Crossing the Ganga; Rama Takes Matted Locks

Shloka 1 (ayodhya.52.1)

प्रभातायां तु शर्वर्यां पृथुवक्षा महायशाः। उवाच रामः सौमित्रिं लक्ष्मणं शुभलक्षणम्॥ २-५२-१ ॥

prabhātāyāṃ tu śarvaryāṃ pṛthuvakṣā mahāyaśāḥ | uvāca rāmaḥ saumitriṃ lakṣmaṇaṃ śubhalakṣaṇam

When the night had passed into dawn, broad-chested, glorious Rama spoke to Sumitra's auspicious son, Lakshmana.

Shloka 2 (ayodhya.52.2)

भास्करोदयकालोऽसौ गता भगवती निशा। असौ सुकृष्णो विहगः कोकिलस्तात कूजति॥ २-५२-२ ॥

bhāskarodayakālo'sau gatā bhagavatī niśā | asau sukṛṣṇo vihagaḥ kokilastāta kūjati

"This is the hour of sunrise; the blessed night has passed. See, that jet-black bird, the cuckoo, is calling, dear friend."

Shloka 3 (ayodhya.52.3)

बर्हिणानां च निर्घोषः श्रूयते नदतां वने। तराम जाह्नवीं सौम्य शीघ्रगां सागरङ्गमाम्॥ २-५२-३ ॥

barhiṇānāṃ ca nirghoṣaḥ śrūyate nadatāṃ vane | tarāma jāhnavīṃ saumya śīghragāṃ sāgaraṅgamām

"The cry of peacocks calling in the forest can be heard. Gentle one, let us now cross swift Ganga, who flows on to the sea."

Shloka 4 (ayodhya.52.4)

विज्ञाय रामस्य वचः सौमित्रिर्मित्रनन्दनः। गुहमामन्त्र्य सूतं च सोऽतिष्ठद् भ्रातुरग्रतः॥ २-५२-४ ॥

vijñāya rāmasya vacaḥ saumitrirmitranandanaḥ | guhamāmantrya sūtaṃ ca so'tiṣṭhad bhrāturagrataḥ

Understanding Rama's words, Sumitra's son, who gladdened his friends, summoned Guha and the charioteer, and himself stood before his brother.

Shloka 5 (ayodhya.52.5)

स तु रामस्य वचनं निशम्य प्रतिगृह्य च। स्थपतिस्तूर्णमाहूय सचिवानिदमब्रवीत्॥ २-५२-५ ॥

sa tu rāmasya vacanaṃ niśamya pratigṛhya ca | sthapatistūrṇamāhūya sacivānidamabravīt

Having heard and accepted Rama's word, the chief at once summoned his ministers and said this.

Shloka 6 (ayodhya.52.6)

अस्यवाहनसंयुक्तां कर्णग्राहवतीं शुभाम्। सुप्रतारां दृढां तीर्थे शीघ्रं नावमुपाहर॥ २-५२-६ ॥

asyavāhanasaṃyuktāṃ karṇagrāhavatīṃ śubhām | supratārāṃ dṛḍhāṃ tīrthe śīghraṃ nāvamupāhara

"Bring quickly to the crossing-place a fine, sturdy boat, fitted with oars and a helmsman, one that carries well."

Shloka 7 (ayodhya.52.7)

तं निशम्य गुहादेशं गुहामात्यो गतो महान्। उपोह्य रुचिरां नावं गुहाय प्रत्यवेदयत्॥ २-५२-७ ॥

taṃ niśamya guhādeśaṃ guhāmātyo gato mahān | upohya rucirāṃ nāvaṃ guhāya pratyavedayat

Hearing Guha's command, his great minister went, brought a beautiful boat, and reported to Guha.

Shloka 8 (ayodhya.52.8)

ततः स प्राञ्जलिर्भूत्वा गुहो राघवमब्रवीत्। उपस्थितेयं नौर्देव भूयः किं करवाणि ते॥ २-५२-८ ॥

tataḥ sa prāñjalirbhūtvā guho rāghavamabravīt | upasthiteyaṃ naurdeva bhūyaḥ kiṃ karavāṇi te

Then Guha, with joined palms, said to Raghava, "O lord, this boat is ready; what more may I do for you?"

Shloka 9 (ayodhya.52.9)

तवामरसुतप्रख्य तर्तुं सागरगामिनीम्। नौरियं पुरुषव्याघ्र शीघ्रमारोह सुव्रत॥ २-५२-९ ॥

tavāmarasutaprakhya tartuṃ sāgaragāminīm | nauriyaṃ puruṣavyāghra śīghramāroha suvrata

"O tiger among men, radiant as a son of the gods, of noble vows, this boat is ready to cross Ganga, who flows to the sea; mount it quickly."

Shloka 10 (ayodhya.52.10)

अथोवाच महातेजा रामो गुहमिदं वचः। कृतकामोऽस्मि भवता शीघ्रमारोप्यतामिति॥ २-५२-१० ॥

athovāca mahātejā rāmo guhamidaṃ vacaḥ | kṛtakāmo'smi bhavatā śīghramāropyatāmiti

Then the greatly radiant Rama said these words to Guha, "My purpose is fulfilled by you; now let all be quickly loaded."

Shloka 11 (ayodhya.52.11)

ततः कलापान् संनह्य खड्गौ बध्वा च धन्विनौ। जग्मतुर्येन तां गङ्गां सीतया सह राघवौ॥ २-५२-११ ॥

tataḥ kalāpān saṃnahya khaḍgau badhvā ca dhanvinau | jagmaturyena tāṃ gaṅgāṃ sītayā saha rāghavau

Then, having donned their quivers and buckled on their swords and taken up their bows, the two Raghavas went with Sita by that way to the Ganga.

Shloka 12 (ayodhya.52.12)

राममेवं तु धर्मज्ञमुपागत्य विनीतवत्। किमहं करवाणीति सूतः प्राञ्जलिरब्रवीत्॥ २-५२-१२ ॥

rāmamevaṃ tu dharmajñamupāgatya vinītavat | kimahaṃ karavāṇīti sūtaḥ prāñjalirabravīt

Coming humbly before the righteous Rama, the charioteer, with joined palms, asked, "What now shall I do?"

Shloka 13 (ayodhya.52.13)

ततोऽब्रवीद् दाशरथिः सुमन्त्रं स्पृशन् करेणोत्तमदक्षिणेन। सुमन्त्र शीघ्रं पुनरेव याहि राज्ञः सकाशे भव चाप्रमत्तः॥ २-५२-१३ ॥

tato'bravīd dāśarathiḥ sumantraṃ spṛśan kareṇottamadakṣiṇena | sumantra śīghraṃ punareva yāhi rājñaḥ sakāśe bhava cāpramattaḥ

Then Dasharatha's son, touching Sumantra with his fine right hand, said, "Sumantra, return now at once, and stay watchfully near the king."

Shloka 14 (ayodhya.52.14)

निवर्तस्वेत्युवाचैनमेतावद्धि कृतं मम। रथं विहाय पद्भ्यां तु गमिष्यामो महावनम्॥ २-५२-१४ ॥

nivartasvetyuvācainametāvaddhi kṛtaṃ mama | rathaṃ vihāya padbhyāṃ tu gamiṣyāmo mahāvanam

"Go back - this much only I needed of you. Now, leaving the chariot, we shall go on foot into the great forest."

Shloka 15 (ayodhya.52.15)

आत्मानं त्वभ्यनुज्ञातमवेक्ष्यार्तः स सारथिः। सुमन्त्रः पुरुषव्याघ्रमैक्ष्वाकमिदमब्रवीत्॥ २-५२-१५ ॥

ātmānaṃ tvabhyanujñātamavekṣyārtaḥ sa sārathiḥ | sumantraḥ puruṣavyāghramaikṣvākamidamabravīt

Receiving leave to return, the grieving charioteer Sumantra spoke thus to the lion among men, the Ikshvaku prince.

Shloka 16 (ayodhya.52.16)

नातिक्रान्तमिदं लोके पुरुषेणेह केनचित्। तव सभ्रातृभार्यस्य वासः प्राकृतवद् वने॥ २-५२-१६ ॥

nātikrāntamidaṃ loke puruṣeṇeha kenacit | tava sabhrātṛbhāryasya vāsaḥ prākṛtavad vane

"No man in this world has ever overstepped such a fate as this, that compels you to dwell in the forest, like a common man, with your brother and wife."

Shloka 17 (ayodhya.52.17)

न मन्ये ब्रह्मचर्ये वा स्वधीते वा फलोदयः। मार्दवार्जवयोऽपि त्वां चेद् व्यसनमागतम्॥ २-५२-१७ ॥

na manye brahmacarye vā svadhīte vā phalodayaḥ | mārdavārjavayo'pi tvāṃ ced vyasanamāgatam

"I no longer think there is any fruit in celibacy, or in study, or in gentleness, or in honesty, since this misfortune has come even upon you."

Shloka 18 (ayodhya.52.18)

सह राघव वैदेह्या भ्रात्रा चैव वने वसन्। त्वं गतिं प्राप्स्यसे वीर त्रील्लोकांस्तु जयन्निव॥ २-५२-१८ ॥

saha rāghava vaidehyā bhrātrā caiva vane vasan | tvaṃ gatiṃ prāpsyase vīra trīllokāṃstu jayanniva

"Living in the forest, O hero Raghava, with Vaidehi and your brother, you shall attain such glory as though conquering all three worlds."

Shloka 19 (ayodhya.52.19)

वयं खलु हता राम ये त्वया ह्युपवञ्चिताः। कैकेय्या वशमेष्यामः पापाया दुःखभागिनः॥ २-५२-१९ ॥

vayaṃ khalu hatā rāma ye tvayā hyupavañcitāḥ | kaikeyyā vaśameṣyāmaḥ pāpāyā duḥkhabhāginaḥ

"Truly we are undone, O Rama, we whom you have left behind; now we shall fall under wicked Kaikeyi's sway and share in her sorrow."

Shloka 20 (ayodhya.52.20)

इति ब्रुवन्नात्मसमं सुमन्त्रः सारथिस्तदा। दृष्ट्वा दूरगतं रामं दुःखार्तो रुरुदे चिरम्॥ २-५२-२० ॥

iti bruvannātmasamaṃ sumantraḥ sārathistadā | dṛṣṭvā dūragataṃ rāmaṃ duḥkhārto rurude ciram

Speaking thus of one dear to him as his own soul, the charioteer Sumantra, seeing Rama go far off, wept long, overcome with grief.

Shloka 21 (ayodhya.52.21)

ततस्तु विगते बाष्पे सूतं स्पृष्ट्वोदकं शुचिम्। रामस्तु मधुरं वाक्यं पुनः पुनरुवाच तम्॥ २-५२-२१ ॥

tatastu vigate bāṣpe sūtaṃ spṛṣṭvodakaṃ śucim | rāmastu madhuraṃ vākyaṃ punaḥ punaruvāca tam

Then, his tears spent, having touched pure water, the charioteer heard Rama speak sweet words to him again and again.

Shloka 22 (ayodhya.52.22)

इक्ष्वाकूणां त्वया तुल्यं सुहृदं नोपलक्षये। यथा दशरथो राजा मां न शोचेत् तथा कुरु॥ २-५२-२२ ॥

ikṣvākūṇāṃ tvayā tulyaṃ suhṛdaṃ nopalakṣaye | yathā daśaratho rājā māṃ na śocet tathā kuru

"Among the Ikshvakus I see no well-wisher equal to you; act so that King Dasharatha may not grieve for me."

Shloka 23 (ayodhya.52.23)

शोकोपहतचेताश्च वृद्धश्च जगतीपतिः। कामभारावसन्नश्च तस्मादेतद् ब्रवीमि ते॥ २-५२-२३ ॥

śokopahatacetāśca vṛddhaśca jagatīpatiḥ | kāmabhārāvasannaśca tasmādetad bravīmi te

"That lord of the earth, his mind struck down by grief, aged, and weighed down by unfulfilled desire - it is for his sake that I say this to you."

Shloka 24 (ayodhya.52.24)

यद् यथा ज्ञापयेत् किंचित् स महात्मा महीपतिः। कैकेय्याः प्रियकामार्थं कार्यं तदविकांक्षया॥ २-५२-२४ ॥

yad yathā jñāpayet kiṃcit sa mahātmā mahīpatiḥ | kaikeyyāḥ priyakāmārthaṃ kāryaṃ tadavikāṃkṣayā

"Whatever that great king may direct you to do, to please Kaikeyi, carry it out without any reluctance."

Shloka 25 (ayodhya.52.25)

एतदर्थं हि राज्यानि प्रशासति नराधिपाः। यदेषां सर्वकृत्येषु मनो न प्रतिहन्यते॥ २-५२-२५ ॥

etadarthaṃ hi rājyāni praśāsati narādhipāḥ | yadeṣāṃ sarvakṛtyeṣu mano na pratihanyate

"For this very reason do kings rule their realms - that their will, in every matter, meet no obstruction."

Shloka 26 (ayodhya.52.26)

यद् यथा स महाराजो नालीकमधिगच्छति। न च ताम्यति शोकेन सुमन्त्र कुरु तत् तथा॥ २-५२-२६ ॥

yad yathā sa mahārājo nālīkamadhigacchati | na ca tāmyati śokena sumantra kuru tat tathā

"See to it, Sumantra, that the great king is never troubled by any wrong done, nor wasted away by grief."

Shloka 27 (ayodhya.52.27)

अदृष्टदुःखं राजानं वृद्धमार्यं जितेन्द्रियम्। ब्रूयास्त्वमभिवाद्यैव मम हेतोरिदं वचः॥ २-५२-२७ ॥

adṛṣṭaduḥkhaṃ rājānaṃ vṛddhamāryaṃ jitendriyam | brūyāstvamabhivādyaiva mama hetoridaṃ vacaḥ

"Bowing to that aged, noble, self-controlled king, who has never known sorrow, speak to him on my behalf these words."

Shloka 28 (ayodhya.52.28)

न चाहमनुशोचामि लक्ष्मणो न च शोचति। अयोध्यायाश्च्युताश्चेति वने वत्स्यामहेति वा॥ २-५२-२८ ॥

na cāhamanuśocāmi lakṣmaṇo na ca śocati | ayodhyāyāścyutāśceti vane vatsyāmaheti vā

"Neither do I grieve, nor does Lakshmana, over being cast out from Ayodhya or over dwelling in the forest."

Shloka 29 (ayodhya.52.29)

चतुर्दशसु वर्षेषु निवृत्तेषु पुनः पुनः। लक्ष्मणं मां च सीतां च द्रक्ष्यसे शीघ्रमागतान्॥ २-५२-२९ ॥

caturdaśasu varṣeṣu nivṛtteṣu punaḥ punaḥ | lakṣmaṇaṃ māṃ ca sītāṃ ca drakṣyase śīghramāgatān

"When fourteen years have passed, you shall soon see Lakshmana, and me, and Sita, returning again."

Shloka 30 (ayodhya.52.30)

एवमुक्त्वा तु राजानं मातरं च सुमन्त्र मे। अन्याश्च देवीः सहिताः कैकेयीं च पुनः पुनः॥ २-५२-३० ॥

evamuktvā tu rājānaṃ mātaraṃ ca sumantra me | anyāśca devīḥ sahitāḥ kaikeyīṃ ca punaḥ punaḥ

"Having spoken thus to the king, Sumantra, then to my mother, and to the other queens seated with her, and to Kaikeyi too, again and again."

Shloka 31 (ayodhya.52.31)

आरोग्यं ब्रूहि कौसल्यामथ पादाभिवन्दनम्। सीताया मम चार्यस्य वचनाल्लक्ष्मणस्य च॥ २-५२-३१ ॥

ārogyaṃ brūhi kausalyāmatha pādābhivandanam | sītāyā mama cāryasya vacanāllakṣmaṇasya ca

"Tell Kausalya of my well-being, and offer, on my behalf and on behalf of noble Sita and Lakshmana, homage at her feet."

Shloka 32 (ayodhya.52.32)

ब्रूयाश्चापि महाराजं भरतं क्षिप्रमानय। आगतश्चापि भरतः स्थाप्यो नृपमते पदे॥ २-५२-३२ ॥

brūyāścāpi mahārājaṃ bharataṃ kṣipramānaya | āgataścāpi bharataḥ sthāpyo nṛpamate pade

"Say also to the king that he should summon Bharata quickly, and once Bharata has come, install him in the office the king intends for him."

Shloka 33 (ayodhya.52.33)

भरतं च परिष्वज्य यौवराज्येऽभिषिच्य च। अस्मत्संतापजं दुःखं न त्वामभिभविष्यति॥ २-५२-३३ ॥

bharataṃ ca pariṣvajya yauvarājye'bhiṣicya ca | asmatsaṃtāpajaṃ duḥkhaṃ na tvāmabhibhaviṣyati

"Once you have embraced Bharata and consecrated him as heir apparent, the grief born of our absence shall not overcome you."

Shloka 34 (ayodhya.52.34)

भरतश्चापि वक्तव्यो यथा राजनि वर्तसे। तथा मातृषु वर्तेथाः सर्वास्वेवाविशेषतः॥ २-५२-३४ ॥

bharataścāpi vaktavyo yathā rājani vartase | tathā mātṛṣu vartethāḥ sarvāsvevāviśeṣataḥ

"Tell Bharata too that as he behaves toward the king, so should he behave, without any distinction, toward all his mothers."

Shloka 35 (ayodhya.52.35)

यथा च तव कैकेयी सुमित्रा चाविशेषतः। तथैव देवी कौसल्या मम माता विशेषतः॥ २-५२-३५ ॥

yathā ca tava kaikeyī sumitrā cāviśeṣataḥ | tathaiva devī kausalyā mama mātā viśeṣataḥ

"As Kaikeyi and Sumitra are equally yours, so let Queen Kausalya, my mother, receive special honour."

Shloka 36 (ayodhya.52.36)

तातस्य प्रियकामेन यौवराज्यमवेक्षता। लोकयोरुभयोः शक्यं नित्यदा सुखमेधितुम्॥ २-५२-३६ ॥

tātasya priyakāmena yauvarājyamavekṣatā | lokayorubhayoḥ śakyaṃ nityadā sukhamedhitum

"By accepting the heir's office, wishing to please our father, happiness in both this world and the next may ever increase."

Shloka 37 (ayodhya.52.37)

निवर्त्यमानो रामेण सुमन्त्रः प्रतिबोधितः। तत्सर्वं वचनं श्रुत्वा स्नेहात् काकुत्स्थमब्रवीत्॥ २-५२-३७ ॥

nivartyamāno rāmeṇa sumantraḥ pratibodhitaḥ | tatsarvaṃ vacanaṃ śrutvā snehāt kākutsthamabravīt

Thus persuaded and sent back by Rama, Sumantra, having heard all these words, spoke to Kakutstha with affection.

Shloka 38 (ayodhya.52.38)

यदहं नोपचारेण ब्रूयां स्नेहादविक्लवम्। भक्तिमानिति तत् तावद् वाक्यं त्वं क्षन्तुमर्हसि॥ २-५२-३८ ॥

yadahaṃ nopacāreṇa brūyāṃ snehādaviklavam | bhaktimāniti tat tāvad vākyaṃ tvaṃ kṣantumarhasi

"If out of love I should speak boldly, without due deference, forgive that speech, knowing that I am your devoted servant."

Shloka 39 (ayodhya.52.39)

कथं हि त्वद्धिहीनोऽहं प्रतियास्यामि तां पुरीम्। तव तात वियोगेन पुत्रशोकातुरामिव॥ २-५२-३९ ॥

kathaṃ hi tvaddhihīno'haṃ pratiyāsyāmi tāṃ purīm | tava tāta viyogena putraśokāturāmiva

"Dear friend, how could I go back, without you, to that city which, separated from you, will be as afflicted as a mother tormented by grief for her son?"

Shloka 40 (ayodhya.52.40)

सराममपि तावन्मे रथं दृष्ट्वा तदा जनः। विना रामं रथं दृष्ट्वा विदीर्येतापि सा पुरी॥ २-५२-४० ॥

sarāmamapi tāvanme rathaṃ dṛṣṭvā tadā janaḥ | vinā rāmaṃ rathaṃ dṛṣṭvā vidīryetāpi sā purī

"Those people who saw Rama seated in my chariot on the way here - seeing this chariot without Rama, that very city will be rent apart."

Shloka 41 (ayodhya.52.41)

दैन्यं हि नगरी गच्छेद् दृष्ट्वा शून्यमिमं रथम्। सूतावशेषं स्वं सैन्यं हतवीरमिवाहवे॥ २-५२-४१ ॥

dainyaṃ hi nagarī gacched dṛṣṭvā śūnyamimaṃ ratham | sūtāvaśeṣaṃ svaṃ sainyaṃ hatavīramivāhave

"As an army, its hero slain, sees its host reduced to the charioteer alone and falls into misery, so the city, seeing this empty chariot, will fall into misery."

Shloka 42 (ayodhya.52.42)

दूरेऽपि निवसन्तं त्वां मानसेनाग्रतः स्थितम्। चिन्तयन्तोऽद्य नूनं त्वां निराहाराः कृताः प्रजाः॥ २-५२-४२ ॥

dūre'pi nivasantaṃ tvāṃ mānasenāgrataḥ sthitam | cintayanto'dya nūnaṃ tvāṃ nirāhārāḥ kṛtāḥ prajāḥ

"Though you dwell far away, holding you ever present before their minds, thinking only of you, the people will surely have given up food today."

Shloka 43 (ayodhya.52.43)

दृष्टं तद् वै त्वया राम यादृशं त्वत्प्रवासने। प्रजानां संकुलं वृत्तं त्वच्छोकक्लान्तचेतसाम्॥ २-५२-४३ ॥

dṛṣṭaṃ tad vai tvayā rāma yādṛśaṃ tvatpravāsane | prajānāṃ saṃkulaṃ vṛttaṃ tvacchokaklāntacetasām

"You yourself have seen, O Rama, what tumult arose among the people, their hearts worn down with grief, when you set out for exile."

Shloka 44 (ayodhya.52.44)

आर्तनादो हि यः पौरैरुन्मुक्तस्त्वत्प्रवासने। सरथं मां निशाम्यैव कुर्युः शतगुणं ततः॥ २-५२-४४ ॥

ārtanādo hi yaḥ paurairunmuktastvatpravāsane | sarathaṃ māṃ niśāmyaiva kuryuḥ śataguṇaṃ tataḥ

"The cry of anguish the citizens raised at your departure - seeing me return with the chariot alone, they will raise it a hundredfold."

Shloka 45 (ayodhya.52.45)

अहं किं चापि वक्ष्यामि देवीं तव सुतो मया। नीतोऽसौ मातुलकुलं संतापं मा कृथा इति॥ २-५२-४५ ॥

ahaṃ kiṃ cāpi vakṣyāmi devīṃ tava suto mayā | nīto'sau mātulakulaṃ saṃtāpaṃ mā kṛthā iti

"Shall I even tell the queen that I have taken her son to his uncle's house, and that she should not grieve?"

Shloka 46 (ayodhya.52.46)

असत्यमपि नैवाहं ब्रूयां वचनमीदृशम्। कथमप्रियमेवाहं ब्रूयां सत्यमिदं वचः॥ २-५२-४६ ॥

asatyamapi naivāhaṃ brūyāṃ vacanamīdṛśam | kathamapriyamevāhaṃ brūyāṃ satyamidaṃ vacaḥ

"Yet such a falsehood I could never speak; and how, again, could I speak this true but unwelcome word - that I have left her son in the forest?"

Shloka 47 (ayodhya.52.47)

मम तावन्नियोगस्थास्त्वबन्धुजनवाहिनः। कथं रथं त्वया हीनं प्रवाह्यन्ति हयोत्तमाः॥ २-५२-४७ ॥

mama tāvanniyogasthāstvabandhujanavāhinaḥ | kathaṃ rathaṃ tvayā hīnaṃ pravāhyanti hayottamāḥ

"These fine horses, under my charge, have always carried your own kinsfolk; how shall they draw this chariot, now bereft of you?"

Shloka 48 (ayodhya.52.48)

तन्न शक्ष्याम्यहं गन्तुमयोध्यां त्वदृतेऽनघ। वनवासानुयानाय मामनुज्ञातुमर्हसि॥ २-५२-४८ ॥

tanna śakṣyāmyahaṃ gantumayodhyāṃ tvadṛte'nagha | vanavāsānuyānāya māmanujñātumarhasi

"Therefore, sinless one, I cannot go to Ayodhya without you; grant me leave to follow you into your forest exile."

Shloka 49 (ayodhya.52.49)

यदि मे याचमानस्य त्यागमेव करिष्यसि। सरथोऽग्निं प्रवेक्ष्यामि त्यक्तमात्र इह त्वया॥ २-५२-४९ ॥

yadi me yācamānasya tyāgameva kariṣyasi | saratho'gniṃ pravekṣyāmi tyaktamātra iha tvayā

"If, even after this plea, you will abandon me, then, forsaken here by you, I shall enter the fire, chariot and all."

Shloka 50 (ayodhya.52.50)

भविष्यन्ति वने यानि तपोविघ्नकराणि ते। रथेन प्रतिबाधिष्ये तानि सर्वाणि राघव॥ २-५२-५० ॥

bhaviṣyanti vane yāni tapovighnakarāṇi te | rathena pratibādhiṣye tāni sarvāṇi rāghava

"Whatever creatures in the forest might hinder your austerities, O Raghava, I shall drive them all away with this very chariot."

Shloka 51 (ayodhya.52.51)

त्वत्कृतेन मया प्राप्तं रथचर्याकृतं सुखम्। आशंसे त्वत्कृतेनाहं वनवासकृतं सुखम्॥ २-५२-५१ ॥

tvatkṛtena mayā prāptaṃ rathacaryākṛtaṃ sukham | āśaṃse tvatkṛtenāhaṃ vanavāsakṛtaṃ sukham

"By your favour I have known the joy of driving your chariot; by your favour again, I hope to know the joy of dwelling with you in the forest."

Shloka 52 (ayodhya.52.52)

प्रसीदेच्छामि तेऽरण्ये भवितुं प्रत्यनन्तरः। प्रीत्याभिहितमिच्छामि भव मे प्रत्यनन्तरः॥ २-५२-५२ ॥

prasīdecchāmi te'raṇye bhavituṃ pratyanantaraḥ | prītyābhihitamicchāmi bhava me pratyanantaraḥ

"Be gracious, and let me remain close beside you in the forest; tell me lovingly, 'stay near me.'"

Shloka 53 (ayodhya.52.53)

इमेऽपि च हया वीर यदि ते वनवासिनः। परिचर्यां करिष्यन्ति प्राप्स्यन्ति परमां गतिम्॥ २-५२-५३ ॥

ime'pi ca hayā vīra yadi te vanavāsinaḥ | paricaryāṃ kariṣyanti prāpsyanti paramāṃ gatim

"O hero, if even these horses attend upon you while dwelling in the forest, they too shall attain the highest state."

Shloka 54 (ayodhya.52.54)

तव शुश्रूषणं मूर्ना करिष्यामि वने वसन्। अयोध्यां देवलोकं वा सर्वथा प्रजहाम्यहम्॥ २-५२-५४ ॥

tava śuśrūṣaṇaṃ mūrnā kariṣyāmi vane vasan | ayodhyāṃ devalokaṃ vā sarvathā prajahāmyaham

"Dwelling in the forest, I shall serve you with bowed head; for this I shall wholly renounce both Ayodhya and even heaven."

Shloka 55 (ayodhya.52.55)

नहि शक्या प्रवेष्टं सा मयायोध्या त्वया विना। राजधानी महेन्द्रस्य यथा दुष्कृतकर्मणा॥ २-५२-५५ ॥

nahi śakyā praveṣṭaṃ sā mayāyodhyā tvayā vinā | rājadhānī mahendrasya yathā duṣkṛtakarmaṇā

"Just as one of evil conduct cannot enter Indra's capital, so I cannot enter that Ayodhya without you."

Shloka 56 (ayodhya.52.56)

वनवासे क्षयं प्राप्ते ममैष हि मनोरथः। यदनेन रथेनैव त्वां वहेयं पुरी पुनः॥ २-५२-५६ ॥

vanavāse kṣayaṃ prāpte mamaiṣa hi manorathaḥ | yadanena rathenaiva tvāṃ vaheyaṃ purī punaḥ

"When the forest-dwelling ends, this alone is my heart's desire - that I might carry you back on this very chariot to the city again."

Shloka 57 (ayodhya.52.57)

चतुर्दश हि वर्षाणि सहितस्य त्वया वने। क्षणभूतानि यास्यन्ति शतसंख्यानि चान्यथा॥ २-५२-५७ ॥

caturdaśa hi varṣāṇi sahitasya tvayā vane | kṣaṇabhūtāni yāsyanti śatasaṃkhyāni cānyathā

"These fourteen years, spent with you in the forest, will pass for me like a mere moment; otherwise they would seem as heavy as a hundred years."

Shloka 58 (ayodhya.52.58)

भृत्यवत्सल तिष्ठन्तं भर्तृपुत्रगते पथि। भक्तं भृत्यं स्थितं स्थित्या न मा त्वं हातुमर्हसि॥ २-५२-५८ ॥

bhṛtyavatsala tiṣṭhantaṃ bhartṛputragate pathi | bhaktaṃ bhṛtyaṃ sthitaṃ sthityā na mā tvaṃ hātumarhasi

"O you who cherish your servants, do not abandon this devoted servant, standing here in service on the path taken by his master's son."

Shloka 59 (ayodhya.52.59)

एवं बहुविधं दीनं याचमानं पुनः पुनः। रामो भृत्यानुकम्पी तु सुमन्त्रमिदमब्रवीत्॥ २-५२-५९ ॥

evaṃ bahuvidhaṃ dīnaṃ yācamānaṃ punaḥ punaḥ | rāmo bhṛtyānukampī tu sumantramidamabravīt

To Sumantra, thus pleading again and again, humbly and in many ways, Rama, ever compassionate to his servants, said this.

Shloka 60 (ayodhya.52.60)

जानामि परमां भक्तिमहं ते भर्तृवत्सल। शृणु चापि यदर्थं त्वां प्रेषयामि पुरीमितः॥ २-५२-६० ॥

jānāmi paramāṃ bhaktimahaṃ te bhartṛvatsala | śṛṇu cāpi yadarthaṃ tvāṃ preṣayāmi purīmitaḥ

"I know your utmost devotion to your master; but hear now why I am sending you back from here to the city."

Shloka 61 (ayodhya.52.61)

नगरीं त्वां गतं दृष्ट्वा जननी मे यवीयसी। कैकेयी प्रत्ययं गच्छेदिति रामो वनं गतः॥ २-५२-६१ ॥

nagarīṃ tvāṃ gataṃ dṛṣṭvā jananī me yavīyasī | kaikeyī pratyayaṃ gacchediti rāmo vanaṃ gataḥ

"Seeing you returned to the city, my younger mother Kaikeyi will become convinced that Rama has truly gone to the forest."

Shloka 62 (ayodhya.52.62)

विपरीते तुष्टिहीना वनवासं गते मयि। राजानं नातिशङ्केत मिथ्यावादीति धार्मिकम्॥ २-५२-६२ ॥

viparīte tuṣṭihīnā vanavāsaṃ gate mayi | rājānaṃ nātiśaṅketa mithyāvādīti dhārmikam

"If it were otherwise, she would find no contentment, and might come to suspect the righteous king of speaking falsely."

Shloka 63 (ayodhya.52.63)

एष मे प्रथमः कल्पो यदम्बा मे यवीयसी। भरतारक्षितं स्फीतं पुत्रराज्यमवाप्स्यते॥ २-५२-६३ ॥

eṣa me prathamaḥ kalpo yadambā me yavīyasī | bharatārakṣitaṃ sphītaṃ putrarājyamavāpsyate

"This is my foremost purpose - that my younger mother should soon gain the flourishing kingdom, secured for her by Bharata."

Shloka 64 (ayodhya.52.64)

मम प्रियार्थं राज्ञश्च सुमन्त्र त्वं पुरीं व्रज। संदिष्टश्चापि यानर्थांस्तांस्तान् ब्रूयास्तथा तथा॥ २-५२-६४ ॥

mama priyārthaṃ rājñaśca sumantra tvaṃ purīṃ vraja | saṃdiṣṭaścāpi yānarthāṃstāṃstān brūyāstathā tathā

"For my sake and the king's, Sumantra, go to the city, and deliver, just as instructed, each message given to you."

Shloka 65 (ayodhya.52.65)

इत्युक्त्वा वचनं सूतं सान्त्वयित्वा पुनः पुनः। गुहं वचनमक्लीबो रामो हेतुमदब्रवीत्॥ २-५२-६५ ॥

ityuktvā vacanaṃ sūtaṃ sāntvayitvā punaḥ punaḥ | guhaṃ vacanamaklībo rāmo hetumadabravīt

Having spoken thus and comforted the charioteer again and again, resolute Rama then spoke reasoned words to Guha as well.

Shloka 66 (ayodhya.52.66)

नेदानीं गुह योग्योऽयं वासो मे सजने वने। अवश्यमाश्रमे वासः कर्तव्यस्तद्गतो विधिः॥ २-५२-६६ ॥

nedānīṃ guha yogyo'yaṃ vāso me sajane vane | avaśyamāśrame vāsaḥ kartavyastadgato vidhiḥ

"Guha, it is no longer fitting for me to dwell in a forest frequented by people; I must now live as a hermit and observe the rites proper to that life."

Shloka 67 (ayodhya.52.67)

सोऽहं गृहीत्वा नियमं तपस्विजनभूषणम्। हितकामः पितुर्भूयः सीताया लक्ष्मणस्य च॥ २-५२-६७ ॥

so'haṃ gṛhītvā niyamaṃ tapasvijanabhūṣaṇam | hitakāmaḥ piturbhūyaḥ sītāyā lakṣmaṇasya ca

"Taking up the observances that adorn a hermit, and wishing well for my father, for Sita and for Lakshmana, I shall wear matted locks and go; bring me the sap of the banyan."

Shloka 68 (ayodhya.52.68)

जटाः कृत्वा गमिष्यामि न्यग्रोधक्षीरमानय। तत्क्षीरं राजपुत्राय गुहः क्षिप्रमुपाहरत्॥ २-५२-६८ ॥

jaṭāḥ kṛtvā gamiṣyāmi nyagrodhakṣīramānaya | tatkṣīraṃ rājaputrāya guhaḥ kṣipramupāharat

Guha quickly brought that sap for the prince.

Shloka 69 (ayodhya.52.69)

लक्ष्मणस्यात्मनश्चैव रामस्तेनाकरोज्जटाः। दीर्घबाहुर्नरव्याघ्रो जटिलत्वमधारयत्॥ २-५२-६९ ॥

lakṣmaṇasyātmanaścaiva rāmastenākarojjaṭāḥ | dīrghabāhurnaravyāghro jaṭilatvamadhārayat

With it Rama made matted locks, both his own and Lakshmana's; that mighty-armed tiger among men now bore the hermit's tangled hair.

Shloka 70 (ayodhya.52.70)

तौ तदा चीरसम्पन्नौ जटामण्डलधारिणौ। अशोभेतामृषिसमौ भ्रातरौ रामलक्ष्मणौ॥ २-५२-७० ॥

tau tadā cīrasampannau jaṭāmaṇḍaladhāriṇau | aśobhetāmṛṣisamau bhrātarau rāmalakṣmaṇau

Clad in bark garments and crowned with matted hair, the two brothers Rama and Lakshmana shone like sages.

Shloka 71 (ayodhya.52.71)

ततो वैखानसं मार्गमास्थितः सहलक्ष्मणः। व्रतमादिष्टवान् रामः सहायं गुहमब्रवीत्॥ २-५२-७१ ॥

tato vaikhānasaṃ mārgamāsthitaḥ sahalakṣmaṇaḥ | vratamādiṣṭavān rāmaḥ sahāyaṃ guhamabravīt

Then, with Lakshmana, taking up the forest-dweller's way and having accepted its vows, Rama spoke to his helper Guha.

Shloka 72 (ayodhya.52.72)

अप्रमत्तो बले कोशे दुर्गे जनपदे तथा। भवेथा गुह राज्यं हि दुरारक्षतमं मतम्॥ २-५२-७२ ॥

apramatto bale kośe durge janapade tathā | bhavethā guha rājyaṃ hi durārakṣatamaṃ matam

"Guha, remain ever watchful over your army, your treasury, your fortress, and your land; for the protection of a kingdom is held to be a most difficult task."

Shloka 73 (ayodhya.52.73)

ततस्तं समनुज्ञाप्य गुहमिक्ष्वाकुनन्दनः। जगाम तूर्णमव्यग्रः सभार्यः सहलक्ष्मणः॥ २-५२-७३ ॥

tatastaṃ samanujñāpya guhamikṣvākunandanaḥ | jagāma tūrṇamavyagraḥ sabhāryaḥ sahalakṣmaṇaḥ

Taking leave of Guha in this way, the Ikshvaku prince, with his wife and Lakshmana, set out at once, untroubled in mind.

Shloka 74 (ayodhya.52.74)

स तु दृष्ट्वा नदीतीरे नावमिक्ष्वाकुनन्दनः। तितीर्षुः शीघ्रगां गङ्गामिदं वचनमब्रवीत्॥ २-५२-७४ ॥

sa tu dṛṣṭvā nadītīre nāvamikṣvākunandanaḥ | titīrṣuḥ śīghragāṃ gaṅgāmidaṃ vacanamabravīt

Seeing the boat on the riverbank, the Ikshvaku prince, wishing to cross swift-flowing Ganga, spoke these words.

Shloka 75 (ayodhya.52.75)

आरोह त्वं नरव्याघ्र स्थितां नावमिमां शनैः। सीतां चारोपयान्वक्षं परिगृह्य मनस्विनीम्॥ २-५२-७५ ॥

āroha tvaṃ naravyāghra sthitāṃ nāvamimāṃ śanaiḥ | sītāṃ cāropayānvakṣaṃ parigṛhya manasvinīm

"O tiger among men, mount gently upon this waiting boat, and, taking hold of noble Sita, help her aboard as well."

Shloka 76 (ayodhya.52.76)

स भ्रातुः शासनं श्रुत्वा सर्वमप्रतिकूलयन्। आरोप्य मैथिलीं पूर्वमारुरोहात्मवांस्ततः॥ २-५२-७६ ॥

sa bhrātuḥ śāsanaṃ śrutvā sarvamapratikūlayan | āropya maithilīṃ pūrvamārurohātmavāṃstataḥ

Hearing his brother's command, opposing nothing, Lakshmana first helped Maithili aboard, then, master of himself, mounted after her.

Shloka 77 (ayodhya.52.77)

अथारुरोह तेजस्वी स्वयं लक्ष्मणपूर्वजः। ततो निषादाधिपतिर्गुहो ज्ञातीनचोदयत्॥ २-५२-७७ ॥

athāruroha tejasvī svayaṃ lakṣmaṇapūrvajaḥ | tato niṣādādhipatirguho jñātīnacodayat

Then Lakshmana's radiant elder brother himself boarded; and the lord of the Nishadas, Guha, directed his kinsmen to row.

Shloka 78 (ayodhya.52.78)

राघवोऽपि महातेजा नावमारुह्य तां ततः। ब्रह्मवत्क्षत्रवच्चैव जजाप हितमात्मनः॥ २-५२-७८ ॥

rāghavo'pi mahātejā nāvamāruhya tāṃ tataḥ | brahmavatkṣatravaccaiva jajāpa hitamātmanaḥ

The greatly radiant Raghava, having boarded the boat, recited for his own well-being the sacred formula fit for both brahmin and kshatriya.

Shloka 79 (ayodhya.52.79)

आचम्य च यथाशास्त्रं नदीं तां सह सीतया। प्रणमत्प्रीतिसंतुष्टो लक्ष्मणश्च महारथः॥ २-५२-७९ ॥

ācamya ca yathāśāstraṃ nadīṃ tāṃ saha sītayā | praṇamatprītisaṃtuṣṭo lakṣmaṇaśca mahārathaḥ

Then, sipping water as the scriptures prescribe, he, with Sita, joyfully bowed to the river; the great warrior Lakshmana bowed likewise.

Shloka 80 (ayodhya.52.80)

अनुज्ञाय सुमन्त्रं च सबलं चैव तं गुहम्। आस्थाय नावं रामस्तु चोदयामास नाविकान्॥ २-५२-८० ॥

anujñāya sumantraṃ ca sabalaṃ caiva taṃ guham | āsthāya nāvaṃ rāmastu codayāmāsa nāvikān

Having taken leave of Sumantra and of Guha with his men, Rama, seated in the boat, directed the boatmen onward.

Shloka 81 (ayodhya.52.81)

ततस्तैश्चालिता नौका कर्णधारसमाहिता। शुभस्फ्यवेगाभिहता शीघ्रं सलिलमत्यगात्॥ २-५२-८१ ॥

tatastaiścālitā naukā karṇadhārasamāhitā | śubhasphyavegābhihatā śīghraṃ salilamatyagāt

Then, driven by the boatmen and guided by the helmsman, the boat, struck by the swift stroke of the fine oars, swiftly sped across the water.

Shloka 82 (ayodhya.52.82)

मध्यं तु समनुप्राप्य भागीरथ्यास्त्वनिन्दिता। वैदेही प्राञ्जलिर्भूत्वा तां नदीमिदमब्रवीत्॥ २-५२-८२ ॥

madhyaṃ tu samanuprāpya bhāgīrathyāstvaninditā | vaidehī prāñjalirbhūtvā tāṃ nadīmidamabravīt

Reaching the middle of Bhagirathi's stream, blameless Vaidehi, with joined palms, spoke thus to that river.

Shloka 83 (ayodhya.52.83)

पुत्रो दशरथस्यायं महाराजस्य धीमतः। निदेशं पालयत्वेनं गले त्वदभिरक्षितः॥ २-५२-८३ ॥

putro daśarathasyāyaṃ mahārājasya dhīmataḥ | nideśaṃ pālayatvenaṃ gale tvadabhirakṣitaḥ

"This is the son of the wise King Dasharatha; protected by you, may he fulfil his father's command."

Shloka 84 (ayodhya.52.84)

चतुर्दश हि वर्षाणि समग्राण्युष्य कानने। भ्रात्रा सह मया चैव पुनः प्रत्यागमिष्यति॥ २-५२-८४ ॥

caturdaśa hi varṣāṇi samagrāṇyuṣya kānane | bhrātrā saha mayā caiva punaḥ pratyāgamiṣyati

"Having spent the full fourteen years in the forest, he shall return again, together with his brother and with me."

Shloka 85 (ayodhya.52.85)

ततस्त्वां देवि सुभगे क्षेमेण पुनरागता। यक्ष्ये प्रमुदिता गङ्गे सर्वकामसमृद्धिनी॥ २-५२-८५ ॥

tatastvāṃ devi subhage kṣemeṇa punarāgatā | yakṣye pramuditā gaṅge sarvakāmasamṛddhinī

"Then, O fortunate goddess Ganga, returning safely, my every wish fulfilled, I shall joyfully offer you worship."

Shloka 86 (ayodhya.52.86)

त्वं हि त्रिपथगे देवि ब्रह्मलोकं समक्षसे। भार्या चोदधिराजस्य लोकेऽस्मिन् सम्प्रदृश्यसे॥ २-५२-८६ ॥

tvaṃ hi tripathage devi brahmalokaṃ samakṣase | bhāryā codadhirājasya loke'smin sampradṛśyase

"O goddess, you flow through the three paths, you reach even to Brahma's world, and in this world you are seen as the ocean-lord's own bride."

Shloka 87 (ayodhya.52.87)

सा त्वां देवि नमस्यामि प्रशंसामि च शोभने। प्राप्तराज्ये नरव्याघ्र शिवेन पुनरागते॥ २-५२-८७ ॥

sā tvāṃ devi namasyāmi praśaṃsāmi ca śobhane | prāptarājye naravyāghra śivena punarāgate

"O radiant goddess, when this tiger among men returns again in blessing, having regained his kingdom, I shall bow to you and sing your praise."

Shloka 88 (ayodhya.52.88)

गवां शतसहस्रं च वस्त्राण्यन्नं च पेशलम्। ब्राह्मणेभ्यः प्रदास्यामि तव प्रियचिकीर्षया॥ २-५२-८८ ॥

gavāṃ śatasahasraṃ ca vastrāṇyannaṃ ca peśalam | brāhmaṇebhyaḥ pradāsyāmi tava priyacikīrṣayā

"Wishing to please you, I shall give to the brahmins a hundred thousand cows, garments, and fine food."

Shloka 89 (ayodhya.52.89)

सुराघटसहस्रेण मांसभूतौदनेन च। यक्ष्ये त्वां प्रीयतां देवि पुरीं पुनरुपागता॥ २-५२-८९ ॥

surāghaṭasahasreṇa māṃsabhūtaudanena ca | yakṣye tvāṃ prīyatāṃ devi purīṃ punarupāgatā

"Returning again to the city, I shall worship you with a thousand vessels of choice offerings and rice with meat; be pleased, O goddess."

Shloka 90 (ayodhya.52.90)

यानि त्वत्तीरवासीनि दैवतानि च सन्ति हि। तानि सर्वाणि यक्ष्यामि तीर्थान्यायतनानि च॥ २-५२-९० ॥

yāni tvattīravāsīni daivatāni ca santi hi | tāni sarvāṇi yakṣyāmi tīrthānyāyatanāni ca

"Whatever deities, sacred fords, and shrines stand upon your banks, all of these I shall worship."

Shloka 91 (ayodhya.52.91)

पुनरेव महाबाहुर्मया भ्रात्रा च संगतः। अयोध्यां वनवासात् तु प्रविशत्वनघोऽनघे॥ २-५२-९१ ॥

punareva mahābāhurmayā bhrātrā ca saṃgataḥ | ayodhyāṃ vanavāsāt tu praviśatvanagho'naghe

"O sinless goddess, may this mighty-armed one, together with me and his brother, return from exile and enter Ayodhya again."

Shloka 92 (ayodhya.52.92)

तथा सम्भाषमाणा सा सीता गङ्गामनिन्दिता। दक्षिणा दक्षिणं तीरं क्षिप्रमेवाभ्युपागमत्॥ २-५२-९२ ॥

tathā sambhāṣamāṇā sā sītā gaṅgāmaninditā | dakṣiṇā dakṣiṇaṃ tīraṃ kṣipramevābhyupāgamat

Thus praying to the Ganga, blameless Sita soon reached the southern shore.

Shloka 93 (ayodhya.52.93)

तीरं तु समनुप्राप्य नावं हित्वा नरर्षभः। प्रातिष्ठत सह भ्रात्रा वैदेह्या च परंतपः॥ २-५२-९३ ॥

tīraṃ tu samanuprāpya nāvaṃ hitvā nararṣabhaḥ | prātiṣṭhata saha bhrātrā vaidehyā ca paraṃtapaḥ

Reaching the bank, leaving the boat behind, the tiger among men, scourge of his foes, went on with his brother and with Vaidehi.

Shloka 94 (ayodhya.52.94)

अथाब्रवीन्महाबाहुः सुमित्रानन्दवर्धनम्। भव संरक्षणार्थाय सजने विजनेऽपि वा॥ २-५२-९४ ॥

athābravīnmahābāhuḥ sumitrānandavardhanam | bhava saṃrakṣaṇārthāya sajane vijane'pi vā

Then the mighty-armed Rama said to Lakshmana, who gladdened Sumitra's heart, "Be watchful for our protection, whether the land is peopled or bare."

Shloka 95 (ayodhya.52.95)

अवश्यं रक्षणं कार्यं मद्विधैर्विजने वने। अग्रतो गच्छ सौमित्रे सीता त्वामनुगच्छतु॥ २-५२-९५ ॥

avaśyaṃ rakṣaṇaṃ kāryaṃ madvidhairvijane vane | agrato gaccha saumitre sītā tvāmanugacchatu

"In a desolate forest, men such as we must surely keep watch; go ahead, son of Sumitra, and let Sita follow you."

Shloka 96 (ayodhya.52.96)

पृष्ठतोऽनुगमिष्यामि सीतां त्वां चानुपालयन्। अन्योन्यस्य हि नो रक्षा कर्तव्या पुरुषर्षभ॥ २-५२-९६ ॥

pṛṣṭhato'nugamiṣyāmi sītāṃ tvāṃ cānupālayan | anyonyasya hi no rakṣā kartavyā puruṣarṣabha

"I shall come behind, guarding Sita as I go; O best of men, each of us must protect the other."

Shloka 97 (ayodhya.52.97)

न हि तावदतिक्रान्तासुकरा काचन क्रिया। अद्य दुःखं तु वैदेही वनवासस्य वेत्स्यति॥ २-५२-९७ ॥

na hi tāvadatikrāntāsukarā kācana kriyā | adya duḥkhaṃ tu vaidehī vanavāsasya vetsyati

"No hard task has yet passed; only today will Vaidehi come to know the true hardship of forest life."

Shloka 98 (ayodhya.52.98)

प्रणष्टजनसम्बाधं क्षेत्रारामविवर्जितम्। विषमं च प्रपातं च वनमद्य प्रवेक्ष्यति॥ २-५२-९८ ॥

praṇaṣṭajanasambādhaṃ kṣetrārāmavivarjitam | viṣamaṃ ca prapātaṃ ca vanamadya pravekṣyati

"Today she will enter a forest where every trace of human life has vanished, without field or garden, uneven ground and treacherous drops."

Shloka 99 (ayodhya.52.99)

श्रुत्वा रामस्य वचनं प्रतस्थे लक्ष्मणोऽग्रतः। अनन्तरं च सीताया राघवो रघुनन्दनः॥ २-५२-९९ ॥

śrutvā rāmasya vacanaṃ pratasthe lakṣmaṇo'grataḥ | anantaraṃ ca sītāyā rāghavo raghunandanaḥ

Hearing Rama's word, Lakshmana went ahead, Sita followed after him, and behind Sita came Raghava, joy of the Raghu line.

Shloka 100 (ayodhya.52.100)

गतं तु गङ्गापरपारमाशु रामं सुमन्त्रः सततं निरीक्ष्य। अध्वप्रकर्षाद् विनिवृत्तदृष्टिमुमोच बाष्पं व्यथितस्तपस्वी॥ २-५२-१०० ॥

gataṃ tu gaṅgāparapāramāśu rāmaṃ sumantraḥ satataṃ nirīkṣya | adhvaprakarṣād vinivṛttadṛṣṭimumoca bāṣpaṃ vyathitastapasvī

Watching Rama constantly as he went to the far bank of the Ganga, Sumantra, when at last the distance forced his gaze to turn back, wept in his sorrow, ascetic though he was.

Shloka 101 (ayodhya.52.101)

स लोकपालप्रतिमप्रभावस्तीर्त्वा महात्मा वरदो महानदीम्। ततः समृद्धान् शुभसस्यमालिनः क्रमेण वत्सान् मुदितानुपागमत्॥ २-५२-१०१ ॥

sa lokapālapratimaprabhāvastīrtvā mahātmā varado mahānadīm | tataḥ samṛddhān śubhasasyamālinaḥ krameṇa vatsān muditānupāgamat

That great soul, mighty as the guardians of the world and a giver of boons, having crossed the great river, came in due course to the prosperous land of Vatsa, rich with fair crops.

Shloka 102 (ayodhya.52.102)

तौ तत्र हत्वा चतुरो महामृगान् वराहमृश्यं पृषतं महारुरुम्। आदाय मेध्यं त्वरितं बुभुक्षितौ वासाय काले ययतुर्वनस्पतिम्॥ २-५२-१०२ ॥

tau tatra hatvā caturo mahāmṛgān varāhamṛśyaṃ pṛṣataṃ mahārurum | ādāya medhyaṃ tvaritaṃ bubhukṣitau vāsāya kāle yayaturvanaspatim

There the two of them slew four great beasts - a boar, a rishya-deer, a spotted deer, and a great ruru-deer - and, being hungry, took the sanctified meat and went, when it was time to rest, to the shelter of a tree.