Saturday, August 24, 2013

Ayodhya Kanda 45-59

  Ayodhya Kandam (Contd)

45.Many Citizens and Brahmins follow Rama

(Large number of citizens of Ayodhya follow Rama. Seeing some very old feeble Brahmins following him, Rama, sita and Lakshmana get down from Chariot and walk like all of them. Crying they all plead , Rama    to return.)

Those people who loved Rama  , accompanied    the great Rama , the votary of truth , when he  went to dwell in   the forest.                                                                                                                                                45.1
Though the king and his friends were sent back compulsorily , they did not return back from   the chariot  of Rama.                                                                                                                                                                   45.2
That most famous   among  men living in Ayodhya  with all good qualities  , become dear to the people   like the full moon.                                                                                                                                                 45.3
In spite of being begged to stay by the citizens  ,  that son of  Kakustha clan  , for making the words of his father truthful, proceeded to the      forest.                                                                                                   45.4
Seeing them with love as if  he was drinking them  and  considering them all as his own sons, he    told them.                                                                                                                                                                      45.5
“Oh my residents of Ayodhya, show the same love and respect that you show to me , to Bharatha    and that  will endear  all of you to me.”                                                                                                                    45.6
“That Bharatha , who adds  joy to Kaikeyi  is one having  auspicious character  , would do those things enjoined by rules,  to you  , which is for your benefit  .”                                                                                  45.7
“Though he is young , he is old in his intelligence  and has soft and valorous nature  and do not be afraid  as  he would make    a very good king.”                                                                                                            45.8
“Since he has all the qualities of a  king, he is recognized as  Yuvaraja  and he  should be recognized     as a king by me  and others.”                                                                                                                                   45.9
“Please do not  make the king  sad after  my going to the forest  and that  would only please me.  45.10
 As and when the son of Dasaratha    showed his attachment to Dharma , the people      started loving him more progressively.                                                                                                                                    45.11
That poor Rama hiding his tears   and along with Lakshmana   got attracted towards    the citizens    who were weeping  .                                                                                                                                                   45.12
Those Brahmins  who were old in age , wisdom and spirituality  , shaking due to old age   , from a distance spoke to him.                                                                                                                                      45.13
“Oh horses of good breed  , you who are taking Rama, please turn back  and do good service to your master  Rama.”                                                                                                                                                  45.14
“The hearing power of all animals are good especially   the horses and so having heard our request  , please do turn back.”                                                                                                                                         45.15
“Your master   steeped in Dharma ,, who is pure soul , and who does auspicious penances  should not be taken out of city to the forest .”                                                                                                                       45.16
When those extremely sorrowful and old  Brahmins  who were piteously crying like   this , were seen by Rama , he immediately got down from the chariot  .                                                                                45.17
Then he along with Sita and Lakshmana started walking   towards    the forest  and he walked with his foot and that too taking slow steps.                                                                                                            45.18
Rama who liked  good virtues and who was compassionate , started walking on foot   as he did not like the Brahmins to be left behind.                                                                                                                     45.19
With a highly agitated  mind on seeing Rama go to the forest , those Brahmins with great distress told him.                                                                                                                                                                   45.20
“The entire group of Brahmins   along with their Brahmins , who are carrying the sacrificial fires on their shoulders   are following you.”                                                                                                          45.21
“Please see the umbrellas obtained by us while performing Vajapeya Sacrifice    following you  like the clouds   in the end of rainy season.”                                                                                                          45.22
“Since you are not having the ornamental Umbrella and are  scorched by the sun, , we would prevent those scorching rays by our umbrellas.”                                                                                                  45.23
“Oh Child, normally our minds always follow the study of Vedas , but now for your sake , we are seeking for life in the forest.”                                                                                                                                    45.24
“Vedas are our greatest wealth and reside  in our mind  and our wives protected by their matrimonial virtue would stay at home.”                                                                                                                       45.25
“Your mind being well set , you would not take a decision  to return  as you are on the side of Dharma  and firmly located on path of Dharma.”                                                                                                   45.26
“Oh Lord who is firm on doing your duty, we request  with a bent head having hairs of the colour of the swan   and soiled by dust of earth ,  you to return back.”                                                                    45.27
“Many of the Brahmins who have arrived here , have commenced doing sacrifices  and Oh child, their proper termination depends on your return.”                                                                                       45.28
“All these devoted  beings, who  are movable or immovable  are begging you Rama, and you show your devotion to   those  devotees .”                                                                                                                 45.29
“The trees who were uplifted by the wind wanted to follow you but were   prevented  by their roots , which held them back  and they seem to be weeping.”                                                                        45.30
“The birds without any movement as well as not taking any food are sitting on the top of the trees  and they are requesting you who is greatly compassionate   to all beings , not to go.”                          45.31
When all those Brahmins were crying like this , they saw Thamasa  river , preventing the path of Rama. “
                                                                                                                                                                         45.32
Then Sumanthra unyoked   the tired horses  from the chariot , allowing them to roll and relax , bathed them in water and offered water for them to drink  and released them for grazing not far away from the river.                                                                                                                                                                45.33

This is the end of the forty fifth  chapter  Of  the book Ayodhya   of the holy Ramayana   composed by Valmiki  as the  first epic.

46.Rama leaves the citizens  and proceeds

(Near the  Thamasa river Rama, Lakshmana  and Sita spend that night without taking food. Early morning before the citizens wake   they cross the Thamasa river  and go further towards the forest.)

Then Rama after reaching the pretty banks of the Thamasa river  , and looking at Sita  as well as Lakshmana      told like this.                                                                                                                              46.1
“ Oh Lakshmana, We have been sent to forest and   the night has set in today  and our forest life would be safe     and you should not get worried about it.”                                                                                   46.2
“Please see the forest which appears   as if it is crying   and the wild birds as well as animals , have concealed themselves  in their hide outs in the forest.”                                                                             46.3
“Today , the city of  Ayodhya , the capital of my father  , with all its men and women gone away , without any doubt   would be sad.”                                                                                                               46.4
“Due to various good qualities that they posses , kings are  loved by people. Oh man like tiger , like that people love  me,  Bharatha  ,Lakshmana and Shatrugna.”                                                                        46.5
“I am sorrowing for our famous father  and also the mothers, for by frequent crying they would become blind .”                                                                                                                                                                     46.6
“Bharatha who is the soul of Dharma would console our father and mother  with words confirming to Dharma, Artha and Kama.”                                                                                                                                   46.7
“I again and again think about Bharatha  , who is not evil minded  and I do not have any sorrow  about our father    and mothers.”                                                                                                                                 46.8
“Oh tiger among men, It is good that you are accompanying me as   you would be able to assist me in protection of Sita.”                                                                                                                                              46.9
“Oh son of Sumithra,  I prefer to spent   today night  by drinking only water , though different things   which can be eaten are  available in the forest.”                                                                                        46.10
After saying this to Lakshmana , he told Sumanthra “Oh gentle one, , please be careful about the horses.”                                                                                                                                                               46.11
Seeing the Sun was setting Sumanthra , tethered the horses , fed them with plentiful  fodder    and sat near them.                                                                                                                                                          46.12
When the night came , after    doing rituals of  the dusk , Sumanthra made bed for Rama and Lakshmana.                                                                                                                                                        46.13
Seeing the bed made of  tree leaves on the  banks of Thamasa river , Rama lay down on it along with Sita and Lakshmana.                                                                                                                                                 46.14
Lakshmana seeing that his brother was asleep along with his wife , told about various good qualities  of Rama     to Sumanthra.                                                                                                                                     46.15
Till the sun rose next day  , Lakshmana was talking about virtues of Rama     to Sumanthra  by keeping himself awake .                                                                                                                                                   46.16
Rama had spent   that night on the banks of Thamasa  which was greatly crowded   with cattle    along with his subjects who stayed far away.                                                                                                          46.17
After waking up that greatly lustrous Rama,  seeing his subjects,  told his   brother with auspicious qualities.                                                                                                                                                              46.18
“Oh Lakshmana, son of Sumithra , these people due to great affection to us  , even neglecting their homes are sleeping near the roots of the tree .”                                                                                         46.19
“These people have resolved to make us turn us back  and they are prepared to give up anything including their life    to  make us turn back.”                                                                                                46.20
“While they continue to sleep , let us board the chariot quickly    and  without any fear , go our own way.”                                                                                                                                                                     46.21  
“These people who are  the  inhabitants of the town of Ikshuvaku clan who love  me, are taking rest  near the root of a tree and they should never   do it again.”                                                                      46.22 
“A prince should  remove the sufferings being undergone by the citizens which was brought by themselves and  definitely should not cause    sufferings to them.”                                                          46.23
Lakshmana then told    to   Rama who was  great votary of Dharma “I am agreeable to that   and let us board the chariot quickly.”                                                                                                                                 46.24
That great  Rama addressing Sumanthra   told, “ Oh lord, Yoke the chariot and let us go to the forest very quickly.”                                                                                                                                                                 46.25
That Charioteer with speed yoked the chariot  and harnessed the splendid horses  and with  palms in salute , informed Rama.                                                                                                                                      46.26
“Oh great one, I have yoked    the Chariot , which is the best among   the chariots . You along with Sita and Lakshmana board the chariot. May you be safe.”                                                                                  46.27
Rama got in to the chariot along with all the equipments  and crossed the rapidly flowing Thamasa river along with its whirlpools.                                                                                                                                   46.28
He crossed the river  without problems  and travelled through the great road  , without showing any fear  and protecting others.                                                                                                                                        46.29
Rama with the aim of confusing the citizens told  to the charioteer, “Oh charioteer  , after mounting the chariot , proceed to the northern direction , for a while  and again turn the chariot   back  speedily . Act with tact so that those citizens do not  know which direction I have  gone.”                              46.30-46.31
Hearing the words   and after acting according to them  and after bringing the chariot to Rama, he told. 
                                                                                                                                                                              46.32
The sons of Raghu clan along with Sita  after seating  in the well yoked chariot  ,  and Sumanthra    drove them through the forests of penance .                                                                                                          46.33
Then after  seeing the auspiciousness   of   the proper direction of the journey , Rama along with the charioteer mounted   and drove, the great chariot   towards   northern direction .                             46.34

This is the end of the forty sixth  chapter  Of  the book Ayodhya   of the holy Ramayana   composed by Valmiki  as the  first epic.

47.Citizens  return to Ayodhya

(When the citizens wake up  , not being able to find Rama they become sad . After some thought , they return sorrowing to Ayodhya.)

After the night was over and the morning  dawned ,  those citizens without Rama    with them were stunned with benumbed minds and   crushed with grief.                                                                           47.1
Drenched in tears of sorrow, seeing hither and thither  and greatly sorrowful, they were not  able to see even a trace of Rama.                                                                                                                                         47.2
Those sensitive men separated from the sagacious Rama,  with a sorrow etched face , piteously talked about themselves , which evoked compassion.                                                                               47.3
“Oh what bad thing sleep is, which has robbed  our senses  and due to which we are not able to see  broad chested  and mighty armed Rama.”                                                                                                   47.4
“How can  the service to the great one go waste and how did Rama desert   his devotees   and gone,  on a travel?”                                                                                                                                                              47.5
“He used to take care of  us like his own  children  and how did such Rama desert us and go to the forest?”                                                                                                                                                             47.6 
“We will all die  here itself and go to the  great journey  of the world of death  , for without Rama what is the  meaning  of life.”                                                                                                                                   47.7  
“There are many big dry logs of wood lying here  and let us all light them and die entering in to the fire.”
                                                                                                                                                                         47.8
“What shall we say to other people after   conducting  the mighty  armed Rama who is   free from all malice  to the forest ? How can we say this?”                                                                                       47.9
“When we return greatly dejected  to the city, seeing us without Rama , the women, children and old people  would be robbed of their joy?”                                                                                                47.10
“Having left the city  with the valiant and self controlled  Rama  , how can we go to  the city again after abandoning him?  “                                                                                                                                  47.11
After saying several such words,  those people with  their hands lifted above  wailed and cried like a cow separated from its calf .                                                                                                                           47.12
Again they followed  the tracks of the chariot    for  some time   and they were overcome   with great sorrow , when they were  not able to track it.                                                                                    47.13
Not able to track the path of the chariot , those   good people returned “What is this? What we should  do as we have been deceived  by fate?”                                                                                             47.14
With a extremely sorrowing mind, they returned to city by the way they had come  and Ayodhya   was completely filled with   grieving   people.                                                                                         47.15
After seeing their cities again , they  became ones with a sorrowing mind  and due to great sorrow, they cried again and again.                                                                                                                           47.16
The city of Rama   , completely lost   its  luster, like the depths of river from which Garuda   took away the serpents.                                                                                                                                          47.17
Overcome with grief , they saw it  without joy , like a sky without moon and ocean without any  water.
                                                                                                                                                                            47.18
They entered their wealthy mansions  with  sorrow greater than their  distress  and those people affected    by grief could not even recognize  their own people.                                                           47.19

This is the end of the forty seventh  chapter  Of  the book Ayodhya   of the holy Ramayana   composed by Valmiki  as the  first epic.

48.The families of the citizen lament

(When the citizens return to their homes , their wives chide them    for leaving Rama all alone.  They  long to be with Rama , who  was unjustly   banished by Kaikeyi,)

All of those   good   people  of the town  who had gone with Rama   and  who had returned back  looked like they were afflicted by disease, had their eyes filled with tears , were  greatly affected by   sorrow  and were desiring  death,  and looked as if their soul is leaving their body .                                  48.1-48.2
Each of them after reaching their own homes , were surrounded by their  wife and sons , covered their faces and shed tears.                                                                                                                                       48.3
They were not happy nor were delighted , the merchants did not do trade, the market places were not graceful  and house holders did not cook food.                                                                                        48.4
Having lost Rama, they were not pleased in acquiring   great  wealth   and mother getting her first son did not rejoice.                                                                                                                                                48.5
In each house when the husband came back , they were reproached by their  sad crying wives with words which hurt them like a goad hurts an elephant .                                                                          48.6
For those who are not able to see Rama ,  what is the use  of their house , what is the use of their wives , what is the use of wealth  and what is the use of sons   and all  pleasures?                                      48.7
“There is only one good person in this world and that is Lakshmana who went with Sita and Rama    in to the forest and does service to them.”                                                                                                      48.8
“The pure waters   in which Rama bathes himself from  rivers, lotus filled tanks,  and lakes    are indeed greatly blessed.”                                                                                                                                           48.9
“The luster of the son of Kakustha clan would be increased    by  forests with pretty trees , rivers , big lakes , peaks and mountains .”                                                                                                                 48.10
“Whether Rama visits a forest or a mountain,  he would  be received  as  dear guests  and they  would not fail extend  a suitable  hospitality  .”                                                                                               48.11
“Various type of  flowering trees  , each having lot of flower  bunches  with  honey bees circling them  ,   would be seen by Rama.”                                                                                                                          48.12
“ As and when Rama visits  , even in an off season , the trees will present Rama with  excellent fruits and flowers out of sympathy for Rama.”                                                                                                        48.13
“The mountains will make flow    pure water and would show him very picturesque     waterfalls.” 48.14
“The trees growing on the top of the peaks  will enchant    Rama  and there would be no cause of failure wherever   Rama goes.”                                                                                                                               48.15
“That greatly valorous and strong  son of Dasaratha  has gone away and we should follow    him to a long distance.”                                                                                                                                                        48.16
“Even the shadow of the feet of that great master makes us happy , as that Lord is the people’s  ultimate refuge.”                                                                                                                                                          48.17
The  greatly distressed wives of  the citizens told them, “we would serve Sita and you , please look after  Rama.”                                                                                                                                                            48.18
“In the forest Rama would look after your welfare and Sita would look after    the welfare   of the
ladies.”                                                                                                                                                           48.19
“This place is  disagreeable with people choked with great grief and who would be pleased here to live with a shattered  mind.”                                                                                                                             48.20
“If under Kaikeyi , this country becomes an orphan bereft of Vedas , living here would be meaningless, what of our sons and our wealth?”                                                                                                           48.21  
“For the sake of wealth she gave up her husband  and will that disgrace to her race    spare   anyone else.”                                                                                                                                                                 48.22
“We swear that we and  our  sons  will not live as  servants of Kaikeyi , as long as she   is alive.”  48.23
“That Characterless person has banished the son of the king  and how can we get pleasure out of this life without Dharma  under her who has bad  behaviour.”                                                                          48.24
“This entire kingdom is ruined without a lord to defend it  and all actions of Kaikeyi would lead only to destruction.  “                                                                                                                                                48.25
“With Rama having been banished our king would not live long  and it is clear that  we will live with great sorrow after his death.”                                                                                                                    48.26
“Without blessed deeds and  rushing towards all that is bad , it is better that you drink poison  or either , we follow Rama or go to a place where we are not heard of.”                                                            48.27
“Rama, Sita and Lakshmana have been exiled   for  false reasons   and all of us have been delivered to Bharatha like  the animals  that are delivered to the butcher.”                                                          48.28
“Rama , the elder brother of Lakshmana  has a face like full moon, is black in colour , has hidden collar bones, has long hands touching his thighs and has eyes   like the lotus flower. He addresses others first  , is sweet , votary of truth, very strong , is soft natured and to all others appears like a moon . He is a tiger among men,  is  as powerful  as an elephant in rut  and a great charioteer    and while moving about would add luster    to the forest.”                                                                                                    48.29-48.31
These were the wailings of the women of the city  and they wept  due to great sorrow  like the death is approaching them.                                                                                                                                          48.32
Like that when the women were crying about Rama in their houses , the sun  had set and the night had fallen.                                                                                                                                                                 48.33
With fires of sacrifices not burning and  with divine stories not being related , that town appeared  by completely smeared by darkness.”                                                                                                             48.34
With markets of traders being closed , without joy , without support , the city of Ayodhya looked like a sky   without stars.                                                                                                                                          48.35
The ladies were extremely sad  for the sake of  Rama  and felt as if their sons or brothers  have been banished and since to them Rama was much more than their sons, they  lamented and wept . 48.36
With stoppage of singing, , celebrations, dance  and music , with no joy present , with shops not displaying their ware , that city of Ayodhya looked like an ocean with diminished waters.            48.37

This is the end of the forty eighth  chapter  Of  the book Ayodhya   of the holy Ramayana   composed by Valmiki  as the  first epic.

49. Rama travels further towards the forest

( They travelled at great speed and crossed many rivers. Rama  was sorry to leave   his town.)

Remembering the command of his father . that  tiger among men,  covered a long distance    in the remnant  of the night .                                                                                                                                     49.1
While he was travelling thus the night ended auspiciously  and after  worshipping the auspicious dawn , he reached the border  of his country.                                                                                                           49.2
After the  of the villages where land was being ploughed  he reached the forest in flowering , while travelling with great speed  on those  great horses , though  it seemed that they were travelling slowly to him . He also heard the  talk  among various people in the villages.                                                    49.3
“Alas , what  a pity the king Dasaratha was enslaved by passion , That   wicked Kaikeyi  has been completely tied by her sins without an end.  It is that cruel , indecent Kaikeyi who  is capable of doing harmful acts  , who banished  this prince , who is full of compassion , wedded to Dharma and one who has won over  his senses and made him live in the forest .”                                                           49.4-49.6
“How will the great fortunate daughter of Janaka who is used to pleasures     undergo and tolerate  these sorrows  now?”                                                                                                                                   49.7
“Alas,  that the king Dasaratha   is  banishing his spotless and dear Rama    without any love and abandoning     him.”                                                                                                                                 49.8
There were the words of the people of villages which was heard by Rama and listening to them he crossed the boundaries of Kosala kingdom.                                                                                        49.9
There after he crossed the river Vedasruthi , in which auspicious waters   were flowing  and travelled towards  the southern direction towards   the hermitage of Agasthya.                                       49.10
Then after travelling for a long time  he reached  the Gomati river  , which had cool waters , with its marshy areas abounding with cows and which flowed   in  to the ocean.                                    49.11
After crossing river Gomati  along with swift moving horses , he crossed the river Syandhika  , which  echoed the sounds of swans and peacocks .                                                                                      49.12
Then Rama  Showed to Sita the  vast tracts of the kingdom , which Manu    presented to the Ikshuvaku
clan.                                                                                                                                                             49.13
Then he with great   affection called  in a sweet voice resembling a swan “Oh charioteer “ and started talking to him.                                                                                                                                          49.14
“When will I come back to see my father and father   and also  see the   river Sarayu and its forest filled with flowers and go for hunting there ? “                                                                                                   49.15
“The royal sages deem that this hunting  is an incomparable pleasure in the forests near Sarayu., though I am not interested in it.”                                                                                                                      49.16
“The royal sages  do hunt in the forests for sport and it  is also desired by expert      archers in proper  seasons.”                                                                                                                                                  49.17
Telling these words to the charioteer  in sweet words  and while he was further thinking, their journey continued with great speed.                                                                                                                49.18

This is the end of the forty ninth  chapter  Of  the book Ayodhya   of the holy Ramayana   composed by Valmiki  as the  first epic.

50. Rama reaches banks of Ganga and  meets Guha

(After crossing through several villages , they leave the Kosala kingdom and reach the banks of  the very pretty and auspicious river  Ganga. There Rama is met by his friend Guha, the king of Sringiberipura.  Though Guha offers them food and bed Rama refuses and sleeps on bed of grass. Lakshmana keeps awake  and guards him.)
The elder brother of Rama crossed the very broad and very pretty Kosala kingdom ,  and that great one facing  Ayodhya and saluting it told .                                                                                                               50.1
“I am taking leave of the great city protected by Kakustha clan and I know that the gods who live there are protecting it also.”                                                                                                                                        50.2
“Oh king of the world,   after repaying the debt of  life in the forest , I shall  see  you again along with my father and mother.”                                                                                                                                            50.3
That one with eyes  reddened like the lotus lifted  up his right hand  and with face full of tears  addressed the poor people of the village .                                                                                                      50.4
“”You have   shown already the compassion and kindness to me. It is sinful to prolong this sorrow  and please go back and discharge your duties.”                                                                                                     50.5
They saluted that great soul and went around him  and then crying out loudly    they stood here    and there.                                                                                                                                                                       50.6
They who cried were not getting satisfied on seeing Rama  and at the night fall,  he went away and disappeared   from their eyes.                                                                                                                           50.7
That Kosala kingdom  was blessed with grain and wealth , full of auspicious people   who were charitable,  was free from fear of any kind,  full of pretty  temples , full of gardens for sports as well  as mango orchards ,  full of tanks filled with water , full of contented and well nourished people , being served by very good cattle, full of good looking kings and full of the sound of recitation of Vedas .The chariot moved away from that great  kingdom.                                                                                  50.8-50.10
Rama, endowed with fortitude ,  travelled  through  the pleasant and prosperous kingdom  , full of very pretty gardens  which was fit to be  enjoyed by kings.                                                                                50.11
He then saw the  holy  and pretty river   Ganga , with three  splits  full of sacred waters and green moss here and there  and which was worshipped by sages.                                                                              50.12
Decorated by the  divine hermitages  situated nearby , the delighted Apsara maidens  were playing in the auspicious, deep and broad waters.                                                                                                      50.13
It was shining with the presence of devas, Dhanavas  , Gandharwas and Kinnaras  and that auspicious one(river) was also served   by  the wives of several Gandharwas.                                                       50.14
That river which was flowing in the sky for    the sake of devas , it had hundreds  of sporting places and hundreds of pleasure  gardens  for the devas  and was famous  as the deva Padmini                        50.15
Its flow created  loud laughter like sound  and also at some places  it flowed creating  pure smile like foam  and in some other places its flow was straight like the braids of the maiden  along with shining whirlpools .                                                                                                                                                         50.16
In some places it was deep and silent , at some other places , flowing speedily with sound . It made majestic regal sounds in some places and   with horrible fearsome sound in other places.           50.17
The waters  in which several deva groups took bath  shined like  pure blue lotus flowers . Vast sand hills covered the river in some places   and in some others , it was spread with white sand .                   50.18
The  sound of swans and storks echoed  together   with the cooing calls of Chakravaka birds . Several birds inflamed with passion    surrounded that flawless  one.                                                               50.19
The trees on the banks of Ganga made it appear as if they have garlanded her . In some places the river was covered with fully open  water lilies and in some other places  it was covered   with crowds of lotus flowers.                                                                                                                                                           50.20
In some places it was decorated by water lilies  opening at night as well  as their half open buds and it some places it looked as if intoxicated by the heaps of pollen fallen from flowers.                         50.21
With all its impurities removed , it looked  like a pure gem. The  repeated sound of  trumpeting   of elephants of directions, , intoxicated elephants, forest elephants, divine elephants and those  fit to carry gods  sounded and resounded in the   forests as well   as banks of the river.                                     50.22
She looked  like a woman who has consciously   decorated   herself  with fruits , flowers tender sprouts , flowering shrubs  and birds which surrounded the river side . Small whales  , crocodiles and serpents also served her.                                                                                                                                               50.23-50.24
That  divine sinless river which destroys sins flowed from the   feet of Lord Vishnu   and due to the luster of the descendents of king Sagara , was caught in the matted hair of Lord Shiva  and latter issued out from there  echoing with the sound made by Krouncha birds as well as  herons reached  the ocean. Rama reached Ganga in a place called Sringiberapuram.                                                                 50.25-50.26
Seeing the river  blended  with tumultuous waves and whirlpools , the great Rama told Sumanthra, “Oh charioteer    we would spend the night here itself.”                                                                                     50.27
“Oh Charioteer, not far from here there is a  very tall Ingudhi tree(Indian almond)  , having many flowers and budding leaves  and we shall stay there.”                                                                                               50.28
“I am seeing a very great divine river , with water which is fit to be worshipped by devas , dhanavas, Gandharwas , men, animals    as well as   birds.”                                                                                          50.29
Lakshmana and Sumanthra agreed   with Rama  and turned the horses towards the Ingudhi tree and reached it.                                                                                                                                                             50.30
The son of Ikshuvaku clan , Rama reached near the pretty tree  , with his wife as well as Lakshmana  and then got down from the Chariot.                                                                                                                      50.31
Sumanthra  also got down and unyoked the best of the  horses  and stood  with reverence before Rama who has reached below the tree.                                                                                                                     50.32
There lived a king of the hunter tribe  known as Guha  , who was very strong  and famous  and   who was the soul like friend Of Rama .                                                                                                                           50.33
Hearing that the tiger among men Rama has arrived in his region , he surrounded by  old people , his ministers and people of his clan reached   there to receive him.                                                               50.34
Seeing the king of hunters coming  at a distance  , Rama along with Lakshmana  went forwards    to receive  Guha.                                                                                                                                                      50.35
With great anguish Guha hugged Rama  and said, “Oh Rama , you can consider this city as your Ayodhya .What can I do for you now? Oh great one , who can  obtain a great guest like you?”                         50.36
Thereafter he brought  various kinds of  good quality  eatables like rice  as well as various drinks and spoke them as follows.                                                                                                                                     50.37
“Oh mighty one,  welcome to you. This entire land is yours . You are the king and we are your servants  and you please rule this kingdom happily .”                                                                                               50.38
“Foods suitable for  biting , chewing, drinking  and fit for licking , excellent beds for your sleeping and fodder  for your horses  , all await you.”                                                                                                    50.39
To Guha who told like  this, Rama replied ,” By Your showing friendliness by coming on foot to meet us , we feel as if we have been worshipped   and are greatly pleased.”                                          50.40-50.41
Holding tightly his strong hands  and pressing them together  , Rama further told him , “ I have seen you Guha without any sickness and along with your relations . Is everything fine  with you  ,  your country, your friend and your wealth.”                                                                                                                        50.42
“All those things which you  have given with great love ,  has to be returned to you   as  I am unable to accept them.”                                                                                                                                                   50.43
“ As I have been initiated in Dharma of an ascetic,  I have to only wear cloths made of bark and grass  and eat only fruits and roots  wander  in the forest .”                                                                           50.44
“I  would not  ask anything more than  the fodder for the horses from anyone  and if you can provide that   I would worship you.”                                                                                                                       50.45
“These  horses are very much liked by my father Dasaratha  and if they are well fed, I would feel you have worshipped me.”                                                                                                                                        50.46
Guha immediately ordered his people     to give plenty of water  and forage to these horses  quickly .”
                                                                                                                                                                      50.47
After that wearing upper cloth made of grass , Rama  performed ritual of dusk  and drank only water , which was brought by Lakshmana.                                                                                                       50.48
After Lakshmana washed their feet , Rama  and his wife laid down to sleep on the ground  and Lakshmana returned to a place of rest below a tree.                                                                     50.49
Guha talked along with Sumanthra and Lakshmana   and kept guard over Rama keeping himself awake  along with them.                                                                                                                                   50.50
To Rama ,  who had never experienced troubles  because he was accustomed to pleasures and who was  lying on the ground , the night  appeared to be very long .                                                          50.51

This is the end of the fiftieth   chapter  Of  the book Ayodhya   of the holy Ramayana   composed by Valmiki  as the  first epic.

51. Lakshmana shares his sorrow with Guha

(Lakshmana keeps awake to guard Rama. When Guha offeres him to do that he refuses that offer  and shares his sorrow with Guha.)

Seeing Lakshmana keeping awake for the sake of his brother , Guha who was greatly grieved  told the following.                                                                                                                                                            51.1
“Oh son, this comfortable bed has been arranged for your sake .Oh Prince take rest  on that comfortably.”                                                                                                                                                      51.2
“All people are accustomed to troubles  and since you are accustomed to comforts , so for guarding the safety of the son of Kakushta clan, we will keep awake . “                                                                        51.3
“ I am telling you that  Rama is more dearer  to me than all other persons of the world  and I am taking an oath on oath itself that  this true.”                                                                                                            51.4
“I am desiring for great fame , attainment of Dharma  and realization of   large wealth , only though    the grace  of Rama.”                                                                                                                                         51.5
“I along with my clan would protect my dear friend  Rama along with Sita , who are resting , from every one with a bow  in my hand.”                                                                                                                             51.6
“Due to the fact that I always am wandering in this forest , there is nothing that is not known to me there and I would be able to even  control an army with four divisions.”                                                  51.7
Then Lakshmana addressing Guha told, “Oh Blemish less Guha, as long as all of us are protected by you   with Dharma , we need not be afraid of anything.”                                                                                       51.8
“How can  I get sleep or enjoy pleasures of the world , when Rama along with Sita    is sleeping    on the ground? “                                                                                                                                                               51.9
“ See that He who cannot be faced in war  by devas and asuras , is sleeping comfortably on the   blades of grass.”                                                                                                                                                              51.10
“This favourite  son  of Dasaratha     who was obtained   by severe penances involving Manthras and various other efforts  , is very similar   to him in all qualities   and  seeing him reduced    to   the state of  sainthood , the king would not be alive for long. And this earth would become    a widow    very soon.”
                                                                                                                                                                 51.11-51.12
“The ladies who were with great sound  wailing their heart out , would have been tired  and that may be the reason why no sound is heard from the king’s palace.”                                                                     51.13
“The king, Kausalya as well as my mother , if they are still alive  , may not last    for this night .”      51.14
“Thinking of Shatrugna  , my mother may continue to live , but Kausalya due to parting of her son may not live further.”                                                                                                                                                 51.15
“Filled with affectionate people who like to lead a life of joy , That city due to the sorrow of death of the king will perish.”                                                                                                                                                  51.16
“How can the king Dasaratha    continue to hold his soul in his body  , without being able to see  his  favourite eldest son?”                                                                                                                                          51.17
“After the death of the king, Kausalya will die  and after that  my mother    also will die.”                    51.18
“Whatever has happened   has already happened  and my father without fulfilling his desire to consecrate Rama as the king   would die.”                                                                                                       51.19
“Those who have accomplished their purpose , at the Appropriate time would conduct the funeral rites  of the king lying in state.”                                                                                                                                   51.20
“Along with lovely junctions of roads , undivided  great roads , blessed with gardens and palaces , shining with courtesans , crowded with horses and chariots , echoing with sound of trumpets, filled with all sort of auspiciousness , with well nourished contented people , having many gardens for recreations , with community fairs and festivals , the capital of my father  would continue to exist happily.
                                                                                                                                                                  51-.21-51.23
“Now Dasaratha is living but after we return   from our sojourn in the forest , will we be able to see  that great one?”                                                                                                                                                           51.24
“After fulfilling our promise , if we return in good health , would we be able    to enter   the city of Ayodhya?”                                                                                                                                                              51.25
When the great prince who was  suffering due to sorrow  was wailing and talking this way  , the night  passed away.                                                                                                                                                          51.26
When the prince who was interested in the welfare   of the people  was telling the truth out of his regard for elders , Guha shed tears like the elephant   having fever  out of great sorrow.                     51.27

This is the end of the fifty first   chapter  Of  the book Ayodhya   of the holy Ramayana   composed by Valmiki  as the  first epic.

52. Rama takes leave of Sumanthra and Guha

(when Rama requests Sumanthra to go back, he becomes very sad  and requests  Rama to permit him to stay in the forest itself. Rama consoles Sumanthra and sends him back. Then using the milk of banyan tree brought by  Guha, Rama and Lakshmana mat their hair  and after bidding farewell to Guha, proceed to the forest.)

After the night was passed , in the morning  , the famous  and broad chested Rama told Lakshmana who has all auspicious characters.                                                                                                                               52.1
“The Goddess night has  gone out  and it is time for the sun rise  and very black and dark Cuckoo is singing beautifully.”                                                                                                                                               52.2
“In the forest we are hearing the screaming sounds of peacock and now we have to cross the peaceful Ganges    which is flowing towards    the ocean.  “                                                                                          52.3
“Hearing the words  of Rama, that Sumithra ’s son who made his friends happy  called Guha as well as Sumanthra  and stood in front of his brother.”                                                                                                52.4
“That Guha  obeying the words of Rama  quickly summoned his ministers    and told them.”               52.5
“ Please get  a pretty , strong , auspicious and swift boat   which can  help us to cross   the river  here quickly.”                                                                                                                                         52.6
His great ministers responding to the order  of Guha swiftly brought a boat   to cross the river.          52.7
With folded hand in salutation Guha told Rama, “Here is a boat that you requested. What else  can I do for you?”                                                                                                                                                                 52.8
“Oh tiger among men who is like the son of devas , you please get in to the boat to cross the river that is going towards the ocean.”                                                                                                                                   52.9
Then the greatly lustrous Rama told to Guha , “You have carried out the work that was desired by me”   and then he got in to the boat.                                                                                                                          52.10
Then Rama and Lakshmana  , wearing their armour and carrying  shields, swords and bows along with Sita  went towards Ganga.                                                                                                                                   52.11
Then that charioteer  with folded hands in salutation and with great humbleness  asked Rama , who is the follower of Dharma, “What do you want me to do?”                                                                            52.12
Then Rama told that charioteer Sumanthra,   touching him affectionately   with his right hand “Oh Sumanthra, you go back  from here quickly , and then look after the king carefully.”                           52.13
“You have brought me in your chariot this far and from now on I will go to the forest   on foot.”      52.14
When the charioteer  Sumanthra was asked to go back , he became emotional and told the tiger among men belonging to the Ikshuvaku family  .                                                                                                        52.15
“It is natural for you to start residing in the forest along with your brother and wife , but no one in this world can do anything to overcome this difficulty.”                                                                                      52.16
“Oh Rama , this sorrow has happened to you who is  a Brahmachari( one who walks in the path of Brahman)  , who knows Vedas well  and who is compassionate and pure and so I think there is no use  of possessing these qualities.”                                                                                                                              52.17
“You along with your brother as well as Sita would live in the forest  and would acquire a good status here and win over the three   worlds.  “                                                                                                       52.18
“Due to the sinful acts of Kaikeyi , Oh Rama , we are destroyed and we have  also lost you  and become partners with grief.”                                                                                                                                          52.19
That Charioteer Sumanthra after telling like  this and realizing in his mind  became extremely sad and cried loudly.                                                                                                                                                       52.20
After shedding tears like this that charioteer drank a sip of water  similar to water oblation  and Rama again and again told the Charioteer.                                                                                                              52.21
“There is no other friend like you to the clan of Ikshuvaku . Please make king Dasaratha   not to think about me and becoming sad.”                                                                                                                         52.22
“The king  besides being  old also has his mind filled with sorrow and is also full  of  the propensity to love and I am telling this to you because of that.”                                                                                       52.23
“That  great king  orders several  small things to make Kaikeyi his wife to be happy.”                         52.24
“Whatever is in the mind of the king  , he would  take  all efforts  to rule the country  and this is how a  king rules his country.”                                                                                                                                   52.25
“Oh Sumanthra,  please carry out all  the tasks  in such a way that  the king does not became sad or distressed. Please carry out tasks like that ”                                                                                               52.26
“The king has not seen  sorrow and he is an aged gentleman  , who has control over his senses . Please tell him on my behalf with salutations.”                                                                                                    52.27
“Having been banished from Ayodhya  to live in a forest , I am  not sad and also Sita and Lakshmana are not sad about it.”                                                                                                                                           52.28
“As soon as the fourteen years  is complete , me ,Lakshmana as well as Sita    would see you again and again .”                                                                                                                                                            52.29
“Oh Sumanthra, again and again  tell this to king Dasaratha as well as to my mothers and also to other ladies as well as  Kaikeyi. Tell about my health  as well as  that of Sita ’s and Lakshmana ’s  and  our  salutations to her feet , to Kausalya.”                                                                                                52.30-52.31
“Request the king to get back Bharatha speedily  and on his arrival as per the desire of the king , he can be made the king.”                                                                                                                                         52.32
“Once he embraces Bharatha   and makes him the Yuvaraja , his sorrow that was caused  by sending us away will not pain him much.”                                                                                                                      52.33
“Tell Bharatha also that   he should treat all his mothers in the same way, without any difference   , just like the way   he treats the king.”                                                                                                                52.34
“You should treat my mother Kausalya in the same manner that you would treat  Kaikeyi and Sumithra.”
                                                                                                                                                                              52.35
“You would become  the Yuvaraja as per the loving desire of our father  and you would  provide  pleasure in both worlds   to him.”                                                                                                                 52.36
When Rama wanted to send him back, Sumanthra  became extremely sad  and after hearing  all the loving   words   of Rama , he told.                                                                                                                 52.37
“Out of friendship and courtesy as well as  without any fear  , I am telling you these words  like a devotee  . I hope   you will excuse and pardon me.”                                                                                52.38
“How can I go back to the city after leaving you here, for I will feel your absence like a father feels the absence of his son ?”                                                                                                                                       52.39
“The people who have seen this Chariot  with Rama, would become broken hearted    when they see this chariot without Rama.”                                                                                                                                  52.40
“The city would be pitiable when they see this  empty chariot  with only charioteer and would feel like seeing their own army entering the city after   being defeated.”                                                           52.41
“When  they know that you  who stay  in  front of  the  heart of the people  , is staying far-far away  . thinking of you the people would stop taking food.”                                                                              52.42
“Having seen you  , when they realize  that you have gone away , their mind would be completely filled with sorrow and agony.”                                                                                                                             52.43
‘The people seeing  the empty chariot would wail hundred times more than  what they did , when they saw you go.”                                                                                                                                                 52.44
“What should I tell the god like lady” Shall I tell her that I have left your son  at his uncle’s house and console her?”                                                                                                                                              52.45
“I cannot  tell a lie like that to her and how will I  be able  to say the  very unpleasant truth?”   52.46
“I used to carry your relatives in this chariot under your orders, and I am not sure these great horses would draw this chariot without you in it.”                                                                                             52.47
“Oh sinless one , I am not in a position to go to Ayodhya without you   and so please order me to accompany you during  your life in the forest.”                                                                                    52.48
“If you do not  consent  for my begging request , as soon as you forsake me , I shall enter the fire along with this chariot.”                                                                                                                                        52.49
“By staying the forest with you , I would chase all those animals   that  create obstacles during  your penance  and drive them out.”                                                                                                                52.50
“You gave me by great pleasure   by allowing   me to drive the chariot  to bring you here  and I desire that you permit me further to happily live in the forest with you.  “                                                52.51
“Be pleased to permit  me to stay  in the  forest in your neighborhood   and I desire  to hear ,  you to say the pleasing  words ”Stay with me.”                                                                                                          52.52
“Oh valorous one , if these  horses are able to serve you, while you are in forest , they would do that and attain divine salvation.”                                                                                                                                52.53
“I would live in the forest and do service to you with a bent head  and I would  altogether relinquish Ayodhya   as well as the world of Gods.”                                                                                                   52.54
“Like a person  who does evil deeds cannot enter  the capital of Indra, I would not be able to enter  Ayodhya without you.”                                                                                                                                 52.55
“I have dream in my mind  to take you back in this chariot   to Ayodhya ,  at    the end of the period  of your stay in forest.”                                                                                                                                      52.56
“If I accompany to you to the forest the fourteen years  would pass like a second , otherwise it will appear to be one hundred years.”                                                                                                            52.57
“Oh Rama who loves his servants, Oh my master’s son, I stand on your path  as your devotee  and as your servant  and so please   do not forsake  me.”                                                                                52.58
After being requested  pitiably again and again  , Rama who was partial to his attendants told Sumanthra like this.                                                                                                                                                         52.59
“Oh Sumanthra who likes his master, I know about your great devotion , please hear why I am sending back to Ayodhya.”                                                                                                                                       52.60
“When my younger mother Kaikeyi  sees you after you return to Ayodhya , then only she will believe that I have truly gone to the forest.”                                                                                                      52.61
“If she is happy and convinced that   I have gone to the forest , she will not have any doubt about  the Dharma of king And would believe that he is not a liar .”                                                                   52.62
“It is my first requirement that my younger mother  is prosperous in the kingdom ruled by  her son Bharatha.”                                                                                                                                                   52.63
“For my sake  ,  return back  to the city along with the chariot  and deliver messages to all as  instructed by me.”                                                                                                                                                         52.64
After telling these words to the Charioteer  , he consoled him again and again  and  Rama told the following manly  and reasonable words .                                                                                              52.65
“This forest populated by people is not fit for my living  as I have to live in a hermitage  and do prescribed   acts according to rules.”                                                                                                     52.66
“I would now wear    the dress of an ascetic  , aimed at the welfare  of my father , Sita and Lakshmana and I am going  to make hair matted   by use of the milk of Banyan tree.”                                    52.67
Guha speedily fetched the milk of the banyan tree  and gave it  to Rama  , who matted his hair as well as that of Lakshmana     with it.”                                                                                                                52.68
The tigers of men, who had long arms  , twisted and matted their hair and then put on the robes of tree bark. With the crown of their matted hair , the brothers   Rama and Lakshmana  resembled sages and shined    with great luster.                                                                                                             52.69-52.70
Rama along with Lakshmana adopting the rules as laid  by the Vaikhasana Agama    took religious vows and then addressed  Guha.                                                                                                                         52.71
“Oh Guha, you must be  greatly alert  about the common people , the fort , the  army as well as   the treasury .The elders say that it is only with great difficulty that the country can be protected.”52.72
Then after giving leave to Guha, that son of Ikshuvaku clan , went along with Lakshmana   and Sita.52.73
The son of the Ikshuvaku clan seeing the boat on the banks of the  river Ganga with its very swiftly flowing waters  told Lakshmana.                                                                                                               52.74
“Oh tiger among men,  You please get in to the boat   slowly  and then holding the beam help Sita  , who is  a  sensitive one     to ascend it.”                                                                                                              52.75
The self respecting Lakshmana , hearing the   command  of his brother , helped Sita get in to the boat and then he himself got in to it, without acting  contrary to his brother’s wishes.                           52.76
Then the greatly lustrous Rama who was   the elder brother of Lakshmana ascended the boat  and then the king Of Nishadas ordered his  clan’s people   to row the boat.                                                      52.77
The greatly lustrous Rama , after getting in to the boat  chanted Manthras suitable for Brahmins and Kshatriyas for the safety of his journey.”                                                                                                   52.78
The greatly lustrous Rama along  with as per shastras  , with great pleasure , did Aachamanam(inner cleansing)  with the waters of  river Ganges  and saluted the river and Lakshmana also did the same. 
                                                                                                                                                                            52.79
Rama then permitted , Sumanthra, his army as well as Guha to go and then having seated gave directions to the boat man.                                                                                                                          52.80
Then that boat  driven well by the oarsmen  swiftly and safely  crossed the river , propelled by strong oars.                                                                                                                                                                  52.81
When the boat reached the middle of Bhagirathi river , the blameless Sita  , with hands folded in salute  told .                                                                                                                                                                 52.82
“The son of the great king Dasaratha would  fulfill  the orders of his father  under your  protection. After completing fourteen years  of life in the forest , he would come back    along with me and his brother. Oh pretty Goddess , after coming back safely , and after fulfilling my desires, I shall worship you.” 
                                                                                                                                                                 52.83-52.85
“Oh Goddess , you have three portions and you flow through the land of Brahma and  in this world you appear as the wife of the ocean.”                                                                                                                 52.86
“Oh Goddess , Oh pretty one , I praise and salute you. After returning  to the city safely with the tiger among men , I would offer you one hundred thousand cows  , cloths as well as very delicious food to the Brahmins , with an intention of pleasing you.”                                                                                 52.87-52.88
“Oh Goddess  , after I return and get purified,  I would offer you one thousand pots of  Sura (nectar/alcohol)  and food in the form of meat  and satisfy you.”                                                           52.89
“I would also please  the various Gods  who live on your banks    and also worship all the temples and sacred  waters there.”                                                                                                                                     52.90
“Oh Goddess , Oh spot less one,  please  make  me along with the great warrior Rama  and his brother  enter Ayodhya after living in the forest .”                                                                                                   52.91
When  Sita was thus conversing the blemish less   Ganga , they all speedily reached    the southern bank of the river.                                                                                                                                                        52.92
When the boat reached the other shore, that great man Rama got out of it  , and proceeded further along with Sita   and his brother.                                                                                                                 52.93
Then the very strong one told Lakshmana , who increases the happiness of Sumithra ., “We have to be ready for protection , whether  the place is populated or lonely.”                                                       52.94
“In this  lonely forest , which we are not familiar , protection  needs to be given to Sita and so Oh Lakshmana, go in the front  and Sita would follow you.”                                                                          52.95
“Protecting you and Sita, I would walk behind you  both  and we would protect each other   as it is the duty of valorous men.”                                                                                                                                   52.96
“From now on , it would not be possible to correct any action  which goes out of our hands and also Sita  would now on realize the sorrow of forest life.”                                                                                       52.97
“We will now enter the forest which is devoid of people , farms  and  gardens , which is difficult  with its deep pits.”                                                                                                                                                       52.98
Hearing these words, Lakshmana started walking in the front  and after wards went  Sita, who was followed by Rama of the Raghu clan.                                                                                                        52.99
Sumanthra with great sorrow was continuously watching Rama , till  he reached the other side of the river and when he could not see him due to long distance , he turned away his gaze and  shed tears.
                                                                                                                                                                        52.100
That great Rama , who bestowed boons and  who had a luster like a king , after having crossed  the big river Ganga , reached the  highly prosperous country of Vathsa  inhabited by happy people.  52.101
Being very hungry they killed four animals viz  a boar, a white antelope , spotted deer and a great  deer  and quickly  ate the meat of these animals  and by evening reached below a tree  to take rest. 52.102

This is the end of the fifty second   chapter  Of  the book Ayodhya   of the holy Ramayana   composed by Valmiki  as the  first epic.

53. Rama laments about behaviour of Kaikeyi

(Rama finds the behaviour  of Kaikeyi to be cruel. He is   worried about the safety of  his mother Kausalya. Lakshmana consoles  him.)
After reaching near the foot of the Rama did ablations of the dusk  and that handsome great man spoke like this to Lakshmana.                                                                                                                                           53.1
“We are  going to spend the first night  in a place where people are not there as Sumanthra has gone away. There is no need to worry about it .”                                                                                                      53.2
“Oh Lakshmana, from now on we have to be vigilant and awake at night , for the safety/welfare  of Sita depends on both of us.”                                                                                                                                        53.3
“Oh son of Sumithra, we have to spend   today night somehow  and we will lie down on  some material which we ourselves  can collect .”                                                                                                                     53.4
That great one who deserved a great bed lay down on the ground and spoke to Lakshmana these good  and  memorable words.                                                                                                                                      53.5
“Oh Lakshmana, by this time The king would have slept  with sorrow  and Kaikeyi , whose desires have been fulfilled    would have become happy.”                                                                                                53.6
“I hope that after the arrival of Bharatha, Kaikeyi   would not  take away the life  of the king , for  the sake of getting the kingdom.”                                                                                                                         53.7
“That old one who is   like an orphan , has been separated from me  and what can the soul of passion do as he has come under the control of Kaikeyi. “                                                                                           53.8
“Thinking about the king’s  confusion of mind , I feel that passion is stronger than Dharma or wealth.”
                                                                                                                                                                               53.9
“ Oh my dear Lakshmana  , Will even an ignorant man  for the sake of a woman abandon his son  , who has been following his will and pleasure ?”                                                                                                 53.10   
“Alas the son of Kaikeyi, Bharatha  along with his wife would lead a  happy and pleasant life  , like an emperor  of the  Kosala   kingdom?”                                                                                                             53.11
“With the king becoming very old and me having come to the forest , He would become  only chief of that kingdom.”                                                                                                                                                   53.12
“A king who abandons Dharma and Artha and pursues only passion , will reach a state  like King Dasaratha  very quickly.”                                                                                                                                  53.13
“Oh humble one , I consider Kaikeyi  has come in to our home  , for destruction of Dasaratha, my banishment and for making Bharatha as the king.”                                                                                     53.14
“Will Kaikeyi attracted by the exuberance of her prosperity ,  now torment Kausalya and  Sumithra , because of me ?”                                                                                                                                               53.15
“Oh Lakshmana because of me , mother Sumithra should not experience any sorrow  and so in the morning you go back to Ayodhya.”                                                                                                                 53.16
“I  alone Would go to Dandaka forest  along with Sita  and you would be the protector   of orphan like Kausalya.”                                                                                                                                                            53.17
“Kaikeyi who does heinous deeds  out of hatred  may follow unjust means to trouble my mother and so you may entrust the upkeep of my mother to Bharatha   , who is a follower of Dharma.”                 53.18
“Oh son of Sumithra , in which of her  previous births did my mother separate a mother from her son? I feel this has occurred  because of that.”                                                                                                       53.19
“Kausalya nurtured me for a long time with great difficulty  and it this time  when she can get fruits from me , she is separated from me   alas?”                                                                                                          53.20
“Oh son of Sumithra , I have given great pain to my mother and let no mother give birth to a son  like me.”                                                                                                                                                                       53.21
“Oh Lakshmana, on hearing about my banishment   , my mother’s Myna   bird would say to the parrot, “Oh parrot , bite the foot of the enemy.”    And I think my mother would be more pleased with that Myna.”                                                                                                                                                                   53.22
“ Oh killer of enemies, That soul of sorrow,  who has very less of luck  could not be helped by her son  and she has no sons except me.”                                                                                                                      53.23
“My less fortunate mother   after parting from me  would have become extremely sad    and  has fallen  down in the sea of sorrow.”                                                                                                                              53.24
“Oh Lakshmana  ,  if I get angry , all  by myself with my arrows I could have exterminated Ayodhya and even the world , but this valour  is without any reason now.  “                                                                  53.25
“Oh spotless one, Oh Lakshmana,  at this time I am not getting crowned  to avoid unrighteous conduct    as well as to ensure a place in the other world.”                                                                                            53.26
In that desolate forest , Rama    did many such pitiable lamentations  and with a face full of tears , he sat silently.                                                                                                                                                                   53.27
That Lakshmana then consoled  Rama  who was lamenting  and Rama became  like a fire which was put out or a ocean without waves.                                                                                                                           53.28
“Oh foremost among the people who use weapons , It is certain that the city of Ayodhya has lost its luster after your departure and looks like a night without moon.”                                                             53.29
“Oh Rama, Oh best among men, this type of lamentation from you is dangerous and Sita and me are  becoming sad because of that.”                                                                                                                        53.30
Oh Rama neither  Sita and for that matter me,  cannot keep alive even for a short time without  you , like a fish cannot survive   without water.”                                                                                                     53.31
“Oh tormentor of enemies, without you being near me , I do not wish to see even Dasaratha, Sumithra, Shatrugna and even heaven.”                                                                                                                             53.32
After that those two lovers of Dharma , who were seated comfortably . having seen the bed made under the tree , not far away from there,  took rest.                                                                                                 53.33
After listening to the excellent words told by Lakshmana , with great respect , permitted him to live  with dharma, with him  till the total long duration of forest life is over.                                                            53.34
After that in that lonely forest  those strong sons of the Raghu clan lived in that slope of mountains like lions ,  without feeling either afraid  or nervous.                                                                                           53.35

This is the end of the fifty third   chapter  Of  the book Ayodhya   of the holy Ramayana   composed by Valmiki  as the  first epic.

54.Rama reaches hermitage of Bharadwaja

(After walking further by evening they reach Prayaga , where the visit  sage Bharadwaja  in his hermitage. The sage  advises them  to stay in Chithrakuta mountains.)

Those people spent a very peaceful night under the tree and after   the  sun has risen  set out from that region.                                                                                                                                                                    54.1
Those people with great fame , entered the very deep forest  and seeing various parts of the land which they have not seen before  and further viewing  mind bewitching land areas  further travelled with the intention of reaching the confluence of  Bhagirathi(Ganga) and river Yamuna.                           54.2-54.3
They went safely seeing various types of plants  and when the day came to an end Rama told  Lakshmana .                                                                                                                                                       54.4
“Oh Lakshmana , see the matchless  smoke near  Prayaga , appearing like a flag of the fire God indicating  that , there is a sage nearby.”                                                                                                                        54.5
“Now  it is certain that we have reached the confluence    of Ganga and Yamuna  as sound of water dashing against water is being heard.”                                                                                                        54.6
“Here we see logs of wood , which have been cut by forest living people who have cut it for their living  and we also see the hermitage of Bharadwaja surrounded by various types of trees.”                      54.7
Those archers walking at a comfortable pace reached the hermitage  of saint Bharadwaja near  the confluence of Yamuna and Ganga when the sun was about to set.                                                    54.8
When Rama was about to reach the hermitage , the  animals and birds  were frightened by their movement  and walking on the path for a  little time they reached the place of Bharadwaja.    54.9
Then those two valorous ones accompanied by Sita reached the hermitage and waited at a distance desirous of meeting the sage.                                                                                                                 54.10
Rama entered and saw the  great sage surrounded by his disciples.  Having obtained the  spiritual insight  , that great one  was practicing rigid penances  and meditation   with a  concentrated mind  and was performing Agnihothra(fire ritual) . Rama, Lakshmana     and Sita after saluting him introduced themselves.                                                                                                                                       54.11-54.12
After  that elder brother of Rama introduced himself  he told the sage ”Oh great sage we are Rama and Lakshmana , the sons of Dasaratha.”                                                                                                       54.13
“ This Vaidehi , who is the auspicious daughter of Janaka is my wife. That irreproachable one has followed me in to this desolate forest  of penance.”                                                                            54.14
“When my father banished me , this dear brother of mine who is the son of Sumithra , with great determination accompanied me to this forest.”                                                                                   54.15
“Oh God like person , as sent by father,  we will enter  this forest of penance , will practice Dharma and live on collected roots and fruits.”                                                                                                          54.16
Hearing the words of the sagacious son of a king, the sage   brought   water to wash his feet and water to drink to that soul of Dharma.                                                                                                              54.17
That sage who practiced  penance  offered them several types of food and drinks prepared  from the  fruits as well as roots  and also arranged for a resting place to them.                                           54.18
Surrounded by animals , birds as well as sages , after welcoming Rama  with proper rituals that sage spoke .                                                                                                                                                        54.19
That sage Bharadwaja  after   Rama received all his hospitality , gave him seat , uttered suitable words of welcome and said.                                                                                                                                    54.20
“Oh prince of Kakustha clan, after a long time you have arrived here  and I am able to see you now. I also heard about  your being banished without any reason. “                                                                54.21
“This place in the confluence of great rivers  is a solitary region. You can comfortably stay at this divine , pretty place .”                                                                                                                                           54.22
Rama , who is interested in the welfare of all , after hearing these words of Bharadwaja replied in an auspicious  and proper way .                                                                                                                54.23
“Oh God like sage, people of the towns and village     of my country , who live nearby , can easily see me  and  would often come to see me and Sita at this hermitage  and because of that I do not have wish to stay here.”                                                                                                                                        54.24-54.25
“Oh god like sage please suggest a suitable place for a  hermitage in a solitary place , Where the daughter of Janaka who merits all comforts , can entertain herself.”                                              54.26
After hearing these auspicious words of Rama, that  great  sage Bharadwaja  told these words pregnant with meaning .                                                                                                                                              54.27
“Ten krosas(twenty miles) from here , there is a  famous mountain called Chithrakuta which is similar to Gandhamadhana mountains   and which is auspicious , served by great sages , very pleasant to look at   full of wandering apes  and habituated by  monkeys and bears   and you can live there,.”    54.28-54.29
“When men look at the peaks of Chithrakuta ., they will do only auspicious deeds  and sinful deeds will not even enter their mind.”                                                                                                                          54.30
“For hundreds of  autumns many great sages did penance there till only skull remained on their heads    and went to heaven from there.”                                                                                                                 54.31
“Oh Rama , I think that   solitary place  would be a nice place for you to live with   joy, if you think otherwise you can live  with me here till the time of banishment is over .”                                       54.32
Bharadwaja   honoured and   fulfilled all the   desires  of   his dear guest  along with his wife  and his brother .                                                                                                                                                               54.33
In Prayaga when Rama was sitting near the sage , he told him several divine  stories and the night again set in.                                                                                                                                                                     54.34
Overcome  by tiredness , as he was accustomed  to life luxury  , that son of Kakustha clan   along      with Sita  as third member of the group  stayed that night    in that very pretty hermitage.                        54.35
After the night , in the morning,  going near saint Bharadwaja , that tiger among men  told that saint  who had a shining luster.                                                                                                                                 54.36
“Oh God like sage  of truthful character , we have spent the night  in your hermitage  and today we may be permitted to go to the dwelling place(suggested by you.”                                                                  54.37
When the night came to a close that saint Bharadwaja told  Rama, “You may now go to Chithrakuta  , which has plenty of roots, fruits   and honey.”                                                                                             54.38
“Oh very strong Rama,  the famous Chithrakuta  having trees of all types , is visited by Kinnaras and Uragas . It is sacred , delightful   and is  visited by mighty tuskers and is always filled with sound of peacocks . I believe it is the proper place for you to stay and so you may go there.”                54.39-54.40
“There you would see   herds of elephants as well as hoards of deer. You will see them roaming in the forest .”                                                                                                                                                                  54.41
“Along with Sita , when you  are wandering , you will  see waterfalls , rivers , plateaus , caves, mountain  and  torrents  on that mountain.”                                                                                                                     54.42
“Filled with the delightful music of Koyashtika birds as well as Cuckoos  and populated by deer,  exuberant   elephants  that place is enchanting. When you   reach there please stay in a hermitage. “
                                                                                                                                                                                 54.43

This is the end of the fifty fourth   chapter  Of  the book Ayodhya   of the holy Ramayana   composed by Valmiki  as the  first epic.

55.Rama crosses river Kalindhi(Yamuna)

(As per the instruction of sage Bhardwaja the three some   cross Kalindhi on a raft built by them. After reaching the other shore  they travel towards Chithrakuta mountain.)

   After spending the night there , those two princes  who are   destroyer of enemies , after saluting  the great sage  then  went towards   the mountain.                                                                                                55.1
That great sage  chanting greetings for their welfare  and followed them like a father follows his children.                                                                                                                                                                   55.2  
That great sage Bharadwaja   with a great  luster  started telling the following    to Rama  , who was a valorous  teller of truth.                                                                                                                                        55.3  
“Oh great men, after reaching   the confluence of Ganga and Yamuna  , proceed along the Kalindhi river flowing westwards .”                                                                                                                                            55.4
“Oh sons of Raghu clan,   after   having reached the rapidly flowing  Kalindhi river , you would reach an ancient spot   in the  river bank, which is served by many. There you construct a   raft   and cross that river who is the daughter  of Sun God. “                                                                                                            55.5   
 “There you would  find a banyan tree  with lot of lush green leaves  and also several densely growing   dark trees  served by great sages   and let Sita salute  them  with folded hands and then should offer them invocations.”                                                                                                                                 55.6-55.7
“After reaching that tree you can either   stay there or proceed further . If you go one krosa(two miles )  from there , you would see   a dark forest  of mostly  of Palasa and Badari trees  growing on the banks of Yamuna.”                                                                                                                                                               55.8  
“That is the path leading to Chithrakuta  and I have travelled through  that path several times . It is pretty , soft and free from forest fires.”                                                                                                         55.9  
After that great   sage who travels in the path of truth ,  described  that path  and  Rama  saluted him and requested him  to go back to his hermitage .                                                                                      55.10    
After the great sage left  , Rama told  Lakshmana, “We appear to be blessed since   the sage showed this great compassion on us.”                                                                                                                                  55.11
Like this when the tiger among men talked    with each other , keeping the very pleasant  minded Sita  in front  and proceeded towards Kalindhi.                                                                                                         55.12
After they reached the fast flowing  Kalindhi , they started thinking about how to cross  the river.   55.13
They constructed a big float tying together wooden planks  and dried Bamboo sticks and spread on it fragrant roots of Ushira plants.                                                                                                                        55.14  
That valorous  Lakshmana   using  cut  stems of reeds and branches of Jamoon tree   , made a comfortable   seat for Sita.                                                                                                                              55.15
That lady who resembled Goddess Lakshmi and who was the darling of the  son of Dasaratha  felt little shy to climb on the float  and was helped by Rama to climb on the float.                                            55.16  
On one side of Sita  Rama placed her cloths and ornaments and also kept the spade , basket  and weapons.                                                                                                                                                           55.17  
First  Sita climbed , when the float was kept stable  by the sons of Dasaratha , who climbed on to it later                                
and attentively  ferrying it   they crossed the river.                                                                                  55.18
When Sita reached   the  middle  of Kalindhi , she saluted the river and said, “oh Goddess ,I pray for safety  while crossing .Let my husband fulfill his vows. After I return to the   town  ruled by the  Ikshuvaku clan, I will worship you with one thousand cows  and hundred pots  of Sura(Nectar/an alcoholic drink).                                                                                                                                  55.19-55.20
After the lady with a blessed colour begged the river with folded hands  , they reached the southern bank of the river.                                                                                                                                           55.21
Thus on the float they crossed the swift flowing   Yamuna    who is daughter of Sun God , which was crowned with waves  and which  had  trees growing  thick on her banks .                                         55.22
After crossing they got down from the plank  they went in the forest adjoining the  river Yamuna  which was blessed with greenery and reached  the cool dark  banyan tree .                                                 55.23
When they reached the Banyan tree  Sita told, “I salute you great tree. Please protect  us and may  my husband fulfill his vow .Let me able to see Kausalya and  the famous Sumithra after my return.” After praying like this they went round that Lord of the forest.                                                          55.24-55.25
Seeing the blemish less  and his beloved Sita requesting  for blessings  Rama told Lakshmana.  55.26
“Oh best walker, oh  brother of Bharatha , you go in the front with Sita  and I shall follow you  armed with weapons. “                                                                                                                                            55.27
“Whatever flower or fruit is requested by Sita , the daughter of Janaka , you get that so that   the mind of Vaidehi is pleased.”                                                                                                                                  55.28
When Sita was walking in between them, she appeared like a she elephant walking between two he elephants.                                                                                                                                                        55.29
That gentle lady , one by one pointed out  trees and shrubs which are completely laden with flowers and which she has not seen before  or a creeper that she has not seen and asked Rama about them.  55.30
Lakshmana   excited by the interest of Sita, without any effort  brought pretty bunches of flowers  and trees  of every kind.                                                                                                                                           55.31
Then Sita seeing the river Yamuna  with its peculiar coloured water and  glittering sand  and   hearing the echoing sounds made by  swans and  cranes was greatly excited.                                                            55.32
After  walking for one more Krosa(Two miles) those brothers Rama and Lakshmana  saw many deer  suitable for sacrifice  and after killing them in Yamuna forest ate them.                                                55.33
Appearing in high spirits after having seen  several peacocks , several monkeys and elephants  and roaming about in the lovely forest ,  they reached a comfortable level place  on the banks of the river  and stayed there for the night.                                                                                                                        55.34

This is the end of the fifty fifth    chapter  Of  the book Ayodhya   of the holy Ramayana   composed by Valmiki  as the  first epic.

56. Rama starts living in Chithrakuta.

(Before they reach Chithrakuta, they visit the hermitage of Valmiki.  Later they reach Chithrakuta and and build a house with dried leaves. They kill and sacrifice a black deer to the Vasthu Purusha of that house and start living there.)

After the night came to an end , Rama who woke up early    gently waked up Lakshmana who was  sleeping .                                                                                                                                                       56.1
“Oh son of Sumithra , please hear the forest birds singing in melodious voice . Oh destroyer of enemies, the time has come for us to set out.”                                                                                                      56.2
Lakshmana who was wakened up by his brother , cast off his sleep though  he was  drowsy due to the fatigue  of the difficult journey .                                                                                                                56.3
Then all of them got  up and after touching the peaceful water of the river,  they travelled by the path indicated by the sage   towards  Chithrakuta.                                                                                        56.4
When Rama and Lakshmana were setting out  along with Sita who had  eyes like lotus  petal , Rama told her.                                                                                                                                                                  56.5
“Oh daughter of Videha,  see the kimsuka trees  in full of flowers  all over, making it appear as if  they have garlanded the entire  tee , at the beginning of the spring  season .”                                        56.6
“See the Ballathaka trees , which is bent  due to the load  of  lot of flowers and fruits , with no men to enjoy them and so we can comfortably  live here.”                                                                              56.7
“Oh Lakshmana see the honey combs of the size of jars hanging down  in all  trees  which are populated by  several  honey bees.”                                                                                                                            56.8
“Hear the screaming of Nathyuha (type of cuckoo) birds which is echoed  by  the screaming peacocks  and also see the delightful   forest  region  matted with forest flowers.”                                         56.9
“See  the Chithrakuta  mountain with its  majestic peaks    where the flock of melodiously singing   birds  are following the herds of elephants .”                                                                                                  56.10
“We would enjoy this blessed  Chithrakuta mountains   with  its  forests   where  there is  pretty leveled ground in which various types of trees are growing .”                                                                        56.11
Then along with Sita they went   on foot  to  the beautiful, delightful mountain   which entertains the mind .                                                                                                                                                           56.12
After reaching the mountain   which was occupied  by several types  of groups of birds  and which was pretty and had  several fruits and roots  and had very tasty water  Rama told Lakshmana.      56.13
“This very attractive and peaceful  mountain  containing  very many trees and climbers  and also having several types of fruits and roots , appears to be a good place for us to live.”                               56.14
“Very many great sages are living on the top of this mountain , Oh peaceful and so we would  settle down and live here.”                                                                                                                                56.15
Then Sita , Rama and Lakshmana  having approached   the hermitage  of sage Valmiki , introduced themselves and saluted the sage .                                                                                                         56.16 
That very happy sage  who is the follower of Dharma  welcomed  and   hospitably treated them  and also offered them seats   and spoke to them.                                                                                               56.17
 Then  the  mighty armed lord who was  the elder brother  of Lakshmana , having revealed about himself to the sage according to tradition and told Lakshmana.                                                                    56.18
“Oh peaceful Lakshmana , bring strong logs of good quality  and build a home  as I am interested in staying here .”                                                                                                                                             56.19
Lakshmana who was the destroyer of his enemies  having heard these words  brought logs of food and built a hut with leaves    as the roof .                                                                                                      56.20
The good looking Rama after looking at the firmly built hut  , which had mats tied to its walls , told Lakshmana who was waiting  with concentrated mind  to serve him.                                             56.21
“Oh Lakshmana, since we are going to  live here for long, let us satisfy the Vastu , by offering the flesh  of black deer in   sacrifice to it .”                                                                                                                56.22
“Oh good looking Lakshmana , kill an  animal  and bring it here speedily. Remembering the tenets of Dharma  let us  act according to the rule of Sastras  and you also recollect   about the rituals.”  56.23
That slayer of enemies , having understood the order of his brother(lord)  , carried  them out and then Rama told him again.                                                                                                                                   56.24
“Oh peaceful one,  cook the meat of this deer  and then we will perform the sacrifice. Do it speedily as the auspicious Muhurtha   is   drawing near.  “                                                                                       56.25
Then the valorous  Lakshmana after killing the black deer , which is fit for sacrifice , cast it in a well kindled fire.                                                                                                                                                   56.26
After assuring that it is well cooked  and roasted well, Lakshmana  drained its blood  and then the tiger among men Rama told him.                                                                                                                       56.27
“This black deer is well cooked with all its limbs. As you are an expert , please offer it to the house which is similar to a God.”                                                                                                                                    56.28
That good Rama  who was an expert in Manthras , after having bathed  and after controlling his senses , briefly chanted all the Manthras and performed the sacrifice.                                                         56.29
Having worshipped all the desirable gods with proper offering ,  and becoming pure , that greatly lustrous  Rama entered the house of leaves    with great happiness.                                              56.30
Then  after offering sacrifices to Vaiswedevas, Rudra  and Vishnu  for appeasing the Vasthu Devatha , he performed  auspicious tasks   according to tradition and chanted Manthras  and according to tradition bathed in the river for removing of all sins and offered final  sacrifice.                                 56.31-56.32
Lakshmana established  suitable altars in the hermitage  and also constructed the place for worship and other  sacred places.                                                                                                                                 56.33
Rama and Lakshmana who possessed auspicious qualities along with Sita  worshipped the (evil) spirits , with flower garlands , fruits , and roots available in the forest  and also well cooked meat and water and chanted prayers    as specified in the Vedas  and also offered Samith(sacrificial sticks)   and Kusa grass  in the fire  and then entered that auspicious hut.                                                                            56.34-56.35
That very attractive residence  constructed by wood as well as leaves ,   suited to that environment  and  well protected from wind , was entered in to by all of them, which was similar  to the entry of  all gods , in to the  sanctum of good  dharma.                                                                                                          56.36
They wandered in to the forest   which had several types of animals and birds  along with various types of  brilliant flower bunches   and  where the sound of forest animals were echoing .                       56.37
Having reached Chithrakuta  blessed with beauty and  with the river Mayavathi with its very pure water   and which had several animals and birds all of them rejoiced  and started forgetting about their banishing from Ayodhya.                                                                                                                             56.38

This is the end of the fifty sixth     chapter  Of  the book Ayodhya   of the holy Ramayana   composed by Valmiki  as the  first epic.
57.Sumanthra reaches back to the mourning Ayodhya.

(With a heavy heart ,Sumanthra enters back the city which was sad. All people seeing the empty chariot become sad. Sumanthra goes and meets Dasaratha . When Dasaratha does not reply, Kausalya becomes sad and falls down fainted,.)

After seeing that Rama has  reached the southern bank of the river , Guha talked with Sumanthra for a while  with sorrow  and pain  and went back to his home .                                                                         57.1
The people waiting there heard about Rama’s going to hermitage of Bharadwaja, their stay in the hermitage with him  and his going to the mountain.                                                                                    57.2
Sumanthra who has been permitted to leave , yoked the great horses to the chariot , with a very heavy  heart started on his journey to Ayodhya.                                                                                                       57.3
Seeing  on his way , the scented forests, rivers, lakes , villages and towns, he  travelled with great  speed.
                                                                                                                                                                                57.4
That charioteer reached  Ayodhya on the  third day evening  and saw the town bereft of happiness. 57.5
It looked empty and silent with great grief  and Sumanthra  became thoughtful , due to his tormented by violent sorrow.                                                                                                                                                       57.6
“Is this the same place,  which had  elephants, horses , people   and rulers of people? The city seemed to have been burnt by the fire of sorrow caused due to separation with Rama.”                                         57.7
Engaged with these thoughts  that charioteer  , pulled by the swift running horses  , arrived at the entrance of the city and quickly entered .                                                                                                        57.8
Hundreds and thousands of people  , rushed towards Sumanthra  who was moving to the city , asking “Where is Rama?”                                                                                                                                                 57.9
“Taking leave from  that great Rama who was a votary of Dharma, on the banks of river Ganga  I have returned”, he said.                                                                                                                                              57.10
Knowing  that  he has  crossed Ganga, the people with their faces drenched with tears , shouted ”Fie upon you”,  and taking a deep breath wailed loudly “Oh Rama.”                                                              57.11
From the people who were standing scattered in groups , Sumanthra heard , “we are lost , as we will not be able to see , Rama.”                                                                                                                                        57.12
“We will not be able to see Rama in our midst ,  during charities, sacrifices, weddings  and  great assemblies of the society.”                                                                                                                                 57.13
“What a great  benefit for ordinary people?  What a great  love? What pleasures he gave “ likes this the people were talking about Rama who looked them after like a father.                                                    57.14
The women  burning with sorrow due to  Rama’s exile, were looking through windows in the stalls  and loud bewailing  was heard.                                                                                                                                57.15
In the middle f the  royal  avenue Sumanthra proceeded with a hidden face  and reached  the palace of the king.                                                                                                                                                               57.16
After alighting quickly from the chariot , he entered the palace of the king and crossed the seven courtyards , each of them   crowded   with people.                                                                                   57.17
The ladies who had assembled on towers , palaces and multi storey buildings   with a wish to see Rama, cried “Alas, alas”,  when they did not see Rama.”                                                                                      57.18
Women  with their  very  large , clear  eyes  , filled and  drenched    with tears , were not able to clearly see   each other.                                                                                                                                               57.19
Here and there in the palace , the wives of   Dasaratha  who were sorrowing because  of  exile of Rama  were speaking  among themselves and this was heard by Sumanthra.                                               57.20
“He went with Rama but has  come back with Rama and what will that charioteer   say to Kausalya  who is greatly sorrowing?”                                                                                                                                     57.21
“Having seen  that her son going away  from her forcibly  , I think  it is difficult for Kausalya   to survive  and even if she survives , it would be a bad life.”                                                                                      57.22
After hearing these truthful words of the women of the king, , he entered the house which seemed to be burning due to sorrow.                                                                                                                                   57.23
When he entered the eighth courtyard , in a pale white room ,he saw the king sorrowing  and withered due to the separation from his son .                                                                                                            57.24
Going near the king who was seated and after saluting him, Sumanthra told him the words  of Rama as it was told to him.                                                                                                                                                57.25
Hearing those words silently  , the  mind of the king was greatly disturbed  and affected by sorrow   due to  the absence of Rama, he lost his senses and fell on the ground.                                                     57.26
After the king fell  to the ground unconscious , the women of the inner apartment    seeing him on the ground , raised their arms and wailed loudly.                                                                                           57.27
Kausalya along with Sumithra lifted  her husband who has fallen down  and told him these   words. 57.28
“Oh great one, Why are you not talking to this messenger  who has returned from the forest home of Rama , who did very difficult task.”                                                                                                             57.29
“Oh son of the Raghu clan,  having done an unjustifiable act, you are ashamed but rise up as  the good act done by you of having  fulfilled your word may help you to get out of this sorrow.”                 57.30
“Oh God like person, you are not  enquiring  out of fear , for which there is no need , as Kaikeyi  is not here and so you can speak.”                                                                                                                             57.31
That Kausalya whose voice got choked due to tears  who was absorbed in her sorrow , after having addressed the king, fell down on the earth.                                                                                                   57.32
After seeing Kausalya   cry out loudly this way and later  falling to the ground  and also seeing their husband , all those women wailed  loudly.                                                                                                     57.33
Having heard the great noise  of wailing  from the private apartment of the king ,  all the young and old people   as well as  women of the city   , screamed  and again  the city was again filled with confusion.
                                                                                                                                                                                 57.34

This is the end of the fifty seventh     chapter  Of  the book Ayodhya   of the holy Ramayana   composed by Valmiki  as the  first epic.

58. Sumanthra delivers message of Rama

(After he is consoled  Dasaratha asks about what was told by Rama. Sumanthra tells that  Rama  had told him to look after the kingdom properly . He also wanted Bharatha to be respected by the queens due to his position. Lakshmana is furious on Dasaratha and Sita only wept.)

After the king was consoled, he regained consciousness  and then he called  the charioteer   and asked  him   about Rama.                                                                                                                                                  58.1
Then the charioteer  saluted the king  who was thinking of only Rama  , who  was drowned in  grief and sorrow , who was old  , burning in grief like a  newly captured elephant , who was taking deep breath and who was  worried like a sick elephant .                                                                                        58.2-58.3
The  king  in great grief , seeing the dust coated   and dejected charioteer, whose face was bathed in tears  and who was near , asked him.                                                                                                               58.4 
“Would Rama , the follower of Dharma , having taken refuge  in the , foot of the tree , live. Oh charioteer, having lived a life of luxury , what that Rama , will eat now?  “                                               58.5
“That son of the king is not accustomed to sorrow and is accustomed   to sleep in proper couches and how will he sleep on bare ground?”                                                                                                                   58.6
“Wherever he goes he would be followed by men, chariots, horses and elephants  and how can that Rama live in a lonely forest?”                                                                                                                              58.7
“How can  my  sons accompanied by Sita live   in a forest , where   wild elephants  and  black cobras  move about?”                                                                                                                                                          58.8
“Oh Sumanthra , how did the princes  , along with Sita who is delicate  and in the garb of a lady sage  enter  the forest on foot after   alighting from the chariot ?”                                                                        58.9
“Oh Charioteer, you are  indeed blessed  for you have seen my sons entering the forest like Aswini devathas entering Mandhara  mountains.”                                                                                                    58.10
“After reaching the forest , what did Rama say? What did Lakshmana say and what did the daughter of Mithila say?”                                                                                                                                                          58.11
“Oh Charioteer , describe  how Rama  sat , ate  and sleep ? I would now live as a saint like Yayathi.” 
                                                                                                                                                                                  58.12
When the king questioned  like this to the charioteer , he  with a faltering voice    told the king , with his face being made wet with tears.                                                                                                                        58.13
“Oh king,  Rama who observes Dharma with a folded hand in salutation and  with bent head told.”  
                                                                                                                                                                                58.14                                                              
“Oh Charioteer  , tell my very wise  father , that I told this with a bent head  and touching  his   feet, which is fit to be worshipped.”                                                                                                                           58.15
“Oh Sumanthra , tell that I told all the residents of the private apartments without any distinction , news about my well being and salutations according to their status.”                                                                 58.16
“Tell my mother  Kausalya, the news  of my well being as well as my salutations  and  request to hear these words with alertness.”                                                                                                                           58.17
“Oh god like mother , Do  all your daily activities with Dharma and perform appropriate rituals based on fire in your chamber  and  serve the  godly feet of  my god like father .”                                               58.18
“  Leaving out the feeling of self as well as pride  and the thought that you are the principal queen   conduct yourself   with all mothers   and Oh mother, mould Kaikeyi in such a way   that  she is favourable to the king.”                                                                                                                                                          58.19
“Though Bharatha is your son , behave to him  like that of a king  and remember that  the position of a king   grants him a senior position.”                                                                                                                 58.20
“You have to tell that   I wanted to enquire about his welfare  and request him to honour equally  all his mothers.”                                                                                                                                                               58.21
“You have to tell the powerful son of Ikshuvaku clan  Bharatha , that he should obey the king   as a Yuvaraja  of the kingdom.”                                                                                                                                  58.22
“As the king is in advanced age , do not put restrictions on him  , since  you live as Yuvaraja  in his kingdom,  you have to obey him.”                                                                                                                     58.23
“Seeing me while he was shedding tears , “Look after my mother  who may be more attached to me , as your own mother.”                                                                                                                                               58.24
“Oh king this is what was told by him who has great fame  and that Rama who has eyes like red lotus was shedding excessive tears   while he was talking.”                                                                                   58.25
“But Lakshmana was greatly angry and while  breathing deeply he told, “For what crime was this prince banished?”                                                                                                                                                             58.26
“The king being influenced by the command of  the hateful Kaikeyi  has done this unworthy forbidden act  by which we are all suffering.”                                                                                                                   58.27
“Whether  the banishing of Rama was done out of avarice or  due to the boon given earlier , it is an unworthy act.”                                                                                                                                                    58.28
“This has been done by the free will of the king with God like powers  as I do not see any logic or reason for him being banished.”                                                                                                                                     58.29
“The act of banishing of Rama has been done without proper thought , is contrary to justice  and has been done without intelligence  and will only produce great sorrow.”                                                      58.30
“I do not consider the great king as my father  and my Rama not  only is my  brother, king   as well as father  as well as my relation,.”                                                                                                                        58.31
“After sacrificing one who is loved by all the world  and disregarding the interest of every one , how can you please everyone with this act?”                                                                                                                58.32
After banishing,  the follower of Dharma,  Rama who is liked by all  and going against the will of all people, how can you continue as the king?”                                                                                                 58.33
“As for the very pleasant Janaki, she  stood there taking deep breaths  and was weeping due  to great sorrow, and did not tell anything to me.”                                                                                                      58.34
“That very famous  princess , who has never seen such a great sorrow , was weeping out of her sorrow  and so could  not tell  me anything.”                                                                                                              58.35
“Seeing her husband with dried up mouth ,  at seeing me   leaving , suddenly  she burst in to tears.”
                                                                                                                                                                               58.36
“Rama  with face wet by tears and   hands  saluting in reverence and supported by  the arm of Lakshmana stood there  and in the same way the pitiable Sita  with a weeping face was staring at me and the chariot.”                                                                                                                                                  58.37

This is the end of the fifty eighth      chapter  Of  the book Ayodhya   of the holy Ramayana   composed by Valmiki  as the  first epic.

59.Sumanthra reports about sorrow of people and Dasaratha laments

(Then Sumanthra describes about his return to the city and how the people as well as nature were lamenting . Dasaratha becomes sorrowful and requests Sumanthra to bring back Rama or take him to the place where Rama is there.)
After hearing these words  of  the Charioteer who was   his  great minister , the king Told,” please tell the rest of the information.”                                                                                                                           59.1
Having heard those words  , Sumanthra , overcome with tears , once again told him about  further details of Rama’s message.                                                                                                                               59.2
”Oh king, after matting up their hairs and wearing dresses of bark and grass, those valiant men crosses river Ganga  and went towards  Prayaga.”                                                                                                    59.3
“Lakshmana walked in the front protecting  the son of the Raghu clan and after seeing that  I returned back  helplessly.”                                                                                                                                                59.4
“After Rama set out and I took leave to return my horses  shedding  hot tears  did not proceed  on the path further.”                                                                                                                                                     59.5
“After that, saluting those two princes  with folded arms  and controlling my grief  , I got in to the chariot and set out.”                                                                                                                                                       59.6
“I waited  there for many days along with Guha  , with a wish that Rama  might call me back.”        59.7
“Oh great king, , even trees with flowers , fruits  and buds have been crushed , throughout your kingdom because  of this calamity.”                                                                                                                59.8
“The river water has become hot and so is the waters of ponds and lakes  and the leaves of trees in forests and parks have dried up.”                                                                                                                     59.9
“Living beings are not moving about  nor or wild animals roaming ,  for overpowered by the sorrow  of parting of Rama, they have become silent.”                                                                                                59.10
“The water in the lakes in the lotus flowered lakes have gone turbid  and with shriveled leaves all  the withered  lotus plants have sunk in the water  and population of fishes and birds have gone down.  59.11
“The garlands made out of flowers  grown in water and land  have reduced fragrance now and do not shine  like earlier.”                                                                                                                                                59.12
“The gardens are empty with birds deserting them  and Oh great man, I do not find the parks attractive anymore.”                                                                                                                                                             59.13
“No one  greeted me when I entered   Ayodhya  and men are  taking  tortured breath  from time to time without  being able to see  Rama.”                                                                                                                 59.14
“Oh God like king, when people saw the royal chariot returning without  Rama , all people in the royal avenue  Were  having  their faces   drenched with their own tears   due to sorrow.”                          59.15    
“Those women who watched the arrival of the chariot from towers , multi storied houses  and royal palaces  sad , “Alas, alas,” because of  their sorrow  in  not being able to see Rama.”                        59.16
“Ladies  in great  sorrow, with  the broad  and bright eyes    drowned in tears , were looking at each other indistinctly through the veil of tears.”                                                                                              59.17
“I did not notice any difference between the anguish   between his friends and foes  and even normally disinterested people.”                                                                                                                                   59.18
“Ayodhya   with people who do not have a joyful mind, with dispirited horses  and elephants,  filled with sounds of anguish, with people taking laboured breaths due to sorrow  and without joy  appears to me Like Kausalya who  is  extremely sad due to parting of  Rama,”                                                59.19-59.20
Hearing the words of the charioteer that greatly dejected king , with  a voice choked by his sobbing  told  Sumanthra.                                                                                                                                                      59.21
“Incited by Kaikeyi  who has wicked relations and sinful intention , I have done this without consulting , old people well versed in giving advice.”                                                                                                  59.22
“I have  Taken this  decision for the sake of a lady  , under her spell  , without consulting  my friends, ministers  and men of prudent character.”                                                                                             59.23
“This great sorrow which has occurred due to fate  has lead to  the destruction of my clan  in a very casual way.”                                                                                                                                                59.24
“Oh charioteer , if I have done even a little good to you, please take me to Rama as my soul  is hurrying up.”                                                                                                                                                                59.25
“Obeying my order  , please bring back Rama ,  for it is not possible to live without Rama even for a second.”                                                                                                                                                        59.26
“If you think that  great one  has gone very far away , put me in your chariot and take me quickly to
him.”                                                                                                                                                              59.27
“Where is the elder brother of Lakshmana  who has teeth set in a circle and is a great archer? I would live only if I am able to see   him with Sita.”                                                                                          59.28
“If I am not able to see Rama , with red  eyes, great hands  and wearing pearl studded ear globes , I would go to the land of Yama.”                                                                                                                   59.29
“After having reached this state of affairs, what could be a greater sorrow to me than   being not able to see Rama?”                                                                                                                                                     59.30
“Hey Rama, Hey younger brother of Rama, Hey  sage like daughter of Videha,  you do not know that  I am dying like an orphan due to this sorrow.”                                                                                           59.31
That  king with mind dedicated to  great sorrow , immersed    in the ocean of sorrow which cannot be crossed  told.                                                                                                                                                  59.32
“Oh lady Kausalya,  I am immersed in this great ocean of sorrow, whose breadth is separation from Rama,  whose shore is the  sorrow of separating from Sita, whose turbulent waves and whirlpools are the tortured  breaths , whose turbid waters  and foams are the tears , whose multitude of fishes are the waving of the hands , whose great sound is the cries of agony , who  has   water  algae spread like disheveled hair , whose fire is the mouth of Kaikeyi , whose tides are the flow of tears and  whose monstrous crocodiles are the words   of the hunchback .The malicious boons of Kaikeyi are the shores where Rama has been exiled .What a pity that I would not be able to cross this sea while being alive.
                                                                                                                                                                59.33-59.36
That  famous  Dasaratha who was greatly desirous of seeing Rama and Lakshmana  , was unable to get them there and then he cried  likes this inauspiciously   and he fell down unconscious   on his bed.
                                                                                                                                                                            59.37
That king who was wailing like this lost his senses as he was lamenting with greatly doubled   sorrow. Hearing his sound of breathing  , the mother of Rama was greatly scared.                                        59.38


This is the end of the fifty ninth      chapter  Of  the book Ayodhya   of the holy Ramayana   composed by Valmiki  as the  first epic.



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