The Building of the Bridge

Verse 1 (skanda.3.2.1)

ऋषय ऊचुः । कथं सूत महाभाग रामेणाक्लिष्टकर्मणा । सेतुर्बद्धो नदीनाथे ह्यगाधे वरुणालये

ṛṣaya ūcuḥ kathaṁ sūta mahābhāga rāmeṇākliṣṭakarmaṇā seturbaddho nadīnāthe hyagādhe varuṇālaye

The sages said: How, O Suta of great fortune, was the bridge built by Rama, of unwearied deeds, upon the fathomless lord of rivers, the abode of Varuna?

Verse 2 (skanda.3.2.2)

सेतौ च कति तीर्थानि गंधमादनपर्वते । एतन्नः श्रद्दधानानां ब्रूहि पौराणिकोत्तम

setau ca kati tīrthāni gaṁdhamādanaparvate etannaḥ śraddadhānānāṁ brūhi paurāṇikottama

And how many sacred fords are there at the Setu, on Mount Gandhamadana? Tell this to us, who are full of faith, O foremost of narrators of the Puranas.

Verse 3 (skanda.3.2.3)

श्रीसूत उवाच । रामेण हि यथासेतुर्निबद्धो वरुणालये । तदहं संप्रवक्ष्यामि युष्माकं मुनिपुंगवाः

śrīsūta uvāca rāmeṇa hi yathāseturnibaddho varuṇālaye tadahaṁ saṁpravakṣyāmi yuṣmākaṁ munipuṁgavāḥ

Shri Suta said: Just as the bridge was built by Rama upon the abode of Varuna, that I shall relate to you, O foremost of sages.

Verse 4 (skanda.3.2.4)

आज्ञया हि पितू रामो न्यवसद्दंडकानने । सीतालक्ष्मणसंयुक्तः पंचवट्यां समाहितः

ājñayā hi pitū rāmo nyavasaddaṁḍakānane sītālakṣmaṇasaṁyuktaḥ paṁcavaṭyāṁ samāhitaḥ

By his father's command, Rama dwelt in the Dandaka forest, together with Sita and Lakshmana, settled at Panchavati.

Verse 5 (skanda.3.2.5)

तस्मिन्निव सतस्तस्य राघवस्य महात्मनः । रावणेन हृता भार्या मारीचच्छद्मना द्विजाः

tasminniva satastasya rāghavasya mahātmanaḥ rāvaṇena hṛtā bhāryā mārīcacchadmanā dvijāḥ

While the great-souled Raghava dwelt there, O brahmins, his wife was abducted by Ravana, through the deception of Maricha.

Verse 6 (skanda.3.2.6)

मार्गमाणो वने भार्यां रामो दशरथात्मजः । पंपातीरे जगा मासौ शोकमोहसमन्वितः

mārgamāṇo vane bhāryāṁ rāmo daśarathātmajaḥ paṁpātīre jagā māsau śokamohasamanvitaḥ

Rama, son of Dasharatha, searching for his wife in the forest, overcome with grief and bewilderment, went with Lakshmana to the bank of the Pampa.

Verse 7 (skanda.3.2.7)

दृष्टवान्वानरं तत्र कंचिद्दशरथात्मजः । वानरेणाथ पृष्टोऽयं को भवानिति राघवः

dṛṣṭavānvānaraṁ tatra kaṁciddaśarathātmajaḥ vānareṇātha pṛṣṭo'yaṁ ko bhavāniti rāghavaḥ

There, the son of Dasharatha saw a certain vanara; and that vanara asked Raghava, "Who are you?"

Verse 8 (skanda.3.2.8)

आदितः स्वस्य वृत्तांत्तं तस्मै प्रोवाच तत्त्वतः । अथ राघवसंपृष्टो वानरः को भवानिति

āditaḥ svasya vṛttāṁttaṁ tasmai provāca tattvataḥ atha rāghavasaṁpṛṣṭo vānaraḥ ko bhavāniti

He truly related his own history to him from the beginning; then, questioned in turn by Raghava, the vanara was asked, "Who are you?"

Verse 9 (skanda.3.2.9)

सोपि विज्ञापयामास राघवाय महात्मने । अहं सुग्रीवसचिवो हनूमा न्नाम वानरः

sopi vijñāpayāmāsa rāghavāya mahātmane ahaṁ sugrīvasacivo hanūmā nnāma vānaraḥ

He too made it known to the great-souled Raghava: "I am a vanara named Hanuman, minister of Sugriva.

Verse 10 (skanda.3.2.10)

तेन च प्रेरितोऽभ्यागां युवाभ्यां सख्यमिच्छता । आगच्छतं तद्भद्रं वां सुग्रीवांतिकमाशु वै

tena ca prerito'bhyāgāṁ yuvābhyāṁ sakhyamicchatā āgacchataṁ tadbhadraṁ vāṁ sugrīvāṁtikamāśu vai

And I have come, sent by him, who desires friendship with you both. Come, may good befall you both — come quickly to Sugriva's presence."

Verse 11 (skanda.3.2.11)

तथास्त्विति स रामो पि तेन साकं मुनीश्वराः । सुग्रीवांतिकमागप्य सख्यं चक्रेऽग्निसाक्षिकम्

tathāstviti sa rāmo pi tena sākaṁ munīśvarāḥ sugrīvāṁtikamāgapya sakhyaṁ cakre'gnisākṣikam

"So be it," said Rama; and, O lords of sages, going with him to Sugriva's presence, he made friendship with fire as witness.

Verse 12 (skanda.3.2.12)

प्रतिजज्ञेऽथ रामोऽपि तस्मै वालिवधं प्रति । सुग्रीवश्चापि वै देह्याः पुनरानयनं द्विजाः

pratijajñe'tha rāmo'pi tasmai vālivadhaṁ prati sugrīvaścāpi vai dehyāḥ punarānayanaṁ dvijāḥ

Then Rama vowed to him to slay Vali; and Sugriva, O brahmins, vowed to bring back his wife.

Verse 13 (skanda.3.2.13)

इत्येवं समयं कृत्वा विश्वास्य च परस्परम् । मुदा परमया युक्तौ नरेश्वरकपीश्वरौ

ityevaṁ samayaṁ kṛtvā viśvāsya ca parasparam mudā paramayā yuktau nareśvarakapīśvarau

Thus having made this pact, and having gained trust in each other, the lord of men and the lord of monkeys were filled with supreme joy.

Verse 14 (skanda.3.2.14)

आसाते ब्राह्मणश्रेष्ठा ऋष्यमूकगिरौ तथा । सुग्रीवप्रत्ययार्थं च दुंदुभेः कायमाशु वै

āsāte brāhmaṇaśreṣṭhā ṛṣyamūkagirau tathā sugrīvapratyayārthaṁ ca duṁdubheḥ kāyamāśu vai

O best of brahmins, they remained upon Mount Rishyamuka; and, for the sake of Sugriva's confidence, Rama showed him at once the body of Dundubhi.

Verse 15 (skanda.3.2.15)

पादांगुष्ठेन चिक्षेप राघवो बहुयोजनम् । सप्तताला विनिर्भिन्ना राघवेण महात्मना

pādāṁguṣṭhena cikṣepa rāghavo bahuyojanam saptatālā vinirbhinnā rāghaveṇa mahātmanā

Raghava flung it away many yojanas with his big toe; and by the great-souled Raghava, seven Sala trees were pierced through.

Verse 16 (skanda.3.2.16)

ततः प्रीतमना वीरः सुग्रीवो राममब्रवीत् । इंद्रादिदेवताभ्योऽपि नास्ति राघव मे भयम्

tataḥ prītamanā vīraḥ sugrīvo rāmamabravīt iṁdrādidevatābhyo'pi nāsti rāghava me bhayam

Then the hero Sugriva, his mind delighted, said to Rama: "O Raghava, I have no fear now even of Indra and the other gods,

Verse 17 (skanda.3.2.17)

भवान्मित्रं मया लब्धो यस्मादति पराक्रमः । अहं लंकेश्वरं हत्वा भार्यामानयितास्मि ते

bhavānmitraṁ mayā labdho yasmādati parākramaḥ ahaṁ laṁkeśvaraṁ hatvā bhāryāmānayitāsmi te

since I have obtained you as a friend, one of such surpassing valor. I shall slay the lord of Lanka and bring back your wife to you."

Verse 18 (skanda.3.2.18)

ततः सुग्रीवसहितो रामचंद्रो महाबलः । सलक्ष्मणो ययौ तूर्णं किष्किंधां वालिपालिताम्

tataḥ sugrīvasahito rāmacaṁdro mahābalaḥ salakṣmaṇo yayau tūrṇaṁ kiṣkiṁdhāṁ vālipālitām

Then the mighty Ramachandra, together with Sugriva and Lakshmana, went swiftly to Kishkindha, ruled by Vali.

Verse 19 (skanda.3.2.19)

ततो जगर्ज सुग्रीवो वाल्यागमनकांक्षया । अमृष्यमाणो वाली च गर्जितं स्वानुजस्य वै

tato jagarja sugrīvo vālyāgamanakāṁkṣayā amṛṣyamāṇo vālī ca garjitaṁ svānujasya vai

Then Sugriva roared, desiring Vali's approach; and Vali, unable to bear the roar of his younger brother —

Verse 20 (skanda.3.2.20)

अंतःपुराद्विनिष्क्रम्य युयुधेऽवरजेन सः । वालिमुष्टिप्रहारेण ताडितो भृशविह्वलः

aṁtaḥpurādviniṣkramya yuyudhe'varajena saḥ vālimuṣṭiprahāreṇa tāḍito bhṛśavihvalaḥ

— came out from his inner apartments and fought with his younger brother; struck by Vali's fist-blows, Sugriva was greatly overwhelmed.

Verse 21 (skanda.3.2.21)

सुग्रीवो निर्गतस्तूर्णं यत्र रामो महाबलः । ततो रामो महाबाहुस्सुग्रीवस्य शिरोधरे

sugrīvo nirgatastūrṇaṁ yatra rāmo mahābalaḥ tato rāmo mahābāhussugrīvasya śirodhare

Sugriva ran swiftly to where the mighty Rama was; then the mighty-armed Rama, upon Sugriva's neck —

Verse 22 (skanda.3.2.22)

लतामाबध्य चिह्नं तु युद्धायाचोदयत्तदा । गर्जितेन समाहूय सुग्रीवो वालिनं पुनः

latāmābadhya cihnaṁ tu yuddhāyācodayattadā garjitena samāhūya sugrīvo vālinaṁ punaḥ

— tied a creeper as a sign, and then urged him to fight again. Sugriva, calling out Vali once more with a roar —

Verse 23 (skanda.3.2.23)

रामप्रेरणया तेन बाहुयुद्धमथाकरोत् । ततो वालिनमाजघ्ने शरेणैकेन राघवः

rāmapreraṇayā tena bāhuyuddhamathākarot tato vālinamājaghne śareṇaikena rāghavaḥ

— and, urged by Rama, then engaged him in a hand-to-hand fight. Then Raghava struck down Vali with a single arrow.

Verse 24 (skanda.3.2.24)

हते वालिनि सुग्रीवः किष्किंधां प्रत्यपद्यत । ततो वर्षास्वतीतासु सुग्रीवो वानराधिपः

hate vālini sugrīvaḥ kiṣkiṁdhāṁ pratyapadyata tato varṣāsvatītāsu sugrīvo vānarādhipaḥ

When Vali was slain, Sugriva took possession of Kishkindha. Then, when the rains had passed, Sugriva, lord of the vanaras —

Verse 25 (skanda.3.2.25)

सीतामानयितुं तूर्णं वानराणां महाचमूम् । समादाय समागच्छदंतिकं नृपपुत्रयोः

sītāmānayituṁ tūrṇaṁ vānarāṇāṁ mahācamūm samādāya samāgacchadaṁtikaṁ nṛpaputrayoḥ

— swiftly gathering a great army of vanaras to bring back Sita, came into the presence of the two princes.

Verse 26 (skanda.3.2.26)

प्रस्थापयामास कपीन्सीतान्वेषणकांक्षया । विदितायां तु वैदेह्या लंकायां वायुसूनुना

prasthāpayāmāsa kapīnsītānveṣaṇakāṁkṣayā viditāyāṁ tu vaidehyā laṁkāyāṁ vāyusūnunā

He sent forth the monkeys, desiring to search for Sita. And when Vaidehi's presence in Lanka had been ascertained by Hanuman, the son of Vayu —

Verse 27 (skanda.3.2.27)

दत्ते चूडामणौ चापि राघवो हर्षशोकवान् । सुग्रीवेणानुजेनापि वायुपुत्रेण धीमता

datte cūḍāmaṇau cāpi rāghavo harṣaśokavān sugrīveṇānujenāpi vāyuputreṇa dhīmatā

— and when her crest-jewel had also been delivered, Raghava was filled with both joy and sorrow, together with Sugriva, his younger brother Lakshmana, and the wise son of Vayu —

Verse 28 (skanda.3.2.28)

तथान्यैः कपिभिश्चैव जांबवन्नलमुख्यकैः । अन्वीयमानो रामोऽसौ मुहूर्तेऽभिजिति द्विजाः

tathānyaiḥ kapibhiścaiva jāṁbavannalamukhyakaiḥ anvīyamāno rāmo'sau muhūrte'bhijiti dvijāḥ

— and with the other monkeys headed by Jambavan and Nala, Rama, thus accompanied, O brahmins, at the auspicious moment of Abhijit —

Verse 29 (skanda.3.2.29)

विलंघ्य विविधा न्देशान्महेंद्रं पर्वतं ययौ । चक्रतीर्थं ततो गत्वा निवासमकरोत्तदा

vilaṁghya vividhā ndeśānmaheṁdraṁ parvataṁ yayau cakratīrthaṁ tato gatvā nivāsamakarottadā

— having crossed over various countries, went to Mount Mahendra; and then, going to Chakratirtha, he made his abode there.

Verse 30 (skanda.3.2.30)

तत्रैव तु स धर्मात्मा समागच्छद्विभीषणः । भ्राता वै राक्षसेंद्रस्य चतुर्भिः सचिवैः सह

tatraiva tu sa dharmātmā samāgacchadvibhīṣaṇaḥ bhrātā vai rākṣaseṁdrasya caturbhiḥ sacivaiḥ saha

There indeed the righteous-souled Vibhishana, brother of the lord of the rakshasas, came, together with four ministers.

Verse 31 (skanda.3.2.31)

प्रतिजग्राह रामस्तं स्वागतेन महात्मना । सुग्रीवस्य तु शंकाऽभूत्प्रणिधिः स्यादयं त्विति

pratijagrāha rāmastaṁ svāgatena mahātmanā sugrīvasya tu śaṁkā'bhūtpraṇidhiḥ syādayaṁ tviti

The great-souled Rama received him with welcome; but Sugriva harbored a doubt: "Might this one be a spy?"

Verse 32 (skanda.3.2.32)

राघवस्तस्य चेष्टाभिः सम्यक्स्वचरितैर्हितैः । अदुष्टमेनं दृष्ट्वैव तत एनमपूजयत्

rāghavastasya ceṣṭābhiḥ samyaksvacaritairhitaiḥ aduṣṭamenaṁ dṛṣṭvaiva tata enamapūjayat

But Raghava, by his conduct and his own upright and beneficial demeanor, recognizing him to be free of malice, thereupon honored him.

Verse 33 (skanda.3.2.33)

सर्वराक्षसराज्ये तमभ्यषिंचद्विभीषणम् । चक्रे च मंत्रिप्रवरं सदृशं रविसूनुना

sarvarākṣasarājye tamabhyaṣiṁcadvibhīṣaṇam cakre ca maṁtripravaraṁ sadṛśaṁ ravisūnunā

He consecrated that Vibhishana to the sovereignty of all the rakshasas, and made him, equal in dignity, a foremost minister together with the son of the sun, Sugriva.

Verse 34 (skanda.3.2.34)

चक्रतीर्थं समासाद्य निवसद्रघुनंदनः । चिंतयन्राघवः श्रीमान्सुग्रीवादीनभाषत

cakratīrthaṁ samāsādya nivasadraghunaṁdanaḥ ciṁtayanrāghavaḥ śrīmānsugrīvādīnabhāṣata

Having reached Chakratirtha, the delight of the Raghu race dwelt there; and glorious Raghava, reflecting, spoke to Sugriva and the others —

Verse 35 (skanda.3.2.35)

मध्ये वानरमु ख्यानां प्राप्तकालमिदं वचः । उपायः को नु भवतामेतत्सागरलंघने

madhye vānaramu khyānāṁ prāptakālamidaṁ vacaḥ upāyaḥ ko nu bhavatāmetatsāgaralaṁghane

— this timely word, in the midst of the chief vanaras: "What means do you have for crossing this ocean?

Verse 36 (skanda.3.2.36)

इयं च महती सेना सागरश्चापि दुस्तरः । अंभोराशिरयं नीलश्चंचलोर्म्मिसमाकुलः

iyaṁ ca mahatī senā sāgaraścāpi dustaraḥ aṁbhorāśirayaṁ nīlaścaṁcalormmisamākulaḥ

This is a vast army, and the ocean too is difficult to cross — this dark mass of waters, filled with restless waves,

Verse 37 (skanda.3.2.37)

उद्यन्मत्स्यो महानक्रशंखशुक्तिसमाकुलः । क्वचिदौर्वानलाक्रांतः फेनवानतिभीषणः

udyanmatsyo mahānakraśaṁkhaśuktisamākulaḥ kvacidaurvānalākrāṁtaḥ phenavānatibhīṣaṇaḥ

leaping with fish, filled with great crocodiles, conches, and shells, in places overtaken by the submarine fire, foam-covered and utterly dreadful —

Verse 38 (skanda.3.2.38)

प्रकृष्टपवनाकृष्टनीलमेघसमन्वितः । प्रलयांभोधरारावः सारवाननिलोद्धतः

prakṛṣṭapavanākṛṣṭanīlameghasamanvitaḥ pralayāṁbhodharārāvaḥ sāravānaniloddhataḥ

— accompanied by dark clouds drawn by powerful winds, roaring like the clouds of dissolution, mighty and stirred up by the wind —

Verse 39 (skanda.3.2.39)

कथं सागरमक्षोभ्यं तरामो वरुणा लयम् । सैन्यैः परिवृताः सर्वे वानराणां महौजसाम्

kathaṁ sāgaramakṣobhyaṁ tarāmo varuṇā layam sainyaiḥ parivṛtāḥ sarve vānarāṇāṁ mahaujasām

— how shall we cross this immovable ocean, the abode of Varuna, surrounded as we all are by the armies of the mighty vanaras?

Verse 40 (skanda.3.2.40)

उपायैरधिगच्छामो यथा नदनदीपतिम् । कथं तरामः सहसा ससैन्या वरुणालयम्

upāyairadhigacchāmo yathā nadanadīpatim kathaṁ tarāmaḥ sahasā sasainyā varuṇālayam

By what means may we approach the lord of rivers and streams? How shall we cross at once, with our army, the abode of Varuna?

Verse 41 (skanda.3.2.41)

शतयोजनमायातं मनसापि दुरासदम् । अतो नु विघ्ना बहवः कथं प्राप्या च मैथिली

śatayojanamāyātaṁ manasāpi durāsadam ato nu vighnā bahavaḥ kathaṁ prāpyā ca maithilī

It extends a hundred yojanas, hard to reach even by thought. So there are indeed many obstacles — how then shall Maithili be recovered?

Verse 42 (skanda.3.2.42)

कष्टात्कष्टतरं प्राप्ता वयमद्य निराश्रयाः । महाजले महावाते समुद्रे हि निराश्रये

kaṣṭātkaṣṭataraṁ prāptā vayamadya nirāśrayāḥ mahājale mahāvāte samudre hi nirāśraye

We have today fallen from difficulty into still greater difficulty, without refuge, before this great expanse of water, great wind, and shelterless ocean.

Verse 43 (skanda.3.2.43)

उपायं कं विधास्यामस्तरणार्थं वनौकसाम् । राज्याद्भ्रष्टो वनं प्राप्तो हृता सीता मृतः पिता

upāyaṁ kaṁ vidhāsyāmastaraṇārthaṁ vanaukasām rājyādbhraṣṭo vanaṁ prāpto hṛtā sītā mṛtaḥ pitā

What means shall we devise for the crossing of the forest-dwellers? I have fallen from my kingdom, come to the forest, my Sita has been abducted, my father is dead —

Verse 44 (skanda.3.2.44)

इतोऽपि दुःसहं दुःखं यत्सागरविलंघनम् । धिग्धिग्गर्जितमंभोधे धिगेतां वारिराशिताम्

ito'pi duḥsahaṁ duḥkhaṁ yatsāgaravilaṁghanam dhigdhiggarjitamaṁbhodhe dhigetāṁ vārirāśitām

— and beyond even this, the crossing of the ocean is an unbearable sorrow. Shame, shame upon your roaring, O ocean! Shame upon this mass of waters!

Verse 45 (skanda.3.2.45)

कथं तद्वचनं मिथ्या महर्षेः कुम्भजन्मनः । हत्वा त्वं रावणं पापं पवित्रे गंधमादने । पापोपशमनायाशु गच्छस्वेति यदीरितम्

kathaṁ tadvacanaṁ mithyā maharṣeḥ kumbhajanmanaḥ hatvā tvaṁ rāvaṇaṁ pāpaṁ pavitre gaṁdhamādane pāpopaśamanāyāśu gacchasveti yadīritam

How could that word of the great sage born of the pot, Agastya, prove false — which was declared: 'Having slain the sinful Ravana, go quickly to sacred Gandhamadana for the removal of sin'?"

Verse 46 (skanda.3.2.46)

श्रीसूत उवाच । इति रामवचः श्रुत्वा सुग्रीवप्रमुखास्तदा

śrīsūta uvāca iti rāmavacaḥ śrutvā sugrīvapramukhāstadā

Shri Suta said: Having heard these words of Rama, Sugriva and the other chiefs then —

Verse 47 (skanda.3.2.47)

ऊचुः प्रांजलयः संर्मे राघवं तं महाबलम् । नौभिरेनं तरिष्यामः प्लवैश्च विविधैरिति

ūcuḥ prāṁjalayaḥ saṁrme rāghavaṁ taṁ mahābalam naubhirenaṁ tariṣyāmaḥ plavaiśca vividhairiti

— with joined palms, said together to that mighty Raghava, "We shall cross this by boats and by various rafts."

Verse 48 (skanda.3.2.48)

मध्ये वानरकोटीनां तदोवाच विभीषणः । समुद्रं राघवो राजा शरणं गन्तुमर्हति

madhye vānarakoṭīnāṁ tadovāca vibhīṣaṇaḥ samudraṁ rāghavo rājā śaraṇaṁ gantumarhati

Then, in the midst of the crores of vanaras, Vibhishana said: "Raghava, our king, ought to go to the ocean for refuge.

Verse 49 (skanda.3.2.49)

खनितः सागरैरेष समुद्रो वरुणालयः । कर्तुमर्हति रामस्य तज्ज्ञातेः कार्यमंबुधिः

khanitaḥ sāgaraireṣa samudro varuṇālayaḥ kartumarhati rāmasya tajjñāteḥ kāryamaṁbudhiḥ

This ocean, the abode of Varuna, was dug out by the Sagaras; the ocean ought to do the work of Rama, who is of that same lineage."

Verse 50 (skanda.3.2.50)

विभीषणेनैवमुक्तो राक्षसेन विपश्चिता । सांत्वयन्राघवः सर्वान्वानरानिदमब्रवीत्

vibhīṣaṇenaivamukto rākṣasena vipaścitā sāṁtvayanrāghavaḥ sarvānvānarānidamabravīt

Thus addressed by the wise rakshasa Vibhishana, Raghava, consoling all the vanaras, said this:

Verse 51 (skanda.3.2.51)

शतयोजन विस्तारमशक्ताः सर्ववानराः । तर्तुं प्लवोडुपैरेनं समुद्रमतिभीषणम्

śatayojana vistāramaśaktāḥ sarvavānarāḥ tartuṁ plavoḍupairenaṁ samudramatibhīṣaṇam

"All the vanaras are unable to cross, by rafts and boats, this most dreadful ocean, a hundred yojanas in extent.

Verse 52 (skanda.3.2.52)

नावो न संति सेनाया बह्व्या वानरपुंगवाः । वणिजामुपघातं च कथमस्मद्विधश्चरेत्

nāvo na saṁti senāyā bahvyā vānarapuṁgavāḥ vaṇijāmupaghātaṁ ca kathamasmadvidhaścaret

There are no boats, O foremost of vanaras, for so vast an army; and how could one such as ourselves cause harm to merchants?

Verse 53 (skanda.3.2.53)

विस्तीर्णं चैव नः सैन्यं हन्याच्छिद्रेषु वा परः । प्लवोडुपप्रतारोऽतो नैवात्र मम रोचते

vistīrṇaṁ caiva naḥ sainyaṁ hanyācchidreṣu vā paraḥ plavoḍupapratāro'to naivātra mama rocate

Our army, moreover, is vast, and an enemy might strike at its weak points; therefore, crossing by rafts and boats does not please me here at all.

Verse 54 (skanda.3.2.54)

विभीषेणोक्तमे वेदं मोदते मम वानराः । अहं त्विमं जलनिधिमुपास्ये मार्गसिद्धये

vibhīṣeṇoktame vedaṁ modate mama vānarāḥ ahaṁ tvimaṁ jalanidhimupāsye mārgasiddhaye

What Vibhishana has said, this pleases my vanaras well. I myself shall propitiate this ocean, for the sake of finding a way.

Verse 55 (skanda.3.2.55)

नो चेद्दर्शयिता मार्गं धक्ष्याम्येनमहं तदा । महास्त्रैरप्रतिहतैरत्यग्निपवनोज्ज्वलैः

no ceddarśayitā mārgaṁ dhakṣyāmyenamahaṁ tadā mahāstrairapratihatairatyagnipavanojjvalaiḥ

If he does not show the way, then I shall burn him up with irresistible great weapons, blazing with intense fire and wind."

Verse 56 (skanda.3.2.56)

इत्युक्त्वा सहसौमित्रिरुपस्पृश्याथ राघवः । प्रतिशिश्ये जलनिधिं विधिवत्कुशसंस्तरे

ityuktvā sahasaumitrirupaspṛśyātha rāghavaḥ pratiśiśye jalanidhiṁ vidhivatkuśasaṁstare

Having said this, Raghava, together with Saumitri, having touched water in purification, then lay down facing the ocean, duly, upon a bed of kusha grass.

Verse 57 (skanda.3.2.57)

तदा रामः कुशा स्तीर्णे तीरे नदनदीपतेः । संविवेश महाबाहुर्वेद्यामिव हुताशनः

tadā rāmaḥ kuśā stīrṇe tīre nadanadīpateḥ saṁviveśa mahābāhurvedyāmiva hutāśanaḥ

Then Rama, mighty-armed, lay down upon the kusha-strewn shore of the lord of rivers, like the sacrificial fire upon its altar.

Verse 58 (skanda.3.2.58)

शेषभोगनिभं बाहुमुपधाय रघूद्वहः । दक्षिणो दक्षिणं बाहुमुपास्ते मकरालयम्

śeṣabhoganibhaṁ bāhumupadhāya raghūdvahaḥ dakṣiṇo dakṣiṇaṁ bāhumupāste makarālayam

The upholder of the Raghus, resting his arm — resembling the coils of Shesha — as a pillow, lay facing south, worshipping the abode of the makaras, the ocean.

Verse 59 (skanda.3.2.59)

तस्य रामस्य सुप्तस्य कुशास्तीर्णे महीतले । नियमादप्रमत्तस्य निशास्तिस्रोऽतिचक्रमुः

tasya rāmasya suptasya kuśāstīrṇe mahītale niyamādapramattasya niśāstisro'ticakramuḥ

While that Rama slept upon the kusha-strewn ground, observing his vow, vigilant, three nights passed by.

Verse 60 (skanda.3.2.60)

स त्रिरात्रोषितस्तत्र नयज्ञो धर्मतत्परः । उपास्तेस्म तदा रामः सागरं मार्गसिद्धये

sa trirātroṣitastatra nayajño dharmatatparaḥ upāstesma tadā rāmaḥ sāgaraṁ mārgasiddhaye

Having dwelt there for three nights, that knower of right conduct, devoted to dharma, Rama then worshipped the ocean for the accomplishment of the way.

Verse 61 (skanda.3.2.61)

न च दर्शयते मन्दस्तदा रामस्य सागरः । प्रयतेनापि रामेण यथार्हमपि पूजितः

na ca darśayate mandastadā rāmasya sāgaraḥ prayatenāpi rāmeṇa yathārhamapi pūjitaḥ

But the sluggish ocean did not then show itself to Rama, even though it had been duly worshipped by the disciplined Rama, according to its worth.

Verse 62 (skanda.3.2.62)

तथापि सागरो रामं न दर्शयति चात्मनः । समुद्राय ततः क्रुद्धो रामो रक्तांतलोचनः

tathāpi sāgaro rāmaṁ na darśayati cātmanaḥ samudrāya tataḥ kruddho rāmo raktāṁtalocanaḥ

Still the ocean did not show its own form to Rama. Then Rama, his eyes reddened at their corners, grew angry at the ocean —

Verse 63 (skanda.3.2.63)

समीपवर्तिनं चेदं लक्ष्मणं प्रत्यभाषत । अद्य मद्बाणनिर्भिन्नैर्मकरैर्वरुणालयम्

samīpavartinaṁ cedaṁ lakṣmaṇaṁ pratyabhāṣata adya madbāṇanirbhinnairmakarairvaruṇālayam

— and spoke this to Lakshmana, who stood nearby: "Today, with makaras pierced by my arrows, I shall make the abode of Varuna —

Verse 64 (skanda.3.2.64)

निरुद्धतोयं सौमित्रे करिष्यामि क्षणादहम् । सशंखशुक्ताजालं हि समीनमकरं शनैः

niruddhatoyaṁ saumitre kariṣyāmi kṣaṇādaham saśaṁkhaśuktājālaṁ hi samīnamakaraṁ śanaiḥ

— its waters obstructed, O Saumitri, this very instant — I shall slowly dry up this ocean, full of fish and makaras, together with its host of conches and shells,

Verse 65 (skanda.3.2.65)

अद्य बाणैरमोघास्त्रैर्वारिधिं परिशोषये । क्षमया हि समायुक्तं मामयं मकरालयः

adya bāṇairamoghāstrairvāridhiṁ pariśoṣaye kṣamayā hi samāyuktaṁ māmayaṁ makarālayaḥ

— today, with my unerring arrows, I shall dry up the ocean completely! Because I am endowed with forbearance, this abode of the makaras —

Verse 66 (skanda.3.2.66)

असमर्थं विजानाति धिक्क्षमामीदृशे जने । न दर्शयति साम्ना मे सागरो रूपमात्मनः

asamarthaṁ vijānāti dhikkṣamāmīdṛśe jane na darśayati sāmnā me sāgaro rūpamātmanaḥ

— takes me to be incapable. Shame on forbearance shown toward such a one! The ocean does not show me its own form even through gentle means.

Verse 67 (skanda.3.2.67)

चापमानय सौमित्रे शरांश्चाशीविषोपमान् । सागरं शोषयिष्यामि पद्भ्यां यांतु प्लवंगमाः

cāpamānaya saumitre śarāṁścāśīviṣopamān sāgaraṁ śoṣayiṣyāmi padbhyāṁ yāṁtu plavaṁgamāḥ

Bring me my bow, O Saumitri, and arrows like venomous serpents! I shall dry up the ocean, and let the monkeys go across on foot.

Verse 68 (skanda.3.2.68)

एनं लंघितमर्यादं सहस्रोर्मिसमाकुलम् । निर्मर्यादं करिष्यामि सायकैर्वरुणालयम्

enaṁ laṁghitamaryādaṁ sahasrormisamākulam nirmaryādaṁ kariṣyāmi sāyakairvaruṇālayam

This ocean, that has transgressed its bounds, filled with a thousand waves — I shall make the abode of Varuna utterly boundless with my arrows.

Verse 69 (skanda.3.2.69)

महार्णवं शोषयिष्ये महादानवसंकुलम् । महामकरनक्राढ्यं महावीचिसमाकुलम्

mahārṇavaṁ śoṣayiṣye mahādānavasaṁkulam mahāmakaranakrāḍhyaṁ mahāvīcisamākulam

I shall dry up the great ocean, crowded with mighty danavas, rich with great makaras and crocodiles, filled with great billows."

Verse 70 (skanda.3.2.70)

एवमुक्त्वा धनुष्पाणिः क्रोधपर्याकुलेक्षणः । रामो बभूव दुर्धर्षस्त्रिपुरघ्नो यथा शिवः

evamuktvā dhanuṣpāṇiḥ krodhaparyākulekṣaṇaḥ rāmo babhūva durdharṣastripuraghno yathā śivaḥ

Having said this, bow in hand, his eyes rolling with fury, Rama became unassailable, like Shiva the destroyer of Tripura.

Verse 71 (skanda.3.2.71)

आकृष्य चापं कोपेन कम्पयित्वा शरैर्जगत् । मुमोच विशिखानुग्रांस्त्रिपुरेषु यथा भवः

ākṛṣya cāpaṁ kopena kampayitvā śarairjagat mumoca viśikhānugrāṁstripureṣu yathā bhavaḥ

Drawing his bow in anger, causing the world to tremble with his arrows, he released fearsome shafts, as Bhava once did against the three cities.

Verse 72 (skanda.3.2.72)

दीप्ता बाणाश्च ये घोरा भासयन्तो दिशो दश । प्राविशन्वारिधेस्तोयं दृप्तदानवसंकुलम्

dīptā bāṇāśca ye ghorā bhāsayanto diśo daśa prāviśanvāridhestoyaṁ dṛptadānavasaṁkulam

And those blazing, terrible arrows, illuminating the ten directions, entered into the waters of the ocean, crowded with arrogant danavas.

Verse 73 (skanda.3.2.73)

समुद्रस्तु ततो भीतो वेपमानः कृतांजलिः । अनन्यशरणो विप्राः पाता लात्स्वयमुत्थितः

samudrastu tato bhīto vepamānaḥ kṛtāṁjaliḥ ananyaśaraṇo viprāḥ pātā lātsvayamutthitaḥ

The ocean then, terrified, trembling, with joined palms, O brahmins, having no other refuge, rose up himself from the netherworld,

Verse 74 (skanda.3.2.74)

शरणं राघवं भेजे कैवल्यपदकारणम् । तुष्टाव राघवं विप्रा भूत्वा शब्दैर्मनोरमैः

śaraṇaṁ rāghavaṁ bheje kaivalyapadakāraṇam tuṣṭāva rāghavaṁ viprā bhūtvā śabdairmanoramaiḥ

and took refuge in Raghava, the very cause of the state of liberation; and, O brahmins, taking form, he praised Raghava with delightful words.

Verse 75 (skanda.3.2.75)

समुद्र उवाच । नमामि ते राघव पादपंकजं सीतापते सौख्यद पादसेवनात् । नमामि ते गौतमदारमोक्षजं श्रीपादरेणुं सुरवृन्दसेव्यम्

samudra uvāca namāmi te rāghava pādapaṁkajaṁ sītāpate saukhyada pādasevanāt namāmi te gautamadāramokṣajaṁ śrīpādareṇuṁ suravṛndasevyam

The ocean said: I bow to your lotus feet, O Raghava, O lord of Sita, whose service bestows joy. I bow to the glorious dust of your feet, which arose from the liberation of Gautama's wife, served by hosts of gods.

Verse 76 (skanda.3.2.76)

सुन्दप्रियादेहविदारिणे नमो नमोस्तु ते कौशिकयागरक्षिणे । नमो महादेवशरासभेदिने नमो नमो राक्षससंघनाशिने

sundapriyādehavidāriṇe namo namostu te kauśikayāgarakṣiṇe namo mahādevaśarāsabhedine namo namo rākṣasasaṁghanāśine

Salutation, salutation to you, who tore apart the body of the demon dear to Sunda, the protector of Kaushika's sacrifice! Salutation to you, who broke the great Shiva's bow, salutation, salutation, destroyer of the host of rakshasas!

Verse 77 (skanda.3.2.77)

रामराम नमस्यामि भक्तानामिष्टदायिनम् । अवतीर्णो रघुकुले देवकार्यचिकीर्षया

rāmarāma namasyāmi bhaktānāmiṣṭadāyinam avatīrṇo raghukule devakāryacikīrṣayā

O Rama, Rama, I bow to you, the granter of desires to your devotees, who have descended in the race of Raghu, desiring to accomplish the work of the gods.

Verse 78 (skanda.3.2.78)

नारायणमनाद्यंतं मोक्षदं शिवमच्युतम् । रामराम महाबाहो रक्ष मां शरणागतम्

nārāyaṇamanādyaṁtaṁ mokṣadaṁ śivamacyutam rāmarāma mahābāho rakṣa māṁ śaraṇāgatam

O Narayana without beginning or end, giver of liberation, auspicious, imperishable — O Rama, Rama, mighty-armed one, protect me, who have come to you for refuge.

Verse 79 (skanda.3.2.79)

कोपं संहर राजेंद्र क्षमस्व करुणालय । भूमिर्वातो वियच्चापो ज्योतींषि च रघूद्वह

kopaṁ saṁhara rājeṁdra kṣamasva karuṇālaya bhūmirvāto viyaccāpo jyotīṁṣi ca raghūdvaha

Withdraw your anger, O lord of kings; forgive me, O abode of compassion. Earth, wind, sky, water, and the luminaries too, O upholder of the Raghus —

Verse 80 (skanda.3.2.80)

यत्स्वभावानि सृष्टानि ब्रह्मणा परमेष्ठिना । वर्तंते तत्स्वभा वानि स्वभावो मे ह्यगाधता

yatsvabhāvāni sṛṣṭāni brahmaṇā parameṣṭhinā vartaṁte tatsvabhā vāni svabhāvo me hyagādhatā

— whatever natures were created for them by Brahma, the supreme lord, in those very natures they remain; my own nature is unfathomable depth.

Verse 81 (skanda.3.2.81)

विकारस्तु भवेद्गाध एतत्सत्यं वदाम्यहम् । लोभात्कामाद्भयाद्वापि रागाद्वापि रघूद्वह

vikārastu bhavedgādha etatsatyaṁ vadāmyaham lobhātkāmādbhayādvāpi rāgādvāpi raghūdvaha

Should it become shallow, that would be a change against nature — this I speak truly. O upholder of the Raghus, whether from greed, desire, fear, or passion,

Verse 82 (skanda.3.2.82)

न वंशजं गुणं हातुमुत्सहेयं कथंचन । तत्करिष्ये च साहाय्यं सेनायास्तरणे तव

na vaṁśajaṁ guṇaṁ hātumutsaheyaṁ kathaṁcana tatkariṣye ca sāhāyyaṁ senāyāstaraṇe tava

I could in no way bring myself to abandon my inborn nature. Yet I shall render assistance in the crossing of your army.

Verse 83 (skanda.3.2.83)

इत्युक्तवन्तं जलधिं रामोऽवादीन्नदीपतिम् । ससैन्योऽहं गमि ष्यामि लंकां रावणपालिताम्

ityuktavantaṁ jaladhiṁ rāmo'vādīnnadīpatim sasainyo'haṁ gami ṣyāmi laṁkāṁ rāvaṇapālitām

To the ocean who had spoken thus, Rama said to the lord of rivers: "I, together with my army, shall go to Lanka, ruled by Ravana.

Verse 84 (skanda.3.2.84)

तच्छोषमुपयाहि त्वं तरणार्थं ममाधुना । इत्युक्तस्तं पुनः प्राह राघवं वरुणालयः

tacchoṣamupayāhi tvaṁ taraṇārthaṁ mamādhunā ityuktastaṁ punaḥ prāha rāghavaṁ varuṇālayaḥ

For the sake of my crossing, submit now to being dried up." Thus addressed, the abode of Varuna again spoke to Raghava:

Verse 85 (skanda.3.2.85)

शृणुष्वाव हितो राम श्रुत्वा कर्तव्यमाचर । यद्याज्ञया ते शुष्यामि ससैन्यस्य यियासतः

śṛṇuṣvāva hito rāma śrutvā kartavyamācara yadyājñayā te śuṣyāmi sasainyasya yiyāsataḥ

"Listen attentively, O Rama, and having heard, act as is fitting. If, by your command, I should dry up while your army, eager to depart, crosses —

Verse 86 (skanda.3.2.86)

अन्येऽप्याज्ञापयिष्यंति मामेवं धनुषो बलात् । उपायमन्यं वक्ष्यामि तरणार्थं बलस्य ते

anye'pyājñāpayiṣyaṁti māmevaṁ dhanuṣo balāt upāyamanyaṁ vakṣyāmi taraṇārthaṁ balasya te

— then others too will command me thus, by force of the bow. I shall tell you another means for the crossing of your army.

Verse 87 (skanda.3.2.87)

अस्ति ह्यत्र नलोनाम वानरः शिल्पिसंमतः । त्वष्टुः काकुत्स्थ तनयो बलवान्विश्वकर्मणः

asti hyatra nalonāma vānaraḥ śilpisaṁmataḥ tvaṣṭuḥ kākutstha tanayo balavānviśvakarmaṇaḥ

There is here, indeed, a vanara named Nala, honored among craftsmen, O descendant of Kakutstha, the mighty son of Vishvakarma, the divine architect.

Verse 88 (skanda.3.2.88)

स यत्काष्ठं तृणं वापि शिलां वा क्षेप्स्यते मयि । सर्वं तद्धारयिष्यामि स ते सेतुर्भविष्यति

sa yatkāṣṭhaṁ tṛṇaṁ vāpi śilāṁ vā kṣepsyate mayi sarvaṁ taddhārayiṣyāmi sa te seturbhaviṣyati

Whatever wood, grass, or stone he casts into me, all of that I shall hold up; that shall become your bridge.

Verse 89 (skanda.3.2.89)

सेतुना तेन गच्छ त्वं लंकां रावणपालि ताम् । उक्त्वेत्यंतर्हिते तस्मिन्रामो नलमुवाच ह

setunā tena gaccha tvaṁ laṁkāṁ rāvaṇapāli tām uktvetyaṁtarhite tasminrāmo nalamuvāca ha

By that bridge, go to Lanka, ruled by Ravana." Having said this, when the ocean had vanished, Rama then spoke to Nala:

Verse 90 (skanda.3.2.90)

कुरु सेतुं समुद्रे त्वं शक्तो ह्यसि महामते । तदाऽब्रवीन्नलो वाक्यं रामं धर्मभृतां वरम्

kuru setuṁ samudre tvaṁ śakto hyasi mahāmate tadā'bravīnnalo vākyaṁ rāmaṁ dharmabhṛtāṁ varam

"Build the bridge across the ocean; you are indeed capable, O wise one." Then Nala spoke these words to Rama, foremost of the upholders of dharma:

Verse 91 (skanda.3.2.91)

अहं सेतुं विधास्यामि ह्यगाधे वरुणालये । पित्रा दत्तवरश्चाहं सामर्थ्ये चापि तत्समः

ahaṁ setuṁ vidhāsyāmi hyagādhe varuṇālaye pitrā dattavaraścāhaṁ sāmarthye cāpi tatsamaḥ

"I shall build the bridge upon the fathomless abode of Varuna. I have received a boon from my father, and in ability too, I am equal to him.

Verse 92 (skanda.3.2.92)

मातुर्मम वरो दत्तो मन्दरे विश्वक र्मणा । शिल्पकर्मणि मत्तुल्यो भविता ते सुतस्त्विति

māturmama varo datto mandare viśvaka rmaṇā śilpakarmaṇi mattulyo bhavitā te sutastviti

A boon was given to my mother on Mount Mandara by Vishvakarma: 'Your son shall become equal to me in the craft of building.'

Verse 93 (skanda.3.2.93)

पुत्रोऽहमौरसस्तस्य तुल्यो वै विश्वकर्मणा । अद्यैव कामं बध्नंतु सेतुं वानरपुं गवाः

putro'hamaurasastasya tulyo vai viśvakarmaṇā adyaiva kāmaṁ badhnaṁtu setuṁ vānarapuṁ gavāḥ

I am his own true son, indeed equal to Vishvakarma. This very day, let the foremost vanaras build the bridge as they wish."

Verse 94 (skanda.3.2.94)

ततो रामनिसृष्टास्ते वानरा बलवत्तराः । पर्वतान्गिरिशृंगाणि लतातृणमहीरुहान्

tato rāmanisṛṣṭāste vānarā balavattarāḥ parvatāngiriśṛṁgāṇi latātṛṇamahīruhān

Then those most powerful vanaras, sent forth by Rama, brought mountains, mountain-peaks, creepers, grass, and trees —

Verse 95 (skanda.3.2.95)

समाजह्रुर्महाकाया गरुडानिलरंहसः । नलश्चक्रे महासेर्तुमध्ये नदनदीपतेः

samājahrurmahākāyā garuḍānilaraṁhasaḥ nalaścakre mahāsertumadhye nadanadīpateḥ

— their bodies immense, swift as Garuda or the wind, gathering them together; and Nala built the great bridge in the midst of the lord of rivers and streams.

Verse 96 (skanda.3.2.96)

दशयोजनविस्तीर्णं शतयोजनमायतम् । जानकीरमणो रामः सेतुमेवमकारयत्

daśayojanavistīrṇaṁ śatayojanamāyatam jānakīramaṇo rāmaḥ setumevamakārayat

Ten yojanas in width and a hundred yojanas in length — thus did Rama, the beloved of Janaki, have the bridge built.

Verse 97 (skanda.3.2.97)

नलेन वानरेन्द्रेण विश्वकर्मसुतेन वै । तमेवं सेतुमासाद्य रामचन्द्रेण कारितम्

nalena vānarendreṇa viśvakarmasutena vai tamevaṁ setumāsādya rāmacandreṇa kāritam

Built thus by Nala, lord of the vanaras, the son of Vishvakarma indeed, at the direction of Ramachandra —

Verse 98 (skanda.3.2.98)

सर्वे पातकिनो मर्त्या मुच्यन्ते सर्वपातकैः । व्रतदान तपोहोमैर्न तथा तुष्यते शिवः

sarve pātakino martyā mucyante sarvapātakaiḥ vratadāna tapohomairna tathā tuṣyate śivaḥ

— all sinful mortals are freed from all their sins. Shiva is not pleased so greatly by vows, gifts, austerity, and fire-oblations —

Verse 99 (skanda.3.2.99)

सेतुमज्जनमात्रेण यथा तुष्यति शंकरः । न तुल्यं विद्यते तेजोयथा सौरेण तेजसा

setumajjanamātreṇa yathā tuṣyati śaṁkaraḥ na tulyaṁ vidyate tejoyathā saureṇa tejasā

— as Shankara is pleased by mere immersion at the Setu. There is no radiance equal to it, just as no light equals the sun's radiance;

Verse 100 (skanda.3.2.100)

सेतुस्नानेन च तथा न तुल्यं विद्यते क्वचित् । तत्सेतुमूलं लंकायां यत्ररामो यियासया

setusnānena ca tathā na tulyaṁ vidyate kvacit tatsetumūlaṁ laṁkāyāṁ yatrarāmo yiyāsayā

— so, likewise, nothing anywhere is equal to bathing at the Setu. That is the origin of the Setu — in Lanka, where Rama, desiring to go —

Verse 101 (skanda.3.2.101)

वानरैः सेतुमारेभे पुण्यं पाप प्रणाशनम् । तद्दर्भशयनं नाम्ना पश्चाल्लोकेषु विश्रुतम्

vānaraiḥ setumārebhe puṇyaṁ pāpa praṇāśanam taddarbhaśayanaṁ nāmnā paścāllokeṣu viśrutam

— began the meritorious, sin-destroying bridge with the vanaras. That place, by the name Darbhashayana, 'the kusha-bed,' later became renowned throughout the world.

Verse 102 (skanda.3.2.102)

एवमुक्तं मया विप्राः समुद्रे सेतुबंधनम् । अत्र तीर्थान्यनेकानि संति पुण्यान्यनेकशः

evamuktaṁ mayā viprāḥ samudre setubaṁdhanam atra tīrthānyanekāni saṁti puṇyānyanekaśaḥ

Thus, O brahmins, has the building of the bridge upon the ocean been told by me. Here there are many, many sacred and meritorious fords.

Verse 103 (skanda.3.2.103)

न संख्यां नामधेयं वा शेषो गणयितुं क्षमः । किं त्वहं प्रब्रवीम्यद्य तत्र तीर्थानि कानिचित्

na saṁkhyāṁ nāmadheyaṁ vā śeṣo gaṇayituṁ kṣamaḥ kiṁ tvahaṁ prabravīmyadya tatra tīrthāni kānicit

Not even Shesha is capable of counting their number or their names; but I shall now tell you a few of the tirthas there.

Verse 104 (skanda.3.2.104)

चतुर्विंशति तीर्थानि संति सेतौ प्रधानतः । प्रथमं चकतीर्थं स्याद्वेतालवरदं ततः

caturviṁśati tīrthāni saṁti setau pradhānataḥ prathamaṁ cakatīrthaṁ syādvetālavaradaṁ tataḥ

There are chiefly twenty-four sacred fords at the Setu. The first is Chakratirtha, and then Vetalavarada.

Verse 105 (skanda.3.2.105)

ततः पापविनाशार्थं तीर्थं लोकेषु विश्रुतम् । ततः सीतासरः पुण्यं ततो मंगलतीर्थकम्

tataḥ pāpavināśārthaṁ tīrthaṁ lokeṣu viśrutam tataḥ sītāsaraḥ puṇyaṁ tato maṁgalatīrthakam

Then, the ford renowned in the world for the destruction of sin; then the sacred Sitasaras; then Mangalatirthaka.

Verse 106 (skanda.3.2.106)

ततः सकलपापघ्नी नाम्ना चामृतवापिका । ब्रह्मकुण्डं ततस्तीर्थं ततः कुंडं हनूमतः

tataḥ sakalapāpaghnī nāmnā cāmṛtavāpikā brahmakuṇḍaṁ tatastīrthaṁ tataḥ kuṁḍaṁ hanūmataḥ

Then the one named Amritavapika, the destroyer of all sin; then Brahmakunda; then the kunda of Hanuman.

Verse 107 (skanda.3.2.107)

आगस्त्यं हि ततस्तीर्थं रामतीर्थ मतः परम् । ततो लक्ष्मणतीर्थं स्याज्जटातीर्थमतः परम्

āgastyaṁ hi tatastīrthaṁ rāmatīrtha mataḥ param tato lakṣmaṇatīrthaṁ syājjaṭātīrthamataḥ param

Then the ford of Agastya; after that, Ramatirtha; then Lakshmanatirtha; and after that, Jatatirtha.

Verse 108 (skanda.3.2.108)

ततो लक्ष्म्याः परं तीर्थमग्नितीर्थमतः परम् । चक्रतीर्थं ततः पुण्यं शिवतीर्थमतः परम्

tato lakṣmyāḥ paraṁ tīrthamagnitīrthamataḥ param cakratīrthaṁ tataḥ puṇyaṁ śivatīrthamataḥ param

Then the supreme ford of Lakshmi; after that, Agnitirtha; then the meritorious Chakratirtha; after that, Shivatirtha.

Verse 109 (skanda.3.2.109)

ततः शंखाभिधं तीर्थं ततो यामुनतीर्थकम् । गंगातीर्थं ततः पश्चाद्गयातीर्थमनन्तरम्

tataḥ śaṁkhābhidhaṁ tīrthaṁ tato yāmunatīrthakam gaṁgātīrthaṁ tataḥ paścādgayātīrthamanantaram

Then the ford named Shankha; then Yamunatirthaka; then Gangatirtha; and immediately after, Gayatirtha.

Verse 110 (skanda.3.2.110)

ततः स्यात्कोटितीर्थाख्यं साध्यानाममृतं ततः । मानसाख्यं ततस्तीर्थं धनुष्कोटिस्ततः परम्

tataḥ syātkoṭitīrthākhyaṁ sādhyānāmamṛtaṁ tataḥ mānasākhyaṁ tatastīrthaṁ dhanuṣkoṭistataḥ param

Then there is the one called Kotitirtha; then the Amrita ford of the Sadhyas; then the ford called Manasa; and after that, Dhanushkoti.

Verse 111 (skanda.3.2.111)

प्रधानतीर्थान्येतानि महापापहराणि च । कथितानि द्विजश्रेष्ठास्सेतुमध्यगतानि वै

pradhānatīrthānyetāni mahāpāpaharāṇi ca kathitāni dvijaśreṣṭhāssetumadhyagatāni vai

These are the principal sacred fords, indeed removers of great sin, O foremost of brahmins, situated within the Setu, as I have told them.

Verse 112 (skanda.3.2.112)

यथा सेतुश्च बद्धोऽभूद्रामेण जलधौ महान् । कथितं तच्च विप्रेन्द्राः पुण्यं पापहारं तथा

yathā setuśca baddho'bhūdrāmeṇa jaladhau mahān kathitaṁ tacca viprendrāḥ puṇyaṁ pāpahāraṁ tathā

How the great bridge came to be built by Rama upon the ocean — that too, O foremost of brahmins, has been told, meritorious and destructive of sin.

Verse 113 (skanda.3.2.113)

यच्छ्रुत्वा च पठित्वा च मुच्यते मानवो भुवि

yacchrutvā ca paṭhitvā ca mucyate mānavo bhuvi

Hearing and reciting which, a man on this earth is liberated.

Verse 114 (skanda.3.2.114)

अध्यायमेनं पठते मनुष्यः शृणोति वा भक्तियुतो द्विजेंद्राः । सो नंतमाप्नोति जयं परत्र पुनर्भवक्लेशमसौ न गच्छेत्

adhyāyamenaṁ paṭhate manuṣyaḥ śṛṇoti vā bhaktiyuto dvijeṁdrāḥ so naṁtamāpnoti jayaṁ paratra punarbhavakleśamasau na gacchet

O foremost of brahmins, whatever man, full of devotion, recites this chapter or hears it, attains endless triumph in the world beyond, and does not go again to the affliction of rebirth.