Aranya Kanda/Aranya Kanda Sarga 11

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Ramayana - Aranya Kanda


Book III : Aranya Kanda - The Forest Trek

Aranya Kanda Sarga 11

Chapter [Sarga] 11 - Stories of Sages Mandakarni and Agastya

Introduction - Rama comes across lake from which divine music is heard. Surprised at the musical notes from beneath the waters of the lake he enquires with the sage who is following, and that sage narrates the episode of Sage Mandakarni. Then Rama proceeds on wondering at that lake, and he visits all the hermitages about there and thus elapsed are ten years. Again Rama returns to the hermitage of Sage Suteekhsna, and after staying there for some time, takes leave of that sage and proceeds to see Sage Agastya. And on the way he visits the brother of Sage Agastya also. Rama, on the way narrates about the great deeds done by Sage Agastya in protecting humans from demons, and also depicts the propitious nature of Agastya’s hermitage.

1. Rama travelled ahead while the glorious Seetha in middle, and wielding bow Lakshmana followed them on the rear. [4-11-1]

2. They proceeded while seeing diverse mountain terraces, forests, and diversely enchanting rivers too, along with Seetha. [4-11-2]

3. Beholding the rivers that have water-birds like saarasa, chakravaaka that move on their sandbanks, and also the lakes that contain lotuses and water born birds, they moved on. [4-11-3]

4. The moved on watching spotted deer banded in herds, the wild boars, large horned buffaloes maddened in virility, and the ruttish elephants rending trees like their enemies. [4-11-4]

5. On going far on their way, and when the sun is dangling in the western sky, together they saw a charming lake of one yojana width fully overloaded with red and white lotuses, overspread with sporting elephants, and over-flurried with waterfowls like saarasa birds, kaadamba birds, swans and with others kinds too. [4-11-5, 6]

7. Out of the tranquil and enchanting waters of that lake audible are the melodies of singing and musical instruments, but none is visible. [4-11-7]

8. Then Rama and also Lakshmana, the great charioteer, inquisitively started to ask the Sage named Dharmabhrita about it. [4-11-8]

9. On hearing this greatly amazing music from lake, oh, great saint, intensive inquisitiveness is created in all of us, why this, please tell us clearly about it." Thus Rama asked. [4-11-9]

10. Thus said by that Raghava then that virtuous sage quickly started to tell about the efficacy of that lake. [4-11-10]

11. Oh, Rama, this is an all-time lake built by the ascetic power of the sage Mandakarni, known as Five Apsara Lake. [4-11-11]

12. He that great saint Mandakarni practiced rigorous ascetics for ten thousand years staying in the waters of the lake, and consuming air alone. [4-11-12]

13. Then all the gods are worried and met together with Fire-god at the helm of affairs, and they all conversed among themselves. [4-11-13]

14. This sage is praying for someone's place among us," thus all of those heaven-dwellers are perturbed at heart. [4-11-14]

15. Then all gods assigned five important Apsara-s, the celestial courtesans, whose shine is like the sprint of the lightning, to effectuate hindrance in that sage's ascetics. [4-11-15]

16. Then those five celestial beauties have led that sage astray who discerned the nature of this and the other world, or good and bad, or the nature of Absolute-Soul and Body- bound Soul, towards the passionate restraint by, as though to achieve god's task.

17. Also thus, those five celestial apsara-s attained wifehood of that sage, and for them he built a house in there, concealed inside that lake. [4-11-17]

18. While those five celestial apsara-s are living in there, they are gratifying that sage according to his delight as youthfulness came upon that sage owing to his power of asceticism. [4-11-18]

19. These musical sounds we hear are emerging out as played on their instruments, mingled with the tinkling of their ornaments, and mixed with their delightful singing of melodies." So said sage Dharmabhrita to Rama. [4-11-19]

20. That highly renowned Raghava together with his brother acknowledged the sage Dharmabhrita's account, exclaiming it as "amazing is this..." [4-11-20]

21, 22a. While saying thus Raghava has seen a cluster of hermitages nearby, encircled with sacred grass, jute cloths, and even encompassed with Vedic solemness, and he entered that hermitage along with Seetha and Lakshmana. [4-11-21, 22a]

22b, 23, 24a. Rama happily stayed in that august cluster of hermitages duly venerated by those great saints for sometime, and then that expert in great missiles Rama went to the hermitages of those sages with whom he stayed earlier, for another round. [4-11-22, 23, 24a]

24b, 25, 26a. Rama stayed there for nearly ten months at some place, elsewhere for one year, at somewhere else for four months, and for five, and six months at elsewhere, even at somewhere else for more than a month, and for more than one and half months elsewhere. [4-11-24, 25, 26a]

26b, 27a. While Raghava stayed comfortably taking delight in those hermitages of sages, indeed ten years have smoothly elapsed. [4-11-26b, 27a]

As per the above the counot months comes to sixty months, i.e., five years. But it is said that ten years are elapsed comfortably. There are a good number of arguments counting the months said above and the point of ten years, said finally. Dharmaakuutam puts it as ten years only: tata× pary˜yeõa nikhila muni jana nilayeÿu nŸtv˜ daþa samvatsar˜n punar˜gamya tŸkÿõatapasa× sutŸkÿõam|| Thus ten full years are spent only in around these hermitages, peregrinating from one to the other. The total period of exile is fourteen years. Here it is said that ten years are completed. In Chitrakuta two years are spent. Then the search for Seetha and final war should happen in two year span.

27b, 28a. Thus that virtue-knowing glorious Rama on going around those hermitages along with Seetha indeed went to the hermitage of Sage Suteekshna again. [4-11-27b, 28a]

28b, 29a. On coming at that hermitage that enemy destroyer is adored by sages, and he resided there for some time. [4-11-28b, 29a]

29b, 30a. Then on one day while staying in that hermitage Rama submissively said this to that sage Suteekshna who is sitting nearby. [4-11-29b, 30a]

30b, 31a. I have always heard through the narratives narrated by other sages that the godly and eminent sage Agastya is residing in this forest. [4-11-30b, 31a]

31b, 32a. But due to the vastness of this forest I have not known that place, where is the pious hermitage of that astute sage? [4-11-31b, 32a]

32b, 33a. I wish to approach that sage seeking that godly sage's graciousness, along with my brother and Seetha to venerate him. [4-11-32b, 33a]

33b, 34a. Can I personally propitiate that supreme sage – is my high ambition, and it is recurrent in my heart." So said Rama to Suteekshna. [4-11-33b, 34a]

34b, 35a. Sage Suteekshna on hearing that particular request of that virtue-minded Rama is gladdened and said this to him. [4-11-34b, 35a]

35b, 36b. Oh, Raghava, even I wished to say this to you, that you may approach Agastya along with Lakshmana and Seetha. [4-1-35b, 36a]

36b, 37a. But providentially you alone raised this topic with me, Rama, I will tell you where that great sage Agastya is. [4-11-36b, 37a]

37b, c. On your going four yojana-s from this hermitage, oh, dear Rama, there is the great and glorious hermitage of Agastya's brother on the southern side. [4-11-37b, c]

38. That hermitage is there on a plateau in a spectacular place of that forest which is adorned with many flowers and fruits, thickets of long pepper, and reechoed with the callings of various birds. [4-11-38]

39, 40a. There are diverse lakes that are receptacles for tranquil waters, that are teeming with swans and partridges, beautified with ruddy geese, and Rama staying there for a night you may proceed in the next morning. [4-11-39, 40a]

40b, 41a. On going one yojana beyond, taking the southward course on the side of the forest clump you will find Agastya's hermitage. [4-11-40b, 41a]

41b, 42. Seetha and Lakshmana will enjoy those woodlands adorned with diverse pleasant trees, as the woodlands abounding with diverse trees will naturally be delightful, isn't it. [4-11-41b, 42]

43. If your mind is made up to see that great sage Agastya, oh, great ingenious Rama, resolve your thinking in going only today." So said Sage Suteekshna to Rama. [4-11-43]

44. On listening that which is said by the sage, Rama revered that sage along with his brother, and then he journeyed with Seetha and his follower Lakshmana aiming to reach Agastya. [4-11-44]

45, 46. While viewing beautiful forests, cloud-like mountains, lakes, and rivers that are flowing following the pathways, Rama happily journeyed on the pathway indicated by sage Suteekshna, then he gladly spoke this sentence to Lakshmana. [4-11-45, 46]

47. Definitely this alone appears to be the hermitage of Sage Agastya's brother, one with great soul and pious deeds. [4-11-47]

48. As how thousands of trees are bowing under the weight of flowers and fruit on the pathway, thereby I perceive it to be the hermitage of Agastya's bother. [4-11-48]

49. Upraised by the wind the sour-smell of pippali fruits is suddenly coming closer from the forest. [4-11-49]

50. Here and there visible are the well heaped heaps of firewood, and all over appearing is the sacred grass snipped at its top and gemlike in its tinge. [4-11-50]

51. From inside the hermitage in the midst of this forest the vertex of smoke from ritual fire is clearly visible as high as the vertex of a black rainy cloud. [4-11-51]

52. On performing bathing in sacred streams the Brahmans are making flower offerings to gods, called puSpa bali, with the flowers that are personally collected by them. [4-11-52]

53. Thus by the words of Sage Suteekshna as I have heard, oh, gentle Lakshmana, this hermitage shall definitely be that of Sage Agastya's brother. [4-11-53]

54. Whose brother is Sage Agastya with meritorious deeds, who wishing well-being of the world controlled death by his efficacy, and who made this southern region a liveable region, this must be the hermitage of such a sage, such Agatya's brother. [4-11-54]

55. Once upon a time verily cruel demon brothers Vaataapi and Ilvala were here together, and they the dreadful demons, they say, used to be Bhraman-killers. [4-11-55]

56. Disguising in Bhraman's semblance and speaking sophisticatedly that Ilvala used to invite Brahmans for the purpose of obsequial ceremonies, where Brahman are fed after usual ceremony to appeases their manes. [4-11-56]

57. Then Ilvala used to make his brother Vaataapi into a ram, perfect that ram's meat into deliciously cooked food, and used to feed Brahmans according to obsequial rites and deeds. [4-11-57]

58. When those Brahmans are surfeited with that ram's meat, then Ilvala used to shout loudly, "oh, Vaataapi, you may come out." [4-11-58]

59. Then on listening his brother's words Vaataapi used to lunge out bleating like a ram, tearing and rending the bodies of those Brahmans. [4-11-59]

60. This way they the guise changing demons always ruined thousands of Brahmans together, greedy for raw-flesh as they are. [4-11-60]

Some say that the wording taiH they, is plural ad it is not accommodative, and some ancient text of unknown reference contained these words, taabhyaam evam paramtapa pishita ashayaa by them two, that way, Lakshmana, for pishita aashayaa raw meat, avaricious as they are, they used to kill.

61. Then by Sage Agastya, whom gods have prayed to end this demonic menace, and whom demon Ilvala invited to feast during obsequial rites, he that Agastya having relished the fiendish demon in the form of ram, they say, had finished him off. [4-11-61]

62. "Then Ilvala while giving lateral hand wash into the palms of Agastya entered in the routine conversation of obsequies asking, "Is this rite fulfilled..." and he furthered it in calling his brother to come out. [4-11-62]

63. Then that wise and eminent sage Agastya spoke mockingly to Ilvala who is conversing that way to his brother to come out. [4-11-63]

64. Where is the energy for that ram shaped demon brother of yours to come out as I digested and sent him to the hellish residence of Terminator. [4-11-64]

This saying of Agastya has remained as an epigram till date. That demon Ilvala called out, "Vaataapi..." for which Agastya replied jiirNam 'digested...' and after repeating this exchange for some time, these questions and answers are combined to form this sentence: jiirNam jiirNam vaataapi jiirNam meaning that 'Vaataapi is digested...' In traditional upbringing, mothers used to say after feeding babies with milk or other nourishments, giving a mild exercise, jiirNam jiirNam Vaataapi jiirNam for many times. It means that mothers wished their babies should digest any indigestible or food ruinous to health, as has been digested by Sage Agastya. It is said Agastya prohibited any kind of meat to Brahmans, as meat food will be shearing their stomachs with it ram's horns from then on. He is also said to have cursed Brahmans to be diverse, braahmaNaanaam anekatvam as none will concur with the other.

65. Then on hearing the words of sage Agastya affirming brother's demise, that night-walking demon furiously commenced to assault the sage. [4-11-65]

66. When that demon rushed towards that best Bhraman to kill, he that sage glowing with his own refulgence burnt him down just by his flame-like eyes and doomed him to death. [4-11-66]

67. This hermitage embellishing with lake and woods belongs to the brother of Sage Agastya who has done this impossible deed just by his compassion towards Brahmans." So said Rama to Lakshmana and Seetha about Agastya. [4-11-67]

68. While Rama narrated that way to Lakshmana sun went into dusk and the vesperal time came close of him. [4-11-68]

69. Worshipping sunset along with brother as per custom, Rama entered that hermitage and greeted that sage. [4-11-69]

70. Raghava spent one night there when that sage received him well and when they dined on tubers and fruits. [4-11-70]

71. Raghava spent that night there and when sun rose in solar orbit he took leave of the brother of Sage Agastya saying the following. [4-11-71]

72. Oh, godly sage, we stayed in the night comfortably, I now make an obeisance and bid farewell to you, as I wish to proceed to see your mentor and elder brother Agastya. [4-11-72]

73. When the brother of Agastya said, "you may go," Rama the legatee of Raghu journeyed on the pathways as directed by Suteekshna, and on observing those woodlands. [4-11-73]

The name of this brother of Agastya is Sudarshana. But none calls him by that name and he is just called agastya bhraata , Agastya's brother.

74. On observing the wild grass that grows on its own giving wild grain, Jack-fruit trees, sala trees, Ashoka trees, lemons trees, saplings of bilva trees and also madhuka and bilva trees he journeyed. [4-11-74]

75, 76. Rama has seen hundreds of flowered forest trees that are battered by the trunks of elephants, that are adorned with monkeys, reverberated by hundreds of lusty bird folks, and that are enriched by the flowered climbers whorled around them. [4-11-75, 76]


77. Then the lotus-eyed Rama said this to his follower Lakshmana who is a valiant and glory-enriching one and who is near at hand. [4-11-77]

78. As to how the trees are appearing with velvety leaves, and as to how the animals and birds appear unwearied, thus gauging by this it appears that the hermitage of that contemplative soul Agastya is situated not very far from here. [4-11-78]

79. He who by his own deed is renowned in the world as Agastya, the stopper of mountain, it appears to be his hermitage that alleviates the weary of wearied ones. [4-11-79]

The name Agastya is cleavable like aga+ stha mountain, who stayed, stopped from excessive growth.

80. The forest nearby this hermitage is overrun by huge smoke from altars of fire, overstuffed with the garlands of jute cloth, overcrowded with the herds of peaceful deer, and also overloaded with sonority of the birds. [4-11-80]

81. He who impeding death by his yogic might and wishing well-being for worlds made this southern extent a liveable province by his pious deeds, his hermitage is this. [4-11-81]

There is some problem in copying. These stanzas of verse have already appeared above at 4-11-54.

82. Under whose influence the demons behold this southern quarter appallingly, and they do not even venture to live here, such a sage Agastya's hermitage is this. [4-11-82]

83. And from when that pious deeded Agastya took possession of this quarter, from then on the night walkers are calmed down and remained without feud. [4-11-83]

84. This very worthy southern quarter is known in the name of that godly saint Agastya and this remained unattackable to the demons with cruel deeds. [4-11-84]

85. Complying which sage's directive Mt. Vindhya ceased to heighten in order not to obstruct the path of the sun, such sage's hermitage is this who is renowned in the world by his deeds and whose longevity is inestimable, hence this glorious hermitage is adored by well-behaved animals and humans as well. [4-11-85, 86]

The name Agastya is derived from a famous act of this Sage. Mt. Meru is the highest peak on earth. By its nature it grows day by day, and stands first to be saluted by the rising sun in east every day. Jealous of this Mt. Meru, Mt. Vindhya started to rise to exceed the height of Mt. Meru, thus obstructing the sun's path. Then the day changed for night and the travel of Sun and Moon, the performance of Vedic rituals, which are bound by the solar lunar movement, went topsy-turvy. Then the gods prayed Agastya to do something to decrease the height of Mt. Meru. Agastya and his wife then were coming to Mt. Vindhya and seeing its height, he requested Mt. Vindhya, "Oh, Mountain King Vindhya, myself and my wife are going southward, and we are not able to climb this much height... kindly lower yourself, so that we old people climb you and go to the other side..." Mt. Vindhya being an ardent worshipper of sages and saints immediately lowered his height to the ground level, so that the old couple need not climb but just walk over him. Agastya and his wife on coming to the southern side of the mountain again requested Mt. Vindhya to be at this height only, for they will be returning soon to north. Mt. Vindhya readily agreed for that also, and it is lying like that even today. Because Agastya did not return to north on coming to south Mt. Vindhya is still believed to be at ground level. Thus the solar and lunar movement, seasons' revolve, Vedic calendars etc. are again put to normalcy. Thus the name Agastya, aga stha mountain, stopper, agam sthaasyati or, stabhnaati iti agastyaH. He played an important role in uplifting southern regions of India, namely Dravidian cultures. Hid wife is Lopaamudra, the saintly lady will be quoted in Lalitha Sahasra Naamaavali. The thousand name of Mother Universe.

87. He that gentle sage who is always interested in the respect of sagacious ones is thus an esteemed one in the world, and for us when we approach him he accords beneficence. [4-11-87]

88. Oh, adept Lakshmana, I wish to worship that great saint Agastya therein that hermitage, and oh, gentle one, I think of living the remainder of forest living here only. [4-11-88]

89. There gods with gandharva-s, siddha-s, exalted sages will be worshipping Agastya who is self-regulating self-disciplinary. [4-11-89]

90. "There no liar can live, nor a savage, nor even a deceiver, nor a man-torturer, nor one with sinful behaviour, for that sage is of that nature. [4-11-90]

91. There the gods, celestials, reptiles, birds live together wishing to worship the Absolute with self-discipline. [4-11-91]

92. There the blest and great souls of accomplished ascesis rode to heavens by aircrafts similar to sun in resplendence, on relinquishing their mortal bodies here and on obtaining new bodies. [4-11-92]

93. There gods will endow the state of celestials or immortals, or many realms of divine living to those auspicious beings that worship them. [4-11-93]

94. We arrived at the threshold of the hermitage, oh, Soumitri, you enter firstly and submit to Sage Agastya about my arrival at this place along with Seetha. [4-11-94]

श्रीमद्वाल्मीकियरामायणे अरण्यकाण्डे एकादशः सर्गः ॥३-११॥

अग्रतः प्रययौ रामः सीता मध्ये सुशोभना । पृष्ठतः तु धनुष्पाणिः लक्ष्मणः अनुजगाम ह ॥३-११-१॥

तौ पश्यमानौ विविधान् शैल प्रस्थान् वनानि च । नदीः च विविधा रम्या जग्मतुः सह सीतया ॥३-११-२॥

सारसान् चक्रवाकां च नदी पुलिन चारिणः । सरांसि च सपद्मानि युतानि जलजैः खगैः ॥३-११-३॥

यूथ बद्धाम् च पृषतान् मद उन्मत्तान् विषाणिनः । महिषाम् च वराहाम् च गजाम् च द्रुम वैरिणः ॥३-११-४॥

ते गत्वा दूरम् अध्वानम् लंबमाने दिवाकरे । ददृशुः सहिता रंयम् तटाकम् योजन आयुतम् ॥३-११-५॥

पद्म पुष्कर संबाधम् गज यूथैः अलंकृतम् । सारसैः हंस कादम्बैः संकुलम् जल जातिभिः ॥३-११-६॥

प्रसन्न सलिले रम्ये तस्मिन् सरसि शुश्रुवे । गीत वादित्र निर्घोषो न तु कश्चन दृश्यते ॥३-११-७॥

ततः कौतूहलात् रामो लक्ष्मणः च महारथः । मुनिम् धर्मभृतम् नाम प्रष्टुम् समुपचक्रमे ॥३-११-८॥

इदम् अत्यद्भुतम् श्रुत्वा सर्वेषाम् नो महामुने । कौतूहलम् महत् जातम् किम् इदम् साधु कथ्यताम् ॥३-११-९॥

तेन एवम् उक्तो धर्मात्मा राघवेण मुनिः तदा । प्रभावम् सरसः क्षिप्रम् आख्यातुम् उपचक्रमे ॥३-११-१०॥

इदम् पंच अप्सरो नाम तटाकम् सार्व कालिकम् । निर्मितम् तपसा राम मुनिना माण्डकर्णिना ॥३-११-११॥

स हि तेपे तपः तीव्रम् माण्डकर्णिः महामुनिः । दश वर्ष सहस्राणि वायु भक्षो जलाशये ॥३-११-१२॥

ततः प्रव्यथिताः सर्वे देवाः स अग्नि पुरोगमाः । अब्रुवन् वचनम् सर्वे परस्पर समागताः ॥३-११-१३॥

अस्मकम् कस्यचित् स्थानम् एष प्रार्थयते मुनिः । इति संविग्न मनसः सर्वे तत्र दिवौकसः ॥३-११-१४॥

ततः कर्तुम् तपो विघ्नम् सर्व देवैः नियोजिताः । प्रधान अप्सरसः पंच विद्युत् चलित वर्चसः ॥३-११-१५॥

अप्सरोभिः ततः ताभिः मुनिः दृष्ट परावरः । नीतो मदन वश्यत्वम् देवानाम् कार्य सिद्धये ॥३-११-१६॥

ताः चैव अप्सरसः पंच मुनेः पत्नीत्वम् आगताः । तटाके निर्मितम् तासाम् तस्मिन् अन्तर्हितम् गृहम् ॥३-११-१७॥

तत्र एव अप्सरसः पंच निवसन्त्यो यथा सुखम् । रमयन्ति तपोयोगात् मुनिम् यौवनम् आस्थितम् ॥३-११-१८॥

तासाम् संक्रीड मानानाम् एष वादित्र निःस्वनः । श्रूयते भूषण उन्मिश्रः गीत शब्दः मनोहरः ॥३-११-१९॥

आश्चर्यम् इति तस्य एतद् वचनम् भावितात्मनः । राघवः प्रतिजग्राह सह भ्रात्रा महा यशाः ॥३-११-२०॥

एवम् कथयमानः स ददर्श आश्रम मण्डलम् । कुश चीर परिक्षिप्तम् ब्राह्म्या लक्ष्म्या समावृतम् ॥३-११-२१॥

प्रविश्य सह वैदेह्या लक्ष्मणेन च राघवः । तदा तस्मिन् स काकुत्स्थः श्रीमति आश्रम मण्डले ॥३-११-२२॥

उषित्वा स सुखम् तत्र पूर्ज्यमानो महर्षिभिः । जगाम च आश्रमान् तेषाम् पर्यायेण तपस्विनाम् ॥३-११-२३॥

येषाम् उषितवान् पूर्वम् सकाशे स महास्त्रवित् । क्वचित् परिदशान् मासान् एक संवत्सरम् क्वचित् ॥३-११-२४॥

क्वचित् च चतुरो मासान् पंच षट् च परान् क्वचित् । अपरत्र अधिकान् मासान् अध्यर्धम् अधिकम् क्वचित् ॥३-११-२५॥

त्रीन् मासान् अष्ट मासान् च राघवो न्यवसत् सुखम् । तत्र संवसतः तस्य मुनीनाम् आश्रमेषु वै ॥३-११-२६॥

रमतः च आनुकूल्येन ययुः संवत्सरा दश । परिसृत्य च धर्मज्ञः राघवः सह सीतया ॥३-११-२७॥

सुतीक्ष्णस्य आश्रमम् श्रीमान् पुनर् एव आजगाम ह । स तम् आश्रमम् आगम्य मुनिभिः परिपूजितः ॥३-११-२८॥

तत्र अपि न्यवसत् रामः कंचित् कालम् अरिन्दमः । अथ आश्रमस्थो विनयात् कदाचित् तम् महामुनिम् ॥३-११-२९॥

उपासीनः स काकुत्स्थः सुतीक्ष्णम् इदम् अब्रवीत् । अस्मिन् अरण्ये भगवन् अगस्त्यो मुनिसत्तमः ॥३-११-३०॥

वसति इति मया नित्यम् कथाः कथयताम् श्रुतम् । न तु जानामि तम् देशम् वनस्य अस्य महत्तया ॥३-११-३१॥

कुत्र आश्रम पदम् पुण्यम् महर्षेः तस्य धीमतः । प्रसाद अर्थम् भगवतः सानुजः सह सीतया ॥३-११-३२॥

अगस्त्यम् अभिगच्छेयम् अभिवादयितुम् मुनिम् । मनोरथो महान् एष हृदि परिवर्तते ॥३-११-३३॥

यदि अहम् तम् मुनिवरम् शुश्रूषेयम् अपि स्वयम् । इति रामस्य स मुनिः श्रुत्वा धर्मात्मनो वचः ॥३-११-३४॥

सुतीक्ष्णः प्रत्युवाच इदम् प्रीतो दशरथात्मजम् । अहम् अपि एतद् एव त्वाम् वक्तु कामः स लक्ष्मणम् ॥३-११-३५॥

अगस्त्यम् अभिगच्छ इति सीतया सह राघव । दिष्ट्या तु इदानीम् अर्थे अस्मिन् स्वयम् एव ब्रवीषि माम् ॥३-११-३६॥

अयम् आख्यामि ते राम यत्र अगस्त्यो महामुनिः । योजनानि आश्रमात् तात याहि चत्वारि वै ततः । दक्षिणेन महान् श्रीमान् अगस्त्य भ्रातुर् आश्रमः ॥३-११-३७॥

स्थली प्राय वनोद्देशे पिप्पली वन शोभिते । बहु पुष्प फले रम्ये नाना विहग नादिते ॥३-११-३८॥

पद्मिन्यो विविधाः तत्र प्रसन्न सलिल आशयाः । हंस कारण्डव आकीर्णाः चक्रवाक उपशोभिताः ॥३-११-३९॥

तत्र एकाम् रजनीम् व्युष्य प्रभाते राम गम्यताम् । दक्षिणाम् दिशम् आस्थाय वन षण्डस्य पार्श्वतः ॥३-११-४०॥

तत्र अगस्त्य आश्रम पदम् गत्वा योजनम् अन्तरम् । रमणीये वनोद्देशे बहु पादप शोभिते ॥३-११-४१॥

रंस्यते तत्र वैदेही लक्ष्मणः च त्वया सह । स हि रम्यो वनोउद्देशो बहु पादप संयुतः ॥३-११-४२॥

यदि बुद्धिः कृता द्रष्टुम् अगस्त्यम् तम् महामुनिम् । अद्य एव गमने बुद्धिम् रोचयस्व महामते ॥३-११-४३॥

इति रामो मुनेः श्रुत्वा सह भ्रात्रा अभिवाद्य च । प्रतस्थे अगस्त्यम् उद्दिश्य सानुगः सह सीतया ॥३-११-४४॥

पश्यन् वनानि चित्राणि पर्वतां च अभ्र संनिभान् । सरांसि सरितः चैव पथि मार्ग वश अनुगतान् ॥३-११-४५॥

सुतीक्ष्णेन उपदिष्टेन गत्वा तेन पथा सुखम् । इदम् परम संहृष्टो वाक्यम् लक्ष्मणम् अब्रवीत् ॥३-११-४६॥

एतद् एव आश्रम पदम् नूनम् तस्य महात्मनः । अगस्त्यस्य मुनेर् भ्रातुर् दृश्यते पुण्य कर्मणः ॥३-११-४७॥

यथा हि इमे वनस्य अस्य ज्ञाताः पथि सहस्रशः । संनताः फल भरेण पुष्प भारेण च द्रुमाः ॥३-११-४८॥

पिप्पलीनाम् च पक्वानाम् वनाद् अस्माद् उपागतः । गन्धो अयम् पवन उत्क्षिप्तः सहसा कटुकोदयः ॥३-११-४९॥

तत्र तत्र च दृश्यन्ते संक्षिप्ताः काष्ठ संचयाः । लूनाः च परिदृश्यन्ते दर्भा वैदूर्य वर्चसः ॥३-११-५०॥

एतत् च वन मध्यस्थम् कृष्ण अभ्र शिखर उपमम् । पावकस्य आश्रमस्थस्य धूमाग्रम् संप्रदृश्यते ॥३-११-५१॥

विविक्तेषु च तीर्थेषु कृत स्नाना द्विजातयः । पुष्प उपहारम् कुर्वन्ति कुसुमैः स्वयम् आर्जितैः ॥३-११-५२॥

ततः सुतीक्ष्णस्य वचनम् यथा सौम्य मया श्रुतम् । अगस्त्यस्य आश्रमो भ्रातुर् नूनम् एष भविष्यति ॥३-११-५३॥

निगृह्य तरसा मृत्युम् लोकानाम् हित काम्यया । यस्य भ्रात्रा कृता इयम् दिक् शरण्या पुण्य कर्मणा ॥३-११-५४॥

इह एकदा किल क्रूरो वातापिः अपि च इल्वलः । भ्रातरौ सहितौ आस्ताम् ब्राह्मणघ्नौ महा असुरौ ॥३-११-५५॥

धारयन् ब्राह्मणम् रूपम् इल्वलः संस्कृतम् वदन् । आमंत्रयति विप्रान् स श्राद्धम् उद्दिश्य निर्घृणः ॥३-११-५६॥

भ्रातरम् संस्कृतम् कृत्वा ततः तम् मेष रूपिणम् । तान् द्विजान् भोजयामास श्राद्ध दृष्टेन कर्मणा ॥३-११-५७॥

ततो भुक्तवताम् तेषाम् विप्राणाम् इल्वलो अब्रवीत् । वातापे निष्क्रमस्व इति स्वरेण महता वदन् ॥३-११-५८॥

ततो भ्रातुर् वचः श्रुत्वा वातापिः मेषवत् नदन् । भित्त्वा भित्वा शरीराणि ब्राह्मणानाम् विनिष्पतत् ॥३-११-५९॥

ब्राह्मणानाम् सहस्राणि तैः एवम् काम रूपिभिः । विनाशितानि संहत्य नित्यशः पिशित अशनैः ॥३-११-६०॥

अगस्त्येन तदा देवैः प्रार्थितेन महर्षिणा । अनुभूय किल श्राद्धे भक्षितः स महा असुरः ॥३-११-६१॥

ततः संपन्नम् इति उक्त्वा दत्त्वा हस्ते अवनेजनम् । भ्रातरम् निष्क्रमस्व इति च इल्वलः समभाषत ॥३-११-६२॥

स तदा भाषमाणम् तु भ्रातरम् विप्र घातिनम् । अब्रवीत् प्रहसन् धीमान् अगस्त्यो मुनि सत्तमः ॥३-११-६३॥

कुतो निष्क्रमितुम् शक्तिर् मया जीर्णस्य रक्षसः । भ्रातुः ते मेष रूपस्य गतस्य यम सादनम् ॥३-११-६४॥

अथ तस्य वचः श्रुत्वा भ्रातुर् निधन संश्रितम् । प्रधर्षयितुम् आरेभे मुनिम् क्रोधात् निशा चरः ॥३-११-६५॥

सो अभ्यद्रवत् द्विजेंद्रम् तम् मुनिना दीप्त तेजसा । चक्षुषा अनल कल्पेन निर्दग्धो निधनम् गतः ॥३-११-६६॥

तस्य अयम् आश्रमो भ्रातुः तटाक वन शोभितः । विप्र अनुकम्पया येन कर्म इदम् दुष्करम् कृतम् ॥३-११-६७॥

एवम् कथयमानस्य तस्य सौमित्रिणा सह । रामस्य अस्तम् गतः सूर्यः संध्या कालो अभ्यवर्तत ॥३-११-६८॥

उपास्य पश्चिमाम् संध्याम् सह भ्रात्रा यथा विधि । प्रविवेश आश्रम पदम् तम् ऋषिम् च अभ्यवादयत् ॥३-११-६९॥

सम्यक् प्रतिगृहीतः तु मुनिना तेन राघवः । न्यवसत् ताम् निशाम् एकाम् प्राश्य मूल फलानि च ॥३-११-७०॥

तस्याम् रात्र्याम् व्यतीतायाम् उदिते रवि मण्डले । भ्रातरम् तम् अगस्त्यस्य आमंत्रयत राघवः ॥३-११-७१॥

अभिवादये त्वाम् भगवन् सुखम् स्म उष्यतो निशाम् । आमंत्रये त्वाम् गच्छामि गुरुम् ते द्रष्टुम् अग्रजम् ॥३-११-७२॥

गम्यताम् इति तेन उक्तो जगाम रघु नन्दनः । यथा उद्दिष्टेन मार्गेण वनम् तत् च अवलोकयन् ॥३-११-७३॥

नीवारान् पनसान् सालान् वन्जुलान् तिनिशान् तथा । चिरि बिल्वान् मधूकान् च बिल्वान् अथ च तिन्दुकान् ॥३-११-७४॥

पुष्पितान् पुष्पित अग्राभिर् लताभिर् उपशोभितान् । ददर्श रामः शतशः तत्र कान्तार पादपान् ॥३-११-७५॥

हस्ति हस्तैः विमृदितान् वानरैः उपशोभितान् । मत्तैः शकुनि संघैः च शतशः प्रति नादितान् ॥३-११-७६॥

ततो अब्रवीत् समीपस्थम् रामो राजीव लोचनः । पृष्ठतो अनुगतम् वीरम् लक्ष्मणम् लक्ष्मिवर्धनम् ॥३-११-७७॥

स्निग्ध पत्रा यथा वृक्षा यथा क्षान्ता मृग द्विजाः । आश्रमो न अतिदूरस्थो महर्षेर् भावित आत्मनः ॥३-११-७८॥

अगस्त्य इति विख्यातो लोके स्वेन एव कर्मणा । आश्रमो दृश्यते तस्य परिश्रान्त श्रम अपहः ॥३-११-७९॥

प्राज्य धूम आकुल वनः चीर माला परिष्कृतः । प्रशान्त मृग यूथः च नाना शकुनि नादितः ॥३-११-८०॥

निगृह्य तरसा मृत्युम् लोकानाम् हित काम्यया । दक्षिणा दिक् कृता येन शरण्या पुण्य कर्मणा ॥३-११-८१॥

तस्य इदम् आश्रम पदम् प्रभावाद् यस्य राक्षसैः । दिक् इयम् दक्षिणा त्रासाद् दृश्यते न उपभुज्यते ॥३-११-८२॥

यदा प्रभृति च आक्रान्ता दिग् इयम् पुण्य कर्मणा । तदा प्रभृति निर् वैराः प्रशान्ता रजनी चराः ॥३-११-८३॥

नाम्ना च इयम् भगवतो दक्षिणा दिक् प्रदक्षिणा । प्रथिता त्रिषु लोकेषु दुर्धर्षा क्रूर कर्मभिः ॥३-११-८४॥

मार्गम् निरोद्धुम् सततम् भास्करस्य अचल उत्तमः । संदेशम् पालयन् तस्य विंध्य शैलो न वर्धते ॥३-११-८५॥

अयम् दीर्घ आयुषः तस्य लोके विश्रुत कर्मणः । अगस्त्यस्य आश्रमः श्रीमान् विनीत मृग सेवितः ॥३-११-८६॥

एष लोक अर्चितः साधुः हिते नित्यम् रतः सताम् । अस्मान् अधिगतान् एष श्रेयसा योजयिष्यति ॥३-११-८७॥

आराधयिष्यामि अत्र अहम् अगस्त्यम् तम् महामुनिम् । शेषम् च वन वासस्य सौम्य वत्स्यामि अहम् प्रभो ॥३-११-८८॥

अत्र देवाः सगन्धर्वाः सिद्धाः च परम ऋषयः । अगस्त्यम् नियत आहाराः सततम् पर्युपासते ॥३-११-८९॥

न अत्र जीवेत् मृषावादी क्रूरो वा यदि वा शठः । नृशंसः पाप वृत्तो वा मुनिः एष तथा विधः ॥३-११-९०॥

अत्र देवाः च यक्षाः च नागाः च पतगैः सह । वसन्ति नियत आहारा धर्मम् आराधयिष्णवः ॥३-११-९१॥

अत्र सिद्धा महात्मानो विमानैः सूर्य सन्निभैः । त्यक्त्वा देहान् नवैर् देहैः स्वर् याताः परम ऋषयः ॥३-११-९२॥

यक्षत्वम् अमरत्वम् च राज्यानि विविधानि च । अत्र देवाः प्रयच्छन्ति भूतैः आराधिताः शुभैः ॥३-११-९३॥

आगताः स्म आश्रम पदम् सौमित्रे प्रविश अग्रतः । निवेदय इह माम् प्राप्तम् ऋषये सह सीतया ॥३-११-९४॥

इति वाल्मीकि रामायणे आदि काव्ये अरण्यकाण्डे एकादशः सर्गः ॥३-११॥

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