Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 16

तदन्तःपुरद्वारं समतीत्य जनाकुलम्। प्रविविक्तां ततः कक्ष्यामाससाद पुराणवित्।।2.16.1।। प्रासकार्मुकबिभ्रद्भिर्युवभिर्मृष्टकुण्डलैः। अप्रमादिभिरेकाग्रै स्स्वनुरक्तैरधिष्ठिताम्।।2.16.2।।

tadantaḥpuradvāraṃ samatītya janākulam| praviviktāṃ tataḥ kakṣyāmāsasāda purāṇavit prāsakārmukabibhradbhiryuvabhirmṛṣṭakuṇḍalaiḥ| apramādibhirekāgrai ssvanuraktairadhiṣṭhitām

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.

तदन्तःपुरद्वारं समतीत्य जनाकुलम्। प्रविविक्तां ततः कक्ष्यामाससाद पुराणवित्।।2.16.1।। प्रासकार्मुकबिभ्रद्भिर्युवभिर्मृष्टकुण्डलैः। अप्रमादिभिरेकाग्रै स्स्वनुरक्तैरधिष्ठिताम्।।2.16.2।।

tadantaḥpuradvāraṃ samatītya janākulam| praviviktāṃ tataḥ kakṣyāmāsasāda purāṇavit prāsakārmukabibhradbhiryuvabhirmṛṣṭakuṇḍalaiḥ| apramādibhirekāgrai ssvanuraktairadhiṣṭhitām

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.

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

tatra kāṣāyiṇo vṛddhān vetrapāṇīn svalaṅkṛtān| dadarśa viṣṭhitān dvāri stryadhyakṣānsusamāhitān

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.

ते समीक्ष्य समायान्तं रामप्रियचिकीर्षवः। सहसोत्पतितास्सर्वे स्वासनेभ्यस्ससम्भ्रमाः।।2.16.4।।

te samīkṣya samāyāntaṃ rāmapriyacikīrṣavaḥ| sahasotpatitāssarve svāsanebhyassasambhramāḥ

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

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

tānuvāca vinītātmā sūtaputraḥ pradakṣiṇaḥ| kṣipramākhyāta rāmāya sumaṃntro dvāri tiṣṭhati

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

ते राममुपसङ्गम्य भर्तुः प्रियचिकीर्षवः। सहभार्याय रामाय क्षिप्रमेवाभिचक्षिरे।।2.16.6।।

te rāmamupasaṅgamya bhartuḥ priyacikīrṣavaḥ| sahabhāryāya rāmāya kṣipramevābhicakṣire

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

प्रतिवेदितमाज्ञाय सूतमभ्यन्तरं पितुः। तत्रैवानाययामास राघवप्रियकाम्यया।।2.16.7।।

prativeditamājñāya sūtamabhyantaraṃ pituḥ| tatraivānāyayāmāsa rāghavapriyakāmyayā

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.

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।।

taṃ vaiśravaṇasaṅkāśamupaviṣṭaṃ svalaṅkṛtam| dadarśa sūtaḥ paryyaṅke sauvarṇe sottaracchade varāharudhirābheṇa śucinā ca sugandhinā| anuliptaṃ parārdhyena candanena parantapam sthitayā pārśvataścāpi vālavyajanahastayā| upetaṃ sītayābhūyaścitrayā śaśinaṃ yathā

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.

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।।

taṃ vaiśravaṇasaṅkāśamupaviṣṭaṃ svalaṅkṛtam| dadarśa sūtaḥ paryyaṅke sauvarṇe sottaracchade varāharudhirābheṇa śucinā ca sugandhinā| anuliptaṃ parārdhyena candanena parantapam sthitayā pārśvataścāpi vālavyajanahastayā| upetaṃ sītayābhūyaścitrayā śaśinaṃ yathā

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.

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।।

taṃ vaiśravaṇasaṅkāśamupaviṣṭaṃ svalaṅkṛtam| dadarśa sūtaḥ paryyaṅke sauvarṇe sottaracchade varāharudhirābheṇa śucinā ca sugandhinā| anuliptaṃ parārdhyena candanena parantapam sthitayā pārśvataścāpi vālavyajanahastayā| upetaṃ sītayābhūyaścitrayā śaśinaṃ yathā

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.

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

taṃ tapantamivādityamupapannaṃ svatejasā| vavande varadaṃ vandī vinayajño vinītavat

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.

प्राञ्जलिस्सुमुखं दृष्ट्वा विहारशयनासने। राजपुत्रमुवाचेदं सुमन्त्रो राजसत्कृतः।।2.16.12।।

prāñjalissumukhaṃ dṛṣṭvā vihāraśayanāsane| rājaputramuvācedaṃ sumantro rājasatkṛtaḥ

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

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

kauśalyāsuprajā rāma pitā tvāṃ draṣṭumicchati| mahiṣyā saha kaikeyyā gamyatāṃ tatra mā ciram

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

एवमुक्तस्तु संहृष्टो नरसिंहो महाद्युतिः। ततस्सम्मानयामास सीतामिदमुवाच ह।।2.16.14।।

evamuktastu saṃhṛṣṭo narasiṃho mahādyutiḥ| tatassammānayāmāsa sītāmidamuvāca ha

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

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

devi devaśca devī ca samāgamya madantare| mantrayete dhṛvaṃ kiñcidabhiṣecanasaṃhitam

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

लक्षयित्वा ह्यभिप्रायं प्रियकामा सुदक्षिणा। सञ्चोदयति राजानं मदर्थमसितेक्षणा।।2.16.16।।

lakṣayitvā hyabhiprāyaṃ priyakāmā sudakṣiṇā| sañcodayati rājānaṃ madarthamasitekṣaṇā

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

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

sā prahṛṣṭā mahārājaṃ hitakāmānuvartinī| jananī cārthakāmā me kekayādhipatessutā

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

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

diṣṭyā khalu mahārājo mahiṣyā priyayā saha| sumantraṃ prāhiṇoddūtamarthakāmakaraṃ mama

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

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

yādṛśī pariṣattatra tādṛśo dūta āgataḥ| dhruvamadyaiva māṃ rājā yauvarājye'bhiṣekṣyati

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.

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

hanta śīghramito gatvā drakṣyāmi ca mahīpatim| saha tvaṃ parivāreṇa sukhamāsva ramasva ca

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

पतिसम्मानिता सीता भर्तारमसितेक्षणा। आद्वारमनुवव्राज मङ्गलान्यभिदध्युषी।।2.16.21।।

patisammānitā sītā bhartāramasitekṣaṇā| ādvāramanuvavrāja maṅgalānyabhidadhyuṣī

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

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

rājyaṃ dvijātibhirjuṣṭaṃ rājasūyābhiṣecanam| kartumarhati te rājā vāsavasyeva lokakṛt

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.

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

dīkṣitaṃ vratasampannaṃ varājinadharaṃ śucim| kuraṅgaśṛṅgapāṇiṃ ca paśyantī tvāṃ bhajāmyaham

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.

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

pūrvāṃ diśaṃ vajradharo dakṣiṇāṃ pātu te yamaḥ| varuṇaḥ paścimāmāśāṃ dhaneśastūttarāṃ diśam

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

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

atha sītāmanujñāpya kṛtakautukamaṅgalaḥ| niścakrāma sumantreṇa saha rāmo niveśanāt

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

पर्वतादिव निष्क्रम्य सिंहो गिरिगुहाशयः। लक्ष्मणं द्वारिसोऽपश्यत्प्रह्वाञ्जलिपुटं स्थितम्।।2.16.26।।

parvatādiva niṣkramya siṃho giriguhāśayaḥ| lakṣmaṇaṃ dvāriso'paśyatprahvāñjalipuṭaṃ sthitam

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.

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

atha madhyamakakṣyāyāṃ samāgacchatsuhṛjjanaiḥ| sa sarvānarthino dṛṣṭvā sametya pratinandya ca tataḥ pāvakasaṅkāśamāruroha rathottamam| vaiyāghraṃ puruṣavyāghro rājataṃ rājanandanaḥ

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.

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

atha madhyamakakṣyāyāṃ samāgacchatsuhṛjjanaiḥ| sa sarvānarthino dṛṣṭvā sametya pratinandya ca tataḥ pāvakasaṅkāśamāruroha rathottamam| vaiyāghraṃ puruṣavyāghro rājataṃ rājanandanaḥ

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.

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

meghanādamasambādhaṃ maṇihemavibhūṣitam| muṣṇantamiva cakṣūṃṣi prabhayā sūryavarcasam kareṇuśiśukalpaiśca yuktaṃ paramavājibhiḥ| hariyuktaṃ sahasrākṣo rathamindra ivāśugam prayayau tūrṇamāsthāya rāghavo jvalitaśśriyā|

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.

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

meghanādamasambādhaṃ maṇihemavibhūṣitam| muṣṇantamiva cakṣūṃṣi prabhayā sūryavarcasam kareṇuśiśukalpaiśca yuktaṃ paramavājibhiḥ| hariyuktaṃ sahasrākṣo rathamindra ivāśugam prayayau tūrṇamāsthāya rāghavo jvalitaśśriyā|

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.

स पर्जन्य इवाकाशे स्वनवानभिनादयन्।।2.16.31।। निकेतान्निर्ययौ श्रीमान्महाभ्रादिव चन्द्रमाः।

sa parjanya ivākāśe svanavānabhinādayan niketānniryayau śrīmānmahābhrādiva candramāḥ|

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

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

chatracāmarapāṇistu lakṣmaṇo rāghavānujaḥ jugopa bhrātaraṃ bhrātā rathamāsthāya pṛṣṭhataḥ|

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

ततो हलहलाशब्दस्तुमुलस्समजायत।।2.16.33।। तस्य निष्क्रममाणस्य जनौघस्य समन्ततः।

tato halahalāśabdastumulassamajāyata tasya niṣkramamāṇasya janaughasya samantataḥ|

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

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

tato hayavarā mukhyā nāgāśca girisannibhāḥ anujagmustadā rāmaṃ śataśo'tha sahasraśaḥ|

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

अग्रतश्चास्य सन्नद्धाश्चन्दनागरुभूषिताः।।2.16.35।। खड्गचापधराश्शूरा जग्मुराशंसवो जनाः।

agrataścāsya sannaddhāścandanāgarubhūṣitāḥ khaḍgacāpadharāśśūrā jagmurāśaṃsavo janāḥ|

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.

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

tato vāditraśabdāśca stutiśabdāśca vandinām siṃhanādāśca śūrāṇāṃ tadā śuśruvire pathi|

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

हर्म्यवातायनस्थाभिर्भूषिताभिस्समन्ततः।।2.16.37।। कीर्यमाण स्सुपुष्पौघैर्ययौ स्त्रीभिररिन्दमः।

harmyavātāyanasthābhirbhūṣitābhissamantataḥ kīryamāṇa ssupuṣpaughairyayau strībhirarindamaḥ|

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.

रामं सर्वानवद्याङ्ग्यो रामपिप्रीषया ततः।।2.16.38।। वचोभिरग्य्रैर्हर्म्यस्था क्षितिस्थाश्च ववन्दिरे।

rāmaṃ sarvānavadyāṅgyo rāmapiprīṣayā tataḥ vacobhiragyrairharmyasthā kṣitisthāśca vavandire|

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.

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

nūnaṃ nandati te mātā kauśalyāmātṛnandana paśyantī siddhayātraṃ tvāṃ pitryaṃ rājyamavasthitam|

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.

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

sarvasīmantinībhyaśca sītāṃ sīmantinī varām amanyanta hi tā nāryo rāmasya hṛdayapriyām|

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

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

tayā sucaritaṃ devyā purā nūnaṃ mahattapaḥ rohiṇīva śaśāṅkena rāmasaṃyogamāpa yā|

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

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

iti prāsādaśṛṅgeṣu pramadābhirnarottamaḥ śuśrāva rājamārgasthaḥ priyā vāca udāhṛtāḥ| ātmasaṃpūjanai śṛṇvan yayau rāmau mahāpatham

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.

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

iti prāsādaśṛṅgeṣu pramadābhirnarottamaḥ śuśrāva rājamārgasthaḥ priyā vāca udāhṛtāḥ| ātmasaṃpūjanai śṛṇvan yayau rāmau mahāpatham

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.

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

sa rāghavastatra kathāprapañcān śuśrāva lokasya samāgatasya| ātmādhikārā vividhāśca vācaḥ prahṛṣṭarūpasya puro janasya

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

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

eṣa śriyaṃ gacchati rāghavo'dya rājaprasādādvipulāṃ gamiṣyan| ete vayaṃ sarva samṛddhakāmā yeṣāmayaṃ no bhavitā praśāstā

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.

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

lābho janasyāsya yadeṣa sarvaṃ prapatsyate rāṣṭramidaṃ cirāya| na hyapriyaṃ kiñcana jātu kaści tpaśyenna duḥkhaṃ manujādhipe'smin

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).

स घोषवद्भिश्च मतङ्गाजैर्ययैः पुरस्सरै स्स्वस्तिकसूतमागधैः। महीयमानः प्रवरैश्च वादकै रभिष्टुतो वैश्रवणो यथा ययौ।।2.16.47।।

sa ghoṣavadbhiśca mataṅgājairyayaiḥ purassarai ssvastikasūtamāgadhaiḥ| mahīyamānaḥ pravaraiśca vādakai rabhiṣṭuto vaiśravaṇo yathā yayau

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