r Rmacaritamnasa

(The Mnasa lake containing the exploits of r Rma)

Descent Two
(Ayodhy-Ka)

tr frfa ar rnr ta
r rfn n trf rr
r fafr rf r
r na fr rfrf >rtr ra r+.{+
loka
yasyke ca vibhti bhudharasut devpag mastake
bhle blavidhurgale ca garala yasyorasi vylar,
soya bhutivibhuaa suravara sarvdhipa sarvad
arva sarvagata iva ainibha rakara ptu mm.1.
May He in whose lap shines forth the Daughter of the mountain-king, who carries
the celestial stream on His head, on whose brow rests the crescent moon, whose throat
holds poison and whose breast is the support of a huge serpent, and who is adorned by
the ashes on His body, may that Chief of gods, the Lord of all, the Destroyer of the
universe, the omnipresent iva, the moon-like akara, ever protect me. (1)
-ar r narfatar r ra
rr>rt rr-t rta r =y r+.+
prasannat y na gatbhiekatastath na mamle vanavsadukhata,
mukhmbujar raghunandanasya me sadstu s majulamagalaprad.2.
May the splendour of r Rmas lotus-like face, which neither grew brighter at the
prospect of His being installed on the throne of Ayodhy nor was dimmed by the painful
experience of exile in the woods, ever bring sweet felicity to me. (2)
trrrrry tarrrfarrn
rr rrr=r rf r rrrr+.-+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
352
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
nlmbujaymalakomalga stsamropitavmabhgam,
pau mahsyakacrucpa nammi rma raghuvaantham.3.
I adore r Rma, the Lord of Raghus race, whose limbs are as dark and soft as
a blue lotus, who has St enthroned on His left side and who holds in His hands a
mighty arrow and a graceful bow. (3)
0>rtn= r f = rf
s rr f r r rf+
Do.: rguru carana saroja raja nija manu mukuru sudhri,
baranau raghubara bimala jasu jo dyaku phala cri.
Cleansing the mirror of my mind with the dust from the lotus feet of the revered
Guru, I sing r Rmas untarnished glory, that bestows the four rewards of human life.
0 a r rf rr r fa n r r+
rf rt a rr f rt+ {+
ff ff fa t r; sfn f r;+
fn rf rat f r rat+ +
f r; n fat af ff aat+
ff rn rt r frt+ -+
fa ra t t fa frf r t+
r = n t r fa r; f f r+ +
Cau.: jaba te rmu byhi ghara e, nita nava magala moda badhe.
bhuvana cridasa bhudhara bhr, sukta megha baraahi

sukha br.1.
ridhi sidhi sapati nad

suh, umagi avadha abudhi kahu .

manigana pura nara nri sujt, suci amola sudara saba bh

t.2.
kahi na ji kachu nagara bibhut, janu etania biraci karatut.
saba bidhi saba pura loga sukhr, rmacada mukha cadu nihr.3.
mudita mtu saba sakh

sahel, phalita biloki manoratha bel.

rma rupu guna slu subh u, pramudita hoi dekhi suni r u.4.
From the day r Rma returned home duly married, there was new festivity and
jubilant music everyday. The fourteen spheres were like huge mountains on which clouds
in the shape of meritorious deeds poured showers of joy. The water thus discharged
formed into gorgeous rivers of affluence, success and prosperity, that rose in spate and
flowed into the ocean of Ayodhy. The men and women of the city were like jewels of a
fine quality, bright, priceless and charming in everyway. The splendour of the capital was
beyond description; it seemed as if the Creators workmanship had been exhausted there.
Gazing on the moon-like face of r Rmacandra the citizens were all happy in everyway.
All the mothers with their companions and maids were delighted to see the creeper of their
hearts desire bear fruit. The king was particularly enraptured when he saw or heard of r
Rmas beauty, goodness, amiability and genial disposition. (14)
0 s fr f r;
r a r rf s + {+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
353
Do.: saba ke ura abhilu asa kahahi

mani mahesu,
pa achata jubarja pada rmahi deu naresu.1.
All cherished in their heart a common desire and said in their prayer to the great Lord
iva, Would that the king in his own life-time appointed r Rma as his regent. (1)
0 fa rr rr rrr frr+
a fa r r f faf sr+ {+
f r fr r f tfa = r+
fa atf r n rt f rn rt + +
n r a r r f r ar+
r r = t-r frf t-r+ -+
>r t fa r sr+
r r t r f + +
Cau.: ek samaya saba sahita samj, rjasabh

raghurju birj.
sakala sukta murati naranh u, rma sujasu suni atihi uchh u.1.
npa saba rahahi

kp abhile , lokapa karahi

prti rukha rkhe .

tibhuvana tni kla jaga mh

, bh uri bhga dasaratha sama nh

.2.
magalamula rmu suta jsu, jo kachu kahia thora sabu ts u.
rya subhya mukuru kara lnh, badanu biloki mukuu sama knh.3.
ravana sampa bhae sita kes, manahu jarahapanu asa upades.
npa jubarju rma kahu dehu, jvana janama lhu kina leh u.4.
One day the Chief of Raghus sat with all his court in the state assembly hall.
Himself the embodiment of all virtues, the king was overjoyed to hear of r Rmas fair
renown. Every monarch solicited his favour, and the very guardians of the world
cultivated his friendship while respecting his wishes. In all the three spheres of the
universe and in all timepast, present or futurenone could be found so abundantly
blessed as Daaratha. Of him who had for his son Rma, the root of all bliss, whatever
might be said would fall short of the truth. The king casually took a mirror in his hand and
looking at his face in the mirror, set his crown straight. The hair beside his ears had
turned grey; it seemed as if old age were whispering into his ears, O king, make Rma
your regent and thereby realize the object of your life and birth in this world. (14)
0 fr= s rf f = r;
f a fa nf rs r;+ +
Do.: yaha bicru ura ni npa sudinu suavasaru pi,
prema pulaki tana mudita mana gurahi sunyau ji.2.
Entertaining this idea in his mind and finding an auspicious day and a suitable
opportunity the king communicated it to his Guru (Vasiha) with his body thrilling over
with emotion and his mind filled with rapture. (2)
0; r f fr r ff r+
f rt r f fr srt+ {+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
354
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
f r f f ff rt t a f rt+
f fa fr nrr; f r ff r;+ +
n f t a f t+
rf s rs rf + -+
fr r ff r n ar+
f - f s r + +
Cau.: kahai bhulu sunia muninyaka, bhae rma saba bidhi saba lyaka.
sevaka saciva sakala purabs, je hamre ari mitra uds.1.
sabahi rmu priya jehi bidhi moh, prabhu assa janu tanu dhari soh.
bipra sahita parivra gos

, karahi

chohu saba raurihi n

.2.
je gura carana renu sira dharah

, te janu sakala bibhava basa karah

.
mohi sama yahu anubhayau na d uje , sabu pyau raja pvani p uje .3.
aba abhilu eku mana more , p ujihi ntha anugraha tore .
muni prasanna lakhi sahaja saneh u, kaheu naresa rajyasu dehu.4.
Said the king, Listen, O chief of sages: Rma is now accomplished in everyway.
Servants and ministers, nay, all the people of the city and others who are either my
enemies or friends or neutrals hold Rma as dear as I do. It seems your benediction
itself has incarnated in his lovely form. What more, my lord, all the Brhmaas and
their families cherish the same love for him as you do. Those who place on their head
the dust from the Gurus feet acquire mastery as it were over all fortune. No one has
realized it as I have done; I have obtained everything by adoring the holy dust from
your feet. Now there remains only one longing in my heart and that too will be realized
by your grace, my lord. The sage was delighted to perceive his artless devotion and
said, O king, give me your commands. (14)
0r rs r fa rar
nrt f f fr arr+ -+
Do.: rjana rura nmu jasu saba abhimata dtra,
phala anugm mahipa mani mana abhilu tumhra.3.
O king, your very name and glory grant all ones desires. The object of your
hearts desire, O jewel of monarchs, is accomplished even before you entertain the
desire. (3)
0 ff n= - f rt rs rs f rt+
r r ff r f r f f r+ {+
rf a r; sr f rn r r+
r f ; frt rr rt+ +
f r a s f r f r; r far+
f f r n r r+ -+
r f fart r f f rt+
s arr a r; trt r ta nrt+ +
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
355
Cau.: saba bidhi guru prasanna jiya jn, boleu ru raha si mdu bn.
ntha rmu kariahi

jubarju, kahia kp kari karia samju.1.

mohi achata yahu hoi uchh u, lahahi

loga saba locana lh u.

prabhu prasda siva sabai nibh

, yaha llas eka mana mh

.2.
puni na soca tanu rahau ki ju, jehi

na hoi pche pachit u.

suni muni dasaratha bacana suhe, magala moda m ula mana bhe.3.
sunu npa jsu bimukha pachith

, jsu bhajana binu jarani na jh

.
bhayau tumhra tanaya soi svm, rmu punta prema anugm.4.
When the king was assured in his heart of the Guru being so favourably disposed
in everyway, he cheerfully said in gentle tones, My lord, let Rma be invested with regal
powers; pray, command me so that necessary preparations may be set on foot. Let this
happy event take place during my life-time so that all people may attain the reward of their
eyesight. By the Lords blessing iva has allowed everything to pass smoothly; this is the
only longing that I have in my mind. Then I will not mind whether this body survives or not,
so that I may not have to repent afterwards. The sage was pleased to hear these
agreeable words of Daaratha, which were the very fountain of felicity and joy. He said,
Listen, O king: aversion to r Rma makes one repent, while His adoration is the only
means of soothing the agony of ones heart; nay, He follows like a shadow where there is
unadulterated love; the same Lord r Rma has been born as a son to you. (14)
0fn f f rf ; r
f n af r rf r+ +
Do.: begi bilabu na karia npa sjia sabui samju,
sudina sumagalu tabahi

jaba rmu hohi

jubarju.4.
O king, let there be no delay, and make every preparation quickly. That day itself
is auspicious and full of blessings, when Rma it proclaimed regent. (4)
0fa tfa f r f r rr+
f t t fa- r n r+ {+
rf a rn tr f f rf tr+ +
rt fa a f rt fa f s rt+
fat f f rt f nafa f rt+ -+
n n r frr fn r r; rr+
f r f f rr a z t rr+ +
Cau.: mudita mahpati madira e, sevaka saciva sumatru bole.
kahi jayajva ssa tinha ne, bhupa sumagala bacana sune.1.
jau p

cahi mata lgai nk, karahu harai hiya rmahi k.2.

matr mudita sunata priya bn, abhimata birava pareu janu pn.
binat saciva karahi

kara jor, jiahu jagatapati barisa karor.3.
jaga magala bhala kju bicr, begia ntha na lia br.
npahi modu suni saciva subh, baRhata bau Ra janu lah suskh.4.
The king returned rejoicing to his palace and summoned his servants and
counsellors including Sumantra. They bowed their heads saying, Victory to you may
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
356
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
you live long; and the king placed before them the most auspicious proposal. If this
proposal finds favour with you all, instal r Rma on the throne with a cheerful heart.
The counsellors were glad to hear these agreeable words, which fell like a shower on the
young plant of their desire. The ministers prayed with joined palms: May you continue
to live for millions of years, O sovereign of the world. You have thought out a good plan
which is a source of happiness to the whole world; therefore, lord, make haste and lose
no time. The king was pleased to hear the encouraging words of the ministers; it looked
as if a growing creeper had obtained the support of a strong bough. (14)
0s fr r; r; r r;
r r f fa fn r; r;+ ~+
Do.: kaheu bhupa munirja kara joi joi yasu hoi,
rma rja abhieka hita begi karahu soi soi.5.
Said the king, Whatever orders the great sage Vasiha may be pleased to give
in connection with r Rmas coronation should be promptly carried out. (5)
0f t s rt r at rt+
rr r nf n rr+ {+
r r at r r nfa rat+
fn n ta r r n rn fr+ +
ffa f frr s ff farr+
r n r r tf- r+ -+
f r= r fn r=+
nfa n r ff f r+ +
Cau.: harai munsa kaheu mdu bn, nahu sakala sutratha pn.
auadha mula phula phala pn, kahe nma gani magala nn.1.
cmara carama basana bahu bh

t, roma pa paa aganita jt.

manigana magala bastu anek, jo jaga jogu bh upa abhiek.2.
beda bidita kahi sakala bidhn, kaheu racahu pura bibidha bitn.
saphala rasla pugaphala ker, ropahu bthinha pura cahu pher.3.
racahu maju mani cauke cr u, kahahu banvana begi bajru.
pujahu ganapati gura kuladev, saba bidhi karahu bh umisura sev.4.
The great sage Vasiha gladly said in soft accents, Fetch water from all principal
sacred places. And then he enumerated by name a number of auspicious objects such
as herbs, roots, flowers, fruits, leaves, chowries, deerskins, and draperies of various
kinds including countless varieties of woollen and silken textiles, jewels and numerous
other articles of good omen which were considered useful in this world for the coronation
of a king. Detailing all the procedure laid down in the Vedas he said, Erect canopies of
all sorts in the city and transplant in the streets on all sides trees of the mango, arecanut
and plantain with fruits. Paint beautiful designs on the floors filling them with costly jewels
and tell the people to decorate the bazar promptly. Worship Lord Gaea and your
preceptor as well as the tutelary deity and render service in every form to the
Brhmaas, the very gods on earth. (14)
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*
AYODHY-K NA
*
357
0 ar ar an rn
f f f f f rf rn+ +
Do.: dhvaja patka torana kalasa sajahu turaga ratha nga,
sira dhari munibara bacana sabu nija nija kjahi

lga.6.
Prepare flags and banners, festal arches and vases as well as horses, chariots
and elephants. Bowing to these orders of the great sage (Vasiha) all concerned
applied themselves to their own work. (6)
0r t f r t-r r af r t-r+
f r a rr a r fa n rr+ {+
a r f rr r nrn rr+
r t a n r f n n r+ +
f t a rn t+
a f fa t n atfa f t+ -+
a f f r n rt ;; n rt +
rf r f rat zf- zs f rat+ +
Cau.: jo munsa jehi yasu dnh, so tehi

kju prathama janu knh.

bipra sdhu sura pujata rj, karata rma hita magala kj.1.
sunata rma abhieka suhv, bja gahgaha avadha badhv.
rma sya tana saguna jane, pharakahi

magala aga suhe.2.

pulaki saprema parasapara kahah

, bharata gamanu s ucaka ahah

.
bhae bahuta dina ati avaser, saguna pratti bhe a priya ker.3.
bharata sarisa priya ko jaga mh

, ihai saguna phalu d usara nh

.
rmahi badhu soca dina rt, aanhi kamaha hdau jehi bh

t.4.
With whatever duty the great sage charged any man, the latter accomplished it so
promptly as if it had been done by him beforehand. The king adored Brhmaas, holy men
and gods, and performed auspicious rites for the sake of r Rmas welfare. As soon as
the delightful news of r Rmas installation reached the ears of the people, the whole of
Ayodhy resounded with festal music. Good omens manifested themselves in the person
of r Rma and St; Their graceful lucky limbs began to throb. Experiencing a thrill of joy
they lovingly said to one another, The omens prognosticate Bharatas return. Many days
have passed and our heart longs to meet him. Auspicious omens assure us of our meeting
with a beloved friend, and in this world there is no one so dear to us as Bharata; the good
omens can thus have but one meaning. r Rma anxiously remembered His half-brother
(Bharata) day and night, even as a turtle has its heart fixed on its eggs. (14)
0f n f s fr
ra f f a rff tf fr+ +
Do.: ehi avasara magalu parama suni raha seu ranivsu,
sobhata lakhi bidhu baRhata janu bridhi bci bilsu.7.
That very time the ladies of the palace were delighted to hear this most auspicious
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
358
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
news, even as the waves of the ocean commence their lovely sport on perceiving the
waxing moon. (7)
0 r; f- r f fa- r+
f a rnt n rnt+ {+
r= frr t f ff rfa fa =t+
r n r art f r f rt+ +
t nrf rnr s rf frnr+
f ff r; r rr r f r r+ -+
nrf n rft ft nrt+ +
Cau.: prathama ji jinha bacana sune, bh uana basana bh uri tinha pe.
prema pulaki tana mana anurg

, magala kalasa sajana saba lg

.1.
cauke cru sumitr

pur, manimaya bibidha bh

ti ati r ur.
na da magana rma mahatr, die dna bahu bipra ha kr.2.
puj

grmadebi sura ng, kaheu bhori dena balibhg.

jehi bidhi hoi rma kalyn u, dehu day kari so baradn u.3.
gvahi

magala kokilabayan

, bidhubadan

mgasvakanayan

.4.
Those who broke the news were richly rewarded with ornaments and costumes. With
their body thrilling over with emotion and heart full of rapture all the queens started preparing
festal vases. Queen Sumitr painted with coloured meal lovely diagrams in various
charming designs and filled them with jewels. Overwhelmed with delight r Rmas mother
(Kausaly) summoned the Brhmaas and loaded them with gifts. She worshipped village
deities and other gods and Ngas and vowing them further offerings said to them, In your
mercy grant me a boon which may ensure r Rmas welfare. Moon-faced and fawn-
eyed ladies sang festal strains in a voice as sweet as the notes of a cuckoo. (14)
0r r f f f rf
n n ff frf+ c+
Do.: rma rja abhieku suni hiya harae nara nri,
lage sumagala sajana saba bidhi anukula bicri.8.
Men and women rejoiced in their heart to hear of r Rmas installation on the
throne; and thinking God to be favourably disposed towards them all began to make
preparations. (8)
0a r fr rr rr f r+
n rn a rrrr r r; rs rr+ {+
r rr ; rr r r rfa f r+
n f fa rt r r rt+ +
trf rn n n +
af sfa rf tat ; r r f tat+ -+
ar af t- s ta r n+
r r; r nrr; ; trf r; + +
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
359
Cau.: taba naranha bsihu bole, rmadhma sikha dena pahe.
gura gamanu sunata raghunth, dvra i pada nyau mth.1.
sdara aragha dei ghara ne, soraha bh

ti p uji sanamne.
gahe carana siya sahita bahor, bole rmu kamala kara jor.2.
sevaka sadana svmi gaman u, magala m ula amagala daman u.
tadapi ucita janu boli saprt, pahaia kja ntha asi nt.3.
prabhut taji prabhu knha saneh u, bhayau punta ju yahu geh u.
yasu hoi so karau gos

, sevaku lahai svmi sevak

.4.
The king then called Vasiha and sent him to r Rmas apartments for tendering
opportune advice. The moment the Lord of Raghus, r Rma, heard of the Gurus
arrival, He repaired to the door and, bowed His head at his feet. Reverently offering him
water to wash his hands with He ushered the sage and paid him honour by worshipping
him in the sixteen prescribed modes.* Then clasping his feet with St, r Rma spoke
with His lotus palms joined in prayer, A masters visit to his servants house is the root
of all blessings and a panacea for all evils; yet it would have been more fitting, my lord,
for the master to have lovingly sent for the servant and charged him with a duty; for such
is the right course. Since, however, my lord has laid aside his authority and showed his
affection to me (by calling on me) my house has been hallowed today. I am ready to do
what I am bid, holy sir; for a servant is benefited only by serving his master. (14)
0f r f rrf
r ar a+ +
Do.: suni saneha sne bacana muni raghubarahi prasasa,
rma kasa na tumha kahahu asa hasa basa avatasa.9.
On hearing these words, steeped in affection as they were, the sage applauded
the Chief of Raghus, r Rma, and said, It is but meet, O Rma, that you should say
so, the ornament of the solar race that you are. (9)
0f r n t r r f fr+
s f r ra arf r+ {+
r r ff fr r+
n= f ; r f n r z fs + +
n r; r f fr;+
sta frr n n srr+ -+
f fa fr; zf f+
farf r; s na fr;+ +
Cau.: barani rma guna slu subh u, bole prema pulaki munir u.
bhupa sajeu abhieka samju, chata dena tumhahi jubarj u.1.
* The sixteen modes of worship prescribed in Tantric works consist in offering the following:(1)
sana (seat), (2) Pdya (water for washing the feet), (3) Arghya (water for washing the hands), (4) camanya
(water to drink), (5) Snnya (water for ablution), (6) Gandha (sandal-paste), (7) Vastra (raiment), (8) Pupa
(flowers), (9) Dhupa (burning incense), (10) Dpa (light), (11) Naivedya (food), (12) camanya (water for
rinsing the mouth), (13) Tmbula (betel-leaves), (14) Daki (a gift in coins), (15) Pradaki (circumambu-
lation), and (16) Nrjana (waving lights).
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
360
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
rma karahu saba sajama aju, jau bidhi kusala nibhai kj u.
guru sikha dei rya pahi

gaya u, rma hdaya asa bisamau bhaya u.2.

janame eka saga saba bh, bhojana sayana keli larik.
karanabedha upabta bih, saga saga saba bhae uchh.3.
bimala basa yahu anucita ek u, badhu bihi baRehi abhiek u.
prabhu saprema pachitni suh, harau bhagata mana kai kuil.4.
Extolling r Rmas goodness, amiability and noble disposition, the lord of sages,
Vasiha, said, thrilling over with emotion, The king has made preparations for the
installation ceremony; he would invest You with regal powers. Rma, You should observe
religious austerity today so that God may bring this affair to a happy conclusion. Having
admonished Him in this way the Guru returned to the king; while r Rma felt uneasy in
His heart and said to Himself, My brothers and myself were all born together and together
have we dined, slept and played in our childhood; the piercing of our ear-lobes, (one of the
sixteen sacraments incumbent on a Hindu), our investiture with the sacred thread, wedding
and all other ceremonies have been gone through together. The only unseemly practice in
this spotless line is that the eldest should be installed on the throne to the exclusion of his
younger brothers. May this loving and graceful expression of regret on the part of the Lord
drive away all suspicion from the mind of His devotees. (14)
0af r n r
r f f rr + {+
Do.: tehi avasara e lakhana magana prema nada,
sanamne priya bacana kahi raghukula kairava cada.10.
On that very occasion came Lakmaa steeped in love and rapture; r Rma,
who delighted Raghus race even as the moon delights a lily flower, greeted him with
endearing words. (10)
0rf r ff frr r f r; rr+
a rn rf r fn rf+ {+
r r rr nt r; f rn rnr;+
rf n f fa rr ff ff fr rr+ +
frrr t ar f r r; fa ar+
f r;f rt frr rf rt+ -+
fa-f rr; rr rf ff rfa rr+
r rf f t rf r r t+ +
Cau.: bjahi

bjane bibidh bidhn, pura pramodu nahi

ji bakhn.
bharata gamanu sakala manvahi

, vahu begi nayana phalu pvahi

.1.
ha ba ghara gal

ath

, kahahi

parasapara loga log

.
kli lagana bhali ketika br, p ujihi bidhi abhilu hamr.2.
kanaka sighsana sya samet, baihahi

rmu hoi cita cet.

sakala kahahi

kaba hoihi kl, bighana manvahi

deva kucl.3.
tinhahi sohi na avadha badhv, corahi cadini rti na bhv.
srada boli binaya sura karah

, brahi

bra pya lai parah

.4.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
361
There was a sound of music of various kinds, and the rejoicing in the city was
beyond words. All prayed for Bharatas return (from his maternal uncles) and said to one
another, Would that Bharata came with expedition and obtained the reward of his eyes.
In every bazar, street, house, lane and place of resort men and women talked to one
another, When will that blessed hour start tomorow; during which God will fulfil our
desire, when with St beside Him r Rma will take His seat on the throne of gold and
when the object of our desire will be accomplished? They all said, When will the morrow
come? While the wicked gods prayed that some trouble might brew in the meantime.
The rejoicing that was going on in Ayodhy did not please them even as a moonlit night
is not liked by a thief. Invoking rad the gods supplicated her and laying hold of her
feet fell at them again and again. (14)
0ffa rf frf fz ra f r; r
r rf r af r; r+ {{+
Do.: bipati hamri biloki baRi mtu karia soi ju,
rmu jhi

bana rju taji hoi sakala surakju.11.

Perceiving our grave calamity, O Mother, manipulate things in such a way today
that r Rma may retire into the forest, relinquishing His throne, and the object of us
immortals may be wholly accomplished. (11)
0f f rf farat ;s r ff frat+
f f f frt ra arf f rfs rt+ {+
f fa rrr ar r r r+
t rnt r; fa rnt+ +
r r nf rt t frf f fa rt+
fr tf aat f f r; fat+ -+
rfn r frf rt ff r f rt+
f z r; n r r;+ +
Cau.: suni sura binaya hRhi pachitt, bhaiu saroja bipina himart.
dekhi deva puni kahahi

nihor, mtu tohi nahi

thoriu khor.1.
bisamaya haraa rahita raghura u, tumha jnahu saba rma prabh u.
jva karama basa sukha dukha bhg, jia avadha deva hita lg.2.
bra bra gahi carana sa koc, cal bicri bibudha mati poc.
u

ca nivsu nci karat ut, dekhi na sakahi

pari bibh ut.3.

gila kju bicri bahor, karihahi

cha kusala kabi mor.
harai hdaya dasaratha pura , janu graha das dusaha dukhad.4.
Hearing this prayer of the divinities goddess rad stood still and was grieved
at the thought that she was going to play the same role with reference to the people of
Ayodhy as a wintry night does with respect to a bed of lotuses. Seeing her downcast
the gods spoke again in a suppliant tone, Mother, not the least blame will attach to you;
for the Lord of Raghus is above sorrow and joy alike. You are fully acquainted with r
Rmas glory. As for the people, every embodied soul is subject to pleasure and pain
according to its fate. Therefore, you should go to Ayodhy for the good of the celestials.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
362
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Clasping her feet again and again they exerted great pressure on her till she yielded and
set out, considering the gods as mean-minded. She said to herself, Though their abode
is on high, their doings are mean; they cannot see others prosperity. Again, reflecting
on the role she was destined to perform in the days to come, when worthy poets would
seek her favour, she came with a cheerful heart to the capital of Daaratha like the
intolerably evil influence of a planet. (14)
0r r fa t ; f
rt arf f n; fnr fa f+ {+
Do.: nmu mathar madamati cer kaikai keri,
ajasa per thi kar ga gir mati pheri.12.
Now Kaikey (Bharatas mother) had a dull-witted servant-maid, Manthar by
name; having perverted her reason and making her a receptacle of ill-repute, the
goddess of speech returned to her abode. (12)
0t r n= rr n r rr+
f rn- r sr r fa f r s r+ {+
; fr= fq rat r; r f ff rat+
f rfn f frat ff n a; s f rat+ +
a ra f n; frt r f f f rt+
a= ; ; sr rf fa f r; r+ -+
f rf nr z ar t- f r+
a r f fz rff rz; tr rf rff+ +
Cau.: dkha mathar nagaru banv, majula magala bja badhv.
puchesi loganha kha uchh u, rma tilaku suni bh ura dh u.1.
karai bicru kubuddhi kujt, hoi akju kavani bidhi rt.
dekhi lgi madhu kuila kirt, jimi gava takai leu kehi bh

t.2.
bharata mtu pahi

gai bilakhn, k anamani hasi kaha ha si rn.

utaru dei na lei uss u, nri carita kari hrai

s u.3.
ha si kaha rni glu baRa tore , dnha lakhana sikha asa mana more .
tabahu na bola ceri baRi ppini, chRai svsa kri janu s

pini.4.
Manthar saw the city decorated and festal music melodiously playing; she,
therefore, asked the people, What is all this rejoicing about? When she heard of r
Rmas coming installation, she felt distressed in her heart. That evil-minded and low-
born woman pondered how mischief might be created overnight, even as a wily Bhla
woman who has seen a honeycomb hanging from a tree schemes how to get hold of
the honey. Pulling a long face she approached Bharatas mother. What makes you
look so grave? the queen smilingly asked. She made no answer, but only heaved a
deep sigh, and adopting the way of women shed crocodile tears. Said the queen
laughing, You are a most saucy girl; what I suspect, therefore, is that Lakmaa has
taught you a lesson. Even then the most wicked servant-maid would not speak and
merely hissed like a cobra. (14)
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
363
0 rf f f r fr
a f f r t s r+ {-+
Do.: sabhaya rni kaha kahasi kina kusala rmu mahiplu,
lakhanu bharatu ripudamanu suni bh kubar ura slu.13.
Apprehensive of mischief, the queen said to her, How is it that you do not
speak? I hope Rma and his royal father, Lakmaa, Bharata and Ripudamana
(atrughna) are all well? The hump backed woman (Manthar) was pained at heart to
hear these words. (13)
0a f ; f rs r; nr f r;+
rf rfz f r f ; r+ {+
s ff ff fa rf a n a s rf+
r; rr r rf r rr+ +
a f r arr rfa r r+
t a f ar; ar;+ -+
f f f rt rt rf nrt+
f f rrrt a f t rs art+ +
Cau.: kata sikha dei hamahi kou m, glu karaba kehi kara balu p.
rmahi chRi kusala kehi ju, jehi janesu dei jubarju.1.
bhayau kausilahi bidhi ati dhina, dekhata garaba rahata ura nhina.
dekhahu kasa na ji saba sobh, jo avaloki mora manu chobh.2.
putu bidesa na socu tumhre , jnati hahu basa nhu hamre .
nda bahuta priya seja tur, lakhahu na bh upa kapaa catur.3.
suni priya bacana malina manu jn, jhuk rni aba rahu aragn.
puni asa kabahu kahasi gharaphor, taba dhari jbha kaRhvau tor.4.
Why should anyone, O mother, give me a lesson? And on whose strength shall
I be cheeky? Who is happy today, except Rma, whom the king is going so invest with
regal powers? Providence has turned most favourable to Kausaly; seeing this she
cannot contain the pride of her bosom. Why not go and se for yourself all the splendour,
the sight of which has agitated my mind? Your son is away; while you are complacent
under the notion that your lord is under your thumb. You are excessively fond of sleeping
on a cushioned bed and are unable to detect the deceitful cunning of the king. Hearing
these affectionate words, yet knowing her malicious mind the queen angrily said, Keep
quiet now. If you ever speak thus again, expert as you are in sowing seeds of discord
in a family, I will have your tongue pulled out. (14)
0r r f rt rf
fa ff f f f ara rf+ {+
Do.: kne khore kubare kuila kucl jni,
tiya bisei puni ceri kahi bharatamtu musukni.14.
The one-eyed, the lame and the hump-backed, know these to be perverse and
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
364
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
wicked, more so if they come of the fair sex and particularly those belonging to the
menial class! said Bharatas mother and smiled. (14)
0frff f tf-s art ar r rt+
f n r r; ar r f f r;+ {+
trf rr r; f tfa r;+
r fa r rt s rn ra rt+ +
rr art rf r frt+
r f ft f tfa tr t+ -+
ff ; f r r r f a ar+
r a f r f r fa- fa r ar+ +
Cau.: priyabdini sikha dnhiu toh, sapanehu to para kopu na moh.
sudinu sumagala dyaku so, tora kah phura jehi dina ho.1.
jeha svmi sevaka laghu bh, yaha dinakara kula rti suh.
rma tilaku jau s

cehu kl, deu mgu mana bhvata l.2.

kausaly sama saba mahatr, rmahi sahaja subhya pir.
mo para karahi

sanehu bise, mai

kari prti parch dekh.3.

jau bidhi janamu dei kari chohu, hohu rma siya p uta putoh u.
prna te adhika rmu priya more , tinha ke tilaka chobhu kasa tore .4.
O sweet-tongued girl, I have said all this to you by way of advice; otherwise I cannot
even dream of being angry with you. That day alone will be auspicious and a bestower of
good fortune, when your words will come to be true. The eldest brother should be the lord
and the younger ones his servants: such is the blessed custom prevailing in the solar race.
If r Rmas inauguration is really taking place tomorrow, ask of me, my friend, what pleases
your mind and I will grant it. By his innate disposition Rma loves all his mothers as dearly
as Kausaly. He is particularly fond of me; I have had occasions to test his love. Should
God in His mercy vouchsafe to me a human birth again, may Rma and St be my son and
daughter-in-law respectively. Rma is dearer to me than life; how is it that you have got
perturbed at the news of his inauguration? (14)
0a arf - ff rs
fs f r rf rs+ {~+
Do.: bharata sapatha tohi satya kahu parihari kapaa duru,
haraa samaya bisamau karasi krana mohi sunu.15.
I adjure you in Bharatas name to tell me the truth putting away all deceit and
reservation. Let me know the reason why you should grieve on an occasion of
rejoicing. (15)
0f r r t t f t+
r rn r= rnr s a sf rnr+ {+
f rf f ra r; a f arf =; r;+
f rrat rf a f rat+ +
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*
AYODHY-K NA
*
365
f = ff t-r r r f f r t-r+
rs rs f r rt f rfz r f rt+ -+
r rn rs rr f r; arrr+
ara ra rt f f fz rt+ +
Cau.: ekahi

bra sa saba p uj, aba kachu kahaba jbha kari d uj.

phorai jogu kapru abhg, bhaleu kahata dukha raurehi lg.1.
kahahi

jhuhi phuri bta ban, te priya tumhahi karui mai

m.
hamahu kahabi aba hakurasoht, nh

ta mauna rahaba dinu rt.2.

kari kurupa bidhi parabasa knh, bav so lunia lahia jo dnh.
kou npa hou hamahi k hn, ceri chRi aba hoba ki rn.3.
jrai jogu subhu hamr, anabhala dekhi na ji tumhr.
tte kachuka bta anusr, chamia debi baRi c uka hamr.4.
I have had all my ambitions fulfilled as a result of my speaking only once; I shall
now speak again with another tongue. My wretched head surely deserves to be smashed
since you get offended even at my well-meaning words. Those alone who speak unctuous
words, minding not what is true and what is false, are your favourites, while I am
disagreeable to you. From this day onward I too will utter only that which is palatable to
my mistress, or else will keep mum all the twenty-four hours. God has given me a
misshapen body and made me dependent on others; one must reap as one has sown
and must get what one has given. Whoever may be the ruler, I lose nothing thereby; for
shall I cease to be a servant and become a queen now? Damnable is my nature in that I
cannot bear to see harm come to you. That is why I just broached the topic. But it was a
great blunder on my part; therefore, pardon me, O venerable lady. (14)
0n f f at f rf
rr fff z rf farf+ {+
Do.: guRha kapaa priya bacana suni tya adharabudhi rni,
suramy basa bairinihi suhda jni patini.16.
Hearing these pregnant and agreeably deceitful words, the queen, who was a
woman with an unstable mind and was dominated by the celestial My, reposed her
faith in an enemy mistaking her for a friend. (16)
0r f f fa rt t nr nt rt+
af fa ft ; f rt t f rrra rt+ {+
ar a zr r rrrt r+
f atfa ff nf rt rrat a rt+ +
f f r r ar rt rf ar f r f rt+
r a f ta s f f rf fta+ -+
r rfrr f rf ; r; rr+
f arrf fa srt = f srs rt+ +
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
366
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Cau.: sdara puni puni p u

chati oh, sabar gna mg janu moh.

tasi mati phir ahai jasi bhb, rahas ceri ghta janu phb.1.
tumha pu

chahu mai

kahata er u

, dharehu mora gharaphor n u

.
saji pratti bahubidhi gaRhi chol, avadha sRhast taba bol.2.
priya siya rmu kah tumha rn, rmahi tumha priya so phuri bn.
rah prathama aba te dina bte, samau phire ripu hohi

pirte.3.
bhnu kamala kula poanihr, binu jala jri karai soi chr.
jari tumhri caha savati ukhr, r u

dhahu kari upu bara br.4.

Again and again the queen politely questioned Manthar, hyptonized as she was
by the latters guileful words like a doe fascinated by the music of a Bhla woman. Her
mind was changed according to the decree of fate and the servant-maid was pleased to
find her plan succeed. She replied, While you persist in questioning me, I am afraid to
open my lips, since you have given me the name of a mischief-maker. Thus working
up the queens faith and manipulating her according to her own liking in everyway,
Manthar, who spelt disaster for Ayodhy like the evil influence exerted by the planet
Saturn for a period of seven and a half years (according to Indian Astrology), then spoke,
You said just now, O queen, that St and Rma were dear to you and that you had
endeared yourself to Rma; this assertion of yours is true. This is, however, a thing of
the past; those days have now gone by. When the tide turns even friend become foes.
The sun fosters the family of lotuses; but in the absence of water it burns them to ashes.
Your co-wife (Kausaly) would strike at your very root; protect it by means of a good
fence in the form of a remedy. (14)
0arf r rrn f r rs
t t rs rs+ {+
Do.: tumhahi na socu sohga bala nija basa jnahu ru,
mana malna muha mha npu rura sarala subhu.17.
You are free from anxiety on the strength of your husbands love and know him
to be under your sway. The king, however, is malicious of mind, though sweet of tongue;
while you possess a guileless nature. (17)
0a nt r art t r; f ra rt+
a fs r ra a r s+ {+
f fa rf t nfa a ra t +
r arr ff r; a f r; r;+ +
rf ar ft fa rs ; f t+
f f r; r fa fa n r;+ -+
sfa r tr f rr; rf f tr+
rfnf ra fr z= rt s s ff r rt+ +
Cau.: catura ga bhra rma mahatr, bcu pi nija bta sa vr.
pahae bharatu bhupa naniaure , rma mtu mata jnaba raure .1.
sevahi

sakala savati mohi nke , garabita bharata mtu bala p ke .

slu tumhra kausilahi m, kapaa catura nahi

hoi jan.2.
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*
AYODHY-K NA
*
367
rjahi tumha para premu bise, savati subhu sakai nahi

dekh.
raci prapacu bhupahi apan, rma tilaka hita lagana dhar.3.
yaha kula ucita rma kahu k, sabahi sohi mohi suhi nk.
gili bta samujhi aru moh, deu daiu phiri so phalu oh.4.
Rmas mother (Kausaly) is clever and deep; finding a suitable opportunity she
has turned it to account. You must know it is at the suggestion of Rmas mother that
the king has sent away Bharata to his maternal grandfathers. She says to herself, All
my other co-wives serve me well, only Bharatas mother (yourself) is proud, because of
her influence with her lord. It is therefore, O mother, that you rankle in Kausalys heart;
but she is too crafty to disclose her mind. The king is particularly fond of you; but due
to the jealousy to which a co-wife is naturally subject, Kausaly cannot tolerate it. That
is why by resorting to machination and winning over the king she has prevailed on him
to fix a date for Rmas installation on the throne. The inauguration of Rma is in accord
with the traditions of the family; it is liked by all and is quite to my taste. I, however,
shudder to think of the consequences; may heaven so ordain that the mischief may
recoil on her own head. (14)
0f f rf f t-f r
ff r a fa f ff r fr+ {c+
Do.: raci paci koika kuilapana knhesi kapaa prabodhu,
kahisi kath sata savati kai jehi bidhi bRha birodhu.18.
Inventing and injecting many a mischievous formula Manthar put the queen of
the scent and told her a hundred and one stories of co-wives so as to foment her
jealousy. (18)
0rt atfa s r; rf f r;+
r ar rr f fa fa frr+ {+
s r f a r ar r; f rf r+
r; ff r arr - f r r+ +
- r; a ff ;f f r;+
rf fa rf ar ffa t ff + -+
r; s rt rff ; ; rt+
a fa r; a rr r sr;+ +
Cau.: bhv basa pratti ura , pu

cha rni puni sapatha dev.

k p u

chahu tumha abahu na jn, nija hita anahita pasu pahicn.1.

bhayau pkhu dina sajata samju, tumha p sudhi mohi sana j u.
khia pahiria rja tumhre , satya kahe nahi

dou hamre .2.

jau asatya kachu kahaba ban, tau bidhi deihi hamahi saj.
rmahi tilaka kli jau bhaya u, tumha kahu bipati bju bidhi bayau.3.
rekha kha ci kahau balu bh, bhmini bhaihu d udha kai mkh.
jau suta sahita karahu sevak, tau ghara rahahu na na up.4.
As fate would have it, the queen felt assured in her heart of Manthars fidelity;
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
368
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
adjuring her by her own life she questioned Manthar once more, What is it that you
inquire about? It is strange that you should not understand things even now! Even a
quadruped knows what is good or bad for it. Preparations have been going on for the last
fortnight; while you have got the news from me today. I get food and clothing under your
tutelage; hence I cannot be blamed for speaking the truth. If I tell a lie giving it the colour
of truth, God will punish me for the same. Should Rmas inauguration take place
tomorrow, God will have sown the seed of adversity for you. I swear and tell you most
emphatically, O lady, that you have been discarded now as a fly from a cup of milk. If
you and your son accept the role of servants, then alone you will be allowed to stay in
the house; and in no other circumstance. (14)
0 faf t- arf fr
a fn ;f r + {+
Do.: kadru

binatahi dnha dukhu tumhahi kausil

deba,
bharatu badigha seihahi

lakhanu rma ke neba.19.

Kadru (the progenitress of the serpent race) persecuted her co-wife Vinat*
(mother of the whole feathered kingdom); so will Kausaly tyrannize over you. Bharata
will rot in prison, while Lakmaa will be Rmas lieutenant. (19)
0ar a rt f ; f rt+
a s t ff rt t t a rt+ {+
f f rf rt t rff rt+
fr f rfn rt ff r; rf rt+ +
r ra f art ff rf fa ; rt+
f fa s rfa s arf r + -+
r f r rf r rs r+ +
Cau.: kaikayasut sunata kau bn, kahi na sakai kachu sahami sukhn.
tana paseu kadal jimi k

p, kubar

dasana jbha taba c

p.1.
kahi kahi koika kapaa kahn, dhraju dharahu prabodhisi rn.
phir karamu priya lgi kucl, bakihi sarhai mni marl.2.
sunu mathar bta phuri tor, dahini

khi nita pharakai mor.

dina prati dekhau rti kusapane, kahau na tohi moha basa apane.3.
kha karau

sakhi sudha subh u, dhina bma na jnau k u.4.

* The names Kadru and Vinat take us back to the beginning of creation. The Puras (a class of
sacred literature dealing with the history of the entire cosmos and wrongly supposed by modern critics both
in India and abroad to be works on mythology) declare that the different species of living beings from
celestials down to the tiniest insect took their common descent from the sage Kayapa through different
mothers. Of them Kadru gave birth to the race of serpents, while Vinat brought forth the winged creation.
Once there was a controversy between the two ladies about the colour of the tail of the celestial horse
Uccairav. Vinat insisted that the horse was white in colour while Kadru maintained that it was dark. It was
mutually agreed that the lady whose version proved untrue should serve the other as a handmaid for the rest
of her life. When Kadru came to know that the horses were really white in colour, she managed to hoodwink
the guileless Vinat by asking her sons (the cobra race) to cover the tail of Uccairav by their own dark
forms and thus lending it a dark hue. Vinat was thus made to serve her co-wife for a number of years and
suffered great persecution at her hands, till she was liberated by Garua (Vinats powerful son and the
celebrated vehicle of Bhagavn Viu). The story is told at length in the diparva of the Mahbhrata.
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*
AYODHY-K NA
*
369
Hearing these unpleasant remarks, Kekayas daughter (Kaikey) shrivelled with
fear and could not utter a word. Her body was wet with perspiration and shook like a
plantain stalk. The humpback then bit her tongue (for fear lest the gloomy picture drawn
by her might break Kaikeys heart). Telling her one after another many a story of wiles
Manthar comforted the queen and asked her to be of good cheer. At last the tide turned
and Kaikey conceived a fondness for mischief; she applauded a heron mistaking it for
a swan. Listen, O Manthar; what you say is quite true. My right eye ever throbs and
I have an evil dream every night; but in my folly I did not tell you. I cannot help it, my
friend; I am so guileless by nature. I cannot distinguish a friend from a foe. (14)
0 a r fn r t-
f rr f r rf t-+ +
Do.: apane calata na ju lagi anabhala khuka knha,
kehi

agha ekahi bra mohi daia dusaha dukhu dnha.20.

Never to this day have I done an evil turn to anybody during my ascendancy.
I wonder for what offence has Providence subjected me to such terrible suffering all
at once. (20)
0 = r; fa f fa r;+
f s fra rt t af t rt+ {+
t ff rt f t farr rt+
rf r rrn ar f r+ +
f rs fa arr r; r;f frr+
a a r trff r t rff+ -+
s nf- fa- rt a r rf rt+
rff a sr art r r+ +
Cau.: naihara janamu bharaba baru j, jiata na karabi savati sevak.
ari basa daiu jivata jh, maranu nka tehi jvana ch.1.
dna bacana kaha bahubidhi rn, suni kubar

tiyamy hn.
asa kasa kahahu mni mana un, sukhu sohgu tumha kahu dina dun.2.
jehi

rura ati anabhala tk, soi pihi yahu phalu paripk.

jaba te kumata sun mai

svmini, bhukha na bsara nda na jmini.3.

p u

cheu guninha rekha tinha kh

c, bharata bhula hohi

yaha s

c.
bhmini karahu ta kahau upu, hai tumhar

sev basa r u.4.

I would fain go and spend the rest of my life at my fathers but would on no
account serve a co-wife so long as there is life in me. For him whom heaven allows so
survive as a dependant of an enemy, death is preferable to life. The queen uttered many
such words of despondency; at this the humpback resorted to the wily ways of a woman.
Why should you speak in this strain, indulging in self-depreciation? Your happiness and
good-luck will be ever on the increase. Whoever has contemplated such gross mischief
to you shall eventually reap its fruit. Ever since I heard of this plot, my lady, I have felt
no appetite during the day and have had no wink of sleep at night. I consulted the
astrologers and they declared in positive terms: Bharata shall be the king; this much is
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
370
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
certain. If you act up to it, O good lady, I will offer a suggestion to you; the king is under
an obligation to you. (14)
0s a s a fa -rfn
f r f z fa rfn+ {+
Do.: parau kupa tua bacana para sakau puta pati tygi,
kahasi mora dukhu dekhi baRa kasa na karaba hita lgi.21.
At your suggestion I would throw myself down a well and can even forsake my
son and husband. When you tell me to do something in view of my dire distress, why
should I not comply with it in my own interest? (21)
0t f t ; t s r ;+
; rf f ; fa fa f + {+
a ra a rt fa r rrrt+
; f f ; f rt trff f r rf rt+ +
; r rat rn r zr rat+
af r rf r fa r+ -+
fa r ; a rn f ;+
r; r r ff ta r f r t a+ +
Cau.: kubar

kari kabul kaike, kapaa chur ura phana e.

lakhai na rni nikaa dukhu kaise , carai harita tina balipasu jaise .1.
sunata bta mdu ata kahor, deti manahu madhu mhura ghor.
kahai ceri sudhi ahai ki nh

, svmini kahihu kath mohi ph

.2.
dui baradna bhupa sana tht, mgahu ju juRvahu cht.
sutahi rju rmahi banabs u, dehu lehu saba savati huls u.3.
bhupati rma sapatha jaba kara, taba mgehu jehi

bacanu na ara.
hoi akju ju nisi bte , bacanu mora priya mnehu j te .4.
Winning over Kaikey and treating her as an offering accepted for sacrifice the
humpback whetted the knife of trickery on the stone of her heart. The queen, however,
like a sacrificial beast who nibbled the green turf, did not foresee the impending calamity.
Agreeable to hear, yet painful in consequence, were the words she spoke; it seemed as
if she was administering honey mixed with poison. Said the maid-servant, Do you, or
do you not, remember the incident you once told me, my lady? You have in reserve with
the king a couple of boons that he once promised you.* Ask for them today and soothe
* It is stated in Vlmkis Rmyaa that King Daaratha was once engaged in a combat with the
demon king ambara on behalf of the gods. The king was mortally wounded and fell unconscious in his
chariot, while his charioteer also fell. The valiant Queen Kaikey, who had accompanied her royal husband to
the field of battle assumed the role of a charioteer and removed the king to a safe retreat. When the king
regained his consciousness and came to know of the timely help rendered by the queen he was immensely
pleased and offered her a couple of boons. The queen, however, kept them in reserve and did not ask for
anything on that occasion.
The Adhytma-Rmyaa (forming part of the Brahma-Pura), however, tells a different story.
There we are told that while King Daaratha was once fighting with the demons on behalf of the gods the axle
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
371
your heart. Bestow sovereignty on your son and an abode in the forest on Rma and
rob your co-wives of all their joy. When the king swears by Rma, ask the boons only
then, so that the former may not go back upon his word. The scheme will fail if this night
is allowed to pass; cherish my words as dearer than life. (14)
0z rrra f raff f rn r
r r n r f far+ +
Do.: baRa kughtu kari ptakini kahesi kopagha jhu,
kju sa vrehu sajaga sabu sahas jani patihu.22.
Having thus hatched her very cruel design against the queen the wretch said,
Betake yourself to the sulking-room. Manage the whole affair discreetly and be not too
ready to believe. (22)
0ff rf rf rt r r fz fq rt+
arf fa r rr ra ; ;f rr+ {+
ff r rt arf af rt+
ff ff r= ; r nt ;+ +
ffa t r fa t ; ; fa ; t+
r; rr rs frr+ -+
r r rf r; r a f fa fnr;+
rs n rr r; rf r r;+ +
Cau.: kubarihi rni prnapriya jn, bra bra baRi buddhi bakhn.
tohi sama hita na mora sasr, bahe jta kai bhaisi adhr.1.
jau bidhi puraba manorathu kl, karau tohi cakha p utari l.
bahubidhi cerihi daru de, kopabhavana gavan kaike.2.
bipati bju bara ritu cer, bhui

bhai kumati kaika ker.
pi kapaa jalu akura jm, bara dou dala dukha phala parinm.3.
kopa samju sji sabu so, rju karata nija kumati bigo.
rura nagara kolhalu ho, yaha kucli kachu jna na ko.4.
Holding the humpback dear as life the queen applauded her uncommon shrewdness
again and again. I have no such friend as you in the whole world, she said. You have
served as a prop to one who was drifting along a stream. If God fulfils my hearts desire
tomorrow, I will cherish you, my dear, as the apple of my eye. Thus lavishing every term
of endearment on her maid-servant, Kaikey retired to the sulking-room. Discord was the
seed and the servant-girl (Manthar) the rainy season; while the evil mind of Kaikey
served as the soil. Fed by the water of wiliness the seed took root and sprouted with the
two boons as its leaves and will eventually bear the fruit of adversity. Gathering about her
every token of resentment, Kaikey lay down on the floor in the sulking-room; while enjoying
of the wheels of his chariot got loosened and was about to fall when Queen Kaikey, who had accompanied
the king to the battlefield, perceived it and inserting her own arm in place of the axle prevented the chariot from
toppling down and held her arm in that position till her husband was able to vanquish his foe. The king was
filled with admiration and gratitude when he marked this heroic feat of his queen and offered her two boons,
which the queen prudently reserved for a future occasion.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
372
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
sovereignty, she was betrayed by her wicked mind. There was a great flutter in the
gynaeceum as well as in the city; nobody had any inkling of this evil design. (14)
0fa rf f nr
ff fnf t r+ -+
Do.: pramudita pura nara nri saba sajahi

sumagalacra,
eka prabisahi

eka nirgamahi

bhra bhupa darabra.23.

In their ecstasy of joy all the citizens, both men and women, busied themselves
with festive preparations and the entrance to the royal palace was flooded with a
continuous stream of people going in and coming out. (23)
0r r f f rt ff r r f rt+
rf frt f rt+ {+
ff f r r; a r zr;+
r rrt f rr t frfrr+ +
f f rf t a a ; s t+
trt fr rs ra r fr+ -+
fr n r ar z fa r+
r nfa r; r; ; t a ar;+ +
Cau.: bla sakh suni hiya harah

, mili dasa p

ca rma pahi

jh

.
prabhu darahi

premu pahicn, pu

chahi

kusala khema mdu bn.1.

phirahi

bhavana priya yasu p, karata parasapara rma baR.

ko raghubra sarisa sasr, slu sanehu nibhanihr.2.
jehi

jehi

joni karama basa bhramah

, taha taha su deu yaha hamah

.
sevaka hama svm siyanh u, hou nta yaha ora nibh u.3.
asa abhilu nagara saba kh u, kaikayasut hdaya ati dh u.
ko na kusagati pi nas, rahai na nca mate catur.4.
Delighted at the news a few of r Rmas boy-companions called on Him in a
body; and sensible of their affection the Lord received them kindly, and politely enquired
after their health and welfare. After receiving the permission of their beloved friend they
returned home speaking highly of Him to one another. Is there anyone in this world so
amiable and constant in his affection as Rma? In whichever species we may be born
from time to time as a result of our actions, may God grant us that Sts spouse may
be our lord and we his servants, and that this relation between us may continue till the
end. Everyone in the city cherished the same desire; but there was intense agony in
Kaikeys heart. Who is not ruined by evil company? Man loses his wit by following the
counsel of vile men. (14)
0rr r ns ; n
n far f f f + +
Do.: s

jha samaya snada npu gayau kaika geha ,

gavanu nihurat nikaa kiya janu dhari deha saneha .24.
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*
AYODHY-K NA
*
373
At eventide the king joyously visited Kaikeys palace; it looked as if love incarnate
had called on harshness personified. (24)
0r f s r nz ; r+
fa ; r r fa f = ar+ {+
r f fa f ns r; r ar zr;+
f f nfr a far r+ +
fr f n f r r= +
f r rr f zrf a rr+ -+
faf f ar rt fra rt+
r; f rt rfr f a frt+ +
Cau.: kopabhavana suni sakuceu r u, bhaya basa agahuRa parai na pu.
surapati basai bha bala jke , narapati sakala rahahi

rukha tke .1.

so suni tiya risa gayau sukh, dekhahu kma pratpa baR.
sula kulisa asi a gavanihre, te ratintha sumana sara mre.2.
sabhaya naresu priy pahi

gaya u, dekhi das dukhu druna bhayau.

bhumi sayana pau moa purn, die ri tana bh uana nn.3.
kumatihi kasi kubeat phb, ana ahivtu s uca janu bhb.
ji nikaa npu kaha mdu bn, prnapriy kehi hetu risn.4.
The king was taken aback when he heard of the sulking-room. His feet refused
to advance on account of fear. He under whose powerful arm the lord of celestials
dwelt secure and whose goodwill was even sought by all rulers of men was stunned
at the news of his wifes anger: look at the mighty power of sexual love. Even those
who have endured the blows of a spear, thunderbolt or sword have been overcome
with the flowery shafts of Ratis lord (the god of Love). The king timidly approached his
beloved queen and was terribly distressed to perceive her condition. She was lying on
the floor in old and coarse attire having cast away all the ornaments of her person. Her
wretched garb so eminently befitted her, prognosticating as it were her impending
widowhood. Drawing close to her the king asked in soft accents, Why are you angry,
my souls delight? (14)
U0f a rf frf a rf faf r;
r r n rff f rfa fr;+
rs rr r r= ;.
at fa aar r a ;+
Cha.:kehi hetu rni risni parasata pni patihi nevra,
mnahu saroa bhuaga bhmini biama bh

ti nihra.
dou bsan rasan dasana bara marama hharu dekha,
tulas npati bhavatabyat basa kma kautuka lekha.
As the king touched her with his hand saying Why are you angry, my queen?
Kaikey threw it aside and flashed upon him a furious glance like an enraged serpent with
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
374
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
the two (above-mentioned) cravings of her heart for its bifurcated tongue and the boons
(that had been promised to her by the king) for its fangs, spying out a vital part. As fate
would have it, says Tulas, the king took it all as an amorous sport.
0r r rs f rf ff
r rf rs nnrff f r +.~+
So.: bra bra kaha ru sumukhi sulocani pikabacani,
krana mohi sunu gajagmini nija kopa kara.25.
Said the king again and again, Tell me the cause of your anger, O fair-faced,
bright-eyed dame with a voice melodious as the notes of a cuckoo and a gait resembling
that of an elephant. (25)
0fa ar fr ; t-r f ; f f t-r+
f f f f fr + {+
s ar f s rt r t rt+
rf r rs r= a r r=+ +
fr r a r f r ar+
f art rff r a rt+ -+
ff rn rfa rar f r nrar+
rrt rrt fr f fn fr ff + +
Cau.: anahita tora priy kei

knh, kehi dui sira kehi jamu caha lnh.

kahu kehi rakahi karau nares u, kahu kehi npahi niksau des u.1.
sakau tora ari amarau mr, kha ka bapure nara nr.
jnasi mora subhu baror u, manu tava nana cada cakor u.2.
priy prna suta sarabasu more , parijana praj sakala basa tore .
jau kachu kahau kapau kari toh, bhmini rma sapatha sata moh.3.
bihasi mgu manabhvati bt, bh uana sajahi manohara gt.
ghar kughar samujhi jiya dekh u, begi priy pariharahi kube u.4.
Who is it, my dear, that has harmed you? Who is there with a head to spare and who
is it that is courted by death? Tell me what pauper I should exalt to the position of a king and
what monarch I should banish from his kingdom? I could slay even an immortal, were he
your enemy; of what account, then, are men and women, who are mere worms as it were?
You know my disposition, O beautiful lady; my mind is enamoured of your face as the
Cakora bird is of the moon. O my beloved, my people and my family and all that I possess,
my sons, nay, my life itself are all at your disposal. If I tell you anything insincerely, O good
lady, I should be guilty of falsely swearing by Rma a hundred times. Ask with a cheerful
countenance whatever pleases your mind and adorn your charming limbs with jewels.
Distinguish within yourself between an opportune and inopportune hour and give up, my
darling, this unbecoming attire at once. (14)
0 f nf fz ff st fa
fa frf n frfaf + +
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*
AYODHY-K NA
*
375
Do.: yaha suni mana guni sapatha baRi bihasi uh matimada,
bhuana sajati biloki mgu manahu kirtini phada.26.
On hearing this and considering the great oath the dull-witted Kaikey smilingly
arose and began to put on her ornaments; it seemed as if a huntress was laying the trap
at the sight of a deer. (26)
0f rs z f rt f rt+
rff s ar rr rr rr n rr+ {+
rf s rf r f rf n r+
f ss f zs r= ; ns r ar=+ +
fs t ff af nr; r rf ff nf r;+
f ar; rf f f n= r;+ -+
uf tfa f r rffa ff nr+
r; rt rt ff rt+ +
Cau.: puni kaha ru suhda jiya jn, prema pulaki mdu majula bn.
bhmini bhayau tora manabhv, ghara ghara nagara anada badhv.1.
rmahi deu kli jubarju, sajahi sulocani magala sju.
dalaki uheu suni hdau kahor u, janu chui gayau pka barator u.2.
aisiu pra bihasi tehi

go, cora nri jimi pragai na ro.

lakhahi

na bhupa kapaa catur, koi kuila mani gur u paRh.3.

jadyapi nti nipuna naranh u, nricarita jalanidhi avagh u.
kapaa sanehu baRhi bahor, bol bihasi nayana muhu mor.4.
Thinking her reconciled, the king spoke again in soft and winning accents his
whole frame thrilling over with emotion, Your hearts desire, O good lady, is accomplished;
every house in the city is a picture of joy and felicity. Tomorrow, I am installing Rma
as the prince-regent; therefore, O bright-eyed dame, put on a festive garb. The queens
heart, hard though it was, cracked at these words; it seemed as if a festering sore had
been unwarily touched. Even such (heart-rending) agony was disguised by her under the
cloak of a smile. Just as a thiefs wife does not openly weep (on seeing her husband
suffer punishment lest she should be made to share his lot). The king was unable to
detect her wily designs, tutored as she was by a teacher (Manthar) who ranked
foremost among millions of villains. Although the king was skilled in statesmanship, the
ways of a woman are like an unfathomable ocean. Again, with a greater show of false
affection she smilingly said with a graceful movement of her face and eyes: (14)
0rn rn f
r ; as ra + +
Do.: mgu mgu pai kahahu piya kabahu na dehu na lehu,
dena kahehu baradna dui teu pvata sadehu.27.
You do repeat the word Ask, ask, but never actually give anything. You
promised me a couple of boons; but I am yet doubtful about my getting them. (27)
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376
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
0rs rs f ; arf rr f ;+
rat rf rfn r ff ns rf r r+ {+
r f r f ; rf rfn +
rr tfa r f r; r r = r;+ +
f - ra r fnf rf f rf nr+
- a r r ffa nr+ -+
af r f r; a f rrr;+
ra r; fa f rt a fn rt+ +
Cau.: jneu maramu ru ha si kaha, tumhahi kohba parama priya aha.
tht rkhi na mgihu k u, bisari gayau mohi bhora subh u.1.
jhuhehu hamahi dou jani dehu, dui kai cri mgi maku leh u.
raghukula rti sad cali , prna jhu baru bacanu na j.2.
nahi

asatya sama ptaka puj, giri sama hohi

ki koika guj.
satyamula saba sukta suhe, beda purna bidita manu ge.3.
tehi para rma sapatha kari , sukta saneha avadhi raghur.
bta dRhi kumati ha si bol, kumata kubihaga kulaha janu khol.4.
I have now understood the whole mystery, said the king with a smile; You are
extremely fond of being angry. You kept the boons in reserve and never asked for
them; as for myself, I forgot all about them, being oblivious by nature. Pray do not level
a false charge against me; you might as well ask four boons instead of two. It has
always been the rule with the race of Raghu that ones plighted word must be
redeemed even at the cost of ones life. Even a multitude of sins cannot be matched
with a lie. Can millions of tiny Guj seeds ever stand comparison with a mountain?
Veracity is the root of all noble virtues, as is well-known in the Vedas and Puras and
has been declared by Manu (the first law-giver of the world, the author of Manusmti).
Over and above this I have unwittingly sworn by Rma, the Lord of Raghus, who is
the very perfection of virtue and the highest embodiment of affection. Having thus
bound him to his word the evil-minded queen smilingly said, removing as it were the
cap from the eyes of her hawk-like plot.* (14)
0 r n fn r
ffrf ff rz fa = r+ c+
Do.: bh upa manoratha subhaga banu sukha subihaga samju,
bhillini jimi chRana cahati bacanu bhayakaru bju.28.
The kings desire (to see Rma installed as the prince-regent of Ayodhy)
represented a lovely grove and the joy (that prevailed everywhere) stood for a host of
charming birds. Queen Kaikey, who resembled a Bhla woman, sought to release a
fierce falcon in the form of her piercing words. (28)
[PAUSE 13 FOR A THIRTY-DAY RECITATION]
* Fowlers who maintain a hawk with them generally keep its eyes covered by a leather cap so that it
may not attack any and every bird it sees indiscriminately, and uncover its eyes only when they intend it to
attack its prey.
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*
AYODHY-K NA
*
377
0 rf ra t r af tr+
rns rt r r rt+ {+
ar ff srt f r rt+
f f r f a f ff r+ +
ns f f f rr r rs rr+
f s f r rff s a= ar+ -+
r r f rs r a f r rn r+
r r a= r a ff ff as r+ +
srf tf- ; tf-f ffa ;+ ~+
Cau.: sunahu prnapriya bhvata j k, dehu eka bara bharatahi k.
mgau dusara bara kara jor, puravahu ntha manoratha mor.1.
tpasa bea bisei uds, caudaha barisa rmu banabs.
suni mdu bacana bhupa hiya sok u, sasi kara chuata bikala jimi kok u.2.
gayau sahami nahi

kachu kahi v, janu sacna bana jhapaeu lv.
bibarana bhayau nipaa narapl u, dmini haneu manahu taru tl u.3.
mthe htha mudi dou locana, tanu dhari socu lga janu socana.
mora manorathu surataru phul, pharata karini jimi hateu sam ul.4.
avadha ujri knhi kaike

, dnhisi acala bipati kai ne

.5.
Hear, my beloved lord, that which pleases my heart; vouchsafe to me for one
boon the installation of Bharata (as the prince-regent of Ayodhy). And for the second
boon I ask with joined palmspray accomplish my desire, my lord: let Rma dwell in the
woods for fourteen years in the garb of a hermit and wholly detached from the world.
The king was grieved at heart to hear these gentle words even as a Cakravka bird is
filled with agony at the mere touch of a moonbeam. He felt dismayed and could not utter
a word, like a partridge in the woods at the swoop of a falcon. The king turned altogether
pale as a palm tree struck by lightning; with his hands to his forehead and closing both
his eyes he began to mourn like Grief personified. The celestial tree of my desire, that
had already blossomed, has been torn up with its roots by the elephant-like Kaikey just
when it was about to bear fruit. She has desolated Ayodhy and laid the foundation of
everlasting misfortune. (15)
0 r s ns rf ftr
rn ffq ff faf fur r+ +
Do.: kavane avasara k bhayau gayau nri bisvsa,
joga siddhi phala samaya jimi jatihi abidy nsa.29.
An inauspicious thing has happened at an auspicious moment; and I am
doomed by putting trust in a woman like a striving Yog who has been undone by
nescience at a time when his practice of Yoga was just going to bear fruit in the form
of Realization. (29)
0f ff rs f rrr f rfa fa rr+
a f rs a rt r r rf f rt+ {+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
378
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
r f = rn arr r r r+
sa= f rt - ar rr rt+ +
f = a - n +
- rf = r r ;f rfn r+ -+
ff tf f r rr a as rr+
fa fa ; r r ;+ +
Cau.: ehi bidhi ru manahi

mana jh

kh, dekhi kubh

ti kumati mana mkh.

bharatu ki rura puta na hoh, nehu mola beshi ki moh.1.
jo suni saru asa lga tumhre , khe na bolahu bacanu sa bhre .
dehu utaru anu karahu ki nh

, satyasadha tumha raghukula mh

.2.
dena kahehu aba jani baru dehu, tajahu satya jaga apajasu leh u.
satya sarhi kahehu baru den, jnehu leihi mgi caben.3.
sibi dadhci bali jo kachu bh, tanu dhanu tajeu bacana panu rkh.
ati kau bacana kahati kaike, mnahu lona jare para de.4.
In this way the king moaned within himself. Seeing his bad plight the wicked queen
sulked within her heart and said, Is Bharata not your son? And have you bought me in
consideration of money? If my words pierced you like arrows the moment they entered
your ears, why should you not make promises after careful thought? Either say yes to
my proposal or decline. You are true to your promise (more than anyone else) in the race
of Raghu. Refuse the boons you promised me; abandon truth and court infamy in the
world. Loud in your praise of truth you promised me a couple of boons, imagining of
course that I would ask for a handful of parched grain. ibi,* Dadhci

and Bali

* King ibi was noted for his piety and large-heartedness. Once upon a time the gods deputed Indra
and Agni (the god of fire) to put his generosity to the test. Agni took the form of a pigeon and Indra appeared
as a hawk. While the king was sitting in his court the pigeon flew into the hall and hid in his lap. The hawk too
followed him; and while the pigeon sought his protection against the hawk, the latter insisted that the pigeon
was its lawful spoil and should be made over to it. The king, who knew his duty, resolved to save the pigeons
life at all costs; for as a true Katriya he could not betray one who had sought shelter with him. At the same time
he recognized the validity of the hawks claim and did not want to rob it of food which it had fairly won and
without which it would die of starvation. The king offered the hawk anything else that it chose to name; but the
hawk would be satisfied with nothing short of an equal weight of the kings own flesh. Scales were accordingly
brought; and while the pigeon was put in one balance the king chopped his flesh with his own hands and put
it in the other. But even though the monarch hacked and hewed large pieces of flesh from his muscular body,
the pigeon outweighed them all. The king at last bodily mounted the balance and was just going to sever his
head when Indra and Agni appeared in their own celestial forms, and interposed. They blessed the king and
made him whole again.

When Indra and the other gods were hard pressed by the demon Vtra, they approached Bhagavn
Viu and sought His protection. God Viu told them that there was a great saint named Dadhci practising
penance in the Naimia forest, and that if he would let them have his bones they could be made into weapon,
before which no enemy could stand. Dadhci, as soon as he heard what they wanted, gave up his ghost and
out of his bones Vivakarm, the artisan of the gods, made a thunderbolt with which Indra easily dispatched
Vtra.

The demon-king Bali was so powerful that he acquired dominion over all the three worlds and
custed the gods from heaven. The mother of the gods, Aditi, prayed to Lord Viu for relief and the latter was
born as a son to Aditi in the form of a dwarf (Vmana). The dwarf appeared before Bali and as a Brhmaa boy
asked for alms. The demon-king promised to give him whatever He asked. Bhagavn Vmana said He
wanted only as much land as could be measured in three strides. King Bali, who was noted for his generosity,
granted the Brhmaas request at once. The divine Dwarf now assumed colossal dimensions; in one stride
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
379
redeemed their plighted word maintaining whatever they said even at the cost of their life
and possessions. In this way Kaikey uttered most pungent words as though applying
salt to a burn. (14)
0 t f srrr r
f= f tf- sr f rf rf r+ -+
Do.: dharama dhuradhara dhra dhari nayana ughre rya ,
siru dhuni lnhi ussa asi mresi mohi kuhya .30.
A champion of righteousness, the king took courage and opened his eyes, and
beating his head sighed out, She has smitten me in the most vital part. (30)
0rn tf a f rt r arf srrrt+
f fq r fr; t t r r;+ {+
t t r rr - f t ;f rr+
r rs f f rat rt f ar rrat+ +
fr f rat t atfa tfa f rat+
r a r ; rt - s f = rt+ -+
f a ; rar f fn a rs rar+
f rf r r; s a r r;+ +
Cau.: ge dkhi jarata risa bhr, manahu roa taravri ughr.
muhi kubuddhi dhra nihur, dhar kubar

sna ban.1.
lakh mahpa karla kahor, satya ki jvanu leihi mor.
bole ru kahina kari cht, bn sabinaya tsu soht.2.
priy bacana kasa kahasi kubh

t, bhra pratti prti kari h

t.
more bharatu rmu dui

kh, satya kahau kari sakaru skh.3.

avasi dutu mai

pahaiba prt, aihahi

begi sunata dou bhrt.

sudina sodhi sabu sju saj, deu bharata kahu rju baj.4.
He saw her standing before him burning with rage, as if it were Furys own sword
drawn from the sheath, with a malicious mind for its hilt and remorselessness for its
edge, whetted on the grindstone in the shape of the humpback (Manthar). The king saw
that the sword was dreadful and inflexible and said to himself, Is it really going to take
my life? Then, steeling his heart, he politely spoke to her in endearing terms, My darling,
why should you utter such unbecoming words, casting all confidence and affection to the
winds, O timid lady? Bharata and Rma are my two eyes; I vouch for it calling akara
as my witness. I will positively despatch a messenger at daybreak, and the two brothers
(Bharata and atrughna) will speedily come on hearing the message. Then, after fixing
an auspicious date and making all preparations I will solemnly bestow the kingdom on
Bharata. (14)
He measured the whole earth and covered heaven with another. For the third step Lord Vmana planted His
foot on the blessed demon and sent him down to the subterranean region known by the name of Sutala, of
which he became the sovereign. Won by his unique self-sacrifice and adherence to truth Bhagavn Vmana
ever waits as a porter at his door. King Bali will be installed as Indra in the next Manvantara.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
380
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
0r rf r a a tfa
z r frf f a s tfa+ -{+
Do.: lobhu na rmahi rju kara bahuta bharata para prti,
mai

baRa choa bicri jiya karata raheu npanti.31.

Rma has no greed of sovereignty and is deeply attached to Bharata. I was only
going to follow the usage obtaining among the princes, considering the seniority and
juniority of the two princes. (31)
0r a s r rra s r+
t- arf f af a s r + {+
f f= n r f n a r+
f ra rf rnr rnr+ +
zs a af r r f fr f r r r+
af r r r rs ; r f r+ -+
a rf f f rf s +
r rs ff r r ff ff ra far+ +
Cau.: rma sapatha sata kahau subh u, rmamtu kachu kaheu na k u.
mai

sabu knha tohi binu pu

che , tehi te pareu manorathu ch uche .1.

risa pariharu aba magala sju, kachu dina gae bharata jubarju.
ekahi bta mohi dukhu lg, bara d usara asamajasa mg.2.
ajahu

hdau jarata tehi

c, risa parihsa ki s

cehu s

c.
kahu taji rou rma apardh u, sabu kou kahai rmu suhi sdh u.3.
tuhu

sarhasi karasi saneh u, aba suni mohi bhayau sadeh u.

jsu subhu arihi anuk ul, so kimi karihi mtu pratik ul.4.
I sincerely tell you, swearing by Rma a hundred times, that his mother
(Kausaly) never said a word to me in this connection. No doubt I arranged everything
without consulting you and that is why my cherished desire has not been realized. Now
give up your anger and put on a festal garb; a few days hence Bharata will be the prince-
regent. Only one thing has caused me pain; the second boon that you have asked for
is something incongruous. My heart is still burning with the agony caused by it. Is it anger
or jest, or is it all really true? Tell me with a cool mind r Rmas guilt; everybody says
Rma is extremely well-behaved. You too spoke well of him and loved him. Hearing now
what you have asked, I have begun to suspect (whether your profession of love was
genuine). How could he whose temperament was congenial even to an enemy act
contrary to the will of his own mother?
0fr r f ff rn frf f
f f a r f+ -+
Do.: priy hsa risa pariharahi mgu bicri bibeku,
jehi

dekhau aba nayana bhari bharata rja abhieku.32.

"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
381
No more of jesting or anger, my darling; make a reasonable and thoughtful
request, so that I may now regale my eyes on the sight of Bharatas installation on the
throne. (32)
0f t = rf ftr f f f f tr+
s rs rt t r r f rt + {+
fr f fr tr t r rtr+
f fa fa ; rfa rra ;+ +
; f rf srr ;r rfnf rsf rr+
f f rt rf a rrt+ -+
r r ar r r rra f fr+
fr r arr a s-f s f rr+ +
Cau.: jiai mna baru bri bihn, mani binu phaniku jiai dukha dn.
kahau subhu na chalu mana mh

, jvanu mora rma binu nh

.1.
samujhi dekhu jiya priy prabn, jvanu rma darasa dhn.
suni mdu bacana kumati ati jara, manahu anala huti ghta para.2.
kahai karahu kina koi upy, ih

na lgihi ruri my.

dehu ki lehu ajasu kari nh

, mohi na bahuta prapaca sohh

.3.
rmu sdhu tumha sdhu sayne, rmamtu bhali saba pahicne.
jasa kausil

mora bhala tk, tasa phalu unhahi deu kari sk.4.

A fish may rather survive even without water and a serpent may drag on a
miserable and wretched existence without the gem in its head. But I tell you sincerely
with a guileless heart that I cannot live without Rma. Be assured in your mind, my wise
darling, that my very existence depends on the sight of r Rma. Hearing these soft
words the evil-minded queen blazed up like the fire on which has fallen an oblation of
clarified butter. She said, You might as well try millions of devices; but your stratagem
shall not avail with me. Either grant my request or earn a bad reputation by refusing it;
I am not fond of much wiles. Rma is virtuous, you too are virtuous and wise and no less
virtuous is Rmas mother (Kausaly); I have known all of you. I will repay with a
vengeance the benefit she has sought to confer upon me. (14)
0ra ra f f r rf
r rs fr rf+ --+
Do.: hota prtu munibea dhari jau na rmu bana jhi

,
mora maranu rura ajasa npa samujhia mana mhi

.33.
If Rma does not retire to the woods assuming the garb of a hermit as soon as
the day breaks, death for me and ill-repute for you will be the result; bear this in mind,
O king. (33)
0 f f ; sf rt r r afnf rt+
r r n ; r; t r r; r;+ {+
rs f rr t rr+
ra = a= r t ffa rff r+ +
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
382
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
t ra f r t fa f t t rt+
nf f t- rt f f rf rt+ -+
rn r t s art r f f rf rt+
r r f af r at rf a ff f rat+ +
Cau.: asa kahi kuila bha uhi hRh, mnahu roa taragini bRh.
ppa pahra pragaa bhai so, bhar krodha jala ji na jo.1.
dou bara kula kahina haha dhr, bhava ra kubar bacana pracr.
hhata bhuparupa taru mul, cal bipati bridhi anukul.2.
lakh naresa bta phuri s

c, tiya misa mcu ssa para nc.

gahi pada binaya knha baihr, jani dinakara kula hosi kuhr.3.
mgu mtha abah

deu toh, rma biraha jani mrasi moh.

rkhu rma kahu jehi tehi bh

t, nhi

ta jarihi janama bhari cht.4.

So saying, the wicked woman rose and stood up as though it were a swollen
stream of passion that had issued from the mountain of sin and, overflowing with the
water of anger, was too terrible to look at. The two boons she had asked for
represented its banks, her inexorable obstinacy corresponded to its (swift) current and
the impelling force of Manthars words stood for its eddies; uprooting the king like a
tree the river headed towards the ocean of adversity. The king now perceived that the
demand of the queen was really true, and that it was death itself which was dancing
over his head in the disguise of his own consort. Clasping her feet he persuaded her
to sit down and implored her, Pray do not play the axe with respect to the solar race.
Ask of me my own head and I will forthwith give it to you; but kill me not by tearing
Rma from me. Retain Rma by any means whatsoever, or your bosom will burn with
anguish all your life. (14)
0t rf r s f f r
a ra r r rrr+ -+
Do.: dekh bydhi asdha npu pareu dharani dhuni mtha,
kahata parama rata bacana rma rma raghuntha.34.
When the king saw the malady uncontrollable he dropped on the ground
beating his head and sobbing out in most piteous tones, Rma, O Rma, O Lord of
Raghus! (34)
0r rs ff nrar ff a= frar+
r rt rt t f rt+ {+
f r ; rrr r ;+
a a rn rn ar f + +
; f r; rr r; rs nrr+
rf rs = r; r; f ar;+ -+
rz f t f r ff =r +
a fa a r t - a t+ +
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
383
Cau.: bykula ru sithila saba gt, karini kalapataru manahu nipt.
kahu sukha mukha va na bn, janu phnu dna binu pn.1.
puni kaha kau kahora kaike, manahu ghya mahu mhura de.
jau atahu asa karatabu rahe u, mgu mgu tumha kehi

bala kahe u.2.

dui ki hoi eka samaya bhul, ha saba hahi phuluba gl.
dni kahuba aru kpan, hoi ki khema kusala raut.3.
chRahu bacanu ki dhraju dharah u, jani abal jimi karun karah u.
tanu tiya tanaya dhmu dhanu dharan, satyasadha kahu tna sama baran.4.
The king was stricken with grief and his limbs began to droop; it looked as if a
wish-yielding tree had been knocked down by a female elephant. His throat was dry and
speech failed his lips; he felt miserable like a fish out of water. Kaikey plied him once
more with pungent and harsh words, injecting poison as it were into his wound, If this
was what you intended doing in the long run, what emboldened you to say Ask, ask?
Can both these things happen at the same time, O sovereign of the earthto laugh a
boisterous laugh and to look grave, to enjoy the reputation of being generous and yet be
stingy? Is it possible to remain unscathed while playing the hero? Either go back upon
your word or forbear; pray do not wail like a woman. Life and wife, sons, home, wealth
and land have been spoken of as no better than a straw in the eyes of a man who is
true to his word. (14)
0 f rs r ar
rns arf fr ff r ra r+ -~+
Do.: marama bacana suni ru kaha kahu kachu dou na tora,
lgeu tohi pisca jimi klu kahvata mora.35.
On hearing these poignant words the king exclaimed, Say what you will; you are
not to blame for it. It is my doom which has possessed you like a devil and is using you
as its mouthpiece. (35)
0a a af r ff fa t f ar+
r r r fr s r f ff r+ {+
ff ff r; n r r ar;+
ff r; r; r;f fa r zr;+ +
ar r far fff r;f r+
arf t rn = r; r r nr;+ -+
fn fr s rt a fn f f rt+
ff faf a rnt rf nr; r= rnt+ +
Cau.: cahata na bharata bh upatahi bhore , bidhi basa kumati bas jiya tore .
so sabu mora ppa parinmu, bhayau kuhhara jehi

bidhi bm u.1.
subasa basihi phiri avadha suh, saba guna dhma rma prabhut.
karihahi

bhi sakala sevak, hoihi tihu pura rma baR.2.

tora kalaku mora pachit u, muehu na miihi na jihi k u.
aba tohi nka lga karu so, locana oa baihu muhu go.3.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
384
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
jaba lagi jiau kahau kara jor, taba lagi jani kachu kahasi bahor.
phiri pachitaihasi ata abhg, mrasi gi nahr u lg.4.
Bharata would never covet sovereignty even unwittingly. By the decree of fate,
however, evil counsel has taken possession of your mind. All that is the outcome of my
sins, due to which the tide has turned against me at an inopportune moment. Beautiful
Ayodhy shall flourish again under the sovereignty of Rma, the abode of all virtues. All
his brothers shall serve him and his fame shall spread through all the three spheres of
creation. The stain on your reputation and my remorse shall not disappear even after our
death and shall never go till eternity. Now do whatever pleases you; only keep out of my
sight hiding your face. So long as I live, I beseech you with joined palms, pray speak
not a word to me again. You will repent in the end, O hapless woman, that you killed a
cow for the sake of gut. (14)
0s rs f rf ff r f fr
rf fa rnfa r+ -+
Do.: pareu ru kahi koi bidhi khe karasi nidnu,
kapaa sayni na kahati kachu jgati manahu masnu.36.
Thus arguing with her in numberless way the king dropped on the ground crying.
Why do you bring ruin to all? But a pastmaster in wiles the queen did not utter a word
as though busy performing magical rites in a crematorium (to acquire control over
ghosts). (36)
0r r f r f fn r+
z r r= f r; rf r; f r;+ {+
ss f f rr n frf r;f s+
tfa ; fr; s f ff t r;+ +
fa f s frr tr f rr+
f r n nrf nr a f rnf r+ -+
n rrf nrfff f +
af ff t t f r r rr sr+ +
Cau.: rma rma raa bikala bhulu, janu binu pakha bihaga behlu.
hdaya manva bhoru jani ho, rmahi ji kahai jani ko.1.
udau karahu jani rabi raghukula gura, avadha biloki s ula hoihi ura.
bhupa prti kaikai kahin, ubhaya avadhi bidhi rac ban.2.
bilapata npahi bhayau bhinusr, bn benu sakha dhuni dvr.
paRhahi

bha guna gvahi

gyaka, sunata npahi janu lgahi

syaka.3.
magala sakala sohhi

na kaise , sahagminihi bibh uana jaise .

tehi

nisi nda par nahi

kh u, rma darasa llas uchh u.4.

Stricken with grief the king repeated the word Rma again and again and felt
miserable like a bird that has been shorn of its wings. He prayed in his heart, May the
day never dawn nor may anyone go and tell Rma. Rise not, O sun-god, the progenitor
of Raghus race; for you will be pained at heart to see the plight of Ayodhy. The kings
affection and the relentlessness of Kaikey both were the highest of their kind in Gods
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
385
creation. While the king was yet wailing, the day broke and the music of lute, flute and
conch was heard at his door. Bards extolled him and minstrels sang his praises; they,
however, pierced the king like shafts as he heard them. These and other tokens of
rejoicing pleased him not even as ornaments repel a widow who has decided to
accompany her deceased husband to the other world. None could have a wink of sleep
that night since everyone was eagerly longing for a sight of r Rma. (14)
0r t f f sfa f f
rns fa r ff+ -+
Do.: dvra bhra sevaka saciva kahahi

udita rabi dekhi,

jgeu ajahu na avadhapati kranu kavanu bisei.37.
At the door waited a crowd of servants and ministers, who said to one another at
the sight of the risen sun, The Lord of Ayodhy has not yet woken up, what special
reason can there be? (37)
0f fa rnr r f z rnr+
r r nr r; tf r r r;+ {+
n r a rs rt f r ra zrt+
r; r; r; r r ffa fr r+ +
rs a= ; n f ;+
f t f= r; f nfa ns r;+ -+
r f f f r f+
fs ta ; f t rt t t+ +
Cau.: pachile pahara bhupu nita jg, ju hamahi baRa acaraju lg.
jhu sumatra jagvahu j, kjia kju rajyasu p.1.
gae sumatru taba rura mh

, dekhi bhayvana jta erh

.
dhi khi janu ji na her, mnahu bipati bida baser.2.
puche kou na utaru de, gae jehi

bhavana bh upa kaike.

kahi jayajva baiha siru n, dekhi bh upa gati gayau sukh.3.
soca bikala bibarana mahi pare u, mnahu kamala m ulu parihare u.
saciu sabhta sakai nahi

puch, bol asubha bhar subha chuch.4.

The king used to wake up during the last watch of the night everyday; his
behaviour today appears most strange to us. Getting into the palace, O Sumantra, you
go and rouse him; on receiving his orders we may proceed with our work. Sumantra
then entered the gynaeceum; but it wore such a dismal appearance that he was afraid
to advance. It looked like a monster that would spring on him and devour him; its sight
was so repelling. It seemed to be the very abode of calamity and sorrow. Since nobody
answered his questions he proceeded to the apartment where the king and Queen
Kaikey were. Greeting the king with the words Be victorious and live forever! and
bowing his head, he sat down. He turned pale to behold the condition of the king, who
lay on the ground distracted with grief and colourless like a lotus stalk torn from its roots.
The minister being too alarmed to ask any question, Kaikey, who was full of evil and void
of all good, broke the silence. (14)
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
386
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
0t rf t ff a r nt
r r f r= f ; t+ -c+
Do.: par na rjahi nda nisi hetu jna jagadsu,
rmu rmu rai bhoru kiya kahai na maramu mahsu.38.
The king had no sleep last night: Heaven alone knows the reason. He has been
simply repeating Rma, Rma till daybreak and refuses to disclose the secret. (38)
0r rf fn rr; rr a r;+
s r r = rt t rf tf- rt+ {+
r f n ; r rf rf ff r r+
s f t ns r f f r+ +
rr f r t r ns r f tr+
r rf ra r r= t- far r+ -+
ff f r; rrtf s r;+
r rfa f n rt f rn a frt + +
Cau.: nahu rmahi begi bol, samcra taba pu

chehu .
caleu sumatru rya rukha jn, lakh kucli knhi kachu rn.1.
soca bikala maga parai na pu, rmahi boli kahihi k ru.
ura dhari dhraju gayau dure , pu

chahi

sakala dekhi manu mre .2.

samdhnu kari so sabah k, gayau jah

dinakara kula k.
rma sumatrahi vata dekh, daru knha pit sama lekh.3.
nirakhi badanu kahi bhupa raj, raghukuladpahi caleu lev.
rmu kubh

ti saciva sa ga jh

, dekhi loga jaha taha bilakhh

.4.
Therefore, call on Rma and bring him soon; thereafter, when you have come
back, you may ask further details. Judging (from his masters looks) that the king
approved of this idea, Sumantra left; he concluded that the queen had contrived some
evil design. He felt so distressed with anxiety that his legs refused to move ahead. What
will the king speak to Rma after calling him? he wondered. Recovering himself he
repaired to the gate; and seeing him disconsolate all began to question him. He, however,
reassured them all and proceeded to the apartment where the Ornament of the solar race
(r Rma) was. When r Rma saw Sumantra coming. He received him with honour,
treating the minister on an equal footing with His father. Looking r Rma in the face,
Sumantra conveyed to Him the royal command and returned with the Light of Raghus
race (r Rma). r Rma followed the minister in an unbecoming manner: people here
and there were grieved to see this. (14)
0r; t rrf fa f r
f s f ffrrff q nr+ -+
Do.: ji dkha raghubasamani narapati nipaa kusju,
sahami pareu lakhi sighinihi manahu bddha gajarju.39.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
387
The Jewel of Raghus race went and saw the king in an utterly wretched state like
an aged elephant who had dropped down in terror at the sight of a lioness. (39)
0f ; n t ft n+
= t tf ; r t rrt nf ;+ {+
=r r r t r r+
af t f s frt t art+.+
rf ra ara r f a f r; fr+
r r rf ar a + -+
f- rf ; rr rns r rf rrr+
r f s s r rfz f arr r+ +
Cau.: sukhahi

adhara jarai sabu agu, manahu dna manihna bh uag u.

sarua sampa dkhi kaike, mnahu mcu ghar

gani le.1.
karunmaya mdu rma subh u, prathama dkha dukhu sun na ku.
tadapi dhra dhari samau bicr, pu

ch madhura bacana mahatr.2.

mohi kahu mtu tta dukha krana, karia jatana jehi

hoi nivrana.
sunahu rma sabu krana ehu, rjahi tumha para bahuta sanehu.3.
dena kahenhi mohi dui baradn, mgeu jo kachu mohi sohn.
so suni bhayau bhupa ura soc u, chRi na sakahi

tumhra sa koc u.4.

His lips got parched and his whole frame burned; he looked like a helpless snake
bereft of the gem on its hood. The Lord beheld by the side of His father angry Kaikey,
who stood there like Death personified counting the last minutes of his life. r Rma was
compassionate and soft by nature; He witnessed sorrow for the first time in His life, He
had never heard of it before. Yet, recovering Himself as the occasion demanded,
addressed His step-mother in the following sweet words, Tell me, dear mother, the
cause of my fathers distress, so that an attempt may be made to remove it. Listen,
Rma; the sole cause is this: the king is very fond of you. He had promised me two
boons of my choice and I asked whatever I liked. The king, however, was stricken with
grief to hear my requests; for he cannot shake off the hesitation on your score. (14)
0a ;a sa s
a r f f + +
Do.: suta sanehu ita bacanu uta sakaa pareu naresu,
sakahu ta yasu dharahu sira meahu kahina kalesu.40.
Love for his son on one side and his plighted word on the other: The king is
placed on the horns of a dilemma. Obey his command if you can, and rid him of a severe
mental torture. (40)
0f f ; rt a far fa rt+
t r rr f - rr+ {+
r t= f; fur t=+
n rrfaf r; f a f fr;+ +
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
388
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
r; r r r r fr+
r fna rn f+ -+
t r; a zrnt r fa ra rnt+
a ra fa arfrr f rr+ +
Cau.: nidharaka baihi kahai kau bn, sunata kahinat ati akuln.
jbha kamna bacana sara nn, manahu mahipa mdu laccha samn.1.
janu kahorapanu dhare sarru, sikhai dhanuabidy bara br u.
sabu prasagu raghupatihi sun, baihi manahu tanu dhari nihur.2.
mana musuki bhnukula bhnu, rmu sahaja nada nidhn u.
bole bacana bigata saba d uana, mdu majula janu bga bibhuana.3.
sunu janan soi sutu baRabhg, jo pitu mtu bacana anurg.
tanaya mtu pitu toanihr, durlabha janani sakala sasr.4.
Kaikey unhesitatingly spoke these pungent words, which callousness itself was
sore distressed to hear. With the tongue for a bow, and words for so many shafts and
with the king for a delicate target as it were, it looked as if stiffness had taken the form
of a great hero and practised bowmanship. Having communicated the whole incident to
the Lord of Raghus (r Rma). She sat like the very incarnation of heartlessness. The
Sun of the solar dynasty, r Rma, the natural fountain of joy, smiled within Himself and
spoke words which were free from all blemish and were so sweet and agreeable that
they seemed to be the very ornaments of speech; Listen, mother: That son alone is
blessed, who is devoted to the words of his parents. A son who gratifies his father and
mother is rare in this wide world, mother. (14)
0fn f ff f rfa fa r
af fa r f a t ar+ {+
Do.: munigana milanu bisei bana sabahi bh

ti hita mora,
tehi maha pitu yasu bahuri samata janan tora.41.
In the forest I shall get more frequent opportunities of meeting hermits, which will
be beneficial to me in everyway. On top of it I have my fathers command and your
approval to boot, mother. (41)
0a rf rf r ff ff rf r+
rs rr nf rf rr+ {+
f z a= -rnt ff a f f rnt+
as r; s rt frf ra rt+ +
rf ft f f r t+
rff ra faf rt rfa atfa rf art+ -+
rs t n sf nr r rf a z r+
ra rf a r rf arf far+ +
Cau.: bharatu prnapriya pvahi

rju, bidhi saba bidhi mohi sanamukha ju.

jau na ju bana aisehu kj, prathama gania mohi muRha samj.1.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
389
sevahi

ara u kalapataru tyg, parihari amta lehi

biu mg.
teu na pi asa samau cukh

, dekhu bicri mtu mana mh

.2.
aba eka dukhu mohi bise, nipaa bikala naranyaku dekh.
thorihi

bta pitahi dukha bhr, hoti pratti na mohi mahatr.3.

ru dhra guna udadhi agdh u, bh mohi te kachu baRa apardh u.
jte mohi na kahata kachu r u, mori sapatha tohi kahu satibh u.4.
Again, Bharata, who is dear to me as life, will get the sovereignty: God is
propitious to me in every respect today. If I refuse to proceed to the woods even under
such circumstances, I should be reckoned foremost in an assembly of fools. Those who
nurture a castor-oil plant leaving the tree of paradise and barter away nectar for poison,
they too will not lose an opportunity like this should they ever get it: ponder this fact in
your mind and realize it, mother. Only one thing pains me most, mother; I am grieved to
see the king sore distressed. That my father should be so overwhelmed with grief over
a trifling matter is more than I can believe, dear mother. The king is stout of heart and
a fathomless ocean of goodness; I must have committed some great offence, which
prevents the king from speaking out his mind to me. I adjure you, therefore, to tell me
the truth. (14)
0 rr fa f f r
; r nfa uf f r+ +
Do.: sahaja sarala raghubara bacana kumati kuila kari jna,
calai joka jala bakragati jadyapi salilu samna.42.
The words of r Rma (the Chief of Raghus) were artless and straight-forward,
yet the evil-minded Kaikey gave them a perverse twist. A leech must always move
obliquely even though the water on which it moves has a smooth surface. (42)
0t rf r = r; rt r;+
arr a rr a rr+ {+
ar r rn f arar t rar+
r - r ar fa ra a + +
faf rr; f r; f r;+
ar a f t- sfa ar fr= t-+ -+
rnf n nrf at +
rf ra r ff f na f r+ +
Cau.: rahas rni rma rukha p, bol kapaa sanehu jan.
sapatha tumhra bharata kai n, hetu na dusara mai

kachu jn.1.
tumha apardha jogu nahi

tt, janan janaka badhu sukhadt.

rma satya sabu jo kachu kahah u, tumha pitu mtu bacana rata ahahu.2.
pitahi bujhi kahahu bali so, cauthepana jehi

ajasu na ho.
tumha sama suana sukta jehi

dnhe, ucita na tsu nirdaru knhe.3.

lgahi

kumukha bacana subha kaise, magaha gaydika tratha jaise.

rmahi mtu bacana saba bhe, jimi surasari gata salila suhe.4.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
390
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
The queen rejoiced to find r Rma inclined towards her proposal and said with
a false show of affection, I swear by yourself and Bharata that no other cause of the
kings affliction is known to me. You are hardly capable of any offence, dear son, a
source of delight that you are to your parents and brothers. What you say is all true; you
are devoted to the words of your father and mother. I adjure you to argue with your father
that he may not incur opprobrium in the evening of his life. It is hardly desirable for him
to disregard the virtues (truthfulness etc.) that have fetched him a son like you. These
polite words adorned her detestable mouth even as sacred spots like Gay beautify the
accursed land of Magadha (South Bihar). All these words from His stepmother sounded
pleasant to Rma in the same way as waters of all kinds are hallowed through their
confluence with the holy Gag. (14)
0n; =r rf ff ff t-
f r rn f f t-+ -+
Do.: gai muruch rmahi sumiri npa phiri karavaa lnha,
saciva rma gamana kahi binaya samaya sama knha.43
The kings spell of unconsciousness now left him; he remembered Rma and then
changed sides. And the minister (Sumantra) informed him of r Rmas arrival and made
humble submission to him in words appropriate to the occasion. (43)
0f f r n r f t a srrr+
f rf rs r a r fr+ {+
f f s r; n f f ff r;+
rf fa; s r r fr rf r+ +
r f rr z nra rf rr+
fff r rs rt f rr r r rt + -+
ff f ; frt fat rf rt+
rar ar rt rfa t rt+ +
Cau.: avanipa akani rmu pagu dhre, dhari dhraju taba nayana ughre.
saciva sa bhri ru baihre, carana parata npa rmu nihre.1.
lie saneha bikala ura l, gai mani manahu phanika phiri p.
rmahi citai raheu naranh u, cal bilocana bri prabh u.2.
soka bibasa kachu kahai na pr, hdaya lagvata brahi

br.
bidhihi manva ru mana mh

, jehi

raghuntha na knana jh

.3.
sumiri mahesahi kahai nihor, binat sunahu sadsiva mor.
sutoa tumha avahara dn, rati harahu dna janu jn.4.
Hearing that r Rma had come, the king recovered himself and opened his eyes.
The minister (Sumantra) helped his sovereign to a sitting posture, when the latter beheld
Rma falling at his feet. Overwhelmed with emotion the king clasped Him to his bosom
as though a serpent had regained its lost gem. The monarch kept gazing on r Rma
and a torrent of tears streamed forth from his eyes. Overpowered with grief he could not
utter a word and pressed the prince to his heart again and again. He inwardly prayed to
God that the Lord of Raghus (r Rma) might not be able to proceed to the woods.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
391
Invoking the mighty Lord iva he solicited Him saying, Hear my prayer, O ever-blissful
Lord! Quickly pleased and indiscreetly generous as You are, pray relieve my affliction
knowing me to be in distress. (14)
0ar z r fa rf
r af f rr ff t + +
Do.: tumha preraka saba ke hdaya so mati rmahi dehu,
bacanu mora taji rahahi

ghara parihari slu sanehu.44.

Dwelling as You do in the heart of all as the prompter of actions, so inspire Rma
that he may flout my word and stay at home casting to the wind all sense of propriety
and filial affection. (44)
0 rs n r = = r+
r rt r r r f rt+ {+
n; rs f rr t ra f zrr+
rrfa faf rt f ff ra rt+ +
r rt r fta frt+
ara s s f r; fa rf fr;+ -+
fa rr ra rfn rr r rf f rr+
f nrr;f fs rar f n ta nrar+ +
Cau.: ajasu hou jaga sujasu nas u, naraka parau baru surapuru ju.
saba dukha dusaha sahvahu moh, locana oa rmu jani hoh.1.
asa mana gunai ru nahi

bol, ppara pta sarisa manu ol.

raghupati pitahi premabasa jn, puni kachu kahihi mtu anumn.2.
desa kla avasara anusr, bole bacana binta bicr.
tta kahau kachu karau hih, anucitu chamaba jni larik .3.
ati laghu bta lgi dukhu pv, khu na mohi kahi prathama janv.
dekhi gosi

hi pu

chiu mt, suni prasagu bhae stala gt.4.

Let world-wide disrepute be my lot and let my good name perish; I would fain be
damned to perdition and forgo heaven (the abode of immortals). Subject me to all severe
hardships; but let not Rma be screened from my view. The king thus prayed within his
heart but did not open his lips; his mind quivered like an aspen leaf. Perceiving that His
father was overpowered with affection, and apprehending that mother Kaikey might utter
something again, the Lord of Raghus (r Rma) spoke after due deliberation words
which were not only humble but also suited to the place, time and circumstances. Dear
father, I make bold to submit something; pray forgive this impropriety on my part knowing
that I am yet tender of age. You have suffered for a most trifling matter; and the pity of
it is that nobody apprized me of it before. When I saw you I asked mother Kaikey, and
was consoled to hear what she has told me. (14)
0n r ff ara
r ; f f f nra+ ~+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
392
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
Do.: magala samaya saneha basa soca pariharia tta,
yasu deia harai hiya kahi pulake prabhu gta.45.
Grieve not out of affection at a time of rejoicing, dear father, and command me
with a glad heart. The Lord felt a thrill of joy all over his body as He spoke these
words. (45)
0- nata ar faf r fa f r+
rf r a ar f fa ra r r+ {+
r rf r; s fnf rs r;+
fr ra rs rnt fs f f n rnt+ +
f r n a t-r r sa= t-r+
n rf n; ra att a t a tt+ -+
f f rt f f ff f rt+
r ; ; f= r; z fr f t r;+ +
Cau.: dhanya janamu jagattala ts u, pitahi pramodu carita suni js u.
cri padratha karatala tke , priya pitu mtu prna sama jke .1.
yasu pli janama phalu p, aihau begihi

hou raj.
bid mtu sana vau mg, calihau banahi bahuri paga lg.2.
asa kahi rma gavanu taba knh, bh upa soka basa utaru na dnh.
nagara bypi gai bta sutch, chuata caRh janu saba tana bch.3.
suni bhae bikala sakala nara nr, beli biapa jimi dekhi davr.
jo jaha sunai dhunai siru so, baRa bidu nahi

dhraju ho.4.
Blessed is his birth on the surface of this earth, whose father is rejoiced to hear
of his doings. He has in his hand all the four prizes of life, (viz., religious merit, material
riches, sensuous gratification and final beatitude), to whom his parents are dear as life.
After carrying out your order and having obtained the reward of my life I shall come back
soon; therefore be pleased to command me. In the meantime I shall ask leave of mother
Kausaly and return forthwith; then I shall proceed to the woods after throwing myself
once more at your feet. So spoke r Rma and then departed; while the king was too
overpowered with grief to make any answer. This most unwelcome news spread
throughout the city as though the sting of a scorpion had circulated its poison throughout
the body. Every man and woman who heard this was distressed even as trees and
creepers are blasted at the very sight of a forest fire. Whoever heard it beat his head
wherever he happened to be; the grief was too great to be borne. (14)
0 rf r nf r z r;
= ; sat r;+ +
Do.: mukha sukhhi

locana sravahi

soku na hdaya sami,

manahu karuna rasa kaaka utar avadha baji.46.
Their mouths were parched, their eyes streamed and their heart could not contain
their sorrow; it seemed as though the army of Pathos had openly pitched its camp at
Ayodhy. (46)
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
393
0ff rr ff ra nrt a f ;f nrt+
f rfff fr r r; r + {+
f rf tr zrf r f ra tr+
f r fq rnt ; rr rnt+ +
r f z f rr r r f rr+
r r f r rr r f rr+ -+
- f f rf r ff n nr r+
f faf = nf r; rf r; rf nfa r;+ +
Cau.: milehi mjha bidhi bta begr, jaha taha dehi

kaikaihi gr.
ehi ppinihi bujhi k pare u, chi bhavana para pvaku dhareu.1.
nija kara nayana kRhi caha dkh, ri sudh biu chata ckh.
kuila kahora kubuddhi abhg, bhai raghubasa benu bana g.2.
plava baihi peRu ehi

k, sukha mahu soka hu dhari h.

sad rmu ehi prna samn, krana kavana kuilapanu hn.3.
satya kahahi

kabi nri subh u, saba bidhi agahu agdha dur u.
nija pratibi

bu baruku gahi j, jni na ji nri gati bh.4.

When everything was ready, God upset the whole plan! Everywhere people
abused Kaikey. What sense could there be in this wicked woman having set fire to a
house that had been newly thatched! She seeks to perceive after tearing out her eyes
with her own hands, and wishes to taste poison throwing away nectar. This crooked
hard-hearted and evil-minded wretch has appeared as fire to burn the cluster of bamboos
in the shape of Raghus race. Sitting on a twig she has hewn the tree itself; in the midst
of joy she has raised a structure of sorrow. r Rma had always been dear to her as
life: What has led her to resort to such perversity? Seers have truly said that a womans
mind is altogether incomprehensible, unfathomable and shrouded in mystery. Sooner
may a man catch his own reflection than know the ways of a woman. (14)
0r r rf r r;
r r f n r r;+ +
Do.: kha na pvaku jri saka k na samudra sami,
k na karai abal prabala kehi jaga klu na khi.47.
What is there that fire cannot consume; what is there that cannot be engulfed by
the ocean? What is there that a powerful woman, miscalled powerless (Abal) in
common parlance, cannot accomplish and what creature is there in this perishable world,
that death cannot devour? (47)
0r r; ff r rr r r; r rr+
f t-r = frf f faf t-r+ {+
r f s r r f r n nr +
ffa fr f r f f r+ +
ff tf f rt f rt+
a a t sr r f t+ -+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
394
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
r f nf tr f ra tr+
a rf a arr r a rfr+.+
Cau.: k suni bidhi kha sunv, k dekhi caha kha dekhv.
eka kahahi

bhala bhupa na knh, baru bicri nahi

kumatihi dnh.1.
jo hahi bhayau sakala dukha bhjanu, abal bibasa gynu gunu g janu.
eka dharama paramiti pahicne, npahi dosu nahi

dehi

sayne.2.
sibi dadhci haricada kahn, eka eka sana kahahi

bakhn.
eka bharata kara samata kahah

, eka udsa bhya suni rahah

.3.
kna mudi kara rada gahi jh, eka kahahi

yaha bta alh.
sukta jhi

asa kahata tumhre, rmu bharata kahu prnapire.4.
Having first ordained one thing the Creator has now ordained quite the reverse
of it; having shown us one spectacle he would now show us quite another. Some people
said, The king has not done well; he has not been discreet in granting the wicked
woman her request, whereby he has wilfully courted all this tragedy. By allowing himself
to be ruled by a woman he has lost his wisdom and goodness as it were. Others who
were saner did not blame the king, recognizing as they did his high standard of morality.
They repeated at length to one another the narratives of ibi, Dadhci and Haricandra*.
Some suggested Bharatas connivance, while still others passively heard what their
companions said. Others stopped their ears with their hands and bit their tongue as they
exclaimed, This is untrue. All your merits will be destroyed as you utter these words:
r Rma is dear to Bharata as his own life. (14)
0 = r r; fa
f f a r fa+ c+
Do.: cadu cavai baru anala kana sudh hoi biatula,
sapanehu kabahu na karahi

kichu bharatu rma pratikula.48.

Sooner shall the moon rain sparks of fire or nectar have the same effect as poison
than Bharata ever dream of doing anything prejudicial to the interests of r Rma. (48)
0 fraf t r r; t- f t+
= n r r r s fr sr+ {+
f r- t f ; t+
nt f t rt r rnf art+ +
* Haricandra, son of Triaku, was a king of Ayodhy and the twenty-eighth in descent from Ikvku,
the founder of the solar dynasty. In order to satisfy the claims of the sage Vivmitra, who wanted to test his
integrity, he parted with his kingdom and all that he had, sold his wife and only son and hired himself out as
the employee of a pariah who kept a burning Gha. Whenever a dead body was brought for cremation there,
Haricandra used to recover the toll and make it over to his master. One day it so happened that a snake bit
his only son, Rohita, and the ex-queen brought the dead prince for cremation to the same Gha. Even
though the ex-king recognized them to be his own wife and child, he would not allow the child to be burnt
without recovering the usual toll. At last the penniless woman offered to part with the rag with which she had
covered her shame and the heartless ex-monarch was going to strip her naked when the gods interposed
and restored the pious king to his throne and all his former prosperity.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
395
a rf f r rr r n rr+
r f r r + -+
f fa r tfa atfa r +
rr r fnrr ar f rfn r rr+ +
Cau.: eka bidhtahi duanu deh

, sudh dekhi dnha biu jeh

.
kharabharu nagara socu saba khu, dusaha dhu ura mi uchh u.1.
biprabadhu kulamnya jaher, je priya parama kaika ker.
lag

dena sikha slu sarh, bacana bnasama lgahi

th.2.
bharatu na mohi priya rma samn, sad kahahu yahu sabu jagu jn.
karahu rma para sahaja saneh u, kehi

apardha ju banu deh u.3.
kabahu na kiyahu savati res u, prti pratti jna sabu des u.
kausaly

aba kha bigr, tumha jehi lgi bajra pura pr.4.

Some blamed the Creator, who had offered nectar but actually given them poison.
The whole city was astir and everyone felt distressed. There was deep agony in their
heart and their briskness was gone. Brhmaa matrons and other venerable and elderly
ladies of the royal family and such other ladies as were most dear to Kaikey began to
expostulate with her praising her amiability; but their words pierced her like shafts. You
have always said, and the whole world knows it, that Bharata is not so dear to you as
Rma. You have borne natural affection towards Rma; for what offence do you exile
him to the woods today? You have never harboured jealousy towards your co-wives;
your loving disposition and credulity are known throughout the land. What wrong has
Kausaly done you now due to which you should have hurled this thunderbolt against
the whole city. (14)
0t f f n fff f ff r
r f a f f;f f r+ +
Do.: sya ki piya sa gu pariharihi lakhanu ki rahihahi

dhma,
rju ki bhu

jaba bharata pura npu ki jiihi binu rma.49.

Will St forgo the company of r Rma or Lakmaa choose to stay at
home? Will Bharata enjoy the sovereignty of Ayodhy or the king survive without
Rma? (49)
0 frf s rz r r rf f r+
af f r r r r r+ {+
rf r r t f =+
n n r af n = + +
f fn r f rfnf r arr+
fr tf- r; a f n r r;+ -+
r f a r rn r ff f a r rn +
s fn r; sr; f ff r r;+ +
Cau.: asa bicri ura chRahu kohu, soka kalaka kohi jani hoh u.
bharatahi avasi dehu jubarju, knana kha rma kara kju.1.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
396
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
nhina rmu rja ke bh ukhe, dharama dhurna biaya rasa rukhe.
gura gha basahu rmu taji gehu, npa sana asa baru d usara leh u.2.
jau nahi

lagihahu kahe hamre, nahi

lgihi kachu htha tumhre.
jau parihsa knhi kachu ho, tau kahi pragaa janvahu so.3.
rma sarisa suta knana jogu, kha kahihi suni tumha kahu log u.
uhahu begi soi karahu up, jehi bidhi soku kalaku nas.4.
Pondering thus banish anger from your breast nor make yourself a storehouse of
grief and infamy. By all means instal Bharata as the Prince-Regent; but what need is
there for exiling Rma to the forest? Rma is not covetous of sovereignty; he is a
champion of righteousness and has no relish for sensuous pleasures. Let Rma
abandon his home and live with his preceptor; ask this of the king as your second boon.
In case you do not follow our advice, you will gain nothing. If you have only played some
joke, let us know by openly declaring it. Does a son like Rma deserve to be exiled to
the woods? What will the world say about you when they hear of it? Up quickly and
devise some means to avert grief and obloquy. (14)
U0f rfa r r; sr f rt
f = rf ra f ra f rt+
ff r f f r f a f ff rft
faf atr f fr f rft+
Cha.: jehi bh

ti soku kalaku ji upya kari kula plah,

hahi pheru rmahi jta bana jani bta dusari clah.
jimi bhnu binu dinu prna binu tanu cada binu jimi jmin,
timi avadha tulasdsa prabhu binu samujhi dhau jiya bhmin.
Devise some means to avert grief and infamy and save your family. Forcibly
dissuade Rma from proceeding to the woods and make no other suggestion. As the day
without the sun, as the body without life and the night without the moon, so the city of
Ayodhy without the Lord of Tulasdsa, r Rma! just consider this, O irascible lady.
0f- fr t- a fr fa
a; r t- f rt t+ ~+
So.: sakhinha sikhvanu dnha sunata madhura parinma hita,
tei

kachu kna na knha kuila prabodh kubar.50.

The advice that Kaikeys friends gave her was agreeable to hear and salutary in
consequence. But she gave no ear to it, tutored as she was by the mischievous
humpback. (50)
0sa= ; f =t fn- fa rfrrf t+
rf rf rf fa- -rnt t a fa rnt+.{+
r a fnr; t-f ; r;+
f ff ff rt f rff rf nrt+.+
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
397
f f f srr f r f t rr+
f frn r rt n a rt+ -+
fa fr rn rnr; n ra f r nrr;+
- fa n r fr r f r r+ +
Cau.: utaru na dei dusaha risa rukh, mginha citava janu bghini bhukh.
bydhi asdhi jni tinha tyg, cal

kahata matimada abhg.1.

rju karata yaha daia bigo, knhesi asa jasa karai na ko.
ehi bidhi bilapahi

pura nara nr

, dehi

kuclihi koika gr

.2.
jarahi

biama jara lehi

uss, kavani rma binu jvana s.

bipula biyoga praj akuln, janu jalacara gana sukhata pn.3.
ati bida basa loga log

, gae mtu pahi

rmu gos

.
mukha prasanna cita cauguna c u, mi socu jani rkhai r u.4.
She gave no reply and wore a sullen look due to anger that could not be easily
curbed. She stared at them as a hungry tigress would gaze on a herd of does. Finding
her disease incurable, her friends left her saying as they went, Wretched fool ! Fate could
not brook her sovereignty and has betrayed her. She has done what nobody else would
do. Men and women of the city thus lamented and showered numberless abuses on the
wicked woman. They burned with terrible agony and sighed. There can be no hope of
life without Rma, they said. The people were disconcerted at the thought of long
separation even as aquatic creatures get disturbed when water in which they live begins
to fail. Men and women alike were overcome with excessive grief. In the meantime Lord
r Rma called on His mother (Kausaly). He wore a cheerful look and had fourfold joy
in his heart; He no longer feared lest the king should detain him. (14)
0 n rrt r r r
rf n f s fr+ ~{+
Do.: nava gayadu raghubra manu rju alna samna,
chua jni bana gavanu suni ura anadu adhikna.51.
The mind of r Rma (the Hero of Raghus race) resembled a young elephant
(newly caught) with kingship for its chain. When He heard of the proposal for exiling Him
to the forest He took Himself as freed and felt overjoyed in His heart. (51)
0rrfa rf rs rr fa ra rs rr+
tf- t r; s t- frf t-+ {+
r r fa rar fa nrar+
nr rf f z nr na r+ +
r f r; t r;+
r frt rt art+ -+
ara t frt f n nrt+
a t t r; r ; f rrr;+ +
Cau.: raghukulatilaka jori dou hth, mudita mtu pada nyau mth.
dnhi assa li ura lnhe, bh uana basana nichvari knhe.1.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
398
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
bra bra mukha cubati mt, nayana neha jalu pulakita gt.
goda rkhi puni hdaya lage, sravata premarasa payada suhe.2.
premu pramodu na kachu kahi j, raka dhanada padab janu p.
sdara sudara badanu nihr, bol madhura bacana mahatr.3.
kahahu tta janan balihr, kabahi

lagana muda magalakr.
sukta sla sukha sva suh, janama lbha kai avadhi agh.4.
The Crown of Raghus race, r Rma, joined both His palms and cheerfully
bowed His head at His mothers feet. She blessed Him and clasped Him to her bosom
and scattered jewels and raiment around Him (in order to protect Him from evil). The
mother kissed His lips again and again with tears of affection in her eyes and her limbs
thrilling over with joy. Seating Him in her lap she pressed Him once more to her heart,
while milk flowed from her graceful breasts due to excess of love. Her affection and joy
were altogether beyond description; it seemed as if a pauper had attained the position
of Kubera (the god of riches). Fondly regarding His lovely countenance the mother spoke
to Him in endearing terms; Tell me, dear childI beseech you;when will be that
delightful and auspicious hour, the beautiful culmination of piety, virtue and joy and the
highest reward of human birth, (14)
0f ra rf fa ra f rfa
ff ra raf afa fy fa trfa+ ~+
Do.: jehi chata nara nri saba ati rata ehi bh

ti,
jimi ctaka ctaki tita bi sarada ritu svti.52.
And for which all men and women long as anxiously as a thirsty pair of Ctaka
birds for an autumnal shower during the brief period when the sun is in the same
longitude as the constellation named Svt (the Arcturus)? (52)
0ara rs f fn r r r r+
fa t a r r ; fz r r; f r+ {+
ra f fa r a= r+
f>rr ff r = r+ +
t nfa rt s ra fa rt+
far t- rf r r rfa r z r+ -+
r f fa rar f n r rar+
f zf r r n ar+ +
Cau.: tta ju bali begi nahh u, jo mana bhva madhura kachu khhu.
pitu sampa taba jehu bhai, bhai baRi bra ji bali mai.1.
mtu bacana suni ati anuk ul, janu saneha surataru ke ph ul.
sukha makarada bhare riyamul, nirakhi rma manu bhava ru na bhul.2.
dharama dhurna dharama gati jn, kaheu mtu sana ati mdu bn.
pit

dnha mohi knana rju, jaha saba bh

ti mora baRa kj u.3.

yasu dehi mudita mana mt, jehi

muda magala knana jt.
jani saneha basa arapasi bhore , na du aba anugraha tore .4.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
399
I adjure you, my darling, to bathe quickly and take some sweet dish of your
choice. See your father after that, my boy; for I protest it is already too late. Even on
hearing these most agreeable words of His mother, which were blossoms as it were of
the celestial tree of affection, laden with the honey of joy and fountains of worldly
prosperity, the bee of r Rmas mind could not be lured by their charm. A champion
of righteousness that He was, He clearly discerned the path of duty and spoke to His
mother in exceedingly polite terms. Father has bestowed on me the kingdom of the
forest, where there will be great opportunities for me in everyway. Therefore, grant me
leave with a cheerful heart, so that my journey to the forest may be attended with joy and
blessing. Be not obsessed with erroneous fears due to affection, dear mother; by your
goodwill I shall be ever happy. (14)
0 rf ff f f fa r
r; r f fs f f r+ ~-+
Do.: baraa cridasa bipina basi kari pitu bacana pramna,
i pya puni dekhihau manu jani karasi malna.53.
Spending four years and ten in the forest and having obeyed my fathers
commands I will come back and behold your feet again; be not sad at heart. (53)
0 fta rr n ra s +
f f f taf rt ff r r rt+ {+
f r; z fr nt f f r+
a rt rf r; t rt+ +
f t a frt nn fa art+
ara faf ar rfr f fa fa fa arr+ -+
r f rr s r f rr+
ara r rf fr r f s r+ +
Cau.: bacana binta madhura raghubara ke, sara sama lage mtu ura karake.
sahami sukhi suni stali bn, jimi javsa pare pvasa pn.1.
kahi na ji kachu hdaya bidu, manahu mg suni kehari nd u.
nayana sajala tana thara thara k

p, mjahi khi mna janu mp.2.

dhari dhraju suta badanu nihr, gadagada bacana kahati mahatr.
tta pitahi tumha prnapire, dekhi mudita nita carita tumhre.3.
rju dena kahu subha dina sdh, kaheu jna bana kehi

apardh.
tta sunvahu mohi nidnu, ko dinakara kula bhayau ksnu.4.
The gentle and sweet words of r Rma (the Chief of the Raghus) pierced the
mothers heart and rankled there. Alarmed to hear His serene speech she turned pale in
the same way as the Yavsaka plant is blasted by a shower in the monsoon. The agony
of her heart was beyond description like that of a doe that has heard a lions roar. Her
eyes were wet with tears and her body violently shook like a fish that had got inebriated
by sucking the scum raised by the first monsoon shower. Recovering herself and looking
her son in the face the mother spoke in faltering accents, My boy, you are dear as life
to your father, to whom it is a constant delight to watch your doings from day to day. He
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
400
*
R RMACARITAMNASA
*
had got an auspicious day fixed for installing you as the prince-regent; for what offence
has he asked you to proceed to the woods? Let me know the reason, my darling; who
is it that has served as fire to consume the solar race? (14)
0ff r = fa r s rr;
f n f ff r f f r;+ ~+
Do.: nirakhi rma rukha sacivasuta kranu kaheu bujhi,
suni prasagu rahi muka jimi das barani nahi

ji.54.
Reading in r Rmas eyes His tacit consent Sumantras son (who had obviously
accompanied the Prince) explained the reason. The mother was struck dumb as it were
to hear the episode; the state of her mind could not be described in words. (54)
0rf ; f r rfa s r= r+
fa r nr ff r ff nfa r r r+ {+
s fa rrt ; nfa r f t+
rs af s r r; = fr+ +
s r a fz rt r f ; rt+
f fr fa rt r a rs a rt+ -+
rs r art rt t f rt+
ara rs f t- tr fa r tr+ +
Cau.: rkhi na sakai na kahi saka jhu, duhu

bh

ti ura druna dh u.
likhata sudhkara g likhi rh u, bidhi gati bma sad saba kh u.1.
dharama saneha ubhaya mati gher, bhai gati s

pa chuchudari ker.
rkhau sutahi karau anurodh u, dharamu ji aru badhu birodh u.2.
kahau jna bana tau baRi hn, sakaa soca bibasa bhai rn.
bahuri samujhi tiya dharamu sayn, rmu bharatu dou suta sama jn.3.
sarala subhu rma mahatr, bol bacana dhra dhari bhr.
tta ju bali knhehu nk, pitu yasu saba dharamaka k.4.
She could neither detain her Son nor yet say Go; she felt terrible agony in her
heart in either event. It seemed as though one was going to write moon and wrote
Rhu (the demon who is believed by the Hindus to devour the moon during a lunar
eclipse) instead through a slip of the pen, she said to herself. The ways of the Creator
(Brahm) are always adverse to all, she concluded. Kausalys judgment was swayed
on the one hand by her sense of duty and on the other by her affection. She found herself
on the horns of a dilemma like a snake that has caught hold of a musk-rat*. If I press
my son and detain him, the moral code will be violated and bad blood created between
brothers. And if I allow him to proceed to the woods, it will be a grievous loss. The queen
thus found herself faced with an embarrassing situation and was overwhelmed with grief.
Again, realizing the duty of a woman and remembering that both Rma and Bharata were
* It is popularly believed in India that if a snake once catches hold of a musk-rat mistaking it for an
ordinary rat and latter discovers its identity, it can neither devour it nor disgorge it. For if it devours it, it is sure
to die; and if it disgorges it, it goes blind.
"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""
*
AYODHY-K NA
*
401
equally her sons the prudent Kausaly (r Rmas mother), who had a guileless
disposition, spoke as follows with great courage, You have done well, my child, I swear;
a fathers command is the most sacred of all obligations. (14)
0r f t- rf r
ar f af faf f z + ~~+
Do.: rju dena kahi dnha banu mohi na so dukha lesu,
tumha binu bharatahi bhupatihi prajahi pracaa kalesu.55.
That having promised to bestow on you the kingdom of Ayodhy your father has
now decided to exile you to the woods does not make me the least sorry. But your
absence from our midst will mean a terrible ordeal to Bharata, to the king himself and to
the people. (55)
0 fa r arar a f r rf fz rar+
fa ra s rr a r a rr+ {+
fa ra t n n r= t+
a sfa f r frf f r; r+ +
zrnt rnt r rrfa ar -rnt+
a n rf ar z r; + -+
a f ar t r r t t +
a ar ra r f f far+ +
Cau.: jau kevala pitu yasu tt, tau jani jhu jni baRi mt.
jau pitu mtu kaheu bana jn, tau knana sata avadha samn.1.
pitu banadeva mtu banadev, khaga mga carana saroruha sev.
atahu ucita npahi banabs u, baya biloki hiya hoi har

su.2.
baRabhg banu avadha abhg, jo raghubasatilaka tumha tyg.
jau suta kahau saga mohi lehu, tumhare hdaya hoi sadeh u.3.
puta parama priya tumha sabah ke, prna prna ke jvana j ke.
te tumha kahahu mtu bana ju

, mai

suni bacana baihi pachitu

.4.
In any case if it be your fathers command alone, my boy, then go not, remembering
that a mother ranks higher than ones father. If, on the other hand, both father and mother
have asked you to proceed to the woods then, of course, the forest will equal a hundred
cities like Ayodhy, with the sylvan gods for your father, the sylvan goddesses for your
mother and the birds and beasts to wait upon your lotus feet. At all events it is but proper
for a king to dwell in a forest in the evening of his life; it is your tender age which fills my
heart with agony. How blessed is the forest and how luckless Ayodhy, that will be
deserted by you, O crown of Raghus line! If I ask you, my boy, to take me with you, your
mind will be filled with doubt. You are supremely dear to all, my child; you are the life of our
life, the vitality of our soul. As such you say, Mother, I go to the forest! while I remain
rooted to my seat even on hearing these words and repent. (14)
0 frf f s r r;
rf ra ra f fa ff f r;+ ~+