As per instructions of Rama, Guha gets a boat ready. Sumantra requests Rama to take him as a personal attendant to the forest, but Rama declines his offer and after reasoning with him, sends him back to Ayodhya. Rama and Lakshmana matted their hair with the latex of a banyan tree procured by Guha. On reaching the middle of the stream, Sita offers prayers to Mother Ganga (the deity presiding over the stream) and after crossing the river, all the three halt for the night at the foot of a tree.
prabhātāyām tu śarvaryām pṛthu vṛkṣā mahā yaśāḥ |
uvāca rāmaḥ saumitrim lakṣmaṇam śubha lakṣaṇam || 2-52-1
1. sharvaryaam = night; prabhataayaamtu = having given way to dawn; raamaH = Rama; pR^ithuvakshhaaH = the man with a broad chest; mahaayashaaH = (and) the illustrious; uvaacha = said; lakshhmaNam = to Lakshmana; soumitrim = the son of Sumitra; shubhalakshhaNam = endowed with auspicious signs.
That night having given way to dawn, the illustrious Rama with a broad chest spoke (as follows) to Lakshmana, the son of Sumitra and who was endowed with auspicious signs :
bhāskara udaya kālo ayam gatā bhagavatī niśā |
asau sukṛṣṇo vihagaḥ kokilaḥ tāta kūjati || 2-52-2
2. taata = "Oh; dear brother. ayam = This; bhaaskarodaya kaalaH = is the hour of sunrise. bhagavatii = The auspicious; nishaa = night; gataa = has departed. vihagaH = That bird; sukR^ishhNaH = of dark plumage; asou kokilaH = the cuckoo; kuujati = is singing".
"Oh, dear brother! This is the hour of sunrise. The auspicious night has departed. That bird of dark plumage, the cuckoo, is singing."
barhiṇānām ca nirghoṣaḥ śrūyate nadatām vane |
tarāma jāhnavīm saumya śīghragām sāgaram gamām || 2-52-3
3. nirghoshhaH = the cries; barhiNaanaam = of peacocks; nadataam = resounding; vane = in the forest; shruuyate = are being heard. soumya = Oh; good brother! taraama = (let us) cross; shiighragaam = the swift-flowing; jaahnaviim** = Ganga river; saagaram gamaam = that gushes to the sea."
"Oh, good brother! Hear the cries of peacocks resounding in the forest. Let us cross the swift-flowing Ganga River that gushes to the sea."
--***-The river Ganga, when brought down from heaven by the austerities of Emperor Bhagiratha, followed the latter to the subterranean regions in order to consecrate the remains of his great grand uncles. In its course, it inundated the sacrificial ground of king Jahnu, who in his anger, drank up its waters. But the gods and sages and particularly Bhagiratha appeased his anger and he consented to release the waters through his ears. The river is thereafter regarded as his daughter.
vijñāya rāmasya vacaḥ saumitrir mitra nandanaḥ |
guham āmantrya sūtam ca so atiṣṭhad bhrātur agrataḥ || 2-52-4
4. saH soumitriH = that Lakshmana; mitranandanaH = who makes his friends happy; viG^yaaya = having understood; vachaH = the words; raamasya = of Rama; aamantrya = called; guham = Guha; suutamcha = and Sumantra; atishhTat = and stood; agrataH = in front; bhraatuH = of his brother.
Lakshmana, the delight of his friends, having understood the words of Rama, called Guha as well as Sumantra and stood in front of his brother.
sa tu rāmasya vacanam niśamya pratigṛhya ca |
sthapatistūrṇamāhuya sacivānidamabravīt || 2-52-5
5. nishamya = hearing; vachanam = the words; raamasya = of Rama; saH sthapatiH = that Guha; tuurNam = quickly; pratigR^ihyacha = received them; aahuuya = invited; sachivaan = his ministers; abraviit = and spoke; idam = these words:
Hearing the command of Rama, Guha quickly received it, invited his ministers and spoke to them as follows:
asya vāhanasamyuktām karṇagrāhavatīm śubhām |
supratārām dṛḍhām tīrkhe śīgram nāvamupāhara || 2-52-6
6. asya = for the sake of Rama; shiighram = quickly; upaahara = bring; tiirthe = to the landing place; naavam = a boat; vaahana samyuktaam = accompanied by a boatman; karNagraahavatiim = and having a helmsman in it; shubhaam = beautiful; suprataaraam = which can easily ferry across; dR^iDhaam = and solidly constructed.
"Let a beautiful boat that is solidly constructed, sails well and a helmsman in it, be brought to the bank to carry this hero across!"
tam niśamya samādeśam guhāmātyagaṇo mahān |
upohya rucirām nāvam guhāya pratyavedayat || 2-52-7
7. nishamya = hearing; tam = that; samaadesham = command; mahaan guhaamaatya gaNaH = the chief minister of Guha; upohya = brought; ruchiraam = a charming; naavam = boat; pratyavedayat = ( and) reported the matter; guhaaya = to Guha.
Hearing that command, the chief minister of King Guha brought a charming boat to the bank and reported the matter to Guha.
tataḥ saprāñjalirbhūtvā guho rāghavamabravīt |
upasthiteyam naurdeva bhūyaḥ kim karavāṇi te || 2-52-8
8. tataH = then; guhaH = Guha; bhuutvaa = became; praaNjaliH = one with folded hands; abraviit = and spoke; raaghavam = to Rama: devaH = "Oh; Lord! ; iyam = This; nouH = boat; upasthitaa = has arrived; kim = what; bhuuyaH = more; karavaaNi = can I do; te = for you"
Then, Guha with folded hands spoke to Rama as follows: "Oh, Lord! Here, the boat has arrived. What more can I do for you?"
tavāmarasutaprakhya tartum sāgaragām nadīm |
nauriyam puruṣavyāgra! tām tvamāroha suvrata! || 2-52-9
9. purushha vyaaghra = Oh; tiger among men! amarasuta prakhya = Oh; Rama resembling a son of divinity! iyam = This; nouH = is the boat; tava = for you; tartum = to cross; nadiim = the river; saagaragaam = which flows into the sea. suvrata = Oh; virtuous one! tvam = You; aaroha = ascend; taam = it.
"Oh, tiger among men! Oh, Rama resembling a son of divinity! Here is the boat for you to cross the river, which flows into the sea. Oh, virtuous one! (Pray) get into it."
athovāca mahātejā rāmo guhamidam vacaḥ |
kṛtakāmo.asmi bhavatā śīghramāropyatāmiti || 2-52-10
10. atha = then; raamaH = Rama; mahaa tejaaH = with great splendor; uvaacha = spoke; idam = these; vachaH = words; guham = to Guha; iti = thus; asmi = "I became; kR^ita kaamaH = one whose desire has been accomplished; bhavataa = by you. aaropyataam = Let us embark shiighram = with speed".
Then, Rama with great splendor, spoke to Guha as follows: "My desire has been accomplished by you. Let us embark with all speed."
tataḥ kalāpān samnahya khaḍgau baddhvā ca dhanvinau |
jagmatur yena tau gangām sītayā saha rāghavau || 2-52-11
11. tataH = then; tou raaghavou = both Rama and Lakshmana; siitayaasaha = along with Sita;samnahya = having put on; kalaapaan = quivers with arrows; baddhvaa = having fastened; khaDgoucha = the swords too; dhanvinou = and holding their bows; jagmatuH = went; yena = in which way; gaN^gaam = Ganga is situated.
Having equipped themselves with a quiver each with arrows, fastening their swords and armed with their bows, Rama and Lakshmana, with Sita, proceeded towards the river of Ganga.
rāmam eva tu dharmajñam upagamya vinītavat |
kim aham karavāṇi iti sūtaḥ prānjalir abravīt || 2-52-12
12. suutaH = Sumantra; praaN^jaliH = joining his palms; viniitavat = in humility; upagamya = approached; raamameva tu = only Rama; dharmaG^yam = who knew what is right; abraviit = and spoke; iti = thus: kim = :What aham = I; karavaaNi = shall do?"
Sumantra joining his palms in humility, approached Rama who knew what is right and said, "What shall I do?"
tato.abravīddāśarathiḥ sumantram |
spṛśan kareṇottamadakṣiṇena |
sumantra śīghram punareva yāhi |
rājñaḥ sakāśe bhavacāpramattaḥ || 2-52-13
13. daasharathiH = Rama; tataH = then; spR^ishan = touching; sumantram = Sumantra; uttama dakshhiNena = with his auspicious right; kareNa = hand; abraviit = (and) said: sumantra = "Oh; Sumantra! yaahi punareva = Return; shiighram = quickly; raaG^yaH = to king's; sakaashe = presence; bhava = (and) be; apramattaHcha = attentive."
Touching Sumantra with his auspicious right hand, Rama then said: "Oh, Sumantra! Return quickly to the king's presence and be attentive in serving him."
nivartasva iti uvāca enam etāvadd hi kṛtam mama |
ratham vihāya padbhyām tu gamiṣyāmi mahāvanam || 2-52-14
14. etaavat = "this much service; kR^itamhi = has been done indeed; mama = to me. nivartasya = Return. gamishhyaami = I shall go; padbhyaam = on foot; mahaavanam = to the great forest; vihaaya = abandoning; ratham = the chariot. uvaacha = (he) spoke;iti = thus.
"Go now, that your service to me has been completed. Abandoning the chariot, I shall go on foot to the mighty forest," Rama said.
ātmānam tu abhyanujñātam avekṣya ārtaḥ sa sārathiḥ |
sumantraḥ puruṣa vyāghram aikṣvākam idam abravīt || 2-52-15
15. aavekshhya = seeing; aatmaanam = himself; abhyanuG^yaatam = dismissed; saH sumantraH = that Sumantra; saarathiH = was distressed; abraviit = and spoke; idam = these words; aikshhvaakam = to Rama; purushavyaaghram = the tiger among men.
Finding himself dismissed, Sumantra the charioteer was distressed and spoke to Rama, the tiger among men, as follows:
na atikrāntam idam loke puruṣeṇa iha kenacit |
tava sabhrātṛ bhāryasya vāsaḥ prākṛtavad vane || 2-52-16
16. vaasaH = dwelling; vane = in the forest; praakR^itavat = like a common man; tava = (has come) to you; sa bhraatR^I bhaaryasya = with your brother and your consort. idam = This; naatikraantam = has never been set aside; kenachit purushheNa = by any man; iha loke = in the world.
"None in the world has had to suffer such a fate as yourself; that you should have to dwell in the forest with your brother and your consort as if you were an ordinary man!"
na manye brahma carye asti svadhīte vā phala udayaḥ |
mārdava ārjavayoḥ vā api tvām ced vyasanam āgatam || 2-52-17
17. manye = I think; naasti = there is no; phalodayaH = reward; brahmacharye = in leading a life of religious student; svadhiite vaa = or in studying scriptures; maardavaarjavayorvaapi = or even in cultivating tenderness and strait forwardness; vyasanam chet = (when) adversity; aagatam = has come; tvaam = to you."
"I think that there is no reward in leading a life of religious student or in studying religious scriptures or even in cultivating tenderness and straight forwardness, when adversity has come to you."
saha rāghava vaidehyā bhrātrā caiva vane vasan |
tvam gatim prāpsyase vīra trīml lokāṃs tu jayann iva || 2-52-18
18. viira = "Oh; heroic; raaghava = Rama! vasan = Residing; vane = in the forest; vaidehyaa saha = along with Sita; bhraatraachaiva = and your brother; tvam = you; praapsyase = will obtain; gatim = the same position; jayanniva = as one who has conquered; triin = the three; lokaan = worlds"
"Oh, heroic Rama! Living in the forest along with Sita and your brother, you will obtain the same position as one who has conquered the three worlds."
vayam khalu hatā rāma ye tayā api upavancitāḥ |
kaikeyyā vaśam eṣyāmaḥ pāpāyā duhkha bhāginaḥ || 2-52-19
19. raama = "Oh; Rama! vayam = We; hataaH khalu = are actually ruined; yena = because; upavaNchitaaH = disappointed in our hopes; tvayaapi = by you too; eshhyaamaH = we shall fall; vasham = under the sway; kaikeyyaaH = of Kaikeyi; paapaayaaH = of sinful nature; duHkha bhaaginaH = and reap suffering".
"Oh, Rama! We are actually ruined, in that, disappointed in our hopes by you too, we shall fall under the sway of Kaikeyi the sinful woman and reap the suffering."
iti bruvann ātma samam sumantraḥ sārathis tadā |
dṛṣṭvā dura gatam rāmam duhkha ārtaḥ rurude ciram || 2-52-20
20. tadaa = then; sumantraH = Sumantra; saarathiH = the charioteer; iti = thus; bruvan = speaking; rurude = wept; chiram = long; duhkhaartaaH = stricken with grief; dR^ishhTvaa = seeing; raamam = Rama; aatmasamam = equal to his soul; duuragatam = gone to a distance.
Sumantra the charioteer thus speaking, wept for a long time, stricken with grief, seeing Rama, equal to his soul, departing to a distance.
tataḥ tu vigate bāṣpe sūtam spṛṣṭa udakam śucim |
rāmaḥ tu madhuram vākyam punaḥ punar uvāca tam || 2-52-21
21. tataH = thereafter; raamastu = Rama; punaH punuH = again and again; uvaacha = spoke; vaakyam(these) words; madhuram = which were sweet; tam suutam = to that charioteer; baashhpe = (whose) tears; vigate = had gone away; spR^ishhTodokam = who had sipped some water; shuchim = and got purified.
Then, Rama again and again spoke these sweet words as follows to that charioteer, whose tears got dried up and who had sipped some water and got himself purified:
ikṣvākūṇām tvayā tulyam suhṛdam na upalakṣaye |
yathā daśaratho rājā mām na śocet tathā kuru || 2-52-22
22. nopalakshhaye = "I do not see; suhrudam = a friend; tulyam = equal; tvayaa = to you; ikshhvaakuuNaam = for the kings of Ikshvaku dynasty. kuru = Act; tathaa = in such a way; yathaa = as; raajaa = king; dasharathaH = Dasaratha; na shochet = may not lament; maam = about me."
"I do not see any one who is as great a friend of the Ikshvakus as you are. (Pray) act in such a way that king Dasaratha may not lament about me"
śoka upahata cetāḥ ca vṛddhaḥ ca jagatī patiḥ |
kāma bhāra avasannaḥ ca tasmāt etat bravīmi te || 2-52-23
23. jagatiipatiH = the king; shokopahata chetaashcha = his mind afflicted with grief; vR^iddhashcha = is aged as well. Kaamabhaaraavasannashcha = (He is) pressed down by a burden of passion. tasmaat = for that reason; braviimi = I tell; etat = this; te = to you.
"The king, his mind afflicted with grief, is aged as well. He is pressed down by a burden of passion. Hence, I tell you this."
yad yad ājñāpayet kiṃcit sa mahātmā mahī patiḥ |
kaikeyyāḥ priya kāma artham kāryam tat avikānkṣayā || 2-52-24
24. yadyat = what so ever; kimchit = some act; saH = that; mahaatmaa = high-soled; mahiipatiH = emperor; aaG^yaapayet = may enjoin; priya kaamaartham = with intent to oblige the desire; kaikeyyaaH = of Kaikeyi; tat = that; kaaryam = is to be done; avikaaNkshhayaa = un hesitatingly."
"What so ever act that high-soled emperor may enjoin you to do, with intent to oblige the desire of Kaikeyi, it is to be done unhesitatingly."
etat artham hi rājyāni praśāsati nara īśvarāḥ |
yad eṣām sarva kṛtyeṣu mano na pratihanyate || 2-52-25
25. nareshvaraaH = "the kings; prashaasatihi = indeed rule; raajyaaani = the states; etadartham = with this end in view; manaH = that their will; yat na pratihanyate = may not be frustrated; sarva kR^ityeshhu = in all their undertakings."
"The kings indeed rule the states with this end in view that their will may not be frustrated in any undertaking."
yadyathā sa mahā rājo na alīkam adhigaccati |
na ca tāmyati duhkhena sumantra kuru tat tathā || 2-52-26
26. sumantra = " Oh; Sumantra! kuru = Carry out; tathaa = in such a way; tat = that; saH mahaaraajaH = the said emperor; yathaa = in which way; yat = whatever; na adhigachchhati = may not find it; aLiikam = as anything unpleasing; na cha taamyati = nor gets distressed; duHkhena = by grief."
"Oh, Sumantra! Carry out everything in such a way that the said emperor neither finds it unpleasing nor gets tormented by grief."
adṛṣṭa duhkham rājānam vṛddham āryam jita indriyam |
brūyāḥ tvam abhivādya eva mama hetor idam vacaḥ || 2-52-27
27. abhivaadyaiva = "only after doing respectful salutation; raajaanaaam = to the king; vR^iddham = who is old; aaryam = (and) venerable; adR^ishhTa duHkham = who has never known suffering; jiteN^driyam = and who has subdued his senses; tvam = you; bruuyaaH = tell; idam = these; vachaH = words; mama hetoH = on my behalf."
"Only after performing respectful salutation to the old and venerable king, who has never known suffering and who has subdued his senses, you tell these words to him on my behalf."
na eva aham anuśocāmi lakṣmaṇo na ca maithilī |
ayodhyāyāḥ cyutāḥ ca iti vane vatsyāmaha iti vā (maheti!)|| 2-52-28
28. naiva = "Indeed neither; aham = I; na = nor; lakshmaNaH maithiliicha = Lakshmana and Sita; anushochaami = grieve; chyutaashcheti = for having moved; ayodhyaayaaH = from Ayodhya; vatsyaamaheticha = or that we are going to dwell; vane = in a forest."
"Indeed neither I nor Lakshmana and Sita grieve for having moved from Ayodhya or that we are going to dwell in a forest."
catur daśasu varṣeṣu nivṛtteṣu punaḥ punaḥ |
lakṣmaṇam mām ca sītām ca drakṣyasi kṣipram āgatān || 2-52-29
29. nivR^itteshhu = after completing; chaturdashasu = fourteen; varshheshhu = years; drakshhyasi = you will see; punaH punaH = once again; lakshhmaNam = Lakshmana; maam cha = myself; siitaam cha = and Sita too; aagataan = returned; kshhipram = quickly."
"After completing fourteen years, you will once more see Lakshmana, myself and Sita too returned apace from the forest."
evam uktvā tu rājānam mātaram ca sumantra me |
anyāḥ ca devīḥ sahitāḥ kaikeyīm ca punaḥ punaḥ || 2-52-30
ārogyam brūhi kausalyām atha pāda abhivandanam |
sītāyā mama ca āryasya vacanāl lakṣmaṇasya ca || 2-52-31
30;31. sumantra = "Oh; Sumantra! evam = this is; uktvaa = what should you say; raajaanam = to the king; me mataram cha = and my mother; sahitaaH = all; anyaaH = other; deviishcha = queens; kaikeyiim cha = and Kaikeyi. bruuhi = tell; kousalyaam = Kousalya; aarogyam = (about my)health; punaH punaH = again and again; atha = and thereafter; paadaabhivandanam = salutations at her feet; siitaayaaH = (on behalf of) Sita; mama cha = as well as myself; vachanaat = the words; lakshhmaNasyacha = of Lakshmana; aaryasya = the faithful man."
"Oh,Sumantra! This is what you should say to the king, my mother, all other queens and Kaikeyi. Tell Kausalya again and again that I am keeping good health. Thereafter, convey salutations at her feet on behalf of Sita as well as myself and Lakshmana the faithful man."
brūyāḥ ca hi mahā rājam bharatam kṣipram ānaya |
āgataḥ ca api bharataḥ sthāpyo nṛpa mate pade || 2-52-32
32. bruuyaaH = "Tell (our salutations); mahaarajaamcha = to the emperor also. anaya = Bring; bharatam = Bharata; kshhipram = quickly. aagashchaapi = after his arrival; bharataH = Bharata; sthaapya = may be installed; pade = in the position; nR^ipa mate = as desired by the king."
"Tell our salutations to the emperor too. Bring Bharata quickly. After his arrival, Bharata may be installed in the position, as desired by the king."
bharatam ca pariṣvajya yauvarājye abhiṣicya ca |
asmat samtāpajam duhkham na tvām abhibhaviṣyati || 2-52-33
33. parishhvajya = "when you embraced; bharatam = Bharata; abhishhichya cha = and installed him; youva raajye = in the office of the Prince Regent; duHkham = the agony;asmatsamtaapajam = caused by the remorse felt by you on our account; na abhibhavishhyati = will not overpower; tvaam = you."
"When you embrace Bharata and install him in the office of the Prince Regent, the agony caused by the repentance felt by you on our account will not overpower you."
bharataḥ ca api vaktavyo yathā rājani vartase |
tathā mātṛṣu vartethāḥ sarvāsv eva aviśeṣataḥ || 2-52-34
34. bharatasyaapi = "Bharata also; vaktavyaH = is to be told (thus): vartethaaH = "Treat; avisheshhataH = without distinction; sarvaasveva = all; maatR^ishhu = your mothers; tathaa = with the same regard; yathaa = as; vartase = (you) behave; raajani = towards the king."
"Bharata too is to be told thus: "Treat without distinction all your mothers with the same regard as you behave towards the king."
yathā ca tava kaikeyī sumitrā ca aviśeṣataḥ |
tathaiva devī kausalyā mama mātā viśeṣataḥ || 2-52-35
35. yathaacha = as is; kaikeyii = Kaikeyi; tava = to you; tathaiva = so let it be; sumitraacha = for Sumitra; visheshhataH = more so; devii = (and) the divine kausalyaa = Kausalya; mama maataa = my mother; visheshhataH = in particular"
"As is your affection for Kaikeyi, so let it be for Sumitra and also the divine Kausalya, my mother"
tātasya priyakāmena yauvarājyamapekṣatā |
lokayorubhayoḥ śakyam tvayā yatsukhamedhitum || 2-52-36
36. apekshhataH = "(If you) accept; youva raajam = the princely kingdom; priya kaamana = with an intent to please; taatasya = our father; shakyam = it will be possible; tvayaa = for you; edhitum = to enhance; sukham = happiness; yat = whatever; ubhayoH = in both; lokayaaH = the worlds."
"If you accept the princely kingdom with an intent to please our father, it will be possible for you to enhance happiness in both the worlds (in this world and the next)."
nivartyamāno rāmeṇa sumantraḥ śoka karśitaḥ |
tat sarvam vacanam śrutvā snehāt kākutstham abravīt || 2-52-37
37. sumantraH = Sumantra; nivartyamaanaH = who was being sent back; raameNa = by Rama; shoka karshhitaH = agonized with grief; shrutvaa = heard; sarvam = the whole; tat = of that; vachanam = discourse; snehaat = affectionately; abraviit = spoke; kaakutstham = to Rama (as follows):
Sumantra, who was being sent back by Rama, was agonized with grief after hearing the whole of that discourse and affectionately spoke to Rama as follows:
yad aham na upacāreṇa brūyām snehāt aviklavaḥ |
bhaktimān iti tat tāvad vākyam tvam kṣantum arhasi || 2-52-38
38. yat vaakyam = which mode of expression; aham = I; bruuyaam = am speaking; snehaat = friendship; aviklabaH = fearlessly; nopachaareNa = and without courtesy; tat = that; tvaam = you; arhasitaavat = are justified; kshhantum = to forgive; bhaktimaan iti = (considering me) as a devotee."
"If I spoke to you fearlessly in a friendly tone without following courteousness, you ought to forgive my mode of expression, considering me as your devotee"
katham hi tvad vihīno aham pratiyāsyāmi tām purīm |
tava tāta viyogena putra śoka ākulām iva || 2-52-39
39. katham hi = "How indeed; aham pratiyaasyaami = can I return; tvadvihiinaH = without you ; taam = to that; puriim = city; tava viyogena taavat = which through separation from you; putra shokaakulaamiva = has been reduced to the state of a mother stricken with grief due to separation from her son."
"How indeed can I return without you to that city, which through separation from you, has been reduced to the state of a mother stricken with grief due to separation from her son"
sarāmam api tāvan me ratham dṛṣṭvā tadā janaḥ |
vinā rāmam ratham dṛṣṭvā vidīryeta api sā purī || 2-52-40
40. tadaa = "at that time; dR^ishhTvaa = by seeing; me ratham = my chariot; saraamapi = even with Rama in it; janaH = the people; taavat = (were lamenting) so much. DR^ishhTvaa = by seeing (now); ratham = the chariot; vinaa raamam = without Rama; saa purii = that city; videryetaapi = will even be broken apart."
"By seeing my chariot on that day even with Rama in it, the people were lamenting so much. Now, if they see the chariot without Rama the city of Ayodhya will even be broken asunder."
dainyam hi nagarī gacced dṛṣṭvā śūnyam imam ratham |
sūta avaśeṣam svam sainyam hata vīram iva āhave || 2-52-41
41. nagarii = "the city; gachchhet hi = will go through; dainyam = a miserable condition; sainyam iva = like an army; hata viiram = in which its commander has been killed; aahave = in a battle; svam = and seeing his chariot; suutavasheshham = remaining with charioteer alone; dR^ishhtvaa = by beholding; imam = this; ratham = chariot; shuunyam = empty."
"The city will be plunged in misery, like an army in which its commander is lost in a combat with the charioteer alone surviving, on seeing this chariot without you."
dūre api nivasantam tvām mānasena agrataḥ sthitam |
cintayantyo adya nūnam tvām nirāhārāḥ kṛtāḥ prajāḥ || 2-52-42
42. chintayantyaH = "thinking; tvaam = of you; sthitam = established; agrataH = foremost; maanasena = in their minds; nivasantam api = though residing; duure = at a far away place; prajaaH = the people; adya = today; kR^itaaH = were made; niraahaaraaH = without food. nuunam = It is certain."
"Thinking of you, who though residing far away are established foremost in their minds, the people of Ayodhya must have been deprived of their food today."
dṛṣṭaṃ taddhi tvayā rāma! yādṛśam tvatpravāsane |
prajānām samkulam vṛttam tvacchokaklāntacetasām || 2-52-43
43. raama = "Oh; Rama! samkulam = Perplexity; yaadR^sham = of what kind; tat = that; vR^ittam = behavior;dR^ishhTam hi = was witnessed indeed; tvayaa = by you; tvatpravaasane = on the occasion of your exile; prajaanaam = among the people(of Ayodhya); tvacchoka klaanta chetasaam = whose minds were depressed through grief on your account."
"The great perplexity that ensued, on the occasion of your exile, among the people (of Ayodhya), whose minds were depressed through grief on your account, was witnessed by you indeed, Oh, Rama!"
ārta nādo hi yaḥ pauraiḥ muktaḥ tat vipravāsane |
rathastham mām niśāmya eva kuryuḥ śata guṇam tataḥ || 2-52-44
44. yaH = "which; aartanaadaH = cry of distress; pouraiH = the citizens; muktaH = raised; tvadvipravaasane = at the time of your banishment; tataH = to that; shataguNam = hundred-fold; kuryuH = will be made; nishaamyaiva = soon after seeing; maam = me; saratham = with (an empty) chariot."
"The cry of distress raised by the citizens (of Ayodhya) will be increased a hundred-fold, when they see me with an empty chariot."
aham kim ca api vakṣyāmi devīm tava sutaḥ mayā |
nītaḥ asau mātula kulam samtāpam mā kṛthāiti || 2-52-45
45. aham vakshhyaami kimchaapi = "what shall I say further? Deviim = To Kausalya; iti = that; asou = this; sutaaH = your son; niitaH = has been taken; mayaa = by me; maatula kulam = to the house of his maternal uncle; maa kR^ithaaH = do not; santaapam = grieve."
"Further, shall I say to the queen Kausalya as follows: - �Your son, Rama has been taken by me to the house of his maternal uncle, do not grieve'."
asatyam api na eva aham brūyām vacanam īdṛśam |
katham apriyam eva aham brūyām satyam idam vacaḥ || 2-52-46
46. aham = �I; naiva bruuyaam = cannot tell; iidR^isham = such; vachanamapi = words too; asatyam = which are untrue. Katham = How; aham = can I; bruuyam = tell; idam vachaH = whish are true; apriyam = (but) unkind?"
"I cannot tell such words too which are untrue. How can I tell, �I abandoned your son in the forest', which words are true but unkind?"
mama tāvan niyogasthāḥ tvad bandhu jana vāhinaḥ |
katham ratham tvayā hīnam pravakṣyanti haya uttamāḥ || 2-52-47
47. katham = "how; hayottamaaH = the excellent horses; niyogasthaaH = obedient; mama = to me; tvad bandhu jana vaahinaH = which carried yourselves and your relatives(Sita and Lakshmana); pravakshhyanti = will draw; ratham = the chariot; hiinam = bereft; tvayaa = of you?"
"How will the excellent horses obedient to me, which carried yourself, Sita and Lakshmana, draw the chariot bereft of you?"
tanna śakṣyāmyaham gantumayodhyām tvadṛte.anagha |
vanavāsānuyānāya māmanujñātumarhasi || 2-52-48
48. anagha = "Oh; the faultless Rama! tat = for that reason; aham = I; na shakshhyaami = can not; gantum = go; ayodhyaam = to Ayodhya. arhasi = You are obliged; anuG^yaatum = to permit; maam = me; vanavaasaanuyaanaaya = to accompany you to the forest."
"Oh, the faultless Rama! For this reason, I cannot go back to Ayodhya. (Pray) permit me to accompany you to the forest."
yadi me yācamānasya tyāgam eva kariṣyasi |
saratho agnim pravekṣyāmi tyakta mātraiha tvayā || 2-52-49
49. karishhyasi yadi = "If you do; me = my; tyaagameva = abandonment; yaachamaanasya = (even though I) solicit;tyaktamaatraH = soon after I am forsaken; pravekshhyaami = I shall enter; agnim = a fire; sarathaH = along with chariot; iha = here."
"If you leave me even though I solicit you to take me with you, I shall enter a fire with chariot and all, here itself the moment I am forsaken by you"
bhaviṣyanti vane yāni tapo vighna karāṇi te |
rathena pratibādhiṣye tāni sattvāni rāghava || 2-52-50
50. raaghava = Oh; Rama! yaani = which animals; vane = in the forest; bhavishhyanti = become; tapovighnakaraaNi = creators of obstacles to austerities; pratibaadhishhye = I shall ward off; taani sattvaani = those animals; rathena = by the chariot."
"Oh, Rama! With the help of the chariot, I shall ward off those animals in the forest, which create obstacles to your austerities."
tat kṛtena mayā prāptam ratha caryā kṛtam sukham |
āśaṃse tvat kṛtena aham vana vāsa kṛtam sukham || 2-52-51
51. sukham = "the pleasure; rathacharyaakR^itam = of driving your chariot; avaaptam = has been obtained; mayaa = by me. TvatkRi^tena = It is through you; aham = I; aashamse = seek; sukham = the happiness; vanavaasakRi^tam = that comes in dwelling in a forest."
"The pleasure of driving your chariot has been obtained by me because of you and it is through you that I seek the happiness that comes in dwelling in a forest."
prasīda iccāmi te araṇye bhavitum pratyanantaraḥ |
prītyā abhihitam iccāmi bhava me patyanantaraḥ || 2-52-52
52. prasiida = "Be graceful. Ichchhaami = I desire; bhavitum = to become; pratyanantaraH = close associate; araNye = in the forest. ichchhaami = I wish(to hear); priityaa = (your) loving; abhihitam = assent; bhava = Be; me = my; pratyanantaraH = close associate!"
"Be graceful. I desire to become your close associate in the forest. I wish to hear your loving assent with the words �be my close associate!"
ime cāpi hayā vīra yadi te vanavāsinaḥ |
paricaryām kariṣyanti prāpsyanti paramām gatim || 2-52-53
53. viira = "Oh; hero! Ime hayashchaapi karishhyanti yadi = If these horses too can do; paricharyaam = service; te = to you; praapsyanti = they can attain; paramaam = a supreme; gatim = abode"
"Oh, hero! If these horses too can render service to you, they can attain a supreme abode."
tava śuśrūṣaṇam mūrdhnā kariṣyāmi vane vasan |
ayodhyām deva lokam vā sarvathā prajahāmy aham || 2-52-54
54. aham = "I; prajahaami = am leaving; ayodhyaami = Ayodhya; devalokamvaa = or even a celestial world (heaven); sarvathaa = by all means. vasam = Dwelling; vane = in the forest; muurdhanaa = with my head bent low; karishhyaami = I shall render; tava = your; shushruushhaNam = service."
-"By all means, I am leaving for good, Ayodhya or even heaven. Dwelling in the forest, with my head bent low, I shall render service to you."
na hi śakyā praveṣṭum sā mayā ayodhyā tvayā vinā |
rāja dhānī mahā indrasya yathā duṣkṛta karmaṇā || 2-52-55
55. saa ayodhyaa = That Ayodhya; na hi shakyaa = cannot be; praveshhTum = entered; mayaa = by me; tvayaa vinaa = without you; raajadhaanii yathaa = as Amaravati the capital; mahendrasya = of Devendra; dushhkR^ita karmaNaa = by a doer of wicked deeds."
"As a doer of wicked deeds cannot enter Amaravati, the capital of Devendra, so also I cannot enter Ayodhya without you."
vana vāse kṣayam prāpte mama eṣa hi mano rathaḥ |
yad anena rathena eva tvām vaheyam purīm punaḥ || 2-52-56
56. eshhaH hi = "This is indeed; mama = my; manorathaH = desire; yat = that; praapte = after reaching; kshhayam = the end; vanavaase = of dwelling in the forest; vaheyam = I may take; tvaam = you; punaH = again; anena rathenaiva = in this very chariot; puriim = to the city (of Ayodhya)."
"This is indeed my desire that after reaching the end of your exile, I may take you back to the city of Ayodhya in this very chariot."
catur daśa hi varṣāṇi sahitasya tvayā vane |
kṣaṇa bhūtāni yāsyanti śataśaḥ tu tataḥ anyathā || 2-52-57
57. sahitasya = "Me; along with; tvayaa = you; vane = in the forest; chaturdasha varshhaaNi = fourteen years; yaasyanti = will slip away; kshhaNa bhuutaani = momentarily. Anyathaa = Otherwise; ataH = than this; shata samkhyaani = will multiply hundred-fold."
"So long as I am with you together in the forest, fourteen years will slip away momentarily. Otherwise than this, they will multiply a hundred- fold."
bhṛtya vatsala tiṣṭhantam bhartṛ putra gate pathi |
bhaktam bhṛtyam sthitam sthityām tvam na mām hātum arhasi || 2-52-58
58. bhR^itya vatsale = "Oh; prince; who cherish your dependents! tvam = You; naarhasi = ought not; haatum = abandon; maam = me; bhaktam = your devoted; bhR^ityam = servant; tishhThantam = established; pathi = in the path; bhartR^iputra gate = followed by the son of his master; sthitam = (and) keeping; sthityaam = within bounds"
"Oh, prince, who are so fond of your dependents! You ought not abandon me, your devoted servant, established in the path followed by the son of his master and (always)keeping within bounds."
evam bahu vidham dīnam yācamānam punaḥ punaḥ |
rāmaḥ bhṛtya anukampī tu sumantram idam abravīt || 2-52-59
59. raamah = Rama; bhR^ityaanukampii = who was compassionate towards his dependents; abraviit = spoke; idam = these words; sumantram = to Sumantra; diinam = who was miserably; yaachamaanam = entreating; punaH punaH = again and again; bahuvidham = in many modes.
Rama, who was compassionate towards his dependents, spoke as follows to Sumantra, who was miserably entreating him again and again in many modes.
jānāmi paramām bhaktim mayi te bhartṛ vatsala |
śṛṇu ca api yad artham tvām preṣayāmi purīm itaḥ || 2-52-60
60. bhartR^ivatsala = "Oh; charioteer; so fond of your master! jaanaami = I knew; te = your; paramaam = excellent; bhaktam = devotion; mayi = to me. ShR^iNuchaapi = Hear; yadartham = wherefore; preshhayaami = I send; tvaam = you; itaH = from here; puriim = to the city."
"Oh, charioteer so fond of your master! I know your excellent devotion to me. Hear wherefore I send you from here to the city of Ayodhya."
nagarīm tvām gatam dṛṣṭvā jananī me yavīyasī |
kaikeyī pratyayam gacced iti rāmaḥ vanam gataḥ || 2-52-61
61. dR^ishhTvaa = "seeing; tvaam = you; gatam = going; nagariim = to the city; kaikeyii = Kaikeyi; me = my; yaviiyasii = younger;jananii = mother; gachchhet = will get; pratyayam = the proof; iti = that; raamaH = Rama; gataH = went; vanam = to the forest."
"Seeing you, returning to Ayodhya, Kaikeyi, my younger mother will get the proof that Rama has gone to the forest."
parituṣṭā hi sā devi vana vāsam gate mayi |
rājānam na atiśanketa mithyā vādī iti dhārmikam || 2-52-62
62. paritushhTaa = "having strongly satisfied; mayi = about me; gate = having gone; vanavaasam = to dwell in the forest; saa devii = that queen; (Kaikeyi); naatishaNketa = will not suspect strongly; raajaanaam = about the king; dhaarmikam = who is virtuous; mithyaavaadiiti = as one who speaks untruth"
"Having completely satisfied, about me having gone to forest, Kaikeyi will leave her strong suspicion that the virtuous king may be a person who speaks untruth."
eṣa me prathamaḥ kalpo yad ambā me yavīyasī |
bharata ārakṣitam sphītam putra rājyam avāpnuyāt || 2-52-63
63. eshhaH = "this is; prathamaH = the first; kalpaH = rule to be observed before any other rule; me = for me; yat = that; me = my; yaviiyasii = younger; ambaa = mother; avaapnuyaat = should get; spiitam = the extensive; putra raajyam = kingdom of her son; bharataa rakshhitam = protected by Bharata"
"This is my first priority that my younger mother should get the extensive kingdom, protected by Bharata and thus ruled by her own son."
mama priya artham rājñaḥ ca sarathaḥ tvam purīm vraja |
saṃdiṣṭaḥ ca asi yā anarthāṃs tāṃs tān brūyāḥ tathā tathā || 2-52-64
64. priyaartham = "for the pleasure; mama = of me; raaG^yashcha = and of the king; tvam = you; sarathaH = along with the chariot; vraja = go; puriim = to the city (of Ayodhya); yaan = which; arthaan = matters; asi = you are; sandishhTaH = told; bruuyaaH = inform; taan taan = those and those matters; tathaa tathaa = in that manner."
"For my pleasure and pleasure of the king, you go along with the chariot to Ayodhya and inform all the matters that you have been asked to tell each in the way you have been asked to do."
iti uktvā vacanam sūtam sāntvayitvā punaḥ punaḥ |
guham vacanam aklībam rāmaḥ hetumad abravīt || 2-52-65
65. uktvaa = having spoken; vachanam = the words;iti = thus; suutam = in the chariot; akliibaH = the courageous; raamaH = Rama; saantvayitvaa = consoled(him); punaH punaH = again and again; abraviit = spoke(the following); hetumat = reasoned; vachanam = words; guham = to Guha.
Having spoken thus to the charioteer, the courageous Rama consoled him again and again. Then, he spoke the following reasoned words to Guha:
nedānīm guha yogyo.ayam vaso me sajane vane |
avaśyam hyāśrame vāsah kartavyastadgato vidhiḥ || 2-52-66
66. guha = "Oh; Guha! ayam = this; vaasaH = stay; vane = in the forest; sajane = inhabited with people. na yogyaH = is not proper; me = for me. vaasaH = The stay; avashyam = should be certainly; aashrame = in a hermitage. VidhiH = Let the action; tadgataH = directed towards that; kartavyaH = be done."
"Oh, Guha! This stay in the inhabited woods is not proper for me. My stay should definitely be in a hermitage. Let an action diverted towards that aim be taken"
so.aham gṛhītvā niyamam tapasvijanabhūṣaṇam |
hitakāmaḥ piturbhūyaḥ sītāyā lakṣmaṇasya ca || 2-52-67
jaṭāḥ kṛtvā gamiṣyāmi nyagrodha kṣīram ānaya |
67. saH aham = "I as such; hita kaamaH = wishing well of; pituH = my farther; bhunyaH = and; siitaayaaH = of Sita; lakshhmaNasyacha = and of Lakshmana; gR^ihiitvaa = having taken up; niyamam = the restraint; tapsvi janabhuushhaNam = to be adorned by ascetics; gamishhyaami = and proceed further; kR^itvaa = wearing; jaTaaH = matted hair. aanaya = (please) bring; nyagrodha kshhiiram = the milk-like exudation (latex) of a banyan tree."
"I as such, wishing well of my father, Sita as well as Lakshmana and having taken up a discipline to be followed by ascetics, want to proceed further, wearing matted hair. Please bring the latex of a banyan tree."
tat kṣīram rāja putrāya guhaḥ kṣipram upāharat || 2-52-68
lakṣmaṇasya ātmanaḥ caiva rāmaḥ tena akaroj jaṭāḥ |
68. guhaH = Guha;kshhipram = immediately; upaaharat = brought; tat = that; kshhiiram = milk-like exudation (latex); raaja putraaya = to the prince. Tena = with that; raamaH = Rama; aakarot = made; jaTaaH = matted hair; aatmanashchaiva = to himself; lakshhmaNasya = and to Lakshmana.
Guha immediately brought that latex to the prince. With that, Rama made matted hair to himself and to Lakshmana.
dīrghabāhurnaravyāghro jaṭilatva madhārayat || 2-52-69
tau tadā cīra vasanau jaṭā maṇḍala dhāriṇau |
aśobhetām ṛṣi samau bhrātarau rāma rakṣmaṇau || 2-52-70
69;70. diirgha baahuH = That long armed; nara vyaaghraH = tiger among men; Rama; aadhaarayat = wore; jaTilatvam = the matting; tadaa = Then; raama lakshhmaNav = Rama and Lakshmana; bhraatarov = the brothers; chiira vasanou = clad in the bark of trees; jaTaa maNdala dhaariNau = and wearing a rounded mass of matted locks (on their hair); ashobhetaam = looked bright; R^shhisamou = like ascetic sages.
Rama, tiger among men who possessed long arms wore the distinguished mark of an ascetic (in the shape of matted hair) . Then, Rama and Lakshmana the brothers clad in the bark of trees and wearing a round mass of matted locks (on their head) looked bright like two ascetic sages.
tataḥ vaikhānasam mārgam āsthitaḥ saha lakṣmaṇaḥ |
vratam ādiṣṭavān rāmaḥ sahāyam guham abravīt || 2-52-71
71. tataH = then; aasthitaH = Having adopted; maargam = the way; vaikhaanasam = of a hermit (temporarily); saha lakshhmaNa = along with Lakshmana; raamaH = Rama; aadishhTavaan = accepted; vratam = the vow (of an ascetic); abraviit = and spoke; guham = to Guha; sakhaayam = his friend (as follows):
Having adopted the way of a hermit (temporarily) along with Lakshmana, Rama then accepted the vow of an ascetic life and spoke to Guha, his friend as follows:
apramattaḥ bale kośe durge jana pade tathā |
bhavethā guha rājyam hi durārakṣatamam matam || 2-52-72
72. guha = "Oh; Guha! Bhavethaa = Remain; apramattaH = vigilant; bale = in the case of an army; koshe = the treasury; durge = the fortress; tathaa = and; janapade = the people. Matam hi = It is said; raajyam = that a kingdom; duraa rakshhatamam = is the most difficult one to protect."
"Oh, Guha! Remain vigilant in defense, finance, internal security and public relations, for a kingdom is the most difficult one to be protected!"
tataḥ tam samanujñāya guham ikṣvāku nandanaḥ |
jagāma tūrṇam avyagraḥ sabhāryaḥ saha lakṣmaṇaḥ || 2-52-73
73. tataH = then; ikshhvaaku nandanaH = Rama; who was a delight to Ikshvaku dynasty; samanuG^yaaya = bade farewell; tam guham = to Guha; jagaama = and departed; tuurNam = quickly; avyagraH = remaining undistracted; sabhaaryaH = along with his consort; sahalakshhmaNaH = together with Lakshmana.
Then Rama, who was a delight to Ikshvaku dynasty, bade farewell to Guha and departed quickly, remaining undistracted, along with his consort and together with Lakshmana.
sa tu dṛṣṭvā nadī tīre nāvam ikṣvāku nandanaḥ |
titīrṣuḥ śīghragām gangām idam lakṣmaṇam abravīt || 2-52-74
74. dR^ishhTvaa = seeing; naavam = the boat; nadiitiire = on the bank of the river; saH ikshhvaakunandanaH = that Rama; titirshhuH = desirous of crossing; shiighragaam = the swift-flowing; gaNgaam = Ganga; abraviit = spoke; idam = these words; lakshmaNam = to Lakshmana: -
Seeing the boat on the bank of the river and keen to cross the swift- flowing Ganga, Rama spoke to Lakshmana as follows: -
āroha tvam nara vyāghra sthitām nāvam imām śanaiḥ |
sītām ca āropaya anvakṣam parigṛhya manasvinīm || 2-52-75
75. nara vyaaghraH = "Oh; Lakshmana the tiger among men! Tvam = you; aaroha = get into; imaam = this; naavam = boat; sthityaam = stationed; (here); parigR^ihya = having helped; siitaam cha = Sita; mansviniim = the virtuous wife; aaropaya = step into it."
"Oh, Lakshmana the tiger among men! You get into the boat stationed here unhurriedly afterwards, having helped Sita the virtuous wife step into it."
sa bhrātuḥ śāsanam śrutvā sarvam apratikūlayan |
āropya maithilīm pūrvam āruroha ātmavāṃs tataḥ || 2-52-76
76. shrutvaa = hearing; shaasanam = the command; sarvam = wholly; bhraatruH = of his (elder) brother; saH = that Lakshmana; aatmavaan = prudent; apratikuulayan = not resisting it; aaropaya maithiliim = having made Sita to ascend (the boat); puurvam = first; aaruroha = stepped into (the boat); tataH = afterwards.
Hearing the command completely of his elder brother, the prudent Lakshmana, by not counteracting it, made Sita to ascend the boat first and stepped into it afterwards.
atha āruroha tejasvī svayam lakṣmaṇa pūrvajaḥ |
tataḥ niṣāda adhipatir guho jñātīn acodayat || 2-52-77
77. atha = then; tejasvii = the glorious; lakshhmaNa puurvajaH = Rama; the elder brother of Lakshmana; aaruroha = got into (the boat); svayam = himself. TataH = Thereafter; guhaH = Guha; nishhadaadhipatiH = the ruler of the Nishadas; achodayat = commanded; G^yaatiim = his kinsfolk (to row them across the river).
Then, the glorious Rama got into the boat himself. Thereafter, Guha the ruler of Nishadas commanded his kinsfolk to row them across the river.
rāghavo.api mahātejā nāvamāruhya tām tataḥ |
brahmavat kṣatravaccaiva jajāpa hitamātmanaḥ || 2-52-78
78. aaruuhya = after ascending; taam naavam = that boat; raaghava. Api = Rama too; mahaa tejaH = of mighty splendor; tataH = then; jajaapa = recited (a sacred text Daiviim naavam etc) brahmavat = (fit for) Brahmanas; kshhatriyashchaiva = and Kshatriyas; hitam = and conducive to the good; aatmanaH = of his son.
After ascending the boat, Rama too of mighty splendor then recited a sacred text (daiviim naavam etc) fit for brahmanas and Kshatriyas alike and conducive to his own good.
ācamya ca yathāśāstram nadīm tām saha sītayā |
prāṇamatprītisamhṛṣṭo lakṣmaṇaścāmitaprabhaḥ || 2-52-79
79. aachamyacha = having sipped water; yathaa shaastram = as per scriptures; priitisamhR^ishhTaH = and with extreme delight; siitayaa saha = (Rama) with Sita; praaNamat = made obeisance; taam nadiim = to that river; lakshmaNashcha = Lakshmana also; amita prabhaH = of infinite splendor (followed suit.)
Having sipped water as per scriptures and with extreme delight, Rama with Sita made obeisance to that river. Lakshmana, of infinite splendor, followed suit.
anujñāya sumantram ca sabalam caiva tam guham |
āsthāya nāvam rāmaḥ tu codayām āsa nāvikān || 2-52-80
80. anuG^yaaya = bidding farewell; tam guham = to that Guha; sabalam = with his army of men; sumantram = and Sumantra; raamastu = Rama; aasthaaya = sat on; naavam = the boat; chodayaamaasa = and directed; naavikaan = the boatmen (to move on).
Bidding farewell to Guha with his army of men and Sumantra, Rama sat on the boat and directed the boatmen to move on.
tataḥ taiḥ coditā sā nauḥ karṇa dhāra samāhitā |
śubha sphya vega abhihatā śīghram salilam atyagāt || 2-52-81
81. taiH = through their; choditaa = propulsion; sa nauH = that boat; karNadhaara samaahitaa = furnished with a pilot; shubha sphya vega abhihataa = obeying those splendid and vigorous oarsmen; shiighram = rapidly; atyagaat = moved across; salilam = water.
Propelled by those splendid and vigorous oarsmen, that boat furnished with a pilot, rapidly moved across the water.
madhyam tu samanuprāpya bhāgīrathyāḥ tu aninditā |
vaidehī prānjalir bhūtvā tām nadīm idam abravīt || 2-52-82
82. samanupraapya = coming to; madhyam = the middle; bhaagiirathyaaH = of Bhagirathi; aninditaa = the irresproachable; vaidehii = Sita; bhuutvaa = having been; praaN^jaliH = with joined palms; abraviit = spoke; idam = these words; taam nadiim = to the said river.
Coming to the middle of Bhagirathi river, the irreproachable Sita with joined palms, spoke as follows to the said river: -
putraḥ daśarathasya ayam mahā rājasya dhīmataḥ |
nideśam pālayatu enam gange tvad abhirakṣitaḥ || 2-52-83
catur daśa hi varṣāṇi samagrāṇi uṣya kānane |
bhrātrā saha mayā caiva punaḥ pratyāgamiṣyati || 2-52-84
tataḥ tvām devi subhage kṣemeṇa punar āgatā |
yakṣye pramuditā gange sarva kāma samṛddhaye || 2-52-85
83;84;85. gaNge = "Oh; Ganga! Ayam (let) this Rama; putraH = the son; dasharathasya = of Dasaratha; mahaaraajasya = the emperor; paalayitvaa = honor; imam = this (his father's); nidesham = command; tvadabhirakshhitaH = under your protection! Ushhya = Having dwelled; kaanane = in the forest; samagraaNi = in full; chaturdasha = for fourteen; varshhaaNi = years; pratyaagamishhyati = (may he) return; punaH = once more (to your bank); bhraataa saha = with his brother; Lakshmana; mayaachaiva = and myself! Subhage = Oh; blessed; devii = goddess; gaN^ge = Ganga! PunaH aagataa = Returning; kshhemeNa = safely; tataH = then; pramuditaa = I; full of joy; sarva kaama samR^iddhinii = all my desires fulfilled; yakshhye = shall worship; tvaam = you."
"Oh, Ganga! Let Rama, the son of the emperor Dasaratha honor his father's command under your protection! Having dwelled in the forest in full fourteen years, may he return once more to your bank with his brother, Lakshmana and myself! Oh, blessed goddess Ganga! Returning safely, with all my desires fulfilled, I shall worship you with great joy."
tvam hi tripathagā devi brahma lokam samīkṣase |
bhāryā ca udadhi rājasya loke asmin sampradṛśyase || 2-52-86
86. tvam = "you; devii = Oh; goddess; tripathagaa = flowing through three regions; (namely heaven; earth and subterranean); samiikshhase hi = are indeed seeing; brahmalokam = Brahma's realm (the outermost of the six spheres enveloping the earth); sampradR^ishyase = and are vividly seen; asmin = on this; loke = terrestrial plane; bhaaryaacha = as a consort; udadhiraajasya = of the ocean king."
You, Oh goddess flowing through three regions (namely heaven, earth and subterranean regions), include in your basin the realm of Brahma (the outermost of the six spheres enveloping the earth) and are vividly seen on this terrestrial plane as a consort of the ocean king."
sā tvām devi namasyāmi praśaṃsāmi ca śobhane |
prāpta rājye nara vyāghra śivena punar āgate || 2-52-87
gavām śata sahasrāṇi vastrāṇi annam ca peśalam |
brāhmaṇebhyaḥ pradāsyāmi tava priya cikīrṣayā || 2-52-88
87;88. shobhane devii = "oh; charming goddess! Saa = I; Sita; namasyaami = greet; tvaam = you; prashamsaami cha = and extol you too; naravyaaghre = when Rama the tiger among men; shivena = has safely; aagate = returned; punaH = again; praapte raajye = and regains his kingdom; pradaasyaami = I shall give away; shatasahasraaNi = a lakh; gavaam = of cows; peshalam = soft; vastraaNi = clothing; annamcha = and food stuff; brahmaNebhya = to Brahmanas; priyachikiirshhayaa = with an intent to please you."
"Oh, charming goddess! I, Sita, greet you and extol you too. When Rama the tiger among men safely returns and regains his kingdom, I shall give away a lakh of cows, soft clothing and food to brahmanas with intent to please you."
surāghaṭasahasreṇa māṃsabhūtodanena ca |
yakṣye tvām prayatā devi purīm punarupāgatā || 2-52-89
89. devii = "Oh; goddess! Upaagata = After reaching; puriim = the city (Ayodhya); punaH = again; yakshhye = I shall worship (you); suraaghata sahasreNa = with thousand pots of spirituous liquor; maamsa bhuutodanena cha = and jellied meat with cooked rice; prayataa = well-prepared for the solemn rite."
"Oh, goddess! After reaching back the city of Ayodhya, I shall worship you with thousand pots of spirituous liquor and jellied meat with cooked rice well prepared for the solemn rite."
yāni tvattīravāsīni daivatāni ca santi hi |
tāni sarvāṇi yakṣyāmi tīrthānyāyatanāni ca || 2-52-90
90. yakshhyaami = I shall worship; yaami = whatever; daivataani = deities; santi = are there; sarvaaNi = all; tvattiira vaasini = dwelling on your banks; tiirthaani = sacred spots; aayatanaamicha = and sanctuaries."
"I shall worship all deities dwelling on your banks as also sacred spots and sanctuaries."
punareva mahābāurmayā bhrātrā ca samgataḥ |
ayodhyām vanavāsāttu praviśatvanagho.anaghe || 2-52-91
91. anaghe = "oh; irreproachable one! AnaghaH = (May) the sinless; mahaabaahuH = and mighty armed Rama; pravishatu = re-enter; ayodhyaam = Ayodhya; punareva = again; vanavaasaat = from dwelling in the forest; sangataH = along with; bhraatraacha = Lakshmana; his brother; mayaa = (and) myself."
"Oh, irreproachable goddess! May the sinless Rama (with mighty arms) re-enter Ayodhya again from the forest, along with Lakshmana and myself."
tathā sambhāṣamāṇā sā sītā gangām aninditā |
dakṣiṇā dakṣiṇam tīram kṣipram eva abhyupāgamat || 2-52-92
92. tathaa = then; sambhaashha maaNaa = praying (to Ganga); siita = Sita; dakshhiNaa = the efficient; aninditaa = irreproachable; abhyupaagamat = reached; kshhiprameva = rapidly; dakshhiNam = the right; tiiram = bank.
Thus praying to Ganga, the efficient and irreproachable Sita rapidly reached the right bank of the river.
tīram tu samanuprāpya nāvam hitvā nara ṛṣabhaḥ |
prātiṣṭhata saha bhrātrā vaidehyā ca param tapaḥ || 2-52-93
93. samanupraapya = reaching; tiiram = the bank; nararshhabhaH = Rama the best among men; paramtapaH = and the chastiser of foes; hitvaa = left; naavam = the boat; praatishhThata = and further proceeded; bhraatraasaha = along with Lakshmana his brother; vaidehyaacha = and Sita.
Reaching the bank and leaving the boat, Rama the best among men and the chastiser of foes proceeded further along with Lakshmana and Sita.
atha abravīn mahā bāhuḥ sumitra ānanda vardhanam |
bhava samrakṣaṇārthāya sajane vijane.api vā || 2-52-94
94. "Be prepared for protecting Sita in the inhabited as well as in uninhabited areas also." W.wM---atha = then; mahaabaahuH = Rama; the mighty armed; abraviit = spoke; sumitraa nandanam = to Lakshmana (who heightened the joy of Sumitra); bhava = "Be prepared; samrakshaNaarthaaya = for protecting; (Sita); sajane = in the inhabited; vijane.apivaa = and in the uninhabited areas also."
Then, Rama the mighty armed, spoke to Lakshmana (who heightened the joy of Sumitra) as follows:
avaśyam rakṣaṇam kāryamadṛṣṭe vijane vane |
agrataḥ gacca saumitre sītā tvām anugaccatu || 2-52-95
95. rakshhaNam = "security; kaaryam = is to be arranged; avashyam = inevitably; adR^shhTe = and in an unforeseen; vijane = and in an uninhabited; vane = forest. soumitre = Oh; Lakshmana! Gachchha = Go; agrataH = in front. Siitaa anugachchhatu = Let Sita follow; tvaam = you."
"Security is an inevitable need in a forest, which has unforeseen dangers and is uninhabited, Oh, Lakshmana! Go in front. Let Sita follow you."
pṛṣṭhataḥ aham gamiṣyāmi tvām ca sītām ca pālayan |
adya duhkham tu vaidehī vana vāsasya vetsyati || 2-52-96
96. aham = "I; gamishhyaami = shall proceed; pR^ishhThataH = in the back; paalayam = protecting; tvaam cha = you; siitaamcha = and Sita; purushharshhabha = Oh; jewel among men! Rakshha = Protection; kartavyaa = must be accorded; iha = here; naH = by us; anyonyasya = to one another."
"I shall proceed in the rear, protecting you and Sita. Oh, jewel among men! We must accord protection here to one another."
na hi tāvadatikrāntā sukarā kācana kriyā |
adya duḥkham tu vaidehī vanavāsasya vetsyati || 2-52-97
97. atikraanta = "an over stepped; kaachana kriyaa = doing whatsoever; Na hi taavat = cannot indeed be; sukaraa = smoothly done again. Vaidehii = Sita; vetsyati = will experience; duHkham = the hardship; vanavaasasya = of staying in a forest; adya = (only) from us."
"An act which has gone out of hand, whatsoever, cannot indeed be remedied again. Sita will experience the hardship of staying in a forest only from now."
praṇaṣṭajanasambādham kṣetrārāmavivarbitam |
viṣamam ca prapātam ca vanamadya pravekṣyati || 2-52-98
98. adya = " today; pravekshhyati = (she)will enter; vanam = the forest; praNashhTajana sambaadhaam = when density of people is not seen; kshhetra araama vivarjitam = which is utterly devoid of fields and gardens; vishhamamcha = and is full of stumbles."
"Today she will enter the forest, where density of people is not seen, which is utterly devoid of fields and gardens, has a rugged surface and is full of stumbles."
śrutvā rāmasya vacanam pratisthe lakṣmaṇo.agrataḥ |
anantaram ca sītāyā rāghavo raghanandhanaḥ || 2-52-99
99. shrutvaa = listening to; raamasya = Rama's; vachanam = words; lakshmaNaH = Lakshmana; pratasthe = walked; agrataH = in front. Anantaram = immediately after; siitaayaaH = Sita; raaghavaH = Rama; raghunandanaH = the delight of Raghu dynasty (advanced).
Listening to Rama's words, Lakshmana walked in front. Immediately after Sita, Rama, the delight of Raghu dynasty, advanced.
gatam tu gangā para pāram āśu |
rāmam sumantraḥ pratatam nirīkṣya |
adhva prakarṣāt vinivṛtta dṛṣṭir |
rmumoca bāṣpam vyathitaḥ tapasvī || 2-52-100
100. pratatam = constantly; niriikshhya = gazing at; raamam = Rama; gatam = who reached; ashu = soon; gaN^gaa para paaram = the other bank of Ganga river; tapasvii = the distressed; sumantraH = Sumantra; vinivR^itta dR^ishhTiH = his vision having failed; adhvaprakarshhaat = due to the great distance; vyathitaH = and perturbed as he was; mumocha = shed; baashhpam = tears (of grief over separation from Rama).
Constantly gazing at Rama, who reached soon the other bank of Ganga River, the distressed Sumantra, his vision having failed due to the long distance and perturbed as he was, shed tears (of grief over separation from Rama).
sa lokapālapratimaprabhāvavām |
stīrtvā mahātmā varado mahānadīm |
tataḥ samṛddhān śubhasasyamālinaḥ |
krameṇa vatsān muditānupāgamat || 2-52-101
101. tiirvaa = having crossed; mahaanadiim = the great river; saH = that Rama; mahaatmaa = the high-soled; varadaH = the bestowal of boons; loka paala pratimaprabhaava vaan = equal in glory with the guardians of spheres; tataH = then; upaagamat = reached; krameNa = progressively; vatsaan = the land of Vatsa; samRidhdhhaan = and the happy; shubha sasya maalinaH = which contained rows of beautiful crops.
Having crossed the great river, Rama the high-soled, the bestowal of boons, equal in glory with the guardians of spheres, then reached progressively the prosperous and the happy land of Vatsa; which contained rows of beautiful crops.
tau tatra hatvā caturaḥ mahā mṛgān |
varāham ṛśyam pṛṣatam mahā rurum |
ādāya medhyam tvaritam bubhukṣitau|
vāsāya kāle yayatur vanaḥ patim || 2-52-102
102. hatvaa = having killed; tatra = there; chaturaH = four; mR^igaan = deer (namely); varaaham = Varaaha; R^ishyam = Risya; pR^ishhatam = PR^isata; mahaaruru = (and) Mahaaruru; (the four principal species of deer); aadayaa = and taking; tvaritam = quickly; medhyam = the portions that were pure; tou = Rama and Lakshmana; bubhukshhitou = being hungry as they were; yayatuH = reached; vanaspatim = a tree; vaasayaa = to take rest; kaale = in the evening.
Having hunted there four deer, namely Varaaha, Rishya, Prisata; and Mahaaruru (the four principal species of deer) and taking quickly the portions that were pure, being hungry as they were, Rama and Lakshmana reached a tree to take rest in the evening.
- - -
iti vālmīki rāmāyaṇe ādi kāvye ayodhya kāṇḍe dvipaṃcāśaḥ sargaḥ
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© Oct 2002, K. M. K. Murthy