Introduction

Rama and Lakshmana while safeguarding the ritual of Sage Vishvamitra for six days and nights, on the last night demons named Maareecha and Subaahu come to hinder the ritual. Rama acts deftly and hits out Maareecha to a long distance, but kills the other, namely Subaahu. Rama thus makes the ritual of sage Vishvamitra a success.

Verse 1

अथ तौ देशकालज्ञौ राजपुत्रावरिंदमौ |
देशे काले च वाक्यज्ञावब्रूतां कौशिकं व || १-३०-१

The two enemy subjugators, Rama and Lakshmana, who are sensible of their conduct according to time and place, and who will be sensibly talking according to time and place, those princes then spoke this sentence to Vishvamitra. [1-30-1]

1. atha = then; deshakaalaj~nau = those sensible of place and time ; arindamau = enemy-subjugators; deshe kaale ca vaakyaj~nau = sensibly talking according to time and place; such; tau raajaputrau = those two, princes; kaushikam vacaH abruutaam = started to say sentence to Kushi’s son [Vishvamitra] .

Verse 2

भगवन् श्रोतुमिच्छावो यस्मिन्काले निशाचरौ |
संरक्षणीयौ तौ ब्रूहि नातिवर्तेत तत्क्षणम् || १-३०-२

“Oh, god, we are interested to listen at which time those night-walkers come to disturb the ritual, and at which time we have to safeguard the ritual from them, that you tell us, let not that moment pass away.” [1-30-2]

2. bhagavan = oh god; tau nishaacarau = those, night-walkers; yasmin kaale = at which, time; samrakSaNiiyau = be safeguarded; shrotum icChaavaH = we two are interested to listen; tat kSaNam na ativarteta = that, moment, let not, pass away; bruuhi = tell us.

Verse 3

एवं ब्रुवाणौ काकुत्स्थौ त्वरमाणौ युयुत्सया |
सर्वे ते मुनयः प्रीताः प्रशशंसुर्नृपात्मजौ || १-३०-३

All the sages available there are delighted with the princes of Kakutstha dynasty who are speaking thus and making haste for a combat with demons and they praised them. [1-30-3]

3. evam bruvaaNau = who are speaking this way; yuyutsayaa tvaramaaNau = those that making haste to combat; nR^ipaatmajau kaakutsthau = to king’s sons – to princes of Kakutstha-s; te munayaH sarve = all those sages ; priitaaH prashashamsuH = delighted at them, praised them.

Verse 4

अद्य प्रभृति षड्रात्रं रक्षतं राघवौ युवाम् |
दीक्षां गतो ह्येष मुनिर्मौनित्वं च गमिष्यति || १-३०-४

“Oh, Raghava-s, you have to safeguard this ritual for six nights and days from today, and this Sage Vishvamitra who is under the vow of ritual goes into muteness as required by the vow.” Thus said the other sages near at ritual place. [1-30-4]

4. raaghavau = oh Raghava-s; yuvaam = you two; adya prabhR^iti = today, henceforth; SaT raatram = for six, nights [and days also]; ritual is; rakSatam = is to be safeguarded; eSaH muniH = this, sage Vishvamitra; diikSaam gataH = entered vow [is under vow]; maunitvam ca gamiSyati hi = he enters into muteness, also, indeed.

Verse 5

तौ तु तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा राजपुत्रौ यशस्विनौ |
अनिद्रौ षडहोरात्रं तपोवनमरक्षताम् || १-३०-५

On hearing that sentence of the other sages those two glorious princes have wakefully safeguarded that woodland of the ritual for six nights and days. [1-30-5]

5. yashasvinau = glorious ones; tau raajaputrau tu = those two, princes, for their part; tat vacanam shrutvaa = on hearing that sentence; Sat ahoraatram = for six, days and nights; anidrau = without sleep – wakefully; tapovanam = ritual woodland; arakSataam = safeguarded.

Verse 6

उपासांचक्रतुर्वीरौ यत्तौ परमधन्विनौ |
ररक्षतुर्मुनिवरं विश्वामित्रमरिंदमौ || १-३०-६

On alertly patrolling nearby the Altar of Fire those two enemy-destroyers who are the wielders of great bows and valiant ones have protected the best sage Vishvamitra. [1-30-6]

6. paramadhanvinau = great bow wielders; viirau = valiant ones; yattau = alertly; upaasaamcakratuH = nearby they moved – patrolled close to the Altar of Fire; arindamau = enemy destroyers; vishvaamitram munivaram = Vishvamitra, the best sage; rarakSatuH = they protected.

Verse 7

अथ काले गते तस्मिन् षष्ठेऽहनि तदागते |
सौमित्रमब्रवीद्रामो यत्तो भव समाहितः || १-३०-७

While that period of six days is elapsing and when the sixth day has come, then Rama said to Saumitri, “you be prepared and be on alert.” [1-30-7]

7. atha = then; tasmin kaale gate = while elapsing that period; SaSThe ahani aagate = on sixth, day, has come; tadaa = then; raamaH saumitram abraviit = Rama said to Soumitri; yattaH samaahitaH bhava = be prepared, you be on alert.

Verse 8

रामस्यैवं ब्रुवाणस्य त्वरितस्य युयुत्सया |
प्रजज्वाल ततो वेदिः सोपाध्यायपुरोहिता || १-३०-८

While Rama is saying thus himself quickening to combat then the fire in the Altar of Fire flared up suddenly and highly, brightening the chief officiator of the ritual, namely Vishvamitra, and other priests around it. [1-30-8]

8. yuyutsayaa tvaritasya = quickening to combat; raamasya evam bruvaaNasya = Rama while saying thus; tataH = then; sopaadhyaayapurohitaa = with teacher – officator Vishvamitra and with other priests – attended by them; vediH = altar of fire; prajajvaala = suddenly highly flared up.

Verse 9

सदर्भचमसस्रुक्का ससमित्कुसुमोच्चया |
विश्वामित्रेण सहिता वेदिर्जज्वाल सर्त्विजा || १-३०-९

The Altar of Fire around which sacred grass, drink-vessels, oblation spoons, firewood-sticks, and heaps of flowers are kept, and around which Vishvamitra and the conductors of ritual are sitting, that altar flared high. [1-30-9]

9. sadarbhacamasasrukkaa = with sacred grass, drink-vessels and oblation spoons; sasamitkusumoccayaa = with firewood sticks and heaps of flowers ; vishvaamitreNa sahitaa = attended by Vishvamitra; vediH = altar of fire; jajvaala = highly flared up; sartvijaa = with Ritwiks, conductors of ritual.

Verse 10

मंत्रवच्च यथान्यायं यज्ञोऽसौ संप्रवर्तते |
आकाशे च महान् शब्दः प्रादुरासीद्भयानकः || १-३०-१०

While the Vedic ritual is proceeding well towards its conclusion according to hymnal rendering and rules of conducting the ritual, a strident and frightening blare is generated in the sky. [1-30-10]

10. asau yaj~naH = that, Vedic ritual; mantravat ca yathaanyaayam = hymnal rendering, also, as per rules; sampravartate = while well proceeding; aakaashe bhayaanakaH = in sky, frightening one; mahaan shabdaH = strident, blare; praaduH aasiit = it is generated.

Verse 11

आवार्य गगनं मेघो यथा प्रावृषि दृश्यते |
तथा मायां विकुर्वाणौ राक्षसावभ्यधावताम् || १-३०-११

As to how massive clouds appear in torrential cloudburst, likewise two demons appeared enshrouding the sky, and performing wizardry they are about to swoop down towards the Altar of Fire. [1-30-11]

11. praavR^iSi = in great – torrential cloudburst; meghaH yathaa = as to how [massive] cloud; dR^ishyate [nirgate] = appears [emerges]; tathaa = likewise; gaganam aavaarya = enshrouding sky; raakSasau maayaam vikurvaaNau = two demons, verily performing wizardry; abhyadhaavataam = came running towards – swooped down.

Verse 12

मारीचश्च सुबाहुश्च तयोरनुचरास्तथा |
आगम्य भीमसंकाशा रुधिरौघानवासृजन् || १-३०-१२

Maareecha and Subaahu are the monstrous demons that have come along with their followers and they have started to pour down spates of blood. [1-30-12]

12. bhiimasamkaashaaH = monstrous in aspect; maariicaH ca subaahuH ca = Maareecha, also, Subaahu, also; tayoH = their; [ye = who are]; tathaa anucaraaH = like that, followers; are there, they too; aagamya = have come; rudhiraughaan avaasR^ijan = started to pour down blood spates.

Verse 13

तां तेन रुधिरौघेण वेदीं वीक्ष्य समुक्षिताम् |
सहसाभिद्रुतो रामस्तानपश्यत्ततो दिवि || १-३०-१३

On noticing the Altar of Fire swamped with streams of blood, then Rama swiftly ran towards that direction and saw the demons in the sky. [1-30-13]

13. tena rudhiraugheNa = by that, blood streams; [maNDitaam = filled]; taam samukShitaam = that, verily swamped; vediim viikShya = on noticing altar of fire [with other paraphernalia ; tataH sahasaa abhidrutaH = then, swiftly, running towards; raamaH = Rama; taan apashyat divi = saw them [demons] in sky.

Verse 14

तावापतन्तौ सहसा दृष्ट्वा राजीवलोचनः |
लक्ष्मणं त्वथ संप्रेक्ष्य रामो वचनमब्रवीत् || १-३०-१४

Perceiving that the two demons are about to swoop down on Altar of Fire in haste, that lotus-eyed Rama however gave a quick checking look at Lakshmana saying this sentence. [1-30-14]

14. raajiivalocanaH raamaH = lotus eyed one, Rama; sahasaa aapatantau = hastily, coming and falling – [about to] swoop; tau dR^iSTvaa = them two, on perceiving; lakSmaNam tu = at Lakshmana, but – however; atha samprekSya = then well glancing – giving quick look to check up; vacanam abraviit = sentence, said.

Verse 15 & 16a

पश्य लक्ष्मण दुर्वृत्तान् राक्षसान् पिशिताशनान् |
मानवास्त्रसमाधूताननिलेन यथा घनान् || १-३०-१५
करिष्यामि न संदेहो नोत्सहे हन्तुमीदृशान् |

“Lakshmana, I am reluctant to eliminate this kind of these ill-behaved and raw flesh eating demons, but no doubt, they will be puffed out with Manava missile like a gust puffing thick clouds, you may see.” Thus Rama said to Lakshmana. [1-30-15, 16a]

15, 16a. lakSmaNa = oh Lakshmana; durvR^ittaan = ill behaved; pishitaashanaan = raw-flesh eaters; such as these; iidR^ishaan = this kind of; raakSasaan = demons; na utsahe hantum = not, enthusiastic – reluctant, to kill; anilena ghanaan yathaa = as with thick-cloud by wind – by a gust ; maanavaastrasamaadhuutaan = well puffed out by Maanva missile ; kariSyaami = I will do [blow them distantly]; na sandehaH = no, doubt; pashya = you see.

Verse 16b & 17

इत्युक्त्वा वचनं रामश्चापे संधाय वेगवान् || १-३०-१६
मानवं परमोदारमस्त्रं परमभास्वरम् |
चिक्षेप परमक्रुद्धो मारीचोरसि राघवः || १-३०-१७

Saying so that agile Rama fitted the very benign and highly radiant arrow Maanava on his bow, and taking aim with it at Maareecha that highly furious Raghava darted it on the chest of Maareecha. [1-30-16b, 17]

16b, 17. iti uktvaa vacanam = thus, said, sentence; vegavaan raamaH = agile, Rama; paramodaaram = greatly benign – arrow; paramabhaasvaram = highly radiating arrow; maanavam astram = Maanava, missile; caape sandhaaya = fitting – taking aim with bow; paramakruddhaH = highly furious Rama; raaghavaH maariicorasi = Raghava, on Maareecha’s chest; cikSepa = darted.

Verse 18

स तेन परमास्त्रेण मानवेन समाहितः |
संपूर्णं योजनशतं क्षिप्तः सागरसंप्लवे || १-३०-१८

Cleanly hit with that great missile Maanava, demon Maareecha is pitched for a hundred yojana lengths in full, and flung down into an ocean rocking with tidewaters. [1-30-18]

18. tena maanavena paramaastreNa = by that, great missile Maanava; samaahitaH = well hit; saH = he that Maareecha, the demon; sampuurNam yojana shatam = fully, hundred yojana-s; saagarasamplave = in ocean billowy – rocking with tidewaters; kSiptaH = is hurled.

Verse 19

विचेतनं विघूर्णन्तं शीतेषु बलपीडितम् |
निरस्तं दृश्य मारीचं रामो लक्ष्मणमब्रवीत् || १-३०-१९

On seeing him highly whirling, rendered insensate and thrown out when rammed away with the strength of that Cold arrow Rama said this to Lakshmana. [1-30-19]

19. shiiteSu balapiiDitam = strength rammed away by Cold arrows – missiles ; vicetanam vighuurNantam = without sense, verily whirling; nirastam = rendered without staying power – thrown out; maariicam = at Maareecha; dR^ishya = on seeing; raamaH lakSmaNam abraviit = Rama said to Lakshmana.

Verse 20

पश्य लक्ष्मण शीतेषुं मानवं मनुसंहितम् |
मोहयित्वा नयत्येनं न च प्राणैर्व्ययुज्यत || १-३०-२०

“Lakshmana, see the Cold arrow belonging to Maanava missile expounded by Manu which is taking him away on baffling, but without taking away his life. [1-30-20]

20. lakSmaNa = Lakshmana; manusamhitam = expounded by Manu; maanavam shiiteSum = pertaining to Maanava missile, Cold arrow; pashya = see; enam mohayitvaa nayati = taking him away on baffling; praaNaiH na = with lives; vyayujyata [vi-a-yujyata = verily not separated] = not killed him.

Verse 21

इमानपि वधिष्यामि निर्घृणान् दुष्टचारिणः |
राक्षसान् पापकर्मस्थान् यज्ञघ्नान् रुधिराशनान् || १-३०-२१

“But I wish to kill these demons for they are ruthless, iniquitous, flagitious, ritual-hinderers and blood-drinkers.” So said Rama to Lakshmana. [1-30-21]

21. nirghR^iNaan = those who are – not having ruth; duSTacaariNaH = ill behaving one – iniquitous ones; paapakarmasthaan = abiding in evil doings – flagitious; yaj~naghnaan = ritual hinderers; rudhiraashanaan = blood eaters – drinkers; imaan raakSasaan api = these, demons, but; vadhiSyaami = I wish to kill.

Verse 22

इत्युक्त्वा लक्ष्मणं चाशु लाघवं दर्शयन्निव |
संगृह्य सुमहच्चास्त्रमाग्नेयं रघुनंदनः |
सुबाहूरसि चिक्षेप स विद्धः प्रापतद् भुवि || १-३०-२२

Thus saying to Lakshmana, as though to show his swift dexterity Rama, the descendent of Raghu dynasty, took up a very powerful missile called Aagneya astra, Fire-missile, and darted it on the chest of Subaahu, by which that demon Subaahu is struck and fell flat on ground. [1-30-22]

22. iti uktvaa lakShmaNam = thus, saying, to Lakshmana, also; raghunandanaH = Raghu’s descendent – Rama; darshayan aashu laaghavam iva = as though to show swift dexterity; sumahat = very powerful – missile; aagneyam astram samgR^ihya = on taking Aagneya missile; subaahuurasi cikSepa = darted it on Subaahu’s chest; saH viddhaH = he – Subaahu, struck with it; praapatat bhuvi = fell flat on ground.

Verse 23

शेषान् वायव्यमादाय निजघान महायशाः |
राघवः परमोदारो मुनीनां मुदमावहन् || १-३०-२३

In order to bring felicity to the sages that great glorious and supremely generous Raghava took up the missile of Air-god and hit down the remaining demons. [1-30-23]

23. mahaayashaaH = great glorious one; paramodaaraH = supremely generous one – Rama; raaghavaH = Raghava; muniinaam mudam aavahan = on carrying – in order to bringing on felicity to sages; vaayavyam aadaaya = on taking missile of Air-god; sheSaan [raakShasaan] = remaining [demons]; nijaghaana = hit down.

Verse 24

स हत्वा राक्षसान् सर्वान् यज्ञघ्नान् रघुनंदनः |
ऋषिभिः पूजितस्तत्र यथेन्द्रो विजयी पुरा || १-३०-२४

When Rama, the delight of Raghu’s dynasty, has eliminated all of the demons that are the hinderers of Vedic rituals, the sages available there in that hermitage idealised him as Indra was idealised once, when he became victories on demons. [1-30-24]

24. raghunandanaH = Raghu’s delight; yaj~naghnaan = ritual hinderers; raakSasaan sarvaan hatvaa = when eliminated all of the demons; puraa vijayii indraH yathaa = as with once Indra when victorious; tatra R^iSibhiH puujitaH = there – in hermitage idealised by sages.

Verse 25

अथ यज्ञे समाप्ते तु विश्वामित्रो महामुनिः |
निरीतिका दिशो दृष्ट्वा काकुत्स्थमिदमब्रवीत् || १-३०-२५

On the completion of ritual beholding the precincts that are devoid of calamities the great sage Vishvamitra said this to Rama. [1-30-25]

25. atha yaj~ne samaapte tu = then, on completion of ritual, but; vishvaamitraH mahaamuniH = Vishvamitra, great sage; niriitikaa dishaH dR^iSTvaa = beholding precincts devoid of calamities; kaakutstham idam abraviit = to Kakutstha – to Rama, said this.

Verse 26

कृतार्थोऽस्मि महाबाहो कृतं गुरुवचस्त्वया |
सिद्धाश्रममिदं सत्यं कृतं वीर महायशः |
स हि रामं प्रशस्यैवं ताभ्यां संध्यामुपागमत् || १-३०-२६

“My purpose in conducting the ritual is fully realised, oh, dextrous Rama, and you too, as a highly illustrious prince, have actualised the word of honour of your mentor, where one mentor is your father King Dasharatha and the other is myself, and likewise oh, valiant Rama the glory of this Accomplished hermitage is also actualised…” thus when Vishvamitra is applauding Rama, they have come close to vesper-time for vespertine prayers on Sandhya, the goddess of gloaming. [1-30-26]

26. mahaabaaho = oh dextrous one; kR^itaarthaH asmi = made results I am – my purpose is fully realised; tvayaa guruvacaH kR^itam = mentor’s word of honour is actualised by you; mahaayashaH viira = oh highly illustrious, valiant – Rama; idam siddhaashramam = this, Siddha [Accomplished] hermitage; satyam kR^itam = true [to its name,] is rendered; saH evam raamam prashasya = he – Vishvamitra, thus while applauding at Rama; taabhyaam sandhyaam upaagamat = by both of them, vesper-time, came nigh.