Bala Kandam

Sargam [Chapter]: 55
Viswamithra's Defeat

[When Viswamithra's army and hundred sons are killed, he goes for a penance. At the end of penance, Lord Shiva gives him all arrows known to all sections of the world. With this knowledge, he wages a war against Vasishta.]

"Thereafter, Vasishta, seeing that Viswamithra's arrows have benumbed the army created by Sabala, told her, "Create additional forces." 55.1

"From her sound Humbha, Khambhojas as powerful as sun were born; from her udder, well armed Paplavas were born; from her womb, Yavanas were born; from her Anus, Sakas were born and from her root hair, Mlechas were born." 55.2-55.3

"Oh son of Raghu clan, they destroyed the army of Viswamithra consisting of infantry, horses, elephants and chariots." 55.4

Having seen that their army being destroyed by Vasishta, hundred sons of Viswamithra became angry, armed with various types of weapons, rushed towards the adorable Vasishta, the greatest among those who chant Vedas; He burnt all of them with a sound of "hum". 55.5-55.6

"Then those one hundred sons of Viswamithra along with their horses, chariots and foot soldiers were burnt in to ashes by that great Vasishta." 55.7

"That famous Viswamithra, seeing that his sons as well as army were destroyed, became plunged in sorrow and started thinking." 55.8

"Like an ocean without waves, a snake without fangs and Sun under eclipse, he had become devoid of power." 55.9

"With his sons and army destroyed, he became like a bird without wings, his pride vanished and shattered; he became laden with thought." 55.10

"In accordance with the tradition of Kashtriyas, he appointed one of his sons to rule hos Kingdom and reached the forest." 55.11

"That mighty ascetic reached the slopes of Himalaya Mountains, inhabited by Kinnaras and serpents, and entered in to penance." 55.12

"After passage of time, the great Maheswara, Lord of all devathas, with bull on his side, presented himself before the mighty Viswamithra to grant boons." 55.13

"Oh King, why are you doing this penance? Tell me what you want to inform me. I am the giver of boons, please tell me about the boon that you desire." 55.14

"When the God spoke like this, Viswamithra of great penance after saluting Maheswara spoke." 55.15

"Oh stainless one, Oh Mahadeva, if you are pleased give me the secrets of the science of archery [Dhanur Veda] with its branches, sub division and philosophy." 55.16

"Oh Stainless one, let all those weapons that are known to devas, asuras, great sages, Gandharwas, Yakshas and Rakshasas be present like a flash in my mind." 55.17

"Oh Lord, by your grace, please fulfill my desire." The Lord of devas said,"So be it" and having spoken went back. 55.18

"That royal sage, endowed with great strength, became more haughty; his insolence greatly increased." 55.19

"With his ebbing energy, similar to the ocean on full moon and new moon, his only thought was the slaying of great ascetic Vasishta." 55.20

"Thereafter, that King went towards the hermitage and released the weapons. That entire forest for penance was burnt down by their power." 55.21

"Having seen those powerful weapons released by Viswamithra, hundreds of saints living there fled in all directions." 55.22

"Disciples of Vasishta, animals and birds living there, being scared, ran in all directions in their thousands." 55.23

"The hermitage of that great sage became deserted in an instant and became like a barren field blessed with silence." 55.24

Though Vasishta was saying repeatedly "I will destroy this son of Gadhi like a mist", all of them fled. 55.25

"After saying this, that foremost expert in chanting Vedas, told these words with great anger to Viswamithra". 55.26

"Oh fool, this great hermitage has been developed by effort of many years; for what reason did you destroy it and for that reason you are wicked; you would not live long." 55.27

"Saying this, speedily in great anger, he lifted his staff, which shined like fire, and another staff of God of death." 55.28

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

Sargam [Chapter]: 56
Viswamithra's Defeat by Vasishta

[Viswamithra wages a great war and uses all great weapons known to him. The staff of Vasishta makes all of them useless and Viswamithra is defeated.]

"When addressed like this by Vasishta, the strong Viswamithra, after lifting the Agneya Asthra [arrow of fire], said "stay, stay." 56.1

"The God like Vasishta took the staff of Brahma, which looked like the staff of death, lifted it in great anger and told." 56.2

"Oh friend of Kshatriyas, I am standing here. Show me your strength. Oh son of Gadhi, if you are proud of the strength of your weapons, now itself I will destroy it." 56.3

"Oh shame of Kshatriyas, where does the power of Kshatriya stand before the power of a Brahmin? Now please see my divine strength as a Brahmin." 56.4

"That fierce arrow of fire, discharged by son of Gadhi, was put out, like fire put out by water by Vasishta's staff of Brahma." 56.5

"That son of Gadhi, then sent arrows called Varuna [rain], Roudhra [anger], Iyndhra [indra], Pasupatha [Lord Shiva] and Aishika." 56.6

"Oh son of Raghu clan, then Viswamithra employed arrows called Mohana [bewicher], Gandharawa, Swapana [inducer of sleep], Jrumbana [shaker], Madana [love god], Santhapana [which causes burn], Vilapana [which causes wailing], Sishana [which tires you out], Dharana [which splits], Sudurjayam [difficult to defeat], Vajra Asthra [Diamond Arrow], Brahma Asthra [Arrow of Brahma], Kala Pasa [Rope of Death], Varuna Pasa [Rope of Rain God], Painaka Arrow, Dayitha Arrow, Suskadra [Dry and Wet], Twin of Thunderbolt, Danda Asthra [which punishes], Paisacha [Devil], Krauncha Asthra, Dharma Chakra, [Wheel of Justice], Kala Chakra [Wheel of Death], Vishnu Chakra [Wheel of Vishnu], Vayavya [Weapon of Wind], Mathana [Churning Weapon], Haya Sira [Horse's Head], Kankala [Skeleton], Musala [Pestle], Twin Shakthis, Weapon of Vidhyadharas and Mahasthra [Great Arrow] against the great sage. All those became greatly awful." 56.7-56.12

"Vasishta, the son of Brahma, swallowed all these weapons by his staff. When all those weapons were made peaceful, the son of Gadhi sent the Brahmastra." 56.13

"Seeing that Asthra [arrow] was employed, devas lead by fire God, divine sages, great serpents and Gandharwas were greatly agitated and all the three worlds were distressed." 56.14-56.15

"Oh Rama, Vasishta, son of Brahma, possessing his power, using the Brahma staff, made even that Brahmasthra peaceful." 56.16

"While taming that Brahmastra, the form of the great Vasishta was fierce and terrible causing all the three worlds to faint. " 56.17

"From every pore of hair on the body of that great Vasishta, flames of fire and smoke arose; looked as if rays of light were coming out from every point of his body." 56.18

"The shining staff of Brahma, which was in the hand of Vasishta, shined like another smokeless staff of God of death." 56.19

"Then all the hoards of sages praised Vasishta, the best among sages, as "Oh Brahmin, your energy is great. Hold that energy by your own energy." 56.20

"Oh Brahmin, you have controlled Viswamithra by your great penance. Oh Great sage, calm down so that all the three worlds gets out of their distress." 56.21

"Thus spoken, that great ascetic, with immense splendour, became peaceful. The humiliated Viswamithra took a deep breath and spoke these words." 56.22

"The power of Kshatriyas is useless. The shining power of Brahmanas is the real power. The staff of Brahma has destroyed all my weapons." 56.23

"Because of this incident which I have seen and with a clear mind as well as sense organs, I shall do more penance".

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

Sargam [Chapter]: 57
Viswamithra's Penance and Trishanku

[Viswamithra does further penance. Lord Brahma recognizes him as a royal sage. Trisanku, the King of Ayodhya, wants to go to heaven along with his body. Vasishta, his guru says that he cannot help him. Then he approaches the sons of Vasishta, who become angry.]

"Oh Rama, with a sad heart and with a mind greatly upset, making tortured breaths of anger again and again, Viswamithra, thought of his enmity with Vasishta and along with his chief queen, went to the southern side and eating only fruits and roots performed a great penance." 57.1-57.2

"There, they had sons dedicated to truth and Dharma called Havishpanda, Madhushyandha, Drithanethra and Maharadha." 57.3

"After the passage of full one thousand years, Lord Brahma, the grand father of the world, appeared before Viswamithra who did great penance and told him in a sweet voice, "You have won the world of royal sages by your great penance." 57.4-57.5

"Due to your great many penances done, you have become a royal sage", saying this Lord Brahma, the supreme ruler of the worlds with great luster, went back to heaven along with other devas accompanying him." 57.6

"Hearing that, Viswamithra felt disgraced and fell in to great sorrow and with rancour told." 57.7

"Though I have done great penance, devas and sages are only recognizing me as a royal sage and so there is no use of my penance." 57.8

"Oh son of Kakustha clan, deciding like this, that great sage again started doing great penance." 57.9

"At that time, there was a King called Trishanku of the Kakustha dynasty, who was a great votary of truth and who controlled his sense organs." 57.10

"Oh Rama, he got an idea of doing a Yagna by which he could attain the divine place of devas along with his body and he then called Vasishta and informed him about his thought." 57.11-57.12

"That great sage Vasishta said that he would not be able to do it and disappointed by Vasishta, the King went to meet the sons of sage Vasishta in the southern direction." 57.13

"Trisanku went to the place where the sons of Vasishta were doing penance and there he met those one hundred shining sages." 57.14-57.15

"On seeing the sons of his Guru, he saluted them, sequentially as per their age. He spoke to those great souls with a down cast face and with folded hands." 57.16

"As a shelter seeker, I have come to surrender to you, who are helping the needy. Be safe. Sage Vasishta has refused my request." 57.17

"I want to do a great Yagna; I want your consent for that; I am saluting all of you, who are my teachers sons, requesting you to bless me." 57.18

"I am saluting you, who are Brahmins steeped in penance, requesting you to get the Yagna performed by me so that I can go to the land of devas with my body." 57.19-57.20

"Since sage Vasishta has refused this proposal, I do not have any other option except approaching you, who are the sons of my Guru." 57.21

"For the clan members of Ikshuvaku, you priests are the only recourse and therefore next to Vasishta, you are my only gods." 57.22

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

Sargam [Chapter]: 58
Trishanku and Viswamithra

[When the sons of Vasishta also refuse, Trishanku pesters them and later they curse that Trishanku should become a Chandala. In that form, he approaches sage Viswamithra and requests for his help.]

"Oh Rama, those hundred sons of the sage, hearing the words of King Trishanku, got enraged and told the King like this." 58.1

"Oh bad brained one, after the refusal of your teacher, who is the votary of truth, how dare you approach another branch of the same tree of wisdom." 58.2

"For all the members of the clan of Ikshuvaku, their priest is the only recourse and it is highly improper to doubt the words of that priest who is the votary of truth." 58.3

"When the god like sage Vasishta has told that it is not possible; please tell us how we would be capable of doing it?" 58.4

"You are childish, oh king, go back to your city and the god like King sage Vasishta alone is capable of performing any Yagna for any King in the three worlds." 58.5

"Having heard their faltering words laden with great anger, the King again told them the following words." 58.6

"Oh sages, rich in penance, though you are the sons of my God like Guru, I would find out some other method of achieving my aim. You be safe." 58.7

"Those sons of the sage, hearing these words, which had horrible implication, became greatly angry and cursed him to become a Chandala." 58.8

"Saying like this, sages returned to their hermitages; when the night got over, the King became a Chandala," 58.9

"With a blue body, wearing blue cloths, with a hateful shaggy hair, wearing garlands from cremation ground and wearing iron ornaments instead of gold ornaments." 58.10

"Oh Rama, seeing him in the form of a Chandala, all his ministers left him; his citizens and followers also ran away in a crowd." 58.11

"Oh son of Kakustha clan, that highly adamant King burnt within himself for a day and night; he approached the great sage Viswamithra later." 58.12

"Oh Rama, that sage Viswamithra, seeing the King rendered useless in the form of a Chandala, became sympathetic to him." 58.13

"Due to great mercy, that great follower of Dharma, who had great luster, told that King, who had this horrible looking form, "Safety to you." 58.14

"Oh strong son of king, Oh mighty King of Ayodhya, for what purpose have you come here. You have become a Chandala due to a curse." 58.15

"That King, who had become a Chandala, hearing those words, with folded hands, told to that lord of words, who knew how to use them." 58.16

"I have been spurned by my Guru as well as his sons and my desire remains unfulfilled." 58.17

"Oh gentle one, I want to go to heaven along with this body; though I have performed hundred rituals, I am not able to fulfill my desire." 58.18

"Oh gentle one, I have never been a liar and now on will not speak any lie due to this predicament of mine; I am taking this pledge based on the Dharma of Kshatriyas." 58.19

"I have conducted many types of Yagnas and was ruling over my subjects with Dharma; Many great elders have been happy with my conduct." 58.20

"Oh saint, completely following Dharma, I developed this desire; but my Gurus are not happy with my aim and threw me out." 58.21

"I believe that God is the only divine one and my manly effort is meaningless; God helps us to surmount all problems and God is my only aim." 58.22

"I desire your grace on this soul in great anguish and I think that I deserve help from you to succeed in this effort stopped by the gods." 58.23

"I will not approach anyone else; I will not seek protection from anyone else; I merit your help in this which has been caused by God and human beings, " 58.24

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

Sargam [Chapter]: 59
Viswamithra's Yagna for Trishanku

[Viswamithra arranges for a great Yagna for sending Trishanku to heaven along with his physical body. He invites all sages including sons of Viswamithra. Not only they refuse to come, but make fun of Viswamithra. Viswamithra burns them to ashes and curses them that for hundred births they will live by eating corpses.]

"Hearing the proper words from the king, the son of Kushika developed mercy on him, told the following sweet words to him who has become a Chandala." 59.1

"Welcome to you, oh son of Ikshuvaku clan, I know about your good deeds. Do not fear; I am your protection, Oh great king." 59.2

"For conducting this blessed deed, I shall invite all sages and then you can conduct the Yagna in a proper manner." 59.3

"You would be living further with this form due to the curse of the Guru and you would be going to heaven with this form only." 59.4

"Oh King, heaven is now within the reach of your hands as you have surrendered to Kaushika, who fulfills wishes of those who surrender to him." 59.5

"After saying this, that saint asked his sons, who were great followers of Dharma, to make all arrangements for the ritual." 59.6

"He then summoned all his disciples and told them, "As per my order, invite all great sages, who have learnt the Vedas, along with their disciples, friends and also those who are famous for conducting the Yagna." 59.7

"If any invitee speaks against this, which is not proper and not considerate, please report all that words to me." 59.8

"Hearing his words, his disciples went in all directions and invited many persons; many votaries of Brahman from all countries started arriving." 59.9

"All his disciples, after they had returned, met the resplendent sage and reported all the words spoken by the votaries of Brahman whom they had invited." 59.10

"On hearing your words, many of the Brahmins have come and many more are coming, except Mahodaya, the son of Vasishta." 59.11

"All the one hundred sons of sage Vasishta spoke explosively angry words and oh great sage, please hear all those words." 59.12

"A Kshatriya is performing a Yagna of a Chandala, how will a ritual assembly participate and how will Gods and Sages receive the offering." 59.13

"Ruled over by Viswamithra, if they take the food of the Chandala, how can great Brahmins go to heaven?" 59.14
"Oh tiger like sage, such insulting words, with eyes turning red with anger, were spoken by all the sons of Vasishta including Mahodaya." 59.15

"After hearing these words from his disciples, that great sage, with eyes turning red with anger, told the following words." 59.16

"Those who berate me, who have found fault, are bad souls and without doubt they will all be turned to ash." 59.17

"Now they will be dragged by the rope of God of death and for the coming seven hundred births, they would be born as persons who eat corpses." 59.18

"They will take birth in a ruthless tribe called Mushtikas, would be disfigured and deformed and wander all over the world eating the flesh of a dog." 59.19

"Mahodhaya, with a bad thought has found fault with me, who is blemish less, let him be born as a night wanderer, who is berated by all the world." 59.20

"And he would suffer the bad fate for a long time as a barbaric murderer due to my anger." 59.21

"Viswamithra, who has done great penance, after saying these words, then stayed amidst those great sages, with great splendour, who have arrived." 59.22

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

Sargam [Chapter]: 60
Trishanku Heaven Creation

[After the Yagna, when devas did not come to receive their share, Viswamithra by his power of penance sends Trishanku to heaven but he is pushed back by devas. Seeing him falling head downwards, Viswamithra creates a new heaven to accommodate Trishanku. The disturbed devas agree to make him in to a star constellation which will live forever.]

"The most brilliant Viswamithra, having destroyed the power of penance of Mahodhaya and other sons of Vasishta, said in the midst of sages." 60.1

"This person born in the clan of Ikshuvaku, whose name is Trishanku, is a famous follower of Dharma and this person has sought refuge in me wanting to conquer the land of devas along with this physical body." 60.2

"You should perform the sacrifice, along with me, in such a way that this King attains heaven along with his physical body." 60.3

"All those sages, who were endowed with Dharma, after hearing the words of Viswamithra, in harmony, said." 60.4

"This sage born in the clan of Kushika is an angry one and his words, without doubt, should be fulfilled properly; if that sage, who is like fire, gets angry, he will curse us." 60.5-60.6

"For that reason, let the Yagna be performed, so that the descendent of Ikshuvaku clan, would go to heaven with his physical body through the spiritual power of sage Viswamithra. Let the Yagna be commenced." 60.7

"Having spoken like this, those great sages started performing their respective roles under the chief priest sage Viswamithra," 60.8

"The officiating priests, who were experts in Manthras, in accordance of manthra and prescribed Kalpa, according to rules and traditions, perform the tasks as per their seniority." 60.9

"After a long time, that great sage Viswamithra requested the devathas to receive their share of the offering." 60.10

"The Gods, who were invited by him, did not come to receive their share of the offerings and the great sage Viswamithra seized by great anger, lifted the ladle, which was used in offering the sacrifice, and spoke these words to Trishanku." 60.11-60.12

"Oh king, see the power of my penance which is self earned. I will lead you with your body to heaven using my power, Oh king, you will go to the difficult to achieve heaven with your physical body." 60.13

"Oh king, even if little of the power of penance that I have earned is remaining, by its power you may go to heaven with your physical body." 60.14

"Oh son of Kakustha clan, when these proper words were spoken by the sage, the King, with his physical body, went towards heaven in the presence of sages present there." 60.15

"After seeing Trishanku, who was coming to heaven, Devendra [who killed Paka], along with many other devas, spoke these words." 60.16

"Oh Trishanku, you are not fit to live in heaven and so go back. Oh fool, who was cursed by his own Guru, fall on the earth with head downwards." 60.17

"After hearing the words of that great Indra, Trishanku addressed the penance rich Viswamithra, wailing again and again, "Protect me, Protect me", while he was falling down." 60.18

"Viswamithra, after listening to the wails of Trishanku's sorrow, flew in to great rage and shouted "Stay, stay." 60.19

"That mighty sage, in the middle of great sages, with great luster, looked like another Lord Brahma standing in the southern constellation of great bear [Saptha Rishi], grew much angry and started creating another constellation of stars." 60.20-60.21

"After creating that constellation of stars in great wrath, he said that Indra was having a blurred vision and so he will create another world with Indra or without Indra and even devathas and started commencing such a creation." 60-22-60.23

"Thereafter, the greatly bewildered hosts of sages along with devas and asuras, addressed the sage in a conciliatory tone and said." 60.24

"Oh Great one, oh great sage, that King cursed by his Guru is not worthy of going to heaven with his physical body." 60.25

"That greatest among sages Viswamithra, having heard the words of sages and devas, replied to them in these great words." 60.26

"You be safe. Having promised Trisanku that he will ascend to heaven with his physical body, I do not want to make my words a lie." 60.27

"Let this heaven, which I have created, exist for ever, where Trisanku will live with his physical form. Let these stars created by me survive as long as all the worlds exist. Oh devas, it is only proper that you consent to this." 60.28-60.29

"After hearing this, all those devas answered to the great sage, "Let it be so. Oh greatest among sages, be safe. Let those stars which are many be outside the path of the Vaiswanara [zodiac] and be among the stars. Let Trishanku shine for ever from there but with his downwards." 60.30-60.31

"These stars will follow this illustrious one, who has gained his objective, and would be as if he had attained heaven." 60.32

"When all devas spoke like this in praise of him, that Viswamithra, who is the soul of Dharma, told devas, "Let it be so." 60.33

"Oh best among men, then after the conclusion of the Yagna, those magnanimous devas and the great sages whose only wealth is their penance, went their way." 60.34

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

Sargam [Chapter]: 61
Viswamithra's Penance and Sunasepha's Story

[Viswamithra does penance in Pushkara. The sacrificial animal of King Ambarisha is stolen and his priests suggest that he can give a human being in sacrifice instead of the horse. King approaches sage Richaka and buys from him his middle son Sunasepha.]

"Oh Tiger among men, after that, the great sage Viswamithra after bidding farewell to all those sages who were on their way, spoke to the dwellers of forest like this." 61.1

"In the southern side, a great obstruction has taken place and so we will go to another place to do our penances." 61.2

"Oh great ones, on the western region, there is a vast space known as Pushkara. That forest is suitable for doing our penance. Let us all go there and carry out further penances without being disturbed." 61.3

"That exceeding powerful great sage reached Pushkara and living on fruits and roots, which were grown there, started performing matchless intense penance." 61.4

"At that time, Ambarisha, the well known King of Ayodhya, commenced to perform a Yagna." 61.5

"The sacrificial animal of the performer at that time was stolen by Indra and when it could not be seen, the priest addressed the King and told." 61.6

"Oh King, the animal has been stolen away due to wrong policies followed by you and a King who fails to protect the sacrificial animal perishes." 61.7

"Oh best among men, for this we have to do an act of redemption. If the animal is not available speedily, bring a man, who can be sacrificed, instead of the beast." 61.8

"Oh great man, that great intellectual king, having heard the words of the priest, started searching for a man with a compensation of one thousand cows." 61.9

"Oh Child, who is the delight of the clan of Raghu, that King after searching over many countries, cities, villages, forests and sacred hermitages reached the Bhruguthunga Mountains where he saw the sage Richika seated along with his wives and sons." 61.10-61.11

"That greatly resplendent King bowed before the Brahmin sage, who was shining because of his great penance, enquired about his and his families welfare and then told him." 61.12

"Oh sage Richaka, who is the lucky descendent of the Bhrugu clan, if you sell one of your sons for being used as a sacrificial animal, for the cost of hundred thousand cows, my purpose would be fulfilled." 61.13

"I roamed and searched in all countries for the sake of completing the Yagna but could not get a lad for being used as a sacrificial animal and so it would be proper for you to give one of your sons for this price." 61.14

When the extremely brilliant sage Richaka heard these words, he told, "Oh great man, under no circumstances I would sell my eldest son." 61.15

"Having heard the words of Richaka to the great king, the mother, who also was an expert in penance, addressed Ambarisha, the foremost among men, and told." 61.16

"The venerable descendent of the Bhrugu clan sage Richaka says that he cannot give the eldest son. I cannot give the youngest son Sunaka to you as he is my pet son." 61.17-61.18

"Oh best among men, normally the eldest son is dear to their father and the youngest is pet to mother and hence I will protect the youngest." 61.19

"Hearing the proper replies from the sage and his wife, their middle son Sunasepha himself spoke on his own." 61.20

"Oh king, my father says that the eldest son cannot be sold and my mother says that the youngest son cannot be sold and so I consider that I am to be sold and so you can take me away." 61.21

"Oh son of the Raghu clan, the King receives Sunasepha after giving hundred thousand cows and was extremely pleased." 61.22

"The greatly lustrous and famous royal sage Ambarisha mounted his chariot with Sunasepha and instantly went away." 61.23

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

Sargam [Chapter]: 62
Sunasepha and Viswamithra

[In Pushkara, when Sunasepha sees Viswamithra, he requests him to save him. Viswamithra's sons refuse to help him. Viswamithra curses them and later teaches a Manthra which saves the life of Sunasepha. Viswamithra continues his penance.]

"Oh best among men, Oh son of Raghu clan, that famous King carrying Sunasepha reached Pushkara by noon and took rest there. 62.1

"After reaching sacred Pushkara that King was taking rest. The famous Sunasepha was greatly aggrieved; he saw his maternal uncle Viswamithra performing sacrifices in the company of other sages there." 62.2

"With wan face, greatly worn out by thirst and fatigue, he fell on the sage's lap and told these words." 62.3

"Oh gentle one, oh great sage, to me neither mother nor father exist; nor I have clan relations or other relations. It is only proper, by the tenets of Dharma, that you, a gentleman, should protect me." 62.4

"Oh great sage, you give protection to all as you are the promoter of welfare of others. May the King fulfill his purpose and let me become imperishable by performing matchless penances and go to heaven." 62.5-62.6

"Oh soul of Dharma, as I am an orphan, as you are my lord, please protect me like a father who protects his son." 62.7

"That mighty sage Viswamithra, hearing all those different words, consoled him, addressed his sons and told." 62.8

"Parents, who want to get auspiciousness, for their well being in other worlds, beget sons at the proper time." 62.9

"Oh sons of sage, the young boy has requested protection from me and oh sons, offer him protection so that he retains his soul." 62.10

"All of you have done good deeds and are engaged in observation of Dharma; One of you become the sacrificial animal for the King and give satisfaction to the Fire God." 62.11

"Then Sunasepha will have a protector, the Yagna would continue without hindrance, devas would be gratified and my words also would become the truth." 62.12

"Oh best among men, hearing the words of the sage, Maduchanda and his other sons, with great self esteem and playfulness told." 62.13

"Oh Lord, abandoning ones sons and rescuing the sons of other people is like eating the flesh of a dog, which is a prohibited act." 62.14

"Hearing these words from them, the great sage, flew in to great anger and with reddened eyes commenced to speak." 62.15
"You have not only gone against my words but also broken Dharma. These words are bad, makes my hairs stand erect and it needs to be censured. " 62.16

"You would all live in this earth for another thousand years eating the flesh of a dog like the sons of Vasishta," 62.17

"That great sage, having doomed the life of his sons by a curse, spoke to Sunasepha, who was filled with sorrow, so that his pain will be relieved." 62.18

"Once you reach the Vaishnava sacrificial spot, they will anoint you with red sandal paste, dress you in red cloth and tie you to the sacrificial post with sacrificial ropes. When you reach there, pray to fire God using this prayer." 62.19

"Oh son of a sage, in the sacrifice of Ambarisha, chant these two Manthras and you will definitely achieve success." 62.20

"Sunasepha, with a concentrated mind, learnt those verses well and approached Ambarisha, a lion among kings, and told him." 62.21

"Oh lion among kings, you are endowed with great strength. We shall go to the sacrificial assembly without any delay and Oh Indra among kings, let you perform the sacrificial rituals on me." 62.22

"With great joy and enthusiasm, the King heard the words of sage's son; They started speedily to reach the place of fire sacrifice." 62.23

"The King, with the consent of the assembly, formed sacred knots of Kusa grass, dressed him in red and having thus made him a sacrificial animal tied him to the sacrificial post." 62.24

"That son of the sage, having been tied like this, properly praised the two devathas Indra and Upendra." 62.25

"Then Indra, who was gratified by the praise of those secret verses, blessed Sunasepha to have a long life." 62.26

"Oh great man, Oh Rama, that King was able to complete the Yagna properly by the grace of the thousand eyed one and obtained rewards much higher than what he had expected." 62.27

"Oh best among men, the soul of Dharma, sage Viswamithra continued his penance at that sacred spot for another one thousand years." 62.28

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

Sargam [Chapter]: 63
Viswamithra and Menaka

[Viswamithra does penance further. He sees Menaka and lives with her for some time. Realizes his error, does further penance and Brahma recognizes him as a great sage. Indra wants to stop further penance of Viswamithra by sending Rambha.]

"After one thousand years of penance, the great sage took ritual bath, all devas, with an aim to give him the fruits of the penance, approached him." 63.1

The great lustrous Lord Brahma spoke the following sweet words: "With self earned sacred deeds, you have become a sage. May you be safe." 63.2

"Brahma, lord of gods, went back to heaven after speaking like this to him. The greatly lustrous Viswamithra continued to do his great penance." 63.3

"Oh great man, after a lapse of lot of time, the prettiest Apsara, called Menaka, came to bath in Pushkara." 63.4

"The highly lustrous son of Kushika saw Menaka in the tank; she looked like a streak of lightning in the clouded sky and she was incomparably pretty." 63.5

"Sage Viswamithra, after seeing her under the influence of God of love, spoke the following words to her. "Oh Apasara, a hearty welcome to my hermitage. I am completely under the influence of God of love and so bless me. Be safe." 63.6

"Oh Rama, after these words were spoken to her, who was of exalted breeding, she started living with him in the hermitage and ten years were passed happily." 63.7-63.8

"When time passed by, that great sage Viswamithra became greatly sorrowful and also felt greatly ashamed." 63.9

"Oh son of Raghu clan, when the sage was feeling, a sense of indignation arose in his mind and he thought, "All this has been done by devas so that I am deprived of doing great penance." 63.10

"Being possessed by lust and delusion, the entire night as well as day of ten years have passed by and a great roadblock has fallen on me." 63.11

"Oh Rama, that great sage Viswamithra, the son of Khusika, became distressed, started repenting and was frequently sighing. Apsara Menaka, who was greatly frightened, stood trembling with folded palms; seeing her, the sage, with sweet words, asked her to leave and went towards the Mountains." 63.12-63.13

"The famous Viswamithra took to life of abstinence and chastity, with a view to win over his senses, on the banks of the Kaushiki river and performed highly rigid penance." 63.14

"Oh Rama, when he was performing strict penance over one thousand years in the northern part of the country, fear arose in the mind of devathas." 63.15

"They invited all sages and all devas and decided that it would only be proper to give Viswamithra the title of Maharishi [great sage]". 63.16

"The grandfather of all worlds, Lord Brahma, hearing the words of Devas, spoke, using sweet words, to the sage Viswamithra." 63.17

"Oh son, Oh great sage, I am greatly pleased by your intense penances and Oh son of Khusika, recognizing your eminence among the eminent sages, I hereby give you the title of Maharishi [great sage]. Welcome to you." 63.18

"Afterwards, the great sage Viswamithra, having heard the words of Lord Brahma, was neither pleased or sorry." 63.19

"After bowing and saluting the grandfather of all the worlds, that great sage Viswamithra spoke the following words." 63.20

"I have obtained the title Maharishi due to my matchless and auspicious deeds. And it implies that I have conquered all my senses." 63.21

"Then Lord Brahma addressed him and told, "Oh best among sages, you have definitely conquered all your senses. Please shine still more." Saying this Lord Brahma went away." 63.22

"When all devas and sages had departed, with arms raised upwards, without any support, subsisting only on air, he further performed great penance." 63.23

"That sage, whose wealth was penance, performed further penance for another one thousand years in the summer surrounded by five fires under the open sky and in the winter by immersing himself in water day and night." 63.24

"When the great saint Viswamithra was performing penances, Indra and devas felt a great tremor." 63.25

"Indra, along with the maruths, spoke the following words, which were good for him, to the apsaras called Rambha and which was against the welfare of the son of Kushika." 63.26

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

Sargam [Chapter]: 64
Viswamithra and Rambha

[Rambha reluctantly tries to entice Viswamithra. He curses her and Indra runs away. Viswamithra continues penance without food.]

"Oh Rambha, you have to do a great help to devas in enticing the son of Kushika by simulating his lust and pension." 64.1

"Oh Rama, when the clever Indra had spoken thus, she bashfully saluted him with folded hands and replied to the lord of devas." 64.2

"Oh Lord of devas, the great sage Viswamithra is a frightful person and there is no doubt that he will curse me with great anger and so it is proper that you do not ask this service from me." 64.3

"Oh Rama, that Indra, seeing Rambha standing there trembling with folded hands and hearing what she had said, told." 64.4

"Oh Rambha, do not get scared and carry out my order. In the spring season, when trees are in full bloom, I will assume the form of a Cuckoo and along with God of love by my side, stay there." 64.5-64.6

"Oh Rambha, assuming a form of variety and having a shining form, break the penance of that great ascetic." 64.7

"She, after listening to the words of Indra, assumed a matchless form of beauty with a pretty smile, tried to attract Viswamithra." 64.8

"Hearing the musical sound of Cuckoo, Viswamithra looked at her with great joy." 64.9

"Hearing the matchless song of the cuckoo and seeing before him the pretty Rambha, a doubt arose in the mind of sage." 64.10

"The great sage, who was the son of Kushika, having understood it as the work of Indra, got extremely angry and cursed Rambha." 64.11

"Oh horrible Rambha, you are trying to seduce me, who is trying to conquer desire and passion, let you become a stone in earth for ten thousand years." 64.12

"Oh Rambha, a Brahmin, endowed with great penance and great luster, will liberate you from the curse brought about my great anger." 64.13

"That exceedingly lustrous great sage Viswamithra, who was unable to control his great anger, having spoke thus, felt greatly depressed." 64.14

"Due to his great curse, Rambha became a rock and having listened to the words of great sage, Indra fled from there along with the God of love." 64.15

"Oh Rama, that highly powerful Viswamithra, being stolen of the effect of his great penance due to his anger, lost his peace of mind due to his inability to control the senses." 64.16

"Having lost the power, which he had got out of his penance, he thought in his mind that he will never get angry and he will also not speak." 64.17

Further he told himself, "I will not breathe even in one hundred years and after controlling my senses, I will dry up my body." 64.18

"Until I am able to get Brahmin hood, I will stop my breath; I will not take any food for innumerable number of years and I am sure that while performing these strict penances, my body will not become weaker." 64.19

"Oh Rama, that great sage carried out such unparalleled austerities for another one thousand years and vowed to lead a life of self denial for thousands of years." 64.20

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

Sargam [Chapter]: 65
Viswamithra's Recognisation as Brahmarishi

[After another great penance, which Indra tries to break, Viswamithra is recognized by Brahma and devas as a Brahmarishi. Sathananda ends the story and King Janaka honours him.]

"Oh Rama, then abandoning, the northern place on the Himalaya Mountain, Viswamithra, reached the eastern portion and commenced doing great penance." 65.1

"Oh Rama, he then observed silence for one thousand years and practised unprecedented difficult penance." 65.2

"Oh Rama, at the end of thousand years, that great sage was like a piece of wood. In spite of various difficulties he had faced, anger did not enter his mind. He practised great penances with great determination." 65.3

"Oh great one of the Raghu clan, that great penance got completed after one thousand years. At that time, when he started eating cooked rice, Indra came in the guise of a Brahmin and begged for that rice." 65.4-65.5

"That god like Viswamithra, blessed with great penance, who was firmly observing the penance of silence, gave all the rice, he was about to consume, to that Brahmin, who consumed everything without leaving anything. The great sage, without uttering anything, continued his penance suspending his breath." 65.6-65.7

"When he was observing the penance without breathing, a smoke came out of his head, by which all the world was agitated, thinking that it was fire." 65.8

"Then devas, along with Gandharwas, Pannagas, Uragas [Serpents] and Rakshasas, greatly scared by the shining energy of his penance, became dimmed in luster and had a mind full of worry, addressed the grandfather in this way." 65.9

"Oh great one, we have tried to lure Viswamithra by various methods and those only increases his anger; he is doing still harsher penance." 65.10

"In spite of minute examination, no sin is seen in him. If he is not given what he desires by his mind, he would destroy all the three worlds by his penance." 65.11-65.12

"There is fearsome thoughts everywhere and it is dark everywhere. Also seas, Mountains and rivers are agitated." 65.13

"Oh lord Brahma, the earth is trembling; the wind is blowing fiercely; the people are becoming atheists and we are not clear as to what is to be done." 65.14

"Al the three worlds are with agitated minds and they appear to be faded by the luster of the great sage; Even the Sun appears to be less bright." 65.15

"Oh God, before that mighty sage, full of great luster and resembling fire, makes up his mind to destroy all the three worlds, that great sage should be appeased." 65.16

"The three worlds are on deadly fire like the deluge and before he burns down the land of devas, his desire, even if it is to rule the land of devas, may be satisfied." 65.17

"Then all devas, lead by the grandfather, went and spoke these sweet words to the great sage Viswamithra." 65.18

"Welcome, Oh Brahmarishi, we are greatly pleased by your penance. Oh son of Kushika, by your severe penance, you have attained Brahmin hood." 65.19

"Oh Brahmin, I, along with the Maruths, am granting you long life. Be safe and healthy. May you be prosperous. Oh gentle one, you may now go with happiness." 65.20

"That great sage Viswamithra, hearing the words of Grandfather and other devas, was much pleased and spoke the following words after bowing to them." 65.21

"If I have acquired Brahmin hood and long life, the sounds of "Om" and "Vashat", as well as Vedas, would accept me. [I will be entitled to perform Vedic Yagna.] 65.22

"Oh devas, let Vasishta, the eminent son of Brahma, knowledgeable in Vedas, archery and a worthy Brahmin, address me as "Brahma Rishi". If this great desire of mine is granted, Oh devas, you may go." 65.23

After that, requested by devas, sage Vasishta, who was a great chanter of Vedas, made friendship with him by calling him,"Oh Brahma Rishi." 65.24

"There is no doubt whatsoever that you are a Brahma Rishi as you have achieved perfection in penance." And after that, all devas went back to their places." 65.25

"That soul of Dharma Viswamithra, having got the great position of a Brahmin, worshipped Vasishta, who was great in chanting Vedas." 65.26

"He, having achieved his aim, wandered all over the world fixing his attention on penance. And Oh Rama, this is how this great one attained Brahmin hood." 65.27

"Oh Rama, this great sage is the personification of penance; he is interested in practising Dharma daily and aims at getting valorous penance." 65.28

After speaking thus, the great Brahmin Sathananda became silent. Janaka, with folded hands, in the presence of Rama and Lakshmana, spoke the following words to Viswamithra." 65.29-65.30

"Oh great sage, oh follower of Dharma, I consider myself blessed as you have come to grace my Yagna along with these sons of Kakustha clan. I consider myself blessed." 65.31

"Oh great sage, I consider myself purified by your presence and I am sure that I would get many benefits by your visit." 65.32

"Oh greatly lustrous sage, your fame as Brahmin and the great penances you did have been heard in detail by me and great Rama." 65.33

"Your unmatched penances have been heard by the members of this assembly, who have gathered here to perform the sacrifice. Oh son of Kushika, your power is not measurable and so are your great qualities." 65.34

"Oh lord, hearing about your wondrous deeds never make us fully content. Oh Great sage, the sun is about to set and it is time for evening ablations." 65.35

"Oh saint of great luster, I feel that I should consider myself blessed if I can welcome you again tomorrow at dawn after the ablations. Kindly give me permission to leave." 65.36

After being spoken thus, that great sage became greatly pleased, having been praised by the best among men, Janaka left immediately. 65.37

That Videha, who was the King of Mithila, after having spoken thus to the sage, went round him along with his priests and relatives. 65.38

Viswamithra, the soul of Dharma accompanied by Rama and Lakshmana, after being honoured by other great sages, left for his quarters. 65.39

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

Sargam [Chapter]: 66
Sita's Story and Shiva's Bow

[The next day, when Viswamithra requests Janaka to show the bow of Shiva to Rama and Lakshmana, Janaka tells the story of bow and how it came in to his family. He then tells about how he found Sita when he was ploughing the field. He further tells that Sita would be given in marriage to the man of great prowess and some Kings quarrelled with him when they did not get her. He defeated all of them and drove out. He further said that if Rama lifts the bow, he would give his daughter Sita in marriage to him.]

The next day, after performing his morning ablations at dawn, that King invited the great sage as well as the sons of Raghu clan. 66.1

After worshipping according to the scriptures, Viswamithra, that follower of Dharma, as well as the sons of Raghu clan were addressed by the great one as follows. 66.2

"Oh God like sage, I offer you a great welcome. Oh faultless one, what can I do to please you. Please command me." 66.3

After Janaka, the great follower of Dharma, spoke like this, the expert in speech and words, Viswamithra addressing the valorous one told. 66.4

"The world famous Rama and Lakshmana of the royal lineage are eager to see that great bow in your possession." 66.5

"Safety unto you. Please show that great bow to these two princes as per their wish. They will return after seeing it." 66.6

The great King, having been told like this by the great sage Viswamithra, told "Please hear as to how this great bow came to be deposited here." 66.7

"Oh god like person, there was a King called Devaratha, sixth in succession to the great Nimi. He was a famous King and this great bow was given to him by Lord Shiva." 66.8

"Formerly, before the destruction of the sacrifice of Daksha, Rudra of great valour lifted this bow and playfully spoke these words to devas." 66.9

"Oh devas, waiting to get their share from the sacrifice, you have failed to provide my share to me and so I shall cut off your worthy hands and limbs." 66.10

"Oh great sage, then those devas. with a dejected mind, propitiated the lord of devas and then Rudra was greatly pleased." 66.11

"That greatly pleased lord gave this bow to the great devas and oh Lord, then that gem of the weapon was deposited by devas with my ancestor." 66.12

"Afterwards, when I was ploughing the sacrificial land and was trying to purify it once, the plough lifted the well known Sita from that sacrificial ground." 66.13

"She, who was not born from a womb but had risen from the earth, grew as my daughter. I decided that this maiden would be offered only to the one who gives valour as a fee to me." 66.14

"That one, who has arisen from the earth, is growing up as my daughter; Many Kings have arrived and sought her in marriage." 66.15

"That maiden is being sought by all the kings in this world and I have told them that I will not give her, who is my daughter, except for a fee of great valour." 66.16

"Oh great sage, after that, all those kings have come to Mithila with a wish to test their prowess." 66.17

"That bow has been brought and placed before them who were interested in testing their prowess; but none of them have been able to even lift the bow." 66.18

"Oh great sage, after recognizing that the valour of all those kings, who have come to test their prowess, is negligible, I rejected all of them." 66.19

"All those great kings, whose prowess was doubted by me, flew in to great rage and had surrounded my town of Mithila." 66.20

"Those great kings, thinking that I have insulted them, became enraged and were tormenting my town of Mithila." 66.21

"Oh great sage, after the passage of one year, availability of everything got diminished and I became extremely worried about the situation." 66.22

"And then, pleased by my penance, devas gave me an army with four divisions." 66.23

"Then those powerless wicked kings, who were doubtful of their own prowess themselves, were defeated and fled in all directions along with their ministers." 66.24

"Oh great sage, who observes great penances, I shall show Rama and Lakshmana that highly lustrous bow." 66.25

"Oh Sage, if Rama lifts that great bow, I will give my daughter, who was not born from a womb, to that son of Dasaratha." 66.26

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

Sargam [Chapter]: 67
Rama's Breaking of Bow

[The bow is brought before Rama. He takes it and while he tries to string it, the bow breaks. Janaka offers his daughter Sita in marriage to Rama. He sends messengers to inform King Dasaratha.]

The great sage Viswamithra heard the words of King Janaka and told the King, "Let the bow be shown to Rama" 67.1

Then that King Janaka ordered his ministers "Let the bow be brought here decorated by sandal paste and flowers." 67.2

As per the orders of Janaka, those ministers went in to the city, brought the bow, kept it before them and departed. 67.3

Fifty hundred stalwarts of great strength were required to draw the eight wheeled cart with great difficulty. 67.4

The ministers of the King, who brought the bow, which was kept in an iron box, told the following words to Janaka, who had divine luster. 67.5

"Oh King of Mithila, here is the great bow worshipped by all kings, which you desire to show to Rama." 67.6

The King, after hearing their words with folded hands, addressed great Viswamithra, Rama and Lakshmana. 67.7

"Oh Brahmin, in olden days, the Kings of dynasty of Nimi, as well as other kings who possessed great prowess, were incapable of stringing this great bow. And this is the bow that was worshipped by all of them." 67.8

"The groups of devas, Gandharwas, Yakshas, Kinnaras, asuras as well as Rakshasas and great serpents were also not able to wield it." 67.9

"How can then mere men be able to, stretch, string, fix an arrow and pull the string after lifting and weighing it?" 67.10

"Oh great sage, this great bow has been brought here. Oh great one, please show it to the princes." 67.11

That soul of Dharma Viswamithra, after hearing those words, spoke to Rama,"Oh Rama, Oh lad, please see the bow." 67.12

After hearing the words of Brahmarishi, Rama went near the box in which the bow was kept, then opened it and after seeing the bow spoke. 67.13

"Oh Brahmin, I shall touch this great bow with my hand and try to take it in my hand and string it."67.14

The King and the sage addressing Rama said, "So be it" and following the words of the sage, he took hold of the bow by its middle easily. 67.15

That son of the Raghu clan, being seen by thousand kings, stringed the bow and drew it as if it was a play." 67.16

When the great one, who was famous and the best among men, stringed the bow, pulled and twanged it that bow broke in its middle. 67.17

That sound was great and equalled to the sound of a thunder; the earth trembled like it will do when the Mountain is split. 67.18

Except for Viswamithra, the King and sons of Raghava clan, all other men fell fainted on hearing that great noise. 67.19

After comforting those people, the King, who was the master of language, without any apprehension, addressed the great sage with folded hands and said. 67.20

"Great sage, Rama, the son of Dasaratha, without any doubt, is having great prowess and has completed this marvellous and unimaginable task." 67.21

"If my daughter gets him as her husband, the clan of Janaka would become famous." 67.22

"Oh son of Kushika, I had taken an oath regarding her; she would be given as a fee for prowess and this has now become true. Sita is more valuable to me than my soul and she is going to be given to Rama." 67.23

"Oh Brahmin, with your permission, my ministers would go speedily in chariots to Ayodhya immediately. May you be safe, son of Khusika." 67.24

"That King Dasaratha, with reverential words, would be brought to my city after informing that my daughter is being given to Rama as a fee to his prowess." 67.25

"Let the King be informed about the safety of sons of Kakustha under the protection of the sage and dear King should be brought hear with haste." 67.26

After Kaushika said "So be it", that King, who was the follower of Dharma, consulted his ministers. He sent his counselors to Ayodhya for communicating the information to King Dasaratha and bring him here." 67.28-67.29

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

Sargam [Chapter]: 68
Dasaratha's Journey to Mithila

[The messengers reach Ayodhya and inform Dasaratha about the marriage proposal. Dasaratha becomes happy and makes arrangement to start with his ministers and priests]

Commanded by King Janaka, those messengers travelled for three days, rested for the night and entered the city of Ayodhya with their tired horses. 68.1

Having reached the palace of the King, they talked to the door keepers and told, "Tell the King Dasaratha immediately that messengers of King Janaka have come." 68.2

After hearing this from them, the door keepers informed about the coming of the messengers and then obeying the orders of the king, the messengers were made to enter the palace and saw the aged King Dasaratha who resembled devas. 68.3

All those messengers freed from any apprehension, with folded hands addressed the King in reverential tones and sweetly told him. 68.4

"Oh great king, Janaka, the King of Mithila, who conducted a yagna by fire, using sweet words laden with affection, enquires your welfare with stability, along with your teachers and priests". 68.5-68.6

"The King of Mithila, after getting to know your permanent welfare, wants to tell you the following message with the permission of sage Viswamithra." 68.7

"It is known to everybody that I have decided to give my daughter in marriage, in exchange for an act of a person's prowess, which had made many kings to retreat with disappointment." 68.8

"Oh king, this daughter of mine Sita has been won by your valorous son Rama, who had come along accidentally, lead by sage Viswamithra." 68.9

"Oh great king, the great Rama had broken that divine bow of limitless glory in the middle, in a big assembly of people." 68.10

"To fulfill my vow to compensate her to the one who has great prowess, I have to give Sita in marriage to Rama and for that reason it is proper for you to give your consent to fulfill my desire." 68.11

"Oh great king, please come here speedily along with your teachers and priests. Safety to you. It is proper for you to reunite yourself with Rama and Lakshmana." 68.12

"Oh Indra among kings, it is proper for you to cause happiness to me and also to joyfully meet your two sons." 68.13

"Janaka, the King of Videha, according to the permission of Sathananda and approval of Viswamithra, has conveyed these sweet words." After speaking thus, the messengers, out of respect and fear for the King, stopped. 68.14-68.15

After hearing the words of the messengers, the King became greatly happy and told like this to Vasishta, Vamadeva and others. 68.16

"Rama, who increases the joy of Kausalya greatly, is living in the country of Videha, protected by the son of Kushika." 68.17

"Since Rama has proved his prowess, King Janaka is desiring to give his daughter in marriage to him." 68.18

"If you look with favour, the behaviour of the great Janaka, we will immediately go to Mithila without wasting any more time." 68.19

All ministers and great sages approved the idea and the happy King said, "We will start our journey tomorrow." 68.20

"The ministers of King Janaka, endowed with all virtues, were treated with great hospitality and were pleased and spent the night there. 68.21

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

Sargam [Chapter]: 69
Dasaratha at Mithila

[Dasaratha starts his journey to Mithila the next day along with his ministers, Guru and priests. They are received by Janaka hospitably and Dasaratha is happy to see his sons.]

King Dasaratha spent that night in the company of his guru, priests and relations; when the night got over, he spoke to Sumanthra. 69.1

"Today itself, let the chief of treasury go, well prepared in advance, with great quantity of wealth including several type of gems." 69.2

"I command that the four divisions of army from the four quarters may depart and also let excellent chariots and palanquins march out." 69.3

"Let the Brahmins, Vasishta, Vamadeva, Jabali, Kashyapa, long lived Markandeya and sage Kathyayana depart in advance. Let my chariot be kept ready so that there would not be any time delay as the messengers of King Janaka are hastening me up." 69.4-69.5

As per the orders of the king, the four divisions of army departed; the King and sages followed behind. 69.6

After covering the path in a span of four days, they arrived in the country of Videhas. Hearing about it, King Janaka made arrangements for their worship and hospitality. 69.7

Afterwards, King Janaka, having seen the aged Dasaratha, was immensely pleased and extremely happy. 69.8

Then Janaka, the great man, spoke with joy to Dasaratha, the great man, "Oh king, welcome to you. It is great fortune to us that you have come.You will experience the love of both your sons, who have won over us by their prowess." 69.9

"Luckily the god like sage Vasishta has also arrived surrounded by great Brahmins. They resemble Indra surrounded by devas." 69.10

"I am lucky to know that there were no problems and I am lucky to have an alliance with the clan of Raghu, which is well known for its valour and is greatly distinguished." 69.11

"Oh emperor of men, it is proper for you to conduct the marriage tomorrow, after the end of Yagna, with the consent of sages, Oh best among men." 69.12

The King, who was in the middle of sages, after hearing these words from Janaka, who had great control over his words and was an expert in using them, replied to Janaka. 69.13

"Oh king, I have heard in olden times that the gift should be received as per the words of the giver and so follower of Dharma, I will do according to your words." 69.14

Hearing the words from the famous follower of Dharma, who was an votary of truth, the King of Videha was greatly filled with admiration. 69.15

Afterwards, all the sages spent the night in great joy, in each other's company. 69.16

King Dasaratha was happy to see both his sons and spent the time well, being honoured by Janaka. 69.17

That Janaka, with great luster, who was a great philosopher, after performing the acts relating to the Yagna, spent the night in the sacrificial hall along with his daughters. 69.18

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

Sargam [Chapter]: 70
Rama's Clan Details

[Kusadwaja, who is the younger brother of Janaka, is summoned. Sage Vasishta tells in detail about the clan of Rama.]

After that, in the morning, after performing the rituals of the Yagna, Janaka, an expert in speech, told the chief priest Sathananda as follows. 70.1

My younger brother Kusadwaja, a great follower of Dharma, who is famous and brilliant, is ruling the auspicious city of Sankhasya, which is like the Pushpaka Vimana and on the banks of river Ikshumathi with the water of the rivers as its boundary. 70.2-70.3

"I would like to see him, who is greatly lustrous, as the protector of this Yagna along with me; I would enjoy it." 70.4

After informing this to Sathananda, he gave orders to some competent attendants who had come there. 70.5

As per the commands, they rushed to bring the tiger among men Kusadwaja, similar to obeying the orders of Indra to bring Lord Vishnu. 70.6

After having reached the city of Sankhasya, they saw Kusadwaja and informed him what had happened in Mithila and the intention of the King. 70.7

That greatly strong King Kusadwaja, having learnt of the events from those great attendants, set out as per the wishes of King Janaka. 70.8

There he saw great Janaka, who liked Dharma; after saluting Sathananda and the great King Janaka, occupied a divine seat, which was suitable for a King, near the king. 70.9

Those two valorous brothers, possessing great splendour, sent Sudhama, the wisest of the ministers to Dasaratha 70.10

"Oh great minister, speedily go to the invincible Ikshuvaku King Dasaratha, who has great luster, and bring him with his sons and ministers." 70.11

After the minister went to the tent, he saw the great King of the Raghu clan, bowed his head and spoke after saluting him. 70.12

"Oh valorous King of Ayodhya, Janaka the King of Mithila desires to see you along with your Guru and priests." 70.13

Then the King, having heard these words, along with his great ministers, great sages and relations, reached the place where Janaka was waiting. 70.14

The king, an expert in speech, who was with his ministers, gurus as well as relations, spoke these words addressed to the great King of Videha, 70.15

"It is well known, oh king, that god like sage Vasishta, who is like a god to the clan of Ikshuvakus, would be our spokesman for all occasions." 70.16

"This Virtuous sage Vasishta, with the permission of sage Viswamithra and all other sages, will tell you the particulars of our race in proper order." 70.17

After having spoken like this amidst great people, that King became silent. Sage Vasishta, who was an expert in speech and who was god like, along with several other sages, spoke as follows to King Janaka. 70.18-70.19

"From the power, which did not have a clear form, was born the ever living and ever stable Lord Brahma and from him Marichi was born and from him, Kashyapa was born." 70.20

"Kashyapa had a son called Vivaswan [Sun God], Manu, who was called Prajapathi, was the son of Vivaswan and his son was Ikshuvaku." 70.21

"Ikshuvaku during early times ruled over Ayodhya and he had a lustrous and famous son called Kukshi." 70.22

"Kukshi's son was Vikukshi and to him was born highly lustrous and valorous Bana." 70,23

"The valorous Ananarnya with great luster and fame was the son of Bana. Prathu was born to him and to him was born Trishanku." 70.24

"The famous Dundhumara also known as Yuvanaswa was the son of Trishanku and he had a son called Mandhatha." 70.25

"Susandhi was the son of Mandhatha and to him two sons Dhruvasandhi and Presanajith were born." 70.26

"Dhruvasandhi had a famous son called Bharatha and from him was born the greatly lustrous Asitha." 70.27

"For Asitha, the kings Haihayas, Sasabindhus, Talanghas and their race became enemies." 70.28

"The weak Asitha was defeated by them in a war and was exiled out of his kingdom and he along with his ministers travelled towards Himalaya Mountains and lived in a place called Bhruguprasravana." 70.29

"It is heard that he had two queens, who became pregnant at the same time. One queen gave poison mixed with food to the other queen so that the embryo would be destroyed." 70.30

"In that pretty Mountain, a rishi named Bhrugu, who was also called Chyavana, lived." 70.31

"One of those two wives, called Kalindhi, who had lotus like eyes, desiring for a son, saluted Chyavana, who was much similar to devas." 70.32

"When that Kalindhi approached that sage and saluted that Brahmin desiring for a son, he spoke to her about the birth of a son to her." 70.33

"Oh prosperous one, in your womb a powerful, virtuous, highly lustrous and glorious son is growing. In a short time, that glorious son carrying the poison administered to you would be born to you. Oh lotus eyed one, do not be sad." 70.34-70.35

"That princess, who was eldest queen, chaste and virtuous wife, who was sad due to the loss of her husband, gave birth to a son due to the blessing of sage Chyavana." 70.36

"Since poison was given to his mother, by her co wife, with a view to destroy him, he was born along with the poison and was called Sagara." 70.37

"Asamanja was born to Sagara and from him Amshuman was born; to him was born Dilipa and his son was Bhagiratha." 70.38

"Kakushta was the son of Bhagiratha and his son was Raghu.The powerful Pravrudha was his son. He became Kanmashapada as the water of curse fell on his feet and his son was Samkhana." 70.39

"Sudarshana was born to Sankhana and to him Agnivarna, who had the colour of fire, was born. His son was Sigharaha and his son was Maru. Prasusruka was born to Maru and his son was Ambareesha. 70.40-70.41

"Amabareesha's son was King Nahusha. Yayathi was the son of Nahusha and his son was Nabhaga." 70.42

"Nabhagha's son was Aja and his son is Dasaratha. Dasaratha's sons are Rama and Lakshmana." 70.43

"Oh great King, Rama and Lakshmana were born of a pure heritage from the beginning. They are supremely virtuous, votaries of truth and belong to the clan of Ikshuvaku Kings. I choose both of your daughters as brides for them as both of your worthy daughters are accomplished and virtuous. It is only proper for you to give them in marriage to Rama and Lakshmana." 70.44-70.45

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