वेदवेदाङ्गतत्त्वज्ञः सर्वशास्त्रविशारदः
He was learned in the Vedas and their branches, and skilled in all the sciences.
प्रीतिं च निजचेष्टाभिरन्वहं पर्यवर्त्तयत्
He continually brought joy through his own actions.
पित्रोः शुश्रूषयानैषीद्रामो मतिमतां वरः
Rāma, best among the wise, sought to serve his parents.
गन्तुं व्यवसितो राजन्दैवेन च नियोजितः
He resolved to depart, O king, being directed by fate.
उवाच प्राञ्जलिर्भूतवा सप्रश्रयमिदं वचः
He spoke, with joined palms, respectfully and with humility.
विज्ञापयितुमिच्छामि मम तच्छ्रोतुमर्हथः
I wish to inform you; you are worthy to hear this from me.
तस्मात्तत्पार्श्वमधुना गमिष्ये वामनुज्ञया
Therefore, now I will go to his side, with your permission.
पितामह्या बहुमुखैरिच्छन्त्या मम दर्शनम्
My grandmother, with many faces, desires to see me.
सदीयं तेन तत्पार्श्वं गन्तुं मामनुजानत
With my kin, let me go to his side; please grant me leave.
हर्षेण महता युक्तौ साश्रुनेत्रौ बभूवतुः
Both were filled with great joy, their eyes brimming with tears.
अभिनन्द्याशिषा तात ह्युभौ ताविदमाहतुः
Both, O dear one, blessed him and spoke these words.
पितामहपितामह्योः प्रीतये दर्शनाय च
For the pleasure and sight of the grandfather and great-grandfather,
कञ्चित्कालं तयोर्वत्स प्रीतये वस तद्गृहे
Stay for some time, child, in their house for their joy.
अत्रागच्छ महाभाग क्षेमेणास्मद्दिदृक्षया
Come here, O greatly fortunate one, safely, desiring to see us.
तस्मात्पितामह गृहे न चिरात्स्थातुमर्हसि
Therefore, you should not remain long in the grandfather's house.
गतो ऽपि शीघ्रमागच्छ क्रमेण तदनुज्ञया
Even after you go, return quickly, with their permission, in due course.
पितरावप्यनुज्ञाप्य पितामहगृहं ततः
Having received permission from his parents, he then went to the grandfather's house.
प्रविवेशाश्रमं रामो मुनिशिष्योपशोभितम्
Rama entered the hermitage, adorned by the sage's disciples.
प्रशान्तवैर सत्त्वाढ्यं सर्वसत्त्वमनोहरम्
It was full of peaceful beings, rich in virtue, delightful to all creatures.
ददर्श रामो राजेन्द्र स पितामहमग्रतः
Rama, O king, saw his grandfather before him.
उपासितं सत्यवत्या यथा दक्षिणायऽध्वरम्
Attended by Satyavati, as a sacrificial rite is attended by the southern fire.
सुचिरं तं विमर्शेतां समाज्ञापूर्वदर्शनौ
For a long time, they discussed, having first met by command.
बालो ऽयं बलवान्भातिगांभीर्यात्प्रश्रयेण च
This boy appears powerful, shining with gravity and humility.
आससाद शनै रामः समीपे विनयान्वितः
Rama approached slowly, filled with respect.
संस्पृशंश्चरणौ मूर्ध्ना हस्ताभ्यां चाभ्यवादयत्
Touching their feet with his head and hands, he offered his salutations.
आशीर्भिरभिनन्देतां पृथक् पृथगुभावपि
They each, in their own way, blessed him with words of benediction.
वीक्षन्तौ तन्मुखांभोजं परं हर्षमवापतुः
Looking upon his lotus-like face, they both experienced great joy.
अनामयमपृच्छेतां तावुभौ दंपती तदा
Then, the two spouses inquired about his well-being.
अनायासेन ते वृत्तिर्वर्तते चाथ कर्हिचित्
They asked, 'Is your livelihood proceeding without difficulty at present?'
तथा स्वानुगतं पित्रोर्भ्रातॄणां चैव चेष्टितम्
In the same way, they asked about the welfare and conduct of his parents and brothers.