The Slaying of the Shudra Ascetic

Verse 1 (padma.1.35.1)

भीष्म उवाच। उक्तं भगवता सर्वं पुराणाश्रयसंयुतं। तथा श्वेतेन ब्रह्मांडं गुरवे प्रतिपादितं।

bhīṣma uvāca uktaṁ bhagavatā sarvaṁ purāṇāśrayasaṁyutaṁ tathā śvetena brahmāṁḍaṁ gurave pratipāditaṁ

Bhishma said: All this has been told by the venerable one, grounded in the Puranas — and how Shweta offered the cosmic egg to his teacher.

Verse 2 (padma.1.35.2)

श्रुत्वैतत्कौतुकं जातं यथा तेनास्थिलेहनं। कृतं क्षुधापनोदार्थे अन्नदानाद्विना द्विज।

śrutvaitatkautukaṁ jātaṁ yathā tenāsthilehanaṁ kṛtaṁ kṣudhāpanodārthe annadānādvinā dvija

Hearing this, this curiosity arose in me — why, O brahmin, without the gift of food, he resorted to licking his own bones to allay hunger.

Verse 3 (padma.1.35.3)

तदहं श्रोतुमिच्छामि पृथिव्यां ये च पार्थिवाः। अन्नदानाद्दिवं प्राप्ताः क्रतवश्चान्नमूलकाः।

tadahaṁ śrotumicchāmi pṛthivyāṁ ye ca pārthivāḥ annadānāddivaṁ prāptāḥ kratavaścānnamūlakāḥ

Therefore I wish to hear this: of the kings on earth who attained heaven through the gift of food, and whose sacrifices were rooted in food—

Verse 4 (padma.1.35.4)

कथं तस्य मतिर्नष्टा श्वेतस्य च महात्मनः। न दत्तं तेनान्नदानमृषिभिर्वा न दर्शितम्।

kathaṁ tasya matirnaṣṭā śvetasya ca mahātmanaḥ na dattaṁ tenānnadānamṛṣibhirvā na darśitam

—how was the understanding of that great-souled Shweta destroyed? Was the gift of food not shown to him by the sages, nor given by himself?

Verse 5 (padma.1.35.5)

अहो माहात्म्यमन्नस्य इह दत्तस्य यत्फलम्। परत्र भुज्यते पुंभिः स्वर्गश्चाक्षयतां व्रजेत्।

aho māhātmyamannasya iha dattasya yatphalam paratra bhujyate puṁbhiḥ svargaścākṣayatāṁ vrajet

Ah, the greatness of food — the fruit of food given here, enjoyed by men in the world beyond, leads even to imperishable heaven.

Verse 6 (padma.1.35.6)

अन्नदानं परं विप्राः कीर्तयंति सदोत्थिताः। अन्नदानात्सुरेद्रेण त्रैलोक्यमिह भुज्यते।

annadānaṁ paraṁ viprāḥ kīrtayaṁti sadotthitāḥ annadānātsuredreṇa trailokyamiha bhujyate

Brahmins, ever attentive, always proclaim the gift of food as supreme. By the gift of food alone does Indra enjoy this triple world.

Verse 7 (padma.1.35.7)

शतक्रतुरिति प्रोक्तः सर्वैरेव द्विजोत्तमैः। तेनावस्थां तत्सदृशीं प्राप्तवांस्त्रिदशेश्वरः।

śatakraturiti proktaḥ sarvaireva dvijottamaiḥ tenāvasthāṁ tatsadṛśīṁ prāptavāṁstridaśeśvaraḥ

By all the foremost of brahmins he is called 'Shatakratu'; by that alone the lord of the thirty gods attained a station equal to it.

Verse 8 (padma.1.35.8)

दानदेवगतः स्वर्गं त्वत्तः सर्वं श्रुतं मया। अपरं च पुरावृत्तं निवृत्तं यदि कर्हिचित्।

dānadevagataḥ svargaṁ tvattaḥ sarvaṁ śrutaṁ mayā aparaṁ ca purāvṛttaṁ nivṛttaṁ yadi karhicit

Having attained godhood through gift and gone to heaven — all this I have heard from you. Now, if any other ancient tale remains—

Verse 9 (padma.1.35.9)

भूयोपि श्रोतुमिच्छामि तन्मे वद महामते। पुलस्त्य उवाच। एतदाख्यानकं पूर्वमगस्त्येन महात्मना।

bhūyopi śrotumicchāmi tanme vada mahāmate pulastya uvāca etadākhyānakaṁ pūrvamagastyena mahātmanā

—then, O wise one, I wish to hear it again; tell it to me. Pulastya said: This tale was formerly told by the great-souled Agastya—

Verse 10 (padma.1.35.10)

रामाय कथितं राजंस्तत्ते वक्ष्यामि सांप्रतम्। भीष्म उवाच। कस्मिन्वंशे समुत्पन्नो रामोऽसौ नृपसत्तमः।

rāmāya kathitaṁ rājaṁstatte vakṣyāmi sāṁpratam bhīṣma uvāca kasminvaṁśe samutpanno rāmo'sau nṛpasattamaḥ

—to Rama, O king; that same tale I shall now relate to you. Bhishma said: In what lineage was that Rama, best of kings, born—

Verse 11 (padma.1.35.11)

यस्यागस्त्येन कथितश्चेतिहासः पुरातनः। पुलस्त्य उवाच। रघुवंशे समुत्पन्नो रामो नाम महाबलः।

yasyāgastyena kathitaścetihāsaḥ purātanaḥ pulastya uvāca raghuvaṁśe samutpanno rāmo nāma mahābalaḥ

—to whom Agastya related that ancient history? Pulastya said: In the Raghu lineage was born the mighty one named Rama.

Verse 12 (padma.1.35.12)

देवकार्यं कृतं तेन लंकायां रावणो हतः। पृथिवीं राज्यसंस्थस्य ऋषयोऽभ्यागता गृहे।

devakāryaṁ kṛtaṁ tena laṁkāyāṁ rāvaṇo hataḥ pṛthivīṁ rājyasaṁsthasya ṛṣayo'bhyāgatā gṛhe

He performed the work of the gods, and slew Ravana at Lanka. While he was established in his kingdom over the earth, sages came to his house.

Verse 13 (padma.1.35.13)

प्राप्तास्ते तु महात्मानो राघवस्य निवेशनम्। प्रतीहारस्ततो राममगस्त्यवचनाद्द्रुतम्।

prāptāste tu mahātmāno rāghavasya niveśanam pratīhārastato rāmamagastyavacanāddrutam

Those great souls reached Raghava's residence. Then the doorkeeper, at Agastya's word, swiftly—

Verse 14 (padma.1.35.14)

आवेदयामास ऋषीन्प्राप्तास्तांश्च त्वरान्वितः। दृष्ट्वा रामं द्वारपालः पूर्णचंद्रमिवोदितम्।

āvedayāmāsa ṛṣīnprāptāstāṁśca tvarānvitaḥ dṛṣṭvā rāmaṁ dvārapālaḥ pūrṇacaṁdramivoditam

—announced to Rama the arrival of the sages, hastening. The doorkeeper, seeing Rama risen like the full moon—

Verse 15 (padma.1.35.15)

कौसल्यासुत भद्रं ते सुप्रभाताद्य शर्वरी। द्रष्टुमभ्युदयं तेद्य सम्प्राप्तो रघुनंदन।

kausalyāsuta bhadraṁ te suprabhātādya śarvarī draṣṭumabhyudayaṁ tedya samprāpto raghunaṁdana

'O son of Kausalya, may good come to you; this night has dawned auspiciously. O joy of the Raghus, they have come today to witness your rise to prosperity—'

Verse 16 (padma.1.35.16)

अगस्त्यो मुनिभिः सार्धं द्वारि तिष्ठति ते नृप। श्रुत्वा प्राप्तान्मुनीन्रामस्तान्भास्करसमद्युतीन्।

agastyo munibhiḥ sārdhaṁ dvāri tiṣṭhati te nṛpa śrutvā prāptānmunīnrāmastānbhāskarasamadyutīn

'—O king, Agastya, together with the sages, stands at your door.' Hearing that those sun-radiant sages had arrived, Rama—

Verse 17 (padma.1.35.17)

प्राह वाक्यं तदा द्वास्थं प्रवेशय त्वरान्वितः। किमर्थं तु त्वया द्वारि निरुद्धा मुनिसत्तमाः।

prāha vākyaṁ tadā dvāsthaṁ praveśaya tvarānvitaḥ kimarthaṁ tu tvayā dvāri niruddhā munisattamāḥ

—then spoke this word to the doorkeeper: 'Admit them quickly. Why have you kept the foremost of sages waiting at the door?'

Verse 18 (padma.1.35.18)

रामवाक्यान्मुनींस्तांस्तु प्रावेशयद्यथासुखम्। दृष्ट्वा तु तान्मुनींन्प्राप्तान्प्रत्युवाच कृतांजलि।

rāmavākyānmunīṁstāṁstu prāveśayadyathāsukham dṛṣṭvā tu tānmunīṁnprāptānpratyuvāca kṛtāṁjali

At Rama's word, he admitted those sages with all comfort. Seeing those arrived sages, with joined palms, Rama replied.

Verse 19 (padma.1.35.19)

रामोऽभिवाद्य प्रणत आसनेषु न्यवेशयत्। ते तु कांचनचित्रेषु स्वास्तीर्णेषु सुखेषु च।

rāmo'bhivādya praṇata āsaneṣu nyaveśayat te tu kāṁcanacitreṣu svāstīrṇeṣu sukheṣu ca

Rama, having offered salutation, bowed and seated them upon seats. Those foremost of sages, radiant, seated upon golden, comfortably spread—

Verse 20 (padma.1.35.20)

कुशोत्तरेषु चासीनाः समंतान्मुनिपुंगवाः। पाद्यमाचमनीयं च ददौ चार्घ्यं पुरोहितः।

kuśottareṣu cāsīnāḥ samaṁtānmunipuṁgavāḥ pādyamācamanīyaṁ ca dadau cārghyaṁ purohitaḥ

—excellent seats made of kusha grass, sat all around. The priest offered water for the feet, for sipping, and the guest-offering.

Verse 21 (padma.1.35.21)

रामेण कुशलं पृष्टा ऋषयः सर्व एव ते। महर्षयो वेदविद इदं वचनमब्रुवन्।

rāmeṇa kuśalaṁ pṛṣṭā ṛṣayaḥ sarva eva te maharṣayo vedavida idaṁ vacanamabruvan

When welfare was inquired of by Rama, all those sages, great seers, knowers of the Veda, spoke this word.

Verse 22 (padma.1.35.22)

कुशलं ते महाबाहो सर्वत्र रघुनंदन। त्वां तु दिष्ट्या कुशलिनं पश्यामो हतविद्विषम्।

kuśalaṁ te mahābāho sarvatra raghunaṁdana tvāṁ tu diṣṭyā kuśalinaṁ paśyāmo hatavidviṣam

'O mighty-armed one, O joy of the Raghus, all is well. Fortunately we see you well, having destroyed your enemies—'

Verse 23 (padma.1.35.23)

हृता सीतातिपापेन रावणेन दुरात्मना। पत्नी ते रघुशार्दूल तस्या एवौजसा हतः।

hṛtā sītātipāpena rāvaṇena durātmanā patnī te raghuśārdūla tasyā evaujasā hataḥ

'—your wife Sita, taken by the most sinful, evil-souled Ravana, O tiger of the Raghus, was avenged; he was slain by that very might—'

Verse 24 (padma.1.35.24)

असहायेन चैकेन त्वया राम रणे हतः। यादृशं ते कृतं कर्म तस्य कर्ता न विद्यते।

asahāyena caikena tvayā rāma raṇe hataḥ yādṛśaṁ te kṛtaṁ karma tasya kartā na vidyate

'—O Rama, you, alone, without aid, slew him in battle. No other exists who could have performed such a deed as yours.'

Verse 25 (padma.1.35.25)

इह संभाषितुं प्राप्ता दृष्ट्वा पूताः स्म सांप्रतम्। दर्शनात्तव राजेंद्र सर्वे जातास्तपस्विनः।

iha saṁbhāṣituṁ prāptā dṛṣṭvā pūtāḥ sma sāṁpratam darśanāttava rājeṁdra sarve jātāstapasvinaḥ

'We have come here to converse, and, seeing you now, we have become purified. O king of kings, by the sight of you, all have become as ascetics.'

Verse 26 (padma.1.35.26)

रावणस्य वधात्तेद्य कृतमश्रुप्रमार्जनम्। दत्वा पुण्यामिमां वीर जगत्यभयदक्षिणाम्।

rāvaṇasya vadhāttedya kṛtamaśrupramārjanam datvā puṇyāmimāṁ vīra jagatyabhayadakṣiṇām

'By the slaying of Ravana, you have today wiped away tears. O hero, having given this sacred fee of fearlessness to the world—'

Verse 27 (padma.1.35.27)

दिष्ट्या वर्धसि काकुत्स्थ जयेनामितविक्रम। दृष्टस्संभाषितश्चासि यास्यामश्चाश्रमान्स्वकान्।

diṣṭyā vardhasi kākutstha jayenāmitavikrama dṛṣṭassaṁbhāṣitaścāsi yāsyāmaścāśramānsvakān

'—O Kakutstha, fortunately, of measureless might, you flourish through victory. Having seen you and conversed with you, we shall now go to our own hermitages.'

Verse 28 (padma.1.35.28)

अरण्यं ते प्रविष्टस्य मया चेंद्रशरासनम्। अर्पितं चाक्षयौ तूणौ कवचं च परंतप।

araṇyaṁ te praviṣṭasya mayā ceṁdraśarāsanam arpitaṁ cākṣayau tūṇau kavacaṁ ca paraṁtapa

'When you entered the forest, I myself gave you Indra's bow, O scorcher of foes, and two inexhaustible quivers, and armor too.'

Verse 29 (padma.1.35.29)

भूयोप्यागमनं कार्यमाश्रमे मे रघूद्वह। एवमुक्त्वा तु ते सर्वे मुनयोंतर्हिताऽभवन्।

bhūyopyāgamanaṁ kāryamāśrame me raghūdvaha evamuktvā tu te sarve munayoṁtarhitā'bhavan

'O elevator of the Raghus, you must come once more to my hermitage.' Having said this, all those sages disappeared.

Verse 30 (padma.1.35.30)

गतेषु मुनिमुख्येषु रामो धर्मभृतां वरः। चिंतयामास तत्कार्यं किं स्यान्मे मुनिनोदितम्।

gateṣu munimukhyeṣu rāmo dharmabhṛtāṁ varaḥ ciṁtayāmāsa tatkāryaṁ kiṁ syānme muninoditam

When the chief sages had departed, Rama, foremost among the righteous, began to ponder what the task declared by the sage might be.

Verse 31 (padma.1.35.31)

भूयोप्यागमनं कार्यमाश्रमे रघुनंदन। अवश्यमेव गंतव्यं मयाऽगस्त्यस्य सन्निधौ।

bhūyopyāgamanaṁ kāryamāśrame raghunaṁdana avaśyameva gaṁtavyaṁ mayā'gastyasya sannidhau

'O joy of the Raghus, I must come again to the hermitage — I must certainly go into Agastya's presence.'

Verse 32 (padma.1.35.32)

श्रोतव्यं देवगुह्यं तु कार्यमन्यच्च यद्वदेत्। एवं चिंतयतस्तस्य रामस्यामिततेजसः।

śrotavyaṁ devaguhyaṁ tu kāryamanyacca yadvadet evaṁ ciṁtayatastasya rāmasyāmitatejasaḥ

'The secret of the gods I must hear, and also whatever other task they shall declare.' As the immeasurably radiant Rama pondered thus—

Verse 33 (padma.1.35.33)

करिष्ये नियतं धर्मं धर्मो हि परमा गतिः। सुतवर्षसहस्राणि दश राज्यमकारयत्।

kariṣye niyataṁ dharmaṁ dharmo hi paramā gatiḥ sutavarṣasahasrāṇi daśa rājyamakārayat

'I shall perform righteous duty without fail, for dharma alone is the supreme goal.' He ruled the kingdom for ten thousand years—

Verse 34 (padma.1.35.34)

ददतो जुह्वतश्चैव जग्मुस्तान्येकवर्षवत्। प्रजाः पालयतस्तस्य राघवस्य महात्मनः।

dadato juhvataścaiva jagmustānyekavarṣavat prajāḥ pālayatastasya rāghavasya mahātmanaḥ

—giving gifts and performing oblations, those years passed as though a single year. While that great-souled Raghava thus protected his people—

Verse 35 (padma.1.35.35)

एतस्मिन्नेव दिवसे वृद्धो जानपदो द्विजः। मृतं पुत्रमुपादाय रामद्वारमुपागतः।

etasminneva divase vṛddho jānapado dvijaḥ mṛtaṁ putramupādāya rāmadvāramupāgataḥ

—on this very day, an aged brahmin from the countryside came to Rama's door, carrying his dead son.

Verse 36 (padma.1.35.36)

उवाच विविधं वाक्यं स्नेहाक्षरसमन्वितम्। दुष्कृतं किंतु मे पुत्र पूर्वदेहांतरे कृतम्।

uvāca vividhaṁ vākyaṁ snehākṣarasamanvitam duṣkṛtaṁ kiṁtu me putra pūrvadehāṁtare kṛtam

He spoke, in various ways, words filled with affection: 'I know not what evil deed I committed in a former life—'

Verse 37 (padma.1.35.37)

त्वामेकपुत्रं यदहं पश्यामि निधनं गतम्। अप्राप्तयौवनं बालं पंचवर्षं गतायुषम्।

tvāmekaputraṁ yadahaṁ paśyāmi nidhanaṁ gatam aprāptayauvanaṁ bālaṁ paṁcavarṣaṁ gatāyuṣam

'—that I now see you, my only son, having met with death. Not having reached youth, a mere boy, five years old, has lost his life—'

Verse 38 (padma.1.35.38)

अकाले कालमापन्नं दुःखाय मम पुत्रक। अकृत्वा पितृकार्याणि गतो वैवस्वतक्षयम्।

akāle kālamāpannaṁ duḥkhāya mama putraka akṛtvā pitṛkāryāṇi gato vaivasvatakṣayam

'—come to his end untimely, O my son, for my sorrow. Without having performed the ancestral rites, he has gone to Yama's abode.'

Verse 39 (padma.1.35.39)

रामस्य दुष्कृतं व्यक्तं येन ते मृत्युरागतः। बालवध्या ब्रह्मवध्या स्त्रीवध्या चैव राघवम्।

rāmasya duṣkṛtaṁ vyaktaṁ yena te mṛtyurāgataḥ bālavadhyā brahmavadhyā strīvadhyā caiva rāghavam

'It is clear that this is some misdeed of Rama's, by which death has come to you. The killing of a child, of a brahmin, of a woman—'

Verse 40 (padma.1.35.40)

प्रवेक्ष्यति न सन्देहः सभार्ये तु मृते मयि। शुश्राव राघवः सर्वं दुःखशोकसमन्वितम्।

pravekṣyati na sandehaḥ sabhārye tu mṛte mayi śuśrāva rāghavaḥ sarvaṁ duḥkhaśokasamanvitam

'—will certainly fall upon Raghava, if I die together with my wife.' Rama heard all this, spoken with sorrow and grief.

Verse 41 (padma.1.35.41)

निवार्य तं द्विजं रामो वसिष्ठं वाक्यमब्रवीत्। किं मयाद्य च कर्तव्यं कार्यमेवं विधे स्थिते।

nivārya taṁ dvijaṁ rāmo vasiṣṭhaṁ vākyamabravīt kiṁ mayādya ca kartavyaṁ kāryamevaṁ vidhe sthite

Restraining that brahmin, Rama spoke this word to Vasishtha: 'What should I do today, given such a situation?'

Verse 42 (padma.1.35.42)

प्राणानहं जुहोम्यग्नौ पर्वताद्वा पतेह्यहम्। कथं शुद्धिमहं यामि श्रुत्वा ब्राह्मणभाषितम्।

prāṇānahaṁ juhomyagnau parvatādvā patehyaham kathaṁ śuddhimahaṁ yāmi śrutvā brāhmaṇabhāṣitam

'Shall I offer my very life into the fire, or fall from a mountain? Having heard this brahmin's words, how shall I attain purity?'

Verse 43 (padma.1.35.43)

वसिष्ठस्याग्रतः स्थित्वा राज्ञो दीनस्य नारदः। प्रत्युवाच श्रुतं वाक्यमृषीणां सन्निधौ तदा।

vasiṣṭhasyāgrataḥ sthitvā rājño dīnasya nāradaḥ pratyuvāca śrutaṁ vākyamṛṣīṇāṁ sannidhau tadā

Standing before Vasishtha, having heard the words of that despondent king, Narada then replied in the presence of the sages.

Verse 44 (padma.1.35.44)

शृणु राम यथाकालं प्राप्तो वै बालसंक्षयः। पुरा कृतयुगे राम सर्वत्र ब्राह्मणोत्तरम्।

śṛṇu rāma yathākālaṁ prāpto vai bālasaṁkṣayaḥ purā kṛtayuge rāma sarvatra brāhmaṇottaram

'Hear, O Rama — this untimely death of a child has occurred exactly as the age dictates. O Rama, formerly, in the Satya age, brahmins were supreme everywhere—'

Verse 45 (padma.1.35.45)

अब्राह्मणो न वै कश्चित्तपस्तपति राघव। अमृत्यवस्तदा सर्वे जायंते चिरजीविनः।

abrāhmaṇo na vai kaścittapastapati rāghava amṛtyavastadā sarve jāyaṁte cirajīvinaḥ

'—O Raghava, no one but a brahmin performed austerity. Then all were immortal, long-lived.'

Verse 46 (padma.1.35.46)

त्रेतायुगे पुनः प्राप्ते ब्रह्मक्षत्रमनुत्तमम्। अधर्मो द्वापरे तेषां वैश्यान्शूद्रांस्तथाविशत्।

tretāyuge punaḥ prāpte brahmakṣatramanuttamam adharmo dvāpare teṣāṁ vaiśyānśūdrāṁstathāviśat

'When the Treta age came, both brahmins and kshatriyas remained supreme. In Dvapara, adharma also entered among the vaishyas and shudras.'

Verse 47 (padma.1.35.47)

एवं निरंतरं जुष्टमुद्भूतमनृतं पुनः। अधर्मस्य त्रयः पादा एको धर्मस्य चागतः।

evaṁ niraṁtaraṁ juṣṭamudbhūtamanṛtaṁ punaḥ adharmasya trayaḥ pādā eko dharmasya cāgataḥ

'Thus continually growing, untruth arose again. Three portions of adharma and only one portion of dharma remained.'

Verse 48 (padma.1.35.48)

ततः पूर्वे भृशं त्रस्ता वर्णा ब्राह्मणपूर्वकाः। भूयः पादस्तु धर्मस्य द्वितीयः समपद्यत।

tataḥ pūrve bhṛśaṁ trastā varṇā brāhmaṇapūrvakāḥ bhūyaḥ pādastu dharmasya dvitīyaḥ samapadyata

'Then, in the former time, the brahmin-led varnas became greatly frightened. Again, a second portion of dharma too arose.'

Verse 49 (padma.1.35.49)

तस्मिन्द्वापरसंज्ञे तु तपो वैश्यं समाविशत्। युगत्रयस्य वैधर्म्यं धर्मस्य प्रतितिष्ठति।

tasmindvāparasaṁjñe tu tapo vaiśyaṁ samāviśat yugatrayasya vaidharmyaṁ dharmasya pratitiṣṭhati

'In that age called Dvapara, austerity entered even among the vaishyas. The lawlessness of three ages establishes dharma.'

Verse 50 (padma.1.35.50)

कलिसंज्ञे ततः प्राप्ते वर्तमाने युगेंतिमे। अधर्मश्चानृतं चैव ववृधाते नरर्षभ।

kalisaṁjñe tataḥ prāpte vartamāne yugeṁtime adharmaścānṛtaṁ caiva vavṛdhāte nararṣabha

'O bull among men, now that this final age called Kali has come and is present, both adharma and untruth have grown.'

Verse 51 (padma.1.35.51)

भविता शूद्रयोन्यां तु तपश्चर्या कलौ युगे। स ते विषयपर्यंते राजन्नुग्रतरं तपः।

bhavitā śūdrayonyāṁ tu tapaścaryā kalau yuge sa te viṣayaparyaṁte rājannugrataraṁ tapaḥ

'In the Kali age, austerity shall occur even in the shudra womb. O king, at the far edge of your realm, an exceedingly fierce austerity—'

Verse 52 (padma.1.35.52)

शूद्रस्तपति दुर्बुद्धिस्तेन बालवधः कृतः। यस्याधर्ममकार्यं वा विषये पार्थिवस्य हि।

śūdrastapati durbuddhistena bālavadhaḥ kṛtaḥ yasyādharmamakāryaṁ vā viṣaye pārthivasya hi

'—is being performed by an evil-minded shudra; by that alone this child's death has come. Whatever adharma, in the king's realm—'

Verse 53 (padma.1.35.53)

पुरे वा राजशार्दूल कुरुते दुर्मतिर्नरः। क्षिप्रं स नरकं याति यावदाभूतसंप्लवम्।

pure vā rājaśārdūla kurute durmatirnaraḥ kṣipraṁ sa narakaṁ yāti yāvadābhūtasaṁplavam

'—O tiger among kings, in the city, is committed by an evil-minded man — he quickly goes to hell, remaining there until the dissolution of the world—'

Verse 54 (padma.1.35.54)

चतुर्थं तस्य पापस्य भागमश्नाति पार्थिवः। सत्त्वं पुरुषशार्दूल गच्छस्व विषयं स्वकम्।

caturthaṁ tasya pāpasya bhāgamaśnāti pārthivaḥ sattvaṁ puruṣaśārdūla gacchasva viṣayaṁ svakam

'—and a fourth portion of that sin is borne by the king. O tiger among men, endowed with resolve, go to your own realm—'

Verse 55 (padma.1.35.55)

दुष्कृतं यत्र पश्येथास्तत्र यत्नं समाचर। एवं ते धर्मवृद्धिश्च बलस्य वर्धनं तथा।

duṣkṛtaṁ yatra paśyethāstatra yatnaṁ samācara evaṁ te dharmavṛddhiśca balasya vardhanaṁ tathā

'—wherever you see wrongdoing, exert yourself there. Thus, O best of men, the increase of your dharma and the increase of your strength—'

Verse 56 (padma.1.35.56)

भविष्यति नरश्रेष्ठ बालस्यास्य च जीवनम्। नारदेनैवमुक्तस्तु साश्चर्यो रघुनंदनः।

bhaviṣyati naraśreṣṭha bālasyāsya ca jīvanam nāradenaivamuktastu sāścaryo raghunaṁdanaḥ

'—and the life of this boy shall follow.' Thus addressed by Narada, the astonished joy of the Raghus—

Verse 57 (padma.1.35.57)

प्रहर्षमतुलं लेभे लक्ष्मणं चेदमब्रवीत्। गच्छ सौम्य द्विजश्रेष्ठं समाश्वासय लक्ष्मण।

praharṣamatulaṁ lebhe lakṣmaṇaṁ cedamabravīt gaccha saumya dvijaśreṣṭhaṁ samāśvāsaya lakṣmaṇa

—attained boundless joy, and said this to Lakshmana: 'Go, O gentle Lakshmana, comfort this foremost brahmin.'

Verse 58 (padma.1.35.58)

बालस्य च शरीरं त्वं तैलद्रोण्यां निधापय। गंधैश्च परमोदारैस्तैलैश्चैव सुगंधिभिः।

bālasya ca śarīraṁ tvaṁ tailadroṇyāṁ nidhāpaya gaṁdhaiśca paramodāraistailaiścaiva sugaṁdhibhiḥ

'And place the boy's body in a vat of oil — endowed with excellent, generous fragrances and scented oils—'

Verse 59 (padma.1.35.59)

यथा न शीर्यते बालस्तथा सौम्य विधीयताम्। यथा शरीरं गुप्तं स्याद्बालस्याक्लिष्टकर्मणः।

yathā na śīryate bālastathā saumya vidhīyatām yathā śarīraṁ guptaṁ syādbālasyākliṣṭakarmaṇaḥ

'—so that, O gentle one, the boy's body does not decay, arrange it thus. So that the body of that innocent, unblemished boy remains preserved—'

Verse 60 (padma.1.35.60)

विपत्तिः परिभेदो वा न भवेत्तत्तथा कुरु। तथा संदिश्य सौमित्रं लक्ष्मणं शुभलक्षणम्।

vipattiḥ paribhedo vā na bhavettattathā kuru tathā saṁdiśya saumitraṁ lakṣmaṇaṁ śubhalakṣaṇam

'—that no calamity or damage befall it, do this.' Having thus instructed Lakshmana, of gentle character, son of Sumitra—

Verse 61 (padma.1.35.61)

मनसा पुष्पकं दध्यावागच्छेति महायशाः। इंगितं तत्तु विज्ञाय कामगं हेमभूषितम्।

manasā puṣpakaṁ dadhyāvāgaccheti mahāyaśāḥ iṁgitaṁ tattu vijñāya kāmagaṁ hemabhūṣitam

—the renowned Rama, meditating in his mind on the Pushpaka chariot, said 'Come.' Understanding that indication, the chariot, going wherever wished, adorned with gold—

Verse 62 (padma.1.35.62)

आजगाम मुहूर्तात्तु समीपं राघवस्य हि। सोब्रवीत्प्राञ्जलिर्वाक्यमहमस्मि नराधिप।

ājagāma muhūrtāttu samīpaṁ rāghavasya hi sobravītprāñjalirvākyamahamasmi narādhipa

—arrived near Raghava within a moment. It, with joined palms, spoke this word: 'O king, I am—'

Verse 63 (padma.1.35.63)

अग्रे तव महाबाहो किंकरः समुपस्थितः। भाषितं सुचिरं श्रुत्वा पुष्पकस्य नराधिप।

agre tava mahābāho kiṁkaraḥ samupasthitaḥ bhāṣitaṁ suciraṁ śrutvā puṣpakasya narādhipa

'—O mighty-armed one, standing before you as a servant.' Having heard this long speech of the Pushpaka, O king—

Verse 64 (padma.1.35.64)

अभिवाद्य महर्षींस्तान्विमानं सोध्यरोहत। धनुर्गृहीत्वा तूणौ च खड्गं चापि महाप्रभम्।

abhivādya maharṣīṁstānvimānaṁ sodhyarohata dhanurgṛhītvā tūṇau ca khaḍgaṁ cāpi mahāprabham

—having saluted those great seers, he mounted upon the chariot. Taking his bow, two quivers, and his exceedingly radiant sword—

Verse 65 (padma.1.35.65)

निक्षिप्य नगरे वीरौ सौमित्रि भरतावुभौ। प्रायात्प्रतीचीं त्वरितो विचिन्वन्सुसमाहितः।

nikṣipya nagare vīrau saumitri bharatāvubhau prāyātpratīcīṁ tvarito vicinvansusamāhitaḥ

—leaving the two heroes, Lakshmana and Bharata, in the city, he swiftly went toward the western direction, searching with great care.

Verse 66 (padma.1.35.66)

उत्तरामगमत्पश्चाद्दिशं हिमवदाश्रिताम्। पूर्वामपि दिशां गत्वा तथाऽपश्यन्नराधिपः।

uttarāmagamatpaścāddiśaṁ himavadāśritām pūrvāmapi diśāṁ gatvā tathā'paśyannarādhipaḥ

Then he went to the northern direction, which rests upon the Himalaya. Having gone to the eastern direction too, that king saw there—

Verse 67 (padma.1.35.67)

सर्वां शुद्धसमाचारामादर्शमिव निर्मलाम्। ततो दिशं समाक्रामद्दक्षिणां रघुनंदनः।

sarvāṁ śuddhasamācārāmādarśamiva nirmalām tato diśaṁ samākrāmaddakṣiṇāṁ raghunaṁdanaḥ

—the entire land of pure conduct, spotless as a mirror. Thereafter the joy of the Raghus proceeded toward the southern direction.

Verse 68 (padma.1.35.68)

शैलस्य उत्तरे पार्श्वे ददर्श सुमहत्सरः। तस्मिन्सरसि तप्यंतं तापसं सुमहत्तपः।

śailasya uttare pārśve dadarśa sumahatsaraḥ tasminsarasi tapyaṁtaṁ tāpasaṁ sumahattapaḥ

On the northern side of a mountain he saw a very great lake. In that lake, an ascetic performing great austerity—

Verse 69 (padma.1.35.69)

ददर्श राघवो भीमं लंबमानमधोमुखं। तमुपागम्य काकुत्स्थस्तप्यमानं तु तापसम्।

dadarśa rāghavo bhīmaṁ laṁbamānamadhomukhaṁ tamupāgamya kākutsthastapyamānaṁ tu tāpasam

—terrible in appearance, hanging with face downward, Raghava saw. Having approached that austere ascetic, Kakutstha—

Verse 70 (padma.1.35.70)

उवाच राघवो वाक्यं धन्यस्त्वममरप्रभ। कस्यां योनौ तपोवृद्धिर्वर्तते दृढनिश्चय।

uvāca rāghavo vākyaṁ dhanyastvamamaraprabha kasyāṁ yonau tapovṛddhirvartate dṛḍhaniścaya

—spoke this word: 'O one of immortal splendor, you are blessed. In what womb does this firm-resolved growth of austerity exist?'

Verse 71 (padma.1.35.71)

अहं दाशरथी रामः पृच्छामि त्वां कुतूहलात्। कोर्थो व्यवसितस्तुभ्यं स्वर्गलोकोथ वेतरः।

ahaṁ dāśarathī rāmaḥ pṛcchāmi tvāṁ kutūhalāt kortho vyavasitastubhyaṁ svargalokotha vetaraḥ

'I am Rama, son of Dasharatha; I ask you out of curiosity. Heaven or something else — what purpose has been resolved for your austerity?'

Verse 72 (padma.1.35.72)

किमर्थं तप्यसे वा त्वं श्रोतुमिच्छामि तापस। ब्राह्मणो वासि भद्रं ते क्षत्रियो वाथ दुर्जयः।

kimarthaṁ tapyase vā tvaṁ śrotumicchāmi tāpasa brāhmaṇo vāsi bhadraṁ te kṣatriyo vātha durjayaḥ

'O ascetic, for what purpose do you practice austerity? This I wish to hear. May good come to you — are you a brahmin, or an unconquerable kshatriya—'

Verse 73 (padma.1.35.73)

वैश्यस्तृतीयवर्णो वा शूद्रो वा सत्यमुच्यताम्। तपः सत्यात्मकं नित्यं स्वर्गलोकपरिग्रहे।

vaiśyastṛtīyavarṇo vā śūdro vā satyamucyatām tapaḥ satyātmakaṁ nityaṁ svargalokaparigrahe

'—or the third varna, a vaishya, or a shudra? Speak this truth. In the attainment of heaven, austerity founded upon truth—'

Verse 74 (padma.1.35.74)

सात्विकं राजसं चैव तच्च सत्यात्मकं तपः। जगदुपकारहेतुर्हि सृष्टं तद्वै विरिंचिना।

sātvikaṁ rājasaṁ caiva tacca satyātmakaṁ tapaḥ jagadupakāraheturhi sṛṣṭaṁ tadvai viriṁcinā

'—both sattvic and rajasic austerity are grounded in truth. This was created by Brahma for the sake of the world's benefit.'

Verse 75 (padma.1.35.75)

रौद्रं क्षत्रियतेजोजं तत्तु राजसमुच्यते। परस्योत्सादनार्थाय तच्चासुरमुदाहृतम्।

raudraṁ kṣatriyatejojaṁ tattu rājasamucyate parasyotsādanārthāya taccāsuramudāhṛtam

'That fierce austerity born of kshatriya energy is called rajasic. That which is performed for the destruction of another is declared demonic.'

Verse 76 (padma.1.35.76)

अंगानि निह्नुते यो वा असृग्दिग्धानि भागशः। पंचाग्निंसाधयेद्वापि सिद्धिं वा मृत्युमेव वा।

aṁgāni nihnute yo vā asṛgdigdhāni bhāgaśaḥ paṁcāgniṁsādhayedvāpi siddhiṁ vā mṛtyumeva vā

'One who conceals his limbs, or whose limbs are smeared with blood, or who practices the five-fire austerity, whether for accomplishment or for death—'

Verse 77 (padma.1.35.77)

आसुरो ह्येष ते भावो न च मे त्वं द्विजो मतः। सत्यं ते वदतः सिद्धिरनृते नास्ति जीवितम्।

āsuro hyeṣa te bhāvo na ca me tvaṁ dvijo mataḥ satyaṁ te vadataḥ siddhiranṛte nāsti jīvitam

'—this is a demonic disposition, and you do not appear to me to be a brahmin. Success comes to one who speaks truth; there is no true life in falsehood.'

Verse 78 (padma.1.35.78)

तस्य तद्भाषितं श्रुत्वा रामस्याक्लिष्टकर्मणः। अवाक्शिरास्तथा भूतो वाक्यमेतदुवाच ह।

tasya tadbhāṣitaṁ śrutvā rāmasyākliṣṭakarmaṇaḥ avākśirāstathā bhūto vākyametaduvāca ha

Having heard this speech of the blameless Rama, he, with his head still lowered, spoke this word.

Verse 79 (padma.1.35.79)

स्वागतं ते नृपश्रेष्ठ चिराद्दृष्टोसि राघव। पुत्रभूतोस्मि ते चाहं पितृभूतोसि मेनघ।

svāgataṁ te nṛpaśreṣṭha cirāddṛṣṭosi rāghava putrabhūtosmi te cāhaṁ pitṛbhūtosi menagha

'Welcome, O best of kings. O Raghava, after a long time I behold you. I am as your son, O sinless one; you are as my father—'

Verse 80 (padma.1.35.80)

अथवा नैतदेवं हि सर्वेषां नृपतिः पिता। सत्वमर्च्योऽसि भो राजन्वयं ते विषये तपः।

athavā naitadevaṁ hi sarveṣāṁ nṛpatiḥ pitā satvamarcyo'si bho rājanvayaṁ te viṣaye tapaḥ

'—or rather, it is not so; the king is father to all. O king, you are worthy of worship; we perform austerity in your realm—'

Verse 81 (padma.1.35.81)

चरामस्तत्रभागोस्ति पूर्वं सृष्टः स्वयंभुवा। न धन्याः स्मो वयं राम धन्यस्त्वमसि पार्थिव।

carāmastatrabhāgosti pūrvaṁ sṛṣṭaḥ svayaṁbhuvā na dhanyāḥ smo vayaṁ rāma dhanyastvamasi pārthiva

'—we practice austerity, and have a share there, ordained by Brahma long ago. O Rama, we are not blessed; you, O king, are blessed—'

Verse 82 (padma.1.35.82)

यस्य ते विषये ह्येवं सिद्धिमिच्छंति तापसाः। तपसा त्वं मदीयेन सिद्धिमाप्नुहि राघव।

yasya te viṣaye hyevaṁ siddhimicchaṁti tāpasāḥ tapasā tvaṁ madīyena siddhimāpnuhi rāghava

'—in whose realm ascetics thus desire accomplishment. O Raghava, may you too obtain success through my very austerity.'

Verse 83 (padma.1.35.83)

यदेतद्भवता प्रोक्तं योनौ कस्यां तु ते तपः। शूद्रयोनिप्रसूतोहं तप उग्रं समास्थितः।

yadetadbhavatā proktaṁ yonau kasyāṁ tu te tapaḥ śūdrayoniprasūtohaṁ tapa ugraṁ samāsthitaḥ

'What you have asked — in what womb is this austerity of mine — I, born of the shudra womb, am established in fierce austerity.'

Verse 84 (padma.1.35.84)

देवत्वं प्रार्थये राम स्वशरीरेण सुव्रत। न मिथ्याहं वदे भूप देवलोकजिगीषया।

devatvaṁ prārthaye rāma svaśarīreṇa suvrata na mithyāhaṁ vade bhūpa devalokajigīṣayā

'O Rama, I seek godhood with this very body of mine, O one of good vows. O king, I speak no falsehood, out of a desire to conquer the world of the gods—'

Verse 85 (padma.1.35.85)

शूद्रं मां विद्धि काकुत्स्थ शंबूकं नाम नामतः। भाषतस्तस्य काकुत्स्थः खड्गं तु रुचिरप्रभं।

śūdraṁ māṁ viddhi kākutstha śaṁbūkaṁ nāma nāmataḥ bhāṣatastasya kākutsthaḥ khaḍgaṁ tu ruciraprabhaṁ

'—know me, O Kakutstha, as a shudra, known by the name Shambuka.' As he thus spoke, Kakutstha—

Verse 86 (padma.1.35.86)

निष्कृष्य कोशाद्विमलं शिरश्चिच्छेद राघवः। तस्मिन्शूद्रे हते देवाः सेन्द्राश्चाग्निपुरोगमाः।

niṣkṛṣya kośādvimalaṁ śiraściccheda rāghavaḥ tasminśūdre hate devāḥ sendrāścāgnipurogamāḥ

—drawing his gleaming, spotless sword from its sheath, cut off his head. When that shudra was slain, the gods, headed by Indra and Agni—

Verse 87 (padma.1.35.87)

साधुसाध्विति काकुत्स्थं प्रशशंसुर्मुहुर्मुहुः। पुष्पवृष्टिश्च महती देवानां सुसुगंधिनी।

sādhusādhviti kākutsthaṁ praśaśaṁsurmuhurmuhuḥ puṣpavṛṣṭiśca mahatī devānāṁ susugaṁdhinī

—saying 'Well done, well done,' praised Kakutstha again and again. And a great, most fragrant shower of divine flowers—

Verse 88 (padma.1.35.88)

आकाशाद्विप्रमुक्ता तु राघवं सर्वतोकिरत्। सुप्रीताश्चाब्रुवन्देवा रामं वाक्यविदांवरम्।

ākāśādvipramuktā tu rāghavaṁ sarvatokirat suprītāścābruvandevā rāmaṁ vākyavidāṁvaram

—was released from the sky, falling upon Raghava on every side. The greatly pleased gods spoke to Rama, foremost among the eloquent—

Verse 89 (padma.1.35.89)

सुरकार्यमिदं सौम्य कृतं ते रघुनंदन। गृहाण च वरं राम यमिच्छसि महाव्रत।

surakāryamidaṁ saumya kṛtaṁ te raghunaṁdana gṛhāṇa ca varaṁ rāma yamicchasi mahāvrata

'O gentle one, O joy of the Raghus, you have done this work of the gods. O Rama, O one of great vows, ask whatever boon you desire—'

Verse 90 (padma.1.35.90)

त्वत्कृतेन हि शूद्रोऽयं सशरीरोऽभ्यगाद्दिवं। देवानां भाषितं श्रुत्वा राघवः सुसमाहितः।

tvatkṛtena hi śūdro'yaṁ saśarīro'bhyagāddivaṁ devānāṁ bhāṣitaṁ śrutvā rāghavaḥ susamāhitaḥ

'—by your very deed, this shudra has gone to heaven with his body intact.' Hearing this speech of the gods, Raghava, deeply composed—

Verse 91 (padma.1.35.91)

उवाच प्राञ्जलिर्वाक्यं सहस्राक्षं पुरंदरम्। यदि देवाः प्रसन्ना मे वरार्हो यदि वाप्यहम्।

uvāca prāñjalirvākyaṁ sahasrākṣaṁ puraṁdaram yadi devāḥ prasannā me varārho yadi vāpyaham

—with joined palms, spoke this word to thousand-eyed Indra: 'If the gods are pleased with me, if I am worthy of a boon—'

Verse 92 (padma.1.35.92)

कर्मणा यदि मे प्रीता द्विजपुत्रः स जीवतु। वरमेतद्धि भवतां कांक्षितं परमं हि मे।

karmaṇā yadi me prītā dvijaputraḥ sa jīvatu varametaddhi bhavatāṁ kāṁkṣitaṁ paramaṁ hi me

'—if my deed has pleased you, let that brahmin's son live again. This boon of yours is my supreme wish.'

Verse 93 (padma.1.35.93)

ममापराधाद्बालोऽसौ ब्राह्मणस्यैकपुत्रकः। अप्राप्तकालः कालेन नीतो वैवस्वत क्षयम्।

mamāparādhādbālo'sau brāhmaṇasyaikaputrakaḥ aprāptakālaḥ kālena nīto vaivasvata kṣayam

'By my own fault, this brahmin's only son was taken untimely by death to the abode of Yama.'

Verse 94 (padma.1.35.94)

तं जीवयत भद्रं वो नानृती स्यामहं गुरोः। द्विजस्य संश्रुतो ह्यर्थो जीवयिष्यामि ते सुतम्।

taṁ jīvayata bhadraṁ vo nānṛtī syāmahaṁ guroḥ dvijasya saṁśruto hyartho jīvayiṣyāmi te sutam

'Restore him to life, may good come to you; let me not become false to my word to the brahmin. Having fulfilled my promise to the brahmin, I shall bring your son to life—'

Verse 95 (padma.1.35.95)

मदीयेनायुषा बालं पादेनार्द्धेन वा सुराः। जीवेदयं वरो मह्यं वरकोट्यधिको वृतः।

madīyenāyuṣā bālaṁ pādenārddhena vā surāḥ jīvedayaṁ varo mahyaṁ varakoṭyadhiko vṛtaḥ

'—O gods, even with half of my own lifespan, may the boy live; this boon, to me, is more desired than a crore of other boons.'

Verse 96 (padma.1.35.96)

राघवस्य तु तद्वाक्यं श्रुत्वा विबुधसत्तमाः। प्रत्यूचुस्ते महात्मानं प्रीताः प्रीतिसमन्विताः।

rāghavasya tu tadvākyaṁ śrutvā vibudhasattamāḥ pratyūcuste mahātmānaṁ prītāḥ prītisamanvitāḥ

Having heard this word of Raghava, those foremost gods, greatly pleased, replied to that great soul.

Verse 97 (padma.1.35.97)

निर्वृतो भव काकुत्स्थ ब्राह्मणस्यैकपुत्रकः। जीवितं प्राप्तवान्भूयः समेतश्चापि बंधुभिः।

nirvṛto bhava kākutstha brāhmaṇasyaikaputrakaḥ jīvitaṁ prāptavānbhūyaḥ sametaścāpi baṁdhubhiḥ

'O Kakutstha, be at peace. The brahmin's only son has regained his life, and has already been reunited with his kinsmen.'

Verse 98 (padma.1.35.98)

यस्मिन्मुहूर्ते काकुत्स्थ शूद्रोयं विनिपातितः। तस्मिन्मुहूर्ते सहसा जीवेन समयुज्यत।

yasminmuhūrte kākutstha śūdroyaṁ vinipātitaḥ tasminmuhūrte sahasā jīvena samayujyata

'O Kakutstha, at the very moment this shudra was struck down, at that same moment he suddenly became joined with life again.'

Verse 99 (padma.1.35.99)

स्वस्ति प्राप्नुहि भद्रं ते साधयामः परंतपः। अगस्त्यस्याश्रमपदे द्रष्टारः स्म महामुनिम्।

svasti prāpnuhi bhadraṁ te sādhayāmaḥ paraṁtapaḥ agastyasyāśramapade draṣṭāraḥ sma mahāmunim

'Attain welfare; may good come to you. We, O scorcher of foes, go to see that great sage at Agastya's hermitage.'

Verse 100 (padma.1.35.100)

स तथेति प्रतिज्ञाय देवानां रघुनंदनः। आरुरोह विमानं तं पुष्पकं हेमभूषितम्।

sa tatheti pratijñāya devānāṁ raghunaṁdanaḥ āruroha vimānaṁ taṁ puṣpakaṁ hemabhūṣitam

Having promised the gods, saying 'so be it,' the joy of the Raghus mounted that gold-adorned Pushpaka chariot.