Part 4

Having entered the asylum, Raghava's younger brother, Lakshmana, coming to a disciple of Agastya, spoke unto him, saying, "There was a king, named Dacaratha. His eldest son, the strong Rama, hath come (to this asylum) along with his wife, Sita, for seeing the ascetic.--Named Lakshmana, I am his younger brother, obedient and devoted to him.--Thou mayst have heard of it. Having entered this horrid forest, in consonance with the mandate of our sire, we desire to see the reverend one. Tell this unto him." Hearing Lakshmana's words, that ascetic, saying. "So be it!", entered the chamber of the sacrificial fire, for the purpose of communicating (the news unto Agastya). Entering in, Agastya's beloved disciple, with joined hands communicated unto that foremost of ascetics, incapable of being repressed,[11] exactly what Lakshmana had told him,--"For seeing the reverend one, and serving him as well, those subduers of their foes, Dacaratha's sons, Rama and Lakshmana, accompanied by Sita, have entered this asylum. It now behoves thee to command what is to be done next." Hearing from his disciple that Rama had come along with Lakshmana and the highly virtuous Vaidehi, Agastya said, "By luck it is that after a long time, Rama hath come to see me. I had mentally wished for his arrival. Go thou; and let Rama, having been respectfully received, come before me. Why hast thou not brought him thyself?" Thus addressed by the high-souled and righteous ascetic, the disciple saluting him, with joined hands, said, "So be it." Then issuing out, the disciple said unto Lakshmana, "Where is Rama? Let him come and enter in." Thereat, going to the asylum in company with the disciple (of Agastya), Lakshmana showed unto him Kakutstha and the daughter of Janaka, Sita. Then joyfully communicating unto Rama the words of the reverend one, the disciple (of Agastya) duly took in that one worthy of being honored. And seeing the asylum teeming with mild deer, Rama entered in with Lakshmana and Sita. And there Rama beheld the place of Brahma, and that of Agni,--that of Vishnu, and that of the great Indra, the place of Vivaswat, and that of Soma, and that of Bhaga, and that of Dhata and Vidhata, and that of Vayu, and that of the high-souled Varuna having the noose in his hand, and that of Gayatri, and that of the Vasus, and that of the monarch of the _Nagas_, and that of Garuda, and that of Kartikeya, and that of Dharma. And it came to pass that, surrounded by his disciples, the ascetic came (before Rama). And Rama saw that one of flaming energy at the head of the ascetics; and the hero said unto Lakshmana, enhancer of auspiciousness, "O Lakshmana, the revered saint, Agastya, is coming out. I recognize that mass of asceticism by a certain kind of majesty (that characterizes him)." Having said this touching Agastya of the splendour of the sun, that son of Raghu took hold of his feet. Then, having paid him homage, Rama with joined hands stood there in company with Videha's daughter, Sita, and Lakshmana. Thereat, embracing Rama and honoring him with water and a seat, and asking him questions anent his welfare, the saint said, "Welcome!" Offering oblations unto the fire, and presenting Arghya unto the guests, and paying them homage, that ascetic entertained them with food in accordance with the Vanasprastha mode of life; and then first sitting down, that foremost of ascetics, the pious Agastya, addressed Rama cognizant of righteousness, staying with joined hands, "O Kakutstha, if an ascetic acts otherwise (in respect of a guest,) he in the next world feeds on his own flesh, like a false witness. The sovereign of all the worlds, righteous, a mighty car warrior, worthy of being honored and worshipped, thou hast become our beloved guest." Having said this, Agastya, according to his desire, worshipping Raghava with fruits, roots and flowers, said unto him, "O foremost of men, this mighty, celestial bow belonging unto Vishnu, and constructed by Vicwakarma, and this best of arrows (named) Brahmadatta, infallible and resembling the sun, and this inexhaustible couple of quivers filled with sharpened shafts, like unto flaming fire; were granted unto me by the mighty Indra. And here is this mighty golden scabbard, and this sword decked in gold. Having, O Rama, slain the mighty Asuras with this bow, Vishnu in days of yore in battle secured the effulgent Fortune of the celestials. O bestower of honor, do thou for securing victory, take this bow, these quivers, this arrow, and this scimitar, like the holder of the thunderbolt, taking the same." Having said this that highly energetic one, the reverend Agastya, consigning unto Rama all those weapons, again said.

[11] Some texts:--_Effulgent_.

SECTION XIII.

Rama, I am pleased with thee; good betide thee! And, O Lakshmana, I am gratified by thee. Ye are in trouble in consequence of the great fatigue that ye have undergone on the way. And Janaka's daughter, the noble Maithili, is evidently eager (for rest). Of tender years and unknown to hardship, she hath come to the forest rife with troubles, being urged by the love she bears unto her lord. Do thou, O Rama, conduct thyself so, that Sita may find a pleasant time of it. By following thee to the forest, it is a hard task that she is performing. O son of Raghu, this hath been the nature of the fair sex from the commencement of creation, that they gladden him that is well off, and forsake a person in adversity. And women imitate the instability of lightning, the sharpness of weapons,and the celerity of Garuda and the wind[12]. But this wife of thine is absolutely free from all these defects; she is worthy of being extolled and the foremost of those devoted to their lord, like Arundhati among the gods. This region, O Rama, will be adorned, since, O subduer of enemies, thou along with Vaidehi and Sumitra's son, wilt dwell here." Thus addressed by the ascetic, Raghava, joining his hands, humbly observed unto that saint resembling flaming fire, "Blessed and beholden am I, since the foremost of ascetics is gratified with my merits as well as with those of my brother and wife. Do thou now direct me to a country well watered, and abounding in woods, where rearing an asylum, I may dwell delightfully and pleasantly." Hearing Rama's words, that best of ascetics, reflecting for a while, spoke these excellent words, "Two Yojanas hence, my child, is a region abounding in fruits and roots, containing countless deer, and beautiful--known by the name of Panchavati. Repairing thither, do thou, rearing an asylum, pass thy time pleasantly in company with Sumitra's son, duly doing the mandate of thy sire. O sinless one, all this news relating to thyself, has from affection been known to me through the potency of my asceticism, as also that relating to Dacaratha. Although thou hast promised to dwell with me in this ascetic grove, yet by virtue of my asceticism I know the desire that is in thy heart. I therefore tell thee, repair to Panchavati. That is a charming woodland, and there Mithila's daughter shall dwell with delight. And that tract is worthy of all praise, and, O Raghava, it is not distant from here.--It is in the vicinity of the Godavari. Mithila's daughter shall live there agreeably. And that spot abounds in fruits and roots, is frequented by various fowls, is retired, O mighty-armed one, and is sacred and beautiful. And thou of pure ways, and competent to protect the ascetics, shall, O Rama, protect them. O hero, yonder is the mighty wood of Madhukas. Directing thy course to the asylum of Nagrodha trees, go by the north of this Madhuka wood. Then arriving at a spot hard by a hill, (thou wilt) come upon the celebrated Panchavati, crowned with blossoming woods." Thus accosted by Agastya, Rama along with Sumitra's son, honouring the truth-speaking saint, greeted him. Then, having saluted his feet, they, taking the saint's permission, set out along with Sita for the hermitage of Panchavati. And, taking their bows and quivers those sons of the king, of undiminished martial virtue, with intent minds bent their course to Panchavati by the way laid down by the Maharshi.

[12] The commentator explains:--_They imitate the lightning in changing their residence, the sharpness of weapons in severing affection, and the celerity of Garuda or the wind in doing wrong.--T_.

SECTION XIV.

As he was proceeding to Panchavati, Raghu's son saw a huge-bodied vulture of terrible prowess. And seeing him in the forest, the exalted Rama and Lakshmana, as they were conversing With each other, knowing the bird to be (in reality) a Rakshasa, asked him, saying, "Who art thou?" Thereupon, in soft and sweet words, he, pleasing them, said, "My child, know me for a friend of thy father." Knowing him to be a friend of his sire, Raghava paid him homage, and enquired for his name and lineage. Hearing Rama's words, he mentioned his own lineage, and related the origin of all beings. "O mighty-armed one, I shall describe (unto thee) from the very beginning the (history of) those that were Prajapatis in days of yore. Listen, O Raghava. Of these, the first is Kardama, then Vikrita, and then Sesha, Sancraya, the powerful Vahuputra, Sthanu, Marichi, Atri, the mighty Kratu, Pulastya, Angira, Pracheta, Pulaha, Daksha, Vivaswat, Arishtanemi, O Raghava, and the exceedingly energetic Kacyapa. These had the west. The Prajapati Daksha, it hath been heard by us, O Rama, had sixty famous and illustrious daughters. Of these Kacyapa wed eight, with elegant waists;--Aditi, Diti, Danu, Kalika,[13] Tamra, Krodhavasa, Manu and Anala. Then, well pleased, Kacyapa again said unto those damsels, "Do thou bring forth sons like unto myself, who shall be lords of the three worlds." Thereat, Aditi, O Rama, Diti, Danu, and Kalika, O mighty-armed one, consented,--the rest were of another mind. And of Aditi were born thirty-three deities, O repressor of thy foes, _viz_., the Adityas, the Vasus, the Rudras, and the Acwinas, O subduer of enemies. And, my child, Diti gave birth to those sons, the renowned Daityas. Formerly, this earth girt with seas was in the possession of these. And, O vanquisher of thy foes, Danu gave birth to a son, named, Acwagriva. And Kalika brought forth Naraka and Kalaka. And Tamra gave birth to these five daughters celebrated in the world,-- Kraunchi, Bhasi, Syeni, Dhritarshtri, and Suki. And Kraunchi gave birth to the Ulukas, and Bhasi, to Bhasas, and Syeni to hawks and vultures possessed of energy; and Dhritarashtri to swans, all kinds of Kalahansas, and Chakravakas, and that damsel, Suki, to Nata. And Vinata was Nata's daughter. And Krodhavasa, O Rama, brought forth ten daughters, _viz._, Mrigi, Mrigamanda, Hari, Bhadramada, Matangi, Sarduli, Sweta, Surabhi crowned with every (auspicious mark), Surasa and Kadruka. And, thou foremost of the best of men, Mrigi's sons were all the deer, and those of Mrigamanda. were bears, Srimaras and Chamaras. And Bhadramada bore one daughter, Iravati. And Iravati's son is the mighty elephant, who is the lord of the worlds. And Hari's sons are lions and the nimble monkeys. And Sarduli brought forth as her sons, Golangulas, and tigers; and the offspring of Matangi were mad elephants, O best of men. And Sweta, O Kakutstha, gave birth to the elephants of the cardinal points. And, O Rama, Surabhi gave birth unto two daughters--the famous Rohini, and Gandharbi. Rohini produced kine, and the sons of Gandharbi are horses. And Surasa, O Rama, gave birth to Nagas, and Kadru, to Pannagas. And Kacyapa's other wife Manu begot mankind--Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaicyas, and Sudras. From the mouth, it is known, sprang Brahmanas, from the breast, Kshatriyas, from the thighs, Vaicyas, and from the feet, Sudras. And Anala produced all trees bearing sacred fruits. Vinata (was) Suki's grand-daughter, and Kadru, Surasa's aunt. And Kadru gave birth to a thousand Nagas with the holder of the Earth. And Vinata brought forth two sons,--Garuda, and Aruna. And from Aruna sprang myself and my elder brother Sampati. O subduer of enemies, know me for Jatayu, the son of Syeni. If thou will, I shall become thy help during thy abode (in the woods). And, O child, I shall protect Sita when thou shalt go out along with Lakshmana." There Raghava paying homage unto Jatayu, and embracing him joyfully, bent low; and that self-possessed one listened to the story of Jatayu's friendship with his father, as related by him repeatedly. Then consigning unto that bird of exceeding strength, Mithila's daughter, Sita, Rama accompanied by Lakshmana went to Panchavati, destroying his foes and protecting the worlds.

[13] Some texts:--_Kalaka.--T._

SECTION XV.

Then repairing to Panchavati filled with various animals and beasts of prey, Rama remarked unto his brother of flaming energy, "(Now) we have come to the place to which we had been directed by the ascetic. This, O amiable one, is Panchavati furnished with blossoming woods. Do thou cast thy eyes around this forest, and (ascertain) what spot shall suit our asylum. Do thou find out such a place in the vicinity of a tank where thyself Sita and I may dwell happily, which is graced with the garniture of woods and delightful with liquid lapses, and whose neighbourhood yields fuel, flowers, Kuca and water." Thus addressed by Rama, Lakshmana with joined hands, said unto Kakutstha in the presence of Sita, "O Kakutstha, even if I were to stay with thee for an hundred years, I shall remain thy servant. Thyself selecting some beauteous spot, do thou tell me--'Construct (an asylum).'" Well pleased with the words of Lakshmana, that highly effulgent one, after due reflection, selected a site having every recommendation. Going to that romantic spot for rearing an asylum, Rama, taking the hand of Sumitra's son in his, said unto him, "This place is level, graceful, and surrounded with blossoming trees. Do thou duly construct an asylum at this spot. Hard by is seen a beautiful pool, embellished with lotuses, resembling the sun, and breathing balmy perfume. And, as told by that pure-hearted ascetic, Agastya, this is the graceful Godavari, bordered by flowering trees;--swarming with swans and Karandavas, delighted with Chakravakas; thronged with herds of deer[14], not far, yet not so very near. And resounding with the cries of peacocks; charming; elevated; containing full many a cave; do thou, O amiable one, behold these hills, covered with trees in full flower; and they are shining like elephants painted with diverse colors by persons with the utmost care; adorned with Salas, palmyras, Tamalas, dates, Panasas, Nivaras, Tinisas, and Punnagas. And covered with mangos, and Tilakas, and Ketakas, and Champakas, and trees entwined by flowers and herbs and plants; and containing Syandanas, sandals, Nipas, Panasas, Lakuchas, Dhavas, Acwakarnas, Khadiras, Samis, Kincukas and Patalas. This spot is sacred --this spot is charming--this spot abounds in beasts and birds. Here will I dwell, O Sumitra's son, in company with this bird[15]." Thus addressed by Rama, the exceedingly powerful Lakshmana, slayer of hostile heroes, in a short time raised an asylum for his brother. And the exceedingly stout Lakshmana created there for Raghava a spacious hut thatched with leaves made of clay, furnished with pillars, constructed with long bamboos, graceful,--spread with Sami boughs; tightly fastened with strong cords; covered with Kuca, reeds, and leaves; with its floor well leveled; and charming; beautiful to look at, and exceedingly excellent. And then going to the river Godavari, the lovely Lakshmana, performing his bath, and securing lotuses and fruits, came back (to the asylum). Then offering flowers, and duly performing rites for the peace (of the habitation), Lakshmana showed the asylum which he had made unto Rama. Seeing the beautiful asylum along with Sita, Raghava experienced high raptures. And joyfully embracing Lakshmana with his arms, Rama said these exceedingly calm and solemn words, "Pleased am I with thee. Thou hast done a great deed, my brother; for which I have granted thee my embrace by way of reward. While thou, his son, skilled in reading thought, grateful, and cognizant of righteousness art alive, O Lakshmana, my father is not dead." Having said this unto Lakshmana, Raghava-the enhancer of auspiciousness--experiencing felicity , began to dwell happily in that region filled with fruits. And ministered unto by Sita and Lakshmana, that righteous one lived there, like the immortals in heaven.

[14] _Come to slake their thirst._--Ramayana.--T.

[15] Jatayu.--T.

SECTION XVI.

As the high-souled Raghava was dwelling there peacefully, after autumn had departed, the welcome winter commenced. And it came to pass that once on a time, when the night had passed away and day broke, that son of Raghu went to the romantic river Godavari for performing his bath. And as the humble son of Sumitra Rama's puissant brother bearing a water pitcher in his hand was following Rama along with Sita at his back, the former said unto Rama, "O sweet-speeched one, now is come that season which thou hast ever held dear; and as if decorated by which comes on the entire auspicious year. Now people have their persons rendered rough from dew; the earth is replenished with corn; water is difficult of being used; and fire becomes enjoyable. And men having worshipped the gods and the Pitris by celebrating Agrayana on the occasion of partaking new rice, have at this season, their sins purged off. The provinces overflow with food, and abound in milk and articles prepared there- from; and kings bent on conquest, range about for surveying them. And on the sun having veered steadily to the quarter presided over by the Destroyer[16], the north appears like a female without her _tilaka_[17]. Naturally abounding in snow, and now having the sun at a great distance, the mountain Himavan[18] justly beareth that name. At miday the days are delightful to a degree to range in, feel highly agreeable, and have pleasant suns; while shade and water are uncomfortable. And the days now have mild suns, are covered with dew, severely cold, with the forests remaining idle[19], and the lotuses destroyed by frost. And now at night people cannot lie down in unsheltered places; and the nights are inferred from the presence of Pushya. And at night the atmosphere (being covered with vapour) looks brown; and it is bitter cold then; and the hours are long. And the good fortune of the Moon hath fallen to the Sun; and the disc of the former is reddish with vapour; and like unto a glass breathed upon, it doth not shine clearly. And the moonlight furnished by vapour doth not appear pleasant; and like Sita pallid because of (exposure to) sunshine, is perceptible, but doth not look beauteous. And at this season the western wind naturally of gelid feel, being permeated at present with cold, blows with double coldness. And the forests enveloped in mist, and stocked with wheat and barley, look brilliant at sunrise, with Kraunchas and cranes crying (in chorus). Golden-hued paddy slightly inclined, appear graceful, with their heads like unto date-flowers filled with rice. And the sun although high advanced, yet having its rays covered with thick mist, appeareth like the moon. And feeble at the first part of the day, and of agreeable touch at mid-day, the sunshine, being surcharged with mist, appeareth palish over the face of the earth. And in the woods, swards covered with green grass, and with dew-drops on it, look handsome on the morning sun brightening it up. And wild elephants waxing exceedingly thirsty, draw away their trunks, just as they touch beautifully clear and cold water. And those aquatic fowls seated by, do not dip themselves in the water, like unto cravens shunning fight. And the rows of trees, shorn of their blossoms, on being enveloped with dew at night and mist at morn, look as if they were fast asleep. And the streams appear with their waters enveloped in vapour,and the cranes, perceived through their cries, and their banks having their sands wet. And what on account of the snow-fall, what of the mildness of the sun, and what through the cold, water even when it is on a mountain top, tastes sweet. And lotuses afflicted by the cold, with the stalks only left, and with their petals dropping down and their pericarps and filaments shrivelled up, do not appear beautiful. And, O foremost of men, at this season, influenced by regard for thee, Bharata undergoing affliction of spirit, is performing mortifications in the city. And forsaking kingdom, and dignity, and the many and various enjoyments, Bharata practising asceticism and restraining himself in respect of food, in this winter lieth down on the bare earth. And he also, for certain, at this hour of the day, surrounded by his subjects, daily wendeth to the river Sarayu for performing his ablutions. Brought up in luxury, and exceedingly tender, how can he, afflicted with cold, perform his ablutions during the latter part of the night? Of eyes resembling lotus petals, grey-hued, endued with grace, with a navel depressed, and mighty, Bharata understandeth righteousness, is truth-speaking, of restrained senses (in respect of others' wives) and also of subdued senses. And he speaketh fair, and is sweet-tempered, and long-armed and the vanquisher of foes. And renouncing various pleasures, he hath devoted himself unto the noble one. Thy high-souled brother hath secured heaven, since he, resorting to asceticism, is imitating thee that resident in the woods. The saying that people follow their mother and not their father, is falsified in the case of Bharata. How can mother Kaikeyi, whose husband is Dacaratha and son the righteous Bharata, have such crooked way?" As the virtuous Lakshmana was speaking thus from affection, Raghava, not bearing the blame cast upon his mother (Kaikeyi), said, "My brother, thou shouldst by no means, tax our second mother. Do thou talk of that lord of the Ikshwaku race, Bharata. Albeit my mind is firm as regards my sojourn in the woods, yet is my mind unsteady, being inflamed with affection for Bharata. I remember his dear sweet words, taking the heart, resembling ambrosia, filling the soul with delight. When shall I, O son of Raghu, meet with the high-souled Bharata, and the heroic Satrughna, and thyself?[20]" Having bewailed thus, Kakutstha, coming to the river Godavari, there performed his ablutions in company with younger brother and Sita. Then having offered his adorations with water unto the gods and the Pitris, those sinless hymned the risen sun as well as the celestials. Having with Sita as the second and Lakshmana, performed his bath. Rama looked beautiful like that lord the reverend Rudra in company with Nandi and the daughter of the king of mountains.

[16] _i. e._--The South.--T.

[17] A mark made with colored earths or unguents upon the forehead and between the eye-brows either by way of ornament or a sectarial distinction.--T.

[18] _Himavan_ means _having snow._--T.

[19] 'Of antres vast and deserts idle.' _Othello_. Although not in common use, the word is very picturesque, and hence the adoption.--T.

[20] Thyself, the meaning is evident when shall we all meet together.--T.

SECTION XVII.