Ayodhya Kandam (Continued)
19.Rama starts
preparations to go to forest
(Rama is upset because Dasaratha was sad but Kaikeyi was
particular that he should go to the
forest immediately. He goes to take
leave from his mother Kausalya. Lakshmana also accompanies him.)
That killer of enemies Rama hearing the unpleasant words which were like
death itself , was not distressed and told Kaikeyi .
19.1
“Let it be so . I shall go to the forest and live there
wearing a matted hair and cloths made of bark , so that I would keep up
the oath of my father .”
19.2
“But I would like to know why the king , why the
king who is the subduer of enemies ,did not greet me like previous
occasions “
19.3
“Oh great lady , do not be sorry because of this
incident. For I tell you that I shall go to the forest wearing matted hair and robe made of barks. Be happy.”
19.4
“Seeking the well
being of the king
who is my father and who is my guru also as a grateful person
, I will obey his orders without hesitation. Would I not do that which pleases
him?” 19.5
“My heart is burning with displeasure , because the king
did not tell me himself about the crowning of Bharatha .” 19.6
“Without being urged by any one , as I am greatly pleased by my brother
Bharatha , I would myself give him, my soul, this kingdom, the beloved people ,
all the wealth and even Sita.” 19.7
“Having been ordered by my father who is the king and for fulfilling your desire I would keep up the promise.”
19.8
“For that reason , please console the king. Why is it
that the king with his eyes staring on earth is shedding tears?”
19.9
“As per the order of the king, let messengers go , riding
on quick paced horses the home of the uncle ‘s of Bharatha to bring him.” 19.10
“I am speedily going to the Dandakaranya forest and as per the words of my father I will stay there for fourteen years.”
19.11
That Kaikeyi after hearing those words of Rama
became happy and believing in the
words of Rama , she wanted to hasten it
up.
19.12
“Let it happen that way. To bring back Bharatha from his
uncle’s home messengers would go on
horses with great speed.”
19.13
“Since you are eager to go to the forest , it is not appropriate for any
further delay and Oh Rama because
of that you should speedily go to the forest.” 19.14
“Oh best among men, the king is not talking to you because
he is greatly ashamed and there is nothing else. So do not get
distressed.”
19.15
“As long as you do not go from the city to the
forest oh Rama, Your father would
neither bathe nor eat.”
19.16
The king who was drowned
in sorrow said, “What a calamity ?” took tortured breath and afterwards fainted and fell down on the
couch decorated with gold and
fell down. 19.17
Rama raised up the king and then Rama was urged by Kaikeyi to depart to the forest like beating the
horse with whip.
19.18
Rama hearing the unpleasant words of bad
consequence of that ungentlemanly lady
who did not seem to have any sorrow told.
19.19
“Oh lady, I am not interested in wealth like the people of the world , who strive for
it. Know that I am equal to the sages
who stand only in Dharma.” 19.20
“If I can do anything little which would please my father
, please inform me , so that I will do it even sacrificing my life .”
19.21
“There is no Dharma
that is greater
than doing service to him and
carrying out his orders .” 19.22
“Though not having been directly by this venerable
one due to your words , I would live in
the solitary forest for fourteen years.” 19.23
“Oh Kaikeyi , though you can rule over me as you are godlike to me , you have spoken
to the king , instead of me showing you did not trust me.” 19.24
“I will take leave of my mother as well as Sita , will
console them and today itself go the Dandaka forest”
19.25
“It is your duty to see that Bharatha should rule the kingdom and also look after my
father and this is the law which is
beginning less.”
19.26
Hearing the words of Rama
his father was struck with sorrow
and was not able to speak but cried loudly.
19.27
Rama with great luster after paying homage to the feet of
his swooned father and to the feet of
ungentlemanly Kaikeyi came out. 19.28
After going round
his father as well as Kaikeyi
Rama came out from the private
apartment and saw his friends.
19.29
With eyes full of tears , his brother Lakshmana
, the son of Sumithra who was greatly angry walked behind him . 19.30
Rama went round
the materials collected for the consecration, steadily looking at those with reverence and later Rama slowly
moved away. 19.31
Loss of kingdom
did not affect the wealth and
great looks of the beloved one of
the people of the kingdom , just like
darkness of night cannot diminish the light of the moon. 19.32
Though having decided
to leave the kingdom and go to the forest , no change of stance
could be seen in that one who is beyond
the comforts of the world .
19.33
Abandoning the auspicious umbrella, decorated fans
and chariot and after taking
leave of his own friends as well as
citizens , holding back his
sorrow of his in his mind , controlling his
senses , he entered his mother’s home to tell the unpalatable news to
her.
19.34-19.35
All the glorious people around him did not notice any change in the countenance
of the dignified Rama who always spoke truth. 19.36
Rama did not leave his usual happy looks like the autumnal moon which never
leaves its usual brilliance.
19.37
The courageous and famous
Rama honoured all people waiting
there with his sweet speech and entered
his mother’s place .
19.38
His brother the
extra ordinarily brave Lakshmana who
was equal to him in virtues held back the sorrow in his mind and followed
him.
19.39
Rama entered the palace with great happiness and seeing his friends there , did not show the great adversity that has befallen him , so that they will not get distressed. 19.40
This is the end of the nineteenth chapter
Of the book Ayodhya of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
20. Kausalya laments
(Rama tells Kausalya about his father’s decision. She is
greatly upset and is sad that he is going away
and afraid of bad treatment by her co-wives. She tells Rama that she
will accompany him.)
While Rama, the tiger among men was leaving , from the ladies of the private apartment
great wailing arose. 20.1
“Rama without being recommended by his father has been
by his private acts , our
refuge and is the protector of the private apartments and he is going on exile.”
20.2
“Right from his birth Rama was devoted to his mother Kausalya , and he is now conducting in the same way
towards all of us.”
20.3
“He never got angry
even with all those who accused him and he avoids all deeds causing anger , and he used to make
those who get angry soft and that Rama is going to the forest on
exile. “ 20.4
“Without brain, Dasaratha is giving up Rama who is the protective source of all beings and by doing so he is destroying the world of living beings”
20.5
Like this all the wives of the king felt like a cow
separated from their calves and they
cried loudly accusing their
husband.
20.6
Hearing loud sound of
cries of distress from his
private apartments the king was tormented by sorrow on account of
his son and Dasaratha sank down on his
seat. 20.7
However the
troubled Rama who had control over his
senses , heaving sighs like an elephant , along with his brother went to the private apartment of his
mother.
20.8
There he saw a greatly honoured old man seated at the
entrance while many people were standing.
20.9
Seeing that Rama all of them stood up and said, “ Victory to the best among the victors , let your
wealth increase.”
20.10
After crossing
the first courtyard , he saw the second
courtyard and there he saw elderly
Brahmins greatly learned in Vedas and
honoured by the king.”
20.11
After Rama saluted those Brahmins , he saw the third courtyard being guarded by old people , women and young children.”
20.12
Seeing him
with increased joy those
women entered and informed mother
of Rama about his arrival .
20.13
That lady Kausalya after waking up the entire night , in
the morning was worshipping Lord Vishnu
for the welfare of her son.
20.14
That lady clad in silk cloths in great delight , observed several
penances and after performing the ritual
of auspiciousness and was offering
oblations to the fire.
20.15
Rama entered the auspicious private apartments of his
mother and there he saw his
mother asking priests to offer oblations in the fire.
20.16
Rama saw the materials like curd , Akshatha Rice coated with turmeric) ,
ghee , sweets and savories , and things
required for oblation in fire like
Puffed grain , white flowers ,
rice cooked in milk , Gingelly and rice
cooked together and things like incense
sticks , and vessels filled with sacred
water , which were kept ready for
religious rituals.
20.17-20.18
He saw her Wearing
white silk, thin due to penances observed
, engaged in making the gods happy and
looking like a deva lady.
20.19
Seeing her son after a long time, the mother was filled with a great joy ,and she with great joy went towards him
as if he was a young child.
20.20
Rama saluted his mother and his mother came near him and hugged him tightly and smelled his head. 20.21
She spoke to the invincible Rama who was her soul like
son and that Kausalya due to the
affection to her son spoke the
following affectionate words.
20.22
“Suitable to your clan, have long life and attain fame
like old people protecting Dharma
and royal sages who were great people.”
20.23
“Oh Rama go and see your father who greatly values truth and that votary of Dharma
will consecrate you as Yuvaraja.”
20.24
Rama , who was invited to take food by his mother , after touching the seat and saluted with folded hands which were slightly raised .
20.25
Rama who had innate humility with seriousness , devotion and with humbleness commenced to tell
about his intended departure to Dandakaranya.
20.26
“Oh goddess like lady, perhaps you do not know that
a greatly fearful thing has
happened and it will cause sorrow to
you, Vaidehi and Lakshmana.”
20.27
“I am going to Dandakaranya and this seat is of no use to
me. , for the time has come for me to sit on a mat weaved with grass.”
20.28
“For fourteen years I would be living in the forest
without people and I will be
eating honey , fruits and roots like
sages and avoid meat.”
20.29
“The king is giving the position of Yuvaraja to
Bharatha and I will be living in
Dandakaranya like a sage. “
20.30
“For fourteen
years I would live in a people less forest
and I would live there eating fruits and roots.”
20.31
Then that god like lady fell down like a branch of Sal
tree cut by an axe in the forest and like a Deva from heaven falling on
earth.
20.32
Seeing her
affected by sorrow and falling like a Banana tree , he lifted up his
mother , who has lost her consciousness.
20.33
Like a mare which rolled on the ground due to the heavy
burden , all her body was covered with dust
and he slowly caressed her.
20.34
That Raghava sat near her who deserved happiness but was sick due to its absence and she addressed
that tiger like man and spoke ,
with Lakshmana listening to it .
20.35
“Oh son, Raghava , why were your born to me? Had I been childless , I would not
experienced a sorrow as great as this.”
20.36
“ Oh my son, A barren woman would have only one pain in the mind of not having a child and she does not have any other sorrow.”
20.37
“When my husband was ruling over me, I never experienced
any auspicious pleasure and I was holding to my life hoping for
it from you , Rama.”
20.38
“I being the eldest queen would hear , unpleasant and heart breaking words from my co-wives , who are younger to me.”
20.39
“Nothing more sorrowful than these can happen to a lady, than these unending wails and crying.”
20.40
“ Even Though you were near me , I used to be neglected , and with you being away ,
death is certain to me.”
20.41
“Treating me as equal to the attendants of Kaikeyi and not giving me any independence , my
husband used to restrain me.”
20.42
“Those who were serving me or following me . after seeing
the son of Kaikeyi will not even talk to me .”
20.43
“Oh son, will it be possible for me now to look at the face of Kaikeyi , who used to
talk harsh words to me due to being
very angry at me.”
20.44
“Oh Rama after you completed seventeen years after
birth , I always longed for my sorrows to come to an end.”
20.45
“Oh Rama , having grown old and having suffered this
unending sorrow, I do not desire to be insulted by my co-wives.”
20.46
“Without seeing your face, which shines like the full moon , how can I
continue this pitiful existence .”
20.47
“Doing great effort like fasting and doing
Yoga, with great sorrow , I have brought
you up
in vain.”
20.48
“My heart does not
break after hearing the news , like the banks of the river does not break due to flood water after a fresh rain.”
20.49
“Definitely death will not occur to me and there is no
place for me in the world of the god of death ,
and so the god of death will not
drag me like a
lion dragging away a deer.” 20.50
“It is definite that my heart is made of steel , for it does not
break , even if earth falls over it. Though my body has surrendered to many
great sorrows, untimely death does not
occur to it.” 20.51
“I am sad that all my mortifications, penances and
charities have gone in vain . Even my
body which was hot due to severe penances
practiced for getting progeny , did not lead to results like a seed sown
on a barren land .”
20.52
“If any one
suffering from great sorrow can
realize untimely death any time , since I am like a cow without a calf , I would have gone
to the region of dead people now itself .” 20.53
“Oh Rama , without seeing you with a face like full moon,
what is the meaning of continuing this life without meaning . Like a enfeebled cow following its calf, I shall follow you to the forest , now itself.”
20.54
She filled with unbearable pain,
and great anger and was crying a lot
and also seeing Rama , with greatly added sorrow , she looked like a
kinnara woman whose son is imprisoned.
20.55
This is the end of the twentieth chapter Of the book Ayodhya of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the first epic.
21. Lakshmana fumes, Kausalya dissents , Rama consoles
(Lakshmana in great anger tells Rama
to disobey his father and if needed fight with Bharatha. Kausalya says
that she is his mother and her words are to be obeyed. Rama consoles them.)
The helpless Lakshmana
hearing the greatly sorrowing mother of Rama ,
addressed Kausalya with words
suitable for the occasion.
21.1
“Rama going to the forest sacrificing the kingdom and hearing the words of a lady is not
liked by me .21.2
“That king who
is contrary to norms and an
old man caught in the throes of passion can speak any type of words , if he is incited
by her.” 21.3
“I do not find
anything criminal or anything wrong
which merits his banishment from the kingdom and sending him away to the
forest . “ 21.4
“ Even in his absence I do not find any person, who
can find any fault in him, whether he is
his enemy or a criminal.”
21.5
“I do not think that anyone who is observing Dharma would
sacrifice his son, who is like God , who is upright, who has subdued emotions
and one who is dear even to his
enemies.”
21.6
“Will any son who
has in his heart the matchless life of a king accept the words of a king who
has again become a child.”
21.7
“Before any other human being knows about it, make this
country yours immediately with my help.”
21.8
“Oh Rama , with me
armed with a bow to protect you ,
who would be standing like a god of
death ,
Who can commit excesses on you?” 21.9
“Oh great man, I will make the city of Ayodhya without people using my sharp arrows, if any one there wants
to cause harm to you.”
21.10
“ If anyone is on
the side of Bharatha or anyone has his
interest in mind , I will kill all of them
as I know that a person of soft nature is always treated with disgrace .”
21.11
“Even if our
father , without caring for us,
is instigated by Kaikeyi then, I would no more
see him as our friend and I would
imprison and kill him.” 21.12
Even if our Guru, without discriminating between good and
bad and
is haughty and takes recourse to a wrong path , then it is our duty to punish him.” 21.13
“oh best among men, based on what reason or what power ,
did the king give away the kingdom ,
which is yours, to Kaikeyi .”
21.14
“ Oh destroyer of
pride of foes, After creating matchless enmity either with you or with me, based on which strength did the king bestow
the kingdom on Bharatha?” 21.15
“Oh mother, I
truly love my brother from the bottom of my heart and I am taking an
oath on my bow , the charities that I gave and on the sacrifices that I carried
out.”
21.16
“ You please know that if
Rama were to enter a burning forest ,Oh god like lady, I would already
be there .”
21.17
“I would blow away your sorrow like a sun driving away
the darkness. Oh god like lady, let you as well as Rama see my valour.”
21.18
Hearing these words
from the great Lakshmana , Kausalya who was
crying caught in the web of sorrow , told Rama.
21.19
“Oh son, you have heard what your brother has said so far and if you like it , you have to do what is
needed in this case.”
21.20
“Hearing the words
spoken of my unjust co-wife, it is not proper for you to leave me , who is full
of great sorrow.”
21.21
“Oh follower of Dharma , if you are a follower of
Dharma and wants to act as per Dharma, you would serve Dharma
better by remaining here.”
21.22
“Oh son, Kashyapa , who did service to his mother by living according to rules
his own home, was considered as
one who has done divine penance and went to heaven.” 21.23
“Like your father merits your serious worship
, I also merit that .I shall not permit you to go to forest , so you
should not go.”
21.24
“Being separated from you, I would not get any pleasure
in life and if I am with you , I can
even live eating grass.”
21.25
“If you depart to the forest leaving me in a state of
sorrow, I would seek death by not eating
anything.”
21.26
“Thereafter son , you will reach bad fame , like
the world famous ocean which due to conduct against Dharma killed
a Brahmin and attained hell .”
21.27
Then that very depressed Kausalya who was his mother cried and Rama told her
, the words which follows Dharma.
21.28
“I do not have the strength to disobey my father .I bow
you with my head and tell you, “I Want
to go the forest.”
21.29
“Kandu , a sage
who observed penances , who was
a learned man, and who was knowledgeable
of Dharma killed a cow upon the order
of his father.”
21.30
“ Even in our clan
by the command of their father
Sagara went on digging and ultimately were killed.”
21.31
“Rama the son of Jamadagni killed himself his mother using his axe in the forest obeying the orders of his father.”
21.32
“Oh goddess like mother , like this there are many who have acted like gods and obeyed the words of their father and I shall also make the words of my mother
true .” 21.33
“Oh great lady, I am not the only one who obeyed the
words of my father , for all those
persons whom I mentioned had
obeyed the words of their
father.”
21.34
“I am not creating a rare Dharma and going against Dharma , for I am only following the path
followed by people earlier to me.”
21.35
“Obeying the orders of the father which I am doing cannot
be done in another manner for no one will perish doing that.”
21.36
After telling like these to his mother , Rama who was an
expert in language and the best among
expert archers again told like this
to Lakshmana.
21.37
“Oh Lakshmana, I know about your matchless love towards
me and I also know about your valour ,
strength and matchless energy.”
21.38
“Oh Lakshmana of
auspicious qualities , the sorrow of my mother is without comparison
and due to that she does not have any opinion about truth and
self restraint.”
21.39
“In this world Dharma
is supreme and truth is established in Dharma and Dharma
says that it is best to follow
the words of father.” 21.40
“When a word is given to the father or mother or a Brahmin Oh valorous one, one who depends on
Dharma should not allow it to go in
vain.” 21.41
“Oh hero, I cannot disobey fathers command because it was told to me by Kaikeyi , because she told it at the instruction
of my father.”
21.42
“So leave out the ungentlemanly thought which goes against
the dharma of royal clans , follow Dharma, leave out violence
and follow my decision.”
21.43
The elder brother of Lakshmana addressed his brother affectionately in this
way and with folded hands and bowed
head , he again addressed his
mother.
21.44
“Oh great lady , you may please swear on my life permit me to go to the forest
as I have decided to go to the forest .And then perform all ceremonies
for my prosperity.”
21.45
“After completing my vow, I would again return to the
city , like in olden times Yayathi left the heavens and reached it back
again. “
21.46
“Om mother , control
your sorrow and make your heart pure and divine . I will definitely come back after
fulfilling my father’s words.”
21.47
“Me , yourself, Sita, Lakshmana and Sumithra would fulfill father’s words and obey our beginning less Dharma.”
21.48
“Oh mother, withdraw
these preparations made, destroy the sorrow in the mind and allow me to act as per Dharma and live in
the forest. “
21.49
Having heard these words confirming to Dharma, not
showing distress or nervousness that
mother , felt as if she has come back from death and again told the following
words to Rama. 21.50
“Oh son , similar to your father , I am also like a Guru to you like your
father due to your Dharma as well as affection. I will not permit you to go and you are not leaving me and go away leaving me with this great
sorrow.”
21.51
“What is this life to without you? I do not have any use
of the other world with nectar, food for
manes and your presence
even for a very small time brings
me greater satisfaction(fame) in this world.”
21.52
“Like men creating
great difficulties for the great
elephant on its way by of burning
firebrands , having heard the pitiable cries of his mother , Rama was greatly
distressed.”
21.53
Rama who follows Dharma
addressing his mother who has almost lost her consciousness and distressed Lakshmana who
was tormented by suffering , spoke
according to Dharma as he alone was competent to do it.
21.54
“OH Lakshmana , I know your devotion towards me as well
as your great valour but without
understanding my opinion , you along
with mother are causing great pain to me . 21.55
“Oh dear son, Dharma , Artha and Kama are important , but people are bothered more about the fruits of Dharma , But I do not
have any doubt whatsoever that all
these join for having an obedient wife who gives us good sons.”
21.56
“By giving up
those activities in which all
these are not joined , we should try to
do that action which is only dharma
oriented. The pleasure seeker is not
liked by this world and he whose
actions are dictated by desires is not admired by anyone.”
21.57
“When the king who is our teacher , father and that too
an old man , out of anger or joy or even passion asks us to do something , it is our Dharma to obey
those orders and it will be not be obeyed only by one who is cruel.”
21.58
“It will not be possible
for me not to perform completely and properly the order of my father ,
for both of us he is our Guru as
well as father and for her our mother he is her husband , refuge as well as ultimate Dharma.”
21.59
“While that king of Dharma is alive , especially in his
own path of Dharma , if at this time this venerable lady comes with me , it
would be like an ordinary woman, who has lost her husband .” 21.60
“Oh venerable lady, give me permission to go the
forest and I would return back like the king Yayathi who returned to
heaven after leaving but please perform rituals to enhance my
prosperity.” 21.61
“Just for the sake of the kingdom, I will not forsake my
respectability and oh great lady do not keep me back from my mission. The life
is of a short duration and I do not want
to take this Kingdom against dharma.”
21.62
“That a great man who wanted to depart to the Dandaka
forest courageously , pacified his mother
and taught his younger brother of his good intentions and then went
round his mother.
21.63
This is the end of the twenty first chapter
Of the book Ayodhya of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
22. Rama consoles Lakshmana
(Rama explains the power of fate (The word used is Same
as god) to Lakshmana. He requests him to disband all arrangements so that his mother Kaikeyi does not get distressed.)
Then to his younger brother, who was
miserable , especially greatly angry, and was breathing like a king Cobra and had eyes bulged to great anger . That self possessed Rama who has steadfast composure approached his
beloved and nice hearted brother
Lakshmana and told . 22.1-22.2
“Destroy your anger and sorrow and depend only
on your courage . Forget about insults and have within you only joy. You
please discard whatever little has been arranged for my consecration and then
start doing all that would remove
obstacles.” 22.3-22.4
“Oh son of Sumithra , show that great enthusiasm with
which you made arrangements for my coronation
, to completely disband those same arrangements.” 22.5
“ My mother Kaikeyi
whose heart is troubled
and fluttering due to
arrangements for my consecration should
not have any fearsome doubt by any of our actions.” 22.6
“I would not be able tolerate her doubts which arise in her mind even for a very small time and so do not
neglect anything.”
22.7
“Intentionally I have not done anything at any time and I have never done anything contrary to the wishes of my father or mother
at any time.”
22.8
“Let the vow made by my father who always strove for the
truth , who was valorous in upkeep of truth and who is now afraid of the next world be made true and let him not have
any fear. “ 22.9
“If whatever arrangements made for my consecration are
not withdrawn , he would think that truth will not be kept up and he would be
troubled by mental agony and that would
make me suffer.” 22.10
“Oh Lakshmana ,
because of that I want to immediately call of all these arrangements for
the coronation and I will go to the
forest directly from here. “ 22.11
“After I depart that daughter of the king would feel great success and
quietly conduct the coronation of Bharatha.”
22.12
“If I wear the bark as dress, and with matted hair and
carrying a deer skin and go to the
forest , then Kaikeyi will get pleasure of mind.” 22.13
“After composing my mind well and after great thinking ,
this decision has been taken. I do not want to inflict any pain on him and so I would go to the forest forthwith.
“
22.14
“Oh son of Sumithra, fate should be seen as the reason for my travel, and the awarding of
kingdom to me as also taking it
away from me .” 22.15
“For what reason
did Kaikeyi get determined to inflict pain on me , unless the
thought has been put in her mind by God
or destiny.”
22.16
“Oh Lakshmana, between my mothers , I do not have any
distinction and also Mother Kaikeyi does not differentiate between me and Bharatha.”
22.17
“I do not find any reason for the reason for prevention
of my consecration as well as
banishing me , and her bad
angry words , except destiny as I am not able to think of any other
reason.” 22.18
“How can the daughter of the king , blessed with good
nature speak such harsh words to me in front of her husband
, like a uncouth ordinary woman.”
22.19
“It is not clear why the effect of fate on all beings cannot be stopped and it is
also clear that adverse destiny has fallen on me and Her(Kaikeyi) .”
22.20
“Oh Lakshmana , which powerful man can attempt to fight with destiny and its grip can only be seen after some results occur.”
22.21
“ Pleasure and pain, in fear , in anger , in birth and
death , whatever occurs any time to us
is only due to the destiny.”
22.22
“Even those great sages who do rigorous penances are
intensely troubled by fate and becomes unable to do their austere penances to emotions like anger.” 22.23
“When Suddenly a very much unanticipated hindrance takes place takes place
to any act, it is deemed to be due to destiny.”
22.24
“Even when my consecration was stopped , I did not have a
feeling of sorrow , because I controlled it by using my intellect .”
22.25
“And so you also
follow me who is not affected by any
sorrow and immediately disband all
arrangements made for consecration.”
22.26
“Oh Lakshmana, With the sacred waters collected in the pots for my consecration, would be
very useful to me for taking bath to commence my life of penance.”
22.27
“Otherwise what is the use of this material , which has been collected spending the
money of the kingdom. So I will use this water
collected by me to initiate my penance.” 22.28
“Oh Lakshmana do not become sad due to the loss of the
kingdom. Between the kingdom and life in
the forest, the latter brings glory to us easily.” 22.29
“Oh Lakshmana , in the matter of stoppage of the
consecration , our younger brother
should not be blamed ,because fate was making those words of hatred. You
know the great power of fate.”
22.30
This is the end of the twenty second chapter
Of the book Ayodhya of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
23.Lakshmana frets and fumes
(Lakshmana does not agree with Rama that fate is all
powerful and also he does not agree
that according to Dharma, he should go
to forest. He says he will kill everyone
who stands on his way and perform
coronation of Rama.)
When Rama was speaking thus Lakshmana kept his bent hearing him with mind , midway from sorrow to
joy.
23.1
The best among men with a frown in between the eye brows
,, due to anger and breathed like a great serpent in its liar
. 23.2
Then with a frightening look and contracted eye brows ,
he shined like an angry lion. 23.3
Shaking his forearm like an elephant shaking its trunk,
holding his body and head erect and with
eyes staring straight he told his
brother.
23.4
“Oh greatest among brave
of the royal clans, you have come to the conclusion to go to the forest feeling
that if you do not obey the commands of the father , harm will be done
to Dharma and this hasty and unwarranted
conclusion was taken in an improper time . How are you telling that fate
is all powerful when it really is powerless.”
23.5-23.6
“What for are you praising fate as powerful while it is
powerless? Why are you not having any
doubt about those two sinners?” 23.7
“Oh Soul of
Dharma, Why are you not recognizing
these are but soft deceptions
of Dharma ?you, who are known to be good should recognize their
adamant and selfish nature and
repudiate them.”
23.8
“Oh Rama, if both of them had not decided this action before, those boons promised to
her would have been given long back?’
23.9
“ Oh Valorous one, consecration to anyone other than you
would be detested by all people and I
cannot tolerate this, so I deserve a pardon
from you? “
23.10
“Oh intellectual one, there is duplicity in your thoughts
due to your association with Dharma and I do not like it.”
23.11
“Though you are
capable of acting why are you following the
unjustifiable and fit to be berated words of father who is influenced by Kaikeyi and which are
against Dharma .”
23.12
“This treacherous deed made by a guilty mind is not being prevented by you, who has a
right mind. I feel sad about it and feel
that such attachment to it in not at
all, right.” 23.13
“Those who two who are doing the penance of passion are not bothered by your welfare .How can you
carry out the wishes of those parents who are really your enemies?” 23.14
“If you are telling me that all this is the decree of fate , it does not please me to overlook what is happening? “
23.15
“While a fear
stuck coward follows destiny , the valorous
and respected souls do not
honour it.”
23.16
“Fate cannot
trouble a man who puts very great
effort and such a man
will not grieve by defeat and will not blame fate .” 23.17
“Today every man will
see the strength of a man as well as strength of fate and the difference between man and fate would be clearly visible.” 23.18
“Today people would see
that the fate is defeated , by
my masculine power , let us defeat destiny by your
consecration.” 23.19
“I will definitely win over fate
, which is like a madly
running elephant in rut , which is
proud of its great strength , which
cannot be controlled by goad nor
shackled.” 23.20
“All the guardians of the different directions of the
world as well all the three
worlds united would not be capable of
stopping Rama’s coronation . What of the king who is our father.” 23.21
“Oh king , those people who have planned to send you to
the forest would themselves would reside in the forest for fourteen
years.”
23.22
“And so I will cut
off the desire of your father as well as Kaikeyi, of obstructing your
consecration and gifting of the kingdom to her son.”
23.23
“Those who oppose my strength by their strength as well
as strength of fate , would experience great sorrow , due to my very fierce strength.”
23.24
“After you administer for one thousand years and after you have gone to the forest , your sons would rule the country.” 23.25
“In earlier days the royal sages were fated to live in the forest after entrusting the kingdom to be ruled by their
sons .” 23.26
“Oh follower of Dharma, if the king things in many
directions, with doubt the disturbances
will shake the kingdom, , you need not have any apprehension about it. Oh
valorous one , I am taking an oath That
I will protect the kingdom like a ocean
protects its banks and If I do not do it , I will not go the heaven of the
heroes.
23.27-23.28
“With the auspicious materials already collected , be
busy in getting yourself crowned and I
am single handedly confidant of
being able to drive away all kings.”
23.29
“These two hands are
not there for ornamental purpose and
my bow is not an ornament and this
sword is not for just for tying to my waist and my arrows do not
remain stationary in my quiver and all these are meant to tame all my
enemies.”
23.30
“Anyone who desires to be my enemy would not be allowed to remain alive any
further.. Holding my sharp edged sword which would be able to move like lightning , I shall kill my enemy
, even if he is Devendra.”
23.31-23.32
“The entire earth would become a place where no one can
enter and one not possible to
cross, by those cut by my sword like ,
the trunks , flanks and heads of elephants and by warriors killed by me.”
23.33
“Those who are cut by my sword would be burning like
mountains , as my enemies would fall to
the ground like the lightning from rich clouds . “
23.34
“When I stand before them armed with a bow and a
protector for the arm and fingers, which one will say that he is many among men
?” 23.35
“With many arrows I will strike one enemy and throw him
down and with one arrow I will hit many
and I shall sent my arrows and hurt the vital parts of men. Horses and
elephants.”
23.36
“Today you will see the power of my powerful arrows
struck with power by me , and I will
make the present king powerless and make
you the lord of this kingdom.” 23.37
“ Today, Coated with sandal paste and wearing crown, my arrows held in my hand
,which are meant for distributing wealth
and protecting friends, would perform the worthy act of putting down
those who are causing cancellation of your coronation.”
23.38-23.39
“Point out to me
your enemy , who should be cut off
from their life , fame and friends .
Order me how you want this earth should become yours . I will get all those
things done as I am your servant.”
23.40
“Rama who is the
source of prosperity of the clan of
Raghus, wiped his tears again and again, consoled Lakshmana and said to him, “Oh gentle man, “You should
know that the right path for us is to follow the words of our father.” 23.41
This is the end of the twenty third chapter
Of the book Ayodhya of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
24.Kausalya permits
Rama to go to the forest
(Kausalya further
tries to argue with Rama but Rama tells
her that her duty is with her husband.
With a sorrowing mind Kausalya permits
Rama to go to the forest.)
Kausalya seeing The Rama is bent upon obeying his father,
told the following words with tear filled
eyes
, which are full of Dharma. 24.1
“How will darling
of all Rama who is a follower of Dharma who has never seen a sorrow , who is
born to me and Dasaratha, live on grains collected from the ground.”
24.2
“When his servants and maids are eating
food and blessed with ample
amount of food, how will he like an orphan live
on fruits and roots.? “ 24.3
“Who would believe
that the Virtuous and affectionate
Rama would be banished this way and hearing which who will not
tremble .” 24.4
“Oh Rama, who is the joy of the world, if you are
required to go to the forest , It would be said that destiny which rules
everything in this world , is indeed
very powerful.” 24.5
“If you who were born out of my body disappear like the
wind, I will certainly wail with sorrow which are my offerings to the fire and shed tears due to anguish which are my
oblations in the fire of my worry and tears. Oh son, when your thought again and again returns to
my mind, this intense sorrow would be produced. Such a fire of sorrow tires me out and burns me
like the dead trees of a forest are burnt by fire.”
24.6-24.8
“Which cow will
not follow its dear calf wherever it goes
and like that I will follow you
wherever you go my son.”
24.9
“As soon as his mother spoke out these words, the best
among men heard them and he became extremely sad and
spoke.”
24.10
“After being deceived by Kaikeyi and after I go the forest , if you also
come with the king will not live further.”
24.11
“If a woman deserts her husband it is a very cruel
act and so do not ever think of any such action.”
24.12
“It is an eternal dharma
that as long as the king, who is the son of Kakustha clan lives , You should do him service.”
24.13
The well meaning Kausalya who heard these words from
Rama, , greatly pleased told , “be it
so.”
24.14
Greatest among the upholders of Dharma , Rama heard
what his mother told and told his very sad mother as follows.
24.15
“It is the duty of you and me to obey the words of father,
as he is to you , king, husband teacher and the greatest God who protects you.”
24.16
“After spending my
time in the great forest for fourteen
years , I will return with joy and obey all your orders.”
24.17
When her dear son told like this the eyes of Kausalya were filled with tears and she who liked her son very much told.
24.18
“Oh Rama, it is very difficult to live in the middle of co-wives
, Oh son of Kakustha clan, if you have decided
to go to the forest , take me
also along with you like a wild deer.” 24.19
Seeing her crying this, Rama told these words while he himself was crying “As
long as woman lives, her husband is like a God to her and also her lord.”
24.20
“To me and to you , the king is our great lord who can command us. How can we
say that we are without any lord as long as that lord of the world
lives.”
24.21
“Bharatha who is a great follower of Dharma also speaks sweetly and as he is attached to Dharma, he would be
obedient to you.” 24.22
“After I go away the king will be very sad due to my
parting and at that time please put in efforts
and be alert that he would not
be stuck by even little grief.” 24.23
“See to it the extreme grief does not affect the health of the king who is old and ensure always that you are with a
composed mind. “
24.24
“Though a lady is greatly virtuous , observes fast and
also follows all rituals ,if she does
not follow her husband , she would go
towards sinful existence.”
24.25
“But a lady who serves her husband would go to the
highest heavens, even though she does not salute the Gods nor does worship to
them.’
24.26
“It is the Dharma of the wife that she looks after
her husband and keeps attention to his welfare and this has also been truth mentioned from ancient times and mentioned
in the Vedas and declared in Shruthi.”
24.27
“Oh mother on my behalf do fire sacrifices and do worship
of Gods with flowers and also worship
Brahmins who do great penance on my
behalf.”
24.28
“Spending time this way
, please wait for my arrival with
love , taking food as per need and doing
service to your husband.”
24.29
“You will get all
desires fulfilled when I come
back, if the greatest among the followers of Dharma is able to live till
that time.”
24.30
When Rama told like this with her eyes filled with tears
, That Kausalya who was distressed on account of what her son told him.
24.31
“I have not been able to dissuade from your firm
resolution of going to the forest and it would be greatly difficult to spend
that time.”
24.32
“You may go with a concentrated mind , may the lord keep
you safe always . I would only be relieved of my sufferings when you come
back.”
24.33
“Oh great one, after you become satisfied after
accomplishing your objectives and
fulfilled your undertaking given to father ,
and when you come back, I will
get peace.” 24.34
Oh son, your going away disregarding my words , is what has been prompted by fate and cannot be understood by the world.” 24.35
“Oh great warrior, you may go now and come back safely .Oh
son return later and make me happy with your sweet voice.” 24.36
“Oh little son, how happy
it would be , if it is the day of your return wearing matted locks and dress made of
bark.”
24.37
She after seeing him determined to live in the
forest and that great lady after seeing
him with an excellent mind and after talking to Rama who had auspicious
qualities ,wanted to perform rituals to ensure prosperity of Rama.
24.38
This is the end of the twenty fourth chapter
Of the book Ayodhya of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
25.Kausalya bids
farewell to Rama
(Kausalya advices Rama about forest life, prays for his safety and bids him farewell.)
After abandoning her
tiresomeness, Kausalya purified herself by touching pure water, and
performed auspicious ceremonies to Rama.
25.1
“Oh best among the Raghu clan, since I am not able to
dissuade you, you may go now , but return speedily. Please follow the paths of
good men.”
25.2
“Oh tiger among the Raghu clan, you would be protected
by performance of your duty with great courage and self discipline
.”
25.3
“Let the salutations that you do in temples and other sacred places as well as the great sages protect you.”
25.4
“Let the sacred
weapons gifted to by the great sage Viswamithra , protect you, who is
endowed with all good qualities.”
25.5
“Oh great warrior , let the service that you did to your
father as well as the service to
mother as well as the truth protect you
for a long time.”
25.6
“let the sacred sticks, sacred grass, holy rings made of Dharbha, your leaning of Vedas, the temples, various
peculiar sacrificial grounds , mountains , trees, plants, lakes , birds, serpents as well as lions also protect
you.”
25.7
Let Sadhyas, Viswedevathas, maruths , sages , Dhatha (the
giver-Vishnu), Vidhatha( the decider-Lord Brahma), Sun, Bhaga ,Yama, Aryama
and Lokapala(protector of the earth) ,
all bless you. 25.8
“Let all the seasons, let the twin fortnights of the
month, months, years , nights, days, divisions of days may bring good for you
always.”
25.9
“Oh son, let memory, decision as well as Dharma
protect you always.. Let Skanda, gods,
devas , moon, Bruhaspathi, seven great sages and Narada provide you protection always. 25.10-25.11
“Let all Sidhas, directions, gods of directions , who
were all praised by me , protect you
always and from all directions in the forest.”
25.12
“When you are living in the forest let all mountains,
oceans, kin g Varuna, heaven, environment, earth, all rivers and all
stars as well as subsidiary devas , day
and night, dusk, noon and dawn protect
you.”
25.13-25.14
“Let blessings, the six seasons, months, years, Kala and
Kashta(minute divisions of time) may
show you the paths of welfare.”
25.15
“Let all those who wander in the forest in the garb of
sages , devas who are the great sons of Adithi , asuras the sons of Dithi bestow
pleasures on you. “
25.16
Oh little son, let
the Rakshasas, Bhoothas who are
the horrible performers of evils as well as the flesh eating beings , not
create fear in you and frighten you.”
25.17
“Deep inside the dense forests let you not be troubled by
monkeys, scorpions , gnats, mosquitoes,
and other reptiles.” 25.18
“Oh little son , let not you be hurt by the deep incisors
of Tigers and lions as well as big elephants,
bears with horns and ferocious
wild buffaloes.”
25.19
“Oh son you would not be hurt by human flesh eating
animals as well , ferocious other animals because I have worshipped them and requested them not to
harm you.”
25.20
“Oh child, Let the paths that you travel be safe .Let you
be blessed with occult powers , valour as well as all types of wealth. Oh Rama,
please go safely.”
25.21
“Let you be protected by devathas of the sky again and
again from enemy kings, Let all devas protect you from all your enemies.” 25.22
“ Oh Rama, let Guru, Sun, Moon, Khubera as well as Yama Whom I have worshipped for
your welfare protect you in the Dandaka
forest.” 25.23
“Oh Rama, let fire , wind , sun and the sacred prayers chanted by great
sages protect you while you are taking
bath.”
25.24
“Let Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma , sages and all other
remaining devathas protect you , while you are in a forest.”
25.25
Thus the famous broad eyed one , worshipped with flowers and incense , using
appropriate prayers worshipped all
the devas.
25.26
After lighting of the fire , great and well read Brahmins
according to law gave offerings to
different devas for the sake of welfare
of Rama.
25.27
The noble lady Kausalya
procured ghee, garlands of white flowers, sacred sticks and white coloured mustard seeds for offering
them to gods.
25.28
The priest
according to rules of procedure after
performing the sacrifice for peace
, with the remaining materials
performed other sacrifices
externally.
25.29
After having made the Brahmins chant the Manthras of safety along with honey , curds, rice and ghee , she made them
recite the chants for conferring prosperity on Rama.
25.30
The illustrious mother of
Rama, gave monetary offerings to
all the Brahmins as desired by the
Brahmins and told the following words to
Rama.
25.31
“Let that auspiciousness which was bestowed on the thousand eyed god , who is saluted by
all devas , after the destruction of Vruthra , may be bestowed on you.”
25.32
“Let the same auspiciousness which was wished by Vinatha
(mother of Garuda) , praying for nectar on Garuda be bestowed on you also.”
25.33
“Let the auspiciousness conferred by Adhithi on
Indra after the generation of nectar
and killing of all the asuras be conferred
on you also.”
25.34
“The greatly lustrous Vishnu as Trivikrama occupied the
three steps as the three worlds and got
glorified . Let the same auspiciousness
be conferred on you.”
25.35
“ Oh Great hero,
May the good and auspicious seasons ,
seas, islands, Vedas, worlds, and the
eight directions bring you
auspiciousness.”
25.36
The broad eyed pretty lady Kausalya , after telling all this, placed all the remaining of the offerings on Rama’s head , applied
sandal paste on his body , for getting his
mission properly done she tied an amulet containing Vishalyakarani herb on his hand and muttered in a very low tone. 25.37-25.38
Caught in deep distress but acting as if she was greatly
pleased , she said words which did not
come from her mind.
25.39
That famous lady
, bent down smelt his head hugged him and
told him, “Oh Rama go with joy, and fulfill your objectives in peace.”
25.40
“Oh son, I would happy to see you back having no diseases after you achieved all your objectives and then get firmly established in this
kingdom.”
25.41
“When you return from the forest , I would like to see
you resembling the full moon, with no sorrow
me and me being with full of
joy.”
25.42
“Oh Rama, after coming from the forest , occupy the throne, after completely fulfilling the words of your father.”
25.43
“Oh Rama after
you have returned from the forest with auspiciousness , you be engaged in
fulfilling all desires of me and
my daughter in law.”
25.44
“Oh Rama I have worshipped Lord Shiva and others, several
devas, great sages, Bhoothas, suras, serpents
as well as the eight directions,
and they will look after you when you are in the forest.”
25.45
Like this she with tear filled eyes , after completing
all rituals , went round Rama , again
and again held him tightly and deeply embraced
him.
25.46
After she went
round him, Rama fell at his mother’s feet again and again and that Rama shining in her glory went to
Sita’s palace.
25.47
This is the end of the twenty fifth chapter
Of the book Ayodhya of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
26.Rama tries to bid farewell to sita
(Seeing the dejected Rama, Sita is upset and worried.
Rama tells her what happened and asks
for her permission for him to go.He tells her , how she should live when he has
gone to the forest.)
After saluting Kausalya
who did rituals for his
welfare That follower of Dharma Rama
got prepared to go to the forest with a firm resolve. He entered and
illuminated the royal avenue crowded
with people , captivating the hearts of people by his virtues.
26.1-26.2
The daughter of Videha(Vaidehi) , since she was doing penance had not heard about the
developments and her mind thought about
only consecration of Rama. 26.3
With a very pleased mind she had done the
service(worship) of the devas as she was
conversant with the royal Dharma and she was waiting for the prince.
26.4
Rama entered that well decorated palace from the road
which was crowded by joyous people and with his slightly bent head was looking
little sad.
26.5
Sita sprang up from her seat and trembled to see her
husband who was sad and was in a greatly
agitated state .
26.7
Seeing Rama with a pale face , heavily perspiring and
greatly thoughtful, , Sita became extremely sad and asked him, “Why are you
like this?”
26.8
“Today with Bruhaspathi presiding over star Pushya has
been declared as auspicious by learned
Brahmins and why are with an upset
mind?”
26.9
“Your charming face protected by a hundred ribbed Umbrella
, which is as white as the foam, does not
appear to be shining.”
26.10
“Why is it that your face similar to one hundred petal
lotus , is not being fanned by chowries, as white and bright as the moon as well as the lotus ? “
26.11
“Oh best among men,
why is it that eloquent poets singing your praise and bards praising your clan in delightful and auspicious words , are not
to be seen?”
26.12
“Why is it that those Brahmins , who are experts in Vedas, after completing
your consecration , have not confirmed it by sprinkling honey and curd on your
head?”
26.13
“Why are you not surrounded by citizens and why are the chiefs of guilds and citizens of towns and villages not following you? “
26.14
“Why is it that ceremonial golden chariot drawn by four
horses which runs with great speed preceding you, while you are coming
here?”
26.15
“Oh valorous one, why am I not seeing
the auspicious elephant who shines
like the dark clouds and resembles a mountain, which is being worshipped
properly lead your procession?” 26.16
“Oh valorous one with very pleasant looks , why is it
that your attendants are not carrying before you , your throne which is
carved in gold? “
26.17
“When all arrangements for the crowning have been
made why are you looking like this, with
a pale face and with no trace of joy?
“
26.18
Seeing her who was wailing like this , that son of Raghu
clan replied ”Oh Sita, my father who has a great luster is banishing me to the
forest?”
26.19
“You were born in a great clan and you know and follow
Dharma. Please hear daughter of Sita I will tell you how this happened.”
26.20
“My father , the king Dasaratha had promised to give my mother
two boons at an earlier time.” 26.21
“Today when arrangements for my coronation has been made by the king , she had requested for
the boons and he had to agree to it
because of Dharma.”
26.22
“She had asked that I should go to the Dandaka forest for
fourteen years and my father should
consecrate Bharatha as the
Yuvaraja.”
26.23
“I have come here to meet you before going to the lonely
forest . You should not praise about my
qualities in front of Bharatha, because people who are intelligent cannot
tolerate the praising of others. Because
of this do not mention about my qualities
in front of Bharatha.”
26.24-26.25
“At any time , you cannot expect any special treatment
from Bharatha, but if you talk things
favourable to him, you can exist near him.”
26.26
“The king has conferred on him the position of hereditary title
of Yuvaraja and so you have to keep him well pleased.
You also have to keep the king pleased.” 26.27
“For fulfilling the oaths given to my father , I am
going to the forest immediately , Oh
Sita who has occupied my mind be firm
and courageous.”
26.28
“Oh faultless and auspicious Sita, the forest is occupied by sages and here you keep yourself engaged in doing penances and austerities.” 26.29
“Get up at dawn and perform worship of Gods as per rules
laid out and then you please salute my father Dasaratha who is the king.”
26.30
“My mother is an old woman and affected by great sorrow
and apart from your duty she deserves
your respect.”
26.31
“You should daily salute all my mothers and also look after them as from point of view of love
, affection and service, they are all equal to me.”
26.32
“Bharatha and Shatrugna
are as dear as my souls to me and
so you have to look at both of them like your
brothers and sons.”
26.33
“Bharatha is now the king and the lord of our clan as
well as country and so you should do no
activity which is not liked by him.” 26.34
“The kings would be pleased with good conduct as well as good service to
them and they would get upset/angry if
contrary acts are noticed.”
26.35
“And auspicious one , live here being obedient to
the king Bharatha and also live here doing the penance of truth and
Dharma,”
26. 36
“Oh darling, I am going to the great forest . Oh pretty
one , you live here without causing harm
to anybody and I request you to obey
these words.”
26.37
This is the end of the twenty sixth chapter
Of the book Ayodhya of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
27. Sita requests Rama to take her to the forest.
(Sita tells
that without Rama , even heaven would be
like hell to her. She tells that if Rama
is present , she will enjoy her life in the forest.She says ,she would prefer to
die , if she is left out in Ayodhya.)
Hearing all this the sweet talking , Daughter of Janaka
who merits to be loved , became angry
with her husband due to love and said.
27.1
“Why are you talking like this Rama,? Oh son of the king,
people would ridicule you for these light hearted words spoken to me.”
27.2
“Oh my husband, the mother, father , brother , son and
daughter in law , would receive things according to the blessed deeds done by
them and would experience
prosperity according to their own
fate only.”
27.3
“Oh great man but wife alone shares the fate of her
husband and therefore if you are going to live in the forest, I also would live there.” 27.4
“In this world and in the next husband alone is the
refuge of a lady and not her father,
son, her own soul, mother or her
friends.”
27.5
“Oh Rama, now itself I will accompany you even if you are going to very dense and harsh forest , walking in
front of you crushing the thorns as well as the Kusa grass and make the way
comfortable for you to walk.”
27.6
“Oh valorous one, anger and hatred , which have arisen
due to your banishment are like water
left over in the drinking pot after you drink and should be thrown out without
hesitation and not taking me with you is a sin.”
27.7
“A woman in all
the stages of her life would prefer to
live on the shadow of her husband instead of living in palaces and mansions or wandering in the path of the
sky.” 27.8
“My father and mother have taught me about the duties
that I have to perform under different circumstances and so I need not be taught about them
now.”
27.9
“I will also go to the impassable forest , which has bees deserted by men but teeming
with various types of animals including
tigers and other wild beasts.”
27.10
“I would live happily in the forest considering it as the
home of my father without thinking of
the three worlds but thinking of only
my virtue as a wife.”
27.11
“Oh valorous one ,
I shall observe the vow of celibacy , do services to you and wander along with you in the honey scented forest.”
27.12
“Oh person with great honour, you are
capable of protecting everyone in the forest and what is the need to
doubt about me?”
27.13
“Oh great one, Without any doubt whatsoever, I shall go
with you today to the forest and no power can prevent me from doing it.”
27.14
“I would live with you , without causing any sorrow to
you and would live by eating fruits as
well as roots.”
27.15
“I would like to see the rivers, mountains and lakes and also along with you without any fear with
the company of the
very powerful you.”
27.16
“I would like to see
comfortably in the company of
yourself who is a great warrior , lakes filled with swans and water cranes and
ponds filled with fully open lotus flowers.”
27.17
“Observing penance daily
and taking bath (anointing myself) daily in those lotus ponds , I will
be living with you giving you great
happiness .”
27.18
“ I am of the opinion
, that if I live like that with
you thousand years or even one hundred
thousand years , I shall not feel any problems and would prefer that life to that of living in heaven.” 27.19
“Oh Rama, oh tiger among men, even a life in heaven but living
without your company would not interest me .”
27.20
“I would go along with you to the impassable forest
filled with monkeys as well as elephants and live there like it is the home of my
father and live a disciplined life
taking your feet as my refuge.” 27.21
“Since I am not having any other thought except love towards you , If I live away from
you, I would definitely die and so you please take me along with you and I would never become a burden to
you.
27.22
Though she was talking like this to the lover of Dharma , that prince was not prepared to take her with him and he talked
about the very many problems of life
in the forest to dissuade her
. 27.23
This is the end of the twenty seventh chapter
Of the book Ayodhya of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
28. Rama tells
reasons for not taking Sita.
(Rama then tells large number of realistic reasons which
would make life in forest difficult for a lady
and says , he will not take her
with him.)
That expert in Dharma who liked Dharma spoke to Sita , thinking about the difficulties in the forest and not willing to take her there.
28.1
That Soul of Dharma seeing her eyes
made dirty by the copious tears , having consoled her , told the following
to dissuade her again.
28.2
“Oh Sita , you belong to a very noble family and you are engaged in duties protecting
Dharma. If you practice your ritualistic dharma staying here , I would be happy.”
28.3
“Oh Sita, Oh weak lady, please do as I tell you. There
are many problems in the forest and I
shall tell them about them and so please listen.”
28.4
“Oh Sita, leave out
the idea of living in forest from your brain. It is impenetrable and has many great hardships. “ 28.5
“I am telling these words with your welfare in your mind . I do not know that
it is full of pleasures but is
full of very many
sufferings.”
28.6
“It is fearful and a source of pain to hear the sound
of water falling from a mountain along with the roar of a lion from within the
cave.”
28.7
“Mad animals moving about freely in deserted places in
the forest would attack men on seeing
them, Oh Sita, this is another great
source of danger.”
28.8
“The rivers filled with mud and infested with crocodiles are difficult to be crossed by even a mad
elephant and such things life in forest dangerous.”
28.9
“With places with
no water and pathways covered with creepers having thorns , echoing with the sounds of water fouls make the life in the forest dangerous.”
28.10
“You should sleep when you are exhausted on a bed of leaves spread on the self broken earth and these make the life in a
forest dangerous. .” 28.11
“Oh Sita, after
restraining oneself at night we have to get satisfied by eating fruits
fallen from trees, and these make the life of forest dangerous.” 28.12
“Oh daughter of Mithila
, sometimes we have to fast due to non availability of food, and we have to wear a heavy matted hair
and also wear dress made of bark.” 28.13
“We have to worship devas and manes as per prescribed
rituals and hospitably receive and treat guests arriving unexpectedly.”
28.14
“We have to wander in the forest observing prescribed
rituals and take bath three times a day , and this makes life in a
forest difficult .”
28.15
“Oh young girl, You should make offerings with flowers
which are collected by your own hands according to the rules of the learned and this makes life
in the forest difficult.”
28.16
“The people who live in the forest should be satisfied with whatever food they get there and this becomes our happy duty and this makes
life in forest difficult.” 28.17
“Wind and darkness are extremely great in the forest and daily there will be great hunger as well
as fear, and this makes life in forest difficult”
28.18
“Oh pretty lady, Various types of reptiles crawl in the
ground of the forest and this makes life in forest difficult.”
28.19
“The serpents which live in rivers move crookedly like
rivers and obstruct our path, and this makes life in forest
difficult.”
28.20
“Frail lady , butterflies , scorpions, insects, mosquitoes and flies would trouble
us daily, and this makes life in forest difficult.”
28.21
“Oh pretty lady, With thorny trees with their branches
interlaced on the top and kusa grass and
reeds
below, obstruct the way, and this makes life in forest
difficult.”
28.22
“Those who live in the forest suffer various illnesses and fears of various types, and this makes
life in forest difficult.”
28.23
“Giving up anger and avarice and doing activities like a sage and mind
should not be scared in scary
situations, and this makes life in forest difficult.”
28.24
“Therefore forest life is not suitable to you and so you
are not going to the forest and when I rethink , I find many more
problems.”
28.25
“When the great Rama
took a negative decision regarding taking her to the forest, and did not follow the words of Sita, with great sorrow, she told
again.”
28.26
This is the end of the twenty eighth chapter
Of the book Ayodhya of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
29.Sita pleads
with Rama , to take her to the
forest
(Sita tells Rama that astrologers had predicted that she
would live in the forest. She further tells him, that with him to protect her,
she would be safe.)
Hearing these words , Sita who was made sorrowful by
Rama, with flowing tears from the eye told slowly as follows.
29.1
“All those difficulties that you mentioned against living in the forest because to you who is virtuous accompanying me with
love , would fly away.” 29.2
“Oh Rama, those
deer, Lions , elephants , tigers, Sarabhas , birds srimaras , and wild beasts wandering in the forest , seeing you , whom they have not seen
before would run away due to great fear arising within them.”
29.3-29.4
“As per the instructions of my elders and teachers, I have to go to the forest along
with you and also , if I part with you,
I would give up this life.”
29.5
“Oh Rama , if I live in yor company , even Indra , with all his might
, will not be in a position to trouble me.”
29.6
“Oh Rama , with great liking to me, you have instructed
that a wife cannot/should not ,
live without the company of her
husband. “
29.7
“Oh very intelligent one, Moreover when I was in my
father’s house , great Brahmins who have
having heard about me has foretold that
I will have to live in forest for some
time.”
29.8
“Oh mighty one, Having heard the words of the great
Brahmins based on my form, I had been
daily desirous of living in the forest.”
29.9
“Oh beloved , it is necessary for me to obtain permission
to stay along with you in the forest, for There is no question of my not accompanying to the forest.”
29.10
“The prediction will come true and I will accompany you
to the forest . The time has arrived for the prediction of the Brahmin to be realized.”
29.11
“Oh valorous one, I am aware of the several hardships
that are likely to happen in the forest
and know that such hardships are experiences by those whose senses are not under their control.” 29.12
“When I was young and living in my father’s house, a
beggar woman saint predicted forest life for me in front of my
mother.”
29.13
“Oh Lord , earlier
you had favoured my services to
you for a long time and now I desire to
live with you in the forest.”
29.14
Oh Rama, may you be safe. Since then I am waiting for departing to the forest and I would very much like to follow my
valiant Lord to the forest.”
29.15
“Oh pure hearted one, by following the husband with love
, I would become a lady without sins , as husband is my God.”
29.16
“I have heard from pious and venerable Brahmins that
I would live auspiciously with you even after death for , Oh greatly intelligent one, That woman
, who in this world is given by her
father with offering of water according to religious tradition , belongs to her
husband even after his death.”
29.17-29.18
“ I , being a
virtuous woman of good conduct belonging to you , why are you not
interested from taking me from this
place.”
29.19
“I am your devotee, a virtuous wife who is depressed and an equal
your pleasures and sufferings, and so
it is only proper for you
to share your sorrows and joys.”
29.20
“If you do not wish to take me , who is suffering very
great sorrow , to the forest, , then I
shall take refuge in poison or water or
fire, which would become my cause of death.” 29.21
Though she pleaded about coming with him with the very strong one in various ways , he
was not willing to take her to the desolate
forest.
29.22
When told like this the
worried daughter of Mithila shed
warm tears on the ground so as to wet
the ground before her.
29.23
That spirited son of Kakustha dynasty consoled in many ways That greatly sad , Sita in very many ways.
29.24
This is the end of the twenty ninth chapter
Of the book Ayodhya of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
30.Rama permits Sita to accompany him.
(Sita lashes out at her husband and makes it clear
that she would not live without him.
Understanding her spirit Rama permits
her to accompany him and tells
her to distribute all her luxurious possessions among her servants and
Brahmins.)
To Rama who was trying to appease the daughter
of Janaka regarding living in the forest , she spoke the
following addressing her husband.
30.1
That Sita pleading for a very noble demand to Rama who had a broad chest , out of her
love for him and out of pride started blaming him.
30.2
“Oh Rama , I do not know what the king of Mithila who was
also a lord of Videha thought of you,
who are a woman in man’s garb, before accepting you as his son in law?”
30.3
“Alas if the people say that there is no luster in Rama
who is like the sun god , it would be something told out of ignorance. “ 30.4
“You want to
desert me, who does not have any refuge , out of sorrow and fear. Please tell me the reason for that.” 30.5
“Oh Valorous one I am like Savithri who faithfully flowed Sathyavan the son of Dhyumathsena and please know that I am under your subordination .”
30.6
“Oh blemish less Rama , I am not like any other ordinary
woman who brings disgrace to the family .My mind will not even think about
anyone except you and so I shall go to the forest along with you.” 30.7
“Oh Rama, I am your youthful wife who has been living under your control as a
virtuous wife .Why are you interested in handing over to me to someone
else like an actor?” 30.8
“Oh blemish less Rama, Whose welfare are you speaking
about. For whose sake are you preventing
me from coming along with you, though I shall be subservient to you.”
30.9
“You being my lord , do not merit to go to the forest
without me . I would be always with you
whether to do penance in the forest or
towards a journey to heaven.”
30.10
“I would not feel
even a little amount of discomfort on my way if I travel behind you as I will
it as a luxurious journey on a
luxurious coach.”
30.11
“With you on the way the harsh thorny plants like Kusha, sara
and Ishika as well as other trees, will
be to me as soft as cotton or the skin of a black deer.”
30.12
“Oh attractive one, the sand raised by the
stormy wing would be considered as a dust of sandal by me and will not
cause me harm.”
30.13
“When I live in the middle of the forest and walk in the forest , I
will lie down on the meadows of green grass
and I would get more happiness
than sleeping on the couch spread
with carpets.”30.14
“Even you bring a little quantity of leaves , roots and fruits and give it to me , they would taste like nectar to me.”
30.15
“There I will not think of my mother , father or home ,
while I enjoy the seasonal flowers and
fruits of the forest.”
30.16
“There you will not be able to see me bored and so you
would not become sad due to my activities
and I will not be a burden to you.”
30.17
“Your company is like a heaven to me and being away from
you is like hell and so understand my love to you , and go with me to the
forest.”
30.18
“I am a determined lady bent upon going to forest and If you do not take me there , immediately
I will drink poison , but I will not live
with my enemies.”
30.19
“Oh lord , if you abandon me there would be no life for me who is sad and
so it would be better for me to die.”
30.20
“I would not be in a position to tolerate sorrow , even for a moment and how can I tolerate it for fourteen
years.”
30.21
Thus caught in the grips of great sorrow , she cried
pitiably, embraced her husband
tightly and wailed in a loud
voice.
30.22
Like a she elephant pierced by poisoned arrows she lashed at Rama with rain of words and
unrestrained tears , like a flame produced by
rubbing one stick to another.
30.23
Out of great distress tears which were like crystals
sprang from her eyes which were like the water on a lotus leaf.
30.24
Her face which was like the spotless full moon , due to
the flowing of tears from her very expressive eyes withered like lotus plucked
from water.
30.25
Rama hugged her
who appeared fainted due to
great sorrow, by his hands , pacified her
and told her.
30.26
“Oh lady, I do not desire even heaven at the cost of your
grief and there is not even a little
fear in me like the self created being.”
30.27
“Oh auspicious lady, Without knowing about your real view
on this matter , I never wished you to live in the forest though I am capable of protecting you.”
30.28
“Oh daughter of Mithila, since you were created for going
to the forest with me , as a self respecting man, I cannot abandon you as I cannot abandon my fame.”
30.29
“Oh lady who has thighs like the trunk of an elephant , this was the Dharma
practiced earlier by beings like Suvarchala
following the sun.”
30.30
“Oh daughter of Janaka,
I could not say, “I will not go there”
when the truth nourished by my father ordered me to go to the
forest.”
30.31
“Oh lady with well formed
posteriors, Obedience to father and mother is an act of Dharma and because of that I do not want to disobey
their truthful order and continue to live.” 30.32
“Mother, father and Guru are always within our reach, and
so how can we not obey them and then try to worship God who is not
visible?”
30.33
“Oh lady with pretty eyelashes, those three are equal to
the three worlds and in
this world there is nothing as holy as them and so they are to be worshipped.”
30.34
“ Oh Sita, Neither truth nor charity nor sacrifices with
payment of Dakshina are considered
as efficacious as
doing service to father.”
30.35
“If one fulfills
the desire of father (elders?) ,
it is not even slightly difficult to
achieve heaven , money , grains ,
knowledge , sons and all other pleasures.”
30.36
“Great men who are devoted only to the service of their
father and mother , would easily attain the worlds of devas or
Gandharwas or Lord Vishnu or Lord Brahma
or any other desirable worlds.” 30.37
“ Whatever command
my father who is well established in the path of truth and Dharma , gives
, I desire to obey them as they are indeed the eternal truth.” 30.38
“Oh Sita, my mind is determined to take you to the
Dandaka forest as you are determined to follow me and say that you would live
there.”
30.39
“Oh exquisitely handsome lady whose eyes are like wine ,
you have been created to accompany me to the forest and so you can follow me and assist me in doing my
Dharma there.”
30.40
“Oh wife, Oh Sita, You have taken the auspicious decision which is highly fitting to
the Dharma of your family, yourself and
myself.” 30.41
Oh lady with auspicious posteriors, commence doing all that is necessary to reside in the forest and without you even heaven will not please
me.”
30.42
“Give jewels to the Brahmins and food to the beggars and gifts to all the needy persons. Do not
delay and do all this with great speed.”
30.43
“Give to your servants
costly ornaments, blessed apparels, whichever things are charming and
meant for entertainment , couches palanquins and all other such things. Give
all the rest to Brahmins.”
30.44-30.45
That lady Sita , understanding that her husband was
favourable for her departure to the forest
was greatly pleased and started distributing her things. 30.46
That famous one ,
having heard the words of her husband ,
with happiness completely filling her
heart, That lady
with heart willing to give , started giving away
her wealth and gems . 30.47
This is the end of the thirtieth chapter
Of the book Ayodhya of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
31. Lakshmana also is permitted to go to forest
(Lakshmana requests permission to accompany Rama and
Sita. Initially Rama protests saying that Kaikeyi would trouble Kausalya and
Sumithra . Lakshmana points out the virtues of Bharatha and said that their mothers would be safe.
Lakshmana is permitted to accompany Rama and Sita.)
Lakshmana , the delight of the Raghu clan , who had
already come there already , heard the
conversation between Sita and Rama and
was unable to bear the sorrow and his
eyes were filled with tears and he caught hold of the feet of Rama
tightly and he who had done great
penance addressed the famous Sita and Rama and told .
31.1-31.2
“If both of you have taken a decision to go to the forest filled with deer
and elephants , I also shall accompany
you and walk there in front of you
holding the bow.” 31.3
“You will roam many
forests echoing with
the sounds from all
directions of multitude of birds and
animals in my company.”
31.4
“Without you I have no desire to either conquer the world of devas nor get immortality nor
the sovereignty over the
worlds.”
31.5
Hearing these words of the son of Sumithra who had decided on living in the forest , Rama tried to console him and dissuade him and
then Lakshmana told.
31.6
“ Earlier you had given permission to come and so why are you now preventing my coming with you? “
31.7
“Oh man without any blemish , Why this protest when I
want to go with you and so I request you
to clear this doubt in my mind.”
31.8
Then Rama with the
great luster told Lakshmana who was in front of him , who was prepared
to walk in front of him in the forest and who was begging him with folded hands. 31.9
“You have always
been affectionate, follower of dharma and a valorous one. You always travel by the path
of goodness . You are my obedient brother , a great friend and more than a soul
to me.” 31.10
“Oh son of Sumithra , if you come to the forest along
with me who would look after
Sumithra and Kausalya who are with Great fame.”
31.11
“The great lustrous king
who used to shower favours to his
people like the god of rain is now in the clutches of passion.” 31.12
“Kaikeyi the daughter of Aswapathi , if she gets control over the kingdom ,
would make the co-wives sad and would not bother about their welfare .”
31.13
“Once Bharatha
obtains the kingdom setting all
his confidence on Kaikeyi , will not remember Kausalya and the
very sad Sumithra.”
31.14
“Oh son of Sumithra either by your own efforts or by taking the help of the king , accomplish
the objective of looking after the welfare of venerable Kausalya.”
31.15
“Oh master of
Dharma, If you do this for me , you
would have shown clearly your devotion to me
and worshipping of the elders is
a matchless and great Dharma.”
31.16
“Oh son of Sumithra, Oh son of the Raghu clan, please do
this for me because deprived of our
company , they would not experience any happiness.” 31.17
Hearing these gentle words of
Rama, Lakshmana, the expert in speech
and an expert in eloquence
Lakshmana replied to him. 31.18
“Due to your great power oh valorous one, Bharatha will worship
Kausalya and Sumithra in a humble manner.”
31.19
“One thousand villages obtain their
wherewithal from Kausalya, and such a Kausalya can support one thousand persons like
me.”
31.20
“That famous lady Kausalya can not only look after herself , but she can
look after Sumithra as well as me.”
31.21
“You make me your companion and this is not considered against
Dharma and I would have also
accomplished my objective and your object would be fulfilled.”
31.22
“Holding a bow and arrow as also
a basket and a spade , I will walk in front
, giving directions to your
way.”
31.23
“I will collect fruits and roots and any other thing which is eatable and provide you food fit to the
ascetics.”
31.24
“When you go for a stroll for pleasure on the mountain tops or when you are awake or when you are
asleep , I would do every task of yours.”
31.25
Rama after having been highly pleased by these words said, “Oh Lakshmana
, go and take leave from all your friends.”
31.26
“Oh Lakshmana, the great Varuna
gave two divine awesome looking bows ,
two shields that cannot be penetrated ,
two inexhaustible quivers
and two swords plated with gold and shining like Sun to King Janaka during a fire sacrifice . All
these , after being worshipped have been deposited by me in the house of our
Guru Vasishta. Please go and collect
these and come back quickly.”
31.27-31.29
Lakshmana who has decided to live in the forest , took leave of his
friends , went to the home of the Guru of Ikshuvaku clan and collected the weapons.
31.30
The tiger among princes Lakshmana , after worshipping those divine
weapons, decorated them with flower garlands
and showed them to Rama.
31.31
That very spiritual Rama looked
lovingly at Lakshmana who has arrived
and told him, “Oh gentle Lakshmana , you have come back at the exact
moment as desired by me.” 31.32
“Oh Lakshmana who defeats his enemies, I want to give away , along with
you, all my wealth to ascetic Brahmins.” 31.33
“To the best of the Brahmins who are highly devoted to their Gurus as
well as those of them who are dependent on me
for their livelihood, I want to
distribute freely all my wealth.” 31.34
“Go and bring Suyajna , the son of sage Vasishta and all Brahmins belonging to a high
race(pravara) , swiftly so that , I can pay my homage to them and then go to
the forest.”
31.35
This is the end of the thirty first chapter
Of the book Ayodhya of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
34.Rama distributes his wealth
(Rama distributes all his matchless and enormous wealth to all the Brahmins including Suyagna, Vasishta and a poor
learned Brahmin called Trijata)
After hearing that auspicious command that he liked ,
Lakshmana went and entered the home of
Suyagna. 32.1
Lakshmana went and
saluted that Brahmin who was near the
fire sanctuary and told him, “Oh friend,
come to the house of Rama and see the task which is difficult to be accomplished by any other man.”
32.2
After performing the ritual of the twilight , he along
with Lakshmana swiftly went to the pretty and prosperous palace of Rama and
entered there .
32.3
When Suyagna who
was well versed in Vedas and who was
shining like sacrificial fire entered there , Rama along with Sita worshipped
him with folded hands and went round
him. 32.4
Then the son of the Kakustha clan, gave in worship to
Suyagna, golden anklets , auspicious ear rings , pearls strung in golden
chains, crowns, armlets and several
other costly jewels and upon the request
of Sita told him.
32.5-32.6
“Oh my gentle friend,
at this time Sita wants to give to your wife , her necklace , gold chain and girdle and so
please take them also.”
32.7
“Oh friend, Sita who is departing to the forest with
me wants to give your wife her armlets
as well as her auspicious bracelets .”
32.8
“Sita also wants to give
her couch with exquisite bed spread woven with various type of gems to be used in your home .”
32.9
“Oh great Brahmin, my maternal uncle gave me an
elephant called Satrugna. I am giving
him along with another thousand elephants to you.”
32.10
When Rama Told him like this Suyagna accepted all those
gifts and bestowed auspicious blessings
on Rama, Sita and Lakshmana.
32.11
There after Rama who talks sweetly , addressing his very
beloved brother Lakshmana , similar to
Lord Brahma addressing Indra told.
32.12
“Oh son of Sumithra,
please invite sage Agasthya and sage Kaushika , who are two great
Brahmins and shower on them the precious
gems just like crops are showered with rain.” 32.13
“Oh great hero with great self respect, you also satisfy
them with thousands of cows, gold , silver
and precious gems.”
32.14
“Oh Lakshmana give away
chariots , maid servants and
silk cloths till he attains satisfaction to a Brahmin who is greatly learned in Thaithreeya Samhitha branch of the Vedas , who is agreeable to
attend on Kausalya ’s religious needs.”
32.15-32.16
“Minister of our father , charioteer Chithraratha has
been in our service for many years
.Please gratify him with gifts of highly valuable jewels, cloth , wealth , cows
with young female calves in ten hundreds.”
32.17
“ Oh Lakshmana , there are many celibate students of
Katha and Kalalapa branches of Vedas , who hold a staff in their hand , having
great character due to their daily study of Vedas , who are lazy to do any other aspects of life and having great taste for
delicious food .To each of these
people who are respected by other great people , give eighty cart load of gems , thousand bulls capable of carrying paddy ,
two hundred bulls capable of ploughing
and thousand cows f or preparing food”.32.18-32.20
“Oh son of Sumithra , there are large number of sacred
thread wearing students , depending on queen Kausalya. To each
of them give one thousand
cows.”
32.21
“Oh Lakshmana , give charities to all those Brahmins by
giving it to them mother Kausalya
would be greatly pleased.”
32.22
Thereupon that tiger among men distributed all the wealth as per instructions of Rama to
the great Brahmins , just like Khubera , the god of wealth might have
done.”
32.23
Thereafter Rama , after distributing abundant wealth to
all his dependents who were standing with tears and choked throats and told
them.
32.24
“Please do fitting activities so that the houses of mine ,as
well as Lakshmana is not
unattended till we come back.”
32.25
After telling like this to all his attendants who earned
their sustenance from him, , he requested the treasury officer to bring all his
treasures.
32.26
When his entire
wealth was brought there, the dependents of Rama were highly pleased to see the heaps of wealth.
32.27
That tiger among men, Rama , along with Lakshmana distributed all
that wealth to poor but greatly learned
Brahmins whether they are young or old.
32.28
There lived a Brahmin named Trijata a descendent of sage Gargya , who was
reddish brown in colour in that place. He used to dig the forest with pickaxe ,
plough and a crow bar as his profession was digging of earth.
32.29
His young wife distressed by great poverty ,keeping her
young sons in front of her told that old Brahmin.
32.30
“ Oh expert in Dharma, Please hear my words and throw
away this pickaxe, crow bar and plough
and then go and see Rama and you
may obtain something.”
32.31
Having hear his wife’s words that Trijata , covering
himself with a torn unfit upper cover
started walking through the path
leading to palace of Rama.
32.32
In that crowd since Trijata was having the luster of sage
Bhrugu and Angiras , no one dared to stop him till he reached the fifth
courtyard of Rama’s palace .
32.33
That Trijata after
approaching Rama told him “oh very
famous prince, I do not have any money but have many children and I daily dig in the forest to collect left over grains , on which I am
subsisting. Please show your mercy on
me.”
32.34-32.35
That Rama with a
smile and in an jeering way told him, “I
have yet not given away one thousand
cows. You throw your staff and
till the place it reaches you all the cows are yours.” 32.36
That bewildered Trijata , after tightly tying up his upper garment at his waist, hurled the staff with all his
strength after fixing the proper direction.,”
32.37
The staff which was released from his hand reached up to the bank of Sarayu river and
fell in the middle of very many thousands of cows.
32.38
Rama , the soul of Dharma after embracing him , sent all
the cows up to the Sarayu river along with herdsmen to his hermitage.
32.39
Afterwards Rama placated the descendent of sage
Gargya and said, “please do not get
angry , I only meant it as a joke.”
32.40
“Your power is something that cannot be matched and only
with a view to see it , I told you like this. Please ak for anything else that
you desire.”
32.41
“ Oh great sage Trijata, I am telling you the truth and
there is no limit to your demanding my wealth. All my wealth are for Brahmins
only and by distributing all my wealth I
aim to get fame and pleasure.”
32.42
That great sage Trijata along with his wife after receiving the multitude of cows became
delighted and blessed the great Rama with fame , strength, pleasure and prosperity . 32.43
That Rama with a fully satisfied mind , distributed that
great wealth which was earned by his great strength and he was greatly praised
by all of his friends for this action. 32.44
There at that place there was no Brahmin, friend ,
servant, beggar or for that matter anyone who
was not satisfied by being honoured or by charity.
32.45
This is the end of the thirty second chapter
Of the book Ayodhya of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
33.Rama goes to Dasaratha ‘s palace
(Rama, Sita and Lakshmana walk down to the palace of Dasaratha.
All people on the way are saddened and decide to go with Rama wherever he goes.)
After giving away plenty of wealth to the Brahmins, Rama,
Lakshmana along with Sita went to see their father.
33.1
The dazzling
weapons that they were holding were
decorated by Sita using garlands made out of flowers.
33.2
Climbing on
balconies and terraces of their palaces and on the top of the towers , the wealthy people looked at them with
remorse.
33.3
The streets were crowded by a large number of people
making them impassable and for that reason men filled with grief ascended on
the top of palaces to see Rama.
33.4
The people seeing Rama walking without the ornamental
umbrella with a mind affected by great grief
started talking in various ways.
33.5
“Whenever he used to march out , army with four divisions
used to follow him but today he is
walking alone with only Sita and Lakshmana following him.”
33.6
“Rama while enjoying
great wealth and had a great
taste for comforts used to gratify the
desires of those who desire. In spite of that being one who respects Dharma ,
he does not wish to break his father’s words.”
33.7
“Previously even
the creatures flying on the skies were
not able to get a glimpse of Sita, but today even those who are walking on the
royal avenue are able to see her.”
33.8
“Sita who used to apply scented creams and paste of red
sandalwood on her body , will now be exposed to rain , heat and cold and would
be discolored her body soon. “ 33.9
“Today Dasaratha has been possessed by an evil
spirit otherwise will he talk like this
and banish his beloved son.”
33.10
“When it is
impossible to banish a son with
no character at all, what to say about Rama who has conquered the world by his
good conduct?”
33.11
“Doubtlessness, compassion, learning, good character ,
restraint of senses and self control are the six qualities of men that adorn
the best among men Rama.”
33.12
“So trouble caused him greatly hurt people like when summer dries up the water in the lakes ,
aquatic creatures and people are greatly affected.”
33.13
“Just like harm to the roots affect the tree, its leaves,
flowers and fruits, harming of Rama harms everybody since he is the Lord of the
world .”
33.14
“Rama is the root of humanity, the essence of Dharma, the
great light and all other peoples are
connected to this tree like flowers, fruits , leaves as well as branches.”
33.15
“So let us , including our wives and relations follow him like Lakshmana and go wherever
he goes.”
33.16
“We will leave our gardens, fields and houses
and follow Rama with the same
sorrow, same joy and same Dharma as him.”
33.17
“ Let this Ayodhya
With empty coffers, ruined
courtyards , with absence of wealth and
grains, wholly deprived of wealth , covered with dust, abandoned by Gods ,
occupied by rats coming out of burrows running here and there ,bereft of water
, with no smoke emerging from anywhere , dirty because of not being swept ,
absence of offerings, sacrifices,
recitations , libation, invocation and prayers , affected by famines, with
dilapidated places and utensils and
deserted by us , be owned by Kaikeyi.” 33.18-33.21
“When Rama goes to the forest , let it become a city and
deserted by all of us this city would indeed become a forest.”
33.22
“After seeing us in the forest may the fanged creatures
leave their lairs, animals and birds leave the caves on the mountains , lions
and elephants leave their usual haunts
and let them all occupy this city which is deserted by us.” 33.23
“Let Kaikeyi, her son and other relatives acquire this country , occupied by wild
animals and animals subsisting on grass,
fruits and flesh and the relieved men
will live in the forest along with Rama.”
33.24-33.25
Even after hearing various such type of words from
various people, Rama did not deviate
from his decision.
33.26
That soul of Dharma
who had the strength of an elephant in rut entered the palace of his father which
resembled in its splendour the peak of mount Meru.
33.27
After he entered the palace guarded by valorous warriors
, he saw in a distance the very dejected
Sumanthra waiting .
33.28
Even though he saw the sorrow of the people , without
revealing his feelings of sorrow but with a smile , as per the rules of the
palace Rama entered in it , with the intention of carrying out the wishes of
his father.
33.29
Before that , the son of Ikshuvaku clan, the great Rama who
was determined to go to the forest , after seeing the very sorrowful looking Sumanthra, waited
outside so that his arrival could be
informed to his father.
33.30
Rama who was fond of Dharma , having decided to go the
forest, after seeing Sumanthra ,
requested him to inform Dasaratha of his arrival.
33.31
This is the end of the thirty third chapter
Of the book Ayodhya of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
34. Rama Asks for permission to go from Dasaratha
(Rama asks permission
from Dasaratha to go the forest along with Lakshmana and Sita. The king
cries and wails and requests Rama to go
next day but Rama feels he has to that
night itself.)
That great one
Rama , with eyes like lotus leaf , who was black and who was matchless told Sumanthra the charioteer, “:Please
inform about my arrival to my father.”
34.1
At the request of Rama with senses overwhelmed with
sorrow, quickly entered the inner apartments and saw Dasaratha breathing
heavily.
34.2
He saw the king Dasaratha, like an eclipsed son and a
fire brand covered with ash and like a dried up tank . 34.3
The very intelligent charioteer , saw him as being
greatly upset , and thinking with great
sorrow about Rama and approached him
with folded hands.
34.4
That Charioteer after greeting the king by saying, “let
victory be yours” , trembling with fear he gently told him in a feeble voice . 34.5
“ The tiger among
men, Your son Rama is waiting to see you
at the door , after giving away all his wealth to Brahmins and the
attendants who serve him.”
34.6
“Safety to you, please
permit Rama who is truly valorous and who has taken leave of his friends , to see
you.”
34.7
“Oh Lord of the world, You may see him , who is endowed
with al princely virtues and encircled by rays like the sun as he is
ready to go the forest. “
34.8
That king who is
the votary of truth whose soul is Dharma
and who resembled the majestic ocean and the pure sky replied.
34.9
“Oh Sumanthra , please bring all my wives whosoever are here
as I want to see Rama the soul of
Dharma along with all my wives.” 34.10
Sumanthra then crossed in to the private apartments and
told all the women, “Oh great ladies, Dasaratha wants all of you here. come quickly.”
34.11
When the order of the king was thus told by Sumanthra , all the ladies went to
their husband’s palace .
34.12
Then all his three
hundred and fifty wives, surrounding Kausalya, who were steadfast to their marriage vows ,
with eyes turned red due to sorrow
reached that place.
34.13
After having seen that all his wives have arrived, the
king told the charioteer to go and bring his son.
34.14
Then that charioteer called Rama as well as Lakshmana and
Sita and they went there and stood facing
the king.
34.15
The king surrounded by his women seeing from a distance his son coming towards him with folded hands , suddenly got up.
34.16
That king of the world seeing Rama , ran swiftly towards
him, and being tormented by
grief fell on the ground
unconscious.
34.17
Then Rama and the great warrior Lakshmana having seen him falling , speedily reached near the king , who has lost his
consciousness.
34.18
Suddenly in the kings palace the sound of thousands of ladies crying “Ha,
ha, Rama” along with the tingling sound of their ornaments was produced.
34.19
The king was
hugged in their hands by Rama and Lakshmana
and with the assistance of Sita,
The king was laid on his bed. All of them were crying at that time. 34.20
After a moment
Dasaratha regained consciousness
and Rama being drowned in the
ocean of sorrow ,spoke to him folded
hands .
34.21
“I am taking leave from you king as you are the God of us
all, as I am going to Dandaka . I hope to see you all right.”
34.22
“ Please also give
permission to Lakshmana to go. Sita is also accompanying me to the forest .Though I have tried to
dissuade them by telling many reasons, they both are not agreeable to stay back. “34.23
“Of king with great honour , discard your grief
and give leave to me, Lakshmana and Sita to depart and behave like Brahma.”
34.24
The king seeing the unruffled Rama waiting for getting his permission to dwell in the forest spoke to him like this.
34.25
“Oh Rama , I have been
enchanted by Kaikeyi to give her the boons. So now you please arrange to
arrest me and become the king of Ayodhya. “
34.26
Rama the best among votaries of Dharma, who was skilled
in speech, after being spoken this way, replied to his father with folded
palms.
34.27
“Oh king, you will be the lord of this earth for many
thousand years more .I shall reside in the forest as you should not act against truth because of me.”
34.28
“After wandering in the forest for fourteen years , I
will come and grasp your feet again
after completing the vow, Oh king.”
34.29
The king who was wailing and crying for his
son but was tied by the rope of
truth was further instigated by Kaikeyi
and the king told to Rama like this.
34.30
“Let your fame increase my child, go now for returning
after fourteen years ,May your path be without sorrow and be without fear from
any quarter.”
34.31
“Oh Child , you are devoted to truth and Dharma and so it
is not possible to dissuade you from your resolve .”
34.32
“Oh son, whatever may be do not go tonight , for at least for one day I would be able to see you and
move about.”
34.33
“For tonight , you
stay with me and your mother and start and with all your desires fulfilled
you can start tomorrow at dawn.”
34.34
“Oh Rama , you are doing
a job that is difficult to be done
and for the sake of my desire , you are leaving out all dear ones and
going to the forest.”
34.35
“Oh Son, Oh Raghava, I am swearing that this does
not in any way pleases me but I have been deceived by a woman hidden
with deceit like a woman hidden by ashes.”
34.36
“I have been instigated by this Kaikeyi who is the breaker of penance of others and you want me to ignore this deceit.” 34.37
“Oh son , being my eldest and your ensuring that my
words should not become
untruthful , is greatly surprising.”
34.38
Then after hearing these distressing words of his father
, Rama along with Lakshmana with great
sorrow spoke.
34.39
“I would be getting more great things by going today
rather than tomorrow and I so I would prefer to go to forest today itself.”
34.40
“I am giving up this earth , with different countries,
with its different people along with its
wealth and grains , I am giving to Bharatha.”
34.41
“I will not waver from my decision to live in the forest.
Oh Father who blesses , this would make the boons that were given to Kaikeyi with joy remain
truthful.”
34.42
“I would obey the commands
as told by you and would live in the forest for fourteen years along with the people who
move about in forests.”
34.43
“Do not revise your opinion, please give away the kingdom to Bharatha , for
I do not have and desire for the kingdom
or the pleasures that come from it but I
love to obey your orders, oh son of the Raghu clan(Dasaratha) .”
34.44-34.45
“Please put an end to your sorrow and let not your eye be filled with tears for
you are like the ocean, which is the lord of rivers which never gets
perturbed.”
34.46
“I do not have desire this kingdom or this earth and nor all the desires in this earth or in
heaven.” 34.47
“Oh great man I want
you to uphold your truth and that
you should not become a person of
falsehood and I am taking an oath in your presence based on all the merits that
you have done .” 34.48
“Oh father , it is
not possible for me to stay here even for a moment , so bear the grief as there
is no change in my decision.”
34.49
“I have been asked by
Kaikeyi ”Rama, go to the forest “, and as I have promised her that “I will go”, I will
uphold my promise. “ 34.50
“Oh god like father, do not have worry in your mind as we
will enjoy our life in the forest , with calm
deer which move about and
echoing with music and sound of
birds.”
34.51
“Father, even for devas , as told in the scriptures
, father
is their god and treating my father as God, I am going to
the forest.”
34.52
“Oh best among men , after spending fourteen years , I
would return back and at that time , you can see me and so you should give up this sorrow.”
34.53
“Oh tiger among men, when you are one who used to pacify people choking with tears , why
this change has occurred in you?” 34.54
“These cities ,
kingdom and the entire earth ,
may be conferred on Bharatha and I , obeying your commands am going to the
forest and dwell there.”
34.55
“Ok king , I am giving away to Bharatha this earth with its mountain ranges , along
with cities and peaceful forests along with well laid boundaries , so that he alone can rule over them , the
way that you have told me.”
34.56
“Oh sinless one ,
My mind is not interested in great pleasures
or doing things liked by it but
it is interested in carrying out of your orders , which is assented by the
opinion of great people.” 34.57
“Oh sinless one, because of that I do not desire for the
eternal kingdom, or fulfillment of all
my desires, pleasures or Sita herself or
even life itself and my only wish
is that your words should not become a
lie.”
34.58
“After entering the forest I would eat fruits as well as
roots of various kinds of trees , I will
see the mountains , rivers and lakes and
become happy and so please do not be
sad.” 34.59
Then that king enfolded in sorrow and distressed by sadness
and grief , embraced his son and
lost his consciousness , fell on the
ground and remained without
movement. 34.60
Except the wife of the god like king all other
ladies loudly wailed together and even Sumanthra wailed and fainted and everyone
was shouting alas, alas.
34.61
This is the end of the thirty fourth chapter
Of the book Ayodhya of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
35.Sumanthra ridicules and chastises Kaikeyi.
(Sumanthra the
charioteer of king Dasaratha tries to
convince Kaikeyi and fails.)
After that the
Charioteer Sumanthra sighing
frequently , shaking his head, crushing
one palm on another , grinding his teeth , with eyes turned due to anger , leaving out
his natural colour and overcome with
inordinate grief due to
his observing the reaction of Dasaratha ,
pierced the mind of Kaikeyi with
his replies which were like
incomparable and inauspicious thunderbolts which were capable of breaking her vital parts .
35.1-35.4
“Oh lady, your husband Dasaratha who has been forsaken by you is
the lord of all movable and immovable
things of the world and I feel
that there is nothing you are incapable of doing.”35.5
“I think you are a killer of your husband, who is an
exterminator of a clan, and are causing
great grief due to your acts to the
Indra like king , who is unshakable like a mountain and unperturbed like an ocean .”
35.6-35.7
“Dasaratha , your husband, giver of all your needs, should not be insulted by
you, because for a women, the desire of a husband is of greater value that ten
million sons.”
35.8
“After the death of the king , the princes would obtain
the kingdom according to their age and
why do you want to break this tradition in case of Rama, the lord of Ikshuvaku
dynasty. “ 35.9
“Let your king Bharatha , become the king of this earth,
and we all will go to the place
where Rama goes.” 35.10
“No Brahmin will
feel worthy to stay
in your country because of what you are intending to do is that insulting.”
35.11
“Definitely all of us will take the path that Rama takes
. Oh lady, with relations, all Brahmins ,
and virtuous men abandoning you always, what pleasure will you get out
of getting the kingdom? Oh Kaikeyi , why are
you desiring to such a great insult?
35.12-35.13
“I am greatly surprised by what you are intending to do
and when this lady is putting an end to the tradition , why does not the earth split right away?”
35.14
“When you are bent upon banishing Rama to the forest , it
is a great wonder that you are not destroyed by the fearful staff like
word “shame” , which is a flame
created by great Brahma rishis.”
35.15
“By cutting a mango tree by an axe , and by
nurturing a Neem tree by irrigating it with milk , one does not get
sweet fruits.” 35.16
“ I think that
your nobility of birth comes out of
that of your mother’s , since it is well
known saying that honey does not flow
from a Neem tree.”
35.17
“Formerly we have heard about the unworthy stubborn habit
your mother . One boon giver has bestowed on your father an
extraordinary boon by which he could
understand the language of speech of all
horizontal moving beings? “
35.18-35.19
“One day near his bed, an ant Jrumbana was talking to his father and your greatly lustrous father understanding the
meaning laughed exceedingly.”
35.20
Then your
mother who got angry because of
that and who desired the noose of death
addressed him and asked., “ Oh soft natured king , I am desirous of knowing why
you laughed now.”
35.21
Then the king told the lady, “Oh lady , If I tell you
that, I would die instantly without any
doubt whatsoever.”
35.22
Your mother addressing your father who was the king of
Kekaya told, “do not ridicule me but tell it whether you
are alive or dead.”
35.23
“Hearing the words of his wife , Kekaya the king of earth , told about this to the great one who
conferred on him the boon.”
35.24
“Thereafter that good man who conferred the boon said,
“do not do that , let her live or die.”
35.25
“That king who
heard the advice of that man of Dharma
with a pleasant mind, repudiated your mother and moved freely like Lord
Khubera.” 35.26
“Oh lady who only sees evils, Like that you are also
moving in the path of bad people out of
unfair persistence out of great desire .” 35.27
“To me the generally told saying , that “Sons resemble
their fathers and daughters resemble
their mothers”, seems to be true.”
35.28
“Do not imitate those traits (of your mother) .After
understanding the opinion of the king follow them, and protect the people.”
35.29
“Being encouraged by sinners , do not attribute unrighteousness to your husband who shines like the king of devas and is the protector
of the world .” 35.30
“Oh Kaikeyi , that
faultless Dasaratha , who has eyes like
lotus petals and who is prosperous , will
not make the promises given to you as myths.”
35.31
“Let the valiant
Rama , who is the eldest , who is generous, who is expert in doing his
work, who is the protector of his own Dharma
and who is the protector of all beings , be crowned as the king.” 35.32
“If Rama goes to the forest , leaving his father here, a
blame of yours would be spread among great people .”
35.33
“Let Rama rule the kingdom and you get rid of your mental
afflictions, for no one else resided in this city who is as competent as Rama
to rule.”
35.34
“When Rama becomes the Yuvaraja, the great archer king
Dasaratha will retire to the forest , remembering the custom of our
earlier people.” 35.35
Like this Sumanthra chastised Kaikeyi using harsh as well
as gentle words in the presence of the king , aimed to make her sorry and stood
with folded palms.
35.36
That lady was not perturbed in the least and did not
feel remorse and change of the
colour of her face could not be noticed.
35.37
This is the end of the thirty fifth chapter
Of the book Ayodhya of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the first epic.
36. Dasaratha wants to
send riches to forest
(Dasaratha wants Rama to lead a luxurious life in forest.
Kaikeyi objects and points out that one king Sagara banished his eldest son. It
is pointed out to her that Asamanja was
a wicked prince.)
Then Dasaratha , the scion of Ikshuvaku clan ,
becoming afflicted by his oath , with
tears , breathing with difficulty , again and again told these words to Sumanthra.
36.1
“Oh charioteer immediately arrange , the four divisions
of army along with precious gem to escort
Rama to his journey to forest. “
36.2
“Also arrange pretty ladies with musical voice,
courtesans , very rich people ,
traders , well spread men as well as
sons of people of the army to accompany
him and make it graceful.” 36.3
“To those who depended on Rama for living and to those who were companions in sports Of
Rama , give them lot of compensation and
make them participate in this procession.” 36.4
“Let important weapons, people of the city , carts , conductors in the forest and Fowlers follow that son of Kakustha
clan.”
36.5
“By hunting for deer and elephants, drinking the honey of the forest and seeing pretty rivers , he would think of
the kingdom.”
36.6
“Let both the
entire contents of my granary as well
as that of the treasury , follow
Rama when he goes to the desolate forest.”
36.7
“Performing sacrifices in holy places , liberally giving
fees to Brahmins , Rama will live in the forest
along with sages. “
36.8
“The greatly heroic Bharatha would look after Ayodhya and let all auspicious things for enjoyment
be furnished to Rama.” Thus spoke Dasaratha.
36.9
When Dasaratha was talking like this fear gripped
Kaikeyi and her mouth dried up and voice
became choked.
36.10
That Kaikeyi who
was scared, dejected and with dried up face
facing the king spoke. 36.11
“Oh simple one, Bharatha will not accept a deserted
kingdom , devoid of wealth and impossible to be enjoyed which is like the
wine , whose essence has evaporated.”
36.12
Hearing the shameless
and horrible words spoken by Kaikeyi , the king Dasaratha told the
following words to the broad eyed
one. 36.13
“Oh enemy of mine Kaikeyi, You fastened to me the yoke
and I am pulling forward , oh ungentlemanly lady , why are you prodding me
further .Why did you not stop me at the beginning itself? “ 36.14
That blessed lady Kaikeyi hearing the very angry words of
the king became doubly enraged and
addressed the king . 36.15
“In your clan itself king Sagara prevented the crowing of
his eldest son Asamanja and similar to
that Rama also has to go.”
36.16
When she told like Dasaratha could only say one word,
“Shame” and all the people felt ashamed
but Kaikeyi did not notice it.
36.17
An aged favorite minister of Dasaratha named
Sidhartha who was very good person addressed Kaikeyi and told these
words.
36.18
“The wicked Asamanja used to catch hold of children
playing on roads, throw them all in river Sarayu and used to amuse
himself.”
36.19
Seeing this all people of the city were angry and told the king, “Oh enhancer of the
prosperity of the kingdom, choose either us or Asamamnja.”
36.20
Then the king told them, “What is the reason of this
fear? “ and hearing the words told to them the citizens replied.
36.21
“That one with a
lunatic mind , throws our young
sons in the Sarayu river due to his mad nature and becomes supremely
happy.”
36.22
“That king hearing the words of his citizens , with an
intention of pleasing them banished his son.”
36.23
“Then placing his son along with his wife and with all their needs in a chariot , the king ordered that” As long
as they are alive they are banished.”
36.24
“Then that evil doer
wandering about in all directions with a plough and a basket spent
his time digging
the mountain forts.”
36.25
“That was why that king who was an upholder of Dharma
banished his son. What sin has Rama
committed so that he should be banished
like this?”
36.26
“We do not see even a little of bad qualities in
Rama which are like the stain on the
moon.” 36.27
“But lady , if you find any such fault in Rama , you may please tell us and then we will banish
Rama.”
36.28
“But banishing
someone who is engaged in the
good path of Dharma , would even
destroy the splendour of
Indra.” 36.29
“Enough oh lady, do not cause obstruction to the prosperity of Rama and it is also necessary for you to save
yourself by being criticized by the
world, Oh pretty lady.”
36.30
The king after hearing the words of Sidhartha , with a
progressively failing voice , tinged in grief
told Kaikeyi.
36.31
“I know you will disregard these words, Oh sinner as you do know what is good for you or to me
as you have adopted a vile wicked path forsaking the right path.”
36.32
“After giving up pleasures, kingdom and wealth , I will go today with Rama and you along with king Bharatha , for a long
time , enjoy this kingdom.” 36.33
This is the end of
the thirty sixth chapter Of the
book Ayodhya of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
37.Rama wears cloth
made of Bark
(Rama refuses all those accompaniments. Kaikeyi brings
bark cloths for him. Rama and Lakshmana wear it. Grass cloth is brought for
Sita and she does not know how to wear it. Vasishta becomes furious on
Kaikeyi).
Hearing the speech of the minister Rama told the following great words with humility to Dasaratha.
37.1
“Oh king, I would be living in the forest with what is available there , after giving up all pleasures. What is the
use of all these accompaniments to me
who has given up all attachments. “ 37.2
“Having given up the elephant, would I be interested in
the rope that was used to tie it , for
when you do not want the best of elephants , why love towards its rope.”
37.3
“Oh best amongst all people, Oh king , what is the use of
army to me , as I am giving up everything and I only need a bark.”
37.4
“I would be going to the forest with nothing but a
crowbar and a basket as I am going to live there for fourteen years .”
37.5
Then Kaikeyi , in the midst of all people without any
shame brought the bark robes and told Rama, “Wear them.”
37.6
The tiger among men Rama, after receiving the bark robes from Kaikeyi
removed all his fine cloths and after
wearing the bark robes attained the position
of an ascetic.”
37.7
Lakshmana also removed his auspicious fine cloths and in the presence of his father wore the
bark robes.
37.8
Then Sita who was wearing silk cloths , having seen the
bark cloth , which she was supposed to wear , was frightened like a doe having
seen the snare of the hunter .
37.9
Sita who was auspicious but distressed , who observed
Dharma and who knew her Dharma, after receiving the cloths made of Kusa grass
from Kaikeyi , with a thorough feeling of shame and with her eyes filled with tears ,
addressed her husband who was like A Gandharwa king and spoke these words.
37.10-37.11
“How do the sages who live in the forest wear this dress
made of grass?” asked Sita who did not know how to wear it and again and again
saw Rama.
37.12
Sita with one hand
holding one end of the grass cloth to her neck and holding the other end in her hands and
not knowing what to do looked embarrassed.
37.13
Seeing that Rama, the foremost among those who follow
Dharma , quickly came forward and
fastened the grass garment over the silk garment that she was wearing.
37.14
Seeing that Rama was tying that excellent grass cloth on
Sita , all the women of the private apartment who were standing there cried by shedding
tears from their eyes.
37.15
All of them greatly distressed addressing Rama who had
great luster told him, “No one has ordered the very dear Sita to live in the forest.”
37.16
“From the time you are going to the forest obeying the
words of your father, till you come back
, let her fruitful presence be available to us.”
37.17
“Oh little son ,
live in the forest with the
assistance of Lakshmana as this
auspicious lady is not fit to live in the forest as an ascetic. “
37.18
“Oh son, please
fulfill our humble request and
let the pretty Sita remain here and
since you are faithful to your duty, you would not like to remain here.”
37.19
Though spoken to , this way , that son of Dasaratha , while listening fastened the grass robe
tightly on Sita , who had a similar
nature like him.
37.20
When Sita was tying the grass garment , Vasishta the Guru
of Dasaratha stopped her from doing it and
spoke to Kaikeyi.
37.21
“Oh lady with excess of indecency , who has an evil
intention , Oh lady who is a disgrace to the clan, after having deceived the
king , your conduct is not as per Dharma.” 37.22
“Oh lady who has given up her virtues, Sita need not go to the forest
and by remaining here , she can occupy the throne along with Rama.
37.23
“To an householder who protects his wife , she is like a
soul to him, and Sita is the soul of
Rama and would rule the earth with him.”
37.24
“Otherwise , if she decides to go to the forest along
with Rama all of us who are in this city will also follow him.”
37.25
“The guardians of the frontiers , along with the king and
all people who are living here and the
people of the kingdom along with retinue of all servants would follow him.”
37.26
“Bharatha and Shatrugna wearing cloths of grass also will
wander in the forest living with
their elder brother Rama.”
37.27
“This empty earth devoid of people and populated by
people would be ruled by you, who is
intent on harming people and having bad
character.”
37.28
“A kingdom will not exist , if Rama is not its king and
the king where Rama would live would become
the kingdom. “
37.29
“Bharatha is not fit to rule this kingdom because it was
not endowed to him with full heart by his father , nor will he behave like a
son to you , if he is born to him.”
37.30
“Even if you
can fly from earth
to sky , that one who knows the history of his father’s clan will not do
otherwise .”
37.31
“So you who are interested in the fate of your son is
doing great harm to him as there is no one in this world who will not follow
Rama.”
37.32
“Oh Kaikeyi today itself you will see flocks, sheep, elephants , deer and birds following him and even trees bending
towards him.”
37.33
“So Oh lady, remove that grass dress from your daughter
in law and give her precious ornaments
as she is not fit to wear the grass dress.” Saying this Vasishta stopped
Sita from wearing the dress of grass.
37.34
“Oh daughter of
the king of Kekaya, you have only requested Rama to live in the forest and so
let her be well dressed and adorned with ornaments live
with him in the forest.” 37.35
“Let chariots and chiefs of servants
accompany the princess Sita along
with garments and other necessities , as you had only asked for Rama’s living in the
forest.”
37.36
Even when the Guru of the king , who was foremost among
the Brahmins with great and immeasurable power told like this , Sita did not
agree and did not change her decision to
serve her husband. 37.37
This is the end of the thirty seventh chapter
Of the book Ayodhya of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
38.Dasaratha forbids Sita wearing grass dress
(Dasaratha tells Kaikeyi that Sita wearing grass dress
was not included in the boon. He falls
down when Rama was about to go. Rama requests him to look after Kausalya.)
When she was wearing the dress made by grass , like
someone who does not have support of her husband, all the people there shouted to Dasaratha “shame on you “ . 38.1
That king became extremely sad on hearing that sound and he lost faith in his life as well as
his faith in Dharma.
38.2
That one belonging to clan of Ikshuvaku , breathing hot
told his wife Kaikeyi, “Sita does not deserve to go the forest
wearing a dress of grass.”
38.3
“She is tender
bodied, young and accustomed to life of
pleasure and as my Guru has spoken she is not fit to go the forest.”
38.4
“To whom has this daughter of a king who wearing a grass garment like an
ascetic has done even a little harm?”
38.5
“Let the daughter of Janaka take off that grass garment
for this is not the oath given by me and
let that daughter of the king go to the
forest happily along with
her jewels and her usual
needs.” 38.6
“Unfit to live and
for gratification, I had given that cruel promise and by your folly , you are burning me like a
bamboo being burnt by its own
flowers.”
38.7
“Oh sinner , oh demeaned one , has Rama ever done to you
anything which is even little unbecoming
and what offence has this Sita done to you?”
38.8
“What harm has this
daughter of Janaka who is like a doe, who has eyes like fully opened
flower , who is soft natured and who does penance , done to you?”
38.9
“ Oh sinner Is not the banishment of Rama which has
been agreed upon, sufficient to you? Why are you further
committing wretched crimes?”
38.10
“Oh lady , I heard you speaking to Rama , when he came here for the
coronation. Only that much ,has been promised by me.”
38.11
“You have exceeded all that and now are desirous of
seeing her wearing the grass dress and
by that you are wishing to go to hell.”
38.12
That great king wailed like this and he was not seeing even a little
possibility of the end of a sorrow and immersed in great sorrow by the separation of his son , he fell on the ground. 38.13
Rama who was
about to start to the forest , then spoke these words
to his father with a bowed head. 38.14
“Oh follower of Dharma. Oh my god, oh famous one, My aged
and venerable Mother Kausalya who has a faultless character does not find fault
with you?”
38.15
“Oh giver of
boons, without me she will be immersed in the ocean of sorrow . She is
unaccustomed to such suffering. It is
only proper that you take care of her well.”
38.16
“She would be constantly thinking of me and doing
penance about me and grieve due to sorrow of parting with her
son, which she does not desire. If you
are venerable treat her with honour ,
she may live further.”
38.17
“Oh Lord who
is equal
to Indra, my mother who has a possessive feeling , does not merit to go back to the Lord Brahma , due to the sorrow caused by my stay in forest and you only
can accomplish it.”
38.18
This is the end of the thirty eighth chapter
Of the book Ayodhya of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
39.After Dasaratha wails, Rama takes leave of his mothers
(Dasaratha unable to bear parting of Rama , further
chastises Kakeyi. He instructs Sumanthra to drop Rama outside the city in a chariot. Rama and
Sita take leave of Kausalya and other
mothers.)
After the king heard the words of Rama along with his
wives , when he saw Rama in the dress of ascetic , his senses were deprived
because of grief , and he was tormented , he could not lift his eyes to see Rama and speak to him due to great
sorrow. 39.1-39.2
That great king fainted due to great sorrow and that great one wailed because he was only thinking of Rama.
39.3
“Earlier I might have separated several children from their families and I might have troubled human beings , because of that this hardship might have come to me.”
39.4
“Without the proper time nearing, the soul will not
leave this body and possibly because of that even after my
son removing the fine cloths he was wearing and changing in to ascetic garb and even after standing in front me
and also after Kaikeyi tormented me
, my soul is not leaving me. “39.5-39.6
“It is because of
only Kaikeyi , who practiced deception
to meet her selfish ends , that all these people are suffering.”
39.7
After telling all and
having uttered with sorrow once “Rama”, his eyesight was blanked out by
tears and he was not able to speak.
39.8
That king after regaining his senses after a moment ,
with eye full of tears he
addressed Sumanthra.
39.9
“After taking a suitable chariot and having harnessed
good horses to it , you shall leave this
accomplished one in the forest
outside the city.”
39.10
“I consider that ,
this is said to be the reward of good people
for doing good acts like this one
where the mother and father are seeing
their heroic and pious son
being banished .” 39.11
As per the order of the king , Sumanthra of swift steps brought a decorated chariot yoked with horses , to that place.
39.12
That charioteer
with folded hands , informed that
a golden chariot , harnessed with good
horses has been brought for use of princes. 39.13
The king who was expert in the affairs of time and space
, summoned an officer of the treasury , who was firm and honest and told
him. 39.14
“After calculating the number of years , that Sita will
live in the forest , bring highly valuable apparels and dresses for her which would be sufficient for her.” 39.15
Hearing the words of the great king , that officer went
back to the treasury and brought all
those things that were needed by Sita and gave them to her. 39.16
That high born , pretty Sita , started to depart to the
forest after wearing
sparkling ornaments on her pretty
limbs.
39.17
That well adorned Sita lighted that palace , like the sun rising at dawn illuminating the sky. 39.18
Queen Kausalya hugged
her daughter in law and kissing
on her forehead told the following words to her, who was acting on a manner not
evoking pity from others.
39.19
“In this world the
untruthful women, though greatly
honoured by their husbands , never
follow their husbands when they fall in to misfortune.”
39.20
“It is the characteristic of women, that though
they have experienced pleasure earlier ,
on experiencing even a little discomfort they censure their husband or
even abandon them.” 39.21
“The young ladies who have decided to do sin are
untruthful, perverted and have a mind
difficult to comprehend and in an
instant they become devoid of affection.”
39.22
“The heart of a lady
does not get attracted by noble
birth, knowledge , gifts , help received or even by accumulated wealth as their mind is very unstable.” 39.23
“But the mind of
virtuous ladies is fixed in good character , truth , scriptures and peace
and to them only their husband is
greatly sacred.”
39.24
“During your travel outside(banishment) , you should not
feel disdain towards my son , for whether he is poor or rich, he is your
God.”
39.25
Understanding perfectly those words along with its Dharma
and Artha, facing her mother in law with folded hands Sita said.
39.26
“I would do all these as instructed by the gentle lady. I
already know , how I should behave
towards my husband.”
39.27
“I am not fit to
be equated with bad people by the venerable lady for I
will not at any time waver from the path of Dharma , like the light
never leaving the moon.”
39.28
“You cannot play a Veena without strings and you cannot
run a chariot without wheels and like
that a woman cannot happiness without her husband even though she has one
hundred sons.” 39.29
“Limited happiness is given by father ,mother and sons but the
husband gives unlimited joy and so should be worshipped.”
39.30
“Oh great lady, since I have been instructed in
obligations to Dharma by an eminent woman, how can I insult my husband , for to
me he is really God.”
39.31
“When Kausalya heard these heart stirring words of Sita ,
that lady’s pure mind was filled by sorrow as well as joy burst in to tears of joy.”
39.32
Rama after hearing the words of his mother who was a great follower of Dharma
, with hands folded in salute
went near her and spoke .
39.33
“Mother, do not be sad
and look after my father well. My
stay in the forest would come to an end quickly.”
39.34
“These fourteen years would pass quickly like a night’s
sleep and you will see me here back
safely surrounded by my friends. “
39.35
After Rama spoke these words embedded with sense , to his mother , he looked at his other three
hundred and fifty mothers.
39.36
That son of Dasaratha
seeing that all mothers also were greatly distressed , with folded hands spoke these words of Dharma .
39.37
“If by virtue of company or out of ignorance , if I have
committed, even a little harsh deeds
towards you, please forgive me and I am taking your leave.”
39.38
All those ladies with their mind shattered by grief heard these well balanced words which were
according to Dharma..
39.39
When Rama were
talking like this, those wives of the king wailed like a flock of geese. 39.40
This is the end of the thirty ninth chapter
Of the book Ayodhya of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
40.Rama takes
leave and starts the journey
(After Rama taking
leave from Dasaratha and Kausalya and Lakshmana taking leave from Sumithra, all the three of started
in a chariot driven by Sumanthra.
Dasaratha ran out along with Kausalya behind the chariot. All the
citizens wailed. As per instructions of Rama, Sumanthra drove the chariot with great speed.)
Then Sita, Rama and Lakshmana saluted the very sad king,
touched his feet and went round him.
40.1
Rama that expert in Dharma , after taking leave of Dasaratha , along with Sita saluted their
mother Kausalya who was dumbstruck with sorrow . 40.2
Following them immediately Lakshmana saluted Kausalya and
then clasped the feet of his mother Sumithra.
40.3
When he saluted her , that mother Sumithra cried ,
after kissing his forehead wished him
well and told.
40.4
“ Oh son, Due to your great love towards those to whom you are devoted, you are going
to the forest ,Never be inattentive to the needs of Rama when you are in the
forest.”
40.5
“Oh blameless one , In both sorrow of Joy , he is your
only refuge . In this world Dharma
consists in following your elder
brother .”
40.6
“In your clan, the perennial customs are charity
, observing penance in Yagnas and fighting in battle .”
40.7
“That Sumithra ,
after saying this to Lakshmana , who was ready to depart with Rama , again and
again told “go, go”. 40.8
“Consider Rama as Dasaratha , and consider Sita as myself , think of the
forest as Ayodhya and with these convictions, please go my son.”
40.9
Then Sumanthra with folded hands told the following to Rama , like the well behaved and Modest
Mathali talking to Indra. 40.10
“Oh Rama, safety to you, Oh famous son of the king, get in to the chariot and I will
make you reach the place you want to go quickly.”
40.11
“As per the orders of the lady , you have to spend
fourteen years in the forest and you can
assume that it has started
now.” 40.12
With a happy mind Sita
after decorating herself well
climbed in to the chariot which was gleaming like Sun.
40.13
After wards the brothers
gleaming like fire , immediately boarded the chariot , which was decorated by gold
.
40.14
Then the father in law gave ornaments and cloths to Sita , after checking whether
it was sufficient for her period of her
stay in the forest.
40.15
Then multitude of weapons
along with armors for brothers were kept in the centre of the
chariot along with hard leather covering
for their hands . After seeing whether
the threesome including Sita have boarded properly , the honourable
Sumanthra drove those horses with the
speed of wind .
40.16-40.17
Seeing Rama starting to the forest for a long stay all the men were stupefied and also lost their strength.
40.18
That city was
greatly distressed , being full of the
intoxicated elephants which were provoked and the
mighty sound of tinkling bells
tied to the feet of neighing horses .
40.19
The greatly distressed young and old people of the city ,
ran towards Rama like the one who is
thirsty due to heat
, runs towards water.
40.20
They, hand behind
, to the sides and on the front of the
chariots with their faces wet with
tears and breathing heavily
addressed Sumanthra.
40.21
“Oh charioteer,
control the horses and proceed slowly and slowly , so that we can have a glimpse of the face
of Rama , as we would not be able to see
him soon.
40.22
“For what reason does the heart of Kausalya does not
break , even after seeing her god like son going to forest, we
do not understand.”
40.23
“By following her
husband like a shadow ,. The
daughter of Videha must be greatly contended
and she is like the sunlight
which never fails to fall on Meru mountain.”
40.24
“Oh Lakshmana , you have
fulfilled the purpose of your life
by attending on your brother who
is like devas and who talks with love.”
40.25
“Oh Lakshmana , you have achieved a great goal by
following Rama and this will you lead to great prosperity and in the end of the heaven.”
40.26
Thus speaking
about and following their beloved
Rama , who was the joy of Ikshuvaku clan
. all those people who had arrived there could not hold back their tears.
40.27
At that time the king surrounded by his wives who
were with distressed face came out and told, “I want to see my beloved son.”
40.28
In front of him he heard women wailing in a very loud
tone , which was similar to the cries of the female elephant when its child is captured.
40.29
Rama’s father, son
of Kakustha clan who had great splendour
was seen to be greatly shrunk , like the moon at eclipse affected by Rahu.
40.30
That great man who has a soul greater than thought , who
was the son of Dasaratha went on egging
the charioteer to driver faster and faster.
40.31
While Rama was urging
the charioteer to go fast and at
the same time when the people wanted it to be driven slow, he was unable to
do both acts .
40.32
While the great Rama was going out , tears also came out
of the eyes of the people , fell on the
ground and subsided the dust that was
raised.
40.33
At the time of departure of Rama , the entire city was
drenched by the tears of weeping of the
people ,
And horror stricken sounds raised by them as if they
were tormented.
40.34
Tears fell from
the eyes of ladies fell out of great sorrow , like the water falling like rain drops from lotus flowers when they are shaken by movement of fishes.
40.35
The great king
whose single minded thought was sorrow ,
seeing the sorrow of the people , fell
down like an uprooted tree .
40.36
A great and tumultuous sound from the people arose behind Rama , after
seeing the greatly sorrowful and enfeebled king .
40.37
Some people loudly cried “Oh Rama” and some other people cried “Oh mother of Rama” , hearing which made the members of inner apartment to cry loudly.
40.38
When Rama hearing that glanced back he saw his mother and
father following him behind with a
highly disturbed mind. 40.39
Like a young child
who is tied by a rope(by
affection) , Rama who was bound by duty , could not see his parents properly .
40.40
Seeing his parents walking when they are worthy of going on a chariot,
accustomed to comforts but now
suffering great sorrow, , he urged to
the charioteer to go with
greater speed. 40.41
That tiger among men , who was suffering like an elephant being tormented by a goad , was not able to tolerate the sorrow of his
father and mother. 40.42
Like a cow running
to the house to see its calf
which is tied there due to its
great affection, Kausalya ran after
the chariot .
40.43
Kausalya crying , followed
that chariot wailing “Oh Rama, Oh Rama,
Oh Sita, OH Lakshmana” and shedding
tears for sake of Rama, Lakshmana and Sita , looked like a dancing mother. 40.44-40.45
The king cried
“Stay , stay”, and Rama said “go,
go” and mind of Sumanthra felt like it
was caught in between two wheels . 40.46
“When the king reproaches
you for not stopping , you can always say that you did not hear but “Prolonging this agony is sinful” ”, Rama
said to Sumanthra.
40.47
Obeying the orders of Rama to drive fast , that
charioteer even though prevented by the
people , drove the horses faster. 40.48
The people of the king after mentally going round Rama , returned back but the flow of tears of all the other people did not stop even mentally. 40.49
“All those who desire can go back, do not follow him for
a long distance “said the ministers
addressing king Dasaratha. 40.50
Hearing those words full of virtue Dasaratha with a body
covered with sweat and a melancholic
look, along with his wives stood there itself staring at his son. 40.51
This is the end of the fortieth chapter
Of the book Ayodhya of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
41.Ayodhya and its people mourn for Rama’s departure.
( The chapter is
about how the wives of the king and the citizens of Ayodhya expressed the great sorrow they felt about going away of Rama. Thepoet even tells that even nature was
mourning about it.)
After the tiger among men had departed with folded hands
in reverence , great cries of distress arose from the private apartment of the
king.
41.1
“Rama was the
refuge and protector of those who do not have any one , those who were weak and
those who do penance and where does such a lord go?”
41.2
“He does not get angry even when we shout at him and he never does any act which make
others angry .Also he pacified those who get angry. Where does such a great
soul go?”
41.3
“He who has great luster treated all of us like his mother Kausalya and where does such
a great soul go?”
41.4
“Due to being tormented by Kaikeyi , King Dasaratha ordered him , who was the protector of the
world to go to forest. Where does he
go?”
41.5
“Alas, the
senseless king has sent to the forest , he who is the darling of all
beings and who is the votary of
truth.”
41.6
Like this all the queens cried loudly
like a cow separated from its calf, due to their great sorrow. 41.7
The king who was suffering due to the sorrow of parting
with his son, hearing these dreadful wailing from his private apartments ,
became much more sad. 41.8
The householders did not make offerings to the fire nor
cooked food and also the people did not
attempt to do their daily chores. Even the Sun appeared to be dim.
41.9
Elephants dropped down
the handful of food that they took,
cows did not suckle their calves
and even mothers after seeing the first born were not happy.
41.10
Trisanku, Mars , mercury and Jupiter were
fiercely approaching the moon with a
pitiable aspect .
41.11
The stars had lost their strength and planets had lost their luster and star
Vishaka(the star of Kosala country)
was shining with smoke in the sky
.
41.12
The great ocean was aroused by a wind similar to the deadly wind at
deluge , after Rama departed to the
forest and the city was greatly shaken.
41.13
All the directions on earth were agitated and covered
with darkness, and planets as well as stars were also not shining.
41.14
Suddenly all people of the city were feeling depressed and nobody was interested in
food or recreation.
41.15
All the people of Ayodhya were caught in the nets of very great
sorrow and were often breathing
heavily and were sad about the fate of Dasaratha.
41.16
The faces of people
who were walking in the royal avenue had tear stained faces and no body could be seen there who were sorrowing.
41.17
At that time , the breeze was not blowing and the moon was not pleasant look at and Sun was not hot and the entire world was agitated.
41.18
The sons were not bothered about their mothers and
husbands were not interested in their
wives and similar was the case among brothers. All of them left of everything
and were thinking only about Rama.
41.19
All the friends of Rama had a mind which refused to think and they were depressed by their burden of sorrow and they were not even bothered to
sleep.
41.20
That Ayodhya
without the great Rama , looked like the
earth with its mountains but without Indra, caught by fear and sorrow
and agitated horribly and occupied by army
, elephants and horses who were producing great sound.
41.21
This is the end of the forty first chapter
Of the book Ayodhya of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
42.Dasaratha wails further
(After Rama disappeared from the horizon, Dasaratha fell
down. When Kaikeyi tried to lift him up, he shouted her. He told his assistants
to take him to Kausalya’s palace. He spent a sleepless very sorry time.)
As long as
the dust raised by the chariot
of Rama who had set out to the forest was visible ,
that son of Ikshuvaku dynasty did not
withdraw his eyes. 42.1
AS long as the king was able to see his son , who was a
great follower of truth , the dust
appeared to be growing , over his chance
of seeing his son.
42.2
When the king was not able to even see the dust then with the increasing grief, and great
sorrow the king fell down.
42.3
That lady Kausalya
reached to lift him by holding his right hand and the lover of
Bharatha reached for his left side
. 42.4
Endowed with
foresight, humility and virtue , that
king , with great pain saw Kaikeyi and said to her.
42.5
“Oh evil one, Oh
Kaikeyi , do not touch my body, I do not want to see you , as you are neither my wife or relation . “
42.6
“Those who depend
on you for their lives , they are not mine
as you are interested only for my
wealth and you have forsaken Dharma and so I am giving you up. “
42.7
“I, who has taken you by taking your hand and going round
the fire , am renouncing you in this
and the other world.”
42.8
“If Bharatha takes
over this imperishable kingdom and enjoys
its benefits , the sacred water he gives to me , who is his father , after my
death , will not reach me.”
42.9
Then that
extremely sorrowing Kausalya raising up the king who was coated with
dust, took him back to the palace .
42.10
That soul of Dharma
who was greatly sorrowing due to
having seen his son as an ascetic felt
as if , he has intentionally killed a
Brahmin or placed his hand in burning
fire.
42.11
Turning to see
again and again the trail of the
chariot , that sorrowing king’s form appeared as if it was
the moon caught by Rahu.
42.12
That sad one thinking of his beloved son the king wailed and understanding that he has
reached the outside of the city, he
told.
42.13
“The splendid vehicle
has carried away my soul like son and I am able to see only impressions of the hooves but not that great son .”
42.14
“My great son
was till now sleeping on pleasure
giving cushions , after being
applied with sandal paste , being fanned by gracious women but from today he would
sleep somewhere searching for a
root of a tree and sleeping with a piece of rock as his pillow. “ 42.15-42.16
“That unfortunate one
would get up from the earth being coated with dust and breathing heavily , like the he elephant arising from the
prasruvana mountain for the she
elephant.” 42.17
“The people who wander in the forest from today would be seeing the long armed Rama walking there like one who will protect them. “
42.18
“From today that daughter of Janaka who is used to a
pleasure filled life , would be walking in the forest troubled by piercing
thorns.”
42.19
“She who is not accustomed to the forest would suffer
great fear , hearing the roaring of wild
animals which is fearful and would cause horripilation.”
42.20
“Oh Kaikeyi , let your desires be fulfilled and you
live in this country as widow, for I am not interested in living without that tiger among men. “
42.21
The king crying like this
was surrounded by lot of people , and they entered the city like , one
entering the house after a funeral
bath.
42.22
Seeing the entire city of Ayodhya , With deserted
palaces in high ways , with closed
markets and temples , with sick and very weak people who were exhausted with grief , with very
empty great roads , Dasaratha entered
the city with a heavy heart like the sun
entering behind a dark cloud.
42.23-42.24
His great heart was perturbed like the lake from
which Suparna snatched away the serpents, due to the
absence of Sita, Rama and
Lakshmana.
42.25
That king cried and
told his attendant , with a choked throat in a feeble and sad tone. 42.26
“You please take me to the house Of Rama’s mother
Kausalya’s house , because in no other
place my mind will be at peace .”
42.27
When the king told like this , that door keeper , took
him the home off Kausalya and there with
humility , made him to lie down.
42.28
After having entered the house of Kausalya , even though
he occupied the couch, he tossed about .
42.29
To the king , that
house where he could not see both his sons as well as his daughter in law ,
looked like , the sky without a moon.
42.30
That valorous king seeing this lifted his hands up and in a loud tone shouted “Oh Rama, you have
forsaken me.”
42.31
“Those great people
are blessed who will live till Rama returns back and are able to hug him
at that time . What a pity?”
42.32
That night appeared like the night of death to Dasaratha and in the mid night , he spoke to Kausalya.
42.33
“Oh Kausalya, my sight which followed behind Rama has
not returned back till now. I am not
able to see clearly. Please touch me with your hand .” 42.34
Kausalya who was
sitting by his side , seeing that the king was thinking continuously of only Rama and no one else ,
was greatly distressed and breathing
heavily , she started crying
loudly. 42.35
This is the end of the forty second chapter
Of the book Ayodhya of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
43.Kausalya laments
(Kausalya finds fault with Dasaratha for agreeing to the words of the cruel Kaikeyi ans she laments about her sons and Sita.)
Due to sorrow because of parting with her son ,
Kausalya with grief looked at the worn out king and told the king.
43.1
“The crooked Kaikeyi with the gait of a serpent , has
spat the poison on the tiger among men
Rama and is now wandering about like a serpent which
has cast off its outer skin.” 43.2
“That pretty one
who has fulfilled her objective by banishing Rama , is like a poisonous
serpent in her home and is now prepared
to torture me.”
43.3
“Had I given my son as her slave , he would after doing his work, beg and eat food and
then move about in his own home. “
43.4
“You have thrown down Rama from his position as per Kaikeyi’ s wishes , like a share meant for devatas is given to Asuras on full moon days. “
43.5
“My valorous son
who walks like the king of elephants and who is
an expert in archery , now must be entering the forest along with his wife and Lakshmana.”
43.6
“As per desire of Kaikeyi , when you have abandoned them , who have
never seen suffering , to live in the
forest , what would be their state of
affairs? “
43.7
“Those young ones deprived of wealth at a time of
real enjoyment have been banished
to live a miserable life in forest subsisting on roots and fruits.”
43.8
“When will I be able to see again , Rama along with his wife and brother?
I wish that time for complete
destruction of my sorrows comes now itself .”
43.9
“When will the heroes return to Ayodhya and when will the good people of Ayodhya
welcome them by hoisting flags and
banners? “
43.10
“When will they see the tiger among men returning from the
forest and when will the town rejoice
like the ocean on a full moon day ?
“
43.11
“When will the great hero again enter Ayodhya , placing
Sita in front of him on the chariot like a bull being preceded by the cow
?”
43.12
“When will thousands of people showed the puffed rice on
the royal avenue , when my sons who are
the destroyer of their enemies enter
the town?”
43.13
“When will I see
them enter Ayodhya , with pretty ear globes and raising high their powerful weapons and swords and appear like a peak?”
43.14
“When will they offer fruits and flowers
to the maids and Brahmins and go round the city?’ 43.15
“When will he steeped in Dharma and
who is fully grown up in age and
intelligence and who shines like
devas playfully reach me like a
three year old?”
43.16
“Oh valorous one ,
Without any doubt , in my previous birth I must have hacked the udders of a cow
, when their calves were thirsting for milk.” 43.17
“ Oh tiger among
men, Like a lion separating the cow from its calf , Kaikeyi has separated me
from my son like a cow from its calf.”
43.18
“I am not interested to live without my only son , who is
endowed will all virtues and an expert
in all branches of knowledge.” 43.19
“I do not have
even a little strength to live ,
without seeing my dear son , who is
very strong and who has a powerful body.”
43.20
“Due to the separating from my son, I feel that I am being burnt in the fire of grief
, like the God Sun burning the earth
by his very hot rays.”
43.21
This is the end of the forty third chapter Of the
book Ayodhya of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
44. Sumithra consoles
Kausalya
(The very balanced
Sumithra points out all the positive points of Rama and convinces
Kausalya that only good will come
out of Rama’s going to forest)
Sumithra devoted
to Dharma addressing that great
lady Kausalya who was wailing using these words.
told.
44.1
“Your son has great virtues and he is
the best among men. Why are
crying like a ill fated individual? “
44.2
“ Your son is a very strong one, based on Dharma and very great one who
repudiated the throne to make the words
of his great father as the
perfect truth. By observing this , he would get desirable fruits even
after death. So you should not lament over his action.” 44.3 -44.4
“Lakshmana , the ever faultless one who has compassion towards all beings
, renders the best form of service to Rama .”
44.5
“That Sita who had a pleasant life though knowing well
the problems of forest life is following
your son, who is the follower of Dharma.”
44.6
“That lord is flying the flag of great fame in this world
and your son is greatly devoted to
the upkeep of Dharma and truth and what has
he not got?”
44.7
“Having known about , the purity and might of the great
Rama , the sun gods will not hurt his body
with his rays.”
44.8
“During all times, peace would prevail in the forest and the fire god will serve him by providing proper heat and cold to Rama, there.”
44.9
“When the blemish less one is sleeping at night , the
moon will touch him with its cool rays just like the father touches the son.”
44.10
“When he killed Subahu the son of Thimidwaja who is the greatest among asuras , Lord Brahma had given him with great
splendour , several divine weapons. And that valorous tiger among men , who is dependent on his
own strength , will fearlessly live in the forest as if he is living in his own palace.”
44.11-44.12
“How can not the earth
obey his commands , whose aim of
arrows assures him of the destruction of
all his enemies.”
44.13
“Due to the splendour , valour and auspicious courage
that he has, he would complete his sojourn in the forest quickly and
take over the kingdom.”
44.14
“Oh Kausalya , Rama is the Sun to Sun himself, the lord
of all lords , auspiciousness to Goddess Lakshmi , the foremost fame of fame itself , patience
of patience , god of gods, the best among all beings and what problems would be there for him in
the forest or in Ayodhya,”
44.15-44.16
“That best among men would be crowned as the king of earth along with Sita as well as divine
auspiciousness.”
44.17
“Seeing that he was departing from here all the people were shedding tears of
sorrow due to the speed of their great grief and
that divine unconquerable God who wore grass as well as bark was followed by The Goddess Lakshmi
wearing an apparel of grass. What would
be difficult for him to do?”
44.18-44.19
“Lakshmana who is an expert in archery is following him fully armed with arrows,
swords and other weapons. What would be
impossible for him to do?”
44.20
“You would see him returning after a
stay in the forest , and Oh God
like lady ,leave out this sorrow and passionate
behaviour and I am telling you the truth.”
44.21
“Oh faultless one, oh auspicious one , you would again
see him salute you by keeping his head on your feet like a rising moon.”
44.22
“When you see him entering again and being crowned,
shining in great glory, tears of joy
would definitely pour out of your eyes.”
44.23
“Do not be sad ,
my lady for sorrow .Rama will never see
sorrow or inauspicious happenings , and you will soon see him along with Sita and Lakshmana.” 44.24
“Oh spot less one, when it is your duty to console all
others , why this sort of reaction oh lady
and why this fear in your mind.”
44.25
“Oh lady , you should never be sad for you have a son like Rama and there is no one in the world greater than
Rama , who stands on the path of
virtue.”
44.26
“When you see your son and his friends saluting you , you
would shed tears of joy like the clouds in the rainy season.”
44.27
“Your son who is capable of blessing with boons would
speedily return and with his soft hands
massage your feet.”
44.28
“Your valorous son
will greet and salute you along with his friends and you would drench him with tears of joy
like the
clouds making the mountain wet.”
44.29
“After consoling that
mother of Rama who was the wife of
the king , with different types of words
and the sorrow
from her mind disappeared like the cloud of autumn holding slight moisture.”
44.30
This is the end of the forty fourth chapter
Of the book Ayodhya of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the
first epic.
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