Introduction
Seetha is abducted by Ravana. When they are on their way to Lanka the whole nature along with its inhabitants laments for the atrocious abduction of Seetha. In here, almost every verse is elaborated, for they contain poetic niceties, and hence more stuffing in introduction is unbefitting.
Verse 1
सा तु तारा अधिप मुखी रावणेन निरीक्ष्य तम् |
गृध्र राजम् विनिहतम् विललाप सुदुःखिता || ३-५२-१
Seetha whose visage is like a full moon wept on gazing the king of eagles Jataayu whom Ravana nearly killed. [3-52-1]
1. taaraa adhipa mukhii = stars’, lord, visaged – Seetha; saa tu = she, on her part; raavaNena vinihatam = by Ravana, [nearly] killed; tam gR^idhra raajam niriikSya = at him, eagles, king of, on gazing at; su duHkhitaa = highly anguished; vilalaapa = wept away.
Verse 2
निमित्तम् लक्षणम् स्वप्नम् शकुनि स्वर दर्शनम् |
अवश्यम् सुख दुःखेषु नराणाम् परिदृश्यते || ३-५२-२
“Humans definitely perceive either agony or ecstasy by its concomitant happenings, or by the characteristics of uncommon reflexes of their own body parts, or by the presages, or by conjecturable concomitants, or by cognising calls of birds. [3-52-2]
2. lakSaNam = characteristics – of omens; svapnam = [concomitants of] dreams; shakuni = presages [shakuna] svara darshanam = [of birds,] callings’, seeing [cognisance]; naraaNaam = of humans; sukha duHkheSu = in ecstasy, in agony; avashyam = definitely; nimittam = conjecturable; pari dR^ishyate = in general, are being seen [perceived.]
Verse 3
न नूनम् राम जानासि महत् व्यसनम् आत्मनः |
धावन्ति नूनम् काकुत्स्थ मत् अर्थम् मृग पक्षिणः || ३-५२-३
“Oh, Rama, for sure you are not able to know about big catastrophe called my kidnap is chancing on you, even though oh, Kakutstha, these animals and birds are running towards you surely for my sake, to tell about me. [3-52-3]
3. raama = oh, Rama; aatmanaH = for you [bechancing you]; mahat vyasanam = big, catastrophe; na jaanaasi = not, able to know; nuunam = for sure; mat artham = for my, sake; mR^iga pakSiNaH = animals, birds; kaakutstha [kaakutstham] = oh, Kakutstha, [or, towards Kakutstha]; dhaavanti nuunam = running, for sure.
Verse 4
अयम् हि कृपया राम माम् त्रातुम् इह संगतः |
शेते विनिहतो भूमौ मम अभाग्यात् विहंगमः || ३-५२-४
“Oh, Rama, this sky flier Jataayu who mercifully came here to save me is verily mangled on his encountering Ravana, and he is sprawling on earth, indeed by my ill luck.” Thus Seetha wailed. [3-52-4]
4. raama = oh, Rama; maam traatum = me, to save; kR^ipayaa = mercifully; iha sangataH = here, arrived [or, encountered Ravana]; ayam vihan gamaH = this, sky, flier [eagle Jataayu]; mama a bhaagyaat = by my, ill, luck; vinihataH = verily mangled; bhuumau shete hi = on earth, sprawling, indeed.
Verse 5
त्राहि माम् अद्य काकुत्स्थ लक्ष्मण इति वरांगना |
सु संत्रस्ता समाक्रंदत् शृण्वताम् तु यथा अन्तिके || ३-५२-५
That best lady who is very highly panicked bawled noisily, “oh, Rama of Kakutstha… oh, Lakshmana… liberate me now…” as though the addressees are before her. [3-52-5]
5. vara anganaa = best, lady; su sam trastaa = very, highly, panicked; kaakutstha lakSmaNa = oh, Kakutstha Rama, oh, Lakshmana; adya maam traahi = now, me, liberate; iti = thus; antike shR^iNvataam yathaa = close by [afore,] listeners [addressees,] [are available] as though; sam aakrandat = noisily, bawled.
Verse 6
ताम् क्लिष्ट माल्य आभरणाम् विलपन्तीम् अनाथवत् |
अभ्यधावत वैदेहीम् रावणो राक्षस अधिपः || ३-५२-६
That sovereign of demons, Ravana, rushed towards Vaidehi whose garlands and jewellery are muddled up and who is bawling like an orphanized one. [3-52-6]
6. kliSTa maalya aabharaNaam = muddled up, garland, jewellery; a naatha vat = un, husbanded [orphanized one,] like; vilapantiim = bawling; taam vaidehiim = at her, to Vaidehi; raakSasa adhipaH raavaNaH = demons’, sovereign, Ravana; abhyadhaavata = towards rushed.
Verse 7 & 8
ताम् लताम् इव वेष्टन्तीम् आलिंगन्तीम् महाद्रुमान् |
मुंच मुंच इति बहुशः प्रवदन् राक्षस अधिपः || ३-५२-७
क्रोशन्तीम् राम राम इति रामेण रहिताम् वने |
जीवित अन्ताय केशेषु जग्राह अन्तक संनिभः || ३-५२-८
Ravana, the lord of demons, has repeatedly and harshly taunted Seetha saying, ‘leave it off, leave it off…’ when Seetha devoid of Rama in that timberland is clinging and muffling a sturdy tree like a climber plant, and bawling, ‘Rama, Rama,’ and that demon whose shine is similar to the Death has clutched her hair loosened from her bun, as death loomed large on him. [3-52-7, 8]
7, 8. antaka sannibhaH = Death, one similar in shine; raakSasa adhipaH = demons’, lord; lataam iva mahaadrumaan veSTantiim aalingantiim = climber plant, like, to sturdy tree, who is muffling, and clinging; vane raameNa rahitaam = in timberland, by Rama, one who is devoid of; raama raama iti = Rama, Rama, thus; kroshantiim = who is bewailing; taam = to her; munca munca iti = leave off, leave off [the trees,] [saying] thus; bahushaH pra vadan = repeatedly, harshly, on saying [on taunting]; jiivita antaaya = for [his] life, end of [self-ruinously]; kesheSu jagraaha = at head-hair [bun of hair,] clutched her.
Verse 9 & 10a
प्रधर्षितायाम् वैदेह्याम् बभूव स चरा अचरम् |
जगत् सर्वम् अमर्यादम् तमसा अन्धेन संवृतम् || ३-५२-९
न वाति मारुतः तत्र निष् प्रभो अभूत् दिवाकरः |
While Vaidehi is insulted thus, entire world together with its mobile or sessile beings became chaotic, and there chanced a blanketing of a blinding blackness, and waft-less is the Wind and shine-less is the Sun. [3-52-9]
9, 10a. vaidehyaam = of Vaidehi; pradharSitaayaam = while being insulted; sa caraa a caram = together with, mobile, not mobile [sessile]; sarvam jagat = entire, world; a maryaadam = not, scrupulous [chaotic]; andhena tamasaa samvR^itam babhuuva = by blinding, blackness, blanketing, it became [bechanced]; tatra maarutaH na vaati = there, wind, not, wafts; divaakaraH niS prabhaH abhuut = day maker [Sun,] devoid of, shine, became.
Verse 10b & 11
दृष्ट्वा सीताम् परा मृष्टाम् देवो दिव्येन चक्षुषा || ३-५२-१०
कृतम् कार्यम् इति श्रीमान् व्याजहार पितामहः |
प्रहृष्टा व्यथिताः च आसन् सर्वे ते परम ऋषयः || ३-५२-११
On seeing Seetha’s appropriation by an inappropriate being with His clairvoyant eyes, the illustrious Grandparent of Universe Brahma declared, “the deed is done…” but all of the supreme sages in Brahma’s abode on seeing Seetha in such a condition became despondent, and yet delighted in foreseeing results. [3-52-10b, 11a]
10b, 11. shriimaan devaH pitaamahaH = illustrious, god, Grandparent [Brahma]; siitaam paraa mR^iSTaam = of Seetha, by other [person, inappropriate one,] touched [appropriated]; divyena cakSuSaa dR^iSTvaa = by divine [clairvoyant,] eyes, on seeing; kaaryam kR^itam iti = deed, is done, thus; vyaajahaara = said [declared]; prahR^iSTaa vyathitaaH ca aasan = delighted, despondent, also, became; sarve te parama R^iSayaH = all, those, supreme, sages [in Brahma’s abode.]
Verse 12
दृष्ट्वा सीताम् परा मृष्टाम् दण्डकारण्य वासिनः |
रावणस्य विनाशम् च प्राप्तम् बुद्ध्वा यदृच्छया || ३-५२-१२
On seeing Seetha’s appropriation by an impropriate being, the dwellers in Dandaka forest cognised that Ravana’s annihilation has chanced coincidentally. [3-52-12]
12. dR^iSTvaa siitaam paraa mR^iSTaam = on seeing, Seetha, by other [person, inappropriate one,] touched [appropriated]; daNDaka araNya vaasinaH = in Dandaka, forest, dwellers; raavaNasya vi naasham ca = Ravana’s, utter, destruction [annihilation,] also; praaptam = bechanced; buddhvaa yadR^icChayaa = cognised, coincidentally [as a godsend.]
Verse 13
स तु ताम् राम राम इति रुदन्तीम् लक्ष्मण इति च |
जगाम आदाय च आकाशम् रावणो राक्षसेश्वर || ३-५२-१३
Ravana, the lord of demons, on wresting Seetha who is bawling, “Rama… Rama…” also thus as, “Lakshmana…” took flight skyward. [3-52-13]
13. raakSaseshvara saH raavaNaH tu = demons’ lord, he, Ravana, on his part; raama raama iti = Rama, Rama, thus; lakSmaNa iti ca = Lakshmana, thus, also; rudantiim = bawling; taam aadaaya = her, on taking – on wresting; aakaasham jagaama = skyward, took flight.
Verse 14
तप्त आभरण वर्ण अन्गी पीत कौशेय वासनी |
रराज राज पुत्री तु विद्युत् सौदामनी यथा || ३-५२-१४
That princess Seetha scintillated like the oblique flashes of lightning in a cloud, owing to her golden coloured body which is muffled up with jewellery of pure gold, and added with a golden coloured ocherish silky dress, while traversing in the sky. [3-52-14]
14. tapta aabharaNa varNa [juSTa] angii = molten [refined,] jewellery, coloured [muffled up,] bodied; piita kausheya vaasanii = ocherish, in silks, dressed; raaja putrii tu = king’s, daughter [princess,] on her part; vidyut saudaamanii [sau daaman] yathaa = lightning flashes, in cloud, as with; raraaja = scintillated.
Verse 15
उद्धूतेन च वस्त्रेण तस्याः पीतेन रावणः |
अधिकम् परिबभ्राज गिरिः दीप इव अग्निना || ३-५२-१५
When her ochreish silk sari’s upper fringe is upheaved by air onto to Ravana, Ravana looked blazing like a mountain set ablaze, muchly and overly. [3-52-15]
15. tasyaaH = of her; uddhuutena piitena ca vastreNa = by upheaved, yellowish [ochreish silken sari, rather, blazing hue of silk sari,] also, by cloth [upper fringe of sari]; raavaNaH = Ravana; agninaa diipa giriH iva = by fire, blazing, mountain, like; adhikam pari babhraaja = muchly, overly, shone forth – ablaze.
Verse 16
तस्याः परम कल्याण्याः ताम्राणि सुरभीणि च |
पद्म पत्राणि वैदेह्या अभ्यकीर्यन्त रावणम् – यद्वा –
– च्युतानि पद्म पत्राणि रावणम् समावाकिरन् – || ३-५२-१६
Reddish and scented lotus-petals adorning that highly auspicious Seetha have slithered, but again upheaved by air they are bestrewn on Ravana. [3-52-16]
16. parama kalyaaNyaaH = highly, of auspicious one – Seetha’s; tasyaaH = of her; taamraaNi = coppery [reddish brown, or reddish]; surabhiiNi ca = scented, also; padma patraaNi = lotus, petals [so far decorating her bun]; cyutaani = slithered; raavaNam samaavaakiran = on Ravana, well bestrewn on; [padma patraaNi vaidehyaa = lotus, petals, of Vaidehi; abhyakiiryanta raavaNam = around, strewn – by air.]
Verse 17
तस्याः कौशेयम् उद्धूतम् आकाशे कनक प्रभम् |
बभौ च आदित्य रागेण ताम्रम् अभ्रम् इव आतपे || ३-५२-१७
Upper fringe of Seetha’s silk sari with golden glitter is upheaved in the sky, and with the reddish hue of sun in red heat of midday it beamed forth like a reddish cloud. [3-52-17]
17. tasyaaH = of her; aakaashe uddhuutam = in sky, upheaved; kanaka prabham kausheyam = golden, in glitter, silk sari [upper fringe]; aatape = in red heat [of midday]; aaditya raageNa = by sun’s, reddish hue; taamram abhram iva = coppery red, cloud, like; babhau = beamed forth.
Verse 18
तस्याः तत् विमलम् – सु नसम् – वक्त्रम् आकाशे रावण अंक गम् |
न रराज विना रामम् विनालम् इव पंकजम् || ३-५२-१८
As with a stalk-less lotus the immaculate visage of Seetha is unbright in the sky when she is on the flank of Ravana as Rama is not in vicinage. [3-52-18]
18. aakaashe = in sky; raavaNa anka gam = Ravana’s, in flank, one who has gone in; tasyaaH tat vimalam vaktram = of her, that, immaculate, visage; raamam vinaa = Rama, without – devoid of, not in vicinage; vi naalam panka jam iva = without, stalk, as with, mud, born [like lotus minus stalk]; na raraaja = not, brightened.
Verse 19, 20 & 21
बभूव जलदम् नीलम् भित्त्वा चन्द्र इव उदितः |
सु ललाटम् सु केश अंतम् पद्म गर्भ आभम् अव्रणम् || ३-५२-१९
शुक्लैः सु विमलैर् दन्तैः प्रभावद्भिः अलंकृतम् |
तस्याः सु नयनम् वक्त्रम् आकाशे रावण अंक गम् || ३-५२-२०
रुदितम् व्यपमृष्ट अस्रम् चन्द्रवत् प्रिय दर्शनम् |
सु नासम् चारु ताम्र ओष्ठम् आकाषे हाटक प्रभम् || ३-५२-२१
Her lotus pistil like un-pimply face is adorned with a pretty forehead on which prettyish curls are fluttering, and with teeth that are spick and span and sparkling, but tears dabbed on that face to sideways when she wept, yet it is pleasant like moon for a sight with shapely nose, pretty eyes, roseate lips, and shining with golden hue in sky. Nevertheless, when she has gone in the flank of Ravana on the sky such an immaculate face of Seetha turned like a palish moon that has just risen bursting a bluish cloud. [3-52-19, 20, 21]
19, 20, 21. su lalaaTam = one with pretty, forehead; su kesha antam = having prettyish, hair, ends [curls]; padma garbha aabham = lotus, pistil, in shine; a vraNam = without, boils [without pimples]; shuklaiH = whitish; su vimalaiH = verily, unblemished [spick and span]; prabhaavadbhiH = sparkling; dantaiH = with teeth; alankR^itam = adorned with; ruditam = on weeping; vyapamR^iSTa asram = vi apa mR^iSTa asram = verily, sideways, dabbed, face; candravat priya darshanam = moon, like, pleasant, to see; su naasam = shapely, nosed; su nayanam = with pretty, eyes; caaru taamra oSTham = charming, coppery [rosy,] lipped; aakaaSe haaTaka prabham = in sky, golden, in shine; aakaashe raavaNa anka gam = in sky, in Ravana’s, flank, gone in; tasyaaH tat [vimalam] vaktra = her, that, [immaculate,] face – of Seetha; niilam jaladam bhittvaa = bluish, cloud, on bursting; uditaH = risen; candra iva = moon, like; babhuuva = it became – turned out.
Verse 22
राक्षसेन्द्र समाधूतम् तस्याः तत् वदनम् शुभम् |
शुशुभे न विना रामम् दिवा चन्द्र इव उदितः || ३-५२-२२
Highly disconcerted by the king of demons that auspicious face of Seetha is unbright like the moon arisen in daytime with somewhat golden hue, owing to the absence of Rama. [3-52-22]
22. raakSasendra = by demon’s lord; sam aadhuutam = highly, disturbed – disconcerted; shubham tat [haaTaka prabha] vadanam = auspicious, that, [golden, in hue,] face; raamam vinaa = Rama, without; divaa uditaH candra iva = in daytime, arisen, moon, like; na shushubhe = not, brightened.
Verse 23
सा हेम वर्णा नील अंगम् मैथिली राक्षस अधिपम् |
शुशुभे कांचनी कांची नीलम् मणिम् – गजम् – इव आश्रिता || ३-५२-२३
She that golden coloured Maithili who is moored by the blackish-bodied sovereign of demons shone forth like a sapphirine gemstone studded in a golden cincture.
23. niila angam raakSasa adhipam = blackish, bodied, demons’, sovereign [Ravana]; aashritaa = dangling to – moored by; hema varNaa saa maithilii = golden, coloured, she, that Maithili; niilam maNim [gajam] = Indra niila, sapphire, gem [elephant]; kaancanii = golden; kaancii iva = cincture; shushubhe = shone forth.
Verse 24
सा पद्म पीता हेम आभा रावणम् जनक आत्मजा |
विद्युत् घनम् इव आविश्य शुशुभे तप्त भूषणा || ३-५२-२४
Seetha, the daughter of Janaka, with a complexion that is goldenly yellowish in the tinge of a lotus, moreover with her ornaments of purified gold, flashed like a lightning possessed in a dark-cloud, when that stonehearted Ravana possessed her. [3-52-24]
24. padma piitaa [gaurii] = lotus, yellowish; hema aabhaa = golden, in tinge; tapta bhuuSaNaa = with molten [purified golden,] ornaments; saa janaka aatmajaa = she that, Janaka’s, daughter Seetha; raavaNam [ghanam iva] aavishya = Ravana, [stonehearted one, as with,] on holding – on possessing; vidyut [elliptic. aavishya] ghanam iva = lightning, [possessed in,] dark-cloud, like; shushubhe = flashed.
Verse 25
तस्या भूषण घोषेण वैदेह्या राक्षस अधिपः |
बभूव विमलो नीलः सघोष इव तोयदः || ३-५२-२५
With the rustles of Vaidehi’s jewellery that lord of demons shone forth like a shipshape blue-black cloud with rumbles and undulating lightning. [3-52-25]
25. raakSasa adhipaH = demons’, lord; tasyaaH vaidehyaa = of her, of Vaidehi; bhuuSaNa ghoSeNa = jewellery’s, with tinkles [with rustles]; vimalaH = spotless – shipshape; [sa capalaH = with, undulating lightning]; sa ghoSa = with, rumbles; niilaH toyadaH iva = blue-blackish, cloud, like; babhuuva [babhau] = became [shone forth.]
Verse 26
उत्तम अंग च्युता तस्याः पुष्प वृष्टिः समन्ततः |
सीताया ह्रियमाणायाः पपात धरणी तले || ३-५२-२६
Flowers gracing her best body on her head, in garlands on chest, and on armlets have fallen all-over the surface of earth like showers of flowers while she is being abducted. [3-52-26]
26. hriyamaaNaayaaH = while being abducted; tasyaaH siitaayaaH = of her, Seetha’s; uttama anga cyutaa = best, of body part i.e., head, or, from her best, body,] fallen; puSpa vR^iSTiH = flowers, shower of; samantataH dharaNii tale papaata = all-over, on earth’s, surface, fallen.
Verse 27
सा तु रावण वेगेन पुष्प वृष्टिः समन्ततः |
समाधूता दशग्रीवम् पुनः एव अभ्यवर्तत || ३-५२-२७
Though that flower-shower has fallen all-over, it is windswept by the speed of Ravana, and fell again on that Decahedral demon. [3-52-27]
27. samantataH [cyutaa] tu = all-over, [fallen,] though; saa puSpa vR^iSTiH = that, flower, shower; raavaNa vegena = by Ravana’s, speed; samaadhuutaa = sam aa dhuutaa = well, up, heaved [windswept]; punaH dashagriivam eva = again, to Decahedral Ravana, alone; [saa puSpa vR^iSTiH ] abhi aa vartata = towards, re, coursed.
Verse 28
अभ्यवर्तत पुष्पाणाम् धारा वैश्रवण अनुजम् |
नक्षत्र माला विमला मेरुम् नगम् इव उन्नतम् || ३-५२-२८
Like the garland of pristine stars that circles round the loftiest Mt. Meru, that flower-shower circled Ravana, the brother of Kubera. [3-52-28]
28. puSpaaNaam dhaaraa = of flowers, showers; vimalaa nakSatra maalaa = pristine, stars, garland; unnatam merum nagam iva [ abhi aa vartitam] = loftiest, Mt, Meru, mountain, like [circles round]; vaishravaNa anujam = Vaishravana, or Kubera’s, brother; abhyavartata = circled.
Verse 29
चरणात् नूपुरम् भ्रष्टम् वैदेह्या रत्न भूषितम् |
विद्युत् मण्डल संकाशम् पपात धरणी तले || ३-५२-२९
Slid from the left foot of Vaidehi her anklet adorned with gems fell down onto the plane of earth like an electric annulus with its sparky sparkles. [3-52-29]
29. vaidehyaa caraNaat bhraSTam = of Vaidehi, from foot, slid; ratna bhuuSitam nuupuram = gems, adorned with, anklet; vidyut maNDala sankaasham = electric, annulus, similar to [sparky] sparkles; dharaNii tale papaata = on earth’s, plane of, fell down.
Verse 30
तरु प्रवाल रक्ता सा नील अंगम् राक्षस ईश्वरम् |
प्राशोभयत वैदेही गजम् कक्ष्या इव कांचनी || ३-५२-३०
She that Vaidehi who is so delicate like reddish leaflets of trees made that blackish bodied lord of demons, Ravana, well and truly lambent, herself becoming a golden girdle girded around the elephant like Ravana.
30. taru pravaala raktaa = tree’s, leaflet, reddish; saa vaidehii = she, that Vaidehi; niila angam raakSasa iishvaram = blackish, bodied, demons’, lord; kaancanii kakshyaa gajam iva = golden, with girdle [in elephant-stable,] elephant, like; praa shobhayata = well and truly, made lambent.
Verse 31
ताम् महा उल्काम् इव आकाशे दीप्यमानाम् स्व तेजसा |
जहार आकाशम् आविश्य सीताम् वैश्रवण अनुजः || ३-५२-३१
Ravana, the brother of Kubera, on invading the sky abducted that radiant Seetha who is radiating the sky by her own radiancy like a massive meteor. [3-52-31]
31. vaishravaNa anujaH = Vaishravana’s [Kubera’s,] brother Ravana; mahaa ulkaam iva = massive, meteor like; sva tejasaa = by her own, radiancy; aakaashe diipyamaanaam = in sky, radiating; taam siitaam = her, that Seetha; aakaasham aavishya = sky, invading; jahaara = stolen [abducted.]
Verse 32
तस्याः तानि अग्नि वर्णानि भूषणानि मही तले |
स घोषाणि अवकीर्यन्त क्षीणाः तारा इव अंबरात् || ३-५२-३२
Some of her ornaments which are lustrously flamy, for they are sparkling like the sparkles of fireworks, are strewn about on the plane of earth with much clatter like the stars pelted down from the sky. [3-52-32]
32. tasyaaH = of her; agni varNaani = flamelike, coloured [lustrously flamy]; taani bhuuSaNaani = [some of] those, ornaments; sa ghoSaaNi = with, [much] clatter; ambaraat kSiiNaaH = from sky, fallen [pelted down – stars]; taaraa iva = stars, like; mahii tale ava kiiryanta = on earth’s, plane, about, strewn.
Verse 33
तस्याः स्तन अन्तरात् भ्रष्टो हारः तारा अधिप द्युतिः |
वैदेह्या निपतन् भाति गंगा इव गगनात् च्युता || ३-५२-३३
A multi-string pearl pendant, a rivi�re, that vies with the moonshine has glissaded from the medial of her breasts, and while glissading from sky it is sheeny like River Ganga while she glissaded from skies. [3-52-33]
33. tasyaaH vaidehyaa = of her, of Vaidehi; stana antaraat = breasts, medial; bhraSTaH = glissaded; taaraa adhipa dyutiH = stars, lord in sheen [moonshine]; haaraH = necklace [usu. pearly multi-stringed pendant a rivi�re ]; nipatan = while falling [while glissading]; gaganaat cyutaa gangaa iva bhaati = from skies, in glissade, River Ganga, like, sheeny.
Verse 34
उत्पात वात अभिहता नाना द्विज गण आयुताः |
मा भैः इति विधूत अग्रा व्याजह्रुः इव पादपाः || ३-५२-३४
The trees on which diverse birds are perching have been stirred up with the wind blown and up-heaved by the gust of Ravana’s flight, while the swaying motion of those treetops is as though waving hands to console Seetha saying, “fear not… fear not…” [3-52-34]
34. vaata abhi hataa = by wind, well, struck – stirred up by the gust caused by Ravana’s flight; naanaa dvija gaNa aayutaaH = diverse, bird, folks, consisting of – perching on; paadapaaH = trees; vi dhuuta agraa = verily, blown, with tops; maa bhaiH [maa bhaiH] iti = do not, fear, [fear not,] thus; vyaajahruH iva = saying [consoling Seetha,] as though; ut paata = up, heaved – swung.
Verse 35
नलिन्यो ध्वस्त कमलाः त्रस्त मीन जले चराः |
सखीम् इव गत उत्साहाम् शोचन्ति इव स्म मैथिलीम् || ३-५२-३५
With wilted lotuses and scared fishes and other beings moving in water the lotus lakes are unenthusiastically sorrowing for Maithili as though Seetha is their girlfriend.
35. dhvasta kamalaaH = with wilted, lotuses; trasta miina jale caraaH = with scared, fish, [other] water, moving beings; nalinyaH = lotus-lakes; gata utsaahaam = lost, enthusiasm [unenthusiastically]; sakhiim iva = girlfriend, like; maithiliim = about Maithili; shocanti iva = sorrowing, as though; sma = they are.
Verse 36
समंतात् अभिसंपत्य सिंह व्याघ्र मृग द्विजाः |
अन्वधावन् तदा रोषात् सीताम् छाया अनुगामिनः || ३-५२-३६
All lions, tigers, animals and birds have then gathered in herds from all-over and ran rancorously and pursuantly shadowing the shadow of Seetha. [3-52-36]
36. tadaa = then; simha vyaaghra mR^iga dvijaaH = lions, tigers, animals, birds; samantaat = from all-over; abhi sampatya = towards, came together [gathered in herds]; roSaat = rancorously; Chaayaa anu gaaminaH = shadow of Seetha, on the heels, going, – shadowing her; siitaam anva dhaavan = after Seetha, pursuantly, ran.
Verse 37
जल प्रपात अस्र मुखाः शृन्गैः उच्छ्रित बाहवः |
सीतायाम् ह्रियमाणायाम् विक्रोशन्ति इव पर्वताः || ३-५२-३७
The mountains appeared bewailing with their waterfalls as shedding tears and with their peaks as upraised arms, while Seetha is thus being abducted. [3-52-37]
37. siitaayaam hriya maaNaayaam = at Seetha, who is being abducted; parvataaH = mountains; jala prapaata = water, falls; asra mukhaaH = as [shedding] tears, with [such] faces; shR^ingaiH ucChrita baahavaH = by peaks, upraised, arms; vikroshanti iva = bewailed, as though [appeared to be.]
Verse 38
ह्रियमाणाम् तु वैदेहीम् दृष्ट्वा दीनो दिवाकरः |
प्रविध्वस्त प्रभः श्रीमान् आसीत् पाण्डुर मण्डलः || ३-५२-३८
On seeing Vaidehi who is being abducted thus, magnificent Sun in firmament is saddened, and lowly weakened is his sunshine, palely whitened is his sun-disc, and faintly deadened is his solar constant. [3-52-38]
38. hriyamaaNaam vaidehiim dR^iSTvaa = being abducted, at Vaidehi, on seeing; shriimaan divaakaraH diinaH = magnificent, day maker [Sun,] is saddened; pra vi dhvasta prabhaH = very, lowly, weakened, with sunshine; paaNDura maNDalaH aasiit = whitened [palely,] sun-sphere [rather, sun-disc,] became.
Verse 39 & 40a
न अस्ति धर्मः कुतः सत्यम् न आर्जवम् न अनृशंसता |
यत्र रामस्य वैदेहीम् भार्याम् हरति रावणः || ३-५२-३९
इति भूतानि सर्वाणि गणशः पर्यदेवयन् |
“When Ravana is abducting none other than the wife of Rama, then there is no probity. At such a juncture, how conscience can prevail? Unfounded are candour and compassion,” thus the throngs of all beings overly regretted. [3-52-39, 40a]
39, 40a. yatra = where [when]; raamasya bhaaryaam vaidehiim = Rama’s, wife, Vaidehi is; raavaNaH harati = Ravana, is abducting; at such juncture; dharmaH na asti = probity, not, is there; satyam kutaH = fundamental truth [conscience,] whereby; aarjavam na = candour, no [place for, unfounded]; a nR^i shamsataa na = un-mercifulness [compassion,] no [place for, unfounded,]; iti sarvaaNi bhuutaani gaNashaH = thus, all of the, being, in throngs; paryadevayan = overly regretted.
Verse 40b & 41a
वित्रस्तका दीन मुखा रुरुदुः मृग पोतकाः || ३-५२-४०
उद्वीक्ष्य उद्वीक्ष्य नयनैः अस्र पात आविल ईक्षणाः |
Verily frightened are the fawns of deer, and their saddened faces are with tear shedding eyes with flustered looks, and they looked up and up at Seetha in sky and wept. [3-52-40b, 41a]
40b, 41a. mR^iga potakaaH vi trastakaa = deer, fawns, verily, frightened; diina mukhaa = with saddening, faces; asra paata aavila iikSaNaaH = with tears, shedding; flustered, looks; with such; nayanaiH = eyes; ut viikSya ut viikSya = up, seeing, up, seeing- craning and seeing; ruruduH = wept.
Verse 41b & 42a
सुप्रवेपित गात्राः च बभूवुः वन देवताः || ३-५२-४१
विक्रोशन्तीम् दृढम् सीताम् दृष्ट्वा दुःखम् तथा गताम् |
On seeing Seetha who is undergoing anguish in that way the sylvan deities physically shuddered in a worst way. [3-52-41b, 42a]
41b, 42a. tathaa = that way; duHkham gataam = anguish, undergoing; dR^iDham vi kroshantiim = in high-pitched [voice,] highly, bawling; siitaam dR^iSTvaa = Seetha, on seeing; vana devataaH = sylvan, deities; su pra vepita gaatraaH = very, extremely, shuddered, bodied; babhuuvuH = [bodies] happened to be.
Verse 42b & 43
ताम् तु लक्ष्मण राम इति क्रोशन्तीम् मधुर स्वराम् || ३-५२-४२
अवेक्षमाणाम् बहुशो वैदेहीम् धरणी तलम् |
स ताम् आकुल केशान्ताम् विप्रमृष्ट विशेषकाम् |
जहार आत्म विनाशाय दशग्रीवो मनस्विनाम् || ३-५२-४३
She who is looking searchingly at the plane of earth for Rama or Lakshmana, and truly bawling in high-pitched but mellowly voice calling “Rama, Lakshmana”, and whose hair-lengths are tousled, and whose felicitous vermilion mark on her forehead is smudged very untidily, that Decahedral demon abducted such an uncompromising husband-devout, Vaidehi, only for his self-ruination. [3-52-42a, 43]
42b, 43. lakSmaNa raama iti = Lakshmana, Rama, thus; madhura svaraam kroshantiim = with mellowly, voice, one who is crying; bahushaH dharaNii talam avekSamaaNaam = oftentimes, at earth’s, plane, who is looking searchingly; aakula kesha antaam = tousle, hair, ends – tousle-haired; vi pra mR^iSTa = very, untidily, smudged; visheSakaam = felicitous, vermilion mark on forehead – tilaka, sindoor]; manasvinaam = uncompromising one – a husband-devout, pati vrata; taam vaidehiim = such a, Vaidehi; saH dashagriivaH = he, that decahedral demon; aatma vinaashaaya = for self, ruination; taam jahaara = her, he abducted.
Verse 44
ततः तु सा चारु दती शुचि स्मिता
विना कृता बन्धु जनेन मैथिली |
अपश्यती राघव लक्ष्मणाउ उभौ
विवर्ण वक्त्रा भय भार पीडिता || ३-५२-४४
She who is already detracted from her kinsfolk in Mithila or in Ayodhya, that Maithili with pretty teeth and clean-cut smile is then distanced from the only two last kinsmen, for either Raghava or Lakshmana or both are unseen by her, and thus her face is paled for she is chastened by the cumber of consternation. [3-52-44]
44. tataH = then; caaru datii = prettily, teethed; shuci smitaa = clean-cut, one with such smile; bandhu janena vinaa kR^itaa = kin, folk, without, made [already distanced from kith and kin]; saa = she that; maithilii = Maithili is; raaghava lakSmaNaau ubhau = Raghava, Lakshmana, both; a pashyatii = not, seen [by her]; vi varNa vaktraa = less of, colour, face [pale faced]; bhaya bhaara piiDitaa = of consternation, by cumber, chastened.
