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विशेषेण भवानेव विश्वामित्र महायशः। कौशिकी सरितां श्रेष्ठा कुलोद्योतकरी तव॥
And specially you, O illustrious Viśvāmitra, art so. And that best of streams, Kausiki, has added lustre to your lien.
मुदितैर्मुनिशार्दूलैः प्रशस्त: कुशिकात्मजः। निद्रामुपागमच्छीमानस्तंगत इवांशुमान्॥
And the auspicious son of Kuśika having been extolled by those delighted ascetic, the foremost of their order-slept, like to the sun, when setting
रामोऽपि सहसौमित्रिः किंचिदागतविस्मयः। प्रशस्य मुनिशार्दूलं निद्रां समुपसेवते॥
Rāma too along with Sumitrā's son having in admiration praised that tiger among ascetics, enjoyed the luxury of slumber.
उपास्य रात्रिशेषं तु शोणाकूले महर्षिभिः। निशायां सुप्रभातायां विश्वामित्रोऽभ्यभाषत॥
HAVING in company with the ascetics passed the remainder of the night on the banks of the Sona, Visvāmitra, when the day broke, spoke,
सुप्रभाता निशा राम पूर्वा संध्या प्रवर्तते। उत्तिष्ठोत्तिष्ठ भद्रं ते गमनायाभिरोचय॥
O Rāma, the night has passed away, and the morn has come. The hour for performing the prior devotions has arrived. Arise! arise! good betide you! Do you prepare for going.
तच्छ्रुत्वा वचनं तस्य कृतपूर्वाह्निकक्रियः। गमनं रोचयामास वाक्यं चेदमुवाच ह॥
Hearing these words of his, Rāma, having finished his morning devotions and rites, and ready for departure, said,
अयं शोण: शुभजलोऽगाधः पुलिनमण्डितः। कतरेण पथा ब्रह्मन् संतरिष्यामहे वयम् ॥
This is the Sona, of excellent waters, fathomless, and studded with islets. O Brāhmaṇa, by which way shall we repair
एवमुक्तस्तु रामेण विश्वामित्रोऽब्रवीदिदम्। एष पन्था मयोद्दिष्टो येन यान्ति महर्षयः॥
Thus addressed by Rāma, Viśvāmitra replied. Even this path has been fixed upon by men, that, namely, by which the Maharșis go.
ते गत्वा दूरमध्वानं गतेऽर्धदिवसे तदा। जाह्नवीं सरितां श्रेष्ठां ददृशुर्मुनिसेविताम्॥
Having proceeded far, when the day had been half spent, they beheld that foremost of streams, the Jahnavi, worshipped by ascetics.
तां दृष्ट्वा पुण्यसलिलां हंससारससेविताम्। बभूवुर्मुनयः सर्वे मुदिताः सहराघवाः॥
Having beheld that river furnished with sacred waters, and frequented by swans and cranes, the ascetics who accompanied Rāghava were exceedingly delighted.
तस्यास्तीरे तदा सर्वे चक्कुर्वासपरिग्रहम्। ततः स्रात्वा यथान्यायं संतल् पितृदेवता॥ हुत्वा चैवाग्निहोत्राणि प्राश्य चामृतवद्धविः। विविशुर्जाह्नवीतीरे शुभा मुदितमानसाः॥ विश्वामित्रं महात्मानं परिवार्य समन्ततः।
And they took up their quarters on the banks of the river. And then having bathed and duly offered oblations of water to the gods and the manes of their ancestors, and performed Agnihotra* (Sacrifice with burnt offering.) sacrifices, and partaken of clarified butter like to nectar, those high-souled and auspicious ones, with glad hearts, sat down surrounding Viśvāmitra.
विष्ठिताश्च यथान्यायं राघवौ च यथार्हतः। सम्प्रहृष्टमना रामो विश्वामित्रमथाब्रवीत्॥
And the descendants of Raghu also sat down, occupying prominent places as befitted their rank. Then Rāma with a heart surcharged with cheerfulness spoke to Viśvāmitra, saying,
भगवञ्छोतुमिच्छामि गङ्गां त्रिपथगां नदीम्। त्रैलोक्यं कथमाक्रम्य गता नदनदीपतिम् ॥
O adorable one, I desire to hear how the Gangă flowing in three directions and embracing the three worlds, falls into the lord of streams and rivers.
चोदितो रामवाक्येन विश्वामित्रो महामुनिः। वृद्धिं जन्म च गङ्गाया वक्तुमेवोपचक्रमे॥
Influenced by Rama's speech, the mighty ascetic Viśvāmitra entered upon the history of the Gangā's origin and progress.
शैलेन्द्रो हिमवान् राम धातूनामाकरो महान्। तस्य कन्याद्वयं राम रूपेणाप्रतिमं भुवि ॥
O Rāma, that great mine of ore, Himavat is the foremost of mountains. To him were born two daughters, unparalleled on earth in loveliness.
या मेरुदुहिता राम तयोर्माता सुमध्यमा। नाम्ना मना मनोज्ञा वै पत्नी हिमवतः प्रिया॥
O Rāma, their mother of dainty waist, the amiable daughter of Meru, named Menā, was the beloved wife of Himavat.
तस्यां गङ्गेयमभवज्ज्येष्ठा हिमवतः सुता। उमा नाम द्वितीयाभूत् कन्या तस्यैव राघव॥
She of whom was born Gangā the elder daughter of Himavat; and , O Raghava, a second daughter was also born to him, named Uma.
अथ ज्येष्ठां सुराः सर्वे देवकार्यचिकीर्षया। शैलेन्द्र वरयामासुर्गङ्गां त्रिपथगां नदीम्॥ ददौ धर्मेण हिमवांस्तनयां लोकपावनीम्। स्वच्छन्दपथगां गङ्गां त्रैलोक्यहितकाम्यया॥ प्रतिगृह्य त्रिलोकार्थं त्रिलोकहितकाङ्क्षिणः। गङ्गामादाय तेऽगच्छन् कृतार्थेनान्तरात्मना॥
And it came to pass that once upon a time, the deities, with the view of accomplishing some work appertaining to them as divine beings, in a body besought that foremost of mountains for that river flowing in three worlds, Himavat in obedience to duty, conferred upon them his daughter flowing everywhere at will, and sanctifying all creatures. Thereat in the interests of the three worlds, accepting her, those having the welfare of the three worlds, at heart, went away with Ganga, considering themselves as having attained their desire.
या चान्या शैलदुहिता कन्याऽऽसीद् रघुनन्दन। उग्रं सुव्रतमास्थाय तपस्तेपे तपोधना॥
The other daughter of the mountain, O descendant of Raghu, adopting a stern vow, began to carry on austerities, having asceticism for her wealth.
उग्रेण तपसा युक्तां ददौ शैलवरः सुताम्। रुद्रायाप्रतिरूपाय उमां लोकनमस्कृताम्॥
And that best of mountains bestowed upon Rudra of unequalled form his daughter Uma, furnished with fiery asceticism and worshipped of the worlds.
एते ते शैलराजस्य सुते लोकनमस्कृते। गङ्गा च सरितां श्रेष्ठा उमादेवी च राघव॥
And these, O Rāghava, are the daughters of that king of mountains, worshipped of all, viz, Gangā, the foremost of streams, and the divine Uma.
एतत् ते सर्वमाख्यातं यथा त्रिपथगामिनी। खं गता प्रथमं तात गतिं गतिमतां वर ॥ सैषा सुरनदी रम्या शैलेन्द्रतनया तदा। सुरलोकं समारूढा विपापा जलवाहिनी॥
Now, O best of those endowed with motion, have I related to you how that sin-destroying one flowing with her waters in three diverse directions, first, O child, went to the firmament and then ascended the celestial regions.
उक्तवाक्ये मुनौ तस्मिन्नुभौ राघवलक्ष्मणौ। प्रतिनन्द्य कथां वीरावूचतुर्मुनिपुङ्गवम्॥
When the ascetic had spoken thus, both the heroes, Rāma and Lakşmaņa, saluting that first of anchorites, said,
धर्मयुक्तमिदं ब्रह्मन् कथितं परमं त्वया। दुहितुः शैलराजस्य ज्येष्ठाया वक्तुमर्हसि। विस्तरं विस्तरज्ञोऽसि दिव्यमानुषसम्भवम्॥
O Brāhmaṇa, you have delivered this noble narration fraught with morality. Now it behoves you to speak about the elder daughter of the mountain-king. You are extensively conversant with everything relative to men or gods.
त्रीन् पथो हेतुना केन प्लावयेल्लोकपावनी। कथं गङ्गा त्रिपथगा विश्रुता सरिदुत्तमा॥
Why is it that purifier of the worlds lave three directions? And why is that foremost of streams, Gangā, famous as wending in three ways
त्रिषु लोकेषु धर्मज्ञ कर्मभिः कैः समन्विता। तथा ब्रुवति काकुत्स्थे विश्वामित्रस्तपोधनः॥
And, O you cognizant of morality, what are her performances in the three worlds? Thereat Viśvāmitra having asceticism for this wealth, began to relate to Käkutstha that history in detail in the midst of the ascetics.
निखिलेन कथां सर्वामृषिमध्ये न्यवेदयत्। पुरा राम कृतोद्वाहः शितिकण्ठो महातपाः॥ दृष्ट्वा च भगवान् देवीं मैथुनायोपचक्रमे। तस्य संक्रीडमानस्य महादेवस्य धीमतः। शितिकण्ठस्य देवस्य दिव्यं वर्षशतं गतम्॥
In days of yore, O Rāma, the blue-throated one of mighty asceticism, having entered into matrimony, commenced upon knowing the goddess. And as that intelligent blue-throated god, Mahadeva, was thus engaged in sport, a divine hundred years passed away.
न चापि तनयो राम तस्यामासीत् परंतप । सर्वे देवाः समुद्युक्ताः पितामहपुरोगमाः॥
And yet, O Rāma, chastiser of foes, no son was born of her. Thereat all the gods with the Grand-sire at their head became exceedingly anxious.
यदिहोत्पद्यते भूतं कस्तत् प्रतिसहिष्यति। अभिगम्य सुराः सर्वे प्रणिपत्येदमब्रुवन्॥
Who will be able to bear the offspring of this union? And thereupon the celestials repairing to Mahadeva, thus addressed him, saluting low,
देवदेव महादेव लोकस्यास्य हिते रत। सुराणां प्रणिपातेन प्रसादं कर्तुमर्हसि॥
O god of gods! O mighty deity! ever engaged in the welfare of all, it behove you to be propitious at the humble salutations of the celestials.
न लोका धारयिष्यन्ति तव तेजः सुरोत्तम। ब्राह्मण तपसा युक्तो देव्या सह तपश्चर॥
The worlds, O foremost of celestials, are incapable of bearing your energy. Therefore, for the welfare of the three worlds, do you, being furnished with Brahmā asceticism, in company with the goddess practise austerities, and rein in your energy by your native indomitableness.
त्रैलोक्यहितकामार्थं तेजस्तेजसि धारय। रक्ष सर्वानिमाल्लोकान् नालोकं कर्तुमर्हसि ॥
Do you preserve these worlds; for it become you not to destroy all.'
देवतानां वचः श्रुत्वा सर्वलोकमहेश्वरः। बाढमित्यब्रवीत् सर्वान् पुनश्चेदमुवाच ह॥
Hearing the words of the deities, the great god of the worlds said to them, 'So be it!' And addressing them again he said,
धारयिष्याम्यहं तेजस्तेजसैव सहोमया। त्रिदशाः पृथिवी चैव निर्वाणमधिगच्छतु॥
You gods, by my own energy I will assisted by Uma bear my virile vigour, therefore let the creation find rest!
यदिदं क्षुभितं स्थानान्मम तेजो ह्यनुत्तमम्। धारयिष्यति कस्तन्मे ब्रुवन्तु सुरसत्तमाः॥
But tell me, you foremost of celestials, who will sustain my potent virility rushing out from its receptacle?'
एवमुक्तास्ततो देवाः प्रत्यूचुर्वृषभध्वजम्। यत्तेजः क्षुभितं ह्यद्य तद्धरा धारयिष्यति॥
Being thus addressed, the gods answered him having the bull for his mark, ‘The earth will today bear your vital flow.'
एवमुक्तः सुरपतिः प्रमुमोच महाबलः। तेजसा पृथिवी येन व्याप्ता सगिरिकानना॥
Thus assured, the mighty lord of the celestials let go his vital fluid; and thereat the earth containing mountains and forests was overspread with the energy.
ततो देवाः पुनरिदमूचुश्चापि हुताशनम्। आविश त्वं महातेजो रौद्रं वायुसमन्वितः॥
Then the gods spoke to the Fire, saying, 'Do you in company with the Wind entrain to this fierce an mighty energy!'
तदग्निना पुनर्व्याप्तं संजातं श्वेतपर्वतम्। दिव्यं शरवणं चैव पावकादित्यसंनिभम्॥
When the Wind had entered into it, it was developed into a white hill, and a forest of glossy reeds, resembling fire or the Sun.
यत्र जातो महातेजाः कार्तिकेयोऽग्निसम्भवः। अथोमां च शिवं चैव देवाः सर्षिगणास्तथा॥ पूजयामासुरत्यर्थं सुप्रीतमनसस्तदा।
Here sprang from Fire Kārtikeya of mighty energy. And thereupon the celestials and the saints, with gratified hearts, began to pay enthusiastic adorations to Uma and Siva.
अथ शैलसुता राम त्रिदशानिदमब्रवीत्॥ समन्युरशपत् सर्वान् क्रोधसंरक्तलोचना।
Then the Mountain's daughter, O Rama, addressed the celestials, cursing them with eyes reddened in wrath.
यस्मान्निवारिता चाहं संगता पुत्रकाम्यया॥ अपत्यं स्वेषु दारेषु नोत्पादयितुमर्हथ। अद्यप्रभृति युष्माकमप्रजाः सन्तु पत्नयः॥
While in association with Mahadeva for obtaining sons, I was broken in upon by you, for this, you shall not be able yourselves to beget offspring on your wives. And from this day forth, your wives shall remain without issue.'
एवमुक्त्वा सुरान् सर्वाशशाप पृथिवीमपि। अवने नैकरूपा त्वं बहुभार्या भविष्यसि ॥
Having thus spoke to the celestials, she cursed the Earth also, saying, 'O Earth, you will have multiform surface and many husbands.'
न च पुत्रकृतां प्रीतिं मत्क्रोधकलुषीकृता। प्राप्स्यसि त्वं सुदुर्मेधो मम पुत्रमनिच्छती ॥
Nor, stained because of my ire, shall you experience the pleasure that is felt on obtaining a son, O you of wicked understanding, O you that do not wish me a son!
तान् सर्वान् पीडितान् दृष्ट्वा सुरान् सुरपतिस्तदा। गमनायोपचक्राम दिशं वरुणपालिताम्॥
Witnessing the gods, thus distressed, the lord of the celestials set out in the direction presided over by Varuna (The West).
स गत्वा तप आतिष्ठत् पार्वे तस्योत्तरे गिरेः। हिमवत्प्रभवे शृङ्गे सह देव्या महेश्वरः॥
And having repaired to the north side of that mountain, Mahesvara along with the goddess became engaged in austerities on the peak Himavatprabhava.
एष ते विस्तरो राम शैलपुत्र्या निवेदितः। गङ्गायाः प्रभवं चैव शृणु मे सहलक्ष्मण ॥
I have now related to you, O Rāma, the spread of the Mountain's daughter, (Gangā). Do you now together with Lakşmaņa listen to the narration of Bhāgīrathi's potency.
तप्यमानो तदा देवे सेन्द्राः साग्निपुरोगमाः। सेनापतिमभीप्सन्तः पितामहमुपागमन्॥
On that celestial being engaged in austerities, the deities with Indra and Agni at their head, desirous of gaining over the generalissimo, Appeared before the Grand-sire.
ततोऽब्रुवन् सुराः सर्वे भगवन्तं पितामहम्। प्रणिपत्य सुरा राम सेन्द्राः साग्निपुरोगमाः॥।
And, O Rāma, the gods with Agni at their head, bowing to him, addressed that possessor of the six attributes, the Grand-sir, saying,
येन सेनापतिर्देव दत्तो भगवता पुरा। स तपः परमास्थाय तप्यते स्म सहोमया॥
'O God, that adorable one who had formerly consigned to us the generalissimo, resorting to high asceticism, is practising austerities with Uma.
यदवानन्तरं कार्य लोकानां हितकाम्यया। संविधत्स्व विधानज्ञ त्वं हि नः परमा गतिः॥
Do you now, O you conversant with resources, so order as is advisable in the interests of the worlds! Verily you are our prime way.'
देवतानां वचः श्रुत्वा सर्वलोकपितामहः। सान्त्वयन् मधुरैर्वाक्यस्त्रिदशानिदमब्रवीत्॥
Hearing the words of the deities, the Grandsire of all creatures, 'consoling them with soft words, spoke to them saying
शैलपुत्र्या यदुक्तं तन्न प्रजाः स्वासु पलिषु। तस्या वचनमक्लिष्टं सत्यमेव न संशयः॥
'Even as the Mountain's daughter has said, sons will not be born to you of your own wives. Her words is infallible of a certainty: there is no doubt about it.
इयमाकाशगङ्गा च यस्यां पुत्रं हुताशनः। जनयिष्यति देवानां सेनापतिमरिंदमम्॥
This is the celestial Gangă she on whom Hutaśana will beget a son-the foe-subduing generalissimo of the celestials.
ज्येष्ठा शैलेन्द्रदुहिता मानयिष्यति तं सुतम्। उमायास्तद्बहुमतं भविष्यति न संशयः॥
And the elder daughter of the Mountain will consider that son as brought forth by Uma; and Uma also will, without doubt, look upon him with regard.'
तच्छ्रुत्वा वचनं तस्य कृतार्था रघुनन्दन। प्रणिपत्य सुराः सर्वे पितामहमपूजयन्॥
Hearing these words of him o descendant of Raghu, the gods bowing to the Grand-sire, paid him homage.
ते गत्वा परमं राम कैलासं धातुमण्डितम्। अग्नि नियोजयामासुः पुत्रार्थं सर्वदेवताः॥
Then, O Rama, repairing to the Kailasa mountain teeming with metals, the deities commissioned Agni with the view of having a son (born to him.)10
देवकार्यमिदं देव समाधत्स्व हुताशन । शैलपुत्र्यां महातेजो गङ्गायां तेज उत्सृज॥
‘Do you, O god, accomplish this work of the oddities! O you of mighty energy, do you discharge your energy into that daughter of the Mountain, Ganga.
देवतानां प्रतिज्ञाय गङ्गामभ्येत्य पावकः। गर्भं धारय वै देवि देवतानामिदं प्रियम्॥
Thereupon giving his promise to the gods, Pavaka* (Fire) approached Ganga, saying, Do you, O Goddess, bear an embryo; for even this is the desire of the deities.
इत्येतद् वचनं श्रुत्वा दिव्यं रूपमधारयत्। स तस्या महिमां दृष्ट्वा समन्तादवशीर्यत ॥
Hearing this speech, she assumed a divine appearance. And beholding her mightiness, Agni was shrunk up on all sides.
समन्ततस्तदा देवीमभ्यषिञ्चत पावकः। सर्वस्रोतांसि पूर्णानि गङ्गाया रघुनन्दन॥
And then Pavaka from all sides discharged his energy into her, and thereat all her streams became surcharged with it,
तमुवाच ततो गङ्गा सर्वदेवपुरीगमम्। अशक्ता धारणे देव तेजस्तव समुद्धतम्॥ दह्यमानाग्निना तेन सम्प्रव्यथितचेतना।
O descendant of Raghu. And to him staying at the head of all the deities, Gangā spoke, saying, "O god, I am incapable of sustaining this new sprung energy of yours: I am burning with that fire, and my consciousness fails me.
अथाब्रवीदिदं गङ्गां सर्वदेवहुताशनः॥ इह हैमवते पार्वे गर्भोऽयं संनिवेश्यताम्।
Thereupon that partaker of the oblations offered to the gods, said to Ganga, 'Do you bring forth your embryo on the side of this Himavat!'
श्रुत्वा त्वग्निवचो गङ्गा तं गर्भमतिभास्वरम्॥ उत्ससर्ज महातेजाः स्रोतोभ्यो हि तदानघ।
Hearing Agni's words, Gangă of mighty energy cast her exceedingly effulgent embryo on her streams, O sinless one.
यदस्या निर्गतं तस्मात् तप्तजाम्बूनदप्रभम् ॥ काञ्चनं धरणी प्राप्तं हिरण्यमतुलप्रभम्। तानं कार्णायसं चैव तैक्ष्ण्यादेवाभिजायत॥
And as it came out of her, it wore the splendour of molten gold; and in consequence of its fiery virtue, objects near and objects far were converted into gold and silver of unsurpassed sheen, while those that were more distant were turned into copper and iron.
मलं तस्याभवत् तत्र त्रपु सीसकमेव च। तदेतद्धरणीं प्राप्य नानाधातुरवर्धत ॥
Her excreta were turned into lead. In this wise, various metals began to increase on earth.
निक्षिप्तमात्रे गर्भे तु तेजोभिरभिरञ्जितम्। सर्वं पर्वतसंनद्धं सौवर्णमभवद् वनम्॥
As soon as the embryo was brought forth, the woods adjoining the mountain, being overspread with that energy, were turned into gold.
जातरूपमिति ख्यातं तदाप्रभृति राघव। सुवर्णं पुरुषव्याघ्र हुताशनसमप्रभम्॥।
And from that day, O descendant of Raghu, gold of effulgence like to that of fire, became known as Jātarūpa, O foremost of men!
तं कुमारं ततो जातं सेन्द्राः सह मरुद्गणाः। क्षीरसम्भावनार्थाय कृत्तिकाः समयोजयन्॥
And when the son was born, the deities with Indra and the Maruts enjoined upon the Křttikā stars to suckle him.
ताः क्षीरं जातमात्रस्य कृत्वा समयमुत्तमम्। ददुः पुत्रोऽयमस्माकं सर्वासामिति निश्चिताः॥
'Surely he shall be son to us all’-concluding thus, they as soon as he was born, by turns began to dispense milk to him.
ततस्तु देवताः सर्वाः कार्तिकेय इति ब्रुवन्। पुत्रस्त्रैलोक्यविख्यातो भविष्यति न संशयः॥
Then the celestials called him Kārtikeya, saying, “Without doubt, this son shall become famed over the three worlds.'
तेषां तद् वचनं श्रुत्वा स्कन्नं गर्भपरिस्रवे। स्नापयन् परया लक्ष्म्या दीप्यमानं यथानलम्॥
And hearing those words of theirs, the Kșttikās bathed the offspring that had issued from her womb, flaming like fire, and with auspicious marks.
स्कन्द इत्यब्रुवन् देवाः स्कन्नं गर्भपरिस्रवे। कार्तिकेयं महाबाहुं काकुत्स्थ ज्वलनोपमम्॥
And, O Kākutstha, since Kārtikeya had issued from (Gangā's) womb the celestials called that effulgent and mighty-armed one, Skanda.
प्रादुर्भूतं ततः क्षीरं कृत्तिकानामनुत्तमम्। षण्णां षडाननो भूत्वा जग्राह स्तनजं पयः॥
And then the teats of the Křttikās were filled with milk; and thereupon assuming six mouths, he began to suck milk from the teats of those six.
गृहीत्वा क्षीरमेकाहा सुकुमारवपुस्तदा। अजयत् स्वेन वीर्येण दैत्यसैन्यगणान् विभुः॥
Having drunk the milk, that lord although then possessed of a tender frame, by virtue of his inbom prowess in one day vanquished the Dänava forces.
सुरसेनागणपतिमभ्यषिञ्चन्महाद्युतिम्। ततस्तममराः सर्वे समेत्याग्निपुरोगमाः॥
And him possessed of mighty effulgence, the celestials assembled with Agni as their leader sprinkled with water, by way of installing him as their generalissimo.
एष ते राम गङ्गाया विस्तरोऽभिहितो मया। कुमारसम्भवश्चैव धन्यः पुण्यस्तथैव च॥ भक्तश्च यः कार्तिकेये काकुत्स्थ भुवि मानवः। आयुष्मान् पुत्रपौत्रैश्च स्कन्दसालोक्यतां व्रजेत् ॥
He who, O Kākutstha, on earth revere Kārtikeya, is blessed, and attain righteousness, and being long-lived and obtaining sons and grand-sons, repair to the regions of Skanda.
तां कथां कौशिको रामे निवेद्य मधुराक्षराम्। पुनरेवापरं वाक्यं काकुत्स्थमिदमब्रवीत्॥
Having said those words to Rāma, composed of melodious letters, Kausika again spoke to Kākutstha, saying,
अयोध्याधिपतिर्वीर पूर्वमासीन्नराधिपः। सगरो नाम धर्मात्मा प्रजाकामः स चाग्रजः॥
Formerly there was a king-lord of Ayodhyā-named Sagara. And it came to pass that righteous one, though eagerly wishing for children was without issue.
वैदर्भदुहिता राम केशिनी नाम नामतः। ज्येष्ठा सगरपत्नी सा धर्मिष्ठा सत्यवादिनी॥
O Räma, Vidarbha's daughter, named Kesinī, was the elder wife of Sagara. And she was virtuous and truthful.
अरिष्टनेमेर्दुहिता सुपर्णभगिनी तु सा। द्वितीया सगरस्यासीत् पत्नी सुमतिसंज्ञिता॥
The second wife of Sagara was called Sumati, who was the daughter of Aristanemi and the sister of Suparna (Garuda).
ताभ्यां सह महाराजः पत्नीभ्यां तप्तवांस्तपः। हिमवन्तं समासाद्य भृगुप्रस्रवणे गिरौ॥
And with those wives of his, that mighty king, coming to the Himavat, began to practice austerities on the mountain Bhrguprasravaņa.
अथ वर्षशते पूर्णे तपसाऽऽराधितो मुनिः। सगराय वरं प्रादाद् भृगुः सत्यवतां वरः॥
When a full hundred years had been numbered, the ascetic that had been adored by means of these austerities, Bright, best of those endowed with truth, conferred a boon upon Sagara, saying.
अपत्यलाभः सुमहान् भविष्यति तवानघ। कीर्ति चाप्रतिमां लोके प्राप्स्यसे पुरुषर्षभ।७॥
O sinless one, you shall obtain glorious offspring; and, O foremost of men, you shall attain unparalleled renown among Man.
एका जनयिता तात पुत्रं वंशकरं तव। षष्ठिं पुत्रसहस्राणि अपरा जनयिष्यति॥
O child, one of your con sorts shall bring forth a son who will perpetuate your race; and the other give birth to sixty thousand sons.'
भाषमाणं महात्मानं राजपुत्र्यौ प्रसाद्य तम्। ऊचतुः परमप्रीते कृताञ्जलिपुटे तदा॥
As that best of men was saying this, those daughters of kings, exceedingly delighted, propitiating him, addressed him with clasped hands.
एकः कस्याः सुतो ब्रह्मन् का बहूञ्जनयिष्यति। श्रोतुमिच्छामहे ब्रह्मन् सत्यमस्तु वचस्तव॥
Who of us, O Brahmana, shall produce a single son, and who many? This, O Brāhmaṇa, we wish to hear. May your word prove true!
तयोस्तद् वचनं श्रुत्वा भृगुः परमधार्मिकः। उवाच परमां वाणी स्वच्छन्दोऽत्र विधीयताम्॥ एको वंशकरो वास्तु बहवो वा महाबलाः। कीर्तिमन्तो महोत्साहाः का वा कं वरमिच्छति ॥
Hearing this, the highly pious Bhỉgu said these pregnant words, 'Do you unfold your minds. Who wishes for what boon, between a single perpetuator of the line, and innumerable sons, possessed of mighty strength, and furnished with fame, and endowed with high spirits?'
मुनेस्तु वचनं श्रुत्वा केशिनी रघुनन्दन। पुत्रं वंशकरं राम जग्राह नृपसंनिधौ॥
Hearing the ascetic's words, O descendant of Raghu, Kesinī in the presence of the monarch chose, O Rāma, a single son to perpetuate the line.
षष्ठिं पुत्रसहस्राणि सुपर्णभगिनी तदा। महोत्साहान् कीर्तिमतो जग्राह सुमतिः सुतान् ॥
And Suparna's sister, Sumati, sixty thousand sons, high-spirited and furnished with fame.
प्रदक्षिणमृषि कृत्वा शिरसाभिप्रणम्य तम्। जगाम स्वपुरं राजा सभार्यो रघुनन्दन ॥
Then, O son of Raghu, having gone round the saint and bowed down the head, the king went to his own capital, accompanied by his consorts.
अथ काले गते तस्य ज्येष्ठा पुत्रं व्यजायत। असमञ्ज इति ख्यातं केशिनी सगरात्मजम्॥
And after a length of time, the elder, Kesini, bore a son to Sagara, known by the name of Asamanja.
सुमतिस्तु नरव्याघ्र गर्भतुम्बं व्यजायत। षष्ठिः पुत्रसहस्राणि तुम्बभेदाद् विनिःसृताः॥
And Sumati, O foremost of men, brought forth a gourd. And when it burst open, out came from it sixty thousand sons.
घृतपूर्णेषु कुम्भेषु धात्र्यस्तान् समवर्धयन्। कालेन महता सर्वे यौवनं प्रतिपेदिरे॥
And the nurses fostered them by keeping them in jars filled with clarified butter. And after a great length of time, they attained to youth.
अथ दीर्पण कालेन रूपयौवनशालिनः। षष्ठिः पुत्रसहस्राणि सगरस्याभवंस्तदा॥
And after a long lapse of time, Sagara's sixty thousand sons attained to youth and beauty.
सच ज्येष्ठो नरश्रेष्ठ सगरस्यात्मसम्भवः। बालान् गृहीत्वा तु जले सरय्वा रघुनन्दन ॥ प्रक्षिप्य प्राहसन्नित्यं मज्जतस्तान् निरीक्ष्य वै।
O foremost of men,* the eldest son of Sagara, taking those children, would, O descendant of Raghu, often cast them into the Sarayū, and in mirth behold them sinking in the waters. *The text has Narasresthas, put for Asamanja. Evidently this is an error. I make it a vocative.
एवं पापसमाचारः सज्जनप्रतिबाधकः॥ पौराणामहिते युक्तः पित्रा निर्वासितः पुरात्।
Being thus evil-disposed, and injuring honest folks, and engaged in doing wrong to the citizens, he was banished by this father from the city.
तस्य पुत्रोंऽशुमान् नाम असमञ्जस्य वीर्यवान् ॥ सम्मतः सर्वलोकस्य सर्वस्यापि प्रियंवदः।
Asamañja had a son possessed of prowess, named Anšumān. And he was beloved of all men and fair-spoken towards everyone.
ततः कालेन महता मतिः समभिजायत ॥ सगरस्य नरश्रेष्ठ यजेयमिति निश्चिता।
O foremost of men, it came to pass that after a long time had gone by, that lord of earth Sagara made up his mind, saying, 'I will sacrifice.'
स कृत्वा निश्चयं राजा सोपाध्यायगणस्तदा। यज्ञकर्मणि वेदज्ञो यष्टुं समुपचक्रमे॥
Having determined upon it, that one versed in the Vedas set about it, in company with his priests.