Yoga Vashishtha 1.4.1–12
(Ram returns from Pilgrimage)
श्रीवाल्मीकिरुवाच ।
रामः पुष्पाञ्जलिव्रातैर्विकीर्णः पुरवासिभिः ।
प्रविवेश गृहं श्रीमाञ्जयन्तो विष्टपं यथा ॥ १ ॥
प्रणनामाथ पितरं वसिष्ठं भ्रातृबान्धवान् ।
ब्राह्मणान्कुलवृद्धांश्च राघवः प्रथमागतः ॥ २ ॥
सुहृद्भिर्भ्रातृभिश्चैव पित्रा द्विजगणेन च ।
मुहुरालिङ्गिताचारो राघवो न ममौ मुदा ॥ ३ ॥
तस्मिन्गृहे दाशरथेः प्रियप्रकथनैर्मिथः ।
जुघूर्णुर्मधुरैराशा मृदुवंशस्तनैरिव ॥ ४ ॥
बभूवाथ दिनान्यष्टौ रामागमन उत्सवः ।
सुखं मत्तजनोन्मुक्तकलकोलाहलाकुलः ॥ ५ ॥
उवास स सुखं गेहे ततः प्रभृति राघवः ।
वर्णयन्विविधाकारान्देशाचारानितस्ततः ॥ ६ ॥
प्रातरुत्थाय रामोऽसौ कृत्वा संध्यां यथाविधि ।
सभासंस्थं ददर्शेन्द्रसमं स्वपितरं तथा ॥ ७ ॥
कथाभिः सुविचित्राभिः स वसिष्ठादिभिः सह ।
स्थित्वा दिनचतुर्भागं ज्ञानगर्भाभिरादृतः ॥ ८ ॥
जगाम पित्रानुज्ञातो महत्या सेनयावृतः ।
वराहमहिषाकीर्णं वनमाखेटकेच्छया ॥ ९ ॥
तत आगत्य सदने कृत्वा स्नानादिकं क्रमम् ।
समित्रबान्धवो भुक्त्वा निनाय ससुहृन्निशाम् ॥ १० ॥
एवंप्रायदिनाचारो भ्रातृभ्यां सह राघवः ।
आगत्य तीर्थयात्रायाः समुवास पितुर्गृहे ॥ ११ ॥
नृपतिसंव्यवहारमनोज्ञया सुजनचेतसि चन्द्रिकयानया ।
परिनिनाय दिनानि स चेष्टया स्तुतसुधारसपेशलयाऽनघ ॥ १२ ॥
1. Maharshi Valmiki said: Rama, showered with floral offerings by the citizens, entered his home, shining like the victorious Indra entering his celestial abode.
2. Upon arrival, the noble Raghava first paid his respects to his father, Sage Vasishta, his brothers, relatives, the Brahmins, and the elders of his lineage.
3. Rama, who was well-versed in proper conduct, was repeatedly embraced by his well-wishers, brothers, father, and the group of Brahmins, yet he remained composed in his joy.
4. In the house of Dasharatha, the delightful conversations between Rama and his kin resonated in all directions, as melodious as the soft tunes from a gentle flute.
5. For eight days, the grand festival of Rama’s return continued, filling the city with joy, where the people, intoxicated with happiness, engaged in cheerful celebrations.
6. Thereafter, Rama resided happily in his home, narrating the diverse customs and traditions of different regions that he had observed during his travels.
7. Rising early in the morning, Rama performed his daily prayers and then proceeded to the royal assembly, where he saw his father seated, resembling the king of gods, Indra.
8. Engaging in captivating discussions with Sage Vasishta and other wise men, Rama spent a quarter of the day absorbed in discourses filled with deep knowledge.
9. With his father’s permission and accompanied by a grand army, Rama ventured into the forests, teeming with wild boars and buffaloes, seeking pleasure in hunting.
10. Returning to his residence, he followed the customary routine of bathing and other rituals. Then, in the company of his friends and relatives, he partook of his meal and spent the evening delighting in their companionship.
11. In this manner, Rama spent his days with his brothers, following a similar routine, residing in his father’s home after returning from his pilgrimage.
12. O Bharadwaja the sinless one! With his conduct becoming a prince, Rama passed his days with delight among the good men that surrounded him, in the manner that moon gladdens mankind with its soothing ambrosial beams.
Summary of Teachings
These verses from the Yoga Vashishta depict Rama’s return home after his travels and highlight his exemplary character. Rama’s humility and respect for elders, sages, and his kin reflect his deep-rooted dharma. His composed demeanor, despite receiving immense love and admiration, illustrates his mastery over emotions.
The grand celebration of his homecoming emphasizes the significance of joy shared with loved ones. Rama’s daily routine, including prayers, intellectual discussions, and physical activities like hunting, underscores the balanced life of a noble prince — one that harmonizes spiritual discipline, wisdom, duty, and recreation.
Through these verses, the text subtly introduces the concept of Self-Awareness and detachment. Despite engaging in worldly affairs, Rama remains internally balanced. His interactions with Sages and participation in philosophical discussions hint at his inquisitive mind, which later seeks deeper understanding, leading to the profound teachings of the Yoga Vashishta.
End of Chapter 1, Section 4
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