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Book 1 - Vairagya Prakaranam

Chapter 6 - Vishwamitra Arrives

Section 1: Advent of Vishwamitra to the Royal Court
श्रीवाल्मीकिरुवाच ।
इत्युक्ते मुनिनाथेन संदेहवति पार्थिवे ।
खेदवत्यास्थिते मौनं किंचित्कालप्रतीक्षणे ॥ १ ॥
The king was thrown into sorrow and suspense at these words of the prince of sages (Vasishtha); but kept his silence for sometime, and waited.
परिखिन्नासु सर्वासु राज्ञीषु नृपसद्मसु ।
स्थितासु सावधानासु रामचेष्टासु सर्वतः ॥ २ ॥
(Meanwhile) the queens of the palace, kept themselves watchful of the movements of Rama with anxious carefulness.
एतस्मिन्नेव काले तु विश्वामित्र इति श्रुतः ।
महर्षिरभ्यगाद्द्रष्टुं तमयोध्यानराधिपम् ॥ ३ ॥
At this very time the famous Viswamitra, the great sage came to visit the king of men at Ayodhya.
तस्य यज्ञोऽथ रक्षोभिस्तथा विलुलुपे किल ।
मायावीर्यबलोन्मत्तैर्धर्मकार्यस्य धीमतः ॥ ४ ॥
The intelligent and wise seer had his sacrificial rites disturbed by the Rakshasas, who were deceitfully powerful and giddy with their strength.
रक्षार्थं तस्य यज्ञस्य द्रष्टुमैच्छत्स पार्थिवम् ।
नहि शक्नोत्यविघ्नेन समाप्तुं स मुनिः क्रतुम् ॥ ५ ॥
It was for the security of his sacrifice that the sage waited on the king, because he was unable to accomplish it in peace.
ततस्तेषां विनाशार्थमुद्यतस्तपसां निथिः ।
विश्वामित्रो महातेजा अयोध्यामभ्यगात्पुरीम् ॥ ६ ॥
It was also for the purpose of their destruction, that the illustrious Viswamitra, who was the gem of austere devotion had come to the city of Ayodhya.
स राज्ञो दर्शनाकाङ्क्षी द्वाराध्यक्षानुवाच ह ।
शीघ्रमाख्यात मां प्राप्तं कौशिकं गाधिनः सुतम् ॥ ७ ॥
Desirous of seeing the king, he spoke to the guards at the gate, to report the arrival of Kausika the son of Gadhi to the king with despatch.
तस्य तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा द्वास्था राजगृहं ययुः ।
संभ्रान्तमनसः सर्वे तेन वाक्येन चोदिताः ॥ ८ ॥
On hearing these words, the guards were struck with fear in their minds, and ran as they were bid to the palace of the king.
ते गत्वा राजसदनं विश्वामित्रमृषिं ततः ।
प्राप्तमावेदयामासुः प्रतीहाराः पतेस्तदा ॥ ९ ॥
Coming to the Royal abode, the door-keepers informed the chief-warder of the arrival of Viswamitra the royal sage.
अथास्थानगतं भूपं राजमण्डलमालिनम् ।
समुपेत्य त्वरायुक्तो याष्टीकोऽसौ व्यजिज्ञपत् ॥ १० ॥
The staff-bearer immediately proceeded to the presence of the king, seated among the princes and chiefs (under him) in the Court house, and gave his report saying:—
देव द्वारि महातेजा बालभास्करभासुरः ।
ज्वालारुणजटाजूटः पुमाञ्छ्रीमानवस्थितः ॥ ११ ॥
“Please your majesty, there is waiting at the door a mighty personage of majestic appearance, bright as the morning sun, with his pendant locks of hair (red & ruddy) as sunbeams.
सभासुरपताकान्तं साश्वेभपुरुषायुधम् ।
कृतवांस्तं प्रदेशं यस्तेजोभिः कीर्णकाञ्चनम् ॥ १२ ॥
The brilliancy of his person has brightened the place from the top-most flag down to the ground, and made the horses, men and armory shine as with a golden hue.
वीक्ष्यमाणे तु याष्टीके निवेदयति राजनि ।
विश्वामित्रो मुनिः प्राप्त इत्यनुद्धतया गिरा ॥ १३ ॥
No sooner had the warder appeared (before the king), and with hurried words announced the arrival of the sage Viswamitra:
इति याष्टीकवचनमाकर्ण्य नृपसत्तमः ।
स समन्त्री ससामन्तः प्रोत्तस्थौ हेमविष्टरात् ॥ १४ ॥
Than the best of kings as he heard the herald say so, rose at once from his throne of gold with all the ministers and chiefs that surrounded him.
पदातिरेव सहसा राज्ञां वृन्देन मालितः ।
वसिष्ठवामदेवाभ्यां सह सामन्तसंस्तुतः ॥ १५ ॥
He walked immediately on foot with the staff of princes and chiefs by whom he was held in honour and regard, and in company with Vasishtha and Vamadeva.
जगाम तत्र यत्रासौ विश्वामित्रो महामुनिः ।
ददर्श मुनिशार्दूलं द्वारभूमाववस्थितम् ॥ १६ ॥
He went to the spot where the great sage was waiting, and saw Viswamitra the chief of sages standing at the gateway.
केनापि कारणेनोर्वीतलमर्कमुपागतम् ।
ब्राह्मेण तेजसाक्रान्तं क्षात्रेण च महौजसा ॥ १७ ॥
His priestly prowess joined with his military valour, made him appear as the sun descended on earth on some account.
जराजरठया नित्यं तपःप्रसररूक्षया ।
जटावल्या वृतस्कन्धं ससंध्याभ्रमिवाचलम् ॥ १८ ॥
He was hoary with old age, rough-skinned by the practice of austerities, and covered down to his shoulders by red-bright braids of hair, resembling the evening clouds over topping a mountain brow.
उपशान्तं च कान्तं च दीप्तमप्रतिघाति च ।
निभृतं चोर्जिताकारं दधानं भास्वरं वपुः ॥ १९ ॥
He was mild looking and engaging in his appearance, but at the same time as brilliant as the orb of the sun. He was neither assuming nor repulsive, but possessed of an ineffable gravity and majesty in his person.
पेशलेनातिभीमेन प्रसन्नेनाकुलेन च ।
गम्भीरेणातिपूर्णेन तेजसा रञ्जितप्रभम् ॥ २० ॥
He was attractive yet formidable (in his look), clear yet vast (in his mind), deep and full (in knowledge), and shining.
अनन्तजीवितदशासखीमेकामनिन्दिताम् ।
धारयन्तं करे श्लक्ष्णां कुण्डीमम्लानमानसम् ॥ २१ ॥
His life time had no limit, nor his mind any bound to it, nor had age impaired his understanding. He held the ascetics pot in one hand, that went (through life) as his only faithful companion.
करुणाक्रान्तचेतत्तवात्प्रसन्नैर्मधुराक्षरैः ।
वीक्षणैरमृतेनेव संसिञ्चन्तमिमाः प्रजाः ॥ २२ ॥
The compassionateness of his mind, added to the sweet complacency of his speech and looks, pleased the people as if they were actually served with nectar drops, or sprinkled over with ambrosial dews.
युक्तयज्ञोपवीताङ्ग धवलप्रोन्नतस्रुवम् ।
अनन्तं विस्मयं चान्तः प्रयच्छन्तमिवेक्षितुः ॥ २३ ॥
His body decorated by the sacred thread, and his white prominent eyebrows, made him appear as a wonder to the eyes of his beholders.
सुनिमालोक्य भूपालो दूरादेवानताकृतिः ।
प्रणनाम गलन्मौलिमणिमानितभूतलम् ॥ २४ ॥
On seeing the sage, the lord of earth lowly bent himself at a distance, and then bowed down to him (so low), that the ground was decorated by the gems pendant upon his crown.
मुनिरप्यवनीनाथं भास्वानिव शतक्रतुम् ।
तत्राभिवादयांचक्रे मधुरोदारया गिरा ॥ २५ ॥
The sage also in his turn greeted the Lord of the earth on the spot with sweet and kind words, like the sun greeting the lord of the gods.
ततो वसिष्ठप्रमुखाः सर्व एव द्विजातयः ।
स्वागतादिक्रमेणैनं पूजयामासुरादृताः ॥ २६ ॥
Afterwards the assembled Brahmans (of the court) headed by Vasishtha, honoured him with their welcomes.
दशरथ उवाच ।
अशङ्कितोपनीतेन भास्वता दर्शनेन ते ।
साधो स्वनुगृहीताः स्मो रविणेवाम्बुजाकराः ॥ २७ ॥
The king said:—”we are as highly favoured, Oh holy sage! by your unexpected appearance and your glorious sight, as a bed of lotuses at the sight of the luminous sun.
यदनादि यदक्षुण्णं यदपायविवर्जितम् ।
तदानन्दसुखं प्राप्तं मया त्वद्दर्शनान्मुने ॥ २८ ॥
Oh sage, I have felt at your appearance the happiness which knows no bounds, and which has no diminution in it.
अद्य वर्तामहे नूनं धन्यानां धुरि धर्मतः ।
भवदागमनस्येमे यद्वयं लक्ष्यमागताः ॥ २९ ॥
This day we must be placed at the front rank of the fortunate, as we have become the object of your advent.
एवं प्रकथयन्तोऽत्र राजानोऽथ महर्षयः ।
आसनेषु सभास्थानमासाद्य समुपाविशन् ॥ ३० ॥
With these and similar conversations that went on among the princes and the sages, they proceeded to the court-hall where they took their respective seats.
स दृष्ट्वा मालितं लक्ष्म्या भीतस्तमृषिसत्तमम् ।
प्रहृष्टवदनो राजा स्वयमर्घ्यं न्यवेदयत् ॥ ३१ ॥
The king finding the best of sages (Viswamitra) so very prosperous in his devotion, felt some hesitation to offer him the arghya (honorarium) himself with his cheerful countenance.
स राज्ञः प्रतिगृह्यार्घ्यं शास्त्रदृष्टेन कर्मणा ।
प्रदक्षिणं प्रकुर्वन्तं राजानं पर्यपूजयत् ॥ ३२ ॥
He (the sage) accepted the arghya offered him by the king, and hailed him during his act of turning round (the sage), according to the rules of Sastra.
स राज्ञा पूजितस्तेन प्रहृष्टवदनस्तदा ।
कुशलं चाव्ययं चैव पर्यपृच्छन्नराधिपम् ॥ ३३ ॥
Thus honoured by the king, he with a cheerful countenance asked the Lord of men about the good health (of himself and family), and the fulness of his finance.
वसिष्ठेन समागम्य प्रहस्य मुनिपुंगवः ।
यथार्हं चार्चयित्वैनं पप्रच्छानामयं ततः ॥ ३४ ॥
Then coming in contact with Vasishtha, the great sage saluted him as he deserved with a smile, and asked him about his health.
क्षणं यथार्हमन्योन्यं पूजयित्वा समेत्य च ।
ते सर्वे हृष्टमनसो महाराजनिवेशने ॥ ३५ ॥
After their interview and exchange of due courtesies had lasted for a while to the satisfaction of all in the royal assembly;
यथोचितासनगता मिथः संवृद्धतेजसः ।
परस्परेण पप्रच्छुः सर्वेऽनामयमादरात् ॥ ३६ ॥
They both took their respective seats; when every one (in the court) respectfully greeted the sage of exalted prowess.
उपविष्टाय तस्मै स विश्वामित्राय धीमते ।
पाद्यमर्घ्यं च गां चैव भूयोभूयो न्यवेदयत् ॥ ३७ ॥
After the sapient sage (Viswamitra) was seated, they made various offerings of padya, arghya and kine to him.
अर्चयित्वा तु विधिवद्विश्वामित्रमभाषत ।
प्राञ्जलिः प्रयतो वाक्यमिदं प्रीतमना नृपः ॥ ३८ ॥
Having honoured Viswamitra in due form, the lord of men condescended to address him with a gladdest mind and in submissive terms, with his palms folded over each other.
Section 2 - 'Address of King Dasaratha'
यथाऽमृतस्य संप्राप्तिर्यथा वर्षमवर्षके ।
यथान्धस्येक्षणप्राप्तिर्भवदागमनं तथा ॥ ३९ ॥
He said, “Sir, your coming here is as grateful to me as the obtaining of nectar by one, as a rainfall after a drought, and as the gaining of sight by the blind.
यथेष्टदारसंपर्कात्पुत्रजन्माऽप्रजावतः ।
स्वप्नदृष्टार्थलाभश्च भवदागमनं तथा ॥ ४० ॥
Again it is as delightful to me as the getting of a son by a childless man in his beloved wife, and coming in possession of a treasure in a dream.
यथेप्सितेन संयोग इष्टस्यागमनं यथा ।
प्रणष्टस्य यथा लाभो भवदागमनं तथा ॥ ४१ ॥
Your advent is no less pleasing to me than one’s meeting with the object of his wishes, the arrival of a friend, and the recovery of thing that was given for lost.
यथा हर्षो नभोगत्या मृतस्य पुनरागमात् ।
तथा त्वदागमाद्ब्रह्मन्स्वागतं ते महामुने ॥ ४२ ॥
It gives me the joy that is derived from the sight of a deceased friend suddenly returning by the way of the sky. It is thus Oh Brahman, I welcome your visit to me.
ब्रह्मलोकनिवासो हि कस्य न प्रीतिमावहेत् ।
मुने तवागमस्तद्वत्सत्यमेव ब्रवीमि ते ॥ ४३ ॥
Who is there that is not glad to live in the heaven (Brahma-loka)? I feel myself as happy Oh sage! at your advent, and this I tell you truly.
कश्च ते परमः कामः किं च ते करवाण्यहम् ।
पात्रभूतोऽसि मे विप्र प्राप्तः परमधार्मिकः ॥ ४४ ॥
(Now tell me) what is your best pleasure, and what I may do for you; O Vipra, that are the best of the virtuous, and most properly deserving of my services.
पूर्वं राजर्षिशब्देन तपसा द्योतितप्रभः ।
ब्रह्मर्षित्वमनुप्राप्तः पूज्योऽसि भगवन्मया ॥ ४५ ॥
Formerly had you been famed under the title of Rajarshi (or royal sage); but since, made glorious by dint of your asceticism, you have been promoted to the rank of a Brahmarshi (or Brahman sage). Wherefore you are truly the object of my worship.
गङ्गाजलाभिषेकेण यथा प्रीतिर्भवेन्मम ।
तथा त्वद्दर्शनात्प्रीतिरन्तः शीतयतीव माम् ॥ ४६ ॥
I am so glad at your sight that it soothes my inmost soul, in the same manner as an ablution in Ganga’s stream cheers the mind.
विगतेच्छाभयक्रोधो वीतरागो निरामयः ।
इदमत्यद्भुतं ब्रह्मन्यद्भवान्मामुपागतः ॥ ४७ ॥
Free as you are from fears and desires, from wrath and passions and the feelings of pleasure, pain and disease, it is very wonderful, Oh Brahman, that you should have recourse to me.
शुभक्षेत्रगतं चाहमात्मानमपकल्मषम् ।
चन्द्रबिम्ब इवोन्मग्नं वेदवेद्यविदांवर ॥ ४८ ॥
I consider myself as situated at a holy sanctuary, and absolved from all my sins, or as merged in the lunar sphere (by your presence), Oh! best of the learned in the truths of the Vedas.
साक्षादिव ब्रह्मणो मे तवाभ्यागमनं मतम् ।
पूतोऽस्म्यनुगृहीतश्च तवाभ्यागमनान्मुने ॥ ४९ ॥
I understand your appearance as that of Brahma himself before me, and I confess myself, O sage! to be purified and favoured by your advent.
त्वदागमनपुण्येन साधो यदनुरञ्जितम् ।
अद्य मे सफलं जन्म जीवितं तत्सुजीवितम् ॥५० ॥
I am indeed so gratified at your arrival, that I deem myself fortunate in this birth, and that I have not lived in vain but led a truly good life.
त्वामिहाभ्यागतं दृष्ट्वा प्रतिपूज्य प्रणम्य च ।
आत्मन्येव नमाम्यन्तर्दृष्ट्वेन्दुं जलधिर्यथा ॥ ५१ ॥
My heart cannot contain within itself, but overflows (with joy) like the sea at the sight of the moon, since I beheld your person here and made my respectful obeisance to you.
यत्कार्यं येन वार्थेन प्राप्तोऽसि मुनिपुङ्गव ।
कृतमित्येव तद्विद्धि मान्योऽसीति सदा मम ॥५२ ॥
Whatever is your commission, and whatsoever may be the object, O greatest of sages! which has brought you hither, know it as already granted (by me); for your commands are always to be obeyed by me.
स्वकार्ये न विमर्शं त्वं कर्तुमर्हसि कौशिक ।
भगवन्नास्त्यदेयं मे त्वयि यत्प्रतिपद्यते ॥ ५३ ॥
You need not hesitate to communicate to me your best, O progeny of Kausika, there is nothing, with me which is to be kept from you, if you should ask for it.
कार्यस्य न विचारं त्वं कर्तुमर्हसि धर्मतः ।
कर्ता चाहमशेषं ते दैवतं परमं भवान् ॥ ५४ ॥
You need not dubitate about my performance of the act. I tell it solemnly that I will execute your behest to the last item, as I take you in the light of a superior divinity.
इदमतिमधुरं निशम्य वाक्यं श्रुतिसुखमात्मविदा विनीतमुक्तम् ।
प्रथितगुणयशागुणैर्विशिष्टं मुनिवृषभः परमं जगाम हर्षम् ॥ ५५ ॥
Upon hearing these sweet words (of the king), which were pleasing to the ears, and delivered with a humility worthy of one knowing himself, the far famed and meritorious chief of the sages felt highly gratified in himself.
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