Chapter 1
Narada briefs Valmiki about Rama and Ramayana in a nutshell
86 Verses
तपःस्वाध्यायनिरतं तपस्वी वाग्विदां वरम् | नारदं परिपप्रच्छ वाल्मीकिर्मुनिपुङ्गवम् || १-१-१
tapaH svaadhyaaya nirataam tapasvii vaagvidaam varam | naaradam paripapracCha vaalmiikiH muni puMgavam || 1-1-1
The ascetic Valmiki inquired Naarada - 'who engaged deeply in austerity and study of Vedas, best among the eloquent and eminent among sages' (as follows:). [1-1-1]
को न्वस्मिन् साम्प्रतं लोके गुणवान् कश्च वीर्यवान् | धर्मज्ञश्च कृतज्ञश्च सत्यवाक्यो दृढव्रतः || १-१-२
kaH nu asmin saaMpratam loke guNavaan kaH ca viiryavaan | dharmaj~naH ca kR^itaj~naH ca satya vaakyo dhR^iDha vrataH || 1-1-2
"Who really is that person in this present world, who is virtuous and vigorous, a conscientious one, one who is mindful of good deeds done to him, and also a speaker of truth and who is determined in his deed... [1-1-2]
चारित्रेण च को युक्तः सर्वभूतेषु को हितः | विद्वान् कः कः समर्थश्च कश्चैकप्रियदर्शनः || १-१-३
aatmavaan ko jitakrodho dyutimaan kaH anasuuyakaH | kasya bibhyati devaaH ca jaata roShasya saMyuge || 1-1-4
"Who is appropriate in disposition... who is interested in welfare of all beings... who is adept and also an able one... also uniquely pleasant to look at... [1-1-3]
आत्मवान् को जितक्रोधो द्युतिमान् कोऽनसूयकः | कस्य बिभ्यति देवाश्च जातरोषस्य संयुगे || १-१-४
etat icChaami aham shrotum param kautuuhalam hi me | maharShe tvam samartho.asi j~naatum evam vidham naram || 1-1-5
"Who is that self-composed one, who controlled his ire, who is brilliant, non-jealous and whom do even the gods fear, when provoked to war... [1-1-4]
एतदिच्छाम्यहं श्रोतुं परं कौतूहलं हि मे | महर्षे त्वं समर्थोऽसि ज्ञातुमेवंविधं नरम् || १-१-५
shrutvaa ca etat trilokaj~no vaalmiikeH naarado vacaH | shruuyataam iti ca aamaMtrya prahR^iShTo vaakyam abraviit || 1-1-6
"All this I wish to listen from you, oh! Great Sage, you are competent to know this kind of man, and indeed my inquisitiveness is immense..." Thus Valmiki enquired with Narada. [1-1-5]
श्रुत्वा चैतत्त्रिलोकज्ञो वाल्मीकेर्नारदो वचः | श्रूयतामिति चामन्त्र्य प्रहृष्टो वाक्यमब्रवीत् || १-१-६
bahavo durlabhaaH ca eva ye tvayaa kiirtitaa guNaaH | mune vaxShyaami aham buddhvaa taiH uktaH shruuyataam naraH || 1-1-7
On listening all those words of Valmiki, Narada, the knower of all the three worlds, said "let it be heard..." and beckoning at Sage Valmiki to listen attentively, he spoke these words very gladly. [1-1-6]
बहवो दुर्लभाश्चैव ये त्वया कीर्तिता गुणाः | मुने वक्ष्याम्यहं बुद्ध्वा तैर्युक्तः श्रूयतां नरः || १-१-७
ikShvaaku vaMsha prabhavo raamo naama janaiH shrutaH | niyata aatmaa mahaaviiryo dyutimaan dhR^itimaan vashii || 1-1-8
"Oh! Sage Valmiki, the merits which you have extolled are many, and unattainable. I, after having known from Brahma of such a man with all these merits, will speak on...Let it be heard." Thus Narada started to say. [1-1-7]
इक्ष्वाकुवंशप्रभवो रामो नाम जनैः श्रुतः | नियतात्मा महावीर्यो द्युतिमान् धृतिमान् वशी || १-१-८
buddhimaan niitimaan vaa~Ngmii shriimaan shatru nibarhaNaH | vipulaaMso mahaabaahuH kaMbu griivo mahaahanuH || 1-1-9
"One emerged from Ikshvaku dynasty, known to people as Rama by name. He is with a controlled self, highly valorous, resplendent, steadfast and a controller of (vice and vile... or) his own senses. [1-1-8]
बुद्धिमान्नीतिमान्वाग्ग्मी श्रीमान् शत्रुनिबर्हणः | विपुलांसो महाबाहुः कम्बुग्रीवो महाहनुः || १-१-९
mahorasko maheShvaaso guuDha jatruH arindamaH | aajaanu baahuH sushiraaH sulalaaTaH suvikramaH || 1-1-10
"He is a wise one, moralist, eloquent, glorious, and a destroyer of enemies. His arms are lengthy, with three lines in the neck [indicative of good fortune], and cheekbones high... [1-1-9]
महोरस्को महेष्वासो गूढजत्रुररिन्दमः | आजानुबाहुः सुशिराः सुललाटः सुविक्रमः || १-१-१०
samaH sama vibhakta aMgaH snigdha varNaH prataapavaan | piina vakShaa vishaalaakSho lakShmiivaan shubha lakShaNaH || 1-1-11
"He is lion-chested, with concealed collarbones, knee-length are his arms, and his is a long bow, an enemy-subjugator, and his emperor's countenance is with a crowning-head and an ample forehead, and his gait is majestic like that of a lion... [1-1-10]
समः समविभक्ताङ्गः स्निग्धवर्णः प्रतापवान् | पीनवक्षा विशालाक्षो लक्ष्मीवान् शुभलक्षणः || १-१-११
dharmaj~naH satya sandhaH ca prajaanaam ca hite rataH | yashasvii j~naana saMpannaH shuciH vashyaH samaadhimaan || 1-1-12
"He is built proportionately physically, with limbs poised symmetrically, sinew-chested, wide-eyed, complexioned charmingly... he is a prosperous one with all the auspicious features ... [1-1-11]
धर्मज्ञः सत्यसन्धश्च प्रजानां च हिते रतः | यशस्वी ज्ञानसंपन्नः शुचिर्वश्यः समाधिमान् || १-१-१२
prajaapati samaH shriimaan dhaataa ripu niShUdanaH | rakshitaa jiivalokasya dharmasya pari rakshitaa|| 1-1-13
"He is the knower of rectitude, bidden by the truth, also his concern is in the welfare of subjects, proficient in prudence, clean in his conduct, self-controlled and an attentive one... [1-1-12]
प्रजापतिसमः श्रीमान् धाता रिपुनिषूदनः | रक्षिता जीवलोकस्य धर्मस्य परिरक्षिता|| १-१-१३
rakShitaa svasya dharmasya sva janasya ca rakShitaa | veda vedaa~Nga tattvaj~no dhanur vede ca niShThitaH || 1-1-14
"He equals Lord Vishnu, the Lord of all creatures, Sustainer of the Universe, together with Sri Lakshmi (shriimaan = lakShmiivaan), Eliminator of enemies, Protector of the world of living creatures and complete Guardian of probity... [1-1-13]
रक्षिता स्वस्य धर्मस्य स्वजनस्य च रक्षिता | वेदवेदाङ्गतत्त्वज्ञो धनुर्वेदे च निष्ठितः || १-१-१४
sarvashaastraarthatattvaj~no smR^itimaan pratibhaanavaan | sarvaloka priyaH saadhuH adiinaaatmaa vicakShaNaH || 1-1-15
"He is the preserver of his own righteousness and also a champion for adherent's welfare in the same righteousness, and he is a scholar in the essence of Veda-s and their ancillaries, too. He is an expert in dhanurVeda, the Art of Archery... [1-1-14]
सर्वशास्त्रार्थतत्त्वज्ञः स्मृतिमान् प्रतिभानवान् | सर्वलोकप्रियः साधुरदीनात्मा विचक्षणः || १-१-१५
sarvadaa abhigataH sadbhiH samudra iva sindhubhiH | aryaH sarvasamaH ca eva sadaiva priya darshanaH || 1-1-16
"He is the knower of the meaning and essence of all the scriptures, excellent at memory, a brilliant one, and dear to all the worlds, gentle, level-headed and clear-headed in discriminating and distinguishing... [1-1-15]
स च सर्वगुणोपेतः कौसल्यानन्दवर्धनः | समुद्र इव गाम्भीर्ये धैर्येण हिमवानिव || १-१-१७
viShNunaa sadR^isho viirye somavat priya darshanaH | kaala agni sadR^ishaH krodhe kShamayaa pR^ithvii samaH || 1-1-18 dhanadena samaH tyaage satye dharma iva aparaH |
"He who betters the happiness of his mother Kausalya is an embodiment of all noble merits, and in profundity he is like an unfathomable ocean, and by fortitude he is unalterable like the kingly Himalayan mountain... [1-1-17]
विष्णुना सदृशो वीर्ये सोमवत्प्रियदर्शनः | कालाग्निसदृशः क्रोधे क्षमया पृथिवीसमः || १-१-१८ धनदेन समस्त्यागे सत्ये धर्म इवापरः |
tam evam guNa saMpannam raamam satya paraakramam || 1-1-19 jyeShTam shreShTa guNaiH yuktam priyam dasharathaH sutam | prakR^itInaam hitaiH yuktam prakR^iti priya kaaMyayaa || 1-1-20 yauva raajyena saMyoktum aicChat priityaa mahiipatiH |
"In valour Rama is comparable to Vishnu, and in his looks he is attractive like the moon, he equals the earth in his forgiveness, but he is matchable to world ending fire in his wrath... and in benevolence he is identical to Kubera, God of Wealth, and in his candour he is like Dharma itself, the Truth personified, with none to rival him... [1-1-18, 19a]
तमेवं गुणसम्पन्नं रामं सत्यपराक्रमम् || १-१-१९ ज्येष्ठं श्रेष्ठगुणैर्युक्तं प्रियं दशरथस्सुतम् | प्रकृतीनां हितैर्युक्तं प्रकृतिप्रियकाम्यया || १-१-२० यौवराज्येन संयोक्तुमैच्छत् प्रीत्या महीपतिः |
tasya abhiSheka saMbhaaraan dR^iShTvaa bhaaryaa atha kaikayii || 1-1-21 puurvam datta varaa devii varam enam ayaacata | vivaasanam ca raamasya bharatasya abhiShecanam || 1-1-22
"Lord of the land King Dasaratha with an intent for doing good to the people, affectionately desired to endow with regent-hood to that Rama, the eldest and a dear son to Dasaratha and who possessed such merits with true valour, together with best of qualities, and concerned for welfare of the people....[1-1-29b, 20, 21a]
तस्याभिषेकसंभारान् दृष्ट्वा भार्याथ कैकयी || १-१-२१ पुर्वं दत्तवरा देवी वरमेनमयाचत | विवासनं च रामस्य भरतस्याभिषेचनम् || १-१-२२
sa jagaama vanam viiraH pratij~naam anupaalayan | pitur vacana nirdeshaat kaikeyyaaH priya kaaraNaat || 1-1-24
"Then seeing the arrangements for the anointment of Rama as crown-prince, Kaikeyi, the dear wife and a queen of Dasaratha, solicited boons that were once accorded to her by Dasharatha, for the banishment of Rama and anointment of Bharata as boons. [1-1-21b, 22]
स सत्यवचनाद् राजा धर्मपाशेन संयतः | विवासयामास सुतं रामं दशरथः प्रियम् || १-१-२३
raamasya dayitaa bhaaryaa nityam praaNa samaa hitaa || 1-1-26 janakasya kule jaataa deva maayeva nir.hmitaa | sarva lakShaNa saMpannaa naariiNaam uttamaa vadhuuH || 1-1-27 siitaapya anugataa raamam shashinam rohiNii yathaa |
"Bound by his true plighted word and by the noose of righteousness that king Dasharatha exiled his dear son Rama to forests. [1-1-23]
स जगाम वनं वीरः प्रतिज्ञामनुपालयन् | पितुर्वचननिर्देशात् कैकेय्याः प्रियकारणात् || १-१-२४
pauraiH anugato duuram pitraa dasharathena ca || 1-1-28 shR^ingibera pure suutam gaMgaa kuule vyasarjayat | guham aasaadya dharmaatmaa niShaada adhipatim priyam || 1-1-29 guheana sahito raamo lakshmaNena cha siitayaa |
"That warrior Rama went to forest for pleasing Kaikeyi, and as directed by his father, and to follow his father's word of honour. [1-1-24]
तं व्रजन्तं प्रियो भ्राता लक्ष्मणोऽनुजगाम ह | स्नेहाद्विनयसम्पन्नः सुमित्रानन्दवर्धनः || १-१-२५ भ्रातरं दयितो भ्रातुः सौभ्रात्रमनुदर्शयन् |
te vanena vanam gatvaa nadiiH tiirtvaa bahu udakaaH || 1-1-30 citrakuuTam anupraapya bharadvaajasya shaasanaat | raMyam aavasatham kR^itvaa ramamaaNaa vane trayaH || 1-1-31 deva gandharva saMkaashaaH tatra te nyavasan sukham |
"While that Rama was going on exile, Lakshmana, endowed with humbleness, and augmentor of his mother Sumitra's joy, and a loving and a dear brother to Rama, followed him out of affection, showing brotherly fraternity.[1-1-25, 26a]
रामस्य दयिता भार्या नित्यं प्राणसमा हिता || १-१-२६ जनकस्य कुले जाता देवमायेव निर्मिता | सर्वलक्षणसम्पन्ना नारीणामुत्तमा वधूः || १-१-२७ सीताप्यनुगता रामं शशिनं रोहिणी यथा |
citrakuuTam gate raame putra shoka aaturaH tathaa || 1-1-32 raajaa dasharathaH svargam jagaama vilapan sutam |
"Even Seetha, daughter-in-law of Dasaratha, and Rama's beloved wife equalling to Rama's life, ever well disposed, born in the family of Janaka and one as though fashioned by a Divine marvel, endowed with all good characteristics and the best among women, followed Rama to forest, like Rohini following the Moon... [1-1-26b, 27, 28a]
पौरैरनुगतो दूरं पित्रा दशरथेन च || १-१-२८ शृङ्गिबेरपुरे सूतं गङ्गाकूले व्यसर्जयत् | गुहमासाद्य धर्मात्मा निषादाधिपतिं प्रियम् || १-१-२९ गुहेन सहितो रामो लक्ष्मणेन च सीतया |
gatvaa tu sa mahaatmaanam raamam satya paraakramam | ayaachat bhraataram raamam aarya bhaava puraskR^itaH || 1-1-35 tvam eva raajaa dharmaj~na iti raamam vachaH abraviit |
"The citizens of Ayodhya and his father Dasaratha followed virtuous Rama for a distance when he started on his exile. Later Rama reached the tribal chief named Guha, who liked Rama, on the bank of River Ganga in a town called Sringaberapura. Together with Guha, Lakshmana and Seetha, he left off the charioteer. [1-1-28b, 29, 30a]
ते वनेन वनं गत्वा नदीस्तीर्त्वा बहूदकाः || १-१-३० चित्रकूटमनुप्राप्य भरद्वाजस्य शासनात् | रम्यमावसथं कृत्वा रममाणा वने त्रयः || १-१-३१ देवगन्धर्वसंकाशास्तत्र ते न्यवसन् सुखम् |
paaduke ca asya raajyaaya nyaasam dattvaa punaH punaH || 1-1-37 nivartayaamaasa tato bharatam bharata agrajaH |
"That trio of Seetha, Rama and Lakshmana after going from forest to forest and crossing many a river with much waters, by the ordainment of Bharadwaja, arrived at Chitrakuta, and building a handsome cottage there, they lived happily and delightfully in the woods there, like gods and gandharvas... [1-1-30b, 31, 32a]
चित्रकूटं गते रामे पुत्रशोकातुरस्तदा || १-१-३२ राजा दशरथः स्वर्गं जगाम विलपन् सुतम् |
gate tu bharate shriimaan satyasandho jitendriyaH || 1-1-39 raamaH tu punaH aalakShya naagarasya janasya ca | tatra aagamanam ekaagro daNDakaan pravivesha ha |1-1-40
"On Rama going to Chitrakuta thus, King Dasharatha tormented by the grief for son, went to heavens weeping for son... [1-1-32b, 33a]
मृते तु तस्मिन् भरतो वसिष्ठप्रमुखैर्द्विजैः || १-१-३३ नियुज्यमानो राज्याय नैच्छद् राज्यं महाबलः | स जगाम वनं वीरो रामपादप्रसादकः || १-१-३४
pravishya tu mahaaaraNyam raamo raajiiva lochanaH | viraadham raakShasam hatvaa sharabhaMgam dadarsha ha || 1-1-41 sutiikShNam ca api agastyam ca agastya bhraataram tathaa |
"On Dasharatha's dying, though Bharata had been appointed for kingship by Sage Vashishta and other Brahmanas, that highly mighty one did not desire kingdom. That warrior Bharata went to forest to propitiate the venerable Rama... [1-1-33b. 34]
गत्वा तु स महात्मानं रामं सत्यपराक्रमम् | अयाचद्भ्रातरं राममार्यभावपुरस्कृतः || १-१-३५ त्वमेव राजा धर्मज्ञ इति रामं वचोऽब्रवीत् |
vasataH tasya raamasya vane vana caraiH saha || 1-1-43 R^iShayaH abhyaagaman sarve vadhaaya asura rakShasaam |
"That Bharata, possessed of a worthy way of thinking [to get Rama installed as king], on going to Rama, begged his brother Rama, a great souled one and a truly courageous one. Bharata spoke words in this manner to Rama - "You alone, the knower of probity, be the king." ... ' [1-1-35, 36a]
रामोऽपि परमोदारः सुमुखः सुमहायशाः || १-१-३६ न चैच्छत्पितुरादेशाद्राज्यं रामो महाबलः |
sa teShAm prati shushraava raaxasaanaam tathaa vane || 1-1-44 pratij~naataH cha raameNa vadhaH saMyati rakshasaam | R^iShiiNaam agni kalpaanaam daMDakaaraNya vaasiinaam || 1-1-45
"Even though Rama was very benevolent, gracious also, highly famed and with great prowess, Rama did not desire kingdom due to father's injunction... [1-1-36b, 37a]
पादुके चास्य राज्याय न्यासं दत्त्वा पुनः पुनः || १-१-३७ निवर्तयामास ततो भरतं भरताग्रजः |
tena tatra eva vasataa janasthaana nivaasinii | viruupitaa shuurpaNakhaa raakShasii kaama ruupiNii || 1-1-46
"Thereafter, repeatedly turning Bharata back, the elder brother, Rama, gave his wooden shoes to Bharata and entrusting them to represent him for the sake of kingdom. [1-1-37b, 38a]
स काममनवाप्यैव रामपादावुपस्पृशन् || १-१-३८ नन्दिग्रामेऽकरोद्राज्यं रामागमनकाङ्क्षया |
tataH shUrpaNakhaa vaakyaat udyuktaan sarva raakShasaan | kharam trishirasam ca eva duuShaNam ca eva raakShasam || 1-1-47 nijaghaana raNe raamaH teShaam ca eva pada anugaan |
"That Bharata, thus with a desire unfulfilled, ruled the kingdom from Nandigrama, touching Rama's sandals representing feet of Rama, with an expectation of Rama's arrival... [1-1-38b, 39a]
गते तु भरते श्रीमान् सत्यसन्धो जितेन्द्रियः || १-१-३९ रामस्तु पुनरालक्ष्य नागरस्य जनस्य च | तत्रागमनमेकाग्रो दण्डकान्प्रविवेश ह |१-१-४०
vane tasmin nivasataa janasthaana nivaasinaam || 1-1-48 rakShasaam nihataani asan sahasraaNi catur dasha |
"On the departure of Bharata, that splendid Rama, truth-bound, and self-controlled, anticipated the repeated visits of citizens and other people. To be undisturbed, Rama then entered Dandaka forests... [1-1-39b, 40]
प्रविश्य तु महारण्यं रामो राजीवलोचनः | विराधं राक्षसं हत्वा शरभङ्गं ददर्श ह || १-१-४१ सुतीक्ष्णं चाप्यगस्त्यं च अगस्त्यभ्रातरं तथा |
vaaryamaaNaH subahusho maariicena sa raavaNaH || 1-1-50 na virodho balavataa kShamo raavaNa tena te |
"That lotus-eyed Rama, on his entering the vast Dandaka forest, killed the demon Viraadha, and indeed beheld Sage Sharabhanga and also Sage Suteekhsna, Sage Agastya and likewise Sage Agastya's brother... [1-1-41, 42a]
अगस्त्यवचनाच्चैव जग्राहैन्द्रं शरासनम् || १-१-४२ खड्गं च परमप्रीतस्तूणी चाक्षयसायकौ |
anaadR^itya tu tat vaakyam raavaNaH kaala coditaH || 1-1-51 jagaama saha maariicaH tasya aashrama padam tadaa |
"On Sage Agastya's word, Rama, with great delight, received from Agastya, Indra's bow along with the sword and two quivers with ever replenishing arrows... [1-1-42b, 43a]
वसतस्तस्य रामस्य वने वनचरैः सह || १-१-४३ ऋषयोऽभ्यागमन्सर्वे वधायासुररक्षसाम् |
tena maayaavinaa duuram apavaahya nR^ipa aatmajau || 1-1-52 jahaara bhaaryaam raamasya gR^idhram hatvaa jaTaayuSham |
"During Rama's stay in the forest, all the sages together with other forest dwellers, approached him for the elimination of ogres and demons... [1-1-43b, 44a]
स तेषां प्रतिशुश्राव राक्षसानां तथा वने || १-१-४४ प्रतिज्ञातश्च रामेण वधः संयति रक्षसाम् | ऋषीणामग्निकल्पानां दण्डकारण्यवासिनाम् || १-१-४५
gR^idhram ca nihatam dR^iShTvaa hR^itaam shrutvaa ca maithiliim || 1-1-53 raaghavaH shoka saMtapto vilalaapa aakula indriyaH |
"He [Rama] agreed to that supplication of those sages dwelling in the forest of demons. A promise was also made by Rama to the sages who equalled the fire and who were living in that Dandaka forest about killing of the demons in combat... [1-1-44b, 45]
तेन तत्रैव वसता जनस्थाननिवासिनी | विरूपिता शूर्पणखा राक्षसी कामरूपिणी || १-१-४६
tam nihatya mahaabaahuH dadaaha svargataH ca saH | sa ca asya kathayaamaasa shabariim dharma caariNiim || 1-1-56 shramaNaam dharma nipuNaam abhigacCha iti raaghava |
"While Rama was living there in the Dandaka forest, a guise-changing demoness named Shuurpa-nakha, who was a resident of Janasthana, a portion of Dandaka forest, was disfigured by him... [1-1-46]
ततः शूर्पणखावाक्यादुद्युक्तान् सर्वराक्षसान् | खरं त्रिशिरसं चैव दूषणं चैव राक्षसम् || १-१-४७ निजघान रणे रामस्तेषां चैव पदानुगान् |
saH abhya gacChan mahaatejaaH shabariim shatru suudanaH || 1-1-57 shaba.ryaa puujitaH saMyak raamo dasharatha aatmajaH |
"Then in a battle, Rama killed all demons who became zealously active incited by Suurphanakha's words, including the demons Khara, Trishira, Duushana together with all of their foot-followers... [1-1-47, 48a]
वने तस्मिन्निवसता जनस्थाननिवासिनाम् || १-१-४८ रक्षसां निहतान्यासन् सहस्राणि चतुर्दश |
paMpaa tiire hanumataa saMgato vaanareNa ha || 1-1-58 hanumat vacanaat ca eva sugriiveNa samaagataH |
"During Rama's stay in that forest, fourteen thousand demon inhabitants of Janasthana became slain... [1-1-48b, 49a]
ततो ज्ञातिवधं श्रुत्वा रावणः क्रोधमूर्छितः || १-१-४९ सहायं वरयामास मारीचं नाम राक्षसम् |
sugriivaaya ca tat sarvam shaMsat raamo mahaabalaH || 1-1-59 aaditaH tat yathaa vR^ittam siitaayaaH cha visheShataH |
"Then, on hearing the slaughter of his kinsmen, Ravana convulsed in anger and sought to get the help of a demon named Maareecha... [1-1-49b, 50a]
वार्यमाणः सुबहुशो मारीचेन स रावणः || १-१-५० न विरोधो बलवता क्षमो रावण तेन ते |
sugriivaH cha api tat sarvam shrutvaa raamasya vaanaraH || 1-1-60 chakaara sakhyam raameNa priitaH cha eva agni saakshikam |
"But Maareecha restrained Ravana telling him many times, 'Oh, Ravana! Rivarly with that formidable Rama is not appropriate of you...' [1-1-50b, 51a]
अनादृत्य तु तद्वाक्यं रावणः कालचोदितः || १-१-५१ जगाम सहमारीचस्तस्याश्रमपदं तदा |
tato vaanara raajena vaira anukathanam prati || 1-1-61 raamaaya aaveditam sarvam praNayaat duHkhitena ca |
"Then disregarding Maareecha's words and impelled by his own fate, Ravana advanced to the place of Rama's hermitage along with Maareecha... [1-1-51b, 52a]
तेन मायाविना दूरमपवाह्य नृपात्मजौ || १-१-५२ जहार भार्यां रामस्य गृध्रं हत्वा जटायुषम् |
pratij~naatam ca raameNa tadaa vaali vadham prati || 1-1-62 vaalinaH ca balam tatra kathayaamaasa vaanaraH |
"After taking away of Rama and Lakshmana to a distance by the trickster Maareecha, Ravana stole Rama's wife after killing Jatayu... [1-1-52b, 53a]
गृध्रं च निहतं दृष्ट्वा हृतां श्रुत्वा च मैथिलीम् || १-१-५३ राघवः शोकसन्तप्तो विललापाकुलेन्द्रियः |
sugriivaH shaMkitaH ca aasiit nityam viiryeNa raaghave || 1-1-63 raaghavaH pratyayaartham tu duMdubheH kaayam uttamam | darshayaamaasa sugriivaH mahaaparvata saMnibham || 1-1-64
"Raghava on seeing the smitten Jatayu and also on hearing about Seetha's abduction, wailed with disturbed senses, seething with anguish ... [1-1-53b, 54a]
ततस्तेनैव शोकेन गृध्रं दग्ध्वा जटायुषम् || १-१-५४ मार्गमाणो वने सीतां राक्षसं संददर्श ह | कबन्धं नाम रूपेण विकृतं घोरदर्शनम् || १-१-५५
utsmayitvaa mahaabaahuH prekshya ca asti mahaabalaH | paada aMguShTena chikshepa saMpuurNam dasha yojanam || 1-1-65
"Rama then cremated that vulture Jataayu with that state of anguish, and while searching for Seetha in forest, he indeed saw a demon named Kabandha, deformed in his looks and with a terrible appearance... [1-1-54b, 55]
तं निहत्य महाबाहुर्ददाह स्वर्गतश्च सः | स चास्य कथयामास शबरीं धर्मचारिणीम् || १-१-५६ श्रमणीं धर्मनिपुणामभिगच्छेति राघव |
tataH priita manaaH tena vishvastaH sa mahaakapiH | kiShkiMdhaam raama sahito jagaama ca guhaam tadaa || 1-1-67
"That Rama with great arms after slaying Kabandha, cremated him and Kabandha obtanined heaven. Before going to heaven, he spoke thus to Rama: 'Oh Raghava! You proceed to Sabari, a lady with righteous conduct, an expert in probity and a devotee.'... [1-1-56, 57a]
सोऽभ्यगच्छन्महातेजाः शबरीं शत्रुसूदनः || १-१-५७ शबर्या पूजितः सम्यग्रामो दशरथात्मजः |
tataH agarjat harivaraH sugriivo hema piMgalaH | tena naadena mahataa nirjagaama hariishvaraH || 1-1-68
"That great resplendent Rama, the son of Dasaratha, an anhillator of enemies, approached Sabari and was thoroughly honoured by her... [1-1-57b, 58a]
पम्पातीरे हनुमता सङ्गतो वानरेण ह || १-१-५८ हनुमद्वचनाच्चैव सुग्रीवेण समागतः |
anumaanya tadaa taaraam sugriiveNa samaagataH | nijaghaana ca tatra enam shareNa ekena raaghavaH || 1-1-69
"Rama was united indeed with the Vanara Hanuma on the banks of Lake Pampa, and upon the word of Hanuma, Rama met with Sugreeva... [1-1-58b, 59b]
सुग्रीवाय च तत्सर्वं शंसद्रामो महाबलः || १-१-५९ आदितस्तद्यथावृत्तं सीतायाश्च विशेषतः |
tataH sugriiva vacanaat hatvaa vaalinam aahave | sugriivam eva tat raajye raaghavaH pratyapaadayat || 1-1-70
"The highly powerful Rama detailed from the beginning all that happened, and in particular the abduction of Seetha, to Sugriva and to Hanuma also... [1-1-59b, 60a]
सुग्रीवश्चापि तत्सर्वं श्रुत्वा रामस्य वानरः || १-१-६० चकार सख्यं रामेण प्रीतश्चैवाग्निसाक्षिकम् |
sa ca sarvaan samaaniiya vaanaraan vaanararShabhaH | dishaH prasthaapayaamaasa didR^ikShuH janaka aatmajaam || 1-1-71
"The Vanara Sugreeva after listening to all that talk of Rama made friendship with Rama delightedly with sacred fire as witness... [1-1-60b, 61a]
ततो वानरराजेन वैरानुकथनं प्रति || १-१-६१ रामायावेदितं सर्वं प्रणयाद्दुःखितेन च |
tato gR^idhrasya vacanaat saMpaateH hanumaan balii | shata yojana vistiirNam pupluve lavaNa arNavam || 1-1-72
"Then out of affection, the incident was related with regard to Sugreeva's enemity with Vali in its entirety by the Vanara King with grief to Rama ... [1-1-61b, 62a]
प्रतिज्ञातं च रामेण तदा वालिवधं प्रति || १-१-६२ वालिनश्च बलं तत्र कथयामास वानरः |
tatra laMkaam samaasaadya puriim raavaNa paalitaam | dadarsha siitaam dhyaayantiim ashoka vanikaam gataam || 1-1-73
"Then a solemn promise was made by Rama with regards to killing of Vali. In that regard Vanara Sugreeva also described Vali's strength... [1-1-62b, 63a]
सुग्रीवः शङ्कितश्चासीन्नित्यं वीर्येण राघवे || १-१-६३ राघवप्रत्ययार्थं तु दुन्दुभेः कायमुत्तमम् | दर्शयामास सुग्रीवो महापर्वतसन्निभम् || १-१-६४
nivedayitvaa abhij~naanam pravR^ittim ca nivedya ca | samaashvaasya ca vaidehiim mardayaamaasa toraNam || 1-1-74
"But Sugreeva remained ever doubtful with respect to Raghava, about Raghava's prowess. Sugreeva showed Dundubhi's big and great mountain-like dead body to gain confidence in Raghava... [1-1-63b, 64]
उत्स्मयित्वा महाबाहुः प्रेक्ष्य चास्थि महाबलः | पादाङ्गुष्ठेन चिक्षेप सम्पूर्णं दशयोजनम् || १-१-६५
astreNa unmuktam aatmaanam j~naatvaa paitaamahaat varaat | marShayan raakShasaan viiro yantriNaH taan yadR^icChayaa || 1-1-76 tato dagdhvaa puriim laMkaam R^ite siitaam ca maithiliim | raamaaya priyam aakhyaatum punaH aayaat mahaakapiH || 1-1-77
Great armed and very powerful Rama after seeing the bones of Dundubhi smiled and by the big toe of his foot threw it wholly for ten yojana-s length. [1-1-65]
बिभेद च पुनः सालान् सप्तैकेन महेषुणा | गिरिं रसातलं चैव जनयन् प्रत्ययं तदा || १-१-६६
saH abhigaMya mahaatmaanam kR^itvaa raamam pradakShiNam | nyavedayat ameyaatmaa dR^iShTaa siitaa iti tattvataH || 1-1-78
"Then again Rama ripped through seven massive Sala trees with only one great arrow, which not only went through the trees but also rent through a mountain, and to the nethermost subterranean of earth, in order to create faith in the mind of Sugreeva... [1-1-66]
ततः प्रीतमनाश्चैव विश्वस्तश्च महाकपिः | किष्किन्धां रामसहितो जगाम च गुहां तदा || १-१-६७
tataH sugriiva sahito gatvaa tiiram mahaa udadheH | samudram kShobhayaamaasa sharaiH aaditya sannibhaiH || 1-1-79
"Thereafter great monkey Sugreeva with a gladdened heart by that act of Rama, proceeded to cave-like Kishkindha then along with Rama and with confidence in Rama's strength... [1-1-67]
ततोऽगर्जद्धरिवरः सुग्रीवो हेमपिङ्गलः | तेन नादेन महता निर्जगाम हरीश्वरः || १-१-६८
darshayaamaasa ca aatmaanam samudraH saritaam patiH | samudra vacanaat ca eva nalam setum akaarayat || 1-1-80
"Then that best monkey Sugreeva, with a golden hue, made a roaring sound. By that loud sound, the king of monkeys, Vali, emerged out... [1-1-68]
अनुमान्य तदा तारां सुग्रीवेण समागतः | निजघान च तत्रैनं शरेणैकेन राघवः || १-१-६९
tena gatvaa puriim laMkaam hatvaa raavaNam aahave | raamaH siitaam anupraapya paraam vriiDaam upaagamat || 1-1-81
"Then after Tara [wife of Vali] permitting, Vali met with Sugreeva in a combat. And Rama killed this Vali with a single arrow there... [1-1-69]
ततः सुग्रीववचनाद्धत्वा वालिनमाहवे | सुग्रीवमेव तद्राज्ये राघवः प्रत्यपादयत् || १-१-७०
taam uvaaca tataH raamaH paruSham jana saMsadi | amR^iShyamaaNaa saa siitaa vivesha jvalanam satii || 1-1-82
"Then Raghava after killing Vali in a combat as per Sugreeva's plea, installed Sugreeva alone as the king of Vanaras.. [1-1-70]
स च सर्वान् समानीय वानरान् वानरर्षभः | दिशः प्रस्थापयामास दिदृक्षुर्जनकात्मजाम् || १-१-७१
tataH agni vachanaat siitaam j~naatvaa vigata kalmaShaam | karmaNaa tena mahataa trailokyam sa charaacharam || 1-1-83 sa devarShi gaNam tuShTam raaghavasya mahaatmanaH || babhau raamaH saMprahR^iShTaH puujitaH sarva devataiH || 1-1-84
"That best among monkeys, Sugreeva, after summoning all Vanaras, dispatched them in different directions to behold the daughter of Janaka... [1-1-71]
ततो गृध्रस्य वचनात्सम्पातेेर्हनुमान् बली | शतयोजनविस्तीर्णं पुप्लुवे लवणार्णवम् || १-१-७२
abhyaShicya ca laMkaayaam raakShasa indram vibhiiShaNam | kR^itakR^ityaH tadaa raamo vijvaraH pramumoda ha || 1-1-85
"After that, the strong Hanuma, upon the word of the vulture Sampati who was elder brother of Jatayu, flew across the salty ocean one hundred yojanas in breadth... [1-1-72]
तत्र लङ्कां समासाद्य पुरीं रावणपालिताम् | ददर्श सीतां ध्यायन्तीमशोकवनिकां गताम् || १-१-७३
devataabhyo varaam praapya samutthaapya ca vaanaraan | ayodhyaam prasthitaH raamaH puShpakeNa suhR^it vR^itaH || 1-1-86
"On reaching the city of Lanka ruled by Ravana, Hanuma saw Seetha situated in Ashoka gardens there and meditating on Rama alone... [1-1-73]
निवेदयित्वाभिज्ञानं प्रवृत्तिं च निवेद्य च | समाश्वास्य च वैदेहीं मर्दयामास तोरणम् || १-१-७४
bharadvaaja aashramam gatvaa raamaH satyaparaakramaH | bharatasya aMtikam raamo hanuumaMtam vyasarjayat || 1-1-87
"After delivering to Seetha the mark of identification in the form of a ring from Rama and also communicating Rama's disposition and consoling Vaidehi, Hanuma destroyed the welcome-arch of Ashoka gardens... [1-1-74]
पञ्च सेनाग्रगान् हत्वा सप्त मन्त्रिसुतानपि | शूरमक्षं च निष्पिष्य ग्रहणं समुपागमत् || १-१-७५
punaH aakhyaayikaam jalpan sugriiva sahitaH tadaa | puShpakam tat samaaruuhya naMdigraamam yayau tadaa || 1-1-88
"After killing five army chiefs and seven minister's sons and crushing the valiant Aksha, Hanuma got into state of captivity... [1-1-75]
अस्त्रेणोन्मुक्तमात्मानं ज्ञात्वा पैतामहाद्वरात् | मर्षयन् राक्षसान् वीरो यन्त्रिणस्तान्यदृच्छया || १-१-७६ ततो दग्ध्वा पुरीं लङ्कामृते सीतां च मैथिलीम् | रामाय प्रियमाख्यातुं पुनरायान्महाकपिः || १-१-७७
naMdigraame jaTaam hitvaa bhraatR^ibhiH sahito anaghaH | raamaH siitaam anupraapya raajyam punaH avaaptavaan || 1-1-89
"Knowing himself to be free from the captivity of the weapon according to Brahma's boon, the valiant great monkey Hanuma enduring those demons with self-will who tied his tail with ropes with the intention of burning it, there after burning the city of Lanka while leaving from fire the Seetha of Mithila, got back again to convey the pleasant news to Rama ... [1-1-76, 77]
सोऽभिगम्य महात्मानं कृत्वा रामं प्रदक्षिणम् | न्यवेदयदमेयात्मा दृष्टा सीतेति तत्त्वतः || १-१-७८
na putra maraNam kechit drakShyanti puruShaaH kvacit | naaryaH ca avidhavaa nityam bhaviShyanti pati vrataaH || 1-1-91
"Approaching the great Rama and peforming circumambulation around Rama, Hanuma having an inestimable intelligence, submitted in essence thus: 'Seen Seetha...' [1-1-78]
ततः सुग्रीवसहितो गत्वा तीरं महोदधेः | समुद्रं क्षोभयामास शरैरादित्यसन्निभैः || १-१-७९
na ca agnijam bhayam kinchit na apsu majjanti jantavaH | na vaatajam bhayam kincit na api jvara kR^itam tathaa || 1-1-92 na cha api kshut bhayam tatra na taskara bhayam tathaa |
"There-after, Rama along with Sugreeva and other monkeys went to the shore of Great Ocean, and put the Ocean-god to turmoil with his arrows comparable to the Sun... [1-1-79]
दर्शयामास चात्मानं समुद्रः सरितां पतिः | समुद्रवचनाच्चैव नलं सेतुमकारयत् || १-१-८०
nagaraaNi cha raaShTraaNi dhana dhaanya yutaani ca || 1-1-93 nityam pramuditaaH sarve yathaa kR^ita yuge tathaa |
"The Ocean-god revealed himself and upon his word, Nala built the bridge across the ocean... [1-1-80]
तेन गत्वा पुरीं लङ्कां हत्वा रावणमाहवे | रामः सीतामनुप्राप्य परां व्रीडामुपागमत् || १-१-८१
ashvamedha shataiH iShTvaa tathaa bahu suva.rNakaiH || 1-1-94 gavaam koTyayutam dattvaa vidvabhyo vidhi puurvakam | asaMkhyeyam dhanam dattvaa braahmaNebho mahaayashaaH || 1-1-95
"Rama, having gone to the city of Lanka by that bridge, killing Ravana in a battle, experienced great shame on getting Seetha back... [1-1-81]
तामुवाच ततो रामः परुषं जनसंसदि | अमृष्यमाणा सा सीता विवेश ज्वलनं सती || १-१-८२
raaja vaMshaan shata guNaan sthaapa iShyati raaghavaH | caatur varNyam ca loke asmin sve sve dharme niyokShyati || 1-1-96
"There-after, Rama spoke harshly to Seetha in the assembly of the people. Being devoted to her husband, that Seetha, intolerant of the harsh words of Rama, entered into burning fire... [1-1-82]
ततोऽग्निवचनात्सीतां ज्ञात्वा विगतकल्मषाम् | कर्मणा तेन महता त्रैलोक्यं सचराचरम् || १-१-८३ सदेवर्षिगणं तुष्टं राघवस्य महात्मनः || बभौ रामः संप्रहृष्टः पूजितः सर्वदैवतैः|| १-१-८४
dasha varSha sahasraaNi dasha varSha shataani ca | raamo raajyam upaasitvaa brahma lokam prayaasyati || 1-1-97
"Then, upon the word of Fire-god, having known Seetha to be sinless, Rama became extremely glad. Worshipped by all gods he became resplendent. By that accomplishment of the great Raghava the three worlds together with mobile and immobile beings, and with groups of gods and sages became exultant... [1-1-83, 84]
अभिषिच्य च लङ्कायां राक्षसेन्द्रं विभीषणम् | कृतकृत्यस्ततो रामो विज्वरः प्रमुमोद ह || १-१-८५
etat aakhyaanam aayuShyam paThan raamaayaNam naraH | sa putra pautraH sa gaNaH pretya svarge mahiiyate || 1-1-99
"Enthroning Vibheeshana as the chieftain of demons in Lanka, and with a done deed, Rama then rejoiced highly indeed free from distress... [1-1-85]
देवताभ्यो वरं प्राप्य समुत्थाप्य च वानरान् | अयोध्यां प्रस्थितो रामः पुष्पकेण सुहृद् वृतः || १-१-८६
paThan dvijo vaak R^iShabhatvam iiyaat | syaat kShatriyo bhuumi patitvam iiyaat || vaNik janaH paNya phalatvam iiyaat | janaH ca shuudro api mahattvam iiyaat || 1-1-100
"After obtaining a boon from the gods, Rama raised up monkeys from death. He then travelled to Ayodhya by Pushpaka aircraft surrounded by good hearted ones... [1-1-86]
भरद्वाजाश्रमं गत्वा रामः सत्यपराक्रमः | भरतस्यान्तिकं रामो हनुमन्तं व्यसर्जयत् || १-१-८७
"Rama, with true valour, on going to sage Bharadwaja's hermitage, sent Hanuma to the presence of Bharata... [1-1-87]
पुनराख्यायिकां जल्पन् सुग्रीवसहितश्च सः | पुष्पकं तत्समारुह्य नन्दिग्रामं ययौ तदा || १-१-८८
"Then, having boarded Pushpaka aircraft again after leaving the hermitage of Bharadwaja, and narrating past history to Sugreeva and others about the events in the days of his exile in forests, while flying overhead of the very same places, Rama went to Nandigrama... [1-1-88]
नन्दिग्रामे जटां हित्वा भ्रातृभिः सहितोऽनघः | रामः सीतामनुप्राप्य राज्यं पुनरवाप्तवान् || १-१-८९
"That sinless Rama rejoining with all of his brothers in the village Nandigrama removed his matted hair. Thus he, on regaining Seetha and on discarding hermit's role again became a householder, and he regained his kingdom also... [1-1-89]
प्रहृष्टमुदितो लोकस्तुष्टः पुष्टः सुधार्मिकः | निरामयो ह्यरोगश्च दुर्भिक्षभयवर्जितः || १-१-९०
"When Rama is ruling the world will be highly rejoiced and happy, satisfied and abundant, also very righteous, wholesome, disease-free, and free from fear of famine..." Thus Narada is foreseeing the future and telling Valmiki. [1-1-90]
न पुत्रमरणं किंचिद्द्रक्ष्यन्ति पुरुषाः क्वचित् | नार्यश्चाविधवा नित्यं भविष्यन्ति पतिव्रताः || १-१-९१
"While Rama is on the throne men will not see the deaths of their children anywhere in their lifetime, and the ladies will remain husband-devouted and unwidowed during their lifetime... [1-1-91]
न चाग्निजं भयं किञ्चिन्नाप्सु मज्जन्ति जन्तवः | न वातजं भयं किञ्चिन्नापि ज्वरकृतं तथा || १-१-९२ न चापि क्षुद्भयं तत्र न तस्करभयं तथा |
"In the kingdom of Rama, there will be no fear for his subjects from wildfires, gale-storms or from diseases, and there will be no fear from hunger or thieves, nor the cattle will be drowned in floodwaters as well... [1-1-92, 93a]
नगराणि च राष्ट्राणि धनधान्ययुतानि च || १-१-९३ नित्यं प्रमुदिताः सर्वे यथा कृतयुगे तथा |
"Cities and states as well will be replete with wealth and grains likewise. All his subjects will be highly glad always, like in Krita yuga... [1-1-93b, 94a]
अश्वमेधशतैरिष्ट्वा तथा बहुसुवर्णकैः || १-१-९४ गवां कोट्ययुतं दत्त्वा विद्वद्भ्यो विधिपूर्वकम् | | असंख्येयं धनं दत्त्वा ब्राह्मणेभ्यो महायशाः || १-१-९५
"Like-wise the highly illustrious Rama having performed hundreds of horse rituals and having donated plentiful gold and crores of cows and wealth that cannot be counted to Brahmanas and to scholars according to custom... [1-1-94b, 95a]
राजवंशान् शतगुणान् स्थापयिष्यति राघवः | चातुर्वर्ण्यं च लोकेऽस्मिन् स्वे स्वे धर्मे नियोक्ष्यति || १-१-९६
"In this world Raghava will establish kingly dynasties in hundredfold and he will be maintaining the four-caste system positing each in his own duty, may it be caste-bound or provincial-kingdom-bound duty, in order to achieve a perfect social harmony... [1-1-96]
दशवर्षसहस्राणि दशवर्षशतानि च | रामो राज्यमुपासित्वा ब्रह्मलोकं गमिष्यति || १-१-९७
"Having served the kingdom for ten thousand years and another one thousand years, i.e. for a total of eleven thousand years, Rama will go to the abode of Brahma... [1-1-97]
इदं पवित्रं पापघ्नं पुण्यं वेदैश्च सम्मितम् | यः पठेद्रामचरितं सर्वपापैः प्रमुच्यते || १-१-९८
"This Ramayana is holy, sin-eradicating, merit-endowing, and conformable with the teachings of Vedas. Whoever reads this Legend of Rama, will be verily liberated of all sins... [1-1-98]
एतदाख्यानमायुष्यं पठन् रामायणं नरः | सपुत्रपौत्रः सगणः प्रेत्य स्वर्गे महीयते || १-१-९९
"This Ramayana is long-life giving. A narrative by reading which a human will be blessed with sons and grandsons, and after enjoying worldly comforts with attendants, will be adored in heaven after demise... [1-1-99]
पठन् द्विजो वागृषभत्वमीयात् | स्यात् क्षत्रियो भूमिपतित्वमीयात् || वणिग्जनः पण्यफलत्वमीयात् | जनश्च शूद्रोऽपि महत्त्वमीयात् || १-१-१००
"By reading this Ramayana, that person if a Brahmana obtains excellency in speech, if a Kshatriya obtains land-lordship, if Vaisya attains profit in trade and even if a Sudra attains excellence." Thus Sage Narada gave a gist of Ramayana to Sage-poet Valmiki. [1-1-100]
