Uttara Kanda, Sarga 93

Meaning

Having narrated to his brothers, Śrī Rāma, with unlimited splendour, again spoke these righteous words to Lakṣmaṇa: (1)

Meaning

‘O Lakṣmaṇa, after having brought together all the sages e.g., Vasiṣṭha, Vāmadeva, Jābāli, Kāśyapa, and all Brāhmaṇas belonging to all Pravaras (Ṛṣi ancestors) and proficient in the performance of the Aśvamedha and also consulting them, I shall let loose a horse, with auspicious marks, carefully.’ (2-3)

Meaning

Hearing those words of the descendant of Raghu, Śrī Rāma, Lakṣmaṇa of speedy gait, calling all Brāhmaṇas presented them to the scion of Raghu. (4)

Meaning

Having seen him, who was like a god, and had adored their feet, they honoured Śrī Rāma, the invincible, with blessings. (5)

Meaning

Then folding his hands in salutation, the scion of Raghu, spoke to the best Brāhmaṇas about Aśvamedha, full of righteousness. (6)

Meaning

All those Brāhmaṇas too having heard (the intention) of Śrī Rāma paying obeisance to Mahādeva, the god with the bull as His emblem, spoke very high of Aśvamedha. (7)

Meaning

Having heard the wonderful words of the leading Brāhmaṇas, related to the Aśvamedha, he was extremely pleased. (8)

Meaning

Knowing their intention to perform that sacrifice, Śrī Rāma spoke to Lakṣmaṇa : ‘O one of long arms, send for the noble Sugrīva, alongwith several great monkeys and other denizens of the forest, to enjoy this great ceremony; may welfare be with them. (9-10)

Meaning

‘May Vibhīṣaṇa, too, possessed of great power, come to the great sacrifice, Aśvamedha, accompanied by the Rākṣasas (demons) moving at will. (11)

Meaning

‘All those kings of great fortune, who are desirous of my welfare, will come soon with attendants to see the ground of Aśvamedha. (12)

Meaning

‘O Lakṣmaṇa, invite all those Brāhmaṇas, who have migrated to other countries, are devoted to righteousness, on the occasion of Aśvamedha. O one of long arms, invite the sages rich in penance, and all the Brāhmaṇas staying abroad together with their spouses. (13-14)

Meaning

‘So also call the dancers with symbols, the actors and other dancers, make the great sacrificial place to be ready. O one of long arms, in the Naimiṣa forest on the banks of the Gomatī, that Naimiṣa forest is extremely holy; may propitiatory rites for averting evil be performed on all sides. (15-16)

Meaning

‘O one of long arms, descendant of Raghu, may righteous persons in thousands be satisfied, seeing the great sacrifice, the best among rites, Aśvamedha. O knower of righteousness, do invite all people soon, they will return satisfied, well-fed and honoured in the proper manner. (17-18)

Meaning

‘O mighty one, Lakṣmaṇa, may hundred thousand carriers carry unbroken rice, and ten thousand of them carry sesame and beans, grains, pulses, black gram a little and salt; and in proportionate quantity, lubricants and fragrant materials. (19—20)

Meaning

‘May Bharata proceed carrying coins in many hundred millions of gold and silver, carefully. Many rows of mobile markets, all actors and dancers, cooks, many damsels possessed of eternal charm, may they accompany Bharata; the citizens, both young and aged ones, Brāhmaṇas in front leading the march, the labourers, carpenters, treasurers and knowers of Veda, all my mothers (Kaikeyī with Sumitrā and Kausalyā), the spouses of the princes (Bharata etc.) ‘the gold statue of my wife, Sītā, and the knowers of the consecration ceremony, may Bharata possessed of great fame proceed.’ (21—25)

Meaning

The powerful, Śrī Rāma, possessed of great power ordered to be built many costly dwellings for the powerful kings, together with their attendants. (26)

Meaning

He also ordered for the provision of food and drinks for the noble ones, who followed them (kings). Bharata then proceeded together with Śatrughna. (27)

Meaning

The noble monkeys, together with Sugrīva and the select Brāhmaṇas, then served the food. (28)

Meaning

Vibhīṣaṇa together with the Rākṣasas and many women, received with honour the noble Ṛṣis of great penances. (29)