Introduction
The riches and happiness enjoyed by the people, under the rein of Emperor Dasharatha, along with the details of its valiant heroes, elephants, horses and the town planning are narrated.
Verse 1-4
तस्यां पुर्यामयोध्यायां वेदवित्सर्वसंग्रहः |
दीर्घदर्शी महातेजाः पौरजानपदप्रियः || १-६-१
इक्ष्वाकूणामतिरथो यज्वा धर्मपरो वशी |
महर्षिकल्पो राजर्षिः त्रिषु लोकेषु विश्रुतः || १-६-२
बलवान्निहतामित्रो मित्रवान्विजितेन्द्रियः |
धनैश्च संचयैश्चान्यैः शक्रवैश्रवणोपमः || १-६-३
यथा मनुर्महातेजा लोकस्य परिरक्षिता |
तथा दशरथो राजा लोकस्य परिरक्षिता || १-६-४
He who is well-versed in Veda-s, who is a gatherer of all scholars, riches and forces as well, a foreseer and a great resplendent one, also one who is esteemed by urbanites and countrymen alike, one who is a top-speeded chariot-warrior among the emperors of Ikshwaku kings, one who has performed many Vedic rituals, a virtuous one, a great controller, a saint-like kingly sage, one who he is renowned in all the three worlds, a mighty one with all his enemies eradicated, nevertheless who has friends, one who conquered all his senses, one who is similar to Indra, or Kubera on earth with his wealth, accumulations and other possessions, he that king Dasharatha while dwelling in the city of Ayodhya protected the world, like Manu, the foremost protector of mankind. [1-6-3,4,5]
1-4. vedavit = knower of Veda-s[well-versed in Veda-s]; sarvasangrahaH = all gatherer [of all riches, forces, learned men etc]; diirghadarshii = foreseer; mahaatejaa = very resplendent one; paurajaanapadapriyaH = esteemed by urbanites and countrymen; ikShwaakuuNaam atirathaH = top-speeded chariot-warrior among Ikshwaku kings; yajvaa = one who performed Vedic rituals; dharmaparaH = dedicated one to probity; vashii = controller; maharSikalpaH raajarSiH = saint like, kingly sage; triSu lokeShu vishrutaH = among three, worlds, renowned one; balavaan = mighty one; nihataamitraH = one who eradicated unfriendly ones [enemies]; mitravaan = one who has many friends; vijitendriyaH = one who conquered his senses; dhanaiH cha anyaiH sanchayaiH cha = with wealth, also, with other accumulations, too; shakravaishravaNopamaH = similar to Indra and Kubera; yathaa manuH mahaatejaa = as, Manu, great magnificent one; lokasya parirakShitaa = protected the world; tathaa raajaa (dasharathaH) = likewise, king, (Dasharatha); [tasyaam puryaam ayodhyaayaam = in that, city, Ayodhya; vasan = while dwelling]; lokasya parirakShitaa = protected the world.
Verse 5
तेन सत्याभिसंधेन त्रिवर्गमनुतिष्ठता |
पालिता सा पुरी श्रेष्ठा इन्द्रेणेवामरावती || १-६-५
He that truth-abiding king, who adheres to the three-fold virtues rules the vast of that kingdom from that best city Ayodhya, as Indra rules heaven from his capital Amaravati. [1-6-5]
5. tena = by him; satyaabhisandhena = truth abiding; trivargam anutiSTataa = adherent to the three-fold virtues; paalitaa saa shreSTaa purii = ruled, that, best, city; indreNa iva amaraavati = by Indra, like, Amaravati.
Verse 6
तस्मिन्पुरवरे हृष्टा धर्मात्मानो बहुश्रुताः |
नरास्तुष्टा धनैः स्वैः स्वैरलुब्धाः सत्यवादिनः ||१-६-६
In that best city Ayodhya all are exuberant yet virtuous ones, and scholars are variously learned ones, people are satisfied with their own riches, they have no greed, and they advocate truthfulness alone. [1-6-6]
6. tasmin puravare = in that, the best city; naraaH hR^iSTaaH = people, exuberant; dharmaatmaanaH bahushrutaaH = virtuous ones, variously heard [learnt]; svaiH svaiH = of their, their; dhanaiH = with riches; tuSTaaH = satisfied; alubdhaaH = not greedy; satyavaadinaH = truth advocating ones.
Verse 7
नाल्पसंनिचयः कश्चिदासीत्तस्मिन्पुरोत्तमे |
कुटुंबी यो ह्यसिद्धार्थोऽगवाश्वधनधान्यवान् || १-६-७
None with meagre accumulations is there in that great city and no householder is there without unearned means, and without cows, horses, monies or cereals and who could not sustain his family. [1-6-7]
7. na alpasannichayaH = none, meagre in accumulations; kashchit aasiit tasmin = anyone, is there, in that; pure uttame = the great city; kuTumbii = a householder; yaH hi = who, really; asiddhaarthaH = unearned means; agavaashvadhanadhaanyavaan = one without cows, horses, monies, and cereals.
Verse 8
कामी वा न कदर्यो वा नृशंसः पुरुषः क्वचित् |
द्रष्टुं शक्यमयोध्यायां नाविद्वान्न च नास्तिकः || १-६-८
None can see a lustful person, or a miser or a cruel one anywhere in that Ayodhya, along with nondescripts or non-believers, for there are no such persons. [1-6-8]
8. kaamii vaa = lustful one, either; na kadaryaH vaa = none, miserly one, either; nR^ishamsaH = cruel one; puruSaH = person; avidvaan cha = none, unscholarly, also [nondescripts]; naastikaH = non-believers; kvachit = anywhere; ayodhyaayaam = in Ayodhya; draSTum na shakyam = not possible to see.
Verse 9
सर्वे नराश्च नार्यश्च धर्मशीलाः सुसंयताः |
उदिताः शीलवृत्ताभ्यां महर्षय इवामलाः || १-६-९
All the ladies and gentlemen in that city are virtuous in mind, self-controlled ones, they are all self-satisfied like great saints, and both in their conduct and character they are blameless. [1-6-9]
9. sarve naraaH cha = all the males, also; naaryaaH cha = females, also; dharmashiilaaH = virtue minded; susamyataaH = well self-controlled ones; shiilavR^ittaabhyaam = in character and conduct; uditaaH = self-satisfied ones; maharSayaH iva = like great saint; amalaaH = without blemish.
Verse 10
नाकुण्डली नामुकुटी नास्रग्वी नाल्पभोगवान् |
नामृष्टो नानुलिप्ताङ्गो नासुगन्धश्च विद्यते || १-६-१०
In that city none is there without his earrings, headgear, or garlands, none is an enjoyer of lowly things, or misses his regular oil-baths, or with an un-creamed body with sandalwood paste or with other body cream, or with an un-perfumed physique. [1-6-10]
10. akunDalii = without earrings; na vidyate = not, known – not there; amukuTii = without headgear; asragvii = without garlands; na = not there; alpabhogavaan = lowly enjoyer; na = not there; amR^iSTaH = without oil-baths; na = not there; aliptaangaH = without cream-coated body; na = not there; asungandhaH cha = un-perfumed, also; na = not there.
Verse 11
नामृष्टभोजी नादाता नाप्यनङ्गदनिष्कधृक् |
नाहस्ताभरणो वापि दृश्यते नाप्यनात्मवान् || १-६-११
There is none who is famsihed, an uncharitable one in his nature, one with an undecorated body with ornaments like bracelets or chest plates, and there is none without a heart. [1-6-11]
11. amRiSTabhojii = not eating stomachfuls – on an empty stomach, not famished; adaataa = none uncharitable; na dR^ishyate = not, seen; na api = none, even; ana~NgadaniSkadhR^ik = with undecorated body ornaments; na = unseen; na ahastaabharaNaH = none, without arms’ ornaments; vaa api = either, also; na anaatmavaan = none, without a heart.
Verse 12
नानाहिताग्निर्नायज्वा न क्षुद्रो वा न तस्करः |
कश्चिदासीदयोध्यायां न चावृत्तो न संकरः || १-६-१२
There is none someone who is without sacrificial fires, and none without performing sacrificial rituals, and none is low in living; neither an immoral, nor a bastard nor even a thief, can be found in Ayodhya. [1-6-12]
12. na anaahitaagniH = none, without sacrificial fires; ayajvaa = non performer of rituals; na kShudraH = none, mean or low; vaa = or; na taskaraH = none, a thief; kashchit = someone; aasiit = is there; ayodhyaayaam = in Ayodhya; na cha = none, also; aavR^ittaH na sankaraH = immoral, nor bastardised.
Verse 13
स्वकर्मनिरता नित्यं ब्राह्मणा विजितेन्द्रियाः |
दानाध्यानशीलाश्च संयताश्च प्रतिग्रहे || १-६-१३
The sense-controlled scholarly Vedic Brahmans are always engaged in their rituals, and they donate the education of Vedas to their students, as well practice their own, and while receiving donations they are principle-minded. [1-6-13]
13. svakarmanirataaH = engaged in one’s own rituals works; nityam = always; braahmaNaaH = Brahmana-s; vijitendriyaaH = with conquered senses; daanaadhyaanashiilaaH cha = donating, practicing minded, also; samyataaH cha = principled, also; pratigrahe = in accepting donations.
Verse 14
न नास्तिको नानृतको न कश्चिदबहुश्रुतः |
नासूयको न चाशक्तो नाविद्वान्विद्यते तदा || १-६-१४
There is no atheist, no liar, and none is less learnt in Veda-s, and no one is found to be jealous, or disabled, or unscholarly person. [1-6-14]
14. naastikaH na = atheist, none; anR^itakaH = liar; na = None; na kashchit = none, anyone; abahushrutaH = not much heard [learned]; na asuuyakaH = none, jealous; na cha = not, also; ashaktaH = disabled; na avidvaan = none, unscholarly; vidyate tadaa = is found, thus.
Verse 15
नाषडङ्गविदत्रासीन्नाव्रतो नासहस्रदः |
न दीनः क्षिप्तचित्तो वा व्यथितो वापि कश्चन ||१-६-१५
None can be found anywhere in Ayodhya without the knowledge of the six ancillaries of Veda-s like astrology, prosody, grammar etc., none a non-performer of the prescribed rituals, and none a non-donor in thousands, thus none with a saddened heart, turmoil in mind or agonised in will is there. [1-6-15]
15. na = none; aSaDa~Ngavit na asti = unknowing scholar of Veda’s ancillaries, is not there; na avrataH = none, non-performer of rituals; na asahasradaH = donor in thousands; na diinaH = none, saddened person; kShiptachittaH = with mental turmoil; vaa = or; vyathitaH = agonised one; vaa api = or, even; kashchana = anyone.
Verse 16
कश्चिन्नरो वा नारी वा नाश्रीमान्नाप्यरूपवान् |
द्रष्टुं शक्यमयोध्यायां नापि राजन्यभक्तिमान् || १-६-१६
Whoever it may be, either a gentleman or a lady, none is without wealth, even none without elegance or devoid of devotion to their king, and it is impossible to see suchlike person in Ayodhya. [1-6-16]
16. kashchit = whoever; naraH vaa naarii vaa = gentleman, either, lady, or; na ashriimaan = none, without wealth; na api = not, even; aruupavaan = without elegance; draSTum = to see; ashakyam = not possible; ayodhyaayaam = in Ayodhya; na api = not, even; raajanyabhaktimaan = to king, not devout one.
Verse 17
वर्णेष्वग्र्यचतुर्थेषु देवतातिथिपूजकाः |
कृतज्ञाश्च वदान्याश्च शूरा विक्रमसंयुताः || १-६-१७
In the four-caste system, from the first caste to the last, everyone is a worshipper of deities and guests and everyone is also faithful, illustrious, valiant, and each one is a brave one. [1-6-17]
17. varNeSu = in four caste-system; agryachaturtheSu = first one among four; devataatithipuujakaaH = worshippers of deities and guests; kR^itajnaaH cha = faithful ones, also; vadaanyaaH cha = illustrious, also; shuuraaH = valiant ones; vikramasamyutaaH = having with bravery.
Verse 18
दीर्घायुषो नराः सर्वे धर्मं सत्यं च संश्रिताः |
सहिताः पुत्रपौत्रैश्च नित्यं स्त्रीभिः पुरोत्तमे || १-६-१८
Longevity is there for all of the people, all are with virtuosity and truthfulness, and they lived in that best city along with their sons, grandsons and their ladies. [1-6-18]
18. diirghaayuSaH = long life [longevity]; naraaH sarve = people, all of them; dharmam = virtuousness; satyam = truthfulness; cha = also; samshritaaH = they have; sahitaaH = along with; putrapautraiH = sons and grandsons; cha = also; striibhiH = ladies; purottame = the best city.
Verse 19
क्षत्रं ब्रह्ममुखं चासीद्वैश्याः क्षत्रमनुव्रताः |
शूद्राः स्वधर्मनिरतास्त्रीन्वर्णानुपचारिणः || १-६-१९
The warrior class Kshatriya-s is turned towards the Brahmans, the scholarly class, for intellectual and religious support. The trading class, Vaisya-s, is the follower of the Kshatriya-s, the ruling class, for the state’s economy is dependent on the rulership. And the fourth one, Shuudra-s, the working class, while performing its own duties, is always working for the other castes. [1-6-19]
19. kShatram = Kshatriya-s, warrior-class; brahmamukham = towards Brahmans ; cha aasiit = only, is there; vaishyaaH = Vyasya-s, trading-class; kShatram anuvrataaH = following Kshatriya; shuudraaH = Shuudra-s, working-class; svadharmanirataaH = performing their own duty; triin varNaan upachaariNaH = working for other three castes.
Verse 20
सा तेनेक्ष्वाकुनाथेन पुरी सुपरिरक्षिता |
यथा पुरस्तान्मनुना मानवेन्द्रेण धीमता || १-६-२०
That city is well protected by that king from Ikshwaku dynasty namely Dasharatha, like Manu, the foremost king of mankind in earlier times. [1-6-20]
20. saa = she [that city]; purii = the city; tena ikShwaakunaathena = by him, Ikshwaku king; suparirakShitaa = very well protected; yathaa = like; purastaat = earlier; manunaa = by Manu; maanavendreNa = king of mankind; dhiimataa = the wise king.
Verse 21
योधानामग्निकल्पानां पेशलानाममर्षिणाम् |
संपूर्णा कृतविद्यानां गुहा केसरिणामिव || १-६-२१
That city Ayodhya is replete with firebrand like skillful warriors that are intolerant of insults, and who have prosecuted their education in archery, chariot-wars, swordplay etc. and with them it is like a cave replete with lions. [1-6-21]
21. agnikalpaanaam = like firebrand; peshalaanaam = skilful ones; amarSiNaam = intolerant of insults; kR^itavidyaanaam = who prosecuted their education; yodhaanaam = [with such] warriors; kesariiNaam guhaa iva = lions, cave, like; [saa purii] sampuurNaa = replete with.
Verse 22
कांभोजविषये जातैर्बाह्लीकैश्च हयोत्तमैः |
वनायुजैर्नदीजैश्च पूर्णा हरिहयोत्तमैः || १-६-२२
That city is full with best horses born in countries like Kaambhoja, Baahlika, Vanaayu, and also in river-bed counties, which are like the horse of Indra namely ucChaishrava. [1-6-22]
22. kaambhojaviSaye = in the country Kaambhoja; jaataiH = born in; baahliikaiH = in Baahlika country; hayottamaiH = the best horses; vanaayujaiH = born in Vanaayu; nadiijaiH = born in rivers ; cha = also; puurNaa = full with; harihayottamaiH = like Indra’s best horse.
Verse 23
विंध्यपर्वतजैर्मत्तैः पूर्णा हैमवतैरपि |
मदान्वितैरतिबलैर्मातङ्गैः पर्वतोपमैः || १-६-२३
Born in Vindhya Mountains, and also from Himalayan regions, mighty are the elephants fully vigorous and fattened ones, and most powerful in their strength and each in similitude is a huge mountain. [1-6-23]
23. vindhyaparvatajaiH = born in Vindhya mountains; mattaiH = vigorous; puurNa = full of; haimavataiH api = Himalayan born, also; madaanvitaiH = fully fattened; atibalaiH = most mighty; maatangaiH = elephants; parvatopamaiH = mountain in similitude.
Verse 24
ऐरावतकुलीनैश्च महापद्मकुलैस्तथा |
अंजनादपि निष्क्रान्तैः वामनादपि च द्विपैः || १-६-२४
High bred from the classes of Airavata, the Elephant of Lord Indra, and from Mahapadma, Anjana and Vamana, too…are the elephants [of that city] [1-6-24]
24. airaavatakuliinaiH = from the breed of Airavata [the Elephant of Indra]; cha =also; mahaapadmakulaiH = from Mahapadma breed; tathaa = thus; anjanaat api = From Anjana breed, also; niSkraantaiH = derived from; vaamanaat api cha = from Vamana breed, too; dvipaiH = elephants.
Verse 24
ऐरावतकुलीनैश्च महापद्मकुलैस्तथा |
अंजनादपि निष्क्रान्तैः वामनादपि च द्विपैः || १-६-२४
High bred from the classes of Airavata, the Elephant of Lord Indra, and from Mahapadma, Anjana and Vamana, too…are the elephants [of that city] [1-6-24]
24. airaavatakuliinaiH = from the breed of Airavata [the Elephant of Indra]; cha =also; mahaapadmakulaiH = from Mahapadma breed; tathaa = thus; anjanaat api = From Anjana breed, also; niSkraantaiH = derived from; vaamanaat api cha = from Vamana breed, too; dvipaiH = elephants.
Verse 25 & 26a
भद्रैर्मन्द्रैर्मृगैश्चैव भद्रमन्द्रमृगैस्तथा |
भद्रमन्द्रैर्भद्रमृगैर्मृगमन्द्रैश्च सा पुरी |
नित्यमत्तैः सदा पूर्णा नागैरचलसन्निभैः || १-६-२५
That city is always full with vigorous and mountain like elephants bred mainly from three classes viz., Bhadra, Mandra and Mriga. And inter-bred among these three main classes are Bhadra-Mandra, Mandra-Mriga, Bhadra-Mriga and the like. [1-6-25]
25-26a. saa purii = that city; bhadraiH = class of Bhadra; mandraiH = class of Mandra; mR^igaiH = class of mriga; cha eva = like that; bhadramandramR^igaiH tathaa = a mixture of these three; bhadramandraiH = bhadra and mandra; bhadramR^igaiH = bhadra and mriga; mR^igamandraiH cha = mriga and mandra, also; nityamattaiH = always vigorous; naagaiH = elephants; achalasannibhaiH = mountain like; sadaa puurNaa = always, full with.
Verse 26b-c
सा योजने च द्वे भूयः सत्यनामा प्रकाशते |
यस्यां दशरथो राजा वसन् जगदपालयत् || १-६-२६
While residing in which city King Dasharatha ruled the world that city is further fortified up to two more yojana-s outside city, true to its name a yodhya , an un-assailable one. [1-6-26]
26b-c. raajaa = king; dasharathaH naama = Dasharatha, named; yasyaam = in which [city]; vasan = while residing; jagat = world; apaalayat = ruled; saa = she that Ayodhya; bhuuyaH = further – outside also; dve yojane = two, yojana-s; satyanaamaa = true to its name; prakaashate = shines forth [well fortified.]
Verse 27
तां पुरीं स महातेजा राजा दशरथो महान् |
शशास शमितामित्रो नक्षत्राणीव चन्द्रमाः ||१-६-२७
In which city the great resplendent and admirable king Dasharatha resided, he ruled the world from that city with silenced enemies, like the moon governing the stars. [1-6-27]
27. mahaatejaaH = he, the great resplendent; mahaan = admirable one; raajaa dasharathaH = king, Dasharatha; shamitaamitraH = silenced enemies; taam puriim = that, city; chandramaaH nakShatraaNi iva = like moon, for the stars; shashaasa = ruled.
Verse 28
तां सत्यनामां दृढतोरणार्गलाम्
गृहैर्विचित्रैरुपशोभितां शिवाम् |
पुरीमयोध्यां नृसहस्रसंकुलाम्
शशास वै शक्रसमो महीपतिः || १-६-२८
With gorgeous arches, castle-door-bars and with amazingly built houses that city is magnificent and auspicious one, and full with thousands of provincial kings too, and king Dasharatha, a coequal of Indra, indeed ruled that city which is true to its name. [1-6-28]
28. dhR^iDhathoraNaargalaam = firm arches, castle-door-bars; vichitraiH = amazing; gR^ihaiH = with houses; shobhitaam = magnificent; shivaam = auspicious one; nR^isahasrasankulaan = full with thousands of people; satyanaamaam = true to its name taam = her; puriim ayodhyaam = city, Ayodhya; shakrasamaH = coequal of Indra ; mahiipatiH = king; shashaasa = ruled; vai = indeed.
