Part 32

Having passed the auspicious night underneath that mighty tree, they, when the sun had risen in unclouded splendour, went away from that place. Then diving into a mighty forest, they proceeded in the direction in which the Bhagirathi Ganga meets with the Yamuna. And those illustrious ones went on, viewing at intervals various fields and delightful lands which they had never seen before. And going on beholding various kinds of blossoming trees, Rama when the day had declined, spoke unto Sumitra's son, saying, "O son of Sumitra, do thou behold the beautiful wreath of smoke that rises in front of Prayaga--sign of the worshipful Fire, and I infer some ascetic to be near. For certain we have arrived at the confluence of the Ganga and the Yamuna; and it is for this that we hear the roar of the waters produced by the rushing of them. And all these various trees with their wood hewn away by foresters are seen in the asylums." Thus having proceeded at ease, those bowmen when the sun stood aslant, arrived in the vicinity of the ascetic's residence on the delta of the Yamuna and the Ganga. And proceeding awhile on the way, Rama, in presence of the asylum, came up to Bharadwaja's place, frightening beasts and birds. And arriving at the hermitage, the heroes desirous of seeing the ascetic, stood at a distance with Sita behind them. And as soon as entering in, that exalted one saw that high-souled anchoret of accomplished vows, who had attained spiritual insight through austerities, sitting surrounded by his disciples after having finished the Agnihotra, Rama with joined hands saluted him along with Sumitra's son and Sita. Then Lakshmana's elder brother imparted unto Bharadwaja a knowledge of himself. "O worshipful one, we are the sons of Dacaratha, Rama and Lakshmana. This is my wife, the auspicious daughter of Janaka. This blameless one followeth me unto the solitary forest; and my dear younger brother, the son of Sumitra too, observing the vow, follows me, who have been exiled by my father. O revered one, commissioned by my father, I will enter the forest of asceticism, and there subsisting on fruits and roots will practise virtue." Hearing those words of the intelligent prince, that righteous (ascetic) brought a bull[150] as well as _arghya_ and water and divers kinds of edibles consisting of wild fruits and roots. And that one of fiery austerities assigned quarters, along with beasts and birds as well as ascetics, for Rama. Then paying homage unto Rama as he proceeded by short stages, and asking him,--"Has your journey been a pleasant one?"--the ascetic sat down. And when Raghava had sat down after receiving the homage, Bharadwaja spoke unto him these words fraught with virtue,-- "O Kakutstha, I behold thee come after a long time. I have heard of thy causeless exile. This spot at the meeting of the mighty rivers is lonely, sacred and charming. Do thou dwell here happily." Thus addressed by Bharadwaja, that descendant of Raghu, Rama intent on the welfare of all, answered in auspicious words,--"O reverend one, I apprehend that, living hard by, the inhabitants of the city and the provinces, thinking me as easily to be seen, will come to this asylum desirous of beholding me and Vaidehi. It is for this reason that living at this place does not recommend itself unto me. Do thou, O worshipful one, hit upon a retired and agreeable asylum where Janaka's daughter worthy of happiness, will pass her days pleasantly " Hearing this auspicious speech of Raghava, that eminent anchoret Bharadwaja said these words calculated to serve Rama's purpose,--"Ten Krosas hence, my child, is the mountain where thou shalt dwell. It is inhabited by _maharshis_, and is sacred, and picturseque throughout, abounding in _Golangulas_, monkeys, and bears,--known by the name of Chitrakuta--resembling Gandhamadana. On beholding the peaks of Chitrakuta, one reaps welfare, and ignorance does not envelope one's mind. There innumerable saints with the hair of their heads rendered white like skulls, having spent hundreds of years, have through austerities ascended heaven. That solitary spot I deem as one which will make a happy residence for thee. O Rama, do thou, for living out the term of thy banishment, dwell either here or with me." Bharadwaja entertained his welcome guest, Rama, along with his wife and brother by extending towards them every rite of hospitality. And at Prayaga Rama having obtained the company of that Maharshi, and discoursing on a variety of sacred topics, the night came on. And with Sita for the third, Kakutstha brought up in luxury, being fatigued, pleasantly spent that night at the romantic hermitage of Bharadwaja. When the night had passed away and day dawned, (Rama) approached Bharadwaja, and that chief of men addressed that ascetic of flaming energy,--"O reverend sire of truthful character, we have here in thy asylum spent the night. Do thou now permit us to set forward (for Chitrakuta)." On Rama having passed the night there, Bharadwaja spoke unto him,--"Do thou trace thy steps to Chitrakuta filled with delicious fruits and roots. I deem that, O mighty Rama, as a fit abode for thee, being, as it is, furnished with various kinds of trees, inhabited by crowds of Kinnaras, resounding with the cries of peacocks, and frequented by gignantic elephants. Do thou repair unto the famed Chitrakuta, holy, fair to the view, and abounding in countless fruits and roots. And in those forests range herds of elephants and deer; and these, O Raghava, thou wilt behold. And ranging with Sita rivers and rills and plateaus, caverns and fountains, thy mind will experience delight. Delighted with the notes of joyous Koyastivas and coels, and the cries of deer and countless mad elephants, do thou, arriving at the auspicious mountain, reside at that romantic asylum."

[150] When an eminent guest came to a person's house, he offered _madhuparka_, with a bull which was killed for his entertainment.--T.

SECTION LV.

Having spent the night there, those princes--repressors of their foes-- after paying their obeisance unto the Maharshi, set out for the mountain. And seeing them about to set forth, that Maharshi performed a propitiatory ceremony for them, even as a father does on behalf of the sons begot from his own loins. And that mighty ascetic, Bharadwaja having truth for his prowess, addressed them, saying,--"O best of men, do you coming to the confluence of the Ganga and the Yamuna proceed along the Kalindi river flowing westwards. Arriving at the Kalindi running in a contrary direction, you will, O Raghava, behold a goodly bathing place well-worn by foot-passengers. There constructing a raft, do you cross over the river who is the daughter of the Sun. Next coming to a gigantic banian tree with green foliage, named Syama, surrounded by various trees and inhabited by ascetics of accomplished purposes, let Sita with joined hands offer humble supplications to it. Having come to the tree and, whether staying under it or proceeding along, after passing only a _Krosa_, you will, O Rama, see a wood abounding in Sallakis, Vadaris, and other wild trees belonging unto the Yamuna. I went to Chitrakuta many a time by that road, which is beautiful, sandy, and free from forest-fire." Having directed the way, the Maharshi paused. Thereupon Rama, saying,--"So be it" asked him to stop. On the ascetic turning away, Rama spoke unto Lakshmana, "We had surely acquired religious merit, good betide you, since, the ascetic has shown compassion unto us." Having thus conversed with each other, those foremost of men endowed with intelligence, placing Sita in their front, proceeded towards the river Kalindi. And having arrived at the Kalindi of rapid currents, they desirous of crossing over, began I think (as to the means). Then with heaps of dry wild wood covered with grass, they constructed a large raft. And the puissant Lakshmana tearing twigs from the ratan and the rose-apple, made a comfortable seat for Sita. Then Dacaratha's son, Rama, made his bashful wife (in power) inconceivable like unto Sree herself, ascend the raft, and carefully laid beside Vaidehi her attires and ornaments as well as the hoe and the basket. And first having placed Sita on the raft, those sons of Dacaratha ascended themselves, and with glad hearts began carefully to cross (the stream). Having come near the middle of the Kalindi, Sita prayed unto her, saying, --"Hail to thee, O goddess! I cross thee. If my husband can successfully perform his vow, I will worship thee with a thousand cows and an hundred vessels of wine, hail unto thee, upon Rama's return to the city ruled by Ikshwaku." Having thus prayed to Kalindi with joined hands, that virtuous lady, Sita, reached the southern bank thereof. And by means of that raft they crossed that fleet-coursing daughter of the Sun, heaving with billows--the river Yamuna with her banks abounding with innumerable trees. Then renouncing the raft, and passing by the woods adjoining the Yamuna, they came upon a banian Syama by name, of cool shade and verdant foliage. On coming to the banian, Vaidehi saluted it saying,--"O mighty tree, I bow unto thee. May my husband fulfil his vow; and may we behold Kaucalya and the illustrious Sumitra." Having thus prayed with joined hands, the intelligent Sita went away. Seeing the blameless and beloved Sita ever conducting herself properly,--praying, Rama said unto Lakshmana, "Do thou, O younger brother of Bharata, taking Sita with thee, go forward. O best of men, furnished with weapons, I will go in thy wake. Do thou procure Vaidehi with whatever fruits or flowers may please her and she may wish to have." Seeing every tree and shrub crowned with blossoms unseen before, that one belonging to the softer sex questioned Rama about it. And hearing Sita's words, Lakshmana brought unto her (fruits and flowers) of beautiful and flower-scattering trees of divers kinds. And beholding streams with water flowing over glittering sands and resounding with cranes of various kinds, the daughter of king Janaka felt exceeding delight. And having proceeded just a _Krosa_, those brothers, Rama and Lakshmana, having killed many a sacred deer, began to range in the woods of the Yamuna. And having disported in the beautiful woods resounding with multitudes of peacocks and inhabited by elephants and monkeys, they looking as lively as ever, coming to the level banks of the river, took up their quarters there.

SECTION LVI.

When the night had been spent, that best of Raghus gently awakened Lakshmana from his light sleep. "O Sumitra's son, do thou hear the dulcet notes of the birds in the woods. Let us proceed. O repressor of foes, the time of our departure is present." Awakened at the proper time, Rama's brother left off sleep and drowsiness and clinging fatigue. Then they all arising touched the sacred waters of the river, and began to proceed on the way to Chitrakuta inhabited by ascetics. Setting out in season with Sumitra's son, he of eyes resembling lotus-petals spoke these words unto Sita,--"O Vaidehi, behold these flowering trees, the Kinsukas in spring appearing engarlanded with their own flowers, and as if flaming.--Do thou behold the Bhallatakas and Vilwas bending beneath their fruits and flowers, with no man to enjoy them. Surely, we shall be able to live here. Behold, O Lakshmana, these honeycombs measuring about a _Drona_ have been hung up on trees by the bees. In the charming woods overarched by flowers, the _Datyuha_ cries, and is responded to by the peacock. Do thou behold Chitrakuta frequented by mad elephants and resonant with the voice of multitudes of birds--the mountain with its towering summits. O child, we will disport in the sacred woods of Chitrakuta with fine level plains,and covered with divers trees." Then they proceeding on foot along with Sita, arrived at the charming and beautiful mountain Chitrakuta. And arriving at the mountain inhabited by birds of various kinds, abounding in fruits and roots, and furnished with watery expanses, (Rama) said, "O amiable one, methinks this beautiful hill furnished with innumerable fruits and roots, is fraught with subsistence. And the hill is inhabited by high-souled ascetics. Let this, O child, be our abode. We will dwell here." Then Rama, Lakshmana and Sita with joined hands presented themselves at the asylum of Valmiki and saluted him. Thereat the Maharshi cognizant of morality said unto them, "Be seated!" and addressed Rama, saying,--"Has thy journey been a pleasant one?" Then having duly acquainted the saint with matters pertaining to himself, that lord, the mighty- armed elder brother of Lakshmana, said unto the latter, "O Lakshmana, bring thou wood good and strong. O amiable one, construct a dwelling. My mind is set upon staying here." Hearing his words, Sumitra's son procured wood of various descriptions, and then that subduer of foes reared a cottage thatched with leaves. Beholding that goodly dwelling walled with wood and furnished with doors, Rama addressed these words unto Lakshmana, intent upon ministering unto his brother. "Procuring meat, we will worship the deity presiding over this dwelling. O Sumitra's son, those who wish to live long, should pacify the household gods. O Lakshmana graced with auspicious eyes, do thou killing deer, swiftly bring it here. It behoves us to observe the rules prescribed by the scriptures. Do thou follow the ordinance." Acquainted with the words of his brother, Lakshmana, slayer of hostile heroes, did as he was told. Thereupon Rama addressed him again, "Do thou cook this meat. We will worship the presiding deities of this mansion. Bestir thyself,--the moment is mild and the day is styled _Dhruva_." Then Lakshmana the son of Sumitra endowed with vigor, having slain a sacred black deer, threw it into flaming fire. And seeing it well scorched and hot and free from blood, Lakshmana spoke unto that foremost of men, Raghava, saying,--"Here is the entire black deer roasted by me, capable of serving any purpose. Do you, O you that resemble a celestial, worship the gods." Having performed his ablutions, Rama conversant with the ritual and possessing a knowledge of _Japa_, restraining his senses, performed all the _mantras_ that are necessary for completing a sacrifice; and having in a pure spirit communed with all the deities, entered the habitation. And (this having been done), Rama of immeasurable energy rejoiced exceedingly. And sacrificing unto Vaicya, Rudra and Vishnu, he performed some ceremonies for removing malign influences from the abode. And having duly performed _Japa_ and bathed in consonance with the ordinance, Rama made an excellent sacrifice for removing sin. And then Raghava established a dais, and a _chaitya_ proportionate to the abode.[151] And as the celestials enter the hall entitled Sudharma, they together with the view of dwelling in it, entered the mansion beautiful to behold, thatched with the leaves of trees, built at a convenient site, well-made, and keeping out the wind.[152] And having come to the charming Chitrakuta and the river Malyavati furnished with excellent bathing places, and haunted by beasts and fowls, they rejoiced with glad hearts, and forsook the grief incident to their exile from the city.

[151] The N. W. P. text reads:--"And in that romantic forest abounding in various kinds of beasts and birds, with trees bearing a profusion of variegated flowers, and resounding with the roars of beasts and serpents, those ones and, who had conquered their senses, began to live happily."-- T.

[152] Another reading is:--"And having with garlands made of wild flowers, fruits, roots, meat cooked according to the ordinance, water, _Japa_ as prescribed by the Veda, grass, and faggot, worshipped the spirits, those descendants of Raghu, the auspicious Rama and Lakshmana, in company with Sita entered the graceful mansion."-- T.

SECTION LVII.

Having for a long time conversed with Sumantra, Guha distressed at heart on Rama reaching the southern bank, retraced his steps homewards. Learning from envoys at (Sringaverapura) all about Rama's visit to Bharadwaja at Prayaga and his reception (at Bharadwaja's place) as well as their destined journey (to Chitrakuta), Sumantra, taking the permission (of Guha), yoked those excellent horses and with a heavy heart directed his course to the city of Ayodhya. And beholding perfumed woods and rivers and watery expanses and towns and villages, he eagerly proceeded on his way. And on the third day at dusk the charioteer arriving at Ayodhya saw it bereft of happiness. And beholding it empty and still, Sumantra afflicted with exceeding sorrow, and overwhelmed with grief, thought, "Perhaps the city with her elephants and horses and men and king has been consumed by the fire of grief on account of Rama." Having thus reflected, the charioteer drawing up to the city- gate by means of those fleet-coursing horses, speedily entered the city. Thereupon, people by hundreds and thousands rushed after the charioteer, Sumantra, asking, "Where is Rama?" To them he replied,--"Having asked Raghava on the Ganga and being permitted by him, I have been sent away by that high-souled righteous one." Learning that they (Rama and the rest) had crossed over (the Ganga), the men with tears in their eyes, sighed forth "O fie!" and began to bewail, exclaiming, "Ah Rama." And he heard crowds exclaim,--"Not seeing Rama in the car, we cease to exist. We shall no longer see the righteous Rama in the midst of mighty assemblies engaged in charity, sacrifice or nuptial rites. What was necessary for this body? What was dear to them and what did they delight in?--(constantly revolving all this in his mind), Rama ruled this city even as, a father. Then proceeding past the stalls, Sumantra heard the lamentations of females at windows, burning in grief for Rama. With his face muffled, Sumantra proceeded on the highway towards the palace of Dacaratha. Swiftly alighting from the car and entering the royal residence, he went past seven apartments thronged with people. And beholding Sumantra returned to the city crowned with edifices, seven- storied houses, and palatial mansions, the women, stricken with the absence of Rama, set up a cry of "Oh" and "Alas." And waxing still more aggrieved, the females looked at each other with their expansive and transparent eyes fast flooded with tears. And then he heard the talk, as toned down it proceeded from the royal mansions, of the wives of Dacaratha afflicted with grief for Rama. "Going in company with Rama, and returning without him, what will the charioteer answer Kaucalya bewailing (for her son)? Surely life is miserable, yet is incapable of being renounced, since, although her son leaving (the installation) hath gone away, yet Kaucalya still liveth." Having heard those words of the queens, fraught with truth, Sumantra burning as it were in grief, at once entered the (next) apartment. And entering the eighth apartment he beheld in a gloomy chamber the king distressed and in a pitiable plight, woe-begone for grief for his son. Thereupon presenting himself before the monarch, Sumantra saluted him and then conveyed unto the king the words of Rama as he had uttered them. Hearing them silently, the monarch with his mind exceedingly wrought, dropped down to the ground in a swoon, afflicted with grief for Rama. On the lord of earth swooning away and falling to the ground, the inmates of the inner apartment raising their arms burst into lamentations. Kaucalya availing herself of the aid of Sumantra, raised up her fallen lord and addressed him, saying, "This, O eminently virtuous one! if the envoy of that one of an exceedingly arduous achievement, returned from the forest. Why do you not accost him? O descendant of Raghu, you are ashamed to-day, having done this wrong. Do you rise: merit be yours (arising from this act.) Let not your adherents come to naught (because of your sorrow). O worshipful one, she from fear of whom you do not speak to the charioteer, Kaikeyi, is not here. Do you therefore speak to him without fear." Having said this unto the monarch, Kaucalya overwhelmed with grief, with her voice oppressed with the vapour begot of emotion, all on a sudden fell to the earth. Beholding Kaucalya fallen on the ground bewailing, as also their husband, the ladies seated around, began to lament. Hearing the sounds of wailing arise from the inner apartment, old and young as well as females, set up lamentations all round; and the city was again filled with them.

SECTION LVIII.