Bala Kanda · Sarga 68 of 77 · 19 verses
The Message Reaches Ayodhya
Janaka’s messengers travel three nights, horses exhausted, and enter Ayodhya. Admitted to the palace, they see the aged King Dasharatha, godlike. With joined palms, unafraid, they deliver Janaka’s message in sweet words: Janaka asks after his welfare and that of his priests and court, and says, with Vishvamitra’s consent: “My daughter’s bride-price was valour, as everyone knew, and kings who failed went away angry. This daughter of mine has been won by your sons, who came by chance with Vishvamitra: great-souled Rama broke the divine bow in the middle in a great assembly. I must give Sita to him. I wish to fulfil my promise; please consent. Come quickly with your teachers and priests and see the two Raghavas, and you will share the joy of both your sons.”
Dasharatha is overjoyed. He tells Vasishtha, Vamadeva and his ministers: “Kausalya’s son, guarded by Vishvamitra, lives in Videha with his brother Lakshmana. Janaka has seen his valour and wishes to give him his daughter. If it pleases you, let us go quickly.” The ministers and sages agree, and the king announces they will leave tomorrow. Janaka’s ministers spend the night, honoured and happy.
Press › to begin with verse 1.
जनकेन समादिष्टा दूतास्ते क्लान्तवाहनाः । त्रिरात्रमुषिता मार्गे तेऽयोध्यां प्राविशन् पुरीम् ॥ १ ॥
Commanded by Janaka, the messengers, their horses exhausted, stayed three nights on the road and then entered the city of Ayodhya.
जनक की आज्ञा पाकर दूत, जिनके घोड़े थक चुके थे, रास्ते में तीन रातें रुककर फिर अयोध्या नगरी में प्रविष्ट हुए।
Commentary on the whole sarga
The Message Reaches Ayodhya 1 min read.
Read the commentary CommentaryNot scripture The messengers ride for three nights; their horses are exhausted. The urgency of joy.
Scene 1 of 2 · Janaka’s dust-covered messengers kneel before old King Dasharatha with the news: Rama has broken Shiva’s bow.
ते राजवचनाद् गत्वा राजवेश्म प्रवेशिताः । ददृशुर्देवसंकाशं वृद्धं दशरथं नृपम् ॥ २ ॥
Going at the king’s word, they were admitted to the royal palace and saw the aged King Dasharatha, who was like a god.
राजा की आज्ञा से जाकर उन्हें राजमहल में प्रवेश मिला, और उन्होंने देवता जैसे वृद्ध राजा दशरथ को देखा।
CommentaryNot scripture They see “the aged King Dasharatha”. The father who sent his son away with such fear is about to hear the best news of his life.
Scene 1 of 2 · Janaka’s dust-covered messengers kneel before old King Dasharatha with the news: Rama has broken Shiva’s bow.
बद्धाञ्जलिपुटाः सर्वे दूता विगतसाध्वसाः । राजानं प्रश्रितं वाक्यमब्रुवन् मधुराक्षरम् ॥ ३ ॥
All the messengers, their palms joined, free of fear, spoke courteous words in sweet syllables to the king:
सब दूतों ने हाथ जोड़कर, निर्भय होकर, राजा से मधुर अक्षरों में शिष्ट वचन कहे:
CommentaryNot scripture They speak “free of fear”, courteously. Bringing good news to a king is a pleasure.
Scene 1 of 2 · Janaka’s dust-covered messengers kneel before old King Dasharatha with the news: Rama has broken Shiva’s bow.
मैथिलो जनको राजा साग्निहोत्रपुरस्कृतः । मुहुर्मुहुर्मधुरया स्नेहसंरक्तया गिरा ॥ ४ ॥
कुशलं चाव्ययं चैव सोपाध्यायपुरोहितम् । जनकस्त्वां महाराज पृच्छते सपुरःसरम् ॥ ५ ॥
“King Janaka of Mithila, with his sacred fires before him, again and again, in a sweet voice tinged with affection, asks after your well-being and prosperity, great king, with your teachers and priests and your retinue.
“महाराज, मिथिला के राजा जनक, अपनी पवित्र अग्नियों को आगे रखकर, स्नेह से भरे मधुर स्वर में बार-बार आपका, आपके गुरुओं, पुरोहितों और परिवार सहित, कुशल और समृद्धि पूछते हैं।
CommentaryNot scripture Janaka greets Dasharatha “with his sacred fires before him”, a formal blessing, and asks after his welfare “again and again”, with affection. Two great kings, soon to be family.
Scene 1 of 2 · Janaka’s dust-covered messengers kneel before old King Dasharatha with the news: Rama has broken Shiva’s bow.
पृष्ट्वा कुशलमव्यग्रं वैदेहो मिथिलाधिपः । कौशिकानुमते वाक्यं भवन्तमिदमब्रवीत् ॥ ६ ॥
“Having asked after your well-being, the Videha king, lord of Mithila, with Kaushika’s consent, said these words to you:
“आपका कुशल पूछकर, कौशिक की अनुमति से, विदेहराज, मिथिलापति ने आपसे ये वचन कहे हैं:
CommentaryNot scripture The message is sent “with Kaushika’s consent”. Vishvamitra is the bridge between the two houses.
Scene 1 of 2 · Janaka’s dust-covered messengers kneel before old King Dasharatha with the news: Rama has broken Shiva’s bow.
पूर्वं प्रतिज्ञा विदिता वीर्यशुल्का ममात्मजा । राजानश्च कृतामर्षा निर्वीर्या विमुखीकृताः ॥ ७ ॥
“’My earlier promise is known, that my daughter is to be won by valour, and kings, angered and without valour, were turned away.
“’मेरी पहले की प्रतिज्ञा ज्ञात है, कि मेरी पुत्री पराक्रम से जीती जाएगी, और क्रोधित, पराक्रमहीन राजा लौटा दिए गए।
CommentaryNot scripture Janaka recalls his vow: his daughter is won by valour, and unworthy kings were turned away.
Scene 1 of 2 · Janaka’s dust-covered messengers kneel before old King Dasharatha with the news: Rama has broken Shiva’s bow.
सेयं मम सुता राजन् विश्वामित्रपुरस्कृतैः । यदृच्छयागतै राजन् निर्जिता तव पुत्रकैः ॥ ८ ॥
“’This daughter of mine, king, has been won by your sons, who came by chance with Vishvamitra before them.
“’राजन, मेरी यह पुत्री आपके पुत्रों ने जीत ली है, जो संयोग से विश्वामित्र को आगे करके आए।
CommentaryNot scripture “Your sons came by chance with Vishvamitra.” What looked like chance was destiny. Dasharatha’s fear has turned into fortune.
Scene 1 of 2 · Janaka’s dust-covered messengers kneel before old King Dasharatha with the news: Rama has broken Shiva’s bow.
तच्च रत्नं धनुर्दिव्यं मध्ये भग्नं महात्मना । रामेण हि महाबाहो महत्यां जनसंसदि ॥ ९ ॥
“’For that jewel of a divine bow was broken in the middle by great-souled Rama, mighty-armed one, in a great assembly of people.
“’क्योंकि महाबाहु, महात्मा राम ने लोगों की एक बड़ी सभा में उस रत्न जैसे दिव्य धनुष को बीच से तोड़ दिया।
CommentaryNot scripture “Rama broke the divine bow in a great assembly.” Before many witnesses. There is no doubt of it.
Scene 1 of 2 · Janaka’s dust-covered messengers kneel before old King Dasharatha with the news: Rama has broken Shiva’s bow.
अस्मै देया मया सीता वीर्यशुल्का महात्मने । प्रतिज्ञां तर्तुमिच्छामि तदनुज्ञातुमर्हसि ॥ १० ॥
“’To this great soul I must give Sita, whose price was valour. I wish to fulfil my promise; please give your consent.
“’जिसका शुल्क पराक्रम था, वह सीता मुझे इन महात्मा को देनी है। मैं अपनी प्रतिज्ञा पूरी करना चाहता हूँ; कृपया अपनी अनुमति दीजिए।
CommentaryNot scripture “I wish to fulfil my promise; please consent.” Janaka asks Dasharatha’s permission. Even a king who set the condition seeks the groom’s father’s blessing.
Scene 1 of 2 · Janaka’s dust-covered messengers kneel before old King Dasharatha with the news: Rama has broken Shiva’s bow.
सोपाध्यायो महाराज पुरोहितपुरस्कृतः । शीघ्रमागच्छ भद्रं ते द्रष्टुमर्हसि राघवौ ॥ ११ ॥
“’Come quickly, great king, with your teachers and with your family priest before you, bless you; you should see the two Raghavas.
“’महाराज, अपने गुरुओं के साथ और अपने कुलपुरोहित को आगे करके जल्दी आइए, आपका कल्याण हो; आपको दोनों राघवों को देखना चाहिए।
CommentaryNot scripture “Come quickly with your teachers and priest.” The wedding needs both families and their priests.
Scene 1 of 2 · Janaka’s dust-covered messengers kneel before old King Dasharatha with the news: Rama has broken Shiva’s bow.
प्रतिज्ञां मम राजेन्द्र निर्वर्तयितुमर्हसि । पुत्रयोरुभयोरेव प्रीतिं त्वमुपलप्स्यसे ॥ १२ ॥
“’Please help me fulfil my promise, lord of kings. You will receive joy in both your sons.’”
“’राजाधिराज, मेरी प्रतिज्ञा पूरी करने में मेरी सहायता कीजिए। आपको अपने दोनों पुत्रों से आनंद मिलेगा।’”
CommentaryNot scripture “You will receive joy in both your sons.” Janaka already hints that Lakshmana too will be married. Two sons, double joy.
Scene 1 of 2 · Janaka’s dust-covered messengers kneel before old King Dasharatha with the news: Rama has broken Shiva’s bow.
एवं विदेहाधिपतिर्मधुरं वाक्यमब्रवीत् । विश्वामित्राभ्यनुज्ञातः शतानन्दमते स्थितः ॥ १३ ॥
So the lord of Videha spoke sweet words, with Vishvamitra’s permission, and following Shatananda’s counsel.
इस प्रकार विदेह के स्वामी ने विश्वामित्र की अनुमति से, और शतानंद की सलाह मानकर, मधुर वचन कहे।
CommentaryNot scripture The message was shaped with Vishvamitra’s permission and Shatananda’s advice. Every step is done with counsel.
Scene 1 of 2 · Janaka’s dust-covered messengers kneel before old King Dasharatha with the news: Rama has broken Shiva’s bow.
दूतवाक्यं तु तच्छ्रुत्वा राजा परमहर्षितः । वसिष्ठं वामदेवं च मन्त्रिणश्चैवमब्रवीत् ॥ १४ ॥
Hearing the messengers’ words, the king, overjoyed, said to Vasishtha and Vamadeva and to his ministers:
दूतों के वचन सुनकर अत्यंत प्रसन्न राजा ने वसिष्ठ और वामदेव से और अपने मंत्रियों से कहा:
CommentaryNot scripture Dasharatha is “overjoyed” and turns at once to Vasishtha, Vamadeva and his ministers. Even in joy, he consults.
Scene 2 of 2 · Overjoyed, Dasharatha tells Vasishtha and his ministers, and Ayodhya prepares to leave for Mithila at dawn.
गुप्तः कुशिकपुत्रेण कौसल्यानन्दवर्धनः । लक्ष्मणेन सह भ्रात्रा विदेहेषु वसत्यसौ ॥ १५ ॥
“Guarded by the son of Kushika, Kausalya’s joy is living among the Videhas with his brother Lakshmana.
“कुशिक-पुत्र से रक्षित, कौसल्या का आनंद अपने भाई लक्ष्मण के साथ विदेहों में रह रहा है।
CommentaryNot scripture “Kausalya’s joy” (kausalya-anandavardhana ), his name for Rama. The father’s first thought is of the mother’s joy.
Scene 2 of 2 · Overjoyed, Dasharatha tells Vasishtha and his ministers, and Ayodhya prepares to leave for Mithila at dawn.
दृष्टवीर्यस्तु काकुत्स्थो जनकेन महात्मना । सम्प्रदानं सुतायास्तु राघवे कर्तुमिच्छति ॥ १६ ॥
“Great-souled Janaka has seen Kakutstha’s valour and wishes to give his daughter to Raghava.
“महात्मा जनक ने काकुत्स्थ का पराक्रम देखा है और अपनी पुत्री राघव को देना चाहते हैं।
CommentaryNot scripture Janaka has seen Rama’s valour. The father hears that his son, whom he thought too young to fight, has done what no king could.
Scene 2 of 2 · Overjoyed, Dasharatha tells Vasishtha and his ministers, and Ayodhya prepares to leave for Mithila at dawn.
यदि वो रोचते वृत्तं जनकस्य महात्मनः । पुरीं गच्छामहे शीघ्रं मा भूत् कालस्य पर्ययः ॥ १७ ॥
“If great-souled Janaka’s proposal pleases you, let us go quickly to the city; let no time be lost.”
“यदि महात्मा जनक का प्रस्ताव आपको अच्छा लगे, तो हम जल्दी उस नगरी चलें; समय नष्ट न हो।”
CommentaryNot scripture “If it pleases you, let us go quickly.” He still asks his counsellors. But “let no time be lost” shows his eagerness.
Scene 2 of 2 · Overjoyed, Dasharatha tells Vasishtha and his ministers, and Ayodhya prepares to leave for Mithila at dawn.
मन्त्रिणो बाढमित्याहुः सह सर्वैर्महर्षिभिः । सुप्रीतश्चाब्रवीद् राजा श्वो यात्रेति च मन्त्रिणः ॥ १८ ॥
The ministers, with all the great sages, said “Very well,” and the king, well pleased, told the ministers: “We leave tomorrow.”
सब महर्षियों सहित मंत्रियों ने कहा “बहुत अच्छा,” और अत्यंत प्रसन्न राजा ने मंत्रियों से कहा: “हम कल चलेंगे।”
CommentaryNot scripture All agree. “We leave tomorrow.”
Scene 2 of 2 · Overjoyed, Dasharatha tells Vasishtha and his ministers, and Ayodhya prepares to leave for Mithila at dawn.
मन्त्रिणस्तु नरेन्द्रस्य रात्रिं परमसत्कृताः । ऊषुः प्रमुदिताः सर्वे गुणैः सर्वैः समन्विताः ॥ १९ ॥
And the ministers of the king of men, endowed with every virtue, highly honoured, spent the night joyfully.
और मनुष्यों के स्वामी के सब गुणों से संपन्न, अत्यंत सम्मानित मंत्रियों ने वह रात आनंद से बिताई।
CommentaryNot scripture The ministers spend a joyful night. For the first time since Vishvamitra took Rama away, Ayodhya sleeps in happiness.
Scene 2 of 2 · Overjoyed, Dasharatha tells Vasishtha and his ministers, and Ayodhya prepares to leave for Mithila at dawn.
