विशालान् कोसलान् रम्यान् यात्वा लक्ष्मण पूर्वजः | अयोध्याभिमुखो धीमान् प्राञ्ञ्लिर्वाक्वमब्रवीत् || २-५०-१
vishaalaan kosalaan ramyaan yaatvaa lakShmaNa puurvajaH | ayodhyaabhimukho dhiimaan praaJNJNlirvaakvamabraviit || 2-50-1
Having traveled the extensive and beautiful Kosala territory and standing with his face turned towards Ayodhya, the wise Rama with joined palms spoke the following words:
आपृच्छे त्वाम् पुरीश्रेष्ठे काकुत्स्थपरिपालिते | दैवतानि च यानि त्वाम् पालयन्त्यावसन्ति च || २-५०-२
aapR^ichchhe tvaam puriishreshhThe kaakutsthaparipaalite | daivataani cha yaani tvaam paalayantyaavasanti cha || 2-50-2
"I bid farewell to you, Oh best of the cities, carefully protected by Dasaratha born in Kakutstha dynasty, as well as of the deities who protect you and dwell in you."
निवृत्तवनवासस्त्वामनृणो जगतीपतेः | पुनर्ध्रक्ष्यामि मात्रा च पित्रा च सह सम्गतः || २-५०-३
nivR^ittavanavaasastvaamanR^iNo jagatiipateH | punardhrakshyaami maatraa cha pitraa cha saha samgataH || 2-50-3
"After getting relieved from exile in the forest and thus freed from the debt to the emperor, I shall see you again, duly getting united with my mother and father."
ततो रुधिरताम्राक्षो भुजमुद्यम्य दक्षिणम् | अश्रुपूर्णमुखो दीनोऽब्रवीज्जानपदम् जनम् || २-५०-४
tato rudhirataamraaksho bhujamudyamya dakshiNam | ashrupuurNamukho diino.abraviijjaanapadam janam || 2-50-4
Lifting his right arm and wearing a woeful look, his face covered with tears, Rama possessing lovely reddish eyes, spoke them to the people hailing from the countryside.(as follows) :
अनुक्रोशो दया चैव यथार्हम् मयि वह् कृतः | चिरम् दुःखस्य पापीयो गम्यतामर्थसिद्धये || २-५०-५
anukrosho dayaa chaiva yathaarham mayi vah kR^itaH | chiram duHkhasya paapiiyo gamyataamarthasiddhaye || 2-50-5
"Mercy and compassion according to my worth (in your view) have been shown to me by you. Keeping agony for a long time is undesirable. Let each return to accomplish your desired object(attending to your house-hold work)!"
तेऽभिवाद्य महात्मानम् कृत्वा चापि प्रदक्षिणम् | विलपन्तो नरा घोरम् व्यतिष्ठन्त क्वचित् क्वचित् || २-५०-६
te.abhivaadya mahaatmaanam kR^itvaa chaapi pradakshiNam | vilapanto naraa ghoram vyatishhThanta kvachit kvachit || 2-50-6
Respectfully saluting the high soled prince and going round him clockwise (as a mark of reverence), those men stood rooted here and there, wailing frightfully.
तथा विलपताम् तेषामतृप्तानाम् च राघवः | अचक्षुरिषयम् प्रायाद्यथार्कः क्षणदामुखे || २-५०-७
tathaa vilapataam teshhaamatR^iptaanaam cha raaghavaH | achakshurishhayam praayaadyathaarkaH kshaNadaamukhe || 2-50-7
While they were lamenting thus unceasingly, Rama passed beyond their sight, as the sun sinks out of view at nightfall.
ततो धान्यधनोपेतान् दानशीलजनान् शिवान् | अकुतश्चिद्भयान् रम्याम् श्चैत्ययूपसमावृतान् || २-५०-८ उद्यानाम्रवनोपेतान् सम्पन्नसलिलाशयान् | तुष्टपुष्टजनाकीर्णान् गोकुलाकुलसेवितान् || २-५०-९ लक्षणीयान्न रेंद्राणाम् ब्रह्मघोषाभिनादितान् | रथेन पुरुषव्याघ्रः कोसलानत्यवर्तत || २-५०-१०
tato dhaanyadhanopetaan daanashiilajanaan shivaan | akutashchidbhayaan ramyaam shchaityayuupasamaavR^itaan || 2-50-8 udyaanaamravanopetaan sampannasalilaashayaan | tushhTapushhTajanaakiirNaan gokulaakulasevitaan || 2-50-9 lakshaNiiyaanna re.ndraaNaam brahmaghoshhaabhinaaditaan | rathena purushhavyaaghraH kosalaanatyavartata || 2-50-10
Then Rama, a tiger among men, in his chariot, crossed Kosala territory, which was rich in grain and treasure, inhabited by men given to charity, benevolent and free from every danger, pleasing, full of temples and sacrificial stakes, adorned with gardens and mango-orchards, intersected by ponds full of water, populated by contented and well nourished people, abounded in herds of cows which deserved to be seen by all kings and which re-echoed to the chanting of religious texts.
मध्येन मुदितम् स्फीतम् रम्योद्यानसमाकुलम् | राज्यम् भोग्यम् नरेन्द्राणाम् ययौ धृतिमताम् वरः || २-५०-११
aashramairaviduursthaiH shriimadbhiH samalam kR^itaam | kaale.apsarobhirhR^ishhTaabhiH sevitaambhohradaam shivaam || 2-50-13
Rama, the best among the resolute, moved into the middle of a happy and prosperous kingdom, abounding in lovely gardens and fit to be enjoyed by kings.
तत्र त्रिपथगाम् दिव्याम् शिव तोयाम् अशैवलाम् | ददर्श राघवो गन्गाम् पुण्याम् ऋषि निसेविताम् || २-५०-१२
devadaanavagandharvaiH kinnarairupashobhitaam | naagagandharvapatniibhiH sevitaam satatam shivaam || 2-50-14
There, Rama beheld the celestial and lovely river of Ganga with its tree tributaries, carrying clear waters without green moss and frequented by sages.
आश्रमैरविदूर्स्थैः श्रीमद्भिः समलम् कृताम् | कालेऽप्सरोभिर्हृष्टाभिः सेविताम्भोह्रदाम् शिवाम् || २-५०-१३
devaakriiDashataakiirNaam devodyaanashataayutaam | devaarthamaakaashagamaam vikhyaataam devapadminiim || 2-50-15
The River Ganga was adorned with splendid hermitages within easy distance from one another, with pools overflowing with water, visited at suitable hours by celestial nymphs thrilling with rapture.
देवदानवगन्धर्वैः किन्नरैरुपशोभिताम् | नागगन्धर्वपत्नीभिः सेविताम् सततम् शिवाम् || २-५०-१४
jalaghaataaTTahaasograam phenanirmalahaasiniim | kvachidveNiikR^itajalaam kvachidaavartashobhitaam || 2-50-16
The blessed river was graced by gods and demons, Gandharvas(celestial musicians) and kinnaras and was constantly visited by consorts of Nagas and Gandharvas.
देवाक्रीडशताकीर्णाम् देवोद्यानशतायुताम् | देवार्थमाकाशगमाम् विख्याताम् देवपद्मिनीम् || २-५०-१५
kvachitstimitagambhiiraam kvachidvegajalaakulaam | kvachidgambhiiranirghoshhaam kvachidbhairavanisvanaam || 2-50-17
The well known river was hemmed in by hills serving as the play- ground of hundreds of celestials and embellished with hundreds of celestial gardens; it coursed through the heavens for the benefit of gods and which in heaven was named "The stream of Golden Lotuses".
जलघाताट्टहासोग्राम् फेननिर्मलहासिनीम् | क्वचिद्वेणीकृतजलाम् क्वचिदावर्तशोभिताम् || २-५०-१६
devasamghaaplutajalaam nirmalotpalashobhitaam | kvachidaabhogapulinaam kvachinnarmalavaalukaam || 2-50-18
The holy river, the sound of whose clashing waves and its striking with rocks resembled a deep laughter, having a bright smile as white as a foam, its waters reduced at some places to the shape of a maiden's plaited locks, was rendered beautiful at some places by whirl pools.
क्वचित्स्तिमितगम्भीराम् क्वचिद्वेगजलाकुलाम् | क्वचिद्गम्भीरनिर्घोषाम् क्वचिद्भैरवनिस्वनाम् || २-५०-१७
ha.nsa sarasa samghuShTaam cakra vaaka upakuujitaam | sadaamadaishcha vihagairabhisamnaaditaam taraam || 2-50-19
At some places, its waters were still and deep. At some places, they were disturbed with violent agitation. At some places, they made a deep roaring sound. At some places, they were having a terrific noise
देवसम्घाप्लुतजलाम् निर्मलोत्पलशोभिताम् | क्वचिदाभोगपुलिनाम् क्वचिन्नर्मलवालुकाम् || २-५०-१८
kvachittiiraruhairvR^ikshairmaalaabhiriva shobhitaam | kvachitphullotpalachchhannaam kvachitpadmavanaakulaam || 2-50-20
Hosts of gods took a dip into its water .It was adorned by white lotuses. It was hemmed in, with expanse of small islands and at some places, lined with white sands.
हंस सरस सम्घुष्टाम् चक्र वाक उपकूजिताम् | सदामदैश्च विहगैरभिसम्नादिताम् तराम् || २-५०-१९
kvachitkumudashhNDaishcha kuDmalairupashobhitaam | naanaapushhparajodhvastaam samadaamiva cha kvachit || 2-50-21
The river was rendered resonant by swans and cranes, was graced with cackling of Chakrawaka** birds and other birds which are in rut all through the year kept hovering on its water.
क्वचित्तीररुहैर्वृक्षैर्मालाभिरिव शोभिताम् | क्वचित्फुल्लोत्पलच्छन्नाम् क्वचित्पद्मवनाकुलाम् || २-५०-२०
vyapetamalasamghaataam maNinirmaladarshanaam | dishaagajairvanagajairmattaishcha varavaaraNaiH || 2-50-22 devopavaahyashcha muhuH samnaaditavanaantaraam |
At some places the river was adorned with trees growing on its banks encircling like garlands, at some places crowded with thick cluster of lotuses.
क्वचित्कुमुदष्ण्डैश्च कुड्मलैरुपशोभिताम् | नानापुष्परजोध्वस्ताम् समदामिव च क्वचित् || २-५०-२१
pramadaamiva yatne na bhuushhitaam bhuushhaNottamaiH || 2-50-23 phalaiH pushhpaiH kisalayairvaR^itaam gulmaiddvijaistathaa | shi.nshumaraiH ca nakraiH ca bhujamgaiH ca niShevitaam || 2-50-24
At some places, it was graced with beds of water lilies in the form of buds and at some places, it was reddened with the pollen of numerous flowers, as though excited with passion.
व्यपेतमलसम्घाताम् मणिनिर्मलदर्शनाम् | दिशागजैर्वनगजैर्मत्तैश्च वरवारणैः || २-५०-२२ देवोपवाह्यश्च मुहुः सम्नादितवनान्तराम् |
vishhNupaadachyutaam divyaamapaapaam paapanaashiniim | taam shaN^karajaTaajuuTaadbhrashhTaam saagaratejasaa || 2-50-25 samudramahiishhiim gaN^gaam saarasakrauJNchanaaditaam | aasasaada mahaabaahuH shR^iN^giberapuram prati || 2-50-26
Having every aggregation of dirt removed, the river presented a spotlessly clear appearance like a crystal. The interior of the forest was reddened noisy again and again by the elephants guarding the quarters, by the ruttiest wild elephants and the elephants of excellent breed used for riding by gods.
प्रमदामिव यत्ने न भूषिताम् भूषणोत्तमैः || २-५०-२३ फलैः पुष्पैः किसलयैर्वऋताम् गुल्मैद्द्विजैस्तथा | शिंशुमरैः च नक्रैः च भुजम्गैः च निषेविताम् || २-५०-२४
taam uurmi kalila aavartaam anvavekShya mahaa rathaH | sumantram abraviit suutam iha eva adya vasaamahe || 2-50-27
Surrounded by fruits and flowers and tender leaves, shrubs and birds, it looked like a young woman artistically decked with the best of jewels. The river was infested with dolphins, crocodiles and snakes.
विष्णुपादच्युताम् दिव्यामपापाम् पापनाशिनीम् | ताम् शङ्करजटाजूटाद्भ्रष्टाम् सागरतेजसा || २-५०-२५ समुद्रमहीषीम् गङ्गाम् सारसक्रौञ्चनादिताम् | आससाद महाबाहुः शृङ्गिबेरपुरम् प्रति || २-५०-२६
drakshyaamaH saritaam shreshhThaam sammaanyasalilaam shivaam | devadaanavagandharvamR^igamaanushhapakshiNaam || 2-50-29
Rama, the mighty armed, reached the river Ganga, which is devoid of sins and which dispels all sins, which had fallen from the mass of matted hair of Lord Shankara through the spiritual power of Emperor Bhagiratha, which is rendered noisy by cranes and herons, which is a consort of the ocean and which is in the vicinity of Sringaverapura(the modern Singraur).
ताम् ऊर्मि कलिल आवर्ताम् अन्ववेक्ष्य महा रथः | सुमन्त्रम् अब्रवीत् सूतम् इह एव अद्य वसामहे || २-५०-२७
raamaH abhiyaaya tam ramyam vR^ikSham ikShvaaku nandanaH | rathaat avaatarat tasmaat sabhaaryaH saha lakShmaNaH || 2-50-31
Beholding the river Ganga with its waves covering whirlpools, Rama the great warrior said to Sumantra the charioteer as follows: "We shall halt here itself today."
अविदूरात् अयम् नद्या बहु पुष्प प्रवालवान् | सुमहान् इन्गुदी वृक्षो वसामः अत्र एव सारथे || २-५०-२८
sumantraH api avatiirya eva mocayitvaa haya uttamaan | vR^ikSha muula gatam raamam upatasthe kR^ita anjaliH || 2-50-32
"Oh, charioteer! Not far from the river stands this very large sacred fig tree with its many flowers and shoots. We shall stay here itself."
द्रक्ष्यामः सरिताम् श्रेष्ठाम् सम्मान्यसलिलाम् शिवाम् | देवदानवगन्धर्वमृगमानुषपक्षिणाम् || २-५०-२९
tatra raajaa guho naama raamasya aatma samaH sakhaa | niShaada jaatyo balavaan sthapatiH ca iti vishrutaH || 2-50-33
"I shall see (from here) the excellent river Ganga, which is auspicious and whose waters deserve to be respected by gods, men, Gandharvas, beasts, reptiles and birds ."
लक्षणः च सुमन्त्रः च बाढम् इति एव राघवम् | उक्त्वा तम् इन्गुदी वृक्षम् तदा उपययतुर् हयैः || २-५०-३०
sa shrutvaa puruSha vyaaghram raamam viShayam aagatam | vR^iddhaiH parivR^itaH amaatyaiH GYaatibhiH ca api upaagataH || 2-50-34
Saying �so be it' and nothing more to Rama, Lakshmana and Sumantra too then directed the horses to that sacred fig tree.
रामः अभियाय तम् रम्यम् वृक्षम् इक्ष्वाकु नन्दनः | रथात् अवातरत् तस्मात् सभार्यः सह लक्ष्मणः || २-५०-३१
tataH niShaada adhipatim dR^iShTvaa duuraat avasthitam | saha saumitriNaa raamaH samaagacchad guhena saH || 2-50-35
Rama, the delight of Ikshvaku dynasty, reached that beautiful tree and got down from the chariot along with Sita and Lakshmana.
सुमन्त्रः अपि अवतीर्य एव मोचयित्वा हय उत्तमान् | वृक्ष मूल गतम् रामम् उपतस्थे कृत अन्जलिः || २-५०-३२
tam aartaH sampariShvajya guho raaghavam abraviit | yathaa ayodhyaa tathaa idam te raama kim karavaaNi te || 2-50-36 iidR^isham hi mahaabaaho kaH prapsyatyatithim priyam |
Sumantra too dismounted from the chariot, unyoked the superb horses after which with joined palms, he seated himself near Rama at the foot of the tree.
तत्र राजा गुहो नाम रामस्य आत्म समः सखा | निषाद जात्यो बलवान् स्थपतिः च इति विश्रुतः || २-५०-३३
tataH guNavad anna adyam upaadaaya pR^ithag vidham | arghyam ca upaanayat kShipram vaakyam ca idam uvaaca ha || 2-50-37
There, a king named Guha was Rama's friend dear to him as his own life. He was Nishada by birth, a strong man and well known as a ruler of Nishadas.
स श्रुत्वा पुरुष व्याघ्रम् रामम् विषयम् आगतम् | वृद्धैः परिवृतः अमात्यैः ज्ञातिभिः च अपि उपागतः || २-५०-३४
svaagatam te mahaa baaho tava iyam akhilaa mahii | vayam preShyaa bhavaan bhartaa saadhu raajyam prashaadhi naH || 2-50-38
Hearing of Rama the tiger among men having come to his territory, he approached the prince, escorted by elderly ministers and relatives.
ततः निषाद अधिपतिम् दृष्ट्वा दूरात् अवस्थितम् | सह सौमित्रिणा रामः समागच्चद् गुहेन सः || २-५०-३५
bhakShyam bhojyam ca peyam ca lehyam ca idam upasthitam | shayanaani ca mukhyaani vaajinaam khaadanam ca te || 2-50-39
Seeing from a distance the king of Nishada coming, Rama along with Lakshmana thereupon went forth to meet Guha.
तम् आर्तः सम्परिष्वज्य गुहो राघवम् अब्रवीत् | यथा अयोध्या तथा इदम् ते राम किम् करवाणि ते || २-५०-३६ ईदृशम् हि महाबाहो कः प्रप्स्यत्यतिथिम् प्रियम् |
guham eva bruvaaNam tam raaghavaH pratyuvaaca ha || 2-50-40 arcitaaH caiva hR^iShTaaH ca bhavataa sarvathaa vayam | padbhyaam abhigamaac caiva sneha sa.ndarshanena ca || 2-50-41
Closely embracing Rama, Guha who felt disturbed, spoke to him, "This city too is as much as Ayodhya to you. What can I do for you? Oh mighty armed! Who indeed will get such a lovely guest?"
ततः गुणवद् अन्न अद्यम् उपादाय पृथग् विधम् | अर्घ्यम् च उपानयत् क्षिप्रम् वाक्यम् च इदम् उवाच ह || २-५०-३७
bhujaabhyaam saadhu vR^ittaabhyaam piiDayan vaakyam abraviit | diShTyaa tvaam guha pashyaamiarogam saha baandhavaiH || 2-50-42 api te kuushalam raaShTre mitreShu ca dhaneShu ca |
Having brought pristine cooked rice of excellent quality and other dishes of various kinds, he then quickly offered him water to wash his hands and spoke as follows:
स्वागतम् ते महा बाहो तव इयम् अखिला मही | वयम् प्रेष्या भवान् भर्ता साधु राज्यम् प्रशाधि नः || २-५०-३८
yat tu idam bhavataa ki.ncit priityaa samupakalpitam | sarvam tat anujaanaami na hi varte pratigrahe || 2-50-43
"Welcome to you, Oh, mighty armed! All this land is yours. We are your servants. You are the Lord. Rule over our kingdom in an efficient way."
भक्ष्यम् भोज्यम् च पेयम् च लेह्यम् च इदम् उपस्थितम् | शयनानि च मुख्यानि वाजिनाम् खादनम् च ते || २-५०-३९
kusha ciira ajina dharam phala muula ashanam ca maam | viddhi praNihitam dharme taapasam vana gocaram || 2-50-44
"Here have arrived various kinds of dishes, drinks and syrups as also excellent beds (for you to sleep on) and food for your horses"
गुहम् एव ब्रुवाणम् तम् राघवः प्रत्युवाच ह || २-५०-४० अर्चिताः चैव हृष्टाः च भवता सर्वथा वयम् | पद्भ्याम् अभिगमाच् चैव स्नेह संदर्शनेन च || २-५०-४१
ashvaanaam khaadanena aham arthii na anyena kenacit | etaavataa atra bhavataa bhaviShyaami supuujitaH || 2-50-45
To Guha who was speaking as aforesaid, Rama replied thus: "We stand honored by you, by your very visit to us on foot, as well as your show of affection and are pleased with you"
भुजाभ्याम् साधु वृत्ताभ्याम् पीडयन् वाक्यम् अब्रवीत् | दिष्ट्या त्वाम् गुह पश्यामिअरोगम् सह बान्धवैः || २-५०-४२ अपि ते कूशलम् राष्ट्रे मित्रेषु च धनेषु च |
ashvaanaam pratipaanam ca khaadanam caiva so anvashaat | guhaH tatra eva puruShaa.ns tvaritam diiyataam iti || 2-50-47
Pressing gently with his muscular arms, Rama spoke these words: " Oh, Guha! Thank heaven that I am seeing you in good health with your relatives. Is all well with the kingdom, the allies and the treasure?"
यत् तु इदम् भवता किंचित् प्रीत्या समुपकल्पितम् | सर्वम् तत् अनुजानामि न हि वर्ते प्रतिग्रहे || २-५०-४३
tataH ciira uttara aasangaH sa.ndhyaam anvaasya pashcimaam | jalam eva aadade bhojyam lakShmaNena aahR^itam svayam || 2-50-48
"I know your affection by which all this is extensively well arranged by you. But I am not in a position indeed to accept it."
कुश चीर अजिन धरम् फल मूल अशनम् च माम् | विद्धि प्रणिहितम् धर्मे तापसम् वन गोचरम् || २-५०-४४
tasya bhuumau shayaanasya paadau prakShaalya lakShmaNaH | sabhaaryasya tataH abhyetya tasthau vR^iShkam upaashritaH || 2-50-49
"Know me as under a vow to be an ascetic, wearing the robes of bark and deerskin and by piety, I am determined to live in the forest by eating roots and fruits only."
अश्वानाम् खादनेन अहम् अर्थी न अन्येन केनचित् | एतावता अत्र भवता भविष्यामि सुपूजितः || २-५०-४५
guho api saha suutena saumitrim anubhaaShayan | anvajaagrat tataH raamam apramattaH dhanur dharaH || 2-50-50
"I desire nothing but a little forage for the horses. By being provided with this much at the present moment, I shall be duly satisfied by you."
एते हि दयिता राज्ञः पितुर् दशरथस्य मे | एतैः सुविहितैः अश्वैः भविष्याम्य् अहम् अर्चितः || २-५०-४६
tathaa shayaanasya tataH asya dhiimataH | yashasvino daasharather mahaatmanaH | adR^iShTa duhkhasya sukha ucitasya saa | tadaa vyatiiyaaya cireNa sharvarii || 2-50-51
"These horses were cherished by the king Dasaratha, my father. I shall feel honored by these horses being duly fed."
अश्वानाम् प्रतिपानम् च खादनम् चैव सो अन्वशात् | गुहः तत्र एव पुरुषांस् त्वरितम् दीयताम् इति || २-५०-४७
Then Guha on that spot commanded his men as follows: "Let water for drinking and forage be supplied promptly to horses"
ततः चीर उत्तर आसन्गः संध्याम् अन्वास्य पश्चिमाम् | जलम् एव आददे भोज्यम् लक्ष्मणेन आहृतम् स्वयम् || २-५०-४८
Having worshipped the evening twilight appearing in the west, with an upper garment made of bark(on his person); Rama then took for food only water brought by Lakshmana himself.
तस्य भूमौ शयानस्य पादौ प्रक्षाल्य लक्ष्मणः | सभार्यस्य ततः अभ्येत्य तस्थौ वृष्कम् उपाश्रितः || २-५०-४९
Having washed the feet of Rama who was lying on the ground along with his consort, Lakshmana then came and stood near a tree.
गुहो अपि सह सूतेन सौमित्रिम् अनुभाषयन् | अन्वजाग्रत् ततः रामम् अप्रमत्तः धनुर् धरः || २-५०-५०
Guha too along with the charioteer conversed with Lakshmana and thereafter wielding a bow; alertly kept a vigil over Rama.
तथा शयानस्य ततः अस्य धीमतः | यशस्विनो दाशरथेर् महात्मनः | अदृष्ट दुह्खस्य सुख उचितस्य सा | तदा व्यतीयाय चिरेण शर्वरी || २-५०-५१
The illustrious, lofty minded and the high-soled son of Dasaratha, who had never seen suffering and who deserved all comforts, remained lying on the ground thereafter, while that long night passed away.
