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The Twenty-Fifth Chapter
137. The Brahmin thought, "Is this heaven? Or is it the same forest, inhabited by deer, where I used to wander, constantly suffering, in search of fuel and kusha grass?" ||54||
Suddenly, the city appeared, adorned with lofty mountain peaks, and resplendent with buildings resembling mountains of jewels. ||59||
Here, I see beautiful lakes, covered with lotuses, which I have never seen before. ||60||
I see delightful gardens, tended by people, and temples marked by large flags, like the abodes of gods. ||61||
The land surrounding this city is crowded with elephants, horses, cows, and buffaloes, and filled with the sounds of bells and other instruments. ||62||
Has this city descended from heaven? Or has it emerged from the underworld, due to the influence of some virtuous soul? ||63||
Am I dreaming? Or is this some kind of illusion? Or is this the city of the Gandharvas? Or am I delirious with fever? ||64||
Or is this an omen of my imminent death? Thinking thus, the Brahmin was overcome with great doubt. ||65||
At that moment, he saw a woman adorned with various ornaments. Approaching her, he asked, "O lady, whose city is this?" ||66||
She replied, "This is the city of Rama. Have you never heard of Rama, whose brother is Lakshmana, and whose beloved is Sita?" ||67||
"O Brahmin, you see that large building in the middle of the city, shining like the autumn moon. It is there that the Supreme Lord resides." ||68||
"His sight is extremely rare. This Supreme Lord has made all poor people like kings, by giving them whatever they desire." ||69||
The Brahmin said, "O beautiful one, by what means can I see Rama? I am asking you with good intentions, so you should be able to tell me." ||70||
Saying this, the Brahmin placed his load of fuel on the ground, and with folded hands, fell at the woman's feet. It is no wonder, for who could resist her charm? ||71||
1. Upalingam: In the commentary, it is noted that Upalingam means an omen of death.
2. Ati-daridra: Extremely poor.