सेतुमाहात्म्यम् Setu Māhātmyam

The Sadguru said:

The glorious and great King Daśaratha, the lord of Kosala, protected the world for sixty thousand years.

śrīsadgururuvāca

kosalādhipatiḥ śrīmān rājā daśaratho mahān |

ṣaṣṭhivarṣasahasrāṇi pālayāmāsa vai jagat

कोसलाधिपतिः · kosalādhipatiḥ — Lord of Kosala

श्रीमान् · śrīmān — glorious

राजा · rājā — king

दशरथः · daśarathaḥ — Daśaratha

महान् · mahān — great

षष्ठिवर्षसहस्राणि · ṣaṣṭhivarṣasahasrāṇi — sixty thousand years

पालयामास · pālayāmāsa — protected/ruled

वै · vai — indeed

जगत् · jagat — the world

कोसलाधिपतिः श्रीमान् महान् राजा दशरथः षष्ठिवर्षसहस्राणि जगत् पालयामास।

Lord of Kosala · glorious · king · Daśaratha · great · sixty thousand years · protected/ruled · indeed · the world

This verse introduces King Daśaratha as the ideal monarch, establishing the historical and spiritual backdrop for the narrative. It sets the stage by highlighting his long, prosperous reign, which serves as the foundation for his eventual desire for a divine heir.

By the strength of his arms alone, the king of the gods (Indra), having conquered the demons, lived fearlessly and happily in heaven with all the gods.

tasya bāhubalenaiva daityānnirjitya devarāṭ |

uvāsa nikhilairdevairnirbhayaṃ ca sukhaṃ divi

तस्य · tasya — his

बाहुबलेन · bāhubalena — by the strength of arms

एव · eva — only

दैत्यान् · daityān — demons

निर्जित्य · nirjitya — having conquered

देवराट् · devarāṭ — king of gods (Indra)

उवास · uvāsa — dwelled

निखिलैर्देवैः · nikhilairdevaiḥ — with all the gods

निर्भयम् · nirbhayam — fearless

सुखम् · sukham — happily

दिवि · divi — in heaven

तस्य बाहुबलेन एव दैत्यान् निर्जित्य देवराट् निखिलैः देवैः सह दिवि निर्भयं सुखं च उवास।

his · by the strength of arms · only · demons · having conquered · king of gods (Indra) · dwelled · with all the gods · fearless · happily · in heaven

This verse illustrates the immense power of Daśaratha, whose protection extended even to the celestial realm. It emphasizes that the cosmic order was maintained because of his earthly governance.

When King Daśaratha, the best among the glorious, was ruling the earth, the rain-god rained in due season, and the earth was rich with crops.

kāle vavarṣa parjanyaḥ pṛthivī sasyaśālinī |

nṛpe daśarathe bhūmiṃ śāsati śrīmatāṃ vare

काले · kāle — in due season

ववर्ष · vavarṣa — rained

पर्जन्यः · parjanyaḥ — rain-god

पृथिवी · pṛthivī — the earth

सस्यशालिनी · sasyaśālinī — rich with crops

नृपे · nṛpe — when the king

दशरथे · daśarathe — Daśaratha

भूमिम् · bhūmim — the land

शासति · śāsati — ruling

श्रीमतां · śrīmatāṃ — of the glorious

वरे · vare — the best

श्रीमतां वरे नृपे दशरथे भूमिं शासति सति, काले पर्जन्यः ववर्ष, पृथिवी च सस्यशालिनी बभूव।

in due season · rained · rain-god · the earth · rich with crops · when the king · Daśaratha · the land · ruling · of the glorious · the best

This verse describes the prosperity of the kingdom under Daśaratha's righteous rule, linking the king's virtue to the natural bounty of the earth. It establishes the 'Ramrajya' atmosphere even before Rama's birth.

There was no fear of thieves anywhere, nor any fear of death. All people were tranquil and lived happily.

kvaciccorabhayaṃ nāsti kvacinmṛtyubhayaṃ tathā |

sarve narāḥ praśāntāśca babhūvuḥ sukhajīvinaḥ

क्वचित् · kvacit — anywhere

चोरभयम् · corabhayam — fear of thieves

नास्ति · nāsti — is not

मृत्युभयम् · mṛtyubhayam — fear of death

तथा · tathā — also

सर्वे · sarve — all

नराः · narāḥ — people

प्रशान्ताः · praśāntāḥ — tranquil

बभूवुः · babhūvuḥ — became

सुखजीविनः · sukhajīvinaḥ — lived happily

क्वचित् चोरभयं नास्ति, तथा क्वचित् मृत्युभयं नास्ति। सर्वे नराः प्रशान्ताः सुखजीविनः च बभूवुः।

anywhere · fear of thieves · is not · fear of death · also · all · people · tranquil · became · lived happily

This verse highlights the social harmony and lack of fear in the kingdom, reinforcing the idea that Daśaratha's rule was a golden age. It serves to contrast the king's external success with his internal sorrow.

He had three wives, but no son was born. Therefore, the king, being very sorrowful, performed various religious duties.

tasya patnītrayaṃ cāsīt kintu putro na jāyate |

tasmāt suduḥkhito rājā nānādharmāṃścakāra saḥ

तस्य · tasya — his

पत्नीत्रयम् · patnītrayam — three wives

आसीत् · āsīt — was

किन्तु · kintu — but

पुत्रः · putraḥ — son

न · na — not

जायते · jāyate — is born

तस्मात् · tasmāt — therefore

सुदुःखितः · suduḥkhitaḥ — very sorrowful

राजा · rājā — king

नानाधर्मान् · nānādharmān — various religious duties

चकार · cakāra — performed

तस्य पत्नीत्रयं आसीत् किन्तु पुत्रः न जायते। तस्मात् सुदुःखितः राजा नानाधर्मान् चकार।

his · three wives · was · but · son · not · is born · therefore · very sorrowful · king · various religious duties · performed

This verse introduces the central conflict of the chapter: the king's lack of an heir despite his immense worldly success. It marks the transition from the king's public glory to his private suffering.

The lord, desiring a good son, performed the installation of Nāga idols, circumambulation of the Aśvattha tree, and also the Śiśumāra-śānti ritual.

**7. He also undertook pilgrimages and gave many gifts. He observed fasts for sixty days, but still, no son was born.

nāgapratiṣṭhāmaśvatthapradakṣiṇamapi prabhuḥ

cakre cātha śiśumāraśāntiṃ satputrakāṅkṣayā

नागप्रतिष्ठाम् · nāgapratiṣṭhām — installation of Naga

अश्वत्थप्रदक्षिणम् · aśvatthapradakṣiṇam — circumambulation of Ashvattha

अपि · api — also

प्रभुः · prabhuḥ — the lord

चक्रे · cakre — performed

अथ · atha — then

शिशुमारशान्तिम् · śiśumāraśāntim — Shishumara-shanti ritual

सत्पुत्रकाङ्क्षया · satputrakāṅkṣayā — with desire for a good son

प्रभुः सत्पुत्रकाङ्क्षया नागप्रतिष्ठां अश्वत्थप्रदक्षिणम् अपि चक्रे, अथ शिशुमारशान्तिं च चकार।

installation of Naga · circumambulation of Ashvattha · also · the lord · performed · then · Shishumara-shanti ritual · with desire for a good son

This verse details the specific religious efforts undertaken by the king, showing his desperation and adherence to Vedic traditions. It highlights his proactive approach to solving his spiritual dilemma.

tīrthayātrāṃ cakārāpi dānāni ca bahūni saḥ

cakre ṣaṣṭhyupavāsaṃ ca kintu putro na jāyate

तीर्थयात्रां · tīrthayātrāṃ — pilgrimage

चकार · cakāra — performed

अपि · api — also

दानानि · dānāni — gifts

बहूनि · bahūni — many

सः · saḥ — he

चक्रे · cakre — performed

षष्ठ्युपवासम् · ṣaṣṭhyupavāsam — sixty-day fast

किन्तु · kintu — but

पुत्रः · putraḥ — son

न · na — not

जायते · jāyate — is born

सः तीर्थयात्रां चकार, बहूनि दानानि च चकार, षष्ठ्युपवासं च चक्रे, किन्तु पुत्रः न जायते।

pilgrimage · performed · also · gifts · many · he · performed · sixty-day fast · but · son · not · is born

This verse reiterates the king's persistent efforts and the subsequent failure to achieve his goal, deepening the sense of pathos. It sets the stage for his consultation with the priest.

Seeing no fruition of his religious acts, the lord of the earth, weary and deeply saddened, spoke to Vasiṣṭha, his family priest.

adṛṣṭvā phalasiddhiṃ sa dharmāṇāṃ pṛthivīpatiḥ |

śrāntaḥ suduḥkhitaḥ prāha vasiṣṭhaṃ svapurohitam

अदृष्ट्वा · adṛṣṭvā — not seeing

फलसिद्धिम् · phalasiddhim — fruition

धर्माणाम् · dharmāṇām — of religious duties

पृथिवीपतिः · pṛthivīpatiḥ — lord of the earth

श्रान्तः · śrāntaḥ — weary

सुदुःखितः · suduḥkhitaḥ — very sad

प्राह · prāha — spoke

वसिष्ठम् · vasiṣṭham — to Vashishtha

स्वपुरोहितम् · svapurohitam — his family priest

धर्माणां फलसिद्धिं अदृष्ट्वा सः पृथिवीपतिः श्रान्तः सुदुःखितः च सन् स्वपुरोहितं वसिष्ठं प्राह।

not seeing · fruition · of religious duties · lord of the earth · weary · very sad · spoke · to Vashishtha · his family priest

This verse depicts the king's exhaustion and his decision to seek guidance from Vasiṣṭha, signaling the shift from individual effort to seeking divine or expert counsel.

Daśaratha said:

O venerable one, due to my sin committed in a previous birth, the religious duties I have performed are not yielding fruit.

daśaratha uvāca

bhagavan mama pāpena pūrvajanmakṛtena hi |

anuṣṭhitānāṃ dharmāṇāṃ phalasiddhirna jāyate

भगवन् · bhagavan — O venerable one

मम · mama — my

पापेन · pāpena — by sin

पूर्वजन्मकृतेन · pūrvajanmakṛtena — done in previous birth

हि · hi — indeed

अनुष्ठितानाम् · anuṣṭhitānāṃ — performed

धर्माणाम् · dharmāṇām — of religious duties

फलसिद्धिः · phalasiddhiḥ — fruition

न · na — not

जायते · jāyate — is born

भगवन्, मम पूर्वजन्मकृतेन पापेन हि अनुष्ठितानां धर्माणां फलसिद्धिः न जायते।

O venerable one · my · by sin · done in previous birth · indeed · performed · of religious duties · fruition · not · is born

Daśaratha expresses his humility and self-reflection, attributing his lack of progeny to past karma. This verse is crucial as it establishes the need for atonement, which leads to the pilgrimage to Phullāraṇya.

Therefore, O sage, without the removal of that very sin, I, who am devoid of fortune, consider everything to be in vain.

tasmāttasyaiva pāpasya vinā nirharaṇaṃ mune |

nikhilaṃ vyarthamevāhaṃ manye bhāgyavivarjitaḥ

तस्मात् · tasmāt — therefore

तस्य · tasya — that

एव · eva — only

पापस्य · pāpasya — of sin

विना · vinā — without

निर्हरणम् · nirharaṇam — removal

मुने · mune — O sage

निखिलम् · nikhilam — everything

व्यर्थम् · vyartham — vain

एव · eva — indeed

अहम् · aham — I

मन्ये · manye — consider

भाग्यविवर्जितः · bhāgyavivarjitaḥ — devoid of fortune

तस्मात् मुने, तस्य एव पापस्य निर्हरणं विना अहं भाग्यविवर्जितः निखिलं व्यर्थं एव मन्ये।

therefore · that · only · of sin · without · removal · O sage · everything · vain · indeed · I · consider · devoid of fortune

The king acknowledges that without removing his past sins, his current efforts are futile. This highlights the importance of purification before seeking divine blessings, a core theme in the glory of sacred places.

O best of sages, tell me the means to remove that sin. I shall perform it with faith, and then the fruit of my dharma may be realized.

tatpāpaharaṇopāyaṃ vada me munipuṅgava |

tatkaromi śraddhayā'haṃ tato dharmaphalaṃ bhavet

तत् · tat — that

पाप · pāpa — sin

हरण · haraṇa — removal

उपायम् · upāyam — means

वद · vada — tell

मे · me — to me

मुनिपुङ्गव · munipuṅgava — O best of sages

तत् · tat — that

करोमि · karomi — I shall perform

श्रद्धया · śraddhayā — with faith

अहम् · aham — I

ततः · tataḥ — then

धर्मफलम् · dharmaphalam — fruit of dharma

भवेत् · bhavet — may happen

मुनिपुङ्गव, तत् पापहरणोपायं मे वद। अहं श्रद्धया तत् करोमि, ततः धर्मफलं भवेत्।

that · sin · removal · means · tell · to me · O best of sages · that · I shall perform · with faith · I · then · fruit of dharma · may happen

This verse marks the turning point where the King, having exhausted his own efforts, seeks the guidance of the Guru to remove the karmic obstacles preventing his progeny. It establishes the necessity of divine intervention and faith in the process of expiation.

Vasiṣṭha said:

On the shore of the southern ocean, there is a great holy place known as Phullāraṇya, which has a divine temple tank.

vasiṣṭha uvāca

tīre dakṣiṇasindhostu phullāraṇyamiti śrutam |

kṣetramasti mahāpuṇyaṃ divyapuṣkariṇīyutam

तीरे · tīre — on the shore

दक्षिणसिन्धोः · dakṣiṇasindhoḥ — of the southern ocean

तु · tu — indeed

फुल्लारण्यम् · phullāraṇyam — Phullāraṇya

इति · iti — thus

श्रुतम् · śrutam — is known

क्षेत्रम् · kṣetram — holy place

अस्ति · asti — exists

महापुण्यम् · mahāpuṇyam — greatly meritorious

दिव्यपुष्करिणीयुतम् · divyapuṣkariṇīyutam — endowed with a divine tank

दक्षिणसिन्धोः तीरे फुल्लारण्यम् इति श्रुतं महापुण्यं क्षेत्रम् अस्ति, यत् दिव्यपुष्करिणीयुतम् अस्ति।

on the shore · of the southern ocean · indeed · Phullāraṇya · thus · is known · holy place · exists · greatly meritorious · endowed with a divine tank

Vasiṣṭha provides the specific destination, Phullāraṇya, identifying it as a sacred geography where the divine presence is manifest. This establishes the importance of 'kṣetra' (sacred space) in the fulfillment of spiritual desires.

There, the God Janārdana, the Lord of the Universe, reclining on Śeṣa, the bestower of desired fruits to men, shines, visible to the eye.

tatra devo jagannāthaḥ śeṣaśāyī janārdanaḥ

kāmitārthaprado nṛṇāṃ rājate dṛṣṭigocaraḥ

तत्र · tatra — there

देवः · devaḥ — the Lord

जगन्नाथः · jagannāthaḥ — Lord of the universe

शेषशायी · śeṣaśāyī — reclining on Śeṣa

जनार्दनः · janārdanaḥ — Janārdana

कामितार्थप्रदः · kāmitārthapradaḥ — bestower of desired boons

नृणाम् · nṛṇām — to men

राजते · rājate — shines

दृष्टिगोचरः · dṛṣṭigocaraḥ — visible to the eyes

तत्र शेषशायी जनार्दनः जगन्नाथः देवः नृणां कामितार्थप्रदः सन् दृष्टिगोचरः राजते।

there · the Lord · Lord of the universe · reclining on Śeṣa · Janārdana · bestower of desired boons · to men · shines · visible to the eyes

This verse describes the deity residing in the sacred space, emphasizing His accessibility to the devotee. It highlights the form of the Lord as the sustainer of the universe who is readily available for darshan.

O King, by going there and worshipping the Lord of the Universe with faith, you will be freed from all sins and will attain the fruition of your efforts.

tatra gatvā jagannāthamārādhya śraddhayā nṛpa |

sarvapāpavinirmuktaḥ phalasiddhimavāpsyasi

तत्र · tatra — there

गत्वा · gatvā — having gone

जगन्नाथम् · jagannātham — Lord of the universe

आराध्य · ārādhya — having worshipped

श्रद्धया · śraddhayā — with faith

नृप · nṛpa — O King

सर्वपापविनिर्मुक्तः · sarvapāpavinirmuktaḥ — freed from all sins

फलसिद्धिम् · phalasiddhim — fruition of efforts

अवाप्स्यसि · avāpsyasi — you will attain

नृप, तत्र गत्वा श्रद्धया जगन्नाथम् आराध्य त्वं सर्वपापविनिर्मुक्तः सन् फलसिद्धिम् अवाप्स्यसि।

there · having gone · Lord of the universe · having worshipped · with faith · O King · freed from all sins · fruition of efforts · you will attain

Vasiṣṭha gives the King a clear directive: the combination of pilgrimage, worship, and faith is the prescribed path to success. This underscores the necessity of active devotion in the removal of karmic barriers.

The Revered Guru said:

Thus instructed by the sage, the king, accompanied by his three wives, set forth with faith and devotion, along with Brāhmaṇas and pilgrims.

śrīsadgururuvāca

ityukto muninā rājā patnītrayasamanvitaḥ |

pratasthe śraddhayā bhaktyā brāhmaṇairyātrikaiḥ saha

इत्युक्तः · ityuktaḥ — thus instructed

मुनिना · muninā — by the sage

राजा · rājā — the king

पत्नीत्रयसमन्वितः · patnītrayasamanvitaḥ — accompanied by three wives

प्रतस्थे · pratasthe — set forth

श्रद्धया · śraddhayā — with faith

भक्त्या · bhaktyā — with devotion

ब्राह्मणैः · brāhmaṇaiḥ — with Brāhmaṇas

यात्रिकैः · yātrikaiḥ — with pilgrims

सह · saha — together

मुनिना इत्युक्तः राजा पत्नीत्रयसमन्वितः सन् ब्राह्मणैः यात्रिकैः सह श्रद्धया भक्त्या च प्रतस्थे।

thus instructed · by the sage · the king · accompanied by three wives · set forth · with faith · with devotion · with Brāhmaṇas · with pilgrims · together

This verse depicts the King's immediate obedience to the Guru's instruction, demonstrating the importance of 'śraddhā' (faith) and 'bhakti' (devotion) in the journey to the sacred site.

Having reached Phullāraṇya, the king, desiring a son, worshipped Keśava, the Primeval Person, Viṣṇu.

phullāraṇyamavāpyātha pūjayāmāsa keśavam |

purāṇapuruṣaṃ viṣṇuṃ putrakāmo mahīpatiḥ

फुल्लारण्यम् · phullāraṇyam — Phullāraṇya

अवाप्य · avāpya — having reached

अथ · atha — then

पूजयामास · pūjayāmāsa — worshipped

केशवम् · keśavam — Keśava

पुराणपुरुषम् · purāṇapuruṣam — Primeval Person

विष्णुम् · viṣṇum — Viṣṇu

पुत्रकामः · putrakāmaḥ — desiring a son

महीपतिः · mahīpatiḥ — the king

अथ फुल्लारण्यम् अवाप्य पुत्रकामः महीपतिः पुराणपुरुषं विष्णुं केशवम् पूजयामास।

Phullāraṇya · having reached · then · worshipped · Keśava · Primeval Person · Viṣṇu · desiring a son · the king

The King reaches the destination and performs the prescribed worship. This emphasizes that the physical act of pilgrimage is incomplete without the internal state of yearning for the divine.

Then, the blessed Lord of the Universe, the husband of Śrī, being pleased, mercifully granted him a vision and spoke with affection.

tadā prasanno bhagavān jagannāthaḥ śriyaḥ patiḥ |

kṛpayā darśanaṃ datvā provāca premapūrvakam

तदा · tadā — then

प्रसन्नः · prasannaḥ — pleased

भगवान् · bhagavān — the Blessed Lord

जगन्नाथः · jagannāthaḥ — Lord of the universe

श्रियः पतिः · śriyaḥ patiḥ — husband of Śrī

कृपया · kṛpayā — mercifully

दर्शनम् · darśanam — vision

दत्वा · datvā — having given

प्रोवाच · provāca — spoke

प्रेमपूर्वकम् · premapūrvakam — with affection

तदा प्रसन्नः भगवान् जगन्नाथः श्रियः पतिः कृपया दर्शनं दत्वा प्रेमपूर्वकं प्रोवाच।

then · pleased · the Blessed Lord · Lord of the universe · husband of Śrī · mercifully · vision · having given · spoke · with affection

The Lord's response to the King's devotion illustrates the principle of divine grace (prasāda). The vision and the compassionate speech signify that the King's sincerity has been accepted by the Supreme.

The Blessed Lord said:

Do not grieve, O great king! You will surely obtain sons who are like the guardians of the worlds, divine, and who will increase the joy of the world.

śrībhagavānuvāca

mā viṣīda mahārāja nūnaṃ putrānavāpsyasi |

lokapālopamān divyān jagadānandavardhanān

मा · mā — do not

विषीद · viṣīda — grieve

महाराज · mahārāja — O great king

नूनम् · nūnam — surely

पुत्रान् · putrān — sons

अवाप्स्यसि · avāpsyasi — you will obtain

लोकपालोपमान् · lokapālopamān — like guardians of the worlds

दिव्यान् · divyān — divine

जगदानन्दवर्धनान् · jagadānandavardhanān — increasing the joy of the world

महाराज, मा विषीद। त्वं नूनं लोकपालोपमान् दिव्यान् जगदानन्दवर्धनान् पुत्रान् अवाप्स्यसि।

do not · grieve · O great king · surely · sons · you will obtain · like guardians of the worlds · divine · increasing the joy of the world

The Lord's promise directly addresses the King's sorrow, transforming his anxiety into hope. This establishes the Lord as the ultimate source of fulfillment for all worldly and spiritual desires.

All your obstacles, born of past sins, have been destroyed. Go to your city, O lord of the earth, and perform the Putrakāmeṣṭi sacrifice.

vighnaṃ sarvaṃ vinaṣṭaṃ te pūrvapāpasamudbhavam |

kuru tvaṃ putrakāmeṣṭiṃ puraṃ gatvā mahīpate

विघ्नम् · vighnam — obstacle

सर्वम् · sarvam — all

विनष्टम् · vinaṣṭam — destroyed

ते · te — your

पूर्वपापसमुद्भवम् · pūrvapāpasamudbhavam — born of past sins

कुरु · kuru — perform

त्वम् · tvam — you

पुत्रकामेष्टिम् · putrakāmeṣṭim — Putrakāmeṣṭi sacrifice

पुरम् · puram — city

गत्वा · gatvā — having gone

महीपते · mahīpate — O lord of the earth

महीपते, ते पूर्वपापसमुद्भवं सर्वं विघ्नं विनष्टम्। त्वं पुरं गत्वा पुत्रकामेष्टिं कुरु।

obstacle · all · destroyed · your · born of past sins · perform · you · Putrakāmeṣṭi sacrifice · city · having gone · O lord of the earth

The Lord confirms that the karmic obstacles are removed, providing the King with the final instruction to perform the sacrifice. This bridges the gap between divine grace and human effort.

The Revered Guru said:

Thus instructed by Viṣṇu, the king returned to his city and, being initiated, performed the Putrakāmeṣṭi and the Aśvamedha sacrifices.

śrīsadgururuvāca

ityukto viṣṇunā rājā punaḥ svanagaraṃ gataḥ

cakāra putrakāmeṣṭimaśvamedhaṃ ca dīkṣitaḥ

इत्युक्तः · ityuktaḥ — thus instructed

विष्णुना · viṣṇunā — by Viṣṇu

राजा · rājā — the king

पुनः · punaḥ — again

स्वनगरम् · svanagaram — his own city

गतः · gataḥ — went

चकार · cakāra — performed

पुत्रकामेष्टिम् · putrakāmeṣṭim — Putrakāmeṣṭi sacrifice

अश्वमेधम् · aśvamedham — Aśvamedha sacrifice

च · ca — and

दीक्षितः · dīkṣitaḥ — having been initiated

विष्णुना इत्युक्तः राजा पुनः स्वनगरं गतः, दीक्षितः सन् पुत्रकामेष्टिम् अश्वमेधं च चकार।

thus instructed · by Viṣṇu · the king · again · his own city · went · performed · Putrakāmeṣṭi sacrifice · Aśvamedha sacrifice · and · having been initiated

The King acts upon the Lord's command, demonstrating that divine instruction leads to the successful completion of ritual duties. This reinforces the theme of the harmony between divine will and human religious practice.

Then, Vāsudeva, the Supreme Soul, the Lord of Vaikuṇṭha, mercifully took an incarnation on earth for the protection of the people who were oppressed by the lord of the night-wanderers (Rāvaṇa).

tatastu vaikuṇṭhapatiḥ parātmā

niśācarendreṇa nipīḍitānām

saṃrakṣaṇārthaṃ kṛpayā janānāṃ

cakre'vatāraṃ bhuvi vāsudevaḥ

ततः · tataḥ — then

तु · tu — indeed

वैकुण्ठपतिः · vaikuṇṭhapatiḥ — Lord of Vaikuntha

परात्मा · parātmā — the Supreme Soul

निशाचरेन्द्रेण · niśācarendreṇa — by the king of night-wanderers

निपीडितानाम् · nipīḍitānām — of those oppressed

संरक्षणार्थम् · saṃrakṣaṇārtham — for the purpose of protection

कृपया · kṛpayā — out of compassion

जनानाम् · janānām — of the people

चक्रे · cakre — performed/made

अवतारम् · avatāram — incarnation

भुवि · bhuvi — on earth

वासुदेवः · vāsudevaḥ — Vasudeva

ततः तु वैकुण्ठपतिः परात्मा वासुदेवः जनानां संरक्षणार्थं निशाचरेन्द्रेण निपीडितानां कृपया भुवि अवतारं चक्रे।

then · indeed · Lord of Vaikuntha · the Supreme Soul · by the king of night-wanderers · of those oppressed · for the purpose of protection · out of compassion · of the people · performed/made · incarnation · on earth · Vasudeva

This verse marks the transition from the king's prayer to the divine response, establishing the theological premise that the Lord incarnates specifically to alleviate the suffering of the righteous.

Even in his childhood, accompanied by the son of Sumitrā (Lakṣmaṇa), he accomplished the slaying of Subāhu and Mārīca. Holding his bow and arrow, he quickly protected the sacrifice of Kauśika (Viśvāmitra).

bālye'pi saumitrisamanvito'yaṃ

subāhumārīcavadhaṃ vidhāya |

yajñasya rakṣāmapi kauśikasya

cakāra śīghraṃ dhṛtacāpabāṇaḥ

बाल्येऽपि · bālye'pi — even in childhood

सौमित्रिसमन्वितः · saumitrisamanvitaḥ — accompanied by Lakshmana

अयम् · ayaṃ — he

सुबाहुमारीचवधम् · subāhumārīcavadham — the killing of Subahu and Maricha

विधाय · vidhāya — having performed

यज्ञस्य · yajñasya — of the sacrifice

रक्षाम् · rakṣām — protection

अपि · api — also

कौशिकस्य · kauśikasya — of Vishvamitra

चकार · cakāra — did

शीघ्रम् · śīghram — quickly

धृतचापबाणः · dhṛtacāpabāṇaḥ — holding bow and arrow

अयम् बाल्ये अपि सौमित्रिसमन्वितः सुबाहुमारीचवधं विधाय, धृतचापबाणः सन् कौशिकस्य यज्ञस्य रक्षाम् अपि शीघ्रं चकार।

even in childhood · accompanied by Lakshmana · he · the killing of Subahu and Maricha · having performed · of the sacrifice · protection · also · of Vishvamitra · did · quickly · holding bow and arrow

This verse highlights the early manifestation of Rama's divine prowess, establishing his role as the protector of dharma and the sages even in his youth.

On the way, by the very dust of his feet, he purified Ahalyā and reached Mithilā. Breaking the bow of the Supreme Lord (Śiva), he obtained his beloved, the daughter of the king of Mithilā.

mārge'pyahalyāṃ padareṇunaiva

kṛtvā pavitrāṃ mithilāmavāpa |

bhaṅktvā ca cāpaṃ parameśvarasya

prāpa priyāṃ maithilarājakanyām

मार्गेऽपि · mārge'pi — also on the way

अहल्याम् · ahalyām — Ahalya

पदरेणुना · padareṇunā — by the dust of feet

एव · eva — only

कृत्वा · kṛtvā — having made

पवित्रां · pavitrāṃ — pure

मिथिलाम् · mithilām — Mithila

अवाप · avāpa — reached

भङ्क्त्वा · bhaṅktvā — having broken

च · ca — and

चापम् · cāpam — the bow

परमेश्वरस्य · parameśvarasya — of the Supreme Lord

प्राप · prāpa — obtained

प्रियां · priyām — beloved

मैथिलराजकन्याम् · maithilarājakanyām — the daughter of the king of Mithila

मार्गे अपि अहल्यां पदरेणुना एव पवित्रां कृत्वा मिथिलाम् अवाप। परमेश्वरस्य चापं भङ्क्त्वा च मैथिलराजकन्यां प्रियां प्राप।

also on the way · Ahalya · by the dust of feet · only · having made · pure · Mithila · reached · having broken · and · the bow · of the Supreme Lord · obtained · beloved · the daughter of the king of Mithila

This verse illustrates the transformative power of Rama's touch and his divine mission to restore sanctity, leading to his union with Sita.

Then, greatly honored by his father-in-law, the king, he set out and, with little effort, Rāma broke the pride of Bhārgava Rāma (Paraśurāma). He then went to Ayodhyā with Sītā.

sumānito'tha śvaśureṇa rājñā

saṃprasthito bhārgavarāmagarvam |

babhañja rāmo laghulīlayaivaṃ

jagāma sītāsahitastvayodhyām

सुमानितः · sumānitaḥ — well-honored

अथ · atha — then

श्वशुरेण · śvaśureṇa — by the father-in-law

राज्ञा · rājñā — by the king

संप्रस्थितः · saṃprasthitaḥ — having set out

भार्गवरामगर्वम् · bhārgavarāmagarvam — the pride of Parashurama

बभञ्ज · babhañja — broke

रामो · rāmo — Rama

लघुलीलया · laghulīlayā — with little effort

एवम् · evam — thus

जगाम · jagāma — went

सीतासहितः · sītāsahitaḥ — along with Sita

त्वयोध्याम् · tvayodhyām — to Ayodhya

अथ श्वशुरेण राज्ञा सुमानितः संप्रस्थितः रामः लघुलीलया भार्गवरामगर्वं बभञ्ज, एवं सीतासहितः अयोध्यां जगाम।

well-honored · then · by the father-in-law · by the king · having set out · the pride of Parashurama · broke · Rama · with little effort · thus · went · along with Sita · to Ayodhya

This verse depicts Rama's humility and effortless mastery over all challenges, reinforcing his status as the Supreme Lord even while acting as a human prince.

There he lived happily in his own kingdom, joyfully worshipped by all people. He, who was filled with good qualities, was honored by his father, mother, and brothers.

uvāsa tatraiva sukhaṃ svarājye

saṃpūjitaḥ sarvajanaiḥ saharṣam

pitrā ca mātrā ca sahodaraiśca

saṃmānitaḥ sadguṇapūrito'yam

उवास · uvāsa — resided

तत्रैव · tatraiva — there only

सुखम् · sukham — happily

स्वराज्ये · svarājye — in his own kingdom

संपूजितः · saṃpūjitaḥ — worshipped

सर्वजनैः · sarvajanaiḥ — by all people

सहर्षम् · saharṣam — with joy

पित्रा · pitrā — by father

मात्रा · mātrā — by mother

सहोदरैः · sahodaraiḥ — by brothers

संमानितः · saṃmānitaḥ — honored

सद्गुणपूरितः · sadguṇapūritaḥ — filled with good qualities

अयम् · ayaṃ — he

अयम् सद्गुणपूरितः तत्रैव स्वराज्ये सुखम् उवास, सर्वजनैः सहर्षं संपूजितः, पित्रा मात्रा सहोदरैः च संमानितः च अभवत्।

resided · there only · happily · in his own kingdom · worshipped · by all people · with joy · by father · by mother · by brothers · honored · filled with good qualities · he

This verse establishes the ideal state of Rama's reign in Ayodhya, characterized by harmony, mutual respect, and the perfection of his character.

When his father, who was oppressed by Kaikeyī, endeavored to perform his coronation, he, by his father's word, departed for the great forest with Sītā, wearing bark garments and matted hair.

paṭṭābhiṣekāya kṛtodyamasya

pituśca kaikeyinipīḍitasya |

vākyena sītāsahitaḥ pratasthe

mahāvanaṃ cīrajaṭādharo'yam

पट्टाभिषेकाय · paṭṭābhiṣekāya — for coronation

कृतोद्यमस्य · kṛtodyamasya — of one who made effort

पितुः · pituḥ — of the father

कैकेयिनिपीडितस्य · kaikeyinipīḍitasya — oppressed by Kaikeyi

वाक्येन · vākyena — by the word

सीतासहितः · sītāsahitaḥ — with Sita

प्रतस्थे · pratasthe — departed

महावनम् · mahāvanam — to the great forest

चीरजटाधरः · cīrajaṭādharaḥ — wearing bark and matted hair

अयम् · ayaṃ — he

पट्टाभिषेकाय कृतोद्यमस्य कैकेयिनिपीडितस्य पितुः वाक्येन, अयम् सीतासहितः चीरजटाधरः सन् महावनं प्रतस्थे।

for coronation · of one who made effort · of the father · oppressed by Kaikeyi · by the word · with Sita · departed · to the great forest · wearing bark and matted hair · he

This verse marks the pivot of the narrative, where Rama's adherence to dharma leads him to abandon royal comfort for the forest, setting the stage for his trials.

The great soul, whose lotus feet were served by the son of Sumitrā, wandered in the depths of the forest. And the king (Daśaratha), due to grief for his son, crying "O Rāma, Rāma!", attained heaven.

saumitriṇā sevitapādapadma-

ścacāra kāntāratale mahātmā |

avāpa rājā'pyatha putraśokāt

hā rāma rāmeti rudan svargam

सौमित्रिणा · saumitriṇā — by Lakshmana

सेवितपादपद्मः · sevitapādapadmaḥ — whose lotus feet were served

चचार · cacāra — wandered

कान्तारतले · kāntāratale — in the depths of the forest

महात्मा · mahātmā — the great soul

अवाप · avāpa — attained

राजा · rājā — the king

पुत्रशोकात् · putraśokāt — due to grief for son

हा राम राम · hā rāma rāma — O Rama, O Rama

इति · iti — thus

रुदन् · rudan — crying

स्वर्गम् · svargam — heaven

सौमित्रिणा सेवितपादपद्मः महात्मा कान्तारतले चचार। राजा अपि पुत्रशोकात् 'हा राम राम' इति रुदन् स्वर्गम् अवाप।

by Lakshmana · whose lotus feet were served · wandered · in the depths of the forest · the great soul · attained · the king · due to grief for son · O Rama, O Rama · thus · crying · heaven

This verse captures the pathos of the separation, contrasting Rama's ascetic life in the forest with the tragic demise of King Dasharatha.

Then, consoling his devotee Bharata who had surrendered to him, and giving him his own sandals, he spent many years in the forests, in the regions of holy hermitages.

atha prapannaṃ bharataṃ svabhaktaṃ

sa sāntvayitvā nijapādukāṃ ca

datvā'tha varṣāṃśca bahūn nināya

vaneṣu puṇyāśramamaṇḍaleṣu

अथ · atha — then

प्रपन्नम् · prapannam — surrendered

भरतम् · bharatam — Bharata

स्वभक्तम् · svabhaktam — his devotee

सान्त्वयित्वा · sāntvayitvā — having consoled

निजपादुकाम् · nijapādukām — his own sandals

दत्वा · datvā — having given

वर्षांश्च · varṣāṃśca — and years

बहून् · bahūn — many

निनाय · nināya — spent

वनेषु · vaneṣu — in forests

पुण्याश्रममण्डलेषु · puṇyāśramamaṇḍaleṣu — in regions of holy hermitages

अथ प्रपन्नं स्वभक्तं भरतं सान्त्वयित्वा निजपादुकां च दत्वा, सः बहून् वर्षांश्च पुण्याश्रममण्डलेषु वनेषु निनाय।

then · surrendered · Bharata · his devotee · having consoled · his own sandals · having given · and years · many · spent · in forests · in regions of holy hermitages

This verse emphasizes Rama's compassion toward his devotees, even in his own exile, and his commitment to maintaining the order of dharma.

When the daughter of the king of Videha (Sītā) was deceitfully abducted by the vilest of demons in his absence, he, though the Lord of all, deluded by love, wept piteously like a helpless man.

rakṣo'dhamenātha videhajāyā-

masannidhāne chalato hṛtāyām |

ruroda dīnaṃ kṛpaṇo yathā'yaṃ

sarveśvaro'pi praṇayena mugdhaḥ

रक्षोऽधमेन · rakṣo'dhamena — by the vilest demon

विदेहजायाम् · videhajāyām — Sita

असन्निधाने · asannidhāne — in his absence

छलतः · chalataḥ — deceitfully

हृतायाम् · hṛtāyām — having been abducted

रुरोद · ruroda — wept

दीनम् · dīnam — piteously

कृपणो · kṛpaṇo — helpless man

यथा · yathā — like

सर्वेश्वरः · sarveśvaraḥ — Lord of all

अपि · api — even

प्रणयेन · praṇayena — by love

मुग्धः · mugdhaḥ — deluded

रक्षोऽधमेन असन्निधाने छलतः हृतायां विदेहजायां सत्यां, सर्वेश्वरः अपि प्रणयेन मुग्धः सन् कृपणः यथा दीनम् रुरोद।

by the vilest demon · Sita · in his absence · deceitfully · having been abducted · wept · piteously · helpless man · like · Lord of all · even · by love · deluded

This verse highlights the mystery of the Lord's lila, where He assumes human limitations to experience the depth of love and separation, making Him relatable to all.

Then, while searching for his beloved, having granted liberation to Jaṭāyu, he went to Śabarī. On the bank of the Pampā lake, upon seeing Māruti (Hanumān), Rāma suddenly felt great joy.

tato vicinvan dayitāṃ jaṭāyuṣe

datvā'tha mokṣaṃ śabarīṃ jagāma |

paṃpātaṭe mārutidarśanena

saṃprāpa harṣaṃ sahasaiva rāmaḥ

ततः · tataḥ — then

विचिन्वन् · vicinvan — searching

दयिताम् · dayitām — beloved

जटायुषे · jaṭāyuṣe — to Jatayu

दत्वा · datvā — having given

मोक्षम् · mokṣam — liberation

शबरीम् · śabarīm — to Shabari

जगाम · jagāma — went

पंपातटे · paṃpātaṭe — on the bank of Pampa

मारुतिदर्शनेन · mārutidarśanena — by seeing Maruti

संप्राप · saṃprāpa — obtained

हर्षम् · harṣam — joy

सहसा · sahasā — suddenly

रामः · rāmaḥ — Rama

ततः दयितां विचिन्वन् जटायुषे मोक्षं दत्वा शबरीं जगाम। पंपातटे मारुतिदर्शनेन रामः सहसा हर्षं संप्राप।

then · searching · beloved · to Jatayu · having given · liberation · to Shabari · went · on the bank of Pampa · by seeing Maruti · obtained · joy · suddenly · Rama

This verse tracks the progression of Rama's search, showing how his divine grace leads him to key allies, setting the stage for the final conflict.

Having made a friendship with Sugrīva and given him the kingdom in the capital of the monkeys, the great soul learned of Sītā's story through Hanumān, who was sent by him.

sugrīvasakhyaṃ ca vidhāya tasmai

datvā ca rājyaṃ kapirājadhānyām |

tatpreṣitenātha hanūmataiva

viveda sītācaritaṃ mahātmā

सुग्रीवसख्यम् · sugrīvasakhyam — friendship with Sugriva

विधाय · vidhāya — having established

तस्मै · tasmai — to him

दत्वा · datvā — having given

राज्यम् · rājyam — the kingdom

कपिराजधान्याम् · kapirājadhānyām — in the monkey capital

तत्प्रेषितेन · tatpreṣitena — sent by him

हनूमता · hanūmatā — by Hanuman

विवेद · viveda — learned

सीताचरितम् · sītācaritam — the story of Sita

महात्मा · mahātmā — the great soul

महात्मा सुग्रीवसख्यं विधाय तस्मै कपिराजधान्यां राज्यं दत्वा च तत्प्रेषितेन हनूमता सीताचरितं विवेद।

friendship with Sugriva · having established · to him · having given · the kingdom · in the monkey capital · sent by him · by Hanuman · learned · the story of Sita · the great soul

This verse marks the turning point where Rama, through the agency of Hanuman, gathers the necessary intelligence to proceed with his mission. It highlights the transition from the search for Sita to the active preparation for the war.

Then, with the monkeys and Lakṣmaṇa, holding the Kodaṇḍa bow, he joyfully and swiftly reached the seashore with his army, a place of wonder with its rolling waves.

tataḥ plavaṅgaiḥ saha lakṣmaṇena

kodaṇḍapāṇistvarayā saharṣam

avāpa sainyena samudratīra-

mālolakallolakutūhalaṃ tat

ततः · tataḥ — then

प्लवङ्गैः · plavaṅgaiḥ — with the monkeys

सह · saha — along with

लक्ष्मणेन · lakṣmaṇena — with Lakshmana

कोदण्डपाणिः · kodaṇḍapāṇiḥ — holding the Kodanda bow

त्वरया · tvarayā — with speed

सहरर्षम् · saharṣam — joyfully

अवाप · avāpa — reached

समुद्रतीरम् · samudratīram — the seashore

आलोलकल्लोलकुतूहलम् · ālolakallolakutūhalam — full of wonder due to rolling waves

ततः कोदण्डपाणिः सः प्लवङ्गैः लक्ष्मणेन सह त्वरया सहरर्षम् आलोलकल्लोलकुतूहलं तत् समुद्रतीरम् अवाप।

then · with the monkeys · along with · with Lakshmana · holding the Kodanda bow · with speed · joyfully · reached · the seashore · full of wonder due to rolling waves

Rama's swift movement toward the ocean signifies his divine resolve. The description of the seashore serves to prepare the reader for the upcoming sacred encounter with the Lord of Phullāraṇya.

Then Dāśarathi (Rāma) saw the Lord of Śrī, the dweller of Phullāṭavi (Phullāraṇya), who had been worshipped by his own father, who was the cause of his own birth, Janārdana, the abode of the entire universe.

dṛṣṭvā'tha phullāṭavivāsinaṃ taṃ

śriyaḥ patiṃ dāśarathiḥ svapitrā

saṃpūjitaṃ svasya ca janmahetuṃ

janārdanaṃ sarvajagannivāsam

दृष्ट्वा · dṛṣṭvā — having seen

फुल्लाटविवासिनम् · phullāṭavivāsinam — the dweller of Phullatavi

श्रियः पतिम् · śriyaḥ patim — the Lord of Sri

दाशरथिः · dāśarathiḥ — the son of Dasaratha

स्वपित्रा · svapitrā — by his own father

संपूजितम् · saṃpūjitam — worshipped

स्वस्य · svasya — of his own

जन्महेतुम् · janmahetum — cause of birth

जनार्दनम् · janārdanam — Janardana

सर्वजगन्निवासम् · sarvajagannivāsam — abode of the universe

अथ दाशरथिः फुल्लाटविवासिनं श्रियः पतिं स्वपित्रा संपूजितं स्वस्य जन्महेतुं सर्वजगन्निवासं जनार्दनं दृष्ट्वा।

having seen · the dweller of Phullatavi · the Lord of Sri · the son of Dasaratha · by his own father · worshipped · of his own · cause of birth · Janardana · abode of the universe

This verse establishes the theological connection between Rama and the deity at Phullāraṇya, identifying the latter as the source of Rama's own incarnation and the object of his father's devotion.

The great soul, of lovely fame, desiring to conquer the king of the night-wanderers and wishing to regain his wife and his lost kingdom, worshipped him.

saṃpūjayāmāsa ca taṃ mahātmā

niśācarendraṃ ca vijetukāmaḥ |

saṃprāptukāmo gṛhiṇīṃ svakīyāṃ

rājyaṃ ca naṣṭaṃ ramaṇīyakīrtiḥ

संपूजयामास · saṃpūjayāmāsa — worshipped

महात्मा · mahātmā — the great soul

निशाचरेन्द्रम् · niśācarendram — the king of night-wanderers

विजेतुकामः · vijetukāmaḥ — desiring to conquer

संप्राप्तुकामः · saṃprāptukāmaḥ — wishing to regain

गृहिणीम् · gṛhiṇīm — the wife

स्वकीयाम् · svakīyām — his own

राज्यम् · rājyam — the kingdom

नष्टम् · naṣṭam — lost

रमणीयकीर्तिः · ramaṇīyakīrtiḥ — of lovely fame

रमणीयकीर्तिः महात्मा निशाचरेन्द्रं विजेतुकामः स्वकीयां गृहिणीं नष्टं राज्यं च संप्राप्तुकामः तं संपूजयामास।

worshipped · the great soul · the king of night-wanderers · desiring to conquer · wishing to regain · the wife · his own · the kingdom · lost · of lovely fame

Rama's act of worship here demonstrates that even the Supreme Lord follows the path of dharma and devotion to achieve his goals, setting an example for all beings.

There itself, Rāma gave refuge to the surrendered Vibhīṣaṇa. And there, for three nights, he, who is served by the lords of heaven, lay on a bed of darbha grass.

tatraiva rāmaḥ śaraṇāgatāya

datvā'bhayaṃ cātha vibhīṣaṇāya |

trirātramatraiva hi darbhaśayyāṃ

ca nināya tridiveśasevyaḥ

तत्रैव · tatraiva — there itself

रामः · rāmaḥ — Rama

शरणागताय · śaraṇāgatāya — to the surrendered one

दत्वा · datvā — having given

अभयम् · abhayam — fearlessness

विभीषणाय · vibhīṣaṇāya — to Vibhishana

त्रिरात्रम् · trirātram — for three nights

दर्भशय्याम् · darbhaśayyām — bed of darbha grass

निनाय · nināya — spent

त्रिदिवेशसेव्यः · tridiveśasevyaḥ — served by lords of heaven

तत्रैव रामः शरणागताय विभीषणाय अभयं दत्वा, त्रिदिवेशसेव्यः सः अत्रैव त्रिरात्रं दर्भशय्यां निनाय।

there itself · Rama · to the surrendered one · having given · fearlessness · to Vibhishana · for three nights · bed of darbha grass · spent · served by lords of heaven

The mention of Darbhaśayana is crucial here, as it links Rama's historical act of waiting by the ocean to the sacred geography of the place, making it a site of pilgrimage.

Then, having bowed to the Lord of the Universe, the great soul built the bridge, reached the city (Laṅkā), fought a battle, killed his personal enemy Rāvaṇa, and then saw his beloved Sītā.

natvā jagannāthamatho mahātmā

baddhvā ca setuṃ nagarīmavāpya |

kṛtvā raṇaṃ rāvaṇamātmaśatruṃ

hatvā'tha sītāṃ dayitāṃ dadarśa

नत्वा · natvā — having bowed

जगन्नाथम् · jagannātham — the Lord of the Universe

महात्मा · mahātmā — the great soul

बद्ध्वा · baddhvā — having built

सेतुम् · setum — the bridge

नगरीम् · nagarīm — the city

अवाप्य · avāpya — having reached

कृत्वा · kṛtvā — having done

रणम् · raṇam — battle

रावणम् · rāvaṇam — Ravana

आत्मशत्रुम् · ātmaśatrum — personal enemy

हत्वा · hatvā — having killed

सीताम् · sītām — Sita

ददर्श · dadarśa — saw

अथो महात्मा जगन्नाथं नत्वा सेतुं बद्ध्वा नगरीमवाप्य, आत्मशत्रुं रावणं रणं कृत्वा हत्वा सीतां दयितां ददर्श।

having bowed · the Lord of the Universe · the great soul · having built · the bridge · the city · having reached · having done · battle · Ravana · personal enemy · having killed · Sita · saw

This verse summarizes the climax of the Ramayana, emphasizing that Rama's victory was preceded by his humble devotion to the Lord of the Universe, reinforcing the importance of surrender.

Then, having given the kingdom to Vibhīṣaṇa and having gone to Ayodhyā with Sītā, he was coronated and, as the King of Kings, Rāmacandra protected the world.

datvā'tha rājyaṃ ca vibhīṣaṇāya

gatvā'pyayodhyāṃ saha sītayaiva

paṭṭābhiṣikto bhuvanaṃ rarakṣa

rājādhirājaḥ kila rāmacandraḥ

दत्वा · datvā — having given

राज्यम् · rājyam — the kingdom

विभीषणाय · vibhīṣaṇāya — to Vibhishana

गत्वा · gatvā — having gone

अयोध्याम् · ayodhyām — to Ayodhya

सीतयैव · sītayaiva — with Sita alone

पट्टाभिषिक्तः · paṭṭābhiṣiktaḥ — coronated

भुवनम् · bhuvanam — the world

ररक्ष · rarakṣa — protected

राजाधिराजः · rājādhirājaḥ — King of Kings

रामचन्द्रः · rāmacandraḥ — Ramachandra

अथ विभीषणाय राज्यं दत्वा सीतयैव सह अयोध्यां गत्वा, पट्टाभिषिक्तः राजाधिराजः रामचन्द्रः भुवनं ररक्ष।

having given · the kingdom · to Vibhishana · having gone · to Ayodhya · with Sita alone · coronated · the world · protected · King of Kings · Ramachandra

The coronation of Rama marks the restoration of order and the beginning of the ideal reign, serving as the ultimate fruit of the divine mission initiated at Phullāraṇya.

This holy place of Phullāraṇya, served even by Rāghava, bestows auspiciousness and liberation from all sins upon people.

phullāraṇyamidaṃ kṣetraṃ rāghaveṇāpi sevitam |

dadāti maṅgalaṃ nṛṇāṃ sarvapāpavimocanam

फुल्लारण्यम् · phullāraṇyam — Phullaraṇya

इदम् · idam — this

क्षेत्रम् · kṣetram — holy place

राघवेण · rāghaveṇa — by Raghava

अपि · api — even

सेवितम् · sevitam — served

ददाति · dadāti — gives

मङ्गळम् · maṅgalam — auspiciousness

नृणाम् · nṛṇām — to men

सर्वपापविमोचनम् · sarvapāpavimocanam — liberation from all sins

राघवेणापि सेवितम् इदं फुल्लारण्यं क्षेत्रं नृणां मङ्गलं सर्वपापविमोचनं च ददाति।

Phullaraṇya · this · holy place · by Raghava · even · served · gives · auspiciousness · to men · liberation from all sins

This verse transitions from the historical narrative to the present-day glory of Phullāraṇya, inviting the reader to seek the same blessings that Rama himself sought.

By worshipping Jagannātha in Phullāraṇya, human beings obtain the good fortune of having sons, just as Daśaratha did in the past.

phullāraṇye jagannāthaṃ pūjayitvā tu mānavāḥ |

labhante putrabhāgyaṃ ca purā daśaratho yathā

फुल्लारण्ये · phullāraṇye — in Phullaraṇya

जगन्नाथम् · jagannātham — the Lord of the Universe

पूजयित्वा · pūjayitvā — having worshipped

मानवाः · mānavāḥ — humans

लभन्ते · labhante — obtain

पुत्रभाग्यम् · putrabhāgyam — fortune of sons

पुरा · purā — in the past

दशरथः · daśarathaḥ — Dasaratha

यथा · yathā — just as

फुल्लारण्ये जगन्नाथं पूजयित्वा मानवाः पुरा दशरथो यथा, पुत्रभाग्यं लभन्ते।

in Phullaraṇya · the Lord of the Universe · having worshipped · humans · obtain · fortune of sons · in the past · Dasaratha · just as

By citing the example of Dasaratha, the text provides a concrete precedent for the efficacy of worshipping at Phullāraṇya, specifically for those desiring progeny.

Here itself, at Darbhaśayana (the place of the darbha bed), one should worship the God Rāghava, the scorcher of foes, who slept peacefully, who is affectionate to those who take refuge in him.

atraiva darbhaśayane sukhasuptaṃ parantapam |

pūjayedrāghavaṃ devaṃ śaraṇāgatavatsalam

अत्रैव · atraiva — here itself

दर्भशयने · darbhaśayane — at the place of the darbha bed

सुखसुप्तम् · sukhasuptam — peacefully slept

परन्तपम् · parantapam — scorcher of foes

पूजयेत् · pūjayet — should worship

राघवम् · rāghavam — Raghava

देवम् · devam — the God

शरणागतवत्सलम् · śaraṇāgatavatsalam — affectionate to those who take refuge

अत्रैव दर्भशयने सुखसुप्तं परन्तपं शरणागतवत्सलं राघवं देवं पूजयेत्।

here itself · at the place of the darbha bed · peacefully slept · scorcher of foes · should worship · Raghava · the God · affectionate to those who take refuge

This verse identifies Darbhaśayana as a specific, potent location within the holy area, emphasizing the compassionate nature of the Lord who rests there for the sake of his devotees.

And this Darbhaśayana, the destroyer of great sins, the bestower of the fortune of progeny to men, should be served here with faith.

idañca darbhaśayanaṃ mahāpātakanāśanam

santānabhāgyadaṃ nṛṇāṃ śraddhayā sevyatāmiha

इदञ्च · idañca — and this

दर्भशयनम् · darbhaśayanam — the place where Rama slept on grass

महापातकनाशनम् · mahāpātakanāśanam — destroyer of great sins

सन्तानभाग्यदम् · santānabhāgyadam — bestower of the fortune of progeny

नृणाम् · nṛṇām — for men

श्रद्धया · śraddhayā — with faith

सेव्यताम् · sevyatām — should be served

इह · iha — here

इदं दर्भशयनं महापातकनाशनं नृणां सन्तानभाग्यदं च अस्ति। इह तत् श्रद्धया सेव्यताम्।

and this · the place where Rama slept on grass · destroyer of great sins · bestower of the fortune of progeny · for men · with faith · should be served · here

This verse concludes the specific glorification of Darbhaśayana, urging the devotee to approach this sacred site with faith to attain the blessings of progeny and spiritual purification. It serves as a practical instruction for the pilgrim visiting the site.

The dust particles on earth can be counted, the stars in the sky can be counted, but the merit arising from the sight of Setu cannot be counted even by Śeṣa.

gaṇyante pāṃsavo loke gaṇyante divi tārakāḥ |

setudarśanajaṃ puṇyaṃ śeṣeṇāpi na gaṇyate

गण्यन्ते · gaṇyante — are counted

पांसवः · pāṃsavaḥ — dust particles

लोके · loke — in the world

दिवि · divi — in the sky

तारकाः · tārakāḥ — stars

सेतुदर्शनजम् · setudarśanajam — born from the sight of the bridge

पुण्यम् · puṇyam — merit

शेषेण · śeṣeṇa — by Shesha

अपि · api — even

न · na — not

गण्यते · gaṇyate — is counted

लोके पांसवः गण्यन्ते, दिवि तारकाः गण्यन्ते। सेतुदर्शनजं पुण्यं शेषेण अपि न गण्यते।

are counted · dust particles · in the world · in the sky · stars · born from the sight of the bridge · merit · by Shesha · even · not · is counted

This verse emphasizes the immeasurable greatness of the Setu by contrasting the countable elements of the material world with the infinite spiritual merit gained by witnessing the bridge.

The line drawn by Rāma's bow in the salt ocean—from its mere sight comes liberation; I know not the fruit of bathing in it!

rāmeṇa kalitā rekhā dhanuṣā kṣārasāgare |

taddarśanādeva muktirna jāne snānajaṃ phalam

रामेण · rāmeṇa — by Rama

कलिता · kalitā — drawn/made

रेखा · rekhā — the line

धनुषा · dhanuṣā — by the bow

क्षारसागरे · kṣārasāgare — in the salt ocean

तद्दर्शनात् · taddarśanāt — from the sight of that

एव · eva — only

मुक्तिः · muktir — liberation

न · na — not

जाने · jāne — I know

स्नानजम् · snānajam — born of bathing

फलम् · phalam — fruit

रामेण धनुषा क्षारसागरे रेखा कलिता। तद्दर्शनात् एव मुक्तिः भवति, स्नानजं फलं तु न जाने।

by Rama · drawn/made · the line · by the bow · in the salt ocean · from the sight of that · only · liberation · not · I know · born of bathing · fruit

The verse highlights the supreme efficacy of the Setu, suggesting that the mere sight of the line drawn by Rama's bow grants liberation, making the act of bathing in it beyond human estimation.

The holy ford in the southern ocean, famous as Dhanuṣkoṭi, is the destroyer of all sins for those who serve it with faith.

dhanuṣkoṭiriti khyātaṃ tīrthaṃ dakṣiṇasāgare |

śraddhayā sevamānānāṃ sarvapāpavināśanam

धनुष्कोटिः · dhanuṣkoṭiḥ — Dhanushkoti

इति · iti — thus

ख्यातम् · khyātam — famous

तीर्थम् · tīrtham — holy ford

दक्षिणसागरे · dakṣiṇasāgare — in the southern ocean

श्रद्धया · śraddhayā — with faith

सेवमानानाम् · sevamānānām — for those serving

सर्वपापविनाशनम् · sarvapāpavināśanam — destroyer of all sins

दक्षिणसागरे धनुष्कोटिः इति ख्यातं तीर्थम् अस्ति। तत् श्रद्धया सेवमानानां सर्वपापविनाशनम् अस्ति।

Dhanushkoti · thus · famous · holy ford · in the southern ocean · with faith · for those serving · destroyer of all sins

This verse introduces Dhanuṣkoṭi as a specific, renowned holy ford within the southern ocean, reinforcing its role as a destroyer of sins for those who approach it with devotion.

Here, the great god Mahādeva was worshipped by Rāma, the Supreme Soul who himself removes all sins, for the sake of instructing the world.

atra devo mahādevo rāmeṇa paramātmanā |

pūjito lokaśikṣārthaṃ sarvapāpahareṇa tu

अत्र · atra — here

देवः · devaḥ — the god

महादेवः · mahādevaḥ — Mahadeva

रामेण · rāmeṇa — by Rama

परमात्मना · paramātmanā — the Supreme Soul

पूजितः · pūjitaḥ — worshipped

लोकशिक्षार्थम् · lokaśikṣārtham — for the sake of instructing the world

सर्वपापहरेण · sarvapāpahareṇa — by the remover of all sins

तु · tu — indeed

अत्र सर्वपापहरेण परमात्मना रामेण लोकशिक्षार्थं महादेवः देवः पूजितः।

here · the god · Mahadeva · by Rama · the Supreme Soul · worshipped · for the sake of instructing the world · by the remover of all sins · indeed

This verse addresses the apparent paradox of Rama, the Supreme Soul, worshipping Mahādeva, clarifying that it was done for the sake of loka-śikṣā (instructing the world).

By the chanting of whose name the sins of men, such as the killing of a Brāhmaṇa, are destroyed—how can there be any sin for that Rāma, the Supreme Soul?

brahmahatyādipāpāni nṛṇāṃ yannāmakīrtanāt

naśyanti tasya rāmasya kathaṃ pāpaṃ parātmanaḥ

ब्रह्महत्यादिपापानि · brahmahatyādipāpāni — sins like killing a Brahmana

नृणाम् · nṛṇām — of men

यन्नामकीर्तनात् · yannāmakīrtanāt — by chanting whose name

नश्यन्ति · naśyanti — are destroyed

तस्य · tasya — of that

रामस्य · rāmasya — of Rama

कथम् · katham — how

पापम् · pāpam — sin

परात्मनः · parātmanaḥ — of the Supreme Soul

यन्नामकीर्तनात् नृणां ब्रह्महत्यादिपापानि नश्यन्ति, तस्य परात्मनः रामस्य पापं कथं स्यात्?

sins like killing a Brahmana · of men · by chanting whose name · are destroyed · of that · of Rama · how · sin · of the Supreme Soul

This verse uses a rhetorical question to establish the sinless nature of Rama, arguing that if His name destroys the sins of others, He Himself cannot be subject to sin.

Whose name is the liberating mantra that Śaṅkara always chants and by which he gives liberation in Kāśī—how can there be any sin for him?

yannāma tārakaṃ mantraṃ sadā japati śaṅkaraḥ |

muktiṃ dadāti kāśyāṃ ca tasya pāpaṃ kathaṃ bhavet

यन्नाम · yannāma — whose name

तारकम् · tārakam — liberating

मन्त्रम् · mantram — mantra

सदा · sadā — always

जपति · japati — chants

शङ्करः · śaṅkaraḥ — Shankara

मुक्तिम् · muktim — liberation

ददाति · dadāti — gives

काश्याम् · kāśyām — in Kashi

च · ca — and

तस्य · tasya — of him

पापम् · pāpam — sin

कथम् · katham — how

भवेत् · bhavet — could be

यन्नाम तारकं मन्त्रं शङ्करः सदा जपति, यन्नाम काश्यां मुक्तिं ददाति, तस्य पापं कथं भवेत्?

whose name · liberating · mantra · always · chants · Shankara · liberation · gives · in Kashi · and · of him · sin · how · could be

This verse reinforces Rama's divinity by citing the example of Śaṅkara, who constantly chants Rama's name as a liberating mantra, further proving Rama's transcendence over sin.

For the destruction of the sins of the worlds, Rāmacandra, the ocean of compassion, established Śaṅkara, who became famous as Rāmeśvara.

lokānāṃ pāpanāśārthaṃ rāmacandraḥ kṛpānidhiḥ |

rāmeśvaramiti khyātaṃ sthāpayāmāsa śaṅkaram

लोकानाम् · lokānām — of the worlds

पापनाशार्थम् · pāpanāśārtham — for the destruction of sin

रामचन्द्रः · rāmacandraḥ — Ramachandra

कृपानिधिः · kṛpānidhiḥ — ocean of compassion

रामेश्वरम् · rāmeśvaram — Rameshvara

इति · iti — thus

ख्यातम् · khyātam — famous

स्थापयामास · sthāpayāmāsa — established

शङ्करम् · śaṅkaram — Shankara

लोकानां पापनाशार्थं कृपानिधिः रामचन्द्रः रामेश्वरम् इति ख्यातं शङ्करं स्थापयामास।

of the worlds · for the destruction of sin · Ramachandra · ocean of compassion · Rameshvara · thus · famous · established · Shankara

This verse explains the origin of the name 'Rāmeśvara', attributing the establishment of the deity to Rama's compassion for the world's purification.

By merely seeing him, by remembering him, and by chanting his name, all the sins of human beings are destroyed in the age of Kali.

tasya darśanamātreṇa smaraṇādapi kīrtanāt

naśyanti sarvapāpāni manuṣyāṇāṃ kalau yuge

तस्य · tasya — of him

दर्शनमात्रेण · darśanamātreṇa — by mere sight

स्मरणात् · smaraṇāt — by remembering

अपि · api — also

कीर्तनात् · kīrtanāt — by chanting

नश्यन्ति · naśyanti — are destroyed

सर्वपापानि · sarvapāpāni — all sins

मनुष्याणाम् · manuṣyāṇām — of humans

कलौ · kalau — in Kali

युगे · yuge — age

कलौ युगे मनुष्याणां तस्य दर्शनमात्रेण, स्मरणात् अपि, कीर्तनात् च सर्वपापानि नश्यन्ति।

of him · by mere sight · by remembering · also · by chanting · are destroyed · all sins · of humans · in Kali · age

This verse provides a direct promise to the people of the Kali Yuga, stating that simple acts of devotion—seeing, remembering, or chanting—are sufficient to destroy all sins.

Crores of Brahmahatyās and crores of illicit unions are immediately destroyed by chanting "Mahādeva".

koṭayo brahmahatyānāmagamyāgamakoṭayaḥ |

sadyaḥ pralayamāyānti mahādeveti kīrtanāt

कोटयः · koṭayaḥ — crores of

ब्रह्महत्यानाम् · brahmahatyānām — of killing a Brahmana

अगम्यागमकोटयः · agamyāgamakoṭayaḥ — crores of illicit unions

सद्यः · sadyaḥ — immediately

प्रलयम् · pralayam — destruction

आयान्ति · āyānti — come to

महादेवेति · mahādeveti — by chanting Mahadeva

कीर्तनात् · kīrtanāt — by chanting

महादेव इति कीर्तनात् ब्रह्महत्यानां कोटयः अगम्यागमकोटयः च सद्यः प्रलयम् आयान्ति।

crores of · of killing a Brahmana · crores of illicit unions · immediately · destruction · come to · by chanting Mahadeva · by chanting

This verse emphasizes the immense power of the name 'Mahādeva', asserting that even the most grave sins like Brahmahatyā are instantly eradicated through its chanting.

Here itself, one who desires a son should faithfully worship Viṣṇu, Śrīdhara, Setu Mādhava, who is revered by all the gods.

atraiva pūjayedviṣṇuṃ śrīdharaṃ setumādhavam |

śraddhayā putrakāmastaṃ sarvadevanamaskṛtam

अत्रैव · atraiva — right here in this place

पूजयेत् · pūjayet — one should worship

विष्णुम् · viṣṇum — Lord Viṣṇu

श्रीधरम् · śrīdharam — the bearer of Śrī

सेतुमाधवम् · setumādhavam — Mādhava of the Setu

श्रद्धया · śraddhayā — with faith

पुत्रकामः · putrakāmaḥ — one desiring a son

तम् · tam — Him

सर्वदेवनमस्कृतम् · sarvadevanamaskṛtam — revered by all gods

पुत्रकामः जनः अत्रैव श्रद्धया विष्णुं श्रीधरं सेतुमाधवम् सर्वदेवनमस्कृतं तं पूजयेत्।

right here in this place · one should worship · Lord Viṣṇu · the bearer of Śrī · Mādhava of the Setu · with faith · one desiring a son · Him · revered by all gods

This verse serves as a concluding directive for the devotee, emphasizing that the spiritual efficacy of the Setu region is not merely historical but accessible to all who seek progeny and divine grace. It synthesizes the various forms of the Lord mentioned throughout the chapter into a singular focus for worship.

For those who listen with faith to the glory of Setu day after day, all sins are destroyed and auspicious things happen.

Here ends the seventh chapter, titled "The Glory of Setu," in the Fifth Part of the "Divya Desa Vaibhavam" composed by Śrī Kṛṣṇapremi Mahāprabhu.

śṛṇvatāṃ setumāhātmyaṃ śraddhayaiva dine dine |

naśyanti sarvapāpāni maṅgalāni bhavanti ca

शृण्वताम् · śṛṇvatām — for those listening

सेतुमाहात्म्यम् · setumāhātmyam — the glory of the Setu

श्रद्धया · śraddhayā — with faith

एव · eva — indeed

दिने दिने · dine dine — day after day

नश्यन्ति · naśyanti — are destroyed

सर्वपापानि · sarvapāpāni — all sins

मङ्गलानि · maṅgalāni — auspicious outcomes

भवन्ति · bhavanti — happen

च · ca — and

ये दिने दिने श्रद्धया एव सेतुमाहात्म्यं शृण्वन्ति, तेषां सर्वपापानि नश्यन्ति मङ्गलानि च भवन्ति।

for those listening · the glory of the Setu · with faith · indeed · day after day · are destroyed · all sins · auspicious outcomes · happen · and

This final verse acts as the phala-śruti (fruit of hearing), promising that the mere act of listening to the glory of Setu with faith brings about the removal of sins and the manifestation of auspiciousness, thereby sealing the spiritual benefit of the entire chapter.