The Beginning of the Sacrifice

Verse 1 (padma.5.67.1)

शेष उवाच। अथ सौमित्रिरागत्य जानकीं नतवान्मुहुः । प्रेमगद्गदया शंसन्वाचं रामप्रणोदिताम्

śeṣa uvāca atha saumitrirāgatya jānakīṁ natavānmuhuḥ premagadgadayā śaṁsanvācaṁ rāmapraṇoditām

Then Saumitri (Lakshmana), having arrived, bowed again and again to Janaki, speaking with a voice choked with love the message that Rama had sent.

Verse 2 (padma.5.67.2)

सीता समागतं दृष्ट्वा लक्ष्मणं विनयान्वितम् । तन्मुखाद्रामसंदेशं श्रुत्वोवाच विलज्जिता

sītā samāgataṁ dṛṣṭvā lakṣmaṇaṁ vinayānvitam tanmukhādrāmasaṁdeśaṁ śrutvovāca vilajjitā

Seeing Lakshmana arrive, humble and courteous, Sita, having heard Rama's message from his lips, spoke, overcome with shyness.

Verse 3 (padma.5.67.3)

सौमित्रे कथमागच्छे रामत्यक्ता महावने । तिष्ठामि रामं स्मरन्ती वाल्मीकेराश्रमे त्वहम्

saumitre kathamāgacche rāmatyaktā mahāvane tiṣṭhāmi rāmaṁ smarantī vālmīkerāśrame tvaham

"Saumitre, how shall I come, abandoned by Rama in the great forest? I dwell here in Valmiki's hermitage, remembering Rama."

Verse 4 (padma.5.67.4)

तस्या मुखोदितं वाक्यं श्रुत्वा सौमित्रिरब्रवीत् । मातः पतिव्रते रामस्त्वामाकारयते मुहुः

tasyā mukhoditaṁ vākyaṁ śrutvā saumitrirabravīt mātaḥ pativrate rāmastvāmākārayate muhuḥ

Hearing these words from her lips, Saumitri said: "Mother, devoted wife, Rama summons you again and again."

Verse 5 (padma.5.67.5)

पतिव्रता पतिकृतं दोषं नानयते हृदि । तस्मादागच्छ हि मया स्थित्वा स्यंदन उत्तमे

pativratā patikṛtaṁ doṣaṁ nānayate hṛdi tasmādāgaccha hi mayā sthitvā syaṁdana uttame

"A devoted wife does not hold in her heart a fault committed by her husband. Therefore come with me, mounted on this excellent chariot."

Verse 6 (padma.5.67.6)

इत्यादि वचनं श्रुत्वा जानकी पतिदेवता । मनोरोषं परित्यज्य तस्थौ सौमित्रिणा रथे

ityādi vacanaṁ śrutvā jānakī patidevatā manoroṣaṁ parityajya tasthau saumitriṇā rathe

Hearing such words, Janaki, who held her husband as her deity, set aside the resentment in her mind and mounted the chariot with Saumitri.

Verse 7 (padma.5.67.7)

तापसीः सकला नत्वा मुनींश्च निगमोज्ज्वलान् । रामं स्मरंती मनसा रथे स्थित्वागमत्पुरीम्

tāpasīḥ sakalā natvā munīṁśca nigamojjvalān rāmaṁ smaraṁtī manasā rathe sthitvāgamatpurīm

Bowing to all the ascetic women and to the sages radiant with Vedic learning, remembering Rama in her mind, seated in the chariot, she came toward the city.

Verse 8 (padma.5.67.8)

क्रमेण नगरीं प्राप्ता महार्हाभरणान्विता । सरयूं सरितं प्राप यत्र रामः स्वयं स्थितः

krameṇa nagarīṁ prāptā mahārhābharaṇānvitā sarayūṁ saritaṁ prāpa yatra rāmaḥ svayaṁ sthitaḥ

In due course, adorned with priceless ornaments, she reached the city and arrived at the river Sarayu, where Rama himself was present.

Verse 9 (padma.5.67.9)

रथादुत्तीर्य ललिता लक्ष्मणेन समन्विता । रामस्य पादयोर्लग्ना पतिव्रतपरायणा

rathāduttīrya lalitā lakṣmaṇena samanvitā rāmasya pādayorlagnā pativrataparāyaṇā

Descending gracefully from the chariot, accompanied by Lakshmana, that devoted wife clung to Rama's feet.

Verse 10 (padma.5.67.10)

रामस्तामागतां दृष्ट्वा जानकीं प्रेमविह्वलाम् । साध्वि त्वया सहेदानीं कुर्वे यज्ञसमापनम्

rāmastāmāgatāṁ dṛṣṭvā jānakīṁ premavihvalām sādhvi tvayā sahedānīṁ kurve yajñasamāpanam

Seeing Janaki arrived, overwhelmed with love, Rama said: "Virtuous one, now with you I shall complete the sacrifice."

Verse 11 (padma.5.67.11)

वाल्मीकिं सा नमस्कृत्य तथान्यान्विप्रसत्तमान् । जगाम मातृपदयोः सन्नतिं कर्तुमुत्सुका

vālmīkiṁ sā namaskṛtya tathānyānviprasattamān jagāma mātṛpadayoḥ sannatiṁ kartumutsukā

Having bowed to Valmiki and to the other foremost brahmins, she went, eager to pay homage at the feet of her mothers-in-law.

Verse 12 (padma.5.67.12)

कौशल्या तामथायांतीं वीरसूं जानकीं प्रियाम् । आशीर्भिरभिसंयुज्य ययौ हर्षमनेकधा

kauśalyā tāmathāyāṁtīṁ vīrasūṁ jānakīṁ priyām āśīrbhirabhisaṁyujya yayau harṣamanekadhā

Kausalya, seeing beloved Janaki, mother of a hero, arriving, embraced her with many benedictions and was filled with great joy.

Verse 13 (padma.5.67.13)

कैकेयीपदयोर्नम्रां वीक्ष्य वैदेहपुत्रिकाम् । भर्त्रा सह चिरं जीव सपुत्रेत्याशिषं व्यधात्

kaikeyīpadayornamrāṁ vīkṣya vaidehaputrikām bhartrā saha ciraṁ jīva saputretyāśiṣaṁ vyadhāt

Seeing the daughter of Videha bowed at her feet, Kaikeyi gave her the blessing: "Live long with your husband and with sons."

Verse 14 (padma.5.67.14)

सुमित्रा स्वपदेनम्रां वीक्ष्य वैदेहपुत्रिकाम् । आशिषं व्यदधात्तस्याः पुत्रपौत्रप्रदायिनीम्

sumitrā svapadenamrāṁ vīkṣya vaidehaputrikām āśiṣaṁ vyadadhāttasyāḥ putrapautrapradāyinīm

Seeing the daughter of Videha bowed at her own feet, Sumitra gave her a blessing that bestows sons and grandsons.

Verse 15 (padma.5.67.15)

सीता ताः सर्वतो नत्वा रामचंद्र प्रिया सती । परमं हर्षमापन्ना बभूव किल वाडव

sītā tāḥ sarvato natvā rāmacaṁdra priyā satī paramaṁ harṣamāpannā babhūva kila vāḍava

Sita, beloved and virtuous wife of Ramachandra, having bowed to all of them from every side, O foremost brahmin, attained supreme joy.

Verse 16 (padma.5.67.16)

समागतां वीक्ष्य पत्नीं रामचंद्रस्य कुंभजः । सुवर्णपत्नीं धिक्कृत्य तामधाद्धर्मचारिणीम्

samāgatāṁ vīkṣya patnīṁ rāmacaṁdrasya kuṁbhajaḥ suvarṇapatnīṁ dhikkṛtya tāmadhāddharmacāriṇīm

Seeing Ramachandra's wife thus arrived, Kumbhaja (Agastya) set aside the golden consort-image and installed her, the righteous one, in its place.

Verse 17 (padma.5.67.17)

रामस्तदा यज्ञमध्ये शुशुभे सीतया सह । तारयानुगतो यद्वच्छशीव शरदुत्प्रभः

rāmastadā yajñamadhye śuśubhe sītayā saha tārayānugato yadvacchaśīva śaradutprabhaḥ

Then Rama shone in the midst of the sacrifice together with Sita, like the autumn moon accompanied by a star.

Verse 18 (padma.5.67.18)

प्रयोगमकरोत्तत्र काले प्राप्ते मनोरमे । वैदेह्या धर्मचारिण्या सर्वपापापनोदनम्

prayogamakarottatra kāle prāpte manorame vaidehyā dharmacāriṇyā sarvapāpāpanodanam

There, when the auspicious moment arrived, he performed with the righteous daughter of Videha the rite that removes all sin.

Verse 19 (padma.5.67.19)

सीतया सहितं रामं प्रसक्तं यज्ञकर्मणि । निरीक्ष्य जहृषुस्तत्र कौतुकेन समन्विताः

sītayā sahitaṁ rāmaṁ prasaktaṁ yajñakarmaṇi nirīkṣya jahṛṣustatra kautukena samanvitāḥ

Beholding Rama, together with Sita, engaged in the sacrificial rites, all present there rejoiced, filled with wonder.

Verse 20 (padma.5.67.20)

वसिष्ठं प्राह सुमतिं रामस्तत्र क्रतौ वरे । किं कर्तव्यं मया स्वामिन्नतः परमवश्यकम्

vasiṣṭhaṁ prāha sumatiṁ rāmastatra kratau vare kiṁ kartavyaṁ mayā svāminnataḥ paramavaśyakam

There, at that excellent sacrifice, Rama asked the wise Vasishtha: "O Master, what more is necessary for me to do now?"

Verse 21 (padma.5.67.21)

रामस्य वचनं श्रुत्वा गुरुः प्राह महामतिः । ब्राह्मणानां प्रकर्तव्या पूजा संतोषकारिका

rāmasya vacanaṁ śrutvā guruḥ prāha mahāmatiḥ brāhmaṇānāṁ prakartavyā pūjā saṁtoṣakārikā

Hearing Rama's words, the great-minded guru said: "The worship of the brahmins that brings them contentment must now be performed."

Verse 22 (padma.5.67.22)

मरुत्तेन क्रतुः सृष्टः पूर्वं संभारसंभृतः । ब्राह्मणास्तत्र वित्ताद्यैस्तोषिता अभवंस्तदा

maruttena kratuḥ sṛṣṭaḥ pūrvaṁ saṁbhārasaṁbhṛtaḥ brāhmaṇāstatra vittādyaistoṣitā abhavaṁstadā

"Formerly king Marutta performed a sacrifice furnished with abundant materials, in which the brahmins were satisfied with wealth and gifts."

Verse 23 (padma.5.67.23)

अत्यंतं वित्तसंभारं नेतुं विप्राशकन्नहि । प्राक्षिपन्हिमवद्देशे वित्तभारासहा द्विजाः

atyaṁtaṁ vittasaṁbhāraṁ netuṁ viprāśakannahi prākṣipanhimavaddeśe vittabhārāsahā dvijāḥ

"The brahmins were unable to carry away that immense mass of wealth; unable to bear the burden, they left it behind in the Himalayan region."

Verse 24 (padma.5.67.24)

तस्मात्त्वमपि राजाग्र्य लक्ष्मीवान्नृपसत्तम । देहि दानादि विप्रेभ्यो यथा स्यात्प्रीतिरुत्तमा

tasmāttvamapi rājāgrya lakṣmīvānnṛpasattama dehi dānādi viprebhyo yathā syātprītiruttamā

"Therefore you too, foremost of kings, blessed with prosperity, give gifts to the brahmins so that supreme satisfaction may be theirs."

Verse 25 (padma.5.67.25)

एतच्छ्रुत्वा स राजाग्र्यः पूज्यं मत्वा घटोद्भवम् । प्रथमं पूजयामास ब्रह्मपुत्रं तपोधनम्

etacchrutvā sa rājāgryaḥ pūjyaṁ matvā ghaṭodbhavam prathamaṁ pūjayāmāsa brahmaputraṁ tapodhanam

Hearing this, that foremost king, considering him worthy of worship, first honored Ghatodbhava (Agastya), the son of Brahma, rich in austerity.

Verse 26 (padma.5.67.26)

अनेकरत्नसंभारैः स्वर्णभारैरनेकधा । देशैर्जनैः परिवृतैरत्यंतप्रीतिदायकैः

anekaratnasaṁbhāraiḥ svarṇabhārairanekadhā deśairjanaiḥ parivṛtairatyaṁtaprītidāyakaiḥ

With abundant heaps of jewels, with many loads of gold, and with lands and attendants that gave the greatest delight.

Verse 27 (padma.5.67.27)

अगस्त्यं पूजयामास सपत्नीकं मनोरमम् । तथैव रत्नैः स्वर्णैश्च देशैश्च विविधैरपि

agastyaṁ pūjayāmāsa sapatnīkaṁ manoramam tathaiva ratnaiḥ svarṇaiśca deśaiśca vividhairapi

He worshipped delightful Agastya together with his wife, likewise with jewels, gold, and various lands.

Verse 28 (padma.5.67.28)

व्यासं सत्यवतीपुत्रं तथैव समपूजयत् । च्यवनं भार्यया साकं सुरत्नैः समपूजयत्

vyāsaṁ satyavatīputraṁ tathaiva samapūjayat cyavanaṁ bhāryayā sākaṁ suratnaiḥ samapūjayat

Likewise he honored Vyasa, son of Satyavati, and honored Chyavana together with his wife, with fine jewels.

Verse 29 (padma.5.67.29)

अन्यानपि मुनीन्सर्वानृत्विजस्तपसां निधीन् । पूजयामास रत्नौघैः स्वर्णभारैरनेकधा

anyānapi munīnsarvānṛtvijastapasāṁ nidhīn pūjayāmāsa ratnaughaiḥ svarṇabhārairanekadhā

He worshipped also all the other sages and officiating priests, those treasuries of austerity, with heaps of jewels and many loads of gold.

Verse 30 (padma.5.67.30)

अदात्तदा क्रतौ रामो विप्रेभ्यो भूरिदक्षिणाम् । लक्षंलक्षं सुवर्णस्य प्रत्येकं त्वग्रजन्मने

adāttadā kratau rāmo viprebhyo bhūridakṣiṇām lakṣaṁlakṣaṁ suvarṇasya pratyekaṁ tvagrajanmane

Then at that sacrifice Rama gave abundant sacrificial fees to the brahmins — a hundred thousand pieces of gold to each of the twice-born.

Verse 31 (padma.5.67.31)

दीनांधकृपणेभ्यश्च ददौ दानमनेकधा । यथासंतोषविहितैर्वित्तै रत्नैर्मनोहरैः

dīnāṁdhakṛpaṇebhyaśca dadau dānamanekadhā yathāsaṁtoṣavihitairvittai ratnairmanoharaiḥ

And to the poor, the blind, and the destitute he gave manifold gifts, with wealth and beautiful jewels apportioned to satisfy each one.

Verse 32 (padma.5.67.32)

वासांसि च विचित्राणि भोजनानि मृदूनि च । तत्र प्रादाद्यथाशास्त्रं सर्वेषां प्रीतिदायकम्

vāsāṁsi ca vicitrāṇi bhojanāni mṛdūni ca tatra prādādyathāśāstraṁ sarveṣāṁ prītidāyakam

There, according to scriptural rule, he gave everyone garments of many colors and soft foods, gladdening all.

Verse 33 (padma.5.67.33)

हृष्टपुष्टजनाकीर्णं सर्वसत्त्वोपबृंहितम् । अत्यंतमभवद्धृष्टं पुरं पुंस्त्रीसमावृतम्

hṛṣṭapuṣṭajanākīrṇaṁ sarvasattvopabṛṁhitam atyaṁtamabhavaddhṛṣṭaṁ puraṁ puṁstrīsamāvṛtam

The city, filled with joyful, well-fed people, thriving with every kind of creature, crowded with men and women, became exceedingly joyous.

Verse 34 (padma.5.67.34)

दानं ददंतं सर्वेषां वीक्ष्य कुंभोद्भवो मुनिः । अत्यंतपरमप्रीतिं ययौ क्रतुवरे द्विजः

dānaṁ dadaṁtaṁ sarveṣāṁ vīkṣya kuṁbhodbhavo muniḥ atyaṁtaparamaprītiṁ yayau kratuvare dvijaḥ

Beholding him giving gifts to all, the sage Kumbhodbhava (Agastya) felt the utmost delight at that excellent sacrifice.

Verse 35 (padma.5.67.35)

तदाभिषेकस्नानार्थं पानीयममृतोपमम् । आनेतुं च चतुःषष्टि नृपान्सस्त्रीन्समाह्वयत्

tadābhiṣekasnānārthaṁ pānīyamamṛtopamam ānetuṁ ca catuḥṣaṣṭi nṛpānsastrīnsamāhvayat

Then, for the consecrating bath, he summoned sixty-four kings together with their wives to fetch water like nectar.

Verse 36 (padma.5.67.36)

रामस्तु सीतया सार्द्धमानेतुमुदकं ययौ । घटेन स्वर्णवर्णेन सर्वालंकारशोभया

rāmastu sītayā sārddhamānetumudakaṁ yayau ghaṭena svarṇavarṇena sarvālaṁkāraśobhayā

Rama himself, together with Sita, went to fetch the water, bearing a golden-hued pot resplendent with every ornament.

Verse 37 (padma.5.67.37)

सौमित्रिरप्यूर्मिलया मांडव्या भरतो नृपः । शत्रुघ्नः श्रुतकीर्त्या च कांतिमत्या च पुष्कलः

saumitrirapyūrmilayā māṁḍavyā bharato nṛpaḥ śatrughnaḥ śrutakīrtyā ca kāṁtimatyā ca puṣkalaḥ

Saumitri (Lakshmana) too went with Urmila; King Bharata with Mandavi; Shatrughna with Shrutakirti; and Pushkala with Kantimati.

Verse 38 (padma.5.67.38)

सुबाहुः सत्यवत्या च सत्यवान्वीरभूषया । सुमदस्तत्र सत्कीर्त्या राज्ञ्या च विमलो नृपः

subāhuḥ satyavatyā ca satyavānvīrabhūṣayā sumadastatra satkīrtyā rājñyā ca vimalo nṛpaḥ

Subahu with Satyavati; Satyavan with Virabhusha; Sumada with Satkirti; and King Vimala with his queen went there.

Verse 39 (padma.5.67.39)

राजावीरमणिस्तत्र श्रुतवत्या मनोज्ञया । लक्ष्मीनिधिः कोमलया रिपुतापोंगसेनया

rājāvīramaṇistatra śrutavatyā manojñayā lakṣmīnidhiḥ komalayā riputāpoṁgasenayā

King Viramani went there with the lovely Shrutavati; Lakshminidhi with Komala; Riputapa with Ungasena.

Verse 40 (padma.5.67.40)

विभीषणो महामूर्त्या प्रतापाग्र्यः प्रतीतया । उग्राश्वः कामगमया नीलरत्नोधिरम्यया

vibhīṣaṇo mahāmūrtyā pratāpāgryaḥ pratītayā ugrāśvaḥ kāmagamayā nīlaratnodhiramyayā

Vibhishana with Mahamurti; Pratapagrya with Pratita; Ugrashva with Kamagama; Nilaratnodhi with Ramya.

Verse 41 (padma.5.67.41)

सुरथः सुमनोहार्या तथा मोहनया कपिः । इत्यादीन्नृपतीन्विप्रो वसिष्ठः प्राहिणोन्मुनिः

surathaḥ sumanohāryā tathā mohanayā kapiḥ ityādīnnṛpatīnvipro vasiṣṭhaḥ prāhiṇonmuniḥ

Suratha with Sumanohara; and the monkey-lord (Hanuman) with Mohana — such kings as these did the sage Vasishtha send forth.

Verse 42 (padma.5.67.42)

वसिष्ठः सरयूं गत्वा शिवपुण्यजलाप्लुताम् । उदकं मंत्रयामास वेदमंत्रेण मंत्रवित्

vasiṣṭhaḥ sarayūṁ gatvā śivapuṇyajalāplutām udakaṁ maṁtrayāmāsa vedamaṁtreṇa maṁtravit

Vasishtha, having gone to the Sarayu whose waters are sacred, being skilled in mantras, consecrated the water with a Vedic hymn.

Verse 43 (padma.5.67.43)

पयः पुनीह्यमुं वाहमुदकेन मनोहृता । यज्ञार्थं रामचंद्रस्य सर्वलोकैकरक्षितुः

payaḥ punīhyamuṁ vāhamudakena manohṛtā yajñārthaṁ rāmacaṁdrasya sarvalokaikarakṣituḥ

"O water, purify this delightful steed with your waters, for the sake of the sacrifice of Ramachandra, the sole protector of all the worlds."

Verse 44 (padma.5.67.44)

उदकं तन्मुनिस्पृष्टं सर्वे रामादयो नृपाः । आजह्रुर्मंडपतले विप्रवर्यैरुपस्तुते

udakaṁ tanmunispṛṣṭaṁ sarve rāmādayo nṛpāḥ ājahrurmaṁḍapatale vipravaryairupastute

That water, touched and consecrated by the sage, all the kings headed by Rama carried to the sacrificial pavilion, praised by the foremost brahmins.

Verse 45 (padma.5.67.45)

पयोभिर्निर्मलैः स्नाप्य वाजिनं क्षीरसन्निभम् । मंत्रेण मंत्रयामास राम हस्तेन कुंभजः

payobhirnirmalaiḥ snāpya vājinaṁ kṣīrasannibham maṁtreṇa maṁtrayāmāsa rāma hastena kuṁbhajaḥ

Having bathed the horse, white as milk, with the pure waters, Kumbhaja (Agastya) consecrated it with a mantra, guided by Rama's own hand.

Verse 46 (padma.5.67.46)

पुनीहि मां महावाह अस्मिन्ब्रह्मसमाकुले । त्वन्मेधेनाखिला देवाः प्रीणंतु परितोषिताः

punīhi māṁ mahāvāha asminbrahmasamākule tvanmedhenākhilā devāḥ prīṇaṁtu paritoṣitāḥ

"Purify me, O great steed, in this assembly thronged with brahmins; through your sacrifice may all the gods be pleased and fully satisfied."

Verse 47 (padma.5.67.47)

इत्युक्त्वा स नृपो रामः सीतया सममस्पृशत् । तदा सर्वे द्विजाश्चित्रममन्यंत कुतूहलात्

ityuktvā sa nṛpo rāmaḥ sītayā samamaspṛśat tadā sarve dvijāścitramamanyaṁta kutūhalāt

Having said this, King Rama touched it together with Sita; then all the brahmins, filled with curiosity, thought it a wondrous thing.

Verse 48 (padma.5.67.48)

परस्परमवोचंस्ते यन्नामस्मरणान्नराः । महापापात्प्रमुच्यंते स रामः किं वदत्यहो

parasparamavocaṁste yannāmasmaraṇānnarāḥ mahāpāpātpramucyaṁte sa rāmaḥ kiṁ vadatyaho

They said to one another: "He, by whose mere name's remembrance men are freed from the greatest sin — that same Rama, what is he now saying? How wondrous!"

Verse 49 (padma.5.67.49)

इत्युक्तवति भूमीशे रामे कुंभोद्भवो मुनिः । करवालं चाभिमंत्र्य ददौ रामकरे मुनिः

ityuktavati bhūmīśe rāme kuṁbhodbhavo muniḥ karavālaṁ cābhimaṁtrya dadau rāmakare muniḥ

When the lord of the earth, Rama, had spoken thus, the sage Kumbhodbhava, having consecrated a sword with mantras, placed it in Rama's hand.

Verse 50 (padma.5.67.50)

करवाले धृते स्पृष्टे रामेण स हयः क्रतौ । पशुत्वं तु विहायाशु दिव्यरूपमपद्यत

karavāle dhṛte spṛṣṭe rāmeṇa sa hayaḥ kratau paśutvaṁ tu vihāyāśu divyarūpamapadyata

As soon as the sword was held and touched by Rama, that horse at once cast off its animal form and assumed a divine one.

Verse 51 (padma.5.67.51)

विमानवरमारूढश्चाप्सरोभिः समंततः । चामरैर्वीज्यमानश्च वैजयंत्या विभूषितः

vimānavaramārūḍhaścāpsarobhiḥ samaṁtataḥ cāmarairvījyamānaśca vaijayaṁtyā vibhūṣitaḥ

Mounted upon an excellent celestial chariot, surrounded on all sides by apsarases, fanned with chowries, and adorned with a garland of victory.

Verse 52 (padma.5.67.52)

तदा तं वाजितां त्यक्त्वा दिव्यरूपधरं वरम् । वीक्ष्य लोकाः क्रतौ सर्वे विस्मयं प्राप्नुवंस्तदा

tadā taṁ vājitāṁ tyaktvā divyarūpadharaṁ varam vīkṣya lokāḥ kratau sarve vismayaṁ prāpnuvaṁstadā

Seeing him thus, having abandoned his equine form and bearing an excellent divine shape, all the people at the sacrifice were struck with amazement.

Verse 53 (padma.5.67.53)

तदा रामः स्वयं जानञ्ज्ञापयन्सर्वतो नरान् । पप्रच्छ दिव्यरूपं तं सुरं परमधार्मिकः

tadā rāmaḥ svayaṁ jānañjñāpayansarvato narān papraccha divyarūpaṁ taṁ suraṁ paramadhārmikaḥ

Then Rama, though himself already knowing, yet so as to inform all the people present, being supremely righteous, questioned that divine being.

Verse 54 (padma.5.67.54)

कस्त्वं दिव्यवपुः प्राप्तः कस्मात्त्वं वाजितां गतः । कथं सुरस्त्रीसहितः किं चिकीर्षसि तद्वद

kastvaṁ divyavapuḥ prāptaḥ kasmāttvaṁ vājitāṁ gataḥ kathaṁ surastrīsahitaḥ kiṁ cikīrṣasi tadvada

"Who are you, who have attained a divine body? From what cause did you come to be a horse? How is it you are accompanied by celestial women? What do you intend to do — tell me this."

Verse 55 (padma.5.67.55)

रामस्य वचनं श्रुत्वा देवः प्रोवाच भूमिपम् । हसन्मेघरवां वाणीमवदत्सुमनोहराम्

rāmasya vacanaṁ śrutvā devaḥ provāca bhūmipam hasanmegharavāṁ vāṇīmavadatsumanoharām

Hearing Rama's words, the god replied to the king; smiling, he spoke in a voice deep as thunder, exceedingly lovely.

Verse 56 (padma.5.67.56)

तवाज्ञातं न सर्वत्र बाह्याभ्यंतरचारिणः । तथापि पृच्छते तुभ्यं कथयामि यथातथम्

tavājñātaṁ na sarvatra bāhyābhyaṁtaracāriṇaḥ tathāpi pṛcchate tubhyaṁ kathayāmi yathātatham

"Nothing anywhere is unknown to you, who move both without and within all things; yet since you ask, I shall tell you exactly as it happened."

Verse 57 (padma.5.67.57)

अहं पुराभवे राम द्विजः परमधार्मिकः । अचरं प्रतिकूलं वै वेदस्य रिपुतापन

ahaṁ purābhave rāma dvijaḥ paramadhārmikaḥ acaraṁ pratikūlaṁ vai vedasya riputāpana

"O Rama, scourge of enemies, in a former life I was a supremely righteous brahmin, and I never acted contrary to the Veda."

Verse 58 (padma.5.67.58)

कदाचिद्धुतपापायास्तीरेऽहं गतवान्पुरा । अनेकवृक्षललिते सर्वत्रसुमनोरमे

kadāciddhutapāpāyāstīre'haṁ gatavānpurā anekavṛkṣalalite sarvatrasumanorame

"Once, long ago, I went to the bank of the river Dhutapapa, charming everywhere with its many trees, exceedingly delightful."

Verse 59 (padma.5.67.59)

तत्र स्नात्वा पितॄंस्तृप्त्वा दानं दत्त्वा यथाविधि । ध्यानं तव महाबाहो कृतवान्वेदसंमितम्

tatra snātvā pitṝṁstṛptvā dānaṁ dattvā yathāvidhi dhyānaṁ tava mahābāho kṛtavānvedasaṁmitam

"There, having bathed, satisfied the ancestors, and given gifts according to rule, O mighty-armed one, I performed meditation upon you as enjoined by the Veda."

Verse 60 (padma.5.67.60)

तदा जनाः समायाता बहवस्तत्र भूपते । तेषां प्रवंचनार्थाय दंभमेनमकारिषम्

tadā janāḥ samāyātā bahavastatra bhūpate teṣāṁ pravaṁcanārthāya daṁbhamenamakāriṣam

"Then, O king, many people gathered there; and in order to deceive them I put on this show of false austerity."

Verse 61 (padma.5.67.61)

अनेकक्रतुसंभारैः पूर्णमजिरमुत्तमम् । वासोभिश्छादितं रम्यं चषालादियुतं महत्

anekakratusaṁbhāraiḥ pūrṇamajiramuttamam vāsobhiśchāditaṁ ramyaṁ caṣālādiyutaṁ mahat

"I filled an excellent courtyard with the paraphernalia of many rites, covered it with fine cloths, delightful and vast, furnished with the sacrificial post and the like."

Verse 62 (padma.5.67.62)

अग्निहोत्रोद्भवोधूमः सर्वतो नभसोंगणम् । चकार रम्यमतुलं चित्रकारिवपुर्धरः

agnihotrodbhavodhūmaḥ sarvato nabhasoṁgaṇam cakāra ramyamatulaṁ citrakārivapurdharaḥ

"Smoke rising from the fire-oblation filled the courtyard of the sky on every side, making it wondrously beautiful — while I wore the mere guise of a painted figure of a sage."

Verse 63 (padma.5.67.63)

अनेकतिलकश्रीभिः शोभितांगो महत्तपाः । दर्भशोभः समित्पाणिर्दंभो मूर्तिधरः किमु

anekatilakaśrībhiḥ śobhitāṁgo mahattapāḥ darbhaśobhaḥ samitpāṇirdaṁbho mūrtidharaḥ kimu

"My limbs adorned with the splendor of many sacred marks, seemingly a great ascetic, resplendent with kusha grass, sacrificial twigs in hand — was I not deceit itself given bodily form?"

Verse 64 (padma.5.67.64)

दुर्वासास्तत्र स्वच्छंदं पर्यटञ्जगतीतलम् । प्राप तत्र महातेजा धूतपापसरित्तटे

durvāsāstatra svacchaṁdaṁ paryaṭañjagatītalam prāpa tatra mahātejā dhūtapāpasarittaṭe

"There, the greatly powerful Durvasas, wandering freely over the surface of the earth, arrived at that very spot, on the bank of the river Dhutapapa."

Verse 65 (padma.5.67.65)

ददर्श मां दंभकरं मौनधारिणमग्रतः । अनर्घ्यकरमुन्मत्तमस्वागतवचः करम्

dadarśa māṁ daṁbhakaraṁ maunadhāriṇamagrataḥ anarghyakaramunmattamasvāgatavacaḥ karam

"He saw me before him, practicing deceit, keeping a show of silence, offering no proper hospitality, acting as if maddened, and speaking no word of welcome."

Verse 66 (padma.5.67.66)

दृष्ट्वातीव क्रुधाक्रांतः समुद्र इव पर्वणि । शशापासौ मुनिस्तीव्रो दंभिनं मां महामतिः

dṛṣṭvātīva krudhākrāṁtaḥ samudra iva parvaṇi śaśāpāsau munistīvro daṁbhinaṁ māṁ mahāmatiḥ

"Seeing this, he became exceedingly enraged, like the ocean on the day of the full moon; that great-minded, fierce sage cursed me, the hypocrite."

Verse 67 (padma.5.67.67)

दंभं करोषि चेत्तीरे सरितस्त्वं सुदुर्मते । तस्मात्प्राप्नुहि निर्वाच्यं पशुत्वं तापसाधम

daṁbhaṁ karoṣi cettīre saritastvaṁ sudurmate tasmātprāpnuhi nirvācyaṁ paśutvaṁ tāpasādhama

"'Since you practice hypocrisy on the bank of this river, O evil-minded one, therefore may you attain a base, unspeakable, animal existence, O worst of ascetics!'"

Verse 68 (padma.5.67.68)

शापं प्रदत्तं संश्रुत्य दुःखितोऽहं तदाभवम् । अग्राहिषं पदे तस्य मुनेर्दुर्वाससः किल

śāpaṁ pradattaṁ saṁśrutya duḥkhito'haṁ tadābhavam agrāhiṣaṁ pade tasya munerdurvāsasaḥ kila

"Hearing the curse pronounced, I became sorrowful, and I fell at the feet of the sage Durvasas."

Verse 69 (padma.5.67.69)

तदा मे कृतवान्राम द्विजोऽनुग्रहमुत्तमम् । वाजितां प्राप्नुहि मखे राजराजस्य तापस

tadā me kṛtavānrāma dvijo'nugrahamuttamam vājitāṁ prāpnuhi makhe rājarājasya tāpasa

"O Rama, then that brahmin showed me supreme grace, saying: 'O ascetic, you shall take the form of a horse at the sacrifice of the king of kings.'"

Verse 70 (padma.5.67.70)

पश्चात्तद्धस्तसंपर्काद्याहि तत्परमं पदम् । दिव्यं वपुर्मनोहारि धृत्वा दंभविवर्जितम्

paścāttaddhastasaṁparkādyāhi tatparamaṁ padam divyaṁ vapurmanohāri dhṛtvā daṁbhavivarjitam

"'Afterward, through the touch of his hand, you shall go to that supreme abode, assuming a lovely divine form, freed from all hypocrisy.'"

Verse 71 (padma.5.67.71)

तेन शापोपिसंदिष्टो ममानुग्रहतां गतः । यदहं तव हस्तस्य स्पर्शं प्राप्तो मनोरमम्

tena śāpopisaṁdiṣṭo mamānugrahatāṁ gataḥ yadahaṁ tava hastasya sparśaṁ prāpto manoramam

"Thus, though under a curse, I was in effect blessed by him, since I have obtained the lovely touch of your hand."

Verse 72 (padma.5.67.72)

यदेव राम देवादिदुर्लभं बहुजन्मभिः । तत्तेऽहं करजस्पर्शं प्राप्तवानिह दुर्लभम्

yadeva rāma devādidurlabhaṁ bahujanmabhiḥ tatte'haṁ karajasparśaṁ prāptavāniha durlabham

"O Rama, that very touch of your fingers, hard to obtain even by the gods through many births, I have here obtained — a thing most rare."

Verse 73 (padma.5.67.73)

आज्ञापय महाराज त्वत्प्रसादादहं महत् । गच्छामि शाश्वतं स्थानं तव दुःखादिवर्जितम्

ājñāpaya mahārāja tvatprasādādahaṁ mahat gacchāmi śāśvataṁ sthānaṁ tava duḥkhādivarjitam

"Grant me leave, O great king; by your grace I now go to that great eternal abode, free from sorrow and all such ills."

Verse 74 (padma.5.67.74)

न यत्र शोको न जरा न मृत्युः कालविभ्रमः । तत्स्थानं देव गच्छामि त्वत्प्रसादान्नराधिप

na yatra śoko na jarā na mṛtyuḥ kālavibhramaḥ tatsthānaṁ deva gacchāmi tvatprasādānnarādhipa

"That place where there is no grief, no old age, no death, no delusion of time — to that place, O lord of men, I go by your grace."

Verse 75 (padma.5.67.75)

इत्युक्त्वा तं परिक्रम्य विमानवरमारुहत् । अनेकरत्नखचितं सर्वदेवाधिवंदितम्

ityuktvā taṁ parikramya vimānavaramāruhat anekaratnakhacitaṁ sarvadevādhivaṁditam

Having said this and circumambulated him, he mounted an excellent celestial chariot, studded with many jewels, revered by all the gods.

Verse 76 (padma.5.67.76)

गतोऽसौ शाश्वतस्थानं रामपादप्रसादतः । पुनरावृत्तिरहितं शोकमोहविवर्जितम्

gato'sau śāśvatasthānaṁ rāmapādaprasādataḥ punarāvṛttirahitaṁ śokamohavivarjitam

He went to that eternal abode, by the grace of Rama's feet — a place without return, free from grief and delusion.

Verse 77 (padma.5.67.77)

तेन तत्कथितं श्रुत्वा रामं ज्ञात्वेतरे जनाः । विस्मयं प्रापिरे सर्वे परस्परमुदुन्मदाः

tena tatkathitaṁ śrutvā rāmaṁ jñātvetare janāḥ vismayaṁ prāpire sarve parasparamudunmadāḥ

Hearing what he had told, and thereby recognizing Rama's true nature, all the other people were struck with wonder and exclaimed to one another in great excitement.

Verse 78 (padma.5.67.78)

शृणु द्विजमहाबुद्धे दंभेनापि स्मृतो हरिः । ददाति मोक्षं सुतरां किं पुनर्दंभवर्जनात्

śṛṇu dvijamahābuddhe daṁbhenāpi smṛto hariḥ dadāti mokṣaṁ sutarāṁ kiṁ punardaṁbhavarjanāt

"Listen, O wise brahmin: Hari, remembered even through hypocrisy, grants liberation with ease — how much more, then, when hypocrisy is set aside!"

Verse 79 (padma.5.67.79)

यथाकथंचिद्रामस्य कर्तव्यं स्मरणं परम् । येन प्राप्नोति परमं पदं देवादिदुर्लभम्

yathākathaṁcidrāmasya kartavyaṁ smaraṇaṁ param yena prāpnoti paramaṁ padaṁ devādidurlabham

"By whatever means, the remembrance of Rama alone must be practiced, by which one attains the supreme abode, hard to obtain even for the gods."

Verse 80 (padma.5.67.80)

तच्चित्रं वीक्ष्य मुनयः कृतार्थं मेनिरे निजम् । यद्रामचरणप्रेक्षा करस्पर्शपवित्रितम्

taccitraṁ vīkṣya munayaḥ kṛtārthaṁ menire nijam yadrāmacaraṇaprekṣā karasparśapavitritam

Beholding that wonder, the sages considered themselves fulfilled, for the sight of Rama's feet and the touch of his hand alone had purified it.

Verse 81 (padma.5.67.81)

गते तस्मिन्सुरे स्वर्गं हयरूपधरे पुरा । उवाच रामस्तपसां निधीन्वेदविदुत्तमान्

gate tasminsure svargaṁ hayarūpadhare purā uvāca rāmastapasāṁ nidhīnvedaviduttamān

When that god, who had earlier borne the form of a horse, had gone to heaven, Rama spoke to the sages, those treasuries of austerity, foremost knowers of the Veda.

Verse 82 (padma.5.67.82)

किं कर्तव्यं मयाब्रह्मन्हयो नष्टो गतः सुखम् । होमः कथं पुरोभावी सर्वदैवततर्पकः

kiṁ kartavyaṁ mayābrahmanhayo naṣṭo gataḥ sukham homaḥ kathaṁ purobhāvī sarvadaivatatarpakaḥ

"O brahmins, what am I now to do? The horse is lost, having gone happily away. How is the oblation that lies ahead, satisfying all the gods, now to be performed?"

Verse 83 (padma.5.67.83)

यथा स्यात्सुरसंतृप्तिर्यथा मे मख उत्तमः । तथा कुर्वंतु मुनयो यथा मे स्याद्विधिश्रुतम्

yathā syātsurasaṁtṛptiryathā me makha uttamaḥ tathā kurvaṁtu munayo yathā me syādvidhiśrutam

"Let the sages act so that the gods may be fully satisfied and my sacrifice may be excellent, in accordance with the rite as prescribed."

Verse 84 (padma.5.67.84)

इति वाक्यं समाश्रुत्य जगाद मुनिसत्तमः । वसिष्ठः सर्वदेवानां चित्ताभिज्ञानकोविदः

iti vākyaṁ samāśrutya jagāda munisattamaḥ vasiṣṭhaḥ sarvadevānāṁ cittābhijñānakovidaḥ

Having heard these words, the foremost of sages, Vasishtha, skilled in knowing the minds of all the gods, spoke.

Verse 85 (padma.5.67.85)

कर्पूरमाहर क्षिप्रं येन देवाः स्वयं पुरा । प्राप्य हव्यं ग्रहीष्यंति मद्वाक्यप्रेरिताधुना

karpūramāhara kṣipraṁ yena devāḥ svayaṁ purā prāpya havyaṁ grahīṣyaṁti madvākyapreritādhunā

"Bring camphor quickly, by which the gods themselves, as of old, prompted now by my word, will readily receive and accept the oblation."

Verse 86 (padma.5.67.86)

इति वाक्यं समाकर्ण्य रामः क्षिप्रमुपाहरत् । कर्पूरं बहुदेवानां प्रीत्यर्थं बहुशोभनम्

iti vākyaṁ samākarṇya rāmaḥ kṣipramupāharat karpūraṁ bahudevānāṁ prītyarthaṁ bahuśobhanam

Hearing these words, Rama swiftly brought forth much excellent camphor, for the delight of the many gods.

Verse 87 (padma.5.67.87)

तदा मुनिः प्रहृष्टात्मा देवानाह्वयदद्भुतान् । ते सर्वे तत्क्षणात्प्राप्ताः स्वपरीवारसंवृताः

tadā muniḥ prahṛṣṭātmā devānāhvayadadbhutān te sarve tatkṣaṇātprāptāḥ svaparīvārasaṁvṛtāḥ

Then the sage, his heart filled with joy, invoked the wondrous gods; and all of them arrived at that very moment, surrounded by their own retinues.