Introduction

Rama and Lakshmana inquisitively enquired into the Siddhaashrama, Accomplished Hermitage in the earlier chapter for which Sage Vishvamitra informs about the heritage of that hermitage for it once belonged to Vishnu in Vaamna incarnation. Vishvamitra narrates about it and how Vaamna, a dwarfish ascetic boy eradicated evil on earth. It is a suggestion to Rama from Sage Vishvamitra to do likewise in this incarnation of Rama also.

 

Verse 1

अथ तस्याप्रमेयस्य वचनं परिपृच्छतः |
विश्वामित्रो महातेजा व्याख्यातुमुपचक्रमे || १-२९-१

1. atha = then; aprameyasya = not matchable [in illustriousness]; vacanam paripR^icChataH = about sentence, while asking; tasya = to that Rama; mahaatejaaH vishvaamitraH = highly resplendent Vishvamitra; vyaakhyaatum upacakrame = started to narrate.

When that matchlessly illustrious Rama has asked for details, that highly resplendent sage Vishvamitra started to narrate about that forest to Rama. [1-29-1]

 

Verse 2 & 3a

इह राम महाबाहो विष्णुर्देवनमस्कृतः |
वर्षाणि सुबहूनीह तथा युगशतानि च || १-२९-२
तपश्चरणयोगार्थमुवास सुमहातपाः |

“Here, oh, dextrous Rama, he who is worshipped by gods and who has got outstanding ascesis that Vishnu resided here in the pursuit of practising ascesis and yoga for good many years, likewise for a hundred eras. [1-29-2, 3a]

2, 3a. mahaabaaho raama = oh dextrous Rama; iha devanamaskR^itaH = here, one who is worshipped by gods; sumahaatapaaH = one who has – very great ascesis; viSNuH = Vishnu; subahuuni varSaaNi = for good many years; tathaa yugashataani ca = likewise, hundreds of eras, also; tapaH caraNayogaartham = in pursuit of practise of penace and yoga; iha uvaasa = here, resided.

Verse 3b & 4a

एष पूर्वाश्रमो राम वामनस्य महात्मनः || १-२९-३
सिद्धाश्रम इति ख्यातः सिद्धो ह्यत्र महातपाः |

“This is the erstwhile hermitage of great-souled Vaamana renowned as Accomplished hermitage, why because the sage with supreme ascesis Kaashyapa got accomplishment to such of his ascesis there only. [1-29-3b, 4a]

3b, 4a. raama = oh Rama; eSaH mahaatmanaH vaamanasya = this is, of great-souled Vaamana; puurvaashramaH = erstwhile hermitage; siddhaashrama iti khyaataH = Siddha [Accomplished] hermitage, thus, renowned; hi = why because; mahaatapaaH [kaashyapa] atra siddhaH = one who has supreme ascesis, sage Kaashyapa, there, got accomplishment to his ascesis.

Verse 4b & 5

एतस्मिन्नेव काले तु राजा वैरोचनिर्बलिः || १-२९-४
निर्जित्य दैवतगणान् सेन्द्रान् समरुद्गणान् |
कारयामास तद्राज्यं त्रिषु लोकेषु विश्रुतः || १-२९-५

“In the meantime, when Vishnu was in his asceticism in this hermitage, the son of King Virochana, namely Bali, has completely conquered all the assemblages of gods together with Indra and his coterie called Wind-gods, and ruling that kingdom where that hermitage is there, he has become renowned in all the three worlds for his magnanimity. [1-29-4b, 5]

4b, 5. etasmin kaale eva = in the mean, time, only; vairocaniH = Virochana’s [son]; raajaa baliH = king, Bali; sendraan samarudgaNaan = along with Indra and Marut gods – Wind-gods; daivatagaNaan = god’s groups; nirjitya = on completely conquering; triSu lokeSu vishrutaH = in three, worlds, well heard [renowned]; tat raajyam kaarayaamaasa = that, kingdom, he started to do – to rule.

Verse 6

यज्ञं चकार सुमहानसुरेन्द्रो महाबलः |
बलेस्तु यजमानस्य देवाः साग्निपुरोगमाः |
समागम्य स्वयं चैव विष्णुमूचुरिहाश्रमे || १-२९-६

“That great mighty chief of demons Bali then conducted a very grand Vedic ritual. But when Bali is conducting that ritual remaining as its officiator all the gods personally approached Vishnu, keeping Fire-god ahead of them, just here in this hermitage and they spoke to him. [1-29-6]

6. asurendraH = the chief of demon; mahaabalaH = great mighty one; baleH tu = Bali, for his part; yaj~nam cakaara sumahaan = conducted very grand ritual; yajamaanasya = as officiator – when Bali is the officiator of that Vedic ritual; devaaH = gods; saagnipurogamaaH = with Fire-god, kept ahead; iha aashrame = in this, hermitage; viSNum = to Vishnu; svayam ca eva = in person, also thus; samaagamya = on approaching; uucuH = spoke.

Verse 7

बलिर्वैरोचनिर्विष्णो यजते यज्ञमुत्तमम् |
असमाप्तव्रते तस्मिन् स्वकार्यमभिपद्यताम् || १-२९-७

” ‘Oh, all-pervading god Vishnu, Bali the son of Virochana is conducting an unsurpassed Vedic ritual, before the completion of which our own mission, say the task of gods, is to be achieved completely. [1-29-7]

7. viSNo = oh Vishnu; vairocaniH baliH = Virochana’s [son,] Bali; uttamam yaj~nam yajate = is performing unsurpassed Vedic ritual ; tasmin asamaaptavrate = that, uncompleted ritual ; svakaaryam abhipadyataam = our own [god’s,] mission, be achieved completely.

Verse 8

ये चैनमभिवर्तन्ते याचितार इतस्ततः |
यच्च यत्र यथावच्च सर्वं तेभ्यः प्रयच्छति || १-२९-८

” ‘Whoever the supplicant might be and from wherever he might be coming, but if one approaches and supplicates to him he is donating that in as is where is condition, whatever is supplicated and wherever it might be. [1-29-8]

8. ye = which of those; yaacitaaraH = supplicants; itaH tataH = from here, and there – from wherever he may come; enam abhivartante [abhivaa~NcChanti] = him [to Bali,] approaches [supplicates]; yat ca = whatever, also; yatra = wherever [it might be]; yathaavat ca = in as is where is condition, also; sarvam tebhyaH prayacChati = donates all to them.

Verse 9

स त्वं सुरहितार्थाय मायायोगमुपाश्रितः |
वामनत्वं गतो विष्णो कुरु कल्याणमुत्तमम् || १-२९-९

” ‘As such, oh, Vishnu, you may effectuate the most suitable merited deed for the welfare of gods on resorting to your illusory power, Vishnu Maya, and on assuming the form of a dwarf to deal with Emperor Bali.’ Thus gods appealed to Vishnu. [1-29-9]

9. viSNo = oh Vishnu; saH = such as you are; tvam = you; surahitaarthaaya = welfare of gods; maayaayogam upaashritaH = resorting Maya [illusory] power ; vaamanatvam gataH = on assuming dwarfishness; uttamam kalyaaNam kuru = you make happen the most suitable merited deed – to deal with Emperor Bali.

Verse 10 & 11

एतस्मिन्नन्तरे राम काश्यपोऽग्निसमप्रभः |
अदित्या सहितो राम दीप्यमान इवौजसा || १-२९-१०
देवीसहायो भगवान् दिव्यं वर्षसहस्रकम् |
व्रतं समाप्य वरदं तुष्टाव मधुसूदनम् || १-२९-११

“In the meanwhile, oh Rama, he whose brilliance is similar to ritual fire, who will be with his wife Lady Aditi, who is resplendent with his own vitality, that godly sage Kaashyapa on completing his asceticism along with Lady Aditi started to eulogise the boon giver and the eliminator of demon Madhu, namely Vishnu.” Thus Vishvamitra is narrating to Rama. [1-29-10, 11]

10. etasmin antare = in this, meanwhile; raama = oh Rama; agnisamaprabhaH = similar to ritual fire in brilliance; adityaa sahitaH = who will be with Lady Aditi; ojasaa diipyamaanaH iva = as though resplendent with his own vitality; bhagavan kaashyapaH = godly sage, Kaashyapa; deviisahaayaH = along with lady [Aditi]; divyam varSasahasrakam = divine, thousand years; vratam samaapya = on completing asceticism; varadam = boon giver [Vishnu]; madhusuudanam = killer of the demon Madhu [Vishnu]; tuSTaava = eulogised.

Verse 12

तपोमयं तपोराशिं तपोमूर्तिं तपात्मकम् |
तपसा त्वां सुतप्तेन पश्यामि पुरोषोत्तमम् || १-२९-१२

” ‘Oh, Supreme Person, you are abounding with asceticism, aggregate of asceticism, the aspect of asceticism, and the very soul of asceticism, such as you are, I am able to see you with the well practised asceticism of mine. [1-29-12]

12. tapomayam = abounding asceticism; taporaashim = aggregate of asceticism; tapomuurtim = configure of asceticism ; tapaatmakam = soul of asceticism; puroSottamam = at Supreme Person; that is what you are; tvaam = you; sutaptena pashyaami tapasaa = I am able to see with well practised asceticism.

Verse 13

शरीरे तव पश्यामि जगत्सर्वमिदं प्रभो |
त्वमनादिरनिर्देश्यस्त्वामहं शरणं गतः || १-२९-१३

” ‘In your physique I am seeing this entire universe, oh, god, and you are without a beginning and indefinable, and in you I am taking shelter.’ Sage Kaashyapa praised Vishnu in this way. [1-29-13]

13. prabho = oh god; tava shariire = in your, physique; idam sarvam jagat pashyaami = I am seeing this whole universe; tvam anaadiH = you are, without beginning; anirdeshyaH = not definable; aham tvaam sharaNam gataH = I am getting [taking] shelter in you.

Verse 14

तमुवाच हरिः प्रीतः कश्यपं धूतकल्मषम् |
वरं वरय भद्रं ते वरार्होऽसि मतो मम || १-२९-१४

Vishnu is gladdened for the devotion of sage Kaashyapa who is absolved of any blemish in his ascesis, and then Vishnu said this to, “You may seek a boon as you are boon-worthy, I opine that you are a preferred one to me, let safety be with you.” Thus Vishnu said to Kaashyapa. [1-29-14]

14. hariH priitaH = Hari, Vishnu, gladdened; dhuutakalmaSam = he who is cleansed – absolved of blemish; tam kashyapam uvaacha = to him to Kaashyapa, said; varam varaya = seek boon; te bhadram = safety will be to you; varaarhaH = as a worthy one for boon; mama mataH asi = you are preferred one to me.

Verse 15 & 16a

तच्छ्रुत्वा वचनं तस्य मारीचः कश्यपोऽब्रवीत् |
अदित्या देवतानां च मम चैवानुयाचितम् || १-२९-१५
वरं वरद सुप्रीतो दातुमर्हसि सुव्रत |

On hearing the word of Vishnu sage Kaashyapa, the son of Sage Mariicha said, “oh, god the accorder of boons, as you are pleased with us it will be apt of you to bestow the boon besought by Lady Aditi and the gods, oh, lord with lofty vows, for which boon I am also supplicating to you, following them. [1-29-15, 16a]

15, 16a. tasya = his – Vishnu’s; tat vacanam shrutvaa = on hearing that word of according boon; maariicaH kashyapaH abraviit = sage Mariicha’s [son] sage Kaashyapa, said; varada = oh boon-accorder; suvrata = oh Vishnu with lofty vows; adityaa devataanaam ca = of lady Aditi, of gods, also; anuyaacitam = following them I who am supplicating; mama ca = to me, also; supriitaH = [while you are] pleased; varam daatum arhasi = apt of you to bestow boon.

Verse 16b & 17

पुत्रत्वं गच्छ भगवन्नदित्या मम चानघ || १-२९-१६
भ्राता भव यवीयांस्त्वं शक्रस्यासुरसूदन |
शोकार्तानां तु देवानां साहाय्यं कर्तुमर्हसि || १-२९-१७

” ‘Oh, god, oh, sinless one, you may please attain the sonship of Lady Aditi and myself, oh, dispenser of demons, it will be apt of you to render help to gods who are agonised in the anguish owing to the predominance of Emperor Bali, by becoming the younger brother of Indra. [1-29-16b, 17]

16b, 17. bhagavan = oh god; anagha = oh sinless one; adityaa mama ca = of Aditi, of mine, as well; putratvam gacCha = you attain sonship; asurasuudana = oh dispenser of demons ; tvam shakrasya = you, of Indra; yaviiyaan bhraataa bhava = you become younger brother; shokaartaanaam devaanaam = agonised in anguish for gods; saahaayyam kartum arhasi = apt of you to render help.

Verse 18

अयं सिद्धाश्रमो नाम प्रसादात्ते भविष्यति |
सिद्धे कर्मणि देवेश उत्तिष्ठ भगवन्नितः || १-२९-१८

” ‘Oh, god of gods, as the works of my austerities are accomplished here, by your grace this hermitage will be renowned by the name Siddhaashram, Hermitage of Accomplishment, hence oh god, arise from here to become my son.’ So said sage Kaashyapa to Vishnu. [1-29-18]

18. devesha = oh god’s god; karmaNi siddhe = while accomplished works [asceticism of mine] ; ayam = this one [hermitage]; te prasaadaat = by your, grace; siddhaashramaH naama = this one, with the name Siddha [Accomplished] Hermitage; bhaviSyati = it becomes; bhagavan = oh god; itaH uttiSTha = arise from here.

Verse 19

अथ विष्णुर्महातेजा अदित्यां समजायत |
वामनं रूपमास्थाय वैरोचनिमुपागमत् || १-२९-१९

“That great resplendent Vishnu then adopting a semblance of a dwarf emerged from Aditi, and that dwarfish ascetic boy approached Emperor Bali, the son of Virochana.” Thus Vishvamitra continued narration. [1-29-19]

19. atha = then; mahaatejaaH viSNuH = great resplendent, Vishnu; adityaam samajaayata = from Aditi, well emerged – as son; vaamanam ruupam aasthaaya = adopting dwarf semblance; vairocanim upaagamat = to Virochana’s [son, Emperor Bali,] came near – approached.

Verse 20 & 21

त्रीन्पदानथ भिक्षित्वा प्रतिगृह्य च मेदिनीम् |
आक्रम्य लोकान् लोकार्थो सर्वलोकहिते रतः || १-२९-२०
महेन्द्राय पुनः प्रादात् नियम्य बलिमोजसा |
त्रैलोक्यं स महातेजाश्चक्रे शक्रवशं पुनः || १-२९-२१

“That dwarf ascetic boy Vaamana begged and received a space that can be covered in three strides, but strode all the three worlds in those three steps for the purpose of saving worlds, as he is interested in the welfare of all the worlds. Vishnu gave the earth back to Indra restraining Emperor Bali with his vitality. Thus that great resplendent Vishnu made the three worlds to come under the control of Indra again. [1-29-20, 21]

20, 21. atha = next; that dwarf ascetic boy – Vaamana; lokaarthaH [lokaatmaa] = for the good of worlds [soul of all worlds]; sarvalokahite rataH = one who is interested in welfare of all worlds ; Vishnu; triin padaan bhikSitvaa = begged of three foot-steps [of space] ; pratigR^ihya ca = on receiving [that ground], also; lokaan aakramya = striding over worlds; balim ojasaa niyamya = on restraining Bali with vitality; mediniim mahendraaya punaH praadaat = again gave away earth to Indra; mahaatejaaH saH = great resplendent one, that Vishnu; trailokyam = three worlds; punaH shakravasham cakre = again, he made to come under Indra’s control.

Verse 22

तेनैष पूर्वमाक्रान्त आश्रमः श्रमनाशनः |
मयापि भक्त्या तस्यैष वामनस्योपभुज्यते || १-२९-२२

“This hermitage which at one time is presided by Vishnu, is an eradicator of stress, either the stress and strain caused by the evil on earth, or the stress of going through the cycle of birth and death, thus this hermitage is an accorded of salvation, and I am also beneficed with this hermitage owing to my devotion to Vaamana. [1-29-22]

22. shramanaashanaH = eradicating stress [stress and strain of living beings in taking births and rebirths]; eSaH = this; aashramaH = hermitage; tena = by him – Vaamana; puurvam aakraantaH = presided over at one time; tasya vaamanasya bhaktyaa = his Vaamana’s, owing to devotion – owing devotion to him; mayaa api = by me, even; upabhujyate = beneficed.

Verse 23

एनमाश्रममायान्ति राक्षसा विघ्नकारिणः |
अत्र ते पुरुषव्याघ्र हन्तव्या दुष्टचारिणः || १-२९-२३

“Demons causing obstacles, oh, tigerly man Rama, will be arriving at that hermitage and there alone those demons with evil pursuit are to be eliminated. [1-29-23]

23. puruSavyaaghra = oh, tigerly man; vighnakaariNaH raakSasaaH = causers of obstacle, demons; enam aashramam aayaanti = will be arriving at this hermitage; te duSTacaariNaH atra hantavyaaH = they, that are of evil pursuit are to be eliminated there alone.

Verse 24

अद्य गच्छामहे राम सिद्धाश्रममनुत्तमम् |
तदाश्रमपदं तात तवाप्येतद्यथा मम || १-२९-२४

“Rama, we now go to the unexcelled hermitage of Accomplishment, oh, dear one, as to how this hermitage belongs to me, this also belongs to you.” Thus Vishvamitra said to Rama. [1-29-24]

24. raama = oh Rama; adya anuttamam siddhaashramam = now, to the unexcelled Accomplished hermitage; gacChaamahe = we will go; taata = oh dear one; etat aashramapadam = this, hermitage’s threshold; yathaa mama = as to how, to me; tava api [tathaa] = to you, even, [likewise.]

Verse 25

इत्युक्त्वा परमप्रीतो गृह्य रामं सलक्ष्मणम् |
प्रविशन्नाश्रमपदं व्यरोचत महामुनिः |
शशीव गतनीहारः पुनर्वसुसमन्वितः || १-२९-२५

So saying that great sage Vishvamitra is highly gladdened to lead Rama together with Lakshmana to the hermitage, and on his entering the hermitage with those two, that sage shone forth like moon with a two starred constellation called Punarvasu, the fifth or seventh lunar mansion, after dispersal of mist. [1-29-25]

25. iti uktvaa = so, saying; mahaamuniH = great saint Vishvamitra; paramapriitaH = highly gladdened; gR^ihya raamam salakSmaNam = taking – leading, Rama, with Lakshmana; pravishan aashramapadam = on entering, hermitage’s threshold; gataniihaaraH = with dispersed mist; punarvasusamanvitaH = well abutting two Stars of Punarvasu [fifth or seventh lunar mansion] ; shashii iva = like moon; vyarochata = shone forth.

Verse 26

तं दृष्ट्वा मुनयः सर्वे सिद्धाश्रमनिवासिनः |
उत्पत्योत्पत्य सहसा विश्वामित्रमपूजयन् || १-२९-२६

On seeing the arrival of Vishvamitra all of the resident sages of Accomplished Hermitage have quickly approached him with hustle and bustle adoring him. [1-29-26]

26. siddhaashramanivaasinaH = residents of Accomplished hermitage ; sarve munayaH = all, sages; tam dR^iSTvaa = on seeing him ; utpatya utpatya = getting up, getting up [with hustle and bustle]; sahasaa vishvaamitram apuujayan = quickly adored Vishvamitra.

Verse 27

यथार्हं चक्रिरे पूजां विश्वामित्राय धीमते |
तथैव राजपुत्राभ्यामकुर्वन्नतिथिक्रियाम् || १-२९-२७

Those sages reverenced Vishvamitra according to their deservedness, likewise they have offered hospitality to both of the princes, Rama and Lakshmana. [1-29-27]

27. dhiimate vishvaamitraaya = to sagacious Vishvamitra; yathaarham puujaam cakrire = offered reverence as deservedly; tathaa eva = like, that; raajaputraabhyaam= for two princes; atithikriyaam akurvan = they made [offered] guest works [reception] .

Verse 28

मुहूर्तमथ विश्रान्तौ राजपुत्रावरिन्दमौ |
प्रांजली मुनिशार्दूलमूचतू रघुनंदनौ || १-२९-२८

Those two princes from Raghu’s dynasty and the enemy-subjugators, namely Rama and Lakshmana, briefly took rest and adjoining palms they spoke to the sagely tiger Vishvamitra. [1-29-28]

28. atha = then; arindamau = those two – enemy subjugators; raajaputrau = king’s sons – princes; raghunandanau = from Raghu’s dynasty; muhuurtam vishraantau = briefly, on taking rest; praanjalii munishaarduulam uucatuuH = with adjoined-palms, spoke to tigerly sage.

Verse 29

अद्यैव दीक्षां प्रविश भद्रं ते मुनिपुंगव |
सिद्धाश्रमोऽयं सिद्धः स्यात् सत्यमस्तु वचस्तव || १-२९-२९

“Oh, the eminent sage, today itself you may undertake the ritual of solemnity that is undertaken prior to the main ritual, be safe, and let this Hermitage of Accomplishment become an accomplished one in eradiating vice true to its name, and let the word of yours given to my father in fetching me to this place come true.” So said Rama to Vishvamitra, supported by Lakshmana. [1-29-29]

29. munipungava = oh the eminent sage; adya eva diikSaam pravisha = today, only, enter into – undertake ritual of solemnity; te bhadram = let safety be to you; ayam siddhaashramaH = this, Siddha [Accomplished] hermitage; siddhaH syaat = it will be accomplished one; tava vacaH satyam astu = let your word come true.

Verse 31

कुमारावेव तां रात्रिमुषित्वा सुसमाहितौ |
प्रभातकाले चोत्थाय पूर्वां संध्यामुपास्य च || १-२९-३१
प्रशुची परं जप्यं समाप्य नियमेन च |
हुताग्निहोत्रमासीनं विश्वामित्रमवन्दताम् || १-२९-३२

Both the youngsters Rama and Lakshmana on spending that night vigilantly got up with the sunrise. On finishing morning time bathing they meditated upon the easterly aurora, and then on completing the supreme meditation on Gayatri in its regularity, they addressed themselves to sage Vishvamitra, who by now has enkindled ritual fire and sitting before the Altar of Fire. [1-29-31, 32]

31. kumaarau eva = youngsters, thus; taam raatrim = in that, night; susamaahitau uSitvaa = very vigilantly, on staying – on spending; prabhaatakaale ca utthaaya = getting up at sunrise time, also; prashuchii = well cleansed – finishing morning time bathing; puurvaam sandhyaam upaasya ca = reflecting upon easterly aurora; niyamena = in regularity; param jaapyam samaapya ca = on completing supreme meditation [on Gaayatri] , also; hutaagnihotram = one who has – enkindled ritual fire; aasiinam = who is sitting [before Altar of fire]; vishvaamitram avandataam = addressed themselves to Vishvamitra.

Verse 30

एवमुक्तो महातेजा विश्वामित्रो महानृषिः |
प्रविवेश तदा दीक्षां नियतो नियतेन्द्रियः || १-२९-३०

When he is said so, that great radiant and supreme sage Vishvamitra, thereupon scrupulously undertook the vow of ritual controlling his senses. [1-29-30]

30. evam uktaH = he who is said this way – Vishvamitra; mahaatejaaH vishvaamitraH mahaan R^iSiH = great radiant one, Vishvamitra, supreme saint; tadaa = thereupon; niyataH = scrupulously; niyatendriyaH = by controlling senses; diikSaam pravivesha = entered – undertook rite of solemnity.