Sree MadValmiki Ramayanam
( Translation and Commentary by Scholar,
Sreeman Brahmasree Desiraju Hanumantharao ji
and Sreeman Brahmasree K M K Murthy ji )
Sree MadValmiki Ramayanam
Valmiki Ramayana - Ayodhya Kanda in Prose
Sarga 76
Vasistha advises Bharata to stop lamenting and to perform the last rites of the king. Bharata then places the body of Dasaratha on a couch, taking it out from the vessel where it had been immersed in oil and proceeds with the funeral rites. The appointed priests, attendants, people of the city and the weeping royal women followed the funeral pile of the king to the banks of Sarayu River where the body was cremated. Bharata along with others return to the city after the completion of the cremation-ceremony. |
The sage Vasishta, the excellent one among the speakers having eloquence, spoke to that Bharata, Kaikeyi’s son who was thus tormented with grief. “O, the greatly illustrious prince! My blessing to you. You have lamented long enough. Perform in an excellent way, the last rites of the king." Hearing the words of Vasishta, Bharata conversant with his duty fell prostate and proceeded with all the arrangements for the obsequies. Raising the body of king Dasaratha, from the vessel where it had been immersed in oil, seeming as it were asleep with face in the color of gold, that son Bharata placed it in a magnificent couch, adorned with every kind of precious stone and in a great grief, lamented. (as follows): “O, king! Having sent into exile the virtuous Rama and Lakshmana who is possessed of great strength, while I was away from home and had not yet returned, what did you intend to do? Where will you go, leaving this person (me) who was distressed and bereft of Rama the unwearied one in action and the excellent one among men? O, king! O, father! Who is supposed to see the welfare and security of your city of Ayodhya, while you have departed for heaven and while Rama has gone, taking refuge in a forest? Bereft of you and deprived of its lord, this earth does not look charming. To me, this city is looking like a night without a moon. The great sage Vasishta again spoke the following words to that Bharata who was distressed in mind and thus lamenting. “O, mighty armed Bharata! Without hesitation or repining, carry out the funeral rites of the king that should be done. 'Be it so' answered Bharata and obedient to Vasishta’s command, he summoned speedily the appointed priests who were knowing the rules of the funeral rites."
The fires of that king were prepared outside the chamber and kindled in accordance with the rituals by the priests and the sacrificial attendants. The attendants were choked with tears in their throats and disconsolate in their mind, made the dead king to mount on a small palanquin and carried it away. The people went along the path, scattering silver, gold and various kinds of clothes in front of the king. In the same manner, some others brought sandal wood, sweet aloes, different fragrant essences, with leaps of Sarala, Padmaka and Devadaru woods and many other kinds of fragrant substances, went there and threw them into the funeral pile. Thereafter the appointed priests caused the king’s body to lie down there in the midst of the funeral pyre. Then, those priests engaged for the benefit of the king poured oblations into the fire and recited sacred texts (relevant to the funeral rites). Those among the priests, who could recite the hymns of Samaveda, chanted them according to the rules. Then, his ladies, encircled by elders mounted palanquins or other vehicles, as deserving and departed from the city to that place. Then, the appointed priests as well as Kausalya and other women who were tormented with grief, circumambulated in anti clockwise direction that king who was lying on a funeral pile. At that time the crying sounds of thousands of women, pitiably weeping with agony, were heard like the sounds of female curlew birds. Thereafter, the lamenting ladies deprived of their grit wept again and again and descended from their vehicles at the bank of Sarayu River. Along with Bharata, the royal women, the ministers and family priests offered their oblations with water and entered the city with their eyes filled in tears and spent ten days with great difficulty by sleeping on bare floor.
Thus completes 76th Chapter of Ayodhya Kanda of the glorious Ramayana of Valmiki, the work of a sage and the oldest epic.
Valmiki Ramayana - Ayodhya Kanda in Prose
Sarga 77
On the twelfth day of the death of Dasaratha, Bharata gives various presents to Brahmans. On the thirteenth day when Bharata and Shatrughna go to the cremation ground to collect the bones both of them are overwhelmed with grief and fall down on the ground. Vasista, the family priest and Sumantra raise them up and pacifying urge both of them to complete the remaining rites to be performed on the thirteenth day. |
After having passed the tenth day of the death of Dasaratha, Bharata having himself purified, performed Shraddha* rites on the arrival of the twelfth day.
* Shraddha rites are in the honor and for the benefit of dead relatives observed with great strictness at various fixed periods and on the occasion of rejoicing as well as mourning by the surviving relatives. These are performed by the daily offering of water and on the stated occasion by the offering of Pindas or balls of rice and meal to three paternal forefathers i.e. Father, grandfather, and great grandfather. It is an act of reverential homage to a deceased person performed by relatives, most desirably by a son of the deceased. On the occasion of Shraddha rites, Bharata gave precious stones, money, a lot of cooked rice, very valuable clothes and various other kinds of presents to Brahmans. In that ceremony performed in honor of the dead king, Bharata the son of Dasaratha gave multitudes of white goats, hundreds of cows, servants and servant maids, vehicles and very big houses to Brahmans.
Then, at the time of dawn on the thirteenth day, the mighty armed Bharata who came for clearing up bones and ashes, wept in grief, his throat being choked of sound (because of crying) and spoke in great distress the following words, having reached the foot of his father’s funeral pile (to collect the bones and ashes for their immersion in Sarayu River). “O, father! My brother Rama to whose care I was entrusted by you, having gone on exile to the forest, I now become abandoned wholly alone, by you. Where have you gone, leaving Kausalya the mother whose son Rama, her support, has been sent away from home to the forest?"
Seeing that spot of collection (of bones), which became reddish brown in colour because of ashes, with bones consumed by fire and his father’s body having extinguished, Bharata was depressed and began to cry loudly. Miserable as he was to see the spot, Bharata fell weeping on the ground, as a flag staff fastened by any mechanical contrivance would drop down while being raised in honor of Indra the god of celestials. All his ministers hastily approached Bharata who was virtuous in conduct, as sages once rushed to the fallen Yayati at the time of his death. Seeing Bharata, Shatrughna was also overwhelmed with grief and while recollecting the king, fell unconscious on the ground.
Remembering the many gestures of his father resulting from his loving qualities made from time to time, Shatrughna was lamenting (as follows) like one who has lost his wits, bewildered as he was. “We are immersed in a violent and appalling ocean of sorrow invoked by Mandhara, in which Kaikeyi in the form of a crocodile swam in its current the irrevocable boons granted to her by my father. O, father! Where have you gone leaving the lamenting Bharata, your boy always being caressed by you. You used to fulfill the wishes of all of us, in the matter of eatables, drinks, clothes, and jewels. Who else will do it (now) for us. That earth which is deprived of you, the high soled and righteous king, is not riven even when it is the time to be riven. The father having obtained heaven and Rama having taken refuge in a forest, what is the significance of life for me? I shall enter a fire. Bereft of my brother and father, I can not return to the deserted city of Ayodhya, where Ikshvaku used to reign. I shall retire to a hermitage.”
Hearing the lamentation of both of them and beholding their plight, all their companions were disturbed very much, once again. Both Shatrughna, and Bharata were wearied with grief and began to roll on the ground, like two bulls whose horns have been broken.
Then, Vasista, a noble man, a learned man and the family priest of their father, raised up that Bharata from the ground and spoke the following words: “O, Lord Bharata! This is the thirteenth day of the death of your father. Why are you hanging down here, when the ceremony of collecting the bones is still unfinished? The three pairs of opposites (namely hunger and thirst, joy and sorrow; birth and death) occur to all living beings without any distinction. They being inevitable, you ought not to behave like this.”
Even Sumantra, who knew the Truth, raising up Shatrughna and pacifying him, told him about the origin and dissolution of all beings. The two illustrious tigers among men (Bharata and Satrughna) who had got up, appeared like two banners severally raised in honor of Indra (the god of celestials) soiled through rain and the sun. The ministers hurried up the princes, who were wiping their tears and who were talking pitiably with their eyes reddened (due to excessive weeping) to expedite the other rites pertaining to the thirteenth day.
Thus completes 77th Chapter of Ayodhya Kanda of the glorious Ramayana of Valmiki, the work of a sage and the oldest epic.
Valmiki Ramayana - Ayodhya Kanda in Prose
Sarga 78
Shatrughna asks Bharata why even Lakshmana could not prevent Dasaratha from sending Rama to the forest. Meanwhile, when Manthara arrives at the scene, Shatrughna seizes her with his powerful hand, threatens to punish her and abuses Kaikeyi too. When Kaikeyi pleads for mercy with her son, Bharata intervenses and Shatrughna releases Manthara. |
Thereafter, Shatrughna the younger brother of Lakshmana spoke the following words to Bharata, who was tormented with grief and who desired to undertake an expedition to Rama. "When that even-minded Rama is a refuge for all beings, how much more to tell about our seeking solace to him in our grief? He has been abandoned to the forest by a woman. Why the so-called Lakshmana, the strong and powerful man, even could not rescue Rama from distress by making our father to restrain from doing it? By perceiving the prudence and imprudence in that wrong course adopted by the king, who has fallen into the clutches of a woman, Lakshmana should have restrained Dasaratha even at the beginning itself."
While Shatrughna the younger brother of Lakshmana was talking thus, the hump-backed Manthara duly adorned with all types of ornaments, appeared at the eastern gate. Anointed with a scent of sandal-wood and wearing royal clothes, she was bedecked with several kinds of ornaments of every description in various ways. Studded with bright-coloured girdle-bands and many other excellent ornaments, Manthara appeared like a female-monkey tied with ropes!
Beholding that hump-backed Manthara, the very much sinful and insensitive woman, the door-keepers caught her and delivered her to Shatrughna (with the following words:) "Here is that sinful and cruel woman, by whose act Rama is in the forest and your father has laid down his body. Do with her, as you consider fitting."
Hearing those words, Shatrughna who was very much in grief and was firmly resolute, spoke to all those inmates of that gynaecium, as follows: "Let this woman, who created serious misfortune to my brothers and my father, receive the fruit of her cruel act."
Speaking thus in the midst of her companions, he seized that hunch-backed woman with his powerful hand soon and she in turn made that mansion resound with her shrieks. Then, her companion, having conceived Shatrughna's anger and extremely agonised as they were, ran away helter-shelter in all directions. All the company of women there surmised as follows : "The way how he is coming up, he will surely slay us all. We shall take reguge with the compassionate, magnanimous, virtuous and illustrious Kausalya. Let her be the sure asylum for us."
That Shatrughna, the tormentor of enemies, with his raging red eyes then violently dragged the crying hump-back along the floor. While that Manthara was violently dragged, here various colourful ornaments were scattered asunder here and there on the floor. Thus, that splendid royal mansion scattered by those ornaments, appeared very much like an autumnal sky studded with innumerable stars. Shatrughna, the strong and the eminent man, thus violently seizing her with rage, sharply rebuked Kaikeyi and spoke harsh words to her. Agonised very much by those harsh and painful words, Kiakeyi overwhelmed as she was with the fear of Shatrughna, took refuge with Bharata.
Seeing that enraged Shatrughna, Bharata said: "Among all beings women are not to be killed. Hence she is to be pardoned. If the pious Rama were not to express his displeasure with me for killing the mother, I would have killed this Kaikeyi, the ill-mannered and sinful woman. If the virtuous Rama hears that the hunch-backed woman has been killed, it is sure that he will cease to talk to you or even to me."
Hearing the words of Bharata, Shatrughna the younger brother of Lakshmana renouncing his guilty design forthwith released that Manthara. Manthara fell at the feet of Kaikeyi, breathless, weeping piteously. Seeing the hunch-backed woman, who was distraught on account of shatrughna's violence, wearing a disturbed appearance and looking like a crane that has been caught in a noose, Bharata's mother slowly consoled her.
Thus completes 78th Chapter of Ayodhya Kanda of the glorious Ramayana of Valmiki, the work of a sage and the oldest epic.
Valmiki Ramayana - Ayodhya Kanda in Prose
Sarga 79
The king-makers request Bharata to take over Ayodhya kingdom. Bharata refuses to do so and promises to bring back Rama to Ayodhya and make him only as the king. Bharata further orders for construction of a path-way to reach the forest.
Thereafter, early in the morning on the fourteenth day, the king-makers coming together, spoke to Bharata the following words: “Dasaratha, who was our highly venerable master, went to heaven after sending his elder son Rama and the exceedingly strong Lakshmana to forest. O, the highly illustrious prince! From now on, do you be our king. Fortunately, this kingdom has not yet missed the mark, even without a king. O, prince Bharata! Taking all the things needed for coronation, your own people (the counsellers and the ministers) as well as the citizens are awaiting for you. Take over the stable kingdom, which came in succession from your ancestors, coronate yourself and rule us."
The firmly resolute Bharata performed circumambulation clockwise around all the things kept ready for consecration and replied to all those people as follows: “It is indeed appropriate to bestow kingship always to the eldest of our clan. You, being the conversant people, ought not to tell in this manner to me. Our eldest brother, Rama will become the king. I then will reside in the forest for fourteen years. Let a great and exceptionally powerful army consisting of all the four limbs be kept ready. I shall bring Rama our elder brother from the forest. Keeping in front, all the assembled requisites needed for consecration, I shall proceed to the forest for the sake of bringing back Rama. Consecrating him, the tiger among men there itself, I shall surely bring Rama solemnized in front, as bringing home the sacred fire from a sacrificial rite, after performing it outside the city. I shall not make her, my so-called mother, fulfil her desire. I will reside in the impassable forest. Rama will become the king. “Let a path-way be prepared by those skilled in that profession, by leveling the uneven surfaces. Let guards who can easily move in the inaccessible forests accompany us in the path.”
Hearing Prince Bharata, talking in consideration of Rama’s cause, all the people replied in the following illustrious and excellent words: “Let the gracious goddess of prosperity abide with you, who are speaking thus, desirous of giving kingdom to Rama the eldest son of the king."
Hearing those excellent words spoken by the prince close to their ears, tears born of joy fell from the face and eyes of those venerable men. Hearing these words, the people there along with council and the ministers felt cheerful, being relieved of their anxiety and spoke the following words : “As per your command, devoted men and a group of artisans have been instructed to make the path-way.”
Thus completes 79th Chapter of Ayodhya Kanda of the glorious Ramayana of Valmiki, the work of a sage and the oldest epic.
Valmiki Ramayana - Ayodhya Kanda in Prose
Sarga 80
The engineers construct a comfortably high-way from Ayodhya to the River Ganga, by clearing off shrubs and stones on the way and excellent wells were dug. Beautiful tents were also built on the path. |
Then, those able to advise on the nature of soils, those skilled in thread-holding for leveling purposes, those who were energetic courageous and attentive in doing their jobs, excavators, mechanics, labourers, carpenters, road-menders, wood-cutters, hollow-makers, men skilled in plastering and white washing, basket makers, tanners and skilled supervisors of work sallied forth in advance. That mighty assembly of men gladly setting out to that forest was splendid like an ocean on the day of the full moon having a gigantic commotion. Men skilled in making roads, furnished with tools of every kin, seeking the company of men of their own proper place, marched ahead. Clearing away rows of creepers and shrubs timber and big rocks as well as variours kinds of trees (which obstructed the way), they carved out a path. Some men planted trees in tree-less areas. Some others chopped the existing trees here and there by means of axes, hatchets and sickles.
Some other strong men removed sturdy tufts of Virana grass and leveled the uneven places here and there. Some others filled up wells and extensive pits with earth. Some men leveled low-lying places all around. Then, some men bridged the steams that could be bridged, pulverised the rocks that could be pulverised and smashed (the impediments that blocked the flow of water) those which could be smashed. Many ponds, in various sizes and shapes containing plenty of water resembling seas were built (by constructing dams on rivulets). In water-scarce areas, excellent wells in various shapes were dug duly decorated all around with platforms (to rest). That track of the troops, having its surface inlaid with cement, with flowering trees inlaid with cement, with flowering trees on both sides, inhabited with birds in excitement making their sounds, adorned with flags on its either side with its surface sprinkled with water of sandal-wood fragrance, and decorated with various kinds of flowers, looked very much splendid like the path of celestials.
Those officers appointed for execution of the work, as ordered by Bharata, skillfully instructed their work-men and erected a tent which was intended for the great-souled Bharata, in a beautiful place abundant with tasty fruits. They further adorned profusely with decorations, the tent which itself resembled on ornament. The connoisseurs erected the tents of the high-souled Bharata at auspicious hours in days when the stars were propitious. Those camps, with many breast works of sand, moats surrounding each of them, streets as resplendent as sapphires, their crowns of terrets, the ramparts covered with stucco to protect then, the splendid banners, the skillfully laid out avenues, lofty mansions the tops of which were provided with dove-cots, which flew about as it were in the air and in splendour, resembled the capitals of Indra.
The route thus prepared, extended up to the Ganga River, whose pure and limpid waters, abounding in great fish, flowed between woods and forests of every kind. That beautiful royal high way, which was built gradually by efficient engineers, appeared as resplendent as a night in a clear sky, illumined by the moon with its procession of stars.
Thus completes 80th Chapter of Ayodhya Kanda of the glorious Ramayana of Valmiki, the work of a sage and the oldest epic.
Valmiki Ramayana - Ayodhya Kanda in Prose
Sarga 81
When Bharata hear the sound of couches and drums early in the morning, he gets more depressed. He orders for stopping of those sounds and starts lamenting. Then, Vasishta the family-priest enters the assembly-hall and sends messengers, asking them to call Bharata urging him to be present in the court, and in response to his call, Bharata with Shatrughna, the ministers and others enter the assembly. |
Then, bards and pangegyrists, who knew the importance of tidings, eulogized Bharata with auspicious hymns of praise on the night preceding Naandimukha.
Naandimukha: The name of a ceremony in honour and for the benefit of dead relatives observed on a festive occasion to secure their blessings.
A drum from the sound of which nigh-hours are identified, struck with a golden stick, gave its sound. Couches and loud-sounding instruments in hundreds producing various types of noises were blown. That mammoth sound of the musical instruments, as if filling up the whole sky, created further distress and grief to Bharata who was already tormented with grief.
Then, the awakened Bharata proclaiming that “I am not the king”, caused to stop that sound and spoke the following words to shatrughna: “Behold, O, Shatrughna! How much harm was done to the world by Kaikeyi! The king Dasartha left us, leaving all sorrows to me. This prosperous kingdom of Ayodhya, a foundation of law and religion of that high-souled Dasaratha the righteous king is now like boat without a rudder moving hitter and thither in water. Even that Rama, who was a great protector has been sent to the forest by this very mother of mine, abandoning her righteousness."
Seeing Bharata who lost his consciousness by lamenting in that way, all the women then miserably cried in one voice. While Bharata was lamenting thus, the great illustrious Vasishta who knew the rules relating to kings, entered the assembly-hall of Dasaratha the Lord of Ikshvaku dynasty. The pious minded Vasishta along with his attendants entered that lovely assembly-hall, made of gold and studded with gems and jewels, resembling Sudharma the celestial assembly-hall.
Vasista, who knew all the scriptures, then sat in a presidential chair made of gold and wrapped with a comfortable cushion. He ordered the messengers as follows: “Quickly bring Brahmanas (a class of people having divine knowledge), Kshatriyas (people belonging to warrior-class), Vaisyas (agriculturists and traders), ministers and troop commanders coolly. There is an urgent duty indeed for us to be done. Bring Shatrughna with his royal attendants, the illustrious Bharata, Yudhaajit (Bharata’s maternal uncle) Sumantra the charioteer and those people who are royal well-wishers there.”
There was a huge hallooing sound generated while the people invited were coming on chariots, horses and elephants. People of high position like ministers and other welcomed the approaching Bharata in every way as they had welcomed Dasaratha and as Indra was welcomed by celestials. That royal assembly, made splendid by Bharata the son of Dasartha, radiated as before as with the presence of Dasaratha, like a lake of tranquil waters sown with pearls shells and sand and filled with great fish and serpents.
Thus completes 81st Chapter of Ayodhya Kanda of the glorious Ramayana of Valmiki, the work of a sage and the oldest epic.
Valmiki Ramayana - Ayodhya Kanda in Prose
Sarga 82
Vasishta requests Bharata to get himself anointed as a king. Bharata refuses to rob the throne from Rama. Who is really elighible for it as the eldest son of the family. He resolves to bring back Rama from the forest and orders Sumantra to arrange for vehicles and men for the journey. Thereupon, warriors merchants Shudras and Bhrahmanas harnessed their chariots and got ready for the journey to the forest along with Bharata. |
Bharata endowed with understanding, saw that assembly, enriched with the whole body of respectable men, looking like a night in full moon duly enriched with well-known planets. That excellent assembly was aglow with the brilliance of clothes and scented cosmetics of its respected members occupying their appropriate seats. That beautiful assembly filled with learned men looked like a night with autumn full moon.
Beholding all the entire body of ministers of the king, Vaishta the knower of righteousness uttered to Bharata the following soft-spoken words: “O, beloved Bharata! The king Dasaratha, practicing righteousness, gave away to you this wide earth endowed with grains and riches and went to heaven. Rama, who was firmly established in truth, remembering the righteousness of good men, did not abandon the command of his father, as a raising moon does not abandon the moon-light. The kingdom, having its enemies destroy was given to you by your father and brother. Enjoy it, with its delightful ministers. Get anointed for the kingdom just soon. Let those living in the north, the Westerners; the southerners the kings of western borders near the Sahya mountains who are without a throne and the seafaring traders bring crores of jewels as gifts to you.”
Hearing those words, the pious Bharata was filled with distress and thirsting for justice got his mind fixed on Rama. The youthful Bharata, with a voice of a Hamsa bird, in the midst of the assembly, lamented in a tearful and appealing speech. He even reproached his royal priest as follows: “How can a man such as I, rob the throne from one, who practices Brahmacharya (continence and chastity), versed in the science of the Vedas (sacred scriptures) and who is devoted to duty? How should one born of Dasaratha become the usurper of a crown? Both the kingdom and I myself belong to Rama. You ought to tell the law and justice in this matter. Rama, the eldest son, an excellent man, a pious souled and who can be compared with Dilipa* and Nahusha*, is eligible to get the kingdom, as with Dasaratha. Dilipa and Nahusha: Two most ancient and illustrious representatives of the solar and lunar dynasty respectively. If in this world, I dishonoured the name of Ikshavaku race, I should be guilty of a sinful act, practiced by disgraceful men, which does not lead to heaven. I do not indeed like that sinful act done even by my mother. From here itself, I offer my salutation with my joined palms to Rama who is residing in an impassable forest. I will follow Rama’s steps. He, who is supreme among men, is the king. Rama is eligible even for the kingdom of the three worlds."
Hearing those righteous words of Bharata, all the members of the assembly shed tears of joy, having their minds obsessed of Rama. “If I am unable to bring back my elder brother from the forest, I shall stay back in that forest itself, as how the venerable Lakshmana is staying now. I shall use every means to bring back compulsorily, that hero before you, practicing virtues, the honourable and the distinguished men. All those who are skilled in clearing paths working on and without wages, have been sent by me in advance and the journey so planned, pleases me."
The pious minded Bharata, who had an affection for his brother spoke as aforesaid and uttered the following words to Sumantra who was clever in giving counsel and who was sitting nearby. “O, Sumantra! Rise quickly and go. As per my orders, arrange for the journey immediately. Bring the army also.”
Hearing the words of the magnanimous Bharata, Sumantra joyfully arranged all that in accord with Bharata’s orders and wishes. Hearing about the expedition of the army too; for arranging of return of Rama, the ministers and army-commander there were delighted. All the wives of warriors in every house, knowing about the ensuing expedition, were jubilant and hurried up all their respective husband to setoff for the journey. Those army-generals urged the entire army to march forward quickly, with the fast moving horses, bullock carts with a good speed and the chariots along with the warriors.
Seeing that army ready, Bharata in the presence of Vasishta said as follows to Sumantra who was standing by his side: “Get ready my chariot quickly.” Bowing to the command of Bharata and taking a chariot yoked with excellent horses, Sumantra on his part approached him with delight. Bharata, born in Raghu dynasty who was sincere in his purpose a powerful man having strong and mighty prowess and whose talk was most appropriate, then spoke as follows: intending (to undertake a journey) to persuade his illustrious elder brother, staying in dreary woods, to return to Ayodhya. “O, Sumantra! Rise up and proceed quickly to inform the army-chief to arrange for the troops. After propitiating that Rama staying in the forest, I want to bring him back to Ayodhya for the welfare of the people.”
Sumantra, having received that explicit command from Bharata, which fulfilled his highest hopes, called all the ministers-in-chief, the chiefs of the army and the friendly multitude. Thereupon, from every house, warriors merchants, Shudras and Brahmanas rose up and harnessed their chariots to camels, mules, well-bred elephants and horses.
Thus completes 82nd Chapter of Ayodhya Kanda of the glorious Ramayana of Valmiki, the work of a sage and the oldest epic.
Valmiki Ramayana - Ayodhya Kanda in Prose
Sarga 83
Leaving Ayodhya early next morning, accompanied by family-priests, ministers, archers, elephants, cavalry, artisans, army and citizens and covering a long distance, Bharata arrives at the bank of Ganga River at Sringaberapura ruled by guha and, encamping the army there, breaks journey for offering libations to his deceased father on the bank of the Ganaga and also to give rest to the retinue. |
Bharata rose up at day-break, mounted on excellent chariot and went quickly with a desire to see Rama. All the ministers and priests ascended, chariots yoked with horses, resembling those of the sun, and went ahead of Bharata. Nine thousand elephants suitably duly arranged escorted Bharata the joy of the Ikshvaku dynasty, on his journey. Sixty thousand chariots filled with archers, furnished with weapons of various kinds, followed the illustrious prince Bharata. A hundred thousand cavalry accompanied the moving Bharata, born in Raghu dynasty, who was true to his promise and who subdued his senses. Kaikeyi, Sumitra and the illustrious Kausalya rode in a resplendent chariot, delighted as they were at the thought of Rama’s return.
The whole body of noble men with their jubilant hearts followed Bharata to see Rama again as also Lakshmana, recounting the marvelous exploits of that hero to each other saying: “When shall we see the mighty armed prince, of the hue of dark cloud, whose courage is unshakable, of inflexible purpose Rama, who banished sorrow from the earth? Beholding Rama, our entire sorrow will indeed be dispelled, as darkness of the entire earth is dispelled at the rising of the sun."
Thus did the citizens of Ayodhya recount happily of Rama’s glorious deeds, and they embraced each other as they went along. Those others who were held in high esteem, merchants and all common people proceeded merrily to join Rama. Some lapidaries, skilled potters, those who lived by manufacture of arms, carpenters, those who made various articles from peacock-feather, sawyers, workers in artificial ornaments, those who pierced gems, pearls etc, those who made articles of ivory, those who lived by perfumery, highly reputed goldsmiths, weavers of blankets and other wollen goods, those who provided hot-water baths for other, physicians, distillers and vendors of spirituous liquors, fumigators, washer-men, tailors, chiefs of villages and hamlets, dancers with their women-folk and fishermen started on the journey. Thousands of Brahmanas, well-composed, renowned for their virtuous conduct, versed in sacred scriptures and riding on bullock-carts, accompanied Bharata.
All of them, attired in clean and fair raiment, anointed with pure red sandal-paste, mounted on various kinds of vehicles, followed Bharata tranquilly.
Exceedingly pleased and cheerful, that army escorted the son of Kaikeyi- Bharata who was affectionate towards his brother and who had set out along with his family to bring his brother, Rama. Having gone for a considerable distance in their chariots, carts, horses and elephants, they reached the River Ganga close to the city of Shringaberapura, where the valiant Guha, a bosom friend of Rama along with multitude of relatives was ruling that region carefully. That army, which was accompanying Bharata, arrived at the bank of Ganga River, looking beautiful as it was with Charka* birds and stopped there.
Chakra bird: zoological name= Anas casarca.
Seeing the army behind, which accompanied him and the River Ganga in front with its propitious waters, Bharata who was skillful in words, spoke to all his officers (as follows): “It is my will that my army should take rest by all means. When they are refreshed we shall cross the river tomorrow. Meanwhile, descending into the river, I desire to make offering of the sacred water as libation for the infinite spirit relating to the state after death, to the king Dasaratha who has gone to heaven."
Hearing these words from Bharata, the officers attentively answered, “Be it so” and each of them encamped their respective forces in accord with his pleasure. Having meticulously arranged for encampment of the army which looked lovely along Ganga that great river with the surrounding equipment (like tunts, furnishings etc), Bharata halted then, reflecting as to how to bring back the magnanimous Rama.
Thus completes 83rd Chapter of Ayodhya Kanda of the glorious Ramayana of Valmiki, the work of a sage and the oldest epic.
Valmiki Ramayana - Ayodhya Kanda in Prose
Sarga 84
Guha the king of Nishada tribe asks his relative to guard the river bank and get ready for a battle, if necessary, with Bharata. Then, Guha approaches Bharata with a welcome-drink of honey, meat and fish. He asks Bharata with his army to accept his hospitality. |
Just on seeing an army encamped and positioned along the River Ganga, Guha the king of Nishadas hastily spoke to his relatives as follows: “On this side, a huge army is seen like an ocean. I am not able to comprehend the extent of this army even by my discerning mind. Here is seen on that chariot, a towering banner bearing Kovidara tree and hence Bharata himself with an evil intent seems to have come.”
Kovidara tree: pomegranate tree.
“Will Bharata the son of Kaikeyi bind us with chains or slay us? Or is he coming to kill Rama, the son of Dasaratha, who was exiled from the kingdom by his father, desirous as Bharata is to get the prosperous Ayodhya kingdom, a luxury and that which is inaccessible to another? Rama the son of Dasaratha is my Lord and my companion too. Hence you, covered with armor, be stationed on this bank of Ganga River, desiring to advance the interest of Rama. Let all our ferrymen guarding the river, along with the troops, eating meat roots and fruits ( in their boats), stay positioned along the River Ganga. Let five hundred boats, each manner by a hundred youthful ferrymen, be stationed and made ready” –thus announced Guha. If Bharata is favourably disposed now towards Rama, then only his army may (be allowed to) cross the River Ganga in safety.”
After uttering thus, Guha the king of Nishadas took fish, meat and honey as an offering and approached Bharata. Seeing him approach, Sumantra the charioteer, a majestic man who knows the rules of discipline, humbly told Bharata as follows: “This Lord who is surrounded by a thousand of his own people, is fully acquainted with the forest of Dandaka and also an old friend of your elder brother. O, Bharata! For that reason, let Guha the king of Nishadas see you. He knows surely where those two Rama and Lakshmana – are stationed."
Hearing the auspicious words of Sumantra, Bharata answered, “Introduce Guha to me without delay.” Having obtained permission, Guha along with his own people, joyfully and humbly approached Bharata and spoke as follows: “This place is like a pleasure-grove near your house. We are your subjects and are reporting to you as such. Stay in this servant’s house. Here are the roots and fruits gathered by my tribe as well as fresh and dried meat of great quality and of various kinds, and all a produce of the forest. I hope the army, after eating well, can halt for the night here. Furnished with all you could desire, you can continue your journey tomorrow along with your troops.”
Thus completes 84th Chapter of Ayodhya Kanda of the glorious Ramayana of Valmiki, the work of a sage and the oldest epic.
Valmiki Ramayana - Ayodhya Kanda in Prose
Sarga 85
Bharata thanks Guha for having come forward to offer hospitality to him and his army. He enquires about the proper route to proceed to the hermitage of Bharadvaja. Guha assures Bharata that he along with some of his ferrymen will follow him as guides. When Guha enquires Bharata whether he has an evil intention towards Rama, Bharata clarifies him that he is proceeding to Rama’s place to bring him back to Ayodhya. When night falls Bharata along with Shatrughna and his army take rest. However Guha consoles Bharata, who has been constantly bewailing, till the nightfall. |
Hearing those words, the highly intelligent Bharata replied to Guha, the lord of Nishadas, in words that were full of reason and meaning. “O, friend of my elder brother! Indeed, your desire to offer hospitality to my army of such a magnitude, is great.”
Having spoken these excellent words to Guha; the greatly illustrious Bharata, possessed of great splendor, said again to Guha the king of Nishadas (as follows): "O, Guha! By which of these two routes can I go to the hermitage of Bharadvaja? This region engulfed in waters of Ganga River is not very much easy to negotiate and is difficult to cross."
Hearing the words of the wise prince; Guha, who roams about in woods, with joined palms answered as follows: “O, highly illustrious prince! My ferrymen wielding their bows, and very attentive, will certainly accompany you. I too will follow you (in person). I hope you are not going to attack Rama, who is unwearied in action. This great army of yours is begetting an apprehension in my mind."
Bharata, whose heart resembled a taintless sky, spoke the following words in smooth voice, to that Guha, who confessed his doubt as aforesaid. “Let not such an occasion of wretchedness come! You should never have suspected me. That Rama my elder brother is indeed regarded as my father. I am going to get back Rama who is now living in the forest. O, Guha! No other apprehension should be made by you. I am telling you the truth.”
Hearing the words of Bharata, Guha on his part, with his face radiated with joy spoke again to Bharata as follows: “You be blessed! I do not see your equal on this earth - you, who wish to renounce the empire you acquired now, even without effort. Assuredly your fame will traverse permanently in all provinces, as you are the very person who wishes to bring back Rama from his terrible plight.”
While Guha was talking thus to Bharata, the sun diffused less light and the night fell. The illustrious Bharata, lodging that army in camps, felt delighted by Guha’s hospitality, returned to his camp and took rest along with Shatrughna. The high soled Bharata, whose only aim is to fulfill his duty and who is undeserving of sorrow, indeed felt grief, born of anguish for Rama. As a fire is hidden in a hollow tree while a forest is on fire, so did Bharata’s fire of anguish burn with in his heart. Perspiration born of fieriness of grief poured off from all his limbs, as the snow heated by solar rays melts and flows from Himavat mountain. Bharata, the son of Kaikeyi was pressed by the weight of that colossal mountain of agony consisting of rocky caverns in the shape of settled contemplations on Rama, minerals in the shape of groans and sighs, a cluster of trees in the shape of depressive thoughts, summits in the form of sufferings and fatigue, countless wild beasts in the shape of swoons, herbs and bamboos in the form of his exertions. Thereafter, Bharata the excellent among men sighing much in melancholy, his mind utterly confused in consequence, having obtained an extreme distress, afflicted as he was with burning fever in his breast and like a bull strayed from its herd, found no peace. The noble soled Bharata, with his escort, met Guha too in a composed mind. Then Guha slowly reassured Bharata again as regards his elder brother.
Thus completes 85th Chapter of Ayodhya Kanda of the glorious Ramayana of Valmiki, the work of a sage and the oldest epic.
Valmiki Ramayana - Ayodhya Kanda in Prose
Sarga 86
Guha reports to Bharata, how Rama and his party broke their journey at Shringaverapura and narrate to him the dialogue that took place between Lakshmana and himself during that night. Guha further tells him how Rama and Lakshmana matted their hair into a thick mass crossed the holy river with Seetha and left for the hermitage of Sage Bharadwaja. |
Then Guha the foremost dweller reported Bharata, who was having incomprehensible qualities, about the quality of goodness of Lakshmana(as follows):
"I spoke as follows to that Lakshmana, who is endowed with virtues and wielding arrows bow and a sword and who was keeping a vigil for the safe guard of his brother. Here is a comfortable bed made ready for you. Feel yourself at ease. Rest peacefully on this, O, delight of the Raghu race! All my people are habituated for hardships, o virtuous prince! You are used to comfort. Hence ,we shall keep awake for the safe guard of Rama. None is more dear to me than Rama on this earth. Moreover, do not become restless. I am telling this truth in your presence. By the grace of Rama, I wish to attain a very great renown in this earth, an extensive acquisition of righteousness, an unalloyed wealth and enjoyment. I as such with a bow in my hand, along with my relatives will guard my dear friend Rama, who slept together with Seetha. Nothing is indeed unknown to me, who forever wander in this forest. We can defeat even an army consisting of all the four limbs in battle.
Thus spoken as aforesaid by us the high soled Lakshmana, who perceives righteousness alone,politely replied to all of us( as follows):
"How is it possible for me to get a sleep, or even life or comforts when Rama is reposing on the floor along with Seetha? O, Guha! Behold that Rama, who cannot be conquered in a battle even by all the celestials and demons, sleeping on the blades of grass along with Seetha. This Rama is an excellent son, having qualities equal to those of Dasaratha. The king obtained Rama by performing a great penance and after facing various troubles. When Rama having seen exiled, the king Dasaratha will not survive for long.This earth will surely be without a husband soon. The women in the gynoecium's, having cried with a great noise, would have ceased their crying out of fatigue. Now, the great noise would have stopped in the royal palace by now. I do not expect whether all of them, like Kausalya Dasaratha and even my mother Sumitra will survive at all till this night. By beholding Shatrughna, my mother perhaps may even survive. However, the afflicted Kausalya who gave birth to the eminent Rama will surely die."
"Without realizing his long-cherished wish and failing to install Rama in the kingdom of Ayodhya, my father Dasaratha will expire. Those who have accomplished their purpose (Shatrughna and others) will perform all the funeral honours to king Dasaratha, my father when the time comes for it. They will joyfully inhabit my father capital City, with its pleasant cross roads and meeting places, with its main roads well laid out, sumptuous with large houses and lofty mansions, with all the gems they are encrusted, with elephants horses and chariots that abound there, the sound of trumpets with which the city resonates, the many diversions it contains, its prosperous and well-fed people, its luxurious gardens and parks as well as the assemblies and festivals that continuously take place in it."
Shall we enter Ayodhya happily along with that virtuous Rama, who has truly redeemed his promise, when he completed his term of exile? While that magnanimous prince was lamenting thus, standing guard, the night passed.
"When the sun rose brightly in the next morning Rama and Lakshmana got their locks of hair matted into a thick mass at the banks of River Ganga and they were safely ferried by me."
"Rama and Lakshmana, who were capable of tormenting their enemies, possessing great strength, wearing matted locks of hair and clothes made of bark, like unto the leaders of herd of elephants, wielding excellent bow, arrows and sword, looking back at me, went away with Seetha."
Thus completes 86th Chapter of Ayodhya Kanda of the glorious Ramayana of Valmiki, the work of a sage and the oldest epic.
Valmiki Ramayana - Ayodhya Kanda in Prose
Sarga 87
Hearing Guha's words about Rama, Bharata fell unconscious. Bharata eases himself thereafter and asks Guha to report further details about Rama. Guha informs that even though he offered various kinds of flood to Rama, the latter refused it. He adds that Rama Seetha and Lakshmana observed fasting for that night. Guha also informs Bharata that Lakshmana laid a bed of grass for Rama as well as Seetha to sleep theron and Lakshmana stood guarding Rama during the night, along with Guha and his kinsmen. |
Hearing those most disagreeable words from Guha, Bharata began to think deeply, directing his mind on Rama, of whom those unpleasant words were heard. That gentle, extremely courageous and the mighty armed young prince, whose shoulders resembled a lion's his large eyes opening like a flowering lotus and having pleasing appearance, momentarily sighed and in his extreme anguish, sank to the ground suddenly like an elephant that has been wounded in the heart with goads. Seeing Bharata unconscious, Guha growing pale, shook like a tree during an earthquake.
Shatrughna, who stood near, taking Bharata, who was in that unconscious state in his arms, becoming non-pulsed, cried loudly, overcome as he was with grief. Then, all the queens, emaciated through fasting, extremely miserable, being unable to find consolation for the sad end of their lord, rushed towards Bharata. All of them, sobbing, surrounded Bharata who fell on the ground. Kausalya on her part, torn with grief and bending over him, embraced him. That affectionate Kausalya, agitated as she was with grief and looking miserable, pressing him to her bosom as a cow its own calf, questioned Bharata (in the following words):
"O, son! I hope that no ailment afflicts your body. Now, the life of this royal race is indeed dependent on you. Rama along with Lakshman has gone to the forest. The king Dasaratha is dead. I survive, looking on you. Now, you alone are the protector for us. I hope you have not heard any unpleasant news about Lakshmana or about Rama my one and the only son who left for the forest along with his wife."
Bharata of great renown, easing himself well within a moment, consoled Kausalya and while still weeping, spoke to Guha (as follows):
"O, guha! Tell me where did Rama my brother as also Seetha and Lakshmana halt in the night? On what couch and eating what, did he repose?"
Guha, the Lord of Nishadas, thrilling with rapture, spoke to Bharata about the manner in which he made arrangements for (feeding and reposing) his beloved and kind guest, Rama. "Various kinds of food and drink and different varieties of fruits were brought repeatedly by me to the presence of Rama for the purpose of his consumption."
Rama, the truly courageous man, refused all of them. Reminding himself of his warrior's statute, he could not accept it.
"O, Bharata! We were pacified by that high-souled Rama by saying thus: ' O, friend! We are not allowed to receive anything we must always be givers. Rama, of great glory, then along with Seetha drank the water brought by Lakshman as observed fasting. Thereafter Lakshmana also drank the left-over water and those three practised silence together in that evening-twilight. Lakshmana then personally brought a layer of Kusa grass and arranged a fittingly nice bed with it for Rama immediately. Rama, along with Seetha, settled down on that bed. After washing their feet, Lakshmana went away to a distance. Here at this fort of Ingndi Tree, on just this grass, on which both Rama and Seetha slept that night. Lakshmana, the scourge of his foe, wearing a glove of goha skin, strapping two quivers full of arrows on either side of his back and wielding a great stringed bow, remained on his part walking round Rama during that night. Wearing excellent arrows and a bow along with my vigilant kinsmen carrying their bows, I on my part remained near Lakshman, who was guarding Rama who vied with Indra the Lord of celestials."
Thus completes 87th Chapter of Ayodhya Kanda of the glorious Ramayana of Valmiki, the work of a sage and the oldest epic.
Valmiki Ramayana - Ayodhya Kanda in Prose
Sarga 88
Bharata and his minister approach the foot of Angudi tree, where Rama has slept on a grass-bed on the ground. Bharata feels bad that on his account, Rama and Seetha were to sleep on such a grass-bed. He thinks that the city of Ayodhya is plunged in desolation, because of the death of Dasaratha and the exile of Rama to the forest. Bharata further takes an owe that like Rama, he will also henceforth sleep on grass with his locks matted, wearing robes of bark and living only on roots and fruits. He says that if Rama refuses his appeal to occupy the throne of Ayodhya, he also will stay back in the forest along with Rama. |
Having heard all that perfectly, Bharata approached the foot of Ingudi Tree along with his ministers and gazed on that grass-bed on which Rama had slept. Thereafter, he said to all his mothers as follows: "It is here that the magnanimous hero laid himself for that night, his limbs pressing the earth. Born of the great and sagacious Dasaratha in an illustrious family, Rama verily does not deserve to sleep on this bare earth! How could Rama the tiger among men, who used to sleep on a couch horded with rich cushions covered with superior hairy skins of antelopes, sleep on a bare floor? Having ever dwelt in palaces, the upper apartments resembling the chariots of the gods and in turrets, furnished with excellent carpets decked with heaps of flowers, perfumed with sandal and aloes, like unto a bright and towering cloud, re-echoing to the cries of parrots, surpassing the finest of palaces, which were cool and fragrant with perfumes, as unto Mount Meru with its golden walls, where in that palace he was awakened at the fitting time by songs and music from various instruments, tinkling of ornaments and the excellent sounds of clay tom-toms, glorified by many panegyrists, bards and ministrels through appropriate ballads and songs of praise."
"This ( such a prince becoming like this) is unbelievable in the world and does not appear true to me. My mind is indeed bewildered. I wish that it were a dream. Surely even a deity is not a little more powerful than Time (the will of god), since that Rama, the son of Dasaratha has to sleep on the bare ground! Even Seetha the daughter of the king of videha, lovely to look upon and the cherished daughter-in-law of Dasaratha has to sleep on the floor!"
"This is the bed of my elder brother. Here are indeed the blessed marks of his changing sides, in the form of all the blades of Kusa grass, trampled by his limbs on the hard ground. I think the blessed Seetha has slept on this bed along with her jewels for, some particles of gold appear to be stuck up, here and there. It is very clear that the upper garment of Seetha got entangled with these blades here at that time. That is why, these silk-threads appear stuck to them. I think the bed of her husband is sweet to a woman and thought Seetha is young and unfortunate, yet however delicate she be, she would experience no suffering. Alas! I am a cruel man because on my account, Rama, like an orphan, along with his wife slept on such a bed. How can Rama, born in the race of monarchs, highly honoured by the entire world, beloved of all the people, having a dark complexion as that of a blue-lotus, having red eyes, lovely to look at who is entitled for comfort and who is not worthy of suffering, sleep on the ground, abandoning excellent kingdom and comfort?"
"Lakshmana, having auspicious marks on his body and an exceedingly lucky man, who accompanied his elder brother Rama in times of adversity in indeed a fortunate man. Seetha, who went together with her husband to the forest, is indeed an accomplished woman. All of us, deprived of the highly virtuous Rama, are an unsettled lot. Dasaratha went to heaven. Rama is dwelling in the forest. this kingdom appears to me as a boat without helmsman. Even if staying in the forest, Rama protects this earth with the power of his arms. Hence, nobody can think even in his mind, to invade this kingdom. Without guards to watch over its ramparts, with its unrestrained horses and elephants, with its city-gates laid open, without any defenders, denuded of its happy army, plunged in desolation in difficulties and exposed, that royal capital of Ayodhya will be shunned like poisoned food even by the enemies. From today onwards, I shall sleep on the earth or on the grass, with my locks matted, wearing robes of bark and by all means living on fruits and roots."
"For the rest of his exile, on behalf of Rama, I shall dwell cheerfully in the forest, thereby discharging that promise so that the vows of Rama shall not have been made in vain. Shatrughna will bear company with me, residing in the forest on behalf of Rama. My elder brother, Rama along with Lakshmana will protect Ayodhya. Rama will be enthroned in ayodhya, by Brahmanas the Twice-born! May the gods grant that my desire be made a reality. Should Rama not accept the respectful appeals made in many a way by me, I shall follow the foot steps of Rama for any length of time he roams about in the forest thereafter. He ought not to refuse this grace to me."
Thus completes 88th Chapter of Ayodhya Kanda of the glorious Ramayana of Valmiki, the work of a sage and the oldest epic.
Valmiki Ramayana - Ayodhya Kanda in Prose Sarga 89
Having passed the night on the banks of Ganga, Bharata asks Guha to make arrangements for their troops to cross the river by boats. Accordingly, Guha has kept ready five hundred boat with their ferry-men for the purpose. All of them reach the opposite shore of the river. Encamping the army at the shore in the magnificent woods of Prayaga, Bharata along with the priests and king's counsellors, approach the hermitage of Bharadwaja. |
Bharata, born in Raghu race, having passed the night in that place on the banks of Ganga, rising at dawn, said to shatrughna as follows:
"O, Shatrughna! Wake up! Why sleep longer? Bring Guha the king of Nishadhas quickly and be happy. Let him convey the army across the river. Thus urged by Bharata, his brother Shatrughna said, "I am not sleeping. Thinking of that Rama alone, I have been wakeful."
While those two lions among men were talking themselves with each other thus, Guha came in time and with joined palms, addressed Bharata saying: "O, Bharata! Did you pass the night happily on the banks of the river? I hope all is well with your army."
Hearing those words of Guha spoken with affection, Bharata also in his devotion to Rama, replied as follows:
"O, king! The night passed pleasantly for us. We were treated hospitably by you. Let your fisher-men ferry us across Ganga River on your courtless boats.”
Hearing Bharata's command, Guha returned to the city in all haste and spoke to those multitude of his people (as follows): "Rise, awake and may prosperity ever attend you! Duly haul the boats to the bank. Let us carry the army across the river."
Rising immediately on hearing the command of their king, they quickly brought together five hundred boats from every quarter. Some excellent boats, possessing large bells were marked with Sawstika, well-kept together with appropriate sails and adorned with flags.
Then, Guha brought there one boat also adorned with Swastika, was covered with white canvas, re-echoing with acclamations and which was beautiful. Vasishta, the royal priest and whatever elderly Brahmanas were present there ascended the boats, even before Bharata, Shatrughna, Kausalya, Sumitra. Whatever royal women were present also took their seats. Thereafter followed the king's wives a well as bullock- carts and provisions.
The sound of men setting fire to the huts, of those who were descending the steps leading to the boat and those who were transporting their effects touched the sky.
It has been a convention among Indian troops in the past to burn whatever is removing their essential things and tents while leaving a halting place in the course of their march to a destination. The idea is not to leave any trace of their whereabouts for the enemy. The practice was also believed to bring triumph to the troops who resorted to it.
Thos boats, adorned with flags, steered by fisher-men themselves ran speedily, duly carrying those passengers. Some were filled with women. Some were loaded with horses and some of them ferried animals of draught of great value.
Having reached the opposite shore, those boats cleared those people and on the return journey, the kinsfolk of Guha plied them as easily as toy- boats made of bamboo. Goaded on by their mahouts, elephants adorned with their flags, swimming across the river, looked life winged mountains.
Some ascended boats. Some others crossed the river by rafts in the same manner. Some others swam across with the help of big and small earthen vessels. The rest swam with arms. Having made to cross River Ganga by the fisher-men themselves, that holy army reached the magnificent woods of Prayaga at the hour of Maitra.
The hour of early hours. A Muhurta, loosely translated as an hour, really consist of 48 minutes. There are fifteen such Muhurtas in a day. They are named in order by Brihaspati as Randra, Sarpa, maitra, Paitra, Vasava, Apya, Vaisva, Brahma, Praja, Isha, Sindra, Aindragna, Nairta, Varunaryamana and Bhagi.
The high-souled Bharata made the army to rest, by encamping it according to its inclination and set out along with the priests and king's counsellors to meet Bharadwaja, the foremost of sages. Approaching the hermitage of that high-souled Brahmana and the family priest of gods, Bharata saw an extensive and enchanting grove with its leafy huts and tress the chief of ascetics.
Thus completes 89th chapter in the Ayodhya Kanda of the glorious Ramayana of Valmiki, the work of a sage and the oldest epic.
Valmiki Ramayana - Ayodhya Kanda in Prose
Sarga 90
Bharata along with Vasishta proceed to see Bharadwaja. Bharadwaja welcomes both of them hospitable. After exchanging pleasantries Bharadwaja asks Bharata whether he is coming to the forest to do any harm to Rama and Lakshmana. Bharata replies that he is coming to the forest for the purpose of taking back Rama to Ayodhya. When enquired by Bharata about the whereabouts of Rama, Bharadwaja informs that Rama along with Seetha and Lakshmana are staying on the chitrakuta mountain. Thereafter, at the request of Bharadwaja, Bharata along with his routine decides to make a night halt on that day at that hermitage and to proceed to Chitrakuta on the following morning. |
Having seen Bharadwaja's hermitage at a couple of miles away, that excellent man Bharata, knowing what is right, leaving all his army behind, discarding his weapons and ornaments, and wearing simple silken garment, went forwards by foot, proceeded by Vasishta, his spiritual preceptor. Leaving his ministers behind at a visible distance to Bharadwaja, Bharata then went along with Vasishta, his spiritual preceptor.
On seeing Vasistha, Bharadwaja the great ascetic rose quickly from his seat, asking his disciples to fetch water to wash the hand (of the distinguished guests) with. Having met Vasishta and greeted by Bharata, Bharadwaja of great splendour recognized him to be a son of Dasaratha. Bharadwaja, knowing what is right, offering them both, in order of seniority, water to wash their hands and feet with and fruits afterwards, made enquiries concerning the welfare of their family.
Subsequently, Bharadwaja made enquires with both of them as to whether all were well in the city of Ayodhya, with the army, with the treasury, friends and counsellors. But knowing Dasaratha friends and counsellors. But knowing Dasaratha to be dead, he did not speak of the king.
Vasishta and Bharata in return made enquires with Bharadwaja, if all were well with his body his sacred fires, his disciples, the trees, the deer and birds in the hermitage. The great ascetic Bharadwaja replied, "All is well" and spoke the following words to Bharata, bound as he was with affection to Rama : "For what reason have you, who are ruling the kingdom, come here? Tell me all this, for my mind is not getting cleared of doubts. That annihilator of enemies, born of Kausalya for the increase of her happiness, he who with his brother and his wife have been exiled to the forest for a long period, that Rama who is full of glory, through the intrigues of a woman was condemned to dwell in the forest for fourteen years by his father. I hope you do not intend to do any harm to that irreproachable prince and his younger brother in order to enjoy the throne without hindrance."
Thus spoken to as aforesaid, Bharata with his eyes filled with tears in grief and in a faltering tone, replied to Bharadwaja as follows:
"If you the Blessed One, regard me like this, I am lost indeed! I cannot conceive of any harm towards Rama having proceeded from me. do not charge me thus. I do not approve of what my mother has done when I was away from home. I am not pleased with her nor do I accept her word in this matter. I, on my part, came to take back that tiger among men to Ayodhya, after prostrating myself at his feet and having propitiated him. O, venerable one! Believing me to have come for the aforesaid purpose, you ought to do a favour for me. Tell me where Rama the Lord of the world is to be found now?"
Requested by Vasishta and other priests likewise, Bharadwaja answered Bharata in affectionate words as follows:
"O, Bharata the tiger among men! Good manners towards teachers as well as self control and walking in the footsteps of virtuous men-these qualities are worthy of you, born as you are in the Raghu dynasty. I was aware of your purpose in your mind. But, I desired to confirm it and it is on this account that I asked you, in order to strengthen you fame immeasurably. I know where the virtuous Rama along with Seetha and Lakshmana are to be found. Your elder brother is staying on the great mountain called Chitrakuta. You may proceed to that place tomorrow. Stay here today along with your ministers. O, man of great wisdom, who understands legitimate interest and desire! Grant me this desire."
Bharata of a broad outlook and whose reality (as an admirer of Rama) had now come to be known, answered thus: "So be it". Then, the prince made up his mind to stay for that night in the hermitage."
Thus completes 90th Chapter of Ayodhya Kanda of the glorious Ramayana of Valmiki, the work of a sage and the oldest epic.
Valmiki Ramayana - Ayodhya Kanda in Prose
Sarga 91
Having been instructed by Bharadwaja to bring the army to his place, Bharata allowed his army also to come to the hermitage. Then, Bharadwaja invokes Visvakarma, the divine architect and requests him to arrange for a befitting hopsitality to Bharata, |
Seeing he had resolved to halt at that place for the night, the sage Bharadwaja prepared to offer Bharata the son of Kaikeyi the full honours due to a guest. Then, Bharata said to Bharadwaja as follows: "Have you not presented me with water to wash my hands and feet and offered me this hospitality fitting for a guest in this forest?"
Then, Bharadwaja smilingly replied to Bharata as follows: "I know you possess a friendly disposition and you are pleased with whatever is offered to you. O, Bharata the excellent among men! I wish to offer food to your army. You ought to fulfil my satisfaction in every suitable way. O, warrior! Why did you come here, leaving your army at a distance? Why did you not come to my place with your army?"
Bharata, with joined palms, replied to Bharadwaja who was rich with austerity in the following words: "O, venerable one! I have not come here with my army for the fear of displeasing you. Either the king or the prince should always keep away from the places occupied by ascetics. Spirited horses, men and rare elephants in rut covering an immense area are accompanying me. Let them not damage the trees, huts and ground and defile the waters of hermitages' - in this thought, I came alone." Thereafter Bharata, having been commanded by that great sage to bring the army there, allowed the army's arrival to the hermitage.
Meanwhile, entering the fire-sanctuary (the place where the sacrificial fire is kept), sipping water and wiping the lips, Bharadwaja invoked Visvakarma (the architect of gods) in order to fulfil his duties towards the guests (as follows): "I wish to offer hospitality to the guest I summon vishvakarma who is also the divine carpenter. Let arrangements be made in that connection for me. I further invoke the three gods (Yama, Varuna and Kubera) the guardians of the worlds with Indra as their king. I wish to offer hospitality to the guests. Let arrangements be made in this connection for me. Let the rivers which flow towards the east and those which flow towards the west, across the earth and in the aerial region now come together here from all quarters. Let some rivers flow with Maireya ( a kind of wine made from date palms etc) some others flow with highly refined spirituous liquor and some others flow with cool water with a taste of sugarcane.
"I invoke the celestials and celestial musicians Vishvavasu, Haha and Huhu as also Apsaras (nymphs) belonging to the celestial and celestial musicians' race from all regions. I invoke the celestial nymphs called ghritachi, Vishvachi, Mishra Kesi, Alambusa, Nagadanta and Hema as also Hima who has an abode made in mountains."
"I invoke the fair women who are attending on Brahma the Lord of creation - all of them with their external appendages (like musical instruments) along with (their teacher) Tumburu. Let that beautiful garden in the region of northern Kuru, presided over by Kubera (the god of riches) always with its leaves which serve as raiment and ornaments, with its fruits in the form of heavenly damsels appear in this place. Many the blessed moon-god (the duty presiding over annual plants) furnish me at this place, excellent food of every variety, confections, sweets, sauces and syrups. May the blessed moon-god furnish me many-coloured flowers which have just fallen from the flower-plants or trees, the drinks like wine and others as also various kinds of meat."
That sage Bharadwaja, with his intense meditation, possessing unequal splendour and with austerity, spoke as follows, in tones befitting proper articulation and pronunciation of the scriptural texts. While that sage Bharadwaja, with joined palms, was meditating with absorption in the east, all those celestials came one by one. Then, a pleasant comfortable and gracious breeze, passing over the mountains of Malaya and Dardura, began to blow, removing sweat by its influence. Thereafter wonderful clouds let loose a rain of flowers, while the sound of divine gongs could be heard on every side.
Troops of Apsaras (divine nymphs) danced to the melodious rustling of the wind. The clestials and the celestial musicians sang. Vinas, stringed musical instruments transmitted their tunes. Sweat and harmonious sounds emitted smoothly, entered the sky earth and the ears of beings. When those celestial melodies ceased so pleasingly heard by the human ears, Bharata's army saw the wonderful creations of Visvakarma.
A levelled land of approximately twenty miles on all sides, became covered by many carpets of grass, dark as emerald. At that place, Bilva, Kapittha, Panasa, Citron Amalaki and Mango Trees laden with fruit appeared. A forest of divine enjoyments from the territory of northern Kuru's along with a river shaped with various trees on its bank appeared there.
Splendid square mansions with stables for elephants and horses as well as resplendent gates with watch-towers flanked by turrets were seen. A royal palace emerged, dazzling as a cloud, pierced by splendid arches, hung with white garlands, filled with fragrance of celestial perfumes, forming a perfect quadrangle, spacious, furnished with couches seats and palanquins, supplied with ambrosial drinks of every kind as well as magnificent attire and food of every variety, well-prepared eatables of every description in cleaned vessels free from dirt and all kinds of seats arranged in order looked charming with superb couches duly covered with rich carpets.
The mighty armed Bharata the son of Kaikeyi on invitation by the great sage, entered that palace filled with precious gems. All the ministers together with priests accompanied Bharata and on entering that excellent get-up of the house, were filled with delight
Bharata along with his ministers went clock-wise round the excellent royal throne, whisk and the royal umbrella kept there, as if they were utilized by a king. They paid reverence to the royal seat, bowing before it, as if Rama sat thereon and thereafter Bharata, taking hold of the whisk, sat down on the seat meant for the chief minister.
All the ministers and priests sat down in order of precedence. Thereafter, the chief of the army and at last the officer-in-charge of the encampment occupied their seats. Then, on an instant, by the orders of Bharadwaja, streams having milk thickened with rice in the place of mud, flowed towards Bharata. On both the banks of those streams, enchanting and celestial houses plastered with white clay born out of the grace of Brahma the Lord of creation, appeared.
At that moment itself, twenty thousand women adorned with beautiful ornaments, sent by Brahma, arrived. Twenty thousand more women, who were radiant and adorned with gold, gems, pearls and corals came from the region of Kubera. A particular company of Apsaras, embraced by whom, a man looked as though seized with insanity, came from Nandana grove.
Those most excellent kings among celestial musicians - Narada, Tumbura and Gopa whose radiance is like that of the sun, began to sing in front of Bharata. Then, on the command of Bharadwaja, Alambusa, MishraKesi and Vamana started dancing in the presence of Bharata. By the command of Bharadwaja, wreaths of flowers which were beloved of the gods or those which grow in the woods of Chaitra ratha were seen at Prayaga.
By the command of Bharadwaja, Bel trees assumed the form of drummers, Vibhitaka trees assumed the form of cymbalists and Peepul trees assumed the form of dancers. Then, decoders palmyras and Tilaka trees along with Tamala trees transformed into hunch backs and dwarfs and joyfully arrived there.
Shimshapas (Ashoka trees), Amalakis (Emblic myrobalan), Jambus (rose-apple trees), Malati, Mallika Jati and other creepers in the forest had been changed into dancing girls in the hermitage of Bharadwaja and they spoke as follows: "O, wine-bibbers! Drink the wine, however much you desire! O troops stricken with hunger! Let milk thickened with rice and the meats which are very much fresh, be eaten (as you will)"
Seven or eight young women bathed every single man on the beautiful river-banks, after massaging their body with oil. Women with charming eyes came running and shampooed their limbs. Lovely women likewise wiped off the moisture on their body with towels and gave them beverages to drink, mutually sharing them among each other.
The keepers of animals fed horses, elephants, donkeys, camels and bullocks (the offspring of Surabhi the divine cow) with their suitable feed. The animals, belonging to the exceedingly strong and illustrious warriors, the descendents of Ikshvaku, were fed with pieces of sugarcane and roasted grain soaked in honey, duly cajoling them to eat.
The groom did not recognize his horse. The elephant-keeper did not recognize his elephant. That army there appeared intoxicated, maddened and enraptured on that spot. With all their desires gratified, their bodies anointed with red-sandal paste, and surrounded by a company of Apsaras, those soldiers uttered the following words.
"We shall not go either to Ayodhya or to Dandaka forest. Let Bharata be well! Likewise, let Rama too be at east!"
Having obtained that hospitality, the infantry, the cavalry as well as those mounted on elephants and their keepers too, no longer acknowledging their leaders, spoke the following words: In the height of joy, those men in thousands there, the retinue of Bharata cried out, "This is verily of heaven!"
The soldiers in thousands, wreathed in flowers danced, laughed, sang and ran hither and thither. To those soldiers who had partaken that food which was as sweet as ambrosia, when they saw again those fresh dishes, there arose in them a desire to eat them again.
Thousands of servants, slaves, youthful women and those in the army on every side, clad in new raiment, became very much contented. Elephants, donkeys, camels, bullocks, horses, animals and birds there were suitably well-fed. Hence, one did not afflict the other. There was no one seen in soiled attire or hungry or unkept or with hair powdered with dust.
Dishes of goat and boar with delicious sauces were there and condiments that were spicy, fragrant and succulent, cooked in fruit juices; vessels of rare metals filled with rice, decorated with flowers, were offered in thousands to those soldiers there. The soldiers saw them with wonder on all sides. The wells in various sides of the forest (surrounding Bharadwaja's hermitage) have their mud transformed into milk in which rice was cooked. The cows in the region were transformed into cows of plenty and the trees dripped honey.
Some ponds there were endowed with full of wine and some were filled with assortment of various dressed meats pertaining to deer, peacocks and wild cocks; cooked in hot pans. There were thousands of portable furnaces, lacs of culinary utensils ten crores of golden vessels, well-cleaned bowls filled with curds, small water-jars and wide-mouthed dishes.
Lakes full of fresh curds, shining fragrant and in the colour of a wood-apple, curds mixed with sugar and spices, some other lakes filled with white curds, some others filled with milk soaked in rice as well as sugar and some other lakes with a mixture of barley and sugar were formed.
Those soldiers saw jellies, powders and syrups made of fruits and various kinds of accessories used in bathing, kept stored in vessels, on the banks of rivers. Those soldiers saw there heaps of twigs used for cleaning the teeth with white brushes at their tips, white sandal pastes stored in caskets, polished mirrors, piles of clothes, thousands of pairs of shoes and sandals, caskets containing collyrium for the eyes; combs, brushed, raiments bows, protectors of vitals, strange couches and seats, drinking ponds for donkeys camels elephants and horses, lakes with good stairs for descent having water-lilies and lotuses with sky-blue colour, with clear water offering a comfortable bath and soft grasses having a colour of Nipa tree and of cat's eye gems useful for feeding animals.
Nipa tree: Nanclea cadamba
Seeing such a wonderful and dreamlike hospitality offered by the great sage Bharadwaja, all those men were surprised. While they were enjoying thus in that charming hermitage of Bharadwaja, in the same manner as celestials enjoy the garden of Nandna, that night had elapsed. Having been permitted by Bharadwaja, those rivers, the celestial musicians and all those beautiful women went back by the same way they came. The soldiers, intoxicated with spirituous liquor, were likewise excited with joy. Likewise, the men were drenched in charming aloes and sandal paste. Various kinds of excellent and charming garlands were there, crushed and garlands were there, crushed and scattered at distances, likewise.
Thus completes 91st Chapter of Ayodhya Kanda of the glorious Ramayana of Valmiki, the work of a sage and the oldest epic.
Valmiki Ramayana - Ayodhya Kanda in Prose
Sarga 92
Bharata approaches the sage Bharadwaja and seeks his permission to leave. Bharata asks Bhardwaja the exact route by which he can reach the abode of Rama. Bharadwaja gives the details of the path towards the banks of river Mandakini, situated at the north of Chitrakuta mountain, where Rama is stationed along with Seetha and Lakshmana. Hearing of the journey, Dasaratha's wives approach Bharadwaja and offer their salutations to him. Bharata introduces his mothers one by one to Bharadwaja. While introducing his mother, Kaikeyi to Bharadwaja, Bharata describes Kaikeyi as the root-cause of their family's misfortune. But, the sage Bharadwaja consoles him, saying that the exile of Rama would ultimately result in happiness the sages, celestials and even the demons. Bharata finally bids farewell to the sage and proceeds to Chitrakuta, along with his retinue. |
Thereafter, Bharata along with his routine, who were treated hospitably, spent that night there and sought out Bharadwaja with fondness. The sage Bharadwaja, who had offered oblations in sacred fire, spoke to Bharata the tiger among men, who had come there with joined palms, saying.
"O, handsome Bharata! Have you passed this night at out place comfortably? Is your retinue fully satisfied with my hospitality? Tell me."
After joining his palms in salutation, Bharata replied to the very glorious sage Bharawaja, who came out from his hermitage (as follows): "O, venerable sage! With all the enjoyments in plenty provided by you, I felt comfortable and satisfied, along with very ministers my entire army and our animals too used in riding. All of us including our servants have become very much satisfied with our fatigue and pains removed, having eaten a good food and having been provided an excellent accommodation."
"O, Blessed one! O, excellent sage I am taking leave of you. Look on me with favour as I find myself in my brother's vicinity. Tell me about the abode of that high-souled and pious man, Rama. Tell me as to which way I have to go, how much distance it is from here and so forth."
The highly glorious Bharadwaaja, of rigid asceticism, thus questioned by Bharata (who intensely desired to see his brother again), answered him as follows: "O, Bharata! About twenty eight miles from here, there is a mountain called Chitrakuta, in the middle of a lonely forest with its charming Cascades and groves. Going towards its northern side, you will find River Mandakini, which is entirely enveloped with flowering trees and having forests flourished with charming blossoms. Beyond that river, there is a mountain called Chitrakuta and on it, their hut made of leafy twigs. Both of them are residing there. It is sure."
"O, the illustrious chief of army! Direct the forces filled with elephants horses and chariots either towards the southern route or to the left proceeding southward. You can see Rama then."
Hearing him speak of the journey, Dasaratha's wives eligible of sitting in palanquins, descended from their palanquins and stood encircling Bharadwaja. Kaikeyi with her unfulfilled desire and despised by the whole world, clasped the sage's feet with bashfulness. Kaikeyi with her unfulfilled desire and despised by the whole world, clasped the sage's feet with bashfullness.
Then, having gone around that venerable and eminent sage clock-wise, she stood close to Bharata himself, distressed as she was at heart. Then, Bharadwaja, firm in austerity, enquired Bharata as follows: "O, Bharata! I wish to know the distinctions of your mothers."
Hearing the words of the learned sage, Bharadwaja, Bharata who was skilled in expression, with joined palms, spoke the following words: "O, venerable sage! This miserable queen emaciated by grief and fasting, is the royal consort of my father, who you see resembling a goddess - it is she, Kausalya who, as Aditi gave birth to Upendra, begot that Tiger among the heroes, with the great gait and pride of a lion that Rama."
She, who stands clinging to the left shoulder of Kausalya, plunged in grief is the unfortunate Sumitra, looking like a branch of Karnikara tree with withered flowers standing in the interior of the grove. Both Lakshmana and Shatrughna, the two heroic princes of god-like appearance and unfailing prowess are the sons of this godly woman, Sumitra.
"She, through whose fault, those two tigers among men have to obtain a miserable existence and King Dasaratha deprived of his son, has gone to heaven this woman, who is irate, imprudent, arrogant, who esteems herself to be good-looking, who is covetous of power, unworthy though noble to all appearance, know her to be Kaikeyi, my mother of wicked and sinful resolve, in whom I see the root cause of my great misfortune."
Bharata, the tiger among men, with his red eyes spoke thus in a voice broken by sobs and breathing as he like an enraged and hissing snake. Hearing the aforesaid words spoken by Bharata, Bharadwaja the great intellectual sage replied in the following meaningful words. "O, Bharata! Kaikeyi is not intended to be understood by you accusatively. The exile of Rama with indeed become ultimately a cause for happiness! Now, due to Rama's exile, there will indeed be a benefit to the celestials the demons and the sages whose souls are purified by meditating on the Universal Spirit."
Bharata satisfied, paid obeisance to him and circumambulated him in bidding a farewell, directing the army to get prepared to leave. Then, setting out for their destination, countless people ascended many excellent chariots, decorated with gold, duly harnessed to horses. Female and male elephants, wearing golden chains and flags, distinguished by the sound of bells, like thundering clouds at the end of a summer marched in a form.
Various precious conveyances, both big and small, marched forward. Pedestrians marched forward by foot. Desirous of seeing Rama and delighted, Kausalya and other honourable women thereafter advanced on their excellent conveyances. The illustrious Bharata mounted a readily kept palanquin which was auspiciously shining like rising moon and sun and proceeded along with his escort. That vast army with its countless elephants horses and chariots proceeded, covering the southern direction, like a great cloud that has risen in the sky and on the other bank of the Ganges, by mountains and streams, crossing the woods inhabited by deer and birds.
That army of Bharata, with its squadrons of rejoicing elephants horses and warriors, penetrating into the vast forest, frightening innumerable beasts and birds, appeared resplendent there.
Thus completes 92nd Chapter of Ayodhya Kanda of the glorious Ramayana of Valmiki, the work of a sage and the oldest epic.
Valmiki Ramayana - Ayodhya Kanda in Prose
Sarga 93
Travelling for a long time, Bharata and his army reach Chitrakuta mountain. Bharata Chitrakuta mountain. Bharata appreciates the beauty of that place and identifies it as an abode of ascetics. He instructs his soldiers to explore the woods and find out where Rama and Lakshmana are living. Valiant men penetrate into the forest and pursuing their search, they observe a plume of smoke rising at some distance and concluding the site to be the hermitage of Rama. Bharata commands his army to halt and decides to walk with Sumantra and Dhriti his spiritual preceptor to Rama's hermitage. |
Seeing that large army on the march, the herds of beasts with their leaders, the denizens of the woods were frightened and ran away together. Bears, dappled deer and antelopes could be seen every where, on the tracks of the forest, on the hills and by the rivers. That pious minded Bharata gracefully marched ahead, surrounded by that clamorous army of four divisions. The army, of the magnanimous Bharata, which resembled the high tide of an ocean, covered the earth as clouds cover the sky in a rainy season.
Submerged by the waves of horses and elephants of great speed at that time, the earth became invisible for a long time. Having travelled for a long distance, that glorious Bharata, whose animals were now fully exhausted, said to Vasishta, the most segacious of his counsellors (as follows)
"Looking at the features of the pace and from what has been heard by me, it is clear that we reached that area of which Bharadwaja spoke. This mountain is Chitrakuta. This river is Mandakini. This forest is appearing like a blue cloud from a distance. By my elephants appearing themselves like mountains, the lovely peaks of Chitrakuta mountain are being trampled. These trees on the peaks of the mountain are shedding flowers, as black and intense clouds shower water in a rainy season."
"Behold, O Shatrughna, this mountain, (hitherto) frequented by Kinnaras, now teaming with horses on every side, as a sea is infested by alligators. These herds of antelopes, having a rapid speed, as urged forward (by the troops) appear like a mass of clouds driven by the wind in the sky in autumn. Those tree, with their leaves in multitude dazzling, crowned with fragrant chaplets of flowers, resemble the people of the south. This forest, which was silent and wore a terrifying look till now, appears to me like Ayodhya, swarming with people."
"The dust raised from the hooves of the horses blots out the heavens, but the wind carries it away immediately as if to give me pleasure. Behold, O Shatrughna, these chariots yoked with horses and mounted by the chief charioteers are rushing together rapidly in the forest. Behold these peacocks and birds, which are pleasant to the sight, are frightened and are entering their dwelling places hastily."
"This place to me is appearing very much lovely. Resembling in every way like a threshold of heaven, it is clearly an abode of ascetics. In this forest, many dappled deer with their hinds, endowed with enchanting forms, are seen as if studded with flowers. Let the soldiers proceed quickly to explore the woods to find those tigers among men, Rama and Lakshamana."
Hearing the words of Bharata, valiant men wearing weapons in their hands, penetrated into the forest suddenly they observed a plume of smoke rising.
Seeing that spiral of smoke, they returned to Bharata and said; "There can be no fire in a deserted place. Assuredly, Rama and Lakshmana are there. If it be not those two tigers among men, the two princes, the scourges of their foes here, obviously there are other ascetics like Rama here."
Hearing those words concurred even by pious men, Bharata the destroyer of enemy's forces, spoke to the entire army (as follows):
"You stay here vigilantly. Do no proceed any further. I alone will go along with Sumantra and also Dhriti, my spiritual preceptor."
On this command, all the troops halted there and Bharata with his gaze fixed on the column of smoke, went forward. The army, which was held up there by Bharata, even though perceiving the place ahead, felt rejoiced in the thought of meeting their beloved Rama soon.
Thus completes 93rd Chapter of Ayodhya Kanda of the glorious Ramayana of Valmiki, the work of a sage and the oldest epic.
Valmiki Ramayana - Ayodhya Kanda in Prose
Sarga 94
Rama describes the beauty of Chitrakuta mountain to Seetha. He delightfully shows her the various colourful minerals, several kinds of birds and animals, several type of trees with flowers and fruit, as also the enchanting springs and Cascades in the mountain. Thus, he also diverts his own mind in seeing that captivating scenery. |
Having dwelt for some time in that mountain, Rama, who resembled God, who liked mountains and groves, who desired Seetha's happiness and himself delightful in his mind, began to point out the beauty of Chitrakuta to his consort, as Indra the god of celestials converses with Shachi the wife of Indra, saying: "O, my good lady! By seeing this beautiful mountain, neither the loss of kingdom nor the non-existence of friends distresses my mind. Behold this mountain, abounding with flocks of birds of every kind where minerals lie and crowned with peaks that seem to project upwards to the sky. Some areas of the mountain are encrusted with minerals, having appearance of silver, some resembling blood, some yellowish, some red as madder, some sparkle like precious stones, some possessing, the luster of topaz and crystal and a hue of Ketaka flower and some sparkle with the splendour of a kind of gem called Jyotirasa."
"The mountain is filled with tame beasts of every kind, tigers, panthers and bears, and is enlivened by a flock of many birds. This mountain abounds with such type of trees as mangoes, rose-apples and Asanas laden with flowers and fruits, affording magnificent shade, and pleasing to the mind, Lodhras, Priyalas (commonly called Payals), bread-fruit trees, Dhavas, Ankolas, Bhavyas and Tinisas, Bilvas (Bel trees), Tindukas and bamboos, Kashmaris, margosas and Varaas, Madhukas; Tilaks, jujube trees, embolic myrobalans, Kadamoos, came, Dhanvanas and pomegranates, enhancing its beauty."
"O, my good lady! See these Kinnaras, thrilling to be looked at, in their high spirits, wandering in couples in these lovely mountain-plains. Behold their swords hanging on the trees, their excellent swords and the charming retreats, where vidyadharas and their women sport. This mountain resembles an elephant with ichors flowing from its forehead, as from its crevices, springs and cascades flow here and there."
"Who would not be filled with delight, by these glades from which fragrance of various flowers issues, pleasing to the senses? O, irreproachable lay! If I am live with you and Lakshmana for many autumns here, grief will not overpower me. O, Seetha! Seeing this mountain laden with many flowers and fruit, the enchanting resort of flocks of birds as also the ravishing peaks of the mountain, I am really captivated."
"By residing in the forest, a two-fold advantage is secured by me; freedom from debt to my father in regards my duty and Bharata's happiness. O, Seetha! Are you happy with me on this Chitrakuta mountain, seeing various objects agreeable to your thought word and temperament?"
"My paternal great grand fathers the ancient royal sages have said that for a king to obtain liberation after death, such a residence in the forest is nectar like. Hundreds and multitude of rocks of this extensive mountain are shining around in multifarious colours like blue, yellow, white and red."
"Thousands of herbs of this Chitrakuta mountain, glittering with their lovely light, are sparkling like points of fire. O, Seetha! Some parts of this mountain resemble mansions, some look like parks and some others appear like a single pile. Chitrakuta appears as though emerged, having split the earth. This summit of Chitrakuta appears charming on all sides."
"See the leaves of lilies, Sthagara trees, Punnaga trees and Bhurja trees heaped with flowers of water-lilies form the cozy beds of voluptuaries. O, Seetha! Look at the garlands of lotus-flowers crushed and thrown aside by voluptuaries as also fruits of every kind that have been tasted."
"This mountain f Chitrakuta with its abundance of roots fruits and water is more beautiful than Vasvankasara better known as Alaka the capital of Kubera the Lord of Riches, Nalini the capital of Indra (the God of celestials) better known as Amaravati and Uttarakuru the country of Eternal Beatitude. O, Seetha! Strolling with you and Lakshmana during this period of exile, on my part established in the path of the pious, following the highest salutary practices, I shall obtain joy, enhancing the piety of my race."
Thus completes 94th Chapter of Ayodhya Kanda of the glorious Ramayana of Valmiki, the work of a sage and the oldest epic.
Valmiki Ramayana - Ayodhya Kanda in Prose Sarga 95
Rama describes to Seetha the beauty of Mandakini River with its multi-coloured beaches, swans, geese, deer and flowery trees on its banks. He shows some sages taking dip in the river and herds of elephants and monkeys coming for a drink there. Thus Rama and Seetha spend some of their time in enjoying the charms of Chitrakuta mountain. |
Then, turning away from the mountain, Rama (The prospective ruler of Kosala) showed Seetha (the daughter of the King of Mithila) the beautiful river of Mandakini carrying splendid waters.
The lotus-eyed Rama spoke to Seetha, (the daughter of Janaka) who was having an elegant waist and whose face resembled the moon: "Behold this charming river of Mandakini, with its multi-coloured sandy beaches, frequented by swans and geese and laden with flowers. Behold this river, hedged on all sides with various kinds of flowers and fruits, growing on its banks and enhance its loveliness like the lake (Sangadhika) of Kubera (the ruler of Yakshas). At this moment, its pleasant fords, where herds of deer drink and make the waters turbid, create ecstasy in me."
"O, beloved Seetha! Sages with matted locks and wearing antelope-skins and having bark of trees for their upper garment, take a dip in the River Mandakini, at the appointed hour. Here are some other sages of austere vows, worshipping the sun with uplifted arms; as per the scriptural injunctions. The trees, their crowns agitated by the breeze, that shower down leaves and flowers on both sides of the river cause the mountain to appear as though it were dancing! See this River Mandakini with its crystal-like clear water at some places, with its shining sand-dunes at some places and crowded with Siddhas who are bathing at some other places."
Siddha: A class of semi-divine beings endowed with mystic powers.
"Behold you, heaps of flowers shaken down by the wind and shattered. See some other heaps of flowers floating, O lady with slender waist! Behold the sweet-voiced ruddy geese, ascending the banks uttering harmonious tones. I consider this sight of Mandakini River and of Chitrakuta, particularly at your sight, to be more delightful than dwelling in the City of Ayodhya, O, lovely woman! Here are Siddhas (semi-divine beings endowed with mystic powers), free from impurities and rich in asceticism, with their senses and mind under control, who perpetually stir the waters. You too should take a dip in the river along with me."
"Enter the Mandakini River, as on the breast of a friend, submerging the red and white lotuses in it- O, Lovely Seetha! My darling! Think of the wild beasts as inhabitants of the city of Ayodhya, this mountain of Chitrakuta as the city of Ayodhya and this river as the Sarayu from now on!
"O, Seetha!; The virtuous Lakshmana is obeying my commands and you too are well-disposed, causing delight to me. Bathing three times a day in the river and living on honey, roots and fruits in your company, I do not desire for the kingdom nor do I long for Ayodhya now. There is none in the world, who would not be relieved of his fatigue and feel refreshed on the banks of this enchanting river, frequented by herds of elephants, who with lions and monkeys, come here to drink and which is adorned with innumerable flowers in full bloom."
Describing the varied beauties of the Mandakini River, Rama the bestower of delight to Raghu dynasty with his beloved consort as a companion, strolled in the lovely mountain of Chitrakuta which was shining like a piece of collieries."
Thus completes 95th Chapter of Ayodhya Kanda of the glorious Ramayana of Valmiki, the work of a sage and the oldest epic.
Valmiki Ramayana - Ayodhya Kanda in Prose Sarga 96
Rama hears a gigantic clamour of an army nearby and asks Lakshmana to find out what it is. Lakshmana ascends a tree and informs Rama that Bharata's army is approaching towards their hermitage. Lakshmana expresses his apprehension to Rama, saying that Bharata's army may be coming there in order to kill both of them. An enraged Lakshmana says that he will kill both Bharata and Kaikeyi together with the army. |
Having shown Mandakini River in that manner to Seetha, the daughter of Mithila, Rama set on the hill-side in order to gratify her appetite with a piece of flesh. Rama, whose mind was devoted to righteousness stayed there with Seetha, saying; "This meat is fresh, this is savoury and roasted in the fire." While Rama was thus sitting there the dust and clamour of Bharata's army, which was approaching, ascended into the sky.
Meanwhile, frightened by that gigantic clamour, the leaders of elephants and other animal - troops, in rut, were tormented and fled in different directions from there. Rama heard that sound generated from the army and also saw all those leaders of the animal-flock, running away from there. Seeing those animals running away and hearing that clamour, Rama spoke to Lakshmana (son of Sumitra) of burning courage as follows:
"Alas! O, Lakshmana! Sumitra is blessed with a noble son in you. Here is heard a tumultuous sound as terrific as that of a roaring cloud. See what it is. The lordly elephants in the forest, the buffaloes in the great woods and the wild beasts frightened by lions are suddenly running away in various directions. O, Lakshmana! You ought to find out whether it is a king or a prince roaming for a hunt or some other savage beast. This mountain is difficult of access even to birds. You ought to find out soon, all this in an accurate manner."
Lakshmana quickly ascended a Sala tree in flowering and looking towards all directions, saw towards eastern side. Looking in northern direction, Lakshmana saw a huge army, full of chariots, steeds and elephants accompanied by smart foot-soldiers.
Lakshmana informed Rama about that army which was full of horses, elephants and chariots decorated with flags and spoke the following words also. "O, honourable brother! Extinguish the fire. Let Seetha occupy a hiding place. Make your bow ready with a bow-string and arrows. Wear an armour."
Rama the tiger among men replied to Lakshmana, saying: "O, Lakshmana! See, whose army do you think is this?"
Hearing Rama's words, Lakshmana was irritated like a fire and spoke the following words, as though he was wishing to scorch the army. "Bharata, Kaikeyi's son, having obtained coronation and desirous of making the kingdom free of enemies, is coming here to kill both of us. It is clear. The gigantic and glorious tree with superb branches is shining over there prominently. The ensign bearing the device of a kovidara (pomegranate) tree is shining on that chariot."
Among the cavalry, some are cavorting merrily on their swift horses, while others are beaming with delight, mounted on their elephants. "O, warrior! Let us take up our bows and ascend the mountain or let us stay here itself, fully prepared with our weapons in our hands. O, Rama! Will that flag with the insignia of a Kovidara tree come into our subjugation? Can we see Bharata, because of whom a great misfortune has occurred to you, to Seetha and to me?"
"O, Rama the warrior! By the reason of whom you were deprived of an eternal kingdom, such Bharata as a foe who is coming here, deserves to be slain by me. I see no sin in slaying Bharata. None is charged with unlawfulness, if one strikes down an aggressor. Bharata is the assailant and his death is legitimate. He being dead, you will rule the entire earth. Let Kaikeyi, who is craving for the kingdom see, with great sorrow, her son slain by me today in battle, as a tree is crushed down by an elephant. I shall kill Kaikeyi too along with her friend the hunch-back and other accomplices. Let the earth today be relieved of a great sinner. Today in the concentrated fury that injustice has kindled I shall scatter the enemy - battalions as a fire consumes the dry wood."
"Today, with my sharpened arrows, I shall slay the bodies of my foes and make this forest of Chitrakuta overflow with blood. The elephants and horses whose breasts were laid open with my darts and the men too struck down by me, be dragged about by savage beasts. By killing Bharata together with his army in this great forest, I shall discharge my debt to my bow and arrows."
Thus completes 96th Chapter of Ayodhya Kanda of the glorious Ramayana of Valmiki, the work of a sage and the oldest epic.
Sree Valmiki Ramayana
courtesy from
Sree Brahmasri Desiraju Hanumanta Rao ji
and Sreeman Brahmasri K M K Murthy ji
I Humbly bow to the lotus feet of both of them
for the collection
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