Produced by James Simmons.
This file was produced from page images at the Internet Archive.
Transcriber's Note
This book was transcribed from scans of several different copies of the original found at the Internet Archive. The typesetters of the original book represented the letter a (with a macron above) as a (with circumflex above) when italicized, but this etext uses the macron throughout. Words in italics in this etext were italicized in the original book. I have corrected obvious misspellings but I've left variant spellings alone. Some words and names, like yojana and Garuda, were spelled two different ways in the same text. I have spelled them consistently to avoid confusion.
THE RAMAYANA
Translated into English Prose from the original Sanskrit of Valmiki
YUDDHA KANDAM.
EDITED AND PUBLISHED BY
MANMATHA NATH DUTT, M. A.
Rector, Keshub Academy.
Printed By Girish Chandra Chackravarti, Deva Press, 65/2, Beadon Street. CALCUTTA. 1893
[All rights reserved.]
YUDDHAKANDAM. ..................................................... SECTION I. ...................................................... SECTION II. ..................................................... SECTION III. .................................................... SECTION IV. ..................................................... SECTION V. ...................................................... SECTION VI. ..................................................... SECTION VII. .................................................... SECTION VIII. ................................................... SECTION IX. ..................................................... SECTION X. ...................................................... SECTION XI. ..................................................... SECTION XII. .................................................... SECTION XIII. ................................................... SECTION XIV. .................................................... SECTION XV. ..................................................... SECTION XVI. .................................................... SECTION XVII. ................................................... SECTION XVIII. .................................................. SECTION XIX. .................................................... SECTION XX. ..................................................... SECTION XXI. .................................................... SECTION XXII. ................................................... SECTION XXIII. .................................................. SECTION XXIV. ................................................... SECTION XXV. .................................................... SECTION XXXI. ................................................... SECTION XXVII. .................................................. SECTION XXVIII. ................................................. SECTION XXIX. ................................................... SECTION XXX. .................................................... SECTION XXXI. ................................................... SECTION XXXII. .................................................. SECTION XXXIII. ................................................. SECTION XXXIV. .................................................. SECTION XXXV. ................................................... SECTION XXXVI. .................................................. SECTION XXXVII. ................................................. SECTION XXXVIII. ................................................ SECTION XXXIX. .................................................. SECTION XL. ..................................................... SECTION XLI. .................................................... SECTION XLII. ................................................... SECTION XLIII. .................................................. SECTION XLIV. ................................................... SECTION XLV. .................................................... SECTION XLVI. ................................................... SECTION XLVII. .................................................. SECTION XLVIII. ................................................. SECTION XLIX. ................................................... SECTION L. ...................................................... SECTION LI. ..................................................... SECTION LII. .................................................... SECTION LIII. ................................................... SECTION LIV. .................................................... SECTION LV. ..................................................... SECTION LVI. .................................................... SECTION LVII. ................................................... SECTION LVIII. .................................................. SECTION LIX. .................................................... SECTION LX. ..................................................... SECTION LXI. .................................................... SECTION LXII. ................................................... SECTION LXIII. .................................................. SECTION LXIV. ................................................... SECTION LXV. .................................................... SECTION LXVI. ................................................... SECTION LXVII. .................................................. SECTION LXVIII. ................................................. SECTION LXIX. ................................................... SECTION LXXI. ................................................... SECTION LXIXII. ................................................. SECTION LXXIII. ................................................. SECTION LXXIV. .................................................. SECTION LXXV. ................................................... SECTION LXXVI. .................................................. SECTION LXXVII. ................................................. SECTION LXXVIII. ................................................ SECTION LXXIX. .................................................. SECTION LXXX. ................................................... SECTION LXXXI. .................................................. SECTION LXXXII. ................................................. SECTION LXXXIII. ................................................ SECTION LXXXIV. ................................................. SECTION LXXXV. .................................................. SECTION LXXXVI. ................................................. SECTION LXXXVI .................................................. SECTION LXXXVIII. ............................................... SECTION LXXXIX. ................................................. SECTION LXL. .................................................... SECTION LXLI. ................................................... SECTION LXLII. .................................................. SECTION LXLIII. ................................................. SECTION LXLIV. .................................................. SECTION LXLV. ................................................... SECTION LXLVI. .................................................. SECTION LXLVII. ................................................. SECTION LXLVIII. ................................................ SECTION LXLIX. .................................................. SECTION C. ...................................................... SECTION CI. ..................................................... SECTION CII. .................................................... SECTION CIII. ................................................... SECTION CIV. .................................................... SECTION CV. ..................................................... SECTION CVI. .................................................... SECTION CVII. ................................................... SECTION CVIII. .................................................. SECTION CIX. .................................................... SECTION CX. ..................................................... SECTION CXI. .................................................... SECTION CXII. ................................................... SECTION CXIII. .................................................. SECTION CXIV. ................................................... SECTION CXV. .................................................... SECTION CXVI. ................................................... SECTION CXVII. .................................................. SECTION CXVIII. ................................................. SECTION CXIX. ................................................... SECTION CXX. .................................................... SECTION CXXI. ................................................... SECTION CXXII. .................................................. SECTION CXXIII. ................................................. SECTION CXXIV. .................................................. SECTION CXXV. ................................................... SECTION CXXVI. .................................................. SECTION CXXVII. ................................................. SECTION CXXVIII. ................................................ SECTION CXXIX. .................................................. SECTION CXXX. ...................................................
YUDDHAKANDAM.
SECTION I.
Hearing the words of Hanuman rehearsed properly, Rama, exceedingly delighted, said,--"By Hanuman hath been performed a very great deed, rare on earth, and one incapable of being even conceived by any other in the world. Save Garuda and the Wind-god, and save also Hanuman, him find I not who crosseth the wide ocean. Entering by main force the city of Lanka, incapable of being subjugated by the gods and Danavas and Yakshas, the Gandharbas, serpents or Rakhas, and well protected by Ravana,--who, living, cometh out (of it)? And who that is not the compeer of Hanuman in strength and prowess, even entereth into (Lanka), hard to subdue, and carefully guarded by the Rakshasas? And having so put forth his strength commensurate with his prowess, Hanuman hath also performed a great act befitting a servant on behalf of Sugriva.[1] That servant who, being entrusted with a hard task,--after having accomplished it, doeth another work in pursuance of (the prescribed business), is the best of men. That servant is middling, who, deputed to any task,[2] doth not, albeit capable, perform any other work which may be dear to the king. And that servant who, entrusted with any work the king, doth not, although competent, heedfully accomplish the same, hath been called the worst. Anent the order (which he had received), Hanuman hath done the work (and more). He hath not been humbled,[3]--and, further, hath pleased Sugriva. And by seeing Vaidehi, (Hanuman hath), while reaping righteousness, saved me, the Raghu race, and the highly powerful Lakshmana. And this pained my mind sore, that I cannot do a like benefit, returning this dear office of his. Embrace expresseth the all (of the Deity),[4] and, finding this occasion, I extend my embrace unto the high-souled Hanuman". Having said this, Rama, with his down standing on end in joy, embraced the self-controlled Hanuman, who was present after having finished his speech. Then reflecting for a while, the best of the Raghus again spoke in the presence of Sugriva, lord of monkeys. "Complete success hath been attained anent the search for Sita. But when I think of the ocean, my mind is again sunk in dejection. How can the assembled monkeys go over to the southern shore of the vasty deep, difficult to cross? This tidings thou hast related unto me touching Vadehi, but what are the monkeys to do next about crossing the sea?" Having said this unto Hanuman, that slayer of foes, mighty-armed Rama, agitated by anxiety, was then plunged in thought.
[1] Having seen Sita--which was all that he had been commissioned to do by Sugriva, Hanuman has destroyed Rakshasas and burnt Lanka; and this he did of himself like a good servant.--T.
[2] i.e. performing the entrusted work.--T.
[3] By the Rakskasas.--T.
[4] The commentator explains this obscure passage after his own orthodox fashion. The gist is this. Delight is the essence of the Deity, and all His incarnations body forth this. Embrace is typical of this emotion.--T.
SECTION II.
Then the graceful Sugriva spake words capable of soothing sorrow, unto Dacaratha's son, Rama, who was wrought up with grief,--"Why, O hero, dost thou grieve, like one that is base? Let not this be so. Chase away thy grief, even as an ingrate resigneth amity. Nor, O Raghava, when the whereabouts of Sita hath been discovered, and when too the abode itself of the foe hath been known, do I perceive the reason of thy sorrow. Thou, O Raghava, art intelligent, conversant with learning, wise, and judicious. Do thou cast away this sorry way of thinking, even as a self-controlled (ascetic) casteth away any course of thought interfering with the attainment of his purpose. Crossing over the ocean swarming with gigantic alligators, we shall enter Lanka and slay thy enemy. Of a person that is dispirited and poor in pluck and that hath his soul overwhelmed with grief, every interest droopeth, and he cometh by misfortunes (one after another). All these heroes, these leaders of monkey-hordes, who are ardent for thy welfare, are competent to enter into fire itself. From their cheerful attitude I know this, and firm is my faith. It behoveth thee so to arrange things that, slaying the foe, Ravana of impious acts, we may bring hither Sita by our own prowess. Do thou, O Raghava, so order matters that a bridge may be constructed (over the main), and that we may behold the palace of the Rakshasa monarch. We having seen the city of Lanka, established on the summit of Trikuta, do thou for certain conclude Ravana as slain in battle immediately after (we see her). Without throwing a bridge over the ocean--the dread abode of Varuna--even the Asuras and celestials with Indra (at their head) are unequal to subduing Lanka. When the bridge over the ocean hath been constructed up to near Lanka, and when my forces have crossed (over the sea), consider victory as secured. As these monkeys are heroic in fight, and able to wear forms at will, O king, do not let thy intellect get stupified and thus mar all interests. In this world, sorrow berefts people of their prowess. Do thou do even what should be done by a man--summon thy manliness; for what an actor doeth promptly, conduceth to his success. At this time, O eminently wise one, do thou realise goodness through thy energy.[5] Of heroic, high-souled, men like thyself, on their sustaining an entire or a partial loss, grief undoeth every interest. Therefore, the foremost of intelligent persons, and conversant with every lore, thou shouldst along with councilors like me, strive to beat thy foe. Find I none in the three worlds, O Raghava, who can stay in fight before thee equipped with thy bow. Thy business entrusted to these monkeys shall not (anyway) suffer. And soon, crossing over the boundless main, thou shalt behold Sita. Therefore, O king, renounce thy sorrow, and call up wrath. Those Kshatriyas that conceive no anger in respect of their enemies, have their activity annulled; and all fear furious persons. Drawing nigh unto us, do thou, gifted with acute intelligence, cast about for crossing over the dreadful deep--lord of streams--along with us. On these forces getting beyond the ocean, do thou take it for certain that we have won; and when my whole host hath reached the further shore, do thou indubitably conclude that we have obtained victory. These monkeys, heroic and capable of assuming in fight forms at will, shall slaughter those foes by showering rocks and trees. If I see any means of crossing the ocean, Varuna's abode, I shall, O destroyer of foes, deem him as slain in battle. And what is the use of dilating? Every way thou shalt prove victorious. And I see omens, and my mind is filled with delight".
[5] i.e. as I understand this rather obscure passage, prove thou good through thy vigor--secure victory to the cause of goodness through thy might.--T
SECTION III.
Hearing Sugriva's speech, reasonable and fraught with high sense, Kakutstha accorded his assent to it and spoke unto Hanuman, saying,--"By asceticism, or constructing a a bridge, or drying up the ocean,--competent every way am I for crossing over this ocean. Of impracticable places, tell me how many there are in (Lanka), which are incapable of being come at. O monkey, as thou hast seen personally, I wish to get acquainted with all this. And thou hast at thy leisure duly noticed in Lanka the number of the army, the inaccessibility (or otherwise) of the gates, the defence of Lanka, and the dwellings of the Rakshasas. Do thou faithfully relate this unto me, for thou art observant". Hearing Rama's speech, Hanuman, offspring of the Wind-god, foremost of those conversant with speech, again spake unto Rama,--"Hearken! I will describe unto thee by what method is the city of Lanka guarded and protected by the Rakshasas, how loyal the Rakshasas are, the surpassing prosperity of Lanka, the dreadfulness of the deep, the divisions of the forces, and the number of the elephants, horses, cars, etc". Having said this, that best of monkeys, knowing the nature of things, went on,--"Lanka, filled with mad elephants, ever rejoiceth. She is great, thronging with cars and inhabited by Rakshasas. Her doors are firmly established and furnished with massy bolts. And she hath four wide and giant gates. (At those gates) are powerful and large arms, stones, and engines, whereby a hostile host approaching, is opposed. At the entrances are arrayed and set in order by bands of heroic Rakshasas, hundreds of dreadful sharp iron sataghnis.[6] She hath a mighty impassable golden wall, having its side emblazoned in the centre with costly stones, coral, lapises and pearls. Round about is a moat, exceedingly dreadful, with cool water, eminently grand, fathomless, containing ferocious aquatic animals, and inhabited by fishes. At the gates are four broad bridges, furnished with machines and many rows of grand structures. On the approach of hostile forces, their attack is repulsed by these machines, and they are thrown into the ditch. One among these bridges is immovable, strong and fast established; adorned with golden pillars and daises. O Rama, albeit Ravana hungereth for fight, yet is he calm; and he is vigilant and ever engaged in superintending his army. And dreadful and resembling a celestial citadel, Lanka cannot be ascended by means of any support. She hath fortresses composed of streams, those of hills, and artificial ones of four kinds. And, O Raghava, she is situated on the other shore of the ocean having its limit far away. And way there is none even for barks,--and all sides are destitute of division. And that citadel is built on the mountain's brow; and, resembling the metropolis of the immortals, the exceedingly invincible Lanka is filled with horses and elephants. And a moat and sataghnis and various engines adorn the city of Lanka, belonging to the wicked Ravana. And an ayuta of Rakshasas, dart-handed, hard to subdue,--and all fighting at the front with their swords--protect the Eastern gate. And a niyuta of Rakshasas with a fourfold force, and with the flower of the soldiery--protect the Southern gate. And a prayuta of Rakshasas, bearing swords and shields, and skilled in all arms, protect the Western gate. And an arvuda of Rakhas protect the Northern gate. And car-warriors and horsemen--persons honored and sprung from noble lines--by hundreds and thousands,--and irrepressible goblins and kotis of Rakshasas, protect the garrison. I have broken down the bridges and filled up the entrenchment. I have burnt the city of Lanka and laid the wall low. Let us by any way whatever cross over Varuna's abode. Do thou take it for certain that the city of Lanka is subdued by the monkeys. What is the use of thy reckoning the rest? Angada, Dwivida, Mainda, Jambavan, Panasa, Nala, and the general, Nila, bounding and reaching Ravana's abode, and riving the same consisting of woods and hills, moat and gateway, walls and dwellings, shall, O Raghava, bring (hither) Sita. If this be so,[7] do thou order the entire body of the army to be brought; and do thou set out at the proper hour".
[6] A kind of fire-arms, or ancient Hindu rocket; or a stone set round with sharp iron spikes.--According to Ramanuya, a sort of mace about two yards in length, with spikes.--T.
SECTION IV.
Hearing Hanuman's speech duly from the beginning, the exceedingly energetic Rama having truth for his prowess, said,--"What thou sayest--'I shall speedily destroy the city of this dreadful Raksha,'--is true, I tell thee. Therefore, at this very moment arrange for Sugriva's march. The Sun hath attained his meridian at this proper moment, capable of conferring victory.[8] Let Ravana carry away Sita (to his own country),--whither shall Ravana, living, repair? Like a dying person who hath taken a death-dispelling drug and drunk ambrosia, Sita, hearing of my preparations for war, shall inspire hope of life. To-day the Northern Phalguni (is in the ascendant); and to-morrow the moon shall be in conjunction with Hasta.[9] O Sugriva, shall we set out, surrounded by the entire host? The omens I witness, augur, that, having slain Ravana, I shall bring back Janaki. The upper lid of my eye throbbeth; and it betokeneth that my desire hath indeed been had". Then, honored by the monkey-king as well as Lakshmana, the righteous Rama, understanding the import of things, again said,--"Surrounded by hundreds and thousands of fast-speeding monkeys, let Nila go ahead of this force, for surveying the route. O Nila, do thou, O general, expeditiously take the army by a path furnished with fruits and roots, having cool waters of the woods, and replenished with honey. The wicked Rakshasas vitiate[10] fruits, roots and water along the way. Thou, ever on the alert, shouldst preserve these from the Rakshas. And, bounding down into hollow places, mountain-fastnesses, and woods, let the rangers of the wilds, spy the posted detachments of the enemy. Let those that are incompetent, stay here. This business is dreadful, and we should apply our best strength in conducting the same. Therefore let the foremost monkeys gifted with prodigious prowess lead forth the choice portion of the army, numbering hundreds and thousands. And let Gaja resembling a hill, and the exceedingly powerful Gavaya, and that monkey, Gavaksha, master of the leaping ones,[11] like a haughty bull among kine, go in the van of the monkey-host. And let that foremost of monkeys, Rishava, go, protecting the right wing (of the army); and let Gandha, irrisistible like an elephant with the fragrant temporal juice trickling down, and the vehement Gandhamadana, go,[12] protecting the left wing (of the monkey-army). And, cheering the army, I myself, mounted on Hanuman, like the Lord (mounted) on Airavata, shall march in the midst of the forces. And like the lord of wealth and master of riches, mounted on Sarvabhauma, let Lakshmana resembling the Destroyer, march forth, mounted on Angada. And let that king of bears, the long-armed Jambavan, Sushena, and the monkey, Vegadarci, protect the rear (of the forces)". Hearing Raghava's words, that foremost of monkeys and lord of the army, the exceedingly energetic Sugriva, issued his orders. And anon those highly powerful monkeys issuing up from caves and mountain-summits, began to bound (on all sides). Thereafter, honored by the king of monkeys and also Lakshmana, the righteous Rama, accompanied by his forces, set out in a southerly direction. And he marched, surrounded by hundreds and thousands, Kotis and Ayutas of monkeys resembling elephants. And he marching was followed by the mighty host of monkeys; and all those maintained by Sugriva were filled with joy and betrayed demonstrations of delight. And bounding by way of guarding the flanks of the forces, and leaping in front of the army for pioneering, blustering, emitting leonine roars, and uttering cries, the monkeys made towards the south. And some partook of perfumed honey and fruits, and some bore mighty trees, holding the sprouts. And some in pride (of strength) suddenly raised others and threw them down. And some fell and were anon up, and some brought others down. 'We shall slay Ravana, as also all the rangers of the night'; thus did the monkeys roar out in the presence of Raghava. Before (the army), Rhrishabha, the heroic Nila, and Kumuda, along with many monkeys, went on clearing the route. In the middle were king Sugriva, Rama and Lakshamana, environed by innumerable powerful and terrible monkeys. And the heroic monkey, Satavali, surrounded by ten Kotis (of troops), alone on all sides protected that monkey host. And accompanied by an hundred Kotis, Kesari, Panasa, Gaja[13] and Arka, by means of many protected that host on every side. And taking Sugriva before them, Sushena, and Jambavan, surrounded by innumerable bears, protected the rear (of the army.) And that foremost of rangers possessed of excellence, and of restrained senses, the heroic Nila, general (of the army), kept going round the ranks. And Valimukha, and Prajangha, Jambha and the monkey Rabhasa, went everywhere, urging on the monkeys. While thus marching, breathing pride of strength, those tiger-like monkeys saw that foremost of mountains Sahya crowned with hundreds of trees, and watery expanses laughing with flowers, and beautiful tanks. And knowing the order of Rama of dreadful wrath, that terrible and mighty host, exceedingly terrific and resembling the bosom of the deep, cowed down through fear, leaving behind cities and villages and provinces, went like the deep-sounding sea. And at the side of Dacaratha's son those heroic monkeys resembling elephants, proceeded by bounds, like noble horses, spurred on. And those foremost of men, mounted on the monkeys, looked beautiful like the Sun and the Moon half eclipsed by the two mighty planets, viz., Rahu and Ketu. And (thus) did the righteous Rama proceed towards the South, accompanied by his army. Then Lakshmana, furnished with consummate sense and promptitude, who was mounted on Angada, spoke unto Rama, inviting words, fraught with import. "Speedily recovering Vaidehi, who hath been carried away, and slaying Ravana, thou wilt, thy end attained, return to Ayodhya, who shall also have her desire. O Raghava, I see all the great auspicious omens on earth and in the sky, signifying success unto thee. Mildly and grateful doth the blessed breeze blow behind the army, inspiring pleasure. And the birds and beasts are crying in sonorous voices. And all the points (of the compass) appear pleasant; and the lord of day is cloudless. Bhrigu's son, Ucanas, also weareth for thee an auspicious aspect, and Dhruva is without blemish. And all the rishis, pure and furnished with lustre, go round Dhruva. And before us shineth the grandfather of the high-souled Ikshwakus; the spotless Rajarshi Tricanku, with his priest.--And stainless and free from disturbances appeareth Visakha. This is the racial star of us, the high-souled Ikshwakus. And Nairita, the racial star of the Nairitas, is sore afflicted and, touched by the rod-bearing Dhumketu is in trouble. All this is for the destruction of the Rakshasas. At the fated time, those that are in the clutches of Death, have their stars afflicted by the planets. And the water is dear and tastes sweet; and the woods are stocked with fruit. And the odorous gale doth not blow strongly; and the trees are furnished with all blossoms of of the season. And, O lord, this host of monkeys appeareth splendid to the height, as did the celestial host on the occasion of the destruction of Taraka. Seeing all this, thou shouldst, O noble one, feel delighted". Having thus consoled his brother, Sumitra's son, feeling enlivened, said this. The monkey-host went on, covering the earth. And the mighty dust raised by bears, monkeys, and tigers, having for their weapons nails and teeth,--with the foreparts of their feet and hands, enveloped the world, and the splendour of the sun was obscured. And as clouds envelope the sky, the mighty monkey-host went on, covering up the Southern quarter with its mountains, woods, and sky. And as they marched covering many a yojana, the streams seemed as if they flowed in an opposite direction.[14] And they, while proceeding, took rest by pools of clear water, on mountains covered with trees, on plains and in forests teeming with fruits. Some moving straight, some moving askance, and some moving on the earth, that enormous monkey-host went on covering the entire earth. And they were all of delighted countenances and gifted with the velocity of the wind. And these monkeys devoted all their energy to the accomplishment of Raghava's work. And they were displaying unto each other their joy, prowess and energy. And influenced with the vanity of youth they set up diverse cries. Some proceeded with speed, some leaped, some set up cries expressing joy, some were uplifting their tails, and some were striking the ground with their feet. Some, stretching forth their arms, were breaking the hills, and others the trees. And others were ascending the tops of the hills. Some began to make terrible sounds, and others made a tingling noise. And many others blasted the creepers with the velocity of their thighs. And some were engaged in sporting with trees and rocks. And thus was the earth enveloped with millions and kotis of fearful monkeys. And thus the enormous monkey host went on day and night. And all those monkeys, delighted, guided by Sugriva, and taking delight in battle, went on speedily. And they did not take rest even for a moment, desirous of rescuing Sita. Thereupon, getting at the mount Sahya covered with various trees and forests, those monkeys ascended it. And Rama went on beholding the variegated forest, rivers and fountains of the mount Sahya and Malaya. And those monkeys broke down various trees--Champakas, Tilakas, mangos, *Prasekas, Sindubarakas, Tinicas and Karaviras, Asokas, Karanjas, Plakshas, Nyagrodhas, Jambukas and Amalakas. And seated on picturesque rocks, various forest trees, shaken by the wind, showered flowers on them. And there blew in those forests filled with the smell of honey, a wind of pleasant touch, cool as the Moon, accompanied by the hummings of the bees. And that mount was richly embellished with diverse metals. And dust issuing from these metals and thickened by the air, enveloped on all sides the huge monkey-host. There blossomed in that picturesque mountain-vale Ketakas, Sindubaras, beautiful Vasantees, Madhabis, Gandhapurnas, Kandas, Chiravilyas, Mahikas, Vanjulas, Vakulas, Ranjakas, Tilakas, Nagas, Chutas, Patalikas, Kobidaras, Muchlindas, Arjunas, Singsapas, Kutajas, Pintalas, Tinicas, Churnkas, Neepakas, Neela-Sokas, Saralas, Ankolas and lotuses. And all these trees were greatly disturbed by those monkeys, delighted with their view. There were in that mountain many a picturesque lake and pond filled with Chakravakas and Karandavas, ducks, Chraunchas and the mount abounded on all sides with boars, deer, and terrible bears, lions and tigers and various other fearful animals, and it was beautified with full blown lotuses, lilies, Utpalas and various other fragrant trees growing in the water. And various birds set up their musical choir on the summit of that mount. And bathing and drinking, these monkeys sported in the water. And ascending the mount these monkeys continually bounded. And excited with drink, they crumbled into pieces the ambrosia-smelling fruits, roots and flowers of the trees. And those monkeys yellow as honey, delighted, feasted on mangoes, long and measuring a drona. Breaking down the trees, blasting the creepers, bounding from one tree to another and making the mount Sahya echo, those leading monkeys went on delighted and excited with drink. Some ascending the trees, and others drinking, the whole earth was enveloped with those monkeys, and seemed as if beautified with ripe paddy crops. And reaching the mount Mahendra, the large-armed Rama, having eyes like lotuses, ascended the summit adorned with diverse trees. And getting at the top, Dacaratha's son espied the vast deep filled with tortoises and fishes. Thereupon, passing by the mounts Sahya and Malaya and arranging their enormous host, they[15] by and by reached the roaring deep. And descending therefrom, Rama, the foremost of those who minister happiness unto all, accompanied by Lakshmana and Sugriva, entered the forest situate on the banks of the ocean. And reaching the expansive banks having rocks thereon and continually washed by the rising billows, Rama spoke saying,--"O Sugriva we have arrived at the abode of Varuna. Now hath arisen in my mind what I had not thought of before. And this ocean, the lord of the streams, whose other side is not seen, cannot be crossed over without some excellent measure. Let the monkey-host be encamped here therefore, and then concert a plan by means of which they might get at the other side. And reaching the shores of the ocean, the large-armed Rama, stricken with grief for Sita, ordered their encampment, saying,--"O foremost of monkeys, do thou encamp thy host on the brink of the ocean. Now hath arrived the hour for counsel, when we should devise some plan for crossing over the main. I fear the Rakshasas at every step, for they are greatly illusion creating--let the leaders therefore go to their own hosts and let them not proceed anywhere else, renouncing them". Hearing the words of Rama, Sugriva along with Lakshmana, encamped the army on the brink of the ocean covered with trees. And stationed near the main, the monkey-host in consequence of their resemblance in colour with the blue contents of the deep, looked like a second ocean. Thereupon, reaching the shore, those leading monkeys engaged in concerting a plan to cross over the vasty deep. And the tumult, of that monkey-host encamped there, was heard above the roaring of the deep. And that huge army of the monkeys commanded by Sugriva, and set up in three divisions, were deeply concerned with the accomplishment of Rama's work. And reaching the shore of the vasty deep, that monkey host, delighted, beheld the ocean moved by the Wind. And they waited there beholding the deep of unimpeded expanse, having its distant shore inhabited by the demons, and thronged with various aquatic animals. While upheaving its foam on the approach of eve, it appeared laughing and setting up its surges, it appeared to dance. It increased with the rising of the Moon and he reflected himself on its breast. That abode of Varuna was infested with gigantic sharks, whales and _Timingalas_[16], disturbed with the fury of the Wind, filled with serpents having flaming frames, and various aquatic animals and rocks and was fathomless deep. It had picturesque fortresses on its marge and its other shore was hard to get at. And the _Makaras_[17] and serpents living therein were moved by the Wind. The waters, as if delighted, were rising and falling. And having serpents of flaming frames underneath, it appeared as if sprinkled with scintillations of fire. And that terrible abode of the demons extended down to the regions inhabited by the Nagas or serpents. The deep resembled the welkin and the welkin the deep, and there appeared no difference between them. The sky crested with stars and the deep filled with gems resembled each other. The sky enveloped with clouds and the ocean overflowing with surges presented no contrast whatsoever. The waves of the mighty deep beating at each other continually, set up a sound resembling that of a trumpet in the sky. It was filled with diverse gems and its water was poisoned by means of the air. It was filled with various aquatic animals, and upheaving its billows, it appeared as if excited with ire. And there beheld those high-souled monkeys the mighty main agitated by the Wind and muttering as if with the upheaval of the waves. Thereupon, overwhelmed with surprise, those monkeys, stationed there, espied the main brimming with rolling waters and moving as if (off its place).
[7] Ebam ajnapaya: Ramanuja reads sense into this passage. If thou wishest the principal monkeys to go, bring them; if thou wish the whole host to march, call it hither, and march at the auspicious moment.--T.
[8] The moment is named abhijit.--T.
[9] Hasta sprung from Punarvasu is the star of doom, portending death to Ravana. The Northern Phalguni is Sita's natal star. The expedition begun during the influence of this star, augurs deliverance to Vaidehi.--T.
[10] By means of poison, etc.--T.
[11] i.e. monkeys.--T.
[12] The verb is singular, instead of dual, as also the qualifying epithet, Parcamadishthita. But the sense is clear.--T.
[13] Some other than the first-mentioned Gaja.--T.
[14] Kataka remarks:--"As when clouds drift past, the Moon it is that seems to scud across the sky, as the monkey-army marched on, the rivers seemed to flow in an opposite direction". Ramanuya says that the waters of the streams dashed by the monkeys, held an opposite course. The former interpretation is hardly satisfactory, and Ramanuya seems to be right.--T.
[15] The monkey leaders.--T.
[16] A large fabulous fish.--T.
[17] A marine monster confounded usually with the crocodile and shark.--T.
SECTION V.
There on the northern shore of the ocean the army was encamped and arranged in order by Nila. And the two leading monkeys Mainda and Divida patrolled about on all sides to protect the monkey host. And the army being encamped on the shore of the lord of streams and rivers, Rama, beholding Lakshmana by his side, spoke, saying--"I know that grief abates as time passes by, but my sorrow arising from the separation of my spouse, is increasing day by day. I am not sorry that she hath been stealthily taken away by the demon--but my sorrow is that her end is drawing nigh. O Wind, do thou go there where my dear spouse is, and touching her person, do thou touch me, for I shall then be happy stationing my looks in the Moon and being touched by thee. Alas! my dear one cried 'O lord, O lord' when she was taken away. Those words, revolving burn me like poison. I am now being burnt down day and night by the fire of desire, having separation from her for its fuel and her thoughts for its flame. Leaving thee, O Son of Sumitra, I shall jump into the deep and then shall not this fire burn me any more. This is my only consolation, for which I draw my vital breath--that myself and she breathe on the same earth. Like unto a dry land drawing water from a watered ground, I do live, hearing that Janaki still survives. When shall I, discomfitting my enemies, behold Sita, having a beautiful waist and eyes resembling lotus-petals, as a victorious hero beholdeth the royal Grace. Like unto the sick drinking the elixir of life, when shall I, raising a little her lotus-like countenance having graceful teeth and lips, imprint kisses thereon? And when shall she, laughing, embrace me with her rising breast resembling the palm fruit? Alas that chaste dime having scarlet corners of the eye, being encircled by the demons, is wishing for a protector like unto one having no husband, albeit having a husband in me. How fareth in the midst of the she-demons, that daughter of the king Janaka, my beloved spouse, and the daughter-in-law of king Dacaratha? And having those Rakshasas, hard to repress, slain by me, truly shall she appear like unto the rays of the Moon extricated from sable autumnal clouds. Sita is constitutionally slender, and forsooth, she has been greatly reduced by sorrow, fasting and calamities touching time and place. When shall I, piercing with my shafts the breast of the lord of Rakshasas, renounce my mind's grief? And when shall my devoted Sita resembling the daughter of a celestial, fling herself anxiously around my neck and shed tears of joy? And when shall I renounce this my sorrow arising out of Maithili's separation, like unto one casting off his soiled clothes?" The highly intelligent Rama bewailing thus, the day passed away and the Sun, decreasing gradually, disappeared at last. And consoled by Lakshmana, Rama, stricken with thought touching Sita having eyes like lotus-petals, engaged in rites relating to the worship of Eve.
SECTION VI.
Beholding in Lanka that dreadful and awe-inspiring work performed by Hanuman like unto the high-souled Sakra, the lord of Rakshasas, looking down with shame, addressed them all, saying--"That monkey alone hath invaded and entered the city of Lanka hard to reach and hath espied Sita, the daughter of king Janaka. He hath shattered the palace, and the altar of sacrifice, slain the leading Rakshasas, and, in short, agitated the whole city of Lanka. What shall I do now? And what should you all do on this occasion? It behoveth you all to give me such counsel as becometh me and will conduce to my glory". 'Victory is the outcome of consultation'--this do the sages[18] say. Let us, therefore, O mighty ones, engage in counsel, relating to the measures we should adopt towards Rama. There are three orders of men on this earth--the superior the middling and the inferior. This distinction cannot be perceived without a knowledge of the signs, and so I shall relate unto you their merits and demerits. He is said to belong to the superior order, whose counsel contains the three signs (mentioned below), or who engages in works after consulting duly with friends capable or with persons having the same end in view, and some times with others, and who serveth Providence. He belongs to the middle order who consults his own self only, depends on the Providence, and engages alone in works. And he belongs to the inferior order who engageth in works without ascertaining their merits or demerits, disregarding the will of the Providence and saying, 'I will do this', and is inactive (at last). And counsels are also divided into three divisions like unto the three orders of men (mentioned). That counsel belongs to the superior order in which the counsellors with their judgment reinforced by a knowledge of political ethics, are unanimous. That one belongs to the middle order in which the counsellors after varied discussion, arrive at unanimity in the long run. And that one is the worst in which the counsellors differ from each other and agree a little in the long run, with no good result. You are all gifted with good intellects: do you all unanimously settle as to what becometh me and conduceth to my well-being. Environed by a thousand of patient monkeys, Rama, with a view to capture our city, is approaching towards Lanka. Forsooth, shall he cross over the main along with his younger brother and a mighty host. He can by his prowess dry up the ocean and do the other.[19] Rama approaching thus with a hostile intention along with the monkeys, it behoveth you to devise such means as might protect my city and army.
[18] Manaswina, according to Ramanuya, means, hero.--T.
[19] i.e. bridge over the ocean.--T.
SECTION VII.
Being thus accosted by their lord, the highly powerful Rakshasas, devoid of good sense and ignorant of sound counsel, replied with folded palms, saying,--"Thou hast, O king, enough of soldiers and weapons. Why art thou smitten with sorrow then? Repairing to Bhagavati, thou didst discomfit the serpents in battle. The God of Death, living on mount Kailaca, encircled by Yakshas, was subjugated by thee in a great battle. And that mighty lord of men, proud of his friendship with Siva, was defeated by thee wrathfully in battle. Discomfitting and slaying the band of Yakshas, thou didst bring this flowery car from the mount Kailaca. O lord of Rakshasas, desiring thy friendship out of fear, Maya, the king of Danavas, offered thee his daughter[20] for thy spouse. O thou of mighty arms, thou didst bring under thy subjection the powerful and irrepressible Danava[21] for the pleasure of Kumbhinasi.[22] And entering the region under the earth, thou didst defeat the serpents--and thus bring under thy subjection Vasuki, Takshaka, Sankha, and Jati. Those heroic Danavas, the Kalakeyas, were greatly powerful, irrepressible, and proud of the boons conferred on them. And fighting with them perpetually for a year, thou didst bring them under thy control, O lord, O slayer of foes, and learn from them the science of varied illusions, O king of the Rakshasas. O great hero, by thee were defeated in battle, the heroic and powerful sons of Varuna, followed by a fourfold division of their army. The dominion of Death is like the mighty main, having his rod for aquatic animals, agonies for the trees that cover its islands, the noose for the billows, his attendants for the serpents and his terrible fever for the dreadful attitude of the deep. And diving into this terrible deep, thou didst, O king, discomfit Death himself and win glorious victory. And every one was pleased there with thy successful fight. The Earth was filled with various heroic Kshetriyas, resembling Sakra in prowess as she is adorned now with various trees. Raghava is not their equal either in strength or prowess. And all those heroes, hard to repress in battle, were slain by thee, O king. Do thou wait here, O great king; thou needst not take any trouble. Indrajit alone shall slay all these monkeys. And this one, O mighty monarch, having celebrated the Mahecwara[23] sacrifice, hath obtained a noble boon, rarely (attained by persons). Having agitated the ocean of celestial hosts, having darts and lances for its fishes, showering arms for its moss, elephants for its tortoises, steeds for its frogs, Rudra and Aditya for its ferocious animals, the Maruts and Vasus for its mighty serpents, cars, horses, and elephants for its volume of waters, and infantry for its spacious shore, this one (Indrajit), taking captive the lord of the celestials himself, had brought him into Lanka. Then, O king, liberated agreeably to the injunction of the Great-father, the slayer of Samvara and Vritra, worshipped of all the celestials, went (back) to heaven. Do thou, O great king, entrust Indrajit with this business,--until he bringeth to destruction the monkey-host along with Rama. O king, thou must not think that this calamity, coming from an ignoble person is not insignificant. Thou shalt slay Raghava".
[20] This refers to Mandodari, Ravana's favourite queen.--T.
[21] This refers to Madhu.--T.
[22] Ravana's sister, who was married to Madhu.--T.
[23] Relating to Mahacwara--the great Lord, a designation of Siva.--T.
SECTION VIII.
Then that heroic general, the Rakshasa named Prahasta, possessing the splendour of sable clouds, submitted with joined hands,--"I am competent to baffle in battle gods and Danavas and Gandharbas, ghosts, birds and serpents,--what then is a couple of human beings? Having been negligent and confident (in our power), we have all been deceived by Hanuman. But, I living, that ranger of woods shall not (again) go hence with his life. All the earth down to the ocean, containing hills, forests and woods, shall be rendered free from monkeys. Do thou command me. And, O ranger of the night, I shall deliver (the Rakshasas) from the monkeys; and thou shalt not have to suffer in the least in consequence of thy transgression".[24] Then the Rakshasa named Durmukha, growing enraged, said,--"This overpowering of all of us must not be forgiven--this flagrant discomfiture of the metropolis of the auspicious lord of the Rakshasas as well as of his inner appartment by the foremost of monkeys. This moment marching alone (from hence) will I exterminate the monkeys, even if they shall have entered the dreadful deep, or the sky, or the subterranean regions". Then the exceedingly powerful Vajradanshtra, weilding up a terrific bludgeon, stained with flesh and gore, wrathfully observed,--"Rama the irrepressible existing, and also Sugriva with Lakshmana, what have we to do with the weak and wretched Hanuman? This very day, slaying single-handed Rama with Sugriva and with Lakshmana, with this bludgeon, shall I return, after having sorely troubled the monkey-host. And, O monarch, if thou art minded, hear this other word of mine! Verily he that is fertile in resources and ever ready, compasseth success. Let thousands of Rakshasas, heroic, terrible, fearful to behold, and wearing forms at will, appointed by the lord of Rakshasas, presenting themselves before Kakutstha in palpably human shapes, calmly say unto that foremost of the Raghus,--'Despatched have we been by thy younger brother.' Hearing this, he (Rama), summoning his forces without delay, shall come hither. Then, equipped with darts, javelins and maces, and bearing bows, arrows and scimitars in our hands, we shall swiftly and summoning speed[25] set out (from hence); and stationing ourselves in the sky in bands, and slaughtering the monkey-army with mighty showers of rocks and weapons, we shall lead it to Death's door. Let us in this wise decoy Rama and Lakshmana; and if they fall into our design, they shall, without doubt, lose their lives". Then that hero, Kumbhakarna's son, named Nikumbha, endowed with exceeding prowess, in high wrath remarked unto Ravana, destroyer of worlds,--"Do ye, all of you, stay here along with the great king. I alone shall slay Raghava together with Lakshmana, and Sugriva with Hanuman, and all the monkeys". Then a Rakshasa, named Vajrahanu, resembling a hill, in wrath lapping the corners of his mouth with his tongue, said,--"Do ye, casting off anxiety, engage yourself as ye list. I alone shall swallow up that entire monkey-host. Do ye, remaining at ease and without anxiety, drink _Varuna_[26] wine. I single-handed shall slay Sugriva with Lakshmana, as well as Hanuman with Angada,--and all the monkeys.
[24] i.e. the ravishment of Sita.--T.
[25] Twarita--summoning speed--redundant.--T.
[26] Varuna wine, otherwise named Varuni is prepared from hog-weed, ground with the juice of the date or palm, and then distilled.--T.
SECTION IX.
Then, in fierce wrath seizing bludgeons, and patticas, lances and bearded darts and javelins, and axes, bows and excellent shafts and swords, resembling crystelline water, sprung up the Rakshasas, Rabhasa, and the mighty Suryyacatru, and Saptaghna, and Yajnakopa, and Mahaparcwa and Mahodara, Agniketu the irrepressible, and the Rakshasa Racmiketu, and the lusty Indracatru, son unto Ravana--and Prahasta, Virupaksha, and the exceedingly strong Vajradanshtra,--and Dhumraksha, and Nikumbha, and the Raksha Durmukha. And, flaming in energy, they all addressed Ravana, saying,--"To-day shall we slay Rama, and Sugriva along with Lakshmana, and the helpless Hanuman, who hath damaged Lanka. Then, preventing them, who had (thus) equipped themselves with all kinds of weapons, and making them sit down, Vibhishana, with joined hands, again spoke unto them, saying,--"The wise have asserted that an appeal to prowess should be resorted to anent a business then only when the end sought cannot be attained through the three (other) means.[27] Prowess produceth fruit only in respect of well-advised action directed while carefully watching (enemies) that are negligent, or captive,[28] or under Divine affliction. But why do ye intend to discomfit (Rama), who is vigilant, who desireth victory, who is strong in the Divine strength, who hath subdued passion, and who is hard to subdue? Who had in this world ever thought of or reasoned about Hanuman's career over the dreadful deep, the lord of streams and rivers? O rangers of the night, the strength and prowess (of the foe) being immeasurable, ye should by no means recklessly disregard him. And what was the wrong that formerly had been done by Rama unto the king of the Rakshasas, that he hath carried off from Janasthana the spouse of that illustrious one? If Khara, who had trespassed into regions not his own, hath been slain in battle by Rama, surely a creature should to the best of his might preserve his life. It is for this great fear that exerciseth us on the score of Vaidehi owing its existence to this,[29] that she, having been ravished, should (now) be given up. What is the use of acting so that quarrel may be the consequence? And (Rama), possessed of prowess, yet ever abiding by morality, is incapable of initiating hostilities for no purpose. Therefore, do ye give him his Maithili. And before, he by means of his shafts riveth this city together with her elephants and steeds, overflowing with countless gems, do ye give him his Maithili. And before the dreadful, irrepressible and mighty monkey-host blocketh up this Lanka of ours, do ye give (back) Sita. This city of Lanka shall perish as also all the heroic Rakshasas, if thou dost not thyself make over Rama's spouse unto him. I exert myself to pleasure thee, because of the fraternity (that subsisteth between us). Do what I say. I say what is truth and what also is for thy good. Do thou render (back) Rama's Maithili. Ere yet the king's son, for compassing thy destruction, showereth sure shafts resembling the rays of the autumnal Sun, having shining heads and feathered parts, and exceedingly hard, do thou render Maithili unto Dacarathi. Forsake thy wrath at once, which destroyeth happiness and virtue; and follow righteousness, which enhanceth enjoyment and fame. Be thou propitious,--so that we may live (at ease) along with our sons and relatives! Render (back) Maithili unto Dacaratha's son". Having heard Vibhishana's speech, Ravana--lord of Rakshasas--I leaving all of them, entered his own chamber.
[27] Viz., conciliation, gift, and creating division.--T.
[28] In the hands of other enemies.--T.
[29] The feeling of revenge for the slaughter of Khara and the rest.--T.