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TheRamayan Djvu
TheRamayan Djvu
Sfcmt/aA id
DEDICATED TO
CONTENTS
CHAPTER PAGE
poem - -- -- -- -- -12
of a son --------- - 22
24. The two princes with Vishwamitra behold the dark forest
of Taraka - -- -- -- --54
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30. Mancha and Suvahu obstruct the sacrifice and are slain
by Rama --------64
Gunga 73
40. The king’s sons search for the horse ; they accuse
43. Lord Shiva lets loose the sacred river which follows
ancestors ------*---88
47. The holy sage and the princes arrive at Vishala and are
Janaka ---------- 99
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forces - -- -- -- -- - 107
Maharishi - -- -- -- -- 120
66. King Janaka relates the story of the great bow and the birth
of Sita - -- -- -- -- -126
67. The illustrious Rama breaks the bow and is given the
dynasty - -- -- -- -- - 134
77. King Dasaratha with his army, the princes and their
brides, return to Ayodhya ------ 144
CONTENTS
Book II — Ayodhya
CHAPTER PAGE
4. Shri Rama and Princess Sita prepare for the ceremony - 158
queen - -- -- -- -- - 172
11. She asks for the two boons promised her by the king - 175
16. Shri Rama in his chariot drives swiftly to the king - - 192
17. He advances to the palace amidst the eulogy of his friends 195
18. He sees the king full of anguish and speechless ; Kaikeyi
21. Shri Rama, in spite of the laments of the queen and Shri
25. The queen gives her blessing and the brahmins their
benediction - -- -- -- -- 216
CONTENTS
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CHAPTER
to consent - -- -- -- -- 224
30. Seeing her fixed resolve Shri Rama grants her request - 225
32. Shri Rama bestows his wealth upon the brahmins, his
palace - -- -- -- -- - 233
34. The king gives his blessing while the whole palace is filled
36. She disregards the words of the chief minister and the king 240
38. Shri Rama requests the king to protea his mother during
grier - -- -- -- -- - 246
depart - -- -- -- -- - 248
42. Without Rama the king’s heart can find no rest - - 252
45. The lament of the brahmins who follow Shri Rama - 258
46. Shri Rama, with Sita and Lakshmana and the charioteer,
alone - 262
50. They reach the river Gunga and meet the chief of ferrymen,
Guha - -- -- -- -- - 266
51. They pass the night on the bank of the sacred river - 270
53. Determined to follow their destiny they enter upon exile 277
hermitage - -- -- -- -- 283
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71. Prince Bharata sees Ayodhya filled with unhappy people 314
74. He laments the death of his father and the exile of Shri
Rama - -- -- -- -- -321
76. The prince commences the performance of the funeral rites 326
displeasure - -- -- -- -- 330
86. Guha tells of Shri Rama’s stay by the sacred river - - 342
87. How Shri Rama spent his first night of exile - 343
88. Prince Bharata sleeps on the same spot where Shri Rama
hermitage - -- -- -- -- 348
92. Prince Bharata with the army departs for Mount Chitt-
rakuta - -- - 355
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an enemy - -- -- -- -- 364
1 1 8. Princess Sita receives gifts of love from the sage’s wife - 407
1 19. The holy ascetics bless the exiles who enter the forest - 410
— . Glossaries - -- -- -- -- -- 413
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to Brahmaloka - -- -- -- -10
Rama ---------- 47
Rama - - - 68
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65. The Leaders of the Monkeys, each state what they are
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Titans - -- -- -- -- -
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Monkeys - -- -- -- -- 60
Monkeys - -- -- -- -- 62
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43. The Conflict between the Monkeys and the Titans - 104
assures Him - - - - - - - -1 12
47. Sita sees Rama and Lakshmana lying on the Battlefield 115
Kumbhakarna - -- -- -- - 176
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CHAPTER
Indrajita - -- -- -- --
Misdeeds - -- -- -- --
Rites
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disposal ---------
125. Rama tells Sita of the Places over which they are passing
128. Hanuman tells Bharata of all that befell Rama and Sita
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by them ---------
27. The Fight between the Gods and the Rakshasas. The
on Shakra - -- -- -- --
Hermitage - -- -- -- --
Traditional Verses - -- -- -- -
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Sacrifice - -- -- -- --
to be performed - -- -- -- -
92. Description of the Ashvamedha Sacrifice - - -
Ramayana -
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INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
1 Yuvaraja = heir-apparent.
xvi
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
BOOK I
BALA KANDA
CHAPTER I
The Sage Valmiki,1 chief among the munis2 and the most
eloquent of men, constantly engaged in the practice of self-
control and the study of the holy scriptures, enquired of Shri
Narada :s —
Narada, acquainted with the past, the present and the future,
pleased with the words of the Sage Valmiki, answered him
saying : —
“ Rare indeed are those, endowed with the qualities thou
hast enumerated, yet I can tell thee of such a one. Bom in
the family of Ikshwaku,4 he is named Rama ;4 one renowned,
fully self-controlled, valorous and illustrious, the Lord of AIL
Wise, conversant with the ethical code, eloquent, fortunate,
a slayer of his foes, broad-shouldered, long-armed, possessing
a conch-shaped neck and prominent chin, eminent in archery,
with a muscular body, arms extending to the knees, and a
noble head and brow ; of mighty prowess ; possessing well-
in Ayodhya.
BALA KANDA
Here the prince met his beloved Guha, the chief of the
Chandalas,2 accompanied by whom, with Lakshmana and Sita,
he crossed the river Ganges and entered the forest, arriving at
length at the Chittrakuta mountain described by the Sage
Bharadwaja. Rama, Lakshmana and Sita dwelt happily in the
forest like devas* or gandharvas.4
The holy sages offered the throne, left vacant on the death
of King Dasaratha, to Prince Bharata, who declined it, not
desiring the kingdom. Setting forth to the forest where Shri
Rama dwelt, in order to propitiate him, he approached that hero
of truth with humility and directing his attention to the code
of justice with which he was conversant, requested Rama to
return and govern the kingdom.
* Chandalas. Outcast.
Shri Rama slew him and then performed the funeral rites
whereupon his soul ascended to heaven. While passing to the
celestial sphere, Kabandha spoke to Rama of Shabari, a female
ascetic, and entreated him to visit her. Shri Rama, the ever
resplendent Destroyer of his foes, came to where Shabari dwelt
^nd was duly worshipped by her.
On the banks of the Lake Pampa, Shri Rama met the monkey
Hanuman who presented Sugriva to him. The mighty Rama
related the whole of his story to him as far as the abduction
of Shri Sita. Sugriva having listened to Shri Rama entered
into the rite of friendship with him, witnessed by the fire.
With full faith in Rama, Sugriva then recounted to him all
the sufferings he had endured through his enmity with Bali2
and the great daring of the latter. Then Shri Rama vowed to
BALA KANDA
* Bharatvarsh— India.
* Lanka — Ceylon.
4 The God Brahma had given Ravana a weapon which entangled everyone on
whom it was used so that they could not escape. It was fitting,
therefore, that
Hanuman, though not subject to it, should acknowledge the god’s power.
Ever obedient to his father, Shri Rama then cut off his matted
locks and with Sita occupied the throne of Ayodhya.
BALA KANDA
CHAPTER 2
1 The four traditional castes ; the priests, the warriors, the merchants
and
those who serve the other three
The heart of the sage was filled with pity on seeing the bird
struck down by the fowler. Touched by the lament of the
female krauncha and incensed by the cruel act of the fowler,
the sage said : “ O Fowler, having killed the bird in the midst
of the enjoyment of love with its mate, thou shalt never attain
prosperity. Do not visit the forest for many years lest evil
overtake thee.”
The wise and learned sage reflected a moment, and then said
to his disciple : “ Grieving for the dying bird, I have recited
this verse of four feet, each of equal syllables, which can be
sung to the vina.* May it bring me renown and may no ill
be spoken of me on account of this.”
10
BALA KANDA
Shri Brahma, seeing the sage afflicted and sorrowful, said to him :
“ O Great Sage, let these words spontaneously uttered by thee,
inspired by the death of the krauncha, be poetry. Do thou
describe the whole story of Rama, who is the essence of virtue
and full of the highest attributes, in accordance with what thou
hast heard from Shri Narada. Do thou narrate all the known
and hitherto unknown deeds of Shri Rama, Sita and Lakshmana
and the asuras. Whatever relates to King Dasaratha, his
wives, city, palace, sayings, conduct and what he accomplished,
will be revealed to thee by my favour. None of thy words
will prove false. Do thou render into verse the sacred and
delightful deeds of Rama. O Sage, as long as the mountains
and rivers remain on the earth, so long will the story of Shri
Rama endure. So long as the story of Rama endures, so long
shalt thou abide in the higher regions.”
The great sage and his disciple were filled with amazement
at this event, and reading the stanza again and again, their
delight grew. Repeatedly reciting the couplet, composed by
Valmiki, they realised that the holy sage had expressed his sorrow
chapter 3
The deeds of Rama that will he described in the sacred poem
Having heard the story of the life of the sagacious Rama from
the lips of Shri Narada which, when recounted, confers perfect
righteousness on the hearer, the holy sage wished to know more
concerning the sacred theme. Washing his hands and feet and
drinking a little pure water, placing himself facing the east on
a seat of kusha grass, with joined palms, he passed into profound
meditation and in a vision beheld the history of Rama. Through
the grace of Shri Brahma, the holy sage saw all that Rama,
Sita and Lakshmana had experienced, observed and done. He
witnessed in detail the life of Rama, who was truth incarnate
and all that he had accomplished in the forest and other places.
BALA KANDA
*3
14
BALA KANDA
CHAPTER 4
While Shri Rama was still King of Ayodhya, the great Sage
Valmiki composed this beautiful classic.
While the sage was reflecting on the matter, the two princes,
Kusha and Lava, the offspring of Rama and Sita approached
him and touched his feet in reverence. The great sage studied
these two virtuous princes of mellifluous speech, who dwelt
with him in his hermitage at that time. Knowing them to be
wise and full of faith in the teachings of the Vedas, the great
sage, who had expounded the meaning of the scriptures in his
verses, taught the classic to them.
1 Poulastya. One of the seven great sages, bom from the mind of Brahma,
the
Creator.
15
THE RAMAYANA OF VALMIKI
Being pleased with the sweet singers, one sage presented them
with loshtas, another with delicious fruits, a third with robes
of bark and another with antelope skins ; some gave sacrificial
thread, some vessels for collecting alms, others gave loin cloths,
kusha grass, garments of yellow cloth, scarves and thread for
binding the hair, sacrificial vessels, rosaries and axes. Others
bestowed their blessings upon them, saying “May you live
long ” and all acclaimed the author of the marvellous poem.
While the sages were thus praising the two princes, Shri
Ramachandra, passing that way, took them to his royal palace.
Occupying his golden throne, Shri Rama, the destroyer of his
foes, offered hospitality and reverence to the two worthy princes.
In the assembly, surrounded by his ministers and brothers,
Shri Rama looked approvingly on those handsome and learned
youths, and addressed the Princes Lakshmana, Shatrughna
and Bharata saying : “ Hear the historical poem, which these
two celestial and brilliant minstrels sing, this poem which
portrays incidents of wonderful meaning.”
Shri Rama said : “ I admire the music and the verse sung
by these two minstrels who appear to be endowed with royal
attributes.”
x6
BALA KANDA
The earth consisting of seven islands has been under one ruler
since the time of those kings descended from Manu,1 who were
ever victorious.
1 Manu from the root “ man ”, “ to think **. The progenitor of mankind,
created by Brahma.
17
chapter 6
The city of Ayodhya
1 It is implied that Manu founded the original city on this site, but
several cities
built by other monarch! succeeded it.
BALA KANDA
there, worshipped the gods and the uninvited guest ; they were
both magnanimous and charitable.
20
BALA KANDA
CHAPTER 8
22
BALA KANDA
Then the illustrious sovereign left the court and entered his
private apartments where the queens dwelt, who loved the king
from the depths of their hearts.
23
CHAPTER 9
BALA KANDA
Fearing the father’s return and anxious to depart with all haste,
the courtesans plied the young sage with tasty confections
which they had brought with them, saying : “ Be pleased to
accept these dainties which we have brought for thee to enjoy
on this occasion.” They then caressed the youth, feeding him
with sweets and other delicacies.
The resplendent sage partook of the offerings, thinking them
to be fruits, never having tasted any other food.
BALA KANDA
The king then took the youth to the inner apartments and
united him in marriage to his daughter Shanta.
CHAPTER II
27
1 Satya-Yuga — the Golden Age. There are four yugas in the world cycle —
Satya or Krita, Treta, Dwapara and Kali, the golden, silver, copper, and
iron age.
28
BALA KANDA
CHAPTER 12
Time passed and the spring came again while the holy sage
was at the court of King Dasaratha. On a propitious day,
the king decided to enter upon the sacrifice.
1 Brihaspati. The Guru of the gods, also the regent of the planet
Jupiter.
29
chapter i 3
The Sacrifice is commenced
The following year, spring having returned once more, the king,
desiring to complete the sacrifice for the sake of an heir, paid
homage to Shri Vasishtha, offering him humble salutations
according to the prescribed ordinance, and addressed that great
brahmin with submission, saying : —
30,
BALA KANDA
A few days later, the kings from afar arrived at the sacrificial
pavilion bearing gifts of gems.
32
BALA KANDA
CHAPTER 14
Having ranged far and wide during a year, the horse returned
and on the bank of the river Sarayu the sacrifice of King
Dasaratha continued. The chief priests, under Rishyasringa,
assisted the king in the observance of the rituals. Brahmins
learned in the ancient science, also officiated and assisted the king
according to the instructions laid down in the Kalpa Sutra.
The aged, the children, and the women were served with all
they cared to eat, and those who attended on them were willing
and pleasant.
33
34
BALA KANDA
Each one received his just share and the priests were highly
pleased and well satisfied. The king gave away gold coins
to those who had come to witness the sacrifice and ten million
gold coins were bestowed on other brahmins present at that time.
A needy mendicant begged for the diamond studded bracelet
worn by the king himself and it was freely bestowed on him.
Beholding the brahmins fully satisfied, King Dasaratha with
great gladness made obeisance to them again and again.
35
CHAPTER 15
* Siddhas. Semi-divine beings that dwell in the region between the earth
and the sun.
36
BALA KANDA
At this time the immortal Vishnu, with conch, disc and mace,
the Overlord of the whole world, clad in a yellow robe, appeared
at that place. Adored by the gods, he drew near and took
his seat by Shri Brahma, then all the gods addressed him
saying : —
Thus did the gods appeal to Shri Vishnu and He, adored
by the world, answered them who had taken refuge in Him : —
Thus did Shri Vishnu grant a boon to the gods, and then
reflected as to where on the earth he should take birth as man.
37
chapter i 6
38
BALA KANDA
Forthwith there issued from King Dasaratha’s sacrificial fire
to the sound resembling the beating of a drum, a great Being
of limitless splendour, of glowing countenance, clad in red and
hairy as a lion. Bearing auspicious marks and adorned with
beautiful ornaments, his height was equal to the peak of a
mountain. Striding boldly like a lion, his form shone as fire.
In both hands he carried, as would a beloved spouse, a vessel
of gold, with a silver cover, filled with payasa.1
39
CHAPTER 17
1 Sons. The Lord was partially manifested in all the sons of King
Dasaratha.
40
BALA KANDA
patrons of medicine.
41
chapter i 8
brahmins.
42
BALA KANDA
Bharata was bom when the star Pushya was in the ascendant
in the Lagna Meena.1 During the ascendance of the star
Shlasa in the Lagna Karka,2 at the time of sunrise Shatrughna
was bom.
Each of the sons of the king had special attributes and were
endowed with great qualities, they were as resplendent as the
Purva,3 Uttara4 and Bhadripata5 stars.
At that time gandharvas played divine melodies, nymphs
danced, celestial drums were heard and the gods showered
flowers from the sky.
The king gave gifts to the bards and ballad singers and
conferred wealth and cows on the brahmins.
The four children were named on the twelfth day ; the eldest
son received the name Ramachandra, and the name given to
the son of Queen Kaikeyi was Bharata.
1 Lagna Karka — Cancer. Lagna is the point where the horizon and the
path
of the planets meet.
43
The monarch was as pleased and satisfied with his four sons
as is Shri Brahma with the four Vedas. Observing the wisdom,
prudence and modesty of his children, who were endowed with
every great attribute. King Dasaratha derived as great a delight
from them as Brahma from the four guardians of the earth.
44
BALA KANDA
Here the king once more paid him reverence and with delight
addressed him saying : “ O August Sage, thy coming has caused
me as great a joy as the acquisition of ambrosia or the advent
of rain falling on the parched earth. O Sage, thy approach
is as grateful to me as the birth of a son to one without an heir
or the recovery of his wealth to one who imagined it to be
irretrievably lost. O Mighty Sage, I welcome thee with my
whole heart, say what commands thou hast for me? When
thy glance doth fall upon me, O Sage, I become righteous and
acquire merit; to-day my life is rendered fruitful and the
purpose of my birth is accomplished since thou hast visited
me. O Auspicious One, formerly thou wast a warrior sage,
illustrious by virtue of thy sacred practices, but now thou art
become a brahmin1 and art worthy of supreme worship by me.
Thine advent has conferred purity and blessing on me, and by thy
sacred presence both the kingdom and I have been purged of
every offence. Be pleased to tell us of the purpose of thy coming,
I desire to manifest my gratitude to thee by rendering
thee service. O Kaushika, do not hesitate to speak thy will,
I am ready to do anything for thee ; thou art to me as a god.
O Brahman Seer, by beholding thee, I have acquired the great
merits of a pilgrimage.”
45
brahminhood
CHAPTER 19
Vishwamitra’s request
BALA KANDA
CHAPTER 20
For some time the king lay insensible, then regaining conscious-
ness he said : “ My lotus-eyed Rama is but fifteen years old,
I cannot believe he is capable of contending with the rakshasas.
I possess a large and well-equipped army and will myself lead it
against the demons. My seasoned warriors, who are courageous
and skilled in bearing weapons and who are suitably remunerated
by me, are fit to fight the rakshasas in battle ; therefore, do not
ask for Rama. I myself, bearing my bow and arrows, will lead
the army in the field and fight to my last breath. With this
protection, thy sacrifice will come to a successful conclusion.
I will go thither in person, do not take away Shri Ramachandra.
Shri Rama is still a child without military experience, he cannot
estimate the strength or weakness of the enemy, he has not yet
acquired proficiency in warfare.
thousand years old and have begotten these sons with great
difficulty. These princes are dearer to me than life itself and
Shri Ramachandra is the dearest of them all. Excelling in virtue,
he is my eldest son, therefore, do not take him from me. O
Great Sage, how powerful are these rakshasas ? Who are their
supporters and how dost thou imagine Shri Rama can destroy
them ? O Blessed Lord, say if thou deemest that I and my army
may successfully oppose those rakshasas who are skilled in magic?”
48
BALA KANDA
CHAPTER 2 I
49
50
BALA KANDA
Shri Ramachandra then poured the water over his body and
with a cheerful countenance said to the Sage Vishwamitra ; —
1 The bow on one shoulder, the quiver on the other with the head
between
gave the appearance of a three-headed snake.
51
chapter 23
The two princes, hearing the words of the most generous sage,
rose, performed their ablutions, offered ceremonial water to the
rising sun, worshipped their ancestors and began to repeat
the holy Gayatri.1 Their devotions completed, they offered
salutations with great reverence to the distinguished ascetic and
stood ready to proceed further.
52
BALA KANDA
whom the pundits called Kama once took human form and
fixed in meditation, worshipped the Lord Shiva here. When
Shri Shiva was passing with his newly-wedded bride, accom-
panied by celestial beings, Kama tried to agitate the mind of
the Lord Shiva and reaped the due punishment of his insolence.
O Son of the House of Raghu, Shiva in wrath opened his third
eye and the members of Kama’s body were consumed. Since
Kama was reduced to ashes by the God, he has been a dis-
embodied being. O Rama, since that time, he has been known
as Ananga (bodiless) and the country where his limbs were
strewn as he sought to flee, is known as Anga. This hermit-
age belongs to the Lord Shiva and the holy men who dwell
here are his traditional devotees : they are both righteous and
sinless. O Rama, Thou of pleasing looks, this night I shall
break my journey at this hermitage and to-morrow we shall
cross the sacred river and proceed further. O Rama, let us
first purify ourselves by bathing and then recite the holy Gayatri
silently, offering oblations into the sacred fire, we will thereafter
pass the night in the hermitage.”
While Shri Rama and the sage were conversing, the holy
ascetics dwelling in the hermitage, knew by the power of their
Yoga, that these great beings were approaching and were highly
gratified.
53
CHAPTER 24
54
BALA KANDA
55
CHAPTER 25
BALA KANDA
deeds that are painful and difficult, for the preservation of his
people. It is according to the law of eternal dharma, O Rama,
that even deeds that appear ruthless, are permitted to those
appointed to protect their subjects. O Raghava, Taraka is
wholly evil, and therefore must be destroyed. It is said that
in the past Manthara, a daughter of King Virochana, was slain
by Indra because she was the cause of the destruction of others.
The blessed Lord Vishnu Himself slew the wife of the Sage
Bhrigu, devoted to her husband, and the mother of Shukra
because she was intent on killing Indra. Many other great-
souled princes of old also condemned wicked women to death.
Therefore, it is for thee to fulfil thy duty and slay this yakshini
without delay.”
CHAPTER 26
While Shri Rama was still speaking, the dreadful Tar aka ran to-
wards him roaring with uplifted arms. The Rishi Vishwamitra
approaching her encouraged Rama, with a shout, crying, “ Jai
to the descendant of Raghu Notwithstanding, Taraka raised
a thick cloud of dust and for a while Shri Rama and Lakshmana
could see nothing. Then the yakshini by the power of magic
caused a shower of rocks to rain on the two brothers and Rama
was now filled with wrath. Parrying the rain of rocks and
advancing towards her, he cut off both her hands. Then Shri
Lakshmana severed the nose and ears of the asuri who had
already been deprived of her hands. Assuming various forms,
she tried to deceive the princes by vanishing away. Then from
her hiding place, she showered heavy rocks on them, and a rain
of stones fell on every side.
BALA KANDA
Shri Ramachandra’s feat of arms, show thy special favour to him
and deliver to him the two kinds of weapons, natural and super-
natural, belonging to Krishashwa. Present Shri Ramachandra,
who is worthy to receive them, with all the other mighty
weapons, he is wholly devoted to thee ; these two princes are
destined to achieve great things.”
Shri Rama rejoiced to hear the muni’s words and rested happily
during the night in the forest.
On the day that Taraka was slain, the forest, freed from
the curse, adorned with champaka,1 ashoka,1 mango and other
trees, looked as charming as the forest of Chitraratha.2
chapter 27
59
the Disc of Dharma, the Rala weapon, the Disc of Vishnu and
the irresistible Weapon of Indra. O Great Prince, here is the
Mace and the Spear of Mahendra the Brahma- Shira and the
Ishika. O Mighty-armed One, take the Shankara weapon and
the two great maces Koumoduki and Lohitamukhi. O Great
Prince receive also the mighty Dharma-pasha, the Kala-pasha
and the Varuna-pasha and two other maces called Shoshka and
Ashani; the Pinaka weapon, the Narayana weapon and the
fire-emitting weapon Agneya.
Then the great Vishwamifra turned his face to the east and
performed the purificatory rites with joy, conferring on Rama
the mantrams1 for employing the weapons and instructing him
6o
BALA KANDA
chapter 28
He is instructed in their use
The holy rishi1 then placed the divine weapons before Rama,
some of which shone like fire, others with the colour of smoke
and yet others which resembled the sun and moon. With
joined palms the deities presiding over them addressed Shri
Rama with submission, saying : “ O Prince, we are at thy
service, what would’st thou have us accomplish ? ” Shri Rama
answered : “ When called to mind in the time of need, grant
me aid, now depart, all of you.”
chapter 29
62
BALA KANDA
** The blessed Vishnu was pleased with this prayer and said
to the sinless Sage : * O Kashyapa, mayest thou see perfection,
thou hast merited a boon, ask what thou desirest.*
1 Purusha — The Supreme Being, the Soul of the Universe. Literally the
Lord
of the body, called the city of the nine gates.
63 F
chapter 30
64
BALA KANDA
1 HE RAMAYANA OF VALMIKI
those wicked, merciless and sinful blood-drinking demons who
obstruct the holy sacrifice.” So saying, he seized the fire-
weapon and discharged it at the breast of Suvahu, who straight-
way fell to the ground and expired. On this, Shri Rama
destroyed the remaining demons with the air-weapon (Vayuvya).
CHAPTER 31
BALA KANDA
The sages and the holy muni reached the banks of the river
Shona at sunset and, having bathed and recited their evening
prayers, performed the fire sacrifice.
67
1 HE RAMAYANA OF VALMIKI
CHAPTER 32
BALA KANDA
" The king was grieved to see his daughters in this condition
and said : * O speak, what has occurred ? Who, disregarding
justice, has deformed you ? Tell me all.’ The monarch was
deeply moved by this event and his heart became heavy.”
chapter 33
69
70
BALA KANDA
O Ramaji, King Brahmadatta, who was equal to Indra in glory
wedded the princesses one by one by taking their hands in his.
Through the touch of his hand, the princesses were freed from
their deformity and restored to their former beauty. When
King Kushnabha beheld his daughters released from their
disfigurement and restored to their former beauty he was filled
with joy.
chapter 3 4
“After some time a son was bom to the wise King Kushanabha
who was a lover of virtue, and his name was Gadhi. This
Gadhi, O Rama, was my virtuous father1 and because I was
bom in the family of Kusha I was called Kaushika.
71
“ The leaves of the trees are motionless, the birds and beasts
are silent and darkness covers all. How imperceptibly the
evening has passed away. The sky is brilliant with stars, as if
a thousand eyes gazed down on us.
“ The bright moon with its cool beams, slowly rising higher
and higher dispels the darkness. Nocturnal wanderers and the
terrible flesh-eating yakshas prowl about here and there.”
Thus did the great sages praise the Rishi Vishwamitra, who
then withdrew to rest, as the sun sets behind a mountain.
72
BALA KANDA
CHAPTER 3 5
Having passed the night with the other munis on the banks
of the river Shona, Shri Vishwamitra said to Prince Rama at
daybreak : “Arise, O Prince, the day has dawned, may prosperity
attend thee ! Perform thy morning devotions and let us prepare
for our journey.”
Sitting in the midst of the sages with the two princes before
him, Shri Vishwamitra was questioned by Shri Rama in the
following manner : —
73
chapter 36
74
BALA KANDA
Then Shri Mahadeva let fall his seed on the earth covering
the mountains, seas and forests. When the earth could bear
no more, the devas asked the wind and fire deities to combine
* Devi— another name for Parvati. Devi literally means goddess or shining
one.
75
with that creative power and thus was a white mountain created
and later a heavenly forest as resplendent as the light of the sun.
From this fiery light was bom the glorious Swami Karttikeya.1
“All the gods and rishis were full of joy and adored the Lord
Shiva and the goddess Uma. As they worshipped them with
grateful hearts, Uma was filled with wrath and said : ‘ O Devas,
your action has filled me with displeasure, you shall not escape
the consequences.*
“ Then Uma shining like the sun, took water in the palm
of her hand and pronounced a curse on the gods, saying : ‘ O
Devas, you have prevented me from bearing a son, may you
be childless from this day, may your wives be without progeny.*
“ Still not appeased, Uma cursed the earth also and said :
* O Earth, thou shalt never remain in one form, thou shalt have
many masters. O Witless One, thou shalt never bear a son,
since thou hast prevented me from becoming a mother.*
chapter 3 7
76
BALA KANDA
77
child and they regarded him as their own son. The gods named
the child Karttikeya and said : * He shall be our son and he
will be renowned in the three worlds.’
CHAPTER 38
BALA KANDA
“ When the time was ripe, the chief Queen Keshini gave birth
to a son who was called Asamanjasa.
1 Garuda — a mythological bird, half man, half bird, the vehicle of Shri
Vishnu,
and the slayer of serpents. Garuda is said to have stolen the nectar
of immortality
from the gods, when it was churned from the ocean.
79 G
CHAPTER 39
BALA KANDA
pierced the earth with its mountains, they searched for the horse
in Jambudwipa.1
chapter 40
The king's sons search for the horse ; they accuse Shri Kapila
of stealing it and are reduced to ashes
1 Jambudwipa — one of the seven continents of which the world was made
up.
8l
82
BALA KANDA
CHAPTER 41
" * O Lion among men, grieve not, these princes have met
the death they deserved. They have been consumed to ashes
83
chapter 42
BALA KANDA
illustrious King Dilipa, constantly engaged in these reflections,
was then blessed with the birth of a virtuous son,
Bhagiratha.
85
able to sustain her ; none but the Lord Shiva can accomplish
this.”
O Rama, when Shri Bhagiratha did not see the holy stream
descending to earth, he again began his penance in order to
propitiate the Lord of the world.
Then Shri Shiva let loose the Gunga in the Brindusara lake
86
BALA KANDA
The waters of the holy Gunga sometimes rose high in the air,
sometimes flowed tortuously, sometimes broadened out, some-
times dashed against the rocks and sometimes spouted upwards
afterwards falling to the ground ; that pure water capable of
removing sin looked delightful flowing on the surface of the earth.
CHAPTER 44
88
BALA KANDA
chapter 45
BALA KANDA
humbly made enquiry concerning the city. He said: “O
Great Sage, what royal and illustrious house rules here? I
desire to hear.”
“ The gods took refuge with the Lord Shiva and worshipped
him crying * Protea us, protea us ’. Attracted by the mournful
cry of the gods, Shri Mahadeva and Shri Hari8 appeared there
with conch and disc.
91
Blessed Lord, Thou art the Master of all beings, thou art the
asylum of the gods — protect us all, O Great Lord, and support
the sinking Mandara mountain.*
“ Shri Vishnu, assuming the form of a tortoise, entered the
ocean and supported the mountain on his back. Taking hold
of the peak in his hand, the blessed Vishnu churned the ocean,
standing between the devas and thie asuras.
“Aftei many had lost their lives in the fight, Shri Vishnu
assumed the form of Mohini, a charming woman the product
of Maya5 and stole the nectar from the combatants.
* Daityas— Titans.
92
BALA KANDA
CHAPTER 46
“ Thus did the sage console Diti, and blessing her, departed
to practise penance. Diti retired contentedly to the forest
of Kushaplava and began to undergo severe austerities.
93
chapter 47
“ Through ray fault has this come to pass ; O Indra, thou art
in no wise guilty. This child being divided, for thy good and
mine own, I declare that these seven shall become the protectors
of the forty-nine winds. These seven sons of divine appearance
shall be known as the Bala-kanda winds. Let one wander about
in the region of Brahma, another in the region of Indra, and
the third in space. Let the remaining four winds go anywhere
under thy instructions ; may they all be known by the name
of Maruts, conferred on them by thee.”
94
BALA KANDA
With joined palms, they offered him due worship and enquired
as to his welfare. The king said : “ O Muni, to-day I am
indeed fortunate that thou hast been gracious enough to visit
my kingdom. None is more blessed than I.”
CHAPTER 48
95 H
youth, appear like gods, visiting the earth. Why are they
travelling on foot? Whose sons are they? Why are they
come? Enhancing the earth as the sun and moon illumine
the sky ; their manner of address and bearing showing them
to be kinsmen, why are these two heroes of high descent,
bearing mighty weapons, found on this hard path? I long
to hear.”
BALA KANDA
BALA KANDA
chapter 50
1 Madhu parka — a mixture of curds, butter, honey and the milk of coconut
—a traditional offering.
99
Having related all this to the king, the great muni became
silent.
1 Karttikeya — the god of war ; the hair was shaved on the crown and the
two side pieces like crows' wings left at the side.
100
BALA KANDA
CHAPTER 5 I
Z02
BALA KANDA
chapter 52
CHAPTER 53
The king desires to possess Shabala but Shri Vasishtha will not
give her up
1 The six kinds of taste : sweet, bitter, acid, salt, pungent and acrid.
104
BALA KANDA
When all the counsellors and personal attendants and the army
had received full hospitality, the king, wholly satisfied, said to
Shri Vasishtha : “ O Holy Sage, thou hast entertained me
royally, please hear what I have to say O Eloquent One ! O
Lord, give me the cow Shabala in exchange for a hundred
thousand excellent cows. Shabala is a jewel and by a king
should jewels be enjoyed — according to the natural law, this
treasure should therefore be mine.”
105
CHAPTER 54
106
BALA KANDA
CHAPTER 55
107
108
BALA KANDA
no
BALA KANDA
CHAPTER 5 7
After a long time four sons were born to him, each a devotee
of truth, who were virtuous and of great military prowess. Their
names were Havisyanda, Madhusyanda, Drirha-netra and
Maharatha.
CHAPTER 58
BALA KANDA
thou become one of the fallen caste.” Having thus cursed him,
they returned to their hermitage.
When the night was over, the king was transformed into a
low-bom being, his complexion dark, his body emaciated, his
head shaven, his whole frame besmeared with ashes from the
crematorium, his golden ornaments changed to lead.
xi3
1 Chandala — an outcast.
CHAPTER 59
BALA KANDA
chapter 6 o
the great sage grew exceedingly wroth and lifting up the sacrificial
vessel, said to the King Trishanku : “ O King, behold the power
of my asceticism by virtue of which I now send thee to heaven
in thy embodied state. O King , though it is deemed impossible
to accomplish this, by the power acquired by me I now say
to thee ; ‘ ascend to heaven in thy physical form.’ ”
I have vowed that this king should enter heaven in his embodied
state, this pledge must be fulfilled. To this end, I have created
the Pole star and other planets and this heaven will abide as long
as the former heaven endures, as also the gods created by me,
it becomes you, therefore, to confirm what I have
promised.”
After this, O Rama, the gods and the ascetics who had
attended the sacrifice, returned to their own regions.
chapter 6 i
117
chapter 62
BALA KANDA
The king, filled with joy, went without delay to the sacrificial
pavilion. With the consent of the officiating priest, the king
now dressed Shunashepha in red attire and tied him to the post
as the consecrated victim. Being bound, Shunashepha began
to praise Upendra1 by reciting the mantrams he had been given
by Vishwamitra.
O Rama, then did the king complete his sacrifice and obtain
the desired fruit from Indra.
CHAPTER 63
120
BALA KANDA
Then, O Rama, the gods were filled with fear by the austerities
practised by the rishi on the Himalayan mountains, and approach-
ing Shri Brahma said : —
CHAPTER 6 4
BALA KANDA
CHAPTER 65
requested the food set before the muni, upon which Vishwamitra,
believing him to be a sage, gave him the whole which he had
prepared for himself and still observing the vow of silence,
uttered no word.
' The chief of the sages, suspending his breath for a further
thousand years, continued his penance, then there issued from
his head a smoke which terrified the beings of the three worlds.
By the power of his mortification, the devas, gandharvas, and
other beings were deprived of their glory and lost conscious-
ness.
BALA KANDA
The divine sage then paid homage to the great Vasishtha and,
his purpose accomplished, wandered about the earth engaged in
charitable deeds. Shri Shatananda said : “ O Rama, this is the
story of Shri Vishwamitra and how he obtained brahmanhood.
O Raghava, verily he is the chief of sages and the personification
of Yoga. Constantly engaged in acts of virtue, he still performs
rigorous penances.”
When this excellent sage had ended his narrative, King Janaka
in the presence of Rama and Lakshmana humbly addressed Shri
Vishwamitra saying : “ O Chief of Sages, blessed am I, that
thou art come with Shri Rama and Lakshmana to my sacrifice.
O Muni, thou hast, by thy presence, done us great honour.
O Brahmarishi, thou hast added to our renown. Shri Rama,
my counsellors and I have heard the story of thy wonderful
austerities and also of thine excellent qualities. O Great Sage,
immense is thy power, unimaginable thy penances, incalculable
thy virtues, nor does one ever tire of hearing of thy marvellous
deeds. O Illustrious Lord, the sun has set and the time of
evening devotion is near, graciously grant us leave to depart ;
in the morning we shall see thee again.”
125
CHAPTER 66
King Janaka relates the story of the great bow and the birth
of Sita
126
BALA KANDA
their prowess and I have placed the bow before them and
requested them to string it, but none as yet has been able to
do so. Perceiving them to be deficient in strength, I have
refused to bestow my daughter on any of them. These kings,
inflamed with anger, considering their failure to string the bow
had brought them into disrepute, surrounded my capital, and
inflicted great hardship on my people. This siege endured a
full year and immeasurably reduced my treasury. Undergoing
severe penances, I propitiated the gods, who granted me a large
army with which I have defeated those kings who have retreated,
bereft of courage, yet still smarting under imagined injury.
chapter 67
The illustrious Rama breaks the bow and is given the Princess
Sita in marriage
of the earth coming hither have sought to string. Even the gods
have not been able to raise, bend or string this bow. How,
therefore, should mortals have the power to do so if the gods
have failed ? O Great Rishi, behold the bow, let the two princes
examine it.”
BALA KANDA
CHAPTER 68
“ Please inform the king that we have come from King Janaka
and desire an audience.”
129
chapter 69
“ Let the officers of the treasury take with them wealth and
jewels in abundance and precede us in good order. Let the
four divisions of my army hold themselves in readiness and
let chariots and palanquins be prepared. Let my commands
be carried out with promptitude. Suffer Shri Vasishtha,
Vamadeva, Javali, Kashyapa, Bhrigu, Markandeya and Katya -
yana with other learned and holy men to lead the procession.
Make ready the royal chariot, let there be no delay, King Janaka’s
messengers are eager to return.”
BALA KANDA
King Dasaratha, being united with his sons was filled with
happiness and surrendered himself wholly to King Janaka’s
hospitality.
CHAPTER 70
The following day, King Janaka, having carried out the sacrifice
with the assistance of the priests, said to Shri Shatananda : —
131
BALA KANDA
133
“ The son of Nabhaga was Aja, and the son of Aja was King
Dasaratha; the two sons of King Dasaratha are Rama and
Lakshmana.
chapter 71
BALA KANDA
chapter 72
135
1 Bhag — one of the Adityas q.v., whose special season Uttara Phalguni is
con-
sidered favourable for marriages or alliances.
136
BALA KANDA
chapter 73
137
Then King Dasaratha with his sons and the holy sages entered
the marriage pavilion. Thereafter, King Janaka addressed Shri
Vasishtha, saying : “ O Virtuous Sage, with the other sages
perform the wedding ceremony.”
Shri Sita, adorned with jewels, took her seat by the sacred fire
opposite Shri Ramachandra. King Janaka, addressing the Son
of Raghu, said : “ O Rama, from to-day my daughter Sita will
be thy companion in virtue. Accept her, O Prince, and take
her hand in thine. This fortunate princess, faithful and tender,
will constantly attend thee, following thee like a shadow, in
loving obedience. May you both be happy.”
138
BALA KANDA
chapter 74
The night being past, the great Sage Vishwamitra took leave of
King Dasaratha and King Janaka and, blessing the princes and
their sire, departed for the Himalayas to meditate there. The
holy rishi being gone, King Dasaratha begged the permission
of die Lord of Mithila to return to his capital. Bidding farewell
to the pious king, Janaka escorted him for some distance on
his way.
While they were yet speaking, the earth began to quake and
and giant trees fell down, darkness covered the earth and clouds
of dust veiled the sun, nor could the cardinal points be discerned.
In the great dust storm that followed, the army was overwhelmed
with terror and all became paralysed, save Shri Vasishtha, King
Dasaratha and the princes alone.
When the dust was allayed and the army somewhat recovered,
Shri Vasishtha beheld the son of Yamadagni of dreadful aspect.
With matted hair, Parasurama, the humbler of the pride of kings
and emperors, drew near.
The appearance of the muni resembling the splendour of
Mount Kailasha or the fires of dissolution at the end of the
world-period was hardly to be borne by human eyes. With his
battle axe on his shoulder, bearing a mighty bow, brilliant as
lightning, he appeared like Shiva about to strike down Tripura.1
140
BALA KANDA
CHAPTER 75
He challenges Rama to combat
141
chapter 76
Hearing these words, Shri Rama having regard for the presence
of his sire, answered with restraint, saying : “ O Parasurama,
thy deeds are known to me, as also the avenging of thy fathers’
murderers. Methinks thou dost deem me lacking in valour,
142
BALA KANDA
143
The darkness being dispelled and the whole world once more
filled with light, Rama was worshipped by the gods and rishis,
and Shri Parasurama having circumambulated the son of
Dasaratha, returned to his own hermitage.
CHAPTER 77
King Dasaratha with his army , the princes and their brides ,
return to Ayodhya
Met by the brahmins inhabiting the city, the king with his
friends and relatives, followed by the princes and their brides,
entered the royal palace which was white as snow.
BALA KANDA
For a long time did Shri Rama enjoy a life of content with
Sita. To him, she was dear beyond all things and he
surrendered his whole heart to her. Love is enhanced by
beauty, virtue and gentleness, and Sita possessed all these in
an equal degree with Rama. Lovely as a goddess, Shri Sita
was able to discern the thoughts of her lord before he expressed
them. The beautiful Sita with Shri Ramachandra wholly
satisfied, resembled Lakshmi, the consort of the incomparable
Vishnu.
145
BOOK II
AYODHYA KANDA
CHAPTER I
The four sons of the aged king were as dear to him as his
own four arms issuing from his body, yet Rama resembling
Brahma, endowed with every good attribute, was dearest to
his sire. Shri Rama, the eternal Purusha,1 the Lord Vishnu
himself, descended on earth on the entreaty of the gods, to
slay Ravana, the enemy of the whole world.
1 Purusha — literally lord of the city of nine gates, i.e. the body — the
dweller
in the body as the indwelling Lord.
149
AYODHYA KAMDA
CHAPTER 2
152
AYODHYA KANDA
Then the learned brahmins, the ministers, kings and the elders
of the city assembled for consultation with those who had come
from afar, and being of one mind, after due deliberation, thus
addressed the king : —
153
154
AYODHYA KANDA
“ Men, women, the aged and those from far and near, at dawn
and eventide, unitedly pray to all the gods that Shri Rama may
ever be attended by prosperity. O Great King, graciously
accede to our request. O Giver of boons, we beg thee to install
Shri Rama as regent without delay. Thy son, resembling
Shri Vishnu himself, is benevolent and generous to all. O King,
do this with a cheerful mind.”
CHAPTER 3
The king resolves Shri Rama shall he installed
155
After the king had spoken, the people applauded, and when
the shouts of acclamation had died away, the monarch addressed
the mighty Sage Vasishtha, saying : " O Blessed Lord, it is meet
that thou shouldest order those things needful for the coronation
ceremony.”
156
AYODHYA KANDA
“ Keep far from thee those evil habits bom of love, pleasure
and anger ; through thy secret service acquaint thyself closely
with all the happenings of thy kingdom and other domains,
157
THE RAMAYANA OF VALMIKI
chapter 4
AYODHYA KANDA
entering his father’s palace, bowed low, with joined palms, from
a distance, and contemplated his sire.
The king, raising him up, embraced him and, giving him
a seat, again addressed him : —
“ O Prince, I have now grown old and have ruled long,
enjoying all the pleasures of the heart. I have also performed
hundreds of sacrifices and distributed great quantities of food
and lavish gifts as alms to the brahmins. O Great One, a son
such as thou art, is the fruit of much charity and study of the
Veda. O Most Excellent One, what I desired to give in charity,
I have given, and I have studied the Veda and offered up many
sacrifices. My desire for pleasure is past ; I have discharged
every obligation to the gods, the sages, my ancestors and the
learned brahmins, nothing remains to be accomplished by me
but thine installation. O My Son, hear me, it is the will of my
people that thou become their sovereign ; I shall, therefore,
install thee as my successor. Nevertheless, O Rama, fearful
dreams have visited me at night, attended by the roar of thunder
and the falling of meteors, signs betokening opposition. O
Rama, the star of my birth is surrounded by the sun, Mars
and Rahu ; those versed in divination speak of it as of evil
augury, that portends either the death of a king or the visitation
of some grave calamity. O Prince of Raghu, I desire to see
thee crowned before my senses fail. Verily, the mind of man is
inconstant. To-day, the astrologers announce that Pumavasu
is in the ascendant, but to-morrow it will be the Pushya star,
auspicious to thy coronation. I desire thee, therefore, to be
proclaimed regent to-morrow. Do thou, from now on, fast
with thy spouse, passing the night on a bed of kusha grass,
with a stone for thy pillow. It is the duty of the friends
surrounding thee to guard thee. In such undertakings many
obstructions arise.
*59
King Dasaratha having thus spoken, Shri Rama left for his
palace. Entering his own abode, anxious to acquaint Janaki
with the king's proposal and not finding the princess in her
own apartment, Rama repaired to the palace of his mother.
There he beheld the Queen Kaushalya, seated in the temple,
observing the vow of silence and praying for her son’s welfare.
Acquainted with the sovereign's decree, Shri Lakshmana and
Sumitra were already in the palace of the chief queen, and Sita
also having been summoned thither was sitting at her side.
1 Narayana — a name of the Lord, the waters (nara) being His first centre
of motion.
160
AYODHYA KANDA
CHAPTER 5
161
All the streets of the capital were swept and sprinkled with
water ; on either side, flower garlands were hanging, and every
house was decorated with flags and banners. Men and women,
children and the aged, all anxiously awaiting the dawn, so that
they might witness the sacred ceremony, looked forward with
eagerness to the great festival that would promote their happiness.
chapter 6
AYODHYA KANDA
living far distant were attracted to the holy ceremony and flocked
to see the royal procession, filling the city of Ayodha Puri.
CHAPTER 7
The royal nurse, overcome with joy at that time, told the
164
AYODHYA KANDA
165
This sinful, deceitful monarch will destroy thee, thy son and
thy relatives, who are worthy of happiness, by enthroning Shri
Ramachandra. O Thou of Deluded Intellect, ever indifferent
to thine own good, hear me, there is yet time. Whatever thou
can’st do for thine own advantage perform and thus protect
thy son and me.”
CHAPTER 8
AYODHYA KANDA
1 Kubija— hunchback.
167
of all comfort, will be cast forth from the royal dynasty to suffer.
I have come to tell thee this for thy good and thou dost not
comprehend it. If thou wert wise, thou wouldst not reward
me with this jewel on account of the increased prosperity of thy
rival. Assuredly when Rama assumes the regency, he will
either banish Prince Bharata or have him put to death. Through
proximity people acquire affection even for inanimate objects,
but thou didst send thy son in his childhood to thy father’s
house.
168
AYODHYA KANDA
CHAPTER 9
“ I was not then acquainted with this matter, but thou didst
later relate it to me. Prompted by my love for thee, I have
169
AYODHYA KANDA
CHAPTER IO
172
AYODHYA KANDA
The king entered the inner apartments, but did not perceive
the queen on the couch where desire had caused him to seek
her. Calling loudly and receiving no answer, he grew sad ;
never before had Kaikeyi missed the time of dalliance, never
before had the king found the apartment deserted. The monarch
desiring to know where the queen was, questioned a maidservant,
who replied with fear and submission : “ O Sire, she has entered
the chamber of wrath.”
173
174
AYODHYA KANDA
CHAPTER II
She asks for the two boons promised her by the king
175 N
how in the war between the gods and asuras, thou didst fall
wounded like one dead, and I rescued thee by applying the
appropriate means ? On thy recovery, thou didst promise me
two boons. O Truthful Monarch, I now earnestly desire these
two boons which are in thy power to grant. Shouldst thou,
despite thy promises given, not fulfil these desires, then I will
relinquish my life, dishonoured by thee.”
CHAPTER 12
AYODHYA KANDA
for fourteen years ? How canst thou demand the exile of the
virtuous and tender Ramachandra for fourteen long years?
O Thou of beautiful eyes, how canst thou think of sending
Rama into exile, who ever honours thee ? Rama has paid thee
greater respect than Bharata. I fail to comprehend how thou
canst desire his exile. Reflect well, none in the world will offer
thee greater service, respect and obedience than Rama.
AYODHYA KANDA
thine answer ? Wilt thou say that she to whom thou owest thy
life and by whose grace thou yet livest, who rendered thee great
service at the time of misfortune and to whom thou didst promise
two boons, has now been refused these blessings ?
AYODHYA KANDA
“ I shall not long survive the exile of Rama and the grief of
Sita. Enjoy thou the kingdom with thy son, but as a widow !
Know well, O Devi, there is no happiness for me in life if Rama
is exiled. As men infatuated by the colour of wine, drink
it thinking ill of it the while and knowing its harmful
consequences, so did I, charmed by thee, enter into union with
thee, believing thee true and faithful. Yet now I know thy
disposition to be incomparably vile. Thou hast deluded me
with alluring deceits.
1 Honey in those days being obtained by killing all the bees, hence
Shri Rama
eschewed it.
181
AYODHYA KANDA
183
CHAPTER 13
184
AYODHYA KANDA
The king, realising the exile of Shri Rama could not be avoided,
fell senseless to the earth. Sighing deeply at every moment.
King Dasaratha passed the night in great anguish.
chapter 14
186
AYODHYA KANDA
The morning had now dawned, and the night had fled ; the
sun had risen and an auspicious planet was in the ascendant.
The blessed Lord Vasishtha endowed with every excellent
quality, surrounded by his disciples, holding the sacred articles
required for the installation, came to the great door. Passing
through the capital, Shri Vasishtha observed the streets swept
and watered. Flags were fluttering everywhere in the breeze,
flowers of many kinds were strewn on the roads and garlands
hung here and there. All the inhabitants looked happy ; shops
and stalls displayed a variety of merchandise, while incense
mixed with ambergris and sandalwood perfumed the air. Every-
where people were celebrating the festival and eagerly awaiting
the coronation of Ramachandra.
AYODHYA KANDA
chapter 15
The sun having risen and the Pushya planet with Karrata1
being auspicious,8 it being the time at which Rama was bom,
brahmins brought vessels of gold filled with water, a finely
1 Cancer.
I89
X90
AYODHYA KANDA
thou delay ? I do not sleep, go bring Shri Rama with all haste.”
CHAPTER i 6
AYODHYA KANDA *
Having taken leave of Sita, Shri Rama left his palace with
Sumantra. Shri Rama, going forth from his palace, as a lion
193
194
AYODHYA KANDA
chapter 17
The multitude seeing Rama enter the palace were filled with
joy and awaited his coming forth as the sea awaits the coming
of the full moon.
chapter i 8
The king, his eyes filled with tears, his throat choked with
196
AYODHYA KANDA
emotion, could only utter the word “ Rama ” and nothing more.
As the heart of a man who accidentally touches a serpent is filled
with fear, so was the heart of Rama on beholding the king’s
misery. The king agitated by grief and remorse, sighing bitterly,
filled with anguish, resembled the ocean which, calm by nature,
is agitated by a mighty storm, or Rahu1 causing the sun’s eclipse,
or the soul of a sage stirred by the utterance of falsehoods.
Without knowing the cause of the king’s distress, Shri Rama
became agitated like the sea on the day of the full moon. Shri
Ramachandra, ever engaged in seeking his father’s welfare,
reflected : “ Why is my father not happy to see me to-day ?
Formerly, when displeased, on beholding me he was pacified,
but to-day, beholding me, he is troubled. Why is he overcome
with grief and bereft of his glory ? ”
1 Rahu — a mythical demon, said to cause the eclipse of the sun and moon
by swallowing it.
197
198
AYODHYA KANDA
CHAPTER 19
200
AYODHYA KANDA
CHAPTBR 20
AYODHYA KANDA
come to seek thy sanction. It is the season of sorrow for thee,
Sita and Lakshmana. Now, entering the forest, my seat will
be of kusha grass and there, residing for fourteen years, I shall
live on honey, roots and fruits. The king has conferred the
regency on Prince Bharata and I, giving up royal fare, must
enter the forest to eat the food of ascetics there. By the king’s
command, Bharata will be installed as regent. For fourteen
years, it is ordained that I shall live in the forest, practising
asceticism far from the haunts of men. The forest from
henceforth will be my home; roots and berries will be my
food ! ”
Hearing these words, the queen fell to the ground like the
bough of a fir tree severed from the trunk, by an axe !
Resembling a nymph fallen from heaven or a phantom tree
struck down, she fell. Shri Ramachandra raised her to her
couch, her body soiled with dust, like a steed that has rolled
on the earth and gently brushed away the dust with his own
hands. The queen, worthy of every happiness, seated by her
son, filled with distress, addressed him in the presence of Shri
Lakshmana : —
1 A brahmin boy is invested with the holy thread at about eight yean of
age,
the ceremony is called Upa-naya.
204
AYODHYA KANDA
CHAPTER 2 I
1 bow before thee and entreat thy favour and sanction to enter
the forest. Know that the Sage Kandu, a great pundit,
acquainted with his yogic duty, slew a cow in obedience to his
father’s commands, knowing it to be a sin, which was thereafter
not charged against him.
“ In ancient times, likewise, in our own dynasty, the sons
of King Sagara, digging the earth, sacrificed their lives at their
father’s behest. At the command of his father, the son of
Jamadagnya, Parasurama, with his axe, cut off the head of his
mother Renuka. O Devi, these and other godlike men have
obeyed their father resolutely. I, too, without hesitation, shall
perform that which benefits my father. O Mother, not I alone
obey my father but all those virtuous men, mentioned by me,
206
AYODHYA KANDA
AYODHYA KANDA
CHAPTER 22
and will make over the kingdom to him with joy. The heart
of Kaikeyi will find no rest till I, dressed in a deer skin, with
matted locks, enter the forest. I cannot grieve her, who has
urged me to go to the forest and contributed to my resolution,
therefore, I will depart without delay. O Lakshmana, the
acquisition of the kingdom is not part of my destiny. If
providence had favoured me, Kaikeyi would not have desired
to send me to the forest. O Dear One, thou knowest no
distinction was made by me between my three mothers, nor
has Kaikeyi looked on me as different from Prince Bharata,
but to-day to frustrate my coronation and send me into exile,
she has uttered cruel and pitiless words. This is the will of
God and nought else. Had it not been so, how should Kaikeyi
the daughter of a king, of gentle disposition and noble nature,
speak thus like a vulgar woman in the presence of her husband ?
Whatever is inscrutable to man should be known to be the
decree of providence ; even Brahma cannot evade the conse-
quences of karma.1 It is this unalterable and fixed decree that
has created the dissension between Kaikeyi and me, not to be
understood by man.
“ Pleasure, pain, fear, anger, profit and loss, life and death,
and similar matters come into being as a result of our karma.
Even the sages practising great austerities, prompted by their
karma, abandoning asceticism have been swept away by
concupiscence and avarice. This sudden happening, never
apprehended, this frustration of a well-devised plan is the work
of karma. Therefore, I in no wise regret my resolve nor the
cancellation of my coronation. Do thou also abandon grief
and following me forget the preparations for the coronation.
O Lakshmana, with these vessels of water brought hither for
mine installation, let my dedication to the ascetic life, be made.
Yet what use have I now for these sacred waters ? From now
on, I shall draw water with mine own hands for every ritual.
1 Karma — The law governing the behaviour of matter in all its gross and
subtle forms.
210
AYODHYA KAND;A
CHAPTER 23
2IZ
212
AYODHYA KANDA
CHAPTER 24
213
Shri Rama then addressed her who was suffering deep distress,
saying : “ O Goddess, both thou and I must obey my father.
He is first my preceptor, secondly my father, thirdly thy husband
and finally the protector, master and lord of us all. Having
cheerfully passed fourteen years in the forest, I will return and
do thy bidding.”
AYODHYA KANDA
CHAPTER 25
T Seven Holy Rishis— Angira, Atri, Adhitya, Kratu, Poulastya, Vasishtha and
Vasu.
2x6
AYODHYA KANDA
Rakshasas — demons.
Pisachas — ghosts.
217
Thus, scattering rice over the head of her son, die large-eyed
Queen Kaushalya, applying sandal paste to his forehead,
bestowed on Rama the healing wood * Vishalya Karina \ For
his protection, the queen silently repeated the mantrams, and
though her heart was filled with distress, appeared as one
content. Embracing her son, and kissing his head, she said :
“ O My Son, now go in peace. Mayest thou, having fulfilled
the commands of the king, return in health to Ayodhya. O
Child, my joy will be complete, when I behold thee at thy
coronation. My troubles ended and my ambitions fulfilled,
on thy return from exile, beholding thee occupying the throne,
I shall know supreme happiness. Having fulfilled the injunc-
tions of thy father, thou wilt return, and I, beholding thee clad
in royal apparel with innumerable gems, shall then find peace.
O Prince, now depart and accomplish the desire of Princess Sita
and me.”
The queen reciting the Peace Chant, her eyes suffused with
tears, embracing her son again and again, circumambulated him,
gazing on his face.
of Shri Vishnu.
218
AYODHYA KANDA
CHAPTER 26
220
AYODHYA KANDA
CHAPTER 27
1 shall live happily on fruits and roots with thee in the forest,
221
222
AYODHYA KANDA
chapter 29
224
AYODHYA KANDA
fidelity, enjoined by my elders. The time for the fulfilment
of the brahmin’s prophecy is at hand. O Hero, I know all the
miseries of life in the forest, but it is those of unsubdued mind
who suffer them. While still living in my father’s house, a pious
and saintly woman predicted in the presence of my mother,
that I should live in the forest. O My Lord, formerly I have
begged thee to let me sport with thee in the woods. The time
is now come, grant my prayer and let me go with thee ! O
Prince, may the undertaking be propitious. Glad am I to
accompany thee to the forest, to serve thee there will be my
great delight. O Lord, relinquishing envy, accompanying thee
in the forest, all my sins will be washed away through my
devotion to thee. I have no other god but thee, if death
overtakes me I shall not experience happiness in the other world
without thee. I have heard from the brahmins that a woman
given by her father according to the sacred ordinance to a man,
becomes his wife in this world and also in the other world.
O Prince of Beautiful Locks, in perfect devotion to thee, filled
with humility, regarding pain and pleasure as equal, sharing
thy austerities, permit me to accompany thee. If thou art still
unwilling to take me, a woman distressed, to the forest, then I
will seek death by poison or drowning.”
CHAPTER 30
Shri Rama again stressed the dangers of the forest and sought
to persuade Sita not to accompany him ; but Sita, with fixed
resolve, trembling with fear yet urged by love and pride, spoke
as in jest : “ O Rama, if my father the Lord of Mithila, had
225
226
AYODHYA KANDA
227
CHAPTER 3 I
AYODHYA KANDA
quivers, the two swords bright as the sun, decorated with gold,
which King Janaka presented to me at the time of my nuptials
and which were deposited with care in the house of Shri
asisht1 a.”
CHAPTER 32
Shri Rama bestows his wealth upon the brahminss his friends
and servants
AYODHYA KANDA
231
232
AYODHYA KANDA
chapter 33
Shri Rama passing by, hearing their converse, was not in any
way disturbed, but proceeding slowly, like a young elephant,
with majestic stride approached the palace of his father which
resembled the Meru mountain. Shri Rama entering the royal
palace guarded by seasoned troops, beheld Sumantra standing
there disconsolate. Shri Rama, with a smiling countenance,
passing the people who were afflicted and filled with grief,
approached his father’s apartment, desirous of serving him.
AYODHYA KANDA
CHAPTER 34
The king gives his blessing while the whole palace is filled
with lamentation
235
His eyes filled with compassion, fixing his gaze on his beloved
son, the king, knowing him to be about to enter the forest
with a serene heart, said : “ O Ramachandra, I have been
deceived by Queen Kaikeyi by reason of a promise, do thou,
setting me aside, seize the kingdom of Ayodhya by force.”
AYODHYA KANDA
237
1 neither desire happiness nor wealth, nor the earth, nor Janaki,
nay not even life. I desire the world to know thee as the votary
of truth. O My Lord, be happy. I, entering the forest filled
with many kinds of trees, viewing the mountains and rivers,
shall dwell joyfully, living on fruits and roots.”
The king filled with anguish, embraced his son and fell
senseless to the earth. The queens all began to lament, save
Kaikeyi alone. Then the aged Sumantra also fell unconscious
and the whole palace was filled with lamentation.
chapter 35
AYODHYA KANDA
to revoke it and make thy son ruler while the aged king still
lives. Let thy son Bharata rule the kingdom, we will follow
Rama wheresoever he goes. No one of good report will remain
to help thy son in the administration, since thou seekest to
repudiate the immemorial usage. I wonder the earth does not
open and swallow thee for thy misdeeds. Why do the holy
sages not condemn thee utterly ? What fool cuts at the root
of a sweet mango tree with his axe in order to plant a nimba1
tree in its place, which does not bear sweet fruit even if watered
with milk. It is a common saying that honey does not flow
from the nimba tree. I perceive thee to be as wicked as thy
mother. The sins committed by thy mother are known to me,
I have heard of them on trustworthy report. Thy father, by
virtue of a boon granted to him by a Yogi, understood the
language of all creatures ; of every bird, he understood the
voice. Once, returning to the capital, he heard the converse
between two ants and laughed, whereupon thy mother grew
wrath and threatened to take her life, saying : * I must know
the cause of thy laughter.’ The king replied, saying : * O Lady,
if I tell thee the cause of my laughter, it will undoubtedly lead
to my death.’ Then thy mother spoke to her husband, Kaikeya
saying : * I care not if thou livest or diest, tell me the cause
of thy laughter. If thou wert dead, thou couldst not insult
me with thy laughter *.”
The king approaching the Yogi, told him the whole story,
and the Yogi said : “ O King, let thy wife return to the house
of her father or die, do not thou reveal the secret to her.” Then
King Kaikeya with a contented mind abandoned thy mother,
and lived free like Kuvera. O Sinful Queen, thou also followeth
the evil path, deceiving the king and urging him to evil ways.
It is a true saying * The son follows the father and the daughter
the mother ’. Do not follow thy mother, but obey thy husband,
the king, our protector, by regarding his word. Cease to be
ruled by evil and do not lead thy husband into the way of
unrighteousness. The king will not rescind the promise made
to thee. O Lady, entreat the king to bestow the crown on Rama
who is the eldest son, who is generous, virtuous, a fulfiller of his
duty, and a protector of all living beings. If Shri Rama goes
239
to the forest, the whole world will speak ill of thee. Let thy
mind be at peace and let Rama be crowned. If any other than
Rama rule the kingdom, it will not profit thee. If Rama
becomes regent, then the king following the ancient tradition
wjll doubtless retire to the forest.”
chapter 36
She disregards the words of the chief minister and the king
Kaikeyi was seized with fear on hearing the words of the king,
her mouth dried up and she was unable to speak. Trembling
with agitation, she then said : “ O Chief of men, Bharata will
not accept the kingdom stripped of its wealth and people,
resembling unfermented wine.”
The eyes of the king reddened with anger at the cruel and
240
AYODHYA KANDA
CHAPTER 37
242
A YODHYA KANDA
Shri Rama, knowing that Sita was not willing to stay there
in his absence, disregarding the request, helped Sita to don
the bark raiment. Shri Vasishtha, the king’s preceptor, seeing
Sita attired in the habit of an ascetic, was displeased, and said
to Kaikeyi : “ O Destroyer of thy Dynasty, O Evil-minded
Kaikeyi, thou hast deceived the king and now exceed the boons
granted to thee, thou art dead to all good sense. It is not
for Princess Sita to enter the forest, let her rule in the place
of Rama till he return. The wife is, as it were, half of her
spouse, therefore, what is his due is hers also. Shri Sita being
the half of Shri Rama is in his absence entitled to the throne.
Should Shri Sita accompany Rama, then I and all the people
of Ayodhya will follow him. Where Rama goes with Sita,
there will follow the guards, the people of the kingdom and
the citizens of the capital. Yea, even Prince Bharata and
Prince Shatraghuna, assuming the robes of ascetics will accom-
pany their elder brother. Then this kingdom abandoned by
men, peopled by trees alone, will be governed by thee, O Thou,
bent on the destruction of thy subjects. Know well, that is
no kingdom where Shri Rama is not king, but the forest in
which Rama dwells becomes the kingdom. The king unwillingly
consenting, may bestow the kingdom on Bharata, but Bharata
will never accept the crown, nor will he honour thee as his
mother, if he be the true son of Bang Dasaratha. Even if thou
243
chapter 38
Shri Rama requests the king to protect his mother during his
absence
AYODHYA KANDA
245
CHAPTER 39
As they prepare for departure the palace resounds with grief
The king’s eyes were suffused with tears and crying : “ Rama,
Rama,” his throat choked, and he could utter no more. After
some time, still shedding tears, he addressed Sumantra, saying :
“ Yoke the best steeds to the chariot and convey Shri Rama
out of the city. Now it is made clear that a man’s virtue leads
him into affliction, since so wise and valiant a son is being
banished by his parents.”
246
AYODHYA KANDA
247
CHAPTER 40
Shri Rama overcome with grief, touched the feet of his sovereign
and bowing down, with Lakshmana and Sita, circumambulated
the king. Having taken leave of his sire, Rama with Sita paid
reverence to the sorrow-stricken Queen Kaushalya.
AYODHYA KANDA
249
Shri Rama, free from anxiety, urged the charioteer on, saying :
“ Faster ! faster ! ” and as he spoke, enjoining Sumantra to
drive more speedily, the people cried, “ Stay, stay ”, so that
the charioteer knew not how to obey both commands. The dust
raised by the wheels of Rama’s chariot was laid by the tears
of the people. As Shri Rama left the city, the people weeping
and bewildered were distraught, the tears of the women falling
like drops of water on lotus leaves, when fishes leap. The
people following Rama’s chariot and perceiving the anguish
of the king, wept in sympathy. A great tumult now arose
from the ladies of the palace and the king’s attendants all
weeping and crying, “ O Rama ! O Kaushalya ! ” and hearing
the wailing and lamentation of the people Shri Rama looked
back and beheld the king and his mother Kaushalya, bare-
footed, following his chariot, and was filled with sorrow.
Shri Rama, bound by the cord of duty, turned his eyes from
his parents, as a foal not permitted to follow its dam. Perceiving
his royal parents, unacquainted with suffering, worthy of
excellent chariots, running barefooted towards him, he said to
Sumantra : “ Drive on speedily ! ” unable to bear the sight
of his parents’ distress, as an elephant is unable to bear the goad.
His mother Kaushalya trembling and tottering, ran towards him,
like a cow hearing the cries of her calf that has been bound,
crying, “ O Rama 1 O Sita ! O Lakshmana ! ” The king
calling, “ Stay ! Stay ! ” to the charioteer, with Rama crying,
** Go forward speedily ”, caused the heart of Sumantra to be
riven, like one standing between two rival armies.
250
AYODHYA KANDA
CHAPTER 41
chapter 42
252
AYODHYA KANDA
Queen Kaushalya, torn with grief, raised the king, soiled with
dust, and conveyed him to his chariot. The king sorely afflicted,
remembering his son in ascetic’s garb, resembled one who has
murdered a brahmin or touches a blazing fire with his naked
hand. Turning again and again towards the path that the
chariot had taken, the king’s countenance resembled the sun
in eclipse. Conceiving his son Rama to have passed beyond
the city boundary, and thinking of him, he again gave way
to grief, crying : “ I see the marks of the hoofs of the horses
that were yoked to the chariot of my son, but him I do not see.
Alas ! My Son, who perfumed with sandalpaste, slept on soft
pillows, fanned by beautiful women, to-day sleeps beneath a tree
with wood or stone for his pillow. In the morning, he will awake
on the hard ground, his mind oppressed, his body smeared
with dust, sighing deeply like a bull rising from beside a spring.
The dwellers in the forest will behold Rama rising like an orphan
and wandering as one forlorn. That daughter of King Janaka
worthy of every happiness, her feet pierced with thorns, hearing
the roar of animals like tigers, will be struck with terror ; O
Kaikeyi, thy ambition is fulfilled, now rule the kingdom as a
widow for I cannot support life without the chief of men.”
Then the king in distress, his throat choked with grief, spoke
in faint and trembling accents : “ Take me speedily to the palace
253
Finding the night dark, resembling the hour of death, the king
at midnight thus addressed Kaushalya : “ O Kaushalya, I do
not see thee, my sight has followed Rama, nor has it yet returned,
therefore, reach forth thy hand and touch me, O Queen.”
chapter 43
The lament of Queen Kaushalya
AYODHYA KANDA
CHAPTER 44
256
AYODHYA KANDA
Shri Rama for whom, when departing for the forest, the people
of Ayodhya filled with grief, shed tears, will soon regain the
kingdom. Nought is difficult to obtain in the world by him,
who, though invincible, entered the forest, dressed like an ascetic,
followed by Sita, who is Lakshmi1 in another form.
*57
CHAPTER 45
Rama, instructing the people to obey the king again and again
only increased their desire to see him as their sovereign. It
appeared that Rama with Lakshmana drew the distressed and
weeping inhabitants of the city after them as if bound by a
cord.
AYODHYA KANDA
259
CHAPTER 46
Shri Rama , with Sita and Lakshmana and the charioteer
drive on alone to the forest
260
AYODHYA KANDA
for Rama. Perceiving the bed made with tender leaves, on the
banks of the Tamasa, Shri Rama with Sita and Lakshmana
rested there.
Shri Rama with his bow, quiver and other weapons, mounted
the chariot and passed over the swiftly flowing river. Crossing
the Tamasa, at a short distance from the shore, they traversed
a rugged path overgrown with briars, and then came to a wide
road, where they could travel with ease and which was safe from
any danger. To elude the citizens, Shri Rama said to Sumantra:
“ O Charioteer, drive first towards the south. Having thus
261
chapter 47
The night being over and the day having dawned, the citizens
awoke and not beholding Rama, were overwhelmed with grief,
not knowing how to act. Seeking here and there, their eyes
bathed in tears, they were unable to discover by what path
Shri Rama had departed. Wretched and pale with distress,
with quivering hearts and utterly dispirited, they broke into
piteous exclamations, saying : —
262
AYODHYA KANDA
CHAPTER 48
“ The trees also, their branches laden with flowers and buds,
in which the bees are humming and murmuring, will offer their
beauty to Rama. The hills will send forth flowers out of season
and yield fruit and blossom in his honour. The crystal waterfalls
of varied beauty will gush forth from the mountains to give
delight to him. The trees, growing on the slope of the
mountains, will enchant him. Where Rama is, fear and danger
are banished. The heroic sons of King Dasaratha, even now,
are but a little distance from us ; come let us follow them.
There is no happiness save in the service of the holy Feet
of that illumined One. Verily he is the only Lord of the world,
the Absolute, the Highest State and our sole support.”
AYODHYA KANDA
CHAPTER 49
265
Ah ! how hard is the heart of the wicked Kaikeyi, how cruel her
disposition ; violating the ancient tradition, she has performed
this evil deed, she who has banished the Prince of Light, who
is erudite, compassionate and self-controlled. How will the
daughter of King Janaka, brought up in ease, endure the
hardships of the forest ? Alas ! The king has no love for his
son or he would not have abandoned one so perfect, who is
devoted to the welfare of all.”
CHAPTER 50
They reach the river Gunga and meet the chief of ferrymen,
Guha
AYODHYA KANDA
268
AYODHYA KANDA
chapter 5 i
270
AYODHYA KANDA
271
AYODHYA KANDA
from grief? The Lord of the earth is aged, his mind confused
and he is tormented with desire, therefore I ask thee to minister
unto him. Whatever the king commands, through affection
for Queen Kaikeyi, do thou perform. Kings rule to fulfil their
desires. O Sumantra, act in such a way that the kin& be not
displeased, and that he may not sink under the weight of
affliction. When thou dost approach him, who was hitherto
a stranger to suffering, offer salutations on my behalf and say :
* Having renounced Ayodhya and entered the forest, Shri Rama,
Lakshmana and Sita suffer no distress ; fourteen years having
passed, thou shalt soon see them return ! ’
AYODHYA KANDA
275
Thereafter, the two brothers hunted the deer and wild boar,
and other beasts and growing hungry, fed on roots and berries,
as ordained, resting at eventide beneath a tree.
276
AYODHYA KANDA
CHAPTER 53
278
AYODHYA KANDA
CHAPTER 54
279
280
AYODHYA KANDA
chapter 55
• Sala, jamnu and badri trees — for trees see separate glossary.
281
After pointing out the way to Shri Rama, the sage turned back
to his own hermitage.
AYODHYA KANDA
Janaka may desire in the forest, do thou gather for her, so that
her mind may find delight.”
CHAPTER 56
The night being past, Shri Rama, slowly waking, roused the
sleeping Lakshmana and addressed him, saying : “ O Laksh-
mana, how beautiful are the parrots, cuckoos, mainas and other
birds which are heard here ! O Parantapa,1 this is the hour
to pursue our journey, let us go hence, O Prince ! ”
283
crimson flowers glowing like fire and the branches decked with
flowers as if adorned with garlands. How rich in bloom are
the bilwa1 trees untouched by man who is not able to approach
them. Here we can easily gather food. See, O Lakshmana,
hanging on the trees, the honeycombs at least a drona2 in size,
covered with bees. How charmingly the waterbird is singing
and the peacock answering with its call, and look ! the earth
is half concealed with flowers. Here are the lofty peaks of
Chittrakuta where countless birds sing and herds of elephants
wander. Somewhere on Chittrakuta a level field must lie midst
groves of trees, a pure and stainless place, where we will dwell.”
284
AYODHYA KANDA
285
CHAPTER 57
286
AYODHYA KANDA
287
CHAPTER 58
AYODHYA KANDA
deepest respect and admonish her not to neglect her duty. Let
her practise dharma and tend the sacrificial pavilion. Say to
her : * O Goddess, honour the king, my father, as thou wouldst
a God. Abandoning family pride and royal prerogative,
serve my other mothers attentively. Kaikeyi is the king’s
favourite, do thou attend to her as to the king himself.’ ”
CHAPTER 59
AYODHYA KANDA
CHAPTER 60
AYODHYA KANDA
chapter 6 i
Shri Rama will never suffer this indignity, as a lion will not
suffer the twisting of its tail. Do not all fear Rama as he appears
on the battlefield? He, himself, is righteous, indicating the
path of virtue to others, never will he seize the kingdom by force !
Is not the mighty-armed Rama with his golden shafts, able to
destroy all living beings and dry up the sea ? Yet to-day, that
Rama, powerful as a lion, is rendered impotent at the king’s
command, as the spawn of fishes is devoured by their parents ?
O King, hadst thou regarded the scriptures and the eternal laws,
observed and inculcated by the learned sages, thy virtuous son
had not been exiled by thee. O Lord, the first support of a
woman is her husband, the second is her son, the third her
294
AYODHYA KANDA
relatives, but a fourth she has not ! Thou hast ceased to regard
me as thine, thou hast banished my son Rama, and I may not
follow him and leave thee desolate. O Lord, thou hast destroyed
me utterly! O King, thou hast brought disaster on thy
counsellors, the whole kingdom, the ministers and thyself, and
I with my son and all the citizens of Ayodhya are utterly ruined.”
CHAPTER 62
The king is overcome with grief
While the queen was yet speaking, the sun declined and the
night fell. Consoled by the words of Queen Kaushalya, the
king, wearied with grief, sank into slumber.
chapter 63
A full hour having passed, the king awoke and was overcome
with distress. He began to ponder deeply, but his mind was
clouded with grief and though equal to Indra, death threatened
to seize him as Rahu1 seizes the sun.
The sixth night after Rama’s exile, the king again remembered
his former evil deed and agitated by the recollection of his sin,
he addressed the Queen Kaushalya : “ O Kalyani, O Auspicious
One, whatever man does, be it good or evil, he gathers the fruit
thereof. He is deemed ignorant who does not consider the merit
or demerit of his actions before performing them. O Queen,
he, who, enjoying the red flowers of the palasa tree, cuts down
the adjoining mango tree and yet desires to partake of mangoes,
will not realize his expectation when the palasa bears fruit. He,
296
AYODHYA KANDA
“ O Lady, I have cut down the mango tree and watered the
palasa tree, now, when the fruit is ripe, I too, having banished
Rama, repent bitterly. O Kaushalya, in order to be esteemed
as an archer, in my youth, I directed my arrows by sound alone,
and a grievous deed was committed by me. I am the cause
of this present distress. O Queen, as a child swallows poison
in ignorance, so have I destroyed my happiness by this deed
formerly committed in ignorance. As one beguiled by the
beauty of the palasa flower, waters it in expectation of the sweet
fruit (of the mango) so did I cultivate the fruit I now reap,
by shooting at a sound. O Lady, in those days we were not
united in marriage and I was heir-apparent.
“At that time, the rainy season being near, the increase of desire
having come, the sun drying up the earth, scorching the world
with its rays, entered the southern path. Then the heat subsided
and refreshing clouds covered the sky, delighting the peacocks,
the frogs and the swallows. The birds drenched with the rain,
passed the night in distress, tossed to and fro on the trees by
the humid winds. The limpid water in the streams dark and turgid
from deposits of the mountain soil, flowed onwards sluggishly.
297
298
AYODHYA KANDA
CHAPTER 6 4
The king, grieving over the separation from his son, continued
to describe the infamous deed, the slaying of the young ascetic,
to the queen and said : —
1 A deadly tin, the five mortal sins being : the murder of a brahmin,
the
drinking of intoxicating liquor, theft, adultery with the wife of the
spiritual
preceptor or friendship with those guilty of the above.
299
THE RAMAYANA OF VALMIKI
“ Hearing the tale of my evil deed from my own lips, the sage
refrained from pronouncing a curse on me. His eyes suffused
with tears and his heart distressed, he addressed me who
supplicated him with joined palms, saying : * O King, if thou
thyself had’st not confessed this evil deed to me, thy head had
instantly split into a thousand pieces by my curse. O King,
the killing of one dwelling in the forest by a kshatriya causes
him to lose his status, even if he be Indra. If anyone knowingly
attacks a sage or spiritual preceptor with a weapon, his head
is severed into seven pieces. Thou livest still, since the deed
was done by thee without design, else hadst thou and the whole
House of Raghu perished.’
300
AYODHYA KANDA
1 Sagara — the king whose story has been told in a previous chapter.
301
Having said this, the king weeping and overcome with fear
on the approach of death, spoke again : “ O Kaushalya, I am
302
AYODHYA KANDA
BOB
CHAPTER 65
304
AYODHYA KANDA
Seeing the two queens lying insensible and the king dead,
the women wept aloud in distress.
The king being dead, the ladies of the inner apartments beheld
the queen lying on the ground like a female naga.1 The other
consorts of the king with Kaikeyi, overcome with grief, fell
unconscious to the earth.
The wailing of the women within, and those who now followed
them, filled the whole place. The royal dwelling, bereft of joy
and filled with the sound of distress, was thronged with afflicted
relatives and friends mourning and weeping. The queens
stricken with grief, lamenting piteously, like orphans cleaving
to their departed parent, clasped the arms of the mighty monarch.
chapter 66
306
AYODHYA KANDA
The king being dead, the inhabitants of the city filled the
streets and courts, mourning for their lord, causing Ayodhya
to resemble the night bereft of stars. Men and women gathered
together, inveighing against the mother of Bharata, Queer
Kaikeyi. All were distraught and bereft of joy !
chapter 6 7
AYODHYA KANDA
CHAPTER 68
309
3io
AYODHYA KANDA
CHAPTER 69
Prince Bharata’s inauspicious dream
chapter 70
312
AYODHYA KANDA
The prince came forth from the inner apartments of the palace
and, surrounded by elephants and horses, stood on the royal
highway. Entering the king’s apartment, unchallenged, Shri
Bharata bade farewell to all, then mounting his chariot with
Prince Shatrughna, he started on his journey. Servants, horses,
camels, bulls and mules followed the chariot of the prince.
Escorted by the private counsellors of the king, together with
the army, the patient and highly valiant Bharata together
with Shatrughna left the palace fearlessly, as the perfected ones
leave the region of Indra.
3i3
CHAPTER 71
314
AYODHYA KANDA
trade. Birds in the sacred groves seem joyless and men and
women in soiled attire, weeping and lamenting, wasted with grief,
roam about the city.”
chapter 72
316
AYODHYA KANDA
Hearing from his mother that Rama had entered the forest.
Prince Bharata was alarmed, filled with misgivings and concerned
for the honour of his House. He said : “ O Mother, how is
this ? Has Shri Rama, without reason, slain any, either rich
or poor ? Or has he looked on the wife of another with desire ?
For what reason has Rama, versed in the scriptures, been exiled
to the forest ? ”
AYODHYA KANDA
chapter 73
Hearing of the death of his father and the exile of his brothers,
Prince Bharata, deeply afflicted, answered Queen Kaikeyi:
“ What will the throne avail me, since I am stricken by the death
of my father and bereft of my brother, who was as a parent
to me ? Thou hast destroyed the king, and banished Rama,
causing him to become an ascetic ! Thou hast thus rubbed salt
into the wounds which thou hast inflicted ! Thou hast entered
this royal House for its extinction, like the night of death !
My father, unaware that thou wert an all-consuming fire,
supported thee. O Sinful One, thou hast deprived the king
of life ! O Thou Destroyer of the Family, overpowered with
avarice, thou hast shattered the peace of the hearth. Through
union with thee, my father, a lover of truth, has suffered untold
misery and grief ! Wherefore hast thou slain my virtuous sire ?
Wherefore hast thou exiled Rama ? Hard indeed were it to live
with such a mother ! How will Kaushalya and Sumitra now
endure life? My elder brother, Shri Ramachandra, ever
devoted to his duty and to the service of his Guru, treated thee
319 y
320
AYODHYA KANDA
CHAPTER 74
He laments the death of his father and the exile of Shri Rama
32t
322
AYODHYA KANDA
CHAPTER 75
323
AYODHYA KA;NDA
The prince whose heart was rent with grief also wept in an
excess of sorrow. Caressed by the queen, lamenting wildly,
lying on the earth and sighing heavily, he passed the night
in this wise.
chapter 76
AYODHYA KANDA
They then laid the king on a couch set with gems and Bharata,
overwhelmed with grief, began to lament. He said : " O
Great King, I know not why, in mine absence, thou didst send
Rama to the forest. Whither art thou gone, leaving me bereft
of Rama, that Lion among men and the Doer of famous deeds ?
O Great Sovereign, who with a constant mind is able to preserve
his mighty kingdom? Thou art dead and Shri Rama is
banished. O Mighty Ruler, this earth is widowed and divested
of all beauty without thee ! Without thee, the capital resembles
a moonless night.”
327
chapter 77
The ceremonies are continued
328
AYODHYA KANDA
Then the excellent and wise Vasishtha, their father’s chief priest
raising Bharata up, addressed him, saying : “ O Prince, thirteen
days have passed since the cremation of thy illustrious father’s
body. Do not delay longer, but collect the bones that remain.
Every man suffers the three pairs of opposites ; hunger and thirst,
pleasure and pain, life and death. Do not permit thyself to
grieve for that which cannot be avoided.”
CHAPTER 78
330
AYODHYA KANDA
chapter 79
0 Prince of the House of Raghu, all the articles for thy coronation
are made ready ; thy relatives, counsellors and ministers and
the citizens look to thee. O Great Prince, accept the kingdom
of thy paternal ancestors and cause thyself to be installed and
protect us all.”
1 will enter the forest, hard to penetrate, and shall make Rama
king. Let the rough and uneven roads at once be repaired by
skilled artisans ; let them be followed by mechanics and
labourers.”
332
AYODHYA KANDA
CHAPTER 80
333
chapter 8 i
chapter 82
33*
AYODHYA KANDA
chapter 83
338
AYODHYA KANDA
chapter 84
CHAPTER 85
AYODHYA KANDA
34i
CHAPTER 86
AYODHYA K AND A
chapter 87
' 344
AYODHYA KANDA
CHAPTER 8 8
346
AYODHYA KANDA
CHAPTER 89
The army crosses the holy river
Bharata having slept on the same spot where Shri Rama had
lately rested, and the night being over, called Shatrughna, and
said to him : “Arise, O Brother, may good attend thee ! The
day has dawned, sleep no more ! Please summon Guha, the
chief of the Nishadas, so that he may convey our army across
the river.”
Guha hastily returned to his city and spake thus to his servants
and relatives : “ Brothers, arise, awake, may you ever be
fortunate ! Bring boats to the bank and convey the army over
the river ! ”
Thus addressed, the ferrymen arose and gathering five hundred
boats together, brought them to the bank. A special barge that
was seaworthy, named “ Swastika ”, hung with large bells and
flying banners with apertures for air, was also furnished, whereon
white woollen rugs were spread like carpets, small bells tinkling
melodiously when it sailed. This barque was steered by Guha
himself. On it stepped the illustrious Princes Bharata and
Shatrughna with the Queens Kaushalya and Sumitra, and other
ladies of high degree, preceded by their spiritual preceptors, the
priests and learned brahmins ; finally, the baggage was loaded.
CHAPTER 90
AYODHYA KANDA
350
AYODHYA KANDA
351 2A
35*
AYODHYA KANDA
354
AYODHYA KANDA
CHAPTER 92
With joined palms, he stood before the holy rishi who was
engaged in the fire ritual.
AYODHYA KANDA
The horses and elephants were all contented and the vast
concourse inspiring the wild deer and birds with terror, looked
splendid as it entered the deep forest.
chapter 93
As the mighty army traversed the forest, the leaders of the herds
of wild elephants with their companions, ran away in alarm.
Bears, leopards and other fierce beasts could be seen fleeing
on the hilltops and by the banks of the river.
Supremely gratified. Prince Bharata proceeded in the midst
of his soldiers who shouted as they marched. The army of
the illustrious Bharata, resembled an ocean, whose waves spread
over the earth or like the clouds covering the sky during the
rainy season. The ground for miles was covered with elephants
and horses, so that no trace of it could be seen.
The dust rising from the hoofs of the bullocks covers the sky
and setdes there, till the wind quickly dispels it, as if those
things obstructing my vision of Shri Rama were being removed
from my eyes. O Shatrughna, behold these horses yoked to
the chariots with their charioteers, swiftly passing through the
forest ! And see those beautiful peacocks with long feathers,
running in fear towards their habitation on the mountain. O
Sinless Brother, this place appears enchanting to me and a fit
abode for ascetics.
“ How lovely are the spotted deer wandering about with their
hinds ; they appear as if studded with flowers. Let my leaders
go forward and seek out the place where Shri Rama and
Lakshmana dwell.”
358
AYODHYA KANDA
CHAPTER 94
359
CHAPTER 95
AYODHYA KANDA
CHAPTER 96
362
AYODHYA KANDA
363
CHAPTER 97
AYODHYA KANDA
the kingdom. O Lakshmana, if I say to Bharata * Give the
crown to Lakshmana assuredly he will answer * Be it so \”
Shri Lakshmana was profoundly humiliated by the words
of Rama, his limbs and muscles contracted and he was sunk
in shame. He said : “ It appears that the Maharaja Dasaratha
himself has come hither to see us.”
chapter 98
365
CHAPTER 99
AYODHYA KANDA
Here and there mighty bows and shields covered with gold,
wielded in battle, hung, adding to the beauty of the place, and
nearby stood a quiver of arrows, bright as the rays of the sun,
and keen as the serpents with shining hoods of the Bhagawati
367 2B
AYODHYA KANDA
CHAPTER 100
AYODHYA KANDA
371
AYODHYA KANDA
AYODHYA KANDA
chapter i o i
375
CHAPTER 102
They are all afflicted with grief
1 When they descend into the water the order of the procession is that
the
children go first according to age, then the women, then the men, the
youngest
first, the eldest last. The order is reversed when they emerge.
376
AYODHYA RANDA
Leaving their camp and turning their faces to where the sound
of weeping arose, they went in haste to that spot. Some mounted
horses and elephants, some rode in gilded chariots, and others
on foot hastened towards that place, for though Shri Rama
had but lately left the capital, it appeared to them as if he
had been long absent from them. Desirous of seeing Rama,
they proceeded to the hermitage of the illustrious prince in
various kinds of vehicles and the sound of their advance and
the rolling wheels created a noise like thunder. Elephants
terrified by the tumult ran with their mates into other woods,
perfuming the forest with their ichor. Boars, wolves, buffaloes,
snakes, tigers, wild rattle and deer of many kinds were filled
377
The voice of their weeping filled the earth and sky, and
reverberated in the caves and in every quarter like the beat
of a drum.
CHAPTER 103
Shri Rama greets the queens
AYODHYA KANDA
1 Videha is the name given to the two pieces of wood from which a fire
is
kindled. There is, therefore, a play on the name of Sita, here.
379
feet. Having touched the feet of the great ascetic, who was
as resplendent as fire, like Indra offering salutations to the feet
of Brihaspati, Shri Rama sat down near him.
CHAPTER 104
380
AYODHYA KANDA
381
CHAPTER 105
382
AYODHYA KANDA
sons, friends, wives, all who live must die one day. Hoarding
and spending, prosperity and destitution, meeting and parting,
life and death are all akin. When the ripe fruit falls, we are
not surprised, thus a man being born should not fear when
death claims him.
“ What shall a man do when his skin is wrinkled and grey hair
covers his head and he is stricken in years ? Man rejoices when
the sun rises and sets, heedless of the waning of his powers.
He welcomes the approach of each season, such as the arrival
of spring, yet the succession of the seasons devours man’s days !
As pieces of driftwood, floating on the sea, come together for
a space, so wives, sons, relatives, wealth and property remain
with us a while, but in the course of time, leave us.
383
2C
chapter i o 6
“ The man to whom the living and dead are one and who
is indifferent as to what he possesses or loses, for what reason
should he grieve ? O Lord, those who like thee, know, as thou
dost, what is the nature of the soul and its essence, are not
moved in the hour of distress !
384
AYODHYA KANDA
386
AYODHYA KANDA
CHAPTER 107
** O Son of Raghu, all the royal sages have approved this tenet,
thou shouldst also, therefore, accept it. O Bharata, do thou
387
“May the royal canopy protect thee from the sun’s heat,
I shall seek shelter from its rays in the dense shadows of the
trees. O Bharata, Shatrughna of limitless understanding shall
attend thee, and I shall be attended by the illustrious Prince
Lakshmana. O Brother, do not be a prey to grief any longer,
thus shall we, the four sons of the great King Dasaratha, establish
his fame in die realm of truth.”
chapter i o 8
AYODHYA KANDA
CHAPTER 109
please me, is not authorized, nor are thy admonitions just, since,
even the most cursory analysis proves them to be false. O Sage,
in the assembly of the good, men who are not self-subdued
and who are wanting in integrity and those who act contrary
to what is ordered by the scriptures, are not honoured. It is
his conduct that renders man virtuous, a coward or a hero and
transmutes impurity to purity. Should I embrace error and
abandon the authority of my elders, relinquishing rectitude
and honour, as also moral conduct and the Vedic ordinance,
then I, conforming to thy beliefs and sacrificing prudence*
would forfeit the respect of wise and virtuous men.
AYODHYA KANDA
391
“ O Javali, those who fulfil their spiritual duty, who are the
foremost in deeds of charity, and who harm none, who frequent
the assemblies of the good and are revered by all men, they
are without sin, their name shall live for ever as that of our
illustrious Guru, Shri Vasishtha.”
CHAPTER IIO
Vasishtha proclaiming the tradition of the dynasty ,
calls upon Rama to return
“In the beginning, all was water, and from that element
the earth was formed and after this, Brahma and other gods
came into existence. The eternal, imperishable Brahma was
begotten of akasha (ether) and from him came forth Marichi,
and from him Kashyapa was produced. From Kashyapa was
born Vivaswat, and the son of Vivaswat was Manu himself,
who was the first among the Prajapatis. Ikshwaku was the son
of Manu and to him the whole world was given by Manu, and
Ikshwaku became the first King of Ayodhya. The son of
392
AYODHYA KANDA
Ikshwaku was named Kukshi and his son was Vikukshi, whose
son was the resplendent and illustrious King Vana and the
great warrior Anavanya was his son. During the reign of the
virtuous King Anavanya there was neither famine nor scarcity
of rain nor any thief. The son of Anavanya was Prithu and
his son was Trishanku. So great was Trishanku’s observance
of truth that he attained heaven in his embodied state. His son
was the mighty Dhundhumara. The son of Dhundhumara
was Yuvanashwa and his son was Mandhata. The illustrious
Susandhi was the son of Mandhata and Dhruvasandhi and
Prasenagita were the offspring of Susandhi. The renowned
Bharata was the son of Dhruvasandhi and from Bharata sprang
Ajita, against whom the great kings, Himaya, Talagangha and
Shashavindu declared war. Ajita laid siege to them by building
fortifications, but found their defeat beset with difficulties.
CHAPTER III
AYODHYA KANDA
395
THE RAMAYANA OF VALMIKI
CHAPTER I I 2
The great sages who were present at the meeting of the two
illustrious brothers, were astonished. The royal sages, those
perfect ones also celestial beings, who were invisible, praised
the two princes and said : Blessed is the king, whose sons
are highly virtuous and veracious, we are immeasurably gratified
to hear their converse.”
396
AYODHYA KANDA
Desirous that the life and reign of Ravana should end soon,
certain sages approached Bharata and unitedly addressed him,
saying : “ O Bharata, O Highly Resolute Prince, O Pious and
Renowned One, recollect that thou art born in a royal line,
let not the word of Rama be disregarded by thee, if thou art
wishful to bring felicity to the spirit of thy parent. It is our
desire
that thy father who has entered heaven may be absolved from
every debt, having discharged his obligations to Queen Kaikeyi.”
Having spoken thus, these celestial sages returned to their
abode.
CHAPTER i i 3
AYODHYA KANDA
CHAPTER I I 4
He finds Ayodhya desolate
400
AYODHYA KANDA
The streets were deserted and the fairs and markets closed,
and no merchandise was offered for sale. Dark and fearful,
Ayodhya resembled the moon and stars obscured by heavy clouds
in the rainy season, or a deserted tavern, its revellers departed,
the liquor expended and naught but fragments of broken glass
and pots in wild disorder scattered here and there. Ayodhya
appeared like a tank sunk into the earth, the water being spent,
the foundations having collapsed, the jars and earthen vessels
lying scattered amidst the thirsty, standing there in despair ; or
it resembled the string of a great hero’s bow that has been
severed by the arrow of his adversary and is lying on the earth ;
or an aged and ill-nourished mule, urged on by a soldier, slain
in the battle and left unheeded.
401
THE RAMAYANA OF VALMIKI
CHAPTER I I 5
AYODHYA KANDA
Rama. Let them rest beneath the royal canopy and wave the
chamara over them. These are the sandals of our supreme
Guru and by them will righteousness be established in the
kingdom. I shall preserve the trust lovingly reposed in me
by Rama, till his return. When he returns to Ayodhya, I,
myself, will assist him to put on the sandals. Then I, united
with him once more, will deliver the kingdom to him and like
a son will I honour him. By restoring the capital and kingdom
to Rama, I shall wash away the stigma of dishonour brought
on me by my mother. Shri Rama will be installed and his
subjects made happy ; then shall ill-fame pass away, and I shall
win exceeding honour from the people.”
Every matter of import and all the business of state was first
laid before the sandals, and every gift brought to the king was
first offered to them, and afterwards treated as occasion required.
CHAPTER I I 6
404
AYODHYA KANDA
Shri Rama did not then abandon the hermitage, which the
sages had deserted. Among them were a few who, inspired
by Rama’s example, had surrendered their hearts to him, and
of them the prince was ever mindful.
CHAPTER i i 7
405
Uttering her name, Shri Sita made obeisance to her, the gentle
saint returning her salutation with great humility enquiring as
to her welfare. The aged Anasuya, beholding Shri Sita offering
humble obeisance, spoke encouraging words, saying : —
AYODHYA KANDA
CHAPTER I I 8
407
AYODHYA KANDA
409
CHAPTER i i 9
The holy ascetics bless the exiles who enter the forest
410
AYODHYA KANDA
The night passed and day dawned, the two princes bathed,
performed their morning devotions and then approached the
ascetics for food.
Then the holy men humbly blessed Shri Rama and he, the
harasser of his foes, entered the forest as the sun enters a dark
doud.
411
BOOK III
A R ANYA KANDA
CHAPTER I
Beautiful with its spacious huts, where the sacred fire burnt,
surrounded by ladles and other articles of worship such as
skins, kusha grass, fuel, jars of water, fruit and roots ; encircled
by great and sacred forest trees, bowed with the weight of
ripe and delectable fruits, the whole hermitage was hallowed
by sacrificial offerings and libations and re-echoed to the
recitation of Vedic hymns.
CHAPTER 2
4
ARANYA KANDA
1 The Commentaor explains that all this destruction was due to the
presence
of the demon Viradha and that the birds had deserted the place in fear
of him.
5
THE RAMAYANA OF VALMIKI
chapter 3
ARANYA KANDA
Then Rama, his eyes red with anger, answered that hideous
demon, the wicked Viradha, saying : —
two arrows cut off that spear, which shone like lightning and
resembled a flame in the sky.
chapter 4
ARANYA KANDA
Then the two brothers beat the demon with their fists and
feet and picking him up, again hurled him to the ground ;
yet, though struck by innumerable arrows and wounded by
their swords, the demon did not die.
Finding they were unable to kill that great titan with their
sharp weapons, those two lions among men, having employed
all their ingenuity, put an end to Viradha by burying him in
the pit.
Hearing this, the idea had come to Rama to fling him into
a pit, and while being cast into it, that all-powerful demon
caused the forest to resound with his cries.
chapter 5
10
ARANYA KANDA
XI
He said : —
12
ARANYA KANDA
this forest; that saint will tell thee what is best for thee to do.
CHAPTER 6
1 Five Fires. — Four fires and the sun overhead. See Glossary also under
Ascetics.
13
“ Thou art famed in the Three Worlds for thy valour and
glory ! Filial devotion, justice and faith find their consum-
mation in thee, O Lord. It behoves thee, who art cognisant
with virtue, to pardon our temerity in approaching thee in
order to make our supplication.
ARANYA KANDA
CHAPTER 7
those deer that gather here, and thus give thee pain; for this
reason I shall not sojourn long in this sanctuary.”
chapter 8
“We desire to go hence ’ere the rays of the sun shine too
fiercely and become unbearable, like one who has usurped
royal prerogatives by unlawful means ! ”
17
chapter 9
When her lord, the Joy of the House of Raghu, having obtained
the permission of Sutikshna was proceeding on his way, Sita, in
gracious and gentle tones, addressed him saying : —
ARANYA KANDA
“ Entering the forest with thy brother, armed with bows and
arrows, it may well be that, on seeing the titans, thou wilt
loose thy shafts ! As the proximity of faggots increases the
violence of the fire, even so does the possession of a bow
increase the strength and energy of a warrior !
CHAPTER io
20
ARANYA KANDA
21
CHAPTER I I
22
ARANYA KANDA
Such was the strange tale recounted by that sage of pure soul.
23
ARANYA KANDA
plume of dark cloud, rising in the forest from a fire freshly
lit in the hermitage.
25
“ Reverent Sir, I salute thee and thank thee for the peaceful
night I have passed here, I will now go and seek out my spiritual
preceptor, thine elder brother.”
26
ARANYA KANDA
CHAPTER I 2
27
28
ARANYA KANDA
“This bow, these two quivers, the dart and the sword,
pledges of victory, do thou accept, O Proud Warrior, and bear
them as Vajradhara the thunderbolt.”
29
chapter 13
Thus did the sage address Raghava, who, with joined palms,
in humble accents, answered that ascetic who shone like a
flame, saying : —
ARANYA KANDA
32
ARANYA KANDA
CHAPTER 15
ARANYA KANDA
35
CHAPTER I 6
“Now that the snow is blended with its breath the west
wind is icy, and the mornings are bitingly cold. The woods
36
ARANYA KANDA
“ With his large eyes resembling lotus petals, his dark skin
and depressed navel, that great and virtuous Bharata, who is
dutiful, truthful, restrained, his senses fully controlled, of
sweet speech and gentle, that long-armed hero, the subduer
37
chapter 17
38
ARANYA KANDA
“ With thy matted locks and ascetic guise, bearing bow and
arrows, why hast thou, accompanied by thy consort, come to
these woods, which are frequented by demons ? What is the
purpose of thy journey ? ”
“ But now I wish to know who thy father is, who thou art,
and what thy race? To judge by thy charms, thou art a
Rakshasi ! Tell me truly, what has brought thee hither ? ”
39
CHAPTER I 8
The Mutilation of Shurpanakha
ARANYA KANDA
Then the mighty Rama restrained her, as, like the noose of
death, she advanced towards Sita, and in anger addressed
Lakshmana, saying : —
“ It is unwise to taunt those beings who are vile and cruel,
4i
chapter 19
“ Who has brought thee to this state, thou who art imbued
with energy and courage, who art able to range everywhere
at will, the rival of Antaka himself? How is it that thou art
42
ARANYA KANDA
“ Neither the Gods nor the Gandharvas nor the Pisachas nor
the Rakshasas shall be able to save that wretch from my grasp,
in that fierce encounter.
Hearing his sister utter these words, Khara, mad with anger,
called on fourteen demons of great strength, equal to Antaka
himself, and said to them : —
44
ARANYA KANDA
45
CHAPTER 21
“ If thou hast any pity for me and for these demons, if thou
art possessed of the courage and strength to meet Rama in
46
ARANYA KANDA
battle, then, O Prowler of the Night, slay this thorn in the side
of the demons, who has set up his hermitage in the Dandaka
Forest.
CHAPTER 22
shalt to-day drink the warm blood of that one of evil deeds
struck down by mine axe.”
ARANYA KANDA
CHAPTER 23
and the sun was bereft of lustre ; though not yet night, stars
thick as fireflies appeared.
Birds and fishes dived into the depths of the lakes, on which
the lotuses had withered, and in that hour the trees were
bereft of flowers and fruit, and sombre dust-clouds arose
without the stirring of the wind. Parrots called wildly
* Chichikuchi * and comets of sinister aspect fell without a
sound; the earth with her mountains, woods and forests,
shook.
50
ARANYA KANDA
5i
“ I hear the roar of those titans of cruel deeds and the sound
of their drums. If a prudent man desires success and wishes
to escape defeat, he should be forearmed against the future.
Therefore, bearing thy bow and arrows, taking Sita with thee,
repair to a mountain cave, screened by trees and difficult of
access. O Lakshmana, do not oppose my commands, but,
swearing obedience to my feet, go thither, O Friend, without
delay. Thou art valiant and well able to strike down the
titans, but I desire to slay these Prowlers of the Night single-
handed.”
ARANYA KANDA
With their bows and weapons, their cars and their armour,
which shone like fire, the hosts of those eaters of human flesh
resembled a mass of dark clouds at the hour of sunrise.
chapter 25
With such skill did Rama discharge his arrows, that the
demons were unable to distinguish when he drew them from
their quiver and when he loosed them and his shafts caused
darkness to spread over the sky and obscure the sun.
55
chapter 26
Armed with pikes, sabres, rocks and trees, they let loose a
hail of missiles on Rama from every side, without being able
to wound him. Their onslaught was formidable and to all but
Rama, deadly. The virtuous Raghava, however, met the
attack with his arrows, his eyes closed, as unconcerned as a
bull under heavy rain. Thereafter, growing wrath, he resolved
to destroy the whole of Khara’s army and, burning with energy,
covered that host and its leader, Dushana, with his shafts,
whereupon Dushana, the Slayer of His Foes, met Raghava with
weapons that resembled thunderbolts. Then the heroic Rama,
enraged, severed Dushana’s mighty bow, slew the four steeds
yoked to his chariot and cut off the head of his charioteer with
a crescent-shaped arrow, thereafter piercing Dushana’s breast
thrice with his shafts.
56
ARANYA KANDA
And Rama, endowed with supreme energy, with his gold and
diamond encrusted arrows, despatched the remainder of
Khara’s forces, and those shafts, bereft of feathers, like golden
stalks, resembling flames wreathed in smoke, laid those demons
low, as lightning fells the giant trees. With a hundred ear-
shaped arrows, Rama slew a hundred titans ; and a thousand
with as many shafts. Their breastplates and ornaments
shattered, their bows broken, those Rangers of the Night fell
on the earth, bathed in blood. Their hair dishevelled, covered
57
with gore, they lay on the battlefield, like kusha grass scattered
on the altar, and that great forest, strewn with the corpses of
demons and befouled with their flesh and blood, resembled
the region of hell.
chapter 27
58
ARANYA KANDA
Then the remaining titans, losing heart, sped away like deer
stampeding on the approach of a hunter, and Khara, beholding
them fleeing, waxing wrath, rallied them and rushed on Rama
as Rahu on the moon.
CHAPTER 28
Seeing that Dushana and Trishiras had been slain in the fight
and witnessing Rama’s prowess, Khara was filled with appre-
hension and reflected
59
of Khara, with two others, his arms, and with the remaining
three crescent-shaped darts, he pierced his breast. There-
after that illustrious warrior, in his ire, let fly thirteen arrows
sharpened on the whetstone, blazing like the sun ; one severed
the shafts of his adversary’s car, four more felling the steeds ;
with a sixth he smote the head of his charioteer, and with three
others that great and intrepid warrior, shattered the axles of
the chariot ; with the twelfth he severed Khara’s bow at the
point where he held it, and with the thirteenth arrow, that
shone like lightning, Raghava, who was equal to Indra, trans-
fixed Khara, as it were in sport.
CHAPTER 29
61
ARANYA KANDA
slaying thee to-day I shall wipe away the tears of their relatives.”
chapter 3 o
The Death of Khara
Saying this, the Gods returned from whence they had come.
64
ARANYA KANDA
“ It was for this that the Slayer of Paka, the mighty Purandara,
visited the hermitage of the Sage Sharabhanga. It was for
this that the great Rishis brought thee to this place, O Prince,
that thou mightest compass the destruction of the titans of
evil deeds. Thou hast fulfilled thy mission amongst us, O
Son of Dasaratha ; from to-day the virtuous sages may per-
form their devotions in the Dandaka Forest in peace.”
CHAPTER 31
65
ARANYA KANDA
chapter 32
ARANYA KANDA
chapter 33
Shurpanakha' s Words to Ravana
70
ARANYA KANDA
7i
CHAPTER 34
ARANYA KANDA
chapter 3 5
74
ARANYA KANDA
75
chapter 36
ARANYA KANDA
was laid low with Trishiras also ; peace was thus established in
the Dandaka Forest.
77
CHAPTER 37
“ Will not the city of Lanka perish with thee and thy titans,
since it has thee who followest the dictates of thy passions,
who art a slave to thy senses and who knowest no restraint,
as its lord ? An unprincipled monarch, such as thou, is the
slave of his desires and in his perversity heeds only evil counsels,
thus placing his subjects and his kingdom in jeopardy.
ARANYA KANDA
CHAPTER 38
“ * Verily thou wert the refuge of the Gods and thine exploits
are renowned in the Three Worlds, yet, however powerful
thine army, none but Rama on this earth has the power to
overcome these demons. Do thou therefore remain here, O
Scourge of Thy Foes ! Though still a child, Rama is fully
able to subdue the demons, I shall therefore take him with
me ; may all be well with thee ! ’
8o
ARANYA KANDA
“ If, setting me aside, thou dost pit thyself against him, then
thou shalt surely draw down an immediate, dreadful and
inescapable retribution, not to be eschewed.
“ Even those who are pious and innocent, suffer for the
misdeeds of others through their contact, as fish in a snake-
infested lake.
81
chapter 39
ARANYA KANDA
“ I have uttered these words for thy good and the good of
thy kinsmen ; if thou disregardest them, thou and thy people
will assuredly perish in combat with Rama ! ”
CHAPTER 40
Havana's Wrath
1 Ratna — Necklace.
* Ratha — Chariot.
83
ARANYA KANDA
CHAPTER 41
CHAPTER 42
ARANYA KANDA
chapter 43
Sita is enamoured of the Fawn
88
ARANYA KANDA
This graceful creature with its golden skin, its horns set
with precious gems, shining like the rising sun or the Milky
Way, captivated Rama himself, who, hearing Sita’s words,
yielded to her wish and gaily addressed Lakshmana, saying : —
90
ARANYA KANDA
have fallen victim to thee on this earth ; thy brother is now
wholly consumed by me.’
chapter 44
Rama slays Markka
Girt with his sword and bearing his bow in his hand, Rama
ran in the direction of the deer and beheld it in all its beauty,
close to him. Bow in hand, fixing his eyes on the fawn as it
fled into the forest, he saw it sometimes taking a single bound,
and then, in order to lure him on, allowing him to draw closer.
Timid and fearful, it would leap into the air, at times becoming
visible and then disappearing in the depths of the thickets.
9i
That dappled fawn being slain, Rama speedily killed and seized
the carcase of another deer and hastened towards the hermitage.
92
ARANYA KANDA
CHAPTER 45
“ Even the Three Worlds and the Gods, with Indra Himself
at their head, meeting Rama in combat, would be overcome
by him, therefore calm thyself and banish all fear. Thy lord
will soon return, having killed the marvellous deer ; that voice
93
94
ARANYA KANDA
CHAPTER 46
Ravana approaches Sita
“ How even, sharp and white are thy teeth, how large thy
slightly reddened eyes with their dark pupils, how well pro-
portioned and rounded are thy thighs and how charming thy
legs, resembling the tapering trunk of an elephant ! How
round and plump are thy cheeks, like unto the polished fruit
of the Tala trees ; how enchanting is thy bosom, decorated
with pearls !
ARANYA KANDA
Thus did she receive him with hospitable words, but Ravana,
his gaze fixed on the Princess of Mithila, determined to bear
her away, thus preparing his own destruction.
97
CHAPTER 47
ARANYA KANDA
99 h
IOO
ARANYA KANDA
CHAPTER 48
Sita defies Ravana
CHAPTER 49
Sita’s Abduction by Ravana
102
ARANYA KANDA
104
ARANYA KANDA
CHAPTER 50
Jatayu attacks Ravana
106
ARANYA KANDA
CHAPTER 5 I
The Combat between Jatayu and Ravana
While Jatayu, the King of Birds, was speaking thus, Ravana, that
Indra among Men, wearing golden earrings, his eyes red with
anger, fell upon him and a terrible struggle ensued in the sky,
resembling clouds impelled by the force of the wind; in
that conflict Jatayu, King of Vultures, and Ravana, the Lord
of the Titans, resembled two vast winged mountains.
ARANYA RANDA
CHAPTER 5 2
no
ARANYA KANDA
As Sita was being borne away, the petals from her hair
fell in a shower on the earth, and this rain of blossom, caused
by Ravana’s rapid flight, covered him also, as a wreath of stars
encircles Mount Meru, and suddenly her anklet, encrusted
with pearls, struck the earth like a flash of lightning.
Like rosy twigs she covered the dark limbs of the King of
the Titans with a radiance equal to the golden girth of an
elephant and, as a mighty meteor illumines the heavens with
its splendour, so was she borne through the air by the younger
brother of Vaishravana.
hi
glassy with fear, again and again, the forest Deities, trembling
in every limb, witnessed the anguish of Vaidehi, who was
being borne away so cruelly and who was constantly looking
towards the earth and crying in faint accents : “ O Lakshmana,
O Rama
CHAPTER 53
Sita censures Ravana
1 12
ARANYA KANDA
cursed be thou in the world, for thy conduct ! How should
any restrain thee who fleest so precipitately? Halt but for
an instant and thy life is forfeit ! Shouldst thou come within
the range of those two Kings of Men, thou wouldst not survive
for a single moment even wert thou supported by an army !
As a bird is not able to bear the blazing forest fire, neither
couldst thou withstand the least of their shafts ; therefore,
for thine own good, release me instantly, O Ravana !
113
CHAPTER 54
114
ARANYA KANDA
115
CHAPTER 55
“ O Sita, apart from the aged and the children, ten thousand
titans, rangers of the night, all of whom are famed for their
exploits, acknowledge me as their lord, and each among them
116
ARANYA KANDA
CHAPTER 56
ARANYA KANDA
Asuras or Gods, yet now that thou hast incurred the fury of
Raghava, thou wilt not escape alive.
CHAPTER 57
Rama sees Terrible Portents
ARANYA KANDA
CHAPTER 58
Rama's Lament
122
ARANYA KANDA
CHAPTER 59
Rama reproaches Lakshmana
123
124
ARANYA KANDA
“ I am not pleased that thou didst leave her nor that thou
hast come here on account of the reproaches of an indignant
woman. Submitting to Sita and giving way to the impulse of
anger has caused thee to contravene the spiritual law and
disobey my command.
CHAPTER 60
The Search for Sita
125
ARANYA KANDA
Thus did Rama lament, and calling, ran from grove to grove,
sometimes turning like a whirlwind, sometimes appearing like
one who has lost his wits. Intent on finding his love, ranging
the forest, scaling the mountain, exploring the rivers and
waterfalls, he sped through the woodlands without rest.
127
CHAPTER 6 I
Rama's Plaint
Seeing the hermitage and the hut deserted, with the grassy
seats strewn here and there and not finding Vaidehi anywhere,
Rama, the son of Dararatha, lifting up his beautiful arms,
uttered these sorrowful words : —
the deep forest or visited the lake covered with lotuses in bloom
or she has gone to the river filled with fish and frequented by
birds of beautiful plumage. Perchance she has hidden herself
in the gorge to frighten us and to see if we will search her out.
O Lion among Men, let us seek her without delay ! O Fortunate
Prince, if thou deemest her to be somewhere in the forest, we
will leave no quarter unexplored ; do not grieve, O Kakutstha!”
129
CHAPTER 62
His Despair
In the absence of Sita, the lotus-eyed, righteous and mighty
Rama, his mind distraught with suffering, tortured by love for
her, though unable to see her, with bitter sighs, reproached her
as if she were present, saying : —
130
ARANYA KANDA
131 k
ARANYA KANDA
CHAPTER 64
Rama's Wrath
“ I have searched all the holy places but I have not seen her
anywhere nor does she answer to my call. Where can Vaidehi
have gone ? I do not know where that lady of slender waist
can be, O Rama.”
But neither the spirits of the forest nor the river dared to
inform Rama that she had been borne away by that Indra of
Titans who merited death.
133
ARANYA KANDA
“ See the charioteer lying on the earth, the lash and reins
still in his hands, who was his master ? Without doubt these
footprints are those of a mighty titan, O Lakshmana. Behold
135
“ If the Gods do not bring back Sita to me, I shall blot out
the Three Worlds ! Then, O Saumitri they will be forced to
acknowledge my prowess ! None shall find refuge anywhere in
space, O Lakshmana ; to-day thou shalt see the universe pass
beyond its bournes. With the help of the arrows loosed from
my bow, which I shall stretch up to mine ear, no being will
be able to survive ; for Sita’s sake I shall rid the world of
goblins and demons and the Gods shall witness the power of
these missiles, loosed in my wrath.
ARANYA KANDA
harmed, I shall lay waste the entire universe and all contained
therein. Until I find myself in Sita’s presence once more,
I shall let loose every weapon of destruction.”
Having spoken thus, Rama, his eyes flashing with anger, his
lips compressed and trembling, tied fast his robe of bark and
deerskin and knotted his hair, whereupon that sagacious One
resembled Rudra bent upon the destruction of Tripura.
CHAPTER 65
Lakshmana seeks to pacify Rama
137
CHAPTER 66
ARANYA KANDA
139
CHAPTER 67
Rama encounters Jatayu
140
ARANYA KANDA
CHAPTER 68
Jatayu' s Death
In the presence of the vulture, whom the terrible Ravana had
struck down, Rama, full of compassion for all, addressed the
son of Saumitri in these words : —
142
ARANYA KANDA
chapter 69
Rama and Lakshmana meet Ayomukhi and Kabandha
144
ARANYA KANDA
with its many brilliant flowers and the herds of wild deer and
flocks of birds that inhabited it.
146
ARANYA KANDA
CHAPTER 70
Seeing the two brothers fallen into his arms as if into a snare,
Kabandha said to them : —
147 l
THE RAMAYANA OF VALMIKI
148
ARANYA KANDA
CHAPTER 71
149
ARANYA KANDA
chapter 72
151
15a
ARANYA KANDA
CHAPTER 73
Kabandha's Counsel to Rama
ARANYA KANDA
155
CHAPTER 74
Rama visits Shabari
156
ARANYA KANDA
Hearing these words, Raghava said to her, who had not been
left in ignorance by her Gurus concerning the past and the future: —
“ Now thou hast seen the forest and hast heard all that thou
didst desire to know ; I will abandon my body so that I may
approach those pure-souled ascetics whom I used to wait upon,
to whom this hermitage belongs and whose servant I am.”
157
chapter 75
Rama reaches the Lake Pampa
ARANYA KANDA
there that the four great monkeys with Sugriva, Surya’s son,
dwell in constant fear of Bali. I am impatient to see this
Lion of the Monkey Tribe, Sugriva, for it is he who will
ascertain where Sita can be found.”
160
BOOK IV.
KISHKINDHA KANDA
CHAPTER I
I63 M
of the flowering trees, seems to play with the blossom that has
fallen or is still on the trees. The God of the Wind frolics
to the accompaniment of the humming of bees and to the song
of the amorous nightingale, desiring, as it were, to make the
trees dance. Emerging from the mountain caves, the wind
gives forth a kind of music, shaking the trees violently from
side to side, causing the extreme tips of their branches to meet,
uniting them one with the other. The zephyr with soft caress-
ing breath, diffusing the perfume of sandalwood, dispels all
fatigue.
164
KISHKINDHA KANDA
dwells, who has now fallen under the sway of another, she
will be sharing my ardour. Yet if the Spring has not reached
that place where she is, how will that dark-eyed lady be able
to go on living in my absenec ? If this season has not come
to where my gentle love resides, what will that fair-limbed lady
do, who has been overpowered by a mighty adversary? My
youthful and beloved consort, whose eyes resemble lotus petals
and who is gentle of speech, will certainly yield up her life at
the first breath of Spring. In my heart, I feel assured that
the gentle Sita will not be able to survive separation from me.
Devotion to Vaidehi invades my entire being and my love is
wholly centred on her.
1 66
KISHKINDHA KA'NDA
KISHKINDHA KANDA
* Monkeys.
170
KISHKINDHA KANDA
CHAPTER 2
“ Without doubt, Bali has sent these two heroes to this wood,
which is inaccessible to him, and they, assuming robes of bark,
have come hither and have penetrated this stronghold.”
172
KISHKINDHA KANDA
CHAPTER 3
Hanuman’s Meeting with Rama
other, have you come hither from the celestial region ? Verily
the sun and moon have descended to earth of their own free
will. O Broad-chested Warriors, ye who are men, yet have
the aspect of divine beings, whose shoulders are like unto a
lion’s, who are endowed with great strength and resemble two
bulls intoxicated with desire, whose large and massive arms
look like clubs that should be adorned with every kind of
ornament, yet bear none, it seems that you are both worthy
of ruling the whole earth, whose decorations are the Vindhya
and Meru mountains with their lakes and forests. How
beautiful arc your two shining bows, glistening with perfumed
paste, covered with gold and shining like the mace of Indra ;
the two quivers also, filled with sharp death-dealing and
formidable arrows resembling hissing snakes ; your two
swords of immense length and size, encrusted with fine gold
that gleam like serpents that have just cast their slough ! But
why do ye not answer me ?
KISHKINDHA KANDA
chapter 4
175
KISHKINDHA KANDA
chapter 5
177
Then Hanuman, the Subduer of his Foes, who had put off
his monk’s guise, assuming his own shape, kindled a fire by
rubbing two pieces of wood together. The fire being lit and
flowers cast into it, thus preparing it, he placed it between
them,1 full of joy and devotion.
KISHKINDHA KANDA
179
CHAPTER 6
“ Banish thy grief, I will bring thy dear one back to thee.
As I surmised, it was undoubtedly Sita that I saw when that
titan of cruel deeds bore her away. She was crying : * O
Rama ! O Lakshmana ! ’ in a pitifiil voice and struggling in
Ravana’s arms, like the female of the Serpent King.
180
KISHKINDHA KANDA
chapter 7
Sugriva consoles Rama
181
KISHKINDHA KANDA
CHAPTER 8
1 Concerning Bali.
I83
184
KISHKINDHA KANDA
185
THE RAMAYANA OF VALMIKI
CHAPTER 9
“After his entry into the cave, a whole year elapsed and I
remained at my post without ; I imagined him to be dead and
186
KISHKINDHA KANDA
c< Then, for a long time, blood mixed with foam flowed from
the cave and the roaring of the titan reached my ears, but I
did not hear the cries of triumph that my elder brother emitted
in the struggle. Thereafter on account of the various signs,
I went away, thinking that my brother was dead, but first
I blocked up the mouth of the cave with a rock as large as a
mountain. O My Friend, overcome by sorrow, I offered up
the ceremonial water for my brother and returned to Kishkindha.
CHAPTER 10
KISHKINDHA KANDA
CHAPTER II
189
able to bum up the worlds with thy sharp arrows, like the fire
at the end of the great cycle ; yet reflect on the courage of
Bali and, having heard me with attention, consider what should
be done.
“ Breaking off the great white cliffs, Dundubhi let them roll
down, shouting with exultation. Then, like a mass of white
cloud, Himavat of gentle and benign aspect, standing on the
summit of the mountain, addressed that titan thus : — ‘ Do not
torment me, O Dundubhi, 0 Thou who delightest in justice !
I am not concerned with the exploits of warriors but am a
refuge of the ascetics.’
KISHKINDHA KANDA
“ With these words he threw off the golden chain that his
sire, Mahendra, had given him and began to fight. Seizing
Dundubhi by the horns, who resembled a mountain, that
elephant among monkeys roared aloud and began to assail
him with blows. Thereafter Bali with a tremendous shout
threw him on the ground and blood began to flow from the
stricken buffalo.
192
KISHKINDHA KANDA
194
KISHKINDHA KANDA
Then with his foot, that mighty hero sent the dried up
carcase of that titan flying. Seeing the carcase hurtling through
the air, Sugriva once more addressed Rama, who was as
radiant as the sun, in the presence of Lakshmana and the
monkeys and in candid accents said : —
CHAPTER I 2
eye that shaft with the speed of lightning, having pierced the
seven trees with extreme velocity, returned to Rama’s quiver.
With the striking of their palms like the clap of thunder and
their fists that were as hard as diamonds, the two brothers,
filled with fury, assaulted each other, whilst Rama, bow in hand,
watched those two combatants, who resembled the Ashwins.
196
KISHKINDHA KANDA
shaft and striking him down ; thou shalt see him writhing
on the field of battle. Do thou, however, wear a distinguishing
sign, O Chief of the Monkeys, by the help of which I may
recognize thee in the thick of the struggle. O Lakshmana,
these blossoming and beautiful Gajapushpi flowers, do thou
place round the neck of the magnanimous Sugriva.”
CHAPTER i 3
The Hermitage of Saptajanas
KISHKINDHA KANDA
chapter 14
200
KISHKINDHA KANDA
CHAPTER i 5
His brother Bali, who was seated amidst his wives in the inner
apartments, heard the cry of the great-hearted Sugriva and
was filled with wrath. When he caught the sound of that
uproar, causing terror to all beings, his feelings of lust changed
201
202
KISHKINDHA KANDA
203
CHAPTER I 6
KISHKINDHA KANDA
205
Stricken and senseless, Bali fell, his voice strangled with sobs
which gradually died away. Rama, the strongest of men,
discharged that formidable, fiery and death-dealing arrow,
shining like gold, resembling Time itself at the end of the
world, which shot forth like smoke issuing from the flaming
mouth of Hara, and, streaming with blood looked like unto
a blossoming Ashoka tree on the mountain-side, whereupon
the Son of Vasava, like the banner of Indra that has been
overthrown, fell senseless on the field of battle.
CHAPTER i 7
Bali reproaches Rama
At the fall of the King of the Monkeys, the earth grew dark,
resembling the firmament bereft of the moon. Though lying
on the earth, the body of that high-souled Bali was neither
robbed of its beauty nor of its life’s breath, nor did his courage
206
KISHKINDHA KANDA
fail him, for that excellent golden necklace that Indra had
bestowed on him preserved the life, strength and beauty of
that Lord of Monkeys. Adorned with that golden chain,
the heroic Monkey Chief appeared like an evening cloud
tinged with the roseate hues of dusk ! His chain, his body
and the arrow piercing his heart blazed in triple glory, even
after he had fallen. That arrow loosed by the valiant Rama
from his bow, by its virtue opening the way to heaven, brought
Bali supreme deliverance.
“ Since I have neither laid waste thy land, nor thy city
and have not offered thee insult, why hast thou destroyed me
— I who am guiltless and who have ever fed on fruit and
roots, a monkey dwelling in the forest, who never sought to
enter into combat with thee but who was engaged in fighting
another ? Thou art the son of a king and inspired confidence
by thy benign aspect and, what is more, thou wearest the
livery of sanctity ; who of the warrior caste, conversant with
what is good and evil, in the garb of a righteous man, would
commit such a wicked deed ?
208
KISHKINDHA KANDA
209
THE RAMAYANA OF VALMIKI
CHAPTER i 8
Rama answers Bali
Such was the speech, dictated by a sense of duty and his own
interests, full of censure and harsh in tone, that Bali, who was
mortally wounded, made to Rama. Resembling the sun
shorn of its rays or a parched cloud or a fire that has been
extinguished, that illustrious King of the Monkeys, endowed
with justice and reason, having upbraided Rama with severity,
was addressed by him in the following words : —
210
KISHKINDHA KANDA
21 X P
“ For all these reasons based on the law, thou canst judge
for thyself, whether thy punishment is merited or no. That
it is wholly just, thou wilt be forced to admit and, further,
that one is bound to help a fnend if one acknowledges one’s
duty. Thou wouldst have done likewise if thou hadst followed
the law. Two of the verses of Manu are specially devoted
to these rules of conduct and are known to the authorities of
the law ; I have been faithful to them. ‘ Those men who,
having done wrong, submit to the penalty imposed by the king,
are washed free from every stain and ascend to heaven like
the good and those who do benevolent deeds. Further punish-
ment or pardon exonerates the thief from his fault, but the
king who does not put down vice himself assumes the guilt.’
212
KISHKINDHA KANDA
213
“ See that Sugriva does not hold the sagacious Tara re-
sponsible for the fault I have committed or fail to treat her
with respect. Under thy protection, let him govern the
kingdom and, living obedient to thy counsels, he will attain
heaven as well as rule the earth. As for myself, despite Tara’s
words, I wished to receive death at thine hands and came
forth to enter into a duel with my brother Sugriva.”
Then Rama consoled Bali who was still fully conscious and
spoke to him in a gentle voice, expressing the essence of
spiritual and secular wisdom, saying : —
214
KISHKINDHA KANDA
CHAPTER 19
Tara's Grief
monkeys will obey Bali’s son, who will take his place. If
these conditions do not meet with thine approval, O Lady of
agreeable looks, then the monkeys will seek other inaccessible
retreats. Amongst those who live in the forest, some have no
wives, others have common wives, but we fear those who
have been deprived of their wives and still desire them.”1
A reference to Sugriva.
2X6
KISHKINDHA KANDA
CHAPTER 20
Her Lamentations
Seeing her lord lying on the earth, pierced by that death-
dealing arrow discharged by Rama, Tara, whose face resembled
the moon, approaching him, embraced him. At the sight of
Bali, who lay like an elephant wounded by an arrow, that
monkey resembling a huge mountain or an uprooted tree, Tara
poured out her heart, torn with grief, in lamentation : —
217
Thus did Tara with the other queens lament bitterly at the
side of her lord and that lady of matchless beauty resolved to
die of hunger lying on the earth at Bali’s side.
218
KISHKINDHA KANDA
CHAPTER 21
Hanuman’ s Speech
219
CHAPTER 22
Bali’s last Words
KISHKINDHA KANDA
221
CHAPTER 23
222
KISHKINDHA KANDA
0 Hero ! Thou art lying enveloped in the blood that flows from
thy limbs, as thou wert formerly with the scarlet silk of thy
couch. Dust and gore covers thy body on every side, so that
At that moment the General Nala drew out from the corpse
the arrow which resembled an angry snake issuing from a
mountain cave and glittered as he withdrew it, like the sun
whose rays have been intercepted by the peak of a mountain.
Thereupon streams of blood instantly began to flow again
from those wounds on every side, resembling the water of a
river that is stained by the sandstone washed down from a
mountain.
CHAPTER 24
Sugriva’s Remorse
1 Lakshmi who was said to have resided in the golden chain that Indra
had bestowed on Bali.
224
KISHKINDHA KANDA
226
KISHKINDHA KANDA
chapter 25
Balt's Funeral Rites
228
KISHKINDHA KANDA
own true state. The King of the Plavagas has reaped the
fruit of his works, acquired by his merits, through his integrity
and liberality. He has attained heaven on account of his
observance of duty and he has taken possession of it by sacri-
ficing his life. The Sovereign of the Monkeys has reached
the highest state. Thou hast mourned long enough ; now
perform the last rites.”
When Rama ceased speaking, Lakshmana, the Slayer of
His Foes, spoke sagely to Sugriva, who was distraught, saying: —
229
All the wives of Bali, who had been widowed, with Tara
at their head, accompanied their deceased sovereign, lamenting
pitifully. Their cries were heard in the depth of the forest
and re-echoed through the woods and among the rocks on
every side. Then on a deserted sandbank surrounded by
water, formed by a torrent issuing from the mountain, innumer-
able monkeys, inhabitants of the forest, constructed a pyre,
and those excellent bearers reverently lowered the litter from
their shoulders and all stood round, plunged in mourning.
Seeing her lord lying on the funeral bed, Tara, taking his
head in her lap, a prey to extreme grief, began to lament : —
KISHKINDHA KANDA
CHAPTER 26
Sugriva is installed as King
231
1 July- August.
* October-November.
232
KISHKINDHA KANDA
233
chapter 27
Rama describes Prasravana
KISHKINDHA KANDA
it inclines to the north east, which will make our stay more
agreeable, whilst on the west it is higher and we shall be sheltered
from the winds. At the entrance, O Saumitri, is a smooth
black stone like a piece of antimony washed in oil ; to the
north, O Friend, the crest of the mountain is magnificent
and looks like a mass of polished collyrium or a stationary cloud.
To the south, it stretches like a white veil, resembling Mount
Kailasha, rich in metals, which give it a dazzling appearance.
235
KISHKINDHA KANDA
chapter 28
“ Now the rainy season is here, see how the heavens are
laden with clouds as large as hills. After nine months, the
sky, by the action of the sun’s rays, has sucked up the waters
of the ocean and is now giving birth to the showers.
“ The dust has settled and a cold wind blows ; the heat of
the summer is allayed ; the martial undertaking of kings is
suspended, and travellers have returned to their own country.
“ The earth with its fresh grass strewn with tiny ladybirds,
looks like a woman, whose limbs are swathed in a bright green
cloth flecked with red.
1 Tradition holds that the Lord Narayana fell into the cosmic sleep in
the rainy season, prior to the rebirth of Brahma, who issued from his
navel.
*38
KISHKINDHA KANDA
*39
“ Sombre clouds charged with fresh rain melt into each other
and resemble the rocks scorched by the forest fire whose bases
cohere with those that are equally laid bare.
240
KISHKINDHA KANDA
“ Only when the birds withdraw to the trees and the lotus
closes, whilst the evening jasmine opens, can one divine that
the sun has set behind the Astachala Mountain. Kings postpone
their warlike expeditions and even the army, already on the
march, halts ; hostilities cease, for the roads are water-logged.
It is the month of Prausthapada,1 when the brahmins who
chant the Veda, the singers of the Sama Veda, begin their
studies.
1 Prausthapada — August-Septerabcr.
* Ashada — June-July.
241
chapter 29
242
KISHKINDHA KANDA
He said : —
“ Thou hast recovered thy throne and thy glory and added
to the prosperity of thine house; it now remains for thee to
concern thyself with thy friends ; this is thy duty ! He who,
recognizing the fitting moment, conducts himself honourably
towards his friends, sees the increase of his glory and his power.
thee. Let us scour the earth and, if need be, the sky, in search
of Sita. Neither the Devas, Danavas, Gandharvas or Asuras
accompanied by the hosts of Maruts, nor the Yakshas are able
to make him tremble, much less the titans.
CHAPTER 30
Description of Autumn
Sugriva re-entered his palace, and the sky being free from
cloud, Rama, who, during the rainy season, had been overcome
by the intensity of his grief, gazing on the pure and tranquil
moon and the marvellously clear autumnal nights, perceiving
244
KISHKINDHA KANDA
“ Thy words are practical and wise, full of good sense and
in accord with duty and the law. We should reflect on how
to act without delay ; this quest must be pursued ; when one
is powerful, invincible, youthful and valiant, one should have
no misgivings concerning one’s success.”
246
KISHKINDHA KANDA
“ Sharing his love, the noble she elephant, eager and affec-
tionate, with a slow tread circles round the bull intoxicated
with ichor and follows him in the woods.
“ With the geese, aquatic plants1 and the reeds that cover
them like woven shawls, the rivers, sparkling, resemble the
frees of women.
248
KISHKINDHA KANDA
250
KISHKINDHA KANDA
CHAPTER 31
Lakshmana goes to Kishkindha
251
252
KISHKINDHA KANDA
Then Angada, who had gone out to meet him, in his terror,
suffered extreme discomfiture and that illustrious warrior
Lakshmana, his eyes red with anger, commanded him saying : —
“ O Child, inform Sugriva of my advent and tell him that
the younger brother of Rama has come. O Conqueror of thy
Foes, tormented by his brother’s grief, Lakshmana waits at thy
gate. Do thou seek to prepare that monkey by addressing him
in this wise and return with all speed to inform me of his answer,
O Dear Child.”
Sugriva, heavy with sleep and fatigue, did not wake up but
lay in a drunken stupor, sexual indulgence having dulled his
reason.
253
CHAPTER 32
HanumarCs Speech
KISHKINDHA KANDA
“The time has come to inaugurate the search for Sita of which
thou art conversant, O Bull among Monkeys. Finding thee
forgetful, Lakshmana has come to inform thee that the hour is
at hand. Grieving over the abduction of his spouse, the
magnanimous Rama will speak harshly to thee through the
lips of this hero ; is it a cause for wonder ? Having acted im-
properly towards him, I see no other means tending to thy
welfare but to offer obeisance to Lakshmana and crave his
pardon.
*55
chapter 33
Tara pacifies Lakshmana
Then that mighty warrior, gazing about him, beheld that great
city decorated with jewels and flowery gardens and rendered
magnificent by heaps of precious stones with which it was filled ;
abounding in spacious buildings and temples, with jewels of
every kind in abundance offered as merchandise, it was em-
bellished by flowering trees covered with every desirable fruit.
256
KISHKINDHA KANDA
approached the forest where the trees are dry with a flaming
torch ? ”
“ Why, given over to lust, does thy consort neglect his duty
and his own true interests ? And thou, who art devoted to him,
why dost thou not give the matter thy consideration ? He has
become indifferent to the affairs of the kingdom and of ourselves
and our displeasure. Surrounded by parasites, O Tara, he
gives himself up to sensual enjoyments.
260
KISHKINDHA KANDA
CHAPTER 34
Lakshmana reproaches Sugriva
261
chapter 35
Tara defends Sugriva
262
KISHKINDHA KANDA
263
chapter 36
KISHKINDHA KANDA
CHAPTER 37
Sugriva assembles his Troops
At the words of the Monkey King, the Son of the Wind dis-
patched groups of intelligent monkeys to every quarter. Setting
out to that region traversed by Vishnu, by the paths fre-
quented by birds and stars, the monkeys, under the commands of
their sovereign set forth immediately.
KISHKINDHA KANDA
CHAPTER 38
Sugriva goes to meet Rama
267
KISHKINDHA KANDA
269
CHAPTER 3 9
" To his own destruction, did that vile demon bear Maithili
away, as Anuhlada1 carried away Sachi, having first deceived her
sire.2 Ere long, I shall pierce Ravana with my sharp arrows as
Shatakratu, that slayer of his enemies, slew the haughty father
of Paulomi.”
Monkeys the colour of the rising sun or white like the moon or
of the tint of lotus stamens or pale, having their home on the
golden mountain, appeared in tens of thousands in attendance on
that renowned and valiant monkey Shatavali. Then the puissant
270
KISHKINDHA KANDA
271
CHAPTER 40
272
KISHKINDHA KANDA
Thus spoke Sugriva and Rama, the son of Dasaratha, taking
him in his arms, said to him : —
273
“ Thereafter you will reach the red and swifdy flowing river
Shona ; from there descend to the seashore, where the Siddhas
and Charanas dwell. In these enchanting sacred spots, seek
everywhere for Ravana and Sita. Explore the forests, mountain
sprung rivers, wild tracts and cavernous heights. It behoves
you to examine the terrible islands in the ocean, where great
waves arise and, whipped by the tempest, let forth a thunderous
roar. There dwell Asuras of immense size, who by Brahma’s
permission, seize the shadows of birds flying over the sea.
Arriving at that vast ocean, that resounds like clouds at the time
of the dissolution of the universe, frequented by huge serpents,
keep careful watch and crossing over that sea, called Lohita,
whose red waters are terrible to behold, you will come upon the
mighty knarled Shamali tree. There, constructed by Vish-
wakarma, like unto Mt. Kailasha, decorated with every kind of
gem, towereth the abode of Garuda. Terrible demons resembl-
ing hills of diverse forms, named Mandehas, hang suspended
from the rocks there. Day after day, at the rising of the sun,
those demons tormented by that planet, fall into the water, struck
by Brahma’s energy and then suspend themselves on the rocks
once more.
274
KISHKINDHA KANDA
275
Here you should look for Sita and Ravana on the mountain
breast, in the caves and by the waterfalls.
“ Having attained your end, and met with Maithili and with
care explored the favourite region of Mahendra, which is
covered with woods and thickets, return satisfied.”
CHAPTER 41
Then having sent away that mighty host of monkeys to the east,
Sugriva dispatched another well tried army to the south.
KISHKINDHA KANDA
“ Beyond that island in the sea there rises a lovely hill on which
Celestial Beings dwell, named Pushpitaka, bright as the rays of
sun or moon, lapped by the waves of the ocean, whose peaks
277
KISHKINDHA KANDA
CHAPTER 42
| 1 Marichi.
279
280
KISHKINDHA KANDA
“ From the end of the night, all those regions, that the sun
illumines till it sets behind the Astachala mountains, should be
281
chapter 43
KISHKINDHA K A N^D A
283
“ Going beyond there, you will reach the abode of the Siddhas,
where the ascetics — Valakhilyas and Vaikhanasas are. Pay
obeisance to those great beings, whose austerities have cleansed
them from all sin and, in humility, enquire of them concerning
Sita. There is the Vaikhanasa lake covered with golden
lotuses, the resort of beautiful swans, bright as the dawn. The
elephant of Kuvera, Sarvabhauma by name, in the company of
she-elephants, wanders about in that region.
KISHKINDHA KANDA
gems desired by men and women ; some also bear fruit which
can be partaken of in every season. Some trees bring forth
precious couches bedecked with costly and variegated coverlets
and others furnish enchanting garlands, costly drinks and various
kinds of viands. Women possessed of every accomplishment
distinguished for their youth and beauty, are there, sporting with
Gandharvas, Kinneras, Siddhas, Nagas, and Vidyadharas of
great splendour; and all those of righteous deeds engaged in
pleasure and those who enjoy what is pleasant and useful,
sojourn there with their wives.
285
CHAPTER 44
Then the monkey king, the lord of all the dwellers in the
woods, well pleased, addressed the son of the Wind-God, the
peerless Hanuman, saying : — “ Nowhere on the earth, in the air
or sky, in the celestial regions or in the depths of the sea, do I
know of any obstacle that can impede thy course, O Best of
Monkeys ! All the worlds with the Asuras, Gandharvas,
Nagas, Men and Gods, as well as the mountains and the seas are
well known to thee. In motion, speed, skill and energy thou art
the equal of thy sire, O Valiant One, and there exists no creature
on this earth that is like thee in vigour, O Hero of infinite
resource ! Reflect therefore on how Sita may be found ! In
thee, O Hanuman, repose strength, wit, courage and policy
in conjunction with the knowledge of time and place.”
286
KISHKINDHA KANDA
CHAPTER 45
The Departure of the Monkeys
The valiant Shatavali set out with all speed for the north, that
marvellous region where the monarch of the mountain rises1
whilst the leader of the monkey bands, Vinata, went towards the
east. Tara,2 Angada and others, in company with that monkey
bom of Pavana, marched towards the southern region inhabited
by Agastya ; and Sushena, that lion among monkeys, went to the
west, that fearful region protected by Varuna.
1 Mount Meru.
287
CHAPTER 46
KISHKINDHA KANDA
289
Having scoured the eastern region with his forces, the mighty
Vinata returned without having seen Sita. Thereafter the great
monkey Shatabali came back disappointed with his forces,
having scoured the whole of the northern quarter. And
Sushena, at the end of the month, ranging the western region
without success, presented himself in company with his monkeys
before Sugriva.
290
KISHKINDHA KANDA
CHAPTER 48
Angada slays an Asura
291
Then that mighty Asura said to them “ You are lost ! ” and,
clenching his fists, rushed upon them in fury, but Angada, the
Son of Bali, thinking it was Ravana, struck him with the palm
of his hand with such force, that he fell to the earth like a great
hill, vomiting blood. When he had ceased to breathe, the
triumphant monkeys searched that mountain cavern; and
having satisfied themselves that it had been thoroughly explored,
those dwellers of the woods entered into another fearful cave.
After having searched that place also, they emerged exhausted
and wholly dispirited sat down at the foot of a solitary tree.
chapter 49
Then the eminently wise Angada addressed all the monkeys and,
though himself fatigued, exhorted them to take courage, saying :
“ We have searched the forests, mountains, rivers and im-
penetrable wilds, valleys and caverns with care, without finding
the daughter of Janaka, Sita, or that wicked wretch, the titan,
who bore her away. A great part of the time assigned to us
by Sugriva, whose commands are inexorable, has elapsed ;
therefore, banishing languor, despondency, torpor and
fatigue, together let us examine every region once again. Search
in such a way that Sita may be discovered by us. Perseverance,
ability and ardour are said to conduce to success ; I therefore
address you thus : — O Dwellers in the Woods, explore the whole
inaccessible forest to-day without counting the cost, success will
wholly depend on your exertions ; to permit yourselves to be
overcome by fatigue or give way to sleep is not fitting. Sugriva
is irascible and inflicts harsh punishments ; he is ever to be
feared, as also the magnanimous Rama. I speak in your own
292
KISHKINDHA KANDA
CHAPTER 50
293
294
KISHKINDHA KANDA
295
CHAPTER 51
The Tale of the Ascetic
“To whom do these golden trees belong, that shine like the sun
about to rise and these pure foods, roots and fruits ;
these mansions of gold and silver with their windows of gold
refined in the crucible and their network of pearls ? Who has
produced these golden trees covered with marvellous flowers
and fruit emitting a delicious fragrance, the golden lotuses
that float on the pure waters, the golden fish and the
turtles ? Are they sprung from thy power or do they owe their
existence to another ? It behoves thee to tell us, who are
ignorant in the matter.”
1 Danavas or Daityas.
296
KISHKINDHA KANDA
chapter 52
297
and osprey flew out from that cave their wings dripping with
water, and I said to those monkeys, * Let us enter there ! ’
which all agreed to do. Anxious to accomplish our purpose, we
went in grasping each others hands, thus forcing an entry into
that dark cave ; this is our purpose and the reason why we have
come hither. Having come here, famished and exhausted, we,
who were sorely tried by hunger, have been entertained on fruits
and roots with the traditional hospitality. Thou hast saved us,
who were weary and suffering from starvation ; now say what
service the monkeys may render thee in return ? ”
298
KISHKINDHA KANDA
CHAPTER 53
Now the month fixed by the king as the term set for the search
had passed while they were exploring that mountain fastness,
the miraculous creation of Maya. Sitting down at the foot of
the Vindhya Mountain amidst the blossoming trees, those high-
souled monkeys anxiously began to reflect among themselves.
299
300
KISHKINDHA KANPA
CHAPTER 54
When the General Tara, who was as radiant as the moon, had
spoken thus, Hanuman deemed that Angada had already usurped
supreme authority. He knew the son of Bali to be endowed
with the eightfold intelligence, the four powers and the fourteen
qualities,1 to be possessed of valour, energy and martial ardour,
waxing in glory like the moon in the bright fortnight, the equal of
Brihaspati in wisdom, in bravery resembling his sire and obedient
to Tara’s counsel as Purandara regards the instruction of Shukra.2
301
30a
KISHKINDHA KANDA
CHAPTER 55
303
chapter 56
The Intervention of Sampati
KISHKINDHA KANDA
305
CHAPTER 57
Angada’s ' Narrative
KISHKINDHA KANDA
directions under Rama’s orders to search for Sita but we have not
found Vaidehi, as by night one is unable to perceive the splendour
of the sun. Having explored the Dandaka Forest, we, through
ignorance, penetrated into a cave through a rift in the earth.
That cavern was constructed by the illusive power of Maya and
there we passed the month fixed by the King of the Monkeys, as
the term appointed ; while executing the commands of Sugriva,
we exceeded the time fixed and from fear have seated ourselves
here, resolved to die of hunger, for, if we return to face the
wrath of Kakutstha, Sugriva and Lakshmana, we shall surely
be put to death ! ”
CHAPTER 5 8
us, dost thou know aught of that titan’s abode ? Say, if thou
knowest, whether the retreat of that short-sighted, vilest of
demons, Ravana, is near or far away ? ”
‘ Rama ’ I believe her to have been Sita. Now hear me, and I
will tell you where the abode of that demon is to be found.
KISHKINDHA KANDA
CHAPTER 59
Then Jambavan, the foremost among the apes, with all the
monkeys, rising from the ground, said to the Vulture King : —
“ Where is Sita ? Who has seen her? Who has carried away
Mithila’s daughter ? Do thou tell us all thisl and thus be the
309
KISHKINDHA KAN DA
of grief, her hair falling about her, was calling the names of
“ Rama ” and “ Lakshmana Thus, O My Father, is how the
time has passed.’
“ All this did Suparshwa tell me, and even on hearing it I did
not consider exerting my strength, for without wings, how can a
bird undertake anything ? But hear how I can help you with
my word and knowledge, so that you can manifest your prowess !
By my speech and my experience I will do what is agreeable to
you. I shall make the concern of the son of Dasaratha my con-
cern, do not doubt it. Possessed as you are of intelligence,
energy and wisdom, incapable of being overcome even by the
Gods, you have been sent here by the King of the Monkeys.
The arrows of Rama and Lakshmana furnished with heron
plumes are able to destroy the Three Worlds. Although the
ten-necked Ravana is endowed with strength and energy, yet
assuredly none can resist your united efforts ! There is no need
for further delay. Now accomplish your purpose. The wise,
such as you, are not dilatory in their undertakings.”
CHAPTER 6 O
When the vulture had offered oblations of water for the spirit of
his brother and performed his ablutions, the monkey chiefs sat
down on that marvellous mountain, placing him in their midst.
“ The Sage, on seeing me, was pleased, and retiring into his
hermitage for a while, came out again and enquired as to my
welfare. He said : — ‘ O My Friend, on account of thy dis-
coloured plumes, I am unable to recognize thee ; thy two wings
have been scorched by fire and thy frail frame is shaken by
gasps. In former times, I knew two vultures resembling the
wind in speed, who were brothers, able to change their shape at
will. Thou art, I know, the elder, Sampati, and Jatayu is thy
younger brother. Both assuming human shape were wont to
massage my feet with their hands.
312
KISHKINDHA KANDA
CHAPTER 6 I
chapter 62
“ * Thy two wings with their feathers will grow again and thou
wilt recover thy sight, thine energy and thy prowess. Having
learnt it from the Puranas and foreseen it by mine ascetic power,
I know that a great event is about to take place.
KISHKINDHA KANDA
“ Thus did that great Rishi, conversant with the nature of all
things, speak to me.”
chapter 63
CHAPTER 64
316
KISHKINDHA KANDA
CHAPTER 65
The Leaders of the Monkeys each state what they are able to
accomplish
318
KISHKINDHA KANDA
Thus, in his great wisdom, Jamba van spoke and that mighty
monkey born of Bali, Angada, answered him saying : —
chapter 66
“ And it happened that the God of the Wind stole away the
red-bordered yellow robe of that large-eyed maiden, who stood
on the mountain top. Then Maruta perceived her rounded,
well-proportioned thighs and her breasts touching each other
and her amiable and pleasing mien. Beholding that youthful
woman of lovely limbs and slender waist, her whole being radiant
with beauty, he was filled with desire and beside himself, en-
veloping that irreproachable lady in his arms, Manmatha em-
braced her.
“ In her distress, Anjana, faithful to her conjugal vows, cried
out : — ‘ Who desires to sever the ties of a woman devoted to her
lord ? ’ Hearing these words, the Wind-God answered, ‘ I
do not wish to wrong thee, O Lady of Lovely Hips, let not thy
heart be troubled. By embracing thee and entering into thee
thou shalt bear a son endowed with strength and intelligence,
of immense energy, of noble nature, possessed of vigour and
courage and in agility and speed equal to myself.’
“ These words pleased thy mother and she gave birth to thee
in a cave, O Foremost of Monkeys.
320
KISHKINDHA KANDA
“ While still a child, thou didst see the sun rise over the great
forest and taking it to be a fruit sought to seize it. Bounding
into the air, thou didst mount up for a thousand yojanas, O
Great Monkey and, though the burning rays of the sun beat upon
thee, thou didst not falter. Seeing thee rushing through space,
Indra, full of wrath, hurled this thunderbolt at thee, whereupon,
falling, thou didst fracture thy left jaw on the point of a rock
from which arises thy name, Hanuman.1 Observing thee in this
state, Vayu the Destroyer, the Bearer of Fragrance/ in the
height of anger, ceased to blow throughout the Three Worlds.
• The Wind-god.
321
CHAPTER 67
stars and planets, suck up the ocean and rive the earth ; I can
shatter the mountains with my bounds and in the immeasurable
energy of my leaping I can cause the sea to overflow. When I
mount into the sky, flowers from countless shrubs and trees will
be borne away by me on my aerial course this day and studded
with flowers my path shall resemble the Milky Way.
3*3 y
With these words that monkey, the scourge of his foes, born
of Maruta, whose equal he was, scaled that monarch of
mountains, carpeted with flowers of every kind and grassy
swards ranged by deer, containing flowering creepers and trees
laden with fruit and blossoms, frequented by lions and tigers
and herds of intoxicated elephants maddened with ichor ;
there flocks of birds trilled and waterfalls tumbled on every side.
Ascending that mountain, that foremost of monkeys, equal to
Mahendra in power, began to wander from one crest to another
and crushed between the arms of that high-souled one, that great
mountain emitted a loud clamour, like a mighty elephant that
has been attacked by a lion and waters gushed out from the
scattered rocks and deer and elephants were seized with fear,
whilst the giant trees shook.
And that agile and valiant monkey, endowed with great speed,
the destroyer of his foes, filled with an exalted purpose, had
already reached Lanka in thought.
324
BOOK V.
SUNDARA KANDA
CHAPTER I
1 Path of the Charanas or the Path of the Wind — His sire being the
Wind-God.
327
328
SUNDARA KANDA
And that monkey, stiffening his arms like unto two immense
clubs, girded up his limbs and, crouching down, contracted his
neck and arms, summoning up all his strength and courage.
Scanning the path he was to take and examining the distance to
be covered, he drew in his breath, pressing his two feet firmly
on the ground and that elephant among monkeys, Hanuman,
flattening his ears, leapt forward and, full of energy, addressed
the forest dwellers, saying :
In his rapid flight, Hanuman bore away those trees with their
flowering boughs filled with lapwings intoxicated with love,
into the empyrean. Carried away by the impetus of his tre-
mendous bound, those trees followed in his wake, like relatives
accompanying their dear one setting out on a journey to a far
country. Uprooted by the force of his motion, Sala and other
forest trees followed in Hanuman’s wake, like an army its leader.
Surrounded by countless trees, the crests of which were laden
with blossom, the monkey Hanuman, resembling a glorious
mountain, was wonderful to behold. And those great trees,
full of sap, fell into the sea, as formerly the mountains in fear of
Indra plunged into Varuna’s abode.
flight, which had detached them from their stems, the multi-
coloured flowers fell into the sea.
The eyes of that tawny-hued one resembled the sun and moon
in juxtaposition, and his coppery nose lent his countenance the
same hue as the solar orb at the approach of dusk ; his uplifted
tail caused that offspring of the wind to appear like the raised
banner of Indra. With his coiled tail and white teeth, that
exceedingly sagacious son of Anila, Hanuman, shone like the
star of day encircled by a halo of rays and his plump form, of a
coppery hue, caused him to resemble a mountain which is being
excavated for its deposits of red ochre. Bounding over the
waters, the air imprisoned in the armpits of that leonine monkey,
emitted a sound like thunder.
SUNDARA KANDA
331
Their power is well known and, lest they rise up anew from that
hell of immeasurable dimensions, thou art here to prevent their
escape. Nevertheless thou art able to move upwards and down-
wards and from side to side. I command thee, therefore, O
Best of Mountains, to rise up. That lion among monkeys,
performer of mighty exploits, engaged in Rama’s service, over-
come with fatigue is passing over thee ; thou art witness of his
exertions, now lift thyself up ! ”
332
SUNDARA KANDA
Then, touching the mountain with his hand, that lion among
monkeys, smiling, sailed on through the air, whereupon the
mountain and the ocean offered him their respect and gave him
their blessings. Rising high into the sky, he looked down on the
mountain and the vast ocean and proceeded unsupported in
the pathway of the wind.
333
With these words she opened her vast mouth wide, placing
herself in Maruti’s path.
334
SUNDARA KANDA
335
336
SUNDARA KANDA
And the Siddhas and Charanas beheld him diving into her
mouth, disappearing like the moon devoured by Rahu at the
time of eclipse. And Hanuman, with his sharp nails tore the
entrails of that demon and, with the rapidity of thought, emerged,
having slain her by his acuteness, endurance and skill and, having
overthrown her, began to expand once more. Thereafter that
hero among monkeys suddenly regained his power, whilst Sing-
hika, deprived of life by him, torn asunder, sank into the waves,
Swyambhu having created him for her destruction.
the sea and the lands bordering it and the trees growing on its
shores as also the mouths of the ocean’s consorts.1
CHAPTER 2
Hanuman' $ Arrival in Lanka
338
SUNDARA KANDA
Lanka and that ape endowed with great prowess was covered
by a shower of blossom that fell from the trees on every side,
nor did that fortunate monkey, who had just traversed many
hundreds of miles of sea without pausing for breath, experience
any fatigue.
The main highways were lined with tall white buildings with
hundreds of turrets decorated with flying pennants and banners.
Most wonderful, with its golden archways festooned with climb-
ing plants, the city of Lanka appeared to Hanuman to be like
the city of the Gods. Built on the summit of a mountain, with
its palaces of dazzling whiter, it resembled an aerial city. Con-
structed by Vishwakarma and ruled by the Lord of the Titans
himself, it seemed to that monkey to be suspended in the sky
with its ramparts as the thighs, the stretches of water and woods,
339 z
the raiment, Shataghnis1 and spears the hair, the terraces the
diadem, Lanka resembled a woman, a creation of Vishwakarma’s
thought.
340
SUNDARA KANDA
When the day’s orb had sunk behind the Asta Mountain,
Maruti reduced his body to the size of a cat, extraordinary to
behold and, in the dusk, the mighty Hanuman, springing up,
entered that marvellous city traversed by wide streets with rows
of houses adorned with golden pillars and balconies, which
lent it the appearance of a city of the Gandharvas.
And the moon at its full with its flocks of stars seemed to be
ministering to Hanuman and, with its myriad rays, filled the
worlds with its light. Then that hero among monkeys gazed
on the moon shining like a conch-shell, white as milk or a lotus
stalk that, floating all luminous in space, resembled a swan
swimming on a lake.
34i
CHAPTER 3
Hanuman enters the City
SUNDARA KANDA
“ O Dweller of the Forest, who art thou and for what purpose
hast thou come hither ? Answer truthfully if thou dost value
thy life ! Under no pretext wilt thou be able to obtain entry
into this Lanka protected by the forces of Ravana, which patrol
it on every side.”
343
THE RAMAYANA OF VALMIKI
“ I wish to behold this city with its turrets, walls and arches,
and have come hither for this purpose. Great is my desire to
see it and explore its woods, groves and gardens, as also its
great buildings.”
344
SUNDARA KANDA
CHAPTER 4
Hanuman observes the City and its Inhabitants
345
346
SUNDARA KANDA
CHAPTER 5
SUNDARA KANDA
And that monkey, after his long search, not finding Sita,
consort of that lord of men, Rama, the foremost of those skilled
in speech, was overcome with grief and bereft of all courage.
CHAPTER 6
SUNDARA KANDA
And that monkey chief beheld couches and seats of gold, and
vessels wrought with pearls overflowing with wines,1 and the
dimensions and magnificence of that place caused it to resemble
the mansion of Kama or the abode of Kuvera, and that palace
resounded with the tinkling of anklets and girdles, with drums
and cymbals and other musical instruments and was thronged
with women as lovely as pearls and surrounded by great
ramparts.
CHAPTER 7
351
3 52
SUNDARA KANDA
chapter 8
353
CHAPTER 9
Hanuman searches the Harem
And Hanuman, the slayer of his foes, ranging here and there
in search of the Princess of Videha, the large-eyed Sita, beheld
that goodly residence where the titans dwelt together and he
approached the palace of the king, surrounded by three and
four tusked elephants and guarded in its entire length by
warriors bearing weapons in their hands. He beheld that
dwelling, thronged with titan women, consorts of Ravana,
and also the daughters of kings who had been forcibly carried
away by him, which resembled an ocean teeming with crocodiles,
sharks, whales, enormous fish and serpents, agitated by the
force of the tempest. And the splendour of the abode of Vaish-
ravana, Chandra and Harivahana was reflected in Ravana’s
palace, a splendour that was unequalled and changeless and
the prosperity of the residences of Kuvera, Yama and Varuna
were rivalled, nay surpassed, by that of the titan’s abode.
354
SUNDARA KANDA
1 Four-Cornered — The ancient Hindu belief was that the earth was four-
cornered.
355
2A
THE RAMAYANA OF VALMIKI
SUNDARA KANDA
looked like Chakra vata birds. And those women were like
unto rivers, their thighs being the banks, where swans, geese
and other waterfowl disport themselves or, sleeping, resembled
streams, the golden bells on their girdles, the ripples, their
faces, the lotuses, their amorous desires, the crocodiles, their
grace, the banks.
On their tender limbs the marks of the ornaments looked
like bees, whilst the veils of others, rising and falling with their
breath, fluttered gracefully before their faces like bright streamers
of many-coloured yarn and the earrings of others vibrated
gently with the circulating air.
CHAPTER io
358
SUNDARA KANDA
359
SJUNJDARA KANDA
CHAPTER II
SUNDARA KANDA
CHAPTER 12
Hanuman becomes despondent
SUNDARA KANDA
CHAPTER I 3
Hanuman' s Dilemna
“ It may happen that, while Ravana flew over the sea, the
daughter of Janaka struggling to free herself, fell into the waves,
or alas, far from her lord, seeking to defend her honour, was
devoured by that vile Ravana. May not that innocent dark-
eyed lady have become the food of those impure consorts of
that Indra of demons ? Ever absorbed in the contemplation of
Rama, whose countenance resembles the moon, has she
breathed her last, bewailing her lot and crying : * O Rama !
366
SUNDARA KANDA
words, he will not survive and, when his mind has been with-
drawn into the five elements, the sagacious Lakshmana, deeply
attached to Rama, will also cease to exist ! Then, hearing that
his two brothers are dead, Bharata will yield up his life and
Shatrughna will renounce his existence also. Beholding their
sons dead, their mothers, Kaushalya, Sumitra and Kaikeyi
will undoubtedly surrender their lives and, seeing Rama’s
plight, his grateful and loyal friend, Sugriva, will give up
his life. Then the grief-stricken Ruma, distracted and crushed
with sorrow, will perish on account of her lord and the Queen
Tara, already inconsolable on account of Bali’s end, worn out
by suffering will be unable to continue living. The loss of
his parents will lead the youthful Angada to the brink of death
and, overwhelmed by the passing of their leader, the inhabitants
of the woods having been cherished with gentleness, gifts and
regard by their illustrious monarch, will strike their heads
with their fists and die.
368
SUNDARA KANDA
CHAPTER 14
The Ashoka Grove
370
SUNDARA KANDA
These pools were covered with clumps of lotuses and lilies
whilst waterfowl enhanced their beauty and they re-echoed
to the cry of Natyuhas, swans and geese ; broad and beautiful
streams, bordered on every side by trees, fed them with their
waters which resembled Amrita and glided under variegated
shrubs decorated by hundreds of creepers, the ground being
carpeted by rhododendron and oleander flowers.
371 2B
CHAPTER I 5
SUNDARA KANDA
Her face shone like the full moon and she possessed beautiful
brows and gracefully rounded breasts ; by her radiance she
dispelled the darkness in all regions ; her neck was of a bluish
tint, her lips like the Bimba fruit, her waist slender and her
carriage full of dignity, her eyes, resembling lotus petals equalled
those of Rati, the beloved spouse of Manmatha, lovely as the
moon, adored by all.
SUNDARA KANDA
“ The rich silken mantle shining like Kanaka gold, which she
let fall, was found by the monkeys caught in a tree and the
valuable ornaments cast off by her fell on the earth with a
tinkling sound. The robe she now wears is exceedingly worn
but its colour remains and resembles her own radiance. Here
is the one for whom Rama has suffered torment through
affection, pity, grief and love : through affection in con-
sequence of his beloved spouse being borne away; through
pity, by his inability to protect her who is dependent on him ;
through grief, at her loss, and through love by his separation
from her. Verily from the grace of her person and her beauty,
that resembles his, this lady of dark eyes must be his spouse.
CHAPTER i 6
S UtN£D A R A KANDA
chapter 17
As if to aid him with her light, that pure and clear orb covered
the Son of Pavana with her cool rays.
SUNIDARA KANDA
379
CHAPTER I 8
380
SUNDARA KANDA
And that powerful lord, the slave of his desires, his heart
fixed on Sita, proceeded at a slow pace.
Then the monkey heard the sound of the bells on the women’s
girdles and anklets, and the joy of Maruta beheld Ravana of
inconceivable prowess, whose energy and valour were un-
imaginable, as he entered the gate ; and he was illumined on
all sides by the innumerable lamps, fed with fragrant oil,
which were carried by those damsels and, intoxicated with
pride, desire and wine, his eyes of a coppery red, he looked
like Kandarpa himself bereft of his bow. He adjusted his
magnificent cloak, decorated with flowers, stainless as the foam of
Amrita when churned, and which flung back was held by a clasp.
CHAPTER 19
Sita*s Grief
SUNDARA KANDA
CHAPTER 20
383
SUNDARA KANDA
“ And like unto Vishnu wresting the radiant Shri from the
Asuras by covering the worlds in three strides, so shall my
lord, the destroyer of his foes, recover me from thee.
387
20
CHAPTER 22
Ravana’s Threats
To this stem speech from the gracious Sita, the King of the
Titans replied harshly
SUNDARA KANDA
B89
Having said this, the female titan drew Ravana away but he,
resembling a mass of cloud, turned back, laughing scornfully.
390
SUNDARA KANDA
CHAPTER 23
to thee, why dost thou not wish to be the wife of that illustrious
Lord of Titans, Ravana, who is endowed with riches ? ”
Thereafter the titan, Durmukhi spoke saying : — “ O Lady of
Lovely Lashes, why dost thou not yield to him, in fear of
whom the sun dares not shine nor the wind blow, at whose
command the trees shower down their blooms and the hills
and clouds loose their floods.
CHAPTER 24
Their Menaces
Hearing the words of those titans, Sita, her lotus eyes filled
with tears, answered them, saying : — “ What you have uttered
is immoral and wholly reprehensible and will never find
acceptance with me. A mortal woman may not become the
wife of a demon. Devour me, if you wish, I will never accede
to your request. Poor or deprived of his kingdom, he who
is my husband is my spiritual preceptor and I shall ever follow
him, as Suvarchala follows the sun or the blessed Sachi re-
mains at Indra’s side or Arundhati near Vasishtha or Rohini
by Shashin or Lopamudra by Agastya, Sukanya by Syavana,
392
SUNDARA KANDA
“ Dost thou think that the great King of the Titans, Ravana,
is not worthy to be thy lord ? ”
394
SUNDARA KANDA
CHAPTER 25
Sita gives way to Despair
of the sages : ‘ neither man nor woman can die ere the hour
strikes ’, since tormented by the savage titans and separated
from Rama, I am still able to survive an instant. Alas ! A
woman of litde virtue and wretched, I am about to die far
from my protector as a laden vessel founders in the midst of
the waves driven by the blast of the tempest. In the absence
of my lord, I am sinking under the load of my affliction, like
a river bank undermined by the current. Happy are those who
are able to look upon my lord, whose eyes resemble the petals
of the blossoming trees, whose gait is like a lion’s and who is
full of gratitude and gentle of speech. Deprived of the
395
CHAPTER 26
SUNDARA KANDA
CHAPTER 27
Trijata's Dream
398
SUNDARA KANDA
Hearing those words, falling from the lips of the titan women,
Trijata began to relate the dream that had come to her in the
early hours, saying: —
SUNDARA KANDA
CHAPTER 28
Sita’s Lament
She reflected : “ The sages affirm truly that death does not
come before the appointed hour since, worthless creature that
I am, I still live after these insults. Bereft of happiness,
filled with misery, my heart must be hard indeed that it does
not break into a hundred pieces this day, like the crest of a
mountain struck by lightning. Nay, I am not to blame for this
— I may be slain by that dreadful monster but I can no more
give him my affection than a brahmin can impart the teachings
of the Veda to one of low caste. If that Lord of the Worlds
does not appear at the appointed hour, that vile King of the
Titans will cut me to pieces with his sharp weapons as a sur-
geon cuts the foetus from the heart of its mother. Two
months will quickly pass away and I shall have to suffer the
pain of death, unhappy creature that I am, like a thief, who
having disobeyed his sovereign is bound and being led to
execution when the night is over.
SUNDARA KANDA
Then the lovely Sita, whose form was full of grace, took hold
of a branch of the tree under which she stood and became
absorbed in the thought of Rama, Lakshmana and her kinsfolk;
and many auspicious signs removing her grief and lending
her courage, well-known in the world, appeared to her, in-
dicating the advent of future well-being.
chapter 29
CHAPTER 30 •
Hanumarfs Reflections
The valiant Hanuman who had heard all that Sita, Trijata
and the titans had said, gazed on that illustrious damsel who
resembled a celestial being from the Nandana Gardens and
many thoughts flitted through the mind of that monkey.
404
SUNDARA KANDA
chapter 3 i
Hanuman praises Rama
SUNDARA KANDA
“ There was a king named Dasaratha, the possessor of
chariots, horses and elephants, one by nature devout and
illustrious, the glory of the Ikshwakus. To harm none was
his delight and he was high-minded and compassionate, a
true hero of his race that found its splendour and the growth
of its prosperity in him. Clad in all the insignia of royalty
and majesty, that lion among kings, renowned in the four
regions, shed the felicity he enjoyed over all. His beloved
eldest son, whose countenance was as bright as the moon,
was called Rama, possessor of a keen intellect and the most
skilled of archers. Faithful to his vows, the defender of his
people, the protector of all beings, upholder of justice, he was
the scourge of his foes.
“ At the command of his aged sire, his word his bond, that
hero accompanied by his consort and his brother was banished
to the forest. Whilst giving himself up to the chase in that
vast solitude, he slew large numbers of valiant titans who
were able to change their form at will.
chapter 32
Sita sees Hanuman
Beholding that monkey of pleasing speech, clad in white
raiment, resembling a flash of lightning, crouching concealed
among the branches, bright as a cluster of Ashoka flowers
and like gold refined in the crucible, Sita was greatly agitated.
SUNDARA KANDA
chapter 33
Slipping down from the. tree, Hanuman, whose face was the
colour of coral, attired in a humble guise, approached Sita
and that mighty son of the Wind with joined palms addressed
her in gentle tones, saying :
SUNDARA KANDA
CHAPTER 34
seeing him bowing humbly before her, Sita, whose face re-
sembled the moon, sighed deeply and said to him in gende
accents : —
Such were the thoughts that haunted Sita, as also that the
titans were able to change their form at will, which convinced
her that this was the King of the Titans himself. Having
arrived at this conclusion, the daughter of Janaka, of slender
waist, ceased to converse with the monkey but Hanuman,
divining what was passing through her mind, consoled her
with sweet words, enhancing her delight saying: —
“ Bright as the sun and like the moon, beloved of all, that
sovereign of the world is as munificent as Kuvera. In valour
resembling the glorious Vishnu, of sweet and truthful speech
like unto Vachaspati, handsome, illustrious and fortunate
like the God of Love, the just dispenser of punishment to
evil-doers, he is the foremost of car-warriors in the world.
SUNDARA KANDA
chapter 35
SUNDARA KANDA
gathering together all the ornaments that thou didst let fall on
the earth when the Titan bore thee away, the monkeys brought
them to Rama with delight, but they were ignorant of where
thou wert.
SUNDARA KANDA
“ Now I have told thee all, do thou, in thy turn speak to me,
O Goddess ! I am the messenger of the son of Dasaratha and
have come here to thee, to carry out Rama’s purpose. Know
me to be Sugriva’s minister and the Wind-god’s son! All
417
418
SUNDARA KANDA
CHAPTER 36
Sita questions Hanuman
Then Janaki, taking the jewel that had adorned the finger
of her lord, was overcome with joy, as if he himself were
present. Her gentle countenance with its large eyes began to
sparkle with delight resembling the moon released from
Rahu’s hold. Blushing with pleasure on receiving this token
from her lord, that youthful woman, in her satisfaction, began
to look on that great monkey as on a friend and paid tribute
to him in the following wise : —
4x9 2E
earth encircled by the sea in his wrath like the fires at the dis-
solution of the worlds ? Those two heroes are able to subdue
the Gods themselves and yet they refrain from action ; I deem
therefore that my sufferings are still not at an end ! Is Rama
not disquieted ; is he not torn with anxiety on my account ?
Is that son of a king making every preparation to deliver me ?
Is he sorrowful and pre-occupied ? Has he lost sight of his
ultimate purpose ; is he fulfilling his duty with fortitude ? Is
that slayer of his foes, desirous of victory, propitiating his
friends with forbearance and gifts and employing the three-
fold means of dealing with his enemies ? Does he show good-
will to his friends and have they confidence in him ? Does he
ally himself with those of good repute and do they pay him
honour ? Does that son of a king seek the favour of the Gods;
does he depend on them for his power and fortune ? Has
Rama’s affection for me decreased as a result of my living far
from him ? Will he deliver me from this peril ? Is he not
unstrung by this extreme misfortune, being accustomed to
felicity and unused to adversity? Has he received frequent good
tidings of Kaushalya, Sumitra and also Bharata ? Is not
Raghava, worthy of honour, overcome with grief at my
absence ? Is he reflecting on how he may rescue me ? Will not
Bharata, ever devoted to his brother, send out a great army
led by experienced generals for my sake ? O Foremost of
Monkeys, will not the King of the Monkeys, the fortunate
Sugriva, come to mine aid at the head of a host of valiant
monkeys using their teeth and nails ? Will not the heroic
Lakshmana, the increaser of Sumitra’s delight, skilled in the
use of weapons, destroy the titans with his shafts ? Shall I
not see Rama strike down Ravana on the battlefield ere long
with his friends and kinsfolk by means of Rudra’s weapon ?
Is the golden countenance of Raghava, fragrant with the scent
of lotuses, not dimmed under adversity, like a lotus deprived
of water under the burning sun? Does he still retain his
fixity of purpose, he who, for the sake of righteousness, with-
out regret renounced the throne and on foot entered the
forest with me ? Neither for his mother nor his father nor for
any other does he bear the love that he cherishes for me.
I shall only live as long as I hear of him,’'
420
SUNDARA KANDA
42i
SUNDARA KANDA
423
SUNDARA KANDA
CHAPTER 38
She gives Hanuman her Jewel
SUNDARA KANDA
“ If that warrior still retains any regard for me, why does he
not exterminate the titans with his whetted shafts, or why
does not Lakshmana, the repressor of his foes, endowed with
energy, deliver me at his brother’s behest? Since those two
tigers among men, equal to Vayu and Indra are invincible
even against the Celestials, why do they disregard me ?
428
SUNDARA KANDA
Saying this, Sita drew from her robe the pearl which formerly
adorned her forehead, which shone with celestial radiance,
and bestowing it on Hanuman, said : “ Give this to
Raghava.”
429
And taking that costly and superb ornament that the daughter
of King Janaka had carried carefully concealed in her sari,
Hanuman, as if delivered from a hurricane that had overtaken
him on a high mountain, his heart full of serenity, once more
prepared to set out on his return journey.
CHAPTER 39
SUNDARA KANDA
me from here while I am yet alive and thereby reap the fruits
of virtue. Listening to that which thou shalt relate to him
of me, that son of Dasaratha, ever filled with valour, will feel
his daring increased a hundredfold in the thought of reunion
with me. The heroic Rama, hearing the appeal I have charged
thee to deliver to him will be inspired to display increasing
prowess.”
of him. If, crossing the sea and besieging Lanka, that destroyer
of hostile forces Kakutstha, bore me hence, he would have
accomplished what is natural to him. Do thou therefore act
in such wise that that valiant warrior may be able to manifest
his prowess ! ”
Hearing these words, fraught with sense and reason, full of
affection, Hanuman replied mildly : —
SUNDARA KANDA
chapter 40
He takes leave of Sita
434
SUNDARA KANDA
chapter 41
Then having given that powerful lord of the earth cause for
severe displeasure, that monkey, eager to fight against those
countless valiant titans single-handed, stationed himself at the
gate, blazing with effulgence.
chapter 42
He destroys the Kinkaras
SUNDARA KANDA
beasts and birds fled hither and thither in terror on every side
and inauspicious omens appeared.
SUNDARA KANDA
CHAPTER 43
439
440
SUNDARA KANDA
CHAPTER 44
The Death of Jambumalin
Under the order of the King of the Titans, the valiant son of
Prahasta, Jambumalin of large teeth, went out bearing his
bow. Wearing garlands and red attire with a crown and
brilliant ear-rings, that invincible warrior of immense stature,
rolling his eyes ferociously drew his great bow, furnished with
shining arrows, equal to Indra’s, with a noise like thunder.
Then the entire sky and the four quarters at once re-echoed
to the sound of the stretching of that bow.
neither his head, arms, thighs, bow, his chariot, his steeds nor
arrows could be distinguished, and that mighty car warrior,
Jambumalin, dropped to the earth, like an oak that has been
felled, his limbs and ornaments crushed.
Then Ravana, hearing that Jambumalin had been slain, as
also the powerful Kinkaras, was overcome with wrath. Roll-
ing his eyes inflamed with fury, that Lord of the Titans in-
stantly issued a command that the sons of his ministers, who
were endowed with exceeding valour and strength, should go
forth to the attack.
chapter 45
SUNDARA KANDA
Learning that the sons of his ministers had fallen under the
blows of that great monkey, Ravana, with a darkened counten-
ance, concealing his fears, formed a resolution which he
deemed would prove decisive.
“Ye Generals, who are full of valour, set out at the head
of your troops with your fleet of horses, chariots and elephants
and take this monkey prisoner. Approaching that dweller of
the woods, exercise great circumspection and act with due
consideration for time and place. Having regard to his con-
duct, I do not judge him to be a monkey, he being endowed
with extraordinary prowess. I deem him to be a higher
being and not a monkey ; perchance he is an emissary created
443
SUNDARA KANDA
Then learning that those three titans had been slain by the
monkey, endowed with great swiftness, the courageous Praghasa
rushed upon him laughing scornfully and the audacious
Basakarna enraged, armed with a spear, also advanced
towards him. Then each from his side attacked that lion
among monkeys. Praghasa assailing him with a sharp-edged
axe and Basakarna with his spear and, with his body streaming
with blood, his limbs lacerated by their blows, that monkey,
highly enraged looked like the rising sun.
CHAPTER 47
The Death of Aksha
Hearing that those five generals with their forces and vehicles
had been struck down by Hanuman, the King of the Titans
glanced at the youthful Aksha, who full of martial ardour sat
before him; and that impetuous warrior, armed with a bow
inlaid with gold, responding to his glance, leapt up like a flame
that blazes forth when fed with clarified butter by the foremost
of sages in the sacrificial chamber.
446
SUNDARA KANDA
447
Reflecting thus on the strength of his foe and his own, that
powerful one, endowed with energy, resolved to slay his
adversary. Thereafter that valiant monkey, bom of Pavana,
coursing through the air, struck those eight excellent steeds of
immense size capable of bearing a heavy burden in combat with
the palm of his hand and, that great chariot, overturned by
the blow administered by the counsellor of the King of the
Monkeys, its pole shattered, the shafts riven, the steeds slain,
fell to the earth from the sky.
448
SUNDARA KANDA
CHAPTER 48
450
SUNDARA KANDA
451 2G
SUNDARA KANDA
453
CHAPTER 49
454
SUNDARA KANDA
CHAPTER 50
His eyes red with anger, the king then addressed the fore-
most of his counsellors, Prahasta, in words that were opportune
and fraught with good sense, saying : —
chapter 5 i
His Words
SUNDARA KANDA
458
SUNDARA KANDA
Since thou hast offered that lion among kings, Rama, this
affront, thy life is forfeit !
chapter 52
Bibishana pleads for Hanuman
SUNDARA KANDA
CHAPTER 53
461
SUNDAVA KANDA
463
CHAPTER 54
He sets fire to Lanka
Thereat, with his tail in flames, which lent him the appear-
ance of a cloud charged with lightning, that great monkey
began to range the roofs of the dwellings of Lanka. Glancing
round, passing from mansion to mansion, with a calm mind he
encircled those stately edifices and gardens and leaping im-
petuously towards the palace of Prahasta, that one of exceeding
prowess in strength resembling the wind, set fire to it. There-
after the mighty Hanuman bounded to the mansion of Maha-
parshwa lighting a fire equal to that at the end of the world.
Then that monkey of immense energy leapt on the residence of
Vajradanshtra and on those belonging to Shuka and the in-
telligent Sarana. In the same way that leader of monkeys
burnt down the habitations of Indrajita, Jambumalin and
Sumali and those of the titans Rashmiketu, Suryashatru,
Hrasvakama, Damshtra, Romas ha, Yuddhonmatta, Matta,
Dwajagriva, Vidyujjihva and Hastimukha and the dwellings
of Karala, Vishala, Shonitaksha, Kumbhakama, Maharaksha,
those of Narantaka, Kumbha, Nikumbha and the magnanimous
Yajnashatru and Brahmashatru.
SUNDARA KANDA
465
THE RAMAYANA OF VALMIKI
Thus did the chief titans speak, being assembled and, seeing
their city suddenly consumed by fire with its inhabitants,
horses, chariots, flocks of birds, beasts and trees they
began to lament, crying : — “ O My Father, O My beloved
Son, O My dear One, O My Friend ! Woe, alas ! O My Lord,
our spiritual merit is exhausted ! ” Thus amidst, a frightful
clamour, did the titans cry aloud, and Lanka, encircled with
flames, her heroes slain, her warriors succumbing to the swift
wrath of Hanuman, appeared to have fallen under a curse.
In the midst of the tumult Hanuman with pride, surveyed
Lanka bearing the marks of that violent blaze and its terror-
stricken demons as Swyambhu surveys the final destruction of
the world.
SUNDARA KANDA
Seeing Lanka consumed by fire and that city with its terror-
stricken titans filled with tumult, the monkey Hanuman
became thoughtful and a great anxiety invaded his mind.
467
468
SUNDARA KANDA
The hosts of women, children and the aged are fleeing away
and the tumult re-echoes as in a cavern ; the city of Lanka
with its towers, walls and gateways is wholly consumed but
Janaki still lives, a great wonder ! ”
chapter 56
He takes leave of Sita
469
S;UNDARA KANDA
fled in terror from that place and large and powerful serpents,
filled with poison, shooting out their tongues, lay in coiled
heaps, their heads and necks crushed. Kinneras, Uragas,
Gandharvas, Yakshas and Vidyadharas, deserting that mountain,
returned to the celestial realm and that mighty hill, measuring
forty miles in extent and thirty in height, was levelled to the
earth with its trees and lofty summits
Then that monkey, desirous of crossing over the salty sea,
whose shores were threatened by the tides, rose into the air.
CHAPTER 57
The Return of Hanuman
SUNDARA KANDA
peak, like a winged hill, whose pinions have been dipt and who
has fallen from the sky.
SUNDARA KANDA
chapter 58
“ How didst thou discover that noble lady ; how doth she
fare there ; how doth that cruel Ten-headed One bear himself
towards her ? Do thou truthfully relate all this unto us, O
Mighty Monkey !
“ How wast thou able to trace the divine Sita ? What did
she reply to thine enquiries ? Having learnt all, we can take
counsel as to what should be done ! Do thou tell us also what,
on our return, we should say and what we should conceal,
O Thou who art well able to subdue thyself ! ”
475
SUNDARA KANDA
“ And while they slept, Sita, devoted to her lord, gave voice
to bitter lamentation in the extremity of her distress.
SUNDARA KANDA
“On this, the King of the Titans, Ravana, sent out in-
numerable warriors called Kinkaras and eighty thousand of
those titans, armed with spears and maces, were slain by me
in the grove with an iron bar. Then a few, who survived,
quickly went to Ravana to inform him of the destruction of
his troops.
481
“ * I have done all this for Sita ! To find her I came hither !
I am the son of Maruta, the monkey Hanuman ! Know me
to be Rama’s messenger and the minister of Sugriva. It is to
carry out Rama’s design that I stand before thee ! Hear me
now O Lord of the Titans ! The King of the Monkeys offers
thee salutations and enquires as to thy welfare, O Mighty
Hero ! He has commissioned me to communicate this message
482
SUNDARA KANDA
in words that are both fitting and in accord with duty, legitimate
pleasure and profit.
CHAPTER 59
SUNDARA KANDA
485
CHAPTER 60
SUNDARA KANDA
487
CHAPTER 6 I
All the heroic monkeys headed by Angada and the great ape
Hanuman highly approved Jambavan’s words and, those
foremost of monkeys led by the son of Vayu leaping down
from the summit of the Mahendra Mountain, bounded forward.
Resembling the mountains Meru and Mandara, they appeared
like elephants maddened with ichor, covering the whole of
space as it were with their shadow, their eyes fixed on the
highly powerful Hanuman gifted with velocity, having control
of his senses and honoured by the Siddhas. Resolved on
bringing about the success of Rama’s design, proud of the
results obtained, desirous of communicating their auspicious
tidings, all those virtuous inhabitants of the forest, eager to
assist Rama and avid for combat, jumping and frisking, reached
Madhuvana.
SUNDARA KANDA
some bounded into the air or chased each other round the trees
from rock to rock, responding to each other’s songs and laughter,
groans and lamentations, exchanging blow for blow.
Seeing the wood laid waste, the trees stripped of their leaves
and flowers, Dadhimukha was filled with anger and sought to
restrain them. But that heroic and elderly monkey, the
protector of the wood, was in turn upbraided by those insolent
monkeys whereupon he grew even more determined to defend
the forest that was entrusted to his care against them. There-
after he spoke to some in harsh terms without fear or fore-
thought and struck others with the palm of his hands, approach-
ing some threateningly and others with soothing words.
CHAPTER 62
490
SUNDARA KANDA
CHAPTER 63
SUNDARA KANDA
CHAPTER 64
Sugriva consoles Rama
SUNDARA KANDA
495
chapter 65
SUNDARA KANDA
Seeing those two princes filled with renewed hope, the son
of Vayu having presented the jewel as a token of recognition to
Raghava, described everything to him from beginning to end.
chapter 66
Rama’s Grief
SUNDARA KANDA
unto me again and again what Sita said to thee. These words
will revive me as the sick are cured by medicine. O Hanuman,
what did my gentle, sweet-spoken and beautiful lady, who is
separated from me, say to thee ? How is that daughter of
Janaka able to survive in her dire misfortune ? ”
chapter 67
CHAPTER 68
50i
SUNDARA KAN]DA
among men, like unto the sun and moon, will present them-
selves to thee, O Princess. Soon shalt thou see at Lanka’s
gate, Raghava, resembling a lion and Lakshmana, bow in
hand. And thou shalt soon behold those monkey warriors,
endowed with the strength of lions and tigers, whose weapons
are their nails and teeth, resembling the lords of the elephants,
hastening here without delay. Ere long thou shalt hear the
roaring of those leaders of monkeys on the summit of the
Mount Malaya, resembling the rumbling of clouds. Soon
thou shalt see Raghava, the Slayer of His foes, returning from
his exile in the forest, installed on the throne with thee in
Ayodhya.’
503
BOOK VI.
YUDDHA KANDA
CHAPTER I
CHAPTER 2
Sugriva consoles Rama
YUDDHA KANDA
CHAPTER 3
YUDDHA KANDA
CHAPTER 4
YUDDHA KANDA
vitiating the water on the way. Keep them at a distance and
be on your guard ! Let those dwellers of the woods search the
ravines and dense thickets in the forest in order to discover
the ambushes of the enemy.
“ Those who are weak should remain here for your task is
formidable and demands endurance ; therefore let the foremost
of the monkeys gifted with prodigious prowess lead the vanguard,
composed of hundreds and thousands of monkeys, resembling
the waters of the sea. Let Gaja who is like unto a hill and the
exceedingly powerful Gavaya and Gavaksha go ahead like
proud bulls leading the kine. The leader of monkeys, Rishabha,
skilled in leaping, should protect the right flank of the army
and the fiery Gandhamadana, resembling an elephant in mustha,
should defend the left flank. I myself, mounted on the shoulders
of Hanuman, like Indra on Airavata, will march in the centre
of my troops in order to encourage them. Lakshmana who
resembles death itself, will ride on the shoulders of Angada, as
Kuvera, the Lord of Creatures and God of Wealth on Sarva-
bhauma. Let the mighty Lord of the Bears, Jambavan with
Sushena and the monkey Vegadarshin, all three, protect the
rear of the army.”
10
YUDDHA KANDA
upraised arms broke off the trees and rocks here and there or
climbed to the summit of the mountains like true mountaineers.
Emitting loud cries and roaring, they frequently tore down
handfuls of creepers with their thighs. In their energy, with
their jaws set, some juggled with rocks and trees. It was by
hundreds and thousands and millions that these formidable
monkeys covered the earth with their splendour ; and that great
army of monkeys, full of energy, proceeding under Sugriva’s
orders, eager for battle and anxious to deliver Sita, did not
linger even for an instant.
12
YUDDHA KANDA
“ Let the whole army pitch their camp on the shore, O Lion
among Monkeys ! The time has come to take counsel and
devise some way to cross the main ; let every leader remain with
his forces and, under no pretext whatever, shall he leave them ;
meantime they should find out if any ambush has been laid
by the enemy.”
14
YUDDHA KANDA
CHAPTER 5
15
cf When I have put those demons to flight, Sita will live anew
as the autumnal moon shines forth again when the clouds are
scattered. By nature slender, Sita, on account of grief, fasting
and circumstance, is now a shadow of her former self.
CHAPTER 6
Ravana consults his Subjects
YUDDHA KANDA
“ The wise affirm that good counsel is the root of victory, that
is why, O Brave Ones, I desire to consult you concerning Rama.
“There are three kinds of men in the world, the good, the bad
and the mediocre. I will describe the qualities and defects of
them all to you : —
17
CHAPTER 7
Hearing the words of Ravana, their lord and master, all those
powerful titans, in their ignorance, instilled him with contempt
for the enemy and with joined palms, offered him ill-considered
advice, saying : —
<e O Foremost among the Titans, Maya, the Lord of the Danavas
in fear gave his daughter to thee in wedlock and thou didst
also subjugate the powerful and arrogant giant, Madhu, the joy
of Kumbhinasi ! Descending into the nether regions thou
didst defeat the Serpents Vasuki, Takshaka, Shankha and
Jati despite their irresistible power, courage and the boons
conferred on them, O Lord ! After fighting for a whole year,
confident though they were in their own strength, thou didst
force them to submit to thy yoke and learnt the science of
magic from them, O King of the Titans, Vanquisher of thy Foes!
18
YUDDHA KANDA
CHAPTER 8
19
I live, that ranger of the woods will not enter here again
alive, I shall sweep the land surrounded by the sea clean of
monkeys together with its hills, forests and jungles ; thou hast
but to issue the command ! I shall rid thee of that monkey,
O Ranger of the Night and thou shalt not have to suffer on
account of thine offence.1”
YUDDHA KANDA
“ Let all of you remain here with our great king ; by myself
I shall slay Raghava, Lakshmana, Sugriva and also Hanuman
and all the monkeys.”
chapter 9
“ My Dear Brother, the wise affirm that when the end which
is sought cannot be attained by the three means2, the conditions
O 21
“ If Khara, who had trespassed into a region that was not his
own, was slain in combat by Rama, is it not legitimate for every-
one to defend his life ? It is on account of Vaidehi’s abduction
that we are in this great peril and we should therefore yield her
up. What advantage is there in continuing the quarrel ? Nay,
it is not proper to enter into hostilities with that powerful and
virtuous prince, who would never initiate warfare without a
definite cause. Therefore do you give back Maithili to him ere
he, by means of his arrows, destroys this city abounding in
wealth of every kind with its horses and elephants ! Before
that formidable and mighty monkey host attack this, our Lanka,
do you give back Sita. Lanka with all her heroic titans will
perish unless the beloved consort of Rama is voluntarily
returned to him.
22
YUDDHA KANDA
CHAPTER 10
*3
24
YUDDHA KANDA
Chapter i i
Ravana summons his Assembly
*5
The floor was of refined gold and six hundred evil spirits
guarded it. Into that excellent audience hall, a masterpiece of
Vishvakarma, Ravana made his entry sparkling with magnifi-
cence and seated himself on a gorgeous throne wrought of
emeralds, carpeted with skins of deer and furnished with thick
cushions.
26
YUDDHA KANDA
The titans were adorned with fine gold and every kind of
ornament, arrayed in rich vestures, and the fragrance of aloes
and rare sandalwood from their garlands perfumed the hall on
every side.
Chapter i 2
28
YUDDHA KANDA
“ Ere the foe can deliver a second blow, I shall drink his blood,
therefore take comfort, for by slaying Dasaratha’s son I shall
bring thee an auspicious victory ! Having destroyed Rama as
also Lakshmana, I shall devour all the monkey leaders ! Enjoy
29
Chapter 13
YUDDHA KANDA
“This curse alarmed me and it is for this reason that I have not
forced Sita, the Princess of Videha, to ascend the nuptual couch.
My fury is like unto the sea and my speed resembles the wind
but the son of Dasaratha is unaware of it and it is on this account
he has set out to fight me. Who would seek to waken a lion
lying asleep in a hidden mountain den whose anger resembles
the God of Death himself ?
Chapter 14
3i
YUDDHA KANDA
Chapter i 5
Chapter 16
YUDDHA KANDA
ever seek to bring down the one who is endowed with authority,
energy, learning and loyalty and, should he be a hero, he is the
more condemned by them. Constantly finding delight in the
discomfiture of one another, their bows ready to strike each
other down, their hearts full of deceit, they are both formidable
and dangerous.
“ Of all perils, those that spring from relatives are the worst,
this is known to us. From cows we have milk, from relatives
malice, from women capriciousness, from brahmins asceticism.
That I am held in honour by my subjects and have been called
to rule over an empire by descent and have set my foot on the
heads of mine enemies, will certainly not have found favour
with thee ! As drops of water are unable to remain on the lotus
leaves, so does friendship slip from the hold of worthless persons.
As in autumn the thunderclouds, which empty themselves, fail
to saturate the earth, so does friendship fail with the vicious. As
bees fly away after they have sucked out the honey they have
found, so do the unworthy relinquish a friendship after it has
served their purpose. As the honey stealer in its greed, feeding
on the Kusha Flowers, does not exhaust their nectar neither do
the wicked savour friendship to the full.
“ Thou hast lost thy reason, O King, but say what thou wilt,
an elder brother is the equal of a father and must be reverenced
even if he leave the path of equity ; nevertheless I am unable to
tolerate these outrageous utterances of thine ! Words of wisdom
35
Chapter 17
YUDDHA KANDA
YUDDHA KANDA
Chapter 18
YUDDHA KANDA
“ Know that it is Ravana who has sent out this ranger of the
night ! I regard it as imperative that we should make an end
4i
“It is related how a pigeon with whom his adversary had taken
refuge entertained him and invited him to partake of his own
flesh, even though he was the ravisher of his mate. Such was
the hospitality offered by a pigeon ; what should therefore a man
like myself not do ? Hearken to these verses, pre-eminently
sacred, sung aforetimes by the son of Kanva, that great ascetic
of truthful speech, Kandu : —
YUDDHA KANDA
Thus did Rama speak and Sugriva, the King of the Monkeys,
answered that son of Kakutstha, whom he held in deep affection,
thus : —
Chapter 19
43
44
YUDDHA KANDA
45
Chapter 20
Now the titan, Shardula by name, who had gone out to recon-
noitre, beheld the army encamped under Sugriva’s command,
and that spy belonging to the wicked Ravana, King of the Titans,
having inspected those troops, returned and, regaining Lanka
with all speed, said to his sovereign : —
46
YUDDHA KANDA
47
protect thee ! Thou hast slain the aged King of the Vultures
and carried off the large-eyed Sita in the presence of Rama and
Lakshmana and, having made her captive, dost not recognize
her for what she is ! Thou art unaware how strong, powerful
and irresistible to the Gods themselves is this Prince of the Race
of Raghu, who shall deprive thee of thy life.”
Hearing his cries, Rama would not sanction his death and
ordered the monkeys to release him.
CHAPTER 2 I
That Scourge of his Foes pillowed his head on his arms that
resembled the coils of a serpent and were adorned with ornaments
of gold, their habitual decoration ; those arms that formerly were
perfumed with sandal and aloes, saffron of the hue of the dawn
lending them lustre ; those arms on which Sita leant on the
nuptual couch causing them to shine as do the waters of the
48
YUDDHA KANDA
Ganges the body of Takshaka ; those arms, resembling the shafts
of a chariot, that increased the distress of his foes and the delight
of his friends, were stretched out on the shore of the sea.
The tightening of the bow-string had rubbed the skin off the
left arm of that skilful archer and the right, that bestower of
thousands of kine in charity, resembled a great mace. Leaning
on his powerful elbow, the mighty-armed Rama said : —
5®
YUjDDHA KANDA
CHAPTER 22
The Army crosses the Sea
Sagara himself rose out of the waves, like the day’s orb rising
5i
over the eastern mountain, Meru, and that Ocean appeared with
the Pannagas of flaming jaws and he was of the hue of emerald,
adorned with gold ; wreaths of pearls festooned his attire and on
his head he bore a diadem of every kind of flower ; ornaments of
refined gold and pearls from his domain were his decoration.
Covered with gems and metals of every kind, resembling the
Himavat Mountain, the waters surging round him, he was
encircled by the clouds and winds, while the rivers Gunga and
Sindhu were his escorts.
Rising, the noble Sagara, escorted by the rivers with the Gunga
and Indus at their head, approached Rama with joined palms,
who stood arrows in hand, and, reflecting awhile the Ocean said: —
“ Earth, wind, air, water and light, O Beloved Raghava,
remain fixed in their own nature. Neither from desire nor
ambition nor fear, O Prince, nor from affection am I able to
solidify my waters inhabited by sharks ; nevertheless I will make
it possible for thee to cross over them ! This is my resolve —
the sharks will remain inactive while the army makes its way
across and, for the monkeys, I shall become like the earth ! ”
On this, Rama said to him : — “Hear me, O Thou who art the
refuge of Varuna ! This arrow of mine must accomplish its
intended end ! Where shall I let this mighty shaft fall ? ”
52
YUDJDHA KAJNDA
rocks, which in size they resembled, and the trees also dragged
them to the sea and they’covered the ocean with Sala, Ashvakaraa,
Dhava, Vamsha, Kutaja, Arjuna, Tala, Tilaka, Tinisha,
Balalaka, Saptapama and Kamikama Trees in full flower, as
also Cutas and Ashokas. Those foremost of monkeys trans-
ported those trees, with or without roots, bearing them like so
many standards of Indra and they heaped Talas and piles of
Dadina, Narikela, Bibhitaka, Kanya, Bakula and Nimba Trees
here and there. With the aid of mechanical devices, those
powerful colossi dug up stones as big as elephants and rocks, and
the water suddenly spouted into the air only to fall instantly.
Thereafter those monkeys churned up the sea by rushing into
it on all sides or pulling on the chains.
YUDDHA KANDA
When those simian troops had passed over the sea by the grace
of Nala’s causeway, the king ordered them to camp on the shore
which abounded in roots, fruits and water.
55
CHAPTER 23
Rama sees diverse Portents
“Without delay, attended by all the monkeys, let us, this very
day, attack this city difficult of access of which Ravana is the
support ! ”
Thus spoke the Archer Rama, the subduer of the foe in conflict,
and, bearing his bow and arrows, he set forth in the direction of
Lanka.
56
YUDDHA KANDA
CHAPTER 24
1 Mars.
57
sways the branches from which the birds dart, where bees swarm
and where cuckoos abound.”
“ Let the valiant and invincible Angada place his troops in the
centre with the General Nila. Surrounded by the simian
battalions, Rishabha should establish himself on the right wing
of the army, and he who resembles an elephant in mustha, the
indomitable and courageous Gandhamadana, should place
himself at the head of the left flank. I shall go to the forefront
of the army with Lakshmana as mine aide-de-camp and
Jambavan, Sushena and Vegadarshin to spy out the
land.
58
YUDDHA KANDA
Thus spoke Shuka and Ravana, his eyes red with anger,
looked at him as if he would consume him with his glance and
said : —
59
CHAPTER 25
“ Here are two followers of the King of the Titans who have
come to spy out conditions, O Conqueror of Hostile Citadels ! **
60
YUDDHA KANDA
“ O Bibishana, set these two rangers of the night free, who have
come in disguise to spy on us with the intention of creating
division amongst their foes. And you, when you return to the
great City of Lanka, repeat my words faithfully to the King of the
Titans, saying : —
“ * That force on which thou didst rely when taking Sita away
from me, employ freely with the aid of thy troops and allies.
To-morrow at break of day, thou shalt see mine arrows demolish
the City of Lanka with its ramparts and arches as well as the army
of titans ! My dreadful ire will fall on thee and thy forces at
dawn, O Ravana, as the God bearing the Thunderbolt, Vasava,
discharges it on the Danavas ! * ”
chapter 26
YUDDHA KANDA
“ He who holds his arms high and who tramples the earth under
his feet as he marches, that hero whose face is turned towards
Lanka and who, in fury, yawns convulsively, who resembles
the peak of a mountain in stature and the filaments of a lotus in
hue, who, in an excess of anger, continuously lashes out with
his tail, the swish of which is heard in the ten regions, that
warrior whom Sugiiva, the King of the Monkeys, installed as
heir-apparent, is named Angada and he is challenging thee to
combat. That warrior, the equal of his sire, Bali, is beloved of
Sugriva and as devoted to Raghava’s interests as Varuna is to
Shakra’s. That Janaka’s daughter has been seen by Hanuman,
who is as swift as the wind and the servant of Raghava, is all due
to the advice of Angada. Having formed innumerable battalions
with the foremost of monkeys, that warrior is marching against
thee at the head of his army in order to destroy thee.
“ The one who is like unto a great cloud enveloping space and
who, surrounded by monkey warriors, resembles Vasava amidst
the Gods, whose voice like the roll of a drum, can be heard from
the midst of the monkeys, who is eager to fight, dwells in
Pariyatra, a mountain that is exceeded by none in height ;
that general ever invincible in combat is named Panasa. That
commander with fifty lakhs of lieutenants, each of whom leads
his own battalion, who shines resplendent amidst the host of
monkeys of terrifying bounds, who are encamped on the seashore
like unto a second ocean, he who resembles Dardura2 is called
General Vinata. In his wanderings he drinks the waters of the
Vena, that most excellent of rivers. His army is composed of
sixty thousand Plavamgamas and that monkey, named Krathana,
64
YUDDHA KANDA
CHAPTER 2 7
Sarana continues his Deposition
65
younger than he, who resembles him in stature but who far
surpasses him in valour ; behold him, Jambavan, like unto a
mountain ! Of controlled senses, he is full of reverence for
his spiritual superiors and implacable in combat. His intelli-
gence greatly assisted Shakra in the war between the Gods and
the titans and he was the recipient of many boons. These
giants hurl down great rocks as large as clouds from the mountain
heights, which they have scaled, nor do they tremble in the face
of death. Shaggy, resembling Rakshasas or Pisachas, those
warriors of surpassing energy roam about in great numbers.
And that commander on whom the eyes of the monkeys are
fixed, who now leaps up in fury and then stands motionless,
that foremost of monkeys, O King, dwells on the Sahasraksha
Mountain, and the name of that exceedingly valiant leader is
Rambha.
1 Kailasha.
66
YUDDHA KANDA
67
chapter 28
“ The two who stand there, who resemble each other and have
the appearance of Gods, are Mainda and Dvivida, none is their
equal in combat. Sanctioned by Brahma, they have drunk the
water of immortality and they boast that they will demolish
Lanka by their own prowess.
68
YUDDHA KANDA
“While yet a child, seeing the sun rise, he desired to eat it and,
springing up, followed it to a distance of three thousand leagues,
reflecting : — * I shall seize hold of Aditya and my hunger will
be appeased forever ! ’ In this thought, intoxicated with his
own strength, he leapt into the air but was unable to reach that
God, who is invincible even to the Celestials, Rishis and Demons,
and he fell on the mountain where that radiant orb rises. In his
fall he fractured his jaw slightly on a rock and on account of the
strength of his jaw he was called Hanuman !
69
70
YUDDHA KANDA
CHAPTER 29
Ravana sends out fresh Spies
“ Go and find out Rama’s plans, who are his ministers and
who stand nearest to him in counsel and friendship, what are
his hours of sleeping and waking and what he intends to do next.
YUDDHA KANDA
CHAPTER 30
The King of Lanka’s spies informed him that Rama was camping
with his great army near Mount Suvela and, hearing from them
of Rama’s approach at the head of a vast host, he was perturbed
and said to Shardula : —
“That prince who has filled the sea with boulders and crags is
encamped at the gates of Lanka, well equipped with weapons,
his forces arranged in the form of Garuda1 and he is surrounded
on all sides by monkeys. Having set me free, he is there full of
energy advancing on Lanka ! Ere he reaches the ramparts,
do one thing or the other with all speed, either return Sita to
him immediately or give him battle ! ”
73
“ Thou hast explored the ranks of their army, who are the
warriors among the Plavamgamas ? What is the measure of
their prowess ? Who are these invincible monkeys ? Whose
sons and grandsons are they ? Tell me the truth, O Faithful
Friend ! ”
74
YUDDHA KANDA
chapter 31
75
Raghava’s and a mighty bow, its arrows set, and then present
thyself before me ! ”
76
YUDDHA KANDA
“ The enemy fled in terror under the blows of the titans, who
followed on their heels like lions pursuing great elephants.
Some flung themselves into the sea, others took refuge in the
sky ; the bears with the monkeys climbed the trees whilst the
titans of fierce glance brought about a great carnage amongst
the Pingalas in the midst of the rocks and woods on the shores
of the ocean. It was thus that thy consort perished with his
forces ! Here is his head, which was gathered up, dripping
with blood and besmeared with dust ! ”
brought back from the held after he had slain that hero in the
night ! ”
Speaking thus, he cast the bow on the ground near the head,
which had been thrown down by Vidyujjihva, and thereafter he
addressed that illustrious daughter of the King of Videha,
saying : —
CHAPTER 32
Sita’s Despair
YUDDHA KANDA
“ Why, leaving this world for the other hast thou abandoned
me in mine affliction, O Thou, the wisest of Sages ? Wild
beasts are tearing that beautiful body, now a corpse, which was
formerly perfumed by my hands with divine essences. Having
performed the Agnihotra and other sacrifices, accompanied
by the bestowal of splendid gifts in charity, how is it that
thou art not honoured by the performance of that same
ceremony ?
YUDDHA KANDA
“ So be it ! ” they answered obedient to his commands and
instantly gathered the vast army together and, when they were
all assembled, informed the king who was burning to fight.
chapter 33
Sarama consoles Sita
YUDDHA KANDA
Rama will loosen the plait that hangs down thy back which thou
hast worn these many months.
chapter 34
Sarama spies on Rav ana’s Plans
SiTA, who had been overwhelmed with misery on hearing
Ravana’s words, was comforted and rendered happy by Sarama,
as the parched earth by rain. Desiring to be of farther service
to her friend, the affectionate female titan, skilled in the know-
ledge of time and place, smiling, began to speak in apposite
terms, saying : —
83
“ Rest at ease and tell me exactly all that the ruthless Ravana
of perverse soul has resolved to do.”
Then Sarama described the whole interview of Ravana with
his ministers to the trembling Sita, saying : —
“ Thus did the elderly minister and his mother exhort him
but he is no more capable of giving up his treasure than a miser
his gold. He will never set thee free unless he is slain in combat,
O Maithili ; such is the resolve of that wicked wretch made with
his counsellors ; impelled by death his determination is fixed.
Fear will never cause Ravana to let thee go ; nor will he do so
84
YUDDHA KANDA
chapter 35
chapter 36
Ravana directs Lanka's Defences
1 Ten-faced One.
87
88
YUDDHA KANDA
CHAPTER 3 7
They said : — “ Yonder under our very eyes is the City of Lanka
defended by Ravana, impregnable even to the Gods and Asuras
together or the Uragas and Gandharvas. Let us take counsel
as to what means to adopt that will ensure the success of our
expedition in order to penetrate into the eternal retreat of
Ravana, the King of the Titans.”
89
90
YUDDHA KANDA
CHAPTER 3 8
From there they observed that splendid city with its marvellous
gates enclosed in magnificent ramparts, as if suspended in the
9i
air ; thus did Lanka, filled with warriors, appear to those monkey
leaders and, standing on those wonderful ramparts, the dark-
hued titans resembled a second wall in the eyes of the foremost
monkeys. Beholding them, the monkeys, in Rama’s presence,
burning to fight, redoubled their cries.
chapter 39
Description of Lanka
YUDDHA KANDA
Ten leagues wide, twenty in length, with its tall gates which
resembled white clouds and its ramparts of gold and silver,
it was a very marvel ! Palaces and temples were the splendid
decoration of that city, as clouds at the end of summer are to
the region of Vishnu that is found between earth and heaven.
93
CHAPTER 40
Seeing him about to rush upon him again, that Ranger of the
Night said to him : —
Speaking thus, he threw himself upon him and with his two
arms flung him to the ground. Bouncing up like a ball, that
monkey struck his adversary in his turn and perspiration broke
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YUDDHA KANDA
out on the limbs of both and their bodies were red with blood ;
each clung to the other, paralysing his opponent’s movements
and they resembled the Shalmali and Kimshuka Trees.
Then followed blows and slaps with hands and arms and an
indescribable struggle arose between the two powerful kings,
the Lords of the Titans and Monkeys. Hard and long was the
combat between these two doughty champions in the gateway,
each in turn lifting the other up, crouching and changing their
positions, tripping each other and throwing each other down,
crushing one another, bruising each other’s limbs, and, falling
between the Sala Trees and the moat, they would leap up again,
pausing an instant to regain their breath. Then, with arms
interlaced like ropes, they remained locked together, struggling
and furious, full of skill and energy, moving to and fro. Like
a lion and a tiger or two young elephants, that have just grown
their tusks, scrutinising each other, with arms interlaced and
grappling with one another, they fell on the earth together.
Thereafter, rising, they hurled themselves on each other afresh,
circling round the arena again and again, like skilled and mighty
wrestlers nor were they easily fatigued. Like unto great tuskers,
with their enormous arms resembling the trunks, they gripped
each other tightly. Grcling round and round in that duel
which was long and fierce, they trampled down the earth and,
approaching each other, like two wild cats fighting over a piece
of meat, each tried to kill his adversary. Taking up diverse
postures, describing innumerable evolutions, running like an
ox’s urine, halting, coming and going, they executed a myriad
different movements; stepping sideways, making feints, twisting
to avoid a blow, turning about, darting to the attack, each
hurling himself on his opponent, standing firm and erect,
disengaging themselves, presenting back and flank, preparing to
leap, letting go or stealing away, thus Sugriva and Ravana, to
their utmost satisfaction, multiplied such feats in which they
excelled.
95
CHAPTER 41
Rama sends Angada to Ravana
“ Seeing the one who had borne away thy consort, O Brave
Descendant of Raghu, conscious of mine own strength, how
could I have acted otherwise ? ”
** Beside these cool waters and trees laden with fruit, let us
divide and marshal our forces, O Lakshmana ! I foresee a
terrible calamity boding universal destruction and death to the
intrepid bears, monkeys and titans. Harsh winds blow, the
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YUDDHA KANDA
99
“ ‘ Enter into combat with me, O Titan, exert thy strength and
valour in the fight, mine arrows will chasten thee and thou wilt
be subdued ! Even shouldst thou range the Three Worlds in
the form of a bird, O Night-ranger, my glance would follow
thee and thou wouldst not return alive. I give thee this salutory
counsel — prepare for thine obsequies, let Lanka regain her
splendour, thy life is in my hands ! * ”
ioo
YUDDHA KANDA
ioi
CHAPTER 42
The Titans make a Sortie
YUDDHA KANDA
Meanwhile, his heart filled with rage, the King of the Titans
ordered his troops to make a rapid sortie. At this command
Ming from Ravana’s lips, a tremendous clamour arose among
the rangers of the night and the sound of kettledrums, their
discs white as the moon, on which the titans beat with sticks of
gold, broke out on every side, while hundreds and thousands of
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chapter 43
YUDDHA KANDA
flashing like the sun, they issued forth clad in marvellous suits
of mail, eager to triumph in Ravana’s name.
YUDDHA KANDA
chapter 44
Angada's Exploit
During the combat between monkeys and titans, the sun sank
below the horizon, giving place to a night of carnage. In their
mutual hostility, monkeys and titans, burning for victory,
continued to fight in the gathering gloom.
and with indescribable fury tore them down with their sharp
claws. Thus did those mighty monkey warriors sow confusion
amongst the titans and they clawed the elephants and those
mounted upon them and the chariots from which the banners
streamed, breaking them to pieces with their teeth.
YUDDHA KANDA
the fireflies in autumn. The cries of the titans and the roll of
drums increased the horrors of that night beyond imagining
and, in that terrible uproar which re-echoed on every side, it
seemed as if the Mount Trikuta was emitting confused murmurs
from its innumerable caves.
Then Indrajita, after that monkey had slain his steeds and
charioteer, overcome with fatigue, made himself invisible and
vanished.
CHAPTER 45
no
YUDDHA KANDA
IXI
CHAPTER 46
tZ2
YUDDHA KANDA
Having spoken thus to all the titans, who had witnessed the
scene, Ravani began to assail all the monkey leaders. First he
struck down Nila with nine exceedingly powerful javelins,
thereafter he wounded Mainda and Dvivida with three more
and that mighty bowman, having pierced Jambavan in the breast
with an arrow, loosed ten shafts on the impetuous Hanuman.
Then Ravani, in the fight, full of ire, with twin arrows pierced
Gavaksha and Sharabha, those two of immeasurable prowess,
and the leader of the Golangulas and the son of Bali, Angada,
were overcome by innumerable darts by the swift-coursing
Ravani. Transfixing the leading monkeys with shafts resembling
tongues of fire, that mighty and colossal son of Ravana began
to shout in triumph and, having overwhelmed and routed the
monkeys with a hail of weapons, that long-armed hero burst into
loud laughter, exclaining : —
1 Goddess of prosperity,
1 14
YUDDHA KANDA
enemies had succumbed, smelt the head of his son and in great
delight questioned him concerning the matter.
CHAPTER 47
115
There they found her overcome with the grief that separation
from her lord caused her, nevertheless they placed her in the
Chariot Pushpaka and when they were seated therein with
Trijata, Ravana took her round the city garlanded with flags
and banners and at the same time the delighted Monarch of
the Titans caused a proclamation to be made in Lanka announcing
that Rama as also Lakshmana had been slain by Indrajita in
combat.
CHAPTER 48
Site's Lamentations
Seeing her lord lying on the earth as also the valiant Lakshmana,
Sita, in the grief that overwhelmed her, gave voice to her
complaint, saying : —
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YUDDHA KANDA
I 117
“ In the natural course, when men have lost their lives, their
features exhibit appalling alteration, it is therefore impossible
that these two do not still live. Banish thy grief on account of
1x8
YUDDHA KANDA
chapter 49
120
YUDDHA KANDA
CHAPTER 50
I2X
THE RAMAYANA OF VALMIKI
122
YUDDHA KANDA
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YUDDHA KANDA
and the children and thou hast slain Ravana, thine adversary,
thou shalt bring back Sita ! ”
Having said this, Supama of swift flight, who had just healed
Rama’s wounds in the presence of the monkeys, having paid
obeisance to him and taken him into his arms, mounted into
the sky with the speed of the wind.
CHAPTER 51
from where they beheld the army and its leader the illustrious
Sugriva with the two Raghavas also, freed of their bonds, seated
in noble ease, whereupon the titans were thunderstruck. With
terror in their hearts, those fierce warriors jumped down from
the walls and, deadly pale, returned to their king. With
downcast mien, those titans, skilled in speech, faithfully
informed Ravana of those unpleasant tidings, saying : —
“ Mobilize the army, what need is there for delay when the
battle is joined ! ”
YUDDHA KANDA
picks, nooses and axes, those terrible titans sallied forth with the
noise of thunder. Clad in mail and mounted on chariots that
were magnificently dressed with flags and decorated with bands
of pure gold, harnessed to mules of many heads or steeds of
exceeding fleetness or elephants maddened with Mada juice,
some of those titans bounded forward like veritable tigers.
YUDDHA KANDA
CHAPTER 53
Vajradamshtra enters the Lists
YUDDHA KANDA
emerged from the northern gate where the General Angada was
stationed.
CHAPTER 5 4
Angada slays Vajradamshtra
YUDDHA KANDA
Then the monkey broke off a great crag from the mountain
once more and it was covered with trees and he brought it down
on the head of his adversary so that Vajradamshtra, seized with
a sudden giddiness, faltered and began to vomit blood, clenching
his mace convulsively and breathing heavily. Thereafter,
coming to his senses, in a transport of fury he hit the son of
Bali full on the chest with his mace and, letting it fall, began to
fight with his fists whereupon a hand-to-hand struggle ensued
between monkey and titan. Exhausted by the blows, spitting
blood, those valiant warriors resembled the planets Mars and
Mercury.
x 133
Having struck down the enemy with his powerful arm, the
mighty son of Bali experienced great joy amidst the monkey
army, honoured by them for his high courage and he resembled
the God of a Thousand Eyes surrounded by the Celestials.
chapter 55
YUDDHA KANDA
Under the rain of blood the dust was laid, revealing the
135
CHAPTER 56
“ Drive the chariot with all speed to that place, for those
warriors are slaying countless titans on the battlefield. Those
arrogant monkeys of exceeding ferocity, armed with trees and
rocks, dare to affront me ! I shall exterminate those audacious
warriors who are seen sowing confusion in the ranks of the
titans ! ”
YUDDHA KANDA
and, crushed under the shafts of the titan, the confusion became
general.
Then the valiant Hanuman, seeing them fall under the sway
of death, pursued by Akampana’s darts, went to the rescue of his
companions and, beholding that great Plavaga, those lions
among the monkeys rallied and, in the field, grouped themselves
boldly round him. Observing his courage, those foremost of
the monkeys took heart in the shelter of his valour.
Seeing their leader lying lifeless on the earth, all the titans
trembled as trees when the earth quakes. Put to flight, all those
warriors, throwing away their arms, escaped in the direction of
Lanka, terrified, pursued by the monkeys. Their hair loosened,
panic-stricken, their pride broken by defeat, their limbs dripping
with sweat, in their bewilderment, they fled in confusion.
Thereafter, mad with fear, looking back continually, crushing
each other in their haste, they entered the city.
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YUDDHA KANDA
CHAPTER 57
Prahasta goes out to fight
Then the titan set out from Lanka immediately in the midst
of a powerful army and, at his departure, a rolling of drums,
resembling the roar of Parjanya, and a blast of fanfares arose that
seemed to fill the earth and, with the blare of conches, the titans
advanced, creating a terrible uproar.
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YUDDHA KANDA
of that force, vast as the sea, Prahasta in his fury appeared like
Death at the end of the world, whilst the uproar, that arose on his
setting forth with his titans raising their war cries, drew a
sinister answering call from all creatures.
CHAPTER 58
The Death of Prahasta
Trees in flower, rocks, huge and heavy stones were the weapons
of the Plavamgamas, who were burning to fight and, as they
approached each other, a formidable struggle arose between
those innumerable combatants, who showered down a hail of
stones and arrows. In the conflict, countless titans caused the
death of thousands of mighty monkeys and countless monkeys
destroyed as many titans. Some of the combatants fell under the
lances, others under great arrows, some were struck down by the
blows of bars, others cloven by axes. Deprived of their life’s
breath they lay on the earth their hearts transfixed or cut to pieces
by the avalanche of missiles. And those monkeys fell on the earth
cut in two by the strokes of swords, their sides torn open by
those bold titans and they, on their part, full of fury, overthrew
the enemy ranks, heaping the earth with them, and they struck
at them with trees and crags, administering thundering slaps
and terrific blows with their fists, so that the titans, blinded,
their faces ashen, vomited blood.
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YUDDHA KANDA
With the heaps of warriors for its banks, the broken weapons
its tiees, the torrents of blood its huge waves, death appeared
like an ocean receiving its floods ; livers and spleens its mire,
entrails its moss, severed heads and minks the fish, and morsels
of flesh the grass, innumerable vultures its lovely swans, herons
its geese, covered as it was with fat for the foam, the tumult the
sound of its waters, the battlefield resembled a river, incapable of
being crossed, visited by waterfowl at the end of the rainy
season. And the foremost of the titans and the monkeys crossed
over that impassable river as elephants lead their herds across
a lake that the lotuses have covered with pollen.
Roaring with anger under his blows, that lion among titans
overwhelmed the monkey chief with a rain of arrows and the
shower of missiles loosed by that cruel demon was received by
the monkey with closed eyes. Like a bull standing under a
sudden autumnal downpour, so under that intolerable rain of
darts, Nila immediately closed his eyes, suffering it, though it
was scarce to be endured. Mad with rage, under the hail of
arrows, that great and mighty monkey, arming himself with a
Sala Tree, struck down Prahasta’s horses and thereafter his heart
surging with anger he severed the bow of that barbarian, shouting
again and again.
From his riven head and body the blood flowed, so that it
resembled a torrent falling from a mountain. Prahasta being
slain by Nila, the invincible and mighty army of the titans
bereft of joy, fled to Lanka, their leader having succumbed, nor
144
YUDDHA KANDA
could they be stayed, as the waters of the sea may not be stemmed
by a broken dyke.
chapter 59
145
YUDDHA KANDA
As soon as that Indra of the Titans with his bow and burnished
arrows had thrown himself into the fray, the leader of the
monkeys rushed out to meet him, tearing up a great mountain
peak. Seizing that rock covered with innumerable trees, he
hurled it at that prowler of the night, who, seeing it flying towards
him, broke it in pieces with his golden-stemmed arrows. That
huge and high peak covered with trees being shattered, fell
on the earth, and the Lord of the Titans, like unto another
An taka, selected a dart resembling a great serpent. Taking up
that arrow, which rivalled Anila in velocity and possessed the
brilliance of fire and the force of lightning, he loosed it with
fury on Sugriva in order to slay him, and that weapon, equal
to Shakra’s thunderbolt, loosed by Ravana’s arm, penetrated
Sugriva’s breast in its flight as formerly Guha’s spear when
he discharged it at the Krauncha Mountain.
Under the blows with which the Enemy of the Gods assailed
them, those generals of terrifying stature were overcome,
whereupon he covered that formidable army of monkeys with a
shower of arrows.
*4*
YUDDHA KANDA
149
Then the son of the Wind answered Ravana who spoke thus,
saying : —
YUDDHA KANDA
151
YUDDHA KANDA
153
YUDDHA KANDA
155
THE RAMAYANA OF VALMIKI
CHAPTER 60
The Titans rouse Kumbhakama
156
YUDDHA KANDA
157
158
YUDDHA KANDA
Raising his eyelids that were heavy with sleep, his gaze still
veiled, he let his glance fall on the night rangers on every side
and, in a voice of authority, that lion among the Nairritas,
surprised at being roused, enquired of them, saying : —
YUDDHA KANDA
“ I desire to see him here ; let him receive the honours due
to his rank ! ”
CHAPTER 6 I
The Story of Kumbhakama
1 See glossary.
162
YUDDHA KANDA
“ The mighty Kumbhakarna is innately powerful, whilst the
foremost of the titans owe their strength to the boons they have
received. As soon as that monster was bom and while yet an
infant, urged on by hunger, he devoured thousands of beings.
Seeing their kind consumed, those creatures, mad with fear,
took refuge with Shakra and told him all that had taken place.
Enraged, Mahendra struck Kumbhakarna with his mighty
thunderbolt and, at the impact of Indra’s weapon, that giant
reeled howling with terror.
“ When the cries of the titan were heard, the fear of those
beings increased, and in his anger, the mighty Kumbhakarna
tore out one of Airavata’s tusks in order to pierce Vasava’s
breast and, under the blows of that monster, Indra appeared
like a flame. Seeing this, the Devas, Brahmarishis and Danavas
were thunderstruck and Shakra with those Celestials went to
Swyambhu’s abode and informed Prajapati of Kumbhakama’s
wickedness ; he also described to the inhabitants of the heavenly
region, how he had devoured all those creatures, laid waste the
hermitages and carried off others wives and said * If he continues
to devour those beings, in a short time the whole world will
become a desert’.
“ ‘Thou hast hewn down the golden tree which was about
to bear fruit! It does not behove thee to curse thine own
grandson, O Prajapati ; nevertheless thy words may never prove
vain ; assuredly he must slumber but at least appoint a time for
sleeping and a time for waking ! ’
163
chapter 62
YUDDHA KANDA
u 165
CHAPTER 63
Kumbhakarna consoles Ravana
Five aspects — The consideration of (a) Time, (b) Place, (c) Of persons
or things concerned, (d) Provision against mischance, (e) Consideration of
the
possibility of success.
166
YUDDHA KANDA
1 Duty, profit and pleasure — The Three Ends of Life should be pursued
in
the following order : — Duty or devotion in the morning, profit or
affairs in
the afternoon and the pursuit of pleasure in the evening.
I67
YUDDHA KANDA
tears of those who are overcome with sorrow and have been
rendered desolate by the loss of their relatives. To-day thou
shalt see Sugriva, the leader of the Plavagas, who resembles a
mountain illumined by the sun, lying on the earth. The titans,
and I also, are eager to slay Dasaratha’s son ; this should fill thee
with confidence, how is it that thou art still trembling, O
Irreproachable Hero ? Should he slay me, Raghava will
assuredly slay thee also but I have nothing to fear, O Lord of the
Titans ! Now command me, O Scourge of Thy Foes, do not
seek another for this encounter, O Incomparable Hero ! I shall
destroy thy foes despite their strength ! Even were it Shakra
or Yama or Pavaka or Maruta, I should enter into combat with
them or with Kuvera or Varuna themselves ; I, who in stature
am like unto a mountain, with a sharpened spear as my weapon,
my war-cry, my pointed teeth, at the sight of which Purandara
himself trembles, throwing away my arms, shall strike down the
foe with blows of my fists. None will be able to withstand me,
no matter how much they may cling to life, nor have I need of
lance, mace, sword or whetted dart ; with my bare hands alone,
I will kill Raghava, were he accompanied by the God who bears
the Thunderbolt himself ! If he is able to withstand the force
of my fists then mine arrows will drink his life’s blood ! O
King, I stand here, why art thou overwhelmed with despair ?
Here I wait ready to exterminate the slayers of titans, by whom
Lanka has been set on fire, and also the monkeys, in the struggle
that is about to take place. I shall confer a rare and great glory
upon thee ! Did the danger come from Indra or Swyambhu
or the Gods themselves, I should make them measure their
length on the field of battle, O King ! I shall overcome Yama,
consume Pavaka, hurl down Varuna, pulverize the mountains
and shatter the earth ! After my long sleep, let those beings
I am about to consume, witness the prowess of Kumbhakama
this day ! Nay, the Three Worlds shall not be able to glut mine
appetite ! In order to please thee I will slay the son of Dasaratha!
Having struck down Rama and Lakshmana, I shall devour all
the foremost of the monkey leaders. Rejoice therefore, O King
and drink wine, do what thou hast to do and banish grief ;
to-day I shall send Rama to the abode of death and Sita will
become thine for ever ! ”
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CHAPTER 64
Mahodara’s Speech
Hearing this speech of the colossal and valiant Kumbhakama,
Mahodara replied : —
“ Why should that which the king has so much at heart and
which we approve, namely the chastising of his enemies, be set
aside in any way? As for the motives thou hast given for
marching against Rama single-handed, I will point out to thee
what is ill-considered and reprehensible about them ! How
canst thou defeat Rama alone, he who formerly destroyed
innumerable exceedingly powerful titans in Janas thana ? Those
rangers of the night whom he overcame in Janasthana were
valiant warriors also and dost thou not behold them in the dty,
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YUDDHA KANDA
171
chapter 65
YUDDHA KANDA
over the foe and, in this wise, redeem thy calamitous policy
in this great struggle.”
Hearing his words, which filled him with delight, that warrior
went away and, having listened to the king’s speech, prepared
for battle. Then that scourge of his foes vigorously brandished
his iron spear decorated with fine gold that shone brightly and
was as renowned as Indra’s thunderbolt and equally heavy.
The scourge of the Devas, Danavas, Gandharvas, Yakshas and
Pannagas, wreathed in garlands, festooned with crimson
flowers, emitting flames, that great spear, stained with the blood
of his enemies, was taken up by the illustrious Kumbhakama,
who addressed Ravana, saying : —
“ I shall set out alone ; let thy powerful army remain here !
To-day in mine hunger and fury, I shall devour the monkeys ! ”
At these words of Kumbhakama, Ravana answered : —
174
YUDDHA KANDA
having assembled the titans, that colossus with his large mouth,
who looked like a flaming crag said with a mocking laugh : —
175
Having leapt over the wall, Kumbhakama, that giant, like unto
the peak of a mountain, full of valour, set out from the city in
haste and emitted a great shout which agitated the waters,
drowned the thunder claps and appeared to shatter the
mountains.
YUDDHA KANDA
177
CHAPTER 67
YUDDHA KANDA
YUDDHA KANDA
N 181
YUDDHA KANDA
Then with his sharp nails, the King of the Monkeys, instantly
attacked the enemy of the Gods and tore off his two ears with
his teeth, biting off his nose and splitting his thighs with his feet.
With his nose and ears torn off by Sugriva’s teeth and nails,
Kumbhakama, transported with anger, his limbs covered with
blood, threw the monkey down in order to crush him. Flung
to the ground with fearful violence and struck by the Enemy
of the Gods, Sugriva bounced into the air like a ball and with
all speed flew to rejoin Rama.
a hundred ; his limbs were covered with fat, flesh and blood,
while wreaths of tangled entrails hung over his ears, and that
colossus, of sharp teeth, began to discharge his weapons so that
he appeared like Time at the end of the world.
Hearing these words, that ranger of the night, the mighty and
powerful Kumbhakarna, disregarding Lakshmana, passed him
by and, causing the earth to tremble, rushed on Rama.
184
YUDDHA KANDA
I85
Meanwhile Rama , whose arms were like unto the great coils
of the King of the Serpents, said to Kumbhakama who, possessing
the splendour of a mountain, was rushing to attack him like a
cloud driven by the tempest : —
1 86
YUDDHA HAND k
Irreproachable Prince ! **
Beholding the titan with two arms severed who, roaring, was
rushing upon him, Rama took out two whetted and crescent-
shaped arrows and severed his two feet, whereupon the interme-
diary regions, the four quarters, the caves of the mountain,
the vast ocean, the City of Lanka and the ranks of the monkeys
resounded with the thunder of his fall.
His arms and legs severed, that titan opened his mouth like
Vadavamukha and suddenly rushed howling on Rama like
I87
YUDDHA KANDA
chapter 68
Ravana weeps for Kumbhakama
190
YUDDHA KANDA
CHAPTER 69
Narantaka is slain by Angada
All were able to fly in the air, all were skilled in magic, all had
humbled the pride of the Gods, all were invincible warriors,
all were endowed with great strength, all enjoyed great renown,
of none was it recounted that they had been defeated in battle
even by the Gods, Gandharvas, Kinneras or great Serpents.
All were expert in the use of weapons, all were courageous and
able fighters, all were highly learned and all had been the
recipients of great boons.
191
192
YUDDHA KANDA
of Vishnu holding the Mandara Mountain in his arms and
Mahaparshwa, full of strength and energy, brandished a mace
like unto Kuvera armed for combat.
194
YUDDHA KANDA
195
YUDDHA KANDA
CHAPTER 70
Its eyes starting from their sockets, the elephant fell dead and
that powerful son of Bali tore out one of its tusks, thereafter,
rushing on Devantaka, he dealt him a blow in that struggle
which caused him to stumble like a tree buffeted by the wind,
and he vomited blood profusely which was the colour of lac.
Breathing with difficulty, the energetic and mighty Devantaka,
brandishing his mace, struck Angada a violent blow. At
the impact, the son of that Indra among Monkeys fell to his
knees but soon rose up again and, as he did so, Trishiras, with
three infallible and formidable darts, pierced that son of the
simian king.
YUDDHA KANDA
Beholding his uncle slain, Trishiras seized hold of his bow and,
full of ire, pierced Hanuman with his sharp arrows. Thereupon
the son of the Wind, provoked, flung a crag at the valiant
Trishiras who broke it to pieces with his whetted shafts. Seeing
that his missile was useless, the monkey let fall a rain of trees
on the son of Ravana in the struggle and he, observing that
shower of trees falling through the air upon him, severed them
in fury with his sharp arrows, emitting shouts of triumph. Then
Hanuman, leaping upon his steed, tore at it violently with his
nails, as the King of the Beasts claws a great elephant.
and struck Hanuman with his fist. The blow infuriated the
great monkey who, in anger, seized hold of the titan by his
crown and, as formerly Shakra severed the head of Tashtri’s
son,1 so Hanuman, with a terrific stroke of his sharp sword, cut
off his three heads each encircled with a diadem and decorated
with earrings. The heads of that enemy of Indra with their
large eyes resembling stones, their glances like unto a glowing
brazier, fell to the earth like stars falling from the sky. When
the enemy of the Gods, Trishiras was slain by Hanuman, who
was equal to Shakra in valour, the monkeys shouted in triumph
and the earth shook, whilst the titans scattered on all sides.
200
YUDDHA KANDA
At his fall, all those titan warriors fled and, Ravana’s brother
being slain, the whole army of the Nairritas, which was as vast
as the sea, throwing away their weapons, seeking only to preserve
their lives, scattered in all directions like the sea bursting its
banks.
chapter 71
Witnessing the rout of his great army, causing the hair to stand
on end, and the death of his brothers the equals of Shakra in
prowess and, beholding his two uncles Yuddhonmatta and
Matta, the foremost of the titans, struck down in the fight,
the illustrious Atikaya, who resembled a rock, the humbler
of the pride of Devas and Danavas, he who had been favoured
by Brahma, fell into a transport of rage.
202
YUDDHA KANDA
203
204
YUDDHA KANDA
That shaft, sinking into the brow of the terrible titan with the
blood that covered it, resembled the King of the Serpents
entering a mountain and, as the formidable gateway of T ripura
shook, when struck by Rudra’s shaft, so did that titan falter
at the impact of Lakshmana’s weapon. Breathing heavily, that
colossus reflected * Assuredly the arrow thus loosed proves to
me that thou art a worthy adversary ! * Thinking thus, he
opened his mouth and, stretching his great arms, leaning on his
seat, urged his chariot forward.
305
THE RAMAYANA OF VALMIKI
One, three, five and seven were the arrows selected by that
lion among the titans and, placing them on his bow and drawing
it, he let them fly and those shafts, bright as the sun, seemed as
it were to set the firmament ablaze. Meantime, unmoved, the
younger brother of Raghava severed them with the aid of
innumerable whetted darts. Seeing those arrows broken, the
son of Ravana, enemy of the Lord of the Gods, incensed, took
hold of a sharp weapon and, placing it on his bow, he loosed it
with great force against Saumitri, who was advancing towards
him, striking him on the breast. Wounded in the breast by
Atikaya, Saumitri began to bleed profusely, like an elephant
discharging its temporal juices, and that prince plucked out the
shaft and threw it away ; thereafter he selected a sharp dart to
which he joined a mantra-charged arrow and set Agni’s weapon
on his bow whereupon both bow and arrow spat forth flames.
Thereupon Atikaya, endowed with great strength, took up
Rudra’s weapon and fixed an arrow with a golden haft, re-
sembling a serpent, on his bow.
YUDDHA KANDA
CHAPTER 72
YUDDHA KANDA
chapter 73
210
YUDDHA KANDA
211
THE RAMAYANA OF VALMIKI
With the aid of arrows as bright as the sun, loosed with skill,
that were exceedingly swift, he scattered those monkey divisions
in that great fight and, with transports of the keenest joy, that
renowned warrior, born of the Indra of the Titans, witnessed
the entire simian army, bathed in blood, overwhelmed with that
rain of missiles.
YUDDHA KANDA
CHAPTER 74
“ Let us console those who still live among the army of the
monkeys, which has been decimated by that celestial shaft.”
214
YUDDHA KANDA
“ Why dost thou remain silent concerning the two princes and
question me on the subject of Maruti ? How is it that King
Sugriva, Angada or even Raghava do not inspire thee with an
affection as great as that which thou bearest for the son of Vayu,
O Venerable One ? ”
215
feet and the voice of Hanuman moved his heart, so that the
Prince of the Plavagas felt new life had been bestowed on him.
216
YUDDHA KANDA
Then the son of Vayu, stretching his two arms that resembled
the coils of serpents, with a strength equal to the enemy of
reptiles,1 set out in the direction of that celestial peak of the
Lord of the Mountains, displacing all the cardinal points as it
were. And he observed the ocean that rolled on and on with
its garlands of waves and all the creatures moving in its depths
while he coursed on like the discus loosed by the fingers of
Vishnu. Mountains, flocks of birds, lakes, rivers, ponds, vast
cities, crowded provinces, passed under his gaze as he journeyed
on with the swiftness of his sire, the Wind-god. And the agile
and courageous Hanuman, the rival of his father in valour,
strove to follow the orbit of the sun and, in extreme haste, the
foremost of monkeys went on with the speed of the wind and all
the quarters re-echoed to the sound.
Then Maruti, that great monkey, full of energy, remembered
Jambavan’s words and suddenly Himavat appeared with its
many streams, its great number of caves and waterfalls, the
many kinds of trees that adorned it and its peaks like a mass of
white clouds lovely to look upon. Thereafter he approached
that King of Mountains and, as he drew near that Indra of high
mountains with its golden peaks of great altitude, Hanuman
beheld those illustrious and holy retreats of the ascetics,
1 Garuda.
217
*' What impels thee, thou who art of such strength, to show
thyself (to be) without pity for Raghava ? O King of the
Mountains, the hour having struck, overcome by the power of
mine arms, thou shalt see thyself shattered to pieces ! ”
Thereupon, seizing hold of the crest with its trees, elephants,
gold and many kinds of ore that adorned it, with its summit of
318
YUDDHA KANDA
Having thus uprooted it, he flew into the air to the great
terror of the worlds, the Gods and their leaders and to the
acclamations of innumerable inhabitants of the sky. Thereafter
he flew away with the speed of Garuda, carrying that rocky peak
which shone like the luminous orb and he too was filled with
radiance as he followed the path of the sun. Coursing thus in
the vicinity of that orb, he appeared to be its very image, and
that peak spread a great light over the son of the God, who is the
bearer of fragrance, so that it appeared as if Vishnu Himself,
armed with his discus of a thousand fiery rays, were in the sky.
Then the two sons of that King of Men, having inhaled those
wonderful herbs, were instantly healed of their wounds and the
others, those valiant monkeys, rose up in their turn and all the
brave Plavagas were instantly cured of their wounds and
sufferings, having inhaled those wonderful herbs and those who
had been slain returned to life like sleepers waking when the
night is over.
219
CHAPTER 75
YUDDHA KANDA
In an instant, the monkeys had set fire to the city and it looked
as if the whole earth were aflame, as at the dread destruction of
the world.
Seeing the smoke, the women began to shriek and, when the
flames reached them, their cries could be heard at a hundred
leagues distance. The titans rushed out of the city, their limbs
covered with bums, whereupon the monkeys, eager to come to
blows, fell upon them. Monkeys and titans set up such a
clamour that it caused the ten regions, the ocean and the whole
earth to re-echo.
Then the light of the moon and stars and the brilliance of the
two armies irradiated the heaven whilst the rays of the moon,
their ornaments and the planets lit up the ranks of monkeys
and titans on all sides and the light from the half-demolished
mansions projected lurid flames over the flowing and tumultuous
waves.
222
YUDDHA KANDA
223
CHAPTER 76
1 Angada.
234
YUDDHA KANDA
225
226
YUDDHA KANDA
227
228
YUDDHA KANDA
CHAPTER 77
cries. With his breast adorned with golden pieces, his arms
encircled with bracelets, his charming earrings and graceful
garlands, his jewels and his mace, Nikumbha shone like a cloud
shot with lightning and charged with thunder to which the bow
of Indra is added. The tip of his weapon shattered the con-
junction of the seven winds and that loud-voiced hero glowed
like a smokeless flame, whereupon the firmament with the Gty of
Vitapavati, the most lovely palaces of the Gandharvas, the
clusters of stars and planets, the moon and great luminaries
seemed to be spinning round with the whirling of Nikumbha’s
mace ! Unapproachable in ardour, Nikumbha was like unto
the Fire at the destruction of the worlds, his mace and his
ornaments the flames, his wrath the fuel, and, in their terror,
neither titans nor monkeys dared to move.
YUDDHA KANDA
Dasaratha and the son of that Indra of the Titans, both filled
with fury, entered into a desperate struggle. And Nikumbha
being slain, the Plavagas emitted cries of joy that re-echoed in
all the quarters of the horizon and the earth seemed to tremble
and the heavens crumble, whilst the hosts of the titans were
filled with terror.
CHAPTER 78
chapter 79
Blows from trees and swords, clashes of maces and iron bars
were exchanged, whilst monkeys and night-rangers assailed each
other and the titans created carnage among the foremost of the
monkeys with swords, maces, lances, javelins, harpoons, goads
and arrows, nets, hammers, sticks and other weapons with which
they struck out on every side.
232
YUDDHA KANDA
Overwhelmed by a mass of missiles which the son of Khara
hurled upon them, all the monkeys, distracted, fled full of terror
and, seeing their enemies routed, the titans emitted leonine roars
and triumphant shouts, while the monkeys scattered in all
directions. Then Rama covered the titans with a hail of arrows
and, beholding them overpowered in this wise, Maharaksha,
that ranger of the night, consumed with the fire of his wrath,
challenged Rama in these words, saying : —
234
YUDDHA KANDA
CHAPTER 80
235
Under the protection of the Rod of Brahma, like unto the sun,
the mighty Ravani was invincible. Setting out from the city,
having invoked Agni and acquired the power to make himself
invisible by the aid of sacred formulas lawful to titans, the
triumphant Indrajita spoke thus : —
“ Today I shall slay those two who have passed their exile in
the forest in vain and, in combat, win a decisive victory for my
Sire, Ravana. Today, having destroyed Rama and Lakshmana,
I shall enjoy the supreme felicity of ridding the earth of monkeys!”
236
YUDDHA KANDA
237
CHAPTER 8 I
YUDDHA KANDA
Having thus slain her with his great sword, Indrajita, full of
239
joy, standing in his chariot, began to shout aloud, and the mon-
keys, ranged before him at no great distance, heard him roaring
full throatedly, stationed in his aerial citadel.
chapter 82
Hanuman rallies his Forces : Indrajita’s Sacrifice
YUDDHA KANDA
241
CHAPTER 8 3
Lakshmana's Speech
YUDDHA KANDA
has not been able to preserve thee from misfortune ! I see the
form of that which is animate and inanimate but not the form of
dharma, hence in mine opinion, it does not exist ! Inanimate
objects may be seen and also those which are animate but the
spiritual law is not manifest, else the virtuous such as thou
would not suffer adversity ! If unrighteousness brought evil in
its train, then Ravana would now be in hell and thou, who art
virtuous, wouldst not be afflicted by ill-fortune. Meanwhile
calamity spares the titan in order to strike thee down, which
proves the consequences of righteousness and unrighteousness to
be reversed ! If virtue produced good results and unrighteous-
ness evil ones, then those (like Ravana), who have forsaken
virtue, would suffer evil consequences. Those who never take
pleasure in ill-doing should not be robbed of felicity since their
every delight is in doing good ; those who follow righteousness
should pluck the fruits thereof. Since prosperity attends on
those in whom unrighteousness abides and those, who make
virtue their way of life, are afflicted, these words (vice and virtue)
have no meaning ! O Raghava, if the evil-doer perished through
his own unrighteousness, unrighteousness itself would perish
through its own evil and, it being destroyed, how could it
destroy ? If it be through the decree of destiny that a man is
slain or slays another, then it is destiny and not the slayer who is
at fault. O Thou, Slayer of thy Foes, since one is unable to
discern the law of dharma meting out retribution or behold its
form and it is as if it were not, how is it possible to attain the
highest by means of dharma ? If dharma truly existed, O King,
O Most Virtuous of Men, then thou wouldst not have suffered
this misfortune ; it is therefore manifest that this law is meaning-
less ! Dharma, being weak and powerless, attaches itself to the
strong and, because of its weakness, rubs out any difference
between itself and vice, therefore, in mine opinion, one should
disregard it. If unrighteousness is merely the result of strength,
then abandon it since might is right. But if, as some hold,
dharma is loyalty to one’s word, O Scourge of thy Foes, then thy
sire is guilty of adharma in the duplicity and cruelty he meted
out to thee without reason ! If one accepts the existence of
righteousness, then Indra, the Bearer of the Thunderbolt, God
of a Hundred Sacrifices, was not justified in performing a
243
244
YUDDHA KANDA
CHAPTER 84
Bibishana consoles Rama
* 245
“ With his whetted shafts, that lion among men will compel
Ravani to break off his sacrifice, after which he may be slain.
Thy brother’s sharp and penetrating arrows, that fly on wings and
resemble birds of prey, will drink his blood. O Long-armed
Warrior, let Lakshmana, who is endowed with auspicious marks,
bear down on that titan in order to destroy him, as Indra looses
his thunderbolt. O Best of Men, it is not fitting to defer the
slaying of a foe ; now suffer Lakshmana to fall on thine adversary
speedily in order to slay him, as Mahadeva looses his thunderbolt
on the enemies of the Gods in order to exterminate them.”
CHAPTER 85
Thus did the titan speak, but Raghava, who was overwhelmed
with grief, did not fully comprehend what was said to him.
Thereafter, having regained his strength, Rama, the Conqueror
of Hostile Citadels, answered Bibishana, who was seated at his
side, saying : —
YUDDHA KANDA
“ ‘ The foe who strikes thee ere thou hast reached the
Nikumbhila Grove and ignited the fire, armed as thou art, will
bring about thy death, O Enemy of Indra! ’ Such were the words
pronounced by the Lord of the World and thus was the end of
that crafty titan ordained ! O Rama, send thy powerful brother
to slay Indrajita and, he being slain, Ravana with his friends is
also slain ! ”
247
Z48
YUDDHA KANDA
CHAPTER 86
Bibishana.
249
250
YUDDHA KANDA
251
YUDDHA KANDA
penalty thou hast merited for the harsh reproaches thou hast
made to me this day ! From henceforth thou shalt not be able
to approach the Nyagrodha Tree, O Vilest of the Titans ! Having
outraged Kakutstha, thou canst not survive ! Enter into
combat with this God among men ! Fall on the field of battle
and go to the abode of Yama to the satisfaction of the Gods !
Display thy prowess, exhaust thy weapons and missiles but if
thou approachest within the range of Lakshmana’s shafts, thou
and thine army shalt not return alive ! ”
CHAPTER 88
YUDDHA KANDA
chapter 89
256
YUDDHA KANDA
For a long time these two valiant warriors tore each other
with their sharp weapons and, in their unbridled energy, the
two skilled combatants sought to overcome each other. Both
riddled with a mass of arrows, their armour and standards
shattered, they caused the hot blood to flow, as waterfalls let
loose their torrents, and they let a dreadful hail of missiles fly
with a great clamour, like unto the dark destructive clouds of
doom, loosing their floods from the sky.
Thus did they fight for a long time without turning back in
combat or giving way to exhaustion. Nevertheless, in order to
allow the invincible Lakshmana, ever in the forefront of the
fight, to overcome the fatigue of combat, the magnanimous
Bibishana threw himself into the fray remaining near him to
lend him his support.
*57
CHAPTER 90
YUDDHA KANDA
it is for you but to cross the hoof mark of a cow. Attack the
titans who still remain, O Monkeys ; all these warriors, whose
strength has filled them with pride, have perished in the fight.
It is not fitting for me to slay my father’s son, but, laying aside
all
pity for Rama’s sake, I will put an end to my brother’s offspring ;
yet though I desire to slay him, tears fill mine eyes and deter me ;
the long-armed Lakshmana will best know how to subdue him !
O Monkeys, closing in upon him, place yourselves so that you
may wipe out those who stand near to him.”
YUDDHA KANDA
Springing from his car, the horses having perished, and his
charioteer being slain, Ravani caused a shower of darts to fall on
Saumitri, whereupon, like unto Mahendra, Lakshmana over-
whelmed Indrajita with shafts and he, fighting on foot, his excellent
steeds being dead, loosed countless whetted and marvellous darts
on Saumitri in the fight.
CHAPTER 91
The Death of Indrajita
Rushing this way and that, titans and monkeys slew each
other, not wishing to abandon their leaders. At that moment,
the son of Ravana began to encourage the titans and praised and
gladdened them by addressing them thus : —
262
YUDDHA KANDA
that flew straight to their target, were stained with blood so that
they resembled huge red serpents.
YUDDHA KANDA
chapter 92
266
YUDDHA KANDA
267
CHAPTER 93
YUDDHA KANDA
the battlefield, that bull among the titans swooned away and only
came to himself after a long time.
1 This refers to the Mountain Mandara which was used by the Gods and
270
YUDDHA KANDA
271
chapter 94
Rama's Exploits
272
YUDDHA KANDA
On this command from their king, the titans set out in their
swift-moving chariots followed by innumerable battalions.
Armed with maces, harpoons, swords, arrows and life-destroying
axes, all those titans struck the monkeys, who countered them
with blows from rocks and trees. Then, as the sun rose, a great
and terrible struggle ensued between titans and monkeys, fearful
to behold and they struck each other with countless shining
weapons, javelins, swords and axes in the fray and a prodigious
dust storm, arising on account of the battle, was laid again by the
rivers of blood from titans and monkeys. With elephants and
chariots as the banks, javelins as the fish, standards as the trees,
corpses as the floating logs, rivers of blood flowed.
*73
With his body the pivot, his strength the lustre, his arrows the
spokes, his bow the felly, the twanging of the cord and the
gauntlet the sound, the force of his intelligence its radiance, its
splendour the impetus of his weapon, its circumference the
circle traced by Rama, while he was massacring the titans, he
resembled the Wheel of Time in the eyes of all beings. And in
the eighth part of a day, Rama with his flaming arrows, single-
handed, exterminated the army of the titans who were able to
change their form at will, which comprised eighteen thousand
great elephants, fourteen thousand cavalry and two hundred
thousand infantry.
274
YUDDHA KANDA
The female titans and those who had lost their sons and
kinsfolk, overwhelmed with affliction, assembled to wail and
lament, crying : —
“ Kabandha too, with his arms four miles in length, who lived
on blood, was slain despite his fury and screams ; this too was a
manifestation of Rama’s might. He slew the powerful son of
that God of a Thousand Eyes, the mighty Bali who was as dark
as a doud, this too proved his valour ! And Sugriva, who dwdt
disconsolate on Rishyamukha, the vehicle of his hopes shattered,
was restored to the throne by Rama, which was a further proof
of his power.
YUDDHA KANDA
Thus did the consorts of those rangers of the night lament with
piercing cries, in despair, plunged in grief and terror, their
arms interlaced.
chapter 96
Biting his lips, his eyes red with anger so that the titans
themselves were not able to endure his aspect, he resembled the
Fire of Dissolution itself. In a voice choking with fury, he
issued the following orders to the titans who stood near, con-
suming them with his glance, as it were, and said : —
“ Neither space nor the cardinal points nor heaven nor the seas
themselves will be visible under the cloud of shafts with which I
shall cover them. To-day with my bow I shall cut the foremost
of the monkey battalions to pieces with a succession of my
plumed darts. To-day from the height of my chariot, swift as
the wind, I shall submerge the simian army under the rolling
waves of mine arrows with the aid of my bow in the guise of the
ocean. This day I shall be the elephant who tramples under his
feet those divisions resembling lakes, with open lotuses the
faces, the glistening stamens the bodies ! This day, with each
arrow loosed in the battle, I shall pierce the monkey forces in
their hundreds, as they fight furiously with trees. By slaying
mine adversary to-day, I shall dry the tears of all those who have
lost their brothers or whose sons have perished. To-day,
pierced by my shafts, so large a number of monkeys will lie
scattered here and there that, through my prowess one will not
be able to discern the earth’s surface ! To-day the crows,
vultures and beasts of prey will be sated by the flesh of the foe
struck down by my darts.
278
YUDDHA KANDA
Beholding it, all the titans were seized with exceeding admira-
tion and, perceiving it, Ravana, the Lord of the Titans ascended
thereon and mounted that car glittering like a myriad suns,
blazing like fire itself, and effulgent with its own lustre. Then
Ravana drove away immediately surrounded by innumerable
titans, bearing down the earth as it were with the weight of his
forces ; and, amongst the titans on all sides, there was a great
din of shouting and shrilling of pipes accompanied by tabors,
war drums and conches.
“ There goes the King of the Titans with his fan and canopy,
the abductor of Sita, the ruthless slayer of brahmins, that thorn
in the side of the Gods, who is setting forth to fight the Prince
of the House of Raghu ! ” Such were the cries heard on all
sides and, at the uproar, the earth trembled whilst the monkeys
fled in terror.
At the sound of the titan chariots, the rakshasa host and the
monkey army also prepared to give battle and from every side,
impatient for victory, challenged one another.
YUDDHA KANDA
CHAPTER 97
Thereafter that royal giant let forth a great shout and fell on
that mob of titans, destroying their leaders, and that mighty
monarch crushed the titan divisions, as at the end of the world
cycle the wind breaks down the great trees ; and he let fall a
shower of stones on the titan divisions like a huge cloud letting
loose hailstones amidst a flock of birds in a wood. Under the
avalanche of stones loosed by the King of the Monkeys, the
titans, their heads shorn of their ears, fell like crumbling mount-
ains, and whilst the titans were being overthrown by Sugriva, who
was crushing them as they fell, they cried out. Then Virupaksha,
armed with his bow, proclaiming his name, leapt down from his
chariot and that indomitable titan mounted an elephant and,
advancing thereon, and he, full of vigour, let forth a terrible
cry and hurled himself on the monkeys. Thereafter he rained a
shower of formidable darts on Sugriva in the forefront of battle
and arrested the rout of the titans by reviving their courage.
Riddled with wounds from the sharp arrows of the titans, that
Indra of Monkeys, howling with rage, resolved to slay him and,
281
Then the courageous titan jumped down from the back of the
stunned beast and, turning on the monkey, threw himself upon
him, but he, clad in mail covered with the hide of a bull, un-
sheathing his sword, with a rapid step, rushed defiantly on
Sugriva who stood fast, waiting. Then Sugriva met the impact
of Virupaksha and thereafter let fly a great rock like unto a
cloud, whereupon that lion among the titans, seeing the stone
falling, jumped aside and, full of valour, struck the monkey with
his sword. Pierced by the valiant titan’s sword, the monkey lay
on the ground for a time deprived of consciousness, then,
suddenly rising to his feet in the great struggle, he whirled his fist
round and round, bringing it down violently on the titan’s chest.
Wounded by his blows, the night-ranger, enraged, with his
sword severed Sugriva’s armour in the forefront of battle and,
under the shock, he fell to his knees. Thereupon the monkey,
picking himself up, gave the titan a terrific blow that resounded
like thunder, but Virupaksha evaded it skilfully and, with his
fist, struck Sugriva on the chest.
282
YUDDHA KANDA
CHAPTER 98
Mahodara is slain by Sugriva
many pieces. With his shafts, that hero, the scourge of his foes,
broke the tree, whereupon Sugriva, observing an iron stake
lying on the ground, brandished the flash ng bar before the eyes
of the titan and, with one exceedingly violent blow, struck down
his excellent steeds.
Leaping down from his great car, its team of horses having
been slain, the valiant Mahodara, highly provoked, took hold of
a mace and the two warriors, one armed with an iron bar and the
other with a mace, approached each other, bellowing like bulls,
resembling two clouds charged with lightning. In fury, the
night-ranger, his lustrous mace glittering like the sun, rushed on
Sugriva and, as the terrible club was falling upon him, the
extremely valiant leader of the monkeys, his eyes red with
anger, lifted up his weapon and struck, whereupon the bar
instantly fell shattered to the earth. Then Sugriva, boiling with
rage, from the ground picked up a huge club gilded on all sides
and, brandishing it, hurled it against the mace, striking it,
whereupon, on the impact, the two missiles broke in pieces and
fell on the field.
284
YUDDHA KANDA
chapter 99
1 Sugriva.
285
THE RAMAYANA OF VALMIKI
Thrown with force, the bar knocked the bow with its arrows
from the hand of the titan and struck off his helmet, whereupon
Angada, with a single bound, seething with rage, struck the titan
a blow with his clenched fist on the ear, which was adorned with
an earring.
On this the titan, his heart riven by the shock, fell dead on that
vast battlefield, and seeing him lying stretched on the earth
without life, his army took fright, whilst Ravana fell into a
transport of rage.
286
YUDDHA KANDA
CHAPTER 100
From his side the extremely illustrious and valiant Rama, who
was accompanied by Saumitri, seeing Ravana overwhelming the
monkeys in the fight, joyfully took hold of the centre of his bow
and immediately began to bend that excellent weapon that was
stout and sonorous, riving the earth as it were.
287
288
YUDDHA KANDA
289
CHAPTER I 0 I
Havana, flees from Rama
YUDDHA KANDA
five sharp arrows severed the bow resembling the trank of an
elephant that belonged to the King of the Titans.
His eyes fixed on his brother, Rama saw how he had been
pierced with a spear in the great fight and was covered with
blood, resembling a mountain with its reptiles. And the most
vigorous of monkeys sought to draw out that weapon loosed by
the mighty Ravana, overwhelmed though they were by a hail of
shafts discharged by the King of the Titans ; the spear, however,
having passed through Saumitri’s body had penetrated into the
earth. Then Rama, with his powerful hands seized hold of that
spear and, in his wrath, snapped it, throwing the fragments to a
great distance and, as he drew it out, Ravana penetrated his
every limb with his shafts that pierced to his very marrow.
Ignoring these darts, Rama embraced Lakshmana and said to
Hanuman and that mighty Monkey Sugriva : —
292
YUDDHA KANDA
293
CHAPTER 102
YUDDHA KANDA
296
YUDDHA KANDA
chapter 103
From his side, the Lord of the Titans, mounted on his chariot,
rushed on Kakutstha, as Svarbhanu on Bhaskara ; and Dasha-
griva, standing in his car, assailed Rama with darts like unto
lightning, as a great cloud covers a huge mountain with its
floods. Then Rama, with his arrows that were decorated with
gold and resembled flaming brands, overwhelmed Dashagriva
with them on the battlefield.
*97
298
YUDDHA KANDA
all beings were seized with terror, the earth shook, the moun-
tains, frequented by lions and tigers, trembled, the trees
swayed to and fro, the Ocean, that Lord of Rivers was agitated
and flocks of crows, braying like donkeys, described circles
in the sky on all sides.
300
YUDDHA KANDA
chapter 104
302
YUDDHA KANDA
roll in the dust on the battlefield where the wild beasts will
devour it. Vultures will swoop on thy breast when thou art
lying stretched on the earth, O Ravana, and will drink the blood
greedily that flows from the wounds inflicted by my sharp arrows.
To-day pricked by my shafts, lying without life, birds of prey
will tear out thine entrails as eagles destroy serpents ! ”
CHAPTER I 05
303
magic powers and debarred from combat, that thou hast failed
me and actest on thine own understanding ? How comes it that
without respect for me and disregarding my commands, in the
presence of the foe, thou didst drive my chariot from the field !
Through thine error this day, O Vile Wretch, that which I had
won over a long period, glory, valour, honour and renown, are all
lost to me ! Before a foe famed for his prowess, who prides
himself on his exploits, thou hast transformed me who delights
in battle, into a coward. If it is not through heedlessness that
thou hast acted thus, O Villain, my suspicions are well founded
and thou hast been bribed by the enemy. Assuredly it was not
an act of friendship or devotion ; only a foe would conduct
himself as thou hast done. If thou hast any loyalty to me, then
return in the chariot instantly ere mine adversary has departed
and remember the benefits thou hast received at my hands.”
YUDDHA KANDA
uneven or level, where it is flat or hilly and the time for combat ;
when the enemy lays himself open to attack, how to advance and
retire, to halt or go forward, to meet the enemy or retreat to a
distance, all this must be known by a charioteer, as he stands in
his chariot.
CHAPTER i o 6
305
306
YUDDHA KANDA
307
At that instant the Deity of the Sun, amidst the Host of the
Gods, knowing that the destruction of the Lord of the Rangers
of the Night was at hand, casting glances of joy and supreme
satisfaction on Rama, approached him and said : — “ Put forth
thine whole strength ! ”
chapter 107
Sinister Portents appear
308
YUDDHA KANDA
x 309
chapter 108
The Fluctuations of Combat
310
YUDDHA KANDA
311
CHAPTER 109
312
YUDDHA KANDA
At the sound of the maces, clubs and axes and the loosing of
plumed arrows, the seven seas were agitated and the tumult of
the oceans sowed terror in the Danavas and Pannagas in their
thousands, in the depths of hell. The earth shook with its
mountains, forests and jungles ; the orb of day lost its brilliance
and the wind ceased to blow. Devas, Gandharvas, Siddhas and
Paramarishis were wrought up with anxiety as also the Kinneras
and Great Serpents.
“ May good fortune attend the cows and brahmins ! May all
the worlds endure forever ! May Raghava emerge triumphant
in his combat with Ravana, the King of the Titans ! ”
CHAPTER I IO
The Death of Ravana
YUDDHA KANDA
And Dashagriva, who had been struck down suddenly, let his
bow and arrow fall from his hand as he yielded up his breath.
Bereft of life, that Indra of the Nairritas of redoubtable valour
and great renown, fell from his chariot as Vritra when struck by
Indra’s thunderbolt.
3i5
CHAPTER III
The Lamentations of Bibishana
YUDDHA KANDA
3*7
“ Death has terminated our emnity that now has no reason for
its existence. He is as dear to me as thee ; let us therefore
perform the obsequies ! ”
CHAPTER I I 2
Hearing that Ravana had fallen under the blows of the highly
powerful Raghava, the female titans, like unto cows which have
lost their calves, overcome with grief, their hair dishevelled,
rushed out of the inner apartments and, though restrained,
rolled in the dust again and again. Issuing from the northern
gateway with their attendants, they entered that dreadful
battlefield searching for their dead lord and cried out, * O Our
King, Our Support ’, running hither and thither on the ground
that was covered with headless trunks, mud and gore. Their
eyes full of tears, overcome with grief, they emitted cries like
unto female elephants who have lost the leader of the herd.
“ Not heeding the advice of thy friend, who ever offered thee
prudent counsel, to our destruction thou didst bear Sita away
and thus the titans have fallen and we shall perish this day on
account of thy fault. Thy beloved brother, Bibishana, speaking
to thee in reasonable terms was publicly affronted by thee in thy
folly, driven on, as thou wert by destiny ; if thou hadst returned
the Princess of Mithila to Rama, this fearful and appalling
disaster, that is destroying us to the very root, would never have
taken place. The wishes of thy brother, of Rama and of thine
innumerable friends would have been fulfilled; none of us
would have been widowed nor the hopes of our enemies accom-
plished. But, in thy perversity, having retained Sita by force,
the titans, we ourselves and thou thyself, are all victims of a triple
destruction. Nevertheless, O Bull among the Titans, it is not
thy passion that is the cause but destiny ; all that dies is slain by
destiny. This destruction of the monkeys and the titans in
combat and thine own, O Long-armed Warrior, is the work of
319
“ Nay, I do not believe that thou wast thus struck down in the
forefront of the battle by Rama’s action, thou who wert ever
wont to be victorious in all circumstances. Rather, having
recourse to inconceivable magic, was it destiny in the form of
Rama in person or it may be that it was Vasava who slew thee, O
Mighty Hero ! But would Vasava have ventured to stand face
to face with thee on the battlefield in view of thy great prowess
and strength, thou the foe of the Celestials ? Assuredly it was
that great Yogi, the Supreme Soul, the Eternal Spirit Who was
thy slayer. He who has no beginning, middle or end, the Most
High, greater that Mahat,1 the Support of Nature, He Who
carries the conch, the discus and the mace, Whose breast bears
320
YUDDHA KANDA
YUDDHA KANDA
“ Nay, I should not weep for thee, though famed for thy
strength and valour but my woman’s nature inclines my heart to
compassion. Bearing with thee the sum of that which thou hast
done, be it good or ill, thou hast gone to the place for which thou
wert destined ; it is for myself I should lament, I who am plunged
in affliction by thy loss.
“ Thou didst not give ear to thy friends who desired thy
welfare and, though exceedingly sagacious, thou didst ignore the
counsels of thy brothers, O Ten-necked One. Bibishana’s
words so full of reason, that were measured, prudent, salutory
and affectionate were not heeded by thee despite their signifi-
cance. Drunk with thine own power, the utterances of Maricha,
Kumbhakama and of thy sire also, were not acceptable to thee;
behold the consequences !
3*4
YUDDHA KANDA
and covered with blood ? Thou feignest sleep ; why dost thou
not answer me who am overcome with grief? Why dost thou
not speak to me, the daughter of the supremely powerful
Yatudhana Sumali, who never retreated in battle ? Rise !
Rise ! Why dost thou remain lying there in the face of this
fresh insult ? To-day the rays of the sun fall on Lanka without
fear. Thy mace, that brilliant weapon encircled with gold, like
unto Surya, with which thou didst exterminate thy foes in
battle, resembling the thunderbolt of Indra, which thou didst
wield at thy whim to the destruction of the many on the battle-
field, now lies shattered in a thousand pieces by Rama’s arrows.
Why dost thou lie embracing the earth like a loved one ? How
is it that thou dost not address a word to me as if I were no
longer thy beloved ?
“ Woe unto me, whose heart did not split into a thousand
pieces, riven by grief, when thou didst return to the five
elements!”
y 325
“ I seek thy welfare, since with thine aid I have been victorious,
nevertheless it is essential that I should utter what is fitting, O
Chief of the Titans ! Though unjust and wicked, this night-
ranger was ever energetic, valiant and courageous in war. It is
said that the Gods with Shatakratu at their head were not able
to overcome him. He was magnanimous and powerful, this
oppressor of the worlds. Death brings enmity to an end ; we
have accomplished our purpose, let us perform the obsequies ;
it is meet for me, as well as for thee, to do so. In accord with
tradition, this ceremony should take place in thy presence.
Perform this pious act speedily, thou wilt receive much glory
therefrom.”
126
YUDDHA KANDA
great pyre was built with pieces of Sandal and Padmaka Wood
and grass, according to tradition ; and he was covered with
antelope skins.
Having laid aside the arrows and bow that Mahendra had
bestowed upon him as also the massive armour, Rama, the slayer
of his foes, renounced his wrath, his adversary having been
subdued, and once more assumed a gentle mien.
3*7
CHAPTER II4
3*8
YUDDHA KANDA
CHAPTER 115
329
THE RAMAYANA OF VALMIKI
At these tidings, the divine Sita, her face radiant as the moon
on account of joy, was unable to utter a single word and that
prince of monkeys enquired of Sita, who remained silent, saying: —
“ Of what art thou thinking, O Goddess, since thou dost not
answer me ? ”
330
YUDDHA KANDA
“ With thy consent I will slay all those female titans who
formerly taunted thee in thy misfortune, O Thou whose lord is
a god. I know that those monsters of hideous shape and con-
duct, those cruel beings of savage looks, those grim-visaged
titans, more than once addressed thee in threatening tones at
Ravana’s command. Grant me permission to strike down those
barbarians of distorted features and fearful aspect. I shall beat
them with my fists, heels, long arms, thighs and knees ; I shall
tear them to pieces with my teeth, chew up their ears, pull out
their hair, knock them down and destroy them, since they have
caused thee pain, O Illustrious Princess ! I shall exterminate
those monsters who formerly insulted thee.”
CHAPTER i I 6
Rama sends for Sita
YUDDHA KANDA
Hearing that his consort, who had dwelt long in the titan’s
abode, had come, rage, joy and grief overwhelmed Raghava, the
slayer of his foes and, beholding Sita in the palanquin, Rama, in
order to test her, dissembling his happiness, said to Bibishana : —
“ O Supreme Lord of the Titans, O My Friend who ever
rejoiced in my victories, bring Vaidehi nearer to me.”
“ Why, disregarding me, dost thou harass them, are they not
my people ? Her conduct, not raiment, walls, seclusion or other
royal prohibitions, are a woman’s shield. In times of calamity,
peril, war, the Swyamvara or the nuptual ceremony, it is not
forbidden to behold a woman unveiled. It is not prohibited to
look upon a woman who has fallen into distress and difficulty,
above all in my presence. Therefore, leaving the palanquin, let
Vaidehi come hither on foot so that the dwellers in the woods
may see her at my side.”
chapter 117
Rama repudiates Sita
YUDDHA KANDA
When Sita heard Rama speak in this wise, her large doe-like
eyes filled with tears and, beholding the beloved of his heart
standing close to him, Rama, who was apprehensive of public
rumour, was tom within himself. Then, in the presence of the
monkeys and the titans, he said to Sita, whose eyes were as large
as lotus petals, her dark hair plaited, and who was endowed with
faultless limbs : —
CHAPTER i i 8
“ Raise a pyre for me, O Saumitri, this is the only remedy for
my misery ! These unjust reproaches have destroyed me, I
cannot go on living ! Publicly renounced by mine husband, who
is insensible to my virtue, there is only one redress for me, to
undergo the ordeal by fire ! ”
337
Then all the women cried out : — ‘Alas ! ’ on seeing her, like
a stream of butter hallowed by the recitation of mantras, fall
into the flames, and she appeared to the Three Worlds, the Gods,
the Gandharvas and the Danavas like a goddess smitten by a
curse and cast down from heaven into hell. Then, as she
entered the flames, a great and terrible cry rose from the titans
and the monkeys.
chapter 1 19
Brahma's Praise of Rama
Then the King Vaishravana and Yama with the Pitris, the
Thousand-eyed Lord of the Celestials, Varuna, Lord of the
Waters and Mahadeva the blessed Three-eyed God who rides
the Bull, as also Brahma the Creator of the World, King of the
Learned, all gathered together, having hastened there in their
chariots as bright as the sun, coming to the Gty of Lanka to seek
out Rama.
338
YUDDHA KANDA
340
YUDDHA KANDA
CHAPTER 120
Sita is restored to Rama
These words filled Rama’s heart with delight and he, the most
eloquent of men, that loyal soul, reflected an instant within
himself, his glance full of joy. Then the illustrious, steadfast
and exceedingly valiant Rama, the first of virtuous men, hearing
those words addressed to him, said to the Chief of the Gods : —
“ On account of the people, it was imperative that Sita should
pass through this trial by fire ; this lovely woman had dwelt in
Ravana’s inner apartments for a long time. Had I not put the
innocence of Janaki to the test, the people would have said : —
* Rama, the son of Dasaratha is governed by lust ! * It was well
z 341
known to me that Sita had never given her heart to another and
that the daughter of Janaka, Maithili, was ever devoted to me.
Ravana was no more able to influence that large-eyed lady, whose
chastity was her own protection, than the ocean may pass beyond
its bournes. Despite his great perversity, he was unable to
approach Maithili even in thought, who was inaccessible to him
as a flame. That virtuous woman could never belong to any
other than myself for she is to me what the light is to the sun.
Her purity is manifest in the Three Worlds ; I could no more
renounce Maithili, bom of Janaka than a hero his honour. It
behoveth me to follow your wise and friendly counsel, O
Gracious Lords of the World.”
CHAPTER I 2 I
Dasaratha appears to Rama
** O Rama, it is well for all beings that thou hast dispelled this
deep and dreadful darkness of the whole world, this fear created
by Ravana. Go now and console the unfortunate Bharata with
thy presence, the illustrious Kaushalya, Kaikeyi and Sumitra,
the mother of Lakshmana. Rule over Ayodhya, giving satisfac-
tion to thine innumerable friends and establish the dynasty of
the Ikshvaku Race. O Mighty Hero, having performed the
Ashvamedha Sacrifice and acquired supreme renown, having
distributed wealth among the brahmins, do thou attain the
highest state.
YUDDHA KANDA
renounce thee and thy son ! *, may this malediction not fall on
Kaikeyi or her son, O Lord.” * Be it so ! * replied that great
monarch, paying obeisance with joined palms to Rama who had
spoken thus, and thereafter embracing Lakshmana, he said to
him : —
Having thus addressed his two sons and Sita, King Dasaratha,
the descendant of Raghu, ascended to the region of Indra in his
chariot. Mounted on his aerial car, full of majesty, his body
blazing with effulgence, that foremost of men, having given his
counsel to his two sons and Sita, returned to the abode of the
Sovereign of the Gods.
344
YUDDHA KANDA
CHAPTER 122
0 Great Lord.
1 solicit this favour of thee ! I wish to see the Golangulas and the
Bears in all their former energy, freed from their sufferings and
their wounds, O Munificent God. Let there be flowers, roots
and fruits, even though they be out of season, and rivers with
pure water in abundance wherever the monkeys are to be found.”
Wiclder of the Great Bow, may the trees be laden with fruit and
flowers even out of season and the rivers be full of pure water.”
CHAPTER 123
Having passed the night, Rama the conqueror of his foes, rose
happily and Bibishana, paying obeisance to him with joined
palms, addressed him, saying : —
“ Here are various articles for bathing such as unguents,
ornaments, sandalwood paste, raiment and celestial garlands of
every kind. Lotus-eyed women, versed in the art of applying
perftune await thy pleasure, as is fitting, O Raghava ! ”
YUDDHA KANDA
0 Virtuous One. If thou hast any friendship for me, then remain
here with thy brother Lakshmana and Vaidehi, thy consort.
Having received all possible homage, O Rama, thou shalt
depart. I have prepared those honours dictated by mine
affection, O Rama, do thou enjoy them with thine innumerable
friends and thine army also. I beg thee in all humility, out of my
profound esteem and feeling of friendship for thee, O Raghava ;
CHAPTER 124
Rama sets out for Ayodhya
348
YUDDHA KANDA
“ Thou dost know how to give and how to receive^ thou art
liberal and master of thy senses, all know thee to be a renunciate,
it is for this that I address thee and exhort thee, O Prince ; a
king will wage war in vain and his army abandon him at the first
opportunity if he be wholly devoid of those qualities that render
him pleasing to all.”
Thus did Rama speak and all the leaders of the monkeys and
the monkeys themselves as also the Titan Bibishana, paying
obeisance with joined palms, answered : —
Thus did they speak and the virtuous Rama answered the
monkeys, Sugriva and Bibishana, saying : —
349
chapter 125
Rama tells Sita of the Places over which they are passing
YUDDHA KANDA
351
YUDDHA KANDA
During this time the monkeys and the titans were leaping
about in delight on seeing that city and, with the palaces with
which it abounded, its wide spaces and the elephants and horses
that filled it, Ayodhya appeared to the monkeys and titans to
resemble Amaravati, the city of the mighty Indra.
CHAPTER 126
“ I know all that thou hast experienced of good and ill whilst
dwelling in Janasthana, O Raghava, and how, engaged in
procuring the welfare of the Sages, seeking to protect them all,
thine irreproachable consort was borne away by Ravana. I
know of the appearance of Maricha and Sita’s delusion ; the
meeting with Kabandha ; thine arrival at Lake Pampa, the
alliance with Sugriva when Bali fell tinder thy blows ; the search
for Vaidehi and the exploit of the Wind-god’s son ; the construc-
tion of the causeway by Nala and the finding of Vaidehi ; how
Lanka was set on fire by the foremost of the monkeys whilst he
was bound ; how Ravana, proud of his strength, fell in the fight
with his sons, kinsfolk, ministers, infantry and cavalry ; how
after the death of Ravana, who was a thorn in the side of the
Gods, thou didst meet the Celestials and receive a boon from
them ; all these things I know by virtue of my penances, O Hero,
354
YUDDHA KANDA
CHAPTER 127
355
YUDDHA KANDA
sa 357
chapter 128
YUDDHA KANDA
359
360
YUDDHA KANDA
chapter 129
Bharata sets out to meet Rama
361
THE RAMAYANA OF VALMIKI
362
YUDDHA KANDA
“ That sylvan army has reached the trees covered with fruit
and flowers, flowing with honey, where the humming of bees
intoxicated with love can be heard. All this was created by
virtue of a boon bestowed by Vasava on the Sage Bharadwaja, as
a reward for his great hospitality. One can hear their shouts of
delight and, to my mind, those monkeys have crossed the River
Gaumati. Observe that immense cloud of dust near the wood ;
in mine estimation, the monkeys are shaking the boughs of the
Sala Trees; behold that aerial chariot, bright as the moon, which
can be seen in the distance, it is the celestial Car Pushpaka
created by Brahma’s thought and was obtained by that hero after
he had slain Ravana and his kinsfolk. Glittering like the rising
sun, that celestial chariot, swift as thought, that is bearing Rama,
belongs to Dhanada, who received it from Brahma. In it are the
two valiant brothers, offspring of the House of Raghu, accom-
panied by Vaidehi, the supremely illustrious Sugriva and the
Titan Bibishana.”
364
YUDDHA KANDA
chapter 130
YUDDHA KANDA
367
YUDDHA KANDA
YUDDHA KANDA
kingdom nor did any suffer harm ; no aged person ever attended
the funeral of a younger relative ; happiness was universal ;
each attended to his duty and they had only to look on Rama to
give up enmity. Men lived for a thousand years, each having a
thousand sons who were free from infirmity and anxiety ; trees
bore fruit and flowers perpetually ; Parjanya sent down rain
when it was needed and Maruta blew auspiciously ; all works
undertaken bore happy results and all engaged in their respective
duties and eschewed evil. All were endowed with good qualities ;
all were devoted to pious observances and Rama ruled over the
kingdom for ten thousand years.
This renowned and sacred epic, the foremost of all, granting
long life and victory to kings, was composed by the Rishi Valmiki,
and he who hears it constantly in this world is delivered from
evil ; if he desires sons he obtains them, if wealth he acquires it.
Rama is ever pleased with the one who hears this epic or who
recites it in its entirety and he who does so will obtain a felicity
comparable to Rama’s, who is Vishnu, the Eternal, the Primeval
God, the Long-armed Hari, Narayana, the Lord. Such are the
37i
BOOK VII.
UTTARA KANDA
an
CHAPTER I
When Rama regained his kingdom, having slain the titans, all
the Sages came to pay him homage.
UTTARA KANDA
CHAPTER 2
377
There, that virtuous soul, his senses fully controlled, gave him-
self up to the practice of austerity, but some youthful maidens,
whose fathers were Rishis, Pannagas and Rajarishis, wandering
in those solitudes, disturbed him. Accompanied by Apsaras,
they came to divert themselves in that place and, as it was
possible to find fruits in every season and disport oneself in
those woods, the young girls constantly went there to play.
Attracted by the charms of Poulastya’s retreat, they sang,
played their instruments and danced, thus in full innocence,
distracting the hermit from the exercise of his penances.
UTTARA KANDA
the work of the ascetic and, the curse of that great and pure-
souled Sage having been made clear to him, he, taking his
daughter, went to where Poulastya was to be found and said to
him : —
“ Thus, his heart filled with delight, did the ascetic speak to
his divine consort and, in a short time, she gave birth to a son,
Vishravas, who was famed in the Three Worlds and full of glory
and piety. Learned, looking on all with an equal eye, happy in
the fulfilment of his duty, like unto his sire inclined to asceticism,
such was Vishravas.
CHAPTER 3
379
380
UTTARA KANDA
and the one sought by thee. Go, O Virtuous Ascetic, and reign
over the dominion of wealth ! With Shakra, Varuna, the Lord
of the Waters, and Yama, thou shalt be the fourth. Receive as
thy vehicle this chariot named Pushpaka, which is as bright as
the sun, and be equal to the Gods. Be happy, we shall
now return from whence we came, having accomplished that
which we had to do by conferring this double gift, O Dear
Son ! *
CHAPTER 4
“ * What shall we do ? ’
UTTARA KANDA
‘“Those among you who have said “ Rakshami ” shall be
Rakshasas and those among you who have said “Yakshami”
shall be Yakshas.’
“ On this, two brothers sprang up, named Heti and Praheti, the
equals of Madhu and Kaitabha, who were Rakshasas, oppressors
of their foes ; and the righteous Praheti withdrew to die soli-
tudes to practice asceticism, but Heti did all in his power to find
a wife and, immeasurably intelligent and of great wisdom, he
espoused the sister of Kala, a young girl named Bhaya,1 who was
exceedingly terrifying ; and that foremost of those possessing
sons begot a son by the name of Vidyutkesha.
1 Bhaya — Fear.
383
CHAPTER 5
384
UTTARA KANDA
385
0 Great King : —
386
UTTARA KANDA
CHAPTER 6
387
the Gods from heaven, they themselves assume the rdle of Gods.
“Iam Vishnu ”, “ I am Rudra “ I am Brahma ” “ I am the King
of the Gods ”, “ I am Yama ”, “ I am Varuna ”, “ I am the Moon ”,
“Verily, I am the Sun ”, thus do Mali, Sumali and Malyavan
speak, those Rakshasas, formidable in combat, who harass us
as also those who precede them. We are terrified, O Lord,
deliver us from fear ; do thou assume a terrible form and subdue
those thorns in the side of the Gods.’
" Bowing down to the God who bears the conch and discus,
they paid him great homage and, in trembling tones, denounced
the sons of Sukesha, saying
“ When the Gods had spoken thus, the Lord of Lords, Janar-
dana, who strikes terror in the hearts of his foes, re-assured
them, saying : —
388
UTTARA KANDA
‘“Thus did the Gods speak and the Slayer of Andaka, shaking
his head and hands, answered them saying : —
and who were all a source of terror to their foes. Knowing this,
it behoveth us to unite in order to slay the wicked Narayana
who wishes to exterminate us.*
390
UTTAR A KANDA
vomiting flames, hovered like fate over the Chief of the Rak-
shasas. Red-footed pigeons and crows fled in all directions,
ravens croaked and two footed cats were seen.
“ With the blast of His wings, Suparna struck at the Host of the
Rakshasas, bringing down their standards and dispersing their
weapons so that they reeled like the dark summit of a mountain
whose crags are crumbling away.
391
THE RAMAYANA OF VALMIKI
CHAPTER 7
392
UTTARA KANDA
fray ; and he let fly his arrows decorated with gold from his
bow, which fell on Hari piercing him, as birds penetrate into
the Krauncha Mountain. Assailed by the shafts, which Mali
loosed in their thousands in the fight, Vishnu remained as
undisturbed as one in full control of his senses in the face of
adversity.
“ In the confusion into which he had thrown Mali, the God who
bears the conch, discus and mace, struck off his diadem and
brought down his banner, his bow and his steeds. Deprived of
his chariot, that most powerful ranger of the night seized hold
of his mace and, with this weapon in his hand, like a lion from
a mountain height, hurled himself on the King of the Birds1 as
Antaka on Ishana, striking him on the forehead, as Indra strikes
a mountain with his thunderbolt.
0 Lord ! ’
394
UTTARA KANDA
chapter 8
395
“ * I have vowed to the Gods that I will deliver them from the
terror thou hast inspired, by slaying thee, I shall honour that
pledge. The welfare of the Gods is dearer to me than life
itself ; therefore I shall destroy you all ; now descend into the
lowest hell ! ’
1 The God Who bears the Spear— The God of War, Karttikeya, also called
Skanda.
396
UTTARA KANDA
CHAPTER 9
The Birth of Dashagriva and his Brothers
398
UTTARA KANDA
“ * O Lady of Lovely Face, the son thou shalt bring forth last
will be like unto me, assuredly he will be virtuous.’
“ Thus did he speak to that young girl, O Rama, and after some
time she gave birth to a hideous child with the face of a demon,
exceedingly dark ; and he had ten necks and great teeth and
resembled a heap of collyrium ; his lips were of the hue of copper,
he had twenty arms and a vast mouth and his hair was fiery red.
At his birth, jackals and other wild beasts with flaming jaws
circled from left to right. The God Parjanya let loose a rain of
blood whilst clouds emitted harsh sounds ; the sun ceased to
shine, fierce winds blew and the unchanging ocean. Lord of the
Rivers, was agitated.
“ After him the mighty Kumbhakama was born, that giant who
was unequalled on earth, and a daughter of hideous aspect,
named Shurpanakha, while Kaikasi’s last child was named
Bibishana.
399
him : —
1 Kumbhakarna.
400
UTTARA KANDA
CHAPTER 10
Concerning the Penances practised by Dashagriva and his Brother
401
“ Thus spoke the Rakshasa Dasaratha, and the Lord, the Grand-
sire of the Worlds, who was accompanied by the Gods, said to
him : —
UTTARA KANDA
“ Thus did the Gods speak, and Brahma, bom of the lotus,
thought on the Goddess, his consort, and, as soon as he called
her to mind, Saraswati appeared at his side and, with joined
palms said to him : —
403
“ * How can such words have passed my lips ? I must have been
bemused by the Gods who came hither.’
CHAPTER I I
Dhanada cedes Lanka to Dashagriva
“ Sumali, having learnt of the boons that the rangers of the night
had received, abandoning his fear, emerged from the nether
regions, and the companions of that Rakshasa, Maricha, Prahasta,
Virupaksha and Mahodara rushed out also full of fury.
404
UTTARA KANDA
UTTARA KANDA
CHAPTER 12
The Marriages of the Rakshasas
“ The foremost of the Rakshasas, having been anointed king,
with his brother began to consider giving his sister in marriage.
He therefore gave that Rakshasi to the King of the Kalakas and
the Lord of the Danavas himself presented Shurpanakha, his
sister, to Vidyujjihva.
‘“Hear me and I will tell thee the truth ! There was a nymph
named Hema of whom thou hast already heard. The Gods
bestowed her on me, as Pauloma was given to Shatakratu. Full
of love for her, I passed centuries at her side when she was taken
from me by the Gods. Thirteen years passed and in the
fourteenth, I built a golden city which I decorated with diamonds
and emeralds by the aid of my magic powers. There I dwelt,
deprived of Hema, sad, dejected and extremely wretched.
Thereafter, taking my daughter with me, I left that city in order
to retire to the forest. This is my child, O King, who was
brought up in Hema’s lap and here I am seeking a husband for
her. A daughter is a great calamity, at least for all those who
have regard to her honour. In truth, she is a source of anxiety
to the family of her father and that of her mother.
“ * O King, this child, whose mother was the nymph Hema, the
youthful Mandodari, for such is her name, do thou accept as thy
consort.’
“ * Let it be so ! ’ answered Dashagriva, whereupon igniting a
fire there, he took her hand in his, O Rama. Maya was
408
UTTARA KANDA
“ There, with their consent, he chose two wives for his two
brothers ; the daughter of Virochana, named Vajravala, was
given by him to Kumbhakama, and Bibishana received as wife
the virtuous Sarama, the daughter of the King of the Gand-
harvas, the magnanimous Shailusha, and she had been bom on
the shores of the Lake Manasa.
409
CHAPTER 13
Havana's Crimes
“ Some time later, the Lord of the Worlds sent Nidra1 to Kum-
bhakarna in the form of overpowering sleep and Kumbhakama
said to his brother, who was present : —
410
UTTARA KANDA
chapter 14
1 Ekakshipingali — Yellow-eyed.
412
UTTARA KANDA
chapter 15
UTTARA KANDA
blows from maces, bars, javelins, lances, swords and clubs. And
they entered into a violent struggle, falling on the foe with the
swiftness of birds of prey, crying ‘Advance ! Advance ! *
‘Yield!’ ‘Never!’ ‘Fight!*
415
THE RAMAYANA OF VALMIKI
UTTARA KANDA
CHAPTER I 6
The Origin of Raoana's Name
UTTARA KANDA
419
chapter i 7
The Story of Vedavati
420
UTTARA KANDA
“ So speaking, she threw herself into the fire that she had
ignited, and straightway a rain of flowers fell.
422
UTTARA KANDA
CHAPTER 18
“ Speaking thus, the king, armed with his bow and arrows, in
the height of anger, rushed out, but Samvarta barred the way ;
then the great Rishi said to Marutta : —
“ In his delight, Indra said to the peacock, whose tail was dark
blue : —
424
UTTARA KANDA
chapter 19
425
4*6
UTTARA KANDA
CHAPTER 20
“As the King of the Rakshasas was ranging the earth, sowing
terror amongst its inhabitants, he beheld Narada, that foremost
of Munis, riding on a cloud and, having paid obeisance to him
and enquired as to his welfare, Dashagriva questioned him
concerning his presence there. Then Narada, the supremely
illustrious and celestial Rishi of immeasurable effulgence,
stationed on the peak of a cloud, replied to Ravana who stood in
the aerial Car Pushpaka, saying : —
427
M ' O Great Rishi, thou who findest felicity in the company of the
Gods and Gandharvas and who takest delight in warfare, I am
resolved to descend into Rasatala for the purpose of conquest
and, having triumphed over the Three Worlds and placed the
428
UTTARA KANDA
Serpent Race and the Gods under my yoke, I shall chum up the
ocean containing the Nectar of Immortality.’
429
CHAPTER 21
UTTARA KANDA
43 1
“And that dart with its circle of fire and smoke resembled a
blazing fire that, growing, consumes a forest during the summer
season. With its crown of flames, that shaft, loosed by that
eater of flesh, ranged the field of battle freely, reducing the
bushes and trees to ashes. Then the soldiers of Vaivasvata fell
like the standards of the Great God Indra, consumed by the
violence of the blaze, and that Rakshasa of formidable prowess,
with his companions uttered a great roar which convulsed the
earth.”
43*
UTTARA KANDA
CHAPTER 22
433
434
UTTARA KANDA
“ ‘ Calm thyself, I shall slay him ! ' Then the Lord Vaivas-
vata, his eyes red with anger, lifted up the Rod of Death that
never misses its target, that Rod to the sides of which the snares
of destruction are attached, and he seized hold of a hammer like
unto a flash of lightning, which, by its aspect alone, extinguishes
the breath of living beings, how much more when it falls on
them ! That weapon surrounded by flames, that huge mace,
that seemed to consume the Rakshasa, emitted sparks when that
mighty being took hold of it. Then, as the God prepared to
smite Ravana, the Grandsire of the World appeared suddenly
and said : —
435
CHAPTER 23
“At the end of that time, the Grandsire, Lord of the Three
Worlds, the imperishable God, appeared in his marvellous
chariot and, in order to bring the bellicose activities of the
Nivatakavachas to a close, that Ancient One made known to
them the purpose of his intervention, saying : —
* A race of giants.
436
UTTARA KANDA
3F
437
UTTARA KANDA
offspring with shafts of every kind which he showered down upon
them like a cloud.
UTTARA KANDA
441
He has the Danavas, our forbears, and thee, under His control,
like beasts bound with ropes.
UTTARA KANDA
but, taking hold of it, he could not move it by any means and,
being ashamed, that highly powerful one again attempted it and
barely raising it, that Rakshasa immediately fell to the earth
unconscious, bathed in a pool of blood, like unto a Sala Tree
that has been felled.
443
immense speed and is the terror of all beings, like unto the sun
incapable of being looked upon. Unconquerable in combat, the
chastiser of evil-doers, yet even he was overcome in conflict, nor
did I experience the least fear of him, O Lord of the Danavas. I
do not know this person (at the door), it behoveth thee to tell me
who he is.’
“ Beholding him thus inflamed with fury, the Lord Hari, Who
bore a club in His hand, reflected, ‘ In deference to Brahma, I
shall not slay this sinner yet,’1 and making himself invisible. He
vanished.
“ Then Ravana, not beholding that Purusha there, rejoiced,
and, shouting exultantly, issued out of Vanina’s abode and
departed by the same way by which he had come,”
UTTARA KANDA
445
THE RAMAYANA OF VALMIKI
UTTARA KANDA
" ‘ If thy life is not dear to thee, then enter into combat with
me, O Rakshasa ! *
448
UTTARA KANDA
shafts ; and his arrows and the noise thereof overwhelmed the
entire Rakshasa Host, that resembled a tempestuous ocean.
449
“ Now I shall describe the region yet higher than these, where
the Moon-god dwells and the extent thereof is eighty thousand
leagues. There the Moon encircled by stars and planets, from
whom hundreds and thousands of rays stream forth, illumines
the world, bringing happiness to all beings.
1 The Plough of which the Seven Rishis are said to be the Regents.
450
UTTARA KANDA
1 Blue-throated — Shiva who drank the poison churned from the ocean and
451
1 Kamandalu — The coconut loshtha used by ascetics who may not touch
metal.
452
UTTARA KANDA
20 453
“ O Rama, all the branches of the Veda and the sacrifices, the
whole galaxy of stars, sweet speech, good deeds, energy and
asceticism are supported by Ms body in human form.
* Great Serpents.
454
UTTARA KANDA
“And there, with a fan in her lotus-like hands sat the Goddess
Lakshmi, most beautiful in all the Three Worlds and their
decoration, as it were ; chaste, adorned with celestial garlands,
sprinkled with excellent sandal-paste, bedecked with rich
ornaments and clad in costly robes. And the wicked Ravana,
Lord of the Rakshasas, having entered there without a counsellor,
beholding that chaste damsel of sweet smiles, seated on a royal
throne, became filled with desire and wished to hold her by die
hand, as one under the sway of death fondles a sleeping serpent.
455
“ * Who art thou endowed with great energy and like unto the
Fire of Dissolution ? Say who art thou, O God and from
whence hast thou come hither ? *
UTTARA KANDA
the other Gods, Yakshas, Daityas and Rakshasas were all seen
in their subtle forms in the limbs of that Purusha lying there. ”
On this, the virtuous-souled Rama said to Agastya, the fore-
most of Munis : — “ O Lord, tell me who was that Maha Purusha
on that island ? Who were those hundreds and thousands of
beings ? Who is the Purusha who humbles the pride of Daityas
and Danavas ? ”
CHAPTER 24
their hips like unto the axles of a chariot, who resembled the
consorts of the Gods with their elegant waists and their complex-
ion like unto refined gold, were mad with fear and grief. The
breath of their sighing scorched the ear, lending the Pushpaka
Chariot the appearance of a fire ceremony that is lit on all sides.
458
UTTARA KANDA
CHAPTER 25
“ * I shall tell thee myself, O King, listen to all that has taken
place. Seven sacrifices with countless preparatory rites have been
undertaken by thy son, the Agnisthoma, Ashvamedha, Bahus-
vamaka, Rajasuya, Gomedha and the Vaishnava and, having
engaged in the Maheshvara sacrifice, difficult for men to under-
take, thy son, on its completion, received gifts from the Lord of
Creatures Himself : a stable and celestial chariot coursing at will
in die sky, the power of illusion by which darkness is created on
the field of battle so that even the Gods and Asuras can no
longer find their way, and, in order to exterminate the foe in
combat, O King, he has also been granted two inexhaustible
* Meghanada having taken the vow of silence till the ceremony was
completed.
460
UTTARA KANDA
“ * This is not well done, since our enemy, Indra, has been
worshipped with these offerings. However, what is done is
done and doubtless thou wilt acquire merit thereby, let us now
return, My Friend, and enter our abode.’
461
UTTARA KANDA
CHAPTER 26
Nalakuvara curses Ravana
^It was customary for women to use flower dyes to trace patterns on
their
464
UTTARA KANDA
466
UTTARA KANDA
CHAPTER 27
The Fight between the Gods and the Rakshasas. The Death of
Sumali
467
“ Thus spoke Shakra, the King of the Gods, and that sovereign
Lord, Narayana, answered him saying : —
“ Then the Rudras with the Adityas, Vasus, Maruts and the
two Ashvins, assembling, advanced to meet the Rakshasa. At
that instant, the end of the night having come, a great clamour
arose from Ravana’s army as they took the field on all sides, and
those valiant warriors, wrought up with excitement, on seeing
each other, eagerly rushed on the foe. Thereafter confusion
was sown amongst the ranks of the Daivatas by the presence of
that indomitable and vast army in the forefront of battle and a
terrible struggle ensued between the Gods, Danavas and
Rakshasas, amidst a fearful tumult and under a hail of missiles
of every kind.
468
UTTARA KANDA
2H 469
could be seen, neither bone nor head nor flesh, for that mace,
by overthrowing him on the battle field, had reduced him to dust.
CHAPTER 28
UTTARA KANDA
“ The Gods struck the Gods and the Rakshasas the Rakshasas,
bewildered by the darkness that enveloped them, whilst others
ran away. At that instant, a warrior, full of valour, named
Puloman, the foremost of the Daityas, seized Jayanta and bore
him away. Taking hold of his daughter’s son, he dived into the
sea for he was his maternal grandfather and Sachi’s sire.
“ Not beholding his son and observing the flight of the Gods,
the Lord of the Celestials said to Matali : — * Bring me my
chariot ! ’ and Matali harnessed the divine, powerful and huge
car, bringing it in all haste to his master. Thereupon, above the
chariot and before him, clouds, riven by lightning, driven by the
tempest emitted formidable mutterings and the Gandharvas
struck up every kind of musical instrument while troops of
Apsaras danced at the departure of the King of the Gods, and
Rudras, Vasus, Adityas, the two Ashvins, as also the Hosts of
the Maruts, armed with every kind of weapon, formed the escort
of the Lord of the Thirty, as he started out.
the conflict was taking place ; using his teeth, his feet, his hands,
lances, picks, mallets or anything whatsoever in order to assail
the Gods in his fury. Having attacked the formidable Rudras,
it went ill with that Ranger of the Night, who, in an instant, was
riddled with wounds ; and the army of the Rakshasas, hard
pressed by the Gods, assisted by the Hosts of Maruts and armed
with every weapon, were completely routed and, in the struggle,
some fell on the earth mutilated and palpitating, whilst others
remained clinging to their mounts. Some titans twined their
arms round their chariots, elephants, donkeys, buffalo, serpents,
horses, porpoise and boars with heads of goblins, where they lay
motionless, whereupon the Gods pierced them with their shafts
and thus they died. The sight of all those Rakshasas lying here
and there in the sleep of death on that vast battlefield looked
passing strange and, at the forefront of the battle, a river flowed,
blood being its waters, weapons its crocodiles, in which vultures
and crows abounded.
chapter 29
Ravani takes Indra captive
“ In the darkness that had supervened, the Gods and the Rak-
shasas engaged in a terrible struggle, slaying each other in the
intoxication of their strength and, in the obscurity that enveloped
472
UTTARA KANDA
them like a great veil, the supremely intrepid Indra, Ravana and
Meghanada alone were not deluded.
“At this command, the charioteer drove his steeds, who were
as swift as thought, through the enemy ranks.
“ Seeing the carnage that was being created in his army, the
intrepid Shakra stayed Dashanana by encircling him, whereupon
473
UTTARA KANDA
chapter 30
1 Conqueror of Indra.
475
magnanimous Gautama and he, having taken care of her for many
years, gave her back to me, whereupon I, having tested the
absolute self-control of that illustrious ascetic and recognizing
the height of his austerity, gave her to him in wedlock. That
virtuous and renowned Muni was gratified with her company
but the Gods were in despair because she had been given to
Gautama and thou, enraged, thy heart filled with desire, went
to the hermitage of the Sage and beheld the woman who was as
radiant as a flame in a brazier, whereupon thou didst ravish her
in the heat of thy passion. Thereafter thou wert observed by
that high-born Risk in the hermitage and, in his indignation,
that extremely powerful ascetic cursed thee, due to which, O
King of the Gods, thou hast just suffered this change of circum-
stance. And that ascetic addressed thee, saying : —
repair to the forest for the sake of the brahmins. That long-
armed hero will be none other than Vishnu in human form ;
thou shalt behold him, O Blessed One, and, seeing him, thou
shalt be purified, for it is he who can efface the sin thou hast
committed. Having offered him the traditional hospitality, thou
shalt return to me once again and we shall resume our common
life, O Lady of fair countenance ! ”
478
UTTARA KANDA
CHAPTER 3 I
1 Agni Kunda — A pit or hole in the ground where the sacred fire is
kept.
479
UTTARA KANDA
“ Not far from where the dread Lord of the Rakshasas was
making his offering of flowers on the sandy banks of the Narmada,
Arjuna, the foremost of conquerors, supreme sovereign of
Mahishmati, was sporting with his wives in the waters of that
481
UTTARA KANDA
UTTARA KANDA
21
4«5
CHAPTER 33
“ Thereafter the Rishi drew near like unto die rising sun, and
Arjuna, deeply moved on beholding him, paid obeisance to him
as Indra offers reverence to Brahma. Presenting him with the
Madhuparka, a cow, and water wherewith to wash his feet, as
also the Arghya, that Indra among Monarchs addressed Poulas-
tya in a voice trembling with delight and said : —
486
UTTARA KANDA
chapter 34
Bali hangs Ravana on his Girdle
1 Poulastya.
487
1 Ravana meaning " The One who causes others to cry out
488
UTTARA KANDA
Each desiring to lay hold on the other, in the pride their strength
inspired in them, the Sovereign of the Monkeys and the Lord
of the Rakshasas sought to realise their design.
hope of entering into combat with thee and here I am, thy
captive ! What strength, what energy, what inner power has
enabled thee to bind me thus without fatigue and with such
speed, O Valiant Monkey? Assuredly there are only three
beings who could have acted thus, the mind, the wind and
Supama. Having witnessed thy power, O Bull among Monkeys,
in the presence of fire I wish to enter into an alliance of sincere
and enduring friendship with thee ! Consorts, sons, city,
kingdom, pleasures, raiment and food will all be shared by us, O
King, O Foremost of the Monkeys ! *
chapter 35
UTTARA KANDA
“At that moment, he observed the sun rising like unto a bunch
of Java flowers,1 and, eager for food, he imagined it to be a fruit
1 China Roses
491
and rushed towards it. Turning to the rising sun, the child,
himself like unto the dawn, wishing to lay hold of it, sprang into
the sky. And Hanuman ’s bounds, he being but a child, greatly
astonished the Devas, Danavas and Yakshas who reflected,
' Neither Vayu, Garuda nor even thought itself have the velocity
of this son of the Wind who has leapt into the sky. If, whilst
still a child, the speed of his flight is such, what will it not be
when he attains his youthful strength.’
“ Now Vayu followed in his son’s wake lest the sun should
scorch him and protected him with his cooling breath. Thus
Hanuman, rising in space, traversed thousands of leagues and,
on account of his sire’s power and his own guilelessness, drew
near to the sun.
“ Now on that very day that Hanuman sprang into the sky to
seize hold of the solar orb, Rahu1 had prepared to take hold of it
himself and, coming in contact with that child in the sun’s
chariot, Rahu sprang away in fear, he, the scourge of the sun
and moon. Provoked, that son of Simhika went to Indra’s
abode and, scowling, said to that God, who was surrounded by
the Celestial Host : —
492
UTTARA KANDA
let go of the sun and, taking Rahu to be a fruit, once more bounded
into the sky to seize Simhika’s son.
the reason which incited Vayu to anger and has caused this
impediment. O Beings, this I have probed for myself. The
Foremost of the Gods, this day, caused his son to fall at Rahu’s
instigation, whereupon that God of the Wind became enraged
and Vayu, though bodiless, circulates in every body. A body
bereft of Vayu is like a piece of wood, Vayu is the vital breath,
Vayu is felicity itself, Vayu is the universe ; without Vayu, the
whole world cannot be happy ; now that the universe is bereft of
Vayu it is deprived of life ; all creatures without breath are as
boards. For not having honoured the son of Aditi, we must
seek out Maruta, the author of our ills, lest we perish ! *
chapter 3 6
“Then he, who was conversant with the Veda, his arms
decorated with dazzling bracelets, touched the child as if in
play , thereupon, that God sprung from the lotus, merely by
caressing the child, revived him as sea! that is watered.
494
UTTARA KANDA
1 The three pairs of qualities — Renown and Virility ; Majesty and Beauty ;
Knowledge and Detachment.
495
“ * Thy son, Maruti, will be the terror of his foes, the support
of his friends and invincible ! Able to change his form at will,
he will accomplish all he desires and go wheresoever he pleases
with unimaginable velocity. In order to destroy Ravana and
gratify Rama, he will perform such feats of arms that will cause
every being to tremble ! *
496
UTTARA KANDA
“ I have answered thy question fully and have just told thee of
Hanuman’s exploit accomplished in childhood.”
“ Thou hast learnt all that I have to tell ; now that we have
beheld thee and received thine hospitality, we crave leave to
depart ! ”
498
UTTARA KANDA
CHAPTER 3 7
Homage is paid to Shri Rama
1 Sthanu — Shiva.
499
500
UTTARA KANDA
ax 501
“ O King, when the sun rose after that night had passed,
Riksharajas resumed his own monkey shape and he gave his two
highly powerful sons, those foremost of monkeys possessed of
yellow eyes, able to change their shape at will, some honey like
unto nectar to drink. Thereafter, taking them with him, he
went to the abode of Brahma and that God, beholding Rik-
sharajas with his two sons, consoled him in diverse ways and
issued a command to his messenger, saying : —
UTTARA KANDA
Shri Rama with his brothers, hearing that ancient and wonderful
tale, was astonished and, having listened to the Rishi Agastya’s
narrative, said : —
503
UTTARA KANDA
Three Worlds, Hari, attain to His region, since even His wrath
is like unto a boon, O King ! *
506
UTTARA KANDA
FOURTH OF THE INTERPOLATED CHAPTERS
2nd SERIES
“ Do thou hear me ! ”
507
UTTARA KANDA
“ ‘ Why hast thou come hither ? Who art thou ? Who is thy
sire ? Who has sent thee, tell us all candidly ? *
spinning him with her fingers and Ravana, worn out by being
handled thus , grew exceedingly angry and bit the hand of one of
those fair ones, who, being in pain, Jet trim go, whereupon
another, seizing the powerful Rakshasa, rose into the sky. Then
Ravana, in fury, tore her with his nails and being dropped by
that damsel, the night-ranger, terrified, fell into the waters of
the sea, as a mountain peak when shattered by a thunderbolt.
UTTARA KANDA
The sun having set, Rama, the foremost of men, bade farewell
to the monkeys and their Sovereign and duly performed the
Sandhya Rites; thereafter night having gradually set in, he
entered the inner apartments.
chapter 3 8
Rama takes leave of his Allies
Having been duly installed as king, Raghava spent his days
directing all those things pertaining to the inhabitants of the
city and country. After some time, he, with joined palms,
addressed the King of Mithila in these terms : —
flrirfing
5«
1 A commentator explains that at the time Rama was fighting with Ravana,
the King of Kashi and Bharata went to his aid.
512
UTTARA KANDA
CHAPTER 39
Rama loads his Allies with Gifts
5*3
With these words, the illustrious Rama took off some extremely
rare ornaments from his breast and decorated Angada and
Hanuman with them.
5i4
UTTARA KANDA
chapter 40
In this way, the bears, monkeys and titans passed their time with
Rama, and thereafter the mighty Raghava said to Sugriva : —
"Return to Kishkindha, My Friend, which may not be
conquered by the Gods or Asuras themselves. With thy
ministers, rule over thine empire without hindrance. O Mighty
King, thou shouldst look on Angada with supreme affection as
also Hanuman and the great-hearted Nala, Sushena thy valiant
father-in-law, and Tara the foremost of warriors, the invincible
Kamuda and Nila who is full of strength, the energetic Shatabali,
Mainda, Dvivida, Gaja, Gavaksha, Gavaya, the mighty Sharabha
and the King of the Bears the indomitable Jambavan. Look also
with affection on Gandhamadana, the agile Rishabha, the
Plavamgamas Suptala, Kesharin, Shumbha and Shankashuda, all
these magnanimous ones, who in order to serve my cause were
ready to give up their lives ; look on them always with friendli-
ness and never cause them pain.”
516
UTTARA KANDA
CHAPTER 41
“ O Hero, thou who hast the soul of a God, under thy rule
one beholds beings who are not of the human race speaking
frequently, nor is there any disease among men and their days
are passed in peace ; even the aged do not die and women give
birth without pain, whilst all enjoy good health. A real felicity
is to be seen among the citizens and, in the rainy season,
Parjanya lets loose the nectar of immortality ; soft auspicious and
balmy breezes blow and the people of town and country all
exclaim ‘ May such a king reign over us long ’, O Prince ! ”
Hearing these gracious and flattering words spoken by
Bharata, Rama, the foremost of monarchs, was supremely
gratified.
CHAPTER 42
UTTARA KANDA
Such was Rama’s pastoral retreat with its arbours filled with
coundess seats and grassy couches inviting one to rest ; and the
Increaser of Raghu’s joy entered that magnificent Ashoka Grove
and seated himself on a throne of great splendour which was
decorated with innumerable flowers and covered with a carpet of
Kusha Grass.
519
While Sita and Raghava sported thus for a long time, the
flowery season, that yields perpetual enjoyment, passed away
and, as those two tasted every kind of felicity, Spring appeared
once more. One day, having fulfilled the functions of state, that
virtuous Prince returned to his palace where he spent the rest of
the day. On her side, Sita, having worshipped the Gods and
performed her morning duties, offering her services to all her
mothers-in-law without distinction, thereafter adorned herself
with marvellous jewels and re-joined Rama, like unto Sachi
when re-united with that God of a Thousand Eyes as he returns
to his City Trivishtapa.
UTTARA KANDA
CHAPTER 43
CHAPTER 44
Rama summons his Brothers
522
UTTARA KANDA
523
CHAPTER 45
“ Hear me all of you, may good betide you ! Do not let your
attention wander ! This is what people are saying about me
concerning Sita ! The inhabitants of the city as also those of
the country censure me severely and their criticism pierces my
heart ! I am born in the Race of the illustrious Ikshvakus and
Sita belongs to the family of the great-souled Janaka. My Dear
Lakshmana, thou knowest how, in the lonely forest, Ravana bore
Sita away and that I destroyed him. It was then that the
thought came to me regarding the daughter of Janaka, ‘ How can
I bring Sita back to Ayodhya from this place ? ’ Thereupon, in
order to re-assure me, Sita entered the fire in my presence and
that of the Gods, O Saumitri ! Agni, the Bearer of sacrificial
offerings, witnessed to Maithili’s innocence and Vayu also,
who was then journeying through space, and Chandra and
Aditya proclaimed it formerly before the Gods and all the Rishis,
that the daughter of Janaka was without fault. The Gods and
Gandharvas testified to her pure conduct in Lanka, where
Mahendra placed the proofs in my hand, further I knew from
my own inner being that the illustrious Sita was innocent. It
was then that I took her back and returned to Ayodhya. Since
then a great sadness, on hearing the censure of the people of
town and country, has filled my heart. Whoever it may be, if
his ill fame be current in the world, he falls to a lower state, so
long as the defamatory rumours exist. Dishonour is condemned
by the Gods ; honour is revered in the world and, it is on account
of fair repute, that great souls act. As for me, so greatly do I
fear dishonour that I would renounce my life and you yourselves
on its account, O Bulls among Men, how much more therefore
is it incumbent on me to separate myself from the daughter of
Janaka. See therefore in what an ocean of grief I have fallen !
There is no misfortune greater than this ! To-morrow, at dawn,
524
UTTARA KANDA
chapter 46
Lakshmana takes Sita away
When the night had passed, Lakshmana, with a sad heart and
downcast mien, said to Sumantra : —
525
526
UTTARA KANDA
CHAPTER 47
5*8
UTTARA KANDA
CHAPTER 48
CHAPTER 49
Beholding Sita who was sobbing, the sons of the Rishis ran to
seek out the blessed Valmiki of rigid penances and, having paid
obeisance to the feet of that great ascetic, the children of the
Sages informed him that a woman was weeping nearby,
saying : —
UTTARA KANDA
seen and who must be the consort of some great man, her
features distorted, is lamenting in the vicinity of the hermitage !
O Blessed One, thou wilt surely deem her to be a goddess fallen
from heaven ! Verily the most lovely of women, in deep
distress, appeared before us on the bank of a river, shedding
scalding tears, overcome by grief. In this misfortune that was
assuredly not merited, she is alone and without a protector. We
do not know the lady but do thou receive her with kindness for
she is close to this retreat and has come to take refuge with thee.”
53i
Thus has this ancient tale been narrated in its entirety, may
good betide you ! May the might of Vishnu increase !
May the rains come when they are needed ; may the earth
bring forth a rich harvest of grain and may the land be free from
disorders. May the brahmins be without anxiety and just.
May good fortune attend the King of the City of Mithila, the
close companion of Vishvamitra, the personification of prosperity
in a gracious form.
1 Vishnu.
53*
UTTARA KANDA
are full of joy, who is, with his brothers and Sita, ever devoted
to his sire.
533
UTTARA KANDA
CHAPTER 51
Vishnu is cursed by Bhrigu
535
“ Having related all concerning the past and future of his race
to King Dasaratha, Durvasa fell silent, whereupon the king paid
obeisance to the two magnanimous ascetics and returned to the
city.
536
UTTARA KANDA
CHAPTER 52
Lakshmana seeks out Rama
At noon, that Prince of the Great Car entered the opulent City
of Ayodhya, crowded with happy people. The extremely
sagacious Saumitri, however, became exceedingly apprehensive,
reflecting “ On mine arrival, when I fall at Rama’s feet, what
shall I say to him ? ” As he was thus anxiously pondering,
Rama’s residence, bright as the moon, rose before him, and the
prince, dismounting at the door of the palace, his heart con-
tracted, with bowed head entered without hindrance. Seeing
his elder brother, Rama, seated on his throne in deep distress,
Lakshmana’s eyes were filled with tears and, seizing hold of his
feet, his soul afflicted, with great reverence he offered obeisance
to him and addressed him in plaintive accents, saying : —
“ In accord with thy command, O Lord, I left the daughter of
Janaka on the banks of the Ganges near the splendid retreat of
the Sage Valmiki, following the counsel given to me. It is there
at the entrance of the hermitage that I abandoned the chaste Sita
and have returned to serve thee. Do not grieve, O Foremost of
Men, it has been decreed by destiny. Assuredly those like thee,
who are intelligent and wise, do not give way to despair. All
growth ends in decay, those who rise high, fall, and all meetings
end in separation ; death is the end of life. Therefore in regard
to sons, wives, kinsfolk and wealth, detachment should be
practised, for separation from them all is certain. Thou who art
able to control die spirit by the spirit and the mind by the mind
and all the worlds, O Kakutstha, how much more art thou able
to control grief. Nay, nay, in similar circumstances, the fore-
most of men, like thyself, do not distress themselves. Assuredly
thou wilt be censured anew, O Raghava, for giving way to grief
on account of calumny. Undoubtedly the people will condemn
thee. O Best of Men, thou who art so well endowed with
firmness of purpose, give up this faint-heartedness and cease to
grieve.”
537
chapter 53
“And it came about that one cow with its calf, belonging to a
poor brahmin, was accidentally given away and he, hungry and
thirsty, searched in vain here and there for that cow for a long
time. Finally, having reached Kankhala, he observed his cow
in the abode of a brahmin and, though in good health, it had
grown old. Thereupon that brahmin called the cow by name
crying * Shabali, come 1 and the beast, hearing him, recognized the
voice of that one who was stricken with hunger and followed him.
538
UTTARA KANDA
“ Then the ascetic, in whose house the cow had been retained,
speedily pursued him and, reaching that Rishi, addressed him in
harsh tones, saying ‘ That cow belongs to me and was given me
by the foremost of monarchs ; it was Nriga who bestowed her
on me as a gift.’
chapter 54
The End of the Story of Nriga
“ O Gentle One, hear what that prince first did when he was
struck down by the curse. Learning that the two Sages had
departed, the king called together his ministers, citizens and
chief priests and, in the presence of his subjects, said : —
UTTARA KANDA
CHAPTER 55
The Story of Ninri
“ There was once a king named Nimi, the twelfth son of the
magnanimous offspring of the Ikshvakus and he was full of
courage and truth. That highly valorous monarch founded a
beautiful city, resembling that of the Gods, in the vicinity of
Gautama’s hermitage, and the name of that city was Vaijanta !
It served as the residence of the royal Sage Nimi and, while he
dwelt in that vast capital, he reflected ‘ I will perform a great
sacrifice to gratify my sire ! ’
1 In Vuiahtha’s place.
541
chapter 56
UTTARA KANDA
“ ‘ Why didst thou desert me, who first chose thee ? For what
reason hast thou taken another, O Thou without moral sense ?
For this misdeed, I condemn thee to live in the world of men for
a time j thou shalt be united with the son of Budha, the royal
Sage Pururavas, who rules over Kashi ! Go to him, O Sinful
One!’
543
CHAPTER 57
544
UTTARA KANDA
CHAPTER 58
Shukra curses Yayati
Thus spoke Rama, and Lakshmana, the Slayer of His Foes, said
to his mighty brother who was blazing with effulgence : —
1 Arani — The sticks used to light the sacred fire made o! wood from
the sacred
fig-tree.
* Some Commentators explain that the name ' Janaka * meaning ‘ Sire ' was
given to the father or begetter of that great Race.
545
“At these words from her son, who was weeping, Devayani,
overcome by grief, highly indignant, called her Sire to mind
and being thought upon, Bhargava instantly appeared before his
daughter and, beholding her perturbed and beside herself, he
enquired of her saying : —
UTTARA KANDA
“At these words, which filled him with fury, the descendant
of Bhrigu began to curse the son of Nahusha, saying : —
CHAPTER 59
547
" ‘ Give me back mine old age, my Son, that I deposited with
thee ! I placed this decrepitude upon thee and that is why I now
reclaim it. Fear not, I am pleased with thy submission to my
will and shall install thee as king in token of my satisfaction.’
“ Having spoken thus for the good of his realm, that royal
Sage invested Puru with the supreme dignity and himself
withdrew to the forest.
“After a long time, when the hour fixed had struck, he went
to the Celestial Abode. Thereafter Puru ruled the empire with
great equity and glory in the City of Pratishthana in the kingdom
of Kashi.
“ Yadu however begot thousands of Yatudhanas in the in-
accessible City of Durga. In this wise, Yayati endured Shukra’s
curse in accord with the traditions of the Kshatriyas but Nimi
never exercised forgiveness.
548
UTTARA KANDA
2N 549
“ If thou hast anything true to say then come and inform the
king ! ”
UTTARA KANDA
Hearing these words from the dog, that were full of wisdom,
Rama said : —
1 Kala — Time.
551
THE RAMAYANA OF VALMIKI
UTTARA KANDA
with the law, having spoken thus, those ascetics addressed Rama,
saying : —
“ O Raghava, a king is the ruler of all and thou above all, for
thou art the Chastiser of the Three Worlds, the Eternal Vishnu.”
They, having spoken thus, the dog said : —
Hearing the words of the dog, the eyes of Rama opened wide
553
For a long time a vulture and an owl dwelt near the City of
Ayodhya in a forest on a mountain, that was intersected by many
streams, where cuckoos called and which abounded in lions,
tigers and birds of every kind.
One day, the wicked vulture alleging that the owl’s nest was
his, began to quarrel with him, whereupon both said : —
“ Let us seek out the lotus-eyed Rama, who is the king of the
people and let him decide to whom the nest belongs.”
Having thus agreed, the vulture and the owl, wrangling with
one another, wrought up with ire, came before Rama and
touched his feet. Beholding that Lord of Men, the vulture
said : —
UTTARA KANDA
moon, of Indra, the sun, Kuvera and Yama but there is also a
measure of man in him. Thou, however, art the all-pervasive
Narayana Himself, Thou, impelled by thine own Self dost
judge all creatures impartially, yet a certain gentleness is mani-
fest in thee and therefore people say thou art endowed with a
portion of the moon. O Lord, by anger, punishment and re-
ward, thou dost remove the sins and dangers of thy subjects ; it
is thine to give and withdraw, thou art the dispenser, destroyer
and protector and art as Indra to us. In energy thou art as fire,
irresistible to all creatures and, since thou dost spread thy lustre
on all beings, thou art like the sun ! Thou resemblest the Lord
of Wealth and art even superior to him, for prosperity resides in
thee. Thou lookest on all creatures whether animate or inani-
mate with the same eye, O Raghava, and dost regard foe and
friend alike, duly protecting thy subjects. O Raghava, those who
have incurred thine anger are already slain, therefore thou art
praised as Yama. O Foremost of Kings, since, in human form,
thou art merciful and beneficent, people sing thy glory, thou
who art intent on not harming men. The king is the strength
of the weak and helpless, the eye of the blind and the refuge of
those who seek shelter in him. Thou art also our Lord, therefore
hear our plea ! O King, entering into my nest, this vulture is
oppressing me ; thou alone, O Foremost of Men, art the divine
chastiser of creatures ! ”
Hearing these words, Rama called for his ministers with those
of King Dasaratha, Vrishti, Jayanta, Vijaya, Siddhartha,
Rashtravarddhana, Ashoka, Dharmapala and the highly powerful
Sumantra and others, who were well versed in the law, high-
minded and conversant with the Shastras, intelligent, nobly born
and skilled in counsel.
Then the vulture replied : — “ From the time men were first
born on earth and spread over the four quarters of the globe, I
have been living in this nest.”
“At the time when trees first covered the earth, this nest of
mine was constructed.”
555
“O Thou of great intellect, what the owl has said is true, the
vulture has spoken falsely. Thou art proof of this, O Great
King, since the king is the final refuge of all, the root of the
people and eternal dharma itself. Those punished by the king
do not fall into a lower state, they are saved from hell and expand
in virtue.”
UTTARA KANDA
Madhu and Kaitabha and slew them with his discus and the
earth was drenched with their blood. Then, purifying it once
more, Vishnu, the Preserver of the World covered it with trees
and created medicinal herbs. Thus filled with the marrow of
Madhu and Kaitabha, the earth was called Medini. It is for this
that I hold this abode does not belong to the vulture but to the
owl, O Counsellors, the owl having maintained that he built the
nest when trees were first created, that is, before men appeared.
This vicious vulture should therefore be punished, for this evil-
minded one, having robbed another of its nest, is now oppressing
him.”
“ ' O King, I shall feed in thy house for more than a hundred
years ! ’
557
chapter 60
The Ascetics seek out Rama
“ O King, there are some Sages who are waiting at the gate
with Chyavana, the descendant of Bhrigu, at their head ; these
illustrious Rishis seek audience with thee, O Great King, and,
eager for thy sight, those dwellers on the banks of the Yamuna
have sent me to announce their arrival.”
UTTARA KANDA
chapter 6 i
The Story of Madhu
“ Learn the cause of our fears and from whence they spring,
O Prince ! Formerly in the Krita-yuga, a highly intelligent
Daitya, the great Asura Madhu, the eldest son of Lola, who was
well-disposed to the brahmins and protected all those who
sought refuge in him, was united in an unequalled friendship
to the supremely illustrious Gods. And Madhu, who was
endowed with valour and ever fixed in his duty, received a
marvellous weapon from Rudra, who held him in high esteem.
Taking from his own trident, another of great power and beauty,
that magnanimous One, well pleased, conferred it upon him and
said : —
“ Having received this rare gift from Rudra, the great Asura
prostrated himself before Mahadeva and said : —
“ Thus spoke Madhu, and the Lord of all beings, Shiva, that
great God, anwered him saying : —
“ * Nay, that may not be, nevertheless since thy plea finds
favour with me, it shall not have been uttered in vain ; thy son
shall inherit this weapon. As long as it is in his hand, he will
be invulnerable to all beings, but only if it remains there.’
560
UTTARA KANDA
CHAPTER 62
Such was the speech of the ascetics, and Rama, with joined
palms, enquired of them, saying : —
561
chapter 63
The Installation of Shatrughna
562
UTTARA KANDA
563
CHAPTER 64
564
UTTARA KANDA
“ With the great Rishis at their head, send the troops forward
so that they profit by the summer for crossing the waters of the
Jahnavi. There thou shouldst take care to encamp the whole
army on the river and thou, who art fleet of foot, shouldst go
ahead with thy bow. Halt at the place indicated to you and
establish the camps without obstruction so that no-one may have
cause for complaint.”
CHAPTER 65
566
UTTARA KANDA
567
chapter 66
The Birth of Kusha and Lava
Hearing these words, the great Rishi w'cnt to see those newly-
born Ones, who wrere as effulgent as the new moon and full of
vigour, like unto twin offspring of the Gods.
“ Since they will rub the first born of the children with the
Kusha Grass1 blessed by the aid of Mantras, his name shall be
Kusha and, as the last born will be carefully dried by the female
ascetics with the roots of the grass, he shall be called Lava.
Therefore those two shall be called Kusha and Lava and, by
these names that I have given them, they will become renowned.”
1 To avert evil
568
UTTARA KANDA
chapter 67
The Story of Mandhata
“ Having placed the entire earth under his yoke, that monarch
sought to conquer the Celestial Realm. Great was the fear of
Indra and the Gods on beholding Mandhata ’s preparations, who
wished to conquer the region of the Devas. Learning of his
intention to share Indra’s throne and kingdom, the God, who
chastised Paka, addressed Yuvanashwa’s son in propitiatory
accents and said : —
“ ‘ Thou dost not yet rule over the entire earth, not having
wholly subjugated it, O King, yet thou aspirest to the celestial
throne. When the whole earth is under thy dominion, then,
569
THE RAMAYANA OF VALMIKI
with thy servants, thine army and thy chariots, do thou take
possession of the kingdom of the Gods.’
“ Thus did that great monarch perish with his footsoldiers and
chariots. O My Friend, it was through the power of that trident,
which is unsurpassed ! To-morrow at dawn thou shalt without
doubt slay Lavana ere he has taken up his weapon ; thy victory
is assured ! The worlds will be freed as a result of thine exploit.
O Foremost of Men, I have now told thee all concerning the
wicked Lavana ; it is on this account that Mandhata succumbed
in his undertaking. To-morrow at dawn, O Magnanimous One,
thou shalt undoubtedly slay him ! He will have set out in search
of food without his trident. Thy victory is therefore assured, O
Foremost of Men.”
570
UTTARA KANDA
CHAPTER 68
Shatrughna encounters Lavana
Whilst Chyavana was recounting this story and all were wishing
him an overwhelming victory, the night speedily passed away
for the magnanimous Shatrughna.
571
sweep you all away like straws, both those who are already born
and those still to be born. O Thou of vicious intellect, I accept
thy challenge ! Stay but a moment till I fetch my weapon, one
suited to thy destruction ! ”
chapter 69
The Death of Lavana
“ When others were slain by thee, I was not yet born, but
to-day, pierced by my darts, do thou enter the region of Yama !
May the Rishis and learned brahmins this day be witness of thy
death in combat, O Wretch ! When my shafts have consumed
thee in the fight, thou who art a ranger of the night, the city
and the country too will be at peace. As the rays of the sun
penetrate the lotus, so shall the dreadful pointed arrows, loosed
by mine arm, pierce thy heart.”
UTTARA KANDA
573
Lavana being slain, the Gods with their leaders, led by Agni,
spoke to Shatrughna in affectionate terms, saying : —
574
UTTARA KANDA
575
CHAPTER 7 I
57 6
UTTARA KANDA
heard the story of Rama and what had formerly been achieved
by him ; his imperishable exploits as they had taken place in
time gone by, and that foremost of men, Shatrughna, was
transported, his eyes full of tears, and he remained absorbed,
sighing again and again. It seemed to him that this song made
the past live once more, and Shatrughna’s companions, overcome,
listened to the enchanting symphonic poem with bowed heads.
CHAPTER 72
Shatrughna returns to see Rama
Though that lion among men had laid himself down, he was
unable to sleep and his mind was absorbed in the marvellous
epic of Rama, and while he listened to those ravishing strains
accompanied by stringed instruments, the night passed quickly
for the magnanimous Shatrughna. The night being over, that
prince, having performed his morning devotions, with joined
palms addressed the foremost of ascetics, saying : —
578
UTTARA KANDA
CHAPTER 73
The Death of a Brahmin's Son
CHAPTER 74
Narada's Discourse
Hearing the words of the prince, who was filled with distress,
Narada himself made this memorable reply in the assembly of
the Sages : —
UTTARA KANDA
“ When that Yuga, which had been free from nescience, was
consumed in the Fire,2 unrighteousness placed one foot on the
earth and, on account of wrong-doing, glory waned and the span
of life was diminished, O Best of Monarchs. Flesh that had
been formerly eaten,3 became impure food throughout the
whole world and, in these conditions, men gave themselves up
to good deeds, taking refuge in purity and justice to rid them-
selves of evil.
" O Prince, a man of the lowest caste may not give himself up
to penance in the Dwapara Yuga ; it is only in the Kali Yuga
that the practice of asceticism is permitted to the Shudra caste.
During the Dwapara Yuga it is a great crime for one of Shudra
birth to perform such practices.
2P 581
CHAPTER 75
582
UTTARA KANDA
CHAPTER 76
Shambuka is slain by Rama
“ Since the Gods are gratified with me, let the son of that
brahmin be resuscitated ! Accord me this, the greatest of all
favours ! It is on account of my negligence that this child, the
only son of that brahmin, has died before his time. Give him
back his life ! May prosperity be yours ! I have promised that
I would restore his son to this Twice-born, do not let my words
prove false ! ”
UTTARA KANDA
note :
“ Then the Grandsire of the World sent for Indra and the
other Gods and said : —
CHAPTER 77
The Story of Swargin
586
UTTARA KANDA
587
CHAPTER 78
Shveta tells his Story
UTTARA KANDA
UTTARA KANDA
chapter 80
Danda insults Aruja
Having related that story to Rama, the great ascetic, born from
a jar, continued : —
“ Thus spoke Aruja, but Danda, who had fallen under the
sway of desire, with joined palms, answered her in his frenzy,
saying : —
59i
chapter 8 i
592
UTTARA KANDA
CHAPTER 82
Rama takes leave of Agastya
Thus did that Muni speak and the virtuous prince with joined
palms, paid obeisance to that ascetic and, having offered saluta-
tions to that foremost of Sages and the other Munis, tranquilly
ascended the golden Pushpaka Chariot. As he was leaving, the
companies of Sages showered blessings of every kind upon him,
he who was equal to Mahendra, as the Devas acclaim that God
of a Thousand Eyes.
594
UTTARA KANDA
CHAPTER 83
CHAPTER 84
The Story of Vritra
UTTARA KANDA
the earth produced all that could be desired — flowers, roots and
delicious fruits. Without being cultivated the earth was abun-
dandy fruitful and for many years that magnanimous prince
enjoyed a rich empire marvellous to behold. Then the thought
came to him : ‘ I shall perform a rigid penance ; in truth,
asceticism is a great joy, all other happiness is a mere illusion.*
CHAPTER 85
The Death of Vritra
UTTARA KANDA
“ Then Vishnu answered the Gods who had spoken thus and
said : —
chapter 86
“ Then the Gods seeing the decay of the world, which filled
them with distress, began to prepare for the sacrifice according
to the words Vishnu had formerly uttered, and all the Hosts
of the Gods accompanied by their spiritual preceptors and the
Rishis sought out the terror-stricken Indra in his retreat.
599
chapter 87
The Story of Ila
600
UTTARA KANDA
“ ‘ It shall be so, O King, and when thou art a man, thou shalt
not remember thou wast ever a woman and, in the succeeding
month, having become a woman, thou shalt forget thou wast
ever a man ! ’
“ That is how that king, born of Kardama, being a man for one
month became a woman the following month under the name of
Ila, the most lovely female in the Three Worlds.”
CHAPTER 88
Budha encounters lla
602
UTTARA KANDA
“As he delayed, thinking thus, the company left the water and
Budha, pondering, emerged therefrom. Thereafter those
women having been summoned by him went to his retreat and
they paid obeisance to him, whereupon that virtuous ascetic
enquired of them, saying
“‘To whom does this lady, the most lovely in all the world,
belong ? Why has she come here ? Tell me all without hesitation.’
603
“At this command of the son of Soma, those women, who were
men, having been transformed into Kimpurushis, took up their
abode on the slopes of the mountain.”
chapter 89
The Birth of Pururavas
604
UTTARA KANDA
chapter 90
“After Ila had passed a year with the son of the Moon-god,
what did she do ? O Lord of the Earth, tell us all ! ”
UTTARA KANDA
look upon them with favour so that Ila might regain his manhood.
Then Mahadeva, gratified, gave him back his virility and having
conferred that favour on Ila, the mighty God disappeared.
chapter 9 i
607
UTTARA KANDA
chapter 92
chapter 93
UTTARA KANDA
mountainous regions, eat and then sing. You will not experience
any fatigue, O Dear Ones, on account of these roots and succu-
lent fruits that will preserve the purity of your voices. If Rama,
the Lord of the Earth, indicates that you should be heard by the
assembled Sages, act accordingly. Each time you will have
twenty Sargas1 to sing, which you have previously learnt from
me. Above all, do not entertain the least desire for reward ! Of
what use is gold to ascetics who live on fruit and roots ? If
Kakutstha questions you, saying ‘ Who is your Master ? ’
answer the king in this wise, * We are both the disciples of the
great Sage Valmiki ! ’ Sing without fear to the accompaniment
of these stringed instruments of a tone unknown heretofore, that
you have tuned sweetly. Sing the poem from the beginning
without showing any lack of respect to the king, who is the
Father of all beings according to the law.
chapter 94
Kusha and Lava chant the Ramayana
6n
* Chapter
8 This title being used for Lakshmana also.
612
UTTARA KANDA
this to those youthful boys, one after the other, but the great-
souled Kusha and Lava would not accept the gold that was
presented to them, enquiring in astonishment, “ What good is
this ? Grain, fruit and roots suffice ascetics like ourselves, what
should we do with gold or silver in the forest ? ”
chapter 95
Rama sends for Sita
2R 613
THE RAMAYANA OF VALMIKI
the two sons of Sita, Kusha and Lava, were singing, he recog-
nized them. Having reflected deeply, he summoned messengers
of virtuous conduct and in the assembly spoke to them of that
princess, saying : —
The trial by oath being fixed for the following day, the
magnanimous and illustrious Rama gave leave to all the great
Sages and Kings to depart.
614
UTTARA KANDA
CHAPTER 96
Valmiki leads Sita before Rama
When the night had passed, the great descendant of Raghu went
to the place of sacrifice to which he had summoned all the Rishis :
Vasishtha, Vamadeva, Javali, Kashyapa, Vishvamitra, Dirghat-
mas and Durvasa of rigid penances, also Poulastya and Shakti,
Bhargava, Vamana, Markandeya, Dhirghayus and the highly
renowned Maudgalya, Garga, Chyavana, the virtuous Shatan-
anda, the far-famed Bharadwaja, the illustrious Agniputra,
Narada, Parvata and Gautama of great glory, all these ascetics
and others of austere observances, in great numbers.
615
CHAPTER 97
Sita descends into the Earth
UTTARA KANDA
gathered with delight. Beholding the Gods and the Sages, the
foremost of men, Raghava, once more affirmed : “ I am in
agreement with the irreproachable words of the Rishi Valmiki !
I wish to be reconciled with the chaste Vaidehi in the presence of
this assembly.”
“ If, in thought, I have never dwelt on any but Rama, may the
Goddess Madhavi1 receive me ! ”
617
CHAPTER 98
When Vaidehi had descended into the earth, all the monkeys
and Sages cried out in Rama’s presence, “ Excellent ! Excellent”
but Rama, deeply distressed, supporting himself on a staff
employed in the sacrifice, his eyes veiled with tears, his head
bowed, was overcome with grief. Sighing again and again,
letting fall many tears, a prey to pain and wrath, he said : —
UTTARA KANDA
doubt it. In this poem of Valmiki all is included from the time
of thy birth, O Hero, the good and evil that has visited thee and
what will happen in the future. That great poet, O Rama, is
wholly devoted to thee, none other is worthy of the honour
bestowed by poets save Raghava. Formerly, in company with
the Gods, I heard the entire classic ; it is divine, marvellously
beautiful, true, and the remover of nescience. O Foremost of
Men, O Supremely Virtuous Kakutstha, listen to the conclusion
of the Ramayana and what concerns the future. Listen now with
the Rishis, O Doughty and Illustrious Prince, to the end of this
sublime poem entitled ‘Uttar a’. Assuredly, O Kakutstha, this
excellent epilogue may not be heard by any other save thee, who
art the supreme Sage, O Hero, O Joy of the House of Raghu.”
Having resolved thus, Rama sought out Kusha and Lava and,
dismissing the company, returned with them to the leaf-thatched
hut of the Rishi Valmiki, where he passed the night lamenting
for Sita.
CHAPTER 99
The Death of the Queens
When night had given way to dawn, Rama called together the
great ascetics and said to his two sons : —
619
THE RAMAYANA OF VALMIKI
Sita, having re-entered the earth, thus proving her fidelity, and
the sacrifice being completed, Rama, in the extremity of grief,
not beholding Vaidehi, regarded the world as a desert, and he
dismissed the kings, bears, monkeys and titans and the host of
leading brahmins, having loaded them with treasure.
620
UTTARA KANDA
CHAPTER 100
CHAPTER I O I
622
UTTARA KANDA
CHAPTER I 02
623
Both Saumitri and Bharata, in their love for him and their
extreme piety, forgot that time was passing and thus ten thousand
years went by while they devoted themselves to affairs of state.
Employing their days in this wise, their hearts satisfied, sur-
rounded with splendour, dwelling together in that righteous
city, they resembled the Three Fires whose flames are fed with
abundant libations amidst great solemnity.
1 Mallas — Giants.
* Shatrughna.
624
UTTARA KANDA
CHAPTER 103
Death is sent to seek out Rama
On this enquiry from that Lion among Men, the Sage said
to him : —
“ If thou dost revere the wishes of the Gods, this meeting must
take place between us alone ; whoever shall overhear us should
be put to death by thee ; the words of the Lord of the Ascetics
are secret and should be revered by Thee.”
“ O Ascetic, thou canst now disclose that with which thou hast
been charged, speak without fear, I shall treasure it in my heart !”
chapter 104
Death delivers his Message
chapter 105
Hearing this reply from that lion among men, the great Rishi,
highly incensed, said to Lakshmana, whom he seemed to consume
with his glance : —
chapter i 06
Rama banishes Lakshmana
Seeing Rama, his head bowed, afflicted and like unto the moon
in eclipse, Lakshmana spoke to him in cheerful and affectionate
tones, saying
UTTARA KANDA
Warrior; thus was it already ordained and has its roots in a past
cause ! Slay me without hesitation, be faithful to thy vow !
Those who do not honour their promise, go to hell ! If thou hast
any affection for me, O Great King, and dost find any merit in
me, then slay me and fulfil the law, O Raghava ! ”
as
629
CHAPTER 107
630
UTTARA KANDA
CHAPTER I O 8
Rama issues his last Commands
631
UTTARA KANDA
chapter 109
In his steps trod the women of the inner apartments with the
aged, the children, servants, eunuchs and personal attendants.
The faithful Bharata with his wives accompanied by Shatrughna
followed in Rama’s train, attended by the sacrificial fire. All
the magnanimous Sages with the ritualistic articles, having
assembled there with their sons and wives, joined the procession
of the virtuous Kakutstha. Ministers, groups of servants with
their offspring, their kinsmen and their flocks joyfully followed
in the footsteps of their master. All the citizens, happy and
healthy people, distinguished by their good qualities, joined
Raghava’s departure and all the men and women with then-
birds, beasts and friends, purified of their sins, went forward
cheerfully. Devoted to Rama, the Monkeys, having bathed,
delighted and satisfied, cried out exultantly with all their
strength, “ Kilakila ! ”
634
UTTARA KANDA
CHAPTER I I O
When he had proceeded about six miles, the Pride of the Raghus
beheld the sacred waters of the Sarayu flowing westwards,
eddying and rippling in their course, and he went on further to the
Goprataraka Ghata,1 his subjects thronging round him on all sides.
1 Cattle ford.
635
Thus spoke Vishnu, and the God Brahma, Guru of the Worlds,
answered saying : —
Even as the great God was speaking, the monkeys and the
bears, having assumed their pristine forms, came to Goprataraka
Ghata before the eyes of the assembled Gods. At that time,
whosoever entered the waters of the Sarayu River, yielded up
their lives gladly, their eyes suffused with tears of ecstasy, and,
having abandoned their bodies, took their places in a celestial
chariot. As for those in animal form, who entered the waters of
the Sarayu in hundreds, they ascended to the Third Heaven in
divinely resplendent bodies and they appeared as effulgent as the
Gods in their celestial lineaments. All beings, whether animate
or inanimate, who entered those waters attained to the region of
the Gods, and, in their turn, the bears, monkeys and titans,
abandoning their bodies in the river, also attained heaven.
CHAPTER III
This then is the whole of the great epic and its sequel called the
Ramayana, which was composed by Valmiki and is revered by
Brahma Himself.
636
UTTARA KANDA
On hearing it, he who has no son will obtain a son, he who has
no fortune will become wealthy ; to read but a foot of this poem
will absolve him from all sin. He who commits sins daily will
be wholly purified by reciting a single sloka.
637
GLOSSARY
Abravanti. A city.
Agneya. A mountain.
639
GLOSSARY
Daughter of Sundari.
640
GLOSSARY
Andhaka. A demon, the son of the Sage Kashyapa and Did, who
was said to have a thousand arms and heads, and was slain
by Shiva.
Arani. The wood of the sacred fig-tree which is used for kindling
at sacrifices.
Arishtanemi. A Sage.
An Asura.
641
GLOSSARY
Ashva. A Sage.
642
GLOSSARY
Asi. From ‘ Asi Pattra Vana *, a hell where the trees have leaves
as sharp as swords.
Avindaya. A titan.
643
GLOSSARY
Bahudamshtra. A titan.
Bahumayin. An asura.
Bana. A king who was the son of Vikukshi and the father ot
Anaranya.
644
GLOSSARY
Bheri. A kettledrum.
Bhramara. A bumble-bee.
A bird.
Bindusara. A lake.
2T 645
GLOSSARY
Bull. The white bull, called Nandi, which is said to be the God
Shiva’s vehicle and represents the Sattwa-guna. (See under
Gunas.)
Castes. There are four castes, the priestly, warrior and merchant
class and the one that serves the other three.
Chandala. An outcaste.
646
GLOSSARY
Danshira. A titan.
647
GLOSSARY
Dasyus. Robbers.
Dhaumya. A Sage.
A titan.
Dhwajagriva. A titan.
648
GLOSSARY
Dirghatmas. A Sage.
Dirghayus. A Sage.
A kettledrum.
Durvasa. A Sage.
649
GLOSSARY
Gadhi. The father of the Sage Vishvamitra and the son of King
Kushanabha, hence the patronymic ‘ Kaushika ’.
Gandhara. A region where the cities that were ruled over by the
sons of Bharata were established, now Afghanistan.
Mandakini — Gently-flowing.
Garuda. King of the Birds, the vehicle of Vishnu and the destroyer
of serpents, sometimes portrayed as an eagle or jay with a
human head.
A monkey warrior.
650
GLOSSARY
Ghora. A titan.
Ghritachi. A nymph, the wife of Kushanabha and mother of a
hundred daughters.
Gokarna. A hermitage.
Golangula. A black monkey that has a tail like a cow ; also called
Gopuccha.
Golobha. A giant.
651
GLOSSARY
Haha. A Gandharva.
A son of Mali.
A monkey warrior.
Haridikya. An Asura.
Haritanemi. A Daitya.
Hastimukha. A titan.
Hema. A nymph who was the consort of Maya, the great magician.
A kind of gold.
Heti. Heti and Praheti were titans or Daityas born from the waters
at the time of creation.
652
GLOSSARY
Hradini. A titan.
Hrasvakarna. A titan.
Huhu. A Gandharva.
Ikshumati. A river.
Indra. The King of the Gods who is known under other names
such as : —
Indu. A Constellation.
653
GLOSSARY
Ira vat. A tide meaning * Granter of Enjoyment or Refreshment *-
The name of one of the great Serpents.
Jambhumali. A titan.
Jangha. A titan.
654
GLOSSARY
Kahola. The father of the Sage Ashtavakra, who cursed his son
while he was in the womb causing him to be born with eight
humps.
Kalamahi. A river.
655
GLOSSARY
A river.
Kampana. A titan.
Kanakhala. A mountain.
Kapatha. A titan.
Kapi. A monkey.
Karaviraksha. A titan.
Karenu. An elephant.
Karka. The Sign of Cancer.
656
GLOSSARY
Karushas. A people.
Kashya. An ascetic.
Kausheya. A Rishi.
Kavashin. A Sage.
Keshini. A river.
657
GLOSSARY
Koyashtika. A lapwing.
Krathana. A monkey warrior.
A mountain.
Kraunchacharya. A Sage.
Krauncharanya. A forest.
Kraunchavata. A mountain.
Krikara. A partridge.
Krishnagiri. A mountain.
Kulinga. A city.
A river.
A bird.
Kumbha. A titan, a son of Kumbhakama.
658
GLOSSARY
Kurari. An osprey.
Kurus. A tribe.
A forest.
Kutika. A river.
Kutikoshtika. A river.
Kutsa. An ascetic.
Lamba. A mountain.
659
GLOSSARY
Panegyrists.
660
GLOSSARY
Maharuna. A mountain.
2u 661
GLOSSARY
Malavana. A country.
Mandala. A circle.
Mandarkani. A Sage.
Manu. The first man, who was given the holy truth by his father
Vivasvata. See Bhagavadgita Gh. IV, opening verses.
662
GLOSSARY
A measure.
A forest or wood.
Matangas. Elephants.
Maudgalya. A Sage.
The son of Diti, a giant who created a magical cave for the
Nymph Hema, his consort. Maya was the artificer of the Gods.
Modakara. A Sage.
A Danava.
663
GLOSSARY
Murachapattna. A country.
Muraga. A tambourine.
Nagabhogas. Sea-serpents.
664
GLOSSARY
Nalini. A river.
A Sage.
Nandi. The sacred bull that is Shiva’s vehicle and which symbo-
lizes the Sattwa-guna.
Narmada. A river.
Natas. Dancers.
Nrishangu. A Sage.
665
GLOSSARY
A Yaksha.
An elephant.
A lotus.
Winged clouds.
Palvala. A lake.
666
GLOSSARY
Pariharyas. Bracelets.
Parusha. A titan.
Pataha. A war-drum.
Phana. A titan.
667
GLOSSARY
Prahrada. A Daitya.
Prajyotisha. A city.
Pralamba. A mountain.
Pramatha. A titan.
Pramodana. An ascetic.
Pramuchi. An ascetic.
Pratapana. A titan.
Pratihara. A doorkeeper.
Pretas. Ghosts.
668
GLOSSARY
A monkey warrior.
Prithugriva. A titan.
Pundarika. A nymph.
Pundras. A country.
A Sage.
Putra. A son, who is said to deliver his father from hell or * Put
sons.
669
GLOSSARY
A monkey leader.
Ramya. A mountain.
Ratha. A chariot.
Ratna. A necklace.
670
GLOSSARY
Ravi. The Sun.
Rikshavat. A mountain.
Rikshya. A monkey.
A deer.
Romasha. A monkey.
Rudhirashana. A titan.
671
GLOSSARY
Ruru. A deer.
Sahira. A mountain.
A titan warrior.
Samnunata. A titan.
Samrocana. A mountain.
672
GLOSSARY
Sarasa. A goose.
A river.
Sarga. A chapter
Satya Yuga. The Golden Age. There are four Yugas that make
up the World cycle : —
673
GLOSSARY
Savita or Savitri. The sun, the producer of heat and the spiritual
faculties of heat.
Shaila. A mountain.
Shailoda. A river.
Shakas. A people.
674
GLOSSARY
Shatha. A titan.
A Nakshatra q.v.
A title of courtesy.
675
GLOSSARY
A Gandharva.
A Parrot.
Goddess Durga.,
A monkey warrior.
An Asura.
Shveta. A mountain.
A monkey warrior.
Six Kinds of Taste. Sweet, bitter, acid, salt, pungent, acrid and
harsh.
676
GLOSSARY
Skanda. The God of War who was the son of Shiva, also called
Karttikeya.
A monkey warrior.
A mountain.
Sukanabha. A titan.
2X
677
GLOSSARY
Sun. The Sun appears under countless names such as : — Ans hu-
man, Ahaskara, Bhanu, Bhaskara, Divakara, Dinakara, Gava-
sthana, Prabhakara, Surya, Savita, Sura, Suvarnasdrisha,
Twasta, Vyomanatha and others.
Suryasachu. A titan.
Suryavana. A mountain.
Suvarna. One of the gold and silver islands rich in gold mines.
Suvarnasadrisha. ‘ Of golden aspect ’, a name of the Sun.
678
GLOSSARY
Suvasasuvarna. A mountain.
Syandara. A river.
Tapovana. A forest.
A monkey general.
679
GLOSSARY
Taraka. A meteor.
A lake.
Three Fires, The. The Ahavaniya Fire in the east for offerings
to the Devas, the Dakshina Fire in the south for offerings to
the Pitris and the Gahapatya Fire in the west which is per-
petually maintained and passed on from father to son and from
which the other sacrificial fires are lit.
Tikshavega. A titan.
680
GL O S S ARY
A constellation.
68 1
GLOSSARY
Uttaraga. A river.
A species of goat.
A monkey warrior.
Vahudamshtra. A titan.
Vaidya. A physician.
Vaidyuta. A mountain.
GLOSSARY
Vainateya. A name of Garuda.
Vairochana or Virochana. A name of the Sun and Moon,
meaning ‘ Illumining
A patronymic of Bali.
The Zodiac.
Vajra. A mountain.
Vajrabanu. A titan.
An Indian lute.
Valukini. A river.
683
GLOSSARY
Varana. A mountain.
Varuthi. A river.
A Sage.
Vena. A river.
GLOSSARY
Vidyudruna. A titan.
Vighana. A titan.
Vijihva. A titan.
Vikata. A titan.
ViMPAKSHA. A titan.
Vimukha. A Sage.
A monkey warrior.
Vindha. The hour that is auspicious for finding what has been lost.
Vindhya. A mountain ordered by Agastya not to increase in
height.
Vipaga. A river.
685
GLOSSARY
Vishala. A titan.
A name of Vishnu.
686
GLOSSARY
Yadu. The son of Yayati and Devayani. Yayati was the founder
of the Yadavas in which line Krishna was born.
Yavakrita. A Rishi.
688
GLOSSARY
689
GLOSSARY
690
GLOSSARY
Chandaka. The dried buds of this tree are the pungent and
aromatic clove.
691
GLOSSARY
Dukula. A plant from the stem of which very fine cloth is made.
692
GLOSSARY
Japa Flower. China Rose or Shoe Plant, which has large single
bell-shaped flowers of a rich Chinese red. These are used
for decoration at festivals. The crushed flowers are used
for shoe polish.
A kind of Turmeric.
2y 693
GLOSSARY
694
GLOSSARY
Kumuda. A white water lily, called the ‘Moonlily’, the other lotuses
opening to the sun.
695
GLOSSARY
696
GLOSSARY
A vine-like plant.
Long Pepper.
Purna. A Cypress.
697
GLOS SARY
S
698
GLOSSARY
699
GLOSSARY
Tindura. A Persimmon.
A water-lily.
Vamshas. Bamboos.
A Trumpet flower.
700
WEAPONS
Aishika. An Arrow.
Ankusha. A Goad.
Danda. The name means Rod or Staff as for instance the Rod of
Death or Punishment belonging to Yama.
702
GLOSSARY
E
F
703
GLOSSARY
Kapala. A Helmet.
Kasha. A Whip.
Kuta. A Poniard.
704
GLOSSARY
Narayana. A Water-weapon.
705
GLOSSARY
Pasha. A Rope.
706
GLOSSARY
Usiratma. A Scimitar.
707
GLOSSARY
Vikarni. An Arrow.
708