Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 52

प्रभातायां तु शर्वर्यां पृथुवक्षा महायशाः। उवाच रामः सौमित्रिं लक्ष्मणं शुभलक्षणम्।।2.52.1।।

prabhātāyāṃ tu śarvaryāṃ pṛthuvakṣā mahāyaśāḥ| uvāca rāmaḥ saumitriṃ lakṣmaṇaṃ śubhalakṣaṇam

As the night advanced towards dawn, broadchested Rama of great renown said to Lakshmana, son of Sumitra, who had auspicious marks on his body:

भास्करोदयकालोऽयं गता भगवती निशा। असौ सुकृष्णो विहगः कोकिलस्तात कूजति।।2.52.2।।

bhāskarodayakālo'yaṃ gatā bhagavatī niśā| asau sukṛṣṇo vihagaḥ kokilastāta kūjati

O dear Lakshmana the holy night is over and it is time for sunrise. The deep dark bird, the cuckoo is singing.

बर्हिणानां च निर्घोषः श्रूयते नदतां वने। तराम जाह्नवीं सौम्य शीघ्रगां सागरङ्गमाम्।।2.52.3।।

barhiṇānāṃ ca nirghoṣaḥ śrūyate nadatāṃ vane| tarāma jāhnavīṃ saumya śīghragāṃ sāgaraṅgamām

Listen to the screams of the peacocks in the forest. The Ganga is flowing fast to merge in the sea. We need to cross it.

विज्ञाय रामस्य वचः सौमित्रिर्मित्रनन्दनः। गुहमामन्त्र्य सूतं च सोऽतिष्ठद्भ्रातुरग्रतः।।2.52.4।।

vijñāya rāmasya vacaḥ saumitrirmitranandanaḥ| guhamāmantrya sūtaṃ ca so'tiṣṭhadbhrāturagrataḥ

In response to Rama's desire, Lakshmana, son of Sumitra, one who brings joy to his friends, called Guha and the charioteer (Sumantra) and stood before his brother.

स तु रामस्य वचनं निशम्य प्रतिगृह्य च। स्थपतिस्तूर्णमाहूय सचिवानिदमब्रवीत्।।2.52.5।।

sa tu rāmasya vacanaṃ niśamya pratigṛhya ca| sthapatistūrṇamāhūya sacivānidamabravīt

Having heard and accepted Rama's proposal, the king of the nisadas called his ministers at once and said:

अस्य वाहनसंयुक्तां कर्णग्राहवतीं शुभाम्। सुप्रतारां दृढां तीर्थे शीघ्रं नावमुपाहर।।2.52.6।।

asya vāhanasaṃyuktāṃ karṇagrāhavatīṃ śubhām| supratārāṃ dṛḍhāṃ tīrthe śīghraṃ nāvamupāhara

Get quickly to the sacred bank (of Ganga) a strong, auspicious boat equipped with rowing rods and helmsmen who can help cross the river with ease

तं निशम्य समादेशं गुहामात्यगणो महान्। उपोह्य रुचिरां नावं गुहाय प्रत्यवेदयत्।।2.52.7।।

taṃ niśamya samādeśaṃ guhāmātyagaṇo mahān| upohya rucirāṃ nāvaṃ guhāya pratyavedayat

The ministers heard the orders, soon brought a beautiful boat and informed Guha (that his orders have been carried out).

ततः स प्राञ्जलिर्भूत्वा गुहो राघवमब्रवीत्। उपस्थितेयं नौर्देव भूयः किं करवाणि ते।।2.52.8।।

tataḥ sa prāñjalirbhūtvā guho rāghavamabravīt| upasthiteyaṃ naurdeva bhūyaḥ kiṃ karavāṇi te

Then Guha with folded palms said to Rama: O king, the boat ready. Tell me what else can I do for you.

तवामरसुतप्रख्य तर्तुं सागरगां नदीम्। नौरियं पुरुषव्याघ्र तां त्वमारोह सुव्रत।।2.52.9।।

tavāmarasutaprakhya tartuṃ sāgaragāṃ nadīm| nauriyaṃ puruṣavyāghra tāṃ tvamāroha suvrata

O best among men, renowned like a god's son and constantly engaged in vows, here is the boat for you to cross the Ganga flowing into the sea. Do board it.

अथोवाच महातेजा रामो गुहमिदं वचः। कृतकामोऽस्मि भवता शीघ्रमारोप्यतामिति।।2.52.10।।

athovāca mahātejā rāmo guhamidaṃ vacaḥ| kṛtakāmo'smi bhavatā śīghramāropyatāmiti

Thereafter the radiant Rama said to Guha, You have fulfilled my desire. Keep all our belongings in the boat.

ततः कलापान् सन्नह्य खड्गौ बध्वा च धन्विनौ। जग्मतुर्येन तौ गङ्गां सीतया सह राघवौ।।2.52.11।।

tataḥ kalāpān sannahya khaḍgau badhvā ca dhanvinau| jagmaturyena tau gaṅgāṃ sītayā saha rāghavau

Rama and Lakshmana then put on their quivers, fastened their swords and holding their bows went towards Ganga along with Sita.

राममेव तु धर्मज्ञमुपगम्य विनीतवत्। किमहं करवाणीति सूतः प्राञ्जलिरब्रवीत्।।2.52.12।।

rāmameva tu dharmajñamupagamya vinītavat| kimahaṃ karavāṇīti sūtaḥ prāñjalirabravīt

The charioteer (Sumantra) approached the righteous Rama and asked him with folded hands: What can I do?

ततोऽब्रवीद्दाशरथिः सुमन्त्रं स्पृशन् करेणोत्तमदक्षिणेन। सुमन्त्र शीघ्रं पुनरेव याहि राज्ञः सकाशे भव चाप्रमत्तः।।2.52.13।।

tato'bravīddāśarathiḥ sumantraṃ spṛśan kareṇottamadakṣiṇena| sumantra śīghraṃ punareva yāhi rājñaḥ sakāśe bhava cāpramattaḥ

Rama then caressed Sumantra with his right hand and said, Sumantra, go back immediately and never be inattentive in serving the king.

निवर्तस्वेत्युवाचैव ह्येतावद्धि कृतं मम। रथं विहाय पद्भ्यां तु गमिष्यामि महावनम्।।2.52.14।।

nivartasvetyuvācaiva hyetāvaddhi kṛtaṃ mama| rathaṃ vihāya padbhyāṃ tu gamiṣyāmi mahāvanam

You have done enough. I shall now leave the chariot and walk into the great forest.

आत्मानं त्वभ्यनुज्ञातमवेक्ष्यार्तः स सारथिः। सुमन्त्रः पुरुषव्याघ्रमैक्ष्वाकमिदमब्रवीत्।।2.52.15।।

ātmānaṃ tvabhyanujñātamavekṣyārtaḥ sa sārathiḥ| sumantraḥ puruṣavyāghramaikṣvākamidamabravīt

Having been permitted to go, Sumantra, the distressed charioteer, said to Rama, the best among men, and a descendant of the Ikshvaku race:

नातिक्रान्तमिदं लोके पुरुषेणेह केनचित्। तव सभ्रातृभार्यस्य वासः प्राकृतवद्वने।।2.52.16।।

nātikrāntamidaṃ loke puruṣeṇeha kenacit| tava sabhrātṛbhāryasya vāsaḥ prākṛtavadvane

None else in this world would be able to live in the forest as you have resolved to, like a common man, along with your brother and spouse.

न मन्ये ब्रह्मचर्येऽस्ति स्वधीते वा फलोदयः। मार्दवार्जवयोर्वापि त्वां चेद्व्यसनमागतम्।।2.52.17।।

na manye brahmacarye'sti svadhīte vā phalodayaḥ| mārdavārjavayorvāpi tvāṃ cedvyasanamāgatam

If your celibacy and your grief are the consequences of your study of the Vedic lore, your compassionate nature and simplicity of character, I think there is no use of all these (virtues).

सह राघव वैदेह्या भ्रात्रा चैव वने वसन्। त्वं गतिं प्राप्स्यसे वीर त्रीन् लोकांस्तु जयन्निव।।2.52.18।।

saha rāghava vaidehyā bhrātrā caiva vane vasan| tvaṃ gatiṃ prāpsyase vīra trīn lokāṃstu jayanniva

Valiant scion of the Raghus dwelling in the forest along with Vaidehi (Sita) and brother Lakshmana you will attain the status as if you have won the three worlds.

वयं खलु हता राम ये त्वयाप्युपवञ्चिताः। कैकेय्या वशमेष्यामः पापाया दुःखभागिनः।।2.52.19।।

vayaṃ khalu hatā rāma ye tvayāpyupavañcitāḥ| kaikeyyā vaśameṣyāmaḥ pāpāyā duḥkhabhāginaḥ

Deprived of you, O Rama we will come under the control of that sinful Kaikeyi. We will suffer and die.

इति ब्रुवन्नात्मसमं सुमन्त्रः सारथिस्तदा। दृष्ट्वा दूरगतं रामं दुःखार्तो रुरुदे चिरम्।।2.52.20।।

iti bruvannātmasamaṃ sumantraḥ sārathistadā| dṛṣṭvā dūragataṃ rāmaṃ duḥkhārto rurude ciram

Rama was like his (Sumantra's) own self. When Sumantra, the charioteer, saw that Rama was preparing to go afar for a long time, he started weeping aloud in deep distress.

ततस्तु विगते बाष्पे सूतं स्पृष्टोदकं शुचिम्। रामस्तु मधुरं वाक्यं पुनः पुनरुवाच तम्।।2.52.21।।

tatastu vigate bāṣpe sūtaṃ spṛṣṭodakaṃ śucim| rāmastu madhuraṃ vākyaṃ punaḥ punaruvāca tam

After the flow of tears ceased Sumantra took a sip of water and became sanctified. Then Rama addressed him with sweet words over and over again:

इक्ष्वाकूणां त्वया तुल्यं सुहृदं नोपलक्षये। यथा दशरथो राजा मां न शोचेत्तथा कुरु।।2.52.22।।

ikṣvākūṇāṃ tvayā tulyaṃ suhṛdaṃ nopalakṣaye| yathā daśaratho rājā māṃ na śocettathā kuru

I find none else like you as friendly as you are to the Ikshvaku race. So do whatever you like to see that king Dasaratha does not brood over me.

शोकोपहतचेताश्च वृद्धश्च जगतीपतिः। कामभावावसन्नश्च तस्मादेतद्ब्रवीमि ते।।2.52.23।।

śokopahatacetāśca vṛddhaśca jagatīpatiḥ| kāmabhāvāvasannaśca tasmādetadbravīmi te

I tell you this because the lord of the earth (Dasaratha), is in deep distress. He is old. And he is under the control of his passion.

यद्यदाज्ञापयेत्किञ्चित्स महात्मा महीपतिः। कैकेय्याः प्रियकामार्थं कार्यं तदविकाङ्क्षया।।2.52.24।।

yadyadājñāpayetkiñcitsa mahātmā mahīpatiḥ| kaikeyyāḥ priyakāmārthaṃ kāryaṃ tadavikāṅkṣayā

To make Kaikeyi happy, do whatever little the great king Dasaratha orders you to do.

एतदर्थं हि राज्यानि प्रशासति नरेश्वराः। यदेषां सर्वकृत्येषु मनो न प्रतिहन्यते।।2.52.25।।

etadarthaṃ hi rājyāni praśāsati nareśvarāḥ| yadeṣāṃ sarvakṛtyeṣu mano na pratihanyate

The minds of kings create no hurdles in all that they want to do. That is why they rule kingdoms.

यद्यथा स महाराजो नालीकमधिगच्छति। न च ताम्यति दुःखेन सुमन्त्र कुरु तत्तथा।।2.52.26।।

yadyathā sa mahārājo nālīkamadhigacchati| na ca tāmyati duḥkhena sumantra kuru tattathā

Sumantra do things exactly in the manner the great king desires so that he does not feel sad or disappointed.

अदृष्टदुःखं राजानं वृद्धमार्यं जितेन्द्रियम्। ब्रूयास्त्वमभिवाद्यैव मम हेतोरिदं वचः।।2.52.27।।

adṛṣṭaduḥkhaṃ rājānaṃ vṛddhamāryaṃ jitendriyam| brūyāstvamabhivādyaiva mama hetoridaṃ vacaḥ

After offering your salutations, tell these words, on my behalf, to the king who is respectable, bent with age and who has conquered his senses and never experienced any sorrow before.

नैवाहमनुशोचामि लक्ष्मणो न च मैथिली। अयोध्यायाश्च्युताश्चेति वने वत्स्यामहेति च।।2.52.28।।

naivāhamanuśocāmi lakṣmaṇo na ca maithilī| ayodhyāyāścyutāśceti vane vatsyāmaheti ca

I do not regret my banishment from Ayodhya to live in the forest. Neither Lakshmana nor Sita does.

चतुर्दशसु वर्षेषु निवृत्तेषु पुनः पुनः। लक्ष्मणं मां च सीतां च द्रक्ष्यसे क्षिप्रमागतान्।।2.52.29।।

caturdaśasu varṣeṣu nivṛtteṣu punaḥ punaḥ| lakṣmaṇaṃ māṃ ca sītāṃ ca drakṣyase kṣipramāgatān

Very quickly these fourteen years will come to an end and we will return (to Ayodhya). Then you will see me, Lakshmana and Sita off and on.

एवमुक्त्वा तु राजानं मातरं च सुमन्त्र मे। अन्याश्च देवीस्सहिताः कैकेयीं च पुनः पुनः।।2.52.30।। आरोग्यं ब्रूहि कौशल्यामथ पादाभिवन्दनम्। सीताया मम चाऽऽर्यस्य वचनाल्लक्ष्मणस्य च।।2.52.31।।

evamuktvā tu rājānaṃ mātaraṃ ca sumantra me| anyāśca devīssahitāḥ kaikeyīṃ ca punaḥ punaḥ ārogyaṃ brūhi kauśalyāmatha pādābhivandanam| sītāyā mama cā''ryasya vacanāllakṣmaṇasya ca

Having said this to the king, O Sumantra tell my mother, the other queens including Kaikeyi again and again about my wellbeing and the wellbeing of Lakshmana and Sita. Convey our respectful salutations at the feet of mother Kausalya.

एवमुक्त्वा तु राजानं मातरं च सुमन्त्र मे। अन्याश्च देवीस्सहिताः कैकेयीं च पुनः पुनः।।2.52.30।। आरोग्यं ब्रूहि कौशल्यामथ पादाभिवन्दनम्। सीताया मम चाऽऽर्यस्य वचनाल्लक्ष्मणस्य च।।2.52.31।।

evamuktvā tu rājānaṃ mātaraṃ ca sumantra me| anyāśca devīssahitāḥ kaikeyīṃ ca punaḥ punaḥ ārogyaṃ brūhi kauśalyāmatha pādābhivandanam| sītāyā mama cā''ryasya vacanāllakṣmaṇasya ca

Having said this to the king, O Sumantra tell my mother, the other queens including Kaikeyi again and again about my wellbeing and the wellbeing of Lakshmana and Sita. Convey our respectful salutations at the feet of mother Kausalya.

ब्रूयाश्च हि महाराजं भरतं क्षिप्रमानय। आगतश्चापि भरतः स्थाप्यो नृपमते पदे।।2.52.32।।

brūyāśca hi mahārājaṃ bharataṃ kṣipramānaya| āgataścāpi bharataḥ sthāpyo nṛpamate pade

Tell the king to send for Bharata quickly, and on his arrival, he be placed in the position of the king as per his own desire.

भरतं च परिष्वज्य यौवराज्येऽभिषिच्य च। अस्मत्सन्तापजं दुःखं न त्वामभिभविष्यति।।2.52.33।।

bharataṃ ca pariṣvajya yauvarājye'bhiṣicya ca| asmatsantāpajaṃ duḥkhaṃ na tvāmabhibhaviṣyati

On embracing Bharata and making him the crownprince the sorrow due to our departure will not affect you.

भरतश्चापि वक्तव्यो यथा राजनि वर्तसे। तथा मातृषु वर्तेथाः सर्वास्वेवाविशेषतः।।2.52.34।।

bharataścāpi vaktavyo yathā rājani vartase| tathā mātṛṣu vartethāḥ sarvāsvevāviśeṣataḥ

You should tell Bharata that just as he treats the king so should he treat all the mothers without differentiating betwen them.

यथा च तव कैकेयी सुमित्रा च विशेषतः। तथैव देवी कौशल्या मम माता विशेषतः।।2.2.35।।

yathā ca tava kaikeyī sumitrā ca viśeṣataḥ| tathaiva devī kauśalyā mama mātā viśeṣataḥ

Just as you treat Kaikeyi and Sumitra in a special manner, so should you treat Devi Kausalya, my mother.

तातस्य प्रियकामेन यौवराज्यमपेक्षता। लोकयोरुभयोः शक्यं त्वया यत्सुखमेधितुम्।।2.52.36।।

tātasya priyakāmena yauvarājyamapekṣatā| lokayorubhayoḥ śakyaṃ tvayā yatsukhamedhitum

Princeregency is awaiting you because of our father's loving desire. See that through you (your actions) he is able to attain happiness in both the worlds.

निवर्त्यमानो रामेण सुमन्त्रः शोककर्शितः। तत्सर्वं वचनं श्रुत्वा स्नेहात्काकुत्स्थमब्रवीत्।।2.52.37।।

nivartyamāno rāmeṇa sumantraḥ śokakarśitaḥ| tatsarvaṃ vacanaṃ śrutvā snehātkākutsthamabravīt

When Sumantra was asked by Rama to go back, he grew griefstricken. Having heard all that was said by the scion of the Kakutsthas, he replied:

यदहं नोपचारेण ब्रूयां स्नेहादविक्लबः। भक्तिमानिति तत्तावद्वाक्यं त्वं क्षन्तुमर्हसि।।2.52.38।।

yadahaṃ nopacāreṇa brūyāṃ snehādaviklabaḥ| bhaktimāniti tattāvadvākyaṃ tvaṃ kṣantumarhasi

I beg your pardon for what I have told you out of love. Accept it as the words of a devotee expressed without fear or formality.

कथं हि त्वद्विहीनोऽहं प्रतियास्यामि तां पुरीम्। तव तावद्वियोगेन पुत्रशोकाकुलामिव।।2.52.39।।

kathaṃ hi tvadvihīno'haṃ pratiyāsyāmi tāṃ purīm| tava tāvadviyogena putraśokākulāmiva

Without you how can I go back to the city (of Ayodhya) which, separated from you, is grieving like a lady who has lost her son?

सराममपि तावन्मे रथं दृष्ट्वा तदा जनः। विना रामं रथं दृष्ट्वा विदीर्येतापि सा पुरी।।2.52.40।।

sarāmamapi tāvanme rathaṃ dṛṣṭvā tadā janaḥ| vinā rāmaṃ rathaṃ dṛṣṭvā vidīryetāpi sā purī

The people who had seen Rama board the chariot will be brokenhearted to see it without him.

दैन्यं हि नगरी गच्छेद्दृष्ट्वा शून्यमिमं रथम्। सूतावशेषं स्वं सैन्यं हतवीरमिवाऽहवे।।2.52.41।।

dainyaṃ hi nagarī gaccheddṛṣṭvā śūnyamimaṃ ratham| sūtāvaśeṣaṃ svaṃ sainyaṃ hatavīramivā'have

Seeing the empty chariot the people of the city will look pitiable just like an army left only with the charioteer after its hero is killed in the war.

दूरेऽपि निवसन्तं त्वां मानसेनाग्रतः स्थितम्। चिन्तयन्तोऽद्य नूनं त्वां निराहाराः कृताः प्रजाः।।2.52.42।।

dūre'pi nivasantaṃ tvāṃ mānasenāgrataḥ sthitam| cintayanto'dya nūnaṃ tvāṃ nirāhārāḥ kṛtāḥ prajāḥ

Although living at a distance, the subjects feel in their minds that you are just ahead of them. Today they will certainly go without food, brooding over you.

दृष्टं तद्धि त्वया राम यादृशं त्वत्प्रवासने। प्रजानां सङ्कुलं वृत्तं त्वच्छोकक्लान्तचेतसाम्।।2.52.43।।

dṛṣṭaṃ taddhi tvayā rāma yādṛśaṃ tvatpravāsane| prajānāṃ saṅkulaṃ vṛttaṃ tvacchokaklāntacetasām

At the time of your departure, O Rama, you have seen all that happened, the hearts of the people exhausted with grief.

आर्तनादो हि यः पौरैर्मुक्तस्त्वद्विप्रवासने। सरथं मां निशाम्यैव कुर्युः शतगुणं ततः।।2.52.44।।

ārtanādo hi yaḥ paurairmuktastvadvipravāsane| sarathaṃ māṃ niśāmyaiva kuryuḥ śataguṇaṃ tataḥ

You have witnessed the cry of agony raised by the citizens at the time of your banishment. Now when they see the (empty) chariot, they will make it (raise their cry) a hundredfold.

अहं किं चापि वक्ष्यामि देवीं तव सुतो मया। नीतोऽसौ मातुलकुलं सन्तापं मा कृथा इति।।2.52.45।।

ahaṃ kiṃ cāpi vakṣyāmi devīṃ tava suto mayā| nīto'sau mātulakulaṃ santāpaṃ mā kṛthā iti

What shall I say to Kausalya? Shall I say 'O venerable queen I have left your son at his maternal uncle's, hence don't grieve'.

असत्यमपि नैवाहं ब्रूयां वचनमीदृशम्। कथमप्रियमेवाहं ब्रूयां सत्यमिदं वचः।।2.52.46।।

asatyamapi naivāhaṃ brūyāṃ vacanamīdṛśam| kathamapriyamevāhaṃ brūyāṃ satyamidaṃ vacaḥ

How can I lie to her? How can I tell her the unpleasent truth?

मम तावन्नियोगस्थास्त्वद्बन्धुजनवाहिनः। कथं रथं त्वया हीनं प्रवक्ष्यन्ति हयोत्तमाः।।2.52.47।।

mama tāvanniyogasthāstvadbandhujanavāhinaḥ| kathaṃ rathaṃ tvayā hīnaṃ pravakṣyanti hayottamāḥ

How can these excellent horses who used to carry you and your friends till now draw this chariot without you even though they are at my command?

तन्न शक्ष्याम्यहं गन्तुमयोध्यां त्वदृतेऽनघ। वनवासानुयानाय मामनुज्ञातुमर्हसि।।2.52.48।।

tanna śakṣyāmyahaṃ gantumayodhyāṃ tvadṛte'nagha| vanavāsānuyānāya māmanujñātumarhasi

That is why, O sinless one I cannot go back to Ayodhya without you. Allow me to accompany you into your exile.

यदि मे याचमानस्य त्यागमेव करिष्यसि। सरथोऽग्निं प्रवेक्ष्यामि त्यक्तमात्र इह त्वया।।2.52.49।।

yadi me yācamānasya tyāgameva kariṣyasi| saratho'gniṃ pravekṣyāmi tyaktamātra iha tvayā

If you forsake me in spite of my request I shall immediately enter fire along with my chariot.

भविष्यन्ति वने यानि तपोविघ्नकराणि ते। रथेन प्रतिबाधिष्ये तानि सत्त्वानि राघव।।2.52.50।।

bhaviṣyanti vane yāni tapovighnakarāṇi te| rathena pratibādhiṣye tāni sattvāni rāghava

With my chariot I shall retaliate and prevent all those animals in the forest causing obstacles to your austerities, O Rama

त्वत्कृते न मयाऽवाप्तं रथचर्याकृतं सुखम्। आशंसे त्वत्कृते नाहं वनवासकृतं सुखम्।।2.52.51।।

tvatkṛte na mayā'vāptaṃ rathacaryākṛtaṃ sukham| āśaṃse tvatkṛte nāhaṃ vanavāsakṛtaṃ sukham

By your grace I experienced the pleasure of driving your chariot, and by your grace, too, I am looking forward to deriving the pleasure of dwelling in the forest.

प्रसीदेच्छामि तेऽरण्ये भवितुं प्रत्यनन्तरः। प्रीत्याऽभिहितमिच्छामि भव मे प्रत्यनन्तरः।।2.52.52।।

prasīdecchāmi te'raṇye bhavituṃ pratyanantaraḥ| prītyā'bhihitamicchāmi bhava me pratyanantaraḥ

Be pleased. I wish to stay with you in the forest I long to hear from you these favourable words, 'Stay with me'.

इमे चापि हया वीर यदि ते वनवासिनः। परिचर्यां करिष्यन्ति प्राप्स्यन्ति परमां गतिम्।।2.52.53।।

ime cāpi hayā vīra yadi te vanavāsinaḥ| paricaryāṃ kariṣyanti prāpsyanti paramāṃ gatim

O valiant one, if these horses too could render services to you while you dwell in the forest, they would attain the supreme state.

तव शुश्रूषणं मूर्ध्ना करिष्यामि वने वसन्। अयोध्यां देवलोकं वा सर्वथा प्रजहाम्यहम्।।2.52.54।।

tava śuśrūṣaṇaṃ mūrdhnā kariṣyāmi vane vasan| ayodhyāṃ devalokaṃ vā sarvathā prajahāmyaham

As I dwell in the forest, I shall serve you with my head bowed. For this I may altogether relinquish Ayodhya or even heaven.

न हि शक्या प्रवेष्टुं सा मयाऽयोध्या त्वया विना। राजधानी महेन्द्रस्य यथा दुष्कृतकर्मणा।।2.52.55।।

na hi śakyā praveṣṭuṃ sā mayā'yodhyā tvayā vinā| rājadhānī mahendrasya yathā duṣkṛtakarmaṇā

Just as a sinner cannot enter the capital of Indra (heaven), it is impossible for me to enter Ayodhya without you.

वनवासे क्षयं प्राप्ते ममैष हि मनोरथः। यदनेन रथेनैव त्वां वहेयं पुरीं पुनः।।2.52.56।।

vanavāse kṣayaṃ prāpte mamaiṣa hi manorathaḥ| yadanena rathenaiva tvāṃ vaheyaṃ purīṃ punaḥ

It is my cherished desire to take you after the completion of your exile, back to the city (Ayodhya) in this chariot alone.

चतुर्दश हि वर्षाणि सहितस्य त्वया वने। क्षणभूतानि यास्यन्ति शतसङ्ख्यान्यतोऽन्यथा।।2.52.57।।

caturdaśa hi varṣāṇi sahitasya tvayā vane| kṣaṇabhūtāni yāsyanti śatasaṅkhyānyato'nyathā

If I accompany you into the forest, fourteen years will pass like a moment, otherwise it will seem like a hundred years.

भृत्यवत्सल तिष्ठन्तं भर्तृपुत्रगते पथि। भक्तं भृत्यं स्थितं स्थित्यां त्वं न मां हातुमर्हसि।।2.52.58।।

bhṛtyavatsala tiṣṭhantaṃ bhartṛputragate pathi| bhaktaṃ bhṛtyaṃ sthitaṃ sthityāṃ tvaṃ na māṃ hātumarhasi

O Rama you are affectionate towards your servants. I abide in the path followed by you, my master's son. I am your devoted servant. It does not behove you to forsake me who is faithful.

एवं बहुविधं दीनं याचमानं पुनः पुनः। रामो भृत्यानुकम्पी तु सुमन्त्रमिदमब्रवीत्।।2.52.59।।

evaṃ bahuvidhaṃ dīnaṃ yācamānaṃ punaḥ punaḥ| rāmo bhṛtyānukampī tu sumantramidamabravīt

Repeatedly implored in various ways by the miserable Sumantra, Rama who is compassionate to his servants replied:

जानामि परमां भक्तिं मयि ते भर्तृवत्सल। शृणु चापि यदर्थं त्वां प्रेषयामि पुरीमितः।।2.52.60।।

jānāmi paramāṃ bhaktiṃ mayi te bhartṛvatsala| śṛṇu cāpi yadarthaṃ tvāṃ preṣayāmi purīmitaḥ

O Sumantra, listen I know your deep devotion to me (I also know) you are loyal to your master (Dasaratha). So I am sending you to the city (Ayodhya) from here.

नगरीं त्वां गतं दृष्ट्वा जननी मे यवीयसी। कैकेयी प्रत्ययं गच्छेदिति रामो वनं गतः।।2.52.61।।

nagarīṃ tvāṃ gataṃ dṛṣṭvā jananī me yavīyasī| kaikeyī pratyayaṃ gacchediti rāmo vanaṃ gataḥ

When my younger mother Kaikeyi sees that you have returned to Ayodhya, she will believe that Rama has really gone to the forest.

परितुष्टा हि सा देवी वनवासं गते मयि। राजानं नातिशङ्केत 'मिथ्यावादी'ति धार्मिकम्।।2.52.62।।

parituṣṭā hi sā devī vanavāsaṃ gate mayi| rājānaṃ nātiśaṅketa 'mithyāvādī'ti dhārmikam

If queen Kaikeyi is fully satisfied that I have gone to dwell in the forest, she will no longer have any doubt and will believe that righteous king Dasaratha is not a liar.

एष मे प्रथमः कल्पो यदम्बा मे यवीयसी। भरतारक्षितं स्फीतं पुत्रराज्यमवाप्नुयात्।।2.52.63।।

eṣa me prathamaḥ kalpo yadambā me yavīyasī| bharatārakṣitaṃ sphītaṃ putrarājyamavāpnuyāt

My prime resolve is that my younger mother should enjoy this prosperous and vast kingdom ruled by her son Bharata.

मम प्रियार्थं राज्ञश्च सरथस्त्वं पुरीं व्रज। सन्दिष्टश्चासि यानर्थांस्तां स्तान् ब्रूयास्तथा तथा।।2.52.64।।

mama priyārthaṃ rājñaśca sarathastvaṃ purīṃ vraja| sandiṣṭaścāsi yānarthāṃstāṃ stān brūyāstathā tathā

Sumantra, return to the city with the chariot for my pleasure and also for the pleasure of the king and convey to each of the persons concerned the message exactly as instructed.

इत्युक्त्वा वचनं सूतं सान्त्वयित्वा पुनः पुनः। गुहं वचनमक्लीबो रामो हेतुमदब्रवीत्।।2.52.65।।

ityuktvā vacanaṃ sūtaṃ sāntvayitvā punaḥ punaḥ| guhaṃ vacanamaklībo rāmo hetumadabravīt

Having spoken to the charioteer and consoling him again and again, indefatigable Rama spoke to Guha words full of reasoning:

नेदानीं गुह योग्योऽयं वासो मे सजने वने। आवश्यं ह्याश्रमे वासः कर्तव्यस्तद्गतो विधिः।।2.52.66।।

nedānīṃ guha yogyo'yaṃ vāso me sajane vane| āvaśyaṃ hyāśrame vāsaḥ kartavyastadgato vidhiḥ

Guha this forest where people live is not suitable for my stay. It is necessary that I live in a hermitage. So please do the needful.

सोऽहं गृहीत्वा नियमं तपस्वि जनभूषणम्। हितकामः पितुर्भूयः सीताया लक्ष्मणस्य च।।2.52.67।। जटाः कृत्वा गमिष्यामि न्यग्रोधक्षीरमानय।

so'haṃ gṛhītvā niyamaṃ tapasvi janabhūṣaṇam| hitakāmaḥ piturbhūyaḥ sītāyā lakṣmaṇasya ca jaṭāḥ kṛtvā gamiṣyāmi nyagrodhakṣīramānaya|

Seeking the welfare of my father, Sita and Lakshmana I shall enter the forest with matted hair and practise the prescribed austerities which are the adornments of ascetics. Do fetch me the sap of a banyan tree.

तत् क्षीरं राजपुत्राय गुहः क्षिप्रमुपाहरत्।।2.52.68।। लक्ष्मणस्यात्मनश्चैव रामस्तेनाकरोज्जटाः।

tat kṣīraṃ rājaputrāya guhaḥ kṣipramupāharat lakṣmaṇasyātmanaścaiva rāmastenākarojjaṭāḥ|

Guha fetched the latex quickly and gave it to the prince (Rama) and with that Rama matted his own hair and Lakshmana's.

दीर्घबाहुर्नरव्याघ्रो जटिलत्वमधारयत्।।2.52.69।। तौ तदा चीरवसनौ जटामण्डलधारिणौ। आशोभेतामृषिसमौ भ्रातरौ रामलक्ष्मणौ।।2.52.70।।

dīrghabāhurnaravyāghro jaṭilatvamadhārayat tau tadā cīravasanau jaṭāmaṇḍaladhāriṇau| āśobhetāmṛṣisamau bhrātarau rāmalakṣmaṇau

The longarmed Rama, the best of men, put on locks of matted hair. As the two brothers, Rama and Lakshmana stood dressed in bark wearing crowns of matted hair, they resembled two resplendent ascetics.

दीर्घबाहुर्नरव्याघ्रो जटिलत्वमधारयत्।।2.52.69।। तौ तदा चीरवसनौ जटामण्डलधारिणौ। आशोभेतामृषिसमौ भ्रातरौ रामलक्ष्मणौ।।2.52.70।।

dīrghabāhurnaravyāghro jaṭilatvamadhārayat tau tadā cīravasanau jaṭāmaṇḍaladhāriṇau| āśobhetāmṛṣisamau bhrātarau rāmalakṣmaṇau

The longarmed Rama, the best of men, put on locks of matted hair. As the two brothers, Rama and Lakshmana stood dressed in bark wearing crowns of matted hair, they resembled two resplendent ascetics.

ततो वैखानसं मार्गमास्थितः सह लक्ष्मणः। व्रतमादिष्टवान् रामः सखायं गुहमब्रवीत्।।2.52.71।।

tato vaikhānasaṃ mārgamāsthitaḥ saha lakṣmaṇaḥ| vratamādiṣṭavān rāmaḥ sakhāyaṃ guhamabravīt

Having adopted the path of ascetics along with Lakshmana, Rama said to his friend Guha:

अप्रमत्तो बले कोशे दुर्गे जनपदे तथा। भवेथा गुह राज्यं हि दुरारक्षतमं मतम्।।2.52.72।।

apramatto bale kośe durge janapade tathā| bhavethā guha rājyaṃ hi durārakṣatamaṃ matam

O Guha you must be vigilant about your army, treasury, forts and provinces. A kingdom, it is (rightly) said, is protected with great difficulty.

ततस्तं समनुज्ञाय गुहमिक्ष्वाकुनन्दनः। जगाम तूर्णमव्यग्रः सभार्यः सह लक्ष्मणः।।2.52.73।।

tatastaṃ samanujñāya guhamikṣvākunandanaḥ| jagāma tūrṇamavyagraḥ sabhāryaḥ saha lakṣmaṇaḥ

Rama, Delight of the Iksvakus, then permitted Guha to take leave. And departed quickly with his consort and Lakshmana in peace.

स तु दृष्ट्वा नदीतीरे नावमिक्ष्वाकुनन्दनः। तितीर्षुः शीघ्रगां गङ्गामिदं लक्ष्मणमब्रवीत्।।2.52.74।।

sa tu dṛṣṭvā nadītīre nāvamikṣvākunandanaḥ| titīrṣuḥ śīghragāṃ gaṅgāmidaṃ lakṣmaṇamabravīt

Seeing the boat on the river bank and intending to cross the swiftly flowing Ganga, Rama, descendant of the Iksvakus said to Lakshmana:

आरोह त्वं नरव्याघ्र स्थितां नावमिमां शनैः। सीतां चारोपयान्वक्षं परिगृह्य मनस्विनीम्।।2.52.75।।

āroha tvaṃ naravyāghra sthitāṃ nāvamimāṃ śanaiḥ| sītāṃ cāropayānvakṣaṃ parigṛhya manasvinīm

O Lakshmana, the best of men the boat stands ready, get into it slowly (carefully), and then help the noble Sita board it by holding the beam (which balances the boat).

स भ्रातुः शासनं श्रुत्वा सर्वमप्रतिकूलयन्। आरोप्य मैथिलीं पूर्वमारुरोहाऽऽत्मवां स्ततः।।2.52.76।।

sa bhrātuḥ śāsanaṃ śrutvā sarvamapratikūlayan| āropya maithilīṃ pūrvamārurohā''tmavāṃ stataḥ

Having heard his brother's command the selfcontrolled Lakshmana did as he was told.He first helped Sita get into the boat and thereafter boarded it himself.

अथारुरोह तेजस्वी स्वयं लक्ष्मणपूर्वजः। ततो निषादाधिपतिर्गुहो ज्ञातीनचोदयत्।।2.52.77।।

athāruroha tejasvī svayaṃ lakṣmaṇapūrvajaḥ| tato niṣādādhipatirguho jñātīnacodayat

With the boat boarded by the glorious Rama, Lakshmana's elder brother, Guha, king of the nishadas urged his kinsmen (to row the boat).

राघवोऽपि महातेजा नावमारुह्य तां ततः। ब्रह्मवत् क्षत्रवच्चैव जजाप हितमात्मनः।।2.52.78।।

rāghavo'pi mahātejā nāvamāruhya tāṃ tataḥ| brahmavat kṣatravaccaiva jajāpa hitamātmanaḥ

Resplendent Rama boarded the boat and muttered for his own safety mantras befitting brahmins and kshatriyas.

आचम्य च यथाशास्त्रं नदीं तां सह सीतया। प्राणमत्प्रीतिसंहृष्टो लक्ष्मणश्चामितप्रभः।।2.52.79।।

ācamya ca yathāśāstraṃ nadīṃ tāṃ saha sītayā| prāṇamatprītisaṃhṛṣṭo lakṣmaṇaścāmitaprabhaḥ

Rama of undimmed radiance sipped the waters (of the Ganga) in accordance with the scriptures and with great pleasure and paid obeisance to the river with Sita and Lakshmana.

अनुज्ञाय सुमन्त्रं च सबलं चैव तं गुहम्। आस्थाय नावं रामस्तु चोदयामास नाविकान्।।2.52.80।।

anujñāya sumantraṃ ca sabalaṃ caiva taṃ guham| āsthāya nāvaṃ rāmastu codayāmāsa nāvikān

Having permitted Sumantra and Guha with his army to leave, Rama seated on the boat urged the boatmen to proceed.

ततस्तैश्चोदिता सा नौः कर्णधारसमाहिता। शुभस्फ्यवेगाभिहता शीघ्रं सलिलमत्यगात्।।2.52.81.।।

tatastaiścoditā sā nauḥ karṇadhārasamāhitā| śubhasphyavegābhihatā śīghraṃ salilamatyagāt||2.52.81.||

The wellruddered boat rowed by the helmsmen and propelled by strong oars, swiftly crossed the waters of the river.

मध्यं तु समनुप्राप्य भागीरथ्यास्त्वनिन्दिता। वैदेही प्राञ्जलिर्भूत्वा तां नदीमिदमब्रवीत्।।2.52.82।।

madhyaṃ tu samanuprāpya bhāgīrathyāstvaninditā| vaidehī prāñjalirbhūtvā tāṃ nadīmidamabravīt

When the boat reached the midstream that unblemished Sita with palms folded invoked the river thus:

पुत्रो दशरथस्यायं महाराजस्य धीमतः। निदेशं पारयित्वेमं गङ्गे त्वदभिरक्षितः।।2.52.83।। चतुर्दश हि वर्षाणि समग्राण्युष्य कानने। भ्रात्रा सह मया चैव पुनः प्रत्यागमिष्यति।।2.52.84।। ततस्त्वां देवि सुभगे क्षेमेण पुनरागता। यक्ष्ये प्रमुदिता गङ्गे सर्वकामसमृद्धिनी।।2.52.85।।

putro daśarathasyāyaṃ mahārājasya dhīmataḥ| nideśaṃ pārayitvemaṃ gaṅge tvadabhirakṣitaḥ caturdaśa hi varṣāṇi samagrāṇyuṣya kānane| bhrātrā saha mayā caiva punaḥ pratyāgamiṣyati tatastvāṃ devi subhage kṣemeṇa punarāgatā| yakṣye pramuditā gaṅge sarvakāmasamṛddhinī

O Ganga, protected by you, this son (Rama) of Dasaratha, the sagacious maharaja, will carry out his father's command. He along with his brother will return after living in the forest for full fourteen years. O fortunate Devi, he will worship you in delight for fulfilling all his desires after his safe return.

पुत्रो दशरथस्यायं महाराजस्य धीमतः। निदेशं पारयित्वेमं गङ्गे त्वदभिरक्षितः।।2.52.83।। चतुर्दश हि वर्षाणि समग्राण्युष्य कानने। भ्रात्रा सह मया चैव पुनः प्रत्यागमिष्यति।।2.52.84।। ततस्त्वां देवि सुभगे क्षेमेण पुनरागता। यक्ष्ये प्रमुदिता गङ्गे सर्वकामसमृद्धिनी।।2.52.85।।

putro daśarathasyāyaṃ mahārājasya dhīmataḥ| nideśaṃ pārayitvemaṃ gaṅge tvadabhirakṣitaḥ caturdaśa hi varṣāṇi samagrāṇyuṣya kānane| bhrātrā saha mayā caiva punaḥ pratyāgamiṣyati tatastvāṃ devi subhage kṣemeṇa punarāgatā| yakṣye pramuditā gaṅge sarvakāmasamṛddhinī

O Ganga, protected by you, this son (Rama) of Dasaratha, the sagacious maharaja, will carry out his father's command. He along with his brother will return after living in the forest for full fourteen years. O fortunate Devi, he will worship you in delight for fulfilling all his desires after his safe return.

पुत्रो दशरथस्यायं महाराजस्य धीमतः। निदेशं पारयित्वेमं गङ्गे त्वदभिरक्षितः।।2.52.83।। चतुर्दश हि वर्षाणि समग्राण्युष्य कानने। भ्रात्रा सह मया चैव पुनः प्रत्यागमिष्यति।।2.52.84।। ततस्त्वां देवि सुभगे क्षेमेण पुनरागता। यक्ष्ये प्रमुदिता गङ्गे सर्वकामसमृद्धिनी।।2.52.85।।

putro daśarathasyāyaṃ mahārājasya dhīmataḥ| nideśaṃ pārayitvemaṃ gaṅge tvadabhirakṣitaḥ caturdaśa hi varṣāṇi samagrāṇyuṣya kānane| bhrātrā saha mayā caiva punaḥ pratyāgamiṣyati tatastvāṃ devi subhage kṣemeṇa punarāgatā| yakṣye pramuditā gaṅge sarvakāmasamṛddhinī

O Ganga, protected by you, this son (Rama) of Dasaratha, the sagacious maharaja, will carry out his father's command. He along with his brother will return after living in the forest for full fourteen years. O fortunate Devi, he will worship you in delight for fulfilling all his desires after his safe return.

त्वं हि त्रिपथगा देवि ब्रह्मलोकं समीक्षसे। भार्या चोदधिराजस्य लोकेऽस्मिन् सम्प्रदृश्यसे।।2.52.86।।

tvaṃ hi tripathagā devi brahmalokaṃ samīkṣase| bhāryā codadhirājasya loke'smin sampradṛśyase

O Devi, you are Tripathaga, flowing in three directions (worlds). You behold the region of Brahma and happen to be the spouse of the king of the ocean in this world (of mortals).

सा त्वां देवि नमस्यामि प्रशंसामि च शोभने। प्राप्तराज्ये नरव्याघ्रे शिवेन पुनरागते।।2.52.87।। गवां शतसहस्राणि वस्त्राण्यन्नं च पेशलम्। ब्राह्मणेभ्यः प्रदास्यामि तव प्रियचिकीर्षया।।2.52.88।।

sā tvāṃ devi namasyāmi praśaṃsāmi ca śobhane| prāptarājye naravyāghre śivena punarāgate gavāṃ śatasahasrāṇi vastrāṇyannaṃ ca peśalam| brāhmaṇebhyaḥ pradāsyāmi tava priyacikīrṣayā

O Devi O lovely Ganga I offer you my obeisance and my adorations. After the safe return of Rama, the tiger (best) among men, from the forest and after he regains the kingdom I shall give a hundred thousand cows, clothing and delicious food to brahmins as a mark of regard, which will please you.

सा त्वां देवि नमस्यामि प्रशंसामि च शोभने। प्राप्तराज्ये नरव्याघ्रे शिवेन पुनरागते।।2.52.87।। गवां शतसहस्राणि वस्त्राण्यन्नं च पेशलम्। ब्राह्मणेभ्यः प्रदास्यामि तव प्रियचिकीर्षया।।2.52.88।।

sā tvāṃ devi namasyāmi praśaṃsāmi ca śobhane| prāptarājye naravyāghre śivena punarāgate gavāṃ śatasahasrāṇi vastrāṇyannaṃ ca peśalam| brāhmaṇebhyaḥ pradāsyāmi tava priyacikīrṣayā

O Devi O lovely Ganga I offer you my obeisance and my adorations. After the safe return of Rama, the tiger (best) among men, from the forest and after he regains the kingdom I shall give a hundred thousand cows, clothing and delicious food to brahmins as a mark of regard, which will please you.

सुराघटसहस्रेण मांसभूतौदनेन च। यक्ष्ये त्वां प्रयता देवि पुरीं पुनरुपागता।।2.52.89।।

surāghaṭasahasreṇa māṃsabhūtaudanena ca| yakṣye tvāṃ prayatā devi purīṃ punarupāgatā

O Devi after my return to Ayodhya purified by my austerities, I shall worship you by offering a thousand pots of nectar and food in the form of meat.

यानि त्वत्तीरवासीनि दैवतानि च सन्ति हि। तानि सर्वाणि यक्ष्यामि तीर्थान्यायतनानि च।।2.52.90।।

yāni tvattīravāsīni daivatāni ca santi hi| tāni sarvāṇi yakṣyāmi tīrthānyāyatanāni ca

I shall worship all those deities inhabiting your banks and all sacred spots and temples.

पुनरेव महाबाहुर्मया भ्रात्रा च सङ्गतः। अयोध्यां वनवासात्तु प्रविशत्वनघोऽनघे।।2.52.91।।

punareva mahābāhurmayā bhrātrā ca saṅgataḥ| ayodhyāṃ vanavāsāttu praviśatvanagho'naghe

O sacred one may the blemishless, mightyarmed Rama accompanied by me and his brother reenter Ayodhya after the exile.

तथा सम्भाषमाणा सा सीता गङ्गामनिन्दिता। दक्षिणा दक्षिणं तीरं क्षिप्रमेवाभ्युपागमत्।।2.52.92।।

tathā sambhāṣamāṇā sā sītā gaṅgāmaninditā| dakṣiṇā dakṣiṇaṃ tīraṃ kṣipramevābhyupāgamat

While the unblemished, auspicious Sita was thus addressing (the river), the boat swiftly reached the south bank.

तीरं तु समनुप्राप्य नावं हित्वा नरर्षभः। प्रातिष्ठत सह भ्रात्रा वैदेह्या च परन्तपः।।2.52.93।।

tīraṃ tu samanuprāpya nāvaṃ hitvā nararṣabhaḥ| prātiṣṭhata saha bhrātrā vaidehyā ca parantapaḥ

Rama, the best of men and tormentor of enemies, after reaching the other side of the river, left the boat and proceeded with Sita and his brother.

अथाब्रवीन्महाबाहुः सुमित्रानन्दवर्धनम्। भव संरक्षणार्थाय सजने विजनेऽपि वा।।2.52.94।।

athābravīnmahābāhuḥ sumitrānandavardhanam| bhava saṃrakṣaṇārthāya sajane vijane'pi vā

The longarmed Rama then said to Lakshmana, enhancer of the joy of Sumitra: Whether in populated areas or in solitary places, excercise alacrity in the matter of protection.

अवश्यं रक्षणं कार्यमदृष्टे विजने वने। अग्रतो गच्छ सौमित्रे सीता त्वामनुगच्छतु।।.2.52.95।।

avaśyaṃ rakṣaṇaṃ kāryamadṛṣṭe vijane vane| agrato gaccha saumitre sītā tvāmanugacchatu||.2.52.95||

In this desolate forest which we had never seen before we must certainly be concerned about our protection. O Lakshmana , let Sita follow you

पृष्ठतोऽहं गमिष्यामि त्वां च सीतां च पालयन्। अन्योन्यस्येह नो रक्षा कर्तव्या पुरुषर्षभ।।2.52.96।।

pṛṣṭhato'haṃ gamiṣyāmi tvāṃ ca sītāṃ ca pālayan| anyonyasyeha no rakṣā kartavyā puruṣarṣabha

O best of men, I will follow you and Sita and keep watch. We must ensure mutual protection.

न हि तावदतिक्रान्ता सुकरा काचन क्रिया। अद्य दुःखं तु वैदेही वनवासस्य वेत्स्यति।।2.52.97।।

na hi tāvadatikrāntā sukarā kācana kriyā| adya duḥkhaṃ tu vaidehī vanavāsasya vetsyati

We have not yet confronted any hardship. From now on Sita will come to know the difficulties of forest life.

प्रणष्टजनसम्बाधं क्षेत्रारामविवर्जितम्। विषमं च प्रपातं च वनमद्य प्रवेक्ष्यति।।2.52.98।।

praṇaṣṭajanasambādhaṃ kṣetrārāmavivarjitam| viṣamaṃ ca prapātaṃ ca vanamadya pravekṣyati

Now she will enter the forest which is devoid of concourse of people, farms and pleasure groves and which is uneven and inaccessible and full of deep ditches.

श्रुत्वा रामस्य वचनं प्रतस्थे लक्ष्मणोऽग्रतः। अनन्तरं च सीताया राघवो रघुनन्दनः।।2.52.99।।

śrutvā rāmasya vacanaṃ pratasthe lakṣmaṇo'grataḥ| anantaraṃ ca sītāyā rāghavo raghunandanaḥ

Having heard the words of Rama, Lakshmana went ahead and Rama, delight of the Raghus, walked behind Sita.

गतं तु गङ्गापरपारमाशु रामं सुमन्त्रः प्रततं निरीक्ष्य। अध्वप्रकर्षाद्विनिवृत्तदृष्टि र्मुमोच बाष्पं व्यथित स्तपस्वी।।2.52.100।।

gataṃ tu gaṅgāparapāramāśu rāmaṃ sumantraḥ pratataṃ nirīkṣya| adhvaprakarṣādvinivṛttadṛṣṭi rmumoca bāṣpaṃ vyathita stapasvī

The wretched Sumantra kept gazing at Rama who swiftly reached the other side of the Ganga and only when he could not see him because of long distance, he turned away his gaze and, overcome with grief, shed tears.

स लोकपालप्रतिमप्रभाववां स्तीर्त्वा महात्मा वरदो महानदीम्। ततः समृद्धान् शुभसस्यमालिनः क्रमेण वत्सान् मुदितानुपागमत्।।2.52.101।।

sa lokapālapratimaprabhāvavāṃ stīrtvā mahātmā varado mahānadīm| tataḥ samṛddhān śubhasasyamālinaḥ krameṇa vatsān muditānupāgamat

Having crossed that mighty river, the highsouled Rama, bestower of boons and equal in splendour, to the Protector of the world reached Vatsa by and by, a highly prosperous country inhabited by happy people.

तौ तत्र हत्वा चतुरो महामृगान् वराहमृश्यं पृषतं महारुरुम्। आदाय मेध्यं त्वरितं बुभुक्षितौ वासाय काले ययतुर्वनस्पतिम्।।2.52.102।।

tau tatra hatvā caturo mahāmṛgān varāhamṛśyaṃ pṛṣataṃ mahārurum| ādāya medhyaṃ tvaritaṃ bubhukṣitau vāsāya kāle yayaturvanaspatim

Famished, they (Rama and Lakshmana) killed a boar, a rishya (whitefooted male antelope), a spotted deer and a great deer with black stripes. They partook the meat and reached a tree by evening where they rested for the night. इत्यार्षे श्रीमद्रामायणे वाल्मीकीय आदिकाव्ये अयोध्याकाण्डे द्विपञ्चाश स्सर्गः।। Thus ends the fiftysecond sarga of Ayodhyakanda of the holy Ramayana, the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.