Bala Kanda, Sarga 18

निर्वृत्ते तु क्रतौ तस्मिन्हयमेधे महात्मन:। प्रतिगृह्य सुरा भागान्प्रतिजग्मुर्यथागतम्।।1.18.1।।

nirvṛtte tu kratau tasminhayamedhe mahātmana:| pratigṛhya surā bhāgānpratijagmuryathāgatam

Completed by the magnanimous king (Dasaratha). The aswamedha and putreshti sacrifices, the devatas received their share of havis and returned to their respective abodes.

समाप्तदीक्षानियम: पत्नीगणसमन्वित:। प्रविवेश पुरीं राजा सभृत्यबलवाहन:।।1.18.2।।

samāptadīkṣāniyama: patnīgaṇasamanvita:| praviveśa purīṃ rājā sabhṛtyabalavāhana:

Having completed the prescribed vows (in respect of aswamedha), king Dasaratha together with his queens returned to the city of Ayodhya accompanied by his attendants, army and chariots.

यथार्हं पूजितास्तेन राज्ञा वै पृथिवीश्वरा:। मुदिता: प्रययुर्देशान्प्रणम्य मुनिपुङ्गवम्।।1.18.3।।

yathārhaṃ pūjitāstena rājñā vai pṛthivīśvarā:| muditā: prayayurdeśānpraṇamya munipuṅgavam

Having been honoured by the king (Dasaratha) in a be fitting manner, the highly pleased lords of the earth (kings) made obeisance to the best of sages (Vasishta) and returned to their own countries.

श्रीमतां गच्छतां तेषां स्वपुराणि पुरात्तत:। बलानि राज्ञां शुभ्राणि प्रहृष्टानि चकाशिरे।।1.18.4।।

śrīmatāṃ gacchatāṃ teṣāṃ svapurāṇi purāttata:| balāni rājñāṃ śubhrāṇi prahṛṣṭāni cakāśire

When the army of the kings left the city (Ayodhya) for their own, the armed forces shone bright and cheerfl.

गतेषु पृथिवीशेषु राजा दशरथस्तदा। प्रविवेश पुरीं श्रीमान् पुरस्कृत्य द्विजोत्तमान्।।1.18.5।।

gateṣu pṛthivīśeṣu rājā daśarathastadā| praviveśa purīṃ śrīmān puraskṛtya dvijottamān

After the departure of the rulers, the exalted king Dasaratha preceded by the foremost of brahmins entered the city (of Ayodhya).

शान्तया प्रययौ सार्धमृश्यशृङ्गस्सुपूजित:। अन्वीयमानो राज्ञाऽथ सानुयात्रेण धीमता।।1.18.6।।

śāntayā prayayau sārdhamṛśyaśṛṅgassupūjita:| anvīyamāno rājñā'tha sānuyātreṇa dhīmatā

Having been duly honoured by king Dasaratha, sage Rsyasringa with his wife Santa accompanied by the wise king Romapada and his followers set out for his country.

एवं विसृज्य तान्सर्वान्राजा सम्पूर्णमानस:। उवास सुखितस्तत्र पुत्रोत्पत्तिं विचिन्तयन्।।1.18.7।।

evaṃ visṛjya tānsarvānrājā sampūrṇamānasa:| uvāsa sukhitastatra putrotpattiṃ vicintayan

When they (guests) all departed in this manner, Dasaratha with his desire fulfilled, his thought centred on begetting sons lived happily.

ततो यज्ञे समाप्ते तु ऋतूनां षट्समत्ययु:। ततश्च द्वादशे मासे चैत्रे नावमिके तिथौ।।1.18.8।। नक्षत्रेऽदितिदैवत्ये स्वोच्चसंस्थेषु पञ्चसु। ग्रहेषु कर्कटे लग्ने वाक्पताविन्दुना सह।।1.18.9।। प्रोद्यमाने जगन्नाथं सर्वलोकनमस्कृतम्। कौसल्याऽजनयद्रामं सर्वलक्षणसंयुतम्।।1.18.10।। विष्णोरर्धं महाभागं पुत्रमैक्ष्वाकुवर्धनम्।

tato yajñe samāpte tu ṛtūnāṃ ṣaṭsamatyayu:| tataśca dvādaśe māse caitre nāvamike tithau nakṣatre'ditidaivatye svoccasaṃstheṣu pañcasu| graheṣu karkaṭe lagne vākpatāvindunā saha prodyamāne jagannāthaṃ sarvalokanamaskṛtam| kausalyā'janayadrāmaṃ sarvalakṣaṇasaṃyutam viṣṇorardhaṃ mahābhāgaṃ putramaikṣvākuvardhanam|

Six seasons (one year) passed after the completion of the sacrifice. In the twelfth month of Chaitra on the ninth day (of the bright fortnight), with Aditi as presiding deity when the star Punarvasu was in the ascendent and the five planets Sun, Mars, Saturn, Jupiter and Venus, were exalted in their own house in karkata lagna, when Brihaspati was in conjunction with the Moon, Kausalya gave birth to a son: a facet of Visnu, Lord of the entire universe who received obeisance from all the worlds and was adorned with all auspicious signs, the venerable one to perpetuate the Ikshvaku race.

ततो यज्ञे समाप्ते तु ऋतूनां षट्समत्ययु:। ततश्च द्वादशे मासे चैत्रे नावमिके तिथौ।।1.18.8।। नक्षत्रेऽदितिदैवत्ये स्वोच्चसंस्थेषु पञ्चसु। ग्रहेषु कर्कटे लग्ने वाक्पताविन्दुना सह।।1.18.9।। प्रोद्यमाने जगन्नाथं सर्वलोकनमस्कृतम्। कौसल्याऽजनयद्रामं सर्वलक्षणसंयुतम्।।1.18.10।। विष्णोरर्धं महाभागं पुत्रमैक्ष्वाकुवर्धनम्।

tato yajñe samāpte tu ṛtūnāṃ ṣaṭsamatyayu:| tataśca dvādaśe māse caitre nāvamike tithau nakṣatre'ditidaivatye svoccasaṃstheṣu pañcasu| graheṣu karkaṭe lagne vākpatāvindunā saha prodyamāne jagannāthaṃ sarvalokanamaskṛtam| kausalyā'janayadrāmaṃ sarvalakṣaṇasaṃyutam viṣṇorardhaṃ mahābhāgaṃ putramaikṣvākuvardhanam|

Six seasons (one year) passed after the completion of the sacrifice. In the twelfth month of Chaitra on the ninth day (of the bright fortnight), with Aditi as presiding deity when the star Punarvasu was in the ascendent and the five planets Sun, Mars, Saturn, Jupiter and Venus, were exalted in their own house in karkata lagna, when Brihaspati was in conjunction with the Moon, Kausalya gave birth to a son: a facet of Visnu, Lord of the entire universe who received obeisance from all the worlds and was adorned with all auspicious signs, the venerable one to perpetuate the Ikshvaku race.

ततो यज्ञे समाप्ते तु ऋतूनां षट्समत्ययु:। ततश्च द्वादशे मासे चैत्रे नावमिके तिथौ।।1.18.8।। नक्षत्रेऽदितिदैवत्ये स्वोच्चसंस्थेषु पञ्चसु। ग्रहेषु कर्कटे लग्ने वाक्पताविन्दुना सह।।1.18.9।। प्रोद्यमाने जगन्नाथं सर्वलोकनमस्कृतम्। कौसल्याऽजनयद्रामं सर्वलक्षणसंयुतम्।।1.18.10।। विष्णोरर्धं महाभागं पुत्रमैक्ष्वाकुवर्धनम्।

tato yajñe samāpte tu ṛtūnāṃ ṣaṭsamatyayu:| tataśca dvādaśe māse caitre nāvamike tithau nakṣatre'ditidaivatye svoccasaṃstheṣu pañcasu| graheṣu karkaṭe lagne vākpatāvindunā saha prodyamāne jagannāthaṃ sarvalokanamaskṛtam| kausalyā'janayadrāmaṃ sarvalakṣaṇasaṃyutam viṣṇorardhaṃ mahābhāgaṃ putramaikṣvākuvardhanam|

Six seasons (one year) passed after the completion of the sacrifice. In the twelfth month of Chaitra on the ninth day (of the bright fortnight), with Aditi as presiding deity when the star Punarvasu was in the ascendent and the five planets Sun, Mars, Saturn, Jupiter and Venus, were exalted in their own house in karkata lagna, when Brihaspati was in conjunction with the Moon, Kausalya gave birth to a son: a facet of Visnu, Lord of the entire universe who received obeisance from all the worlds and was adorned with all auspicious signs, the venerable one to perpetuate the Ikshvaku race.

कौसल्या शुशुभे तेन पुत्रेणामिततेजसा।।1.18.11।। यथा वरेण देवानामदितिर्वज्रपाणिना।

kausalyā śuśubhe tena putreṇāmitatejasā yathā vareṇa devānāmaditirvajrapāṇinā|

Kausalya glowed with the undiminished lustre of her son, just as Aditi with her son Indra, the foremost among the gods and the wielder of thunder.

भरतो नाम कैकेय्यां जज्ञे सत्यपराक्रम:।।1.18.12।। साक्षाद्विष्णोश्चतुर्भागस्सर्वैस्समुदितो गुणै:।

bharato nāma kaikeyyāṃ jajñe satyaparākrama: sākṣādviṣṇoścaturbhāgassarvaissamudito guṇai:|

As an incarnation of the fourth part of Visnu, imbued with all virtues, and armed with truth Bharata was born to Kaikeyi.

अथ लक्ष्मणशत्रुघ्नौ सुमित्राऽजनयत्सुतौ।।1.18.13।। वीरौ सर्वास्त्रकुशलौ विष्णोरर्धसमन्वितौ।

atha lakṣmaṇaśatrughnau sumitrā'janayatsutau vīrau sarvāstrakuśalau viṣṇorardhasamanvitau|

Sumitra gave birth to Lakshmana and Satrughna who were heroic, skilled in the use of all weapons and endowed with the facets of Visnu.

पुष्ये जातस्तु भरतो मीनलग्ने प्रसन्नधी:।।1.18.14।। सार्पे जातौ च सौमित्री कुलीरेऽभ्युदिते रवौ।

puṣye jātastu bharato mīnalagne prasannadhī: sārpe jātau ca saumitrī kulīre'bhyudite ravau|

Bharata endowed with pure intellect was born in meena lagna when pushya was in the ascendant. Lakshmana and Satrughna were born in karkata lagna with the star aslesha .

राज्ञ: पुत्रा महात्मानश्चत्वारो जज्ञिरे पृथक्।।1.18.15।। गुणवन्तोऽनुरूपाश्च रुच्या प्रोष्ठपदोपमा:।

rājña: putrā mahātmānaścatvāro jajñire pṛthak guṇavanto'nurūpāśca rucyā proṣṭhapadopamā:|

Four worthy sons were successively born to the noble king (Dasaratha), endowed with all virtuous, resembling purvabhadra and uttarabhadra stars in brightness.

जगु: कलं च गन्धर्वा ननृतुश्चाप्सरोगणा:।।1.18.16।। देवदुन्दुभयो नेदु: पुष्पवृष्टिश्च खाच्च्युता। उत्सवश्च महानासीदयोध्यायां जनाकुल:।।1.18.17।।

jagu: kalaṃ ca gandharvā nanṛtuścāpsarogaṇā: devadundubhayo nedu: puṣpavṛṣṭiśca khāccyutā| utsavaśca mahānāsīdayodhyāyāṃ janākula:

The gandharvas sang melodiously. Groups of apsaras danced. Celestial kettledrums were sounded. Flowers were showered from the sky. Men througed to Ayodhya to witness the festivities.

जगु: कलं च गन्धर्वा ननृतुश्चाप्सरोगणा:।।1.18.16।। देवदुन्दुभयो नेदु: पुष्पवृष्टिश्च खाच्च्युता। उत्सवश्च महानासीदयोध्यायां जनाकुल:।।1.18.17।।

jagu: kalaṃ ca gandharvā nanṛtuścāpsarogaṇā: devadundubhayo nedu: puṣpavṛṣṭiśca khāccyutā| utsavaśca mahānāsīdayodhyāyāṃ janākula:

The gandharvas sang melodiously. Groups of apsaras danced. Celestial kettledrums were sounded. Flowers were showered from the sky. Men througed to Ayodhya to witness the festivities.

रथ्याश्च जनसम्बाधा नटनर्तकसङ्कुला: । गायनैश्च विराविण्यो वादनैश्च तथाऽपरै:।।1.18.18।।

rathyāśca janasambādhā naṭanartakasaṅkulā: | gāyanaiśca virāviṇyo vādanaiśca tathā'parai:

The highways were crowded with men, thronged by actors and dancers. The voices of singers, performers on different instruments, eulogists and genealogists reverberated.

प्रदेयांश्च ददौ राजा सूतमागधवन्दिनाम्। ब्राह्मणेभ्यो ददौ वित्तं गोधनानि सहस्रश:।।1.18.19।।

pradeyāṃśca dadau rājā sūtamāgadhavandinām| brāhmaṇebhyo dadau vittaṃ godhanāni sahasraśa:

The king distributed deserving gifts to priests, euologists and genealogists. He gave brahmins in charity thousands of cows and other valuables.

अतीत्यैकादशाहं तु नामकर्म तथाऽकरोत्। ज्येष्ठं रामं महात्मानं भरतं कैकयीसुतम्।।1.18.20।। सौमित्रिं लक्ष्मणमिति शत्रुघ्नमपरं तथा। वसिष्ठ: परमप्रीतो नामानि कृतवान् तदा ।।1.18.21।।

atītyaikādaśāhaṃ tu nāmakarma tathā'karot| jyeṣṭhaṃ rāmaṃ mahātmānaṃ bharataṃ kaikayīsutam saumitriṃ lakṣmaṇamiti śatrughnamaparaṃ tathā| vasiṣṭha: paramaprīto nāmāni kṛtavān tadā

After a lapse of eleven days, the naming ceremony was performed. Highly delighted preceptor Vasishta named Kausalya's son Rama, Kaikeyi's son Bharata, one son of Sumitra, Lakshmana and the other Satrughna.

अतीत्यैकादशाहं तु नामकर्म तथाऽकरोत्। ज्येष्ठं रामं महात्मानं भरतं कैकयीसुतम्।।1.18.20।। सौमित्रिं लक्ष्मणमिति शत्रुघ्नमपरं तथा। वसिष्ठ: परमप्रीतो नामानि कृतवान् तदा ।।1.18.21।।

atītyaikādaśāhaṃ tu nāmakarma tathā'karot| jyeṣṭhaṃ rāmaṃ mahātmānaṃ bharataṃ kaikayīsutam saumitriṃ lakṣmaṇamiti śatrughnamaparaṃ tathā| vasiṣṭha: paramaprīto nāmāni kṛtavān tadā

After a lapse of eleven days, the naming ceremony was performed. Highly delighted preceptor Vasishta named Kausalya's son Rama, Kaikeyi's son Bharata, one son of Sumitra, Lakshmana and the other Satrughna.

ब्राह्मणान्भोजयामास पौराञ्जानपदानपि। अददाद्ब्रह्मणानां च रत्नौघममितं बहु।।1.18.22।। तेषां जन्मक्रियादीनि सर्वकर्माण्यकारयत्।

brāhmaṇānbhojayāmāsa paurāñjānapadānapi| adadādbrahmaṇānāṃ ca ratnaughamamitaṃ bahu teṣāṃ janmakriyādīni sarvakarmāṇyakārayat|

Brahmins as well as inhabitants of the city and rural areas were feasted. (Dasaratha) bestowed on brahmins unlimited and abundant jewels in charity. The rites at the time of birth and all other rites (associated with the newborn) were duly performed.

तेषां केतुरिव ज्येष्ठो रामो रतिकर: पितु:।।1.18.23।। बभूव भूयो भूतानां स्वयम्भूरिव सम्मत:।

teṣāṃ keturiva jyeṣṭho rāmo ratikara: pitu: babhūva bhūyo bhūtānāṃ svayambhūriva sammata:|

Among them, Rama like the exalted flag, became dear to his father like Brahma he was highly respected by all living beings.

सर्वे वेदविदश्शूरास्सर्वे लोकहिते रता:।।1.18.24।। सर्वे ज्ञानोपसम्पन्नास्सर्वे समुदिता गुणै:।

sarve vedavidaśśūrāssarve lokahite ratā: sarve jñānopasampannāssarve samuditā guṇai:|

All the sons (of Dasaratha) became wellversed in the Vedas. They were heroic, endowed with knowledge and virtues and were devoted to the welfare of the people.

तेषामपि महातेजा रामस्सत्यपराक्रम:।।1.18.25।। इष्टस्सर्वस्य लोकस्य शशाङ्क इव निर्मल:।

teṣāmapi mahātejā rāmassatyaparākrama: iṣṭassarvasya lokasya śaśāṅka iva nirmala:|

Among them the highly lustrous and truly mighty Rama was stainless (in character). He was auspicious to the entire world like the Moon.

गजस्कन्धेऽश्वपृष्ठे च रथचर्यासु सम्मत:।।1.18.26।। धनुर्वेदे च निरत: पितृशुश्रूषणे रत:।

gajaskandhe'śvapṛṣṭhe ca rathacaryāsu sammata: dhanurvede ca nirata: pitṛśuśrūṣaṇe rata:|

Accepted as skilled in mounting elephants, riding horses, driving chariots and also in archery, he was always emgaged in the service of his parents.

बाल्यात्प्रभृति सुस्निग्धो लक्ष्मणो लक्ष्मिवर्धन:।।1.18.27।। रामस्य लोकरामस्य भ्रातुर्ज्येष्ठस्य नित्यश:।

bālyātprabhṛti susnigdho lakṣmaṇo lakṣmivardhana: rāmasya lokarāmasya bhrāturjyeṣṭhasya nityaśa:|

Right from his very childhood Lakshmana, an enhancer of fortune, always remained very attached to his eldest brother Rama, the delight of the world.

सर्वप्रियकरस्तस्य रामस्यापि शरीरत:।।1.18.28।। लक्ष्मणो लक्ष्मिसम्पन्नो बहि:प्राण इवापर:।

sarvapriyakarastasya rāmasyāpi śarīrata: lakṣmaṇo lakṣmisampanno bahi:prāṇa ivāpara:|

Lakshmana, possessed of fortune, was the dearest to his brother than his own body. As though he was his life without.

न च तेन विना निद्रां लभते पुरुषोत्तम:।।1.18.29।। मृष्टमन्नमुपानीतमश्नाति न हि तं विना।

na ca tena vinā nidrāṃ labhate puruṣottama: mṛṣṭamannamupānītamaśnāti na hi taṃ vinā|

Rama, the greatest among men would not sleep without Lakshmana's company. He would not partake even the choicest food minus to him.

यदा हि हयमारूढो मृगयां याति राघव:।।1.18.30।। तदैनं पृष्ठतोऽन्वेति सधनु: परिपालयन्।

yadā hi hayamārūḍho mṛgayāṃ yāti rāghava: tadainaṃ pṛṣṭhato'nveti sadhanu: paripālayan|

Whenever Raghava (Rama) went hunting into the forest, riding the horse, Lakshmana used to follow him holding bow and arrows (in his hand).

भरतस्यापि शत्रुघ्नो लक्ष्मणावरजो हि स:।।1.18.31।। प्राणै: प्रियतरो नित्यं तस्य चासीत्तथा प्रिय:।

bharatasyāpi śatrughno lakṣmaṇāvarajo hi sa: prāṇai: priyataro nityaṃ tasya cāsīttathā priya:|

In a similar manner Satrughna, younger brother of Lakshmana, became dearer than his own life to Bharata. Similarly, Bharata also was dear to Satrughna.

स चतुर्भिर्महाभागै:पुत्रैर्दशरथ: प्रियै:।।1.18.32।। बभूव परमप्रीतो देवैरिव पितामह:।

sa caturbhirmahābhāgai:putrairdaśaratha: priyai: babhūva paramaprīto devairiva pitāmaha:|

With his very fortunate sons, Dasaratha was highly pleased like Brahma was with the gods.

ते यदा ज्ञानसम्पन्नास्सर्वैस्समुदिता गुणै:।।1.18.33।। ह्रीमन्त: कीर्तिमन्तश्च सर्वज्ञा दीर्घदर्शिन:। तेषामेवं प्रभावानां सर्वेषां दीप्ततेजसाम्।।1.18.34।। पिता दशरथो हृष्टो ब्रह्मा लोकाधिपो यथा।

te yadā jñānasampannāssarvaissamuditā guṇai: hrīmanta: kīrtimantaśca sarvajñā dīrghadarśina:| teṣāmevaṃ prabhāvānāṃ sarveṣāṃ dīptatejasām pitā daśaratho hṛṣṭo brahmā lokādhipo yathā|

All his sons were enriched with knowledge and endowed with all virtues. They were modest, renowned, omniscient and farsighted. Dasaratha rejoiced at the sight of those glorious sons with such faculties and looked like Brahma, Lord of the worlds.

ते यदा ज्ञानसम्पन्नास्सर्वैस्समुदिता गुणै:।।1.18.33।। ह्रीमन्त: कीर्तिमन्तश्च सर्वज्ञा दीर्घदर्शिन:। तेषामेवं प्रभावानां सर्वेषां दीप्ततेजसाम्।।1.18.34।। पिता दशरथो हृष्टो ब्रह्मा लोकाधिपो यथा।

te yadā jñānasampannāssarvaissamuditā guṇai: hrīmanta: kīrtimantaśca sarvajñā dīrghadarśina:| teṣāmevaṃ prabhāvānāṃ sarveṣāṃ dīptatejasām pitā daśaratho hṛṣṭo brahmā lokādhipo yathā|

All his sons were enriched with knowledge and endowed with all virtues. They were modest, renowned, omniscient and farsighted. Dasaratha rejoiced at the sight of those glorious sons with such faculties and looked like Brahma, Lord of the worlds.

ते चापि मनुजव्याघ्रा वैदिकाध्ययने रता:।।1.18.35।। पितृशुश्रूषणरता धनुर्वेदे च निष्ठिता:।

te cāpi manujavyāghrā vaidikādhyayane ratā: pitṛśuśrūṣaṇaratā dhanurvede ca niṣṭhitā:|

They (like) tigers among men, were fond of the study of the Vedas and were always engaged in the service of their parents. They were also proficient in the science of archery.

अथ राजा दशरथस्तेषां दारक्रियां प्रति।।1.18.36।। चिन्तयामास धर्मात्मा सोपाध्यायस्सबान्धव:।

atha rājā daśarathasteṣāṃ dārakriyāṃ prati cintayāmāsa dharmātmā sopādhyāyassabāndhava:|

Then the virtuous king Dasaratha deliberated with his priests and kinsmen about the marriage of his sons.

तस्य चिन्तयमानस्य मन्त्रिमध्ये महात्मन:।।1.18.37।। अभ्यगच्छन्महातेजा विश्वामित्रो महामुनि:।

tasya cintayamānasya mantrimadhye mahātmana: abhyagacchanmahātejā viśvāmitro mahāmuni:|

While the nobleminded king was thus deliberating in the midst of his counsellors, there arrived the effulgent ascetic Viswamitra.

स राज्ञो दर्शनाकाङ्क्षी द्वाराध्यक्षानुवाच ह।।1.18.38।। शीघ्रमाख्यात मां प्राप्तं कौशिकं गाधिनस्सुतम्।

sa rājño darśanākāṅkṣī dvārādhyakṣānuvāca ha śīghramākhyāta māṃ prāptaṃ kauśikaṃ gādhinassutam|

Desirous of seeing the king (Dasaratha) he accosted the doorkeepers, saying "Inform the king quickly about the arrival of Viswamitra, the son of Gadhi born in the line of Kusika".

तच्छ्रुत्वा वचनं त्रासाद्राज्ञो वेश्म प्रदुद्रुवु:।।1.18.39।। सम्भ्रान्तमनसस्सर्वे तेन वाक्येन चोदिता:।

tacchrutvā vacanaṃ trāsādrājño veśma pradudruvu: sambhrāntamanasassarve tena vākyena coditā:|

On hearing those words (of Viswamitra) all of them prompted by fear because of left for the royal apartment with excited minds and hurried steps.

ते गत्वा राजभवनं विश्वामित्रमृषिं तदा।।1.18.40।। प्राप्तमावेदयामासुर्नृपायैक्ष्वाकवे तदा।

te gatvā rājabhavanaṃ viśvāmitramṛṣiṃ tadā prāptamāvedayāmāsurnṛpāyaikṣvākave tadā|

Having reached the royal hall, they reported to the king (Dasaratha), descendant of the Ikshvakus about the arrival of sage Viswamitra.

तेषां तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा सपुरोधास्समाहित:।।1.18.41।। प्रत्युज्जगाम तं हृष्टो ब्रह्माणमिव वासव:।

teṣāṃ tadvacanaṃ śrutvā sapurodhāssamāhita: pratyujjagāma taṃ hṛṣṭo brahmāṇamiva vāsava:|

Having heard their words, Dasaratha in great joy went forth together with his preceptors to receive him like Indra receiving Brahma.

तं दृष्ट्वा ज्वलितं दीप्त्या तापसं संशितव्रतम्।।1.18.42।। प्रहृष्टवदनो राजा ततोऽर्घ्यमुपहारयत्।

taṃ dṛṣṭvā jvalitaṃ dīptyā tāpasaṃ saṃśitavratam prahṛṣṭavadano rājā tato'rghyamupahārayat|

Seeing Viswamitra, shining with the power of his penance fulfilled the king with a cheerful countenance made offerings with due respect.

स राज्ञ: प्रतिगृह्यार्घ्यं शास्त्रदृष्टेन कर्मणा।।1.18.43।। कुशलं चाव्ययं चैव पर्यपृच्छन्नराधिपम्।2

sa rājña: pratigṛhyārghyaṃ śāstradṛṣṭena karmaṇā kuśalaṃ cāvyayaṃ caiva paryapṛcchannarādhipam|2

Viswamitra received the offerings as ordained in the scriptures and enquired from the king about the welfare and prosperity of his kingdom.

पुरे कोशे जनपदे बान्धवेषु सुहृत्सु च ।।1.18.44।। कुशलं कौशिको राज्ञ: पर्यपृच्छत्सुधार्मिक:।

pure kośe janapade bāndhaveṣu suhṛtsu ca kuśalaṃ kauśiko rājña: paryapṛcchatsudhārmika:|

The exceedingly virtuous sage Viswamitra enquired from the king about the treasury welfare of his subjects living in cities and villages, and the well being of his friends and relatives.

अपि ते सन्नतास्सर्वे सामन्ता रिपवो जिता:।।1.18.45।। दैवं च मानुषं चापि कर्म ते साध्वनुष्ठितम्।

api te sannatāssarve sāmantā ripavo jitā: daivaṃ ca mānuṣaṃ cāpi karma te sādhvanuṣṭhitam|

Are the tributary kings submissive to you? Have you conquered your enemies? Are the rites for propitiating gods and the services to humanity performed rightly?

वसिष्ठं च समागम्य कुशलं मुनिपुङ्गव:।।1.18.46।। ऋषींश्च तान्यथान्यायं महाभागानुवाच ह।

vasiṣṭhaṃ ca samāgamya kuśalaṃ munipuṅgava: ṛṣīṃśca tānyathānyāyaṃ mahābhāgānuvāca ha|

The foremost of ascetis, Viswamitra approached Vasishta and all other distinguised sages following the protocal and enquired about their welfare.

ते सर्वे हृष्टमनसस्तस्य राज्ञो निवेशनम्।।1.18.47।। विविशु: पूजितास्तत्र निषेदुश्च यथार्हत:।

te sarve hṛṣṭamanasastasya rājño niveśanam viviśu: pūjitāstatra niṣeduśca yathārhata:|

All of them with gladdened hearts entered the royal palace and sat down, in accordance with their position after having been duly honoured by the king.

अथ हृष्टमना राजा विश्वामित्रं महामुनिम्।।1.18.48।। उवाच परमोदारो हृष्टस्तमभिपूजयन्।

atha hṛṣṭamanā rājā viśvāmitraṃ mahāmunim uvāca paramodāro hṛṣṭastamabhipūjayan|

Then the munificent king, very much (at Viswamitra's arrival) pleased offered him a happy hospitality and spoke:

यथाऽमृतस्य सम्प्राप्तिर्यथावर्षमनूदके। यथा सदृशदारेषु पुत्रजन्माऽप्रजस्य च ।।1.18.49।। प्रणष्टस्य यथालाभो यथा हर्षो महोदये। तथैवागमनं मन्ये स्वागतं ते महामुने।।1.18.50।।

yathā'mṛtasya samprāptiryathāvarṣamanūdake| yathā sadṛśadāreṣu putrajanmā'prajasya ca praṇaṣṭasya yathālābho yathā harṣo mahodaye| tathaivāgamanaṃ manye svāgataṃ te mahāmune

"O great sage, welcome to you Your arrival, to me, is like nectar (to a human being), rains to the parched land, birth of a son to the childless through his worthy wife, recovery of lost properity and festive joy in a great achievemnt.

यथाऽमृतस्य सम्प्राप्तिर्यथावर्षमनूदके। यथा सदृशदारेषु पुत्रजन्माऽप्रजस्य च ।।1.18.49।। प्रणष्टस्य यथालाभो यथा हर्षो महोदये। तथैवागमनं मन्ये स्वागतं ते महामुने।।1.18.50।।

yathā'mṛtasya samprāptiryathāvarṣamanūdake| yathā sadṛśadāreṣu putrajanmā'prajasya ca praṇaṣṭasya yathālābho yathā harṣo mahodaye| tathaivāgamanaṃ manye svāgataṃ te mahāmune

"O great sage, welcome to you Your arrival, to me, is like nectar (to a human being), rains to the parched land, birth of a son to the childless through his worthy wife, recovery of lost properity and festive joy in a great achievemnt.

कं च ते परमं कामं करोमि किमु हर्षित: ।।1.18.51।। पात्रभूतोऽसि मे ब्रह्मन्दिष्टया प्राप्ताऽसि कौशिक । अद्य मे सफलं जन्म जीवितं च सुजीवितम्।।1.18.52।।

kaṃ ca te paramaṃ kāmaṃ karomi kimu harṣita: pātrabhūto'si me brahmandiṣṭayā prāptā'si kauśika | adya me saphalaṃ janma jīvitaṃ ca sujīvitam

"O Brahman! what is your desire and in what manner shall I fulfill it to your satisfaction? You are a role model for righteousness. How fortunate I am you have come! My birth is rendered fruitful. My life has accomplished its objective.

कं च ते परमं कामं करोमि किमु हर्षित: ।।1.18.51।। पात्रभूतोऽसि मे ब्रह्मन्दिष्टया प्राप्ताऽसि कौशिक । अद्य मे सफलं जन्म जीवितं च सुजीवितम्।।1.18.52।।

kaṃ ca te paramaṃ kāmaṃ karomi kimu harṣita: pātrabhūto'si me brahmandiṣṭayā prāptā'si kauśika | adya me saphalaṃ janma jīvitaṃ ca sujīvitam

"O Brahman! what is your desire and in what manner shall I fulfill it to your satisfaction? You are a role model for righteousness. How fortunate I am you have come! My birth is rendered fruitful. My life has accomplished its objective.

पूर्वं राजर्षिशब्देन तपसा द्योतितप्रभः। ब्रह्मर्षित्वमनुप्राप्त: पूज्योऽसि बहुधा मया।।1.18.53।।

pūrvaṃ rājarṣiśabdena tapasā dyotitaprabhaḥ| brahmarṣitvamanuprāpta: pūjyo'si bahudhā mayā

Earlier you were rajarshi, a warrior sage. By your austerities you have obtained the brilliance that lends radiance even to the Sun and the Moon you have gained the status of a brahmrshi. In several ways you are worthy of my worship.

तदद्भुतमिदं ब्रह्मन्पवित्रं परमं मम। शुभक्षेत्रगतश्चाहं तव सन्दर्शनात्प्रभो।।1.18.54।।

tadadbhutamidaṃ brahmanpavitraṃ paramaṃ mama| śubhakṣetragataścāhaṃ tava sandarśanātprabho

O Brahman your arrival has caused surprise to me. It has conferred great purity on me. O Lord by your very presence here, I feel I haved acquired the merits of a pilgrimage.

ब्रूहि यत्प्रार्थितं तुभ्यं कार्यमागमनं प्रति। इच्छाम्यनुगृहीतोऽहं त्वदर्थपरिवृद्धये।।1.18.55।।

brūhi yatprārthitaṃ tubhyaṃ kāryamāgamanaṃ prati| icchāmyanugṛhīto'haṃ tvadarthaparivṛddhaye

Be pleased to tell me the purpose of your visit. I desire to be given the privilege of doing service to achieve your object.

कार्यस्य न विमर्शं च गन्तुमर्हसि कौशिक। कर्ता चाहमशेषेण दैवतं हि भवान्मम।।1.18.56।।

kāryasya na vimarśaṃ ca gantumarhasi kauśika| kartā cāhamaśeṣeṇa daivataṃ hi bhavānmama

O Viswamitra you need not hesitatate to tell me what ought to be performed. I shall accomplish that act in every possible special way. You are a god to me.

मम चायमनुप्राप्तो महानभ्युदयो द्विज। तवागमनज: कृत्स्नो धर्मश्चानुत्तमो मम।।1.18.57।।

mama cāyamanuprāpto mahānabhyudayo dvija| tavāgamanaja: kṛtsno dharmaścānuttamo mama

O Brahmin I have attained this high foutune today. My great merit has been realised as a result of your arrival".

इति हृदयसुखं निशम्य वाक्यं श्रुतिसुखमात्मवता विनीतमुक्तम्। प्रथितगुणयशा गुणैर्विशिष्ट: परमऋषि: परमं जगाम हर्षम्।।1.18.58।।

iti hṛdayasukhaṃ niśamya vākyaṃ śrutisukhamātmavatā vinītamuktam| prathitaguṇayaśā guṇairviśiṣṭa: paramaṛṣi: paramaṃ jagāma harṣam

On hearing the words spoken in such an humble manner by the prudent king words pleasing to the mind and to the ears, the great rishi of celebrated virtues and fame, of sterling qualities experienced deep delight. इत्यार्षे श्रीमद्रामायणे वाल्मीकीय आदिकाव्ये बालकाण्डे अष्टादशस्सर्ग:।। Thus ends the eighteenth sarga of Balakanda of the holy Ramayana the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.