Aranya Kand

मूलं धर्मतरोर्विवेकजलधेः पूर्णेन्दुमानन्ददं वैराग्याम्बुजभास्करं ह्यघघनध्वान्तापहं तापहम्। मोहाम्भोधरपूगपाटनविधौ स्वःसम्भवं शङ्करं वन्दे ब्रह्मकुलं कलंकशमनं श्रीरामभूपप्रियम्।।1।। सान्द्रानन्दपयोदसौभगतनुं पीताम्बरं सुन्दरं पाणौ बाणशरासनं कटिलसत्तूणीरभारं वरम् राजीवायतलोचनं धृतजटाजूटेन संशोभितं सीतालक्ष्मणसंयुतं पथिगतं रामाभिरामं भजे।।2।।

I worship Shankar (Shiva): the root of the tree of dharma, the full moon that gladdens the ocean of discrimination, the sun to the lotus of dispassion, destroyer of the dense darkness of sin and remover of all afflictions, skilled in tearing apart the massed clouds of delusion, crown of the Brahmin line, remover of stains, and dear to King Shri Ram. I also adore the delightful Shri Ram, whose body has the loveliness of a dense rain-cloud, clad in yellow silk, holding bow and arrow with a splendid quiver at his waist, with large lotus eyes, adorned with a crown of matted locks, walking along the path together with Sita and Lakshman.

उमा राम गुन गूढ़ पंडित मुनि पावहिं बिरति। पावहिं मोह बिमूढ़ जे हरि बिमुख न धर्म रति।।

O Uma (Parvati), Ram's virtues are profound and hidden: the wise and the sages grasp them and attain dispassion, while the deluded fools who are averse to Hari and have no love for dharma only fall into greater delusion.

पुर नर भरत प्रीति मैं गाई। मति अनुरूप अनूप सुहाई।। अब प्रभु चरित सुनहु अति पावन। करत जे बन सुर नर मुनि भावन।। एक बार चुनि कुसुम सुहाए। निज कर भूषन राम बनाए।। सीतहि पहिराए प्रभु सादर। बैठे फटिक सिला पर सुंदर।। सुरपति सुत धरि बायस बेषा। सठ चाहत रघुपति बल देखा।। जिमि पिपीलिका सागर थाहा। महा मंदमति पावन चाहा।। सीता चरन चौंच हति भागा। मूढ़ मंदमति कारन कागा।। चला रुधिर रघुनायक जाना। सींक धनुष सायक संधाना।।

I have sung, as far as my intellect allowed, the incomparable love of the people of the city and of Bharat; now hear the Lord's most sacred deeds in the forest, dear to gods, men and sages. Once Ram gathered lovely flowers, fashioned ornaments with his own hands and reverently adorned Sita, then sat with her on a beautiful crystal rock. Indra's son Jayant, that fool, took the form of a crow to test Ram's strength, like an ant trying to fathom the ocean; the dull-witted one struck Sita's foot with his beak and fled. When the blood flowed and Raghunath understood, he fitted a reed arrow to his bow.

अति कृपाल रघुनायक सदा दीन पर नेह। ता सन आइ कीन्ह छलु मूरख अवगुन गेह।।1।।

Raghunath is exceedingly kind and ever affectionate toward the humble; yet against him that fool, the very abode of faults, came and practised deceit.

प्रेरित मंत्र ब्रह्मसर धावा। चला भाजि बायस भय पावा।। धरि निज रुप गयउ पितु पाहीं। राम बिमुख राखा तेहि नाहीं।। भा निरास उपजी मन त्रासा। जथा चक्र भय रिषि दुर्बासा।। ब्रह्मधाम सिवपुर सब लोका। फिरा श्रमित ब्याकुल भय सोका।। काहूँ बैठन कहा न ओही। राखि को सकइ राम कर द्रोही।। मातु मृत्यु पितु समन समाना। सुधा होइ बिष सुनु हरिजाना।। मित्र करइ सत रिपु कै करनी। ता कहँ बिबुधनदी बैतरनी।। सब जगु ताहि अनलहु ते ताता। जो रघुबीर बिमुख सुनु भ्राता।। नारद देखा बिकल जयंता। लागि दया कोमल चित संता।। पठवा तुरत राम पहिं ताही। कहेसि पुकारि प्रनत हित पाही।। आतुर सभय गहेसि पद जाई। त्राहि त्राहि दयाल रघुराई।। अतुलित बल अतुलित प्रभुताई। मैं मतिमंद जानि नहिं पाई।। निज कृत कर्म जनित फल पायउँ। अब प्रभु पाहि सरन तकि आयउँ।। सुनि कृपाल अति आरत बानी। एकनयन करि तजा भवानी।।

Impelled by the mantra, the Brahma-arrow sped after the terrified crow. Taking his own form he fled to his father Indra, but Indra, unwilling to shelter one hostile to Ram, would not keep him; he grew hopeless and terrified, like sage Durvasa fleeing the discus. He wandered exhausted and grief-stricken through Brahma's abode, Shiva's city and all the worlds, but no one would let him sit, for who can shelter an enemy of Ram? Tulsidas explains: for one averse to Raghuvir, mother becomes death, father like Yama, nectar turns to poison, a friend acts like a hundred foes, the heavenly Ganga becomes the hell-river Vaitarani, and the whole world grows hotter than fire. Seeing Jayant in distress, the tender-hearted sage Narad at once sent him to Ram, telling him to cry for the protection of the refuge-giver; anxious and afraid, he grasped Ram's feet crying 'Save me, save me, merciful Raghurai! Your strength and majesty are boundless; being dull-witted I could not know them. I have reaped the fruit of my own deeds; now protect me, I have come to your shelter.' Hearing his piteous words the merciful Lord spared him, taking only one of his eyes.

कीन्ह मोह बस द्रोह जद्यपि तेहि कर बध उचित। प्रभु छाड़ेउ करि छोह को कृपाल रघुबीर सम।।2।।

Although he had committed enmity under delusion and deserved to be killed, the Lord spared him out of compassion. Who can be as merciful as Raghuvir?

रघुपति चित्रकूट बसि नाना। चरित किए श्रुति सुधा समाना।। बहुरि राम अस मन अनुमाना। होइहि भीर सबहिं मोहि जाना।। सकल मुनिन्ह सन बिदा कराई। सीता सहित चले द्वौ भाई।। अत्रि के आश्रम जब प्रभु गयऊ। सुनत महामुनि हरषित भयऊ।। पुलकित गात अत्रि उठि धाए। देखि रामु आतुर चलि आए।। करत दंडवत मुनि उर लाए। प्रेम बारि द्वौ जन अन्हवाए।। देखि राम छबि नयन जुड़ाने। सादर निज आश्रम तब आने।। करि पूजा कहि बचन सुहाए। दिए मूल फल प्रभु मन भाए।।

Raghunath dwelt at Chitrakut and performed many deeds sweet as the nectar of the Vedas. Then he reflected that everyone now knew him and crowds would gather, so he took leave of all the sages and the two brothers set out with Sita. When the Lord reached sage Atri's hermitage the great sage was overjoyed to hear of it; thrilled with delight he rose and ran forward, and seeing Ram, hurried to meet him. As Ram prostrated, the sage clasped him to his heart, and the two bathed each other in tears of love. Delighted by Ram's beauty, Atri reverently brought them to his hermitage, worshipped them, spoke sweet words and offered roots and fruits that pleased the Lord.

प्रभु आसन आसीन भरि लोचन सोभा निरखि। मुनिबर परम प्रबीन जोरि पानि अस्तुति करत।।3।।

The Lord took his seat, and the most skilled sage, filling his eyes with Ram's beauty, joined his hands and began to sing his praise.

नमामि भक्त वत्सलं। कृपालु शील कोमलं।। भजामि ते पदांबुजं। अकामिनां स्वधामदं।। निकाम श्याम सुंदरं। भवाम्बुनाथ मंदरं।। प्रफुल्ल कंज लोचनं। मदादि दोष मोचनं।। प्रलंब बाहु विक्रमं। प्रभोऽप्रमेय वैभवं।। निषंग चाप सायकं। धरं त्रिलोक नायकं।। दिनेश वंश मंडनं। महेश चाप खंडनं।। मुनींद्र संत रंजनं। सुरारि वृंद भंजनं।। मनोज वैरि वंदितं। अजादि देव सेवितं।। विशुद्ध बोध विग्रहं। समस्त दूषणापहं।। नमामि इंदिरा पतिं। सुखाकरं सतां गतिं।। भजे सशक्ति सानुजं। शची पतिं प्रियानुजं।। त्वदंघ्रि मूल ये नराः। भजंति हीन मत्सरा।। पतंति नो भवार्णवे। वितर्क वीचि संकुले।। विविक्त वासिनः सदा। भजंति मुक्तये मुदा।। निरस्य इंद्रियादिकं। प्रयांति ते गतिं स्वकं।। तमेकमभ्दुतं प्रभुं। निरीहमीश्वरं विभुं।। जगद्गुरुं च शाश्वतं। तुरीयमेव केवलं।। भजामि भाव वल्लभं। कुयोगिनां सुदुर्लभं।। स्वभक्त कल्प पादपं। समं सुसेव्यमन्वहं।। अनूप रूप भूपतिं। नतोऽहमुर्विजा पतिं।। प्रसीद मे नमामि ते। पदाब्ज भक्ति देहि मे।। पठंति ये स्तवं इदं। नरादरेण ते पदं।। व्रजंति नात्र संशयं। त्वदीय भक्ति संयुता।।

Sage Atri praises Ram: I bow to him who loves his devotees, compassionate and gentle-natured; I worship your lotus feet, giver of your own abode even to the desireless. Ever dark and beautiful, the Mandar mountain that churns the ocean of worldly existence, with full-blown lotus eyes, remover of faults like pride, of long mighty arms and immeasurable glory, bearer of quiver, bow and arrow, lord of the three worlds, ornament of the Sun's dynasty and breaker of Shiva's bow, delighter of great sages and saints, destroyer of the demon hosts, worshipped by Shiva and served by Brahma and the gods, of pure knowledge-form and remover of all blemishes; I bow to the lord of Lakshmi, mine of joy and refuge of the good. Those who worship your feet free of envy do not drown in the tumultuous ocean of existence, and the solitary sages who joyfully worship for liberation, subduing their senses, attain your supreme state. I worship that one wonderful, desireless, all-pervading Lord, eternal teacher of the world, the pure fourth (transcendent) state, dear to true feeling and hard for false yogis to reach, the wish-fulfilling tree for his devotees, easily served and impartial, of incomparable form; I bow to the lord of Sita. Be gracious to me and grant me devotion to your lotus feet; those who recite this hymn with reverence attain your abode, filled with devotion to you, without doubt.

बिनती करि मुनि नाइ सिरु कह कर जोरि बहोरि। चरन सरोरुह नाथ जनि कबहुँ तजै मति मोरि।।4।।

Having offered his prayer, the sage bowed his head and, folding his hands again, said: 'O Lord, may my mind never for a moment abandon your lotus feet.'

अनुसुइया के पद गहि सीता। मिली बहोरि सुसील बिनीता।। रिषिपतिनी मन सुख अधिकाई। आसिष देइ निकट बैठाई।। दिब्य बसन भूषन पहिराए। जे नित नूतन अमल सुहाए।। कह रिषिबधू सरस मृदु बानी। नारिधर्म कछु ब्याज बखानी।। मातु पिता भ्राता हितकारी। मितप्रद सब सुनु राजकुमारी।। अमित दानि भर्ता बयदेही। अधम सो नारि जो सेव न तेही।। धीरज धर्म मित्र अरु नारी। आपद काल परिखिअहिं चारी।। बृद्ध रोगबस जड़ धनहीना। अधं बधिर क्रोधी अति दीना।। ऐसेहु पति कर किएँ अपमाना। नारि पाव जमपुर दुख नाना।। एकइ धर्म एक ब्रत नेमा। कायँ बचन मन पति पद प्रेमा।। जग पति ब्रता चारि बिधि अहहिं। बेद पुरान संत सब कहहिं।। उत्तम के अस बस मन माहीं। सपनेहुँ आन पुरुष जग नाहीं।। मध्यम परपति देखइ कैसें। भ्राता पिता पुत्र निज जैंसें।। धर्म बिचारि समुझि कुल रहई। सो निकिष्ट त्रिय श्रुति अस कहई।। बिनु अवसर भय तें रह जोई। जानेहु अधम नारि जग सोई।। पति बंचक परपति रति करई। रौरव नरक कल्प सत परई।। छन सुख लागि जनम सत कोटि। दुख न समुझ तेहि सम को खोटी।। बिनु श्रम नारि परम गति लहई। पतिब्रत धर्म छाड़ि छल गहई।। पति प्रतिकुल जनम जहँ जाई। बिधवा होई पाई तरुनाई।।

Sita clasped the feet of Anasuya (Atri's wife) and met her, virtuous and humble; greatly pleased, the sage's wife blessed her, seated her near and dressed her in ever-new, spotless divine garments and ornaments. Then, using the occasion, she gently explained a woman's dharma: mother, father and brother give only limited good, but the husband is a boundless benefactor, and base is the wife who does not serve him. Patience, dharma, a friend and a wife are tested in adversity; even if a husband be old, sick, foolish, poor, blind, deaf, angry or wretched, a wife who insults him suffers many torments in Yama's abode. The one true vow is love for the husband's feet in body, speech and mind. There are four kinds of devoted wife: the best never even dreams of another man; the middling regards another man as brother, father or son; the low one stays chaste only from thought of family duty; and the vilest keeps chaste only for lack of opportunity or out of fear. A woman who betrays her husband and loves another falls into the Raurava hell for a hundred ages, trading a moment's pleasure for the suffering of countless births. But a woman who abandons deceit and keeps the vow of devotion to her husband attains the highest state without effort, while one hostile to her husband is born a widow and loses her youth to widowhood wherever she goes.

सहज अपावनि नारि पति सेवत सुभ गति लहइ। जसु गावत श्रुति चारि अजहु तुलसिका हरिहि प्रिय।।5(क)।। सुनु सीता तव नाम सुमिर नारि पतिब्रत करहि। तोहि प्रानप्रिय राम कहिउँ कथा संसार हित।।5(ख)।।

Though a woman be by nature lowly, by serving her husband she attains a blessed state, whose glory the four Vedas sing, and for whom even now the tulsi plant remains dear to Hari. 'Listen, Sita: remembering your very name women will keep the vow of devotion to their husbands. Ram is dear to you as life itself; I have told this story for the good of the world.'

सुनि जानकीं परम सुखु पावा। सादर तासु चरन सिरु नावा।। तब मुनि सन कह कृपानिधाना। आयसु होइ जाउँ बन आना।। संतत मो पर कृपा करेहू। सेवक जानि तजेहु जनि नेहू।। धर्म धुरंधर प्रभु कै बानी। सुनि सप्रेम बोले मुनि ग्यानी।। जासु कृपा अज सिव सनकादी। चहत सकल परमारथ बादी।। ते तुम्ह राम अकाम पिआरे। दीन बंधु मृदु बचन उचारे।। अब जानी मैं श्री चतुराई। भजी तुम्हहि सब देव बिहाई।। जेहि समान अतिसय नहिं कोई। ता कर सील कस न अस होई।। केहि बिधि कहौं जाहु अब स्वामी। कहहु नाथ तुम्ह अंतरजामी।। अस कहि प्रभु बिलोकि मुनि धीरा। लोचन जल बह पुलक सरीरा।।

Hearing this, Janaki gained great joy and reverently bowed her head at Anasuya's feet. Then the merciful Lord said to the sage Atri: 'With your leave let me go to another forest; ever be gracious to me and, knowing me your servant, do not withdraw your love.' Hearing the words of the Lord, upholder of dharma, the wise sage replied lovingly: 'You, whose grace even Brahma, Shiva, Sanak and all seekers of the highest truth desire, are the desireless one dear to all, friend of the humble. Now I understand Lakshmi's cleverness, that she chose to serve you, forsaking all the gods; since none is even equal to you, let alone greater, how could such gentleness not be yours? How can I say ''go now'', O master? You know all hearts, tell me yourself.' Saying this and gazing at the wise sage, the Lord's eyes brimmed with tears and his body thrilled with love.

तन पुलक निर्भर प्रेम पुरन नयन मुख पंकज दिए। मन ग्यान गुन गोतीत प्रभु मैं दीख जप तप का किए।। जप जोग धर्म समूह तें नर भगति अनुपम पावई। रधुबीर चरित पुनीत निसि दिन दास तुलसी गावई।।

His body thrilled and overflowing with love, tears filling his lotus face and eyes, Atri marvelled: 'I have beheld the Lord who is beyond mind, knowledge, qualities and the senses. What japa or austerity did I ever perform to deserve this?' From the whole mass of japa, yoga and dharma a man attains this incomparable devotion; and so servant Tulsidas sings the holy deeds of Raghuvir day and night.

कलिमल समन दमन मन राम सुजस सुखमूल। सादर सुनहि जे तिन्ह पर राम रहहिं अनुकूल।।6(क)।। कठिन काल मल कोस धर्म न ग्यान न जोग जप। परिहरि सकल भरोस रामहि भजहिं ते चतुर नर।।6(ख)।।

Ram's fair fame destroys the impurities of the Kali age, subdues the mind and is the very root of joy; on those who reverently hear it Ram ever remains gracious. This harsh Kali age is a storehouse of sin, in which there is no dharma, knowledge, yoga or japa; those wise men who cast off all other reliance and worship Ram alone are truly clever.

मुनि पद कमल नाइ करि सीसा। चले बनहि सुर नर मुनि ईसा।। आगे राम अनुज पुनि पाछें। मुनि बर बेष बने अति काछें।। उमय बीच श्री सोहइ कैसी। ब्रह्म जीव बिच माया जैसी।। सरिता बन गिरि अवघट घाटा। पति पहिचानी देहिं बर बाटा।। जहँ जहँ जाहि देव रघुराया। करहिं मेध तहँ तहँ नभ छाया।। मिला असुर बिराध मग जाता। आवतहीं रघुवीर निपाता।। तुरतहिं रुचिर रूप तेहिं पावा। देखि दुखी निज धाम पठावा।। पुनि आए जहँ मुनि सरभंगा। सुंदर अनुज जानकी संगा।।

Bowing his head at the sage's lotus feet, Ram, lord of gods, men and sages, set out for the forest, with Ram in front and Lakshman behind in the beautiful garb of a sage. Sita shone between the two like Maya between Brahman and the individual soul. Rivers, forests, mountains and difficult tracks, recognizing their lord, gave him easy passage, and wherever Raghuraya went the clouds spread shade over him. On the way the demon Viradh met them, and Raghuvir slew him the moment he came; at once he regained a lovely form, and Ram, who had seen his earlier suffering, sent him to his own heavenly abode. Then, with his handsome brother and Janaki, they came to where sage Sharabhanga dwelt.

देखी राम मुख पंकज मुनिबर लोचन भृंग। सादर पान करत अति धन्य जन्म सरभंग।।7।।

Seeing Ram's lotus face, the great sage's eyes, like bees, reverently drank in its beauty; blessed indeed is the birth of Sharabhanga.

कह मुनि सुनु रघुबीर कृपाला। संकर मानस राजमराला।। जात रहेउँ बिरंचि के धामा। सुनेउँ श्रवन बन ऐहहिं रामा।। चितवत पंथ रहेउँ दिन राती। अब प्रभु देखि जुड़ानी छाती।। नाथ सकल साधन मैं हीना। कीन्ही कृपा जानि जन दीना।। सो कछु देव न मोहि निहोरा। निज पन राखेउ जन मन चोरा।। तब लगि रहहु दीन हित लागी। जब लगि मिलौं तुम्हहि तनु त्यागी।। जोग जग्य जप तप ब्रत कीन्हा। प्रभु कहँ देइ भगति बर लीन्हा।। एहि बिधि सर रचि मुनि सरभंगा। बैठे हृदयँ छाड़ि सब संगा।।

The sage said: 'Listen, merciful Raghuvir, royal swan of Shankar's mind-lake. I was setting out for Brahma's abode when I heard that Ram would come to the forest, so I watched the road day and night; now, beholding you, my heart is soothed. Lord, I am destitute of all spiritual means, yet you showed grace, knowing me a humble servant. This is no favour owed to me; you have simply kept your own vow, O stealer of your servants' hearts. Stay for the sake of this humble one until I give up my body and reach you.' Whatever yoga, sacrifice, japa, austerity and vows he had performed, he offered to the Lord and in return took the boon of devotion; and thus sage Sharabhanga built a pyre and sat upon it, casting off all attachment from his heart.

सीता अनुज समेत प्रभु नील जलद तनु स्याम। मम हियँ बसहु निरंतर सगुनरुप श्रीराम।।8।।

'With Sita and your brother, O Lord whose body is dark as a blue rain-cloud, dwell forever in my heart, O embodied Shri Ram.'

अस कहि जोग अगिनि तनु जारा। राम कृपाँ बैकुंठ सिधारा।। ताते मुनि हरि लीन न भयऊ। प्रथमहिं भेद भगति बर लयऊ।। रिषि निकाय मुनिबर गति देखि। सुखी भए निज हृदयँ बिसेषी।। अस्तुति करहिं सकल मुनि बृंदा। जयति प्रनत हित करुना कंदा।। पुनि रघुनाथ चले बन आगे। मुनिबर बृंद बिपुल सँग लागे।। अस्थि समूह देखि रघुराया। पूछी मुनिन्ह लागि अति दाया।। जानतहुँ पूछिअ कस स्वामी। सबदरसी तुम्ह अंतरजामी।। निसिचर निकर सकल मुनि खाए। सुनि रघुबीर नयन जल छाए।।

Saying this, he burned his body in the fire of yoga and by Ram's grace went to Vaikunth; because he had first taken the boon of devotion with distinction, the sage did not merge formlessly into Hari. Seeing the state attained by that great sage, the assembled sages rejoiced in their hearts and all sang praise: 'Victory to the compassionate one, root of mercy and benefactor of the surrendered!' Then Raghunath went further into the forest, followed by a great throng of sages. Seeing a heap of bones, Raghuraya, moved with deep pity, asked the sages about it; they replied, 'Why do you ask though you know, master, for you are all-seeing and know all hearts? Hosts of demons devoured all these sages.' Hearing this, Raghuvir's eyes filled with tears.

निसिचर हीन करउँ महि भुज उठाइ पन कीन्ह। सकल मुनिन्ह के आश्रमन्हि जाइ जाइ सुख दीन्ह।।9।।

Raising his arm, Ram took a vow: 'I will rid the earth of demons.' Then he went to the hermitage of each of the sages in turn and gave them joy.

मुनि अगस्ति कर सिष्य सुजाना। नाम सुतीछन रति भगवाना।। मन क्रम बचन राम पद सेवक। सपनेहुँ आन भरोस न देवक।। प्रभु आगवनु श्रवन सुनि पावा। करत मनोरथ आतुर धावा।। हे बिधि दीनबंधु रघुराया। मो से सठ पर करिहहिं दाया।। सहित अनुज मोहि राम गोसाई। मिलिहहिं निज सेवक की नाई।। मोरे जियँ भरोस दृढ़ नाहीं। भगति बिरति न ग्यान मन माहीं।। नहिं सतसंग जोग जप जागा। नहिं दृढ़ चरन कमल अनुरागा।। एक बानि करुनानिधान की। सो प्रिय जाकें गति न आन की।। होइहैं सुफल आजु मम लोचन। देखि बदन पंकज भव मोचन।। निर्भर प्रेम मगन मुनि ग्यानी। कहि न जाइ सो दसा भवानी।। दिसि अरु बिदिसि पंथ नहिं सूझा। को मैं चलेउँ कहाँ नहिं बूझा।। कबहुँक फिरि पाछें पुनि जाई। कबहुँक नृत्य करइ गुन गाई।। अबिरल प्रेम भगति मुनि पाई। प्रभु देखैं तरु ओट लुकाई।। अतिसय प्रीति देखि रघुबीरा। प्रगटे हृदयँ हरन भव भीरा।। मुनि मग माझ अचल होइ बैसा। पुलक सरीर पनस फल जैसा।। तब रघुनाथ निकट चलि आए। देखि दसा निज जन मन भाए।। मुनिहि राम बहु भाँति जगावा। जाग न ध्यानजनित सुख पावा।। भूप रूप तब राम दुरावा। हृदयँ चतुर्भुज रूप देखावा।। मुनि अकुलाइ उठा तब कैसें। बिकल हीन मनि फनि बर जैसें।। आगें देखि राम तन स्यामा। सीता अनुज सहित सुख धामा।। परेउ लकुट इव चरनन्हि लागी। प्रेम मगन मुनिबर बड़भागी।। भुज बिसाल गहि लिए उठाई। परम प्रीति राखे उर लाई।। मुनिहि मिलत अस सोह कृपाला। कनक तरुहि जनु भेंट तमाला।। राम बदनु बिलोक मुनि ठाढ़ा। मानहुँ चित्र माझ लिखि काढ़ा।।

Sage Agastya had a wise disciple named Sutikshna, devoted to the Lord, a servant of Ram's feet in mind, deed and word, who trusted no other god even in dreams. When he heard the Lord was coming, he ran eagerly, forming longings: 'O Fate, will Raghuraya, friend of the humble, show mercy to a fool like me? Will Ram embrace me with his brother like his own servant? My heart has no firm faith, no devotion, dispassion or knowledge; I have no company of saints, no yoga, japa or sacrifice, nor firm love for his lotus feet. Yet the treasure of compassion has one trait: he is dear to whoever has no other refuge. Today my eyes will be rewarded, beholding his lotus face that frees one from worldly existence.' Absorbed in overflowing love, the sage could not tell direction or path, nor who he was or where he was going; sometimes he turned back, sometimes he danced and sang the Lord's virtues. Seeing his intense, unbroken devotion, Raghuvir hid behind a tree and watched, then appeared in his heart to remove his fear of existence. The sage sat motionless in the middle of the path, his body bristling like a jackfruit; Ram came near, pleased at his devotee's state, and tried in many ways to rouse him, but he would not wake from the bliss of meditation. Then Ram hid his kingly form and revealed the four-armed form within the sage's heart; the sage started up in distress, like an excellent serpent robbed of its gem. Seeing the dark-bodied Ram before him with Sita and his brother, he fell full-length like a rod at his feet, absorbed in love, that most blessed sage. With his broad arms Ram lifted him and held him lovingly to his heart; the merciful Lord embracing the sage looked like a golden tree meeting a dark tamala tree, and the sage stood gazing at Ram's face as if painted in a picture.

तब मुनि हृदयँ धीर धीर गहि पद बारहिं बार। निज आश्रम प्रभु आनि करि पूजा बिबिध प्रकार।।10।।

Then the sage, slowly gathering courage in his heart, grasped the Lord's feet again and again, brought him to his own hermitage and worshipped him in many ways.

कह मुनि प्रभु सुनु बिनती मोरी। अस्तुति करौं कवन बिधि तोरी।। महिमा अमित मोरि मति थोरी। रबि सन्मुख खद्योत अँजोरी।। श्याम तामरस दाम शरीरं। जटा मुकुट परिधन मुनिचीरं।। पाणि चाप शर कटि तूणीरं। नौमि निरंतर श्रीरघुवीरं।। मोह विपिन घन दहन कृशानुः। संत सरोरुह कानन भानुः।। निशिचर करि वरूथ मृगराजः। त्रातु सदा नो भव खग बाजः।। अरुण नयन राजीव सुवेशं। सीता नयन चकोर निशेशं।। हर ह्रदि मानस बाल मरालं। नौमि राम उर बाहु विशालं।। संशय सर्प ग्रसन उरगादः। शमन सुकर्कश तर्क विषादः।। भव भंजन रंजन सुर यूथः। त्रातु सदा नो कृपा वरूथः।। निर्गुण सगुण विषम सम रूपं। ज्ञान गिरा गोतीतमनूपं।। अमलमखिलमनवद्यमपारं। नौमि राम भंजन महि भारं।। भक्त कल्पपादप आरामः। तर्जन क्रोध लोभ मद कामः।। अति नागर भव सागर सेतुः। त्रातु सदा दिनकर कुल केतुः।। अतुलित भुज प्रताप बल धामः। कलि मल विपुल विभंजन नामः।। धर्म वर्म नर्मद गुण ग्रामः। संतत शं तनोतु मम रामः।। जदपि बिरज ब्यापक अबिनासी। सब के हृदयँ निरंतर बासी।। तदपि अनुज श्री सहित खरारी। बसतु मनसि मम काननचारी।। जे जानहिं ते जानहुँ स्वामी। सगुन अगुन उर अंतरजामी।। जो कोसल पति राजिव नयना। करउ सो राम हृदय मम अयना। अस अभिमान जाइ जनि भोरे। मैं सेवक रघुपति पति मोरे।। सुनि मुनि बचन राम मन भाए। बहुरि हरषि मुनिबर उर लाए।। परम प्रसन्न जानु मुनि मोही। जो बर मागहु देउ सो तोही।। मुनि कह मै बर कबहुँ न जाचा। समुझि न परइ झूठ का साचा।। तुम्हहि नीक लागै रघुराई। सो मोहि देहु दास सुखदाई।। अबिरल भगति बिरति बिग्याना। होहु सकल गुन ग्यान निधाना।। प्रभु जो दीन्ह सो बरु मैं पावा। अब सो देहु मोहि जो भावा।।

The sage said: 'Lord, hear my prayer. How can I praise you? Your glory is boundless and my wit tiny, like a firefly's light before the sun.' Then he sang: I ever bow to Shri Raghuvir, dark as a garland of blue lotuses, wearing a crown of matted locks and sage's bark, holding bow and arrow with a quiver at his waist; the fire that burns the dense forest of delusion, the sun to the lotus-grove of saints, the lion to the herd of demon-elephants, the hawk that destroys the bird of worldly existence, may he ever protect us. Red-eyed and beautifully attired, the moon to the chakor-bird of Sita's eyes, the young swan in the Manas-lake of Shiva's heart, broad of chest and arm, the Garuda that devours the serpent of doubt, the calmer of the harsh grief of dry logic, delighter of the gods and armour of compassion, may he ever save us. Of form both with and without attributes, gentle and terrible, beyond knowledge, speech and senses, pure, faultless and boundless, remover of earth's burden, wish-tree for devotees, subduer of anger, greed, pride and lust, bridge over the ocean of existence, banner of the Sun's dynasty, of unequalled arms and might whose name destroys the sins of Kali, armour of dharma and treasury of virtues, may my Ram ever grant me welfare. Though he is passionless, all-pervading and imperishable, ever dwelling in every heart, yet may the slayer of Khara, the forest-wanderer, with Sita and his brother, dwell in my mind; may lotus-eyed Ram, lord of Kosala, make my heart his home, and may this pride never leave me even by mistake, that I am the servant and Raghupati is my lord. Pleased by the sage's words, Ram joyfully embraced him and said, 'Know me most pleased; ask any boon and I will grant it.' The sage replied, 'I have never begged a boon, for I cannot tell what is false from what is true; give me whatever pleases you, giver of joy to your servants.' 'Then have unbroken devotion, dispassion and wisdom, and become a treasury of all virtues and knowledge.' 'The boon you have given I have received; now grant me that which I truly desire.'

अनुज जानकी सहित प्रभु चाप बान धर राम। मम हिय गगन इंदु इव बसहु सदा निहकाम।।11।।

'With your brother and Janaki, O Lord Ram, bearer of bow and arrow, dwell forever, free of all desire, like the moon in the sky of my heart.'

एवमस्तु करि रमानिवासा। हरषि चले कुभंज रिषि पासा।। बहुत दिवस गुर दरसन पाएँ। भए मोहि एहिं आश्रम आएँ।। अब प्रभु संग जाउँ गुर पाहीं। तुम्ह कहँ नाथ निहोरा नाहीं।। देखि कृपानिधि मुनि चतुराई। लिए संग बिहसै द्वौ भाई।। पंथ कहत निज भगति अनूपा। मुनि आश्रम पहुँचे सुरभूपा।। तुरत सुतीछन गुर पहिं गयऊ। करि दंडवत कहत अस भयऊ।। नाथ कौसलाधीस कुमारा। आए मिलन जगत आधारा।। राम अनुज समेत बैदेही। निसि दिनु देव जपत हहु जेही।। सुनत अगस्ति तुरत उठि धाए। हरि बिलोकि लोचन जल छाए।। मुनि पद कमल परे द्वौ भाई। रिषि अति प्रीति लिए उर लाई।। सादर कुसल पूछि मुनि ग्यानी। आसन बर बैठारे आनी।। पुनि करि बहु प्रकार प्रभु पूजा। मोहि सम भाग्यवंत नहिं दूजा।। जहँ लगि रहे अपर मुनि बृंदा। हरषे सब बिलोकि सुखकंदा।।

Saying 'so be it,' the abode of Lakshmi (Ram) joyfully set out toward sage Kumbhaj (Agastya). Sutikshna said, 'For many days since coming to this hermitage I have not seen my guru; now I will go to him with you, Lord, though I do you no favour by it.' Seeing the sage's guileless cleverness, the two brothers smilingly took him along, and as he told of his matchless devotion on the way, the King of gods reached Agastya's hermitage. Sutikshna at once went to his guru, prostrated and said, 'Lord, the princes of Kosala's king, the support of the world, have come to meet you, Ram with his brother and Vaidehi, whom you chant night and day.' Hearing this, Agastya rose and ran; seeing Hari his eyes brimmed with tears. Both brothers fell at the sage's lotus feet, and he embraced them with great love, reverently asked their welfare and seated them on a fine seat. Worshipping the Lord in many ways, he felt there was none as fortunate as himself, and all the other sages present rejoiced to behold the source of bliss.

मुनि समूह महँ बैठे सन्मुख सब की ओर। सरद इंदु तन चितवत मानहुँ निकर चकोर।।12।।

Seated amid the throng of sages, facing every side, Ram gazed at all of them, and they gazed at his autumn-moon-like face like a flock of chakor birds.

तब रघुबीर कहा मुनि पाहीं। तुम्ह सन प्रभु दुराव कछु नाही।। तुम्ह जानहु जेहि कारन आयउँ। ताते तात न कहि समुझायउँ।। अब सो मंत्र देहु प्रभु मोही। जेहि प्रकार मारौं मुनिद्रोही।। मुनि मुसकाने सुनि प्रभु बानी। पूछेहु नाथ मोहि का जानी।। तुम्हरेइँ भजन प्रभाव अघारी। जानउँ महिमा कछुक तुम्हारी।। ऊमरि तरु बिसाल तव माया। फल ब्रह्मांड अनेक निकाया।। जीव चराचर जंतु समाना। भीतर बसहि न जानहिं आना।। ते फल भच्छक कठिन कराला। तव भयँ डरत सदा सोउ काला।। ते तुम्ह सकल लोकपति साईं। पूँछेहु मोहि मनुज की नाईं।। यह बर मागउँ कृपानिकेता। बसहु हृदयँ श्री अनुज समेता।। अबिरल भगति बिरति सतसंगा। चरन सरोरुह प्रीति अभंगा।। जद्यपि ब्रह्म अखंड अनंता। अनुभव गम्य भजहिं जेहि संता।। अस तव रूप बखानउँ जानउँ। फिरि फिरि सगुन ब्रह्म रति मानउँ।। संतत दासन्ह देहु बड़ाई। तातें मोहि पूँछेहु रघुराई।। है प्रभु परम मनोहर ठाऊँ। पावन पंचबटी तेहि नाऊँ।। दंडक बन पुनीत प्रभु करहू। उग्र साप मुनिबर कर हरहू।। बास करहु तहँ रघुकुल राया। कीजे सकल मुनिन्ह पर दाया।। चले राम मुनि आयसु पाई। तुरतहिं पंचबटी निअराई।।

Then Raghuvir said to the sage, 'Nothing is hidden from you, Lord; you know why I have come, so I did not explain it, father. Now give me the counsel by which I may slay the enemies of the sages.' The sage smiled and said, 'What do you take me for, Lord, that you ask me? By the power of worshipping you I know but a little of your glory: your Maya is like a vast fig tree whose fruits are the countless universes, and all moving and unmoving creatures are like the insects within its fruit, dwelling inside and knowing nothing beyond. The devourer of those fruits is harsh and terrible, and even Time itself ever dreads your dread; you are the lord of all the world-guardians, yet you ask me as though you were a mere man. This boon I ask, abode of grace: dwell in my heart with Sita and your brother, and grant me unbroken devotion, dispassion, holy company and unbreakable love for your lotus feet. Though Brahman is undivided, infinite and known only by experience, whom saints worship, such is the form I describe and know, and again and again I delight in the Ram who is Brahman with attributes. You ever exalt your servants, and that is why you asked me, Raghurai. There is a most charming, holy place named Panchavati, Lord; make the Dandak forest sacred and remove the harsh curse laid on it, dwell there, O king of Raghus, and show mercy on all the sages.' Receiving the sage's leave, Ram set out and soon drew near Panchavati.

गीधराज सैं भैंट भइ बहु बिधि प्रीति बढ़ाइ।। गोदावरी निकट प्रभु रहे परन गृह छाइ।।13।।

The Lord met the king of vultures (Jatayu) and deepened their affection in many ways; then, near the Godavari, he settled down, thatching a hut of leaves.

जब ते राम कीन्ह तहँ बासा। सुखी भए मुनि बीती त्रासा।। गिरि बन नदीं ताल छबि छाए। दिन दिन प्रति अति हौहिं सुहाए।। खग मृग बृंद अनंदित रहहीं। मधुप मधुर गंजत छबि लहहीं।। सो बन बरनि न सक अहिराजा। जहाँ प्रगट रघुबीर बिराजा।। एक बार प्रभु सुख आसीना। लछिमन बचन कहे छलहीना।। सुर नर मुनि सचराचर साईं। मैं पूछउँ निज प्रभु की नाई।। मोहि समुझाइ कहहु सोइ देवा। सब तजि करौं चरन रज सेवा।। कहहु ग्यान बिराग अरु माया। कहहु सो भगति करहु जेहिं दाया।।

From the time Ram made his home there, the sages grew happy and their fear passed away; the hills, forests, rivers and lakes grew lovelier by the day, flocks of birds and beasts stayed joyful, and bees hummed sweetly. That forest, where Raghuvir shone in manifest form, cannot be described even by the serpent-king Shesha. Once, as the Lord sat at ease, Lakshman spoke guileless words: 'O lord of gods, men, sages and all creation, I ask you as your own servant: explain that truth to me, O Lord, so that leaving all else I may serve the dust of your feet. Tell me of knowledge, dispassion and Maya, and of the devotion by which you show your grace.'

ईस्वर जीव भेद प्रभु सकल कहौ समुझाइ।। जातें होइ चरन रति सोक मोह भ्रम जाइ।।14।।

'Lord, explain fully the distinction between Ishwar (God) and the jiva (soul), by which love for your feet may arise and grief, delusion and error may depart.'

थोरेहि महँ सब कहउँ बुझाई। सुनहु तात मति मन चित लाई।। मैं अरु मोर तोर तैं माया। जेहिं बस कीन्हे जीव निकाया।। गो गोचर जहँ लगि मन जाई। सो सब माया जानेहु भाई।। तेहि कर भेद सुनहु तुम्ह सोऊ। बिद्या अपर अबिद्या दोऊ।। एक दुष्ट अतिसय दुखरूपा। जा बस जीव परा भवकूपा।। एक रचइ जग गुन बस जाकें। प्रभु प्रेरित नहिं निज बल ताकें।। ग्यान मान जहँ एकउ नाहीं। देख ब्रह्म समान सब माही।। कहिअ तात सो परम बिरागी। तृन सम सिद्धि तीनि गुन त्यागी।।

'In brief I will tell you all; listen, dear, with mind and heart attentive. ''I'', ''mine'', ''you'', ''yours'' — this is Maya, by which all creatures are held in bondage; know as Maya, brother, whatever the mind and senses can reach. Hear too its two kinds: knowledge (vidya) and ignorance (avidya). One is wicked and utterly full of suffering, and by it the soul falls into the pit of worldly existence; the other creates the world, being under the sway of the qualities and impelled by the Lord, not by its own power. But where there is not a trace of the pride of knowledge, and one sees Brahman equally in all, call him, dear, the supremely dispassionate one, who has renounced the three qualities and all powers as worthless as straw.'

माया ईस न आपु कहुँ जान कहिअ सो जीव। बंध मोच्छ प्रद सर्बपर माया प्रेरक सीव।।15।।

'That which knows neither Maya, nor the Lord, nor even itself is called the jiva. He who grants both bondage and liberation, is beyond all, and impels Maya, is the Supreme (Ishwar).'

धर्म तें बिरति जोग तें ग्याना। ग्यान मोच्छप्रद बेद बखाना।। जातें बेगि द्रवउँ मैं भाई। सो मम भगति भगत सुखदाई।। सो सुतंत्र अवलंब न आना। तेहि आधीन ग्यान बिग्याना।। भगति तात अनुपम सुखमूला। मिलइ जो संत होइँ अनुकूला।। भगति कि साधन कहउँ बखानी। सुगम पंथ मोहि पावहिं प्रानी।। प्रथमहिं बिप्र चरन अति प्रीती। निज निज कर्म निरत श्रुति रीती।। एहि कर फल पुनि बिषय बिरागा। तब मम धर्म उपज अनुरागा।। श्रवनादिक नव भक्ति दृढ़ाहीं। मम लीला रति अति मन माहीं।। संत चरन पंकज अति प्रेमा। मन क्रम बचन भजन दृढ़ नेमा।। गुरु पितु मातु बंधु पति देवा। सब मोहि कहँ जाने दृढ़ सेवा।। मम गुन गावत पुलक सरीरा। गदगद गिरा नयन बह नीरा।। काम आदि मद दंभ न जाकें। तात निरंतर बस मैं ताकें।।

'From dharma comes dispassion, from yoga comes knowledge, and knowledge grants liberation, the Vedas declare. But that by which I am quickly moved to grace, brother, is my devotion, which gives joy to my devotees; it is independent and needs no other support, and knowledge and realization are subordinate to it. Devotion, dear, is the incomparable root of joy, obtained when saints are gracious. Let me explain its means, an easy path by which men attain me: first, deep love for the feet of Brahmins, each engaged in his own duties by the Vedic way; from this comes dispassion toward the senses, and then love for my worship arises; the nine forms of devotion grow firm, with intense love for my sport; deep love for the lotus feet of saints, and a firm vow of worship in mind, deed and word; knowing guru, father, mother, kinsman, husband and god all as myself, with steadfast service; singing my virtues so that the body thrills, the voice falters and tears flow. In one who has no lust, pride or hypocrisy, dear, I dwell forever.'

बचन कर्म मन मोरि गति भजनु करहिं निःकाम।। तिन्ह के हृदय कमल महुँ करउँ सदा बिश्राम।।16।।

'Those who in word, deed and mind take refuge in me and worship me without desire — in the lotus of their hearts I ever take my rest.'

भगति जोग सुनि अति सुख पावा। लछिमन प्रभु चरनन्हि सिरु नावा।। एहि बिधि गए कछुक दिन बीती। कहत बिराग ग्यान गुन नीती।। सूपनखा रावन कै बहिनी। दुष्ट हृदय दारुन जस अहिनी।। पंचबटी सो गइ एक बारा। देखि बिकल भइ जुगल कुमारा।। भ्राता पिता पुत्र उरगारी। पुरुष मनोहर निरखत नारी।। होइ बिकल सक मनहि न रोकी। जिमि रबिमनि द्रव रबिहि बिलोकी।। रुचिर रुप धरि प्रभु पहिं जाई। बोली बचन बहुत मुसुकाई।। तुम्ह सम पुरुष न मो सम नारी। यह सँजोग बिधि रचा बिचारी।। मम अनुरूप पुरुष जग माहीं। देखेउँ खोजि लोक तिहु नाहीं।। ताते अब लगि रहिउँ कुमारी। मनु माना कछु तुम्हहि निहारी।। सीतहि चितइ कही प्रभु बाता। अहइ कुआर मोर लघु भ्राता।। गइ लछिमन रिपु भगिनी जानी। प्रभु बिलोकि बोले मृदु बानी।। सुंदरि सुनु मैं उन्ह कर दासा। पराधीन नहिं तोर सुपासा।। प्रभु समर्थ कोसलपुर राजा। जो कछु करहिं उनहि सब छाजा।। सेवक सुख चह मान भिखारी। ब्यसनी धन सुभ गति बिभिचारी।। लोभी जसु चह चार गुमानी। नभ दुहि दूध चहत ए प्रानी।। पुनि फिरि राम निकट सो आई। प्रभु लछिमन पहिं बहुरि पठाई।। लछिमन कहा तोहि सो बरई। जो तृन तोरि लाज परिहरई।। तब खिसिआनि राम पहिं गई। रूप भयंकर प्रगटत भई।। सीतहि सभय देखि रघुराई। कहा अनुज सन सयन बुझाई।।

Hearing this yoga of devotion, Lakshman gained great joy and bowed his head at the Lord's feet, and so some days passed in talk of dispassion, knowledge, virtue and morality. Shurpanakha, Ravana's sister, wicked-hearted and terrible as a serpent-woman, once came to Panchavati and, seeing the two princes, was overcome with lust — for a woman gazing at a charming man is stirred beyond restraint, be he brother, father or son, like the sun-gem melting at the sight of the sun. Taking a lovely form she went to the Lord and said with many smiles, 'There is no man like you nor woman like me; the Creator has made this match with care. I have searched all three worlds and found no man to match me, so I have stayed unmarried till now, and my heart is somewhat pleased on seeing you.' Glancing at Sita, the Lord said, 'My younger brother is a bachelor.' She went to Lakshman, who, knowing her the enemy's sister, looked at the Lord and gently said, 'Fair one, I am his servant and dependent, so you would find no comfort with me; the Lord, king of Kosala, is capable, and whatever he does befits him. A servant wanting comfort, a beggar wanting honour, an addict wanting wealth, an adulterer wanting heaven, a greedy man wanting fame, and a proud man wanting all four goals — these people are like men trying to milk milk from the sky.' She returned to Ram, who sent her back to Lakshman; Lakshman said, 'He will marry you who tears off his shame like a straw.' Then, humiliated and enraged, she went to Ram and revealed her fearsome form; seeing Sita frightened, Raghurai signalled his brother to punish her.

लछिमन अति लाघवँ सो नाक कान बिनु कीन्हि। ताके कर रावन कहँ मनौ चुनौती दीन्हि।।17।।

Lakshman, with great deftness, cut off her nose and ears, as if by her hand sending a challenge to Ravana.

नाक कान बिनु भइ बिकरारा। जनु स्त्रव सैल गैरु कै धारा।। खर दूषन पहिं गइ बिलपाता। धिग धिग तव पौरुष बल भ्राता।। तेहि पूछा सब कहेसि बुझाई। जातुधान सुनि सेन बनाई।। धाए निसिचर निकर बरूथा। जनु सपच्छ कज्जल गिरि जूथा।। नाना बाहन नानाकारा। नानायुध धर घोर अपारा।। सुपनखा आगें करि लीनी। असुभ रूप श्रुति नासा हीनी।। असगुन अमित होहिं भयकारी। गनहिं न मृत्यु बिबस सब झारी।। गर्जहि तर्जहिं गगन उड़ाहीं। देखि कटकु भट अति हरषाहीं।। कोउ कह जिअत धरहु द्वौ भाई। धरि मारहु तिय लेहु छड़ाई।। धूरि पूरि नभ मंडल रहा। राम बोलाइ अनुज सन कहा।। लै जानकिहि जाहु गिरि कंदर। आवा निसिचर कटकु भयंकर।। रहेहु सजग सुनि प्रभु कै बानी। चले सहित श्री सर धनु पानी।। देखि राम रिपुदल चलि आवा। बिहसि कठिन कोदंड चढ़ावा।।

Without her nose and ears she became hideous, like a stream of red ochre pouring from a mountain, and went wailing to Khar and Dushan: 'Shame, shame on your manhood and might, brothers!' They questioned her, and when she explained, the demons mustered an army. Hosts of demons rushed forth like winged mountains of collyrium, with many vehicles, many forms and many dread weapons beyond count, placing the earless, noseless Shurpanakha in front. Countless fearful omens appeared, but the whole doomed host, gripped by death, ignored them; they roared, threatened and flew through the sky, and the warriors rejoiced at the sight of the army, some crying, 'Seize the two brothers alive, kill them and carry off the woman!' As dust filled the whole sky, Ram called his brother and said, 'Take Janaki to a mountain cave, for the fearsome demon army has come; stay alert.' Hearing the Lord's words, Lakshman went with Sita, bow and arrow in hand, and Ram, seeing the enemy host advance, smiled and strung his mighty bow.

कोदंड कठिन चढ़ाइ सिर जट जूट बाँधत सोह क्यों। मरकत सयल पर लरत दामिनि कोटि सों जुग भुजग ज्यों।। कटि कसि निषंग बिसाल भुज गहि चाप बिसिख सुधारि कै।। चितवत मनहुँ मृगराज प्रभु गजराज घटा निहारि कै।।

How splendid Ram looks stringing his mighty bow and binding up his matted locks upon his head — like millions of lightning-flashes battling on an emerald mountain, or a pair of serpents entwined. Binding the quiver at his waist, grasping the bow with his mighty arms and setting the arrow right, the Lord gazed at the foe as a lion gazes at a herd of elephants dense as storm-clouds.

आइ गए बगमेल धरहु धरहु धावत सुभट। जथा बिलोकि अकेल बाल रबिहि घेरत दनुज।।18।।

The brave warriors came rushing headlong in a torrent, crying 'Seize! Seize!' — just as demons surround the lone rising sun in his childhood.

प्रभु बिलोकि सर सकहिं न डारी। थकित भई रजनीचर धारी।। सचिव बोलि बोले खर दूषन। यह कोउ नृपबालक नर भूषन।। नाग असुर सुर नर मुनि जेते। देखे जिते हते हम केते।। हम भरि जन्म सुनहु सब भाई। देखी नहिं असि सुंदरताई।। जद्यपि भगिनी कीन्ह कुरूपा। बध लायक नहिं पुरुष अनूपा।। देहु तुरत निज नारि दुराई। जीअत भवन जाहु द्वौ भाई।। मोर कहा तुम्ह ताहि सुनावहु। तासु बचन सुनि आतुर आवहु।। दूतन्ह कहा राम सन जाई। सुनत राम बोले मुसकाई।। हम छत्री मृगया बन करहीं। तुम्ह से खल मृग खौजत फिरहीं।। रिपु बलवंत देखि नहिं डरहीं। एक बार कालहु सन लरहीं।। जद्यपि मनुज दनुज कुल घालक। मुनि पालक खल सालक बालक।। जौं न होइ बल घर फिरि जाहू। समर बिमुख मैं हतउँ न काहू।। रन चढ़ि करिअ कपट चतुराई। रिपु पर कृपा परम कदराई।। दूतन्ह जाइ तुरत सब कहेऊ। सुनि खर दूषन उर अति दहेऊ।।

Beholding the Lord, the demon horde was so stunned they could not even loose their arrows. Khar and Dushan called their ministers, who said this must be some royal prince, an ornament among men: among all the nagas, asuras, gods, men and sages we have seen, conquered and slain, never in our whole lives have we beheld such beauty. Though he mutilated our sister, this peerless man does not deserve death, so let him give up his hidden wife at once and both brothers go home alive. The messengers carried this message to Ram, who smiled and replied that they were Kshatriyas who hunt wicked beasts like them in the forest, fear no strong foe and even fight with Death himself; if the demons have no strength let them turn home, for he never slays one who flees battle, and to fight with cunning and then show mercy to a foe is utter cowardice. The messengers reported this and Khar and Dushan's hearts burned with rage.

उर दहेउ कहेउ कि धरहु धाए बिकट भट रजनीचरा। सर चाप तोमर सक्ति सूल कृपान परिघ परसु धरा।। प्रभु कीन्ह धनुष टकोर प्रथम कठोर घोर भयावहा। भए बधिर ब्याकुल जातुधान न ग्यान तेहि अवसर रहा।।

With their hearts burning, they ordered their fierce demon warriors to charge and seize him, and the warriors rushed forth bearing arrows, bows, javelins, spears, tridents, swords, iron clubs and axes. The Lord first twanged his bowstring, and that harsh, terrible, dreadful sound made the demons deaf and bewildered, so that in that moment they lost all their senses.

सावधान होइ धाए जानि सबल आराति। लागे बरषन राम पर अस्त्र सस्त्र बहु भाँति।।19(क)।। तिन्ह के आयुध तिल सम करि काटे रघुबीर। तानि सरासन श्रवन लगि पुनि छाँड़े निज तीर।।19(ख)।।

Recovering themselves and knowing the enemy to be strong, the demons charged and began raining many kinds of weapons and missiles upon Ram. But Raghubir cut their weapons to pieces as fine as sesame seeds, and then, drawing his bow right to his ear, he released his own arrows.

तब चले जान बबान कराल। फुंकरत जनु बहु ब्याल।। कोपेउ समर श्रीराम। चले बिसिख निसित निकाम।। अवलोकि खरतर तीर। मुरि चले निसिचर बीर।। भए क्रुद्ध तीनिउ भाइ। जो भागि रन ते जाइ।। तेहि बधब हम निज पानि। फिरे मरन मन महुँ ठानि।। आयुध अनेक प्रकार। सनमुख ते करहिं प्रहार।। रिपु परम कोपे जानि। प्रभु धनुष सर संधानि।। छाँड़े बिपुल नाराच। लगे कटन बिकट पिसाच।। उर सीस भुज कर चरन। जहँ तहँ लगे महि परन।। चिक्करत लागत बान। धर परत कुधर समान।। भट कटत तन सत खंड। पुनि उठत करि पाषंड।। नभ उड़त बहु भुज मुंड। बिनु मौलि धावत रुंड।। खग कंक काक सृगाल। कटकटहिं कठिन कराल।। कटकटहिं ज़ंबुक भूत प्रेत पिसाच खर्पर संचहीं। बेताल बीर कपाल ताल बजाइ जोगिनि नंचहीं।। रघुबीर बान प्रचंड खंडहिं भटन्ह के उर भुज सिरा। जहँ तहँ परहिं उठि लरहिं धर धरु धरु करहिं भयकर गिरा।। अंतावरीं गहि उड़त गीध पिसाच कर गहि धावहीं।। संग्राम पुर बासी मनहुँ बहु बाल गुड़ी उड़ावहीं।। मारे पछारे उर बिदारे बिपुल भट कहँरत परे। अवलोकि निज दल बिकल भट तिसिरादि खर दूषन फिरे।। सर सक्ति तोमर परसु सूल कृपान एकहि बारहीं। करि कोप श्रीरघुबीर पर अगनित निसाचर डारहीं।। प्रभु निमिष महुँ रिपु सर निवारि पचारि डारे सायका। दस दस बिसिख उर माझ मारे सकल निसिचर नायका।। महि परत उठि भट भिरत मरत न करत माया अति घनी। सुर डरत चौदह सहस प्रेत बिलोकि एक अवध धनी।। सुर मुनि सभय प्रभु देखि मायानाथ अति कौतुक कर् यो। देखहि परसपर राम करि संग्राम रिपुदल लरि मर् यो।।

Then the terrible arrows flew hissing like many serpents, and Shri Ram, roused to fury in battle, sent his sharp arrows speeding; seeing them the demon warriors turned and fled. The three brothers grew enraged, vowing to kill with their own hands any who fled the field, so resolving on death they turned back and attacked face to face with many weapons; knowing his foes furious, the Lord fitted arrows and loosed countless shafts that cut the demons to pieces, their chests, heads, arms, hands and feet falling everywhere, their bodies crashing down like mountains. The warriors were cut into a hundred fragments yet rose again by illusion, headless trunks running about while kites, crows, jackals, vampires, ghosts and yoginis feasted, danced and shrieked over the carnage. Raghubir's fierce arrows shattered the warriors' chests, arms and heads, yet they rose, fought and multiplied their illusions, so that the gods trembled to see fourteen thousand demons against the one lord of Ayodhya; seeing the gods and sages afraid, the Lord of Maya worked a wonder, making each demon see the other as Ram, so that the whole army fought and destroyed itself.

राम राम कहि तनु तजहिं पावहिं पद निर्बान। करि उपाय रिपु मारे छन महुँ कृपानिधान।।20(क)।। हरषित बरषहिं सुमन सुर बाजहिं गगन निसान। अस्तुति करि करि सब चले सोभित बिबिध बिमान।।20(ख)।।

Uttering "Ram, Ram," the demons gave up their bodies and attained the state of liberation, for by this device the merciful Lord slew all his enemies in a moment. The gods joyfully rained flowers, celestial drums sounded in the sky, and all departed praising him, shining in various heavenly chariots.

जब रघुनाथ समर रिपु जीते। सुर नर मुनि सब के भय बीते।। तब लछिमन सीतहि लै आए। प्रभु पद परत हरषि उर लाए। सीता चितव स्याम मृदु गाता। परम प्रेम लोचन न अघाता।। पंचवटीं बसि श्रीरघुनायक। करत चरित सुर मुनि सुखदायक।। धुआँ देखि खरदूषन केरा। जाइ सुपनखाँ रावन प्रेरा।। बोलि बचन क्रोध करि भारी। देस कोस कै सुरति बिसारी।। करसि पान सोवसि दिनु राती। सुधि नहिं तव सिर पर आराती।। राज नीति बिनु धन बिनु धर्मा। हरिहि समर्पे बिनु सतकर्मा।। बिद्या बिनु बिबेक उपजाएँ। श्रम फल पढ़े किएँ अरु पाएँ।। संग ते जती कुमंत्र ते राजा। मान ते ग्यान पान तें लाजा।। प्रीति प्रनय बिनु मद ते गुनी। नासहि बेगि नीति अस सुनी।।

When Raghunath had won the battle, the fears of gods, men and sages all ended, and Lakshman brought Sita, who joyfully clasped the Lord as he fell at his feet; gazing at his dark, tender form, her eyes were never sated with love. Dwelling in Panchavati, Shri Raghunayak performed deeds that delighted gods and sages, while Shurpanakha, seeing the smoke of Khar and Dushan's ruin, went and incited Ravana, angrily rebuking him: he had forgotten his kingdom and treasury, drinking and sleeping day and night, unaware that the enemy stood over his head. She recited moral maxims: kingship without statecraft, wealth without dharma, and good deeds not offered to Hari are vain; learning without discernment and the fruit of study, effort and gain are wasted; an ascetic is ruined by company, a king by bad counsel, wisdom by pride and modesty by drink; and affection without humility, and a gifted man ruined by arrogance, all quickly perish, so runs the moral she had heard.

रिपु रुज पावक पाप प्रभु अहि गनिअ न छोट करि। अस कहि बिबिध बिलाप करि लागी रोदन करन।।21(क)।। सभा माझ परि ब्याकुल बहु प्रकार कह रोइ। तोहि जिअत दसकंधर मोरि कि असि गति होइ।।21(ख)।।

Shurpanakha warned that an enemy, a disease, fire, sin, one's master and a serpent should never be reckoned trifling. Saying this and lamenting in many ways, she began to weep, and falling distressed in the midst of the assembly she cried again and again: "While you, Ravana, are alive, should such a fate befall me?"

सुनत सभासद उठे अकुलाई। समुझाई गहि बाहँ उठाई।। कह लंकेस कहसि निज बाता। केंइँ तव नासा कान निपाता।। अवध नृपति दसरथ के जाए। पुरुष सिंघ बन खेलन आए।। समुझि परी मोहि उन्ह कै करनी। रहित निसाचर करिहहिं धरनी।। जिन्ह कर भुजबल पाइ दसानन। अभय भए बिचरत मुनि कानन।। देखत बालक काल समाना। परम धीर धन्वी गुन नाना।। अतुलित बल प्रताप द्वौ भ्राता। खल बध रत सुर मुनि सुखदाता।। सोभाधाम राम अस नामा। तिन्ह के संग नारि एक स्यामा।। रुप रासि बिधि नारि सँवारी। रति सत कोटि तासु बलिहारी।। तासु अनुज काटे श्रुति नासा। सुनि तव भगिनि करहिं परिहासा।। खर दूषन सुनि लगे पुकारा। छन महुँ सकल कटक उन्ह मारा।। खर दूषन तिसिरा कर घाता। सुनि दससीस जरे सब गाता।।

Hearing this the assembly members rose in alarm, took her by the arm and consoled her, and Ravana asked her to tell who had cut off her nose and ears. She said the sons of King Dasharath of Ayodhya, lions among men, had come to hunt in the forest, and she realized their deed would rid the earth of demons; by their arm-strength the sages now roamed the forest fearless, and though they looked like boys they were steady, mighty archers of many virtues, both brothers of immeasurable strength, delighting gods and sages by slaying the wicked. She said the elder, an abode of beauty, is named Ram, and with them is one dark woman whom Brahma fashioned so peerlessly that a hundred crore Ratis are a sacrifice to her; when the younger cut off her nose and ears their women mocked, and when Khar and Dushan came shouting they slew the whole army in a moment. Hearing of the slaying of Khar, Dushan and Trishira, all Ravana's limbs burned with rage.

सुपनखहि समुझाइ करि बल बोलेसि बहु भाँति। गयउ भवन अति सोचबस नीद परइ नहिं राति।।22।।

Consoling Shurpanakha and speaking to her at length with much bluster, Ravana went to his palace, very anxious, and no sleep came to him all night.

सुर नर असुर नाग खग माहीं। मोरे अनुचर कहँ कोउ नाहीं।। खर दूषन मोहि सम बलवंता। तिन्हहि को मारइ बिनु भगवंता।। सुर रंजन भंजन महि भारा। जौं भगवंत लीन्ह अवतारा।। तौ मै जाइ बैरु हठि करऊँ। प्रभु सर प्रान तजें भव तरऊँ।। होइहि भजनु न तामस देहा। मन क्रम बचन मंत्र दृढ़ एहा।। जौं नररुप भूपसुत कोऊ। हरिहउँ नारि जीति रन दोऊ।। चला अकेल जान चढि तहवाँ। बस मारीच सिंधु तट जहवाँ।। इहाँ राम जसि जुगुति बनाई। सुनहु उमा सो कथा सुहाई।।

Ravana reflected that among gods, men, asuras, nagas and birds none was a match even for his servants, and that Khar and Dushan were as strong as himself, so who but God could have slain them. If God, delighter of the gods and remover of earth's burden, had taken an avatar, then he would go and stubbornly pick a quarrel with him and, by giving up his life on the Lord's arrow, cross the ocean of existence; in his tamasic body true devotion was impossible, so this was his firm resolve in thought, word and deed. But if it were only some prince in human form, he would defeat both in battle and carry off the woman; alone he mounted his chariot and went to the seashore where Marich dwelt. Meanwhile at Panchavati Ram devised his plan, which, says the narrator, Uma should now hear as a lovely tale.

लछिमन गए बनहिं जब लेन मूल फल कंद। जनकसुता सन बोले बिहसि कृपा सुख बृंद।। 23।।

When Lakshman had gone into the forest to fetch roots, fruits and tubers, Raghunath, an ocean of grace and joy, smilingly spoke to Janak's daughter Sita.

सुनहु प्रिया ब्रत रुचिर सुसीला। मैं कछु करबि ललित नरलीला।। तुम्ह पावक महुँ करहु निवासा। जौ लगि करौं निसाचर नासा।। जबहिं राम सब कहा बखानी। प्रभु पद धरि हियँ अनल समानी।। निज प्रतिबिंब राखि तहँ सीता। तैसइ सील रुप सुबिनीता।। लछिमनहूँ यह मरमु न जाना। जो कछु चरित रचा भगवाना।। दसमुख गयउ जहाँ मारीचा। नाइ माथ स्वारथ रत नीचा।। नवनि नीच कै अति दुखदाई। जिमि अंकुस धनु उरग बिलाई।। भयदायक खल कै प्रिय बानी। जिमि अकाल के कुसुम भवानी।।

The Lord said, "Listen, dear one of beautiful vows and gentle nature: I am about to enact a charming human-like play. Dwell within the fire until I destroy the demons." As soon as Ram had explained everything, Sita fixed his feet in her heart and entered the fire, leaving behind her exact shadow-likeness there, identical in conduct, form and gentleness; even Lakshman did not know this secret of the play the Lord had devised. Meanwhile Ravana went to Marich, bowing his head, that base one intent on his own selfish ends, for the bowing of a wicked man is deeply harmful, like the bending of a goad, a bow, a serpent or a cat, and the sweet speech of the wicked is fear-giving, O Bhavani, like flowers blooming out of season.

करि पूजा मारीच तब सादर पूछी बात। कवन हेतु मन ब्यग्र अति अकसर आयहु तात।।24।।

After worshipping Ravana, Marich then respectfully asked the reason for his coming: why was his mind so agitated, and why had he come alone, dear one?

दसमुख सकल कथा तेहि आगें। कही सहित अभिमान अभागें।। होहु कपट मृग तुम्ह छलकारी। जेहि बिधि हरि आनौ नृपनारी।। तेहिं पुनि कहा सुनहु दससीसा। ते नररुप चराचर ईसा।। तासों तात बयरु नहिं कीजे। मारें मरिअ जिआएँ जीजै।। मुनि मख राखन गयउ कुमारा। बिनु फर सर रघुपति मोहि मारा।। सत जोजन आयउँ छन माहीं। तिन्ह सन बयरु किएँ भल नाहीं।। भइ मम कीट भृंग की नाई। जहँ तहँ मैं देखउँ दोउ भाई।। जौं नर तात तदपि अति सूरा। तिन्हहि बिरोधि न आइहि पूरा।।

The proud, wretched Ravana told him the whole story and said, "You who are so skilled in trickery, become a deceptive deer by some means so that I may carry off the prince's wife." Marich replied, "Listen, ten-headed one: those two in human form are the lords of all creation, moving and unmoving; do not make enmity with them, for by opposing them one dies and by yielding one lives. When I went to disturb the sage's sacrifice, Raghupati struck me with even a blunt, headless arrow that flung me a hundred yojanas in a moment, so enmity with them is not good. I became like an insect before the wasp, seeing the two brothers everywhere I look. Even if they are men, dear one, they are supremely valiant, and to oppose them will not turn out well."

जेहिं ताड़का सुबाहु हति खंडेउ हर कोदंड।। खर दूषन तिसिरा बधेउ मनुज कि अस बरिबंड।।25।।

Marich said, "He who slew Tadaka and Subahu and broke Shiva's bow, and who has now killed Khar, Dushan and Trishira, can such a mighty one be a mere man?"

जाहु भवन कुल कुसल बिचारी। सुनत जरा दीन्हिसि बहु गारी।। गुरु जिमि मूढ़ करसि मम बोधा। कहु जग मोहि समान को जोधा।। तब मारीच हृदयँ अनुमाना। नवहि बिरोधें नहिं कल्याना।। सस्त्री मर्मी प्रभु सठ धनी। बैद बंदि कबि भानस गुनी।। उभय भाँति देखा निज मरना। तब ताकिसि रघुनायक सरना।। उतरु देत मोहि बधब अभागें। कस न मरौं रघुपति सर लागें।। अस जियँ जानि दसानन संगा। चला राम पद प्रेम अभंगा।। मन अति हरष जनाव न तेही। आजु देखिहउँ परम सनेही।।

Marich advised Ravana to go home, thinking of his family's welfare, but Ravana on hearing this heaped abuse on him, saying, "You fool, you teach me wisdom like a guru; tell me, who in the world is a warrior equal to me?" Then Marich reasoned in his heart that opposing the powerful brings no good, for a man bearing arms, one who knows one's secrets, a master, a foolish rich man, a physician, a bard, a poet and a cook must never be provoked; he saw death for himself either way and so took refuge in Raghunayak, thinking, "If I refuse, the wretch will kill me, so why not rather die struck by Raghupati's arrow?" Deciding thus, he went along with Ravana with unbroken love for Ram's feet, greatly rejoicing in his heart though he did not let Ravana perceive it, thinking, "Today I shall behold my dearest beloved."

निज परम प्रीतम देखि लोचन सुफल करि सुख पाइहौं। श्री सहित अनुज समेत कृपानिकेत पद मन लाइहौं।। निर्बान दायक क्रोध जा कर भगति अबसहि बसकरी। निज पानि सर संधानि सो मोहि बधिहि सुखसागर हरी।।

Marich thought, "Beholding my supreme beloved I shall make my eyes fruitful and gain bliss; I shall fix my mind on the feet of the merciful Lord, who is with Shri and his younger brother. He whose very wrath bestows liberation, and whose devotion surely brings him under the devotee's sway, that Hari, ocean of bliss, will slay me by fitting an arrow with his own hand."

मम पाछें धर धावत धरें सरासन बान। फिरि फिरि प्रभुहि बिलोकिहउँ धन्य न मो सम आन।।26।।

"Bearing bow and arrow, the Lord will run behind me in pursuit, and turning again and again I shall gaze upon him; none other is as blessed as I."

तेहि बन निकट दसानन गयऊ। तब मारीच कपटमृग भयऊ।। अति बिचित्र कछु बरनि न जाई। कनक देह मनि रचित बनाई।। सीता परम रुचिर मृग देखा। अंग अंग सुमनोहर बेषा।। सुनहु देव रघुबीर कृपाला। एहि मृग कर अति सुंदर छाला।। सत्यसंध प्रभु बधि करि एही। आनहु चर्म कहति बैदेही।। तब रघुपति जानत सब कारन। उठे हरषि सुर काजु सँवारन।। मृग बिलोकि कटि परिकर बाँधा। करतल चाप रुचिर सर साँधा।। प्रभु लछिमनिहि कहा समुझाई। फिरत बिपिन निसिचर बहु भाई।। सीता केरि करेहु रखवारी। बुधि बिबेक बल समय बिचारी।। प्रभुहि बिलोकि चला मृग भाजी। धाए रामु सरासन साजी।। निगम नेति सिव ध्यान न पावा। मायामृग पाछें सो धावा।। कबहुँ निकट पुनि दूरि पराई। कबहुँक प्रगटइ कबहुँ छपाई।। प्रगटत दुरत करत छल भूरी। एहि बिधि प्रभुहि गयउ लै दूरी।। तब तकि राम कठिन सर मारा। धरनि परेउ करि घोर पुकारा।। लछिमन कर प्रथमहिं लै नामा। पाछें सुमिरेसि मन महुँ रामा।। प्रान तजत प्रगटेसि निज देहा। सुमिरेसि रामु समेत सनेहा।। अंतर प्रेम तासु पहिचाना। मुनि दुर्लभ गति दीन्हि सुजाना।।

When Ravana had gone near that forest, Marich became a deceptive deer, wondrously beautiful beyond description, with a golden body studded with jewels. Sita saw the exquisite deer, lovely in every limb, and said, "Listen, gracious Raghubir, this deer has a most beautiful hide; O true-vowed Lord, slay it and bring me its skin." Then Raghupati, knowing all the reasons, rose joyfully to accomplish the gods' work; seeing the deer he girded himself, fitted a fine arrow to his bow, and instructed Lakshman that many demon brothers roamed the forest, so he should guard Sita with wisdom, discernment and strength according to the occasion. Seeing the Lord, the deer fled and Ram ran after it with his bow, that Lord whom the Vedas can describe only as "not this," whom Shiva's meditation cannot grasp, chasing the illusory deer as it drew near and fled far, appeared and hid, using much deceit to lead him far away. Then Ram took aim and struck it with a fierce arrow, and it fell crying out terribly, first uttering Lakshman's name and then inwardly remembering Ram; as it died it revealed its true demon form and remembered Ram with love, and the all-knowing Lord, recognizing his inner love, granted him the state rare even for sages.

बिपुल सुमन सुर बरषहिं गावहिं प्रभु गुन गाथ। निज पद दीन्ह असुर कहुँ दीनबंधु रघुनाथ।।27।।

The gods rained down many flowers and sang the Lord's glories, for Raghunath, friend of the humble, had granted his own supreme abode even to that demon.

खल बधि तुरत फिरे रघुबीरा। सोह चाप कर कटि तूनीरा।। आरत गिरा सुनी जब सीता। कह लछिमन सन परम सभीता।। जाहु बेगि संकट अति भ्राता। लछिमन बिहसि कहा सुनु माता।। भृकुटि बिलास सृष्टि लय होई। सपनेहुँ संकट परइ कि सोई।। मरम बचन जब सीता बोला। हरि प्रेरित लछिमन मन डोला।। बन दिसि देव सौंपि सब काहू। चले जहाँ रावन ससि राहू।। सून बीच दसकंधर देखा। आवा निकट जती कें बेषा।। जाकें डर सुर असुर डेराहीं। निसि न नीद दिन अन्न न खाहीं।। सो दससीस स्वान की नाई। इत उत चितइ चला भड़िहाई।। इमि कुपंथ पग देत खगेसा। रह न तेज बुधि बल लेसा।। नाना बिधि करि कथा सुहाई। राजनीति भय प्रीति देखाई।। कह सीता सुनु जती गोसाईं। बोलेहु बचन दुष्ट की नाईं।। तब रावन निज रूप देखावा। भई सभय जब नाम सुनावा।। कह सीता धरि धीरजु गाढ़ा। आइ गयउ प्रभु रहु खल ठाढ़ा।। जिमि हरिबधुहि छुद्र सस चाहा। भएसि कालबस निसिचर नाहा।। सुनत बचन दससीस रिसाना। मन महुँ चरन बंदि सुख माना।।

Having slain the wicked one, Raghubir turned back at once, the bow in his hand and the quiver at his waist shining. When Sita heard the distressed cry (Marich's dying imitation of Ram's voice), she said to Lakshman in great fear, "Go quickly, your brother is in grave danger." Lakshman smiled and said, "Listen, mother: by the mere play of whose eyebrow all creation is dissolved, can such a one ever fall into danger even in a dream?" But when Sita spoke piercing words, Lakshman's mind, impelled by Hari, wavered, and entrusting her to all the forest deities and guardians of the quarters he went off, while Ravana, like the eclipsing Rahu to the moon, saw the place empty and came near in the guise of an ascetic. He of whom gods and demons live in dread, getting no sleep by night nor food by day, that ten-headed one glanced about like a dog and slunk forward like a thief, for, O Garuda, when one sets foot on the evil path, not a trace of glory, wisdom or strength remains. Telling many pleasing tales he displayed statecraft, threats and affection, but Sita said, "Listen, ascetic sir, you have spoken like a wicked man." Then Ravana revealed his true form, and she was frightened when he told his name; gathering firm courage she said, "My Lord has come, stand there, wretch; as a lowly hare covets the lioness, so you, O demon-king, have come under the power of Death." Hearing this the ten-headed grew angry, yet in his heart he bowed to her feet and felt glad.

क्रोधवंत तब रावन लीन्हिसि रथ बैठाइ। चला गगनपथ आतुर भयँ रथ हाँकि न जाइ।।28।।

Then, filled with wrath, Ravana seated Sita in his chariot and set off along the sky-path; but in his fear and haste the chariot would not move swiftly.

हा जग एक बीर रघुराया। केहिं अपराध बिसारेहु दाया।। आरति हरन सरन सुखदायक। हा रघुकुल सरोज दिननायक।। हा लछिमन तुम्हार नहिं दोसा। सो फलु पायउँ कीन्हेउँ रोसा।। बिबिध बिलाप करति बैदेही। भूरि कृपा प्रभु दूरि सनेही।। बिपति मोरि को प्रभुहि सुनावा। पुरोडास चह रासभ खावा।। सीता कै बिलाप सुनि भारी। भए चराचर जीव दुखारी।। गीधराज सुनि आरत बानी। रघुकुलतिलक नारि पहिचानी।। अधम निसाचर लीन्हे जाई। जिमि मलेछ बस कपिला गाई।। सीते पुत्रि करसि जनि त्रासा। करिहउँ जातुधान कर नासा।। धावा क्रोधवंत खग कैसें। छूटइ पबि परबत कहुँ जैसे।। रे रे दुष्ट ठाढ़ किन होही। निर्भय चलेसि न जानेहि मोही।। आवत देखि कृतांत समाना। फिरि दसकंधर कर अनुमाना।। की मैनाक कि खगपति होई। मम बल जान सहित पति सोई।। जाना जरठ जटायू एहा। मम कर तीरथ छाँड़िहि देहा।। सुनत गीध क्रोधातुर धावा। कह सुनु रावन मोर सिखावा।। तजि जानकिहि कुसल गृह जाहू। नाहिं त अस होइहि बहुबाहू।। राम रोष पावक अति घोरा। होइहि सकल सलभ कुल तोरा।। उतरु न देत दसानन जोधा। तबहिं गीध धावा करि क्रोधा।। धरि कच बिरथ कीन्ह महि गिरा। सीतहि राखि गीध पुनि फिरा।। चौचन्ह मारि बिदारेसि देही। दंड एक भइ मुरुछा तेही।। तब सक्रोध निसिचर खिसिआना। काढ़ेसि परम कराल कृपाना।। काटेसि पंख परा खग धरनी। सुमिरि राम करि अदभुत करनी।। सीतहि जानि चढ़ाइ बहोरी। चला उताइल त्रास न थोरी।। करति बिलाप जाति नभ सीता। ब्याध बिबस जनु मृगी सभीता।। गिरि पर बैठे कपिन्ह निहारी। कहि हरि नाम दीन्ह पट डारी।। एहि बिधि सीतहि सो लै गयऊ। बन असोक महँ राखत भयऊ।।

Sita lamented, "O sole hero of the world, Raghuraya, for what offense have you forgotten your mercy? O remover of distress, refuge, giver of joy, O sun to the lotus of the Raghu clan! O Lakshman, it is no fault of yours; I have reaped this fruit because I grew angry with you." As Vaidehi wailed in many ways, the Lord seemed far and his love distant, and she cried, "Who will tell the Lord of my calamity? A donkey wishes to eat the sacred offering." Hearing her loud lament all creatures grew sorrowful, and Jatayu, king of vultures, recognizing the wife of the Raghu jewel, saw the base demon carrying her off like a sacred Kapila cow in a barbarian's grip, and cried, "Daughter Sita, fear not; I shall destroy this demon," and rushed forth in fury like a thunderbolt striking a mountain, challenging, "Wicked one, why not stand and face me? You flee fearlessly, not knowing who I am." Seeing him come like Death, Ravana wondered whether it was Mainaka or Garuda who knew his might, but recognized old Jatayu, who would leave his body at his hands; the vulture rushed up crying, "Ravana, heed my counsel: leave Janaki and go home safely, or the terrible fire of Ram's wrath will burn your whole clan like moths." When the ten-headed warrior gave no reply, Jatayu attacked in rage, seized his hair, threw him chariotless to the ground, set Sita down and turned back, tearing Ravana's body with his beak so that he swooned for a while; then, angry and ashamed, the demon drew his terrible sword and cut off the vulture's wings, and the bird fell to earth remembering Ram, having done a wondrous deed. Taking up Sita again, Ravana fled in no small terror, while Sita lamented through the sky like a frightened doe in a hunter's power, and seeing monkeys on a mountain she uttered Hari's name and dropped her garment; thus he carried her away and kept her in the Ashoka grove.

हारि परा खल बहु बिधि भय अरु प्रीति देखाइ। तब असोक पादप तर राखिसि जतन कराइ।।29(क)।। जेहि बिधि कपट कुरंग सँग धाइ चले श्रीराम। सो छबि सीता राखि उर रटति रहति हरिनाम।।29(ख)।।

The wicked one, worsted and having shown Sita much fear and much affection in many ways, then kept her carefully beneath an Ashoka tree. In the very way that Shri Ram had run after the deceptive deer, Sita kept that image in her heart and went on repeating Hari's name.

रघुपति अनुजहि आवत देखी। बाहिज चिंता कीन्हि बिसेषी।। जनकसुता परिहरिहु अकेली। आयहु तात बचन मम पेली।। निसिचर निकर फिरहिं बन माहीं। मम मन सीता आश्रम नाहीं।। गहि पद कमल अनुज कर जोरी। कहेउ नाथ कछु मोहि न खोरी।। अनुज समेत गए प्रभु तहवाँ। गोदावरि तट आश्रम जहवाँ।। आश्रम देखि जानकी हीना। भए बिकल जस प्राकृत दीना।। हा गुन खानि जानकी सीता। रूप सील ब्रत नेम पुनीता।। लछिमन समुझाए बहु भाँती। पूछत चले लता तरु पाँती।। हे खग मृग हे मधुकर श्रेनी। तुम्ह देखी सीता मृगनैनी।। खंजन सुक कपोत मृग मीना। मधुप निकर कोकिला प्रबीना।। कुंद कली दाड़िम दामिनी। कमल सरद ससि अहिभामिनी।। बरुन पास मनोज धनु हंसा। गज केहरि निज सुनत प्रसंसा।। श्रीफल कनक कदलि हरषाहीं। नेकु न संक सकुच मन माहीं।। सुनु जानकी तोहि बिनु आजू। हरषे सकल पाइ जनु राजू।। किमि सहि जात अनख तोहि पाहीं । प्रिया बेगि प्रगटसि कस नाहीं।। एहि बिधि खौजत बिलपत स्वामी। मनहुँ महा बिरही अति कामी।। पूरनकाम राम सुख रासी। मनुज चरित कर अज अबिनासी।। आगे परा गीधपति देखा। सुमिरत राम चरन जिन्ह रेखा।।

Seeing his younger brother coming, Raghupati showed marked outward concern and said, "You left Janaki alone and came here, dear, disregarding my words; hordes of demons roam the forest, and my mind fears Sita is no longer at the hermitage." Clasping the Lord's lotus feet with folded hands, Lakshman said, "Lord, there is no fault of mine." The Lord went with him to the hermitage on the bank of the Godavari, and seeing it empty of Janaki he grew distressed like an ordinary grieving mortal, crying, "O treasure of virtues, Janaki Sita, pure in form, character and holy vows!" Though Lakshman consoled him in many ways, he went on asking rows of creepers and trees, "O birds and beasts, O swarm of bees, have you seen doe-eyed Sita? O wagtail, parrot, dove, deer, fish, host of bees and clever cuckoo; O jasmine bud, pomegranate, lightning, lotus, autumn moon and serpent-tressed lady; O Varuna's noose, Kama's bow, swan, elephant and lion, hearing your own praise (as likened to her limbs); O bael fruit, gold and plantain, you rejoice with not the least doubt or shame, for without Janaki today you all rejoice as if you had gained a kingdom. How can I bear this pang, being without you; dear, why do you not quickly appear?" Thus the Master searched and lamented like a deeply love-lorn man, though Ram, of fulfilled desires, abode of bliss, unborn and imperishable, was but enacting human conduct; then ahead he saw the king of vultures fallen, who ever meditated on Ram's feet with their auspicious marks.

कर सरोज सिर परसेउ कृपासिंधु रधुबीर।। निरखि राम छबि धाम मुख बिगत भई सब पीर।।30।।

The ocean of grace, Raghubir, touched Jatayu's head with his lotus hand, and beholding the face of Ram, the abode of beauty, all his pain vanished.

तब कह गीध बचन धरि धीरा । सुनहु राम भंजन भव भीरा।। नाथ दसानन यह गति कीन्ही। तेहि खल जनकसुता हरि लीन्ही।। लै दच्छिन दिसि गयउ गोसाई। बिलपति अति कुररी की नाई।। दरस लागी प्रभु राखेंउँ प्राना। चलन चहत अब कृपानिधाना।। राम कहा तनु राखहु ताता। मुख मुसकाइ कही तेहिं बाता।। जा कर नाम मरत मुख आवा। अधमउ मुकुत होई श्रुति गावा।। सो मम लोचन गोचर आगें। राखौं देह नाथ केहि खाँगें।। जल भरि नयन कहहिं रघुराई। तात कर्म निज ते गतिं पाई।। परहित बस जिन्ह के मन माहीं। तिन्ह कहुँ जग दुर्लभ कछु नाहीं।। तनु तजि तात जाहु मम धामा। देउँ काह तुम्ह पूरनकामा।।

Then, gathering courage, the vulture spoke: "Listen, Ram, breaker of the fear of worldly existence: Lord, the ten-headed Ravana did this deed, that wicked one carried off Janak's daughter and went to the south, while she wailed like a female osprey. For the sake of your sight I kept my life, Lord; now, O ocean of mercy, I wish to depart." Ram said, "Keep your body, dear one," but Jatayu smiled and answered, "He whose name coming to the lips at death liberates even the vilest, as the Vedas sing, that very One is now before my eyes; for whose sake, Lord, should I keep my body?" With eyes brimming with tears Raghurai said, "Dear, by your own deeds you have attained this state; for those whose hearts hold the welfare of others, nothing in the world is unattainable. Giving up your body, dear, go to my abode; what can I give you, who are of fulfilled desires?"

सीता हरन तात जनि कहहु पिता सन जाइ।। जौं मैं राम त कुल सहित कहिहि दसानन आइ।।31।।

Ram said, "Dear one, do not go and tell your father of Sita's abduction; if I am truly Ram, then Ravana himself, along with his whole clan, will come and announce it (for I shall surely destroy him)."

गीध देह तजि धरि हरि रुपा। भूषन बहु पट पीत अनूपा।। स्याम गात बिसाल भुज चारी। अस्तुति करत नयन भरि बारी।।

Giving up the vulture's body and assuming Hari's form, with many ornaments and matchless yellow raiment, a dark body and four great arms, Jatayu praised the Lord with his eyes brimming with tears.

जय राम रूप अनूप निर्गुन सगुन गुन प्रेरक सही। दससीस बाहु प्रचंड खंडन चंड सर मंडन मही।। पाथोद गात सरोज मुख राजीव आयत लोचनं। नित नौमि रामु कृपाल बाहु बिसाल भव भय मोचनं।।1।। बलमप्रमेयमनादिमजमब्यक्तमेकमगोचरं। गोबिंद गोपर द्वंद्वहर बिग्यानघन धरनीधरं।। जे राम मंत्र जपंत संत अनंत जन मन रंजनं। नित नौमि राम अकाम प्रिय कामादि खल दल गंजनं।।2। जेहि श्रुति निरंजन ब्रह्म ब्यापक बिरज अज कहि गावहीं।। करि ध्यान ग्यान बिराग जोग अनेक मुनि जेहि पावहीं।। सो प्रगट करुना कंद सोभा बृंद अग जग मोहई। मम हृदय पंकज भृंग अंग अनंग बहु छबि सोहई।।3।। जो अगम सुगम सुभाव निर्मल असम सम सीतल सदा। पस्यंति जं जोगी जतन करि करत मन गो बस सदा।। सो राम रमा निवास संतत दास बस त्रिभुवन धनी। मम उर बसउ सो समन संसृति जासु कीरति पावनी।।4।।

Jatayu sang: "Victory to Ram of matchless form, truly the impeller of the unmanifest and the manifest and of all qualities, destroyer of the ten-headed's fierce arms, adorning the earth with mighty arrows, cloud-hued of body, lotus-faced and large-eyed as the lotus; daily I bow to gracious Ram, long-armed, releaser from the fear of existence. Of immeasurable strength, without beginning, unborn, unmanifest, one, imperceptible, Govinda beyond the senses, remover of duality, a mass of pure knowledge, upholder of the earth, whom saints ever chant as the Ram-mantra, delighting the minds of countless devotees; daily I bow to desireless Ram, dear to his devotees, destroyer of the wicked hosts of lust and the rest. Whom the Vedas sing as the stainless, all-pervading, passionless, unborn Brahman, whom many sages attain through meditation, knowledge, dispassion and yoga, that very One has manifested as the root of compassion, a mass of beauty enchanting the whole moving and unmoving world, whose limbs shine with the beauty of countless Kamas, may he abide as a bee in the lotus of my heart. Who by nature is hard to reach yet easy for his devotees, pure, incomparable yet equal to all and ever serene, whom yogis behold with effort by ever restraining mind and senses, that Ram, the abode of Rama and lord of the three worlds, ever under his servants' control, whose glory is purifying and who ends the cycle of birth and death, may he dwell in my heart."

अबिरल भगति मागि बर गीध गयउ हरिधाम। तेहि की क्रिया जथोचित निज कर कीन्ही राम।।32।।

Begging the boon of unbroken, constant devotion, the vulture departed to Hari's abode, and Ram performed his funeral rites suitably with his own hands.

कोमल चित अति दीनदयाला। कारन बिनु रघुनाथ कृपाला।। गीध अधम खग आमिष भोगी। गति दीन्हि जो जाचत जोगी।। सुनहु उमा ते लोग अभागी। हरि तजि होहिं बिषय अनुरागी।। पुनि सीतहि खोजत द्वौ भाई। चले बिलोकत बन बहुताई।। संकुल लता बिटप घन कानन। बहु खग मृग तहँ गज पंचानन।। आवत पंथ कबंध निपाता। तेहिं सब कही साप कै बाता।। दुरबासा मोहि दीन्ही सापा। प्रभु पद पेखि मिटा सो पापा।। सुनु गंधर्ब कहउँ मै तोही। मोहि न सोहाइ ब्रह्मकुल द्रोही।।

Raghunath, tender of heart and greatly merciful to the humble, is gracious without any motive; to a vulture, a base flesh-eating bird, he gave the very state that yogis beg for. Listen, Uma: those people are unfortunate who abandon Hari and grow attached to sense-objects. Then the two brothers, searching for Sita, went on gazing through the vast forest of dense creepers and trees, full of many birds, beasts, elephants and lions; on the path they slew Kabandha, who told them the whole story of his curse, saying, "Durvasa cursed me, and seeing the Lord's feet that sin is now removed. Listen, Gandharva, I tell you: one who is hostile to the Brahmin race is never pleasing to me."

मन क्रम बचन कपट तजि जो कर भूसुर सेव। मोहि समेत बिरंचि सिव बस ताकें सब देव।।33।।

"One who, giving up deceit in thought, word and deed, serves the Brahmins, has all the gods under his sway, along with me, Brahma and Shiva."

सापत ताड़त परुष कहंता। बिप्र पूज्य अस गावहिं संता।। पूजिअ बिप्र सील गुन हीना। सूद्र न गुन गन ग्यान प्रबीना।। कहि निज धर्म ताहि समुझावा। निज पद प्रीति देखि मन भावा।। रघुपति चरन कमल सिरु नाई। गयउ गगन आपनि गति पाई।। ताहि देइ गति राम उदारा। सबरी कें आश्रम पगु धारा।। सबरी देखि राम गृहँ आए। मुनि के बचन समुझि जियँ भाए।। सरसिज लोचन बाहु बिसाला। जटा मुकुट सिर उर बनमाला।। स्याम गौर सुंदर दोउ भाई। सबरी परी चरन लपटाई।। प्रेम मगन मुख बचन न आवा। पुनि पुनि पद सरोज सिर नावा।। सादर जल लै चरन पखारे। पुनि सुंदर आसन बैठारे।।

"Though he curse, strike or speak harshly, the Brahmin is worthy of worship, so the saints declare; a Brahmin is to be worshipped even if devoid of character and virtue, but not a Shudra though a treasure of virtues and proficient in knowledge." Telling Kabandha his own dharma, Ram instructed him, and seeing his love for the Lord's feet his mind was pleased; bowing his head at Raghupati's lotus feet, he went to the sky, having regained his own former state. Granting him that state, generous Ram set foot at Shabari's hermitage. Seeing Ram come to her home, Shabari recalled the sage's words and was glad at heart; with lotus eyes, long arms, a crown of matted hair and a garland of forest flowers on their chests, the two beautiful brothers, one dark and one fair, stood there, and Shabari fell and clung to their feet. Immersed in love, no words came to her mouth, and again and again she bowed her head at their lotus feet; respectfully she took water and washed their feet, then seated them on a beautiful seat.

कंद मूल फल सुरस अति दिए राम कहुँ आनि। प्रेम सहित प्रभु खाए बारंबार बखानि।।34।।

Bringing very sweet roots, tubers and fruits, Shabari gave them to Ram, and the Lord ate them lovingly again and again, praising them.

पानि जोरि आगें भइ ठाढ़ी। प्रभुहि बिलोकि प्रीति अति बाढ़ी।। केहि बिधि अस्तुति करौ तुम्हारी। अधम जाति मैं जड़मति भारी।। अधम ते अधम अधम अति नारी। तिन्ह महँ मैं मतिमंद अघारी।। कह रघुपति सुनु भामिनि बाता। मानउँ एक भगति कर नाता।। जाति पाँति कुल धर्म बड़ाई। धन बल परिजन गुन चतुराई।। भगति हीन नर सोहइ कैसा। बिनु जल बारिद देखिअ जैसा।। नवधा भगति कहउँ तोहि पाहीं। सावधान सुनु धरु मन माहीं।। प्रथम भगति संतन्ह कर संगा। दूसरि रति मम कथा प्रसंगा।।

Standing before them with folded hands, Shabari's love grew ever greater as she beheld the Lord. "In what way shall I praise you? I am of low caste and very dull-witted, lower than the low, and a woman is lowest of all; among them I am the most feeble-minded, O remover of sins." Raghupati said, "Listen, O lady: I acknowledge only one relationship, the bond of devotion. Caste, lineage, clan, dharma, greatness, wealth, strength, kinsmen, virtue and cleverness, a man devoid of devotion looks as barren as a cloud without water. I tell you the ninefold devotion; listen attentively and keep it in your heart. The first devotion is the company of the saints, and the second is fondness for the tales of my exploits."

गुर पद पंकज सेवा तीसरि भगति अमान। चौथि भगति मम गुन गन करइ कपट तजि गान।।35।।

"Service of the guru's lotus feet is the third devotion, free of pride; the fourth devotion is singing my virtues sincerely, giving up all deceit."

मंत्र जाप मम दृढ़ बिस्वासा। पंचम भजन सो बेद प्रकासा।। छठ दम सील बिरति बहु करमा। निरत निरंतर सज्जन धरमा।। सातवँ सम मोहि मय जग देखा। मोतें संत अधिक करि लेखा।। आठवँ जथालाभ संतोषा। सपनेहुँ नहिं देखइ परदोषा।। नवम सरल सब सन छलहीना। मम भरोस हियँ हरष न दीना।। नव महुँ एकउ जिन्ह के होई। नारि पुरुष सचराचर कोई।। सोइ अतिसय प्रिय भामिनि मोरे। सकल प्रकार भगति दृढ़ तोरें।। जोगि बृंद दुरलभ गति जोई। तो कहुँ आजु सुलभ भइ सोई।। मम दरसन फल परम अनूपा। जीव पाव निज सहज सरूपा।। जनकसुता कइ सुधि भामिनी। जानहि कहु करिबरगामिनी।। पंपा सरहि जाहु रघुराई। तहँ होइहि सुग्रीव मिताई।। सो सब कहिहि देव रघुबीरा। जानतहूँ पूछहु मतिधीरा।। बार बार प्रभु पद सिरु नाई। प्रेम सहित सब कथा सुनाई।।

"Chanting my mantra with firm faith is the fifth devotion, as the Vedas reveal. The sixth is self-control, good conduct, dispassion, many righteous acts and constant engagement in the duties of the virtuous. The seventh is seeing the whole world as filled with me and reckoning the saints as greater than myself. The eighth is contentment with whatever is obtained and never seeing others' faults even in dreams. The ninth is guilelessness and freedom from deceit with all, and holding faith in me in the heart, with neither elation nor dejection. Whoever, man or woman or any being, moving or unmoving, possesses even one of these nine is extremely dear to me; and in you, O lady, all forms of devotion are firmly rooted. The state hard for hosts of yogis to attain has today become easy for you, for the fruit of my sight is supremely matchless: the soul attains its own natural true form. O lady, do you know news of Janaki's daughter? Tell me, O graceful-gaited one. Go to Lake Pampa, Raghurai, where you will gain the friendship of Sugriva, and he, the divine Raghubir, will tell you everything; though you know all, you ask, O steady-minded one." Again and again bowing her head at the Lord's feet, Shabari lovingly told him the whole tale.

कहि कथा सकल बिलोकि हरि मुख हृदयँ पद पंकज धरे। तजि जोग पावक देह हरि पद लीन भइ जहँ नहिं फिरे।। नर बिबिध कर्म अधर्म बहु मत सोकप्रद सब त्यागहू। बिस्वास करि कह दास तुलसी राम पद अनुरागहू।।

Having told the whole tale and gazing at Hari's face, Shabari placed his lotus feet in her heart, and giving up her body in the fire of yoga she merged in Hari's feet, whence there is no return. Men perform many deeds and much unrighteousness and hold many sorrow-giving doctrines, all of which should be abandoned; with faith, says the servant Tulsi, love the feet of Ram.

जाति हीन अघ जन्म महि मुक्त कीन्हि असि नारि। महामंद मन सुख चहसि ऐसे प्रभुहि बिसारि।।36।।

Such a woman, of low caste and born in a life of sin, the Lord made liberated; O most foolish mind, forgetting such a Lord, you still hope for happiness elsewhere!

चले राम त्यागा बन सोऊ। अतुलित बल नर केहरि दोऊ।। बिरही इव प्रभु करत बिषादा। कहत कथा अनेक संबादा।। लछिमन देखु बिपिन कइ सोभा। देखत केहि कर मन नहिं छोभा।। नारि सहित सब खग मृग बृंदा। मानहुँ मोरि करत हहिं निंदा।। हमहि देखि मृग निकर पराहीं। मृगीं कहहिं तुम्ह कहँ भय नाहीं।। तुम्ह आनंद करहु मृग जाए। कंचन मृग खोजन ए आए।। संग लाइ करिनीं करि लेहीं। मानहुँ मोहि सिखावनु देहीं।। सास्त्र सुचिंतित पुनि पुनि देखिअ। भूप सुसेवित बस नहिं लेखिअ।। राखिअ नारि जदपि उर माहीं। जुबती सास्त्र नृपति बस नाहीं।। देखहु तात बसंत सुहावा। प्रिया हीन मोहि भय उपजावा।।

Shri Ram left that forest and moved on, both brothers being lions among men with immeasurable strength. Like a lover separated from his beloved, the Lord grieved and spoke of many things, saying: 'Lakshman, behold the beauty of this forest; whose mind would not be stirred on seeing it? All the flocks of birds and herds of beasts with their mates seem to be reproaching me. Seeing me the deer flee, and the does tell them, You have no cause for fear; enjoy yourselves with your young, for these have come only to seek the golden deer. The male elephants take their mates along as if teaching me a lesson. Scripture, though well pondered, must be studied again and again, and a king, though well served, should not be counted as under one's control; though a woman be kept within the heart, yet a young woman, scripture, and a king are never truly in one's power. Behold, brother, the lovely spring, which, bereft of my beloved, fills me with dread.'

बिरह बिकल बलहीन मोहि जानेसि निपट अकेल। सहित बिपिन मधुकर खग मदन कीन्ह बगमेल।।37(क)।। देखि गयउ भ्राता सहित तासु दूत सुनि बात। डेरा कीन्हेउ मनहुँ तब कटकु हटकि मनजात।।37(ख)।।

'Knowing me distraught with separation, weak, and utterly alone, Kamadeva (the god of love), together with the forest, the bees, and the birds, has launched a full assault upon me.' But when his messenger saw Ram accompanied by his brother and reported this, Kama, as it were, checked his advancing army and pitched his camp.

बिटप बिसाल लता अरुझानी। बिबिध बितान दिए जनु तानी।। कदलि ताल बर धुजा पताका। दैखि न मोह धीर मन जाका।। बिबिध भाँति फूले तरु नाना। जनु बानैत बने बहु बाना।। कहुँ कहुँ सुन्दर बिटप सुहाए। जनु भट बिलग बिलग होइ छाए।। कूजत पिक मानहुँ गज माते। ढेक महोख ऊँट बिसराते।। मोर चकोर कीर बर बाजी। पारावत मराल सब ताजी।। तीतिर लावक पदचर जूथा। बरनि न जाइ मनोज बरुथा।। रथ गिरि सिला दुंदुभी झरना। चातक बंदी गुन गन बरना।। मधुकर मुखर भेरि सहनाई। त्रिबिध बयारि बसीठीं आई।। चतुरंगिनी सेन सँग लीन्हें। बिचरत सबहि चुनौती दीन्हें।। लछिमन देखत काम अनीका। रहहिं धीर तिन्ह कै जग लीका।। एहि कें एक परम बल नारी। तेहि तें उबर सुभट सोइ भारी।।

Huge trees entangled with creepers looked as if various canopies had been stretched out; the plantain and palm trees seemed like banners and flags, though one whose mind is steadfast is not deluded by them. Trees blossoming in many ways looked like warriors decked in different attire, standing spread out here and there. The cooing cuckoos were like rutting elephants, the dhek and mahokh birds like camels and mules; peacocks, chakoras, and parrots were like fine horses, pigeons and swans like Arab steeds, and partridges and quails like the infantry, so that Kama's army could not be described. The mountain rocks were his chariots, the waterfalls his kettledrums, the chatakas his bards singing praises, the humming bees his trumpets and clarinets, and the cool, soft, fragrant breeze his envoys. Taking his four-fold army, Kama roamed about challenging all. 'Lakshman, those who stay steadfast even while beholding Kama's army—theirs is the true glory in the world. Kama has one supreme weapon, woman; he who escapes from her is indeed a mighty warrior.'

तात तीनि अति प्रबल खल काम क्रोध अरु लोभ। मुनि बिग्यान धाम मन करहिं निमिष महुँ छोभ।।38(क)।। लोभ कें इच्छा दंभ बल काम कें केवल नारि। क्रोध के परुष बचन बल मुनिबर कहहिं बिचारि।।38(ख)।।

'Brother, three are exceedingly powerful and wicked—lust, anger, and greed; in an instant they can agitate even the minds of sages who are abodes of wisdom. The strength of greed is craving and hypocrisy, the strength of lust is woman alone, and the strength of anger is harsh words—so the great sages declare after due reflection.'

गुनातीत सचराचर स्वामी। राम उमा सब अंतरजामी।। कामिन्ह कै दीनता देखाई। धीरन्ह कें मन बिरति दृढ़ाई।। क्रोध मनोज लोभ मद माया। छूटहिं सकल राम कीं दाया।। सो नर इंद्रजाल नहिं भूला। जा पर होइ सो नट अनुकूला।। उमा कहउँ मैं अनुभव अपना। सत हरि भजनु जगत सब सपना।। पुनि प्रभु गए सरोबर तीरा। पंपा नाम सुभग गंभीरा।। संत हृदय जस निर्मल बारी। बाँधे घाट मनोहर चारी।। जहँ तहँ पिअहिं बिबिध मृग नीरा। जनु उदार गृह जाचक भीरा।।

(Shiva says:) O Uma, Shri Ram is beyond the gunas, Lord of all that moves and moves not, and the inner-knower of every heart. He revealed the wretchedness of the lustful and firmly rooted dispassion in the minds of the steadfast; anger, lust, greed, pride, and delusion all fall away by Ram's grace. That man is not deceived by this cosmic illusion toward whom the divine Actor Himself is favorable. O Uma, I speak from my own experience: the worship of Hari alone is real, and all the world is but a dream. Then the Lord went to the bank of a beautiful, deep lake named Pampa, whose water was pure like a saint's heart, with four lovely bathing-ghats built upon it; here and there many beasts drank its water, like crowds of beggars at the house of a generous man.

पुरइनि सबन ओट जल बेगि न पाइअ मर्म। मायाछन्न न देखिऐ जैसे निर्गुन ब्रह्म।।39(क)।। सुखि मीन सब एकरस अति अगाध जल माहिं। जथा धर्मसीलन्ह के दिन सुख संजुत जाहिं।।39(ख)।।

The water was so covered over with lotus-leaves that its depth could not readily be found—just as the attributeless Brahma cannot be seen, being veiled by Maya. The fish were all happy, ever in one blissful state within the very deep water, just as the days of the righteous pass filled with joy.

बिकसे सरसिज नाना रंगा। मधुर मुखर गुंजत बहु भृंगा।। बोलत जलकुक्कुट कलहंसा। प्रभु बिलोकि जनु करत प्रसंसा।। चक्रवाक बक खग समुदाई। देखत बनइ बरनि नहिं जाई।। सुन्दर खग गन गिरा सुहाई। जात पथिक जनु लेत बोलाई।। ताल समीप मुनिन्ह गृह छाए। चहु दिसि कानन बिटप सुहाए।। चंपक बकुल कदंब तमाला। पाटल पनस परास रसाला।। नव पल्लव कुसुमित तरु नाना। चंचरीक पटली कर गाना।। सीतल मंद सुगंध सुभाऊ। संतत बहइ मनोहर बाऊ।। कुहू कुहू कोकिल धुनि करहीं। सुनि रव सरस ध्यान मुनि टरहीं।।

Lotuses of many colors bloomed and many bees hummed sweetly and loudly; water-fowl and swans called out as if praising the Lord on seeing Him. The flocks of chakvas, cranes, and other birds were worth seeing but beyond description. The lovely voices of the beautiful birds sounded so charming that they seemed to call passing travelers to them. Near the lake stood the thatched cottages of sages, and on all four sides lovely forest-trees grew—champak, bakul, kadamba, tamala, patala, jackfruit, palasa, and mango. Various trees, with fresh leaves and in blossom, hummed with swarms of bees, and a cool, gentle, fragrant breeze blew continually. The cuckoos made their sweet 'kuhu kuhu' notes, and hearing that melodious sound even the sages' meditation was broken.

फल भारन नमि बिटप सब रहे भूमि निअराइ। पर उपकारी पुरुष जिमि नवहिं सुसंपति पाइ।।40।।

All the trees, bent low with the weight of their fruit, drew near to the ground—just as benevolent men grow humble and bow low on gaining great prosperity.

देखि राम अति रुचिर तलावा। मज्जनु कीन्ह परम सुख पावा।। देखी सुंदर तरुबर छाया। बैठे अनुज सहित रघुराया।। तहँ पुनि सकल देव मुनि आए। अस्तुति करि निज धाम सिधाए।। बैठे परम प्रसन्न कृपाला। कहत अनुज सन कथा रसाला।। बिरहवंत भगवंतहि देखी। नारद मन भा सोच बिसेषी।। मोर साप करि अंगीकारा। सहत राम नाना दुख भारा।। ऐसे प्रभुहि बिलोकउँ जाई। पुनि न बनिहि अस अवसरु आई।। यह बिचारि नारद कर बीना। गए जहाँ प्रभु सुख आसीना।। गावत राम चरित मृदु बानी। प्रेम सहित बहु भाँति बखानी।। करत दंडवत लिए उठाई। राखे बहुत बार उर लाई।। स्वागत पूँछि निकट बैठारे। लछिमन सादर चरन पखारे।।

Seeing the exceedingly lovely lake, Shri Ram bathed in it and gained supreme delight; then, spying the beautiful shade of a fine tree, Raghunatha sat down with his younger brother. All the gods and sages came there, offered praise, and returned to their abodes. The gracious Lord, sitting there greatly pleased, told delightful tales to his brother. Seeing the Lord behaving as one afflicted with separation, Narada's mind grew especially anxious: 'Honoring my curse, Shri Ram is bearing the heavy burden of many sorrows. Let me go and behold such a Lord, for such an occasion may never come again.' Thinking thus, Narada, veena in hand, went to where the Lord sat at ease. He sang the deeds of Shri Ram in a soft voice, describing them lovingly in many ways. As Narada prostrated himself, the Lord raised him up and held him long to His bosom; inquiring after his welfare, He seated him nearby, and Lakshman reverently washed his feet.

नाना बिधि बिनती करि प्रभु प्रसन्न जियँ जानि। नारद बोले बचन तब जोरि सरोरुह पानि।।41।।

Having made supplication in many ways, and knowing in his heart that the Lord was pleased, Narada then spoke these words with his lotus-like hands joined.

सुनहु उदार सहज रघुनायक। सुंदर अगम सुगम बर दायक।। देहु एक बर मागउँ स्वामी। जद्यपि जानत अंतरजामी।। जानहु मुनि तुम्ह मोर सुभाऊ। जन सन कबहुँ कि करउँ दुराऊ।। कवन बस्तु असि प्रिय मोहि लागी। जो मुनिबर न सकहु तुम्ह मागी।। जन कहुँ कछु अदेय नहिं मोरें। अस बिस्वास तजहु जनि भोरें।। तब नारद बोले हरषाई । अस बर मागउँ करउँ ढिठाई।। जद्यपि प्रभु के नाम अनेका। श्रुति कह अधिक एक तें एका।। राम सकल नामन्ह ते अधिका। होउ नाथ अघ खग गन बधिका।।

'Listen, O Lord of the Raghus, generous by nature, beautiful, hard for the undevout to reach yet easy of access to devotees, and giver of boons: grant me one boon that I ask, O Master, though You, the inner-knower, already know it.' (The Lord replied:) 'O sage, you know my nature; do I ever conceal anything from my devotee? What thing is so dear to me that you, O great sage, could not ask it? Nothing is unbestowable by me upon my devotee; do not, even by mistake, abandon this faith.' Then Narada spoke joyfully: 'Making bold, I ask this boon. Though the Lord has many names, and the Vedas declare each greater than the other, may the name Ram be greater than all the names, O Lord, and become the slayer of the flocks of sins.'

राका रजनी भगति तव राम नाम सोइ सोम। अपर नाम उडगन बिमल बसुहुँ भगत उर ब्योम।।42(क)।। एवमस्तु मुनि सन कहेउ कृपासिंधु रघुनाथ। तब नारद मन हरष अति प्रभु पद नायउ माथ।।42(ख)।।

'Devotion to You is like the full-moon night, and Your name Ram is the moon within it; Your other names are the bright stars, and may they all shine in the sky of the devotee's heart.' 'So be it,' said Raghunatha, the ocean of compassion, to the sage; then, with great joy in his heart, Narada bowed his head at the Lord's feet.

अति प्रसन्न रघुनाथहि जानी। पुनि नारद बोले मृदु बानी।। राम जबहिं प्रेरेउ निज माया। मोहेहु मोहि सुनहु रघुराया।। तब बिबाह मैं चाहउँ कीन्हा। प्रभु केहि कारन करै न दीन्हा।। सुनु मुनि तोहि कहउँ सहरोसा। भजहिं जे मोहि तजि सकल भरोसा।। करउँ सदा तिन्ह कै रखवारी। जिमि बालक राखइ महतारी।। गह सिसु बच्छ अनल अहि धाई। तहँ राखइ जननी अरगाई।। प्रौढ़ भएँ तेहि सुत पर माता। प्रीति करइ नहिं पाछिलि बाता।। मोरे प्रौढ़ तनय सम ग्यानी। बालक सुत सम दास अमानी।। जनहि मोर बल निज बल ताही। दुहु कहँ काम क्रोध रिपु आही।। यह बिचारि पंडित मोहि भजहीं। पाएहुँ ग्यान भगति नहिं तजहीं।।

Finding Raghunatha very pleased, Narada again spoke in a gentle voice: 'O Ram, listen, Raghuraya—when You set your Maya to work, You deluded me; at that time I wished to marry, so why, O Lord, did You not let me do so?' (Ram replied:) 'Listen, O sage, I tell you fervently: those who worship me, giving up all other reliance, I always protect, as a mother protects her child. When a small child runs toward fire or a snake, the mother pulls him back and keeps him safe; but when the son grows up, though she still loves him, she no longer troubles herself with such things. The wise are like grown sons to me, and the humble, egoless servants are like little children. My devotee relies on my strength, the wise on his own, yet for both lust and anger remain enemies. Considering this, the wise worship me, and even after gaining knowledge they do not give up devotion.'

काम क्रोध लोभादि मद प्रबल मोह कै धारि। तिन्ह महँ अति दारुन दुखद मायारूपी नारि।।43।।

Lust, anger, greed, and the rest, together with pride, are the mighty cutting edge of delusion; and among them all, the most terrible and painful is woman, who is the very form of Maya.

सुनि मुनि कह पुरान श्रुति संता। मोह बिपिन कहुँ नारि बसंता।। जप तप नेम जलाश्रय झारी। होइ ग्रीषम सोषइ सब नारी।। काम क्रोध मद मत्सर भेका। इन्हहि हरषप्रद बरषा एका।। दुर्बासना कुमुद समुदाई। तिन्ह कहँ सरद सदा सुखदाई।। धर्म सकल सरसीरुह बृंदा। होइ हिम तिन्हहि दहइ सुख मंदा।। पुनि ममता जवास बहुताई। पलुहइ नारि सिसिर रितु पाई।। पाप उलूक निकर सुखकारी। नारि निबिड़ रजनी अँधिआरी।। बुधि बल सील सत्य सब मीना। बनसी सम त्रिय कहहिं प्रबीना।।

(Ram continued:) 'Listen, O sage—the Puranas, the Vedas, and the saints declare that woman is like the spring to the forest of delusion. Japa, austerity, and vows are reservoirs of water, and woman is the summer that dries them all up. Lust, anger, pride, and envy are frogs, to which woman alone is the joy-giving rainy season. Evil desires are the multitude of white water-lilies, to which woman is the ever-pleasing autumn. All the virtues are a host of lotuses, which woman, like frost, withers and burns. Attachment is like abundant javasa grass, which sprouts when woman comes as the winter season. To the flock of owls that are sins, woman is the delightful dense dark night. Intellect, strength, good conduct, and truth are all fish, and the wise say that woman is like the fish-hook that catches them.'

अवगुन मूल सूलप्रद प्रमदा सब दुख खानि। ताते कीन्ह निवारन मुनि मैं यह जियँ जानि।।44।।

Woman is the root of faults, the giver of pain, and the mine of all sorrows; therefore, O sage, knowing this in my heart, I prevented you from marrying.

सुनि रघुपति के बचन सुहाए। मुनि तन पुलक नयन भरि आए।। कहहु कवन प्रभु कै असि रीती। सेवक पर ममता अरु प्रीती।। जे न भजहिं अस प्रभु भ्रम त्यागी। ग्यान रंक नर मंद अभागी।। पुनि सादर बोले मुनि नारद। सुनहु राम बिग्यान बिसारद।। संतन्ह के लच्छन रघुबीरा। कहहु नाथ भव भंजन भीरा।। सुनु मुनि संतन्ह के गुन कहऊँ। जिन्ह ते मैं उन्ह कें बस रहऊँ।। षट बिकार जित अनघ अकामा। अचल अकिंचन सुचि सुखधामा।। अमितबोध अनीह मितभोगी। सत्यसार कबि कोबिद जोगी।। सावधान मानद मदहीना। धीर धर्म गति परम प्रबीना।।

Hearing Raghupati's beautiful words, the sage thrilled with joy and his eyes filled with tears. (Narada said:) 'Tell me, what other Lord has such a way—such tenderness and love toward His servant? Those who do not worship such a Lord, casting off delusion, are paupers in wisdom, dull-witted, and wretched.' Then the sage Narada reverently said: 'Listen, O Ram, master of wisdom; tell me, O Raghubir, O Lord who destroys the fear of worldly existence, the marks of saints.' (Ram replied:) 'Listen, O sage, I will tell you the virtues of saints, on account of which I remain subject to them. They have conquered the six passions, are sinless and desireless, unshakable, possessionless, pure, and abodes of bliss; of boundless wisdom, desireless, moderate in enjoyment, devoted to truth, poets, learned, and yogis; vigilant, giving honor to others, free from pride, steadfast, and supremely skilled in the ways of righteousness.'

गुनागार संसार दुख रहित बिगत संदेह।। तजि मम चरन सरोज प्रिय तिन्ह कहुँ देह न गेह।।45।।

They are the abodes of virtues, free from the sorrows of worldly existence, and rid of all doubt; and apart from my lotus-feet, neither their body nor their home is dear to them.