Introduction
After the completion of Vedic ritual all the kings and Sage Rishyasringa took leave of Dasharatha and went away to their countries. After some time Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna are born. Their virtues in childhood and rituals connected thereto are depicted here. Dasharatha then contemplates the marriages of the princes, since marrying sons after completion of education is customary. At that juncture Sage Vishvamitra arrives at the court of Dasharatha seeking help from the king. Dasharatha receives him adoring in high esteem.
Verse 1
निर्वृत्ते तु क्रतौ तस्मिन् हयमेधे महात्मनः |
प्रतिगृह्य सुरा भागान् प्रतिजग्मुर्यथागतम् || १-१८-१
On the competition of the horse ritual of high-souled Dasharatha, the golds having received their portion of sacrificial oblation returned to their abodes as they have come. [1-18-1]
1. mahaatmanaH tasmin hayamedhe = that horse ritual of the high souled one Dasharatha; kratau nirvR^itte sati = when ritual is completed; suraaH bhaagaan pratigR^ihya = gods on taking their portion [of oblations]; yathaa aagatam = as they came; pratijagmuH = returned [to their heavens.]
Verse 2
समाप्तदीक्षानियमः पत्नीगणसमन्वितः |
प्रविवेश पुरीं राजा सभृत्यबलवाहनः || १-१८-२
The king completing his consecratory vows held for horse ritual, entered Ayodhya city along with the company of his queens, servants, guards and vehicles. [1-18-2]
2. patniigaNasamanvitaH = along with wives’ company; raajaa = king Dasharatha; samaaptadiikShaaniyamaH = on completing vows rules – consecration vowed for Vedic ritual; sabhR^ityabalavaahanaH = along with servants, guards and vehicles; pravivesha puriim = entered, city [Ayodhya,].
Verse 3
यथार्हं पूजितास्तेन राज्ञा च पृथिवीश्वराः |
मुदिताः प्रययुर्देशान् प्रणम्य मुनिपुंगवम् || १-१८-३
The other kings who arrived for the ritual are delighted when befittingly honoured by the king Dasharatha, and they too returned to their countries, after suitably adoring the eminent sage Vashishta. [1-18-3]
3. pR^ithiviishvaraaH = earthly gods [other kings]; tena raaj~naa = by him, the king; yathaarham puujitaaH = honoured befittingly; muditaaH = are gladdened; munipungavam praNamya = on duly adoring the eminent [Vashishta] sage; deshaan = to their countries; prayayuH = travelled – returned.
Verse 4
श्रीमतां गच्छतां तेषां स्वगृहाणि पुरात्ततः |
बलानि राज्ञां शुभ्राणि प्रहृष्टानि चकाशिरे || १-१८-४
The entourages of those kings who set forth homeward from that city are highly gladdened and shone forth in fine fettle. [1-18-4]
4. tataH puraat = from that, city; svagR^ihaaNi = to their own houses [own countries – homeward]; gacChataam = those who are going – set forth; shriimataam teSaam raajnaam = of those magnificent [kings,] those, kings’; shubhraaNi = clean [neat white uniforms, or in fine fettle]; prahR^iSTaani = highly gladdened; balaani chakaashire = armies [entourages,] shone forth.
Verse 5
गतेषु पृथिवीशेषु राजा दशरथस्तदा |
प्रविवेश पुरीं श्रीमान् पुरस्कृत्य द्विजोत्तमान् || १-१८-५
On the departure of visiting kings, then that fortunate king Dasharatha entered the city Ayodhya, keeping eminent Brahman priests ahead of him in the procession. [1-18-5]
5. pR^ithiviisheSu gateShu = when earthly lords [kings] have gone; tadaa shriimaan raajaa dasharathaH = then, fortunate, king, Dasharatha; dvijottamaan puraskR^itya = keeping ahead eminent Brahmans; puriim pravivesha = entered city.
Verse 6
शांतया प्रययौ सार्धमृष्यशृङ्गः सुपूजितः |
अनुगम्यमानो राज्ञा च सानुयात्रेण धीमता || १-१८-६
Well adored by king Dasharatha sage Rishyasringa also travelled along with his wife Shanta, followed by his father-in-law King Romapada, and along with other co-travellers, namely the entourage of Romapada. [1-18-6]
6. R^iSyashR^i~NgaH = Rishyasringa; supuujitaH = well adored; saanuyaatreNa = with co-travellers [entourage of Romapada]; dhiimataa raajnaa = with virtuous one, king [Romapaada]; anugamyamaanaH cha = followed by, king also; shaantayaa saardham prayayau = travelled along with Shanta.
Verse 7
एवं विसृज्य तान् सर्वान् राजा संपूर्णमानसः |
उवास सुखितस्तत्र पुत्रोत्पत्तिं विचिंतयन् || १-१८-७
On dispersing all of them king Dasharatha gratifyingly dwelled there in Ayodhya, with a satiated heart dwelling upon the birth of his sons. [1-18-7]
7. raajaa = king Dasharatha; evam taan sarvaan visR^ijya = thus, on dispersing all of them ; sampuurNamaanasaH = with a satiated heart; putrotpattim vichintayan = dwelling upon birth of sons; tatra sukhitaH uvaasa = there, gratifyingly, dwelled.
Verse 8, 9, 10 & 11
ततो यज्ञे समाप्ते तु ऋतूनां षट् समत्ययुः |
ततश्च द्वादशे मासे चैत्रे नावमिके तिथौ || १-१८-८
नक्षत्रेऽदितिदैवत्ये स्वोच्चसंस्थेषु पंचसु |
ग्रहेषु कर्कटे लग्ने वाक्पताविंदुना सह || १-१८-९
प्रोद्यमाने जगन्नाथं सर्वलोकनमस्कृतम् |
कौसल्याजनयद्रामं सर्वलक्षणसंयुतम् || १-१८-१०
विष्णोरर्धं महाभागं पुत्रमैक्ष्वाकुनंदनम् |
लोहिताक्षं महाबाहुं रक्तौष्ठं दुंदुभिस्वनम् || १-१८-११
On completion of the ritual, six seasons have passed by; then in the twelfth month, i.e., in chaitra-mAsa, and on the ninth day of that chaitra month [April-May], when it is punarvasunakShatrayukta-navamI tithi, i.e., when the ruling star of that ninth day is punarvasu, for which Aditi is the presiding deity; and when five of the nine planets – sUrya, kuja, guru, shukra, shani are in ucChasthAna-s, namely, when those planets are in ascension in their respective houses – meSha, makara, karkaTa, mIna, tula – rAshI-s; and when chandrayukta- guru, karkaTalagne – Jupiter in conjuction with Moon is ascendant in Cancer, and when day is advancing, Queen Kausalya gave birth to a son with all the divine attributes like lotus-red eyes, lengthy arms, roseate lips, voice like drumbeat, and who took birth to delight the Ikshwaku dynasty and adored by all the worlds, and who is the greatly blessed epitome of Vishnu, namely Rama. [1-18-8, 9, 10, 11]
8, 9, 10, 11. tataH yaj~ne samaapte = then on completion of ritual; R^ituuNaam SaT samatyayuH = well passed by six seasons; tataH = then; dvaadashe maase = in twelfth, month; chaitre naavamike tithau = chaitra month [April-May], ninth, day;
nakshatre aditidaivatye = star of the day [punarvasu,] whose presiding deity is aditi;
panchasu graheSu swocchasamstheShu = in their own highest positions of five planets – in their own ucchasthAna-s, viz., in their own ascendent positions – meSha, makara, karkaTa, mIna, tula – rAshI-s;
chandrayuktagurukarkaTa-lagne proudyamaane;
karkaTe lagne = in Cancer [of Zodiac]; vaakpatiH= [when] Speech’s Lord [Jupiter]; indunaa saha = along with Moon; prodyamaane = when raising – when ascendent; [abhijit lagna = advancing daytime];
kausalyaa = Queen Kausalya; jagannaatham = lord of worlds[Vishnu]; sarvalokanamaskR^itam = adored by all worlds; divyalakShaNasamyutam = along with divine attributes;
viSNoH = Vishnu’s; ardham = epitome of [not half of Vishnu];
mahaabhaagam = greatly blessed one; ikShwaakunandanam = delight of Ikshvaaku dynasty; lohitaakSham = lotus-red eyes; mahaabaahum = lengthy armed; raktoSTham = roseate lips; dundubhisvanam = drumbeat voiced; raamam = Rama as; putram = the son; ajanayat = gave birth.
Verse 12
कौसल्या शुशुभे तेन पुत्रेणामिततेजसा |
यथा वरेण देवानामदितिर्वज्रपाणिना || १-१८-१२
Kausalya shone forth with such a son whose resplendence is unlimited, as with lady Aditi who once stood out with her son Indra, the best one among gods. [1-18-12]
12. kausalya = queen Kausalya; amitatejasaa = one with unlimited resplendence; tena putreNa = by that, son; devaanaam vareNa = the best among gods; vajrapaaNinaa = by Thunderbolt in hand [wielder – Indra]; aditiH yathaa shushubhe = shone forth as Lady Aditi.
Verse 13
भरतो नाम कैकेय्यां जज्ञे सत्यपराक्रमः |
साक्षाद्विष्णोश्चतुर्भागः सर्वैः समुदितो गुणैः || १-१८-१३
Queen Kaikeyi gave birth to Bharata, one embodied with all merits, and whose truthfulness itself is his valour and who is fourth component of manifest Vishnu, namely Rama. [1-18-13]
13. satyaparaakramaH = truthfulness as his valour; saakShaat viSNoH = Vishnu’s manifest; chaturbhaagaH = fourth component; sarvaiH guNaiH samuditaH = embodied with all merits; bharataH naama kaikeyyaam jaj~ne = Bharata named [son] born to Queen Kaikeyi.
Verse 14
अथ लक्ष्मणशत्रुघ्नौ सुमित्राजनयत् सुतौ |
वीरौ सर्वास्त्रकुशलौ विष्णोरर्धसमन्वितौ | १-१८-१४
Queen Sumitra then gave birth to two sons who are the embodied epitomes of Vishnu, namely Lakshmana, and Shatrughna, who are valiant ones and experts in all kinds of weaponry. [1-18-14]
14. atha = then; sumitraa = Queen Sumitra; viirau = valiant ones; sarvaastrakushalau = experts in all weaponry; viSNoH = Vishnu’s; ardhasamanvitau = those that are embodied with essence epitome; lakShmaNashatrughnau = Lakshmana and Shatrughna; sutau ajanayat = gave birth to sons.
Verse 15
पुष्ये जातस्तु भरतो मीनलग्ने प्रसन्नधीः |
सार्पे जातौ तु सौमित्री कुळीरेऽभ्युदिते रवौ || १-१८-१५
With the dawn of sun on the next day, fair-minded Bharata is born under Pisces where puSyami is the star of day, later the sons of Sumitra, namely Lakshmana and Shatrughna are born under Cancer, where aashleSa is the star of the day, i.e., the tenth of chaitra month, [1-18-15]
15. prasannadhiiH = level headed one – guileless, fair-minded; bharataH = Bharata; puShye miinalagne jaataH = under Pushyami star, in Pisces [of Zodiac,] born; saumitrii = sons of Sumitra [Lakshmana, Shatrughna]; saarpe kuliire = under star presided by serpent [aaSreSa,] in Cancer [of Zodiac]; ravau abhyudite = while Sun, is rising – i.e., on next day of Rama’s birth – tenth of Chaitra; jaatau = they are born.
Verse 16
राज्ञः पुत्रा महात्मानश्चत्वारो जज्ञिरे पृथक् |
गुणवंतोऽनुरूपाश्च रुच्या प्रोष्ठपदोपमाः || १-१८-१६
Thus there are four great-souled sons of Dasharatha, born on separate instances, who are virtuous, charming, and by brilliance they are in similitude with two stars of each of the asterisms called puurvaabhaadra and uttaraabhaadra. [1-18-16]
16. guNavantaH anuruupaaH cha = virtuous ones, charming, also; ruchyaa = by brilliance; proSTapada upamaaH = [like puurva bhaadra, uttara bhaadra] stars, in simile; mahaatmaanaH = great souls; such; raajnaH putraa = kings’, sons; chatvaaraH = four of them; jaj~nire pR^ithak = born, separately.
Verse 17 & 18a
जगुः कलं च गंधर्वा ननृतुश्चाप्सरोगणाः |
देवदुंदुभयो नेदुः पुष्पवृष्टिश्च खात्पतत् || १-१८-१७
उत्सवश्च महानासीदयोध्यायां जनाकुलः |
The celestial singers sang melodiously, paradisiacal dancing parties danced, divine drums drummed and heavens rained flowers, with all this there is a great festivity in Ayodhya with thronging people. [1-18-17, 18a]
17, 18a. gandharvaaH kalam jaguH = celestial singers, melodiously, sang; apsarogaNaaH nanR^ituH = groups of divine dancers – dancing parties, danced; devadundubhayaH neduH = divine drums, sounded; khaat pushpavR^iSTiH cha patat = from heavens, flowery, rain, also, fallen; ayodhyaayaam janaakulaH = with people thronging in Ayodhya ; utsavaH cha mahaan aasiit = great festivity also is there.
Verse 18b & 19
रथ्याश्च जनसंबाधा नटनर्तकसंकुलाः || १-१८-१८
गायनैश्च विराविण्यो वादनैश्च तथापरैः |
विरेजुर्विपुलास्तत्र सर्वरत्नसमन्विताः || १-१८-१९
Hilarity filled the streets with people stampeding them and with the flurry of actors, dancers, singers and instrumentalists, as well by other onlookers, and there on the streets widely strewn are all kinds of gems appreciating the artists. [1-18-18b, 19]
18b, 19. rathyaaH = streets; janasambaadhaaH = pressurised with people – stampeded; natanartakasamkulaaH = flurried with actors and dancers; gaayanaiH cha = singers, too; vaadanaiH cha eva = with players of musical instruments, also, thus; tathaa aparaiH = like that, by others – onlookers; viraaviNyaH= well sounding – hilarity, jubilation; tatra = there – on streets; vipulaaH virejuH = widely, strewn; sarvaratnasamanvitaaH = along with all gems.
Verse 20
प्रदेयांश्च ददौ राजा सूतमागधवंदिनाम् |
ब्राह्मणेभ्यो ददौ वित्तं गोधनानि सहस्रशः || १-१८-२०
The king gave worthy gifts to eulogisers, bard singers, and panegyrists, and to Brahmans he gave funds and wealth in the form of thousands of cows. [1-18-20]
20. raajaa = king; suutamaagadhavandinaam = to eulogisers, bard singers, panegyrists; pradeyaan cha = giveable donation, also; dadou = gave; braahmaNebhyaH = to Brahmans; vittam = funds; godhanaani sahasrashaH = cow wealth, in thousands; dadau = gave.
Verse 21 & 22
अतीत्यैकादशाहं तु नामकर्म तथाकरोत् |
ज्येष्ठं रामं महात्मानं भरतं कैकयीसुतम् || १-१८-२१
सौमित्री लक्ष्मणमिति शत्रुघ्नमपरं तथा |
वसिष्ठः परमप्रीतो नामानि कुरुते तदा || १-१८-२२
Elapsed are eleven days and the naming ceremony is performed, then Vashishta, the chief priest, named the high-souled elder one as Rama, Kaikeyi’s son as Bharata, and one son of Sumitra as Lakshmana and the other as Shatrughna [1-18-21, 22]
21, 22. tataH = then; ekaadashaaham atiitya = eleven days, when elapsed; naamakarma akarot = naming ceremony, performed; mahaatmaanaam jyeSTam raamam = high souled, elder one, as Rama; kaikayiisutam bharatam = Kaikeyi’s son, as Bharata; soumitrii = Sumitra’s [to one son]; lakShmaNam iti = as Lakshmana, thus; aparam = other [son]; shatrughnam = as Shatrughna; paramapriitaH vashiShThaH tadaa = highly gladdened, Vashishta, then; naamaani kurute = names, [made] gave.
Verse 23 & 24a
ब्राह्मणान् भोजयामास पौरान् जानपदानपि |
अददद्ब्राह्मणानां च रत्नौघममितं बहु || १-१८-२३
तेषां जन्मक्रियादीनि सर्वकर्माण्यकारयत् |
The king feasted Brahmans, urbanites and villagers and he gifted many valuable gems to Brahmans in an unlimited way, and all the rituals of birth and ceremonies sequel to it like naming ceremony, first-food-feeding ceremony, first-hair-removal ceremony, and sacred thread ceremony are performed in respect of the princes. [1-18-23, 24a]
23, 24a. brahmaNaan pauraan jaanapadaan api = Brahmans, urbanites, villagers, also; bhojayaamaasa = are fed well by king; braahmaNaanaam bahu ratnaugham adadat = he gave – gifted many valuable gems to Brahmans; amitam = unlimited; teSaam janmakriyaadiini = them – the princes, birth rites, ceremonies sequel to it; sarvakarmaaNi akaarayat = all rituals, performed.
Verse 24b & 25a
तेषां केतुरिव ज्येष्ठो रामो रतिकरः पितुः |१-१८-२४
बभूव भूयो भूतानां स्वयंभूरिव सम्मतः |
Among those princes the eldest one Rama is like a flagstaff and a delight of his father Dasharatha, and he became acceptable to all beings like the self-created Brahma. [1-18-24b, 25a]
24b, 25a. teSaam jyeSThaH raamaH = among them the princes Rama is eldest one; ketuH iva = flagstaff like; pituH bhuyaH ratikaraH = very much delightful one to his father; svayambhuuH iva bhuutaanaam sammataH babhuuva = he became acceptable to all beings like self-emerged [god, Brahma].
Verse 25b & 26a
सर्वे वेदविदः शूराः सर्वे लोकहिते रताः || १-१८-२५
सर्वे ज्ञानोपसंपन्नाः सर्वे समुदिता गुणैः |
All the princes are scholars in Veda-s, valiant ones, all are interested in the welfare of the world, all are intellectuals and all of them possess an air of probity. [1-18-25b, 26a]
25b, 26a. sarve vedavidaH = all princes are scholars in Veda-s; shuuraaH = valiant ones; sarve lokahite rataaH = all are interested in worlds’ welfare; sarve j~naanopasampannaaH = all are, intellectual ones; sarve samuditaaH guNaiH = all are, possessors of merits – air of probity.
Verse 26b & 27a
तेषामपि महातेजा रामः सत्यपराक्रमः || १-१८-२६
इष्टः सर्वस्य लोकस्य शशांक इव निर्मलः |
Among them the great resplendent Rama, whose valour itself is his truthfulness, is the dear one to all the world like the tranquil moon. [1-18-26b, 27a]
26b, 27a. teSaam api mahaatejaaH = great resplendent among them, also; raaamaH satyaparaakramaH = Rama, truthfulness as his valorous one; nirmalaH shashaankaH iva = tranquil, moon, like; sarvasya lokasya iSTaH = dear one to all of world.
Verse 27b & 28a
गजस्कन्धेऽश्वपृष्ठे च रथचर्यासु सम्मतः || १-१८-२७
धनुर्वेदे च निरतः पितृशुश्रूषणे रतः |
Rama is admittedly a champion of riding elephants and horses, also in tactical charioting, and he rejoices in the art of archery, and absorbed in the obedient service of his father. [1-18-27b, 28a]
27b, 28a. [saH raamaH = he that Rama is]; gajaskandhe = on [riding] elephant’s shoulders; ashvapR^iSThe = on [riding] horse’s back; cha = also; rathacharyaasu = manoeuvring in chariots’ [tactical charioting]; sammataH = admitted to be [the champion]; dhanurvede cha nirataH = rejoices in archery and Veda, also ; pituH shushruuShaNe rataH = absorbed in father’s service.
Verse 28b & 29a
बाल्यात् प्रभृति सुस्निग्धो लक्ष्मणो लक्ष्मिवर्धनः || १-१८-२८
रामस्य लोकरामस्य भ्रातुर्ज्येष्ठस्य नित्यशः |
Right from childhood Lakshmana, the enhancer of prosperity, is always amiable towards his world-charming elder brother Rama. [1-18-28b, 29a]
28b, 29a. lakshmivardhanaH lakShmaNaH = Lakshmana the enhancer of prosperity; baalyaat prabhR^iti = since childhood; lokaraamasya = charming Rama for world; jyeSThasya bhraatuH = towards elder, brother; raamasya = in respect of Rama; nityashaH susnigdhaH = always, he is very amiable.
Verse 29b & 30a
सर्वप्रियकरस्तस्य रामस्यापि शरीरतः || १-१८-२९
लक्ष्मणो लक्ष्मिसंपन्नो बहिःप्राण इवापरः |
Lakshmana who is endowed with the wealth of dedication dedicated himself to Rama with bodily service, and while performing all agreeable deeds in respect of Rama, he behaved like Rama’s alter ego. [1-18-29b, 30a]
29b, 30a. lakshmisampannaH lakShmaNaH = Lakshmana the one endowed with wealth [of dedication] ; shariirataH api = bodily, even [dedicated to Rama]; sarvapriyakaraH = peforming agreeable deeds to all; tasya raamasya = to that, Rama; bahiHpraaNaH iva = external entity, like; aparaH = [bahiH praaNa] outer life – alter ego, [he behaved like alter ego].
Verse 30b & 31a
न च तेन विना निद्रां लभते पुरुषोत्तमः || १-१८-३०
मृष्टमन्नमुपानीतमश्नाति न हि तं विना |
That best one among the men Rama does not get his sleep without Lakshmana and he would not eat food brought for him, however delicious it may be, without Lakshmana. [1-18-30b, 31a]
30b, 31a. puruSottamaH = best of men, Rama; tena vinaaa = without him – Lakshmana, ; nidraam na labhate = he does not get sleep; upaaniitam mR^iSTam annam ca = brought [for him,] delicious, food, also; tam vinaa = without him [Lakshmana,] ; na ashnaati = will not, eat.
Verse 31b & 32a
यदा हि हयमारूढो मृगयां याति राघवः || १-१८-३१
तदैनं पृष्ठतोऽभ्येति स धनुः परिपालयन् |
Whenever Raghava mounts a horse and goes on a hunting game Lakshmana rushes after him wielding his bow as a squire. [1-18-31b, 32a]
31b, 32a. raaghavaH = Raghava; hayam aruuDhaH = on mounting horse; yadaa mR^igayaam yaati = when goes for a hunting game; tadaa = then; saH = he, Lakshmana; dhanuH paripaalayan = bow, wielding [as a squire]; enam priSThataH abhyeti = rushes behind him [Rama].
Verse 32b & 33a
भरतस्यापि शत्रुघ्नो लक्ष्मणावरजो हि सः || १-१८-३२
प्राणैः प्रियतरो नित्यं तस्य चासीत्तथा प्रियः |
Lakshmana’s younger brother Shatrughna is a dear one to Bharata, like that Bharata too held Shatrughna dearer than his own lives. [1-18-32b, 33a]
32b, 33a. lakshamaNaavarajaH = born along with Lakshmana – younger brother; saH shatrughnaH = he that, Shatrughna; bharatasya api = to Bharata, even; nityam praaNaiH priyataraH = always, dear one by lives; [Bharata also]; tasya cha = to him [to Shatrughna,] even; tathaa aasiit priyaH = like that, he is, a dear one.
Verse 33
स चतुर्भिर्महाभागैः पुत्रैर्दशरथः प्रियैः || १-१८-३३
बभूव परमप्रीतो देवैरिव पितामहः |
King Dasharatha is highly gladdened with four of his highly fortunate sons like the Forefather Brahma with gods in heaven. [1-18-33]
33. saH = he, Dasharatha; mahaabhaagaiH chaturbhiH priyaiH putraiH= with highly fortunate, four, dearest, sons; pitaamahaH devaiH iva = Forefather, Brahma, as with gods ; paramapriitaH babhuuva = highly glad, he became.
Verse 34, 35 & 36a
ते यदा ज्ञानसंपन्नाः सर्वे समुदिता गुणैः || १-१८-३४
ह्रीमन्तः कीर्तिमन्तश्च सर्वज्ञा दीर्घदर्शिनः |
तेषामेवं प्रभावाणां सर्वेषां दीप्ततेजसाम् || १-१८-३५
पिता दशरथो हृष्टो ब्रह्मा लोकाधिपो यथा |
When all of the four sons are thus prospering with prudence, gifted with all the merits, self-conscious to do wrong deeds, well-known for their gentility, knowers of pros and cons and even the conscientious princes, then their father Dasharatha is contented in respect of all of them who are such radiantly brilliant and potential princes, like Brahma. [1-18-34b, 35, 36a]
34b, 35, 36a. te sarvaiH guNaiH samuditaaH = having – gifted with all merits; te yadaa j~naanasampannaaH = they [four princes,] when prospering with practical wisdom – prudence ; hriimantaH = bashful ones – self-conscious [to do wrong deeds]; kiirtimantaH cha = well-know ones [for their gentility,] also; sarvaj~naaH = knowing all [knowers of pros and cons]; diirghadarshinaH = foresighted – conscientious; [when they have become thus, then]; evam prabhaavaaNaam = having this kind of potentiality; diiptatejasaam = radiantly brilliant ones; teSaam sarveSaam = in respect of all; pitaa = father; dasharathaH = Dasharatha; lokaadhipaH yathaa = as with presiding deity for world – Brahma; hR^iSTaH = is contented.
Verse 36
ते चापि मनुजव्याघ्रा वैदिकाध्ययने रताः || १-१८-३६
पितृशुश्रूषणरता धनुर्वेदे च निष्ठिताः |
Even those tigerly-men, namely the princes, are engrossed in the studies of Veda-s, delighted to render service to their father and they are also the experts in art of archery. [1-18-36b, 37a]
36. te manujavyaaghraaH api = they, tigerly men, even; vaidikaadhyayane rataaH = engrossed in Vedic studies; pitR^ishushruuSaNarataaH = delighted in father’s service ; dhanurvede cha niSTitaaH = experts also in art of archery.
Verse 37b & 38a
अथ राजा दशरथस्तेषां दारक्रियां प्रति || १-१८-३७
चिंतयामास धर्मात्मा सोपाध्यायः सबान्धवः |
Then the noble souled Dasharatha contemplated along with his priestly teachers and relatives about the matrimonial alliances of his sons. [1-18-37b, 38a]
37b, 38a. tataH = then; dharmaatmaa raajaa = noble souled, king Dasharatha; sopaadhyaayaH sabaandhavaH = along with teachers, with relatives; teSaam daarakriyaam prati = about their matrimonial works [alliances]; chintayaamaasa = contemplated.
Verse 38b & 39a
तस्य चिन्तयमानस्य मन्त्रि मध्ये महात्मनः || १-१८-३८
अभ्यागच्छन्महातेजा विश्वामित्रो महामुनिः |
While the great souled Dasharatha is discussing the marriages of princes among his ministers, the highly powerful sage Vishvamitra arrived. [1-18-38b, 39a]
38b, 39a. mahaatmanaH tasya = great souled one, his [Dasharatha’s]; chintayamaanasya = while he is thinking so [discussing so]; mantrimadhye = among ministers; mahaatejaaH = great resplendent one – highly powerful; vishvaamitraH mahaamuniH = Vishvamitra the great sage; abhyaagacChat [abhi aagacChat] = arrived.
Verse 39b & 40a
स राज्ञो दर्शनाकांक्षी द्वाराध्यक्षानुवाच ह || १-१८-३९
शीघ्रमाख्यात मां प्राप्तं कौशिकं गाधिनः सुतम् |
Desirous to have an audience with king Vishvamitra said to the doorkeeper, “Let the king be informed quickly that I, the son of Gadhi from the dynasty of Kushi, have come” [1-18-39b, 40a]
39b, 40a. saH = he, Vishvamitra; raaj~naH darshanaakaankShii = desirous to see king; dvaaraadhyakShaan uvaacha ha = said to the door keeper; gaadhinaH sutaH = Gadhi’s son; kaushikam = belonging to Kushi’s dynasty; maam praaptam = me, as arrived; shiighram aakhyaata = quickly, inform [to king.]
Verse 40b & 41a
तच्छ्रुत्वा वचनं तस्य राज्ञो वेश्म प्रदुद्रुवुः || १-१८-४०
संभ्रान्तमनसः सर्वे तेन वाक्येन चोदिताः |
On listening those words all the doorkeepers are dumbfounded, and ushered by those words they quickly rushed to the place of Dasharatha. [1-18-40b, 41a]
40b, 41a. tat vachanam shrutvaa = on listening to that words; sarve sambhraantamanasaH = all, dumbfounded at hearts; tena vaakyena choditaaH = ushered by those words ; raajnaH veshma pradudruvuH = quickly rushed to that king’s [Dasharatha’s] palace.
Verse 41b & 42a
ते गत्वा राजभवनं विश्वामित्रमृषिं तदा || १-१८-४१
प्राप्तमावेदयामासुर्नृपायेक्ष्वाकवे तदा |
Then on their arriving at the king’s palace the doorkeepers have announced to the king of Ikshvaku-s, namely Dasharatha, about the arrival of sage Vishvamitra. [1-18-41b, 42a]
41b, 42a. tadaa = then; te raajabhavanam gatvaa = they, having gone to king’s palace ; tataH = then; vishwaamitram R^iSim praaptam = Vishvamitra, sage, as has come; ikShwaakave nR^ipaaya = to the king of Ikshwaku dynasty; aavedayaamaasuH = announced.
Verse 42b & 43a
तेषां तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा सपुरोधाः समाहितः || १-१८-४२
प्रत्युज्जगाम संहृष्टो ब्रह्माणमिव वासवः |
On hearing that message from doorkeepers Dasharatha is highly pleased and he has gone towards Vishvamitra in a self-possessed manner along with royal priests, as Indra would ceremoniously go towards Brahma. [1-18-42b, 43a]
42b, 43a. teSaam tat vachanam shrutvaa = their [doorkeepers,] that word [that message,]on hearing; samhR^iSTaH = highly pleased, Dasharatha; sapurodhaaH = with priests; samaahitaH = collecting himself, in self-possessed manner; [tam = him, Vishvamitra]; prati ujjagaama = towards, gone – gone towards welcomingly; vaasavaH brahmaaNam iva = like Indra towards Brahma [in a ceremonial manner.]
Verse 43b & 44a
तं दृष्ट्वा ज्वलितं दीप्त्या तापसं संशितव्रतम् || १-१८-४३
प्रहृष्टवदनो राजा ततोऽर्घ्यमुपहारयत् |
Then on seeing the resplendent sage Vishvamitra, whose radiance is by his own ascesis and who has severe self-discipline, the king offered water with a gladsome aspect, as first customary hospitality in receiving unexpected guest. [1-18-43b, 44a]
43b, 44a. tataH = then; raajaa = king Dasharatha; jwalitam = who is resplendent – Vishvamitra; diiptyaa taapasam = one who is radiant, by ascesis; samshitavratam = one who has severe self-discipline; tam dR^iSTvaa = on seeing him [Vishvamitra] ; prahR^iSTavadanaH = well gladsome face [expression, aspect]; arghyam upahaarayat = water, offered.
Verse 44b & 45a
स राज्ञः प्रतिगृह्यार्घ्यं शास्त्रदृष्टेन कर्मणा || १-१८-४४
कुशलं चाव्ययं चैव पर्यपृच्छन्नराधिपम् |
On receiving water from the king scripturally and customarily Vishvamitra enquired after the well-being and welfare of king Dasharatha. [1-18-44b, 45a]
44b, 45a. saH = he, Vishvamitra; shaastradR^iSTena karmaNaa = scriptural point of view – scripturally, [also] by practice – customarily; raajnaH arghyam pratigR^ihya = receiving water from king; naraadhipam = with king; kushalam cha avyayam cha eva = well-being, also, welfare, also, thus; paryapR^icChat = enquired after.
Verse 45b & 46a
पुरे कोशे जनपदे बान्धवेषु सुहृत्सु च || १-१८-४५
कुशलं कौशिको राज्ञः पर्यपृच्छत् सुधार्मिकः |
That highly righteous sage Vishvamitra asked the king after the well-being of city, exchequer, rural areas, friends and relatives. [1-18-45b, 46a]
45b, 46a. sudhaarmikaH kaushikaH = highly righteous, Kushi’s son – Vishvamitra; raajnaH = of king; pure koshe janapade baandhaveSu = in city, in exchequer, in rural areas, among relatives; suhR^itsu = among good hearted-ones – friends; kushalam = well-being; paryapR^icChat = asked after.
Verse 46b & 47a
अपि ते संनताः सर्वे सामन्ता रिपवो जिताः || १-१८-४६
दैवं च मानुषं चैव कर्म ते साध्वनुष्ठितम् |
Sage Vishvamitra asked Dasharatha, “Are all of the provincial kings acquiescent to you, and all your enemies conquered? Are you properly performing the devotional and social works?” [1-18-46b, 47a]
46b, 47a. saamantaaH sarve te api sannataaH = all provincial kings acquiescent to you; ripavaH jitaaH = enemies, conquered; te = your; daivam karma = deeds for propitiating gods; maanuSham cha eva = humanly, also, thus – to administer humans; saadhu anuSThitham = properly, performed.
Verse 47b & 48a
वसिष्ठं च समागम्य कुशलं मुनिपुंगवः || १-१८-४७
ऋषींश्च तान् यथान्यायं महाभागानुवाच ह |
And on meeting the eminent sage Vashishta and with them the other exalted sages according to custom Vishvamitra asked after their well-being. [1-18-47b, 48a]
47b, 48a. munipungavaH vasiSTham cha = the eminent sage Vashishta, also; taan = them; mahaabhaagaan R^iSiin cha = most exalted sages, also; yathaanyaayam = as per custom; samaagamya = on meeting with; kushalam uvaacha ha = well-being, spoke [asked after,] indeed.
Verse 48b & 49a
ते सर्वे हृष्टमनसस्तस्य राज्ञो निवेशनम् || १-१८-४८
विविशुः पूजितास्तेन निषेदुश्च यथार्हतः |
Then adoringly invited by the king Dasharatha all of them gladly entered the palace and they took their seats according to protocol. [1-18-48b, 49a]
48b, 49a. te sarve hR^iSTtamanasaH = all of them, gladdened at heart; tasya raaj~naH niveshanam = that, king’s, palace; vivishuH = entered; tathaa yathaarhataH = then, according to eligibility – protocol; tena puujitaaH= by him, the king, adored – invited; niSeduH = took seats.
Verse 49b & 50a
अथ हृष्टमना राजा विश्वामित्रं महामुनिम् || १-१८-४९
उवाच परमोदारो हृष्टस्तमभिपूजयन् |
Then the very generous king Dasharatha is gladdened at heart at the arrival of Vishvamitra, and he spoke this way feeling happy to adore that sage. [1-18-49b, 50a]
49b, 50a. atha = then; paramodaaraH = very generous one; raajaa = king Dasharatha; hR^iSTtamanaaH = gladdened at heart; tam mahaamunim vishvaamitram = him, the great sage, Vishvamitra; abhipuujayan hR^iSTaH = feeling happy while adoring; uvaacha [idam] = spoke, [this way.]
Verse 52b, 53 & 54a
कं च ते परमं कामं करोमि किमु हर्षितः || १-१८-५२
पात्रभूतोऽसि मे ब्रह्मन् दिष्ट्या प्राप्तोऽसि मानद |
अद्य मे सफलं जन्म जीवितं च सुजीवितम् || १-१८-५३
यस्माद् विप्रेन्द्रमद्राक्षं सुप्रभाता निशा मम |
“Oh, Brahman, as I am the one who is delighted for your arrival, and as you are the most eligible recipient from me, what is that choicest object of yours to be fulfilled by me, and in which way. Oh, endower of respect, for me your arrival is fortunate whereby my birth is fructified and my life flourished today, and wherefore I could see a great Brahman like you visiting my home, therefore the sun appears to have dawned in my night. [1-18-52b, 53, 54a]
52b, 53, 54a. brahman = Oh Brahman; harSitaH = [I, who am, at our arrival] delighted; te paramam kam kaamam = what is your choicest objective; kimu = in which way; karomi = I can fulfil; me paatrabhuutaH asi = to me you are eligible recipient; maanada = oh endower of respect; diSTyaa praaptaH asi = fortunately, arrived, you are; adya me janma saphalam = today, my, birth, is fructified; jiivitam cha sujiivitam = life, also, best life – flourishing; yasmaat viprendram adraakSham = for what reason the great Brahman is seen by me [at my own house]; suprabhaataa nishaa mama = sun dawn, night, of mine.
Verse 50b, 51 & 52b
यथामृतस्य संप्राप्तिर्यथा वर्षमनूदके || १-१८-५०
यथा सदृशदारेषु पुत्रजन्माप्रजस्य वै |
प्रणष्टस्य यथा लाभो यथा हर्षो महोदये || १-१८-५१
तथैवागमनं मन्ये स्वागतं ते महामुने |
“I deem your arrival is in the vein of mortals attaining ambrosia, rainfall in a droughty land, a barren father begetting a son through his deserving wife, a regain of long lost treasures, and the gladness at a great happening, oh, great saint, welcome to you.” [1-18-50b, 51, 52a]
50b, 51, 52b. mahaamune = oh great saint Vishvamitra; amR^itasya sampraaptiH yathaa = as with attaining ambrosia; anudake = without water [in droughty land]; varSam yathaa = rain, as with aprajasya = without progeny [for childless ones]; sadR^ishadaareSu = in deserving wives; putrajanma yathaa = as with son’s birth; pranaSTasya laabhaH yathaa = as with regaining long lost [treasures]; mahaa udaye harSaH yathaa = as with rejoice at great happening; te aagamanam tathaa eva = your, arrival, like that, only; manye = is deemed; swaagatam [te] = welcome, to you.
Verse 54b & 55a
पूर्वं राजर्षिशब्देन तपसा द्योतितप्रभः || १-१८-५४
ब्रह्मर्षित्वमनुप्राप्तः पूज्योऽसि बहुधा मया |
“Originally your glory was explicit by your title kingly-sage, and subsequently you attained the Absolute-sainthood by your ascesis, and you are venerable to me, in many ways.” [1-18-54b, 55a]
54b, 55a. puurvam raajarShishabdena= earlier – originally, by kingly-saint title; dyotitaprabhaH= indicated – explicit, is your glory – such as you are; tapasaa brahmarShitwam anupraaptaH= you attained Absolute sainthood by ascesis; mayaa bahudhaa puujyaH asi = you are venerable in many ways by me.
Verse 55b & 56a
तदद्भुतमभूत् विप्र पवित्रं परमं मम || १-१८-५५
शुभक्षेत्रगतश्चाहं तव संदर्शनात् प्रभो |
“Oh, Brahman, thereby your arrival at my place is surprising and ideally sacred to me, and by your very appearance I have become one who has gone on a quiet pilgrimage. [1-18-55b, 56a]
55b, 56a. vipra = oh Brahman; tat = thereby; [idam = this arrival of yours]; adbhutam = surprising; mama = to me; pavitram paramam = sacred, ideally; prabho = oh adept one; tava samdarshanaat = by your, very appearance; aham = I have [become one who]; shubhakShetragataH = one who has gone to sacred place – on pilgrimage; abhuut = I have become.
Verse 56b & 57a
ब्रूहि यत् प्रार्थितं तुभ्यं कार्यमागमनं प्रति || १-१८-५६
इच्छाम्यनुगृहीतोऽहं त्वदर्थं परिवृद्धये |
“You may tell me, entreating which work your arrival chanced here and I feel that I am indeed blessed and wish to make it happen to achieve results. [1-18-56b, 57a]
56b, 57a. aagamanam prati = regarding arrival [the work that made you to come]; tubhyam praarthitam = by you, entreated; yat kaaryam = which, work is there [deed]; [that] bruuhi = you tell; aham anugR^ihiitaH [vai] = I am, blessed [indeed]; tvadartham = of your deed; parivR^iddhaye icChaami = I wish to flourish it [ to make happen, for fulfilling it] .
Verse 57b & 58a
कार्यस्य न विमर्शं च गंतुमर्हसि सुव्रत || १-१८-५७
कर्ता चाहमशेषेण दैवतं हि भवान् मम |
“It is unapt of you to deliberate about the feasibility of the work, oh, sage with blest vows, while I am the fulfiller of it without any reminder, since you are god to me, indeed. [1-18-57b, 58a]
57b, 58a. suvrata = [sage with] blest vows; kaaryasya vimarsham gantum na arhasi = to go into deliberation about work is not apt of you; aham asheSheNa kartaa cha = I am the doer without reminder [of work – thoroughly]; bhavaan mama daivatam hi = you are god for me, indeed.
Verse 58b & c
मम चायमनुप्राप्तो महानभ्युदयो द्विज |
तवागमनजः कृत्स्नो धर्मश्चानुत्तमो द्विज || १-१८-५८
“Oh, Brahman, this is the great prosperity that bechanced on me, and this is propriety in its entirety that bechanced on me, as a result of your arrival. [1-18-58b, c]
58b, c. dwija = oh Brahman; mama ayam mahaan abhyudayaH anupraaptaH = for me, this is, great, prosperity, that bechanced; [mama = to me]; tava aagamanajaH = caused by your arrival; kR^itsnaH dharmaH anuttamaH = entire, propriety, is the unexcelled one.
Verse 59
इति हृदयसुखं निशम्य वाक्यम्
श्रुतिसुखमात्मवता विनीतमुक्तम् |
प्रथितगुणयशा गुणैर्विशिष्टः
परमऋषिः परमं जगाम हर्षम् || १-१८-५९
On hearing the words of high-minded Dasharatha, said that way in all his humbleness, and those that are pleasant to ears as well to heart, he who is a renowned for his personal attributes and a reputed one by his exceptional qualities, that sublime sage Vishvamitra obtained high rejoice. [1-18-59]
59. aatmavataa = by high-minded Dasharatha; iti = this way; viniitam uktam = humbly, when said; hR^idayasukham shrutisukham = for heart pleasing, for ears pleasing; vaakyam nishamya = words, on hearing; prathitaguNayashaaH = one who is renowned [for his personal] attributes and reputation; guNaiH vishiSTaH = exceptional one by his qualities; paramaR^iSiH = the sublime sage [Vishvamitra]; paramam harSam jagaama = high, rejoice, he obtained.
