Bala Kanda · Sarga 13 of 77 · 41 verses
Preparations, and the Kings Invited
When spring comes round again and the year is complete, Dasharatha asks Vasishtha, his dear friend and teacher, to carry the weight of the sacrifice and see that no obstacles arise. Vasishtha takes charge. He sets the builders, craftsmen, carpenters, diggers, accountants, actors and dancers to work: thousands of bricks, lodgings for kings, hundreds of houses for brahmanas, quarters for citizens and foreign guests, stables for horses and elephants, and food for everyone. Food must be given with respect, not carelessly, to people of every order, and the workers too must be honoured.
He sends Sumantra to invite righteous kings from every land, and above all Janaka of Mithila, the Kashi king, the aged king of Kekaya (Dasharatha’s father-in-law), Romapada of Anga, and the kings of Kosala, Magadha, the west and the south. They arrive bearing jewels. On an auspicious day the king goes out to the sacrificial ground, and with Rishyashringa leading, the brahmanas begin; Dasharatha and his queens take the consecration.
Press › to begin with verse 1.
पुनः प्राप्ते वसन्ते तु पूर्णः संवत्सरोऽभवत् । प्रसवार्थं गतो यष्टुं हयमेधेन वीर्यवान् ॥ १ ॥
When spring came again, a full year had passed, and the mighty king went to sacrifice with the horse sacrifice for offspring.
जब वसंत फिर आया, तब पूरा एक वर्ष बीत चुका था, और बलवान राजा संतान के लिए अश्वमेध यज्ञ करने चले।
Commentary on the whole sarga
Preparations, and the Kings Invited 1 min read.
Read the commentary CommentaryNot scripture Spring has come again: a full year (samvatsara ) has passed since the horse was released. It has wandered freely and returned unchallenged, a sign of Ayodhya’s standing. Now the great rite itself can begin.
Scene 1 of 3 · Vasishtha directs builders, craftsmen and cooks as a city of lodgings rises on the bank of the Sarayu.
अभिवाद्य वसिष्ठं च न्यायतः प्रतिपूज्य च । अब्रवीत् प्रश्रितं वाक्यं प्रसवार्थं द्विजोत्तमम् ॥ २ ॥
Saluting Vasishtha and honouring him duly, he spoke modest words to that best of brahmanas, for the sake of offspring:
वसिष्ठ को प्रणाम करके और विधिवत उनका सम्मान करके उन्होंने संतान के लिए उन ब्राह्मणश्रेष्ठ से विनम्र वचन कहे:
CommentaryNot scripture Dasharatha salutes Vasishtha and speaks “modest words” (prashrita ). Rishyashringa will lead the rite, but Vasishtha, the family priest, will organise it. The king respects both, and each has his role.
Scene 1 of 3 · Vasishtha directs builders, craftsmen and cooks as a city of lodgings rises on the bank of the Sarayu.
यज्ञो मे क्रियतां ब्रह्मन् यथोक्तं मुनिपुङ्गव । यथा न विघ्नाः क्रियन्ते यज्ञाङ्गेषु विधीयताम् ॥ ३ ॥
“Brahmana, best of sages, let my sacrifice be performed as prescribed. Arrange it so that no obstacles arise in the parts of the sacrifice.
“ब्राह्मण, मुनिश्रेष्ठ, मेरा यज्ञ विधि के अनुसार हो। ऐसी व्यवस्था कीजिए कि यज्ञ के अंगों में कोई बाधा न आए।
CommentaryNot scripture The king’s one request: let there be no obstacles (vighna ) in any part of the sacrifice. A Vedic rite has many parts, and each must be perfect. The worry about flaws runs through these sargas.
Scene 1 of 3 · Vasishtha directs builders, craftsmen and cooks as a city of lodgings rises on the bank of the Sarayu.
भवान् स्निग्धः सुहृन्मह्यं गुरुश्च परमो महान् । वोढव्यो भवता चैव भारो यज्ञस्य चोद्यतः ॥ ४ ॥
“You are my loving friend and my supreme and great teacher. You must carry the burden of the sacrifice now begun.”
“आप मेरे स्नेही मित्र और मेरे परम और महान गुरु हैं। आरंभ हुए इस यज्ञ का भार आपको ही उठाना है।”
CommentaryNot scripture “You are my loving friend and my supreme teacher.” Dasharatha calls Vasishtha both suhrid , friend, and guru . The bond between the king and his priest is personal as well as formal. It will last through the whole story.
Scene 1 of 3 · Vasishtha directs builders, craftsmen and cooks as a city of lodgings rises on the bank of the Sarayu.
तथेति च स राजानमब्रवीद् द्विजसत्तमः । करिष्ये सर्वमेवैतद् भवता यत् समर्थितम् ॥ ५ ॥
“So be it,” that best of brahmanas said to the king. “I will do everything you have asked.”
उन ब्राह्मणश्रेष्ठ ने राजा से कहा, “ऐसा ही हो। आपने जो कुछ माँगा है, वह सब मैं करूँगा।”
CommentaryNot scripture Vasishtha agrees simply: “I will do everything.” Few words, total commitment. The great sage takes on the burden.
Scene 1 of 3 · Vasishtha directs builders, craftsmen and cooks as a city of lodgings rises on the bank of the Sarayu.
ततोऽब्रवीद् द्विजान् वृद्धान् यज्ञकर्मसुनिष्ठितान् । स्थापत्ये निष्ठितांश्चैव वृद्धान् परमधार्मिकान् ॥ ६ ॥
कर्मान्तिकाञ्शिल्पकारान् वर्धकीन् खनकानपि । गणकाञ्शिल्पिनश्चैव तथैव नटनर्तकान् ॥ ७ ॥
तथा शुचीञ्शास्त्रविदः पुरुषान् सुबहुश्रुतान् । यज्ञकर्म समीहन्तां भवन्तो राजशासनात् ॥ ८ ॥
Then he spoke to the aged brahmanas expert in sacrificial work, to aged and righteous men expert in building, to overseers, craftsmen, carpenters and diggers, accountants and artisans, actors and dancers, and to pure and learned men versed in the shastras: “By the king’s command, set about the work of the sacrifice.
फिर उन्होंने यज्ञकर्म में निपुण वृद्ध ब्राह्मणों से, निर्माण में निपुण वृद्ध और धर्मात्मा पुरुषों से, निरीक्षकों, शिल्पियों, बढ़इयों और खुदाई करने वालों से, गणकों और कारीगरों से, नटों और नर्तकों से, और शास्त्रों के जानकार पवित्र और विद्वान पुरुषों से कहा: “राजा की आज्ञा से यज्ञ का काम आरंभ करो।
CommentaryNot scripture A remarkable list: priests, builders, overseers, craftsmen, carpenters, diggers, accountants, artisans, actors and dancers. A great rite was also a great public event, almost a festival city. Valmiki honours every kind of worker it needs.
Scene 1 of 3 · Vasishtha directs builders, craftsmen and cooks as a city of lodgings rises on the bank of the Sarayu.
इष्टका बहुसाहस्री शीघ्रमानीयतामिति । उपकार्याः क्रियन्तां च राज्ञो बहुगुणान्विताः ॥ ९ ॥
“Let many thousands of bricks be brought quickly, and let lodgings for the kings be made, fitted with every comfort.
“जल्दी कई हज़ार ईंटें लाई जाएँ, और राजाओं के लिए हर सुविधा से युक्त निवास बनाए जाएँ।
CommentaryNot scripture Thousands of bricks, for the fire altars and for the lodgings. The great fire altar of the ashvamedha was built of bricks laid in precise patterns. Then comes hospitality: rooms for kings, with every comfort.
Scene 1 of 3 · Vasishtha directs builders, craftsmen and cooks as a city of lodgings rises on the bank of the Sarayu.
ब्राह्मणावसथाश्चैव कर्तव्याः शतशः शुभाः । भक्ष्यान्नपानैर्बहुभिः समुपेताः सुनिष्ठिताः ॥ १० ॥
“Let hundreds of fine houses be made for the brahmanas, well built and well stocked with food and drink of many kinds.
“ब्राह्मणों के लिए सैकड़ों सुंदर घर बनाए जाएँ, जो अच्छे बने हों और तरह-तरह के भोजन और पेय से भरे हों।
CommentaryNot scripture Hundreds of houses for the brahmanas, well stocked with food and drink. The priests who come to the rite must be cared for. In Indian tradition, feeding guests well is itself a sacred act.
Scene 1 of 3 · Vasishtha directs builders, craftsmen and cooks as a city of lodgings rises on the bank of the Sarayu.
तथा पौरजनस्यापि कर्तव्याश्च सुविस्तराः । आगतानां सुदूराच्च पार्थिवानां पृथक् पृथक् ॥ ११ ॥
वाजिवारणशालाश्च तथा शय्यागृहाणि च । भटानां महदावासा वैदेशिकनिवासिनाम् ॥ १२ ॥
“Let spacious dwellings be made for the citizens too, and separately for the kings who come from far away; stables for horses and elephants, sleeping quarters, and large lodgings for soldiers and for those from foreign lands,
“नगरवासियों के लिए भी खुले निवास बनाए जाएँ, और दूर से आने वाले राजाओं के लिए अलग से; घोड़ों और हाथियों के लिए अस्तबल, सोने के स्थान, और सैनिकों तथा विदेशों से आए लोगों के लिए बड़े निवास,
CommentaryNot scripture Lodgings for citizens, distant kings, soldiers and foreigners; stables for horses and elephants. Everyone is provided for. The scale shows a king inviting the whole world.
Scene 1 of 3 · Vasishtha directs builders, craftsmen and cooks as a city of lodgings rises on the bank of the Sarayu.
आवासा बहुभक्ष्या वै सर्वकामैरुपस्थिताः । तथा पौरजनस्यापि जनस्य बहुशोभनम् ॥ १३ ॥
“dwellings full of food and supplied with every need, and fine places for the citizens and the common people.
“भोजन से भरे और हर आवश्यकता से युक्त निवास, और नगरवासियों तथा आम लोगों के लिए अच्छे स्थान।
CommentaryNot scripture Places for “the common people” (prithag-jana ) too. Nobody is forgotten. The rite is not only for the elite.
Scene 1 of 3 · Vasishtha directs builders, craftsmen and cooks as a city of lodgings rises on the bank of the Sarayu.
दातव्यमन्नं विधिवत् सत्कृत्य न तु लीलया । सर्वे वर्णा यथा पूजां प्राप्नुवन्ति सुसत्कृताः ॥ १४ ॥
“Food must be given properly, with respect, not carelessly, so that people of every order receive honour and are well treated.
“भोजन ठीक से, आदर के साथ दिया जाए, लापरवाही से नहीं, ताकि हर वर्ग के लोगों को सम्मान मिले और उनके साथ अच्छा व्यवहार हो।
CommentaryNot scripture This is the moral heart of the sarga: food must be given with respect , not carelessly, so that every order of people is honoured. How you give matters as much as what you give.
Scene 1 of 3 · Vasishtha directs builders, craftsmen and cooks as a city of lodgings rises on the bank of the Sarayu.
न चावज्ञा प्रयोक्तव्या कामक्रोधवशादपि । यज्ञकर्मसु ये व्यग्राः पुरुषाः शिल्पिनस्तथा ॥ १५ ॥
तेषामपि विशेषेण पूजा कार्या यथाक्रमम् । ये स्युः सम्पूजिताः सर्वे वसुभिर्भोजनेन च ॥ १६ ॥
“No one must be treated with contempt, even under the sway of desire or anger. The men and craftsmen busy with the work of the sacrifice must especially be honoured, each in turn, so that all are well rewarded with wealth and food.
“काम या क्रोध के वश में होकर भी किसी का अनादर न किया जाए। यज्ञ के काम में लगे लोगों और कारीगरों का विशेष रूप से, क्रम से सम्मान किया जाए, ताकि सबको धन और भोजन से अच्छा पुरस्कार मिले।
CommentaryNot scripture Even in a moment of desire or anger, no one may be treated with contempt. The workers and craftsmen must be honoured especially, and properly paid. Vasishtha’s instructions read like a code of ethics for a great event. Justice to labourers is part of holiness.
Scene 1 of 3 · Vasishtha directs builders, craftsmen and cooks as a city of lodgings rises on the bank of the Sarayu.
यथा सर्वं सुविहितं न किंचित् परिहीयते । तथा भवन्तः कुर्वन्तु प्रीतियुक्तेन चेतसा ॥ १७ ॥
“Do it so that everything is well arranged and nothing is lacking, with a glad heart.”
“ऐसा करो कि सब कुछ अच्छी तरह व्यवस्थित हो और कोई कमी न रहे, प्रसन्न मन से।”
CommentaryNot scripture “With a glad heart” (priti-samyukta ): the work must be done joyfully. A rite performed resentfully is not truly a rite. Attitude is part of ritual.
Scene 1 of 3 · Vasishtha directs builders, craftsmen and cooks as a city of lodgings rises on the bank of the Sarayu.
ततः सर्वे समागम्य वसिष्ठमिदमब्रुवन् । यथेष्टं तत् सुविहितं न किंचित् परिहीयते ॥ १८ ॥
यथोक्तं तत् करिष्यामो न किंचित् परिहास्यते । ततः सुमन्त्रमाहूय वसिष्ठो वाक्यमब्रवीत् ॥ १९ ॥
Then they all came together and said to Vasishtha: “It will be well arranged as you wish, and nothing will be lacking. We will do as you say; nothing will be left out.” Then Vasishtha called Sumantra and said:
तब वे सब मिलकर वसिष्ठ से बोले: “आपकी इच्छा के अनुसार सब अच्छी तरह व्यवस्थित होगा, और कोई कमी नहीं रहेगी। हम आपके कहे अनुसार करेंगे; कुछ भी नहीं छूटेगा।” तब वसिष्ठ ने सुमंत्र को बुलाकर कहा:
CommentaryNot scripture The workers promise: nothing will be lacking, nothing left out. Then Vasishtha turns to Sumantra. The second task begins: inviting the kings of the world.
Scene 1 of 3 · Vasishtha directs builders, craftsmen and cooks as a city of lodgings rises on the bank of the Sarayu.
निमन्त्रयस्व नृपतीन् पृथिव्यां ये च धार्मिकाः । ब्राह्मणान् क्षत्रियान् वैश्याञ्शूद्रांश्चैव सहस्रशः ॥ २० ॥
समानयस्व सत्कृत्य सर्वदेशेषु मानवान् । मिथिलाधिपतिं शूरं जनकं सत्यवादिनम् ॥ २१ ॥
“Invite the righteous kings of the earth, and brahmanas, kshatriyas, vaishyas and shudras by thousands; bring people from every land with honour. And the heroic Janaka, lord of Mithila, true to his word,
“पृथ्वी के धर्मात्मा राजाओं को निमंत्रित करो, और हज़ारों की संख्या में ब्राह्मणों, क्षत्रियों, वैश्यों और शूद्रों को; हर देश से लोगों को सम्मान के साथ लाओ। और मिथिला के स्वामी, सत्यप्रतिज्ञ वीर जनक को,
CommentaryNot scripture Thousands are invited, from all four orders and every land. And one name comes first: Janaka, lord of Mithila, “true to his word”. Readers know what this means: Janaka will be Sita’s father. The thread of Rama’s marriage begins here, before Rama is born.
Scene 2 of 3 · Sumantra rides out to invite the kings of the earth, Janaka of Mithila first among them.
तमानय महाभागं स्वयमेव सुसत्कृतम् । पूर्वं सम्बन्धिनं ज्ञात्वा ततः पूर्वं ब्रवीमि ते ॥ २२ ॥
“that fortunate king, bring yourself, with every honour. Knowing him to be a relation of old, I name him to you first.
“उस भाग्यशाली राजा को तुम स्वयं पूरे सम्मान के साथ लाओ। उन्हें पुराना संबंधी जानकर मैं सबसे पहले उनका नाम ले रहा हूँ।
CommentaryNot scripture Vasishtha names Janaka first “as a relation of old” (purana-sambandhin ). The two royal houses already have ties. In time they will be bound more closely still.
Scene 2 of 3 · Sumantra rides out to invite the kings of the earth, Janaka of Mithila first among them.
तथा काशिपतिं स्निग्धं सततं प्रियवादिनम् । सद्वृत्तं देवसंकाशं स्वयमेवानयस्व ह ॥ २३ ॥
“So too the king of Kashi, affectionate and always kind of speech, of good conduct, like a god: bring him yourself.
“इसी तरह काशी के राजा को, जो स्नेही और सदा मधुर बोलने वाले हैं, सदाचारी और देवताओं जैसे हैं: उन्हें तुम स्वयं लाओ।
CommentaryNot scripture The king of Kashi (Banaras), “always kind of speech” and “like a god”. Each king is introduced with a few warm words. Valmiki gives even minor figures a touch of character.
Scene 2 of 3 · Sumantra rides out to invite the kings of the earth, Janaka of Mithila first among them.
तथा केकयराजानं वृद्धं परमधार्मिकम् । श्वशुरं राजसिंहस्य सपुत्रं तमिहानय ॥ २४ ॥
“So too the aged and most righteous king of the Kekayas, father-in-law of this lion among kings: bring him here with his son.
“इसी तरह कैकय के वृद्ध और अत्यंत धर्मात्मा राजा को, जो इन राजसिंह के ससुर हैं: उन्हें उनके पुत्र सहित यहाँ लाओ।
CommentaryNot scripture The king of the Kekayas is Dasharatha’s father-in-law: Kaikeyi’s father. He is old and righteous. His son, Yudhajit, will come too; he will later take young Bharata to visit his mother’s homeland.
Scene 2 of 3 · Sumantra rides out to invite the kings of the earth, Janaka of Mithila first among them.
अङ्गेश्वरं महेष्वासं रोमपादं सुसत्कृतम् । वयस्यं राजसिंहस्य सपुत्रं तमिहानय ॥ २५ ॥
“Romapada, lord of Anga, the great archer, friend of this lion among kings: bring him with his son, with every honour.
“अंग के स्वामी महाधनुर्धर रोमपाद को, जो इन राजसिंह के मित्र हैं: उन्हें उनके पुत्र सहित पूरे सम्मान से लाओ।
CommentaryNot scripture Romapada of Anga, the friend we met in the last sargas, is invited with his son. Friendship is honoured. The story’s threads keep weaving together.
Scene 2 of 3 · Sumantra rides out to invite the kings of the earth, Janaka of Mithila first among them.
तथा कोसलराजानं भानुमन्तं सुसंस्कृतम् । मगधाधिपतिं शूरं सर्वशास्त्रविशारदम् ॥ २६ ॥
प्राप्तिज्ञं परमोदारं सत्कृतं पुरुषर्षभम् । राज्ञः शासनमादाय चोदयस्व नृपर्षभान् । प्राचीनान् सिन्धुसौवीरान् सौराष्ट्रेयांश्च पार्थिवान् ॥ २७ ॥
“So too the cultured Bhanumant, king of Kosala, and the heroic king of Magadha, learned in all the shastras, knowing what is due, most generous, a bull among men: honour him. Taking the king’s command, summon the best of kings, the eastern ones, the Sindhu-Sauviras and the kings of Surashtra,
“इसी तरह कोसल के सुसंस्कृत राजा भानुमान को, और मगध के वीर राजा को, जो सब शास्त्रों में विद्वान, उचित-अनुचित के ज्ञाता, अत्यंत उदार और पुरुषश्रेष्ठ हैं: उनका सम्मान करो। राजा की आज्ञा लेकर पूर्व के श्रेष्ठ राजाओं को, सिंधु-सौवीरों को और सुराष्ट्र के राजाओं को बुलाओ,
CommentaryNot scripture Kings of Kosala, Magadha, the east, Sindhu-Sauvira (in the north-west) and Surashtra (in the west, today’s Saurashtra in Gujarat). The invitation reaches across the subcontinent. Valmiki draws a map of the ancient Indian world.
Scene 2 of 3 · Sumantra rides out to invite the kings of the earth, Janaka of Mithila first among them.
दाक्षिणात्यान् नरेन्द्रांश्च समस्तानानयस्व ह । सन्ति स्निग्धाश्च ये चान्ये राजानः पृथिवीतले ॥ २८ ॥
तानानय यथा क्षिप्रं सानुगान् सहबान्धवान् । एतान् दूतैर्महाभागैरानयस्व नृपाज्ञया ॥ २९ ॥
“and bring all the kings of the south. And whatever other friendly kings there are on the earth, bring them quickly, with their followers and kin. Bring them by the king’s command, through honoured messengers.”
“और दक्षिण के सब राजाओं को लाओ। और पृथ्वी पर जो दूसरे मित्र राजा हैं, उन्हें उनके अनुयायियों और संबंधियों सहित जल्दी लाओ। सम्मानित दूतों के द्वारा राजा की आज्ञा से उन्हें लाओ।”
CommentaryNot scripture And the kings of the south, and any other friendly kings. Messengers are to be “honoured” (sat-krita ): even those who carry the invitation must be treated well.
Scene 2 of 3 · Sumantra rides out to invite the kings of the earth, Janaka of Mithila first among them.
वसिष्ठवाक्यं तच्छ्रुत्वा सुमन्त्रस्त्वरितं तदा । व्यादिशत् पुरुषांस्तत्र राज्ञामानयने शुभान् ॥ ३० ॥
Hearing Vasishtha’s words, Sumantra quickly appointed good men to bring the kings.
वसिष्ठ के वचन सुनकर सुमंत्र ने जल्दी ही राजाओं को लाने के लिए अच्छे पुरुषों को नियुक्त किया।
CommentaryNot scripture Sumantra appoints good men at once. A capable minister delegates quickly and well.
Scene 2 of 3 · Sumantra rides out to invite the kings of the earth, Janaka of Mithila first among them.
स्वयमेव हि धर्मात्मा प्रयातो मुनिशासनात् । सुमन्त्रस्त्वरितो भूत्वा समानेतुं महामतिः ॥ ३१ ॥
The righteous and wise Sumantra himself set out in haste, at the sage’s command, to bring them.
धर्मात्मा और बुद्धिमान सुमंत्र स्वयं मुनि की आज्ञा से उन्हें लाने के लिए जल्दी चल पड़े।
CommentaryNot scripture But he also goes himself, in haste. For the most important guests, the king’s own minister must go in person.
Scene 2 of 3 · Sumantra rides out to invite the kings of the earth, Janaka of Mithila first among them.
ते च कर्मान्तिकाः सर्वे वसिष्ठाय महर्षये । सर्वं निवेदयन्ति स्म यज्ञे यदुपकल्पितम् ॥ ३२ ॥
All the overseers reported to the great sage Vasishtha all that had been prepared for the sacrifice.
सब निरीक्षकों ने महर्षि वसिष्ठ को बताया कि यज्ञ के लिए क्या-क्या तैयार हो चुका है।
CommentaryNot scripture The overseers report: everything is ready. The great work has been done. Valmiki skips the months of labour and moves straight to the result.
Scene 3 of 3 · The kings arrive with gifts, and Dasharatha and his queens enter the sacred enclosure.
ततः प्रीतो द्विजश्रेष्ठस्तान् सर्वान् मुनिरब्रवीत् । अवज्ञया न दातव्यं कस्यचिल्लीलयापि वा ॥ ३३ ॥
Pleased, the best of brahmanas said to them all: “Nothing must be given to anyone with contempt, or carelessly.
प्रसन्न होकर ब्राह्मणश्रेष्ठ ने उन सबसे कहा: “किसी को कुछ भी अनादर से या लापरवाही से नहीं देना चाहिए।
CommentaryNot scripture Vasishtha repeats his central teaching: nothing must be given with contempt or carelessly. He says it twice in one sarga. It must be important to him, and to the poet.
Scene 3 of 3 · The kings arrive with gifts, and Dasharatha and his queens enter the sacred enclosure.
अवज्ञया कृतं हन्याद् दातारं नात्र संशयः । ततः कैश्चिदहोरात्रैरुपयाता महीक्षितः ॥ ३४ ॥
बहूनि रत्नान्यादाय राज्ञो दशरथस्य ह । ततो वसिष्ठः सुप्रीतो राजानमिदमब्रवीत् ॥ ३५ ॥
“A gift given with contempt would destroy the giver; there is no doubt of it.” Then in some days and nights the kings arrived, bringing many jewels for King Dasharatha. Then Vasishtha, well pleased, said to the king:
“अनादर से दिया गया दान देने वाले को नष्ट कर देता है; इसमें कोई संदेह नहीं।” फिर कुछ दिनों और रातों में राजा लोग राजा दशरथ के लिए बहुत से रत्न लेकर आ पहुँचे। तब अत्यंत प्रसन्न होकर वसिष्ठ ने राजा से कहा:
CommentaryNot scripture A gift given with contempt “destroys the giver”. The ethics of giving are strict: disrespect cancels the merit of a gift and turns it to harm. Then the kings arrive, bringing jewels. The world comes to Ayodhya.
Scene 3 of 3 · The kings arrive with gifts, and Dasharatha and his queens enter the sacred enclosure.
उपयाता नरव्याघ्र राजानस्तव शासनात् । मयापि सत्कृताः सर्वे यथार्हं राजसत्तमाः ॥ ३६ ॥
“Tiger among men, the kings have come at your command, and I have honoured all these best of kings as they deserve.
“पुरुषसिंह, आपकी आज्ञा से राजा लोग आ गए हैं, और मैंने इन सब श्रेष्ठ राजाओं का यथायोग्य सम्मान किया है।
CommentaryNot scripture Vasishtha reports that every king has been honoured as he deserves. Hospitality on this scale is a work of diplomacy, and the old sage has done it perfectly.
Scene 3 of 3 · The kings arrive with gifts, and Dasharatha and his queens enter the sacred enclosure.
यज्ञियं च कृतं सर्वं पुरुषैः सुसमाहितैः । निर्यातु च भवान् यष्टुं यज्ञायतनमन्तिकात् ॥ ३७ ॥
“Everything for the sacrifice has been made ready by attentive men. Come out to sacrifice; the sacrificial ground is close by.
“सावधान पुरुषों ने यज्ञ के लिए सब कुछ तैयार कर दिया है। यज्ञ के लिए बाहर पधारिए; यज्ञभूमि पास ही है।
CommentaryNot scripture “Come out to sacrifice.” Everything is ready, prepared by attentive men. The moment the king has longed for has arrived.
Scene 3 of 3 · The kings arrive with gifts, and Dasharatha and his queens enter the sacred enclosure.
सर्वकामैरुपहृतैरुपेतं वै समन्ततः । द्रष्टुमर्हसि राजेन्द्र मनसेव विनिर्मितम् ॥ ३८ ॥
“It is furnished on every side with every good thing. Lord of kings, you should see it; it seems made by the mind alone.”
“वह चारों ओर से हर अच्छी वस्तु से सजी है। राजाधिराज, आपको उसे देखना चाहिए; ऐसा लगता है मानो वह केवल मन से रची गई हो।”
CommentaryNot scripture The sacrificial ground “seems made by the mind alone” (manasa iva nirmita ), as if conjured into being by thought. It is the highest praise for the builders: their work is so perfect it looks effortless.
Scene 3 of 3 · The kings arrive with gifts, and Dasharatha and his queens enter the sacred enclosure.
तथा वसिष्ठवचनादृष्यशृङ्गस्य चोभयोः । दिवसे शुभनक्षत्रे निर्यातो जगतीपतिः ॥ ३९ ॥
So, at the word of both Vasishtha and Rishyashringa, the lord of the world went out on a day with an auspicious star.
इस प्रकार वसिष्ठ और ऋष्यशृंग दोनों के कहने पर संसार के स्वामी शुभ नक्षत्र वाले दिन बाहर निकले।
CommentaryNot scripture The king goes out on a day with an auspicious star (nakshatra ). Timing by the stars is part of Indian ritual to this day: great beginnings wait for the right sky.
Scene 3 of 3 · The kings arrive with gifts, and Dasharatha and his queens enter the sacred enclosure.
ततो वसिष्ठप्रमुखाः सर्व एव द्विजोत्तमाः । ऋष्यशृङ्गं पुरस्कृत्य यज्ञकर्मारभंस्तदा ॥ ४० ॥
Then all the best of brahmanas, led by Vasishtha, with Rishyashringa before them, began the work of the sacrifice.
तब वसिष्ठ आदि सब श्रेष्ठ ब्राह्मणों ने ऋष्यशृंग को आगे करके यज्ञ का काम आरंभ किया।
CommentaryNot scripture Again, Rishyashringa leads, with Vasishtha and the others behind him. The young forest sage is honoured before the old master. Each knows his place, and humility runs both ways.
Scene 3 of 3 · The kings arrive with gifts, and Dasharatha and his queens enter the sacred enclosure.
यज्ञवाटं गताः सर्वे यथाशास्त्रं यथाविधि । श्रीमांश्च सह पत्नीभी राजा दीक्षामुपाविशत् ॥ ४१ ॥
All went to the sacrificial enclosure, as the shastra and rule direct, and the glorious king with his wives entered the consecration.
सब शास्त्र और विधि के अनुसार यज्ञशाला में गए, और यशस्वी राजा ने अपनी रानियों के साथ दीक्षा ग्रहण की।
CommentaryNot scripture The king and his queens enter the diksha , the consecration. From this moment they live under special vows until the rite is complete. The great sacrifice has begun.
Scene 3 of 3 · The kings arrive with gifts, and Dasharatha and his queens enter the sacred enclosure.
