Introduction
Rama, Seetha and Lakshmana reach the hermitage of Bharadwaja, situated a the confluence of Ganga and Yamuna rivers. The sage Bharadwaja extends hospitality to them and recommends Chitrakuta as the fittest place for them to sojourn in. Spending the night in discourses on various matters with him, the sage grants him leave early next morning to depart for Chitrakuta.
ते तु तस्मिन् महा वृक्षौषित्वा रजनीम् शिवाम् |
विमले अभ्युदिते सूर्ये तस्मात् देशात् प्रतस्थिरे || २-५४-१
vimale abhyudite suurye tasmaat deshaat pratasthire || 2-54-1
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 2.54.1
Having spent the beautiful night under the big tree, Rama, Seetha and Lakshmana started from that place when the immaculate sun had risen. .
यत्र भागीरथी गन्गा यमुनाम् अभिवर्तते |
जग्मुस् तम् देशम् उद्दिश्य विगाह्य सुमहद् वनम् || २-५४-२
ते भूमिम् आगान् विविधान् देशामः च अपि मनो रमान् |
अदृष्ट पूर्वान् पश्यन्तः तत्र तत्र यशस्विनः || २-५४-३
jagmus tam desham uddishya vigaahya sumahad vanam || 2-54-2
te bhuumim aagaan vividhaan deshaamH ca api mano ramaan |
adR^iShTa puurvaan pashyantaH tatra tatra yashasvinaH || 2-54-3
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 2.54.2,2.54.3
Having penetrated into a deep forest, they the illustrious trios, while seeing many stretches of land and at some places, attractive scenery never seen before, proceeded in the direction of that region where river Yamuna was flowing forth towards river Ganga, associated with the name of Emperor Bhagiratha.
Comment: Emperor Bhagiratha had the credit of bringing down the stream to the terrestrial plane by dint of his devotion and austerities in order to purify the ashes of his departed grand uncles. .
यथा क्षेमेण गच्चन् स पश्यमः च विविधान् द्रुमान् |
निवृत्त मात्रे दिवसे रामः सौमित्रिम् अब्रवीत् || २-५४-४
nivR^itta maatre divase raamaH saumitrim abraviit || 2-54-4
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 2.54.4
Observing various trees while walking at ease, Rama spoke to Lakshmana (as follows) when the day had just receded. .
प्रयागम् अभितः पश्य सौमित्रे धूमम् उन्नतम् |
अग्नेर् भगवतः केतुम् मन्ये सम्निहितः मुनिः || २-५४-५
agner bhagavataH ketum manye samnihitaH muniH || 2-54-5
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 2.54.5
“Perceive, Oh Lakshmana, the smoke looking prominent as a sign of the glorious god of fire near Prayaga (the confluence of the holy Ganga and Yamuna rivers). I think that sage Bharadwaja is staying nearby.” .
नूनम् प्राप्ताः स्म सम्भेदम् गन्गा यमुनयोः वयम् |
तथा हि श्रूयते शम्ब्दो वारिणा वारि घट्टितः || २-५४-६
tathaa hi shruuyate shambdo vaariNaa vaari ghaTTitaH || 2-54-6
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 2.54.6
“We have certainly reached the confluence of rivers Ganga and Yamuna. Yes, the noise produced by clashing of waters is heard.” .
दारूणि परिभिन्नानि वनजैः उपजीविभिः |
भरद्वाज आश्रमे च एते दृश्यन्ते विविधा द्रुमाः || २-५४-७
bharadvaaja aashrame ca ete dR^ishyante vividhaa drumaaH || 2-54-7
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 2.54.7
“Pieces of timber split up by men who are dependent upon forest-products, as also these trees of various kinds are seen in the hermitage of Bharadwaja.” .
धन्विनौ तौ सुखम् गत्वा लम्बमाने दिवा करे |
गन्गा यमुनयोह् संधौ प्रापतुर् निलयम् मुनेः || २-५४-८
gangaa yamunayoh sa.ndhau praapatur nilayam muneH || 2-54-8
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 2.54.8
Having walked comfortably, Rama and Lakshmana wielding their bows, reached the abode of the sage Bhardwaja, near the confluence of rivers Ganga and Yamuna, while the Sun was falling to the west. .
रामः तु आश्रमम् आसाद्य त्रासयन् मृग पक्षिणः |
गत्वा मुहूर्तम् अध्वानम् भरद्वाजम् उपागमत् || २-५४-९
gatvaa muhuurtam adhvaanam bharadvaajam upaagamat || 2-54-9
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 2.54.9
Having reached the hermitage and scaring the beasts and birds (by his very appearance as a bowman) and having proceeded on the intervening path for a while, Rama approached the vicinity of Bharadwaja. .
ततः तु आश्रमम् आसाद्य मुनेर् दर्शन कान्क्षिणौ |
सीतया अनुगतौ वीरौ दूरात् एव अवतस्थतुः || २-५४-१०
siitayaa anugatau viirau duuraat eva avatasthatuH || 2-54-10
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 2.54.10
Arriving at the hermitage, the two valiant princes, who wished to see the sage, accompanied by Seetha, halted at first at some distance off. .
स प्रविश्य महात्मानमृषिम् शिष्यगणैर्वऋतम् |
संशितव्रतमेकाग्रम् तपसा लब्धचक्षुषम् || २-५४-११
हुत अग्नि होत्रम् दृष्ट्वा एव महा भागम् कृत अन्जलिः |
रामः सौमित्रिणा सार्धम् सीतया च अभ्यवादयत् || २-५४-१२
sa.nshitavratamekaagram tapasaa labdhachakshushham || 2-54-11
huta agni hotram dR^iShTvaa eva mahaa bhaagam kR^ita anjaliH |
raamaH saumitriNaa saardham siitayaa ca abhyavaadayat || 2-54-12
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 2.54.11,2.54.12
Entering the hermitage and beholding the high-souled sage who was austere and contemplative, his glance sharpened through severe meditation, surrounded by a group of disciples, who had kindled sacrificial fire, the highly fortunate man as he was, Rama together with Lakshmana and Seetha greeted him with joined palms. .
न्यवेदयत च आत्मानम् तस्मै लक्ष्मण पूर्वजः |
पुत्रौ दशरथस्य आवाम् भगवन् राम लक्ष्मणौ || २-५४-१३
putrau dasharathasya aavaam bhagavan raama lakShmaNau || 2-54-13
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 2.54.13
Rama (the elder brother of Lakshmana) introduced himself to the sage as follows: “Oh venerable sage! We both are Rama and Lakshmana the sons of Dasaratha.” .
भार्या मम इयम् वैदेही कल्याणी जनक आत्मजा |
माम् च अनुयाता विजनम् तपो वनम् अनिन्दिता || २-५४-१४
maam ca anuyaataa vijanam tapo vanam aninditaa || 2-54-14
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 2.54.14
“Here is my blessed and irreproachable wife Seetha, daughter of Janaka who has accompanied me to the lonely forest suitable for religious austerities.” .
पित्रा प्रव्राज्यमानम् माम् सौमित्रिर् अनुजः प्रियः |
अयम् अन्वगमद् भ्राता वनम् एव दृढ व्रतः || २-५४-१५
ayam anvagamad bhraataa vanam eva dR^iDha vrataH || 2-54-15
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 2.54.15
“While I was being sent to exile by my father, my young and beloved brother Lakshmana (son of Sumitra) of firm vows has also followed me to the forest.” .
पित्रा नियुक्ता भगवन् प्रवेष्यामः तपो वनम् |
धर्मम् एव आचरिष्यामः तत्र मूल फल अशनाः || २-५४-१६
dharmam eva aacariShyaamaH tatra muula phala ashanaaH || 2-54-16
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 2.54.16
“Oh, Venerable sage! Commanded by our father, we are entering a lonely forest to practise asceticism, living on roots and fruits.” .
तस्य तत् वचनम् श्रुत्वा राज पुत्रस्य धीमतः |
उपानयत धर्म आत्मा गाम् अर्घ्यम् उदकम् ततः || २-५४-१७
upaanayata dharma aatmaa gaam arghyam udakam tataH || 2-54-17
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 2.54.17
Hearing the words of that virtuous prince (Rama), the pious minded sage Bharadwaja then offered Madhuparka* as well as water to wash his hands with.
Comment: Madhuparka is a traditional offering which consists of a mixture of curds, butter, honey and the milk of the coconut as a welcome-drink. .
नानाविधानन्नरसान् वन्यमूलफलाश्रयान् |
तेभ्यो ददौ तप्ततपा वासम् चैवाभ्यकल्पयत् || २-५४-१८
tebhyo dadau taptatapaa vaasam chaivaabhyakalpayat || 2-54-18
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 2.54.18
The sage, who had practiced austerities, gave them various kinds of delicacies prepared from wild roots and fruits and also arranged accommodation for them. .
मृग पक्षिभिर् आसीनो मुनिभिः च समन्ततः |
रामम् आगतम् अभ्यर्च्य स्वागतेन आह तम् मुनिः || २-५४-१९
raamam aagatam abhyarcya svaagatena aaha tam muniH || 2-54-19
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 2.54.19
Honouring with words of welcome, the sage Bharadwaja seated, being surrounded on all sides with beasts, birds and hermits, spoke thus to Rama. .
प्रतिगृह्य च ताम् अर्चाम् उपविष्टम् स राघवम् |
भरद्वाजो अब्रवीद् वाक्यम् धर्म युक्तम् इदम् तदा || २-५४-२०
bharadvaajo abraviid vaakyam dharma yuktam idam tadaa || 2-54-20
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 2.54.20
bharadvaajo abraviid vaakyam dharma yuktam idam tadaa || 2-54-20
20. saH bharadvaajaH = that Bharadwaja; abraviit = said; idam vaakyam = these words; dharmayuktam = endowed with righteousness; tadaa = then; raaghavam = to Rama; upavishhTam = who had since taken his seat; pratigR^ihya = after accepting; taam = that; archaam = hospitality.
Bharadwaja then said these endowed with righteousness to Rama, who had since taken his seat after accepting the aforesaid hospitality: .
चिरस्य खलु काकुत्स्थ पश्यामि त्वाम् इह आगतम् |
श्रुतम् तव मया च इदम् विवासनम् अकारणम् || २-५४-२१
shrutam tava mayaa ca idam vivaasanam akaaraNam || 2-54-21
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 2.54.21
“In fact, I am seeing you, arriving here after a long time, Oh scion of Kakutstha! And I have heard of your unjust banishment.” .
अवकाशो विविक्तः अयम् महा नद्योह् समागमे |
पुण्यः च रमणीयः च वसतु इह भगान् सुखम् || २-५४-२२
puNyaH ca ramaNiiyaH ca vasatu iha bhagaan sukham || 2-54-22
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 2.54.22
“This holy place at the confluence of the two rivers is secluded and delightful. You stay here comfortably.” .
एवम् उक्तः तु वचनम् भरद्वाजेन राघवः |
प्रत्युवाच शुभम् वाक्यम् रामः सर्व हिते रतः || २-५४-२३
pratyuvaaca shubham vaakyam raamaH sarva hite rataH || 2-54-23
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 2.54.23
Addressed in these words by Bharadwaja, Rama, born in Raghu dynasty, for his part, interested in the welfare of all, replied in the following pleasant words. .
भगवन्न् इताअसन्नः पौर जानपदो जनः |
सुदर्शमिह माम् प्रेक्ष्य मन्येऽह मिममाश्रमम् || २-५४-२४
आगमिष्यति वैदेहीम् माम् च अपि प्रेक्षको जनः |
अनेन कारणेन अहम् इह वासम् न रोचये || २-५४-२५
sudarshamiha maam prekshya manye.aha mimamaashramam || 2-54-24
aagamiShyati vaidehiim maam ca api prekShako janaH |
anena kaaraNena aham iha vaasam na rocaye || 2-54-25
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 2.54.24,2.54.25
“The people of the city and the rural folks Oh venerable sir, are nearer to this place. Finding me easy to see at this place, people keen to see Seetha and myself, I presume, will make their appearance at this hermitage. For this reason, I do not wish to stay here.” .
एक अन्ते पश्य भगवन्न् आश्रम स्थानम् उत्तमम् |
रमते यत्र वैदेही सुख अर्हा जनक आत्मजा || २-५४-२६
ramate yatra vaidehii sukha arhaa janaka aatmajaa || 2-54-26
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 2.54.26
“See some excellent Seetha suitable for a hermitage in some lonely place, Oh venerable sir, where Seetha, the daughter of Janaka, who is worthy of every comfort, may find delight in it.” .
एतत् श्रुत्वा शुभम् वाक्यम् भरद्वाजो महा मुनिः |
राघवस्य ततः वाक्यम् अर्थ ग्राहकम् अब्रवीत् || २-५४-२७
raaghavasya tataH vaakyam artha graahakam abraviit || 2-54-27
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 2.54.27
Hearing these auspicious words of Rama, Bharadwaja the great sage then for his part spoke these suggestive words.
The said commentator. According to the latest measurements, the distance is calculated as eighty miles. Making allowance for the difference in the standard of measurement abtaining in those days the figure arrived at by the learned commentator appears to be fairly concet. .
दश क्रोशैतः तात गिरिर् यस्मिन् निवत्स्यसि |
महर्षि सेवितः पुण्यः सर्वतः सुख दर्शनः || २-५४-२८
गो लान्गूल अनुचरितः वानर ऋष्क निषेवितः |
चित्र कूटैति ख्यातः गन्ध मादन सम्निभः || २-५४-२९
maharShi sevitaH puNyaH sarvataH sukha darshanaH || 2-54-28
go laanguula anucaritaH vaanara R^iShka niShevitaH |
citra kuuTaiti khyaataH gandha maadana samnibhaH || 2-54-29
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 2.54.28,2.54.29
“Sixty miles from here, dear son, lies a sacred mountain on which you may takeup your dwelling, which region is inhabited by great sages, is charming to look at from all sides, infested by the black species of monkeys with a long tail, haunted by apes and bears, known by the name of Chitrakuta and which closely resembles Gandha maadana mountain.”
The author of commentary known by the name of Ramayana Siromani’construes the word Dasha’ in the sense that it should be split up as Dasha cha, Dasha cha, Dasha cha(meaning three times then = thirty Kroshes) Since 1 krosh= 2 miles, 30 kroshes= 60 miles and thus approximate to the figure worked out by the said commentator. According to the latest measurements, the distance is calculated as eighty miles. Making allowance for the difference in the standard of measurement abtaining in those days the figure arrived at by the learned commentator appears to be fairly concet. .
यावता चित्र कूटस्य नरः शृन्गाणि अवेक्षते |
कल्याणानि समाधत्ते न पापे कुरुते मनः || २-५४-३०
kalyaaNaani samaadhatte na paape kurute manaH || 2-54-30
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 2.54.30
“As long as a man observes the peaks of Chitrakuta mountain, he will perform virtuous deeds and will never set his mind on a sin.” .
ऋषयः तत्र बहवो विहृत्य शरदाम् शतम् |
तपसा दिवम् आरूधाः कपाल शिरसा सह || २-५४-३१
tapasaa divam aaruudhaaH kapaala shirasaa saha || 2-54-31
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 2.54.31
“On that mountain, many sages having spent hundred years in austerities as though in sport , ascended to heaven, duly attaining their final emancipation.”
Kapaala Shiras is the name of Shiva which means happiness or final emancipation. .
प्रविविक्तम् अहम् मन्ये तम् वासम् भवतः सुखम् |
इह वा वन वासाय वस राम मया सह || २-५४-३२
iha vaa vana vaasaaya vasa raama mayaa saha || 2-54-32
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 2.54.32
“I consider that mountain to be a very lonely and comfortable place for you to live in. Orelse stay with m here itself, during the period of your exile, Oh Rama!” .
स रामम् सर्व कामैअः तम् भरद्वाजः प्रिय अतिथिम् |
सभार्यम् सह च भ्रात्रा प्रतिजग्राह धर्मवित् || २-५४-३३
sabhaaryam saha ca bhraatraa pratijagraaha dharmavit || 2-54-33
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 2.54.
The pious sage Bharadwaja fulfilled all desires of Rama; who was his beloved guest and who was accompanied by his consort, Seetha and his brother, Lakshmana. .
तस्य प्रयागे रामस्य तम् महर्षिम् उपेयुषः |
प्रपन्ना रजनी पुण्या चित्राः कथयतः कथाः || २-५४-३४
prapannaa rajanii puNyaa citraaH kathayataH kathaaH || 2-54-34
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 2.54.34
While Rama, having approached that great sage at Prayaga(the confluence of Ganga and Yamuna), was discoursing on various topics, the auspicious night arrived. .
सीतातृतीय काकुत्स्थह् परिश्रान्तः सुखोचितः |
भरद्वाजाश्रमे रम्ये ताम् रात्रि मवस्त्सुखम् || २-५४-३५
bharadvaajaashrame ramye taam raatri mavastsukham || 2-54-35
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 2.54.35
Greatly fatigued, Rama(Scion of Kakutstha) accompanied by Seetha as the third (Lakshmana being the second) who was accustmed to all comforts, happily spent that night at the lovely hermitage of Bharadwaja. .
प्रभातायाम् रजन्याम् तु भरद्वाजम् उपागमत् |
उवाच नर शार्दूलो मुनिम् ज्वलित तेजसम् || २-५४-३६
uvaaca nara shaarduulo munim jvalita tejasam || 2-54-36
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 2.54.36
When the night was gleaming into a dawn, Rama the lion among men approached the sage Bharadwaja, who was gleaming with resplendence and spoke as follows: .
शर्वरीम् भवनन्न् अद्य सत्य शील तव आश्रमे |
उषिताः स्म इह वसतिम् अनुजानातु नो भवान् || २-५४-३७
uShitaaH sma iha vasatim anujaanaatu no bhavaan || 2-54-37
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 2.54.37
“We have lodged in your hermitage tonight, Oh venerable sir! (Pray) you give us permission for fixing our residence now, Oh sage practicing truthfulness !” .
रात्र्याम् तु तस्याम् व्युष्टायाम् भरद्वाजो अब्रवीद् इदम् |
मधु मूल फल उपेतम् चित्र कूटम् व्रज इति ह || २-५४-३८
madhu muula phala upetam citra kuuTam vraja iti ha || 2-54-38
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 2.54.38
That night having come to an end, Bharadwaja replied for his part, as follows: “Proced to Chitrakuta, rich in honey, tubers and fruits.” .
वासमौपयिकम् मन्ये तव राम महाबल |
नानानगगणोपेतः किन्नरोरगसेवितह् || २-५४-३९
मयूरनादाभिरुतो गजराजनिषेवितः |
गम्यताम् भवता शैलश्चित्रकूटः स विश्रुतः || २-५४-४०
पुण्यश्च रमणीयश्च बहुमूलफलायुतः |
naanaanagagaNopetaH kinnaroragasevitah || 2-54-39
mayuuranaadaabhiruto gajaraajanishhevitaH |
gamyataam bhavataa shailashchitrakuuTaH sa vishrutaH || 2-54-40
puNyashcha ramaNiiyashcha bahumuulaphalaayutaH |
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 2.54.39,2.54.40
“I consider the abode of Chitrakuta as the right place for you to stay, Oh Rama, possessed of great strength! You set off for that well-known, sacred and lovely mountain, Chitrakuta which is adoned with clusters of trees of every description, frequented by Kinnaras and Nagas, is rendered charming by the cried of peacocks and infested with lordly elephants and bountiful with tubers and fruits.” .
तत्र कुन्जर यूथानि मृग यूथानि च अभितः || २-५४-४१
विचरन्ति वन अन्तेषु तानि द्रक्ष्यसि राघव |
vicaranti vana anteShu taani drakShyasi raaghava |
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 2.54.41
“Since herds of elephants and troops of deer wander all around in the woodlands there, you will visibly notice them Oh Rama!” .
सरित्प्रस्रवणप्रस्थान् दरीकन्धरनिर्घरान् || २-५४-४२
चरतः सीतया सार्धम् नन्दिष्यति मनस्तव |
charataH siitayaa saardham nandishhyati manastava |
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 2.54.42
“Roaming about with Seetha, your mind will be delighted to see rivers, cascades, peaks of mountains, fissures in rocks, caves and rivulets.” .
प्रहृष्ट कोयष्टिक कोकिल स्वनैः |
र्विनादितम् तम् वसुधा धरम् शिवम् |
मृगैः च मत्तैः बहुभिः च कुन्जरैः |
सुरम्यम् आसाद्य समावस आश्रमम् || २-५४-४३
rvinaaditam tam vasudhaa dharam shivam |
mR^igaiH ca mattaiH bahubhiH ca kunjaraiH |
suramyam aasaadya samaavasa aashramam || 2-54-43
ॐ
Show Description: Sloka 2.54.43
“After reaching the auspicious and absolutely beautiful Chitrakuta mountain, reveberant in all direction with the notes of small white cranes and cucukoo birds as well as with many kinds of deer and elephants in rut, settle down there in a hermitage.” .
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