Uttara Kanda, Sarga 74

Meaning

Śatrughna, a tiger among men, could not sleep in the night ruminating over the song of Rāma’s deeds, full of meaning. (1)

Meaning

Night passed away for the noble Śatrughna quickly, hearing the melodious sound of the song accompanied with that of the Vīṇā (lute) with proper beats. (2)

Meaning

After the night had ended, Śatrughna with folded hands said to Vālmīki, the best among sages, having performed the morning duties: (3)

Meaning

‘Sir, I wish to see Śrī Rāma, the scion of the Raghus, with your permission and also that of these sages, firmly adhering to their vowes.’ (4)

Meaning

Thus talking, Vālmīki embraced Śatrughna, the extirpator of foes, the scion of the Raghus, and let him go. (5)

Meaning

Saluting Vālmīki, the best among sages, he, Śatrughna, ascending the shining chariot, went on speedily to Ayodhyā, eager to see the scion of the Raghus, Śrī Rāma. (6)

Meaning

The descendant of Ikṣvāku, the prosperous one, Śatrughna, reached the city, Ayodhyā, and entered the king’s palace where Śrī Rāma, the illustrious one, was. (7)

Meaning

Seeing Śrī Rāma with a face like full moon, seated among the councillors like Indra among the gods, and as if enflamed with vigour, Śatrughna with folded hands spoke to resplendant one after saluting Him: (8-9)

Meaning

‘All that you ordered me to do, I have done; the evil Lavaṇa has been killed and the city, Madhupurī, has been reinstituted. (10)

Meaning

‘These twelve years I have spent without you. O king, I cannot now live afar, separated from you. (11)

Meaning

‘O scion of the Kakutsthas, possessed of unmitigated power, give me thy favour, I cannot live without you for long, like a child separated from its mother.’ (12)

Meaning

Then the scion of the Kakutsthas, Śrī Rāma, embraced him, Śatrughna, who spoke thus and said: ‘O brave one, do not lose heart, this does not become a Kṣatriya. (13)

Meaning

‘O descendant of Raghu, Śatrughna, the Kings staying away from their kingdom are not disheartened; the subjects are indeed to be protected as laid down among duties for the Kṣatriya. (14)

Meaning

‘O brave one, come from time to time again to Ayodhyā to see me. O best among men, you should go to your city, the city of Madhurā. (15)

Meaning

‘You indeed are dearer to me than my life, there is no doubt. But for you looking after your territory is indeed obligatory. (16)

Meaning

‘Therefore, O scion of the Kakutsthas, stay with me for seven nights and then you should proceed to Madhurā with attendants, army and carriers.’ (17)

Meaning

Hearing these words of Śrī Rāma, spoken rightfully and in accordance with his Dharma, Śatrughna in a depressed tone spoke ‘So be it.’ (18)

Meaning

As desired by the descendant of Raghu, Śrī Rāma, Śatrughna, the mighty one, made himself ready to depart, having spent seven nights there. (19)

Meaning

Taking leave of the noble Śrī Rāma of true valour, and also Bharata and Lakṣmaṇa, he ascended the marvellous chariot. (20)

Meaning

Followed by the noble Lakṣmaṇa and Bharata on foot, for a long distance, Śatrughna sped in haste to the city, Madhupurī. (21)