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॥ अथ बालकाण्डे द्वितीयः सर्गः ॥
१.२.१
नारदस्य तु तद्वाक्यं श्रुत्वा वाक्यविशारदः ।
पूजयामास धर्मात्मा सहशिष्यो महामुनिः ॥
Summary AI Having heard the words of Nārada, the virtuous and great sage Vālmīki, an expert in speech, honored him along with his disciples.
M N Dutt Hearing those words of Nārada, that one of virtuous soul, skilled in speech, together with his disciples, worshipped that great sage.
१.२.२
यथावत्पूजितस्तेन देवर्षिर्नारदस्तदा ।
आपृष्ट्वैवाभ्यनुज्ञातः स जगाम विहायसम् ॥
Summary AI After being worshipped properly by him, the celestial sage Nārada took leave, was permitted to depart, and soared into the sky.
M N Dutt Having received due honours, that Devarși Nārada taking leave of him went to his ethereal regions.
१.२.३
स मुहूर्तं गते तस्मिन्देवलोकं मुनिस्तदा ।
जगाम तमसातीरं जाह्नव्यास्त्वविदूरतः ॥
Summary AI Within a moment of Nārada’s departure for the realm of the gods, the sage went to the banks of the Tamasā river, which is located not far from the Jāhnavī.
M N Dutt And when Nārada had left for the celestial regions, that holy person went to the banks of the Tamasā not very far from Jāhnavī.
१.२.४
स तु तीरं समासाद्य तमसाया महामुनिः ।
शिष्यमाह स्थितं पार्श्वे दृष्ट्वा तीर्थमकर्दमम् ॥
Summary AI Having reached the banks of the Tamasā, the great sage, seeing a bathing ghat free of mud, spoke to his disciple who was standing nearby.
M N Dutt And having arrived at the banks of that river, the pious one, observing a holy spot devoid of mud, spoke to his disciple standing by.
१.२.५
अकर्दममिदं तीर्थं भरद्वाज निशामय ।
रमणीयं प्रसन्नाम्बु सन्मनुष्यमनो यथा ॥
Summary AI "O Bharadvāja, behold this mud-free ghat. Its waters are pleasing and clear, much like the mind of a virtuous man."
M N Dutt Saying-O Bharadvāja, behold this holy spot devoid of mud. And it is beautiful, and contains pleasant waters, even like the minds of good men.
१.२.६
न्यस्यतां कलशस्तात दीयतां वल्कलं मम ।
इदमेवावगाहिष्ये तमसातीर्थमुत्तमम् ॥
Summary AI "Dear one, let the water-pot be put down and give me my bark garment. I shall immerse myself in this excellent Tamasā ghat alone."
M N Dutt O child, do you, put down your pitcher, and give me my bark. I will bathe even in this Tamasā, the best of holy spots.
१.२.७
एवमुक्तो भरद्वाजो वाल्मीकेन महात्मना ।
प्रायच्छत मुनेस्तस्य वल्कलं नियतो गुरोः ॥
Summary AI Thus addressed by the high-souled Vālmīki, the disciplined Bharadvāja, devoted to his teacher, handed the bark garment to the sage.
M N Dutt Thus accosted by the high-souled Vālmīki, Bharadvāja ever intent upon serving his spiritual guide, presented the sage his bark.
१.२.८
स शिष्यहस्तादादाय वल्कलं नियतेन्द्रियः ।
विचचार ह पश्यंस्तत्सर्वतो विपुलं वनम् ॥
Summary AI Taking the bark garment from his disciple's hand, the sage of restrained senses wandered about, observing the vast forest on all sides.
M N Dutt That one of subdued senses, having received his bark from his disciple, began to range around, surveying that extensive forest.
१.२.९
तस्याभ्याशे तु मिथुनं चरन्तमनपायिनम् ।
ददर्श भगवांस्तत्र क्रौञ्चयोश्चारुनिस्वनम् ॥
Summary AI Nearby, the venerable sage saw a pair of krauñca birds, sweet-sounding and inseparable, wandering together.
M N Dutt In the vicinity of the forest, that worshipful one espied a pair of Krauñcas, emitting melodious notes, and ranging around never parting from one another.
१.२.१०
तस्मात्तु मिथुनादेकं पुमांसं पापनिश्चयः ।
जघान वैरनिलयो निषादस्तस्य पश्यतः ॥
Summary AI As the sage watched, a sinful hunter, a dwelling-place of enmity, killed the male from that pair.
M N Dutt At this juncture, a wicked-minded fowler, singling out the male, without any cause of hostility, slew him in the very presence of the holy man.
१.२.११
तं शोणितपरीताङ्गं वेष्टमानं महीतले ।
भार्या तु निहतं दृष्ट्वा रुराव करुणां गिरम् ॥
Summary AI Seeing her slain mate writhing on the ground with his body covered in blood, the female bird uttered a piteous cry.
M N Dutt Observing him struggling on the earth, bathed in blood, his female companion began to bewail in piteous accents.
१.२.१२
तथा तु तं द्विजं दृष्ट्वा निषादेन निपातितम् ।
ऋषेर्धर्मात्मनस्तस्य कारुण्यं समपद्यत ॥
Summary AI Seeing the bird thus struck down by the hunter, compassion arose in that virtuous-souled ṛṣi.
M N Dutt Finding the bird in that condition thus brought down by the fowler, the pity of that pious and righteous-souled Rși was excited exceedingly.
१.२.१३
ततः करुणवेदित्वादधर्मोऽयमिति द्विजः ।
निशाम्य रुदतीं क्रौञ्चीमिदं वचनमब्रवीत् ॥
Summary AI Out of a sense of compassion, perceiving the act as unrighteous and noticing the wailing female krauñca, the sage spoke these words.
M N Dutt Then considering it to be an unrighteous deed, with a heart moved with pity, that twice-born one, beholding the weeping Krauñci, spoke these words.
१.२.१४
मा निषाद प्रतिष्ठां त्वमगमः शाश्वतीः समाः ।
यत्क्रौञ्चमिथुनादेकमवधीः काममोहितम् ॥
Summary AI "O hunter, may you never attain stability for eternal years, since you killed one of the pair of krauñca birds while it was infatuated by passion."
M N Dutt O fowler, since you have slain one of a pair of Krauñcas, you shall never attain prosperity (respect)!
१.२.१५
तस्यैवं ब्रुवतश्चिन्ता बभूव हृदि वीक्षतः ।
शोकार्तेनास्य शकुनेः किमिदं व्याहृतं मया ॥
Summary AI As he spoke thus, a thought arose in his heart. Reflecting, he wondered, "What is this that I have uttered, being afflicted by grief for this bird?"
M N Dutt Having uttered this, he got worried within himself, What is this that I have said, afflicted with grief for the bird?
१.२.१६
चिन्तयन्स महाप्राज्ञश्चकार मतिमान्मतिम् ।
शिष्यं चैवाब्रवीद्वाक्यमिदं स मुनिपुंगवः ॥
Summary AI Thinking deeply, the wise and highly intelligent one made a resolution. That eminent sage then spoke these words to his disciple.
M N Dutt Resolving thus in his mind, that highly-wise one and best of sages addressed his disciple, saying.
१.२.१७
पादबद्धोऽक्षरसमस्तन्त्रीलयसमन्वितः ।
शोकार्तस्य प्रवृत्तो मे श्लोको भवतु नान्यथा ॥
Summary AI "Let this, which has emerged from me while afflicted by grief, be a śloka, composed in four quarters with equal syllables and suited to the rhythm of a lute, and nothing else."
M N Dutt This speech that I have uttered is of equal bound with metre and accents; it has rhythm and is capable of being chanted according to measure to stringed accompaniment. Let it therefore go forth as a sloka!
१.२.१८
शिष्यस्तु तस्य ब्रुवतो मुनेर्वाक्यमनुत्तमम् ।
प्रतिजग्राह संहृष्टस्तस्य तुष्टोऽभवद्गुरुः ॥
Summary AI The disciple joyfully accepted the peerless words of the speaking sage, and the teacher was pleased with him.
M N Dutt When the sage had spoken thus, his disciple, well pleased, assented to his excellent speech; and thereat that pious person was gratified.
१.२.१९
सोऽभिषेकं ततः कृत्वा तीर्थे तस्मिन्यथाविधि ।
तमेव चिन्तयन्नर्थमुपावर्तत वै मुनिः ॥
Summary AI After performing his ritual bath in that ghat according to the rules, the sage returned, reflecting indeed upon that same matter.
M N Dutt Then having duly performed his ablutions at that holy spot, the reverend sage retraced his steps, pondering over the incidents touching the sloka.
१.२.२०
भरद्वाजस्ततः शिष्यो विनीतः श्रुतवान्गुरोः ।
कलशं पूर्णमादाय पृष्ठतोऽनुजगाम ह ॥
Summary AI Then, the humble and learned disciple Bharadvāja, taking the filled water-pot, followed behind his teacher.
M N Dutt His disciple also, accomplished in learning, and of meek demeanour, followed Vālmīki, carrying on his back a pitcher filled with water.
१.२.२१
स प्रविश्याश्रमपदं शिष्येण सह धर्मवित् ।
उपविष्टः कथाश्चान्याश्चकार ध्यानमास्थितः ॥
Summary AI Having entered the hermitage with his disciple, the virtuous Vālmīki sat down and, while absorbed in meditation, engaged in various other conversations.
M N Dutt Having entered the hermitage along with his disciple, conversant with righteousness engaged in diverse kinds of talk, revolved in his mind the circumstances connected with the verses.
१.२.२२
आजगाम ततो ब्रह्मा लोककर्ता स्वयं प्रभुः ।
चतुर्मुखो महातेजा द्रष्टुं तं मुनिपुंगवम् ॥
Summary AI Then, the creator of the world himself, the Lord Brahmā, four-faced and of great brilliance, arrived to see that foremost of sages.
M N Dutt It came to pass that desirous of seeing the best of sages, there arrived, that lord and creator of all, the effulgent Brahmā, furnished with four countenances.
१.२.२३
वाल्मीकिरथ तं दृष्ट्वा सहसोत्थाय वाग्यतः ।
प्राञ्जलिः प्रयतो भूत्वा तस्थौ परमविस्मितः ॥
Summary AI Seeing him, Vālmīki rose suddenly, and with restrained speech, joined palms, and a disciplined mind, stood there struck with great wonder.
M N Dutt Beholding him Vālmīki rose up suddenly and, wondering greatly, humbly and silently stood before him with clasped hands.
१.२.२४
पूजयामास तं देवं पाद्यार्घ्यासनवन्दनैः ।
प्रणम्य विधिवच्चैनं पृष्ट्वानामयमव्ययम् ॥
Summary AI He worshipped the deity with water for the feet, offerings, a seat, and salutations; then, bowing according to tradition, he inquired about the eternal Lord's well-being.
M N Dutt And duly bending low in reverence, Vālmīki offered that deity water to wash his feet, and other things for reception.
१.२.२५
अथोपविश्य भगवानासने परमार्चिते ।
वाल्मीकये महर्षये संदिदेशासनं ततः ॥
Summary AI After the Lord sat on a highly honored seat, he then directed the great sage Vālmīki to take a seat as well.
M N Dutt Having sat-down on a highly-honoured seat, that worshipful one enquired after the welfare of that sage Vālmīki knowing no deterioration, and then asked him to be seated.
१.२.२९
तमुवाच ततो ब्रह्मा प्रहसन्मुनिपुंगवम् ।
श्लोक एव त्वया बद्धो नात्र कार्या विचारणा ॥
Summary AI Then Brahmā, smiling, said to the eminent sage, "That which was composed by you is indeed a śloka; there should be no doubt about this."
M N Dutt Then smiling, Brahmā spoke to the excellent sage,-Those verses of your which you have composed a sloka shall attain celebrity: no doubt need be entertained on this head, It is because I had intended so, that those verses had come out of your lips.
१.२.३१
धर्मात्मनो गुणवतो लोके रामस्य धीमतः ।
वृत्तं कथय धीरस्य यथा ते नारदाच्छ्रुतम् ॥
Summary AI "Narrate the life of the virtuous, talented, wise, and courageous Rāma in the world, just as you heard it from Nārada."
M N Dutt Do you now, O best of saints, compose the entire history of Rāma. Do you relate to the world the history of the righteous-souled and intelligent Rāma crowned with qualities. And do you, as you have heard it from Närada.
१.२.३२
रहस्यं च प्रकाशं च यद्वृत्तं तस्य धीमतः ।
रामस्य सह सौमित्रे राक्षसानां च सर्वशः ॥
Summary AI "Describe everything about the wise Rāma, along with Lakṣmaṇa and the rākṣasas, including all deeds whether secret or public."
M N Dutt Relate all what is known, and all what is unknown to the world, O wise one, concerning Rāma, and Laksmana, and Videha's daughter, and all the Rākşasas. And even what is not known to Nārada, shall be unfolded to you.
१.२.३३
वैदेह्याश्चैव यद्वृत्तं प्रकाशं यदि वा रहः ।
तच्चाप्यविदितं सर्वं विदितं ते भविष्यति ॥
Summary AI "Whatever transpired regarding Sītā, whether known publicly or in private, even if unknown to others, all that shall become known to you."
M N Dutt Relate all what is known, and all what is unknown to the world, O wise one, concerning Rāma, and Laksmana, and Videha's daughter, and all the Rākşasas. And even what is not known to Nārada, shall be unfolded to you.
१.२.३४
न ते वागनृता काव्ये काचिदत्र भविष्यति ।
कुरु रामकथां पुण्यां श्लोकबद्धां मनोरमाम् ॥
Summary AI "No word of yours in this poem shall be false. Compose the holy and beautiful story of Rāma in the form of verses."
M N Dutt No words of yours in this poem shall contain an untruth sacred. Therefore, now compose into verses. This delightful story of Rama.
१.२.३५
यावत्स्थास्यन्ति गिरयः सरितश्च महीतले ।
तावद्रामायणकथा लोकेषु प्रचरिष्यति ॥
Summary AI "As long as mountains and rivers endure on the earth's surface, so long shall the story of the Rāmāyaṇam circulate among the worlds."
M N Dutt As long as the mountains and the seas exist on earth, the history of Rāmāyaṇa will remain prevalent among men.
१.२.३६
यावद्रामस्य च कथा त्वत्कृता प्रचरिष्यति ।
तावदूर्ध्वमधश्च त्वं मल्लोकेषु निवत्स्यसि ॥
Summary AI "And as long as the story of Rāma composed by you remains in circulation, so long shall you reside in my worlds, both above and below."
M N Dutt As long as this story of Rāmāyaṇa shall retain its currency, you shall reside both in this world and in mine.
१.२.३७
इत्युक्त्वा भगवान्ब्रह्मा तत्रैवान्तरधीयत ।
ततः सशिष्यो वाल्मीकिर्मुनिर्विस्मयमाययौ ॥
Summary AI Having spoken thus, the Lord Brahmā disappeared right there. Then, the sage Vālmīki, along with his disciples, was struck with amazement.
M N Dutt Having said this, the Lord Brahmä disappeared there. And thereat the sage and his disciples marvelled greatly.
१.२.३८
तस्य शिष्यास्ततः सर्वे जगुः श्लोकमिमं पुनः ।
मुहुर्मुहुः प्रीयमाणाः प्राहुश्च भृशविस्मिताः ॥
Summary AI Then all his disciples, delighted and deeply astonished, sang that verse again and again and discussed it.
M N Dutt His disciples sang those verses again and again; and, momentarily experiencing pleasure, recited it with exceeding wonder.
१.२.३९
समाक्षरैश्चतुर्भिर्यः पादैर्गीतो महर्षिणा ।
सोऽनुव्याहरणाद्भूयः शोकः श्लोकत्वमागतः ॥
Summary AI That grief which was voiced by the great sage in four feet of equal syllables has, through repeated recitation, attained the status of a śloka.
M N Dutt Those verses, composed of equal accents, and furnished with four parts, have been sung by the great saint, have, in virtue of frequent repetition, been associated with a world of pathos and have attained the eminence of a sloka.
१.२.४०
तस्य बुद्धिरियं जाता वाल्मीकेर्भावितात्मनः ।
कृत्स्नं रामायणं काव्यमीदृशैः करवाण्यहम् ॥
Summary AI This thought arose in the mind of the pure-souled Vālmīki: "I shall compose the entire poem of the Rāmāyaṇam in such verses."
M N Dutt Now it is the intention of that illustrious and self-centred sage to compose the entire Rāmāyaṇa in this metre.
१.२.४१
उदारवृत्तार्थपदैर्मनोरमै
स्तदास्य रामस्य चकार कीर्तिमान् ।
समाक्षरैः श्लोकशतैर्यशस्विनो
यशस्करं काव्यमुदारधीर्मुनिः ॥
Summary AI Then the illustrious and noble-minded sage composed a fame-bestowing poem about the celebrated Rāma, using hundreds of verses with equal syllables and delightful words of noble rhythm and meaning.
M N Dutt The great ascetic Vālmīki of gracious appearance and unparalleled renown composed a poetry consisting of hundreds of verses in melodious measure, couching the significance of the history of Rāma.
॥ इति बालकाण्डे द्वितीयः सर्गः ॥

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