Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 9

एवमुक्ता तु कैकेयी क्रोधेन ज्वलितानना। दीर्घमुष्णं विनिश्वस्य मन्थरामिदमब्रवीत्।।2.9.1।।

evamuktā tu kaikeyī krodhena jvalitānanā| dīrghamuṣṇaṃ viniśvasya mantharāmidamabravīt

Thus spoken to, Kaikeyi, her face burning with anger, breathed a deep, hot sigh and said these words to Manthara:

अद्य राममितः क्षिप्रं वनं प्रस्थापयाम्यहम्। यौवराज्ये च भरतं क्षिप्रमेवाभिषेचये।।2.9.2।।

adya rāmamitaḥ kṣipraṃ vanaṃ prasthāpayāmyaham| yauvarājye ca bharataṃ kṣipramevābhiṣecaye

Today I shall at once banish Rama from here into the forest and get Bharata coronated as heirapparent without delay.

इदं त्विदानीं सम्पश्य केनोपायेन मन्थरे। भरतः प्राप्नुयाद्राज्यं न तु रामः कथञ्चन।।2.9.3।।

idaṃ tvidānīṃ sampaśya kenopāyena manthare| bharataḥ prāpnuyādrājyaṃ na tu rāmaḥ kathañcana

O Manthara now see, for sure, Bharata and not Rama will get the kingdom by any means.

एवमुक्ता तया देव्या मन्थरा पापदर्शिनी। रामार्थमुपहिंसन्ती कैकेयीमिदमब्रवीत्।।2.9.4।।

evamuktā tayā devyā mantharā pāpadarśinī| rāmārthamupahiṃsantī kaikeyīmidamabravīt

Thus addressed by queen Kaikeyi, that evil minded Manthara said this to Kaikeyi in order to spoil the interest of Rama:

हन्तेदानीं प्रवक्ष्यामि कैकेयि श्रूयतां च मे। यथा ते भरतो राज्यं पुत्रः प्राप्स्यति केवलम्।।2.9.5।।

hantedānīṃ pravakṣyāmi kaikeyi śrūyatāṃ ca me| yathā te bharato rājyaṃ putraḥ prāpsyati kevalam

O Kaikeyi, what a joy I shall now tell you how your son Bharata alone will secure the kingdom. Listen to me:

किं न स्मरसि कैकेयि स्मरन्ती वा निगूहसे। यदुच्यमानमात्मार्थं मत्तस्त्वं श्रोतुमिच्छसि।।2.9.6।।

kiṃ na smarasi kaikeyi smarantī vā nigūhase| yaducyamānamātmārthaṃ mattastvaṃ śrotumicchasi

O Kaikeyi, don't you remember in your own interest what I'm going to tell you or are you hiding it, wishing to hear from me?

मयोच्यमानं यदि ते श्रोतुं छन्दो विलासिनि। श्रूयतामभिधास्यामि श्रुत्वा चापि विमृश्यताम्।।2.9.7।।

mayocyamānaṃ yadi te śrotuṃ chando vilāsini| śrūyatāmabhidhāsyāmi śrutvā cāpi vimṛśyatām

O lovely Kaikeyi if it pleases you to hear from me, I shall tell you. Listen and think over it, too.

श्रुत्वैवं वचनं तस्या मन्थरायास्तु कैकेयी। किञ्चिदुत्थाय शयनात्स्वास्तीर्णादिदमब्रवीत्।।2.9.8।।

śrutvaivaṃ vacanaṃ tasyā mantharāyāstu kaikeyī| kiñcidutthāya śayanātsvāstīrṇādidamabravīt

After hearing Manthara's words, Kaikeyi got up a little from her wellspread bed and said this:

कथय त्वं ममोपायं केनोपायेन मन्थरे। भरतः प्राप्नुयाद्राज्यं न तु रामः कथञ्चन।।2.9.9।।

kathaya tvaṃ mamopāyaṃ kenopāyena manthare| bharataḥ prāpnuyādrājyaṃ na tu rāmaḥ kathañcana

O Manthara, tell me the means by which Bharata and not Rama will secure the kingdom in any circumstances.

एवमुक्ता तया देव्या मन्थरा पापदर्शिनी। रामार्थमुपहिंसन्ती कुब्जा वचनमब्रवीत्।।2.9.10।।

evamuktā tayā devyā mantharā pāpadarśinī| rāmārthamupahiṃsantī kubjā vacanamabravīt

Thus addressed by the queen (Kaikeyi), the evileyed hunchback, Manthara, said with the intention to damage Rama's interest.

तव दैवासुरे युद्धे सह राजर्षिभिः पतिः। अगच्छत्त्वामुपादाय देवराजस्य साह्यकृत्।।2.9.11।। दिशमास्थाय वै देवि दक्षिणां दण्डकान्प्रति। वैजयन्तमिति ख्यातं पुरं यत्र तिमिध्वजः।।2.9.12।।

tava daivāsure yuddhe saha rājarṣibhiḥ patiḥ| agacchattvāmupādāya devarājasya sāhyakṛt diśamāsthāya vai devi dakṣiṇāṃ daṇḍakānprati| vaijayantamiti khyātaṃ puraṃ yatra timidhvajaḥ

O queen during the war between gods and asuras, your husband went with royal saints intending to render assistance to Indra, king of the gods, taking you along with him. He set off in the southern direction of Dandaka forest to a renowned city called Vaijayanta where asura Timidhvaja lived.

तव दैवासुरे युद्धे सह राजर्षिभिः पतिः। अगच्छत्त्वामुपादाय देवराजस्य साह्यकृत्।।2.9.11।। दिशमास्थाय वै देवि दक्षिणां दण्डकान्प्रति। वैजयन्तमिति ख्यातं पुरं यत्र तिमिध्वजः।।2.9.12।।

tava daivāsure yuddhe saha rājarṣibhiḥ patiḥ| agacchattvāmupādāya devarājasya sāhyakṛt diśamāsthāya vai devi dakṣiṇāṃ daṇḍakānprati| vaijayantamiti khyātaṃ puraṃ yatra timidhvajaḥ

O queen during the war between gods and asuras, your husband went with royal saints intending to render assistance to Indra, king of the gods, taking you along with him. He set off in the southern direction of Dandaka forest to a renowned city called Vaijayanta where asura Timidhvaja lived.

स शम्बर इति ख्यातश्शतमायो महासुरः। ददौ शक्रस्य सङ्ग्रामं देवसङ्घैरनिर्जितः।।2.9.13।।

sa śambara iti khyātaśśatamāyo mahāsuraḥ| dadau śakrasya saṅgrāmaṃ devasaṅghairanirjitaḥ

That mighty asura wellknown as Sambara, capable of a hundred deceitful forms, challenged Indra to a battle which could not be conquered by hosts of gods.

तस्मिन्महति सङ्ग्रामे पुरुषान्क्षतविक्षतान्। रात्रौ प्रसुप्तान्घ्नन्ति स्म तरसाऽऽसाद्य राक्षसाः।।2.9.14।।

tasminmahati saṅgrāme puruṣānkṣatavikṣatān| rātrau prasuptānghnanti sma tarasā''sādya rākṣasāḥ

In that great battle, the rakshasas used to kill by force the warriors wounded by the weapons and those fast asleep during the night.

तत्राकरोन्महद्युद्धं राजा दशरथस्तदा। असुरैश्च महाबाहुश्शस्त्रैश्च शकलीकृतः।।2.9.15।।

tatrākaronmahadyuddhaṃ rājā daśarathastadā| asuraiśca mahābāhuśśastraiśca śakalīkṛtaḥ

There in that great battle the mightyarmed king Dasaratha lay wounded with weapons (used) by the asuras.

अपवाह्य त्वया देवि सङ्ग्रामान्नष्टचेतनः। तत्रापि विक्षतश्शस्त्रैः पतिस्ते रक्षितस्त्वया।।2.9.16।।

apavāhya tvayā devi saṅgrāmānnaṣṭacetanaḥ| tatrāpi vikṣataśśastraiḥ patiste rakṣitastvayā

O queen you had protected your husband by carrying him away from the battlefield when he lost his consciousness. He was saved by you. Once again you saved him when he lay wounded with weapons (hurled) by the asuras.

तुष्टेन तेन दत्तौ ते द्वौ वरौ शुभदर्शने। स त्वयोक्तः पतिर्देवि यदेच्छेयं तदा वरौ।।2.9.17।। गृह्णीयामिति तत्तेन तथेत्युक्तं महात्मना।

tuṣṭena tena dattau te dvau varau śubhadarśane| sa tvayoktaḥ patirdevi yadeccheyaṃ tadā varau gṛhṇīyāmiti tattena tathetyuktaṃ mahātmanā|

O auspiciouslooking one out of gratitude he had granted two boons to you (for saving him on two occasions). O queen then you told your husband that whenever you desire, you will ask for those boons. The magnanimous king said, 'So be it'.

अनभिज्ञाम्ह्यहं देवि त्वयैव कथिता पुरा।।2.9.18।। कथैषा तव तु स्नेहान्मनसा धार्यते मया। रामाभिषेकसम्भारान्निगृह्य विनिवर्तय।।2.9.19।।

anabhijñāmhyahaṃ devi tvayaiva kathitā purā kathaiṣā tava tu snehānmanasā dhāryate mayā| rāmābhiṣekasambhārānnigṛhya vinivartaya

O queen I did not know this indeed. Only you had related it to me earlier. Because of my affection towards you, I have retained it in my memory. (Now) prevent preparations for Rama's consecration by force.

अनभिज्ञाम्ह्यहं देवि त्वयैव कथिता पुरा।।2.9.18।। कथैषा तव तु स्नेहान्मनसा धार्यते मया। रामाभिषेकसम्भारान्निगृह्य विनिवर्तय।।2.9.19।।

anabhijñāmhyahaṃ devi tvayaiva kathitā purā kathaiṣā tava tu snehānmanasā dhāryate mayā| rāmābhiṣekasambhārānnigṛhya vinivartaya

O queen I did not know this indeed. Only you had related it to me earlier. Because of my affection towards you, I have retained it in my memory. (Now) prevent preparations for Rama's consecration by force.

तौ वरौ याच भर्तारं भरतस्याभिषेचनम्। प्रव्राजनं च रामस्य त्वं वर्षाणि चतुर्दश।।2.9.20।।

tau varau yāca bhartāraṃ bharatasyābhiṣecanam| pravrājanaṃ ca rāmasya tvaṃ varṣāṇi caturdaśa

Ask your husband for those two boons namely consecration of Bharata and banishment of Rama for fourteen years.

चतुर्दश हि वर्षाणि रामे प्रव्राजिते वनम्। प्रजाभावगतस्नेहस्स्थिरः पुत्रो भविष्यति।।2.9.21।।

caturdaśa hi varṣāṇi rāme pravrājite vanam| prajābhāvagatasnehassthiraḥ putro bhaviṣyati

If Rama is banished into the forest for fourteen years your son will be firmly established in the kingdom by affectionately winning the hearts of the people.

क्रोधागारं प्रविश्याऽद्य क्रुद्धेवाश्वपतेस्सुते। शेष्वाऽनन्तर्हितायां त्वं भूमौ मलिनवासिनी।।2.9.22।।

krodhāgāraṃ praviśyā'dya kruddhevāśvapatessute| śeṣvā'nantarhitāyāṃ tvaṃ bhūmau malinavāsinī

O Kaikeyi ,daughter of Ashwapati enter now the chamber of wrath like one in angry mood, wearing soiled garments and lie down on the bare ground.

मास्मैनं प्रत्युदीक्षेथा मा चैनमभिभाषथाः। रुदन्ती चापि तं दृष्ट्वा जगत्यां शोकलालसा।।2.9.23।।

māsmainaṃ pratyudīkṣethā mā cainamabhibhāṣathāḥ| rudantī cāpi taṃ dṛṣṭvā jagatyāṃ śokalālasā

Immersed in grief and in tears, neither look at him (Dasaratha) nor even talk to him when you see him.

दयिता त्वं सदा भर्तुरत्र मे नास्ति संशयः। त्वत्कृते स महाराजो विशेदपि हुताशनम्।।2.9.24।।

dayitā tvaṃ sadā bharturatra me nāsti saṃśayaḥ| tvatkṛte sa mahārājo viśedapi hutāśanam

No doubt, you have always been a beloved wife to your husband. For your sake the great king will even enter into the burning fire.

न त्वां क्रोधयितुं शक्तो न क्रृद्धां प्रत्युदीक्षितुम्। तव प्रियार्थं राजा हि प्राणानपि परित्यजेत्।।2.9.25।।

na tvāṃ krodhayituṃ śakto na krṛddhāṃ pratyudīkṣitum| tava priyārthaṃ rājā hi prāṇānapi parityajet

The king is afraid of inciting your ire. When you are angry, he dare not look at your indignant countenance. Indeed he will forsake even his life for your pleasure.

न ह्यतिक्रमितुं शक्तस्तव वाक्यं महीपतिः। मन्दस्वभावे बुध्यस्व सौभाग्यबलमात्मनः।।2.9.26।।

na hyatikramituṃ śaktastava vākyaṃ mahīpatiḥ| mandasvabhāve budhyasva saubhāgyabalamātmanaḥ

The king would not dare transgress your words. O wicked woman, recognise the power of your beauty.

मणिमुक्तं सुवर्णानि रत्नानि विविधानि च। दद्याद्दशरथो राजा मास्म तेषु मनः कृथाः।।2.9.27।।

maṇimuktaṃ suvarṇāni ratnāni vividhāni ca| dadyāddaśaratho rājā māsma teṣu manaḥ kṛthāḥ

King Dasaratha may give you gems, pearls, gold and different kinds of precious stones. Do not pay them any attention.

यौ तौ दैवासुरे युद्धे वरौ दशरथोऽददात्। तौ स्मारय महाभागे सोऽर्थो न त्वामतिक्रमेत्।।2.9.28।।

yau tau daivāsure yuddhe varau daśaratho'dadāt| tau smāraya mahābhāge so'rtho na tvāmatikramet

O fortunate Kaikeyi, make him recollect the two boons he had granted you in the war between gods and demons. You should not ignore your objective.

यदातु ते वरं दद्यात्स्वयमुत्थाप्य राघवः। व्यवस्थाप्य महाराजं त्वमिमं वृणुया वरम्।।2.9.29।।

yadātu te varaṃ dadyātsvayamutthāpya rāghavaḥ| vyavasthāpya mahārājaṃ tvamimaṃ vṛṇuyā varam

When Dasaratha personally lifts you from the floor and asks you what you want you may make him settle down and ask him for these boons:

रामं प्रव्राजयारण्ये नव वर्षाणि पञ्च च। भरतः क्रियतां राजा पृथिव्याः पार्थिवर्षभः।।2.9.30।।

rāmaṃ pravrājayāraṇye nava varṣāṇi pañca ca| bharataḥ kriyatāṃ rājā pṛthivyāḥ pārthivarṣabhaḥ

'O best of kings exile Rama into the forest for fourteen years and make Bharata king of the land'.

चतुर्दश हि वर्षाणि रामे प्रव्राजिते वनम्। रूढश्च कृतमूलश्च शेषं स्थास्यति ते सुतः।।2.9.31।।

caturdaśa hi varṣāṇi rāme pravrājite vanam| rūḍhaśca kṛtamūlaśca śeṣaṃ sthāsyati te sutaḥ

After Rama has been exiled into the forest for fourteen years your son grown strong and deeprooted will remain (king) for the rest of his life.

रामप्रव्राजनं चैव देवि याचस्व तं वरम्। एवं सिद्ध्यन्ति पुत्रस्य सर्वार्थास्तव भामिनि।।2.9.32।।

rāmapravrājanaṃ caiva devi yācasva taṃ varam| evaṃ siddhyanti putrasya sarvārthāstava bhāmini

O Devi demand Rama's exile as a boon. O lovely queen this way all the interests of your son will be fulfilled (protected).

एवं प्रव्राजितश्चैव रामोऽरामो भविष्यति। भरतश्च हतामित्रस्तव राजा भविष्यति।।2.9.33।।

evaṃ pravrājitaścaiva rāmo'rāmo bhaviṣyati| bharataśca hatāmitrastava rājā bhaviṣyati

Thus, if Rama is exiled he will no longer be Rama (be able to cause delight to the people). Bharata will become king with his enemy subdued.

येन कालेन रामश्च वनात्प्रत्यागमिष्यति। तेन कालेन पुत्रस्ते कृतमूलो भविष्यति।।2.9.34।। सुगृहीतमनुष्यश्च सुहृद्भिस्सार्धमात्मवान्।

yena kālena rāmaśca vanātpratyāgamiṣyati| tena kālena putraste kṛtamūlo bhaviṣyati sugṛhītamanuṣyaśca suhṛdbhissārdhamātmavān|

By the time Rama returns from the forest, your son (now) confident, would have become deep rooted by gaining the company of friends and the acceptability of the people.

प्राप्तकालं नु मन्येऽहं राजानं वीतसाध्वसा।।2.9.35।। रामाभिषेकसङ्कल्पान्निगृह्य विनिवर्तय।

prāptakālaṃ nu manye'haṃ rājānaṃ vītasādhvasā rāmābhiṣekasaṅkalpānnigṛhya vinivartaya|

I think the proper time has come (to ask for the boons). Without fear refrain the king forcibly from his intention of installing Rama.

अनर्थमर्थरूपेण ग्राहिता सा ततस्तया।।2.9.36।। हृष्टा प्रतीता कैकेयी मन्थरामिदमब्रवीत्।

anarthamartharūpeṇa grāhitā sā tatastayā hṛṣṭā pratītā kaikeyī mantharāmidamabravīt|

Thus, having been made to accept the evil design as a beneficial objective, Kaikeyi understood (the entire matter) and in delight spoke to Manthara.

सा हि वाक्येन कुब्जायाः किशोरीवोत्पथं गता।।2.9.37।। कैकेयी विस्मयं प्राप्ता परं परमदर्शना।

sā hi vākyena kubjāyāḥ kiśorīvotpathaṃ gatā kaikeyī vismayaṃ prāptā paraṃ paramadarśanā|

That Kaikeyi, even though endowed with sound foresight, expressed her sense of wonder at the words of the hunchback and chose a wrong path like a young (immature) girl.

कुब्जे त्वां नाभिजानामि श्रेष्ठां श्रेष्ठाभिथायिनीम्।।2.9.38।। पृथिव्यामसि कुब्जानामुत्तमा बुद्धिनिश्चये।

kubje tvāṃ nābhijānāmi śreṣṭhāṃ śreṣṭhābhithāyinīm pṛthivyāmasi kubjānāmuttamā buddhiniścaye|

(She said) O hunchback, I never knew that you can speak such excellent words or decide things intelligently. You are the best among the hunchbacks of this world.

त्वमेव तु ममाऽर्थेषु नित्ययुक्ता हितैषिणी।।2.9.39।। नाहं समवबुध्येयं कुब्जे राज्ञश्चिकीर्षितम्।

tvameva tu mamā'rtheṣu nityayuktā hitaiṣiṇī nāhaṃ samavabudhyeyaṃ kubje rājñaścikīrṣitam|

O hunchback you alone always show interest in my affairs and seek my welfare. I might not have known the intended (deceptive) action of the king (without you).

सन्ति दुस्संस्थिताः कुब्जा वक्राः परमदारुणाः।।2.9.40।। त्वं पद्ममिव वातेन सन्नता प्रियदर्शना। त्वं पद्ममिव वातेन सन्नता प्रियदर्शना।

santi dussaṃsthitāḥ kubjā vakrāḥ paramadāruṇāḥ tvaṃ padmamiva vātena sannatā priyadarśanā| tvaṃ padmamiva vātena sannatā priyadarśanā|

There are many hunchbacks in this world, terribly ugly with their bodies misshaped and crooked. But you look beautiful like a lotus bent by the breeze.

उरस्तेऽभिनिविष्टं वै यावत्स्कन्धात् समुन्नतं।।2.9.41।। अधस्ताच्चोदरं शातं सुनाभमिव लज्जितम्।

uraste'bhiniviṣṭaṃ vai yāvatskandhāt samunnataṃ adhastāccodaraṃ śātaṃ sunābhamiva lajjitam|

Your breasts are thick and are as high as your shoulders. Beneath them lies your belly with its beautiful navel (waist) looking slender as if out of bashfulness.

परिपूर्णं तु जघनं सुपीनौ च पयोधरौ।।2.9.42।। विमलेन्दुसमं वक्त्रमहोराजसि मन्थरे।

paripūrṇaṃ tu jaghanaṃ supīnau ca payodharau vimalendusamaṃ vaktramahorājasi manthare|

You have full hips, round and plump breasts. Your countenance equals the bright moon. How passionate you look, Manthara

जघनं तव निर्घुष्टं रशनादामशोभितम्।।2.9.43।। जङ्घे भृशमुपन्यस्ते पादौ चाप्यायतावुभौ।

jaghanaṃ tava nirghuṣṭaṃ raśanādāmaśobhitam jaṅghe bhṛśamupanyaste pādau cāpyāyatāvubhau|

Your hips, glitter with the jingling girdle. Strong are the calfs of your legs and long are your feet.

त्वमायताभ्यां सक्थिभ्यां मन्थरे क्षौमवासिनी।।2.9.44।। अग्रतो मम गच्छन्ती राजहंसीव राजसे।

tvamāyatābhyāṃ sakthibhyāṃ manthare kṣaumavāsinī agrato mama gacchantī rājahaṃsīva rājase|

O Manthara when clad in silk garment you walk in front of me with your heavy thighs, you look like a female royal swan.

आसन्याश्शम्बरे मायास्सहस्रमसुराधिपे।।2.9.45।। सर्वास्त्वयि निविष्टास्ता भूयश्चान्यास्सहस्रशः।

āsanyāśśambare māyāssahasramasurādhipe sarvāstvayi niviṣṭāstā bhūyaścānyāssahasraśaḥ|

In you reside a thousand deceitful means more than all the thousand mayas (tricks) of Sambara, king of the asuras, was capable of.

तवेदं स्थगु यद्दीर्घं रथघोणमिवायतम्।।2.9.46।। मतयः क्षत्रविद्याश्च मायाश्चात्र वसन्ति ते।

tavedaṃ sthagu yaddīrghaṃ rathaghoṇamivāyatam matayaḥ kṣatravidyāśca māyāścātra vasanti te|

Your clever thoughts, magic powers and also the skills of kshatriyas are stored in your huge hump which is as wide as the hub of a chariot wheel.

अत्र ते प्रतिमोक्ष्यामि मालां कुब्जे हिरण्मयीम्।।2.9.47।। अभिषिक्ते च भरते राघवे च वनं गते।

atra te pratimokṣyāmi mālāṃ kubje hiraṇmayīm abhiṣikte ca bharate rāghave ca vanaṃ gate|

O hunchback, with Rama gone to the forest and Bharata consecrated, I shall drape this hump with a golden garland.

जात्येन च सुवर्णेन सुनिष्टप्तेन मन्थरे।।2.9.48।। लब्धार्था च प्रतीता च लेपयिष्यामि ते स्थगु।

jātyena ca suvarṇena suniṣṭaptena manthare labdhārthā ca pratītā ca lepayiṣyāmi te sthagu|

O Manthara, when my objective is accomplished and I am fully satisfied, I will smear your hump with the best of refined liquid gold.

मुखे च तिलकं चित्रं जातरूपमयं शुभम्।।2.9.49।। कारयिष्यामि ते कुब्जे शुभान्याभरणानि च।

mukhe ca tilakaṃ citraṃ jātarūpamayaṃ śubham kārayiṣyāmi te kubje śubhānyābharaṇāni ca|

O Manthara, I shall get a tilaka made of gold for your auspicious, lovely face and shall also order exquisite ornaments (for you).

परिधाय शुभे वस्त्रे देवतेव चरिष्यसि।।2.9.50।। चन्द्रमाह्वयमानेन मुखेनाप्रतिमानना। गमिष्यसि गतिं मुख्यां गर्वयन्ती द्विषज्जनम्।।2.9.51।।

paridhāya śubhe vastre devateva cariṣyasi candramāhvayamānena mukhenāpratimānanā| gamiṣyasi gatiṃ mukhyāṃ garvayantī dviṣajjanam

You shall move about wearing lovely garments like a goddess. With a peerless countenance, as if challenging the Moon and feeling proud, you will attain a state of eminence amidst your enemies.

परिधाय शुभे वस्त्रे देवतेव चरिष्यसि।।2.9.50।। चन्द्रमाह्वयमानेन मुखेनाप्रतिमानना। गमिष्यसि गतिं मुख्यां गर्वयन्ती द्विषज्जनम्।।2.9.51।।

paridhāya śubhe vastre devateva cariṣyasi candramāhvayamānena mukhenāpratimānanā| gamiṣyasi gatiṃ mukhyāṃ garvayantī dviṣajjanam

You shall move about wearing lovely garments like a goddess. With a peerless countenance, as if challenging the Moon and feeling proud, you will attain a state of eminence amidst your enemies.

तवापि कुब्जाः कुब्जायास्सर्वाभरणभूषिताः। पादौ परिचरिष्यन्ति यथैव त्वं सदा मम।।2.9.52।।

tavāpi kubjāḥ kubjāyāssarvābharaṇabhūṣitāḥ| pādau paricariṣyanti yathaiva tvaṃ sadā mama

Other hunchbacks adorned with all sorts of ornament shall also serve you in the same manner as you are serving me.

इति प्रशस्यमाना सा कैकेयीमिदमब्रवीत्। शयानां शयने शुभ्रे वेद्यामग्निशिखामिव।।2.9.53।।

iti praśasyamānā sā kaikeyīmidamabravīt| śayānāṃ śayane śubhre vedyāmagniśikhāmiva

Flattered in this manner, Manthara addressed Kaikeyi who was lying on a white couch and looking like a flaming fire on the sacrificial altar:

गतोदके सेतुबन्धो न कल्याणि विधीयते। उत्तिष्ठ कुरु कल्याणि राजानमनुदर्शय।।2.9.54।।

gatodake setubandho na kalyāṇi vidhīyate| uttiṣṭha kuru kalyāṇi rājānamanudarśaya

O fortunate one construction of a dike is not undertaken after the water has flowed down. Act before the king to the best of your interest.

तथा प्रोत्साहिता देवी गत्वा मन्थरया सह। क्रोधागारं विशालाक्षी सौभाग्यमदगर्विता।।2.9.55।। अनेकशतसाहस्रं मुक्ताहारं वराङ्गना। अवमुच्य वरार्हाणि शुभान्याभरणानि च।।2.9.56।। ततो हेमोपमा तत्र कुब्जावाक्यवशं गता। संविश्य भूमौ कैकेयी मन्थरामिदमब्रवीत्।।2.9.57।।

tathā protsāhitā devī gatvā mantharayā saha| krodhāgāraṃ viśālākṣī saubhāgyamadagarvitā anekaśatasāhasraṃ muktāhāraṃ varāṅganā| avamucya varārhāṇi śubhānyābharaṇāni ca tato hemopamā tatra kubjāvākyavaśaṃ gatā| saṃviśya bhūmau kaikeyī mantharāmidamabravīt

That beautiful, largeeyed Kaikeyi, puffed with the pride of her intoxicating beauty, encourged and influenced by the words of that hunchback, entered the chamber of wrath. She cast off her highly precious pearl necklace worth many hundreds of thousands (of rupees) and other costly, beautiful ornaments. Thereafter that goldenhued Kaikeyi lay down on the floor and said to Manthara:

तथा प्रोत्साहिता देवी गत्वा मन्थरया सह। क्रोधागारं विशालाक्षी सौभाग्यमदगर्विता।।2.9.55।। अनेकशतसाहस्रं मुक्ताहारं वराङ्गना। अवमुच्य वरार्हाणि शुभान्याभरणानि च।।2.9.56।। ततो हेमोपमा तत्र कुब्जावाक्यवशं गता। संविश्य भूमौ कैकेयी मन्थरामिदमब्रवीत्।।2.9.57।।

tathā protsāhitā devī gatvā mantharayā saha| krodhāgāraṃ viśālākṣī saubhāgyamadagarvitā anekaśatasāhasraṃ muktāhāraṃ varāṅganā| avamucya varārhāṇi śubhānyābharaṇāni ca tato hemopamā tatra kubjāvākyavaśaṃ gatā| saṃviśya bhūmau kaikeyī mantharāmidamabravīt

That beautiful, largeeyed Kaikeyi, puffed with the pride of her intoxicating beauty, encourged and influenced by the words of that hunchback, entered the chamber of wrath. She cast off her highly precious pearl necklace worth many hundreds of thousands (of rupees) and other costly, beautiful ornaments. Thereafter that goldenhued Kaikeyi lay down on the floor and said to Manthara:

तथा प्रोत्साहिता देवी गत्वा मन्थरया सह। क्रोधागारं विशालाक्षी सौभाग्यमदगर्विता।।2.9.55।। अनेकशतसाहस्रं मुक्ताहारं वराङ्गना। अवमुच्य वरार्हाणि शुभान्याभरणानि च।।2.9.56।। ततो हेमोपमा तत्र कुब्जावाक्यवशं गता। संविश्य भूमौ कैकेयी मन्थरामिदमब्रवीत्।।2.9.57।।

tathā protsāhitā devī gatvā mantharayā saha| krodhāgāraṃ viśālākṣī saubhāgyamadagarvitā anekaśatasāhasraṃ muktāhāraṃ varāṅganā| avamucya varārhāṇi śubhānyābharaṇāni ca tato hemopamā tatra kubjāvākyavaśaṃ gatā| saṃviśya bhūmau kaikeyī mantharāmidamabravīt

That beautiful, largeeyed Kaikeyi, puffed with the pride of her intoxicating beauty, encourged and influenced by the words of that hunchback, entered the chamber of wrath. She cast off her highly precious pearl necklace worth many hundreds of thousands (of rupees) and other costly, beautiful ornaments. Thereafter that goldenhued Kaikeyi lay down on the floor and said to Manthara:

इह वा मां मृतां कुब्जे नृपायावेदयिष्यसि। वनं तु राघवे प्राप्ते भरतः प्राप्स्यति क्षितिम्।।2.9.58।।

iha vā māṃ mṛtāṃ kubje nṛpāyāvedayiṣyasi| vanaṃ tu rāghave prāpte bharataḥ prāpsyati kṣitim

O hunchback, tell the king, either Bharata shall secure the kingdom on Rama's departure to the forest or else I will die here.

न सुवर्णेन मे ह्यर्थो न रत्नैर्न च भूषणैः। एष मे जीवितस्यान्तो रामो यद्यभिषिच्यते।।2.9.59।।

na suvarṇena me hyartho na ratnairna ca bhūṣaṇaiḥ| eṣa me jīvitasyānto rāmo yadyabhiṣicyate

I do not aspire for gold, nor gems nor ornaments. If Rama is installed, that will be the end of my life.

अथो पुनस्तां महिषीं महीक्षितो वचोभिरत्यर्थमहापराक्रमैः। उवाच कुब्जा भरतस्य मातरं हितं वचो राममुपेत्य चाहितम्।।2.9.60।।

atho punastāṃ mahiṣīṃ mahīkṣito vacobhiratyarthamahāparākramaiḥ| uvāca kubjā bharatasya mātaraṃ hitaṃ vaco rāmamupetya cāhitam

Addressing queen Kaikeyi, the mother of Bharata, with extremely powerful words, that hunchback again made these utterances beneficial to Bharata and detrimental to Rama:

प्रपत्स्यते राज्यमिदं हि राघवो यदि ध्रुवं त्वं ससुता च तप्स्यसे। अतो हि कल्याणि यतस्व तत्तथा यथा सुतस्ते भरतोऽभिषेक्ष्यते।।2.9.61।।

prapatsyate rājyamidaṃ hi rāghavo yadi dhruvaṃ tvaṃ sasutā ca tapsyase| ato hi kalyāṇi yatasva tattathā yathā sutaste bharato'bhiṣekṣyate

It is true that if Rama secures this kingdom, you along with your son are bound to suffer. O auspicious one, hence act in a way your son Bharata will be installed.

तथाऽतिविद्धा महिषी तु कुब्जया समाहता वागिषुभिर्मुहुर्मुहुः। निधायहस्तौ हृदयेऽतिविस्मिता शशंस कुब्जां कुपिता पुनः पुनः।।2.9.62।।

tathā'tividdhā mahiṣī tu kubjayā samāhatā vāgiṣubhirmuhurmuhuḥ| nidhāyahastau hṛdaye'tivismitā śaśaṃsa kubjāṃ kupitā punaḥ punaḥ

Repeatedly struck down by that hunchback's arrowsharp words greatly grieved queen Kaikeyi was inflamed against the king. Laying her hands on the chest again and again and expressing her amazement, she praised that hunchback.

यमस्य वा मां विषयं गतामितो निशाम्य कुब्जे प्रतिवेदयिष्यसि। वनं गते वा सुचिराय राघवे समृद्धकामो भरतो भविष्यति।।2.9.63।।

yamasya vā māṃ viṣayaṃ gatāmito niśāmya kubje prativedayiṣyasi| vanaṃ gate vā sucirāya rāghave samṛddhakāmo bharato bhaviṣyati

Tell the king that he will see either the fulfilment of Bharata's desire after Rama is banished into the forest for a long period or me gone to Yama's abode.

अहं हि नैवास्तरणानि न स्रजो न चन्दनं नाञ्जनपानभोजनम्। न किञ्चिदिच्छामि न चेह जीवितं न चेदितो गच्छति राघवो वनम्।।2.9.64।।

ahaṃ hi naivāstaraṇāni na srajo na candanaṃ nāñjanapānabhojanam| na kiñcidicchāmi na ceha jīvitaṃ na cedito gacchati rāghavo vanam

If Rama does not go from here to the forest, I want neither a bed nor garlands nor sandalpaste nor unguents nor food nor water nor even life.

अथैतदुक्त्वा वचनं सुदारुणं निधाय सर्वाभरणानि भामिनी। असंवृतामास्तरणेन मेदिनीं तदाऽधिशिश्ये पतितेव किन्नरी।।2.9.65।।

athaitaduktvā vacanaṃ sudāruṇaṃ nidhāya sarvābharaṇāni bhāminī| asaṃvṛtāmāstaraṇena medinīṃ tadā'dhiśiśye patiteva kinnarī

Saying these ruthless words, that lovely Kaikeyi cast off all her ornaments like a fallen 'kinnara' woman, and lay down on the floor with the carpet removed.

उदीर्णसंरम्भतमोवृतानना तथाऽवमुक्तोत्तममाल्यभूषणा। नरेन्द्रपत्नी विमना बभूव सा तमोवृता द्यौरिव मग्नतारका।।2.9.66।।

udīrṇasaṃrambhatamovṛtānanā tathā'vamuktottamamālyabhūṣaṇā| narendrapatnī vimanā babhūva sā tamovṛtā dyauriva magnatārakā

Thus queen Kaikeyi's face enveloped by the darkness of violent anger and her body stripped of all valuable ornaments, she lay restless, looking like the dark sky without stars. इत्यार्षे श्रीमद्रामायणे वाल्मीकीय आदिकाव्ये अयोध्याकाण्डे नवमस्सर्गः।। Thus ends of the ninth sarga of Ayodhyakanda of the holy Ramayana, the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.