Monday, June 24, 2013

Bala Kanda 1-26

Valmiki Ramayana- Bala Kanda


By
Sage Valmiki

Translated  by

P.R.Ramachander

    (Ramayanam (The 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 Sargas(Chapters) ,The different Kandas are  Bala Kanda( the book of the boyhood-77 Sargas), Ayodhya Kanda (The book of Ayodhya-119 Sargas), Aaranya Kanda(The book of forest  -75 Sargas) , Kishkinda Kana(The book of Kishkindha-67 Sargas), Sundara Kanda( The book of beauty/Hanuman- 68 Sargas)  and Yudha Kanda (The book of war-128 sargas) . Being an epic which teaches about Dharma(the proper way of life) , it has been  translated in to almost all Indian languages  long , long back.  Two  of the famous translations are  by Kamban in to Tamil (Called Kamba Ramayanam)   and  by Sage Thulasidas  in Hindi 9rama 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. Ofcourse there are large number 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 , Sri Lakshmanan of  Celextel   suggested me to translate the entire epic. I  thought it is an order by God Rama and have started it. I am sure that   with his blessings , I would be able to complete it.)

                                             Book  I Bala Kanda (the book of Boyhood)
     (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   to Ayodhya.)

Sarga (Chapter) 1:  Samkshepa Ramayanam)’

( Sage Valmiki approaches sage Narada     and enquires about the ideal man in the world, so that he can write about him. Sage Narada replies that is Sri Rama, the son of Dasaratha  and tells  the Summary of the story of Ramayana)

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 traveler and travels through all the worlds. It is believed that he creates tension so that good will result)
“Who exists  at present in this world who has 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 who has 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 every thing 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 very many and very 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 a broad chest, is a great archer, has hidden shoulder bones, suppresses his enemies, and 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 the 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  the various castes, he  observes his own dharma(just action) and he 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 things.”          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 as valorous like Lord Vishnu, and as pleasant to see as the full moon.”                                                                                                                         1.17
“His anger is like the 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 the God of death.”                                                                                                                            1.18
(Yama the God of death is supposed to be the epitome of Dharma)
“The king Dasaratha with a loving wish to do good to the 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 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-the young king)
“Hearing about the various preparations for his coronation, Dasaratha’s wife Kaikeyi reminded him of the two boons he had given her and requested that Rama should be sent to the forest and that Bharatha 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 send 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, and 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 sorrowing for his son.”                                                                                                                                                                                     1.31
 “After his death though sages like Vasishta  requested him to become the king, that very strong Bharatha did not wish to be the king.”                                                                                                                                                                                         1.32    
“Wishing for the blessings of Rama, he started to the forest.”                                                                                              1.33
“Bharatha who is the first among people who 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 the kingdom as per the orders of his father.”                                                                1.35
“But 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  and started ruling the kingdom from Nandigrama  and started waiting 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, Suthheeeshna  and Agasthya .”                                                                                                                                                1.39
“As per the wishes of Agasthya  he  happily received with happiness the 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  to 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 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  loosing 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 the 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 Jatayu the hawk , 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 the 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 the 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 . who was following its percepts  and who 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 from the beginning especially the part which  happened to Sita to Sugreeva.”                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                                                                                      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 the 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 the 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 and 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 per his words  Sri Rama built a bridge to 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 very 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 very holy Rama , along with his brothers  removed the Jata(matted hair)[1] , and along with Sita assumed the kingship.”                                                                     
                                                                                                                                                                                                    1.88
“The people of Ayodhya became filled with happiness and satisfaction, and  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[2] 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[3] 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 the first chapter  Of Balakanda   of the holy Ramayana   composed by Valmiki  as the first epic.

Sarga(Chapter) .2 :Valmiki get divine guidance to    write Ramayana
   (Sage Valmiki   after taking leave of sage Narada reaches the banks of the 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 why and at that 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 ,  he went to a place  not very far from  Ganges, and situated in 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 those pair.   2.10
When that bird  fell  with a blood drenched body, his wife, 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 them 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  one 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  took 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 the 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 tell the history of Rama as  narrated 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, you , 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 the second chapter  Of Balakanda   of the holy Ramayana   composed by Valmiki  as the first epic.

Sarga(Chapter) 3: The  outline of the story  of Rama that   came to the mind of Valmiki
(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 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 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 to 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 pleasures , 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 the clan of Raghu, as it was earlier related to him by sage  Narada.                3.9
He described the birth of Rama who was with very great prowess, was benevolent to all, was dear to all people, and 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 the people, the abandoning  them by Rama, The talk  with Guha,  and the returning of the Charioteer.                                                                                                                                                                                             3.14
He described about the crossing of Ganges, the 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, the going of Rama to Dandakaranyam and his killing of Viradha.                                                                                                                                      3.17
He described his seeing of Sarabhanga and his conversation with Sutheekshna, the friendship of Sita with Anasooya and her application of  scented unguents  on her body.                                                                                                                             3.18
He described about the meeting with sage Agasthya, the meeting with Jatayu, the 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 , the kidnapping of Sita, the wailing of Rama,  and the 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, the meeting with Sugreeva, the signing of the treaty, and the fight between Vali and Sugreeva.                                                                                                                                                                 3.23
He described about the killing of Vali, the 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 the getting report of different places in earth.                                                                                                                                        3.25
He described the giving of the ring to Hanuman, their visit to the cave of  Riksha, the fast unto death by the monkeys and their interview with Sampathi.                                                                                                                                                            3.26
He described about the climbing of the mountain, crossing of the ocean, the obeying of words of the ocean and meeting with Mainaka  mountain.                                                                                                                                                                      3.27
He described about the killing of Simhika, about the seeing of the mountain of Lanka, entering in to Lanka at night, and thinking in solitude by Hanuman.                                                                                                                                                       3.28
He described about his seeing of Ravanas, his seeing of Pushpaka Vimanam, his visiting the halls of drinking   as well as   the visit to the apartments of women of Ravana.                                                                                                                                  3.29
He described his entry to Asokavana, seeing of Sita, the presentation of the signet ring , and again seeing of Ravana.     3.30
He described the threatening of Sita by the  Rakshasis , the seeing of Trijata , the giving of brooch by Sita and breaking of the forest.                                                                                                                                                                                                       3.31
He described the fight   with Rakshasis, the killing of the servants of Ravana, the catching of Hanuman and the setting   fire of Lanka by Hanuman with a great roar.                                                                                                                                            3.32
He described the crossing  back of the sea , the 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 the bridge by Nala, the crossing of 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 the Pushpaka Vimana.                                                                                                                                                                                  3.36
He described Rama’s return to Ayodhya, his re union with Bharatha , the festivities for the crowning of Rama, the 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

Thus ends the third sarga of the Balakanda which occurs in the   first epic composed by sage Valmiki.

Sarga(Chapter) 4: The sage after composing the epic  entrusts its singing  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 very  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  very 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, for purpose of initiating Vedas both of them were initiated.                         4.6
That genius of history  has composed the entire Ramayana which details ,, the great story of Sita as well   the slaying of  the  grand  son 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  and also 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 rote 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 sais “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 very sweet verses and described   what happened long, long ago  and described it as if  , they were present at that moment of happening.”                                                                                                         4.17
“Both of them chanted in perfect unison the theme in a very perfect manner  , 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 with a full 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 he was surrounded by his brothers
And his ministers.                                                                                                                                                                                    4.25
That one who was greatly disciplined saw both of them  who were handsome and addressed Bharatha, Lakshmana and Sathrugna and told.                                                                                                                                                                                4.26
“listen completely to this song from these 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 to all their  sense organs and their mind.    4.29
“These two sages who have all the attributes of a  royal persons are Kusa and Lava who 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


Thus ends the fourth  sarga of the Balakanda which occurs in the   first epic composed by sage Valmiki.


Sarga(Chapter) 5:  Description of city of Ayodhya
(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 descendents. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                     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 very 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 and shining and were 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  and had all kinds of weapons and all kinds of artisans lived in that city.                                                                                                                                                        5.10
The city  had many journalists and eulogists and 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 and it surpassed all cities  on earth .               5.18
Like the great spires constructed by Sidhas by great penances , it had perfectly  constructed by palaces and was inhabited by noble person.                                                                                                                                                                                         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 defense  , 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 hand large number of Brahmins who worshipped sacrificial fire  and were experts in four Vedas   and six Vedangas(Branches of Vedas) . They offered charity in thousands , were devoted to truth and exceedingly wise and were similar to  great sages.                                                                                                                                                                         5.23


Thus ends the fifth   sarga of the Balakanda which occurs in the   first epic composed by sage Valmiki

Sarga(chapter):6.  The kings and people of Ayodhya.
   (Description of the kings of Ayodhya including Dasaratha  as well description of the town and its people is given in this chapter.)    

The king Dasaratha , a scholar in Vedas, Who has collected all knowledge, The far sighted one, who has  great splendour, the leading light to his citizens, The 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 and who can be compared to Indra and Khubera, lived in that city of Ayodhya and 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 type of dharmas (Dharma, Artha, and Kama)  ruled the very 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, nor 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  nor  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 by nature charitable , 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 and 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  one who was in distressed  or vexed in mind.                                                      6.15
In Ayodhya there were no man and 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 who were 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

Thus ends the sixth  sarga of the Balakanda which occurs in the   first epic composed by sage Valmiki.


Sarga (Chapter) 7 :   The  greatness of Ayodhya     , its king and ministers and teachers of the king
(A glowing  but detailed account of the town of Ayodhya  , including its administration   is given in this chapter)

That ministers of the descendents 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 counselors 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
Either in anger or for pecuniary gains they never uttered unjust words or lies 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 are 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 , were 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 

Thus ends the seventh   sarga of the Balakanda which occurs in the   first epic composed by sage Valmiki.

Sarga(Chapter) 8:  Proposal to hold  Aswamedha Sacrifice

(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   due to my 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,  how  I would be able to fulfill my desire. 8.9
The Brahmins lead 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                                              
“If difficulties and interruptions  do not happen in this great fire sacrifice , it would be definitely possible to get desired results by the kings.”                                                                                                                                                                              8.16
“The very learned Brahma Rakshasas  would be trying their best to find flaw in its conduct , and 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  , send them away 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

 Thus ends the eighth   sarga of the Balakanda which occurs in the   first epic composed by sage Valmiki.

Sarga(Chapter ) 9 : Sumanthra tells  the story of   Rishya Sringa  and the need to bring him.
(Sumanthra tells that he heard sage Sanathkumara telling a group of saints that, Dasaratha would get sons only if the Fire sacrifice   done by sage Rishyasringa.  Then he tells the story of Rishyasringa  and his father Vibhandaka. He also told how Romapada   the 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  practiced 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 times 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 and  had  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 as to the religious atonement  to be carried out now.”                                                                                                                                 9.10
“Those Brahmins who were expert in Vedas told the king, “By employing any 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 very thoughtful “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 will then pour 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 detain  the means by which Rishya Sringa was brought .                                                                                                                                                                                                9.19

Thus ends the ninth   sarga of the Balakanda which occurs in the   first epic composed by sage Valmiki.

Sarga(chapter) 10 :  How Rishya Sringa was brought to Anga desa
(According to the advise 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. And all other creatures 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 sia to 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 to 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 and roots and fruits  to eat.”                    10.17
“They accepted the offerings with great enthusiasm, and returned to quickly return 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, feari8ng 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 the Brahmin approaching them , they became very happy , approached near him and said.” 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
                                                                                                                                                                                                            
Thus ends the tenth   sarga of the Balakanda which occurs in the   first epic composed by sage Valmiki.

Sarga(Chapter )11: How sage Rishya Sringa   is brought to 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 king enough to send the husband of Shantha to conduct it so that  I would get children in my clan. “                                                                                                                   11.5
“Hearing that, that king after deep though 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
“The king Dasaratha interested in performing the fire sacrifice, with folded hand 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 the 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 that 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 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  , along with his wife he departed   to Ayodhya.                                                                                                                                                                                            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 and clean with water , make it sweet smelling by scented smoke  and later decorate the city with flags.                                                                                                                   11.24
Hearing about the arrival of the 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 conches   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 that 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

Thus ends the eleventh    sarga of the Balakanda which occurs in the   first epic composed by sage Valmiki.

Sarga(Chapter) 12: Planning of the Aswamedha sacrifice in consultation with sages

   (In Consultation with sage Rishya Sringa and several other sages, a decision was taken to perform the Aswamedha sacrifice  and arrangements are  started to perform this great sacrifice.)

After spending a long charming time like this , the pretty spring season  arrived and the desire to perform the fire sacrifice arose in the mind of the king.                                                                                                                                                              12.1
Then after bowing his head to the god like Brahmin  and after pleasing him, “let us conduct the fire sacrifice so that   children  are born so that the continuity of the family can be assured. “ and then he chose him as his official priest.      12.2
The well honoured Brahmin assented  and requested the king  to collect the required materials    and also release   the horse.                                                                                                                                                                                                      12.3
Thereafter the king spoke the following words top the best of his ministers  Sumanthra, “Oh Sumanthra, please summon immediately  Suyajna, Vamadeva, Jabali, Kashyapa and family priest Sage Vasishta   along with foremost among the Brahmins who are well versed in Vedas  to act as official priests .”                                                                                                     12.4-12.5
Thereupon the fast moving Sumanthra went with great speed and  gathered and brought all those Brahmins  who have completely mastered  the Vedas.                                                                                                                                                     12.6   
Then the soul of Dharma  the king Dasaratha worshipped all of them with Dharma and wealth  and said the following gracious words to them.                                                                                                                                                                     12.7 
“ I am suffering due to intense sorrow due to the need for sons and due to that there is no happiness for me. It is my intention to perform the horse sacrifice  for realization of my wish.”                                                                                        12.8  
“For that reason I am desirous of performing the fire sacrifice according to Vedic specifications and I shall obtain fulfillment of my desire by the grace  of sage Rishya Sringa.”                                                                                                                          12.9 
The Brahmins lead by sage Vasishta , hearing the words of the king , praised him and blessed that the Fire sacrifice would be well done.                                                                                                                                                                                            12.10
Then the priests lead by sage Rishya Sringa said, “Let the materials needed be procured and let the horse  be released.”
                                                                                                                                                                                                                12.11
“ It is good that the righteous thought of begetting sons has entered your mind. Surely you would get four sons of immense prowess.,”                                                                                                                                                                                             12.12
Hearing the words of the Brahmin, the king was mightily pleased  and he spoke these  auspicious words   to his  ministers.
                                                                                                                                                                                                               12.13
“As per the orders of our Teachers(Gurus) , all material needed may please be procured and a horse may be released under the protection of able warriors and let a priest accompany them. “                                                                                         12.14
“The hall for conducting the fire sacrifice may be erected  according to the well laid procedures of the Kalpa , on the northern side of river  Sarayu and let auspicious rites be performed there uninterrupted .”                                              12.15
“IN this  best of sacrifices omissions and difficulties should not happen and all kings should be able to fulfill their desires by it. “                                                                                                                                                                                                        12.16
“In this sacrifice conducted by learned men, the Brahma Rakshasas would be looking to find faults   and if they find they would destroy the doer as well as the sacrifice immediately.”                                                                                                  12.17   
“Because of that it should be done in the manner as specified by the scriptures and  arrangements are to be made to complete it properly as you are experts   in this matter.”                                                                                                          12.18                   
Then all the ministers  said that they would do accordingly  and as ordered the fire sacrifice  would be performed.    12.19
Then the Brahmins praised the great king who was a master in Dharmas , and after being permitted went back to their places.                                                                                                                                                                                                 12.20
Then after the Brahmins have departed the great and glorious king sent away his ministers and entered the palace.  12.21
                         
Thus ends the twelfth    sarga of the Balakanda which occurs in the   first epic composed by sage Valmiki.


Sarga(Chapter) 13: Arrangements for the Aswamedha sacrifice    as per orders of Vasishta

  (In consultation with Vasishta all arrangements for conducting     the Aswamedha sacrifice , including invite of several kings   and guests.)

After one year spring came again and the valiant king Dasaratha , for begetting a son, entered the sacrificial pavilion  to perform the Horse Sacrifice.                                                                                                                                                                 13.1
After saluting and worshipping the  great Brahmin Vasishta , according to the prescribed  procedure for begetting children said with humility.                                                                                                                                                                                  13.2
“Oh foremost among sages, Oh Brahmins , May this sacrifice  be performed according to rules prescribed,  so that no obstruction to it will  ever arise.”                                                                                                                                                         13.3
“You are affectionate towards me and also a friend. Be my spiritual guide   and  you alone should take over the burden of performing this sacrifice.”                                                                                                                                                                     13.4
In answer to what was told by the king, that great among Brahmins told , “All things would be done as you had planned.”
                                                                                                                                                                                                                   13.5
Then Sage Vasishta summoned  venerable Brahmins experienced in  fire sacrifice related activities, venerable and most righteous people well versed in architecture , skilled workers , makers of bricks,  carpenters, diggers, men adept in calculation, artisans, dancers and actors, men having a clean background , people well versed in scriptures, well informed and knowledgeable people and told them, “The commencement of the fire sacrifice is very near and all of you as per the orders of the king , quickly bring thousands  of bricks  and also engage yourselves  in all the subsidiary activities.    13.6-13.9
“Let many  homes for the Brahmins be erected and let them be provided with all comforts and food in them.”              13.10
“And also for citizens  of other towns engaged in many works, houses may be erected along with food as well as entertainment “                                                                                                                                                                                    13.11
“And in the same way extremely good food be provided for the commoners attending the function , as per rules and they all be treated well and not shabbily  or carelessly.”                                                                                                                             13.12
“People from other castes also should be treated honourably , and they should not be insulted to lust or anger.”          13.13
“Those people who are busy with ritual  related activities and the sculptors, should be properly honoured and taken care of and all of them should be made contended by giving of money. Without leaving out any activity, everything should be managed well  and in that manner you whose heart is full of love  and affection should take care of everything. Then all of them approached Vasishta and told him like this, “Everything will be well arranged and nothing would be left out and we will attend to it as instructed, No activity would be such that people would tease us about it.”                                13.14-13.17
Then Vasishta summoned Sumanthra and told him, “Invite all righteous kings to this function.”                                        13.18
“Bring in thousands Brahmins, Kshatriyas, merchants and Sudras   in thousands from all countries with due honour and convene them here.”                                                                                                                                                                           13.19
“ I am informing you to go and personally  invite  Janaka , the king of Mithila , who is courageous person of true valour , proficient in all scriptures , expert in Vedas  and an ancient ally  of king Dasaratha with due honours .”                 13.20-13.21
“Afterwards you please go and bring   the lion among ,kings the king of Kasi who is affectionate  and talks sweetly.”     13.22
“Then you please bring the very old king of Kekaya  who is a great observer of Dharma and who is the father in law of king Dasaratha  , along with his sons.”                                                                                                                                                      13.23
“ Then you should bring  Romapada, the prosperous king of Anga  and a very close friend  of Dasaratha with due honours. “
                                                                                                                                                                                                                13.24
“Please also invite kings from countries on the east side, Kings of Sindhu and sanvera countries , kings of Saurashtra and kings of South  with due honours.”                                                                                                                                                  13.25
“Please also invite the kings of other countries who are friendly with us along  with retinues, relatives   and friends.”  13.26
Hearing these words of Vasishta, the truly valorous Sumanthra speedily dispatched  virtuous and auspicious men to  bring the kings.                                                                                                                                                                                               13.27
Honouring the words of the sage Sumanthra himself set out  to personally Invite king Janaka and other kings.              13.28
All the workers involved in the fire sacrifice , having completed the task assigned to them informed    about it to the very great sage Vasishta.                                                                                                                                                                             13.29
Then the well please  great Brahmin sage Vasishta  told addressing all of them , “No gift should be  given casually or with insult or with contempt .If done it results in the destruction of the donor.”                                                                          13.30
Kings of several countries travelling day and night  arrived in the city of Ayodhya  carrying with  various  kind of gifts. Then the well pleased Vasishta addressed  Dasaratha and told, “oh lion among men, as per your  invitation many noble kings of various places have  arrived and I have honoured them according to their merit.”                                                   13.31-13.33
“ Oh king arrangements for the fire sacrifice has been  completed by well balanced expert persons. So now you can leave to the hall of Fire sacrifice  to perform the Yagna.”                                                                                                                         13.34
“Oh king please visit the hall of fire sacrifice where all your desires of the mind  have been given shape , and is constructed in such a way , that it deserves to be seen.”                                                                                                                                13.35
According to the words of Vasishta Rishya Sringa and king of the world  entered the sacrificial hall on an auspicious day , when there was an auspicious star.”                                                                                                                                             13.36
Then the great sage Vasishta and other great Brahmins entered the sacrificial hall in accordance with  Sasthra and in accordance with tradition  and then sage Rishya Sringa began the sacrificial rites.                                                             13.37

Thus ends the thirteenth  sarga of the Balakanda which occurs in the   first epic composed by sage Valmiki.

Sarga (Chapter)14:  How the Aswamedha sacrifice is  conducted by Dasaratha
(Here all minute particulars of the Aswamedha sacrifice is given. After  conducting it Dasaratha requests  Rishya Sringa to help him by rituals to get sons and he agrees.)

After completion of one year , when the sacrificial horse has reached back to the sacrificial hall constructed on the  northern side of Sarayu river, the ceremonies of the sacrifice commenced.                                                                                                14.1               The Aswamedha sacrifice  of that great king Dasaratha was conducted by  the great sage Rishya Sringa, who was the best among the Brahmins.                                                                                                                                                                             14.2
The chief priest who were expert in Vedas carried out the rituals fully according to the tradition and according to law laid down in the scriptures .                                                                                                                                                                        14.3
The Brahmins having done  Pravargya according to the Shastras  did Upasada as well as other ceremonies as per rules.  14.4
Then  the overjoyed great ascetics after morning ablations started worshipping the celestial beings and performed rituals as per rules.                                                                                                                                                                                                  14.5
The sacrificial offering to Indra was offered in the fire daily  according to the tradition and faultless Soma plant was pressed for taking out the juice and later ablations for the mid day was performed as per sequence.                                                14.6
In the same manner those eminent Brahmins , in conformity with shastras  and after seeing by the great king , did the third pressing of soma in the evening.                                                                                                                                                        14.7
In that sacrifice omissions did not take place , there were no defects or mistakes and everything addressed to god , which appeared as safe was performed.                                                                                                                                                      14.8
During those days nowhere was there a hungry or tired man. No ignorant Brahmin was seen anywhere and all Brahmins seen were followed by hundreds of disciples.                                                                                                                                14.9
Brahmins, servants and ascetics as well as monks were found taking food.                                                                           14.10
Aged people , sick persons, women and children were also seen to be happily eating.                                                       14.11
In the sacrificial ground food and various  kind of clothes were continuously being handed over to those in charge  of distributing these.                                                                                                                                                                             14.12
The heaps of food which were kept ready for distribution and which  looked like mountains were seen everywhere , daily .
                                                                                                                                                                                                             14.13
The great man  arranged for entertainment of men and women who have arrived   there from various countries.      14.14
Dasaratha continuously heard the greetings of  greatly satisfied Brahmins after they have   tasted  the well cooked tasty
Food.                                                                                                                                                                                                  14.15
Well decorated men were seen serving food to the Brahmins and people wearing ornaments    and gems assisted them.      
                                                                                                                                                                                                            14.16
In between the ceremonies the learned Brahmins engaged themselves in discussion of scriptures and some very eloquent and intelligent Brahmins were aiming at victory.                                                                                                                       14.17
In that year daily and daily some very intelligent Brahmins , persuaded by Vasishta performed   all the duties of fire sacrifice as per tradition.                                                                                                                                                                              14.18
In that sacrificial there was no one who was not learned in  the  six Vedangas , there were none who were not faithful to the vows that they have taken, there were none who were not learned, and there were no body among the king’s assistants who were not good in debate based on Vedas.                                                                                                                      14.19
In that sacrifice when the time came to erect the  pillars  six pillars made of Bilwa wood , equal number of pillars made of Khadire wood as well as  six pillars of Parni wood , one made of sleshamathaka , two made of Devadaru, were erected in such a way that there is a distance of two outstretched hands is maintained.                                                       14.20-14.21
All the posts were got made by people with knowledge of Sasthra and experts in yajna , and all the  posts  were decorated    with gold  for elegance.                                                                                                                                                               14.22
The twenty one pillars each measuring twenty one Aartni distance(Distance between elbow to little  finger)  was well decorated with twenty one cloths, each cloth decorating one pillar.                                                                                14.23
All pillars, each having eight sides  were well carved and decorated by sculptors , had finely chiseled surfaces   and were erected as per tradition.                                                                                                                                                           14.24
Decorated with cloths , sandal paste and flowers , all pillars were strong , possessing extreme  brightness and shined like the seven sages  star   in the sky.                                                                                                                                                   14.25
There as per Sasthras , the sacrificial fire place was constructed by  placing of bricks  by  accomplished Brahmins using the art of measurement by rope.                                                                                                                                                       14.26
The sacrificial alter  constructed by the very intelligent Brahmins  for  Dasaratha, who was a lion among kings  was like a eagle with golden wings , with three  ranges  with each range  having  six  fire places.                                                14.27
As prompted by tradition animals, serpents and birds were kept ready , each intended  for  a  different deity.     14.28
When the time came to sacrifice the  animals , according to the tradition, the chief priest tied up the horse first and aquatic animal   next.                                                                                                                                                                             14.29
Then those three hundred animals and the sacred horse from the best stable of Dasaratha  were bound to the sacrificial posts.                                                                                                                                                                                         14.30
After  Kausalya served the horse from its four directions  and after worshipping it, with glee by three strokes of the scimitar  its  head was severed.                                                                                                                                                            14.31
Then with a stable mind and with great devotion to her duty Kausalya  spent one night   near the horse.           14.32
Women known as Hota, advaryu , udgatha, Mahishi(Chief queen) , Parivruthya(overlooked wife) , Parvruthi, Vaavathaa, Aparaam (lady attender) and Palakali(the other woman) touched with ther hand the sacrificial horse.                  14.33
The official priest blessed with restrained senses and also very knowledgeable, having removed the marrow of the horse, cooked it according to scriptures.                                                                                                                                         14.34
At the proper time Dasaratha  , as laid out in the scriptures , got rid of all his sins , by inhaling the scent of the burnt  marrow .                                                                                                                                                                                    14.35
All those sixteen officiating priests who were Brahmins offered those limbs as per rule   to the fire.                     14.36
Unlike  other fire sacrifices where oblations are offered using branches of Palasa tree , in this case cane creeper was chosen to offer one oblation.                                                                                                                                                             14.37
According to Kalpa Suthra, Aswamedha sacrifice is completed  in three days  and on the first day Chathushta homa  is carried out.                                                                                                                                                                                            14.38
Ukthya is performed on the second day and  on the third day athirathram is performed. As per Sastra many other sacrifices were performed along with this.                                                                                                                                        14.39
Jyothish homa and Ayur yaga were performed along with  Athirathram  , and Abhijit, Viswajit and asoryaga were also performed in the prescribed manner.                                                                                                                               14.40
With a view to promote his clan, King Dasaratha gave away eastern region to Hothra, western side to adhivaryu, Southern side to Brahmana and northern side to Udagatha as prescribed  and fixed long ago   by Lord Brahma in case of a mighty horse sacrifice.                                                                                                                                                                        14.41-14.42
King Dasaratha , the leader of men and one who increased the fame of his clan, after concluding the sacrifice, according to law,  offered entire earth as gift to the priests.                                                                                                                  14.43
But the priests told King Dasaratha who has been purged of all sins, that he alone  deserves to be the protector   of the earth.                                                                                                                                                                                          14.44
“Oh ruler of earth, we are incapable of ruling the earth  and have nothing to do with ruling it  and we are indeed dedicated to the study of Vedas. So you may kindly offer some other gift instead of this.”                                                         14.45
“Oh great man, give us gold or gems or cows whichever is readily available , as we do not have  any use with the earth.”
                                                                                                                                                                                                     14.46
The great man king Dasaratha, having been addressed by those scholars  of Vedas like this , gave them ten hundred thousand cows, hundred crores of gold  coins and four times that much of silver coins.                                 14.47-14.48
Thereafter those priests collectively offered all that they got to the great Rishya Sringa and the sage Vasishta.    14.49
Then those great Brahmins who were highly pleased  distributed the wealth given to them equally  and they said to the king.                                                                                                                                                                                      14.50
After that , with great earnestness Dasaratha offered one crore of gold coins to those Brahmins who have come    to see the fire sacrifice.                                                                                                                                                                               14.51
And then when one Brahmin asked for alms , king Dasaratha gave him  , his excellent bracelet.                               14.52
Then that mighty king Dasaratha who was affectionate towards Brahmins , who were highly pleased with him, bowed before them  with eyes full of joy.                                                                                                                                                       14.53
Thereafter the charitable ,  very valorous king Dasaratha prostrated before them and the Brahmins uttered the  words of blessing to him.                                                                                                                                                                          14.54
They told that the sacrifice destroys sins, takes the performer to heaven and  no other king except Dasaratha can perform it.”and the king was greatly pleased for having performed that great sacrifice.                                                             14.55
Thereafter the king Dasaratha addressed sage Rishya Sringa and told  him, “Oh strict follower of vows, how can I ensure the continuity  of my clan?”                                                                                                                                                            14.56
The best of Brahmins , Rishya Sringa Said, “Let it happen”, and he further said, “Oh king , your  race would continue with the birth of  Four sons.”                                                                                                                                                                   14.57
     
Thus ends the fourteenth    sarga of the Balakanda which occurs in the   first epic composed by sage Valmiki.

Sarga (chapter)15: Starting of Puthreshti and story    of Ravana
( Sage Rishya Sringa starts the Putra ishti according to Atharva Veda . The devas who have assembled there   complain about the problems being created by Ravana due to his boon. Lord Brahma assures that he can be killed by a man and devas   request Lord Vishnu to be born as four sons of Dasaratha)

That great intellectual (Rishya Sringa) , who was a great expert  in Vedas ,  then thought for a while  and after  he got the results of his search, he told the king :-                                                                                                                                      15.1
For the sake of getting sons for you , I will perform  according to the traditions, the Puthreshti sacrifice as detained in the   Atharva seersha part of the Vedas, which is capable of  fulfilling your desire to have a son.                                            15.2                                                                                  
That Rishya Sringa with great luster commenced the fire sacrifice aimed at begetting the sons , chanted the Manthras and poured oblations  in the fire  according to rules , so that the king would beget sons.                                                       15.3
All the devas, Sidhas , Gandharwas and great sages  assemble there   to get their share   from the sacrifice.               15.4
Having assembled there as per the custom, those devas told as follows to Lord Brahma, the creator of the world.   15.5
“Oh God, a Rakshasa called Ravana , having obtained great powers through your blessings  , is creating problems to us and we are not capable of punishing him.”                                                                                                                                        15.6
“Oh God in olden times pleased with his penance you  had granted him  a boon and honouring the boon we are   enduring his cruelty towards us.”                                                                                                                                                                   15.7
“That evil minded one is inflicting pain on the people of the three worlds . He hates the guardians of earth  and is greatly desirous of assaulting Indra who is our king.”                                                                                                                             15.8
“That one who is difficult to oppose , because of your boons becoming proud  he is attacking  sages, Yakshas, Gandhrawas,  Devas and Brahmins  .”                                                                                                                                                                   15.9
“The sun does not burn him,  the wind which blows becomes still once he sees Ravana.”                              15.10
“Due to his terrible looks he creates   great fear in us. OH lord you have to find out   some means to kill him.”           15.11
Having greatly reflected on the words spoken by the devas Lord Brahma said, “The means of destruction of   that bad soul is already known.”                                                                                                                                                                               15.12
“When he wanted the he should  not be killed by devas, Asuras, Gandharwas   and Yakshas,  I said “so be it””            15.13
“That Rakshasa due to his very poor opinion of man, did not include them in his wish. For that reason he is fit  to be killed by a man and no one else.”                                                                                                                                                                 15.14
Hearing those dear words  uttered   by Brahma , the devas and sages felt very happy.                                                      15.15
At this time Lord Vishnu , carrying conch , wheel and mace  and dressed in yellow silk arrived there  with great luster. 15.16
Having met Lord Brahma  ,  Lord Vishnu  stayed there with a composed mind.  The devas prostrated  before him and told him as follows.                                                                                                                                                                                15.17
“Oh Lord Vishnu, desirous  of doing   good to the world , we are making this request. The king of Ayodhya , oh lord, is a righteous , generous , equal to sages in luster. His wives are like Hri(modesty),  Sree (auspiciousness ) and Kirthi(fame) who are the daughters of Daksha. You please divide yourself in to four forms and be born as their sons.”                  15.18-15.19
“Oh Lord Vishnu  being born   in the form of a man , you can slay in a war Ravana , who is greatly arrogant, destroyer of the people and one who cannot be killed by gods. “                                                                                                                       15.20
“That cruel Rakshasa Ravana , by his great strength is troubling Devas, Sidhas, Gandharwas and great sages.”             15.21
“That terrible one is reported to have tortured sages, Gandarwas and apsaraas in Nandanavana.”                                 15.22
“We , the siddhas, gandarwas, yakshas along with sages have come here requesting for the death of Ravana  and for that reason we have taken refuge in you.”                                                                                                                                         15.23
“Oh Lord Vishnu , who troubles his enemies, you are the supreme   refuge all of us. Please resolve your mind to be born in the world of humans   and  destroy the enemies of  devas.”                                                                                                  15.24
Lord Vishnu, the foremost among the Gods whom all the world and the king of devas  salutes,   who was properly addressed in this manner,  by  all the devas led by Lord Brahma  in the path of righteousness  told.                                     15.25-15.26
“Leave out all your fear. My blessings for the welfare of you all. For the good of devas and sages I will kill the cruel and dreadful Ravana   along with all his sons and grandsons and also along with his ministers, friends and allies in a great war and then  live and rule this world for ten thousand years .”                                                                                                15.27-15.28
Lord Vishnu , the highest soul, after talking like this to the devas and giving them boons, thought about which part of the world, he should be born as a man.”                                                                                                                                          15.29
After that, the god with eyes like lotus petals divided himself in to four ways  and chose to be born to king Dasaratha whom he liked.                                                                                                                                                                                            15.30
Then the devas along with Rudras , sages, Gandharwas , group of apasras , praised the holy form of the god who was the killer  of Madhu.                                                                                                                                                                              15.31
“You please uproot  that dreadful Ravana who has fearful luster, who is insolent, who hates the  king of devas  ,a source of trouble to the ascetics and one who causes agony to the three worlds by his insolence.”                                               15.32
“After killing the mighty Ravana having great manliness ,  who is causing distress   to this world along with his forces and relation and after removing all problems for the celestial region ruled by Indra,  and freeing it  from all faults and sins , you may please return.                                                                                                                                                                         15.33

Thus ends the fifteenth   sarga of the Balakanda which occurs in the   first epic composed by sage Valmiki.

Sarga(Chapter) 16 : Conduct of Puthrakameshti   , receiving of Payasam.
(Lord Vishnu agrees to the proposal.  From the fire a divine being emerges and gives a pot of Payasam and requests  Dasaratha to distribute it among his wives. Kausalya gets , half, Kaikeyi gets another portion and Sumathra gets two shares. After some time all the queens become pregnant.)

Having been thus requested by the best of the Devas , Lord Narayana , though he was aware of everything, spoke in a soft voice addressing them.                                                                                                                                                                     16.1
“What strategies should be adopted by us so that I am able to kill Ravana and protect the sages?”                                16.2
When the devas were addressed in this way  by the imperishable lord Vishnu they replied, “You should adopt a human form and then kill Ravana in a war?”                                                                                                                                                       16.3
“Oh destroyer of enemies, That Ravana did very severe penance for a very long time , the creator of the world who was born before the world, was extremely pleased with it.”                                                                                                            16.4
“That Lord mightily pleased by Ravana gave him a boon, that he will not have fear of death from several beings other than man, as he had ignored man, while seeking the boon.”                                                                                                             16.5
“Having obtained the boon from  Lord Brahma , Ravana became filled with pride, destroyed the three worlds , carried away women by violence and for those reasons , Oh great God , he needs to be killed.”                                                      16.6-16.7
Having heard all these words of the devas, Lord Vishnu with great knowledge , chose to be born to king Dasaratha.     16.8
At this time , king Dasaratha , the  destroyer of enemies who had great luster , who has no sons was performing Purthakameshti for   being blessed with sons.                                                                                                                                16.9
Having taken the decision Lord Vishnu, who was being worshipped by the devas,  took leave of Lord Brahma and disappeared .                                                                                                                                                                                       16.10
At that time while king Dasaratha was performing the fire sacrifice, from the fire emerged  a  red faced great being, with unmatched power, with great  strength and valour, clad in a blackish red garment , having a voice like a drum, with soft beard , tawny hair and lion like mane , endowed with all auspicious signs, adorned with divine ornaments , resembling in height a peak of a mountain, walking  like an arrogant tiger ,  with a luster of a sun, who was looking like the crest of a raging fire, with both hands holding ,  a pure large golden vessel  containing Payasam(kheer) and covered with a silver lid .His hands resembled the hands of the wife of Dasaratha   and appeared to be created of illusion.                                           16.11-16.15
Having seen king Dasaratha that being told,  “Oh king , please know me as the person  sent by Lord of all beings, Lord Brahma.”
                                                                                                                                                                                                               16.16
After that, the king replied  with folded hands, “Oh Lord , welcome to you, how can I be of service to you?”                16.17
At that time the person send by  the lord of all beings replies in return, “Ok king , having worshipped the devas , you have got  this blessed  offering .”                                                                                                                                                              16.18
“Oh best among the kings, please receive this Payasam from me , which has been prepared to bestow progenies to you as well as bless you with affluence and health.”                                                                                                                                16.19
“Oh king who has performed this sacrifice for getting children, please give this to your wives who match with you  and request them to consume it.  “                                                                                                                                                        16.20
With bowed head the king  went round that person  and  received the golden vessel sent by the devas  , in which was the food prepared by the devas.                                                                                                                                                            16.21
After saluting that wonderful looking being who was very nice to behold, that king with great joy  he went round that being again and again.                                                                                                                                                                                  16.22
After that Dasaratha having obtained that Payasam prepared by the devas , was as pleased like a poor person , who obtained great wealth.                                                                                                                                                                      16.23
Then that shining being with a wonderful luster , having finished the task assigned to him disappeared from there.    16.24
The private apartment of the king , got brightened with rays  of happiness  and it shined like a sky  of autumn with a shining full moon.                                                                                                                                                                                             16.25
The king after entering his private apartment addressed Kausalya and told, Please receive this Payasam which is capable of giving you sons.”                                                                                                                                                                                 16.26
Then the king gave half the Payasam which was like nectar  to his wife Kausalya  and  then half the remaining part to his wife Sumathra , for getting him sons , and gave half of the remaining part to his wife Kaikeyi. On further thinking he gave whatever was left out to Sumathra ,. This way that king distributed the entire Payasam among his wives.           16.27-16.29
Those very best wives of the king , were extremely delighted to receive  the Payasam and felt greatly honoured.         16.30
Then those excellent consorts of the king  , who were glowing like the fire and sun, consumed the  divinely blessed Payasam separately and after a short gap of time became pregnant.                                                                                                         16.31
Then the king having seen his pregnant wives ,  developed a mind of gratefulness and became delighted like Lord Vishnu , who was worshipped by  Indra, Sidhas and sages.                                                                                                                         16.32

Thus ends the sixteenth  sarga of the Balakanda which occurs in the   first epic composed by sage Valmiki.

Sarga (Chapter) 17: Creation of Monkeys to assist Rama
(As per the instruction of lord Brahma each , deva, Gandharwas as well as great sages  created Monkeys to assist Lord Rama in his task.)

When Lord Vishnu decided to be born as the son to the great king , Lord Brahma who had made himself spoke these words to the devas:-                                                                                                                                                                                        17.1
“You may create   a group of strong assistants who can assume any form they  wish to assist   Lord Vishnu who keeps up his promise  is valorous and wants to help others. “                                                                                                                           17.2 
“You may create  using the body  of chief Apasaras   and Gandharwa women , yourself in the form of  supernatural,  brave and intelligent monkeys, who are an experts in illusion, who are equal to wind God in speed, who are knowledgeable of administration, who are as valorous  as lord Vishnu, who would complete the job entrusted them, who had knowledge of various tricks of warfare , who can resist all sort of  weapons and resembling the devas who subsist on amrita  .
                                                                                                                                                                                                     17.3-17.5
Earlier I have created Jambhavan , who is a great bear, from my face when I was yawning.                                              17.6
All of them having been instructed in this manner by God Brahma  agreed to the proposal  and gave birth to sons with the monkey form.                                                                                                                                                                                    17.7
The great sages, Sidhas, Vidhyadharas ,Yakshas and Charanas  caused heroic monkey sons who were forest dwellers  born to them.                                                                                                                                                                                                   17.8
Indra created Vali  with a mighty   and great body and made him  the chief of monkeys and he  lived in Mahendra mountain, and Sun God the producer of created   Sugreeva.                                                                                                                       17.9
Lord Guru  the very intelligent Tara, whom no monkey can surpass among the monkey chiefs.                                     17.10
Khubera created a glorious monkey called Gandhamadhana and Viswakarma begot a monkey called Nala.                 17.11
Neela was the son of fire god and equaled  fire in his luster and due to his great power surpassed all other monkeys. 17.12
Endowed with  wealth of beauty , Aswini devas created Maindha and Dvividha , who were well known for their handsome form.                                                                                                                                                                                                  17.13
Varuna created a monkey warrior  called Sushena  and Parjanya created the very strong  Sarabha   .                             17.14
The wind God Vayu created  dignified and graceful Hanuman , who had great prowess , wisdom and courage, who had a body as hard as a Diamond and could  travel as fast as Garuda.                                                                                            17.15
Several thousands of courageous of immeasurable strength , who were capable of assuming any form  and who were desirous of helping in killing of  Ravana were created.                                                                                                           17.16
Having the bodies similar to Meru and Mandhara mountain,  great monkey , bear  and cow tail monkeys came quickly in to being.                                                                                                                                                                                              17.17
All those sons  who could never be defeated  took the form and prowess  of the gods who created them.               17.18
Some persons oh highly honoured valour were born to monkeys with tails and some were born to female bears and female Kinnaras.                                                                                                                                                                                        17.19
Devas, sages, Gandarwas , Garudas, Yakshas renowned serpents , kimpurushas, Sidhas , Vidhyadharas , many well pleased beings,  uragas  who were there and  apasras, Vidhyadharis, Nagas and Gandharwas created  large number of  gigantic monkeys who were wandering  in the forest.                                                                                                               17.20-17.22
They were of great strength and could assume any form they liked and could get whatever they  desire  to be done, were like lions and tigers in arrogance and strength.                                                                                                                       17.23
All of them could strike with rocks and all of them could fight with trees as weapons,  and they used nail and teeth as weapons though they were capable of using  any weapon.                                                                                                17.24
They all could move mountains,  uproot huge deep rooted  trees and with great speed cause disturbance to the ocean, which is the lord of all rivers.                                                                                                                                                     17.25
With their feet they could cause  holes on the earth and with one leap , they could cross the mighty ocean and they could even enter the sky and seize a  cloud.                                                                                                                                      17.26
They could even capture the wild elephants living in the forest and with their roaring sounds , they could make a flying down fall down.                                                                                                                                                                           17.27   
One crore of monkeys which can assume any form they wish , eminent monkeys who could command forces were created.                                                                                                                                                                                       17.28
Those monkey commanders  created many  heroic monkeys who could become  chief of monkey clans  who later on became great  clan leaders.                                                                                                                                                      17.29
Some monkeys and thousands of bears occupied top of the mountains and plateaus  and yet others lived in various types of forests and mountains.                                                                                                                                                             17.30
The leaders of monkey forces Nala, Neela , Hanuman and others dwelt near  the two brothers Sugreeva the son of Sun God and Vali the son of Indra.                                                                                                                                                          17.31
They who were having the strength of Garuda and all of them well versed in war fare tormented lions, tigers and serpents who were moving around due to their pride.                                                                                                                       17.32
Vali the mighty armed leader who had great strength protected all of them as well as the bears and cow tailed monkeys. 
                                                                                                                                                                                                        17.33
They who were valiant and could assume any form they liked, with various characteristic of the body formed tribes and lived in mountains, forests and oceans.                                                                                                                                            17.34
Resembling masses of clouds and mountain peaks and endowed with great strength , they with their fearful forms and countenances  with their monkey forces covered the earth   in order to assist Rama.                                                   17.35

Thus ends the seventeenth   sarga of the Balakanda which occurs in the   first epic composed by sage Valmiki.


Sarga (Chapter) 18:Birth of sons to Dasaratha, their education and coming of sage Viswamithra.
( Dasaratha bids farewell to all the guests including Rishya Sringa. Rama was born to Kausalya, Bharatha to Kaikeyi, and Lakshmana and Sathrugna to Sumithra.   They are well educated in all   Vedas as well as warfare. One day when Dasaratha was talking about the marriage of his sons, Sage  Viswamithra comes to Ayodhya.  The king promises that he would fulfill any requirement of sage  Viswamithra.)

When the great king Dasaratha completed his horse sacrifice, the devas received their share and returned to their places.
                                                                                                                                                                                               18.1
After completing the rules of penance of the yaga along with his queens, king Dasaratha , king Dasaratha returned to Ayodhya along with his servants, army and chariots .                                                                                                                      18.2
The other very pleased  kings , honoured fittingly by king Dasaratha , after saluting the great sage Vasishta returned to their own countries.                                                                                                                                                                                         18.3
After those blessed kings left to their own places , the armies of the kings, the dignified army  of Dasaratha shined.        18.4
When the kings have departed the great  Dasaratha , preceded by the greatest among Brahmins  entered his city.           18.5
After that Rishya Sringa who was  duely honoured , along with Santha his wife accompanied  the great king Romapada  to his country.                                                                                                                                                                                                    18.6
After sending back all his guests , the king with a balanced mind started thinking about  begetting sons and living happily.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  18.7
Six seasons were over after  the fire sacrifice,  and in the twelfth month which was Chithra, on the Navami day( The ninth phase of rising moon) , on the star belonging to  Adhithi Devatha (Punarvasu) when five of the nine planets were in exalted position, In the Karkitaka lagna , When planet Guru was with moon, Kausalya gave birth to the lord of universe, who was blessed with all good signs and who was a part of Lord Vishnu and he was received by all the world and was there to perpetuate   the Ikshuvaku clan.                                                                                                                                            18.8-18.10
With a son of immeasurable luster  Kausalya glowed with luster  like Adithi, who had earlier become mother to Lord Indra who wielded the Vajrayudha.                                                                                                                                                                  18.11
Really valorous Bharatha was born to Kaikeyi , who was one fourth part of all  virtues of Lord Vishnu.                           18.12
Sumithra gave birth to Lakshmana and Shatrugna  , who were skilled in use of  all weapons  and having some   facets  of Lord Vishnu.                                                                                                                                                                                                 18.13
The treasure of  graciousness Bharatha  in the meena Lagna and in Pushya (poosa)  Nakshatra   and on the following  day Lakshmana And Shatrugna were born in Karkaraka Lagna in Aslesha(AAyilyam)  star.                                                           18.14
Endowed with all good qualities , worthy and bright  resembling  the Poorva Bhadra (Poororathi)  and Uthara Bhadra (uthrattathi ) stars , four sons were born to the great king .                                                                                                       18.15
At that time Gandharwas sang  melodiously , groups, of Apsaras danced in great joy, sound of Celestial drums  were heard from the sky and there was rain of flowers from the sky.IN Ayodhya  there was a great tumult among men   and festivities  took place .                                                                                                                                                                               18.16-18.17
The highways which was crowded by men  was thronged by actors and dancers  . Vocalists and musicians singing on instruments  raised great and loud music.                                                                                                                                    18.18
The king distributed   gifts to  the bards , eulogists and genealogists  and gave Brahmins  charities  in    thousands.      18.19
After eleven days were completed , Vasishta who was greatly liked , the eldest illustrious son was given the name Rama, the son of Kaikeyi was given the name Bharatha , one son of Sumathra was called Lakshmana and the other son was  called Shatrugna .                                                                                                                                                                                 18.20-18.21
Brahmins and other citizens were  offered meals  and Brahmins  were given heaps of  unlimited and abundant jewels  and other rituals normally done at birth were performed.                                                                                                                  18.22
Among them the eldest Rama was like a torch to his father and gave him extreme pleasure , like the highly revered Brahma giving pleasure to all beings.                                                                                                                                                             18.23
All the sons of Dasaratha were greatly heroic and gained great expertise in Vedas and all of them were  interested in the welfare of the people  and had  great knowledge along with great virtues.                                                                             18.24
Among all of them, Rama was greatly lustrous , truly valorous , pure, looked like moon and  was liked by all the world. 18.25
It was acknowledged that he was expert riding an elephant  and the back of the horse, and driving  a chariot and was also a great archer and was always devoted to his parents and served them.                                                                                      18.26
Lakshmana was prosperous , from his attached to his elder brother Rama, remained always  friendly and was greatly liked by all people .                                                                                                                                                                                             18.27
He was auspicious and did service to his brother to him he offered  even his body  and he was like the soul of Rama moving in another body.                                                                                                                                                                                  18.28
Rama the greatest among men did not get sleep without Lakshmana by his side  and if presented with good food, will not eat it , unless Lakshmana was by his side.                                                                                                                                       18.29
Whenever Rama went for hunting in the forest on a horse back, Lakshmana followed behind him holding his bow   and arrow.                                                                                                                                                                                                    18.30
Similarly  to Shatrugna, the younger brother of Lakshmana became more dearer than life to Bharatha and also liked him more than his soul.                                                                                                                                                                             18.31
Dasaratha was greatly pleased by his four sons like Brahma was pleased by the devas                                                         18.32
They who were enriched with knowledge having all good qualities were modest and knew everything , were farsighted and Dasaratha the king of the world   rejoiced for having these glorious sons and looked like Lord Brahma.                18.33-18.34
They who were like tigers among men, were engaged in studies of Vedas , did service to their parents and were greatly proficient in archery.                                                                                                                                                                         18.35
The soul of Dharma ,  Dasaratha  was discussing  about their marriage along with his priests  and relatives.                   18.36
One day when the illustrious , and noble king was discussing about this with his counselors , the mighty sage Viswamithra arrived there.                                                                                                                                                                                     18.37
He desirous of seeing the king told the gate keepers, “ Go and inform the king  about the arrival of Viswamithra , son of Gadhi born in the Koushika clan.”                                                                                                                                                 18.38
Having heard those words all of them became excited , hastened to the king’s  apartment out of fear.                        18.39
They having reached the royal palace informed the king Dasaratha belonging to the Ikshuvaku race about the arrival of sage Viswamithra.                                                                                                                                                                                      18.40
Having heard those words king Dasaratha was greatly pleased, along with his ministers  went to receive that Indra like Brahmin.                                                                                                                                                                                             18.41
Then seeing the shining lustrous  sage Viswamithra who had completely  completed his penances , with a cheerful frame of mind , made offerings to the sage with respect.                                                                                                                          18.42
Having received the offerings  which was as per the scriptures, the sage enquired about the welfare of the kingdom  and his own prosperity.                                                                                                                                                                                18.43
Viswamithra who was a great follower of Dharma then enquired about the king’s treasury and the welfare of his subjects, relatives  and friends.                                                                                                                                                                     18.44
Then he asked, “Are the tributary kings submissive to you? Whether all enemies have been conquered?  And whether the rites needed for propitiating the gods and human beings are properly performed?                                                         18.45
That great sage Viswamithra according to the protocol  approached sage Vasishta and other distinguished sages and enquired about their welfare.                                                                                                                                                      18.46
All of them with a joyful heart  entered the king’s palace and were duly honoured by the king , each according to his
merit.                                                                                                                                                                                                18.47
Then the very generous Dasaratha who was greatly pleased with the  arrival of sage Viswamithra  and after worshipping him spoke .                                                                                                                                                                                               18.48
“Oh great sage , your coming is like a man with a parched land getting nectar  and a birth of son through his wife to one without children , recovery of lost wealth  and a very great achievement to me. “Welcome to you.”                18.49-18.50
“Oh Viswamithra, the model of righteousness, what  are all things  that  I should I do, to  satisfy you ? Because I consider your arrival as very lucky to me. I consider today that my birth and life have become fruitful  and I have accomplished all objectives of my life.”                                                                                                                                                          18.51-18.52
“Formerly you were called a royal sage and with your great austerities you have obtained the status of a Brahmin sage and in several ways you are worthy of my worship. “                                                                                                                          18.53
“Oh sage , your arrival has caused me wonderment  and it has conferred great purity to me and by your coming  I have attained the effect of undertaking a pilgrimage.”                                                                                                                     18.54
“I desire that you tell me the purpose of your visit and I am be blessed to achieve the objects of your desire.”         18.55
“You need not have any hesitation to tell me what you desire and since t=you are my God, I shall fulfill the same to you.”
                                                                                                                                                                                                            18.56
“Oh Brahmin, I have obtained great merit today. By your coming here I have realized my Dharma.”                              18.57
Having heard what Dasaratha spoke in a very  humble manner which was comfortable to the mind and which was very pleasant to the ears , the great and divine sage , experienced great delight.                                                                       18.58

Thus ends the eighteenth   sarga of the Balakanda which occurs in the   first epic composed by sage Valmiki.

Sarga (Chapter) 19 : Viswamithra requests Dasaratha to send Rama to protect his sacrifice.
(Sage Viswamithra says that he is troubled by Asuras who  stop his Yagna. Since he cannot get angry  nor curse them, he requests   for assistance of Rama.)

Hearing the astonishing detail from the lion among kings , Sage Viswamithra with hairs standing erect on his body  Said:-                                                                                                                                                                                                   19.1
“Oh tiger among kings,  since you having  been born in a illustrious lineage and also having been taught by sage Vasishta, these words that you spoke suits  you and it cannot be otherwise.”                                                                                                 19.2   
“Oh tiger among kings, I will tell you about the purpose , which is conceived in mind and please kindly take  a decision  which are suitable to your words   . “                                                                                                                                           19.3
“Great man, for the successful completion of the yaga , which I propose to conduct , I shall be abiding by great discipline  and two Rakshasas who can assume the shape they want to create impediments for its conduct.”                               19.4           
“Mostly when I am about to complete the fire sacrifice , two  well trained Rakshasas called Mareecha and Subahu  would rain  blood and flesh on the fire altar.”                                                                                                                         19.5  
“When thus my solemn vow and resolve has  been interrupted, I got greatly discouraged and left  from that place. “
                                                                                                                                                                                                           19.6
“Oh king, my mind does not permit me to vent my wrath and the rules of sacrifice forbids me from cursing them. “19.7
“Oh king, it would be proper to you to entrust the protection  of the Yagna to the valiant Rama  with great prowess and who has side locks of  hair.”                                                                                                                                                                                  19.8
“Rama would be protected by me as well as his divine power and would be capable of destroying those Rakshasas  who cause those impediments.”                                                                                                                                                                      19.9
“I would give him several types of blessings for his well being and I am sure , he will also attain great fame in all the three worlds.”                                                                                                                                                                                            19.10
“Mareecha and Subahu would not be able to withstand Rama in anyway and there is no one except  Raghava who would be capable  of destroying them. “                                                                                                                                                     19.11
“Those two wicked people who are proud of their strength  have  already  been tied by the God of death, and Oh king, they are no match to Rama.”                                                                                                                                                                 19.12
“It is not proper  for you to show any hesitation due to your parental affection , for I can assure you that those two Rakshasas will perish.”                                                                                                                                                                   19.13
“I know Rama is  great and truly valorous  and this is known to sage Vasishta and other   sages who are here.”          19.14
“Oh king , if you are looking forward to earn Dharma and also yearning for great fame in this world, It is only proper for you to give Rama to me ,”                                                                                                                                                                    19.15
“King belonging  to the clan of Kakustha, if all your advisors, sage Vasishta being foremost among them agree to this, then only you can relieve Rama.”                                                                                                                                                         19.16
“You may relieve the lotus eyed  and detached Rama for a period of ten nights to protect this great sacrifice.”         19.17
“Oh descendent of Raghu, act in such a manner that my fire sacrifice does  not get delayed in any manner and do not indulge in grief in your mind, Prosperity to you.”                                                                                                                                   19.18
That sage Viswamithra  who is of great luster and a soul of Dharma having spoken these words which are essentially dharmic, then became silent.”                                                                                                                                                      19.19
That great king after listening  to  the auspicious words of Viswamithra, fell in to intense grief out of fear and became despondent.                                                                                                                                                                                     19.20
The heart of the great king after having listened   to the great sage in this manner , became  greatly broken  and  he was  mentally agitated  and felt as if he was shaken from his throne.                                                                                           19.21

Thus ends the nineteenth   sarga of the Balakanda which occurs in the   first epic composed by sage Valmiki.

Sarga(Chapter) 20 : Dasaratha expresses his reluctance
   (Dasaratha feels that Rama is too young to oppose these great Rakshasas. He  requests the sage to take him along with the army.  The sage gets very angry)

Having heard the words of Viswamithra that great king , for a little time lost his senses, quickly regained and spoke as follows:-                                                                                                                                                                                                 20.1
“My lotus eyed Rama is less than sixteen years of age and I do not think that he has ability to fight with Rakshasas.”    20.2
“An Akshouhini of army  is under my command and control. I would go along with them  and will fight with those night rangers(Rakshasas).”                                                                                                                                                                            20.3
“My army servants are warriors and are mighty and powerful and skilled in use of weapons and are fit to fight with Rakshasas in a battle and Rama does not fit to do battle with them.”                                                                                       20.4
“I myself with a bow in hand would engage myself in a battle with Rakshasas and protect the fire sacrifice till  I have life in me.”                                                                                                                                                                                                        20.5
“I shall personally come there and protect you for doing the penances and see that the sacrifice goes ahead without any obstacles  as Rama is not fit to lead that job.”                                                                                                                                 20.6
“Rama is a child , is not learned in warfare , does not know the strength and weaknesses of the army , has not acquired strong weapons, and is not proficient in warfare with Rakshasa who use   deceit .”                                                              20.7
“I do not like to live even a moment  separated from Rama and  Oh tiger among sages, Rama is not fit to take lead in the battle .”                                                                                                                                                                                                 20.8
“Oh Brahmin with excellent penance, If you are intending to take Rama with you, please also take me and my army with you.”                                                                                                                                                                                                     20.9
“Oh Kausika,  sixty thousand years have passed  since  I was born and I obtained Rama with great deal of efforts and so it is not proper for you to take him. “                                                                                                                                                    20.10
“Among my four sons, I have greatest affection to Rama and being the eldest with more responsibility according to Dharma , does not merit to be taken.”                                                                                                                                                            20.11
“Oh great sage, how powerful are those Rakshasas? Whose sons are they? Who are they? What is their size? And are giving them protection? “                                                                                                                                                                             20.12
“Oh Brahmin, how can Rama  or me or my retaliate against those treacherous and deceitful  Rakshasas?”                      20.13
“Oh God like person, how can Rama or me  stay and fight against those wicked natured Rakshasas who are proud of their strength?” Having heard the words of the king  the sage Viswamithra spoke:-                                                             20.14-2015
“Oh noble one born in the Poulasthya clan, there is a Rakshasa named Ravana , who is of great strength and valour. He has been granted many boons by Lord Brahma. Accompanied by several other Rakshasas, he is troubling the  world .”      20.16
“It is heard that he is  brother of Lord Khubera and son of a great sage called Visrwas and he is the king of all Rakshasas with great valour.”                                                                                                                                                                                       20.17
“Though possessed of great strength, he himself never created any impediments to the fire sacrifice but he is prompting two Rakshasa Subahu and Mareecha to create obstacles.”                                                                                             20.18-20.19
When the sage  spoke in this manner , addressing the sage,  King Dasaratha told, “I am myself not capable to fight with that evil minded one.”                                                                                                                                                                              20.20
“Oh great  follower of Dharma, Please  extend your favour to my unfortunate little son and also myself  .You are my Guru as well as God.”                                                                                                                                                                                      20.21
“Even devas, asuras, yakshas, birds and great serpents are not capable of enduring  Ravana in a battle. What to say of  men?”                                                                                                                                                                                                  20.22
“That Rakshasa pulls out the power of  the warriors who fight with them, Oh great sage, either with my forces or with my sons, I would not be able be able to fight with him or his forces. “                                                                                          20.23
“Oh Brahmin, though my resembles the devas , he is not experienced in war fare  and I would not be part with my dear child  and send him with you.”                                                                                                                                                       20.24
“Further those  destroyers of Yagna  ,named Subahu and Marrecha who are the sons of sundha and Upasundha  resembles  Yama, the God of death  and so I will not send my son with you.”                                                                                          20.25
“Mareecha and Subahu are great warriors  and are well instructed in warfare  but I along with my friends can combat one of them only.”                                                                                                                                                                                       20.26
That king of Brahmins That Kaushika hearing these prattling of the king flew into very great ire and resembled a sage in the form of a raging fire ball kindled with clarified butter and other offerings .                                                                          20.27

Thus ends the twentieth    sarga of the Balakanda which occurs in the   first epic composed by sage Valmiki.

Sarga(Chapter) 21: Viswamithra’s anger and Vasishta’s  Advice

(Viswamithra gets very angry with Dasaratha and then sage Vasishta tells abot how great and strong Viswamithra is and how he will take care of the children.)

Hearing the extremely tottering words of Dasaratha  due to his great love to his son,  that sage Kaushika replied    in great anger.                                                                                                                                                                                                   21.1
“Having promised to me earlier , now you are repudiating the promise  and  is not at all   proper to a  king born in the clan of Raghu”                                                                                                                                                                                                 21.2
“If this is what you want to do, I would return as I have come  and oh king of Kakustha clan with your false promises you can live happily with person who are related to you”                                                                                                                       21.3
When that sage Viswamithra was   caught in anger, the entire earth trembled and fear   entered in to the mind of the
Devas.                                                                                                                                                                                                  21.4
Then the courageous Vasishta who has observed  great penance , afraid at seeing the appearance of the world  said the following words to the king.                                                                                                                                                          21.5
“Born in the clan of Ikshuvaku ,you are the real defender of Dharma, a staunch person, one who does great penance  and also a gentleman and it does not suit you  to forsake Dharma.”                                                                                             21.6
“Oh Dasaratha, being  renowned in all the three worlds as upholder of Dharma , you adhere to dharma  and it is not proper for you to do an unrighteous act.”                                                                                                                                               21.7
“Ok king of the Raghu clan, as promised this deed should be   carried out , as Veda says that we should act as promised and so permit Rama.”                                                                                                                                                                            21.8
“Whether Rama is trained or not trained in  using of weapons, AS long as Sage Kaushika protects him like the fire protecting the Nectar , Rakshasas  cannot do any harm to him.”                                                                                                              21.9
“He is the personification of Dharma  and a blessed hero  and there is no one to match his intelligence  and he is considered as greatest among the sages.”                                                                                                                                                     21.10
“He is an expert in various types of weapons and in the world of moving and unmoving things , there is no one  who knows as much as him.”                                                                                                                                                                            21.11
“None of the devas , sages , those without death, Rakshasas, The clan members of Yakshas and Gandarwas , Kinnaras as well as great serpents   can equal him.”                                                                                                                                             21.12
“The great upholder of dharma, the son of Krusasva ,  knows all weapons, when he was ruling  over a country. “   21.13
“He being the son of the daughter of Krusasva Prajapathi, got all weapons from him, and they are all of various types, dazzling  and assurer of victories. “                                                                                                                                             21.14
“Jaya and Suprabha , the daughters of Daksha Prajapathi gave birth  a hundred shining weapons and arrows.”         21.15
“On getting Jaya as wife Krusasva Prajapathi   got  fife hundred    very  best valorous and formless sons so that he can completely destroy  the army of asuras .”                                                                                                                                21.16
“Suprabha also gave birth to another five hundred sons and they were the valorous, mighty   and unconquerable    eliminators.”                                                                                                                                                                                  21.17
“And this son of Kushika , knows well about all those  weapons  and being a strict follower of Dharma , he again was capable  of creating unassailable  new weapons.”                                                                                                                                 21.18
“And so there is nothing even little which is  unknown  of what has happened and what is going to happen to this great sage who is a great soul of Dharma .”                                                                                                                                               21.19 
“Oh king , because of this , it is not proper  that  you should have no doubt whatsoever  about Rama accompanying    this very great sage.”                                                                                                                                                                           21.20 
“And this great son of Kusika himself can kill those Rakshasas,  and he is asking for your sons , only with  aim of bestowing further good to  him.”                                                                                                                                                                  21.21
Having become composed and happy hearing the words of the sage ,and that great king of the Raghu dynasty ,wholeheartedly   agreed for the departure of Rama  along with the  great son of Khusika  .                                         21.22   
  
Thus ends the twenty first   sarga of the Balakanda which occurs in the   first epic composed by sage Valmiki.

Sarga(Chapter)  22. Viswamithra teaches Bala and athibala to Rama and Lakshmana
(Rama and Lakshmana accompany sage Viuswamithra. He teaches them two great manthras called Bala and Athibala   which  will keep off hunger, thirst, sleep and tiresomeness from them.)

Having Listened to the words of the words of Vasishta , king Dasaratha with a very satisfied face sent word to Rama and Lakshmana.                                                                                                                                                                                        22.1
After being blessed by  their mother and father  and after being  blessed by chanting of Vedic Manthras by their Guru Vasishta,  King Dasaratha   hugged the sons  and smelled their head  and  with a well pleased heart entrusted them to the son of Khusika..                                                                                                                                                                       22.2-22.3 
The wing gave a pleasant touch and the clouds poured water  seeing the lotus eyed ones accompanying    sage Viswamithra.                                                                                                                                                                                    22.4
The drums of devas  made sound and there was a rain of flowers  and those great ones left to the sound of conches and drums.                                                                                                                                                                                               22.5
Viswamithra went in the front and was followed by the greatly famous  Rama wearing black hair locks, and Lakshmana went last.                                                                                                                                                                                                   22.6
With quivers and bow in hand and making all the ten directions  shine , with Viswamithra they resembled three  serpents  and also looked like Lord Brahma being followed by asvini Kumaras.                                                                                    22.7
Those youngsters  decorated well , carried the bow, had covered their fingers with leather caps , were carrying a  shining sword and they were having pretty bodies and those brothers Rama and Lakshmana  who were following shined  like fire and Lord Shiva and appeared like the sons of the sage.                                                                                                    22.8-22.9
After walking to a distance of one and half yojanas   , by the southern bank of  river Sarayu , Sage Viswamithra in a sweet voice called “Hey Rama”.                                                                                                                                                              22.10
“Hold the water , Oh boy and then learn and master the two Manthras called  Bala and Athibala , without any further lapse  of time.                                                                                                                                                                                            22.11
“From the time of  receiving it there would not be tiredness  , no fever, no problem to the looks,  no sleep  and no attack by Rakshasas.”                                                                                                                                                                                     22.12
“As of now no one can equal the strength of your arms in this earth and once you learn it there will not be any one equal to you in the three  worlds.”                                                                                                                                                             22.13
“So my dear Rama , if you  learn Bala and Athibala , no one would be able to equal you  in fortune   and looks,  and no one will be there of your strength and knowledge  and mental caliber  and in replying and rebutting. “                  22.14-22.15
“On receiving  getting the knowledge  of this two there will not be any one like you for Bala And Athibala are the mother of all knowledge.”                                                                                                                                                                              22.16
Oh Great among men, there   would not be problems due to thirst and hunger, If you recite Bala and Athibala. “   22.17
“Oh Son of Raghu clan , please take these Manthras which have been hidden from the world, for these two if practiced on earth would give you limitless fame  as they are the  two sparkling daughters of Lord Brahma and I am giving them to you  as you resemble the Kakustha.                                                                                                                                                        22.18
Viswamithra said, “Though  without any doubt , you are blessed with very many good qualities in abundance , nurtured by penance these would give results in several forms.”                                                                                                               22.19 
Then Rama touched the water   and with face blessed with joy learnt those knowledge from the sage , who had a contemplative soul.                                                                                                                                                                       22.20
Blessed by that knowledge Rama , the greatly valorous one , who resembled the Sun God with thousand rays, performed all duties  due to the teacher to  the son of Kushika , and those three stayed that night  with happiness on the banks of Sarayu.
                                                                                                                                                                                                   22.21-22.22
Those note worthy sons of Dasaratha slept on the unsuitable bed of grass that night , but it became pleasant with  the  simple words that poured forth from the son of Khusika.                                                                                                          22.23


Thus ends the twenty second  sarga of the Balakanda which occurs in the   first epic composed by sage Valmiki.

Sarga(Chapter) 23:  Hermitage of Lord Shiva
(They reach the confluence of Sarayu and Ganges rivers and they come across   a holy hermitage.  On query from Rama Viswamithra tells him that it is the Hermitage of Lord Shiva)

When the sun rose , at the dawn , that great sage Viswamithra  told the descendents of Kakushta sleeping on the bed.   23.1
“Oh  Rama, the darling son of Kausalya  , the early dawn has come out , Oh Lion among men, and perform your morning  rituals. “                                                                                                                                                                                                     23.2
Those kings who were great men hearing the pleasing words of the saint , bathed, offered water ablations  and chanted the divine prayer.                                                                                                                                                                                           23.3
Those greatly valorous ones after performing the morning rituals with great joy went to sage Viswamithra  saluted him and got ready for further journey.                                                                                                                                                               23.4
Then those two heroic ones travelled further  an reached the auspicious confluence of Sarayu river with river Ganges, which goes in three ways .                                                                                                                                                                                23.5
There they saw the hermitage of  contemplative ascetics , who were doing penance there for thousands  of years.         23.6
Becoming extremely happy  to see those blessed hermitages Rama told the great soul Viswamithra :-                                23.7
“Whose blessed hermitage is this? Which great celebrated sage lived here? We both are curious and inquisitive to know.”
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  23.8
Hearing those words the great sage smiled and said, “Oh Rama I will tell you  who lived in this  hermitage.”                    23.9
“When the god of love had a body , he was called by the name of “Kama(passion” by wise people. He  with a naughty intention , once  braved with Shiva , the god of gods  Lord Shiva , who was doing deep penance according to rules here and Lord Shiva roared at the god of love disapprovingly at this spot.”                                                                                   23.10-23.11
“Oh son of Raghu clan, The angry Shiva  saw him with his third eye  destroyed the evil minded  love god   and all his limbs fell down from his body.”                                                                                                                                                                         23.12
“That great soul Lord Shiva, completely burnt down all his body  and Kama became one without body  by the  great anger of the god of gods.”                                                                                                                                                                                23.13
“And Oh Rama  , thereafter he became very famous  as “Ananga(bodyless)” , and the place where he  gave up his body(anga) is known as  Anga desa.”                                                                                                                                                                   23.14
“Oh Rama , his hermitage is blessed and from olden times the sages who were his disciples did penance here and sin can never occur in this place.”                                                                                                                                                                 23.15
“Oh Rama who is auspicious to look at, let us spend the night here, which is in between two holy rivers and then  we will cross the river.”                                                                                                                                                                                  23.16
“Oh best among men, we will take bath, chant our prayers  and  do the oblations  in fire and enter this divine hermitage completely purified, so that we can live here comfortably.”                                                                                                     23.17
  Those sages with their distant sight perceived their discussion and they  became  extremely happy , and on their approaching  , gave them water to wash their feet and water to drink and then offered great hospitality to sage  Viswamithra.                                                                                                                                                                          23.18-23.19
Then later they accorded hospitality to Rama and Lakshmana  and Sage Viswamithra applauded them for their great hospitality.                                                                                                                                                                                         23.20
Those saints with a balanced mind  did rituals and meditation of the dusk  and were followed by Rama and others.  Then those sages who observed good penance  took those guests in to their hermitage, and there in the hermitage of  Shiva and the guests  stayed there comfortably.                                                                                                                                         23.21
That eminent observer of Dharma , sage Viswamithra entertained those  very attractive sons of the king with delightful stories.                                                                                                                                                                                              23.22

Thus ends the twenty third  sarga of the Balakanda which occurs in the   first epic composed by sage Valmiki.

Sarga(Chapter)  24: Confluence of Saryu and Ganges    and Thataka’s forest
(Rama and Lakshmana travel by boat   and reaches the coflence of Sarayu and Ganges and a great sound is heard. Viswamithra explains the origin of Sarayu. After crossing that , they reach uninhabited horrible forest Of Thataka. The sage also tells them about Thataka and about cruel she is.)

   Those destroyers of their enemy Rama and Lakshmana did their  fresh morning ablations and sage Viswamithra completed his morning rituals  arrived at the river bank, keeping the sage in front of them.                                                                 24.1
   All those great souls who were doing  combined penance, positioned the auspicious boat nearby the shore  told like this.                                  
                                                                                                                                                                                                             24.2
“Please get in to the boat along with the princes  and go on your prosperous   way , without any time lag.”                24.3
Viswamithra said “So be it”, to those sages and showed his reverence to them in return, and along with the princes crossed  the river which was going to join in the sea.                                                                                                                                24.4
Then in the middle of the journey , the very intelligent Rama along with his brother   heard a roaring sound similar to the sound of water gushing  out and was curious to know its significance.                                                                                  24.5                                                                                                 
Rama in the middle of their journey asked the great   sage, “What is that great noise resembling  the gushing of water ?”
                                                                                                                                                                                                            24.6
Hearing the query of Rama with great inquisitiveness that soul of Dharma started telling about  the significance   of that sound.                                                                                                                                                                                       24.7
“Oh Rama who is tiger among men, on the top of the mount  Kailasa  once Lord Brahma created  by his mind a lake and  that was called Manasa saras.”                                                                                                                                                             24.8
“From that lake flowered our  river sarayu , which surrounds the town of Ayodhya. Since it originates from a lake(SAras), it was called as Sarayu. Since it flows from the lake of Brahma   it is considered as a sacred river. This  gushing noise is the sound of River Sarayu joining  the river ganges and Oh Rama offer your salutations to these  rivers.”                24.9-24.10
After saluting those two rivers  those virtuous and agile  princes reached the southern shore.                                    24.11
That son of the great  king , belonging to the Ikshuvaku dynasty  , seeing the horrible and uninhabited forest  enquired to that great sage.                                                                                                                                                                             24.12
“Alas, this forest which is difficult to cross is full of crickets and other insects and it is full of brutish predators, vultures and is filled with  horrendous sounds.”                                                                                                                                               24.13
“Different types of vultures are  screeching with fierce sounds and it is shining with lions, tigers and elephants.”  24.14
“ What is this    wretched   forest  with trees such as  Dhavaa(mimosa family) Aswakarna(Arjuna tree) Kakubha( another type of arjuna tree)  Bilva , tin duka (thamalaa ) , paatalia (bigonia tree)  and Badarri (zizhyphus tree) .                               24.15
That great sage with great luster replied, “ Oh son of Kakustha dynasty , please hear about this wretched forest.”  24.16
“, Oh great man, This area was once  there  populated by ordinary people , which was constructed by devas and called Maladha and karooshaa. “                                                                                                                                                            24.17
“Oh Rama  due to killing of Vruthra  who was a Brahmin Indra was  stained my  human excreta and   filth.”              24.18
“Great sages and those who were rich in penance started bathing Indra  by taking water in a pot    for removing all that filth.”                                                                                                                                                                                                24.19
“When all that filth  from the body of Indra  was put in this earth, The devas became glad.”                                        24.20
“After getting rid of his filth and hunger   , Indra  became happy with this landfill and gave   a matchless  boon to this place.”                                                                                                                                                                                      24.21
“This place of residence of  ordinary people  would become famous   in the world  because it got all the   dirt from my body  will be known as  Maladha and Karrosha.”                                                                                                                                24.22
The Devas said “Great , great” about Indra , the controller of Paaka , on seeing the honour accorded by Indra    to those Places.                                                                                                                                                                                              24.23
“Oh controller of  enemies , Rama , that lord of the common people Maladha  and Karrosha  for a long time affluent  and people were happy with plenty of grains and wealth.”                                                                                                          24.24
“Then this area was occupied a Yakshi called Thataka , who could assume any form she likes, who had the strength of one thousand elephants , who was clever one, who was the wife of  great Sunanda and whose son was Mareecha. “ 24.25-24.26
“The Rakshasa Mareecha had round shoulders, huge head, broad mouth , gigantic body and mammoth shape and troubled all people .”                                                                                                                                                                                    24.27
“And Rama that Thataka who is of bad character daily destroys Maladha and Karoosha  and the people living there.”
                                                                                                                                                                                                             24.28
“She who blocks this way ,  lives about three miles from here and because of that it is called “Thataka’s forest and because of this some action needs to be taken.”                                                                                                                                     24.29
“Depending only on your strength , you have to kill this evil doer  and free this province from its great misery. “      24.30
“Nobody   has the strength to  enter in to this forest which you are seeing, destroyed by the yakshi who is invincible  and please make it habitable.”                                                                                                                                                              24.31
“I have told you the entire story of how the Yakshi Thataka destroyed this forest and how   she  is making it inhabitable even today”                                                                                                                                                                                                24.32

Thus ends the twenty fourth   sarga of the Balakanda which occurs in the   first epic composed by sage Valmiki.

Hearing the  great words of the sage with inestimable power   , the tiger among men  replied with  these powerful words.”
      
Sarga(Chapter) 25.  The story of Thatka   and her atrocities.
(Then the sage tells about the story of Thataka in detail and requests him to kill her in spite of her being a lady.)                                                                                                                                                                                                   25.1
“Oh great sage, I have heard that the female Yakshis are of less strength  and also we hear that females are frail by nature. Then how can Thataka have the strength of thousand elephants. “                                                                                     25.2
Hearing the words of Rama who has  limitless power  and great dynamism, sage Viswamithra cheered them up  to him and to Lakshmana , the killer of foes, “She became very powerful and of great strength  because of the boon that   she got .”
                                                                                                                                                                                                   25.3-25.4
“Once upon a time there was a great and valorous  Yaksha called  Sukethu .Since he was not blessed with children , he performed great penance   along with  good rituals.”                                                                                                            25.5
“Lord Brahma became greatly pleased by him  and he blessed to have a gem of female child , who would become very famous as Thataka.”                                                                                                                                                                     25.6
“Lord Brahma gave her as much strength as one thousand elephants but did not bless him with a son , anticipating that a male son would be dangerous.”                                                                                                                                               25.7
“She blessed with beauty, youth and strength  as well as fame  was given in marriage   Sukethu , the son of Jamba .” 25.8
“After some time that Yakshi gave birth to a  indomitable son called Mareecha, who  because of a curse turned in to a Rakshasa.”                                                                                                                                                                                    25.9
“When Sinda was destroyed by the curse of  the great sage Agasthya, that yakshi Thataka   along with her son Mareecha wanted to retaliate against the   sage.”                                                                                                                                25.10
“When she  jumped with a roar on the great sage Agasthya with a roar , he seeing the great danger to him, He cursed Mareecha to become a  Rakshasa.”                                                                                                                                       25.11
“The greatly  enraged  sage Agasthya immediately even cursed Thataka , to become one  with a very ugly face  and also have a distorted  form. He also cursed her to become one who eats human beings.”                                               25.12-25.13
“Due to the great  frenzy caused by the curse , Thataka became benumbed   with anger  started wandering in this place of sage Agasthya  and   started destroying it.”                                                                                                                        25.14
“Oh  Rama, that Yakshi with a bad behaviour  and  atrociousness , should be destroyed by you for the good of Brahmins and cows.”                                                                                                                                                                                       25.15
“There is no one who can kill the cursed one except you Oh Son of Raghu clan, as  no one  else in these  three worlds except you can fight with her.”                                                                                                                                                          25.16
“Oh great man, as regards compassion in case of the killing of a woman  is not a problem, since as the  son of  a king   you are supposed to protect the  interests of the people belonging  to the four castes.”                                                        25.17
“The king who protects , for  protecting his citizens should be at time ruthless and other time humane  and vilifying deeds like this. “                                                                                                                                                                                 25.18
“To him , who carries the burden of his kingdom , Oh Rama , this is the dharma and so , son of Kakustha clan , you have  to kill her in whom there is no goodness whatsoever is visible.”                                                                                        25.19
“We have heard that once Indra eliminator Mandhara who was the the daughter  of Virochans when she wanted to destroy the earth.”                                                                                                                                                                                25.20
“Oh Rama , once upon a time , even Vishnu destroyed the virtuous wife of Brahaspathi  and also  the mother of sage Shukra when they both wanted  that world should not have a king.”                                                                                       25.21
“There are  many other great princes  , who killed women who went against Dharma and so great among men, leaving out the compassion and as per my order  kill her.”                                                                                                                 25.22


Thus ends the twenty fifth  sarga of the Balakanda which occurs in the   first epic composed by sage Valmiki.

Sarga(Chapter) 26. Killing of Thataka

(The great fight and killing of Thataka is described. Indra, the king of devas requests Viswamithra to teach all   the divine arrows that he knows  to Rama

Hearing the words of the sage without fear, Rama  that  son of a great man, saluting the sage  told firmly .                   26.1
“According to the words of my father  and respecting the words of my father, The words of sage Kaushika should be carried out without any doubt.”                                                                                                                                                                   26.2
“I cannot disrespect the words of my father told to me by my great father Dasaratha in the middle of great elders.”   26.3
“So I having heard the words of my father as well as the order  of a scholar sage , without any doubt , carry out the killing of Thataka which is a good act.”                                                                                                                                                           26.4
“For the benefit of cows and Brahmins as well as the benefit of my country, I am ready to carry out the words of the incomparable  sage.”                                                                                                                                                                         26.5
That destroyer of enemy after telling this clenched  his fist the bow in its middle  by his left hand , with his right hand made a sound of twang catching hold of the string of the bow, which echoed in all directions.                                                   26.6
Thataka who lives in the forest was greatly disturbed by that sound and by that sound Thataka was attracted  also and became greatly angry.”                                                                                                                                                                     26.7
Hearing  that sound  of twang , the Rakshasi  became stiff with anger  and after thinking about it , rushed to the place  from  where that sound emerged.                                                                                                                                                           26.8
Rama on seeing monstrous lady  ,  with a ugly form  and who in proportion was greatly gigantic  spoke as follows to Lakshmana.                                                                                                                                                                                        26.9
“Oh Lakshmana please see the body of the Yakshi which is very pitiable and greatly ugly, seeing which the hearts of cowards would start shivering.”                                                                                                                                                                   26.10
“Please see her who cannot be stopped and who is strong because of her  power of enchantment  and you can see her retreat as I am going to cut her ears and nose.”                                                                                                                        26.11
“As her being a lady  is protecting her, I also am not making efforts to kill her and my intention is only  to impede her strides and mobility. “                                                                                                                                                                                 26.12
When Rama was talking like this , Thataka benumbed with anger , with raised hands  and with a great  roar rushed towards  Rama.                                                                                                                                                                                                26.13
The Brahmarishi Viswamithra   by making a sound of “Hum”, diverted her and wished Raghava and Lakshmana  safety  and victory .                                                                                                                                                                                            26.14
She by flinging herself raised dreadful dust on Rama and Lakshmana for a while and confused them with a massive cloud of dust.                                                                                                                                                                                                  26.15
Then she took recourse to enchantment and rained stones on Rama and Lakshmana  and inundated them and this made Rama  very angry.                                                                                                                                                                           26.16
When the great rain of stones was going on Rama rained arrows and stopped her progress  and also cut    both her   Hands.                                                                                                                                                                                             26.17
Getting  weak because of  the cutting of her arms , and when she roared greatly and was rushing towards them, Lakshmana got very provoked and cut off her hanging ears and tip of the  nose.                                                                                26.18
That Yakshi who can take any form she desires assumed various forms, vanished  and also enchanted them by her illusion, continued to rain stones at them and also alarmingly she  moved about.                                                                        26.19
Seeing them being caught in the rain of stones , that gentleman and  illustrious son of Gadhi  told the following   to Rama and Lakshmana.                                                                                                                                                                            26.20
“Discontinue this compassion to her , Rama , she is a very cruel being  for this Yakshi who creates  stoppage of fire sacrifices , by her powers of illusion regains her original form.”                                                                                                             26.21    
“The sun is about to set and she should be destroyed before that , for Rakshasas  become unassailable  at dusk.”   26.22
When these words were told to Rama , that Yakshi who has become invisible was covering Rama with the stone of rain ,
And displaying his skills for sending arrows aimed at sound , he created problems for her  by his arrows.                  26.23
She who has the power of illusion when stopped by the net of arrows, she stridently rushed towards Rama and Lakshmana   making lot of sounds.                                                                                                                                                                    26.24
Seeing her was rushing towards them to fall on them , Rama using thunderbolt like arrows stuck her on her chest and she fell completely dead.                                                                                                                                                                     26.25
Seeing her who has a huge body fall  , the king of devas saw  and  said “Great , great” to the son of Kakustha  clan and he was greatly honoured.                                                                                                                                                                          26.26
Then that  great  Indra who has one thousand eyes said  that all devas were greatly happy and told sage Viswamithra.26.27
“Oh sage Viswamithra , safety to you, Indra as well as all the wind gods  are extremely happy with what has been done and so you please show more concern to  Rama.”                                                                                                                           26.28
“Please offer the sons of Krusaswa  Prajapathi , who are greatly valorous  and possessors of great strength  of penance   to  Rama.”(these are weapon referred by sage Vasishta)                                                                                                        26.29
“He is very fit to receive them as he is your steadfast follower  and that prince has  to attend to a great  job for the devas.”
                                                                                                                                                                                                          26.30
After saying this all the devas worshipped Viswamithra and went away contentedly to  their world  and the sun set period set in.                                                                                                                                                                                               26.31
The great sage became pleased  and becoming  happy at the killing of Thataka , kissed Rama on his forehead  and  then said the following .                                                                                                                                                                               26.32
“Oh Rama who is auspicious to look at  , we stay here for tonight and tomorrow we will proceed to my hermitage .” 26.33
After listening the words of sage Viswamithra , that son of Dasaratha  and comfortably and happily stayed   in that forest of Thataka.                                                                                                                                                                                              26.34
Freed from the curse that forest , that same day itself pleasantly shined like the Chaithra ratham  forest of Lord Khubera.
                                                                                                                                                                                                          26.35
Rama after killing the daughter of Yaksha , praised by the group of devas and sages , stayed there along with the sage till Sun woke him up next day.                                                                                                                                                                 26.36

Thus ends the twenty sixth  sarga of the Balakanda which occurs in the   first epic composed by sage Valmiki.









[1] In the forest life Rama did not get his hair cut and made in to a mass called Jata
[2] Lady whose husband is alive.
[3] An ion when every thing is good