Bala Kandam

Ramayanam - Bala Kandam
By Sage Valmiki
Translated by P. R. Ramachander

Introduction

Ramayanam [Story of Rama] is possibly the first epic written in Sanskrit and it is believed that it was written by sage Valmiki. It consists of six major sections called Kanda and has 24000 verses. Each Kanda is further divided in to Sargams [Chapters].

The different Kandas are:
Bala Kandam [Boyhood Section] - 77 Sargams
Ayodhya Kandam [Ayodhya Section] - 119 Sargams
Aaranya Kandam [Forest Section] - 75 Sargams
Kishkinda Kandam [Kishkindha Section] - 67 Sargams
Sundara Kandam [Beauty / Hanuman Section] - 68 Sargams
Yuddha Kandam [War Section] - 128 Sargams.
 
Being an epic which teaches about Dharma [proper way of life], it has been translated in to almost all Indian languages long back. Two of the famous translations are by Kamban in to Tamil [Kamba Ramayanam] and by Sage Thulasidas in Hindi [Rama Charitha Manas]. Both these great poets have taken lot of liberty with the original text of the story and have brought in changes to it.

There are also large numbers of English Translations, many of which are available in the web. I had earlier translated Sundara Kandam in to English and recently one of my friends suggested me to translate the entire epic. I thought it as an order by God Rama and have started it. I am sure that I would be able to complete it with his blessings.

Section: I
Bala Kandam [Boyhood Section]
[This book starts with the story of why Valmiki decided to write Ramayana and ends with the return to Ayodhya of Rama and his brothers after their marriage.]

Index
1. Samkshepa Ramayanam
2. Divine Guidance to Ramayana
3. Rama's Story
4. Entrusts Singing of Epic
5. Ayodhya's Description
6. Ayodhya's Kings and People
7. Ayodhya's Administration
8. Aswamedha Sacrifice Proposal
9. Rishya Sringa's Story
10. Rishya Sringa and Anga Desa
11. Rishya Sringa and Ayodhya
12. Aswamedha Sacrifice Planning
13. Aswamedha Sacrifice Arrangements
14. Aswamedha Sacrifice
15. Puthreshti and Story of Ravana
16. Puthra Kameshti
17. Creation of Monkeys
18. Dasaratha's Sons Birth and Education
19. Viswamithra's Request
20. Dasaratha's Reluctance
21. Vasishta's Advice
22. Viswamithra's Teaching
23. Lord Shiva's Hermitage
24. Saryu-Ganga Confluence & Thataka
25. Thataka's Story
26. Thataka's Killing
27. Teaching of Divine Weapons
28. Teaching of Power to Exterminate
29. Viswamithra's Penance
30. Rama's Protection
31. Journey to Mithila
32. Kushnabha's Story
33. Kushanabha's Daughters Marriage
34. King Gadhi's Story
35. Ganga's Story
36. Karthikeya's Birth Story
37. Karthikeya's Birth
38. King Sagara's Story
39. Horse Search and Digging of Earth
40. Sagaras and Sage Kapila
41. Yagna Completion
42. Bhagiratha's Penance
43. Bhagiratha's Bringing of Ganga
44. Brahma's Blessing of Bhagiratha
45. Ocean Churning Story
46. Dithi's Penance and Indra
47. Maruths and Vishala Story
48. Ahalya's Story
49. Ahalya's Freedom from Curse
50. Rama and Lakshmana Introduction
51. Viswamithra's Story
52. Vasishta's Feast to Viswamithra
53. Sabala and Viswamithra
54. Viswamithra and Sabala
55. Viswamithra's Defeat
56. Viswamithra's Defeat by Vasishta
57. Viswamithra's Penance and Trishanku
58. Trishanku and Viswamithra
59. Viswamithra's Yagna for Trishanku
60. Trishanku Heaven Creation
61. Viswamithra's Penance & Sunasepha
62. Sunasepha and Viswamithra
63. Viswamithra and Menaka
64. Viswamithra and Rambha
65. Viswamithra as Brahmarishi
66. Sita's Story and Shiva's Bow
67. Rama's Breaking of Bow
68. Dasaratha's Journey to Mithila
69. Dasaratha at Mithila
70. Rama's Clan Details
71. Janaka's Clan Details
72. Kusadwaja's Daughters
73. Marriage Celebration
74. Ayodhya Journey
75. Parasurama's Story and Vishnu Bow
76. Parasurama's Pride Destruction
77. Ayodhya Arrival

Sargam [Chapter]: 1
Samkshepa Ramayanam

[Sage Valmiki approaches sage Narada and enquires about the ideal man in the world about whom he can write. Sage Narada replies that he is Sri Rama, the son of Dasaratha and tells the summary of Ramayana Story.]

The great sage Valmiki asked Sage Narada who always is busy in meditation and mastering the Vedas and who is the greatest among people who knows Vedas: 1.1

[Sage Narada is the son of Brahma and a great devotee of Vishnu. He is a constant traveller and travels through all the worlds. It is believed that he creates tension so that good results would occur.]

"Who exists at present in this world with all good qualities, who is valorous, who is the one devoted to just action, who is grateful and who tells only truth in all circumstances?" 1. 2

"Who is that man with all the good characters, who does only good to all animals, who is extremely knowledgeable, who is capable of doing rightly all actions and who only shows love outside?" 1.3

"Who is that man who attracts minds of others, who has won over his anger, who is sparkling, who does not have jealousy and who in war even makes devas fear struck?" 1.4

"I am extremely anxious to know about such a person. Hey sage, only you are capable of telling me about a man with all these qualities." 1.5

Sage Narada, who knows everything that happens in all the three worlds, after hearing all the words of Valmiki with happiness addressed Valmiki and started telling "Be pleased to hear." 1.6

"Those characteristics that you have narrated are many and rare. I would think over and tell you about a man who has all these qualities." 1.7

"There is a Prince, who is born in the Ikshuvaku clan, who is called Rama, who is famous among people, who keeps his mind under control, who is a great hero, who is shining, who is firm in his resolves and who attracts others." 1.8

"He is knowledgeable, just, good orator, gentleman, killer of his enemies, having thick shoulders and long hands, who has conch like neck and who has pretty cheeks." 1.9

"He has broad chest, great archer, hidden shoulder bones, suppresses his enemies, has long hands, good head, handsome forehead and pretty gait." 1.10

"He has proportionate height and other organs, he has equally divided organs, he is of black colour, he is famous, he has a thick chest, broad eyes and pretty body and is a symbol of good omen" 1.11

"He knows Dharma (just action), he has taken an oath to speak truth, he is interested in the welfare of his people, he is famous, he knows everything, he is pure, he is approachable to those who depend on him, he takes care in saving people who are dependent on him, he is equal to God Brahma, he is wealthy, he is capable of protecting everyone and he can destroy his enemies." 1.12

"He protects all animals, he protects various castes, he observes his own dharma (just action) and protects his own people." 1.13

"He knows the essence of four Vedas and six Vedangas, he has great knowledge of the science of archery, he has great and minute knowledge of all sciences, he has clear understanding of everything and he quickly understands." 1.14

"He is dear to all the world, soft natured, capable and is attained by good people - similar to the rivers like Sindhu (Indus) attaining the sea." 1.15

"He is fit to be worshipped, treats every one as equals, always appears as lovable, increases the happiness of Kausalya and is one with all good qualities." 1.16

"He is immense in stature like the ocean, he is great in his courage like the Himalaya Mountains, he is valorous like Lord Vishnu, and as pleasant to see as the full moon." 1.17

"His anger is like fire at the time of deluge, his patience is like mother earth, his sacrifice is equal to that of Kubhera and in his truthfulness he is like God of Death." 1.18

[Yama, God of Death, is supposed to be Epitome of Dharma.]

"The King Dasaratha, with a loving wish to do good to people, wanted to make Rama, who has all the above qualities, who is a great hero, who has all sterling qualities, who wanted to do good to his people, who is a dear and who is his eldest son, as the future king." 1.19-1.20

[During those times in India, it was a custom to designate the crown prince as Yuva Raja - Young King.]

"Hearing about the various preparations for his coronation, Dasaratha's wife Kaikeyi reminded him of the two boons he had given to her and requested that Rama should be sent to forest and tBharatha should be crowned." 1.21

[Dasaratha gave these two boons during a war in which when the axle of his chariot broke, Kaikeyi who was with him maintained the balance using her thumb.]

"That King Dasaratha, bound by justice to obey his promise, ordered his son Rama to go and live in the forest." 1.22

"Because of the order of his father and love towards Kaikeyi, that valorous Rama went to the forest to protect the truth." 1.23

"It seems that Lakshmana who is humility personified, who increases the happiness of Sumithra, who is a dear brother and who does good to his brother, exhibiting affection towards his brother, accompanied his brother who was going to the forest." 1.24

"That Sita, who is the darling wife of Rama, who is a reflection of his soul, who does happy deeds to him, who was born in the family of Janaka, who was created by the illusion of Gods, who is the epitome of perfection and who is the greatest among women, accompanied Rama like Rohini accompanies the moon God." 1.25-1.26

"That soul of Dharma [just action] was accompanied by all the citizens and his father Dasaratha for a long distance, reached the place of Guha, the chief of hunters and a very dear friend and sent back the chariot driver at a place called Sringipura." 1.27

"Rama along with Sita, Lakshmana and Guha stayed there." 1.28

"Those three traveling from that forest to another and crossing several rivers full of flowing waters, under the instruction of Sage Bharadwaja reached a place called Chitra Koota, constructed a pretty temporary forest house [literally house made of leaves] and lived there happily." 1.29-1.30

"When Rama reached Chitra Koota, afflicted by sorrow of parting with his darling son, Dasaratha went to heaven." 1.31

"After his death though sages like Vasishta requested him to become King, that very strong Bharatha did not wish to be King." 1.32

"Wishing for the blessings of Rama, he started to the forest." 1.33

"Bharatha, who is the first among people wanted to follow Dharma, humbly requested Rama with a broad vision and a true hero." 1.34

"You who know Dharma is truly our King." But Rama, who is merciful, who had a smiling face, who was famous and who was very strong, did not wish for Kingdom as per the orders of his father." 1.35

"Hence, Rama, who was the elder brother of Bharatha, gave his foot wear as his representative to rule the kingdom and sent back Bharatha from there." 1.36

"Bharatha, whose desire was not fulfilled, started serving the foot wear of Rama, ruled the Kingdom from Nandigrama and waited for Rama's return." 1.37

"As soon as Bharatha went back, Rama, who was truthful, who has control over his senses and who was firm in his resolve, fearing the return of more people from the town entered the Dandaka forest." 1.38

"It seems that lotus eyed Rama, after entering the forest and killing an Asura called Viradha, visited sages like Sarabhanga, Sutheeshna and Agasthya." 1.39

"As per the wishes of Agasthya, he happily received with happiness bow, sword and two inexhaustible quivers belonging to Indra." 1.40

"All the great sages along with people of the forest approached Rama, who was living in the forest, with a request for killing of Asuras and Rakshasas." 1.41

"He promised them that he would do according to their wish." 1.42

"Rama took an oath to kill Rakshasa in war and assured the great sages living in Dandakaranya forest who were equal to the fire God." 1.43

"Surpanakha, who can assume any form she likes and who was living in a place called Janasthana in the forest was disfigured by Rama who was also living there." 1.44

[But in the main book, it is mentioned that Lakshmana disfigured her.]

"Afterwards he killed Khara, Trishiras and Dhooshana along with their followers, who came to attack him after hearing the words of Surpanaka." 1.45

"Rama, who was living in that forest, also killed fourteen thousand Rakshasas, who were living in Janasthana." 1.46

"Hearing about the killing of his relatives, Ravana losing his senses due to extreme anger, requested the Rakshasa called Mareecha to help him." 1.47

"Hey Ravana, enmity with Rama, who is extremely strong, is not good" told Mareecha to Ravana. 1.48

"Led by God of death, Ravana kicked off his advice and went to the hermitage of Rama along with Mareecha." 1.49

"After leading those two princes far away, using the help of Mareecha who was an adept in magic and after killing Hawk Jatayu, Ravana abducted Sita who was the wife of Rama." 1.50

[In the main story, the killing of Jatayu was after the abduction.]

"Seeing the death of Hawk Jatayu and from him hearing that Ravana has abducted Sita, Rama became pained with sorrow and cried and became agitated." 1.51

"Rama, along with that sorrow, cremated Hawk Jatayu and when he was searching for Sita in the forest saw a Rakshasa called Kabanda who was having an ugly ferocious look." 1.52-1.53

"Rama who was very strong killed that Rakshasa and also cremated him. That Rakshasa went to heaven." 1.54

Dharma was following his percepts and had renounced the world." 1.55

"That resplendent one, who killed his foes, went and saw Sabari and she duly worshipped Rama, the son of Dasaratha." 1.56

"Then he was seen by the monkey Hanuman on the shores of river Pampa. As per the advice of Hanuman, he signed a treaty with Sugreeva." 1.57

"That very strong Rama related his story to Sugreeva from the beginning especially the part which happened to Sita." 1.58

"That monkey Sugreeva, after hearing everything, signed with pleasure the treaty with fire as witness." 1.59

"Afterwards that sorrowful King of monkeys told with love towards Rama, about his enmity with Bali and other news." 1.60

"At that time Sugreeva specially told about the strength of Bali and Rama promised that he would kill Bali." 1.61

"But Sugreeva had doubts about Rama's prowess to kill Bali." 1.62

"He showed him the Mountain like skeleton of Asura Dundhbhi, who was killed by Bali, so that he could gain more confidence in Rama." 1.63

"That very strong Rama, who had long hands which reached his thighs, examined the huge skeleton and using his thumb of the right foot threw the skeleton for a distance of ten yojanas without any effort." 1.64

"Not only that, with a single arrow he split into two, the seven Sala trees and also the nearby Mountain and the underworld." 1.65

"Convinced by these actions, the monkey chief who had a happy frame of mind took him to the cave called Kishkinda." 1.66

"Then that monkey chief Sugreeva, who had a colour similar to gold, roared and hearing that huge sound the King of monkeys Bali came out." 1.67

"After consoling Tara [that Rama will not kill an innocent one] when he fought with Sugreeva, Raghava killed him with one single arrow." 1.68

"After killing Bali, as per the wishes of Sugreeva, Raghava made Sugreeva the King of that kingdom." 1.69

"That King of monkeys Sugreeva called all monkeys and send them to different directions to locate Sita." 1.70

"Hearing the words of Hawk Sampathi, Hanuman jumped and crossed the great ocean which is one hundred yojanas broad." 1.71

"After reaching the city of Lanka ruled by Ravana, he saw Sita who was always thinking about Rama in the Asoka forest." 1.72

"He gave the ring of Rama to Sita, told her all the news including the treaty with Sugreeva, consoled her and destroyed the tower in Asoka forest." 1.73

"After killing five commander in chiefs, seven sons of ministers and the great hero Akshaya Kumara, Hanuman was caught by them." 1.74

"Because of the boon of Brahma, knowing that he was free from the tie of the arrow and tolerating those Rakshasas leading him, that valorous Hanuman, after burning the entire city of Lanka except Sita, reached back to inform the good news to Rama." 1.75-1.76

"That Hanuman who was having immeasurable strength and intelligence, after reaching Rama, went round him and told him the good news that he has seen Sita." 1. 77

"After that Rama along with Sugreeva reached the shores of the great ocean and created a turmoil in the ocean by his arrows which were equal to the power of Sun." 1.78

"The lord of the ocean presented himself in his true form before him and as suggested by him, Sri Rama built a bridge on the ocean with the help of Nala." 1.79

[Nala was the son of the deva architect Viswa Karma.]

"Reaching the city of Lanka by that bridge, Rama rescued Sita after killing Ravana but felt very much ashamed." 1.80

"He told Sita hard words in front of the assembly of men and Sita unable to tolerate the words jumped in to the fire." 1.81

"At that time knowing from the God of Fire that Sita is without any blemish, Rama after being worshipped by all devas became very happy." 1. 82

"By this great action of Raghava all the three worlds including movable and immovable beings, devas, sages and others became very happy." 1.83

"Wonder of wonders, Rama without any worry and filled with happiness, became very much contented after installing Vibhishana as the King of Rakshasas and thus completing his duties." 1.84

"After giving life to all monkeys by the boon of devas, Rama surrounded by all his friends, started towards Ayodhya in the Pushpaka Vimana." 1.85

"After reaching the hermitage of sage Bharadwaja, Rama who was truly valorous sent Hanuman to Bharatha." 1.86

"Then along with Sugreeva, conversing about the stories of the past, Rama traveled in Pushpaka Vimana and reached Nandi Grama." 1.87

"That holy Rama, along with his brothers removed the Jata [matted hair] and along with Sita assumed the kingship." 1.88

"The people of Ayodhya, became filled with happiness and satisfaction, were looked after well, became very just, were devoid of any diseases, were very healthy and were devoid of any fear of scarcity." 1.89

"Men never saw the death of their children and women were always Sumangalis and Virtuous." 1.90

"In the Kingdom of Rama, there was no fear from fire, no beings died by drowning in water, there was no fear from wind, similarly no fear from fever, there was no problems due to hunger and there was no fear of thieves." 1.91-1.92

"Towns and countries were full of wealth and grains and all people lived happy daily like those in Krutha Yuga." 1.93
"This Rama with immense fame, having performed one hundred horse sacrifices, having given in charity lot of gold, having given ten thousand crores of cows and lot of wealth to Brahmins is going to attain the world of Brahma." 1.94-1.95

"This Rama is going to establish one hundred times more royal families. He is going to make the four fold castes to engage themselves in the duties of their caste." 1.96

"After ruling this world for ten thousand years, he is going to attain the world of Brahma." 1.97

"Those who read this story of Rama which is holy, which is capable of removing sins, which gives holy deeds and which is equivalent to Vedas would get rid of all their sins." 1.98

"Those who read this history of Rama, which gives life, would along with their sons, grandsons, relatives and friends would live in heaven after their death." 1.99

"A Brahmin who reads this will attain mastery over words, Kshatriya will get land, Vysya would get more business and Shudra would get more fame." 1.100

This is the end of First Sarga of Bala Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

Sargam [Chapter]: 2
Divine Guidance to Ramayana

[Sage Valmiki after taking leave of sage Narada reaches the banks of River Thamasa (Darkness) and sees the male Krouncha of a pair of birds being killed by a hunter. The sorrow of the female bird moves Valmiki and he shouts at the hunter and this anguish of his comes in a pretty verse form following all rules of grammar. He is not able to understand as to why it happened like that and at that time Lord Brahma visits him and advises him to compose the story of Rama in the same meter and same form. Valmiki composes the same.]

That master of the words, hearing the words of Sage Narada, worshipped sage Narada along with his disciples. 2.1

After being worshipped, Narada, who was a Deva Rishi, took leave of him and started towards heavens. 2.2

As soon as the sage went to Devaloka, Sage Valmiki went to a place, not very far from Ganges, situated on the banks of Thamasa River. 2.3

Having reached the banks of Thamasa River that great sage, seeing the placid waters without sediment, spoke as follows to his disciples. 2.4

Oh Bharadwaja, please see these pleasing waters without any sediment [sin], which are like the mind of a good man. 2.5

Dear one, please keep the water pot there and give my dress made of bark and I will then enter the sacred waters of this river. 2.6

Having been told like this by the great soul Valmiki, Bharadwaja obediently gave the dress of bark to him. 2.7

With all his senses under control, he took the Bark dress from the hands of his student, saw the very big forest and wandered in it. 2.8

In the vicinity of that spot, he saw two very sweet voiced Krouncha birds, who do not part from each other, moving about near that holy spot. 2.9

A hunter, full of cruelty and with sinful intent, neglecting the sage's presence, killed the male bird out of that pair. 2.10

When that bird fell with a blood drenched body, the she bird started wailing pitiably and being parted from his pair who was always with her, who was with copper crested wings and was intoxicated by love when he had wings. 2.11

Seeing the pair being felled by the hunter that sage with a Rightful mind was filled with great compassion. 2.12

Then that sage seeing the female bird which was wailing, felt that the slaying of the bird at that time was the sinful act and told the following words. 2.13

Oh hunter, since you have killed a Krouncha from the pair, when they were infatuated with love, for that reason you would be denied a pleasant life for a long time to come. 2.14

After uttering these words, he became thoughtful and turned his vision inside his mind, he told "what are these words uttered by me, having been distressed by the sorrow of the bird?" 2.15

That great very thoughtful and brainy sage thought and the following words were told to his disciples by the great sage. 2.16

From me came out, due to the great sorrow which I had, the four lines with equal number of letters without any effort, with rhythm suitable to stringed instruments and let it be a verse and not otherwise. 2.17

Hearing the words, which were thus spoken by the sage, the disciple learnt it by heart and his teacher [sage Valmiki] was greatly pleased with him. 2.18

After taking bath in the sacred waters following the proper way, brooding greatly over the words told by him, the sage returned to his hermitage. 2.19

Bharadwaja who was greatly learned in scriptures, followed him with humility, followed him with his water pot full of water from the river. 2.20

Sage Valmiki, who knew Dharma well, entered his hermitage and meditating on the incident started composing other such stories. 2.21

That sage, who was an expert in Dharma, entered the hermitage with his disciples, sat meditating and started composing other stories 2.22

There came Brahma, the creator of the world and the lord, who has four heads and a great luster, desirous of seeing that great sage. 2.23

Valmiki, seeing him, got up, stood there, disciplined in speech and with folded hands. 2.24

He worshipped that God and offered him water for washing his feet, seat and water for drinking, saluted the one who determines fate and enquired about his welfare. 2.25

Then the God sat in the great worshipful seat offered to him and signaled sage Valmiki to sit in another seat. 2.26

He then occupied the seat shown by Brahma and when that grandfather of all the worlds has also been seated, meditated on the events that had happened in his mind and was greatly absorbed. 2.27

The act done by the sinner with a mind set on enmity and killed that sweet voiced Krouncha that he saw without any reason. 2.28

After lamenting again and again, he lamented about the Krouncha bird again and again, recited the verse. 2.29

Then Lord Brahma, with a smile, addressed the great sage and said, "You have indeed composed a verse." 2.30
Oh Brahma Rishi, it is as per my will that this knowledge came in to you, and oh great saint, please compose the story of Rama. 2.31

In the righteous natured virtuous world of the wise, Rama is great and so do narration of the history of Rama as told by Narada. 2.32

The known and unknown aspects of the story of the learned Rama along with Lakshmana and that of the Rakshasas as well as that of Vaidehi, though it may not have been known earlier, would be clear to your mind and will be revealed to you. 2.33-2.34

In the epic, even a single word that you write would not become a lie and so compose the sacred and interesting story of Rama in the form of verses. 2.35

As long as the Mountains and rivers exist in this world, the story of Ramayana would be talked about by people. 2.36

As long as the story of Ramayana as written by you is being told, till then you would reside in the earth, heaven and the nether world. 2.37

Saying this, that God Brahma vanished. And this made the sage and his disciples astonished. 2.38

Then all his disciples exceedingly surprised again and again chanted the verse and were delighted. 2.39

The verse with four lines, each line having the same number of letters was repeatedly recited by the great sage and this won him great praise. 2.40

At that time a thought arose in Valmiki, who was capable of putting thought in to action and he decided to compose Ramayana entirely in this meter. 2.41

The renowned and generous sage started writing the glory of Rama, containing hundreds of verses each having the same syllable, using excellent and mind charming meaningful words. 2.42

The story of Rama and slaying of Ravana was composed by words of conjunction and compound words. He composed meaningful sentences with lucid and meaningful phrases. And kindly listen to it. 2.43

This is the end of Second Sarga of Bala Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

Sargam [Chapter]: 3
Rama's Story

[Having decided to compose Ramayana, the entire story of Rama as it happened came to the mind of sage Valmiki as it happened. This chapter again gives an outline of Ramayana,]

Having heard in a concise manner the full story of Ramayana, Valmiki, who was righteous soul and is endowed by righteousness, further searched to know more distinctly the story of Rama. 3.1

After touching the water, Valmiki sat saluting on the Kusa Grass seat facing the eastern direction and searched for the sequence of past events in the dharmic story of Rama. 3.2

By the power of Dharma in him, he visualized Rama, Lakshmana, Sita and Dasaratha along with their consorts as well as countries as well as each of their movements, laughter, conversations and activities, in exactly the same manner as it had happened. 3.3-3.4

He also visualized as a third person all that happened to Rama, his wife Sita and Lakshmana in the Dandaka forest. 3.5

Sitting on meditation, that soul of Dharma, Valmiki was able to see Rama like a gooseberry fruit kept on the palm of his hand. 3.6

Having seen all those principles, the great light of Dharma, Valmiki started getting ready to write the story of Rama, who was attractive every minute, which was full of prosperity and happiness, which described in detail the principle of Dharma, which was full of gems like an ocean and which was extremely pretty to hear. 3.7-3.8

That god like sage composed the history of Clan of Raghu, as it was earlier related to him by sage Narada. 3.9

He described the birth of Rama, who was with great prowess, benevolent to all, dear to all people, who had forbearance, handsomeness, and truthfulness. 3.10

He told various interesting stories after the coming of sage Viswamithra, about the breaking of the bow and about his marriage with Sita. 3.11

He described the argument between Rama and Parasurama, the good qualities of Dasaratha, about the crowning of Rama and the wickedness of Kaikeyi. 3.12

He described about the stoppage of the crowning, departure of Rama, the sorrow and wailing of the king, and his Departure to the other world. 3.13

He described about the grief of people, the abandoning them by Rama, talk with Guha and the returning of the Charioteer. 3.14

He described about the crossing of Ganges, meeting with Bharadwaja and reaching Chitrakuta as per the advice of the sage. 3.15

He described about the construction of a house, coming of Bharatha and the performance of the funeral rites of his father by Rama. 3.16
He described about the crowning of the slipper by Bharatha and his entry in to Nandi Gramam, going of Rama to Dandakaranyam and his killing of Viradha. 3.17

He described his seeing of Sarabhanga and his conversation with Sutheekshna, friendship of Sita with Anasooya and her application of scented unguents on her body. 3.18

He described about the meeting with sage Agasthya, meeting with Jatayu, going to Panchavati and meeting with Soorpanakha. 3.19

He described the argument with Soorpanakha and her disfigurement, killing of Khara, Trisiras and the rise of Ravana. 3.20

He described the killing of Mareecha, kidnapping of Sita, wailing of Rama and killing of Jatayu, the King of Vultures. 3.21

He described the meeting with Khabanda, seeing of river Pampa, meeting with Sabari and meeting with Hanuman. 3.22

He described the going to Rishyamooka Mountain, meeting with Sugreeva, signing of treaty, and fight between Vali and Sugreeva. 3.23

He described about the killing of Vali, agreement with Sugreeva, wailing of Tara and Ramathe living there during the rainy season. 3.24

He described the anger of lion like Rama, the consolidation of the monkey army, their going to different directions and getting report of different places on earth. 3.25

He described the giving of ring to Hanuman, their visit to the cave of Riksha, the fast unto death by monkeys and their interview with Sampathi. 3.26

He described about the climbing of the Mountain, crossing of the ocean, obeying of words of the ocean and meeting with Mainaka Mountain. 3.27

He described about the killing of Simhika, about the seeing of Mountain of Lanka, entering in to Lanka at night, and thinking in solitude by Hanuman. 3.28

He described about his seeing of Ravana, his seeing of Pushpaka Vimanam, his visiting the halls of drinking as well as the visit to the apartments of Ravana's women. 3.29

He described his entry to Asoka Vana, seeing of Sita, presentation of the signet ring and again seeing of Ravana. 3.30

He described the threatening of Sita by the Rakshasis, seeing of Trijata, giving of brooch by Sita and breaking of forest trees. 3.31

He described the fight with Rakshasis, killing of the servants of Ravana, catching of Hanuman and setting fire of Lanka by Hanuman with a great roar. 3.32

He described the crossing back of sea, usurpation of Madhu Vana, consolation of Rama and handing over the brooch to him. 3.33
He described about the meeting with god of ocean and building of bridge by Nala, crossing the ocean and siege of Lanka at night. 3.34

He described about the relation with Vibheeshana, finalizing of strategy for destruction of Ravana, killing of Khumbakarna and Megha Nadha. 3.35

He described about destruction of Ravana, reunion with Sita in the enemy city, crowning of Vibheeshana and seeing of Pushpaka Vimana. 3.36

He described Rama's return to Ayodhya, his reunion with Bharatha, festivities for the crowning of Rama, sending back of various armies, making his citizens happy and sending away of Sita. 3.37

That divine sage composed the things yet to happen in the world at that time in Uthara Kanda 3.38

This is the end of Third Sarga of Bala Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

Sargam [Chapter]: 4
Entrusts Singing of Epic to Lava and Kusha

[Kusa and Lava, two princes living in Valmiki's hermitage, are entrusted with the singing of Ramayana and they sing it in various places and are summoned by Lord Rama to sing in his court and they both sing Ramayana in the court of Rama, before Rama.]

The great divine sage Valmiki, possessing knowledge of the soul, composed the story of Rama, who gained his kingdom, using varied and appropriate words. 4.1

That sage recited this in five hundred cantos using twenty four thousand verses in six Kandas [sections] and also composed the Uthara Kanda. 4.2

The greatly intellectual and able Valmiki, after composing the Uthara Kanda and also after indicating the future event, thought of as to who should be employed to sing and propagate it. 4.3

Thereafter Kusa and Lava, clad in ascetic robes, appeared before the honourable sage Valmiki and touched his feet. 4.4

Kusa and Lava were famous princes and were the followers of Dharma and they were brothers blessed with a sweet voice and were living in the hermitage. 4.5

Seeing their intelligence, blessed with Vedas, both of them were initiated in to Vedas. 4.6

That genius of history has composed the entire Ramayana which details the great story of Sita as well the slaying of the grandson of Pulasthya Rishi. 4.7

The twins, who were aces in singing, were learned in melody and pitch. The two brothers who had a sweet voice appeared to be Gandharwas in human form. Being very handsome, sweet tone in regular speech, they appeared to be exact, purely extracted images of Lord Rama. They resembled each other completely in the pretty form, recitation and in singing as well the three measures of time and possessed complete mastery of the seven notes, formed and adopted from the musical instruments. They chanted the epic which had amorous, compassionate, fearful, as well as fearless, violent and sad moods. 4.8-4.11

Those two princes, who were disciplined and well versed disciples, who were solidly based on Dharma, learnt by note that epic, completely and chanted it as per the instruction of sage Valmiki before the assembly of sages, Brahmins and saints. 4.12-4.13

Both of them, who were great, dignified and endowed with good features, chanted this great epic standing at a particular place in front of honoured ascetics who were seated. 4.14

Hearing that, all the sages, having experienced great wonder, were overcome with tears of joy in their eyes and said "Great, Great" to Lava and Kusa. 4.15

All of those sages, who loved Dharma, were pleased and praised those praiseworthy singers Kusa and Lava. 4.16

"How surprising! The recital consisted of sweet verses and described what happened long ago and described it as if they were present at that moment of happening." 4.17

"Both of them chanted the theme in perfect unison having entered the Shadja and other notes in a perfect manner." 4.18

Praised this way by those great people, they stood further with sweetness and in great style. 4.19

One sage presented a fully sanctified water pot, another one who was pleased gave them, who were very famous, cloth made of bark. 4.20

The work composed by the great sage caused great wonderment and came to an end and became a foundation stone for future poets. 4.21

They, who were expert in all sorts of song styles, were greatly admired and sang it well in streets as well as avenues and almost everywhere and was once seen by Lord Sri Rama himself. 4.22-4.23

After that Rama, the destroyer of enemies, invited those two well deserving brothers Lava and Kusa to his palace and extended deserving hospitality. 4.24

The Lord, who was the tormentor of his enemies, occupied the divine golden throne and was surrounded by his brothers and his ministers. 4.25

That one, who was greatly disciplined, saw both of them, who were handsome, addressed Bharatha, Lakshmana and Sathrugna and told. 4.26

"Listen completely to this song from these singers, who shine like devas, the epic which is composed by using appropriate and great words" and then he urged those two singers to commence. 4.27

Both of them melodiously sang in melodious and ample voice, after tuning their musical instruments in a greatly distinct and musical way. 4.28

Those poems were greatly comfortable for hearing to the assembly of men, all their sense organs and their mind. 4.29

"These two sages, who have all the attributes of royal persons, are Kusa and Lava. They have done great penance. Even for me, it appears beneficial to listen to the history told by these great ones. Please listen to it carefully." 4.30

Thereafter encouraged by the words of Lord Rama, they chanted according to rules so that Rama as well as those assembled, who were desirous of a peaceful mind could hear it, fixing their mind on it. 4.31

This is the end of Fourth Sarga of Bala Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

Sargam [Chapter]: 5
Ayodhya and its Description

[After giving a brief description of Ikshuvaku clan, this chapter describes in detail the city of Ayodhya founded by Manu, the son of Prajapathi.]

In the olden times, this earth, which was completely bounded, belonged to the victorious Prajapathi and his descendants. 5.1

Among them, one King called Sagara got the ocean dug, while he was marching to the battle surrounded by his sixty thousand sons. 5.2

In that clan of kings, it was from Ikshuvaku, who was a great king, this great epic called Ramayana originated. 5.3

And so I will propagate to this world, the entire Ramayanam, which incorporates the Dharma [just action], Artha [wealth] and Moksha [salvation], which are the main goals of human life, in a very complete manner. 5.4

On the banks of Sarayu was situated the kingdom of Kosala, which was wealthy and blessed with abundant food grains and was inhabited by contended citizens. 5.5

Manu, the King of men, himself built there a town called Ayodhya which became world famous. 5.6

Beautiful and pleasing, with well laid out avenues, that great city extended to 12 yojanas [96 miles] in length and three yojanas [24 miles] broad. 5.7

The great royal [principal] roads were well laid out, shining, sprinkled with water and strewn with flowers. 5.8

King Dasaratha extended the prosperity of this great kingdom and lived in that country like King Indra. 5.9

The city had arched entrances, ornamental panel doors, numerous well laid markets, all kinds of weapons and all kinds of artisans lived in that city. 5.10

The city had many journalists and eulogists; it was prosperous in its matchless splendour and also had stately edifices with flags and was protected by many Sathagnis. 5.11

It had several female dancers and actors and furnished on all sides with gardens, mango groves and extensive forest of sal trees which were looking like a golden belt. 5.12

The city was enclosed in several fortifications and deep moats and well protected against enemies and also abounded with elephants, horses, camels and mules. 5.13

The city was visited by hosts of small kings to pay tributes to the King and also by several merchants. 5.14

The city was complete and resembled Indra's Amaravathi and was adorned by palaces and mansions which were decorated by gems. 5.15

The city was wonderful to see and resembled a board where Ashta Pada [game similar to chess] is played, crowded with men and women, endowed with seven storey palaces rich in gems. 5.16

The city was dense with houses on a leveled land, with no more place for further constructions, fully stocked with grains like rice and its water was as sweet as sugarcane juice. 5.17

The city echoed with sounds of trumpets, drums, Veenas and Panavas; it surpassed all cities on earth. 5.18

Like the great spires constructed by Sidhas through great penances, it had perfectly constructed palaces and was inhabited by noble persons. 5.19

The city of Ayodhya, inhabited by Dasaratha, had thousands of great warriors termed as Maharadhis [great charioteers] who were skilled archers with a quick hand. They would never shoot at solitary persons, persons without any defence and those who are fleeing from a battle. They were sufficiently skilled so that they could shoot at a foe or animal based on sound and had great strength in arms. They hunted wild animals like lions, tigers and boars with very sharp armaments. 5.20-5.22

The city had large number of Brahmins, who worshipped sacrificial fire, were experts in four Vedas and six Vedangas [Branches of Vedas]. They offered charity in thousands, were devoted to truth, exceedingly wise and were similar to great sages. 5.23

This is the end of Fifth Sarga of Bala Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

Sargam [Chapter]: 6
Ayodhya's Kings and its People

[Description of the kings of Ayodhya including Dasaratha as well as of the town and its people are given in this chapter.]

The King Dasaratha, a scholar in Vedas, who has collected all knowledge, far sighted one, who has great splendour, leading light to his citizens, great charioteer of the Ikshuvaku clan, performer of fire sacrifices, who is an expert in practice of Dharma, who is in control, who is equal to a sage, the royal saint, who is famous in the three worlds, who is strong, destroyer of enemies, who had lot of friends, who has fully controlled his sense organs, who is wealthy, who has other great possessions, who can be compared to Indra and Khubera, lived in that city of Ayodhya, being powerful protected all the world and could be compared to Manu who ruled the world earlier. 6.1-6.4

That Dasaratha, who was truthful and who strictly followed the three types of dharmas [Dharma, Artha and Kama], ruled the great city of Ayodhya similar to Indra who ruled his city Amaravathi. 6.5

In this great city people were happy, followed Dharma, well learned, owned riches and possessions, spoke the truth and were without greed. 6.6

In that great city, there were none who have not accumulated wealth, or one who has not achieved Dharma, Artha and Kama, nor one who did not posses food grains, cattle and horses. 6.7

In that city, one who has lust, one who is a miser or one who is cruel or one who is not learned or one who is an atheist could not be seen anywhere. 6.8

All men and women were righteous in character and had full self control and were prosperous, had good conduct and behaviour and lived like sages. 6.9

There were none without ornaments, without a coronet, without garlands, deficient in worldly enjoyments, without getting their limbs anointed and without applying expensive aromatic oils on their body. 6.10

There were none, who did not eat well or who were without charitable nature or who were without wearing bracelets in their upper hands or who did not have ornaments on their neck or who had not restrained their self. 6.11

In that city, there were none, who did not kindle a sacrificial fire or those who did not perform sacrifices nor thieves nor mean minded persons nor people of improper descent or mixed caste. 6.12

The Brahmins in Ayodhya were interested in performing their duties, had control over their senses, were charitable by nature, were self-controlled, did self-study, accepted charity and their marital relation was confined to their wives. 6.13

During that period, there was not a single atheist, nor one who told a lie nor one who was jealous or incompetent or illiterate nor who has not learned their Sastras. 6.14

In the city of Ayodhya. there was no Brahmin, who was not an expert in Vedangas, or one who did not perform penances or one who did not donate in thousands to the one who was in distress or vexed in mind. 6.15

In Ayodhya, there was no man or woman who did not have wealth and beauty and it was not possible to a person who did not have devotion to king. 6.16

In that great city all the people in the four castes worshipped guests as Gods and all of them were endowed with gratitude, who was not munificent or heroic or not processing prowess and they lived long surrounded by sons, grandsons and wives. They were righteous and dedicated to truth. 6.17-6.18

The Kshatriyas were obedient to Brahmins and Vaisyas cooperated with Kshatriyas and Shudras assisted the other three castes and each of them were occupied with their professions. 6.19

That city which was earlier governed by Manu, who was foremost among men and a supreme person of wisdom was governed in the same way by King Dasaratha. 6.20

Ayodhya was filled with warriors, which was similar to Mountain caves filled with lions and they, like the flame of fire, were accomplished in the use of weapons. 6.21

It had excellent horses similar to the Uchaisrava of Indra, in areas like Khambhoja, Bhallika, Vanyu and Sindhu. 6.22

It had also elephants like the intoxicated elephants of Vindhya Range, strong elephants born in Himalayas which were blessed with great strength and looked like Mountains and there were also mighty elephants belonging to the clan of Airavatha, Mahapadma, Anjana and Vamana. 6.23-6.24

The city was full of intoxicated elephants which were similar to Mountains belonging to the race of Bhadra, Mandhra, Mriga, the interbreeds of these three races. 6.25

The Ayodhya city in which Dasaratha lived in that kingdom, spread to a distance of 4 miles and was worthy of its name. 6.26

The revered King Dasaratha, who had great splendour, made his enemies as his friends and ruled Ayodhya like the moon who ruled the stars. 6.27

Ayodhya was auspicious, had strong gates and locks, adorned buildings and was populated by thousands of men and was ruled by King Dasaratha equal in prowess to Lord Indra. 6.28

This is the end of Sixth Sarga of Bala Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

Sargam [Chapter]: 7
Ayodhya's Greatness and its Administration

[A glowing but detailed account of the town of Ayodhya including its administration is given in this chapter.]

Those ministers of the descendants of Ikshuvaku had great virtues and were competent advisers and were skilled in judging the motives of people from their face and did all that they could do to the good of the king. 7.1

King Dasaratha employed eight ministers who were free from problems in dealing with people and who were devoted to the royal duties. 7.2

The eight ministers of King Dasaratha were Drishti, Jayantha, Vijaya, Sidhatha, Artha Sadaka, Asoka, Manthra Pala and Sumanthra. 7.3

King Dasaratha had two highly desired sages Vasishta and Vamadeva as family priests. He had other able counsellors also. 7.4

These family priests were well educated in all branches of knowledge, felt ashamed to do unjust acts, were greatly proficient, were with restrained senses, were rich, great souls who were expert in Sasthras, greatly valorous, fixed on their thoughts, Followed strictly words given by them, possessed splendour of forgiveness and always spoke with a smile. 7.5-7.6

They never uttered unjust words or lies either in anger or for pecuniary gains and in the midst of their enemies, they knew what was done and what has to be done or that which needs to be done though spies. 7.7

Those ministers were competent in their dealings and in friendship they were trusted and even in case of their own sons, they properly judged and imposed punishments. 7.8

The ministers were expert in collection of revenue, collecting people for army and did not inflict punishment to those who were not their well wishers, if they did not commit any offence. 7.9

They were greatly powerful, possessed steady perseverance, followed policy of state perfectly and protected virtuous people living in the country. 7.10

They did not cause problems to Kshatriyas and Brahmanas by word, thought and deed and filled the treasury. They inflicted punishment on a person only after proper examination of the weakness and strength of the case. 7.11

The ministers who were of good conduct administered the kingdom unanimously and there was not a single liar in the city or kingdom. 7.12

In the city, even one wicked man who desired for another's wife did not exist and serenity prevailed in the entire country. 7.13

All the ministers wore very good cloths, were well adorned and of very good character and they were vigilant to keep up the welfare of the king's welfare. 7.14

They got inspiration from senior citizens like mother and father, renowned in their prowess, they guided all affairs using their intellect and they were well known in countries outside theirs. 7.15

The ministers were affluent and were well aware of real state of affairs in peace and war.They were experts in keeping their plans secret and were experts in understanding the points before coming to a decision. They were experts in jurisprudence and always spoke in a pleasing voice. 7.16-7.17

The sin free Dasaratha, surrounded by ministers with these virtues, ruled the earth. 7.18

Tiger among men, that Dasaratha guarded his people, pleased and protected the righteous ones by gathering effective intelligence through spies, deserted the unrighteous ones and was well known in all the three worlds and ruled well. 7.19-7.20

He had many friends and all tributary kings were humble to him. He killed all his enemies by his might and there was no enemy who was equal or superior to him. He ruled the world just like Indra ruled the heavens. 7.21

Surrounded by those ministers who advised him for his welfare with affection to him, who were skilful and capable, the King shined like the rising Sun with his luminous rays. 7.22

This is the end of Seventh Sarga of Bala Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

Sargam [Chapter]: 8
Aswamedha Sacrifice Proposal

[Dasaratha, feeling the need to have a son, decides to do Aswamedha sacrifice. He consults his Gurus and priests about it. All of them second his wish and order him to make necessary arrangements. Dasaratha, having decided on the sacrifice, instructs his wives to lead a disciplined life.]

The Majestic Dasaratha, the knower of righteousness, who was a great soul, was extremely sad for not having any son for perpetuating the race in spite of performing hard penances. 8.1

That magnanimous King reflecting over this matter thought of performing a horse sacrifice for getting sons and decided on that course. 8.2

Pious and wise, that King after making up his mind, called his ministers who had control over themselves and firmly instructed them on the need of performing the horse sacrifice and commanded, the best among his ministers to go and bring all his Gurus along with the family priests. 8.3-8.4

After that Sumanthra who could move swiftly brought Suyagna, Vamadeva, Jabali, Kasyapa as well as his family priest sage Vasistha along with great Brahmins who were expert in Vedas. 8.5-8.6

Dasaratha, the soul of Dharma, then worshipped all of them and uttered these meaningful words drenched in Dharma to them. 8.7

Due to the sorrow filing my mind for not having sons, I do not have happiness and I intend to perform the horse sacrifice. 8.8

So I am desirous of performing it according to sastra. Please discuss and tell me as to how I would be able to fulfill my desire. 8.9

The Brahmins led by sage Vasishta agreed with the words spoken by the King and extolled it by saying "well, well" 8.10

All of them were highly pleased and told Dasaratha, "Let the requisite articles be collected and the horse be released." 8.11

"Oh king, the desire that arose in your mind for getting sons is right and you will definitely obtain sons as desired." 8.12

Hearing the words spoken by the Brahmins, thereafter the King was very much pleased and with excited eyes told the ministers. 8.13

"Let the articles required for the sacrifice be procured as per the advice of the Guru and the horse be released under protection of able men." 8.14

"Let a sacrificial hall be constructed according to the ritual code on the northern bank of river Sarayu. Let auspicious rites be performed so that the sacrifice is conducted without any interruption." 8.15

"It would be definitely possible to get desired results by the kings if difficulties and interruptions do not happen in this great fire sacrifice." 8.16

"The learned Brahma Rakshasas would be trying their best to find flaw in its conduct. If they find it, they will destroy the sacrifice and kill the performer." 8.17

"For that reason, let efforts be made to conduct it without any flaw and let the sacrifice be completed according to rules as laid out in the scriptures as you are all experts in doing so.," 8.18

All the Ministers heard these words of King Dasaratha, worshipped him and replied, "It would be done that way, Sir". 8.19

Those Brahmins, who were experts in Dharma, congratulated Dasaratha, the best among the kings, for his perseverance, took leave of him and returned to the places from where they came. 8.20

After bidding farewell to those great Brahmins, King Dasaratha told his ministers, "Let the fire sacrifice be done as enjoined by the scriptures and as directed by the officiating priests." 8.21

That very eminent king, who was greatly intelligent, after ordering his ministers, who were sitting nearby, to leave and entered in to his private apartments. 8.22

After that, the King went near his dearest wives and told them, "I intend to observe a fire sacrifice for getting sons and so all of you may start observing a strictly disciplined religious life." 8.23

After hearing his very charming words, his wives, who had lotus like faces and were bright looking, shined like lotus flower coming out of the covering of the ice. 8.24

This is the end of Eighth Sarga of Bala Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

Sargam [Chapter]: 9
Rishya Sringa's Story

[Sumanthra tells that he heard sage Sanathkumara telling a group of saints that Dasaratha would get sons only if the Fire Sacrifice is done by sage Rishya Sringa. Then he tells the story of Rishyasringa and his father Vibhandaka. He also tells as to how Romapada, King of Anga Desa, needed Rishyasringa's presence in his country.]

After hearing all that, the king's charioteer [Sumanthra - the minister] addressed the King in private and told, "I heard the officiating priests about what happened earlier." 9.1

"The sage Sanathkumara, who is divine, narrated the story of your future generation to others." 9.2

"Sage Kasyapa had a famous son called Vibhandaka and it has been foretold that he would have a son who would be called Rishya Sringa." 9.3

"He grew up in the forest and always followed his father in the forest and that King among Brahmins did not know anything except the forest." 9.4

"Oh eminent king, that sage Rishyasringa practised two fold celibacy as prescribed by the Brahmins." 9.5

"He spent all his life in attending to his father who was very famous and attending to the fire god." 9.6

"During that time, there was a famous King called Romapada who was very famous and ruled over the country of Anga." 9.7

"Due to his ruling the country against the prescribed tenets, there was terrible famine and pestilence in his country, making all the living beings greatly suffer." 9.8

"When that great drought prevailed, the grief stricken King summoned all the Brahmins, who were old, heard many things and told them" 9.9

"All of you are experts in Dharma and well versed in the ways of the world and so please instruct me as to the religious atonement to be carried out now." 9.10

"Those Brahmins, who were expert in Vedas, told the king, "By employing all means, please bring the son of sage Vibhandaka to our country." 9.11

"After bringing Rishyasringa here and honouring him with due reverence, according to rules, offer your daughter Santha to him." 9.12

When the King heard their words, he became thoughtful and asked "What means can be employed to bring him, who has won over his senses here?" 9.13

"Thereafter in consultation with his very efficient ministers, he decided to send a group of ministers and priests for performing that mission." 9.14

Having heard the words of the king, greatly worried and with bent heads, distressed and frightened they said "we will not go." 9.15

And again after thinking over the useful means to bring him to the court, they said to the king, "We will bring the sage in such a way that no blame would come to us." 9.16

"By using courtesans, that son of the sage was brought to the court of the King of Anga, King Indra then poured rain and Santha the daughter of the King was offered to him." 9.17

"And that son in law Rishya Sringa will bless you [Dasaratha] to have sons. This is what the sage Sanatkumara told the other sages." 9.18

Hearing that, King Dasaratha told in return to Sumanthra, "please tell me in detail about the means by which Rishya Sringa could be brought.” 9.19

This is the end of Ninth Sarga of Bala Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

Sargam [Chapter]: 10
Rishya Sringa and Anga Desa

[According to the advice of the ministers, efficient courtesans were sent to the forest to bring Rishya Sringa. When they brought him to Anga Desa, it was blessed with rain and King Romapada gave his daughter Santha in marriage to him.]

Thus further egged by, the King Sumanthra said these words in return, "please hear the method by which Rishya Sringa was brought to the court by the ministers." 10.1

"Those priests along with the ministers told the King as follows, "we have thought over a plan which will never fail." 10.2

"Rishya Sringa is one who has moved in the forest and takes great delight in studying Vedas. He is not acquainted with ladies and the pleasures that can be got from them." 10.3

"By overpowering his mind by the sensual pleasures, we will persuade him to come to this town. Please decide it quickly." 10.4

"Let pretty courtesans well dressed and ornamented be sent there. They will tempt him by various means and bring him here." 10.5

'Hearing all that they said, the King replied to the priests, "Let it be done that way" and the priests and ministers acted accordingly." 10.6

"Hearing this, the chief courtesans entered the great forest and staying not very far from the hermitage, they made efforts to see Rishya Sringa who always resided in the forest along with control over his senses. 10.7

"Being always satisfied with himself, Rishya Sringa never stirred out of his father's hermitage. Always doing penance from his birth, he had neither seen a woman nor man or the creatures which were born in towns and cities." 10.8-10.9

"One day, by chance, that son of Vibhandaka came to that place and there he saw those beautiful women." 10.10

"Beautifully attired, those women approached the son of the sage singing in a sweet voice and saluted him." 10.11

"Oh Brahmin, who are you? How are you subsisting here? We are eager to know as to why you are wandering in this dreadful forest. If you do not have objection, please tell." 10.12

"Having never seen persons like them, those women appeared very desirable looking at him. Due to affection, he felt like telling about his father to them." 10.13

"My father is Vibhandaka and I am his own son. I am famously known in this world as Rishya Sringa." 10.14

"Oh holy looking ones, my hermitage is nearby.I would take you and worship you according to the scriptures. 10.15
"Hearing the words of Rishya Sringa, they all desired to see the hermitage and all of them accompanied him." 10.16

"That son of a sage worshipped them, offered them water to wash and drink, roots and fruits to eat." 10.17

"They accepted the offerings with great enthusiasm and quickly returned from there due to their fear of the sage." 10.18

"Oh Brahmin, you have to accept return hospitality from us of very sweet fruits. May prosperity be on you. Please accept them speedily from us." 10.19

"Thereafter all of them embraced him with great joy and gave him various items of food as well as many sweet dishes." 10.20

"He who had great luster as a Brahmin, thought about them similar to fruits as he has never tasted the food of the permanent dwellers of the forest." 10.21

"They made known to him their interest in austerities and offerings to God and took leave of him, fearing that his father would curse them." 10.22

"After the courtesans departed, that Brahmin who was the grandson of Kashyapa, became very restless and with sorrow started moving around" 10.23

"Next day, the sage who had great powers of penance, came to the spot where he had seen the well adorned courtesan, to please his mind." 10.24

"Those courtesans seeing Brahmin approaching them, became happy and said to him." 10.25

"Oh peaceful one, please come to our hermitage, a special and very hospitable treatment would be extended to you there. They said." 10.26

"Hearing their words, which was pleasing to the mind, he made a decision to go with them and then those women took him away." 10.27

"When the illustrious was being brought to Anga Desa, Parjanya, the god of rains, was pleased and poured a heavy rain in that country." 10.28

"When the Brahmin who brought rains came, King Romapada himself came to welcome him, bowed down his head and then prostrated before him, " 10.29

"The King concentrated his mind and gave offerings which rightly belonged to him and sought a favour that the sage's father should not get upset with him." 10.30

"The King entered his private apartments with the sage in accordance with the rules, gave his daughter to him in marriage, so that satisfaction prevailed." 10.31

"That Rishya Sringa, who was respected in that place, lived there with his desires fulfilled." 10.32

This is the end of Tenth Sarga of Bala Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

Sargam [Chapter]: 11
Rishya Sringa and Ayodhya

[Sumanthra further tells how Sanatkumara has foretold that King Dasaratha would be blessed with four sons after he takes Rishya Sringa to his city and get the fire sacrifice performed by him. The King Dasaratha goes to Anga Desa and with the consent of the King Romapada succeeds in taking Rishya Sringa to Ayodhya where he is hospitably received.]

Oh Indra among kings, this is what has been told which is beneficial to you. Please hear further what the great among devas Sanatkumara told. 11.1

"In the clan of Ikshuvaku would be born a virtuous King called Dasaratha, who would be true to his promise." 11.2

"He will develop friendship with the King of Anga to whom a great daughter named Santha would be born." 11.3

"The son of Anga Raja would be called Romapada.To him the famous King Dasaratha would approach and tell." 11.4

"Oh soul of Dharma, I am without children and want to conduct a sacrifice. Be kind enough to send the husband of Shantha to conduct it so that I would get children in my clan." 11.5

"Hearing that, after deep thought, that King will offer to send the husband of Santha, who can bless others to have sons." 11.6

"King Dasaratha relieved of his worries would be greatly delighted, would take the Brahmin and perform the sacrifice." 11.7

"King Dasaratha, interested in performing the fire sacrifice, with folded hands adopt the great Brahmin to conduct the sacrifice, in order to obtain children and then become eligible to reach heaven and would get his desires fulfilled by that great Brahmin. 11.8-11.9

"Four sons of immense valour would be born to him, bringing glory to the dynasty in all the three worlds." 11.10

"This was narrated by God Sanathkumara who is very capable and belonged to the clan of devas in the early period of Kruthayuga." 11.11

"Oh King, who is the lion among men, so accompanied by retinue of army and vehicles, please go personally, honour sage Rishya Sringa and bring him here." 11.12

Having heard the words of Sumanthra, after taking consent of sage Vasishta, accompanied by his queens and ministers he departed to that place of Brahmin. 11.13

Crossing forest and rivers, slowly and slowly he reached the place where the great sage resided. 11.14

Reaching the city, he saw the son of the sage and best among Brahmins, glowing like fire, seated next to King Romapada. 11.15
That king, greatly delighted in his heart due to his friendship with Dasaratha, extended great hospitality to him according to rules and traditions. 11.16

King Romapada explained his friendship as well as intimate connection with King Dasaratha to great son of the sage and he in return honored King Dasaratha. 11.17

That great King greatly pleased by the hospitality, having stayed there for seven or eight days spoke to King Romapada as follows. 11.18

"Oh king, kindly permit your daughter Santha along with her husband to come to my city as I have planned to do an important religious rite." 11.19

Having heard those words, the King agreed to the proposal and requested the sage to go to that place accompanied by his wife. 11.20

After the sage agreed and said, "So be it" and after being permitted by King Romapada, he departed to Ayodhya along with his wife. 11.21

Both the valorous Dasaratha and Romapada, saluted each other and embraced with their hearts touching each other and became extremely happy. 11.22

After taking leave of his friend, the son of Raghu [here Dasaratha] departed and swiftly travelling messengers were dispatched to inform citizens of Ayodhya. 11.23

They were instructed to decorate the city in a grand manner, sprinkle, clean with water, make it sweet smelling by scented smoke and later decorate the city with flags. 11.24

Hearing about the arrival of king, the citizens were greatly pleased and took all actions as per the instruction of their king. 11.25

Then the King, keeping foremost of the Brahmins in front of him, entered the well decorated city, amidst the sound of conchs and drums. 11.26

Then all the citizens were delighted to see the Brahmin being honoured by their King, who was like Indra. 11.27

After entering his private apartments, the sage was worshipped as per Sastras and became greatly happy as he could bring the sage there. 11.28

The ladies of the King were greatly happy to see the broad eyed Santha coming there accompanying her husband. 11.29

Honoured and worshipped by the royal ladies, especially the king, she [Santha] stayed there comfortably along with her husband. 11.30

This is the end of Eleventh Sarga of Bala Kanda which occurs in Holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the First Epic.

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