Sarga 1: Departure to the Forest
Vanagamana
Rama departs from Ayodhya and travels to the forest, beginning the exile with Sita and Lakshman.
एवमुक्त्वा महाबाहुः शितखन्डं महाधनुक् । समावृत्तं खरं ध्वजं शराष्चर्णं सपत्रकम् ।।3.1.1।।
Meaning
With his mighty arms, Rama held his sharp-bladed bow and arrows adorned with feathers, ready for the journey to the forest.
ततः स रामो भगवान् अग्निं स्तुतिमाभ्यगतम् । समिधं समुपादाय जिह्वया समवारयत् ।।3.1.2।।
Meaning
The blessed Rama made offerings to the sacred fire according to ritual, and with his lips held in restraint, departed on his way.
अग्नये विधिवत् कृत्वा प्रनम्य शिरसा नरन् । जगाम स तया सीतया लक्ष्मणश्च महाबल: ।।3.1.3।।
Meaning
Having bowed to the fire with his head, the mighty Rama departed with Sita and the strong Lakshman to the forest.
तत्रायोध्याम् परित्यज्य रामः पार्थिव सत्तम: । वनाय प्रययौ वीरो गुर्वाषवप्रधान: ।।3.1.4।।
Meaning
Leaving Ayodhya behind, the mighty prince Rama, devoted to his vow, set forth toward the forest.
तं जराम् चागमं भूयं सीतो रामं महाव्रत: । वनं सह सह जगाम वनवस्था प्रतिक्ष्ण: ।।3.1.5।।
Meaning
Sita followed her beloved Rama steadfastly, and together they entered the forest, devoted to their austere dwelling.
ततस्तां महावृक्षं तड् वनायोगमागताः । निष्टाम् आलप्य रामस्य भूमिम् उत्सृज्य दादृपत् ।।3.1.6।।
Meaning
Coming to the great tree in the forest, they abandoned their royal vestments and adopted the hermit's life.
वनं प्रवेष्तुम् ईक्ष्माणः स रामः प्रभवीष्णु : । तपसा ब्रह्मचर्य्येण विद्वान्स्समुदाचरान् ।।3.1.7।।
Meaning
The wise Rama, versed in austerity and celibacy, entered the forest seeking to practice perfect dharma.
प्रयागे हिमवाल्पारे पुण्यक्षेत्रे महात्मनि । वासं कृत्वा महावीर्यो वीरो लक्श्मण सान्गतम् ।।3.1.8।।
Meaning
At the sacred Prayag, in the purified land beneath the Himalayas, the mighty hero made his dwelling with Lakshman.
वनान्तरमागम् रामः स सीतया सहितः प्रभुः । मुनि भावान् तपस्वी च परमाश्रमम् आगतः ।।3.1.9।।
Meaning
Thus Rama with Sita reached the forest dwelling, the lord engaged in ascetic practices and tapas.
धर्मं परमम् आअचक्रे वासि वने महीपति: । सर्वभूतेषु सम्युक्तः करुणां परमां ययौ ।।3.1.10।।
Meaning
The king dwelling in the forest practiced the highest dharma, showing compassion to all creatures.