Introduction
Sage Bharadwaja informs the route by which Rama and Lakshmana can reach Chitrakuta. They cross the River Yamuna by a raft prepared by themselves. Seetha prays the River Yamuna and a fig tree called Syama. The three of them traveled for a couple of miles along the bank of Yamuna, strolling in the charming forest and reach a leveled ground on the bank to take rest for the night.
Verse 1
उषित्वा रजनीम् तत्र राजपुत्रावरिंदमौ |
महर्षिमभिवाद्याथ जग्मतुस्तम् गिरिम् प्रति || २-५५-१
Having stayed that night there, those princes the annihilators of enemies, thereafter offered salutation to the sage Bharadwaja and proceeded towards that mountain of Chitrakuta.
1. ushhitvaa = having stayed; rajaniim = the night; tatra = there; raajaputrau = the princes; arindamau = the annihilators of enemies; atha = thereafter; abhivaadya = offered salutation; maharshhim = to the sage; jagmatuH = and proceeded; tamgirimprati = towards that mountain.
Verse 2
तेषाम् चैव स्वस्त्ययनम् महर्षिः स चकार ह |
प्रस्थितांश्चैव तान् प्रेक्ष्यपिता पुत्रानिवान्वगात् || २-५५-२
That great sage Bharadwaja performed a religious rite ensuring a sage journey (scattering boiled rice on the ground and invoking blessing through the repetition of certain sacred texts0 for them. Perceiving them setting out for the journey, the sage accompanied them for a distance, as a father would do for his sons (and daughter-in-law).
2. saH maharshhiH = that great sage; chakaaraha = performed; svastyanam = a religious; rite ensuring a safe journey; teshhaam = for them; prekshhya = seeing; taan = them; prasthitaan = setting out; anvagaat cha = (the sage) followed them for a distance; putraaniva = like his own sons (and daughter-in-law) pita = by a father.
Verse 3
ततः प्रचक्रमे वक्तुम् वचनम् स महामुनिः |
भर्द्वाजो महातेजा रामम् सत्यपराक्रमम् || २-५५-३
Bharadwaja the great sage with a remarkable splendour began to speak the following words to Rama the truly brave man.
3. tataH = thereafter; saH bharadvaajaH = that Bharadwaja; mahaamuniH = the great sage; mahaatejaaH = with a remarkable splendour; prachakrame = began; vaktum = to speak; vachanam = (these) words; raamam = to Rama; satya paraakramam = the truly brave man.
Verse 4
गङ्गायमुनयोः सन्धिमासाद्य मनुजर्षभौ |
काळिन्दीमनुगच्छेताम् नदीम् पश्चान्मुखाश्रिताम् || २-५५-४
“After approaching Oh, the best of men! The confluence of Ganga and Yamuna, follow the river Yamuna which takes to the direction of west.”
4. gatvaa = “After approaching; sandhim = the confluence; gaN^gaa yamunayoH = of Ganga and Yamuna; manujarshhabhau = Oh the best of men! anugachchhetaam = follow; kaaLindiinadiim = the River Yamuna; pashchaanmukhaashritaam = which takes to the direction of west.”
Verse 5
अथासाद्य तु काळिन्न्धीम् शीघ्रस्रोतसमापगाम् |
तस्यास्तीर्थम् प्रचरितम् पुराणम् प्रेक्ष्य राघवौ || २-५५-५
तत्र यूयम् प्लवम् कृत्वा तरतांशुमतीम् नदीम् |
“Reaching the River Yamuna belonging to olden times, having a rapid stream and perceiving in it a passage for descent into the river, which is too much frequented the river, which is too much frequented, you cross the River Yamuna (the daughter of the sun-god) by preparing a raft there, Oh Rama!”
5. aasaadya = “reaching; atha = then; aapagaam = the River; kaaLindiim = Yamuna; puraaNam = belonging to olden times; shiighra srotasam = with a rapid stream; prekshhya = and perceiving(in it) tasyaaH tiirtham = the passage for descent into the river; pracharitam = which is too much frequented; raaghava = Oh; Rama! yuunam = you; tarata = cross; nadiim = the river; amshumatiim = Yamuna (the daughter of the sun-god) kR^itvaa = by preparing; plavam = a raft; tatra = there.”
Verse 7
ततो न्यग्रोधमासाद्य महान्तम् हरितच्छदम् || २-५५-६
विवृद्धम् बहुभिर्वऋक्षैह् श्यामम् सिद्धोपसेवितम् |
तस्मै सीताञ्जलिम् कृत्वा प्रयुञ्जीताशिषः शिवाः || २-५५-७
After crossing the river Yamuna and approaching a large banyan tree named Syama (dark-green) having green leaves surrounded by many tress and visited by Siddhas, Seetha should, joining her palms, recite her auspicious prayers to the tree.”
6;7. tataH = “Thereafte (After crossing the River Yamuna); aasaadya = approaching; mahaantam = a large; nyagrodham = banyan tree; shyaamam = named Syama(dark-green); haritachchhadam = growing; bahubhiH = among many; vR^ikshhaiH = trees; siddhopa sevitam = and visited by Siddhas; siitaa = Seetha should; kR^itvaa aJNjlim; = joining her palms; pryuNjita = recite; shivaaH = auspicious; aashishhaH = prayers; tasmai = to the tree.”
Verse 8
समासाद्य तु तम् वृक्षम् वसेद्वातिक्रमेत वा |
क्रोशमात्रम् ततो गत्वा नीलम् द्रक्ष्यथ काननम् || २-५५-८
पलाशबदरीमिश्रम् रम्यम् वंशैश्च यामुनैः |
“Having approached that tree, you can stay there or go beyond it. After going only for two miles from there, you will see a beautiful forest blue in colour with bamboo trees touching upon Yamuna river and interspersed with Sallaka and jujube trees.”
8. samaasaadya = “Having approached; tam vR^ikshham = that tree; vasedvaa = you can stay there; atikrameta vaa = or go beyond it; gatvaa = after going; kroshamaatram = only for 2 miles; tataH = from there; drakshhyatha = you will see; ramyam = a beautiful; kaananam = forest; niilam = blue in colour; vamshaiH cha = with bamboo trees; yaamunaiH = touching upon Yamuna river; palaashabadariimishram = interspersed with Sallaka and jujube trees.”
Verse 9
स पन्थाश्चित्रकूटस्य गतः सुबहुशो मया || २-५५-९
रम्ये मार्दवयुक्तश्च वनदावैर्विपर्जितः |
“It is the way to Chitrakuta. I visited that place many times. It is beautiful, endowed with serenity and free from forest-fire.”
9. saH = It; paNthaaH = (is) the way; chitrakuutaasya = to Chitrakuta; gataH = it was gone; mayaa = by me; bhuLaH = many times; ramyaH = It is beautiful; maardavayuktashcha = Is endowed with serenity; vivarjitaH = I is free from; vanadaavaiH = forest-fire.
Verse 10
इति पन्थानमावेद्य महर्षः स न्यवर्तत || २-५५-१०
अभिवाद्य तथेत्युक्त्वा रामेण विनिवर्तितः |
Having thus informed the way and ebbing urged by Rama to return after he had paid obeisance to the sage and Rama having replied �so be it’, the great sage Bharadwaja returned.
10. saH maharshhiH = that great sage; aavedya = having informed; paNthaanam = the way; iti = in this manner; tatheti = �so be it’; uktvaa = answered; raameNa = by Rama; abhivaadya = paying obeisance to the sage; nyavartata = who returned; vinivartitaH = being urged (by Rama) to return.
Verse 11
उपावृत्ते मुनौ तस्मिन् रामो लक्ष्मणमब्रवीत् || २-५५-११
कृतपुण्याः स्म सौमित्रे मुनिर्यन्नोऽनुकम्पते |
That sage having returned, Rama spoke to Lakshmana as follows: “Oh Lakshmana! We are fortunate that the sage has shown compassion towards us.”
11. tasmin = that; munau = sage; upaavR^itte = having returned; raamaH = Rama; abraviit = spoke; lakshmaNam = to Lakshmana; saumitre = “Oh; Lakshmana! Sma = we are; kR^ita puNyaaH = accomplished of religious merit; yat = for which reason; muniH = the sage; anukampate shows compassion; naH = towards us.
Verse 12
इति तौ पुरुषव्याघ्रौ मन्त्रयित्वा मनस्विनौ || २-५५-१२
सीतामेवाग्रतः कृत्वा काळिन्दीम् जग्मतुर्नदीम् |
12. mantrayitvaa = iscussing; iti = thus; tau = those; purushhavyaaghrau = tigers among men; manasvinau = who were highly wise; jagmatuH = headed for; kaaLindiim = the river Yamuna; kR^itvaa = guarding; siitaam = Seetha; agrataH eva = still in front.
Deliberating thus, Rama and Lakshmana the tigers among men who were highly intelligent, headed for the river Yamuna guarding Seetha still in front.
Verse 13
अथा साद्य तु काळिन्दीम् शीघ्रस्रोतोवहाम् नदीम् || २-५५-१३
चिन्तामापेदिरे सर्वे नदीजलतितीर्षवः
Having reached the River Yamuna, running with rapid stream, all of them then plunged into a thought of how to cross those river-waters.
13. aasaadya = having reached; kaaLindiim nadiim = the River Yamuna; shiighasrotovahaam = running with rapid stream; sarve = all of them; atha = then; aapedire = got chintaam = a thought; nadiijala titiirshhavaH = desirous of crossing the river-waters.
Verse 14
तौ काष्ठसम्घातमथो चक्रतुस्तु महाप्लवम् || २-५५-१४
शुष्कैर्वंशैः समास्तीर्णमुळीरैश्च समावृतम् |
Then, Rama and Lakshmana prepared a big raft with pieces of timber fastened together, covered with a kind of grass and spread over with dry bamboo canes.
14. athau = then; tau = Rama and Lakshmana; chakratuH = made; mahaaplavam = a big raft; kaashhTasamghaatam = with pieces of timber fastened together; samvR^itam = covered; ushhiiraiH = with a kind of grass; samaastiirNam = and spread over with shushhkaiH = dry; vamshaiH = bamboo canes.
Verse 15
ततो वेतसशाखाश्च जम्बूशाखाश्च वीर्यवान् || २-५५-१५
चकार लक्ष्मणश्छित्वा सीतायाः सुखमासनम् |
Thereafter, the valiant Lakshmana made for Seetha a comfortable seat, after chopping branches of reeds and of rose apple tree.
15. tataH = thereafter viiryavaan = the valiant; lakshmaNaH = Lakshmana; chakaara = made; siitaayaaH = for Seetha; sukham = a comfortable; aasanam = seat; chittvaa = after chopping vetasshaakshaashcha = branches of reeds; jambushaakshaashcha = and branches of rose apple tree.
Verse 16
तत्र श्रियमिवाचिन्त्याम् रामो दाशरथिः प्रियाम् || २-५५-१६
ईष्त्सन्कह्हनाबान् तानग्तारिओअतत् प्लवम् |
Then Rama the son of Dasaratha helped Seetha his beloved consort who was unimaginable like the goddess of fortune and who was feeling shy a little- to mount the raft.
16. tatra = the; raamaH = Rama; daasharathiH = the son of Dasaratha; aadhyaaropayate = helped to mount; plavam = the raft; taam priyam = that beloved Seetha; samlajjamaanaam = who was feeling shy; iishhat = a little; achintyaam = and who was inconceivable; shriyamiva = like the goddess of fortune.
Verse 17
पार्श्वे च तत्र वैदेह्या वसने चूष्णानि च || २-५५-१७
प्लवे कठिनकाजम् च रामश्चक्रे सहायुधैः |
Rama kept the two robes the jewellery, a shovel and a basket by the side of Seetha in the raft there, along with weapons.
17. raamaH = Rama; chakre = kept; vasane = the two robes; bhushhaNaani cha = the jewellery; kaThinakaajam cha = shovel and a basket; paarshve = by the side; vaidehyaa = of Seetha; plave = in the raft; tatra = there; sahaayudhaiH = along with weapons.
Verse 18
आरोप्य प्रथमम् सीताम् सम्घाटम् प्रतिगृह्य तौ || २-५५-१८
ततः प्रतेरतुर्य त्तौ वीरौ दशरथात्मजौ |
Those valiant sons of Dasaratha firmly held that raft, firstly helped Seetha to ascend it and then ferried across the river watchfully.
18. tau = those; viirau = valiant; dasharathaatmajau = sons of Dasaratha; pratigR^ighya = firmly held; samghaaTam = that raft; prathamam = firstly; siitaam aaropya = helped Seetha to ascend (it); tataH = and then; prateratuH = ferried over; yattau = watchfully.
Verse 19 & 20
काळिन्दीमध्यमायाता सीता त्वेनामवन्दत || २-५५-१९
स्वस्ति देवि तरामि त्वाम् पार्येन्मे पतिर्वतम् |
यक्ष्ये त्वाम् गोनहस्रेण सुराघटशतेन च || २-५५-२०
स्वस्ति प्रत्यागते रामे पुरीमिक्ष्वाकुपालिताम् |
Having arrived at the middle of Yamuna river, Seetha offered salutation to the river and prayed as follows: “Oh, goddess of Yamuna! Adieu! I am crossing you! May my husband complete his vow! When Rama safely comes back again towards the city of Ayodhya, ruled by Ikshvaku kings I shall propitiate you by offering a thousand cows and a hundred drinking vessels.”
19-20. aayaataa = having arrived; kaaLindiimadhyam = at the middle of Yamuna River; siitaa = Seetha; avandata = offered salutation; enaam = to this river (and prayed a follows; devi = “Oh; goddess of Yamuna! taraami = I am crossing; tvaam = you; svasti = Adieu! Me = (May) my; patiH = husband; paarayet = complete; vratam = his vow; raame = (when) Rama; svasti = safely; pratyaagate = comes back again; puriim = towards the city of; ikshvaaku paalitaam = ruled by the kings of Ikshvaku; gosahasreNa = with thousand cows; suraaghaTashatena = and a hundred drinking vessels.
Verse 21
काळिन्दीमथ सीता तु याचमाना कृताञ्जलिः || २-५५-२१
तीरमेवाभिसम्प्राप्ता दक्षिणम् वरवर्णिनी |
Seetha of excellent complexion thus praying with joined palms to Yamuna River, forthwith reached the southern side of the river.
21. siitaa = Seetha; vara varNinii = of excellent complexion; yaachamaanaa = (thus) praying; kR^itaaNjaliH = with joined palms; kaaLindiim = to Yamuna River; atha = forthwith; abhisampraaptaa = reached; dakshhiNam tiirameva = the bank on the southern side.
Verse 22
ततः प्लवेनांशुमतीम् शीघ्रगामूर्मिमालिनीम् || २-५५-२२
तीरजैर्बहुभिर्वृक्षैः सम्तेरुर्यमुनाम् नदीम् |
Thus, by the raft, Seetha Rama and lakshmaNa crossed the River Yamuna, which flows briskly, wreathed with waves, with many trees born on its bank and having rays for it reflection.
22. tataH = thus; plavena = by the raft; samteruH = they crossed; yamunaam nadiim = Yamuna River; shiighragaam = which flows briskly; uurmi maaliniim = wreathed with waves; bahubhiH = with many; vR^ikshhaiH = trees; tiirajaiH = born on its bank; amshumatiim = having rays for its reflection.
Verse 23
ते तीर्णाः प्लवमुत्सृज्य प्रस्थाय यमुनावनात् || २-५५-२३
श्यामम् न्यग्रोधमासेदुः शीतलम् हरितच्छदम् |
They, who have crossed the river, abandoned the raft and march through the river-forest of Yamuna and reached a cool banyan tree called Syama having green leaves.
23. te = they; tiirNaaH = who have crossed; utsR^ijya = having abandoned; plavam = the raft; prasthaaya = marched through; yamunaavanaat = the river-forest of Yamuna; aaseduH = and reached; shiitalam = a cool; shyaamam nyagrodham = banyan tree called Syama; haritachchhadam = having green leaves.
Verse 24 & 25
न्य्ग्रोधम् तमुपागम्य वैदेहि वाक्यमब्रवीत् || २-५५-२४
नमस्तेऽन्तु महावृक्ष पारयेन्मे पतिर्वतम् |
कौसल्याम् चैव पश्येयम् सुमित्राम् च यशस्विनीम् || २-५५-२५
इति सीताञ्जलिम् कृत्वा पर्यगच्छद्वनस्पतिम् |
Having approached that banyan tree, Seetha spoke these words, “Oh, great tree! Obeisance to you! Let my husband complete his vow! Let me see again Kausalya and the illustrious Sumitra.” Thus speaking, Seetha circumambulated that tree with joined palms.
24;25. upaagamya = having approached; tam nyagrodham = that banyan tree; vaidehii = Seetha; abraviit = spoke; vaakyam = these words; mahaavR^ikshha = “Oh; great tree! Me patiH = let my husband; paarayet = complete; vratam = his vow! pashyeyam = let me see again; kausalyaam cha = Kausalya and; yashasviniim = the illustrious; sumitraam cha = Sumitra; siitaa = Seetha; iti = thus speaking; paryagachchhat = circumambulated; vanaspatim = that tree; aJNjalim kR^itvaa = with joined palms.
Verse 26
अवलोक्य ततः सीतामायाचन्तीमनिन्दिताम् || २-५५-२६
दयिताम् च विधेयम् च रामो लक्ष्मणमब्रवीत् |
Seeing the irreproachable Seetha, who was beloved and obedient to him thus praying, Rama spoke to Lakshmana as follows:
26. tataH = then; raamaH = Rama; avalokya = seeing; siitaam = Seetha; ayaachantiim = who was thus praying; aninditaam = who was beloved; vidheyaameha = and who was obedient; abraviit = spoke; lakshhmaNam = to Lakshmana.
Verse 27
सीतामादाय गच्छ त्वमग्रतो भरतानुज || २-५५-२७
पृष्ठतोऽहम् गमिष्यामि सायुधो द्विपदाम् वर |
“Oh, Lakshmana, the excellent of men! You take Seetha and proceed in the front. I, along with weapons, will follow you behind.”
27. bharatanuja = “Oh; Lakshmana; vara = the best; dvipadaam = among men! Tvam = you; aadaaya = take; siitaam = Seetha; gachchha = and proceed; agrataH = in front; aham = I; saayudhaH = along with weapons; gamishhyaami = will move; pR^ishhTataH = behind.”
Verse 28
यद्यत्फलम् प्रार्थयते पुष्पम् वा जनकात्मजा || २-५५-२८
तत्तत्प्रदद्या वैदेह्या यत्रास्य रमते मनः |
“Give to Seetha whatever fruit or flower she desires it and wherever this Seetha’s mind finds delight.”
28. pradadyaaH = “Give; janakaatmajaa = to Seetha; yadyat = whatever; phalam = fruit; pushhpamvaa = or flower; praarthayate = she desires; tattat = it; yatra = and wherever; asyaaH = this; vaidehyaaH = Seetha’s; manaH = mind; raamate = finds delight.”
Verse 29
गच्चतोस्तु तयोर्मध्ये बभूव जनकात्मजा || २-५५-२९
मातङ्गयोर्मद्यगता शुभा नागवधूरिव |
Seetha who was walking in the middle of both of them was like an auspicious female elephant in the middle of two elephants.
29. janakaatmajaa = Seetha; gachchhate = who was walking; madhyagataa = in the middle; taayoH = of both of them; babhuuva = was; shubhaa naaga vadhuuriva = like an auspicious female elephant; madhyagataa = in the middle; maataNgayoH = of two elephants.
Verse 30
एकैकम् पादपम् गुल्मम् लताम् वा पुष्पशालिनीम् || २-५५-३०
अदृष्टपूर्वाम् पश्यन्ती रामम् पप्रच्छ साऽबला |
That Seetha asked Rama whenever she saw the one or the other tree or a bush or a creeper shining with flowers which was not seen earlier.
30. saa abalaa = that Seetha; paprachchha = asked; raamam = Rama; pashyantii = whenever she saw; ekaikam = the one or the other; paadapam = tree; gulmam = or a bush; lataam vaa = or a creeper; pushhpashaliniim = shining with flowers; adR^ishhTapuurvaam = which was not seen earlier.
Verse 31
रमणीयान् बहुविधान् पादपान् कुसुमोत्कटान् || २-५५-३१
सीतावचनसम्रब्द अनयामास लक्स्मणः |
Duly grasping Seetha’s words; Lakshmana brought to her many kinds of beautiful twigs of trees, full of flowers.
31. siitaarachanasamrabdhaH = grasping Seetha’s words; lakshmaNaH = Lakshmana; aanayaamaasa = brought; bahuvidhaan = many kinds; ramaNiiyaan = of beautiful twigs; paadapaan = of tress; kusumotkaTaan = filled with flowers.
Verse 34
विहृत्य ते बर्हिणपूगनादिते |
शुभे वने वानरवारणायुते |
समम् नदीवप्रमुपेत्य सम्मतम् |
निवासमाजग्मु रदीनदर्शनाः || || २-५५-३४
Having strolled in the charming forest, mad noisy by a number of peacocks and which was inhabited by elephants and monkeys and reaching an agreeable level ground at the bank of the river wearing an undejected look finally sought for an abode for the night.
34. te = they; nadiinadarshanaaH = wearing an undejected look; vihR^itya = having strolled; shubhe vane = in the charming forest; barhiNa puuganaadite = where a number of peacocks called; vaanara vaaraNaayute = and which was inhabited by elephants and monkeys; upetya = reached; sammatam = an agreeable; sumam = level ground; nadiipavram = at the bank of the river; aajagmatuH = and sought for; nivaasam = an abode.
Verse 32
विचित्रवालुकजलाम् हससारसनादिताम् || २-५५-३२
रेमे जनकराजस्य तदा प्रेक्ष्य सुता नदीम् |
Then Seetha the daughter of King Janaka was please to see the River Yamuna with wonderful sands and waters re-echoing to the cry of swans and cranes.
32. tadaa = then; janakaraajasya sutaa = Seetha the daughter of King Janaka; reme = was please; prekshhya = to see; nadiim = the River Yamuna; vichitravaalukajalam = with wonderful sands and waters; hamsa saarasa naaditaam = re-echoing to the cry of swans and cranes.
Verse 33
क्रोशमात्रम् ततो गत्वा भ्रातरौ रामलक्ष्मनौ || २-५५-३३
बहून्मेध्यान् मृगान् हत्वा चेरतुर्यमुनावने |
Thereafter having travelled only a couple of miles the two brothers Rama and Lakshmana killed many consecrated deer and ate in the river-forest of Yamuna.
33. tataH = thereafter; gatvaa = having travelled; kroshamaatram = only a couple of miles; bhraatarau = the two brothers; raamalakshhmaNau = Rama and Lakshmana; hatvaa = killed; bahuun = many; medhyaan = consecrated; mR^igaan = deer; cheratuH = and ate; yamunaavane = in the river-forest of Yamuna.
Verse 34
विहृत्य ते बर्हिणपूगनादिते |
शुभे वने वानरवारणायुते |
समम् नदीवप्रमुपेत्य सम्मतम् |
निवासमाजग्मु रदीनदर्शनाः || || २-५५-३४
Having strolled in the charming forest, mad noisy by a number of peacocks and which was inhabited by elephants and monkeys and reaching an agreeable level ground at the bank of the river wearing an undejected look finally sought for an abode for the night.
34. te = they; nadiinadarshanaaH = wearing an undejected look; vihR^itya = having strolled; shubhe vane = in the charming forest; barhiNa puuganaadite = where a number of peacocks called; vaanara vaaraNaayute = and which was inhabited by elephants and monkeys; upetya = reached; sammatam = an agreeable; sumam = level ground; nadiipavram = at the bank of the river; aajagmatuH = and sought for; nivaasam = an abode.
