THE RÁMÁYAN OF VÁLMÍKI, VOL. III - Gujarat Knowledge Centre

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THE RAMAYAN
BOOK III,
CANTO I.
THE HERMITAGE.
When Rama, valiant hero, stood
In the vast shade of Dandak wood,
His eyes on every side he bent
And saw a hermit settlement,
Where coats of bark were hung around,
And holy grass bestrewed the ground.
Bright with Brahmanic lustre glowed
That circle where the saints abode
Like the hot sun in heaven it shone,
Too dazzling to be looked upon.
Wild creatures found a refuge where
The court, well-swept, was bright and fair,
And countless birds and roedeer made
Their dwelling in the friendly shade.
Beneath the boughs of well-loved trees
Oft danced the gay Apsarases.'
Around was many an ample shed
Wherein the holy fire was fed
With sacred grass and skins of deer.
Ladles and sacrificial gear.
And roots and fruit, and wood to burn,
' Heavenly nympha.