Uttara Kanda, Sarga 64

Meaning

When the Ṛṣis had thus spoken to Him, Śrī Rāma with folded hands replied: ‘What does he (Lavaṇa) take as his food, of what conduct is he and where does he stay?’ (1)

Meaning

Hearing these words of Śrī Rāma, all those Ṛṣis then conveyed to Him how Lavaṇa fared. (2)

Meaning

His food comprises all beings, specially ascetics. His conduct is full of cruelty, every moment. His residence is in Madhuvana. (3)

Meaning

Having killed many thousands of lions, tigers, deers and birds and also human beings, he makes his daily meals of them. (4)

Meaning

Then all other types of beings too, the mighty Lavaṇa devoures as if he was Death, with open mouth at the time. (5)

Meaning

Hearing this, the scion of Raghu (Śrī Rāma) said to the great ascetics: ‘I shall kill that Rākṣasa, may your fears be dispelled.’ (6)

Meaning

Thus having promised to the ascetics, possessed of great vigour, that descendant of the Raghus, Śrī Rāma, spoke to his brothers altogether. (7)

Meaning

“Who the brave shall kill Lavaṇa, to whom shall Lavaṇa be assigned, to long-armed Bharata or Śatrughna, the wise one?’ (8)

Meaning

When Śrī Rāma spoke thus, Bharata said: ‘I shall kill him. Kindly assign him to me’. (9)

Meaning

Hearing the words of Bharata, (Śatrughna) younger brother of Lakṣmaṇa, stood up leaving his golden seat. Having bowed to the King, Śrī Rāma, Śatrughna said: The middle one, Bharata, among us, possessed of long arms, O descendant of Raghu, has already performed his share. (10-11)

Meaning

‘He protected Ayodhyā in your absence undergoing so much mental agony, awaiting your arrival. (12)

Meaning

‘Here many sufferings were endured by him, O king: sleeping on uncomfortable bed in the Nandigrāma, this noble one consuming only fruits and roots, with matted hair, and dress of bark, has greatly experienced sorrow, O descendant of the Raghus. (13-14)

Meaning

‘While I, the servant, am available, Bharata should not again be put to trouble. After Śatrughna said so, Śrī Rāma, the scion of the Raghus again spoke these words: (15)

Meaning

“Be it so, O Śatrughna (descendant of Kakutstha), carry out my orders, I shall consecrate you on the holy kingdom of Madhu. Establish the throne. Bharata be here. O one of long arms, if you consider it proper, You are brave and proficient, and also have the ability to establish a new city. Founding a city close to Yamunā, and many provinces of auspicious fame, one who having reduced a royal house in that very city, does not install a king there, indeed goes to hell. Therefore, you, having killed Lavaṇa, the son of Madhu, possessed of evil designs, rule over that kingdom. If you follow my words, then, O brave one, carry on the administration righteously, without making any argument or disobeying me.’ (16—20)

Meaning

The elders must be obeyed by youngers there is no doubt about it. Please approve of the consecration, to be performed by me, accompained by the Mantras, sacred chants of the Brāhmaṇas headed by Śrī Vasiṣṭha, in prescribed manner. (21)