Sloka & Translation

[ Angry Lakshmana urges Rama to assume authority over the kingdom forcibly--Rama convinces Kausalya and Lakshmana to allow him to obey the command of his father.]

tathā tu vilapantīṅ tāṅ kausalyāṅ rāmamātaram.

uvāca lakṣmaṇō dīnastatkālasadṛśaṅ vacaḥ৷৷2.21.1৷৷


lakṣmaṇaḥ Lakshmana, dīnaḥ miserable, tathā thus, vilapantīm lamenting, rāmamātaram Rama's mother, tāṅ kauśalyām to that Kausalya, tatkālasadṛśam befitting to the occasion, vacaḥ words, uvāca said.

While Rama's mother, Kausalya was lamenting, miserable Lakshmana said to her these words appropriate to the occasion:
na rōcatē mamāpyētadāryē yadrāghavō vanam.

tyaktvā rājyaśriyaṅ gacchēt striyā vākyavaśaṅ gataḥ৷৷2.21.2৷৷


āryē O venerable one!, rāghavaḥ Rama, striyāḥ a woman's, vākyavaśaṅ gataḥ yielding to the words, rājyaśriyam the welfare of the kingdom, tyaktvā renouncing, vanam to the forest, gacchēt (iti) yat should go , ētat all this, mamāpi to me also, na rōcatē is not pleasing.

O venerable one, I do not like that Rama should go to the forest yielding to the
words of a woman and renouncing the welfare of the kingdom.
viparītaśca vṛddhaśca viṣayaiśca pradharṣitaḥ.

nṛpaḥ kimiva na brūyāccōdyamānassamanmathaḥ৷৷2.21.3৷৷


viparītaśca man of perverse nature, vṛddhaśca aged also, viṣayaiḥ by carnal pleasures, pradharṣitaḥ ca struck, samanmathaḥ ruled by passion, nṛpaḥ king, cōdyamānaḥ incited by (Kaikeyi), kimiva whatever words, na brūyāt not speak.

The king has a perverse nature. He is aged. He is overpowered by passions. He is under the spell of carnal pleasures and is incited (by Kaikeyi). Such a man can speak anything.
nāsyāparādhaṅ paśyāmi nāpi dōṣaṅ tathāvidham.

yēna nirvāsyatē rāṣṭrādvanavāsāya rāghavaḥ৷৷2.21.4৷৷


rāghavaḥ Rama, yēna for which, rāṣṭrāt from the kingdom, vanavāsāya to dwell in the forest, nirvāsyatē is banished, tathāvidham such, asya his, aparādhaṅ offence, na paśyāmi do not see, dōṣam api fault also, na not.

I do not see any fault in Rama nor any offence committed by him for which he is exiled from the kingdom.
na taṅ paśyāmyahaṅ lōkē parōkṣamapi yō naraḥ.

svamitrō.pi nirastō.pi yō.sya dōṣamudāharēt৷৷2.21.5৷৷


svamitrō.pi even an adversary, nirastō.pi or the defeated, yaḥ naraḥ any man, parōkṣamapi in his absence also, asya his, dōṣam fault, udāharēt can cite, tam him, aham I, lōkē in this world, na paśyāmi do not find.

I do not find anybody in this world, even an adversary or one defeated, who finds fault with him even in his absence.
dēvakalpamṛjuṅ dāntaṅ ripūṇāmapi vatsalam.

avēkṣamāṇaḥ kō dharmaṅ tyajētputramakāraṇāt৷৷2.21.6৷৷


dharmam righteousness, avēkṣamāṇaḥ without caring, kaḥ who, dēvakalpam equal to god, ṛjum upright, dāntam with subdued passions, ripūṇāmapi even for his enemies, vatsalam a loved man, putram son, akāraṇāt without any cause, tyajēt will abandon.

With no cause nor concern for righteousness, will any one abandon his son who is nearly equal to god, upright, self-restrained and loved even by his enemies ?
tadidaṅ vacanaṅ rājñaḥpunarbālyamupēyuṣaḥ.

putraḥ kō hṛdayē kuryādrājavṛttamanusmaran৷৷2.21.7৷৷


rājavṛttam leading the life of a king, anusmaran remembering, kaḥ putraḥ which son, punaḥ again, bālyam childhood, upēyuṣaḥ regained, rājñaḥ king's, tat idaṅ vacanam that such words, hṛdayē in the heart, kuryāt will accept?

Will any son with the ideals of a king in mind accept such words of this king who has entered his chilhood again ?
yāvadēva na jānāti kaścidarthamimaṅ naraḥ.

tāvadēva mayā sārdhamātmasthaṅ kuru śāsanam৷৷2.21.8৷৷


kaścit any one, naraḥ man, imam artham this information, yāvadēva until, na jānāti does not come to know, tāvadēva before that period, mayā sādhē with my assistance, śāsanam authority (over the kingdom ), ātmastham under your control, kuru do (assume).

Before this news is known to any one bring the kingdom under your control with my assistance.
mayā pārśvē sadhanuṣā tava guptasya rāghava!.

ka ssamarthō.dhikaṅ kartuṅ kṛtāntasyēva tiṣṭhataḥ৷৷2.21.9৷৷


rāghava O Rama!, pārśvē by your side, sa dhanuṣā with bow, mayā by me, guptasya protected, kṛtāntasyēva like Yama, (god of death), tiṣṭhataḥ (yourself) standing, adhikam excess, kartuṅ to challenge, kaḥ who, samarthaḥ is able?

O Rama! who can commit excesses on you, when you stand like Yama, god of death, protected by me with my bow?
nirmanuṣyāmimāṅ kṛtsnāmayōdhyāṅ manujarṣabha!.

kariṣyāmi śaraistīkṣṇairyadi sthāsyati vipriyē৷৷2.21.10৷৷


manujarṣabha O best among men!, vipriyē against you, sthāsyati yadi if any one stands up, imām this, kṛtsnām entire, ayōdhyām Ayodhya, tīkṣṇaiḥ with sharp, śaraiḥ arrows, nirmanuṣyām depopulate, kariṣyāmi I shall do.

O best of men, if the whole of Ayodhya stands against you I shall depopulate it with my sharp arrows.
bharatasyātha pakṣyō vā yō vā.sya hitamicchati.

sarvānētānvadhiṣyāmi mṛdurhi paribhūyatē৷৷2.21.11৷৷


atha even so, bharatasya Bharata's, pakṣyō vā or any supporter, yō vā or any one, asya his, hitam welfare, icchati seeking, ētān sarvān all those, vadhiṣyāmi I shall slay, mṛduḥ a soft (person), paribhūyatē hi is treated with disgrace indeed.

I shall slay all of them who support Bharata and those who seek his prosperity. A gentleman is treated with disgrace indeed.
prōtsāhitō.yaṅ kaikēyyā sa duṣṭō yadi naḥ pitā.

amitrabhūtō nissaṅgaṅ vadhyatāṅ badhyatāmapi৷৷2.21.12৷৷


kaikēyyā by Kaikeyi, prōtsāhitaḥ instigated, saḥ that, duṣṭaḥ vicious, naḥ pitā our father, amitrabhūtaḥ yadi becomes enemy, nissaṅgaṅ without caring for any relationship, ayam I will, badhyatām shall be imprisoned, vadhyatāmapi also shall be slain.

Even if our father instigated by Kaikeyi becomes our enemy, he shall be imprisoned or even slain regardless of our relationship with him.
gurōrapyavaliptasya kāryākāryamajānataḥ.

utpathaṅ pratipannasya kāryaṅ bhavati śāsanam৷৷2.21.13৷৷


avaliptasya filled with haughtiness, kāryākāryam acts good and bad, ajānataḥ of one who does not know, utpatham unrighteous path, pratipannasya of one who has resorted to, gurōrapi even of a preceptor, śāsanam discipline, kāryam duty, bhavati becomes.

Even a preceptor who follows the unrighteous path and is filled with haughtiness and does not know how to discriminate between good and bad, deserves to be disciplined (punished).
balamēṣa kimāśritya hētuṅ vāpuruṣarṣabha!.

dātumicchati kaikēyyai rājyaṅ sthitamidaṅ tava৷৷2.21.14৷৷


puruṣarṣabha O best of men!, tava your, sthitam belongings, idam this, rājyam kingdom, ēṣaḥ he, kim what, balam power, hētuṅ vā or reason, āśritya resorting to, kaikēyyai to Kaikeyi, dātum to confer, icchati wishes.

O best of men!, under what authority or reason this king wants to confer on Kaikeyi the kingdom that rightfully belongs to you?
tvayā caiva mayā caiva kṛtvā vairamanuttamam.

kā.sya śaktiśśriyaṅ dātuṅ bharatāyāriśāsana!৷৷2.21.15৷৷


ariśāsana O chastiser of foes, tvayā caiva with you, mayā caiva with me, anuttamam undesirable, vairam hostility, kṛtvā having created, asya for him, bharatāya to Bharata, śriyam kingdom, dātum to bestow, kā śaktiḥ what strength he has?

What authority, O Rama, chastiser of foes, this king has to bestow the kingdom upon Bharata by entering into undesirable hostility towards you and me?
anuraktō.smi bhāvēna bhrātaraṅ dēvi tattvataḥ.

satyēna dhanuṣā caiva dattēnēṣṭēna tē śapē৷৷2.21.16৷৷


dēvi mother, tattvata: truly, bhāvēna from the bottom of my heart, bhrātaram my brother, anuraktaḥ asmi I am loyal, satyēna truthfully, dhanuṣā caiva with bow also, dattēna on charity, iṣṭēna on sacrifice, tē to you, śapē I swear.

O mother!, (Lakshmana now tells Kausalya) I am truly loyal to my brother from the bottom of my heart. I swear this by my bow, on my merits earned through charity, by my truthfulness and by the good deeds I have done.
dīptamagnimaraṇyaṅ vā yadi rāmaḥ pravēkṣyati.

praviṣṭaṅ tatra māṅ dēvi! tvaṅ pūrvamavadhāraya৷৷2.21.17৷৷


dēvi O mother!, rāmaḥ Rama, dīptam blazing, agnim fire, araṇyaṅ vā or to the forest, pravēkṣyati yadi if he enters, pūrvam prior, mām me, tatra there, praviṣṭam one who entered, tvam you, avadhāraya know.

O mother! rest assured should Rama enter a blazing fire or a forest I must have already entered it.
harāmi vīryādduḥkhaṅ tē tama ssūrya ivōditaḥ.

dēvī paśyatu mē vīryaṅ rāghavaścaiva paśyatu৷৷2.21.18৷৷


uditaḥ arisen, sūryaḥ Sun, tama iva like darkness, vīryāt with my valour, tē duḥkham your sorrow, harāmi shall take away, dēvī mother, mē vīryam my valour, paśyatu one shall see, rāghavaścaiva Rama also, paśyatu shall see.

Like the rising Sun dispelling darkness, I shall eliminate your sorrow. O mother! Let Rama see my valour. You, too.
ētattu vacanaṅ śrutvā lakṣmaṇasya mahātmanaḥ.

uvāca rāmaṅ kauśalyā rudantī śōkalālasā৷৷2.21.19৷৷


mahātmanaḥ of the magnanimous, lakṣmaṇasya Lakshmana's, ētat vacanam these words, śrutvā having heard, kauśalyā Kausalya, rudantī weeping, śōkalālasā depressed with sorrow, rāmam to Rama, uvāca said.

Having heard the words of the magnanimous Lakshmana, Kausalya, depressed and weeping, said to Rama:
bhrātustē vadataḥ putra! lakṣmaṇasya śrutaṅ tvayā.

yadatrānantaraṅ kāryaṅ kuruṣva yadi rōcatē৷৷2.21.20৷৷


putra O son, tē your, bhrātuḥ brother's, lakṣmaṇasya of Lakshmana, vadataḥ saying, tvayā by you, śrutam has been heard, rōcatē yadi if it pleases (you), atra in this matter, anantaram later, yat what, kāryam is to be done, kurūṣva you may do it.

O my son! you have heard what your brother Lakshmana said and if it pleases you, do later what is to be done.
na cādharmyaṅ vaca śrutvā sapatnyā mama bhāṣitam.

vihāya śōkasantaptāṅ gantumarhasi māmitaḥ৷৷2.21.21৷৷


mama my, sapatnyā by (my) co-wife (Kaikeyi), bhāṣitam spoken, adharmyam unrighteous, vacaḥ words, śrutvā having heard, śōkasantaptām stricken with grief, mām me, vihāya leaving, itaḥ from here,
gantum to go, nārhasi does not behove you.

By heeding the unrighteous words of my co-wife (Kaikeyi) it does not behove you to leave me grief-stricken and go away from here.
dharmajña! yadi dharmiṣṭhō dharmaṅ caritumicchasi.

śuśrūṣa māmihasthastvaṅ cara dharmamanuttamam৷৷2.21.22৷৷


dharmajña! O knower of duties, dharmiṣṭhaḥ pious, dharmam righteousness, caritum to follow, icchasi yadi if you wish, tvam you, ihasthaḥ by staying here, mām me, śuśrūṣa serve, anuttamam best, dharmam of virutes, cara follow.

You are righteous. You know your duty. If you wish to follow the path of righteousness, stay here, serve me and follow the best of dharma.
śuśrūṣurjananīṅ putra! svagṛhē niyatō vasan.

parēṇa tapasā yuktaḥ kāśyapastridivaṅ gataḥ৷৷2.21.23৷৷


putra O son!, kāśyapaḥ Kasyapa, jananīm his mother, śuśrūṣuḥ by serving, niyataḥ with self-discipline, svagṛhē in his own home, vasan while dwelling, parēṇa with the highest, tapasā with penance, yuktaḥ engaged in, tridivam heaven, gataḥ went.

O son! Kasyapa who led a life of self-discipline and served his mother at home, attained heaven credited with (the merit of) the highest penance.
yathaiva rājā pūjyastē gauravēṇa tathā.smyaham.

tvāṅ nāhamanujānāmi na gantavyamitō vanam৷৷2.21.24৷৷


rājā king, gauravēṇa out of reverence, tē to you, yathaiva how, pūjyaḥ is worthy of homage, aham I, tathā hi in the same manner, aham I, tvām to you, nānujānāmi will not permit, itaḥ from here, vanam to the forest, na gantavyam shall not go.

Just as the king is worthy of your respectful homage, so am I. I will not permit you to go from here to the forest.
tvadviyōgānna mē kāryaṅ jīvitēna sukhēna vā.

tvayā saha mama śrēyastṛṇānāmapi bhakṣaṇam৷৷2.21.25৷৷


tvadviyōgāt by being separated from you, mē for me, jīvitēna with life, sukhēna vā or with happiness, kāryam any purpose, na not, tvayā saha along with you, mama to me, tṛṇānām of
grass, bhakṣaṇam api feeding also, śrēyaḥ is preferable.

Separated from you, I have no use of this life or happiness. I prefer to live with you even if it means eating grass.
yadi tvaṅ yāsyasi vanaṅ tyaktvā māṅ śōkalālasām.

ahaṅ prāyamihāsiṣyē na hi śakṣyāmi jīvitum৷৷2.21.26৷৷


śōkalālasām overtaken by sorrow, mām me, tyaktvā after leaving, tvam you, vanam to the forest, yāsyasi yadi if you depart, aham I, iha here, prāyam asiṣyē I shall seek death by fasting, jīvitum to live, na śakṣyāmi hi I am not able.

If you depart for the forest leaving me grief-stricken I cannot live. Here I shall seek death by fasting.
tatastvaṅ prāpsyasē putra! nirayaṅ lōkaviśrutam.

brahmahatyāmivādharmātsamudra ssaritāṅ patiḥ৷৷2.21.27৷৷


tataḥ after that, putra O son, tvam you, saritāṅ patiḥ lord of all rivers, samudraḥ ocean, adharmāt through unrighteous conduct, brahmahatyāmiva like slaying a brahmin, lōkaviśrutam renowned in the world, nirayam hell, prāpsyasē will attain.

O son! you will then fall into hell. As well-known in the world, the ocean, the lord of rivers, incurred the guilt of slaying a brahmin through unrighteous conduct.
vilapantīṅ tathā dīnāṅ kausalyāṅ jananīṅ tataḥ.

uvāca rāmō dharmātmā vacanaṅ dharmasaṅhitam৷৷2.21.28৷৷


tataḥ thereafter, dharmātmā virtuous, rāmaḥ Rama, dīnām miserable lady, tathā in that way, vilapantīm lamenting, jananīm to his mother, kauśalyām to Kausalya, dharmasaṅhitam consistent with righteousness, vacanam words, uvāca said.

Thereafter, virtuous Rama addressed these words consistent with righteousness to his miserable mother Kausalya who was thus lamenting:
nāsti śaktiḥ piturvākyaṅ samatikramituṅ mama.

prasādayē tvāṅ śirasā gantumicchāmyahaṅ vanam৷৷2.21.29৷৷


pituḥ father's, vākyam words (order), samatikramitum to transgress, mama for me, śaktiḥ power, nāsti is not there, aham I, śirasā bowing my head, prasādayē I am propitiating, vanam to forest, gantum to depart, icchāmi wishing.

I do not have the power to transgress the orders of my father. Bowing my head I beseech you, allow me to go to the forest.
ṛṣiṇā ca piturvākyaṅ kurvatā vratacāriṇā.

gaurhatā jānatā dharmaṅ kaṇḍunā.pi vipaścitā৷৷2.21.30৷৷


ṛṣiṇā by the sage, vratacāriṇā by a man observing the vows, dharmam righteousness, jānatā by the knower, vipaścitā by a learned man, api even, kaṇḍunā by Kandu, pituḥ father's, vākyam command, kurvatā carrying out, gau: cow, hatā slew.

Learned sage Kandu who knew what is righteousness and a strict observant of vows, slew a cow for carrying out the command of his father.
asmākaṅ ca kulē pūrvaṅ sagarasyājñayā pituḥ.

khanadbhissāgarairbhūmimavāptassumahānvadhaḥ৷৷2.21.31৷৷


pūrvam earlier, asmākam in our, kulē ca race, pituḥ of father, sagarasya Sagara's, ājñayā by command, bhūmim earth, khanadbhi: by those excavating, sāgaraiḥ by the sons of Sagara, sumahān very great (fearful), vadhaḥ slaughter, āvāptaḥ was met with.

Earlier the sons of Sagara, born in our family, while excavating the earth by the order of their father met a terrible death.
jāmadgnyēna rāmēṇa rēṇukā jananī svayam.

kṛttā paraśunā.raṇyē piturvacanakāriṇā৷৷2.21.32৷৷


pituḥ father's, vacanakāriṇā in obedience to the words, jāmadagnyēna by the son of Jamadagni, rāmēṇa by Parasurama, jananī his mother, rēṇukā Renuka, svayam himself, araṇyē in the forest, paraśunā by an axe, kṛttā was severed.

Parasurama, son of Jamadagni himself in obedience to the words of his father, decapitated his mother Renuka in the forest with an axe.
ētairanyaiśca bahubhirdēvi! dēvasamaiḥ kṛtam.

piturvacanamaklībaṅ kariṣyāmi piturhitam৷৷2.21.33৷৷


dēvi O Devi!, ētaiḥ by these, dēvasamaiḥ by god-like people, bahubhiḥ many, anyaiśca by others also, pituḥ father's, vacanam words, aklībam fruitful, kṛtam was made, pituḥ father's, hitam wish, kariṣyāmi I will do.

All of them including many other god-like persons, O Mother! fulfilled the words of their father. I shall also make my father's wish come true.
na khalvētanmayaikēna kriyatē pitṛśāsanam.

ētairapi kṛtaṅ dēvi! yē mayā tava kīrtitāḥ৷৷2.21.34৷৷


dēvi O Devi!, mayā by me, ēkēna by me alone, ētat this, pitṛśāsanam father's command, na kriyatē has not been obeyed, mayā by me, yē all those, tava to you, kīrtitāḥ have been mentioned, ētairapi even by them, kṛtam it has been done.

I am not O Devi! the only one obeying my father's command. All I have mentioned to you did.
nāhaṅ dharmamapūrvaṅ tē pratikūlaṅ pravartayē.

pūrvairayamabhiprētō gatō mārgō.nugamyatē৷৷2.21.35৷৷


aham I, pratikūlam contrary to the old practice, apūrvam anything new, dharmam practice, tē to you, na pravartayē I am not advancing, pūrvaiḥ by ancestors, abhiprētaḥ acceptable, gataḥ followed by them, ayam this, mārgaḥ path, anugamyatē is being followed.

I am not advancing anything new, contrary to the existing practice. I am only following the trodden path of our ancestors.
tadētattu mayā kāryaṅ kriyatē bhuvi nānyathā.

piturhi vacanaṅ kurvanna kaścinnāma hīyatē৷৷2.21.36৷৷


bhuvi in this world, kāryam duty, tat ētat that this(compliance with the command), mayā by me, anyathā in any other manner, na kriyatē will not be done, pituḥ father's, vacanam orders, kurvan while carrying out, kaścit any one, na hīyatē nāma will not perish.

I will not do as duty anything contrary to what is done by others in this world. No one who obeys the commands of his father falls off the path of righteousness.
tāmēvamuktvā jananīṅ lakṣmaṇaṅ punarabravīt.

vākyaṅ vākyavidāṅ śrēṣṭhaśśrēṣṭhassarvadhanuṣmatām৷৷2.21.37৷৷


vākyavidām of the knowers of speech, śrēṣṭhaḥ best man, sarvadhanuṣmatām among all archers, śrēṣṭhaḥ best man, tāṅ jananīm his mother, ēvam thus, uktvā having spoken, punaḥ again, lakṣmaṇam to Lakshmana, abravīt spoke.

One who is the best among the knowers of speech and best of all archers, Rama spoke to his mother in this manner and then said to Lakshmana:
tava lakṣmaṇa! jānāmi mayi snēhamanuttamam.

vikramaṅ caiva sattvaṅ ca tējaśca sudurāsadam৷৷2.21.38৷৷


lakṣmaṇa! O Lakshmana, tava your, mayi in me, anuttamam exceedingly great, snēham affection, vikramaṅ caiva also valour, sattvaṅ ca also strength, sudurāsadam unassailable, tējaśca energy, jānāmi I know.

I know, O Lakshmana, your profound affection for me. I also know your valour, strength and unassailable energy.
mama māturmahadduḥkhamatulaṅ śubhalakṣaṇa!.

abhiprāyamavijñāya satyasya ca śamasya ca৷৷2.21.39৷৷


śubhalakṣaṇa O one of auspicious qualities (Lakshmana!), satyasya ca of truth, śamasya ca of self-restraint, abhiprāyam the meaning, avijñāya without realising, mama mātuḥ my mother's, atulam incomparable, mahat duḥkham great grief.

O Lakshamana of auspicious qualities, since my mother is not aware of the significance of truth and self-restraint, she is overcome with grief, great and incomparable.
dharmō hi paramō lōkē dharmē satyaṅ pratiṣṭhitam.

dharmasaṅśritamētacca piturvacanamuttamam৷৷2.21.40৷৷


dharmaḥ righteousness, lōkē in this world, paramō hi is supreme, dharmē in righteousness, satyam
truth, pratiṣṭhitam is established, ētat this, uttamam excellent, pituḥ father's, vacanaṅ ca words, dharmasaṅśritam is supported by righteousness.

Righteousness alone is supreme in this world and truth is established in righteousness. This excellent command of our father is supported by righteousness.
saṅśrutya ca piturvākyaṅ māturvā brāhmaṇasya vā.

na kartavyaṅ vṛthā vīra! dharmamāśritya tiṣṭhatā৷৷2.21.41৷৷


vīra! O hero, pituḥ of father, māturvā or of mother, brāhmaṇasya vā or of brahmins, saṅśrutya having promised, dharmam righteouness, āśritya having taken recourse, tiṣṭhatā by one who abides in, vākyam words, vṛthā in vain, na kartavyam is not to be done.

Any one, O hero, who has taken recourse to righteousness should not allow the promise made to his father, mother or a brahmin to go in vain.
sō.haṅ na śakṣyāmi piturniyōgamativartitum.

piturhivacanādvīra! kaikēyyā.haṅ pracōditaḥ৷৷2.21.42৷৷


vīra O warrior, saḥ aham such me, pituḥ father's, niyōgam command, ativartitum to transgress, na śakṣyāmi I am not competent, pituḥ father's, vacanāt from the words, aham I, kaikēyyā by Kaikeyi, pracōditaḥ hi urged.

O hero! I cannot transgress the command of my father since at his instance only Kaikeyi urged me (to go to the forest).
tadētāṅ visṛjānāryāṅ kṣatradharmāśritāṅ matim.

dharmamāśraya mā taikṣṇyaṅ madbuddhiranugamyatām৷৷2.21.43৷৷


tat for that reason, anāryām ignoble, kṣatradharmāśritām resorting to the duty of a kshatriya, matim intellect, visṛja you may give up, dharmam righteousness, āśraya adopt, taikṣṇyam violence, mā do not follow, madbuddhiḥ my thought, anugamyatām be followed.

Therefore, leave this ignoble thought, resort to the duty of a kshatriya, take the righteous path. Do not adopt violence. Follow my decision.
tamēvamuttvā sauhārdādbhrātaraṅ lakṣmaṇāgrajaḥ.

uvāca bhūyaḥ kausalyāṅ prāñjaliśśirasānataḥ৷৷2.21.44৷৷


lakṣmaṇāgrajaḥ elder brother of Lakshmana, Rama, tam that, bhrātaram his brother, sauhārdāt
affectionately, ēvam in this way, uttvā having spoken, prāñjaliḥ with folded hands, śirasā with head, nataḥ down, bhūyaḥ again, kauśalyām to Kausalya, uvāca said.

Speaking affectionately to his brother Lakshmana, Rama with folded hands and head bowed again addressed Kausalya:
anumanyasva māṅ dēvi! gamiṣyantamitō vanam.

śāpitā.si mama prāṇaiḥ kuru svastyayanāni mē৷৷2.21.45৷৷


dēvi O Devi!, itaḥ from here, vanam to the forest, gamiṣyantam one who has decided to go, anumanyasva you may permit, mama me, prāṇaiḥ with life, śāpitā asi you are sworn, mē to me, svastyayanāni all ceremonial means of securing prosperity, kuru perform.

I have decided, O mother! to go to the forest from here. Grant me the permission to do so. I swear on my life. Perform all the ceremonies for securing prosperity for me.
tīrṇapratijñaśca vanātpunarēṣyāmyahaṅ purīm.

yayātiriva rājarṣiḥpurā hitvā punardivam৷৷2.21.46৷৷


purā in the past, yayātiḥ Yayati, rājarṣiḥ rajarshi, divam heaven, hitvā having left, punaḥ again, divam iva like heaven, aham I, tīrṇa pratijñaḥ having fulfilled my vow, vanāt from the forest, punaḥ again, purīm to the city (of Ayodhya), ēṣyāmi shall return.

Like rajarshi Yayati of yore who lost heaven and rejained it, I shall return from the
forest to the city (of Ayodhya) after the vow is fulfilled.
śōkassandhāryatāṅ māta! rhṛdayē sādhu mā śucaḥ.

vanavāsādihaiṣyāmi punaḥ kṛtvā piturvacaḥ৷৷2.21.47৷৷


māta! O mother!, śōkaḥ sorrow, hṛdayē in the heart, sādhu prudently, sandhāryatām be subdued, mā śucaḥ do not grieve, pituḥ father's, vacaḥ words, kṛtvā having fulfilled, vanavāsāt from exile, punaḥ again, iha here, ēṣyāmi will come back.

Do not grieve, O mother! Be prudent enough to subdue your sorrow in your heart. Having fulfilled father's words, I shall come back from my sojourn in the forest.
tvayā mayā ca vaidēhyā lakṣmaṇēna sumitrayā.

piturniyōgē sthātavyamēṣa dharmassanātanaḥ৷৷2.21.48৷৷


tvayā by you, mayā ca by me, vaidēhyā by Sita, lakṣmaṇēna by Lakshmana, sumitrayā by Sumitra, pituḥ father's, niyōgē by the orders, sthātavyam we shall abide, ēṣaḥ this alone, sanātanaḥ eternal, dharmaḥ law.

You, Sita, Lakshmana, Sumitra and I -- all of us shall abide by the words of my father. This indeed is eternal law.
amba! saṅhṛtya sambhārān duḥkhaṅ hṛdi nigṛhya ca.

vanavāsakṛtā buddhirmama dharmyā.nu vartyatām৷৷2.21.49৷৷


amba! O mother!, sambhārān articles (for consecration), saṅhṛtya after withdrawing, duḥkham sorrow, hṛdi in the heart, nigṛhya ca also after subduing, vanavāsakṛtā relating to my dwelling in the forest, dharmyā conforming to duty, mama buddhi: my thinking, anuvartyatām follow.

O mother! in withdrawing the articles (for consecration) and also in subduing the sorrow in your heart approve of my plan to dwell in the forest.
ētadvacastasya niśamya mātā

sudharmyamavyagramaviklabaṅ ca.

mṛtēva saṅjñāṅ pratilabhya dēvī

samīkṣya rāmaṅ punarityuvāca৷৷2.21.50৷৷


mātā mother, dēvī Devi (Kausalya), tasya that Rama's, sudharmyam conforming to virtue, avyagram
unruffled, aviklabaṅ ca also without getting distressed, ētat all this, vacaḥ words, niśamya having heard, mṛtēva like a dead person, saṅjñām consciousness, pratilabhya having regained, rāmam Rama, samīkṣya having looked at intently, punaḥ again, iti thus, uvāca said.

Having heard these words so unruffled and tranquil which conformed to righteousness, mother (Kausalya), like a dead person regaining consciousness spoke to Rama again:
yathaiva tē putra! pitā tathā.haṅ

guru ssvadharmēṇa suhṛttayā ca.

na tvā.nujānāmi na māṅ vihāya

suduḥkhitāmarhasi gantumēvam৷৷2.21.51৷৷


putra! O my son!, svadharmēṇa by virtue of one's own duty, suhṛttayā ca out of affection, tē your, pitā father, yathaiva as he is to you, tathā like that, aham I, guruḥ preceptor, tvā you, na anujānāmi do not permit, suduḥkhitām highly distressed, mām me, vihāya leaving, ēvam in this manner, gantum to go, nārhasi does not behove you.

By virtue of my own duty and affection towards you, O my son! I am as much your preceptor as your father is. I will not grant you permission. You should not go, leaving me deeply distressed.
kiṅ jīvitēnēha vinā tvayā mē

lōkēna vā kiṅ svadhayā.mṛtēna.

śrēyō muhūrtaṅ tava sannidhānaṅ

mamēha kṛtsnādapi jīvalōkāt৷৷2.21.52৷৷


tvayā vinā without you, mē to me, iha here, jīvitēna with life, kim what is the purpose, lōkēna with the other world, svadhayā with the oblations (offered to manes), amṛtēna vā or with nectar or immortality available to the gods, kim what use, mama for me, iha here,
kṛtsnāt entire, jīvalōkāt api even more than the world of human beings, muhūrtam even for a moment, tava your, sannidhānam presence, śrēyaḥ more desirable.

What is the purpose of my life in this world without you? What purpose do I have with the other world or with the oblations (offered to manes) or with nectar (availble to the gods). I would prefer one moment in your company to the whole world of living beings (without you).
narairivōlkābhirapōhyamānō

mahāgajō.dhvānamanupraviṣṭaḥ.

bhūyaḥ prajajvāla vilāpamēvaṅ

niśamya rāmaḥ karuṇaṅ jananyāḥ৷৷2.21.53৷৷


rāmaḥ Rama, ēvam in this way, karuṇam pitiful, jananyāḥ mother's, vilāpam lamentation, niśamya having heard, naraiḥ by men, ulkābhiḥ by meteors (fire-works), apōhyamānaḥ being prevented, adhvānam the way, anupraviṣṭaḥ entered, mahāgajaḥ iva like a mighty elephant, bhūyaḥ still more, prajajvāla was burning (within).

At the (inconsolable) lamentations of his mother, Rama was in flames (within) like a mighty elephant prevented from entering the highway by men with fire-works.
sa mātaraṅ caiva visaṅjñakalpā

mārtaṅ ca saumitrimabhiprataptam.

dharmē sthitō dharmyamuvāca vākyaṅ

yathā sa ēvārhati tatra vaktum৷৷2.21.54৷৷


dharmē in righteousness, sthitaḥ abiding, saḥ that Rama, visaṅjñakalpām like one who has fallen into a swoon, mātaraṅ caiva to his mother also, abhiprataptam tormented with suffering, saumitrim to Lakshmana, tatra at that time, yathā in such a way, vaktum to speak, sa ēva he alone, arhati is competent (in that way), dharmyam endowed with righteousness, vākyam words, uvāca
said.

Rama, centred on righteousness, again addressed his mother who had almost fainted and Lakshmana who was deeply distressed. As his words were consistent with righteousness, he alone was competent to speak that way.
ahaṅ hi tē lakṣmaṇa! nityamēva

jānāmi bhaktiṅ ca parākramaṅ ca.

mama tvabhiprāyamasannirīkṣya

mātrā sahābhyardasi māṅ suduḥkham৷৷2.21.55৷৷


lakṣmaṇa! O Lakshmana, aham I, nityamēva always, tē your, bhaktiṅ ca also devotion, parākramaṅ ca valour too, jānāmi know, tu but, mama my, abhiprāyam intention, asannirīkṣya without probing, mātrā saha along with my mother, mām me, suduḥkham severe pain, abhyardasi you are tormenting.

I know your devotion (to me) and your valour, O Lakshmana! But now, without understanding my intention you are causing me and mother severe pain and torment.
dharmārthakāmāḥ khalu tāta! lōkē

samīkṣitā dharmaphalōdayēṣu.

tē tatra sarvē syurasaṅśayaṅ mē

bhāryēva vaśyā.bhimatā suputrā৷৷2.21.56৷৷


tāta! O dear one, lōkē in this world, dharmaphalōdayēṣu obtaining the fruits of righteousness, dharmārthakāmāḥ righteousness, wealth and objects of desire, samīkṣitāḥ are considered, vaśyā obedient, abhimatā beloved, suputrā having good sons, bhāryēva like a wife, tatra in that (righteousness), tē sarvē all these (dharma, artha and kama), syuḥ will remain, mē to me, asaṅśayam there is no doubt.

Dharma,artha and kama, O my dear! are adjudged in this world according to the fruits of righteous action. All these three are doubtless there (in my decision to go to the forest), like obedience in a wife and love for the mother in good sons.
yasmiṅstu sarvē syurasanniviṣṭā

dharmō yata ssyāttadupakramēta.

dvēṣyō bhavatyarthaparō hi lōkē

kāmātmatā khalvapi na praśastā৷৷2.21.57৷৷


yasmin in whichever man, sarvē all these (three), asanniviṣṭāḥ syuḥ are not combined, yataḥ by which, dharmaḥ righteousness, syāt is present, tat that one, upakramēta should be performed, lōkē in the world, arthaparaḥ a seeker of wealth, dvēṣyaḥ is abhorred, bhavati hi happens, kāmātmatāpi subjecting to fulfilment of desires also, na praśastā khalu is not admired (by the wise).

If actions which combine these three (dharma, artha and kama), cannot be performed (which is likely), resort to righteousness. (For) one who seeks wealth is abhorred and one who seeks fulfilment of desires does not attract admiration in this world.
guruśca rājā ca pitā ca vṛddhaḥ

krōdhātpraharṣādyadi vā.pi kāmāt.

yadvyādiśētkāryamavēkṣya dharmaṅ

kastanna kuryādanṛśaṅsavṛttiḥ.2.21.58৷৷


guruśca the precepter, rājā ca the king also, vṛddhaḥ ca an old man, pitā ca also father, krōdhāt due to anger, praharṣāt due to joy, yadi vā or, kāmāt api even due to passion, yat such, kāryam act, vyādiśēt commands, tat that one, dharmam as rightful duty, avēkṣya having seen, anṛśaṅsavṛttiḥ no tendency to cruelty, kaḥ who, na kuryāt will not do.

Whatever a preceptor, an old man, a king and a father commands whether it is out of anger or pleasure or passion must be carried out as dharma. Who will not do it unless he is heartless?
sa vai na śaknōmi pituḥ pratijñā-

mimāmakartuṅ sakalāṅ yathāvat.

sa hyāvayōstāta! gururniyōgē

dēvyāśca bhartā sa gati ssadharmaḥ৷৷2.21.59৷৷


saḥ that kind of me, pituḥ father's, sakalām completely, imāṅ pratijñām this promise, yathāvat as it is, akartum not to execute, na śaknōmi vai for sooth I am not competent, tāta O my dear, saḥ he, niyōgē in command, āvayōḥ for both of us, guruḥ hi is preceptor, dēvyāśca of mother also, saḥ he, bhartā husband, saḥ he, gatiḥ is refuge, dharmaḥ virtue.

It is impossible for me not to execute the promise completely, O my dear, he (Dasaratha) is our preceptor and, therefore, fit to command us. Even for mother Kausalya, he is her husband, her refuge and her dharma.
tasminpunarjīvati dharmarājē

viśēṣatassvē pathi vartamānē.

dēvī mayā sārdhamitō.pagacchēt

kathaṅ svidanyā vidhavēva nārī৷৷2.21.60৷৷


dharmarājē when the king of righteousness, tasmin himself, jīvati while he is living, viśēṣataḥ specially, svē his own, pathi in the path, vartamānē while he is moving, dēvī mother Kausalya, anyā other, vidhavā nārīva like a widow, mayā sārdham along with me, kathaṅ svit how, itaḥ from here, apagacchēt shall come away.

While the righteous king is living, more importantly treading the righteous path, how
can mother Kausalya, like an ordinary widow, accompany me leaving this city?
sā mā.numanyasva vanaṅ vrajantaṅ

kuruṣva na ssvastyayanāni dēvi!.

yathā samāptē punarāvrajēyaṅ

yathā hi satyēna punaryayātiḥ৷৷2.21.61৷৷


dēvi! O mother, sā such you, vanam to the forest, vrajantam departing, mā me, anumanyasva allow, satyēna by the strength of truth, yayātiḥ Yayati, yathā just like, punaḥ again, samāptē after completion of the term, yathā as, punaḥ again, avrajēyam I shall come back, svastyayanāni ceremonies causing prosperity, kuruṣva you may perform.

Grant me permission O mother, to depart for the forest. Bless me and perform ceremonies for my well-being so that I shall return (to the city) after completion (of my exile) like Yayati (who came back to heaven) with the strength of truth.
yaśō hyahaṅ kēvalarājyakāraṇā

nna pṛṣṭhataḥ kartumalaṅ mahōdayam.

adīrghakālē na tu dēvi! jīvitē

vṛṇē.varāmadya mahīmadharmataḥ৷৷2.21.62৷৷


kēvalarājyakāraṇāt only for the sake of the kingdom, aham I, mahōdayam great, yaśaḥ glory, pṛṣṭhataḥ kartum to push it back, na alam must not, dēvi O Mother!, adīrghakālē in a short duration, jīvitē in life, adya now, avarām insignificant, mahīm earth, adharmataḥ unrighteously, na vṛṇē will not choose.

I will not forsake this great glory (of fulfilling my father's promise) for the sake of the kingdom. In this transient existence O mother, I do not wish to acquire this insignificant earth unrighteously.
prasādayannaravṛṣabha ssamātaraṅ

parākramājjigamiṣurēva daṇḍakān.

athānujaṅ bhṛśamanuśāsya darśanaṅ

cakāra tāṅ hṛdi jananīṅ pradakṣiṇam৷৷2.21.63৷৷


saḥ that, naravṛṣabhaḥ excellent among men, parākramāt courageously, daṇḍakān to Dandaka forest, jigamiṣurēva wishes to go to, mātaram to mother, prasādayan while pacifying, atha thereafter, anujam to brother, bhṛśam exceedingly, darśanam good intention, anuśāsya ha having disciplined (instructed), hṛdi in his heart, tāṅ jananīm his mother, pradakṣiṇaṅ cakāra circumambulated.

Rama, the best among men, thus pacified his mother insisting on his desire to depart for Dandaka forest with courage. And elaborately instructed his brother about his good intentions after which he circumambulated his mother with all his heart.
ityārṣē śrīmadrāmāyaṇē vālmīkīya ādikāvyē ayōdhyākāṇḍē ēkaviṅśassargaḥ৷৷
Thus ends the twentyfirst sarga of Ayodhyakanda of the holy Ramayana, the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.