Uttara Kanda, Sarga 72

Meaning

After Lavaṇa was killed, the gods, together with Indra and Agni as their head, spoke these sweet words to Śatrughna, the tormentor of the foes. (1)

Meaning

‘O lion among men, by good fortune, victory is yours and the Rākṣasa is dead, O! of a noble vow! ask us for a boon. (2)

Meaning

‘All desirous of your victory are intending to grant boon to you. We have come; our presence here will not be fruitless.’ (3)

Meaning

Hearing the words of the gods, Śatrughna, the long-armed one, disciplined in mind, keeping his folded hands on his head replied thus : (4)

Meaning

‘This city of Madhu, Madhurā by name, built by the gods, may become the capital soon. This is the only boon that I desire: (5)

Meaning

The gods said: ‘So be it’ O scion of the Raghus: This beautiful city will be Śūrasenā indeed, possessed of an army of brave men, there is no doubt about it.’ (6)

Meaning

Thus saying the holy gods then ascended to heaven. Śatrughna too, the powerful one, brought back the army from the banks of the Gaṅgā. (7)

Meaning

That army came soon, hearing the news of the death of Lavaṇa at the hands of Śatrughna and commenced the establishment of the capital in the month of Śrāvaṇa (roughly corresponding to July-August). (8)

Meaning

That holy country was established as the territory of the Śūrasenas, in the course of twelve years, as there was no cause for fear. (9)

Meaning

The fields were full with grains, Indra (the rain-god) brought forth rain in time, the warriors, protected by Śatrughna, were free of disease. (10)

Meaning

That city, shaped like the half-moon, beautified by the banks of the Yamunā, was also embellished with special mansions and quadrangular market-place. It was inhabited by the four Varṇas (castes) and abounded in all forms of merchandise and trade. (11)

Meaning

The white mansion that was formerly built by Lavaṇa, Śatrughna further beautified with pictures of various colours, looking beautiful on all sides with rest-houses and Vihāras, and that city was adorned with human and celestial embellishments. (12-13)

Meaning

The prosperous Śatrughna, the younger brother of Bharata, having seen the city, divine in appearance, filled with all forms of merchandise and inhabited by traders coming from various countries, was much pleased. (14-15)

Meaning

Then at the commencement of the twelfth year, having established the city Madhurā, he thought ‘I shall see the feet of Śrī Rāma.’ (16)

Meaning

Then establishing that city, resembling a celestial one, Śatrughna filling it with men of various types, the enhancer of Raghu’s family, considered it appropriate to see Śrī Rāma’s feet. (17)