Yuddha Kanda · Sarga 128 of 128 · 125 verses
Rama’s Coronation
Placing his joined palms on his head, Bharata, increaser of Kaikeyi’s joy, says to his elder brother Rama: my mother was honoured, and this kingdom was given to me; I give it back to you as you gave it to me. Like a young bullock under the yoke a strong bull has carried alone, I cannot bear this heavy load. Like a dike breached by a great flood, this open breach in the kingdom is hard to close. As a donkey cannot follow a horse’s gait, or a crow a swan’s, I cannot follow your path, hero. As a tree planted inside a house grows great, hard to climb, with huge trunk and many branches, yet, having flowered, withers without bearing fruit, and the one who planted it never enjoys what it was planted for: that is the comparison, mighty-armed one; understand its meaning, if you, our master, do not rule us, your servants. Let the world see you consecrated today, Raghava, blazing like the midday sun; wake and sleep to the sound of music, anklets and girdles and sweet songs; rule the world as long as the wheel turns and the earth lasts. Rama, conqueror of enemy cities, accepts and sits on a fine seat. At Shatrughna’s word skilful barbers surround him; Bharata, mighty Lakshmana, Sugriva and Vibhishana bathe first; then Rama, his matted hair untangled, bathed, with bright garlands and ointments, in costly clothes, stands blazing with splendour. Bharata himself has Rama adorned, and Lakshmana; all the wives of Dasharatha themselves adorn Sita beautifully; and Kausalya, loving her sons, joyfully adorns all the monkey wives. At Shatrughna’s order the charioteer Sumantra brings a chariot lovely in every part, bright as fire and sun; mighty-armed Rama mounts it. Sugriva and Hanuman, bathed, in heavenly clothes and fine earrings, go along, radiant as great Indra; Sugriva’s wives and Sita, adorned, eager to see the city, go too. In Ayodhya King Dasharatha’s ministers, Ashoka, Vijaya and Siddhartha, with the family priest, consult attentively for Rama’s rise and the city’s prosperity: do everything auspicious for the consecration of the great, victory-worthy Rama. The ministers and the priest go out of the city to see Rama. Rama rides to the finest of cities like sinless thousand-eyed Indra in his chariot of bay horses; Bharata takes the reins, Shatrughna the umbrella, Lakshmana fans him; Vibhishana holds one white yak-tail fan bright as the moon; the hosts of sages, gods and Maruts in the sky praise Rama, and their sweet sound is heard. Sugriva rides the mountain-like elephant Shatrunjaya, and the monkeys, in human form and adorned, ride nine thousand elephants. To the sound of conches and drums the tiger among men goes to the city garlanded with mansions; the people see Raghava coming with his escort, shining in his chariot, and, honoured by him, follow the great soul surrounded by his brothers. Surrounded by ministers, brahmins and subjects, Rama shines like the moon among the stars, preceded by musicians with cymbals and auspicious emblems, by unbroken grain, gold, cows, maidens, brahmins and men carrying sweets. Rama tells the ministers of his friendship with Sugriva, the power of the son of the Wind and the deeds of the monkeys, the might of the rakshasas and his alliance with Vibhishana, and the people of Ayodhya are amazed. Then he enters Ayodhya, crowded with joyful, prosperous people; the citizens raise banners on every house, and he reaches his father’s lovely palace, home of the Ikshvakus. There Rama tells Bharata, best of the righteous: having entered our great father’s house and saluted Kausalya, Sumitra and Kaikeyi, give Sugriva my own fine, great house with its Ashoka grove, full of pearls and beryl. Bharata takes Sugriva by the hand into that house; servants hurry in with oil lamps, couches and coverings at Shatrughna’s word. Raghava’s radiant younger brother says to Sugriva: send messengers, lord, for Rama’s consecration. Sugriva quickly gives four gold pots set with every jewel to four monkey lords: by dawn, monkeys, wait with pots full of the waters of the four oceans. The great monkeys, like elephants, leap into the sky as swift as Garudas; Jambavan, Hanuman, Vegadarshi and Rishabha bring pots full of the water of five hundred rivers; strong Sushena brings a jewelled pot full of water from the eastern ocean; Rishabha quickly brings water from the southern ocean in a golden pot covered with red sandal and camphor; Gavaya brings cool water from the great western ocean in a great jewelled pot; and righteous Anila, swift as Garuda and the wind, brings water from the northern. Seeing the water brought, Shatrughna and the ministers announce it to the chief priest and the friends.
Then old Vasishtha, purified, with the brahmins, seats Rama with Sita on a jewelled throne, and Vasishtha, Vamadeva, Jabali, Kashyapa, Katyayana, Suyajna, Gautama and Vijaya consecrate the tiger among men with clear, fragrant water, as the Vasus consecrated thousand-eyed Vasava; first the priests and brahmins, then maidens, ministers, warriors and merchants, all overjoyed, consecrate him, and the gods standing in the sky with the juices of all herbs, the four world guardians and all the gods together. In the assembly hall built of gold, adorned with riches and many lovely jewels, on a jewelled throne arranged by rule, great Vasishtha and the priests adorn Raghava with ornaments and with the jewelled crown made by Brahma long ago, with which Manu of blazing splendour was first consecrated and after him the kings of his line in order. Shatrughna holds the white umbrella, Sugriva the white yak-tail fan and Vibhishana the other, bright as the moon. Urged by Vasava, the Wind gives Raghava a golden garland of a hundred lotuses, blazing with splendour, and, urged by Shakra, a necklace of pearls set with every jewel. Gods and gandharvas sing and apsarases dance at the consecration of wise Rama; at Raghava’s festival the earth is full of crops, the trees of fruit and the flowers of fragrance. The bull among men first gives the brahmins a hundred thousand horses and as many milch cows and a hundred bulls, then thirty crores of gold and costly ornaments and clothes. To Sugriva he gives a heavenly golden garland set with gems, bright as the sun’s rays; to Angada, son of Vali, two armlets inlaid with beryl and adorned with moon-bright gems; to Sita a matchless pearl necklace with the finest gems, bright as moonbeams, spotless heavenly clothes and lovely ornaments. Looking at it, the Vaidehi takes the necklace from her own neck and looks again and again at all the monkeys and at her husband; understanding her look, Rama says to her: give the necklace, fortunate one, to whom you are pleased with, lovely one, in whom splendour, steadfastness, fame, skill, ability, humility, policy, manliness, valour and wisdom always dwell. Dark-eyed Sita gives the necklace to the son of the Wind, and Hanuman, bull among monkeys, shines with it like a mountain with a white cloud bright as moonbeams. All the elder monkeys and other best monkeys are honoured with clothes and ornaments as they deserve; Vibhishana, Sugriva, Hanuman, Jambavan and all the chief monkeys, honoured fittingly by Rama of untiring deeds with gifts and abundant jewels, go home joyfully as they came. The king gives Dvivida, Mainda and Nila everything they could desire; dismissed, the great bulls among monkeys return to Kishkindha. Sugriva, having seen Rama’s consecration and been honoured by him, enters Kishkindha; and righteous, famous Vibhishana, having received his family’s wealth, goes to Lanka with the nairrita chiefs.
Ruling the whole kingdom, his enemies slain, famous, supremely generous, Raghava governs with the greatest joy. Righteous Rama says to Lakshmana, knower of dharma: stand with me, knower of dharma, over this earth, held by former kings with strength; bear the yoke as heir apparent, held by our fathers, as my equal. When Saumitri, though entreated with all his heart, will not accept appointment as heir apparent, the great soul consecrates Bharata. The prince sacrifices again and again with the Paundarika, the horse sacrifice and the Vajapeya and many other sacrifices; having ruled for ten thousand years, Raghava performs a hundred horse sacrifices with fine horses and rich gifts. With arms reaching to his knees, broad-chested and powerful, Rama, with Lakshmana at his side, rules the earth; righteous Raghava, having won the unsurpassed kingdom, sacrifices with many rites with his friends, relatives and kin. While Rama rules there are no widows lamenting, no fear of beasts of prey or of disease; the world is free of robbers; no one meets misfortune; the old never perform funeral rites for the young; everyone is happy and devoted to dharma; looking only to Rama, people do not harm one another. While Rama rules, people live for thousands of years with thousands of sons, free of disease and grief. “Rama, Rama, Rama” is all the people talk of; the world becomes Rama while Rama rules. The trees there have lasting roots and fruits and are always in flower; the rain-god rains when wished, and the wind’s touch is pleasant. Brahmins, kshatriyas, vaishyas and shudras, free from greed, follow their own work, content with it; while Rama rules, the people are devoted to dharma and do not lie; all are endowed with good marks, all devoted to dharma. For ten thousand years and ten hundred years glorious Rama rules with his brothers.
This first poem, the work of a seer, made long ago by Valmiki, brings dharma, fame and long life, and victory to kings. Whoever hears it always is freed from sin; hearing of Rama’s consecration, one who wants sons gains sons and one who wants wealth gains wealth; a king conquers the earth and overcomes his enemies. As Kausalya rejoiced in Raghava, Sumitra in Lakshmana and Kaikeyi in Bharata, so women will rejoice in living sons and always be happy with sons and grandsons; hearing this Ramayana, one gains long life. Whoever, with faith and anger conquered, hears this whole poem of the victory of Rama of untiring deeds, made by Valmiki long ago, crosses beyond all difficulties; those who hear it are reunited with their kin at the end of their journeys and rejoice; they gain from Raghava all the boons they pray for. By its hearing all the gods are pleased with those who listen; obstacles are quieted in the house where it is kept; a king conquers the earth, a traveller fares well, and women in their season, hearing it, bear excellent sons. One who honours and reads this ancient history is freed from all sins and gains long life; kshatriyas should always hear it from a brahmin, bowing their heads; wealth and the birth of sons will follow, without doubt. Rama is always pleased with one who hears and reads this whole Ramayana, for he is the eternal Vishnu, the first god, mighty-armed Hari, Narayana the lord; Rama, best of the Raghus, is he himself, and Lakshmana is called Shesha. So this ancient tale has been told: blessings on you; recite it with confidence; may the strength of Vishnu increase. All the gods are pleased by its learning and hearing; at the hearing of the Ramayana the ancestors are always satisfied; those who copy out this samhita made by the seer, out of devotion to Rama, dwell in heaven. Hearing this auspicious poem of great meaning, one gains growth of family, wealth and grain, the finest women and the highest happiness, and every success on earth. Bringing long life, health, fame, brotherly love, wisdom and good fortune, this tale should be heard regularly by the good who desire strength and prosperity.
Press › to begin with verse 1.
शिरस्यञ्जलिमाधाय कैकेय्यानन्दवर्धनः । बभाषे भरतो ज्येष्ठं रामं सत्यपराक्रमम् ॥ १ ॥
Placing his joined palms on his head, Bharata, increaser of Kaikeyi’s joy, spoke to his eldest brother Rama of true valour:
Commentary on the whole sarga
Rama’s Coronation 1 min read.
Read the commentary
पूजिता मामिका माता दत्तं राज्यमिदं मम । तद् ददामि पुनस्तुभ्यं यथा त्वमददा मम ॥ २ ॥
“My mother was honoured, and this kingdom was given to me; that I give back to you again, as you gave it to me.
धुरमेकाकिना न्यस्तां वृषभेण बलीयसा । किशोरवद् गुरुं भारं न वोढुमहमुत्सहे ॥ ३ ॥
“A yoke that has been placed alone on a very strong bull, like a young bullock, I am not able to carry, this heavy load.
वारिवेगेन महता भिन्नः सेतुरिव क्षरन् । दुर्बन्धनमिदं मन्ये राज्यच्छिद्रमसंवृतम् ॥ ४ ॥
“Like a dike breached by a great rush of water, leaking, I think this open breach in the kingdom is hard to close.
गतिं खर इवाश्वस्य हंसस्येव च वायसः । नान्वेतुमुत्सहे वीर तव मार्गमरिंदम ॥ ५ ॥
“As a donkey cannot follow a horse’s gait, or a crow a swan’s, I cannot follow your path, hero, tamer of enemies.
यथा चारोपितो वृक्षो जातश्चान्तर्निवेशने । महानपि दुरारोहो महास्कन्धः प्रशाखवान् ॥ ६ ॥
“And as a tree planted and grown inside a dwelling, great, hard to climb, with a great trunk and many branches,
शीर्येत पुष्पितो भूत्वा न फलानि प्रदर्शयन् । तस्य नानुभवेदर्थं यस्य हेतोः स रोपितः ॥ ७ ॥
“having flowered, may wither without showing fruits; he for whose sake it was planted would not enjoy its purpose:
एषोपमा महाबाहो त्वमर्थं वेत्तुमर्हसि । यद्यस्मान् मनुजेन्द्र त्वं भर्ता भृत्यान् न शाधि हि ॥ ८ ॥
“this is the comparison, mighty-armed one; you should understand its meaning, if you, lord of men, our master, do not rule us, your servants.
जगदद्याभिषिक्तं त्वामनुपश्यतु राघव । प्रतपन्तमिवादित्यं मध्याह्ने दीप्ततेजसम् ॥ ९ ॥
“Let the world see you consecrated today, Raghava, blazing in splendour like the sun burning at midday.
तूर्यसंघातनिर्घोषैः काञ्चीनूपुरनिःस्वनैः । मधुरैर्गीतशब्दैश्च प्रतिबुध्यस्व शेष्व च ॥ १० ॥
“With the sounds of hosts of instruments, with the jingling of girdles and anklets, and with sweet sounds of songs, wake and sleep.
यावदावर्तते चक्रं यावती च वसुंधरा । तावत् त्वमिह लोकस्य स्वामित्वमनुवर्तय ॥ ११ ॥
“As long as the wheel turns and as far as the earth extends, so long continue the lordship of the world here.”
भरतस्य वचः श्रुत्वा रामः परपुरञ्जयः । तथेति प्रतिजग्राह निषसादासने शुभे ॥ १२ ॥
Hearing Bharata’s words, Rama, conqueror of enemy cities, accepted, saying “So be it”, and sat on a fine seat.
ततः शत्रुघ्नवचनान्निपुणाः श्मश्रुवर्धनाः । सुखहस्ताः सुशीघ्राश्च राघवं पर्यवारयन् ॥ १३ ॥
Then, at Shatrughna’s word, skilful barbers, with pleasant hands and very quick, surrounded Raghava.
पूर्वं तु भरते स्नाते लक्ष्मणे च महाबले । सुग्रीवे वानरेन्द्रे च राक्षसेन्द्रे विभीषणे ॥ १४ ॥
First, when Bharata had bathed, and very mighty Lakshmana, and Sugriva, lord of the monkeys, and Vibhishana, lord of the rakshasas,
विशोधितजटः स्नातश्चित्रमाल्यानुलेपनः । महार्हवसनोपेतस्तस्थौ तत्र श्रिया ज्वलन् ॥ १५ ॥
his matted hair untangled, bathed, with bright garlands and ointments, wearing very costly clothes, he stood there blazing with splendour.
प्रतिकर्म च रामस्य कारयामास वीर्यवान् । लक्ष्मणस्य च लक्ष्मीवानिक्ष्वाकुकुलवर्धनः ॥ १६ ॥
And the valiant, glorious increaser of the Ikshvaku family had the adornment of Rama done, and of Lakshmana.
प्रतिकर्म च सीतायाः सर्वा दशरथस्त्रियः । आत्मनैव तदा चक्रुर्मनस्विन्यो मनोहरम् ॥ १७ ॥
And all the wives of Dasharatha, noble-minded, did Sita’s adornment themselves then, charmingly.
ततो वानरपत्नीनां सर्वासामेव शोभनम् । चकार यत्नात् कौसल्या प्रहृष्टा पुत्रवत्सला ॥ १८ ॥
Then Kausalya, delighted, loving to her sons, carefully made the adornment of all the monkey wives.
ततः शत्रुघ्नवचनात् सुमन्त्रो नाम सारथिः । योजयित्वाभिचक्राम रथं सर्वाङ्गशोभनम् ॥ १९ ॥
Then, at Shatrughna’s word, the charioteer named Sumantra, having yoked it, brought up a chariot lovely in every part.
अग्न्यर्कामलसंकाशं दिव्यं दृष्ट्वा रथं स्थितम् । आरुरोह महाबाहू रामः परपुरंजयः ॥ २० ॥
Seeing the heavenly chariot standing there, spotless and bright as fire and sun, mighty-armed Rama, conqueror of enemy cities, mounted it.
सुग्रीवो हनुमांश्चैव महेन्द्रसदृशद्युती । स्नातौ दिव्यनिभैर्वस्त्रैर्जग्मतुः शुभकुण्डलौ ॥ २१ ॥
Sugriva and Hanuman, with radiance like great Indra’s, bathed, with heavenly-looking clothes, with lovely earrings, went along.
सर्वाभरणजुष्टाश्च ययुस्ताः शुभकुण्डलाः । सुग्रीवपत्न्यः सीता च द्रष्टुं नगरमुत्सुकाः ॥ २२ ॥
And Sugriva’s wives and Sita, adorned with all ornaments, with lovely earrings, went, eager to see the city.
अयोध्यायां च सचिवा राज्ञो दशरथस्य च । पुरोहितं पुरस्कृत्य मन्त्रयामासुरर्थवत् ॥ २३ ॥
And in Ayodhya the ministers of King Dasharatha, putting the family priest first, consulted to good purpose.
अशोको विजयश्चैव सिद्धार्थश्च समाहिताः । मन्त्रयन् रामवृद्ध्यर्थमृद्ध्यर्थं नगरस्य च ॥ २४ ॥
Ashoka and Vijaya and Siddhartha, attentive, consulted for Rama’s rise and for the prosperity of the city:
सर्वमेवाभिषेकार्थं जयार्हस्य महात्मनः । कर्तुमर्हथ रामस्य यद् यन्मङ्गलपूर्वकम् ॥ २५ ॥
“You must do everything for the consecration of the great-souled Rama, worthy of victory, whatever is preceded by auspicious rites.”
इति ते मन्त्रिणः सर्वे संदिश्य च पुरोहितः । नगरान्निर्ययुस्तूर्णं रामदर्शनबुद्धयः ॥ २६ ॥
So having directed, all those ministers and the family priest went quickly out of the city, minded to see Rama.
हरियुक्तं सहस्राक्षो रथमिन्द्र इवानघः । प्रययौ रथमास्थाय रामो नगरमुत्तमम् ॥ २७ ॥
Like sinless thousand-eyed Indra in his chariot yoked with bay horses, Rama, mounting the chariot, went to the finest city.
जग्राह भरतो रश्मीन् शत्रुघ्नश्छत्रमाददे । लक्ष्मणो व्यजनं तस्य मूर्ध्नि संवीजयंस्तदा ॥ २८ ॥
Bharata took the reins, Shatrughna took the umbrella, and Lakshmana then fanned him on the head with a fan.
श्वेतं च वालव्यजनं जगृहे परितः स्थितः । अपरं चन्द्रसंकाशं राक्षसेन्द्रो विभीषणः ॥ २९ ॥
And one white yak-tail fan, standing around him, Vibhishana, lord of the rakshasas, took, the other, bright as the moon.
ऋषिसङ्घैस्तदाऽऽकाशे देवैश्च समरुद्गणैः । स्तूयमानस्य रामस्य शुश्रुवे मधुरध्वनिः ॥ ३० ॥
Then in the sky the sweet sound of Rama being praised by the hosts of sages and by the gods with the hosts of Maruts was heard.
ततः शत्रुञ्जयं नाम कुञ्जरं पर्वतोपमम् । आरुरोह महातेजाः सुग्रीवः प्लवगर्षभः ॥ ३१ ॥
Then very radiant Sugriva, bull among leapers, mounted an elephant like a mountain named Shatrunjaya.
नव नागसहस्राणि ययुरास्थाय वानराः । मानुषं विग्रहं कृत्वा सर्वाभरणभूषिताः ॥ ३२ ॥
The monkeys went mounted on nine thousand elephants, having taken human form, adorned with all ornaments.
शङ्खशब्दप्रणादैश्च दुन्दुभीनां च निःस्वनैः । प्रययौ पुरुषव्याघ्रस्तां पुरीं हर्म्यमालिनीम् ॥ ३३ ॥
With the blowing of conches and the sounds of drums, the tiger among men went to that city garlanded with mansions.
ददृशुस्ते समायान्तं राघवं सपुरःसरम् । विराजमानं वपुषा रथेनातिरथं तदा ॥ ३४ ॥
They saw Raghava coming then with his escort, shining in form, a great chariot-fighter in his chariot.
ते वर्धयित्वा काकुत्स्थं रामेण प्रतिनन्दिताः । अनुजग्मुर्महात्मानं भ्रातृभिः परिवारितम् ॥ ३५ ॥
Having hailed Kakutstha and been greeted in return by Rama, they followed the great soul, surrounded by his brothers.
अमात्यैर्ब्राह्मणैश्चैव तथा प्रकृतिभिर्वृतः । श्रिया विरुरुचे रामो नक्षत्रैरिव चन्द्रमाः ॥ ३६ ॥
Surrounded by ministers and brahmins and likewise by the subjects, Rama shone with splendour like the moon with the stars.
स पुरोगामिभिस्तूर्यैस्तालस्वस्तिकपाणिभिः । प्रव्याहरद्भिर्मुदितैर्मङ्गलानि वृतो ययौ ॥ ३७ ॥
He went surrounded by musicians going before, with cymbals and auspicious emblems in their hands, joyfully uttering auspicious words.
अक्षतं जातरूपं च गावः कन्याः सहद्विजाः । नरा मोदकहस्ताश्च रामस्य पुरतो ययुः ॥ ३८ ॥
Unbroken grain and gold, cows, maidens with brahmins, and men with sweets in their hands went before Rama.
सख्यं च रामः सुग्रीवे प्रभावं चानिलात्मजे । वानराणां च तत् कर्म ह्याचचक्षेऽथ मन्त्रिणाम् ॥ ३९ ॥
And Rama told the ministers then of his friendship with Sugriva, the power of the son of the Wind, and that deed of the monkeys.
श्रुत्वा च विस्मयं जग्मुरयोध्यापुरवासिनः । वानराणां च तत् कर्म राक्षसानां च तद् बलम् । विभीषणस्य संयोगमाचचक्षेऽथ मन्त्रिणाम् ॥ ४० ॥
And hearing it, the dwellers of the city of Ayodhya were amazed: that deed of the monkeys and that strength of the rakshasas; and he told the ministers of the alliance with Vibhishana.
द्युतिमानेतदाख्याय रामो वानरसंयुतः । हृष्टपुष्टजनाकीर्णामयोध्यां प्रविवेश सः ॥ ४१ ॥
Having told this, radiant Rama, joined with the monkeys, entered Ayodhya, crowded with joyful, prosperous people.
ततो ह्यभ्युच्छ्रयन् पौराः पताकाश्च गृहे गृहे । ऐक्ष्वाकाध्युषितं रम्यमाससाद पितुर्गृहम् ॥ ४२ ॥
Then the citizens raised banners on house after house; he reached his father’s lovely house, dwelt in by the Ikshvakus.
अथाब्रवीद् राजपुत्रो भरतं धर्मिणां वरम् । अर्थोपहितया वाचा मधुरं रघुनन्दनः ॥ ४३ ॥
Then the prince, delight of the Raghus, said sweetly, with words full of meaning, to Bharata, best of the righteous:
पितुर्भवनमासाद्य प्रविश्य च महात्मनः । कौसल्यां च सुमित्रां च कैकेयीमभिवाद्य च ॥ ४४ ॥
“Having reached and entered the house of our great-souled father, and having saluted Kausalya, Sumitra and Kaikeyi,
तच्च मद्भवनं श्रेष्ठं साशोकवनिकं महत् । मुक्तावैदूर्यसंकीर्णं सुग्रीवाय निवेदय ॥ ४५ ॥
“give to Sugriva that best house of mine, great, with its Ashoka grove, full of pearls and beryl.”
तस्य तद् वचनं श्रुत्वा भरतः सत्यविक्रमः । हस्ते गृहीत्वा सुग्रीवं प्रविवेश तमालयम् ॥ ४६ ॥
Hearing those words of his, Bharata of true valour, taking Sugriva by the hand, entered that dwelling.
ततस्तैलप्रदीपांश्च पर्यङ्कास्तरणानि च । गृहीत्वा विविशुः क्षिप्रं शत्रुघ्नेन प्रचोदिताः ॥ ४७ ॥
Then, taking oil lamps, couches and coverings, they quickly entered, urged by Shatrughna.
उवाच च महातेजाः सुग्रीवं राघवानुजः । अभिषेकाय रामस्य दूतानाज्ञापय प्रभो ॥ ४८ ॥
And Raghava’s very radiant younger brother said to Sugriva: “Command messengers for Rama’s consecration, lord.”
सौवर्णान् वानरेन्द्राणां चतुर्णां चतुरो घटान् । ददौ क्षिप्रं स सुग्रीवः सर्वरत्नविभूषितान् ॥ ४९ ॥
Sugriva quickly gave four golden pots, adorned with all jewels, to four monkey lords:
तथा प्रत्यूषसमये चतुर्णां सागराम्भसाम् । पूर्णैर्घटैः प्रतीक्षध्वं तथा कुरुत वानराः ॥ ५० ॥
“So, at the time of dawn, wait with pots full of the waters of the four oceans; so do it, monkeys.”
एवमुक्ता महात्मानो वानरा वारणोपमाः । उत्पेतुर्गगनं शीघ्रं गरुडा इव शीघ्रगाः ॥ ५१ ॥
Spoken to so, the great-souled monkeys, like elephants, flew up quickly into the sky, swift as Garudas.
जाम्बवांश्च हनूमांश्च वेगदर्शी च वानरः । ऋषभश्चैव कलशाञ्जलपूर्णानथानयन् ॥ ५२ ॥
Jambavan and Hanuman and the monkey Vegadarshi and Rishabha brought pots full of water;
नदीशतानां पञ्चानां जलं कुम्भैरुपाहरन् । पूर्वात् समुद्रात् कलशं जलपूर्णमथानयत् ॥ ५३ ॥
they brought with pots the water of five hundred rivers. From the eastern ocean, a pot full of water
सुषेणः सत्त्वसम्पन्नः सर्वरत्नविभूषितम् । ऋषभो दक्षिणात्तूर्णं समुद्राज्जलमानयत् ॥ ५४ ॥
strong Sushena brought, adorned with all jewels; Rishabha quickly brought water from the southern ocean,
रक्तचन्दनकर्पूरैः संवृतं काञ्चनं घटम् । गवयः पश्चिमात् तोयमाजहार महार्णवात् ॥ ५५ ॥
in a golden pot covered with red sandal and camphor; Gavaya brought water from the great western ocean,
रत्नकुम्भेन महता शीतं मारुतविक्रमः । उत्तराच्च जलं शीघ्रं गरुडानिलविक्रमः ॥ ५६ ॥
cool, in a great jewelled pot, with the valour of the wind; and from the northern, quickly, water
आजहार स धर्मात्मानिलः सर्वगुणान्वितः । ततस्तैर्वानरश्रेष्ठैरानीतं प्रेक्ष्य तज्जलम् ॥ ५७ ॥
the righteous Anila brought, swift as Garuda and the wind, endowed with all virtues. Then, seeing that water brought by those best of monkeys,
अभिषेकाय रामस्य शत्रुघ्नः सचिवैः सह । पुरोहिताय श्रेष्ठाय सुहृद्भ्यश्च न्यवेदयत् ॥ ५८ ॥
Shatrughna with the ministers made it known, for Rama’s consecration, to the chief priest and to the friends.
ततः स प्रयतो वृद्धो वसिष्ठो ब्राह्मणैः सह । रामं रत्नमये पीठे ससीतं संन्यवेशयत् ॥ ५९ ॥
Then aged Vasishtha, purified, with the brahmins, seated Rama with Sita on a jewelled seat.
वसिष्ठो वामदेवश्च जाबालिरथ काश्यपः । कात्यायनः सुयज्ञश्च गौतमो विजयस्तथा ॥ ६० ॥
Vasishtha and Vamadeva, Jabali and then Kashyapa, Katyayana and Suyajna, Gautama and likewise Vijaya
अभ्यषिञ्चन्नरव्याघ्रं प्रसन्नेन सुगन्धिना । सलिलेन सहस्राक्षं वसवो वासवं यथा ॥ ६१ ॥
consecrated the tiger among men with clear, fragrant water, as the Vasus did thousand-eyed Vasava.
ऋत्विग्भिर्ब्राह्मणैः पूर्वं कन्याभिर्मन्त्रिभिस्तथा । योधैश्चैवाभ्यषिञ्चस्ते सम्प्रहृष्टैः सनैगमैः ॥ ६२ ॥
First by the priests and brahmins, then by maidens and ministers, and by warriors, overjoyed, with the merchants, they consecrated him,
सर्वौषधिरसैश्चापि दैवतैर्नभसि स्थितैः । चतुर्भिर्लोकपालैश्च सर्वैर्देवैश्च संगतैः ॥ ६३ ॥
and with the juices of all herbs by the deities standing in the sky, by the four world guardians and by all the gods assembled.
ब्रह्मणा निर्मितं पूर्वं किरीटं रत्नशोभितम् । अभिषिक्तः पुरा येन मनुस्तं दीप्ततेजसम् ॥ ६४ ॥
The crown made by Brahma long ago, shining with jewels, by which Manu of blazing splendour was consecrated long ago,
तस्यान्ववाये राजानः क्रमाद् येनाभिषेचिताः । सभायां हेमक्लृप्तायां शोभितायां महाधनैः ॥ ६५ ॥
by which the kings in his line were consecrated in order: in the assembly hall built of gold, adorned with great riches,
रत्नैर्नानाविधैश्चैव चित्रितायां सुशोभनैः । नानारत्नमये पीठे कल्पयित्वा यथाविधि ॥ ६६ ॥
decorated with lovely jewels of many kinds, on a seat made of many jewels, arranged according to rule,
किरीटेन ततः पश्चाद् वसिष्ठेन महात्मना । ऋत्विग्भिर्भूषणैश्चैव समयोक्ष्यत राघवः ॥ ६७ ॥
then afterwards with that crown, by great-souled Vasishtha and by the priests, and with ornaments, Raghava was adorned.
छत्रं तस्य च जग्राह शत्रुघ्नः पाण्डुरं शुभम् । श्वेतं च वालव्यजनं सुग्रीवो वानरेश्वरः ॥ ६८ ॥
Shatrughna took his white, auspicious umbrella, and Sugriva, lord of the monkeys, a white yak-tail fan,
अपरं चन्द्रसंकाशं राक्षसेन्द्रो विभीषणः । मालां ज्वलन्तीं वपुषा काञ्चनीं शतपुष्कराम् ॥ ६९ ॥
the other, bright as the moon, Vibhishana, lord of the rakshasas. A golden garland of a hundred lotuses, blazing in form,
राघवाय ददौ वायुर्वासवेन प्रचोदितः । सर्वरत्नसमायुक्तं मणिभिश्च विभूषितम् ॥ ७० ॥
the Wind gave to Raghava, urged by Vasava; joined with all jewels, adorned with gems,
मुक्ताहारं नरेन्द्राय ददौ शक्रप्रचोदितः । प्रजगुर्देवगन्धर्वा ननृतुश्चाप्सरोगणाः ॥ ७१ ॥
a pearl necklace he gave to the lord of men, urged by Shakra. The gods and gandharvas sang, and the hosts of apsarases danced
अभिषेके तदर्हस्य तदा रामस्य धीमतः । भूमिः सस्यवती चैव फलवन्तश्च पादपाः ॥ ७२ ॥
at the consecration of wise Rama, who deserved it then. The earth was full of crops, and the trees bore fruit,
गन्धवन्ति च पुष्पाणि बभूवू राघवोत्सवे । सहस्रशतमश्वानां धेनूनां च गवां तथा ॥ ७३ ॥
and the flowers were fragrant, at Raghava’s festival. A hundred thousand horses, and milch cows likewise,
ददौ शतवृषान् पूर्वं द्विजेभ्यो मनुजर्षभः । त्रिंशत्कोटीर्हिरण्यस्य ब्राह्मणेभ्यो ददौ पुनः ॥ ७४ ॥
and a hundred bulls the bull among men gave first to the brahmins; thirty crores of gold he gave again to the brahmins,
नानाभरणवस्त्राणि महार्हाणि च राघवः । अर्करश्मिप्रतीकाशां काञ्चनीं मणिविग्रहाम् ॥ ७५ ॥
and very costly ornaments and clothes of many kinds, Raghava. Bright as the sun’s rays, golden, with gems for its body,
सुग्रीवाय स्रजं दिव्यां प्रायच्छन्मनुजाधिपः । वैदूर्यमयचित्रे च चन्द्ररश्मिविभूषिते ॥ ७६ ॥
a heavenly garland the lord of men gave to Sugriva. And two armlets bright with beryl, adorned with moon-rays,
वालिपुत्राय धृतिमानङ्गदायाङ्गदे ददौ । मणिप्रवरजुष्टं तं मुक्ताहारमनुत्तमम् ॥ ७७ ॥
the steadfast one gave to Angada, son of Vali. That matchless pearl necklace, joined with the finest gems,
सीतायै प्रददौ रामश्चन्द्ररश्मिसमप्रभम् । अरजे वाससी दिव्ये शुभान्याभरणानि च ॥ ७८ ॥
Rama gave to Sita, with the radiance of moon-rays, and two spotless heavenly garments, and lovely ornaments.
अवेक्षमाणा वैदेही प्रददौ वायुसूनवे । अवमुच्यात्मनः कण्ठाद्धारं जनकनन्दिनी ॥ ७९ ॥
Looking at it, the Vaidehi, daughter of Janaka, taking off from her own neck the necklace he had given,
अवैक्षत हरीन् सर्वान् भर्तारं च मुहुर्मुहुः । तामिङ्गितज्ञः सम्प्रेक्ष्य बभाषे जनकात्मजाम् ॥ ८० ॥
looked again and again at all the monkeys and at her husband. Seeing her, the knower of signs said to the daughter of Janaka:
प्रदेहि सुभगे हारं यस्य तुष्टासि भामिनि । अथ सा वायुपुत्राय तं हारमसितेक्षणा ॥ ८१ ॥
“Give the necklace, fortunate one, to whom you are pleased with, lovely lady.” Then she, dark-eyed, gave that necklace to the son of the Wind,
तेजो धृतिर्यशो दाक्ष्यं सामर्थ्यं विनयो नयः । पौरुषं विक्रमो बुद्धिर्यस्मिन् नेतानि नित्यदा ॥ ८२ ॥
him in whom splendour, steadfastness, fame, skill, ability, humility, policy, manliness, valour and wisdom always dwell.
हनूमांस्तेन हारेण शुशुभे वानरर्षभः । चन्द्रांशुचयगौरेण श्वेताभ्रेण यथाचलः ॥ ८३ ॥
Hanuman, bull among monkeys, shone with that necklace, like a mountain with a white cloud bright as a mass of moonbeams.
सर्वे वानरवृद्धाश्च ये चान्ये वानरोत्तमाः । वासोभिर्भूषणैश्चैव यथार्हं प्रतिपूजिताः ॥ ८४ ॥
And all the elder monkeys, and the other best monkeys, were honoured in return with clothes and ornaments as they deserved.
विभीषणोऽथ सुग्रीवो हनूमाञ्जाम्बवांस्तथा । सर्वे वानरमुख्याश्च रामेणाक्लिष्टकर्मणा ॥ ८५ ॥
Vibhishana and then Sugriva, Hanuman and likewise Jambavan, and all the chief monkeys, by Rama of untiring deeds
यथार्हं पूजिताः सर्वे कामै रत्नैश्च पुष्कलैः । प्रहृष्टमनसः सर्वे जग्मुरेव यथागतम् ॥ ८६ ॥
were honoured as they deserved, all of them, with desires and abundant jewels; all, delighted at heart, went just as they had come.
ततो द्विविदमैन्दाभ्यां नीलाय च परंतपः । सर्वान् कामगुणान् वीक्ष्य प्रददौ वसुधाधिपः ॥ ८७ ॥
Then the lord of the earth, scorcher of foes, gave Dvivida, Mainda and Nila all the objects of desire, having looked to them.
दृष्ट्वा सर्वे महात्मानस्ततस्ते वानरर्षभाः । विसृष्टाः पार्थिवेन्द्रेण किष्किन्धां समुपागमन् ॥ ८८ ॥
Having seen it, all those great-souled bulls among monkeys, dismissed by the lord of kings, came to Kishkindha.
सुग्रीवो वानरश्रेष्ठो दृष्ट्वा रामाभिषेचनम् । पूजितश्चैव रामेण किष्किन्धां प्राविशत् पुरीम् ॥ ८९ ॥
Sugriva, best of monkeys, having seen Rama’s consecration and been honoured by Rama, entered the city of Kishkindha.
विभीषणोऽपि धर्मात्मा सह तैर्नैर्ऋतर्षभैः । लब्ध्वा कुलधनं राजा लङ्कां प्रायान्महायशाः ॥ ९० ॥
And righteous Vibhishana too, with those bulls among the nairritas, the king, having received his family’s wealth, very famous, went to Lanka.
स राज्यमखिलं शासन्निहतारिर्महायशाः । राघवः परमोदारः शशास परया मुदा । उवाच लक्ष्मणं रामो धर्मज्ञं धर्मवत्सलः ॥ ९१ ॥
Ruling the whole kingdom, his enemies slain, very famous, Raghava, supremely generous, ruled with the greatest joy. Rama, knower of dharma, lover of dharma, said to Lakshmana:
आतिष्ठ धर्मज्ञ मया सहेमां गां पूर्वराजाध्युषितां बलेन । तुल्यं मया त्वं पितृभिर्धृता या तां यौवराज्ये धुरमुद्वहस्व ॥ ९२ ॥
“Stand with me, knower of dharma, over this earth, dwelt on by former kings with strength; as my equal, bear the yoke in the rank of heir apparent, which was borne by our fathers.”
सर्वात्मना पर्यनुनीयमानो यदा न सौमित्रिरुपैति योगम् । नियुज्यमानो भुवि यौवराज्ये ततोऽभ्यषिञ्चद् भरतं महात्मा ॥ ९३ ॥
When Saumitri, being entreated with his whole heart, did not come to agreement, though being appointed on earth to the rank of heir apparent, then the great soul consecrated Bharata.
पौण्डरीकाश्वमेधाभ्यां वाजपेयेन चासकृत् । अन्यैश्च विविधैर्यज्ञैरयजत् पार्थिवात्मजः ॥ ९४ ॥
With the Paundarika and the horse sacrifice, and with the Vajapeya again and again, and with other sacrifices of many kinds, the son of the king sacrificed.
राज्यं दशसहस्राणि प्राप्य वर्षाणि राघवः । शताश्वमेधानाजह्रे सदश्वान् भूरिदक्षिणान् ॥ ९५ ॥
Having ruled the kingdom for ten thousand years, Raghava performed a hundred horse sacrifices with fine horses and abundant gifts.
आजानुलम्बिबाहुः स महावक्षाः प्रतापवान् । लक्ष्मणानुचरो रामः शशास पृथिवीमिमाम् ॥ ९६ ॥
With arms hanging to his knees, broad-chested, powerful, Rama, with Lakshmana as his companion, ruled this earth.
राघवश्चापि धर्मात्मा प्राप्य राज्यमनुत्तमम् । ईजे बहुविधैर्यज्ञैः ससुहृज्ज्ञातिबान्धवः ॥ ९७ ॥
And righteous Raghava, having obtained the unsurpassed kingdom, sacrificed with many kinds of sacrifices, with his friends, relatives and kin.
न पर्यदेवन् विधवा न च व्यालकृतं भयम् । न व्याधिजं भयं चासीद् रामे राज्यं प्रशासति ॥ ९८ ॥
Widows did not lament, nor was there fear from beasts of prey, nor fear born of disease, while Rama ruled the kingdom.
निर्दस्युरभवल्लोको नानर्थं कश्चिदस्पृशत् । न च स्म वृद्धा बालानां प्रेतकार्याणि कुर्वते ॥ ९९ ॥
The world was without robbers; no one met misfortune; and the old did not perform the funeral rites of the young.
सर्वं मुदितमेवासीत् सर्वो धर्मपरोऽभवत् । राममेवानुपश्यन्तो नाभ्यहिंसन् परस्परम् ॥ १०० ॥
Everything was joyful; everyone was devoted to dharma; looking only to Rama, they did not harm one another.
आसन् वर्षसहस्राणि तथा पुत्रसहस्रिणः । निरामया विशोकाश्च रामे राज्यं प्रशासति ॥ १०१ ॥
People lived thousands of years, with thousands of sons, free of disease and free of grief, while Rama ruled the kingdom.
रामो रामो राम इति प्रजानामभवन् कथाः । रामभूतं जगदभूद् रामे राज्यं प्रशासति ॥ १०२ ॥
“Rama, Rama, Rama”: such was the talk of the people; the world became Rama while Rama ruled the kingdom.
नित्यमूला नित्यफलास्तरवस्तत्र पुष्पिताः । कामवर्षी च पर्जन्यः सुखस्पर्शश्च मारुतः ॥ १०३ ॥
The trees there had lasting roots and lasting fruits and were in flower; the rain-god rained as wished, and the wind was pleasant to the touch.
ब्राह्मणाः क्षत्रिया वैश्याः शूद्रा लोभविवर्जिताः । स्वकर्मसु प्रवर्तन्ते तुष्टाः स्वैरेव कर्मभिः ॥ १०४ ॥
Brahmins, kshatriyas, vaishyas and shudras, free from greed, went about their own work, content with their own work.
आसन् प्रजा धर्मपरा रामे शासति नानृताः । सर्वे लक्षणसम्पन्नाः सर्वे धर्मपरायणाः ॥ १०५ ॥
The people were devoted to dharma while Rama ruled, and not untruthful; all were endowed with good marks, all devoted to dharma.
दशवर्षसहस्राणि दशवर्षशतानि च । भ्रातृभिः सहितः श्रीमान् रामो राज्यमकारयत् ॥ १०६ ॥
For ten thousand years and ten hundred years, glorious Rama, together with his brothers, ruled the kingdom.
धर्म्यं यशस्यमायुष्यं राज्ञां च विजयावहम् । आदिकाव्यमिदं चार्षं पुरा वाल्मीकिना कृतम् ॥ १०७ ॥
Righteous, bringing fame and long life, and bringing victory to kings, is this first poem, of the seers, made long ago by Valmiki.
यः शृणोति सदा लोके नरः पापात् प्रमुच्यते । पुत्रकामश्च पुत्रान् वै धनकामो धनानि च ॥ १०८ ॥
The man who always hears it in the world is freed from sin; one who desires sons gains sons, one who desires wealth gains wealth;
लभते मनुजो लोके श्रुत्वा रामाभिषेचनम् । महीं विजयते राजा रिपूंश्चाप्यधितिष्ठति ॥ १०९ ॥
a man in the world, hearing of Rama’s consecration, gains them; a king conquers the earth and overcomes his enemies.
राघवेण यथा माता सुमित्रा लक्ष्मणेन च । भरतेन च कैकेयी जीवपुत्रास्तथा स्त्रियः ॥ ११० ॥
As the mother Kausalya with Raghava, Sumitra with Lakshmana and Kaikeyi with Bharata, so women with living sons
भविष्यन्ति सदानन्दाः पुत्रपौत्रसमन्विताः । श्रुत्वा रामायणमिदं दीर्घमायुश्च विन्दति ॥ १११ ॥
will be always joyful, joined with sons and grandsons. Hearing this Ramayana, one gains long life too.
रामस्य विजयं चेमं सर्वमक्लिष्टकर्मणः । शृणोति य इदं काव्यं पुरा वाल्मीकिना कृतम् ॥ ११२ ॥
Whoever hears this whole victory of Rama of untiring deeds, this poem made long ago by Valmiki,
श्रद्दधानो जितक्रोधो दुर्गाण्यतितरत्यसौ । समागम्य प्रवासान्ते रमन्ते सह बान्धवैः ॥ ११३ ॥
with faith, his anger conquered, crosses beyond difficulties; meeting their kin at the end of their journeys, they rejoice.
शृण्वन्ति य इदं काव्यं पुरा वाल्मीकिना कृतम् । ते प्रार्थितान् वरान् सर्वान् प्राप्नुवन्तीह राघवात् ॥ ११४ ॥
Those who hear this poem made long ago by Valmiki obtain here from Raghava all the boons they have prayed for.
श्रवणेन सुराः सर्वे प्रीयन्ते सम्प्रशृण्वताम् । विनायकाश्च शाम्यन्ति गृहे तिष्ठन्ति यस्य वै ॥ ११५ ॥
By its hearing all the gods are pleased with those who listen; obstacles are quieted in the house where it is kept.
विजयेत महीं राजा प्रवासी स्वस्तिमान् भवेत् । स्त्रियो रजस्वलाः श्रुत्वा पुत्रान् सूयुरनुत्तमान् ॥ ११६ ॥
A king would conquer the earth; a traveller would fare well; women in their season, hearing it, would bear unsurpassed sons.
पूजयंश्च पठंश्चैनमितिहासं पुरातनम् । सर्वपापैः प्रमुच्येत दीर्घमायुरवाप्नुयात् ॥ ११७ ॥
Honouring and reading this ancient history, one would be freed from all sins and gain long life.
प्रणम्य शिरसा नित्यं श्रोतव्यं क्षत्रियैर्द्विजात् । ऐश्वर्यं पुत्रलाभश्च भविष्यति न संशयः ॥ ११८ ॥
It should always be heard by kshatriyas from a brahmin, bowing with the head; wealth and the gaining of sons will come, without doubt.
रामायणमिदं कृत्स्नं शृण्वतः पठतः सदा । प्रीयते सततं रामः स हि विष्णुः सनातनः ॥ ११९ ॥
Rama is always pleased with one who hears and reads this whole Ramayana; for he is the eternal Vishnu,
आदिदेवो महाबाहुर्हरिर्नारायणः प्रभुः । साक्षाद् रामो रघुश्रेष्ठः शेषो लक्ष्मण उच्यते ॥ १२० ॥
the first god, mighty-armed, Hari, Narayana, the lord; Rama, best of the Raghus, is he himself, and Lakshmana is called Shesha.
एवमेतत् पुरावृत्तमाख्यानं भद्रमस्तु वः । प्रव्याहरत विस्रब्धं बलं विष्णोः प्रवर्धताम् ॥ १२१ ॥
So this tale of ancient events has been told; may it be well with you; recite it with confidence; may the strength of Vishnu increase.
देवाश्च सर्वे तुष्यन्ति ग्रहणाच्छ्रवणात् तथा । रामायणस्य श्रवणे तृप्यन्ति पितरः सदा ॥ १२२ ॥
And all the gods are pleased by its learning and its hearing; at the hearing of the Ramayana the ancestors are always satisfied.
भक्त्या रामस्य ये चेमां संहितामृषिणा कृताम् । ये लिखन्तीह च नरास्तेषां वासस्त्रिविष्टपे ॥ १२३ ॥
And those men who, from devotion to Rama, write out here this samhita made by the seer, their dwelling is in heaven.
कुटुम्बवृद्धिं धनधान्यवृद्धिं स्त्रियश्च मुख्याः सुखमुत्तमं च । श्रुत्वा शुभं काव्यमिदं महार्थं प्राप्नोति सर्वां भुवि चार्थसिद्धिम् ॥ १२४ ॥
Growth of family, growth of wealth and grain, and excellent women, and the highest happiness, and all accomplishment of purposes on earth one gains, hearing this auspicious poem of great meaning.
आयुष्यमारोग्यकरं यशस्यं सौभ्रातृकं बुद्धिकरं शुभं च । श्रोतव्यमेतन्नियमेन सद्भि- राख्यानमोजस्करमृद्धिकामैः ॥ १२५ ॥
Bringing long life, giving health, bringing fame, bringing brotherly love, giving wisdom and auspicious, this tale should be heard regularly by the good who desire strength and prosperity.
End of sarga 128 This is the end of the Valmiki Ramayana.