Bharadwaja Arranges a Befitting Hospitality to Bharata

कृत बुद्धिम् निवासाय तथैव स मुनिः तदा | भरतम् कैकयी पुत्रम् आतिथ्येन न्यमन्त्रयत् || २-९१-१

kR^ita buddhim nivaasaaya tathaiva sa muniH tadaa | bharatam kaikayii putram aatithyena nyamantrayat || 2-91-1

Seeing he had resolved to halt at that place for the night, the sage Bharadwaja prepared to offer Bharata the son of Kaikeyi the full honours due to a guest

अब्रवीद् भरतः तु एनम् ननु इदम् भवता कृतम् | पाद्यम् अर्घ्यम् तथा आतिथ्यम् वने यद् ऊपपद्यते || २-९१-२

abraviid bharataH tu enam nanu idam bhavataa kR^itam | paadyam arghyam tathaa aatithyam vane yad uupapadyate || 2-91-2

Then, Bharata said to Bharadwaja as follows: "Have you not presented me with water to wash my hands and feet and offered me this hospitality fitting for a guest in this forest?"

अथ उवाच भरद्वाजो भरतम् प्रहसन्न् इव | जाने त्वाम् प्रीति सम्युक्तम् तुष्येः त्वम् येन केनचित् || २-९१-३

atha uvaaca bharadvaajo bharatam prahasann iva | jaane tvaam priiti samyuktam tuShyeH tvam yena kenacit || 2-91-3

Then, Bharadwaja smilingly replied to Bharata as follows: "I know you possess a friendly disposition and you are pleased with whatever is offered to you."

सेनायाः तु तव एतस्याः कर्तुम् इग्च्छामि भोजनम् | मम प्रितिर् यथा रूपा त्वम् अर्हो मनुज ऋषभ || २-९१-४

senaayaaH tu tava etasyaaH kartum igcchhaami bhojanam | mama pritir yathaa ruupaa tvam arho manuja R^iShabha || 2-91-4

"O, Bharata the excellent among men! I wish to offer food to your army. You ought to fulfil my satisfaction in every suitable way."

किम् अर्थम् च अपि निक्षिप्य दूरे बलम् इह आगतः | कस्मान् न इह उपयातो असि सबलः पुरुष ऋषभ || २-९१-५

kim artham ca api nikShipya duure balam iha aagataH | kasmaan na iha upayaato asi sabalaH puruSha R^iShabha || 2-91-5

"O, warrior! Why did you come here, leaving your army at a distance? Why did you not come to my place with your army?"

भरतः प्रत्युवाच इदम् प्रान्जलिः तम् तपो धनम् | ससैन्यो न उपयातो अस्मि भगवन् भगवद् भयात् || २-९१-६

bharataH pratyuvaaca idam praanjaliH tam tapo dhanam | sasainyo na upayaato asmi bhagavan bhagavad bhayaat || 2-91-6

Bharata, with joined palms, replied to Bharadwaja who was rich with austerity in the following words: "O, venerable one! I have not come here with my army for the fear of displeasing you."

राज्ञा च भगवन्नित्यं राजपुत्रेण वा सदा | यत्नतः परिहर्तव्या विषयेषु तपस्विनः || २-९१-७

raajJNaa ca bhagavannityaM raajaputreNa vaa sadaa | yatnataH parihartavyaa viShayeShu tapasvinaH || 2-91-7

"O, Venerable One! Either the king or the prince should always keep away from the places occupied by ascetics"

वाजि मुख्या मनुष्याः च मत्ताः च वर वारणाः | प्रग्च्छाद्य महतीम् भूमिम् भगवन्न् अनुयान्ति माम् || २-९१-८

vaaji mukhyaa manuShyaaH ca mattaaH ca vara vaaraNaaH | pragcchhaadya mahatiim bhuumim bhagavann anuyaanti maam || 2-91-8

"O, Holy one! Spirited horses, men and rare elephants in rut covering an immense area are accompanying me."

ते वृक्षान् उदकम् भूमिम् आश्रमेषु उटजामः तथा | न हिंस्युर् इति तेन अहम् एक एव आगतः ततः || २-९१-९

te vR^ikShaan udakam bhuumim aashrameShu uTajaamH tathaa | na hi.nsyur iti tena aham eka eva aagataH tataH || 2-91-9

"Let them not damage the trees, huts and ground and defile the waters of hermitages' - in this thought, I came alone."

आनीयताम् इतः सेना इत्य् आज्नप्तः परम ऋषिणा | तथा तु चक्रे भरतः सेनायाः समुपागमम् || २-९१-१०

aaniiyataam itaH senaa ity aajnaptaH parama R^iShiNaa | tathaa tu cakre bharataH senaayaaH samupaagamam || 2-91-10

Thereafter Bharata, having been commanded by that great sage to bring the army there, allowed the army's arrival to the hermitage.

अग्नि शालाम् प्रविश्य अथ पीत्वा अपः परिमृज्य च | आतिथ्यस्य क्रिया हेतोर् विश्व कर्माणम् आह्वयत् || २-९१-११

agni shaalaam pravishya atha piitvaa apaH parimR^ijya ca | aatithyasya kriyaa hetor vishva karmaaNam aahvayat || 2-91-11

Meanwhile, entering the fire-sanctuary (the place where the sacrificial fire is kept), sipping water and wiping the lips, Bharadwaja invoked Visvakarma (the architect of gods) in order to fulfil his duties towards the guests (as follows)

आह्वये विश्व कर्माणम् अहम् त्वष्टारम् एव च | आतिथ्यम् कर्तुम् इग्च्छामि तत्र मे सम्विधीयताम् || २-९१-१२

aahvaye vishva karmaaNam aham tvaShTaaram eva ca | aatithyam kartum igcchhaami tatra me samvidhiiyataam || 2-91-12

"I wish to offer hospitality to the guest I summon vishvakarma who is also the divine carpenter. Let arrangements be made in that connection for me."

अह्वये लोकपालां स्त्रीन् देवान् शक्रमुखांस्तथा | आतिथ्यं कर्तुमिच्चामि तत्र मे संविधीयताम् || २-९१-१३

ahvaye lokapaalaaM striin devaan shakramukhaaMstathaa | aatithyaM kartumichchaami tatra me saMvidhiiyataam || 2-91-13

"I further invoke the three gods (Yama, Varuna and Kubera) the guardians of the worlds with Indra as their king. I wish to offer hospitality to the guests. Let arrangements be made in this connection for me."

प्राक् स्रोतसः च या नद्यः प्रत्यक् स्रोतस एव च | पृथिव्याम् अन्तरिक्षे च समायान्तु अद्य सर्वशः || २-९१-१४

praak srotasaH ca yaa nadyaH pratyak srotasa eva ca | pR^ithivyaam antarikShe ca samaayaantu adya sarvashaH || 2-91-14

"Let the rivers which flow towards the east and those which flow towards the west, across the earth and in the aerial region now come together here from all quarters."

अन्याः स्रवन्तु मैरेयम् सुराम् अन्याः सुनिष्ठिताम् | अपराः च उदकम् शीतम् इक्षु काण्ड रस उपमम् || २-९१-१५

anyaaH sravantu maireyam suraam anyaaH suniShThitaam | aparaaH ca udakam shiitam ikShu kaaNDa rasa upamam || 2-91-15

"Let some rivers flow with Maireya ( a kind of wine made from date palms etc) some others flow with highly refined spirituous liquor and some others flow with cool water with a taste of sugarcane."

आह्वये देव गन्धर्वान् विश्वा वसु हहा हुहून् | तथैव अप्सरसो देवीर् गन्धर्वीः च अपि सर्वशः || २-९१-१६

aahvaye deva gandharvaan vishvaa vasu hahaa huhuun | tathaiva apsaraso deviir gandharviiH ca api sarvashaH || 2-91-16

"I invoke the celestials and celestial musicians Vishvavasu, Haha and Huhu as also Apsaras (nymphs) belonging to the celestial and celestial musicians' race from all regions.

घृताचीम् अथ विश्वाचीम् मिश्र केशीम् अलम्बुसाम् | नागदन्तां च हेमां च हिमामद्रिकृतस्थलाम् || २-९१-१७

ghR^itaaciim atha vishvaaciim mishra keshiim alambusaam | naagadantaaM ca hemaaM cha himaamadrikR^itasthalaam || 2-91-17

"I invoke the celestial nymphs called ghritachi, Vishvachi, Mishra Kesi, Alambusa, Nagadanta and Hema as also Hima who has an abode made in mountains."

शक्रम् याः च उपतिष्ठन्ति ब्रह्माणम् याः च भामिनीः | सर्वाः तुम्बुरुणा सार्धम् आह्वये सपरिग्च्छदाः || २-९१-१८

shakram yaaH ca upatiShThanti brahmaaNam yaaH ca bhaaminiiH | sarvaaH tumburuNaa saardham aahvaye saparigcchhadaaH || 2-91-18

"I invoke the fair women who are attending on Brahma the Lord of creation - all of them with their external appendages (like musical instruments) along with (their teacher) Tumburu."

वनम् कुरुषु यद् दिव्यम् वासो भूषण पत्रवत् | दिव्य नारी फलम् शश्वत् तत् कौबेरम् इह एव तु || २-९१-१९

vanam kuruShu yad divyam vaaso bhuuShaNa patravat | divya naarii phalam shashvat tat kauberam iha eva tu || 2-91-19

"Let that beautiful garden in the region of northern Kuru, presided over by Kubera (the god of riches) always with its leaves which serve as raiment and ornaments, with its fruits in the form of heavenly damsels appear in this place."

इह मे भगवान् सोमो विधत्ताम् अन्नम् उत्तमम् | भक्ष्यम् भोज्यम् च चोष्यम् च लेह्यम् च विविधम् बहु || २-९१-२०

iha me bhagavaan somo vidhattaam annam uttamam | bhakShyam bhojyam ca coShyam ca lehyam ca vividham bahu || 2-91-20

"Many the blessed moon-god (the duty presiding over annual plants) furnish me at this place, excellent food of every variety, confections, sweets, sauces and syrups."

विचित्राणि च माल्यानि पादप प्रच्युतानि च | सुरा आदीनि च पेयानि मांसानि विविधानि च || २-९१-२१

vicitraaNi ca maalyaani paadapa pracyutaani ca | suraa aadiini ca peyaani maa.nsaani vividhaani ca || 2-91-21

"May the blessed moon-god furnish me many-coloured flowers which have just fallen from the flower-plants or trees, the drinks like wine and others as also various kinds of meat."

एवम् समाधिना युक्तः तेजसा अप्रतिमेन च | शिक्षा स्वर समायुक्तम् तपसा च अब्रवीन् मुनिः || २-९१-२२

evam samaadhinaa yuktaH tejasaa apratimena ca | shikShaa svara samaayuktam tapasaa ca abraviin muniH || 2-91-22

That sage Bharadwaja, with his intense meditation, possessing unequal splendour and with austerity, spoke as follows, in tones befitting proper articulation and pronunciation of the scriptural texts:

मनसा ध्यायतः तस्य प्रान् मुखस्य कृत अन्जलेः | आजग्मुः तानि सर्वाणि दैवतानि पृथक् पृथक् || २-९१-२३

manasaa dhyaayataH tasya praan mukhasya kR^ita anjaleH | aajagmuH taani sarvaaNi daivataani pR^ithak pR^ithak || 2-91-23

While that sage Bharadwaja, with joined palms, was meditating with absorption in the east, all those celestials came one by one.

मलयम् दुर्दुरम् चैव ततः स्वेद नुदो अनिलः | उपस्पृश्य ववौ युक्त्या सुप्रिय आत्मा सुखः शिवः || २-९१-२४

malayam durduram caiva tataH sveda nudo anilaH | upaspR^ishya vavau yuktyaa supriya aatmaa sukhaH shivaH || 2-91-24

Then, a pleasant comfortable and gracious breeze, passing over the mountains of Malaya and Dardura, began to blw, removing sweat by its influence.

ततो अभ्यवर्तन्त घना दिव्याः कुसुम वृष्टयः | देव दुन्दुभि घोषः च दिक्षु सर्वासु शुश्रुवे || २-९१-२५

tato abhyavartanta ghanaa divyaaH kusuma vR^iShTayaH | deva dundubhi ghoShaH ca dikShu sarvaasu shushruve || 2-91-25

Thereafter wonderful clouds let loose a rain of flowers, while the sound of divine gongs could be heard on every side.

प्रववुः च उत्तमा वाता ननृतुः च अप्सरो गणाः | प्रजगुर् देव गन्धर्वा वीणा प्रमुमुचुः स्वरान् || २-९१-२६

pravavuH ca uttamaa vaataa nanR^ituH ca apsaro gaNaaH | prajagur deva gandharvaa viiNaa pramumucuH svaraan || 2-91-26

Troops of Apsaras (divine nymphs) danced to the melodious rustling of the wind. The clestials and the celestial musicians sang. Vinas, stringed musical instruments transmitted their tunes.

स शब्दो द्याम् च भूमिम् च प्राणिनाम् श्रवणानि च | विवेश उच्चारितः श्लक्ष्णः समो लय गुण अन्वितः || २-९१-२७

sa shabdo dyaam ca bhuumim ca praaNinaam shravaNaani ca | vivesha uccaaritaH shlakShNaH samo laya guNa anvitaH || 2-91-27

Sweat and harmonious sounds emitted smoothly, entered the sky earth and the ears of beings.

तस्मिन्न् उपरते शब्दे दिव्ये श्रोत्र सुखे नृणाम् | ददर्श भारतम् सैन्यम् विधानम् विश्व कर्मणः || २-९१-२८

tasminn uparate shabde divye shrotra sukhe nR^iNaam | dadarsha bhaaratam sainyam vidhaanam vishva karmaNaH || 2-91-28

When those celestial melodies ceased so pleasingly heard by the human ears, Bharata's army saw the wonderful creations of Visvakarma.

बभूव हि समा भूमिः समन्तात् पन्च योजनम् | शाद्वलैर् बहुभिः चन्ना नील वैदूर्य सम्निभैः || २-९१-२९

babhuuva hi samaa bhuumiH samantaat panca yojanam | shaadvalair bahubhiH channaa niila vaiduurya samnibhaiH || 2-91-29

A levelled land of approximately twenty miles on all sides, became covered by many carpets of grass, dark as emerald.

तस्मिन् बिल्वाः कपित्थाः च पनसा बीज पूरकाः | आमलक्यो बभूवुः च चूताः च फल भूषणाः || २-९१-३०

tasmin bilvaaH kapitthaaH ca panasaa biija puurakaaH | aamalakyo babhuuvuH ca cuutaaH ca phala bhuuShaNaaH || 2-91-30

At that place, Bilva, Kapittha, Panasa, Citron Amalaki and Mango Trees laden with fruit appeared.

उत्तरेभ्यः कुरुभ्यः च वनम् दिव्य उपभोगवत् | आजगाम नदी दिव्या तीरजैर् बहुभिर् वृता || २-९१-३१

uttarebhyaH kurubhyaH ca vanam divya upabhogavat | aajagaama nadii divyaa tiirajair bahubhir vR^itaa || 2-91-31

A forest of divine enjoyments from the territory of northern Kuru's along with a river shaped with various trees on its bank appeared there.

चतुः शालानि शुभ्राणि शालाः च गज वाजिनाम् | हर्म्य प्रासाद सम्घाताः तोरणानि शुभानि च || २-९१-३२

catuH shaalaani shubhraaNi shaalaaH ca gaja vaajinaam | harmya praasaada samghaataaH toraNaani shubhaani ca || 2-91-32

Splendid square mansions with stables for elephants and horses as well as resplendent gates with watch-towers flanked by turrets were seen.

सित मेघ निभम् च अपि राज वेश्म सुतोरणम् | शुक्ल माल्य कृत आकारम् दिव्य गन्ध समुक्षितम् || २-९१-३३ चतुर् अस्रम् असम्बाधम् शयन आसन यानवत् | दिव्यैः सर्व रसैर् युक्तम् दिव्य भोजन वस्त्रवत् || २-९१-३४ उपकल्पित सर्व अन्नम् धौत निर्मल भाजनम् | क्लृप्त सर्व आसनम् श्रीमत् स्वास्तीर्ण शयन उत्तमम् || २-९१-३५

sita megha nibham ca api raaja veshma sutoraNam | shukla maalya kR^ita aakaaram divya gandha samukShitam || 2-91-33 catur asram asambaadham shayana aasana yaanavat | divyaiH sarva rasair yuktam divya bhojana vastravat || 2-91-34 upakalpita sarva annam dhauta nirmala bhaajanam | klR^ipta sarva aasanam shriimat svaastiirNa shayana uttamam || 2-91-35

A royal palace emerged, dazzling as a cloud, pierced by splendid arches, hung with white garlands, filled with fragrance of celestial perfumes, forming a perfect quadrangle, spacious, furnished with couches seats and palanquins, supplied with ambrosial drinks of every kind as well as magnificent attire and food of every variety, well-prepared eatables of every description in cleaned vessels free from dirt and all kinds of seats arranged in order looked charming with superb couches duly covered with rich carpets.

प्रविवेश महा बाहुर् अनुज्नातो महर्षिणा | वेश्म तद् रत्न सम्पूर्णम् भरतः कैकयी सुतः || २-९१-३६

tatra raaja aasanam divyam vyajanam chatram eva ca | bharato mantribhiH saardham abhyavartata raajavat || 2-91-38

The mighty armed Bharata the son of Kaikeyi on invitation by the great sage, entered that palace filled with precious gems.

अनुजग्मुः च तम् सर्वे मन्त्रिणः सपुरोहिताः | बभूवुः च मुदा युक्ता तम् दृष्ट्वा वेश्म सम्विधिम् || २-९१-३७

aasanam puujayaam aasa raamaaya abhipraNamya ca | vaala vyajanam aadaaya nyaShiidat saciva aasane || 2-91-39

All the ministers together with priests accompanied Bharata and on entering that excellent get-up of the house, were filled with delight

तत्र राज आसनम् दिव्यम् व्यजनम् चत्रम् एव च | भरतो मन्त्रिभिः सार्धम् अभ्यवर्तत राजवत् || २-९१-३८

aanupuurvyaan niSheduH ca sarve mantra purohitaaH | tataH senaa patiH pashcaat prashaastaa ca niShedatuH || 2-91-40

Bharata along with his ministers went clock-wise round the excellent royal throne, whisk and the royal umbrella kept there, as if they were utilized by a king.

आसनम् पूजयाम् आस रामाय अभिप्रणम्य च | वाल व्यजनम् आदाय न्यषीदत् सचिव आसने || २-९१-३९

tataH tatra muhuurtena nadyaH paayasa kardamaaH | upaatiShThanta bharatam bharadvaajasya shaasanat || 2-91-41

They paid reverence to the royal seat, bowing before it, as if Rama sat thereon and thereafter Bharata, taking hold of the whisk, sat down on the seat meant for the chief minister.

आनुपूर्व्यान् निषेदुः च सर्वे मन्त्र पुरोहिताः | ततः सेना पतिः पश्चात् प्रशास्ता च निषेदतुः || २-९१-४०

taasaam ubhayataH kuulam paaNDu mR^ittika lepanaaH | ramyaaH ca aavasathaa divyaa brahmaNaH tu prasaadajaaH || 2-91-42

All the ministers and priests sat down in order of precedence. Thereafter, the chief of the army and at last the officer-in-charge of the encampment occupied their seats.

ततः तत्र मुहूर्तेन नद्यः पायस कर्दमाः | उपातिष्ठन्त भरतम् भरद्वाजस्य शासनत् || २-९१-४१

tena eva ca muhuurtena divya aabharaNa bhuuShitaaH | aagur vi.nshati saahasraaH braahmaNaa prahitaaH striyaH || 2-91-43

Then, on an instant, by the orders of Bharadwaja, streams having milk thickened with rice in the place of mud, flowed towards Bharata.

तासाम् उभयतः कूलम् पाण्डु मृत्तिक लेपनाः | रम्याः च आवसथा दिव्या ब्रह्मणः तु प्रसादजाः || २-९१-४२

suvarNa maNi muktena pravaalena ca shobhitaaH | aagur vi.nshati saahasraaH kubera prahitaaH striyaH || 2-91-44

On both the banks of those streams, enchanting and celestial houses plastered with white clay born out of the grace of Brahma the Lord of creation, appeared.

तेन एव च मुहूर्तेन दिव्य आभरण भूषिताः | आगुर् विंशति साहस्राः ब्राह्मणा प्रहिताः स्त्रियः || २-९१-४३

yaabhir gR^ihiitaH puruShaH sa unmaada iva lakShyate | aagur vi.nshati saahasraa nandanaad apsaro gaNaaH || 2-91-45

At that moment itself, twenty thousand women adorned with beautiful ornaments, sent by Brahma, arrived.

सुवर्ण मणि मुक्तेन प्रवालेन च शोभिताः | आगुर् विंशति साहस्राः कुबेर प्रहिताः स्त्रियः || २-९१-४४

naaradaH tumburur gopaH parvataH suurya varcasaH | ete gandharva raajaano bharatasya agrato jaguH || 2-91-46

Twenty thousand more women, who were radiant and adorned with gold, gems, pearls and corals came from the region of Kubera.

याभिर् गृहीतः पुरुषः स उन्माद इव लक्ष्यते | आगुर् विंशति साहस्रा नन्दनाद् अप्सरो गणाः || २-९१-४५

alambusaa mishra keshii puNDariikaa atha vaamanaa | upaanR^ityamH tu bharatam bharadvaajasya shaasanaat || 2-91-47

A particular company of Apsaras, embraced by whom, a man looked as though seized with insanity, came from Nandana grove.

नारदः तुम्बुरुर् गोपः पर्वतः सूर्य वर्चसः | एते गन्धर्व राजानो भरतस्य अग्रतो जगुः || २-९१-४६

yaani maalyaani deveShu yaani caitrarathe vane | prayaage taany adR^ishyanta bharadvaajasya shaasanaat || 2-91-48

Those most excellent kings among celestial musicians - Narada, Tumbura and Gopa whose radiance is like that of the sun, began to sing in front of Bharata.

अलम्बुसा मिश्र केशी पुण्डरीका अथ वामना | उपानृत्यमः तु भरतम् भरद्वाजस्य शासनात् || २-९१-४७

bilvaa maardangikaa aasan shamyaa graahaa bibhiitakaaH | ashvatthaa nartakaaH ca aasan bharadvaajasya tejasaa || 2-91-49

Then, on the command of Bharadwaja, Alambusa, MishraKesi and Vamana started dancing in the presence of Bharata.

यानि माल्यानि देवेषु यानि चैत्ररथे वने | प्रयागे तान्य् अदृश्यन्त भरद्वाजस्य शासनात् || २-९१-४८

tataH sarala taalaaH ca tilakaa nakta maalakaaH | prahR^iShTaaH tatra sampetuH kubjaa bhuutaa atha vaamanaaH || 2-91-50

By the command of Bharadwaja, wreaths of flowers which were beloved of the gods or those which grow in the woods of chaitra ratha were seen at Prayaga.

बिल्वा मार्दन्गिका आसन् शम्या ग्राहा बिभीतकाः | अश्वत्था नर्तकाः च आसन् भरद्वाजस्य तेजसा || २-९१-४९

shi.nshapaa aamalakii jambuur yaaH ca anyaaH kaanane lataaH | maalatii mallikaa jaatiryaashcaanyaaH kaanane lataaH || 2-91-51 pramadaa vigraham kR^itvaa bharadvaaja aashrame avasan |

By the command of Bharadwaja, Bel trees assumed the form of drummers, Vibhitaka trees assumed the form of cymbalists and Peepul trees assumed the form of dancers.

ततः सरल तालाः च तिलका नक्त मालकाः | प्रहृष्टाः तत्र सम्पेतुः कुब्जा भूता अथ वामनाः || २-९१-५०

suraam suraapaaH pibata paayasam ca bubhukshitaaH || 2-91-52 maa.nsani ca sumedhyaani bhakShyantaam yaavad igcchhatha || 2-91-53

Then, dcodars palmyras and Tilaka trees along with Tamala trees transformed into hunch backs and dwarfs and joyfully arrived there.

शिंशपा आमलकी जम्बूर् याः च अन्याः कानने लताः | मालती मल्लिका जातिर्याश्चान्याः कानने लताः || २-९१-५१ प्रमदा विग्रहम् कृत्वा भरद्वाज आश्रमे अवसन् |

utsaadya snaapayanti sma nadii tiireShu valguShu | apy ekam ekam puruSham pramadaaH satpa ca aShTa ca || 2-91-54

Shimshapas (Ashoka trees), Amalakis (Emblic myrobalan), Jambus (rose-apple trees), Malati, Mallika Jati and other creepers in the forest had been changed into dancing girls in the hermitage of Bharadwaja and they spoke as follows:

सुराम् सुरापाः पिबत पायसम् च बुभुक्षिताः || २-९१-५२ मांसनि च सुमेध्यानि भक्ष्यन्ताम् यावद् इग्च्छथ || २-९१-५३

samvahantyaH samaapetur naaryo rucira locanaaH | parimR^ijya tathaa nyaayam paayayanti vara anganaaH || 2-91-55

"O, wine-bibbers! Drink the wine, however much you desire! O troops stricken with hunger! Let milk thickened iwth rice and the meats which are very much fresh, be eaten (as you will)"

उत्साद्य स्नापयन्ति स्म नदी तीरेषु वल्गुषु | अप्य् एकम् एकम् पुरुषम् प्रमदाः सत्प च अष्ट च || २-९१-५४

ikShuumH ca madhu jaalaamH ca bhojayanti sma vaahanaan | ikShvaaku vara yodhaanaam codayanto mahaa balaaH || 2-91-57

Seven or eight young women bathed every single man on the beautiful river-banks, after massaging their body with oil.

सम्वहन्त्यः समापेतुर् नार्यो रुचिर लोचनाः | परिमृज्य तथा न्यायम् पाययन्ति वर अन्गनाः || २-९१-५५

na ashva bandho ashvam aajaanaan na gajam kunjara grahaH | matta pramatta muditaa camuuH saa tatra sambabhau || 2-91-58

Women with charming eyes came running and shampooed their limbs. Lovely women likewise wiped off the moisture on their body with towels and gave them beverages to drink, mutually sharing them among each other.

हयान् गजान् खरान् उष्ट्रामः तथैव सुरभेः सुतान् | अभोजयन् वाहनपास्तेषां भोज्यं यथाविधि || २-९१-५६

tarpitaa sarva kaamaiH te rakta candana ruuShitaaH | apsaro gaNa samyuktaaH sainyaa vaacam udairayan || 2-91-59

The keepers of animals fed horses, elephants, donkeys, camels and bullocks (the offspring of Surabhi the divine cow) with their suitable feed.

इक्षूमः च मधु जालामः च भोजयन्ति स्म वाहनान् | इक्ष्वाकु वर योधानाम् चोदयन्तो महा बलाः || २-९१-५७

na eva ayodhyaam gamiShyaamo na gamiShyaama daNDakaan | kushalam bharatasya astu raamasya astu tathaa sukham || 2-91-60

The animals, belonging to the exceedingly strong and illustrious warriors, the descendents of Ikshvaku, were fed with pieces of sugarcane and roasted grain soaked in honey, duly cajoling them to eat.

न अश्व बन्धो अश्वम् आजानान् न गजम् कुन्जर ग्रहः | मत्त प्रमत्त मुदिता चमूः सा तत्र सम्बभौ || २-९१-५८

iti paadaata yodhaaH ca hasty ashva aaroha bandhakaaH | anaathaaH tam vidhim labdhvaa vaacam etaam udairayan || 2-91-61

The groom did not recognise his horse. The elephant-keeper did not recognise his elephant. That army there appeared intoxicated, maddened and enraptured on that spot.

तर्पिता सर्व कामैः ते रक्त चन्दन रूषिताः | अप्सरो गण सम्युक्ताः सैन्या वाचम् उदैरयन् || २-९१-५९

samprahR^iShTaa vineduH te naraaH tatra sahasrashaH | bharatasya anuyaataaraH svarge ayam iti ca abruvan || 2-91-62

With all their desires gratified, their bodies anointed with red-sandal paste, and surrounded by a company of Apsaras, those soldiers uttered the following words.

न एव अयोध्याम् गमिष्यामो न गमिष्याम दण्डकान् | कुशलम् भरतस्य अस्तु रामस्य अस्तु तथा सुखम् || २-९१-६०

nR^ityanti sma hasantisma gaayanti sma cha sainikaaH | samantaat paridhaavanti maalyo petaaH sahasrashaH || 2-91-63

"We shall not go either to Ayodhya or to Dandaka forest. Let Bharata be well! Likewise, let Rama too be at east!"

इति पादात योधाः च हस्त्य् अश्व आरोह बन्धकाः | अनाथाः तम् विधिम् लब्ध्वा वाचम् एताम् उदैरयन् || २-९१-६१

tato bhuktavataam teShaam tad annam amR^ita upamam | divyaan udviikShya bhakShyaamH taan abhavad bhakShaNe matiH || 2-91-64

Having obtained that hospitality, the infantry, the cavalry as well as those mounted on elephants and their keepers too, no longer acknowledging their leaders, spoke the following words:

सम्प्रहृष्टा विनेदुः ते नराः तत्र सहस्रशः | भरतस्य अनुयातारः स्वर्गे अयम् इति च अब्रुवन् || २-९१-६२

preShyaaH ceTyaH ca vadhvaH ca balasthaaH ca api sarvashaH | babhuuvuH te bhR^isham tR^iptaaH sarve ca aahata vaasasaH || 2-91-65

In the height of joy, those men in thousands there, the retinue of Bharata cried out, "This is verily of heaven!"

नृत्यन्ति स्म हसन्तिस्म गायन्ति स्म च सैनिकाः | समन्तात् परिधावन्ति माल्यो पेताः सहस्रशः || २-९१-६३

kunjaraaH ca khara uShTraH ca go ashvaaH ca mR^iga pakShiNaH | babhuuvuH subhR^itaaH tatra na anyo hy anyam akalpayat || 2-91-66

The soldiers in thousands, wreathed in flowers danced, laughed, sang and ran hither and thither.

ततो भुक्तवताम् तेषाम् तद् अन्नम् अमृत उपमम् | दिव्यान् उद्वीक्ष्य भक्ष्यामः तान् अभवद् भक्षणे मतिः || २-९१-६४

na ashukla vaasaaH tatra aasiit kShudhito malino api vaa | rajasaa dhvasta kesho vaa naraH kashcid adR^ishyata || 2-91-67

To those soldiers who had partaken that food which was as sweet as ambrosia, when they saw again those fresh dishes, there arose in them a desire to eat them again.

प्रेष्याः चेट्यः च वध्वः च बलस्थाः च अपि सर्वशः | बभूवुः ते भृशम् तृप्ताः सर्वे च आहत वाससः || २-९१-६५

aajaiH ca api ca vaaraahair niShTaana vara sa.ncayaiH | phala niryuuha sa.nsiddhaiH suupair gandha rasa anvitaiH || 2-91-68 puShpa dhvajavatiiH puurNaaH shuklasya annasya ca abhitaH | dadR^ishur vismitaaH tatra naraa lauhiiH sahasrashaH || 2-91-69

Thousands of servants, slaves, youthful women and those in the army on every side, clad in new raiment, became very much contented.

कुन्जराः च खर उष्ट्रः च गो अश्वाः च मृग पक्षिणः | बभूवुः सुभृताः तत्र न अन्यो ह्य् अन्यम् अकल्पयत् || २-९१-६६

babhuuvur vana paarshveShu kuupaaH paayasa kardamaaH | taaH ca kaamadughaa gaavo drumaaH ca aasan madhushcyutaH || 2-91-70

Elephants, donkeys, camels, bullocks, horses, animals and birds there were suitably well-fed. Hence, one did not afflict the other.

न अशुक्ल वासाः तत्र आसीत् क्षुधितो मलिनो अपि वा | रजसा ध्वस्त केशो वा नरः कश्चिद् अदृश्यत || २-९१-६७

vaapyo maireya puurNaaH ca mR^iShTa maa.nsa cayair vR^itaaH | pratapta piTharaiH ca api maarga maayuura kaukkuTaiH || 2-91-71

There was no one seen in soiled attire or hungry or unkept or with hair powdered with dust.

आजैः च अपि च वाराहैर् निष्टान वर संचयैः | फल निर्यूह संसिद्धैः सूपैर् गन्ध रस अन्वितैः || २-९१-६८ पुष्प ध्वजवतीः पूर्णाः शुक्लस्य अन्नस्य च अभितः | ददृशुर् विस्मिताः तत्र नरा लौहीः सहस्रशः || २-९१-६९

paatriiNaam ca sahasraaNi shaata kumbhamayaani ca | sthaalyaH kumbhyaH karambhyaH ca dadhi puurNaaH susa.nskR^itaaH || 2-91-72 yauvanasthasya gaurasya kapitthasya sugandhinaH |

Dishes of goat and boar with delicious sauces were there and condiments that were spicy, fragrant and succulent, cooked in fruit juices; vessels of rare metals filled with rice, decorated with flowers, were offered in thousands to those soldiers there. The soldiers saw them with wonder on all sides.

बभूवुर् वन पार्श्वेषु कूपाः पायस कर्दमाः | ताः च कामदुघा गावो द्रुमाः च आसन् मधुश्च्युतः || २-९१-७०

kalkaan cuurNakaShaayaaMshca snaanaani vividhaani ca | dadR^ishurbhaajanasthaani tiirtheShu saritaaM naraaH || 2-91-75

The wells in various sides of the forest (surrounding Bharadwaja's hermitage) have their mud transformed into milk in which rice was cooked. The cows in the region were transformed into cows of plenty and the trees dripped honey.

वाप्यो मैरेय पूर्णाः च मृष्ट मांस चयैर् वृताः | प्रतप्त पिठरैः च अपि मार्ग मायूर कौक्कुटैः || २-९१-७१

shuklaan a.nshumataH ca api danta dhaavana sa.ncayaan | shuklaamH candana kalkaamH ca samudgeShu avatiShThataH || 2-91-76 darpaNaan parimR^iShTaamH ca vaasasaam ca api sa.ncayaan | paaduka upaanahaam caiva yugmaan yatra sahasrashaH ||2-91-77 aanjaniiH kankataan kuurcaamH chatraaNi ca dhanuumShi ca | marma traaNaani citraaNi shayanaany aasanaani ca || 2-91-78 pratipaana hradaan puurNaan khara uShTra gaja vaajinaam | avagaahya sutiirthaamH ca hradaan sa utpala puShkaraan || 2-91-79 niila vaiduurya varNaamH ca mR^iduun yavasa sa.ncayaan | nirvaapa artham pashuunaam te dadR^ishuH tatra sarvashaH || 2-91-80

Some ponds there were endowed with full of wine and some were filled with assortment of various dressed meats pertaining to deer, peacocks and wild cocks; cooked in hot pans.

पात्रीणाम् च सहस्राणि शात कुम्भमयानि च | स्थाल्यः कुम्भ्यः करम्भ्यः च दधि पूर्णाः सुसंस्कृताः || २-९१-७२ यौवनस्थस्य गौरस्य कपित्थस्य सुगन्धिनः |

vyasmayanta manuShyaste svapnakalphaM tadadbhutaM | dR^iShTvaa.atithyaM kR^itaM taadR^igbharatasya mahaarShiNaa 2-91-81

There were thousands of portable furnaces, lacs of culinary utensils ten crores of golden vessels, well-cleaned bowls filled with curds, small water-jars and wide-mouthed dishes.

ह्रदाः पूर्णा रसालस्य दध्नः श्वेतस्य च अपरे | बभूवुः पायसस्य अन्ते शर्करायाः च संचयाः || २-९१-७३ कल्कामः चूर्ण कषायामः च स्नानानि विविधानि च | ददृशुर् भाजनस्थानि तीर्थेषु सरिताम् नराः || २-९१-७४

ity evam ramamaaNaanaam devaanaam iva nandane | bharadvaaja aashrame ramye saa raatrir vyatyavartata || 2-91-82

Lakes full of fresh curds, shining fragrant and in the colour of a wood-apple, curds mixed with sugar and spices, some other lakes filled with shite curds, some others filled with milk soaked in rice as well as sugar and some other lakes with a mixture of barley and sugar were formed.

कल्कान् चूर्णकषायांश्च स्नानानि विविधानि च | ददृशुर्भाजनस्थानि तीर्थेषु सरितां नराः || २-९१-७५

tathaiva mattaa madira utkaTaa naraaH | tathaiva divya aguru candana ukShitaaH | tathaiva divyaa vividhaaH srag uttamaaH | pR^ithak prakiirNaa manujaiH pramarditaaH || 2-91-84

Those soldiers saw jellies, powders and syrups made of fruits and various kinds of accessories used in bathing, kept stored in vessels, on the banks of rivers.

शुक्लान् अंशुमतः च अपि दन्त धावन संचयान् | शुक्लामः चन्दन कल्कामः च समुद्गेषु अवतिष्ठतः || २-९१-७६ दर्पणान् परिमृष्टामः च वाससाम् च अपि संचयान् | पादुक उपानहाम् चैव युग्मान् यत्र सहस्रशः ||२-९१-७७ आन्जनीः कन्कतान् कूर्चामः चत्राणि च धनूम्षि च | मर्म त्राणानि चित्राणि शयनान्य् आसनानि च || २-९१-७८ प्रतिपान ह्रदान् पूर्णान् खर उष्ट्र गज वाजिनाम् | अवगाह्य सुतीर्थामः च ह्रदान् स उत्पल पुष्करान् || २-९१-७९ नील वैदूर्य वर्णामः च मृदून् यवस संचयान् | निर्वाप अर्थम् पशूनाम् ते ददृशुः तत्र सर्वशः || २-९१-८०

Those soldiers saw there heaps of twings used for cleaning the teeth with white brushes at their tips, white sandal pastes stored in caskets, polished mirrors, piles of clothes, thousands of pairs of shoes and sandals, caskets containing collyrium for the eyes; combs, brushed, raiments bows, protectors of vitals, strange couches and seats, drinking ponds for donkeys camels elephants and horses, lakes with good stairs for descent having water-lilies and lotuses with sky-blue colour, with clear water offering a comfortable bath and soft grasses having a colour of Nipa tree and of cat's eye gems useful for feeding animals.

व्यस्मयन्त मनुष्यस्ते स्वप्नकल्फं तदद्भुतं | दृष्ट्वाऽतिथ्यं कृतं तादृग्भरतस्य महार्षिणा २-९१-८१

Seeing such a wonderful and dreamlike hospitality offered by the great sage Bharadwaja, all those men were surprised.

इत्य् एवम् रममाणानाम् देवानाम् इव नन्दने | भरद्वाज आश्रमे रम्ये सा रात्रिर् व्यत्यवर्तत || २-९१-८२

While they were enjoying thus in that charming hermitage of Bharadwaja, in the same manner as celestials enjoy the garden of Nandna, that night had elapsed.

प्रतिजग्मुः च ता नद्यो गन्धर्वाः च यथा आगतम् | भरद्वाजम् अनुज्नाप्य ताः च सर्वा वर अन्गनाः || २-९१-८३

Having been permitted by Bharadwaja, those rivers, the celestial musicians and all those beautiful women went back by the same way they came.

तथैव मत्ता मदिर उत्कटा नराः | तथैव दिव्य अगुरु चन्दन उक्षिताः | तथैव दिव्या विविधाः स्रग् उत्तमाः | पृथक् प्रकीर्णा मनुजैः प्रमर्दिताः || २-९१-८४

The soldiers, intoxicated with spirituous liquor, were likewise excited with joy. Likewise, the men were drenched in charming aloes and sandal paste. Various kinds of excellent and charming garlands were there, crushed and garlands were there, crushed and scattered at distances, likewise.