Introduction
Sage Vishvamitra satisfied with the behaviour of Rama in obliging the orders of elders and performing the act that is assigned to him, gives many weapons to Rama, called shastra, astra-s. The weaponry is categorised mainly into two types. One is shastra – a handheld weapon like sword, lance or mace. The other is astra – a projectile missile invoked by reciting hymns. This chapter lists out those missiles that are given to Rama and in next chapter an account of some counter-attack missiles, called upasamhaaraastra-s is given which can be used to nullify the enemy’s missiles. In the endnote of this chapter some verses describing the nature of astra-s are incorporated.
Verse 1
अथ तां रजनीमुष्य विश्वामित्रो महायशाः |
प्रहस्य राघवं वाक्यमुवाच मधुराक्षरम् || १-२७-१
Then, on staying that night there in Tataka forest, on the next day morning the greatly renowned sage Vishvamitra, smilingly and wording sweetly spoke to Rama. [1-27-1]
1. atha = then; mahaayashaaH = highly renowned; Vishvamitra; taam rajaniim uSya = that, night, on staying; prahasya = smilingly; raaghavam = to Raghava; madhuraakSharam vaakyam uvaaca = sweet worded, sentence, spoke.
Verse 2
परितुष्टोऽस्मि भद्रं ते राजपुत्र महायशः |
प्रीत्या परमया युक्तो ददाम्यस्त्राणि सर्वशः || १-२७-२
“I am highly pleased with you, oh, illustrious prince Rama, let safety be with you, I will now give you all of the divine missiles in utmost fondness of mine. [1-27-2]
2. mahaayashaH raajaputra = great glorious, prince; parituSTaH asmi = highly pleased, I am; te bhadram = let safety be to you ; paramayaa priityaa yuktaH = along with utmost affection ; astraaNi sarvashaH dadaami = I will give all of divine missiles.
Verse 3, 4a
देवासुरगणान् वापि सगन्धर्वोरगान्भुवि |
यैरमित्रान् प्रसह्याजौ वशीकृत्य जयिष्यसि || १-२७-३
तानि दिव्यानि भद्रं ते ददाम्यस्त्राणि सर्वशः |
“I am going to accord all of those divine missiles by which scores of gods, demons, or even from gandharva-s, uragaa-s and the like, or even earthlings are dominated, humbled down and conquered in war. Let safety be with you. [1-27-3, 4a]
3, 4a. yaiH = by which – weapons; devaasuragaNaan vaa api = scores of gods and demons, or, even; gandharvoragaan = gandharva-s and urugaa-s; bhuvi = [or that are] on earth – earthling; amitraan = unfriendly ones – enemies; aajau = in war; prasahya vashiikR^itya = by dominating, humbled down; jayiSyasi = conquers; taani divyaani = those, the divine [weaponry]; astraaNi sarvashaH = missiles, all of them; dadaami = I am going to give; bhadram te = safety, be with you.
Verse 4b, 5, 6 & 7a
दण्डचक्रं महद्दिव्यं तव दास्यामि राघव || १-२७-४
धर्मचक्रं ततो वीर कालचक्रं तथैव च |
विष्णुचक्रं तथात्युग्रमैन्द्रं चक्रं तथैव च || १-२७-५
वज्रमस्त्रं नरश्रेष्ठ शैवं शूलवरं तथा |
अस्त्रं ब्रह्मशिरश्चैव ऐषीकमपि राघव || १-२७-६
ददामि ते महाबाहो ब्राह्ममस्त्रमनुत्तमम् |
“Raghava, I am going to give the highly divine Danda disc [Punisher disc]; next, oh, best one among men, Dharma disc [Virtue-disc,] and like that kaala disc [Time-disc]; then oh, brave one, Vishnu disc; similarly oh, dextrous Rama, Indra disc and Thunderbolt missile; the best trident pertaining to Shiva; the missile called Brahma-shira [Brahma-crest]; the missile called the Aishiika missile [Grass-Blade missile,] and that way oh, Raghava, I am going to give the unexcelled and highly formidable missile called Brahma missile. [1-27-4b, 5, 6, 7a]
4b, 5, 6, 7a. raaghava = oh Raghava; mahat divyam = highly, divine one; daNDacakram = Danda disc [Punisher disc]; tava daasyaami = I will give to you; narashreSTha = best of men; mahaabaahuH = oh highly dexterous one; viira = oh brave one; tataH = next; dharmacakram = Dharma disc [Virtue-disc]; tathaiva ca = likewise, also; kaalacakram = Kala disc[Time disc]; tathaa = thus; viSNucakram = Vishnu disc; tathaiva ca = like that, further; aindram cakram = Indra’s, disc; vajram astram = Thunderbolt, missile; tathaa = further; shaivam = pertaining to Shiva; shuulavaram = the best trident; astram brahmashiraH = missile, called Brahma-crest; aiSiikam api = Grass-Blade-missile, even; ati ugram = highly formidable missile; anuttamam = unexcelled one; braahmam astram eva = Brahma, missile, that way; te dadaami = I am going to give to you.
Verse 7b & 8a
गदे द्वे चैव काकुत्स्थ मोदकी शिखरी शुभे || १-२७-७
प्रदीप्ते नरशार्दूल प्रयच्छामि नृपात्मज |
“Oh manly tiger prince Rama, I am going to accord two maces that are brilliant by their radiance called, the Modaki, [the Beater,] and Shikhari, [the Tower of Protection.] [1-27-7b, 8a]
7b, 8a. kaakutstha = oh Rama; narashaarduula = tigerly man; nR^ipaatmaja = king’s son – prince; pradiipte = radiant ones [the maces]; dve gade ca eva = two, maces, also, thus; modakii shikharii shubhe = Modaki – Beater, Shikhari – Tower of Protection, brilliant ones; prayacChaami = I accord.
Verse 8b & 9a
धर्मपाशमहं राम कालपाशं तथैव च || १-२७-८
वारुणं पाशमस्त्रं च ददाम्यहमनुत्तमम् |
“Oh, Rama, like that I will be giving three nooses called Dharma paasha and kaala-paasha and Varuna paasha, [Virtue noose and Time noose, Rain god’s noose] as well as an unequalled missile called Varuna astra, Rain-god’s missile. [1-27-8b, 9a]
8b, 9a. raama = Rama; aham = I; dharmapaasham = dharma noose [Virtue-noose]; tathaiva ca = like that, also; kaalapaasham = Kala noose [Time-noose]; vaaruNam paasham = Rain god’s, noose; anuttamam astram ca = unequalled, missile, also [of Rain-god]; dadaami = I will give.
Verse 9b & 10a
अशनी द्वे प्रयच्छामि शुष्कार्द्रे रघुनन्दन || १-२७-९
ददामि चास्त्रं पैनाकमस्त्रं नारायणं तथा |
“Oh, Raghu’s scion, I will also give two projectile bolts, one called shushka [The Drier] and the other aardra [The Drencher] and even the missiles of Pinaaka and that of Narayana, [the missiles of god Shiva and Narayana] I will give. [1-27-9b, 10a]
9b, 10a. raghunandana = Raghu’s scion; shuSkaardre = Shushka [Drier] and Aardra [Drencher]; dve = two of them; ashanii = bolts; painaakam astram = Pinaaka, missile; prayacChaami = I give; tathaa = likewise; naaraayaNam astram ca dadaami = I will give Narayana missile also.
Verse 10b & 11a
आग्नेयमस्त्रं दयितं शिखरं नाम नामतः || १-२७-१०
वायव्यं प्रथमं नाम ददामि तव चानघ |
“Oh, impeccable Rama, thus a well-known missile shikhari [The Tower] and another the fond of Fire-god known as prathama [The Blower] and a missile of Air-god too, I will be giving. [1-27-10b, 11a]
10b, 11a. anagha = oh impeccable one; naamataH = one which is well-known one; shikharam naama = known as the Tower ; dayitam = [Fire-god’s] fond; aagneyam astram = one belonging to Fire-god, missile; prathamam naama = known as Prathama [Blower]; vaayavyam [astram] = Air-god’s, [missile]; tava = to you; dadaami = I will give.
Verse 11b & 12a
अस्त्रं हयशिरो नाम क्रौञ्चमस्त्रं तथैव च || १-२७-११
शक्तिद्वयं च काकुत्स्थ ददामि तव राघव |
“Oh, Raghava of Kakutstha-s, I will give you two missiles named Haya-shira [The Horse-head] and Krouncha [The Wrester] and two Impellers, one presided over by the power of Vishnu, and the other by the power of Rudra. [1-27-11b, 12a]
11b, 12a. kaakutstha = of Kakutstha-s; raaghava = Raghava; astram hayashiraH naama = missile, Haya-shira [Horse-head,] named; tathaiva ca = like that, also; krauncam astram = Krouncha [Wrester,] missile; shaktidvayam ca = two impellers, also; tava dadaami = to you, I will be giving.
Verse 12b & 13a
कंकालं मुसलं घोरं कापालमथ किङ्किणीम् || १-२७-१२
वधार्थं रक्षसां यानि ददाम्येतानि सर्वशः |
“I will be giving all those weapons that are wielded by demons, namely the deadly Pounder named Kankaalam, and Rods named as Kapaalam and Kankanam, for the elimination of those very demons. [1-27-12b, 13a]
12b, 13a. ghoram kankaalam musalam = deadly, Kankala named, Pounder; kaapaalam = Kapaala named Rod; atha = next; kankaNam = Kankana named Rod; yaani = which are; [asuraaH dhaarayanti = wielded by demons]; rakShasaam vadhaartham = for purpose of elimination of demons; etaani = such of them; sarvashaH dadaami = all of them, I will give.
Verse 13b & 14a
वैद्याधरं महास्त्रं च नन्दनं नाम नामतः || १-२७-१३
असिरत्नं महाबाहो ददामि नृवरात्मज |
“Oh, mighty armed son of the best king, I am giving a great missile named Vaidyadhara by its name, and a gem of sword named Nandana. [1-27-13b, 14a]
13b, 14a. mahaabaaho = mighty armed one; nR^ivaraatmaja = son of best king [the prince]; vaidyaadharam = Vaidyadhara named as; mahaa astram ca = great, missile, also; naamataH nandanam = namely Nandana; naama = named as; asiratnam = gemlike sword; dadaami = I am giving.
Verse 14b & 15a
गान्धर्वमस्त्रं दयितं मोहनं नाम नामतः || १-२७-१४
प्रस्वापनं प्रशमनं दद्मि सौम्यं च राघव |
“Thus, the missile which is very much liked by Gandharva-s, namely Mohana, [The Stupefier,] the missile called Prasvapana [The Inducer of Sleep,] and the gentle Prashamana [The Pacifier of enemy’s anger.] [1-27-14b, 15a]
14b, 15a. raaghava = Raghava; gaandharvam astram = Gandharva’s, missiles; naamataH = by name; mohanam naama = mohana, named as; dayitam = liked very much by Gandharva-s; prasvaapanam = Prasvapana [Inducer of Sleep]; saumyam prashamanam ca = gentle, Prashamana, [Pacifier,] also.
Verse 15b, 16 & 17
वर्षणं शोषणं चैव संतापनविलापने || १-२७-१५
मादनं चैव दुर्धर्षं कन्दर्पदयितं तथा |
गान्धर्वमस्त्रं दयितं मानवं नाम नामतः || १-२७-१६
पैशाचमस्त्रं दयितं मोहनं नाम नामतः |
प्रतीच्छ नरशार्दूल राजपुत्र महायशः || १-२७-१७
“Oh, highly fortunate Rama, take these missiles namely, varshaNa, [the Rainer,] shoshana [the Drainer,] santaapana [the Humidifier,] vilaapana [the Weep-inducer,] and oh, prince, an unassailable intoxicator and a dear missile of Manmatha, namely Mohana [The Intoxicator,] and another the fond missile of gandharva-s namely maanava by its name, [The Humane missile,] and oh, tigerly man, a missile dear one to pishaaca-s, monsters, namely paishaca [The Monster missile.] [1-27-15, 16, 17]
15b, 16, 17. mahaayashaH = highly fortunate one; narashaarduula = tigerly man; rajaputra = prince; varSaNam = Varshana [Rainer] missile; shoSaNam = shoshana [Drainer] missile; santaapanavilaapane = santaapana [Humidifier] and vilaapana [Weep-inducer]; gaandharvam astram dayitam = gandharva, missile, fond one; naamataH maanavam naama = by name Manava [Humane,] named; tathaa = likewise; durdharSham = unassailable one; kandarpadayitam maadanam = Manmadha’s dear missile, an intoxicator; naamataH mohanam naama = by name Mohana [Rager,] named missile; dayitam = a dear missile ; paishaacam astram = pertaining to pishaaca-s, say monster’s missile; pratiicCha = take them.
Verse 17b, 18, 19 & 20
तामसं नरशार्दूल सौमनं च महाबलम् |
संवर्तं चैव दुर्धर्षं मौसलं च नृपात्मज || १-२७-१८
सत्यमस्त्रं महाबाहो तथा मायामयं परम् |
सौरं तेजःप्रभं नाम परतेजोऽपकर्षणम् || १-२७-१९
सोमास्त्रं शिशिरं नाम त्वाष्ट्रमस्त्रं सुदारुणम् |
दारुणं च भगस्यापि शीतेषुमथ मानवम् || १-२७-२०
“Oh, manly-tiger Rama, greatly powered taamasa and saumana missiles, the indomitable missiles like samvarta, mausala, satya, and then the maaya-maya missile; like that oh, mighty armed Rama, a solar missile the sequestrator of others’ brilliance namely teja-prabha; next, the missile of Moon-god named shishira [The Cooler]; and a very deadly missile of tvaSTa namely sudaamana; and even the dangerous missile of bhaga namely shita-iSu, these and the maanava missile of Manu, the earliest ruler of mankind, I will be giving. [1-27-17b, 18, 19, 20]
17b, 18, 19, 20. narashaarduula = tigerly man; nR^ipaatmaja = prince; mahaabalam taamasam = greatly powered, taamasa missile; saumanam ca = saumana, also; durdharSham = indomitable one; samvartam = samvarta missile; ca eva = also, like that; mausalam ca = mausala, also; satyam astram = satyam missile; param = then; maayaamayam = maayaa-maya; mahaabaaho = oh mighty-armed one; tathaa = like that; sauram = of Solar; tejaHprabham = teja-prabha [Radiator]; naama = named; paratejopakarSaNam = sequestrator of others brilliance; shishiram naama = shishira [Cooler,] named; somaastram = Moon’s missile; sudaaruNam = very deadly one; tvaaSTram astram = tvaShtra’s missile; bhagasya api = of Bhaga, even; daaruNam ca = dangerous, also; shiiteShum = shiteshu missile; atha maanavam = then, Maanava missile – of Manu the earlier ruler of mankind; I will give.
Verse 21
एतान् राम महाबाहो कामरूपान् महाबलान् |
गृहाण परमोदारान् क्षिप्रमेव नृपात्मज || १-२७-२१
“These missiles are, oh, dextrous prince, disguise-wizards, greatly powered, and highly providential ones, oh, Rama, you may take them forthwith.” So said sage Vishvamitra to Rama. [1-27-21]
21. mahaabaaho = dextrous one; nR^ipaatmaja = prince; kaamaruupaan = disguise-wizards; mahaabalaan = greatly powered ones paramodaaraan = highly providential ones; raama = Rama; etaan = them the missiles; kSipram eva = forthwith, thus; gR^ihaaNa = take them.
Verse 22
स्थितस्तु प्राङ्मुखो भूत्वा मुनिवरस्तदा |
ददौ रामाय सुप्रीतो मंत्रग्राममनुत्तमम् || १-२७-२२
That pre-eminent sage Vishvamitra on performing his personal holy depuration then gave the assortment of extraordinary hymns to Rama facing eastward. [1-27-22]
22. tadaa = then; munivaraH = pre-eminent sage; shuciH = becoming purified – on performing his personal holy depuration; praa~nmukhaH sthitaH tu = on staying facing east, but; bhuutvaa = on becoming; supriitaH = verily gladdened; raamaaya = to Rama; anuttamam mantragraamam = extraordinary, hymns village – a mixed collection; dadau = gave.
Verse 23
सर्वसंग्रहणं येषां दैवतैरपि दुर्लभम् |
तान्यस्त्राणि तदा विप्रो राघवाय न्यवेदयत् ||१-२७-२३
The comprehension of which invoking hymns of the missiles is impossible even to gods with their sections and subsections of procedures, that Brahman dedicated such hymns to Raghava. [1-27-24]
23. yeSaam sarvasangrahaNam = of which hymns, total comprehending; daivataiH api [saangopaa~Ngavidhinaa = sections and subsections of procedures] for gods, even; durlabham = impossible [by their sections and subsections]; taani astraaNi = such, missiles – hymns of missiles; tadaa vipraH raaghavaaya nyavedayat = then, that Brahman dedicated to Raghava.
Verse 24
जपतस्तु मुनेस्तस्य विश्वामित्रस्य धीमतः |
उपतस्थुर्महार्हाणि सर्वाण्यस्त्राणि राघवम् || १-२७-२४
While that intelligent saint Vishvamitra chanted the hymns, all of those highly venerable missiles came nigh and stood accessible to Raghava in their astral form. [1-27-24]
24. dhiimataH tasya vishvaamitrasya muneH = intelligent one, that, Vishvamitra, the saint; japataH tu = on chanting, but; mahaarhaaNi = highly venerable ones; astraaNi sarvaani = missiles, all of them; raaghavam upatasthuH = came nigh of Raghava – stood accessible to.
Verse 25 , 26a
ऊचुश्च मुदिता रामं सर्वे प्रांजलयस्तदा |
इमे च परमोदाराः किंकरास्तव राघव || १-२७-२५
यद्यदिच्छसि भद्रं ते तत्सर्वं करवाम वै |
All of those highly obliging missiles in astral bodies, gladdening to come under the aegis of Rama, then spoke to him making palms-fold, “here are your thralls, Sire, we are here to accomplish whatever you bid us to do, let safety be with you.” So said the deities presiding over the missiles to Rama. [1-27-25]
25, 26a. paramodaaraaH = highly obliging ones – missiles; [paramodaaraa = oh most noble Rama]; sarve = all of the missiles; tadaa praanjalayaH = then, with palm-fold; muditaaH ca = gladdened, also; raamam uucuH = to Rama, spoke; raaghava = oh Rama; ime tava kinkaraaH = these are – here are, your, thralls – servants; yat yat icChasi = what, what, you wish [whatever you wish us to do]; tat sarvam karavaama vai = that, all, we do, indeed; bhadram te = safe, you be.
Verse 26b & 27
ततो रामः प्रसन्नात्मा तैरित्युक्तो महाबलैः || १-२७-२६
प्रतिगृह्य च काकुत्स्थः समालभ्य च पाणिना |
मनसा मे भविष्यध्वमिति तानभ्यचोदयत् || १-२७-२७
On receiving them with a pleased heart, then Rama patted them with his palm, and that Rama of Kakutstha-s also spoke this way to those mightily forceful missiles in ethereal bodies saying, “you may manifest yourselves in my cognisance whenever I need you,” and he motivated them to take leave and to come back at his beck and call. [1-27-26b, 27]
26b, 27. tataH = then; prasannaatmaa raamaH = with a pleased soul, Rama; pratigR^ihya = having received them; samaalabhya ca paaNinaa = well patted, also, with palm; kaakutsthaH = Kakutstha Rama; taiH mahaabalaiH = to those, mightily forceful ones; iti uktaH = this way, said; manasaa me bhaviSyadhvam = manifested in cognisance of mine; iti taan abhyacodayat = thus, them, verily motivated – sent them off.
Verse 28
ततः प्रीतमना रामो विश्वामित्रं महामुनिम् |
अभिवाद्य महातेजा गमनायोपचक्रमे || १-२७-२८
That highly resplendent Rama revered sage Vishvamitra with a thankful heart and readied himself for further journey. [1-27-26]
28. tataH = then; mahaatejaa = highly resplendent Rama; priitamanaaH = with thankful heart; vishvaamitram mahaamunim abhivaadya = receiving great sage Vishvamitra; gamanaaya = to journey on; upacakrame = readied himself.
