Bala Kanda · Sarga 30 of 77 · 26 verses
Rama Guards the Sacrifice
The princes ask when the rakshasas will come, so they will not miss the moment. The sages answer that Vishvamitra, now consecrated, will keep silence; the princes must guard the hermitage for six days and nights. They do so without sleep, bows ready. On the sixth day Rama tells Lakshmana to be alert. The altar blazes, the sacrifice proceeds with mantras, and then a terrible noise fills the sky: Maricha and Subahu with their followers come like monsoon clouds, working magic, and rain streams of blood onto the altar.
Rama tells Lakshmana he will scatter these flesh-eaters like clouds before the wind, though he does not wish to kill such creatures. He fires the Manava weapon into Maricha’s chest; it does not kill him but hurls him a hundred yojanas into the ocean, stunned. “See, Lakshmana, the Shiteshu weapon of Manu bewilders him and carries him away without taking his life. But these others, merciless blood-drinkers who destroy sacrifices, I will kill.” With the Agneya weapon he strikes Subahu dead, and with the Vayavya he destroys the rest. The sages honour him like Indra after victory. The sacrifice complete, Vishvamitra says: “I have achieved my purpose; you have fulfilled your teacher’s word and made Siddhashrama truly a place of accomplishment.”
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अथ तौ देशकालज्ञौ राजपुत्रावरिंदमौ । देशे काले च वाक्यज्ञावब्रूतां कौशिकं वचः ॥ १ ॥
Then the two princes, subduers of enemies, who knew time and place and how to speak at the right time and place, said to Kaushika:
तब देश और काल को जानने वाले, और उचित देश-काल में बोलना जानने वाले, शत्रुओं का दमन करने वाले दोनों राजकुमारों ने कौशिक से कहा:
Commentary on the whole sarga
Rama Guards the Sacrifice 1 min read.
Read the commentary CommentaryNot scripture The princes “knew time and place” (desha-kala-jna ) and how to speak at the right moment. This is a skill of statecraft: knowing when to act and when to speak. The young princes already have it.
Scene 1 of 3 · For six sleepless nights Rama and Lakshmana guard the silent sage, and on the sixth day the altar blazes up.
भगवञ्छ्रोतुमिच्छावो यस्मिन् काले निशाचरौ । संरक्षणीयौ तौ ब्रूहि नातिवर्तेत तत्क्षणम् ॥ २ ॥
“Lord, we wish to hear at what time those two night-walkers are to be held off. Tell us, so that the moment may not pass.”
“भगवन, हम सुनना चाहते हैं कि उन दोनों निशाचरों को किस समय रोकना है। हमें बताइए, ताकि वह क्षण बीत न जाए।”
CommentaryNot scripture “So that the moment may not pass.” They want to know exactly when the demons will strike. Eagerness, but also discipline: they ask before acting.
Scene 1 of 3 · For six sleepless nights Rama and Lakshmana guard the silent sage, and on the sixth day the altar blazes up.
एवं ब्रुवाणौ काकुत्स्थौ त्वरमाणौ युयुत्सया । सर्वे ते मुनयः प्रीताः प्रशशंसुर्नृपात्मजौ ॥ ३ ॥
As the two Kakutsthas spoke so, eager for battle, all the sages were pleased and praised the princes:
युद्ध के लिए उत्सुक दोनों काकुत्स्थों के ऐसा कहने पर सब मुनि प्रसन्न हुए और राजकुमारों की प्रशंसा की:
CommentaryNot scripture The sages are pleased. Two young warriors eager to protect them: this is what they had hoped for.
Scene 1 of 3 · For six sleepless nights Rama and Lakshmana guard the silent sage, and on the sixth day the altar blazes up.
अद्यप्रभृति षड्रात्रं रक्षतां राघवौ युवाम् । दीक्षां गतो ह्येष मुनिर्मौनित्वं च गमिष्यति ॥ ४ ॥
“From today, for six nights, you two Raghavas guard. For this sage has entered his consecration and will keep silence.”
“आज से छह रातों तक तुम दोनों राघव रक्षा करो। क्योंकि ये मुनि दीक्षा में प्रवेश कर चुके हैं और मौन रहेंगे।”
CommentaryNot scripture Six nights, and Vishvamitra in silence (mauna ). The sage cannot speak to guide them. The boys must guard alone, with only their training and each other.
Scene 1 of 3 · For six sleepless nights Rama and Lakshmana guard the silent sage, and on the sixth day the altar blazes up.
तौ तु तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा राजपुत्रौ यशस्विनौ । अनिद्रं षडहोरात्रं तपोवनमरक्षताम् ॥ ५ ॥
Hearing these words, the two glorious princes guarded the ascetics’ grove for six days and nights without sleep.
ये वचन सुनकर दोनों यशस्वी राजकुमारों ने छह दिन और रात बिना सोए तपस्वियों के उपवन की रक्षा की।
CommentaryNot scripture Six days and nights without sleep. The Bala and Atibala mantras (sarga 22) protect them from fatigue. Here the teacher’s gift is tested.
Scene 1 of 3 · For six sleepless nights Rama and Lakshmana guard the silent sage, and on the sixth day the altar blazes up.
उपासांचक्रतुर्वीरौ यत्तौ परमधन्विनौ । ररक्षतुर्मुनिवरं विश्वामित्रमरिंदमौ ॥ ६ ॥
The two heroes, supreme archers, kept watch with care, and the subduers of enemies protected the best of sages, Vishvamitra.
परम धनुर्धर दोनों वीरों ने सावधानी से पहरा दिया, और शत्रुओं का दमन करने वाले भाइयों ने मुनिश्रेष्ठ विश्वामित्र की रक्षा की।
CommentaryNot scripture They keep watch “with care”. The supreme archers stand guard over their silent teacher. Protection is quiet, patient work before it is dramatic action.
Scene 1 of 3 · For six sleepless nights Rama and Lakshmana guard the silent sage, and on the sixth day the altar blazes up.
अथ काले गते तस्मिन् षष्ठेऽहनि तदागते । सौमित्रिमब्रवीद् रामो यत्तो भव समाहितः ॥ ७ ॥
When that time had passed and the sixth day came, Rama said to Saumitri: “Be alert and watchful.”
जब वह समय बीत गया और छठा दिन आया, तब राम ने सौमित्रि से कहा: “सावधान और सजग रहो।”
CommentaryNot scripture On the sixth day Rama tells Lakshmana: “Be alert.” He senses the attack is near. The elder brother leads, the younger stays ready.
Scene 1 of 3 · For six sleepless nights Rama and Lakshmana guard the silent sage, and on the sixth day the altar blazes up.
रामस्यैवं ब्रुवाणस्य त्वरितस्य युयुत्सया । प्रजज्वाल ततो वेदिः सोपाध्यायपुरोहिता ॥ ८ ॥
As Rama spoke so, hastening, eager for battle, the altar blazed up, with the teachers and the priests,
जब युद्ध के लिए उत्सुक राम जल्दी में ऐसा कह रहे थे, तभी आचार्यों और ऋत्विजों सहित वेदी प्रज्वलित हो उठी,
CommentaryNot scripture The altar blazes up with the priests and teachers around it. The climax of the rite is the moment of greatest danger.
Scene 1 of 3 · For six sleepless nights Rama and Lakshmana guard the silent sage, and on the sixth day the altar blazes up.
सदर्भचमसस्रुक्का स समित्कुसुमोच्चया । विश्वामित्रेण सहिता वेदिर्जज्वाल सर्त्विजा ॥ ९ ॥
with darbha grass, cups, ladles, fuel and heaps of flowers; with Vishvamitra and the officiants, the altar blazed.
कुश, चमसों, स्रुवाओं, समिधाओं और फूलों के ढेरों के साथ; विश्वामित्र और ऋत्विजों के साथ वेदी जल उठी।
CommentaryNot scripture Darbha grass, cups, ladles, fuel, flowers. Valmiki lists the tools of the sacrifice, the fragile, beautiful things the demons want to defile.
Scene 1 of 3 · For six sleepless nights Rama and Lakshmana guard the silent sage, and on the sixth day the altar blazes up.
मन्त्रवच्च यथान्यायं यज्ञोऽसौ सम्प्रवर्तते । आकाशे च महाञ्छब्दः प्रादुरासीद् भयानकः ॥ १० ॥
The sacrifice went forward duly, with mantras; and then in the sky arose a great and terrifying noise.
मंत्रों के साथ यज्ञ विधिवत आगे बढ़ा; और तब आकाश में एक बड़ा और भयानक शब्द उठा।
CommentaryNot scripture The sacrifice proceeds with mantras. Then a terrifying noise in the sky. The attack begins from above.
Scene 2 of 3 · Maricha and Subahu swoop down like a storm cloud; Rama’s Manava weapon hurls Maricha far into the ocean.
आवार्य गगनं मेघो यथा प्रावृषि दृश्यते । तथा मायां विकुर्वाणौ राक्षसावभ्यधावताम् ॥ ११ ॥
As a cloud is seen covering the sky in the rainy season, so the two rakshasas came rushing, creating illusions:
जैसे वर्षा ऋतु में बादल आकाश को ढकता दिखता है, वैसे ही दोनों राक्षस माया रचते हुए झपटे:
CommentaryNot scripture The demons come “like a cloud covering the sky in the rains”, creating illusions. Rakshasas fight with magic and darkness.
Scene 2 of 3 · Maricha and Subahu swoop down like a storm cloud; Rama’s Manava weapon hurls Maricha far into the ocean.
मारीचश्च सुबाहुश्च तयोरनुचरास्तथा । आगम्य भीमसंकाशा रुधिरौघानवासृजन् ॥ १२ ॥
Maricha and Subahu, and their followers too, came, dreadful to see, and let loose streams of blood.
मारीच और सुबाहु, और उनके अनुयायी भी, देखने में भयानक, आए और रक्त की धाराएँ बरसाने लगे।
CommentaryNot scripture Maricha, Subahu and their followers pour streams of blood. To defile the altar is to destroy the rite. This is what they have done again and again before.
Scene 2 of 3 · Maricha and Subahu swoop down like a storm cloud; Rama’s Manava weapon hurls Maricha far into the ocean.
ताम् तेन रुधिरौघेण वेदीं वीक्ष्य समुक्षिताम् । सहसाभिद्रुतो रामस्तानपश्यत् ततो दिवि ॥ १३ ॥
Seeing the altar drenched with that stream of blood, Rama ran forward at once and saw them in the sky.
रक्त की उस धारा से वेदी को भीगा देखकर राम तुरंत आगे दौड़े और उन्हें आकाश में देखा।
CommentaryNot scripture Rama sees the altar drenched and runs forward. He looks up and sees them in the sky.
Scene 2 of 3 · Maricha and Subahu swoop down like a storm cloud; Rama’s Manava weapon hurls Maricha far into the ocean.
तावापतन्तौ सहसा दृष्ट्वा राजीवलोचनः । लक्ष्मणं त्वभिसम्प्रेक्ष्य रामो वचनमब्रवीत् ॥ १४ ॥
Seeing the two suddenly swooping down, lotus-eyed Rama looked at Lakshmana and said:
उन दोनों को अचानक नीचे झपटते देखकर कमल-नयन राम ने लक्ष्मण की ओर देखकर कहा:
CommentaryNot scripture Lotus-eyed Rama looks at Lakshmana before acting. A small gesture between brothers. In every danger in this poem, they look to each other first.
Scene 2 of 3 · Maricha and Subahu swoop down like a storm cloud; Rama’s Manava weapon hurls Maricha far into the ocean.
पश्य लक्ष्मण दुर्वृत्तान् राक्षसान् पिशिताशनान् । मानवास्त्रसमाधूताननिलेन यथा घनान् ॥ १५ ॥
“See, Lakshmana, these wicked flesh-eating rakshasas. I will scatter them with the Manava weapon, as the wind scatters clouds.
“लक्ष्मण, इन दुष्ट मांसभक्षी राक्षसों को देखो। मैं इन्हें मानव अस्त्र से वैसे ही तितर-बितर कर दूँगा, जैसे हवा बादलों को।
CommentaryNot scripture “I will scatter them with the Manava weapon, as the wind scatters clouds.” Rama’s first instinct is to drive away, not to kill.
Scene 2 of 3 · Maricha and Subahu swoop down like a storm cloud; Rama’s Manava weapon hurls Maricha far into the ocean.
करिष्यामि न संदेहो नोत्सहे हन्तुमीदृशान् । इत्युक्त्वा वचनं रामश्चापे संधाय वेगवान् ॥ १६ ॥
मानवं परमोदारमस्त्रं परमभास्वरम् । चिक्षेप परमक्रुद्धो मारीचोरसि राघवः ॥ १७ ॥
“I will do it, no doubt; I do not wish to kill such as these.” Having said this, Raghava swiftly set to his bow the most noble, most brilliant Manava weapon, and in great anger loosed it at Maricha’s chest.
“मैं ऐसा करूँगा, निःसंदेह; ऐसों को मारना मैं नहीं चाहता।” यह कहकर राघव ने जल्दी से अपने धनुष पर परम उत्तम, अत्यंत तेजस्वी मानव अस्त्र चढ़ाया, और बड़े क्रोध से उसे मारीच की छाती पर छोड़ा।
CommentaryNot scripture “I do not wish to kill such as these.” Even now, mercy first. Rama uses the Manava weapon, given by Manu, on Maricha. He is angry, but his anger is measured.
Scene 2 of 3 · Maricha and Subahu swoop down like a storm cloud; Rama’s Manava weapon hurls Maricha far into the ocean.
स तेन परमास्त्रेण मानवेन समाहतः । सम्पूर्णं योजनशतं क्षिप्तः सागरसम्प्लवे ॥ १८ ॥
Struck by that supreme Manava weapon, he was hurled a full hundred yojanas into the flood of the ocean.
उस परम मानव अस्त्र से आहत होकर वह पूरे सौ योजन दूर समुद्र की बाढ़ में जा गिरा।
CommentaryNot scripture Maricha is hurled a hundred yojanas into the ocean. He lives. And because he lives, he will meet Rama again: as the golden deer that lures Rama away from Sita. Mercy here has long consequences.
Scene 2 of 3 · Maricha and Subahu swoop down like a storm cloud; Rama’s Manava weapon hurls Maricha far into the ocean.
विचेतनं विघूर्णन्तं शीतेषुबलपीडितम् । निरस्तं दृश्य मारीचं रामो लक्ष्मणमब्रवीत् ॥ १९ ॥
Seeing Maricha thrown far, senseless, whirling, overcome by the force of the Shiteshu, Rama said to Lakshmana:
शीतेषु के वेग से पराजित, अचेत, चक्कर खाते मारीच को दूर फेंका गया देखकर राम ने लक्ष्मण से कहा:
CommentaryNot scripture Maricha whirls, senseless, carried away by the force of the Shiteshu. Rama watches him go.
Scene 2 of 3 · Maricha and Subahu swoop down like a storm cloud; Rama’s Manava weapon hurls Maricha far into the ocean.
पश्य लक्ष्मण शीतेषुं मानवं मनुसंहितम् । मोहयित्वा नयत्येनं न च प्राणैर्वियुज्यते ॥ २० ॥
“See, Lakshmana, the Shiteshu, the Manava weapon given by Manu: it bewilders him and carries him off, yet does not part him from his life.
“लक्ष्मण, मनु का दिया शीतेषु, मानव अस्त्र देखो: यह उसे मोहित करके दूर ले जाता है, पर प्राणों से अलग नहीं करता।
CommentaryNot scripture “It bewilders him and carries him off, yet does not part him from his life.” Rama explains to Lakshmana what he chose to do. He is teaching his brother restraint, as Vishvamitra taught him.
Scene 2 of 3 · Maricha and Subahu swoop down like a storm cloud; Rama’s Manava weapon hurls Maricha far into the ocean.
इमानपि वधिष्यामि निर्घृणान् दुष्टचारिणः । राक्षसान् पापकर्मस्थान् यज्ञघ्नान् रुधिराशनान् ॥ २१ ॥
“But these others too I will kill: merciless, of wicked conduct, rakshasas fixed in evil deeds, destroyers of sacrifices, drinkers of blood.”
“पर इन दूसरों को मैं मारूँगा: निर्दयी, दुष्ट आचरण वाले, पाप कर्मों में लगे राक्षस, यज्ञों का नाश करने वाले, रक्त पीने वाले।”
CommentaryNot scripture But the others are “merciless, fixed in evil deeds, drinkers of blood”. Rama’s judgement distinguishes: one enemy may be spared, those who will never stop must be stopped.
Scene 3 of 3 · Fire and wind weapons end the rest; the sacrifice is complete and the sages honour Rama.
इत्युक्त्वा लक्ष्मणं चाशु लाघवं दर्शयन्निव । विगृह्य सुमहच्चास्त्रमाग्नेयं रघुनन्दनः ॥ २२ ॥
सुबाहूरसि चिक्षेप स विद्धः प्रापतद् भुवि । शेषान् वायव्यमादाय निजघान महायशाः । राघवः परमोदारो मुनीनां मुदमावहन् ॥ २३ ॥
Saying this to Lakshmana, and as if showing his quickness, the delight of the Raghus took up the great Agneya weapon and loosed it at Subahu’s chest; pierced, he fell to the ground. Taking the Vayavya, the glorious one killed the rest, and most noble Raghava brought joy to the sages.
लक्ष्मण से यह कहकर, और मानो अपनी फुर्ती दिखाते हुए, रघुनंदन ने महान आग्नेय अस्त्र उठाकर सुबाहु की छाती पर छोड़ा; बिंधकर वह धरती पर गिर पड़ा। वायव्य अस्त्र लेकर यशस्वी राम ने बाकी सबको मार डाला, और परम उत्तम राघव ने मुनियों को आनंद दिया।
CommentaryNot scripture The Agneya (fire) weapon strikes Subahu, who falls. The Vayavya (wind) weapon destroys the rest. Rama shows his skill “as if showing his quickness”. The sages rejoice.
Scene 3 of 3 · Fire and wind weapons end the rest; the sacrifice is complete and the sages honour Rama.
स हत्वा राक्षसान् सर्वान् यज्ञघ्नान् रघुनन्दनः । ऋषिभिः पूजितस्तत्र यथेन्द्रो विजये पुरा ॥ २४ ॥
Having killed all the rakshasas who destroy sacrifices, the delight of the Raghus was honoured there by the sages, as Indra was long ago after victory.
यज्ञों का नाश करने वाले सब राक्षसों को मारकर रघुनंदन वहाँ मुनियों द्वारा वैसे ही सम्मानित हुए, जैसे पहले विजय के बाद इंद्र।
CommentaryNot scripture Rama is honoured “as Indra was after victory”. The boy prince has done what the gods could not. And no curse was needed: the sage kept his vow of silence.
Scene 3 of 3 · Fire and wind weapons end the rest; the sacrifice is complete and the sages honour Rama.
अथ यज्ञे समाप्ते तु विश्वामित्रो महामुनिः । निरीतिका दिशो दृष्ट्वा काकुत्स्थमिदमब्रवीत् ॥ २५ ॥
When the sacrifice was finished, the great sage Vishvamitra, seeing the directions free of trouble, said to Kakutstha:
यज्ञ पूरा होने पर महामुनि विश्वामित्र ने दिशाओं को उपद्रव से मुक्त देखकर काकुत्स्थ से कहा:
CommentaryNot scripture The sacrifice is complete. Vishvamitra sees “the directions free of trouble”. Peace has come to Siddhashrama.
Scene 3 of 3 · Fire and wind weapons end the rest; the sacrifice is complete and the sages honour Rama.
कृतार्थोऽस्मि महाबाहो कृतं गुरुवचस्त्वया । सिद्धाश्रममिदं सत्यं कृतं वीर महायशः । स हि रामं प्रशस्यैवं ताभ्यां संध्यामुपागमत् ॥ २६ ॥
“I have achieved my purpose, mighty-armed one; you have done your teacher’s bidding. You have made this Siddhashrama true to its name, glorious hero.” And having praised Rama so, he went with the two to the twilight rites.
“महाबाहु, मेरा प्रयोजन पूरा हुआ; तुमने अपने गुरु की आज्ञा पूरी की। यशस्वी वीर, तुमने इस सिद्धाश्रम को उसके नाम के अनुरूप सच्चा कर दिया।” और इस प्रकार राम की प्रशंसा करके वे दोनों के साथ संध्या-वंदन के लिए गए।
CommentaryNot scripture “You have done your teacher’s bidding. You have made this Siddhashrama true to its name.” Siddha , “accomplished”: the hermitage of accomplishment has had its rite accomplished. The first great mission of Rama’s life is complete.
Scene 3 of 3 · Fire and wind weapons end the rest; the sacrifice is complete and the sages honour Rama.
