Sundara Kanda, Sarga 38

ततस्स कपिशार्दूलस्तेन वाक्येन तोषितः। सीतामुवाच तच्छृत्वा वाक्यं वाक्यविशारदः।।5.38.1।।

tatassa kapiśārdūlastena vākyena toṣitaḥ| sītāmuvāca tacchṛtvā vākyaṃ vākyaviśāradaḥ

Satisfied with the words of Sita, the tiger among monkeys, who was eloquent in speech said:

युक्तरूपं त्वया देवि भाषितं शुभदर्शने। सदृशं स्त्रीस्वभावस्य साध्वीनां विनयस्य च।।5.38.2।।

yuktarūpaṃ tvayā devi bhāṣitaṃ śubhadarśane| sadṛśaṃ strīsvabhāvasya sādhvīnāṃ vinayasya ca

"O queen O lady of auspicious appearance your words are most appropriate to and characteristic of a modest virtuous woman.

स्त्रीत्वं न तु समर्थं हि सागरं व्यतिवर्तितुम्। मामधिष्ठाय विस्तीर्णं शतयोजनमायतम्।।5.38.3।।

strītvaṃ na tu samarthaṃ hi sāgaraṃ vyativartitum| māmadhiṣṭhāya vistīrṇaṃ śatayojanamāyatam

"It may not be possible for a woman to cross on my back the vast ocean stretching over a hundred yojanas. It is not possible for a woman.

द्वितीयं कारणं यच्च ब्रवीषि विनयान्विते। रामादन्यस्य नार्हामि संस्पर्शमिति जानकि ।।5.38.4।। एतत्ते सदृशं देवि पत्न्यास्तस्य महात्मनः। का ह्यन्या त्वामृते देवि ब्रूयाद्वचनमीदृशम्।।5.38.5।।

dvitīyaṃ kāraṇaṃ yacca bravīṣi vinayānvite| rāmādanyasya nārhāmi saṃsparśamiti jānaki etatte sadṛśaṃ devi patnyāstasya mahātmanaḥ| kā hyanyā tvāmṛte devi brūyādvacanamīdṛśam

"O humble lady the second reason given by you, 'I ought not to touch a person other than Rama' is well said and worthy of you, being the wife of the great soul. Who else can speak such words?

द्वितीयं कारणं यच्च ब्रवीषि विनयान्विते। रामादन्यस्य नार्हामि संस्पर्शमिति जानकि ।।5.38.4।। एतत्ते सदृशं देवि पत्न्यास्तस्य महात्मनः। का ह्यन्या त्वामृते देवि ब्रूयाद्वचनमीदृशम्।।5.38.5।।

dvitīyaṃ kāraṇaṃ yacca bravīṣi vinayānvite| rāmādanyasya nārhāmi saṃsparśamiti jānaki etatte sadṛśaṃ devi patnyāstasya mahātmanaḥ| kā hyanyā tvāmṛte devi brūyādvacanamīdṛśam

"O humble lady the second reason given by you, 'I ought not to touch a person other than Rama' is well said and worthy of you, being the wife of the great soul. Who else can speak such words?

श्रोष्यते चैव काकुत्स्थ: सर्वं निरवशेषतः। चेष्टितं यत्त्वया देवि भाषितं मम चाग्रतः।।5.38.6।।

śroṣyate caiva kākutstha: sarvaṃ niravaśeṣataḥ| ceṣṭitaṃ yattvayā devi bhāṣitaṃ mama cāgrataḥ

"O queen Kakutstha Rama will hear from me fully all that has been said and done by you in my presence without any omission.

कारणैर्बहुभिर्देवि रामप्रियचिकीर्षया। स्नेहप्रस्कन्नमनसा मयैतत्समुदीरितम्।।5.38.7।।

kāraṇairbahubhirdevi rāmapriyacikīrṣayā| snehapraskannamanasā mayaitatsamudīritam

"O queen my heart is drenched with love for Rama and desires to please him for many reasons. Therefore these words have been spoken by me.

लङ्काया दुष्प्रवेशत्वाद्दुस्तरत्वान्महोदधेः। सामर्थ्यादात्मनश्चैव मयैतत्समुदीरितम्।।5.38.8।।

laṅkāyā duṣpraveśatvāddustaratvānmahodadheḥ| sāmarthyādātmanaścaiva mayaitatsamudīritam

"Crossing the ocean and entering Lanka are difficult. But I accomplished it. Hence my proposal.

इच्छामि त्वां समानेतुमद्यैव रघुबन्धुना। गुरुस्नेहेन भक्त्या च नान्यथैतदुदाहृतम्।।5.38.9।।

icchāmi tvāṃ samānetumadyaiva raghubandhunā| gurusnehena bhaktyā ca nānyathaitadudāhṛtam

"I offered to take you today itself out of my love and devotion to Rama with a desire to unite you with him and not with any other intention.

यदि नोत्सहसे यातुं मया सार्थमनिन्दिते। अभिज्ञानं प्रयच्छ त्वं जानीयाद्राघवो हि यत्।।5.38.10।।

yadi notsahase yātuṃ mayā sārthamanindite| abhijñānaṃ prayaccha tvaṃ jānīyādrāghavo hi yat

"O blameless lady If you wish not to accompany me you may give me a token of identification to let Rama know about my coming here and seeing you".

एवमुक्ता हनुमता सीता सुरसुतोपमा। उवाच वचनं मन्दं बाष्पप्रग्रथिताक्षरम्।।5.38.11।। इदं श्रेष्ठमभिज्ञानं ब्रूयास्त्वं तु मम प्रियम्।

evamuktā hanumatā sītā surasutopamā| uvāca vacanaṃ mandaṃ bāṣpapragrathitākṣaram idaṃ śreṣṭhamabhijñānaṃ brūyāstvaṃ tu mama priyam|

Having heard Hanuman, Sita, a child of god, said these words in a low tone. Choked with tears, 'Carry this token of identity to my dear husband':

शैलस्य चित्रकूटस्य पादे पूर्वोत्तरे पुरा।।5.38.12।। तापसाश्रमवासिन्याः प्राज्यमूलफलोदके। तस्मिन्सिद्धाश्रमे देशे मन्दाकिन्या विदूरतः।।5.38.13।। तस्योपवनषण्डेषु नानापुष्पसुगन्धिषु। विहृत्य सलिले क्लिन्ना ममाङ्के समुपाविशमः।।5.38.14।।

śailasya citrakūṭasya pāde pūrvottare purā tāpasāśramavāsinyāḥ prājyamūlaphalodake| tasminsiddhāśrame deśe mandākinyā vidūrataḥ tasyopavanaṣaṇḍeṣu nānāpuṣpasugandhiṣu| vihṛtya salile klinnā mamāṅke samupāviśamaḥ

'Long ago we were staying at Siddhasrama. This hermitage was situated to the northeast at the foot of Chitrakuta mountain which was not far from the river Mandakini. It had abundant roots, fruits and water. You sported with me in the gardens which were fragrant with many types of flowers and ponds. You sat down on my lap with wet clothes in the hermitage'.

शैलस्य चित्रकूटस्य पादे पूर्वोत्तरे पुरा।।5.38.12।। तापसाश्रमवासिन्याः प्राज्यमूलफलोदके। तस्मिन्सिद्धाश्रमे देशे मन्दाकिन्या विदूरतः।।5.38.13।। तस्योपवनषण्डेषु नानापुष्पसुगन्धिषु। विहृत्य सलिले क्लिन्ना ममाङ्के समुपाविशमः।।5.38.14।।

śailasya citrakūṭasya pāde pūrvottare purā tāpasāśramavāsinyāḥ prājyamūlaphalodake| tasminsiddhāśrame deśe mandākinyā vidūrataḥ tasyopavanaṣaṇḍeṣu nānāpuṣpasugandhiṣu| vihṛtya salile klinnā mamāṅke samupāviśamaḥ

'Long ago we were staying at Siddhasrama. This hermitage was situated to the northeast at the foot of Chitrakuta mountain which was not far from the river Mandakini. It had abundant roots, fruits and water. You sported with me in the gardens which were fragrant with many types of flowers and ponds. You sat down on my lap with wet clothes in the hermitage'.

शैलस्य चित्रकूटस्य पादे पूर्वोत्तरे पुरा।।5.38.12।। तापसाश्रमवासिन्याः प्राज्यमूलफलोदके। तस्मिन्सिद्धाश्रमे देशे मन्दाकिन्या विदूरतः।।5.38.13।। तस्योपवनषण्डेषु नानापुष्पसुगन्धिषु। विहृत्य सलिले क्लिन्ना ममाङ्के समुपाविशमः।।5.38.14।।

śailasya citrakūṭasya pāde pūrvottare purā tāpasāśramavāsinyāḥ prājyamūlaphalodake| tasminsiddhāśrame deśe mandākinyā vidūrataḥ tasyopavanaṣaṇḍeṣu nānāpuṣpasugandhiṣu| vihṛtya salile klinnā mamāṅke samupāviśamaḥ

'Long ago we were staying at Siddhasrama. This hermitage was situated to the northeast at the foot of Chitrakuta mountain which was not far from the river Mandakini. It had abundant roots, fruits and water. You sported with me in the gardens which were fragrant with many types of flowers and ponds. You sat down on my lap with wet clothes in the hermitage'.

ततो मांससमायुक्तो वायसः पर्यतुण्डयत्। तमहं लोष्टमुद्यम्य वारयामिस्म वायसम्।।5.38.15।।

tato māṃsasamāyukto vāyasaḥ paryatuṇḍayat| tamahaṃ loṣṭamudyamya vārayāmisma vāyasam

'Then a crow greedy of flesh began to peck my bossom with its beak. I took a clod of earth and warded him off.

दारयन्स च मां काकस्तत्त्रैव परिलीयते। न चाप्युपारमन्मांसाद्भक्षार्थि बलिभोजनः।।5.38.16।।

dārayansa ca māṃ kākastattraiva parilīyate| na cāpyupāramanmāṃsādbhakṣārthi balibhojanaḥ

'The crow was an eater of offerings, hungry for food began to peck me again and again for flesh.He did not stop.

उत्कर्षन्त्यां च रशनां क्रुद्धायां मयि पक्षिणि। स्रस्यमाने च वसने ततो दृष्टा त्वया ह्यहम्।।5.38.17।।

utkarṣantyāṃ ca raśanāṃ kruddhāyāṃ mayi pakṣiṇi| srasyamāne ca vasane tato dṛṣṭā tvayā hyaham

'My upper cloth was slipping. I was trying to pull up my waist string angrily when you saw me.

त्वयाऽपहसिता चाहं क्रुद्धा संलज्जिता तदा। भक्षगृध्नेन काकेन दारिता त्वामुपागता।।5.38.18।।

tvayā'pahasitā cāhaṃ kruddhā saṃlajjitā tadā| bhakṣagṛdhnena kākena dāritā tvāmupāgatā

'Then you made fun of me, and I became angry. I was abashed. Torn by the voracious bird I sought your shelter.

आसीनस्य च ते श्रान्ता पुनरुत्सङ्गमाविशम्। क्रुध्यन्ती च प्रहृष्टेन त्वयाऽहं परिसान्त्विता।।5.38.19।।

āsīnasya ca te śrāntā punarutsaṅgamāviśam| krudhyantī ca prahṛṣṭena tvayā'haṃ parisāntvitā

'Exhausted, I sat on your lap again. Seeing my angry face you pacified me. You were happy (to see me draw close).

बाष्पपूर्णमुखी मन्दं चक्षुषी परिमार्जती। लक्षिताऽहं त्वया नाथ वायसेन प्रकोपिता।।5.38.20।।

bāṣpapūrṇamukhī mandaṃ cakṣuṣī parimārjatī| lakṣitā'haṃ tvayā nātha vāyasena prakopitā

'O lord when I was angered by the crow and my face was filled with tears, you marked me wiping my eyes.

परिश्रमात्प्रसुप्ता च राघवाङ्केऽप्यहं चिरम्। पर्यायेण प्रसुप्तश्च ममाङ्के भरताग्रजः।।5.38.21।।

pariśramātprasuptā ca rāghavāṅke'pyahaṃ ciram| paryāyeṇa prasuptaśca mamāṅke bharatāgrajaḥ

'Totally exhausted I slept on your lap for a long time, and in turn you slept on my lap later.

स तत्र पुनरेवाथ वायसस्समुपागमत्। ततस्सुप्तप्रबुद्धां मां रामस्याङ्कात्समुत्थिताम्।।5.38.22।। वायसस्सहसागम्य विददार स्तनान्तरे। पुनः पुनरथोत्पत्य विददार स मां भृशम्।।5.38.23।।

sa tatra punarevātha vāyasassamupāgamat| tatassuptaprabuddhāṃ māṃ rāmasyāṅkātsamutthitām vāyasassahasāgamya vidadāra stanāntare| punaḥ punarathotpatya vidadāra sa māṃ bhṛśam

'The crow came back again and clawed me in the space between my breasts even after I woke up after slumber from Rama's lap. Flying, it tore my bosom again and again.

स तत्र पुनरेवाथ वायसस्समुपागमत्। ततस्सुप्तप्रबुद्धां मां रामस्याङ्कात्समुत्थिताम्।।5.38.22।। वायसस्सहसागम्य विददार स्तनान्तरे। पुनः पुनरथोत्पत्य विददार स मां भृशम्।।5.38.23।।

sa tatra punarevātha vāyasassamupāgamat| tatassuptaprabuddhāṃ māṃ rāmasyāṅkātsamutthitām vāyasassahasāgamya vidadāra stanāntare| punaḥ punarathotpatya vidadāra sa māṃ bhṛśam

'The crow came back again and clawed me in the space between my breasts even after I woke up after slumber from Rama's lap. Flying, it tore my bosom again and again.

ततस्समुक्षितो रामो मुक्तैश्शोणितबिन्दुभिः। वायसेन ततस्तेन बलवत्क्लिश्यमानया।।5.38.24।। स मया बोधितश्श्रीमान्सुखसुप्तः परन्तपः।

tatassamukṣito rāmo muktaiśśoṇitabindubhiḥ| vāyasena tatastena balavatkliśyamānayā sa mayā bodhitaśśrīmānsukhasuptaḥ parantapaḥ|

'At the touch of the drops of blood dripping from my body, tormented by seeing me distressed with the dripping blood, you were awakened, you who were an illustrious scorcher of foes.

स मां दृष्ट्वा महाबाहुर्वितुन्नां स्तनयोस्तदा।।5.38.25।। आशीविष इव क्रुद्धश्वसन्वाक्यमभाषत।

sa māṃ dṛṣṭvā mahābāhurvitunnāṃ stanayostadā āśīviṣa iva kruddhaśvasanvākyamabhāṣata|

'O strongarmed Rama, seeing my torn breasts, you became angry like a hissing serpent and hissing said :

केन ते नागनासोरु विक्षतं वै स्तनान्तरम्।।5.38.26।। कः क्रीडति सरोषेण पञ्चवक्त्रेण भोगिना।

kena te nāganāsoru vikṣataṃ vai stanāntaram kaḥ krīḍati saroṣeṇa pañcavaktreṇa bhoginā|

'O Sita with a beautiful lap like an elephant trunk by whom is your bosom wounded? Who is sporting with an angry fivehooded snake?

वीक्षमाणस्ततस्तं वै वायसं समुदैक्षत।।5.38.27।। नखैस्सरुधिरैस्तीक्ष्णैर्मामेवाभिमुखं स्थितम्।

vīkṣamāṇastatastaṃ vai vāyasaṃ samudaikṣata nakhaissarudhiraistīkṣṇairmāmevābhimukhaṃ sthitam|

'Then looking around, you saw the crow facing me with sharp, bloodstained claws.

पुत्त्रः किल स शक्रस्य वायसः पततां वरः।।5.38.28।। धरान्तरगतश्शीघ्रं पवनस्य गतौ समः।

puttraḥ kila sa śakrasya vāyasaḥ patatāṃ varaḥ dharāntaragataśśīghraṃ pavanasya gatau samaḥ|

'This crow was the best of birds. He was surely Indra's son who had covered a long distance with great speed and his speed was like the Windgod's.

ततस्तस्मिन्महाबाहुः कोपसंवर्तितेक्षणः।।5.38.29।। वायसे कृतवान्क्रूरां मतिं मतिमतां वरः।

tatastasminmahābāhuḥ kopasaṃvartitekṣaṇaḥ vāyase kṛtavānkrūrāṃ matiṃ matimatāṃ varaḥ|

'Then you, the strongarmed and best among the wise, your eyeballs rolling in fury, made up your mind about the cruel crow.

स दर्भं संस्तराद्गृह्य ब्राह्मेणास्त्रेण योजयत्।।5.38.30।। स दीप्त इव कालाग्निर्जज्वालाभिमुखो द्विजम्।

sa darbhaṃ saṃstarādgṛhya brāhmeṇāstreṇa yojayat sa dīpta iva kālāgnirjajvālābhimukho dvijam|

'Taking out a blade of darbha grass from your mat, you invoked the weapon of Brahma by reciting the mantra. Then you discharged it which blazed like the fire of death and went spearheading towards the crow.

स तं प्रदीप्तं चिक्षेप दर्भं तं वायसं प्रति।।5.38.31।। ततस्तं वायसं दर्भस्सोम्बरेऽनुजगाम ह।

sa taṃ pradīptaṃ cikṣepa darbhaṃ taṃ vāyasaṃ prati tatastaṃ vāyasaṃ darbhassombare'nujagāma ha|

'Then you threw the burning darbha grass at the crow and it chased him in the sky.

अनुसृष्टस्तदा काको जगाम विविधां गतिम्।।5.38.32।। लोककाम इमं लोकं सर्वं वै विचचार ह।

anusṛṣṭastadā kāko jagāma vividhāṃ gatim lokakāma imaṃ lokaṃ sarvaṃ vai vicacāra ha|

'Then that crow flew to many places seeking asylum all over the universe chased by the blade of grass.

स पित्रा च परित्यक्तस्सुरैश्च समहर्षिभिः।।5.38.33।। त्रीन्लोकान्सम्परिक्रम्य तमेव शरणं गतः।

sa pitrā ca parityaktassuraiśca samaharṣibhiḥ trīnlokānsamparikramya tameva śaraṇaṃ gataḥ|

'Then the crow went round all the three worlds, having been rejected by his father Indra, including all the sages and gods. Refused by all he came back to Rama seeking shelter.

स तं निपतितं भूमौ शरण्यश्शरणागतम्।।5.38.34।। वधार्हमपि काकुत्स्थ: कृपया पर्यपालयत्।

sa taṃ nipatitaṃ bhūmau śaraṇyaśśaraṇāgatam vadhārhamapi kākutstha: kṛpayā paryapālayat|

'Seeing the crow fallen on the ground, O Kakutstha, you who are a saviour of those who seek refuge saved him out of compassion, even though he deserved to be killed.

परिद्यूनं विषण्णं च स तमायान्तमब्रवीत्।।5.38.35।। मोघं कर्तुं न शक्यं तु ब्राह्ममस्त्रं तदुच्यताम्।

paridyūnaṃ viṣaṇṇaṃ ca sa tamāyāntamabravīt moghaṃ kartuṃ na śakyaṃ tu brāhmamastraṃ taducyatām|

'Rama, you saw the crow in pain and despondency who returned to you and said that it is not possible to make Brahma's weapon ineffectual.You may tell now. (what should be done.)

हिनस्तु दक्षिणाक्षि त्वच्छर इत्यथ सोऽब्रवीत्।।5.38.36।। ततस्तस्याक्षि काकस्य हिनस्ति स्म स दक्षिणम्। दत्त्वा स दक्षिणं नेत्रं प्राणेभ्यः परिरक्षितः।।5.38.37।।

hinastu dakṣiṇākṣi tvacchara ityatha so'bravīt tatastasyākṣi kākasya hinasti sma sa dakṣiṇam| dattvā sa dakṣiṇaṃ netraṃ prāṇebhyaḥ parirakṣitaḥ

'Then that crow said, 'let my right eye be blinded'. you then hit the right eye of the crow'. Thus the crow offered his right eye and saved himself.

हिनस्तु दक्षिणाक्षि त्वच्छर इत्यथ सोऽब्रवीत्।।5.38.36।। ततस्तस्याक्षि काकस्य हिनस्ति स्म स दक्षिणम्। दत्त्वा स दक्षिणं नेत्रं प्राणेभ्यः परिरक्षितः।।5.38.37।।

hinastu dakṣiṇākṣi tvacchara ityatha so'bravīt tatastasyākṣi kākasya hinasti sma sa dakṣiṇam| dattvā sa dakṣiṇaṃ netraṃ prāṇebhyaḥ parirakṣitaḥ

'Then that crow said, 'let my right eye be blinded'. you then hit the right eye of the crow'. Thus the crow offered his right eye and saved himself.

स रामाय नमस्कृत्य राज्ञे दशरथाय च। विसृष्टस्तेन वीरेण प्रतिपेदे स्वमालयम्।।5.38.38।।

sa rāmāya namaskṛtya rājñe daśarathāya ca| visṛṣṭastena vīreṇa pratipede svamālayam

'That crow offered salutations to you Rama and king Dasaratha, thereafter took permission and went to his own dwelling.

मत्कृते काकमात्रे तु ब्रह्मास्त्रं समुदीरितम्। कस्माद्यो मां हरेत्त्वत्तः क्षमसे तं महीपते।।5.38.39।।

matkṛte kākamātre tu brahmāstraṃ samudīritam| kasmādyo māṃ harettvattaḥ kṣamase taṃ mahīpate

'(Addressing Rama as though he was present before her, Sita said) 'O lord of the earth for my sake you released the weapon of Brahma on a crow. What makes you excuse him who has abducted me?

स कुरुष्व महोत्साहः कृपां मयि नरर्षभ। त्वया नाथवती नाथ ह्यनाथा इव दृश्यते।।5.38.40।।

sa kuruṣva mahotsāhaḥ kṛpāṃ mayi nararṣabha| tvayā nāthavatī nātha hyanāthā iva dṛśyate

'O bull among men you are so loving to me. I am like an orphan. Be kind to me. She who has found her lord in you stays without a protector.

आनृशंस्यं परो धर्मस्तवत्त्त ऐव मया श्रुतः। जानामि त्वां महावीर्यं महोत्साहं महाबलम्।।5.38.41।। अपारपारमक्षोभ्यं गाम्भीर्यात्सागरोपमम्। भर्तारं ससमुद्राया धरण्या वासवोपमम्।।5.38.42।।

ānṛśaṃsyaṃ paro dharmastavattta aiva mayā śrutaḥ| jānāmi tvāṃ mahāvīryaṃ mahotsāhaṃ mahābalam apārapāramakṣobhyaṃ gāmbhīryātsāgaropamam| bhartāraṃ sasamudrāyā dharaṇyā vāsavopamam

'O my supreme lord I know you are kind, righteous, valiant, vigroous, mighty. You are boundless, calm and deep like the ocean. You are lord of earth and the seas and compeer of Vasava. I have heard from you that motiveless compassion is the best way to make one righteous.

आनृशंस्यं परो धर्मस्तवत्त्त ऐव मया श्रुतः। जानामि त्वां महावीर्यं महोत्साहं महाबलम्।।5.38.41।। अपारपारमक्षोभ्यं गाम्भीर्यात्सागरोपमम्। भर्तारं ससमुद्राया धरण्या वासवोपमम्।।5.38.42।।

ānṛśaṃsyaṃ paro dharmastavattta aiva mayā śrutaḥ| jānāmi tvāṃ mahāvīryaṃ mahotsāhaṃ mahābalam apārapāramakṣobhyaṃ gāmbhīryātsāgaropamam| bhartāraṃ sasamudrāyā dharaṇyā vāsavopamam

'O my supreme lord I know you are kind, righteous, valiant, vigroous, mighty. You are boundless, calm and deep like the ocean. You are lord of earth and the seas and compeer of Vasava. I have heard from you that motiveless compassion is the best way to make one righteous.

एवमस्त्रविदां श्रेष्ठस्सत्यवान्बलवानपि। किमर्थमस्त्रं रक्षस्सु न योजयसि राघव।।5.38.43।।

evamastravidāṃ śreṣṭhassatyavānbalavānapi| kimarthamastraṃ rakṣassu na yojayasi rāghava

'Even though you are an expert in the use of weapons, truthful and strong. (Yet) why are you not using weapons aganst the demons?'

न नागा नाऽपि गन्धर्वा नासुरा न मरुद्गणाः। रामस्य समरे वेगं शक्ताः प्रतिसमाधितुं।।5.38.44।।

na nāgā nā'pi gandharvā nāsurā na marudgaṇāḥ| rāmasya samare vegaṃ śaktāḥ pratisamādhituṃ

(Now Sita turns to Hanuman and says) "In war serpents, gandharvas, demons or Marutas cannot withstand the speed of Rama's arrows and hit back.

तस्य वीर्यवतः कश्चिद्यद्यस्ति मयि सम्भ्रमः। किमर्थं न शरैस्तीक्ष्णै: क्षयं नयति राक्षसान्।।5.38.45।।

tasya vīryavataḥ kaścidyadyasti mayi sambhramaḥ| kimarthaṃ na śaraistīkṣṇai: kṣayaṃ nayati rākṣasān

"Does Rama have a little anxiety about me? If he has, why does he, a disciplined hero, not put an end to the demons with his sharp arrows?

भ्रातुरादेशमादाय लक्ष्मणो वा परन्तपः। कस्य हेतोर्न मां वीरः परित्राति महाबलः।।5.38.46।।

bhrāturādeśamādāya lakṣmaṇo vā parantapaḥ| kasya hetorna māṃ vīraḥ paritrāti mahābalaḥ

"Or, why does the mighty hero, Lakshmana, who is a scorcher of enemies, not come to my rescue taking the orders from his brother?

यदि तौ पुरुषव्याघ्रौ वाय्वग्निसमतेजसौ। सुराणामपि दुर्धर्षौ किमर्थं मामुपेक्षतः।।5.38.47।।

yadi tau puruṣavyāghrau vāyvagnisamatejasau| surāṇāmapi durdharṣau kimarthaṃ māmupekṣataḥ

"Both Rama and Lakshmana are tigers among men who resemble wind and fire in power and have the unassailability of the gods. Wherefore are they disregarding me?.

ममैव दुष्कृतं किञ्चिन्महदस्ति न संशयः। समर्थावपि तौ यन्मां नावेक्षेते परन्तपौ।।5.38.48।।

mamaiva duṣkṛtaṃ kiñcinmahadasti na saṃśayaḥ| samarthāvapi tau yanmāṃ nāvekṣete parantapau

"Perhaps I must have committed an atrocious sin. There is no doubt. For although both of them are scorchers of enemies, they deliver me not."

वैदेह्या वचनं श्रुत्वा करुणं साश्रुभाषितम्। अथाब्रवीन्महातेजा हनुमान्मारुतात्मजः।।5.38.49।।

vaidehyā vacanaṃ śrutvā karuṇaṃ sāśrubhāṣitam| athābravīnmahātejā hanumānmārutātmajaḥ

Hearing the piteous words of Vaidehi and beholding her eyes filled with tears, the Windgod's son, lustrous Hanuman replied thus:.

त्वच्छोकविमुखो रामो देवि सत्येन ते शपे। रामे दुःखाभिपन्ने च लक्ष्मणः परितप्यते।।5.38.50।।

tvacchokavimukho rāmo devi satyena te śape| rāme duḥkhābhipanne ca lakṣmaṇaḥ paritapyate

"O godlike lady Rama is not averse to your misery. On my word this is true. Rama is immersed in sorrow. Even Lakshmana wails.

कथञ्चिद्भवती दृष्टा न कालः परिदेवितुम्। इमं मुहूर्तं दुःखानां द्रक्ष्यस्यन्तमनिन्दिते।।5.38.51।।

kathañcidbhavatī dṛṣṭā na kālaḥ paridevitum| imaṃ muhūrtaṃ duḥkhānāṃ drakṣyasyantamanindite

"I could find you with difficulty. This is not the time to wail. O blameless lady take it, your sorrow has come to an end at this moment.

तावुभौ पुरुषव्याघ्रौ राजपुत्रौ महाबलौ। त्वद्दर्शनकृतोत्साहौ लङ्कां भस्मीकरिष्यतः।।5.38.52।।

tāvubhau puruṣavyāghrau rājaputrau mahābalau| tvaddarśanakṛtotsāhau laṅkāṃ bhasmīkariṣyataḥ

"Both the mighty brothers, tigers among men, are eager to see you. Both the princes will reduce this Lanka into ashes.

हत्त्वा च समरे क्रूरं रावणं सहबान्धवम्। राघवस्त्वां विशालाक्षि नेष्यति स्वां पुरीं प्रति।।5.38.53।।

hattvā ca samare krūraṃ rāvaṇaṃ sahabāndhavam| rāghavastvāṃ viśālākṣi neṣyati svāṃ purīṃ prati

"O largeeyed lady cruel Ravana along with his relatives will be killed by Rama in war and Rama will return to his city with you.

ब्रूहि यद्राघवो वाच्यो लक्ष्मणश्च महाबलः। सुग्रीवो वापि तेजस्वी हरयोऽपि समागताः।।5.38.54।।

brūhi yadrāghavo vācyo lakṣmaṇaśca mahābalaḥ| sugrīvo vāpi tejasvī harayo'pi samāgatāḥ

"Communicate your message to mighty Rama and Lakshamana, to brilliant Sugriva and even the vanaras who gather there.

इत्युक्तवति तस्मिंस्तु सीता सुरसुतोपमा। उवाच शोकसन्तप्ता हनुमन्तं प्लवङ्गमम्।।5.38.55।।

ityuktavati tasmiṃstu sītā surasutopamā| uvāca śokasantaptā hanumantaṃ plavaṅgamam

"Hanuman having spoken this way, Sita, resembling a god's daughter, grieving, thus addressed Hanuman:

कौसल्या लोकभर्तारं सुषुवे यं मनस्विनी। तं ममार्थे सुखं पृच्छ शिरसा चाभिवादय।।5.38.56।।

kausalyā lokabhartāraṃ suṣuve yaṃ manasvinī| taṃ mamārthe sukhaṃ pṛccha śirasā cābhivādaya

"Bow to Rama and offer salutations on my behalf. Inquiries concerning his welfare should be addressed to Rama, whom virtuous Kausalya bore as a son.

स्रजश्च सर्वरत्नानि प्रिया याश्च वराङ्गनाः। ऐश्वर्यं च विशालायां पृथिव्यामपि दुर्लभम्।।5.38.57।। पितरं मातरं चैव सम्मान्याभिप्रसाद्य च। अनुप्रव्रजितो रामं सुमित्रा येन सुप्रजाः।।5.38.58।।

srajaśca sarvaratnāni priyā yāśca varāṅganāḥ| aiśvaryaṃ ca viśālāyāṃ pṛthivyāmapi durlabham pitaraṃ mātaraṃ caiva sammānyābhiprasādya ca| anupravrajito rāmaṃ sumitrā yena suprajāḥ

He by whom Sumitra became a blessed mother—who, honouring and gladly taking leave of his father and mother, renounced garlands, all jewels, beloved women, and a sovereignty rare upon this vast earth to follow Rama into exile.

स्रजश्च सर्वरत्नानि प्रिया याश्च वराङ्गनाः। ऐश्वर्यं च विशालायां पृथिव्यामपि दुर्लभम्।।5.38.57।। पितरं मातरं चैव सम्मान्याभिप्रसाद्य च। अनुप्रव्रजितो रामं सुमित्रा येन सुप्रजाः।।5.38.58।।

srajaśca sarvaratnāni priyā yāśca varāṅganāḥ| aiśvaryaṃ ca viśālāyāṃ pṛthivyāmapi durlabham pitaraṃ mātaraṃ caiva sammānyābhiprasādya ca| anupravrajito rāmaṃ sumitrā yena suprajāḥ

He by whom Sumitra became a blessed mother—who, honouring and gladly taking leave of his father and mother, renounced garlands, all jewels, beloved women, and a sovereignty rare upon this vast earth to follow Rama into exile.

आनुकूल्येन धर्मात्मा त्यक्त्वा सुखमनुत्तमम्। अनुगच्छति काकुत्स्थं भ्रातरं पालयन्वने।।5.38.59।।

ānukūlyena dharmātmā tyaktvā sukhamanuttamam| anugacchati kākutsthaṃ bhrātaraṃ pālayanvane

"Great, righteous Lakshmana had given up his pleasures and followed his brother Rama in his favour into the forest to be able to serve him.

सिंहस्कन्धो महाबाहुर्मनस्वी प्रियदर्शिनः। पितृवद्वर्तते रामे मातृवन्मां समाचरन्।।5.38.60।।

siṃhaskandho mahābāhurmanasvī priyadarśinaḥ| pitṛvadvartate rāme mātṛvanmāṃ samācaran

"Lakshmana, who has lionshoulders and strong arms, who is handsome, who takes Rama as his father and treats me as his own mother.

ह्रियमाणां तदा वीरो न तु मां वेद लक्ष्मणः। वृद्धोपसेवी लक्ष्मीवान् शक्तो न बहुभाषिता।।5.38.61।। राजपुत्रः प्रियः श्रेष्ठः सदृशः श्वशुरस्य मे।

hriyamāṇāṃ tadā vīro na tu māṃ veda lakṣmaṇaḥ| vṛddhopasevī lakṣmīvān śakto na bahubhāṣitā rājaputraḥ priyaḥ śreṣṭhaḥ sadṛśaḥ śvaśurasya me|

"Heroic Lakshmana, did not know while I was borne away. He is prosperous, foremost in serving elders. He is energetic and reserved in his speech like my fatherinlaw. He is a prince dear (to his brother).

ममः प्रियतरो नित्यं भ्राता रामस्य लक्ष्मणः।।5.38.62।। नियुक्तो धुरि यस्यां तु तामुद्वहति वीर्यवान्।

mamaḥ priyataro nityaṃ bhrātā rāmasya lakṣmaṇaḥ niyukto dhuri yasyāṃ tu tāmudvahati vīryavān|

"Rama's brother Lakshmana is always dear to me. Heroic Lakshmana will discharge whichever responsibility is entrusted to him.

यं दृष्ट्वा राघवो नैव वृत्तमार्यमनुस्मरेत्।।5.38.63।। स ममार्थाय कुशलं वक्तव्यो वचनान्मम।

yaṃ dṛṣṭvā rāghavo naiva vṛttamāryamanusmaret sa mamārthāya kuśalaṃ vaktavyo vacanānmama|

"He is Lakshmana for whose care and support Rama did not miss the noble king Dasaratha (during exile). Convey him my words of enquiry about his wellbeing.

मृदुर्नित्यं शुचिर्दक्षः प्रियो रामस्य लक्ष्मणः।।5.38.64।। यथा हि वानरश्रेष्ठ दुःखक्षयकरो भवेत्। त्वमस्मिन्कार्यनिर्योगे प्रमाणं हरिसत्तमः।।5.38.65।।

mṛdurnityaṃ śucirdakṣaḥ priyo rāmasya lakṣmaṇaḥ yathā hi vānaraśreṣṭha duḥkhakṣayakaro bhavet| tvamasminkāryaniryoge pramāṇaṃ harisattamaḥ

"Lakshmana is soft, pure, competent and dear to Rama. O great vanara, act in such a manner that Lakshmana can mitigate my suffering. O great monkey, the best of vanaras you are competent in accomplishing this task.

मृदुर्नित्यं शुचिर्दक्षः प्रियो रामस्य लक्ष्मणः।।5.38.64।। यथा हि वानरश्रेष्ठ दुःखक्षयकरो भवेत्। त्वमस्मिन्कार्यनिर्योगे प्रमाणं हरिसत्तमः।।5.38.65।।

mṛdurnityaṃ śucirdakṣaḥ priyo rāmasya lakṣmaṇaḥ yathā hi vānaraśreṣṭha duḥkhakṣayakaro bhavet| tvamasminkāryaniryoge pramāṇaṃ harisattamaḥ

"Lakshmana is soft, pure, competent and dear to Rama. O great vanara, act in such a manner that Lakshmana can mitigate my suffering. O great monkey, the best of vanaras you are competent in accomplishing this task.

राघवस्त्वत्समारम्भान्मयि यत्नपरो भवेत्। इदं ब्रूयाश्च मे नाथं शूरं रामं पुनः पुनः।।5.38.66।।

rāghavastvatsamārambhānmayi yatnaparo bhavet| idaṃ brūyāśca me nāthaṃ śūraṃ rāmaṃ punaḥ punaḥ

"By your efforts alone my husband will try for my release. You may tell these words to my heroic husband, Rama, again and again.

जीवितं धारयिष्यामि मासं दशरथात्मज। ऊर्ध्वं मासान्न जीवेयं सत्येनाहं ब्रवीमि ते।।5.38.67।।

jīvitaṃ dhārayiṣyāmi māsaṃ daśarathātmaja| ūrdhvaṃ māsānna jīveyaṃ satyenāhaṃ bravīmi te

"I will hold on to life only for a month. Beyond, I will not survive. I swear by truth. You may tell this to Rama.

रावणेनोपरुद्धां मां निकृत्य पापकर्मणा। त्रातुमर्हसि वीर त्वं पातालादिव कौशिकीम्।।5.38.68।।

rāvaṇenoparuddhāṃ māṃ nikṛtya pāpakarmaṇā| trātumarhasi vīra tvaṃ pātālādiva kauśikīm

"O heroic Rama just as Kausik was rescued from the underworld it behoves you to deliver me from imprisonment of wicked Ravana".

ततो वस्त्रगतं मुक्त्वा दिव्यं चूडामणिं शुभम्। प्रदेयो राघवायेति सीता हनुमते ददौ।।5.38.69।।

tato vastragataṃ muktvā divyaṃ cūḍāmaṇiṃ śubham| pradeyo rāghavāyeti sītā hanumate dadau

Then Sita took out the exquisite and auspicious Chudamani worn on the head, untied from her clothes and gave it to Hanuman to be presented to Rama.

प्रतिगृह्य ततो वीरो मणिरत्नमनुत्तमम्। अङ्गुल्या योजयामास न ह्यस्य प्राभवद्भुजः।।5.38.70।।

pratigṛhya tato vīro maṇiratnamanuttamam| aṅgulyā yojayāmāsa na hyasya prābhavadbhujaḥ

Then Hanuman, taking the extraordinary jewel and placed it on his finger as it was not fitting to his arm.

मणिरत्नं कपिवरः प्रतिगृह्याभिवाद्य च। सीतां प्रदक्षिणं कृत्वा प्रणतः पार्व्शतः स्थितः।।5.38.71।।

maṇiratnaṃ kapivaraḥ pratigṛhyābhivādya ca| sītāṃ pradakṣiṇaṃ kṛtvā praṇataḥ pārvśataḥ sthitaḥ

Having recieved the jewel from Sita and circumambulated her, Hanuman offered salutations to her and stood by her.

हर्षेण महता युक्तः सीतादर्शनजेन सः। हृदयेन गतो रामं शरीरेण तु विष्ठितः।।5.38.72।।

harṣeṇa mahatā yuktaḥ sītādarśanajena saḥ| hṛdayena gato rāmaṃ śarīreṇa tu viṣṭhitaḥ

Hanuman stood there physically, with great joy gazing at Sita, but mentally he was with Rama.

मणिवरमुपगृह्य तं महार्हं जनकनृपात्मजया धृतं प्रभावात्। गिरिरिव पवनावधूतमुक्तः सुखितमनाः प्रतिसङ्क्रमं प्रपेदे।।5.38.73।।

maṇivaramupagṛhya taṃ mahārhaṃ janakanṛpātmajayā dhṛtaṃ prabhāvāt| giririva pavanāvadhūtamuktaḥ sukhitamanāḥ pratisaṅkramaṃ prapede

Having received the most precious jewel from the daughter of Janaka, Hanuman prepared to return like a mountain released from the impact of the wind. इत्यार्षे श्रीमद्रामायणे वाल्मीकीय आदिकाव्ये सुन्दरकाण्डे अष्टत्रिंशस्सर्गः।। Thus ends the thirtyeighth sarga of Sundarakanda of the holy Ramayana, the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.