०१६ रामप्रस्थानम्

Sumantra reaches Rama’s palace and conveys to him Dasaratha’s messageRama accompanied by Lakshmana proceeds to his father’s palace– comments of men and women on his way to the king.

श्लोकः

मूलम्

तदन्तःपुरद्वारं समतीत्य जनाकुलम्।
प्रविविक्तां ततः कक्ष्यामाससाद पुराणवित्॥2.16.1॥
प्रासकार्मुकबिभ्रद्भिर्युवभिर्मृष्टकुण्डलैः।
अप्रमादिभिरेकाग्रैस् स्वनुरक्तैरधिष्ठिताम्॥2.16.2॥

शब्दार्थः

पुराणवित् conversant with ancient traditions, सः he (Sumantra), जनाकुलं तद् crowded with people, अन्तःपुरद्वारम् the door of the inner apartment, समतीत्य having passed through, ततः after that, प्रासकार्मुकबिभ्रद्भिः carrying spears and bows, मृष्टकुंडलैः wearing shining ear rings, अप्रमादिभिः alert, एकाग्रैः attentive, स्वनुरक्तैः with utmost devotion (to the king), युवभिः by young men, अधिष्ठिताम् guarding, प्रविविक्ताम् sparsely crowded, कक्ष्याम् courtyard, आससाद reached.

आङ्ग्लानुवादः

Sumantra, who was conversant with ancient traditions, passed through the entrance of the inner apartment full of people and reached the sparsely crowded courtyard. There alert, loyal young men were attentively guarding the frontyard, armed with spears and bows and wearing shining earrings.

श्लोकः

मूलम्

तदन्तःपुरद्वारं समतीत्य जनाकुलम्।
प्रविविक्तां ततः कक्ष्यामाससाद पुराणवित्॥2.16.1॥
प्रासकार्मुकबिभ्रद्भिर्युवभिर्मृष्टकुण्डलैः।
अप्रमादिभिरेकाग्रैस् स्वनुरक्तैरधिष्ठिताम्॥2.16.2॥

शब्दार्थः

पुराणवित् conversant with ancient traditions, सः he (Sumantra), जनाकुलं तद् crowded with people, अन्तःपुरद्वारम् the door of the inner apartment, समतीत्य having passed through, ततः after that, प्रासकार्मुकबिभ्रद्भिः carrying spears and bows, मृष्टकुंडलैः wearing shining ear rings, अप्रमादिभिः alert, एकाग्रैः attentive, स्वनुरक्तैः with utmost devotion (to the king), युवभिः by young men, अधिष्ठिताम् guarding, प्रविविक्ताम् sparsely crowded, कक्ष्याम् courtyard, आससाद reached.

आङ्ग्लानुवादः

Sumantra, who was conversant with ancient traditions, passed through the entrance of the inner apartment full of people and reached the sparsely crowded courtyard. There alert, loyal young men were attentively guarding the frontyard, armed with spears and bows and wearing shining earrings.

श्लोकः

मूलम्

तत्र काषायिणो वृद्धान् वेत्रपाणीन् स्वलङ्कृतान्।
ददर्श विष्ठितान् द्वारि स्त्र्यध्यक्षान्सुसमाहितान्॥2.16.3॥

शब्दार्थः

तत्र there, काषायिणः wearing orange robes, वृद्धान् the aged, वेत्रपाणीन् canes in hands, स्वलङ्कृतान् wellornamented, सुसमाहितान् with utmost concentation, द्वारि at the entrance, विष्ठितान् appointed, स्त्र्यध्यक्षान् security staff for women’s apartments, ददर्श saw.

आङ्ग्लानुवादः

He saw aged people appointed as security staff for women’s apartments. They were
welladorned, dressed in orange robes and with rapt attention stood holding staff in their hands.

श्लोकः

मूलम्

ते समीक्ष्य समायान्तं रामप्रियचिकीर्षवः।
सहसोत्पतितास्सर्वे स्वासनेभ्यस्ससम्भ्रमाः॥2.16.4॥

शब्दार्थः

रामप्रियचिकीर्षवः wishing the welfare of Rama, ते सर्वे all of them, समायान्तम् arriving, समीक्ष्य having seen, ससंभ्रमाः in great haste, सहसा quickly, आसनेभ्यः from their seats, उत्पतिताः rose.

आङ्ग्लानुवादः

On seeing (Sumantra) arriving, all of them, wellwishers to Rama, quickly rose from their seats.

श्लोकः

मूलम्

तानुवाच विनीतात्मा सूतपुत्रः प्रदक्षिणः।
क्षिप्रमाख्यात रामाय सुमंन्त्रो द्वारि तिष्ठति॥2.16.5॥

शब्दार्थः

विनीतात्मा humble, सूतपुत्रः to charioteer, प्रदक्षिणः extremely courteous, तान् to them, उवाच said, सुमन्त्रः Sumantra, द्वारि at the entrance, तिष्ठति is waiting, क्षिप्रं at once, रामाय to Rama, आख्यात inform

आङ्ग्लानुवादः

.
Humble and extremely courteous charioteer (to the guards) said, Inform Rama at once that Sumantra is waiting at the entrance.

श्लोकः

मूलम्

ते राममुपसङ्गम्य भर्तुः प्रियचिकीर्षवः।
सहभार्याय रामाय क्षिप्रमेवाभिचक्षिरे॥2.16.6॥

शब्दार्थः

भर्तुः of the master, प्रियचिकीर्षवः desirous of doing good, ते they, रामम् Rama, उपसङ्गम्य having approached, क्षिप्रमेव speedily, सहभार्याय in the company of his wife, रामाय to Rama, आभिचक्षिरे informed.

आङ्ग्लानुवादः

Always dedicated to the wellbeing of their master, they approached Rama who was in the company of Sita. And informed himः

श्लोकः

मूलम्

प्रतिवेदितमाज्ञाय सूतमभ्यन्तरं पितुः।
तत्रैवानाययामास राघवप्रियकाम्यया॥2.16.7॥

शब्दार्थः

राघवः scion of the Raghus (Rama), पितुः of his father, अभ्यन्तरम् intimate, प्रतिवेदितम् informed by them, सूतम् to the charioteer, आज्ञाय having come to know, प्रियकाम्यया desirous of pleasing, तत्रैव to that place only, आनाययामास was brought in.

आङ्ग्लानुवादः

Coming to know that Sumantra who is intimate to his father had arrived, Rama, in order to please him, commanded that he be escorted to that very place.

श्लोकः

मूलम्

तं वैश्रवणसङ्काशमुपविष्टं स्वलङ्कृतम्।
ददर्श सूतः पर्य्यङ्के सौवर्णे सोत्तरच्छदे॥2.16.8॥
वराहरुधिराभेण शुचिना च सुगन्धिना।
अनुलिप्तं परार्ध्येन चन्दनेन परन्तपम्॥2.16.9॥
स्थितया पार्श्वतश्चापि वालव्यजनहस्तया।
उपेतं सीतयाभूयश्चित्रया शशिनं यथा॥2.16.10॥

शब्दार्थः

वैश्रवणसङ्काशम् resembling Kubera (god of wealth), स्वलङ्कृतं richlycovered, वराहरुधिराभेण red as the blood of a hog, शुचिना of pure, सुगन्धिना with sweet fragrance, परार्ध्येन excellent, चन्दनेन with sandalpaste, अनुलिप्तम् anointed, परन्तपम् subduer of enemies, चित्रया (united) with star Chitra, शशिनं यथा like the Moon, पार्श्वतः by the side of, स्थितया standing, वालव्यजनहस्तया a fan of yak’s tail in hand, सीतया चापि Sita also, उपेतम् was present, सोत्तरच्छदे richly covered, सौवर्णे golden, पर्यङ्के in the couch, उपविष्टम् sitting, तम् to him (Rama), सूतः charioteer (Sumantra), ददर्श beheld.

आङ्ग्लानुवादः

Sumantra beheld Rama, who resembled Kubera. Rama was sitting on a richlycovered golden couch, welladorned and anointed with precious, pure, fragrant red sandalpaste the colour of which appeared like the blood of a hog. With Sita standing by his side with a fan of yak’s tail in her hand Rama, the tormentor of foes,
looked like the Moon united with (the star) Chitra.

श्लोकः

मूलम्

तं तपन्तमिवादित्यमुपपन्नं स्वतेजसा।
ववन्दे वरदं वन्दी विनयज्ञो विनीतवत्॥2.16.11॥

शब्दार्थः

विनयज्ञः one who knows the art of modesty, वन्दी panegyrist (Sumantra), विनीतवत् with humility, स्वतेजसा with his own effulgence, उपपन्नम् secured, तपन्तम् shining, आदित्यम् इव like the Sun, वरदम् conferor of boons, तम् that Rama, ववन्दे made reverential salutation.

आङ्ग्लानुवादः

Sumantra who knew the art of modesty, made humble, reverential salutation to Rama the granter of boons, shining like the Sun with his own effulgence.

श्लोकः

मूलम्

प्राञ्जलिस्सुमुखं दृष्ट्वा विहारशयनासने।
राजपुत्रमुवाचेदं सुमन्त्रो राजसत्कृतः॥2.16.12॥

शब्दार्थः

राजसत्कृतः honoured by the king (Dasaratha), सुमन्त्रः Sumantra, विहारशयनासने on a couch , सुमुखम् charming countenance, राजपुत्रम् prince, दृष्ट्वा having seen, प्राञ्जलिः with folded palms, इदम् these words, उवाच said.

आङ्ग्लानुवादः

On seeing Rama of charming countenance relaxing on a couch, Sumantra, honourable to the king (Dasaratha) said these words with folded palms.

श्लोकः

मूलम्

कौशल्यासुप्रजा राम पिता त्वां द्रष्टुमिच्छति।
महिष्या सह कैकेय्या गम्यतां तत्र मा चिरम्॥2.16.13॥

शब्दार्थः

कौशल्यासुप्रजाः worthy son of Kausalya, रामः O Rama, महिष्या queen, कैकेय्या सह along with Kaikeyi, पिता father, त्वाम् you, द्रष्टुम् to see, इच्छति wishes, तत्र there, गम्यताम् you may go, मा चिरम् do not delay.

आङ्ग्लानुवादः

O Rama, worthy son of Kausalya, your father along with queen Kaikeyi desires to see you.You may go there. Please do not delay.

श्लोकः

मूलम्

एवमुक्तस्तु संहृष्टो नरसिंहो महाद्युतिः।
ततस्सम्मानयामास सीतामिदमुवाच ह॥2.16.14॥

शब्दार्थः

ततः after that, एवम् thus, उक्तः spoken, महाद्युतिः of great lustre, नरसिंहः lion among men, संहृष्टः was immensely pleased, सम्मानयामास honoured him, सीताम् to Sita, इदम् these words, उवाच ह also spoke.

आङ्ग्लानुवादः

Highly lustrous Rama ,the lion among men, when thus spoken to, was immensely pleased and extending due honour to him said to Sitaः

श्लोकः

मूलम्

देवि देवश्च देवी च समागम्य मदन्तरे।
मन्त्रयेते धृवं किञ्चिदभिषेचनसंहितम्॥2.16.15॥

शब्दार्थः

देवि O devi (Sita), देवश्च the king, देवी च also queen, समागम्य having met together, मदन्तरे about me, अभिषेचनसंहितम् relating to the consecration, किञ्चित् something, मन्त्रयेते are consulting, ध्रुवम् is certain.

आङ्ग्लानुवादः

O Sita, I am sure the king and queen are discussing something relating to my consecration.

श्लोकः

मूलम्

लक्षयित्वा ह्यभिप्रायं प्रियकामा सुदक्षिणा।
सञ्चोदयति राजानं मदर्थमसितेक्षणा॥2.16.16॥

शब्दार्थः

असितेक्षणा darkeyed, सुदक्षिणा highly favoured, प्रियकामा desiring the welfare (of the king), अभिप्रायम् intention, लक्षयित्वा having perceived, राजानम् to the king, मदर्थम् for my purpose, सञ्चोदयति is urging.

आङ्ग्लानुवादः

Darkeyed and highly favoured wellwisher of the king (Kaikeyi) is urging him for my sake in view of his intention.

श्लोकः

मूलम्

सा प्रहृष्टा महाराजं हितकामानुवर्तिनी।
जननी चार्थकामा मे केकयाधिपतेस्सुता॥2.16.17॥

शब्दार्थः

केकयाधिपतेः सुता daughter of the king of Kekaya (Kaikeyi), जननी च my mother also, सा she, प्रहृष्टा being extremely happy, हितकामा desirous of (my) benefit, महाराजम् to the king, अनुवर्तिनी following, मे my, अर्थकामा seeks my wellbeing.

आङ्ग्लानुवादः

My mother, daughter of the king of Kekaya, knows the king’s intention and, heppy to do me good, seeks my wellbeing.

श्लोकः

मूलम्

दिष्ट्या खलु महाराजो महिष्या प्रियया सह।
सुमन्त्रं प्राहिणोद्दूतमर्थकामकरं मम॥2.16.18॥

शब्दार्थः

महिष्या the queen, प्रियया सह with his dear wife, महाराजः king, दिष्ट्या fortunately, सुमन्त्रम् Sumantra, दूतम् as messenger, मम my, अर्थकामकरम् accomplishing artha and kama, प्राहिणोत् has sent.

आङ्ग्लानुवादः

It is our fortune that the king and his dear queen have sent Sumantra as messenger who is interested in my prosperity and pleasure.

श्लोकः

मूलम्

यादृशी परिषत्तत्र तादृशो दूत आगतः।
ध्रुवमद्यैव मां राजा यौवराज्येऽभिषेक्ष्यति॥2.16.19॥

शब्दार्थः

तत्र there, यादृशी of which sort, परिषत् council, तादृशः like that, दूतः messenger, आगतः has arrived, ध्रुवम् assuredly, अद्यैव this very day, राजा king, माम् me, यौवराज्ये as heirapparent, अभिषेक्ष्यति will consecrate.

आङ्ग्लानुवादः

There worthy of the council of the king and the queen, a befitting messenger has come. Assuredly the king will consecrate me as heirapparent this very day.

श्लोकः

मूलम्

हन्त शीघ्रमितो गत्वा द्रक्ष्यामि च महीपतिम्।
सह त्वं परिवारेण सुखमास्व रमस्व च॥2.16.20॥

शब्दार्थः

हन्त what a joy, इतः from here, शीघ्रं immediately, गत्वा having gone, महीपतिम् to the king,
द्रक्ष्यामि च shall see, त्वम् you, परिवारेण सह along with attendants, सुखम् happily, आस्व remain, रमस्व च rejoice.

आङ्ग्लानुवादः

I shall go from here immediately and see the king. Remain here happily and rejoice with your maids.

श्लोकः

मूलम्

पतिसम्मानिता सीता भर्तारमसितेक्षणा।
आद्वारमनुवव्राज मङ्गलान्यभिदध्युषी॥2.16.21॥

शब्दार्थः

पतिसम्मानिता highly esteemed by her husband, असितेक्षणा having dark eyes, सीता Sita, मङ्गलानि auspicious events, अभिदध्युषी reflecting, भर्तारम् husband, आद्वारम् up to the entrance, अनुवव्राज followed.

आङ्ग्लानुवादः

Reflecting over the auspicious event, the darkeyed Sita who is highly esteemed by her husband, followed him up to the entrance, (saying)ः

श्लोकः

मूलम्

राज्यं द्विजातिभिर्जुष्टं राजसूयाभिषेचनम्।
कर्तुमर्हति ते राजा वासवस्येव लोककृत्॥2.16.22॥

शब्दार्थः

राजा the king (Dasaratha), द्विजातिभिः by brahmins, जुष्टं resorted to, राजसूयाभिषेचनम् ‘Rajasuya’ sacrifice at the time of consecration, राज्यम् kingdom, ते you, लोककृत् the creater of the world (lord Brahma), वासवस्येव like Indra, कर्तुम् to bestow, अर्हति deserves.

आङ्ग्लानुवादः

The king will bestow upon you, like the creator of the world (Brahma) bestowing on Indra, the kingdom served by brahmins who are fit to perform ‘Rajasuya’ sacrifice at the time of consecration.

श्लोकः

मूलम्

दीक्षितं व्रतसम्पन्नं वराजिनधरं शुचिम्।
कुरङ्गशृङ्गपाणिं च पश्यन्ती त्वां भजाम्यहम्॥2.16.23॥

शब्दार्थः

दीक्षितम् having been initiated, व्रतसम्पन्नम् engaged in the observance of the vows, वराजिनधरम् wearing excellent deerskin, शुचिम् pure, कुरङ्गशृङ्गपाणिं च carrying the horns
of an antelope in your hand, त्वाम् you, पश्यन्ती looking, अहम् I, भजामि adore.

आङ्ग्लानुवादः

I shall be delighted to see you initiated and engaged in the observance of the vow made pure, wearing excellent deerskin and carrying the horns of an antelope in your hand.

श्लोकः

मूलम्

पूर्वां दिशं वज्रधरो दक्षिणां पातु ते यमः।
वरुणः पश्चिमामाशां धनेशस्तूत्तरां दिशम्॥2.16.24॥

शब्दार्थः

ते your, पूर्वां दिशम् in the east, वज्रधरः the wielder of thunder (Indra), दक्षिणाम् in the south, यमः Yama, पश्चिमामाशाम् in the west, वरुणः Varuna, उत्तरां दिशं तु in the north, धनेशः Kubera, पातु may protect you.

आङ्ग्लानुवादः

May Indra protect you on the east, Yama in the south, Varuna in the west and Kubera in the north.

श्लोकः

मूलम्

अथ सीतामनुज्ञाप्य कृतकौतुकमङ्गलः।
निश्चक्राम सुमन्त्रेण सह रामो निवेशनात्॥2.16.25॥

शब्दार्थः

अथ thereafter, कृतकौतुकमङ्गलः wearing auspicious ornaments, रामः Rama, सीताम् Sita, अनुज्ञाप्य taking leave of, सुमन्त्रेण सह along with Sumantra, निवेशनात् from his palace, निश्चक्राम departed.

आङ्ग्लानुवादः

Adorned in auspicious ornaments, Rama took leave of Sita and departed from his palace accompanied by Sumantra.

श्लोकः

मूलम्

पर्वतादिव निष्क्रम्य सिंहो गिरिगुहाशयः।
लक्ष्मणं द्वारिसोऽपश्यत्प्रह्वाञ्जलिपुटं स्थितम्॥2.16.26॥

शब्दार्थः

सः he, गिरिगुहाशयः resting in a mountain cave, सिंहः lion, पर्वतात् इव like from a mountain,
निष्क्रम्य having come out of his palace, द्वारि at the entrance, स्थितम् standing, प्रह्वाञ्जलिपुटम् bowing with folded hands, लक्ष्मणम् Lakshmana, अपश्यत् saw.

आङ्ग्लानुवादः

Like a lion living in a mountain cave and coming out of it, Rama while exiting, saw Lakshmana at the entrance bowing with folded hands.

श्लोकः

मूलम्

अथ मध्यमकक्ष्यायां समागच्छत्सुहृज्जनैः।
स सर्वानर्थिनो दृष्ट्वा समेत्य प्रतिनन्द्य च॥2.16.27॥
ततः पावकसङ्काशमारुरोह रथोत्तमम्।
वैयाघ्रं पुरुषव्याघ्रो राजतं राजनन्दनः॥2.16.28॥

शब्दार्थः

अथ after that, पुरुषव्याघ्रः tiger among men, सः he, राजनन्दनः son of the king (Rama), मध्यमकक्ष्यायां in the middle courtyard, सुहृज्जनैः with friends, समागच्छत् met, सर्वान् अर्थिनः all of them eager to see him, दृष्ट्वा having seen, समेत्य having met, प्रतिनन्द्य च having greeted them, पावकसङ्काशम् resembling fire, वैयाघ्रम् covered with tigerskin, राजतम् made of silver, रथोत्तमम् best of chariots, आरुरोह mounted.

आङ्ग्लानुवादः

Rama, the best among men, met all his friends in the middle courtyard. Having seen them all eager to see him, he approached and greeted them. Thereafter, he mounted the best silver chariot covered with tigerskin and glowing like fire.

श्लोकः

मूलम्

मेघनादमसम्बाधं मणिहेमविभूषितम्।
मुष्णन्तमिव चक्षूंषि प्रभया सूर्यवर्चसम्॥2.16.29॥
करेणुशिशुकल्पैश्च युक्तं परमवाजिभिः।
हरियुक्तं सहस्राक्षो रथमिन्द्र इवाशुगम्॥2.16.30॥
प्रययौ तूर्णमास्थाय राघवो ज्वलितश्श्रिया।

शब्दार्थः

श्रिया with splendour, ज्वलितः dazzling, राघवः descendant of the Raghu race (Rama), मेघनादम् sound of cloud (thunder), असम्बाधम् spacious, मणिहेमविभूषितं decorated with gold and gems, प्रभया with brilliance, चक्षूंषि eyes, मुष्णन्तमिव dazzling, सूर्यवर्चसं lusture of the Sun, करेणुशिशुकल्पैः looking like young elephants, परमवाजिभिः with excellent horses, युक्तम् harnessed, आशुगम् swiftmoving, रथम् chariot, सहस्राक्षः thousandeyed, इन्द्रः Indra, हरियुक्तम् इव harnessed by horses (of Indra), आस्थाय mounted, तूर्णम् swiftly, प्रययौ went.

आङ्ग्लानुवादः

The sound emanating from the chariot resembled the thunder. The spacious chariot was decorated with gold and gems which dazzled the eyes as though they shed the lustre of the Sun. The swiftmoving chariot was harnessed by excellent horses as if they were young elephants. Like the thousandeyed Indra, Rama, ablaze with royal splendour, mounted this chariot and sped away.

श्लोकः

मूलम्

स पर्जन्य इवाकाशे स्वनवानभिनादयन्॥2.16.31॥
निकेतान्निर्ययौ श्रीमान्महाभ्रादिव चन्द्रमाः।

शब्दार्थः

आकाशे in the sky, पर्जन्य इव like stormcloud, स्वनवान् sonorous, श्रीमान् magnificent, सः he (that chariot), अभिनादयन् making sound, महाभ्रात् from a huge cloud, चन्द्रमा इव like moon, निकेतात् from the residence, निर्ययौ departed.

आङ्ग्लानुवादः

The magnificent chariot, rumbling like a stormcloud in the sky, emerged from (Rama’s) residence like the Moon peeping through a huge cloud.

श्लोकः

मूलम्

छत्रचामरपाणिस्तु लक्ष्मणो राघवानुजः॥2.16.32॥
जुगोप भ्रातरं भ्राता रथमास्थाय पृष्ठतः।

शब्दार्थः

राघवानुजः Rama’s younger brother, भ्राता brother, लक्ष्मणः Lakshmana, छत्रचामरपाणिः holding an umbrella and a fan made of yak’s tail in his hand, पृष्ठतः at the rear, रथम् the chariot, आस्थाय having mounted, भ्रातरम् brother, जुगोप guarded.

आङ्ग्लानुवादः

Holding an umbrella and a fan made of yak’s tail in his hand Lakshmana boarded the chariot at the rear, guarding his brother.

श्लोकः

मूलम्

ततो हलहलाशब्दस्तुमुलस्समजायत॥2.16.33॥
तस्य निष्क्रममाणस्य जनौघस्य समन्ततः।

शब्दार्थः

ततः then, समन्ततः all around, निष्क्रममाणस्य departing, तस्य that (chariot’s), जनौघस्य of the multitude of people, तुमुलः tumultuous, हलहलाशब्दः roaring sound, समजायत emanated.

आङ्ग्लानुवादः

As it (the chariot) was passing out, a tumultuoas roar emanated from the multitude of people all around.

श्लोकः

मूलम्

ततो हयवरा मुख्या नागाश्च गिरिसन्निभाः॥2.16.34॥
अनुजग्मुस्तदा रामं शतशोऽथ सहस्रशः।

शब्दार्थः

ततः afterwards, मुख्याः chiefs, हयवराः excellent horses, गिरिसन्निभाः resembling hills in size, नागाश्च elephants, शतशः in hundreds, सहस्रशः in thousands, तदा then, रामम् Rama, अनुजग्मुः followed.

आङ्ग्लानुवादः

Then the chief commanders riding the best of the horses and elephants, resembling hills in size, followed Rama in their hundreds and thousands.

श्लोकः

मूलम्

अग्रतश्चास्य सन्नद्धाश्चन्दनागरुभूषिताः॥2.16.35॥
खड्गचापधराश्शूरा जग्मुराशंसवो जनाः।

शब्दार्थः

सन्नद्धाः equipped with armour, चन्दनागरुभूषिताः anointing their bodies with sandalpaste and agaru, खड्गचापधराः holding swords and bows, आशंसवः heralds, शूराः जनाः soldiers, अस्य Rama’s, अग्रतः ahead of him, जग्मुः followed.

आङ्ग्लानुवादः

Soldiers, anointing their bodies with pastes of sandal and aloe wood, equipped with armour and holding swords and bows, went ahead heralding his (Rama’s) arrival.

श्लोकः

मूलम्

ततो वादित्रशब्दाश्च स्तुतिशब्दाश्च वन्दिनाम्॥2.16.36॥
सिंहनादाश्च शूराणां तदा शुश्रुविरे पथि।

शब्दार्थः

ततः afterwards, तदा then, पथि on the way, वादित्रशब्दाश्च sounds of musical instruments, वन्दिनाम् of panegyrists, स्तुतिशब्दाश्च songs of eulogy, शूराणाम् warriors’, सिंहनादाश्च
roarings, शुश्रुविरे were heard.

आङ्ग्लानुवादः

At that time, sounds of musical instruments and songs of eulogy by panegyrists, roarings of warriors were heard on the way.

श्लोकः

मूलम्

हर्म्यवातायनस्थाभिर्भूषिताभिस्समन्ततः॥2.16.37॥
कीर्यमाणस् सुपुष्पौघैर्ययौ स्त्रीभिररिन्दमः।

शब्दार्थः

अरिन्दमः subduer of enemies, हर्म्यवातायनस्थाभिः standing at the windows of their mansions भूषिताभिः wellattired, स्त्रीभिः by women, समन्ततः from every side, सुपुष्पौघैः with heaps of flowers, कीर्यमाणः being showered, ययौ proceeded.

आङ्ग्लानुवादः

Rama, the subduer of enemies, proceeded while the wellattired women standing at the windows of their mansions showered heaps of flowers on him from every side.

श्लोकः

मूलम्

रामं सर्वानवद्याङ्ग्यो रामपिप्रीषया ततः॥2.16.38॥
वचोभिरग्य्रैर्हर्म्यस्था क्षितिस्थाश्च ववन्दिरे।

शब्दार्थः

ततः thereafter, हर्म्यस्थाः standing on the top of the houses, क्षितिस्थाश्च standing on the ground also, सर्वानवद्याङ्ग्यः women of faultless limbs, रामपिप्रीषया to propitiate Rama, अग्य्रैः charming, वचोभिः with words, रामं to Rama, ववन्दिरे paid homage.

आङ्ग्लानुवादः

Women with faultless limbs standing on their housetops as well as on the ground paid their homage with charming words in order to propitiate Rama.

श्लोकः

मूलम्

नूनं नन्दति ते माता कौशल्यामातृनन्दन॥2.16.39॥
पश्यन्ती सिद्धयात्रं त्वां पित्र्यं राज्यमवस्थितम्।

शब्दार्थः

मातृनन्दन O Joy of your mother, (Rama), सिद्धयात्रं whose journey has become fruitful, पित्र्यं राज्यम् the father’s kingdom, उपस्थितम् secured, त्वाम् you, पश्यन्ती seeing, ते your, माता
mother, कौशल्या Kausalya, नूनम् surely, नन्दति will be delighted.

आङ्ग्लानुवादः

O Joy of your mother (Rama) on seeing you having successfully acomplished the purpose of your journey (life) by securing your father’s kingdom, your mother Kausalya will surely be delighted.

श्लोकः

मूलम्

सर्वसीमन्तिनीभ्यश्च सीतां सीमन्तिनी वराम्॥2.16.40॥
अमन्यन्त हि ता नार्यो रामस्य हृदयप्रियाम्।

शब्दार्थः

ताः those, नार्यः women, रामस्य Rama’s, हृदयप्रियाम् dear to the heart, सीताम् to Sita, सर्वसीमन्तिनीभ्यः more than all women, वराम् the best, सीमन्तिनीम् as lady, अमन्यन्त हि considered.

आङ्ग्लानुवादः

Those women considered Sita who was dear to the heart of Rama the best among all women.

श्लोकः

मूलम्

तया सुचरितं देव्या पुरा नूनं महत्तपः॥2.16.41॥
रोहिणीव शशाङ्केन रामसंयोगमाप या।

शब्दार्थः

तया that Sita, शशाङ्केन with the Moon, रोहिणी इव like Rohini, रामसंयोगम् union with Rama, आप got, या such, देव्या by (Sita) devi, पुरा in the past, नूनम् assuredly, महत् great, तपः austerities, सुचरितम् peformed.

आङ्ग्लानुवादः

Sita was united with Rama like Rohini with the Moon surely because of her great austerities performed in the past. (They observed).

श्लोकः

मूलम्

इति प्रासादशृङ्गेषु प्रमदाभिर्नरोत्तमः॥2.16.42॥
शुश्राव राजमार्गस्थः प्रिया वाच उदाहृताः।
आत्मसंपूजनै शृण्वन् ययौ रामौ महापथम्॥2.16.43॥

शब्दार्थः

राजमार्गस्थः along the highway, नरोत्तमः best among men, (Rama), इति thus, प्रासादशृङ्गेषु standing on the top of their buildings, प्रमदाभिः by women, उदाहृताः uttered, प्रियाः वाचः pleasing words, शुश्राव heard, आत्मसंपूजनै their admiration of himself श्रुण्वन् having heard ययौ proceeded रामः Rama महापथम् the highway

आङ्ग्लानुवादः

Rama, the best among men, while riding along the highway overheard the pleasing words uttered by women standing on the elevation of their buildings. Thus hearing his own praise Rama proceeded along the highway.

श्लोकः

मूलम्

स राघवस्तत्र कथाप्रपञ्चान्
शुश्राव लोकस्य समागतस्य।
आत्माधिकारा विविधाश्च वाचः
प्रहृष्टरूपस्य पुरो जनस्य॥2.16.44॥

शब्दार्थः

तदा then, सः that, राघवः Rama, तत्र there, समागतस्य having assembled, लोकस्य people’s, कथा प्रपञ्चान् words of praise, शुश्राव heard, प्रहृष्टरूपस्य great rejoicings, पुरोजनस्य citizens, आत्माधिकाराः concerning himself, विविधाः different, वाचः च words (heard).

आङ्ग्लानुवादः

Rama heard these various words of admiration by people who had assembled there, and (witnessed) the rejoicings of the citizens.

श्लोकः

मूलम्

एष श्रियं गच्छति राघवोऽद्य
राजप्रसादाद्विपुलां गमिष्यन्।
एते वयं सर्व समृद्धकामा
येषामयं नो भविता प्रशास्ता॥2.16.45॥

शब्दार्थः

राजप्रसादात् by the king’s grace, विपुलाम् the earth, गमिष्यन् attaining, एषः this, राघवः scion of the Raghus (Rama), अद्य today, श्रियम् wealth, गच्छति is to acquire, येषाम् who, नः for us, अयम् this, प्रशास्ता protector, भविता will become, एते वयम् all of us, सर्वसमृद्धकामाः all our desires will be gratified.

आङ्ग्लानुवादः

This scion of the Raghus (Rama) is going to acquire the earth and the wealth today by the king’s grace. He will be our protector and fulfil all our desires.

श्लोकः

मूलम्

लाभो जनस्यास्य यदेष सर्वं
प्रपत्स्यते राष्ट्रमिदं चिराय।
न ह्यप्रियं किञ्चन जातु कश्चि
त्पश्येन्न दुःखं मनुजाधिपेऽस्मिन्॥2.16.46॥

शब्दार्थः

एषः this (Rama), यत् if, सर्वम् entire, इदं राष्ट्रम् this kingdom, चिराय for a long time, प्रपत्स्यते obtains, अस्य जनस्य for these people, लाभः benefit, अस्मिन् this Rama, मनुजाधिपे king, कश्चित् none, जातु never, अप्रियम् unpleasant, किञ्चन even a little, न पश्येत् हि will not see, दुःखम् sorrow, न will not see.

आङ्ग्लानुवादः

If this Rama obtains the entire kingdom for a long time, it will be in the interest of the people. If he becomes king none will ever witness anything unpleasant or sad. (They observed).

श्लोकः

मूलम्

स घोषवद्भिश्च मतङ्गाजैर्ययैः
पुरस्सरैस् स्वस्तिकसूतमागधैः।
महीयमानः प्रवरैश्च वादकै
रभिष्टुतो वैश्रवणो यथा ययौ॥2.16.47॥

शब्दार्थः

सः he (Rama), घोषवद्भिः with sounds, मतङ्गजैः with intoxicated elephants, हयैः with horses, पुरस्सरैः preceding, स्वस्तिकसूतमागधैः invocation of blessings by bards, महीयमानः greatly honoured, प्रवरैः वादकैः by best musical performers, अभिष्टुतः being praised, वैश्रवणो यथा like Kubera, ययौ went.

आङ्ग्लानुवादः

With bards, panegyrists and great musical performers invoking blessings and walking ahead, he (Rama) proceeded, like Kubera amid intoxicated elephants and horses.

श्लोकः

मूलम्

करेणुमातंङ्गरथाश्वसंकुलं
महाजनौघ परिपूर्णचत्वरम्।
प्रभूतरत्नं बहुपण्यसञ्चयं
ददर्श रामो रुचिरं महापथम्॥2.16.48॥

शब्दार्थः

रामः Rama, करेणुमातङ्गरथाश्वसंकुलम् thronged with female elephants, elephants, horses and chariots, महाजनौघः great multitude of people, परिपूर्णचत्वरम् filled at the intesection of highways, प्रभूतरत्नम् with many gems, बहुपण्यसंचयम् sufficient merchandise (for sale), रुचिरं beautiful, महापथम् highway, ददर्श saw.

आङ्ग्लानुवादः

Rama beheld the beautiful highway filled with precious stones and merchandise (for sale), thronged with elephants, horses and chariots, the crossroads crowded with multitude of people.

समाप्तिः

श्रीमद्रामायणे वाल्मीकीय आदिकाव्ये अयोध्याकाण्डे षोडशस्सर्गः॥
Thus ends the sixteenth sarga of Ayodhyakanda of the holy Ramayana, the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.