgu mana bhvata l.2.
rmahi sahaja subhya
pir.
mai kari prti parch dekh.3.
hohu
rma siya puta putohu.
tinha ke tilaka chobhu kasa tore .4.
O sweet-tongued one, I have said all this to you by way of advice; otherwise I cannot
even dream of being angry with you. That day alone will be auspicious and a bestower of
good fortune, when your words will come to be true. The eldest brother should be the lord
and the younger ones his servants: such is the blessed custom prevailing in the solar race.
If r Rmas coronation is really taking place tomorrow, ask of me, my friend, what pleases
your mind and I will grant it. By his innate disposition Rma loves all his mothers as dearly
as Kausaly. He is particularly fond of me; I have had occasions to test his love. Should God
in His mercy vouchsafe to me a human birth again, may Rma and St be my son and
daughter-in-law respectively. Rma is dearer to me than life; how is it that you have got
perturbed at the news of his coronation?
(14)
0U
U U UUU U UU
UU U U U U UH 15H
Do.: bharata sapatha tohi satya kahu parihari kapaa duru,

haraa samaya bisamau karasi krana mohi sunu.15.
I adjure you in Bharatas name to tell me the truth putting away all deceit and
reservation. Let me know the reason why you should grieve on an occasion of
rejoicing.
(15)
0U U
U
L
UU U U
UU U UUU
U U U H
U U UUUU H 1H
UU L H
U UU UH 2H
* AYODHY-KNA *
U M U U
U UU UU U
U
U UU
U U
Cau.: ekahi
bra
phorai
jogu
kahahi
jhuhi
hamahu
sa
saba
kapru
fl U UH
U UU U UH 3H
UUH
U U UUH 4H
puj, aba kachu kahaba jbha kari duj.

abhg, bhaleu kahata dukha raurehi lg.1.
phuri
bta ban, te priya tumhahi karui mai m.

kahabi aba hakurasoht, nh ta mauna rahaba dinu rt.2.
kari kurupa bidhi parabasa knh, bav

kou
383
npa
hou
hamahi
jrai
jogu
subhu
tte
kachuka
bta
k hn, ceri
so
lunia
chRi
hamr, anabhala
anusr, chamia
dekhi
debi
lahia
aba
jo
hoba
na
baRi
ji
cuka
dnh.
ki
rn.3.
tumhr.
hamr.4.
I have had all my ambitions fulfilled as a result of my speaking only once; I shall
now speak again with another tongue. My wretched head surely deserves to be smashed
since you get offended even at my well-meaning words. Those alone who speak unctuous
words, minding not what is true and what is false, are your favourites, while I am
disagreeable to you. From this day onward I too will utter only that which is palatable to
my mistress, or else will keep mum all the twenty-four hours. God has given me a
misshapen body and made me dependent on others; one must reap as one has sown
and must get what one has given. Whoever may be the ruler, I lose nothing thereby; for
shall I cease to be a servant and become a queen now? Damnable is my nature in that I
cannot bear to see harm come to you. That is why I just broached the topic. But it was a
great blunder on my part; therefore, pardon me, O venerable lady.
(14)
0 U
U U U
U UU NU H 16H
Do.: guRha kapaa priya bacana suni tya adharabudhi rni,

suramy
basa
bairinihi
suhda
jni
patini.16.
Hearing these pregnant and agreeable deceitful words, the queen, who was a
woman with an unstable mind and was dominated by the celestial My, reposed her
faith in an enemy mistaking her for a friend.
(16)
0U
UU
U U
U U
UU U UU
U U U
U U U U
U
UU
U U fl U
U UH
UU U H 1H
UU U UU H
fl U H 2H
UU U U H
U U U UU UH 3H
U U UUH
MU U UU U UH 4H
384
Cau.: sdara puni puni pu chati

oh,
tasi mati phir ahai jasi bhb,
tumha pu chahu mai kahataeru ,
saji pratti bahubidhi gaRhi chol,
priya siya rmu kah tumha rn,
rah prathama aba te dina bte,
bhnu kamala kula poanihr,
jari tumhri caha savati ukhr,
sabar gna mg janu moh.

rahas ceri ghta janu phb.1.
dharehu mora gharaphor nu .
avadha
sRhast
taba
bol.2.
rmahi tumha priya so phuri bn.
samau phire ripu hohi pirte.3.
binu jala jri karai soi chr.
ru dhahu kari upu bara br.4.
Again and again the queen politely questioned Manthar, hyptonized as she was
by the latters guileful words like a doe fascinated by the music of a Bhla woman. Her
mind was changed according to the decree of fate and the servant-maid was pleased to
find her plan succeed. She replied, While you persist in questioning me, I am afraid to
open my lips, since you have given me the name of a feud creator in the family. Thus
working up the queens faith and manipulating her according to her own liking in everyway,
Manthar, who spelt disaster for Ayodhy like the evil influence exerted by the planet
Saturn for a period of seven and a half years (according to Indian Astrology), then spoke,
You said just now, O queen, that St and Rma were dear to you and that you had
endeared yourself to Rma; this assertion of yours is true. This is, however, a thing of
the past; those days have now gone by. When the tide turns even friend become foes.
The sun fosters the family of lotuses; but in the absence of water it burns them to ashes.
Your co-wife (Kausaly) would strike at your very root; protect it by means of a good fence
in the form of a remedy.
(14)
0UU
U U UU
U U UU U UH 17H
Do.: tumhahi na socu sohga bala nija basa jnahu ru,

mana malna muha mha npu rura sarala subhu.17.
You are free from anxiety on the strength of your husbands love and know him
to be under your sway. The king, however, is malicious of mind, though sweet of tongue;
while you possess a guileless nature.
(17)
0U
U
U
UU
U
U
UU
flU fl U
UU
U
UU U U
U
U
U U U U U
UL U
flUH
U UUUH 1H
U U H
U U U U H 2H
fl U U H
U U UH 3H
U U U U H
U U U UH 4H
Cau.: catura
ga bhra rma mahatr,
pahae bharatu bhupa naniaure,
sevahi sakala savati mohi nke,
slu
tumhra
kausilahi
m,
bcu
pi
nija
bta
sa vr.
rma mtu mata jnaba raure .1.
garabita bharata mtu bala p ke .
kapaa catura nahi hoi jan.2.
* AYODHY-KNA *
rjahi tumha para premu bise,
raci prapacu bhupahi apan,
yaha kula ucita rma kahu k,
gili bta samujhi aru moh,
385
savati subhu sakai nahi dekh.

rma tilaka hita lagana dhar.3.
sabahi sohi mohi suhi nk.
deu daiu phiri so phalu oh.4.
Rmas mother (Kausaly) is clever and deep; finding a suitable opportunity she
has turned it to account. You must know it is at the suggestion of Rmas mother that
the king has sent away Bharata to his maternal grandfathers. She says to herself, All
my other co-wives serve me well, only Bharatas mother (yourself) is proud, because of
her influence with her lord. It is therefore, O mother, that you rankle in Kausalys heart;
but she is too crafty to disclose her mind. The king is particularly fond of you; but due
to the jealousy to which a co-wife is naturally subject, Kausaly cannot tolerate it. That
is why by resorting to machination and winning over the king she has prevailed on him
to fix a date for Rmas installation on the throne. The coronation of Rma is in accord
with the traditions of the family; it is liked by all and is quite to my taste. I, however,
shudder to think of the consequences; may heaven so ordain that the mischief may
recoil on her own head.
(14)
0 U U U U U
U fl U U H 18H
Do.: raci paci koika kuilapana knhesi kapaa prabodhu,

kahisi kath sata savati kai jehi bidhi bRha birodhu.18.
Inventing and injecting many a mischievous formula Manthar put the queen of
the scent and told her a hundred and one stories of co-wives so as to foment her
jealousy.
(18)
0fl UU
UU U U
U
UU
U UU
U U
UU
U UU
U UU fl
U U flH
U U UH 1H
U U H
U U UUH 2H
U UU H
U U H 3H
U U H
U UU UH 4H
Cau.: bhv
basa
pratti
ura
,
k pu chahu tumha abahu na jn,
bhayau pkhu dina sajata samju,
khia
pahiria
rja
tumhre,
jau asatya kachu kahaba ban,
rmahi tilaka
kli jau bhayau,
rekha kha ci kahau balu bh,
jau suta sahita karahu sevak,
pu cha rni puni sapatha dev.

nija hita anahita pasu pahicn.1.
tumha p sudhi mohi sana ju.
satya kahe nahi dou hamre .2.
tau bidhi deihi hamahi saj.
tumha kahu bipati bju bidhi bayau.3.
bhmini bhaihu dudha kai mkh.
tau ghara rahahu na na up.4.
As fate would have it, the queen felt assured in her heart of Manthars fidelity;
386
adjuring her by her own life she questioned Manthar once more, What is it that you
inquire about? It is strange that you should not understand things even now ! Even a
quadruped knows what is good or bad for it. Preparations have been going on for the last
fortnight; while you have got the news from me today. I get food and clothing under your
tutelage; hence I cannot be blamed for speaking the truth. If I tell a lie giving it the colour
of truth, God will punish me for the same. Should Rmas coronation take place tomorrow,
God will have sown the seed of adversity for you. I swear and tell you most emphatically,
O lady, that you have been discarded now as a fly from a cup of milk. If you and your
son accept the role of servants, then alone you will be allowed to stay in the house; and
in no other circumstance.
(14)
U U UU
U U U U H 19H
Do.: kadru binatahi dnha dukhu tumhahi kausil deba,

bharatu badigha seihahi lakhanu rma ke neba.19.
Kadru (the progenitress of the serpent race) persecuted her co-wife Vinat*
coronation; so will Kausaly tyrannize over you. Bharata will rot in prison, while Lakmaa
will be Rmas lieutenant.
(19)
0 U
U
U U U U U
U U
U U U
U U
U U
U U U H
U H 1H
U UU UH
U UU UH 2H
U U UH
UU U U H 3H
U U H 4H
Cau.: kaikayasut sunata kau

bn,
tana
paseu
kadal
jimi k p,
kahi kahi koika kapaa kahn,
phir karamu priya lgi kucl,
sunu mathar bta phuri tor,
dina prati dekhau rti kusapane,
kha karau sakhi sudha subhu,
kahi na sakai kachu sahami sukhn.

kubar dasana jbha taba c p.1.
dhraju dharahu prabodhisi rn.
bakihi
sarhai
mni
marl.2.
dahini khi nita pharakai mor.

kahau na tohi moha basa apane.3.
dhina
bma
na
jnau ku.4.
* The names Kadru and Vinat take us back to the beginning of creation. The Puras (a class of
sacred literature dealing with the history of the entire cosmos and wrongly supposed by modern critics both
in India and abroad to be works on mythology) declare that the different species of living beings from
celestials down to the tiniest insect took their common descent from the sage Kayapa through different
mothers. Of them Kadru gave birth to the race of serpents, while Vinat brought forth the winged creation.
Once there was a controversy between the two ladies about the colour of the tail of the celestial horse
Uccairav. Vinat insisted that the horse was white in colour while Kadru maintained that it was dark. It was
mutually agreed that the lady whose version proved untrue should serve the other as a handmaid for the rest
of her life. When Kadru came to know that the horses were really white in colour, she managed to hoodwink
the guileless Vinat by asking her sons (the cobra race) to cover the tail of Uccairav by their own dark
forms and thus lending it a dark hue. Vinat was thus made to serve her co-wife for a number of years and
suffered great persecution at her hands, till she was liberated by Garua (Vinats powerful son and the
celebrated vehicle of Bhagavn Viu). The story is told at length in the diparva of the Mahbhrata.
* AYODHY-KNA *
387
Hearing these unpleasant remarks, Kekayas daughter (Kaikey) shrivelled with fear
and could not utter a word. Her body was wet with perspiration and shook like a plantain
stalk. The humpback then bit her tongue (for fear lest the gloomy picture drawn by her
might break Kaikeys heart). Telling her one after another many a story of wiles Manthar
comforted the queen and asked her to be of good cheer. At last the tide turned and
Kaikey conceived a fondness for mischief; she applauded a heron mistaking it for a swan.
Listen, O Manthar; what you say is quite true. My right eye ever throbs and I have an
evil dream every night; but in my folly I did not tell you. I cannot help it, my friend; I am
so guileless by nature. I cannot distinguish a friend from a foe.
(14)
U U
U U U U U UH 20H
Do.: apane calata na ju lagi anabhala khuka knha,

kehi agha ekahi bra mohi daia dusaha dukhu dnha.20.
Never to this day have I done an evil turn to anybody during my ascendancy.
I wonder for what offence has Providence subjected me to such terrible suffering all
at once.
(20)
0UU U L
U fl U
U U U
UU
U UUU
Sfl
UU U U U
UU U U
U fl flH
U U fl UH 1H
U UH
U U U H 2H
U U UH
U H 3H
U UU U H
U UU fl UH 4H
Cau.: naihara janamu bharaba baru j,

ari
basa
daiu
jivata
jh,
dna bacana kaha bahubidhi rn,
asa kasa kahahu mni mana un,
jehi rura ati
anabhala tk,
jaba te kumata sun mai svmini,
pu cheu guninha rekha tinha kh c,
bhmini karahu ta kahau upu,
jiata na karabi savati sevak.

maranu nka tehi jvana ch.1.
suni
kubar
tiyamy
hn.
sukhu sohgu tumha kahu dina dun.2.
soi pihi yahu phalu paripk.
bhukha na bsara nda na jmini.3.
bharata bhula hohi yaha s c.
hai
tumhar
sev
basa
ru.4.
I would fain go and spend the rest of my life at my fathers but would on no
account serve a co-wife so long as there is life in me. For him whom heaven allows so
survive as a dependant of an enemy, death is preferable to life. The queen uttered many
such words of despondency; at this the humpback resorted to the wily ways of a woman.
Why should you speak in this strain, donot lose heart? Your happiness and good-luck
will be ever on the increase. Whoever has contemplated such gross mischief to you shall
eventually reap its fruit. Ever since I heard of this plot, my lady, I have felt no appetite
during the day and have had no wink of sleep at night. I consulted the astrologers and
they declared in positive terms: Bharata shall be the king; this much is certain. If you
388
act up to it, O good lady, I will offer a suggestion to you; the king is under an obligation
to you.
(14)
0UU
U U
U U U U U H 21H
Do.: parau kupa tua bacana para sakau puta pati tygi,
kahasi mora dukhu dekhi baRa kasa na karaba hita lgi.21.
At your suggestion I would throw myself down a well and can even forsake my
son and husband. When you tell me to do something in view of my dire distress, why
should I not comply with it in my own interest?
(21)
0U U

U U
UU
U U U U
U
U
U
UU
U U
U
U UU UU U UH
U UU H 1H
U UU UH
Sfl UU U UH 2H
U UflU UH
U U fl UH 3H
U U UUH
U U H 4H
Cau.: kubar
kari
kabul
kaike,
lakhai na rni nikaa dukhu kaise ,
sunata bta mdu ata kahor,
kahai ceri sudhi ahai ki nh,
dui baradna bhupa sana tht,
sutahi
rju
rmahi
banabsu,
bhupati rma sapatha jaba kara,
hoi
akju
ju
nisi
bte ,
kapaa chur ura phana e.

carai harita tina balipasu jaise .1.
deti manahu madhu mhura ghor.
svmini kahihu kath mohi ph.2.
mgahu
ju
juRvahu cht.
dehu lehu saba savati hulsu.3.
taba mgehu jehi bacanu na ara.
bacanu mora priya mnehu j te .4.
When she made Kaikey and treating her as an offering accepted for sacrifice the
humpback whetted the knife of trickery on the stone of her heart. The queen, however,
like a sacrificial beast who nibbled the green turf, did not foresee the impending calamity.
Agreeable to hear, yet painful in consequence, were the words she spoke; it seemed as
if she was administering honey mixed with poison. Said the maid-servant, Do you, or
do you not, remember the incident you once told me, my lady? You have in reserve with
the king a couple of boons that he once promised you.* Ask for them today and soothe
* It is stated in Vlmkis Rmyaa that King Daaratha was once engaged in a combat with the
demon king ambara on behalf of the gods. The king was mortally wounded and fell unconscious in his
chariot, while his charioteer also fell. The valiant Queen Kaikey, who had accompanied her royal husband to
the field of battle assumed the role of a charioteer and removed the king to a safe retreat. When the king
regained his consciousness and came to know of the timely help rendered by the queen he was immensely
pleased and offered her a couple of boons. The queen, however, kept them in reserve and did not ask for
anything on that occasion.
The Adhytma-Rmyaa (forming part of the Brahma-Pura), however, tells a different story.
There we are told that while King Daaratha was once fighting with the demons on behalf of the gods the axle
* AYODHY-KNA *
389
your heart. Bestow sovereignty on your son and an abode in the forest on Rma and rob
your co-wives of all their joy. When the king swears by Rma, ask the boons only then,
so that the former may not go back upon his word. The scheme will fail if this night is
allowed to pass; cherish my words as dearer than life.
(14)
0 U
U U U U
flUU U UH 22H
Do.: baRa kughtu kari ptakini kahesi kopagha jhu,

kju sa vrehu sajaga sabu sahas jani patihu.22.
Having thus hatched her very cruel design against the queen the wretch said,
Betake yourself to the sulking-room. Manage the whole affair discreetly and be not too
ready to believe.
(22)
0UU U
U U U U
U U
U
UU
L
U U U
U U

UUU
U U
U
U U U h H
U UH 1H
U U U H
fl
fl
H 2H
UH
U U UH 3H
U U H
U U H 4H
Cau.: kubarihi rni

prnapriya
jn,
tohi sama hita na mora sasr,
jau bidhi puraba manorathu kl,
bahubidhi
cerihi
daru de,
bipati bju
bara
ritu cer,
pi kapaa jalu
akura jm,
kopa
samju
sji
sabu so,
rura
nagara
kolhalu ho,
bra bra baRi buddhi bakhn.

bahe jta kai bhaisi adhr.1.
karau
tohi cakha putari l.
kopabhavana
gavan
kaike.2.
bhui
bhai kumati kaika ker.
bara dou dala dukha phala parinm.3.
rju karata nija kumati bigo.
yaha kucli kachu jna na ko.4.
Holding the humpback dear as life the queen applauded her uncommon shrewdness
again and again. I have no such friend as you in the whole world, she said. You have
served as a prop to one who was drifting along a stream. If God fulfils my hearts desire
tomorrow, I will cherish you, my dear, as the apple of my eye. Thus lavishing every term
of endearment on her maid-servant, Kaikey retired to the sulking-room. Discord was the
seed and the servant-girl (Manthar) the rainy season; while the evil mind of Kaikey
served as the soil. Fed by the water of wiliness the seed took root and sprouted with the
two boons as its leaves and will eventually bear the fruit of adversity. Gathering about her
every token of resentment, Kaikey lay down on the floor in the sulking-room; while enjoying
of the wheels of his chariot got loosened and was about to fall when Queen Kaikey, who had accompanied
the king to the battlefield, perceived it and inserting her own arm in place of the axle prevented the chariot from
toppling down and held her arm in that position till her husband was able to vanquish his foe. The king was
filled with admiration and gratitude when he marked this heroic feat of his queen and offered her two boons,
which the queen prudently reserved for a future occasion.
390
sovereignty, she was betrayed by her wicked mind. There was a great flutter in the
gynaeceum as well as in the city; nobody had any inkling of this evil design.
(14)
U U U U U
U U U UUH 23H
Do.: pramudita pura nara nri saba sajahi sumagalacra,

eka prabisahi eka nirgamahi bhra bhupa darabra.23.
In their ecstasy of joy all the citizens, both men and women, busied themselves
with festive preparations and the entrance to the royal palace was flooded with a
continuous stream of people going in and coming out.
(23)
0 U UUU
UU U
UU fl
UU
U
U U U U
fl
U
Sfl U
U U

U U UH
UU H 1H
U UU U UH
U
UUUH 2H
U U U U UUH
UU U U UH 3H
NU UH
UU UH 4H
Cau.: bla sakh suni hiya harah,

prabhu darahi premu pahicn,
phirahi bhavana priya yasu p,
ko raghubra
sarisa
sasr,
jehi jehi joni karama basa bhramah,
mili dasa p ca rma pahi jh.

pu chahi kusala khema mdu bn.1.
karata parasapara rma baR.
slu
sanehu
nibhanihr.2.
taha taha su deu yaha hamah.
sevaka hama
svm
siyanhu, hou
nta
asa abhilu nagara saba khu, kaikayasut
ko
na
kusagati
pi nas, rahai
na
yaha
ora
nibhu.3.
hdaya
ati dhu.
nca
mate catur.4.
Delighted at the news a few of r Rmas boy-companions called on Him in a

body; and sensible of their affection the Lord received them kindly, and politely enquired
after their health and welfare. After receiving the permission of their beloved friend they
returned home speaking highly of Him to one another. Is there anyone in this world so
amiable and constant in his affection as Rma? In whichever species we may be born
from time to time as a result of our actions, may God grant us that Sts spouse may
be our lord and we his servants, and that this relation between us may continue till the
end. Everyone in the city cherished the same desire; but there was intense agony in
Kaikeys heart. Who is not ruined by evil company? Man loses his wit by following the
counsel of vile men.
(14)
U U U
fl UU U U U UH 24H
Do.: s jha samaya snada npu gayau kaika geha ,

gavanu nihurat nikaa kiya janu dhari deha saneha .24.
* AYODHY-KNA *
391
At eventide the king joyously visited Kaikeys palace; it looked as if love incarnate
had called on harshness personified.
(24)
0fl U U
U
U
U U
flUU
U U
U U U
U
U U
UU U H
U UUU L H 1H
U UH
U U UH 2H
L H
UU H 3H
Ufl H
U U UH 4H
Cau.: kopabhavana suni sakuceu ru,

surapati basai
bha bala
jke,
so suni tiya risa gayau sukh,
sula
kulisa
asi
a gavanihre,
sabhaya naresu priy pahi gayau,
bhumi sayana pau moa purn,
kumatihi
kasi
kubeat phb,
ji nikaa npu kaha mdu bn,
bhaya basa agahuRa parai na pu.

narapati sakala rahahi rukha tke .1.
dekhahu kma pratpa baR.
te ratintha sumana sara mre.2.
dekhi das dukhu druna bhayau.
die ri tana bhuana nn.3.
ana ahivtu suca janu bhb.
prnapriy
kehi
hetu
risn.4.
The king was taken aback when he heard of the sulking-room. His feet refused
to advance on account of fear. He under whose powerful arm the lord of celestials
dwelt secure and whose goodwill was even sought by all king was stunned at the news
of his wifes anger: look at the mighty power of sexual love. Even those who have
endured the blows of a spear, thunderbolt or sword, have been overcome with the
flower shafts of Ratis lord (the god of Love). The king timidly approached his beloved
queen and was terribly distressed to perceive her condition. She was lying on the
floor in old and coarse attire having cast away all the ornaments of her person. Her
wretched garb so eminently befitted her, prognosticating as it were, her impending
widowhood. Drawing close to her the king asked in soft accents, Why are you angry,
my souls delight?
(14)
U0U
U U U U U flU
U U UUH
U U U U UUL .
fl H
Cha.: kehi
hetu rni risni parasata pni patihi nevra,

mnahu saroa bhuaga bhmini biama bh ti nihra.
dou bsan rasan dasana bara marama hharu dekha,
tulas npati bhavatabyat basa kma kautuka lekha.
As the king touched her with his hand saying Why are you angry, my queen?
Kaikey threw it aside and flashed upon him a furious glance like an enraged serpent with
392
the two (above-mentioned) cravings of her heart for its bifurcated tongue and the boons
(that had been promised to her by the king) for its fangs, spying out a vital part. As fate
would have it, says Tulas, the king took it all as an amorous sport.
0U
U U UU
U U U UH.25H
So.: bra bra kaha ru sumukhi sulocani pikabacani,

krana mohi sunu gajagmini nija kopa kara.25.
Said the king again and again, Tell me the cause of your anger, O fair-faced,
bright-eyed dame with a voice melodious as the notes of a cuckoo and a gait resembling
that of an elephant.
(25)
0U U U
U U UU U U
U U U UU U
U
U UM
U U
U U U U U
U fl
U U
U U U U UH
U U U H 1H
U U U U UH
fl MH 2H
U UH
U UH 3H
U UU H
UUUU H 4H
Cau.: anahita
tora priy kei knh,
kahu kehi rakahi karau naresu,
sakau tora ari
amarau
mr,
jnasi
mora
subhu
baroru,
priy prna suta sarabasu more,
jau kachu kahau kapau kari toh,
bihasi mgu
manabhvati bt,
ghar kughar samujhi jiya dekhu,
kehi dui sira kehi jamu caha lnh.

kahu kehi npahi niksau
desu.1.
kha
ka
bapure
nara
nr.
manu tava nana cada cakoru.2.
parijana praj sakala basa tore .
bhmini rma sapatha sata moh.3.
bhuana sajahi manohara gt.
begi
priy
pariharahi
kubeu.4.
Who is it, my dear, that has harmed you? Who is there with a head to spare and who
is it that is courted by death? Tell me what pauper I should exalt to the position of a king and
what monarch I should banish from his kingdom? I could slay even an immortal, were he
your enemy; of what account, then, are men and women, who are mere worms as it were?
You know my disposition, O beautiful lady; my mind is enamoured of your face as the
Cakora bird is of the moon. O my beloved, my people and my family and all that I possess,
my sons, nay, my life itself are all at your disposal. If I tell you anything insincerely, O good
lady, I should be guilty of falsely swearing by Rma a hundred times. Ask with a cheerful
countenance whatever pleases your mind and adorn your charming limbs with jewels.
Distinguish within yourself between an opportune and inopportune hour and give up, my
darling, this unbecoming attire at once.
(14)
0 U
U U UU
UU U H 26H
* AYODHY-KNA *
393
Do.: yaha suni mana guni sapatha baRi bihasi uh matimada,

bhuana sajati biloki mgu manahu kirtini phada.26.
On hearing this and considering the great oath the dull-witted Kaikey smilingly
arose and began to put on her ornaments; it seemed as if a huntress was laying the trap
at the sight of a deer.
(26)
0 U UU NU
U
U fl
UU
U
U
UUU NUU UM
U U U U
U U U
l
UU
U
U
U UU
Cau.: puni kaha ru suhda jiya
bhmini bhayau tora
rmahi
deu
pra
bihasi
jubarju, sajahi
tehi
lakhahi na bhupa kapaa

jadyapi
kapaa
nti
sanehu
jn, prema pulaki mdu majula bn.
manabhv, ghara ghara nagara anada badhv.1.
kli
dalaki uheu suni hdau

aisiu
H
U U U flH 1H
U H
U U UMH 2H
U U U UH
U U M UH 3H
UU flUH
U U UH 4H
nipuna
baRhi
sulocani
kahoru, janu
chui
gayau
go, cora
nri
jimi
catur, koi
kuila
naranhu, nricarita
bahor, bol
bihasi
magala
pka
pragai
mani
guru
jalanidhi
nayana
sju.
baratoru.2.
na
ro.
paRh.3.
avaghu.
muhu
mor.4.
Thinking her reconciled, the king spoke again in soft and winning accents his whole
frame thrilling over with emotion, Your hearts desire, O good lady, is accomplished; every
house in the city is a picture of joy and felicity. Tomorrow, I am installing Rma as the princeregent; therefore, O bright-eyed dame, put on a festive garb. The queens heart, hard though
it was, cracked at these words; it seemed as if abscess quite ripe,hadunwarily touched had
been unwarily touched. Even such (heart-rending) agony was disguised by her under the
cloak of a smile. Just as a thiefs wife does not openly weep (on seeing her husband suffer
punishment lest she should be made to share his lot). The king was unable to detect her wily
designs, tutored as she was by a teacher (Manthar) who ranked foremost among millions
of villains. Although the king was skilled in statesmanship, the ways of a woman are like an
unfathomable ocean. Again, with a greater show of false affection she smilingly said with a
graceful movement of her face and eyes:
(14)
UU U U U
UU U U fl UH 27H
Do.: mgu mgu pai kahahu piya kabahu na dehu na lehu,

dena kahehu baradna dui teu pvata sadehu.27.
You do repeat the word Ask, ask, but never actually give anything. You
promised me a couple of boons; but I am yet doubtful about their implementation. (27)
394
0U U UU U U
U U
UU UU
U
U U
U

U
U U U U
U U
UU U U UH
U U U U H 1H
U UH
U L H 2H
U UU U H
U H 3H
U fl UUH
U U H 4H
Cau.: jneu
maramu ru ha si kaha,
tht rkhi
na
mgihu ku,
jhuhehu hamahi dou jani dehu,
raghukula
rti
sad
cali ,
nahi asatya sama ptaka puj,
satyamula
saba
sukta suhe,
tehi para rma sapatha kari ,
bta dRhi kumati
ha si bol,
tumhahi kohba parama priya aha.

bisari gayau mohi bhora subhu.1.
dui kai cri mgi maku lehu.
prna jhu
baru bacanu na j.2.
giri sama hohi ki koika guj.
beda
purna bidita manu ge.3.
sukta saneha avadhi raghur.
kumata kubihaga kulaha janu khol.4.
I have now understood the whole mystery, said the king with a smile; You are
extremely fond of being angry. You kept the boons in reserve and never asked for
them; as for myself, I forgot all about them, being oblivious by nature. Pray do not level
a false charge against me; you might as well ask four boons instead of two. It has
always been the rule with the race of Raghus that ones plighted word must be
redeemed even at the cost of ones life. Even a multitude of sins cannot be matched
with a lie. Can millions of tiny Guj seeds ever stand comparison with a mountain?
Veracity is the root of all noble virtues, as is well-known in the Vedas and Puras and
has been declared by Manu (the first law-giver of the world, the author of Manusmti).
Over and above this I have unwittingly sworn by Rma, the Lord of Raghus, who is
the very perfection of virtue and the highest embodiment of affection. Having thus
bound him to his word the evil-minded queen smilingly said, removing as it were the
cap from the eyes of her hawk-like plot.*
(14)
U U
UU U L H 28H
Do.: bhupa manoratha subhaga banu sukha subihaga samju,

bhillini jimi chRana cahati bacanu bhayakaru bju.28.
The kings desire (to see Rma installed as the prince-regent of Ayodhy)
represented a lovely grove and the joy (that prevailed everywhere) stood for a host of
charming birds. Queen Kaikey, who resembled a Bhla woman, sought to release a
fierce falcon in the form of her piercing words.
(28)
* Fowlers who maintain a hawk with them generally keep its eyes covered by a leather cap so that it
may not attack any and every bird it sees indiscriminately, and uncover its eyes only when they intend it to
attack its prey.
* AYODHY-KNA *
0U fl
U U U U U
U
U
U U U U U fl
U U U U
U U
U
U UL
fl
UU
U Z
U U UU UH
UflU U UH 1H
U U U H
U U H 2H
UU flH
UU U L H 3H
U H
U U UU H 4H
U ZH 5H
Cau.: sunahu prnapriya bhvata j k,

mgau
dusara bara kara jor,
tpasa
bea
bisei
uds,
suni mdu bacana bhupa hiya soku,
gayau sahami nahi kachu kahi v,
bibarana bhayau nipaa naraplu,
mthe htha mudi dou locana,
mora manorathu surataru phul,
avadha
ujri
knhi
kaike,
dehu eka bara bharatahi k.

puravahu ntha manoratha mor.1.
caudaha barisa rmu banabs.
sasi kara chuata bikala jimi koku.2.
janu sacna bana jhapaeu lv.
dmini haneu manahu taru tlu.3.
tanu dhari socu lga janu socana.
pharata karini jimi hateu samul.4.
dnhisi
acala
bipati
kai
ne .5.
395
Hear, my beloved lord, that which pleases my heart; vouchsafe to me for one
boon the installation of Bharata (as the prince-regent of Ayodhy). And for the second
boon I ask with joined palmspray accomplish my desire, my lord: let Rma dwell in the
woods for fourteen years in the garb of a hermit and wholly detached from the world.
The king was grieved at heart to hear these gentle words even as a Cakravka bird is
filled with agony at the mere touch of a moonbeam. He felt dismayed and could not utter
a word, like a partridge in the woods at the swoop of a falcon. The king turned altogether
pale as a palm tree struck by lightning; with his hands to his forehead and closing both
his eyes he began to mourn like Grief personified. The celestial tree of my desire, that
had already blossomed, has been torn up with its roots by the elephant-like Kaikey just
when it was about to bear fruit. She has desolated Ayodhy and laid the foundation of
everlasting misfortune.
(15)
0fl
flU U U U Sfl
h U l H 29H
Do.: kavane avasara k bhayau

gayau nri bisvsa,
joga siddhi phala samaya jimi jatihi abidy nsa.29.
An inauspicious thing has happened at an auspicious moment; and I am
doomed by putting trust in a woman like a striving Yog who has been undone by
nescience at a time when his practice of Yoga was just going to bear fruit in the form
of Realization.
(29)
0U UU U H
U UUU UU U U UH 1H
396
L UU
U UL UU U
UU L U
UU UU L
U
U U
U U UH
U U UH 2H
U H
U U H 3H
U UH
U U H 4H
Cau.: ehi bidhi ru manahi mana jh kh,

bharatu ki rura puta na hoh,
jo suni saru asa lga tumhre,
dehu utaru anu karahu ki nh,
dena kahehu aba jani baru dehu,
satya sarhi kahehu baru den,
sibi dadhci bali jo kachu bh,
ati
kau bacana kahati kaike,
dekhi kubh ti kumati mana mkh.

nehu mola beshi ki moh.1.
khe na bolahu bacanu sa bhre.
satyasadha tumha raghukula mh.2.
tajahu satya jaga apajasu lehu.
jnehu
leihi
mgi
caben.3.
tanu dhanu tajeu bacana panu rkh.
mnahu
lona jare para de.4.
In this way the king moaned within himself. Seeing his bad plight the wicked queen
sulked within her heart and said, Is Bharata not your son? And have you bought me in
consideration of money? If my words pierced you like arrows the moment they entered
your ears, why should you not make promises after careful thought? Either say yes to
my proposal or decline. You are true to your promise (more than anyone else) in the race
of Raghu. Refuse the boons you promised me; abandon truth and court infamy in the
world. Loud in your praise of truth you promised me a couple of boons, imagining of
course that I would ask for a handful of parched grain. ibi,* Dadhci and Bali
* King ibi was noted for his piety and large-heartedness. Once upon a time the gods deputed Indra
and Agni (the god of fire) to put his generosity to the test. Agni took the form of a pigeon and Indra appeared
as a hawk. While the king was sitting in his court the pigeon flew into the hall and hid in his lap. The hawk too
followed him; and while the pigeon sought his protection against the hawk, the latter insisted that the pigeon
was its lawful spoil and should be made over to it. The king, who knew his duty, resolved to save the pigeons
life at all costs; for as a true Katriya he could not betray one who had sought shelter with him. At the same time
he recognized the validity of the hawks claim and did not want to rob it of food which it had fairly won and
without which it would die of starvation. The king offered the hawk anything else that it chose to name; but the
hawk would be satisfied with nothing short of an equal weight of the kings own flesh. Scales were accordingly
brought; and while the pigeon was put in one balance the king chopped his flesh with his own hands and put
it in the other. But even though the monarch hacked and hewed large pieces of flesh from his muscular body,
the pigeon outweighed them all. The king at last bodily mounted the balance and was just going to sever his
head when Indra and Agni appeared in their own celestial forms, and interposed. They blessed the king and
made him whole again.
When Indra and the other gods were hard pressed by the demon Vtra, they approached Bhagavn
Viu and sought His protection. God Viu told them that there was a great saint named Dadhci practising
penance in the Naimia forest, and that if he would let them have his bones they could be made into weapon,
before which no enemy could stand. Dadhci, as soon as he heard what they wanted, gave up his ghost and
out of his bones Vivakarm, the artisan of the gods, made a thunderbolt with which Indra easily dispatched
Vtra.
The demon-king Bali was so powerful that he acquired dominion over all the three worlds and
custed the gods from heaven. The mother of the gods, Aditi, prayed to Lord Viu for relief and the latter was
born as a son to Aditi in the form of a dwarf (Vmana). The dwarf appeared before Bali and as a Brhmaa boy
asked for alms. The demon-king promised to give him whatever He asked. Bhagavn Vmana said He
wanted only as much land as could be measured in three strides. King Bali, who was noted for his generosity,
granted the Brhmaas request at once. The divine Dwarf now assumed colossal dimensions; in one stride
* AYODHY-KNA *
397
redeemed their plighted word maintaining whatever they said even at the cost of their life
and possessions. In this way Kaikey uttered most pungent words as though applying
salt to a burn.
(14)
0U
UU U U UU U
L U U U U UH 30H
Do.: dharama dhuradhara dhra dhari nayana ughre rya ,

siru dhuni lnhi ussa asi mresi mohi kuhya .30.
A champion of righteousness, the king took courage and opened his eyes, and
beating his head sighed out, She has attacked me (created an em not to allow me
anyway out of it) .
(30)
0 U U U
U
h
U UU
U U U
UU U U U
U
U U U
fl U

U
U
UU
U
U UflU UUH
U
H 1H
fl U UH
UH 2H
U UH
UU U L H 3H
U H
U U U H 4H
Cau.: ge
dkhi
jarata
risa
bhr,
muhi kubuddhi dhra nihur,
lakh mahpa
karla
kahor,
bole
ru
kahina
kari cht,
priy bacana kasa kahasi kubh t,
more
bharatu
rmu dui kh,
avasi dutu mai pahaiba prt,
sudina sodhi sabu sju saj,
manahu
roa
taravri
ughr.
dhar
kubar
sna
ban.1.
satya
ki
jvanu
leihi
mor.
bn
sabinaya
tsu
soht.2.
bhra
pratti
prti
kari
h t.
satya kahau kari sakaru skh.3.
aihahi begi sunata dou bhrt.
deu
bharata kahu
rju baj.4.
He saw her standing before him burning with rage, as if it were Furys own sword
drawn from the sheath, with a malicious mind for its hilt and remorselessness for its
edge, whetted on the grindstone in the shape of the humpback (Manthar). The king saw
that the sword was dreadful and inflexible and said to himself, Is it really going to take
my life? Then, steeling his heart, he politely spoke to her in endearing terms, My darling,
why should you utter such unbecoming words, casting all confidence and affection to the
winds, O timid lady? Bharata and Rma are my two eyes; I vouch for it calling akara
as my witness. I will positively despatch a messenger at daybreak, and the two brothers
(Bharata and atrughna) will speedily come on hearing the message. Then, after fixing
an auspicious date and making all preparations I will solemnly bestow the kingdom on
Bharata.
(14)
He measured the whole earth and covered heaven with another. For the third step Lord Vmana planted His
foot on the blessed demon and sent him down to the subterranean region known by the name of Sutala, of
which he became the sovereign. Won by his unique self-sacrifice and adherence to truth Bhagavn Vmana
ever waits as a porter at his door. King Bali will be installed as Indra in the next Manvantara.
398
UU U U U U U
U UU U U UU H 31H
Do.: lobhu na rmahi rju kara bahuta bharata para prti,

mai baRa choa bicri jiya
karata raheu npanti.31.
Rma has no greed of sovereignty and is deeply attached to Bharata. I was only
going to follow the usage obtaining among the princes, considering the seniority and
juniority of the two princes.
(31)
0U UU
U U
U
U UUL
U U
U NUU U U
U U U U
U
UU U
U
U UU
U U UU H
U UU U UUH 1H
U U UH
U U H 2H
U UU U H
U U U U H 3H
U U UH
UU H 4H
Cau.: rma sapatha sata kahau
subhu, rmamtu kachu kaheu na ku.

mai sabu knha tohi binu pu che , tehi te pareu manorathu chuche .1.
risa pariharu aba magala
sju, kachu dina gae bharata jubarju.
ekahi
ajahu
lg, bara dusara asamajasa mg.2.

c, risa parihsa ki s cehu s c.
kahu
tuhu
jsu
bta
mohi
hdau
taji
dukhu
jarata
rou
tehi
rma
apardhu, sabu kou kahai rmu suhi sdhu.3.
sarhasi
karasi
sanehu, aba suni mohi bhayau sadehu.
subhu
arihi
anukul, so
kimi
karihi
mtu
pratikul.4.
I sincerely tell you, swearing by Rma a hundred times, that his mother
(Kausaly) never said a word to me in this connection. No doubt I arranged everything
without consulting you and that is why my cherished desire has not been realized. Now
give up your anger and put on a festal garb; a few days hence Bharata will be the princeregent. Only one thing has caused me pain; the second boon that you have asked for
is something incongruous. My heart is still burning with the agony caused by it. Is it anger
or jest, or is it all really true? Tell me with a cool mind r Rmas guilt; everybody says
Rma is extremely well-behaved. You too spoke well of him and loved him. Hearing now
what you have asked, I have begun to suspect (whether your profession of love was
genuine). How could he whose temperament was congenial even to an enemy act
contrary to the will of his own mother?
U U UUUU U
U U U U H 32H
Do.: priy hsa risa pariharahi mgu bicri bibeku,

jehi dekhau aba nayana bhari bharata rja abhieku.32.
* AYODHY-KNA *
399
No more of jesting or anger, my darling; make a reasonable and thoughtful

request, so that I may now regale my eyes on the sight of Bharatas installation on the
throne.
(32)
0 L U U
UU U U U

U
U UU U U
U U U U
U U
U
H
fl U U UH 1H
fl U U H
U U UH 2H
U U UUU H
U U UUH 3H
U UH
UUU U U H 4H
Cau.: jiai
mna
baru
bri
bihn,
kahau subhu na chalu mana mh ,
samujhi dekhu jiya priy prabn,
suni mdu bacana kumati ati jara,
kahai karahu kina
koi upy,
dehu ki lehu ajasu kari nh,
rmu sdhu tumha sdhu sayne,
jasa kausil mora bhala
tk,
mani binu phaniku jiai dukha dn.

jvanu mora rma binu nh.1.
jvanu
rma
darasa
dhn.
manahu anala huti ghta para.2.
ih
na
lgihi
ruri
my.
mohi na bahuta prapaca sohh.3.
rmamtu bhali saba pahicne.
tasa phalu unhahi deu kari sk.4.
A fish may rather survive even without water and a serpent may drag on a
miserable and wretched existence without the gem in its head. But I tell you sincerely
with a guileless heart that I cannot live without Rma. Be assured in your mind, my wise
darling, that my very existence depends on the sight of r Rma. Hearing these soft
words the evil-minded queen blazed up like the fire on which has fallen an oblation of
clarified butter. She said, You might as well try millions of devices; but your stratagem
shall not avail with me. Either grant my request or earn a bad reputation by refusing it;
I am not fond of much wiles. Rma is virtuous, you too are virtuous and wise and no less
virtuous is Rmas mother (Kausaly); I have known all of you. I will repay with a
vengeance the benefit she has sought to confer upon me.
(14)
0 U
U U U
U U UUU UH 33H
Do.: hota prtu munibea dhari jau na rmu bana jhi,

mora maranu rura ajasa npa samujhia mana mhi .33.
If Rma does not retire to the woods assuming the garb of a hermit as soon as
the day breaks, death for me and ill-repute for you will be the result; bear this in mind,
O king.
(33)
0 U U UU
UU U
U U U UU
UU
M
L
UU

U

U U U UH
U H 1H
flU U UH
U H 2H
400
U U
U
U U
U U U U

UU
U

Cau.: asa kahi kuila bha uhi hRh,

ppa pahra pragaa bhai so,
dou bara kula kahina haha dhr,
hhata
bhuparupa
taru mul,
lakh naresa bta
phuri s c,
gahi pada binaya knha baihr,
mgu mtha abah
deu toh,
rkhu rma kahu jehi tehi bh t,
U
U
U H
U UUH 3H
UU U UH
UU U UH 4H
mnahu
roa taragini bRh.
bhar krodha jala ji na jo.1.
bhava ra kubar bacana pracr.
cal
bipati
bridhi
anukul.2.
tiya misa mcu ssa para nc.
jani dinakara kula hosi kuhr.3.
rma biraha
jani mrasi moh.
nhi ta jarihi janama bhari cht.4.
So saying, the wicked woman rose and stood up as though it were a swollen
stream of fury that had issued from the mountain of sin and, overflowing with the water
of anger, was too terrible to look at. The two boons she had asked for represented its
banks, her inexorable obstinacy corresponded to its (swift) current and the impelling
force of Manthars words stood for its eddies; uprooting the king like a tree the river
headed towards the ocean of adversity. The king now perceived that the demand of the
queen was really true, and that it was death itself which was dancing over his head in
the disguise of his own consort. Clasping her feet he persuaded her to sit down and
implored her, Pray do not play the axe with respect to the solar race. Ask of me my
own head and I will forthwith give it to you; but kill me not by tearing Rma from me.
Retain Rma by any means whatsoever, or your bosom will burn with anguish all your
life.
(14)
UU U
U U U U U UH 34H
Do.: dekh bydhi asdha npu pareu dharani dhuni mtha,

kahata parama rata bacana rma rma raghuntha.34.
When the king saw the malady uncontrollable he dropped on the ground
beating his head and sobbing out in most piteous tones, Rma, O Rma, O Lord of
Raghus!
(34)
0 UU
U fl
U U UU
U U UU
U
UU
L
UUU U U
U
U L U H
U H 1H
U UU UU H
U UH 2H
U UU U H
U UH 3H
L UUH
U UH 4H
* AYODHY-KNA *
Cau.: bykula ru sithila saba gt,
kahu sukha mukha va na bn,
puni kaha kau kahora kaike,
jau atahu asa karatabu raheu,
dui ki hoi eka samaya bhul,
dni
kahuba
aru
kpan,
chRahu bacanu ki dhraju dharahu,
tanu tiya tanaya dhmu dhanu dharan,
401
karini kalapataru manahu nipt.

janu phnu dna binu pn.1.
manahu ghya mahu mhura de.
mgu mgu tumha kehi bala kaheu.2.
ha saba hahi phuluba gl.
hoi
ki
khema
kusala
raut.3.
jani abal jimi karun karahu.
satyasadha kahu tna sama baran.4.
The king was stricken with grief and his limbs began to droop; it looked as if a wishyielding tree had been knocked down by a female elephant. His throat was dry and
speech failed his lips; he felt miserable like a fish out of water. Kaikey plied him once
more with pungent and harsh words, injecting poison as it were into his wound, If this
was what you intended doing in the long run, what emboldened you to say Ask, ask?
Can both these things happen at the same time, O sovereign of the earthto laugh a
boisterous laugh and to look grave, to enjoy the reputation of being generous and yet be
stingy? Is it possible to remain unscathed while playing the hero? Either go back upon
your word or forbear; pray do not wail like a woman. Life and wife, sons, home, wealth
and land have been spoken of as no better than a straw in the eyes of a man who is
true to his word.
(14)
0 U
UU U U U U
U U Ufl UH 35H
Do.: marama bacana suni ru kaha kahu kachu dou na tora,

lgeu tohi pisca jimi klu kahvata mora.35.
On hearing these poignant words the king exclaimed, Say what you will; you are
not to blame for it. It is my doom which has possessed you like a devil and is using you
as its mouthpiece.
(35)
0U U U
U U
U U fl U
UUU
fl
U
U U
U L
UU U U
U UU
UH
U UUU U H 1H
U H
UU U U U UH 2H
U UU U H
U U U H 3H
U U UUH
U UM H 4H
Cau.: cahata na bharata bhupatahi bhore,

so sabu mora ppa
parinmu,
subasa basihi phiri avadha suh,
karihahi
bhi
sakala
sevak,
tora kalaku mora
pachitu,
aba tohi nka lga karu
so,
bidhi basa kumati bas jiya tore .

bhayau kuhhara jehi bidhi bmu.1.
saba guna dhma rma prabhut.
hoihi
tihu pura
rma
baR.2.
muehu na miihi na jihi ku.
locana oa baihu muhu go.3.
402
jaba lagi jiau kahau kara jor, taba lagi jani kachu kahasi bahor.
phiri pachitaihasi ata
abhg, mrasi
gi
nahru
lg.4.
Bharata would never covet sovereignty even unwittingly. By the decree of fate,
however, evil counsel has taken possession of your mind. All that is the outcome of my
sins, due to which the tide has turned against me at an inopportune moment. Beautiful
Ayodhy shall flourish again under the sovereignty of Rma, the abode of all virtues. All
his brothers shall serve him and his fame shall spread through all the three spheres of
creation. The stain on your reputation and my remorse shall not disappear even after our
death and shall never go till eternity. Now do whatever pleases you; only keep out of my
sight hiding your face. So long as I live, I beseech you with joined palms, pray speak
not a word to me again. You will repent in the end, O hapless woman, that you killed a
cow for the sake of gut.
(14)
0 UU
UU U U U U
U U U U H 36H
Do.: pareu ru kahi koi bidhi khe karasi nidnu,

kapaa sayni na kahati kachu jgati manahu masnu.36.
Thus arguing with her in numberless way the king dropped on the ground crying.
Why do you bring ruin to all? But a pastmaster in wiles the queen did not utter a
word as though busy in prpraley avilsprit in a crematorium (to acquire control over
ghosts).
(36)
0U U UU
NU fl L U
UU U U U
U
U U U
UU U flU
UU
U U U U
U UH
UU U H 1H
fl UU UUH
U fl U H 2H
mUH
U U H 3H
UU
H
U U UUUH 4H
Cau.: rma rma raa bikala

bhulu,
hdaya manva bhoru jani ho,
udau karahu jani rabi raghukula gura,
bhupa
prti
kaikai
kahin,
bilapata npahi bhayau bhinusr,
paRhahi bha guna gvahi gyaka,
magala sakala sohhi na kaise ,
tehi nisi nda par nahi khu,
janu binu pakha bihaga behlu.

rmahi
ji
kahai
jani
ko.1.
avadha biloki sula hoihi ura.
ubhaya avadhi bidhi rac ban.2.
bn benu sakha dhuni dvr.
sunata npahi janu lgahi syaka.3.
sahagminihi
bibhuana
jaise .
rma
darasa
llas
uchhu.4.
Stricken with grief the king repeated the word Rma again and again and felt
miserable like a bird that has been shorn of its wings. He prayed in his heart, May the
day never dawn nor may anyone go and tell Rma. Rise not, O sun-god, the progenitor
of Raghus race; for you will be pained at heart to see the plight of Ayodhy. The kings
affection and the relentlessness of Kaikey both were the highest of their kind in Gods
* AYODHY-KNA *
403
creation. While the king was yet wailing, the day broke and the music of lute, flute and
conch was heard at his door. Bards extolled him and minstrels sang his praises; they,
however, pierced the king like shafts as he heard them. These and other tokens of
rejoicing pleased him not even as ornaments repel a widow who has decided to
accompany her deceased husband to the other world. None could have a wink of sleep
that night since everyone was eagerly longing for a sight of r Rma.
(14)
0mU
U fl fl UU U U
U U fl U fl H 37H
Do.: dvra bhra sevaka saciva kahahi udita rabi dekhi,

jgeu ajahu na avadhapati kranu kavanu bisei.37.
At the door waited a crowd of servants and ministers, who said to one another at
the sight of the risen sun, The Lord of Ayodhy has not yet woken up, what special
reason can there be?
(37)
0U UU
U
flU

UUU U
UU
U
U
L
U fl U L
U U U
U U U
UU U U H
U H 1H
fl UUUH
U UH 2H
U fl H
U H 3H
U UUUH
U UUH 4H
Cau.: pachile pahara bhupu nita jg,

jhu
sumatra
jagvahu j,
gae sumatru taba rura mh,
dhi khi janu ji na
her,
puche
kou
na
utaru
de,
kahi jayajva baiha
siru
n,
soca bikala bibarana mahi pareu,
saciu sabhta sakai nahi puch,
ju hamahi baRa acaraju lg.

kjia
kju
rajyasu
p.1.
dekhi
bhayvana
jta
erh.
mnahu bipati
bida
baser.2.
gae jehi bhavana bhupa kaike.
dekhi bhupa gati gayau sukh.3.
mnahu
kamala mulu parihareu.
bol asubha bhar subha chuch.4.
The king used to wake up during the last watch of the night everyday; his
behaviour today appears most strange to us. Getting into the palace, O Sumantra, you
go and rouse him; on receiving his orders we may proceed with our work. Sumantra
then entered the gynaeceum; but it wore such a dismal appearance that he was afraid
to advance. It looked like a monster that would spring on him and devour him; its sight
was so repelling. It seemed to be the very abode of calamity and sorrow. Since nobody
answered his questions he proceeded to the apartment where the king and Queen
Kaikey were. Greeting the king with the salutory words Jaya Jivan! and bowing his head,
he sat down. He turned pale to behold the condition of the king, who lay on the ground
distracted with grief and colourless like a lotus stalk torn from its roots. The minister being
too alarmed to ask any question, Kaikey, who was full of evil and void of all good, broke
the silence.
(14)
404
0U
UU U
U U UU L U U UH 38H
Do.: par na rjahi nda nisi hetu jna jagadsu,

rmu rmu rai bhoru kiya kahai na maramu mahsu.38.
The king had no sleep last night: Heaven alone knows the reason. He has been
simply repeating Rma, Rma till daybreak and refuses to disclose the secret. (38)
0U
UU

U U L
U
UU U U U U
U U
U
U
fl
U U U
U fl U
U UU H
U U UH 1H
UU UU UH
UU UH 2H
U U U UH
L U H 3H
UU
U
flH
U U UH 4H
Cau.: nahu
rmahi
begi
bol,
caleu sumatru rya rukha jn,
soca bikala maga parai na pu,
ura dhari dhraju gayau dure ,
samdhnu kari so sabah k,
rma
sumatrahi
vata dekh,
nirakhi badanu kahi bhupa raj,
rmu kubh ti saciva sa ga jh,
samcra
taba pu chehu .
lakh kucli knhi kachu rn.1.
rmahi
boli
kahihi
k
ru.
pu chahi sakala dekhi manu mre .2.

gayau jah dinakara kula k.
daru knha pit sama lekh.3.
raghukuladpahi
caleu
lev.
dekhi loga jaha taha bilakhh.4.
Therefore, call on Rma and bring him soon; thereafter, when you have come
back, you may ask further details. Judging (from his masters looks) that the king
approved of this idea, Sumantra left; he concluded that the queen had contrived some
evil design. He felt so distressed with anxiety that his legs refused to move ahead. What
will the king speak to Rma after calling him? he wondered. Recovering himself he
repaired to the gate; and seeing him disconsolate all began to question him. He, however,
reassured them all and proceeded to the apartment where the Ornament of the solar race
(r Rma) was. When r Rma saw Sumantra coming, He received him with honour,
treating the minister on an equal footing with His father. Looking r Rma in the face,
Sumantra conveyed to Him the royal command and returned with the Light of Raghus
race (r Rma). r Rma followed the minister in an unbecoming manner: people here
and there were grieved to see this.
(14)
U U U
U UU U U h UH 39H
Do.: ji dkha raghubasamani narapati nipaa kusju,

sahami pareu lakhi sighinihi manahu bddha gajarju.39.
* AYODHY-KNA *
405
The Jewel of Raghus race went and saw the king in an utterly wretched state like
an aged elephant who had dropped down in terror at the sight of a lioness.
(39)
0U U U
L

L U
U U U U
U U U
U U U U
UU U U
U UU
U U H
U U H 1H
H
U U UUH.2H
U U UU flUH
UU U U U UH 3H
U U U UH
UU U UU H 4H
Cau.: sukhahi adhara jarai sabu agu,

sarua
sampa
dkhi
kaike,
karunmaya mdu rma
subhu,
tadapi dhra dhari samau bicr,
mohi kahu mtu tta dukha krana,
sunahu rma sabu krana ehu,
dena kahenhi mohi dui baradn,
so suni bhayau bhupa ura socu,
manahu dna manihna bhuagu.

mnahu mcu ghar gani le.1.
prathama dkha dukhu sun na ku.
pu ch madhura bacana mahatr.2.
karia jatana jehi hoi nivrana.
rjahi tumha para bahuta sanehu.3.
mgeu jo kachu mohi sohn.
chRi na sakahi tumhra sa kocu.4.
His lips got parched and his whole frame burned; he looked like a helpless snake
bereft of the gem. The Lord beheld by the side of His father angry Kaikey, who stood
there like Death personified counting the last minutes of his life. r Rma was
compassionate and soft by nature; He witnessed sorrow for the first time in His life, He
had never heard of it before. Yet, recovering Himself as the occasion demanded,
addressed His step-mother in the following sweet words, Tell me, dear mother, the
cause of my fathers distress, so that an attempt may be made to remove it. Listen,
Rma; the sole cause is this: the king is very fond of you. He had promised me two
boons of my choice and I asked whatever I liked. The king, however, was stricken with
grief to hear my requests; for he cannot shake off the hesitation on your score. (14)
U U U UU U
U UU U UU U H 40H
Do.: suta sanehu ita bacanu uta sakaa pareu naresu,

sakahu ta yasu dharahu sira meahu kahina kalesu.40.
Love for his son on one side and his plighted word on the other: The king is
placed on the horns of a dilemma. Obey his command if you can, and rid him of a severe
mental torture.
(40)
0U
U U U
U
UU
UU

UM

U H
U U U H 1H
l U MH
U U U UUH 2H
406

U
UU
U U H
H 3H
UH
UH 4H
Cau.: nidharaka baihi kahai kau bn,

jbha kamna bacana sara nn,
janu kahorapanu dhare
sarru,
sabu prasagu raghupatihi sun,
mana musuki bhnukula bhnu,
bole bacana bigata saba duana,
sunu janan soi sutu baRabhg,
tanaya
mtu
pitu
toanihr,
sunata
kahinat
ati
akuln.
manahu mahipa mdu laccha samn.1.
sikhai dhanuabidy bara bru.
baihi manahu tanu dhari nihur.2.
rmu sahaja nada nidhnu.
mdu majula janu bga bibhuana.3.
jo pitu mtu bacana anurg.
durlabha janani sakala sasr.4.
Kaikey unhesitatingly spoke these pungent words, which callousness itself was
sore distressed to hear. With the tongue for a bow, and words for so many shafts and
with the king for a delicate target as it were, it looked as hard heartedness had assumed
the form of a great hero and practised bowmanship. Having communicated the whole
incident to the Lord of Raghus (r Rma). She sat like the very incarnation of
heartlessness. The Sun of the solar dynasty, r Rma, the natural fountain of joy, smiled
within Himself and spoke words which were free from all blemish and were so sweet and
agreeable that they seemed to be the very ornaments of speech; Listen, mother: That
son alone is blessed, who is devoted to the words of his parents. A son who gratifies his
father and mother is rare in this whole world, mother.
(14)
U U U
U U UU UH 41H
Do.: munigana milanu bisei bana sabahi bh ti hita mora,

tehi maha pitu yasu bahuri samata janan tora.41.
In the forest I shall get more opportunities of meeting hermits, which will be
beneficial to me in everyway. On top of it I have my fathers command and your approval
to boot, mother.
(41)
0U
flU U
U U
flU UU L
U U U
U
UU U U
UU U U
U U U U
Cau.: bharatu prnapriya
jau na ju
bana
U H
U U H 1H
UUU U H
U UH 2H
U U H
U U UUH 3H
U U U UH
U U U H 4H
pvahi rju, bidhi saba bidhi mohi sanamukha ju.

aisehu kj, prathama gania mohi muRha samj.1.
* AYODHY-KNA *
sevahi ara u
kalapataru tyg,
teu na pi asa
samau cukh,
aba
eka dukhu
mohi bise,
thorihi bta pitahi dukha bhr,
ru dhra
guna udadhi agdhu,
jte mohi na kahata kachu ru,
407
parihari amta lehi biu mg.

dekhu bicri mtu mana mh.2.
nipaa bikala naranyaku dekh.
hoti pratti na mohi mahatr.3.
bh mohi te kachu baRa apardhu.
mori sapatha tohi kahu sati bhu.4.
Again, Bharata, who is dear to me as life, will get the sovereignty: God is
propitious to me in every respect today. If I refuse to proceed to the woods even under
such circumstances, I should be reckoned foremost in an assembly of fools. Those who
nurture a castor-oil plant leaving the tree of paradise and barter away nectar for poison,
they too will not lose an opportunity like this should they ever get it: ponder this fact in
your mind and realize it, mother. Only one thing pains me most, mother; I am grieved to
see the king sore distressed. That my father should be so overwhelmed with grief over
a trifling matter is more than I can believe, dear mother. The king is stout of heart and
a fathomless ocean of goodness; I must have committed some great offence, which
prevents the king from speaking out his mind to me. I adjure you, therefore, to tell me
the truth.
(14)
0U
U UU U U
l H 42H
Do.: sahaja sarala raghubara bacana kumati kuila kari jna,

calai joka jala bakragati jadyapi salilu samna.42.
The words of r Rma (the Chief of Raghus) were artless and straight-forward,
yet the evil-minded Kaikey took then to be otherwise. A leech must always move obliquely
even though the water on which it moves has a smooth surface.
(42)
0UU U U L
UU U
U U U
U U UU
U U
U U U
U
UU

U U H
U U U H 1H
H
U U UUH 2H
U UH
U UL UH 3H
U U H
UU UH 4H
Cau.: rahas
rni rma rukha
p,
sapatha tumhra bharata kai n,
tumha apardha jogu nahi
tt,
rma satya sabu jo kachu kahahu,
pitahi bujhi kahahu bali
so,
tumha sama suana sukta jehi dnhe,
lgahi kumukha bacana subha kaise,
rmahi mtu bacana saba bhe,
bol
kapaa
sanehu
jan.
hetu na dusara mai kachu jn.1.
janan janaka badhu sukhadt.
tumha pitu mtu bacana rata ahahu.2.
cauthepana jehi ajasu na ho.
ucita na tsu nirdaru knhe.3.
magaha gaydika tratha jaise.
jimi surasari gata salila suhe.4.
408
The queen rejoiced to find r Rma acquiescing to her proposal and said with a
false show of affection, I swear by yourself and Bharata that no other cause of the kings
affliction is known to me. You are not supposed to do any offence, dear son, a source
of delight that you are to your parents and brothers. What you say is all true; you are
devoted to the words of your father and mother. I adjure you to argue with your father
that he may not incur opprobrium in the evening of his life. It is hardly desirable for him
to disregard the virtues (truthfulness etc.) that have fetched him a son like you. These
polite words adorned her detestable mouth even as sacred spots just as Gay is situted
in the accursed land of Magadha (South Bihar). All these words from His stepmother
sounded pleasant to Rma in the same way as waters of all kinds are hallowed through
their confluence with the holy Gag.
(14)
LU UU U U UflU U
fl U U UH 43H
Do.: gai muruch rmahi sumiri npa phiri karavaa lnha,

saciva rma gamana kahi binaya samaya sama knha.43
The kings spell of unconsciousness now left him; he remembered Rma and then
changed sides. And the minister (Sumantra) informed him of r Rmas arrival and made
humble submission to him in words appropriate to the occasion.
(43)
0fl U U
fl
U
UU U U
U UU
UU
UUU UU
U U U
U fl UU U
U UU U UU
U flUU
U U UUH
U U U UUH 1H
U U H
U UH 2H
NU fl U UH
U U UH 3H
U fl UH
U UUU H 4H
Cau.: avanipa akani rmu pagu dhre,

saciva
sa bhri
ru baihre,
lie
saneha
bikala
ura
l,
rmahi
citai
raheu
naranhu,
soka bibasa kachu kahai na pr,
bidhihi manva ru mana mh,
sumiri
mahesahi
kahai nihor,
sutoa
tumha
avahara dn,
dhari dhraju taba nayana ughre.

carana parata npa rmu nihre.1.
gai mani manahu phanika phiri p.
cal
bilocana
bri
prabhu.2.
hdaya
lagvata
brah
br.
jehi raghuntha na knana jh.3.
binat
sunahu
sadsiva
mor.
rati
harahu
dna
janu
jn.4.
Hearing that r Rma had come, the king recovered himself and opened his eyes.
The minister (Sumantra) helped his sovereign to a sitting posture, when the latter beheld
Rma falling at his feet. Overwhelmed with emotion the king clasped Him to his bosom
as though a serpent had regained its lost gem. The monarch kept gazing on r Rma
and a torrent of tears streamed forth from his eyes. Overpowered with grief he could not
utter a word and pressed the prince to his heart again and again. He inwardly prayed to
God that the Lord of Raghus (r Rma) might not be able to proceed to the woods.
* AYODHY-KNA *
409
Invoking the mighty Lord iva he solicited Him saying, Hear my prayer, O ever-blissful
Lord! Quickly pleased and indiscreetly generous as You are, pray, relieve my affliction
knowing me to be in distress.
(14)
0U
U NU UU U
U UUU U UUU UH 44H
Do.: tumha preraka saba ke hdaya so mati rmahi dehu,

bacanu mora taji rahahi ghara parihari slu sanehu.44.
Dwelling as You do in the heart of all as the prompter of actions, so inspire Rma
that he may flout my word and stay at home casting to the wind all sense of propriety
and filial affection.
(44)
0 UU
U UflU U
UU U
U
U

flU U
UU U UU U
fl
U
UU
U U L UL H
U U UUH 1H
U U UH
U UU H 2H
UH
U UH 3H
U U U flH
H 4H
Cau.: ajasu hou jaga sujasu

nasu,
saba dukha dusaha sahvahu moh,
asa mana gunai ru nahi
bol,
raghupati pitahi premabasa jn,
desa
kla
avasara
anusr,
tta kahau kachu karau hih,
ati laghu bta lgi dukhu pv,
dekhi
gosihi
pu chiu
mt,
naraka parau baru surapuru ju.

locana oa rmu jani hoh.1.
ppara pta sarisa manu ol.
puni kachu kahihi mtu anumn.2.
bole
bacana
binta
bicr.
anucitu
chamaba
jni
larik .3.
khu na mohi kahi prathama janv.
suni prasagu bhae stala gt.4.
Let world-wide disrepute be my lot and let my good name perish; I would fain be
damned to perdition and forgo heaven (the abode of immortals). Subject me to all severe
hardships; but let not Rma be screened from my view. The king thus prayed within his
heart but did not open his lips; his mind quivered like an aspen leaf. Perceiving that His
father was overpowered with affection, and apprehending that mother Kaikey might utter
something again, the Lord of Raghus (r Rma) spoke after due deliberation, words
which were not only humble but also suited to the place, time and circumstances. Dear
father, I make bold to submit something; pray forgive this impropriety on my part knowing
that I am yet tender of age. You have suffered for a most trifling matter; and the pity of
it is that nobody apprized me of it before. When I saw you I asked mother Kaikey, and
was consoled to hear what she has told me.
(14)
U UUU
UU U U H 45H
410
Do.: magala samaya saneha basa soca pariharia tta,

yasu deia harai hiya kahi pulake prabhu gta.45.
Grieve not out of affection at a time of rejoicing, dear father, and command me
with a glad heart. The Lord felt a thrill of joy all over his body as He spoke these
words.
(45)

U
U U

flU
U U fl U
U U
U U
U L
U U H
H 1H
UU
U
UU
UH
UU U UU H 2H
UL UH
U U UH 3H
U flUH
U U U UH 4H
Cau.: dhanya
janamu
jagattala tsu,
cri
padratha
karatala tke ,
yasu pli janama
phalu p,
bid
mtu
sana
vau mg,
asa kahi rma gavanu taba knh,
nagara
bypi gai bta sutch,
suni bhae bikala sakala nara nr,
jo jaha sunai dhunai siru so,
pitahi pramodu carita suni jsu.

priya pitu mtu prna sama jke .1.
aihau
begihi
hou
raj.
calihau banahi bahuri paga lg.2.
bhupa soka basa utaru na dnh.
chuata caRh janu saba tana bch.3.
beli biapa jimi dekhi davr.
baRa bidu nahi dhraju ho.4.
Blessed is his birth on the surface of this earth, whose father is rejoiced to hear
of his doings. He has in his hand all the four prizes of life, (viz., religious merit, material
riches, sensuous gratification and final beatitude), to whom his parents are dear as life.
After carrying out your order and having obtained the reward of my life I shall come back
soon; therefore be pleased to command me. In the meantime I shall ask leave of mother
Kausaly and return forthwith; then I shall proceed to the woods after throwing myself
once more at your feet. So spoke r Rma and then departed; while the king was too
overpowered with grief to make any answer. This most unwelcome news spread
throughout the city as though the sting of a scorpion had circulated its poison throughout
the body. Every man and woman who heard this was distressed even as trees and
creepers are blasted at the very sight of a forest fire. Whoever heard it beat his head
wherever he happened to be; the grief was too great to be borne.
(14)
U dflU NU
U L U U UU fl H 46H
Do.: mukha sukhhi locana sravahi soku na hdaya sami,

manahu karuna rasa kaaka utar avadha baji.46.
Their mouths were parched, their eyes streamed and their heart could not contain
their sorrow; it seemed as though the army of Pathos had openly pitched its camp at
Ayodhy.
(46)
* AYODHY-KNA *
0U U
U U U
U U U
U UU h
fl U U U U
U U

UU U
L U
U U U U UH
U fl U fl UH 1H
UU U H
U H 2H
U UU U UUH
U fl U UH 3H
U UH
U H 4H
Cau.: milehi mjha bidhi bta begr,

ehi
ppinihi bujhi
k pareu,
nija kara nayana kRhi caha dkh,
kuila
kahora kubuddhi abhg,
plava
baihi
peRu
ehi k,
sad rmu ehi prna samn,
satya kahahi kabi nri subhu,
nija pratibibu baruku gahi j,
jaha
taha
dehi
kaikaihi gr.
chi bhavana para pvaku dhareu.1.
ri sudh biu chata ckh.
bhai raghubasa benu bana g.2.
sukha mahu soka hu dhari h.
krana kavana kuilapanu hn.3.
saba bidhi agahu agdha duru.
jni
na
ji
nri
gati
bh.4.
411
When everything was ready, God upset the whole plan! Everywhere people
abused Kaikey. What sense could there be in this wicked woman having set fire to a
house that had been newly thatched! She seeks to perceive after tearing out her eyes
with her own hands, and wishes to taste poison throwing away nectar. This crooked
hard-hearted and evil-minded wretch has appeared as fire to burn the cluster of bamboos
in the shape of Raghus race. Sitting on a twig she has hewn the tree itself; in the midst
of joy she has raised a structure of sorrow. r Rma had always been dear to her as
life: What has led her to resort to such perversity? Seers have truly said that a womans
mind is altogether incomprehensible, unfathomable and shrouded in mystery. Sooner man
may catch his own reflection but to know the ways of a woman is impossible. (14)
0U
fl U
U H 47H
Do.: kha na pvaku jri saka k na samudra sami,

k na karai abal prabala kehi jaga klu na khi.47.
What is there that fire cannot consume; what is there that cannot be engulfed by
the ocean? What is there that a powerful woman, miscalled powerless (Abal) in
common parlance, cannot accomplish and what creature is there in this perishable world,
that death cannot devour?
(47)
0 U fl
UU U
UU U
U U U
U U
U U UU
U U flH
L U U U UH 1H
H
U U U H 2H
UU H
U UUUH 3H
412
U U U U UU U UH
U U UU U U U UH.4H
Cau.: k
suni
bidhi
kha
sunv, k
dekhi
caha
eka kahahi bhala bhupa na knh, baru bicri nahi
kha
dekhv.
kumatihi dnh.1.
jo hahi bhayau sakala dukha bhjanu, abal bibasa gynu gunu g janu.
eka
dharama
sibi
dadhci
kna
mudi
paramiti pahicne, npahi dosu nahi
dehi
sayne.2.
kahn, eka eka sana kahahi

bakhn.
eka bharata kara samata kahah, eka udsa bhya
suni rahah.3.
sukta jhi
haricada
kara
rada
gahi jh, eka
asa kahata tumhre, rmu
kahahi
bharata
yaha
kahu
bta
alh.
prnapire.4.
Having first ordained one thing the Creator has now ordained quite the reverse
of it; having shown us one spectacle he would now show us quite another. Some people
said, The king has not done well; he has not been discreet in granting the wicked
woman her request, whereby he has wilfully courted all this tragedy. By allowing himself
to be ruled by a woman he has lost his wisdom and goodness as it were. Others who
were saner did not blame the king, recognizing as they did his high standard of morality.
They repeated at length to one another the narratives of ibi, Dadhci and Haricandra*.
Some suggested Bharatas connivance, while still others passively heard what their
companions said. Others stopped their ears with their hands and bit their tongue as they
exclaimed, This is untrue. All your merits will be destroyed as you utter these words:
r Rma is dear to Bharata as his own life.
(14)
fl L U
U UU U U U H 48H
Do.: cadu cavai baru anala kana sudh hoi biatula,

sapanehu kabahu na karahi kichu bharatu rma pratikula.48.
Sooner shall the moon rain sparks of fire or nectar have the same effect as poison
than Bharata ever dream of doing anything prejudicial to the interests of r Rma. (48)
0
U
U U
UL U U U U UU U
UU U U
UU U
UH
UUUH 1H
UH
UH 2H
* Haricandra, son of Triaku, was a king of Ayodhy and the twenty-eighth in descent from Ikvku,
the founder of the solar dynasty. In order to satisfy the claims of the sage Vivmitra, who wanted to test his
integrity, he parted with his kingdom and all that he had, sold his wife and only son and hired himself out as
the employee of a pariah who kept a burning Gha. Whenever a dead body was brought for cremation there,
Haricandra used to recover the toll and make it over to his master. One day it so happened that a snake bit
his only son, Rohita, and the ex-queen brought the dead prince for cremation to the same Gha. Even
though the ex-king recognized them to be his own wife and child, he would not allow the child to be burnt
without recovering the usual toll. At last the penniless woman offered to part with the rag with which she had
covered her shame and the heartless ex-monarch was going to strip her naked when the gods interposed
and restored the pious king to his throne and all his former prosperity.
* AYODHY-KNA *
U U U
UU U U U U U
U U fl U
U U U
Cau.: eka
bidhtahi
duanu
deh,
kharabharu nagara socu saba khu,
biprabadhu
kulamnya
jaher,
lag dena
sikha
slu sarh,
bharatu na mohi priya rma samn,
karahu rma para sahaja sanehu,
kabahu na kiyahu savati resu,
kausaly
aba
kha
bigr,
413
UU U H
U UH 3H
H
U U UH 4H
sudh dekhi dnha biu jeh.

dusaha dhu ura mi uchhu.1.
je
priya
parama
kaika
ker.
bacana bnasama lgahi
th.2.
sad kahahu yahu sabu jagu jn.
kehi
apardha ju banu dehu.3.
prti
pratti
jna
sabu
desu.
tumha jehi lgi bajra pura pr.4.
Some blamed the Creator, who had offered nectar but actually given them poison.
The whole city was astir and everyone felt distressed. There was deep agony in their
heart and their briskness was gone. Brhmaa matrons and other venerable and elderly
ladies of the royal family and such other ladies as were most dear to Kaikey began to
expostulate with her praising her amiability; but their words pierced her like shafts. You
have always said, and the whole world knows it, that Bharata is not so dear to you as
Rma. You have borne natural affection towards Rma; for what offence do you exile
him to the woods today? You have never harboured jealousy towards your co-wives;
your loving disposition and credulity are known throughout the land. What wrong has
Kausaly done to you now due to which you should have hurled this thunderbolt against
the whole city.
(14)
0 UUUU UUUU
U U U U UH 49H
Do.: sya ki piya sa gu pariharihi lakhanu ki rahihahi dhma,

rju ki bhu jaba bharata pura npu ki jiihi binu rma.49.
Will St forgo the company of r Rma or Lakmaa choose to stay at
home? Will Bharata enjoy the sovereignty of Ayodhy or the king survive without
Rma?
(49)
0 U UU UUU U
UU
fl
U U
U U
U

U U U U U
U U U U
UU U U U
U U
UUU UU U
Cau.: asa bicri ura
bharatahi avasi
U UUH
U U U H 1H
U U U MH
L U H 2H
U U U U UUH
U U flU H 3H
U UU U U H
U H 4H
chRahu kohu, soka kalaka kohi

dehu
jubarju, knana kha rma
jani hohu.
kara kju.1.
414
nhina rmu rja ke bhukhe,
gura gha basahu rmu taji gehu,
jau
nahi lagihahu kahe hamre,
jau parihsa knhi kachu
ho,
rma sarisa suta knana jogu,
uhahu begi soi karahu up,
dharama dhurna biaya rasa rukhe.

npa sana asa baru dusara lehu.2.
nahi lgihi kachu htha tumhre.
tau kahi pragaa janvahu so.3.
kha kahihi suni tumha kahu logu.
jehi bidhi soku kalaku nas.4.
Pondering thus banish anger from your breast nor make yourself a storehouse of
grief and infamy. By all means instal Bharata as the Prince-Regent; but what need is
there for exiling Rma to the forest? Rma is not covetous of sovereignty; he is a
champion of righteousness and has no relish for sensuous pleasures. Let Rma
abandon his home and live with his preceptor; ask this of the king as your second boon.
In case you do not follow our advice, you will gain nothing. If you have only played some
joke, let us know by openly declaring it. Does a son like Rma deserve to be exiled to
the woods? What will the world say about you when they hear of it? Up quickly and
devise some means to avert grief and obloquy.
(14)
U0U
U U U
UU L UU U UH

fl H
Cha.:
jehi bh ti soku kalaku ji upya kari kula plah,

hahi pheru rmahi jta bana jani bta dusari clah.
jimi bhnu binu dinu prna binu tanu cada binu jimi jmin,
timi avadha tulasdsa prabhu binu samujhi dhau jiya bhmin.
Devise some means to avert grief and infamy and save your family. Forcibly
dissuade Rma from proceeding to the woods and make no other suggestion. As the day
without the sun, as the body without life and the night without the moon, so the city of
Ayodhy without the Lord of Tulasdsa, r Rma! just consider this, O irascible lady.
0U
fl U U U U
U U U UH 50H
So.: sakhinha sikhvanu dnha sunata madhura parinma hita,

tei kachu kna na knha kuila prabodh kubar.50.
The advice that Kaikeys friends gave her was agreeable to hear and salutary in
consequence. But she gave no ear to it, tutored as she was by the mischievous
humpback.
(50)
0UL U

U U U
U U
U M
U

U U U
U fl H
U H.1H
U U H
U U U UH.2H
* AYODHY-KNA *
UU U U U

Z

fl U fl H
U H 3H
U U ZH
U U UH 4H
Cau.: utaru na dei dusaha risa

rukh,
bydhi asdhi jni tinha tyg,
rju karata yaha daia
bigo,
ehi bidhi bilapahi pura nara nr,
jarahi biama jara lehi
uss,
bipula
biyoga
praj akuln,
ati bida basa loga
log,
mukha prasanna cita cauguna cu,
mginha citava janu bghini bhukh.

cal kahata matimada abhg.1.
knhesi asa jasa karai na ko.
dehi
kuclihi
koika
gr.2.
kavani rma binu jvana s.
janu jalacara gana sukhata pn.3.
gae
mtu
pahi
rmu
gos.
mi
socu
jani
rkhai
ru.4.
415
She gave no reply and wore a sullen look due to anger that could not be easily
curbed. She stared at them as a hungry tigress would gaze on a herd of does. Finding
her disease incurable, her friends left her saying as they went, Wretched fool ! Fate could
not brook her sovereignty and has betrayed her. She has done what nobody else would
do. Men and women of the city thus lamented and showered numberless abuses on the
wicked woman. They burned with terrible agony and sighed. There can be no hope of
life without Rma, they said. The people were disconcerted at the thought of long
separation even as aquatic creatures get disturbed when water in which they live begins
dry. Men and women alike were overcome with excessive grief. In the meantime Lord r
Rma called on His mother (Kausaly). He wore a cheerful look and had fourfold joy in
his heart; He no longer feared lest the king should detain him.
(14)
0fl
UU U
UU fl UU H 51H
Do.: nava gayadu raghubra manu rju alna samna,

chua jni bana gavanu suni ura anadu adhikna.51.
The mind of r Rma (the Hero of Raghus race) resembled a young elephant
(newly caught) with kingship for its chain. When He heard of the proposal for exiling Him
to the forest He took Himself as freed and felt overjoyed in His heart.
(51)
0U U U U
U UU
U U
U NU
U U
U
U
UU
UU
UU
fl U
Cau.: raghukulatilaka jori dou
dnhi
assa
li
ura
U H
UflU UH 1H
U H
dfl U UH 2H
U H
U UUH 3H
U UH
fl H 4H
hth, mudita mtu pada nyau mth.

lnhe, bhuana basana nichvari knhe.1.
416
bra bra mukha cubati mt,
goda rkhi puni hdaya lage,
premu pramodu na kachu kahi j,
sdara sudara badanu nihr,
kahahu
tta
janan
balihr,
sukta sla sukha sva
suh,
nayana neha jalu pulakita gt.

sravata premarasa payada suhe.2.
raka dhanada padab janu p.
bol madhura bacana mahatr.3.
kabahi lagana muda magalakr.
janama lbha kai avadhi agh.4.
The Crown of Raghus race, r Rma, joined both His palms and cheerfully bowed
His head at His mothers feet. She blessed Him and clasped Him to her bosom and
scattered jewels and raiment around Him (in order to protect Him from evil). The mother
kissed Him again and again with tears of affection in her eyes and her limbs thrilling over
with joy. Seating Him in her lap she pressed Him once more to her heart, while milk flowed
from her graceful breasts due to excess of love. Her affection and joy were altogether
beyond description; it seemed as if a pauper had attained the position of Kubera (the god
of riches). Fondly regarding His lovely countenance the mother spoke to Him in endearing
terms; Tell me, dear childI beseech you;when will be that delightful and auspicious
hour, the beautiful culmination of piety, virtue and joy and the highest reward of human
birth,
(14)
0U
U U U U U
CU U U SflH 52H
Do.: jehi
jimi
chata
ctaka
nara nri saba ati rata

ctaki tita bi sarada
ehi bh ti,
ritu svti.52.
And for which all men and women long as anxiously as a thirsty pair of Ctaka
birds for an autumnal shower during the brief period when the sun is in the same
longitude as the constellation named Svt (the Arcturus)?
(52)
0 U UU
U

U U
U U U
U U U

U UU U
fl U U
U U
U UL
U U flL
UU
U U U
U
U
UH
H 1H
H
H 2H
H
H 3H
H
UH 4H
Cau.: tta
ju
bali
begi
nahhu,
pitu sampa taba jehu bhai,
mtu bacana suni ati
anukul,
sukha makarada bhare riyamul,
dharama dhurna dharama gati jn,
pit
dnha mohi knana rju,
yasu dehi mudita mana mt,
jani saneha basa arapasi bhore ,
jo mana bhva madhura kachu khhu.

bhai baRi bra ji bali mai.1.
janu saneha surataru ke phul.
nirakhi rma manu bhava ru na bhul.2.
kaheu mtu sana ati mdu bn.
jaha saba bh ti mora baRa kju.3.
jehi muda magala knana jt.
na du
aba
anugraha
tore .4.
* AYODHY-KNA *
417
I adjure you, my darling, to bathe quickly and take some sweet dish of your choice.
See your father after that, my boy; for I protest it is already too late. Even on hearing
these most agreeable words of His mother, which were blossoms as it were, of the
celestial tree of affection, laden with the honey of joy and fountains of worldly prosperity,
the bee of r Rmas mind could not be lured by their charm. A champion of
righteousness that He was, He clearly discerned the path of duty and spoke to His mother
in exceedingly polite terms. Father has bestowed on me the kingdom of the forest, where
there will be great opportunities for me in everyway. Therefore, grant me leave with a
cheerful heart, so that my journey to the forest may be attended with joy and blessing.
Be not obsessed with erroneous fears due to affection, dear mother; by your goodwill I
shall be ever happy.
(14)
0U
U U
UU U H 53H
Do.: baraa cridasa bipina basi kari pitu bacana pramna,

i pya puni dekhihau manu jani karasi malna.53.
Spending four years and ten in the forest and having obeyed fathers commands
I will come back and behold your feet again; be not sad at heart.
(53)
0 U U U
U
U U NU
U U
U U UU
U U U
U U
flU
U
U UU UH
fl U fl H 1H
U U H
U H 2H
U UUH
U UUH 3H
UU U UH
U U H 4H
Cau.: bacana binta madhura raghubara ke,

sahami sukhi suni stali
bn,
kahi na ji kachu hdaya bidu,
nayana sajala tana thara thara k p,
dhari dhraju suta badanu nihr,
tta
pitahi
tumha
prnapire,
rju dena kahu subha dina
sdh,
tta
sunvahu
mohi
nidnu,
sara sama lage mtu ura karake.

jimi javsa pare pvasa pn.1.
manahu mg suni kehari ndu.
mjahi khi mna janu mp.2.
gadagada bacana kahati mahatr.
dekhi mudita nita carita tumhre.3.
kaheu jna bana kehi apardh.
ko dinakara kula bhayau ksnu.4.
The gentle and sweet words of r Rma (the Chief of the Raghus) pierced the
mothers heart and rankled there. Alarmed to hear His serene speech she turned pale in
the same way as the Yavsaka plant is blasted by a shower in the monsoon. The agony
of her heart was beyond description like that of a doe that has heard a lions roar. Her
eyes were wet with tears and her body violently shook like a fish that had got inebriated
by sucking the scum raised by the first monsoon shower. Recovering herself and looking
her son in the face the mother spoke in faltering accents, My boy, you are dear as life
to your father, to whom it is a constant delight to watch your day to day doings from .
418
He had got an auspicious day fixed for installing you as the prince-regent; for what offence
has he asked you to proceed to the woods? Let me know the reason, my darling; who
is it that has served as fire to consume the solar race?
(14)
0 U
U L fl U UU
UU U U H 54H
Do.: nirakhi rma rukha sacivasuta kranu kaheu bujhi,

suni prasagu rahi muka jimi das barani nahi ji.54.
Reading in r Rmas eyes His tacit consent Sumantras son (who had obviously
accompanied the Prince) explained the reason. The mother was struck dumb as it were
to hear the episode; the state of her mind could not be described in words.
(54)
0U U U
U UU
U U U U
UU
U UU U
UU U U
UU U
U
U
U UU
UU
Cau.: rkhi na sakai na kahi saka
U UU L UH
UH 1H
UUU UH
U L UH 2H
U UH
U U U H 3H
U U UH
U UUH 4H
jhu, duhu
bh ti
ura
druna
dhu.
likhata sudhkara g likhi
rhu, bidhi gati bma sad saba khu.1.

dharama saneha ubhaya mati gher, bhai gati s pa chuchudari ker.
rkhau
sutahi
karau
anurodhu, dharamu ji aru badhu birodhu.2.
kahau jna bana tau baRi
hn, sakaa
soca
bibasa
bhai
rn.
bahuri samujhi tiya dharamu sayn, rmu bharatu dou suta sama jn.3.
sarala
tta
subhu
ju
bali
rma
mahatr, bol
knhehu
bacana
dhra
dhari
bhr.
nk, pitu yasu saba dharamaka k.4.
She could neither detain her Son nor yet say Go; she felt terrible agony in her
heart in either event. It seemed as though one was going to write moon and wrote
Rhu (the demon who is believed by the Hindus to devour the moon during a lunar
eclipse) instead through a slip of the pen, she said to herself. The ways of the Creator
(Brahm) are always adverse to all, she concluded. Kausalys judgment was swayed
on the one hand by her sense of duty and on the other by her affection. She found herself
on the horns of a dilemma like a snake that has caught hold of a musk-rat*. If I press
my son and detain him, the moral code will be violated and bad blood created between
brothers. And if I allow him to proceed to the woods, it will be a grievous loss. The queen
thus found herself faced with an embarrassing situation and was overwhelmed with grief.
Again, realizing the duty of a woman and remembering that both Rma and Bharata were
* It is popularly believed in India that if a snake once catches hold of a musk-rat mistaking it for an
ordinary rat and latter discovers its identity, it can neither devour it nor disgorge it. For if it devours it, it is sure
to die; and if it disgorges it, it goes blind.
* AYODHY-KNA *
419
equally her sons the prudent Kausaly (r Rmas mother), who had a guileless
disposition, spoke as follows with great courage, You have done well, my child, I swear;
a fathers command is the most sacred of all obligations.
(14)
0U
U U U
U UU U U U H 55H
Do.: rju dena kahi dnha banu mohi na so dukha lesu,

tumha binu bharatahi bhupatihi prajahi pracaa kalesu.55.
That having promised to bestow on you the kingdom of Ayodhy your father has
now decided to exile you to the woods does not make me the least sorry. But your
absence from our midst will mean a terrible ordeal to Bharata, to the king himself and to
the people.
(55)
0 fl
UU
fl
fl
U
U
U
U fl
U U U
U U U
U UU
U U H
fl H 1H
U ULU flH
U U UUH 2H
U U H
U
NU
U
UH 3H
fl H
U UH 4H
Cau.: jau
kevala pitu
yasu
tt,
jau pitu mtu kaheu bana jn,
pitu banadeva
mtu
banadev,
atahu ucita npahi
banabsu,
baRabhg banu avadha
abhg,
jau suta kahau saga mohi lehu,
puta parama priya tumha sabah ke,
te tumha kahahu mtu bana ju ,
tau jani jhu jni baRi mt.

tau knana sata avadha samn.1.
khaga mga carana saroruha sev.
baya biloki hiya hoi har su.2.
jo raghubasatilaka tumha tyg.
tumhare hdaya
hoi sadehu.3.
prna prna ke jvana j ke.
mai suni bacana baihi pachitu .4.
In any case if it be your fathers command alone, my boy, then go not, remembering
that a mother ranks higher than ones father. If, on the other hand, both father and mother
have asked you to proceed to the woods then, of course, the forest will equal a hundred
cities like Ayodhy, with the sylvan gods for your father, the sylvan goddesses for your
mother and the birds and beasts to wait upon your lotus feet. At all events it is but proper
for a king to dwell in a forest in the evening of his life; it is your tender age which fills my heart
with agony. How blessed is the forest and how luckless Ayodhy, that will be deserted by
you, O crown of Raghus line! If I ask you, my boy, to take me with you, your mind will be
filled with doubt. You are supremely dear to all, my child; you are the life of our life, the
vitality of our soul. As such you say, Mother, I go to the forest! while I remain rooted to my
seat even on hearing these words and repent.
(14)
0U
U U UU UU U U U
U U U H 56H
420
Do.: yaha bicri nahi karau haha jhuha sanehu baRhi,

mni mtu kara nta bali surati bisari jani ji.56.
Realizing this I do not press my suit exaggerating my false love. I only pray that
remembering me as a mother you should not allow me to slip out of your mind. (56)
0fl U UU Z
fl U
U UU U
U U
U
U U U
L U U UU
U
UU
UU
UU ZH
U LU U UH.1H
U U UU H
U U H.2H
U
U UH
U U H.3H
U U H
U UU H.4H
Cau.: deva pitara saba tumhahi gos,

avadhi abu priya parijana mn,
asa
bicri
soi
karahu up,
jhu sukhena banahi
bali ju ,
saba kara ju sukta phala bt,
bahubidhi bilapi carana lapan,
druna dusaha dhu ura byp,
rma
uhi
mtu
ura
l,
rkhahu
palaka nayana k n.
tumha karunkara dharama dhurn.1.
sabahi jiata jehi
bhe ahu .
kari antha jana parijana gu .2.
bhayau
karla
klu
bipart.
parama
abhgini
puhi
jn.3.
barani na jhi bilpa kalp.
kahi mdu bacana bahuri samujh.4.
May all the gods and manes protect you, O lord of the earth, as the eyelids protect
the eyes. The term of exile is like water, while your near and dear ones resemble the fish
that live on it; as for yourself you are a fountain of mercy and a champion of virtue.
Remembering this please devise some means to see that you come back in time to find
them all alive. I adjure you to proceed to the woods in good cheer abandoning your
servants, family and the whole city. The fruit of everyones meritorious deeds is exhausted
today and the tide of fortune has turned against us, assuming a sullen aspect. Thus wailing
in many ways mother Kausaly clung to r Rmas feet accounting herself the most
unlucky woman. Her heart was filled with terrible and deep agony and the profusion of
wailings was beyond all description. r Rma lifted His mother and pressed her to His
bosom, and then comforted her with soothing words.
(14)
0U
U UU
U L H 57H
Do.: samcra tehi samaya suni sya uh akuli,

ji ssu pada kamala juga badi baihi siru ni.57.
That very moment St heard the news and rose in great agitation. She approached
Her mother-in-law, reverenced her lotus feet and sat down bowing Her head.
(57)
0U U H
U M U H.1H
* AYODHY-KNA *
U fl
fl
L U U
U UU
U
U U
Cau.: dnhi assa ssu mdu
bn,
baihi namitamukha socati st,
calana cahata bana jvananthu,
k tanu prna ki kevala prn,
cru carana nakha lekhati dharan,
manahu prema basa binatkarah,
maju
bilocana
mocati
br,
tta sunahu siya ati sukumr,
U
UU
421
UU H
U U H.2H
U U UH
UUUUH.3H
U UUH
U UU UH.4H
ati
sukumri
dekhi
akuln.
rupa rsi pati prema punt.1.
kehi sukt sana hoihi sthu.
bidhi karatabu kachu ji na jn.2.
nupura mukhara madhura kabi baran.
hamahi sya pada jani pariharah.3.
bol
dekhi
rma
mahatr.
ssu
sasura
parijanahi
pir.4.
The mother-in-law blessed Her in gentle accents and felt distressed when she
regarded Her most delicate frame. With Her head bent low St, who was beauty
personified and cherished unalloyed love towards Her Lord, sat reflecting, The lord of
my life would depart to the forest; it has yet to be seen who will have the good fortune
to accompany Himmy body and soul together or my soul alone. What God intends
to do cannot be foreseen even partly. As She scratched the ground with the lovely
nails of Her toes, Her anklets produced a musical sound, as ifso declare the poets
they lovingly prayed that Sts feet may never abandon them. Seeing Her shed tears
from Her charming eyes, r Rmas mother broke the silence: Listen, my dear child:
St is exceedingly delicate and the pet of her father-in-law and mothers-in-law and the
whole family.
(14)
U
U Ufl M H 58H
Do.: pit janaka bhupla mani sasura bhnukula bhnu,

pati rabikula kairava bipina bidhu guna rupa ndhnu.58.
She has for her father Janaka, the jewel among princes, while her father-in-law
is no other than the sun of the solar race (your father); as for her lord (yourself), he
is a veritable moon for the lily-like progeny of the sun-god and a repository of goodness
and beauty.
(58)
0
U U U
U
U
U UUU
U fl UU
M U UH
U U H.1H
U H
U UH.2H
U fl UUH
U UU UH.3H
422
U U U UH
U U U U U L UH 4H
Cau.: mai puni putrabadhu priya p,
nayana
putari
kari prti baRh,
kalapabeli
jimi
bahubidhi ll,
phulata phalata bhayau bidhi bm,
pala ga pha taji goda hor,
jianamuri
jimi
jogavata rahau ,
soi siya calana cahati banasth,
cada kirana rasa rasikacakor,
rupa
rsi
guna
sla
suh.
rkheu
prna
jnakihi
l.1.
sci
saneha
salila
pratipl.
jni
na
ji
kha
parinm.2.
siya na dnha pagu avani kahor.
dpa bti nahi rana kahau .3.
yasu
kha
hoi
raghunth.
rabi rukha nayana sakai kimi jor.4.
Again I have found in her a beloved daughter-in-law, who is amiable and

accomplished, and beauty personified. I have treated her as the very apple of my eye
and loved her ever more; nay, my very life is centred in Jnak. I have fostered her in
many ways as a celestial creeper and nourished her by feeding her with the water of
affection. Just when the creeper was about to blossom and bear fruit God turned against
me and there is no knowing what will be the consequence. Borne invariably on a
bedstead, seat, swing or my own lap St has never set her foot on hard ground. I have
been tending her like a life-giving herb and never ask her even to stir the wick of a lamp.
The same St would accompany you to the woods, and awaits your orders, O Lord of
the Raghus! How can a female Cakora bird, who loves to feed on the nectar borne on
the rays of the moon, bear to fix her gaze on the sun?
(14)
0 U
UU U UU CU U
U U fl UH 59H
Do.: kari kehari nisicara carahi dua jatu bana bhuri,

bia bik ki soha suta subhaga sajvani muri.59.
Hosts of wild elephants, lions, demons and other fell creatures roam about in the
woods. Can a beautiful life-giving herb fit in with a poison-wood, my boy?
(59)
0 U U U
U U

U U
UU U
U U
fl UU U
UU
U U UH
UU H.1H
U U H
UUH.2H
UU UUH
U U H.3H
U U U U flH
U H.4H
Cau.: bana
hita
kola
kirta kisor,
phanakmi jimi kahina subhu,
kai tpasa
tiya
knana jogu,
siya bana basihi tta kehi bh t,
rac biraci biaya sukha bhor.

tinhahi kalesu na knana ku.1.
jinha tapa hetu taj saba bhogu.
citralikhita
kapi
dekhi
ert.2.
* AYODHY-KNA *
surasara subhaga banaja bana cr,
asa
bicri
jasa
yasu
ho,
jau siya bhavana rahai kaha ab,
suni raghubra mtu priya bn,
423
bara
jogu
ki
hasakumr.
mai
sikha
deu jnakihi
so.3.
mohi kaha hoi bahuta avalab.
sla saneha sudh janu sn.4.
For residing in the forest God has created Kola* and Kirta* girls, who are foreign
to sensuous pleasures. Adamantine by nature like the insect living on stone, they never
experience any hardship in the woods. Another class fit for the forest are the hermit
women, who have renounced all pleasures for the sake of penance. But how, my son,
will St live in the forest;she who is frightened to see even the picture of a monkey?
Is a female cygnet, who disports in the lovely lotus-beds of the Mnasa lake, fit for a
muddy puddle? First ponder this; then as you order I will instruct Janakas daughter. If
she stays at home, the mother continued, that will mean a great solace to me. When
r Rma (the Hero of Raghus race) heard this endearing speech of His mother, imbued
as it were with the nectar of grace and affection
(14)
0U
U U
U U H 60H
Do.: kahi priya bacana bibekamaya knhi mtu paritoa,

lage prabodhana jnakihi pragai bipina guna doa.60.
He comforted her by addressing tender and wise words to her; and then He
started admonishing Jnak by disclosing to Her the advantages and disadvantages of
forest life.
(60)
0 U
U
UU
fl
U
U UU
U
fl
U U U
UU U
U U U
UU U
U UH
U UH.1H
UU U UUUH
fl H.2H
U U H
UU UH.3H
U U H
U UU UH.4H
Cau.: mtu sampa

kahata
sakuch,
rjakumri
sikhvanu
sunahu,
pana mora nka jau cahahu,
yasu
mora
ssu
sevak,
ehi te adhika dharamu nahi duj,
jaba jaba mtu karihi sudhi mor,
taba taba tumha kahi kath purn,
kahau subhya sapatha sata moh,
bole samau samujhi mana mh.

na bh ti jiya jani kachu gunahu.1.
bacanu hamra mni gha rahahu.
saba bidhi bhmini bhavana bhal.2.
sdara ssu sasura pada puj.
hoihi prema bikala mati bhor.3.
sudari samujhehu mdu bn.
sumukhi mtu hita rkhau
toh.4.

* The names of two well-known hilly tribes.
424
Even though He hesitated in speaking to Her in the presence of His mother, He

realized within Himself the emergency of the situation and said, Listen to my advice, O
princess, and do not misunderstand me. If you wish well of me as well as of yourself,
please accept my suggestion and stay at home. You will be obeying my order and
rendering service to your mother-in-law; by remaining at home, O good lady, you will be
benefited in everyway. For a woman there is no other duty more sacred than reverently
adoring the feet of her husbands parents. Whenever my mother thinks of me and feeling
disconsolate due to her love for me loses her balance of mind, do you console her, my
love, with soothing words by narrating old legends to her. I tell you sincerely and
solemnly; it is for my mothers sake, O charming lady, that I leave you here. (14)
0U
U U
UU U U fl U UH 61H
Do.: gura ruti samata dharama phalu pia binahi kalesa,

haha basa saba sakaa sahe glava nahua naresa.61.
(By staying at home in deference to my wishes) you will easily obtain the
reward of virtue approved of by ones elders and the Vedas; whereas by giving
themselves over to obduracy the sage Glava,* King Nahua and all others suffered
great hardships.
(61)
0 U fl
fl U U U
UU UU
U L U
U U
U UU
U U U
UU
U H
U fl U UUH.1H
U U UH
U U U UH.2H
U H
U U UH.3H
U UUH
UU U H.4H
*Glava was a pupil of the celebrated sage Vivmitra. When he was about to leave his Guru after
completing his studies, he requested the latter to ask something by way of the preceptors fee (Gurudaki).
Vivmitra would ask nothing; but Glava persisted in importuning him. At last, in order to get rid of his
obstinate student, the sage Vivmitra ordered him to get for him a thousand snow-white horses with dark
ears. Glava had to experience a good deal of trouble in procuring this rare breed of horses.
King Nahua was a pious and illustrious ruler. When Indra, the lord of paradise, slew the demon Vtra
(who was a Brhmaa by birth) he incurred the sin of having killed a Brhmaa and out of shame hid himself
in the Mnasarovara lake. Finding themselves without a king the gods installed King Nahua on the throne of
Indra and proclaimed him as their ruler. Nahua once beheld Indras wife and, enamoured of her beauty,
longed to take her to wife. ac, who was noted for her fidelity to her husband, did not approve of Nahuas
overtures and approached the sage Bhaspati (the preceptor of gods) for protection. The gods and sages
thereupon expostulated with Nahua and tried to dissuade him but in vain. According to Bhaspatis advice
ac then offered to accept Nahua as her husband if the latter rode to her on a palanquin carried by sages.
Nahua, who was blinded by passion and was bent on having her as his wife at all costs, gladly agreed and
prevailed on the sages to carry him on their shoulders. As the sages, who got tired very soon, were
proceeding rather slowly, Nahua spurred them on and while doing so kicked the sage Agastya and the latter
pronounced a curse upon him that he should take the form of a python.
* AYODHY-KNA *
Cau.: mai puni kari pravna pitu bn,
divasa
jta
nahi
lgihi br,
jau haha karahu prema basa bm,
knanu kahina bhayakaru bhr,
kusa kaaka maga k kara nn,
carana kamala mdu maju tumhre,
kadara khoha nad nada nre,
bhlu bgha bka kehari ng,
425
begi phiraba sunu sumukhi sayn.

sudari sikhavanu sunahu hamr.1.
tau tumha dukhu puba parinm.
ghora ghmu hima bri bayr.2.
calaba pydehi binu padatrn.
mraga agama bhumidhara bhre.3.
agama agdha na jhi nihre.
karahi nda suni dhraju bhg.4.
As for myself listen, O fair and sensible lady: I will soon return after redeeming
my fathers word. Days will steal away quickly; therefore, heed my advice, O charming
lady. If on the other hand, you persist in your obstinacy due to your affection for me, O
pretty one, you will eventually come to grief. The forest is rugged and most dreadful with
its terrible heat, cold, rain and blasts. The tracks are beset with prickly grass and thorns
and stones of various kinds and you will have to tread them without any shoes. Your lotuslike feet are delicate and lovely, while the paths are most difficult and intercepted by huge
mountains, caves and chasms, streams, rivers and rivulets that are unapproachable,
unfathomable and terrible to look at. Bears and tigers, wolves, lions and elephants raise
such a cry as staggers ones presence of mind.
(14)

U H 62H
Do.: bhumi sayana balakala basana asanu kada phala mula,

te ki sad saba dina milahi sabui samaya anukula.62.
The ground will be your couch and the bark of trees, your raiment; while bulbs,
fruits and roots will be your food. And do you think even these latter will be available to
you all the year round? You will get everything according to its season.
(62)
0U
UU
UU
UU
UU U
U U U
UUU U U
Ufl U U

fl U UU
UUU fl NU U
U U UUH
U H.1H
U U U U UH
U L H.2H
U U H
fl UH.3H
U UH
UH.4H
Cau.: nara
ahra
rajancara
carah,
lgai ati
pahra
kara
pn,
byla karla bihaga bana ghor,
darapahi dhra gahana sudhi e ,
hasagavani tumha nahi bana jogu,
mnasa salila sudh
pratipl,
nava rasla bana
biharansl,
rahahu bhavana asa hdaya
bicr,
kapaa bea bidhi koika karah.

bipina bipati nahi ji bakhn.1.
nisicara nikara nri nara cor.
mgalocani tumha bhru subhe .2.
suni apajasu mohi deihi logu.
jiai ki lavana pyodhi marl.3.
soha ki kokila bipina karl.
cadabadani dukhu knana bhr.4.
426
Man-eating demons roam about in the woods and assume all sorts of deceptive
forms. The water of the hills is exceedingly unwholesome; the hardships of the forest
are beyond all description. There are terrible serpents and fierce wild birds and
multitudes of demons who steal both man and woman. The boldest shudder at the very
thought of the forest; while you, O fawn-eyed lady, are timid by nature. You are not fit
for the woods, O fair lady; the world will revile me when they hear that I am taking you
to the forest. Can a female cygnet who has been brought up in the nectarean water of
the Mnasa lake, live in the salt water of the ocean? Can a cuckoo that has made merry
in a young mango grove, have its appropriate place in a thicket of Karla bushes?
Pondering this in your heart stay at home, O moon-faced lady; the hardships of the
forest are great.
(14)
0U
NU U Sfl U U
U UU fl U U UH 63H
Do.: sahaja suhda gura svmi sikha jo na karai sira mni,

so pachiti aghi ura avasi hoi hita hni.63.
He who does not reverently follow the advice of a disinterested friend, preceptor
and master has to repent fully at heart and surely harms himself.
(63)
0 UU
U
UL fl U
U U U
U U U
U U
U
U H
U U H.1H
U Sfl UH
U U UU flUH.2H
U U UH
U U U U UH.3H
UH.4H
Cau.: suni mdu bacana manohara piya ke,

stala sikha dhaka bhai kaise ,
utaru na va bikala
baideh,
barabasa roki
bilocana
br,
lgi ssu paga kaha kara
jor,
dnhi prnapati mohi sikha
so,
mai puni samujhi dkhi mana mh,
locana lalita bhare jala siya ke.

cakaihi sarada cada nisi jaise .1.
tajana cahata suci svmi saneh.
dhari dhraju ura avanikumr.2.
chamabi debi baRi abinaya mor.
jehi bidhi mora parama hita ho.3.
piya biyoga sama dukhu jaga nh.4.
When St heard these soft and winning words of Her beloved lord, Her lovely
eyes filled with tears. His soothing advice proved as scorching to Her as a moon-lit
autumnal night to a female Cakravka bird. Videhas Daughter could make no answer.
She was filled with agony to think that Her pious and loving lord would leave Her behind.
Perforce restraining Her tears Earths Daughter took courage and throwing Herself at
Her mother-in-laws feet spoke to her with Her two palms joined together, Forgive,
O venerable lady, my great impudence. The lord of my life has tendered me only such
advice as is conducive to my best interests. I have, however, pondered within myself
and realized that there is no calamity in this world as great as being torn away from ones
beloved lord.
(14)
* AYODHY-KNA *
427
L U
U U UU U H 64H
Do.: prnantha karunyatana sudara sukhada sujna,

tumha binu raghukula kumuda bidhu surapura naraka samna.64.
O lord of my life, O abode of mercy, handsome, genial and wise, O moon for the
lily-like race of Raghu, without you heaven would be as obnoxious as hell.
(64)
0
U U U
U U L
U U U
U
M
U U
U U
UU
UflL NU H
U H.1H
U UU H
U H.2H
U MH
U U U UH.3H
L UH
U UUH.4H
Cau.: mtu pit bhagin priya bh,

ssu sasura gura sajana sah,
jaha lagi ntha neha aru nte,
tanu dhanu dhmu dharani pura rju,
bhoga rogasama bhuana bhru,
prnantha tumha binu jaga mh,
jiya binu deha nad binu br,
ntha sakala sukha stha tumhre ,
priya parivru suhda samud.

suta sadara susla sukhad.1.
piya binu tiyahi taranihu te tte.
pati bihna sabu soka samju.2.
jama
jtan
sarisa
sasru.
mo kahu sukhada katahu kachu nh .3.
taisia ntha purua binu nr.
sarada bimala bidhu badanu nihre .4.
Father and mother, sisters and dear brothers, beloved kinsmen and friends,
father-in-law and mother-in-law, preceptor and relatives, allies and even sons, however
good-looking, well-behaved and congenialnay, whatever ties of affection and kinship
there existto a woman bereft of her beloved lord they are far more tormenting than the
scorching sun. Life, riches, house, land, city and kingdomall these are mere
accoutrements of woe to a woman bereft of her lord. Luxury to her is loathsome like a
disease and ornaments a burden; while the world is like the torments of hell. Without you,
O lord of my life, nothing in this world is delightful to me. As the body without a soul, and
a river without water, even so, my lord, is a woman without her husband. In your
company, my lord, I shall be happy in everyway so long as I behold your countenance
resembling the cloudless moon of an autumnal night.
(14)
U L
U U H 65H
Do.: khaga mga parijana nagaru banu balakala bimala dukula,

ntha stha surasadana sama paranasla sukha mula.65.
Birds and beasts will be my kindred; the forest, my city and the bark of trees, my
428
spotless robes. And a hut of leaves in the company of my lord will be as comfortable as
the abode of gods.
(65)
0
fl
UU
U U
UM
U U
U UU
fl
U
U U Sfl
UUU U UH
UH.1H
fl U UMH
UUUU fl H.2H
U UH
UU H.3H
U UU H
L
UU
UH.4H
Cau.: banadeb
banadeva
udr,
kusa
kisalaya
sthar suh,
kada mula phala amia ahru,
chinu chinu prabhu pada kamala bilok,
bana dukha ntha kahe bahutere,
prabhu biyoga lavalesa samn,
asa jiya
jni sujna siromani,
binat bahuta karau k
svm,
karihahi ssu sasura sama sr.

prabhu sa ga maju manoja tur.1.
avadha saudha sata sarisa pahru.
rahihau
mudita divasa jimi kok.2.
bhaya bida paritpa ghanere.
saba mili hohi
na kpnidhn.3.
leia saga mohi chRia jani.
karunmaya
ura
atarajm.4.
The generous-hearted sylvan gods and goddesses will take care of me like my
own father-in-law and mother-in-law. A charming litter of grass and tender leaves will in
the company of my lord vie with Cupids own lovely cushion. Bulbs, roots and fruits will
be my ambrosial food; while mountains will be as good as a hundred royal mansions of
Ayodhy. Gazing on the lotus feet of my lord every moment I shall remain as cheerful
as a female Cakravka bird during the daytime. You have mentioned a number of
hardships and perils, woes and afflictions attendant with forest life; but all these put
together will hardly compare with an iota of the pangs of separation from my lord, O
fountain of mercy! Bearing this in mind, O crest-jewel of wise men, take me with you;
pray do not leave me behind. I refrain from making a lengthy submission, my lord,
knowing as I do that you are all-merciful and have access to the hearts of all. (14)
0 U fl fl UU U
U H 66H
Do.: rkhia avadha jo avadhi lagi rahata na janiahi prna,

dinabadhu sudara sukhada sla saneha nidhna.66.
If you leave me in Ayodhy till the expiry of your exile, you may rest assured that
I shall not survive, O friend of the afflicted, O handsome and congenial lord. O
storehouse of amiability and affection!
(66)
0U UU UU
U fl UU
U U L UU
U S
U U U U UUH
U UUUH.1H
UUU U UH
U U H.2H
* AYODHY-KNA *
U Lfl U
U U U U
U flUU
U
UU H
U U UH.3H
U UH
UU U U H.4H
Cau.: mohi maga calata na hoihi hr,

sabahi bh ti piya sev karihau ,
pya pakhri baihi taru chh,
rama kana sahita syma tanu dekhe,
sama mahi tna tarupallava s,
bra bra
mdu
murati
joh,
ko prabhu sa ga mohi citavanihr,
mai sukumri ntha bana jogu,
chinu chinu carana saroja nihr.

mraga janita sakala rama harihau .1.
karihau
bu mudita mana mh.
kaha dukha samau prnapati pekhe .2.
pya paloihi saba nisi ds.
lgihi
tta
bayri
na
moh.3.
sighabadhuhi jimi sasaka sir.
tumhahi ucita tapa mo kahu bhogu.4.
429
As I walk along the road I shall know no fatigue gazing on your lotus feet all the
while. I shall render all sorts of service to my beloved lord (yourself) and shall relieve him
of all the toil occasioned by the journey. Laving your feet and resting in the shade of a
tree I shall fan you with a cheerful heart. Beholding your swarthy form bedewed with
sweat and casting a look on the lord of my life I can have no occasion for grief.
Spreading grass and leaves of trees on an even patch of ground this handmaid of yours
will knead your feet overnight. Even as I gaze on your tender form again and again hot
winds will have no effect on me. Who can dare look at me, when I am by the side of my
lord, any more than a hare or jackal would regard a lioness? How true it is that I am
delicate of body while my lord is fit to bear the hardships of a forest life, that it behoves
you to undergo penance while it is worth while for me to loll in luxuries!
(14)
0 U
UU NUU
UUU flU H 67H
Do.: aiseu bacana kahora suni jau na hdaya bilagna,

tau prabhu biama biyoga dukha sahihahi pva ra prna.67.
When my heart did not resent even on hearing such cruel words, I am sure my
wretched self shall live to bear the terrible pangs of separation from my lord! (67)
0 U U
U
UU

U U flL
U
U
UU UU U
U UU
UH
UU U U UU H.1H
UUU U H
UU fl H.2H
H
UU U H.3H
UU UU UH
UH.4H
Cau.: asa kahi sya bikala bhai bhr, bacana biyogu na sak sa bhr.
dekhi das raghupati jiya jn, hahi rkhe nahi
rkhihi prn.1.
430
kaheu
kpla
bhnukulanth,
nahi
bida kara avasaru ju,
kahi priya bacana priy samujh,
begi praj
dukha
meaba ,
phirihi das bidhi bahuri ki mor,
sudina sughar tta kaba hoihi,
parihari socu calahu bana sth.

begi karahu bana gavana samju.2.
lage
mtu
pada
sia
p.
janan nihura bisari jani j.3.
dekhihau
nayana manohara jor.
janan jiata badana bidhu joihi.4.
So saying St was overwhelmed with distress; she could not bear Her lords
separation even in words. Seeing Her condition the Lord of Raghus was convinced in
His heart of hearts that if left behind against Her will She would not survive. The allmerciful Lord of the solar race, therefore, said: Give up lamentation and accompany me
to the forest. Grief is out of season today. Prepare yourself for the journey to the woods
at once. Consoling His beloved Consort with these endearing words the Lord threw
Himself at His mothers feet and received her blessings. Pray return soon and relieve
the peoples distress and see that your heartless mother is not forgotten. Shall the tide
of my fortune ever turn, O goodness, that I may behold the charming pair with my eyes
again ? When, my dear son, will arrive the auspicious day and blessed hour that your
mother shall live to see your moon-like countenance?
(14
0UU
U U U U UU
U U UU UU H 68H
Do.: bahuri baccha kahi llu kahi raghupati raghubara tta,

kabahi boli lagi hiya harai nirakhihau gta.68.
When again shall I call you my darling, my pet child, O Lord of Raghus, O
Chief of Raghus race, my boy, and summoning you clasp you to my bosom and gaze
upon your limbs with delight?
(68)
0 U U UU
U U

fl U
U UU UU

UU U UU U
UU
Ufl UU
fl UH
U U H.1H
U H
U U UH.2H
U U U UH
fl U H.3H
U U UH
UH.4H
Cau.: lakhi
saneha
ktari
mahatr,
rma prabodhu knha bidhi nn,
taba
jnak
ssu
paga lg,
sev samaya daia banu dnh,
tajaba chobhu jani chRia chohu,
suni siya bacana ssu akuln,
brahi
bra
li
ura lnh,
acala
hou
ahivtu
tumhr,
bacanu na va bikala bhai bhr.

samau sanehu na ji bakhn.1.
sunia mya mai parama abhg.
mora manorathu saphala na knh.2.
karamu kahina kachu dosu na mohu.
das kavani bidhi kahau bakhn.3.
dhari dhraju sikha sia dnh.
jaba lagi gaga jamuna jala dhr.4.
* AYODHY-KNA *
431
Seeing that His mother was too overwhelmed with emotion to speak any more and
was greatly agitated, r Rma consoled her in various ways; the gravity of the occasion
and the intensity of affection was more than one could describe. Janakas Daughter then
threw Herself at Her mother-in-laws feet and said, I tell you, mother: I am most unluckly
in that at a time when I should have served you heaven has exiled me to the forest and
has refused to grant my desire. Pray be not perturbed any more but at the same time
cease not to entertain kindly feelings towards me. Relentless is fate and there is no fault
of mine either. The mother-in-law was so distressed to hear Sts words that I have no
words to describe her condition. Again and again she pressed her Daughter-in-law to her
breast and recovering herself admonished and blessed Her: May the blessed state of
your wifehood (the longevity of your husband) know no break and endure so long as the
streams of the Gag and Yamun continue to flow.
(14)
0 U
U U
L U UU UH 69H
Do.: stahi ssu assa sikha dnhi aneka prakra,

cal ni pada paduma siru ati hita brahi bra .67.
The mother-in-law blessed and admonished St in various ways and the

latter parted from her, most affectionately bowing Her head at her lotus feet again and
again.
(69)
0U

U
U U fl U
NU UUU
U UU U U
U U U
U U
UU
UU H
U U UH.1H
UH
U UUH.2H
UUU fl UU H
U U UH.3H
U U UH
NU U UUUH.4H
Cau.: samcra jaba

lachimana pe,
kapa pulaka tana nayana sanr,
kahi na sakata kachu citavata hRhe,
socu hdaya bidhi k honihr,
mo kahu kha kahaba raghunth,
rma biloki badhu kara
jore,
bole bacanu rma naya ngara,
tta prema basa jani kadarhu,
bykula bilakha badana uhi dhe.

gahe carana ati prema adhr.1.
mnu dna janu jala te kRhe.
sabu sukhu suktu sirna hamr.2.
rakhihahi bhavana ki lehahi sth.
deha geha saba sana tnu tore .3.
sla saneha sarala sukha sgara.
samujhi hdaya parinma uchhu.4.
When Lakmaa got the news he started up in confusion and ran with a doleful
face. Trembling all over with his hair standing on end and eyes full of tears he clasped
r Rmas feet much excited with emotion. He was unable to speak and stood gazing
piteously like a fish taken out of water. There was anxiety in his heart. What is going
to happen, O good heavens? he said to himself. All my joy and merits are over now.
What will the Lord of Raghus command me to do? Will he leave me at home or take me
432
with him? When r Rma saw His brother with joined palms having renounced his home
and reckless about his own body, He addressed him in the following words, well-versed
as He was in the rules of correct behaviour and an ocean of amiability, love, artlessness
and joy: Pray do not lose your balance of mind out of affection, dear brother, and be
convinced in your heart of hearts that the end will be a happy one.
(14)
L Sfl U U UU
UU U U L H 70H
Do.: mtu pit guru svmi sikha sira dhari karahi subhya ,
laheu lbhu tinha janama kara nataru janamu jaga jya .70.
Those who reverently and unconstrainedly follow the advice of their father and
mother, preceptor and master have reaped the fruit of their birth or else their coming into
this world has been in vain.
(70)
0 U
fl
U
U U
U UU
L UflM
UUU UU U U
U U
UUU U
U
UU flH
UU h UH.1H
U U fl H
U U U MH.2H
L UU U H
fl U UH.3H
UH
U U U H.4H
Cau.: asa jiya jni sunahu sikha bh,

bhavana bharatu ripusudanu nh,
mai bana ju tumhahi lei sth,
guru pitu mtu praj parivru,
rahahu karahu saba kara paritou,
jsu
rja
priya praj dukhr,
rahahu
tta
asi
nti bicr,
siare bacana sukhi gae kaise ,
karahu mtu pitu pada sevak.

ru bddha mama dukhu mana mh.1.
hoi sabahi bidhi avadha anth.
saba kahu parai dusaha dukha bhru.2.
nataru tta hoihi baRa dou.
so npu avasi naraka adhikr.3.
sunata lakhanu bhae bykula bhr.
parasata tuhina tmarasu jaise .4.
Bearing this in mind, brother, listen to my advice and wait upon the feet of our
father and mothers. Bharata and Ripusudana (atrughna) are not at home, while the king
is aged and full of grief for my sake. If I proceed to the woods taking you with me,
Ayodhy will be rendered completely masterless and the preceptor and parents, the
people as well as the family, all will be subjected to a spell of terrible suffering. Stay, then,
to comfort all; otherwise, brother, we shall incur great sin. A king whose reign brings
suffering to his beloved people surely deserves an abode in hell. Bearing in mind this
maxim, dear brother, stay at home. Hearing this, Lakmaa felt much distressed. He
turned pale at these soothing words in the same way as a lotus is blasted when touched
by frost.
(14)
0 UL
fl U U
Sfl U U U H 71H
* AYODHY-KNA *
433
Do.: utaru na vata prema basa gahe carana akuli,

ntha dsu mai svmi tumha tajahu ta kha basi.71.
Overwhelmed with emotion he could not answer, but clasped his Brothers feet
in anguish, My lord, I am your slave and you my master; if you abandon me, what
help !
(71)
0U U Z
UU U U U
U
U
U U U
U U
Sfl
U
U U
U U U
Cau.: dnhi
mohi
sikha
UZH
U UH.1H
L L U UH
UU U UH.2H
H
UU
UH.3H
U UH
UUU H.4H
gos, lgi
nki
agama
narabara dhra dharama dhura dhr, nigama

mai sisu prabhu saneha
gura
pitu
jaha
lagi
more
mtu na
jagata
sabai
dharama
eka
nti
nti
pratipl, madaru
jnau
saneha
tumha
upadesia
khu, kahau
sag, prti
th, krati
kahu
meru
ki
subhu
pratti
svm, dnabadhu
bhuti
mana krama bacana carana rata ho, kpsidhu
kadar.
apan
te
adhikr.1.
lehi
marl.
ntha
nigama
ura
sugati
pariharia
patihu.2.
niju
g.
atarajm.3.
priya
ki
jh.
so.4.
My lord, you have given me a sound advice; but due to my faintheartedness it

sounds impracticable to me. Only those noble men who are self-possessed and
champion the cause of virtue, are fit to be taught the gospel of the Vedas and moral
philosophy. I am a mere child fostered by your loving care; can a cygnet lift Mount
Mandara or Meru? I know no preceptor nor father nor mother; I tell you sincerely;
believe me, my lord. Whatever ties of affection, love and confidence exist in the world
as declared by the Vedasfor me they are all centred in you and you alone, my lord.
O friend of the afflicted, O knower of the innermost heart of all ! Piety and propriety
should be taught to him who is fond of glory, fortune and a noble destiny. He, however,
who is devoted to your feet in thought, word and deedshould he be abandoned, O
ocean of grace?
(14)
0 L

UU U H 72H
Do.: karunsidhu subadhu ke suni mdu bacana binta,

samujhe ura li prabhu jni saneha
sabhta.72.
Hearing these soft and polite words of His noble brother, the all-compassionate
Lord clasped him to His bosom and consoled him, perceiving that he had lost his nerve
through love.
(72)
434
0U
UU
UU NU U
U
U
U UU
U U
flU U H
U U U UH.1H
U U H
U H.2H
U H
fl U UH.3H
U U U H
UU UH.4H
Cau.: mgahu bid

mtu
sana j,
mudita bhae suni raghubara bn,
haraita
hdaya
mtu pahi e,
ji
janani
paga nyau mth,
pu che mtu malina mana dekh,

ga sahami suni bacana kahor,
lakhana lakheu bh anaratha ju,
mgata
bid sabhaya sakuch,
vahu begi calahu

bana bh.
bhayau lbha baRa gai baRi hn.1.
manahu
adha phiri locana pe.
manu raghunadana jnaki sth.2.
lakhana kah saba kath bise.
mg dekhi dava janu cahu or.3.
ehi saneha basa karaba akju.
ji saga bidhi kahihi ki nh.4.
Go and ask leave of your mother; then quickly return and accompany me to the
woods. Lakmaa rejoiced to hear these words from the Chief of Raghus; great was his
gain and a mighty loss was averted. He went up to his mother delighted at heart as a
blind man who had regained his lost vision. Approaching her he bowed his head at her
feet, while his heart was with r Rma (the Delighter of Raghus race) and Janakas
Daughter. Finding him depressed in spirit the mother inquired the reason, when Lakmaa
related at length the whole incident. Sumitr was shocked to hear this cruel report as a
doe on finding wild fire all about her. Lakmaa apprehended that things would take a
wrong turn that day and that his mother would frustrate his plans due to her affection.
He, therefore, felt nervous and hesitated in asking leave of her; for he thought within
himself, Good God, will she allow me to accompany r Rma or not?
(14)
U M U
U U L U UH 73H
Do.: samujhi sumitr rma siya rupu suslu subhu,

npa sanehu lakhi dhuneu siru ppini dnha kudu.73.
Remembering the beauty, amiability and noble disposition of r Rma and St
and considering the kings affection for Them, Sumitr beat her head as she perceived
that the wicked queen (Kaikey) had played him foul.
(73)
0U UU
flU
UU
U
fl U U U fl
U U
U U Z
U fl
U NU H
U UH.1H
U fl U H
fl UU U UH.2H
U ZH
SflU UU U H.3H
* AYODHY-KNA *
435
U U U U H
U U fl UH.4H
Cau.: dhraju
dhareu
kuavasara jn,
tta
tumhri
mtu baideh,
avadha tah
jaha rma nivsu,
jau pai sya rmu bana jh,
gura pitu matu badhu sura s,
rmu
pranapriya
jvana
j ke,
pujanya priya parama jah te ,
asa jiya jni saga bana jhu,
sahaja suhda bol mdu bn.

pit rmu saba bha ti saneh.1.
taha i divasu jaha bhnu praksu.
avadha tumhra kju kachu nh.2.
seiahi
sakala
prna
k
n.
svratha rahita sakh sabah ke.3.
saba mniahi rma ke nte .
lehu
tta
jaga
jvana
lhu.4.
Perceiving that the time was unpropitious to them, she collected herself and,
possessing as she did a naturally good heart, spoke in gentle words, My dear son,
Videhas daughter is your mother while Rma, who loves you in everyway, is your
father. Ayodhy is there where Rma dwells; there alone is the day where there is
sunlight. If St and Rma are really proceeding to the woods, you have no business
in Ayodhy. Ones preceptor, parents, brother, gods and masterall these should be
tended as ones own life. Rma, however is dearer than life, the soul of our soul and
the disinterested friend of all. Whosoever are worthy of adoration and most dear to us
should be accounted as such only in so far as they are related to Rma. Bearing this
in mind, accompany him to the forest and derive, my boy, the benefit of your existence
in the world.
(14)
0 U
U U U
UU UU U U U UUH 74H
Do.: bhuri bhga bhjanu bhayahu mohi sameta bali ju ,

jau tumhare mana chRi chalu knha rma pada hu .74.
It is your great good fortune as well as mine, I solemnly declare, that your mind
has sincerely taken up its abode in Rmas feet.
(74)
0fl

L
UUU U U
U U U
U U U
U
U U U
U U
U U UU
U UH
U U H.1H
U U U UH
U UH.2H
U U UUH
UU flH.3H
U H
UU U UH.4H
Cau.: putravat
jubat
jaga
so,
nataru bjha bhali bdi

bin,
tumharehi bhga rmu bana jh,
sakala sukta kara baRa phalu ehu,
raghupati bhagatu jsu sutu ho.

rma bimukha suta te hita jn.1.
dusara hetu tta kachu nh.
rma sya pada sahaja sanehu.2.
436
rgu rou iri madu mohu,
sakala
prakra
bikra
bih,
tumha kahu bana saba bh tisupsu,
jehi na rmu bana lahahi kalesu,
jani sapanehu inha ke basa hohu.

mana krama bacana karehu sevak.3.
sa ga pitu mtu rmu siya jsu.
suta soi karehu ihai upadesu.4.
That woman alone can be said to have borne a male issue, whose son is a
devotee of Rma (the Lord of Raghus). Otherwise she had better remain issueless; for
she who deems herself fortunate in having a son hostile to Rma has yeaned in vain.
It is due to your good fortune that Rma is proceeding to the forest; there is no other
ground for his doing so, my boy. The highest reward of all meritorious acts is verily
thisto have spontaneous love for the feet of St and Rma. Never give way even
in a dream to passion, anger, jealousy, arrogance or infatuation. Giving up all sorts of
morbid feelings serve them in thought, word and deed. You will be happy in everyway
in the forest since you will have with you your father and mother in Rma and St.
Take care, my son, that Rma may be put to no trouble in the woods: that is my
admonition to you.
(14)
U0U
U U UU U flU
UflU U U UflUH
U U .
U UU U UU H
yahu jehi tta tumhare rma siya sukha pvah,
pitu mtu priya parivra pura sukha surati bana bisarvah.
tulas prabhuhi sikha dei yasu dnha puni sia da,
rati hou abirala amala siya raghubra pada nita nita na.
Cha.: upadesu
My admonition to you, dear child, is this: it is up to you to see that Rma and St
lead a happy life in the forest through your good offices and forget their father and
mother, near and dear ones as well as the amenities of city life. Having thus
admonished the Lord of Tulasdsa (Lakmaa) Sumitr granted him leave (to accompany
r Rma) and then invoked her blessing on him: May your devotion to the feet of St
and the Hero of Raghus race be constant and untainted and ever new.
U L U NU
U U U H.75H
So.: mtu carana siru ni cale turata sakita hdaya ,

bgura biama tori manahu bhga mgu bhga basa.75.
Bowing his head at his mothers feet Lakmaa left at once with a timid heart
apprehending any further development that might bulk his plans and interfere with his
accompanying (r Rma to the forest); it looked as if a deer had luckily succeeded in
bursting a strong snare and made good his escape.
(75)
U H
U U U U H.1H
* AYODHY-KNA *
UU UU U U U

U U L UU
U U UU
fl
UU
UU
UU
U UU
UH
U UH.2H
U UH
U UH.3H
U U UH
U UH.4H
Cau.: gae lakhanu jaha

jnakinthu,
badi rma siya carana suhe,
kahahi parasapara pura nara nr,
tana ksa mana dukhu badana malne,
kara mjahi siru dhuni pachith,
bhai baRi bhra bhupa darabr,
sciva
uhi
ru
baihre,
siya sameta dou tanaya nihr,
bhe mana mudita pi priya sthu.

cale
saga
npamadira
e.1.
bhali bani bidhi bta bigr.
bikala manahu mkh madhu chne.2.
janu binu pakha bihaga akulh.
barani
na
ji
bidu
apr.3.
kahi priya bacana rmu pagu dhre.
bykula bhayau bhumipati bhr.4.
437
Lakmaa went straight to where the Lord of Jnak (Janakas Daughter) was; he
was glad at heart to find himself in the company of his beloved Brother. Bowing to the
charming feet of r Rma and St he accompanied Them to the kings palace. The men
and women of the city said to one another, How strange that God wellnigh fulfilled our
hopes and then shattered them! With emaciated bodies, a sorrowful heart and doleful
face they felt miserable as a bee that has been robbed of its honey. They wrung their
hands, beat their heads and lamented like birds that had been clipt of their wings and
were restless without them. A huge crowd had collected at the entrance of the royal
palace and there was untold grief which knew no bounds. The minister (Sumantra) raised
the king and seated him communicating to him the agreeable news that r Rma had
come. When he saw his two sons with St, his distress was profound.
(14)
U U
UU U U UU UU H 76H
Do.: sya sahita suta subhaga dou dekhi dekhi akuli,

brahi
bra
saneha
basa
ru
lei
ura
li.76.
The king felt much agitated as he gazed on his two sons with St. Overwhelmed
with emotion he pressed them to his bosom again and again.
(76)
0 UU
U
U

U UU UU
U U U UU
L U UU
U U fl
UU L UH
UU UU H.1H
UU U H
U H.2H
UU
U U UH
U UU UUH.3H
NU UH
U H.4H
438
Cau.: sakai na boli bikala naranhu,

ni
ssu
pada ati anurg,
pitu assa yasu mohi
djai,
tta kie priya prema pramdu,
suni saneha basa uhi naranh ,
sunahu tta tumha kahu muni kahah,
subha aru asubha karama anuhr,
karai jo karama pva phala so,
soka janita ura druna dhu.

uhi raghubra bid taba mg.1.
haraa samaya bisamau kata kjai.
jasu
jaga
ji
hoi
apabdu.2.
baihre
raghupati
gahi
bh .
rmu
carcara
nyaka
ahah.3.
su dei phalu hdaya
bicr.
nigama nti asi kaha sabu ko.4.
The king was too restless to speak; there was terrible agony in his heart due to
excess of grief. Most affectionately bowing His head at His fathers feet, the Hero of
Raghus race then arose and asked his permission to proceed to the woods: Father,
give me your blessings and commands; why should you be sorrowing at this hour of
jubilation? By swerving from the path of duty due to attachment for a beloved object, dear
father, ones reputation is lost and obloquy incurred. Hearing this the king got up in his
love and holding r Rma (the Lord of Raghus) by the arm he made Him sit down and
said, Listen, my boy: of You the sages declare that Rma is the Lord of the entire
creation, both animate and inanimate. God requites our actions according as they are
good or bad, weighing them in the scale of His judgment. He alone who does an act
reaps its consequences: such is the law of the Vedas and so declare all.
(14)
0 L
U U U U fl
fl H 77H
Do.: auru karai apardhu kou aura pva phala bhogu,

ati bicitra bhagavata gati ko jaga jnai jogu.77.
But in this case we find that one commits the offence and another reaps the
fruit. Highly mysterious are the ways of God: no one in this world is competent to
know them.
(77)
0U U U U
U L UU
UU U
U U
U U U
UU
U

fl U U U
U U U
U U U H
U
U
U
H.1H
U U UH
U H.2H
L H
U U H.3H
U U UU H
UU UU U U H.4H
Cau.: rya
rma
rkhana hita lg,
lakh rma rukha rahata na jne,
taba npa sya li ura lnh,
kahi bana ke dukha dusaha sune,
siya manu rma carana anurg,
aurau
sabahi
sya
samujh,
bahuta upya kie chalu tyg.

dharama dhuradhara dhra sayne.1.
ati hita bahuta bh ti sikha dnh.
ssu sasura pitu sukha samujhe.2.
gharu na sugamu banu biamu na lg.
kahi kahi bipina bipati adhik.3.
* AYODHY-KNA *
439
saciva
nri gura nri sayn, sahita saneha kahahi mdu bn.
tumha kahu tau na dnhabanabsu, karahu jo kahahi sasura gura ssu.4.
The king sincerely tried every means to detain r Rma. But he discovered r
Rmas intention and came to know that He was not going to stay, a champion of
righteousness, strong-minded and foresighted as He was. The king thereupon clasped
St to his bosom and most lovingly admonished Her in many ways. He described the
terrible hardships of forest life and explained to Her the comforts She would enjoy if She
chose to stay with Her husbands parents or Her own father. Sts mind, however, was
attached to r Rmas feet; hence neither home seemed attractive to Her nor the forest
repulsive. Everyone else too expostulated with St dwelling on the many miseries of the
forest. The ministers (Sumantras) wife as well as the preceptors (Vasihas) and other
prudent ladies fondly urged Her in gentle tones: Nobody has exiled you to the forest:
therefore, do as your husbands parents and preceptor bid you.
(14)
0 U U U U
U H 78H
Do.: sikha stali hita madhura mdu suni stahi na sohni,

sarada cada cadini lagata janu caka akulni.78.
This advice, soothing, friendly, agreeable and tender as it was, did not sound
pleasing to Sts ears. It seemed as if the touch of the rays of the autumnal moon had
made a female Cakravka bird restless.
(78)
0 UL
U
U
U UU
U
U U U fl
U

LU UU
U U
UU H
U H.1H
U UUU UH
UU UU H.2H
U flH
UU H.3H
U U U H
U L H.4H
Cau.: sya sakuca basa utaru na

de,
muni paa bhuana bhjana n,
npahi prnapriya tumha raghubr,
suktu
sujasu
paraloku nasu,
asa bicri soi karahu jo bhv,
bhupahi bacana bna sama lge,
loga bikala muruchita naranhu,
rmu
turata muni
beu ban,
so
suni
tamaki
uh
kaike.
ge
dhari
bol
mdu
bn.1.
sla saneha na chRihi bhr.
tumhahi jna bana kahihi na ku.2.
rma janani sikha suni sukhu pv.
karahi na prna payna abhge.3.
kha karia kachu sujha na khu.
cale janaka jananihi siru n.4.
St was too modest to give any reply. But Kaikey flared up on hearing their talk.
She brought hermits robes, ornaments and vessels and, placing them before r Rma,
addressed Him in soft accents, You are dear as life to the king, O Hero of Raghus line;
he is too soft to shake off his scruple and attachment for you. He would sooner forfeit
440
his virtue, good reputation and his happiness in the other world than ask you to proceed
to the woods. Bearing this in mind do as you please. r Rma rejoiced to hear His
stepmothers admonition; but her words pierced the king like shafts. Will my wretched
life never depart, he said to himself. The people felt much distressed while the king
fainted; no one knew what to do. r Rma presently dressed Himself as a hermit and
bowing His head to His parents departed.
(14)

U U U U H 79H
Do.: saji bana sju samju sabu banit badhu sameta,

badi bipra gura carana prabhu cale kari sabahi aceta.79.
Having completed all the equipment and preparations for a journey to the woods
the Lord with His Spouse and brother bowed to the feet of the Brhmaas and the
preceptor (Vasiha) and departed, leaving everyone in bewilderment.
(79)
0 DU mU U
U
U U U U
UU
U U Z
UU U U
U UU
UU
U
U
U
Cau.: nikasi basiha dvra bhae hRhe, dekhe
UU fl UH
UU H.1H
UH
UH.2H
U UH
ZH.3H
U H
UU UH.4H
loga
biraha
kahi priya bacana sakala samujhe, bipra
bda
gura sana kahi barasana
dna
jcaka
ds
saba
dna
dsa
kai
brahi
soi
saba
sra
mna
boli
dnhe, dara
satoe, mta
bahor, gurahi
sa bhra gos, karabi
dava
dRhe.
raghubra
binaya
punta
bole.1.
basa
prema
saupi
bole
janaka
janan
knhe.
paritoe.2.
kara
k
jor.
n.3.
bra
jori
juga pn, kahata rmu saba sana mdu bn.
bhti mora hitakr, jehi te rahai bhula sukhr.4.
Issuing out of the palace the party halted at Vasihas door and found the people
scorched with the fire of impending separation. The Hero of Raghus race comforted all
with soothing words and then summoned hosts of Brhmaas. He requested His preceptor
to give them subsistence for a year and captivated their hearts through courtesy, gift and
humility. He gratified mendicants with gifts and attentions and sated His friends with pure
love. He then called His men-servants and maid-servants and entrusting them to the
care of His Guru spoke to him with joined palms, My lord, pray look after them and tend
them as their own father and mother. Again and again, with joined palms, r Rma
addressed each one present there in soft accents, He alone is friendly to me in every
way, through whose good offices the king derives solace.
(14)
* AYODHY-KNA *
441
U UU U UU
UU U UU U U H 80H
Do.: mtu sakala more biraha jehi na hohi dukha dna,

soi upu tumha karehu saba pura jana parama prabna.80.
Take care all of you, my most clever citizens, to see that none of my mothers is
smitten with the pangs of separation from me.
(80)
0U U U fl
U
U
U U
fl
LU
U U
U fl fl
U U U UU
U UU L flH
UUH.1H
U U H
UU UH.2H
U H
U UU UH.3H
U H
U U UH.4H
Cau.: ehi bidhi rma sabahi samujhv,

ganapati
gauri
girsu man,
rma calata ati bhayau bidu,
kusaguna laka avadha ati soku,
gai muruch taba bhupati jge,
rmu cale bana prna na jh,
ehi te kavana byath balavn,
puni dhari dhra kahai naranhu,
gura pada paduma harai siru nv.

cale
assa
pi
raghur.1.
suni na ji pura rata ndu.
haraa bida bibasa suraloku.2.
boli sumatru kahana asa lge.
kehi sukha lgi rahata tana mh.3.
jo dukhu pi tajahi tanu prn.
lai rathu saga sakh tumha jhu.4.
In this way r Rma consoled all and cheerfully bowed His head at the lotus feet
of His preceptor. Invoking Lord Gaapati, Goddess Gaur (Prvat) and the Lord of
Kailsa and receiving the blessings of His Guru, the Lord of Raghus proceeded further.
There was great lamentation as He sallied forth; the piteous wail of the citizens was
revolting to the ears. Evil omens appeared in Lak and Ayodhy was plunged in grief,
while the abode of gods was overcome with a mixed feeling of joy and sorrow. When the
spell of unconsciousness broke, the king woke and calling Sumantra thus began, Rma
has left for the woods, but my life refuses to depart. I wonder what joy it seeks after by
clinging to this body! What agony more severe than this can I have, that will draw my
breath out of my body? Then, recovering himself, the king said, Follow him, my friend,
with your chariot.
(14)
0 U
U U U U
U U U UU UH 81H
Do.: suhi sukumra kumra dou janakasut sukumri,

ratha caRhi dekhari banu phirehu gae dina cri.81.
Too tender-bodied are the two princes and delicate of frame is Janakas
442
daughter. Pick them up on the chariot, show them round the forest and return after three
or four days.
(81)
0 U UU U U
U UU U U
UU
U UU
U U U UU
U UU U
U U U U
U LU U U U
U
UUH
U H.1H
UU U flL H
U U H.2H
UUU U L U UUH
U U flH.3H
U H
U H.4H
Cau.: jau
nahi phirahi dhra dou bh,
tau tumha binaya karehu kara jor,
jaba siya knana dekhi er,
ssu sasura asa kaheu sadesu,
pitugha kabahu kabahu sasurr,
ehi bidhi karehu upya kadab,
nhi ta mora maranu parinm,
asa kahi muruchi par mahi ru,
satyasadha dRhabrata raghur.

pheria
prabhu
mithilesakisor.1.
kahehu mori sikha avasaru p.
putri phiria bana bahuta kalesu.2.
rahehu jah ruci hoi tumhr.
phirai ta hoi prna avalab.3.
kachu na basi bhae bidhi bm.
rmu lakhanu siya ni dekhu.4.
If the two strong-minded brothers refuse to returnfor the Lord of Raghus is true
to his word and firm of resolvethen do you entreat him with joined palms: My lord,
kindly send back the daughter of Mithils king. When St gets frightere at the sight of
the jungle, avail yourself of that opportunity and tell her my advice in the following words.
The parents of your husband have sent this message to you: Please return home, my
daughter; there is much hardship in the forest. Now with your parents and now in your
husbands homestay wherever you please. In this way try all possible means; if she
comes back, there will be a support to my life. Otherwise all this will end in my death;
nothing can avail against an adverse fate. So saying the king dropped unconscious on
the ground exclaiming: Bring Rma, Lakmaa and St and show them to me! (14)
U L U
U U UU U U U H 82H
Do.: pi rajyasu ni siru rathu ati bega bani,

gayau jah bhera nagara sya sahita dou bhi.82.
Receiving the kings command Sumantra bowed his head to him and having got
ready a most swift chariot went to the outskirts of the city, where St and the two
princely brothers were.
(82)
0
U U U U
U fl
U
fl
U U U UH
NU flU L H.1H
H
UU U flUH.2H
* AYODHY-KNA *
fl fl U
U U U U
U U
U U UU
U
U
UH
UUU U UUH.3H
U U H
U UU UH.4H
Cau.: taba sumatra npa bacana sune,

caRhi ratha sya sahita dou bh,
calata rmu lakhi avadha anth,
kpsidhu bahubidhi samujhvahi,
lgati avadha
bhayvani bhr,
ghora jatu sama pura nara nr,
ghara masna parijana janu bhut,
bganha biapa
beli kumhilh,
kari binat ratha rmu caRhe.

cale hdaya
avadhahi siru n.1.
bikala loga saba lge sth.
phirahi prema basa puni phiri vahi.2.
mnahu
klarti
a dhir.
arapahi
ekahi
eka
nihr.3.
suta hita mta manahu jamadut.
sarita sarobara dekhi na jh.4.
443
Then Sumantra delivered to them the kings message and with humble submission
persuaded r Rma to ascend the chariot. Having mounted the chariot St and the
two brothers set out on their journey mentally bowing their head to Ayodhy. Finding
Ayodhy masterless with the departure of r Rma all those who had assembled there
followed in their wake with an agitated mind. r Rma remonstrated in many ways, an
ocean of compassion that He was; and the crowd turned homewards. But dragged by
the affection they bore for Him they came back and joined the party once more.
Ayodhy presented a most dismal appearance as though it were the dark night of final
dissolution of the universe. The men and women of the city looked like ghastly
creatures and were frightened to see one another. Their houses appeared like so many
crematories, their retainers like ghosts, and their sons, relations and friends like
messengers of death. Trees and creepers in the gardens withered, while streams and
ponds repelled the eyes.
(14)
0 U
UU U U
U U U U UH 83H
Do.: haya gaya koinha kelimga purapasu ctaka mora,

pika rathga suka srik srasa hasa cakora.83.
The numberless horses and elephants, animals kept for pleasure, urban cattle,
Ctaka birds, peacocks, cuckoos, Cakravkas, parrots and Mains, cranes, swans and
Cakoras
(83)
0U UU
L UU U
U U
U UU UU
U L U U
U U
U
U
U U UU
U U U UH
U UH.1H
U fl U U UH
H.2H
U UH
UU fl U H.3H
U UH
UU UUH 4H
444
Cau.: rma biyoga bikala saba hRhe,

nagaru saphala banu gahabara bhr,
bidhi
kaika
kirtini
knh,
sahi na sake raghubara birahg,
sabahi bicru knha mana mh,
jah rmu
taha
sabui samju,
cale stha asa matru dRh,
rma carana pakaja priya jinhah,
jaha taha manahu citra likhi kRhe.

khaga mga bipula sakala nara nr.1.
jehi dava dusaha dasahu disi dnh.
cale loga saba bykula bhg.2.
rma lakhana siya binu sukhu nh.
binu raghubra avadha nahi kju.3.
sura durlabha sukha sadana bih.
biaya bhoga basa karahi ki tinhah.4.
All stood restless due to their separation from r Rma; they looked like so many
pictures drawn here and there. The city resembled an extensive and thick forest full of
fruits and the many men and women residing therein represented so many birds and
beasts. God assigned Kaikey the role of a Bhla woman who set the whole forest in a
fierce blaze. The people could not bear the fire of separation from the Chief of Raghus
and they all ran away in distress. They all came to this conclusion in their mind: There
can be no happiness without Rma, Lakmaa and St. The whole community will live
where Rma takes up his abode; without the Hero of Raghus race we have no business
in Ayodhy. Having thus firmly resolved they followed Him forsaking their happy homes,
which were the envy of gods. Can the pleasures of sense overpower those who hold the
lotus feet of r Rma dear to their heart?
(14)
h U U
U fl fl UH 84H
Do.: blaka bddha bihi gha

lage loga saba stha,
tamas tra nivsu kiya prathama divasa raghuntha.84.
Leaving the children and aged people in their homes all the citizens accompanied
r Rma. And the Lord of Raghus made His first days halt on the bank of the
Tamas.
(84)
0U

L
U

U U
U
U U
U UU U

U
U U UU
NU U H
U U UH.1H
U U H
UU UH.2H
UUH
U fl H.3H
U fl UU H
U U U H.4H
Cau.: raghupati praj premabasa dekh,

karunmaya
raghuntha
gos ,
kahi saprema mdu bacana suhe,
kie dharama upadesa
ghanere,
slu
sanehu
chRi
nahi
j,
loga soga rama basa gae so,
sadaya hdaya dukhu bhayau bise.

begi
piahi
pra
par.1.
bahubidhi rma loga samujhe.
loga prema basa phirahi na phere.2.
asamajasa basa bhe raghur.
kachuka
devamy
mati
mo.3.
* AYODHY-KNA *
jabahi
khoja
jma
mri
juga
rathu
445
jmini bt, rma saciva sana kaheu saprt.

h kahu tt, na upya
banihi nahi bt.4.
When the Lord of Raghus saw His people overwhelmed with love, His tender
heart was much afflicted. Lord r Rma, who is all compassion, is readily touched by
others, pain. Addressing them in affectionate, soft and agreeable tones, He comforted all
in ways more than one. He also gave them varied instructions in their moral duty; but
overmastered by love they would not turn back even though urged to return. r Rma
could not afford to take leave of His amiable disposition and loving nature; the Lord of
Raghus thus found Himself in a fix. Overpowered by grief and toil the people fell asleep
and the deluding potency of gods further helped to benumb their mind. When two watches
of the night had passed, r Rma addressed the minister in endearing terms, Father,
drive the chariot in such a way as to leave no tree; by no other means can our object
be accomplished.
(14)
0U
U U L
fl U U U U UH 85H
Do.: rma lakhana siya jna caRhi sabhu carana siru ni,
saciva
calyau turata rathu ita uta khoja duri.85.
Bowing their head to the feet of Lord ambhu (iva) r Rma, Lakmaa and St
mounted the car; and the minister (Sumantra) immediately drove the chariot now in one
direction and now in another, thus confusing the tracks.
(85)
0 M
U U UU U flU
U U U U
U
U
U
U
UUU
U
U U

U U MH
U U U U flUH.1H
U U H
U U H.2H
fl UU UH
U UH.3H
fl U UH
fl UU H.4H
Cau.: jge sakala loga bhae bhoru,

ratha kara khoja katahu nahi pvahi,
manahu
brinidhi buRa jahju,
ekahi
eka
dehi
upadesu,
nidahi
pu
sarhahi
mn,
jau pai priya biyogu bidhi knh,
ehi bidhi karata pralpa kalp,
biama biyogu na ji bakhn,
ge raghuntha bhayau ati soru.

rma rma kahi cahu disi dhvahi.1.
bhayau bikala baRa banika samju.
taje rma hama jni kalesu.2.
dhiga jvanu raghubra bihn.
tau kasa maranu na mge dnh.3.
e
avadha
bhare
paritp.
avadhi sa saba rkhahi prn.4.
All the people woke up at daybreak. The Lord of Raghus has gone! they loudly
exclaimed. Nowhere could they find the tracks of the chariot and ran about in all
directions crying Rma, O Rma! It seemed as if a bark had foundered in the ocean,
as a result of which the party of merchants that had boarded it felt much agitated.
446
Everyone explained to the other how Rma had forsaken them perceiving their distress.
They condemned themselves and praised the fish (that died as soon as they were taken
out of water), and said to one another; A curse on our life without the Hero of Raghus
race! If God has torn us from our beloved, why did He not vouchsafe death to us on our
asking? Thus wailing in a variety of ways they all returned to Ayodhy full of remorse.
The anguish of parting was terrible beyond words. Everyone survived in the hope of
seeing Rma on the expiry of the term of exile.
(14)
0 U
U U U U U
U U UH 86H
Do.: rma darasa hita nema brata lage karana nara nri,
manahu koka kok kamala dna bihna tamri.86.
Men and women alike started religious observances and fasts for ensuring r
Rmas return. They were as miserable as the male and female Cakravka birds and the
lotus flower are in the absence of the sun.
(86)
0 fl U U
UU
U
flU
fl

U U U
flU U U
U
U U U
UU
U
H
U Ufl UU H.1H
U U U UH
U UU H.2H
U U UH
U H.3H
H
U U flUMUH.4H
Cau.: st saciva
sahita dou
bh,
utare
rma
devasari
dekh,
lakhana saciva siya kie pranm,
gaga sakala muda magala mul,
kahi kahi koika kath prasag,
sacivahi
anujahi
priyahi sun,
majjanu knha patha rama gayau,
sumirata jhi miai rama bhru,
sgaberapura
pahu ce
j.
knha daavata harau bise.1.
sabahi sahita sukhu pyau rm.
saba sukha karani harani saba sul.2.
rmu bilokahi gaga tarag.
bibudha nad mahim adhik.3.
suci jalu piata mudita mana bhayau.
tehi rama yaha laukika byavahru.4.
Accompanied by St and the minister the two brothers arrived at gaverapura.

Beholding the celestial stream, Gag, r Rma alighted from His car and fell prostrate
on the ground with great joy. Lakmaa, St and the minister too made obeisance and
r Rma rejoiced in common with them all. A fount of all joys and blessings, the Gag
brings all delight and drives away all sorrow. Narrating numerous anecdotes connected
with it, r Rma gazed on the waves of the Gag and told the minister, His younger
brother (Lakmaa) and His beloved Consort the transcendent glory of the celestial
stream. They took a plunge in the river and the fatigue of the journey was gone; and their
hearts rejoiced when they drank of its holy water. That He whose very thought relieves
the great toil of transmigration should feel fatigued shows that He imitated the ways of
the world.
(14)
* AYODHY-KNA *
447
0h

U U U UU U H 87H
Do.: suddha saccidnadamaya kada bhnukula ketu,

carita karata nara anuharata sasti sgara setu.87.
The Glory of Raghus race, who is a fountain of pure existence, knowledge and
bliss, performed actions similar to those of a human being, and which constitute a bridge
to cross the ocean of mundane existence.
(87)
U
U U U
Ufl
UU

U UU
U U U

H
U U UU UH.1H
UH
U U UH.2H
U H
U UflUH.3H
UH
U U H.4H
Cau.: yaha sudhi guha nida jaba p,

lie phala mula bhe a bhari bhr,
kari daavata bhe a dhari ge ,
sahaja saneha bibasa raghur,
ntha kusala pada pakaja dekhe ,
deva dharani dhanu dhmu tumhr,
kp
karia
pura dhria pu,
kahehu satya sabu sakh sujn,
mudita lie priya badhu bol.

milana caleu hiya harau apr.1.
prabhuhi bilokata ati anurge .
pu ch
kusala
nikaa
baih.2.
bhayau bhgabhjana jana lekhe .
mai janu ncu sahita parivr.3.
thpia janu sabu logu sihu.
mohi dnha pitu yasu n.4.
0U
fl
UU
When Guha, the Nida,* got this news, he gladly called together his near and
dear ones and taking by way of presents fruits and roots in baskets slung across their
shoulders, he proceeded to meet the Lord with infinite joy in his heart. Prostrating himself
on the ground and placing the presents before the Lord he gazed on Him with great
affection. The Lord of Raghus, who is won by natural affection, seated him by His side
and inquired about his welfare. The sight of your lotus feet, my lord, is the root of all
welfare; I can now count myself as a blessed man. My land, house and fortune are yours,
holy sir; my family and myself are your humble servants. Do me the favour of visiting my
town and confer dignity on me. Let everyone envy my lot. Everything you have said is
true; my wise friend; but my father has commanded me otherwise.
(14)
0 U
U UL
U U UU U LH 88H
Do.: baraa cridasa bsu bana muni brata beu ahru,

grma bsu nahi ucita suni guhahi bhayau dukhu bhru.88.
* A low-born tribe in India tracing their descent from a Brhmaa through a udra woman.
448
For four years and ten my home shall be in the woods and my mode of life, dress
and food shall be that of a hermit. Hence my staying in a village would be hardly
advisable. Guha was deeply distressed to hear this.
(88)
0U M UU
UU
UU U
UU
UU
UU fl
U U UL U
U flU
U U
U
Cau.: rma
lakhana
siya
rupa
UU U UH
U H.1H
U UU UH
L UU H.2H
UU U UflH
U U H.3H
UH
U U U H.4H
nihr, kahahi saprema grma nara nr.
te pitu mtu kahahu sakhi kaise, jinha

eka
kahahi
taba
lai
bhala
nidapati
raghunthahi
purajana
guha
pahae
bana
blaka
aise.1.
bhupati knh, loyana lhu hamahi bidhi dnh.

ura
hu
anumn, taru
dekhv, kaheu
sisup
rma
manohara
jn.2.
bh ti suhv.
saba
kari
johru ghara e, raghubara sadhy karana sidhe.3.

sa vri
s thar
as, kusa kisalayamaya mdula suh.
suci phala mula madhura mdu jn, don
bhari
bhari
rkhesi
pn.4.
Beholding the beauty of r Rma, Lakmaa and St, men and women of the
village feelingly said, What sort of parents, O friend, can they be who have sent such
children to the forest? Other people said, The king has done well in that God has
thereby rewarded our eyes. The Chief of the Nidas then pondered within himself
and perceived a charming Aoka tree. He took the Lord of Raghus to the spot and
showed it to Him, when r Rma declared that the place was beautiful in every way. The
people of the town then returned home after paying their respects to Him, while the
Chief of Raghus retired for performing His evening devotions. In the meantime Guha
prepared a soft and beautiful bed of Kua grass and tender leaves and spread it on
the ground. He also placed besides Him cups of leaves sacred, delicious and soft full
of fruits, roots and water.
(14)
U
U U U H 89H
Do.: siya sumatra bhrt sahita kada mula phala khi,

sayana knha raghubasamani pya paloata bhi.89.
Having partaken of the bulbs, roots and fruits alongwith St, Sumantra and His
brother (Lakmaa), the Jewel of Raghus race lay down to sleep, while His brother
kneaded His feet.
(89)
0UU fl U flU fl H
U U U U UH.1H
* AYODHY-KNA *
UM
U UU
fl
U
UU
U
fl
Ufl
U L
Cau.: uhe lakhanu prabhu sovata jn,
kachuka duri saji bna sarsana,
guha
boli
pharu
pratt,
pu lakhana pahi baiheu j,
sovata
prabhuhi
nihri nidu,
tanu pulakita jalu locana baha,
bhupati bhavana subhya suhv,
manimaya racita cru
caubre,
Ufl Ufl U
U U
U NU

U UU
U U
449
H
UH.2H
H
UH.3H
flH
flUH.4H
kahi sacivahi sovana mdu bn.

jgana
lage
baihi
brsana.1.
hva
hva
rkhe ati prt.
kai bhth sara cpa caRh.2.
bhayau prema basa hdaya bidu.
bacana saprema lakhana sana kaha.3.
surapati sadanu na paatara pv.
janu ratipati nija htha sa vre.4.
When Lakmaa perceived that his lord had fallen asleep, he rose and asked the
minister in soft accents to retire. As for himself he got ready his bow and arrows and
sitting at some distance in the posture of a hero he kept watch. Guha called his trusted
watchmen and stationed them at different points with great love; while he himself went
and took his seat beside Lakmaa with a quiver fastened to his waist and an arrow
fitted to his bow. When the Nida chief saw his lord lying (on a bed of grass and leaves)
he felt great sorrow in his heart due to excess of love; the hair on his body bristled, tears
flowed from his eyes and he addressed the following affectionate words to Lakmaa:
The kings palace is naturally charming; even Indras residence can hardly stand
comparison with it. Its beautiful attics are built of precious gems and are so lovely as
though the god of love has constructed them with his own hands.
(14)

U H 90H
Do.: suci subicitra subhogamaya sumana sugadha subsa,

pala ga maju manidpa jaha saba bidhi sakala supsa.90.
Free from impurities, exceedingly marvellous of design, abounding in exquisite
luxuries and scented with the fragrance of flowers, they are furnished with lovely beds
and lighted with gems and are full of amenities of every description.
(90)
UZ
U U UU
U U

U U
flU UU Z

U
U
UU
UU UZH
U U UUUH.1H
U H
L H.2H
U fl U ZH
U U UH.3H
fl U UH
U U H.4H
450
Cau.: bibidha basana upadhna tur, chra phena mdu bisada suh.
taha siya rmu sayana nisi karah, nija chabi rati manoja madu harah.1.
te
siya
rmu
sthar soe, ramita basana binu jhi na joe.
mtu
pit
parijana
purabs, sakh susla dsa aru ds.2.
jogavahi jinhahi prna k n, mahi sovata tei rma gos.
pit janaka jaga bidita prabhu, sasura suresa sakh raghuru.3.
rmacadu
pati
so baideh, sovata mahi bidhi bma na keh.
siya raghubra ki knana jogu, karama pradhna satya kaha logu.4.
Again they are equipped with coverlets and sheets, pillows and cushions of various
kindsall soft, white and charming as the froth of milk. It is in such attics that St and
Rma used to sleep at night and humbled by their beauty the pride of Rati and her
consort, the god of love. Those very St and Rma are now lying on a pallet, exhausted
and uncovered, a sight one cannot bear to see. The same Lord Rma whom his father
and mother, his own family and the people of the city, his good-natured companions, menservants and maid-servants, all cherished as their own life, sleeps on the ground ! Nay,
St, whose father Janaka is famed throughout the world, whose father-in-law is King
Daaratha, the chief of Raghus and an ally of Indra (the lord of immortals) and whose
spouse is Rmacandra, is lying on the ground! An adverse fate spares none. Do St and
the Hero of Raghus race deserve to be exiled to the woods? They rightly say: Fate is
supreme.
(14)
U U U
U U U flU UH 91H
Do.: kaikayanadini madamati kahina kuilapanu knha,

jehi raghunadana jnakihi sukha avasara dukhu dnha.91.
The foolish daughter of Kekaya has wrought a cruel mischief in that she has
brought trouble on St and the Delighter of Raghus race at a time of enjoyment. (91)
0 U U UU
U
U U
U
U U U

U U
U U UflM
U
U Sfl UH
U U UUH.1H
U U H
U H.2H
U U H
U L H.3H
U U U flUMH
U
UU
UH.4H
Cau.: bhai dinakara kula biapa kuhr,

bhayau
bidu
nidahi bhr,
bole lakhana madhura mdu bn,
khu na kou sukha dukha kara dt,
joga biyoga bhoga bhala mad,
janamu maranu jaha lagi jaga jlu,
kumati knha saba bisva dukhr.

rma sya mahi sayana nihr.1.
gyna birga bhagati rasa sn.
nija kta karama bhoga sabu bhrt.2.
hita anahita madhyama bhrama phad.
sapati bipati karamu aru klu.3.
* AYODHY-KNA *
451
dharani dhmu dhanu pura parivru, saragu naraku jaha lagi byavahru.
dekhia sunia gunia mana mh, moha mula paramrathu nh.4.
The wicked woman has played the axe in felling the tree of the solar race and
plunged the whole universe in woe. The Nida chief was sore distressed to see Rma
and St sleeping on the ground. Lakmaa spoke to him sweet and gentle words imbued
with the nectar of wisdom, dispassion and devotion: No one is a source of delight or pain
to another; everyone reaps the fruit of ones own actions, brother. Union and separation,
pleasurable and painful experiences, friends, foes and neutralssnares of delusion are
these. Even so birth and death, prosperity and adversity, destiny and time and all the
illusion of the world; lands, houses, wealth, town and family, heaven and hell, and all the
phenomena of the world; nay, whatever is seen, heard or thought of with the mind has
its root in ignorance: nothing exists in reality.
(14)
U U U U
U U H 92H
Do.: sapane hoi bhikhri npu raku nkapati

jge lbhu na hni kachu timi prapaca jiya
hoi,
joi.92.
Suppose in a dream a king becomes a pauper and apauper becomes lord of

paradise ; on waking, the one does not gain nor does the other lose anything. So must
you look upon this world.
(92)
0 U U U
U

flUU
U U
U fl
U U
U
UU U
U
r
UU
M
U UU
UU H
UH.1H
UU
H
UH.2H
U U UH
U UH.3H
H
U MU H.4H
Cau.: asa
bicri
nahi
kjia
rosu,
moha
nis
sabu
sovanihr,
ehi
jaga
jmini
jgahi
jog,
jnia
tabahi
jva
jaga
jg,
hoi bibeku moha bhrama bhg,
sakh parama paramrathu ehu,
rma brahma
paramratha rup,
sakala bikra
rahita gatabhed,
khuhi
bdi
na
deia
dosu.
dekhia sapana aneka prakr.1.
paramrath
prapaca
biyog.
jaba saba biaya bilsa birg.2.
taba raghuntha carana anurg.
mana krama bacana rma pada nehu.3.
abigata
alakha
andi
anup.
kahi nita neti nirupahi bed.4.
Reasoning thus be not angry nor blame anyone in vain. Everyone is slumbering
in the night of delusion, and while asleep one sees dreams of various kinds. In this
night of mundane existence it is Yogs (mystics) alone who keep awakeYogs who
are in quest of the highest truth and remain aloof from the world. A soul should be
deemed as having awoke from the night of the world only when he develops and
452
aversion for the enjoyments of the world of sense. It is only when right understanding
comes that the error of delusion disappears and then alone one develops love for the
feet of r Rma (the Lord of Raghus). O friend, the highest spiritual goal is this: to be
devoted to the feet of r Rma in thought, word and deed. r Rma is no other than
Brahma (God), the supreme Reality, unknown, imperceptible, beginningless,
incomparable, free from all change and beyond all diversity. The Vedas ever speak of
Him in negative terms (not this).
(14)
U U U U
U U U UU H 93H
Do.: bhagata bhumi bhusura surabhi sura hita lgi kpla,

karata carita dhari manuja tanu sunata miahi jaga jla.93.
For the sake of His devotees, Earth, the Brhmaas, cows and gods, the
gracious Lord takes the form of a man and performs actions by hearing of which the
snares of the world are broken asunder.
(93)
UUU U
U U
U U Ufl
U U U
U
UU
UU Ufl
U U U
UU U U UUH
UH.1H
U UU flH
UH.2H
U U U H
U U U H.3H
U U U H
UH.4H
Cau.: sakh samujhi asa parihari mohu,

kahata rma guna bh bhinusr,
sakala sauca kari rma nahv,
anuja sahita
sira
ja bane,
hdaya dhu ati badana maln,
ntha kaheu
asa
kosalanth,
banu
dekhi
surasari anhav,
lakhanu rmu siya nehu pher,
siya raghubra carana rata hohu.

jge jaga magala sukhadr.1.
suci sujna baa chra magv.
dekhi sumatra nayana jala che.2.
kaha kara jori bacana ati dn.
lai rathu jhu rma ke sth.3.
nehu
pheri
begi
dou
bh.
sasaya sakala sa koca niber.4.
0
U
NU
Realizing this, O friend, shed all infatuation and be devoted to the feet of St and the
Hero of Raghus race. While Lakmaa was yet recounting r Rmas virtues, the day
dawned and the Joy and Delighter of the world woke up. After finishing all purificatory acts
r Rma, who was all pure and wise, performed His ablutions and sent for some milk of the
banyan tree. He as well as His brother then matted the hair on their heads, a sight which
filled the eyes of Sumantra with tears. With great agony in his heart and a doleful face he
joined his palms and spoke in most piteous accents, The king of Kosala, my lord, charged
me thus: Take the chariot and go with Rma; let him see the forest and bathe in the Gag
and then speedily bring the two brothers back. Setting at rest all their doubts and scruples
do bring Lakmaa, Rma and St back to their home.
(14)
* AYODHY-KNA *
453
UU U U
U U UU U UH 94H
Do.: npa asa kaheu gosi jasa kahai karau bali soi,
kari binat pyanha pareu dnha bla jimi roi.94.
The king has commanded me thus; I shall, however, do as my lord bids me, I
assure you. Having supplicated in this way Sumantra fell at the Lords feet and wept like
a child.
(94)
0 U
U
U
UU

UU U
Ufl

U U
U U fl
fl
U U
U U
fl UH
U U H.1H
U U U U H
U UU U U H.2H
U H
U U UflH.3H
U U L UH
UL U UH.4H
Cau.: tta
kp
kari
kjia
so,
matrihi rma uhi prabodh,
sibi dadhca haricada nares,
ratideva
bali
bhupa
sujn,
dharamu na dusara satya samn,
mai soi dharamu sulabha kari pv,
sabhvita
kahu
apajasa lhu,
tumha sana tta bahuta k kahau ,
jte
avadha
antha
na
ho.
tta dharama matu tumha sabu sodh.1.
sahe dharama hita koi kales.
dharamu dhareu sahi sakaa nn.2.
gama nigama purna bakhn.
taje tihu pura apajasu chv.3.
marana koi sama druna dhu.
die utaru phiri ptaku lahau .4.
Have compassion, my darling, and take steps to see that Ayodhy is not left
without a master. r Rma raised the minister and thus admonished him; Dear one,
you have investigated the truths of religion in their entirety. ibi, Dadhci and King
Haricandra suffered untold hardships for the sake of virtue. The wise kings Rantideva*
and Bali upheld virtue even through many trials. There is no virtue equal to truthfulness:
so declare the gamas (Tantras), Vedas and Puras. That virtue I have found by an
easy road; by abandoning it I shall be reviled in all the three worlds. To a man who is
* King Rantideva was a most generous-hearted ruler. He gave away his riches every now and then.
Having parted with all that he possessed, he and his family had to remain without food and water for full fortyeight days on one occasion. He did nothing to earn his livelihood and depended on whatever he got unasked.
Prolonged starvation had reduced him to a skeleton and he was lying in a semi-conscious state with his wife
and children, counting his days. On the 49th day he got some rice boiled in milk, another sweet dish and water.
He was just going to share it with his family when a stranger, who was a Brhmaa by caste, appeared before
him. The king gladly and devoutly gave away what was served before him to the Brhmaa, and dividing the
rest among themselves was about to partake of his own share when another newcomer, who happened to be
a udra, turned up. The king entertained the udra as well out of the stock he had in hand. In the meantime
a low-born man came with his dogs and asked food for himself and his dogs. The king gave away the remaining
food to these strangers. He had now left with him water barely sufficient to slake the thirst of a single soul. As
the king was about to quench his thirst thereby a pariah made his appearance and piteously begged for water.
Moved by his entreaties King Rantideva parted even with his water and went without it himself.
454
highly esteemed, infamy causes agony as terrible as a million deaths. ser, what more shall
I say to you? By urging something in reply I shall incur sin.
(14)
0 U U U U U U
flU U UH 95H
Do.: pitu pada gahi kahi koi nati binaya karaba kara jori,
cit kavanihu bta kai tta karia jani mori.95.
Clasping the feet of my father and conveying my repeated obeisances to him pray
to him with joined palms: Be not troubled in anyway on my account, dear father. (95)
0U U U
U UU
U
fl
U U U
U fl
U
U fl fl U
L U fl
U
UU U UH
fl UUH.1H
U U H
U U H.2H
U H
U U H.3H
UUU UU UH
H.4H
Cau.: tumha puni pitu sama ati hita more ,

saba bidhi soi karatabya tumhre,
suni raghuntha saciva sabdu,
puni kachu lakhana kah kau bn,
sakuci rma nija sapatha dev,
kaha sumatru puni bhupa sa desu,
jehi bidhi avadha va phiri sy,
nataru nipaa avalaba
bihn,
binat karau
tta kara jore .
dukha na pva pitu soca hamre .1.
bhayau saparijana bikala nidu.
prabhu baraje baRa anucita jn.2.
lakhana sa desu kahia jani j.
sahi na sakihi siya bipina kalesu.3.
soi raghubarahi tumhahi karany.
mai na jiaba jimi jala binu mn.4.
You too are extremely kind to me as my own father. Hence I pray with joined
palms, sire, do everything in your power to see that my father does not feel miserable
on account of grief for us. Hearing this conversation between the Lord of Raghus and
the minister (Sumantra) the Nida chief and his people felt much distressed. Thereafter
Lakmaa made some poignant remarks; but the Lord stopped him knowing his words
to be highly objectionable. Feeling shy r Rma adjured Sumantra by his own self not
to convey Lakmaas words. Sumantra then reproduced the kings message: St will
not be able to endure the hardships of the forest; therefore, both Rma (the Chief of
Raghus) and yourself (Sumantra) should endeavour to see that St returns to Ayodhy.
Otherwise, left entirely without any support, I shall not survive even as a fish without
water.
(14)
U U U
U UUU UH 96H
Do.: maike sasure sakala sukha jabahi jah manu mna,

taha taba rahihi sukhena siya jaba lagi bipati bihna.96.
* AYODHY-KNA *
455
There is very comfort both in her parents home as well as with the parents of her
lord (i.e., ourselves); therefore, St can live at ease wherever she pleases at a particular
time till this adversity ends.
(96)
0 U U

U U UflM
U U
L
U
U U
U

U U UU
Cau.: binat
pitu
U U H
U U H.1H
UU U U MH
U U UH.2H
UU UU UH
U H.3H
U fl U UH
UL U U UH.4H
bh t, rati
bhupa
knha
jehi
prti
na
so
kahi
jt.
sa desu
suni
kpnidhn, siyahi dnha sikha koi bidhn.1.
ssu sasura gura priya parivru, phirahu ta saba kara miai khabhru.
suni pati
kahati baideh, sunahu prnapati parama saneh.2.

prabhu karunmaya parama bibek, tanu taji rahati ch ha kimi che k.
prabh
patihi
ji
bacana
kaha
bhnu
bih, kaha
cadrik
premamaya
binaya
sun, kahati
saciva
tumha pitu sasura sarisa
hitakr, utaru
deu
cadu
sana
phiri
taji
gir
anucita
j.3.
suh.
bhr.4.
The piteousness and affection with which the kings entreaty was attended
cannot be expressed in words. On hearing His fathers message the All-merciful
Lord admonished St in countless ways. If you return, the affliction of your motherin-law and father-in-law, your preceptor and all your near and dear ones will cease.
In response to Her lords advice King Videhas Daughter said, Listen, most loving
lord of my life, my all-compassionate and supremely wise master: can a shadow
be torn away from its substance? The sunlight can never exist apart from the sun
nor can the radiance of the moon leave the moon. Having submitted Her loving
entreaty to Her Lord, She spoke these charming words to the minister: You are just
like my own father or father-in-law; it is therefore most undesirable that I should urge
something in reply.
(14)
0U

U U H 97H
Do.: rati basa sanamukha bhaiu bilagu na mnaba tta,

rajasuta pada kamala binu bdi jah lagi nta.97.
It is due to grief that I am constrained to address you*; do not take offence at it,
sire. In the absence of the lotus feet of my lord all other ties of kinship are of little
account.
(97)
* It is unmannerly on the part of a Hindu woman to open her lips before the male elders of her
husband.
456
0
fl UU
U U
U
Pfl
U
U U U
U
fl fl
U U
UU
U
U U
U UH
U fl UH.1H
fl U U H
U H.2H
UflL H
U U U H.3H
U UU U U UH
U H.4H
Cau.: pitu baibhava bilsa mai h,

sukhanidhna asa pitu gha more,
sasura
cakkavai
kosalaru,
ge
hoi
jehi
surapati le,
sasura etdsa avadha
nivsu,
binu raghupati pada paduma parg,
agama patha banabhumi pahr,
kola
kirta
kuraga
bihag,
npa mani mukua milita pada ph.

piya bihna mana bhva na bhore .1.
bhuvana cridasa pragaa prabhu.
aradha sighsana sanu de.2.
priya parivru mtu sama ssu.
mohi keu sapanehu sukhada na lg.3.
kari kehari sara sarita apr.
mohi saba sukhada prnapati sag.4.
I have witnessed the glory of my fathers fortune; his footstool is kissed by the
crowns of the greatest monarchs. Bereft of my Lord, my parents home, which is such
an abode of bliss, does not attract my mind even in an unguarded moment. My fatherin-law is no less a personage than the King of Kosala, the suzerain lord of the entire
globe, whose glory is manifest in all the fourteen spheres comprising the universe. Even
Indra (the lord of celestials) goes ahead to receive him and seats him beside himself on
his own throne. Such is my father-in-law, Ayodhy is my abode, agreeable is my family
and my mothers-in-law love me as my own mother. But without the dust from the lotus
feet of my husband (the Lord of Raghus) none affords me pleasure even in a dream. On
the other hand, impassable roads, forest regions and hills, elephants and lions, lakes and
streams that cannot be crossed, wild tribes such as Kolas and Bhlas, deer and birds
all these are delightful to me in the company of my beloved lord.
(14)
U U U U U
U U U H 98H
Do.: ssu sasura sana mori hu ti binaya karabi pari pya ,

mora socu jani karia kachu mai bana sukh subhya .98.
Falling at the feet of my father-in-law and mother-in-law request them on my

behalf not to grieve the least for me; for I feel naturally happy in the woods.
(98)
0
flU

U U

U
U U U
U U
U U U H
U U UH.1H
U UH
U H.2H
U U UH
U UU U UH.3H
* AYODHY-KNA *
457
U U U U U U U H
U L UU U flH.4H
Cau.: prnantha
priya
devara
sth, bra dhurna dhare dhanu bhth.
nahi maga ramu bhramu dukha mana more ,

suni sumatru siya stali bn,
nayana sujha nahi sunai na kn,
rma prabodhu knha bahu bh t,
jatana aneka stha hita knhe,
mei
ji
nahi
rma raj,
rma lakhana siya pada siru n,
mohi lagi socu karia jani bhore .1.

bhayau bikala janu phani mani hn.
kahi na sakai kachu ati akuln.2.
tadapi hoti nahi stali cht.
ucita utara raghunadana dnhe.3.
kahina karamagati kachu na bas.
phireu banika jimi mura gav .4.
I have by my side the lord of my life as well as his younger brother, the foremost
of heroes; both carrying a bow and a quiver full of arrows with them. My mind does not
feel the toil of the journey, and there is no giddiness or sorrow; therefore, pray grieve not
on my account even unwittingly. On hearing these soothing words from Sts lips,
Sumantra felt uneasy as a serpent at the loss of its gem. He saw not with his eyes and
heard not with his ears; and he was too agitated to speak. r Rma comforted him in
many ways; yet his heart would not be pacified. He made many efforts even to
accompany the Lord; but the Delighter of Raghus gave him suitable replies each time.
r Rmas command could not be violated either. Cruel was the turn Fate had taken;
there was no help. Bowing his head at the feet of r Rma, Lakmaa and St, he
turned back as a merchant who had lost his capital.
(14)
0 U
UU U U UU UU UUU
U UUH 99H
Do.: rathu h keu haya rma tana heri heri hihinhi,

dekhi nida bidabasa dhunahi ssa pachithi.99.
As he drove the chariot the horses turned their eyes towards r Rma and
neighed. Overcome with grief at this sight, the Nidas (Guhas men) beat their heads
and lamented.
(99)
0
U
U
U
fl flU
U U U U
U U U
UU U U U
U U UflM
U fl U
UU H
UU U H.1H
U UU U H
U U U UH.2H
U U UH
U U U fl UH.3H
U U U UU MH
U U UUH.4H
Cau.: jsu biyoga bikala

pasu aise ,
barabasa rma sumatru pahe,
mg
nva
na
kevau n,
carana kamala raja kahu sabu kaha,
praj mtu pitu jiihahi kaise .

surasari
tra
pu
taba
e.1.
kahai tumhra maramu mai jn.
mnua karani muri kachu aha.2.
458
chuata sil bhai
nri
suh,
taraniu muni
gharin
hoi
j,
sabu
parivru,
ehi pratiplau
jau prabhu pra avasi g cahahu,
phana te na kha kahin.

ba
parai
mori
nva
uR.3.
nahi jnau
kachu aura kabru.
mohi pada paduma pakhrana kahahu.4.
When even beasts felt so miserable on being torn away from Him how could His
subjects and His father and mother hope to live without Him? r Rma dismissed
Sumantra against the latters will and Himself arrived at the bank of the heavenly stream
(Gag) immediately afterwards. He called for a boat, but the ferryman would not bring
it. The latter said, I know your secret; about the dust of your lotus-feet everyone says
it is some drug possessing the quality of turning things into human beings. By its very
touch a rock was transformed into a charming woman* and wood is not harder than
stone. If my boat itself gets converted into a hermits wife (like Ahaly), I shall be robbed
of the very means of my subsistence in that my boat will disappear. It is by means of
this boat that I maintain the whole of my family; I know no other trade. If, therefore, my
lord, you must cross the river, permit me to lave your lotus-feet.
(14)
U0
U fl UU U.
U U UUU U UH
L U UU UU.
L UUUH
Cha.: pada
kamala dhoi caRhi nva na ntha utar cahau ,

mohi rma ruri na dasaratha sapatha saba sc kahau .
baru tra mrahu lakhanu pai jaba lagi na pya pakhrihau ,
taba lagi na tulasdsa ntha kpla pru utrihau .
I will let you board the boat only when I have bathed your lotus-feet; I seek no
toll from you. I swear by you, O Rma, as well as by King Daaratha, that what I tell
you is all true. Let Lakmaa shoot me with his arrows if he will; but until I have washed
your feet I will not, O gracious lord of Tulasdsa, ferry you across.
flU U UU
U L H 100H
So.: suni kevaa ke baina prema lapee aapae,

bihase karunaina citai jnak lakhana tana.100.
On hearing these words of the ferryman, mysterious though imbued with love, the
all-merciful Lord looked at Janakas Daughter and Lakmaa and smiled.
(100)
L U fl fl H
M U UUU MH.1H
* The boatman evidently refers here, in his own rustic yet humorous way, to Ahaly, who had been
transformed into a rock by the curse of her husband Gautama and was restored to her human form by the very
touch of r Rmas feet (vide Blaka, Doh 210 and the Chadas immediately following it).
* AYODHY-KNA *
U U
flUU UU
U flU UU
flU
U
U fl
U U
U U UU
UUU U fl UH
U U U UH.2H
U UH
Ufl U flH.3H
U U U H
U U UH.4H
Cau.: kpsidhu
bole
musuk,
begi nu
jala
pya pakhru,
jsu nma sumirata eka
br,
soi
kplu
kevaahi
nihor,
pada nakha nirakhi devasari hara,
kevaa
rma
rajyasu
pv,
ati
nada
umagi
anurg,
barai sumana sura sakala sihh,
soi karu jehi tava nva na j.

hota
bilabu
utrahi
pru.1.
utarahi nara bhavasidhu apr.
jehi jagu kiya tihu pagahu te thor.2.
suni prabhu bacana moha mati kara.
pni kahavat bhari lei v.3.
carana saroja pakhrana lg.
ehi sama punyapuja kou nh.4.
459
The all-compassionate Lord smilingly said, Do that which may prevent the loss
of your boat. Bring water at once and lave my feet; we are getting late, take us
across. The same gracious Lord, by uttering whose Name only once men cross
the boundless ocean of mundane existence, and for whose three strides the universe
proved too small*, thus importuned an ordinary boatman. Though bewildered by the
Lords words, the celestial river (Gag) rejoiced on beholding the nails of His toes.
On receiving r Rmas command the ferryman brought a wood basin full of water.
In great joy and with a heart overflowing with love he proceeded to bathe the Lords
lotus-feet. Raining flowers on him all the gods envied his lot and said there was
none so meritorious as he.
(14)
U U U UflU
U L U U U UH 101H
Do.: pada pakhri jalu pna kari pu sahita parivra,

pitara pru kari prabhuhi puni mudita gayau lei pra.101.
Having laved the Lords feet and drunk of the water in which they had been
immersed alongwith the other members of his family, he thereby transported the souls
of his deceased forbears across the ocean of metempsychosis and then gladly took the
Lord across the Gag.
(101)
* There is an allusion here to the Lords Descent as a Dwarf and to His subsequently assuming
colossal dimensions and measuring the earth and heavens in a couple of strides. The same Lord who had
assumed the form of a Dwarf in the Satyayuga now appeared as r Rma; hence the two are identified by the
poet. It is further mentioned in the Puras that Brahm (the Creator) laved the foot of the Lord when it
reached Brahmaloka (the highest heaven) after measuring the heavens and it was this water which flowed
through the heavens and later on reached the earth in the form of the river Gag. It is also gathered from the
Puras that the river, like all other rivers and mountains etc., is presided over by a goddess of the same name
and it is this deity who is represented here as mystified by the Lords behaviour as an ordinary human being
depending on a boatman for being taken across the stream. When, however, the boatman bathed the feet of
the Lord with the water of the holy river, the goddess took no time in recognizing the source of her waters and
rejoiced to discover the Almighty Lord.
460
0UU UU UU U
flU UU
Ufl U
U UU
UU
U
UU
U fl
U U U
U U U
U U U
U U H
U U U U UH.1H
U UUH
flU U U H.2H
U U flH
U UH.3H
U
UUH
U U H.4H
Cau.: utari hRha bhae surasari ret,

kevaa
utari
daavata knh,
piya hiya
k siya
jnanihr,
kaheu
kpla
lehi
utar,
ntha ju mai kha na pv,
bahuta kla mai knhi majur,
aba kachu ntha na chia more,
phirat
bra
mohi
jo deb,
sya rmu guha lakhana samet.

prabhuhi sakuca ehi nahi kachu dnh.1.
mani mudar mana mudita utr.
kevaa
carana
gahe
akul.2.
mie doa dukha drida dv.
ju dnha bidhi bani bhali bhur.3.
dnadayla
anugraha
tore .
so prasdu mai sira dhari leb.4.
Getting down from the boat St and Rma stood on the sands of the Gag alongwith Guha and Lakmaa. The ferryman too got down and fell prostrate before the Lord,
who felt uncomfortable at the thought that He had given nothing to the ferryman. St,
however, who could read the mind of Her beloved lord, took off Her jewelled ring with
a cheerful heart. The gracious Lord said, Take your toll. But the ferryman clasped His
feet in great distress. What have I not already received, my lord? The fire of my errors,
sorrows and indigence has been quenched today. I worked for my livelihood for a long
time; it is only today that God has given me an adequate and handsome return. By your
grace, my compassionate Lord, I want nothing now. While returning, whatever you
bestow on me I shall thankfully accept that boon.
(14)
0 U U U U flU
U L L H 102H
Do.: bahuta knha prabhu lakhana siya nahi kachu kevau lei,
bid knha karunyatana bhagati bimala baru dei.102.
The Lord as well as Lakmaa and St did their utmost; but the ferryman would
accept nothing. The All-merciful Rma, therefore, dismissed him after bestowing on him
the boon of unalloyed devotion.
(102)
0 U U
UUU UU U U
flU UU
U
UU
UU
U
Ufl U H
U UU UH.1H
U U UH
U U H.2H
fl U UH
U flU U UH.3H
* AYODHY-KNA *
461
U UU U U U U UH
U U H.4H
Cau.: taba majjanu kari raghukulanth,
siya surasarihi kaheu kara jor,
pati devara sa ga kusala bahor,
suni siya binaya prema rasa sn,
sunu
raghubra
priy baideh,
lokapa
hohi
bilokata
tore ,
tumha jo hamahi baRi binaya sun,
tadapi
debi
mai
debi
ass,
puji
prathiva
nyau
mth.
mtu manoratha puraubi mor.1.
i
karau
jehi
puj
tor.
bhai taba bimala bri bara bn.2.
tava prabhu jaga bidita na keh.
tohi sevahi saba sidhi kara jore .3.
kp knhi mohi dnhi baR.
saphala hona hita nija bgs.4.
The Lord of Raghus race then bathed in the Gag and after worshipping a newlymade clay image of iva bowed His head to the Deity. With joined palms St addressed
the celestial river (Gag), Mother, pray accomplish my desire, that I may return with
my husband and His younger brother and worship you. In response to Sts prayer,
steeped as it was in the nectar of love, the following happy utterance came from the holy
stream: Listen, O Vaideh (Videhas Daughter), beloved Consort of r Rma (the Chief
of Raghus line): who in this world is not aware of Your glory? People become masters
of the heavens quarters the moment You look at them and all supernatural powers wait
upon You with joined palms. By addressing an humble prayer to me You have done me
a favour and exalted me. Yet, O venerable lady, bless You I must, just in order to fulfil
my speech.
(14)
flU U
U UUU UH 103H
Do.: prnantha
devara
sahita
kusala
kosal
i,
pujihi saba manakman sujasu rahihi jaga chi.103.
With Your beloved Lord and His younger brother You shall safely return to
Ayodhy. Every wish of Your heart shall be accomplished and Your bright glory shall
spread throughout the world.
(103)
0
UU UU U U
U U U U
UU
U
UU UU
U U U
U U U
U U
UU H
UU UH.1H
U U UH
U U U flH.2H
UU U UH
UU UU UH.3H
U U NU UH
U U UH.4H
Cau.: gaga bacana suni magala mul,

taba prabhu guhahi kaheu ghara jhu,
dna bacana guha kaha kara jor,
ntha stha rahi pathu dekh,
mudita sya surasari anukul.

sunata sukha mukhu bh ura dhu.1.
binaya sunahu raghukulamani mor.
kari dina cri carana sevak.2.
462
jehi bana ji rahaba raghur,
taba mohi kaha jasi deba raj,
sahaja saneha rma lakhi tsu,
puni guha gyti boli saba lnhe,
paranaku
mai
karabi
suh.
soi karihau
raghubra doh.3.
saga lnha guha hdaya hulsu.
kari paritou bid taba knhe.4.
St rejoiced to hear these benedictory words of goddess Gag and to find

her favourably disposed. Then the Lord said to Guha, Go home. The moment he
heard this his face turned pale and there was great agony in his heart. With joined
palms Guha addressed the Lord in pathetic terms: Hear my prayer, O Jewel of
Raghus race; let me remain with you, my lord, and show you the path; after serving
you for a few days I shall prepare a beautiful hut of leaves for you in whichever
forest, O Lord of Raghus, you may go and take up your abode. Thereafter I swear
by you, O Chief of Raghus, to do as you bid me. Perceiving his natural love r
Rma took him with Him and Guha felt much joy in his heart. Then Guha summoned
all his kinsmen and having gratified them sent them away.
(14)
fl U UUU
U fl U UH 104H
Do.: taba ganapati siva sumiri prabhu ni surasarihi mtha,

sakh anuja siya sahita bana gavanu knha raghuntha.104.
Then the Lord invoked the gods Gaea and iva; and bowing His head to the
celestial stream (Gag) the Lord of Raghus proceeded to the woods with His friend
(Guha), His younger brother (Lakmaa) and St.
(104)
0U U U U

U
UU
fl h U
U U
U
UM
U U U Ufl
U U U
U
U
U
flU L U
U H
UU H.1H
fl U UUH
MH.2H
U U UU flH
UUH.3H
U U UH
UU U H.4H
Cau.: tehi dina bhayau biapa tara bsu,

prta
prtakta
kari
raghur,
saciva satya raddh priya nr,
cri padratha
bhar
bha ru,
chetru agama gaRhu gRha suhv,
sena sakala tratha bara
br,
sagamu sihsanu suhi soh,
cava ra jamuna aru gaga tarag,
lakhana sakh saba knha supsu.

tratharju
dkha
prabhu
j.1.
mdhava
sarisa
mtu
hitakr.
punya pradesa desa ati cru.2.
sapanehu nahi pratipacchinha pv.
kalua anka dalana ranadhr.3.
chatru akhayabau muni manu moh.
dekhi hohi dukha drida bhag.4.
That day He halted under a tree; Lakmaa and His friend (Guha) provided for
all His comforts. At dawn the Lord of Raghus performed His morning duties and then
* AYODHY-KNA *
463
the Lord proceeded further and visited Prayga, the king of holy places. This king has
Truth for his minister, sradha for his beloved consort and a beneficent friend like
Bindumdhava (the Deity presiding over Prayga). His store is replete with the four
prizes of human life, while the sacred region surrounding the confluence of the Gag
and the Yamun marks his most beautiful dominion. The holy Prayga represents his
inaccessible, strong and lovely fortress that no enemy has ever dreamt of possessing.
All the sacred spots are his chosen and valiant warriors, who are staunch in battle and
capable of crushing the host of sins. The confluence of the Gag and Yamun
constitutes his exquisite throne, while the immortal banyan tree (known by the name of
Akayavaa) represents his royal umbrella, which captivates the heart even of sages.
The waves of the Gag and Yamun constitute his chowries, whose very sight
destroys sorrow and want.
(14)
0flU
flU
U UU H 105H
Do.: sevahi sukt sdhu suci pvahi saba manakma,

bad beda purna gana kahahi bimala guna grma.105.
Virtuous and holy saints wait upon this king and attain all that they desire; while
the Vedas and Puras are the rhapsodists who recount his stainless virtues. (105)
0 U
U Ufl
U U U
U
U
U U fl fl
Um U
U U
U UH
U UU flH.1H
UU
UH
U U UH.2H
U H
U flH.3H
U Ufl UU H
r
U
H.4H
Cau.: ko kahi sakai prayga prabhu,

asa
trathapati
dekhi
suhv,
kahi siya lakhanahi sakhahi sun,
kari pranmu dekhata bana bg,
ehi
bidhi
i
bilok
ben,
mudita nahi knhi siva sev,
taba prabhu bharadvja pahi e,
muni mana moda na kachu kahi j,
kalua puja kujara mgaru.

sukha sgara raghubara sukhu pv.1.
rmukha
tratharja
baR.
kahata mahtama ati anurg.2.
sumirata sakala sumagala den.
puji
jathbidhi
tratha
dev.3.
karata daavata muni ura le.
brahmnada
rsi
janu
p.4.
Who can describe the glory of Prayga, a lion as it were for the herd of elephants
in the shape of sins? The Chief of Raghus race, who is an ocean of bliss, was filled with
delight to see this glorious king of holy places. With His own gracious lips He told St,
Lakmaa and His friend (Guha) the greatness of Prayga. Making obeisance to this
holy place He cast a look round the groves and gardens and expatiated on its glory with
the utmost devotion. In this way he arrived at and saw the confluence of the Gag and
Yamun, the very thought of which bestows all choice blessings. After bathing in the
464
confluence He gladly adored Lord iva and worshipped the deities presiding over the holy
Prayga according to the prescribed ritual. The Lord then called on Bharadvja; and the
sage clasped Him to his bosom as He fell prostrate before him. The joy that the sage
felt within his heart cannot be described in words; it looked as if he had found the bliss
of oneness with Brahma incarnate.
(14)
0 U
UU
U U H 106H
Do.: dnhi assa munsa ura ati anadu asa jni,

locana gocara sukta phala manahu kie bidhi ni.106.
The chief of sages, Bharadvja, invoked his blessing on the Lord. He felt great joy
in his heart to perceive that God had as it were set before him in visible form the reward
of all his virtues.
(106)
0 F U U
U
U U
U
U
U

fl fl
U U U U
UU UH
U H.1H
L U H
Um UUH.2H
UH
U UU fl H.3H
UU U H
U U UH.4H
Cau.: kusala prasna kari sana dnhe,

kada mula phala akura nke,
sya lakhana jana sahita suhe,
bhae bigatarama rmu sukhre,
ju suphala tapu tratha tygu,
saphala sakala subha sdhana sju,
lbha avadhi sukha avadhi na duj,
aba kari kp dehu bara ehu,
puji
prema
paripurana
knhe.
die ni muni manahu
am ke.1.
ati ruci rma mula phala khe.
bharadvja mdu bacana ucre.2.
ju suphala japa joga birgu.
rma
tumhahi
avalokata
ju.3.
tumhare darasa sa saba puj.
nija pada sarasija sahaja sanehu.4.
After enquiring of their welfare the sage allotted seats to the royal guests and offering
homage to them sated them all with his love. He then brought and presented to them bulbs,
roots, fruits and sprouts, all sweet as ambrosia. r Rma, with St, Lakmaa and His
devotee (Guha), partook of those delicious roots and fruits with much relish. Relieved of
His toil r Rma felt much happy and Bharadvja addressed Him in gentle tones; Today
my penance, pilgrimage and renunciation have been rewarded; today my prayer, meditation
and dispassion have borne fruit; nay, all my pious practices have been rewarded by Your
very sight, O Rma. There is no culmination of gain, no culmination of joy other than this. In
beholding You all my hopes have been realized. Now be pleased to grant me this one boon,
viz., spontaneous attachment to Your lotus-feet.
(14)
0U UU U UU
U U U UUH 107H
* AYODHY-KNA *
465
Do.: karama bacana mana chRi chalu jaba lagi janu na tumhra,
taba lagi sukhu sapanehu nah kie koi upacra.107.
Until a man gets sincerely devoted to You in thought, word and deed, he cannot
even dream of happiness in spite of all his devices.
(107)
0 U
UU Ufl
U U
UU UU flU
U fl
Um

U U U
U U
fl H
U U U flH.1H
U U U UH
U flUH.2H
U h UH
U UH.3H
U UH
U
UU
UH.4H
Cau.: suni muni bacana rmu sakucne,

taba raghubara muni sujasu suhv,
so baRa so saba guna gana gehu,
muni raghubra parasapara navah,
yaha sudhi pi prayga nivs,
bharadvja
rama
saba
e,
rma pranma knha saba khu,
dehi assa parama sukhu p,
bhva bhagati nada aghne.

koi bh ti kahi sabahi sunv.1.
jehi munsa tumha dara dehu.
bacana agocara sukhu anubhavah.2.
bau tpasa muni siddha uds.
dekhana dasaratha suana suhe.3.
mudita bhae lahi loyana lhu.
phire
sarhata
sudarat.4.
r Rma felt abashed to hear the words of the sage, much as He was sated with
joy by his love and devotion. The Chief of Raghus then told all in countless ways the fair
and bright renown of the sage. Great indeed is he and he the repository of all virtues,
whom, O chief of sages, you are pleased to honour. The sage (Bharadvja) and the
Hero of Raghus line thus exchanged civilities and experienced ineffable joy. On
receiving this news the people of Prayga, including religious students, ascetics,
hermits, accomplished saints and recluses, all flocked to the hermitage of Bharadvja in
order to have a look at the charming sons of King Daaratha. r Rma made obeisance
to them all, who were delighted to obtain the reward of their eyes. Deriving supreme joy
they gave their blessing and returned extolling the beauty of the royal guests. (14)
0 U
U U
U U L H 108H
Do.: rma knha birma nisi prta prayga nahi,

cale sahita siya lakhana jana mudita munihi siru ni.108.
r Rma reposed (in the hermitage) overnight. At day break He bathed at
Prayga (in the confluence of the Gag and Yamun) and proceeded on His journey
with St, Lakmaa and His attendant (Guha), gladly bowing His head to the sage. (108)
0U UU U U U U UH
U U UU U U UUH.1H
466
c
U U U U
U U U
U U
U U
UU

H
UU UUH.2H
U U UH
NU UUH.3H
U U U U H
UU UH.4H
Cau.: rma saprema kaheu muni ph,

muni mana bihasi rma sanakahah,
stha
lgi muni siya bole,
sabanhi rma para prema apr,
muni bau cri saga taba dnhe,
kari pranmu
rii
yasu p,
grma nikaa jaba
nikasahi j,
hohi santha janama phalu p,
ntha kahia hama kehi maga jh.
sugama sakala maga tumha kahu ahah.1.

suni mana mudita pacsaka e.
sakala kahahi magu dkha hamr.2.
jinha bahu janama sukta saba knhe.
pramudita hdaya
cale raghur.3.
dekhahi darasu nri nara dh.
phirahi dukhita manu saga pah.4.
r Rma lovingly asked the sage, Tell me, my lord, by which route we should go.
Smiling inwardly the sage replied to Rma, All paths are easy to You. The sage then
called his pupils in order that they may escort r Rma; hearing his call some fifty of them
came, glad of heart. They all cherished boundless love for r Rma and each of them
said he had seen the path. The sage then sent with the royal party four religious students
who had practised all kinds of virtues in a series of previous births. Making obeisance to
the sage and receiving his permission the Lord of Raghus proceeded with a cheerful
heart. As the party passed by some village, men and women of the village ran to have
a look at them. They felt gratified in having attained the fruit of their life and returned
disconsolate sending their heart after the strangers.
(14)
U U U
UU U UU SH 109H
Do.: bid kie bau binaya kari phire pi mana kma,

utari nahe jamuna jala jo sarra sama syma.109.
With great courtesy r Rma dismissed the students, who returned having
obtained their hearts desire. The Lord then crossed the river Yamun and bathed in its
water, that was as dark as His own body.
(109)
0
U
U
U
U
U
U U
U U U
U U
UU
U flU fl
U
UH
UU UH.1H
U U UH
U U U UH.2H
U H
U U U UH.3H
UflH
U UH.4H
* AYODHY-KNA *
467
Cau.: sunata
trabs
nara
nr,
lakhana rma
siya sudarat,
ati llas basahi
mana mh,
je tinha mahu bayabiridha sayne,
sakala kath tinha sabahi sun,
suni sabida sakala pachith,
tehi
kabi
avasara
alakhita
eka
gati
dhe
nija
nija
kja
bisr.
dekhi karahi nija bhgya baR.1.
nu
gu
bujhata sakuch.
tinha kari juguti rmu pahicne.2.
banahi
cale
pitu
yasu
p.
rn rya
knha bhala nh.3.
tpasu v, tejapuja
laghubayasa
suhv.
beu birg, mana krama bacana rma anurg.4.
Hearing of their arrival the people inhabiting the river banks ran to see them
unmindful of their duties. Beholding the beauty of Lakmaa, Rma and St they
congratulated themselves on their good luck. Their hearts were seized with intense
longing, but they felt shy in enquiring the names and residence of the newcomers. Such
of them, however, as were advanced in years and intelligent were able to identify Rma
through same device. They related to them the whole story telling them how r Rma
had proceeded to the woods in obedience to His fathers commands. They were all sad
to hear this and lamented: The king and queen have not done well. In the meantime
there arrived an ascetic who was an embodiment of spiritual glow, young in years and
charming in appearance. His ways were unknown to the poet; he was attired in the garb
of a recluse and was devoted to Rma in thought, word and deed.
(14)
cUU U
UU U U H 110H
Do.: sajala nayana tana pulaki nija iadeu pahicni,

pareu daa jimi dharanitala das na ji bakhni.110.
His eyes were wet with tears and a thrill ran through his body when he came to
recognize his beloved Deity (r Rma). He fell prostrate on the ground and the state of
his body and mind could not be described in words.
(110)
0U UU fl
U
UU
UU U
U U U
U
Ufl U
U M
UU
U M UU
Cau.: rma
manahu
bahuri
saprema
pulaki
U
UU
ura lv, parama raka janu prasu pv.
premu paramrathu dou, milata dhare tana kaha sabu kou.1.

lakhana
pyanha soi lg, lnha
puni siya carana dhuri dhari ss, janani

knha
U U flH
U U H.1H
UU U UH
U H.2H
U UH
H.3H
U H
U U UH.4H
nida
daavata
piata nayana pua
rupu
uhi
jni
umagi
sisu
dnhi
anurg.
ass.2.
teh, mileu mudita lakhi rma saneh.

piyu, mudita suasanu pi jimi bhukh.3.
468
te pitu mtu kahahu
rma lakhana siya
sakhi kaise, jinha

rupu nihr, hohi
pahae bana blaka

saneha bikala nara
aise.
nr.4.
Thrilling all over with emotion, r Rma pressed him to His bosom, he was in such
an ecstasyas though a pauper had found a philosophers stone. Everyone who saw them
suggested as though love, on the one hand, and the supreme Reality, on the other,
embraced each other in living form. Next he threw himself at the feet of Lakmaa, who
lifted him with a heart overflowing with love. Again he placed on his head the dust of Sts
feet and the Mother (St) gave him Her blessing, knowing him to be Her own child. The
Nida chief in his turn fell prostrate before the hermit, who gladly embraced him
recognizing him to be a friend of r Rma. With the cup of his eyes he drank the nectar
of r Rmas beauty and was delighted as a hungry soul who had secured excellent
food *. Tell me, friend, what are those father and mother like, that have exiled to the
woods children such as these? Beholding the beauty of r Rma, Lakmaa and St,
men and women alike were ill at ease on account of love.
(14)
UU U fl U
U U U fl fl UH 111H
Do.: taba raghubra aneka bidhi sakhahi sikhvanu dnha,

rma rajyasu ssa dhari bhavana gavanu tei knha.111.
The Hero of Raghus race then admonished His friend (Guha) in ways more than
one. And bowing to r Rmas commands he left for his home.
(111)
0 U U U
U
U
U UU
U
U
U

U
U UU
U U U
U U UUH
U U UH.1H
UU U H
NU UUH.2H
U UU H
U U U UH.3H
U U UH
U UU UU L H.4H
Cau.: puni siya rma lakhana kara jor,

cale sasya
mudita
dou bh,
pathika aneka milahi maga jt,
rja lakhana saba aga tumhre ,
mraga
calahu
paydehi pe ,
agamu pathu giri knana bhr,
jamunahi knha pranmu bahor.

rabitanuj
kai
karata
baR.1.
kahahi saprema dekhi dou bhrt.
dekhi socu ati hdaya hamre .2.
jyotiu
jhuha
hamre
bhe .
tehi maha
stha nri sukumr.3.
* This episode of an ascetic has been ignored by some commentators as an interpolation and
obviously it is disconnected with the main thread of the narrative and appears to have been inserted
afterwards. All the same the lines are found in all old manuscripts. The poet was a saint of uncommon spiritual
insight. It is, therefore, difficult to say what was his intention in writing these lines. In any case the episode
cannot be dismissed as an interpolation. When the ascetic has been spoken of here as unknown even to the
poet, no one can say with any amount of certainty who he was. To our mind he is none else than the monkeygod, r Hanumn, or a mental projection of the poet (Tulasdsa) himself.
* AYODHY-KNA *
kari
jba
kehari bana ji
jah
lagi taha
469
na
jo, hama sa ga calahi jo yasu ho.
pahu c, phiraba bahori tumhahi siru n.4.
Then, with joined palms, St, Rma and Lakmaa made renewed obeisance to
the Yamun. Accompanied by St the two brothers gladly proceeded further, extolling
the daughter of the sun-god as they went. Many a traveller met them on the way and
beholding the two brothers they fondly exclaimed: Finding all the marks of royalty on
your person, we are sore troubled at heart. When you wend your way on foot, the science
of astrology (which tells us that men possessing such and such features should always
be borne on some vehicle) is misleading to our mind. The path is difficult and lies through
big mountains and forests. On top of it you have a delicate lady with you. Infested with
elephants and lions the forest is too terrible to look at. We are ready to accompany you if
you enjoin us to do so. We will escort you as far as you go and will then return bowing our
heads to you.
(14)
0U
UU
UU UU U H 112H
Do.: ehi bidhi pu chahi prema basa pulaka gta jalu naina,
kpsidhu pherahi tinhahi kahi binta mdu baina.112.
In this way they offered their services, overmastered as they were by love; a thrill
ran through their body and tears came to their eyes. The all-merciful Lord, however,
dismissed them with polite and gentle words.
(112)
0 U fl U U
U U U
U U U U U
U fl
U U U U
U U U flU U
U L U UU
U U U
UU U U UUH
U UH.1H
U Ufl UH
UU
UUU
UUH.2H
U SUH
UU fl U U UUUH.3H
UU L UH
U H.4H
Cau.: je pura g va basahi maga mh,

kehi sukt
kehi ghar base,
jaha jaha rma carana cali jh,
punyapuja maga nikaa nivs,
je bhari nayana bilokahi rmahi,
je sara sarita rma avaghahi,
jehi taru tara prabhu baihahi j,
parasi rma pada paduma parg,
tinhahi nga sura nagara sihh.

dhanya punyamaya parama suhe.1.
tinha
samna
amarvati
nh.
tinhahi
sarhahi
surapurabs.2.
st lakhana sahita ghanasymahi.
tinhahi deva sara sarita sarhahi.3.
karahi
kalapataru
tsu
baR.
mnati bhumi bhuri nija bhg.4.
The hamlets and villages that lay on the road were the envy of the towns of the
Ngas and gods. The deities presiding over these towns said to one another: By what
blessed soul and at what auspicious hour were these hamlets and villages founded?
They are so lucky, meritorious and of such exquisite beauty! Even Amarvat (the city
470
of immortals) stood no comparison with the spots which were trodden by r Rmas feet.
The dwellers on the wayside were all embodiments of virtue; they evoked the praise of
the denizens of heaven inasmuch as they feasted their eyes on r Rma, who was dark
as a cloud, as well as on St and Lakmaa. The lakes and streams in which r Rma
bathed were the envy of the lakes and rivers of gods. The tree under which the Lord sat
was glorified by the trees of paradise. Nay, kissing the dust of r Rmas lotus- feet Earth
deemed herself most lucky.
(14)
0UU
UU UU UU
U U U UH 113H
Do.: ch ha karahi ghana bibudhagana baraahi sumana sihhi,

dekhata giri bana bihaga mga rmu cale maga jhi.113.
Clouds screened Him from the sun, the gods rained flowers and regarded Him with
wistful eyes as r Rma wended His way looking at the mountains, forests, birds and
beasts.
(113)
0
U UU
h U U
U M UU
UU
U U U
U U
UU
U
U UU
fl U U H
U U U UH.1H
UU UH
U UH.2H
U UU U UUH
U U UH.3H
fl U H
UU U H.4H
Cau.: st
lakhana
sahita raghur,
suni saba bla bddha nara nr,
rma lakhana siya rupa nihr,
sajala
bilocana
pulaka sarr,
barani na ji das tinha ker,
ekanha
eka
boli
sikha deh,
rmahi
dekhi
eka
anurge,
eka nayana maga chabi ura n,
g va nikaa jaba nikasahi j.

calahi
turata
ghakju
bisr.1.
pi nayanaphalu hohi sukhr.
saba bhae magana dekhi dou br.2.
lahi janu rakanha suramani her.
locana lhu lehu chana eh.3.
citavata cale jhi sa ga lge.
hohi sithila tana mana bara bn.4.
Whenever St, Lakmaa and the Lord of Raghus happened to pass by some
village, all those who heard of His comingyoung and old, men and women alikecame
out at once, unmindful of their household duties. Beholding the beauty of r Rma,
Lakmaa and St they obtained the reward of their eyes and felt gratified. Their eyes
were wet with tears, a thrill ran through their body and they were all enraptured to behold
the two brothers. The state of their mind could not be described in words; it seemed as
if paupers had stumbled on a pile of cintamai. Calling their neighbours they admonished
one another: Obtain the reward of your eyes this very moment. Some were enraptured
to see Rma and went with Him gazing on Him all the time. Others took His image into
the heart through the door of their eyes and were utterly overpowered in body, mind and
speech.
(14)
* AYODHY-KNA *
471
UUU U
UU fl U fl U H 114H
Do.: eka dekhi baa ch ha bhali si mdula tna pta,

kahahi gav ia chinuku ramu gavanaba abahi ki prta.114.
Seeing the cool shade of a banyan tree some spread soft grass and leaves
under it and said, Pray rest awhile and you may then depart either just now or preferably
next morning.
(114)
0 U U

U
U U U
U UU U U
L U U
U U
U UU
U
UU H
U H.1H
U U U UUH
M H.2H
U UH
U UH.3H
fl H
UU U UH.4H
Cau.: eka
kalasa
bhari nahi pn,
suni priya bacana prti ati dekh,
jn ramita sya
mana mh,
mudita nri nara dekhahi sobh,
ekaaka saba sohahi cahu or,
taruna tamla barana tanu soh,
dmini barana lakhana suhi nke,
munipaa
kainha
kase
tunr,
a caia ntha kahahi mdu bn.

rma
kpla
susla
bise.1.
gharika bilabu knha baa chh.
rupa anupa nayana manu lobh.2.
rmacadra mukha cada cakor.
dekhata koi madana manu moh.3.
nakha sikha subhaga bhvate j ke.
sohahi kara kamalani dhanu tr.4.
Others brought a pitcher full of water and said in soft accents, My lord, rinse your
mouth. Hearing their agreeable words and seeing their extreme love, the tender-hearted
and most amiable r Rma mentally perceived that St was fatigued, and rested awhile
in the shade of the banyan tree. Men and women regarded His loveliness with great
delight; His peerless beauty captivated their eyes and mind. Standing in a circle with their
gaze fixed on the countenance of r Rmacandra they all shone like a group of Cakora
birds encircling the moon. With His graceful form possessing the hue of a young Tamla
tree He fascinated by His looks the mind of a million Cupids. Lakmaa too, who had
fair limbs bright as lightning and charming from head to foot, appeared most lovely and
attracted the mind. With the bark of trees wrapped round their loins and a quiver fastened
to their waist the two brothers carried a bow and arrow in their lotus hands.
(14)
0 U
U UU
U U U Sfl H 115H
Do.: ja mukua ssani subhaga ura bhuja nayana bisla,

sarada paraba bidhu badana bara lasata sveda kana jla.115.
472
Their matted locks were coiled on their head in the shape of a beautiful crown and
they had a broad chest, long arms and big eyes; while their lovely faces, which resembled
the autumnal full moon, glistened with beads of sweat.
(115)
0U
UU U
U
U
U U
U
U U U
UU
U UU
Sfl U UU
UU U U
U U UH
flU H.1H
U H
U U UH.2H
UU U H
U U UUUH.3H
flUH
U U U H.4H
Cau.: barani
na ji manohara jor,
rma lakhana
siya sudarat,
thake nri nara
prema pise,
sya
sampa
grmatiya
jh,
bra
bra
saba
lgahi
pe ,
rjakumri binaya hama karah,
svmini abinaya chamabi hamr,
rjakua ra
dou
sahaja
salone,
sobh bahuta thori mati mor.

saba citavahi cita mana mati l.1.
manahu
mg mga dekhi di se.
pu chata ati
saneha sakuch.2.
kahahi bacana mdu sarala subhe .
tiya subhya kachu pu chata arah.3.
bilagu na mnaba jni gav r.
inha te lah duti marakata sone.4.
The pair was charming beyond words; their loveliness was unbounded and my
wits are too poor. Everyone gazed on the beauty of r Rma, Lakmaa and St with
their mind, intellect and reason fully absorbed. Thirsting for love the villagers, both men
and women, stood motionless even as bucks and does are dazed by light. The village
women approached St; in their extreme love they would put questions to Her but
hesitated to do so. Again and again they threw themselves at Her feet and addressed
to Her soft and guileless words which came straight from their heart: Princess, we have
a request to make to you, but due to our womanly modesty we are afraid to ask you.
Forgive our incivility, madam, and be not offended, knowing that we are after all rustic
women. Both these princes are naturally graceful in form; it is from them that emerald and
gold have borrowed their green and yellow lustre respectively.
(14)
0 S
U U U U
U U U ULU H 116H
Do.: symala gaura kisora bara sudara suam aina,

sarada sarbarntha mukhu sarada saroruha naina.116.
The one dark and the other fair, but both of tender age,which is so attractive,
handsome and all-beauteous, they have faces resembling the autumnal moon and eyes
like the autumnal lotus.
(116)
0U
flUU UU U UUH
U
U H.1H
* AYODHY-KNA *
U
UU
U U

U
U
UU
U UUH
U H.2H
flU UH
U U H.3H
UU UU H
UU U U UH.4H
Cau.: koi
manoja
lajvanihre,
suni sanehamaya majula bn,
tinhahi biloki
bilokati
dharan,
sakuci saprema bla mga nayan,
sahaja subhya subhaga tana gore,
bahuri badanu bidhu acala h k,
khajana maju tirche nayanani,
bha mudita saba
grmabadhu,
sumukhi kahahu ko hi tumhre.

sakuc siya mana mahu musukn.1.
duhu sakoca sakucati barabaran.
bol madhura bacana pikabayan.2.
nmu lakhanu laghu devara more.
piya tana citai bhauha kari b k.3.
nija pati kaheu tinhahi siya sayanani.
rakanha rya rsi janu lu.4.
473

Putting to shame by their comeliness millions of Cupids, tell us, O fair lady, how
stand they to you? Hearing their loving and sweet words St felt abashed and smiled
within Herself. Looking at them in the first instance She then cast Her eyes towards the
earth; the fair-complexioned lady felt a twofold delicacy. With a voice sweet as the notes
of a cuckoo the fawn-eyed princess bashfully replied in loving and sweet accents: The
one who is artless in manners and has a fair and graceful form is called Lakmaa and
is my younger brother-in-law. Again veiling Her moon-like face with an end of Her sari
She looked at Her beloved lord and then bending Her eyebrows and casting a sidelong
glance with Her beautiful eyes that resembled the Khajana bird (a species of wagtail)
in their quick movements, She indicated to them by signs that He was Her husband. All
the village women were as delighted as paupers that had been allowed free access to
hoards of riches.
(14)
U U U
U UU U U U H.117H
Do.: ati saprema siya pya pari bahubidhi dehi assa,

sad sohgini hohu tumha jaba lagi mahi ahi ssa.117.
Falling at Sts feet in their great love they invoked upon Her many a blessing and
said, May you ever enjoy a happy married life so long as the earth rests on the head
of the serpent-god (ea).
(117)
0U
UU
U U U
U
U U U U
U U UU UUH
U U U UUH.1H
H
H.2H
474
U U U L
U
U U
U

U U U
UU U H
UH.3H
U U UH
U U UH.4H
Cau.: prabat sama patipriya

hohu,
puni puni binaya karia kara jor,
darasanu
deba jni nija
ds,
madhura bacana kahi kahi parito,
tabahi lakhana raghubara rukha jn,
sunata nri nara bhae dukhr,
mi modu mana bhae malne,
samujhi karama gati dhraju knh,
debi na hama para chRaba chohu.

jau
ehi mraga phiria bahor.1.
lakh sya
saba prema pis.
janu
kumudin
kaumud
po.2.
pu cheu magu loganhi mdu bn.
pulakita
gta
bilocana
br.3.
bidhi nidhi dnha leta janu chne.
sodhi sugama magu tinha kahi dnh.4.
Be as dear to your lord as Prvat to iva; yet cease not to be kind to us, O good
lady. Again and again we pray with joined palms: should you return by this very route,
allow us to see you, remembering us as your handmaids. St found them all athirst with
love and comforted them with many soothing words even as lilies are refreshed by
moonlight. Presently, reading r Rmas mind, Lakmaa gently asked the villagers
about the road they should take. The moment they heard this the villagers, both men and
women, became sad; a thrill ran through their body and tears rushed to their eyes. Their
joy disappeared and they felt depressed at heart as though God was snatching back the
treasure He had bestowed upon them. Reflecting on the ways of Fate they took courage
and fixing upon the easiest road they gave it out to Him.
(14)
U fl U U
U U H.118H
Do.: lakhana jnak sahita taba gavanu knha raghuntha,

phere saba priya bacana kahi lie li mana stha.118.
Accompanied by Lakmaa and Janakas Daughter the Lord of Raghus then
proceeded on His way. (As people tried to follow Him) He sent back all with soothing
words, though He took their hearts with Him.
(118)
0U U U UU
U UU U
U U UU
M L L U
UU U
UU
U UU U
LU UU U
U U UH
U UU UUH.1H
U U L H
U U UUH.2H
U H
U U H.3H
H
fl U U UH.4H
Cau.: phirata nri nara ati pachith, daiahi dou dehi

mana mh.
sahita bida parasapara kahah, bidhi karataba ulae saba ahah.1.
* AYODHY-KNA *
nipaa nirakusa nihura nisaku,
rukha kalapataru sgaru khr,
jau pai inhahi dnha banabsu,
e bicarahi maga binu padatrn,
e mahi parahi si kusa pt,
tarubara bsa inhahi bidhi dnh,
475
jehi sasi knha saruja sakalaku.

tehi
pahae
bana
rjakumr.2.
knha bdi bidhi bhoga bilsu.
race bdi bidhi bhana nn.3.
subhaga seja kata sjata bidht.
dhavala dhma raci raci ramu knh.4.
While returning to their homes the villagers, men and women alike, grievously
lamented and blamed Providence in their heart. In doleful accents they said to one
another, The Creators doings are all perverse, He is absolutely uncontrollable, heartless
and remorseless. It is He who made the moon sickly (subject to periodical waning) and
disfigured it with a dark patch. Again, it is He who made the wish-yielding tree a member
of the vegetable kingdom and the ocean salt. It is the same Creator who has sent these
princes into the woods. If He has chosen the forest as a fit abode for them, in vain has
He provided luxuries and enjoyments. If they traverse the road bare-footed, in vain has
He created vehicles of various kinds. If they repose on the ground littered with grass and
leaves, why does God take the trouble of making lovely beds? If God has assigned them
an abode in the shade of umbrageous trees, in vain has He taken pains to errect milkwhite palaces.
(14)
U U U U U U
UUH.119H
Do.: jau e muni paa dhara jaila sudara suhi sukumra,

bibidha bh ti bhuana basana bdi kie karatra.119.
If these handsome and most delicate boys are attired in the robes of hermits
and wear matted locks of hair, in vain has God created ornaments and costumes of
various kinds.
(119)
0 U
UU U U
U U U
U U
UU U
U U
UU U U U
U
UH
U H.1H
fl U UH
U L U UH.2H
UU fl H
U U UH.3H
U U U UH
U UU U H.4H
Cau.: jau e kada mula phala

khh,
eka kahahi e sahaja
suhe,
jaha lagi beda kah bidhi karan,
dekhahu khoji bhuana dasa cr,
inhahi dekhi bidhi manu anurg,
knha bahuta rama aika na
e,
eka kahahi hama bahuta na jnahi,
te puni punyapuja hama lekhe,
bdi sudhdi asana jaga mh.

pu pragaa bhae bidhi na bane.1.
ravana nayana mana gocara baran.
kaha
asa purua kah asi nr.2.
paatara
joga
banvai
lg.
tehi
iri
bana
ni
dure.3.
puhi parama dhanya kari mnahi.
je dekhahi dekhihahi jinha dekhe.4.
476
If they live on bulbs, roots and fruits alone, foods such as ambrosia exist in vain.
Some people remarked: Naturally charming as they are, these princes must have
appeared on earth of their own accord and were not made by Brahm. In all the fourteen
spheres ransack if you will the entire range of Gods creation described at length in the
Vedas as perceptible by the ears, eyes and mind; but where can you find such a man
and such a woman as these? At their very sight Brahms mind got enamoured of them
and he proceeded to make their match. He toiled much, but none of his products could
even approach the prototype; and due to that jealousy he has brought these princes to
the woods and hid them. Others said, We do not claim to know much, but account
ourselves supremely blessed. They too are meritorious in our opinion, who see these
princes or have seen them or shall see them.
(14)
0 U U U U U U
UU U U U UUH.120H
Do.: ehi bidhi kahi kahi bacana priya lehi nayana bhari nra,
kimi calihahi mraga agama suhi sukumra sarra.120.
Making such fond remarks they filled their eyes with tears and added, Most
delicate of frame, how shall they be able to traverse such an impassable road? (120)
0U U UU
U
U
U LU
UU U
U
U U flU
M U
U
U
Cau.: nri
saneha
bikala
Z UH
UU NU UU U H.1H
U NU UUH
U UH.2H
UU U UH
U U H.3H
U H
UU H.4H
hoh, caka
basa
s jha
samaya
mdu pada kamala kahina magu jn, gahabari hdaya

parasata
mdula
carana
jau jagadsa inhahi
banu
jau
bidhi
je
suni
mg
nara
pia
nri
na
surupu
samaratha
dhi
janu
soh.
kahahi bara bn.1.
arunre, sakucati mahi jimi hdaya hamre.

dnh, kasa na sumanamaya mragu knh.2.
ph, e rakhiahi sakhi khinha mh.
avasara
bujhahi
e, tinha siya rmu na dekhana pe.3.

akul, aba lagi gae kah lagi bh.
bilokahi
j, pramudita phirahi janamaphalu p.4.
Overmastered by love the women felt as uneasy as the female Cakravka bird
does at evening time. Reflecting on the tender lotus-like feet of the princes and the rough
road they were required to tread, the women said in polite phrase with their heart stirred
with deep feeling, At the touch of their soft and rosy soles the earth shrinks even as our
hearts. If the Lord of the universe chose to exile them into the woods, why did He not
at the same time strew their path with flowers? If we can secure from Heaven the boon
of our asking, let us keep these princes, O friend, within the lids of our eyes. Those men
* AYODHY-KNA *
477
and women, who did not come in time, were unable to behold St and Rma. Hearing
of their exquisite beauty they anxiously asked: How far, brother, must have they gone
by now? The stronger of them ran on and saw the princes, and returned triumphant,
attaining the end of their existence.
(14)
h U U UU
UU U U U UH.121H
Do.: abal blaka bddha jana kara mjahi pachithi.

hohi premabasa loga imi rmu jah jaha
jhi.121.
Women, children and the aged, however, wrung their hands and lamented. In this
way the people were smitten with love wherever r Rma went.
(121)
0fl
fl
U
U U flU
UU UU
UU U U Z
U

U U U U
U U
Ufl H
UU flUH.1H
U UU UH
U
U
UZH.2H
L U H
U U U UH.3H
U UH
UU UH.4H
Cau.: gva gva

asa hoi
anadu,
je kachu samcra suni pvahi,
kahahi eka ati bhala naranhu,
kahahi
parasapara
loga log,
dekhi bhnukula kairava cadu.

te npa rnihi dosu lagvahi.1.
dnha hamahi joi locana lhu.
bte
sarala
saneha
suh.2.
dhanya so nagaru jah te e.

jaha jaha jhi dhanya soi hu .3.
e jehi ke saba bh ti saneh.
rah sakala maga knana ch.4.
te pitu mtu dhanya jinha je,

dhanya so desu sailu bana gu ,
sukhu pyau biraci raci teh,
rma lakhana pathi kath suh,
In every village there was similar rejoicing at the sight of r Rma, who was
a moon to the lily-like solar race. Those who could get some information as to the
circumstances that had led to r Rmas banishment, blamed the king and queen.
Others said, The king is too benevolent in that he has vouchsafed to us the reward
of our eyes. Men and women talked among themselves in straight, loving and agreeable
phrases. Blessed are the parents who gave birth to these princes; and happy the town
from which they hail. Happy is the land, hill, forest, village and every spot which they
visit. Nay, the Creator must have felt happy in creating him who looks upon these
princes as his near and dear ones. The delightful story as to how r Rma and
Lakmaa travelled in the woods was broadcast all along the route and throughout
the forest.
(14)
0 U U U U
U H.122H
478
Do.: ehi bidhi raghukula kamala rabi maga loganha sukha deta,
jhi cale dekhata bipina siya saumitri sameta.122.
Thus bringing joy to the people on the roadside, r Rma, who was a veritable
sun to the lotus-like solar race, proceeded with St and Sumitrs son (Lakmaa)
looking at the forest.
(122)
0 U
U U
UU UU U
U UU UU
U
U
U
U
U

U

U
U
UU
U UH
r fl H.1H
U H
UU UH.2H
U U H
U U H.3H
U U H
U U UUH.4H
Cau.: ge rmu lakhanu bane pche ,

ubhaya bca siya sohati kaise ,
bahuri kahau chabi jasi mana basa,
upam bahuri kahau jiya
joh,
prabhu pada rekha bca bica st,
sya
rma
pada
aka bare ,
rma lakhana siya
prti suh,
khaga mga magana dekhi chabi hoh,
tpasa
bea
birjata
kche .
brahma jva bica my jaise .1.
janu madhu madana madhya rati lasa.
janu budha bidhu bica rohini soh.2.
dharati carana maga calati sabht.
lakhana calahi magu dhina le .3.
bacana agocara kimi kahi j.
lie
cori
cita
rma
baoh.4.
r Rma walked in front while Lakmaa followed in the rear, both conspicuous
in the robes of ascetics. Between the two St shone like My (the Divine Energy) that
stands between Brahma (God), on the one hand, and the individual soul on the other. To
illustrate Her beauty as it exists in my mind in another way, She looked like Rati (the wife
of the god of love) shining between Madhu (the spirit presiding over the vernal season)
and the god of love. Beating my brains for another illustration, let me say She shone like
Rohi* between Budha and the moon-god. St trod on the path with meticulous care
planting Her feet in the space between Her lords footprints. Avoiding the footprints of both
St and Rma, Lakmaa traversed the road always keeping them to his right. The ideal
affection of r Rma, Lakmaa and St was past telling; how can one describe it? Even
birds and beasts were enraptured to behold their beauty; their hearts were stolen by
Rma, the wayfarer.
(14)
0U U U
fl UU UH 123H
Do.: jinha jinha dekhe pathika priya siya sameta dou bhi,
bhava magu agamu anadu tei binu rama rahe siri.123.
* The deity presiding over the fourth lunar asterism, who was born as the daughter of Daka and was
the favourite consort of the moon-god.
The god presiding over the planet Mercury and descended from the loins of the moon-god.
* AYODHY-KNA *
479
Whoever saw the beloved travellers, St and the two brothers (Rma and Lakmaa),
joyously reached the end of the toilsome journey of life without any exertion.
(123)
0U UU U
U
U
UU
U
U U
U Ufl
U U U
U UU
U U UH
fl U H.1H
U U H
UUH.2H
H
U U flH.3H
U H
UU U UUH.4H
Cau.: ajahu
jsu ura sapanehu ku,
rma dhma patha pihi so,
taba raghubra ramita siya jn,
taha basi kada mula phala kh,
dekhata bana sara saila suhe,
rma dkha muni bsu suhvana,
sarani saroja biapa bana phule,
khaga mga bipula kolhala karah,
basahu lakhanu siya rmu bau.

jo patha pva kabahu muni ko.1.
dekhi nikaa bau stala pn.
prta
nahi
cale
raghur.2.
blamki
rama
prabhu
e.
sudara giri knanu jalu pvana.3.
gujata maju madhupa rasa bhule.
birahita baira mudita mana carah.4.
Nay, to this very day, anyone in whose heart the wayfarers Lakmaa, St and
Rma, should ever lodge even in a dream shall find the road leading to r Rmas abode
(the divine region known by the name of Sketa),the road that scarce any anchorite
may find. Then perceiving that St was tired and seeing a banyan tree and cool water
hard by, the Hero of Raghus line partook of bulbs, roots and fruits and staying there
overnight and bathing at dawn the Lord of Raghus proceeded further. And beholding
lovely woods, lakes and hills the Lord reached the hermitage of Vlmki. r Rma saw
the sages beautiful dwelling with its charming hills and forest and its sacred waters. The
lotuses in the ponds and the trees in the woods were in blossom; intoxicated with their
honey bees sweetly hummed over them. Birds and beasts made a tumultuous noise and
moved about in joy free from all animosities.
(14)
U U UU Ufl
UU U H 124H
Do.: suci sudara ramu nirakhi harae rjivanena,

suni raghubara gamanu muni ge yau lena.124.
The lotus-eyed Rma rejoiced to behold the sacred and lovely hermitage; and
hearing of the arrival of r Rma (the Chief of Raghus line) the sage came forth to
receive Him.
(124)
0 U U Ufl U U
U
UH
U U U U U H.1H
U U H
U UH.2H
480

U
U U UU
U U
U
U UUH
fl H.3H
Sfl U UU UH
U U U UH.4H
Cau.: muni kahu rma daavata knh,

dekhi rma chabi nayana juRne,
munibara
atithi prnapriya pe,
siya saumitri rma phala khe,
blamki
mana
na du bhr,
taba kara kamala jori raghur,
tumha
trikla
daras muninth,
asa kahi prabhu saba kath bakhn,
sirabdu
biprabara
dnh.
kari
sanamnu
ramahi
ne.1.
kada mula phala madhura mage.
taba muni rama die suhe.2.
magala murati nayana nihr.
bole bacana ravana sukhad.3.
bisva badara jimi tumhare hth.
jehi jehi bh ti dnha banu rn.4.
r Rma fell prostrate before the sage and the holy Brhmaa blessed Him in
return. The sight of r Rmas beauty gladdened his eyes and with due honour he took
the Lord into the hermitage. Finding a guest as dear to him as life itself, the holy sage sent
for delicious bulbs, roots and fruits. St, Lakmaa and Rma partook of those fruits and
the sage then assigned them beautiful quarters. Great was the joy of Vlmkis heart as he
beheld with his own eyes r Rma, who was bliss personified. Joining His lotus palms the
Lord of Raghus then spoke to him in words which were delightful to the ears. You directly
perceive everything relating to the past, present and future, O lord of sages; the whole
universe is as if berry in the palm of your hand. Saying so the Lord related to him the
whole story as to how the queen (Kaikey) had exiled Him into the woods.
(14)
U U UU
U U UU UH 125H
Do.: tta bacana puni mtu hita bhi bharata asa ru,
mo kahu darasa tumhra prabhu sabu mama punya prabhu.125.
Compliance with my fathers commands, gratification of my stepmother (Kaikey),
the installation of a brother like Bharata to the throne and my seeing youall this, my
lord, is the result of my meritorious acts.
(125)
U UU
U UUU U
U UU
U
U U
U U L U U
U U UU
UU U
Cau.: dekhi
aba
pya
jaha
UUH
U fl H.1H
U fl UUH
U U U UH.2H
U U H
U U H.3H
H
U H.4H
munirya
tumhre, bhae sukta saba suphala hamre,
rura
yasu ho, muni udabegu na pvai ko.1.
* AYODHY-KNA *
muni tpasa jinha te dukhu lahah,
magala
mula
bipra paritou,
asa jiya
jni kahia soi hu ,
taha raci rucira parana tnasl,
sahaja sarala suni raghubara bn,
kasa na kahahu asa raghukulaketu,
481
te naresa binu pvaka dahah.

dahai koi kula bhusura rou.2.
siya saumitri sahita jaha
ju .
bsu karau
kachu kla kpl.3.
sdhu sdhu bole muni gyn.
tumha plaka satata ruti setu.4.
In beholding your feet, O king of sages, all my good deeds have been rewarded.
Now I intend to go wherever you command me to go and where no anchorite may
feel disturbed. For such monarchs as prove a source of annoyance to hermits and
ascetics are consumed without fire. While the satisfaction of Brhmaas is the root
of happiness, their wrath consumes millions of generations. Bearing this in mind pray
tell me a place to which I may proceed with St and Lakmaa (Sumitrs son), and
building a charming hut of leaves and grass may spend some time there, O good sir.
Hearing these guileless and unsophisticated words of r Rma (the Chief of Raghus
line) the enlightened sage exclaimed, Quite so, right You are. Why should You not
speak thus, O Glory of Raghus line, ever busy as You are in maintaining the laws
laid down by the Vedas?
(14)
U0
U U
UU L H
U U UL UU
U U UU U H
Cha.: ruti
setu plaka rma tumha jagadsa my jnak,

jo sjati jagu plati harati rukha pi kpnidhna k.
jo sahasassu ahsu mahidharu lakhanu sacarcara dhan,
sura kja dhari nararja tanu cale dalana khala nisicara an.
While You are the custodian of the Vedic laws and the Lord of the universe, St
(Janakas Daughter) is Your My (Divine Energy) who creates, preserves and dissolves
the universe on receiving the tacit approval of Your gracious Self. As for Lakmaa he
is no other than the thousand-headed ea (the lord of serpents), the supporter of the
globe and the lord of the entire creation, both animate and inanimate. Having assumed
the form of a king for the sake of the gods You are out to crush the host of wicked
demons.
0U
M UU U hU
U UH 126H
So.: rma sarupa tumhra bacana agocara buddhipara,

abigata akatha apra neti neti nita nigama kaha.126.
Your Being, O Rma, is beyond the range of speech and beyond
conception, unknown, unutterable and infinite; the Vedas ever speak of It as not
that, not that.
(126)
482
U UU
U U U UU
U U
UUU UU U
U
UU
U U U
U U UU
U UU UU
UU flUUH
L UU UUH.1H
U UU U H
U UU H.2H
U UH
UU UU UH.3H
U UU UU UH
U U H.4H
Cau.: jagu pekhana tumha dekhanihre, bidhi hari sabhu nacvanihre.

teu
soi
na
jnahi
maramu
tumhr, auru
tumhahi
ko
jnanihr.1.
jnai
jehi
dehu
jan, jnata tumhahi tumhai hoi j.
tumharihi kp tumhahi raghunadana, jnahi bhagata bhagata ura cadana.2.

cidnadamaya
deha
tumhr, bigata
nara tanu dharehu sata sura
bikra
jna
adhikr.
kj, kahahu karahu jasa prkta rj.3.
rma dekhi suni carita
tumhre, jaRa mohahi budha hohi sukhre.

tumha jo kahahu karahu sabu s c, jasa kchia tasa chia nc.4.
This world is a spectacle and You are its spectator; nay, You make even Brahm
(the Creator), Viu (the Preserver) and ambhu (the Destroyer) dance to Your tune.
Even these latter know not Your secret; who else can know You? In fact, he alone can
know You, to whom You make Yourself known; and the moment he knows You he
becomes one with You. It is by Your grace, O Delighter of Raghus, that Your votaries
come to know You, O Comforter of the heart of devotees. Your body is all consciousness
and bliss and is devoid of change; it is the competent alone who realize this. It is for the
sake of saints and gods that You have assumed a human semblance and speak and act
even as worldly monarchs do. The stupid get puzzled while the wise feel delighted when
they see or hear of Your doings. All that You say or do is true; for one should play the
role one has assumed on the stage.
(14)
0UU
U UU U U U
U UU U U U UU fl UUH 127H
Do.: pu chehu mohi ki rahau kaha mai pu chata sakucu ,

jaha na hohu taha dehu kahi tumhahi dekhvau hu .127.
You ask me: Where should I take up my residence? But I ask You with
diffidence: tell me first the place where You are not; then alone I can show You a
suitable place.
(127)
U U
U
U
U UU UU
UU
fl
U U H
U U UH.1H
U U H
UU U H.2H
* AYODHY-KNA *
UU UU

UU U
U NU
UU U
U U U
U U

Cau.: suni muni bacana prema rasa sne,

blamki
ha si
kahahi bahor,
sunahu rma aba kahau niket,
jinha ke ravana samudra samn,
bharahi niratara hohi na pure,
locana ctaka jinha kari rkhe,
nidarahi sarita sidhu sara bhr,
tinha ke hdaya sadanasukhadyaka,
U
UUU
M
U
483
U U U U MUH
U U H.3H
UU UH
U UH.4H
sakuci rma mana mahu musukne.

bn madhura amia rasa bor.1.
jah basahu siya lakhana samet.
kath tumhri subhaga sari nn.2.
tinha ke hiya tumha kahu gha rure.
rahahi darasa jaladhara abhile.3.
rupa bidu jala hohi sukhr.
basahu badhu siya saha raghunyaka.4.
On hearing the sages words, imbued as they were with love, r Rma felt
abashed and smiled within Himself. Vlmki too smiled and spoke to Him again in
words as sweet as though they were steeped in nectar: Listen, Rma: I tell You now
the places where You should abide with St and Lakmaa. The heart of those
whose ears are like the ocean, constantly replenished with a number of lovely streams
in the shape of Your stories but know no surfeit, shall be Your charming abode. Just
as cataka always longs to see the rain clounds, disdaining all big rivers, oceans and
lakes and prefers only drops of rain clouds. Similary those whose eyes are always
laying for your beautiful vision disdain all worldly comforts and always lay for a
glimpse of your beauty in their hearts there is a comfortable for you to live in along
with Lakmaa and St. (14)
UU U U
U U U U H 128H
Do.: jasu tumhra mnasa bimala hasini jh jsu,

mukathala guna gana cunai rma basahu hiya tsu.128.
Nay, You should dwell in the heart of him whose swan-like tongue picks up pearls
in the shape of Your virtues in the holy Mnasarovara lake of Your fame.
(128)
0
UU UU
flU U LU m
U UU U
U U U U
U
U UU
U U UU
U UU
U U H
U UUH.1H
U U H
U U NU U H.2H
U U U UH
U UU U UflUH.3H
fl U U H
flU H.4H
Cau.: prabhu prasda suci subhaga subs, sdara jsu lahai nita ns.
tumhahi nibedita bhojana

karah, prabhu prasda paa bhuana dharah.1.
484
ssa navahi sura guru dvijadekh,
kara nita karahi rma pada puj,
carana
rma
tratha
cali jh,
matrarju nita
japahi tumhr,
tarapana homa karahi bidhi nn,
tumha te adhika gurahi jiya jn,
prti sahita kari binaya bise.

rma bharosa hdaya nahi duj.2.
rma basahu tinha ke mana mh.
pujahi tumhahi sahita parivr.3.
bipra jev i dehi bahu dn.
sakala bhya
sevahi sanamn.4.
Abide, O Rma, in the mind of those whose nose devoutly inhales everyday the
fragrance of sacred and lovely offerings (in the shape of flowers, sandal-paste, etc.,)
made to their Lord (Yourself), who eat only that which has been offered to You and put
on clothes and ornaments first dedicated to You, whose heads bow down most
submissively and lovingly at the sight of a god, preceptor or Brhmaa, whose hands
adore r Rmas feet everyday, who cherish in their heart faith in Rma and none else,
and whose feet take them to holy places sacred to Rma. Again those who are ever
engaged in muttering the Rma-Mantra (U ) , the king of all sacred formulas, and
worship You alongwith Your associates; who offer water to the manes and pour oblations
into the sacred fire in diverse ways, who feed the Brhmaas and bestow liberal gifts on
them and who look upon their preceptor as greater than Yourself and wait upon him with
due honour and entire devotion
(14)
U U U U U UU
U U U U UH 129H
Do.: sabu kari mgahi eka phalu rma carana rati hou,
tinha ke mana madira basahu siya raghunadana dou.129.
And who having done all this ask only one boon as their reward: Let me have
devotion to r Rmas feet!enthrone Yourself in the temple of their heart, both St
and the Delighter of Raghus (Yourself).
(129)
0 U U
U U U
UU
UU U
U U UU U U
U
UU
UUU U
UU U U
U
U U UH
U NU U UUH.1H
U UH
fl U UUH.2H
U U U UH
Ufl UH.3H
UU U H
U UUH.4H
Cau.: kma koha mada mna na moh,

jinha ke kapaa dabha nahi my,
saba ke priya saba ke hitakr,
kahahi satya priya bacana bicr,
tumhahi chRi gati dusari nh,
janan
sama
jnahi
paranr,
je haraahi para sapati dekh,
jinhahi rma tumha prnapire,
lobha na chobha na rga na droh.

tinha ke hdaya basahu raghury.1.
dukha sukha sarisa prasas gr.
jgata sovata sarana tumhr.2.
rma basahu tinha ke mana mh.
dhanu parva bia te bia bhr.3.
dukhita hohi para bipati bise.
tinha ke mana subha sadana tumhre.4.
* AYODHY-KNA *
485
Those who have no lust, anger, arrogance, pride or infatuation, are without
greed, excitement, attraction or aversion and who are free from fraud, hypocrisy and
deceitit is in their heart that You should abide, O Chief of Raghus. Again, those
who are beloved of all and friendly to all, to whom joy and sorrow, applause and
abuse are alike and who scrupulously utter truthful and polite words, nay, who are
resigned to You whether awake or asleep and who have no support other than
Yourselfit is in their mind, O Rma, that You should dwell. Again, those who look
upon anothers wife as their own mother and to whom anothers wealth is the deadliest
of all poisons, who rejoice to see others prosperity and are particularly grieved to
see anothers distress, and to whom, O Rma, You are dear as their own life
their minds are Your blessed abodes.
(14)
0 Sfl U U U
U U U U U H 130H
Do.: svmi sakh pitu mtu gura jinha ke saba tumha tta,
mana madira tinha ke basahu sya sahita dou bhrta.130.
Nay, those to whom, my dear, You are at once master and companion, father and
mother, preceptor and everything elseit is in the temple of their mind that St and You
two brothers should reside.
(130)
0fl UU
U
U U
U U U
U U
UU UU UU
U U U
U UUU U
U U UUH
U UU U U H.1H
U UU UH
U UU U UH.2H
UflU H
U NU UUU UUH.3H
U U H
U UU U UU UUH.4H
Cau.: avaguna taji saba ke guna gahah,

nti nipuna jinha kai jaga lk,
guna tumhra samujhai nija dos,
rma bhagata priya lgahi jeh,
jti p ti dhanu dharamu baR,
saba taji tumhahi rahai ura l,
saragu naraku apabaragu samn,
karama bacana mana rura cer,
bipra dhenu hita sakaa sahah.

ghara tumhra tinha kara manu nk.1.
jehi saba bh ti tumhra bharos.
tehi ura basahu sahita baideh.2.
priya parivra sadana sukhad.
tehi ke hdaya rahahu raghur.3.
jaha taha dekha dhare dhanu bn.
rma karahu tehi ke ura er.4.
Those who overlook others faults and pick out their virtues and endure hardships
for the sake of the Brhmaas and cows, nay, who have established their reputation in
the world as well-versed in the laws of proprietytheir mind is Your excellent abode.
Again, he who attributes his virtues to You and holds himself responsible for his faults, nay,
who entirely depends on You and loves r Rmas (Your) devoteesit is in his heart that
You should stay alongwith Videhas Daughter (St). He who, renouncing his caste and
kinsmen, wealth, faith and glory, his near and dear ones, his happy home and everything
486
else, cherishes You in his bosomin his heart You should take up Your residence, O Lord
of Raghus. Again, he to whom heaven and hell and even freedom from birth and death are
the same inasmuch as he beholds You armed with a bow and arrow here, there and
everywhere, and who is Your servant in thought, word and deedmake his heart, O
Rma, Your permanent abode.
(14)
0U
U U U U U U
U UU UUU UH 131H
Do.: jhi na chia kabahu kachu tumha sana sahaja sanehu,

basahu niratara tsu mana so rura nija gehu.131.
Lastly, he who never wants anything and bears natural affinity to Youincessantly
dwell in his mind; for that is Your own home.
(131)
0U U fl
U U
U
U UU fl
Ufl M
U
UU U U
U U U
U U UU
U H
UU H.1H
U UU H
U UU U UMH.2H
H
UH.3H
UU UH
U U Ufl UUUH.4H
Cau.: ehi bidhi munibara bhavana dekhe,

kaha muni sunahu bhnukulanyaka,
citrakua
giri
karahu
nivsu,
sailu
suhvana
knana
cru,
nad
punta
purna
bakhn,
surasari dhra nu madkini,
atri di munibara bahu basah,
calahu saphala rama saba kara karahu,
bacana saprema rma mana bhe.

rama kahau samaya sukhadyaka.1.
taha tumhra saba bh ti supsu.
kari kehari mga bihaga bihru.2.
atripriy
nija
tapabala
n.
jo saba ptaka potaka kini.3.
karahi joga japa tapa tana kasah.
rma dehu gaurava giribarahu.4.
The eminent sage (Vlmki) thus showed Him many a dwelling place and his
loving words gladdened r Rmas soul. Listen, O Lord of the solar race, the sage
continued, I now tell You a retreat that will be delightful in the existing circumstances.
Take up Your abode on the Citrakua hill: there You will have all facilities. Charming is
the hill and lovely the forest, which is the haunt of elephants, lions and deer as well as
of birds. It has a holy river glorified in the Puras, which was brought by the sage Atris
wife by dint of her penance. It is a side stream of the Gag and is known by the name
of Mandkinwhich is quick to destroy sins even as a witch strangles infants. Many great
sages like Atri dwell there practising Yoga and muttering sacred formulas and wasting
their bodies with penance. Wend Your way thither, Rma, and reward the labours of all,
conferring dignity on this great mountain as well.
(14)
0U
U U U
U U U U H 132H
* AYODHY-KNA *
487
Do.: citrakua mahim amita kah mahmuni gi,

i nahe sarita bara siya sameta dou bhi.132.
The great sage Vlmki then described at length the infinite glory of Citrakua and
the two brothers proceeded with St and bathed in the sacred stream.
(132)
0UU UU U
UU UU
U
U
UU
U UU Ufl
UU U flU
U
U U
UU U UUU UUH
U UU UH.1H
U H
U UUH.2H
UU flH
U U H.3H
U U UH
H.4H
Cau.: raghubara kaheu lakhana bhala ghu,

lakhana dkha paya utara karr,
nad panaca sara sama dama dn,
citrakua
janu
acala
aher,
asa kahi lakhana hu dekharv,
rameu rma manu devanha jn,
kola
kirta
bea
saba
e,
barani na jhi maju dui sl,
karahu katahu aba hhara hu.

cahu disi phireu dhanua jimi nr.1.
sakala kalua kali suja nn.
cukai na ghta mra muhabher.2.
thalu biloki raghubara sukhu pv.
cale sahita sura thapati pradhn.3.
race parana tna sadana suhe.
eka
lalita
laghu
eka
bisl.4.
r Rma (the Chief of Raghus line) said, Lakmaa, here is a good descent into
the river; now make arrangements for our stay somewhere. Lakmaa presently
surveyed the north bank of the Payaswin river and said, Lo! a rivulet bends round this
bank like a bow with the river itself for its string, control of the mind and senses and
charity for its arrows, and all the sins of the Kali age for its many quarries. Armed with
this bow Mount Citrakua looks like an immovable huntsman who takes unerring aim and
makes a frontal attack. With these words Lakmaa showed the spot and r Rma
was delighted to see the site. When the gods learnt that the site had captivated r
Rmas mind, they proceeded to Citrakua with Vivakarm, the chief of heavenly
architects. They all came in the guise of Kolas and Bhlas and put up beautiful dwellings
of leaves and grass. They made a pair of huts which were lovely beyond words, the one
a fine little cottage and the other larger in size.
(14)
U U LU
U U UU H 133H
Do.: lakhana jnak sahita prabhu rjata rucira niketa,

soha madanu muni bea janu rati riturja sameta.133.
Adorning the beautiful cottage with Lakmaa and Janakas Daughter (St) the
Lord looked as charming as the god of love accompanied by his consort, Rati, and the
deity presiding over Spring (the king of seasons) all attired as hermits.
(133)
488
0U
U
U U U
U U fl
U U
U
U
U
fl

UUU UU U
U U U
U U H
fl U UH.1H
U H
UU H.2H
U H
U Ufl U H.3H
U U UH
U UH.4H
Cau.: amara
nga
kinara disipl,
rma pranmu knha saba khu,
barai sumana kaha deva samju,
kari binat dukha dusaha sune,
citrakua
raghunadanu
che,
vata dekhi mudita munibd,
muni raghubarahi li ura
leh,
siya saumitri rma chabi dekhahi,
citrakua
e
tehi
kl.
mudita deva lahi locana lhu.1.
ntha santha bhae hama ju.
haraita nija nija sadana sidhe.2.
samcra suni suni muni e.
knha daavata raghukula cad.3.
suphala hona hita sia deh.
sdhana sakala saphala kari lekhahi.4.
Gods, Ngas, Kinnaras and the guardians of the eight quarters flocked to
Citrakua on that occasion. r Rma made obeisance to them all and the gods were glad
to obtain the reward of their eyes. Raining flowers the heavenly host exclaimed, Lord,
we feel secure today! With great supplication they described their terrible woes, and
returned joyfully to their several abodes. Hermits streamed in as they heard the news
that r Rma (the Delighter of Raghus) had taken up His abode at Citrakua. The moon
of the solar race fell prostrate when He saw the holy company coming with a cheerful
countenance. The hermits pressed r Rma (the Chief of Raghus line) to their bosom
and invoked their blessings on Him just in order to see them come true. As they gazed
on the beauty of St, Lakmaa (Sumitrs son) and Rma, they accounted all their
spiritual practices fully rewarded.
(14)

UU U UH 134H
Do.: jathjoga sanamni prabhu bid kie munibda,

karahi joga japa jga tapa nija ramanhi suchada.134.
After paying them due honours the Lord dismissed the holy throng and they
practised Yoga (contemplation), Japa (muttering of prayers) and austerities and performed
sacrifices unmolested in their own retreats.
(134)
0U UU
U U
U U U U
U UU
UU fl U H
U U H.1H
U U UU H
U UUH.2H
* AYODHY-KNA *
UU UL U U
U U UU
U U
U
UU UU UU
U U UH
UU UH.3H
U H
UU U UH.4H
Cau.: yaha sudhi kola kirtanha p,

kada mula phala bhari bhari don,
tinha maha jinha dekhe dou bhrt,
kahata
sunata
raghubra nik,
karahi johru bhe a dhari ge,
citra likhe janu jaha taha hRhe,
rma saneha magana saba jne,
prabhuhi johri bahori
bahor,
harae janu nava nidhi ghara .

cale raka janu luana son.1.
apara tinhahi pu chahi magu jt.
i
sabanhi
dekhe
raghur.2.
prabhuhi bilokahi ati anurge.
pulaka sarra nayana jala bRhe.3.
kahi priya bacana sakala sanamne.
bacana binta kahahi
kara jor.4.
489
When the Kolas and Bhlas got this news, they felt as delighted as though the nine
heavenly treasures of Kubera had found their way to their own house. With cups of
leaves full of bulbs, roots and fruits they sallied forth as paupers to gather gold as spoils.
Such of them as had already seen the two brothers were questioned about them by
others who proceeded along the same road. Describing and hearing of r Rmas
beauty they all came and beheld the Lord of Raghus. Placing their offerings before the
Lord they greeted Him and regarded Him with deep affection. They stood here and there
as so many painted figures, thrilling all over and with tears streaming from their eyes. r
Rma perceived that they were all overwhelmed with emotion and addressing kind words
to them treated them all with honour; while they in their turn greeted the Lord again and
again and with joined palms spoke to Him in polite terms:
(14)
U
UU UUU UH 135H
Do.: aba hama ntha santha saba bhae dekhi prabhu pya,
bhga
hamre
gamanu
rura
kosalarya.135.
Having seen Your feet, O Lord, we all feel secure now. Our good-luck is
responsible for Your visit to this place, O Lord of Ayodhy.
(135)
0 UU
U
U
U U UflU
U UU U
U U fl
UU U U U
U U UU UU U
U
fl UflU

U U U U UH
UU UUH.1H
U U UUH
U U UU UH.2H
U UU U UH
UU UH.3H
U UU UU UH
H.4H
Cau.: dhanya bhumi bana patha pahr, jaha jaha ntha pu tumha dhr.
dhanya bihaga mga
knanacr, saphala janama bhae tumhahi nihr.1.
490
hama saba dhanya sahita parivr,
knha bsu bhala hu bicr,
hama saba bh ti karabasevak,
bana behaRa giri kadara khoh,
taha taha tumhahi aherakheluba,
hama
sevaka
parivra samet,
dkha darasu bhari nayana tumhr.

ih sakala ritu rahaba sukhr.2.
kari kehari ahi bgha bar.
saba hamra prabhu paga paga joh.3.
sara nirajhara jalahu dekhuba.
ntha na sakucaba yasu det.4.
Blessed is the land, forest, path and hill where You have planted Your foot, my
Lord. Fortunate are the birds and beasts of the forest, whose life has been crowned by
Your sight. And lucky are we all alongwith our family in that we have been able to feast
our eyes on Your beauty. You have chosen an excellent spot whereon to take up Your
abode; You will be comfortable here during all the seasons. We will render all sorts of
services to You keeping away elephants and lions, serpents and tigers. The dreary forest,
hills, caves and ravines have all been explored by us foot by foot, O Lord. We will take
You for hunting to the different haunts of game and will show You lakes and springs and
other reservoirs of water. We and our people are Your servants; therefore, do not hesitate
to command us, O Lord.
(14)
L
UU H 136H
Do.: beda bacana muni mana agama te prabhu karun aina,

bacana kirtanha ke sunata jimi pitu blaka baina.136.
The same gracious Lord whom Vedic texts fail to describe and the mind of hermits
cannot reach, listened to the words of the Bhlas even as a father listens to the words
of his children.
(136)
0UU
fl U
U U
U
U U
UU U
U U U
UL U
U
U
U
U UUH
U UH.1H
U U H
U U H.2H
U H
U H.3H
U UUU H
U U H.4H
Cau.: rmahi
kevala
premu
pir,
rma sakala banacara taba toe,
bid
kie
sira
ni
sidhe,
ehi bidhi siya sameta dou bh,
jaba te i rahe
raghunyaku,
phulahi phalahi biapa bidhi nn,
surataru sarisa subhya suhe,
guja majutara madhukara ren,
jni
leu
jo
jnanihr.
kahi mdu bacana prema paripoe.1.
prabhu guna kahata sunata ghara e.
basahi bipina sura muni sukhad.2.
taba te bhayau banu magaladyaku.
maju balita bara beli bitn.3.
manahu bibudha bana parihari e.
tribidha bayri bahai sukha den.4.
Love alone attracts r Rma; let those who are curious take note of it. r Rma
* AYODHY-KNA *
491
then gratified all the foresters by addressing to them gentle words sweetened by love.
Dismissed by Him they bowed their head to Him and departed; and discussing the
virtues of the Lord they returned to their respective homes. In this way St and the two
brothers lived in the forest, delighting the gods and hermits. Ever since the Lord of
Raghus came and took up His abode there the forest became a fountain of blessings.
Trees of various kinds blossomed and bore fruit and lovely creepers that coiled about
them formed an excellent canopy. They were all naturally beautiful like the trees of
heaven; it seemed as if the latter had abandoned the celestial groves and migrated to that
spot. Strings of bees made an exceedingly sweet humming sound and a delightful breeze
breathed soft, cool and fragrant.
(14)
0 U
U P U
U U fl UH 137H
Do.: nlakaha kalakaha suka ctaka cakka cakora,

bh ti bh ti bolahi bihaga ravana sukhada cita cora.137.
The blue jay, cuckoos, parrots, Ctakas, Cakravkas, Cakoras and other birds
delighted the ear and ravished the soul with their varied notes.
(137)
0U UU U
U UU U U
U U
UU U U
U
U S U L
U UU H
UU H.1H
U UUH
flU
UH.2H
U UU H
U L UH.3H
U flU H
U H.4H
Cau.: kari kehari kapi kola kurag,

phirata ahera rma chabi dekh,
bibudha bipina jaha lagi jaga mh,
surasari sarasai dinakara kany,
saba sara sidhu nad nada nn,
udaya asta
giri
aru kailsu,
saila
himcala
dika
jete,
bidhi mudita mana sukhu na sam,
bigatabaira bicarahi saba sag.

hohi mudita mgabda bise.1.
dekhi rma banu sakala sihh.
mekalasut
godvari
dhany.2.
madkini kara karahi bakhn.
madara meru sakala surabsu.3.
citrakua
jasu
gvahi
tete.
rama binu bipula baR p.4.
Elephants, lions, monkeys, boars and deer, all sported together, free from enmity.
Herds of deer were enraptured when they beheld the beauty of r Rma roaming about in
search of prey. All the forests of gods existing in the universe were filled with envy at the
sight of r Rmas forest. The heavenly river (Gag), Saraswat, the Sun-born Yamun,
Narmad (the daughter of Mount Mekala), the blessed Godvar and the various other
lakes, seas, streams and rivers, all extolled the Mandkin. The eastern and western hills
(from and behind which the sun is believed to emerge and disappear every morning and
evening), Mounts Kailsa (the abode of Lord iva), Mandara, Meru, all abodes of gods, and
mountains like the Himalayas, all sang praises of Citrakua. Glad was the deity presiding
492
over the Vindhya range*, whose delight was more than his heart could contain, to think that
he had won such great renown without much exertion.
(14)
0U
U U
UU fl UH 138H
Do.: citrakua ke bihaga mga beli biapa tna jti,

punya puja saba dhanya asa kahahi deva dina rti.138.
Blessed and full of merit are all the birds and deer, creepers, trees and the
various species of herbage of Citrakua, so declare the gods day and night.
(138)
0fl
UUU

U U U U U
Ufl
U U fl
fl U
U U
U U U
flU U
UU H
U UH.1H
fl flH
U U U flH.2H
U U UU H
U UU UH.3H
UU U U UH
U H.4H
Cau.: nayanavata raghubarahi bilok,

parasi carana raja acara sukhr,
so banu sailu subhya suhvana,
mahim kahia kavani bidhi tsu,
paya payodhi taji avadha bih,
kahi na sakahi suam jasi knana,
so mai barani kahau bidhi keh,
pi janama phala hohi bisok.

bhae parama pada ke adhikr.1.
magalamaya ati pvana pvana.
sukhasgara jaha
knha nivsu.2.
jaha siya lakhanu rmu rahe .
jau sata sahasa hohi sahasnana.3.
bara kamaha ki madara leh.
sevahi lakhanu karama mana bn, ji
na
slu
sanehu
bakhn.4.
Having beheld the Chief of Raghus line those who had eyes, attained the end of
their life and were rid of sorrow; whereas inanimate objects rejoiced at the touch of the
very dust of His feet and became eligible for attaining the highest state (blessedness).
The forest and hill where that Ocean of Bliss (r Rma) took up His abode were
naturally lovely; auspicious and the holiest of the holy; how could it be possible to glorify
them ? The exquisite beauty of the forest where St, Lakmaa and r Rma came and
settled, taking leave of the ocean of milk and bidding adieu to Ayodhy, could not be
described even by a hundred thousand eas (each with a thousand pairs of tongues).
How, then, can I describe it at some length any more than a tortoise living in a puddle
can lift Mount Mandara? Lakmaa waited upon r Rma in thought, word and deed with
an amiability and devotion more than one could tell.
(14)
0 U
U U U
U UH 139H
* Citrakua being a peak of the Vindhya mountains, the glory of the former is naturally shared by the
latter. It is on this account that joyfulness is attributed to the range itself.
* AYODHY-KNA *
493
Do.: chinu chinu lakhi siya rma pada jni pu para nehu,
karata na sapanehu lakhanu citu badhu mtu pitu gehu.139.
Gazing on the feet of St and Rma every moment and conscious of their love
for him, Lakmaa never recalled even in a dream his younger brother (atrughna),
father, mother or even his home.
(139)
0U UU U
U U UU
U U U
U U U
UU
U U
U U
UU
U U U U UH
U
UUH.1H
UU UU fl H
fl U H.2H
UflL U UH
UH.3H
H
U U H.4H
Cau.: rma saga siya rahati sukhr,

chinu chinu piya bidhu badanu nihr,
nha nehu nita baRhata bilok,
siya manu rma carana anurg,
paranaku priya priyatama sag,
ssu sasura sama munitiya munibara,
ntha
stha
s thar
suh,
lokapa
hohi
bilokata
jsu,
pura parijana gha surati bisr.

pramudita manahu
cakorakumr.1.
haraita rahati divasa jimi kok.
avadha sahasa sama banu priya lg.2.
priya parivru kuraga bihag.
asanu amia sama kada mula phara.3.
mayana sayana saya sama sukhad.
tehi ki mohi saka biaya bilsu.4.
In r Rmas company St lived a happy life, forgetting Her town (Ayodhy),

family and home. Ever watching the moonlike face of Her beloved lord She was
extremely glad like the young of a Cakora bird. Finding Her lords affection grow from
day to day She remained happy as a Cakravka bird during the day. Her mind was
so enamoured of r Rmas feet that the forest appeared to Her as dear as a thousand
Ayodhys. Dear was the hut of leaves in the company of Her most beloved lord, while
fawns and birds constituted Her beloved family. The holy hermits appeared to Her as
Her own father-in-law and their spouses as Her mother-in-law; while Her diet consisting
of bulbs, roots and fruits tasted like ambrosia. Shared with Her spouse even the lovely
litter of leaves delighted Her as hundreds of Cupids own beds. Can the charm of
sensuous enjoyments ever enchant Her whose very look confers the sovereignty of
a sphere.
(14)
0 U
UU U
U U U H 140H
Do.: sumirata rmahi tajahi jana tna sama biaya bilsu,

rmapriy jaga janani siya kachu na caraju tsu.140.
Fixing their thoughts on r Rma, His devotees spurn the pleasures of sense as
worth no more than a piece of straw. It is no wonder, then, in the case of St, r Rmas
beloved Consort and the Mother of the universe.
(140)
494
0 U U
UU U
U
U fl UU
U U

UU U
U U
U
U U
U UU UUH
U H.1H
U UUH
U U flH.2H
U UU U UH
LU U UUUH.3H
U UU H
UU L H.4H
Cau.: sya lakhana jehi bidhi sukhu lahah,

kahahi purtana kath
kahn,
jaba jaba rmu avadha sudhi karah,
sumiri mtu pitu parijana bh,
kpsidhu prabhu hohi dukhr,
lakhi siya lakhanu bikala hoi jh,
priy badhu gati lakhi raghunadanu,
lage kahana kachu kath punt,
soi raghuntha karahi soi kahah.

sunahi lakhanu siya ati sukhu mn.1.
taba taba bri bilocana bharah.
bharata
sanehu
slu
sevak.2.
dhraju dharahi kusamau bicr.
jimi puruahi anusara parichh.3.
dhra kpla bhagata ura cadanu.
suni sukhu lahahi lakhanu aru st.4.
The Lord of Raghus would do and say only that which would please St and
Lakmaa. He would narrate old legends and stories, to which Lakmaa and St would
listen with great delight. Every time r Rma thought of Ayodhy His eyes filled with
tears. The gracious Lord became sad when He recalled His father and mother, His family
and brothers and particularly the affection, amiability and devotion of Bharata; but He
recovered Himself when He realized that the time was unpropitious. Perceiving this, St
and Lakmaa felt distressed even as the shadow of a man behaves just like him. When
He saw the condition of His beloved Consort and His brother (Lakmaa), the selfpossessed and compassionate Rma, the Delighter of Raghus and the Soother of His
devotees heart, began to narrate some sacred legends, hearing which Lakmaa and
St felt relieved.
(14)
0 U
U U U
fl UU H 141H
Do.: rmu lakhana st sahita sohata parana niketa,

jimi bsava basa amarapura sac jayata sameta.141.
Accompanied by Lakmaa and St r Rma shone in His hut of leaves
even as Indra who dwells in Amarvat with his spouse, ac, and his son,
Jayanta.
(141)
0flU UU
flU UUU
U U U
UU U fl Ufl
UU U U
H
L UUUH.1H
U UUH
U fl flH.2H
fl U U H
U U H.3H
* AYODHY-KNA *
495
U U U UU U UH
U UUU U UH.4H
Cau.: jogavahi prabhu siya lakhanahi kaise ,
sevahi lakhanu sya raghubrahi,
ehi bidhi prabhu bana basahi sukhr,
kaheu rma bana gavanusuhv,
phireu nidu prabhuhi pahu c,
matr
bikala
biloki nidu,
rma rma siya lakhana pukr,
dekhi dakhina disi haya hihinh,
palaka
bilocana
golaka
jaise .
jimi
abibek
purua
sarrahi.1.
khaga mga sura tpasa hitakr.
sunahu sumatra avadha jimi v.2.
saciva sahita ratha dekhesi .
kahi na ji jasa bhayau bidu.3.
pareu dharanitala bykula bhr.
janu binu pakha bihaga akulh.4.
The Lord looked after St and Lakmaa in the same way as the eyelids protect
the eyeballs; while Lakmaa in his turn waited upon St and r Rma (the Hero of
Raghus race) just as a fool (who identifies himself with his body) tends his own body.
In this way the Lord, who was as friendly to birds and fawns as to gods and ascetics,
lived happily in the forest. Thus have I told the delightful story of r Rmas journey to
the woods; now hear how Sumantra reached Ayodhy. When the Nida chief returned
after escorting the Lord, he saw the minister (Sumantra) with the chariot. The minister was
distressed to see the Nida chief; words fail to describe the agony which he felt at the
moment. Crying out Rma, Rma, St, Lakmaa he (Sumantra) dropped on the
ground utterly helpless; while the horses kept looking on to the south and neighed. They
were as restless as birds shorn of their wings.
(14)
0U UU U U U
UU UUH 142H
Do.: nahi tna carahi na piahi jalu mocahi locana bri,

bykula bhae nida saba raghubara bji nihri.142.
They would neither eat grass nor drink water; while their eyes kept shedding tears.
The whole party of Nidas was distressed to see the horses of r Rma (the Chief of
Raghus line).
(142)
0U U U
U U UU
U U
U U
UUU U U
U UU U UUU U
U U U
UU U
UUUU H
UU U H.1H
U UUU U H
UU UU U UU
H.2H
U U UH
U UH.3H
UU UU U UUU UH
U H.4H
Cau.: dhari dhraju taba kahai

nidu,
tumha paita paramratha gyt,
bibidha kath kahi kahi mdu bn,
soka sithila ratha sakai na h k,
aba sumatra pariharahu bidu.

dharahu dhra lakhi bimukha bidht.1.
ratha
baihreu
barabasa
n.
raghubara biraha pra ura b k.2.
496
carapharhi maga calahi na ghore,
aRhuki parahi phiri herahi pche ,
jo kaha rmu lakhanu baideh,
bji biraha gati kahi kimi jt,
bana mga manahu ni ratha jore.

rma biyogi bikala dukha tche .3.
hikari hikari hita herahi teh.
binu mani phanika bikala jehi bh t.4.
Then recovering himself, the Nida said, Sumantra, cease sorrowing now. You
are a man of wisdom and a knower of the highest truth; therefore, compose yourself
realizing that Fate is unpropitious to you. Narrating various legends in soft accents,
he took him by force and seated him in the chariot. But overpowered by grief he could
not drive the chariot; the agony of separation from Rma (the Chief of Raghus line)
was severe in his heart. The horses would not move along the road; they were getting
fidgety. It seemed as if wild animals had been caught and put in harness. They would
topple down and turn to look behind, torn away from Rma and smarting with deep
anguish. If anyone mentioned the name of Rma, Lakmaa or St, (Janakas
Daughter), they would start neighing and regard him with love. How could anyone
describe the anguish of separation the horses felt; they were as restless as a snake
robbed of its gem.
(14)
0 U
fl U
fl U U H 143H
Do.: bhayau nidu bidabasa dekhata saciva turaga,

boli susevaka cri taba die srath saga.143.
The Nida was overcome with grief as he beheld the minister and his horses. He
then called four trusted grooms and sent them with the charioteer (Sumantra). (143)
0U
UUU
UU
UU U
fl UU

U UM

U flU
U L U
U L U
UU U U H
UU UU U H.1H
fl UU UH
UU UU UMH.2H
fl U U U H
U NU U UH.3H
U U flH
U U U UH.4H
Cau.: guha srathihi phireu

pahu c,
cale avadha lei rathahi nid,
soca sumatra bikala dukha dn,
rahihi na atahu adhama sarru,
bhae ajasa agha bhjana prn,
ahaha mada manu avasara cuk,
mji htha siru dhuni pachit,
birida b dhi bara bru
kah,
birahu bidu barani nahi j.

hohi chanahi chana magana bid.1.
dhiga jvana raghubra bihn.
jasu na laheu bichurata raghubru.2.
kavana hetu nahi karata payn.
ajahu
na hdaya hota dui uk.3.
manahu kpana dhana rsi gav .
caleu samara janu subhaa par.4.
Seeing off the charioteer, Guha returned; the agony of his separation was too deep
for words. And the Nidas drove off to Ayodhy, plunged in sorrow every moment.
* AYODHY-KNA *
497
Agitated and stricken with grief, Sumantra lamented: Accursed is life without the Hero
of Raghus race. This wretched body will not survive in the long run; but what a pity it
did not earn fame by perishing at the time of its parting from the Hero of Raghus race.
This life has become a sink of infamy and sin; I wonder what prevents it from departing.
Alas! this vile soul has missed its chance. Oh, that my heart does not break in twain
even now! Wringing his hands and beating his head he rued his lot like a miser who has
lost his hoard of riches. It seemed as if after assuming the role of, and posing as, an
eminent hero, a great warrior had taken to flight.
(14)

U fl U H 144H
Do.: bipra bibek bedabida samata sdhu sujti,

jimi dhokhe madapna kara saciva soca tehi bh ti.144.
The minister gave himself up to grief like a discreet Brhmaa of noble descent,
who though well-versed in the Vedas and esteemed by the virtuous, has been deluded
into drinking.
(144)
0
UU U UUU U
U U U
U U U
U U UU
U
fl NU U
U UU U U
fl U H
fl NU L UH.1H
fl UH
U UU fl UH.2H
U U UUH
U H.3H
fl U H
U U H.4H
Cau.: jimi kulna tiya sdhu

sayn,
rahai karama basa parihari nhu,
locana sajala hi bhai thor,
sukhahi adhara lgi mu ha l,
bibarana bhayau na ji nihr,
hni galni bipula mana byp,
bacanu na va hdaya pachit,
rma rahita ratha dekhihi jo,
patidevat karama mana bn.

saciva hdaya timi druna dhu.1.
sunai na ravana bikala mati bhor.
jiu na ji ura avadhi kap.2.
mresi manahu
pit mahatr.
jamapura patha soca jimi pp.3.
avadha kha mai dekhaba j.
sakucihi
mohi
bilokata
so.4.
The minister felt in his heart agony as terrible as that of a virtuous and discreet
lady of high birth who is devoted to her lord in thought, word and deed and who is
compelled by evil destiny to live apart from her husband. His eyes were full of tears
and lacking in vision, his ears deaf and his mind was agitated and confused. Nay, his
lips were getting dry and his tongue had cleaved to the palate; yet his life-breath did
not depart, the term of exile serving as a door to prevent its departure from his heart.
He had turned pale and repelled the sight as if he had murdered his own father and
mother. Great was the despondency which preyed upon his mind as a result of the
loss he had just suffered; he looked like a sinner mourning while on his way to the
abode of Death. Words failed him and he lamented within himself: What shall I see on
498
reaching Ayodhy? Whoever shall find the chariot devoid of Rma will shun my sight.
(14)
UUU U U U U
UL U NU UUH 145H
Do.: dhi pu chihahi mohi jaba bikala nagara nara nri,

utaru deba mai sabahi taba hdaya bajru baihri.145.
When the agitated citizens run to make enquiries of me, I shall answer them all
with a heavy load on my heart.
(145)
0UUU
UU
U UU
U U
U UL U
UU U L
UU U UU
UU UL U
U
U U UU H
UUU fl UH.1H
U U flH
U UH.2H
fl U H
fl U H.3H
U U UH
UUUU UH.4H
Cau.: puchihahi dna

puchihi jabahi
rma janani
pu chata utaru
joi
pu chihi
pu chihi jabahi
dehau
utaru
sunata lakhana
kahaba kha mai tinhahi bidht.

kahihau kavana sa desa sukhr.1.
sumiri bacchu jimi dhenu lav.
ge banu rma lakhanu baideh.2.
ji avadha aba yahu sukhu leb.
jivanu jsu raghuntha adhn.3.
yau
kusala kua ra pahu c.
tna jimi tanu pariharihi naresu.4.
dukhita saba mt,

lakhana mahatr,
jaba
ihi
dh,
deba
mai teh,
tehi
utaru deb,
ru dukha dn,
kaunu muhu l,
siya rma sa desu,
When all the helpless and afflicted mothers question me, good God, what shall I
say to them? When Lakmaas mother (Sumitr) puts questions to me, what glad
tidings shall I convey to her? And when Rmas mother (Kausaly) comes running like
a cow that has recently borne a calf and has her thoughts fixed on it, the only answer
I can make to her queries will be Rma, Lakmaa and St (Videhas Daughter) have
left for the woods. Whosoever question me must be answered; this is the treat I shall
have on reaching Ayodhy. Again, when the king who is oppressed by grief and whose
life hangs on Rma, puts questions to me, with what face shall I tell him in reply that
having safely escorted the princes I have come back? The moment he hears the news
of Lakmaa, St and Rma the king will drop his body like a piece of straw. (14)
0 NUU
UU UU L
U U U U ULH 146H
Do.: hdau na bidareu paka jimi bichurata prtamu nru,

jnata hau mohi dnha bidhi yahu jtan sarru.146.
* AYODHY-KNA *
499
The swampy ground of my heart like a swamoy ground did not crack even though
the moisture in the shape of my most beloved Rma has left. From this I conclude that in this
very frame God has endowed me with a body* fit for suffering the tortures of hell. (146)
0U U Ufl
U
U fl
U U U fl flfl
fl U U
U U U
U U U
U U U
U U U flH
U U H.1H
U U H
flL flH.2H
U fl U U UH
mU U H.3H
UU UH
U U H.4H
Cau.: ehi bidhi karata patha pachitv,

bid
kie
kari
binaya nid,
paihata nagara saciva sakuc,
baihi biapa tara divasu gav v,
avadha prabesu
knha a dhire ,
jinha jinha samcra suni pe,
rathu pahicni bikala lakhi ghore,
nagara nri nara bykula kaise ,
tamas tra turata rathu v.

phire pya
pari bikala bid.1.
janu mresi gura b bhana g.
s jha samaya taba avasaru pv.2.
paiha bhavana rathu rkhi dure .
bhupa dvra rathu dekhana e.3.
garahi
gta
jimi
tapa
ore.
nighaata nra mnagana jaise .4.
While Sumantra was thus lamenting on the way, his chariot presently reached the
bank of the Tamas river. He politely dismissed the Nidas, who fell at his feet and
returned with a heart stricken with grief. The minister hesitated to enter the city as if he
had murdered his own preceptor, killed a Brhmaa or butchered a cow. He passed the
day sitting under a tree and found his opportunity only when it was dusk. He entered
Ayodhy in the dark and slunk into the palace leaving the chariot at the gate. All who
heard the news flocked to the entrance of the royal palace to see the chariot. When they
recognized the chariot and found the horses restless with their body wasting away as
hail in the sun, the citizens, both men and women, were sore distressed as fish when
the water runs short.
(14)
0 fl
U Ufl
fl L U U flH 147H
Do.:
saciva gamanu sunata sabu bikala bhayau ranivsu,

bhavanu bhayakaru lga tehi mnahu preta nivsu.147.
The moment they heard of the ministers arrival the whole gynaeceum was
restless. To him the palace looked as dreary as though it were an abode of spirits. (147)
0 U UU U UL fl H
fl U UU U U U H.1H
* It is mentioned in the scriptures that sinners who are condemned to hell are endowed with a subtle
body (known by the name of Ytan-arra), which though subjected to tortures in various forms is wonderfully
tenacious and does not perish till the sinner has served the sentence.
500
U fl
U
U
U U
U U U U
U
U
U U U
Cau.: ati
pu chahi
saba
sumatra
sana
lei
sayana
ussu
dkha
kasa rj, amia
bibhuana
soca
rn, utaru
flH
UH.2H
H
H.3H
H
UH.4H
va bikala bhai bn.

sunai na ravana nayana nahi sujh, kahahu kah npu tehi tehi bujh.1.
dsinha
dkha
saciva bikal, kausaly
gha
ga
lav.
ji
rati
U Z
UU
UU U
UU U
U UU
U U
ehi
rma
kaha
rahita
janu
cadu
birj .2.
hn, pareu
bhumitala
nipaa
maln.
bh t, surapura te
janu kha seu jajt.3.
leta soca bhari chinu chinu cht, janu

rma
na
jari
pakha
pareu
sapt.
rma saneh, puni kaha rma lakhana baideh.4.
In deep agony all the queens questioned him; but no reply came from him, his voice
failed him. His ears could not hear, nor could his eyes see; he asked whomsoever he
met: Tell me, where is the king? Seeing his confusion, the maid-servants conducted him
to Kausalys apartments. Arriving there Sumantra found the king as pale and lustreless
as the moon without nectar. Without a seat, couch or ornaments he lay on the ground
in a most wretched condition. Heaving a sigh he lamented even as Yayti* when he had
fallen from the abode of gods. With his heart bursting with grief every moment, he looked
like Sampt who had dropped from the heavens on account of his wings having been
singed. That great lover of Rma cried Rma, Rma and again Rma, Lakmaa and
St.
(14)
fl fl U UU U
UUU U U UH 148H
Do.: dekhi saciva jaya jva kahi knheu daa pranmu,

sunata uheu bykula npati kahu sumatra kaha rmu.148.
The minister, on seeing the king, exclaimed, salutory words jaya jva! and made
obeisance to him by falling prostrate on the ground. The moment he heard this the king
rose in bewilderment and said, Tell me, Sumantra, where is Rma?
(148)
U UU
U
U
U UU
U U U
U U
U
U
U
U U H
UU U UH.1H
U UH
fl UH.2H
* As a reward for the many sacrifices performed by him during his life-time King Yayti ascended to
heaven. Indra received him most courteously and encouraged him to speak highly of his own meritorious
acts. In this way he unwittingly exhausted all his merits and was hurled back to the mortal plane.
For the story of Sampt see the Caups following Doh 26 et seq in Kikindh-Ka.
* AYODHY-KNA *
U U
U M
UU
U

UU
U U H
U U UU UH.3H
U UU UUH
U U H.4H
Cau.: bhupa sumatru lnha ura l,

sahita
saneha
nikaa
baihr,
rma kusala kahu sakh saneh,
ne pheri
ki
banahi sidhe,
soka bikala puni pu cha naresu,
rma rupa guna sla subhu,
ru
suni
dnha
banabsu,
so suta bichurata gae na prn,
buRata kachu adhra janu p.

pu chata ru nayana bhari br.1.
kaha raghunthu lakhanu baideh.
sunata saciva locana jala che.2.
kahu siya rma lakhana sadesu.
sumiri sumiri ura socata ru.3.
suni mana bhayau na harau har su.
ko pp baRa mohi samn.4.
501
The king pressed Sumantra to his bosom as if a drowning man had laid hold of
some support. Seating him affectionately by his side and with his eyes full of tears the
king asked him: Apprize me of Rmas welfare, O loving friend; where are Rma (the
Lord of Raghus), Lakmaa and Videhas daughter (St)? Have you brought them back
or have they left for the woods? At these words tears rushed to the ministers eyes.
Overwhelmed with grief the king asked again, Tell me the news about St, Rma and
Lakmaa. Recalling again and again r Rmas beauty, virtues, amiability and
temperament the king sorrowed within himself: Proclaiming my intention to instal him as
Regent I exiled him to the woods; but the news neither delighted his soul nor grieved it.
But my life did not depart even though I had to part from such a son! Who can be such
a great sinner as I?
(14)
U U U U UU
U U UU UH 149H
Do.: sakh rmu siya lakhanu jaha tah mohi pahu cu,
nhi ta chata calana aba prna kahau satibhu.149.
Take me, my friend, to the place where Rma, Sta and Lakmaa are. If not, I
sincerely tell you, my life is going to depart very soon.
(149)
0 U U U
UU U
fl U U U
U
U
UU
fl
U
U UU Z
UUU U U
U
UU U
H
U H.1H
UU U U H
U flH.2H
U H
U U fl ZH.3H
U U UU UH
UU UUH.4H
Cau.: puni puni pu chata matrihi ru, priyatama suana sa desa sunu.
karahi sakh soi begi
upu, rmu lakhanu siya nayana dekhau.1.
502
saciva dhra dhari kaha mdu bn, mahrja tumha paita gyn.
bra sudhra dhuradhara dev, sdhu samju sad tumha sev.2.
janama marana saba dukha sukha bhog,
hni lbhu priya milana biyog.
kla karama basa hohi gos, barabasa

rti
divasa
k
n.3.
sukha haraahi jaRa dukhabilakhh, dou sama dhra dharahi mana mh.
dhraja dharahu
bibeku bicr, chRia
soca
sakala
hitakr.4.
Again and again the king asked the minister; Communicate to me the news of my
most beloved sons. Quickly contrive, my friend, some means whereby you may be able
to bring before my eyes Rma, Lakmaa and St. Recovering himself the minister
gently replied, Your Majesty is learned and wise. Nay, you are a leader of the brave and
courageous, my lord, and have always attended assemblies of holy men. Birth and
death, all painful and pleasurable experiences, loss and gain, union with and separation
from friendsall these, my lord, take place under the unalterable laws of time and
destiny like the succession of night and day. Fools rejoice in prosperity and mourn in
adversity; while the wise account both alike. Therefore, exercising your mature judgment
take up courage and cease sorrowing, O friend of all.
(14)
U U UU U
U UU U U UH 150H
Do.: prathama bsu tamas bhayau dusara surasari tra,

nhi rahe jalapnu kari siya sameta dou bra.150.
Their first halt was made by the side of the Tamas and the next on the bank of
the celestial river (Gag). Having bathed and drunk water, St and the two brothers
remained without food that day.
(150)
0flU U U fl
U U UL fl
U fl
U
U UU
UU
U U UU
UU
UU flH
U flH.1H
U
U
UH
U
H.2H
U U UH
U UUH.3H
U UH
U UUH.4H
Cau.: kevaa
knhi
bahuta
sevak,
hota prta baa chru magv,
rma sakh taba nva mag,
lakhana bna dhanu dhare ban,
bikala
biloki
mohi
raghubr,
tta pranmu tta sana
kahehu,
karabi pya pari binaya
bahor,
bana maga magala kusala hamre ,
so
ja
priy
pu
bole
bra
tta
kp
jmini
sigaraura
gav .
mukua nija ssa banv.1.
caRhi
caRhe
raghur.
caRhe prabhu yasu p.2.
madhura bacana dhari dhr.
bra pada pakaja gahehu.3.
karia
jani
cit
mor.
anugraha punya tumhre.4.
The Nida showed great hospitality and the party spent that night in the village
* AYODHY-KNA *
503
of Sigaraura (gaverapura). At daybreak they sent for the milk of the banyan tree and
the two brothers coiled up their matted hair in the shape of a crown. Then Rmas friend
(Guha) called for a boat and after helping St to board it, r Rma followed suit.
Lakmaa placed on it in an orderly way the two bows and quivers and himself boarded
the boat on receiving the Lords command. Seeing my distress the Hero of Raghus race
summoned up courage and addressed me in sweet accents: Sire, convey my obeisances
to dear father and clasp his lotus feet again and again. Then, falling at his feet submit
to him thus: Father, be not worried on my account. By your grace and goodwill and as
a reward of your meritorious acts my journey to and sojourn in the woods will be happy
and full of blessings.
(14)
U0 UU
U U
U UH
U U U U
U U UUU H
Cha.: tumhare
anugraha tta knana jta saba sukhu pihau ,

pratipli yasu kusala dekhana pya puni phiri ihau .
janan sakala paritoi pari pari pya kari binat ghan,
tulas karehu soi jatanu jehi kusal rahahi kosala dhan.
By your grace, dear father, I shall have all sorts of comforts on my journey and
having obeyed your commands shall come back safe to behold your lotus feet once
more. Nay, consoling all my mothers fall at their feet again and again and with profuse
entreaties make every effortsays Tulasdsato see that the lord of Ayodhy (my
father) passes his days happily.
0U
U U U U
U U U U flH 151H
So.: gura sana kahaba sa desu bra bra pada paduma gahi,
karaba soi upadesu jehi na soca mohi avadhapati.151.
Clasping my preceptors lotus feet again and again, give him my message: Pray,
so exhort the lord of Ayodhy that he may no longer grieve on my account.
(151)
0U
U
U
U
U UU
U UU
U
U U
UU

U U U
U U UU
U
fl
UH
UU UU UH.1H
U H
U H.2H
U flH
U U U H.3H
U U U UUH
U UH.4H
504
Cau.: purajana parijana sakala nihor,

soi saba bh ti mora hitakr,
kahaba sa desu bharata ke e ,
plehu prajahi karama mana bn,
ora
nibhehu
bhyapa
bh,
tta bh ti
tehi
rkhaba
ru,
lakhana kahe kachu bacana kahor,
bra bra nija sapatha dev,
tta
sunehu
binat
mor.
jte
raha
naranhu
sukhr.1.
nti
na
tajia
rjapadu
pe .
seehu mtu sakala sama jn.2.
kari pitu mtu sujana sevak.
soca mora jehi karai na ku.3.
baraji rma puni mohi nihor.
kahabi na tta lakhana larik.4.
Humbly approaching all the citizens and all my people, convey to them my
submission: He alone is my friend in everyway, who ensures the kings happiness.
Again, when Bharata comes, give him my message: Abandon not the path of rectitude
on assuming the office of Regent. Cherish your subjects in thought, word and deep
and serve your mothers treating them all alike. Again, brother, vindicate your
brotherliness till the last day by serving our parents and kinsmen. And last but not
the least look after the king in such a way that he may never sorrow on my account.
Here Lakmaa interposed some harsh words, but Rma checked him and then
entreated me adjuring me by himself again and again, Make no mention, dear father,
of Lakmaas childishness.
(14)
0 U U U U
fl UH 152H
Do.: kahi pranmu kachu kahana liya siya bhai sithila saneha,
thakita bacana locana sajala pulaka pallavita deha.152.
Sending her greeting St opened her lips to say something but was
overwhelmed with emotion. Her voice failed, her eyes filled with tears and a thrill ran
through her body.
(152)
0U flU UU L
U U
U
fl UU
U UU
U
U UflU U
U
flU UU fl H
U UU U UH.1H
UU U H
U H.2H
UU U UU L UH
U U H.3H
U H
UU U U H.4H
Cau.: tehi avasara raghubara rukha p,

raghukulatilaka
cale
ehi bh t,
mai pana kimi kahau
kalesu,
asa kahi saciva bacana rahi gayau,
suta bacana sunatahi naranhu,
talaphata biama moha mana mp,
kari bilpa
saba rovahi
rn,
suni bilpa dukhahu dukhu lg,
kevaa
prahi
nva
cal.
dekhau hRha kulisa dhari cht.1.
jiata phireu lei rma sa desu.
hni galni soca basa bhayau.2.
pareu dharani ura druna dhu.
mj manahu mna kahu byp.3.
mah bipati kimi ji bakhn.
dhrajahu
kara
dhraju
bhg.4.
* AYODHY-KNA *
505
At this moment, in response to a hint from the Chief of Raghus (r Rma), the
boatman propelled the boat towards the opposite bank. So departed the Crown of
Raghus race, while I stood looking on with a heavy load on my heart. How am I to
describe my own anguish in that I came back alive bearing Rmas message? At this
stage Sumantras speech failed him, overpowered as he was by grief and remorse due
to separation from r Rma. No sooner had he heard the charioteers speech than the
king dropped to the ground, his heart burning with deep anguish. His mind being
unhinged by excessive infatuation he tossed about like a fish that had been inebriated
by sucking the foam of early rain water (which is intoxicating to the fish). All the queens
wailed and wept; how can their great misfortune be described? At the sound of their wails
sorrow itself was sorrowful and endurance could no longer endure.
(14)
0U
U fl UUU L
U UU ULH 153H
Do.: bhayau kolhalu avadha ati suni npa rura soru,

bipula bihaga bana pareu nisi mnahu kulisa kahoru.153.
Ayodhy was in great tumult at the sound of the outcry in the royal gynaeceum:
it seemed as if a cruel thunderbolt had fallen at night on a large habitat of birds. (153)
0
U U
U

UU U U UU
U M
UU
U fl U
U U M
U U
U H
U U UH.1H
U U U H
UH.2H
U MH
UU H.3H
U UU UflMH
U U UUH.4H
Cau.: prna kathagata bhayau

idr sakala bikala bhai
kausaly
npu
dkha
mani bihna janu bykula bylu.

janu sara sarasija banu binu br.1.
rabikula rabi a thayau jiya jn.
bol
bacana
samaya
anusr.2.
rma
biyoga
payodhi
apru.
caRheu sakala priya pathika samju.3.
nhi ta buRihi sabu parivru.
rmu lakhanu siya milahi bahor.4.
bhulu,
bhr,
maln,
ura dhari dhra rma mahatr,
ntha samujhi mana karia bicru,
karanadhra tumha avadha jahju,
dhraju dharia ta pia
pru,
jau jiya dharia binaya piya mor,
The life-breath of the king had now stuck to his throat; he felt uneasy like a serpent
robbed of its gem. All his senses were blighted as a cluster of lotuses in a lake that had
been left without water. When Kausaly saw the king withered and blasted, she
concluded in her mind that the sun of the solar race was about to set. Summoning up
courage, therefore, r Rmas mother spoke words appropriate to the occasion: Ponder
in your heart, my lord, and reflect that separation from Rma is a vast ocean, you are
the helmsman and Ayodhy the bark which has been boarded by our near and dear ones
as its passengers. We can hope to reach a shore only if you have patience. If not, the
506
whole family will be drowned. If you take to heart this entreaty of mine, my beloved lord,
we are sure to see Rma, Lakmaa and St again.
(14)
U UU
UH 154H
Do.: priy bacana mdu sunata npu citayau khi ughri,

talaphata mna malna janu scata stala bri.154.
Hearing these soft words of his beloved queen, the king opened his eyes and
looked up like a writhing wretched fish that had been sprinkled with cold water. (154)
0U U UU U
U U U U
UU U

U U U
U U U
U
U
U
U UU
U U U H
U
UH.1H
U U UH
U H.2H
U UU fl H
U U UH.3H
U U H
U U UH.4H
Cau.: dhari dhraju uhi baiha bhulu,

kah lakhanu kaha rmu saneh,
bilapata ru bikala bahu bh t,
tpasa adha spa sudhi
,
bhayau bikala baranata itihs,
so tanu rkhi karaba mai kh,
h raghunadana prna
pirte,
h jnak lakhana h
raghubara,
kahu sumatra kaha rma kplu.

kaha priya putrabadhu baideh.1.
bhai juga sarisa sirti na rt.
kausalyahi
saba
kath
sun.2.
rma rahita dhiga jvana s.
jehi na prema panu mora nibh.3.
tumha binu jiata bahuta dina bte.
h pitu hita cita ctaka jaladhara.4.
Recovering himself the king got up and sat down. Tell me, Sumantra, where is my
gracious Rma? Where is Lakmaa and where my loving Rma? Where is my beloved
daughter-in-law, Vaideh? The restless monarch wailed in many ways; the night seemed
to him like an age and he felt as though it would never end. He was reminded of the blind
hermits curse and he narrated the whole story to Kausaly. He was filled with agony as he
related the circumstances*. Fie on the hope of surviving without Rma. What shall I gain
* The story has been told at length in the Rmyaa of Vlmki (Ayodhy-Ka, Cantos 63-64). One
day, when Daaratha was still young, he was out hunting and rode to the bank of the Sarayu in search of
game. The sun had set and the king heard at a distance what he believed to be the trumpeting of a wild
elephant. The king, who was expert at hitting an invisible mark by its sound, discharged an arrow and lo! it
struck a young hermit, ravaa by name, who had been filling a pitcher for the use of his blind and aged
parents. The king discovered to his great chagrin that what he had mistaken for the trumpeting of an elephant
had been the gurgling sound caused by the filling of the pitcher. The hermit did not mind his own death; but
he was worried about his helpless parents, who wholly depended on him. He therefore, implored the king to
carry the water to the hermitage and inform his parents of what had happened to their son. With these dying
words the hermit breathed his last and the king did as he was bid by the young anchorite. ravaas parents,
when they heard of his sad fate, begged the king to conduct them to the place where their son was and in their
excessive agony pronounced a curse on the king that he too would die of grief for the loss of a son. It is of this
incident that the king is reminded at the hour of his death.
* AYODHY-KNA *
507
by preserving this body, which has failed to keep my vow of love? O delighter of Raghus,
who are dear to me as life, already I have lived too long without you. Ah, Janakas daughter
and Lakmaa, Ah, Chief of Raghus line, who gladdened the loving heart of your father as
a rain-cloud delights the Ctaka bird.
(14)
0U
U U U U U U U U
UUU UU UU UU U UH 155H
Do.: rma rma kahi rma kahi rma rma kahi rma,
tanu parihari raghubara biraha ru gayau suradhma.155.
Crying Rma, Rma and again Rma and yet again Rma, Rma, Rma, the
king cast off his body in his agony of separation from the Chief of Raghus line and
ascended to the abode of gods.
(155)
0 U U fl
U UU
UflU U
UU
U
U L
U
U U
U U U
U UflH
U UU U U flUH.1H
M H
UU UU UH.2H
U U L UU UH
U fl M H.3H
U U UH
U H.4H
Cau.: jiana marana phalu dasaratha pv,

jiata rma bidhu badanu nihr,
soka bikala saba rovahi rn,
karahi
bilpa
aneka
prakr,
bilapahi bikala dsa aru ds,
a thayau
ju
bhnukula bhnu,
gr
sakala
kaikaihi
deh,
ehi bidhi bilapata raini bihn,
aa aneka amala jasu chv.

rma biraha kari maranu sa vr.1.
rupu slu balu teju bakhn.
parahi
bhumitala
brahi
br.2.
ghara ghara rudanu karahi purabs.
dharama avadhi guna rupa nidhnu.3.
nayana bihna knha jaga jeh.
e
sakala
mahmuni
gyn.4.
It was King Daaratha who reaped the reward both of his life and death. His
untarnished fame spread through a number of universes; as long as he lived he gazed
on r Rmas moonlike countenance and brought glory to his death by making the
separation from r Rma his excuse for it. Stricken with grief all the queens wept and
praised his comeliness of form, amiable manners, bodily might and majesty. They
lamented in a variety of ways throwing themselves upon the ground again and again.
Men-servants and maid-servants alike wailed in anguish and there was weeping in every
house throughout the city. Today has set the sun of the solar race the perfection of
righteousness, the repository of beauty and virtues. Everyone abused Kaikey, who had
robbed the world of its very eyes. In this way they wailed till the close of night, when all
the great and enlightened hermits arrived.
(14)
DU U U
flUU U U H 156H
508
Do.: taba basiha muni samaya sama kahi aneka itihsa,

soka nevreu sabahi kara nija bigyna praksa.156.
Then the sage Vasiha narrated a number of legends befitting the occasion and
dispersed the gloom that hung over them all by the light of his wisdom.
(156)
0 fl U U
flU U U U
UU U
fl
U fl UU
U
U

fl U
U
NU
U
UU H
UU U H.1H
U UU U H
U H.2H
UU U U H
UU U U H.3H
fl UU H
U H.4H
Cau.: tela nva bhari npa tanu rkh,

dhvahu begi bharata pahi jhu,
etanei kahehu bharata sana j,
suni muni yasu dhvana dhe,
anarathu avadha arabheu jaba te ,
dekhahi rti bhaynaka sapan,
bipra
jev i
dehi
dina dn,
mgahi hdaya
mahesa man,
duta boli bahuri asa bh.

npa sudhi katahu kahahu jani khu.1.
gura boli pahayau dou bh.
cale
bega
bara
bji
laje.2.
kusaguna hohi bharata kahu taba te .
jgi karahi kau koi kalapan.3.
siva abhieka karahi bidhi nn.
kusala mtu pitu parijana bh.4.
The sage caused a boat to be filled with oil and had the kings body placed in it
(to guard against decomposition); he then summoned envoys and spoke to them
thus, Run quickly and go to Bharata; but break not the news about the king to anyone
at any place. Approaching Bharata tell him only this much: The preceptor has sent
for you two brothers. Hearing the sages orders the couriers rushed alongwith a
speed that would put an excellent steed to shame. Ever since things began to take a
vicious turn in Ayodhy evil omens occured before Bharata. He saw fearful dreams
at night and on waking indulged in all sorts of unpleasant speculations. He would
perform consecration water over Bhagavn iva in various ways and invoking the
great Lord in his heart, begged of Him the welfare of his parents, family and halfbrothers.
(14)
0U
U fl U
U fl H 157H
Do.: ehi bidhi socata bharata mana dhvana pahu ce i,

gura anussana ravana suni cale ganesu mani.157.
While Bharata was thus passing an anxious time the courier arrived. And hearing
the Gurus commands he proceeded with an invocation to Lord Gaea.
(157)
0 U U U U H
NU U U U U U UUH.1H
* AYODHY-KNA *
UU
U UU
U U U
U U U
U U
U U U U U
Cau.: cale samra bega haya h ke,
hdaya socu baRa kachu na soh,
eka nimea baraa sama j,
asaguna hohi
nagara paihr,
khara
sira
bolahi
pratikul,
rhata sara sarit bana bg,
khaga mga haya gaya jhi na joe,
nagara nri nara nipaa dukhr,
U
UUU
L
U
U
509
U U UH
UUH.2H
U U H
fl H.3H
U H
U UUH.4H
nghata sarita saila bana b ke.

asa
jnahi
jiya
ju
uR.1.
ehi bidhi bharata nagara niar.
raahi kubh ti kukheta karr.2.
suni suni hoi bharata mana sul.
nagaru bisei bhayvanu lg.3.
rma
biyoga
kuroga
bigoe.
manahu sabanhi saba sapati hr.4.
Urging the horses to run as fast as the wind he went on his journey crossing
difficult streams, hills and forests. There was such a great anxiety in his heart that
nothing would please him. He thought to himself, Would that I could fly home. Every
moment hung heavy like an year. In this way Bharata drew near to the city. Evil omens
occurred to him as he entered the city. Crows cawed in an ominous way at undesirable
places. Donkeys and jackals gave a cry that foreboded evil and which pierced Bharata
to the heart as he listened to it. Lakes and rivers, groves and gardens had lost their
charm; while the city wore a particularly dismal look. Birds and fawns, horses and
elephants were too wretched to look at, undone by the fell disease of separation from
Rma. The people of the city, both men and women, were extremely miserable as though
all of them had lost everything they had in their possession.
(14)
0U U UU U flU UUU U
U U U UH 158H
Do.: purajana milahi na kahahi kachu gava hi johrahi jhi,
bharata kusala pu chi na sakahi bhaya bida mana mhi.158.
The citizens met him but spoke not a word; they made obeisance and quietly
passed on. Bharata too could not enquire after their welfare, his mind being obsessed
with fear and grief.
(158)
0UU
U U UU
fl
U UU
U UflL UU
UU
U
U U
U U
U U U
U U flUH
UU U LU H.1H
mUU U fl H
U U UH.2H
U fl UH
U UU UUH.3H
U H
U U H.4H
510
Cau.: ha
ba
nahi
ji
nihr,
vata suta suni kaikayanadini,
saji
rat
mudita
uhi
dh,
bharata dukhita parivru nihr,
kaike
haraita
ehi
bh t,
sutahi sasoca dekhi manu mre ,
sakala kusala kahi bharata sun,
kahu kaha tta kah saba mt,
janu pura daha

disi lgi davr.
hara rabikula jalaruha cadini.1.
dvrehi bhe i bhavana lei .
mnahu tuhina banaja banu mr.2.
manahu mudita dava li kirt.
pu chati naihara kusala hamre .3.
pu ch nija kula kusala bhal.
kaha siya rma lakhana priya bhrt.4.
The bazars and the streets repelled the sight as though a wild conflagration had
broken out in the city on all sides. Kaikey, who was to the solar race what the moon is
to the lotuses, was rejoiced to hear of her sons approach. Preparing lights for waving
round his head, she sprang up and ran glad at heart, and meeting him at the very door
conducted him into her apartments. Bharata saw with wonder that while the household
wore a wretched appearance like a bed of lotuses blasted by frost, Kaikey was as
happy as a Bhla woman who had set a whole forest ablaze. Seeing her son melancholy
and depressed in spirits, she asked him: Is all well in my mothers house? Bharata
assured her that everything was well and then enquired after the health and welfare of
his own family: Tell me, where is my father and where all mothers, and where is St
and my beloved brothers, r Rma and Lakmaa?
(14)
U U U U
U fl H 159H
Do.: suni suta bacana sanehamaya kapaa nra bhari naina,

bharata ravana mana sula sama ppini bol baina.159.
On hearing her sons affectionate words the sinful woman brought crocodile tears
to her eyes and spoke words that pierced his ears and soul as so many shafts. (159)
0 flU
U UU
U
U U
U U
UU U U UU U
U
U
U U UH
U U UUH.1H
UU U UU H
U UH.2H
UU U UH
U U U UUH.3H
U U UU H
U UU UH.4H
Cau.: tta bta

mai
sakala
sa vr,
kachuka kja bidhi bca bigreu,
sunata bharatu bhae bibasa bid,
tta
tta
h
tta
pukr,
calata na dekhana pyau toh,
bahuri dhra dhari uhe sa bhr,
suni suta bacana kahati kaike,
dihu te
saba
pani karan,
bhai
mathar
sahya
bicr.
bhupati surapati pura pagu dhreu.1.
janu sahameu kari kehari nd.
pare bhumitala bykula bhr.2.
tta na rmahi sau pehu moh.
kahu pitu marana hetu mahatr.3.
maramu p chi janu mhura de.
kuila kahora mudita mana baran.4.
* AYODHY-KNA *
511
I have accomplished everything for you, my son; and poor Manthar has been of
great help to me. Only God has marred our plans a little before they could be completed;
the king has departed to Indras paradise. As soon as he heard this, Bharata was
overcome with grief as an elephant who is terrified at the roar of a lion. Crying Father,
father, Ah my father! he fell to the ground much agitated. I could not see you before you
left, nor did you, my father, entrust me to the care of r Rma. Then, collecting himself
he got up with some effort and said, Tell me, mother, the cause of my fathers demise.
Hearing the words of her son she replied as one who had cut a vital part and inserted
poison into it. With a glad heart the cruel and wicked woman recounted from the very
beginning all that she had done.
(14)
0UU
UU U U U
U U UU U H 160H
Do.: bharatahi bisareu pitu marana sunata rma bana gaunu,

hetu apanapau jni jiya thakita rahe dhari maunu.160.
Hearing of r Rmas exile to the forest Bharata forgot his fathers death; and
realizing in his heart that he was at the root of it he remained mute and stupefied. (160)
0 fl
UU
U

fl

UUUU
U UU UM
U U U U U
L UU U
U U U
U U U flH
U UU H.1H
U H
U U U UH.2H
U MH
U H.3H
U U UH
U UH.4H
Cau.: bikala biloki sutahi samujhvati,

tta
ru
nahi
socai
jogu,
jvata sakala janama phala pe,
asa
anumni
soca pariharahu,
suni suhi sahameu rjakumru,
dhraja dhari bhari lehi uss,
jau pai kuruci rah ati
toh,
peRa
ki
tai
plau
sc,
manahu
jare para lonu lagvati.
biRhai sukta jasu knheu bhogu.1.
ata amarapati sadana sidhe.
sahita samja rja pura karahu.2.
pke chata janu lga a gru.
ppini sabahi bh ti kula ns.3.
janamata khe na mre moh.
mna
jiana
niti
bri
ulc.4.
Observing his sons distress she comforted him like one who applied salt to a
burn. The king, my son, is not fit for lamentation. He not only reaped a rich harvest of
merit and renown but enjoyed life also. During his life-time he obtained all the rewards
of human existence and in the end ascended to the abode of Indra (the lord of immortals).
Pondering thus cease sorrowing and rule the kingdom with all its limbs (such as the
army, the exchequer, the ministers and so on). The prince was utterly dismayed to hear
these words as though a festering sore had been touched by a live coal. Recovering
himself he heaved a deep sigh and said, O wicked woman, you have brought complete
ruin to our family. If you bore such deep malice, why did you not kill me as soon as I
512
was born? Cutting down the tree you have watered a leaf and you have drained the pond
for keeping the fish alive.
(14)
0U
U U
U H.161H
Do.: hasabasu dasarathu janaku rma lakhana se bhi,

janan tu janan bha bidhi sana kachu na basi.161.
Claiming my descent from the sun-god, with King Daaratha for my father and
Rma and Lakmaa for my brothers I have had you, mother, for my mother! One is
powerless against Providence.
(161)
0 U
U U U
U U
U U NU
U U U U
fl U
U U U U
U U U
U U U NUU H
U U U UU UH.1H
U UU UH
U fl H.2H
H
U U UH.3H
U U UH
U UU UU H.4H
Cau.: jaba tai kumati kumata jiya hayau,

bara mgata mana bhai nahi pr,
bhupa
pratti tori kimi knh,
bidhihu na nri hdaya gati jn,
sarala susla dharama rata ru,
asa ko jva jatu jaga mh,
bhe ati ahita rmu teu
toh,
jo hasi so hasi muha masi l,
khaa khaa hoi hdau na gayau.

gari na jha muha
pareu na kr.1.
marana kla bidhi mati hari lnh.
sakala kapaa agha avaguna khn.2.
so
kimi
jnai
tya
subhu.
jehi raghuntha prnapriya nh.3.
ko tu ahasi satya kahu moh.
khi
oa
uhi
baihahi
j.4.
The moment, O malicious woman, you contrived this evil design in your mind,
how is it your heart did not break into pieces? While asking for the boons did not your
conscience pinch you, your tongue did faster nor did your mouth become free of maggot?
How did the king trust you? Surely God must have robbed him of his senses on the eve
of his death. Even the Creator has not been able to know the working of a womans heart,
the repository of all deceit, sin and vice! Simple, amiable and pious as the king was, how
could he know the nature of a woman? What living creature is there in the world, to whom
the Lord of Raghus is not dear as life itself? Yet even that Rma appeared to you as a
great enemy. Tell me the truth, therefore, to what species do you belong? Whatever you
may be, you had better bedaub your face with ink and leaving my presence remove to
some place out of my sight.
(14)
0U
U NU U U U
UU U UH 162H
* AYODHY-KNA *
513
Do.: rma birodh hdaya te pragaa knha bidhi mohi,

mo samna ko ptak bdi kahau
kachu tohi.162.
Nay, God has created me out of a wone kaikey hostile to Rma! Who is there so
sinful as myself? In vain, therefore, do I taunt you.
(162)
U
U flU U U
U UU
U U U
U
UUU
U
M
U U fl
UU U
U
U UU
UU U U H
H.1H
U U H
U U U U U UH.2H
LU MH
U flH.3H
U U U UH
U U H.4H
Cau.: suni satrughuna mtu

kuil,
tehi
avasara
kubar
taha ,
lakhi risa bhareu lakhana laghu bh,
humagi lta taki kubara mr,
kubara
ueu
phua
kapru,
ha daia mai kha
nasv,
suni ripuhana lakhi nakha sikha kho,
bharata daynidhi dnhi chaR,
jarahi gta risa kachu na bas.

basana bibhuana bibidha ban.1.
barata anala ghta huti p.
pari muha bhara mahi karata pukr.2.
dalita dasana mukha rudhira pracru.
karata nka phalu anaisa pv.3.
lage ghasana dhari dhari jho.
kausaly
pahi
ge
dou
bh.4.
When atrughna heard of mother Kaikeys wickedness, he burned all over with
rage; but there was no help. That very moment came the hunchback (Manthar) clad in
a variety of rich costumes and adorned with various ornaments. The very sight of that
woman filled Lakmaas younger brother with anger as though clarified butter had been
poured into fire. Springing forward he kicked her with such steady aim at the hump that
she fell flat on her face and screamed aloud. Her hump was smashed, her head split and
her teeth broken and her mouth emitted blood. Ah, my God! what harm have I done?
Surely this is an ill recompense for my services. Hearing this and seeing her vile from
head to foot, atrughna (the slayer of his foes) seized her by the hair on her head and
began to drag her till the merciful Bharata rescued her. The two brothers then called on
mother Kausaly.
(14)
0 U UU U
U U U UH 163H
Do.: malina basana bibarana bikala ksa sarra dukha bhra,
kanaka kalapa bara beli bana mnahu han tusra.163.
In sordid attire, pale, agitated and oppressed with woe and with a wasted frame
she looked like a lovely celestial creeper of gold blasted by frost in the forest. (163)
0UU UU LU fl U H
U U U U UH.1H
514
U U

U U U
fl U U
UU UU
U U
U U U H
U H.2H
UH
U U H.3H
fl U UH
U U H.4H
Cau.: bharatahi dekhi mtu uhi dh,

dekhata bharatu bikala bhae bhr,
mtu
tta
kaha
dehi dekh,
kaikai kata janam jaga mjh,
kula kalaku jehi janameu moh,
ko tibhuvana mohi sarisa abhg,
pitu surapura bana raghubara ketu,
dhiga mohi bhayau benu bana g,
muruchita avani
par
jhai
.
pare carana tana das bisr.1.
kaha siya rmu lakhanu dou bh.
jau janami ta bhai khe na b jh.2.
apajasa bhjana priyajana droh.
gati asi tori mtu jehi lg.3.
mai kevala saba anaratha hetu.
dusaha dha dukha duana bhg.4.
When mother Kausaly saw Bharata, she sprang up and ran to meet him; but she
felt giddy and dropped unconscious on the ground. Bharata was deeply moved to see
her plight and threw himself at her feet forgetting the condition of his own body. Mother,
show me my father. Where is St and the two brothers, r Rma and Lakmaa? Why
was Kaikey born into this world at all? And if born, why did she not remain barren instead
of bearing me, a blot on my family, a very sink of infamy and an enemy of near and dear
ones? Who in the three spheres is so wretched as I, on whose account, mother, you
have been reduced to such a plight. My father is in heaven and r Rma, the Chief of
Raghus line, is in the woods; it is I who like a shooting star am responsible for the whole
trouble. Woe be to me, who have proved to be for my family a very fire among the
bamboos and a victim of terrible agony, suffering and censure.
(14)
U UU U
UU UU UH 164H
Do.: mtu bharata ke bacana mdu suni puni uh sa bhri,

lie
uhi
lagi
ura
locana
mocati
bri.164.
On hearing Bharatas tender words, Kausaly rose with a renewed effort and lifting
him clasped him to her bosom; while tears streamed from her eyes.
(164)
0U U
UU UU
U U
UU
U U U UU
U U U
UU U
U U fl
U U U U H
U NU H.1H
U U UH
U UUH.2H
U UUUUH
U U H.3H
U H
U U flH.4H
* AYODHY-KNA *
515
Cau.: sarala subhya mya hiya le, ati hita manahu

rma phiri e.
bheeu bahuri lakhana laghubh, soku sanehu na hdaya
sam.1.
dekhi subhu kahata sabu ko, rma mtu asa khe na ho.
mt
bharatu
goda baihre, su pochi mdu bacana ucre.2.
ajahu baccha bali dhraja dharahu, kusamau samujhi soka pariharahu.
jani mnahu hiya
hni galn, kla karama gati aghaita jn.3.
khuhi dosu dehu jani
tt, bh mohi saba bidhi bma bidht.
jo etehu
dukha
mohi jiv, ajahu
ko jnai k tehi bhv.4.
Guileless by nature, mother Kausaly pressed him to her bosom with utmost
affection as though r Rma Himself had come back. She then embraced Lakmaas
younger brother (atrughna); her heart was too full with grief and love. Everyone who
saw her loving disposition said, Rmas mother that she is, no wonder she should be
so loving. The mother seated Bharata in her lap and wiping away his tears spoke to him
in soothing words: I adjure you, my child, to compose yourself even now; knowing this
to be an unpropitious time sorrow no more. Take not to heart the loss we have sustained
and feel no remorse for it, remembering that the course of time and fate is unalterable.
Do not blame anyone, my son; it is Providence that has turned hostile to me in everyway. And when He makes me survive even under such trying circumstances, who
knows what may be His pleasure with regard to me even now?
(14)
UU
U UU NU U UU UH 165H
do.: pitu yasa bhuana basana tta taje raghubra,

bisamau harau na hdaya kachu pahire balakala cra.165.
At his fathers behest, dear child, the hero of Raghus line discarded his ornaments
and princely apparel and put on a hermits dress (consisting of the bark of trees) without
either sorrow or exultation.
(165)
0 U U

U UU
U U L
U U
U U U
U U UU
U
U U UH
UU U U UH.1H
UUU UH
L H.2H
U UH
U fl H.3H
U U UUH
U NU H.4H
Cau.: mukha prasanna mana raga na rou,

cale bipina suni siya sa ga lg,
sunatahi lakhanu cale uhi sth,
taba raghupati sabah siru n,
rmu lakhanu siya banahi sidhe,
yahu sabu bh inha khinha ge ,
saba kara saba bidhi kari paritou.

rahai na rma carana anurg.1.
rahahi na jatana kie raghunth.
cale saga siya aru laghu bh.2.
gaiu na saga na prna pahe.
tau na taj tanu jva abhge .3.
516
mohi na lja nija nehu nihr, rma sarisa suta mai mahatr.
jiai marai bhala bhupati jn, mora hdaya sata kulisa samn.4.
With a cheerful countenance, and without either joy or anger, he comforted all in
everyway and proceeded to the forest. Hearing this St followed him and would not stay,
devoted as she was to Rmas feet. Lakmaa also, when he heard this, sprang up and
accompanied them; he would not be left behind even though the Lord of Raghus tried his
best to detain him. The Lord of Raghus then bowed his head to all and departed with St
and his younger brother (Lakmaa). So Rma, Lakmaa and St left for the woods,
whereas I neither accompanied them nor sent my soul after them (leaving my body
here). All this happened before these eyes and yet this wretched soul did not take leave
of the body. I am not ashamed of my love; to think that a son like Rma should have
a mother like me! The king knew well how to live and how to die; whereas my heart is
a hundred times harder than adamant.
(14)
U U Ufl
UU U flH 166H
Do.: kausaly ke bacana suni bharata sahita ranivsu,

bykula bilapata rjagha mnahu soka nevsu.166.
Hearing Kausalys words, Bharata and the whole gynaeceum wailed in distress;
the kings palace seemed the very abode of sorrow.
(166)
0 U U U
U
UU Z
U U U
U
U
U UU
U UU
NU
U
U U
U U
U UU U
U UU
U fl
U U U
H
H.1H
UZH
H.2H
UH
UH.3H
UUH
H.4H
kausaly
lie hdaya
lag.
kahi bibekamaya bacana sune.1.
kahi purna ruti kath suh.
bole
bharata
jori
juga
pn.2.
gi goha mahisura pura jre .
mta
mahpati
mhura
dnhe .3.
karama bacana mana bhava kabi kahah .
bidht, jau
yahu hoi mora mata mt.4.
Cau.: bilapahi bikala bharata dou bh,

bh ti aneka bharatu
samujhe,
bharatahu mtu sakala samujh,
chala bihna suci sarala subn,
je agha mtu pit suta mre ,
je agha tiya blaka badha knhe ,
je
ptaka
upaptaka
ahah,
te
ptaka
mohi
hohu
Much agitated, the two brothers, Bharata and atrughna, loudly lamented and
Kausaly clasped them to her bosom. She comforted Bharata in many ways and
tendered words of wisdom to him. Bharata too in his turn consoled all his mothers,
narrating legends from the Puras and Vedas. Joining both his palms he addressed
them in guileless, innocent, simple and charming words: The sins attaching to the
* AYODHY-KNA *
517
murder of ones mother, father or son and to the act of setting fire to a cowpen or a village
of Brhmaas, and those incurred by slaying a woman or child and by administering
poison to a friend or a monarch, nay, all the major and minor sins of thought, word or
deed, that have been enumerated by the seers,let all such sins be mine if, my mother,
this plot has my concurrence.
(14)
UUU UU UU U U U
U U U UH 167H
Do.: je parihari hari hara carana bhajahi bhutagana ghora,

tehi kai gati mohi deu bidhi jau janan mata mora.167.
May Providence award me the fate of those who forsaking the feet of r Hari and
Lord iva worship frightful ghosts, if, mother, I have complicity in this plot.
(167)
0U U U U
U U
U
U
fl U U
U
U UU U
U
U U U
U U UH
Sfl UH.1H
U U UUH
U UH.2H
UU H
UU UU UU UH.3H
U UUH
U H.4H
Cau.: becahi bedu dharamu duhi leh,

kapa kuila kalahapriya krodh,
lobh
lapaa
lolupacr,
pvau mai tinha kai gati ghor,
je
nahi
sdhusaga anurge,
je na bhajahi hari naratanu p,
taji rutipathu bma patha calah,
tinha kai gati mohi sakara deu,
pisuna parya ppa kahi deh.

beda
biduaka
bisva
birodh.1.
je tkahi paradhanu paradr.
jau janan yahu samata mor.2.
paramratha patha bimukha abhge.
jinhahi na hari hara sujasu soh.3.
bacaka biraci bea jagu chalah.
janan
jau yahu
jnau bheu.4.
If, mother, all this has my approval, let me share the terrible fate of those who sell
the Vedas, exploit their piety, are given to backbiting and expose others sins, who are
deceitful, wicked, quarrelsome and irascible, who revile the Vedas and are hostile to the
world, nay, who are greedy and lecherous and behave as the repacious do, and who
cast their eyes on others wealth and others wife. Nay, mother, if I ever knew this secret,
may Lord iva allot me the fate of those wretches who love not the company of the
virtuous, who have rejected the path leading to God-Realization, who worship not r
Hari even though blessed with a human form, and take no delight in the glory of r Hari
and Lord iva, who have abandoned the path of the Vedas and follow the contrary way,
and who are impostors and deceive the world by assuming false appearances. (14)
U U
U U U H 168H
518
Do.: mtu bharata ke bacana suni s ce sarala subhya ,

kahati rma priya tta tumha sad bacana mana kya .168.
Hearing Bharatas truthful, artless and sincere words mother Kausaly said, You,
my dear child, have always been beloved Rma in thought, word and deed.
(168)
0U
U
UU
fl dfl U
L U U
UU U UU
U U U
U U U
U
D U
U U U
U UU U UH
U UU U UH.1H
U UU UUH
U UUH.2H
dflU UH
UU UH.3H
fl U H
U UU H.4H
Cau.: rma prnahu te prna tumhre,

bidhu bia cavai sravai himu g,
bhae gynu baru miai na mohu,
mata tumhra yahu jo jaga kahah,
asa kahi mtu bharatu hiya le,
karata bilpa bahuta yahi bh t,
bmadeu
basiha
taba
e,
muni bahu bhti bharata upadese,
tumha raghupatihi prnahu te pyre.

hoi
bricara
bri
birg.1.
tumha rmahi pratikula na hohu.
so sapanehu sukha sugati na lahah.2.
thana paya sravahi nayana jala che.
baihehi
bti
ga
saba
rt.3.
saciva mahjana sakala bole.
kahi paramratha bacana sudese.4.
Rma is dearer to you than your own life, and likewise you are dearer to the Lord
of Raghus than his own life. The moon may diffuse poison (through her rays) and snow
emit fire; nay, an aquatic creature may shun water and spiritual enlightenment may fail
to eradicate error; but in no case will you turn hostile to Rma. Those in this world who
allege this plot was contrived with your connivance shall never attain happiness or
salvation even in a dream. So saying mother Kausaly clasped Bharata to her bosom;
milk began to flow from her breasts and her eyes filled with tears. In this way they
squatted away the whole night lamenting in profusion. The sages Vmadeva and
Vasiha then came and summoned all the ministers and the elite of the city. Vasiha
admonished Bharata in many ways speaking to him words of wisdom appropriate to the
occasion.
(14)
NU U UU UU flU
UU U U U UU H 169H
Do.: tta hdaya dhraju dharahu karahu jo avasara ju,

uhe bharata gura bacana suni karana kaheu sabu sju.169.
Have courage in your heart, dear son, and do what the occasion demands
today. Hearing his preceptors commands Bharata rose and asked everything to be
got ready.
(169)
0 Uflfl U flH
U U U UU U U H.1H
* AYODHY-KNA *
U U U
U U U
U U

U U
h

U
U
U

UH
UU UH.2H
fl U UH
U U H.3H
U U UH
U H.4H
Cau.: npatanu beda bidita anhavv,

gahi pada bharata mtu saba rkh,
cadana agara bhra bahu e,
saraju
tra
raci
cit
ban,
ehi bidhi dha kriy saba knh,
sodhi sumti saba beda purn,
jaha jasa munibara yasu dnh,
bhae bisuddha die saba dn,
parama bicitra bimnu banv.

rah
rni
darasana
abhil.1.
amita aneka sugadha suhe.
janu
surapura
sopna
suh.2.
bidhivata
nhi
tiljuli
dnh.
knha bharata dasagta bidhn.3.
taha tasa sahasa bh ti sabu knh.
dhenu bji gaja bhana nn.4.
519
He had the kings body washed in accordance with the Vedic rites and caused a
most splendid funeral bier to be prepared for him. Clasping the feet of his mothers
Bharata prevented them (from ascending the funeral pile); they all stayed behind in the
hope of seeing r Rma. There arrived many loads of sandal-wood and aloes and
diverse other excellent aromatic herbs of untold varieties. The pile was raised in an
artistic way on the bank of the Sarayu river, and looked like a lovely ladder reaching to
heaven. In this way all the rites of cremation were gone through and then the funeral
party bathed with due ceremony and offered a handful of water and sesame seeds to the
departed soul. After ascertaining the views of all the Smti texts, the Vedas and the
Puras Bharata performed the ceremony of Daagtra.* Whatever orders the great
sage Vasiha gave on a particular point Bharata carried out all of them in a thousand
ways. He bestowed all sorts of gifts on attaining purity. He gave away cows, horses,
elephants and conveyances of various sorts
(14)
U
U U U UU H 170H
Do.: sighsana bhuana basana anna dharani dhana dhma,

die bharata lahi bhumisura bhe paripurana kma.170.
And even so thrones, ornaments and costumes, foodgrains, lands, money and
houses; and the Brhmaas had all their desires fulfilled on receiving them.
(170)
0 U U U U
U
U
U

U
DU
U UU
U UH
fl U H.1H
U U U H
U UUH.2H
* The ceremony consists in offering to the departed soul a ball of boiled rice on each of the ten days
following the cremation of the deceased.
The Hindus believe that the agnates and certain other relations of a deceased remain impure for a
number of days and get purified only after the prescribed period is over.
520
U
U U
UU
U U
UU

U U UH
U UUU UH.3H
U UH
U H.4H
Cau.: pitu hita bharata knhi jasi karan, so mukha lkha ji nahi baran.
sudinu sodhi munibara taba e, saciva mahjana sakala bole.1.
baihe
rjasabh
saba
j, pahae boli bharata dou bh.
bharatu basiha nikaa baihre, nti dharamamaya bacana ucre.2.
prathama kath saba munibara baran, kaikai kuila knhi jasi karan.
bhupa dharamabratu satya sarh, jehi tanu parihari premu nibh.3.
kahata rma guna sla subhu, sajala nayana pulakeu muniru.
bahuri lakhana siya prti bakhn, soka saneha magana muni gyn.4.
Whatever rites Bharata performed for the benefit of his father (in the other world)
were more than a hundred thousand tongues could recount. Then, after determining an
auspicious date the great sage (Vasiha) came and summoned all the ministers as well
as the elite of the city. They all repaired to the council chamber and sat there. The two
brothers, Bharata and atrughna, were also sent for. Vasiha seated Bharata by his
side and spoke to him words full of wisdom and piety. First of all the great sage repeated
the whole story of Kaikeys wily doing and paid his tribute to the vow of piety and
truthfulness of King Daaratha, who remained true to his love even at the cost of his life.
And as the great hermit spoke of r Rmas virtues, amiability and kind disposition tears
came to his eyes and a thrill ran through his body. Again, when he extolled the affection
that Lakmaa and St bore (towards Rma), the enlightened sage was overwhelmed
with grief and emotion.
(14)
0U
U fl UU
U fl U UH 171H
Do.: sunahu bharata bhv prabala bilakhi kaheu munintha,

hni lbhu jvanu maranu jasu apajasu bidhi htha.171.
Listen, Bharata: formidable is fate! the lord of sages sorrowfully exclaimed. Loss
and gain, life and death, glory and infamyall these lie in the hands of Providence. (171)
0 U U
L UU U
U

fl
fl
U
U UUU
Cau.: asa
bicri
kehi
tta bicru karahu
deia
mana
U U U UH
U UH.1H
U H
U H.2H
fl H
U H.3H
U U UUH
U U UH.4H
dosu, byaratha khi para kjia rosu.

mh, soca jogu dasarathu npu nh.1.
* AYODHY-KNA *
socia bipra
jo
beda
bihn,
socia
npati
jo
nti na jn,
socia bayasu kpana dhanavnu,
socia
sudru
bipra
avamn,
socia puni pati bacaka nr,
socia bau nija bratu parihara,
521
taji nija dharamu biaya layaln.

jehi na praj priya prna samn.2.
jo na atithi siva bhagati sujnu.
mukhara mnapriya gyna gumn.3.
kuila
kalahapriya
icchcr.
jo nahi gura yasu anusara.4.
Arguing thus, whom should we blame and with whom should we be angry
without any cause? Ponder in your heart, my son, that King Daaratha is not worth
grieving for. Pitiable is the Brhmaa who is ignorant of the Vedas, and who has abandoned
his own duty and is engrossed in the pleasures of sense; pitiable the king who has no
knowledge of polity and who does not love his people as his own life: pitiable the
Vaiya (a member of the trading class) who is niggardly though rich, and who is not
perfect in hospitality nor in devotion to Lord iva; pitiable the udra (a member of the
labouring or artisan class) who is disrespectful towards the Brhmaas, loquacious
and proud of his knowledge and loves to be honoured. Pitiable, again, is the woman
who deceives her husband, is crooked and quarrelsome and follows her own will;
pitiable the religious student who breaks his vow and obeys not the orders of his
preceptor.
(14)
U U U U
U UH.172H
Do.: socia gh jo moha basa karai karama patha tyga,

socia jat prapaca rata bigata bibeka birga.172.
Nay, pitiable is the householder who out of ignorance forsakes the path of duty,
and pitiable the recluse who is attached to the world and lacks discretion and
dispassion.
(172)

U
U U
U
U
U U UUU
UU UL U
U U fl H
U UH.1H
U UH
UU U UU UH.2H
fl U U H
U UUH.3H
UU U H.4H
Cau.: baikhnasa
soi
socai
jogu,
socia pisuna
akrana
krodh,
saba bidhi socia para apakr,
socanya
sabah
bidhi
so,
socanya
nahi
kosalaru,
bhayau na ahai na aba honihr,
bidhi hari haru surapati disinth,
tapu bihi jehi bhvai bhogu.

janani janaka gura badhu birodh.1.
nija tanu poaka niradaya bhr.
jo na chRi chalu hari jana ho.2.
bhuvana cridasa pragaa prabhu.
bhupa bharata jasa pit tumhr.3.
baranahi saba dasaratha guna gth.4.
Pitiable is the anchorite who has given up penance and developed a liking for
luxuries; pitiable the backbiter who is angry without cause and an enemy of his own
522
parents, preceptor and brothers. Pitiable in everyway is he who harms others, cherishes
his own body and is exceedingly heartless. And pitiable in every respect is he who is not
sincerely devoted to r Hari. The lord of Kosala is not worth grieving for, his glory being
manifest through all the fourteen spheres. There never was, nor is, nor shall be hereafter,
a monarch like your father, Bharata. Brahm, Viu, iva, Indra (the lord of celestials) and
the guardians of the quarters, all sing praises of King Daaratha. (14)
0UU
U U UU U
U U U U H 173H
Do.: kahahu tta kehi bh ti kou karihi baR tsu,

rma lakhana tumha satruhana sarisa suana suci jsu.173.
Tell me, dear child, who can glorify him who begot such pious sons as Rma,
Lakmaa, atrughna and yourself?
(173)
0
U
U UUUU
U U U U U
U U U
U U
UU U U
UU
U
U U H
U U U U UU H.1H
U U UH
UUUU U UUH.2H
UU flH
U U U H.3H
U H
H.4H
Cau.: saba prakra bhupati baRabhg,

yahu suni samujhi socu pariharahu,
rya rjapadu tumha kahu dnh,
taje rmu jehi bacanahi lg,
npahi bacana priya nahi priya prn,
karahu ssa dhari bhupa raj,
parasurma
pitu
agy
rkh,
tanaya
jajtihi
jaubanu dayau,
bdi
bidu
karia
tehi
lg.
sira dhari rja rajyasu karahu.1.
pit bacanu phura chia knh.
tanu parihareu rma birahg.2.
karahu tta pitu bacana pravn.
hai tumha kaha saba bh ti bhal.3.
mr
mtu
loka
saba
skh.
pitu agy agha ajasu na bhayau.4.
The king was blessed in everyway; it is no use mourning for him. Hearing and
realizing this, sorrow no more, and reverently obey the kings command. The king has
bestowed the kingship on you; it behoves you, therefore, to redeem the words of your
father who abandoned Rma for the sake of his word and quitted his body in his anguish
of separation from Rma. The king did not love his own life as he did his word; therefore,
dear son, redeem your fathers word. Reverently obey the kings command; this will do
you good in everyway. Paraurma executed the command of his father and killed his
own mother: the whole world will bear testimony to this fact. Yaytis son (Puru)*
* King Yayti had won the hand of Devayn, daughter of ukrcrya (preceptor of the demon kings).
Devayn having one complained to her father of the kings infidelity, ukrcrya pronounced on him a curse
as a result of which he became old and infirm before time. Having been propitiated by him through
supplication and entreaty, however, the sage allowed the king to borrow the youth of another in exchange for his
own old age should anyone be willing to part with it. The king thereupon sought the help of his sons, but the first
* AYODHY-KNA *
523
exchanged his own youth for the old age of his father and incurred no sin or blame
because he did so in obedience to his fathers command.
(14)
U L U
U U H 174H
Do.: anucita ucita bicru taji je plahi pitu baina,

te bhjana sukha sujasa ke basahi amarapati aina.174.
Those who cherish their fathers word, minding not whether it is reasonable or
otherwise, attain happiness and fair renown and dwell in the abode of Indra (the lord of
immortals).
(174)
0fl U U UU
UU
U U
U
UU
U UUUU
U U U
UU
U UU U U U
U U U
U UUUUH
U U U H.1H
U fl UH
U U U H.2H
U U UH
U UU UH.3H
U U UH
fl
UU
U
UH.4H
Cau.: avasi naresa bacana phura karahu,

surapura
npu
pihi
paritou,
beda bidita samata sabah k,
karahu rju
pariharahu galn,
suni sukhu lahaba rma baideh,
kausalydi
sakala
mahatr,
plahu praj soku pariharahu.

tumha kahu suktu sujasu nahi dou.1.
jehi pitu dei so pvai k.
mnahu mora bacana hita jn.2.
anucita kahaba na paita keh.
teu praj sukha hohi sukhr.3.
parama tumhra rma kara jnihi, so saba bidhi tumha sana bhala mnihi.
sau pehu rju
rma
ke
e , sev
karehu
saneha
suhe .4.
Therefore, you needs must redeem the kings word; cherish your subjects and
cease to grieve. The king in heaven will derive solace, while you will earn merit and good
fame and shall incur no blame. It is well known in the Vedas and has the sanction of all
that the crown goes to him on whom the father bestows it. Therefore, rule the kingdom,
feel no remorse and accept my advice as salutary. Rma and Videhas daughter (St)
will be gratified when they hear of it and no wise man will call it wrong. Kausaly and all
the other mothers too will be happy in the happiness of the people. Nay, he who will know
the supreme affinity between you and Rma, will have perfect goodwill towards you.
When Rma returns home you may hand over the kingdom to him and serve him with
ideal affection.
(14)
four of them declined. It was only the fifth and youngest son, Puru, who willingly parted with his own youth and
accepted the old age of his father. After enjoying life for a few more years Yayti got disgusted with the world and
retired to the woods, returning the youth of his youngest son and crowning him king in preference to his elder
brothers, who had all disappointed him. Even though Yayti had made use of his sons youth in enjoying life with
his mother, the son incurred no sin because he had agreed to this arrangement only to please his father and
made a unique sacrifice for his sake.
524
0 U fl UU fl U U
U U U UUH 175H
Do.: kjia gura yasu avasi kahahi saciva kara jori,
raghupati e ucita jasa tasa taba karaba bahori.175.
The ministers submitted with joined palms: You needs must obey the order of
your preceptor. When the Lord of Raghus comes back, you may do what you think fit
then.
(175)
0
U
U U
U U U
U
UU
UU
U fl
U
U U U UU
U fl
UU
U UH
H.1H
U U UUH
UU U flH.2H
U UU H
U UUUH.3H
U U U H
U U U H.4H
Cau.: kausaly
dhari
dhraju
kahai,
so
daria
karia
hita
mn,
bana raghupati surapura naranhu,
parijana praj saciva saba ab,
lakhi bidhi bma klu kahin,
sira dhari gura yasu anusarahu,
gura ke bacana saciva abhinadanu,
sun bahori mtu mdu
bn,
puta pathya gura yasu aha.

tajia
bidu
kla
gati
jn.1.
tumha ehi bh ti tta kadarhu.
tumhah suta saba kaha avalab.2.
dhraju dharahu mtu bali j.
praj pli parijana dukhu harahu.3.
sune bharata hiya hita janu cadanu.
sla saneha sarala rasa sn.4.
Summoning courage Kausaly said, Salutary, my son, is your Gurus command;

the same should be respected and obeyed by you as conducive to your good. Cease
to grieve realizing the vicissitudes of life. The Lord of Raghus is in the forest and the king
is in heaven (the abode of gods); while you, my son, are thus giving way to faintheartedness. You, my child, are the only support of all including your family, subjects,
ministers and all your mothers. Perceiving the antipathy of God and the relentlessness
of fate, I adjure you by my life to have courage. Reverently obey your Gurus command,
cherish your subjects and relieve the affliction of your family. Bharata listened to the
advice of his preceptor and the ministers, appeal endorsing the same, which were as
soothing to his heart as sandal-paste. He further heard the mothers soft words imbued
with the nectar of amiability, affection and guilelessness.
(14)
U0
U U U
ULU dfl UU UU U H
U U U U
UU U fl U U H
* AYODHY-KNA *
525
cha.: sn
sarala rasa mtu bn suni bharatu bykula bhae,

locana saroruha sravata scata biraha ura akura nae.
so das dekhata samaya tehi bisar sabahi sudhi deha k,
tulas sarhata sakala sdara sva sahaja saneha k.
Bharata grew restless when he heard mother Kausalys speech imbued as it was
with the nectar of sincerity. His lotus eyes shed tears that watered the fresh shoots of
desolation in his heart. All those who saw his condition at that time forgot their own
existence. Everyone, says Tulasdsa; reverently extolled him as the perfection of
artless love.
0U
U U U UU U U
U U UU UH 176H
So.: bharatu kamala kara jori dhra dhuradhara dhra dhari,

bacana amia janu bori deta ucita uttara sabahi.176.
Joining his lotus palms, Bharata, who was foremost among the strong-minded,
took courage and proceeded to give befitting replies to all in words steeped as it were
in nectar.
(176)
0U U U U
U U U
U Sfl U
U M
U U U
l U UU
U U U
L
U
U
U
fl U H
fl U UU UH.1H
U H
U U MH.2H
U U UH
U U H.3H
U UU fl UH
U H.4H
Cau.: mohi upadesu dnha gura nk,

mtu ucita dhari yasu dnh,
gura pitu mtu svmi hita bn,
ucita
ki
anucita
kie
bicru,
tumha tau dehu sarala sikha so,
jadyapi yaha samujhata hau nke ,
aba tumha binaya mori suni lehu,
utaru
deu
chamaba apardhu,
praj saciva samata sabah k.

avasi ssa dhari chau knh.1.
suni mana mudita karia bhali jn.
dharamu ji sira ptaka bhru.2.
jo
carata
mora
bhala
ho.
tadapi hota paritou na j ke .3.
mohi anuharata sikhvanu dehu.
dukhita doa guna ganahi na sdhu.4.

My preceptor has given me excellent advice, which has been endorsed by my
subjects, ministers and all. Mother (Kausaly) too has enjoined on me what she has
thought fit and which I certainly wish to carry out with reverence. The advice of ones
preceptor, parents, master and friend ought to be acted upon with a cheerful heart as
conducive to ones good. By pausing to think whether it is right or wrong one fails in
ones duty and incurs a load of sin. You are surely giving me sincere advice which, if
526
followed, will do me good. Even though I fully realize this, my heart is not satisfied. Now
hear my request and give me advice that may suit me. Forgive me my presumption in
returning an answer to you; for good people reckon not the virtues or faults of the
distressed.
(14)
UU U U UU U U
U U U U U H 177H
Do.: pitu surapura siya rmu bana karana kahahu mohi rju,
ehi te jnahu mora hita kai pana baRa kju.177.
My father is in heaven and both St and Rma are in the woods, whereas you
ask me to rule the kingdom. Do you think this will do me good or you expect some
unusual gain to yourself from this arrangement?
(177)
0U
U
U
UU flZ
U
U U
M
UU U
fl
U U
U U U
U UU
UU U UZH
U U U UH.1H
U H
U rMH.2H
UU H
U UUH.3H
U U U UH
U U U UUH.4H
Cau.: hita
hamra
siyapati sevak,
mai anumni dkha mana mh,
soka samju rju kehi lekhe ,
bdi basana binu bhuana bhru,
saruja sarra bdi bahu bhog,
jya
jva
binu
deha suh,
ju
rma
pahi
yasu dehu,
mohi npa kari bhala panacahahu,
so
hari
lnha
mtu
kuil.
na
upya
mora
hita
nh.1.
lakhana rma siya binu pada dekhe .
bdi birati binu brahmabicru.2.
binu haribhagati jya japa jog.
bdi mora sabu binu raghur.3.
ekahi
ka
mora
hita
ehu.
sou saneha jaRat basa kahahu.4.
My good lies in the service of r Rma, although I have been deprived of that
privilege through my mothers perversity. I have pondered in my heart and realized that
my good lies in no other way. Of what account is this kingdom, which is nothing but an
abode of sorrow, when the feet of Lakmaa, Rma and St are no longer to be seen?
A load of jewels is of no use without clothes; an enquiry about Brahma (the Absolute)
is of little use without dispassion; abundant enjoyments are of no use to a diseased body;
of little use are Japa (muttering of prayers) and Yoga (exercises of mind-control) without
devotion to r Hari. A handsome body is of no use without life and all I have is naught
without the Lord of Raghus. Grant me leave to go where Rma is; my good exclusively
lies in this. And if you urge that you seek your own good by crowning me king, you say
so only through ignorance caused by affection.
(14)
U U
U U U U UH 178H
* AYODHY-KNA *
527
Do.: kaike sua kuilamati rma bimukha gatalja,

tumha chata sukhu mohabasa mohi se adhama ke rja.178.
It is through infatuation that you expect happiness from the reign of a wretch like
me, who is Kaikeys son, of perverted intellect, hostile to Rma and lost to shame. (178)
0UU U
U U UU UU U
U
fl
U U U U
U U U U
UU
U U M
U U NU U
U
U
UUH
U U U UH.1H
U U H
UU UU UH.2H
U U H
UU U UUH.3H
H
U U U UH.4H
Cau.: kahau
s cu saba suni patihu, chia
dharamasla
naranhu.
mohi rju hahi deihahu jabah, ras
rastala
jihi
tabah.1.
mohi samna ko
ppanivsu, jehi lagi sya rma banabsu.
rya
rma kahu
knanu dnh, bichurata gamanu amarapura knh.2.
mai sahu saba anaratha karahetu, baiha bta saba sunau sacetu.
binu
raghubra
biloki absu, rahe prna sahi jaga upahsu.3.
rma punta biaya rasa rukhe, lolupa bhumi bhoga ke bhukhe.
kaha lagi kahau hdaya kahin, nidari kulisu jehi lah baR.4.
I tell you the truth: you should all listen and believe what I say. A virtuous man
alone should be crowned as king. The moment you instal me on the throne perforce the
earth will sink into the lowest depths. Who is such an inveterate sinner as I, on whose
account St and Rma have been exiled into the forest? The king sent Rma into exile
and himself ascended to heaven the moment the latter left him. My wretched self, which
is the root of all evil, is sitting quietly and hears all talk unmoved. Even though I find the
palace without Rma, I have survived and endured the worlds jeers. Devoid of attraction
for r Rma, who is a sacred object of love, my soul is rapacious and hungers for land
(dominion) and enjoyment. I have no words to depict the cruelty of my heart that has
attained notoriety by surpassing even adamant.
(14)
0 U
U U U U U
S U U U UUH 179H
Do.: krana te kraju kahina hoi dosu nahi mora,

kulisa asthi te upala te loha karla kahora.179.
An effect is as a rule harder than its cause and I am not to blame for it. The
thunderbolt* is more formidable and harder than bone (of which it was made) and iron
than rock (from which it is quarried).
(179)
* The story as to how the thunderbolt was made out of the bones of the philanthropic sage Dadhci
(who gave up his life in the interest of the gods) has been told in the account of this sage, which appears in the
footnote below the Caups following Doh 29 above.
528
0
fl
U
UU
U U U
U fl

U U U
U U U
UU U
U U
Cau.: kaike
jau
bhava
priya biraha
tanu
flU H
U H.1H
U UU U UH
UU U H.2H
U Z U H
U U UU U UH.3H
U U U U UH
UU UH.4H
anurge, pva ra
prna
aghi
abhge.
prna priya lge, dekhaba sunaba bahuta aba ge.1.
lakhana rma siya kahu banu dnh, pahai amarapura pati hita knh.
lnha
bidhavapana
apajasu
pu, dnheu
mohi dnha sukhu sujasu surju, knha

ehi
te
mora
kha
prajahi soku satpu.2.

kaika saba kara kju.
aba
nk, tehi para dena kahahu tumha k.3.

kaikai jahara janami jaga mh, yaha mohi kaha kachu anucita nh.
mori bta saba bidhihi ban, praj p ca kata karahu sah.4.
Clinging to this body born of Kaikey, my wretched life is exceedingly unfortunate.

When life has been dear to me even though I have been torn from my beloved brother,
I shall have much to see and hear yet. Kaikey has sent Lakmaa, Rma and St into
exile and has done a good turn to her husband by despatching him to the abode of
immortals; she has taken widowhood and infamy upon herself and bestowed grief and
affliction on the people; and to me she has allotted happiness, good reputation and a
thriving kingdom; in this way she has served the interests of all. I cannot expect greater
good than this at present; over and above that you proclaim your intention to crown me
king. Since I have been born into this world through Kaikeys womb, this is not at all
unbecoming of me. God Himself has accomplished everything for me; why, then, should
you all as well as the people help my cause?
(14)
0 U
U U U U
U L UU U UUH 180H
Do.: graha grahta puni bta basa tehi puni bch mra,
tehi
piia
brun
kahahu
kha
upacra.180.
If a man under the evil influence of planets (who is possessed by some evil spirit)
and is also affected by delirium and has been further stung by a scorpion is given a cup
of wine, tell me, what kind of treatment is this?
(180)
0
U U
U UU Ufl U
UL U U U U
U
U
U
UU
U U
U
U

U
L
H
UH.1H
H
UH.2H
* AYODHY-KNA *
U
U
UU U
U U U U U
UU
UU UU U H
U U UH.3H
U U UH
U U UUH.4H
Cau.: kaikai
suana
jogu
jaga jo,
dasaratha tanaya rma laghu bh,
tumha saba kahahu kaRhvana k,
utaru deu kehi bidhi kehi keh,
mohi
kumtu
sameta bih,
mo
binu ko sacarcara mh,
parama hni saba kaha baRa lhu,
sasaya sla prema basa ahahu,
catura biraci dnha mohi so.

dnhi mohi bidhi bdi baR.1.
rya rajyasu saba kaha
nk.
kahahu sukhena jath ruci jeh.2.
kahahu kahihi ke knha bhal.
jehi siya rmu prnapriya nh.3.
adinu mora nahi duana khu.
sabui ucita saba jo kachu kahahu.4.
529
God in His wisdom has ordained for me everything in this world that is worthy of
Kaikeys son. He has, however, bestowed on me in vain the honour of being a son of
king Daaratha and a younger brother of r Rma. All of you urge me to accept the
throne and the kings command is good for all. How shall I answer all individually? Let
everyone gladly say what one pleases. Barring me and my vile mother, tell me, who will
say the right thing has been done? Excepting myself who is there in the whole animate
and inanimate creation that does not love St and Rma as ones own life? What is most
baneful appears to you all as a mighty gain; this is my misfortune and none is to be
blamed for it. You are in the grip of doubt, amiability and affection; and whatever you all
say is right.
(14)
0 U
U U U
U U U H 181H
Do.: rma mtu suhi saralacita mo para premu bisei,

kahai subhya saneha basa mori dnat dekhi.181.
r Rmas mother (Kausaly) is most guileless of heart and loves me in a
special degree. Finding me in distress she has said all this under impulse of natural
affection.
(181)
0U U
U
UUU U U
U
UL U UU
UU U flU
fl U fl
U UU
Cau.: gura bibeka sgara
jagu
mo kaha tilaka sja saja
UU Sfl U U H
H.1H
U UU U UH
U U U H.2H
UU U U H
U U UH.3H
U U flH
U U UU H.4H
jn, jinhahi bisva kara badara samn.

sou, bhae bidhi bimukha bimukha sabu kou.1.
530
parihari
rmu
sya
jaga mh,
so mai sunaba sahaba sukhu mn,
aru na mohi jaga kahihi ki pocu,
ekai
ura
basa dusaha davr,
jvana lhu lakhana bhala pv,
mora janama raghubara bana lg,
kou na kahihi mora mata nh.

atahu
kca tah jaha
pn.2.
paralokahu kara nhina socu.
mohi lagi bhe siya rmu dukhr.3.
sabu taji rma carana manu lv.
jhuha kha pachitu
abhg.4.
My Guru (Vasiha) as all the world knows, is an ocean of wisdom; the universe
is like a plum in the palm of his hand*. Even he is making preparations for my coronation;
when Fate is adverse, everyone else turns hostile. With the exception of r Rma and
St no one in this world will say the plot did not have my approval. All this I must hear
and endure with a cheerful heart; for wherever there is water mud must be there
eventually. I shudder not to think that the world will call me vile; and I have little anxiety
about the other world either. There is one terrible anguish that plagues my heart; it is that
St and Rma are suffering hardships on my account. Lakmaa has fully reaped the
reward of his existence; discarding everything else, he has fixed his mind on r Rmas
feet. As for myself I was born for r Rmas banishment; in vain do I lament, wretched
that I am.
(14)
L UU U L
U U H 182H
Do.: pani druna dnat kahau sabahi siru ni,

dekhe binu raghuntha pada jiya kai jarani na ji.182.
Bowing my head to all I lay open my terrible distress before you. Unless I behold
r Rmas feet the agony of my soul shall not go.
(182)
0 UU U U
U U U
l
U
U U
U U
UU U U
U U
U U
UU H
UU UH.1H
U U UH
U UUU H.2H
U UUH
fl l H.3H
U H
flU UU U UH.4H
Cau.: na
upu
mohi
nahi sujh,
ekahi
ka
ihai
mana mh,
jadyapi mai anabhala
apardh,
tadapi sarana sanamukha mohi dekh,
sla sakuca suhi sarala subhu,
arihuka anabhala knha na rm,
tumha pai p ca mora bhala mn,
jehi suni binaya mohi janu jn,
ko jiya kai raghubara binu bujh.

prtakla calihau
prabhu ph.1.
bhai mohi krana sakala updh.
chami saba karihahi kp bise.2.
kp saneha sadana raghuru.
mai sisu sevaka jadyapi bm.3.
yasu
sia
dehu
subn.
vahi
bahuri
rmu
rajadhn.4.
* It is an idiomatic way of saying that the secrets of the world are intimately known to him.
* AYODHY-KNA *
531
I find no other remedy. Who else than the Chief of Raghus can know what passes
in my heart? There is only one resolve in my mind; at daybreak I must proceed to meet
the Lord. Even though I am a vile offender and am at the root of all troubles, yet when
the Lord finds me before him in a suppliant mien he will forgive all my faults and shower
his special grace on me. The Lord of Raghus is an embodiment of amiability, meekness,
extreme guilelessness of disposition, compassion and love. r Rma has never injured
even an enemy, to say nothing of me, a mere child and his servant too, though hostile
to him. Therefore, do allow me, all of you, to depart and bless me in an auspicious strain
knowing it to be for my good, so that on hearing my supplication and recognizing me as
his servant r Rma may return to his capital.
(14)
0 l
U
UU U UU UH 183H
Do.: jadyapi janamu kumtu te mai sahu sad sadosa,

pana jni na tygihahi mohi raghubra bharosa.183.
Though I am born of a wicked mother and am myself a rogue and ever guilty, I
am confident of Rma that he will never forsake me knowing me for his own. (183)
0U U

fl U U U U
UU
UU
UU UU
U U UU
flL
UZ
U U L
U fl U U
U U H
H.1H
U UH
U U UH.2H
U UUH
UU UZH.3H
U U H
UU U U UH.4H
Cau.: bharata bacana saba kaha priya lge,

loga biyoga biama bia dge,
mtu saciva gura pura nara nr,
bharatahi
kahahi sarhi sarh,
tta bharata asa khe na kahahu,
jo
pva ru
apan
jaRat,
so sahu koika purua samet,
ahi agha avaguna nahi mani gaha,
rma saneha sudh janu pge.

matra sabja sunata janu jge.1.
sakala saneha
bikala bhae bhr.
rma prema murati tanu h.2.
prna samna rma priya ahahu.
tumhahi
sugi
mtu
kuil.3.
basihi kalapa sata naraka niket.
harai garala dukha drida daha.4.
Bharatas words pleased all, imbued as they were with the nectar of devotion
to r Rma. The people who had been burning with the deadly poison of separation
from r Rma were roused to their senses on hearing as it were a charm against
snake poison alongwith its seed-letter.* The mothers, the ministers, the preceptor
and the people of the city, all were overwhelmed with emotion. They praised Bharata
* According to the Tantras (a sacred literature dealing with the worship of deities) there are mystic
formulas sacred to every deity, which if repeated with genuine faith and in accordance with certain prescribed
rules help the realization of that deity. Every such Mantra has also got a Bja Mantra consisting of a single
letter with m added to it. This seed-letter, if prefixed to the Mantra itself, enhances its potency.
532
again and again and said, Your body is the very personification of affection for r
Rma. It is no wonder that you should say so, dear Bharata, since you are dear
to Rma as his own life. The vile man who through his ignorance hates you because
of your mothers perversity, the wretch shall abide in hell for a hundred Kalpas (cycles)
with millions of his past generations. A gem on the head of a serpent is not affected
by the sins and faults of the serpent; on the other hand, it counteracts poison and
destroys burns to ashes, sorrow and indigence.
(14)
0 fl U U U
U U U fl UH 184H
Do.: avasi calia bana rmu jaha bharata matru bhala knha,
soka sidhu buRata sabahi tumha avalabanu dnha.184.
Bharata, you have thought out a good plan; by all means let us proceed to the
woods where r Rma is. You have held out a helping hand to us all while we were
being drowned in an ocean of grief.
(184)
0 U
UU
U UU L
U fl U
UU UU U
U UU UU U UflU
U UU U U U
UH
U U H.1H
U UH
U UU UH.2H
U U H
U UH.3H
U fl UH.4H
Cau.: bh saba ke mana modu na thor,

calata prta lakhi niranau nke,
munihi badi bharatahi siru n,
dhanya bharata jvanu jaga mh,
kahahi parasapara bh baRa kju,
jehi rkhahi rahu ghara rakhavr,
kou kaha rahana kahia nahi khu,
janu ghana dhuni suni ctaka mor.

bharatu prnapriya bhe sabah ke.1.
cale sakala ghara bid kar.
slu
sanehu
sarhata
jh.2.
sakala calai kara sjahi sju.
so jnai janu garadani mr.3.
ko na cahai jaga jvana lhu.4.
Everyone felt as great a joy as when the Ctaka birds and peacocks hear a clap
of thunder. When the people came to know Bharatas welcome resolve to start the very
next morning, they all began to love him as their own life. After reverencing the sage and
bowing their head to Bharata they all took leave and proceeded to their respective homes
praising as they went his amiability and affection and exclaiming, Blessed is Bharatas
life in this world! They said to one another, A great object has been accomplished!
Everyone began to make preparations for the journey. Whomsoever they left behind
saying You should stay behind to guard the house, felt as if he was smitten on the
neck. Someone said, Nobody should be asked to remain behind; who in this world
would not have the reward of his life?
(14)
0 UU
NU
U U U U UH 185H
* AYODHY-KNA *
533
Do.: jarau so sapati sadana sukhu suhda mtu pitu bhi,

sanamukha hota jo rma pada karai na sahasa sahi.185.
Perish that property, house, happiness, friend, father, mother or brother, who
does not gladly help one turn ones face towards r Rmas feet!
(185)
0U U U U
U U U M
U U
U
U
U Sfl U fl
U fl
U U U
U U UflU
UU NU U H
L fl UMH.1H
UH
U UH.2H
U H
U U UH.3H
U U UH
U U U UH.4H
Cau.: ghara ghara sjahi bhana nn,

bharata ji ghara knha bicru,
sapati saba raghupati kai h,
tau parinma na mori bhal,
karai
svmi
hita sevaku so,
asa bicri suci
sevaka bole,
kahi sabu maramu dharamu bhala bh,
kari sabu jatanu rkhi rakhavre,
harau hdaya parabhta payn.

nagaru bji gaja bhavana bha ru.1.
jau binu jatana calau taji th.
ppa
siromani
si
doh.2.
duana
koi
dei
kina
ko.
je sapanehu nija dharama na ole.3.
jo jehi lyaka so tehi rkh.
rma mtu pahi bharatu sidhre.4.
In every house they got ready vehicles of various kinds; their soul rejoiced at
the thought of starting early next morning. On reaching his own apartments Bharata
thought to himself: The city, horses, elephants, houses and the treasuryeverything
belongs to the Lord of Raghus. If I leave it unprotected, the result will not be good
for me; for disloyalty to ones master is the greatest of all sins. A servant is he who
serves the interests of his master, no matter if anyone brings millions of imputations
against him. Pondering thus he summoned faithful servants who had never dreamt
of flinching from their duty. Confiding to them all the secrets he taught them their
paramount duty and entrusted them with the work for which they were severally fit.
After making all arrangements and posting guards Bharata went to r Rmas mother
(Kausaly).
(14)
0U
U
UU fl H 186H
Do.: rata janan jni saba

kaheu banvana plak
bharata saneha sujna,

sajana sukhsana jna.186.
Knowing all the mothers in distress, Bharata, who understood the ways of love,
ordered palanquins to be got ready and sedan-chairs to be equipped.
(186)
0P P U U U U UU U UH
U U U fl H.1H
534
UU U
U fl UU
L
L
U U
U
U
U UU UH
U U U flUH.2H
U U UH
H.3H
U U U H
U U Z UH.4H
Cau.: cakka cakki jimi pura nara nr,

jgata saba nisi bhayau bihn,
kaheu lehu sabu tilaka samju,
begi calahu suni saciva johre,
arudhat
aru
agini samu,
bipra bda caRhi bhana nn,
nagara loga saba saji saji jn,
sibik subhaga na jhi bakhn,
cahata prta ura rata bhr.

bharata
bole
saciva
sujn.1.
banahi deba muni rmahi rju.
turata turaga ratha nga sa vre.2.
ratha caRhi cale prathama muniru.
cale sakala tapa teja nidhn.3.
citrakua kaha
knha payn.
caRhi caRhi calata bha saba rn.4.
Much afflicted at heart like the male and female Cakravka birds, the men and
women of the city longed for the dawn. They kept awake the whole night till it was
daybreak, when Bharata summoned his wise counsellors and said to them, Take all that
is necessary for the installations ceremony; the sage (Vasiha) will crown r Rma
even in the forest. Start expeditiously. Hearing this the ministers greeted him and had
the horses, chariots and elephants immediately equipped. Taking with him his wife,
Arundhat, and the requisites for Agnihotra* (offering oblations into the sacred fire) the
chief of sages, Vasiha, was the first to mount the chariot and led the way. Hosts of
Brhmaas, who were all repositories of austerity and spiritual glow followed in vehicles
of various kinds. The people of the city followed next; having equipped their own
conveyances they all left for Citrakua. All the queens journeyed in palanquins which
were lovely beyond words.
(14)
U fl U
U U U U U H 187H
Do.: sau pi nagara suci sevakani sdara sakala cali,

sumiri rma siya carana taba cale bharata dou bhi.187.
Leaving the city in the charge of faithful servants and respectfully sending the
whole party ahead, the two brothers, Bharata and atrughna, started last of all,
remembering the feet of r Rma and St.
(187)
0U U U U
U U
U
U
U U
U U UH
U U UH.1H
UU U U H
U H.2H
* In ancient times, as a general rule, every Brhmaa maintained the sacred fire and kept it
perpetually alive till his death, when he was cremated with the same fire. He carried it with him wherever he
went and poured oblations into it every morning and evening.
* AYODHY-KNA *
UU U UU
UU U
U U U L
fl U
UU UflL UH
U H.3H
U U U H
U U flH.4H
Cau.: rma darasa basa saba nara nr,

bana siya rmu samujhi mana mh,
dekhi
sanehu
loga
anurge,
ji
sampa
rkhi
nija
ol,
tta caRhahu ratha bali mahatr,
tumhare calata calihi sabu logu,
sira dhari bacana carana siru n,
tamas prathama divasa kari bsu,
janu kari karini cale taki br.

snuja
bharata
paydehi
jh.1.
utari cale haya gaya ratha tyge.
rma
mtu
mdu
bn
bol.2.
hoihi
priya
parivru
dukhr.
sakala soka ksa nahi maga jogu.3.
ratha caRhi calata bhae dou bh.
dusara
gomati
tra
nivsu.4.
535
Seized with a longing for the sight of r Rma, all the people, including both men
and women, headed with the same zeal as male and female elephants rush in pursuit
of water. Realizing in their heart that St and Rma were in the woods Bharata and
his younger brother journeyed on foot. Seeing their affection the people were overcome
with emotion and dismounting walked on foot, leaving their horses, elephants and
chariots. Going up to Bharata r Rmas mother (Kausaly) stopped her palanquin by
his side and spoke in soft accents, I adjure you by my life to mount the chariot, dear
child; or else all our near and dear ones will be put to trouble. If you walk on foot the
whole party will follow suit and you know they are all wasted with sorrow and hardly
fit to undertake the journey on foot. Reverently obeying her command and bowing their
head at her feet the two brothers mounted their chariot and proceeded on the journey.
They halted the first day on the bank of the Tamas* river and made the next halt on
the bank of the Gomat.
(14)
0 UU
U U U UUU H 188H
Do.: paya ahra phala asana eka nisi bhojana eka loga,
karata rma hita nema brata parihari bhuana bhoga.188.
Some of them lived on milk and some on fruits; while others took their meals by
night. Renouncing ornaments and luxuries they observed vows and fasts for the sake
of r Rma.
(188)
0 U U
U

U fl U
U U
U
UU U
U U UU
UU
UH
NU U U H.1H
U U U U H
U UH.2H
UU U U UH
fl UH.3H
* The Tamas (now popularly known by the name of Tons) is a branch of Ghghar which leaves that
river about 10 miles from Ayodhy and after flowing past the town of Azamgarh falls into the Sarayu.
536
UU UU U UU U UUH
U U UU U UUH.4H
Cau.: sa
tra
basi
cale bihne,
samcra
saba
sune
nid,
krana kavana bharatu bana jh,
jau pai jiya
na hoti kuil,
jnahi
snuja
rmahi
mr,
bharata
na
rjanti
ura n,
sakala
sursura
jurahi jujhr,
k caraju bharatu asa karah,
sgaberapura
saba
niarne.
hdaya
bicra karai sabid.1.
hai kachu kapaa bhu mana mh.
tau kata lnha saga kaak.2.
karau
akaaka rju sukhr.
taba kalaku aba jvana hn.3.
rmahi
samara
na
jtanihr.
nah bia beli amia phala pharah.4.
Halting on the bank of the Sa* river they resumed their journey at daybreak and
the whole party drew near to gaverapura. When the Nida chief (Guha) heard the
whole story, he anxiously thought within himself: What motive can Bharata have in
journeying to the woods? He must have some evil design at heart. If he had no
mischievous intention at heart, why should he have brought an army with him? He must
have thought that after killing Rma and his younger brother (Lakmaa) he would reign
peacefully and happily. But Bharata did not take to heart the maxims of sound polity;
latterly he brought on himself stigma alone but this time he will meet a sure death. If all
the warriors among the gods and demons combine against r Rma, even they will fail
to conquer him in battle. But what wonder that Bharata should behave as he is doing;
for venomous plants, after all, can never bear fruits of ambrosia.
(14)
0 U U UU UU
UflU UU U UUUH 189H

Do.: asa bicri guha gyti sana kaheu sajaga saba hohu,
hathav sahu
borahu
tarani
kjia
ghrohu.189.
Pondering thus Guha said to his kinsmen, Be alert all of you; collect the boats
and sink them and blockade the ghats (flight of steps leading to the river landingplace).
(189)
0UU
UU
U
U U
U U UU U
U
Sfl UUU U UU
U
U
UU
U
UM
UUU U UUH
UU UU H.1H
U U UUH
U H.2H
flUU fl UH
U U UH.3H
U U UH
U UMH.4H
* The Sa rises about midway between the Gomat and the Gag and falls into the former 10 miles
below the city of Jaunpur.
The site of the ancient gaverapura is marked by a village bearing the same name under the
modernized form Singraur 22 miles to the north-west of Allahabad. The Gag has changed its course and
only a small branch now flows through the old channel.
* AYODHY-KNA *
Cau.: hohu
sa joila
rokahu
gh,
sanamukha loha bharata sana leu,
samara maranu puni surasaritr,
bharata bhi npu mai jana ncu,
svmi kja karihau
rana rr,
tajau
prna
raghuntha nihore ,
sdhu samja na jkara lekh,
jya jiata jaga so
mahibhru,
537
hahu sakala marai ke h.

jiata na surasari utarana deu .1.
rma kju chanabhagu sarr.
baRe
bhga
asi
pia
mcu.2.
jasa dhavalihau bhuvana dasa cr.
duhu htha muda modaka more .3.
rma bhagata mahu jsu na rekh.
janan jaubana biapa kuhru.4.
Equip yourself and blockade the ghats; be prepared in everyway to face death. I
will encounter Bharata in open combat and would not let him cross the Gag so long
as there is life in me. To die in battle and that too on the bank of the Gag; and to lay
down this frail body in r Rmas cause! Then Bharata is r Rmas own brother and
a king; while I am an humble servant! It is through a great good fortune that one meets
with a death like this. In the cause of my master I will fight on the battlefield and will
brighten the fourteen spheres with my glory. I am going to lay down my life for the sake
of r Rma (the Lord of Raghus) and will be a gainer either way. (If I win the battle I
will have served the cause of my master, and if I die I will attain the eternal abode of
the Lord and his constant service.) He who is not reckoned among the virtuous and is
neither counted among r Rmas devotees, lives in vain in this world; he is a veritable
burden to the earth and an axe to the tree of his mothers youth.
(14)
U U UUU
U U U U U UH 190H
Do.: bigata bida nidapati sabahi baRhi uchhu,

sumiri rma mgeu turata tarakasa dhanua sanhu.190.
The Nida chief, who was not the least troubled at heart, encouraged all and, fixing
his thought on r Rma, forthwith demanded his quiver, bow and coat of mail.
(190)
0U
U
U
U UU UU
UU UU
U U U
U UU U U UU
U U

U
U U H
U Ufl UH.1H
U U M UUH
UU UH.2H
U UUH
U U U UU H.3H
U UUU UU H
H.4H
Cau.: begahu
bhihu
sajahu
sa jou,
bhalehi ntha saba kahahi sahara,
cale
nida
johri
johr,
sumiri rma pada pakaja panah,
a gar pahiri ku Ri sira dharah,
eka kusala ati
oRana kh Re,
suni
raji
ekahi
eka
sura
sakala
bhth b dhi
pharas b sa
kadari
na
kou.
baRhvai
kara.1.
rana
rucai
rr.
caRhinhi dhanah.2.
sela sama karah.
kudahi gagana manahu chiti ch Re.3.
538
nija nija
sju
samju ban, guha
dekhi subhaa saba lyaka jne, lai lai
rutahi
johre
j.
nma sakala sanamne.4.
Make haste, brethren, to get ready the necessary equipment; on hearing my

command, let no one shrink in fear. very well, my lord, they all joyfully responded, and
roused the spirit of one another. Greeting their chief one after another, the Nidas left;
they were all brave and loved to fight on the battlefield. Invoking the shoes of r Rmas
lotus feet they fastened their quiver and strung their bow. Nay, they donned their coat of
mail, placed the helmet on their head and straightened their axe, bludgeon and spear.
Some of them who were exceptionally clever at fencing, sprang with such agility that it
seemed they never touched the ground and moved in the air. Equipping themselves with
their weapons etc., and forming themselves into batches they all went up to their chief,
Guha, and greeted him. Seeing his gallant warriors and finding them all fit for active
service he addressed them, each by his name, and duly honoured them.
(14)
0U
flU U U
U U U U UUH 191H
Do.: bhihu lvahu dhokha jani ju kja baRa mohi,

suni saroa bole subhaa bra adhra na hohi.191.
Dont be treacherous (spare not your life), brethren; there is a great issue before
me today. At this the gallant warriors spiritedly exclaimed, Have patience, our brave
chieftain!
(191)
0U
U
fl U U UU
U
U U
U U
UU
U
fl U
U U U U
U U
UU U U UH
LU U UUH.1H
UU U UH
UU U UH.2H
UU UU UUH
U U UH.3H
U U UU UH
U U U H.4H
Cau.: rma pratpa ntha bala tore,

jvata pu na
pche dharah,
dkha nidantha
bhala olu,
etan kahata chka
bhai b e,
buRhu eku kaha saguna bicr,
rmahi bharatu
manvana jh,
suni guha kahai nka kaha buRh,
bharata subhu slu binu bujhe,
karahi kaaku binu bhaa binu ghore.

rua muamaya medini karah.1.
kaheu
baju
jujhu
holu.
kaheu sagunianha kheta suhe.2.
bharatahi milia na hoihi rr.
saguna kahai asa bigrahu nh.3.
sahas kari pachithi bimuRh.
baRi hita hni jni binu jujhe .4.
Through the majesty of r Rma and by your might, my lord, we shall leave no
fighting man or horse in the enemys ranks. We shall never retrace our steps so long as
there is life in us; nay, we shall strew the earth with the trunks and heads of fallen
warriors! The Nida chief saw that he had a good band of warriors and exclaimed,
Beat the martial drum. Even as he said so someone sneezed on the left. The sooth-
* AYODHY-KNA *
539
sayers said, The sneeze has come from an auspicious quarter! (The issue will be a happy
one.) An old man thought over the meaning of the omen and exclaimed, Let us go and
meet Bharata; there will be no conflict. Bharata is out to persuade r Rma to return.
The omen tells us that there will be no discord. On hearing this Guha said, The old man
says aright. Fools act precipitately and repent. If we come to a clash without knowing
Bharatas intentions and ascertaining his temper and disposition, we shall be doing much
harm to our own cause.
(14)
0U
U U U U U
U UUU H 192H
Do.: gahahu gha bhaa samii saba leu marama mili ji,
bujhi mitra ari madhya gati tasa taba karihau i.192.
Close up, all my warriors, and blockade the ghats till I meet Bharata and find out
what is in his mind. When I have ascertained his friendly, hostile or neutral attitude I shall
act accordingly after that.
(192)
U U
U U fl
U
U

U U
U
U

U U
L U U UH
H.1H
U U U UUU H
H.2H
U U U H
UU UU H.3H
UU U UH
U UL U H.4H
Cau.: lakhaba sanehu subhya

suhe ,
asa kahi bhe a sa jovana lge,
mna
pna
phna
purne,
milana sju saji milana sidhe,
dekhi duri te kahi nija nmu,
jni
rmapriya
dnhi
ass,
rma sakh suni sadanu tyg,
gau
jti
guha
nu
sun,
bairu prti nahi durai dure .

kada mula phala khaga mga mge.1.
bhari bhari bhra kahranha ne.
magala mula saguna subha pe.2.
knha munsahi daa pranmu.
bharatahi kaheu bujhi muns.3.
cale
utari
umagata
anurg.
knha johru mtha mahi l.4.
U
U
I shall test his love on the touchstone of his friendly disposition; for hatred and
love cannot be disguised even if one tries to do so. So saying he began to collect
articles for making a present and sent for bulbs, roots and fruits as well as birds and
deer. Men of the porter class also brought loads of fat and ripe fish of the Phna*
species. Thus equipping himself with presents he proceeded to meet Bharata and met
with auspicious and happy omens. As soon as he saw the chief of sages, Vasiha, he
mentioned his own name and prostrated himself before the sage from a distance. The
sage, who knew him to be a friend of r Rma, bestowed his blessing on him and told
Bharata in detail about him. Hearing that he was a friend of r Rma, Bharata alighted
* The Phna is said to be a kind of sea-fish, the Silurus Pelorius or Boalis.
540
from his chariot and, leaving it behind, advanced towards him with a heart overflowing
with love. Guha, on his part mentioned his village, caste and name and greeted him by
placing his head on the ground.
(14)
0U
Ufl U U U UU
U U NU H 193H
Do.: karata daavata dekhi tehi bharata lnha ura li,

manahu lakhana sana bhe a bhai premu na hdaya sami.193.
When Bharata saw him falling prostrate on the ground he lifted him and pressed
him to his bosom. He felt as if he had met Lakmaa and the surging emotion of his heart
could not be repressed.
(193)
0U U U

U
U U U
U U U
UU
U U UU U
U UU U
UU
UU UH
U UU U UU H.1H
UU U H
UU H.2H
UU UUH
fl UH.3H
U UU U UH
r H.4H
Cau.: bhe ata bharatu thi ati prt,

dhanya dhanya dhuni magala mul,
loka beda saba
bh tihi nc,
tehi bhari aka rma laghu bhrt,
rma rma kahi
je jamuhh,
yaha tau rma li ura lnh,
karamansa
jalu surasari parai,
ula nmu japata jagu jn,
loga sihhi
prema kai rt.
sura sarhi tehi barisahi phul.1.
jsu
ch ha
chui
leia
sc.
milata
pulaka
paripurita
gt.2.
tinhahi na ppa puja samuhh.
kula sameta jagu pvana knh.3.
tehi ko kahahu ssa nahi dhara.
blamki bhae brahma samn.4.
Bharata embraced him with great affection and the people admired the mode of his
love. Raising a jubilant cry of applause the gods extolled him and rained flowers on him.
This man is low in the eyes of the world as well as from the point of view of the Vedas,
so much so that one must bathe even on crossing his shadow. Yet r Rmas younger
brother, Bharata, has met him in close embrace, his body thrilling all over with joy. Hosts
of sins turn away from them who utter the name of Rma even while yawning. As for
this man he was embraced by r Rma Himself, who thereby bestowed on him and his
family the efficacy of sanctifying the whole world. When the water of the Karmans joins
the celestial stream (the Gag) tell me who would not place it on his head ! The whole
world knows how Vlmki became as good as Brahma (God Himself) by repeating the
name (Rma) in the reverse way (as Mar).
(14)
0Sfl
U U flU U
U U fl U U fl H 194H
* AYODHY-KNA *
541
Do.: svapaca sabara khasa jamana jaRa pva ra kola kirta,

rmu kahata pvana parama hota bhuvana bikhyta.194.
Even a pariah*, a abara (Bhla), a Khs, the stupid barbarian and the vile Kola
and Kirta get supremely sanctified and get renowned through all the spheres by uttering
the name of Rma.
(194)
0U U
U U U UU
UU
U
U U U
U U
U U UU

U U U
U UU UH
fl UUH.1H
U H
U UH.2H
UU fl U UUH
U U UH.3H
U H
U U UH.4H
Cau.: nahi aciriju juga juga cali ,

rma nma mahim sura kahah,
rmasakhahi mili bharata saprem,
dekhi bharata kara slu sanehu,
sakuca sanehu modu mana bRh,
dhari dhraju pada badi bahor,
kusala mula pada pakaja pekh,
aba prabhu parama anugraha tore ,
kehi na dnhi raghubra baR.

suni suni avadhaloga sukhu lahah.1.
pu ch kusala sumagala khem.
bh nida tehi samaya bidehu.2.
bharatahi citavata ekaaka hRh.
binaya saprema karata kara jor.3.
mai tihu kla kusala nija lekh.
sahita koi kula magala more .4.
It is no wonder; it has been so for ages. Who has not been exalted through contact
with the Hero of Raghus race? In this way the gods glorified r Rmas name and the
people of Ayodhy rejoiced as they heard the praise. Having thus met r Rmas friend
(Guha), Bharata lovingly enquired after his health, welfare and happiness. Seeing
Bharatas amiability and affection on that occasion the Nida forgot all about himself. His
bashfulness, love and souls delight grew; and he stood gazing at Bharata with unwinking
eyes. Collecting himself he bowed at Bharatas feet again and with joined palms lovingly
submitted, Now that I have beheld your lotus feet, which are the very fountain of
happiness, I have accounted myself blessed for all time. And now, my lord, by your
supreme grace my welfare is assured for millions of generations.
(14)
U U U
UU H 195H
Do.: samujhi mori karatuti kulu prabhu mahim jiya joi,

jo na bhajai raghubra pada jaga bidhi bacita soi.195.
Remembering my doings and my descent, on the one hand, and realizing the
* The word used in the original is vapaca (lit., one who cooks the flesh of a dog, i.e., lives on the
flesh of dogs; the Kolas and Kirtas are wild mountain tribes; the Khss are another hilly tribe inhabiting
Khasa, a hilly tract in Northern India).
542
Lords greatness on the other, he who does not devote himself to r Rmas feet has
been befooled in this world by Providence.
(195)
0U U

U U U
U
U
U
U U U U
UU UU U fl U
U
UU H
U fl U H.1H
U UU U H
U UU UH.2H
U UH
UUH.3H
UU
U
U
UH
U flH.4H
Cau.: kapa
kyara
kumati
kujt,
rma knha pana
jabah
te ,
dekhi prti suni binaya suh,
kahi nida nija nma subn,
jni lakhana sama
dehi ass,
nirakhi nidu nagara nara nr,
kahahi laheu ehi jvana lhu,
suni nidu nija bhga baR,
loka beda bhera saba bh t.

bhayau bhuvana bhuana tabah te .1.
mileu bahori bharata laghu bh.
sdara
sakala
johr
rn.2.
jiahu sukh saya lkha bars.
bhae sukh janu lakhanu nihr.3.
bhe eu rmabhadra bhari bhu.
pramudita mana lai caleu lev.4.
False, cowardly, evil-minded and low-born as I am and cast off from society as
well as from the fold of the Vedas in everyway, I have become the ornament of the world
ever since r Rma took me for his own. Seeing his affection and hearing his humble
submission Bharatas younger brother, atrughna, embraced him next. The Nida chief
then greeted all the dowager queens in polite and respectful terms, mentioning his name
each time. Treating him on the same footing as Lakmaa they gave him their blessing:
May you live happily for millions of years. The men and women of the city were as glad
to see the Nida chief as if they saw Lakmaa, and said, He has surely reaped the
reward of his existence in that our beloved Rma folded him in his arms. Hearing them
extol his good fortune the Nida chief led them with a cheerful heart.
(14)
0U
fl Sfl L
U L U U U H 196H
Do.: sanakre sevaka sakala cale svmi rukha pi,

ghara taru tara sara bga bana bsa banenhi ji.196.
Receiving a signal from him and learning their masters will all his attendants
dispersed; and in the houses, the foot of trees, ponds, orchards and groves they made
room for the guests to take up their lodging.
(196)
0UU
U

U
U
U U
UU
U
U
U H
U UH.1H
fl H
UH.2H
* AYODHY-KNA *
UU U U
U U U
U UU UU fl
U
U U
U
U
U
U
r U UUH
U UH.3H
fl UH
U U UH.4H
Cau.: sgaberapura bharata dkha jaba,

sohata
die
nidahi
lgu,
ehi bidhi bharata senu sabu sag,
rmagha kaha
knha pranmu,
karahi pranma nagara nara nr,
kari majjanu mgahi kara jor,
bharata kaheu surasari tava renu,
jori
pni
bara
mgau
ehu,
bhe saneha saba aga sithila taba.

janu tanu dhare binaya anurgu.1.
dkhi ji jaga pvani gag.
bh manu maganu mile janu rmu.2.
mudita brahmamaya bri nihr.
rmacadra pada prti na thor.3.
sakala sukhada sevaka suradhenu.
sya rma pada sahaja sanehu.4.
543
When Bharata beheld the town of gaverapura, all his limbs were overpowered
with emotion. Leaning on the Nida chief he presented a goodly sight; it appeared as
if meekness and love had taken a living form. In this way Bharata with all his army went
and saw the stream of the Gag, which purifies the whole world. He made obeisance
to the ghat where r Rma had bathed and said His prayers; and his soul was
enraptured as if he had met r Rma Himself. The men and women of the city bowed
low; they were glad to see the divine stream. Taking a dip into the river they begged with
joined palms to be favoured with abundant love for r Rmacandras feet. Bharata
exclaimed, Mother Gag! your sands are delightful to all and the very cow of plenty to
your devotees. With joined palms, therefore, I ask of you only one boon; viz., spontaneous
love for the feet of St and r Rma.
(14)
0U
U U U
U UU flH 197H
Do.: ehi bidhi majjanu bharatu kari gura anussana pi,

mtu
nahn
jni
saba
er
cale
lavi.197.
In this way after taking a dip into the Gag and receiving his Gurus commands,
and on learning that all his mothers had finished their bath he had the tents shifted. (197)
0U U U UU U
U fl U
U U U
U
fl
U U U
U U UU
U U
U U
Cau.: jaha
sura
taha
sev
U U U UH
U U U H.1H
U H
U U H.2H
UL U UH
U UH.3H
U U H
U U U H.4H
loganha er knh, bharata sodhu sabah kara lnh.

kari
yasu
p, rma mtu pahi
ge dou bh.1.
544
carana c pi kahi kahi mdu bn,
bhihi
sau pi
mtu sevak,
cale sakh kara so
kara jore ,
pu chata sakhahi so hu dekhu,

jaha siya rmu lakhanu nisi soe,
bharata bacana suni bhayau bidu,
janan sakala bharata sanamn.

pu
nidahi
lnha
bol.2.
sithila sarru saneha na thore .
neku nayana mana jarani juRu.3.
kahata bhare jala locana koe.
turata tah lai gayau nidu.4.
The people took up their lodgings at different places and Bharata made enquiries
about all. After worshipping the gods and taking leave of them the two brothers (Bharata
and atrughna) went up to r Rmas mother (Kausaly). Bharata showed respect to
all his mothers by kneading their feet and speaking to each in polite terms. Then
entrusting his brother with the service of his mothers he himself summoned the Nida
chief and went hand in hand with him, his body overpowered with excess of love. He
asked his friend to show him the spotand thereby soothe the agony of his eyes and
soul to some extentwhere St, r Rma and Lakmaa had slept at night. Even as
he spoke the corners of his eyes were filled with tears. The Nida chief was distressed
to hear Bharatas words and presently took him to the spot
(14)
0U
U UU
U U U UU U H 198H
Do.: jaha sisup punta tara raghubara kiya birmu,

ati saneha sdara bharata knheu daa pranmu.198.
Where the Chief of Raghus line had rested under a holy Aoka tree. With great
affection and reverence Bharata prostrated himself there.
(198)
0
U
UU U
U U U U
U
NU
U
UU U
U UU U
U
U
Z
U U H
U H.1H
U H
U H.2H
fl U U H
U UH.3H
U
U
UflH
U U U UZH.4H
Cau.: kusa
s thar
nihri
suh,
carana rekha raja khinha
l,
kanaka bidu dui crika dekhe,
sajala bilocana
hdaya galn,
rhata
sya
biraha
dutihn,
pit janaka deu paatara keh,
sasura bhnukula bhnu bhulu,
prnanthu
raghuntha
gos,
knha pranmu pradacchina j.

banai na kahata prti adhik.1.
rkhe ssa sya sama lekhe.
kahata sakh sana bacana subn.2.
jath avadha nara nri biln.
karatala bhogu jogu jaga jeh.3.
jehi
sihta
amarvatiplu.
jo baRa hota so rma baR.4.
Beholding a lovely litter of Kua grass he paced round it clockwise and made
obeisance. He also placed the dust of r Rmas footprints on his eyes with an excess
* AYODHY-KNA *
545
of love which could not be described in words. He saw there a few gold spangles, which
he placed on his head and treated them on a par with St. With tears in his eyes and
a heart full of remorse he spoke to his friend in sweet accents: These spangles have
lost their charm and appear lustreless due to their separation from St, even as the
people of Ayodhy, both men and women, are spent through sorrow. To whom shall I
liken her father, Janaka, who in this world is a master of asceticism and enjoyment both?
And she had for her father-in-law King Daaratha, the sun of the solar race, who was
the envy even of the lord of paradise (Indra). And her beloved lord is no other than Lord
r Rma, from whose glory all great ones derive their greatness!
(14)
fl U
UU NUU UUU UU U H 199H
Do.: pati devat sutya mani sya s thar dekhi,

biharata hdau na hahari hara pabi te kahina bisei.199.
Even as I gaze on the litter used by St, the jewel among virtuous women
devoted to their lord, my heart does not break in horror; it is harder than adamant,
my God.
(199)
0
U U
U
U
UU
U U UU
U U U
UU
U
U
UU
U U U
UU UH
UUU
UH.1H
U H
U U U UH.2H
M UH
U U U H.3H
UUUH
U U H.4H
Cau.: llana jogu lakhana laghu lone,

purajana priya pitu mtu dulre,
mdu murati
sukumra subhu,
te bana sahahi bipati saba bh t,
rma janami jagu knha ujgara,
purajana parijana gura pitu mt,
bairiu
rma
baR
karah,
srada
koi
koi
sata se,
bhe na bhi asa ahahi na hone.

siya
raghubrahi
prnapire.1.
tta bu tana lga na ku.
nidare koi kulisa ehi
cht.2.
rupa sla sukha saba guna sgara.
rma subhu sabahi sukhadt.3.
bolani milani binaya mana harah.
kari na sakahi prabhu guna gana lekh.4.
"And my younger brother, Lakmaa, is so comely and worth fondling; never was
there such a brother, nor is there, nor will be. Beloved of the people and the darling of
his parents, he is dear as life to both St and the Hero of Raghu's line. Nay, he is so
delicate of frame and tender of disposition and his body has never been exposed to hot
winds; yet he is bearing hardships of every kind in the woods. Oh! my breast has
outdone millions of thunderbolts. As for r Rma he has illumined the world by being
born in it; he is such an ocean of beauty, amiability, joy and all excellences. r Rma's
disposition is the delight of the people of Ayodhy and his own family, much more of his
preceptor and parents. Even enemies praise r Rma, who steals the heart by his polite
546
speech, agreeable manners and modesty of behaviour. Millions of rads (goddesses

of speech) and hundreds of millions of eas (serpent-gods) are unable to reckon up the
virtues of the Lord."
(14)
0SflM
U
fl U U flH 200H
Do.: sukhasvarupa raghubasamani magala moda nidhna,

te sovata kusa si mahi bidhi gati ati balavna.200.
"That jewel of Raghu's line, who is bliss personified and a mine of joy and
blessings, sleeps on the ground spreading the Kua grass on it! The ways of Providence
are inexorable indeed."
(200)
0U
U
U U

U
U U
fl
U UU U UU
flL fl UH
flU UH.1H
UUH
H.2H
U U U H
U U U H.3H
U H
U U UH.4H
Cau.: rma sun dukhu kna na

ku,
palaka nayana phani mani jehi bh t,
te aba phirata bipina padacr,
dhiga
kaika
amagala
mul,
mai dhiga dhiga agha udadhi abhg,
kula kalaku kari sjeu bidht ,
suni saprema samujhva nidu,
rma tumhahi priya tumha priya rmahi,
jvanataru
jimi
jogavai
ru.
jogavahi janani sakala dina rt.1.
kada mula phala phula ahr.
bhaisi prna priyatama pratikul.2.
sabu utaptu bhayau jehi lg.
sidoha
mohi
knha
kumt .3.
ntha karia kata bdi bidu.
yaha nirajosu dosu bidhi bmahi.4.
"r Rma had never heard any mention of sorrow; the king (our father) tended him
like the tree of life. Nay, all the mothers cherished him day and night even as the eyelids
protect the eyes or a serpent guards the gem on its head. The same Rma now wanders
through the forest on foot living on bulbs, roots, fruits and flowers. Accursed is Kaikey
(my mother), the root of evil, who turned hostile to him (her own husband) who was the
dearest object of her life. And twice accursed is my own wretched self, the ocean of sin
and the occasion of all trouble. While God created me as a blot on my family, my wicked
mother has made me the enemy of my master." Hearing this the Nida chief lovingly
comforted him: "Why should you lament in vain? r Rma is dear to you, and you are
dear to Rma: this is a settled fact, and the blame rests with an adverse fate." (14)
U0
U U U U flU
U U UU U UU UflUH
* AYODHY-KNA *
547
U U U U U
U U UH
cha.: bidhi
bma k karan kahina jehi mtu knh bvar,

tehi rti puni puni karahi prabhu sdara sarahan rvar.
tulas na tumha so rma prtamu kahatu hau sau he kie ,
parinma magala jni apane nie dhraju hie .
"Cruel indeed are the doings of an adverse fate, which drove mother Kaikey mad.
The Lord reverently praised you again and again that night. There is no one, says
Tulasdsa, so supremely dear to r Rma as you are: I declare this on oath. Therefore,
be assured that all will be well in the end and take courage in your heart."
0U
U
U U U U H 201H
So.: atarajm rmu sakuca saprema kpyatana,

calia karia birmu yaha bicri dRha ni mana.201.
"r Rma knows the heart of all; nay, He is an embodiment of tenderness,
affection and compassion. Considering this and summoning courage in your heart,
please go and take rest."
(201)
0 UU U U
U U U U
U U UU
U U U U
UUU
U
U
U
UU U
U U
UU
fl U UZ
U U U U
U UUH
U UH.1H
U U U H
U UH.2H
U U UU UH
U U UH.3H
U U H
Z fl UZH.4H
UU U U UH.5H
Cau.: sakh bacana suni ura dhari dhr,

yaha sudhi pi nagara nara nr,
paradakhin kari karahi pranm,
bhari bhari bri bilocana leh,
eka sarhahi
bharata
sanehu,
nidahi
pu
sarhi nidahi,
ehi bidhi rti logu sabu jg,
gurahi
sunva
caRhi suh,
bsa cale sumirata raghubr.

cale
bilokana
rata
bhr.1.
dehi
kaikaihi khori nikm.
bma
bidhtahi
duana
deh.2.
kou kaha npati nibheu nehu.
ko kahi sakai bimoha bidahi.3.
bh
bhinusra
gudr
lg.
na nva saba mtu caRh.4.
daa cri maha bh sabu pr, utari bharata taba sabahi sa bhr.5.
Bharata took comfort at the words of his friend and proceeded towards his
lodgings with his thoughts directed towards the Hero of Raghu's race. On receiving this
548
news the men and women of the city sallied forth to see the place (where r Rma had
slept one night) much distressed at heart. Pacing round the spot clockwise they made
obeisance to it and blamed Kaikey to their heart's content. Tears rushed to their eyes
again and again and they reproached cruel Fate. Some would praise Bharata's love, while
others said the king had vindicated his affection. They would reproach themselves and
praise the Nida chief; who can describe their confusion and woe? In this way they all
kept vigil overnight and at daybreak the passage across the river began. The Guru was
put on a good and handsome boat, and all the mothers on another newly-built one. In
an hour and a half everyone was taken across. When Bharata had alighted, he made sure
that all had come.
(15)
U UU L
UU H 202H
Do.: prtakriy kari mtu pada badi gurahi siru ni,

ge kie
nida
gana
dnheu
kaaku
cali.202.
Having finished the morning duties Bharata adored his mothers' feet and bowed
his head to the preceptor, and keeping a party of the Nidas ahead started the whole
host.
(202)
0U
Z
U
UUU
U
fl
U
U
UU fl
UU U
U
U

U U U U U
U
ZH
U U fl U UH.1H
U U UH
U UUH.2H
U Sfl flUH
U U U H.3H
fl U UUH
fl UU H.4H
Cau.: kiyau
nidanthu
agu,
stha boli bhi laghu dnh,
pu
surasarihi knha pranmu,
gavane
bharata
paydehi pe,
kahahi
susevaka
brahi
br,
rmu
paydehi
pya
sidhe,
sira bhara ju ucita asa mor,
dekhi bharata gati suni mdu bn,
mtu
plak
sakala
cal.
bipranha sahita gavanu gura knh.1.
sumire lakhana sahita siya rmu.
kotala
saga
jhi
orie.2.
hoia
ntha
asva
asavr.
hama kaha ratha gaja bji bane.3.
saba te sevaka dharamu kahor.
saba sevaka gana garahi galn.4.
He made the Nida chief lead the van and then started the palanquins carrying
the queen-mothers, and summoning his younger brother (atrughna) told him off as
their escort. The Guru proceeded next alongwith the other Brhmaas. He himself then
made obeisance to the celestial river, invoked St, Rma and Lakmaa and set
forth on foot; Horse while empty saddle wise led by the bridle alongwith him. Again and
again his faithful servants said, "Be pleased, sire,to mount your horse." "r Rma
has gone on foot; while chariots, elephants and horses are intended for me! What
behoves me is that I should walk on my head; most diflicaly for of servan." Seeing his
* AYODHY-KNA *
549
behaviour and hearing his polite speech all his servants melted out of a feeling of selfdisparagement.
(14)
0U
U UU U U
U U U U U UH 203H
Do.: bharata tsare pahara kaha knha prabesu prayga,

kahata rma siya rma siya umagi umagi anurga.203.
Bharata entered the limits of Prayga (the area surrounding the confluence of the
Gag and Yamun near Allahabad) in the afternoon; overflowing with love he cried
"Rma, St!" "Rma, St!" even as he went.
(203)
0
U
U
U

U U U
U U
S fl UU
UU
U U

H
U H.1H
U U H
UU H.2H
UU U U UH
U H.3H
U U U UH
UU H.4H
Cau.: jhalak jhalakata pyanha kaise ,

bharata
paydehi
e
ju,
khabari lnha saba loga
nahe,
sabidhi
sitsita
nra nahne,
dekhata symala dhavala halore,
sakala
kmaprada
tratharu,
mgau bhkha tygi nija dharamu,
asa jiya
jni
sujna sudn,
pakaja kosa osa kana jaise .

bhayau dukhita suni sakala samju.1.
knha
pranmu
tribenihi
e.
die dna mahisura sanamne.2.
pulaki sarra bharata kara jore.
beda bidita jaga pragaa prabhu.3.
rata kha na karai kukaramu.
saphala karahi jaga jcaka bn.4.
The blisters on the soles of his feet glistened like dew-drops on a lotus bud. The
whole company was grieved to hear that Bharata had made the day's march on foot.
After ascertaining that all had finished their ablutions, he repaired to the confluence of
the Gag, Yamun and Sarasvat and did homage to it. He bathed in white and dark
waters with due ceremony and honoured the Brhmaas bestowing gifts on them. As
he watched the coming of the dark and white waves Bharata felt a thrill of joy over his
body and he joined his palms in prayer: "You are the bestower of all desired objects,
O king of sacred places; your glory is known to the Vedas and manifest throughout the
world. Abandoning the course of conduct prescribed for a Katriya I beg alms of you
as what vile act is there that an afflicted soul would not stoop to? Realizing this in their
heart of hearts the wise and generous donors accomplish in this world the prayer of the
suppliant.
(14)
0U
U L UU U
U U U U H 204H
550
Do.: aratha na dharama na kma ruci gati na cahau nirabna,

janama janama rati rma pada yaha baradnu na na.204.
"I have no liking for wealth nor for religious merit nor for sensuous enjoyment nor
again do I seek the state of perfect and perpetual calm. Birth after birth let me have
devotion to r Rma's feet: this is the only boon I ask and nought else."
(204)
0U U U U U
U U U U
U U UU
UU U U
U U U
U
U U
UU U
Cau.: jnahu
st
rma
rma
kuila
kari
moh, loga
carana
rati
more , anudina
jaladu janama bhari surati

ctaku
kanakahi
UU U U UH
UU U UH.1H
U UUUH
U H.2H
UH
H.3H
U U U H
U UU U UH.4H
raani
ghae
bisrau, jcata
ghai
j, baRhe
kahau
gura
baRhau
jalu
shiba
anugraha
droh.
tore .1.
pabi
phana rau.
premu saba bh ti bhal.2.
bna caRhai jimi dhe , timi priyatama pada nema nibhe .
bharata bacana suni mjha triben, bhai mdu bni sumagala den.3.
tta bharata tumha saba bidhi sdhu, rma carana anurga agdhu.
bdi galni karahu mana mh, tumha sama rmahi kou priya nh.4.
"Let r Rma take me for a wicked fellow, and let the people call me an enemy
of my preceptor and master. All the same by your grace may my devotion to the feet of
St and r Rma grow day by day. The cloud may neglect the Ctaka bird all its life
and on its asking water may discharge thunderbolt and hail. But the bird will fall in the
estimation of others if it ceases to call out to the cloud. It will gain in everyway only by
intensifying its love for the latter. Just as gold gets brighter by being put into the fire, even
so the lover shines by sticking to his vow of devotion to the feet of his most beloved
lord." In response to Bharata's prayer there came a sweet and benedictory utterance
from the midst of the Trive: "Dear Bharata, you are pious in everyway and your love
for r Rma's feet is unbounded. In vain do you harbour depressing thoughts in your
mind; there is no one so dear to Rma as you are."
(14)
U U UU
U U U UU U H 205H
Do.: tanu pulakeu hiya harau suni beni bacana anukula,

bharata dhanya kahi dhanya sura haraita baraahi phula.205.
A thrill ran through Bharata's body and his soul rejoiced to hear the agreeable
words of the (deity presiding over) Trive. Exclaiming "Bharata is praiseworthy, all praise
to him!" the gods joyfully rained flowers.
(205)
* AYODHY-KNA *
0
UU
fl
UU UU
U U
U U
UU UU
U
L U
U U U U
U U U
Cau.: pramudita
551
U U UH
U U H.1H
Um U U H
U H.2H
U U H
U U UH.3H
U H
U U U H.4H
tratharja
nivs, baikhnasa
bau
gh
uds.
kahahi parasapara mili dasa pc, bharata sanehu slu suci s c.1.
sunata rma guna
grma suhe, bharadvja
munibara
daa pranmu karata munidekhe, muratimata

lnhe, dnhi
bhgya
nija
lekhe.2.
uhi
li
ura
sanu
dnha
ni
siru baihe, cahata sakuca gha janu bhaji paihe.3.

rii
ktratha
e.
dhi
muni pu chaba kachu yaha baRa socu, bole
assa
pahi
lakhi
slu
knhe.
sa kocu.
sunahu bharata hama saba sudhi p, bidhi karataba para kichu na bas.4.
The inhabitants of Prayga (the king of sacred places), including anchorites,

religious students, householders and recluses, were transported with joy. same persons
gathered together and said to one another, "Bharata's affection and amiability are
artless and genuine." Hearing of r Rma's charming virtues he came to the great
sage Bharadvja. The sage saw him falling prostrate before him and looked upon him
as his own good-luck personified. Running up and lifting him the sage clasped him to
his bosom and gratified him by bestowing his blessing on him. Offered a seat by the
sage he sat down with his head bent low, as if he would run away and hide his face
in a den of bashfulness. He felt much perturbed at the thought that the sage might
ask him any question. Seeing his amiability and confusion of mind the sage said to
him, "Listen, Bharata! I have already heard everything; but we have no control over the
doings of Fate.
(14)
0U UU U
U U U H 206H
Do.: tumha galni jiya jani karahu samujhi mtu karatuti,
tta kaikaihi dosu nahi ga gir mati dhuti.206.
"Be not distressed at heart by the thought of what your mother has done. It is no
fault of Kaikey, dear child; it was the goddess of speech who deluded her mind." (206)
0UU U UU
UU
U
UU UU

U U
U U
U U
H
UH.1H
UH
UH.2H
552
U fl U
fl U
UU
UU U
UU U UU
Sfl H
U U UH.3H
U H
UU U H.4H
Cau.: yahau kahata bhala kahihi na kou,

tta tumhra
bimala
jasu g,
loka beda samata sabu kaha,
ru
satyabrata tumhahi bol,
rma gavanu bana anaratha mul,
so
bhv
basa
rni
ayn,
taha u
tumhra alapa apardhu,
karatehu rju ta tumhahi na dou,
loku bedu budha samata dou.

pihi
lokau
bedu
baR.1.
jehi pitu dei rju so laha.
deta rju sukhu dharamu baR.2.
jo suni sakala bisva bhai sul.
kari kucli atahu
pachitn.3.
kahai so adhama ayna asdhu.
rmahi
hota
sunata
satou.4.
"Nobody would approve of it even if I said so; for the wise recognize worldly
opinion as well as the judgment of the Vedas. By singing your unsullied glory, however,
the world and the Vedas both will be exalted. The world as well as the Vedas admit it
and everyone says that of king's sons he alone gets the throne on whom his father
bestows it. The king, who was above all true to his vow, would have called you and
bestowed the kingdom on you; and this would have brought him joy, religious merit and
glory. But the root of all trouble was Rma's exile to the forest and the whole universe
was pained to hear of it. It was, however, as fate would have it; much as the foolish
queen (Kaikey) did wrong, she now repents for it. But he who lays the least blame for
it on you is vile, ignorant and wicked. Even if you accepted the sovereignty no blame
would attach to you and even Rma would have been gratified to hear of it." (14)
0 UU U UU U U
UU U UH 207H
Do.: aba ati knhehu bharata bhala tumhahi ucita mata ehu,
sakala sumagala mula jaga raghubara carana sanehu.207.
"But what you have done now is excellent; your standpoint is quite justified. For
devotion to r Rma's feet is the root of all choice blessings in the world."
(207)
0 U U
fl
U U U
U U UU U
U U
U
U
U U U UU
U UU U
U U U U
U UU H
U U H.1H
U U UH
UU UU H.2H
UU UU UH
fl U U H.3H
U UUH
U U U UH.4H
Cau.: so tumhra dhanu jvanu prn, bhuribhga ko tumhahi samn.

yaha tumhra caraju na tt, dasaratha suana rma priya bhrt.1.
* AYODHY-KNA *
sunahu bharata raghubara manamh ,
lakhana rma stahi ati prt,
jn maramu
nahta prayg,
tumha para asa sanehu raghubarake ,
yaha na adhika raghubra baR,
tumha tau bharata mora mata ehu,
553
pema ptru tumha sama kou nh.

nisi saba tumhahi sarhata bt.2.
magana hohi tumhare anurg.
sukha jvana jaga jasa jaRa nara ke .3.
pranata kuuba pla raghur.
dhare deha janu rma sanehu.4.
"And that is your wealth and life, nay, your vital breath. Who is, then, so highly
blessed as you? This is, however, not to be wondered at in your case, who are a son
of King Daaratha and a beloved brother of Rma. I tell you, Bharata, there is no one
held so dear in his heart by the Chief of Raghu's line as you. Lakmaa, Rma and St
most fondly praised you the whole night. I came to know the secret only when they were
bathing at Prayga; they would feel overwhelmed with love for you. The Chief of Raghu's
line cherishes the same love for you as a fool does for a life of ease in this world. This
is, however, no great tribute to the Hero of Raghu's race, who cherishes the whole family
of the suppliant. As for yourself, Bharata, my opinion is that you are the very incarnation
of love for Rma."
(14)
0U
U U U U U UU
U U h U U U H 208H
Do.: tumha kaha bharata kalaka yaha hama saba kaha upadesu,
rma bhagati rasa siddhi hita bh yaha samau ganesu.208.
What, to your mind, constitutes a slur on you is a lesson to us all. The
present occasion has proved very propitious for preparing elixir in the form of
devotion of Rma."
(208)
0fl U
U U
UU
U
U
U

U U
U
UU
U U U
UU U UH
UU H.1H
U UU UUUH
U U UUH.2H
U fl U H
U UH.3H
U H
U U UH.4H
Cau.: nava bidhu bimala tta jasu tor,

udita sad a thaihi kabahu n,
koka
tiloka
prti
ati
karih,
nisi dina sukhada sad saba khu,
purana
rma
supema piyu,
rmabhagata aba amia
aghhu ,
bhupa
bhagratha
surasari n,
dasaratha guna gana barani najh,
raghubara kikara kumuda cakor.

ghaihi na jaga nabha dina dina dun.1.
prabhu pratpa rabi chabihi na harih.
grasihi na kaikai karatabu rhu.2.
gura avamna doa nahi du.
knhehu sulabha sudh basudhhu .3.
sumirata sakala sumagala khn.
adhiku kah jehi sama jaga nh.4.
"Your glory, dear child, is a new type of spotless moon as it were; while Rma's
devotees are like so many water-lilies (that open only in moonlight) and Cakora birds
554
(that are equally fond of the moon). It shall always remain above the horizon and shall
never set; nay, it shall never wane and shall ever wax in the heavens of this world. The
Cakravka bird in the shape of the three worlds shall cherish great love for it, while the
sun in the shape of the Lord's glory shall never rob it of its splendour. It shall ever
delight everyone by day as well as by night and the demon Rhu in the form of
Kaikey's doings shall never eclipse it. It is full of nectar in the form of ideal love for
Rma and is untarnished by any stain resulting from a wrong done to the Guru.* Let
Rma's devotees now enjoy nectar to their heart's content since you have made it so
easy of access even on earth. Of your forbears King Bhagratha brought down the
celestial river, the very thought of which is a fountain of all choice blessings. As for
Daaratha's virtues they are more than one can describe. In the world there is none else
even equal to you how then any one can be superior to you.
(14)
U U U
UU U U U U H 209H
Do.: jsu saneha sakoca basa rma pragaa bhae i,

je hara hiya nayanani kabahu nirakhe nah aghi.209.
"Won by his affection and meekness r Rma Himself appeared on earthRma
whom even iva always saw him with his mental eyes but never satiated."
(209)
0U U U
UU
U U U U UU
U Ufl
U U MH
UUU UU U H.1H
U UUUH
U U flH.2H
* It is mentioned in the Puras that Bhaspati, the preceptor of the gods, on one occasion, when he
was returning from a bath in the Gag, found his wife, Tr, with the moon-god and threw his dripping robe
at him and hit him in the face, thus causing the spots that are still to be seen there.
The descent of the celestial river, Gag, to the earth is associated with the name of King
Bhagratha, who is said to have practised austere penance for 1000 years and eventually succeeded in
bringing down the stream. The Puras tell us how King Sagara, an ancestor of the illustrious Bhagratha,
performed a horse sacrifice. The horse released by the king prior to the sacrifice was.
King Sagara's sons, 60,000 in number, went out in quest of the horse and dug the earth on all sides.
While digging the earth in the north-east they found the horse by the side of the divine sage Kapila, who sat
absorbed in meditation in the nether regions. The foolish and haughty princes took the sage for a thief and
abusing him right and left ran to assault him. The sage now opened his eyes and lo! as a result of their offence
the princes were instantly reduced to ashes by a fire which emanated from their body.
King Sagara had another son, Asamajasa by name. His son, Aumn, who was much devoted to
his grandfather, proceeded in search of the horse under orders of the king, and found the animal near the
ashes of his uncles. He also beheld the great sage Kapila and supplicated to him. The sage, who was
pleased with his prayer, told him that the horse belonged to his grandfather and asked him to take it back. The
sage further told him about the death of his uncles and added that the latter could attain salvation only if their
remains could be washed by the Gag . Aumn took the horse to his grandfather, who duly performed the
horse sacrifice and then retired to the woods after installing his grandson on the throne of Ayodhy.
King Aumn and his son Dilpa successively practised austere for a number of years with a view to
bringing the Gag down to the mortal plane, but in vain Dilpa's son, Bhagratha, at last succeeded in
bringing the stream to the earth and took it to the place, where his uncles had lain in the form of ashes. The
moment the water of the Gag touched their remains their spirits were absolved from the sin of insulting a
holy sage and ascended to heaven. Such is the glory of the Gag, which is stated to have emanated from the
feet of Bhagavn Viu Himself.
* AYODHY-KNA *
U U U UU
U U
UU

U UUH
U H.3H
UU U UH
U UH.4H
Cau.: krati bidhu tumha knha anup,

tta
galni
karahu
jiya
je ,
sunahu bharata hama jhuha nakahah,
saba sdhana kara suphala suhv,
tehi phala kara phalu darasatumhr,
bharata dhanya tumha jasu jagujayau,
suni muni bacana sabhsadaharae,
dhanya dhanya dhuni gaganapayg,
jaha
basa rma pema mgarup.
arahu
daridrahi
prasu
pe .1.
udsna
tpasa
bana
rahah.
lakhana rma siya darasanu pv.2.
sahita payga subhga hamr.
kahi asa pema magana muni bhayau.3.
sdhu sarhi sumana sura barae.
suni suni bharatu magana anurg.4.
555
"You have created the peerless moon of your glory, which bears on it the figure
of a deer* in the shape of love for Rma. You feel distressed at heart, dear son, for no
purpose: you fear poverty even though you have found the philosopher's stone. Listen,
BharataI tell no falsehood, I am an ascetic dwelling in the forest and having no concern
with the worldI obtained the happy and excellent reward of all spiritual practices when
I saw Lakmaa, Rma and St. The reward of that reward itself is your sight, It is great
fortune for prayaga as well as all of us. Bharata, you deserve all praise since by your
glory you have conquered the whole world. As he concluded his speech the sage was
overwhelmed with love. Those who were assembled there rejoiced to hear the sages
words, while the gods acclaimed Bharata and rained flowers on him. Even as Bharata
heard the shouts of applause in the heavens as well as in Prayga he was overwhelmed
with emotion.
(14)
U U ULU
U UU H 210H
Do.: pulaka gta hiya rmu siya sajala saroruha naina,

kari pranmu muni maalihi bole gadagada baina.210.
Experiencing a thrill of joy all over his body, with his heart full of St and Rma
and his lotus eyes wet with tears he made obeisance to the conclave of sages and thus
spoke in a voice choked with emotion:
(210)
0
L UU
U U U
U
UU
U U U
U
UL UU U
U U
U H
U H.1H
UU
U
UUH
U U H.2H
U U U U H
U U U H.3H
* The spot in the moon is represented by the Hindus as a deer even as it is presented in European
nurseries as the form of a man.
556
U UU U U fl H
U U U UU UH.4H
Cau.: muni
samju
aru
tratharju,
ehi thala jau kichu kahia ban,
tumha sarbagya kahau satibhu,
mohi na mtu karataba kara socu,
nhina aru
bigarihi paraloku,
sukta sujasa bhari bhuana suhe,
rma biraha taji tanu chanabhagu,
rma lakhana siya binu paga panah,
s cihu
sapatha aghi akju.
ehi sama adhika na agha adham.1.
ura
atarajm
raghuru.
nahi dukhu jiya jagu jnihi pocu.2.
pitahu marana kara mohi na soku.
lachimana rma sarisa suta pe.3.
bhupa soca kara kavana prasagu.
kari muni bea phirahi bana banah.4.
"Here is an assembly of sages and we stand at a place which is known as the king
of sacred places. Great harm will come to a man if he states even a fact on oath at such
a place. And if one tells a lie there will be no greater sin and depravity. I speak out the
truth knowing as I do that you are all-wise, while the Lord of Raghus has access to the
inmost recesses of one's heart. Do not mind I am not semful for what my mother has done
nor am I troubled at heart over the thought that the world will look upon me as mean.
I fear not lest I should spoil my future life nor do I grieve over my father's death, whose
meritorious deeds and fair renown shine forth throughout the universe, who had sons like
Lakmaa and r Rma, and who quitted his frail body as a result of his separation from
r Rma. Thus there is hardly any occasion for lamentation on his account. What pains
me is that dressing themselves as hermits r Rma, Lakmaa and St roam from forest
to forest without shoes on their feet.
(14)
0 U U
L U U U U H 211H
Do.: ajina basana phala asana mahi sayana si kusa pta,
basi taru tara nita sahata hima tapa bara bta.211.
"Clad in deerskin, living on bare fruits, reposing on the ground overspread with
Kua grass and leaves and halting under trees they ever endure cold and sunshine, rain
and storm!"
(211)
0U U U U
U U U U
U
U U U
U U UU U UU
U U U
U
UU
U UH
U Sfl UH.1H
U UU U U H
U fl U U H.2H
UUUH
fl U UH.3H
U U U UH
UU U H.4H
Cau.: ehi dukha dha dahai dina cht,

ehi kuroga kara auadhu nh,
mtu kumata baRha agha mul,
kali kukha kara knha kujatru,
bhukha na bsara nda na rt.

sodheu sakala bisva mana mh.1.
tehi hamra hita knha ba sul.
gRi avadhi paRhi kahina kumatru.2.
* AYODHY-KNA *
mohi lagi yahu kuhu tehi h,
miai
kujogu
rma
phiri e ,
bharata bacana suni muni sukhu p,
tta
karahu jani socu bise,
557
ghlesi saba jagu brahab.

basai avadha nahi na upe .3.
sabahi knhi bahu bh ti baR.
saba dukhu miihi rma paga dekh.4.
"It is this burning agony which is ever consuming my breast, so that I feel no appetite
by day and get no sleep at night. For this fell disease there is no remedy: I have mentally
ransacked the whole world. My mother's evil counsel was like a sinful carpenter, who used
my interests as an adze and fashioned out of the inauspicious wood of discord a destructive
magical contrivance and muttering the terrible malevolent spell of (r Rma's) exile for a
fixed term (of fourteen years) planted it (in the soil of Ayodhy).* It is for my sake that she
employed this infamous contrivance and brought ruin on the whole world. This calamity will
cease only when r Rma returns; by no other means can Ayodhy thrive again." The
sage (Bharadvja) was gratified to hear Bharata's words and everyone applauded him in
ways more than one. "Grieve not much, dear child; all your woes will disappear the moment
you behold r Rma's feet."
(14)
0U
U UU UU
U U U UUH 212H
Do.: kari prabodhu munibara kaheu atithi pemapriya hohu,

kada mula phala phula hama dehi lehu kari chohu.212.
After comforting him (thus) the chief of the sages, Bharadvja, said, "Be my
beloved guest and deign to accept the bulbs, roots, fruits and flowers that we may
offer you."
(212)
0 U U
L U U UU
U U U UU
U U
U
U U U
U U U U
U U U fl
U Z
U flU U H
U U UH.1H
U U U UUH
fl U H.2H
U H
H.3H
U flH
U UU ZH.4H
Cau.: suni muni bacana bharata hiya socu,

jni
garui
gura
gir bahor,
sira dhari yasu karia tumhr,
bharata bacana munibara mana bhe,
chia
knhi
bharata
pahun,
bhalehi ntha kahi tinha sira ne,
munihi soca phuna baRa nevat,
suni ridhi sidhi animdika ,
bhayau kuavasara kahina sa kocu.

carana badi bole kara jor.1.
parama dharama yahu ntha hamr.
suci sevaka sia nikaa bole.2.
kada mula phala nahu j.
pramudita nija nija kja sidhe.3.
tasi puj chia jasa devat.
yasu
hoi
so
karahi
gos.4.
* This evidently refers to a magical contrivance, intended to drive out an enemy from his home, in
which wood is cut during a particular period from the tree known as the helleric myrobalan and after
fashioning a pin out of it the same is planted in the enemy's house with the recitation of some spells. This is
believed to bring the desired result.
558
On hearing the sage's words Bharata was troubled at heart; for he was faced with
a hard puzzle at a difficult time. Then, realizing the the importance of what the elder's say
he adored the sage's feet and replied with joined palms, "Your orders must be respectfully
obeyed; this is my paramount duty, my lord." Bharata's reply pleased the great sage
(Bharadvja), who called his trusty servants and pupils by his side. "Bharata ought to be
entertained; therefore, go and bring bulbs, roots and fruits." They bowed their heads with
the words 'very well, sir!' and most gladly proceeded to take charge of their respective
duties. The sage anxiously thought that he had invited a distinguished guest and that a
deity must be worshipped according to his or her rank. Hearing of this riches of various
kinds (R
. iddhis) and supernatural powers (Siddhis) like Aim (the power of assuming
atomic size) appeared (in a visible form) and said, "We are prepared to do your bidding,
O lord."
(14)
0U
UU U U
U U UUU U UH 213H
Do.: rma biraha bykula bharatu snuja sahita samja,

pahun kari harahu rama kah mudita munirja.213.
"Bharata as well as his younger brother (atrughna) and the whole company are
distressed due to their separation from Rma. Entertain them and relieve them of their
fatigue," the great sage gladly said.
(213)
0U U U U
UU
UU
U
U UU LU U
U U

U
U
U U
U U H
U H.1H
U U H
U U H.2H
UU U H
fl UUU U UH.3H
UU U UH
U L UH.4H
Cau.: ridhi sidhi sira dhari munibara bn,

kahahi parasapara sidhi samud,
muni pada badi karia soi ju,
asa kahi raceu rucira gha nn,
bhoga bibhuti bhuri bhari rkhe,
ds
dsa
sju
saba lnhe,
saba samju saji sidhi pala mh,
prathamahi bsa die saba keh,
baRabhgini
puhi
anumn.
atulita atithi rma laghu bh.1.
hoi sukh saba rja samju.
jehi
biloki
bilakhhi
bimn.2.
dekhata jinhahi amara abhile.
jogavata rahahi manahi manu dnhe .3.
je sukha surapura sapanehu nh.
sudara sukhada jath ruci jeh.4.
The riches and supernatural powers in their embodied forms bowed to the
command of the great sage and deemed themselves highly favoured. The Siddhis said
to one another, "r Rma's younger brother (Bharata) is a guest beyond compare.
Bowing at the sage's feet let us do that which may gratify the whole of the royal party.
So saying they erected beautiful dwellings of various patterns, which put to shame by their
appearance the aerial cars of gods. They were replete with abundant luxuries and
* AYODHY-KNA *
559
splendours, which were coveted by immortals. Equipped with necessaries of all kinds
men-servants and maid-servants remained in attendance focussing their attention on the
pleasure of the guests. The Siddhis provided in an instant all the amenities which cannot
be dreamt of even in heaven. First of all they assigned to each of the guests quarters
that were charming and comfortable and suited to the taste of the occupant.
(14)
0UU U U U U U
fl U UH 214H
Do.: bahuri saparijana bharata kahu rii asa yasu dnha,
bidhi bisamaya dyaku bibhava munibara tapabala knha.214.
Thereafter Bharata and his family were assigned quarters; for such were the
instructions given by the sage. By dint of his penance the great sage pravede wealth that
astonished the Creator (Brahm) himself.
(214)
0 U U
U

U

U U UL U
U U U
d

H
U UU H.1H
U U H
H.2H
H
H.3H
U U UH
UU H.4H
Cau.: muni prabhu jaba bharata bilok,

sukha samju nahi ji bakhn,
sana sayana
subasana bitn,
surabhi phula phala amia samn,
asana pna suci amia am se,
sura surabh surataru sabah ke ,
ritu basata baha tribidha bayr,
sraka cadana banitdika bhog,
saba laghu lage lokapati lok.

dekhata
birati
bisrahi
gyn.1.
bana bik bihaga mga nn.
bimala jalsaya bibidha bidhn.2.
dekhi loga sakucta jam se.
lakhi abhilu suresa sac ke .3.
saba kaha sulabha padratha cr.
dekhi haraa bisamaya basa log.4.
When Bharata beheld the sage's power, the realms of all the rulers of the spheres
looked small in his eyes. The luxuries were more than one could describe; the wise
would forget their dispassion on seeing them. There were seats and couches, drapery,
canopies, groves and gardens, birds and beasts of different species, sweet-scented
flowers and fruits tasting like ambrosia, many a lake and pond of limpid water, foods and
drinks of an undefiled and innocent character, which were more delicious than nectar
and ambrosia, and which the guests would hesitate to accept like so many ascetics.
Every house was supplied with a celestial cow (the cow of plenty) and a tree of paradise;
Indra (the king of gods) and his consort, ac, grew covetous at their sight. It was the
vernal season and a cool, fragrant and gentle breeze was blowing. Everyone had all the
four prizes of life (viz., religious merit, worldly riches, sensuous enjoyment and final
beatitude) within ones easy reach. At the sight of luxuries like garlands, sandal-paste
and women the guests were overcome by a mixed feeling of joy and sorrow (joy at the

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1318

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among the classics of the worlds literature. It is a specimen of most

world. It was considered to be the best work on Devotion by Mahtm

example of the perfect book by foreign scholars. It is universally accepted

the Narmad. According to an old Christian missionary, who is no more in

had mastered every line that Tulasdsa had written.

available and was published in Kalyana-Kalpataru in three instalments as the

special number of the magazine.

For the first time in 1968 it was published in a consolidated formthe

book is in the hands of the readers.

krati kalita lalita siya p k.

The wealth of sages; yet what not

5. Contrast between saints and the

15. Dialogue between the sages

19. Sats self-immolation through the fire

dialogue between iva and

29. Causes of r Rmas Descent ........ 128

austerities, opulence and

43. Janakas ecstasy of love at the

48. Sts entry into the pavilion ............. 240

35. The piteous appeal of mother Earth

54. Arrival of Paraurma, exchange of

36. The Lords compassion on them ....... 185

hot words between Lakmaa and

37. King Daarathas sacrifice for the

Paraurma and r Rmas triumph

birth of a son and his Queens

asks for r Rma and

55. Janakas despatching of messengers

75. Dialogue between Lakmaa and

99. Vasihas speech ............................. 577

the Nida chief; the love of Bharata

100. Dialogue between r Rma, Bharata

and the citizens of Ayodhy for

101. King Janakas arrival at Citrakua; the

92. Bharadvja shows hospitality to

and Sunayan (king Janakas wife);

93. Dialogue between Indra and his

103. Dialogue between king Janaka and

94. Bharata on his way to Citrakua ....... 547

104. Dialogue between king Janaka and

95. Sts dream; the Kolas and Kirtas bring

Bharata; Indras anxiety; Goddess

r Rmas concern at the report;

105. Dialogue between the sage Vasiha,

96. r Rma admonishes Lakmaa

106. Bharata deposits the sacred waters;

97. Bharata takes a dip in the Mandkin

107. Dialogue between r Rma and

and arrives at Citrakua; Bharata and

Bharata; the gift of sandals; Bharatas

others meet one another, mourn the

farewell ............................................... 632

kings death and perform his rddha

enthrones the sandals and takes up

115. Sutkas love and r Rmas meeting

enters into the fire leaving Her