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॥ अथ अरण्यकाण्डे चतुर्थः सर्गः ॥
३.४.२
कष्टं वनमिदं दुर्गं न च स्मो वनगोचराः ।
अभिगच्छामहे शीघ्रं शरभङ्गं तपोधनम् ॥
Summary AI This inaccessible forest is difficult, and we are not familiar with forest life. Let us quickly approach the ascetic *Śarabhaṅga*, whose wealth is his penance.
३.४.४
तस्य देवप्रभावस्य तपसा भावितात्मनः ।
समीपे शरभङ्गस्य ददर्श महदद्भुतम् ॥
Summary AI Near that *Śarabhaṅga*, who possessed god-like power and a soul purified by penance, *Rāma* beheld a great wonder.
M N Dutt And Rāma beheld a mighty wonder near that one of celestial virtue, who had purified his soul through asceticism.
३.४.५
विभ्राजमानं वपुषा सूर्यवैश्वानरोपमम् ।
असंस्पृशन्तं वसुधां ददर्श विबुधेश्वरम् ॥
Summary AI He saw the Lord of the Gods (*Indra*), shining with a body like the sun or fire, not touching the earth.
M N Dutt He saw the lord of the celestials, possessed of a resplendent person, resembling in effulgence the sun or Vaisvanara-mounted on a superb car (saw) him that is followed by all the celestials, stationed in the sky, not touching the earth, adorned in luminous ornaments-the god dressed in a clean appear!
३.४.७
हरिभिर्वाजिभिर्युक्तमन्तरिक्षगतं रथम् ।
ददर्शादूरतस्तस्य तरुणादित्यसंनिभम् ॥
Summary AI Near him, *Rāma* saw a chariot stationed in the sky, yoked with green horses and resembling the rising sun.
M N Dutt Worshipped by many a high-should personage dressed in the same way. And from a distance, (Rāma) saw the car stationed in the sky yoked with green steeds-resembling the infant sun;
३.४.८
पाण्डुराभ्रघनप्रख्यं चन्द्रमण्डलसंनिभम् ।
अपश्यद्विमलं छत्रं चित्रमाल्योपशोभितम् ॥
Summary AI He saw a spotless parasol resembling a white cloud or the lunar orb, decorated with colorful garlands.
M N Dutt And he saw the spotless umbrella possessing the beauty of a mass of white clouds, resembling the lunar disc, and graced with variegated wreaths.
३.४.९
चामरव्यजने चाग्र्ये रुक्मदण्डे महाधने ।
गृहीते वननारीभ्यां धूयमाने च मूर्धनि ॥
Summary AI He saw two excellent, costly whisk-fans with golden handles being held and waved over the deity's head by two forest-dwelling damsels.
M N Dutt And his (Indira's) head was being fanned by two chowris, costly and furnished with golden handles, held by two magnificent damsels; and innumerable Gandharvas and Siddhas and prime sages were hymning the celestial stationed in the welkin. And seeing Sarabhanga engaged in converse with Satakratu, Rāma said to Laksmana (the following words). And pointing out the car, Rāma showed the wonder to his brother.
३.४.११
दृष्ट्वा शतक्रतुं तत्र रामो लक्ष्मणमब्रवीत् ।
ये हयाः पुरुहूतस्य पुरा शक्रस्य नः श्रुताः ।
अन्तरिक्षगता दिव्यास्त इमे हरयो ध्रुवम् ॥
Summary AI Seeing *Indra* there, *Rāma* said to *Lakṣmaṇa*: "These divine green horses in the sky are surely the ones we have heard of belonging to the much-invoked *Śakra*."
M N Dutt The steeds standing in the sky are for certain those of which we had formerly heard as beionging to Sakra of many sacrifices.
३.४.१२
इमे च पुरुषव्याघ्र ये तिष्ठन्त्यभितो रथम् ।
शतं शतं कुण्डलिनो युवानः खड्गपाणयः ॥
Summary AI "O tiger among men! Look at these hundreds of youths standing around the chariot, wearing earrings and holding swords in their hands."
M N Dutt And, you foremost of men, these youths envisioning (the celestial) by hundreds, wearing earrings, and bearing swords in their hands, are broad of chest, have arms resembling bludgeons in size, and are clad in crimson vesture, like to tigers incapable of being approached.
३.४.१३
उरोदेशेषु सर्वेषां हारा ज्वलनसंनिभाः ।
रूपं बिभ्रति सौमित्रे पञ्चविंशतिवार्षिकम् ॥
Summary AI "O son of *Sumitrā*, on the chests of all these are necklaces shining like fire. They all possess the appearance of twenty-five-year-old youths."
M N Dutt Over the breasts of all appear chains of blazing sheen; and, O son of Sumitrā, their beauty appears that of five and twenty.
३.४.१४
एतद्धि किल देवानां वयो भवति नित्यदा ।
यथेमे पुरुषव्याघ्रा दृश्यन्ते प्रियदर्शनाः ॥
Summary AI "Indeed, this is the eternal age of the gods, just as these handsome tigers among men appear."
M N Dutt And even this is the ever-enduring age of the celestials, as these foremost of men of sweet looks appear.
३.४.१५
इहैव सह वैदेह्या मुहूर्तं तिष्ठ लक्ष्मण ।
यावज्जनाम्यहं व्यक्तं क एष द्युतिमान्रथे ॥
Summary AI "O *Lakṣmaṇa*, stay right here with *Vaidehī* for a moment while I find out clearly who this radiant being in the chariot is."
M N Dutt O Laksmana, stay here awhile with Vaidehi, so long as I do not gather who it is that is in the effulgent car.
३.४.१६
तमेवमुक्त्वा सौमित्रिमिहैव स्थीयतामिति ।
अभिचक्राम काकुत्स्थः शरभङ्गाश्रमं प्रति ॥
Summary AI Having told the son of *Sumitrā* to stay right there, *Rāma* proceeded toward the hermitage of *Śarabhaṅga*.
M N Dutt Saying to Sumitrās son, Stay here, Kākutstha bent his steps towards Sarabhaiga's asylum.
३.४.१७
ततः समभिगच्छन्तं प्रेक्ष्य रामं शचीपतिः ।
शरभङ्गमनुज्ञाप्य विबुधानिदमब्रवीत् ॥
Summary AI Then, seeing *Rāma* approaching, the Lord of *Śacī* (*Indra*), after taking leave of *Śarabhaṅga*, spoke these words to the gods.
M N Dutt And seeing Rāma approach, Saci's lord, taking Sarabhanga's permission, addressed the celestials.
३.४.१८
इहोपयात्यसौ रामो यावन्मां नाभिभाषते ।
निष्ठां नयत तावत्तु ततो मां द्रष्टुमर्हति ॥
Summary AI "This *Rāma* is coming here. Before he speaks to me, take me away; he may see me after that."
M N Dutt Rāma is coming hither. Do you set out for another place, ere he yet addresses me. He is not fit to behold me (now.)
३.४.१९
जितवन्तं कृतार्थं च द्रष्टाहमचिरादिमम् ।
कर्म ह्यनेन कर्तव्यं महदन्यैः सुदुष्करम् ॥
Summary AI "I shall see him soon when he is victorious and has accomplished his purpose. For he must perform a great task that is very difficult for others."
M N Dutt When he shall have vanquished (his foe in fight) and won success, shall I readily show myself to him. He shall have to achieve an act incapable of being achieved by others.
३.४.२०
इति वज्री तमामन्त्र्य मानयित्वा च तापसं ।
रथेन हरियुक्तेन ययौ दिवमरिंदमः ॥
Summary AI Having spoken thus, the wielder of the thunderbolt (*Indra*), the subduer of enemies, honored the ascetic, took his leave, and ascended to heaven in his chariot yoked with green horses.
M N Dutt Then rendering homage to that anchorite and conversing with him, the wielder of the thunderbolt-subduer of enemies-repaired to heaven in a car yoked with steeds.
३.४.२१
प्रयाते तु सहस्राक्षे राघवः सपरिच्छदः ।
अग्निहोत्रमुपासीनं शरभङ्गमुपागमत् ॥
Summary AI When Indra, the thousand-eyed one, had departed, Rāghava, along with his companions, approached Sage Śarabhaṅga, who was seated near the sacred sacrificial fire.
M N Dutt When the thousand-eyed one had gone away, Rāghava accompanied by his companions appeared before Sarabhanga in the (Agni-hotra) chamber.
३.४.२२
तस्य पादौ च संगृह्य रामः सीता च लक्ष्मणः ।
निषेदुस्तदनुज्ञाता लब्धवासा निमन्त्रिताः ॥
Summary AI Having clasped his feet, Rāma, Sītā, and Lakṣmaṇa sat down after being invited and permitted by the sage, having secured a place to stay.
M N Dutt Taking his feet, Rāma, Sītā and Lakşmaņa sat down with the permission of the ascetic, who received them and set apart quarters for them.
३.४.२३
ततः शक्रोपयानं तु पर्यपृच्छत्स राघवः ।
शरभङ्गश्च तत्सर्वं राघवाय न्यवेदयत् ॥
Summary AI Then, Rāghava inquired about the visit of Indra, and Śarabhaṅga related everything that had transpired to him.
M N Dutt Then Rāghava questioned (the sage) concerning the visit of Sakra; and Sarabhanga related everything to Rāghava.
३.४.२४
मामेष वरदो राम ब्रह्मलोकं निनीषति ।
जितमुग्रेण तपसा दुष्प्रापमकृतात्मभिः ॥
Summary AI The sage said, "O Rāma, Indra, the bestower of boons, wishes to take me to Brahmaloka, which I have won through intense penance and which is difficult for those with unrefined souls to attain."
M N Dutt O Rāma, this bestower of boons wishes to take me to the regions of Brahmā. I have conquered them, incapable of being attained by persons that have not schooled themselves, by virtue of fierce austerities.
३.४.२५
अहं ज्ञात्वा नरव्याघ्र वर्तमानमदूरतः ।
ब्रह्मलोकं न गच्छामि त्वामदृष्ट्वा प्रियातिथिम् ॥
Summary AI "O tiger among men, knowing you were nearby, I did not depart for Brahmaloka without seeing you, my beloved guest."
M N Dutt O chief of men, knowing that you were near, I became anxious to go to the minor celestial regions and the supreme heaven (of Brahmā), after I had seen you, righteous and high-souled, who are my dear guest now.
३.४.२६
समागम्य गमिष्यामि त्रिदिवं देवसेवितम् ।
अक्षया नरशार्दूल जिता लोका मया शुभाः ।
ब्राह्म्याश्च नाकपृष्ठ्याश्च प्रतिगृह्णीष्व मामकान् ॥
Summary AI "O tiger among men, having met you, I shall now go to the heavens frequented by gods. I have won eternal, auspicious worlds; please accept these realms of mine, both the world of Brahmā and the highest heavens."
M N Dutt O foremost of men, having had a meeting with you, a high-souled prince of righteous nature, I have for aye attained the excellent regions of Brahmã and Nākaprştha. Do you receive them as pertaining to me.
३.४.२७
एवमुक्तो नरव्याघ्रः सर्वशास्त्रविशारदः ।
ऋषिणा शरभङ्गेन राघवो वाक्यमब्रवीत् ॥
Summary AI Thus addressed by Sage Śarabhaṅga, Rāghava, the tiger among men and expert in all scriptures, replied with these words.
M N Dutt Thus addressed by the sage, Sarabhanga, that best of men, Rāghava, versed in every branch of learning, said.
३.४.२८
अहमेवाहरिष्यामि सर्वाल्लोकान्महामुने ।
आवासं त्वहमिच्छामि प्रदिष्टमिह कानने ॥
Summary AI "O great sage, I shall earn all those worlds myself. For now, I only desire a place to dwell in this forest, as pointed out by you."
M N Dutt O mighty anchorite, I shall acquire all those regions myself. I now wish that you may direct me as to my abode in this forest.
३.४.२९
राघवेणैवमुक्तस्तु शक्रतुल्यबलेन वै ।
शरभङ्गो महाप्राज्ञः पुनरेवाब्रवीद्वचः ॥
Summary AI When spoken to thus by Rāghava, who possessed strength equal to that of Indra, the wise Śarabhaṅga spoke again.
M N Dutt Thus accosted by Rāghava resembling Sakra in strength, the eminently wise Sarabhanga again said,
३.४.३०
सुतीक्ष्णमभिगच्छ त्वं शुचौ देशे तपस्विनम् ।
रमणीये वनोद्देशे स ते वासं विधास्यति ॥
Summary AI "Go to the ascetic Sutīkṣṇa in a pure and delightful part of the forest; he will arrange a residence for you."
M N Dutt O Rāma, follow this Mandākini flowing among flowers, which (here runs in an opposite direction to her usual course; and then will you reach there.
३.४.३१
एष पन्था नरव्याघ्र मुहूर्तं पश्य तात माम् ।
यावज्जहामि गात्राणि जीर्णं त्वचमिवोरगः ॥
Summary AI "O tiger among men, this is the path. O dear one, watch me for a moment while I shed my body, just as a serpent casts off its worn-out skin."
M N Dutt This is your course, you best of men. Do you now, my child, for a space look at me; while I leave of my limbs, even as a serpent renounces its slough.
३.४.३२
ततोऽग्निं स समाधाय हुत्वा चाज्येन मन्त्रवित् ।
शरभङ्गो महातेजाः प्रविवेश हुताशनम् ॥
Summary AI Then, the exceptionally brilliant Śarabhaṅga, a knower of mantras, kindled the fire and, after making offerings of clarified butter, entered the flames.
M N Dutt Then preparing a .fire and with Mantras a offering obiations into it, the exceedingly energetic Sarabhanga entered into the fire.
३.४.३३
तस्य रोमाणि केशांश्च ददाहाग्निर्महात्मनः ।
जीर्णं त्वचं तथास्थीनि यच्च मांसं च शोणितम् ॥
Summary AI The fire consumed the great soul's body hair, locks, aged skin, as well as his bones, flesh, and blood.
M N Dutt The fire consumed the down, hair, old skin, bones, flesh and blood of that high-souled one.
३.४.३४
स च पावकसंकाशः कुमारः समपद्यत ।
उत्थायाग्निचयात्तस्माच्छरभङ्गो व्यरोचत ॥
Summary AI He was transformed into a youth who glowed like fire; rising from that pyre, Śarabhaṅga shone with immense brilliance.
M N Dutt (Anon) Śarabharga became youth resembling fire; and rising from the flame, he appeared splendid.
३.४.३५
स लोकानाहिताग्नीनामृषीणां च महात्मनाम् ।
देवानां च व्यतिक्रम्य ब्रह्मलोकं व्यरोहत ॥
Summary AI Passing beyond the worlds of the fire-worshippers, the high-souled sages, and the gods, he ascended to Brahmaloka.
M N Dutt And proceeding past the regions of highsouled sages sacrificing with fire, as well as of the celestials, he ascended those of Brahmā.
३.४.३६
स पुण्यकर्मा भुवने द्विजर्षभः
पितामहं सानुचरं ददर्श ह ।
पितामहश्चापि समीक्ष्य तं द्विजं
ननन्द सुस्वागतमित्युवाच ह ॥
Summary AI That virtuous best of the twice-born saw Brahmā and his attendants in that world; upon seeing the brāhmaṇa, Brahmā rejoiced and welcomed him.
M N Dutt That one of pious acts done on earth-that best of the twice-born the grandfather, in company with his followers. And the grand-father also, beholding that Brahmana, rejoiced greatly, and said-Hail! race-saw
॥ इति अरण्यकाण्डे चतुर्थः सर्गः ॥

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