Chapter XIV: Section XV

Then repairing to Panchavati filled with various animals and beasts of prey, Rama remarked unto his brother of flaming energy, "(Now) we have come to the place to which we had been directed by the ascetic. This, O amiable one, is Panchavati furnished with blossoming woods. Do thou cast thy eyes around this forest, and (ascertain) what spot shall suit our asylum. Do thou find out such a place in the vicinity of a tank where thyself Sita and I may dwell happily, which is graced with the garniture of woods and delightful with liquid lapses, and whose neighbourhood yields fuel, flowers, Kuca and water." Thus addressed by Rama, Lakshmana with joined hands, said unto Kakutstha in the presence of Sita, "O Kakutstha, even if I were to stay with thee for an hundred years, I shall remain thy servant. Thyself selecting some beauteous spot, do thou tell me--'Construct (an asylum).'" Well pleased with the words of Lakshmana, that highly effulgent one, after due reflection, selected a site having every recommendation. Going to that romantic spot for rearing an asylum, Rama, taking the hand of Sumitra's son in his, said unto him, "This place is level, graceful, and surrounded with blossoming trees. Do thou duly construct an asylum at this spot. Hard by is seen a beautiful pool, embellished with lotuses, resembling the sun, and breathing balmy perfume. And, as told by that pure-hearted ascetic, Agastya, this is the graceful Godavari, bordered by flowering trees;--swarming with swans and Karandavas, delighted with Chakravakas; thronged with herds of deer[14], not far, yet not so very near. And resounding with the cries of peacocks; charming; elevated; containing full many a cave; do thou, O amiable one, behold these hills, covered with trees in full flower; and they are shining like elephants painted with diverse colors by persons with the utmost care; adorned with Salas, palmyras, Tamalas, dates, Panasas, Nivaras, Tinisas, and Punnagas. And covered with mangos, and Tilakas, and Ketakas, and Champakas, and trees entwined by flowers and herbs and plants; and containing Syandanas, sandals, Nipas, Panasas, Lakuchas, Dhavas, Acwakarnas, Khadiras, Samis, Kincukas and Patalas. This spot is sacred --this spot is charming--this spot abounds in beasts and birds. Here will I dwell, O Sumitra's son, in company with this bird[15]." Thus addressed by Rama, the exceedingly powerful Lakshmana, slayer of hostile heroes, in a short time raised an asylum for his brother. And the exceedingly stout Lakshmana created there for Raghava a spacious hut thatched with leaves made of clay, furnished with pillars, constructed with long bamboos, graceful,--spread with Sami boughs; tightly fastened with strong cords; covered with Kuca, reeds, and leaves; with its floor well leveled; and charming; beautiful to look at, and exceedingly excellent. And then going to the river Godavari, the lovely Lakshmana, performing his bath, and securing lotuses and fruits, came back (to the asylum). Then offering flowers, and duly performing rites for the peace (of the habitation), Lakshmana showed the asylum which he had made unto Rama. Seeing the beautiful asylum along with Sita, Raghava experienced high raptures. And joyfully embracing Lakshmana with his arms, Rama said these exceedingly calm and solemn words, "Pleased am I with thee. Thou hast done a great deed, my brother; for which I have granted thee my embrace by way of reward. While thou, his son, skilled in reading thought, grateful, and cognizant of righteousness art alive, O Lakshmana, my father is not dead." Having said this unto Lakshmana, Raghava-the enhancer of auspiciousness--experiencing felicity , began to dwell happily in that region filled with fruits. And ministered unto by Sita and Lakshmana, that righteous one lived there, like the immortals in heaven.

[14] _Come to slake their thirst._--Ramayana.--T.

[15] Jatayu.--T.