Sloka & Translation

[Guha arranges a boat to help Rama, Lakshmana and Sita cross Ganga - Rama asks Sumantra to return to Ayodhya and serve the king - Sita worships Ganga for the safe return from exile.]

prabhātāyāṅ tu śarvaryāṅ pṛthuvakṣā mahāyaśāḥ.

uvāca rāmaḥ saumitriṅ lakṣmaṇaṅ śubhalakṣaṇam৷৷2.52.1৷৷


śarvaryām after the night passed, prabhātāyāṅ tu at dawn, pṛthuvakṣāḥ broad-chested, mahāyaśāḥ of great fame, rāmaḥ Rama, śubhalakṣaṇam of auspicious signs (on his body), saumitrim Sumitra's
son, lakṣmaṇam Lakshmana, uvāca said.

As the night advanced towards dawn, broad-chested Rama of great renown said to Lakshmana, son of Sumitra, who had auspicious marks on his body:
bhāskarōdayakālō.yaṅ gatā bhagavatī niśā.

asau sukṛṣṇō vihagaḥ kōkilastāta! kūjati৷৷2.52.2৷৷


tāta! dear Lakshmana, ayam now it is, bhāskarōdayakālaḥ time for sunrise, bhagavatī venerable, niśā night, gatā is over, sukṛṣṇa: deep dark, vihagaḥ bird, asau kōkilaḥ cuckoo, kūjati is singing.

O dear Lakshmana! the holy night is over and it is time for sunrise. The deep dark bird, the cuckoo is singing.
barhiṇānāṅ ca nirghōṣaḥ śrūyatē nadatāṅ vanē.

tarāma jāhnavīṅ saumya śīghragāṅ sāgaraṅgamām৷৷2.52.3৷৷


vanē forest, nadatām screaming, barhiṇānām of the peacocks, nirghōṣaḥ sound, śrūyatē heard, saumya handsome, śīghragām flowing rapidly, sāgaraṅgamām to merge in the sea, jāhnavīm to Ganga,
tarāma need to cross.

Listen to the screams of the peacocks in the forest. The Ganga is flowing fast to merge in the sea. We need to cross it.
vijñāya rāmasya vacaḥ saumitrirmitranandanaḥ.

guhamāmantrya sūtaṅ ca sō.tiṣṭhadbhrāturagrataḥ৷৷2.52.4৷৷


mitranandanaḥ one who keeps his friends happy, saḥ saumitri: that Lakshmana the son of Sumitra, rāmasya Rama's, vacaḥ words, vijñāya knowing, guham to Guha, sūtaṅ ca to the charioteer also, āmantrya calling, bhrātuḥ brother's, agrataḥ in front, atiṣṭhat stood.

In response to Rama's desire, Lakshmana, son of Sumitra, one who brings joy to his friends, called Guha and the charioteer (Sumantra) and stood before his brother.
sa tu rāmasya vacanaṅ niśamya pratigṛhya ca.

sthapatistūrṇamāhūya sacivānidamabravīt৷৷2.52.5৷৷


saḥ sthapatiḥ that king (of the nisadas), rāmasya Rama's, vacanam words, niśamya having heard, pratigṛhya ca accepting (the proposal), tūrṇam quickly, sacivān ministers, āhūya calling, idam these words, abravīt said.

Having heard and accepted Rama's proposal, the king of the nisadas called his ministers at once and said:
asya vāhanasaṅyuktāṅ karṇagrāhavatīṅ śubhām.

supratārāṅ dṛḍhāṅ tīrthē śīghraṅ nāvamupāhara৷৷2.52.6৷৷


vāhanasaṅyuktām along with the boat, karṇagrāhavatīm with helmsmen, śubhām auspicious, supratārām with a rowing rod, dṛḍhām strong, nāvam boat, śīghram swiftly, asya with one who can row the boat, tīrthē to the sacred bank (of Ganga), upāhara fetch.

Get quickly to the sacred bank (of Ganga) a strong, auspicious boat equipped with rowing rods and helmsmen who can help cross the river with ease!
taṅ niśamya samādēśaṅ guhāmātyagaṇō mahān.

upōhya rucirāṅ nāvaṅ guhāya pratyavēdayat৷৷2.52.7৷৷


mahān great, guhāmātyagaṇaḥ ministers of Guha, tam his, samādēśam order, niśamya having heard, rucirām beautiful, nāvam boat, upōhya having brought, guhāya to Guha, pratyavēdayat informed.

The ministers heard the orders, soon brought a beautiful boat and informed Guha (that his orders have been carried out).
tataḥ sa prāñjalirbhūtvā guhō rāghavamabravīt.

upasthitēyaṅ naurdēva bhūyaḥ kiṅ karavāṇi tē৷৷2.52.8৷৷


tataḥ then, saḥ guhaḥ that Guha, prāñjali: bhūtvā with folded hands, rāghavam to Rama, abravīt said, dēvaḥ O king!, iyam this, nauḥ boat, upasthitā is kept here, tē for you, bhūyaḥ agian, kim what, karavāṇi I will do?

Then Guha with folded palms said to Rama: O king, the boat ready. Tell me what else can I do for you.
tavāmarasutaprakhya tartuṅ sāgaragāṅ nadīm.

nauriyaṅ puruṣavyāghra! tāṅ tvamārōha suvrata৷৷2.52.9৷৷


puruṣavyāghra! tiger among men, amarasutaprakhya reputed like a god's son, sāgaragām flowing to the sea, nadīm river, tartum to cross, tava your, iyam this, nauḥ boat, suvrata engaged in vows, tvam you, tām that, ārōha climb up.

O best among men, renowned like a god's son and constantly engaged in vows, here is the boat for you to cross the Ganga flowing into the sea. Do board it.
athōvāca mahātējā rāmō guhamidaṅ vacaḥ.

kṛtakāmō.smi bhavatā śīghramārōpyatāmiti৷৷2.52.10৷৷


atha thereafter, mahātējāḥ luminous, rāmaḥ Rama, guham, to Guha idam these, vacaḥ words, uvāca said, bhavatā through you, kṛtakāmaḥ accomplished the work, asmi am, śīghram quickly, ārōpyatām getting on to the boat.

Thereafter the radiant Rama said to Guha, You have fulfilled my desire. Keep all our belongings in the boat.
tataḥ kalāpān sannahya khaḍgau badhvā ca dhanvinau.

jagmaturyēna tau gaṅgāṅ sītayā saha rāghavau৷৷2.52.11৷৷


tataḥ then, tau rāghavau Rama and Lakshmana, sītayā saha with Sita, kalāpān quivers, sannahya having tied, khaḍgau ca swords, badhvā wearing, dhanvinau holding the bows, yēna gaṅgām towards Ganga, jagmatuḥ went on.

Rama and Lakshmana then put on their quivers, fastened their swords and holding their bows went towards Ganga along with Sita.
rāmamēva tu dharmajñamupagamya vinītavat.

kimahaṅ karavāṇīti sūtaḥ prāñjalirabravīt৷৷2.52.12৷৷


sūtaḥ charioteer, prāñjali: with folded hands, vinītavat humbly, dharmajñam righteous, rāmamēva tu near Rama, upagamya going towards, aham I, kim what, karavāṇi do you want me to do , iti this, abravīt asked.

The charioteer (Sumantra) approached the righteous Rama and asked him with folded hands: What can I do?
tatō.bravīddāśarathiḥ sumantraṅ

spṛśan karēṇōttamadakṣiṇēna.

sumantra! śīghraṅ punarēva yāhi

rājñaḥ sakāśē bhava cāpramattaḥ৷৷2.52.13৷৷


tataḥ then, dāśarathiḥ son of Dasaratha (Rama), sumantram to Sumantra, uttamadakṣiṇēna with his right hand, karēṇa spṛśan touching, abravīt said, sumantra! Sumantra, punarēva again, śīghram immediately, yāhi proceed, rājñaḥ sakāśē to the king, apramattaḥ ca inattentive in looking after, bhava be.

Rama then caressed Sumantra with his right hand and said, Sumantra, go back immediately and never be inattentive in serving the king.
nivartasvētyuvācaiva hyētāvaddhi kṛtaṅ mama.

rathaṅ vihāya padbhyāṅ tu gamiṣyāmi mahāvanam৷৷2.52.14৷৷


mama myself, ētāvat till here, kṛtaṅ hi brought, nivartasva return, ratham chariot, vihāya leaving, padbhyām on foot, mahāvanam the great forest, gamiṣyāmi wiill go, iti this, uvāca said.

You have done enough. I shall now leave the chariot and walk into the great forest.
ātmānaṅ tvabhyanujñātamavēkṣyārtaḥ sa sārathiḥ.

sumantraḥ puruṣavyāghramaikṣvākamidamabravīt৷৷2.52.15৷৷


sārathiḥ charioteer, saḥ sumantraḥ Sumantra, ātmānam self, abhyanujñātam permitted to go, avēkṣaya having seen, ārtaḥ pained, puruṣavyāghram (best) among men, ikṣvākam of the Ikshvakus, idam this, abravīt said.

Having been permitted to go, Sumantra, the distressed charioteer, said to Rama, the best among men, and a descendant of the Ikshvaku race:
nātikrāntamidaṅ lōkē puruṣēṇēha kēnacit.

tava sabhrātṛbhāryasya vāsaḥ prākṛtavadvanē৷৷2.52.16৷৷


sabhrātṛbhāryasya of one with brother and wife, tava your, prākṛtavat like a common man, vanē in the forest, vāsaḥ residing, idam this, iha lōkē in this world, kēnacit puruṣēṇa by any person, nātikrāntam not overcome.

None else in this world would be able to live in the forest as you have resolved to, like a common man, along with your brother and spouse.
na manyē brahmacaryē.sti svadhītē vā phalōdayaḥ.

mārdavārjavayōrvāpi tvāṅ cēdvyasanamāgatam৷৷2.52.17৷৷


tvām to you, vyasanam grief, āgataṅ cēt has come, brahmacaryē celibacy, svadhītē vā learning the Vedas, mārdavārjavayōrvāpi compassionate and pure, phalōdayaḥ this is the result, nāsti no use, manyē I think so.

If your celibacy and your grief are the consequences of your study of the Vedic lore, your compassionate nature and simplicity of character, I think there is no use of all these (virtues).
saha rāghava vaidēhyā bhrātrā caiva vanē vasan.

tvaṅ gatiṅ prāpsyasē vīra! trīn lōkāṅstu jayanniva৷৷2.52.18৷৷


vīra valiant, rāghava scion of the Raghu race (Rama), tvam you, vaidēhyā saha with Vaidehi, bhrātrā caiva and brother, vanē forest, vasan residing, trīn three, lōkān worlds, jayanniva as if winning, gatim good status, prāpsyasē will acquire.

Valiant scion of the Raghus! dwelling in the forest along with Vaidehi (Sita) and brother Lakshmana you will attain the status as if you have won the three worlds.
vayaṅ khalu hatā rāma! yē tvayāpyupavañcitāḥ.

kaikēyyā vaśamēṣyāmaḥ pāpāyā duḥkhabhāginaḥ৷৷2.52.19৷৷


rāma! Rama, vayam we, hatāḥ khalu are destroyed, yē by, tvayāpi you also, upavañcitāḥ deprived of, duḥkhabhāginaḥ full of sorrow, pāpāyāḥ sinful, kaikēyyāḥ Kaikeyi, vaśam under the control, ēṣyāmaḥ caught up like that.

Deprived of you, O Rama! we will come under the control of that sinful Kaikeyi. We will suffer and die.
iti bruvannātmasamaṅ sumantraḥ sārathistadā.

dṛṣṭvā dūragataṅ rāmaṅ duḥkhārtō rurudē ciram৷৷2.52.20৷৷


tadā then, sārathiḥ charioteer, sumantraḥ Sumantra, iti thus, bruvan saying, dūragatam gone afar, ātmasamam like his own self, rāmam Rama, dṛṣṭvā seeing, duḥkhārtaḥ agonised, ciram long time, rurudē cried.

Rama was like his (Sumantra's) own self. When Sumantra, the charioteer, saw that Rama was preparing to go afar for a long time, he started weeping aloud in deep distress.
tatastu vigatē bāṣpē sūtaṅ spṛṣṭōdakaṅ śucim.

rāmastu madhuraṅ vākyaṅ punaḥ punaruvāca tam৷৷2.52.21৷৷


tataḥ then, bāṣpē tears, vigatē shedding, spṛṣṭōdakam taking a sip of water, śucim pure, taṅ sūtam to that charioteer, rāmastu Rama, punaḥ punaḥ again and again, madhuram sweet, vākyam words, uvāca said.

After the flow of tears ceased Sumantra took a sip of water and became sanctified. Then Rama addressed him with sweet words over and over again:
ikṣvākūṇāṅ tvayā tulyaṅ suhṛdaṅ nōpalakṣayē.

yathā daśarathō rājā māṅ na śōcēttathā kuru৷৷2.52.22৷৷


ikṣvākūṇām of the Ikshvaku family, tvayā you, tulyam like, suhṛdam friend, nōpalakṣayē do not see, rājā king, daśarathaḥ Dasaratha, mām me, yathā as, na śōcēt not think, tathā like that, kuru you do.

I find none else like you as friendly as you are to the Ikshvaku race. So do whatever you like to see that king Dasaratha does not brood over me.
śōkōpahatacētāśca vṛddhaśca jagatīpatiḥ.

kāmabhāvāvasannaśca tasmādētadbravīmi tē৷৷2.52.23৷৷


jagatīpatiḥ lord of the world (Dasaratha), śōkōpahatacētāśca consciousness overwhelmed with grief, vṛddhaśca and old also, kāmabhāvāvasannaśca full of passion, tasmāt therefore, tē to you, ētat all this, bravīmi I am telling.

I tell you this because the lord of the earth (Dasaratha), is in deep distress. He is old. And he is under the control of his passion.
yadyadājñāpayētkiñcitsa mahātmā mahīpatiḥ.

kaikēyyāḥ priyakāmārthaṅ kāryaṅ tadavikāṅkṣayā৷৷2.52.24৷৷


mahātmā great, saḥ that, mahīpatiḥ king Dasaratha, yadyat in that way, kiñcit a little, kaikēyyāḥ Kaikeyi, priyakāmārtham to make happy, ājñāpayēt orders, tat that, avikāṅkṣayā all that, kāryam tasks be done.

To make Kaikeyi happy, do whatever little the great king Dasaratha orders you to do.
ētadarthaṅ hi rājyāni praśāsati narēśvarāḥ.

yadēṣāṅ sarvakṛtyēṣu manō na pratihanyatē৷৷2.52.25৷৷


ēṣām whatever, manaḥ in the mind, sarvakṛtyēṣu to do all those, yat na pratihanyatē creater no obstacles, ētadartham that is why, narēśvarāḥ king, rājyāni kingdom, praśāsati hi rule.

The minds of kings create no hurdles in all that they want to do. That is why they rule kingdoms.
yadyathā sa mahārājō nālīkamadhigacchati.

na ca tāmyati duḥkhēna sumantra kuru tattathā৷৷2.52.26৷৷


sumantra Sumantra, saḥ mahārājaḥ that great king, yat those tasks, yathā in whatever manner, alīkam sad, nādhigacchati not feel, duḥkhēna in grief, na ca tāmyati not feel distressed, tat those tasks, tathā in that way, kuru do.

Sumantra! do things exactly in the manner the great king desires so that he does not feel sad or disappointed.
adṛṣṭaduḥkhaṅ rājānaṅ vṛddhamāryaṅ jitēndriyam.

brūyāstvamabhivādyaiva mama hētōridaṅ vacaḥ৷৷2.52.27৷৷


adṛṣṭaduḥkham one who has not experienced any sorrow, vṛddham old, āryam respectable, jitēndriyam one who has conquered the senses, rājānam to king, mama hētōḥ on my behalf, abhivādyaiva offering respects, idam these, vacaḥ words, tvam you, brūyāḥ tell.

After offering your salutations, tell these words, on my behalf, to the king who is respectable, bent with age and who has conquered his senses and never experienced any sorrow before.
naivāhamanuśōcāmi lakṣmaṇō na ca maithilī.

ayōdhyāyāścyutāścēti vanē vatsyāmahēti ca৷৷2.52.28৷৷


ayōdhyāyāḥ from Ayodhya, cyutāścēti having been removed, vanē in the forest, vatsyāmahēti ca have to dwell, aham we, naiva anuśōcāmi do not regret, lakṣmaṇaḥ Lakshmana, maithilī ca and Sita
also, na not.

I do not regret my banishment from Ayodhya to live in the forest. Neither Lakshmana nor Sita does.
caturdaśasu varṣēṣu nivṛttēṣu punaḥ punaḥ.

lakṣmaṇaṅ māṅ ca sītāṅ ca drakṣyasē kṣipramāgatān৷৷2.52.29৷৷


caturdaśasu fourteen, varṣēṣu years, nivṛttēṣu on completion, kṣipram quickly, āgatān coming, lakṣmaṇam Lakshmana, māṅ ca I also, sītāṅ ca and Sita, punaḥ punaḥ again and again, drakṣyasē will keep seeing.

Very quickly these fourteen years will come to an end and we will return (to Ayodhya). Then you will see me, Lakshmana and Sita off and on.
ēvamuktvā tu rājānaṅ mātaraṅ ca sumantra! mē.

anyāśca dēvīssahitāḥ kaikēyīṅ ca punaḥ punaḥ৷৷2.52.30৷৷

ārōgyaṅ brūhi kauśalyāmatha pādābhivandanam.

sītāyā mama cā৷৷ryasya vacanāllakṣmaṇasya ca৷৷2.52.31৷৷


rājānam to the king, ēvam all this, uktavā having told, sumantra! Sumantra, mē mātaraṅ ca to my mother also, sahitāḥ with, anyāḥ other, dēvīśca queens, kaikēyīṅ ca Kaikeyi, punaḥ punaḥ again and again, ārōgyam well-being, brūhi convey, atha and, sītāyāḥ Sita's, mama ca mine, āryasya lakṣmaṇasya ca Lakshmana's also, pādābhivandanam prostection at the feet, kauśalyām Kausalya.

Having said this to the king, O Sumantra! tell my mother, the other queens including Kaikeyi again and again about my well-being and the well-being of Lakshmana and Sita. Convey our respectful salutations at the feet of mother Kausalya.
brūyāśca hi mahārājaṅ bharataṅ kṣipramānaya.

āgataścāpi bharataḥ sthāpyō nṛpamatē padē৷৷2.52.32৷৷


mahārājaṅ to the maharaja, is also, brūyāḥ tell, bharatam Bharata, kṣipram quickly, ānaya send for, āgataścāpi and on arrival, bharataḥ Bharata, nṛpamatē according to the king's desire, padē king's position, sthāpyaḥ be given.

Tell the king to send for Bharata quickly, and on his arrival, he be placed in the position of the king as per his own desire.
bharataṅ ca pariṣvajya yauvarājyē.bhiṣicya ca.

asmatsantāpajaṅ duḥkhaṅ na tvāmabhibhaviṣyati৷৷2.52.33৷৷


bharatam Bharata, pariṣvajya embracing, yauvarājyē crown prince, abhiṣicya ca having coronated, asmatsaṅtāpajam arising out of our absence, duḥkham sorrow, tvām you, na abhibhaviṣyati will not affect you.

On embracing Bharata and making him the crown-prince the sorrow due to our departure will not affect you.
bharataścāpi vaktavyō yathā rājani vartasē.

tathā mātṛṣu vartēthāḥ sarvāsvēvāviśēṣataḥ৷৷2.52.34৷৷


bharataścāpi Bharata also, vaktavyaḥ should be told, rājani at the king, yathā just as, vartasē treats, sarvāsvēva at all, mātṛṣu mothers, tathā likewise, aviśēṣataḥ without differentiating, vartēthāḥ behave.

You should tell Bharata that just as he treats the king so should he treat all the mothers without differentiating betwen them.
yathā ca tava kaikēyī sumitrā ca viśēṣataḥ.

tathaiva dēvī kauśalyā mama mātā viśēṣataḥ৷৷2.2.35৷৷


tava your, kaikēyī Kaikeyi, yathā ca just as, sumitrā ca Sumitra also, viśēṣataḥ in a special
manner, dēvī Devi, sumitra viśēṣataḥ specially, mama mātā my mother, kauśalyā Kausalya, tathaiva in the same way.

Just as you treat Kaikeyi and Sumitra in a special manner, so should you treat Devi Kausalya, my mother.
tātasya priyakāmēna yauvarājyamapēkṣatā.

lōkayōrubhayōḥ śakyaṅ tvayā yatsukhamēdhitum৷৷2.52.36৷৷


tātasya father's, priyakāmēna loving desire, yauvarājyam prince-regency, apēkṣatā waits, tvayā your, ubhayōḥ both, lōkayōḥ worlds, yat also, sukham happiness, ēdhitum to attain, śakyam able.

Prince-regency is awaiting you because of our father's loving desire. See that through you (your actions) he is able to attain happiness in both the worlds.
nivartyamānō rāmēṇa sumantraḥ śōkakarśitaḥ.

tatsarvaṅ vacanaṅ śrutvā snēhātkākutsthamabravīt৷৷2.52.37৷৷


rāmēṇa by Rama, nivartyamānaḥ sent back, sumantraḥ Sumantra, śōkakarśitaḥ afflicted with grief, tat then, sarvam all, vacanam words, śrutvā having heard, snēhāt out of affection, kākutstham Rama of Kakutstha race, abravīt said.

When Sumantra was asked by Rama to go back, he grew grief-stricken. Having heard all that was said by the scion of the Kakutsthas, he replied:
yadahaṅ nōpacārēṇa brūyāṅ snēhādaviklabaḥ.

bhaktimāniti tattāvadvākyaṅ tvaṅ kṣantumarhasi৷৷2.52.38৷৷


snēhāt out of love, aviklabaḥ without fear, nōpacārēṇa informally, aham I am, yat vākyam these words, brūyām telling, tat then, bhaktimān iti like a devotee, tvam you, kṣantum to excuse, arhasi tāvat that.

I beg your pardon for what I have told you out of love. Accept it as the words of a devotee expressed without fear or formality.
kathaṅ hi tvadvihīnō.haṅ pratiyāsyāmi tāṅ purīm.

tava tāvadviyōgēna putraśōkākulāmiva৷৷2.52.39৷৷


aham I, tvadvihīnaḥ leaving you, tava your, viyōgēna tāvat being separated from you, putraśōkākulāmiva like one who has lost her son, tām that, purīm to the city (of Ayodhya), kathaṅ hi how can I, pratiyāsyāmi return.

Without you how can I go back to the city (of Ayodhya) which, separated from you, is grieving like a lady who has lost her son?
sarāmamapi tāvanmē rathaṅ dṛṣṭvā tadā janaḥ.

vinā rāmaṅ rathaṅ dṛṣṭvā vidīryētāpi sā purī৷৷2.52.40৷৷


tadā then, janaḥ people, sarāmamapi with Rama, mē ratham my chariot, dṛṣṭvā seeing, tāvat then, vinā rāmam without Rama, ratham chariot, dṛṣṭvā seeing, sā purī (people of) that city, vidīryētāpi will be broken-hearted.

The people who had seen Rama board the chariot will be broken-hearted to see it without him.
dainyaṅ hi nagarī gacchēddṛṣṭvā śūnyamimaṅ ratham.

sūtāvaśēṣaṅ svaṅ sainyaṅ hatavīramivā.havē৷৷2.52.41৷৷


śūnyam empty, imam this, ratham chariot, dṛṣṭvā seeing, āhavē hatavīram the hero killed in war, sūtāvaśēṣam with only the charioteer left, svam they, sainyam iva like the army, nagarī entering the city, dainyam pitiable, gacchēt hi as will become.

Seeing the empty chariot the people of the city will look pitiable just like an army left only with the charioteer after its hero is killed in the war.
dūrē.pi nivasantaṅ tvāṅ mānasēnāgrataḥ sthitam.

cintayantō.dya nūnaṅ tvāṅ nirāhārāḥ kṛtāḥ prajāḥ৷৷2.52.42৷৷


prajāḥ people, adya today, dūrē at a distance, nivasantam api although living, mānasēna in their minds, agrataḥ in front, sthitam staying, tvām you, cintayantyaḥ thinking, nirāhārāḥ without food, kṛtāḥ done, nūnam certainly.

Although living at a distance, the subjects feel in their minds that you are just ahead of them. Today they will certainly go without food, brooding over you.
dṛṣṭaṅ taddhi tvayā rāma! yādṛśaṅ tvatpravāsanē.

prajānāṅ saṅkulaṅ vṛttaṅ tvacchōkaklāntacētasām৷৷2.52.43৷৷


rāma! Rama, tvatpravāsanē by your departure, tvacchōkaklāntacētasāṅ their minds exhausted with sorrow, prajānām people, vṛttam that which has happened, yādṛśam all their sorrow, saṅkulam full of agony, tat then, tvayā you, dṛṣṭaṅ hi have seen.

At the time of your departure, O Rama, you have seen all that happened, the hearts of the people exhausted with grief.
ārtanādō hi yaḥ paurairmuktastvadvipravāsanē.

sarathaṅ māṅ niśāmyaiva kuryuḥ śataguṇaṅ tataḥ৷৷2.52.44৷৷


tvadvipravāsanē at the time of your banishment, pauraiḥ by citizens, yaḥ how much of, ārtanādaḥ cry of agony, muktaḥ released (raised), saratham with chariot, mām me, niśāmyaiva on seeing, tataḥ then, śataguṇam a hundredfold, kuryuḥ will make.

You have witnessed the cry of agony raised by the citizens at the time of your banishment. Now when they see the (empty) chariot, they will make it (raise their cry) a hundredfold.
ahaṅ kiṅ cāpi vakṣyāmi dēvīṅ tava sutō mayā.

nītō.sau mātulakulaṅ santāpaṅ mā kṛthā iti৷৷2.52.45৷৷


asau Alas, sutaḥ son, mayā myself, mātulakulam to the maternal uncle's, nītaḥ took, santāpam grief, mā kṛthāḥ do not make, iti this, aham I, dēvīm Kausalya, vakṣyāmi kiṅ cāpi what can I say?

What shall I say to Kausalya? Shall I say 'O venerable queen! I have left your son at his maternal uncle's, hence don't grieve'.
asatyamapi naivāhaṅ brūyāṅ vacanamīdṛśam.

kathamapriyamēvāhaṅ brūyāṅ satyamidaṅ vacaḥ৷৷2.52.46৷৷


aham I, asatyam untrue, īdṛśam like this, vacanamapi words too, naiva brūyām not tell, aham I, apriyam unpleasant, satyam truth, idaṅ vacaḥ such words, katham how can, brūyām I speak.

How can I lie to her? How can I tell her the unpleasent truth?
mama tāvanniyōgasthāstvadbandhujanavāhinaḥ.

kathaṅ rathaṅ tvayā hīnaṅ pravakṣyanti hayōttamāḥ৷৷2.52.47৷৷


tvadbandhujanavāhinaḥ carrying your king, mama my, niyōgasthā under command, hayōttamāḥ excellent horses, tvayā hīnam without you, ratham chariot, katham how, pravakṣyanti will draw.

How can these excellent horses who used to carry you and your friends till now draw this chariot without you even though they are at my command?
tanna śakṣyāmyahaṅ gantumayōdhyāṅ tvadṛtē.nagha.

vanavāsānuyānāya māmanujñātumarhasi৷৷2.52.48৷৷


tat that is why, anagha O sinless one!, tvadṛtē without you, aham I, ayōdhyām to Ayodhya, gantum to go, na śakṣyāmi cannot, mām me, vanavāsānuyānāya to accompany you in exile, anujñātum to give consent, arhasi behoves you.

That is why, O sinless one! I cannot go back to Ayodhya without you. Allow me to accompany you into your exile.
yadi mē yācamānasya tyāgamēva kariṣyasi.

sarathō.gniṅ pravēkṣyāmi tyaktamātra iha tvayā৷৷2.52.49৷৷


yācamānasya request, mē my, tyāgamēva forsaking, kariṣyasi yadi if you, tvayā by you, tyaktamātraḥ immediately after being forsaken, iha here, sarathaḥ with the chariot, agnim into fire pravēkṣyāmi
I will enter.

If you forsake me in spite of my request I shall immediately enter fire along with my chariot.
bhaviṣyanti vanē yāni tapōvighnakarāṇi tē.

rathēna pratibādhiṣyē tāni sattvāni rāghava!৷৷2.52.50৷৷


rāghava! O Rama, vanē in the forest, yāni all those, tē to you, tapōvighnakarāṇi causing obstacles to your austerity, bhaviṣyanti are expected, tāni sattvāni all those animals, rathēna with my chariot, pratibādhiṣyē will avert by retaliating.

With my chariot I shall retaliate and prevent all those animals in the forest causing obstacles to your austerities, O Rama!
tvatkṛtē na mayā.vāptaṅ rathacaryākṛtaṅ sukham.

āśaṅsē tvatkṛtē nāhaṅ vanavāsakṛtaṅ sukham৷৷2.52.51৷৷


tvatkṛtēna by your grace, mayā by me, rathacaryākṛtam by driving the chariot, sukham pleasure, avāptam is experienced, tvatkṛtē na by your favour, aham I, vanavāsakṛtam dwelling in the forest,
sukham pleasure, āśaṅsē I am looking forward.

By your grace I experienced the pleasure of driving your chariot, and by your grace, too, I am looking forward to deriving the pleasure of dwelling in the forest.
prasīdēcchāmi tē.raṇyē bhavituṅ pratyanantaraḥ.

prītyā.bhihitamicchāmi bhava mē pratyanantaraḥ৷৷2.52.52৷৷


prasīda be pleased, āraṇyē in the forest, tē to you, pratyanantaraḥ very close, bhavitum to become, icchāmi desirng, mē to me, pratyanantaraḥ be favourable (close), bhava to me, prītyā affectionately, abhihitam to be told, icchāmi wish.

Be pleased. I wish to stay with you in the forest I long to hear from you these favourable words, 'Stay with me'.
imē cāpi hayā vīra! yadi tē vanavāsinaḥ.

paricaryāṅ kariṣyanti prāpsyanti paramāṅ gatim৷৷2.52.53৷৷


vīra! O valiant one, imē these, hayaścāpi horses also, vanavāsinaḥ dwelling in the forest, tē to you, paricaryām service, kariṣyanti if they do, yadi if so, paramām supreme, gatim state, prāpsyanti will attain.

O valiant one, if these horses too could render services to you while you dwell in the forest, they would attain the supreme state.
tava śuśrūṣaṇaṅ mūrdhnā kariṣyāmi vanē vasan.

ayōdhyāṅ dēvalōkaṅ vā sarvathā prajahāmyaham৷৷2.52.54৷৷


vanē in the forest, vasan while dwelling, mūrdhnā with my head, tava your, śuśrūṣaṇam service, kariṣyāmi will render, ayōdhyām to Ayodhya, dēvalōkaṅ vā or the world of the gods, aham I, sarvathā altogether, prajahāmi relinquish.

As I dwell in the forest, I shall serve you with my head bowed. For this I may altogether relinquish Ayodhya or even heaven.
na hi śakyā pravēṣṭuṅ sā mayā.yōdhyā tvayā vinā.

rājadhānī mahēndrasya yathā duṣkṛtakarmaṇā৷৷2.52.55৷৷


tvayā vinā without you, mayā by me, duṣkṛtakarmaṇā by the wicked, mahēndrasya Indra's, rājadhānī yathā like the capital, sā ayōdhyā that Ayodhya, pravēṣṭum to enter, na hi śakyā not possible.

Just as a sinner cannot enter the capital of Indra (heaven), it is impossible for me to enter Ayodhya without you.
vanavāsē kṣayaṅ prāptē mamaiṣa hi manōrathaḥ.

yadanēna rathēnaiva tvāṅ vahēyaṅ purīṅ punaḥ৷৷2.52.56৷৷


mama myself, ēṣaḥ hi this alone, manōrathaḥ cherished desire, yat that, vanavāsē in the forest, kṣayam completion, prāptē gaining, anēna by this, rathēnaiva chariot alone, tvām you, punaḥ again, purīm to the city (Ayodhya), vahēyam shall take.

It is my cherished desire to take you after the completion of your exile, back to the city (Ayodhya) in this chariot alone.
caturdaśa hi varṣāṇi sahitasya tvayā vanē.

kṣaṇabhūtāni yāsyanti śatasaṅkhyānyatō.nyathā৷৷2.52.57৷৷


vanē in the forest, tvayā with you, sahitasya accompanied, caturdaśa varṣāṇi fourteen years, kṣaṇabhūtāni like a moment, yāsyanti will pass, ata: more than this, anyathā in any other way, śatasaṅkhyāni (will seem like) a hundred years.

If I accompany you into the forest, fourteen years will pass like a moment, otherwise it will seem like a hundred years.
bhṛtyavatsala! tiṣṭhantaṅ bhartṛputragatē pathi.

bhaktaṅ bhṛtyaṅ sthitaṅ sthityāṅ tvaṅ na māṅ hātumarhasi৷৷2.52.58৷৷


bhṛtyavatsala! one who is affectionate towards the servants, bhartṛputra master's son, pathi on the path, tiṣṭhantam standing, bhaktam devotee, bhṛtyam servant, sthityām on duty, sthitam fixed, mām me, tvam you, hātum to forsake na arhasi does not behove.

O Rama! you are affectionate towards your servants. I abide in the path followed by you, my master's son. I am your devoted servant. It does not behove you to forsake me who is faithful.
ēvaṅ bahuvidhaṅ dīnaṅ yācamānaṅ punaḥ punaḥ.

rāmō bhṛtyānukampī tu sumantramidamabravīt৷৷2.52.59৷৷


bhṛtyānukampī compassionate towards servants, rāmaḥ Rama, ēvam in this way, bahuvidham in many ways, punaḥ punaḥ again and again, yācamānam requesting, dīnam miserable, sumantram to Sumantra, idam these words, abravīt spoke.

Repeatedly implored in various ways by the miserable Sumantra, Rama who is compassionate to his servants replied:
jānāmi paramāṅ bhaktiṅ mayi tē bhartṛvatsala.

śṛṇu cāpi yadarthaṅ tvāṅ prēṣayāmi purīmitaḥ৷৷2.52.60৷৷


bhartṛvatsala one loyal to the master, tē your, mayi in me, paramām supreme, bhaktim devotion, jānāmi I know, itaḥ from here, tvam you, yadartham for the reason, purīm to Ayodhya, prēṣayāmi I am sending, śṛṇu cāpi please listen.

O Sumantra, listen! I know your deep devotion to me (I also know) you are loyal to your master (Dasaratha). So I am sending you to the city (Ayodhya) from here.
nagarīṅ tvāṅ gataṅ dṛṣṭvā jananī mē yavīyasī.

kaikēyī pratyayaṅ gacchēditi rāmō vanaṅ gataḥ৷৷2.52.61৷৷


nagarīm to the city of Ayodhya, gatam gone, tvām you, dṛṣṭvā on seeing, mē my, yavīyasī younger, jananī mother, kaikēyī Kaikeyi, rāmaḥ Rama, vanam to the forest, gataḥ had gone, iti thus, pratyayam conviction, gacchēt will have.

When my younger mother Kaikeyi sees that you have returned to Ayodhya, she will believe that Rama has really gone to the forest.
parituṣṭā hi sā dēvī vanavāsaṅ gatē mayi.

rājānaṅ nātiśaṅkēta 'mithyāvādī'ti dhārmikam৷৷2.52.62৷৷


mayi when I, vanavāsam dwell in the forest, gatē having gone, sā dēvī that queen, parituṣṭā completely satisfied, dhārmikam righteous, rājānam about king Dasaratha, 'mithyāvādī'ti claimed to be a liar, nātiśaṅkēta not have any doubt.

If queen Kaikeyi is fully satisfied that I have gone to dwell in the forest, she will no longer have any doubt and will believe that righteous king Dasaratha is not a liar.
ēṣa mē prathamaḥ kalpō yadambā mē yavīyasī.

bharatārakṣitaṅ sphītaṅ putrarājyamavāpnuyāt৷৷2.52.63৷৷


ēṣaḥ this is, mē my, prathamaḥ prime, kalpaḥ resolve, yat that, mē my, yavīyasī younger, ambā mother, bharatārakṣitam ruled by Bharata, sphītam prosperous, putrarājyam son's kingdom, avāpnuyāt will receive.

My prime resolve is that my younger mother should enjoy this prosperous and vast kingdom ruled by her son Bharata.
mama priyārthaṅ rājñaśca sarathastvaṅ purīṅ vraja.

sandiṣṭaścāsi yānarthāṅstāṅ stān brūyāstathā tathā৷৷2.52.64৷৷


tvam you, sarathaḥ along with the chariot, mama my, rājñaśca king's, priyārtham for the sake of (my) pleasure, purīm to the city (Ayodhya), vraja return, yān arthān those messages intended for every one, sandiṣṭaḥ asi you have been advised, tāntān all such, tathā tathā in the same way, brūyāḥ please tell.

Sumantra, return to the city with the chariot for my pleasure and also for the pleasure of the king and convey to each of the persons concerned the message exactly as instructed.
ityuktvā vacanaṅ sūtaṅ sāntvayitvā punaḥ punaḥ.

guhaṅ vacanamaklībō rāmō hētumadabravīt৷৷2.52.65৷৷


aklībaḥ indefatigable, rāmaḥ Rama, sūtam to the charioteer, iti thus, vacanam words, uktvā having said, punaḥ punaḥ again and again, sāntvayitvā after consoling, guham to Guha, hētumat reasonable, vacanam words, abravīt said.

Having spoken to the charioteer and consoling him again and again, indefatigable Rama spoke to Guha words full of reasoning:
nēdānīṅ guha yōgyō.yaṅ vāsō mē sajanē vanē.

āvaśyaṅ hyāśramē vāsaḥ kartavyastadgatō vidhiḥ৷৷2.52.66৷৷


guha Guha, idānīm now, mē to me, sajanē with people, vanē in the forest, ayam this, vāsaḥ abode, na yōgyaḥ not suitable, āśramē in the hermitage, vāsaḥ dwelling, avaśyam is necessary, tadgataḥ pertaining to that, vidhiḥ prescribed acts, kartavyaḥ to be done.

Guha! this forest where people live is not suitable for my stay. It is necessary that I live in a hermitage. So please do the needful.
sō.haṅ gṛhītvā niyamaṅ tapasvi janabhūṣaṇam.

hitakāmaḥ piturbhūyaḥ sītāyā lakṣmaṇasya ca৷৷2.52.67৷৷

jaṭāḥ kṛtvā gamiṣyāmi nyagrōdhakṣīramānaya.


saḥ aham that I, tapasvijanabhūṣaṇam the adornment of ascetics, niyamam prescribed austerities, gṛhītvā accepting, pituḥ father's, bhūyaḥ also, sītāyāḥ Sita's, lakṣmaṇasya ca also Lakshmana's, hitakāmaḥ seeking their good, jaṭāḥ kṛtvā having matted my locks of hair, gamiṣyāmi shall go, nyagrōdhakṣīram latex of banyan tree, ānaya fetch.

Seeking the welfare of my father, Sita and Lakshmana I shall enter the forest with matted hair and practise the prescribed austerities which are the adornments of ascetics. Do fetch me the sap of a banyan tree.
tat kṣīraṅ rājaputrāya guhaḥ kṣipramupāharat৷৷2.52.68৷৷

lakṣmaṇasyātmanaścaiva rāmastēnākarōjjaṭāḥ.


guhaḥ Guha, kṣipram quickly, rājaputrāya for the prince (Rama), tat that, kṣīram milk, upāharat brought , rāmaḥ Rama, tēna with that, lakṣmaṇasya for Lakshmana, ātmanaścaiva of his own, jaṭāḥ matted locks of hair, akarōt made.

Guha fetched the latex quickly and gave it to the prince (Rama) and with that Rama matted his own hair and Lakshmana's.
dīrghabāhurnaravyāghrō jaṭilatvamadhārayat৷৷2.52.69৷৷

tau tadā cīravasanau jaṭāmaṇḍaladhāriṇau.

āśōbhētāmṛṣisamau bhrātarau rāmalakṣmaṇau৷৷2.52.70৷৷


dīrghabāhuḥ long-armed, naravyāghraḥ tiger (best) among men, jaṭilatvam their hair twisted and matted, adhārayat put on, tadā then, cīravasanau wearing the robes (of bark), jaṭāmaṇḍaladhāriṇau wearing crown of matted locks, bhrātarau brothers, rāmalakṣmaṇau Rama and Lakshmana, ṛṣisamau resembling sages, aśōbhētām shone.

The long-armed Rama, the best of men, put on locks of matted hair. As the two
brothers, Rama and Lakshmana stood dressed in bark wearing crowns of matted hair, they resembled two resplendent ascetics.
tatō vaikhānasaṅ mārgamāsthitaḥ saha lakṣmaṇaḥ.

vratamādiṣṭavān rāmaḥ sakhāyaṅ guhamabravīt৷৷2.52.71৷৷


tataḥ thereafter, sahalakṣmaṇaḥ along with Lakshmana, vaikhānasam relating to sages, mārgam the path, āsthitaḥ having resorted to, rāmaḥ Rama, vratam religious vow, ādiṣṭavān having accepted, sakhāyam his friend, guham to Guha, abravīt said.

Having adopted the path of ascetics along with Lakshmana, Rama said to his friend Guha:
apramattō balē kōśē durgē janapadē tathā.

bhavēthā guha rājyaṅ hi durārakṣatamaṅ matam৷৷2.52.72৷৷


guha Guha, balē in the army, kōśē in the treasury, durgē in the fort, tathā similarly, janapadē in the provinces, apramattaḥ alert, bhavēthāḥ you shall be, rājyam kingdom, durārakṣatamam with great difficulty, mataṅ hi it is said.

O Guha! you must be vigilant about your army, treasury, forts and provinces. A kingdom, it is (rightly) said, is protected with great difficulty.
tatastaṅ samanujñāya guhamikṣvākunandanaḥ.

jagāma tūrṇamavyagraḥ sabhāryaḥ saha lakṣmaṇaḥ৷৷2.52.73৷৷


tataḥ then after, ikṣvākunandanaḥ Delight of (also son of) the Iksvakus (Rama), taṅ guham to that Guha, samanujñāya after permitting him to leave, avyagraḥ peacefully, sabhāryaḥ with his consort, sahalakṣmaṇaḥ with Lakshmana, tūrṇam swiftly, jagāma went.

Rama, Delight of the Iksvakus, then permitted Guha to take leave. And departed quickly with his consort and Lakshmana in peace.
sa tu dṛṣṭvā nadītīrē nāvamikṣvākunandanaḥ.

titīrṣuḥ śīghragāṅ gaṅgāmidaṅ lakṣmaṇamabravīt৷৷2.52.74৷৷


saḥ ikṣvākunandanaḥ Rama, descendant of the Ikshvakus, nadītīrē on the bank of the river, nāvam boat, dṛṣṭvā having seen, śīghragām swiftly flowing, gaṅgām Ganga, titīrṣuḥ intending to cross, lakṣmaṇam Lakshmana, idam these words, abravīt said.

Seeing the boat on the river bank and intending to cross the swiftly flowing Ganga, Rama, descendant of the Iksvakus said to Lakshmana:
ārōha tvaṅ naravyāghra sthitāṅ nāvamimāṅ śanaiḥ.

sītāṅ cārōpayānvakṣaṅ parigṛhya manasvinīm৷৷2.52.75৷৷


naravyāghraḥ (best) among men (Lakshmana), tvam you, sthitam standing, imām this, nāvam boat, śanaiḥ slowly, ārōha board, anvakṣam along with the beam, manasvinīm high-minded, sītāṅ ca Sita also, parigṛhya holding her, ārōpaya help her to get in.

O Lakshmana, the best of men! the boat stands ready, get into it slowly (carefully), and then help the noble Sita board it by holding the beam (which balances the boat).
sa bhrātuḥ śāsanaṅ śrutvā sarvamapratikūlayan.

ārōpya maithilīṅ pūrvamārurōhā৷৷tmavāṅ stataḥ৷৷2.52.76৷৷


ātmavān self-controlled, saḥ that Lakshmana, bhrātuḥ brother, śāsanam command, śrutvā on hearing, sarvam all, apratikūlayan without acting contrarily, pūrvam first, maithilīm Sita, ārōpya having helped her board, tataḥ thereafter, ārurōha got in

Having heard his brother's command the self-controlled Lakshmana did as he was told.He first helped Sita get into the boat and thereafter boarded it himself.
athārurōha tējasvī svayaṅ lakṣmaṇapūrvajaḥ.

tatō niṣādādhipatirguhō jñātīnacōdayat৷৷2.52.77৷৷


atha then after, tējasvī glorious, lakṣmaṇapūrvajaḥ Lakshmana's elder brother, svayam himself, ārurōha boarded, niṣādādhipatiḥ king of nishadas, guhaḥ Guha, jñātīn kinsmen, ācōdayat unged (to row the boat).

With the boat boarded by the glorious Rama, Lakshmana's elder brother, Guha, king of the nishadas urged his kinsmen (to row the boat).
rāghavō.pi mahātējā nāvamāruhya tāṅ tataḥ.

brahmavat kṣatravaccaiva jajāpa hitamātmanaḥ৷৷2.52.78৷৷


mahātējāḥ rāghavō.pi even resplendent Rama, tāṅ nāvam that boat, āruhya having boarded, tataḥ then, brahmavat befitting brahmins, kṣatravaccaiva and also befitting kshatriyas, ātmanaḥ his own, hitam welfare, jajāpa muttered mantras.

Resplendent Rama boarded the boat and muttered for his own safety mantras befitting brahmins and kshatriyas.
ācamya ca yathāśāstraṅ nadīṅ tāṅ saha sītayā.

prāṇamatprītisaṅhṛṣṭō lakṣmaṇaścāmitaprabhaḥ৷৷2.52.79৷৷


sītayā saha along with Sita, yathāśāstram as per the scriptures, ācamya ca sipping (the water of Ganga), prītisaṅhṛṣṭaḥ with great pleasure, tāṅ nadīm that river, prāṇamat paid obeisance, amitaprabhaḥ of unlimited radiance, lakṣmaṇaśca Lakshmana also.

Rama of undimmed radiance sipped the waters (of the Ganga) in accordance with the scriptures and with great pleasure and paid obeisance to the river with Sita and Lakshmana.
anujñāya sumantraṅ ca sabalaṅ caiva taṅ guham.

āsthāya nāvaṅ rāmastu cōdayāmāsa nāvikān৷৷2.52.80৷৷


rāmastu as for Rama, sumantram Sumantra, sabalam along with his army, taṅ guham to that Guha, anujñāya permitting (to leave), nāvam boat, āsthāya having seated, nāvikān boatmen, cōdayāmāsa directed to proceed.

Having permitted Sumantra and Guha with his army to leave, Rama seated on the boat urged the boatmen to proceed.
tatastaiścōditā sā nauḥ karṇadhārasamāhitā.

śubhasphyavēgābhihatā śīghraṅ salilamatyagāt৷৷2.52.81৷৷.


tataḥ then, karṇadhārasamāhitā well-ruddered by the helmsmen, sā nauḥ that boat, taiḥ by them, cōditā rowed, śubhasphyavēgābhihatā propelled by the speed of strong oars, śīghram swiftly, salilam waters, atyagāt crossed.

The well-ruddered boat rowed by the helmsmen and propelled by strong oars, swiftly crossed the waters of the river.
madhyaṅ tu samanuprāpya bhāgīrathyāstvaninditā.

vaidēhī prāñjalirbhūtvā tāṅ nadīmidamabravīt৷৷2.52.82৷৷


aninditā blameless, vaidēhī Sita, bhāgīrathyāḥ river Bhagheerathi's, madhyam middle, samanuprāpya having reached, prāñjaliḥ bhūtvā with folded palms, tāṅ nadīm to that river, idam these words, abravīt uttered.

When the boat reached the mid-stream that unblemished Sita with palms folded invoked the river thus:
putrō daśarathasyāyaṅ mahārājasya dhīmataḥ.

nidēśaṅ pārayitvēmaṅ gaṅgē tvadabhirakṣitaḥ৷৷2.52.83৷৷

caturdaśa hi varṣāṇi samagrāṇyuṣya kānanē.

bhrātrā saha mayā caiva punaḥ pratyāgamiṣyati৷৷2.52.84৷৷

tatastvāṅ dēvi! subhagē! kṣēmēṇa punarāgatā.

yakṣyē pramuditā gaṅgē! sarvakāmasamṛddhinī৷৷2.52.85৷৷


gaṅgē O Ganga, dhīmataḥ of the sagacious, mahārājasya of the maharaja, daśarathasya Dasaratha's, putraḥ son, ayam Rama, tvadabhirakṣitaḥ protected by you, imam this, nidēśam command, pālayitvā having obeyed, bhrātrā saha with brother, mayā caiva with me also, caturdaśa fourteen, varṣāṇi years,
samagrāṇi full, kānanē in the forest, uṣya having stayed, punaḥ again, pratyāgamiṣyati will come back, subhagē dēvī O fortunate Devi, gaṅgē Ganga, tataḥ then, kṣēmēṇa safely, punaḥ again, āgatā reaching, pramuditā highly delighted, sarvakāmasamṛdhdinī having fulfilled all my desires, tvām you, yakṣyē worship.

O Ganga, protected by you, this son (Rama) of Dasaratha, the sagacious maharaja, will carry out his father's command. He along with his brother will return after living in the forest for full fourteen years. O fortunate Devi, he will worship you in delight for fulfilling all his desires after his safe return.
tvaṅ hi tripathagā dēvi! brahmalōkaṅ samīkṣasē.

bhāryā cōdadhirājasya lōkē.smin sampradṛśyasē৷৷2.52.86৷৷


dēvi! O Devi, tripathagā one flowing in the three worlds, tvam you, brahmalōkam the region of Brahma, the creator, samīkṣasē hi are seeing, asmin in this, lōkē world, udadhirājasya king of the ocean, bhāryā ca are a spouse, saṅpradṛśyasē appear (to mortals).

O Devi, you are Tripathaga, flowing in three directions (worlds). You behold the region of Brahma and happen to be the spouse of the king of the ocean in this world (of mortals).
sā tvāṅ dēvi! namasyāmi praśaṅsāmi ca śōbhanē.

prāptarājyē naravyāghrē śivēna punarāgatē৷৷2.52.87৷৷

gavāṅ śatasahasrāṇi vastrāṇyannaṅ ca pēśalam.

brāhmaṇēbhyaḥ pradāsyāmi tava priyacikīrṣayā৷৷2.52.88৷৷


dēvi! O Devi, śōbhanē O lovely one, sā that me, tvām you, namasyāmi pay homage, praśaṅsāmi ca adore, śivēna safely, punaḥ again, āgatē on return, naravyāghrē (best) among men, prāptarājyē having regained the kingdom, tava to you, priyacikīrṣayā to with the intention of pleasing, gavām of cows, śatasahasrāṇi one hundred thousand, vastrāṇi clothes, pēśalam very delicious, annaṅ ca food also, brāhmaṇēbhyaḥ to brahmins, pradāsyāmi will give.

O Devi! O lovely Ganga! I offer you my obeisance and my adorations. After the safe return of Rama, the tiger (best) among men, from the forest and after he regains the kingdom I shall give a hundred thousand cows, clothing and delicious food to brahmins as a mark of regard, which will please you.
surāghaṭasahasrēṇa māṅsabhūtaudanēna ca.

yakṣyē tvāṅ prayatā dēvi purīṅ punarupāgatā৷৷2.52.89৷৷


dēvi O Devi, punaḥ again, purīm Ayodhya, upāgatā having reached, prayatā purified by austerities, surāghaṭasahasrēṇa with a thousand pots of nectar, māṅsabhūtaudanēna ca food in the form of meat, yakṣyē offer you and worship you.

O Devi! after my return to Ayodhya purified by my austerities, I shall worship you by offering a thousand pots of nectar and food in the form of meat.
yāni tvattīravāsīni daivatāni ca santi hi.

tāni sarvāṇi yakṣyāmi tīrthānyāyatanāni ca৷৷2.52.90৷৷


yāni all those, daivatāni deities, tvattīravāsīni inhabiting your banks, santi are found tāni all, sarvāṇi of them, tīrthāni all sacred spots, āyatanāni ca all temples, yakṣyāmi I will worship.

I shall worship all those deities inhabiting your banks and all sacred spots and temples.
punarēva mahābāhurmayā bhrātrā ca saṅgataḥ.

ayōdhyāṅ vanavāsāttu praviśatvanaghō.naghē!৷৷2.52.91৷৷


anaghē! O sacred one, anaghaḥ blemishless, mahābāhuḥ mighty-armed, mayā with me, bhrātrā ca and also with brother, saṅgataḥ together with, vanavāsāt after the exile in the forest, punarēva again, ayōdhyām to Ayodhya, praviśatu may enter.

O sacred one! may the blemishless, mighty-armed Rama accompanied by me and
his brother re-enter Ayodhya after the exile.
tathā sambhāṣamāṇā sā sītā gaṅgāmaninditā.

dakṣiṇā dakṣiṇaṅ tīraṅ kṣipramēvābhyupāgamat৷৷2.52.92৷৷


aninditā blameless, dakṣiṇā auspicious, sā sītā that sita, tathā thus, sambhāṣamāṇā addressing, kṣipramēva quickly, dakṣiṇam southern, tīram side, abhyupāgamat reached.

While the unblemished, auspicious Sita was thus addressing (the river), the boat swiftly reached the south bank.
tīraṅ tu samanuprāpya nāvaṅ hitvā nararṣabhaḥ.

prātiṣṭhata saha bhrātrā vaidēhyā ca parantapaḥ৷৷2.52.93৷৷


nararṣabhaḥ the best of men, parantapaḥ tormentor of enemies, tīram bank, samanuprāpya having reached, nāvam the boat, hitvā leaving, bhrātrā saha with his brother, vaidēhyā ca and Sita, prātiṣṭhata proceeded forward.

Rama, the best of men and tormentor of enemies, after reaching the other side of the river, left the boat and proceeded with Sita and his brother.
athābravīnmahābāhuḥ sumitrānandavardhanam.

bhava saṅrakṣaṇārthāya sajanē vijanē.pi vā৷৷2.52.94৷৷


atha then, mahābāhuḥ one with long arms, sumitrānandavardhanam to Lakshmana, enhancer of the joy of Sumitra, abravīt said, sajanē in populated areas, vijanē.pi vā or in solitary places, saṅrakṣaṇārthāya for protection, bhava be ready.

The long-armed Rama then said to Lakshmana, enhancer of the joy of Sumitra: Whether in populated areas or in solitary places, excercise alacrity in the matter of protection.
avaśyaṅ rakṣaṇaṅ kāryamadṛṣṭē vijanē vanē.

agratō gaccha saumitrē! sītā tvāmanugacchatu৷৷.2.52.95৷৷


adṛṣṭē unseen, vijanē devoid of people, vanē in the forest, avaśyam certainly, rakṣaṇam protection, kāryam is to be rendered, saumitrē! O Lakshmana, agrataḥ in front, gaccha go, sītā Sita, tvām you, anugacchatu may follow.

In this desolate forest which we had never seen before we must certainly be concerned about our protection. O Lakshmana , let Sita follow you!
pṛṣṭhatō.haṅ gamiṣyāmi tvāṅ ca sītāṅ ca pālayan.

anyōnyasyēha nō rakṣā kartavyā puruṣarṣabha৷৷2.52.96৷৷


aham I, tvāṅ ca you also, sītāṅ ca also Sita ,pālayan protecting, pṛṣṭhataḥ behind, gamiṣyāmi I will keep walking, puruṣarṣabha best of men, iha here, na: for us, anyōnyasya mutually, rakṣā protection, kartavyā fit to be done.

O best of men, I will follow you and Sita and keep watch. We must ensure mutual protection.
na hi tāvadatikrāntā sukarā kācana kriyā.

adya duḥkhaṅ tu vaidēhī vanavāsasya vētsyati৷৷2.52.97৷৷


atikrāntā a thing of the past, kācana kriyā any task, sukarā difficult, na hi tāvat not possible, adya now, vaidēhī Sita, vanavāsasya life in the forest, duḥkham difficulties, vētsyati will come to know.

We have not yet confronted any hardship. From now on Sita will come to know the difficulties of forest life.
praṇaṣṭajanasambādhaṅ kṣētrārāmavivarjitam.

viṣamaṅ ca prapātaṅ ca vanamadya pravēkṣyati৷৷2.52.98৷৷


praṇaṣṭajanasambādham devoid of concourse of people, kṣētrārāmavivarjitam devoid of farms and gardens, viṣamam ca uneven and inaccessible, prapātaṅ ca with deep ditches, vanam forest, adya now, pravēkṣyati will enter.

Now she will enter the forest which is devoid of concourse of people, farms and pleasure groves and which is uneven and inaccessible and full of deep ditches.
śrutvā rāmasya vacanaṅ pratasthē lakṣmaṇō.grataḥ.

anantaraṅ ca sītāyā rāghavō raghunandanaḥ৷৷2.52.99৷৷


lakṣmaṇaḥ Lakshmana, rāmasya at Rama's, vacanam words, śrutvā having heard, agrataḥ ahead, pratasthē went, sītāyāḥ Sita's, anantaram behind, raghunandanaḥ delight of the Raghus, rāghavaḥ Rama.

Having heard the words of Rama, Lakshmana went ahead and Rama, delight of the Raghus, walked behind Sita.
gataṅ tu gaṅgāparapāramāśu

rāmaṅ sumantraḥ pratataṅ nirīkṣya.

adhvaprakarṣādvinivṛttadṛṣṭi-

rmumōca bāṣpaṅ vyathita stapasvī৷৷2.52.100৷৷


tapasvī the miserable, sumantraḥ Sumantra, āśu swiftly, gaṅgāparapāram other side of Ganga, gatam reached, rāmam of Rama, pratatam continuously, nirīkṣya having gazed, adhvaprakarṣāt due to long distance, vinivṛttadṛṣṭiḥ turning away his sight, vyathitaḥ distressed, bāṣpam mumōca shed tears.

The wretched Sumantra kept gazing at Rama who swiftly reached the other side of the Ganga and only when he could not see him because of long distance, he turned away his gaze and, overcome with grief, shed tears.
sa lōkapālapratimaprabhāvavāṅ

stīrtvā mahātmā varadō mahānadīm.

tataḥ samṛddhān śubhasasyamālinaḥ

kramēṇa vatsān muditānupāgamat৷৷2.52.101৷৷


mahātmā high-souled, varadaḥ bestower of boons, lōkapālapratiprabhāvavān equal in splendour to the Protector of the world, saḥ he (such Rama), mahānadīm mighty river, tīrtvā having crossed, tataḥ then, kramēṇa gradually, samṛddhān highly prosperous, muditān with happy people, vatsā (country known as) Vatsa, upāgamat reached.

Having crossed that mighty river, the high-souled Rama, bestower of boons and equal in splendour, to the Protector of the world reached Vatsa by and by, a highly prosperous country inhabited by happy people.
tau tatra hatvā caturō mahāmṛgān

varāhamṛśyaṅ pṛṣataṅ mahārurum.

ādāya mēdhyaṅ tvaritaṅ bubhukṣitau

vāsāya kālē yayaturvanaspatim৷৷2.52.102৷৷


bubhukṣitau famished, tau they, tatra there, varāham a boar, ṛśyam a white-footed male antelope, pṛṣatam spotted deer, mahārurum a great deer with black stripes, caturaḥ four, mṛgān animals, hatvā killed, mēdhyam pure meat, tvaritam quickly, ādāya partaking as food, kālē in the evening, vāsāya for rest, vanaspatim under a tree, yayatuḥ reached.

Famished, they (Rama and Lakshmana) killed a boar, a rishya (white-footed male antelope), a spotted deer and a great deer with black stripes. They partook the meat and reached a tree by evening where they rested for the night.
ityārṣē śrīmadrāmāyaṇē vālmīkīya ādikāvyē ayōdhyākāṇḍē dvipañcāśa ssargaḥ৷৷
Thus ends the fiftysecond sarga of Ayodhyakanda of the holy Ramayana, the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.