The Wedding of Sita and Rama
The sacred wedding of Sita and Rama is solemnized according to holy rites, along with the marriages of the other princes. Janakpur is immersed in a blessed celebration filled with Vedic chants, divine joy, and universal gladness.
Bal Kand · Episode 57 / 59
Episode Text
जनक पाटमहिषी जग जानी। सीय मातु किमि जाइ बखानी॥ सुजसु सुकृत सुख सुंदरताई। सब समेटि बिधि रची बनाई॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
janaka pāṭamahiṣī jaga jānī। sīya mātu kimi jāi bakhānī॥ sujasu sukṛta sukha suṃdaratāī। saba sameṭi bidhi racī banāī॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
Janaka’s world-renowned chief queen, the mother of Sita, cannot possibly be described. Gathering together fame, merit, joy, and beauty, the Creator fashioned her with care.
समउ जानि मुनिबरन्ह बोलाईं। सुनत सुआसिनि सादर ल्याईं॥ जनक बाम दिसि सोह सुनयना। हिमगिरि संग बनी जनु मयना॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
samau jāni munibaranha bolāīṃ। sunata suāsini sādara lyāīṃ॥ janaka bāma disi soha sunayanā। himagiri saṃga banī janu mayanā॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
Knowing the proper time, the foremost sages called them. Hearing this, the married women brought her respectfully. Sunayana, Janaka’s queen, shines to Janaka’s left like Maina beside the Himalaya.
कनक कलस मनि कोपर रूरे। सुचि सुगंध मंगल जल पूरे॥ निज कर मुदित रायँ अरु रानी। धरे राम के आगें आनी॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
kanaka kalasa mani kopara rūre। suci sugaṃdha maṃgala jala pūre॥ nija kara mudita rāyaṃ aru rānī। dhare rāma ke āgẽ ānī॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
Golden vessels and beautiful jeweled trays filled with pure, fragrant, auspicious water were brought joyfully by the king and queen with their own hands and placed before Rama.
पढ़हिं बेद मुनि मंगल बानी। गगन सुमन झरि अवसरु जानी॥ बरु बिलोकि दंपति अनुरागे। पाय पुनीत पखारन लागे॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
paṛhahiṃ beda muni maṃgala bānī। gagana sumana jhari avasaru jānī॥ baru biloki daṃpati anurāge। pāya punīta pakhārana lāge॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
The sages were reciting the Vedas in words of blessing. Knowing the moment to be auspicious, a shower of flowers fell from the sky. Seeing the bridegroom, the king and queen were filled with love and began to wash his sacred feet.
लागे पखारन पाय पंकज प्रेम तन पुलकावली। नभ नगर गान निसान जय धुनि उमगि जनु चहुँ दिसि चली॥ जे पद सरोज मनोज अरि उर सर सदैव बिराजहीं। जेसकृतसुमिरतबिमलता मनसकल कलि मल भाजहीं॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
lāge pakhārana pāya paṃkaja prema tana pulakāvalī। nabha nagara gāna nisāna jaya dhuni umagi janu cahuṃ disi calī॥ je pada saroja manoja ari ura sara sadai b irājahīṃ। jesakṛtasumiratabimalatā manasakala kali mala bhājahīṃ॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
They began to wash the lotus feet, and love made every hair on their bodies stand on end. In the sky and in the city, songs, drums, and cries of victory surged forth as if spreading in all directions. Those lotus feet forever abide in the heart-lake of Lord Shiva, the enemy of Kama; by remembering them, the mind becomes pure and all the stains of Kali Yuga depart.
जे परसि मुनिबनिता लही गति रही जो पातकमई। मकरंदु जिन्ह को संभु सिर सुचिता अवधि सुर बरनई॥ करि मधुप मन मुनि जोगिजन जे सेइ अभिमत गति लहैं। ते पद पखारत भाग्यभाजनु जनकु जय जय सब कहैं॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
je parasi munibanitā lahī gati rahī jo pātakamayī। makaraṃdu jinha ko saṃbhu sira sucitā avadhi sura barnāī॥ kari madhupa mana muni yogijana je sei abhimata gati lahaiṃ। te pada pakhārata bhāgyabhājanu janaku jaya jaya saba kahaiṃ॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
By whose touch Ahalya, the wife of the sage Gautama, who had been stained by sin, attained the highest state; whose nectar is praised by the gods as the height of purity and rests upon Shiva’s head; whose service grants sages and yogis the state they desire when they make their minds into bees—those very feet are now being washed by fortunate Janak, and all cry victory, victory.
बर कुअँरि करतल जोरि साखोचारु दोउ कुलगुर करैं। भयो पानिगहनु बिलोकि बिधि सुर मनुज मुनि आनँद भरैं॥ सुखमूल दूलहु देखि दंपति पुलक तन हुलस्यो हियो। करि लोक बेद बिधानु कन्यादानु नृपभूषन कियो॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bara kuām̐ri karatala jori sākhocāru dou kulagura karaiṃ। bhayo pāṇigahanu biloki bidhi sura manuja muni ānaṃda bharaiṃ॥ sukhamūla dūlahu dekhi daṃpati pulaka tana hulasyo hio। kari loka beda bidhānu kanyādānu nṛpabhūṣana kiyo॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
The two family priests joined the hands of the bride and groom and performed the auspicious rite. Seeing the marriage ceremony, Brahma, the gods, humans, and sages were filled with joy. Seeing the bridegroom, the source of happiness, the king and queen’s bodies thrilled with goosebumps and their hearts swelled with joy. Following worldly and Vedic custom, King Janak, the ornament of kings, gave the maiden in marriage.
हिमवंत जिमि गिरिजा महेसहि हरिहि श्री सागर दई। तिमि जनक रामहि सिय समरपी बिस्व कल कीरति नई॥ क्यों करै बिनय बिदेहु कियो बिदेहु मूरति सावँरीं। करि होमु बिधिवत गाँठि जोरी होन लागीं भावँरीं॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
himavaṃta jimi girijā mahesahi harihi śrī sāgara daī। timi janaka rāmahi sīya samarapī bisva kala kīrati nāī॥ kyoṃ karai binaya bidehu kiyo bidehu mūrati sāvaṃrīṃ। kari homu bidhivata gām̐ṭhi jorī hona lāgīṃ bhām̐varīṃ॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
Just as Himavan gave Parvati to Shiva and the ocean gave Lakshmi to Vishnu, in the same way Janak offered Sita to Rama, and a fresh glory spread through the world. How can Vidheha offer praise? That dark-hued form truly made him “Vidheha”—one beyond bodily awareness. The sacred fire was lit, the wedding knot tied, and the rounds around the fire began.
जय धुनि बंदी बेद धुनि मंगल गान निसान। सुनि हरषहिं बरषहिं बिबुध सुरतरु सुमन सुजान॥ ३२४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
jaya dhuni bandī beda dhuni maṃgala gāna nisāna। suni haraṣahiṃ baraṣahiṃ bibudha surataru sumana sujāna॥ 324 ॥
Meaning:
Hearing the cries of victory, the praises of bards, the chant of the Vedas, the auspicious songs, and the sound of drums, the wise gods rejoice and shower flowers from the wish-fulfilling trees.
कुअँरु कुअँरि कल भावँरि देहीं। नयन लाभु सब सादर लेहीं॥ जाइ न बरनि मनोहर जोरी। जो उपमा कछु कहौं सो थोरी॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
kuām̐ru kuām̐ri kala bhām̐vari dehīṃ। nayana lābhu saba sādara lehīṃ॥ jāi na barani manohara jorī। jo upamā kachu kahauṃ so thorī॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
The bridegroom and bride are making graceful circumambulations. Everyone respectfully delights their eyes by beholding them. The lovely pair cannot be described; whatever simile I offer would still be too little.
राम सीय सुंदर प्रतिछाहीं। जगमगात मनि खंभन माहीं॥ मनहुँ मदन रति धरि बहु रूपा। देखत राम बिआहु अनूपा॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
rāma sīya suṃdara praticchāhīṃ। jagamagāta mani khaṃbhana māhīṃ॥ manahū̃ madana rati dhari bahu rūpā। dekhat rāma biāhu anūpā॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
The beautiful reflections of Rama and Sita shimmer in the jeweled pillars, as if Kama and Rati have assumed many forms to behold Rama’s incomparable wedding.
दरस लालसा सकुच न थोरी। प्रगटत दुरत बहोरि बहोरी॥ भए मगन सब देखनिहारे। जनक समान अपान बिसारे॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
darasa lālasā sakuca na thorī। pragaṭata durata bahori bahorī॥ bhae magana saba dekhanihāre। janaka samāna apāna bisāre॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
Their longing to behold and their shy hesitation are both intense, so they seem to appear and disappear again and again. All who watched became absorbed, and like Janak, they forgot themselves.
प्रमुदित मुनिन्ह भावँरीं फेरीं। नेगसहित सब रीति निबेरीं॥ राम सीय सिर सेंदुर देहीं। सोभा कहि न जाति बिधि केहीं॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
pramudita muninha bhām̐varīṃ pherīṃ। negasahita saba rīti nibērīṃ॥ rāma sīya sira seṃdura dehīṃ। sobhā kahi na jāti bidhi kehīṃ॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
The sages joyfully completed the circumambulations and all the customary rites. Rama now places vermilion on Sita’s head; such beauty cannot be described in any way.
अरुन पराग जलजु भरि नीकें। ससिहि भूष अहि लोभ अमी कें॥ बहुरि बसिष्ठ दीन्हि अनुसासन। बरु दुलहिनि बैठे एक आसन॥ ५ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
aruna parāga jalaju bhari nīkẽ। sasihi bhūṣa ahi lobha amī kẽ॥ bahuri basiṣṭha dīnhi anusāsana। baru dulahini baiṭhe eka āsana॥ 5 ॥
Meaning:
It is as if a serpent, coveting nectar, is adorning the moon by filling a lotus with red pollen. [Here the bridegroom’s hand is likened to a lotus, the vermilion to pollen, Rama’s dark arm to a serpent, and Sita’s face to the moon.] Then Vasistha gave the order, and the bride and groom sat together on one seat.
बैठे बरासन रामु जानकि मुदित मन दसरथु भए। तनु पुलक पुनि पुनि देखि अपनें सुकृत सुरतरु फल नए॥ भरि भुवन रहा उछाहु राम बिबाहु भा सबहीं कहा। केहि भाँति बरनि सिरात रसना एक यहु मंगलु महा॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
baiṭhe barāsana rāmu jānaki mudita mana dasarathu bhae। tanu pulaka puni puni dekhi apaneṃ sukṛta surataru phala nae॥ bhari bhuvana rahā ucchāhu rāma bibāhu bhā sabahīṃ kahā। kehi bhām̐ti barani sirāta rasanā eka yahu maṃgalu mahā॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
Rama and Janaki sat on the royal seat; seeing them, Dasharatha was greatly delighted. Again and again his body thrilled as he saw the new fruit of his tree of merit, like a wish-fulfilling tree. Joy filled the whole world; everyone said, “Rama’s wedding has taken place.” How can one describe and bring to an end this great auspiciousness with only one tongue?
तब जनक पाइ बसिष्ठ आयसु ब्याह साज सँवारि कै। मांडवी श्रुतकीरति उरमिला कुअँरि लईं हँकारि कै॥ कुसकेतु कन्या प्रथम जो गुन सील सुख सोभामई। सब रीति प्रीति समेत करि सो ब्याहि नृप भरतहि दई॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
taba janaka pāi basiṣṭha āyasu byāha sāja sam̐vāri kai। māṃḍavī śrutakīrati uramilā kuām̐ri laīṃ ham̐kāri kai॥ kuseketu kanyā prathama jo guna sīla sukha sobhāmayī। saba rīti prīti sameta kari so byāhi nṛpa bharatahi daī॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
Then, receiving Vasistha’s command, Janak arranged the wedding paraphernalia and called Mandavi, Shrutakirti, and Urmila. He gave the eldest daughter of Kushadhwaja, who was the very embodiment of virtue, character, happiness, and beauty, to Bharata in marriage, with love and all due rites.
जानकी लघु भगिनी सकल सुंदरि सिरोमनि जानि कै। सो तनय दीन्ही ब्याहि लखनहि सकल बिधि सनमानि कै॥ जेहि नामु श्रुतकीरति सुलोचनि सुमुखि सब गुन आगरी। सो दई रिपुसूदनहि भूपति रूप सील उजागरी॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
jānakī laghu bhaginī sakala suṃdari siromani jāni kai। so tanaya dīnhī byāhi lakhanahi sakala bidhi sanamāni kai॥ jehi nāmu śrutakīrati sulocani sumukhi saba guna āgarī। so daī ripusūdanahi bhūpati rūpa sīla ujāgarī॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
Knowing Janaki’s younger sister Urmila to be the crest jewel among all beautiful women, he honored that daughter in every way and gave her in marriage to Lakshmana. And the one named Shrutakirti, lovely-eyed, fair-faced, the treasure of all virtues, and illustrious in form and character, was given by the king to Shatrughna.
अनुरूप बर दुलहिनि परस्पर लखि सकुच हियँ हरषहीं। सब मुदित सुंदरता सराहहिं सुमन सुर गन बरषहीं॥ सुंदरीं सुंदर बरन्ह सह सब एक मंडप राजहीं। जनु जीव उर चारिउ अवस्था बिभुन सहित बिराजहीं॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
anurūpa bara dulahini paraspara lakhi sakuca hiyaṃ haraṣahīṃ। saba mudita suṃdaratā sarāhahiṃ sumana sura gana baraṣahīṃ॥ suṃdarīṃ suṃdara baranha saha saba eka maṃḍapa rājahīṃ। janu jīva ura cāriu avasthā bibhuna sahita birājahīṃ॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
The brides and bridegrooms, matched to one another, look at each other and shyly rejoice in their hearts. Everyone praises their beauty with delight, and the gods shower flowers. The beautiful brides, together with the handsome grooms, shine in one pavilion, as if the four states of being in the heart of the embodied self were seated there together with their respective lords.
मुदित अवधपति सकल सुत बधुन्ह समेत निहारि। जनु पाए महिपाल मनि क्रियन्ह सहित फल चारि॥ ३२५ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
mudita avadhapati sakala suta badhunha sameta nihāri। janu pāe mahipāla mani kriyanha sahita phala cāri॥ 325 ॥
Meaning:
Seeing all his sons together with their brides, the king of Ayodhya, Dasharatha, is delighted as though he has obtained the four aims of life, together with the rites, like the foremost among kings.
जसि रघुबीर ब्याह बिधि बरनी। सकल कुअँर ब्याहे तेहिं करनी॥ कहि न जाइ कछु दाइज भूरी। रहा कनक मनि मंडपु पूरी॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
jasi raghubīra byāha bidhi baranī। sakala kuaṃra byāhe tehiṃ karanī॥ kahi na jāi kacha dāija bhūrī। rahā kanaka mani maṃḍapu pūrī॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
The wedding ceremony of Shri Ramchandra was described in that manner; in the same way, all the princes were married. The abundance of gifts cannot be fully described; the entire pavilion was filled with gold and jewels.
कंबल बसन बिचित्र पटोरे। भाँति भाँति बहु मोल न थोरे॥ गज रथ तुरग दास अरु दासी। धेनु अलंकृत कामदुहा सी॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
kaṃbala basana bicitra paṭore। bhāṃti bhāṃti bahu mola na thore॥ gaja ratha turaga dāsa aru dāsī। dhenu alaṃkṛta kāmaduhā sī॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
There were many blankets, garments, and varied fine silks of many kinds, not of little value (that is, very precious), along with elephants, chariots, horses, male and female servants, and cows adorned like Kamadhenu.
बस्तु अनेक करिअ किमि लेखा। कहि न जाइ जानहिं जिन्ह देखा॥ लोकपाल अवलोकि सिहाने। लीन्ह अवधपति सबु सुखु माने॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bastu aneka kari'a kimi lekhā। kahi na jāi jānahiṃ jinha dekhā॥ lokapāla avaloki sihāne। līnha avadhapati sabu sukhu māne॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
There are countless items; how can they be counted? They cannot be described—only those who saw them know. Even the guardians of the world were astonished at the sight. King Dasharatha, lord of Ayodhya, accepted everything with joy.
दीन्ह जाचकन्हि जो जेहि भावा। उबरा सो जनवासेहिं आवा॥ तब कर जोरि जनकु मृदु बानी। बोले सब बरात सनमानी॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
dīnha jācakanhi jo jehi bhāvā। ubarā so janavāsehiṃ āvā॥ taba kara jori janaku mṛdu bānī। bole saba barāta sanamānī॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
Whatever gifts each petitioner liked were given to them. What remained came to the bridal lodging. Then Janakji folded his hands and, honoring the entire wedding party, spoke in gentle words.
सनमानि सकल बरात आदर दान बिनय बड़ाइ कै। प्रमुदित महा मुनि बृंद बंदे पूजि प्रेम लड़ाइ कै॥ सिरु नाइ देव मनाइ सब सन कहत कर संपुट किएँ। सुर साधु चाहत भाउ सिंधु कि तोष जल अंजलि दिएँ॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
sanamāni sakala barāta ādara dāna binaya baḍāi kai। pramudita mahā muni bṛnda bande pūji prema laḍāi kai॥ siru nāi deva manāi saba sana kahata kara saṃpuṭa kieṃ। sura sādhu cāhata bhāu sindhu ki toṣa jala añjali dieṃ॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
By honor, gifts, humility, and praise, King Janak honored the whole wedding party. Filled with great delight, he lovingly showed affection to the assembly of sages and worshiped them. Bowing his head and pleasing the gods, he spoke with folded hands to all, saying that gods and saints desire only devotion; how can the ocean be satisfied by a single handful of water?
कर जोरि जनकु बहोरि बंधु समेत कोसलराय सों। बोले मनोहर बयन सानि सनेह सील सुभाय सों॥ संबंध राजन रावरें हम बड़े अब सब बिधि भए। एहि राज साज समेत सेवक जानिबे बिनु गथ लए॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
kara jori janaku bahori baṃdhu sameta kosalarāya soṃ। bole manohara bayana sāni saneha sīla subhāya soṃ॥ saṃbaṃdha rājana rāvareṃ hama baḍe aba saba bidhi bhae। ehi rāja sāja sameta sevaka jānibe binu gatha lae॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
Then Janakji, with his brothers, folded his hands before the lord of Kosala, Dasharatha, and spoke delightful words steeped in affection, modesty, and graciousness: 'O King, by our bond with you we have become great in every way. Regard us, along with this royal dignity, as your servants taken without price.'
ए दारिका परिचारिका करि पालिबीं करुना नई। अपराधु छमिबो बोलि पठए बहुत हौं ढीट्यो कई॥ पुनि भानुकुलभूषन सकल सनमान निधि समधी किए। कहि जाति नहिं बिनती परस्पर प्रेम परिपूरन हिए॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
e dārikā paricārikā kari pālibīṃ karunā naī। aparādhu chamibo boli paṭhae bahuta hauṃ dhīṭyo kai॥ puni bhānukulabhūṣana sakala sanamāna nidhi samadhī kie। kahi jāti nahiṃ binatī paraspara prema paripūrana hie॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
Please, with fresh compassion, treat these girls as attendants and protect them. Forgive my fault, for I was very bold in sending for you here. Then Dasharatha, ornament of the Solar race, honored his match Janakji so greatly that he became a treasury of respect. Their mutual humility cannot be described; both hearts are full of love.
बृंदारका गन सुमन बरिसहिं राउ जनवासेहि चले। दुंदुभी जय धुनि बेद धुनि नभ नगर कौतूहल भले॥ तब सखीं मंगल गान करत मुनीस आयसु पाइ कै। दूलह दुलहिनिन्ह सहित सुंदरि चलीं कोहबर ल्याइ कै॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bṛṃdārakā gana sumana barisahiṃ rāu janavāsehi cale। duṃdubhī jaya dhuni beda dhuni nabha nagara kautūhala bhale॥ taba sakhīṃ maṃgala gāna karata munīsa āyasu pāi kai। dūlaha dulahininha sahita suṃdari calīṃ kohabara lyāi kai॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
The gods showered flowers as the king went to the bridal lodging. The sound of drums, cries of victory, and the chanting of the Vedas filled the sky and the city with great wonder and joy. Then, receiving the sage's command, the beautiful maidens sang auspicious songs and led the bridegrooms and brides to the bridal chamber.
पुनि पुनि रामहि चितव सिय सकुचति मनु सकुचै न। हरत मनोहर मीन छबि प्रेम पिआसे नैन॥ ३२६ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
puni puni rāmahi citava siya sakucati manu sakucai na। harata manohara mīna chabi prema piāse naina॥ 326 ॥
Meaning:
Sita gazes again and again at Rama and grows bashful, yet her mind does not shrink. Her love-thirsty eyes are drawn to the charm of the lovely fish-like eyes.
स्याम सरीरु सुभायँ सुहावन। सोभा कोटि मनोज लजावन॥ जावक जुत पद कमल सुहाए। मुनि मन मधुप रहत जिन्ह छाए॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
śyāma sarīru subhāyaṃ suhāvana। sobhā koṭi manoja lajāvana॥ jāvaka juta pada kamala suhāe। muni mana madhupa rahata jinha chāe॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
Shri Ramchandra's dark-complexioned body is beautiful by its very nature. Its splendor puts millions of Cupids to shame. His lotus feet, adorned with red lacquer, are most lovely, on which the bumblebees of the sages' minds ever rest.
पीत पुनीत मनोहर धोती। हरति बाल रबि दामिनि जोती॥ कल किंकिनि कटि सूत्र मनोहर। बाहु बिसाल बिभूषन सुंदर॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
pīta punīta manohara dhotī। harati bāla rabi dāmini jotī॥ kala kiṃkini kaṭi sūtra manohara। bāhu bisāla bibhūṣana suṃdara॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
His pure and lovely yellow lower garment seems to eclipse the light of the morning sun and lightning. Around His waist are a charming tinkling girdle and sash, and His broad arms are adorned with beautiful ornaments.
पीत जनेउ महाछबि देई। कर मुद्रिका चोरि चितु लेई॥ सोहत ब्याह साज सब साजे। उर आयत उरभूषन राजे॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
pīta janeū mahāchabi deī। kara mudrikā cori citu leī॥ sohata byāha sāja saba sāje। ura āyata urbhūṣana rājē॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
The yellow sacred thread gives Him great splendor. The ring on His hand steals the heart. All the wedding adornments look splendid on Him, and beautiful ornaments for the broad chest shine upon His heart.
पिअर उपरना काखासोती। दुहुँ आँचरन्हि लगे मनि मोती॥ नयन कमल कल कुंडल काना। बदनु सकल सौंदर्ज निधाना॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
piara uparanā kākhāsotī। duhuṃ āṃcaranhi lage mani motī॥ nayana kamala kala kuṃḍala kānā। badanu sakala sauṃdarja nidhānā॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
A yellow upper cloth, worn in the manner of a sacred shoulder cloth, adorns Him, with jewels and pearls attached to both ends. His eyes are like lotuses, His ears bear lovely earrings, and His face is a treasure-house of all beauty.
सुंदर भृकुटि मनोहर नासा। भाल तिलकु रुचिरता निवासा॥ सोहत मौरु मनोहर माथे। मंगलमय मुकुता मनि गाथे॥ ५ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
suṃdara bhṛkuṭi manohara nāsā। bhāla tilaku ruciratā nivāsā॥ sohata mauru manohara māthe। maṃgalamaya mukutā mani gāthe॥ 5 ॥
Meaning:
His brows are beautiful and His nose charming. The tilak on His forehead seems like the very abode of loveliness. A lovely crown sits upon His head, with auspicious pearls and jewels strung into it.
गाथे महामनि मौर मंजुल अंग सब चित चोरहीं। पुर नारि सुर सुंदरीं बरहि बिलोकि सब तिन तोरहीं॥ मनि बसन भूषन वारि आरति करहिं मंगल गावहीं। सुर सुमन बरिसहिं सूत मागध बंदि सुजसु सुनावहीं॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
gāthe mahāmani maura maṃjula aṃga saba cita corahīṃ। pura nāri sura suṃdarīṃ barahi biloki saba tina torahīṃ॥ mani basana bhūṣana vāri ārati karahiṃ maṃgala gāvahīṃ। sura sumana barisahiṃ sūta māgadha baṃdi sujasu sunāvahīṃ॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
Priceless jewels are strung into the lovely crown, and every limb steals the heart. The women of the city and the celestial maidens, seeing the bridegroom, are all enchanted. Waving jewels, garments, and ornaments in offering, they sing auspicious songs, while the gods shower flowers and the Sutas, Magadhas, and bards proclaim His fame.
कोहबरहिं आने कुअँर कुअँरि सुआसिनिन्ह सुख पाइ कै। अति प्रीति लौकिक रीति लागीं करन मंगल गाइ कै॥ लहकौरि गौरि सिखाव रामहि सीय सन सारद कहैं। रनिवासु हास बिलास रस बस जन्म को फलु सब लहैं॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
kohabarahiṃ āne kuaṃra kuaṃri suāsininha sukha pāi kai। ati prīti laukika rīti lāgīṃ karana maṃgala gāi kai॥ lahakauri gauri sikhāva rāmahi sīya sana sārada kahaiṃ। ranivāsu hāsa bilāsa rasa basa janma ko phalu saba lahaiṃ॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
The married women, rejoicing, brought the boys and girls into the bridal chamber and, with great affection, began performing the customary rites while singing auspicious songs. Goddess Gauri teaches Rama the exchange of morsels between bride and groom, and Sarasvati teaches Sita. The women of the inner quarters, absorbed in the delight of laughter and play, feel that they are all receiving the supreme fruit of life.
निज पानि मनि महुँ देखिअति मूरति सुरूपनिधान की। चालति न भुजबल्ली बिलोकनि बिरह भय बस जानकी॥ कौतुक बिनोद प्रमोदु प्रेमु न जाइ कहि जानहिं अलीं। बर कुअँरि सुंदर सकल सखीं लवाइ जनवासेहि चलीं॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
nija pāni mani mahuṃ dekhirati mūrati surūpanidhāna kī। cālati na bhujaballī bilokani biraha bhaya basa jānakī॥ kautuka binodu pramodu premu na jāi kahi jānahiṃ alīṃ। bara kuaṃri suṃdara sakala sakhīṃ lavāi janavāsehiṃ calīṃ॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
In the jewels on her own hand, she sees the reflection of the image of the treasure-house of beauty. Seeing this, Janaki, fearing separation in the act of gazing, does not move her vine-like arms. The joy of play, delight, merriment, and love cannot be described; only the maids know it. Then all the beautiful maidens led the bride and groom away to the bridal lodging.
तेहि समय सुनिअ असीस जहँ तहँ नगर नभ आनँदु महा। चिरु जिअहुँ जोरीं चारु चार्यो मुदित मन सबहीं कहा॥ जोगींद्र सिद्ध मुनीस देव बिलोकि प्रभु दुंदुभि हनी। चले हरषि बरषि प्रसून निज निज लोक जय जय जय भनी॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
tehi samaya suni'a asīsa jahaṃ tahaṃ nagara nabha ānaṃdu mahā। ciru jiahuṃ jorīṃ cāru cāryo mudita mana sabahīṃ kahā॥ jogīṃdra siddha munīsa deva biloki prabhu duṃdubhi hanī। cale haraṣi baraṣi prasūna nija nija loka jaya jaya jaya bhanī॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
At that time, blessings could be heard everywhere in the city and in the sky, and great joy prevailed. All, with delighted hearts, said that the four beautiful couples should live long. The great yogis, siddhas, sages, and gods, upon seeing the Lord, beat their drums, and, rejoicing and showering flowers, returned to their own abodes, chanting 'Victory, victory, victory.'
सहित बधूटिन्ह कुअँर सब तब आए पितु पास। सोभा मंगल मोद भरि उमगेउ जनु जनवास॥ ३२७ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
sahita baḍhūṭinha kuaṃra saba taba āe pitu pāsa। sobhā maṃgala moda bhari umageu janu janavāsa॥ 327 ॥
Meaning:
Then all the princes came to their father along with the brides. It seemed as though the bridal lodging itself had overflowed with beauty, auspiciousness, and joy.
पुनि जेवनार भई बहु भाँती। पठए जनक बोलाइ बराती॥ परत पाँवड़े बसन अनूपा। सुतन्ह समेत गवन कियो भूपा॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
puni jevanāra bhaī bahu bhāṃtī। paṭhae janaka bolāi barātī॥ parata pāṃvaḍe basana anūpā। sutanha sameta gavana kiyo bhūpā॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
Then a feast of many kinds was prepared. Janakji sent and invited the wedding party. King Dasharatha departed along with his sons. Fine cloths were spread out beneath their steps.
सादर सब के पाय पखारे। जथाजोगु पीढ़न्ह बैठारे॥ धोए जनक अवधपति चरना। सीलु सनेहु जाइ नहिं बरना॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
sādara saba ke pāya pakhāre। jathājogu pīṛhanha baiṭhāre॥ dhōe janaka avadhapati caranā। sīlu sanehu jāi nahiṃ baranā॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
With respect, he washed everyone's feet and seated them appropriately. Then Janakji washed the feet of Dasharatha, lord of Ayodhya. His gentleness and affection cannot be described.
बहुरि राम पद पंकज धोए। जे हर हृदय कमल महुँ गोए॥ तीनिउ भाइ राम सम जानी। धोए चरन जनक निज पानी॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bahuri rāma pada paṃkaja dhōe। je hara hṛdaya kamala mahuṃ goe॥ tīniu bhāi rāma sama jānī। dhōe carana janaka nija pānī॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
Then he washed the lotus feet of Rama, who dwell in Shiva's lotus heart. Considering the three brothers equal to Rama, Janakji washed their feet with his own hands as well.
आसन उचित सबहि नृप दीन्हे। बोलि सूपकारी सब लीन्हे॥ सादर लगे परन पनवारे। कनक कील मनि पान सँवारे॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
āsana ucita sabahi nṛpa dīhne। boli sūpakārī saba līhne॥ sādara lage parana panavāre। kanaka kīla mani pāna saṃvāre॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
King Janak gave everyone suitable seats and called all the servers. Respectfully, leaf-plates were laid out, decorated with gold nails and made of jeweled leaves.
सूपोदन सुरभी सरपि सुंदर स्वादु पुनीत। छन महुँ सब कें परुसि गे चतुर सुआर बिनीत॥ ३२८ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
sūpodana surabhī sarapi suṃdara svādu punīta। chana mahuṃ saba keṃ parusi ge catura suāra binīta॥ 328 ॥
Meaning:
The skilled and courteous cooks served, in an instant, the beautiful, delicious, and pure food, along with cow's fragrant ghee, to everyone.
पंच कवल करि जेवन लागे। गारि गान सुनि अति अनुरागे॥ भाँति अनेक परे पकवाने। सुधा सरिस नहिं जाहिं बखाने॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
paṃca kavala kari jevana lāge। gāri gāna suni ati anurāge॥ bhāṃti aneka pare pakavāne। sudhā sarisa nahiṃ jāhiṃ bakhāne॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
After taking the five morsels, everyone began to eat. Hearing the song of playful abuse, they became deeply delighted. Many kinds of nectar-like dishes were served, beyond description.
परुसन लगे सुआर सुजाना। बिंजन बिबिध नाम को जाना॥ चारि भाँति भोजन बिधि गाई। एक एक बिधि बरनि न जाई॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
parusana lage suāra sujānā। biṃjana bibidha nāma ko jānā॥ cāri bhāṃti bhojana bidhi gāī। eka eka bidhi barani na jāī॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
The clever cooks began to serve many kinds of dishes; who could even count their names? The four kinds of food—chewed, sucked, licked, and drunk—were described, and each variety had such abundance that it could not be recounted.
छरस रुचिर बिंजन बहु जाती। एक एक रस अगनित भाँती॥ जेवँत देहिं मधुर धुनि गारी। लै लै नाम पुरुष अरु नारी॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
chharasa ruchira biṃjana bahu jātī। eka eka rasa aganita bhāṃtī॥ jevaṃta dehiṃ madhura dhuni gārī। lai lai nāma puruṣa aru nārī॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
There were beautiful dishes of many kinds with all six tastes. Each taste had countless varieties. While the guests ate, the women softly sang teasing songs of abuse, calling out the names of men and women.
समय सुहावनि गारि बिराजा। हँसत राउ सुनि सहित समाजा॥ एहि बिधि सबहीं भोजनु कीन्हा। आदर सहित आचमनु दीन्हा॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
samaya suhāvani gāri birājā। haṃsata rāu suni sahita samājā॥ ehi bidhi sabhīṃ bhojanu kīnhā। ādara sahita ācamanu dīnhā॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
The pleasant song of abuse shone in that moment. Hearing it, King Dasharatha laughed along with the assembly. In this way everyone finished the meal, and then water for rinsing was respectfully given.
देइ पान पूजे जनक दसरथु सहित समाज। जनवासेहि गवने मुदित सकल भूप सिरताज॥ ३२९ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
dei pāna pūje janaka dasarathu sahita samāja। janavāsehi gavane mudita sakala bhūpa siratāja॥ 329 ॥
Meaning:
Then, after offering betel leaf, Janak honored Dasharatha along with the assembly. Dasharatha, the crown jewel among kings, went gladly to the Janavasa.
नित नूतन मंगल पुर माहीं। निमिष सरिस दिन जामिनि जाहीं॥ बड़े भोर भूपतिमनि जागे। जाचक गुन गन गावन लागे॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
nita nūtana maṃgala pura māhīṃ। nimiṣa sarisa dina jāmini jāhīṃ॥ baḍe bhora bhūpatimani jāge। jācaka guna gana gāvana lāge॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
In Janakpur, new auspiciousness arose every day. Day and night passed like a blink of the eye. At dawn, the jewel among kings, Dasharatha, awoke, and the bards and supplicants began singing the praise of his virtues.
देखि कुअँर बर बधुन्ह समेता। किमि कहि जात मोदु मन जेता॥ प्रातक्रिया करि गे गुरु पाहीं। महा प्रमोदु प्रेमु मन माहीं॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
dekhi kuaṃra bara badhunhaṃ sametā। kimi kahi jāta modu mana jetā॥ prātakriyā kari ge guru pāhīṃ। mahā pramodu premu mana māhīṃ॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
Seeing the four princes together with their beautiful brides, how can the joy in the heart be described? After completing their morning rites, they went to their guru. Their hearts were filled with great delight and love.
करि प्रनामु पूजा कर जोरी। बोले गिरा अमिअँ जनु बोरी॥ तुम्हरी कृपाँ सुनहु मुनिराजा। भयउँ आजु मैं पूरनकाजा॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
kari pranāmu pūjā kara jorī। bole girā amiaṃ janu borī॥ tumharī kṛpāṃ sunahu munirājā। bhayauṃ āju maiṃ pūranakājā॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
Making obeisance and offering worship, the king joined his hands and spoke, as though his words had been dipped in nectar: 'Listen, O great sage, by your grace today my life’s purpose has been fulfilled.'
अब सब बिप्र बोलाइ गोसाईं। देहु धेनु सब भाँति बनाईं॥ सुनि गुर करि महिपाल बड़ाई। पुनि पठए मुनिबृंद बोलाई॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
aba saba bipra bolāi gosāīṃ। dehu dhenu saba bhāṃti banāīṃ॥ suni guru kari mahipāla baḍāī। puni paṭhae munibṛṃda bolāī॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
O Lord, now summon all the Brahmins and give them cows adorned in every possible way. Hearing this, the guru praised the king and then sent for the host of sages.
बामदेउ अरु देवरिषि बालमीकि जाबालि। आए मुनिबर निकर तब कौसिकादि तपसालि॥ ३३० ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bāmadeu aru devarishi bālamīki jābāli। āe munibara nikara taba kausikādi tapasāli॥ 330 ॥
Meaning:
Then Vamadeva, the divine sage, Valmiki, Jabali, and other eminent ascetic sages, including Kaushika, arrived in a host.
दंड प्रनाम सबहि नृप कीन्हे। पूजि सप्रेम बरासन दीन्हे॥ चारि लच्छ बर धेनु मगाईं। काम सुरभि सम सील सुहाईं॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
daṃḍa pranāma sabahi nṛpa kīnhe। pūji saprema barāsana dīnhe॥ cāri laccha bara dhenu magāīṃ। kāma surabhi sama śīla suhāīṃ॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
The king prostrated before all of them and honored them lovingly, offering excellent seats. He had four hundred thousand fine cows brought, gentle and lovely like Kamadhenu.
सब बिधि सकल अलंकृत कीन्ही। मुदित महिप महिदेवन्ह दीन्ही॥ करत बिनय बहु बिधि नरनाहू। लहेउँ आजु जगजीवन लाहू॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
saba bidhi sakala alaṃkṛta kīnhaī। mudita mahipa mahidevanhaṃ dīnhe॥ karata binaya bahu bidhi naranāhū। laheuṃ āju jagajīvana lāhū॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
Having adorned them in every possible way, the king joyfully bestowed them upon the Brahmins. The king humbly declared in many ways, 'Today I have gained the true fruit of life in this world.'
पाइ असीस महीसु अनंदा। लिए बोलि पुनि जाचक बृंदा॥ कनक बसन मनि हय गय स्यंदन। दिए बूझि रुचि रबिकुलनंदन॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
pāi asīsa mahīsu anandā। lie boli puni jācaka bṛṃdā॥ kanaka basana mani haya gaya syandana। die būjhi ruci rabikulanaṃdana॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
Receiving blessings, the king was delighted. He then summoned the groups of supplicants and, after asking their wishes, gave gold, garments, jewels, horses, elephants, and chariots—whatever each desired—Dasharatha, joy of the solar race.
चले पढ़त गावत गुन गाथा। जय जय जय दिनकर कुल नाथा॥ एहि बिधि राम बिआह उछाहू। सकइ न बरनि सहस मुख जाहू॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
chale paṛhata gāvata guna gāthā। jaya jaya jaya dinakara kula nāthā॥ ehi bidhi rāma biāha uchāhū। sakai na barani sahasa mukha jāhū॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
They departed singing praises and chanting, 'Victory, victory, victory to the Lord of the सूर्यवंश!' Thus was the celebration of Rama's wedding held. Even Shesha, with a thousand mouths, could not describe it.
बार बार कौसिक चरन सीसु नाइ कह राउ। यह सबु सुखु मुनिराज तव कृपा कटाच्छ पसाउ॥ ३३१ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bāra bāra kausika carana sīsu nāi kaha rāu। yaha sabu sukhu munirāja tava kṛpā kaṭāccha pasāu॥ 331 ॥
Meaning:
Again and again the king bowed his head at Kaushika's feet and said, 'O great sage, all this joy is the gift of your grace and merciful glance.'
जनक सनेहु सीलु करतूती। नृपु सब भाँति सराह बिभूती॥ दिन उठि बिदा अवधपति मागा। राखहिं जनकु सहित अनुरागा॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
janaka sanehu śīlu kartūtī। nṛpu saba bhāṃti sarāha bibhūtī॥ dina uṭhi bidā avadhapati māgā। rākhahiṃ janaku sahita anurāgā॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
King Dasharatha praised Janak's affection, character, conduct, and greatness in every way. Each day he would rise and ask for leave to depart, but Janak lovingly kept him there.
नित नूतन आदरु अधिकाई। दिन प्रति सहस भाँति पहुनाई॥ नित नव नगर अनंद उछाहू। दसरथ गवनु सोहाइ न काहू॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
nita nūtana ādaru adhikāī। dina prati sahasa bhāṃti pahunāī॥ nita nava nagara anaṃda uchāhū। dasaratha gavanu sohāi na kāhū॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
The hospitality kept growing each day. Every day there were thousands of forms of welcome. New joy and excitement filled the city, and no one liked to see Dasharatha depart.
बहुत दिवस बीते एहि भाँती। जनु सनेह रजु बँधे बराती॥ कौसिक सतानंद तब जाई। कहा बिदेह नृपहि समुझाई॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bahuta divasa bīte ehi bhāṃtī। janu saneha raju baṃdhe barātī॥ kausika satānanda taba jāī। kahā videha nṛpahi samujhāī॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
In this way many days passed, as though the wedding party were bound by the rope of affection. Then Kaushika and Shatananda went and, after explaining the matter, spoke to King Janak.
अब दसरथ कहँ आयसु देहू। जद्यपि छाड़ि न सकहु सनेहू॥ भलेहिं नाथ कहि सचिव बोलाए। कहि जय जीव सीस तिन्ह नाए॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
aba dasaratha kahaṃ āyasu dehū। jadyapi chāḍi na sakahu sanehū॥ bhalehiṃ nātha kahi saciva bolāe। kahi jaya jīva sīsa tinha nāe॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
Although your affection prevents you from letting them go, still now give leave to Dasharatha. Saying, 'Very well, O Lord,' Janak summoned his ministers. They came and bowed their heads, saying, 'Victory and long life.'
अवधनाथु चाहत चलन भीतर करहु जनाउ। भए प्रेमबस सचिव सुनि बिप्र सभासद राउ॥ ३३२ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
avadhanāthu cāhata calana bhītara karahu janāu। bhae premabasa saciva suni bipra sabhāsada rāu॥ 332 ॥
Meaning:
[Janak said:] The Lord of Ayodhya wishes to depart; send word inside. Hearing this, the ministers, Brahmins, courtiers, and even King Janak were overcome by love.
पुरबासी सुनि चलिहि बराता। बूझत बिकल परस्पर बाता॥ सत्य गवनु सुनि सब बिलखाने। मनहुँ साँझ सरसिज सकुचाने॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
purabāsī suni calihi barātā। būjhata bikala paraspara bātā॥ satya gavanu suni saba bilakhāne। manahuṃ sāṃjha sarasija sakucāne॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
When the people of Janakpur heard that the wedding party was to depart, they became distressed and questioned one another. Hearing that it was indeed true, they were all grieved, as though the lotuses had closed at dusk.
जहँ जहँ आवत बसे बराती। तहँ तहँ सिद्ध चला बहु भाँती॥ बिबिध भाँति मेवा पकवाना। भोजन साजु न जाइ बखाना॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
jahaṃ jahaṃ āvata base barātī। tahaṃ tahaṃ siddha calā bahu bhāṃtī॥ bibidha bhāṃti mevā pakavānā। bhojana sāju na jāi bakhānā॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
Wherever the wedding party had stayed on the way, all kinds of provisions were sent there. Countless kinds of fruits, sweets, cooked dishes, and feast-supplies were provided, beyond description.
भरि भरि बसहँ अपार कहारा। पठईं जनक अनेक सुसारा॥ तुरग लाख रथ सहस पचीसा। सकल सँवारे नख अरु सीसा॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bhari bhari basahaṃ apāra kahārā। paṭhīṃ janaka aneka susārā॥ turaga lākha ratha sahasa pacīsā। sakala saṃvāre nakha aru sīsā॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
Loaded again and again onto countless bullocks and porters, they were sent forth. Janak also sent many beautiful beds. One hundred thousand horses and twenty-five thousand chariots, all adorned from head to hoof, were included.
मत्त सहस दस सिंधुर साजे। जिन्हहि देखि दिसिकुंजर लाजे॥ कनक बसन मनि भरि भरि जाना। महिषीं धेनु बस्तु बिधि नाना॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
matta sahasa dasa siṃdhura sāje। jinhahai dekhi disikuṃjara lāje॥ kanaka basana mani bhari bhari jānā। mahiṣīṃ dhenu bastu bidhi nānā॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
Ten thousand decorated, intoxicated elephants were given, so splendid that even the elephants of the directions would feel ashamed to behold them. Gold, garments, and jewels were loaded in abundance, along with buffaloes, cows, and many other kinds of goods.
दाइज अमित न सकिअ कहि दीन्ह बिदेहँ बहोरि। जो अवलोकत लोकपति लोक संपदा थोरि॥ ३३३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
dāija amita na sakia kahi dīnha videhaṃ bahori। jo avalokata lokapati loka saṃpadā thorī॥ 333 ॥
Meaning:
Thus Janak gave immeasurable dowry again, beyond all telling, so great that even the riches of the worlds of the lords of the realms seemed small in comparison.
सबु समाजु एहि भाँति बनाई। जनक अवधपुर दीन्ह पठाई॥ चलिहि बरात सुनत सब रानीं। बिकल मीनगन जनु लघु पानीं॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
sabu samāju ehi bhāṃti banāī। janaka avadhapura dīnha paṭhāī॥ calihi barāta sunata saba rānīṃ। bikala mīnagana janu laghu pānīṃ॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
In this way, having made all the arrangements, King Janaka sent word to Ayodhya. When the queens heard that the wedding procession would depart, they became distraught, like fish writhing in shallow water.
पुनि पुनि सीय गोद करि लेहीं। देइ असीस सिखावनु देहीं॥ होएहु संतत पियहि पिआरी। चिरु अहिबात असीस हमारी॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
puni puni sīya goda kari lehīṃ। dei asīsa sikhāvanu dehīṃ॥ hoehu saṃtata piyahi piyārī। ciru ahibāta asīsa hamārī॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
Again and again they take Sita in their laps, giving blessings and advice: “May you always remain dear to your husband; may your married bliss endure forever. This is our blessing.”
सासु ससुर गुर सेवा करेहू। पति रुख लखि आयसु अनुसरेहू॥ अति सनेह बस सखीं सयानी। नारि धरम सिखवहिं मृदु बानी॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
sāsu sasura guru sevā karehū। pati rukha lakhi āyasu anusarehū॥ ati saneha basa sakhīṃ sayānī। nāri dharama sikhavahiṃ mṛdu bānī॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
Serve your mother-in-law, father-in-law, and guru. Watching your husband's wishes, follow his commands. The wise girls, moved by deep affection, teach the duties of a wife in gentle words.
सादर सकल कुअँरि समुझाईं। रानिन्ह बार बार उर लाईं॥ बहुरि बहुरि भेटहिं महतारीं। कहहिं बिरंचि रचीं कत नारीं॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
sādara sakala kuaṃri samujhāīṃ। rāninha bāra bāra ura lāīṃ॥ bahuri bahuri bheṭahiṃ mahatārīṃ। kahahiṃ birañci racīṃ kata nārīṃ॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
With respect they instructed all the girls. The queens repeatedly drew them to their hearts. Again and again the mothers embraced them and said, “Why did Brahma create women at all?”
तेहि अवसर भाइन्ह सहित रामु भानु कुल केतु। चले जनक मंदिर मुदित बिदा करावन हेतु॥ ३३४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
tehi avasara bhāinha sahita rāmu bhānu kula ketu। cale janaka mandira mudita bidā karāvana hetu॥ 334 ॥
Meaning:
At that moment, Rama, the banner of the solar dynasty, went joyfully with His brothers to Janaka’s palace to take leave.
चारिउ भाइ सुभायँ सुहाए। नगर नारि नर देखन धाए॥ कोउ कह चलन चहत हहिं आजू। कीन्ह बिदेह बिदा कर साजू॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
cāriu bhāi subhāyaṃ suhāe। nagara nāri nara dekhana dhāe॥ kou kaha calana cahata hahiṃ ājū। kīnha bideha bidā kara sājū॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
The four brothers, beautiful by nature, were so charming that the men and women of the city ran out to see them. Some said, “Today they are about to depart. Videha has made all the farewell arrangements.”
लेहु नयन भरि रूप निहारी। प्रिय पाहुने भूप सुत चारी॥ को जानै केहिं सुकृत सयानी। नयन अतिथि कीन्हे बिधि आनी॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
lehu nayana bhari rūpa nihārī। priya pāhune bhūpa suta cārī॥ ko jānai kehiṃ sukṛta sayānī। nayana atithi kīnhe vidhi ānī॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
Look at the beauty of the king’s four sons, these beloved guests, and fill your eyes with it. O wise one, who knows by what merit Fate has brought them here and made our eyes their hosts?
मरनसीलु जिमि पाव पिऊषा। सुरतरु लहै जनम कर भूखा॥ पाव नारकी हरिपदु जैसें। इन्ह कर दरसनु हम कहँ तैसें॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
maranasīlu jimi pāva piūṣā। surataru lahai janama kara bhūkha॥ pāva nārakī haripadu jaisẽ। inha kara darasanu hama kahaṃ taiseṃ॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
For one at the point of death, it is like obtaining nectar; for one hungry through many births, like finding the wish-fulfilling tree; for one in hell, like attaining Hari’s feet. For us, seeing them is like that.
निरखि राम सोभा उर धरहू। निज मन फनि मूरति मनि करहू॥ एहि बिधि सबहि नयन फलु देता। गए कुअँर सब राज निकेता॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
nirakhi rāma sobhā ura dharahū। nija mana phani mūrati mani karahū॥ ehi vidhi sabahi nayana phalu detā। gae kuaṃra saba rāja niketā॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
Gaze upon Rama’s beauty and keep it in your heart. Make your mind the serpent and His image the jewel. Thus giving the fruit of the eyes to all, the princes went to the royal palace.
रूप सिंधु सब बंधु लखि हरषि उठा रनिवासु। करहिं निछावरि आरती महा मुदित मन सासु॥ ३३५ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
rūpa sindhu saba bandhu lakhi harṣi uṭhā ranivāsu। karahiṃ nichāvari āratī mahā mudita mana sāsu॥ 335 ॥
Meaning:
Seeing all the brothers, oceans of beauty, the whole inner apartment was filled with joy. The mothers-in-law, with hearts full of delight, offered gifts and aarti in reverence.
देखि राम छबि अति अनुरागीं। प्रेमबिबस पुनि पुनि पद लागीं॥ रही न लाज प्रीति उर छाई। सहज सनेहु बरनि किमि जाई॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
dekhi rāma chabi ati anurāgīṃ। premabibasa puni puni pada lāgīṃ॥ rahī na lāja prīti ura chāī। sahaja sanehu barani kimi jāī॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
Seeing Rama’s beauty, they became deeply enamored. Overcome by love, they touched His feet again and again. Shame was gone, affection filled the heart. How can such natural tenderness be described?
भाइन्ह सहित उबटि अन्हवाए। छरस असन अति हेतु जेवाँए॥ बोले रामु सुअवसरु जानी। सील सनेह सकुचमय बानी॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bhāinha sahita ubaṭi anhavāe। chharasa asana ati hetu jevāṃe॥ bole rāmu suavasaru jānī। sīla saneha sakucamaya bānī॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
They anointed and bathed Rama along with His brothers and served them a lovingly prepared meal of six flavors. Knowing the right time, Rama spoke in a voice full of modesty, affection, and restraint.
राउ अवधपुर चहत सिधाए। बिदा होन हम इहाँ पठाए॥ मातु मुदित मन आयसु देहू। बालक जानि करब नित नेहू॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
rāu avadhapura cahata sidhāe। bidā hona hama ihāṃ paṭhāe॥ mātu mudita mana āyasu dehū। bālaka jāni karaba nita nehū॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
The king wishes to return to Ayodhya. He has sent us here to seek leave. Mother, grant us permission with a happy heart, and always keep loving us as your children.
सुनत बचन बिलखेउ रनिवासू। बोलि न सकहिं प्रेमबस सासू॥ हृदयँ लगाइ कुअँरि सब लीन्ही। पतिन्ह सौंपि बिनती अति कीन्ही॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
sunata bacana bilakheu ranivāsū। boli na sakahiṃ premabasa sāsū॥ hṛdayaṃ lagāi kuaṃri saba līnhī। patinha sauṃpi binatī ati kīnhaī॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
Hearing these words, the inner apartments fell into sorrow. The mothers-in-law could not speak for love. They clasped all the princesses to their hearts and, entrusting them to their husbands, made many earnest prayers.
करि बिनय सिय रामहि समरपी जोरि कर पुनि पुनि कहै। बलि जाउँ तात सुजान तुम्ह कहुँ बिदित गति सब की अहै॥ परिवार पुरजन मोहि राजहि प्रानप्रिय सिय जानिबी। तुलसीस सीलु सनेहु लखि निज किंकरी करि मानिबी॥
Transliteration (IAST)
kari binaya siya rāmahi samarapī jori kara puni puni kahai। bali jāuṃ tāta sujāna tumha kahaṃ bidita gati saba kī ahai॥ parivāra purajana mohi rājahi prānapriya siya jānibī। tulasīsa sīlu sanehu lakhi nija kiṃkarī kari mānibī॥
Meaning:
After making her plea, she offered Sita to Rama and, with folded hands, said again and again: “I am devoted to you, O noble one; you know the condition of all. Know that Sita is as dear as life to the family, the townspeople, me, and the king. O Rama, seeing her virtue and affection, please regard her as your own maidservant.”
तुम्ह परिपूरन काम जान सिरोमनि भावप्रिय। जन गुन गाहक राम दोष दलन करुनायतन॥ ३३६ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
tumha paripūrana kāma jāna siromani bhāvapriya। jana guna gāhaka rāma doṣa dalana karuṇāyatana॥ 336 ॥
Meaning:
You are पूर्णकाम, the crown jewel of the wise, and dear to loving hearts. O Rama, You accept people’s virtues, destroy faults, and are the very abode of compassion.
अस कहि रही चरन गहि रानी। प्रेम पंक जनु गिरा समानी॥ सुनि सनेहसानी बर बानी। बहुबिधि राम सासु सनमानी॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
asa kahi rahī carana gahi rānī। prema paṃka janu girā samānī॥ suni sanehasānī bara bānī। bahubidhi rāma sāsu sanamānī॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
Saying this, the queen remained holding His feet. It was as if her speech had sunk into the mire of love. Hearing that affectionate, noble speech, Rama honored the mothers-in-law in many ways.
राम बिदा मागत कर जोरी। कीन्ह प्रनामु बहोरि बहोरी॥ पाइ असीस बहुरि सिरु नाई। भाइन्ह सहित चले रघुराई॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
rāma bidā māgata kara jorī। kīnha pranāmu bahori bahorī॥ pāi asīsa bahuri siru nāī। bhāinha sahita cale raghurāī॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
Then Rama, with folded hands, asked for leave and bowed again and again. Receiving blessings, and bowing His head once more, Raghurai departed with His brothers.
मंजु मधुर मूरति उर आनी। भईं सनेह सिथिल सब रानी॥ पुनि धीरजु धरि कुअँरि हँकारीं। बार बार भेटहिं महतारीं॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
maṃju madhura mūrati ura ānī। bhaīṃ saneha sithila saba rānī॥ puni dhīraju dhari kuaṃri hāṃkārīṃ। bāra bāra bheṭahiṃ mahatārīṃ॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
Bringing Rama’s lovely, sweet form into their hearts, all the queens grew weak with love. Then, gathering courage, the mothers called the princesses and embraced them again and again.
पहुँचावहिं फिरि मिलहिं बहोरी। बढ़ी परस्पर प्रीति न थोरी॥ पुनि पुनि मिलत सखिन्ह बिलगाई। बाल बच्छ जिमि धेनु लवाई॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
pahuṃcāvahiṃ phiri milahiṃ bahorī। baṛhī paraspara prīti na thorī॥ puni puni milata sakhinha bilagāī। bāla bacchha jimi dhenu lavāī॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
They escorted the daughters away, then came back to meet them again. Their mutual affection did not grow a little, but greatly increased. The attendants kept separating the mothers each time they met, like separating a recently calved cow from her calf.
प्रेमबिबस नर नारि सब सखिन्ह सहित रनिवासु। मानहुँ कीन्ह बिदेहपुर करुनाँ बिरहँ निवासु॥ ३३७ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
premabibasa nara nāri saba sakhinha sahita ranivāsu। mānahuṃ kīnha bidehapura karunāṃ birahaṃ nivāsu॥ 337 ॥
Meaning:
All the men and women, together with the attendants and the whole inner palace, were overcome by love. It was as though compassion and separation had taken up residence in Janakpur.
सुक सारिका जानकी ज्याए। कनक पिंजरन्हि राखि पढ़ाए॥ ब्याकुल कहहिं कहाँ बैदेही। सुनि धीरजु परिहरइ न केही॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
suka sārikā jānakī jyāe। kanaka piṃjaranhi rāki paṛhāe॥ byākula kahahiṃ kahāṃ baidehī। suni dhīraju pariharai na kehī॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
Sita had reared and taught the parrots and mynas, keeping them in golden cages; now, agitated, they were asking, “Where is Vaidehi?” Who would not lose composure on hearing such words?
भए बिकल खग मृग एहि भाँती। मनुज दसा कैसें कहि जाती॥ बंधु समेत जनकु तब आए प्रेम उमगि लोचन जल छाए॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bhae bikal khaga mṛga ehi bhāṃtī। manuja dasā kaiseṃ kahi jātī॥ baṃdhu sameta janaku taba āe prema umagi locana jala chāe॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
When even birds and beasts became so distressed, how can the condition of human beings be described? Then Janak came there with his brothers. Overcome by love, tears filled his eyes.
सीय बिलोकि धीरता भागी। रहे कहावत परम बिरागी॥ लीन्हि रायँ उर लाइ जानकी। मिटी महामरजाद ग्यान की॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
sīya biloki dhīratā bhāgī। rahe kahāvata parama birāgī॥ līnhi rāyaṃ ura lāi jānakī। miṭī mahāmarajāda gyāna kī॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
Though he was reputed to be supremely detached, even his steadiness fled at the sight of Sita. The king took Janaki into his arms. Through the power of love, the great boundary of knowledge was broken.
समुझावत सब सचिव सयाने। कीन्ह बिचारु न अवसर जाने॥ बारहिं बार सुता उर लाईं। सजि सुंदर पालकीं मगाईं॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
samujhāvata saba saciva syāne। kīnha bicāru na avasara jāne॥ bārahiṃ bāra sutā ura lāīṃ। saji sundara pālakīṃ magāīṃ॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
The wise ministers kept trying to counsel him. But the king, not considering the moment for grief, made his decision. Again and again he embraced his daughters and had beautifully decorated palanquins brought.
प्रेमबिबस परिवारु सबु जानि सुलगन नरेस। कुअँरि चढ़ाईं पालकिन्ह सुमिरे सिद्धि गनेस॥ ३३८ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
premabibasa parivāru sabu jāni sulagana naresa। kuãri caṛhāīṃ pālakinha sumeire siddhi ganesa॥ 338 ॥
Meaning:
Knowing that the whole family was overpowered by love, the king, having taken the auspicious time, remembered Siddhi and Ganesha and seated the maidens in the palanquins.
बहुबिधि भूप सुता समुझाईं। नारिधरमु कुलरीति सिखाईं॥ दासीं दास दिए बहुतेरे। सुचि सेवक जे प्रिय सिय केरे॥ १ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
bahubidhi bhūpa sutā samujhāīṃ। nāridharamu kularīti sikhāīṃ॥ dāsīṃ dāsa die bahutere। suci sevaka je priya siya kere॥ 1 ॥
Meaning:
In many ways the king instructed his daughters and taught them the duties of a woman and the customs of the family. He gave them many maidservants and servants—pure attendants who were dear to Sita.
सीय चलत ब्याकुल पुरबासी। होहिं सगुन सुभ मंगल रासी॥ भूसुर सचिव समेत समाजा। संग चले पहुँचावन राजा॥ २ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
sīya calata byākula purabāsī। hohiṃ saguna subha maṃgala rāsī॥ bhūsura saciva sameta samājā। saṃga cale pahuṃcāvana rājā॥ 2 ॥
Meaning:
When Sita set out, the people of the city of Janakpur became distressed. Auspicious signs appeared in abundance. The king, together with the Brahmins and ministers, went along to see her off.
समय बिलोकि बाजने बाजे। रथ गज बाजि बरातिन्ह साजे॥ दसरथ बिप्र बोलि सब लीन्हे। दान मान परिपूरन कीन्हे॥ ३ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
samaya biloki bājane bāje। ratha gaja bāji barātinha sāje॥ dasaratha bipra boli saba līnhe। dāna māna paripūrana kīnhe॥ 3 ॥
Meaning:
Seeing the auspicious time, the instruments began to play. The wedding party prepared chariots, elephants, and horses. Dasharatha summoned all the Brahmins and filled them with gifts and honor.
चरन सरोज धूरि धरि सीसा। मुदित महीपति पाइ असीसा॥ सुमिरि गजाननु कीन्ह पयाना। मंगलमूल सगुन भए नाना॥ ४ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
carana saroja dhūri dhari sīsā। mudita mahīpati pāi asīsā॥ sumiri gajānanu kīnha payānā। maṃgalamūla saguna bhae nānā॥ 4 ॥
Meaning:
Placing the dust of their lotus feet on his head and receiving blessings, the king rejoiced. Remembering Gajanan, he set out. Many auspicious omens, the source of all good, appeared.
सुर प्रसून बरषहिं हरषि करहिं अपछरा गान। चले अवधपति अवधपुर मुदित बजाइ निसान॥ ३३९ ॥
Transliteration (IAST)
sura prasūna baraṣahiṃ haraṣi karahiṃ apacharā gāna। cale avadhapati avadhapura mudita bajāi nisāna॥ 339 ॥
Meaning:
The gods, rejoicing, showered flowers, and the apsaras sang. The lord of Ayodhya set out for Ayodhya city in delight, with the drums beating.