The Chronicle of Rama in Song गीत रामायण Author — Gajanan Digambar Madgulkar खक — गजानन दगबर माडगळकर

व ी रामभ ऐकती swaye shree raamaprabhu Lord Rama Himself Listens 3 aikatee

दशरथा घ पायसदान dasharathaa ghe he Dasharath, Take This Gift 6 paayasadaana

राम जमाला ग सखी raama janmalaa ga sakhee Rama is Born, Friends 8

तझा प मला इ दशरथा jyeShTha tujhaa putra malaa Give Me Your Eldest Son, O Dasharath 11 dei dasharathaa

आज मी शापम त जाह aaja mee shaapamukta jaahale Today, I Became Curse Free 14

वयवर झा सी swayaMwara jhaale seeteche Sita Chose Her Groom 16

राघव सीता jethe raaghava tethe seetaa Where Raghav Is, There Sita Is 20

नकोस नौ परत फ ग nakosa nauke parata firuu ga Don't Turn Back, Ferry 23

बोल इत मज ीराम bolale ituke maja shreeraama Rama Spoke So to Me 26

माता न त व रणी maataa na tuu wairiNee You Are Not a Mother, Enemy 29

पराधीन आ जगती paraadheen aahe jagatee The Mortal is Bound to Fate 32

Page 1 of 52 पळविल रावण सीता paLawili raawaNe seetaa Ravana Kidnapped Sita 36

त बधा सागरी setu bandhaa re saagaree Build a Bridge Over the Sea 38

लीन, चा, सी leenate, chaarute, seete Modest, Beautiful Sita 41

भो, मज एकच वर ावा prabho, maja ekacha wara Lord, Grant Me a Single Boon 44 dyaawaa

मज सग लमणा, जाऊ कठ maja saanga lakshmaNaa, Tell Me Lakshman, Where to Go 46 jauu kuThe

गा बाळनो ी रामायण gaa baLaaMno shree Sing, Lads, the Chronicle of Rama 49 raamaayaNa

Page 2 of 52 The scene in which the Geet Ramayana opens is as follows:

A great ocean of people, hundreds of wise men and countless townspeople, had assembled in Ayodhya for Ramachandra's Ashwamedha1 sacrifice. Among them were two novitiates, who said, "We are disciples of sage Valmiki. We sing the life story of Rama."

Rama did not know that the youthful, fresh mouths from which he would hear his entire life story belonged to his own children, his own sons. And Kush and Lav did not know that the one before whom they would be telling his entire life story was actually their father.

Not knowing their relationship, the sons are telling the father his entire life story. This first scene is described beautifully by the narrator, and the narrator is saying,

व ी रामभ ऐकती swaye shree Lord Rama Himself raamaprabhu aikatee Listens

व ी रामभ ऐकती swaye shree raamaprabhu aikatee Lord Rama himself listens. kusha lava raamaayaNa gaatee Kush, Lav sing Rama's chronicle. कश लव रामायण गाती

कमार दोघ एक वया kumaara doghe eka wayaache Two boys of one age, sajeeva putaLe raghuraayaache Living statues of King Raghu, सजीव पतळ रघराया putra saangatee charita pityaache Sons tell the father's story. प सगती चरत पया jyoteene tejaachee aaratee The worship of brilliance by flames. kusha lava raamaayaNa gaatee Kush, Lav sing Rama's chronicle. योत जाची आरती कश लव रामायण गाती

राजस म ा, ष मन raajasa mudraa, veSha muneeMche Regal countenances, appearance of gandharwacha te tapowaneeMche monks, गधरवच तपोवन valmeekeeMchyaa bhaava maneeMche Those surely heavenly singers from the

1 See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashwamedha

Page 3 of 52 वामीकया भाव मन maanavee roope aakaaratee ascetic world kusha lava raamaayaNa gaatee Manifest Valmiki's sentiments मानवी आकारती In human form. कश लव रामायण गाती Kush, Lav sing Rama's chronicle.

तया आवनातल te pratibhechyaa aamrawanaatila They are cuckoos singing spring's glory ­ ­ vasanta­vaibhava­gaate kokila In the mango groves of virtuosity. वसत वभव गा कोकल baalaswaraaMnee karunee kilabila Twittering in child's tones, बालवरनी कनी कलबल gaayane RRituraajaa bhaaritee By song overwhelm the king of seasons. kusha lava raamaayaNa gaatee Kush, Lav sing Rama's chronicle. गाय ऋतराजा भारती कश लव रामायण गाती

फलपरी ओठ उमलती phulaaMparee te oTha umalatee Those lips are like blooming flowers. sugandhase swara bhuvane jhulatee Like fragrance, notes sway into the hall. सगध वर भव झलती karNabhooShaNe kunDala Dulatee Ear­adorning ornaments swing. कणभषण क डल डलती sangatee weeNaa jhankaaritee The accompanying veena drones. kusha lava raamaayaNa gaatee Kush, Lav sing Rama's chronicle. सगती वीणा झकारती कश लव रामायण गाती

सात वरया वगमधनी saata swaraaMchyaa swargaamadhunee Out of the heaven of the seven notes naoo rasaaMchyaa naoo swardhunee Nine rivers of nine moods नऊ रसया नऊ वधनी yaGYa­maMDapee aalyaa utarunee Came cascading into the sacrificial hall. य­मडपी आया उतनी sangamee shrotejana naahatee The audience bathed at their confluence. kusha lava raamaayaNa gaatee Kush, Lav sing Rama's chronicle. सगमी ोजन नाहती कश लव रामायण गाती

puruSharthaachee chaaree chaukaTa Seeing his own life arrayed tyaata pahaataa nijajeewanapaTa Inside all four facets of humanity, प षाथची चारी चौकट pratyakShaahuni pratimaa utkaTa The image more profound than the actual, यात पहाता नजजीवनपट prabhuche lochana paaNaawatee The Lord's eyes well up. kusha lava raamaayaNa gaatee Kush, Lav sing Rama's chronicle. यान तमा उकट भ लोचना पाणावती कश लव रामायण गाती Page 4 of 52 सामद बाळ बोलती saama­vedase baaLa bolatee The children declare in saama­veda form. sargaamaaguna sarga chaalatee One stanza comes after the other. सगमागन सग चालती sacheeva, munijana, striyaa Dolatee Men, monks, women sway. सचीव, म नजन, िया डोलती aasave gaalee oghaLatee Tears flow down cheeks. kusha lava raamaayaNa gaatee Kush, Lav sing Rama's chronicle. आस गाली ओघळती कश लव रामायण गाती

सोड न आसन उठ राघव soDuni aasana uThale raaghava Leaving the throne, Raghav rises. uThuna kavaLitee apule shaishava Risen, embraces his own childhood. उठन कविळती अप शशव putrabheTichaa ghaDe mahotsava Neither knows this is प टचा घड महोसव pari to ubhayaan nacha maahitee A festive occasion of reunion of father and kusha lava raamaayaNa gaatee sons. पर तो उभय नच माहती Kush, Lav sing Rama's chronicle. कश लव रामायण गाती

Page 5 of 52 Hoping for the blessing of the god Agni, Dasharath released a sacrificial horse. After a year, the sacrificial horse returned. At Emperor Dasharath's command, sages constructed the sacrificial hall. At an auspicious time, a great man formed out of the sacrificial fire. This blood­red man was a form of the god Agni.

In a thundering yet sweet voice, Agni told Dasharath

दशरथा घ पायसदान dasharathaa ghe he Dasharath, Take This paayasadaana Gift

दशरथा घ पायसदान dasharathaa ghe he paayasadaana Dasharath, take this gift of porridge. tujhyaa yaGYi mee prakaTa jhaalo haa It is my honor to emerge from your yadña. त या यि मी कट झालो हा माझा समान maajhaa sanmaana

तव याची होय सगता tawa yaGYaachee hoya saaMgataa May your yadña conclude now, trupta jaahalyaa sarwa devataa All the goddesses are satisfied. त त जाहया सव वता prasanna jhaale nrupaa tujhyaawara Lord Vishnu is pleased with you, O king. सन झा नपा त यावर ीवण भगवान shreeviShNuu bhagawaana Dasharath, take this gift of porridge. dasharathaa ghe he paayasadaana दशरथा घ पायसदान

ीवणची अा महणनी shreeviShNuMchee aGYaa mhaNunee At Lord Vishnu’s command, aalo mee haa prasaada gheuni I have come bearing this blessing. आलो मी हा साद घउन yaa daanaasi yaa daanaahuna anya nase Nothing is equal to or better than this gift. या दानास या दानान अय न उपमान upamaana Dasharath, take this gift of porridge. dasharathaa ghe he paayasadaana दशरथा घ पायसदान

करत घ ही सवण थाली karaata ghe hee suwarNasthaalee Take this pot of gold in your hands. de raaNyaaMnaa kSheera aatalee Serve your queens the porridge in it.

Page 6 of 52 kaamadhenuchyaa dugdhaahunahee oja Its essence is more powerful than रायना ीर आतली 2 hiche balawaana Kamadhenu’s milk. कामधन या धानही ओज ह बलवान dasharathaa ghe he paayasadaana Dasharath, take this gift of porridge. दशरथा घ पायसदान

राया करतल पायसभण raaNyaa karitila paayasabhakShaNa Your queens will consume the porridge. udaree hoiila waMshaaropaNa In their wombs, your lineage will be उदरी होईल वशारोपण tyaanchyaa poTee janmaa yetila yoddhe seeded. यया पोटी जमा तल यो चार महान chaara mahaan From their bellies will be born four mighty dasharathaa ghe he paayasadaana warriors. दशरथा घ पायसदान Dasharath, take this gift of porridge.

सवतील या तीनही वी prasawateela tyaa teenahee devii All three queens will conceive shreeviShnuuMche aMsha maanawee Human portions of Lord Vishnu. ीवण अश मानवी dhanya dasharathaa, tulaa laabhalaa Blessed Dasharath, you have gained the धय दशरथा, तला लाभला वपयाचा मान devapityaachaa maana honor of god­fatherhood. dasharathaa ghe he paayasadaana Dasharath, take this gift of porridge. दशरथा घ पायसदान

कताथ दसती तझी लोच krutaartha disatee tujhee lochane Your eyes show gratitude. krutaartha meehee tujhyaa darshane I too am deeply grateful for having seen

कताथ मीही त या दश de aaGYaa maja nrupaa, paawato you. , yaGYee aMtardhaan Dismiss me, O king, so that I can आा मज नपा पावतो यी अतधन dasharathaa ghe he paayasadaana disappear into the yadña. दशरथा घ पायसदान Dasharath, take this gift of porridge.

2 The miraculous “cow of plenty” that fulfills all the desires of her owner. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamadhenu

Page 7 of 52 The declaration of Agni proved true. The grace of the porridge enabled all three queens to become pregnant. At the appropriate time, they delivered. Kausalya bore Rama. Sumitra bore Lakshman and Shatrughna. Kaikayi bore Bharat. These four radiant sons fulfilled Dasharath's wish. The joy of the palace knew no bounds. The happiness of the people of the town was overflowing.

Rama and his brothers began to crawl. Still, the women of Ayodhya sang of his birth. Again and again, they sang,

राम जमाला ग सखी raama janmalaa ga Rama is Born, Friends sakhee

च मास यात श नविम ही तथी chaitramaasa tyaata shuddha nawami hee In the month of Chaitra, the ninth day, first tithee phase of the moon, गधय त तरह वात उण कती gaMdhayukta tarihi waata uShNa he kitee Winds fragrant but yet so warm. दोन हरी का ग िशरी सय थबला dona prahari kaa ga shiree surya At midday, oh! the sun stopped! thaaMbalaa Rama is born, friends, Rama is born! राम जमला ग सखी राम जमला raama janmalaa ga sakhee raama janmalaa

कौसयारािण हळ उघडी लोच kausalyaaraaNi haLuu ughaDi lochane Queen Kausalya slowly opened her eyes. ­ dipuna jaaya maaya swataH The mother was awed when she beheld दपन जाय माय वतः प दश putra­darshane her son. ओघळ आस, स कठ दाटला oghaLale aasu, sukhe kaNTha daaTalaa Tears flowed and her throat swelled with raama janmalaa ga sakhee raama joy. राम जमला ग सखी राम जमला janmalaa Rama is born, friends, Rama is born!

राजगही ई नवी सौय पवणी rajagruhee yeii nawee saukhya­parwaNee A new season of happiness arrived at the paanhaawuna haMbarlyaa dhenu royal household. पाहावन हबय धन अगणी aMgaNee Expressing milk, cows lowed in the दिभचा नाद तोच धद कदला duMdabhichaa naada tocha dhuMda courtyard. koMdalaa The drone of kettle drums resounded. राम जमला ग सखी राम जमला raama janmalaa ga sakhee raama Rama is born, friends, Rama is born!

Page 8 of 52 janmalaa

ंगळया आतपात जागया कया peMguLalyaa aatapaata jaagatyaa kaLyaa In the drowsy atmosphere, awakening ' ' kaaya kaaya karita punhaa umalalyaa buds bloomed, काय काय करत प हा उमलया ख या khuLyaa Going, “What? What?” the dim­wits. उचर वाय यास हसन बोलला uchcharawe waayu tyaasa hasuna A vigorous wind laughed at them and bolalaa stated, राम जमला ग सखी राम जमला raama janmalaa ga sakhee raama “Rama is born, friends, Rama is born!” janmalaa

वात ही सखद जधी पोचली जनी waartaa hee sukhada jadhee pochalee When these happy tidings reached the janee public, हातन राजपथी धाव कणी gehaatuna raajapathee dhaawale kuNee Some ran from their houses along the यवतचा सघ एक गात चालला yuwateeMchaa sangha eka gaata highways. chaalalaa A procession of maidens went singing, राम जमला ग सखी राम जमला raama janmalaa ga sakhee raama “Rama is born, friends, Rama is born!” janmalaa

प पजिल फ क कणी, कोणी भषण puShpaanjali pheki kuNee, koNee Some threw flowers, and some, golden , bhuuShaNe ornaments. हाया लोपव शद भाषण haasyaane lopawile shabda, bhaaShaNe Words and speeches filled with laughter. वााचा ताल मा जलद वाढला waadyaachaa taala maatra jalada The tempo of instruments increased in waaDhalaa excitement. राम जमला ग सखी राम जमला raama janmalaa ga sakhee raama Rama is born, friends, Rama is born! janmalaa

वीणारव नपरात पार लोप veeNaarawa nuupuraata paara lopale The sound of veenas was lost in karNyaanche kaMTha tyaata adhika ankle­bells. कय कठ यात अधक ताप taapale The throats of horns grew heated. बावरया आिशरी मक कोकला baawaralyaa aamrashiree muka kokilaa The speechless cuckoo in the mango raama janmalaa ga sakhee raama grove was bewildered. राम जमला ग सखी राम जमला janmalaa Rama is born, friends, Rama is born!

दगजही हलन जरा िच पाहती diggajahee haluna jaraa chitra paahatee The very directions shifted to see the gaganaatuna aaja nawe ranga pohatee scene. गगनातना आज न रग पोहती motyaanchaa chura narbhee bharuna Today, new colors swam through the

Page 9 of 52 मोयचा चर नभी भन राहीला raaheelaa heavens. raama janmalaa ga sakhee raama Fragments of pearls filled the sky. राम जमला ग सखी राम जमला janmalaa Rama is born, friends, Rama is born!

बड न जाय नगर सव न य गायनी buDuni jaaya nagara sarwa nrutya The whole town was immersed in dance , , gaayanee and song. सर रग ताल यात म दनी soora, ranga, taala yaata magna medinee Earth drowned in an ocean of notes, डोलत तीह, जरा, ष डोलला Dolatase teehi, jaraa, sheSha Dolalaa colors, rhythms. 3 raama janmalaa ga sakhee raama She swayed a bit. Shesha swayed. राम जमला ग सखी राम जमला janmalaa Rama is born, friends, Rama is born!

3 Referring to the mythical giant serpent that upholds the earth. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shesha.

Page 10 of 52 Empress Kausalya's dark Ramachandra grew rapidly. As a child, he absorbed archery and studied scriptures, and by association, so did Lakshman and his other brothers. They began to sit in their father's royal court.

Once, while Dasharath was at court with his sons, the great sage Vishwamitra arrived. Emperor Dasharath welcomed him happily, and said, "O eminent monk, tell me if there is a task to be done, and I shall try to complete it."

Thoroughly pleased by the king's offer, Vishwamitra said,

तझा प मला इ दशरथा jyeShTha tujhaa putra Give Me Your Eldest malaa dei dasharathaa Son, O Dasharath

तझा प मला इ दशरथा jyeShTha tujhaa putra malaa dei Give me your eldest son, O Dasharath! ­ dasharathaa He, of all, is capable of guarding our य रणास योय तोची सवथा yaGYa­rakShaNaasa yogya tochee yadña sarwathaa

मायावी राचर maayaawee raatriMchara Insidious nocturnal beings kaShTawitee majasi phaar Torment me greatly. कवती मजस फार kaikawaara karuna yaGYa naahi Despite repeated attempts, I cannot ककवार कन य नाह सगता saangataa complete the yadña. jyeShTha tujhaa putra malaa dei Give me your eldest son, O Dasharath! तझा प मला इ दशरथा dasharathaa

शाप कसा ऊ मी shaapa kasaa deuu mee How can I curse them? deekShita to nitya kShamee The director of the sacrifice must be ever दीित तो नय मी soDatocha to pradesha yaaga moDataa forgiving. सोडतोच तो श याग मोडता jyeShTha tujhaa putra malaa dei I just leave that place after every dasharathaa interruption. तझा प मला इ दशरथा Give me your eldest son, O Dasharath!

Page 11 of 52 आरिभता फन य aaraMbhitaa phiruna yaGYa When the yadña starts anew, aaNiti te phiruna wighna They bring a new obstacle, आिणत फन वन prakaTataata maNDapaata kuNDa Reappear where I light the holy fire. कटतात मडपात क ड टता peTataa Give me your eldest son, O Dasharath! jyeShTha tujhaa putra malaa dei तझा प मला इ दशरथा dasharathaa

दीवर रतमस vedeewara raktamaaNsa Those vandals throw blood, flesh phekataata te nrushaMsa at the sacred yadña base, फकतात नशस naachataata swaira sukhe mantra and dance hysterically when we conclude नाचतात वर स म थबता thaaMbataa the mantras. jyeShTha tujhaa putra malaa dei Give me your eldest son, O Dasharath! तझा प मला इ दशरथा dasharathaa

बालवीर राम तझा baalaweera raama tujhaa Let your child warrior Rama dewo tyaaM ghora sajaa Exact punishment upon those howlers. वो तय घोर सजा saana jaree baaLa tujhaa thora yogyataa Though your child is young, his prowess सान जरी बाळ तझा थोर योयता jyeShTha tujhaa putra malaa dei is grand. dasharathaa Give me your eldest son, O Dasharath! तझा प मला इ दशरथा

शिकत का होस नपा shankita kaa hosi nrupaa Why so apprehensive, O king? muni maage raajakrupaa A sage asks for a royal favor. म न मा राजकपा baawarasee kaaya asaa shabda Why are you tentative in keeping your बावरसी काय असा शद पाळता paaLataa word? jyeShTha tujhaa putra malaa dei Give me your eldest son, O Dasharath! तझा प मला इ दशरथा dasharathaa

ाणान वचन ीत praaNaahuna wachani preeta A promise is dearer than life: raghuwaMshee heecha reeta Such is the noble Raghu legacy. रघवशी हीच रीत daakhawee bagha raama swatah purNa See, Rama shows himself fully prepared. दाखवी बघ राम वत: पण सता siddhataa Give me your eldest son, O Dasharath! jyeShTha tujhaa putra malaa dei तझा प मला इ दशरथा dasharathaa

कौस, रडस काय kausalye, raDasi kaaya Kausalya, why do you weep? bhiru kashee veeramaaya Can a warrior's mother be weak hearted?

Page 12 of 52 भी कशी वीरमाय ubhaya waMsha dhanya raNee putra Both families gain honor when the son rangataa distinguishes himself. उभय वश धय रणी प रगता तझा प मला इ दशरथा jyeShTha tujhaa putra malaa dei Give me your eldest son, O Dasharath! dasharathaa

मारीच तो, तो सबा maaricha to, to subaahu That Marich, that Subahu, raakShasa te deerghabaahu Those mighty­armed demons रास दीघबा Thewiteela shastra puDhe raama Will put their weapons down upon seeing ठ वतील श पढ राम पाहता paahataa Rama. jyeShTha tujhaa putra malaa dei Give me your eldest son, O Dasharath! तझा प मला इ दशरथा dasharathaa

ीरामा, तच मान shreeraamaa, tuucha maana O Rama, you listen, ghei tujhe chaapabaaNa Take your bow and arrow. घइ तझ चापबाण yeto tara yeu de anuja maagutaa Let your brother follow if he wishes. तो तर उ अनज मागता jyeShTha tujhaa putra malaa dei Give me your eldest son, O Dasharath! dasharathaa तझा प मला इ दशरथा

Page 13 of 52 This insistence of the monks could not be resisted by Rama. He, Lakshman, and the monks left for Mithila. On the way, sage Vishwamitra told them many stories. They arrived at a desolate ashram.

"Why has this ashram been abandoned?" asked Ramachandra. The eminent monk Vishwamitra told the story of Ahalya, and commanded him to restore her by the touch of his feet.

By the touch of Rama's feet, illumination spilled forth from the invisible stone body of Ahalya. Musical words emanated,

आज मी शापम त जाह aaja mee shaapamukta Today, I Am Curse Free jaahale

रामा, चरण तझ लाग raamaa, charaNa tujhe laagale O Rama, by the touch of your feet, aaja mee shaapamukta jaahale Today, I am curse free. आज मी शापम त जाह

त या क ची िशप­सकती tujhyaa krupechee shilpa­satkrutee A beautiful sculpture, formed by your maajhee maja ye punhaa aakrutee grace, माझी मज प हा आकती mukta jaahale shwaasa chumbitee I have my own form again. म त जाह ास च बती पावन ही पाउ paawana he paaule Freed, my breath kisses your holy feet. aaja mee shaapamukta jaahale Today, I am curse free. आज मी शापम त जाह

प हा लोचन लो दि punhaa lochana lobhe druShTi Eyes gain sight again, , disasi maja tu, tujhyaata sruShTi I see you and Creation in you, दसस मज त त यात सि gotThagoThale ashru taapuna gaalaawara Frozen tears melt and flow on cheeks. गोठगोठ अ तापन गालावर वाह wahile Today, I am curse free. aaja mee shaapamukta jaahale आज मी शापम त जाह

वणना पनरप शित shrawaNaaMnaa ye punarapi shakti Ears have strength again. manaa umagalee amola ukti Mind deciphered the invaluable words, मना उमगली अमोल उित “uuTha ahalye” ase kuNeese "Arise, O Ahalya" as someone's

Page 14 of 52 “ऊठ अह” अ कणी कणावच बोल karuNaawacha bolale compassionate speech. aaja mee shaapamukta jaahale Today, I am curse free. आज मी शापम त जाह

फलकत झा शरीर ओण phulakita jhaale sharira oNawe My bowing body thrilled, tujhyaa padaMchaa sparsha jaaNawe Feeling the touch of your feet. त या पदचा पश जाण charaNadhuLeeche kuMkuma maajhyaa The dust of your feet became vermillion चरणधळी ककम माया भाळासी लाग bhaaLaasee laagale on my forehead. aaja mee shaapamukta jaahale Today, I am curse free. आज मी शापम त जाह

मौनालागी फर भाषण maunaalaagee sphurale bhaaShaNa Silence bursts into speech, shreeraamaa tuu pateetapaawana "O Rama, the redeemer of the fallen, ीरामा त पतीतपावन tujhyaa dayene aaja halaahala amrutaata By your mercy, poison melts into nectar of त या द आज हलाहल अमतात नाह naahale immortality today. aaja mee shaapamukta jaahale Today, I am curse free. आज मी शापम त जाह

पततपावन ीरघराजा patitapaawana shreeraghuraajaa Raghu king, redeemer of the fallen, kaaya baaMdhu mee tumachee pujaa How can I worship you? काय बध मी तमची पजा punarjaata he jeewana awaghe This entire life, born again, is placed at पनजत जीवन अवघ पायावर वाह paayaawara waahile your feet." aaja mee shaapamukta jaahale Today, I am curse free. आज मी शापम त जाह

Page 15 of 52 After hearing Ahalya express her gratitude in these words, Rama rested at the ashram and then resumed his journey with the monks.

Upon their arrival at Janaka's Mithila, Janaka welcomed them with great happiness. Realizing that these two princes, having arrived with monks, were the sons of the supreme Dasharath, Janaka was overjoyed.

"Emperor Dasharath's mighty sons are here to see your bow of Shiva," said Vishwamitra to Janaka.

That enormous bow of Shiva was brought into the court. Rama respectfully saluted the great bow, and asked permission to lift it. Janaka said, "Of course."

Rama lifted the bow and with his great arms, bent it to string it. A sound like a thunderbolt emanated and the bow fell in two pieces.

Seeing this extraordinary sight, the people were overjoyed, and Janaka expressed his decision to betroth his adopted daughter Sita to the great hero.

Soon, Rama was wed to Earth­daughter Sita. Her sisters, namely Urmila, Mandavi and Shrutakirti were given in marriage by Janaka to Lakshman, Bharat, and Shatrughna. There was an indescribable celebration.

Having left Ayodhya for their rite of passage, Rama and Lakshman returned with their new wives. Months passed. Still, Mithila's bards were singing of Sita’s choice of groom, again and again,

वयवर झा सी swayaMwara jhaale Sita Chose Her Groom seeteche

Page 16 of 52 आकाशाशी जड ना धरणीमा aakaashaashee jaDale naate The sky united with Mother Earth dharaNeemaateche Sita chose her groom, वयवर झा सी swayaMwara jhaale seeteche, Sita chose her groom वयवर झा सी swayaMwara jhaale seeteche

ीरामानी सहज उचिल धन शकरा shreeraamaanee sahaja uchalile dhanu Shri Rama effortlessly lifted Shankar’s shaMkaraache bow. पण जहा जनकनपाया त अतरी purNa jahale janakanrupaachyaa hetu King Janak’s heart’s longings were उ ठाक भाय सावळ समोर ह antareeche fulfilled. ubhe Thaakale bhaagya saawaLe samora His daughter’s dark­skinned fortune stood वयवर झा सी duhiteche before him. वयवर झा सी swayaMwara jhaale seeteche, Sita chose her groom, swayaMwara jhaale seeteche Sita chose her groom

म ध जानकी न याहळी राम धनधरी mugdha jaanakee duruna nyaahaLee Mesmerized Janaki beheld, from afar, raama dhanurdhaaree bow­wielding Rama, नयनमाजी एकवट नया नजशती सारी nayanamaajee ekawaTuniyaa nijashaktee Concentrating all her power into her eyes. saaree Flowers began to flower slowly in the फल लाग फल हळ हळ गाली ल phulu laagale phula haLu haLu gaalee blusher’s cheeks. वयवर झा सी lajjeche Sita chose her groom, swayaMwara jhaale seeteche, Sita chose her groom वयवर झा सी swayaMwara jhaale seeteche

उचाव नया जरा पापया पाहत ती राही uMchaawuniyaa jaraa paapaNyaa Lifting her lashes slightly, she kept paahata tee raahee looking. तडताघातापरी भयकर नाद तोच होई taDitataaghaataaparee bhayaMkara Then came the sound of a terrible ीरामानी तकड दोन धन या naada tocha hoii thunderclap. shreeraamaanee kele tukaDe dona Lord Rama made two fragments out of the वयवर झा सी dhanuShyaache bow. वयवर झा सी swayaMwara jhaale seeteche, Sita chose her groom, swayaMwara jhaale seeteche Sita chose her groom

अधानया आ डोळ, बावर रा aMdhaaruniyaa aale DoLe, baawarale Eyes dimmed, kings were bewildered. raaje Smiling openly, Earth­daughter blushed in म त हासता भमीकया मनोमनी ला mukta haasataa bhuumeekanyaa her heart of hearts.

Page 17 of 52 त त जाह सचत लोचन णात जनका manomanee laaje Janaka’s distraught eyes were satisfied in trupta jaahale sachiMta lochana a moment. वयवर झा सी kShaNaata janakaache Sita chose her groom, वयवर झा सी swayaMwara jhaale seeteche, Sita chose her groom swayaMwara jhaale seeteche

हात जोडनी हण नपत तो वािमासी haat joDunee mhaNe nrupati to With folded hands, that king declared to “ ­ ” vishwaamitraasee Vishwamitra, आज जानकी अपयली मी दशरथ प ासी “aaja jaanaki arpiyalee mee “Today, I offer Janaki to the son of आनदा िमट डोळ त त थली dasharatha­putraasee” Dasharath.” aanandaane miTale DoLe trupta Fulfilled Maithili’s eyes closed with joy. वयवर झा सी maithileeche Sita chose her groom, वयवर झा सी swayaMwara jhaale seeteche, Sita chose her groom swayaMwara jhaale seeteche

पा उठ हळ ती म म ध बाला pitraaGYene uThe haLuu tee With her father’s blessing, that spellbound mantramugdha baalaa maiden slowly rose. अधर चाल ती अधर तीनी हातीची माला adhira chaala tee adhira teehunee The bridal garland in her hand was more गौरवण चरण गाठती मिदर सौया haatiichee maalaa eager than her eager gait. gaurawarNa te charaNa gaaThatee Fair complexioned feet reached the abode वयवर झा सी mandir saukhyaache of happiness. वयवर झा सी swayaMwara jhaale seeteche, Sita chose her groom, swayaMwara jhaale seeteche Sita chose her groom

नीलाकाशी जशी भरावी उषःभा लाल neelaakaashee jashee bharaawee As the indigo sky fills with scarlet at dawn uShaHprabhaa laala So Rama’s frame was filled with the तच भर रामगी मध नपरवरताल tasecha bharale raamaangee madhu rhythm of sweet ankle bells. सभामडपी मीलन झा माया­हा nuupuraswarataala In the court was the meeting of transience sabhaamaNDapee meelana jhaale with permanence. वयवर झा सी maayaa­bramhaace Sita chose her groom, वयवर झा सी swayaMwara jhaale seeteche, Sita chose her groom swayaMwara jhaale seeteche

झक थोड राम, जानकी घाली वरमाला jhukale thoDe raama, jaanakee ghaalee Rama leaned forward a little, Janaki waramaalaa bestowed the bridal garland. गगनामाजी व करची करती करताला gaganaamaajee dewa karaaMchee In the heavens, the gods’ hands heartily

Page 18 of 52 यया कानी गजर पोच मगल वा karitee karataalaa applauded. tyaanchyaa kaanee gajara pochale A crescendo of joyous instruments वयवर झा सी maMgala waadyaaMche reached their ears. वयवर झा सी swayaMwara jhaale seeteche, Sita chose her groom, swayaMwara jhaale seeteche Sita chose her groom

अश वणचा राम, धची हता ती सीता aMsha wiShNuchaa raama, dharechee Vishnu’s incarnation Rama, Earth’s duhitaa tee seetaa daughter Sita, गधव सर लाग जयगीता गाता gandharwaaMche suura laagale Heavenly singers hit the notes, singing आकाशाशी जड ना ऐ धरणी jayageetaa gaataa triumphant songs. swayaMwara jhaale seeteche, Thus the sky united with Earth. वयवर झा सी swayaMwara jhaale seeteche Sita chose her groom, वयवर झा सी Sita chose her groom

Page 19 of 52 Rama took great pains to calm the inflamed Lakshman. He said to his mother Kausalya, "Mother, Emperor Dasharath has fallen into misery because I am bound for forest exile. In this circumstance, it is not right for you to leave him and join me. You must stay with him in this painful circumstance." Eventually, Kausalya had to accept Rama's exhortation.

Then, Rama entered Sita's palace. Sita was extremely happy and welcomed Rama. But not only did Rama not accept her welcome, but with elaborate introduction asked for her leave to go into forest exile.

Hearing the word "leave," that devoted wife smiled sadly and said

राघव सीता jethe raaghava tethe Where Raghav Is, There seetaa Sita Is

नरोप माझा कसला घता? niropa maajhaa kasalaa gheta? Why are You taking leave of me? jethe raaghava tethe seetaa Where Raghav is, there Sita is. राघव सीता

या माग चरण चालती jyaa maargee he charaNa chaalatee On what path these feet walk tyaa margee mee tyaanchyaa puDhatee On that path I will follow them. या माग मी यया पढती vanavaasaachee malaa na bheeti I have no fear of forest exile वनवासाची मला न भीत sange aapaNa bhaagya vidhaataa With You securing my luck. jethe raaghava tethe seetaa Where Raghav is, there Sita is. स आपण भाय वधाता

राघव सीता

स असता नाथा, आपण sange asataa naathaa, aapaNa When You are with me, Lord, praasaadaahuni prasanna kaanana The forest is more pleasing than a palace. ासादान सन कानन shiLesa mhaNatila jana siMhaasana People will call "throne" even a stone िशळस हणतल जन सहासन raghukula shekhara waree baisataa Upon which sits the Raghu clan garland. jethe raaghava tethe seetaa Where Raghav is, there Sita is. रघकल खर वरी बसता राघव सीता

Page 20 of 52 वनी ाप, र नशाचर wanee shwaapade, kruura nishaachara Forest predators, vicious demons, bhaya na tayaaMche majasee tiLabhara I have not a bit of fear of them. भय न तय मजसी तळभर puDhatee maage dona dhanurdhara Before and behind, two archers, पढती मा दोन धनधर chaapa tyaaM karee paaThisa bhaataa Quiver­backed, will threaten them. jethe raaghava tethe seetaa Where Raghav is, there Sita is. चाप य करी पाठस भाता राघव सीता

या चरणया लाभासाठी jyaa charaNaaMchyaa laabhaasaaThee For the gain of what feet daDale hote dharaNeepoTee I was concealed in the earth's womb, दड हो धरणीपोटी tyaa charaNaanchaa wiraha shewaTee? Separation from those feet finally? या चरणचा वरह वटी? kaaya diwya he malaa saangataa What is this ordeal you ask of me? jethe raaghava tethe seetaa Where Raghav is, there Sita is. काय दय मला सगता? राघव सीता

कोणासाठी सदनी रा? koNaasaaThee sadanee raahu? For whom should I remain in the palace? ? kaa wirahaachyaa unhaata nhaauu? Why should I suffer the blaze of का वरहाया उहात हाऊ kaa bharataawara chhatre paahu? separation? का भरतावर छ पा? daasya karu kaa kaaraNa nasataa? Why should I see the royal canopy over ? jethe raaghava tethe seetaa Bharat? दाय क का कारण नसता Should I slave when there is no reason? राघव सीता Where Raghav is, there Sita is.

का ककय वर मीळवी तीसरा? kaa kaikayi wara miLawee tisaraa Why did Kaikayee get a third boon? kaa apulyaahee manee manthara Why is Manthara in Your head too? का अप याही मनी मथरा kaa chhaLitaa maga wruthaa antaraa Then why do You torture with का छिळता मग वथा अतरा ekaTeesa maja kaa tyajitaa unnecessary separation? jethe raaghava tethe seetaa Why do you abandon me alone? एकटीस मज का हो यिजता Where Raghav is, there Sita is. राघव सीता

वजनवास या आ दवी wijanawaasa yaa aahe daiwee This forest exile was a fate Thaauka hote malaa shaishawee Known to me since childhood. ठौक हो मला शशवी sukhaduhkhaankita janma maanawee Human birth is filled with contentment and सखःखकत जम मानवी duhkha sukhache preeti laabhataa misery.

Page 21 of 52 ःख सखा ीत लाभता jethe raaghava tethe seetaa In love, misery is contentment. Where Raghav is, there Sita is. राघव सीता

तोडा आपण, मी न तोड toDaa aapaNa, mee na toDite You sever—I am not severing— shata janmaanche apule naate Our relationship of a hundred lifetimes. शत जम अप ना wanawaasaasee meehee yete I too shall enter forest exile. वनवासासी मीही jaayaa­pati kaa dona maanitaa Why do you consider husband and wife ­ jethe raaghava tethe seetaa dual? जाया पत का दोन मानता Where Raghav is, there Sita is. राघव सीता

पतीच छाया, पतीच भषण pateecha chhaayaa, pateecha Husband is shadow. Husband is bhuuShaNa ornament. पातीचरण अखड पजन pateecharaNaanche akhaNDa poojana Complete worship is of the husband's आय नारीजीवन he aaryaanche naareejeewana feet. antaraaya kaa tyaata aaNitaa This is the proper woman's life. अतराय का यात आिणता jethe raaghava tethe seetaa Why do you bring separation into that? राघव सीता Where Raghav is, there Sita is.

मक राहता का हो आता? muka raahataa kaa ho aataa? Why do You remain silent? कतीदा ठऊ चरणी माथा? kiteedaa Theuu charaNee maathaa? How often must I place my head on your asena chukale kuThe bolataa feet? अन चक कठ बोलता kShamaa karaawee jaanakinaathaa If I have erred in my speech, मा करावी जानकनाथा jethe raghava tethe seetaa Forgive, Janaki­lord. Where Raghav is, there Sita is. राघव सीता

Page 22 of 52 The prayers of the townsfolk could not obstruct Rama's chariot. With his brother Lakshman and his wife Janaki, Rama left Ayodhya.

That night, no fire was stoked, no light was lit, no food was cooked in any home in Ayodhya. Like a sea without water, that Raghu town was saddened.

After crossing Ayodhya's border, Rama turned in her direction and saluted her. The chariot continued on its way.

Rama arrived at Shrungawirpur on the banks of the Ganga. The head of the village welcomed them warmly. They spent the night under a tree.

At dawn, ferrymen prepared a boat. Rama, Lakshman, and Sita stepped into the boat. Upon its launch, it turned, and wave upon wave began to push it back to shore. The ferryman and his fellows began to sing,

नकोस नौ परत फ ग nakosa nauke parata Don’t Turn Back, Ferry phiru ga

नकोस नौ परत फ ग, नकोस ग उर भ nakosa nauke parata phiru ga, nakosa Don’t turn back, ferry. Don’t flood, Ganga. gange ura bharu Singing Lord Rama’s name, let us take ीरामा नाम गात या ीरामाला पार क shreeraamaache naama gaata yaa Lord Rama across. shreeraamaalaa paara karu

जय ग जय भागीरथी jaya gange jaya bhagirathee Hail Ganga! Hail Bhagirathi! jaya jaya raama dasharathee Hail hail Rama, son of Dasharath! जय जय राम दाशरथी shreeraamaache naama gaata yaa Singing Lord Rama’s name, let us take ीरामा नाम गात या ीरामाला पार क shreeraamaalaa paara karu Lord Rama across.

ही दवाची उलटी घ hee daiwaachee ulaTee regha This is a reversal of fortune, maathyaawarachaa DhaLawoo megha An overhead rolling cloud. मायावरचा ढळव घ bhaagya aapule apulyaa haate With our fate in our hands, let us push it

Page 23 of 52 भाय आप अप या हा अप यापासन र क apulyaapaasuna doora karuu away. shreeraamaache naama gaata yaa Singing Lord Rama’s name, let us take ीरामा नाम गात या ीरामाला पार क shreeraamaalaa paara karu Lord Rama across.

ी वणचा हा आवतार shree viShNoochaa haa awataara This incarnation of Lord Vishnu ­ bhawa ­ sindhuchyaa karato paar takes us across the Sindhu of existence. भव सध या करतो पार taaraka tyaalaa taaruna neuu Stars to him will we deliver. By the touch तारका याला तान ऊ पदपश सव त padasparShaanne sarwa taru of his feet, we will navigate all. shreeraamaache naama gaata yaa Singing Lord Rama’s name, let us take ीरामा नाम गात या ीरामाला पार क shreeraamaalaa paara karu Lord Rama across.

िजकड जातो राम नश jikaDe jaato raama naresha Where goes king Rama, subhaga subhaga to dakShiNa desh Lucky, lucky is that southern country. सभग सभग तो दिण श aila ayodhyaa paDe ahalyaa, paila This side, Ayodhya will become Ahalya. 4 ऐल अयोया पड अहया, पल उगवतील कपत ugawatila kalpataru That side, kalpataru trees will grow. ीरामा नाम गात या ीरामाला पार क shreeraamaache naama gaata yaa Singing Lord Rama’s name, let us take shreeraamaalaa paara karu Lord Rama across.

कत याची धनी कास kartawyaachee dharunee kaasa Holding fast to responsibility, raama swikaaree haa wanawaasa Rama accepts this forest exile. राम वीकारी ह वनवास daasacha tyaache aapaNa, ka mag We are but his servants. Then why would दासच या आपण, का मग कतयासी परत स kartawyaasee parata saru we shirk our responsibilities? shreeraamaache naama gaata yaa Singing Lord Rama’s name, let us take ीरामा नाम गात या ीरामाला पार क shreeraamaalaa paara karu Lord Rama across.

अतथी असो वा असतो राम atithee aso wa asato raama Be they guests or be it Rama, paila laawiNee apule kaama Ferrying them is our job. पल लावणी अप काम bhalebure te raama jaaNataa, aapaNa Rama understands good and evil. Let us भब राम जाणता, आपण अप काम क apule kaama karu do our job. shreeraamaache naama gaata yaa Singing Lord Rama’s name, let us take ीरामा नाम गात या ीरामाला पार क shreeraamaalaa paara karu Lord Rama across.

ग तझा ह मगल योग gange tujhaa haa mangala yoga O Ganga, this is an auspicious occasion bhagiratha aaNi tujhaa jalaugh for you भगीरथ आिण तझा जलौघ

4 Wish­fulfilling trees. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalpataru

Page 24 of 52 याचा वशज सी तही दिण­शा अमर क tyaachaa waMshaja nesee tuuhee Bhagirath, who brought you here­­­ dakshiNa­deshaa amara karu Immortalize the southern country by ीरामा नाम गात या ीरामाला पार क shreeraamaache naama gaata yaa transporting his descendant. shreeraamaalaa paara karu Singing Lord Rama’s name, let us take Lord Rama across.

पावन गगा, पावन राम paawana gangaa, paawana raamaa Purifier Ganga, purifier Rama. shreeraamaache paadana naam Lord, we ferrymen will always remember ीरामा पादन नाम tridoShanaashee prawaasa ha prabhu, this purifying journey made दोषानाशी वास ह भ, नावका आही नय naawika aamhee nitya smaru While chanting Lord Rama’s name. shreeraamaache naama gaata yaa Singing Lord Rama’s name, let us take म shreeraamaalaa paara karu Lord Rama across. ीरामा नाम गात या ीरामाला पार क

Page 25 of 52 At Rama’s order, Lakshman constructed an ashram on the mountain Chitrakut. Rama conducted the appropriate rites before Rama, Lakshman, and Janaki entered the ashram.

Sumanta entered the palace in an Ayodhya seemingly deserted by the loss of Rama. As he entered, King Dasharatha asked him, doe­eyed and in a trembling voice, “Sumanta, what did my Rama say as he left?” Overwhelmed with emotion, Sumanta said,

बोल इत मज ीराम bolale ituke maja Rama Spoke So to Me shreeraama

वटी करता न णाम shewaTee karitaa namra praNaama Finally, making respectful obeisance, bolale ituke maja shreeraama Rama spoke so to me: बोल इत मज ीराम

अयोस त परत समता ayodhyesa tuu parata sumaMtaa “You return to Ayodhya, Sumanta. kushala amuche kathunee taataa Relate our well­being to father. कशल अम कथनी ताता padawaMdana kari maajhyaakaritaa Revere his feet on my behalf. पदवदन कर मायाकरता taata charaNa te waMdaneeya re Father’s feet, home of a hundred holy shatateerthache dhaama rivers, are worthy of reverence. तात चरण वदनीय शततीथ धाम

अतःपरी या दोघी माता antahpuree tyaa doghee maataa “Those two mothers, in the harem, ateewa duhkhee asateela sootaa Must be extremely sorrowful, O अतीव ःखी असतील सता dheera dei tyaa dharuna shaaMtataa charioteer. धीर इ या धन शतता saukhya aamuche saaMguna Keeping calm, give them courage. tyaaMchyaa shokaa dei wiraam Give relief to their sadness by telling of सौय आम सगन यया शोका इ वराम our contentment.

सग माउली कौससी saaMga maulee kausalyesee “Tell respected mother Kausalya, sukhaata seeta suta wanawaasee ‘Sita and your son are happy in the forest. सखात सीता सत वनवासी poojita jaa tuu nitya agnishee Worship Agni always. पिजत जा त नय अिशी tujhiyaa shrawaNee sadaa asaawaa May monks’ chanting of the sama­veda muniwaraghoShita saama be always in your hearing. तिझया वणी सदा असावा म नवरघोषत साम

Page 26 of 52 वडलपणाची जाणीव सोडनी waDilapaNaachee jaaNeewa soDunee “‘Abandoning awareness of parenthood, sawateeMshee kari wartana jananee Live with the other wives. सवतशी कर वतन जननी magna pateechyaa rahaa puujanee Keep serving your husband who is म पतीया रहा पजनी tawa hRidayaawina tyaa jeewaasee anya absorbed in the citizenry. nase wishraam Outside of your heart, that soul has no तव दयावन या जीवासी अय न वाम refuge.

राजधम त आठव आई raajadharma tuu aaThawa aaee “‘Remember your royal duties, O mother. abhiShiktaate guNa waya naahee The coronated one has no age or inherent अिभषता गण वय नाही de bharataasee maana pratyahee qualities. भरतासी मान यही paDhawa sumaMtaa, winayaane he, Give Bharata every respect.’ saaMguna maajhe naama Affirm this humbly, Sumanta, in my name. पढव समता, वनया , सगन माझ नाम

सग जाउनी कमार भरता saaMga jaaunee kumaara bharataa “Go and tell prince Bharata, , ho yuwaraajaa, sweekaara sattaa ‘Become the crown prince. Accept हो यवराजा वीकार सा prajaajanaaMwara Thewee mamataa authority. जाजनवर ठवी ममता bhoga sukhaachaa akhaNDa gheii, Hold love for the populace. , manee raahee niShkaama Experiencing happiness completely, भोग सखाचा अखड घई मनी राही नकाम remain free from desire in your heart

छ िशरावर त या पया chhatra shiraawara tujhyaa pityaache “‘Father’s royal canopy is over your head. paaLacha watsaa wachana tayaaMche Hold to his promise, son. पाळच वसा वचन तय saarthaka kara tyaa vRiddhapaNaache Make his old age significant. साथक कर या व पणा raajya neeteene karuna waaDhawee By politics, make the Raghu dynasty’s raghuwaMshaache naama name greater. राय नीती कन वाढवी रघवशा नाम

काय सगण तज धीमता kaaya saaMgaNe tuja dheemaMtaa “‘Why am I telling you, sensible one? udaaradhee tuu sarwa jaaNataa Most generous, you, knowing everything. उदारधी त सव जाणता putrawiyogini majhee maataa My mother, separated from her son­­ प वयोगन माझी माता tujhyaa wartane tilaa bhaasawee bharata By your behavior, let her feel that Bharata tocha shreeraama is Rama.’” त या वत तला भासवी भरत तोच ीराम

बोलत बोलत गहवर bolata bolata te gahiwarale As he spoke, he was overcome with kamalanayani tyaa aasuu bharale emotion.

Page 27 of 52 कमलनयन या आस भर karuNa dRishya te ajuna na sarale Tears filled those lotus eyes. gangaateeree saumitreesaha ubhe That sorry sight has not gone away: कण द य अजन न सर गगातीरी सौिमीसह उ जानकी राम jaanakee raama Standing with the son of Sumitra on the banks of the Ganga, Janaki and Rama.

Page 28 of 52 Vasishtha sent servants to fetch Bharat, but he wisely kept the news of Dasharath's death secret. Thinking that Rama may be named heir, Bharat happily left and arrived in Ayodhya.

The Ayodhya he entered stunned him beyond imagination and nightmare. He saw the city's spirit gone. There were no signs of life. He could not understand why. He entered his palace and met his mother, Kaikayi.

Kaikayi said, "I have been eagerly awaiting your arrival! Your father is dead. Rama has gone into forest exile. The throne is vacant for you! Cremate your father and crown yourself! I cannot wait to see my son on the throne. I myself have done this for you."

Bharat could not control his fury at his mother's careless and haughty words. That furious Bharat cried out at his mother,

माता न त व रणी maataa na tuu vairiNee You Are Not a Mother, Enemy

अपतीची नस कया, नस माझी माय ashwapateechee nawhesa kanyaa, You are not the daughter of Ashwapati. nawhesa maajhee maaya You are not my mother. धम यया वशी क या नप, न काय? dharmatmyaanchyaa waMshee krutyaa Can a witch be born to, or assimilate with, ? nipaje, naaMde kaaya a righteous lineage? वध नाथाचा करील मढ पतता का कणी wadha naathaachaa kareela muuDhe Would any dedicated wife cause her lord's माता न त व रणी patiwrataa kaa kuNee death, fool? maataa na tuu vairiNee You are not a mother, enemy.

शा सह त व तोडीला, फळ इिछस वाढ shaakhe saha tuu vrikSha toDeelaa, You broke the tree and its branches, phaLaM icchisi waaDha wanting fruits to grow. आमघातक ाना या गातील भार पवाड aatmaghaataka jnaanaache ya gaateela Bards will sing ballads of this suicidal वीकारीन मी राय त यातव, कत होइल णी bhaara pawaaDa scheme: sweekaareena me raajya tujhyaastawa, I will accept the kingdom for your sake माता न त व रणी kirtee hoila duNee and my fame will be doubled. maataa na tuu vairiNee You are not a mother, enemy.

Page 29 of 52 वनात ाया धाडस त, वग धाड तात wanaata bhraatyaa dhaaDilesa tuu, You sent Brother to the forest, to heaven ? swargi dhaaDile taata you sent Father. ीरामा वकल ता का नच जळ हात shreeraamaante walkala detaa kaa nacha Why did your hands not burn when giving उभी न राही पळभर , काळ कर जा वनी jaLale haata Rama's tree­bark garments? ubhee na raahee paLabhara yethe, kaaLe Without standing here a moment, blacken माता न त व रणी kara jaa wanee your face and go to the forest. maataa na tuu vairiNee You are not a mother, enemy.

नराधार हा भरत पोरका, कठ आसरा आज niraadhaara ha bharata porakaa, kuThe Helpless is this orphan Bharat. Where is aasaraa aaja support today? नप , त िमरव वनी वधयाचा साज niputrike, too mirawa lewunee Childless woman, dress like a widow and , , waidhawyaachaa saaja flaunt it. पडो न छाया तझी पापणी सदनी सहासनी paDo na chhaayaa tujhee paapiNee, Sinful one, let not your shadow fall in the माता न त व रणी sadanee, sinhaasanee palace, on the throne. maataa na tuu vairiNee You are not a mother, enemy.

तला पाहता तषात हो या खडाची धार tulaa paahataa truShaarta hote yaa Seeing you, the edge of this sword , khaDgaachee dhaara becomes thirsty. ीरामची माय परी त कसा क मी वार shreeraamaanchee maaya paree tuu, How can I harm you, who are like Rama's कप हणतल मला ककयी, माता दोघीजणी kasaa karu mee waara mother? kuputra mhaNatila malaa kaikayee, Kaikayee, both my mothers will call me a माता न त व रणी maataa dogheejaNee disgraceful son. maataa na tuu vairiNee You are not a mother, enemy.

कसा शतव शद मी कौसचा शोक kasaa shaaMtawuu shabdaaMne mee How can I soothe, with words, kausalyechaa shoka Kausalyaa's sadness? सिमस या उदासवाण गमतल तही लोक sumitresa tyaa udaasawaaNe gamatila For grief­stricken Sumitra, all three worlds कठया वच नगरजनची क मी समजावणी tinhee loka will be dulled. kuThalyaa wachane nagarajanaancee With what words can I console the माता न त व रणी karu mee samajaawaNee citizens? maataa na tuu vairiNee You are not a mother, enemy.

वनानीही उजाड झा रामावण धाम wanaahuneehee ujaaDa jhaale More desolate than a wilderness has this raamaawiNa he dhaam palace become, without Rama.

Page 30 of 52 वनात हडन धडन आिणन परत भ ीराम wanaata hiNDuna dhuDuna aaNina parata Having wandered through the forest, I will prabhu shreeraama Seek out and bring back Lord Rama. नका आड उ आता कणी मािझया पणी nakaa aaDawe yeu aataa kuNee Let no one now obstruct my resolve. माता न त व रणी maajhiyaa paNee You are not a mother, enemy. maataa na tuu vairiNee

चला समता ा ला एक आप या हाक chalaa sumantaa dyaa senelaa eka Come, Sumanta, give the army our aapulyaa haaka summons. ीरामाला शोधायातव नघोत नजरा लाख shreeraamaalaa shodhaayaastawa To search for Rama, let us take hundreds अिभषकातव या सगती दजाण मनी nighota najaraa laakha of thousands of eyes. abhiShekaastawa ghyaa sangatee For the coronation, bring along monks माता न त व रणी wedajaaNate munee versed in the vedas maataa na tuu vairiNee You are not a mother, enemy.

अल ीरामाचा मकट अपण यास asela tethe shreeraamaachaa mukuTa Present his crown to Rama, wherever he , arpiNe tyaasa is: हाच एकला यास थनी हीच एकली आस haacha ekalaa dhyaas, yethunee heecha This is the only goal; henceforth, this is कालरासी रहा इ त आदत वजनी ekalee aasa the only wish. kaalaraatrasee rahaa ithe tuu aakraMdata Like the black night, you stay here माता न त व रणी wijanee lamenting alone. maataa na tuu vairiNee You are not a mother, enemy.

Page 31 of 52 Rama soothed Lakshman’s anger toward Bharat. Bharat came into Rama’s ashram. Desperately, he embraced Rama’s feet. Rama held him close, and asked after him. With great difficulty, Bharat told the news of their father’s passing.

The shadow of grief fell over the entire ashram. At this time, Rama conducted his father’s last rites. Bharat began saying again and again, “Rama, because of my mother’s foolishness and father’s love for her, you had to become an exile.”

Then, all­knowing Rama said to Bharat,

पराधीन आ जगती paraadheena aahe The Mortal is Bound to jagatee Fate

दवजात ः भरता दोष ना कणाचा daiwajaata duhkhe bharataa doSha naa The living are born to grief, Bharat. It is no kuNaachaa one’s fault. पराधीन आ जगती प मानवाचा paraadheena aahe jagatee putra The mortal, son of man, is bound to fate. maanawaachaa

माय ककयी ना दोषी न दोषी तात maaya kaikayee naa doShee nawhe Mother Kaikayi is not at fault. Father is not doShee taata at fault राययाग काननयाा सव कमजात raajyatyaaga kaananayaatraa sarwa Renunciation of the kingdom and forest ळ चलला माया पवसिचताचा karmajaata journey are all born out of karma, kheLa chalalaase maajhyaa The playing out of my account of merit पराधीन आ जगती प मानवाचा poorwasaMchitaachaa and demerit from previous lives. paraadheena aahe jagatee putra The mortal, son of man, is bound to fate. maanawaachaa

अत उनतीचा पतनी होइ या जगात anta unnateechaa patanee hoi ya jagaata What rises, eventually falls, in this world. , sarwa saMgrahaachaa watsaa, naasha Everything accumulated, son, is सव स हाचा वसा नाश हाच अत haacha anta eventually destroyed. वयोगाथ मीलन हो म हा जगाचा wiyogaartha meelana hote nema ha Meeting only to part is the rule of this jagaachaa world. पराधीन आ जगती प मानवाचा paraadheena aahe jagatee putra The mortal, son of man, is bound to fate.

Page 32 of 52 maanawaachaa

िजवास ज म य जोड जमजात jiwaasawe janme mrityuu joDa janmajaata By birth we are bound to life and death. dise bhaasate te saare wishwa What we see and feel is all perishable. द भास सा व नाशवत naashawanta Why do you mourn, silly, the fruits of काय शोक करसी डा विनया फळचा kaaya shoka karisee weDyaa dreams? swapnichyaa phaLaancaa The mortal, son of man, is bound to fate. पराधीन आ जगती प मानवाचा paraadheena aahe jagatee putra maanawaachaa

तात वगवासी झा, बध वनात taata swargawaasee jhaale, bandhu ye Father became a dweller in heaven, wanaata brother in this forest. अतय ना झा काही जरी अकमात atarkya naa jhaale kaahee jaree What happened was sudden but not मरण कपशी थ तक जाणयचा akasmaata incomprehensible. maraNa kalpaneshee thaambe tarka Those who understand logic halt at the पराधीन आ जगती प मानवाचा jaaNatyaanchaa thought of death. paraadheena aahe jagatee putra The mortal, son of man, is bound to fate. maanawaachaa

जरामरण यातन सटला कोण ािणजात jaraamaraNa yaatuna suTalaa koNa Which living soul escaped old age and praaNijaata death? ःखम त जगला का कणी जीवनात duhkhamukta jagalaa kaa re kuNee Who ever lived a life free of sorrow? वधमान चा माग याचा jeewanaata Everything in the present walks the path wardhamaana te te chaale maarga re to annihilation. पराधीन आ जगती प मानवाचा kShayaachaa The mortal, son of man, is bound to fate. paraadheena aahe jagatee putra maanawaachaa

दोन ओडयची हो सागरात ट dona onDakyaaMchee hote saagaraata Two wooden blocks meet in the ocean. bheTa One wave breaks the two apart, never to एक लाट तोडी दोघ प हा नाह गाठ eka laaTa toDee doghaaM punhaa naahi meet again. िणक व आ बाळा ळ माणसचा gaaTha Similarly, son, union of people is also kShaNika tewi aahe baaLaa meLa momentary. पराधीन आ जगती प मानवाचा maaNasaanchaa The mortal, son of man, is bound to fate. paraadheena aahe jagatee putra maanawaachaa

Page 33 of 52 नको आस ढाळ आता पस लोचनास nako aasu DhaaLu aataa pusa Hold back your tears. Wipe your eyes. lochanaasa Your journey and mine are different. तझा आिण माझा आ गळा वास tujhaa aaNi maajhaa aahe wegaLaa You become king in Ayodhya, I a wretch अयोत हो त राज रक मी वनीचा prawaasa in the forest. ayodhyeta ho tuu raaja ranka mee The mortal, son of man, is bound to fate. पराधीन आ जगती प मानवाचा waneechaa paraadheena aahe jagatee putra maanawaachaa

नको आहा मजसी परतवस यथ nako aagrahaane majasee paratawuusa Do not needlessly insist on my return. wyartha Let us both be satisfied in compliance with पवचन पाळन दोघ होउ कताथ pitruwachana paaLoona doghe hou re our pledge to Father, मकटकवच धारण कर का ष तापसाचा krutaartha Whether wearing the crown and armor or mukuTakawacha dhaaraNa kari kaa the hermit’s clothes. पराधीन आ जगती प मानवाचा weSha taapasaachaa The mortal, son of man, is bound to fate. paraadheena aahe jagatee putra maanawaachaa

सपयावना ही वष दशोरी चार saMpalyaawinaa hee warShe dashottaree “Unless these four upon ten years are chaar over, अयोस नाही ण सय वार ayodhyesa naahee yeNe satya he Come not to Ayodhya,” is the truth तच एक वामी आता रायसपचा triwaara thrice­said. toocha eka swaamee aataa You are now the one master of the पराधीन आ जगती प मानवाचा raajyasaMpadechaa kingdom­treasure. paraadheena aahe jagatee putra The mortal, son of man, is bound to fate. maanawaachaa

प हा नको उ कोणी र या वनात punhaa nako yeu koNee duura yaa Let none come again to this distant forest. wanaata Sentiments of love for you endure in my मभाव तमचा माया जागता मनात premabhaawa tumachaa maajhyaa heart.

मान वाढवी त लोकी अयोयापरीचा jaagataa manaata Please spread Ayodhya’s honor to the maana waaDhawee tuu lokee world. पराधीन आ जगती प मानवाचा ayodhyaapureechaa The mortal, son of man, is bound to fate. paraadheena aahe jagatee putra maanawaachaa

Page 34 of 52 Page 35 of 52 With his warrior instincts stoked by recognition of those flowers, Rama continued searching for Sita. On his way, he encountered a great bird, lying on the ground, covered in blood. Thinking it was a demon who had devoured Sita, Rama aimed an arrow at it. Then, vomiting foam and blood, that king of birds Jatayu said to Rama,

पळविल रावण सीता paLawili raawaNe Ravana Kidnapped Sita seetaa

मरणोमख याला का मारसी प हा रघनाथा maraNonmukhee tyaalaa kaa re maarisee Raghu­lord, why do you strike, again, one , punhaa raghunaathaa about to die? अडवता खलासी पडलो पळविल रावण सीता aDawitaa khalaasee paDalo, paLawili Obstructing him, I fell, expired. Ravana raawaNe seetaa kidnapped Sita.

पाहली जधी मी जाता paahilee jadhee mee jaataa When I saw raamaawiNa raJnee seetaa Queen Sita going without Rama... रामावण राी सीता dewarahee saMge nawhataa Nor was brother­in­law with her. वरही स नहता mee baLe uDaalo, raamaa, rodhile I flew mightily, Rama, blocked the rathaachyaa paMthaa chariot’s path. मी बळ उडालो, रामा, रोध रथाया पथा

तो नशस रावण कामी to nrushaMsa raawaNa kaamee That nefarious lustful Ravana...

त तला का धामी netase tilaa kaa dhaamee Why he must be taking her home... jaaNile saare manee mee I knew fully in my heart. जािण सा मनी मी chaawale tayaachyaa haataa, haaNile he I bit his hand, hit his head with these चाव तयाया हाता, हािण पख माथा paMkha maathaa wings.

रिया रामराीसी rakShiNyaa raamaraaJneesee To protect Rama’s queen, jhuMjalo ghora mee tyaasee I fought him violently, झजलो घोर मी यासी toDile kawachamukuTaasee Broke breastplate and crown, तोड कवचमकटासी laawu nacha didhale baaNaa, sparshu Didn’t allow him to set an arrow, didn’t naa didhalaa bhaataa allow him to touch quiver. लाव नच दध बाणा, पश ना दधला भाता

Page 36 of 52 सवगा दध डख sarwaaMgaa didhale DaMkha Delivered blows to his whole body, wajraasama maarita paMkha Pummeling wings like thunderbolts. वासम मारत पख kheLalo dwaMdwa nihshanka Fearlessly I clashed with him. ळलो नःशक paaDalaa saarathi khaalee, khai to Threw down the charioteer who ate mule kharaachyaa laathaa kicks. पाडला सारथ खाली, खाइ तो खराया लाथा

सानी र वीस saarunee doora deweesa Moving the queen away, moDilaa rathaachaa aaMsa Broke the chariot’s axle, मोडला रथाचा आस bhaMgile ubhaya chakraasa Shattered both wheels. भ ग उभय चास ThechaLuni gardabha paDale, Colliding mules fell, one tripping over the dusryaachyaa thaTunee pretaa other’s corpse. ठचाळ न गदभ पड, सयया थटनी ता

लोळ छह खाली loLale chhatrahi khaalee The royal canopy, too, sprawled down. yuddhaachee seemaa jhaalee It was a profuse battle. य ाची सीमा झाली mee shartha, raaghawaa, kelee I bested him, Raghav. मी शथ, राघवा, ली dhaawalaa ugaaruna khaDgaa paulastee He pounced, brandishing sword, gnashing chaawita daataa teeth. धावला उगान खडा पौलती चावत दाता

पख दयावरती he paMkha chhedilyaawaratee After these wings were severed, मी पडलो धरतीवरती mee paDalo dharateewaratee I fell upon the earth. tee tharathara kaape yuwatee That maiden shook trembling. ती थरथर का यवती taDaphaDaata jhaalaa maajhaa, tija I floundered as he took her in his arms. तडफडात झाला माझा, तज कत या घता kaweta tyaane ghetaa

मम ाण लोचनी उरला mama praaNa lochani uralaa My life force remained in my eyes. mee taree paahilaa tyaalaa At least I saw him. मी तरी पाहला याला to gaganapathaane gelaa He went along the skyway. तो गगनपथा ला laaDakii tujhee samraJnee aakraMdata Your dear queen was shrieking as she hotee jaataa went. लाडकी तझी साी आदत होती जाता

Page 37 of 52 When all Lanka was aflame, Hanuman calmly doused his tail in the sea, and returned through the sky to Rama. Rama positively identified the gem given by Sita and embraced Hanuman in extreme joy.

With countless monkeys, Rama and Lakshman left for the south. They all reached the shores of the ocean. Rama wondered how to make a crossing of the ocean. For three days, he meditated on the ocean and finally, frustrated, drew his weapon upon it. Fearing Rama’s arrows, the ocean displayed its manifestation. Respectfully, it said to Rama, “In your army, there is a monkey named Nala. He is the son of Vishwakarmi. Have him build a bridge. I will gladly support it on my chest.”

Rama gave an order to Nala and, singing, the monkeys began building a bridge on the ocean.

त बधा सागरी setu baaMdhaa re Build a Bridge Over the saagaree Sea

गरराज ह नखळनी giriraajaaMche deha nikhaLuunee Grabbing the bodies of king­hills, gajaaMgashaa tyaa shiLaa uchalunee Lifting those elephantine boulders, गजगशा या िशळा उचलनी jalaata dyaa re jawe Dhakalunee Push them quickly into the water. जलात ा ज ढकलनी setubandhane joDuna oDhaa sameepa Connecting cables, draw Lanka closer. laMkaapuree तबध जोडन ओढा समीप लकापरी

फका झाड, फका डगर phekaa jhaaDe, phekaa DoMgara Throw trees, throw mountains. pruShTee jhelila tyaaMnaa saagara The ocean will catch them on its back. प ी झिलल यना सागर oDhaa pruThWee pailataTaawara Pull the earth on the other shore. 5 ओढा वी पलतटावर waDawaagnee to dhareela maathee setu Vadavagni will hold the bridge on his sheShaaparee head like Shesha6. वडवाी तो धरील माथी त षापरी

5 The mythical form of the fire god Agni, who lives under the ocean. 6 Referring to the mythical giant serpent that upholds the earth. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shesha.

Page 38 of 52 रामभित दाट न पोटी raamabhakti ye daaTuni poTee Let devotion to Rama swell in your gut! shatateerthaaMchyaa lawalyaa paaThee The backs of a hundred holy rivers bowed शततीथया लवया पाठी satkaaryaachyaa pathikaasaaThee For those on the path of good works. सकायया पथकासाठी shreeraamaalaa asecha ghetee waanara Just so, the monkeys take Rama on their paaTheewaree backs. ीरामाला अच घती वानर पाठीवरी

नळसा ता सहज लाभता naLasaa netaa sahaja laabhataa Easily finding a leader like Nala, koTee koTee haata raabataa With millions of hands laboring, कोटी कोटी हात राबता praaraMbhee ghe rupa saaMgataa The end shaped in the beginning. ारभी घ प सगता paaShaaNacha he pahaa leelayaa taratee Behold! Boulders are lightly floating on the paaNyaawaree water. पाषाणच पहा लीलया तरती पायावरी

चरण भ जळात िशरता charaNa prabhuche jaLaata shirataa As the Lord’s feet entered the water, sakaLa nadyaaMnaa yeii teerthataa All the rivers gained sanctity. सकळ नना ई तीथता aarambhaastawa adhira puurttataa Ready and eager to begin, shiLaa hounee jaDoo laagalyaa, laaTaa Becoming boulders, waves built upon आरभातव अधर प ता laaTaaMwaree waves. िशळा होउनी जड लागया, लाटा लाटवरी

गज, गज वानरगण garjaa, garjaa he waanaragaNa Roar, roar O monkey troop! , raghupatee raaghawa, pateetapaawana “Lord of the Raghus, Raghav, redeemer of रघपती राघव पतीतपावन jaya laMkaaree, jaanakijeewana the fallen! जय लकारी, जानकजीवन yuddhaaaadhee jhaDu laagu dyaa Hail Lanka­foe, soul of Janaki!” sphoorteechyaa bheree Before the war, let inspiring bugles य ाआधी झड लाग ा फतया री resound.

त नच हा त मचा setuu nacha haa kratu shramaaMchaa Not a bridge, this, a sacrifice of labor for wishaala hetu shreeraamaachaa Rama’s great purpose, वशाल त ीरामाचा mahimaa tyaanchyaa The majesty of his holy name. महमा यया शभनामाचा shubhanaamaachaa The very four directions stop short, thabakuni baghati saMghakaarya he stupefied, and stare at this collaboration. थबक न बघत सघकाय तध दशा चारी stabdha dishaa chaaree

भभःकानी पटवा डका bhubhuHkaarunee piTawaa DaMkaa Loudly beat the drums. wijayee raaghava, haralee laMkaa Rama triumphs, Lanka loses. वजयी राघव, हरली लका

Page 39 of 52 म त थली, कशास शका mukta maithilee, kashaasa shankaa No doubt, Maithili is free. seturupa haa jhotacha shiralaa dubaLyaa A blaze in the form of this bridge entered त प हा झोतच िशरला बया अधारी aMdhaaree the feeble darkness.

Page 40 of 52 Rama ordered Vibhishana to conduct Ravana’s last rites. Rama said, “Enmity ends at death. What is done is done. Therefore, conduct his last rites. He was as much mine as he is yours.” There was a flood of grief in Ravana’s harem. Rama removed his war garb, and assumed his peacetime clothing.

He commanded Hanuman, “O monkey general, convey to Janaki the news of our victory.”

Extreme joy left Sita speechless when she heard the news as told by Maruti. She said only, “I wish for an audience with my gracious husband.”

Hanuman relayed Sita’s situation to Rama, whose eyes welled. He commanded Vibhishana, “Bring Sita to me immediately.”

Sita came before Rama. Husband and wife saw each other’s faces. King of kings Ramachandra, in peaceful tones, said to Janakanandinee,

लीन, चा, सी leenate, chaarute, seete Modest, Beautiful Sita

कती य मी प हा पाहली त kitee yatne mee punhaa paahilee tuute After such ordeals I see you again, leenate, chaarute, seete Modest, beautiful Sita. लीन, चा सी

सप भयानक य saMpale bhayaanaka yuddha The dreadful war is over. daMDilaa puraa aparaadha The crime was thoroughly punished. द डला परा अपराध maawaLalaa aataa krodha The wrath has now subsided. मावळला आता ोध mee kele je, uchita nrupate hote What I did was properly kingly. leenate, chaarute, seete Modest, beautiful Sita. मी , उिचत नप हो लीन, चा सी

Page 41 of 52 घतली रानी मी ाण ghetalee raanee mee praaNa I took lives on the battlefield, , naashilaa ripu, apamaana Destroyed the enemy, the outrage. नािशला रप अपमान uMchaawe phirunee maana I can hold up my head high again. उचा फनी मान tada bhaagyaane waanara Tharale jete With your luck the monkeys proved leenate, chaarute, seete champions. तदा भाया वानर ठर लीन, चा सी Modest, beautiful Sita.

शदची झाली पत shabdaanchee jhaalee poortee Promises were fulfilled. niShkalanka jhaalee keerti Reputations became spotless. नकलक झाली कीत paahilee priyechee murti I saw my beloved’s image. पाहली ची म त mee shauryaane waakawile daiwaate I, by bravery, humbled destiny. leenate, chaarute, seete Modest, beautiful Sita. मी शौय वाकव दवा लीन, चा सी

तजसाठी सागर तरला tujasaaThee saagara taralaa For you who swam across the ocean, to krutaartha waanara jhaalaa That monkey was gratified: तो कताथ वानर झाला sugreewa yashaHshreelyaalaa Sugreev wore a wealth of success. स ीव यशःीयाला suralalanaahee gaatee mangala geete Even goddesses sing joyous songs. leenate, chaarute, seete Modest, beautiful Sita. सरललनाही गाती मगल गी लीन, चा सी

त यामळ झा he tujhyaamuLe ge jhaale This happened because of you. tujasaaThee naahee kele It was not done for you. तजसाठी नाही mee kalanka maajhe dhutale I washed all my blames. मी कलक माझ धत gatalaukika ge laabhe raghuwaMshaate Restored the lost reputation of the Raghu leenate, chaarute, seete dynasty. गतलौकक ला रघवशा Modest, beautiful Sita. लीन, चा सी

जो णाइत चा jo rugNaaita netraancha For one with biased eyes, deepotsawa tyaate kaichaa What is a festival of lights? दीपोसव या कचा mani saMshaya apaghaataachaa Suspecting betrayal in my heart, मन सशय अपघाताचा mee wishwaasoo kewi tujhyaawara How can I trust in you, my wife?

Page 42 of 52 मी वास व त यावर का kaante Modest, beautiful Sita. leenate, chaarute, seete लीन, चा सी

तो रावण कामी कपटी to raawaNa kaamee kapaTee That Ravan, lustful, vicious... tu wasalisa tyaachyaa nikaTee You dwelt in his vicinity. त वसिलस याया नकटी nayanaaNsaha paapee bhrukuTee His brows as sinful as his eyes... नयनासहा पापी भकटी maja wadawenaa spaShTa yaahunee I cannot speak more explicitly than this. bhalate Modest, beautiful Sita. मज वदना प यानी भल leenate, chaarute, seete लीन, चा सी

मी नजकायसी mee kele nijakaaryaasee I did my duty. dashadishaa mokaLyaa tujasee The ten directions are open to you. दशदषा मोकया तजसी nacha maaga anuGYaa majasee Ask not for my permission. नच माग अन ा मजसी sakhee, sarale te doghaaNmadhale naate My friend, the relationship between us is , leenate, chaarute, seete no more. सखी सर दोघमध ना Modest, beautiful Sita. लीन, चा सी

Page 43 of 52 The citizens of Ayodhya took Rama to his palace. At an appropriate time, Rama and Sita were crowned king and queen. The reign of Rama commenced.

Rama honored Sugreeva, Angadha, and the entire monkey army. Indeed, he adopted Sugreeva as his younger brother, and asked him to return to Kishkindha. He showered Vibhishana with honors, and requested that he return to Lanka. While this parting ceremony was in progress, Hanuman came before Rama. Holding tightly to Rama’s feet, he said with great emotion,

भो, मज एकच वर ावा prabho, maja ekacha Lord, Grant Me a Single wara dyaawaa Boon

भो, मज एकच वर ावा prabho, maja ekacha wara dyaawaa Lord, grant me a single boon. yaa charaNaMchyaa Thayee maajhaa Let my faith remain unmoving at these या चरणया ठायी माझा नल भाव रहावा nischala bhaawa rahaawaa feet.

कध न चळा चचल मन kadhi na chaLaawe chaMchala he mana Let this flighty mind never wander, , shreeraamaa, yaa charaNaaMpaasun O Rama, away from these feet. ीरामा या चरणपासन jowari bhoowara raamakathaanaka Let me live as long as Rama’s story is on जोवर भवर रामकथानक तोवर जम असावा towara janma asaawaa earth.

रामकथा नत वद गावी raamakathaa nita wadane gaawee May Rama’s story be always sung by my raamakathaa yaa shrawaNee yaawee mouth. रामकथा या वणी यावी shreeraamaa, maja shreeraamaawiNa May Rama’s story come to these ears. ीरामा, मज ीरामावण सरा छद नसावा dusara ChaMda nasaawaa O Rama, may I have no occupation but Rama.

पावन अप चर वीरा paawana apule charitra weeraa Hero, your history sanctifies. saaMgu deta maja dewa apsaraa Let gods and heavenly nymphs tell it to सग त मज व असरा shrawaNaarthee prabhu, amarapaNaa me. वणाथ भ, अमरपणा या दीनासी यावा yaa deenaasee yaawaa To hear it, lord, let this immortality come to this supplicant.

Page 44 of 52 घासम मी अखड ािशन meghaasama mee akhaNDa praashina Like a cloud, I will drink the complete asela tethuna shreeraamaayaNa Chronicle of Rama from wherever it is. अल थन ीरामायण meghaapari mee shatadhaariMnee Like a cloud, I will make a hundred­stream घापर मी शतधारनी करीन वषवा kareena warShaawaa shower.

रामक चतन गायन raamakatheche chiMtana gaayana Meditation upon and singing of Rama’s te raamaache amoorta darshana story: रामा अमत दशन icChaamaatre yaa daasaate That is Rama’s unmanifest presence. इछामा या दासा रघकलदीप दसावा raghukuladeepa disaawaa By mere wish, let this servant see the light of the Raghu lineage.

जोवर जग, जोवर भाषण jowari he jaga, jowari bhaaShaNa While this world, while utterance exists, towari nutana nita raamaayaNa The chronicle of Rama is always new. तोवर नतन नत रामायण saptaswaraaMnee raamakathechaa May the seven notes give me the taste of सतवरनी रामकचा वाद मला ावा swaada malaa dyaawaa Rama’s story.

अस य वद, अस य भाषा, asaMkhya wadane, asaMkhya bhaaShaa, Countless mouths, countless languages, sakalaaMchee maja ekacha aashaa From all I have but one expectation: सकलची मज एकच आशा shreeraamaachaa charitra gaurawa The honorable story of Rama should be ीरामाचा चर गौरव यानी सगावा tyaanee saaMgaawaa told by them.

स म स मतम ह धनी sookShma sookShmatama deha Taking subtler and subtler bodies, , dharunee I shall roam the earth, roam the skies. फन अवनी फन गगनी phirena awanee, phirena gaganee Let me, though, receive the tale of Rama थली थली पण रामकचा लाभ मला हावा sthalee sthalee paNa raamakathechaa in every place. laabha malaa whaawaa

Page 45 of 52 Sita told Rama her cravings. Rama respected her wishes with humor. He said, “I will fulfill your wishes sooner than soon.”

On the day following this pleasant exchange between husband and wife, a spy named Bhadra told Rama, “Your highness, the entire population thanks you for your great works of building the bridge and killing Ravana, but...”

He hesitated to continue.

“But what? Tell the truth, the whole truth, without fear.”

Bhadra replied, “One thing the people do not understand is why Rama took back, as his wife, Sita, who lived with Ravana. They also do not understand how you can be happy, loving her?”

Guardian of the people, Rama was dejected. He ordered Lakshman, “O Lakshman, take Janaki near Valmiki’s ashram and leave her there.”

Lakshman took Janaki into the woodlands. Sita thought her cravings were being fulfilled. When Lakshman sternly told her what was happening, her sorrow overflowed without bound. She sobbed to Lakshman,

मज सग लमणा, जाऊ कठ maja saanga Tell Me Lakshman, lakShmaNaa, jauu Where to Go kuThe

मज सग लमणा, जाउ कठ? maja saaMga lakShmaNaa, jaau kuThe? Tell me Lakshman, where to go? ? paticharaNa punhaa mee paahuu kuThe? Where can I see my husband's feet पतचरण प हा मी पा कठ again?

कठोर झाली कणा kaThora jhaalee jethe karuNaa Where compassion has become

Page 46 of 52 गळी तिमा अणा giLee tamistraa jethe aruNaa calloused, paawaka jiMke jethe waruNaa Where darkness has swallowed the पावक ज वणा je shaashwata tyachaa deTha tuTe morning sun, 7 शात याचा ठ त maja saaMga lakShmaNaa, jaau kuThe? Where fire has won over Varuna , , ? The stem of the everlasting is broken. मज सग लमणा जाउ कठ Tell me Lakshman, where to go?

यथ िशणव माता जनका wyartha shiNawile maataa janakaa In vain did I make mother and Janaka toil, , mee nacha jaaya, nawhe kanyakaa I am neither wife nor daughter, मी नच जाय न कयका nikaShacha maanee kaase kanakaa Touchstone assays gold worthless, नकषच मानी का कनका siddheecha tapaalaa aaja wiTe Attainment is fed up of struggle today. maja saaMga lakShmaNaa, jaau kuThe? Tell me Lakshman, where to go? सीच तपाला आज व मज सग लमणा, जाउ कठ?

अी ठरला असयवता agnee Tharalaa asatyawaktaa Agni proved a false witness. naastika Tharawee dewacha bhaktaa God judged a devotee atheist. नाितक ठरवी वच भता patiwrataa mee tari parityaktaa Faithful wife, I am yet abandoned. पतता मी तरी परयता charaNiMchyaa dharesee kaMpa suTe Earth underfoot releases a tremor. maja saaMga lakShmaNaa, jaau kuThe? Tell me Lakshman, where to go? चरणया धसी कप स मज सग लमणा, जाउ कठ?

ाण तनतन उड पाहती praaNa tanutuna uDuu paahatee Soul looks to fly out of body, ? awayawa kaa maga bhaara waahatee? Why are limbs bearing the burden? अवयव का मग भार वाहती baahatase maja shreebhaagirathee Bhagirathi carries me. बाहत मज ीभागरथी aDakhaLe aMtichaa wipaLa kuThe? Where is the final moment stuck? maja saaMga lakShmaNaa, jaau kuThe? Tell me Lakshman, where to go? अडखळ अ तचा वपळ कठ? मज सग लमणा, जाउ कठ?

सर जीवन, सरली सीता sarale jeewana, saralee seetaa Life is over, Seeta is over, punarjaata mee aataa maataa Reborn am I as a mother. पनजत मी आता माता jagena raghukula­deepaakaritaa I will live for the light of the Raghu race.

7 The ocean god. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varuna

Page 47 of 52 जन रघकल­दीपाकरता phala dharee rupa he sumana miTe This flower closes, transforming into fruit. maja saaMga lakShmaNaa, jaau kuThe? Tell me Lakshman, where to go? फल धरी प समन िम मज सग लमणा, जाउ कठ?

वनात वजनी मभमीवर wanaata wijanee marubhoomeewara In a forest lonely, on barren land, waaDhaweena mee haa waMshaakura I will raise the progeny of the dynasty. वाढवीन मी हा वशाकर sukhaata naaMde raajaa raghuwara May the king, the greatest of the Raghus, सखात न राजा रघवर jaanakee janaatuna aaja uThe live happily, maja saaMga lakShmaNaa, jaau kuThe? While Janaki is banished from people. जानकी जनातन आज उठ Tell me Lakshman, where to go? मज सग लमणा, जाउ कठ?

जाई वरा परा मागती jaaee dewaraa puraa maagutee Go back to town, O brother­in­law, shirase maajhe swara maja rupatee My own words pierce my skull. िशर माझ वर मज पती patee na raaghawa kewaLa nrupatee Not a husband, Raghav is solely a king. 8 पती न राघव वळ नपती bolataa punhaa hee jeebha thaTe Saying it again, this tongue knots . maja saaMga lakShmaNaa, jaau kuThe? Tell me Lakshman, where to go? बोलता प हा ही जीभ थ मज सग लमणा, जाउ कठ?

इथन व द मी मातना ithuna waMdite mee maataaMnaa I bow before the mothers from here. praNaama pochawi raghunaathaaMnaa Convey obeisance to the lord of the णाम पोचव रघनाथना aashirwacha tuja ghe jaataanaa Raghus. आिशवच तज घ जाताना aaNakhee oThee naa shabda phuTe Take my blessings before leaving. maja saaMga lakShmaNaa, jaau kuThe? Further words spring not from lips. आणखी ओठी ना शद फ Tell me Lakshman, where to go? मज सग लमणा, जाउ कठ?

8 Referring to the previous line in which the same word is used for husband, patee, as well as king, nru­patee.

Page 48 of 52 Leaving this question unanswered, the son of Sumitra left the pregnant Sita on the other side of the Ganga, and returned with difficulty. Rama tended to his royal duties. Sita entered the service of the great soul, Valmiki, who cared for her like a daughter. Soon, she gave birth to twin sons. To protect them from the influence of evil spirits, Valmiki circled the boys’ bodies with enchanted lav and kush grass. Thus, they began to be called Lav and Kush. Under Valmiki’s guidance, they grew out of childhood and began to look like men. They were twelve years of age.

Rama, lord of Ayodhya, was ruling responsibly. He decided to begin the foremost sacrifice, the Rajasuya9. For that ceremony, a thousand kings, monks, and citizens collected in Ayodhya. Valmiki had also arrived with his pupils, the young heroes, Lav and Kush. All­seeing Valmiki commanded Lav and Kush,

गा बाळनो ी रामायण gaa baLaaMno shree Sing, Lads, the raamaayaNa Chronicle of Rama

रघराजाया नगरी जाउन raghuraajaachyaa nagaree jaauna Traveling to the city of king Raghu, gaa baaLaaMno shree raamaayaNa Sing, lads, the chronicle of Rama. गा बाळनो ी रामायण

म नजन­प नत सदनमधनी munijana­poonita sadanaaMmadhunee Through sage­blessed houses, naraadhipaaMchyaa niwaasasthaanee On the estates of nobility, नराधपया नवासथानी upamaargaatuna, raajapathaatuni Freely diffuse byways and highways उपमागतन, राजपथात न mukta darawaLo tumache gaayana With your song. gaa baaLaaMno shree raamaayaNa Sing, lads, the chronicle of Rama. म त दरवळो तम गायन गा बाळनो ी रामायण

रसाळ म , फ वनी rasaaLa mule, phale sewunee Savoring juicy roots and fruits, rasaaLataa ghyaa swaraata bharunee Fill voices with sweetness. रसाळता या वरात भनी achuka gheta jaa swaraaM miLawunee Orchestrate the notes exactly. अचक घत जा वर िमळवनी laya­taalaaMche paaLaa bandhana Observe the strictures of rhythm and

9 See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajasuya

Page 49 of 52 लय­ताल पाळा बधन gaa baaLaaMno shree raamaayaNa beat. Sing, lads, the chronicle of Rama. गा बाळनो ी रामायण

नगर लाभता लोकमायता nagari laabhataa lokamaanyataa Gaining celebrity in the city. jaaila waartaa shreeraghunaathaaM News will travel to the lord of the Raghus. जाइल वात ीरघनाथ utsuka houna shrawaNakaritaa Eager will he be for a listening. उसक होउन वणकरता karawiteela te tumhaa nimaMtraN He will cause an invitation to be made. gaa baaLaaMno shree raamaayaNa Sing, lads, the chronicle of Rama. करवतील त हा नम ण गा बाळनो ी रामायण

सग म या परता यानी sargakrama ghyaa purataa dhyaanee Complete each stanza in order, bhaawa umaTu dyaa spaShTa gaayanee single­mindedly. भाव उमट दया प गायनी thoDe thoDe gaata pratidinee Let the song clearly illuminate the थोड थोड गात तदनी puurNa katheche saadhaa chitraNa sentiments. gaa baaLaaMno shree raamaayaNa Singing little by little, each day, पण क साधा िचण Execute the composition of the complete गा बाळनो ी रामायण story. Sing, lads, the chronicle of Rama.

नका सग नाव ाम वा nakaa saaMgu re naawa graama waa Tell not name nor origin. swataHs maajhe shiShyacha mhaNawaa Identify yourselves only as my pupils. वतःस माझ िशयच हणवा swaraata Thewaa haasya goDawaa Keep smiling sweetness in your voices. वरात ठवा हाय गोडवा yogya tewaDhe bolaa bhaaShaNa Utter only appropriate speech. gaa baaLaaMno shree raamaayaNa Sing, lads, the chronicle of Rama. योय वढ बोला भाषण

गा बाळनो ी रामायण

व ऐकता नप शजय swaye aikataa nrupa shatruMjaya When the king, victor over foes, himself is saMyata asu dyaa mudraa abhinaya listening, सयत अस ा म ा अिभनय kaawya nawhe, haa amrutasaMchaya Keep composed your facial expressions. काय न, हा अमतसचय aadareela tyaa raghukulabhooShaNa Not just poetry, this bounty of nectar of gaa baaLaaMno shree raamaayaNa immortality आदरील या रघकलभषण Will honor the jewel of the Raghu dynasty. गा बाळनो ी रामायण Sing, lads, the chronicle of Rama.

Page 50 of 52 नच वीकरा धना कचन nacha sweekaraa dhanaa kaaMchana Accept not money nor gold, , nako daana re, nako dakShiNaa No donation nor remunerations. नको दान नको दिणा kaaya dhanaache moolya munijanaaM What value of wealth to ascetics? काय धना म य म नजन awaghyaa aashaa shreeraamaarpaNa All hopes are in dedication to Rama. gaa baaLaaMno shree raamaayaNa Sing, lads, the chronicle of Rama. अवया आशा ीरामापण गा बाळनो ी रामायण

Page 51 of 52 About the Author Transliteration Translators Gajanan Digambar Madgulkar (October 1, Transliteration allows people unfamiliar Mr. Govind Deshmukh 1919 – December 14, 1977) was a with Devanagari script to find the Mr. Bhushan Naniwadekar prominent poet, lyricist, writer and actor. translation for songs while they are Mr. Satish Palshikar These popular poems were excerpted and performed. Mrs. Maneesha S. Pandit transcribed from his original collection of Dr. Sudhakar M. Pandit 56. Transliteration has been done using the Mr. Subhash Phatak ITRANS scheme. The strict rules of this Mrs. Alaka Sarangdhar Transcriptions and Marathi introductions scheme produces results that are Mr. Sanjay Vankudre are from Geet Ramayan by G. D. unconventional, but represent the Madgulkar, 9th edition, published by the original script without ambiguity. Government of India Editors Online Resources Mr. Milind S. Pandit ([email protected]) Download Mrs. Sanjyot M. Pandit Google Docs: http://docs.google.com

Visit http://bit.ly/GeetRamayana or scan Google Transliterate: Last revision: 30 May 2012, 7:31 AM http://google.com/transliterate

Online version of A dictionary, Marathi and English by James Thomas This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Molesworth: Attribution­NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. http://dsal.uchicago.edu/dictionaries/mol esworth/

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