Hanuma asks Seetha to give him a token of remembrance, which Rama can recognize. Seetha then narrates the episode of a crow which occurred on the Chitrakuta mountain and requests Hanuma to repeat it before Rama by way of a token of recollection. She further sends greetings to both Rama and Lakshmana, conveys her enquiry about their welfare and conveys to them her resolve to survive only for a month after the expiry of the time-limit given by Ravana. Thereupon, she hands over to Hanuma her jewel for the head as a token of remembrance.
tataḥ sa kapi śārdūlaḥ tena vākyena harṣitaḥ |
sītām uvāca tat śrutvā vākyam vākya viśāradaḥ || 5-38-1
1. tataH = thereafter; saH kapi = shaarduulaH = that excellent among monkeys; vaakya vishaaradaH = who was skilled in speech; shrutvaa = after hearing; tat vaakyam = those words; toSitaH = was pleased; uvaacha = and spoke; siitaam = to Seetha ( as follows):
Hearing those words of Seetha, the eloquent Hanuma was very much pleased and spoke to Seetha (as follows):
yukta rūpam tvayā devi bhāṣitam śubha darśane |
sadṛśam strī svabhāvasya sādhvīnām vinayasya ca || 5-38-2
2. shubhadarshana = O beautiful Seetha; devi = the princess!; bhaaSitam = what is spoken; tvayaa = by you; yuktaruupam = is befitting; sadR^isham = It is suitable; striisvabhavaashcha = of woman's nature; vinayasyacha = and of the humility; saadhviinaam = of chaste women.
"O Seetha, the beautiful princess! Whatever you spoke is befitting. It is in keeping with woman's nature and humility of a chaste women."
strītvam na tu samartham hi sāgaram vyativartitum |
mām adhiṣṭhāya vistīrṇam śata yojanam āyatam || 5-38-3
3. na samartham hi = It is not indeed fit for; striitvam = womanhood; adhiSThaaya = to mount on; maam = me; vyativartitum = and cross; vistiirNam = an extensive; saagaram = ocean; shatayojanam aayatam = which is wide of one hundred Yojanas.
"It is indeed not fit for a woman to mount on my back and traverse an extensive ocean, which is having a width of one hundred yojanas."
dvitīyam kāraṇam yac ca bravīṣi vinaya anvite |
rāmāt anyasya na arhāmi saṃsparśam iti jānaki || 5-38-4
etat te devi sadṛśam patnyāḥ tasya mahātmanaḥ |
kā hi anyā tvām ṛte devi brūyāt vacanam īdṛśam || 5-38-5
4; 5. jaanaki = O Seetha; vinayaanvite = endowed with modesty!; yat = which; dvitiiyam- second; kaaraNam = reason; braviiSi = you were telling; naarhamiiti = that you would not be; samsparsham = touching; anyasya = any one else; raamaat = than Rama; etat = it; sadR^isham = is befitting; te = of you; patnyaaH = the wife; tasya mahaatmanaH = of that high soled Rama; devi = O princess; kaa anyaa = which other woman; tvaamR^ite = except you; bruuyat = can speak; iidR^isham = such; amR^ite = sweet; vachanam = words?
"O Seetha endowed with modesty! The second reason you mentioned that you would not be touching any one else other then Rama is befitting of you, the wife of that high soled Rama. O princess! which other lady except you can speak of such sweet words?"
śroṣyate caiva kākutsthaḥ sarvam niravaśeṣataḥ |
ceṣṭitam yat tvayā devi bhāṣitam mama ca agrataḥ || 5-38-6
6. devi = O princess!; kaakutthsa = Rama; shroSyate = will hear; niravasheSataH = completely; sarvam = all; yat = that; cheSTitam = was acted correctly; tvayaa = by you; bhaaSitam = and spoken; agrataH = in front; mama = of me.
"O princess! I can completely inform Rama of all that you have done and of all that you have spoken before me."
kāraṇaiḥ bahubhiḥ devi rāma priya cikīrṣayā |
sneha praskanna manasā mayā etat samudīritam || 5-38-7
7. devi = O princess!; bahubhiH kaaraNaiH = because of several reasons; raama priyachikiirSayaa = being desirous of doing good to Rama; sneha praskanna manasaa = and with a mind moistened with affection; etat = this; samudiiritam = was spoken mayaa = by me.
"O princess! All this was told by me because of several reasons, being desirous of doing good to Rama ad with my mind moistened with affection towards him."
lankāyā duṣpraveśatvāt dustaratvān mahāudadheḥ |
sāmarthyāt ātmanaḥ caiva mayā etat samudāhṛtam || 5-38-8
8. duSpradharSatraat = because of the unassailability; lankaayaaH = of Lanka; mahodadheH = and the great ocean; dustaratvaa = difficult to be crossed; aatmanaH saamarthyaachchaiva = and because of my capability; etat = this; samudiiritam = was spoken; mayaa = by me.
"I spoke this because of the unassailability of Lanka, its great ocean so difficult to be crossed and also my capacity of taking you."
icchāmi tvām samānetum adya eva raghu bandhunā |
guru snehena bhaktyā ca na anyathā tat udāhṛtam || 5-38-9
9. gurusnehena = because of my great affection; bhaktyaacha = and devotion; ichchhami = I wish; tvaam samaanetum = to carry you well; adyaiva = now itself; raghubandhunaa = te Rama your husband; etat = these words; na udaahR^itam = were not spoken; anyathaa = from another motive.
"Because of my great affection and devotion towards you, I wish to carry you well now itself to Rama your hushand. These words were not spoken by me with any other motive."
yadi na utsahase yātum mayā sārdham anindite |
abhijñānam prayaccha tvam jānīyāt rāghavo hi yat || 5-38-10
10. anindite = O faultless Seetha!; notsahaseyadi = if you are not willing; yaatam = to go; mayaa saartham = with me; tvam = you; prayachchha = give; abhijJNaanam = a token of remembrance; yat = which; raaghaaH = Rama; jaaniiyaat = can recognise.
"O faultless Seetha! If you are not willing to go with me, give me a token of remembrance which Rama can recognise."
evam uktā hanumatā sītā sura suta upamā |
uvāca vacanam mandam bāṣpa pragrathita akṣaram || 5-38-11
idam śreṣṭham abhijñānam brūyāḥ tvam tu mama priyam |
11. evam = thus; uktaa = spoken; hanumataa = by Hanuma; siitaa = Seetha; surasutopataa = like the daughter of god; mandam = slowly; uvaacha = spoke; vachanam = slowly; uvaacha = spoke; vachanam = the (following) words; baaSpa pragrathitaa kSaram = strung together with alphabets of tears; tvamtu = you; bruuyaaH = tell; idam = this; shreSTham = excellent thing; abhiJNaanam = as a token of remembrance; mama priyam = to my beloved husband.
Hearing Hanuma's words, Seetha like the daughter of a god, slowly spoke the following words, strung together with alphabets of tears: "You tell this (following) excellent thing as a token of remembrance to my beloved husband."
śailasya citra kūṭasya pāde pūrva uttare tadā || 5-38-12
tāpasa āśrama vāsinyāḥ prājya mūla phala udake |
tasmin siddha āśrame deśe mandākinyā adūrataḥ || 5-38-13
tasya upavana ṣaṇḍeṣu nānā puṣpa sugandhiṣu |
vihṛtya salila klinnā tava anke samupāviśam ||
paryāyeṇa prasuptaḥ ca mama anke bharata agrajaḥ || 5-38-14
12; 13; 14. paade = at a hillock; puurvottare = in the north-eastern direction; chitrakuuTasya shailasya = of Chitrakuta mountain; praajyamuula phalodake = having bountiful roots fruits and water; tasmin desha = in that place; siddhaashrite = inhabited by seers; mandaakinya viduurataH = in the vicinity of River Ganges; puraa = long ago; vihR^itya = (we were) strolling; salile = in water; upavana khaNDeSu = in parts of groves; naanaapuSpa sugandhiSu = with various kinds of flowers in perfume; tasya = of that hillock; klinnaH = you became wet; samupaavishaH = and sat; mama aN^ke = at my proximity; taapasaashramavaasinyaaaH = residing in the hermitage of sages.
"There is a place inhabited by sages at a hillock in the north-eastern It was bountiful with roots fruits and water. In that place, while we were residing in a hermitage of sages, on a day long ago, we were strolling in water in parts of groves with various kinds of flowers of perfume in that hillock. Your thereupon became wet and sat at my proximity."
tato māṃsa samāyukto vāyasaḥ paryatuṇḍayat |
tam aham loṣṭam udyamya vārayāmi sma vāyasam || 5-38-15
15. tataH = then; vaayasaH = a crow; maamsasamaayuktaH = yearning for meat; paryatuN^Dayat = began to peek (me); aham = I; udyamya = lifting; loSTam = a clod of earth; vaarayaamisma = prevented; tam = that; vaayasam = crow.
"Then, a crow, yearning for meat, began to peck me. Picking up a clod of earth, I prevented the crow from its act."
dārayan sa ca mām kākaḥ tatra eva parilīyate |
na ca api uparaman māṃsāt bhakṣa arthī bali bhojanaḥ || 5-38-16
16. daarayan = tearing; maam = me; saH kaakaH = that crow pariliiyate = was hiding; tatraiva = there only; saH = that; balibhojanah = crow; bhakSaarthii = yearning for food; na upaaramachchhaapi = did not resign; maamsaat = from meat.
"Pecking me again and again, the crow was hiding there only. That crow, yearning for food, did not resig from meat."
utkarṣantyām ca raśanām kruddhāyām mayi pakṣiṇe |
sraṃsamāne ca vasane tato dṛṣṭā tvayā hi aham || 5-38-17
17. mayi = (while) I; kruddhaayaam = was angry; pakSiNaa = with that bird; vasane = my skirt; srasyamaanecha = was slipping; utkarSantyaamcha = and I was pulling; rashanaam = its string (so as to tighten it); aham = I; dR^iSTaa = was seen; tvayaa = by you; tataH = then.
"While I was angry with that bird, my skirt was slipping and I was pulling its string (so as to tighten it). I was seen by you then."
tvayā vihasitā ca aham kruddhā samlajjitā tadā |
bhakṣya gṛddhena kālena dāritā tvām upāgatā || 5-38-18
18. tadaa = then; aham = I; kR^iddhaa = moved by anger; samlajjitaa = felt abashed; apahasitaa = being laughed at; tvayaa = by you; daaritaa = Torn down; kaakena = by crow; bhakSagR^idhnena = which was yearning for food; upaagataa = I sought shelter; tvaam = with you.
"Moved by anger, I felt abashed for being laughed at by you. Torn down by the crow, which was yearning for food, I sought shelter with you."
āsīnasya ca te śrāntā punaḥ utsangam āviśam |
krudhyantī ca prahṛṣṭena tvayā aham parisāntvitā || 5-38-19
19. shraantaa = feeling tired; punaH aavisham = I again settled on; te = your; utsaN^gam = lap; kruddhyantii = as though angry; aham = I; parisaanvitaa = was consoled; tvayaa = by you; prahR^iSTena = fully delighted.
"Feeling tired, I again settled on your lap. As though angry, I was consoled by you and I was fully delighted."
bāṣpa pūrṇa mukhī mandam cakṣuṣī parimārjatī |
lakṣitā aham tvayā nātha vāyasena prakopitā || 5-38-20
20. naatha = O Lord!; prakopitaa = annoyed; vaayasena = by the crow; baaSpapuurNamukhii = having my face filled with tears; chakSuSi = and having my eyes; parimaarjatii = being wiped; mandam = slowly; aham = I; lakSitaa = was seen; tvayaa = by you.
"Slowly wiping my eyes, my face filled with tears, I was seen by you, O Lord, as having been annoyed by the crow."
pariśramātprasuptā ca rāghavāṅke .apyham ciram |
paryāṇa prasuptaśca mamāṅke bharatāgrajaḥ 5-38-21
21. ahamapi = I even; prasuptaa cha = slept; chiram = for a long time; raaghavaaNke = on Rama's lap; parishramaat = because of fatigue; paryaayeNa = in his turn; bharataagrajaH = Rama; the elder brother of Bharata; prasuptaH = slept; mama; aN^ke = in my arms.
"I even slept for a long time on Rama's lap because of my fatigue. In his turn, Rama the elder brother of Bharata, slept in my arms."
sa tatra punare vātha vāyasaḥ samupāgamat |
tataḥ suptaprabuddhām mām rāmasyāṅkātsamutthitām || 5-38-22
vāyasaḥ sahasāgamya vidadāra stanāntare |
punaḥ punarthotpatya vidadāra sa māṃ bhṛśam || 5-38-23
22; 23. atha = thereafter; saH vaayasaH = that crow; punareva = again; samupaagamat = came; tatra = there; tataH = then; saH = that; vaayasaH = crow; sahasaa = quickly; aagamya = having arrived at; maam = me; samutthitaam = who raised; aN^kaat = from the lap; raamasya = of Rama; suptaprabuddhaam = after waking up from my sleep; vidadaara = clawed; stanaantare = the space between my breasts; atha = and; utpatya = flying up; punaH punaH = again and again; maam vidadaara = tore me up; bhR^isham = a lot.
"Meanwhile, the same crow appeared there. Descending all of a sudden, the crow clawed me at the space between the breasts, even as I awoke from my sleep and rose from the lap of Rama. Flying up again, it tore me up a lot."
tataḥ samukṣito rāmo muktaiḥ śoṇitabindubhiḥ |
vayasena tatastena balavatkliśyamānayā || 5-38-24
sa mayā bodhitaḥ śrīmān sukhasuptaḥ paramtapaḥ |
24. tataH = then; raamaH = Rama; samukSitaH = was moistened; muktaiH shoNita bindubhiH = by the discharged drops of blood; tataH = thereafter; saH = that Rama; shriimaan = the splendid man; paramtapaH = the destroyer of enemies; sukha suptaH = who was in a pleasant slumber; bodhitaH = was woken up; tena raayasena = by that crow; mayaa = and by me; balavat klishyamaanayaa = who was grievously tormented (by the crow).
"Then, Rama got wet by the discharged drops of blood. Thereafter, that splendorous Rama, the annihilator of enemies, who was in a pleasant slumber, was woken up by that crow and by me who was grievously tormented by the crow."
sa mām dṛṣṭvā mahābāhurvitunnām stanayostadā || 5-38-25
āśī viṣa iva kruddhaḥ śvasān vākyam abhāṣathāḥ |
25. saH = that Rama; mahaabaahuH = the long armed; dR^iSTvaa = seeing; maam = me; vitunnaam = pierced; stanayoH = on the breasts; tadaa = then; shvasan = hissing; kruddhah ashiiviSaiva = like an angry serpant; abhaaSata = spoke; vaakyam = (the following) words.
"That long-armed Rama, seeing me pierced violently on the breasts, then spoke the following words, hissing like an angry serpant.
kena te nāga nāsa ūru vikṣatam vai stana antaram || 5-38-26
kaḥ krīḍati saroṣeṇa panca vaktreṇa bhoginā |
26. naaganaasoru = O Seetha the round thighed woman!; kena = by whom; te stanaantaram = the space between your breasts; vikSatam vai = was wounded?; kaH = who; kriiDati = is playing; paN^cha vaktreNa bhoginaa = with a fire-faced serpent; saroSeNa = filled with fury?
"O Seetha the round-thighed woman! Who has wounded the space between your breasts? who is playing with a fire-faced serpent filled with fury?"
vīkṣamāṇaḥ tataḥ tam vai vāyasam samavaikṣathāḥ || 5-38-27
nakhaiḥ sarudhiraiḥ tīkṣṇaiḥ mām eva abhimukham sthitam |
27. tataH = then; viikSamaaNaH = throwing a glance (around); samudaikSata = (Rama) saw; tam vaayasam = that crow; tiikSNaiH nakhaiH = with its sharp claws; sarudhiraiH = with its sharp claws; sarudhiraiH = moistened with blood; sthitam = and remaining; abhimukham = in front of ; maaneva = me alone.
'Then, throwing a glance around, Rama saw that crow with its sharp claws moistened iwth blood and sitting in front of me alone."
putraḥ kila sa śakrasya vāyasaḥ patatām varaḥ || 5-38-28
dharā antara caraḥ śīghram pavanasya gatau samaḥ |
28. saH = vaayasaH = that crow; varaH = the best; patataam = among birds; putraH kila = seems to be the son; shakrasya = of Indra the Lord of celestials; dharaantarayataH = residing; among the mountains; gatau = and in moving; shiighram = speedily; samaH = equal; paranasya = to the wind.
"That crow, the best among birds, seems to be the son of Indra the Lord of celestials, staying in mountains and moving with a peed equal to the wind."
tataḥ tasmin mahābāhuḥ kopa samvartita īkṣaṇaḥ || 5-38-29
vāyase kṛtavān krūrām matim matimatām vara |
29. tataH = then; mahaabaahuH = the long-armed Rama; matimataam varaH = the best among wise men; kopa samvartitekSaNaH = swirling his eyes in anger; kR^itavaan = made; matim = a resolve; tasmin kruuraam vaayase = in the matter of that ferocious cow.
"Then, the long-armed Rama, the best among wise men, swirling his eyes in anger, made a resolve in the matter of that ferocious crow."
sa darbha saṃstarāt gṛhya brahmaṇo astreṇa yojayaḥ || 5-38-30
sa dīpta iva kāla agniḥ jajvāla abhimukho dvijam |
30. gR^ihya = taking; darbham = a shoot of Kusa grass; samstaraat = from his bed (made of Kusa grass); saH = that Rama; yojayat = used it to work; braahmeNa astreNa = with Brahma's missile (a mythical weapon which deals infallible destruction); sah = that; diiptaH = blazing shoot of grass; kaalaagniriva = like fire destroying the world; jajvaala = flared up; dvijam abhimukham = in front of that bird.
"Taking a blade of Kusa grass from his bed ( made of Kusa grass), Rama employed it to work with Brahma's missile (a mythical weapon which deals with infallible destruction). That blazing shoot of grass, resembling a fire destroying the world, flared up in front of that bird."
sa tam pradīptam cikṣepa darbham tam vāyasam prati || 5-38-31
tatastam vāyasam darbhaḥ sombare.anujagāma ha |
31. saH = that Rama; chikSepa = threw; tam = that; pradiiptam = blazing; darbham = blade of Kusa grass; tam vaayasam prati = towards that crow; tataH = then; saH darbhaH = that blade of grass; anujagaama ha = chased; tam vaayasam = that crow; ambare = in the sky.
"As Rama threw that blazing blade of Kusa grass towards that crow, that blade of grass went chasing that crow in the sky."
anusṛṣṭaḥ tadā kālo jagāma vividhām gatim || 5-38-32
trāṇa kāma imam lokam sarvam vai vicacāra ha |
32. tadaa = then; kaakaH = the crow; anusR^iSTaH = being chased; jagaama = wnet; vividhaam = in many; gatim = a way; traaNa kaamaH = seeking protection; (the crow) vichachaara ha = roamed; sarvam = all over; imam = this; lokam = world.
"Then, while that blade of grass came chasing, that crow went flying in many a way. Seeking protection, it roamed all over the world."
sa pitrā ca parityaktaḥ suraiḥ sarvaiḥ maharṣibhiḥ || 5-38-33
trīn lokān samparikramya tvām eva śaraṇam gataḥ |
33. samparikramya = roaming; triin = the three; lokaan = worlds; saH = that crow; parityaktaH = was abandoned; pitraacha = by Indra; its father; suraishcha = celestials; sa maharSibhiH = along with sages; sharaNamgataH = (and finally) sought refuge; tameva = in the same Rama.
"Roaming the three worlds in search of a saviour, that crow was abandoned by Indra; its father, the celestials and the sages. Finally, it sought refuge in the same Rama."
sa tam nipatitam bhūmau śaraṇyaḥ śaraṇā gatam || 5-38-34
vadha arham api kākutstha kṛpayā paryapālayaḥ |
34. saH = kaakutthsaH = that Rama; sharaNyaH = who affords protection; kR^ipayaa = by compassion; paryapaalayat = protected; tam = that crow; nipatitam = which fell; bhuumau = on the floor; sharaNaagatam = and sought for protection; vadhaarhamapi = even though it was apt to be killed.
"That Rama, who affords protection, was compassionate and protected that crow, which fell on the ground (in salutation to Rama) and sought for protection, eventhough it was apt to be killed."
paridyūnam viṣaṇṇam ca sa tvam āyāntam uktavān || 5-38-35
mogham kartum na śakyam tu brāhmam astram tat ucyatām |
35. saH = that Rama; abraviit = spoke; tam = of that crow; aayaantam = which was coming; paridyuunam = exhausted; viSaNNam = and dejected; na shakyam tu = It is not possible; kartum = to make; braahmam astram = Brahma missile; mogham = a waste; tat = for that reason; uchyataam = tell me what to do.
"Seeing that crow, coming exhausted and dejected, Rama said to it: 'It is not possible to make Brahma missile a waste. For this reason, tell me what to do now."
hinastu dakṣiṇākṣitvacchara ityatha so.abravīt || 5-38-36
tataḥ tasya akṣi kākasya hinasti sma sa dakṣiṇam |
dattvā sa dakṣiṇam netram prāṇebhyaḥ parirakṣitaḥ || 5-38-37
36. 37. atha = thereafter; saH = that crow; abraviit = said; iti = that; trachcharaH = your arrow; hinastu = shoot; dakSiNaakSi = my right eye; tataH = then; saH = that blade of grass; hinantisma = shooted; dakSiNam = the right; akSi = eye; tasya kaakasya = of that crow; saH = that crow; dattvaa = by giving away; dakSiNam netram = its right eye; parirakSitaH = saved; praaNebhyaH = its lives.
Thereafter, that crow said "Let your arrow shoot my right eye." Then that blade of Kusa grass shooted the right eye of that crow. By giving away its right eye in that way, the crow saved its life."
sa rāmāya namaskṛtvā rājñe daśarathāya ca |
visṛṣṭastena vīreṇa pratipede svamālayam || 5-38-38
38. saH = that crow; namaskR^ityaa = after saluting; raamaaya = Rama; dasharathaaya cha = and Dasaratha; raajJNe = the king; visR^iSTaH = and discharged; tena viireNa = by that valiant Rama; pratipede = it reached; svam = its own; aalayam = abode.
"After offering salutations to Rama and King Dasaratha and being discharged by that valiant Rama, the crow returned to its own abode."
mat kṛte kāka mātre api brahma astram samudīritam |
kasmāt yo mām harat tvattaḥ kṣamase tam mahī pate || 5-38-39
39. mahiipate = O lord of the earth! matkR^ite = for my sake; brahmaastram = a Brahma's missile; samudiiritam = was hurled; kaakamaatre = even at a crow; kasmaat = why; kSamase = are you forgiving; tam = him; yaH = who; aharat = took away; maa = me; tvattaH = from you?
"O lord of the earth! For my sake you hurled a Brahma's missile even at a crow. Why are you forgiving the one who has taken me away from you?"
sa kuruṣva mahāutsāham kṛpām mayi nara ṛṣabha |
tvayā nāthavatī nātha hyanāthā iva dṛśyate || 5-38-40
40. nararSabha = O best among men!; saH = you as such; mahotsaahaH = having great strength; kuruSva = endow; kR^ipam = mercy; mayi = in me; naatha = O protector!; naathavatii = She with a protector; tvayaa = in you; dR^ishyate = is being seen; anaathaa iva = like the one without any protector.
"O Rama the best among men! You, with great strength, annihilate the enemy and bestow your mercy on me. O Lord! She who has a protector in you, actually looks like one without any protector."
ānṛśaṃsyam paro dharmaḥ tvatta eva mayā śrutaḥ |
jānāmi tvām mahāvīryam mahāutsāham mahābalam || 5-38-41
apāra pāram akṣobhyam gāmbhīryāt sāgara upamam |
bhartāram sasamudrāyā dharaṇyā vāsava upamam || 5-38-42
41; 42. shrutaH = It was heard; mayaa = by me; tvattaH eva = from you alone; anR^ishamsyam = (that) kindness; paraH dharmaH = is the best righteousness; jaanaami = I know; tvaam = you; mahaaiiryam = having a great prowess; mahotsaaham = a great energy; mahaabalam = and a great strength; apaarapaaram = you non-acquiescence; akSobhyam = imperturbability; gaambhiiryaat = profoudness; saagaropamam = like an ocean; bhartaaram = lord; dharaNyaaH = of the earth; samudraayaH = including the ocean; vaasavopamam = and equal to Indra the Lord of celestials.
"You yourself told me that kindness is the best righteousness. I know you, having a great prowess, a great energy, and a great strength. I know your non-acquiescence, imperturbability, profoundness like an ocean, as Lord of the earth including the oceans and as equal to Indra the Lord of celestials."
evam astravidām śreṣṭhaḥ sattvavān balavān api |
kim artham astram rakṣahsu na yojayasi rāghava || 5-38-43
43. raaghava = O Rama!; balavaanapi = eventhough you are stron; astravidaam shreSThaH = excellently skilled in archery; satyavaan = and a truthful man; evam = thus; kimartham = why; nayojayasi = are you not employing; astram = your arrow; rakSassu = on demons?
"O Rama! Eventhough you are strong, excellently skilled in archery and a truthful man, why are you not utilizing your arrow on demons?"
na nāgā na api gandharvā na asurā na marut gaṇāḥ |
rāmasya samare vegam śaktāḥ prati samādhitum || 5-38-44
44. naagaH = the serpent-demons; na shaktaaH = are not capable; pratisamiihitum = of resisting; vegam = the onrush; raamasya = of Rama; samare = in battle; gandharvaa api = even divine musicians; na = are not capable; asuraaH = demons; na = are not capable; marudgaNaaH = troops of storm-gods; na = are not capable.
"Neither the serpent-demons, nor the divine musicians nor the demons nor the storm-gods are able to resist the onrush of Rama in battle."
tasyā vīryavataḥ kaścit yadi asti mayi sambhramaḥ |
kim artham na śaraiḥ tīkṣṇaiḥ kṣayam nayati rākṣasān || 5-38-45
45. viiryavataH tasya asti yadi = if the valiant Rama has; kashchit = any; sambhramaH = haste; may = in my case; kimartham = why; na nayati kSayam = does he not destroy; raakSasaan = the demons; tiikSNaiH sharaiH = with his sharp arrows?
"If the valiant Rama has any haste in my case, why does he not destroy the demons with his sharp arrows?!
bhrātuḥ ādeśam ādāya lakṣmaṇo vā param tapaḥ |
kasya hetoḥ na mām vīraḥ paritrāti mahābalaḥ || 5-38-46
46. kasya hetoH = for what reason; lakSmaNo vaa = even Lakshmana; paramtapaH = the tormentator of enemies; mahaabalaH = the mighty man; viiraH = and the valiant man; na paritraati = does not protect; maam = me; aadaaya = by taking; aadesham = the command; bhraatruH = of his elder brother?"
"For what reason, even Lakshmana the tormentator of enemies, the mighty man and the valiant man does not protect me, by taking the command of his elder brother?'
yadi tau puruṣa vyāghrau vāyv indra sama tejasau |
surāṇām api durdharṣo kim artham mām upekṣataḥ || 5-38-47
47. tau = those two brothers; puruSavyaaghrau = the tigers among men; Rama and Lakshman; vaayvagni samtejasau = with a sharpness equal to that of wind and fire; suraaNaam durdharSau yadi api = even if unconquerable by demons also;
Those two tigers among men, Rama and Lakshmana, with a sharpness equal to that of wind and fire, even if they are unconquerable by demons too, why are they neglecting me?"
mama eva duṣkṛtam kiṃcin mahat asti na saṃśayaḥ |
samarthāv api tau yan mām na avekṣete param tapau || 5-38-48
48. kimchit = some; mahat = great; duSkR^itam = sin; asti = may be there; mamaiva = of me alone; na samshayaH = there is no doubt; yat = for which reason; tau = those two brothers Rama and Lakshmana; paramtapau = the tormentator of enemies; samrthaavapi = even when capable; na avekSate = are not seeing; maam = me.
"There is not doubt that I would have committed a great sin, for which reason those two brothers Rama and Lakshmana the tormentators of enemies, even when capable , are neglecting me."
vaidehyā vacanam śrutvā karuṇam sāśubhāṣitam |
athābravīnmahātejā hanumān mārutātmajaḥ || 5-38-49
49. atha = then; shrutvaa = hearing; vachanam = the words; bhaaSitam = spoken; karuNam = pitiably; saa shru = with tears; vaidehyaa = by Seetha; hanumaan = Hanuma; mahaatejaa = of great splendour; maarutaatmajaH = the son of wind-god; abraviit = spoke (as follows):
Hearing the pitiable appeal Seetha with tears, Hanuma of great splendour and the son of wind-god spoke (as follows)
tvacchokavimukho rāmo devi satyena te śape |
rāme duḥkhābhipanne ca lakṣmaṇaḥ paritapyate || 5-38-50
50. devi = O Seetha!; raamaH = Rama; tvachchoka viukhaH = has grown averse to eveything else caused by grief towards you; shape = I swear; te = to you; satyena = by truth; raame = (When) Rama; duHkhaabhipanne = is overpowered by grief; lakSmaNaH cha = Lakshmana too; paritapyate = is tormented (by grief).
"O Seetha! Rama has grown averse to everything else, caused by grief towards you. I swear it to you by truth. When Rama is overpowered by grief; Lakshmana too gets tormented by grief."
katham cidbhavatī dṛṣṭā na kālaḥ paridevitum |
imam muhūrtam duḥkhānām drakṣyasyantamanindite || 5-38-51
51. anindite = O faultless Seetha!; kathamchit = Somehow or other; bhavatii = you; dR^iSTaa = appeared; na kaalaH = this is not the time; paridevitum = to lament; drakSyasi = you will see; antam = the end; duHkhaanaam = of your sorrows; imam muhuurtam = within this moment.
"O faultless Seetha! Somehow or other, you have been discovered by me. This is not the time to lament. Your will see the end of your sorrow within a short time."
tāvubhau puruṣavyāghrau rājaputrau mahābalau |
tvaddarśanakṛtotsāhau laṅkām bhasmīkariṣyataḥ || 5-38-52
52. tau ubhau raajaputrau = those two princes; puruSavyaaghrau = the excellent among men; mahaabalau = the mighty ones; tvaddarshanakR^itotsaahau = and who are eager to see you; laN^kaam bhasmii kariSyataH = with reduce Lanka to ashes.
"Those two mighty princes, the excellent among men, are eager to see you and they will reduce Lanka to ashes."
hatvā ca samare krūtam rāvaṇam sahabāndhavam |
rāghavastvām viśālākṣi neṣyati svām purīm prati || 5-38-53
53. vishaalaakSi = O large eyed Seetha!; hatvaa = killing; kruuram = the cruel; raavaNam = Ravana; sahabaandhavam = along with his relatives; raaghavaH = Rama; neSyati = will take; tvaam = you; svaam puriim prati = to his own city.
"O large-eyed Seetha! Killing the cruel Ravana along with his relatives in battle, Rama will take you back to his own city."
brūhi yadrāghavo vācyo lakṣmaṇaśca mahābalaḥ |
sugrīvo vāpi tejasvī harayo.api samāgatāḥ || 5-38-54
54. bruuhi = tell me; yat vaachyaH = what to be expressed; raaghavaH = to Rama; mahaabalaH lakSmaNashcha = or to the mighty Lakshmana; tejasvii sugriivovaapi = or to the splendorous Sugreeva; harayo.api = samaagataaH = or to even the monkeys assembled (there).
"Tell me what to be expressed to Rama or to the mighty Lakshmana or to the splendourous Sugreeva or even to the other monkeys assembled there."
ityuktavati tasmiṃstu sītā surasutopamā |
uvāca śokasaṃtaptā hanumantaṃ plavaṃgamam || 5-38-55
55. iti = thus; uktavati = spoken; tasmin = by that Hanuma; siita = Seetha; surasutopamaa = like the daughter of a sage; shoka santaptaa = tormented with grief; uvaacha = spoke; hanumantam = to Hanuma; plavamgamam = the monkey (as follows):
Hearing the words of Hanuma, Seetha, like the daughter of a sage, tormented with grief, spoke to Hanuma the monkey (as follows):
kausalyā loka bhartāram suṣuve yam manasvinī |
tam mama arthe sukham pṛccha śirasā ca abhivādaya || 5-38-56
56. madarthe = On my behalf; abhivaadayacha shirasaa = salute by bowing your head; pR^ichchha = and ask; sukham = about the welfare of; tam = that Rama; lokabhartaaram = the lord of the worlds; yam = whom; manasvinii Kausalyaa = the magnanimous Kausalya; suSuva = gave birth.
"On my behalf, salute by bowing your head and ask about the welfare of Rama, the Lord of the worlds, whom the magnanimous Kausalya gave birth."
srajaḥ ca sarva ratnāni priyā yāḥ ca vara anganāḥ |
aiśvaryam ca viśālāyām pṛthivyām api durlabham || 5-38-57
pitaram mātaram caiva sammānya abhiprasādya ca |
anupravrajito rāmam sumitrā yena suprajāḥ || 5-38-58
57; 58. sumitraa = Sumitra; suprajaaH = who got good children like Lakshmana; yena = by whom; srajashcha = wreaths of flowers; sarva ratnaani = all the riches; priyaaH yaaH varaaN^ganaaH = pleasant and beautiful girls; aishvaryamcha api = and even the prosperity; durlabham = difficult to be obtained; vishaalaam- pR^ithivyaam = on the extensive earth; (tyakta = were abandoned); sammaanya = venerating; abhiprasaadya cha = and praying for grace; pitram = his fatehr; maataramchaapi = and also his mother; raamaH anupravrajitaH = went to exile; following Rama.
(On my behalf, ask about the welfare of ) Lakshmana, that good child of Sumitra who, having renounced the wreaths of flowers, all the riches, pleasant and beautiful girls and even the prosperity difficult to be obtained in this extensive world, offered his profound respects to and pacified his father and mother, followed Rama to exile."
ānukūlyena dharma ātmā tyaktvā sukham anuttamam |
anugacchati kākutstham bhrātaram pālayan vane || 5-38-59
59. tyaktvaa = renouncing; anuttamam = a great; sukham = comfort; dharmaatmaa = the righteous Lakshmana; anugachchhati = followed; paalayam = protecting kaakutthsam = Rama; bhraataram = his elder brother; anukuulyena = acting in an affectionate way towards him; vane = in the forest.
"Renouncing a great comfort, the righteous Lakshmana, acting in an affectionate manner towards Rama, followed him, watching over him in the forest."
simha skandho mahābāhuḥ manasvī priya darśanaḥ |
pitṛvat vartate rāme mātṛvan mām samācaran || 5-38-60
60. simhaskandhaH = Lakshmana; who has broad shoulders like that of a lion; mahaabaahuH = mighty armed; mansvii = steady minded; priyadarshinaH = and having pleasant looks; vartate = who behaves; raame = towards Rama; pitR^ivat = as towards his father; samaacharan = and look to; maam = me; maatR^ivat = as his own mother.
"Lakshmana, who has broad shoulders like that ofa lion, mighty-armed, steady-minded and having pleasant looks, behaves towards Rama as towards his father and looks to me as his own mother."
priyamāṇām tadā vīro na tu mām veda lakṣmaṇaḥ |
vṛddha upasevī lakṣmīvān śakto na bahu bhāṣitā || 5-38-61
rāja putraḥ priya śreṣṭhaḥ sadṛśaḥ śvaśurasya me |
61. viiraH = the valiant; lakSmaNaH = Lakshmana; tadaa = then; na veda = did not know; maam = me; hriyamaaNaam = as being taken away (by Ravana); vR^iddhopasevii = He serves elders; lakSmiivaan = He has splendour; na bahubhaaSitaa = He does not talk much; shaktaH = (though) capable me shashurasy = to Dasaratha; my father-in-law; sadR^ishaH = he is suitably well; priyaH = a beloved; shreSThaH = and best; raajaputraH = prince.
"The valiant Lakshmana, on that day of occurrence, did not know that I was being taken away by Ravana. He serves elders. He possesses a splendour. Though capable, he does not talk much. To Dasaratha, my father-in-law, he is his replica a beloved and the best prince."
mattaḥ priyataro nityam bhrātā rāmasya lakṣmaṇaḥ || 5-38-62
niyukto dhuri yasyām tu tām udvahati vīryavān |
62. lakSmaNaH = Lakshmana; bhraataa = the younger brother; raamasya = of Rama; nityam = is always; priyataraH = the one; who is dearer; mam = to me; viiryavaan = the energetic Lakshmana; udvahati = carries out; taam = that; yasyaam = whatever; dhuri = load of work; niyuktaH = is entrusted.
"Lakshmana, the younger brother of Rama is the one who is dearer to me always. That energetic Lakshmana carries out well, whatever load of work is entrusted to him"
yam dṛṣṭvā rāghavo na eva vṛddham āryam anusmarat || 5-38-63
sa mama arthāya kuśalam vaktavyo vacanān mama |
63. dR^iSTvaa = seeing; yam = whom; raaghavaH = Rama; na anusmaret = does not recollect; vR^ittam = (his) deceased; aaryam = father; saH = that Lakshmana; vaktavyaH = is to be asked; kushalam = about his well-being; mama vachanaat = as my word; mama arthaaya = on my behalf.
"Seeing whom, Rama ceases to recollect his deceased father, that Lakshmana is to be asked about his well-being, as my word and on my behalf."
mṛduḥ nityam śuciḥ dakṣaḥ priyo rāmasya lakṣmaṇaḥ || 5-38-64
yathā hi vānaraśreṣṭha duḥkhakṣayakaro bhavet |
tvamasmin kāryaniryoge pramāṇa harisattama || 5-38-65
64; 65. vaanarashreSTha = O Hanuma; the excellent of monkeys; harisattama = and the best of monkeys!; tvam = you; pramaaNam = are the model; asmin kaaryaniryoge = for fulfilling this act (of addressing him); yathaa bhavet = in such a way; lakSmaNaH = that Lakshmana; mR^iduH = the mild; nityam = ever; shuchiH = pure; dakSaH = and clever; priyaH = darling; raamasya = of Rama; duHkhakSaya karaH = may bring my sorrows to an end.
"O Hanuma, the excellent of monkeys and the best of monkeys! you are the model for fulfilling this act of addressing him in such a way that Lakshmana, the mild, every-pure and clever darling of Rama may bring my sorrows to an end."
rāghavastvatsamārambhānmayi yatnaparo bhavet |
idam brūyāḥ ca me nātham śūram rāmam punaḥ punaḥ || 5-38-66
66. tvatsamaarambhaat = by your effort; raaghavaH = Rama; bhavet = will become; yatnaparaH = a diligent man; mayi = in my case; bruuyaaH = tell; idam = this; punaH punaH = again and again; raamam = to Rama; me naatham = my lord; shuuram = and the hero.
"Depending on your effort, Rama will be more active with his effort the following words again and again to Rama, my Lord and the hero:"
jīvitam dhārayiṣyāmi māsam daśaratha ātmaja |
ūrdhvam māsān na jīveyam satyena aham bravīmi te || 5-38-67
67. dasharathaatmaja = O Rama!; dhaarayiSyaami = I shall hold; jiivitam = my life; maasam = for a month; na jiiveyam = I cannot survive; uurdhvam = after; maasaat = a month; aham = I; braviimi = am telling; te = you; satyena = by truth.
"O Rama! I shall hold my life for a month. I cannot survive after a month I am telling you the truth."
rāvaṇena uparuddhām mām nikṛtyā pāpa karmaṇā |
trātum arhasi vīra tvam pātālāt iva kauśikīm || 5-38-68
68. viira = O valiant man!; tvam = you; arhasi = are required; traatum = to protect; maam = me; uparuddhaam = who is detained; raavaNena = by Ravana; paapakarmaNaa = the criminal; nikR^ityaa = with humiliation; kaushikiimiva = (as you protected) Indra the Lord of celestials and Lakshmi the goddess of prosperity; paataalaat = from the abode of serpents and demons.
"O valiant man! You are required to rescue me, detained (as I am) by Ravana the criminal and subjected to humiliation, as you (as Lord Vishnu) earlier protected Indra the Lord of celestials and Lakshmi the goddess of prosperity from the abode of servants and demons."
tato vastra gatam muktvā divyam cūḍā maṇim śubham |
pradeyo rāghavāya iti sītā hanumate dadau || 5-38-69
69. tataH = then; muktvaa = untying; shubham = the bright; divyam = divine; chuuDaamaNim = jewel for her head; vastragatam = tied in her garment; siitaa = Seetha; dadau = gave (it); hanumate = to Hanuma; iti = saying; pradeyaH = that it might be delivered; raaghavaaya = to Rama.
Then, untying the bright devine jewel for her head tied in her garment, Seetha gave it to Hanuma, saying that it might be handed over to Rama.
pratigṛhya tato vīro maṇi ratnam anuttamam |
angulyā yojayāmāsa na hi asyā prābhavat bhujaḥ || 5-38-70
70. pratigR^ihya = taking; anuttamam = the excellent; maNiratnam = jewel; viiraH = the valiant Hanuma; tataH = thereupon; yojayaamaasa = fitted it; aN^gulyaa = to his finger; asya bhujaH = (since) his arm; (eventhough he had assumed his former tiny form) na praabhavat hi = was not fitting (to it).
Taking the excellent jewel, the valiant Hanuma thereupon fitted it to his finger, since his arm (eventhough he had assumed his former tiny form), was not fitting to it properly.
maṇi ratnam kapi varaḥ pratigṛhya abhivādya ca |
sītām pradakṣiṇam kṛtvā praṇataḥ pārśvataḥ sthitaḥ || 5-38-71
71. pratigR^ihya = receiving; maNiratnam = that jewel; kapivaraH = Hanuma the best among the monkeys; abhivaadya cha = offered his salutation; siitaam = to Seetha; pradakSiNam kR^itvaa = engaging in circumambulation; sthitaH = and stood; paarshvataH = aside; namrataH = with humbleness.
Receiving that jewel, Hanuma the best among the monkeys, offered his salutation to seetha, by engaging himself in circumambulation and stood aside with humbleness.
harṣeṇa mahatā yuktaḥ sītā darśanajena saḥ |
hṛdayena gato rāmam śarīreṇa tu viṣṭhitaḥ || 5-38-72
72. yuktaH = enjoined; mahataa = harSeNa = with a great delight; siitaadarshanajena = born out of Seetha's discovery saH = that Hanuma; hR^idayena gataH = mentally sought (the presence); raamam = of Rama; viSThitaH = but stood there; shariireNatu = with his physical body alone.
Filled with a great delight, born out of Seetha's discovery by him, that Hanuma mentally sought (the presence) of Rama but stood there with just his physical body.
maṇi varam upagṛhya tam mahāarham |
janaka nṛpa ātmajayā dhṛtam prabhāvāt |
giri vara pavana avadhūta muktaḥ |
sukhita manāḥ pratisamkramam prapede || 5-38-73
73. upagR^ihya = taking; tam maNivaram = that excellent jewel; mahaarham = the highly venerable one; dhR^itam = worn; janakanR^ipaatmajayaa = by Seetha; prabhaavaat = and by its influence; pavanaavadhuuta muktaH giririva = resembling one who was shaken by a blast coming from the top of a huge mountain; (Hanuma); sukhita manaaH = mentally pleased; prapede = set out for; pratisamkramam = crossing the ocean in return.
Taking that excellent and highly venerable jewel, worn by Seetha and by its influence resembling one who was shaken by a blast coming from the top of a huge mountain, Hanuma was mentally pleased and set out for crossing the ocean in his return journey.
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ityārṣe śrīmadrāmāyaṇe ādikāvye sundarakāṇḍe aṣṭatriṃśaḥ sargaḥ
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© December, 2005, K. M. K. Murthy