Bala Kanda · Sarga 72 of 77 · 25 verses
Four Brides for Four Brothers
Vishvamitra, with Vasishtha, answers Janaka: the lines of the Ikshvakus and the Videhas are beyond compare, and the matches of Rama with Sita and Lakshmana with Urmila are fitting in dharma and in beauty. Then he adds a proposal: Janaka’s younger brother Kushadhvaja has two daughters of matchless beauty; let them be given to Bharata and the wise Shatrughna, so that the bond between the two houses is complete. Janaka, palms joined, agrees joyfully: Kushadhvaja’s daughters will marry Bharata and Shatrughna, and all four princes will take the hands of the four princesses on a single day, under Uttara Phalguni, whose deity is Bhaga, praised by the wise for weddings.
Janaka rises and says to the two sages: “You have done me the highest dharma; I am your disciple. Ayodhya is as much mine as Dasharatha’s; command as you see fit.” Dasharatha, delighted, thanks the two brothers of Mithila and takes leave to perform the rites for the ancestors. Back in his lodging he performs the shraddha, and at dawn the godana: for each son he gives a hundred thousand cows to brahmanas, with gilded horns, calves and bronze milking pails, four hundred thousand in all, and much other wealth. Surrounded by his four sons, he shines like Prajapati among the guardians of the world.
Press › to begin with verse 1.
तमुक्तवन्तं वैदेहं विश्वामित्रो महामुनिः । उवाच वचनं वीरं वसिष्ठसहितो नृपम् ॥ १ ॥
When the Videha king had spoken so, the great sage Vishvamitra, together with Vasishtha, spoke to the heroic king:
विदेहराज के ऐसा कहने पर महामुनि विश्वामित्र ने वसिष्ठ के साथ मिलकर वीर राजा से कहा:
Commentary on the whole sarga
Four Brides for Four Brothers 1 min read.
Read the commentary CommentaryNot scripture Vishvamitra and Vasishtha speak together, the two old rivals united as matchmakers. The friendship won in sarga 65 now serves a wedding.
Scene 1 of 2 · Vishvamitra and Vasishtha ask for Kushadhvaja’s daughters too: four brides for the four brothers.
अचिन्त्यान्यप्रमेयाणि कुलानि नरपुंगव । इक्ष्वाकूणां विदेहानां नैषां तुल्योऽस्ति कश्चन ॥ २ ॥
“Beyond thought and beyond measure are the lines of the Ikshvakus and the Videhas, bull among men; none is equal to them.
“पुरुषश्रेष्ठ, इक्ष्वाकुओं और विदेहों के वंश अचिंत्य और अपार हैं; कोई उनके बराबर नहीं।
CommentaryNot scripture “Beyond thought are the lines of the Ikshvakus and Videhas.” Both families are honoured equally.
Scene 1 of 2 · Vishvamitra and Vasishtha ask for Kushadhvaja’s daughters too: four brides for the four brothers.
सदृशो धर्मसम्बन्धः सदृशो रूपसम्पदा । रामलक्ष्मणयो राजन् सीता चोर्मिलया सह ॥ ३ ॥
“Fitting is this alliance in dharma, and fitting in wealth of beauty: Rama and Lakshmana, king, with Sita and Urmila.
“राजन, यह संबंध धर्म में भी उचित है और रूप की संपदा में भी: सीता और ऊर्मिला के साथ राम और लक्ष्मण।
CommentaryNot scripture “Fitting in dharma and in beauty.” A good marriage, in this world, matches both character and grace.
Scene 1 of 2 · Vishvamitra and Vasishtha ask for Kushadhvaja’s daughters too: four brides for the four brothers.
वक्तव्यं च नरश्रेष्ठ श्रूयतां वचनं मम । भ्राता यवीयान् धर्मज्ञ एष राजा कुशध्वजः ॥ ४ ॥
“And something must be said, best of men; hear my words. This King Kushadhvaja is your younger brother, knower of dharma.
“और पुरुषश्रेष्ठ, कुछ और कहना है; मेरी बात सुनिए। ये राजा कुशध्वज आपके छोटे भाई हैं, धर्म के ज्ञाता।
CommentaryNot scripture “Something more must be said.” Vishvamitra has a further idea.
Scene 1 of 2 · Vishvamitra and Vasishtha ask for Kushadhvaja’s daughters too: four brides for the four brothers.
अस्य धर्मात्मनो राजन् रूपेणाप्रतिमं भुवि । सुताद्वयं नरश्रेष्ठ पत्न्यर्थं वरयामहे ॥ ५ ॥
“Of this righteous king, best of men, we ask for the two daughters, unmatched in beauty on earth, as wives.
“पुरुषश्रेष्ठ, इन धर्मात्मा राजा की पृथ्वी पर अनुपम सौंदर्य वाली दो पुत्रियों को हम पत्नियों के रूप में माँगते हैं।
CommentaryNot scripture He asks for Kushadhvaja’s two daughters as well.
Scene 1 of 2 · Vishvamitra and Vasishtha ask for Kushadhvaja’s daughters too: four brides for the four brothers.
भरतस्य कुमारस्य शत्रुघ्नस्य च धीमतः । वरये ते सुते राजंस्तयोरर्थे महात्मनोः ॥ ६ ॥
“For Prince Bharata and the wise Shatrughna, king, for those two great souls, I ask for your brother’s daughters.
“राजन, राजकुमार भरत और बुद्धिमान शत्रुघ्न, उन दोनों महात्माओं के लिए मैं आपके भाई की पुत्रियाँ माँगता हूँ।
CommentaryNot scripture For Bharata and Shatrughna. Four brothers, four brides. The family that began with a lonely, childless king now celebrates four weddings at once.
Scene 1 of 2 · Vishvamitra and Vasishtha ask for Kushadhvaja’s daughters too: four brides for the four brothers.
पुत्रा दशरथस्येमे रूपयौवनशालिनः । लोकपालसमाः सर्वे देवतुल्यपराक्रमाः ॥ ७ ॥
“These sons of Dasharatha are full of beauty and youth, all like the guardians of the world, of valour equal to the gods.
“दशरथ के ये पुत्र रूप और यौवन से भरे हैं, सब लोकपालों जैसे, देवताओं के समान पराक्रमी।
CommentaryNot scripture “All like the guardians of the world.” The four brothers stand like the four protectors of the directions.
Scene 1 of 2 · Vishvamitra and Vasishtha ask for Kushadhvaja’s daughters too: four brides for the four brothers.
उभयोरपि राजेन्द्र सम्बन्धेनानुबध्यताम् । इक्ष्वाकुकुलमव्यग्रं भवतः पुण्यकर्मणः ॥ ८ ॥
“Lord of kings, let the Ikshvaku line be firmly bound to you, whose deeds are holy, by alliance with both.”
“राजाधिराज, पवित्र कर्मों वाले आपसे दोनों संबंधों द्वारा इक्ष्वाकु वंश दृढ़ता से जुड़ जाए।”
CommentaryNot scripture “Let the Ikshvaku line be firmly bound to you.” Two marriages bind; four bind more firmly.
Scene 1 of 2 · Vishvamitra and Vasishtha ask for Kushadhvaja’s daughters too: four brides for the four brothers.
विश्वामित्रवचः श्रुत्वा वसिष्ठस्य मते तदा । जनकः प्राञ्जलिर्वाक्यमुवाच मुनिपुंगवौ ॥ ९ ॥
Hearing Vishvamitra’s words, in accord with Vasishtha’s view, Janaka, with joined palms, said to the two foremost sages:
विश्वामित्र के वचन सुनकर, वसिष्ठ के मत के अनुसार, जनक ने हाथ जोड़कर दोनों मुनिश्रेष्ठों से कहा:
CommentaryNot scripture Janaka agrees with joined palms.
Scene 1 of 2 · Vishvamitra and Vasishtha ask for Kushadhvaja’s daughters too: four brides for the four brothers.
कुलं धन्यमिदं मन्ये येषां तौ मुनिपुंगवौ । सदृशं कुलसम्बन्धं यदाज्ञापयतः स्वयम् ॥ १० ॥
“I consider this family blessed, since you two foremost sages yourselves command a fitting alliance of families.
“मैं इस कुल को धन्य मानता हूँ, क्योंकि आप दोनों मुनिश्रेष्ठ स्वयं कुलों के उचित संबंध की आज्ञा देते हैं।
CommentaryNot scripture “I consider this family blessed, since you two great sages arrange it.” To have Vishvamitra and Vasishtha as matchmakers is a rare honour.
Scene 1 of 2 · Vishvamitra and Vasishtha ask for Kushadhvaja’s daughters too: four brides for the four brothers.
एवं भवतु भद्रं वः कुशध्वजसुते इमे । पत्न्यौ भजेतां सहितौ शत्रुघ्नभरतावुभौ ॥ ११ ॥
“So be it, bless you. Let these daughters of Kushadhvaja be the wives of Shatrughna and Bharata, both together.
“ऐसा ही हो, आपका कल्याण हो। कुशध्वज की ये पुत्रियाँ शत्रुघ्न और भरत की, दोनों की साथ-साथ, पत्नियाँ हों।
CommentaryNot scripture Kushadhvaja’s daughters, Mandavi and Shrutakirti (named in sarga 73), for Bharata and Shatrughna.
Scene 1 of 2 · Vishvamitra and Vasishtha ask for Kushadhvaja’s daughters too: four brides for the four brothers.
एकाह्ना राजपुत्रीणां चतसॄणां महामुने । पाणीन् गृह्णन्तु चत्वारो राजपुत्रा महाबलाः ॥ १२ ॥
“On a single day, great sage, let the four mighty princes take the hands of the four princesses.
“महामुनि, एक ही दिन चारों बलवान राजकुमार चारों राजकुमारियों का पाणिग्रहण करें।
CommentaryNot scripture “On a single day, the four princes take the hands of the four princesses.” A grand, shared wedding.
Scene 1 of 2 · Vishvamitra and Vasishtha ask for Kushadhvaja’s daughters too: four brides for the four brothers.
उत्तरे दिवसे ब्रह्मन् फल्गुनीभ्यां मनीषिणः । वैवाहिकं प्रशंसन्ति भगो यत्र प्रजापतिः ॥ १३ ॥
“On the next day, brahmana, under the two Phalgunis, whose lord Bhaga is Prajapati, the wise praise a wedding.”
“ब्राह्मण, अगले दिन, दोनों फाल्गुनियों में, जिनके स्वामी भग प्रजापति हैं, विद्वान विवाह की प्रशंसा करते हैं।”
CommentaryNot scripture Under the two Phalguni stars, ruled by Bhaga, god of marital happiness. The timing is chosen for joy.
Scene 1 of 2 · Vishvamitra and Vasishtha ask for Kushadhvaja’s daughters too: four brides for the four brothers.
एवमुक्त्वा वचः सौम्यं प्रत्युत्थाय कृताञ्जलिः । उभौ मुनिवरौ राजा जनको वाक्यमब्रवीत् ॥ १४ ॥
Having spoken these gentle words, King Janaka rose, palms joined, and said to the two best of sages:
ये कोमल वचन कहकर राजा जनक उठे, हाथ जोड़कर दोनों श्रेष्ठ मुनियों से बोले:
CommentaryNot scripture Janaka rises, palms joined, speaking “gentle words”.
Scene 1 of 2 · Vishvamitra and Vasishtha ask for Kushadhvaja’s daughters too: four brides for the four brothers.
परो धर्मः कृतो मह्यं शिष्योऽस्मि भवतोस्तथा । इमान्यासनमुख्यानि आस्यतां मुनिपुंगवौ ॥ १५ ॥
“You have done me the highest dharma; I am your disciple. Here are the best seats; be seated, foremost sages.
“आपने मेरा परम धर्म किया है; मैं आपका शिष्य हूँ। ये श्रेष्ठ आसन हैं; मुनिश्रेष्ठो, बैठिए।
CommentaryNot scripture “I am your disciple.” The king who debated with the great sages of the Upanishads calls himself a student before Vishvamitra and Vasishtha.
Scene 1 of 2 · Vishvamitra and Vasishtha ask for Kushadhvaja’s daughters too: four brides for the four brothers.
यथा दशरथस्येयं तथायोध्या पुरी मम । प्रभुत्वे नास्ति संदेहो यथार्हं कर्तुमर्हथ ॥ १६ ॥
“As this city of Ayodhya is Dasharatha’s, so it is mine. There is no doubt about your authority; do as is fitting.”
“जैसे यह अयोध्या नगरी दशरथ की है, वैसे ही मेरी भी है। आपके अधिकार में कोई संदेह नहीं; जो उचित हो वह कीजिए।”
CommentaryNot scripture “Ayodhya is mine as Mithila is Dasharatha’s.” Two kingdoms become one family.
Scene 1 of 2 · Vishvamitra and Vasishtha ask for Kushadhvaja’s daughters too: four brides for the four brothers.
तथा ब्रुवति वैदेहे जनके रघुनन्दनः । राजा दशरथो हृष्टः प्रत्युवाच महीपतिम् ॥ १७ ॥
As Janaka of Videha spoke so, King Dasharatha, delight of the Raghus, delighted, replied to the lord of the earth:
विदेह के जनक के ऐसा कहने पर रघुनंदन राजा दशरथ ने प्रसन्न होकर पृथ्वीपति को उत्तर दिया:
CommentaryNot scripture Dasharatha replies, delighted.
Scene 2 of 2 · At dawn Dasharatha gives four hundred thousand gilded-horned cows to the brahmanas, his four sons around him.
युवामसंख्येयगुणौ भ्रातरौ मिथिलेश्वरौ । ऋषयो राजसङ्घाश्च भवद्भ्यामभिपूजिताः ॥ १८ ॥
“You two brothers, lords of Mithila, have countless virtues; the sages and the hosts of kings have been honoured by you.
“आप दोनों भाई, मिथिला के स्वामी, अनगिनत गुणों वाले हैं; आपने मुनियों और राजाओं के समूहों का सम्मान किया है।
CommentaryNot scripture “You two brothers have countless virtues.” He praises Janaka and Kushadhvaja together.
Scene 2 of 2 · At dawn Dasharatha gives four hundred thousand gilded-horned cows to the brahmanas, his four sons around him.
स्वस्ति प्राप्नुहि भद्रं ते गमिष्यामः स्वमालयम् । श्राद्धकर्माणि विधिवद्विधास्य इति चाब्रवीत् ॥ १९ ॥
“Be well, bless you; we will go to our lodging. I will perform the shraddha rites according to rule.” So he said.
“कुशल रहिए, आपका कल्याण हो; हम अपने निवास जाएँगे। मैं विधि से श्राद्ध कर्म करूँगा।” ऐसा उन्होंने कहा।
CommentaryNot scripture He will now perform the shraddha , the rites for ancestors. Before a wedding, the ancestors are honoured and asked to bless the new generation.
Scene 2 of 2 · At dawn Dasharatha gives four hundred thousand gilded-horned cows to the brahmanas, his four sons around him.
तमापृष्ट्वा नरपतिं राजा दशरथस्तदा । मुनीन्द्रौ तौ पुरस्कृत्य जगामाशु महायशाः ॥ २० ॥
Taking leave of the lord of men, King Dasharatha, greatly renowned, quickly went with the two foremost sages before him.
मनुष्यों के स्वामी से विदा लेकर महायशस्वी राजा दशरथ दोनों मुनिश्रेष्ठों को आगे करके जल्दी चले गए।
CommentaryNot scripture He returns to his lodging with the two sages before him.
Scene 2 of 2 · At dawn Dasharatha gives four hundred thousand gilded-horned cows to the brahmanas, his four sons around him.
स गत्वा निलयं राजा श्राद्धं कृत्वा विधानतः । प्रभाते काल्यमुत्थाय चक्रे गोदानमुत्तमम् ॥ २१ ॥
The king went to his lodging, performed the shraddha according to rule, and rising early at dawn performed the excellent godana.
राजा अपने निवास गए, विधि से श्राद्ध किया, और सवेरे जल्दी उठकर उत्तम गोदान किया।
CommentaryNot scripture The shraddha, then at dawn the godana , the gift of cows for his sons’ coming of age.
Scene 2 of 2 · At dawn Dasharatha gives four hundred thousand gilded-horned cows to the brahmanas, his four sons around him.
गवां शतसहस्रं च ब्राह्मणेभ्यो नराधिपः । एकैकशो ददौ राजा पुत्रानुद्दिश्य धर्मतः ॥ २२ ॥
For each of his sons, the lord of men gave by dharma a hundred thousand cows to brahmanas.
मनुष्यों के स्वामी ने अपने हर पुत्र के लिए धर्म से एक लाख गायें ब्राह्मणों को दीं।
CommentaryNot scripture A hundred thousand cows for each son.
Scene 2 of 2 · At dawn Dasharatha gives four hundred thousand gilded-horned cows to the brahmanas, his four sons around him.
सुवर्णशृङ्ग्यः सम्पन्नाः सवत्साः कांस्यदोहनाः । गवां शतसहस्राणि चत्वारि पुरुषर्षभः ॥ २३ ॥
With gilded horns, well-fed, with calves and with bronze milking pails: four hundred thousand cows did the bull among men give.
सोने से मढ़े सींगों वाली, अच्छी तरह पली, बछड़ों और काँसे की दूध की बाल्टियों सहित: पुरुषश्रेष्ठ ने चार लाख गायें दीं।
CommentaryNot scripture Gilded horns, calves, bronze milk pails: four hundred thousand cows in all. The generosity of a father whose dearest wish has come true.
Scene 2 of 2 · At dawn Dasharatha gives four hundred thousand gilded-horned cows to the brahmanas, his four sons around him.
वित्तमन्यच्च सुबहु द्विजेभ्यो रघुनन्दनः । ददौ गोदानमुद्दिश्य पुत्राणां पुत्रवत्सलः ॥ २४ ॥
And much other wealth the delight of the Raghus, loving his sons, gave to the brahmanas, on account of the godana for his sons.
और पुत्रों से प्रेम करने वाले रघुनंदन ने पुत्रों के गोदान के कारण ब्राह्मणों को बहुत-सा दूसरा धन भी दिया।
CommentaryNot scripture And more wealth besides, “loving his sons”. Valmiki names the reason: love.
Scene 2 of 2 · At dawn Dasharatha gives four hundred thousand gilded-horned cows to the brahmanas, his four sons around him.
स सुतैः कृतगोदानैर्वृतः सन्नृपतिस्तदा । लोकपालैरिवाभाति वृतः सौम्यः प्रजापतिः ॥ २५ ॥
Surrounded by his sons, their godana performed, the king shone like the gentle Prajapati surrounded by the guardians of the world.
गोदान किए हुए अपने पुत्रों से घिरे राजा ऐसे शोभा पाने लगे जैसे लोकपालों से घिरे सौम्य प्रजापति।
CommentaryNot scripture Dasharatha among his four sons “like Prajapati among the guardians of the world”. The image recalls sarga 18, when he first rejoiced in his sons. Now he rejoices in them again, on the eve of their weddings.
Scene 2 of 2 · At dawn Dasharatha gives four hundred thousand gilded-horned cows to the brahmanas, his four sons around him.
