ततः परिषदं सर्वामामन्त्र्य वसुधाधिपः | हितमुद्धर्षणं चैवमुवाच प्रथितं वचः || २-२-१
tataH parishhadaM sarvaamaamantrya vasudhaadhipaH | hitamuddharshhaNaM chaivamuvaacha prathitaM vachaH || 2-2-1
Addressing invited gathering in the court, Dasaratha spoke in friendly, pleasing and clear terms.
दुन्धुभिस्वनकल्पेन गम्भीरेणानुनादिना | स्वरेण महता राजा जीमूत इव नादयन् || २-२-२ राजलक्षणयुक्तेन कान्तेनानुपमेन च | उवाच रसयुक्तेन स्वरेण नृपतिर्नृपान् || २-२-३
dundhubhisvanakalpena gambhiireNaanunaadinaa | svareNa mahataa raajaa jiimuuta iva naadayan || 2-2-2 raajalakshaNayuktena kaantenaanupamena cha | uvaacha rasayuktena svareNa nR^ipatirnR^ipaan || 2-2-3
In a loud voice resembling that of a kettle-drum, resounding the air like a thundering cloud and in a sweet splendid and incomparable voice endowed with the characteristics of a king's voice, King Dasaratha the lord of men spoke to the kings as follows:
विदितं भवतामेतद्यथा मे राज्यमुत्तमम् | पूर्वकैर्मम राजेन्द्रैस्सुतवत् परिपालितम् || २-२-४
so.ahamikshhvaakubhiH sarvairnarendraiH paripaalitam | shreyasaa yoktukaamo.asmi sukhaarhamakhilaM jagat || 2-2-5
"It is well known that my excellent kingdom was ruled by my ancestral kings as if it were their son."
सोऽहमिक्ष्ह्वाकुभिः सर्वैर्नरेन्द्रैः परिपालितम् | श्रेयसा योक्तुकामोऽस्मि सुखार्हमखिलं जगत् || २-२-५
mayaapyaacharitaM puurvaiH panthaanamanugachchhataa | prajaa nityamanidreNa yathaashaktyabhirakshitaaH || 2-2-6
"I have a desire that this entire land which was protected by the descendents of Ikshvaaku dynasty, be bestowed with goodness and the resultant happiness."
मयाप्याचरितं पूर्वैः पन्थानमनुगच्छता | प्रजा नित्यमनिद्रेण यथाशक्त्यभिरक्षिताः || २-२-६
idaM shariiraM kR^itsnasya lokasya charataa hitam | paaNdurasyaatapatrasya chchhaayaayaaM jaritaM mayaa || 2-2-7
"Following the path established by my ancestors, I have always protected my people with alertness and to the best of my ability."
इदं शरीरं कृत्स्नस्य लोकस्य चरता हितम् | पाण्डुरस्यातपत्रस्य च्छायायां जरितं मया || २-२-७
praapya varshhasahasraaNi bahuu nyaayuuMshhi jiivataH | jiirNasyaasya shariirasya vishraanti mabhirochaye || 2-2-8
"In conducting the kingdom for benefit of the entire people, my body became impaired under shade of the white umbrella."
प्राप्य वर्षसहस्राणि बहू न्यायूंषि जीवतः | जीर्णस्यास्य शरीरस्य विश्रान्ति मभिरोचये || २-२-८
raajaprabhaavajushhTaam hi durvahaamajitendriyaiH | parishraanto.asmi lokasya gurviiM dharmadhuraM vahan || 2-2-9
"This body has been living for many thousands of years. Hence I desire rest."
राजप्रभावजुष्टां हि दुर्वहामजितेन्द्रियैः | परिश्रान्तोऽस्मि लोकस्य गुर्वीं धर्मधुरं वहन् || २-२-९
so.ahaM vishramamichchhaami putraM kR^itvaa prajaahite | sannikR^ishhTaanimaan sarvaananumaanya dvijarshhabhaan || 2-2-10
"This burden of worldly righteousness is very heavy. This can be sustained only by royal power with qualities like courage and valor. A person who has no control of senses can not carry this burden. I have become tired while carrying this burden of righteousness. "
सोऽहं विश्रममिच्छामि पुत्रं कृत्वा प्रजाहिते | सन्निकृष्टानिमान् सर्वाननुमान्य द्विजर्षभान् || २-२-१०
anujaato hi maaM sarvairguNairjyeshhTho mamaatmajaH | purandarasamo viirye raamaH parapuraMjayaH || 2-2-11
"I desire to take rest, entrusting the rule to my son for the benefit of the people, after obtaining consent from all those best Brahmans who are close to me."
अनुजातो हि मां सर्वैर्गुणैर्ज्येष्ठो ममात्मजः | पुरन्दरसमो वीर्ये रामः परपुरंजयः || २-२-११
taM chandramiva pushhyeNa yuktaM dharmabhR^itaaM varam | yauvaraajye niyoktaasmi priitaH purushhapuN^gavam || 2-2-12
"My eldest son Rama is equal to Devendra in valor. He is the conqueror of cities of enemies. He is equal to me in all qualities."
तं चन्द्रमिव पुष्येण युक्तं धर्मभृतां वरम् | यौवराज्ये नियोक्तास्मि प्रीतः पुरुषपुंगवम् || २-२-१२
anuruupaH sa vai naatho lakshmiivaan lakshmaNaagrajaH | trailokyamapi naathena yena syaannaathavattaram || 2-2-13
"Joyfully, I shall appoint Rama, who shines like the moon together with Pushya star, who is the best among the protectors of righteousness and who is an excellent man, to the realm of prince."
अनुरूपः स वै नाथो लक्ष्मीवान् लक्ष्मणाग्रजः | त्रैलोक्यमपि नाथेन येन स्यान्नाथवत्तरम् || २-२-१३
anena shreyasaa sadyaH samyojyaivamimaaM mahiim | gataklesho bhavishhyaami sute tasminniveshya vai || 2-2-14
"If Rama becomes the lord, the three worlds also will have the best master. He is a glorious man. That Rama is the only fittest lord for the kingdom."
अनेन श्रेयसा सद्यः संयोक्ष्येऽहमिमां महीम् | गतक्लेशो भविष्यामि सुते तस्मिन्निवेश्य वै || २-२-१४
yadiidam me.anuruupaardhaM mayaa saadhu sumantritam | bhavanto me.anumanyantaaM kathaM vaa karavaaNyaham || 2-2-15
"By entrusting this kingdom to Rama, I shall be thus doing an immediate good and shall be devoid of difficulties."
यदीदम् मेऽनुरुपार्थं मया साधु सुमन्त्रितम् | भवन्तो मेऽनुमन्यन्तां कथं वा करवाण्यहम् || २-२-१५
yadyapyeshhaa mama priitirhitamanyadvichintyataam | anyaa madyasthachintaa hi vimardaabhyadhikodayaa || 2-2-16
"I am telling this after lot of thinking. Give consent to me if you feel this to be good and befitting. How else shall I do it?"
यद्यप्येषा मम प्रीतिर्हितमन्यद्विचिन्त्यताम् | अन्या मद्यस्थचिन्ता हि विमर्दाभ्यधिकोदया || २-२-१६
iti bR^ivantaM muditaaH pratyanandan nR^ipaa nR^ipam | vR^ishhtimantaM mahaameghaM nardanta iva barhiNaH || 2-2-17
"This is my desire. Yet, let there be thinking on any other beneficial way. Thinking by impartial neutral people will be distinctive and well developed through grinding of opposing views."
इति ब्रुवन्तं मुदिताः प्रत्यनन्दन् नृपा नृपम् | वृष्टिमन्तं महामेघं नर्दन्त इव बर्हिणः || २-२-१७
snigdho.anunaadii samjaGYe tatra harshhasamiiritaH | janaughodghushhTasannaado vimaanaM kampayanniva || 2-2-18
Those delighted kings complimented king Dasaratha so speaking with a loud applause as the peacocks cry in delight when they see the raining great cloud.
स्निग्धोऽनुनादी संजज्ञे तत्र हर्षसमीरितः | जनौघोद्घुष्टसन्नादो विमानं कम्पयन्निव || २-२-१८
tasya dharmaarthavidushho bhaavamaaGYaaya sarvashaH | braahmaNaa janamukhyaashcha paurajaanapadaiH saha || 2-2-19 sametya mantrayitvaa tu samataagatabuddhayaH | uuchushcha manasaa GYaatvaa vR^iddhaM dasharathaM nR^ipam || 2-2-20
That building appeared trembling by the sweet and reverberating sound made by the gathering of people there with their fond uproar.
तस्य धर्मार्थविदुषो भावमाज्ञाय सर्वशः | ब्राह्मणा जनमुख्याश्च पौरजानपदैः सह || २-२-१९ समेत्य मन्त्रयित्वा तु समतागतबुद्धयः | ऊचुश्च मनसा ज्ञात्वा वृद्धं दशरथं नृपम् || २-२-२०
anekavarshhasaahasro vR^iddhasttvamasi paarthiva | sa raamaM yuvaraajaanamabhishhi~nchasva paarthivam || 2-2-21
After understanding the opinion of King Dasaratha, who knew the holy and worldly matters, the Brahmans, important people, urban and rural citizens came to a consensus after discussing together and told the aged king as follows.
अनेकवर्षसाहस्रो वृद्धस्त्त्वमसि पार्थिव | स रामं युवराजानमभिषिञ्चस्व पार्थिवम् || २-२-२१
iti tadvachanaM shrutvaa raajaa teshhaaM manaHpriyam | ajaananniva jiGYaasuridaM vachanamabraviit || 2-2-23
"Oh king! You are an elderly person with thousands of years of age. Hence, inaugurate Rama as the ruling prince."
इच्छामो हि महाबाहुं रघुवीरं महाबलम् | गजेन महता यान्तं रामं छत्रावृताननम् || २-२-२२
shrutvaiva vachanaM yanme raaghavaM patimichchhatha | raajaanaH saMshayo.ayaM me tadidaM bruuta tattvataH || 2-2-24
"All of us want to see Rama, with long arms, the hero with great might born in the clan of Raghu , his face protected by a white umbrella, moving on a great elephant."
इति तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा राजा तेषां मनःप्रियम् | अजानन्निव जिज्ञासुरिदं वचनमब्रवीत् || २-२-२३
kathaM nu mayi dharmeNa pR^ithiviimanushaasati | bhavanto drashhTumichchhanti yuvaraajaM mamaatmajam || 2-2-25
King Dasaratha, after hearing their words, spoke as follows as though he did not know their mind earlier and sought to know their true intention.
श्रुत्वैव वचनं यन्मे राघवं पतिमिच्छथ | राजानः संशयोऽयं मे तदिदं ब्रूत तत्त्वतः || २-२-२४
te tamuuchurmahaatmaanaM paurajaanapadaiH saha | bahavo nR^ipa kalyaaNaa guNaaH putrasya santi te || 2-2-26
"Oh kings, I have a doubt as to why you want Raghava to be the king immediately after hearing my words. Inform your real opinion in this matter."
कथं नु मयि धर्मेण पृथिवीमनुशासति | भवन्तो द्रष्टुमिच्छन्ति युवराजं ममात्मजम् || २-२-२५
guNaan guNavato deva devakalpasya dhiimataH | priyaanaanandadaan kR^itsnaan pravakshyaamo.adyataan shR^iNu || 2-2-27
"Why do you desire to see my son as the prince, when I am ruling this earth with righteousness?"
ते तमूचुर्महात्मानं पौरजानपदैः सह | बहवो नृप कल्याणा गुणाः पुत्रस्य सन्ति ते || २-२-२६
divyairguNaiH shakrasamo raamaH satyaparaakramaH | ikshvaakubhyo.api sarvebhyo hyatirikto vishaaMpate || 2-2-28
Those kings together with urban and rural citizens after hearing those words spoke to the great soul Dasaratha as follows: "Oh king! Your son Rama has many auspicious virtues".
गुणान् गुणवतो देव देवकल्पस्य धीमतः | प्रियानानन्ददान् कृत्स्नान् प्रवक्ष्यामोऽद्यतान् शृणु || २-२-२७
raamaH satpurushho loke satyadharmaparaayaNaH | saakshhaadraamaadvinirvR^itto dharmashchaapi shriyaa saha || 2-2-29
"Oh king! We shall tell you now the various virtues of your wise son, listen to them. His qualities are equal to those of celestials. They are liked by all. They give happiness to all."
दिव्यैर्गुणैः शक्रसमो रामः सत्यपराक्रमः | इक्ष्वाकुभ्योऽपि सर्वेभ्यो ह्यतिरिक्तो विशांपते || २-२-२८
prajaasukhatve chandrasya vasudhaayaaH kshhamaaguNaiH | budhyaa bR^ihaspatestulyo viirye saakshaachchhachiipateH || 2-2-30
"Oh king! Rama is equal to Devendra in heavenly qualities. He has true valor. He is greater than all the kings born in Ikshvaaku clan."
रामः सत्पुरुषो लोके सत्यधर्मपरायणः | साक्षाद्रामाद्विनिर्वृत्तो धर्मश्चापि श्रिया सह || २-२-२९
dharmajaGYaH satyasandhashcha shiilavaananasuuyakaH | kshaantaH saantvayitaa shlakshhNaH kR^itaGYo vijitendriyaH || 2-2-31
"Rama is the world renowned gentleman. He is keenly interested in truth and righteousness. Only Rama can make both righteousness and wealth combine without separation."
प्रजासुखत्वे चन्द्रस्य वसुधायाः क्ष्हमागुणैः | बुध्या बृहस्पतेस्तुल्यो वीर्ये साक्षाच्छचीपतेः || २-२-३०
mR^idushcha sthirachittashcha sadaa bhavyo.anasuuyakaH | priyavaadii cha bhuutaanaam satyavaadii cha raaghavaH || 2-2-32 bahushrutaanaaM vR^iddhaanaaM braahmaNaanaamupaasitaa | tenaa syehaatulaa kiirtiryashastejashcha vardhate || 2-2-33
"He is equal to moon in making the people happy; equal to the earth in the quality of forgiveness; equal to Brihaspati in wisdom and verily to Devendra in valour."
धर्मज्ञः सत्यसन्धश्च शीलवाननसूयकः | क्षान्तः सान्त्वयिता श्लक्ष्ह्णः कृतज्ञो विजितेन्द्रियः || २-२-३१
devaasuramanushhyaaNaaM sarvaastreshhu vishaaradaH | samyagvidyaavratasnaato yathavatsaaN^gavedavit || 2-2-34
"Rama knows all righteousness. He is true to his word and has good character. He has no envy. He has patience. He consoles those who are in troubles. He speaks good words. He has gratitude. He keeps senses under control."
मृदुश्च स्थिरचित्तश्च सदा भव्योऽनसूयकः | प्रियवादी च भूतानां सत्यवादी च राघवः || २-२-३२ बहुश्रुतानां वृद्धानां ब्राह्मणानामुपासिता | तेना स्येहातुला कीर्तिर्यशस्तेजश्च वर्धते || २-२-३३
gaandharve cha bhuvi shreshhTho babhuuva bharataagrajaH | kalyaaNaabhijanaH saadhuradiinaatmaa mahaamatiH || 2-2-35
"Rama is soft natured; has stable mind, always an auspicious man, and has no envy. He speaks truthful and loving words to all living beings. He worships aged Brahmans endued with the knowledge of various sciences. By that, his name, glory and splendor are growing in this world."
देवासुरमनुष्याणां सर्वास्त्रेषु विशारदः | सम्यग्विद्याव्रतस्नातो यथावत्साङ्गेवेदवित् || २-२-३४
saMgraamaatpunaraagamya kuN^jareNa rathena vaa || 2-2-37 pauraan svajanavannityam kushalaM paripR^ichchhati | putreshhvagnishhu daareshhu preshhyashishhyagaNeshhu cha || 2-2-38 nikhilenaanupuurvyaachcha pitaa putraanivaurasaan |
"He is skilled in the use of various weapons known to celestials, demons and men. He has duly concluded his vow of studying the various sciences and has systematically learnt all the Vedas along with its branches. *"
गान्धर्वे च भुवि श्रेष्ठो बभूव भरताग्रजः | कल्याणाभिजनः साधुरदीनात्मा महामतिः || २-२-३५
shushruushhante cha vaH shishhyaaH kachitkarmasu daMshitaaH || 2-2-39 iti naH purushhavyaaghraH sadaa raamo.abhibhaashhate |
"Rama is best in the world in the art of music. He has best relatives. He is gentle. He is not weak in mind. He has great wisdom."
द्विजैरभिविनीतश्च श्रेष्ठैर्धर्मार्थनैपुणैः | यदा व्रजति संग्रामं ग्रामार्थे नगरस्य वा || २-२-३६ गत्वा सौमित्रिसहितो नाविजित्य निवर्तते |
vyasaneshhu manushhyaaNaaM bhR^ishaM bhavati duHkhitaH || 2-2-40 utsaveshhu cha sarveshhu piteva paritushhyati |
"Rama was trained in all matters from the best of Brahmans skilled in the art of righteousness and in the science of political economy. If it is necessary to go to a battle to protect a village or a city, Rama goes with Lakshmana and returns home only after obtaining victory."
संग्रामात्पुनरागम्य कुञ्जरेण रथेन वा || २-२-३७ पौरान् स्वजनवन्नित्यं कुशलं परिपृच्छति | पुत्रेष्वग्निषु दारेषु प्रेष्यशिष्यगणेषु च || २-२-३८ निखिलेनानुपूर्व्याच्च पिता पुत्रानिवौरसान् |
satyavaadii maheshhvaaso vR^iddhasevii jitendriyaH || 2-2-41 smitapuurvaabhibhaashhii cha dharmaM sarvaatmanaa shritaH |
"After returning from battle, Rama goes to citizens on an elephant or a chariot and inquires about their well being as though they were his own kinsmen, like a father does to his sons. He asks about their wives and children, about the sacred fires, about their servants and students, always completely as per the due order."
शुश्रूषन्ते च वः शिष्याः कच्चित्कर्मसु दंशिताः || २-२-३९ इति नः पुरुषव्याघ्रः सदा रामोऽभिभाषते |
subhruuraayatataamraakshhassaakshhaadvishhNuriva svayam || 2-2-43 raamo lokaabhiraamo.ayaM shauryaviiryaparaakramaiH |
"Rama the best among men always asks us interrogatively thus: 'Are your disciples serving you by keenly performing their actions?' "
व्यसनेषु मनुष्याणां भृशं भवति दुःखितः || २-२-४० उत्सवेषु च सर्वेषु पितेव परितुष्यति |
prajaapaalanatattvaGYo na raagopahatendriyaH || 2-2-44 shaktastrailokyamapyeko bhoktuM kiM nu mahiimimaam |
"Rama feels very sad towards afflictions of men; and feels delighted in all functions celebrated by people on the occasions of child birth and the like, just as their own father does."
सत्यवादी महेष्वासो वृद्धसेवी जितेन्द्रियः || २-२-४१ स्मितपूर्वाभिभाषी च धर्मं सर्वात्मना श्रितः |
naa.asya krodhaH prasaadashcha nirartho.asti kadaachana || 2-2-45 hantyeva niyamaadvadhyaanavadhye cha na kupyati |
"Rama speaks only truth. He is a great hero. He serves elders. He kept the senses under control. Rama, who talks smilingly, protects righteousness in all ways."
सम्यग्योक्ता श्रेयसां च न विगृह्य कथारुचिः || २-२-४२ उत्तरोत्तरयुक्तौ च वक्ता वाचस्पतिर्यथा |
yunaktyarthaiH prahR^ishhTashcha tamasau yatra tushhyati || 2-2-46 shaantaiH sarvaprajaakaantaiH priitisaMjananairnR^iNaam | guNairviruruche raamo diiptaH suurya ivaaMshubhiH || 2-2-47
"Rama duly procures beneficent deeds. He is not interested in wrangling talks. He is an orator like Brihaspati by his replies and rejoinders."
सुभ्रूरायतताम्राक्षः साक्षाद् विष्णुरिव स्वयम् || २-२-४३ रामो लोकाभिरामोऽयं शौर्यवीर्यपराक्रमैः |
tamevaMguNasampannaM raamaM satyaparaakramam | lokapaalopamaM naathamakaamayata medinii || 2-2-48
"Rama, who enchants the world, has beautiful eyebrows. He has red and broad eyes. He is absolutely like the God Vishnu himself in strength, heroism and valour."
प्रजापालनतत्त्वज्ञो न रागोपहतेन्द्रियः || २-२-४४ शक्तस्त्रैलोक्यमप्येको भोक्तुं किं नु महीमिमाम् |
vatsaH shreyasi jaataste dishhTyaasau tava raaghava | dishhTyaa putraguNairyukto maariicha iva kaashyapaH || 2-2-49
"He knew the ins and outs of public administration. His senses are not afflicted by passion. He is capable of administering not only earth, but also the three worlds."
नाऽस्य क्रोधः प्रसादश्च निरर्थोऽस्ति कदाचन || २-२-४५ हन्त्येव नियमाद्वध्यानवध्ये च न कुप्यति |
balamaarogyamaayushcha raamasya viditaatmanaH | devaasuramanushhyeshhu sagandharvorageshhu cha || 2-2-50 aashaMsate janaH sarvo raashhTre puravare tathaa | aabhyantarashcha baahyashcha paurajaanapado janaH || 2-2-51
"Rama's anger or mercy is not arbitrary at any time. He kills those who are to be slain as per rules. He is not angered at the innocent."
युनक्त्यर्थैः प्रहृष्टश्च तमसौ यत्र तुष्यति || २-२-४६ शान्तैः सर्वप्रजाकान्तैः प्रीतिसंजननैर्नृणाम् | गुणैर्विरुरुचे रामो दीप्तः सूर्य इवांशुभिः || २-२-४७
striyo vR^iddhaastaruNyashcha saayaM praataH samaahitaaH | sarvaan devaan namasyanti raamasyaarthe yashasvinaH || 2-2-52
"He gladly bestows wealth to those with whom he is satisfied. As the sun shines by his rays, Rama shines by his qualities that are peaceful, which are enchanting and delightful to men."
तमेवंगुणसम्पन्नं रामं सत्यपराक्रमम् | लोकपालोपमं नाथमकामयत मेदिनी || २-२-४८
taM devadevopamamaatmajaM te | sarvasya lokasya hite nivishhTam | hitaaya naH kshhipramudaarajushhTaM | mudaabhishhektum varada tva marhasi || 2-2-54
"All people desire Rama, who is endowed with this wealth of qualities, who has true valour, who is equal to presiding deities like Devendra, to be their lord."
वत्सः श्रेयसि जातस्ते दिष्ट्यासौ तव राघव | दिष्ट्या पुत्रगुणैर्युक्तो मारीच इव काश्यपः || २-२-४९
"Oh king Dasaratha! Rama is born to you as a son, because of your good fortune, for the welfare of this world. He has all the virtues befitting of a son, like Kasyapa, the son of Marichi."
बलमारोग्यमायुश्च रामस्य विदितात्मनः | देवासुरमनुष्येषु सगन्धर्वोरगेषु च || २-२-५० आशंसते जनः सर्वो राष्ट्रे पुरवरे तथा | आभ्यन्तरश्च बाह्यश्च पौरजानपदो जनः || २-२-५१
"All people in the state including those in the capital as well as those in the nearby and in the far off places, pray for long life, health and strength of Rama of reputed nature."
स्त्रियो वृद्धास्तरुण्यश्च सायं प्रातः समाहिताः | सर्वान् देवान् नमस्यन्ति रामस्यार्थे यशस्विनः || २-२-५२
"Both young and aged women are praying with a stable mind each morning and evening to all celestials, for the benefit of renowned Rama."
तेषामायाचितं देव त्वत्प्रसादा त्समृद्ध्यताम् | राममिन्दीवरश्यामं सर्वशत्रुनिबर्हणम् || २-२-५३ पश्यामो यौवराज्यस्थं तव राजोत्तमाऽअत्मजम् |
"Oh best of kings, Dasaratha ! We shall see Rama adorned with princely kingdom. Your son Rama has the complexion of a black lotus flower and annihilates all his enemies. Let the wish of the people be fulfilled by your grace."
तं देवदेवोपममात्मजं ते | सर्वस्य लोकस्य हिते निविष्टम् | हिताय नः क्ष्हिप्रमुदारजुष्टं | मुदाभिषेक्तुं वरद त्व मर्हसि || २-२-५४
"Oh fulfiller of people's desires, Dasaratha! For our benefit, you gladly and immediately inaugurate your son Rama, who is equal to Vishnu, who is interested in the welfare of the entire world and who is possessing the best of virtues."
