Introduction

Establishing the greatness of Rama, Sumitra of gracious speech, assuages Kausalya’s grief.

Verse 1

विलपन्तीम् तथा ताम् तु कौसल्याम् प्रमद उत्तमाम् |
इदम् धर्मे स्थिता धर्म्यम् सुमित्रा वाक्यम् अब्रवीत् || २-४४-१

Sumitra, who was devoted to righteousness spoke the following words, which were virtuous, to the celebrated Kausalya, the foremost among women, who had been wailing as aforesaid

1. sumitraa = Sumitra; sthitaa = devoted; dharma = to righteousness; abraviit = spoke; idam vaakyam = these words; dharmam = which were virtuous; taam kausalyaam = to that Kausalya; vilapantiim = who was wailing; tathaa = thus; pramadottamaam = and who was best among women.

Verse 2

तव आर्ये सद् गुणैः युक्तः पुत्रः स पुरुष उत्तमः |
किम् ते विलपितेन एवम् कृपणम् रुदितेन वा || २-४४-२

“That son of yours, oh the venerable one, is endowed with excellent virtues and is the foremost among men. What is the use in your lamenting in this way or in weeping piteously?”

aarye = “Oh; the venerable one! tava = your; saH putraH = that son Rama; yuktaH = is endowed with; sadguNaiaH = excellent virtues; purushhottamaH = and foremost among men; kim = what is the use in; te = your; vilapitena = lamenting; evam = thus; ruditenavaa = or weeping ; kR^ipaNam = piteously?”

Verse 3 & 4

यः तव आर्ये गतः पुत्रः त्यक्त्वा राज्यम् महा बलः |
साधु कुर्वन् महात्मानम् पितरम् सत्य वादिनाम् || २-४४-३
शिष्टैः आचरिते सम्यक् शश्वत् प्रेत्य फल उदये |
रामः धर्मे स्थितः श्रेष्ठो न स शोच्यः कदाचन || २-४४-४

“Oh, noble lady! Your son is having mighty strength. He proved his high- soled father perfectly truthful by renouncing his throne. He stood firmly in righteousness, which is always practiced perfectly by disciples and which gives fruits even after death. That Rama, the most excellent man, never deserves to be lamented.”

3;4. aarye = Oh; noble lady! yaH = Which; tava putraH = your son; mahaabalaH = having mighty strength; kurvan = proving;apitaram = his father; mahaatmaanam = the high-soled; saadhu = perfectly;satyavaadinam = true-speaking; tyaktvaa = by renouncing; raajyam = the throne; sthitaH = standing firmly; dharme = in righteousness; aacharite = which is practiced; shashvat = always; samyak = perfectly;sishhyaiH = by disciples; phalodaye = which gives fruits; pretya = even after death; saH = that; raamaH = Rama; shreshhTaH = the most excellent; na kadaachana = never; shochya = deserves to be lamented. “

Verse 5

वर्तते च उत्तमाम् वृत्तिम् लक्ष्मणो अस्मिन् सदा अनघः |
दयावान् सर्व भूतेषु लाभः तस्य महात्मनः || २-४४-५

“Lakshmana, the faultless man and the compassionate man towards all beings, always renders the best form of service to Rama. His conduct is beneficial to the high-soled Rama.”

5. lakshhmaNaH = Lakshmana; anaghaH = the faultless man; dayavaan = and the compassionate man; sarva bhuuteshhu = towards all beings; sadaa = always; vartate = conducts; vR^ittim = his behaviour; uttamaam = excellently;asmin = in the case of Rama. LaabhaH = It is beneficial; tasya = to him(Rama); mahaatmanaH = the high-soled man.”

Verse 6

अरण्य वासे यद् दुह्खम् जानती वै सुख उचिता |
अनुगच्चति वैदेही धर्म आत्मानम् तव आत्मजम् || २-४४-६

Sita, who was habituated to comforts, even after knowing the pain whatsoever, is accompanying your virtuous- soled son.”

6. “vaidehi = Sita; sukhochitaa = who was habituated to comforts; jaanatiivai = even after knowing; duHkham = the pain; yat = whatever; anugachchhati = is accompanying; tava = your; aatmajam = son; dharmaatmaanam = the virtuous soled.”

Verse 7

कीर्ति भूताम् पताकाम् यो लोके भ्रामयति प्रभुः |
दम सत्य व्रत परः किम् न प्राप्तः तव आत्मजः || २-४४-७

“What has not been secured by your capable son, who is rich in virtue and is engrossed in the vow of truthfulness, and the banner of whose fame flutters though out the world?”

7. yaH = Who; prabhuH = the capable man; bhramayati = fluttering; pataakam = the banner; kiirti bhuutaam = of fame; loke = in the world; tava aatmajaH = that son of yours; dharmaHsatyavrata paraH = who is engrossed in virtue and is pledged to the vow of truthfulness; kim = what; na praptaH = has not been secured(by him)?”

Verse 8

व्यक्तम् रामस्य विज्ञाय शौचम् माहात्म्यम् उत्तमम् |
न गात्रम् अंशुभिः सूर्यः सम्तापयितुम् अर्हति || २-४४-८

“Having known the purity and magnanimity of Rama , the sun assuredly will not be able to torment Rama’s body with his rays.”

8. viG^yaaya = Having known; shoucham = purity; uttamam = and the mighty; maahaatmayam = magnanimity; raamasya = of Rama; suuryaH = the sun; vyaktam = will assuredly; na arhati = not be able; santaapayitum = to torment; gaatram = his body; amshubhiH = with his rays.”

Verse 9

शिवः सर्वेषु कालेषु काननेभ्यो विनिह्सृतः |
राघवम् युक्त शीत उष्णः सेविष्यति सुखो अनिलः || २-४४-९

“Auspicious and delightful breeze of moderate heat and cold, blowing from woods at all times , will render service to Rama”

9. shivaH = Auspicious; sukhaH = and delightful; anilaH = breeze; yuktashiitoshhNaH = of moderate heat and cold; viniHsR^itaH = blowing; kaananebhyaH = from woods; sarveshhu kaaleshhu = at all times; sevishhyati = will render service; raaghavam = to Rama.”

Verse 10

शयानम् अनघम् रात्रौ पिता इव अभिपरिष्वजन् |
रश्मिभिः संस्पृशन् शीतैः चन्द्रमा ह्लादयिष्यति || २-४४-१०

“Gently touching with its cool rays when he is reposing at night and embracing him like a father, the moon will refresh Rama”

10. samspR^ishan = gently touching;rashmibhiH = with its rays; shiitaaiH = which are cool; shayaanam = when he is reposing; raatrou = at night; abhiparishhvajan = and embracing him ; piteva = like his father; chandraH = the moon; ahlaadayishhyati = will refresh him.”

Verse 11 & 12

ददौ च अस्त्राणि दिव्यानि यस्मै ब्रह्मा महा ओजसे |
दानव इन्द्रम् हतम् दृष्ट्वा तिमि ध्वज सुतम् रणे || २-४४-११
स शूरः पुरुषव्याघ्रः स्वबाहुबलमाश्रितः |
असन्त्रस्तोऽ प्यरण्यस्थो वेश्मनीव निवत्स्यति || २-४४-१२

“Formerly, when Rama killed Subahu the son of Sambarasura the chief of demons, Brahma being delighted , gave celestial weapons to Rama, the man with great splendor. Rama the hero and the tiger among men, relying on the strength of his own arms, will dwell fearlessly in the forest as if in his own palace”

11;12. dR^ishhTvaa = Seeing; timidhvajasutam = Subahu; the son of Shambarasura; daanavendram = the chief of demons ; hatam = being killed; raNe = in battle; brahmaa = Brahma ;the god of creation; dadan = gave; yasmai = to which Rama; mahanjase = the man with great splendor; divyaani = the celestial ; astraaNi = weapons; saH = that Rama; shuuraH = the hero; purushha vyaaghraH = and the tiger among men; aashritaH = relying; svabaahubalam = on the strength of his own arms; nivatsyasi = will dwell; asantrastaH = fearlessly; araNyastho. api = even when living in the forest; veshmamiiva = as his own palace.”

Verse 13

यस्येषुपदमासाद्य विनाशम् यान्ति शत्रवः |
कथम् न प्ऱ्^थिवी तस्य शासने स्थातुमर्हति || २-४४-१३

“How can earth cannot be under the command of Rama, to whose aim of arrows, the enemies fall an easy prey?”

13. yasya = Whose; ishhupadam = aim of arrows; aasaadya = obtains;yaanti = getting into; vinaasham = destruction; shatrvaH = of enemies; tasya = in such Rama’s; shaasane = rule; katham = why; pR^ithivii = earth; naarhati = cannot; sthaatum = be stable?”

Verse 14

या श्रीःशौर्यम् च रामस्य या च कल्याणसत्वता |
निवृत्तारण्यवासः स्वं क्षिप्रम् राज्यमवाप्स्यति || २-४४-१४

“The splendor endowed with Rama, the valor that is in him and the beneficent strength that resides in him lead one to believe that when he completes the term of his exile in the forest, he will speedily regain his kingdom.”

14. yaa = which; shriiH = splendor; raamasya = of Rama; yaa = which; shouryamcha = velour; kalyaana sattvataa = the beneficent strength that resides in him; avaapsyati = will procure; saH = that Rama; svam raajyam = his own kingdom; kshhipram = soon; nivR^ittaaraNya vaasaH = after completion of his exile in the forest.”

Verse 15 & 16

सूर्यस्यापि भवेत्सूर्योह्यग्नेरग्निः प्रभोः प्रभोः |
श्रियश्च श्रीर्भवेदग्र्या कीर्त्याः क्षमाक्षमा || २-४४-१५
दैवतम् दैवतानाम् च भूतानाम् भूतसत्तमः |
तस्य केह्यगुणा देवि वने वा प्यथवा पुरे || २-४४-१६

“Oh, Kausalya! Rama is the illuminator of even the sun, fire of fire, the ruler of rules, the splendor of splendor, the foremost glory of glory, the forbearance of forbearance, the god of gods and the foremost being of all the beings. Indeed, what handicaps are there for him in the forest or in Ayodhya?”

15;16. devi = Oh; Kausalya!; bhavet = He becomes; suuryaH = illuminator; suuryasyaapi = of even the sun; agniH = fire; (revealer) ; agneH = of fire; prabhuH = the ruler; prabhoH = of rules; shriiH = the splendor; shriyashcha = of splendor; agryaa = the foremost; kiirtiH = glory(essence); kiirtyaaH = of glory; kshhamaa kshhamaa = the forbearance of forbearance; daivatam = the god; daivataanaam = of gods; bhuutasattamaH = the foremost being; bhuutaanaam = of beings. ke hi = Indeed what; aguNaaH = handicaps(for him); vanevaapi = in the forest; athavaa = or; pure = in Ayodhya?”

Verse 17

पृथिव्या सह वैदेह्या श्रिया च पुरुष ऋषभः |
क्षिप्रम् तिसृभिर् एताभिः सह रामः अभिषेक्ष्यते || २-४४-१७

“Rama the best among men will be installed on the throne soon along with the Mother Earth (the consort of lord Vishnu), Sita the princess of Videha kingdom and Lakshmi ( the goddess of fortune another consort of Vishnu)”

17. raamaH = Rama; purushharrshhabhaH = the best among men; abhishhekshyate = will be installed on the throne; kshhipram = soon; pR^ithivyaasaha = along with the Mother Earth(the consort of Lord Vishnu); vaidehyaa = Sita(princess of Vaideha kingdom)shriyaacha = and Lakshmi (the goddess of Fortune another consort oh Vishnu)”

Verse 18 & 19

दुह्खजम् विसृजन्ति अस्रम् निष्क्रामन्तम् उदीक्ष्य यम् |
समुत्स्रक्ष्यसि नेत्राभ्याम् क्षिप्रम् आनन्दजम् पयः || २-४४-१८
कुशचीरधरम् देवम् गच्छन्तमपराजितम् |
सीतेवानुगता लक्ष्मीस्तस्य किम् नाम दुर्लभम् || २-४४-१९

“Seeing Rama departing, all the people in Ayodhya smitten as they were with upsurge of grief shed tears born of agony. The goddess of fortune as Sita followed the invincible hero even as he departed for the forest, clad in a garment of the sacred Kusa grass. Indeed, what can be difficult for him to obtain?”

18;19. udikshhya = Seeing; yam = which Rama; nishhkraamantam = departing; sarve = all; janaaH = the people; ayodhyaam = in Ayodhya; shoka vega samaahataaH = smitten as they were with upsurge of grief; visR^ijanti = shedding; ashruH = tears; duHkhajam = born of agony; devam = which Rama; gachchhantam = is departing; kushachiira dharam = clad in a garment of the sacred Kusa grass; anugataa = followed by; lakshmiH = the goddess of fortune; siiteva = as Sita; tasya = for such Rama; kimnaama = which; durlabham = is difficult to obtain?”

Verse 20

धनुर्ग्रहवरो यस्य बाणखड्गास्त्रभृत्स्वयम् |
लक्ष्मणोव्रजति ह्यग्रे तस्य किम् नाम दुर्लभम् || २-४४-२०

“What can be difficult to obtain for, to whose front indeed walks Lakshmana himself the best among the holders of bow wielding arrows, sword and missiles?”

20. lakshmanaH = Lakshmana; dhanurgraha varaH = the best among the holders of bow; svayam = himself; baaNa khadgaastrabhR^it = wearing arrows; sword and missiles; vrajati = walking ; agre = in front; yasya = of whom; tasya = to that Rama; kimnaama = what is ;durlabham = difficult to obtain?”

Verse 21

निवृत्तवनवासम् तम् द्रष्टासि पुनरागतम् |
जहिशोकम् च मोहम् च देवि सत्यम् ब्रवीमि ते || २-४४-२१

“Oh, Kausalya! I tell you the truth : you can see Rama coming back, on having completed the term of his exile in the forest . Abandon grief and infatuation.”

21. devi = oh; Kausalya! ; drashhTaasi = you can see; tam = that Rama; aagatam = when he comes; punaH = again; nivRitta vanavaasam = having completed the period of dwelling in the forest. jahi = abandon; shokamcha = grief ; mohamcha = and infatuation; braviimi = I tell; te = you; satyam = the truth “

Verse 22

शिरसा चरणावेतौ वन्दमानमनिन्दिते |
पुनर्द्रक्ष्यसि कल्याणि! पुत्रं चन्द्रमिवोदितम् || २-४४-२२

“Oh, auspicious Kausalya, the irreproachable one! You will be able to see your son, like the rising moon, saluting respectfully your feet, by bowing his head.”

22. kalyaaNi = Oh; auspicious Kausalya! anindite = the irreproachable one! Drakshhyasi = you will be able to see; putram = your son; chandramiva = like the moon; uditam = who has risen; vandamaanam = saluting respectfully; etou = these; charaNou = feet; sirasaa = with the head.”

Verse 23

पुनः प्रविष्टम् द्ऱ्^ष्ट्वा तमभिषिक्तम् महाश्रियम् |
समुत्स्रक्ष्यसि नेत्राभ्याम् क्षिप्रमान्न्दजम् पयः || २-४४-२३

“Seeing Rama shining with great splendor appearing before you again, having been coroneted, you will be shedding soon tears of joy from your eyes ”

23. dR^ishhTvaa = seeing; tam = that Rama; mahaashhriyam = with great splendor pravishhTam = appearing ; punaH = again; abhishhiktam = having been coroneted; samutsryakshhasi = you will be shedding ; kshhipram = soon; payaH = tears; aanandajam = born of joy; netraabhyaam = from your eyes.”

Verse 24

मा शोको देवि दुःखम् वा न राअमे दृअह्य्ऱ्Wऽशिवम् |
क्षिप्रम् द्रक्ष्यसि पुत्रम् त्वम् ससीतम् सह लक्ष्मणम् || २-४४-२४

“Oh, Kausalya! Do not have uneasiness or grief. Rama has no ill luck. You will be able to see soon your son along with Sita, accompanied by Lakshmana”.

24. devi = Oh; Kausalya! maa = Do not have; shokaH = grief; duHkhamvaa = or uneasiness. ashivam = Ill luck; na dR^ishyate = is not being seen; raame = in Rama; tvam = you; drakshhyasi = will be able to see; kshhipram = soon; putram = your son; sa siitam = along with Sita; saha lakshhmaNam = together with Lakshmana.”

Verse 25

त्वया शेषोओ जनश्चैव समाश्वास्यो यदाऽनघे |
किमिदानीमिदम् देवि करोषि हृदि विक्लबम् || २-४४-२५

“Oh, the faultless queen! While people are to be consoled by you at this moment, why are you fostering grief in your heart?”

25. devi = “Oh; queen; anaghe = the faultless! Yadaa = Whereas; janaH = people; samaashvaasaH = are to be consoled; tvayaa = by you; idaaniim = now; karoshhi = you are promoting; viklabam = grief; hR^idi = in your heart ; kim = what ; idam = is this ?”

Verse 26

नार्हा त्वम् शोचितुम् देवि यस्यास्ते राघवस्सुतः |
न हि रामात्परो लोके विद्यते सत्पथे स्थितः || २-४४-२६

“Oh,queen! You, whose son is Rama, ought not to grieve, for none is established in right path in the world than Rama.”

26. devi = oh; queen! YasyaaH = which; te = to you; raaghavaH = Rama; sutaaH = is your son; tvam = you as such; naarhaa = are not deserving; shochitum = to aggrieve. navidyate = None is there; loke = in the world; paraH = other; raamaat = than Rama; sthitaH = who is established; satpathe = in right path.”

Verse 27

अभिवादयमानम् तम् दृष्ट्वा ससुहृदम् सुतम् |
मुदा अश्रु मोक्ष्यसे क्षिप्रम् मेघ लेका इव वार्षिकी || २-४४-२७

“Seeing your son saluting with his friends, you will at once begin to shed tears, like a line of clouds in a rainy season”

27. dR^ishhTvaa = seeing; tam sutam = that son; sa suhR^idam = along with friends ; abhivaadamaanau = saluting; mokshhyase = you will be shedding; ashru = tears; mudaa = with joy; kshhipram = soon; megharekheva = like a line of clouds; vaarshhikii = belonging to rainy season “

Verse 28

पुत्रः ते वरदः क्षिप्रम् अयोध्याम् पुनर् आगतः |
पाणिभ्याम् मृदुपीनाभ्याम् चरणौ पीडयिष्यति || २-४४-२८

“Your son the bestower of boons, will soon return to Ayodhya, and touch your feet with his gentle but muscular hands ”

28. te putraH = Your son; varadaH = who is the bestower of boons; kshhipram = soon; punaraagataH = returning; ayodhyaam = to Ayodhya; piidayishhyati = will press; charaNou = your feet; paaNibhyaam = with his hands; mR^idu piinaabhyaam = which are gentle but muscular.”

Verse 31

निशम्य तल् लक्ष्मण मातृ वाक्यम् |
रामस्य मातुर् नर देव पत्न्याः |
सद्यः शरीरे विननाश शोकः |
शरद् गतः मेघैव अल्प तोयः || २-४४-३१

Hearing those words of Sumitra the mother of Lakshmana, the agony of Kausalya Rama’s mother and the wife of Dasaratha quickly disappeared in the same way as an autumnal cloud with a little water in it disappears quickly.

31. nishamya = after hearing; tat = those; lakshmanamaatru vaakyam = words of Lakshmana’s mother; shokaH = the agony; raamasya maatuH = of Rama’s mother; naradeva patnyaaH = and the wife of Dasaratha; sadyaH = quickly; vinanaasha = disappeared; shariire = in her body; megha iva = like a cloud; alpatoyaH = with a little water ; sharadgataH = disappears in autumn .

Verse 29

अभिवाद्य नमस्यन्तम् शूरम् ससुहृदम् सुतम् |
मुदास्रैः प्रोक्ष्यसि पुनर्मेघराजि रिवाचलम् || २-४४-२९

“When your son the hero along with his friends salute you respectfully in adoration, you will sprinkle tears of joy in the same way as a line of clouds pour rain on the mountain.”

29. sutam = your son; shuuram = the hero; sa suhR^idam = along with his friends; abhivaadya = saluting respectfully; namasyantam = in adoration; prokshhyasi = you will sprinkle; astraiH = tears; mudaa = with joy; achalamiva = like on a mountain; megharaajiH = by a line of clouds.”

Verse 30

आश्वासयन्ती विविधैश्च वाक्यै |
र्वाक्योपचारे कुशलानाद्या |
रामस्य ताम् मातरमेवमुक्त्वा |
देवी सुमित्राविरराम रामा || २-४४-३०

Sumitra the queen, skilled in her employment of words, who is faultless and charming, thus consoled Rama’s mother with various words and finally stopped speaking.

30. sumitra = Sumitra; devii = the queen; kushalaa = skilled; vaakyopachaare = in employment of words; anavadyaa = who is faultless; raamaa = and charming; evam = thus; aashvaasayantii = consoled; raamasya = Rama’s; taam maataram = that mother; uktvaa = by speaking; vividhaiH = with various; vaakyaiH = words; viraraama = and stopped.