Releasing the Horse and Pushkala's Wife

Verse 1 (padma.5.11.1)

शेष उवाच। एवमाज्ञाप्य भगवान्रामश्चामित्रकर्षणः । वीरानालोकयन्भूयो जगाद शुभया गिरा

śeṣa uvāca evamājñāpya bhagavānrāmaścāmitrakarṣaṇaḥ vīrānālokayanbhūyo jagāda śubhayā girā

Shesha said: Having thus commanded, the Lord Rama, scourge of foes, looking again upon the heroes, spoke in an auspicious voice —

Verse 2 (padma.5.11.2)

शत्रुघ्नस्य मम भ्रातुर्वाजिरक्षाकरस्य वै । को गंता पृष्ठतो रक्षंस्तन्निदेशप्रपालकः

śatrughnasya mama bhrāturvājirakṣākarasya vai ko gaṁtā pṛṣṭhato rakṣaṁstannideśaprapālakaḥ

"Who will go behind, protecting, carrying out the orders of my brother Shatrughna, guardian of the horse?"

Verse 3 (padma.5.11.3)

यः सर्ववीरान्प्रतिमुख्यमागतान्विनिर्जयेन्मर्मभिदस्त्रसंघैः । गृह्णात्वसौ मे करवीटकं तद्भूमौ यशः स्वं प्रथयन्सुविस्तरम्

yaḥ sarvavīrānpratimukhyamāgatānvinirjayenmarmabhidastrasaṁghaiḥ gṛhṇātvasau me karavīṭakaṁ tadbhūmau yaśaḥ svaṁ prathayansuvistaram

"Whoever defeats, face to face, all the finest heroes who come against him, with weapon-hosts that pierce the vitals, let him take up this betel-roll of mine, spreading his own fame far across this earth."

Verse 4 (padma.5.11.4)

इत्युक्तवति रामे तु पुष्कलो भरतात्मजः । जग्राह वीटकं तस्माद्रघुराजकरांबुजात्

ityuktavati rāme tu puṣkalo bharatātmajaḥ jagrāha vīṭakaṁ tasmādraghurājakarāṁbujāt

When Rama had said this, Pushkala, son of Bharata, took up that betel-roll from the lotus-hand of the king of the Raghus.

Verse 5 (padma.5.11.5)

स्वामिन्गच्छामि शत्रुघ्न पृष्ठरक्षाकरोऽन्वहम् । सन्नद्धः सर्वशस्त्रास्त्र चापबाणधरः प्रभो

svāmingacchāmi śatrughna pṛṣṭharakṣākaro'nvaham sannaddhaḥ sarvaśastrāstra cāpabāṇadharaḥ prabho

"Lord, I go, Shatrughna's daily rear-guard, armed with every weapon and missile, bow and arrow in hand, my lord."

Verse 6 (padma.5.11.6)

सर्वमद्य क्षितितलं त्वत्प्रतापो विजेष्यते । एते निमित्तभूता वै रामचंद्र महामते

sarvamadya kṣititalaṁ tvatpratāpo vijeṣyate ete nimittabhūtā vai rāmacaṁdra mahāmate

"The whole surface of the earth shall be conquered today by your very majesty alone; these others, Ramachandra, greatly wise one, are but the occasion for it."

Verse 7 (padma.5.11.7)

भवत्कृपातः सकलं ससुरासुरमानुषम् । उपस्थितं प्रयुद्धाय तन्निषेधे क्षमो ह्यहम्

bhavatkṛpātaḥ sakalaṁ sasurāsuramānuṣam upasthitaṁ prayuddhāya tanniṣedhe kṣamo hyaham

"By your grace alone, I am capable of repelling all who stand ready for battle, be they gods, demons, or men together."

Verse 8 (padma.5.11.8)

सर्वं स्वामी ज्ञास्यति यन्ममविक्रम दर्शनात् । एष गंतास्मि शत्रुघ्न पृष्ठरक्षाप्रकारकः

sarvaṁ svāmī jñāsyati yanmamavikrama darśanāt eṣa gaṁtāsmi śatrughna pṛṣṭharakṣāprakārakaḥ

"My lord will know everything from the very sight of my valor; I go now, Shatrughna, as guardian of your rear."

Verse 9 (padma.5.11.9)

एवं ब्रुवंतं भरतात्मजं स प्रस्तूय साध्वित्यनुमोदमानः । शशंस सर्वान्कपिवीरमुख्यान्प्रभंजनोद्भूतमुखान्हरिः प्रभुः

evaṁ bruvaṁtaṁ bharatātmajaṁ sa prastūya sādhvityanumodamānaḥ śaśaṁsa sarvānkapivīramukhyānprabhaṁjanodbhūtamukhānhariḥ prabhuḥ

To Bharata's son speaking thus, the Lord Hari, praising him and saying "Well said!" with approval, then addressed all the finest monkey-heroes, headed by the wind-born one —

Verse 10 (padma.5.11.10)

भो हनूमन्महावीर शृणु मद्वाक्यमादृतः । त्वत्प्रसादान्मया प्राप्तमिदं राज्यमकंटकम्

bho hanūmanmahāvīra śṛṇu madvākyamādṛtaḥ tvatprasādānmayā prāptamidaṁ rājyamakaṁṭakam

"O Hanuman, great hero, listen with respect to my words: by your grace alone I have obtained this kingdom free of thorns."

Verse 11 (padma.5.11.11)

सीतया मम संयोगे यो भवाञ्जलधिं तरेः । चरितं तद्धरे वेद्मि सर्वं तव कपीश्वर

sītayā mama saṁyoge yo bhavāñjaladhiṁ tareḥ caritaṁ taddhare vedmi sarvaṁ tava kapīśvara

"O lord of monkeys, I know all your deeds — how you crossed the ocean for my reunion with Sita."

Verse 12 (padma.5.11.12)

त्वं गच्छ मम सैन्यस्य पालकः सन्ममाज्ञया । शत्रुघ्नः सोदरो मह्यं पालनीयस्त्वहं यथा

tvaṁ gaccha mama sainyasya pālakaḥ sanmamājñayā śatrughnaḥ sodaro mahyaṁ pālanīyastvahaṁ yathā

"Go, at my command, as guardian of my army; my own brother Shatrughna is to be protected by you just as I am."

Verse 13 (padma.5.11.13)

यत्र यत्र मतिभ्रंशः शत्रुघ्नस्य प्रजायते । तत्र तत्र प्रबोद्धव्यो भ्राता मम महामते

yatra yatra matibhraṁśaḥ śatrughnasya prajāyate tatra tatra praboddhavyo bhrātā mama mahāmate

"Wherever Shatrughna's judgment should falter, O greatly wise one, my brother must there be awakened and guided."

Verse 14 (padma.5.11.14)

इति श्रुत्वा महद्वाक्यं रामचंद्रस्य धीमतः । शिरसा तत्समाधाय प्रणाममकरोत्तदा

iti śrutvā mahadvākyaṁ rāmacaṁdrasya dhīmataḥ śirasā tatsamādhāya praṇāmamakarottadā

Having heard this great speech of wise Ramachandra, he bore it upon his head and made obeisance.

Verse 15 (padma.5.11.15)

अथादिशन्महाराजो जांबवंतं कपीश्वरम् । रघुनाथस्य सेवायै कपिषूत्तमतेजसम्

athādiśanmahārājo jāṁbavaṁtaṁ kapīśvaram raghunāthasya sevāyai kapiṣūttamatejasam

Then the great king commanded Jambavan, lord of monkeys, most resplendent among them, to serve Raghunatha.

Verse 16 (padma.5.11.16)

अंगदो गवयो मैंदस्तथा दधिमुखः कपिः । सुग्रीवः प्लवगाधीशः शतवल्यक्षिकौ कपी

aṁgado gavayo maiṁdastathā dadhimukhaḥ kapiḥ sugrīvaḥ plavagādhīśaḥ śatavalyakṣikau kapī

Angada, Gavaya, Mainda, and the monkey Dadhimukha, Sugriva lord of the monkey-host, the two monkeys Shatavali and Akshi,

Verse 17 (padma.5.11.17)

नीलो नलो मनोवेगोऽधिगंता वानरांगजः । इत्येवमादयो यूयं सज्जीभूता भवंतु भोः

nīlo nalo manovego'dhigaṁtā vānarāṁgajaḥ ityevamādayo yūyaṁ sajjībhūtā bhavaṁtu bhoḥ

Nila, Nala, Manovega, and Adhiganta, son of a monkey — all these and more, be ready!

Verse 18 (padma.5.11.18)

सर्वैर्गजैः सदश्वैश्च तप्तहाटकभूषणैः । कवचैः सशिरस्त्राणैर्भूषितायां तु सत्वराः

sarvairgajaiḥ sadaśvaiśca taptahāṭakabhūṣaṇaiḥ kavacaiḥ saśirastrāṇairbhūṣitāyāṁ tu satvarāḥ

With all the elephants and fine horses adorned with refined-gold ornaments, with armor and helmets, be swift.

Verse 19 (padma.5.11.19)

शेष उवाच। सुमंत्रमाहूय सुमंत्रिणं तदा जगाद रामो बलवीर्यशोभनः । अमात्यमौले वद केऽत्र योज्या नरा हयं पालयितुं समर्थाः

śeṣa uvāca sumaṁtramāhūya sumaṁtriṇaṁ tadā jagāda rāmo balavīryaśobhanaḥ amātyamaule vada ke'tra yojyā narā hayaṁ pālayituṁ samarthāḥ

Shesha said: Rama, resplendent in strength and valor, then summoning good Sumantra, said, "O crown of ministers, tell me — who here are the men fit to be assigned to protect the horse?"

Verse 20 (padma.5.11.20)

तदुक्तमेवमाकर्ण्य जगाद परवीरहा । हयस्य रक्षणे योग्यान्बलिनोऽत्र नराधिपान्

taduktamevamākarṇya jagāda paravīrahā hayasya rakṣaṇe yogyānbalino'tra narādhipān

Hearing this, Sumantra, slayer of enemy heroes, named the mighty kings here fit to guard the horse —

Verse 21 (padma.5.11.21)

रघुनाथ शृणुष्वैतान्नववीरान्सुसंहितान् । धनुर्धरान्महाविद्यान्सर्वशस्त्रास्त्रकोविदान्

raghunātha śṛṇuṣvaitānnavavīrānsusaṁhitān dhanurdharānmahāvidyānsarvaśastrāstrakovidān

"Raghunatha, hear of these nine well-disciplined heroes — bow-bearers, of great learning, skilled in every weapon and missile:"

Verse 22 (padma.5.11.22)

प्रतापाग्र्यं नीलरत्नं तथा लक्ष्मीनिधिं नृपम् । रिपुतापं चोग्रहयं तथा शस्त्रविदं नृपम्

pratāpāgryaṁ nīlaratnaṁ tathā lakṣmīnidhiṁ nṛpam riputāpaṁ cograhayaṁ tathā śastravidaṁ nṛpam

"foremost in valor, Nilaratna; the king who is a treasury of fortune, Lakshminidhi; Riputapa; fierce Ugrahaya; and King Shastravid —"

Verse 23 (padma.5.11.23)

राजन्योऽसौ नीलरत्नो महावीरो रथाग्रणीः । स एव लक्षं रक्षेत लक्षं युध्येत निर्भयः

rājanyo'sau nīlaratno mahāvīro rathāgraṇīḥ sa eva lakṣaṁ rakṣeta lakṣaṁ yudhyeta nirbhayaḥ

"That prince Nilaratna, great hero, foremost among charioteers — he alone can guard a hundred thousand and, fearless, fight a hundred thousand."

Verse 24 (padma.5.11.24)

अक्षौहिणीभिर्दशभिर्यातु वाहस्य रक्षणे । दंशितैस्स शिरस्त्राणैर्मम बाहुभिरुद्धतैः

akṣauhiṇībhirdaśabhiryātu vāhasya rakṣaṇe daṁśitaissa śirastrāṇairmama bāhubhiruddhataiḥ

"Let him go with ten akshauhinis for the horse's protection, armored, helmeted, strengthened by my own uplifted arm's favor."

Verse 25 (padma.5.11.25)

प्रतापाग्र्यो यो ह्ययं च रिपुगर्वमशातयत् । सव्यापसव्यबाणानां मोक्ता सर्वास्त्रवित्तमः

pratāpāgryo yo hyayaṁ ca ripugarvamaśātayat savyāpasavyabāṇānāṁ moktā sarvāstravittamaḥ

"This one, foremost in valor, who once broke the pride of enemies, releaser of arrows with both hands, most learned in every weapon —"

Verse 26 (padma.5.11.26)

एषोऽक्षौहिणिविंशत्या यातु यज्ञहयावने । सन्नद्धो रिपुनाशाय युवाको दंडदंडभृत्

eṣo'kṣauhiṇiviṁśatyā yātu yajñahayāvane sannaddho ripunāśāya yuvāko daṁḍadaṁḍabhṛt

"let this one go with twenty akshauhinis into the forest-path of the sacrificial horse, well-armed, ready for the destruction of foes, a staff-bearing youth."

Verse 27 (padma.5.11.27)

तथा लक्ष्मीनिधिस्त्वेष यातु राजन्यसत्तमः । यस्तपोभिः शतधृतिं प्रसाद्यास्त्राणि चाभ्यसत्

tathā lakṣmīnidhistveṣa yātu rājanyasattamaḥ yastapobhiḥ śatadhṛtiṁ prasādyāstrāṇi cābhyasat

"Likewise let this finest of princes, Lakshminidhi, go — who, having pleased Shatadhriti through austerities, mastered the use of weapons —"

Verse 28 (padma.5.11.28)

ब्रह्मास्त्रं पाशुपत्यास्त्रं गारुडं नागसंज्ञितम् । मायूरं नाकुलं रौद्रं वैष्णवं मेघसंज्ञितम्

brahmāstraṁ pāśupatyāstraṁ gāruḍaṁ nāgasaṁjñitam māyūraṁ nākulaṁ raudraṁ vaiṣṇavaṁ meghasaṁjñitam

"the Brahma weapon, the Pashupata weapon, the Naga weapon called Garuda, the Mayura, the Nakula, the Raudra, the Vaishnava called Megha,"

Verse 29 (padma.5.11.29)

वज्रं पार्वतसंज्ञं च तथा वायव्यसंज्ञितम् । इत्यादिकानामस्त्राणां संप्रयोगविसर्गवित्

vajraṁ pārvatasaṁjñaṁ ca tathā vāyavyasaṁjñitam ityādikānāmastrāṇāṁ saṁprayogavisargavit

"the Vajra called Parvata, and the one called Vayavya — knower of the proper use and release of these and other such weapons —"

Verse 30 (padma.5.11.30)

स एष निजसैन्यानामक्षौहिण्यैकया युतः । प्रयातु शूरमुकुटः सर्ववैरिप्रभंजनः

sa eṣa nijasainyānāmakṣauhiṇyaikayā yutaḥ prayātu śūramukuṭaḥ sarvavairiprabhaṁjanaḥ

"let him, joined with one akshauhini of his own troops, go forth, crown of heroes, scourge of all enemies."

Verse 31 (padma.5.11.31)

रिपुतापोऽयमेवाद्य गच्छत्वग्र्यो धनुर्भृताम् । सर्वशस्त्रास्त्रकुशलो रिपुवंशदवानलः

riputāpo'yamevādya gacchatvagryo dhanurbhṛtām sarvaśastrāstrakuśalo ripuvaṁśadavānalaḥ

"Let this very Riputapa, foremost of bow-bearers, skilled in every weapon, a wildfire to the lineage of foes, go this day."

Verse 32 (padma.5.11.32)

गच्छतात्सेनया बह्व्या चतुरंगसमेतया । शत्रुघ्नाज्ञां शिरस्येते दधत्वद्य बलोत्कटाः

gacchatātsenayā bahvyā caturaṁgasametayā śatrughnājñāṁ śirasyete dadhatvadya balotkaṭāḥ

"Let him go with a vast four-division army; let all these mighty ones bear Shatrughna's command upon their heads today."

Verse 33 (padma.5.11.33)

उग्राश्वोऽपि महाराजा तथा शस्त्रविदेष च । सर्वे यांतु सुसंनद्धास्तव वाहस्य पालकाः

ugrāśvo'pi mahārājā tathā śastravideṣa ca sarve yāṁtu susaṁnaddhāstava vāhasya pālakāḥ

"Let Ugrashva too, the great king, and this weapons-master, and all of them, well-armed, go as guardians of your horse."

Verse 34 (padma.5.11.34)

इति भाषितमाकर्ण्य मंत्रिणः प्रजहर्ष च । आज्ञापयामास च तान्सुमंत्रकथितान्भटान्

iti bhāṣitamākarṇya maṁtriṇaḥ prajaharṣa ca ājñāpayāmāsa ca tānsumaṁtrakathitānbhaṭān

Hearing this speech, the ministers rejoiced, and gave orders to the warriors named by Sumantra.

Verse 35 (padma.5.11.35)

तेऽनुज्ञां रघुनाथस्य प्राप्य मोदं प्रपेदिरे । चिरकालं सांपरायं वांच्छंतो युद्धदुर्मदाः

te'nujñāṁ raghunāthasya prāpya modaṁ prapedire cirakālaṁ sāṁparāyaṁ vāṁcchaṁto yuddhadurmadāḥ

Having received Raghunatha's leave, they were filled with delight, intoxicated for battle, long yearning for war.

Verse 36 (padma.5.11.36)

सन्नद्धाः कवचाद्यैश्च तथा शस्त्रास्त्रवर्तनैः । ययुः शत्रुघ्नसंवासं सीतापति प्रणोदिताः

sannaddhāḥ kavacādyaiśca tathā śastrāstravartanaiḥ yayuḥ śatrughnasaṁvāsaṁ sītāpati praṇoditāḥ

Armored with mail and the rest, and skilled in the use of weapons, they went, sent forth by Sita's lord, to join Shatrughna's company.

Verse 37 (padma.5.11.37)

शेष उवाच। अथोक्त ऋषिणा रामो विधिना पूजयत्क्रमात् । आचार्यादीनृषीन्सर्वान्यथोक्तवरदक्षिणैः

śeṣa uvāca athokta ṛṣiṇā rāmo vidhinā pūjayatkramāt ācāryādīnṛṣīnsarvānyathoktavaradakṣiṇaiḥ

Shesha said: Then, as instructed by the sage, Rama duly worshipped, in order, the officiant and all the other sages with the prescribed gifts.

Verse 38 (padma.5.11.38)

आचार्याय ददौ रामो हस्तिनं षष्टिहायनम् । हयमेकं मनोवेगं रत्नमालाविभूषितम्

ācāryāya dadau rāmo hastinaṁ ṣaṣṭihāyanam hayamekaṁ manovegaṁ ratnamālāvibhūṣitam

To the acharya, Rama gave an elephant sixty years old, and one horse, mind-swift, adorned with garlands of jewels,

Verse 39 (padma.5.11.39)

पौरटं रथमेकं च मणिरत्नविभूषितम् । चतुर्भिर्वाजिभिर्युक्तं सर्वोपस्करसंयुतम्

pauraṭaṁ rathamekaṁ ca maṇiratnavibhūṣitam caturbhirvājibhiryuktaṁ sarvopaskarasaṁyutam

one golden chariot adorned with gems and jewels, yoked with four horses, complete with every fitting,

Verse 40 (padma.5.11.40)

मणिलक्षं तु प्रत्यक्षं मुक्ताफलतुलाशतम् । विद्रुमस्य तुलानां तु सहस्रं स्फुटतेजसाम्

maṇilakṣaṁ tu pratyakṣaṁ muktāphalatulāśatam vidrumasya tulānāṁ tu sahasraṁ sphuṭatejasām

a hundred thousand visible gems, a hundred measures of pearls, and a thousand measures of brilliant coral,

Verse 41 (padma.5.11.41)

ग्राममेकं सुसंपन्नं नानाजनसमाकुलम् । विचित्रसस्यनिष्पन्नं विविधैर्मंदिरैर्वृतम्

grāmamekaṁ susaṁpannaṁ nānājanasamākulam vicitrasasyaniṣpannaṁ vividhairmaṁdirairvṛtam

and one prosperous village, thronged with various people, rich with varied crops, ringed by many dwellings.

Verse 42 (padma.5.11.42)

ब्रह्मणेऽपि तथैवादाद्धोत्रेऽप्यध्वर्यवे ददौ । ऋत्विग्भ्यो भूरिशो दत्त्वा प्रणनाम रघूत्तमः

brahmaṇe'pi tathaivādāddhotre'pyadhvaryave dadau ṛtvigbhyo bhūriśo dattvā praṇanāma raghūttamaḥ

He gave likewise to the Brahma-priest, and to the Hotri and Adhvaryu priests too; having given abundantly to the officiants, that best of the Raghus bowed to them.

Verse 43 (padma.5.11.43)

सर्वे ते विविधा वाग्भिराशीर्भिरभिपूजिताः । चिरंजीव महाराज रामचन्द्र रघूद्वह

sarve te vividhā vāgbhirāśīrbhirabhipūjitāḥ ciraṁjīva mahārāja rāmacandra raghūdvaha

All of them, honored with many words of blessing, said: "Live long, great King Ramachandra, upholder of the Raghu line!"

Verse 44 (padma.5.11.44)

कन्यादानं भूमिदानं गजदानं तथैव च । अश्वदानं स्वर्णदानं तिलदानं समौक्तिकम्

kanyādānaṁ bhūmidānaṁ gajadānaṁ tathaiva ca aśvadānaṁ svarṇadānaṁ tiladānaṁ samauktikam

The gift of a maiden, the gift of land, the gift of an elephant, likewise the gift of a horse, the gift of gold, the gift of sesame together with pearls,

Verse 45 (padma.5.11.45)

अन्नदानं पयोदानमभयं दानमुत्तमम् । रत्नदानानि सर्वाणि विप्रेभ्यश्चादिशन्महान्

annadānaṁ payodānamabhayaṁ dānamuttamam ratnadānāni sarvāṇi viprebhyaścādiśanmahān

the gift of food, the gift of milk, the finest gift of fearlessness — all these gifts of gems, that great one bestowed upon the brahmins.

Verse 46 (padma.5.11.46)

देहि देहि धनं देहि मानेति ब्रूहि कस्यचित् । ददात्वन्नं ददात्वन्नं सर्वभोगसमन्वितम्

dehi dehi dhanaṁ dehi māneti brūhi kasyacit dadātvannaṁ dadātvannaṁ sarvabhogasamanvitam

"Give! Give! Give wealth! Give honor!" — thus he said to each one; "Let food be given, let food be given, complete with every enjoyment!"

Verse 47 (padma.5.11.47)

इत्थं प्रावर्तत मखो रघुनाथस्य धीमतः । सदक्षिणो द्विजवरैः पूर्णः सर्वशुभक्रियः

itthaṁ prāvartata makho raghunāthasya dhīmataḥ sadakṣiṇo dvijavaraiḥ pūrṇaḥ sarvaśubhakriyaḥ

Thus proceeded wise Raghunatha's sacrifice, complete with sacrificial fees, filled with the finest brahmins, replete with every auspicious rite.

Verse 48 (padma.5.11.48)

अथ रामानुजो गत्वा मातरं प्रणनाम ह । आज्ञापयाश्वरक्षार्थमेष गच्छामि शोभने

atha rāmānujo gatvā mātaraṁ praṇanāma ha ājñāpayāśvarakṣārthameṣa gacchāmi śobhane

Then Rama's younger brother went to his mother and bowed to her: "Gracious one, command me for the protection of the horse — I go now."

Verse 49 (padma.5.11.49)

त्वत्कृपातो रिपुकुलं जित्वा शोभासमन्वितः । आयास्यामि महाराजैर्हयवर्यसमन्वितः

tvatkṛpāto ripukulaṁ jitvā śobhāsamanvitaḥ āyāsyāmi mahārājairhayavaryasamanvitaḥ

"By your grace, having conquered the enemy host, resplendent, I shall return, accompanied by great kings and the finest horse."

Verse 50 (padma.5.11.50)

मातोवाच । पुत्र गच्छ महावीर शिवाः पंथान एव ते । सर्वान्रिपुगणाञ्जित्वा पुनरागच्छ सन्मते

mātovāca putra gaccha mahāvīra śivāḥ paṁthāna eva te sarvānripugaṇāñjitvā punarāgaccha sanmate

The mother said: "Go, son, great hero — may your paths be auspicious; having conquered all the hosts of enemies, return again, O good-minded one."

Verse 51 (padma.5.11.51)

पुष्कलं पालय निजभ्रातृजं धर्मवित्तमम् । महाबलिनमद्यापि बालकं लीलयायुतम्

puṣkalaṁ pālaya nijabhrātṛjaṁ dharmavittamam mahābalinamadyāpi bālakaṁ līlayāyutam

"Protect Pushkala, your brother's son, most learned in dharma, mighty though still a child, given to play."

Verse 52 (padma.5.11.52)

पुत्रागच्छसि चेद्युक्तः पुष्कलेन शुभान्वितः । तदा मम प्रमोदः स्यादन्यथा शोकभागहम्

putrāgacchasi cedyuktaḥ puṣkalena śubhānvitaḥ tadā mama pramodaḥ syādanyathā śokabhāgaham

"If you return, my son, together with Pushkala, safe and well, then I shall be joyful; otherwise I shall bear my share of sorrow."

Verse 53 (padma.5.11.53)

इति संभाष्यमाणां स्वां मातरं प्रत्युवाच सः । त्वदीयचरणद्वंद्वं स्मरन्प्राप्स्यामि शोभनम्

iti saṁbhāṣyamāṇāṁ svāṁ mātaraṁ pratyuvāca saḥ tvadīyacaraṇadvaṁdvaṁ smaranprāpsyāmi śobhanam

To his mother speaking thus, he replied: "Remembering the pair of your feet, I shall attain what is good."

Verse 54 (padma.5.11.54)

पुष्कलं पालयित्वाहं निजांगमिव शोभने । स्वनामसदृशं कृत्वा पुनरेष्यामि मोदवान्

puṣkalaṁ pālayitvāhaṁ nijāṁgamiva śobhane svanāmasadṛśaṁ kṛtvā punareṣyāmi modavān

"Having protected Pushkala as my own limb, gracious one, and made him worthy of his own name, I shall return joyful."

Verse 55 (padma.5.11.55)

इत्युक्त्वा प्रययौ वीरो रामं स मखमंडपे । आसीनं मुनिवर्याग्र्यैर्यज्ञवेषधरं वरम्

ityuktvā prayayau vīro rāmaṁ sa makhamaṁḍape āsīnaṁ munivaryāgryairyajñaveṣadharaṁ varam

Having said this, the hero went to the sacrificial pavilion, where excellent Rama, clad in the finest sacrificer's garb, sat among the foremost sages.

Verse 56 (padma.5.11.56)

उवाच मतिमान्वीरः सर्वशोभासमन्वितः । रामाज्ञापय रक्षार्थं हयस्यानुज्ञया तव

uvāca matimānvīraḥ sarvaśobhāsamanvitaḥ rāmājñāpaya rakṣārthaṁ hayasyānujñayā tava

That wise, resplendent hero said: "Rama, command me for the protection of the horse, with your permission."

Verse 57 (padma.5.11.57)

रघुनाथोऽपि तच्छ्रुत्वा भद्रमस्त्विति चाब्रवीत् । बालं स्त्रियं प्रमत्तं त्वं मा हन्याः शस्त्रवर्जितम्

raghunātho'pi tacchrutvā bhadramastviti cābravīt bālaṁ striyaṁ pramattaṁ tvaṁ mā hanyāḥ śastravarjitam

Raghunatha, hearing this, said, "May it be well," and added: "You must never strike down a child, a woman, one off-guard, or one without weapons."

Verse 58 (padma.5.11.58)

तदा लक्ष्मीनिधिर्भ्राता जानक्या जनकात्मजः । प्रहस्य किंचिन्नयने नर्तयन्राममब्रवीत्

tadā lakṣmīnidhirbhrātā jānakyā janakātmajaḥ prahasya kiṁcinnayane nartayanrāmamabravīt

Then Lakshminidhi, Janaki's brother, laughing a little, his eyes dancing, said to Rama —

Verse 59 (padma.5.11.59)

लक्ष्मीनिधिरुवाच। रामचंद्र महाबाहो सर्वधर्मपरायण । शत्रुघ्नं शिक्षय तथा यथा लोकोत्तरो भवेत्

lakṣmīnidhiruvāca rāmacaṁdra mahābāho sarvadharmaparāyaṇa śatrughnaṁ śikṣaya tathā yathā lokottaro bhavet

Lakshminidhi said: "Ramachandra, mighty-armed, devoted to all dharma! Instruct Shatrughna so that he may become peerless in the world,"

Verse 60 (padma.5.11.60)

कुलोचितं कर्म कुर्वन्नग्रजाचरितं तथा । गच्छेत्स परमं धाम तेजोबलसमन्वितम्

kulocitaṁ karma kurvannagrajācaritaṁ tathā gacchetsa paramaṁ dhāma tejobalasamanvitam

"performing deeds befitting his lineage, following the very conduct of his elder brother, that he may reach that supreme abode, endowed with splendor and strength."

Verse 61 (padma.5.11.61)

त्वया प्रोक्तं महाराज ब्राह्मणं नावमानयेत् । पित्रा तव हतो विप्रः पितृभक्तिपरायणः

tvayā proktaṁ mahārāja brāhmaṇaṁ nāvamānayet pitrā tava hato vipraḥ pitṛbhaktiparāyaṇaḥ

"You yourself have said, great king, that a brahmin should not be dishonored — yet a brahmin devoted to filial duty was slain by your own father."

Verse 62 (padma.5.11.62)

त्वयापि सुमहत्कर्म कृतं लोकविगर्हितम् । अवध्यां महिलां यस्त्वं हतवान्नियतं ततः

tvayāpi sumahatkarma kṛtaṁ lokavigarhitam avadhyāṁ mahilāṁ yastvaṁ hatavānniyataṁ tataḥ

"You too have done a very great deed condemned by the world — you slew a woman who should not have been slain."

Verse 63 (padma.5.11.63)

अग्रजोऽस्य महाराज कृतवान्यं पराक्रमम् । सनकेन कृतः पूर्वं राक्षस्याः कर्णकर्तनम्

agrajo'sya mahārāja kṛtavānyaṁ parākramam sanakena kṛtaḥ pūrvaṁ rākṣasyāḥ karṇakartanam

"Great king, this very deed of valor was performed by an elder of your own line before — as of old Sanaka once cut off a rakshasi's ear."

Verse 64 (padma.5.11.64)

एवं करिष्यति नृपः शत्रुघ्नः शिक्षया तव । यदि नायं तथा कुर्यात्कुलस्यासदृशं भवेत्

evaṁ kariṣyati nṛpaḥ śatrughnaḥ śikṣayā tava yadi nāyaṁ tathā kuryātkulasyāsadṛśaṁ bhavet

"So too will King Shatrughna act, following your instruction; if he does not act thus, it would be unworthy of the lineage."

Verse 65 (padma.5.11.65)

इत्युक्तवंतं तं रामः प्रत्युवाच हसन्निव । मेघगंभीरया वाचा सर्ववाक्यविशारदः

ityuktavaṁtaṁ taṁ rāmaḥ pratyuvāca hasanniva meghagaṁbhīrayā vācā sarvavākyaviśāradaḥ

To him speaking thus, Rama, smiling as it were, replied in a voice deep as thunder, he who was skilled in every kind of speech —

Verse 66 (padma.5.11.66)

शृण्वंतु योगिनः शांताः समदुःखसुखाः पुनः । जानंत्यपारसंसारनिस्तारतरणादिकम्

śṛṇvaṁtu yoginaḥ śāṁtāḥ samaduḥkhasukhāḥ punaḥ jānaṁtyapārasaṁsāranistārataraṇādikam

"Let the calm yogis, alike in sorrow and joy, listen indeed — they alone know how to cross the boundless ocean of samsara."

Verse 67 (padma.5.11.67)

ये शूराः समहेष्वासाः सर्वशस्त्रास्त्रकोविदाः । ते च जानंति युद्धस्य वार्त्तां न तु भवादृशाः

ye śūrāḥ samaheṣvāsāḥ sarvaśastrāstrakovidāḥ te ca jānaṁti yuddhasya vārttāṁ na tu bhavādṛśāḥ

"Those heroes who are great archers, skilled in every weapon, they alone know the affair of war — not men like you."

Verse 68 (padma.5.11.68)

परोपतापिनो ये वै ये चोत्पथविसारिणः । ते हंतव्या नृपैः सर्वैः सर्वलोकहितैषिभिः

paropatāpino ye vai ye cotpathavisāriṇaḥ te haṁtavyā nṛpaiḥ sarvaiḥ sarvalokahitaiṣibhiḥ

"Those who torment others, and those who stray onto a wrong path — they must be slain by every king who desires the welfare of all the worlds."

Verse 69 (padma.5.11.69)

इत्युक्तमाकर्ण्य सभासदस्ते सर्वे स्मितं चक्रुररिंदमस्य । कुंभोद्भवः पूजितमेनमश्वं विमोचयामास सुशोभितं हि

ityuktamākarṇya sabhāsadaste sarve smitaṁ cakrurariṁdamasya kuṁbhodbhavaḥ pūjitamenamaśvaṁ vimocayāmāsa suśobhitaṁ hi

Hearing this speech, all those present in the assembly smiled at the tamer of enemies; and the pot-born Agastya then released that duly worshipped, resplendent horse.

Verse 70 (padma.5.11.70)

इमं मंत्रं समुच्चार्य वसिष्ठः कलशोद्भवः । कराग्रेण स्पृशन्नश्वं मुमोच जयकांक्षया

imaṁ maṁtraṁ samuccārya vasiṣṭhaḥ kalaśodbhavaḥ karāgreṇa spṛśannaśvaṁ mumoca jayakāṁkṣayā

Reciting this mantra, Vasishtha, born of the pitcher, touching the horse with his fingertips, released it, desiring victory —

Verse 71 (padma.5.11.71)

वाजिन्गच्छ यथालीलं सर्वत्र धरणीतले । यागार्थे मोचितो येन पुनरागच्छ सत्वरः

vājingaccha yathālīlaṁ sarvatra dharaṇītale yāgārthe mocito yena punarāgaccha satvaraḥ

"O horse, go freely wherever you please over all the surface of the earth; released for the sake of the sacrifice, return again swiftly."

Verse 72 (padma.5.11.72)

अश्वस्तु मोचितः सर्वैर्भटैः शस्त्रास्त्रकोविदैः । परीतः प्रययौ प्राचीं दिशं वायुजवान्वितः

aśvastu mocitaḥ sarvairbhaṭaiḥ śastrāstrakovidaiḥ parītaḥ prayayau prācīṁ diśaṁ vāyujavānvitaḥ

The horse, released by all those warriors skilled in weapons, surrounded by them, went forth toward the eastern direction, swift as the wind.

Verse 73 (padma.5.11.73)

प्रचचार बलं सर्वं कंपयद्धरणीतलम् । शेषोऽपि किंचिन्न तया फणया धृतवान्भुवम्

pracacāra balaṁ sarvaṁ kaṁpayaddharaṇītalam śeṣo'pi kiṁcinna tayā phaṇayā dhṛtavānbhuvam

The whole army marched forth, making the surface of the earth tremble; even Shesha, with his very hoods, could barely hold up the earth.

Verse 74 (padma.5.11.74)

दिशः प्रसेदुः परितः क्ष्मातलं शोभयान्वितम् । वायवस्तं तु शत्रुघ्नं पृष्ठतो मंदगामिनः

diśaḥ praseduḥ paritaḥ kṣmātalaṁ śobhayānvitam vāyavastaṁ tu śatrughnaṁ pṛṣṭhato maṁdagāminaḥ

The directions grew serene all around, the earth's surface filled with beauty; and even the winds followed slowly behind Shatrughna.

Verse 75 (padma.5.11.75)

शत्रुघ्नस्य प्रयाणायाभ्युद्य तस्य भुजोऽस्फुरत् । दक्षिणः शुभमाशंसी जयाय च बभूव ह

śatrughnasya prayāṇāyābhyudya tasya bhujo'sphurat dakṣiṇaḥ śubhamāśaṁsī jayāya ca babhūva ha

As Shatrughna set out on his march, his right arm throbbed, a sign that promised good fortune and victory.

Verse 76 (padma.5.11.76)

पुष्कलः स्वगृहं रम्यं प्रविवेश समृद्धिमत् । वितर्दिभिर्वलक्षाभिः शोभितं रत्नवेदिकम्

puṣkalaḥ svagṛhaṁ ramyaṁ praviveśa samṛddhimat vitardibhirvalakṣābhiḥ śobhitaṁ ratnavedikam

Pushkala entered his own lovely, prosperous house, adorned with white terraces and jeweled dais.

Verse 77 (padma.5.11.77)

तत्रापश्यन्निजां भार्यां पतिव्रतपरायणाम् । किंचित्स्वदर्शनाद्धृष्टां भर्तृदर्शनलालसाम्

tatrāpaśyannijāṁ bhāryāṁ pativrataparāyaṇām kiṁcitsvadarśanāddhṛṣṭāṁ bhartṛdarśanalālasām

There he saw his own wife, devoted wholly to her husband, somewhat cheered at the sight of him, yet still longing for the sight of her husband —

Verse 78 (padma.5.11.78)

मुखारविंदेन च नागवल्लीदलं सुकर्पूरयुतं च चर्वती । नासाफलं तोयभवं महाधनं बाह्वोर्मृणालीसदृशोः सुकंकणे

mukhāraviṁdena ca nāgavallīdalaṁ sukarpūrayutaṁ ca carvatī nāsāphalaṁ toyabhavaṁ mahādhanaṁ bāhvormṛṇālīsadṛśoḥ sukaṁkaṇe

chewing a betel-leaf with fine camphor in her lotus-mouth, her nose adorned with a precious water-born pearl, her lotus-stalk arms graced with fine bangles —

Verse 79 (padma.5.11.79)

कुचौ तु मालूरफलोपमौ वरौ नितंबबिंबं वरनीवि शोभितम् । पादौ तुलाकोटिधरौ सुकोमलौ दधत्यहो एक्षत सत्पतिं स्वकम्

kucau tu mālūraphalopamau varau nitaṁbabiṁbaṁ varanīvi śobhitam pādau tulākoṭidharau sukomalau dadhatyaho ekṣata satpatiṁ svakam

her breasts fine as bael-fruits, her hips resplendent with a lovely girdle, her soft feet bearing anklets of great worth — ah, thus she gazed upon her own excellent husband.

Verse 80 (padma.5.11.80)

परिरभ्य प्रियां धीरो गद्गदस्वरभाषिणीम् । तदुरोजपरीरंभनिर्भरीकृतदेहकाम्

parirabhya priyāṁ dhīro gadgadasvarabhāṣiṇīm tadurojaparīraṁbhanirbharīkṛtadehakām

The resolute Pushkala, embracing his beloved, who spoke in a voice choked with feeling, her whole body overwhelmed by the embrace of his chest,

Verse 81 (padma.5.11.81)

उवाच भद्रे गच्छामि शत्रुघ्नपृष्ठरक्षकः । रामाज्ञया याज्ञमश्वं पालयन्रथसंयुतः

uvāca bhadre gacchāmi śatrughnapṛṣṭharakṣakaḥ rāmājñayā yājñamaśvaṁ pālayanrathasaṁyutaḥ

said: "My gracious one, I go, at Rama's command, together with my chariot, as Shatrughna's rear-guard, protecting the sacrificial horse."

Verse 82 (padma.5.11.82)

त्वया मे मातरः पूज्याः पादसंवाहनादिमिः । तदुच्छिष्टं हि भुंजाना तत्कर्मकरणादरा

tvayā me mātaraḥ pūjyāḥ pādasaṁvāhanādimiḥ taducchiṣṭaṁ hi bhuṁjānā tatkarmakaraṇādarā

"You must honor my mothers, massaging their feet and the like, eating only what remains after them, devoted to their service."

Verse 83 (padma.5.11.83)

सर्वाः पतिव्रता नार्यो लोपामुद्रादिकाः शुभाः । नावमान्यास्त्वया भीरु स्वतपोबलशोभिताः

sarvāḥ pativratā nāryo lopāmudrādikāḥ śubhāḥ nāvamānyāstvayā bhīru svatapobalaśobhitāḥ

"All chaste, auspicious women, Lopamudra and the rest, resplendent with the power of their own austerity — you, O timid one, must never disrespect them."