Introduction
On hearing the debate between Rama and Bharata, all the sages there were astonished. The sages request Bharata to accept Rama’s words. Bharata explains to Rama that he is unable to rule the vast kingdom alone to the satisfaction of its subjects. Bharata further adds that Rama has the necessary competence to save the world and makes a fervent appeal to Rama to return to Ayodhya. However, Rama replies that Bharata is quite capable of ruling the kingdom and advises Bharata to take counsel from his wise ministers before administering the kingdom. Rama reaffirms Bharata that he will never be fulse to his father’s vow. Finally, Bharata agrees to Rama;s proposition, but requests Rama to offer his sandals to be carried by him to ayodhya so that the peope there would get gain and security. Rama agrees to it and offers his sandals to Bharata, who takes a vow before Rama to enter fire in case he did not return immediately after the expiry of his term of exile. After embracing Bharata and Shatrughna, Rama bids farewell to all with due respect in accord with the rank of each and enters his hermitage.
Verse 1
तम् अप्रतिम तेजोभ्याम् भ्रातृभ्याम् रोम हर्षणम् |
विस्मिताः सम्गमम् प्रेक्ष्य समवेता महर्षयः || २-११२-१
Witnessing that thrilling converse between those two brothers with incomparable dignity, the great sages gathered there were astonished.
1. prekSya = seeing; tam = that; romaharSaNam = thrilling; samgamam = converse; bhraatR^ibhyaam = between those two brothers; apratima tejobhyaam = with incomparable dignity; maharSayaH = the great sages; samvetaaH = gathered there; vismitaaH = were astonished.
Verse 2
अन्तर् हिताः तु ऋषि गणाः सिद्धाः च परम ऋषयः |
तौ भ्रातरौ महात्मानौ काकुत्स्थौ प्रशशंसिरे || २-११२-२
The assemblies of ascetics, great saints present there and the distinguished sages who stood invisible in space, applauded both Rama and Bharata, the magnanimous brothers, saying (as follows):
2. munigaNaaH = the assemblies of ascetics; siddhaashcha = great saints; paramarSayaH = and distinguished sages; antarhitaaH = who stood invisible in space; prashashamsire = applauded; tau kaakutthsau = both Rama and Bharata; mahaatmaanau = the high-souled; bhraatarau = brothers (as follows)
Verse 3
स धन्यो यस्य पुत्रौ द्वौ धर्मज्नौ धर्म विक्रमौ |
श्रुत्वा वयम् हि सम्भाषाम् उभयोः स्पृहयामहे || २-११२-३
“That Dasaratha, who begot these two sons, who know righteousness and whose strength is justice, was fortunate. By hearing the debate between these two princes, we are indeed delighted.”
3. saH = that Dasaratha; yasya = who begot; dvau putrau = two sons; dharmajJNau = who know righteousness; dharma vikramau = and whose strength is justice; dhanyaH = was fortunate; shrutvaa = by hearing; sambhaaSaam = the conversation; ubhayoH = between theses two princes; vayam = we; delighted. spR^ihayaamaahe hi = are indeed delighted.
Verse 4
ततः तु ऋषि गणाः क्षिप्रम् दशग्रीव वध एषिणः |
भरतम् राज शार्दूलम् इत्य् ऊचुः सम्गता वचः || २-११२-४
Thereafter, that assembly of sages, who wished to see a quick destruction of Ravana, came together and spoke the following words to Bharata, the excellent king.
4. tataH = then; R^iSigaNaaH = the assembly of sages; dashagriiva vadhaiSiNaH = who wished to see destruction of Ravana; kSipram = quickly; samgataaH = came together; uuchuH- and spoke; iti = these; vachaH = words; bharatam = to Bharata; raaja shaarduulam = the excellent king.
Verse 5
कुले जात महा प्राज्न महा वृत्त महा यशः |
ग्राह्यम् रामस्य वाक्यम् ते पितरम् यद्य् अवेक्षसे || २-११२-५
“O Bharata born in a noble race, highly intelligent, having a superior conduct and a great repute! If you have regard for your father, Rama’s words are to be accepted.
5. kule jaata = O Bharata born in a noble race; mahaapraajJNa = highly intelligent; mahaa vR^itta = having a superior conduct; mahaa yashaH = and a great repute! avekSase yadi = If you respect; te = your; pitaram = father; raamasya = Rama’s; vaakyam = words; graahyam = are to be accepted.
Verse 6
सदा अनृणम् इमम् रामम् वयम् इग्च्छामहे पितुः |
अनृणत्वाच् च कैकेय्याः स्वर्गम् दशरथो गतः || २-११२-६
“We wish to see Rama absolved of all obligations forever to his father. Dasaratha, having honoured his pledge to Kaikeyi, indeed went to heaven.”
6. vayam = we; ichchhaamahe = wish; imam raamam = this Rama; anR^iNam = to be free of debt; sadaa = forever; pituH = in the case of his father; dasharathaH = Dasaratha; anR^iNatvaachcha = becoming free of debt; kaikeyyaaH = in the case of Kaikeyi; gataH = went; svargam = to heaven.
Verse 7
एतावद् उक्त्वा वचनम् गन्धर्वाः समहर्षयः |
राज ऋषयः चैव तथा सर्वे स्वाम् स्वाम् गतिम् गताः || २-११२-७
Having uttered that much, all the celestial musicians and the great sages then went to their respective abodes.
7. uktvaa = having spoken; vachanam = the words; etaavat = that much; sarve = all; gandharvaaH = the celestial musicians; samaharSyaH = together with the great sages; tadaa = then; gataaH = went; svaam svaam = their respective; gatim = abodes.
Verse 8
ह्लादितः तेन वाक्येन शुभेन शुभ दर्शनः |
रामः सम्हृष्ट वदनः तान् ऋषीन् अभ्यपूजयत् || २-११२-८
Hearing those auspicious words, the good-looking Rama looked radiant and worshipped those sages with a joyful countenance.
8. tena vaakyena = by those words; shubhena = which were auspicious; shubhadarshanaH = the good-looking; raamaH = Rama; LaaditaH = looked radiant; abhyapuujayat = and worshipped; taan R^iSiin = those sages; samhR^iSTa vadanaH = with a joyful countenance.
Verse 9
स्रस्त गात्रः तु भरतः स वाचा सज्जमानया |
कृत अन्जलिर् इदम् वाक्यम् राघवम् पुनर् अब्रवीत् || २-११२-९
Bharata, on his part, with trembled limbs, joined his palms in salutation and again spoke the following words to Rama in a strangled voice:
9. bharatastu = Bharata; on his part; trastagaatraH = with trembled limbs; kR^itaaJNjaliH = joined his palms in salutation; punaH abraviit = again spoke; idam vaakyam = these words; raaghavam = to Rama; sajjamaaneyaa = in a strangled; vaachaa = voice.
Verse 10
राज धर्मम् अनुप्रेक्ष्य कुल धर्म अनुसम्ततिम् |
कर्तुम् अर्हसि काकुत्स्थ मम मातुः च याचनाम् || २-११२-१०
“O, Rama! Keep in view the continuance of our royal statue and the statute of the race. You ought to yield to the entreaties of mine and those of your mother.”
10. kaakutthsa = O; Rama!; anuprekSya = keeping in view; (that); raajadharmam = the royal statute; kuladharma = and the statue of the race; anusantatim = continue; arhasi = you ought to; kartum = yield to; yachanaam = the entreaties; mama = of mine; maatushcha = and of your mother.
Verse 11
रक्षितुम् सुमहद् राज्यम् अहम् एकः तु न उत्सहे |
पौर जानपदामः च अपि रक्तान् रन्जयितुम् तथा || २-११२-११
“I am not able to rule this vast empire alone to the satisfaction of the beloved inhabitants of town and country!”
11. aham = I; ekastu = alone; notsahe = am not able; rakSitum = to protect; sumahat = the very large; raajyam = kingdom; tathaa = and; raJNjayitum = to the satisfaction; raktaan = of the beloved; paurajaanapadaan = inhabitants of town and country.
Verse 12
ज्नातयः च हि योधाः च मित्राणि सुहृदः च नः |
त्वाम् एव प्रतिकान्क्षन्ते पर्जन्यम् इव कर्षकाः || २-११२-१२
“Our kith and king, soldiers, companions and allies are waiting for you indeed, as farmers wait for the rainy clouds.”
12. naH = our; jJNaatayashcha = kith and kin; yodhaashcha = soldiers; mitraaNi = companions; suhR^idashcha = and allies; prativiikSante = are waiting; tvameva = for you indeed; karSakaaH iva = as farmers (wait); parjanyamiva = for the rainy clouds.
Verse 13
इदम् राज्यम् महा प्राज्न स्थापय प्रतिपद्य हि |
शक्तिमान् असि काकुत्स्थ लोकस्य परिपालने || २-११२-१३
“O, the sagacious Rama! Return to the kingdom and keep it in order. You have the competence to save the world!”
13. mahaa praajJNa = O Rama the sagacious! pratipadya = return; idam raajyam = to this kingdom; sthaapaya = and keep it in order; asi = you are; shaktimaan = competent; panipaalane = of administration; lokasya = of the world.
Verse 14
इत्य् उक्त्वा न्यपतद् भ्रातुः पादयोर् भरतः तदा |
भृशम् सम्प्रार्थयाम् आस रामम् एवम् प्रियम् वदः || २-११२-१४
That Bharata, who was kind-spoken, thus made a fervent appeal to Rama and fell at his feet.
14. bharataH = Bharata; tadaa = then; uktvaa = speaking; iti = thus; nyapatat = fell; paadayoH = at the feet; bhraatuH = of his brother; priyamvadaH = Bharata the kind-spoken; sampraartha yaamaasa = earnestly requested; raamam eva = Rama; bhR^isham = a great deal.
Verse 15
तम् अन्के भ्रातरम् कृत्वा रामो वचनम् अब्रवीत् |
श्यामम् नलिन पत्र अक्षम् मत्त हंस स्वरः स्वयम् || २-११२-१५
Placing on his lap, that Bharata of dark hue, with eyes resembling lotus-petals and having a voice like that of a swan in rut, Rama spoke the following words to him:
15. svayam aNkekRTitvaa = placing on his lap; tam bharatam = that Bharata; shyaamam = of dark hue; nalina patraakSam = wtih eyes resembling lotus-petals; matta hamsa svaram = having a voice of a swan in rut; raamaH = Rama; abraviit = spoke; vachanam = (the following) words.
Verse 16
आगता त्वाम् इयम् बुद्धिः स्वजा वैनयिकी च या |
भृशम् उत्सहसे तात रक्षितुम् पृथिवीम् अपि || २-११२-१६
“O, my dear brother! You are very much competent to rule the earth, by the intellect you obtained both inherently and by training.”
16. taataH = O dear brother!; yaa buddhiH = which intellect; iyam = this; tvaam = you; aagataa = obtained; svajaa = self-born; vainayikiicha = and by training; (by that); utsahase = you are competent; bhR^isham = very much; rakSitum api = even to rule; pR^ithiviim = the earth.
Verse 19
कामाद् वा तात लोभाद् वा मात्रा तुभ्यम् इदम् कृतम् |
न तन् मनसि कर्तव्यम् वर्तितव्यम् च मातृवत् || २-११२-१९
“My dear brother! Your mother acted thus, for your sake, out of her affection or ambition. It should not be carried out in your mind. You ought to obey her as your mother.”
19. taata = my dear brother!; idam = this; kR^itam = was done; maatraa = by your mother; tubhyam- for your sake; kaamaadvaa = from her affection; lobhaadvaa = or covetousness; tat = that; nakartavyam = should not be carried out; manasi = in your mind; vartitavyam = you ought to obey; maatR^ivat = towards your mother.
Verse 17
अमात्यैः च सुहृद्भिः च बुद्धिमद्भिः च मन्त्रिभिः |
सर्व कार्याणि सम्मन्त्र्य सुमहान्त्य् अपि कारय || २-११२-१७
“Take counsel with your ministers, companions and intelligent counsellors and get all activities done, even if they are gigantic.”
17. sammantrya = take counsel with; amaatyaishcha = ministers; suhR^idbhishcha = companions; buddhi madbhiH = and intelligent; mantribhishcha = counsellors; kaaraya = and get done; sarva kaaryaaNi = all activities; sumhaantyapi = even if they are gigantic.
Verse 18
लक्ष्मीः चन्द्राद् अपेयाद् वा हिमवान् वा हिमम् त्यजेत् |
अतीयात् सागरो वेलाम् न प्रतिज्नाम् अहम् पितुः || २-११२-१८
“Light may go off from the moon; Himalayan mountain may shake off its snows; the sea may transgress its shores, but I will never be false to my father’s vow!”
18. lakSmiiH = light; apeyaadvaa = may go off; chandraat = from the moon; himam = snow; tyajedvaa = may decam; himavaan = from a Himalayan mountain; sagaraH = ocean; atiiyaat = may transgress; velaam- the shore; aham = (But) I; na = will not transgress; pituH = my father’s; pratijNaam = promise.
Verse 20
एवम् ब्रुवाणम् भरतः कौसल्या सुतम् अब्रवीत् |
तेजसा आदित्य सम्काशम् प्रतिपच् चन्द्र दर्शनम् || २-११२-२०
Bharata replied (as follows) to Rama, who was speaking as aforesaid and who was equal to sun by his splendour or to the moon in its first quarter.
20. bharataH = Bharata; abraviit = replied; (as follows) kausalyaasutam = to Rama; bruvaaNam = who was speaking; evam = thus; aaditya saNkaasham = who was equal to sun; tejasaa = by his splendour; pratipachchandradarshanam = or to the moon in its first quarter.
Verse 21
अधिरोह आर्य पादाभ्याम् पादुके हेम भूषिते |
एते हि सर्व लोकस्य योग क्षेमम् विधास्यतः || २-११२-२१
“O, noble brother! Pray mount with your feet on the wooden sandals adorned with gold! Surely, these will bestow, gain and security to all the people!”
21. aarya = O; noble brother!; paadabhyaam = by your feet; adhiroha = mount on; paaduke = (these) wooden sandals; hemabhuuSite = whjich are adorned with gold; ete = these sandals; vidhaasyataH hi = indeed will bestow; yogakSemam = gain and security; sarva lokasya = to the entire people.
Verse 22
सो अधिरुह्य नर व्याघ्रः पादुके ह्य् अवरुह्य च |
प्रायग्च्छत् सुमहा तेजा भरताय महात्मने || २-११२-२२
Rama, the tiger among men, possessing exceptional glory, placing his feet on the sandals and leaving them, gave them to the magnanimous Bharata.
22. saH = that Rama; naravyaaghraH = the tiger among men; sumahaatejaaH = possessing exceptional glory; adhiruhya = placing his feet; paaduke = on the sandals; avaruhyacha = and leaving them; praayachchhat = gave them; mahaatmane = to the magnanimous; bharataaya = Bharata.
Verse 23
स पादुके सम्प्रणम्य रामं वचनम्ब्रवीत् |
चतुर्दश हि वर्षाणि जटाचीरधरो ह्यहम् || २-११२-२३
फलमूलाशनो वीर भवेयम् रघुनंदन |
Bowing before the sandals, Bharata spoke the following words to Rama: “O, Rama the hero and the tormentator of enemies! For fourteen years, I shall wear matted locks and robes of bark, live on fruits and roots O Rama, and live outside the city, offering the ruling of the kingdom to your sandals.”
23; 24. sampraNamya = bowing before; paaduke = the sandals; saH = that Bharata; abraviit = spoke; vachanam = (these) words; raamam = to Rama; paramtapa = O; Rama the tormentator of enemies; viiraH = and the Hero!; chaturdasha = for fourteen; varSaaNi = your; aham = I; jaTaachiiradharaH = shall wear matted locks and and robes of bark; phala muulaashanaH = live on fruits and roots; raghunandana = O; Rama; vasan = and live; bhaveyam = staying bahiH = outside; nagaraat = the city; nyasta raajya tantraH = offering the ruling of the kingdom; tava = to your; paadukayoH = sandals
Verse 24 & 25
तवागमनमाकाङ्क्षन् वसन्वै नगराद्बहिः || २-११२-२४
तव पादुकयोर्न्यस्तराज्यतन्त्रः परंतप |
चतुर्दशे तु सम्पूर्णे वर्षेऽहानि रघूत्तम || २-११२-२५
न द्रक्ष्यामि यदि त्वां तु प्रवेक्ष्यामि हुताशनम् |
“O, Rama! If I do not see you the following day when the fourteenth year has fully ended, I shall enter the fire once for all.”
25. rahuuttama = O; Rama!; nadrakSyaami yadi = If I do not see; tvaam = you; ahani = on the day; sampuurNe = after completion of; chaturdashe varSe = fourteen the year; pravekSyaami = I shall enter; hutaashanam = the fire once for all.
Verse 26
तथेति च प्रतिज्ञाय तं परिष्वज्य सादरम् || २-११२-२६
शत्रुघ्नम् च परिष्वज्य भरतं चेदमब्रवीत् |
“So be it” promised Rama, embraced that Bharata with affection, took Shatrughna also in his arms and spoke to Bharata as follows:
26. tatheti = “so be it”; pratiJNaaya = promised Rama; pariSvajya shatrughnam = took Shatrughna also in his arms; abraviit = and spoke; idam = these words; bharatamcha = to Bharata.
Verse 27 & 28
मातरम् रक्ष कैकेयीम् मा रोषम् कुरु तां प्रति || २-११२-२७
मया च सीतया चैव शप्तो.सि रघुसत्तम |
इत्युक्त्वाश्रुपरीताक्षो भ्रातरं विससर्ज ह || २-११२-२८
“O Bharata! Protect your mother, Kaikeyi. Do not get angry with her. You are taken vow thus by me and by Seetha.” speaking thus, Rama with his eyes filled iwth tears, bade farewell to his brother.
27; 28. raghusattama = O; Bharata!; rakSa = protect; maataram = your mother; kaikeyiim = Kaikeyi; maa kuru = do not get; roSam = angry; taam prati = with her; asi = you are; shaptaH = taken vow; mayaacha = by me; siitayaachaiva = and by Seetha; uktvaa = speaking; iti = thus; 9Rama); ashrupariitakSaH = having his eyes filled iwth tears; visarjaha = bade farewell; bhraataram = to his brother.
Verse 29
स पादुके ते भरतः प्रतापवान् |
स्वलम्कृते सम्परिगृह्य धर्मवित् |
प्रदक्षिणम् चैव चकार राघवम् |
चकार चैव उत्तम नाग मूर्धनि || २-११२-२९
The valiant Bharata, who knew righteousness worshipped those sandals which were well-decorated made a circumambulation to Rama and kept the sandals on the head of an excellent elephant.
29. saH bharataH = that Bharata; prataapavaan = the valiant man; dharmavit = who knew righteousness; samparipuujya = worshipped; te paaduke = those sandals; svalaNK^Rite = decorated well; chakaara = made; pradakSiNam = circumambulation; raaghavam = to Rama; chakaara = and kept; te = those sandals; uttama naaga muurdhani = on the head of an excellent elephant.
Verse 30
अथ आनुपूर्व्यात् प्रतिपूज्य तम् जनम् |
गुरूमः च मन्त्रि प्रकृतीः तथा अनुजौ |
व्यसर्जयद् राघव वंश वर्धनः |
स्थितः स्व धर्मे हिमवान् इव अचलः || २-११२-३०
Rama, the augmentator of Raghu dynasty, being firm as a Himalayan rock in abiding in his own righteousness, greeted those men, in accord with their rank, the host of his preceptors, ministers, subjects and his brothers and bade farewell to all of them.
30. atha = then; raaghava vamshavardhanaH = rama; the augmentator of Raghu dynasty; sthiraH = firm; himavaan achalaH iva = as a Himalayan rock; svadharme = (abiding in) his own duty; pratinandya = greeted; tam = those men; aanupuurvyaa = in accord with their rank; guruumshcha = the host of his preceptors; mantriprakR^itiiH = ministers his subjects; tatha = and; anujau = and his brothers; vyasarjayat = and bade farewell.
Verse 31
तम् मातरो बाष्प गृहीत कण्ठो |
दुह्खेन न आमन्त्रयितुम् हि शेकुः |
स तु एव मातृऋर् अभिवाद्य सर्वा |
रुदन् कुटीम् स्वाम् प्रविवेश रामः || २-११२-३१
His mothers, their voices choked with tears due to sorrow, were unable to bid farewell verbally to Rama. However, Rama himself offered his salutations to all his mothers and entered his hermitage, weeping.
31. maataraH = his mothers; baSpagR^ihiita kaNThyaH = their voices choked with tears; duHkhena = by sorrow; na shekurhi = were unable; aamantrayitam = to bid farewell verbally; tam = to Rama; saH = that; raama eva = Rama himself; abhivaadya = offered his salutations; sarvaaH = to all; maatR^iiH = his mothers; pravivesha = and entered; svaam = his; kuTiim = hermitage; rudan = weeping.
