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Meat consumption references from Valmiki Ramayan
According to some ancient tales, it seems Lord Rama might have been a bit of a foodie with a penchant for meat, which comes as a surprise to those who picture him as the ultimate vegetarian poster boy. Imagine him at a barbecue saying, "Pass me that drumstick, Lakshman!" while Sita rolls her eyes in the background. The Ramayana apparently has some juicy details (pun intended) about meat being part of rituals and Rama enjoying it too. So, next time someone insists Rama was strictly plant-based, just remind them that even divine beings might have had cheat days!
The eternal debate of whether Lord Rama was a meat connoisseur or a fruitarian extraordinaire! According to the 1927 edition of Valmiki Ramayana, it seems our dear Ram and Sita might have enjoyed a meaty feast or two, much to the dismay of modern vegetarian advocates. But hey, who wouldn’t want a little protein boost while wandering in the forest for 14 years? The plot thickens when newer translations swap out juicy steaks for, well, juicy mangoes—clearly a PR move by the ancient Brahman marketing team. Honestly, it feels like a culinary conspiracy worthy of its own Netflix docuseries: "Rama: The Forbidden Feast." To my Shudra and untouchable pals, maybe skip Ram’s idol worship and focus on worshipping some good logic and science instead. After all, heaven and hell might just be a cosmic carrot-and-stick trick to keep us all in line. Let’s raise a toast—vegan or otherwise—to questioning everything and keeping things spicy!
King Dasharatha is performing a yaga so his wives can get pregnant; in that yaga,
a horse is killed, and the havan is done using the horse's meat and fat.
पशूनां त्रिशतं तत्र ग्रुपेषु नियतं तथा ।
अश्वरोत्तमं तस्य राज्ञो दशरथस्य च ॥ ३० ॥
उन खंभों में तीन सौ पशु और प्रत्येक दिशा में घूम कर आया हुआ महाराज का अति उत्तम घोड़ा बांधा गया था ।
Three hundred animals were tied to those poles, and the king's finest horse, which had returned after roaming in all the directions, was also tied there.
कौसल्या तं हयं तत्र परिचर्य समन्ततः ।
कृपाणैर्विशशारैनं त्रिभिः परमया मुदा ॥ ३१ ॥
कौशल्या जी ने उस घोड़े की अच्छी तरह पूजा की और प्रसन्न हो, तीन तलवारों से उस घोड़े के टुकड़े किए ।
Kaushalya worshipped the horse thoroughly, and being pleased, she cut the horse into pieces with three swords.
पतत्त्रिणा तदा सार्धं सुस्थितेन च चेतसा ।
अवसद् रजनीमेकां कौसल्या धर्मकाम्यया ॥ ३२ ॥
फिर धर्मसिद्धि की कामना से कौशल्या जो उस ( मृत ) अश्व को रक्षा करने को एक रात, शवस्पर्श की घृणा रहित मन से उसके पास रहीं ।
Then Kausalya, with the desire of attaining religious enlightenment, stayed with the horse for one night to protect it, without any disgust of touching the corpse.
पतत्रिणस्तस्य वपामुद्धृत्य नियतेन्द्रियः ।
ऋत्विक्परमसम्पन्नः श्रपयामास शास्त्रतः॥ ३४ ॥
जितेन्द्रिय ऋत्विजों ने उस घोड़े की चर्बी ले यथाविधि अग्नि पर चढ़ा उसे पकाया ।
The Jitendra Ritvijas took the fat of that horse, offered it on the fire as per the proper procedure, and cooked it.
धूमगन्धं वपायास्तु जिघ्रति स्म नराधिपः ।
यथाकालं यथान्यायं निर्णुदन्पापमात्मनः ॥ ३५ ॥
महाराज दशरथ होम काल में चर्बी के पकाने पर निकली हुई गन्धि को शास्त्र की विधि के अनुसार संघ सूंघ कर अपने पाप को नष्ट करने लगे ।
During the havan, King Dasharatha started destroying his sins by smelling the smell emanating from the cooking fat of the horse, as per the method prescribed in the scriptures.
हयस्य यानि चांगानि तानि सर्वाणि ब्राह्मणाः ।
अग्नौ प्रास्यन्ति विधिवत् समस्ताः षोडशर्त्विजः ॥ ३६ ॥
सोलह ऋत्विज उस घोड़े के अंग काट काट कर विधिवत् प्रग्नि में हवन करने लगे।
The sixteen priests started cutting the body parts of the horse and performing havanas in the fire according
to the scriptures.
—1927 Srimad Valmiki Ramayan, Bal Khand, Sarga 14, Pages 113-114
Ram, in his teenage days, used to go hunting and eat the hunt
चौ० - बंधु सखा सँग लेहिं बोलाई । बन मृगया नित खेलहिं जाई ॥
पावन मृग मारहिं जियँ जानी। दिन प्रति नृपहि देखावहिं आनी ॥ १ ॥
श्रीरामचन्द्र जी भाइयों और इष्ट-मित्रों को बुलाकर साथ ले लेते हैं और नित्य वन में जाकर शिकार खेलते हैं। मन में पवित्र समझ कर मृगों को मारते हैं और प्रति दिन लाकर राजा (दशरथजी) को दिखलाते हैं ।
Shri Ramchandra calls his brothers and friends and takes them along with him. He goes to the forest every day to hunt. He kills deer, considering it a sacred act in his heart, and brings them every day to show to the king (Dasaratha).
जे मृग राम बान के मारे। ते तनु तजि सुरलोक सिधारे ॥
अनुज सखा सँग भोजन करहीं। मातु पिता अग्या अनुसरहीं ॥ २ ॥
जो मृग श्रीरामजी के बाण से मारे जाते थे, वे शरीर छोड़ कर देवलोक को चले जाते थे। श्री रामचन्द्र जी अपने छोटे भाइयों और सखाओं के साथ भोजन करते हैं और माता-पिता की आज्ञा का पालन करते हैं ।
The deer which were killed by Shri Ram's arrows would leave their bodies and go to heaven. Shri Ram Chandra eats with his younger brothers and friends and obeys his parent’s orders.
—Ramcharitmanas, Bala Kand, Subject 43, Verses 204/1-2, Page 164
Hospitality Bharadwaj
While welcoming the people of Ayodhya who were accompanying Bharat to bring Ram back from exile, they camped at Sage Bharadwaj's Ashram, where Bharadwaj provided alcohol, meat, women, and various dishes to satisfy the hunger and enjoyment of the Ayodhya residents.
प्रमदाविग्रहं कृत्वा भरद्वाजाश्रमेऽवसन् ।
सुराः सुरापाः पिवत पायसं च वुभुक्षिताः ॥ ५२ ॥
स्त्रियों का रूप घर भरद्वाज के श्राश्रम में जा वसीं और पुकार पुकार कर लोगों से कहने लगीं, हे मद्य पीने वालो ! तुम मदिरा पियो ! हे भूख के
बताये लोगो ! तुम खीर खायो ।
They took the form of women and settled in Bharadwaj Ashram and started shouting at the people, "Oh, you drinkers!
You drink alcohol! Oh, you people who are hungry! You eat kheer."
मांसानि च सुमेध्यानि भक्ष्यन्तां यावदिच्छय ।
उच्छाद्य स्नापयन्ति स्म नदीतीरेषु वल्गुषु ॥ ५३ ॥
अप्येकमेकं पुरुषं प्रमदाः सप्त चाष्ट च ।
संवाहन्त्यः समापेतुर्नार्यो रुचिरलोचनाः॥ ५४ ॥
सुन्दर और खाने योग्य मांस जितना, जिसको इच्छा हो, उतना खाओ। एक एक पुरुष को सात, सात, आठ पाठ स्त्रियों, मिलकर, तेल की मालिश कर, मनोहर नदियों के तट पर स्नान कराती और अनेक बड़े-बड़े नेत्र वाली स्त्रियों, पुरुषों के शरीरों को मलती थीं।
Eat as much beautiful and edible meat as you like. A group of seven to eight women would massage one man with oil and then bathe him on the banks of beautiful rivers. Many women with large eyes were rubbing the bodies of the men.
परिमृज्य तथान्योन्यं पाययन्ति वराङ्गनाः ।
हयान्गजान्खरानुष्ट्रांस्तथैव सुरभेः सुतान् ॥ ५५ ॥
अभेोजयन्वाहन पास्तेपां भोज्यं यथाविधि ।
इक्षूंश्च मधुलाजांश्च भोजयन्ति स्म वाहनान् ॥ ५६ ॥
इक्ष्वाकुवरयेोधानां चोदयन्तो महाबलाः ।
नाश्ववन्धोऽश्वमाजानान्न गजं कुञ्जरग्रहः ॥ ५७ ॥
जब वे स्नान कर चुकते, तत्र कितनी ही सुन्दर स्त्रियाँ मिल कर उनके गीले शरीर को पड़ती थीं और उनको प्रमृत तुल्य शरबत पिलाती थीं । घोड़ों, हाथियों, खिच्चरों, ऊँटों और बैलों की उनके रखवाले दाना चारा यथाविधि खिला रहे थे । इनमें वाकुवंशीय प्रधान योद्धानों की सवारी के जे पशु थे, उनके १ सुरभेः सुतान् - वृषभान् ।
When they had finished bathing, many beautiful women would gather there and touch their wet bodies and offer them nectar-like drinks. Horses, elephants, mules, camels and bulls. Their caretakers were feeding them grains and fodder as per the custom. Among these were the animals used by the chief warriors of the Vaku dynasty for riding. The owners of the Mahavati had sent shepherds of sugarcane and sweet shells for them to eat, which were being fed to them. The grooms and the carriage drivers could not even recognise their horses and elephants.
मत्तप्रमत्तमुदिता चमूः सा तत्र संम्बभौ ।
तर्पिताः सर्वकामैस्ते रक्तचन्दनरूषिताः ॥ ५८ ॥
क्योंकि उस समय वह सेना नशा पी कर मनवाली हो यानन्द में मग्न हो रही थी। सव जोग इच्छानुसार तृप्ति लाभ कर लाल चन्दन शरीर में लगाये।
Because at that time the army was getting intoxicated and was getting lost in the bliss of love. After getting satisfaction of all the desires, they applied red sandalwood on his body.
अप्सरोगणसंयुक्ताः सैन्या वाचमुदैरयन् ।
नैवायाध्यां गमिष्यामो न गमिष्याम दण्डकान् ॥ ५९ ॥
और अप्सराओं से रमण कर मतवालों जैसी बातें कहने लगे। वे कहते व हम न तो यहाँ से अयोध्या हो जायेंगे और न दण्डक-वन हो जायेंगे ।
After having sex, रमण with the Apsaras, they started talking like drunkards. They used to say that from here we will neither go to Ayodhya nor to the Dandaka forest
कुशलं भरतस्यास्तु रामस्यास्तु तथा सुखम्।
इति पादातयेोधाश्य हस्त्यश्वारोहबन्धकाः ॥ ६० ॥
भरत जी भी मौज करें, और श्रीरामचन्द्र जी भी सुखपूर्वक वन में रहें। पैदल सैनिक, चरकटे और सईस ।
Bharata also enjoys himself, and Shri Ramchandra also lives happily in the forest. Foot soldiers, charioteers and grooms.
अनाथास्तं' विधि' लब्ध्वा वाचमेतामुदैरयन् ।
संम्प्रहृष्टा विनेदुस्ते नरास्तत्र सहस्रशः ॥ ६१ ॥
भरतस्यानुयातारः स्वर्गेऽयमिति चाब्रुवन् ।
नृत्यन्ति स्म इसन्ति स्म गायन्ति स्म च सैनिकाः ॥६२॥
इस प्रकार की पहुनाई से, स्वतंत्र हो, ऊँटपटांग वकने लगे । भरत जी की सेना के हज़ारों श्रादमी अतिशय हर्षित हो यह कह कहकर गर्ज रहे थे कि, वस – यही स्वर्ग है। सैनिकों में कोई कोई तो नाच रहे थे, कोई गा रहे थे और कोई हँस ही रहे थे।
Being free from this kind of hospitality, the soldiers started talking nonsense and were shouting that this is heaven. Some of the soldiers were dancing, some were singing, and some were laughing.
समन्तात्परिधावन्ति माल्येोपेताः सहस्रशः।
ततो भुक्तवतां तेषां तदन्नममृतोपमम् ॥ ६३ ॥
हजारों सैनिक गले में मालाएँ पहिने हुए, इधर-उधर दौड़ रहे थे । यद्यपि अमृत समान स्वादिष्ट भोजन कर वे लोग तृप्त हो गये थे ।
Thousands of soldiers wearing garlands around their necks were running here and there, although they were satiated after eating delicious food like nectar.
दिव्यानुद्वीक्ष्य भक्ष्यांस्तानभवद्भक्षणे मतिः।
प्रेष्याश्चेव्यश्वर वध्वश्च बलस्थाश्च सहस्रशः ॥ ६४ ॥
तथापि उन दिव्य भोज्य पदार्थों को देख उनकी इच्छा पुनः भोजन करने की होती थी । उस सेना में जो सहस्रों दास दासी और सिपाहियों
की स्त्रियां थीं ।
However, on seeing those divine foods, they desired to eat again. In that army there were thousands of servants and
wives of the soldiers.
वभूवुस्ते भृशं दृप्ताः सर्वे चाहतवाससः ४ ।
कुञ्जराश्च खरोष्ट्राश्च गेाश्वाश्च मृगपक्षिणः॥ ६५ ॥
वे सबकी सब नये नये वस्त्र धारण कर अत्यन्त गवली हो गयी थीं। हाथी, खच्चर, ऊँट, वैल, घोड़े, मृग और पक्षी (सैनिक लोग अपने पालतू मृग
पत्तियाँ अपने साथ ले गये थे।)
All of them had worn new clothes and had become very well-dressed. Elephants, mules, camels, bulls, horses, deer and birds (the soldiers had taken their domesticated deer with them).
वभूवुः सुभृतास्तत्र नान्यो ह्यन्यमकल्पयत् ।
नाशुक्लवासास्तत्रासीत्क्षुधितो मलिनेोऽपि वा ॥ ६६ ॥
सब के सब मुनि के दिये हुए पदार्थों से अघाए हुए थे। किसी को अपनी श्रावश्यकता की कोई वस्तु स्वयं जुदानी न पड़ी । उस समय भरत की सेना में मैले कपड़े पहने अथवा भूत्वा श्रथवा मैला कुचैला ।
All of them got fed up with the things given by the sage. No one had to use anything of his own needs. At that time, in Bharat's army, no one was wearing dirty clothes covered with dirt.
रजसा ध्वस्तकेशो वा नरः कश्चिददृश्यत ।
आजैश्वापि च वाराहैर्निष्ठानवरसंचयैः ॥६७॥
There was not a single person to be seen with dusty hair. There were heaps of delicious delicacies of goats and pigs
and others.
श्रथवा धूलधूसरित केशों वाला एक भी श्रादमी नहीं देख पड़ता था। वहां बकरों और शुकरों के मॉलों के तथा अन्य प्रच्छे अच्छे व्यञ्जनों के ढेरों से ।
फलनिव्यू इससिद्धैः सूपैर्गन्धरसान्वितैः ।
पुष्पध्वजवती: पूर्णाः शुलस्यान्नस्य चाभिः ॥ ६८ ॥
ददृशुर्विस्मितास्तत्र नरा लौहीः सहस्रशः ।
बभूवुर्वनपार्श्वेषु कूपाः पायसकर्दमाः ॥ ६९ ॥
जो फलों के रसों में बनाये गये थे, हींग, लोंग, जोरा, यादी सुगंधित मसालों से छोंकी हुई दालों से और प्रत्युत्तम प्रकार के भातों से भरी, सहस्रों ऐसी कढ़ाइयों का, जिनमें शोभा के लिये फूलों की मंड़ियाँ लगायी गयी थीं – देख देख कर लोग चकित हो रहे थे । उस पाँच योजन घेरे में जितने कुएँ थे,
वे सब गाढ़ी गाढ़ी खीर से भरे हुए थे।
People were astonished to see thousands of such cauldrons filled with dishes made in fruit juices, lentils seasoned with aromatic spices like asafoetida, cloves, yam and other aromatic spices, and the best kinds of rice, in which garlands of flowers were placed for decoration. All the wells in that five-yojana circle were filled with thick kheer.
ताथ कामदुधा गावा द्रुमाचासन्मधुसुतः ।
वाप्यो मैरेयपूर्णाश्च मृष्टमांसचयैर्वृताः ॥ ७० ॥
प्रतप्तपिठरैश्चापि मार्गमायूरकौक्कुटैः ।
पात्रीणां च सहस्राणि स्थालीनां नियुतानि च ॥ ७१ ॥
जितनी गायें थीं, वे कामधेनु के समान जो मांगो से देती थीं। जितने वृक्ष थे, वे सब शहद चुभा रहे थे। कुगड़ या बावली मैरेय नाम की शराब से भरी
हुई थीं। हिरन, मार और मुर्गे के अच्छी तरह पकाए और साफ किए हुए मांस के ढेर लगे हुए थे। पन्न भरने के लिए हजारों वरतन थे और भोज्य पदार्थ रखने के लिए जाखों थाल थे।
All the cows were like Kamadhenu; whatever you asked, they were giving. All the trees were oozing honey. The wells or reservoirs were filled with the alcohol called Mairey. Heaps of well-cleaned and cooked meats from deer, peacocks, and roosters were present, along with hundreds of thousands of utensils and plates for storing the food.
न्यर्बुदानि च पत्राणि शातकुम्भमयानि च ।
स्थाल्यः कुम्भ्यः करम्भ्यथ दधिपूर्णाः सुसंस्कृता ॥ ७२ ॥
दस करोड़ सोने थाल और कलसे थे तथा थाली, लुटियाँ, दही रखने के कलई किये वरतन जिनमें दही भरा हुआ था, वही मौजूद थे।
There were ten crore gold plates and pitchers, as well as platters, pots and tinned vessels filled with curd, all of
which were present.
—1927 Srimad Valmiki Ramayana, Ayodhya Kand, Sarga 91, Verses 52-72, Pages 890-895
The Ultimate Hospitality Extravaganza at Bharadwaj Ashram: A Comedic Tale of Indulgence
In a tale that seems to have leaped straight out of a whimsical fantasy, the Bharadwaj Ashram recently hosted what can only be described as the most extravagant and hilariously indulgent hospitality event for Bharat and the people of Ayodhya. Imagine a scene where the line between reality and a comedy of excess blurs, leaving everyone in fits of laughter and disbelief.
Upon arrival, the guests were greeted by a group of enthusiastic women who, with exaggerated flair, shouted, "Oh, you drinkers! You drink wine! Oh, you people who are hungry! You eat kheer." It was as if they were announcing a game show where everyone was a winner, and the prizes were endless bowls of kheer and goblets of wine.
The hospitality didn't stop there. Picture this: groups of seven to eight women massaging one man with oil, followed by a refreshing bath in the scenic rivers. It was like a spa day gone delightfully overboard. The men, now glistening like freshly polished statues, were then treated to nectar-like drinks offered by even more beautiful women. Talk about being pampered to the point of hilarity!
Meanwhile, the animals weren't left out of this comedic feast. Horses, elephants, mules, camels, and bulls were being fed grains and fodder with such dedication that their caretakers couldn't even recognise them anymore. It was as if the animals had stumbled upon their own version of an all-you-can-eat buffet.
As the army indulged in this paradise of excess, they found themselves intoxicated not just by the drinks but by the sheer absurdity of it all. Soldiers, footmen, and charioteers began talking nonsense, declaring this place as heaven and vowing never to return to Ayodhya or the Dandaka forest. Some danced with gleeful abandon, others sang off-key tunes, while a few simply laughed until their sides hurt.
Amidst this comedic chaos, thousands of soldiers donned garlands and ran around like children in a candy store. Even though they were already full from consuming food that could rival nectar itself, the sight of those divine dishes made them want to eat again. The soldiers' wives and servants joined in the merriment, all dressed in new clothes and looking like they had stepped out of a fashion show.
The culinary offerings were nothing short of legendary. Heaps of goats and pigs lay alongside cauldrons filled with dishes made from fruit juices and lentils seasoned with spices that sounded like a magician's spellbook—asafoetida, cloves, and yam. The wells overflowed with thick kheer, transforming the landscape into a dessert lover's dream.
Even the cows seemed to possess magical powers akin to Kamadhenu, granting whatever was asked of them. Trees dripped honey as if they were auditioning for a role in a fairy tale. The wells brimmed with Mairey alcohol, ensuring that no one would leave without a story (or two) to tell.
And let's not forget the staggering array of crockery: ten crore gold plates and pitchers, along with platters and pots filled with curd. It was as if the ashram had decided to host a culinary Olympics, where every dish was a gold medallist.
In the end, everyone left Bharadwaj Ashram with full bellies and hearts lightened by laughter. This comedic tale of hospitality should be told for generations, reminding us all that sometimes the best godly stories are those where reality takes a backseat to sheer indulgence and joy.
Lakshman Killed a deer for the hut warming ceremony
तां निष्ठितां बद्धकटां दृष्ट्वा रामः सुदर्शनाम् ।
शुश्रूषमाणमेकाग्रमिदं वचनमब्रवीत् ॥ २१ ॥
उस श्रचल और किवाड़ेदार और देखने में भी सुन्दर कुटी को देख, श्रीरामचन्द्र जी ने सेवाकार्य में निरत लक्ष्मण जी से कहा ।
Seeing that beautiful hut with doors and pillars, Shri Ramchandra ji said to Lakshman ji who was engaged in service.
ऐणेयं मांसमाहृत्य शालां यक्ष्यामहे वयम् ।
कर्तव्यं वास्तुशमनं सौमित्रे चिरजीविभिः ॥ २२ ॥
हे लक्ष्मण! हिरन का मांस ले थाओ, जिससे हम दोनों पर्ण- शालाधिष्ठात्री देवता की पूजा करें। क्योंकि यदि बहुत दिनों ( किसी नवीन वने हुए घर में ) रहना चाहे, तो उसे वास्तुशान्ति ( गृहप्रवेश कर्म ) करनी चाहिये ।
O Lakshmana! Bring deer meat so we both can worship the deity Parna-Shaladhishthatri. A person should conduct a Vastu Shanti (house-warming ceremony) if they intend to live in a newly built house for an extended period.
In the Brahmanda Purana, this verse is given regarding the results of Vastu Shanti
नचञ्याधिभयं तस्य न च बन्धुजनक्षयः
जीवद्वशतं स्वर्गकल्पमेवंवसेन्नरः॥
ब्रह्माण्डपुराण में वास्तुशान्ति की फलस्तुति के सम्बन्ध में यह एक श्लोक दिया है । अर्थात्, ना नवीन गृह में वास्तुशान्ति कर के रहता है उसको न तो किसी प्रकार की व्याधि का भय होता और न उसके बन्धुवान्धवों का वंशलाप होता है । उस घर का मालिक बहुत दिनों तक इस लोक में जीवित रह कर मरने पर एक कल्प भर स्वर्ग में रहता है।
That is, the one who lives in a new house after doing Vaastu Shanti neither has the fear of any disease nor does his relatives lose their descendants. The owner of that house lived in this world for a long time, and after his death, lived in heaven for a kalpa.
मृगं हत्वाऽऽनय क्षिप्रं लक्ष्मणेह शुभेक्षण ।
कर्तव्यः शास्त्रदृष्टो हि विधिर्धर्म मनुस्मर ॥ २३ ॥
हे लक्ष्मण! तुम शीघ्र एक काला हिरन मार कर ले श्राश्रो । क्योंकि भली भांति विचार कर, इस विषय को धर्मशास्त्र द्वारा निर्णीत विधि को यथारीति करना उचित है।
O Lakshmana! You quickly kill a blackbuck and bring it here because, after thinking well, it is appropriate to deal with this matter in the manner prescribed by the scriptures.
भ्रातुर्वचनमाज्ञाय लक्ष्मणः परवीरहा ।
चकार च यथोक्तं हि तं रामः पुनरब्रवीत् ॥ २४ ॥
महावजवान लक्ष्मण जी भाई की आज्ञा के अनुसार लक्ष्मय काला मृग मार कर ले आये। फिर श्रीरामचन्द्र जी के कथनानुसार कार्य कर चुकने पर श्रीरामचन्द्र जी ने पुनः उनसे कहा ।
Following his brother's orders, the legendary warrior Lakshmana killed a black deer and brought it home. After Lakshmana followed Shri Ram's instructions, Shri Ram spoke to him again.
ऐणेयं श्रपयस्वैतच्छालां यक्ष्यामहे वयम् ।
त्वर सौम्य मुहूर्तोऽयं ध्रुवश्च दिवसोह्ययम् ॥ २५ ॥
अच्छा व इस मांस को रांधा, जिससे हम हवन करें। हे सौम्य ! शीघ्रता करो, क्योंकि यह मुहूर्त्त भी स्थिर है और दिन भी अच्छा है ।
Okay, cook this meat so that we can perform the havan. Oh Saumya! Be quick. Because this Muhurta is fixed and the day is also good.
स लक्ष्मणः कृष्णमृगं हत्वा मेध्यं प्रतापवान् ।
अथ चिक्षेप सौमित्रिः समिद्धे जातवेदसि ॥ २६ ॥
तव प्रतापी लक्ष्मण ने मारे हुए यज्ञीय काले मृग को अच्छी तरह जलती हुई श्राग में डाल कर भूना।
Then the mighty Lakshmana threw the killed black deer brought for sacrifice into the burning fire and roasted it thoroughly.
तत् तु पक्वं समाज्ञाय निष्टप्तं छिन्नशोणितम् ।
लक्ष्मणः पुरुषव्याघ्रमथ राघवमब्रवीत् ॥ २७ ॥
और जब वह सुन गया और उसका रुधिर जल गया, तब लक्ष्मण जी ने पुरुषसिंह श्रीरामचन्द्र जी से कहा ।
After hearing the chat-chat sound of the boiling blood, Lakshmana said to Rama.
अयं कृष्णः समस्ताङ्गः शृतः कृष्णमृगो यथा ।
देवतां देवसङ्काश यजस्व कुशलेा ह्यसि ॥ २८ ॥
हे देवतुल्य ! मैंने इस सम्पूर्ण अंगोंयुक्त कृष्ण मृग को रांध कर तैयार कर दिया। आप यज्ञकर्म करने में समर्थ हैं, अतः वास्तुदेवता की प्रसन्नता के
लिये यज्ञ कीजिये। रामः
Oh, godlike! I prepared this black deer with all its organs by piercing it. You can perform Yagya; hence, perform Yagya for the happiness of Vaastudevta.
स्नात्वा तु नियतो गुणवाञ्जप्यकोविदः ।
संग्रहेणाकरोत्सर्वान्मन्त्रान्सत्रावसानिकान् ॥ २९ ॥
तव श्रमित तेजधारी, गुणवान एवं अप करने में चतुर श्रीराम-चन्द्र जी ने नियमपूर्वक स्नान किये और संक्षेप से वास्तुयक्ष समाप्त करने के लिए, समाप्ति के सब मंत्रों को पढ़ा ।
Then Ram Chandra, radiant, full of virtues, and clever in doing good, took a bath according to the rules and briefly read all the mantras to end the Vastu Yaksha.
इष्ट्वा देवगणान् सर्वान्विवेश सदनं शुचि ।
वभूव च मनोहादा रामस्यामिततेजसः ॥ ३० ॥
सव वास्तु देवताओं का पूजन कर, श्रीरामचन्द्र जी ने उस पवित्र घर में प्रवेश किया। उस समय अपरमित तेजसम्पन्न श्रीराम जी बड़े प्रसन्न हुए ।
After worshipping all the Vaastu deities, Shri Ramchandra ji entered that holy house. At that time, Shri Ram ji, endowed with infinite brilliance, became very happy.
—1927 Srimad Valmiki Ramayan, Ayodhya Kand, Chapter 56, Verses 23-30 P588-590 PDF 1214-1216
तां तथा दर्शयित्वा तु मैथिलीं गिरिनिम्नगाम् ।
निषसाद गिरिप्रस्थे सीतां मांसेन च्छन्दयन् ॥ १ ॥
इस प्रकार श्रीरामचन्द्र, जो सीता को मंदाकिनी नदी की शोभा दिखा कर, पर्वत की एक शिला पर बैठ गये और मांस का स्वाद वतला सीता
को प्रसन्न करने लगे ।
In this way, after showing Sita the beauty of the Mandakini River, Sri Ram sat on a rock of the mountain and started pleasing Sita by telling her the taste of the meat.
इदं मेध्यमिदं स्वादु निष्टप्तमिदमग्निना ।
एवमास्ते स धर्मात्मा सीतया सह राघवः ॥ २ ॥
श्रीरामचन्द्र जी ने सीता से कहा, देखो, यह माँस पवित्र है, और अग्नि में भूजने से यह स्वादिष्ट हो गया है। इस प्रकार श्रीरामचन्द्र चन्द्र जी सोता
सहित वहां बैठे हुए थे कि ।
Sitting near the stream, Shri Ram Chandra Ji said to Sita, "Look, this meat is sacred, and after being roasted in the fire, it has become delicious."
—1927 Srimad Valmiki Ramayana, Ayodhya Kand, Sarga 96, Verses 1-2, Page 928
Lord Ram and Lakshman killed deer in the forest
क्रोशमात्रं ततो गत्वा भ्रातरौ रामलक्ष्मणौ ।
बहून्मेध्यान् 'मृगान्हत्वा चेरतु र्यमुनावने ॥ ३३ ॥
दोनों भाइयों ने एक कोस चल कर तथा यमुना तीरवतीं वन में अनेक पवित्र मृगों को मार कर खाया ।
The two brothers walked one kos in the Yamuna forest, where they killed and ate many sacred deer.
— 1927 Srimad Valmiki Ramayan, Aranya Kand, Sarga 5, Verse 33, Page 581, PDF 1207 ---- VR-3/5/33
Sita says to Ravana that her husband will soon be back from hunting with
animals and fruits
ते वयं प्रच्युता राज्यात् कैकेय्यास्तु कृते त्रयः॥ २१ ॥
विचराम द्विजश्रेष्ठ वनं गम्भीरमोजसा ।
समाश्वस मुहूर्तं तु शक्यं वस्तुमिह त्वया ॥ २२ ॥
आगमिष्यति मे भर्ता वन्यमादाय पुष्कलम् ।
रुरून् गोधान् वराहांश्च हत्वाऽऽदायामिषं बहु ॥ २३ ॥
स त्वं नाम च गोत्रं च कुलमाचक्ष्व तत्त्वतः ।
एकश्च दण्डकारण्ये किमर्थं चरसि द्विज ॥ २४ ॥
द्विजश्रेष्ठ! इस प्रकार हम तीनों कैकेयी के कारण राज्य से वञ्चित हो इस गम्भीर वन में अपने ही बल के भरोसेविचरते हैं। आप यहाँ ठहर सकें तो दो घड़ी विश्राम करें। अभी मेरे स्वामी प्रचुरमात्रा में जंगली फल-मूल लेकर आते होंगे।
'रुरु, गोह और जंगली सूअर आदि हिंसक क पशुओं का वध करके तपस्वी जनों के उपभोग में आने योग्य बहुत-सा फल-मूल लेकर वे अभी आएँगे (उस समय आपका विशेष सत्कार होगा)। ब्रह्मन् ! अब आप भी अपने नाम, गोत्र और कुलका ठीक-ठीक परिचय दीजिये। आप अकेले इस दण्डकारण्य में किसलिये विचरते हैं!'
O best of Brahmin! Because of Kaikeyi, we three, exiled from our kingdom, are wandering in this dense forest, relying on our strength. You can stay here and rest for a while. My husband will be returning soon with many wild fruits and roots. My husband, after hunting many ferocious animals like black deer, monitor lizards, and wild boar, and gathering various fruits and roots, will soon return with ample food suitable for ascetics. At that time, you will be specially honoured. O Brahmin! Now, you too should introduce yourself, share your name, lineage, and clan, and explain why you are wandering alone in this Dandakaranya.
—Valmiki Ramayan, Aranya Kand, Sarga 47, Verses 21-24, Page 666, PDF 678
Ram and Sita drinking and watching dance
अशोकवनिकां स्फीतां प्रविश्य रघुनन्दनः।
आसने चं शुभाकारे पुष्पप्रकर भूषिते ॥ १७ ॥
कुशास्तरणसंस्तीर्णे रामः सन्निसपाद ह ।
सीतामादाय हस्तेन मधु मैरेयकं शुचि ॥ १८ ॥
Shri Ramchandra Ji arrived at such a prosperous Ashok Vatika and sat on a seat decorated with beautiful flowers which was spread on a Kush grass mat. He made Sita sit near him and gave her pure wine called Mairey with his own hands.
ऐसी समृद्धशालिनी अशोकवाटिका में श्री रामचन्द्र जी पधारे और एक बड़े सुन्दर फूलों से भूषित आसन पर, जो एक कुश की चटाई पर विछा हुआ था, बैठ गये। वहाँ सीता को अपने निकट बैठा कर अपने हाथ से स्वच्छ मैरेय नामक मदिरा ।
पाययामास काकुत्स्थः शचीमिव पुरन्दरः।
मांसानि च सुमृष्टानि फलानि विविधानि च ॥ १९ ॥
काकुत्स्य श्री रामचन्द्र जी ने सीता को वैसे ही पिलायी, जैसे इन्द्र अपनी इन्द्राणी शची को पिलाते हैं। वहां पर अच्छे सुस्वादु मांस और विविध
प्रकार के फल।
Kakutsya, Shri Ramchandra ji gave a drink to Sita in the same way as Indra gives a drink to his wife Indrani. There were nutritious, tasty meats and various types of fruits.
रामस्याभ्यवहारार्थं किङ्करास्तूर्णमाहरन् ।
उपानृत्यंश्च राजानं नृत्यगीतविशारदाः ॥ २०॥
श्री रामचन्द्र के व्यवहारार्थ टहलुओं ने तुरन्त जा कर रख दिये। (मांस मदिरा का श्रावश्यक अंग स्वरूप ) नाचना गाना भी श्री रामचन्द्र जी के सामने प्रारम्भ हुआ। वह नाच ( मामूली नाच न था बल्कि ) नाचने गाने में निपुणों का था।
The servants immediately went and kept the food for Shri Ramachandra's use. (Meat and alcohol were an essential part of the audience.) Dancing and singing also began in front of Shri Ramachandra. That dance was not performed by ordinary dancers but by those who were proficient in singing and dancing.
—1927 Shrimad Valmiki Ramayan, Uttar Kand, Sarga 42, Verses 17-20, PDF5710-11-P506/507