03.262
मार्कण्डेय उवाच॥
Markandeya said.
मारीचस्त्वथ सम्भ्रान्तो दृष्ट्वा रावणमागतम्। पूजयामास सत्कारैः फलमूलादिभिस्तथा ॥०३-२६२-१॥
But then, Mārīca, startled upon seeing Rāvaṇa arrive, received him with proper courtesies and offered him fruits, roots, and similar items. (03-262-1)
विश्रान्तं चैनमासीनमन्वासीनः स राक्षसः। उवाच प्रश्रितं वाक्यं वाक्यज्ञो वाक्यकोविदम् ॥०३-२६२-२॥
The rākṣasa, after he had seen him rested and seated and had seated himself close by, addressed respectful words to the one skilled and expert in speech. (03-262-2)
न ते प्रकृतिमान्वर्णः कच्चित्क्षेमं पुरे तव। कच्चित्प्रकृतयः सर्वा भजन्ते त्वां यथा पुरा ॥०३-२६२-३॥
Is your minister not true to his nature? Is everything well in your city? Do all the subjects serve you as before? (03-262-3)
किमिहागमने चापि कार्यं ते राक्षसेश्वर। कृतमित्येव तद्विद्धि यद्यपि स्यात्सुदुष्करम् ॥०३-२६२-४॥
O lord of the rākṣasas, whatever task there is here for your coming, know that it is already done, even if it might be very difficult. (03-262-4)
शशंस रावणस्तस्मै तत्सर्वं रामचेष्टितम्। मारीचस्त्वब्रवीच्छ्रुत्वा समासेनैव रावणम् ॥०३-२६२-५॥
Rāvaṇa told him everything about Rāma’s actions. Mārīca, after hearing it, spoke to Rāvaṇa only briefly. (03-262-5)
अलं ते राममासाद्य वीर्यज्ञो ह्यस्मि तस्य वै। बाणवेगं हि कस्तस्य शक्तः सोढुं महात्मनः ॥०३-२६२-६॥
Enough, having approached Rāma; I truly know his strength. For indeed, who can withstand the force of that great-souled one's arrows? (03-262-6)
प्रव्रज्यायां हि मे हेतुः स एव पुरुषर्षभः। विनाशमुखमेतत्ते केनाख्यातं दुरात्मना ॥०३-२६२-७॥
Indeed, my reason for renunciation is he alone, O bull among men. By whom was this mouth of destruction declared to you, by the evil-minded? (03-262-7)
तमुवाचाथ सक्रोधो रावणः परिभर्त्सयन्। अकुर्वतोऽस्मद्वचनं स्यान्मृत्युरपि ते ध्रुवम् ॥०३-२६२-८॥
Then Rāvaṇa, rebuking him angrily, said: "If you do not obey my command, death is certainly inevitable for you." (03-262-8)
मारीचश्चिन्तयामास विशिष्टान्मरणं वरम्। अवश्यं मरणे प्राप्ते करिष्याम्यस्य यन्मतम् ॥०३-२६२-९॥
Mārīca thought, 'Death is better than the superior option. Therefore, since death is certain, I will do whatever is his wish.' (03-262-9)
ततस्तं प्रत्युवाचाथ मारीचो राक्षसेश्वरम्। किं ते साह्यं मया कार्यं करिष्याम्यवशोऽपि तत् ॥०३-२६२-१०॥
Then Mārīca replied to the lord of the rākṣasas: "Whatever help you desire from me, I shall do that, even though I am powerless." (03-262-10)
तमब्रवीद्दशग्रीवो गच्छ सीतां प्रलोभय। रत्नशृङ्गो मृगो भूत्वा रत्नचित्रतनूरुहः ॥०३-२६२-११॥
The ten-headed Rāvaṇa said to him, "Go and tempt Sītā by assuming the form of a deer with jeweled horns and a body covered in jeweled markings and fur." (03-262-11)
ध्रुवं सीता समालक्ष्य त्वां रामं चोदयिष्यति। अपक्रान्ते च काकुत्स्थे सीता वश्या भविष्यति ॥०३-२६२-१२॥
Certainly, Sītā will urge Rāma after carefully observing you. And when Rāma (Kākutstha) has left, Sītā will become submissive. (03-262-12)
तामादायापनेष्यामि ततः स न भविष्यति। भार्यावियोगाद्दुर्बुद्धिरेतत्साह्यं कुरुष्व मे ॥०३-२६२-१३॥
Taking her away, I will take her. After that, he will not exist. On account of wife-separation, that evil-minded one—give this help for me. (03-262-13)
इत्येवमुक्तो मारीचः कृत्वोदकमथात्मनः। रावणं पुरतो यान्तमन्वगच्छत्सुदुःखितः ॥०३-२६२-१४॥
Having been thus addressed, Mārīca—having then performed the water-rite for himself—greatly distressed, followed Rāvaṇa who was going ahead. (03-262-14)
ततस्तस्याश्रमं गत्वा रामस्याक्लिष्टकर्मणः। चक्रतुस्तत्तथा सर्वमुभौ यत्पूर्वमन्त्रितम् ॥०३-२६२-१५॥
Then, both of them went to the hermitage of Rāma, whose actions are effortless, and carried out everything just as had been previously agreed upon. (03-262-15)
रावणस्तु यतिर्भूत्वा मुण्डः कुण्डी त्रिदण्डधृक्। मृगश्च भूत्वा मारीचस्तं देशमुपजग्मतुः ॥०३-२६२-१६॥
But Rāvaṇa, having become an ascetic—shaven-headed, carrying a water-pot, and holding the triple staff—and Mārīca, having become a deer, both approached that place. (03-262-16)
दर्शयामास वैदेहीं मारीचो मृगरूपधृक्। चोदयामास तस्यार्थे सा रामं विधिचोदिता ॥०३-२६२-१७॥
Mārīca, taking the form of a deer, showed himself to Sītā. Urged by fate, she pressed Rāma to seek it for her. (03-262-17)
रामस्तस्याः प्रियं कुर्वन्धनुरादाय सत्वरः। रक्षार्थे लक्ष्मणं न्यस्य प्रययौ मृगलिप्सया ॥०३-२६२-१८॥
Rāma, swiftly doing what was pleasing to her, took up his bow, left Lakṣmaṇa behind for her protection, and set off with the desire to capture the deer. (03-262-18)
स धन्वी बद्धतूणीरः खड्गगोधाङ्गुलित्रवान्। अन्वधावन्मृगं रामो रुद्रस्तारामृगं यथा ॥०३-२६२-१९॥
He, carrying bow, having his quiver fastened, and equipped with sword, arm-guard, and finger-protector, Rāma chased the deer just as Rudra once chased Tārā the deer. (03-262-19)
सोऽन्तर्हितः पुनस्तस्य दर्शनं राक्षसो व्रजन्। चकर्ष महदध्वानं रामस्तं बुबुधे ततः ॥०३-२६२-२०॥
He, having become invisible, the demon again going to remain in his sight traversed a great distance; then Rama perceived him. (03-262-20)
निशाचरं विदित्वा तं राघवः प्रतिभानवान्। अमोघं शरमादाय जघान मृगरूपिणम् ॥०३-२६२-२१॥
Raghava, knowing him to be a demon in the guise of a deer, and being intelligent, took up an unfailing arrow and killed him. (03-262-21)
स रामबाणाभिहतः कृत्वा रामस्वरं तदा। हा सीते लक्ष्मणेत्येवं चुक्रोशार्तस्वरेण ह ॥०३-२६२-२२॥
Struck by Rāma's arrow, he then imitated Rāma's voice and cried out in distress, 'Alas, O Sītā, O Lakṣmaṇa!' (03-262-22)
शुश्राव तस्य वैदेही ततस्तां करुणां गिरम्। सा प्राद्रवद्यतः शब्दस्तामुवाचाथ लक्ष्मणः ॥०३-२६२-२३॥
Vaidehi heard his pitiable voice, and then she ran toward where the sound came from; then Lakshmana spoke to her. (03-262-23)
अलं ते शङ्कया भीरु को रामं विषहिष्यति। मुहूर्ताद्द्रक्ष्यसे राममागतं तं शुचिस्मिते ॥०३-२६२-२४॥
Stop worrying, O timid one; who can overcome Rama? In a moment, O pure-smiling one, you will see Rama himself coming. (03-262-24)
इत्युक्त्वा सा प्ररुदती पर्यशङ्कत देवरम्। हता वै स्त्रीस्वभावेन शुद्धचारित्रभूषणम् ॥०३-२६२-२५॥
Having thus spoken, she wept and was filled with suspicion toward her husband's younger brother. Though her ornament was pure character, she was undone by the nature of woman. (03-262-25)
सा तं परुषमारब्धा वक्तुं साध्वी पतिव्रता। नैष कालो भवेन्मूढ यं त्वं प्रार्थयसे हृदा ॥०३-२६२-२६॥
She, the virtuous and devoted wife, was about to speak harsh words to him, but said, "This is not the time, O deluded one, for whom you long in your heart." (03-262-26)
अप्यहं शस्त्रमादाय हन्यामात्मानमात्मना। पतेयं गिरिशृङ्गाद्वा विशेयं वा हुताशनम् ॥०३-२६२-२७॥
Even I might take up a weapon and kill myself, or throw myself from a mountain peak, or enter the fire. (03-262-27)
रामं भर्तारमुत्सृज्य न त्वहं त्वां कथञ्चन। निहीनमुपतिष्ठेयं शार्दूली क्रोष्टुकं यथा ॥०३-२६२-२८॥
Having given up Rāma, my husband, never would I attend upon you who are inferior—just as a tigress would not serve a jackal. (03-262-28)
एतादृशं वचः श्रुत्वा लक्ष्मणः प्रियराघवः। पिधाय कर्णौ सद्वृत्तः प्रस्थितो येन राघवः ॥ स रामस्य पदं गृह्य प्रससार धनुर्धरः ॥०३-२६२-२९॥
Having heard such speech, Lakṣmaṇa, the dear Rāghava, displaying good conduct by closing both his ears, set out in the direction where Rāma had gone. He, the bow-bearing one, taking the path of Rāma, advanced. (03-262-29)
एतस्मिन्नन्तरे रक्षो रावणः प्रत्यदृश्यत। अभव्यो भव्यरूपेण भस्मच्छन्न इवानलः ॥ यतिवेषप्रतिच्छन्नो जिहीर्षुस्तामनिन्दिताम् ॥०३-२६२-३०॥
Meanwhile, the demon Rāvaṇa, evil at heart but appearing auspicious, appeared like fire hidden under ashes, disguised as an ascetic and intent on abducting the blameless Sītā. (03-262-30)
सा तमालक्ष्य सम्प्राप्तं धर्मज्ञा जनकात्मजा। निमन्त्रयामास तदा फलमूलाशनादिभिः ॥०३-२६२-३१॥
Seeing him arrive, the righteous daughter of Janaka then invited him with offerings of fruits, roots, and similar foods. (03-262-31)
अवमन्य स तत्सर्वं स्वरूपं प्रतिपद्य च। सान्त्वयामास वैदेहीमिति राक्षसपुङ्गवः ॥०३-२६२-३२॥
Having disregarded all that, and having assumed his own form, the foremost of the Rākṣasas thus conciliated Vaidehī. (03-262-32)
सीते राक्षसराजोऽहं रावणो नाम विश्रुतः। मम लङ्का पुरी नाम्ना रम्या पारे महोदधेः ॥०३-२६२-३३॥
O Sītā, I am Rāvaṇa, the king of the rākṣasas, renowned by name. My pleasant city, Laṅkā by name, stands across the great ocean. (03-262-33)
तत्र त्वं वरनारीषु शोभिष्यसि मया सह। भार्या मे भव सुश्रोणि तापसं त्यज राघवम् ॥०३-२६२-३४॥
There, you will shine among excellent women together with me. Become my wife, O beautiful-hipped lady, and abandon the ascetic Rāghava. (03-262-34)
एवमादीनि वाक्यानि श्रुत्वा सीताथ जानकी। पिधाय कर्णौ सुश्रोणी मैवमित्यब्रवीद्वचः ॥०३-२६२-३५॥
Hearing such words, then Sītā, Jānakī, with beautiful hips, covered her ears and said, "Not so." (03-262-35)
प्रपतेद्द्यौः सनक्षत्रा पृथिवी शकलीभवेत्। शैत्यमग्निरियान्नाहं त्यजेयं रघुनन्दनम् ॥०३-२६२-३६॥
Even if the starry sky should fall, the earth were to be shattered, or fire turned cold, I would never abandon Raghunandana (Rama). (03-262-36)
कथं हि भिन्नकरटं पद्मिनं वनगोचरम्। उपस्थाय महानागं करेणुः सूकरं स्पृशेत् ॥०३-२६२-३७॥
How indeed could a female elephant, dwelling in the lotus pond and moving about the forest with a broken trunk, upon encountering the great elephant, touch a boar? (03-262-37)
कथं हि पीत्वा माध्वीकं पीत्वा च मधुमाधवीम्। लोभं सौवीरके कुर्यान्नारी काचिदिति स्मरे ॥०३-२६२-३८॥
How indeed, after drinking mādhvika and also sweet mādhavī wine, would any woman feel greed for sauvīraka? Keep this in mind. (03-262-38)
इति सा तं समाभाष्य प्रविवेशाश्रमं पुनः। तामनुद्रुत्य सुश्रोणीं रावणः प्रत्यषेधयत् ॥०३-२६२-३९॥
Thus, having spoken to him, she entered her hermitage again; Rāvaṇa, having followed the fair-hipped woman, restrained her. (03-262-39)
भर्त्सयित्वा तु रूक्षेण स्वरेण गतचेतनाम्। मूर्धजेषु निजग्राह खमुपाचक्रमे ततः ॥०३-२६२-४०॥
But after rebuking her harshly with his voice, and while she had lost consciousness, he seized her by the hair and then ascended into the sky. (03-262-40)
तां ददर्श तदा गृध्रो जटायुर्गिरिगोचरः। रुदतीं राम रामेति ह्रियमाणां तपस्विनीम् ॥०३-२६२-४१॥
Then Jatayu, the vulture who moves among mountains, saw her—the ascetic lady—being carried away, crying 'Rama, Rama'. (03-262-41)
