Story #33
Charitropakhyan Series
This series delves into hundreds of stories from diverse traditions, religions, backgrounds, and experiences, as written or compiled by Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Through these stories, Guru Sahib imparts profound lessons and values, illustrating both the lowest depths and the highest moral heights that humankind can achieve. This bani is part of "Kissa Literature"—a storytelling genre featuring interconnected episodes inspired by myths and/or historical events, crafted to teach moral principles. Below, you’ll find a translation of Charitr 33, corresponding to Episode 33 of the Charitropakhyan Series. For further exploration, visit our YouTube channel E13 Exploring Sikhi and our Instagram @storiesofdeception.
Sources used in this translation: An older commentary now out of print by Giani Bishan Singh published by the Missionary College Amritsar and a more contemporary commentary by Giani Isher Singh Ramghari.
ਚੌਪਈ ॥
Chaupae-ee
ਉਤਰ ਦੇਸ ਰਾਵ ਇਕ ਕਹਿਯੈ ॥
Utar Dhaes Raav Ik Kaheeyai
There was a king who lived in the north
ਅਧਿਕ ਰੂਪ ਜਾ ਕੋ ਜਗ ਲਹਿਯੈ ॥
Adhhik Roop Jaa Ko Jag Laheeyai
People found him to be quite handsome
ਛਤ੍ਰ ਕੇਤੁ ਰਾਜਾ ਕੋ ਨਾਮਾ ॥
Chhathr Kaeth[u] Raajaa Ko naamaa
Chhathar Kaeth was the name of the king
ਨਿਰਖਿ ਥਕਿਤ ਰਹਈ ਜਿਹ ਬਾਮਾ ॥੧॥
Nirakh[i] Thhakith Rahae-ee Jih Baamaa
His wife (the queen) was enchanted by his beauty and could not look away
ਛਤ੍ਰ ਮੰਜਰੀ ਨਾਮ ਤਵਨ ਕੋ ॥
Chhathr Ma[n]jree naam Thavan Ko
Her name was Chhathar Manjri
ਅਧਿਕ ਰੂਪ ਜਗ ਸੁਨਤ ਜਵਨ ਕੋ ॥
Adhhik Roop Jag Sunat Javan Ko
The world listened to the praise of her beauty
ਭਵਨ ਚਤੁਰਦਸ ਮਾਝਿ ਉਜਿਯਾਰੀ ॥
Bhavan Chathurdas Maajh[i] Ujeeyaaree
Her beauty shone throughout the fourteen worlds (7 Heavenls and 7 Hells)
ਰਾਜਾ ਛਤ੍ਰਕੇਤੁ ਕੀ ਨਾਰੀ ॥੨॥
Raaja Chhathr-Kaeth[u] kee naaree
She was the wife of Chhathar Keth
ਛਤ੍ਰ ਮੰਜਰੀ ਤਾ ਕੀ ਪ੍ਯਾਰੀ ॥
Chhathar Manjree Thaa Kee Pyaaree
She was quite loved
ਅੰਗ ਉਤੰਗ ਨ੍ਰਿਪਤਿ ਤੇ ਭਾਰੀ ॥
A[n]g Utha[n]g nripath[i] Thae Bhaaree
She was much larger compared to the king. [Referring to her feminine features]
[Despite the beauty of both individuals and their love, the queen was quite tense as she was not able to produce an offspring.]
ਬਹੁਤ ਜਤਨ ਆਗਮ ਕੋ ਕਰੈ ॥
Bahuth Jathan Aagam Ko Karai
She thought in her mind of many different ways to have a child
ਕੈਸੇ ਰਾਜ ਹਮਾਰੋ ਸਰੈ ॥੩॥
Kaisae Raaj Hamaaro Sarai
“How will my rule last?” [she said to herself.]
[Having a child was important for the queen as it would maintain her importance in the kingdom. If the king could not have a child with her, he would likely remarry, diminishing the original queen's significance.]
ਕੰਨ੍ਯਾ ਹ੍ਵੈ ਤਾ ਕੇ ਮਰਿ ਜਾਹੀ ॥
Ka[n]nyaa Hwai Thaa Kae Mar[i] Jaahee
If a daughter was born, she would die immediately
ਪੂਤ ਆਨਿ ਪ੍ਰਗਟੈ ਕੋਊ ਨਾਹੀ ॥
Pooth Aan[i] Pragatai Ko-oo naahee
A son was not born to them
ਤ੍ਰਿਯ ਕੌ ਸੋਕ ਅਧਿਕ ਜਿਯ ਭਾਰੋ ॥
Threey Kau Sok Adhhik Jeey Bhaaro
She was scared from the bottom of her heart - that she might give birth to a female (who would not be able to sit as heir to the king)
ਚਰਿਤ ਏਕ ਤਿਯ ਚਿਤ ਬਿਚਾਰੋ ॥੪॥
Charith Aek Theey Chith Bichaaro
So she thought of playing a deception (Charitr)
ਸੁਤ ਬਿਨੁ ਤ੍ਰਿਯ ਚਿਤ ਚਿਤ ਬਿਚਾਰੀ ॥
Suth bin[u] Threey Chit Chit Bichaaree
Without a child, the queen was stuck in her thoughts
ਕ੍ਯੋ ਨ ਦੈਵ ਗਤਿ ਕਰੀ ਹਮਾਰੀ ॥
Kyo na Dhaiv Gath[i] Karee Hamaaree
“Why don’t any of the deities favor me? Why haven’t I been blessed yet?”
ਦਿਜ ਮੁਰਿ ਹਾਥ ਦਾਨ ਨਹਿ ਲੇਹੀ ॥
Dhij Mur[i] Haathh Dhaan nah[i] Laehee
“Even the Brahmins don't take offerings from my hands anymore”
ਗ੍ਰਿਹ ਕੇ ਲੋਗ ਉਰਾਭੇ ਦੇਹੀ ॥
Grih Kae Log Uraabhae Dhaehee
“And my family members express their discontent [with me]”
ਤਾ ਤੇ ਦੁਰਾਚਾਰ ਕਛੁ ਕਰਿਯੈ ॥
Thaa Thae Dhuraachaar Kachh[u] Kareeyai
I should commit an illicit act (have an affair) to have an offspring
ਪੁਤ੍ਰ ਰਾਵ ਕੋ ਬਦਨ ਉਚਰਿਯੈ ॥
Puthr Raav Ko Badhan Uchareeyai
Then claim to the world that this child belongs to the king
ਏਕ ਪੁਤ੍ਰ ਲੀਜੈ ਉਪਜਾਈ ॥
Aek Puthr Leejai Upjaaee
I just need one son to be born
ਨ੍ਰਿਪ ਕੋ ਕਵਨ ਨਿਰਖਿ ਹੈ ਆਈ ॥੬॥
nrip Ko Kavan nirakh[i] Hai Aaee
Who will be able to tell that this child does not belong to the king?
[While the queen contemplated getting a child through illicit means, the king was making efforts to marry again.]
ਸਵਤਿ ਏਕ ਤਿਹ ਨ੍ਰਿਪਤਿ ਬੁਲਾਈ ॥
Swat Aek Thih nripath[i] Bulaaee
The king called for a woman to be his second wife
ਇਹ ਬ੍ਯਾਹਹੁ ਇਹ ਜਗਤ ਉਡਾਈ ॥
Ih Byaah[u] Ih Jagath Udaaee
He proclaimed to the world that he would marry her
ਯੌ ਸੁਨਿ ਨਾਰਿ ਅਧਿਕ ਅਕੁਲਾਈ ॥
Yau Sun[i] naar[i] Adhhik Akulaaee
The queen was scared and fearful of losing her social influence and loyalty over the people in their land
ਸੇਵਕਾਨ ਸੌ ਦਰਬੁ ਲੁਟਾਈ ॥੭॥
Sevkaan Sau Dharb[u] Lutaaee
She started distributing large amounts of money to her citizens to maintain her social influence
Q: Why give away money?
A: Historically, a queen might give away large amounts of money or gifts to the citizens in such a situation for several reasons:
To Maintain Public Favor and to Secure Loyalty
If the queen is being replaced, especially in a situation of political or social tension, giving money or gifts could serve to soften public opinion.
Citizens who receive wealth or gifts might remain loyal or feel indebted to the departing queen, ensuring her influence persists even after she is replaced.
It can be seen as an act of goodwill or a way to leave a positive legacy, also could be useful if the queen intended to maintain ties to the land or its people.
If the queen's replacement is due to scandal or political pressure, such an act might help her retain dignity and avoid appearing defeated.
As a Farewell Gesture
In some cultures, significant transitions, like the end of a queen's reign, might be marked by acts of generosity.
It could be a way to say goodbye and show gratitude for the citizens' support during her reign.
To Prevent Rebellion
Discontent could arise when a ruler is replaced, especially if the transition is controversial. Distributing wealth might help calm unrest and keep the peace.
As a Custom or Tradition
In some societies, it may have been customary for outgoing royalty to distribute wealth or gifts, symbolizing a peaceful transition of power.
This practice reflects a combination of strategic politics, cultural norms, and personal motivations.
ਦੋਹਰਾ ॥
Dhoharaaa
ਸਵਤਿ ਤ੍ਰਾਸ ਰਾਨੀ ਅਧਿਕ ਲੋਗਨ ਦਰਬੁ ਲੁਟਾਇ ॥
Swath[i] Thraas Raanee Adhhik Logan Dharb Lutaa-i
Fearful of the second wife, the queen distributes large amounts of money
ਤੇ ਵਾ ਕੀ ਸਵਤਿਹ ਚਹੈ ਸਕੈ ਨ ਮੂਰਖ ਪਾਇ ॥੮॥
Thae Vaa Kee Swathih Chahai Sakai na Moorakh Paa-i
But what a fool she is—she could not realize that the citizens have already made their choice
ਚੌਪਈ ॥
Chaupae-ee
ਲੋਗ ਸਵਤਿ ਤਾ ਕੀ ਕਹ ਚਹੈ ॥
Log swath[i] Thaa Kee Keh Chahai
The people desire the second wife
ਵਾ ਕੀ ਉਸਤਤਿ ਨ੍ਰਿਪ ਸੋ ਕਹੈ ॥
Va Kee Usthath[i] nrip So Kahai
They go to the king and praise the second wife
ਕਹੈ ਜੁ ਇਹ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਬਰੈ ਸੁ ਮਾਰੋ ॥
Kahai Ju Ih Prabhoo Barai Su Maaro
[Whilst the queen, in her mind, thinks] "If the king marries her (the second wife), I will kill her"
ਅਧਿਕ ਟੂਕਰੋ ਚਲੈ ਹਮਾਰੋ ॥੯॥
Adhhik tookaro Chalai Hamaaro
Her thoughts become more disturbed with each passing moment
ਸਵਤਿ ਤ੍ਰਾਸ ਅਤਿ ਤ੍ਰਿਯਹਿ ਦਿਖਾਵੈ ॥
Swath[i] Thraas ath[i] Threeyah[i] Dhikhaavai
The queen tries to make the second wife fearful
ਤਾ ਕੋ ਮੂੰਡ ਮੂੰਡ ਕਰਿ ਖਾਵੈ ॥
Thaa Ko Moo[n]d Moo[n]d Kar[i] Khaavai
She stares her down at every opportunity
ਤਾ ਕਹ ਦਰਬੁ ਨ ਦੇਖਨ ਦੇਹੀ ॥
Thaa Keh Dharb na Dhaekhan Dhaehee
She doesn’t let her see any money
ਲੂਟਿ ਕੂਟਿ ਬਾਹਰ ਤੇ ਲੇਹੀ ॥੧੦॥
Loot[i] koot[i] Baahar Thae Laehee
Because she gives it all away [to secure loyalty]
ਪੁਨਿ ਤਿਹ ਮਿਲਿਹਿ ਸਵਤਿ ਸੌ ਜਾਈ ॥
Pun[i] Thih Milih[i] Swath[i] Sau Jaaee
Then those people go to meet the second wife
ਭਾਤਿ ਭਾਤਿ ਤਿਨ ਕਰਹਿ ਬਡਾਈ ॥
Bhaath[i] Bhaath[i] Thin Karah[i] Badaaee
And praise her in every way
ਤੁਮ ਕਹ ਬਰਿ ਹੈ ਨ੍ਰਿਪਤਿ ਹਮਾਰੋ ॥
Thum Keh Bar[i] Hai nripath[i] Hamaaro
They say, “You will marry our king”
ਹ੍ਵੈਹੈ ਅਧਿਕ ਪ੍ਰਤਾਪ ਤੁਮਾਰੋ ॥੧੧॥
Hwaihai Adhhik Prathaap Thumaaro
“Your glory will be radiant throughout the land”
ਯੌ ਕਹਿ ਕੈ ਤਾ ਕੌ ਧਨ ਲੂਟਹਿ ॥
Yau kah[i] Kai Thaa Kau Dhhan Lootah[i]
Saying this, they also extract money from her
ਬਹੁਰਿ ਆਨਿ ਵਾ ਤ੍ਰਿਯਾ ਕਹ ਕੂਟਹਿ ॥
Bahur[i] Aan[i] Vaa Threeyaa Keh Kootah[i]
Then they go back to the queen
ਇਹ ਬਿਧ ਤ੍ਰਾਸ ਤਿਨੈ ਦਿਖਰਾਵੈ ॥
Ih Bidhh Thraas Thinai Dhikhraavai
And scare her about her replacement
ਦੁਹੂੰਅਨ ਮੂੰਡ ਮੂੰਡਿ ਕੈ ਖਾਵੈ ॥੧੨॥
Dhuhoo[n]an Moo[n]d moo[n]d[i] Kai Khaavai
In this way, they rob both the queen and the second wife
ਦੋਹਰਾ ॥
Dhoharaa
ਅਨਿਕ ਭਾਤਿ ਤਿਹ ਨ੍ਰਿਪਤਿ ਕੋ ਦੁਹੂੰਅਨ ਤ੍ਰਾਸ ਦਿਖਾਇ ॥
Anik Bhaath[i] Thih nripath[i] Ko Dhuhoo[n]an Thraas Dhikhaa-i
The people scare both the queen and the second wife
ਦਰਬੁ ਜੜਨਿ ਕੇ ਧਾਮ ਕੌ ਇਹ ਛਲ ਛਲਹਿ ਬਨਾਇ ॥੧੩॥
Dharb[u] Jarran[i] Kae Dhhaam Kau Iih Chhal Chhalah[i] Banaa-i
They played this deception [ਛਲ] in order to steal money
ਚੌਪਈ ॥
Chaupai
ਸਵਤਿ ਤ੍ਰਾਸ ਜੜ ਦਰਬੁ ਲੁਟਾਵੈ ॥
Swath[i] Thraas Jarr Dharb[u] Lutaavai
In fear of the second wife, the foolish queen had her money stolen
ਦੁਰਾਚਾਰ ਸੁਤ ਹੇਤ ਕਮਾਵੈ ॥
Dhuraachaar Suth Haeth Kamaavai
She then commits illicit acts in order to secure a child
ਅਧਿਕ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਤਿਨ ਕੇ ਸੰਗ ਠਾਨੈ ॥
Adhhik Preeth[i] Thin Kae Sa[n]g Ttaanai
The king is in love with the second queen
ਮੂਰਖ ਨਾਰਿ ਭੇਦ ਨਹਿ ਜਾਨੈ ॥੧੪॥
Moorakh naar[i] Bhaed nah[i] Jaanai
But the foolish woman (queen) does not realize this?
ਦੋਹਰਾ ॥
Dhoharaa
ਤੇ ਰਮਿ ਔਰਨ ਸੋ ਕਹੈ ਇਹ ਕੁਤਿਯਾ ਕਿਹ ਕਾਜ ॥
Thae Ram[i] Auran So Kehai Ih Kutheeyaa Kih Kaaj
The queen acts as like a female dog, by making love with others
ਏਕ ਦਰਬੁ ਹਮੈ ਚਾਹਿਯੈ ਜੌ ਦੈ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਜਦੁਰਾਜ ॥॥
Aek Dharb[u] Hamai Chaheeyai Jau Dhai Sree Jadh[u]-Raaj***
[She’s quoted here to say] “All I need is a child if God grants it to me”
ਚੌਪਈ ॥
Chaupae-ee
ਯਹ ਸਭ ਭੇਦ ਨ੍ਰਿਪਤਿ ਜਿਯ ਜਾਨੈ ॥
Yah Sab Bhaed nripath[i] Jeey Jaanai
The king is picking up on the queen's activities
ਮੂਰਖ ਨਾਰਿ ਨ ਬਾਤ ਪਛਾਨੈ ॥
Moorakh naar[i] naa Baath Pachhaanai
However, the queen has no idea that the king knows
ਰਾਜਾ ਅਵਰ ਤ੍ਰਿਯਾਨ ਬੁਲਾਵੈ ॥
Raajaa Avar Threeyaan Bulaavai
The king calls in various women
ਭਾਤਿ ਭਾਤਿ ਕੇ ਭੋਗ ਕਮਾਵੈ ॥੧੬॥
Bhaath[i] Bhaath[i] Kae Bhog Kamaavai
And enjoys various types of pleasures with them
[The following is the teachings of the advisors (from the overlaying story of Raja Charitr Singh) to the reader]
ਦੋਹਰਾ ॥
Dhoharaa
ਧ੍ਰਿਗ ਤਾ ਤ੍ਰਿਯ ਕਹ ਭਾਖਿਯੈ ਜਾ ਕਹ ਪਿਯ ਨ ਬੁਲਾਇ ॥
Dhhrig Thaa Threey Keh Bhakheeyai Ja Keh Peey na Bulaa-i
That woman’s life is cursed, one whose husband does not speak to her
ਤਿਹ ਦੇਖਤ ਤ੍ਰਿਯ ਅਨਤ ਕੀ ਸੇਜ ਬਿਹਾਰਨ ਜਾਇ ॥੧੭॥
Thih Dhaekhath Threey Anath Kee Saej Bihaaran Jaa-i
And, in front of her, the husband goes to enjoy other women
ਚੌਪਈ ॥
Chaupae-ee
ਮੂਰਖ ਨਾਰਿ ਭੇਦ ਨਹਿ ਪਾਵੈ ॥
Moorakh naar[i] Bhaed nah[i] Paavai
The foolish queen does not understand
ਸਵਤਿ ਤ੍ਰਾਸ ਤੇ ਦਰਬੁ ਲੁਟਾਵੈ ॥
Swath[i] Thraas Thae Dharb[u] Lutaavai
And instead, in fear of losing out to the second wife, she gives large amounts of money away
ਤੇ ਵਾ ਕੀ ਕਛੁ ਪ੍ਰੀਤਿ ਨ ਮਾਨੈ ॥
Thae Vaa Kee Kachh[u] Preeth[i] na Maanai
The king has fallen out of love with the queen
ਨ੍ਰਿਪਤਿ ਭਏ ਕਛੁ ਔਰ ਬਖਾਨੈ ॥੧੮॥
nripath[i] Bha-ae Kachh[u] Aur Bakhaanai
And the people come to the king and say things that only add to the distance between the king and the queen
ਅੜਿਲ ॥
Arril
ਸੁਨੋ ਰਾਇ ਇਕ ਤ੍ਰਿਯਾ ਸੁਭ ਤਾਹਿ ਬੁਲਾਇਯੈ ॥
Suno Raa-i Ik Threeyaa Subh Thaah[i] Bulaaeeyai
[Say the people] “Oh king, if you allow, there is a woman who would like to come to you”
ਤਾ ਸੌ ਮੈਨ ਬਿਹਾਰ ਬਿਸੇਖ ਕਮਾਇਯੈ ॥
Thaa Sau Main Bihaar Bisaekh Kamaaeeyai
“You can engage in love with her”
ਐਸੀ ਤ੍ਰਿਯ ਕਰ ਪਰੈ ਜਾਨ ਨਹਿ ਦੀਜਿਯੈ ॥
Aisee Threey Kar Parai Jaan nah[i] Dheejeeyai
“Such a woman should not be left”
ਹੋ ਨਿਜੁ ਨਾਰੀ ਸੋ ਨੇਹੁ ਨ ਕਬਹੂੰ ਕੀਜਿਯੈ ॥੧੯॥
Ho nij[u] naaree So naeh[u] na kabahoo[n] keejeeyai
“You should never love your own wife (the queen)”
ਚੌਪਈ ॥
Chaupae-ee
ਭਲੌ ਵਹੈ ਜੋ ਭੋਗ ਕਮਾਵੈ ॥
Bhalau Vahai Jo Bhog Kamaavai
[The advice of these people] That person is good that engages in sexual pleasures
ਭਾਤਿ ਭਾਤਿ ਸੋ ਦਰਬੁ ਲੁਟਾਵੈ ॥
Bhaath[i] Bhaath[i] So Dharb[u] Lutaavai
And spends his/her money in different ways
ਨਿਜੁ ਤ੍ਰਿਯ ਸਾਥ ਨ ਨੇਹ ਲਗੈਯੇ ॥
nijThreey Saathh na naeh Lagaeyae
That never loves his own wife [spouse]
ਜੋ ਜਿਤ ਜਗ ਆਪਨ ਨ ਕਹੈਯੈ ॥੨੦॥
Jo Jith Jag Aapan na kahaiyae
Who has won the world, but doesn't consider it his
ਦੋਹਰਾ
Dhoharaa
ਤੁਮ ਰਾਜਾ ਸਮ ਭਵਰ ਕੀ ਫੂਲੀ ਤ੍ਰਿਯਹਿ ਨਿਹਾਰਿ ॥
Thum Raajaa Sam Bhavar Kee Phoolee Threeyah[i] nihaar[i]
“King you're like a bumblebee, and the women of this world are like flowers”
ਬਿਨੁ ਰਸ ਲੀਨੇ ਕ੍ਯੋ ਰਹੋ ਤ੍ਰਿਯ ਕੀ ਸੰਕ ਬਿਚਾਰਿ ॥੨੧॥
Bin Ras Leenae Kyo Raho Threey Kee Sa[n]k Bichaar[i]
“Why should you live without enjoying the taste of all these flowers? Think about this”
ਚੌਪਈ
Chaupae-ee
ਜਿਹ ਤੁਮ ਚਾਹਹੁ ਤਿਸੈ ਲੈ ਆਵਹਿ ॥
Jih Thum Chaahah[u] Thisai Lai Aavah[i]
Whoever you like we can bring
ਅਬ ਹੀ ਤੁਹਿ ਸੋ ਆਨਿ ਮਿਲਾਵਹਿ ॥
Ab Hee Thuhee So Aan[i] Milaavah[i]
You can meet her now
ਤਾ ਸੋ ਭੋਗ ਮਾਨਿ ਰੁਚਿ ਕੀਜੈ ॥
Thaa So Bhog Maan[i] Ruch[i] Keejai
And then you can enjoy her as much as you want
ਮਧੁਰ ਬਚਨ ਸ੍ਰਵਨਨ ਸੁਨਿ ਲੀਜੈ ॥੨੨॥
Madhhur Bachan Sravanan Sun[i] Leejai
You can listen to her sweet words
ਯੌ ਰਾਜਾ ਸੋ ਬੈਨ ਸੁਨਾਵਹਿ ॥
Yau Raajaa So Bain Sunaavah[i]
They speak in this way to the king
ਬਹੁਰਿ ਜਾਇ ਰਾਨੀਯਹਿ ਭੁਲਾਵਹਿ ॥
Bahur[i] Jaa-i Raaneeyah[i] Bhulaavah[i]
Then they go to the queen and spur up more lies to her
ਜੌ ਹਮ ਤੈ ਨਿਕਸਨ ਪ੍ਰਭੁ ਪਾਵੈ ॥
Jo Ham Thai nikasan Prabh[u] Paavai
"Don't worry,” they say, “your husband is in our control, if we let him escape"
ਅਨਿਕ ਤ੍ਰਿਯਨ ਸੋ ਭੋਗ ਕਮਾਵੈ ॥੨੩॥
Anik Threeyan So Bhog Kamaavai
“Only then will he be able to enjoy other women”
ਦੋਹਰਾ
Dhoharaa
ਐਸ ਭਾਤਿ ਨਿਤ ਭ੍ਰਿਤਨ ਕੇ ਨਿਸਦਿਨ ਸੋਚ ਬਿਹਾਇ ॥
Ais Bhaath[i] nith Bhrithan Kae nisdhin Soch Bihaa-i
The servants think day and night about this
ਨ੍ਰਿਪਤਿ ਸਮਝਿ ਕਛੁ ਦੈ ਨਹੀ ਰਾਨੀ ਧਨਹਿ ਲੁਟਾਇ ॥੨੪॥
Nripath[i] Samajh[i] Kachh[u] Dhai nahee Raanee Dhhanah[i] Lutaa-i
The king does not understand and the queen gives away her money
ਚੌਪਈ
Chaupae-ee
ਨ੍ਰਿਪ ਇਕ ਦਿਨ ਰਾਨਿਯਹਿ ਬੁਲਾਯੋ ॥
nrip Ik Dhin Raaneeyah[i] Bulaayo
One day, the King calls for the queen
ਭਛ ਭੋਜ ਅਰੁ ਮਦਹਿ ਮੰਗਾਯੋ ॥
Bhach Bhog Ar[u] Madhah[i] Ma[n]gaayo
He calls forth food and alcohol
ਅਧਿਕ ਮਦਹਿ ਰਾਜਾ ਲੈ ਪਿਯੋ ॥
Adhhik Madhah[i] Raajaa Lai Peeyo
The king drinks a large amount of alcohol
ਥੋਰਿਕ ਸੋ ਰਾਨੀ ਤਿਨ ਲਿਯੋ ॥੨੫॥
Thhorik So Raanee Thin Leeyo
The queen drinks a little bit
ਨ੍ਰਿਪ ਕਹ ਭਯੋ ਮਦ੍ਰਯ ਮਦ ਭਾਰੋ ॥
Nrip Kah Bhayo Madhrai Madh Bhaaro
The King becomes intoxicated
ਸੋਇ ਰਹਿਯੋ ਨਹਿ ਸੁਧਹਿ ਸੰਭਾਰੋ ॥
So-i Raheeyo nah[i] Sudhah[i] Sa[n]bhaaro
Falls asleep, could not stay conscious
ਪਤਿ ਸੋਯੋ ਲਹਿ ਤ੍ਰਿਯ ਮਨ ਮਾਹੀ ॥
Path[i] Soyo Lah[i] Threey Man Maahee
Seeing her husband sleep, the queen thinks
ਭੇਦ ਅਭੇਦ ਪਛਾਨ੍ਯੋ ਨਾਹੀ ॥੨੬॥
Bhaed Abhaed Pachhaanyo naahee
That my husband will not be able to know my secret
ਦੋਹਰਾ
Dhoharaa
ਤ੍ਰਿਯ ਜਾਨ੍ਯੋ ਸੋਯੋ ਨ੍ਰਿਪਤਿ ਗਈ ਜਾਰਿ ਪਹਿ ਧਾਇ ॥
Threey Jaanyo Soyo nripath[i] Gae-ee Jaar[i] Pah[i] Dhhaa-i
The queen, thinking the king is asleep, goes to her lover
ਜਾਗਤ ਕੋ ਸੋਵਤ ਸਮਝਿ ਭੇਦ ਨ ਲਹਾ ਕੁਕਾਇ ॥੨੭॥
Jagath Ko Sovath Samajh Bhed na Lahaa Kukaa-i
But the king was actually awake, and she wasn't able to deceive him
ਚੌਪਈ
Chaupae-ee
ਰਾਨੀ ਗਈ ਭੂਪ ਤਬ ਜਾਗਿਯੋ ॥
Raanee Gae-eei Bhoop Thab Jaageeyo
Once the queen left the room, the king got up
ਹ੍ਰਿਦੈ ਕੁਅਰਿ ਕੋ ਹਿਤ ਅਨੁਰਾਗਿਯੋ ॥
Hridhai Kuaar[i] Ko Hith Anuraageeyo
Out of love for her
ਬਹੁਰੋ ਤਿਨ ਕੋ ਪਾਛੋ ਗਹਿਯੋ ॥
Bahuro Thin Ko Paachho Gaheeyo
He followed her
ਕੇਲ ਕਮਾਤ ਸੁੰਨ੍ਰਯ ਗ੍ਰਿਹ ਲਹਿਯੋ ॥੨੮॥
Kael Kamaath Su[n]nray Grih Laheeyo
And caught her making love with another man
ਦੋਹਰਾ
Dhoharaa
ਨਿਰਖ ਰਾਇ ਤ੍ਰਿਯ ਕੋ ਰਮਤ ਸਰ ਤਨਿ ਕਾਨ ਪ੍ਰਮਾਨ ॥
nirakh Raa-i Threey Ko Ramath Sar Than[i] Kaan Pramaan
The King, seeing his wife having an affair, grabbed his arrow and bow
ਅਬ ਇਨ ਦੁਹੂੰਅਨ ਕੋ ਹਨੇ ਯੌ ਕਹਿ ਕਸੀ ਕਮਾਨ ॥੨੯॥
Ab In Dhuhoo[n]an Ko Hanae Yau Kah[i] Kasee Kamaan
Prepared to kill both of them
ਚੌਪਈ
Chaupae-ee
ਬਹੁਰਿ ਨ੍ਰਿਪਤਿ ਕੇ ਯੌ ਮਨਿ ਆਈ ॥
Bahur nripath[i] Kae Yau Man[i] Aaee
But then a doubt came to his mind
ਸੰਕਿ ਰਹਾ ਨਹਿ ਚੋਟ ਚਲਾਈ ॥
Sa[n]k[i] Rahaa nah[i] Chot Chalaaee
Because of this doubt, he held his fire
ਯਹ ਬਿਚਾਰ ਮਨ ਮਾਹਿ ਬਿਚਾਰਾ ॥
Yah Bichaar Man Maah[i] Bichaaraa
He thought
ਜਾਰ ਸਹਿਤ ਤ੍ਰਿਯ ਕੌ ਨਹਿ ਮਾਰਾ ॥੩੦॥
Jaar Sahit Threey Kau nah[i] Maaraa
That I shouldn't kill both of them
ਦੋਹਰਾ
Dhoharaa
ਜੌ ਇਨ ਕਹ ਅਬ ਮਾਰਿ ਹੌ ਇਮਿ ਬਾਹਰਿ ਉਡਿ ਜਾਇ ॥
Jau In Kah Ab Maar[i] Hau Im Baahar[i] Ud[i] Jaa-i
If I kill both of them, the news will spread
ਆਨ ਪੁਰਖ ਸੌ ਗਹਿ ਤ੍ਰਿਯਾ ਜਮ ਪੁਰ ਦਈ ਪਠਾਇ ॥੩੧॥
Aan Purakh Sau Gah[i] Threey Jam Pur Dhae-ee Pattaa-i
People will say I killed my own wife
ਚੌਪਈ
Chaupae-ee
ਤਿਨ ਦੁਹੂੰਅਨ ਨਹਿ ਬਾਨ ਚਲਾਯੋ ॥
Thin Dhuhoo[n]an nah[i] Baan Chalaayo
He held his fire
ਤਹ ਤੇ ਉਲਟਿ ਬਹੁਰਿ ਘਰ ਆਯੋ ॥
Thah Thae Ulat[i] Bahur[i] Ghar Aayo
Came back to his room
ਹ੍ਰਿਦੈ ਮਤੀ ਸੌ ਭੋਗ ਕਮਾਨੋ ॥
Hridhai Mathee Sau Bhog Kamaano
His heart stuck in his mind, while leaving his wife to enjoy another man
ਪੌਢਿ ਰਹਾ ਸੋਵਤ ਸੋ ਜਾਨੋ ॥੩੨॥
Paudt Rahaa Sovat So Jaano
He laid down, looking as if he were sleeping
ਤ੍ਰਿਯ ਆਈ ਤਾ ਸੌ ਰਤਿ ਕਰਿ ਕੈ
Threey Aaee Thaa Sau Rath[i] Kar[i] Kai
Queen after having sex comes back to her room
ਅਧਿਕ ਚਿਤ ਕੇ ਭੀਤਰ ਡਰਿ ਕੈ
Adhhik Chith Kae Bheethar Dar Kai
With fear in her mind
ਪੌਢਿ ਰਹੀ ਤ੍ਰਯੋ ਹੀ ਲਪਟਾਈ
Paudt Rahee Threeyo Hee Laptaaee
She lays down next to her husband
ਸੋਵਤ ਜਾਨ ਨ੍ਰਿਪਤਿ ਹਰਖਾਈ
Sovat Jaan nripath[i] Harakhaaee
Seeing him ‘asleep’ she gets happy
ਸੋਵਤ ਸੋ ਨ੍ਰਿਪ ਲਖਿ ਹਰਖਾਨੀ
Sovat So nrip Lakh[i] Harkhaanee
Seeing him ‘asleep,’ she gets happy (x2)
ਮੂਰਖ ਨਾਰਿ ਬਾਤ ਨਹਿ ਜਾਨੀ
Moorakh naari Baath nah[i] Jaanee
The foolish woman didn't know
ਜਾਗਤ ਪਤਿ ਸੋਵਤ ਪਹਿਚਾਨਾ
Jaagath Path[i] Sovath Pahichaanaa
Her husband is actually awake
ਮੋਰ ਭੇਦ ਇਨ ਕਛੂ ਨ ਜਾਨਾ ॥੩੪
Mor Bhaedh In Kachhoo na Jaanaa
She's happy thinking that he doesn't know what I just did
ਰਾਵ ਬਚਨ ਤਬ ਤ੍ਰਿਯਹਿ ਸੁਨਾਯੋ
Raav Bachan Thab Threeyah[i] Sunaayo
In that moment, the king spoke
ਕਹ ਗਈ ਥੀ ਤੈ ਹਮੈ ਬਤਾਯੋ
Kah Gayi Thhee Thai Hamai Bathaayo
“Where'd you go without telling me?”
ਤਬ ਰਾਨੀ ਇਮਿ ਬੈਨ ਉਚਾਰੇ
Thab Raanee Im[i] Bain Uchaarae
The queen responded
ਸੁਨੁ ਰਾਜਾ ਪ੍ਰਾਨਨ ਤੇ ਪਿਆਰੇ ॥੩੫
Sun[u] Raajaa Praanan Thae Peeyaarae
“Oh my beloved king, the one who I love more than anyone else”
ਸੁਨਿ ਨ੍ਰਿਪ ਬਰ ਇਕ ਟਕ ਮੁਹਿ ਪਰੀ
Sun[i] nrip Bar Ik Tak Muh[i] Paree
“I have a really bad habit”
ਸੋ ਤੁਮਰੇ ਸੋਵਤ ਹਮ ਕਰੀ
So Thumrae Sovat Ham Karee
“Of doing something, when you are asleep...”
ਪੁਤ੍ਰ ਏਕ ਬਿਧਿ ਦਿਯਾ ਹਮਾਰੇ
Puthr Aek Biddh[i] Dheeyaa Hamaarae
“Do you remember that one son that was born to us?”
ਤੇ ਮੋਕਹ ਪ੍ਰਾਨਨ ਤੇ ਪ੍ਯਾਰੇ ॥੩੬
Thae Mokah Praanan Thae Pyaarae
“Who had died upon birth?”
ਪੁਤ੍ਰ ਸੇਜ ਕੇ ਚਹੂੰ ਦਿਸਿ ਲੇਤ ਭਵਰਿਯਾ ਨਿਤ
Puthr Saej Kae Chahoo[n] dhis[i] Laet Bhavreeyaa nit
“I go to his gravestone and pay my grievance to him”
ਵਹੈ ਜਾਨੁ ਤੁਮਰੇ ਫਿਰੀ ਸਤਿ ਸਮਝਿਯਹੁ ਚਿਤ ॥੩੭
Vahai Jaan[u] Thumrae Phiree Sath[i] Samajheeyah[u] Chith
“Know this to be the truth”
ਪ੍ਰਿਯ ਤ੍ਰਿਯ ਕੌ ਹਨਿ ਨ ਸਕਿਯੋ ਮਨ ਤੇ ਖੁਰਕ ਨ ਜਾਇ
Preey Threey Kau Han[i] na Sakeeyo Man Thae Khurak na Jaa-i
The king was not able to kill his wife, but what he saw continued to bother him.
ਤਾ ਦਿਨ ਤੇ ਤਿਹ ਨਾਰਿ ਸੌ ਰਮ੍ਯੋ ਨ ਰੁਚਿ ਉਪਜਾਇ
Thaa Dhin Thae Thih naar[i] So Ramyo na Ruchi Upjaa-i
Since then, he was not to have an enjoyable relationship with his wife
ਭਾਤਿ ਭਾਤਿ ਨ੍ਰਿਪ ਨਾਰਿ ਕਹ ਭਜਤ ਹੁਤੋ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਇ
Bhaath[i] Bhaath[i] nrip naar[i] Kah Bhajath Hutho Sukh[u] Paa-i
If they were to make love and spend time together
ਬਾਤ ਆਇ ਚਿਤਿ ਜਾਇ ਜਬ ਘਰੀ ਨ ਭੋਗਾ ਜਾਇ
Baath aa-i Chith[i] Jaa-i Jab Gharee na Bhogaa Jaa-i
The moment he would remember what she did, all of their love would fall apart
ਇਹ ਰਾਨੀ ਜੀਯ ਭੀਤਰ ਜਾਨੈ
Ih Raani Jeey Bheethar Jaanai
Even though the queen knew in her heart [that what she did was wrong]
ਲਜਤ ਨ੍ਰਿਪਤ ਸੌ ਕਛੁ ਨ ਬਖਾਨੈ
Lajat nripath Sau Kachh na Bakhaanai
In embarrassment, she could not say anything truthful to the king
ਬਾਤਨ ਸੌ ਤਾ ਕਹ ਬਿਰਮਾਵੈ
Baathan Sau Thaa Kah Birmaavai
She kept trying to hide her actions with more lies
ਕਰਿ ਕਰਿ ਅਧਿਕ ਕਟਾਛ ਦਿਖਾਵੈ
Kar[i] Kar[i] Adhhik Kataachh Dhikhaavai
And try showering the king with her love in hopes that her husband will love her again
ਸਭ ਕਛੁ ਟੂਟੇ ਜੁਰਤ ਹੈ ਜਾਨਿ ਲੇਹੁ ਮਨ ਮਿਤ
Sabh Kachh Tootay Jurath Hai Jaan[i] Laeh[u] Man Mith
Oh my friend, know that everything broken can be repaired
ਏ ਦ੍ਵੈ ਟੂਟੇ ਨ ਜੁਰਹਿ ਏਕੁ ਸੀਸ ਅਰੁ ਚਿਤ
Ae Dhvai tootay na Jurah[i] Aek Sees Ar[u] Chith
Only two things cannot, one a mirror and the second a heart
ਚਾਕਰ ਕੀ ਅਰੁ ਨਾਰਿ ਕੀ ਏਕੈ ਬਡੀ ਸਜਾਇ
Chaakar Kee Ar[u] naar[i] Kee Aekai Badee Sajaa-i
For both a woman and a servant, the greatest punishment you can give
ਜਿਯ ਤੇ ਕਬਹ ਨ ਮਾਰਿਯਹਿ ਮਨ ਤੇ ਮਿਲਹਿ ਭੁਲਾਇ
Jeey Thae Kabah na Maariyah[i] Man Thae Milah[i] Bhulaa-i
Is not to kill them, but instead to forget them from your mind
ਇਤਿ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਚਰਿਤ੍ਰ ਪਖ੍ਯਾਨੇ ਤ੍ਰਿਯਾ ਚਰਿਤ੍ਰੋ ਮੰਤ੍ਰੀ ਭੂਪ ਸੰਬਾਦੇ ਤੇਤੀਸਵੋ ਚਰਿਤ੍ਰ ਸਮਾਪਤਮ ਸਤੁ ਸੁਭਮ ਸਤੁ
Ith[i] Sree Charitr Pakhyaanae Threeyaa Charitro Ma[n]three Bhoop Sa[n]baadhae Thaetheetheesvo Charithr Samaapatham Sath[u] Subham Sath[u]
Thus concludes the thirty-third chapter of the Charitropakhyan about the conversation between the minister and the king. May peace prevail.
Explanation of the moral: This passage offers insights into the nature of relationships, emotional harm, and the value of memory. Here are the morals and teachings we can extract from it:
The Fragility of Certain Things
A mirror and a heart symbolize fragility and the irreparable nature of trust and emotional bonds once broken.
Lesson: Handle relationships with care and avoid actions that might irreparably harm others' trust or feelings.
Forgiveness and Healing
While most broken things can be repaired, emotional wounds, like those to a heart, often leave lasting scars.
Lesson: Strive for compassion and forgiveness, while recognizing that some wounds require more care or may not fully heal in the way we imagine. However this doesn’t mean we can’t move on in the relationship, we just need to learn how to navigate with the past in mind.
The Value of Memory and Recognition
Forgetting someone is depicted as the ultimate punishment, emphasizing the human need for acknowledgment and recognition.
Lesson: Valuing others, regardless of their status, shows respect for their humanity.
Rejection as a Greater Pain than Death (Emotional Harm)
Ignoring or forgetting someone conveys their complete erasure from your life, a far deeper pain than physical harm.
Lesson: Be mindful of the emotional impact of neglect or disregard; they can hurt more than physcial actions.
Empathy and Understanding
The teaching underscores the importance of understanding how actions affect others, particularly those dependent on us emotionally or socially.
Lesson: Treat everyone with kindness and avoid causing harm to their dignity or self-worth.
Overall this Story/Charitr invites us to reflect on the delicate nature of relationships and the emotional responsibilities we bear toward one another. It encourages mindfulness, compassion, and respect for others.
