Introduction
On the wish of King Dasaratha, Vasishta goes to Rama’s palace and asks him to perform fast that night along with Seetha. Vasishta returns to Dasaratha’s palace and informs him about this. On the way to the king’s palace Vasishta observes the festive atmosphere in Ayodhya anticipating Rama’s coronation the next day
Verse 1
सन्दिश्य रामं नृपतिः श्वोभाविन्यभिषेचने |
पुरोहितं समाहूय वसिष्ठमिदमब्रवीत् || २-५-१
After Rama left, king Dasaratha called for his family priest Vasishta and spoke to him as follows about the ensuing anointment ceremony of the next day.
1. sandishya = after sending; raamam = Rama; nR^ipatiH = king Dasaratha; samaahuuya = called for; purohitam = the family priest; vasishhTham = Vasishta; abraviit = (and) spoke; idam = these words; bhaavini = about the ensuing; abhishhechane = anointment; svaH = tomorrow
Verse 2
गच्छोपवासं काकुत्थ्सं कारयाद्य तपोधन |
श्रीयशोराज्यलाभाय वध्वा सह यतव्रतम् || २-५-२
“O, great sage Vasishta! Please go to the avowed Rama and Seetha today to make them perform fasting for obtaining prosperity, glory and sovereignty.”
2. tapodhana = O; great sage Vasishta! gachchha = go; yatavratam kaakutthsam = to the avowed Rama; vadhvaa saha = who is with daughter in law Seetha; adya = today; kaaraya = to make them perform; upavaasam = fasting; sriiyashoraajya laabhaaya = for obtaining prosperity; glory and sovereignty.
Verse 3 & 4
तथेति च स राजानमुक्त्वा वेदविदां वरः |
स्वयं वसिष्ठो भगवान् ययौ रामनिवेशनम् || २-५-३
उपवासयितुं रामं मन्त्रवन्मन्त्रकोविदः |
ब्राह्मं रथवरं युक्तमास्थाय सुदृधव्रतः || २-५-४
Vasista, who is the best of knowers of Veda, who is expert in mantras, who is firm in austerities and who is divine, said to Dasaratha : “I agree to it” and personally went to Rama’s house on a chariot which was ready and quite suitable for a Brahman; so as to advise Rama to undertake a fast (with mantras) performed by Rama, a knower of mantras.
3; 4. saH = that; vasishhThaH = Vasista; vedavidaam varaH = who is the best of knowers of Veda; mantrakovidaH = who is expert in mantras; sudR^idhavrataH = who is firm in austerities; bhagavaan = who is divine; uktvaa = spoke; raajaanam = to king Dasaratha; tathaa iti = ” Let that be it.”; svayam = personally; yayau = went; raamaniveshanam = to Rama’s house; aasthaaya = alighting; rathavaram = the best chariot; uktam = which was ready; braahmam = which was well suited for Brahmans; upavaasayitum = to get the fasting performed; raamam = by Rama; mantravat = a knower of mantras.
Verse 5
स रामभवनं प्रप्य पाण्डुराभ्रघनप्रभम् |
तिस्रः कक्ष्या र्थेनैव विवेश मुनिसत्तमः || २-५-५
That great sage reached Rama’s house, which was radiant like a dense white cloud and entered the three gateways of the house by the chariot itself.
5. saH = That; munisattamaH = best of the sages; praapya = got; raama bhavanam = to Rama’s house; paaNDuraabhraghanaprabham = which was radiant like a dense white cloud; vivesha = entered; tisraH = the three; kakshyaaH = gateways; rathaanaiva = by chariot itself.
Verse 6
तमागतमृषिं रामस्त्वरन्निव ससंभ्रमः |
मानयिष्यन् स मानार्हं निश्चक्राम निवेशनात् || २-५-६
To respect the honorable sage, who arrived, Rama came quickly and hurriedly out of the house.
6. maanayishhyan = to respect; manaarham = the honourable; R^ishhim = sage; aagatam = who arrived; saH = that; raamaH = Rama; nishchakraama = started; niveshanaat = out of the house; tvaranniva = quickly; sasaMbhramaH = and hurriedly.
Verse 7
अभ्येत्य त्वरमाणश्च रथाभ्याशं मनीषिणः |
ततोऽवतारयामास परिगृह्य रथात्स्वयम् || २-५-७
Rama quickly got nearer to Vasishta’s chariot and personally helped him to alight from the chariot.
7. tvaramaaNaH = quickly; abhyetya = got; rathaabhyaasham = nearer to chariot; maniishhiNaH = of the intelligent Vasishta; svayam parigR^ihya = and by personally holding his hand; avataarayaamaasa = helped him to alight; tataH rathaat = from that chariot.
Verse 8
सचैनं प्रश्रितं दृष्ट्वा सं भाष्याभिप्रसाद्य च |
प्रियार्हं हर्षयन् राममित्युवाच पुरोहितः || २-५-८
That family priest Vasishta seeing that lovable and humble Rama, spoke the following words, bringing cheerfulness and happiness to him:
8. saH = that; purohitaH cha = family priest also; dR^ishhTvaa = seeing; enam = this; priyaarham = lovable; prashritaM = and humble; ramaM = Rama; uvaacha = spoke; iti = this; abhiprasaadya cha = bringing cheerfulness; harshayan = and happiness to him; sambhaashya = by uttering (the following)words
Verse 9
प्रसन्नस्ते पिता राम यौवराज्यमवाप्स्यसि |
उपवासं भवानद्य करोतु सह सीतया || २-५-९
“O, Rama! Your father is delighted with you. You will be getting the princely kingdom. Hence, you and Seetha perform fasting today.”
9. raama = O; Rama! pitaa = your father; prasannaH = is delighted; te = in your matter; avaapsyasi = you will be getting; yauvaraajyam = princely kingdom; bhavaan = you; saha siita = along with Seetha; upavaasaM karothu = do fasting; adya = today.
Verse 10
प्रातस्त्वामभिषेक्ता हि यौवराज्ये नराधिपः |
पिता दशरथः प्रीत्या ययातिं नहुषो यथा || २-५-१०
“Your father; King Dasaratha is anointing you affectionately for the princely kingdom tomorrow at dawn; even as king Nahusha has done to Yayati”.
10. pitaa = your father; naraadhipaH = lord of people (king) ; dasharathaH = Dasaratha; abhishhektaa hi = is anointing; tvaam = you; priityaa = affectionately; yauvaraajye = for the princely kingdom; praataH = tomorrow at dawn; yayaatiM yathaa = as to yayati; nahushhaH = the king Nahusha.
Verse 11
इत्युक्त्वा स तदा राम मुपवासं यतव्रतम् |
मन्त्रवत् कारयामास वैदेह्या सहितं मुनिः || २-५-११
Vasistha thus spoke to Rama and enjoined him to undertake a vow of fasting together with Seetha, in the accompaniment of mantras.
11. saH = that; muniH = sage Vasishta; iti = thus; uktvaa = spoke; tadaa = then; mantravat = with mantras; kaarayaamaasa = made; yatavratam = the avowed; raamam = Rama; vaidehyaa sahitam = together with Seetha; upavaasam = to fast.
Verse 12
ततो यथावद्रामेण स राज्ञो गुरुरर्चितः |
अभ्यनुज्ञाप्य काकुत्थ्सं ययौ रामनिवेशनात् || २-५-१२
Thereafter, Rama worshipped the royal priest Vasistha suitably. Vasistha then got Rama’s permission and left his house.
12. tataH = thereafter; raajJNnaH = Royal; guruH = priest; saH = that Vasista; architaH = being worshipped; yathaavat = suitably; raameNa = by Rama; abhyannjJNaapya = took permission; kaakutthsam = from Rama; yayau = and went; raamaniveshanaat = from Rama’s house.
Verse 13
सुहृद्भिस्तत्र रामोऽपि सहासीनः प्रियंवदैः |
सभाजितो विवेशाथ ताननुज्ञाप्य सर्वशः || २-५-१३
Rama spent some time by delightedly talking with friends and having been congratulated by them in various ways went into his palace after taking leave of them.
13. raamo api = Rama also; aasiinaH = sat; tatra = there; saha priyaMvadaiH = by affectionately talkingwith; suhR^idbhiH = friends; atha = then; sabhaajitaH = being congratulated; taan = by them; sarvashaH = in all ways; vivesha = entered(his palace); anujJNaapya = after making them to permit.
Verse 14
हृष्टनारीनरयुतं रामवेश्म तदा बबौ |
यथा मत्तद्विजगणं प्रपुल्लनलिनं सरः || २-५-१४
Then, Rama’s house was shining, as brilliantly with delighted men and women, as a lake filled with opened lotuses and visited by innumerable happy birds.
14. tadaa = then; raamaveshma = Rama’s house; babhau = was shining; hR^ishhTanaariinarayutam = with delighted men and women; sarah yathaa = as lake; mattadvijagaNam = with intoxicated group of birds; prapullanalinam = and with opened lotuses.
Verse 15
स राजभवनप्रख्यात्तस्माद्रामनिवेशनात् |
निर्गत्य ददृशे मार्गं वसिष्ठो जनसंवृतम् || २-५-१५
Vasishta, leaving Rama’s house, which seemed like the royal palace, saw the way filled with people.
15. saH = that; vasishhTaH = Vasistha; nirgatya = leaving; raamaniveshanaat = Rama’s house; raajabhavana prakhyaat = equal to royal palace; dadR^ishe = saw; maargam = the way; janasaMvR^itam = filled with people.
Verse 16
बृन्दबृन्दैरयोध्यायां राजमार्गाः समन्ततः |
बभूवुरभिसंबाधाः कुतूहलजनैर्वृताः || २-५-१६
All the royal highways in the city of Ayodhya were filled with groups and groups of delighted people and became congested.
16. samantataH = in the entire; raajamaargaaH = royal roads; ayodhyaayaam = in Ayodhya; bR^indabR^indaiH = groups and groups of ; kutuuhala janaiH = delighted people; vritaaH = gathered around; abhisambaadhaaH babhuuvuH = and made the roads congested.
Verse 17
जनबृन्दोर्मिसंघर्षहर्षस्वनवतस्तदा |
बभूव राजमार्गस्य सागरस्येव निस्वनः || २-५-१७
Then, on the royal road, the resonance created by the rush of the people, moving hither and thither like waves, combined with their rejoicing, resounded like the roar of an ocean.
17. tadaa = then; raajamaargasya = in the king’s road; janabR^indormi saMgharshha harshha svanavataH = the sound created by the commotion of the people with their rejoicing; combined with their moving in waves ; babhuuva nisvanaH = was resounding; saagarasyeva = like an ocean.
Verse 20
प्रजालङ्कारभूतं च जनस्यानन्दवर्धनम् |
उत्सुकोऽभूज्जनो द्रष्टुं तमयोध्यामहोत्सवम् || २-५-२०
In Ayodhya, people were enthusiastic to see the great public function, which was decorative to the community and which would bring forward an increased joy.
20. janaH = people; abhuut = are; utsukaH = enthusiastic; drashhTum = to see; tam = that; ayodhyaa mahotsavam = Ayodhya’s great function; prajaalaN^kaarabhuutam = which was decorative to the community; aanandavardhanam = and which would bring forward increased joy.
Verse 18
सिक्तसंमृष्टरथ्या हि तदहर्वनमालिनी |
आसीदयोध्या नगरी समुच्छ्रितगृहध्वजा || २-५-१८
On that day, in the city of Ayodhya, all the roads were cleaned and sprinkled with water. There were rows of trees on both sides of the roads and flags hoisted on houses.
18. tadahaH = On that day; ayodhyaa nagarii = the city of Ayodhya; aasiit = became; sikta samR^ishhTa rathyaa hi = one with the roads cleaned and sprinkled with water; vanamaalini = with rows of trees; samuchchhrita gR^ihadhvajaa = (and) one that has houses hoisted with flags.
Verse 19
तदा ह्ययोध्यानिलयः सस्त्रीबालाबलो जनः |
रामाभिषेकमाकाञ्क्षन्नाकाण्क्षदुदयं रवेः | २-५-१९
Then, the people of Ayodhya including children, women and the old-aged were waiting for sunrise, wishing the anointment ceremony of Rama to happen.
19. tadaa = then; janaH = the people; ayodhyaa nilayaH = residing in Ayodhya; sa strii baala abalaH = including women; children and the old aged; aakaaNkshat = were longing; udayam raveH = for sun rise; aakaaNkshan = wishing; raamaabhishhekam = for anoinment ceremory of Rama.
Verse 20
प्रजालङ्कारभूतं च जनस्यानन्दवर्धनम् |
उत्सुकोऽभूज्जनो द्रष्टुं तमयोध्यामहोत्सवम् || २-५-२०
In Ayodhya, people were enthusiastic to see the great public function, which was decorative to the community and which would bring forward an increased joy.
20. janaH = people; abhuut = are; utsukaH = enthusiastic; drashhTum = to see; tam = that; ayodhyaa mahotsavam = Ayodhya’s great function; prajaalaN^kaarabhuutam = which was decorative to the community; aanandavardhanam = and which would bring forward increased joy.
Verse 21
एवं तं जनसंबाधं राजमार्गं पुरोहितः |
व्यूहन्निव जनौघं तं शनैराजकुलं ययौ || २-५-२१
Vasishta, thus seeing the king’s way being overcrowded with people, reached the royal palace slowly by forcing a passage through that crowd.
21. purohitaH = The family priest Vasista; evam = thus; tam raajamaargam = (seeing) that king’s way; janasaMbaadham = being overcrowded with people; yayau = got to; raajakulam = the royal palace; shanaiH = slowly; vyuuhanniva = as if separating; tam janaugham = that crowd.
Verse 22
सिताभ्रशिखरप्रख्यं प्रासादमधिरुह्य सः |
समीयाय नरेन्द्रेण शक्रेणेव बृहस्पतिः || २-५-२२
He walked up the royal palace, which was akin to the top of a mountain enclosed by a white cloud and met king Dasaratha in the manner Brihaspati met Devendra.
22. saH = He; adhiruhya = ascended; praasaadam = the royal palace; sitaabhra shikhara prakhyam = which resembled the top of a mountain enclosed by white cloud; samiiyaaya = met; narendreNa = king Dasaratha; shakreNeva bR^ihaspatiH = like bhR^ihaspati meeting Devendra.
Verse 23
तमागतमभिप्रेक्ष्य हित्वा राजासनं नृपः |
पप्रच्छ स च तस्मै तत्कृतमित्यभ्यवेदयत् || २-५-२३
Seeing Vasistha had returned, King Dasaratha alighted from his throne and asked him with regard to his mission. Vasistha informed him that it was accomplished.
23. nR^ipaH = king Dasaratha; abhiprekshya = seeing; tam = him; aagatam = who came; hitvaa = left; raajaasanam = the throne; paprachchha = and asked; saH cha = he (Vasistha) also; abhyavedayat = informed; tasmai = to him (to Dasaratha); iti = that; tat = it; kR^itam = was done.
Verse 24
तेन चैव तदा तुल्यं सहासीनाः सभासदः |
आसनेभ्यः समुत्तस्थुः पूजयन्तः पुरोहितम् || २-५-२४
The members of assembly who were sitting along with the king till then, raised in obeisance to Vasishta from their seats, following the example of the king.
24. tadaa = then; sabhaasadaH = members of assembly; saha aasiinaaH = who were sitting along with (Dasaratha); samuttasthuH = raised; aasanebhyaH = from seats; puujayantaH = by respecting; purohitam = the family priest (Vasistha); tena tulyameva = as king Dasaratha did.
Verse 25
गुरुणा त्वभ्यनुज्ञातो मनिजौघं विसृज्य तम् |
विवेशान्तःपुरं राजा सिंहो गिरिगुहामिव || २-५-२५
King Dasaratha, after obtaining permission from Vasishta, left that assembly of men and entered his palace as a lion enters a mountain cave.
25. raajaa = King Dasaratha; abhyanujJNyaataH = after being permitted by; guruNaa = the priest Vasishta; visR^ijya = left; tam = that; manujaugham = assembly of men; vivesha = and entered; antaH puram = the palace; giriguhaamiva = as into a mountain cave; siMhaH = a lion.
Verse 26
तमग्र्यवेष्प्रमदाजनाकुलं |
महेन्द्रवेश्मप्रतिमं निवेशनम् |
विदीपयंश्चारु विवेश पार्थिवः |
शशीव तारागणसंकुलं नभः || २-५-२६
That palace with women in top dress and form was like the palace of Devendra. By the entering of King Dasaratha, the palace became more radiant, just as the moon radiates a beautiful sky with its stars.
26. paarthivaH = King Dasaratha; vivesha = entered; tam niveshanam = that palace; agraveshha pramadaa janaakulam = filled with women in top dress and form; mahendra vesma pratimam = like the house of Devendra; vidiipayan = causing it to shine; shashiiva = as the moon; chaaru nabhaH = to beautiful sky; taaraagaNa saMkulam = filled with groups of stars.
