The Wedding Party Returns to Ayodhya
After the weddings, the procession returns to Ayodhya with the new brides. The people welcome them with deep love and rejoicing, and the whole city is filled with happiness.
Bal Kand · Episode 58 / 59
Episode Text
नृप करि बिनय महाजन फेरे। सादर सकल मागने टेरे॥ भूषन बसन बाजि गज दीन्हे। प्रेम पोषि ठाढ़े सब कीन्हे॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
nṛpa kari binaya mahājana phere। sādara sakala māgane ṭere॥ bhūṣana basana bāji gaja dīhne। prema poṣi ṭhāṛhe saba kīnhe॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
The king, after making requests, sent the leading people back. With respect he summoned all the beggars. He gave ornaments, clothes, horses, and elephants, and, nurturing them with love, made them all content.
बार बार बिरिदावलि भाषी। फिरे सकल रामहि उर राखी॥ बहुरि बहुरि कोसलपति कहहीं। जनकु प्रेमबस फिरै न चहहीं॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bāra bāra biridāvali bhāṣī। phire sakala rāmahi ura rākhī॥ bahuri bahuri kosalapati kahahīṃ। janaku premabasa phirai na cahahīṃ॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
They all praised the family fame again and again and departed, keeping Rama in their hearts. The lord of Kosala kept saying again and again to return, but Janak, overcome by love, did not wish to turn back.
पुनि कह भूपति बचन सुहाए। फिरिअ महीस दूरि बड़ि आए॥ राउ बहोरि उतरि भए ठाढ़े। प्रेम प्रबाह बिलोचन बाढ़े॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
puni kaha bhūpati bacana suhāe। phiria mahīsa dūri baṛi āe॥ rāu bahori utari bhae ṭhāṛhe। prema pravāha bilocana bāṛhe॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
Dasharatha again spoke gracious words: “O king, you have come very far; now return.” Then King Dasharatha got down from his chariot and stood there. A flood of love rose in his eyes.
तब बिदेह बोले कर जोरी। बचन सनेह सुधाँ जनु बोरी॥ करौं कवन बिधि बिनय बनाई। महाराज मोहि दीन्हि बड़ाई॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
taba videha bole kara jorī। bacana saneha sudhāṃ janu borī॥ karaṃ kavana bidhi binaya banāī। mahārāja mohi dīnhi baṛāī॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
Then Videha, with folded hands, spoke words as though dipped in the nectar of love: “How can I frame my plea? O great king, you have bestowed great honor upon me.”
कोसलपति समधी सजन सनमाने सब भाँति। मिलनि परसपर बिनय अति प्रीति न हृदयँ समाति॥ ३४० ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
kosalapati samadhī sajana sanamāne saba bhāṃti। milani paraspara binaya ati prīti na hṛdayaṃ samāti॥ 340 ॥
Meaning:
The lord of Ayodhya, Dasharatha, honored his kinsman and co-father-in-law in every way. Their meeting was full of humility and such affection that it could not be contained in the heart.
मुनि मंडलिहि जनक सिरु नावा। आसिरबादु सबहि सन पावा॥ सादर पुनि भेंटे जामाता। रूप सील गुन निधि सब भ्राता॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
muni maṃḍalihi janaka siru nāvā। āsirabādu sabahi sana pāvā॥ sādara puni bheṃṭe jāmātā। rūpa sīla guna nidhi saba bhrātā॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
Janak bowed his head to the assembly of sages and received blessings from all. Then, with respect, he met his sons-in-law—all the brothers, treasure-houses of beauty, character, and virtue.
जोरि पंकरुह पानि सुहाए। बोले बचन प्रेम जनु जाए॥ राम करौं केहि भाँति प्रसंसा। मुनि महेस मन मानस हंसा॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
jori paṃkaruha pāni suhāe। bole bacana prema janu jāe॥ rāma karaṃ kehi bhāṃti prasaṃsā। muni mahesa mana mānasa haṃsā॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
Joining his lovely lotus-like hands, he spoke words that seemed born of love itself: “O Rama, how can I praise You? You are the swan of the sages’ minds and of Shiva’s heart-lake.”
करहिं जोग जोगी जेहि लागी। कोहु मोहु ममता मदु त्यागी॥ ब्यापकु ब्रह्मु अलखु अबिनासी। चिदानंदु निरगुन गुनरासी॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
karahiṃ joga jogī jehi lāgī। kohu mohu mamatā madu tyāgī॥ byāpaku brahmu alakhu abināsī। cidānaṃdu nirguna gunarāsī॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
The yogis perform yoga for Him, renouncing delusion, attachment, and pride. He is the all-pervading Brahman, unseen, imperishable, conscious bliss, beyond गुणs, yet the storehouse of all virtues.
मन समेत जेहि जान न बानी। तरकि न सकहिं सकल अनुमानी॥ महिमा निगमु नेति कहि कहई। जो तिहुँ काल एकरस रहई॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
mana sameta jehi jāna na bānī। tarki na sakahiṃ sakala anumānī॥ mahimā nigamu neti kahi kahī। jo tihuṃ kāla ekarasa rahī॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
Neither mind nor speech can know Him, and all can only infer Him. No argument can encompass Him; the Vedas describe His greatness only by saying, “not this, not this.” He remains one and the same through all three times.
नयन बिषय मो कहुँ भयउ सो समस्त सुख मूल। सबइ लाभु जग जीव कहँ भएँ ईसु अनुकूल॥ ३४१ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
nayana biṣaya mo kahuṃ bhayau so samasta sukha mūla। sabai lābhu jaga jīva kahaṃ bhaeṃ īsu anukūla॥ 341 ॥
Meaning:
You, the source of all happiness, became the object of my eyes. When one is in harmony with God, in this world the living being gains every benefit.
सबहि भाँति मोहि दीन्हि बड़ाई। निज जन जानि लीन्ह अपनाई॥ होहिं सहस दस सारद सेषा। करहिं कलप कोटिक भरि लेखा॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
sabahi bhāṃti mohi dīnhi baṛāī। nija jana jāni līnha apanāī॥ hohiṃ sahasa dasa sārada seṣā। karahiṃ kalapa koṭika bhari lekhā॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
You have honored me in every way and, knowing me as your own servant, have made me your own. Even if ten thousand Saraswatis and Shesha were to count for countless millions of kalpas...
मोर भाग्य राउर गुन गाथा। कहि न सिराहिं सुनहु रघुनाथा॥ मैं कछु कहउँ एक बल मोरें। तुम्ह रीझहु सनेह सुठि थोरें॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
mora bhāgya raur guna gāthā। kahi na sirāhiṃ sunahu raghunāthā॥ maiṃ kachu kahauṃ eka bala moreṃ। tumha rījhahu saneha suṭhi thoreṃ॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
Still, O Raghunatha, listen: the story of my fortune and Your virtues cannot be exhausted in speech. I say this only because You are pleased even by a very little affection.
बार बार मागउँ कर जोरें। मनु परिहरै चरन जनि भोरें॥ सुनि बर बचन प्रेम जनु पोषे। पूरनकाम रामु परितोषे॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bāra bāra māgauṃ kara joreṃ। manu pariharai carana jani bhoreṃ॥ suni bara bacana prema janu poṣe। pūranakāma rāmu paritoṣe॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
Again and again I beg with folded hands that my mind never, even by mistake, leave Your feet. Hearing Janak’s excellent words, as though nourished by love, the all-fulfilled Rama was pleased.
करि बर बिनय ससुर सनमाने। पितु कौसिक बसिष्ठ सम जाने॥ बिनती बहुरि भरत सन कीन्ही। मिलि सप्रेम पुनि आसिष दीन्ही॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
kari bara binaya sasura sanamāne। pitu kausika basiṣṭha sama jāne॥ binatī bahuri bharata sana kīnhi। mili saprema puni āsisa dīnhi॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
After offering a beautiful prayer, he honored his father Dasharatha, Guru Vishvamitra, and family preceptor Vasishtha, and likewise his father-in-law Janak. Then Janak made a request to Bharata, met him lovingly, and blessed him again.
मिले लखन रिपुसूदनहि दीन्हि असीस महीस। भए परसपर प्रेमबस फिरि फिरि नावहिं सीस॥ ३४२ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
mile lakhana ripusūdana hi dīnhi asīsa mahīsa। bhaye paraspara premabasa phiri phiri nāvahiṃ sīsa॥ 342 ॥
Meaning:
Then the king met Lakshmana and Shatrughna and gave them his blessing. Overcome by mutual love, they kept bowing their heads to one another again and again.
बार बार करि बिनय बड़ाई। रघुपति चले संग सब भाई॥ जनक गहे कौसिक पद जाई। चरन रेनु सिर नयनन्ह लाई॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bāra bāra kari binaya baṛāī। raghupati cale saṅga saba bhāī॥ janaka gahe kausika pada jāī। carana renu sira nayananha lāī॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
King Janaka, after repeatedly offering praise and respectful requests, sent Rama on his way with all the brothers. Janaka then went to Kaushika (Viśvāmitra), clasped his feet, and placed the dust of those feet upon his head and eyes.
सुनु मुनीस बर दरसन तोरें। अगमु न कछु प्रतीति मन मोरें॥ जो सुखु सुजसु लोकपति चहहीं। करत मनोरथ सकुचत अहहीं॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
sunu munīsa bara darasana toreṃ। agamu na kachu pratīti mana moreṃ॥ jo sukhu sujasu lokapati chahahīṃ। karata manoratha sakucata ahahīṃ॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
[He said:] O great sage, listen. In my heart I hold this conviction: nothing is too difficult when one has the blessed sight of you. The joy and fame that even the lords of the world desire are things they often feel shy to long for, thinking them unattainable.
सो सुखु सुजसु सुलभ मोहि स्वामी। सब सिधि तव दरसन अनुगामी॥ कीन्हि बिनय पुनि पुनि सिरु नाई। फिरे महीसु आसिषा पाई॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
so sukhu sujasu sulabha mohi svāmī। saba sidhi tava darasana anugāmī॥ kīnhi binaya puni puni siru nāī। phire mahīsu āsiṣā pāī॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
O Lord, that very joy and fame have become easy for me to attain; all powers and attainments follow upon your darshan. Thus, having bowed his head again and again and received blessings, King Janaka returned.
चली बरात निसान बजाई। मुदित छोट बड़ सब समुदाई॥ रामहि निरखि ग्राम नर नारी। पाइ नयन फलु होहिं सुखारी॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
calī barāta nisāna bajāī। mudita choṭa baṛa saba samudāī॥ rāmahi nirakhi grāma nara nārī। pāi nayana phalu hohiṃ sukhārī॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
The wedding party set out with trumpets sounding, and all people, young and old, were delighted. The men and women of the villages, seeing Rama, became blessed and happy as though their eyes had borne fruit.
बीच बीच बर बास करि मग लोगन्ह सुख देत। अवध समीप पुनीत दिन पहुँची आइ जनेत॥ ३४३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bīca bīca bara bāsa kari maga loganha sukha deta। avadha samīpa punīta dina pahuñcī āi janeta॥ 343 ॥
Meaning:
Making pleasant halts here and there and giving joy to the people along the way, the wedding procession reached near Ayodhya on that sacred day.
हने निसान पनव बर बाजे। भेरि संख धुनि हय गय गाजे॥ झाँझि बिरव डिंडिमी सुहाई। सरस राग बाजहिं सहनाई॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
hane nisāna panava bara bāje। bheri saṅkha dhuni haya gaya gāje॥ jhāñjhi birava ḍiṇḍimī suhāī। sarasa rāga bājahiṃ sahanāī॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
The drums were struck and fine kettledrums sounded. The bheris and conches roared, and elephants and horses seemed to thunder. Cymbals, resonant little drums, and sweetly melodic shehnais were all playing together.
पुर जन आवत अकनि बराता। मुदित सकल पुलकावलि गाता॥ निज निज सुंदर सदन सँवारे। हाट बाट चौहट पुर द्वारे॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
pura jana āvata akani barātā। mudita sakala pulakāvali gātā॥ nija nija sundara sadana saṃvāre। hāṭa bāṭa cauhaṭa pura dvāre॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
Hearing that the wedding party was coming, the townspeople rejoiced; goosebumps of delight rose on everyone’s body. They decorated their own beautiful homes, markets, lanes, crossroads, and city gates.
गलीं सकल अरगजाँ सिंचाईं। जहँ तहँ चौकें चारु पुराईं॥ बना बजारु न जाइ बखाना। तोरन केतु पताक बिताना॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
galīṃ sakala aragajāṃ siṃcāīṃ। jahã tahã caukeṃ cāru purāīṃ॥ banā bajaru na jāi bakhānā। torana ketu patāka bitānā॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
All the lanes were sprinkled with fragrant perfumed water, and lovely courtyards were prepared here and there. The market was adorned beyond description with arches, banners, flags, and canopies.
सफल पूगफल कदलि रसाला। रोपे बकुल कदंब तमाला॥ लगे सुभग तरु परसत धरनी। मनिमय आलबाल कल करनी॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
saphala pūgaphala kadali rasālā। rope bakula kadamba tamālā॥ lage subhaga taru parasata dharanī। manimaya ālabāla kala karanī॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
Betel palms, banana trees, mango trees, bakula, kadamba, and tamāla trees were planted. The lovely trees, laden with fruit, seemed to touch the earth. Their jeweled basins had been fashioned with exquisite craftsmanship.
बिबिध भाँति मंगल कलस गृह गृह रचे सँवारि। सुर ब्रह्मादि सिहाहिं सब रघुबर पुरी निहारि॥ ३४४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bibidha bhāṃti maṃgala kalasa gṛha gṛha race saṃvāri। sura brahmādi sihāhiṃ saba raghubara purī nihāri॥ 344 ॥
Meaning:
Many kinds of auspicious pots were beautifully arranged in every home. Seeing the city of Raghubar (Ayodhya), Brahma and the other gods were struck with wonder.
भूप भवनु तेहि अवसर सोहा। रचना देखि मदन मनु मोहा॥ मंगल सगुन मनोहरताई। रिधि सिधि सुख संपदा सुहाई॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bhūpa bhavanu tehi avasara sohā। racanā dekhi madana manu mohā॥ maṃgala saguna manoharatāī। ridhi sidhi sukha saṃpadā suhāī॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
At that time the royal palace was splendid. Its beauty was such that even Cupid’s mind would be enchanted by it. Auspicious omens, charm, miraculous prosperity, happiness, and delightful abundance all seemed to grace it.
जनु उछाह सब सहज सुहाए। तनु धरि धरि दसरथ गृहँ छाए॥ देखन हेतु राम बैदेही। कहहु लालसा होहि न केही॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
janu uchāha saba sahaja suhāe। tanu dhari dhari dasaratha gṛhaṃ chāe॥ dekhan hetu rāma baidehī। kahahu lālasā hohi na kehī॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
And all kinds of joyful excitement, as though taking on lovely forms, seemed to fill the house of King Dasharatha. For the sake of beholding Rama and Sita, tell me, who would not long with eagerness?
जूथ जूथ मिलि चलीं सुआसिनि। निज छबि निदरहिं मदन बिलासिनि॥ सकल सुमंगल सजें आरती। गावहिं जनु बहु बेष भारती॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
jūtha jūtha mili calīṃ suvāsini। nija chabi nidarahiṃ madana bilāsini॥ sakala sumaṃgala sajeṃ āratī। gāvahiṃ janu bahu beṣa bhāratī॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
The married women went forth in groups and clusters, their beauty even putting Cupid’s celestial women to shame. With all the auspicious offerings and aarti arranged, they sang as if Saraswati herself had taken on many forms to sing.
भूपति भवन कोलाहलु होई। जाइ न बरनि समउ सुखु सोई॥ कौसल्यादि राम महतारीं। प्रेमबिबस तन दसा बिसारीं॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bhūpati bhavana kolāhalu hoī। jāi na barani samau sukhu soī॥ kausalyādi rāma mahatārīṃ। premabibasa tana dasā bisārīṃ॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
The palace was filled with joyful bustle. That moment and that happiness cannot be described. Kaushalyaji and the other mothers of Rama, overwhelmed by love, forgot all awareness of their bodies.
दिए दान बिप्रन्ह बिपुल पूजि गनेस पुरारि। प्रमुदित परम दरिद्र जनु पाइ पदारथ चारि॥ ३४५ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
die dāna bipranha bipula pūji ganesa purāri। pramudita parama daridra janu pāi padāratha cāri॥ 345 ॥
Meaning:
After worshipping Ganesh and Tripurari Shiva, they gave abundant gifts to the Brahmins. They were supremely delighted, like an utterly poor person who has suddenly obtained the four goals of life.
मोद प्रमोद बिबस सब माता। चलहिं न चरन सिथिल भए गाता॥ राम दरस हित अति अनुरागीं। परिछनि साजु सजन सब लागीं॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
moda pramoda bibasa saba mātā। calahiṃ na carana sithila bhae gātā॥ rāma darasa hita ati anurāgīṃ। parichani sāju sajaṃ saba lāgīṃ॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
Overcome by joy and profound delight, all the mothers had limbs grown weak, so that their feet could scarcely move. Filled with deep love for the sight of Rama, they began arranging all the materials for the welcoming ritual.
बिबिध बिधान बाजने बाजे। मंगल मुदित सुमित्राँ साजे॥ हरद दूब दधि पल्लव फूला। पान पूगफल मंगल मूला॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bibidha bidhāna bājane bājē। maṃgala mudita sumitrāṃ sāje॥ harada dūba dadhi pallava phūlā। pāna pūgaphala maṃgala mūlā॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
Various kinds of musical instruments were sounding. Sumitraji joyfully arranged the auspicious ceremonial items. Turmeric, durva grass, curd, leaves, flowers, betel, and areca nut—the basic auspicious offerings—were all prepared.
अच्छत अंकुर लोचन लाजा। मंजुल मंजरि तुलसि बिराजा॥ छुहे पुरट घट सहज सुहाए। मदन सकुन जनु नीड़ बनाए॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
acchata aṅkura locana lājā। mañjula mañjari tulasi birājā॥ chuhē puraṭa ghaṭa sahaja suhāe। madana sakuna janu nīḍa banāe॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
Rice grains, sprouts, lājā, and the lovely clusters of tulasī were beautifully displayed. The naturally lovely golden pots, adorned with various colors, seemed like nests built by Cupid’s birds.
सगुन सुगंध न जाहिं बखानी। मंगल सकल सजहिं सब रानी॥ रचीं आरतीं बहुत बिधाना। मुदित करहिं कल मंगल गाना॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
saguna sugaṃdha na jāhiṃ bakhānī। maṃgala sakala sajahiṃ saba rānī॥ racīṃ āratīṃ bahuta bidhānā। mudita karahiṃ kala maṃgala gānā॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
The fragrant auspicious items and omens cannot be described. All the queens were arranging every kind of auspicious ornament and offering. They prepared many aartis and, delighted, sang sweet auspicious songs.
कनक थार भरि मंगलन्हि कमल करन्हि लिएँ मात। चलीं मुदित परिछनि करन पुलक पल्लवित गात॥ ३४६ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
kanaka thāra bhari maṃgalanhi kamala karanhi liyeṃ māta। calīṃ mudita parichani karana pulaka pallavita gāta॥ 346 ॥
Meaning:
The mothers filled golden trays with auspicious items and, holding them in their lotus-like hands, went forth joyfully to perform the welcoming rite. Their bodies were covered with goosebumps of delight.
धूप धूम नभु मेचक भयऊ। सावन घन घमंडु जनु ठयऊ॥ सुरतरु सुमन माल सुर बरषहिं। मनहुँबलाक अवलि मनु करषहिं॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
dhūpa dhūma nabhu mecaka bhayaū। sāvana ghana ghamāṇḍu janu ṭhayaū॥ surataru sumana māla sura baraṣahiṃ। manahuṃbalāka avali manu karaṣahiṃ॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
The smoke of incense had turned the sky dark, as though the proud clouds of the monsoon had gathered overhead. The gods were showering garlands of flowers from the wish-fulfilling tree; they looked like a line of cranes drawing the mind toward them.
मंजुल मनिमय बंदनिवारे। मनहुँ पाकरिपु चाप सँवारे॥ प्रगटहिं दुरहिं अटन्ह पर भामिनि। चारु चपल जनु दमकहिं दामिनि॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
mañjula manimaya bandanivāre। manahuṃ pākaripu cāpa saṃvāre॥ pragaṭahiṃ durahiṃ aṭanha par bhāmini। cāru chapala janu damakahiṃ dāmini॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
Beautiful festoons made of gems looked as though the rainbow itself had been arranged there. On the terraces, lovely and nimble women appeared and disappeared, seeming like flashes of lightning.
दुंदुभि धुनि घन गरजनि घोरा। जाचक चातक दादुर मोरा॥ सुर सुगंध सुचि बरषहिं बारी। सुखी सकल ससि पुर नर नारी॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
duṃdubhi dhuni ghana garjani ghorā। jācaka cātaka dādura morā॥ sura sugaṃdha suci baraṣahiṃ bārī। sukhī sakala sasi pura nara nārī॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
The sound of the drums was like the fierce thunder of clouds. The supplicants were the chataka birds, frogs, and peacocks. The gods were showering pure fragrant water, by which all the men and women of the city were made happy.
समउ जानि गुर आयसु दीन्हा। पुर प्रबेसु रघुकुलमनि कीन्हा॥ सुमिरि संभु गिरिजा गनराजा। मुदित महीपति सहित समाजा॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
samau jāni gura āyasu dīnhā। pura prabesu raghukulamani kīnhā॥ sumiri saṃbhu girijā ganarājā। mudita mahīpati sahita samājā॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
Knowing the proper time, Guru Vashistha gave the command. Then the jewel of Raghu’s line, King Dasharatha, remembered Shiva, Parvati, and Ganesh, and entered the city joyfully with the assembly.
होहिं सगुन बरषहिं सुमन सुर दुंदुभीं बजाइ। बिबुध बधू नाचहिं मुदित मंजुल मंगल गाइ॥ ३४७ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
hohiṃ saguna baraṣahiṃ sumana sura duṃdubhīṃ bajāi। bibudha badhū nācahiṃ mudita mañjula maṃgala gāi॥ 347 ॥
Meaning:
Auspicious signs were appearing; the gods beat the kettledrums and showered flowers. The celestial women, delighted, danced while singing lovely auspicious songs.
मागध सूत बंदि नट नागर। गावहिं जसु तिहु लोक उजागर॥ जय धुनि बिमल बेद बर बानी। दस दिसि सुनिअ सुमंगल सानी॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
māgadha sūta bandi naṭa nāgara। gāvahiṃ jasu tihu loka ujāgara॥ jaya dhuni bimala beda bara bānī। dasa disi suni'a sumaṅgala sānī॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
The panegyrists, bards, actors, and clever performers are singing the glory of Rama, who illumines the three worlds. The cry of victory and the pure, excellent words of the Vedas, filled with auspiciousness, are heard in all ten directions.
बिपुल बाजने बाजन लागे। नभ सुर नगर लोग अनुरागे॥ बने बराती बरनि न जाहीं। महा मुदित मन सुख न समाहीं॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bipula bājane bājana lāge। nabha sura nagara loga anurāge॥ bane barātī barani na jāhīṃ। mahā mudita mana sukha na samāhīṃ॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
A multitude of musical instruments began to play. In heaven the gods, and in the city the people, are all filled with love. The wedding procession is so splendid that it cannot be described. They are in great joy, and no happiness can be contained in their hearts.
पुरबासिन्ह तब राय जोहारे। देखत रामहि भए सुखारे॥ करहिं निछावरि मनिगन चीरा। बारि बिलोचन पुलक सरीरा॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
purabāsinha taba rāya johāre। dekhata rāmahi bhae sukhāre॥ karahiṃ nichāvari manigana cīrā। bāri bilochana pulaka sarīrā॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
Then the people of Ayodhya offered salutations to the king. As soon as they saw Rama, they became filled with joy. They showered down gems and garments in offering. Their eyes were full of tears of love, and their bodies thrilled with goosebumps.
आरति करहिं मुदित पुर नारी। हरषहिं निरखि कुअँर बर चारी॥ सिबिका सुभग ओहार उघारी। देखि दुलहिनिन्ह होहिं सुखारी॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
ārati karahiṃ mudita pura nārī। haraṣahiṃ nirakhi kuãra bara cārī॥ sibikā subhaga ohāra ughārī। dekhi dulahininha hohiṃ sukhārī॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
The women of the city, delighted, perform ārati and rejoice at the sight of the four handsome princes. Lifting the beautiful curtains of the palanquins, they become happy on seeing the brides.
एहि बिधि सबही देत सुखु आए राजदुआर। मुदित मातु परिछनि करहिं बधुन्ह समेत कुमार॥ ३४८ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
ehi bidhi sabahī deta sukhu āe rājaduvāra। mudita mātu parichani karahiṃ badhunha sameta kumāra॥ 348 ॥
Meaning:
Thus, bringing joy to everyone, they arrived at the royal gate. The mothers, delighted, are performing the ceremonial welcoming ritual for the princes together with the brides.
करहिं आरती बारहिं बारा। प्रेमु प्रमोदु कहै को पारा॥ भूषन मनि पट नाना जाती। करहिं निछावरि अगनित भाँती॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
karahiṃ āratī bārahiṃ bārā। premu pramodu kahai ko pārā॥ bhūṣana mani paṭa nānā jātī। karahiṃ nichāvari aganita bhāṃtī॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
Again and again they wave the ārati lamp. Who can describe that love and delight? They offer countless kinds of ornaments, gems, garments, and other gifts.
बधुन्ह समेत देखि सुत चारी। परमानंद मगन महतारी॥ पुनि पुनि सीय राम छबि देखी। मुदित सफल जग जीवन लेखी॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
badhunha sameta dekhi suta cārī। paramānanda magana mahatārī॥ puni puni sīya rāma chabi dekhī। mudita saphala jaga jīvana lekhī॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
Seeing their four sons together with the brides, the mothers became immersed in supreme bliss. Looking again and again at the beauty of Sita and Rama, they rejoiced, counting their lives as fulfilled in this world.
सखीं सीय मुख पुनि पुनि चाही। गान करहिं निज सुकृत सराही॥ बरषहिं सुमन छनहिं छन देवा। नाचहिं गावहिं लावहिं सेवा॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
sakhīṃ sīya mukha puni puni cāhī। gāna karahiṃ nija sukṛta sarāhī॥ baraṣahiṃ sumana chanahiṃ chana devā। nācahiṃ gāvahiṃ lāvahiṃ sevā॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
The companions gaze again and again at Sita's face and, praising their own merit, sing in delight. The gods shower flowers every moment, dance, sing, and render their service.
देखि मनोहर चारिउ जोरीं। सारद उपमा सकल ढँढोरीं॥ देत न बनहिं निपट लघु लागीं। एकटक रहीं रूप अनुरागीं॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
dekhi manohara cāriu jorīṃ। sārada upamā sakala ḍhaṃḍhorīṃ॥ deta na banahiṃ nipaṭa laghu lāgīṃ। ekaṭaka rahīṃ rūpa anurāgīṃ॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
Seeing the four lovely pairs, Saraswati searched through all comparisons, but none would fit, for every comparison seemed utterly too small. So she, too, enamoured of Rama's form, remained gazing without blinking.
निगम नीति कुल रीति करि अरघ पाँवड़े देत। बधुन्ह सहित सुत परिछि सब चलीं लवाइ निकेत॥ ३४९ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
nigama nīti kula rīti kari aragha pāṃvaṛe deta। badhunha sahita suta parichi saba calīṃ lavāi niketa॥ 349 ॥
Meaning:
Following Vedic procedure and family custom, they offered arghya and ceremonial welcome. Having welcomed the sons together with the brides, the mothers led them away to the palace.
चारि सिंघासन सहज सुहाए। जनु मनोज निज हाथ बनाए॥ तिन्ह पर कुअँरि कुअँर बैठारे। सादर पाय पुनीत पखारे॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
cāri siṃghāsana sahaja suhāe। janu manoja nija hātha banāe॥ tinha para kuãri kuãra baiṭhāre। sādara pāya punīta pakhāre॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
There were four naturally beautiful thrones, as though Cupid himself had fashioned them with his own hands. On them the mothers seated the princesses and princes, and respectfully washed their sacred feet.
धूप दीप नैबेद बेद बिधि। पूजे बर दुलहिनि मंगलनिधि॥ बारहिं बार आरती करहीं। ब्यजन चारु चामर सिर ढरहीं॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
dhūpa dīpa naibeda beda bidhi। pūje bara dulahini maṅgalanidhi॥ bārahiṃ bāra āratī karahīṃ। byajana cāru cāmara sira ḍharahīṃ॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
According to Vedic rite, they worshiped the bridegroom and bride, the treasure of auspiciousness, with incense, lamps, and offerings. Again and again the mothers performed ārati, while beautiful fans and fly-whisks were held over the heads of the bridal pair.
बस्तु अनेक निछावरि होहीं। भरीं प्रमोद मातु सब सोहीं॥ पावा परम तत्व जनु जोगीं। अमृतु लहेउ जनु संतत रोगीं॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bastu aneka nichāvari hohīṃ। bharīṃ pramoda mātu saba sohīṃ॥ pāvā parama tattva janu jogīṃ। amṛtu laheu janu santata rogīṃ॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
Countless gifts are being offered. All the mothers, filled with joy, shine brilliantly, as though a yogi had attained the supreme truth. It is as if one long afflicted with illness has now received nectar.
जनम रंक जनु पारस पावा। अंधहि लोचन लाभु सुहावा॥ मूक बदन जनु सारद छाई। मानहुँ समर सूर जय पाई॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
janama raṃka janu pārasa pāvā। andhaha lochana lābhu suhāvā॥ mūka badana janu sārada chāī। mānahuṃ samara sūra jaya pāī॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
A born pauper seems to have found the philosopher's stone. The blind one has gained beautiful eyes. The dumb one seems to have been graced by Saraswati, and the brave warrior seems to have won victory in battle.
एहि सुख ते सत कोटि गुन पावहिं मातु अनंदु। भाइन्ह सहित बिआहि घर आए रघुकुलचंदु॥ ३५० (क) ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
ehi sukha te sata koṭi guna pāvahiṃ mātu anandu। bhāinhaṃ sahita biāhi ghara āe raghukulacandu॥ 350 (a) ॥
Meaning:
The mothers are receiving joy a hundred million times greater than these joys, for the Moon of the Raghu clan, Rama, has come home after the wedding together with his brothers.
लोक रीति जननीं करहिं बर दुलहिनि सकुचाहिं। मोदु बिनोदु बिलोकि बड़ रामु मनहिं मुसुकाहिं॥ ३५० (ख) ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
loka rīti jananīṃ karahiṃ bara dulahini sakucāhīṃ। modu binodu biloki baṛa rāmu manahiṃ musukāhīṃ॥ 350 (b) ॥
Meaning:
The mothers follow the customs of the world, while the bridegroom and bride feel shy. Seeing this great joy and merriment, Rama smiles within his heart.
देव पितर पूजे बिधि नीकी। पूजीं सकल बासना जी की॥ सबहि बंदि मागहिं बरदाना। भाइन्ह सहित राम कल्याना॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
deva pitara pūje bidhi nīkī। pūjīṃ sakala bāsanā jī kī॥ sabahi bandi māgahiṃ baradānā। bhāinhaṃ sahita rāma kalyānā॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
Seeing that all the desires of the heart have been fulfilled, they duly worship the gods and ancestors. Bowing to all, the mothers ask for this boon: may Rama, together with his brothers, be blessed.
अंतरहित सुर आसिष देहीं। मुदित मातु अंचल भरि लेहीं॥ भूपति बोलि बराती लीन्हे। जान बसन मनि भूषन दीन्हे॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
antarahita sura āsiṣa dehīṃ। mudita mātu aṃcala bhari lehīṃ॥ bhūpati boli barātī līnhe। jāna basana mani bhūṣana dīnhe॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
The gods, hidden from sight, are giving their blessings, and the mothers, delighted, fill their garments with them. Then the king summoned the wedding guests and gave them conveyances, garments, gems, and ornaments.
आयसु पाइ राखि उर रामहि। मुदित गए सब निज निज धामहि॥ पुर नर नारि सकल पहिराए। घर घर बाजन लगे बधाए॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
āyasu pāi rāakhi ura rāmahi। mudita gae saba nija nija dhāmahi॥ pura nara nāri sakala pahirāe। ghara ghara bājana lage badhāe॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
Receiving the command and keeping Rama in their hearts, they all went joyfully to their own homes. The king dressed all the men and women of the city in garments and ornaments. Congratulatory music began to sound in every house.
जाचक जन जाचहिं जोइ जोई। प्रमुदित राउ देहिं सोइ सोई॥ सेवक सकल बजनिआ नाना। पूरन किए दान सनमाना॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
jācaka jana jācahiṃ joi joī। pramudita rāu dehīṃ soi soī॥ sevaka sakala bajaniā nānā। pūrana kie dāna sanamānā॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
Whatever the beggars ask for, the king gladly gives them just that. He satisfied all the servants and the musicians with many kinds of gifts and honors.
देहिं असीस जोहारि सब गावहिं गुन गन गाथ। तब गुर भूसुर सहित गृहँ गवनु कीन्ह नरनाथ॥ ३५१ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
dehīṃ asīsa johāri saba gāvahiṃ guna gana gātha। taba gura bhūsura sahita gṛhaṃ gavanu kīnha naranātha॥ 351 ॥
Meaning:
All offer salutations and blessings while singing praises of his virtues. Then the king, together with the guru and the brahmins, returned to the palace.
जो बसिष्ट अनुसासन दीन्ही। लोक बेद बिधि सादर कीन्ही॥ भूसुर भीर देखि सब रानी। सादर उठीं भाग्य बड़ जानी॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
jo basiṣṭa anusāsana dīnhī। loka beda bidhi sādara kīnhī॥ bhūsura bhīra dekhi saba rānī। sādara uṭhīṃ bhāgya baṛa jānī॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
Whatever command Vasishtha gave was carried out respectfully by the king according to the customs of the world and the Veda. Seeing the crowd of Brahmins, all the queens rose respectfully, thinking themselves greatly blessed.
पाय पखारि सकल अन्हवाए। पूजि भली बिधि भूप जेवाँए॥ आदर दान प्रेम परिपोषे। देत असीस चले मन तोषे॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
pāya pakhāri sakala anhavāe। pūji bhalī bidhi bhūpa jevāṃe॥ ādara dāna prema paripoṣe। deta asīsa cale mana toṣe॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
After washing their feet, they had everyone bathed, and the king, after worshipping them properly, fed them. Strengthened by honor, gifts, and affection, they departed, giving blessings with contented hearts.
बहु बिधि कीन्हि गाधिसुत पूजा। नाथ मोहि सम धन्य न दूजा॥ कीन्हि प्रसंसा भूपति भूरी। रानिन्ह सहित लीन्हि पग धूरी॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bahu bidhi kīnhi gādhisuta pūjā। nātha mohi sama dhanya na dūjā॥ kīnhi prasaṃsā bhūpati bhūrī। rāninha sahita līnhi paga dhūrī॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
The king honored the son of Gadhi, Vishvamitra, in many ways and said, "O Lord, no one is as blessed as I am." The king praised him greatly and, along with the queens, received the dust of his feet.
भीतर भवन दीन्ह बर बासू। मन जोगवत रह नृपु रनिवासू॥ पूजे गुर पद कमल बहोरी। कीन्हि बिनय उर प्रीति न थोरी॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bhītara bhavana dīna bara bāsū। mana jogavata raha nṛpu ranivāsū॥ pūje guru pada kamala bahorī। kīnhi binaya ura prīti na thorī॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
A splendid place to stay was given inside the palace, where the king and the women of the inner apartments could attend to them with care. Then the king worshipped the lotus feet of Guru Vasishtha and offered his prayers. His heart was full of deep love.
बधुन्ह समेत कुमार सब रानिन्ह सहित महीसु। पुनि पुनि बंदत गुर चरन देत असीस मुनीसु॥ ३५२ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
badhunha sameta kumāra saba rāninha sahita mahīsu। puni puni baṃdata guru carana deta asīsa munīsu॥ 352 ॥
Meaning:
With their wives, all the princes, and the king together with the queens again and again bowed at the guru's feet, and the sage bestowed blessings.
बिनय कीन्हि उर अति अनुरागें। सुत संपदा राखि सब आगें॥ नेगु मागि मुनिनायक लीन्हा। आसिरबादु बहुत बिधि दीन्हा॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
binaya kīnhi ura ati anurāgẽ। suta saṃpadā rākhi saba āgẽ॥ negu māgi munināyaka līnhā। āsirabādu bahuta bidhi dīnhā॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
With a heart overflowing with love, the king humbly placed his sons and all his wealth before the sage. But the chief of sages accepted only the customary offering and gave blessings in many ways.
उर धरि रामहि सीय समेता। हरषि कीन्ह गुर गवनु निकेता॥ बिप्रबधू सब भूप बोलाईं। चैल चारु भूषन पहिराईं॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
ura dhari rāmahi sīya sametā। haraṣi kīnhi guru gavanu niketā॥ biprabadhū saba bhūpa bolāīṃ। caila cāru bhūṣana pahirāīṃ॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
Then, holding Rama and Sita in his heart, Guru Vasishtha departed joyfully for his abode. The king had all the wives of the Brahmins summoned and dressed them in lovely garments and ornaments.
बहुरि बोलाइ सुआसिनि लीन्हीं। रुचि बिचारि पहिरावनि दीन्हीं॥ नेगी नेग जोग सब लेहीं। रुचि अनुरूप भूपमनि देहीं॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bahuri bolāi suāsini līnhīṃ। ruci bicāri pahirāvani dīhīṃ॥ negī nega joga saba lēhīṃ। ruci anurūpa bhūpamani dēhīṃ॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
Then all the married women of good fortune were invited, and gifts of dress were given to them according to their taste. Those entitled to gifts received what was due to them, and the jewel among kings gave according to each one's wish.
प्रिय पाहुने पूज्य जे जाने। भूपति भली भाँति सनमाने॥ देव देखि रघुबीर बिबाहू। बरषि प्रसून प्रसंसि उछाहू॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
priya pāhune pūjya je jāne। bhūpati bhalī bhāṃti sanamāne॥ deva dekhi raghubīra bibāhū। baraṣi prasūna prasaṃsi uchāhū॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
Those guests who were regarded as dear and worthy of honor were properly honored by the king. Seeing Raghuvir's wedding, the gods showered flowers, praising the joyful celebration—
चले निसान बजाइ सुर निज निज पुर सुख पाइ। कहत परसपर राम जसु प्रेम न हृदयँ समाइ॥ ३५३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
cale nisāna bajāi sura nija nija pura sukha pāi। kahata paraspara rāma jasu prema na hṛdayaṃ samāi॥ 353 ॥
Meaning:
Beating the drums and rejoicing in supreme happiness, they returned to their own realms. They kept speaking to one another of Rama's glory; their hearts could not contain their love.
सब बिधि सबहि समदि नरनाहू। रहा हृदयँ भरि पूरि उछाहू॥ जहँ रनिवासु तहाँ पगु धारे। सहित बहूटिन्ह कुअँर निहारे॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
saba bidhi sabahi samadi naranāhū। rahā hṛdayaṃ bhari pūri uchāhū॥ jahaṃ ranivāsu tahāṃ pagu dhāre। sahita bahūṭinha kuaṃra nihāre॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
After honoring everyone in every way, King Dasharatha's heart was filled with overflowing joy. He went to the inner quarters, where he saw the princes together with the daughters-in-law.
लिए गोद करि मोद समेता। को कहि सकइ भयउ सुखु जेता॥ बधू सप्रेम गोद बैठारीं। बार बार हियँ हरषि दुलारीं॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
liē goda kari moda sametā। ko kahi sakai bhayau sukhu jetā॥ badhū saprema goda baiṭhārīṃ। bāra bāra hiyaṃ haraṣi dulārīṃ॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
The king took the sons into his arms with great joy. Who can describe the happiness he felt then? Then he seated the daughters-in-law lovingly on his lap and, again and again rejoicing in his heart, showered them with affection.
देखि समाजु मुदित रनिवासू। सब कें उर अनंद कियो बासू॥ कहेउ भूप जिमि भयउ बिबाहू। सुनि सुनि हरषु होत सब काहू॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
dekhi samāju mudita ranivāsū। saba keṃ ura ananda kiyo bāsū॥ kaheu bhūpa jimi bhayau bibāhū। sunai sunai haraṣu hota saba kāhū॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
Seeing the gathering, the women of the inner quarters were delighted. Joy took residence in everyone's heart. Then the king told how the wedding had taken place, and hearing it again and again, everyone felt joyful.
जनक राज गुन सीलु बड़ाई। प्रीति रीति संपदा सुहाई॥ बहुबिधि भूप भाट जिमि बरनी। रानी सब प्रमुदित सुनि करनी॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
janaka rāja gunu sīlu baṛāī। prīti rīti saṃpadā suhāī॥ bahubidhi bhūpa bhāṭa jimi baranī। rānī saba pramudita suni karanī॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
The king described King Janaka's virtues, conduct, greatness, loving customs, and splendid fortune in many ways, like a bard. Hearing of Janak's deeds, all the queens were greatly delighted.
सुतन्ह समेत नहाइ नृप बोलि बिप्र गुर ग्याति। भोजन कीन्ह अनेक बिधि घरी पंच गइ राति॥ ३५४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
sutanha sameta nahāi nṛpa boli bipra guru gyāti। bhojana kīnhi aneka bidhi gharī paṃca gai rāti॥ 354 ॥
Meaning:
After bathing with his sons, the king summoned the Brahmins, the guru, and his relatives and arranged many kinds of food. In all this, five watches of the night passed.
मंगलगान करहिं बर भामिनि। भै सुखमूल मनोहर जामिनि॥ अँचइ पान सब काहूँ पाए। स्रग सुगंध भूषित छबि छाए॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
maṃgalagāna karahiṃ bara bhāmini। bhai sukhamūla manohara jāmini॥ aṃcai pāna saba kāhūṃ pāe। sraga sugaṃdha bhūṣita chabi chāe॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
The noble ladies sang auspicious songs. That night became the source of happiness and delight. Everyone took betel leaves after sipping water, and adorned with garlands, fragrance, and ornaments, they shone with beauty.
रामहि देखि रजायसु पाई। निज निज भवन चले सिर नाई॥ प्रेम प्रमोदु बिनोदु बड़ाई। समउ समाजु मनोहरताई॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
rāmahi dekhi rajāyasu pāī। nija nija bhavana cale sira nāī॥ prema pramodu binodu baṛāī। samau samāju manoharatāī॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
Seeing Rama and receiving his command, all bowed their heads and returned to their homes. There the love, joy, delight, grandeur, occasion, gathering, and loveliness—
कहि न सकहिं सत सारद सेसू। बेद बिरंचि महेस गनेसू॥ सो मैं कहौं कवन बिधि बरनी। भूमिनागु सिर धरइ कि धरनी॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
kahi na sakahiṃ sata sārada sesū। beda biraṃci mahesa ganesū॥ so maiṃ kahauṃ kavana bidhi baranī। bhūmināgu sira dharai ki dharanī॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
Hundreds of Sarasvatis, Shesha, the Vedas, Brahma, Mahadev, and Ganesh themselves could not describe it. Then how could I possibly describe it? Can the earth-serpent bear it on his head, or can the earth itself?
नृप सब भाँति सबहि सनमानी। कहि मृदु बचन बोलाईं रानी॥ बधू लरिकनीं पर घर आईं। राखेहु नयन पलक की नाईं॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
nṛpa saba bhāṃti sabahi sanamānī। kahi mṛdu bacana bolāīṃ rānī॥ badhū larikanīṃ para ghara āīṃ। rākhehu nayana palaka kī nāīṃ॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
The king honored everyone in every possible way and, speaking gently, called the queens and said, 'The daughters-in-law are still young girls, and they have come to another's home. Keep them as the eyelids keep the eyes.'
लरिका श्रमित उनीद बस सयन करावहु जाइ। अस कहि गे बिश्रामगृहँ राम चरन चितु लाइ॥ ३५५ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
larikā śramita unīda basa sayana karāvahu jāi। asa kahi ge biśrāmagṛhaṃ rāma carana citu lāi॥ 355 ॥
Meaning:
The boys are tired and overcome by sleep; take them and put them to bed. Saying this, the king fixed his mind on Rama's feet and went to the rest house.
भूप बचन सुनि सहज सुहाए। जरित कनक मनि पलँग डसाए॥ सुभग सुरभि पय फेन समाना। कोमल कलित सुपेतीं नाना॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bhūpa bacana suni sahaja suhāe। jarita kanaka mani palaṃga ḍasāe॥ subhaga surabhi paya phena samānā। komala kalita supetīṃ nānā॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
Hearing the king's words, they naturally prepared beautiful couches and spread golden beds inlaid with gems. Many soft, lovely white covers, like the foam of cow's milk, were laid out.
उपबरहन बर बरनि न जाहीं। स्रग सुगंध मनिमंदिर माहीं॥ रतनदीप सुठि चारु चँदोवा। कहत न बनइ जान जेहिं जोवा॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
upabarahana bara barani na jāhīṃ। sraga sugaṃdha manimandira māhīṃ॥ ratanadīpa suṭhi cāru caṃdovā। kahata na banai jāna jehiṃ jovā॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
The beautiful pillows cannot be described. In the jeweled chamber, garlands of flowers and fragrances were arranged. The splendor of the jeweled lamps and the lovely canopy could not be put into words; only one who has seen it could know.
सेज रुचिर रचि रामु उठाए। प्रेम समेत पलँग पौढ़ाए॥ अग्या पुनि पुनि भाइन्ह दीन्ही। निज निज सेज सयन तिन्ह कीन्ही॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
seja rucira raci rāmu uṭhāe। prema sameta palaṃga pauṛhāe॥ agyā puni puni bhāinha dīnhī। nija nija seja sayana tinh kīnhī॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
Thus, after arranging the beautiful bed, the mothers lifted Rama and laid him lovingly on the couch. Rama again and again gave orders to the brothers, and then they too lay down on their own beds.
देखि स्याम मृदु मंजुल गाता। कहहिं सप्रेम बचन सब माता॥ मारग जात भयावनि भारी। केहि बिधि तात ताड़का मारी॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
dekhi śyāma mṛdu maṃjula gātā। kahahiṃ saprema bacana saba mātā॥ māraga jāta bhayāvani bhārī। kehi bidhi tāta tāṛakā mārī॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
Seeing Rama's dark, lovely, tender limbs, all the mothers speak lovingly: 'O dear one, on your journey how did you kill the dreadful demoness Tataka?'
घोर निसाचर बिकट भट समर गनहिं नहिं काहु। मारे सहित सहाय किमि खल मारीच सुबाहु॥ ३५६ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
ghora nisācara biṭaka bhaṭa samara ganahiṃ nahiṃ kāhu। māre sahita sahāya kimi khala mārīca subāhu॥ 356 ॥
Meaning:
How did you kill, along with their helpers, the wicked Maricha and Subahu—terrible demons, formidable warriors who counted no one in battle?
मुनि प्रसाद बलि तात तुम्हारी। ईस अनेक करवरें टारी॥ मख रखवारी करि दुहुँ भाईं। गुरु प्रसाद सब बिद्या पाईं॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
muni prasāda bali tāt tumhārī। īsa aneka karavarẽ ṭārī॥ makha rakhavārī kari duhuṃ bhāīṃ। guru prasāda saba bidyā pāīṃ॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
O dear one, I offer praise to ward off evil; it was by the grace of the sages that the Lord removed many dangers from you. The two brothers guarded the sacrifice, and by their guru’s grace they obtained all knowledge.
मुनितिय तरी लगत पग धूरी। कीरति रही भुवन भरि पूरी॥ कमठ पीठि पबि कूट कठोरा। नृप समाज महुँ सिव धनु तोरा॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
munitiya tarī lagata paga dhūrī। kīrati rahī bhuvana bhari pūrī॥ kamaṭha pīṭhi pabi kūṭa kaṭhorā। nṛpa samāja mahuṃ siva dhanu torā॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
As soon as the dust of your feet touched her, the sage’s wife Ahalya was redeemed. This glory spread fully throughout the worlds. In the assembly of kings, you broke Shiva’s bow, which was as hard as a tortoise’s back, a thunderbolt, and a mountain.
बिस्व बिजय जसु जानकि पाई। आए भवन ब्याहि सब भाई॥ सकल अमानुष करम तुम्हारे। केवल कौसिक कृपाँ सुधारे॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bisva bijaya jasu jānaki pāī। āe bhavana byāhi saba bhāī॥ sakala amānuṣa karama tumhāre। kevala kausika kṛpāṃ sudhāre॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
You won glorious victory over the world and won Janaki, and all the brothers returned home after their weddings. All your deeds are beyond ordinary human power; they were made possible only by the grace of Kaushika (Vishvamitra).
आजु सुफल जग जनमु हमारा। देखि तात बिधुबदन तुम्हारा॥ जे दिन गए तुम्हहि बिनु देखें। ते बिरंचि जनि पारहिं लेखें॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
āju suphala jaga janamu hamārā। dekhi tāt bidhubadana tumhārā॥ je dina gae tumhahi binu dekhen। te birañci jani pārahiṃ lekheṃ॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
O dear one, seeing your moonlike face, our birth in this world has today become fruitful. The days that passed without seeing you—may Brahma not count them at all.
राम प्रतोषीं मातु सब कहि बिनीत बर बैन। सुमिरि संभु गुर बिप्र पद किए नीदबस नैन॥ ३५७ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
rāma pratoṣīṃ mātu saba kahi binīta bara bain। sumiri sambhu guru bipra pada kie nīdabasa naina॥ 357 ॥
Meaning:
Speaking these humble and gracious words, Rama pleased all the mothers. Then, remembering the feet of Shiva, the guru, and the Brahmins, he let his eyes come under the power of sleep.
नीदउँ बदन सोह सुठि लोना। मनहुँ साँझ सरसीरुह सोना॥ घर घर करहिं जागरन नारीं। देहिं परसपर मंगल गारीं॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
nīdauṃ badana soha suṭhi lonā। manahuṃ sāṃjha sarasīruha sonā॥ ghara ghara karahiṃ jāgarana nārīṃ। dehiṃ parasapara maṅgala gārīṃ॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
Even in sleep, their charming face shone so beautifully, as though a red lotus of evening were glowing. Women were keeping vigil in every house, and exchanging festive playful blessings with one another.
पुरी बिराजति राजति रजनी। रानीं कहहिं बिलोकहु सजनी॥ सुंदर बधुन्ह सासु लै सोईं। फनिकन्ह जनु सिरमनि उर गोईं॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
purī birājati rājati rajanī। rānīṃ kahahiṃ bilokahu sajanī॥ sundara badhunhaṃ sāsu lai soīṃ। phanikanhaṃ janu siramani ura goīṃ॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
The queens said, ‘O friend, behold how splendid the night is, by which the city of Ayodhya shines even more brightly!’ And the mothers-in-law, taking the lovely brides along, went to sleep, as though snakes had hidden the jewels on their heads within their hearts.
प्रात पुनीत काल प्रभु जागे। अरुनचूड़ बर बोलन लागे॥ बंदि मागधन्हि गुनगन गाए। पुरजन द्वार जोहारन आए॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
prāta punīta kāla prabhu jāge। arunacūṛa bara bolana lāge॥ bandi māgadhanhi gunagana gāe। purajana dvāra johārana āe॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
At the pure hour of dawn, the Lord awoke. The roosters began to crow beautifully. Bards and royal panegyrists sang his praises, and the people of the city came to the door to offer salutations.
बंदि बिप्र सुर गुर पितु माता। पाइ असीस मुदित सब भ्राता॥ जननिन्ह सादर बदन निहारे। भूपति संग द्वार पगु धारे॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bandi bipra sura guru pitu mātā। pāi asīsa mudita saba bhrātā॥ jananinha sādara badana nihāre। bhūpati saṃga dvāra pagu dhāre॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
After bowing to the Brahmins, gods, guru, father, and mothers and receiving their blessings, all the brothers became delighted. The mothers looked upon their faces with reverence. Then they went with the king to the doorway.
कीन्हि सौच सब सहज सुचि सरित पुनीत नहाइ। प्रातक्रिया करि तात पहिं आए चारिउ भाइ॥ ३५८ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
kīnhi sauca saba sahaja suci sarita punīta nahāi। prātakriyā kari tāt pahiṃ āe cāriu bhāi॥ 358 ॥
Meaning:
Naturally pure, all four brothers completed their ablutions and bathed in the sacred Sarayu River. After performing their morning rites, they came to their father.
भूप बिलोकि लिए उर लाई। बैठे हरषि रजायसु पाई॥ देखि रामु सब सभा जुड़ानी। लोचन लाभ अवधि अनुमानी॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bhūpa biloki lie ura lāī। baiṭhe haraṣi rajāyasu pāī॥ dekhi rāmu saba sabhā juṛānī। locana lābha avadhi anumānī॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
The king, on seeing them, embraced them to his heart. Then, having received permission, he sat down rejoicing. Seeing Rama, the whole assembly grew delighted and calm, as though the gain of the eyes had reached its very limit.
पुनि बसिष्टु मुनि कौसिकु आए। सुभग आसनन्हि मुनि बैठाए॥ सुतन्ह समेत पूजि पद लागे। निरखि रामु दोउ गुर अनुरागे॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
puni basiṣṭu muni kausika āe। subhaga āsananhaṃ muni baiṭhāe॥ sutanhaṃ sameta pūji pada lāge। nirakhi rāmu doū guru anurāge॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
Then the sages Vasishtha and Kaushika (Vishvamitra) arrived. The king seated them on beautiful seats and, together with his sons, worshipped them and touched their feet. Both gurus, upon seeing Rama, were filled with love.
कहहिं बसिष्टु धरम इतिहासा। सुनहिं महीसु सहित रनिवासा॥ मुनि मन अगम गाधिसुत करनी। मुदित बसिष्ट बिपुल बिधि बरनी॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
kahahiṃ basiṣṭu dharama itihāsā। sunahiṃ mahīsu sahita ranivāsā॥ muni mana agama gādhisuta karanī। mudita basiṣṭa bipula bidhi baranī॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
Vasishtha narrated sacred histories of dharma, and the king listened along with the women of the inner palace. Vishvamitra’s deeds, which are beyond even the sages’ minds, were described joyfully by Vasishtha in many ways.
बोले बामदेउ सब साँची। कीरति कलित लोक तिहुँ माची॥ सुनि आनंदु भयउ सब काहू। राम लखन उर अधिक उछाहू॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bole bāmadeu saba sāṃcī। kīrati kalita loka tihuṃ mācī॥ suni ānaṃdu bhayau saba kāhū। rāma lakhana ura adhika uchāhū॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
Vamadeva said, ‘All this is true. Vishvamitra’s splendid fame has spread through the three worlds.’ Hearing this, everyone felt joy. In Rama and Lakshmana’s hearts, the delight was even greater.
मंगल मोद उछाह नित जाहिं दिवस एहि भाँति। उमगी अवध अनंद भरि अधिक अधिक अधिकाति॥ ३५९ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
maṅgala moda uchāha nita jāhiṃ divasa ehi bhāṃti। umagī avadha anaṃda bhari adhika adhika adhikāti॥ 359 ॥
Meaning:
Daily there are blessings, joy, and celebration; thus the days pass in happiness. Ayodhya overflowed with delight, and its abundance of joy kept increasing more and more.
सुदिन सोधि कल कंकन छोरे। मंगल मोद बिनोद न थोरे॥ नित नव सुखु सुर देखि सिहाहीं। अवध जन्म जाचहिं बिधि पाहीं॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
sudina sodhi kala kankan chhore। maṅgala moda binoda na thorẽ॥ nita nava sukhu sura dekhi sihāhīṃ। avadha janma jāchahiṃ bidhi pāhīṃ॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
After choosing an auspicious day, the bracelets were loosened and removed. Blessing, joy, and delight were in no short supply. Seeing ever-new happiness like this, even the gods marvel, and they pray to Brahma for birth in Ayodhya.
बिस्वामित्रु चलन नित चहहीं। राम सप्रेम बिनय बस रहहीं॥ दिन दिन सयगुन भूपति भाऊ। देखि सराह महामुनिराऊ॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bisvāmitru calana nita cahahīṃ। rāma saprema binaya basa rahahīṃ॥ dina dina sayaguna bhūpati bhāū। dekhi sarāha mahāmunirāū॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
Vishvamitra wished daily to depart for his own hermitage, but stayed because of Rama’s affection and humility. Day by day, seeing the king’s deepened affection, the great sage Vishvamitra praised him.
मागत बिदा राउ अनुरागे। सुतन्ह समेत ठाढ़ भे आगे॥ नाथ सकल संपदा तुम्हारी। मैं सेवकु समेत सुत नारी॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
māgata bidā rāu anurāge। sutanhaṃ sameta ṭhāḍha bhe āge॥ nātha sakala saṃpadā tumhārī। maiṃ sevaku sameta suta nārī॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
At last, when Vishvamitra asked to leave, the king was overwhelmed with affection and stood before him with his sons. He said, ‘O Lord, all this wealth is yours. I am your servant, together with my sons and wife.’
करब सदा लरिकन्ह पर छोहू। दरसनु देत रहब मुनि मोहू॥ अस कहि राउ सहित सुत रानी। परेउ चरन मुख आव न बानी॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
karaba sadā lari kanhaṃ para chohū। darasanu deta rahaba muni mohū॥ asa kahi rāu sahita suta rānī। pareu charana mukha āva na bānī॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
O sage, please always keep showing affection to the boys and continue granting me your darshan. Saying this, King Dasharatha fell at Vishvamitra’s feet with his sons and queens; overcome with emotion, he could not speak further.
दीन्हि असीस बिप्र बहु भाँती। चले न प्रीति रीति कहि जाती॥ रामु सप्रेम संग सब भाई। आयसु पाइ फिरे पहुँचाई॥ ५ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
dīnhi asīsa bipra bahu bhāṃtī। cale na prīti rīti kahi jātī॥ rāmu saprema saṃga saba bhāī। āyasu pāi phire pahuṃcāī॥ 5 ॥
Meaning:
The Brahmin Vishvamitra gave blessings in many ways and set out; the ways of love cannot be described. Rama, with affection, escorted him along with all his brothers, and then returned after receiving permission.
राम रूपु भूपति भगति ब्याहु उछाहु अनंदु। जात सराहत मनहिं मन मुदित गाधिकुलचंदु॥ ३६० ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
rāma rūpu bhūpati bhagati byāhu uchāhu anaṃdu। jāta sarāhata manahiṃ mana mudita ghādhikulacandu॥ 360 ॥
Meaning:
The moon of the Gadhi line, Vishvamitra, joyfully kept praising in his heart Rama’s beauty, King Dasharatha’s devotion, the brothers’ weddings, and the joy and enthusiasm of all.
बामदेव रघुकुल गुर ग्यानी। बहुरि गाधिसुत कथा बखानी॥ सुनि मुनि सुजसु मनहिं मन राऊ। बरनत आपन पुन्य प्रभाऊ॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bāmadeva raghukula gura gyānī। bahuri gādhisuta kathā bakhānī॥ suni muni sujasu manahiṃ mana rāū। baranata āpana punya prabhāū॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
Bamadeva, the wise teacher of the Raghu clan, then recounted the story of Gadhi’s son. Hearing the sage’s noble fame, the king mentally began to praise the power of his own merits.
बहुरे लोग रजायसु भयऊ। सुतन्ह समेत नृपति गृहँ गयऊ॥ जहँ तहँ राम ब्याहु सबु गावा। सुजसु पुनीत लोक तिहुँ छावा॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bahure loga rajāyasu bhayū। sutanha sameta nṛpati gṛhaṃ gayū॥ jahaṃ tahaṃ rāma byāhu sabu gāvā। sujasu punīta loka tihuṃ chāvā॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
Then, on receiving the command, all the people returned to their homes. King Dasharatha also went to the palace with his sons. Everywhere people sang of Rama’s wedding. His pure fame spread through all the three worlds.
आए ब्याहि रामु घर जब तें। बसइ अनंद अवध सब तब तें॥ प्रभु बिबाहँ जस भयउ उछाहू। सकहिं न बरनि गिरा अहिनाहू॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
āe byāhi rāmu ghara jaba teṃ। basai ananda avadha saba taba teṃ॥ prabhu bibāhaṃ jasa bhayau uchāhū। sakahiṃ na barani girā ahināhū॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
From the time Rama returned home after the wedding, all of Ayodhya became filled with bliss. The joy and excitement at the Lord’s marriage were such that even Sarasvati and Shesha, the king of serpents, could not describe them.
कबिकुल जीवनु पावन जानी। राम सीय जसु मंगल खानी॥ तेहि ते मैं कछु कहा बखानी। करन पुनीत हेतु निज बानी॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
kabikula jīvanu pāvana jānī। rāma sīya jasu maṅgala khānī॥ tehi teṃ maiṃ kachu kahā bakhānī। karana punīta hetu nija bānī॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
Knowing the fame of Rama and Sita to be the life of the poetical lineage and a mine of auspiciousness, I have spoken this little in praise of it, in order to purify my own speech.