Uttara Kanda, Sarga 105

Meaning

After sometime, while Śrī Rāma was engaged in virtuous deeds, Death in the form of an ascetic appeared at the royal gate. (1)

Meaning

He spoke to courageous and glorious Lakṣmaṇa, who was standing at the door thus: ‘I have come here for a great purpose, you report my arrival to Śrī Rāma. (2)

Meaning

‘I am the messenger of the sage Atibala, possessed of great power and have come desiring to see Śrī Rāma with a purpose, O mighty one.’ (3)

Meaning

Having heard the words of the ascetic, the son of Sumitrā, Lakṣmaṇa, at once reported the arrival of that ascetic to Śrī Rāma ! (4)

Meaning

‘O one possessed of great power, be victorious over both the worlds: a messenger, who is as lustrous as the sun, due to austerities, has come to see you.’ (5)

Meaning

Śrī Rāma on his part hearing the words of Lakṣmaṇa said: ‘O dear, let the messenger possessed of great vigour, who carries the message of his patron, enter.’ (6)

Meaning

Then the son of Sumitrā, Lakṣmaṇa, also having said, ‘It shall be as you say’, He presented before Rāma, the great ascetic as if enveloped with effulgence and burning others with his beams. (7)

Meaning

That sage having approached the best among the descendants of Raghus, glowing with his splendour said in a sweet voice, ‘Hail to Thee.’ (8)

Meaning

The powerful Śrī Rāma worshipped him with offerings of Arghya and then began to ask him about his welfare. (9)

Meaning

The famous ascetic, the best among speakers, being thus enquired about his welfare by Śrī Rāma, seated himself on the beautiful golden seat. (10)

Meaning

Then Śrī Rāma said to him, ‘Welcome to you, O one of great wisdom. Please do convey the message of him from whom you have come as messenger.’ (11)

Meaning

Impelled by Śrī Rāma, the lion among kings, the ascetic said: ‘My message is to be conveyed only between two of us secretly, if you keep the common interest in mind. (12)

Meaning

‘If you pay heed to the words of the chief of the ascetics, the intruder who sees us or hears our talk must be sentenced to death. (13)

Meaning

Saying “So shall it be”, Śrī Rāma said to Lakṣmaṇa, “Go, and stand at the door; O one of long arms and dismiss the door-attendant. (14)

Meaning

He shall indeed be killed who sees or hears the words spoken between two of us.’ (15)

Meaning

Then placing Lakṣmaṇa, who could catch of the meaning of Śrī Rāma’s word at the door, the descendant of Raghu said to that ascetic, ‘O ascetic, speak what you have to say. (16)

Meaning

Do speak out the intention of that one by whom you have been sent without any hesitation. I am eager to know what you have got to say. (17)