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Aranya_Kanda
665
I reverence Bhagavan Sankara, the progeny of Brahma, the very root of the tree of piety, the beloved, devotee of King Sri Rama, the full moon that brings joy to the ocean of wisdom, the sun that opens the lotus of dispassion, the wind that disperses the clouds of ignorance, who dispels the thick darkness of sin and era...
Aranya_Kanda
666
His hands a bow and an arrow who has a beautiful, shining and well-equipped quiver fastened to His waist and has a pair of large lotus eyes, who is adorned with a tuft of matted locks on His head and who is seen journeying with Sita and Laksmana. Sri Rama's virtues, Uma (Parvati), are mysterious. The sages as well as ...
Aranya_Kanda
667
The Lord of Raghus is extremely compassionate and is always fond of the meek. But the mischievous fool came and played a trick even with Him. Winged with a spell, the shaft presided over by Brahma* sped forth and the crow in terror took to flight. Indra's son now assumed his own form and approached his father. * Our sc...
Aranya_Kanda
668
But the latter refused to give him shelter knowing him to be an enemy of Sri Rama. Having lost hope (of protection) he felt as alarmed at heart as the sage Durvasa was afraid of the Lord's Discus. Weary and stricken with fear and grief, he traversed the abode of Brahma, the realm of Lord Siva and all other regions. But...
Aranya_Kanda
669
Staying at Citrakuta the Lord of Raghus performed exploits of many kinds, which are sweet to the ear as nectar. Sri Rama then thought to Himself, "People will throng here now that everyone has come to know me." Taking leave of all the hermits, therefore, the two brothers (Sri Rama and Laksmana) left the place with Sita...
Aranya_Kanda
670
" I reverence You, who are so fond of Your devotees, compassionate and gentle of disposition. I adore Your lotus feet, which vouchsafe to Your selfless lovers a quarter in Your own abode. You are possessed of an exquisitely beautiful swarthy form; You are Mount Mandara as it were, to churn the ocean of mundane existenc...
Aranya_Kanda
671
bow and an arrow, O Lord of the three worlds! The ornament of the solar race, You broke the bow of the great Lord Siva. Delighting the greatest sages and saints, You crush the host of demons (the enemies of gods). You are an object of reverence to Lord Siva, and are adored by Brahma and other divinities. An embodiment ...
Aranya_Kanda
672
Then Sita, who was so good-natured and modest, met Anasuya (Atri's wife) and clasped her feet. The sage's wife felt extremely pleased at heart; she blessed Her and seating Her by her side arrayed Her in heavenly robes and ornaments that remained ever new, clean and charming. In affectionate and mild tones the holy lady...
Aranya_Kanda
673
woman. And know her to be the lowest woman in this world, who is restrained only by fear and want of opportunity. The woman who deceives her husband and loves a paramour is cast for a hundred cycles into the worst form of hell known by the name of Raurava. Who is so depraved as the woman who for the sake of a moment's ...
Aranya_Kanda
674
Janaka's Daughter (Sita) was overjoyed to hear this discourse and reverently bowed Her head at the feet of Anasuya. The All-merciful then said to the sage, "With your permission I would go to some other forest. Continue to shower your grace on me; and knowing me to be your servant never cease loving me." Hearing these ...
Aranya_Kanda
675
The praises of Sri Rama destroy the impurities of the Kali age, subdue the mind and are a source of delight. Sri Rama remains ever propitious to those who listen to them with reverence. This terrible age (of Kali) is a repertory of sins; piety, spiritual wisdom, Yoga or Japa are out of place in this age. They alone, ar...
Aranya_Kanda
676
Gazing on Sri Rama's lotus face the eyes of the great sage reverently drank in its beauty like bees. Blessed indeed was the birth of Sarabhanga! Said the sage,"Listen, gracious Rama (the Hero of Raghu's line), the swan disporting in the Manasa lake of Lord Siva's heart; I was about to leave for Brahma's abode when the ...
Aranya_Kanda
677
Having said so he burnt his body with the fire of Yoga* and by the grace of Sri Rama rose to Vaikuntha. The sage was not absorbed into the person of Sri Hari for this simple reason that he had already received the boon of personal devotion. The multitude of sages (assembled on the occasion) who saw the high state to wh...
Aranya_Kanda
678
muni agasti kara sisya sujānā, nāma sutīchana rati bhagavānā. mana krama bacana rāma pada sevaka, sapanehu āna bharosa na devaka.1. prabhu āgavanu śravana suni pāvā, karata manoratha ātura dhāvā. he bidhi dīnabamdhu raghurāyā, mo se satha para karihahi dāyā.2. sahita anuja mohi rāma gosai, milihahi nija sevaka kī nāi. ...
Aranya_Kanda
679
The sage Agastya had a learned disciple, Sutiksna by name, who was a great lover of the Lord. He was devoted to Sri Rama's feet in thought, word and deed and had no faith in any other deity even in dream. As soon as the news of the Lord's approach reached his ears he rushed out hurriedly, indulging in his own fancy: "W...
Aranya_Kanda
680
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Aranya_Kanda
681
Said the sage, "Listen, O Lord, to my prayer: how am I to hymn Your praises? For immeasurable is Your glory and scant is my wit, which is as insignificant as the flash of a fire-fly before the sun. I constantly glorify Sri Rama (the Chief of Raghus), with a body dark as a string of blue lotuses, wearing a crown of matt...
Aranya_Kanda
682
"Armed with a bow and arrow and accompanied by Your younger brother and Janaka's Daughter (Sita), O Lord Sri Rama, pray dwell forever like a moon in the firmament of my heart, though free from every desire." "So be it," said Sri Rama ( the Abode of Laksmi) as He joyously started on His visit to the jar-born sage, Agas...
Aranya_Kanda
683
way on the incomparable cult of devotion to His own feet Sri Rama (the King of the gods) arrived at the hermitage of the sage (Agastya). Sutiksna immediately saw his Guru and after prostrating himself before the latter thus addressed him, "My lord, the two sons of King Dasaratha (Kosala's lord), the support of the worl...
Aranya_Kanda
684
Then said Sri Rama (the Hero of Raghu's line) to the sage, "I have nothing to hide from you, my lord. You know what for I have come; that is why, holy sir, I have not dwelt at length on this point. Now, my good sir, give me some advice, by following which I may be able to kill the enemies of the hermits." The sage smil...
Aranya_Kanda
685
He met Jatayu (the king of vultures); and developing friendship with him in many ways the Lord stayed near the Godavari, where He made Himself a thatched hut of leaves. From the time Sri Rama took up His abode there the sages lived happily and were rid of all fear. The hills, woods, streams and lakes were suffused with...
Aranya_Kanda
686
"I will explain everything in a nutshell; listen, dear brother, with your mind, intellect and reason fully absorbed. The feeling of 'I' and 'mine' and 'you' and 'yours' is Maya (Illusion), which holds sway over all created beings. Whatever is perceived by the senses and that which lies within the reach of the mind, kno...
Aranya_Kanda
687
"Dispassion results from the practice of virtue, while spiritual wisdom comes of the practice of Yoga (concentration of mind); and wisdom is the bestower of liberation: so declare the Vedas. And that which melts My heart quickly, dear brother, is Devotion, which is the delight of My devotees. It stands by itself and re...
Aranya_Kanda
688
recognize Me as his preceptor, father, mother, kinsman, lord, deity and all and should be steadfast in My service. A thrill runs through his body as he sings My praises; his voice gets choked and his eyes flow with tears; he is free from lust and other vices, pride and hypocrisy. I am ever at the beck and call of such ...
Aranya_Kanda
689
Laksmana was greatly delighted to hear the above discourse on the discipline of Bhakti (Devotion) and bowed his head at the feet of the Lord. In this way some days were spent in discoursing on dispassion, spiritual wisdom, goodness and morality. Now Ravana (the notorious demon king of Lanka) had a sister, Surpanakha (l...
Aranya_Kanda
690
With great agility Laksmana struck off her nose and ears, thereby challereing Ravaņa through her to a contest as it were. Without nose and ears she wore a hideous aspect and looked like a mountain flowing with torrents of red ochre. She went sobbing to Khara and Dūşana: "Fie, fie upon your manhood and strength, brother...
Aranya_Kanda
691
kill them and carry off the woman." The vault of heaven was overhung with the dust raised by them. (Seeing this) Sri Rama called His younger brother (Laksmana) and said," "Take Janaka's Daughter to some mountain-cave; a terrible array of demons has come. Therefore, remain on your guard." Obedient to his lord's command ...
Aranya_Kanda
692
Even as they beheld the Lord the invading warriors could not discharge their arrows; the whole demon host became powerless. Khara and Dūşaņa summoned their ministers and said, "This prince, whoever he may be, is an ornament of the human race. Of all the Nāgas, demons, gods, human beings and sages that exist (in this un...
Aranya_Kanda
693
Their heart was on fire and they exclaimed, "Capture him," hearing which fierce demon champions rushed forth, all armed with bows and arrows, steel clubs, pikes, spears, scimitars, maces and axes. First of all the Lord gave His bow a twang-shrill, terrific and fearful-which deafened and distressed the demons and they h...
Aranya_Kanda
694
Then the terrible arrows sped forth, hissing like so many serpents. Sri Rama got infuriated in battle and arrows, exceedingly sharp, flew from His bow. The demon warriors turned and fled when they found the arrows so very keen. The three brothers (Khara, Dusana and Trisira) now flew into rage: "Whoever flees from the b...
Aranya_Kanda
695
Jackals wrangled; ghosts, spirits and fiends filled the bowls of skulls with blood: devils clashed the heads of slain warriors like cymbals and the Yoginis* danced. Sri Rama's fierce arrows tore to pieces the leaders' breast, arms and heads; their bodies fell on every side but stood up again to fight with terrible crie...
Aranya_Kanda
696
down or whose breast had been torn, lay moaning. Finding their army in distress leaders like Trisira, Khara and Dusana turned towards Sri Rama. Countless demons hurled furiously against the Hero of Raghu's line, arrows, spears, iron clubs, axes, javelins and daggers all at once. In the twinkling of an eye the Lord ward...
Aranya_Kanda
697
When the Lord of Raghus had vanquished the foe in battle, the gods, human beings and sages were all rid of fear. Then Laksmaņa brought Sītā back; and as he fell at His feet the Lord joyously clasped him to His bosom. Sītā fixed Her gaze on His swarthy and delicate form with utmost affection; but Her eyes knew no satiet...
Aranya_Kanda
698
On hearing this the courtiers rose in great bewilderment; taking her by the arm they lifted her up and comforted her. Said the king of Lanka, "Tell me what has happened to you. Who has struck off your nose and ears?" "Two sons of Dasaratha, the lord of Ayodhya, who are lions among men, are out for hunting in the woods....
Aranya_Kanda
699
"Among gods, human beings, demons, Nagas and birds," he thought, "there is none who can withstand my servants. As for Khara and Dusana, they were as powerful as myself; who else could have killed them, had it not been the Lord Himself? If therefore the Lord Himself, the Delighter of the gods and the Reliever of Earth's...
Aranya_Kanda
700
"Listen, my darling, who have been staunch in the holy vow of fidelity to me and are so virtuous in conduct: I am going to act a lovely human part. Abide in fire until I have completed the destruction of the demons." No sooner had Sri Rama told Her everything in detail than She impressed the image of the Lord's feet on...
Aranya_Kanda
701
The wretched Ravana proudly repeated the whole story to him and added," "Assume the false appearance of a wily deer, so that I may be able to abduct the princess." Marica, however, remonstrated, "Listen, Ravana: though disguised as a man, He is the lord of the whole animate and inanimate creation. There can be no quarr...
Aranya_Kanda
702
"Therefore, considering the welfare of your race you had better return home." When he heard this he flared up and showered many abuses on Marica. "You fool, you presume to teach me as if you were my preceptor. Tell me which warrior in this world is a match for me." Then Marica thought to himself, "It does not do one go...
Aranya_Kanda
703
When the ten-headed Ravana drew near to the forest (in which Sri Rama had taken up His abode), Marica assumed the false appearance of a deer, so very wonderful as to defy description, with a body of gold artistically inlaid with jewels. When Sita saw the exquisitely beautiful creature, most lovely in every limb, She sa...
Aranya_Kanda
704
whom Siva is unable to catch hold of even in meditation, ran in pursuit of a false deer! Now close at hand. The very next moment it ran away to some distance; at one time it came into view, at another it went out of sight. Thus alternately revealing and concealing itself and practising every kind of wile, it took the L...
Aranya_Kanda
705
As soon as He had slain the wretch the Hero of Raghu's line turned back, the charming bow in his hand and the quiver at His waist. When Sītā heard the cry of distress, She was seized with excessive fear and said to Laksmana, "Go quickly, your brother is in great peril." Laksmana answered with a smile, " Listen, mother!...
Aranya_Kanda
706
Cau.: ha jaga eka bira raghuraya, kehi aparadha bisarehu daya. arati harana sarana sukhadayaka, ha raghukula saroja dinanayaka.1. ha lachimana tumhara nahi dosa, so phalu payau kinheu rosa. bibidha bilapa karati baidehi, bhuri krpa prabhu duri sanehi.2. bipati mori ko prabhuhi sunava, purodasa caha rasabha khava. sita ...
Aranya_Kanda
707
"Ah! Lord of Raghus, peerless champion of the world, reliever of distress and delighter of the suppliant, ah! the sun that gladdens the lotus-like race of Raghu, for what fault of mine you forgat showing mercy? Ah! Laksmana, the fault is none of yours; I have reaped the fruit of the temper I showed." Manifold were the ...
Aranya_Kanda
708
The wretch tried every kind of threat and endearment but failed miserably. At last he kept Her under an Asoka tree strongly guarded. Having impressed on Her heart the beautiful image of Sri Rama as He appeared while running in pursuit of the false deer, Sita incessantly repeated Sri Hari's Name.
Aranya_Kanda
709
When the Lord of Raghus saw His younger brother coming, He outwardly expressed much concern. "Alas! You have left Janaka's daughter alone and come here against my instructions. Hosts of demons are roaming about in the forest; I, therefore, suspect Sita is not at the hermitage." Laksmana clasped Sri Rama's lotus feet an...
Aranya_Kanda
710
The Hero of Raghu's line, the ocean of mercy, caresse Jatayu's head with His lotus hands. As the bird gazed on Sri Rama's countenance, the home of loveliness, all his pain disappeared. (30) The vulture now recovered himself and spoke as follows: "Listen, Rama, the allayer of the fear of transmigration: it was the ten-...
Aranya_Kanda
711
away, holy sir, to the south while she kept screaming loudly as an osprey. I have survived, my lord, only to behold You, my life now is about to depart, O fountain of mercy." Said Sri Rama, "Live yet more, Dear one." He, however, replied with a smile on his countenance, "He whose very name, so declare the Vedas, redeem...
Aranya_Kanda
712
"Glory to Sri Rama of incomparable beauty, who is absolute as well as qualified and the true impeller of Gunas (Maya) too. His fierce arrows are potent enough to cut off the terrible arms of the ten-headed Ravana. I incessantly adore the all-merciful Sri Rama, the ornament of the earth, who is endowed with a form dark ...
Aranya_Kanda
713
inaccessible and easily accessible, who has a guileless disposition and is both partial and impartial and ever placid, whom the Yogis perceive with great effort subduing their senses and mind, that Rama, the abode of Rama (Goddess Laksmi) and the Lord of the three spheres (the entire creation) is ever at the beck and c...
Aranya_Kanda
714
"He who without guile in thought, word and deed, does service to the Brahmanas (the very gods on earth), wins over Brahma, Siva, Myself and all other divinities. (33)" "A Brahmana, even though he curse you, beat you or speak harsh words to you, is still worthy of adoration: so declare the saints. A Brahmana must be re...
Aranya_Kanda
715
head like a crown and a garland of wild flowers hanging upon their breast, the two brothers looked most charming-the one dark of hue and the other fair; Sabari fell prostrate and embraced their feet. She was so owerwhelmed with love that no words came to her lips. Again and again she bowed her head at their lotus feet....
Aranya_Kanda
716
"Humble service of the lotus feet of one's preceptor is the third form of Devotion, while the fourth type of Devotion consists in singing My praises with a guileless heart." "Muttering My Name with unwavering faith constitutes the fifth form of adoration revealed in the Vedas. The sixth variety consists in the practic...
Aranya_Kanda
717
dear to Me, O good lady. As for yourself, you are blessed with unflinching devotion of all these types. The prize which is hardly won by the Yogis is within your easy reach today. The most incomparable fruit of seeing Me is that the soul attains its natural state. If you know anything about Janaka's daughter, My good l...
Aranya_Kanda
718
Śrī Rāma left even that forest and proceeded further. The two brothers were lions among men and possessed immeasurable strength. The Lord lamented like one smitten with pangs of separation; He narrated stories and had many a dialogue (with Laksmana). "Laksmana, mark the beauty of the forest; whose heart will not be sti...
Aranya_Kanda
719
"Creepers have entwined themselves round gigantic trees, spreading as it were, a variety of canopies in the sky. The plantains and stately palms are standing like beautiful pennons and standards; he alone who is stout of heart could help being fascinated by their sight. Trees of every description are adorned with flowe...
Aranya_Kanda
720
"Brother, there are three evils most formidable of all-lust, anger and greed. In an instant they distract the mind of hermits who are the very repositories of wisdom. The weapons of greed are desire and hypocrisy, of lust naught but woman; while anger's weapon is harsh speech: so declare the great sages after deep thou...
Aranya_Kanda
721
Covered by dense lotus leaves the water could not be easily discerned, even as the attributeless Brahma is not perceived when veiled by Maya (Ignorance). All the fishes that had their abode in the fathomless water of the lake were uniformly happy, even as the virtuous ever pass their days peacefully. (39 A-B) Lotuses ...
Aranya_Kanda
722
Weighed down with the load of their fruits all the fruit trees well-nigh touched the ground, even as benevolent souls grow all the more humble on getting a large fortune. When Sri Rama saw this most beautiful lake, He took a dip into it and felt supremely delighted. Seeing the pleasant shade of a stately tree, the Lord...
Aranya_Kanda
723
After much supplication and realizing that the Lord was pleased at heart, Narada joined his lotus palms and spoke as follows:- " Listen, O Lord of Raghus, generous by nature as You are: You confer delightful boons that are unattainable as well as those that are attainable. Grant me, my master, only one boon that I ask ...
Aranya_Kanda
724
"May the name RAMA shine as the moon and the other names as so many stars in the cloudless sky of Your devotee's heart during the full-moon night of devotion to You." "The all-merciful Lord of Raghus replied to the sage, "So be it" Thereupon Narada felt much delighted at heart and bowed at the Lord's feet." Seeing the ...
Aranya_Kanda
725
"Lust, anger, greed, pride etc., constitute the most powerful army of Ignorance. But among them all the fiercest and the most troublesome is that incarnation of Maya (the Lord's deluding potency) called woman." "Listen, O sage: the Puranas, the Vedas and the saints declare that woman is like the vernal season to the f...
Aranya_Kanda
726
As the sage listened to the delightful words of Sri Rama (the Lord of Raghus), a thrill ran through his body and his eyes filled with tears. He said to himself, "Tell me, is there any other master whose wont it is to show such attachment and fondness for his servants? Men who refuse to worship such a lord shaking off a...
Aranya_Kanda
727
"They blush to hear themselves praised but feel much delighted to hear others' praises. Even-minded and placid, they never abandon the right course. Guileless by nature and loving, they are given over to prayer, austerity, control of the senses, self- denial and religious observances and undertake sacred vows. They are...
Aranya_Kanda
728
People who sing or hear the sanctifying praises of Ravana's Foe shall be rewarded with steadfast devotion to Sri Rama even without dispassion, japa or concentration of mind. The body of a young woman is like fhe flame of a candle; be not a moth to it, O my mind. Abandoning lust and pride worship Sri Rama and enjoy the ...
Ayodhya_Kanda
369
May He in whose lap shines forth the Daughter of the mountain-king, who carries the celestial stream on His head, on whose brow rests the crescent moon, whose throat holds poison and whose breast is the support of a huge serpent, and who is adorned by the ashes on His body, may that Chief of gods, the Lord of all, the ...
Ayodhya_Kanda
370
I adore Sri Rama, the Lord of Raghu's race, whose limbs are as dark and soft as a blue lotus, who has Sita enthroned on His left side and who holds in His hands a mighty arrow and a graceful bow. Cleansing the mirror of my mind with the dust from the lotus feet of the revered Guru, I sing Sri Rama's untarnished glory,...
Ayodhya_Kanda
371
All cherished in their heart a common desire and said in their prayer to the great Lord Śiva, "Would that the king in his own life-time appointed Śrī Rāma as his regent." One day the Chief of Raghus sat with all his court in the state assembly hall. Himself the embodiment of all virtues, the king was overjoyed to hear ...
Ayodhya_Kanda
372
Said the king, "Listen, O chief of sages: Rama is now accomplished in everyway. Servants and ministers, nay, all the people of the city and others who are either my enemies or friends or neutrals, hold Rama as dear as I do. It seems your benediction itself has incarnated in his lovely form. What more, my lord, all the ...
Ayodhya_Kanda
373
When the king was assured in his heart of the Guru being so favourably disposed in everyway, he cheerfully said in gentle tones, "My lord, let Rama be invested with regal powers; pray, command me so that necessary preparations may be set on foot. Let this happy event take place during my life-time so that all people ma...
Ayodhya_Kanda
374
you live long;" and the king placed before them the most auspicious proposal. "If this proposal finds favour with you all, instal Sri Rama on the throne with a cheerful heart." The counsellors were glad to hear these agreeable words, which fell like a shower on the young plant of their desire. The ministers prayed with...
Ayodhya_Kanda
375
"Prepare flags and banners, festal arches and vases as well as horses, chariots and elephants." Bowing to these orders of the great sage (Vasistha) all concerned applied themselves to their own work." With whatever duty the great sage charged any man, the latter accomplished it so promptly as if it had been done by him...
Ayodhya_Kanda
376
news, even as the waves of the ocean commence their lovely sport on perceiving the waxing moon. Those who broke the news first were richly rewarded with ornaments and costumes. With their body thrilling over with emotion and heart full of rapture all the queens started preparing festal vases. Queen Sumitra painted with...
Ayodhya_Kanda
377
The king then called Vasistha and sent him to Śrī Rāma's apartments for tendering opportune advice. The moment the Lord of Raghus, Śrī Rāma, heard of the Guru's arrival, He repaired to the door and, bowed His head at his feet. Reverently offering him water to wash his hands with He ushered the sage and paid him honour ...
Ayodhya_Kanda
378
Extolling Śrī Rāma's goodness, amiability and noble disposition, the lord of sages, Vasistha, said, thrilling over with emotion, "The king has made preparations for the installation ceremony; he would invest You with regal powers. Rāma, You should observe religious austerity today so that God may bring this affair to a...
Ayodhya_Kanda
379
There was a sound of music of various kinds, and the rejoicing in the city was beyond words. All prayed for Bharata's return (from his maternal uncle's) and said to one another, "Would that Bharata came with expedition and obtained the reward of his eyes." In every bazar, street, house, lane and place of resort men and...
Ayodhya_Kanda
380
Clasping her feet again and again they exerted great pressure on her till she yielded and set out, considering the gods as mean-minded. She said to herself, "Though their abode is on high, their doings are mean; they cannot see others prosperity." Again, reflecting on the role she was destined to perform in the days to...
Ayodhya_Kanda
381
Apprehensive of misfortune as she was, the queen said to her, "How is it that you do not speak? I hope Rama and his royal father, Laksmana, Bharata and Ripudamana (Satrughna) are all well?" The hump backed woman (Manthara) was pained at heart to hear these words. (13) "Why should anyone, O mother, give me a lesson? An...
Ayodhya_Kanda
382
"O sweet-tongued one, I have said all this to you by way of advice; otherwise I cannot even dream of being angry with you. That day alone will be auspicious and a bestower of good fortune, when your words will come to be true. The eldest brother should be the lord and the younger ones his servants: such is the blessed ...
Ayodhya_Kanda
383
"I have had all my ambitions fulfilled as a result of my speaking only once; I shall now speak again with another tongue. My wretched head surely deserves to be smashed since you get offended even at my well-meaning words. Those alone who speak unctuous words, minding not what is true and what is false, are your favour...
Ayodhya_Kanda
384
Again and again the queen politely questioned Manthara, hyptonized as she was by the latter's guileful words like a doe fascinated by the music of a Bhila woman. Her mind was changed according to the decree of fate and the servant-maid was pleased to find her plan succeed. She replied, "While you persist in questioning...
Ayodhya_Kanda
385
"Rama's mother (Kausalya) is clever and deep; finding a suitable opportunity she has turned it to account. You must know it is at the suggestion of Rama's mother that the king has sent away Bharata to his maternal grandfather's. She says to herself, "All my other co-wives serve me well, only Bharata's mother (yourself)...
Ayodhya_Kanda
386
adjuring her by her own life she questioned Manthara once more, "What is it that you inquire about? It is strange that you should not understand things even now! Even a quadruped knows what is good or bad for it. Preparations have been going on for the last fortnight; while you have got the news from me today. I get fo...
Ayodhya_Kanda
387
Hearing these unpleasant remarks, Kekaya's daughter (Kaikeyi) shrivelled with fear and could not utter a word. Her body was wet with perspiration and shook like a plantain stalk. The humpback then bit her tongue (for fear lest the gloomy picture drawn by her might break Kaikeyi's heart). Telling her one after another m...
Ayodhya_Kanda
388
act up to it, O good lady, I will offer a suggestion to you; the king is under an obligation to you." "At your suggestion I would throw myself down a well and can even forsake my son and husband. When you tell me to do something in view of my dire distress, why should I not comply with it in my own interest?" When she ...
Ayodhya_Kanda
389
your heart. Bestow sovereignty on your son and an abode in the forest on Rama and rob your co-wives of all their joy. When the king swears by Rama, ask the boons only then, so that the former may not go back upon his word. The scheme will fail if this night is allowed to pass; cherish my words as dearer than life." Hav...
Ayodhya_Kanda
390
sovereignty, she was betrayed by her wicked mind. There was a great flutter in the gynaeceum as well as in the city; nobody had any inkling of this evil design. (1-4) In their ecstasy of joy all the citizens, both men and women, busied themselves with festive preparations and the entrance to the royal palace was floode...
Ayodhya_Kanda
391
At eventide the king joyously visited Kaikeyi's palace; it looked as if love incarnate had called on harshness personified. The king was taken aback when he heard of the sulking-room. His feet refused to advance on account of fear. He under whose powerful arm the lord of celestials dwelt secure and whose goodwill was ...
Ayodhya_Kanda
392
Said the king again and again, "Tell me the cause of your anger, O fair-faced, bright-eyed dame with a voice melodious as the notes of a cuckoo and a gait resembling that of an elephant." "Who is it, my dear, that has harmed you? Who is there with a head to spare and who is it that is courted by death? Tell me what pa...
Ayodhya_Kanda
393
On hearing this and considering the great oath the dull-witted Kaikeyi smilingly arose and began to put on her ornaments; it seemed as if a huntress was laying the trap at the sight of a deer. Thinking her reconciled, the king spoke again in soft and winning accents his whole frame thrilling over with emotion, "Your h...
Ayodhya_Kanda
394
"I have now understood the whole mystery," said the king with a smile; "You are extremely fond of being angry. You kept the boons in reserve and never asked for them; as for myself, I forgot all about them, being oblivious by nature. Pray do not level a false charge against me; you might as well ask four boons instead ...
Ayodhya_Kanda
395
"Hear, my beloved lord, that which pleases my heart; vouchsafe to me for one boon the installation of Bharata (as the prince-regent of Ayodhya). And for the second boon I ask with joined palms-pray accomplish my desire, my lord: let Rama dwell in the woods for fourteen years in the garb of a hermit and wholly detached ...
Ayodhya_Kanda
396
In this way the king moaned within himself. Seeing his bad plight the wicked queen sulked within her heart and said, "Is Bharata not your son? And have you bought me in consideration of money? If my words pierced you like arrows the moment they entered your ears, why should you not make promises after careful thought? ...
Ayodhya_Kanda
397
redeemed their plighted word maintaining whatever they said even at the cost of their life and possessions." In this way Kaikeyi uttered most pungent words as though applying salt to a burn. (1-4) A champion of righteousness, the king took courage and opened his eyes, and beating his head sighed out, "She has attacked ...
Ayodhya_Kanda
398
"Rama has no greed of sovereignty and is deeply attached to Bharata. I was only going to follow the usage obtaining among the princes, considering the seniority and juniority of the two princes." "I sincerely tell you, swearing by Rama a hundred times, that his mother (Kausalya) never said a word to me in this connect...
Ayodhya_Kanda
399
"No more of jesting or anger, my darling; make a reasonable and thoughtful request, so that I may now regale my eyes on the sight of Bharata's installation on the throne." "A fish may rather survive even without water and a serpent may drag on a miserable and wretched existence without the gem in its head. But I tell ...
Ayodhya_Kanda
400
So saying, the wicked woman rose and stood up as though it were a swollen stream of fury that had issued from the mountain of sin and, overflowing with the water of anger, was too terrible to look at. The two boons she had asked for represented its banks, her inexorable obstinacy corresponded to its (swift) current and...
Ayodhya_Kanda
401
The king was stricken with grief and his limbs began to droop; it looked as if a wish- yielding tree had been knocked down by a female elephant. His throat was dry and speech failed his lips; he felt miserable like a fish out of water. Kaikeyi plied him once more with pungent and harsh words, injecting poison as it wer...
Ayodhya_Kanda
402
"Bharata would never covet sovereignty even unwittingly. By the decree of fate, however, evil counsel has taken possession of your mind. All that is the outcome of my sins, due to which the tide has turned against me at an inopportune moment. Beautiful Ayodhya shall flourish again under the sovereignty of Rama, the abo...
Ayodhya_Kanda
403
creation. While the king was yet wailing, the day broke and the music of lute, flute and conch was heard at his door. Bards extolled him and minstrels sang his praises; they, however, pierced the king like shafts as he heard them. These and other tokens of rejoicing pleased him not even as ornaments repel a widow who h...
Ayodhya_Kanda
404
"The king had no sleep last night: Heaven alone knows the reason. He has been simply repeating "Rama, Rama" till daybreak and refuses to disclose the secret." (38) "Therefore, call on Rama and bring him soon; thereafter, when you have come back, you may ask further details." Judging (from his master's looks) that the ...