Rāmāyana | Kiṣkindha Kaṇḍa | Chapter 1

1. Rāma Sees the Pampa Lake

[Rāma reaches the Pampa lake when spring is about to set in. He describes the charming scene that he sees, always correlating it with his sorrow. Lakṣmaṇa consoles him. Sugrīva sees Rāma coming to his place and he is scared.]

Rāma reached the lake which was filled with fishes day and night lotuses along with Lakṣmaṇa and having gone there lamented like a distressed man. 1.1

On first seeing the lake, he was first shaken by joy and because he was being troubled by the feelings of love, he spoke to the son of Sumitrā. 1.2

"Oh son of Sumitrā, the Pampa is shining with water as clear as Vaidūrya gem and also day and night lotuses. And the trees on its bank are shining." 1.3

"Of son of Sumitrā, see Pampa and the forest which looks auspicious. There the splendid trees look like peaks of the mountain." 1.4

"I am full of sorrow and grief as if the spring is tormenting apart from the sorrows caused by Bhārata’s sorrow and Sītā's abduction." 1.5

"Though I am sad and grieving this forest of wonders Pampa shines, with the scattered flowers and very good quality cold drinking water." 1.6

"The lake covered with lotus creepers has a greatly auspicious look and it has also vicious serpents moving on it and is blessed with various animals and birds." 1.7

"The different type of trees are shedding flowers and there are shining like carpets having fallen on the glistening blue grass lands." 1.8

"The tree tops are loaded with heavy load of flowers, spread all over and are covered with flowering climbers all over the tree." 1.9

"Oh Son of Sumitrā, the wind is pleasant and the time is passionate and the trees are filled with flowers indicating that the time is scented spring." 1.10

"Oh son of Sumitrā see the form of the forest filled with purest of flowers and they shower flowers reminding one of the rain from the clouds." 1.11

"So many forest trees are found among the pretty rocks and the quick blowing wind scatters the flowers all over the earth." 1.12

"Oh son of Sumitrā see all over the flowers of trees, which have fallen and those about to fall. It appears to me that the wind is playing with them." 1.13

"The trees are filled with flowers on their various branches and when the wind shakes the tree and spread the flowers, the bees accompany those flowers with their song" 1.14

"The wind that blows out of the caves of the mountain is merged with the sweet sounds produced by the intoxicated Koels and it looks like that the wind is singing and the trees are dancing." 1.15

"The strong wind that blows over throws away the tops of trees and make them intertwine and it appears as if the trees are all knit together." 1.16

"This wind with its cool sandal fragrance touches us gently and pure scent it carries takes away our tiresomeness." 1.17

"The trees shaken by the wind appears to produce a big noise as these trees shaken by wind drops honey which is accompanied by the singing bees." 1.18

"The blossoming trees full of mind bewitching flowers, on the top of the pretty peaks of the mountain ranges are touching each other and look splendid." 1.19

"Shaken by the blowing wind the trees with their top filled with flowers are being followed by bees appearing like ear rings and appear to be singing sweetly." 1.20

"Please look at these Karṇikāra trees which have flowered everywhere and they appear to be dressed in yellow silk and wearing many ornaments." 1.21

"Oh son of Sumitrā, the songs of various types of birds in the spring season, reminds me of the separation with Sītā and increasing my sorrow." 1.22

"The God of love further increases my sorrow as I am already sorrowful and the koel with its happy sweet notes is making fun of me." 1.23

"Oh Lakṣmaṇa, These aquatic birds when they are merrily singing in the water falls of the forest are tormenting me with love and increasing my sorrow." 1.24

"My darling when she used to hear these type of sounds, used to call me, becoming overjoyed and divinely happy." 1.25

"You may see very peculiar birds producing varied type of sounds, flying towards the trees, vines and Shrubs from places which are here and there." 1.26

"Birds united with their male counterparts are being praised by the flock to which they belong on their choice and birds with sweet voice are enjoying the juice of Brungaraja trees." 1.27

"The trees are resounding by the noise of loud voice of water cranes and also by the musical voice of the male cuckoo sitting on them and this kindles emotion of love in me." 1.28

"The fire particles from the logs of Asoka tree, the sounds of humming bees, and the copper coloured rays of tender leaves and the fire of the spring season are burning me." 1.29

"Oh son of Sumitrā, what is purpose of this life of mine without seeing my beloved with delicate eyelids, pretty hair and soft and sweet talk." 1.30

"Oh stainless Lakṣmaṇa, to me and my beloved wife, this pretty forest, sweet voices of Cuckoos which are heard up to the boundary in this season are very dear." 1.31

"The fire of sorrow rising from torment of god of love, which is further raised by this spring season would soon burn me." 1.32

"Not being able see my dear wife but seeing these pretty trees would make the love that is within me grow further." 1.33

"My sorrow keeps on increasing as I am not able to see Sītā and seeing the spring and being affected by sweat increases it further." 1.34

"Oh son of Sumitrā, the deer eyed lady filled with worry and sorrow due to abduction is making me full of sorrow and the winds of Chitrā month are indeed cruel." 1.35

"Here and there I am able to see the shining peacocks dancing and shaken by the wind, their wings which are like the eyes of the cow are shining like crystal." 1.36

"Those peacocks are surrounded by several peahens benumbed by great love and having fallen in love, the intensity of love in my mind increases." 1.37

"Oh Lakṣmaṇa see that peacock that is dancing with other peahens on the hill slopes making their minds more lovelorn." 1.38

"The peacock overwhelmed by passion is spreading its two wings and making sound "Kee kaa" as though cutting jokes is running after the peahens." 1.39

"The Rākṣasa who likes abduction has not taken away the darling of the peacock and so he is happily dancing in the forest with his darling." 1.40

"In this month of flowers, it is unbearable for me to stay in this forest, Oh Lakṣmaṇa seeing the peahen wooing the peacock with love." 1.41

"Had not the broad eyed Janaki been abducted similar to this, that excited lady, with great love would have come closer to me." 1.4

"Oh Lakṣmaṇa, please observe that the trees are full with luxurious blossoms, in this end of winter and those flowers are of no use to me now." 1.43

"Even though those great blossoms are looking endearing on those trees, they would not bear fruit without bees and get dropped down without any use." 1.44

"The birds in love are calling out in groups as if they are inviting each other mating and this maddens me with passion." 1.45

"Wherever my darling lives, if spring season is also there, Sītā would be overwhelmed and possibly thinking in the same way." 1.46

"I am wishing that spring does not occur in that place where she is, for how can that lotus eyed one spend the time without me." 1.47

"Or suppose spring season occurs in the place where my darling is, what will she with pretty hips do being threatened by enemies?" 1.48

"She is in her youth she has lotus like eyes and talks in a soft manner and so I am certain that if spring season comes there she will give up her life." 1.49

"There is a firm notion that acts in my mind that the good woman Sītā cannot tolerate the pangs of separation from me." 1.50

"The thought about Vaidehī always ties me up and similarly Vaidehī would always be tied with thought about me." 1.51

"The wind which is blowing through the flowers is normally pleasant as well as cool, but to me who is thinking about my wife it is similar to fire." 1.52

"Along with Sītā I used to feel pleasant when the breeze is wafting but without her it only increases my sorrow." 1.53

"The crow that used to sit happily and caw indicating Sītā's departure when she was with me is now sitting happily on the branch of the tree indicating her arrival. 1.54

"This is the same crow which indicated her abduction by flying in the sky and that same crow will lead me now near to my beloved." 1.55

"Oh Lakṣmaṇa hear that song of the birds which are sitting on the top of the flowering tree in the forest that increases my passion." 1.56

"The honey bee is approaching the flower bunches of the Tilaka tree that were shaken by wind, like a lover approaching his intoxicated beloved." 1.57

"The Asoka trees increases the sorrow of the lovers and with their flower bunches being shaken by the wind, it appears as if it is goading me." 1.58

"Oh Lakṣmaṇa, these chutha trees with its flowers looks like men with exited mind who have applied scented unguents on their body." 1.59

"Oh son of Sumitrā, oh tiger among men, see the forest land surrounding this Pampa where the Kinnaras keep roaming." 1.60

"Oh Lakṣmaṇa, see the sweet scented lotus flowers all over the water and they shine like the infant Sun." 1.61

"Here you see in this scented Pampa, the pure water which is full of lotus flowers and blue lilies and swans and geese." 1.62

"Pampa is shining with lotuses spread all over, which glow like a rising sun with bees stamping their filaments." 1.63

"The Pampa is always crowded by Chakravāka birds with colourful forests and tracks surrounding it and elephants and deer who come here in search of water adds to its lustre." 1.64

"Speedy winds generate waves in this water and the lotus flowers that shine knock at each other because of that." 1.65

"Without seeing Vaidehī who has broad eyes like lotus petals and who loves lotus flowers, this life is not interesting to me." 1.66

"This god of love seems to be partial for he is making me remember that auspicious lady who speaks in greatly auspicious way, who is not with me and who is difficult to trace." 1.67

"If this spring which has once again with its flowering trees has come to strike me, it would be possible for me to bear the agony given by love." 1.68

"Those things that I used to like when she was with me are not liked by me when I am without her presence." 1.69

"When I see the delicate buds of the lotus flower, it appears to me that I am seeing the bud like eyes of Sītā, Oh Lakṣmaṇa." 1.70

"The pleasant breeze that is blowing from the trees and reaches me after touching the filaments of lotus make me remember the breath of Sītā and makes me suffer." 1.71

"Oh son of Sumitrā, see on the mountain slope south of Pampa, very auspicious column of flowering Karṇikāra trees." 1.72

"The king of the mountains ornamented by rich ores generates plenty of colourful particles, which are being splashed by the speedy wind." 1.73

"Oh son of Sumitrā, the tracks in the mountain are filled with fully flowered pretty Kimśuka trees, with no leaves, appear as if they are illuminated." 1.74

"At the same place in Pampa are the sweet smelling Mālatī trees, clusters of Mallikā and Karavīra trees, which were in flowering." 1.75

"The Kethaka, Sinduvara, the fragrant Vāsanti, Ghandapurna, Mādhavi and Kunda bushes are in full bloom everywhere" 1.76

"Chiribilva, Madhūka, Vanjula, so also Vakula, Champaka, Tilaka and Naga trees are in full bloom. Even Varuṇa and karjuras are also in full bloom." 1.77

"Even lotus flower is shining and the blue Asoka is in flowering. The Lodhra trees growing on mountain slopes are like the golden colour of the mane of lions." 1.78

"You may see the Ankolas, Kurantas, Churnakas, Paribhadrakas, Mangoes, Pāṭalī, the flowering Kovidaras, Muchulindas, Arjunas, Kethakas, Uddālakas, Sireeshas, Simsupas, and Dhava trees in bloom And Samalis, Kimśuka, similarly red Kurvakas, Tinisa, Naktamalas, Chandanas and Syandana treeson the mountain peaks." 1.79-1.81

"Oh son of Sumitrā, On the banks of Pampa, there are many tree pretty trees, flowering at the blooming tops and with pretty creepers climbing on them." 1.82

"The branches of those trees blown by wind have become very close and the swinging creepers follow those trees like intoxicated flowers." 1.83

"The wind is blowing from tree to tree, mountain to mountain and from forest and forest appearing that he will be happy to smell several scents." 1.84

"Some trees have put forth flowers with a sweet scent of honey and some trees have put forth shining buds which are blue in colour." 1.85

"The passionate bee is plunging in to each flower saying that "This is enjoyable, this is tasty this is fully open." 1.86

"The honey bee avaricious for honey, after drinking honey, rests and again goes in search of honey at once in Pampa." 1.87

"Here the flowers which fall down on their own is scattered and makes the ground comfortable and looks like a stone bed meant for relaxing." 1.88

"Oh son of Sumitrā, the various type of flowers that are spread on the mountain slopes look like red and yellow beds on the stone slabs." 1.89

"Oh Son of Sumitrā, see the ending of winter and in this month of flowers the trees have put forth flowers and are trying to compete with each other." 1.90

"Oh Lakṣmaṇa, the flowers of the top of the trees shine and is full of the humming sound of bees, which seem to invite each other for a feast." 1.91

"This Kāraṇḍava bird after entering the pure water bathes and engages in love play with his wife and this creates a sense of passion in me." 1.92

"Only river Mandākinī has a similar form and beauty and so this Pampa is famous throughout the world for its virtues and is captivating." 1.93

"Oh Lakṣmaṇa, the best among the clan of Raghu, If I find the good lady Sītā and if we are able to live here, I would not need the position of Indra or even Ayodhyā." 1.94

"If I am able to be happy along with her in this pretty grasslands, I will not have worries and will not seek any other pleasures." 1.95

"This forest is endowed with trees having several type of flowers and pretty leaves and this brings before my mind the picture of my wife." 1.96

"Oh son of Sumitrā, see this lake of cold water blessed with lotus flowers, which is frequented by Kāraṇḍava birds and on which Chakravāka birds move about." 1.97

"The Pampa shines more with water cranes, Krauncha birds, frequent visit of big animals and is filled with musical cooing of birds and these happy birds kindle the sense of passion in me and I remember my pretty moon faced darling with lotus like eyes." 1.98-1.99

"See on the colourful mountain the male deer accompanied by female deer and being separated from Vaidehī with deer like eyes, my heart is sorrowing and going here and there." 1.100

"If I am able to meet with my wife in these pretty hill slopes, with intoxicated animals and birds wandering there, then I would feel safe." 1.101

"Oh son of Sumitrā, I can continue to live, if I have with me the lady with a slender waist and am served by the pleasant breeze of Pampa." 1.102

"Oh Lakṣmaṇa, those who are served by the forest breeze of Pampa, which is auspicious, which carries the scent of lotus flowers and which destroys sorrows are indeed blessed." 1.103

"How does the daughter of Janaka, who has lotus petal like eyes, who is my darling but is separated from me continue to keep her life and I am totally dejected." 1.104

"What would you be able to reply king Janaka who is the follower of Dharma and Truth and who is the father enquires with me about his welfare?" 1.105

"My dear one followed me to the forest when I was send by my father to the forest And I do not know where she is now, though she followed the path of Dharma by following me." 1.106

"Oh Lakṣmaṇa, how can me who is wretched live without her, for she followed me who was dejected when I was banished from the kingdom." 1.107

"Not seeing her face who is pretty, one with lotus petal like eyes and pretty eye lashes, who is sweet smelling, who is auspicious and without any blemishes, my mind is greatly paining." 1.108

"Oh Lakṣmaṇa, When will I be able to hear the matchless words of Vaidehī who has a gentle smile, who is witty, virtuous, sweet and which are partial to me." 1.109

"Though that pretty one was grieving, to me who was tormented with love, Vaidehī used to talk great matchless words and when will I hear them again, Lakṣmaṇa?" 1.110

"Oh son of the king, In Ayodhyā in what way can I reply the sensitive Kausalya who asks "How is my daughter in Law"" 1.111

"Oh Lakṣmaṇa, you go and meet Bhārata, who loves his brothers, for I would not be able to live without the company of Sītā." 1.112

Thus the great soul Rāma wailed like an orphan and then Lakṣmaṇa his brother replied in a suitable and stable manner. 1.113

"Oh Rāma, control yourself. May safety be yours and Oh best among men, do not grieve. Do not make your brain dull, oh man with a pure heart." 1.114

"Please give up this sorrow coming out of the thinking of separation from your dear wife because due to intense love even a wet cotton wick will burn [And so will your heart.] 1.115

"Oh Rāghava, Oh Brother, even if Rāvaṇa goes in to Paṭala or even the world below it, He would not be able to live." 1.116

"As soon as we are able to find about the whereabouts of the sinner Rākṣasa, then Sītā will be brought back from him and he will be killed." 1.117

"Even if Rāvaṇa along with Sītā enters the womb of Diṭṭhi [mother of Rākṣasas], suppose he does not return Maithili, I will kill him there." 1.118

"Oh gentle Rāma, maintain your safety and mental balance, leave out this pitiable state of mind, for one who aims to achieve anything will not achieve any objective unless he puts in great effort."1.119

"Oh gentle one, enthusiasm makes a strong man for there is no strength greater than enthusiasm; for the man who is enthusiastic, there is nothing that he cannot achieve." 1.120

"A person with enthusiasm would never be disheartened by doing a job and depending only on our enthusiasm we can recover Sītā." 1.121

"Send back your sorrow and do not do any act impulsively and know that you are a great soul who is an accomplished one, though you do not seem to remember it." 1.122

"When Rāma, who was overwhelmed by sorrow, was addressed like this; he left off the sorrow and delusion and got back his courage." 1.123

Rāma who had unimaginable valour became an undisturbed person and went beyond the very beautiful Pampa, which had plants floating on its surface. 1.124

That great soul, who was dejected quickly, examined all the forests, which had water sources and caves, along with Lakṣmaṇa but fell in to a mood of sorrow and contemplation. 1.125

That Lakṣmaṇa who walked like a mighty infuriated elephant went ahead of that great soul, protecting Rāghava by the power of his Dharma. 1.126

A king of the monkeys who was walking near Riṣyamūka Mountain saw those two men of wonderful appearance and though he was scared, he did not show any outward signs. 1.127

That great soul who walked like a slow moving elephant moving like a monkey, with great sorrow saw them, got worried and sank due to great fear. 1.128

All those attendants of the monkey sought the safety of their sacred and safe hermitage after seeing the splendid looking Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa. 1.129

This is the end of First Sarga of Kiṣkindha Kanda which occurs in Holy Rāmāyaṇa composed by Vālmīki as the First Epic.