Ayodhya Kandam

106. Bharatha's Request

[Bharatha repeats his arguments in various ways but Rama rejects them. People are happy with Bharatha.]

When Rama said these very significant words and rested, Bharatha the follower of Dharma, addressing Rama who was the soul of Dharma and affectionate by nature told. 106.1

"Oh destroyer of enemies, neither pain afflicts nor pleasure makes you joyous. In this world, we cannot find a person of such a nature. You are beloved of the elders as you ask their advice, when needed." 106.2-106.3

"What can influence him, who sees death and life as well as joy and sorrow in the same way and is not moved by them?" 106.4

"Oh Lord of men, it does not proper for a person like you, who is aware of the comparative merits of everything, to be distressed of anything or lament about it." 106.5

"Oh Rama. Oh great soul, you resemble devas in their nature and you are truthful in warfare. You are all knowing, all seeing and a man of wisdom." 106.6

"It is not proper for a person like you endowed with such qualities and one who is familiar with life and death to undergo such insufferable pain and sorrow." 106.7

"When I was away from home, this sin was committed by my mean minded mother for my sake and this is not liked by me and so please show your grace on me." 106.8

"I am bound by the ties of Dharma and for that reason I am not able to punish my mother, who deserves punishment by slaying her." 106.9

"How can I being born to Dasaratha and belonging to a noble clan wedded to Dharma, knowing the implication of Dharma do such a reprehensible act which is against Dharma?" 106.10

"My old father who was the king, was my teacher, one who does meritorious acts and was like God to me. He departed due to old age and so I cannot find fault with him." 106.11

"Oh expert in Dharma, will any follower of Dharma do acts like this which are against Dharma and Artha, just to please a woman at her bidding?" 106.12

There is an old saying, "At the time of death, a person's mind is confused" and the acts of the king proves that this is true." 106.13

"Due to anger, passion and sense of adventure our father has done this act against Dharma and so you have to think over it and set it right." 106.14

"Only a son who considers only the act performed according to Dharma as good is the true son in this world but if he delights in such an act he is not considered as good." 106.15

"So please do not do this undesirable act of approving the wrong doings of the father which are condemned by people of wisdom." 106.16

"Oh Sir, please protect Kaikeyi, me, father, friends, relations, citizens of villages and inhabitants of city and everything." 106.17

"Where is forest, where is Dharma of a king, where is matted locks and where is ruling a kingdom? It is not proper for you to engage in repulsive acts." 106.18

"Oh very intelligent Rama, to anyone who is born in royal race, if governance of kingdom is possible for him, he should crown himself." 106.19

"Will any person disregarding the Dharma of a Kshatriya adopt the ascetic way which has uncertain results and uncertain future?" 106.20

"If you want to follow this Dharma, out of tiresomeness, it is only proper that you star governing the four fold division of society, so that this tiresomeness will disappear." 106.21

"Among the four modes of life, it is by those who know dharma that the life as a householder is the greatest and so it is not proper for you to renounce that mode of life." 106.22

"How can I who is inferior in intelligence and younger in position by birth to you rule over the kingdom when you are there?" 106.23

"I am inferior in intelligence and virtue and even inferior in position to you, and I do not want to live if you are not present." 106.24

"Oh expert in Dharma, you please rule this country which was inherited from our father, without any hindrance along with our relations." 106.25

"Here itself you would be crowned in front of your subjects, by sage Vasishta, an expert in rituals in accordance with the ritualistic chants." 106.26

"After you are consecrated you return along with all of us to Ayodhya, like Indra returning to heavens in company of Maruths after conquering all worlds." 106.27

" You alone can rule Ayodhya, discharging the three debts to devas, sages and manes, completely subduing your enemies and gratifying the desires of your friends." 106.28

"Oh gentle one, make all your friends happy by crowning yourself and let your enemies flee in ten different directions." 106.29

"Oh best among men, wipe away the negative feelings of my mother and also protect our father from sin." 106.30

"I am begging you with bowed head to show mercy on all our relations and like the great God show mercy on all beings." 106.31

"In spite of all my requests, if you going from here to the forest, then I also shall go along with you." 106.32

Though requested like this by Bharatha with his head bowed down, the very brave king Rama, deciding to follow the words of his father decided not to go back to Ayodhya. 106.33

Seeing the great determination of Rama, the people assembled there with both happy and sad. They were sad because he was not returning to Ayodhya and happy because he was greatly determined. 106.34

The priests, the chiefs of merchants and mother who have lost their senses and were not having a single drop of tear to shed, praised Bharatha for his great words and after saluting Rama with reverence requested him." 106.35

This is the end of One Hundred and Sixth Sarga of Ayodhya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

107. Rama Tries to Convince Bharatha

[Rama reminds that Dasaratha had promised the kingdom as bride price while marrying Kaikeyi. Then he tells the two boons which were promised to Kaikeyi. He says that it is the duty of Rama and Bharatha to follow the words of father.]

The great and well recognized elder brother of Lakshmana who was sitting in the middle of his relations again addressed Bharatha and spoke. 107.1

"The words that you have spoken to me are befitting of a son born to Dasaratha, the great king and Kaikeyi." 107.2

"Oh dear brother, when our father married your mother at that time of the marriage he had promised your maternal grandfather the great kingdom as a bride price." 107.3

"Thereafter in the war between devas and asuras, please and delighted by your mother he had promised to give her boons." 107.4

"Oh tiger among men, thereafter your illustrious and fair complexioned mother after taking an oath from the great king, demanded the kingdom for you and banishment for me as the two boons and the king gave those boons as he was bound by the agreement." 107.5-107.6

"Oh best among men, your father has ordered me to live in the forest for fourteen years as per the granting of the boon." 107.7

"So I have reached this unrivalled forest without people along with Lakshmana and Sita, truthful to his words." 107.8

"Likewise you also get yourself crowned as king to make our father truthful as fast as possible, oh great king." 107.9

"For my sake, make our father who is a lord and the follower of Dharma, free from his debts and make my mother happy." 107.10

"I have heard earlier from my father, that the illustrious king of Gaya, while performing sacrifice there has told a Vedic hymn as follows." 107.11

"The son saves the father from the hell known as Puth and protects his manes forever and that is why a son is called Puthra". 107.12

"So one should desire for many virtuous and learned sons so that at least one of them might go to Gaya and perform the sacrifice for manes." 107.13

"This is what has been followed by all royal sages, oh son of a king and so oh lord, oh best among men, so you go and protect our father from hell." 107.14

"Oh valorous Bharatha, go to Ayodhya along with Shatrugna and with the Brahmins and rule and keep the citizens happy." 107.15

"Without any further delay I will also be entering the Dandaka forest along with Lakshmana and Sita." 107.16
"Oh Bharatha you become the king of human beings and so go to the great city with a mind of joy. I would become the king of animals of the wild forest and shall enter the Dandaka forest with a pleased mind." 107.17

"Oh Bharatha, let an umbrella spread over your head and repel the harsh rays of the sun and I shall happily seek, the dense shade of these would land trees and be pleasant." 107.18

"Oh Bharatha, let Shatrugna with a very sharp intelligence be your companion and Lakshmana would be my best friend and let all the four of us prove that we are worthy sons of Dasaratha and that he is established in truth." 107.19

This is the end of One Hundred and Seventh Sarga of Ayodhya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

108. Jabali Reasons with Rama

[Jabali, a great Brahmin, an atheist and a minister of Dasaratha, tells Rama that man is born alone and dies alone. The parents and teachers are only like stops in their way and there is no such thing called duty towards them.]

When Rama was consoling Bharatha, a great Brahmin called Jabali, told Rama the follower of Dharma, words which were against Dharma. 108.1

"Great, Oh Raghava, Oh noble minded one, Oh high thinking one, do not entertain nonsensical thoughts like a common man." 108.2

"Any animal is born alone and also dies alone and so what is the relation of one man to another and what does one man obtain from another." 108.3

"Oh Rama, therefore, when a man is attached to another pointing that person as his mother or his father, he talks like a mad man. Because a relation does not exist of one person with another." 108.4

"Oh son of Kakustha clan, a person going to another village spends the night at one spot and continues his journey from there next day morning. In the same way, father, mother, home and wealth are but resting places and so wise people are not attached to them." 108.5-108.6

"Oh best of men, you do not deserve to give up the kingdom of your father and this state which is painful, inaccessible and full of thorns." 108.7

"Go and get your installed as lord in the prosperous city of Ayodhya, which is waiting for you like a chaste lady with a single braid." 108.8

"Oh son of the king, go to Ayodhya which is like the heaven of Indra and sport and enjoy there, the inestimable royal pleasures." 108.9

"Dasaratha is nobody to you and you are nobody to him because that king is a particular person and you are a different person and so please do as I tell you." 108.10

"For any animal father is but a seed and when at the favourable time the semen mixes with the blood in mother's womb, the birth of a man takes place." 108.11

"That king has gone to the place where he is bound to go and that is the fate of all mortals and you are suffering without any reason." 108.12

"I am sad for those who desire for Artha and Dharma and not for all others because these people suffer in this world and are destroyed at time of death." 108.13

"People perform the sacrifice for the dead, for the spirit of their manes and offer them food which they are not going to eat. Please look at the wastage of food." 108.14

"If the food that we eat can any way reach the body of another, then we may offer Sradha to any person who is going to the other world? Would the food that we offer them reach them, when they are on their way?" 108.15

The intelligent people convince people to give charity and keep on telling them, "Give in Charity", "Be initiated", "Practice austerities " and "Renounce" so they will get charities by such actions. 108.16

"Oh very intelligent one, there is no next world and practice that which you like and which you can be seen by you and turn back from what you cannot see." 108.17

"Observing very many examples in this world and treating the opinion of these wise people as great accept the kingdom offered by Bharatha." 108.18

This is the end of One Hundred and Eighth Sarga of Ayodhya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

109. Rama Differs with Jabali

[Rama differs from Jabali and gets angry with him. Jabali tells Rama that he told those words not because he is an atheist but to take back Rama to Ayodhya.]

Hearing the words of Jabali, Rama, the best among truthful souls, with divine devotion and unshakable intellect replied. 109.1

"The words that you have just now told with a view to please me, is unfit to be followed though it appears to be fit, and appears beneficial though it is detrimental." 109.2

"A man who conducts himself without respect is one endowed with sinful conduct and one who follows conduct different from accepted practices is not respected by good men." 109.3

"It is only ones behaviour that determines whether he belongs to high or low family, whether he is valorous and respected by other men or whether he is honest or dishonest." 109.4

"Any man who appears to be noble but who is really not noble, appears to be pure though impure, appears to be endowed with all good while he is bad, appears to be of good character while he does not have anything good in him, appears to follow Dharma while he is not creates confusion in this world. Living a life without pious acts and against the scriptures is against Dharma and if I were to follow such a life, I would be engaged in wicked acts and a man discriminating between good and bad, will not hold me in high esteem." 109.5-109.7

"If I break the vow and modify my life from what I am following now, would I be able to instruct good conduct to others and will I go to heaven?" 109.8

"Then the entire world would do as it likes, for do not citizens imitate the conduct of their kings?" 109.9

"Truth is benevolent and the kings follow it from ancient times and the soul of the kingdom is truth and so the foundation of people is truth." 109.10

"The sages and devas considered truth as supreme and the man speaking truth would not deteriorate but become divine." 109.11

"People are agitated on seeing a man who does not speak truth like they have seen a serpent. Truth is the dharma of divine world and it is told, it is the root cause of heaven." 109.12

"Truth is the God of the world and the wealth gets established in truth. Truth is the root of everything and there is no salvation without truth." 109.13

"Charity, sacrifices, penance and Vedas are all firmly established on truth and so everyone should surrender to the truth." 109.14

"One person looks after the world, another looks only after his clan. One person sinks to hell and another rises to heaven, depending on how he practices truth." 109.15

"I am truthful to my promise and a truthful devotee of truth and why should I not keep up the promise that I gave to my father's order." 109.16
"Being a votary of truth, I will break the truth spoken by my father and thus break the bridge of morality out of greed, delusion, dark passion or ignorance." 109.17

"We have heard that either gods or manes would not accept the offerings of one who tells lies or one who is unstable and has an unsteady mind." 109.18

"I personally see that truth and Dharma as the universal spirit and therefore I consider any burden in life which is carried with pleasure by good people, as good to me also." 109.19

"I would renounce the so called Dharma of Kshatriyas, because is dharma in the cloak if injustice practiced by petty, cruel and miserly people of evil deeds." 109.20

"Men conceive an evil idea in mind, do it with their body and cover it up with lies spoken by the tongue and thus any sin is three fold." 109.21

"The earth, fame and renown get attracted only to a truthful man and even those in heaven see only the truth that we posses." 109.22

"The course which you thought as excellent and urged me to perform with logical statements is not to be carried out by gentlemen." 109.23

"After promising to my father [elder] that I would live in the forest, if I follow the words of Bharatha, would I not be disregarding the words of my elder." 109.24

"In front of my father I took a stable oath that I would live in forest and the lady Kaikeyi was extremely pleased by it." 109.25

"I shall live in the forest purified, with regulated food, satisfying the manes and gods by offering them flowers, fruits and roots, with my five sense controlled, without duplicity, with faith and differentiating between what ought to be done and what should not be done." 109.26-109.27

"Anyone who wants to do his duties should perform his religious and auspicious duties for even Fire, wind and the moon have taken that position." 109.28

"After performing hundred fire sacrifices, the king of devas went to heaven, and by performing terrible penances the sages go to heaven." 109.29

Again Rama, the son of the king who had great luster, after he heard those atheistic arguments, being unable to tolerate them told these disdainful words. 109.30

"Sages say that truthfulness, dharma, valour, compassion to all beings, talking of only pleasing words and offering homage to Brahmins, devas and guests are the real path to heaven." 109.31

"And because of that those learned in Vedas, after clearly understanding the matters which are to their advantage, adopt the fruitful path of Dharma which is right according to scriptures and seek attainment of high positions." 109.32

"You are having materialistic opinions and so your mind is following the extremely atheistic path and as such you are detached from the path of Dharma. I am blaming my father who has taken a person like you in his service." 109.33

"Sometimes a very knowledgeable man behaves like a thief and slowly reaches the state of atheism and such ones are greatly distrusted by people and so an intellectual should never come in contact with an atheist." 109.34

"Men preceding you who are superior to you in intelligence have performed many auspicious deeds. Brahmins only perform religious acts for upliftment of society." 109.35

"Those good people following the path of Dharma become greatly lustrous and take to charity and do not indulge in violence and become people without sins and later become great saints." 109.36

Hearing those very angry words of the great Rama with fearless intellect, that Brahmin replied using beneficial words filled with faith in a diplomatic way. 109.37

"I never speak the words of atheists and nor am I an atheist even to an insignificant extent and according to the need of the time I speak words of theism or atheism." 109.38

"Since the time suited to request you to return, Oh Rama, I spoke the words of atheism, only to propitiate you and please you." 109.39

This is the end of One Hundred and Ninth Sarga of Ayodhya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

110. Rama's Clan Genealogy

[Vasishta tells Rama about the history of his family from Sun till Dasaratha.]

Observing that Rama was angry, sage Vasishta told him, "Jabali also knows about the coming and going from this world to other world." 110.1

"He told you all this with a desire for you to return. Oh Lord of the earth, I would teach you about the origin of the world." 110.2

"In the beginning there was only water and later earth was formed. There after Brahma who was self born, along with other Gods came into existence." 110.3

"Brahma assuming the form of a boar upheld the earth and created the world along with his sons who were purified souls." 110.4

"The eternal changeless and imperishable Brahma came from sky [space] and from him Marichi was born and Kashyapa was his son." 110.5

"Kashyapa begot Vivaswath [Sun] and Manu was born as the son of Vivaswath. He was the lord of the people [prajapathi] and Ikshuvaku was his son." 110.6

"Manu first gave Ikshuvaku very prosperous land and please know That Ikshuvaku was the first king of Ayodhya" 110.7

"The great Kukshi was the son of Ikshuvaku and thereafter the heroic Vikukshi was born as son of Kukshi." 110.8

"The greatly lustrous and famous Bali was born as son to Vikukshi and the very strong mighty armed Anaranya was born as son to Bali." 110.9

"When Anaranya the best of the virtuous people was the king of Ayodhya, there was no drought or famine in the kingdom and there were no thieves." 110.10

"The mighty armed Pruthu was born to Anaranya, and the great king Trishanku was born to him and due to his truthfulness, he went to heaven with the physical body." 110.11

"Dhundhumara was the famous son of Trishanku and he was the father of greatly lustrous Yuvanaswa." 110.12

"The great Mandhatha was the son of Yuvanaswa and mighty Susandhi was born as son to Mandhatha and to Susandhi was born two sons Dhruvasandhi and Presanajith and the very famous slayer of enemies, Bharatha was born as son of Dhruvasandhi." 110.13-110.14

"The mighty armed Asitha was born to Bharatha. Against him rose the Haihayas, Talajanghas and the valorous Sasibindhu as enemies." 110.15-110.16

"That king fought with all these enemies, was defeated and got exiled. He retired to a delightful mountain and became a sage." 110.17

"He had two wives and both got pregnant and one of them gave the other poison to her co-wife to kill her unborn child." 110.18

"At that time a sage by name Chyavana, the descendent of Bhrugu had taken shelter in the Himalaya mountains and Kalindi the wife of Asitha, approached the sage, saluted him and asked for a boon, for birth of a son from that Brahmin." 110.19

"Oh queen, a great son, renowned all over the world, of virtuous by conduct, destroyer of enemies and perpetuator of his race would be born to you." 110.20

"The greatly delighted Kalindi, went round the sage took leave of him and went home and she gave birth to a boy who had eyes like the petals of the lotus and lustrous like Lord Brahma." 110.21-110.22

"Her co-wife had given Kalindi poison so that this unborn child would be killed but that child was born along with the poison and so was named as Sagara." 110.23

"King Sagara after performing a sacrifice on full moon day started digging the ocean which frightened people." 110.24

"We hear that a son called Asamanja was born to Sagara and he was one who indulged in evil deeds and was banished by his father when he was still alive." 110.25

"The valorous Amsuman was the son of Asamanja, Dilipa was Amsuman's son and Bhagiratha was the son of Dilipa." 110.26

"Kakustha was born to Bhagiratha, from whom you have become famous as Kakusthas. Raghu was the son of Kakustha, from whom all of you became famous as Raghavas." 110.27

"The lustrous son of Raghu became famous as Purushadhaka, Kanmashapada and also as Soudhasa." 110.28

"The famous son of Kanmashapada was Shankana and one facing him with his army was destroyed." 110.29

The son of Shankana was the great Sudarshana who was the father of Agnivarna. Shighraga was the son of Sudarshana and his son was Maru. Maru's son was Prashushruva and to Prashushruva was born greatly lustrous Ambarisha. Nahusha with matchless strength was the son of Ambarisha and his son was the great follower of Dharma Nabhaga. Nabhaga had two sons, Aja and Suvrata and Aja's son was the righteous king Dasaratha. 110.30-110.33

"Oh king, you are well known, far and wide as Rama and you are the eldest son of the king and the inheritor of the kingdom and so accept the kingdom and look after the people well." 110.34

"In the clan of Ikshuvakus, always the eldest son always becomes the king and when the eldest is alive, the younger ones are never crowned as kings." 110.35

"Oh famous one, it is not proper for you to change the tradition of the house of Raghus and so rule this great kingdom with lots of treasures just like your father." 110.36

This is the end of One Hundred and Tenth Sarga of Ayodhya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

111. Rama Agrees to Become King

[Sage Vasishta logically tells Rama that he would not be going against Dharma if he returns back; but Rama tells him that his father's words were paramount to him. Bharatha further protests by doing Sathyagraha. Rama tells him, he would become king after he comes back.]

Vasishta, the family priest of the kings, after speaking to Rama like this again spoke other words of Dharma to him. 111.1

"Oh Rama of the Kakustha clan, when a man is born he has three teachers and they are his Guru, his father and his mother." 111.2

"Oh best among men, the father is responsible for the birth of the man and the Guru gives him wisdom and so he is superior." 111.3

"Oh destroyer of enemies, I was the Guru to your father as well as you and so by following my words, you would not be going against Dharma." 111.4

"All these people of your assembly, those from business guilds and Brahmins are your people and by doing your duty to them, you would not be going against Dharma." 111.5

"It is not proper for you not to obey the words of your old mother who is the follower of Dharma and so you would not be acting against Dharma." 111.6

"Oh valorous one in Dharma and truth, this Bharatha is begging you and so if you agree to his request, you would not be acting against Dharma." 111.7

When these sweet words were told by the Guru, Rama himself replied to the Guru who was sitting beside him. 111.8

"The duties that mother and father perform towards their son is always to their best of ability and aimed at pleasing the son, by making him sleep, covering and clothing, by speaking affectionate words to him and also by bringing him up properly and these acts of mother and father cannot be repaid." 111.9-111.10

"My father Dasaratha begot me and the promise that I have done to him shall never be made untrue." 111.11

When the greatly philanthropic Bharatha was addressed this way, with extremely distressed mind told the charioteer who was standing by his side. 111.12

"Oh charioteer immediately spread Kusa grass on this earth and I shall lie down on it till my esteemed brother shows his graciousness." 111.13

"Like a Brahmin deprived of his wealth, without taking any food and without seeing this world, I shall lie down in front of his hut till he agrees with me." 111.14

That greatly troubled Bharatha seeing that Sumanthra was waiting for the orders of Rama, himself brought the Kusa grass and spread it on the ground. 111.15

The greatly lustrous Rama who was the greatest among royal sages told Bharatha, "Oh Bharatha, what wrong have I done to you that makes you lie down before me and prevent me." 111.16
"Only a Brahmin can prevent the actions of another one by lying down in front of him and law does not permit the person who can be anointed as king to prevent like this." 111.17

"Get up oh tiger among men and give up this pitiable penance and oh Bharatha quickly go to the best of cities, Ayodhya." 111.18

While being seated, Bharatha asked the citizens of towns and villages who were assembled there. "Why do you not persuade this gentleman?" 111.19

Those great people who included the citizens of towns and villages told, "We know that son of Kakustha clan and he is talking correctly." 111.20

"The great Rama is firmly fixed in the words of his father and that is why we are not able to quickly make him return." 111.21

Hearing their very understanding words Rama told, "Please understand the words of these friends who are seeing only Dharma." 111.22

"Oh mighty armed Bharatha, after hearing both our views think over it, get up and drink water." 111.23

Then Bharatha stood up, sipped water and told the following words, "Oh ministers, oh tradesmen, please hear what I have to say." 111.24

"Neither did I request the kingdom from my father nor urged my mother. And I also did not know about the exile of Rama, who is the great follower of Dharma." 111.25

"If it is our duty to live in the forest as per words of my father, I would myself in the forest for fourteen years." 111.26

The soul of Dharma was greatly surprised to hear the genuine words of his brother and speaking to the citizens of towns and villages. 111.27

"Neither for Bharatha or me, it is possible to can cancel whatever my father bought or pledged or sold." 111.28

"In the matter of living in the forest it is disgusting for keeping a substitute for me, and it shall not be done. Kaikeyi has only spoken properly to my father and a good deed was done." 111.29

"I know that Bharatha has a patient nature and honours his elders and for the truthful Bharatha everything that happens will be auspicious." 111.30

"When I come back from the forest along with my brother who practices Dharma, I would become the king of this earth." 111.31

"The king was requested by Kaikeyi and I have followed those words and it is now your duty to release our father from falsehood." 111.32

This is the end of One Hundred and Eleventh Sarga of Ayodhya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

112. Bharatha Requests for Rama's Sandals

[The great sages advice Bharatha to go back. Rama strictly refuses to become the king. Bharatha requests for sandals of Rama so that he would consecrate them and rule as his representative. He tells Rama that if Rama does not return after 14 years, then he would enter fire and die.]

Those great sages who have assembled there seeing the meeting between two brothers of matchless glory were amazed and the hairs of their body stood erect. 112.1

Those many sages, Sidhas as well as divine sages who remained invisible appreciated the two brothers of the clan of Kakustha. 112.2

"He indeed is blessed to have two sons like these who are followers of Dharma and valorous in Dharma and hearing their conversations, we have become attached to them." 112.3

Then those many sages desiring for the quick destruction of the ten headed ones, told Bharatha, the best of kings the following words. 112.4

"You are of noble birth, greatly intelligent, capable of great penance, and so you should accept the advice of Rama and accept the words of your father." 112.5

"We desire that Rama should be without the debt to his father, by discharging the obligation of Dasaratha who has gone to heaven." 112.6

"After telling these words those Gandharwas and great sages, went back to their respective abodes." 112.7

Hearing those words which will lead to Happiness that auspicious looking, auspiciousness Rama, with a delighted face paid homage to those saints. 112.8

That Bharatha with a trembling body and with hands folded in reverence, after getting composure of their voice, addressed Rama and told these words. 112.9

"Oh son of Kakustha clan, following the Dharma of kings, to perpetuate the Dharma of our clan, please consider the request of mine as well as my mother." 112.10

"I would not be able to protect this kingdom all alone and I would not be able to rule the citizens of cities and villages, making them happy." 112.11

"Our clan members, warriors as well as our friends and good hearted people are longing for you like the farmer longing for rains." 112.12

"Oh very wise one, after accepting this kingdom, give it stability, for son of Kakustha clan, you are powerful enough to rule this world." 112.13

Saying this Bharatha fell at the feet of Rama and that Bharatha who spoke sweet words entreated him ardently to accept his request. 112.14

Rama after hugging Bharatha, who was black in colour and who has eyes like lotus petal, told him in a voice resembling the voice of a swan. 112.15
"Oh lad, due to the training received from our Guru, you have obtained the knowledge of that and so you are perfectly capable of ruling this world." 112.16

"Take the advice of ministers, friends, especially intelligent ministers and you can get done all endeavors, however tough it may be." 112.17

"Splendour may go away from moon or snow may disappear from Himalaya Mountain or ocean may over step in to its shores, but I shall not break the oath given to my father." 112.18

"Oh lad whether your mother has done this out of avarice or affection but it was done for your sake and so you should not take it seriously and conduct yourself properly with your mother." 112.19

Then having heard the words of the son of Kausalya, Bharatha who normally has a brilliance of the sun appeared like the waxing moon on its first day, spoke. 112.20

"Oh gentle one, keep your feet on this sandals decorated with gold, for they are going to bring prosperity and safety of the entire world." 112.21

The tiger among men with great luster, Rama, put on the sandals and then removed them and gave it to the great Bharatha. 112.22

Bharatha bowed down to the sandals and addressing Rama told, "Oh destroyer of enemies, Oh valorous one, Oh son of the Raghu clan, wearing matted locks and garments of bark and living on fruits and roots and residing outside the city, I would place the responsibility of ruling the kingdom on these sandals and look forward for your arrival anxiously." 112.23-112.24

"Oh best among the clan of Raghu, on the completion of fourteen years, suppose I do not see you, then I will enter the blazing fire and die." 112.25

After promising to Bharatha saying, "so be it," and after earnestly hugging Bharatha and Shatrugna, Rama spoke these words. 112.26

"Oh best among Raghu clan, look after your mother Kaikeyi and do not get angry with her and I am taking an oath on myself and Sita that I would fulfill your words." Saying this he took leave from his brothers with tear filled eyes. 112.27-112.28

The famous Bharatha who was the follower of Dharma, after having worshipped those well decorated sandals and after going round Rama with reverence, placed those sandals on the top of a very good elephant. 112.29

After that Rama, the enhancer of the fame of Raghu dynasty, who was as firm as the Himalaya mountain, greeted his teachers, ministers, subjects, his younger brothers Bharatha and Shatrugna, according to their rank and took leave of them. 112.30

Due to great sorrow and due to their throats being choked with tears, the mothers of Rama could not take leave from him but Rama after saluting all of them entered in to his hut with eyes full of tears. 112.31

This is the end of One Hundred and Twelfth Sarga of Ayodhya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

113. Bharatha's Return Journey

[Bharatha returns to Ayodhya with the sandal. On the way he meets sage Bharadwaja and takes his blessings.]

Thereafter Bharatha carrying those sandals on his head joyfully boarded the chariot along with Shatrugna. 113.1

Vasishta, Vamadeva and Jabali who could do great penance and other ministers well known for their sagacious advice proceeded in front of Bharatha. 113.2

Then all of them went round the great Chithrakuta mountain ad proceeded towards Mandakini river travelling eastwards. 113.3

Seeing thousands of pretty minerals, Bharatha travelled by its side along with his army. 113.4

Not very far away from Chithrakuta mountain, Bharatha saw the hermitage where sage Bharadwaja lived. 113.5

Then that very intelligent Bharatha, after reaching the hermitage of Bharadwaja, alighted from the chariot and prostrated at the feet of the sage. 113.6

The overjoyed Bharadwaja asked Bharatha, "Oh lad, Have you accomplished the task? Have you met Rama?" 113.7

When he was liked by the very intelligent sage Bhardwaja, Bharatha who loves Dharma replied to Bharadwaja. 113.8

"When requested by me as well as his Guru Vasishta, that Rama with stable prowess being very pleased told sage Vasishta." 113.9

"I will truly honour the promise given to my father and live in this forest for fourteen years." 113.10

"When he told like this to the greatly intelligent and eloquent Vasishta, replied to Rama who was an expert orator using words of great significance." 113.11

"Oh very intelligent one, with pleasure give your sandals decorated by gold, for looking after the welfare of Ayodhya." 113.12

"When Vasishta told him like this, Rama stood facing the east, wore the sandals and removed it and gave it to me for the sake of the kingdom." 113.13

"Taking leave of that great person called Rama, I am returning and going to Ayodhya, holding those auspicious sandals." 113.14

Having heard these auspicious words from Bharatha, that great soul sage Bharadwaja replies with words which were more auspicious. 113.15

"Oh tiger among men, you are the best among those who possesses great character and it is not surprising that noble qualities have established in you, like water poured out reaches the lower level land." 113.16

"The greatly valorous Dasaratha has not died because he has son like you who loves Dharma and acts according to Dharma." 113.17

Hearing the suitable words spoken by that great saint Bharadwaja, Bharatha saluted him with folded hands and clasped his feet, took leave from him and commenced on his journey. 113.18

The great Bharatha after going round the sage Bharadwaja, again and again, along with his ministers started towards Ayodhya. 113.19

The vast army of Bharatha marched ahead of him along with chariots, carts, horses and elephants. again started towards Ayodhya. 113.20

Then they crossed the river Yamuna, which was wreathed by waves and again beheld the auspicious water of Ganga. 113.21

Bharatha along with his relations and army crossed the river Ganga filled completely with clear and pure water, entered the town of Sringaberipura and from that city beheld the town of Ayodhya. 113.22

Then seeing the city of Ayodhya which was not having his father or brothers, Bharatha was filled with grief and told his charioteer. 113.23

"Oh Charioteer see that ruined Ayodhya which is not shining, is insignificant and is without joy and is desolate and silent." 113.24

This is the end of One Hundred and Thirteenth Sarga of Ayodhya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

114. Bharatha Returns to Ayodhya

[Bharatha sees that Ayodhya has lost its luster and is like a city in distress.]

The great lord Bharatha riding on a chariot which produced deep and gentle sound soon entered the city of Ayodhya. 114.1

He saw in that city large number of cats and owls, with crouched men and elephants and looking like a dark night having gloom and not shining. 114.2

It looked like the darling wife of the enemy of moon god [Rohini] who is exceedingly bright, which is affected by Rahu the planet in ascendant and was not having any shine and looking like night. 114.3

It further looked like a stream flowing from the mountain, emaciated, whose waters have become almost dry and greatly agitated, the birds surrounding which are scorched by the sun and whose big and small fish as well as alligators have perished. 114.4

Ayodhya was like the sacrificial fire which rises in to a golden smokeless flame when oblation is poured in it but later gets put out. 114.5

It was like an army in a great battle field where armour lie scattered, with injured elephants and horses, with shattered chariots and flags and withy slain warriors. 114.6

It was like a sea which rose with foam and roaring sounds, dispersed by a gentle breeze becoming silent. 114.7

It was like a sacrificial altar from where the priests, where the fire has got extinguished after offering of oblations and the priests along sacrificial implements have deserted and the chants have been discontinued. 114.8

It was like the wife of a bull longing for the bull which has left it and standing in the middle of the cow-pen dispirited and not eating any grass. 114.9

It was like a pearl necklace, which was stripped of excellent rubies and gems, which were shining and greatly smooth. 114.10

It was like a fallen star with its great luster diminished and fallen from its place, due to its loss of meritorious deeds and reaching the earth. 114.11

It was a creeper of the forest fully laden with flowers and surrounded by bees making melodious noise at the end of autumn, when it was ravaged by spreading forest fire and completely withered away. 114.12

With its shops and markets closed and without any activity and with its merchants in daze, Ayodhya looked like the clouds obstructing the view of moon and stars of the sky. 114.13

It was like a drinking place, not cleaned with broken drinking glasses emptied of excellent wine and with dead drunkards lying all around. 114.14

It was like a cistern made for storing water, broken, collapsed, fallen down and sunk, covered with broken jars and pots, with the water completely dried up. 114.15

It was like a big stretched bow string, with nooses at both ends, which was severed by a powerful man with his arrows and lying on the ground. 114.16

It was like a mare whipped by a skilled horse rider driven to battle but killed by the enemy army and lying on the ground. 114.17

It was like a large body of water full of large fish and tortoises but dried up completely when its banks have been cut down surrounded by dried water lilies. 114.18

It was like the body of a man in distress, scorched because he has been denied application of oil, who was not wearing any ornaments and overtaken by sorrow. 114.19

It was like Sun which has entered in to the circular orb of thick and black clouds during the rainy season and so obscured from vision. 114.20

Bharatha, the great son of Dasaratha seating in one of those excellent chariots addressed the charioteer and told. 114.21

"Why is it that now in Ayodhya, we do not hear the deep and sonorous sound of singing and playing of musical instruments nowadays as earlier?" 114.22

"Why is it that the breeze does not carry the scent of agaru, the fragrance of flower garlands and the intoxicating smell of wine?" 114.23

"Why is it that after Rama has departed to the forest we are not able to hear, the sound of excellent carriages, the pleasing sound of neighing horses, trumpeting sound of elephants in rut and the big sound made by chariots?" 114.24

"Why is that affected by the going away of Rama, people are not going out of town nor or the wearing pretty garlands and not observing any festivals?" 114.25

"The luster of the city also has departed along with my brother and Ayodhya is not shining now and is like a rainy night during days of waning moon." 114.26

"After Rama left Ayodhya, the youth are in great distress and are not using perfumes of sandal and agaru or making use of flower garlands." 114.27

"When will my brother return and when will the great festival come, bringing great joy to Ayodhya like the rain the autumn?" 114.28

"Well dressed youth and people bearing themselves in high style, who used to roam about in groups are not to be seen in the great avenues of Ayodhya?" 114.29

"Prattling like this in many ways Bharatha entered the house of his father and that house without the king was like a cave without a lion." 114.30

Then the self possessed Bharatha seeing the private apartments of the king without its usual splendour felt like the day has been deprived of the Sun and shed tears. 114.31

This is the end of One Hundred and Fourteenth Sarga of Ayodhya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

115. Rama's Sandals as King in Nandigrama

[Bharatha leaves Ayodhya to Nandigrama and crowns the sandals there and starts ruling the kingdom as its representative.]

After making his mothers go to their homes the very sad Bharatha, who was stable in his words told the elders. 115.1

"I am going to Nandigrama and so I am taking leave from all of you. I hope to endure the sorrow caused by the absence of Rama there." 115.2

"The king has gone to heaven and elder brother [teacher] has gone to the forest. There I shall await the return of Rama, for Ayodhya can only be ruled by him." 115.3

Hearing these auspicious words of the great Bharatha, All those ministers and their teacher Vasishta told him. 115.4

"Oh Bharatha, the words that you told now out of great affection to your brother are praiseworthy and could only be told by a great one like you." 115.5

"You are greatly attached to your relations and interested in the welfare of others. Who would not approve the noble path that you intend to follow?" 115.6

Hearing the please words of his ministers which was according to his thought, Bharatha called the charioteer and told him, "Harness the Chariot." 115.7

The great Bharatha with a joyful face after paying respects to his mothers, accompanied by Shatrugna, got in to the chariot." 115.8

"Speedily getting in to the chariot, the very happy Bharatha and Shatrugna proceeded to Nandigrama surrounded by their ministers and priests." 115.9

Along with their gurus, Vasishta and Brahmins they proceeded east wards towards Nandigrama. 115.10

After Bharatha left, the army consisting of elephants, horses and chariots followed him without his calling them and so too several people living in the town followed him. 115.11

That soul of Dharma, Bharatha who loved his brothers, while riding on the chariot kept the sandals on his head and speedily travelled to Nandigrama. 115.12

Then that Bharatha entered Nandigrama quickly after alighting from the chariot and addressed his Gurus [elders] and told. 115.13

"My brother has deposited this kingdom for my upkeep and also has given his sandals decorated with gold so that the kingdom would be prosperous and secure." 115.14

Then keeping the sandals which were given as trust to him on his head, addressing his group of ministers, with great sorrow. 115.15

"At once hold an umbrella over this for they have been accepted as a symbol by my exalted brother and they will establish Dharma in this kingdom." 115.16

"My brother out of his love for me has given this kingdom as a trust to me and I would look after them waiting for the arrival of Rama." 115.17

"As Soon as I Rama comes back, I would unite these sandals to his feet and see his feet along with this sandals." 115.18

"I will look after this burden entrusted to me till the arrival of Rama who is my teacher, and then I would give it back to him as an offering and would be doing his service." 115.19

"After giving back, these auspicious trust of the blessed sandals and the kingdom to Rama I would get cleansed of my sins." 115.20

"After Rama is crowned and people became happy and pleased, I would be four times happy than when I was ruling the kingdom." 115.21

The very famous Bharatha, thus lamenting in grief, ruled the kingdom from Nandigrama along with his ministers. 115.22

That Lord wearing matted locks and dress made of bark looking like a sage lived in Nandigrama along with his army. 115.23

That Bharatha who loved his brother lived there with anxiety to see his brother, obeyed completely Rama's advice and fulfilled his vow, and lived in Nandigrama after consecrating the sandal. 115.24

Bharatha informed about all the orders relating to the kingdom to the sandal, fanned them himself and he himself held the royal Umbrella over them. 115.25

That great and gentle Bharatha after consecrating the sandals, subordinated himself to it and ruled the kingdom. 115.26

Bharatha brought to the notice of the sandal however small a matter to me and whenever he received costly gifts it was given to the sandal and carried out his work appropriately. 115.27

This is the end of One Hundred and Fifteenth Sarga of Ayodhya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

116. Sages Leave Chithrakuta

[When Rama sees the sages of Chithrakuta worried, he asks the reason for it. They say they are afraid that Khara, the brother of Ravana, would trouble them. Then those sages leave Chithrakuta for a safer place.]

After Bharatha went back, Rama continued to live in that forest of penance and he observed the anxiety and fearful anxiety among the sages. 116.1

He saw that those sages, who used to be well pleased in the hermitage before, because they depended on him, were now anxious. 116.2

Pointing out at Rama by the movement of their eyes and eyebrows, they exhibited their anxiety and they whispered round among themselves, some legends in secret. 116.3

Seeing their distress, Rama, thinking that they had suspicion about him, with joined palms in salutation, told the chief of the sages there. 116.4

"I think that you are all not seeing the behaviour in me that you saw earlier and I feel that you are agitated by some change in my nature." 116.5

"Has the sages seen my younger brother Lakshmana who thinks about himself, by error behaved in a way that is unworthy of him?" 116.6

"Has Sita who is serving you, due to keenness of serving me behaved in an improper way with you, according to the conduct suitable for women." 116.7

Then the old sage, old both by penance and age spoke with shivering voice to Rama who is kind to all the beings." 116.8

"Oh dear child, what is there for us to fear above all from Sita, who has auspicious disposition and follower of Dharma." 116.9

"Because of enmity to you the Rakshasas have started troubling the sages, due to which fear has been created among us and sages discuss among themselves about the ways of defense." 116.10

"Oh son, there is a Rakshasa called Khara, who is the younger brother of Ravana. He has uprooted the dwelling of several sages in Janasthana. He is cruel, eater of human flesh, boaster, victorious in battle, haughty and sinful and he is not able to endure you also." 116.11-116.12

"From the time that you have come to reside here in this hermitage those Rakshasas continue to ill treat the sages." 116.13

"They appear to be cruel, grotesque and fearful, and were ugly to look at and not very pleasant to see." 116.14

"They throw inauspicious ugly objects on the saints and those wicked people stand in front of the sages and kill them." 116.15

"Those evil minded ones enter in to the hermitages unnoticed and enjoy killing the saints there itself." 116.16

"When a fire sacrifice is being performed, they scatter the vessels used for sacrifice, pour water on the fire and break the water pots." 116.17

"After deciding these retreats which are attacked by those souls of evil are not safe, the sages are urging me to leave this place and go elsewhere." 116.18

"Rama, before those wicked ones cause bodily injury to the sages, we are thinking of going away from here." 116.19

"In a forest not far away from here which is blessed by many fruits and roots, is my previous hermitage and all of us are thinking of going there." 116.20

"Oh lad, it is likely that Khara also may badly and unjustly behave with you and if you think it better, please come along with us." 116.21

"Though you are ever watchful and competent, since you are living with your wife, it is possible that your stay may become sad." 116.22

When that sage told like this to Rama, he could not answer the sage properly as the sage was in a hurry to leave. 116.23

That leader of the sages after justifying his statement, took leave of Rama along with the sages and went away along with them. 116.24

When the sages left that place, Rama accompanied them for some distance and saluted the leader of the community. After bidding them farewell and after receiving their advice, he returned to his sacred hermitage. 116.25-116.26

That Lord Rama did not leave his hermitage even for a moment after it was deserted by the sages, but many of those sages acquired many virtues from Rama, who followed excellent traditions. 116.27

This is the end of One Hundred and Sixteenth Sarga of Ayodhya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

117. Rama Visits Sage Athri

[Rama along with Lakshmana and Sita leave Chithrakuta and on their way, they visit the hermitage of sage Athri. Sita meets Anasuya, the wife of that sage, who talks about the Dharma of a wife.]

After the sages left that place Rama started thinking and due to very many reasons he did not like to live at that place. 117.1

"It is here that Bharatha, my mothers and the citizens met me and that memory is chasing me and filling me with grief." 117.2

"Since the great Bharatha encamped with his army here, this place has been made exceedingly dirty with dung of horses and elephants." 117.3

Having resolved that "We would go to some other place", Rama along with Lakshmana and Sita set forth from there. 117.4

After the very famous Rama reached the hermitage of sage Athri, he prostrated before the sage, who received him like his son. 117.5

That sage, after showing great hospitality on Rama in a fitting way, spoke with kind words to Lakshmana and Sita. 117.6

That follower of Dharma, who was wise, earnest and one who did good to all beings, called out his aged wife, who had just come there and who was revered by all and spoke kind words to her. 117.7

That great sage told his highly virtuous ascetic wife Anasuya, who followed principles of Dharma, "Please honour this Sita" and thereafter he told Rama about that female ascetic. 117.8

"Oh blameless one, once this world was affected by constant drought for ten years. It was Anasuya who created roots and fruits as well us filled up river Ganga with water. She is the follower of great penance and one decorated by self imposed religious observances. For ten thousand years she practiced rigorous penance and oh lad, she removed all the obstacles and for modifying the divine command converted ten nights in to one and this Anasuya who has just taken bath after a penance is like mother to you." [Mandavya cursed Sandili a friend of Anasuya that she will become a widow, one morning within next ten days and Sandili cursed that there would not be dawn anymore and when Gods approached Anasuya, she converted those ten days in to one day and saved everybody.] 117.9-117.12

"This aged and famous lady is worthy of worship of all beings and is well known as "One who does not get jealous". Let Sita approach and talk to her.” 117.13

Hearing the words of the sage, Rama said "So be it" and that lady who was a great follower of Dharma addressed Sita and told. 117.14

"Oh daughter of a king, you have now heard the message of the sage and without delay meet that lady sage for the sake of your welfare." 117.15

Hearing the words of Rama, which were aimed at her welfare, Sita approached Anasuya, who was the wife of Athri and an expert in Dharma, and went round her. 117.16

The great and greatly virtuous Anasuya was feeble, full of wrinkles, with grey hair being very old, with body trembling always, and shaking like a banana plant in wind and Sita went and without haste saluted her and introduced herself by telling her name. 117.17-117.18

Sita saluted that blameless ascetic and saluting her with folded hands and with happiness enquired about her welfare. 117.19

That follower of Dharma seeing the glorious Sita who followed Dharma, talking sweet and appeasing words told, "Fortunately you are observing your Dharma." 117.20

"Oh pretty Sita, Thank heaven. You are accompanying Rama, who has left his relations, pride, wealth and being banished, is living in the forest." 117.21

"Any lady who is devoted to her dear husband, whether he is town or in forest, or whether he is a sinner or one who does blessed deeds, she is the greatest gift to the world." 117.22

"For a lady of noble nature her husband is her god, whether he is of bad character, passionate by nature or devoid of any riches." 117.23

"Oh Sita, thinking about everything after performing imperishable and suitable penances, I still do not see a better relation than a husband." 117.24

"Those evil women, who are overpowered by carnal desires and who lord over their husbands, do not have any understanding of virtue and vice in this world." 117.25

"Oh Maithili such women who are in the grip of unworthy acts would reach infamy as well as destruction of Dharma." 117.26

"But those who are endowed with virtues like you and can find the difference between good and bad, would go to heaven like those who perform Dharmic deeds." 117.27

This is the end of One Hundred and Seventeenth Sarga of Ayodhya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

118. Sita Talks to Anasuya

[Sita tells Anasuya that she is familiar with the Dharma of wife. Anasuya presents ornaments, cloths etc to Sita. She requests her to tell about her Swayamvara.]

When Anasuya spoke like this, Sita, without any jealousy, started slowly telling her words full of reverence. 118.1

"It is a wonder that a great lady like you should talk to me this way, for I also know that a husband is a Guru to every lady." 118.2

"Oh lady, even if my husband leaves good conduct, even then, I should obey him without any distinction." 118.3

"What is the necessity to applaud a husband, who is kind, who has controlled his senses, always loving, soul of Dharma and one who respects his father and mother?" 118.4

"The very strong Rama behaves with the other consorts of the king in the same that he behaves with his mother Kausalya." 118.5

"That follower of Dharma who loved the king who is valorous, honours all women his father has glanced ones setting aside his mother." 118.6

"The wise instructions taught to me by mother in law, when I was coming this fearful forest bereft of human beings is firmly etched in my mind." 118.7

"The words taught to me earlier by my mother at the time of my marriage in front of the sacrificial fire also is etched firmly in my mind." 118.8

"Oh lady who practices Dharma, your words reminded me again the advices given by my mother and mother in law that for a women the only Dharma that exists is obedience to her husband." 118.9

"Savithri went to heaven by doing service to her husband and since following her path you are also doing service to your husband you will also go to heaven." 118.10

"Rohini, the best among all ladies and the goddess of the sky, is not seen without moon, even for a second." 118.11

"Great ladies like these, who are doing firm penance on their husbands, by their own blessed deeds are highly respected in the world of gods." 118.12

Then Anasuya glad at hearing the words of Sita, kissed her on her forehead and said the following with a view to please her. 118.13

"Oh Sita of pure penances, by performing various austerities, I have obtained great power of penance and using the strength of the effect of such penances, I would make you happy." 118.14

"Oh Maithili, your words are befitting you and please my mind and so you please tell me what I can do for you?" 118.15

Hearing those words, Sita was surprised and with a slow smile she said, to her who has power of penance "done. [It is Okay.]" 118.16

When this was told to the lady who was in expert in Dharma, she was greatly pleased and told, "I would great joy to you, which would give good results." 118.17

"Oh Vaidehi, Oh Sita, I am giving you the blessed garland, cloth, garland, fragrant creams and ointment for the body and these would always beautify your limbs and they are convenient to use and never fades." 118.18-118.19

"Oh daughter of Janaka, Oh Sita, oh divine one, wear this fragrant cream on your body like Lakshmi who enhanced greatness of Vishnu and enhance the greatness of your husband." 118.20

Maithili accepted the cloth, fragrant creams, ointment as well as the garland, which were incomparable gifts of love. 118.21

That famous Sita accepted those gifts of love, saluted her, who was rich in penance, with hands folded like a dish and sat beside her. 118.22

When Sita sat near her, Anasuya who does firm penance started asking her, about a tale which was close to her heart. 118.23

"Oh Sita, I have heard that the famous Rama got you by Swayamvara [self selection] and that is the story that reached my ears." 118.24

"Oh Maithili, I would like to know this in detail. It would be great, if you can tell this in extensive manner." 118.25

When the follower of Dharma told like this, Sita said, "I will relate that story in detail and let it be heard." 118.26

"Janaka the follower of Dharma was the king of Mithila, well versed in king's Dharma and engaged in ruling the earth properly." 118.27

"When one day he was ploughing a circular land for conducting a sacrifice, it seems I arose there breaking the earth and became the daughter of the king." 118.28

"The king Janaka who was busy scattering hand full of seeds the seeds was surprised to see me, completely covered with dust." 118.29

"That childless king took me and kept me on his lap and telling that I am his daughter, showered great affection on me since then." 118.30

"A voice was heard from the space, "Oh king, without any doubt, this divine child, is indeed your daughter." 118.31

"Then my father the king of Mithila, who was a soul of Dharma was very happy and that king acquired large number of properties to me." 118.32

"That king of auspicious acts entrusted me to his chief queen who was his favourite and looked after me with great care with maternal affection." 118.33

"When my father realized that the proper time has come to unite me with a husband, my father became sad, like a poor man who was about to lose his wealth." 118.34

"Even though the father of an unmarried girl is like Indra, he will be treated inferior by other men and humiliated." 118.35

"The king realizing that his humiliation would begin soon, reached the sea of sorrow and felt like a man without a float and unable to reach the other shore." 118.36

"Knowing that I was not born from a women's womb, in spite of thinking over he could not find a similar and suitable husband for me." 118.37

"By always thinking about this, a thought occurred in his brain to perform Swayamvara [Self Selection] ceremony for his daughter." 118.38

"The great Varuna during one of the sacrifices had given him with love an excellent bow, two great arrows and a quiver." 118.39

"Due to its weight no human being could lift it in spite of great effort nor the kings able to bend it even in their dreams." 118.40

"My father who was only speaking truth, had earlier invited several kings in his assembly and placed the great bow before them." 118.41

"And he told them, "Without any doubt, my daughter would become the wife of any person who can lift this bow along with its string." 118.42

"The kings saw that great bow which was very heavy like a mountain and were not able to lift it and so they saluted the bow and went back." 118.43

"After a very long time Rama with great luster, came to see the fire sacrifice along with Viswamithra and Rama along with Lakshmana were truly men of valour." 118.44

"The sage Viswamithra the soul of dharma after being worshipped by my father, spoke about Rama and Lakshmana to my father." 118.45

"These two sons of Dasaratha are desirous of seeing the bow and so show the bow obtained from devas to the king's son Rama." 118.46

"As soon this was told by the Brahmin, that bow was brought out and within a minute the very strong one bent that bow and instantly stretched the string and drew it." 118.47-118.48

"When he was stretching it, the bow broke in to two and making a very great sound fell down on the floor." 118.49

"Then my father who was wedded to truth, having decided to give me to Rama, raised the vessel containing pure water." 118.50

"Though I was being offered, Rama did not accept that offer, without knowing the opinion of his father who was the king of Ayodhya." 118.51

"Then my father invited my father in law, the very aged Dasaratha and I was offered to Rama who was well known for his intelligence." 118.52

"My father also offered of his own accord my chaste younger sister Urmila, who has pleasing appearance as wife to Lakshmana." 118.53

"This is the way in which I was offered to Rama in the Swayamvara and I love my husband the valiant Rama in accordance with Dharma." 118.54

This is the end of One Hundred and Eighteenth Sarga of Ayodhya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

119. Rama Takes Leave of Sage Athri

[After Sita tells Rama all that Anasuya asked and showed him all that she gave, they take leave of the sage and go deep in to the forest.]

Anasuya, the follower of Dharma, after hearing that great story, hugged Sita and kissed her on her head. 119.1

"You have with clear words drawn a sweet picture about what happened during the Swayamvara and I now clearly know what happened and I firmly enjoyed, Oh sweet speaking Sita." 119.2

"The sun is drawing the peaceful night near him and is setting and the twittering of birds which were wandering everywhere in search of food during the day time and after seeing the twilight are returning for sleep and rest, is heard." 119.3-119.4

"These sages who are wet with bating are returning with the water filled water pot and completely wet cloths made of bark." 119.5

"The sages have lit the fire for doing worship of the fire as per rules and the wafting smoke of the colour of the pigeon is being seen." 119.6

"In spite of having sparse leaves, the trees appear dense and the four directions, which draw our senses apart do not shine brilliantly." 119.7

"The nocturnal animals have started moving about and the domestic animals of the hermitage have started sleeping around the altar." 119.8

"Oh Sita, the night decorated by the orbit of stars has commenced and the moon appears to rise spreading the mantle of moon light." 119.9

"I am giving consent for you to go now to Rama. Go and be companion to Rama and I would like to tell that I am greatly pleased with your sweet story telling." 119.10

"Oh Maithili, decorate yourself in my presence and cause me happiness by decorating yourself with these divine ornaments." 119.11

Then Sita decorated herself with those ornaments and looked like the daughter of devas and saluted Anasuya with bent head and went to meet Rama. 119.12

The most eloquent Rama after seeing Sita well ornamented was greatly pleased with the loving presents given by that lady saint. 119.13

Sita the princess of Mithila related everything to Rama and showed him the cloths, jewels and garlands so lovingly given to her. 119.14

Both Rama and the great charioteer Lakshmana were extremely pleased seeing the honour done to Sita which was very rare among human beings. 119.15

Thereafter the descendent of Raghu who had a face like moon, having been extended a great hospitality by those great sages, passed the auspicious night happily. 119.16

When the night came to an end Rama and Lakshmana took bath and performed sacred offerings to the fire and after worshipping the forest took leave of those sages. 119.17

Those sages who live in the forest and who follow Dharma told them that the forest was overwhelmed by movement of Rakshasas. 119.18

"Oh Rama, in this great forest flesh eating Rakshasas of different forms and blood drinking wild animals reside." 119.19

"Oh Rama in this great forest, they eat away impure or not vigilant sages and please prevent them." 119.20

"There is a path in the forest through which sages collect food and fruits and through this path you can cross this impassable forest easily." 119.21

Then those sages saluted Rama and they blessed the slayer of enemies Rama, for a safe journey and after that Rama entered the forest like a sun entering the cloud along with his wife and Lakshmana. 119.22

This is the end of One Hundred and Nineteenth Sarga of Ayodhya Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

End of Ayodhya Kanda.


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