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The ascetic Vālmīki asked Nārada, the best of sages and foremost of those conversant with words, ever engaged in austerities and Vedic studies.

ॐ तपः स्वाध्यायनिरतं तपस्वी वाग्विदां वरम्। नारदं परिपप्रच्छ वाल्मीकिर्मुनिपुङ्गवम्॥

Who at present in this world is like crowned with qualities, and with prowess, knowing duty, and grateful, and truthful, and firm in vow.

कोन्वस्मिन् साम्प्रतं लोके गुणवान् कश्च वीर्यवान्। धर्मज्ञश्च कृतज्ञश्च सत्यवाक्यो दृढत्नतः॥

Who is qualified by virtue of his character, and who is engaged in the welfare of all creatures? Who is learned and capable. Who alone is ever lovely to behold?

चारित्रेण च को युक्तः सर्वभूतेषु को हितः। विद्वान् कः कः समर्थश्च कश्चैकप्रियदर्शनः॥

Who has subdued his heart, and controlled his anger, is endowed with splendour, and devoid of malice; and whom enraged in battle, do even the gods, fear?

आत्मवान् को जितक्रोधो द्युतिमान् कोऽनसूयकः। कस्य बिभ्यति देवाश्च जातरोषस्य संयुगे॥

I have great curiosity to hear of such a person. You can, O Maharşi,* know about a man of this description. *A great saint. The word, however, signifies one belonging to a particular order of saints.

एतदिच्छाम्यहं श्रोतुं परं कौतूहलं हि मे। महर्षे त्वं समर्थोऽसि ज्ञातुमेवंविधं नरम्॥

Hearing Vālmīki's words, Nărada, cognizant of the three worlds, said with alacrity, “listen to me”!

श्रुत्वा चैतत्रिलोकज्ञो वाल्मीकेर्नारदो वचः। श्रूयतामिति चामन्त्र्य प्रहष्टो वाक्यमब्रवीत्॥

Rare as are the qualities mentioned by you, I will, O sage, having duly considered, describe to you a person endued with them.

बहवो दुर्लभाश्चैव ये त्वया कीर्तिता गुणाः। मुने वक्ष्याम्यहं बुद्ध्वा तैर्युक्तः श्रूयतां नर।७।।

There is one sprung from the line of Ikşvāku, known by the name of Rāma. He is of subdued soul; and is exceedingly powerful; effulgent; endowed with patience; having senses under control.

इक्ष्वाकुवंशप्रभवो रामो नाम जनैः श्रुतः। नियतात्मा महावीर्यो श्रुतिमान् धृतिमान् वशी॥

He is intelligent; learned in morality; eloquent; crowned with grace; the slayer of foes: broad-shouldered; possessed of mighty arms, a conch-shaped neck, fleshy jaws.

बुद्धिमान् नीतिमान् वाग्मी श्रीमाञ्छत्रुनिबर्हणः। विपुलांसो महाबाहुः कम्बुग्रीवो महाहनुः॥

And a broad chest; a powerful bowman; the repressor of foes; having plump shoulder-blades; of arms reaching down to his knees; with a beautiful head, and a graceful forehead; and endowed with excellent might.

महोरस्को महेष्वासो गूढजत्रुररिंदमः। आजानुबाहुः सुशिराः सुललाटः सुविक्रमः॥

And having symmetrical limbs, and of a cool hue; and possessed of prowess; and having a well-developed chest; with expansive eyes; crowned with auspiciousness and favourable marks.

समः समविभक्ताङ्गः स्निग्धवर्णः प्रतापवान्। पीनवक्षा विशालाक्षो लक्ष्मीवाञ्छुभलक्षणः॥

Knowing duty; firm in promise; always engaged in the good of his subjects; of accomplished renown; furnished with knowledge; pure in body and spirit; obedient towards superiors; versed in self-knowledge.

धर्मज्ञः सत्यसंधश्च प्रजानां च हिते रतः। यशस्वी ज्ञानसम्पन्नः शुचिर्वश्यः समाधिमान्॥

Narada says-Like Prajapati himself; blessed with prosperity; protecting all; the destroyer of enemies, and protector of all living beings.

प्रजापतिसमः श्रीमान् धाता रिपुनिषूदनः। रक्षिता जीवलोकस्य धर्मस्य परिरक्षिता॥

Practising all the duties of his class; and preserving those cleaving to him; versed in the profundities of the Vedas and the Vedāngas; accomplished in archery.

रक्षिता स्वस्य धर्मस्य स्वजनस्य च रक्षिता। वेदवेदाङ्गतत्त्वज्ञो धनुर्वेदे च निष्ठितः॥

Well versed in the dicta of all the sciences; brilliant; gifted with a good memory; the darling of all; unreproved; of unvanquished spirit; proficient in every branch of learning.

सर्वशास्त्रार्थतत्वज्ञः स्मृतिमान् प्रतिभानवान्। सर्वलोकप्रियः साधुरदीनात्मा विचक्षणः॥

Ever resorted to by the good persons even as the ocean is by the rivers; worthy of being honoured; having an equal regard for all; and capable of filling the heart with ever new sensations.

सर्वदाभिगतः सद्भिः समुद्र इव सिन्धुभिः। आर्यः सर्वसमश्चैव सदैव प्रियदर्शनः॥

Crowned with all sort of qualities, he enhances the joys of Kausalyā; being like that of the sea in gravity, and that of the Himavat in patience.

स च सर्वगुणोपेतः कौसल्यानन्दवर्धनः। समुद्र इव गाम्भीर्ये धैर्येण हिमवानिव॥

In prowess, he is like as Vişnu, and boasts of the personal attractions of the Moon. In anger he resembles the fire raging at the time of dissolution; and in forgiveness, he is like that of the Earth.

विष्णुना सदृशो वीर्ये सोमवत्प्रियदर्शनः। कालाग्निसदृशः क्रोधे क्षमया पृथिवीसमः॥

In giving away, he is like the Bestower of riches Kubera, and in truth, he is like another Dharma. Desirous of doing that which would be acceptable to his subjects, king Dasaratha, from fuilness of affection, wished to install as his associate in the kingdom his beloved and meritorious eldest son. Rāina who of infallible prowess, and endued with sterling virtues, and ever intent on the welfare of the people. The king Dasaratha with great pleasure wished to install as the hairapparent of the kingdom.

धनदेन समस्त्यागे सत्ये धर्म इवापरः। तमेवं गुणसम्पन्नं रामं सत्यपराक्रमम्॥ ज्येष्ठं ज्येष्ठगुणैर्युक्तं प्रियं दशरथः सुतम्। प्रकृतीनां हितैर्युक्तं प्रकृतिप्रियकाम्यया॥ यौवराज्येन संयोक्तुमैच्छत् प्रीत्या महीपतिः।

Beholding the provisions of the installation, that lady the king's consort, Kaikeyī, who had previously been promised two boons, even asked him for those viz., the exile of Ráma, and the installation of Bharata.

तस्याभिषेकसम्भारान्दृष्ट्वा भार्याऽथ कैकयी॥ पूर्वं दत्तवरा देवी वरमेनमयाचत। विवासं च रामस्य भरतस्याभिषेचनम्॥

Bound by the ties of duty in consequence of his promise, king Dasaratha banished his favourite son Rāma.

स सत्यवचनात् राजा धर्मपाशेन संयतः। विवासयामास सुतं रामं दशरथः प्रियम्॥

In pursuance of his father's promise, and with the view of compassing the pleasure of Kaikeyī, that heroic one, commanded by his sire, repaired to the forest.

स जगाम वनं वीरः प्रतिज्ञामनुपालयन्। पितुर्वचननिर्देशात् कैकेय्याः प्रियकारणात्॥

On the eve of his departure for the forest, that enhancer of Sumitrā's joy and favourite of his brother (Rāma), his dear brother Lakşmaņa, endowed with humility, displaying brotherliness, followed him out of affection.

तं व्रजन्तं प्रियो भ्राता लक्ष्मणोऽनुजगाम ह। स्नेहाद् विनयसम्पन्नः सुमित्रानन्दवर्धनः॥ भ्रातरं दयितो भ्रातुः सौभ्रात्रमनुदर्शयन्।

As Rohini followed with the moon, Rāma's beloved spouse, sprung in Janaka's line-like as an embodiment of Divine power-sear (Rāma) as life itself, and engaged in acts of good, and furnished with every auspicious mark, and the best of wives, followed Rāma. Having been followed far by his father Dasaratha along with the citizens.

रामस्य दयिता भार्या नित्यं प्राणसमाहिता॥ जनकस्य कुले जाता देवमायेव निर्मिता। सर्वलक्षणसम्पन्ना नारीणामुत्तमा वधूः॥ सीताप्यनुगता रामं शशिनं रोहिणी यथा। पौरैरनुगतो दूरं पित्रा दशरथेन च॥

Rāma met with the virtuous and beloved king of the Nişādas; and then in company with Guha, Laksmana, and Sita, Rama dismissed his charioteer on the banks of the Ganges at Srigaverapura.

शृङ्गवेरपुरे सुतं गङ्गाकूले व्यसर्जयत्। गुहमासाद्य धर्मात्मा निषादाधिपतिं प्रियम्॥ गुहेन सहितो रामो लक्ष्मणेन च सीतया।

Then wending from one forest to another, and having crossed many broad rivers, they, in accordance with Bharadvăja's directions, arrived at the Citrakūta; and constructing a romantic abode, the three began to live there.

ते वनेन वनं गत्वा नदीस्तीर्वा बहूदकाः॥ चित्रकूटमनुप्राप्य भरद्वाजस्य शासनात्। रम्यमावसथं कृत्वा रममाणा वने त्रयः॥

They spent their days in delight, in the company of gods and Gandharvas. And when Rāma had reached the Citrakuța, king Dasaratha, distressed on account of his son, went to heaven, bewailing the latter.

देवगन्धर्वसंकाशास्तत्र ते न्यवसन् सुखम्। चित्रकूटं गते रामे पुत्रशोकातुरस्तदा॥ राजा दशरथः स्वर्ग जगाम विलपन् सुतम्।

When king Dasaratha had passed away heaven, the mighty Bharata, although pressed by the Brāhmaṇas headed by Vasiştha, to rule the kingdom, did not wish for dominion. And that hero went the forest, with the view of propitiating Rāma.

गते तु तस्मिन् भरतो वसिष्ठप्रमुखैर्द्विजैः॥ नियुज्यमानो राज्याय नैच्छद् राज्यं महाबलः। स जगाम वनं वीरो रामपादप्रसादकः॥

Having come to the high-souled Rāma, with truth for his prowess, he besought his brother, with every mark of respect.

गत्वा तु स महात्मानं रामं सत्यपराक्रमम्। अयाचद् भ्रातरं राममार्यभावपुरस्कृतः॥

Bharata said, You are only the king conversant with Dharma. And the exceedingly generous, illustrious and mighty Rāma of a cheerful countenance did not wish for the kingdom, in consonance with his father's injunction. And having made over to Bharata, as his substitute on the throne, his own sandals, Bharata's elder brother repeatedly forbade him.

त्वमेव राजा धर्मज्ञ इति रामं वचोऽब्रवीत्। रामोऽपि परमोदारः सुमुखः सुमहायशाः॥ न चैच्छत् पितुरादेशाद् राज्यं रामो महाबलः। पादुके चास्य राज्याय न्यासं दत्त्वा पुनः पुनः॥ निवर्तयामास ततो भरतं भरताग्रजः।

And then Bharata, finding his desire not fulfilled, touched Rama's feet, and began to rule at Nandigrāma, expecting the return of Rāma.

स काममनवाप्यैव रामपादावुपस्पृशन्॥ नन्दिग्रामेऽकरोद् राज्यं रामागमनकाङ्क्षया।

And when the auspicious Bharata, firm in his promise and of subdued sense, had gone away, Rāma again perceiving there the influx of citizens and others, eagerly entered Dandaka.

गते तु भरते श्रीमान् सत्यसंधो जितेन्द्रियः॥ रामस्तु पुनरालक्ष्य नागरस्य जनस्य च। तत्रागमनमेकाग्रो दण्डकान् प्रविवेश ह॥

Having entered that mighty vast, the lotuseyed Rāma slew the Räkşasa Virädha, and saw Sarabhanga, Sutiksna, Agastya and Agastya's brother.

प्रविश्य तु महारण्यं रामो राजीवलोचनः । विराधं राक्षसं हत्वा शरभङ्गं ददर्श ह ॥ सुतीक्ष्णं चाप्यगस्त्यं च अगस्त्यभ्रातरं तथा।

He then, advised by Agastya, gladly possessed himself of Indra's bow, the inexhaustible arrows, the scimitar, and the quiver.

अगस्त्यवचनाच्चैव जग्राहैन्द्रं शरासनम्॥ खङ्गं च परमप्रीतस्तूणी चाक्षयसायको।

While Rāma was dwelling there with the rangers of forests, the sages came to him in a body, for the destruction of the Asuras and Raksasas.

वसतस्तस्य रामस्य वने वनचरैः सह॥ ऋषयोऽभ्यागमन् सर्वे वधायासुररक्षसाम्।

Thereupon in the presence of those ascetics like the flaming fire, inhabiting the Daņdaka forest, he promised to slay those Räkşasas in battle.

स तेषां प्रतिशुश्राव राक्षसानां तदा वने॥ प्रतिज्ञातश्च रामेण वधः संयति राक्षसाम्। ऋषीणामग्निकल्पानां दण्डकारण्यवासिनाम्॥

It was while he was living there that, that dweller of Janasthāna, the Rākṣasī Śūrpanakhā, capable of assuming any form at will, was disfigured.

तेन तत्रैव वसता जनस्थाननिवासिनी। विरूपिता शूर्पणखा राक्षसी कामरूपिणी॥

It was while living there in the society of the inhabitants of Janasthāna, that Rāma slew in battle the Rākşasas Khara and Trisiras and Dusana, together with their followers, who all had been stirred up by the words of Śūrpanakhā. And fourteen thousand Räksasas were slain in that battle.

ततः शूर्पणखावाक्यादुद्युक्तान् सर्वराक्षसान्। खरं त्रिशिरसं चैव दूषणं चैव राक्षसम्॥ निजधान रणे रामस्तेषां चैव पदानुगान्। वने तस्मिन् निवसता जनस्थाननिवासिनाम्॥ रक्षसां निहतान्यासन् सहस्राणि चतुर्दश।

Having learnt of the destruction of his relatives, Rāvaņa wrought into frenzy by anger, sought the help of a Rākşasa named Mārīca.

ततो ज्ञातिवधं श्रुत्वा रावणः क्रोधमूर्च्छितः।॥ सहायं वरयामास मारीचं नाम राक्षसम्।

And although strongly dissuaded by Mārīca, saying. You ought not to enter into hostilities with that powerful one. Do you, therefore, O Ravana, excuse me! yet, disregarding those words of his, Ravana, urged on by Fate, went into that asylum in company with Mārīca.

चार्यमाणः सु.हुशो मारीचेन स रावणः॥ न विरोधो बलवता क्षमो रावण तेन ते। अनादृत्य तु तद्वाक्यं रावणः कालचोदितः॥ जगाम सहमारीचस्तस्याश्रमपदं तदा।

That one (Mārīca) commanding illusions, having drawn far the king's sons (Rāma and Lakşmaņa), he (Rāvana) carried away Rāma's wife, slaying the vulture Jatayu.

तेन मायाविना दूरमपवाह्य नृपात्मजौ ॥ जहार भार्या रामस्य गृधं हत्वा जटायुषम्।

And beholding the vulture slain and learning of the kidnapping of Mithila's daughter, the descendant of Raghu, deprived of sense, bewailed in grief.

गृधं च निहतं दृष्ट्वा हृतां श्रुत्वा च मैथिलीम् ॥ राघवः शोकसंतप्तो विललापाकुलेन्द्रियः।

Having with unassuaged sorrow burnt the vulture Jațāyu, as he was searching for Sità in that forest, he fell in with a Rākṣasa, Kabandha by name, of a dreadful and deformed shape. Having slain him, the mighty-armed one burnt his body,-and thereupon he went to heaven.

ततस्तेनैव शोकेन गृधं दग्ध्वा जटायुषम्॥ मार्गमाणो वने सीतां राक्षसं संददर्श ह। कबन्धं नाम रूपेण विकृतं घोरदर्शनम्॥ तं निहत्य महाबाहुर्ददाह स्वर्गतश्च सः।

And the Rākşasa addressed Rama saying, O descendant of Raghu, Do you repair to the ascetic, Śabarī, conversant with all systems of morality.

स चास्य कथयामास शबरी धर्मचारिणीम्॥ श्रमणां धर्मनिपुणामभिगच्छेति राघव।

Repairing to Sabarī, that destroyer of foes, gifted with exceeding energy, Rāma, the son of Dasaratha, highly honoured by Sabari.

सोऽभ्यगच्छन्महातेजाः शबरीं शत्रुसूदनः॥ शबर्या पूजितः सम्यग् रामो दशरथात्मजः।

Than he met with Hanuman on the banks of the Pampā. Then, agreeably to Hanumān's advice, the exceedingly powerful Rāma saw Sugrīva. And detailed to him all specially touching Sitā.

पम्पातीरे हनुमता सङ्गतो वानरेण ह॥ हनुमद्वचनाच्चैव सुग्रीवेण समागतः। सुग्रीवाय च तत्सर्वं शंसद्रामो महाबलः।५९।। आदितस्तद् यथावृत्तं सीतायाश्च विशेषतः

Then the monkey Sugrīva, having heard all from Rāma was well pleased with Rāma, and in the presence of fire, made friends with him.

सुग्रीवश्चापि तत्सर्वं श्रुत्वा रामस्य वानरः॥ चकार सख्यं रामेण प्रीतश्चैवाग्निसाक्षिकम्।

Then the king of monkeys, out of friendship, mournfully related to him all about his hostilities with Vali.

ततो वानरराजेन वैरानुकथनं प्रति ॥ रामायावेदितं सर्वं प्रणयात् दुःखितेन च।

Then Ráma vowed that he would slay Vālī. Thereupon the monkey described to Raghava the prowess of Vālī, and he feared lest Räma should not prove a match for Válī.

प्रतिज्ञातं च रामेण तदा वालिवधं प्रति ॥ वालिनश्च बलं तत्र कथयामास वानरः। सुग्रीवः शङ्कितश्चासीनित्यं वीर्येण राघवे॥

And with the view of convincing Raghava (as to Vali's might), Sugriva showed to him the huge corpse of Dundubhi, resembling a hill.

राघवप्रत्ययार्थं तु दुन्दुभेः कायमुत्तमम्। दर्शयामास सुग्रीवो महापर्वतन्निभम्॥

And looking at the skeleton, Rāma endued with exceeding prowess, smiling the while, with his toe cast it off at the distance of full ninety miles.

उत्स्मयित्वा महाबाहुः प्रेक्ष्य चास्थि महाबलः। पादाङ्गुष्ठेन चिक्षेप सम्पूर्ण दशयोजनम्॥

With a single mighty shaft he pierced seven palmyra palms, a hill, and the sixth nether worlds, carrying conviction to Sugriva.

बिभेद च पुनस्तालान् सप्तैकेन महेषुणा। गिरिं रसातलं चैव जनयन् प्रत्ययं तदा॥

Thus convinced, the mighty monkey well pleased went with Rāma towards the cave called Kiskindha.

ततः प्रीतमनास्तेन विश्वस्तः स महाकपिः। किष्किन्धां रामसहितो जगाम च गुहां तदा॥

And having arrived there, that best of monkeys, Sugrīva of a tawny and golden hue, set up loud roars. And at those mighty sounds, out came the lord of monkeys; and having obtained Tārā's consent came before Sugrīva for battle. Then Rāghava killed Vālī on the spot with a single shaft.

ततोऽगर्जद्धरिवरः सुग्रीवो हेमपिङ्गलः। तेन नादेन महता निर्जगाम हरीश्वरः॥ अनुमान्य तदा तारां सुग्रीवेण समागतः। निजघान च तत्रैनं शरेणैकेन राघवः॥

And, in compliance with Sugrīva's request, having slain Vālī in battle, Raghava conferred the kingdom on Sugriva.

ततः सुग्रीववचनाद्धत्वा बालिनमाहवे। सुग्रीवमेव तद्राज्ये राघवः प्रत्यपादयत्॥

Then that best of monkeys having summoned all the various monkeys, sent them in various directions in search of Janaka's daughter.

स च सर्वान् समानीय वानरान् वानरर्षभः। दिशः प्रस्थापयामास दिदृक्षुर्जनकात्मजाम्।७१ ।।

Then at the suggestion of the vulture Sampāti, the mighty Hanuman crossed the salt sea extending for a hundred Yojanas (900 miles).

ततो गृध्रस्य वचनात् सम्पातेर्हनुमान् बली। शतयोजनविस्तीर्णं पुप्लुवे लवणार्णवम्॥

Thereby arriving at the city of Lankā, ruled by Rāvana, he found Sītā in the midst of an Asoka garden, absorbed in thought.

तंत्र लङ्कां समासाद्य मुरीं रावणपालिताम्। ददर्श सीतां ध्यायन्तीमशोकवनिकां गताम्॥

Then having shown her the sign, he rtlated to her all about the friendship between Rāma and Sugrīva, and having convinced Videha's daughter, he smashed the gate of the place.

निवेदयित्वाभिज्ञानं प्रवृत्तिं विनिवेद्य च। समाश्वास्य च वैदेहीं मर्दयामास तोरणम्॥

Then having slain five generals, and seven counsellors' sons, and crushed the heroic Aksa, he was bound fast (by the arms of Indrajit.)

पञ्च सेनाग्रगान् हत्वा सप्त मन्त्रिसुतानपि। शूरमक्षं च निक्षिप्य ग्रहणं समुपागमत्॥

Then knowing that in virtue of the grandsire's boon, he was free, he forgave those Raksasas that were leading him (to Ravana.)

अस्त्रेणोन्मुक्तमात्मानं ज्ञात्वा पैतामहाद् वरात्। मर्षयन् राक्षसान् वीरो यन्त्रिणस्तान् यदृच्छया॥

Then having burnt down the city of Lankā, with the exception of the place occupied by Mithila's daughter, the mighty one returned, with the intention of delivering the glad tidings to Rama.

ततो दग्ध्वा पुरीं लङ्कामृते सीतां च मैथिलीम्। रामाय प्रियमाख्यातुं पुनरायान्महाकपिः। ७७।।

That one of immeasurable soul having come before the high-souled Rāma, and circled him addressed him, saying,— I have truly seen Sītā.

सोऽभिगम्य महात्मानं कृत्वा रामं प्रदक्षिणम्। न्यवेदयदमेयात्मा दृष्टा सीतेति तत्त्वतः। ७८ ।।

Thereafter accompanied by Sugrīva, Rāma repaired to the shore of the mighty ocean, and with shafts resembling the sun, vexed the deep.

ततः सुग्रीवसहितो गत्वा तीरं महोदधेः। समुद्र क्षोभयामास शरैरादित्यसंनिभैः॥

Then that lord of rivers, the Ocean, showed himself. And agreeably to the advice of the Ocean, Nala constructed a bridge (over the water.)

दर्शयामास चात्मानं समुद्रः सरितां पतिः। समुद्रवचनाच्चैव नलं सेतुमकारयत्॥

By that bridge Rama went to the city of Lankā, and slew Rāvana in battle. And, having recovered Sītā, Rāma experienced high shame (in consequence of Sītā's having lived so long in Ravana's place.)

तेन गत्वा पुरी लङ्कां हत्वा रावणमाहवे। रामः सीतामनुप्राप्य परां व्रीडामुपागमत् ॥

Language towards Sītā in the presence of all. Incapable of bearing it, the chaste Sītā entered flaming fire.

तामुवाच ततो रामः परुषं जनसंसदि। अमृष्यमाणा सा सीता विवेश ज्वलनं सती॥

Thereupon assured by Agni as to the sinlessness of Sītā, Rāma became exceedingly pleased, and was honoured by all the deities. And at that great act of Rāma's the three worlds with all that was mobile and immobile in them, along with the sages and gods, were well pleased with the mighty-souled Rāghava.

ततोऽग्निवचनात् सीतां ज्ञात्वा विगतकल्मषाम्। कर्मणा तेन महता त्रैलोक्यं सचराचरम्॥ सदेवर्षिगणं तुष्टं राघवस्य महात्मनः।

Then installing that foremost of Rākşasas, Vibhișana, on the throne of Lankā, Rāma was perfectly easy, and rejoiced exceedingly.

बभौ रामः सम्प्रहृष्टः पूजितः सर्वदैवतैः५५८४ ।। अभिषिच्य च लङ्कायां राक्षसेन्द्रं विभीषणम्। कृतकृत्यस्तदा रामो विज्वरः प्रमुमोद ह॥

Then Rāma, obtaining a boon from the celestials, revived the monkeys fallen in battle, and surrounded by friends, set out for Ayodhyā on the Puspaka.

देवताभ्यो वरं प्राप्य समुत्थाप्य च वानरान्। अयोध्या प्रस्थितो रामः पुष्पकेण सुहृद्वृतः॥

And repairing to Bharadvāja's hermitage, Rāma, having truth for his prowess, despatched Hanuman to Bharata.

भरद्वाजाश्रमं गत्वा रामः सत्यपराक्रमः। भरतस्यान्तिके रामो हनूमन्तं व्यसर्जयत् ॥

Then talking over past affairs, accompanied with Sugriva, Rama, mounted on the Puspaka, and departed for Nandigrāma.

पुनराख्यायिकां जल्पन् सुग्रीवसहितस्तदा। पुष्पकं तत् समारुह्य नन्दिग्रामं ययौ तदा॥

Having arrived at Nandigrāma, the sinless Rāma sheared himself of his matted locks along with his brothers, and having regained Sītā, got back his kingdom

नन्दिग्रामे जटां हित्वा भ्रातृभिः सहितोऽनघः। रामः सीतामनुप्राप्य राज्यं पुनरवाप्तवान्॥

(During his reign) his subjects will enjoy happiness, and contentment, and become hale, and grow in righteousness, and be devoid of mental disquietude and disease, and free from the fear of famine.

प्रहृष्टमुदितो रेकस्तुष्टः पुष्टः सुधार्मिकः। निरामयो रोगश्च दुर्भिक्षभयवर्जितः॥

Where a no person is to witness his son's death, and women will be ever chaste, and never bear widow-hood.

न पुत्रमरणं केचिद् द्रक्ष्यन्ति पुरुषाः क्वचित्। नार्यश्चाविधवा नित्यं भविष्यन्ति पतिव्रताः॥

And no fear of conflagration (will exercise people), nor creatures be drowned in water. And no danger will come from hunger, or from thieves. And all will live happily as at the Krta age.

न चाग्निजं भयं किंचिन्नाप्सु मज्जन्ति जन्तवः। न वातजं भयं किंचिन्नापि ज्वरकृतं तथा॥ न चापि क्षुद्भयं तत्र न तस्करभयं तथा। नगराणि च राष्ट्राणि धनधान्ययुतानि च॥ नित्यं प्रमुदिताः सर्वे यथा कृतयुगे तथा।

Having performed with countless gold an hundred horse-sacrifices, and bestowed with due rites ayutas and kotis* of kine on learned persons, and countless wealth famous Brāhmaṇas, Rāghava will establish an bundred royal families, and will employ each of the four castes in its own duties. Ayuta is ten thousand; and koti is ten millions.

अश्वमेधशतैरिष्ट्वा तथा बहुसुवर्णकैः॥ गवां कोट्ययुतं दत्त्वा विद्वद्भयो विधिपूर्वकम्। असंख्येयं धनं दत्त्वा ब्राह्मणेभ्यो महायशाः॥ राजवंशाञ्छतगुणान् स्थापयिष्यति राघवः। चातुर्वयं च लोकेऽस्मिन् स्वे स्वे धर्मे नियोक्ष्यति।।९६

And having reigned for ten thousand and as many hundred years. Rāma will depart for the regions of Brahmā.

दशवर्षसहस्राणि दशवर्षशतानि च। रामो राज्यमुपासित्वा ब्रह्मलोकं प्रयास्यति॥

He that reads this sacred, sin-destroying, merit-bestowing history of Rāma like that of the Veda itself, becomes cleansed from all sin.

इदं पवित्रं पापघ्नं पुण्यं वेदैश्च सम्मितम्। यः पठेत् रामचरितं सर्वपापैः प्रमुच्यते॥

And the man that reads this Rāmāyaṇa conferring length of days, after death, is on honoured in heaven, along with his sons, and grandsons, and relations.

एतदाख्यानमायुष्यं पठन् रामायणं नरः। सपुत्रपौत्रः सगणः प्रेत्य स्वर्गे महायते॥

If a Brāhmaṇa reads it, he attains excellence in speech; if a Kșatriya, he will acquire lordship over landed possessions, if a Vaisya, abundance of wealth in trade; and if a Sudra, greatness.

पठन् द्विजो वागृषभत्वमीयात् स्यात् क्षत्रियो भूमिपतित्वमीयात्। ज्जनश्च शूद्रोऽपि महत्त्वमीयात्॥

Hearing those words of Nārada, that one of virtuous soul, skilled in speech, together with his disciples, worshipped that great sage.

नारदस्य तु तद् वाक्यं श्रुत्वा वाक्यविशारदः। पूजयामास धर्मात्मा सह शिष्यो महामुनिम्॥

Having received due honours, that Devarși Nārada taking leave of him went to his ethereal regions.

यथावत् पूजितस्तेन देवर्षि रदस्तथा। आपृच्छयैवाभ्यनुज्ञातः स जगाम विहायसम्॥

And when Nārada had left for the celestial regions, that holy person went to the banks of the Tamasā not very far from Jāhnavī.

स मुहूर्तं गते तस्मिन् देवलोकं मुनिस्तदा। जगाम तमसातीरं जाह्नव्यास्त्वविदूरतः॥

And having arrived at the banks of that river, the pious one, observing a holy spot devoid of mud, spoke to his disciple standing by.

स तु तीरं समासाद्य तमसाया मुनिस्तदा। शिष्यमाह स्थितं पार्श्वे दृष्ट्वा तीर्थमकर्दमम्॥

Saying-O Bharadvāja, behold this holy spot devoid of mud. And it is beautiful, and contains pleasant waters, even like the minds of good men.

अकर्दममिदं तीर्थे भरद्वाज निशामय। रमणीयं प्रसन्नाम्बु सन्मनुष्यमनो यथा।५।।

O child, do you, put down your pitcher, and give me my bark. I will bathe even in this Tamasā, the best of holy spots.

न्यस्यतां कलशस्तात दीयतां वल्कलं मम। इदमेवावगाहिष्ये तमसातीर्थमुत्तमम्॥

Thus accosted by the high-souled Vālmīki, Bharadvāja ever intent upon serving his spiritual guide, presented the sage his bark.

एवमुक्तो भरद्वाजो वाल्मीकेन महात्मना। प्रायच्छत मुनेस्तस्य वल्कलं नियतो गुरुः॥

That one of subdued senses, having received his bark from his disciple, began to range around, surveying that extensive forest.

स शिष्याहस्तदादाय वल्कलं नियतेन्द्रियः। विचचार ह पश्यंस्तत् सर्वतो विपुलं वनम्।।।।।

In the vicinity of the forest, that worshipful one espied a pair of Krauñcas, emitting melodious notes, and ranging around never parting from one another.

तस्याभ्याशे तु मिथुनं चरन्तमनपायिनम्। ददर्श भगवांस्तत्र क्रौञ्चयोश्चारुनिःस्वनम्॥

At this juncture, a wicked-minded fowler, singling out the male, without any cause of hostility, slew him in the very presence of the holy man.

तस्मात् तु मिथुनादेकं पुमांसं पापनिश्चयः। जघान वैरनिलयो निषादस्तस्य पश्यतः॥

Observing him struggling on the earth, bathed in blood, his female companion began to bewail in piteous accents.

तं शोणितपरीताङ्ग चेष्टमानं महीतले। भार्या तु निहतं दृष्ट्वा रुराव करुणां गिरम्॥

At the prospect of her separation from her copper-crested oviparous husband, engaged in sport with extended plumage.

वियुक्ता पतिना तेन द्विजेन सहचारिणा। ताम्रशीर्षेण मत्तेन पत्रिणा सहितेन वै॥

Finding the bird in that condition thus brought down by the fowler, the pity of that pious and righteous-souled Rși was excited exceedingly.

तथाविधं द्विजं दृष्ट्वा निषादेन निपातितम्। ऋषेर्धर्मात्मनस्तस्य कारुण्यं समपद्यत॥

Then considering it to be an unrighteous deed, with a heart moved with pity, that twice-born one, beholding the weeping Krauñci, spoke these words.

ततः करुणवेदित्वादधर्मोऽयमिति द्विजः। निशाम्य रुदती क्रौञ्चीमिदं वचनमब्रवीत्॥

O fowler, since you have slain one of a pair of Krauñcas, you shall never attain prosperity (respect)!

मा निषाद प्रतिष्ठां त्वमगमः शाश्वतीः समाः। यत् क्रौञ्चमिथुनादेकमवधीः काममोहितम्॥

Having uttered this, he got worried within himself, What is this that I have said, afflicted with grief for the bird?

तस्येत्थं ब्रुवतश्चिन्ता बभूव हृदि वीक्षतः। शोकार्तेनास्य शकुनेः किमिदं व्याहृतं मया॥

Resolving thus in his mind, that highly-wise one and best of sages addressed his disciple, saying.

चिन्तयन् स महाप्राज्ञश्चकार मतिमान्मतिम्। शिष्यं चैवाब्रवीद् वाक्यमिदं स मुनिपुङ्गवः॥

This speech that I have uttered is of equal bound with metre and accents; it has rhythm and is capable of being chanted according to measure to stringed accompaniment. Let it therefore go forth as a sloka!

पादबद्धोऽक्षरसमस्तन्त्रीलयसमन्वितः। शोकार्तस्य प्रवृत्तो मे श्लोको भवतु नान्यथा॥

When the sage had spoken thus, his disciple, well pleased, assented to his excellent speech; and thereat that pious person was gratified.

शिष्यस्तु तस्य ब्रुवतो मुनेर्वाक्यमनुत्तमम्। प्रतिजग्राह संतुष्टस्तस्य तुष्टोऽभवन्मुनि ॥