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Yudha  Kandam

The book of war

 

(The  book starts with gathering of monkey army, going to the ocean   and building a bridge across it nd ends    with the crowning  of Lord Rama as king of Ayodhya,)

 

 

1.Rama  appreciates  Hanuman

(Rama appreciates Hanuman as the one who has done the impossible. He higs him as he is not n a position to give him any other thing. Rama becomes thoughtful about the problems in crossing   the ocean with the monkey army.)

 

  (The Kandam starts with  Rama deciding to go to Lanka  to kill Ravana  and ends with the coronation of Rama in Ayodhya .  The great prayer Adhithya Hrudayam occurs in this . This again is the largest Kandam of Ramayana  almost occupying one fourth space    of the entire book.)

 

Hearing the words of Hanuman  with great  joy Rama replied  these   words in great love.  1.1

“The outstanding work done by Hanuman is extremely difficult to do and cannot be done even by thought  by anyone else in this world”.                                                                                                   1.2

“I do not see anyone else in this world capable of crossing the great ocean except for Garuda, wind god and Hanuman.”                                                                                                                                            1.3

“The city of Lanka   guarded  by Ravana is extremely difficult to enter even by Devas, Dhanavas, Yakshas , snakes , Gandharwas and Rakshasas  and who can enter and return from there  by one’s own power.”                        

                                                                                                                                                                         1.4

“Who can enter that impossible to enter place  protected by Rakshasas except Hanuman  who is blessed with strength and valour?”                                                                                                                        1.5

“A great service has been  done by Hanuman to Sugreeva  by exhibiting his strength  and valour which is equal to his pace?”                                                                                                                                       1.6

“When the lord deputes one  to do a  job which is difficult to perform  and when that servant  completes it with love . he is a superior being.”                                                                                                            1,7

“That servant who is  deputed to a job , just does what he has been told and nothing more is mediocre.”

                                                                                                                                                                         1.8

“When a Lord deputes a servant to do a job and if he does not do it  in spite of ability to do it is a base servant.”                                                                                                                                                         1.9

“Hanuman has performed the job for which he has been deputed  and has done the job in the best manner and has made Sugreeva happy.”                                                                                                1.10

“By locating and seeing Sita, he has justly protected, the entire Raghu clan, me as well as the very strong Lakshmana.”                                                                                                                                                  1.11

“My already depressed mind is further pained because  I am not able to do anything lovable to this bearer   of dear tidings.”                                                                                                                             1.12

“let me at least hug Hanuman as  in the present circumstances   that is all  that,  I am in a position to do.”                                                                                                                                                                 1.13

Saying this  with great joy all over his senses  Rama hugged Hanuman , who has completed the job with sense of fulfillment .                                                                                                                                   1.14

That best of the Raghu clan after thinking for a while again spoke , with Sugreeva , the king of the monkeys  listening  with attention.                                                                                                         1.15

“The search for Sita has ended in an auspicious way , but thinking of the vast ocean my mind again gets depressed.”                                                                                                                                                   1.16

“How can all the monkeys together  cross to the southern shore of the great ocean which is filled with lot of water.?”                                                                                                                                              1.17

“In spite  of  having been told about the state  of Sita , how is it possible  for me to cross the ocean along with all monkeys?”                                                                                                                                      1.18

After telling this to Hanuman the destroyer of enemies Rama  became drowned in sorrow  and became greatly thoughtful.                                                                                                                                      1.19

 

     Thus ends the first chapter   of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book.

 

2. Sugreeva encourages  Rama

 

(Sugreeva praises Rama and tells him that   he would cross the sea and kill Ravana. He points out the need for building a bridge across the sea.  He is confident that his monkey would crush Ravana ’s Lanka.) 

 

Then Sugreeva , the destroyer of  sorrows told the following words  to the greatly sorrowing  Rama who was the son of Dasaratha.                                                                                                                                2.1

“Oh valorous one , why are you  sorrowing like this like an ordinary  being? Do not be sad and throw out this sorrow , like an ungrateful one throws away  friendship. “                                                                 2.2

“Having found out her position, Oh Rama, I do not  find that there   is any need of further   sorrow?” 

                                                                                                                                                                                 2.3

“Oh Rama , you are intelligent, an expert in sacred books  and a very learned man. Please give up these conjectures  which are reactions of ordinary beings.”                                                                                 2.4

“After we cross that great ocean full of crocodiles , we would enter  the Lanka and definitely kill all enemies.”                                                                                                                                                              2.5

“People who do not have enthusiasm who are depressed   and sad  would always be defeated and   would attain great sorrow.”                                                                                                                               2.6

“All  these monkey leaders   who  are all intelligent  are interested in doing your job and may even enter  fire , if needed, which I know by seeing their joy and I have confirmed it by my reasoning.”               2.7

“You should act in such a way that I would kill all  enemies including the   sinner   Ravana  and bring back Sita.”                                                                                                                                                                       2.8

“You should   construct a bridge so that  we reach that town  which is ruled by the king of Rakshasas.” 

                                                                                                                                                                                 2.9

“You please be sure that  once we see the town situated  on the mountain with three  peaks  that  we would  kill Ravana there.”                                                                                                                                 2.10

“Unless we  build a bridge over the horrifying home of Varuna , the city of Lanka cannot be conquered  even by Indra , the devas and Asuras.”                                                                                                           2.11

“Once we build a bridge , Lanka would be  near to us , please understand that  the entire army can cross over to the city  and those monkeys  who can assume any form they like   would become victorious    in the war.”                                                                                                                                                      2.12-2.13

“So king,  leave out this  apprehensive  conduct which destroys all wealth , which in this world reduces the courageous valour of all men.”                                                                                                                 2.14

“When one  approaches any task   with complete boldness , that one would easily get the capability needed   to finish that job.”                                                                                                                             2.15

“Oh very wise one, at this time , it is necessary to be very strong and alert , for even in case of very great and valorous people like you , sorrow about something that is lost leads  to all round loss  and destruction  of all wealth.”                                                                                                                                2.16

“You are the greatest among all intelligent people and a scholar   of all Sastras  and so with assistance and help from people like me , you would defeat the enemy.”                                                                  2.17

“Oh Raghava , I do not  see any one in these three  worlds , who can face you in war , when you hold   the bow and arrow and stand there.”                                                                                                            2.18

“Your job would definitely get done if you entrust it to the monkeys  and after  crossing the perennial sea , you would   save Sita.”                                                                                                                                2.19

“And so leave out this sorrow   and get angry oh lord, for inactive Kshatriyas do not win a war but indignant  ones do.”                                                                                                                                            2.20

“You who have a very sharp mind along with us design a plan to cross over to Lanka after crossing this terrible sea which is the lord  of the  rivers.”                                                                                                 2.21

“Once the army crosses over to there  our victory is definite  and once  I cross  the sea   decide  that you have won.”                                                                                                                                                   2.22

“These valorous monkeys,   who can take any form that they want , by showering rocks, mountains and trees would completely   crush the enemy.                                                                                                    2.23

“I perceive that once we cross this abode  of Varuna , oh destroyer of foes, we would definitely kill Ravana.”                                                                                                                                                                 2.24

“What is the  need for many such  words. It is definite that  you would be victorious and I am able to see good omens which make my heart happy.                                                                                                   2.25

 

     Thus ends the second chapter   of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book.

 

3.Hanuman describes strength  of city of Lanka

 

(Having decided on a war Rama wants to find out the strength and weaknesses of the city. Hanuman  who has wandered all over the city , gives him accurate figures.  He tells him that   once the ocean is crossed they    would be able to win the war.)

 

Hearing  the meaningful  and very reasonable words of Sugreeva , the son of the Kakustha clan told   Hanuman.                                                                                                                                                           3.1

“By doing penance or by building a bridge or by drying up the ocean, I am capable  of crossing  this ocean.”                                                                                                                                                               3.2

“Please tell me how many  forts are there   in Lanka which are difficult to access, as I desire to know about  it as seen by your eye.”                                                                                                                       3.3

"You had a chance  to have  a glimpse of the size of the army, the fortification-details of the gates and citadels, the way in which Lanka was guarded and the various mansions of Rakshasas . Describe everything in accordance with facts, for you are skilled in all ways.”                                                3.4-3.5

After hearing the of Rama, Hanuman who was the son of wind God , who was an expert in narration , told the following to Rama  once again.                                                                                                         3.6

“Please hear about the entire description  , the method of laying out the forts , the secret defense of the city  and about  the army that protects it.”                                                                                                  3.7

“The Rakshasas are very much attached to Ravana  and that Lanka has great prosperity and a huge ocean surrounds it. The army there is divided as per the vehicles used by a group “, saying this that great monkey , further  narrated .                                                                                                                   3.8-3.9

“That Lanka was full of joy and had lot of elephants in rut. It is full of Rakshasa groups and very many chariots.”                                                                                                                                                         3.10

“The fort has four different gates   each with  very strong closed doors which are   closed using great beams .”                                                                                                                                                            3.11

“There are also very strong  and great machines, which can be used  to  stop the opposing army by shooting catapults at them.”                                                                                                                        3.12

“Very huge and sharp Shatagni  made of iron  are kept ready in hundreds at the gate , which are operated by valorous Rakshasa  warriors.”                                                                                                3.13

“A very great difficult to cross rampart made of gold and inlaid with pearls , gems , Vaidooryas and corals  encircle  that city.”                                                                                                                            3.14

“A very huge auspicious moat filled with cold water  and infested with fierce alligators    and fishes surround the city.”                                                                                                                                         3.15

“On all the four sides there are draw bridges which are very extensive , equipped with many machines and with very many buildings.”                                                                                                                   3.16

“These  draw bridges protect against the  onslaught  of enemy army and those machines throw the approaching army in to the moats.”                                                                                                           3.17

“One of these draw bridges is unshakable . strong firmly fastened , has very many golden pillars and shines with pedestals.”                                                                                                                                3.18

“Oh Rama Ravana by his own nature   is always ready for war and endowed with powers of state  is always alert and inspects his very powerful army.”                                                                              3.19

“So the city of Lanka is unbreakable  fort of Gods which raises  fear in you  and it has four type of fortifications like river, mountain, forest and manmade defenses.”                                                  3.20  

“Oh Rama, Being  situated inside  the sea , it is extremely difficult  to enter  and there is no reach for it to the vessels  and there is no communication to it from other places.”                                                3.21

“The fort being built on a top of the mountain, it can only  be compared to the city of Gods, and having plenty of elephants and horses , it is difficult to win over  Lanka.”                                                      3.22

“With Deep moats  , Sathagunis  and various other  war machines ,Lanka  the city  of the wicked Ravana shines.”                                                                                                                                                             3.23

“Ten thousand Rakshasas   armed with tridents guard its western gate and  it is also  guarded by terrible Rakshasas holding a sword.”                                                                                                                        3.24

“One hundred thousand Rakshasas guard the southern gate  and there are also incomparable army consisting of heroes under four major divisions.”                                                                                      3.25

“One million Rakshasas are gathered  at the eastern gate and there are all experts in various weapons and  hold the sword and the shield.”                                                                                                         3.26

“Hundred million Rakshasas are assembled at the northern gate  riding either on the chariot or horse they are honoured members of great families.”                                                                                     3.27

“In the centre of the city are assembled hundred thousand Rakshasas and also quarter of   difficult to defeat Rakshasas are also there.”                                                                                                            3.28

“I had broken all those draw bridges  and filled up all their moats , I burnt the city of Lanka , pulled down its defensive walls and also destroyed a part of their gigantic army.”                                              3.29

“if somehow or other we cross this  ocean which is the house of Varuna , then we can assume that  the city of Lanka is destroyed by  the monkeys.”                                                                                          3.30

“ When Angadha, Dvividha . Mainda , Panasa  , Nala , the commander in chief Nila are there , what is the need for the rest of army to you. Those monkeys will go inside the great city of Ravana and will search and recover  the daughter  of Mithila after searching in Lanka with its mountains and woods, moats and archways, protective walls and buildings .”                                                                                       3.31-3.33

“So please order quickly to collect all the army  and fix up the holy and suitable   time for all of us to depart.”                                                                                                                                                            3.34

 

     Thus ends the third  chapter   of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book.

 

4.Rama with monkey army reaches the ocean

 

(Rama and Sugreeva plan how to march with that huge army. Speedily marching without rest, they   reached the shores of the ocean. They all sit there   and decided to have a strategy meeting as to how to cross the ocean.)

 

After hearing the words of Hanuman from the very beginning , the very lustrous Rama who was  really valorous  spoke.                                                                                                                                                   4.1

“I want to inform you  that I will  quickly destroy the city of Lanka  of the very big Rakshasa and I would kill him and this is an oath.”                                                                                                                               4.2

“Oh Sugreeva,   this is the proper sanctified time   to start  and when the Sun is  in the middle , if we start we will get victory.”                                                                                                                                 4.3

“After abducting Sita where can that Rakshasa   go and continue to be alive?  Once Sita hears about the news of our starting she  will  get a hope to live like a sick man who has drunk poison is able to touch the deathless  nectar.”                                                                                                                                              4.4

“Tomorrow the star Uthra phalguni(Uthram) would be in conjunction   with Hastha star   and so , Oh Sugreeva , let us depart today itself  with the army.”                                                                                   4.5

“I am able see good omens which  portend prosperity  and so after killing Ravana  I would come back along with Sita.”                                                                                                                                                   4.6

“The  fact that the upper eyelid of my eyes are  twitching  is proclaiming that desire of my heart of winning  is coming nearer.”                                                                                                                               4.7

Then Rama the follower of Dharma who was well versed  in moral law , who was respected by  the king of monkeys as well as Lakshmana   again spoke as follows.                                                                        4.8

“Let Nila accompanied by hundred  thousand army members   go first so that they can  chalk out the proper path   for us to go.”                                                                                                                                  4.9

“Oh Nila steer the army through forests which have plenty of  fruits as well as roots and is cool  and which has plenty of honey.”                                                                                                                              4.10

“The  Rakshasas  with a bad soul  would try to spoil the fruits, roots and   water found on the way and so you always try to protect them.”                                                                                                                     4.11

“Let the monkey swarms jump in to low grounds, forest forts  and forests  and examine whether any rival army is found in such places.”                                                                                                                  4.12

“let whatever weak and feeble   army persons are there with us stay in Kishkinda because the duty to be discharged  by all of us would be horrifying.”                                                                                                 4.13

“let  hundreds of lion like monkeys of great strength  in hundreds and thousands  lead that army  which resembles an ocean stream.”                                                                                                                             4.14

“Let Gaja , the mountain like Gavaya , the very strong Gavaksha march in the front  similar to majestic bulls leading a herd of cows.”                                                                                                                               4.15

“Let the bull like monkey Rishabha , who is the lord of the monkeys guard  the right side of the marching  monkey army.”                                                                                                                                                       4.16

“Let Gandhamadana who is  as strong as an elephant in rut , position himself  on  the left side of the marching army.”                                                                                                                                                     4.17

“I would march   in the middle of the army riding on Hanuman like  Lord Indra rides on Iravatha , hs elephant steed.”                                                                                                                                                      4.18

“Let Lakshmana who resembles the God of death   march mounted on Angadha  similar    to Lord Khubera , the lord of riches  on the elephant called Sarvabhouma.”                                                            4.19

“Let  the very strong Jambhavan who is the king of bears , Sushena and monkey called   Vegadarsi  protect the middle part of the army.”                                                                                                                 4.20

After hearing the words of Raghava , the commander in chief of the army Sugreeva  and the bull among monkeys gave orders  to the effect to the monkey army.”                                                                          4.21

“Then all those monkeys stood up with a desire to fight  and jumped from caves and tops of the mountains.”                                                                                                                                                            4.22

Then after Rama , the soul of Dharma was worshipped by the king of monkeys as well as Lakshmana  ,  they marched towards   the south along with the army.                                                                    4.23

At that time Rama was surrounded by monkeys  who were as big as elephants  in hundreds, hundred  thousands and in crores.                                                                                                                                   4.24

That great monkey army  was following Rama who was leading them  and all those monkeys under the control of Sugreeva were   greatly rejoicing.                                                                                                   4.25

They all travelled towards south excessively jumping, roaring greatly , jesting cheerfully and singing   songs.                                                                                                                                                                4.26

They ate  scented honey as well as fruits  and were carrying branches of trees with  large number of blossoms.                                                                                                                                                           4.27

All of a sudden seeing each other , they would lift and throw one another , they were hanging as well as flying  and making others fall.                                                                                                                         4.28

Those monkeys who were near Rama used to roar, “Not only Ravana but all Rakshasas  are worthy of killing by all of us.”                                                                                                                                            4.29

The valorous Rishabha, Kumuda and Nila  were clearing the way ahead  for the many monkeys who were marching.                                                                                                                                                             4.30

In the middle the king Sugreeva, Rama as well as Lakshmana were moving along with  very many  strong and big monkeys capable of destroying their enemies.                                                                              4.31

The valorous monkey Satabali  who was accompanied by ten crores of monkeys standing firmly alone  was protecting the monkey army.                                                                                                                  4.32

Kesari, Panasa ,  Gaja  and Arka with hundred crores monkey army  were protecting one flank   of that monkey army.                                                                                                                                                      4.33

Keeping Sugreeva in the front  the bears  led  by Jambavan  and Sushena  were protecting the army  from the rear.                                                                                                                                             4.34

The great monkey Nila who was the commander in chief of the army  who was the best and self controlled was  looking after   the entire army.                                                                                              4.35

Monkeys Valimukha, Prajanga, Jambha  and Rabhasa were moving all over and urging the monkey army   to move forward.                                                                                                                                                  4.36

When these great monkeys who were   proud of their strength were marching ahead like a  waves of a moving ocean    they saw the great Sahaya mountain covered with trees and climbers .              4.37-4.38

Knowing the  order of Rama as well as his great anger ,  scared that army which was like a very large ocean were avoiding  moving near     towns and villages  with  very great speed and making    great roaring sound.                                                                                                                                            4.39-4.40

By the side of the sons of Dasaratha , the valorous elephant like monkeys  were jumping vigorously  like the horse which has been whipped.                                                                                                               4.41

Those auspicious bull like men  who were being carried by the monkeys were shining like the sun and moon coming in contact with other great planets.                                                                                     4.42

Then Rama the soul of dharma after being worshipped by Lakshmana and  the king of monkeys went towards   the southern side along with the army. Then Lakshmana who had meaningful presence of mind  was being carried by Angadha went near Rama  and told him the following very meaningful words.                                         

                                                                                                                                                                     4.43-4.44

“After obtaining Vaidehi   and killing of Ravana and having accomplished your purpose  you would definitely return back to the prosperous Ayodhya.”                                                                           4.45

“Oh Rama,  I am seeing greatly auspicious omens both in the sky and earth , which indicate   your success and the pure air is blowing  cool and pleasant along our side.”                                          4.46

“These animals and birds are producing sweet and pleasant sound . All directions are looking cheerful and the Sun is shining bright.”                                                                                                                  4.47

“The planet Venus which is the son of sage Brigu is brightly shining behind you.The pure and clear  Brahma rishi stars(Saptharishi or great bear)  are shining round  the Druva star(Pole star).”

                                                                                                                                                              4.48-4.49

“The royal saint Trisanku who is our grandfather and a great one of the Ikshuvaku dynasty  along with his family priest  is shining with pure radiance.”                                                                                       4.50

“The Vishaka star  which is the holy constellation associated with Ikshuvaku   dynasty is shining clearly without causing any harm.”                                                                                                                      4.51

“The moola star in the south west direction controlling the Rakshasas is under stress being touched by the tail  of a comet.”                                                                                                                                   4.52

“All these things are indicative of the destruction  of the Rakshasas, for at time when  the death aspects the stars being under influence of  bad planets, destruction occurs.”                                             4.53

“The water is tasty and crystal clear , the forest yields fruits, the air is blowing with scent and seasonal flowers have bloomed on trees.”                                                                                                             4.54  

“Oh Lord the army battalions of the monkeys  are shining greatly  and are looking like the army of devas going to war against Taraka and oh gentle brother , and you should become pleased on seeing it.”4,55

Thus spoke Lakshmana cheering up his brother . The excellent army consisting of bears and monkeys  who were like tigers  and whose weapon was their nails and teeth , marched ahead covering the entire earth.                                                                                                                                                          4.56-4.57

The dust raised by the tip of the hand and feet of the monkeys  dimmed the light of the Sun  and also covered the earth covered by mountains and forests  and thus the very huge monkey army   led by Sugreeva  marched day and night.”                                                                                                      4.58-4.59

  When the huge army    were crossing the river , the waves of the river flew on the opposite direction   for  several Yojanas.                                                                                                                                         4.60   

The great army entered through lakes containing clear water  , through mountains filled with trees , through  plain  lands , through the middle  of  forests yielding fruits  and also by the four sides of the fruit yielding forests.                                                                                                                                          4.61   

The great and huge army  marched completely covering the earth  and they all travelled  further with the speed of the wind.                                                                                                                                       4.62

For the sake of Rama all those monkeys who were valorous in war  vied with each other  in showing their joy, strength and valour . And those in the prime of youth  made several type of gestures.4.63-4.64

Some of them walked with great speed , while some others hovered slightly  and those monkeys who live in the forest made sounds “KIla, kila”.                                                                                                   4.65      

Some monkeys lashed their tails , some stamped their feet  and some extending their hands broke trees   and mountains.                                                                                                                                                  4.66

Some of those monkeys who lived  on the mountain climbed the mountain . some produced great sounds  matching the roars of a lion.                                                                                                              4.67

Some by the speed of their thighs were breaking  various type of climbing plants  and some were stretching their limbs and were playing with  rocks and trees.                                                                 4.68

Those monkeys  who were in hundreds of thousands  nay crores of thousands  who had a horrifying look covered the entire earth.                                                                                                                                  4.69

The  great army of monkeys was marching throughout the day and night  and being  commanded by Sugreeva they were all cheerful  and all of them were marching with speed  looking forward to the war and they desirous of the release of Sita did not halt even for a moment  .                                    4.70-4.71

Then those monkeys reached   the Sahaya and Malaya  mountains  which was crowded   with trees and many type of animals.                                                                                                                                        4.72

Rama who was marching along with them saw peculiar forests , rivers and water falls in those Sahaya and Malaya mountains.                                                                                                                                    4.73

The monkeys enjoyed the fruits of Champaka, Tilaka, mango, Praseka, Sindnvaara Timisa and Karaveera trees.                                                                                                                                                                    4.74

The monkeys enjoyed  the Ashoka, Karanja, Plaksa, Nyagrodha, Jambu, myrobalan and Naga trees.  4.75

Various types of forest trees standing on those plateaus shaken by the speedy wind  showered flowers on those monkeys.                                                                                                                                                 4.76

Soft to touch breeze with the incense of sandal blew  and the bees  hummed in the  honey scented  woods.                                                                                                                                                                       4.77

That king of mountain had plenty of dust of metal ores  and that dust and the pollen which were dispersed by  the speedy winds  covered all those monkeys.                                                                      4,78

On the lovely mountain slopes, in full bloom  on all sides were  Ketaki and Sindhuvara trees, the charming Vasanti, Madhavi creepers with flowers full of scent, clumps of jasmine, Chiribila, Madhuka, Vanjula and Vakula, Ranjanka and Tilaka, Nyavriksha all in flower, Mango, Patalike, Kovidara in flower, Muchulinda, Arjuna, Simsapa and Kutaja, Hintala, Timisa, Chirna and Nipa, blue Ashoka, Sarala, Ankola and Padmaka all these trees were crawled in excitement by the monkeys who were delighted.                        

                                                                                                                                                                           4.79-4.84

There were joyous l wells with stairs and ponds in that mountain, which were  liked   by chakravaka birds, visited by karandava birds, crowded with water-fowls and cranes, visited by boars and deer, haunted on all sides by bears, hyenas, lions and many dreadful tigers. There were beautiful reservoirs of water with blossoming blue lotuses, water lilies, white water lilies, black water lilies and various other kinds of aquatic flowers.                                                                                                                               4.85-4.87

On that mountain various types of birds were singing .  Monkeys bathed in that water , drank it  and also played in it. Some of them climbed on the mountain and some threw water at each other.        4.88-4.89

There  the monkeys  greatly enthused and with great vigour  plucked  fruits, roots with perfume of nectar  as well as flowers .                                                                                                                                  4.90

Those honey coloured monkeys   on seeing honey combs of great weight , drank honey   from those combs.                                                                                                                                                                     4.91   

Breaking trees, pulling out  creepers  and throwing away excellent mountains  those bull like monkeys marched further.                                                                                                                                                    4.92

Some monkeys well pleased with the honey  that they got from trees shouted  loudly , some were searching for honey and some were drinking honey   excessively.                                                               4.93

The earth was completely filled by those monkeys , like lotus fills the lake and paddy straws filled the field.                                                                                                                                                                      4.94  

At that time the lotus eyed Rama reached the Mahendra mountain   and he climbed to the top of the mountain decorated by many trees.                                                                                                               4.95   

After Rama , the son of Dasaratha climbed up to the top of the mountain , he saw the ocean filled with water  and occupied by turtles  and fishes.                                                                                                   4.96   

Then after crossing systematically the  great Sahaya and Malaya mountain  , they approached the ocean which was making great sound.                                                                                                                       4.97

Rama who greatly attracts and Sugreeva  along with Lakshmana descended and went  speedily to the forest adjoining   the sea .                                                                                                                               4.98

Rama after reaching the difficult to approach and very wide ocean , with rocks underneath which were washed vehemently by the waves spoke these words.                                                                               4.99                                                                                                                            

“Oh Sugreeva , now we have reached the home  of Varuna  and now we should think about how to cross it , which we  had considered earlier.                                                                                                            4.100

“This lord of the rivers does not have   a shore  beyond and this ocean is impossible to cross without a proper strategy.                                                                                                                                             4.101

“And so let us have a strategy meet of the army here where we will discuss how the great monkey army will reach the other shore.                                                                                                                             4.102

That great Rama who was greatly  sorrowing due to the abduction of Sita  reached   that ocean and ordered  the army  to halt there.                                                                                                                    4.103

“Oh Monkey chief Sugreeva , let all the monkey army enter   this sea shore  and once they reach we would discuss strategies to cross this sea.”                                                                                                   4.104

“Let not any one slip away  in any direction leaving his army unit  and let  the valiant monkeys search and inform us , if there  is any hidden threat  for us.”                                                                                  4.105

When Sugreeva as well as Lakshmana heard the words of Rama , they made the army halt in the sea shore stretched with trees.                                                                                                                                 4.106

That army which was stationed near the ocean  shined like another ocean with   water of the honey red  colour.                                                                                                                                                                     4.107

The chief of monkeys who reached the forest in the shores of the ocean  settled down there anxious   to reach the other shore.                                                                                                                                        4.108

When they got settled there for a halt, the sound of their movement  completely masked the great sound produced by the great ocean.                                                                                                              4.109

That army of monkeys divided in to three  (Monkeys, apes  and bears) which was under the control of Sugreeva was fully dedicated    to the cause of Rama.                                                                              4.110

That monkey army which had reached  that great ocean saw  that great ocean   which was diffused with high velocity wind .                                                                                                                                          4.111

Those monkey chiefs after seeing the ocean, which was the house of Varuna , which was boundless and which was inhabited by several Rakshasas sat there.                                                                                 4.112

The ocean being the home of horrifying crocodiles and alligators ,  appeared like  laughing with its waves carrying foam  at the beginning and at the end of day appeared to laugh and dance.                        4.113

The ocean rose with the moon rise and the image of the moon was reflected in it  and it was full of huge alligators , swift and fierce winds  and was teeming with whales and great fish.                                4.114

That sea, the home  of Varuna was filled with serpents having flaming hoods, plunged with mighty aquatic creatures, abounding in various types of mountains, too difficult to cross, with an inaccessible path, stifling ,   fathomless and an abode of Rakshasas.                                                                            4.115

The ocean whipped up by the  wind moved along with sharks and twirling snakes  rose    and fell. 41.116

Always emitting sparkles and teeming with large water  snakes , this ocean which is the home of enemies of Gods reached    up to Patala.                                                                                         41.117

The ocean looked like the sky and the  sky was comparable to the ocean  and so the sky and ocean  looked without any differences.                                                                                                              41.118

The sky blended with the ocean and the ocean blended with the sky  .The sky had lot of stars and the ocean had lot of gems and even here they are comparable.                                                                     41.119

The sky was  filled with rows of clouds and ocean was filled with  rows of waves  and so there seems to be no difference between the sky and ocean.                                                                                            41.120

The waves of the ocean hit one another and produced a terrific sound which was comparable with  the thunder of the sky.                                                                                                                                             41.121

Those great  monkeys saw that  the sea lashed with winds was  resonating with abundance of precious stones and  the water was  rising high as if enraged in a grip of hurricane, filled with a number of aquatic creatures and tossed by them in the air by seemingly murmuring waves.                                41.122-41.123

Those monkeys stood wonderstruck seeing the ocean  producing huge sound by the movement of water  to and fro.                                                                                                                                                           41.124

 

     Thus ends the fourth   chapter   of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book.

 

5.    Rama again  laments  about Sita

 

(The monkey army is camped on the banks of  the ocean.  Feeling that sita is near but far away   Rama laments about her   absence. Lakshmana consoles him.)

 

On the northern banks of the ocean  the monkey army was kept stationed , under  the proper safety care   given by Nila   according to the rules.                                                                                                        5.1

The two great monkeys called Mainda  and Dvividha , moved around the army in all directions  for ensuring its safety.                                                                                                                                                   5.2

After parking that army in the shore of lord of the rivers(Ocean) , Rama seeing Lakshmana  who   was  nearby told.                                                                                                                                                               5.3

“People say that over passage  of time the sorrow would vanish  but my sorrow in not being able to see my wife keeps on increasing from time to time.”                                                                                             5.4

“I do not have sorrow that she is far away  nor I have sorrow   that she was abducted but  I am sad  that her age keeps on increasing.”                                                                                                                               5.5

“Oh wind blow in such a way that  you touch my wife and then touch me , because only through you  I can touch her and only through moon that  I can see her.”                                                                             5.6

“When she was   being abducted my darling would have cried , “Oh Lord”  and that thought  is similar to the poison swallowed by me  and it  is burning my entire body.”                                                                5.7

“Day and night my body is  being burnt by the fire of the God of love , and the fuel which is the thought about her  is flaring in to flames  due to the fire of thought about her.”                                                        5.8

“Oh Lakshmana , without you  if I dive down in to the sea , I may fall asleep , because the fire  of thought about her may be quenched slightly by the water.”                                                                                           5.9

“The thought that I myself  who am passionate  and her  with charming thighs are   sleeping on the same earth  would help me to survive.”                                                                                                                        5.10

“Like a paddy field without   water survives by getting wet  with  the  water standing in another field , I also survive , because I hear that   she is also surviving .”                                                                               5.11

“When will I be able to see  Sita  with pretty hips as well as  long  lotus like eyes  as prosperity    after defeating  the enemies.”                                                                                                                                       5.12

“When shall  she see  me  raising  her lotus like face  which has  her  pretty teeth and lips , which will be like a great medicine to my sickness?”                                                                                                               5.13

“When will her closely placed bulging breasts which are like the fruit of the palm tree  and which are delightful and quivering  press me?”                                                                                                                   5.14

“That virtuous one  with dark cornered eyes  is in the middle of Rakshasas and she is not getting a lord to defend her  and is like an orphan , though I am her lord .”                                                                           5.15

“How is my darling  who is the daughter of king Janaka  and daughter-in-law   of Dasaratha sleeping amidst  those   Rakshassis.”                                                                                                                                 5.16

“She would come out  from those  unassailable Rakshassis , like the moon in autumn drives away black clouds.”                                                                                                                                                                  5.17

“Sita who is by nature slender   would further get slender due to her sorrow, due to her not taking food  and due to adverse time and place.”                                                                                                               5.18

“When will I be able to kill that king of Rakshasas    with sharp arrows on his chest  and bring back Sita and leave   out  this mental agony?”                                                                                                                  5.19

“When will  the virtuous Sita who can be compared to daughter of devas , would embrace my neck with anxiety   and shed tears of joy?”                                                                                                                       5.20

“When will I be able to leave away the horrifying sorrow of separation from Sita , like throwing  out of dirty apparel?”                                                                                                                                                    5.21

When the sagacious Rama was wailing like this , the light of the sun started declining and Sun  got prepared to set.                                                                                                                                                  5.22

After Lakshmana consoled Rama  who was sad due to recollection  of the lotus eyed Sita  , both of them performed  the rituals of the dusk .                                                                                                                5.23

 

     Thus ends the fifth   chapter   of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book.

 

6.Ravana consults his ministers  about impending invasion.

 

(Seeing that Rama and his monkey army have come to the bank of the ocean, Ravana calls his ministers for consultations, He gives a very scholarly  introduction to the need for  mutual consultation.)

 

After seeing the fearful act  done by Hanuman who was equal to Indra , The king of Rakshasas spoke to other Rakshasa   chiefs with a depressed   face.                                                                                            6.1

“He who is only monkey was able to  see Sita and he also entered  destroyed the irresistible    city of Lanka.”                                                                                                                                                                     6.2

“That Hanuman assaulted  the thousand pillared  temple  and killed excellent Rakshasas and the excellent city of Lanka was turned turbid.”                                                                                                      6.3

“May all of you be safe. What shall I do now” What is the next act to be done by us? Please tell me what we are capable of doing , so that prosperity befalls us.”                                                                                   6.4

“The  wise and noble men say that  only through consultations , we can get victory and so I need your opinion about the very strong Rama .”                                                                                                               6.5

“In the world there are three types of people  , excellent , mediocre and base  and I am now going to tell you the merits and demerits of such people.”                                                                                                   6.6

“He who carries out consultations  with  friends or relatives who are equivalent to them or collectively  ministers  before starting an endeavor and make maximum efforts as per fate  is the best among  men.”

                                                                                                                                                                            6.7-6.8

“That person who  thinks alone and analyses  the merits and demerits of an endeavor alone , that person is a mediocre man.”                                                                                                                                6.9

“He who does not bother to think about merits and demerits  and only depends on fate and  does a job with gross neglect is a base man.”                                                                                                                   6.10

“People are classified as excellent , mediocre and base   based on the  thought process   based on consultations. “                                                                                                                   6.11

“The wise people say  that  decision arrived  based on consultations  , consensus  and based on the view  of the scriptures  is the best possible decision.”                                                                                            6.12

“That decision arrived after deliberating on several options and consultation  thereafter  , narrowing in to the one which  is  agreeable to all is mediocre.”                                                                                    6.13

“That decision arrived after knowing several opinions, arguing about it  and not bothering about a unified decision is the base   decision.”                                                                                                             6.14

“Therefore, all of you being   wise and intelligent  , please arrive at , a well thought out action which has to be done by me.”                                                                                                                                                6.15

“Rama is coming to the city of Lanka surrounded   by thousands of  monkey warriors , for besieging  us.”

                                                                                                                                                                                  6.16

“It is clear that Rama along with his brother and  his army with proper strength   can  cross   this ocean.”

                                                                                                                                                                                    6.17

“He may dry up the ocean or take some other fitting option by his valour  and since the enmity with the monkeys have commenced this way , please advise me  as to what action is  good for the city and army.”

                                                                                                                                                                          6.18-6.19

     Thus ends the sixth    chapter   of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book.

 

7.The ministers  flatter  Ravana

 

(Those foolish ministers point out the great incidents in Ravana ’s life    and the  conquest of Indra by Indrajit and tell him, there is no need to worry as Indrajit alone can solve this problem.)

 

When the Rakshasas who were very strong, , outside the path of justice and also  foolish , heard these words of the king of Rakshasas they  joined their palms and lifted them up , ignorant of the relative strength of the enemy army .                                                                                                                   7.1

“Oh king , the strength  of our army equipped with iron bars, tridents  and double edged swords  is really very great. Where is the need to worry?”                                                                                              7.2

“You went to the city of Bhogawathi and defeated the serpents there and Khubera surrounded by many Yakshas  living on the Kailasa mountain was defeated in battle  by you.”                                   7.3-7.4

“He who was appreciating himself due to the treaty with Lord Shiva  and who was considered as the protector of the world  and very strong , was defeated by you in battle.”                                           7.5  

“After putting down those Yakshas  and putting them in to prison , You brought this Pushpaka Vimana from the  top of Kailasa mountain.                                                                                                           7.6

“Due to fear , Maya  the lord of Rakshasas  desired friendship with you  and that great Rakshasa offered his daughter  in marriage to you.”                                                                                                               7.7

“Another great Rakshasa king called Madhu Khumbinasa , who was the husband of your   sister and who is difficult to defeat  and proud of his valour    was subjugated  by you in war. “                               7.8 

“Oh mighty armed one , you after going to Rasathala , took in to custody the great serpents like Vasuki, Thakshaka , Sankha and Jati.”                                                                                                                       7.9

“Oh killer of enemies , king of Rakshasas. Oh Lord , after fighting for one full year , with  very strong Dhanavas who were valiant and beyond destruction and who obtained great boons , taking only your strength in to consideration,  you took them under your custody  and you also learnt several tricks of illusion from them.                                                                                                                           7.10-7.11

“Oh great one , You also defeated the sons of Varuna, who were strong and valorous and who had army of four divisions.”                                                                                                                                         7.12

“Oh king after entering the great sea of the world of death  which was full of great  alligators  who gave death as punishment  and which had thorny rods of the silk cotton tree , which was turbulent with waves which were the noose of death, which was full of servants  of the God of death Yama in the form of serpents  and  which was difficult   to be conquered due to very  high heat , you churned that sea  in the form of army of Yama and won a victory and you warded off death  and all the world was happy to see   this great battle.”                                                                                                                              7.13-7.15

“The world was filled  like big trees with royal warriors with great valour equal to the courage   king Indra .”                                                                                                                                                                  7.16

“Rama never matches them in properties of valour  or enthusiasm  and you defeated all of them who were difficult to defeat.”                                                                                                                                  7.17

“Why is there a need for exertion on your part. Please stay here. Oh king,  Indrajit fighting alone  can destroy all those monkeys.”                                                                                                                          7.18

“Oh king after performing a matchless Yagna to please Lord Shiva , he (Indrajit)  had obtained , a very rare  boon from him.”                                                                                                                                     7.19

 "Approaching that huge ocean of army of devas, whose fish are lanes and spheres, whose guts thrown asunder are duck-weeds, whose turtles are the elephants, whose frogs are the teeming horses, infested with alligators in the form of (eleven) Rudras (gods of destruction) and (twelve) Adityas (sons of Aditi), with huge serpents in the form of (forty nine) Maruts (wind gods) and (eight) Vasus, having chariots horses and elephants for its volume of waters and the sandy elephants for its volume of waters and the sandy banks its infantry,  Indra  was captured by him and was impelled to come to Lanka (as a prisoner).”                                                                                                                                                      7.20-7.22

“ That Indra who was the killer of Shambhara    and Vruthra was released and went to heaven when your grandfather Brahma  interceded on his behalf.”                                                                                             7.23

“Oh king you send your son Indrajit alone  and he would  bring to an end all the monkey armies including Rama and come back.”                                                                                                                                        7.24

“Oh king, this unsuitable danger has only come from a very ordinary man  and you should not take seriously , for you will easily kill Rama.”                                                                                                          7.25

 

     Thus ends the seventh    chapter   of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book.

 

8. That Ministers boast about themselves.

 

(All the ministers  and chiefs of Rakshasas claim that they alone can kill all monkeys.  One Rakshasas suggests that they can take human form and deceive Rama.)

 

Then a Rakshasa called Prahastha who is of the colour of the rich blue cloud , who was a commander of his army   with hands folded in salutation spoke .                                                                                            8.1

“Devas, Dhanavas, Gandharwas , Ghosts , birds and serpents  are not strong enough to attack you   and why are you getting worried about two men?”                                                                                                 8.2

“All of us in good faith neglected that Hanuman, who deceived us  and if I am alive that monkey cannot  further go alive.”                                                                                                                                                      8.3

“If you give me an order , I would make the earth consisting of mountains and  forests extending up to the sea , bereft of monkeys.”                                                                                                                                8.4

“Oh night walker , I will see to it that you are protected from monkeys  and not even a little sorrow would come to you because of  mistakes committed by you.”                                                                       8.5

A Rakshasa called Durmukha spoke    with great anger “This molestation done by him should never be tolerated.”                                                                                                                                                                  8.6

“I am extremely sad that the city and private apartments of the king of Rakshasas was attacked   by that king of monkeys.”                                                                                                                                                      8.7

“At this moment  , all alone I would  destroy all the monkeys  whether they hide in the huge ocean or the great sky or the Rasathala. “                                                                                                                             8.8

The very powerful Vajradamshtra   with great anger  took  a horrifying iron club with flesh attached   to it  and spoke as follows.                                                                                                                                           8.9

“ The pitiable Hanuman and the saintly Rama along with Sugreeva and Lakshmana   are  not a very great difficult to conquer for me.”                                                                                                                                 8.10

“Now itself I will kill Rama, Lakshmana  along with Sugreeva    with this iron club and return back immediately.”                                                                                                                                                        8.11

“Oh king , if you desire , kindly hear some more of my words . Anyone who is skilled in strategies and does not have lassitude can kill his enemies easily.”                                                                                      8.12

“Oh king of Rakshasas, thousands of Rakshasas  who can take any desired form , who are valorous , who are appalling, who are very huge  and  who have firm resolve , can assume the form of human beings  and without embarrassment can  approach Rama   and tell him as follows.”                                   8.13-8.14

“We have been sent here by your younger  brother Bharatha . He is in the process of collecting his army and would come here soon.”                                                                                                                         8.15

“Then we will go there with speed   carrying , tridents, javelins , maces  as well as bow and arrows.”  8.16

“Standing in groups on the sky , we would kill the monkey army  with mighty rain of stones and missiles and send them to  the world of death.”                                                                                                             8.17

“If Rama and Lakshmana   fall  in our trap softly , surely they would have to give away their soul and go away.”                                                                                                                                                                       8.18

The valorous Nikumbha who was the son of Khumbakarna spoke with great anger to Ravana who tormented  the world .                                                                                                                                          8.19

“All of  you here stay with our great  king. I would alone kill Rama  and Lakshmana ,and Sugreeva, Hanuman and  all other monkeys.”                                                                                                                     8.20

Then a mountain like Rakshasa called Vajrahanu , who was  very angry spoke licking his lips   by his toungue.                                                                                                                                                                    8.21

“You all please do your jobs without any worries whatsoever.  I alone will go and eat away the entire monkey army  and so you can play happily  and drink liquor .”                                                           8.22-8.23

“I alone will kill Sugreeva, Lakshmana , Angadha, Hanuman, Rama who is the war elephant.”             8.24

 

     Thus ends the eighth     chapter   of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book.

 

9.Vibheeshana advices   Ravana

 

(Vibheeshana the younger brother of Ravana then points out the enemy’s stong points and advices Ravana to return  Sita. Without answering him Ravana goes to his home.)

 

Then, Nikumbha, Rabhasa, the exceedingly strong Surya satru, Suptaghna, Yanjakopa, Mahaparsva and Mahodara, the unconquerable demons Agniketu and Rasmiketu, then the powerful son of Ravana named Indrajit endowed with great energy, Prahasta and Virupaksha, Vajradamshtra who was extraordinarily strong, Dhumarksha and Atikaya and the demon by name Durmukha, carrying iron clubs, sharp-edged spears, spikes, darts, javelins and axes, bows with excellent arrows and swords shining like a vast expanse of water, and who were all extremely enraged, and flaming as it were with glory, those demons rose up and told  Ravana .                                                                                                            9.1-9.5

“We will now itself kill Rama, Sugreeva and Lakshmana  and that pitiable Hanuman who attacked  the city of Lanka.                                                                                                                                                         9.6

Vibheeshana  with folded hands calmed down all those Rakshasas , who already had seized   their weapons  and after making them sit down spoke.                                                                                         9.7

“Oh brother , only that which cannot be accomplished by the three methods(Conciliation, gift and creating dissension) should be  accomplishing by show of power according to wise men”.                    9.8

“The valorous acts bring results only in case of indifferent people, people who have been attacked by enemy and those struck down by fate .”                                                                                                            9.9

“How do you wish to attack  the famous Rama ,who is not distracted, who has won over his anger and who is difficult to be conquered.”                                                                                                                     9.10

“Hanuman speedily crossed the horrifying  ocean which is the lord of all rivers  and can this act be imagined by anyone in the world.”                                                                                                                   9.11

“Oh night travelers, it is extremely difficult to measure the power of the enemy  and without knowing that, they cannot be treated  hastily  with contempt  by any means.”                                                        9.12

“Previously what wrong did Rama do to the king of Rakshasas, due to which his famous wife was abducted from Janasthana.”                                                                                                                               9.13

“Khara who has exceeded his  limits was of course  killed by Rama in a war  because lives are to be definitely protected by all living beings according to their strength.”                                                         9.14

“Due to Vaidehi being here,  a great fear has been created among us . It is better to return her  who was brought  so that quarrel due to animosity could be brought to an end. “                                                   9.15

“It is not proper to create enmity without any purpose with Rama  who is valorous and is the follower of Dharma  and let Maithili  be given back to him.”                                                                                              9.16

“Before this city which has elephants , horses   ,  very many gems is shattered by his arrows, let us give back Maithili to him.”                                                                                                                                             9.17

“Much before   the  great horrifying  big monkey army   which  cannot be defeated attacks Lanka , let us return back Sita.”                                                                                                                                                    9.18

“Unless the beloved wife of Rama is returned back , the city of Lanka along with its valorous Rakshasas would perish .”                                                                                                                                                         9.19

“I am pleading with you due to our relationship  and so please act on my words which are beneficial to you, and which are truthful and so please let Maithili be given away.”                                                       9.20

“"Before Rama the son of the king discharges for your destruction by  the very strong and unfailing arrows equal to the rays of autumnal sun which have  provided with new heads and shafts, let Sita be given away to Rama.”                                                                                                                                           9.21

"Immediately give up  your anger, which destroys your  happiness and Dharma . Resort to Dharma , which leads   to  joy and fame. Become placid so that we may live with our sons and relatives. Let Sita be given away to Rama."                                                                                                                                            9.22

After hearing the words of Vibheeshana, the king of Rakshasas left all of them and entered in to his home.                                                                                                                                                                        9.23

 

     Thus ends the ninth     chapter   of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book.

 

10.Vibheeshana advices Ravana  again.

 

(Next day Vibheeshana approaches Ravana in his own house and again requests him to return back Sita.Ravana gets angry and sends him away.)

 

Vibheeshana  arrived at early dawn  to settle matters of Dharma  to the house of the king of Rakshasas for doing an important job.                                                                                                                                  10.1

Ravana ’s palace was looking like a chain of mountains  and elevated like a mountain peak  and well divided wide apartments where great  people lived.                                                                                      10.2

They were  occupied  by great ministers  who were intelligent and loved by all . That house was guarded on all sides by Rakshasas who were trustworthy and efficient.                                                                     10.3

The Wind in that place was filled by the smell of breath of elephants in rut , was tumultuous being filled by the sound of great conches  and was echoing with the sound of musical instruments.                       !0.4

Being populated  by multitude women, its   principal passages were  filled with the sound of their talk , and was with golden turrets which were excellently decorated.                                                                   10.5

“It was like the palace of Gandharwas and Maruths  and was filled with collection of jewels  and looked like a palace of passionate people.”                                                                                                                    10.6

Vibheeshana with great luster  entered the palace of his elder brother who was shining like a Sun entering in to a huge cloud.                                                                                                                                  10.7 

He heard  the sound of the  holy   chants of purification  recited by  experts in Vedas , which wished victory to his brother.                                                                                                                                             10.8

That Vibheeshana with great strength  saw Brahmins who were experts in Vedic chants being worshipped  and being given pots filled with curd, ghee  and unbroken rice along with flowers.         10.9

Vibheeshana who was shining  due to his own luster  and who was being worshipped by  other Rakshasas, saluted  the very strong  Ravana the younger brother of Khubera who was sitting on the throne .                                                                                                                                                                   10.10

After he   who was an expert in ritual formalities  did the customary formalities , he occupied a golden throne as indicated by the   eye of  the king.                                                                                                   10.11

In the presence of ministers as well as in private audience  , he spoke to the great soul Ravana , words which are beneficial, meaningful and reasonable.                                                                                         10.12

Vibheeshana   who could discriminate between good and bad things , sought  the favour of his elder  brother  by telling soothing words  and spoke in consonance with the place and time.                        10.13

“Oh killer of enemies , from the time  Sita reached here, inauspicious omens are  being seen buy us.”  

                                                                                                                                                                                  10.14

 "Even if the sacrificial fire is fed with oblations after  uttering a proper set of Mantras (Spiritual texts), the fire is not flaring up well, emitting sparks, its flames are enveloped in smoke and are coming forth, polluted with soot."                                                                                                                                10.15

“Serpents are being found near the altar of the sacrificial fire as well as near places of Vedic rituals , ants are  found in the Havya , which has to be offered in sacrificial fire.”                                            10.16

“Cow’s milk is getting curdled and great elephants are  not going in rut  and horses are neighing miserably and are  not eating grasses.”                                                                                               10.17

“Donkeys, Mules  and camels are shedding tears and are losing their hairs and are not getting  cured despite  being medically treated.”                                                                                                                10.18

“Crows in groups are crying in a cruel manner  from all directions  and are seen at the top of towers and assembly of men.”                                                                                                                                           10.19

“Vultures are flying over the city in circles  and inauspiciously approach   during  both during dawn and dusk.”                                                                                                                                                               10.20

“Meat eating animals are found to cry loudly at the city gates  with a voice like thunder.”            10.21

“Oh valorous brother, when things are happening this way , an  atonement is appropriate and I feel that you have to return Vaidehi to Rama.”                                                                                                         10.22

“Oh king , if you think that I am talking all these because of my  infatuation or greed , even then you should not find fault with me.”                                                                                                                     10.23

“These bad omens are being seen all over the city by Rakshasas  as well as Rakshassis   and also by members of your private apartment.”                                                                                                       10.24

“All your ministers are  not giving this advice to you  and I would certainly tell you whatever I have seen or heard  and you should take appropriate   action regarding all  these.”                                          10.25

Thus a brother Vibheeshana  spoke to his brother Ravana  who is the greatest of Rakshasas  in between several ministers.”                                                                                                                                         10.26

After having heard these beneficial , very meaningful , soft , reasonable and  suitable for past, present and future  words , with great anger in reply he uttered the following.                                             10.27

“I do not see   fear from any  one? Raghava will never get back  Maithili and even if the elder brother of Lakshmana    comes along  with Indra , for a war with me , he would not be able to stand before me.”

                                                                                                                                                                          10.28

The ten faced one who was greatly strong and very greatly valorous , who has previously destroyed the army of devas  after saying this sent away his brother Vibheeshana who was telling suitable words.10.29

 

     Thus ends the tenth     chapter   of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book.

 

11.Ravana summons the general council

 

(Not satisfied with the advice he got, Ravana summons  a general council  of Rakshasas. All people including Vibheeshana   and Prahastha arrive for  attending the council.)

 

That sinful king got further weak   being  passionately loving Maithili , despising the kind hearted friend as well as by his sinful action .                                                                                                                            11.1

Since the prospect of war was coming very near , Ravana wanted to do further consultations with his friends    and ministers.                                                                                                                                       11.2  

He mounted the great chariot covered by gold and studded with valuable gems   and drawn by trained horses.                                                                                                                                                                    11.3

Having mounted that  best chariot , that great Rakshasa with ten necks  started moving towards his council   making the rattling sound of  a great cloud.                                                                                    11.4

Heroes holding sword and shield  and Rakshasas armed with all weapons , marched in front of the chariot of king of Rakshasas.                                                                                                                              11.5

With very many  unpalatable shapes  and wearing different type of ornaments , the Rakshasa marched surrounding him from sides as well as behind .                                                                                             11.6

Great charioteers in chariots ,  elephants in rut and horses in different gaits  speedily rushed after   the ten necked one.                                                                                                                                                    11.7

Some were Holding mace  and iron rod , some  holding  Shakthi  and  Javelin  and some   were wearing axes and other type of tridents .                                                                                                                       11.8

Then thousands of trumpets gave rise to huge sound  and several conches produced tumultuous sounds.

                                                                                                                                                                                11.9

Then that great chariot  with an auspicious look making sounds by moving wheels  soon, entered the royal avenue.                                                                                                                                                     11.10

The spotlessly  pure white Umbrella which was held over the  head  of the king of Rakshasas shined like a full moon.                                                                                                                                                           11.11

Two white cowry fans  made of yak tails and having handle made out  crystal and   with golden fringes  were also shining.                                                                                                                                                 11.12 

All the Rakshasas who were standing on the land,  bowed their head and saluted the king of Rakshasas riding on a chariot.                                                                                                                                                11.13

Praised by the Rakshasas who were  cheering him to get victory , that harasser of enemies   approached the council hall .                                                                                                                                                    11.14

Ravana with great splendour, with his body shining brightly, entered that assembly hall, which was paved with gold and silver, whose interior was wrought with pure crystal, carpeted with skins of deer, guarded by six hundred evil spirits, ever shining and well-constructed by Visvakarma.          11.15-11.16

Ravana occupied a great seat in that  hall , embedded by Vaidoorya gems , covered with a skin of Priyaka and furnished with pillows.                                                                                                                           11.17

After that the king Ravana ordered  his  emissaries who were valorous “Since I know what the enemies are doing   there is a great work before us and so call  all the Rakshasas quickly.”                            11.18

Hearing the words of the Rakshasa king , they went round the entire Lanka , in to gardens and inside bed rooms and in to every house  without fear  and summoned Rakshasas    from everywhere.    11.19-11.20

Some Rakshasas came mounted on pretty chariots,  some came  on horses , some came on elephants    and some others walked down.                                                                                                                    11.21

The city became very crowded    with the coming of Rakshasas  on chariots, horses and elephants   and appeared like birds rushing fast in the sky.                                                                                                 11.22

Parking horses, elephants and various kinds vehicles like chariots, they entered by foot the assembly-hall as a mountain-cave is entered by lions.                                                                                                      11.23

After touching the feet of the king, in return   honoured by him , some of them sat on seats , some on mats and some on bare grounds.                                                                                                                11.24

As per the order of the king they all assembled   in the council hall and took position around the king  as  per  their rank.                                                                                                                                                11.25

Ministers who were scholars  who were well versed in deciding action and  those endowed with good qualities, those who knew everything , king's ministers who could perceive things by their power of intellect and warriors in hundreds, gathered according to their importance in that assembly hall, which was wrapped with gold, for telling their opinions  on all actions.                                             11.26-11.27

That great soul Vibheeshana who was famous  got in to an auspicious and very broad chariot, with several of its part being made in gold   and which was  drawn by  good horses,  and drove towards the council hall of Ravana, his elder brother.                                                                                                11.28

Then that younger brother Told the king his name saluted him by touching his feet .Sukha and Prahastha   did also like wise and Ravana allotted   them all suitable seats.                                                       11.29

The aroma of the best aloe and sandal paste painted on the persons as also of garlands worn round the necks of those Rakshasas  duly adorned with ornaments of gold and gems and attired in excellent clothes diffused all round in the assembly-hall.                                                                                   11.30

The assembled Rakshasas  there did not shout  loudly. None told a lie  or even talked vociferously. All of them were ready for action and were endowed with terrible energy. All of them sat, perceiving their lord's face.                                                                                                                                                  11.31

In  that assembly Ravana who was self willed  shined with extreme brilliance  among all those  Rakshasas who have assembled there  and appeared like Indra among the Vasus .                                      11.32

 

     Thus ends the eleventh   chapter   of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book.

 

12.In the general council Khumbakarna   speaks.

 

(Ravana   briefs his people about past events and tells them that he is passionately  in love with  Sita.  Khumbakarna says that what he has done is wrong, but he  will do all his best to defeat Rama and his army if needed.)

 

Then Ravana who was the most eminent in the assembly seeing the gathering instructed Prahastha the commander in chief of the  Rakshasa  army.                                                                                                    12.1

“Oh commander , you are instructed to give orders to the  warriors    of well trained four branches of   the army  to take up the   job of protecting the city.                                                                                     12.2

Then Prahastha who had a steadfast mind , with a view to follow the command of the king , stations his whole army outside and inside the city.                                                                                                       12.3

After stationing the army  for the defense of the city  as per   the king’s order , Prahastha  sat in front of the king and spoke .                                                                                                                                         12.4

“Your army which  is as strong as you,  has been stationed inside and outside the city  and so with a mind without any distraction , do whatever is needed by you.                                                              12.5

That king who was interested in the welfare of his country , after hearing the words of Prahastha , for obtaining pleasure spoke amidst his friends.                                                                                            12.6

“When you are in difficult situations , regarding  Virtue , pleasure and wealth , you are able to have  a correct idea about your likes and dislikes, pain and pleasure , gain and loss, and advantages and disadvantages.”                                                                                                                                                12.7       

“All  actions of mine  have been undertaken by me were done with great attention and never in vain.”

                                                                                                                                                                             12.8

“I would attain great prosperity because of the cooperation shown by all of you , like Indra gets prosperity through cooperation of  moon, planets, devas    and stars.”                                                12.9

“I am intending to tell all of you again though I had not informed Khumbakarna    earlier because  he was asleep.”                                                                                                                                                            12.10

“The very strong Khumbakarna , who can wield all weapons  has been sleeping for  the past   six months  and now he has woken up.”                                                                                                                        12.11

“Sita the darling wife of Rama and daughter of Janaka was brought from Dandakaranya , which is frequented by Rakshasas.”                                                                                                                           12.12

“That lazy one does not want to climb in to my bed  and I am of the opinion in the three worlds , there is no one else like her. “                                                                                                                                    12.13

“She has slim waist, well developed hips , has a face like autumn moon , resembles a golden doll , gentle and is like a doll of illusion created by Maya.”                                                                                         12.14

“Seeing that matchless  one  keep her red  and very soft feet , evenly placing on  the ground , my lust has  been kindled.”                                                                                                                                                12.15

“Seeing her flame like looks , her luster like the sun, prominent nose  and  pretty eyes , I have become weakened  and have become owned  by passion.”                                                                                  12.16

“I am  polluted by passion , anger and  joy  which makes me pale  and I have been suffering from  sorrow ever since.”                                                                                                                                      12.17

“That  large eyed one begged   for one year time from me , expecting   that she would see  her husband Rama  and I accepted the auspicious request of that pretty eyed one  and I have become weary due to lust for her , like a horse  running on the same path continuously.”                                      12.18-12.19

“How will those monkeys living in the forest  or the  sons of Dasaratha cross this  unassailable  sea which is crowded by many sea animals?”                                                                                                           12.20

“But one single monkey  has caused great destruction  here but the result of their action is  unpredictable .Please tell me what is in your mind.”                                                                           12.21

"We have no fear with human beings. Even so, this  matter can be discussed. Earlier, together with you, I conquered the devas in a battle between the devas and Rakshasas. You also conquered them. Knowing the whereabouts of Sita,  that Rama and Lakshmana together with Sugreeva and other monkeys have  reached the other shore of the ocean."                                                                                       12.22-12.24

“Please tell me a plan   , which is legal and  by which Sita need not be handed over and Rama and Lakshmana are  killed.”                                                                                                                              12.25

“I do not find anybody in this world has the capacity  to cross this ocean along with the monkeys and so surely victory will be mine.”                                                                                                                       12.26

Hearing that appeal from him which was laced only with passion , Khumbakarna   spoke the following words with great anger.                                                                                                                               12.27

“You should have properly thought over before bringing Sita   who was accompanied   by Rama  and Lakshmana  , to this place , for even Yamuna at its starting point fills a depression on earth with water.”

                                                                                                                                                                         12.28

“Oh king, it would have been greatly proper  , if you have done    this consultation before  doing    that  act.”                                                                                                                                                                12.29

“Oh ten faced one , when a king does the affairs of the kingdom  as per law of justice would not repent later .”                                                                                                                                                            12.30

“Unplanned actions lead to negative   results  and get spoiled , like oblations without devotion gets negative results.”                                                                                                                                         12.31

“ He wants to do actions  which ought be done earlier at  a later time , would be doing  rituals done after   death  not according to Vedic percepts.”                                                                                                12.32

“Seeing superior strength in acts done without consistency  and seeking his weak point is like the swans seeking a  clearing in the Krouncha mountain.”                                                                                   12.33

“You have undertaken to do this  job without proper thought  and by luck  Rama did not kill you , for a piece of meat mixed with poison would kill the one who eats  it.”                                              12.34

“Oh blemish less one ,  therefore by killing your enemies I will neutralize , the dishonorable act of yours   towards   them.”                                                                                                                                       12.35

"O, night traveler ! I shall kill  your enemies. I shall fight  in this war  with those  two brothers, even if they are Indra and the sun-god or the god of fire and the wind-god or Khubera  and Varuna .”12.36

“With a mountain sized  body, sharp teeth  and carrying huge weapons , I will roar and attack them and kill even if they are  Indra.”                                                                                                                       12.37

“Before that   Rama kills me with his arrow , I shall definitely drink his blood  , so please get  cheerful.”

                                                                                                                                                                       12.38

“I will bring pleasure to you   by killing those sons of Dasaratha  and also  fetch victory to you.  After killing Rama and Lakshmana , I will eat away all   the monkeys .”                                                    12.39

“Enjoy passion, drink liquor  to the extent of your desire  without any anxiety ,. I will send Rama to the abode of Yama  and Sita would be  yours forever.”                                                                           12.40

 

     Thus ends the twelfth    chapter   of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book.

 

13.Mahaparswa  suggests force  and Ravana answers

 

(Mahaparswa says that there is nothing wrong in possessing sita with force. Ravana tells him a curse which was given to him by Brahma   , which would make his head break in to thousand pieces , if he takes  possenion of any lady with force.)

 

Noticing that Ravana was very angry   , a   very strong Rakshasa  called Mahaparswa, thought for a moment  and told the  following words.                                                                                                    13.1

“Indeed after reaching the forest , which is inhabited by wild  beasts  and if a ma does not drink  honey(Liquor) , he  is childish.”                                                                                                                   13.2

“Oh destroyer of enemies , when you are lord of all beings , who can be a lord to you? So you step  down on the heads  of your enemies and then  enjoy with Sita.”                                                        13.3

“Forcibly like a cock  behave with her , and charge and again charge   that Vaidehi    and enjoy her.”

                                                                                                                                                                         13.4

“After you get satisfaction to your passion, why bother about what will  happen latter? All that comes and that which is yet to come would be prevented by that.”                                                             13.5 

“Kumbhakarna along with our strong Indrajit   is  capable of opposing    even  the God Indra?”  13.6

“After  giving gifts, consoling ,creating competition  are tried and  not working , I like getting this done  through punishment .”                                                                                                                                13.7

“Oh very strong one, without  any doubt we will take in to our custody all those enemies of yours who manage to reach here.”                                                                                                                                    13.8

When spoken like  this by Mahaparswa, the king Ravana   honoured him    and spoke as follows addressing him.                                                                                                                                                 13.9

“Oh Mahaparswa, please know about a little secret about me . I shall tell you about it , which occurred to me a long time ago.”                                                                                                                                 13.10

“Once when I was going to the home of Grandfather(Brahma), I happened to see  a  deva maiden called Punjikasthala  who was like a lightning hiding in the sky.”                                                                     13.11

“She was undressed and forcibly   enjoyed by me  and she like a crumpled lotus flower went  to  the home of lord Brahma .”                                                                                                                              13.12

“I think that this matter was informed    to the great soul Lord Brahma  and then the greatly enraged  Brahma told me these words.”                                                                                                                 13.13

“From today onwards, if you make love to a women forcibly , without any doubt  , your head would break    into  hundred pieces.”                                                                                                                 13.14

“Due to the great effect  caused by this curse , I am not forcibly making Sita , the daughter  of Janaka  mount in to my bed.”                                                                                                                                13.15

“I have the force  of the wind and speed of the ocean  and without knowing this the son of Dasaratha  is attacking me. “                                                                                                                                          13.16

“Who would like to address  me  who is like a  lion  sleeping in a  mountain cave , which would make  me like death?”                                                                                                                                                 13.17

“That Rama has not seen my arrows   which are like serpents and which have two toungues and that is why he is marching against me in  war.”                                                                                                13.18

“Very quickly  by making use of hundreds of arrows of mine which are like Vajrayudha  I will burn Rama like  tormenting an elephant with fire brands .”                                                                                 13.19

“With my great army I will destroy the army of Rama , just like  rising sun destroys the    shining of stars.”                                                                                                                                                         13.20

“Neither the thousand eyed  Indra nor Varuna  can defeat me in battle  and once upon a time this city of Lanka was captured in a battle from Khubera  by me.”                                                                     13.21

 

     Thus ends the thirteenth    chapter   of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book.

 

14.Vibheeshana advices Ravana and other Rakshasa  chiefs.

 

(Vibheeshana criticizes the action of his   brother and requests him to return Sita so that all Rakshasas are not destroyed.)

 

Hearing the words of the king of  Rakshasas and the roar of Kumbhakarna , Vibheeshana  told the following useful   words   to the king of Rakshasa.                                                                             14.1

“Who has tied unnecessarily this gigantic  serpent called  Sita , whose  bosom is the  hood , , whose  anxiety is the poison , her sweet smiles are the fangs  and whose five  fingers   are the five hoods ., around your  neck”                                                                                                                                  14.2

“Before the mountain sized monkeys whose weapons are their teeth and nails descend on Lanka , please give back Maithili   to the son of Dasaratha.”                                                                       14.3

“Before the arrows of Rama which are equivalent to Vajrayudha come with a speed of wind  and  cuts off the heads of the Rakshasa chiefs , please give back  Maithili    to   the son of Dasaratha.”            14.4 

"Oh king,  neither Kumbhakarna or Indrajit and either Mahaparsva or Mahodara and either Nikumbha or Kumbha or even Atikaya can withstand Rama in  a battle."                                                           14.5

“Even if you are protected by the sun or Maruths  or  you are seated on the lap of Indra or even God of death  or even if you have penetrated in to heaven or hell. The arrows of Rama  would not spare  you.”

                                                                                                                                                                  14.6

After hearing the words of Vibheeshana   Prahastha replied, “We have never felt any fear  and we do not have any fear   with devas   or  Rakshasas at any time .”                                                              14.7

"When   we do not have  any fear from Yakshas  or Gandharwas   or eminent Nagas  or from birds and reptiles on the field of battle,  how can we have fear from Rama, the son of a human king at any time in battle?"                                                                                                                                                          14.8

Hearing the words of  Prahastha   which were  not good    for  the  king, Vibheeshana  who had a stable mind and was firm in following Dharma , Artha and Kama   spoke these very meaningful  words”  14.9

“Oh Prahastha  , the actions that the king or Mahodhara  or Kumbhakarna told about Rama  are impossible to be implemented and is like wicked people     trying to go to heaven.           14.10

“ How can   the killing of Rama  who is an expert  in war  by you Prahastha  or all other Rakshasas happen , for how can a person without  even a piece of wood  cross an ocean.”                14.11

“In front of Rama who considers Dharma as important , who is a great charioteer  , and an important king of the Ikshuvaku dynasty , even Devas would feel bewildered   and so how can ordinary people accomplish anything?”                                                                                                                    14.12

"Oh, Prahastha , The sharp arrows discharged by Rama, which are furnished with eagle 's feathers and are dangerous to be approached and since   they  have not yet penetrated, your body,  you indulge in a boastful talk."                                                                                                                                 14.13

"The sharp and fatal arrows, discharged by Rama with the speed of a Vajrayudha , have not yet penetrated, duly splitting your body. That is why; you are indulged in a boastful talk."  14.14

"Ravana or Triseersha, with great strength or Nikumbha the son of Kumbhakarna or Indrajit or yourself are not capable to withstand Rama, who is equal in strength to Indra, in battle."          14.15

"Even Devantaka or Narantaka or Atikaya or Atiratha of very big  proportions, or Akampana who is  as mighty as an ocean are not capable to withstand against Rama in battle."                      14.16

“Now our king is addicted to several bad habits , is rude by nature and his friends have become his enemies  and he is  now  acting without any consideration     for   the destruction of Rakshasas.14.17

“You also please lift the king  and release him from the ties of terrific and exceedingly strong snake  of boundless proportions  and having one thousand heads.”                                                                   14.18

“It is time that all his friends , who are getting full favours from him, should collect together and if needed  pull him back by catching his hair  because he is in the clutch of very strong evil spirits.”  14.19

  "This Ravana, for his part who is going to be enveloped forcibly by an ocean in the shape of Rama - which is full of excellent water  and who is about to fall into the mouth of Patala  in the shape of Rama, is fit to be rescued united by you."                                                                                                         14.20

"I am telling these right and wholesome words, to   this city and the Rakshasas  inhabiting  it as well as to the king and his well wishers. Let Sita be given back to the son of the king."                               14.21

“He alone is a good minister, who after understanding the strength of others   as well as our own strength , judges our own present position, possible   decrease  or increase  and tells his opinion    in the interests of the king.”                                                                                                                              14.22

 

     Thus ends the fourteenth  chapter   of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book.

 

15.Indrajit criticizes  Vibheeshana

 

(Indrajit makes  fun of Vibheeshana  and says he is a coward. He feels   that he can easily kill Rama and his monkey army.  Vibheeshana gives a fitting answer.)

 

After hearing carefully the words of Vibheeshana who was equivalent  to Bruhaspathi in intelligence

The great Indrajit  who was a chief of army told.                                                                                  15.1

“Oh young father , why are you talking these meaningless   and  greatly fearful words ?Even a person who is not born in our race at this time  would  not speak such words and do such things.”              15.2

“This youngest father  is the only  male in our race who lacks , strength , valour, fighting spirit , courage  , prowess and also  luster.”                                                                                                                         15.3

“Who are after all these human beings who are the sons of the king? They can easily be killed by   one ordinary Rakshasa among us  and oh coward, why are you frightening us?”                                 15.4

“Once I threw on the floor the lord of devas who was supposed to be lord of the three worlds  and all the deva groups who were there  at that time fled in different directions.”                                      15.5

“I also threw the Iravatha elephant which was making   discordant  sounds on the floor and then by extracting its teeth , I made   all the deva groups greatly scared.”                                                      15.6

“How is that  I who had destroyed the pride of the devas  and who made the life of asuras miserable ,  can become incapable   of   conquering the ordinary sons of a king  who are mere human beings?”  15.7

Hearing those words of  Indrajit who was equal to Indra and very difficult to be conquered  and who was greatly   powerful , Vibheeshana who was best among those who carry weapons  spoke the   following very meaningful words.                                                                                                                                   15.8

“Oh Lad , you do not have stability  in providing advice.  You are a child and  have not attained maturity  and so you are prattling many words  which are without any meaning and which will lead to your destruction.”                                                                                                                                                     15.9

“Oh Indrajit, you are not accepting words  from me indicating destruction of Ravana from Rama due to ignorance , as in the name of being a son  of Ravana you are his enemy.”                                         15.10  

“Due to your ignorant brain you are  fit to be killed,. No he who brought  a reckless  boy  like  you who is greatly adventurous  to this assembly   near the great ministers is fit to be killed.”                         15.11

"Oh Indrajit, You are a stupid, lacking stability , without humility, rude natured; unwise; evil person, inexperienced and highly evil minded. You are speaking in this manner because you are an immature boy".                                                                                                                                                                 15.12

“In battle who can bear the arrows  which are discharged  by  Rama which are similar to the staff of God of death  and which has the luster of the staff  of Brahma and take the form of god of death.” 15.13

“Oh king let us offer riches  , gems , good jewels , excellent cloths  , bright coloured gems and Goddess like Sita to  Rama and then live a life without anguish.”                                                                       15.14

 

     Thus ends the fifteenth  chapter   of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book.

 

16 Ravana Talks harshly to Vibheeshana  and he leaves him.

 

(Ravana shouts  at  Vibheeshana and calls  him as a traitor. Unable to tolerate this Vibheeshana decides to desert him.)

 

Hearing the words of Vibheeshana which were stable , suitable and aimed at  welfare , Ravana driven by the God of death spoke these harsh words.                                                                                                      16.1

“One can live with an enemy and even a very poisonous snake but cannot live with an enemy  who is taking like a friend.”                                                                                                                                                16.2

“Oh Rakshasa, I know about the behaviour of all men belonging to our clan  and all these men of the clan rejoice at the bad luck of the members of their own clan.”                                                                    16.3

“Oh Rakshasa , the people of the clan  insult and humiliate the members of their own clan who is a great leader , an educated one , a person following Dharma  and one who is valorous.”                                   16.4

“These horrible members of our own clan have concealed thoughts  and treacherous minds  and these bad ones rejoice  at the  sufferings of the members of their own clan.”                                                    16.5

“Please hear the musical verses spoken by elephants in  Padmavana   long ago , when they saw men holding noose in  their hands.”                                                                                                                           16.6

“To us fire , noose  or weapons do not cause any fear but the horrifying people our clan driven by selfishness     definitely causes fear.”                                                                                                            16.7

“These people our clan   without any doubt  will inform our strategy to our enemies  enabling them  to catch us and so it is well known that fear  of people of our clan is  greatest to us.”                          16.8

“In cow there is wealth , , in members of our clan there is fear , in ladies there is fickleness   and  there is austerity among Brahmins.”                                                                                                                        16.9

“Oh soft one, people are venerating me not because they like you  and I obtained all these riches by sitting  tight on head of my enemies.”                                                                                                    16.10

“Just like drops of water falling on the leaves  of lotus  does not cling to it , the friendship with ungentlemanly people does not last long.”                                                                                           16.11

“Though the clouds of autumn makes roaring sounds ,it cannot wet the earth and like that the friendship  with ungentlemanly people does  not last.”                                                                 16.12

“Like the honeybee   drinking honey does not stick to it due to desire for more , you also  are one who  does not stick to friendship.”                                                                                                                             16.13

“Like a honey bee  cannot drink honey from the flower  of grass  , friendship  and love cannot  be extracted from ungentlemanly  people .”                                                                                            16.14

“Like an elephant dirtying itself  pouring on itself  dust by  its trunk  after its bath , the friendship with  ungentlemanly people gets dirtied like that .”                                                                                   16.15

“Oh person moving  at night  , if these words had been uttered by someone else , he would cease to exist in a moment , oh breaker of our clan, a curse on you.”                                                          16.16

When these harsh words were heard by  Vibheeshana  who was a man of justice ,  armed with  a mace and four of his assistant Rakshasas , he soared in to the sky.                                                        16.17

Vibheeshana who was  greatly angered , after rising in to the sky  spoke these  words to his brother   who  was the king of Rakshasas.                                                                                                        16.18

“Oh king you are my elder brother and so please say whatever you like , for according to Dharma   an elder brother is equivalent to our own father  but I am not able to tolerate these harsh words from you.”

                                                                                                                                                                   16.19

“Oh ten faced one  , I spoke to you proper words aimed at your welfare  but one with a ill composed mind  cannot understand    words spoken by a well wisher.”                                                      16.20

“It is easy to get people who always speak the words that   you love, but those people   who speak  proper words  which are not pleasing are difficult to find.”                                                           16.21

“All beings are dragged away  tied  by the noose of God of death  but I am not able to save you as you are  in the house that is burning.”                                                                                                       16.22

“I do not want to see you killed by Rama using his  deadly arrows , which are like flaming fire  decorated with gold.”                                                                                                                                             16.23

“Persons who are strong and valiant  and who are skilled in use of weapons ,when the proper time comes sink down like  a dam constructed on sand.”                                                                    16.24

“As an elder brother , please bear with my words  spoken to you desiring your welfare ,. Please take care of yourself , the city and its Rakshasas, Be safe. I am going away ,. Become happy because of my absence.”                                                                                                                                     16.25-16.26

“Oh person moving at night , Due to my desire for your welfare , I might have  used words restraining you and you might not have liked them. This is because persons who near their end do not accept the advice of well wishers.”                                                                                                                                    16.27

    Thus ends the sixteenth  chapter   of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book.

 

17. Vibheeshana seeks protection

 

(Vibheeshana  along with his four ministers seeks protection from Rama. The monkeys suspect hi,. Rama asks the opinion of monkey chiefs. Only Hanuman feels that  he should be accepted.)

 

After the younger brother of Ravana spoke these harsh words to Ravana , immediately  he arrived at the place of Rama and Lakshmana.                                                                                                                         17.1

The monkey lords standing on the ground   saw  on the sky him who was like Meru mountain  and who was shining like lightning.                                                                                                                                   17.2

They also saw his four assistants who were   huge and valorous ,They were also carrying weapons and were wearing ornaments.                                                                                                                                  17.3

He was looking like a mountain of clouds  and having shine like Vajrayudha and valorous one was having divine weapons  and wearing divine ornaments.                                                                                           17.4

Sugreeva the king of monkeys   seeing Vibheeshana  among those  five people , being intelligent became worried along with other monkeys.                                                                                                                   17.5

After thinking for a moment  , he spoke to the monkeys along with monkey lords including   Hanuman .      

                                                                                                                                                                                  17.6

“See these well armed Rakshasa along with four others  and there is no doubt  that  they are coming to kill us.”                                                                                                                                                                     17.7

When the best of the monkeys heard the words of Sugreeva , he  lifted Sala trees as well as mountains and spoke as follows.                                                                                                                                     17.8

“Oh king,  quickly order us , so that we can kill those wicked ones so that those fools will fall on the ground  dead.”                                                                                                                                                        17.9

When they were talking to each other like this Vibheeshana  reached the northern shore and comfortably stopped there.                                                                                                                               17.10

That very intelligent one , staying  comfortably in the sky itself ,spoke in a loud voice to them  after seeing Sugreeva and other monkeys .                                                                                                              17.11

“There is Rakshasa  with bad conduct who is the king of the Rakshasas and I am  the younger brother of that bad one and known as Vibheeshana.                                                                                                       17.12

“He is the one who abducted Sita from Janasthana after killing Jatayu  and that pathetic lady  who is being held captive  is being held against her will and is guarded  by Rakshasis.”                                     17.13

“I persuaded Ravana again and again  by various type of words and arguments to return Sita safely  to Rama.”                                                                                                                                                                   17.14

“Being encouraged by  God of death , he did not accept my advice just like a perverted person does not accept medicine.”                                                                                                                                                 17.15

“He told  harsh words to me , treated me as his servant and also insulted me  and I forsaking my son and wife , have come    to surrender to Rama.”                                                                                                     17.16

“Please inform quickly that  great soul Rama , who protects   all the world that  Vibheeshana has come .”

                                                                                                                                                                                 17.17

Hearing these words Sugreeva who does things swiftly  hurriedly told these words  to Rama in front of Lakshmana.                                                                                                                                                           17.18

“Unexpectedly he who is an enemy belonging to the enemy army has come here to kill all of us like  owls destroying the crow.”                                                                                                                                         17.19

"O,  destroyer of enemies! You should  be aware of the design, distribution, leading of the army and the secret service of the monkeys and also of your foes. May good come to you!"                                    17.20

“The Rakshasas who can take any form   they like can vanish too  and they are heroic as well as deceitful  and so we cannot trust them.                                                                                                                         17.21

“He may be a spy sent by Ravana the  King of Rakshasas  and there is no doubt  that he can become one of us and create differences between us.”                                                                                      17.22

“Otherwise that intelligent one can find out our weaknesses   or having gained our confidence , he may even attack us.”                                                                                                                                                  17.23

“We can   accept the army provided by friends of the forest or  accept  the help of hereditary paid warriors but  we should avoid taking help from the enemy.”                                                                 17.24   

“He is by nature a Rakshasa  who  is the brother of our enemy who has directly come over from him  and so how can we trust  him?”                                                                                                                             17.25

“The younger brother of Ravana whose name is Vibheeshana  along with  his four assistant Rakshasas has approached you for protection.”                                                                                                            17.26

“Oh Rama who can judge what is right , I feel that this Vibheeshana has been sent by Ravana  and we have to first arrest him .”                                                                                                                                 17.27

“Oh faultless one, he has come here sent by a crooked Rakshasa and when you start  trusting him, he would attack you using his powers of illusion.”                                                                                        17.28

“This Vibheeshana is definitely the brother of the cruel Ravana  and so let us kill him and give severe punishment to his assistants.”                                                                                                                     17.29

“After the  chief of the army  who was an expert in talk expressed his views hurriedly  , Rama the master of words  thereafter preferred to be silent.”                                                                                           17.30

The very strong Rama after hearing these words of Sugreeva  told  the  monkeys  sitting in front  of  chief Hanuman who was near him.”                                                                                                                   17.31

“The very reasonable opinion about the brother of  king Ravana  spoken by Sugreeva was also heard by you.”                                                                                                                                                               17.32

“An efficient and intelligent person desirous of the  everlasting welfare of his friend , should advise him, when he faces difficulties.”                                                                                                                        17.33

When Rama asked   them like this , those monkeys who wanted to do good to Rama , without any hesitation freely told their respective opinion.                                                                                     17.34

“Oh Raghava , in these three worlds , there is nothing that you do not know but with a view of honouring us , you are   asking our opinion.”                                                                                       17.35

“You are wedded to Dharma, you consider truth as your penance ,  you  have unfailing valour  , you have unfailing memory ,  you are committed to the welfare of your friends  and you take action only after proper investigation.”                                                                                                                               17.36

“And so one by one your  intelligent  and very efficient  ministers would  tell about their opinion  about this matter.”                                                                                                                                                17.37

Then the very intelligent monkey Angadha  told first Rama  that Vibheeshana    should be tested  first before taking any decision.                                                                                                                        17.38

“Vibheeshana who has directly come from our enemy should always  be suspected  and so soon , he cannot be considered as a trustworthy person.”                                                                                  17.39

“The people who cheat  move about hiding their real nature  and attack us at our weak places and lead to great misfortune.”                                                                                                                                17.40

“One should take decision only after  examining the possible merits and demerits  and accept a particular action if it is likely to lead to good and reject it if it is likely to lead to bad.”           17.41

“If we find lot of faults in him let us reject him but  if we find only good in him let us accept him.”  

                                                                                                                                                                  17.42

Then Sarabha told the following meaningful words. “Oh tiger among men, let us send a spy   to follow him and report to us.”                                                                                                                           17.43 

“Suppose we send a spy who is extremely intelligent who would examine his activities , then we can take a decision according to justice.”                                                                                                 17.44

Jambhavan who could see this matter with   the sayings of scriptures  advised   in a faultless way  after examining the good and bad of it.                                                                                                       17.45

“This Vibheeshana has come from  the king of Rakshasas who is our greatest enemy and is a great sinner  and has arrived at an improper place and time  and so by all means he should be suspected.”      17.46

Then Mainda who is an expert in discriminating bad from good  and who has great command over his words  spoke these reasonable words.                                                                                                        17.47

“Oh king of kings This Vibheeshana is indeed the younger brother  of Ravana and so let  us find about him by questioning him using sweet words.”                                                                                            17.48

“Oh bull among men, then after knowing his mind and concluding whether he is a  bad or good one , we have take decision as per our intelligence.”                                                                                               17.49

Then the best among ministers who was highly civilized  Hanuman told  smooth, meaningful , sweet and brief words.                                                                                                                                                       17.50

“Even Bruhaspathi cannot excel you in your capacity to talk  as you posses exalted intelligence . You are also powerful, best among men , intelligent    and efficient.”                                                                 17.51

“I am not talking  to cause a fight  and not to excel over others  and Oh Rama , I am talking about this due to the importance of the matter .”                                                                                                       17.52

“I am seeing error in the judgment of ministers regarding the advantages and disadvantages  of the matter  and I feel that a judicial investigation is not possible.”                                                             17.53

“Without entrusting a work, it is not possible to judge  the ability  of any one and I feel that  it is too early to entrust any job to this stranger.”                                                                                                  17.54

“ The idea of some ministers to send a spy on him is impracticable  as that particular method is greatly impractical. “                                                                                                                                                     17.55

“It has been said that Vibheeshana came at the wrong time and place. I desire to tell my opinion on this and so kindly listen.”                                                                                                                                       17.56

“He has taken this decision after comparing merits and demerits between you and Ravana     and has decided  you are superior to him now only and hence the time and place seems to be alright .”17.57

“After seeing the wickedness in Ravana and the great valour in you , it is worthy of his judgment  to decide to come to you.”                                                                                                                             17.58

“Some ministers told that   since he is a stranger  , it is only proper  to question him before accepting him.  But please hear my views.”                                                                                                              17.59

“When he  who is wise man is  being questioned , he would start doubting you  and one who  comes as a friend  becomes faithless  , if he is questioned.”                                                                                   17.60

“Oh king without great skills in judging between different  voices and tones , it is not possible to judge speedily about his intention.”                                                                                                                   17.61

“I do not see any bad intention in him  or in his talk.  And his clear and composed face makes me not to have any doubt in him.”                                                                                                                              17.62

“A person intent on cheating does not approach  fearlessly and with confidence  and he does not look like   a bad one  and so I do not have any doubt in him.”                                                                    17.63

“It is not possible to hide the emotions in one’s face and even if it is hidden , his deeper intentions get revealed through the face.”                                                                                                                      17.64

“Oh expert in action,  an action has to be  done at the proper time  and place  and leads to fruitful results only if it is done  speedily.”                                                                                                        17.65

“Seeing your perseverance , noticing the  improper behaviour of  Ravana , hearing about death of Vali . hearing about crowning of Sugreeva , very intelligently desiring for this kingdom , he has come here . Taking  into consideration , this aspect alone, it is proper to accept him.”                        17.66-17.67

“I have told you this to the best of my ability after noting the sincerity  of this Rakshasa  and after hearing the words of mine, you have to  judge on this matter.”                                                     17.68

 

     Thus ends the seventeenth  chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book.

 

18.Rama accepts Vibheeshana

 

(Sugreeva is against giving  protection to Vibheeshana. Rama makes him agree quoting Sastras as well  by telling several incidents. Sugreeva agrees and they decide to accept the surrender of Vibheeshana.)

 

The unconquerable Rama who was pleased    after hearing what was told by the son of wind God  replied  with a firm mind , his opinion.                                                                                                   18.1

“I also desire to tell you my opinion about Vibheeshana  and I want you all who are interested in my welfare   to hear it.”                                                                                                                                    18.2

“I do not forsake anyone who comes to me with friendship in spite of his having any defect because learned people say that  acceptance of such a person  is irreproachable.”                                    18.3

Sugreeva  examined and analyzed the words spoken by Rama  and that monkey chief  gave this auspicious reply .                                                                                                                                        18.4

“It seems that  this night traveler  who forsook his elder brother  when    he was in deep trouble  is very dangerous for  he may betray any one at any time.”                                                                           18.5

When that son of Kakustha clan  , who is really  valorous heard the words of the king of monkeys , he looked round everyone , smiled a little  and spoke to Lakshmana  who has   an auspicious look .18.6-18.7

“Without reading the Sasthras and without serving old people , it is not possible to speak such words as spoken by the  king of monkeys.”                                                                                                                      18.8

“If we examine it with concentration, it appears to me that  there is something peculiar in these circumstances and it occurs among kings and ordinary people.”                                                                18.9

“It is told that persons of the same family and kings of adjoining kingdom  become enemies  due to some adversities and  that one has come here because of it.”                                                                  18.10

“But people of the family who are not sinners  do respect the interests  of their own family members who  are their well wishers  but in case of kings  even  a virtuous person also  is under suspicion.”  18.11

“Regarding the defect that you told about his being   coming from the side of the enemy , I will quote what shastras say about it and please hear.”                                                                                                 18.12

“We do not belong to the same family and one who desires to be a king is also a Rakshasa and he appears to be greatly learned and that is why he is acceptable.”                                                               18.13

“People who are of the same family do not live together happily  and without fear of each other and due to this a split occurs between them  and a great sense of fear prevails among them. That is why Vibheeshana should be accepted.”                                                                                                                   18.14

“Not all brothers are similar to Bharatha , not all people are   sons and fathers like me and not all people are friends  like you.”                                                                                                                                          18.15

When Rama told like this Sugreeva along with Lakshmana the wise  stood up and saluted  him and Sugreeva  told him  like this.”                                                                                                                            18.16

“Oh best among those who have patience , please realize that this night traveler might have been sent by Ravana  and it is better to imprison him.”                                                                                                 18.17

"Oh  mighty armed Rama, The faultless on,  This Rakshasa has been  sent to kill you who are unsuspecting, or to kill Lakshmana or me in trust. He came here with a crooked mind. He with his counselors is fit to be imprisoned. Is not Vibheeshana the brother of cruel Ravana?"            18.18-18.19

After saying like this to the best of Raghu Dynasty , Sugreeva , the chief of the army , who was expert  in speech  kept silent.                                                                                                                                           18.20

Rama heard these words of Sugreeva and after analyzing it  , told these auspicious words to the chief of the monkeys.                                                                                                                                                     18.21

“What does matter if this night walker   is a good one or a bad one  as he is incapable of causing even a little harm    to me.”                                                                                                                                        18.22

“Oh king of the monkeys , if I desire  , I can kill these ghosts, Dhanavas  and Yakshas who are living in this world  by using the tip of my finger.”                                                                                                            18.23

“It is heard that a dove received his enemy who came seeking its protection as per rules oh hospitality and offered him , his own self    as food.”                                                                                                     18.24

“Oh Lord of the monkeys , if that dove can receive the hunter   who has killed his wife with hospitality , how much more a man like me should do?”                                                                                                18.25

Please hear the verses composed by sage Kandu who was son of sage  Kanva  who was wedded to Dharma   and  a votary of truth.                                                                                                                      18.26

“Oh tormentor of enemies, if a person begs making a cup  out of his hand , if a person is miserable and if  a man comes seeking refuge, even if he is your enemy , he should not be killed , with the aim of not being classified as cruel.”                                                                                                                              18.27

“Even if an enemy is arrogant  or is oppressed , if he comes seeking your protection , with a greatly disciplined mind he should be protected even by forsaking our own life.”                                             18.28

“If he does not protect him due to fear , passion and desire , using his own strength , he would be reproached by the world as a sinner .”                                                                                                          18.29

“If a man who sought protection  is not protected and dies before the eyes of a person who could have protected  him , that person who dies takes away all the reward for good action    from the man who did not protect him and dies.”                                                                                                                                18.30

“There is a great defect in not protecting those who surrender to you  for  he will lose heaven  as  fame and  his strength and valour would be destroyed.”                                                                                      18.31

“I will do according to the  great words of Kandu  for I will become a votary of dharma, famous  and would go to heaven.”                                                                                                                                         18.32

“If any one surrenders to me once  and begs me saying , “I am yours”, I would protect him from all beings  and this is my  pledge.”                                                                                                                         18.33

“I have given him protection whether he is Vibheeshana or Ravana himself. And so monkey chief , bring him here .”                                                                                                                                                            18.34

When the Lord of monkeys heard the words of Rama , due to his close friendship with Rama  , he told like this.                                                                                                                                                                  18.35

"Oh  Rama, who knows Dharma , the crest jewel among lords of the world,  What surprise is there in thinking that you, duly endowed with true essence of life and established in a right path, speak these venerable words?"                                                                                                                                              18.36

“My inner self also tells me that Vibheeshana is a pure soul , after I examine him  from all angles,  his appearance  and from my inference .”                                                                                                             18.37

“Oh Rama let speedily  that greatly wise Vibheeshana  also become equal to us  and let him be blessed with our friendship.”                                                                                                                                           18.38

After hearing the words of  the king of monkeys Sugreeva , the king of the men acknowledged  it  and held a meeting with Vibheeshana   which was like the meeting between Indra and Garuda.               18.39

 

     Thus ends the eighteenth  chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

19.Vibheeshana is crowned as king of Rakshasas,

 

(Vibheeshana ’s surrender is accepted by Rama after   he tells about the strengths of Rakshasa army. As per orders  of Rama, Lakshmana consecrates Vibheeshana as the king of Rakshasas. Vibheeshana suggests Rama to request help  from Varuna to build  a bridge. Rama commences his penance.)

 

 

When Rama promised him protection , the very intelligent Vibheeshana  who was  the brother of Ravana bent down  and glanced towards the earth.                                                                                   19.1

That soul of Dharma,  Vibheeshana  descended  on the earth  happily from the sky along with his faithful companions  and reached near Rama.                                                                                                           19.2

Then Vibheeshana along with his four Rakshasas saluted the feet of Rama  and told the following words to Rama which was suitable as per Dharma , right  and joyful.                                                                  19.3

“I am the younger brother of Ravana and I was insulted by him  and I have come to surrender before you, who is the protector of all beings.”                                                                                                        19.4

“I have forsaken my Lanka, friends as well as wealth  and my country, myself and  my pleasures  are from now on under your control.”                                                                                                                   19.5

When he heard these words  , Rama told him,  with a soothing look   in his eyes ,  and in a soothing tone, “Please tell me in detail about the strength and weakness of the Rakshasas.”                              19.6-19.7

When who does all actions with stability asked that Rakshasa like this , he started telling about the strength of Ravana’s army in detail.                                                                                                       19.8

“Ravana  the son of the king is protected by  a boon given by Lord Brahma that   he cannot be killed by all beings including Gandharwas, Yakshas , serpents and birds.”                                                     19.9

After the next elder brother of mine is greatly valorous  and is the lustrous Kumbhakarna who has enough strength to fight   Lord Indra.”                                                                                                 19.10

“Oh Rama , you must have heard about the commander-in-chief  of Ravana called Prahastha  who defeated Manibhadra in a battle on mount Kailas.”                                                                         19.11

“If furnished   with  gloves made of the skin of Iguana , Indrajit  wearing an armour which no arrow can pierce , becomes invisible when fighting a battle.”                                                                          19.12

“Oh Rama , that glorious Indrajit , had pleased the God of fire  and so can strike the enemy in the battle field  with huge formations , while remaining invisible .”                                                               19.13

“The Rakshasas called Mahaparswa, Mahodhara and Akampana , who are equivalent in valour to the guardians of the world  are  the commanders of Ravana ‘s army .”                                              19.14

“Hundred crores of Rakshasas who can assume any form they want and who eat  flesh and blood reside  in Lanka.”                                                                                                                                                   19.15

“The king along with these Rakshasas waged a war with the  guardians of the world  and they as well as the devas were  defeated by the wicked Ravana.”                                                                             19.16

The best of the Raghu clan after hearing these words of Vibheeshana , examined all these with great attention and spoke  these words.                                                                                                      19.17

“Oh Vibheeshana I know about these facts    about Ravana  and I know that all those   which you told were true.”                                                                                                                                                19.18

“After killing Ravana , his son as well as Prahastha , I will make you the king here. Please hear this truth from me.”                                                                                                                                                  19.19

“Even if Ravana hides himself deep in Rasatala or Patala   or even if he  seeks the presence of Brahma  , I shall definitely kill him.”                                                                                                                          19.20

"I will not enter Ayodhya without killing Ravana together with his sons, companions and relatives in battle. I take oath on my three brothers."                                                                                           19.21

Hearing the words of Rama , who is stable in his action, the soul of Dharma Vibheeshana saluted him by bowing his head and spoke.                                                                                                                   19.22

“I will help you in killing the  Rakshasas when we attack the Lanka  and as per my strength I will also enter  in to the army.”                                                                                                                            19.23

When Vibheeshana told like this Rama hugged him  told Lakshmana “Dear one go and bring the sea water.”                                                                                                                                                      19.24

“Oh Lakshmana with great self respect, quickly consecrate   with this water , Vibheeshana  as king of Rakshasas  , so that I am pleased.”                                                                                                     19.25

Hearing the words of Rama , Lakshmana consecrated Vibheeshana as king , as per the order of Rama in between    the monkey lords.                                                                                                              19.26 

Noticing the grace of Rama , all those monkeys , produced a great sound   and said “Great, Great.”

                                                                                                                                                                  19.27

Then Hanuman and Sugreeva asked Vibheeshana, “How can we cross this tumultuous ocean which is the home of Varuna along with  this great army of monkeys  which has great splendour?”       19.28

“Please tell us the manner in which   we would be able to cross this Lord of streams and rivers swiftly  along with our army?”                                                                                                                        19.29

When those followers of Dharma asked like this to Vibheeshana , he replied, “ The king Rama should   surrender and take   refuge  with the God of ocean.”                                                                   19.30

“This immeasurable great ocean was dug  by Sagaras  and so this great ocean would be inclined to obey Rama who belongs to the clan of Sagaras.”                                                                                     19.31

When the learned Rakshasa told like this  , Sugreeva  went to the place where Rama and Lakshmana were   there.                                                                                                                                                   19.32

Then after informing them about the auspicious words Of Vibheeshana, the long necked Sugreeva  advised Rama to approach and make a request to the ocean.                                                             19.33

Since  Rama by nature was pious , he liked the idea  and along with Lakshmana and the monkey chief Sugreeva , wanting to follow the great advice of Vibheeshana told them  with a smile . 19.34-19.35

“Oh Lakshmana ,I like the advice  of Vibheeshana  and since Sugreeva is very learned and you are an expert in giving counsel, both of you take a decision in this matter and inform me.”            19.36

When they were told like those two valorous people Sugreeva and Lakshmana  with proper courtesy told like this.                                                                                                                                           19.37

“Oh tiger among men Rama, there is no reason for us not to like the advice of Vibheeshana  which is soothing at this difficult time and it is agreeable   to both of us.”                                                19.38

“Without building a bridge across the horrifying ocean which is the home of Varuna , it is not possible to reach Lanka even for Indra and devas.”                                                                                             19.39

“Let us do according to the meaningful advice of Vibheeshana  and since we have already wasted time in this endeavor , let the ocean be commanded  to yield passage to the army to reach Lanka ruled by Ravana.”                                                                                                                                   19.40-19.41

Having been told like this , Rama sat on the shore of the ocean covered by Kusha grass  and appeared like fire  trying to reach the altar.                                                                                                    19.42

 

     Thus ends the nineteenth  chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

20. Ravana tries to influence Sugreeva  through spies

 

(One spy informs Ravana about the might of the monkey army. He sends a spy  called Shuka  to influence Sugreeva to go back. Shuka is caught by the monkeys.)

 

After that a valorous Rakshasa called Sardula  came and saw   the army under the command of Sugreeva  which was ready for the battle.                                                                                                                  20.1

He was the spy of Ravana ,  the evil natured  king of Rakshasas  and after seeing the army of monkeys from all the sides , he returned back  speedily to Lanka and told the king.                                       20.2

“A very huge army of monkeys and bears  , which is boundless and immeasurable, which is like a second ocean is approaching Lanka. “                                                                                                                     20.3 

“The brothers Rama and Lakshmana who are the sons of Dasaratha  who are excellent men endowed with beauty have come in search of Sita  and they are keeping   on the shores of this great ocean.

                                                                                                                                                             20.4-20.5

“Oh king , that army is spread out for a distance of ten Yojanas(Twenty miles)  and you can  swiftly verify this truth.                                                                                                                                      20.6

“Oh great king , you need to send your messengers quickly to verify the truth. Under these circumstances  conciliation,   surrendering and sowing dissensions are the  only options.”    20.7

When Ravana the king of Rakshasa heard these words of Sardula , he was disturbed and swiftly decided   about the course of action  and spoke to the Rakshasa   called Sukha  who is best among those who know their duty.                                                                                                                                     20.8

“You go to Sugreeva quickly on my behalf and under my command  and in a gentle voice tell him  these words of mine .”                                                                                                                                     20.9

“Oh king , you  are very strong and born in a great family , being the son of Riksharaja , From this battle you are not going to gain anything , Oh lord of monkeys , you are like a brother to me.”         20.10

“Suppose I have abducted the wife of that     great prince  ,  it  should not matter  to you at all and so you go back to Kishkinda.”                                                                                                              20.11

“This Lanka cannot be reached by monkeys at all. Even Devas and Gandharwas are not able to reach it and so how can  men and monkeys reach here?”                                                                               20.12

Thus ordered by  the king of Rakshasas, that Rakshasa Shuka  assumed a form of the bird and started flying in the sky.                                                                                                                                          20.13

Proceeding in the sky continuously over the ocean , he stood on the sky and told Sugreeva the  following words.                                                                                                                                                                 20.14

Shuka repeated the words of that wicked Ravana , as  it was told to him  and at that time the monkeys were trying speedily to reach for him in the sky  to tear of his wings and to strike him.                    20.15

Those monkeys forcibly caught that Rakshasa  on the sky and brought him down forcibly    to the earth.

                                                                                                                                                                             20.16

When the monkeys were  troubling that Shuka , he told Rama, “Oh Rama of Kakustha clan, messengers are not killed and so please restrain your monkeys.”                                                                             20.17   

“A messenger would tell only the opinion of his lord and never talks about his opinion. But there are other messengers who speak about their own opinion and they deserve to be killed.”                20.18

Hearing words of Sukha   and the nature of his complaint  Rama told the monkeys  who were trying to kill him, “Do not kill.”                                                                                                                                  20.19

Seeing that there was no fear from the monkeys , Sukha who had become light feathered , stood in the space and started  taking again.                                                                                                                 20.20

“Oh Sugreeva who is in rich in courage  and who is very strong and valorous, “What shall I tell Ravana , who makes the world cry?”                                                                                                                         20.21 

Hearing these worlds , that chief of monkeys  who is the bull among all monkeys and  who was very strong., told these words to the Rakshasa called Sukha   who was the spy of Ravana  and who was blameless.                                                                                                                                                          20.22

“Oh Ravana neither are you my friend , nor do you deserve my sympathy . You are not dear to me and you have never helped me .Since you are the enemy of Rama you along with associates deserve to be killed  like Vali was killed.”                                                                                                                             20.23

“Oh king of Rakshasas, I would kill you along with your sons , relatives  and  clansmen  , I would come to Lanka along with my great army  and  turn the entire city in to ashes.”                                               20.24

"O, foolish  Ravana! You along with your younger brother will not be left alive  by Rama, even if you are protected by all including Indra  or even if you have disappeared  or obtained, the solar orbit or entered the nethermost subterranean region or even if approached the lotus feet of Shiva "             20.25-20.26

“I do not see any one including the ghosts  ,  Rakshasas, Gandharwas  and Asuras in all the three worlds coming to protect you.”                                                                                                                                  20.27

“You killed the extremely old Jatayu in war but why is it that you did not try to abduct Sita  who is with broad eyes in the presence of Rama and Lakshmana.”                                                                            20.28

“The noble of the Raghu clan  who is great , very strong and who cannot be even defeated by devas whom you do not know properly would kill you.”                                                                                     20.29

The  very good monkey Angadha who was the son of Vali  told, “ Oh very intelligent Sugreeva , He does not appear to be a messenger  but a spy.”                                                                                                  20.30

“Standing there in the sky he has estimated    the strength of our entire army .Let us arrest him and let him not go back to Lanka  and this finds favour with me.”                                                                       20.31

Commanded by the king , the monkeys jumped up in the air and caught hold of him  and tied him securely and becoming helpless , he started wailing loudly .                                                                  20.32

When Sukha was harassed  by those monkeys  who were fierce  , he cried loudly to attract the attention of the highly principled   Rama  , who is the son of Dasaratha.                                                              20.33

"My wings are being pulled out forcibly. My eyes are being pierced. If I die, all the sins incurred by me between my birth and my death would fall to your share."                                                       20.34-20.35

Rama who heard his wailings , did not allow him to be killed by the monkeys     as he had come only as a messenger.                                                                                                                                                      20.36

 

 

     Thus ends the twentieth  chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

21.Rama gets angry at the ocean

 

(When the ocean does not respond to his penance  , Rama gets angry and is about it to dry it by his arrow, Lakshmana stops him.)

 

Then Raghava spread Dharbha grass  on the ocean bank , and saluting eastward  he laid himself on that Durbha bed  with his hand as his pillow  and appeared like    he was sleeping on a snake.                  21.1

His arm , in which he wore  golden  gem studded armlets  and most   excellent ornaments of pearls  had been touched by many great ladies earlier.                                                                                         21.2-21.3

His hands were applied with sandal and agaru  paste earlier   were shining like the early  morning   Sun.

                                                                                                                                                                               21.4

Earlier Sita used to make those hands shine by keeping her head on it and it resembled the Thakshaka snake   supported by   the water of Ganga .                                                                                                  21.5

That arm which resembled a yoke  increased the sorrow of his enemies  and was  delightful to his friends  and it was now placed on the shore of the sea.                                                                                            21.6

That arm whose skin had been hardened by the strokes of the bow string, the left arm resembling a great mace and that mighty right arm that bestowed thousands of cows in charity was used as a pillow. Rama, the competent man and the mighty armed said: " Either crossing of the ocean or a death should occur to me today". Making that resolve he laid down by the ocean, restraining his speech and with a pious disposition according to tradition.                                                                                              21.7-21.9

According to traditional rule Rama who was  lying down on the Durbha bed  on earth spent three nights there.                                                                                                                                                                 21.10

That man of justice  who was diplomatic  , waited for the ocean  which was the lord of the rivers  for three nights there.                                                                                                                                           21.11

Though honored according to his greatness by the self subdued Rama, the careless ocean did not appear in his personal form to Rama.                                                                                                                        21.12

Due to getting angry on the ocean Rama ‘s eyes turned  blood red in colour  and  he spoke these words to Lakshmana who was near by   and  who was having auspicious look.                                                21.13

“Due to its great arrogance the ocean has not made its appearance . Indeed  qualities calmness, tolerance kind speech and straight –forwardness which are   the qualities of noble men give weak results, when directed towards those having no virtues."                                                                      21.14

“That  bad man who flatters himself  and runs all over the world  shamelessly like a horse set out at liberty is only appreciated by the world.                                                                                                    21.15

“In this world it is not possible to obtain fame and glory  at the end of a battle by peaceful means.” 

                                                                                                                                                                          21.16

“Oh Lakshmana see how this ocean which is   the home of  crocodiles  is going to be broken by my arrows and get suffocated on all its sides.”                                                                                             21.17

" Oh, Lakshmana, watch these   coils of water snakes, the huge bodies of alligators and the trunks of sea elephants which are  going to be shattered by me."                                                                               21.18

“I am going to dry up this ocean with its conches , shells, fishes and crocodiles  in this great battle.”

                                                                                                                                                                          21.19

“I think  this home of crocodiles  is going to consider   me as soft man  incapable of doing anything  and I feel it is a mistake to show our soft side to certain people.”                                                              21.20

“The ocean is not appearing before me in its true form. Oh Son of Sumithra , bring my bow  and  my arrows    which are like poison .I would then dry up this ocean and we can go to Lanka by foot.” 

                                                                                                                                                               21.21-21.22

" Being very angry now,   I will shake this ocean, even if it is unshakable. I will force the ocean, which is demarcated by banks and agitated with thousands of waves, bereft of a boundary, by my arrows. I will agitate the great ocean, thronged with great Rakshasas."                                                        21.23-21.24

After telling this that holder of the bow with eyes widened by anger  became fearsome to look at like the blazing fire at the deluge .”                                                                                                                  21.25

He pressed the horrifying bow  , twanged it  and made  the  world shake , he released a fierce    winged arrow  which was like the Vajrayudha of Indra.”                                                                                   21.26

Those lustrous  and very great arrows travelling with great speed entered the ocean  striking the water snakes   with great terror.                                                                                                                          21.27

When the water  fishes and alligators were suddenly disturbed became much more    disturbed  due to the wind.                                                                                                                                                      21.28

And that great ocean  was shaken by the multitude of waves  which was full of large number of conches  and smoke  came out of it.                                                                                                                       21.29

Sea snakes with lustrous  faces  and with glittering eyes  and very powerful Rakshasas  who were living  in Patala  were  greatly disturbed.                                                                                                         21.30

Waves in thousands  resembling the Vindhya and Mandhara mountains  jumped from the sea   along  with several crocodiles.                                                                                                                             21.31

That ocean with its large number  of fluctuating waves, and with its scared serpents and Rakshasas  and with huge crocodiles coming out, became full of noise.                                                                     21.32

Then the son of Sumithra  rushed towards  Rama who was stretching his bow with very great speed , taking a deep breath and shouting “No further, No further” and took hold of Rama ‘s bow .   21.33

“Even without destroying the ocean by you, you being a great hero. Your purpose   would be served . Men like you should get into this type of anger. Oh gentle Rama you should think of some other alternative .”                                                                                                                                                21.34

The Brahma rishis    and deva sages, who were standing on the sky  made great sound saying “Alas” and further said  “No further.”                                                                                                                          21.35

 

     Thus ends the twenty first   chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

22. The Bridge over the ocean is built

 

( When Rama is about to shoot    the arrow of Brahma, the god of  ocean appears before him and  requests Rama to use the expertise of the monkey Nala who was the son Of Visvakarma to build a bridge across the sea,  the arrow of Brahma is used to make the Maru desert fertile. The monkey build a bridge to Lanka in five days and stat crossing over,)

 

Then that noble one of the Raghu clan spoke these harsh words  to the ocean, “Oh great ocean I will dry you up till the Patala.                                                                                                                                           22.1

“Oh ocean , when your water   is consumed by my arrow , you would get dried up and a huge mountain of sand will appear   in you and all the creatures within you would be destroyed.”                               22.2

“Oh ocean , by  the rain of arrows that would leave my bow , the monkeys could walk down to the other shore and reach Lanka.”                                                                                                                                     22.3

“Oh ocean which is the home of  the Rakshasas , By your intelligence you  are not able to recognize  my power or prowess  and you will repent at my hands.”                                                                                 22.4

Fixing the Brahmastra  which is similar to the rod of Brahma  on  his bow that very strong one stretched the arrow.                                                                                                                                                            22.5

When Rama was stretching his bow keeping that arrow , the earth suddenly   seem to split   and  the mountains  seem to shake.                                                                                                                                22.6

Darkness spread all over the world and all directions became not visible  and  rivers and lakes   seem to get agitated.                                                                                                                                                          22.7

The moon sun and the stars  did not move directly and though the sun's rays lighted the sky,  the sky was  covered  by darkness and  it shined with a blaze of hundreds of meteors while thunders  echoed with an unparalleled sound in the sky.                                                                                            22.8-22.9

Series of divine storms blew  in their very gross forms  sweeping away   clouds and breaking   huge trees.

                                                                                                                                                                       22.10

The wind broke  the mountain peaks, broke off the points of the rocks. Winds of great speed struck together in the sky and emitted flashes of radiance proceeding from lightning with a great sound and then there were great thunders.                                                                                                            22.11

All the beings that were visible to the eye  wailed along with the sound of thunders  and even beings which were not visible made great sound  and all the creatures  were overpowered ,  agitated and were scared  and did not move due to great fear .                                                                            22.12-22.13

After that  in  the great ocean ,  water tides  along with marine creatures and Rakshasas developed great speed  and due to that speed , the swelling waters crossed in to the shore and travelled  one Yojana inside the land.                                                                                                                                22.14-22.15

Seeing the   ocean which was overflowing Rama   the destroyer of his enemies did  not retreat before the ocean swelled and crossed its limits.                                                                                               22.16

The God of the ocean then arose from the middle of the ocean , similar to the sun rising at dawn from Mount Meru.                                                                                                                                              22.17

The God of the ocean along with the  snakes with flaming jaws  appeared with the colour of emerald  decorated by Gold.                                                                                                                                    22.18

The valorous  god of ocean, the lord of rivers, wearing a garland  of pearls, with his eyes looking  like  lotus leaves, using a pretty  garland made of all kinds of flowers  as ornament on his head, with ornaments of purified gold, adorned with excellent jewels made of pearls from his domain, decorated with different kinds of gems and metals, resembling Himalaya  mountain, wearing on his broad chest a locket shedding a white luster, resembling a Kousthubha gem  and hanging in the middle of a single string of pearls, with a multitude of waves whirled around him, encircled by the clouds and winds, escorted by rivers mainly the Ganga and Sindhu, endowed with diverse forms resembling various deities, approached Rama with joined palms, who stood with arrows in hand, addressing him first as OH Rama!' and spoke the following words:                                                                                                     22.19-22.24

“Oh Rama with tender heart, the earth , wind , sky , water and fire  remain stable  in their nature  and go towards the eternal path.”                                                                                                                         22.25

“And due to this I am extremely deep and impossible to swim across  and it is unnatural  for me to be shallow. I am going to tell you a method to cross me .”                                                                       22.26

“Oh  son of the king , I cannot  solidify  my  waters with alligators either  because of desire or ambition or fear  or love.”                                                                                                                                           22.27

“Oh Rama , I will make it possible  so that all of you including the monkeys can cross me by a path  and bear the army while they cross me. The alligators  would not be aggressive on them while they cross over.,”                                                                                                                                                           22.28

Then Rama told the ocean, ”Please hear , oh home of Varuna, this arrow should not go in vain and should descend on some place.”                                                                                                             22.29

After hearing the words of Rama and after seeing that  great arrow , the great and lustrous ocean told  Raghava.                                                                                                                                                      22.30

“On my northern parts there is a holy place called  Drumatalaya  and similar to you, it is well known in this world.”                                                                                                                                                  22.31

“Numerous dacoits who do very many cruel deeds  known as the sinful Abheeras  drink my waters   there.”                                                                                                                                                          22.32

“I am not able to  bear the sinful touch of these great sinners and so I request this arrow which is great to be released on them , thus making it not go in vain.”                                                                    22.33

Hearing these words of the great ocean , Rama released that shining arrow to the place indicated by the ocean.                                                                                                                                                           22.34

The place where that  arrow which had the luster of Vajrayudha   descended   was   the  famous desert called Maru (Malwar).                                                                                                                              22.35

Then  with great sound that arrow pierced the earth there   was the place  where  water from Rasatala gushed to that place  from   a cleft   in the earth  .                                                                              22.36

And that  well  that was created became well known as Vruna  and the water gushing out from there resembled the ocean.                                                                                                                               22.37

With a horrifying sound  the arrow of Rama fell there   and dried up  the water in those cavities .22.38

That place became famous  in all the three worlds as the desert of Maru.  The learned and valorous Rama the son of Dasaratha  who resembled the devas  dried up that  cleft  and gave a boon to that place  .                                                                                                                                                               22.39-22.40

Due to granting of a boon by Rama, that desert of Maru became the most suitable  place for cattle rearing, a place with very   little of disease, producing tasty fruits and roots, with a lot of  ghee , a lot of milk and various kinds of sweet- smelling herbs. Thus it became an auspicious and suitable move, bestowing these merits.                                                                                                                      22.41-22.42

When the cavity in that desert was burning, the ocean which is the lord of the rivers  told Rama who had great knowledge of  science as well as great books.                                                                                  22.43

“Oh gentle one, that person with the name Nala  is the son of Viswakarma , He has been given a boon by his father and he is equal to Viswakarma (architect of devas).”                                                             22.44

“Let him build the bridge    with great enthusiasm    and I would hold  it for he is just like his father.”

                                                                                                                                                                            22.45

After saying this the God of ocean disappeared   and Nala,  the great monkey chief stood up and told the following words to  the very strong Rama.                                                                                                 22.46

“As told by the great ocean I have the ability of my father and I would construct a bridge across   this wide ocean.”                                                                                                                                                   22.47

“This ocean which is a formidable body of water  has given passage to Rama due to its fear  of punishment as Rama   wanted a bridge to be constructed across it.”                                                22.48

“On the  Mandhara mountain Viswakarma gave the following boon to my mother , “Oh Lady , the son who will be born to you would be exactly like me.”                                                                               22.49

“I am the real son of Viswakarma born out of his loins  and I am similar to Viswakarma  and this has been reminded to me by the God of ocean  and I did not speak about it because I thought it is not proper   to  talk about myself without being asked.”                                                                                                    22.50

“I am capable of building a bridge across the ocean, the home of Varuna and so let  all the great monkeys help me to build the bridge.”                                                                                                      22.51

Then sent by Rama  all the monkey army jumped  in joy on all sides and rushed towards  the great forest in hundreds  of thousands.                                                                                                                            22.52

Those monkeys who resembled mountains  broke mountain like rocks and trees  and dragged   them towards   the sea.                                                                                                                                           22.53

Those monkeys filled the ocean with all types of trees like Sala and Asvakarna, Dhava and bamboo, Kutaja, Arjuna, palmyra,Tilaka, Tinisa, Bilva, Saptaparna, Karnika, in blossom as also mango and Asoka.

                                                                                                                                                                22.54-22.55

Those best of monkeys who live in the forest   carried and brought some trees with roots and some without roots which looked like the flag post of Indra .                                                                          22.56

From here and there those monkeys brought Palmyra trees, pomegranate shrubs, coconut and Vibhitaka, Karira, Bakula and neem trees.                                                                                                  22.57

Those huge bodied monkeys  who were very strong uprooted elephant sized rocks  and mountains  and brought them   with machines.                                                                                                                    22.58

The water which went up due to throwing of the mountains , rose up to the sky and came   back again  and gushed back to the ocean.                                                                                                                   22.59

The rocks which were falling from all sides caused turbulence in the ocean. Others threw  strings of hundred yojanas long to keep the rocks straight .                                                                                 22.60

Nala started building the bridge in the middle of the ocean which was the lord of all rivers and the bridge was built at that time by those great monkeys  who can do terrible acts.                           22.61

Some monkeys held the pole for measuring the bridge , others collected different type of materials and by the command of Rama hundreds of thousands monkeys  brought reeds and logs which were like the clouds and mountains and fastened  parts of the bridge .                                                         22.62-22.63

Some monkeys  made  the bridge with trees having blossomed ends  and some monkeys who looked like Rakshasas caught hold of rocks resembling mountains  and peaks and appeared to run here   and 

there.                                                                                                                                                                   22.64

When the stones where thrown  in the sea , mountains also fell at those spots , very great sound emanated  from there.                                                                                                                                      22.65

On the first day itself fourteen Yojana of   bridge was constructed speedily by those monkeys who were joyful  and were resembling elephants.                                                                                                        22.66

Similarly on the second day   twenty yojanas of bridge was speedily constructed  by  those  mighty strong monkeys with huge bodies.                                                                                                                 22.67

Similarly on the third day twenty one yojanas of bridge was constructed in the ocean , speedily by the monkeys who had huge bodies.                                                                                                                    22.68

On the fourth day  twenty two yojanas of bridge was constructed  by further hastening   those monkeys with great speed.                                                                                                                                           22.69

The speedily   working monkeys constructed twenty three  Yojanas of the bridge  on the fifth day  and reached up to the other end of the sea.                                                                                                    22.70

Thus the very strong  gentle monkey chief Nala who was the son of Viswakarma  built a bridge on the ocean as his father   would have done it.                                                                                                   22.71

The  bridge constructed on the ocean  which was the home of alligators   by Nala  was good to look at and auspicious  and resembled the milky way in the sky.                                                                        22.72

With a wish to see the wonderful construction Devas,  , Gandharwas , Sidhas a well as  great sages  came and stood up on the sky .                                                                                                                                22.73

Devas and Gandharwas saw that hundred Yojanas bridge which was ten Yojanas  wide and which was constructed by Nala   and understood  that  it was difficult to build .                                                     22.74

The monkeys took  long leaps and short and  leaps shouted in joy. All other beings saw that construction of the bridge across the ocean as unimaginable, impossible and wonderful, causing their hair to stand on end in amazement.                                                                                                                                  22.75-22.76

It was a great spectacle to see those thousand crore of great monkeys cross to the other shore , immediately after   building the bridge.                                                                                                        22.77

That  great  bridge, which was broad, well-constructed, glorious, well postured and held together firmly, looked beautiful like a separating straight line in the ocean.                                                                     22.78

And on the other shore of the sea Vibheeshana holding a mace  along with his ministers   stood up  for invading  the enemy.                                                                                                                                            22.79

Thereafter, Sugreeva on his part spoke to Rama, the truly brave man as follows: "O, valiant man,  This ocean, the abode of alligators, is indeed vast and so you climb  up on  the shoulder of Hanuman and let Lakshmana climb up on  the shoulder of Angadha. These monkeys can carry   both of you while flying in the sky."                                                                                                                                                      22.80-22.81

On front of the army  the lustrous   Rama  who followed   Dharma and Lakshmana marched along with Sugreeva .                                                                                                                                                               22.82

Some monkeys went along the middle of the bridge. Some others went along the sides. Some others were seen  jumping into water. Some others marched forward on the path. Some monkeys entered the sky and flew  like Garuda the eagle.                                                                                                                22.83

The sound of marching monkeys masked the sound of the ocean  which was huge  and terrific .       22.84

After the monkeys crossed over to the other shore by the bridge constructed by Nala, Sugreeva   made them camp on the shore where plenty of fruits and roots were available.                                              22.85

Seeing that the  wonderful and extremely difficult  act was completed , the  devas, the Sidhas  and Charanas  along with great sages  , immediately anointed him with sacred waters.                              22.86

The Devas , Sidhas and others  blessed Rama, who was duly respected by kings with their auspicious -words as follows: " O, king, Defeat the enemies. Rule the earth and ocean which are   eternally for years."                                                                                                                                                            22.87

 

     Thus ends the twenty second    chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

23. Rama judges the omens

 

(Omens indicating death and  suffering to the monkey army is noticed by Rama . He becomes sad because of it.)

 

The elder brother of Lakshmana who was an expert in omens    seeing the omens  , hugged the son of Sumithra    and told the following  words.                                                                                                  23.1

“After taking over this land blessed with cool water and fruits , let us divide the army into battalions and set them up there.”                                                                                                                                        23.2

“I foresee great fear  which will destroy this world  and torture of eminent heroes among monkeys, bears and Rakshasas.”                                                                                                                                    23.3

“Dusty winds are blowing , the earth is shaking, the tops of the mountains are quivering  and trees are falling down.”                                                                                                                                                23.4

“ Revolting clouds with the shape of wild beasts   with horrifying sound are raining  horrifying rain , with mixture of blood drops.”                                                                                                                           23.5

“The dusk of the colour of red sandalwood  is very much dreadful  and balls of fire fall from the  blazing sun.”                                                                                                                                                             23.6

“All  cruel birds and animals look pitiable and roaring out pitiably facing the sun  and  give rise  to great fear.”                                                                                                                                                             23.7

“The moon rises as it would do at the time of final deluge and  has a black and red halo  and makes the mind depressed.”                                                                                                                                       23.8

"O, Lakshmana, A dark stain appears on the cloudless solar disc, which is diminished, dreary, inauspicious and of copper  colour."                                                                                                      23.9

“Great darkness is enveloping all the stars and seems to herald the  final dissolution of the world.”

                                                                                                                                                                     23.10

“Crows, eagles, and vultures are flying nearer to the ground and Jackals are  howling and give rise to inauspicious sound.”                                                                                                                                 23.11

“By the tridents, mountains  and swords thrown by  monkeys  and Rakshasas , the earth will be covered  with heaps of  flesh and blood.”                                                                                                             23.12

“We shall attack with great speed  surrounded by monkeys , this evil  town ruled by Ravana.”  23.13

After saying this the charming  Rama  who is the conqueror of enemies in battle  along with his bow walked to the front of the army facing the city.                                                                                    23.14

All those monkey chiefs who were marching ahead with Vibheeshana and Sugreeva  were desiring for the destruction of their audacious enemies.                                                                                          23.15

By the acts and gestures of all those  strong monkeys  with the idea to please   him, Rama became happy.                                                                                                                                                           23.16

 

     Thus ends the twenty third    chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

24. Rama with his army reaches Lanka

 

( Rama and the monkey army reaches Lanka. Rama divided the army in to battalions and   assigns job of its protection to various monkey leaders. Shukha the spy is released. He tells Ravana about the great danger. Ravana is  not  bothered,)

 

That Assembly of valorous monkeys  along with  their king shined like the full moon of the autumn  and the bright stars.                                                                                                                                                 24.1

The earth which was pressed by a large number of monkeys who had energy like the sea trembled  with a  fear about their rapid movement.                                                                                                            24.2

Then those monkeys heard   a great tumult  from the city of Lanka which was accompanied by playing of various type  of drums  which made their hair to stand erect.                                                                24.3

Hearing that sound the monkey leaders became happy  but since they were not able to tolerate it , they shouted more loudly and it surpassed that sound.                                                                                           24.4

The Rakshasas also heard the  sound of the roar of the wildly delighted monkeys which sounded like  a thunder from the sky.                                                                                                                                             24.5

The Son of Dasaratha saw the city of Lanka decorated with  various types of flags and decorations  and his heart which was full of grief  thought about Sita.                                                                                       24.6

“There Sita with deer like eyes has been imprisoned  by Ravana  just like the Rohini star is over shadowed by planet Mars.”                                                                                                                                  24.7

After breathing  a warm deep breath , seeing Lakshmana he told these heroic words which were  beneficial to him at that time .                                                                                                                           24.8

“Oh Lakshmana , see this city of Lanka, which appears to have been constructed on a hill  top by Viswakarma , so that it appears to be touching the sky.”                                                                            24.9

“ When constructed earlier , the city of Lanka was filled with  many  towers  and is covered by thick white clouds    and looks like the city of Vishnu.”                                                                                       24.10

“The lustrous city of Lanka   has many flowering gardens which have  many fruit bearing trees  and filled with singing birds  and is comparable to Chaithratha,   the garden of Khubera.”                                24.11

“See the happy birds , swarming bees  and tree branches with lot of cuckoo birds  which sway in the breeze.”                                                                                                                                                              24.12

Thus  Rama the son of Dasaratha spoke with Lakshmana  and then the army was divided in to battalions  according to method  mentioned  in great books.                                                               24.13

Then Rama ordered as follows ”Let the valorous and invincible Angadha    along with Nila  occupy the middle position of this formation .”                                                                                                          24.14

“Let the monkey named Rishabha  along with several other monkey chiefs  place themselves on the right  side of the army.”                                                                                                                                          24.15

“Let the strong  and unconquerable Gandamadhana who is like an elephant  in rut  stand on the   left side  of the monkey army .”                                                                                                                      24.16

“I would stand  in the front tip of the army along with Lakshmana .Let  the great Jambavan, Sushena and Veghadarsi  who are the monkey and bear chiefs  protect the  belly  of the army .”             24.17

“Let the rear of the army be protected  by the king of monkeys , like very lustrous God Varuna protects the western side.”                                                                                                                                       24.18

The several   battalions of the monkey army  , which was protected by great monkeys shined like the  skies with the mass  of clouds .                                                                                                                24.19

With the  intention  to crush the Rakshasas in battle  , the monkey armed reached there  after seizing peaks of mountains  and trees .                                                                                                               24.20

All the monkeys resolved in their mind , “ Whether with the peak of mountains or  even with  bare fists , we will shatter this city of Lanka in to pieces.”                                                                                       24.21

Then the very lustrous Rama told Sugreeva , “Now the army has been divided properly let us release Shuka.”                                                                                                                                                           24.22

The very strong king of monkeys after hearing the words of Rama , as per the order of Rama released the emissary called Sukha .                                                                                                                         24.23

After being troubled by the monkeys and now released   by  the words  of Rama , Shuka  trembling with fear reached  the king of Rakshasas.                                                                                                         24.24

Ravana laughingly asked Sukha , “Why were your wings tied up? It appears  that  your wings  have been plucked. Have you fallen as the victim of fickle  minds.”                                                         24.25-24.26

Asked like that  by the king Ravana, Shuka  who was agitated with great  fear, gave him the following excellent reply: "On the northern shore of the ocean, I conveyed your message in a smooth tone, conciliatory  and without any ambiguity exactly as per your instructions."                       24.27-24.28

“The monkeys as soon as they saw me , jumped on me  with great anger and caught me . They started plucking my feathers and beating me with their fists.”                                                                       24.29

“It is not possible to talk to those monkeys nor is it possible to question them. As they are by  their nature short tempered and ferocious.”                                                                                                 24.30

“Then Rama  the killer of Kabandha, Viradha  and Khara  has come  along with Sugreeva to the place where  Sita is  there .”                                                                                                                               24.31

“After constructing a bridge over the sea and having crossed the salty sea  and after driving away the Rakshasas , Rama is standing here .”                                                                                                      24.32

“Several thousand  groups of monkeys and bears , who resemble the mountain and clouds  are covering the earth.”                                                                                                                                                   24.33

“There is no possibility of a treaty between the army of the king of Rakshasas and that of the army of the monkeys.”                                                                                                                                            24.34

“They would come to our ramparts son and before that you need either to return Sita or  soon offer to do battle with them.”                                                                                                                              24.35

As soon as Ravana  heard the words of Shuka , he with blood red eyes due to anger  and eyes which looked like he will eat Sukha told.                                                                                                                24.36

“Even if I am frightened by the entire world or even if Devas, Gandharwas  and Dhanavas come to a battle with me , I will not return back Sita.                                                                                             24.37

“When would my arrows fall on Rama like the bees falling on a fully blossomed tree in the spring.” 

                                                                                                                                                                        24.38

“When will I  eat his body  with his body covered with flowing blood due to the lustrous arrows released from  my bow  similar to burning torches destroying an elephant.”                                                24.39

“Surrounded by a huge army , I shall eclipse  the above mentioned army of Rama , like the rising sun, eclipses the  bright stars.”                                                                                                                        24.40

“My speed is that of the ocean and my strength is like that of a wind  and this is not known to the son of Dasaratha and that is why he wants to fight with me.”                                                                      24.41

“Rama has not seen the serpent like arrows which are in my quiver  and that is why he  wants to fight with me.”                                                                                                                                                      24.42

“Rama  is not aware of my prowess in battle. I shall using my arrow heads play on the string of my bow which resembles the Veena p0roducing sounds of victory  and the terrible cries of the wounded would be the accompaniment  with my arrows producing several musical notes , as soon as I enter the vast arena of battle with my enemy ranks.”                                                                                      24.43-24.44

“Neither Indra with thousand eyes , nor Varuna the God of the sea nor Yama with his fire like arrows  nor Khubera with all his riches would be able to attack me in a battle.”                                        24.45

 

     Thus ends the twenty fourth     chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

25.Spies Shukha and Sarana  visit the monkey army

 

(Ravana  sends Shukha and Sarana , his ministers the judge the strength of the monkey army. They were caught by Vibheeshana. Rama allows them to see the monkey army and releases them. They  go and advise  Ravana  to seek peace with Rama.)

 

When Rama the son of Dasaratha crossed the sea . Ravana told his ministers Sukha   and Sarana   as follows.                                                                                                                                                                  25.1

The monkey army has entirely crossed   the impassable  sea  and the construction of bridge over the sea by Rama is incomparable .                                                                                                                                 25.2

“I am not able to believe that a bridge could be constructed across the ocean and I definitely need to analyze  the strength of the monkey army.”                                                                                                 25.3

"Become not recognizable  to others, enter the army of monkeys and  count   the real numbers  of their army, their strength , as to which monkeys are important among them, which ministers of Rama and Sugreeva have come together, which monkeys are leading  in front, which monkeys are valorous , how that bridge was constructed across the ocean full of water, how the encamping is done for those great  monkeys; the determination, strength and the striking senses of Rama and of the heroic Lakshmana."

                                                                                                                                                                    25.4- 25.7

“Please also find out who is the commander –in-chief   of those powerful monkeys  and after knowing that you should come back speedily.”                                                                                                           25.8

After  the Rakshasas Sukha and Sarana were ordered this way, they assumed the form of monkeys  and entered the army of monkeys .                                                                                                                       25.9

After that Sukha and Sarana were not able to count the numbers of the army of monkeys  and their hair stood erect due to wonder.                                                                                                                            25.10

That army was stationed on the tops of mountains, round about the waterfalls, in the caves, on the sea-shores, in the woodlands and in the gardens. It was either in the process of crossing the ocean, or was intending to cross it in its entirety. It had either encamped or was still encamping, making a terrible noise. The two Rakshasas  saw that very strong and imperturbable sea of army.                       25.11-25.12

The greatly lustrous Vibheeshana  could find out them through their disguise  and he caught hold of Sukha and Sarana    and told Rama.                                                                                                                25.13

“Oh Rama who wins over  other enemy cities, These are Sukha and Sarana who are ministers of the king of Rakshasas and they have come here from Lanka as spies.”                                                                  25.14   

They both  saw Rama and were trembling and having lost the hope of being alive , greatly scared , with folded hands in salutation told Rama.                                                                                                           25.15

“Oh gentle son of Raghu clan, we  both came here because we were sent by Ravana  to know everything about your entire army.”                                                                                                                                 25.16

Rama the son of Dasaratha , who is interested in welfare of all beings , after hearing their words , told them with a smile .                                                                                                                                           25.17

‘If you have seen the entire army  and seen all of us well  and accomplished the task with which you were entrusted, you are free to go, when you want.”                                                                               25.18

“If you have not seen any particular aspect , you can see them now and Vibheeshana will  again show it to you in its entirety.”                                                                                                                                       25.19

“Having been caught by us, there is no need for you to fear  for the messengers who are  caught without weapons should not be killed.”                                                                                                                       25.20

“Oh Vibheeshana, always be ready to shoot an arrow on our enemies , but let these Rakshasa spies who have come in disguise be set free.”                                                                                                               25.21

“Oh Rakshasas, when you back to your city  tell my words as I told you  to Ravana, the brother of Khubera  and the king of Rakshasas.”                                                                                                            25.22

“I desire  that you show us the strength  which you exhibited while abducting Sita now along with your army and friends  to us   as well  as our army.”                                                                                           25.23

“Tomorrow morning you will see my arrows destroying , the city of Lanka, along with forts and arches as well as   the army of Rakshasas.”                                                                                                                   25.24

“Oh Ravana , tomorrow at day break , I will release my dreadful anger on you , Just like Indra , the king of devas  throws the Vajrayudha.”                                                                                                               25.25

When Rama ordered like this to the Rakshasas   called  Sukha and Sarana , They said, “Victory to you”  and admired Rama who loved Dharma , and then went back to Lanka and spoke to the king of Rakshasas.                                                                                                                                            25.26-25.27

“Ok king of Rakshasa, Vibheeshana caught us with the intention of killing us  and the very lustrous Rama seeing it  who is the soul of Dharma  set us free.                                                                                     25.28

"Where the four eminent persons who are equal to the protector of the worlds, the valiant ones skilled in the use of weapons and of proven prowess namely Rama the son of Dasaratha, the famous Lakshmana, the great  and resplendent Vibheeshana and Sugreeva whose valour is equal to Indra the Lord of devas , are stationed at the same place, they can uproot  the city of Lanka with its ramparts and arches and transplant it elsewhere, even if all the monkeys do not do anything ."                   25.29-25.31

“Such is the personality of Rama  that with his weapons , he alone  destroy the city of Lanka , even if the other three people   do not do anything.”                                                                                                      25.32

“That army protected by Rama, Lakshmana and Sugreeva is unconquerable , even if devas and asuras join together .”                                                                                                                                                 25.33

“The army of the forest living monkeys   are cheerful  are interested in fighting the war . This is sufficient. Make peace with them  and offer the  daughter  of king of Mithila back to the son of Dasaratha.                                                                                                                                                    25.34

 

     Thus ends the twenty fifth     chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

26.  Ravana surveys the monkey army

 

(Ravana climbs on a tall tower to see the monkey army.  Shukha introduces   various monkey chiefs and tells him about the strength of their respective armies,)

 

Hearing those truthful and fearless    words  of Sarana , the king Ravana spoke   to him in reply as follows.                                                                                                                                                          26.1

“Even if I am attacked by devas, Gandharwas  and Rakshasas  together  or even  if there if fear to  me from all the three worlds, I am not going to give back Sita.”                                                            26.2

“Oh gentle one , since you have been harassed by the monkeys too much , being with a fearful mind, you want to me to speedily give back Sita.”                                                                                                     26.3

“Which enemy can defeat me in the battle?”  was the harsh word said by Ravana the king of Rakshasas. Then Ravana climbed the roof of his white tower like house  which was the height of several Palmyra trees  with a desire to see Rama’s army.                                                                                                   26.4-26.5

Ravana who was benumbed with anger  along with those spies  saw , the ocean , mountain and forests   which were completely filled with monkeys.                                                                                                    26.6

Seeing that shore less and innumerable  great army of monkeys , the king Ravana again asked  Sarana.

                                                                                                                                                                                   26.7

“Who are the  important monkeys among them? Who are very strong and valorous among them? Which of them would be in the front of their army with  great enthusiasm?”                                                      26.8   

“Who can influence Sugreeva? Who are the chief of battalions? What can influence these monkeys? Oh Sarana , tell all these things in detail to me .”                                                                                                 26.9

After hearing the  words of the king of Rakshasas, Sarana , as per what he has seen   told about the important chiefs  of monkeys.                                                                                                                         26.10

“He who is  facing Lanka and is surrounded by  hundreds of thousands of soldier monkeys  by whose great shout ,  Lanka with all its ramparts, all  its decorations  along with all the mountains and forests    are resounding , is the great soul Sugreeva  who is the king of all animals that    sit on branches and in the front of the army the monkey  named Nala  who is the commander  is standing.”        26.11-26.13

"That valiant monkey , who holds his arms high, who tramples the earth under his feet as he marches, whose face is turned towards Lanka, who in fury is knitting his brows very much, who is resembling a mountain- peak in stature, who is like filaments of a lotus in hue, who is  in excess of anger continuously  and lashes out his tail with a  swish of which can be heard in ten regions,  is the prince named Angadha, anointed by Sugreeva the king of monkeys and is challenging you to the battle."                    26.14-26.17

“He is son of Vali who is like him and  is very dear to Sugreeva  and he has come to the front in the interests of Rama , Like Varuna comes for the sake of Indra.”                                                                  26.18

“It is due to his intelligence that  daughter of Janaka was found  by the very speedy Hanuman  as he desires for the welfare of Rama.”                                                                                                                   26.19

“That Valorous one has brought  with very many units of monkey army  commanded by various chiefs  and he is approaching to crush you with his own army.”                                                                        26.20

“Next to Angadha , surrounded  by large army stands  the valorous Nala who is the one who built the bridge , ready for battle with you.”                                                                                                            26.21

"These excellent monkeys, numbering a thousand crores and eight lakhs, who have been lodged in sandalwood groves, yelling like a  lion’s roar  and  after having stiffened their limbs, are knitting their eye-brows raised in anger. These valiant monkeys, who are terrific and fierce  having a ferocious zeal are going to  follow Nala. Nala himself with his aforesaid army aspires to smash Lanka forthwith."           

                                                                                                                                                                  26.22-26.24

"A monkey called Shweta of silver colour  who is quick-witted and clever, of terrific prowess and a warrior renowned in the three worlds, has come to Sugreeva swiftly, dividing the army of monkeys and bringing great delight to the troops, he goes back to the back of the army "                          26.25-26.26

"There is a  mountain called Ramya, on the banks of River Gomati. That mountain  is filled with various kinds of trees is also called Samrochana. An army-chief, named Kumuda used to roam around that mountainous region. He also rules  that kingdom. He is the leader for lakhs of monkeys. He has a very long hair-coppery, yellow, pale and white and hideous to look up to. Thrown about on his tail is the intrepid and fierce monkey called Kanda. He yearns to fight and boast that he will  destroy Lanka with  his forces."                                                                                                                                         26.27-26.30

"Oh, king,  He who resembles a tawny lion with a long mane and who is looking at Lanka attentively as though he wishes to consume it with his glasses, who dwells mostly on the mountains of Krishna and Sahya of Vindhya range of pleasing aspect, is the General named Rambha. Three thousand crores of excellent monkeys, who are formidable of impetuous valour and vigour, surround him who is marching ahead and follow in his foot-sets to destroy Lanka."                                                                26.31-26.33

"Oh, king,  Look,  The one who is yawning continuously and shaking his ears, he  is the  one who does not have  any fear of death, one  who never retreats from a battle, but violently moves with rage, who again sees obliquely, he who lashes out his tail and roars like a lion with great vigour, he who constantly dwells on the lovely Salveya mountain, he is Sarabha by name, the commander of monkeys with immense energy and devoid of fear."                                                                                            26.34-26.36

“Oh king , all his battalion consisting of one lakh forty thousand  monkeys who are called Viharas  are very strong .”                                                                                                                                              26.37

"The one who is like a great cloud, enveloping the space and who stays in the middle of monkey-warriors like Indra the king of devas , one who wishes for a battle whose great voice  is heard like the roll of drums, is the General named Panasa, who is always invincible in battle. He dwells in Pariyatra, a mountain that is exceeded by none in height."                                                                     26.38-26.40

“He is served by fifty lakhs commanders  who obediently carry out his orders as he is an excellent commander.”                                                                                                                                 26.41

"He who is encamped with sixty lakhs monkeys which is his army   on the sea-shore which is   like a second ocean is the commander called Vinata who resembles Dardura mountain (in size) and is positioned there lending charm to the formidable army marching ahead and moves about, drinking the water of River Vena, the foremost of all rivers."                                                                          26.42-26.44

“A monkey chief called Kradhana   is calling you for battle  after keeping his valorous and  very strong monkeys in  proper battalions.”                                                                                                                  26.45

‘There is one monkey called Gavya  with the colour  of Red Chalk  who nourishes his body , who is forever proud of his strength who  is with great luster  standing facing you with anger  and hatred towards you.”                                                                                                                                                 26.46

“He is served by seventy lakh monkeys  and he wishes to crush Lanka using  only his army .”     26.47

“These very valorous commanders and commander-in-chiefs  who can take any form they like have put their  army in different distinct units and so it is difficult to count them.”                                        26.48  

 

Thus ends the twenty sixth      chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

27. The monkey army is further described.

 

(The spies give a detailed account of all the monkey leaders   and the army that theu command.)

 

“As you are keenly examining the monkey chiefs , I shall tell you about those who would like to show their  valour  even by facing death for the sake of Rama.”                                                                          27.1

"There is a monkey called Hara, who has terrific acts to his credit. The hair on his tail, measuring many fathoms, soft, red in colour, yellow, white and super-white, wavy and shining like the rays of the sun standing erect thrown about are dragging along the ground."                                                          27.2-27.3

“Hundreds and thousands of monkey army leaders  have resolved to be servants of Sugreeva  and they are all following him carrying trees with the intention of  attacking  Lanka  soon.”                               27.4

"Oh king,   Those who appear black like black-clouds and similar  to black collyrium are extremely ferocious bears, truly mighty in combat, who  are in exceedingly in   large number, indefinable like the other shore of an ocean,  and those  whom you are observing  reside in mountains, plains and on river-banks. They are all coming towards you."                                                                                           27.5-27.7

"Oh king,  He who is standing in the middle, with terrific eyes and of fearful appearance, encircled by all like Parjanya (the rain-god) being encircled by clouds  is the army-chief called Dhumra, the Lord of all bears, who drinks the waters of River Narmada and resides on an excellent mountain named Rikshavanta."                                                                                                                                        27.8-27.9

“See beside him Jambhavan  the younger brother of his  who is like a mountain, has a form like his brother  and great in valour .He is the commander of other great commanders who is calm , behaves well with elders  and impatient in battle.”                                                                                   27.10-27.11  

“Once he had rendered  very great help to Lord Indra   in the battle between Devas and Asuras and  he got very many boons.”                                                                                                                             27.12

"Jambhavan 's  troops who have a huge body , resembling the Rakshasas , having thick hair and endowed with unlimited energy, wander about, climbing mountain-heights and hurl massive rocks as big as huge clouds and they do not have a fear in facing death."                                                       27.13-27.14

"Oh  king,  This Lord of monkeys who is the commander of commanders  called Dhambha  who  whether he is in a hurried fury or leaping or standing still  is stared at by all other monkeys  . He along with his bulky troops dwells on Sahasraksha mountain."                                                                              27.15-27.16

"He who, walking on all fours touches with his flanks, a mountain situated at a distance of one Yojana and reaches for  an object one Yojana high and  obtains it with his body, whose huge form no other four-legged animal has , by which  that intelligent monkey fought with Indra , the king of devas   but he was not defeated , is a commander of commanders and the grand-father of monkeys, famous as Samnadana by name."                                                                                                                                                  27.17-27.19

“This valorous one is equal in Valour to Indra , the king of devas and he was born to a young Gandharwa maiden called Krishna Varthamana  and he was born to help devas in the battle between Devas and Asuras.”                                                                                                                                                              27.20

"O king of Rakshasas,  This commander named Krathana, the son of   the king Visravasa, the illustrious one, sits beneath the Jambu tree, on that mountain, the king of peaks, which is frequented by Kinnaras, and which mountain affords delight constantly to your brother. It is near there, Krathana, that fortunate one, that powerful lord of the monkeys, whose prowess in not confined to words in battles, stays happily ."                                                                                                                                                   27.21-27.23

“He  is surrounded by thousand crore monkeys  and hopes to crush the city of Lanka    by his own

army .”                                                                                                                                                                  27.24

“He normally  roams round the shores of Ganges terrorizing the leaders of the herds  of  elephants  remembering the old enmity between monkeys   and elephants.  He is the commander and leader of monkeys called Pramathim who dwells in mountain-caves, and subdues  wild elephants and thundering  and uprooting trees.”                                                                                                                              27.25-27.26

“That excellent army chief of monkeys , takes shelter , on the foremost of mountains Mandara  and the mountain called Usarbija on the shores of Ganges where he passes life happily just like Indra.”     27.27

“Hundred thousand thousands monkeys who are proud of their strength and valour and  who have radiant forearms   and keep on roaring  follow him.”                                                                               27.28

“He is the leader  of these great monkeys  and Oh king , he is their commander and is called Pramathi  and it is difficult to conquer him.”                                                                                                       27.29

"He whom you are watching   as  a cloud raised by wind is Pramathi. At that place, a great quantity of red illumined dust is tossed about and raised by wind in various ways in different directions. Energetic and excited army of monkeys is also stationed there along with Pramathi."                             27.30-27.31

"Oh king,  One hundred lakhs of monkeys with their black faces and  with scary  looks  and with great strength, after  crossing of the bridge, surrounds their  troop-leader who is a monkey   called Gavaksha and are making a roaring noise and   ready to crush Lanka by their bodily strength."              27.32-27.33

"Oh king.   This army-chief called Kesari, the chief of the commanders of monkeys, wanders in Kanchana mountain wherein there are trees which yield fruits in all seasons, inhabited by large black-bees, to which the sun circumambulates clock-wise, the mountain shining with its own colour and splendour, by whose brightness, the animals and birds always shine with the same colour , whose plateau on the top of the mountain the great sages do not leave, wherein trees, all mango-trees are   laden with fruits on all sides because of that   there are  honey-bees of excellent variety."                                             27.34-27.37

"Oh faultless king, There are sixty thousand mountains in that beautiful golden mountain ranges. There is an excellent mountain  in the middle of that mountain range as you  are in  the middle of that Rakshasas. In that mountain range there, in the last mountain  where these monkeys reside. Some of the monkeys are tawny coloured, some are white-coloured and with nails as their weapons,  having four tusks, with nails as their weapons having four tusks like lions, difficult to be approached like tigers, resembling fire and  serpents vomiting poison with their very long coiling tails, resembling elephants in rut, equal to mighty mountains and making great thunderous sound like that of clouds. All of them stand looking on your Lanka as if they are about to crush it."                                                                     27.38-27.42

"Oh king,  He who stands in the middle is the powerful leader of the monkeys who ever faces the sun, who is a wise man, eager to conquer you and is famous in the world by the name, Shatabali. He swears to destroy Lanka with his troops."                                                                                                    27.43-27.44

“The monkey called Shatabali is strong , brave and valorous and well known for his manly vigour  and does not bother about his life which he is willing to sacrifice to Rama.”                                              27.45

“Each of the monkeys  Gaja, Gavaksha , Gavaya, Nala , Neela  are surrounded by battalions of one crore monkeys   each. “                                                                                                                                           27.46

“There are many other great monkeys who are living  on the Vindhya mountain and each of them are fast paced and it is impossible    to count them.”                                                                                   27.47

"Oh  king, All of them are highly prominent, their stature equals  to  the  high hills and all of them are capable in a moment to level the earth by uprooting and razing all its mountains to the ground."27.48

 

Thus ends the twenty seventh     chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

28.The Spies show him Rama and Lakshmana

 

(They continue identifying many more monkey chiefs including Sugreeva, Then they  describe Rama and Lakshmana.  They also tell Ravana about the total size of the army.)

 

After  the king of Rakshasas heard the account given by Sarana , Sukha pointed out the army of monkeys to him and spoke.                                                                                                                                                28.1

“Oh king those monkeys whom you who are like  huge elephants and huge banyan trees which stand on banks of river Ganges  and Sala trees which stand on the Himalaya  mountain  would be able assume any form that they wish  and are equal to Devas and Rakshasas and have the power of devas in a  battle.”

                                                                                                                                                                   28.2-28.3

“They are twenty one thousand crores   and thousand Shuankus and  Hundred Vrundas  in  number(These are explained later in this chapter.)                                                                                 28.4

“All those ministers of Sugreeva  who always live in Kishkinda  though monkeys are born to devas and Gandharwas and can assume any form that they want.”                                                                        28.5

“The lads standing there with the looks of devas are Mainda and Dvividha  are twins and  no one is equal to them in war.”                                                                                                                                              28.6

“These twins who have consumed  nectar of immortality with the consent of Brahma  are hoping that with their power they would be able to destroy Lanka.”                                                                         28.7

“There you see a monkey who stands like an intoxicated elephant , who by his strength and fury can even churn the oceans .Oh Lord , he had come in search of the daughter of Videha to Lanka  and that monkey whom you  have seen earlier  has come gain.”                                                                        28.8-28.9

“That monkey who crossed the ocean is the eldest son of Kesari  and  is also the son of wind God  and is well known as Hanuman.”                                                                                                                        28.10

“Oh Lord, that monkey  can take any form he likes , is strong and pretty  and he can move like  his Lord , the wind God.”                                                                                                                                           28.11

“When he was child and hungry , they say that  without any effort he jumped three thousand Yojanas  saying that he will eat the Sun God  for otherwise my hunger will not be appeased, as he was greatly intoxicated with his own strength.”                                                                             28.12-28.13

“Without being able to reach that God who is  beyond the reach of  ,devas, Deva Rishis and Rakshasas , he fell on the top of the mountain where sun rises.”                                                                       28.14

“When he fell on the mountain one of his jaws (Hanu)  was broken by a stone  and because he has a strong jaw afterwards , he was called Hanuman.”                                                                            28.15

“I know about that monkey through one of my close  friends .It is not possible to describe his , strength , form and  his great power.”                                                                                                                  28.16

“He using his own power wants   to destroy Lanka .How can you forget this monkey who like a comet lighted Lanka ? Some of those fires are   still burning.”                                                                 28.17

"Nearby is a  dark coloured  warrior with eyes like lotuses he is  a chief warrior among Ikshuvaku clan, his heroism is well-known in the world, his sense of duty never wavers, nor does he ever go against Dharma , he knows  how to use  Brahma's weapon and is conversant with Veda, he is the most learned of the Vedic scholars, he shatters the firmament with his arrows, and rends even the earth, his anger is akin to that of Death, his valour  is  equal to that of Indra the god of devas , his consort is Sit a who was taken away by you from a place called Janasthana .He is Rama who has come to wage war on you, Oh king"                                                                                                                                                    28.18-28.21

"That  man, having the luster  of pure gold, with a broad chest, having red eyes, with black and curled hair, standing at the right side of Rama,  is called Lakshmana, who is  only  interested in the care and welfare of his brother. He is skilled in leadership of war and excellent among the wielders of all weapons."                                                                                                                                          28.22-28.23

“He is short tempered, difficult to be defeated , valorous , wise , strong  and is standing near the right arm of Rama   and is the soul of Rama outside his body.”                                                                   28.24

“He does not bother  for his life , if it is for the sake of Rama  and he desires to kill all the Rakshasas  himself alone.”                                                                                                                                             28.25

“He who is standing on the right side  near to   Rama who is surrounded by Rakshasas  is the king Vibheeshana.”                                                                                                                                  28.26

“He who has been consecrated as the king of Lanka by the king of kings  is enraged with you and would  fight the battle with you. “                                                                                                                               28.27

"The other  monkey  whom you see as an unshakable mountain and standing in the centre of monkeys is the  Lord of all chiefs of monkeys and he is  with a boundless energy and who, like a Himalayan hill, very much radiating the other monkeys by his splendour, glory, wisdom, strength and his noble descent, who occupies along with the chiefs of Army Generals, a secret place called Kishkindha, with its forests and trees and which  place inaccessible because of its impassable mountains, in which is established a good fortune of devas and human beings, whose charming and golden coloured garland with hundred lotuses is beautifying and  that person is Sugreeva. This garland along with a lady called Tara as well as the permanent kingdom of monkeys were presented to him by Rama after having killed Vali ."

                                                                                                                                                                28.28-28.32

“Wise men call one hundred lakhs as crore  and hundred thousand crores  is a Shankha.”              28.33

"A hundred thousand Shankas are said to be one Maha Shanka. A hundred thousand Maha Shankas are called one Vrindam here. A hundred thousand Vrindas are said to be one Maha vrindam. A hundred thousand Mahavrindas are called one Padmam here. A hundred thousand padmas are said to be one Mahapadmam. A hundred thousand Mahapadmas are called one Kharvam here. A hundred thousand kharvas are said to be one Mahakharvam. A hundred thousand Mahakharvas are called one Samundram. A hundred thousand Samudras are said to be one ogha here. A hundred thousand oghas are acclaimed a one Mahaugha."                                                                                                   28.34-28.38

"This Sugreeva, the king of monkeys, having great strength and valour is  always surrounded by a colossal army and is approaching you to make war, accompanied by the valiant Vibheeshana and the ministers, as also a hundred thousand crores of Shankas, a thousand Mahashankas, a hundred Vrindas, a thousand mahavrindas, a hundred padmas, a thousand Mahapadmas, a hundred kharvas, samudras and Mahaughas of the same number, and a crore of Mahanghas whole army as such is identical of an ocean."                                                                                                                                                  28.39-28.43

“Oh great king after observing this great army  who are having the blazing luster of planets and who have already arrived, you may have to put in very great effort  to win and to avoid defeat.”    28.44

 

Thus ends the twenty eighth     chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

29.Ravana sends another group of spies

 

(Greatly angry with Shukha and Sarana for praising the enemy Ravana dismisses them. He sends another spy to study about the habit of Rama and Lakshmana and ither commanders. They are also caught and released back by  Rama.)

 

Seeing  those greatest of  the  monkey leaders pointed out by Shuka-viz. the most valorous  Lakshmana  who is  Rama's right arm, his own brother Vibheeshana standing close to Rama, the terribly powerful Sugreeva the king of all monkeys, the strong Angadha grandson of Indra the wielder of Vajrayudha, the powerful Hanuman, the invincible Jambhavan, Sushena, Kumuda, Nila, Nala the excellent of monkeys, Gaja, Gavaksha, Sharabha, Mainda and Dvivida- that heart of that  became agitated a little and he  was enraged and then abused those two ministers  Shuka and Sarana who had  told him in detail about them.                                                                                                                                                           29.1-29.5

To that Sukha and Sarana who saluted him with face looking down Ravana spoke  very harsh, merciless  , angry and  excited words.                                                                                                                                 29.6

“It is not befitting for ministers who eke their life  out of me to  utter such unpleasant words , since the king has the power  to   give them any type of punishment or reward.”                                                29.7 

“On those enemies who have come  to war with us  and who are adverse us , you both have showered your  praise. Is it proper?”                                                                                                                               29.8

“You have served your teachers, elders  and old people in a non effective manner  and it is clear that you have not grasped    the essence  of principles of political science.”                                                     29.9

“But suppose   you have understood them, , it is clear that you have forgotten them. And you are carrying a great burden of ignorance . In spite of such foolish ministers like you , If I am still the king , it is a great miracle.”                                                                                                                                         29.10

“Why is it that you are not fearing death after telling such harsh words to me, who judges about good and evil by my toungue?”                                                                                                                        29.11

“In spite of outbreak of fire in the forest , trees may survive but those   who commit  treachery against the  king  cannot survive.”                                                                                                                       29.12

“Had  not my anger been mellowed down by the earlier service done by you , I would have killed both of you for praising my enemy ?”                                                                                                                  29.13

“Keep away being near to me. Go away from here. I do not desire to kill you because of good service done by you earlier. I consider both  of you as dead because you were ungrateful and unfaithful to me.”

                                                                                                                                                                      29.14

After Ravana told like this to them ,both Sukha and Sarana felt ashamed to see Ravana  and went away after saluting and  greeting him saying, “Be victorious.”                                                                  29.15

Then Ravana told Mahodhara   who was standing near him, “Go and immediately bring me spies who are expert in justice.”                                                                                                                              29.16

Mahodhara immediately ordered that spies should be brought and as per the orders of the king   the spies came there  and they saluted him and   wished him victory.                                      29.17-2918

Then Ravana , the king of Rakshasas told the following words to those  spies who were valorous, devoted him,  and free from fear.                                                                                                       29.19

“Go from here and investigate   the activities of Rama  and also find out his advisors and intimate friends  and also those people who joined with him because of liking him.”                                           29.20

“Find out when he sleeps and when he wakes up and also about what he intends to do now. And you have to come back   after intelligently understanding everything about him.”                         29.21

“Even a learned  enemy who is the ruler of earth , if  studied well by using a spy can easily   be defeated without much effort.”                                                                                                                            29.22

The spies agreed with the sentiment expressed , saluted the king of Rakshasas  and after going round him , with Shardula as their leader left that place.                                                                           29.23

Those great Rakshasa   spies  after going round  the great Rakshasa king   started   to the place where Rama and Lakshmana  is there.                                                                                                           29.24

They   went  after disguising  themselves  went and saw Rama and Lakshmana along with Sugreeva and Vibheeshana   near the Suvela mountain.                                                                                          29.25

When they saw the great army , they were fear stricken  and they were seen by the great Rakshasa  who was the chief  of Rakshasas(Vibheeshana)                                                                                           29.26

Accidentally they were seen   by Vibheeshana  who said about Shardula, “This person is  a wicked person”, and he alone was seized.                                                                                                        29.27

When the monkeys were about to kill Shardula, Rama saved him  and that very kind Rama got released the other Rakshasas   also.                                                                                                                     29.28

Harassed by those courageous and fast paced monkeys , though they lost their consciousness, they somehow returned back to Lanka.                                                                                                       29.29

Those Rakshasa  spies who normally moved outside , told the very strong Ravana that  Rama  was camping near    the Suvela mountain.                                                                                                 29.30

 

Thus ends the twenty ninth    chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

30. Spy Shardula describes Rama’s army

 

(On questioning  by Ravana , the spy tells him about troubles he underwent and how Saved him. On questioning  by Ravana he tells about the great monkey chieftains and their genealogy. He also tells about  Rama  and Lakshmana.)

 

Then the spies informed the king of Lanka    about the camping imperturbable army   of Rama near the Suvela mountains .                                                                                                                                         30.1

After hearing the news of the reaching Rama and his great army from the spies, Ravana was little worried and he asked Shardula.                                                                                                                  30.2

“Oh Rakshasa, your complexion is  not  what it should be and you look miserable. I hope you have not fallen as a victim  in to the hands of those angry monkeys.”                                                                  30.3

Thus questioned by Ravana, that Rakshasa  Shardula started answering him slowly  to Ravana who was   a tiger among Rakshasas.                                                                                                                              30.4

“Oh king it is not possible to spy upon on that very strong and Valorous monkeys who are protected by Rama.”                                                                                                                                                               30.5

“It is not possible to talk or interrogate  them for finding out anything  for the entire path is protected by monkeys who look like mountains.”                                                                                                             30.6

“As soon as I entered in to their army , I was  forcibly caught and examined  and questioned  in very many ways.”                                                                                                                                                      30.7

“I was beaten from all sides with  knees , fists , teeth and hands  and I was paraded in the midst of the monkey army by those angry ones.”                                                                                                            30.8

“After being taken round everywhere I was taken before Rama’s court  and blood was flowing from all my limbs and I was shivering.”                                                                                                                      30.9

“When the monkeys were about to kill me , when I asked   for protection from Rama , he said, “Stay, stay.”                                                                                                                                                               30.10

“The great sea has been filled up with stones and boulders  and having reached the gates of Lanka, Rama is standing there well armed.”                                                                                                        30.11

“That greatly lustrous one , after getting me released  arranged the marching army in the form of an eagle  and surrounded by monkeys he is  marching towards Lanka.”                                                  30.12

“Before he reaches  our ramparts please do one thing-either return Sita  or get prepared for a great war.”                                                                                                                                                                  30.13

That chief of monkeys  Ravana though worried in the mind , after hearing these words , replied Shardula using   these great words.,”                                                                                                                           30.14

“Even if the devas, Gandharwas and Dhanavas   come to a battle with me  or even If I am afraid of the entire world, I will not give back Sita.”                                                                                                        30.15

After telling these words Ravana again told, “Were you able to spy on the army ?” Who are the important valorous monkeys among them?”                                                                                            30.16

“How do the unconquerable monkeys  look like ?What is their power? Whose sons and grandsons are they? Oh Rakshasas , please tell me   this information .”                                                                         30.17

“I will take a decision only after knowing their strength and weaknesses. Is it not necessary for us to count those among them who wish to fight in the battle.”                                                                       30.18

After hearing these words of Ravana, that excellent spy Shardula  started telling these words in front of Ravana.                                                                                                                                                                30.19

“Sugreeva the son of Riksharajas  is indeed unconquerable . Here is  the famous Jambhavan who is the son of Gadgada .”                                                                                                                                             30.20

“There is one more son of Gadgada  and the other is the son of Bruhaspathi the Guru of Indra  , whose son Hanuman is the one who destroyed the Rakshasas.”                                                                      30.21

“The other is Sushena   a follower of Dharma  and valorous who is the son of  Yama and then there is a monkey called Dadhimukha  who is cool minded and son of moon god.”                                          30.22

“Durmukha, Sumukha   and Vega Darsi  are perhaps  specially created by Lord Brahma  in the form of monkeys as  the personification of death.”                                                                                             30.23

“There is the commander-in-chief Nila  the son of the fire God and there is Hanuman who is the son of  god of wind.”                                                                                                                                                30.24

"There is  young Angadha, Indra' s grandson who is  the strong and invincible one,  the mighty Mainda and Dvinda born of the twin  gods   called  Aswini Kumaras ,   Gaja, Gavaksha, Gavaya, Sharabha and Gandhamadhana the five sons of Yama the God of Death all of them resembling Yama at the time of dissolution of the world, besides  the valiant ten crores of monkeys who are yearning for battle  who are all here. I will not be able   tell about the remaining glorious sons of god."                         30.25-30.27

“That young man  is Rama , the son of Dasaratha , who has a body like lion  and he was the one who killed Dhooshana, Khara  and Trisiras.”                                                                                                  30.28

“In this world there is no one who has got prowess equal to Rama  and  he was the one who killed  the god of death Kabandha and  Viradha.”                                                                                                     30.29

No one in this earth would be capable of describing Rama’s good qualities and he was the one who killed all the Rakshasas  living in Janasthana.”                                                                                     30.30

“There is Lakshmana   who is the soul of Dharma who is strong as elephant and a tiger , in the path of whose arrows of even Indra , the king of  devas  cannot stand.”                                                         30.31

"Sweta and Jyotirmukha are  the sons of the sun-god, a monkey called Hemakuta, another son of Varuna, Nila the son of Viswakarma the strong and the best of monkeys, as well as that mighty and swift Durdhara the son of Vasus are all here."                                                                                  30.32-30.33

“There is the best of the Rakshasas Vibheeshana who is your brother  and having got  the city of Lanka , he likes to be in the best interest of Rama.”                                                                                      30.34

“Thus  I have described  in detail about the entire army stationed in Mount Suvela    and it is for  you to take  decision as to what needs to be done.”                                                                                     30.35

 

Thus ends the thirtieth     chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

31.Rama by magic tries to  convince Sita that Rama is dead.

 

(Ravana with the help of a conjurer makes a head of Rama dripping with blood. He tells Sita that Rama and his army was killed by Prahastha. Then he   asks Vidyujihwa to bring Rama’s head  and Rama’s bow. He orders Sita to be submissive to him since Rama is  no more.)

 

Ravana   the king of  Rakshasas    was  informed  that Rama along with his undefeatable  army has camped on the mount  Suvela.                                                                                                                31.1

When Ravana heard from the spies   that  the very strong Rama has arrived, he was little agitated  and spoke like this to  his ministers.                                                                                                               31.2

“The time for consultation has arrived and let all the ministers   come here quickly  with keen and attentive minds.”                                                                                                                                        31.3

As  soon as these order was heard all the ministers came with great speed  and Ravana held consultations with those Rakshasas who were  his ministers.                                                          31.4

The dreadful one discussed with them what needs to be done  and after coming out of that meeting  of the ministers, he went back to his palace .                                                                                           31.5

Then he  who is a great conjurer send word for the very strong Vidhyujihwa  who was an expert in magical illusions and together they went to the place of Sita.                                                         31.6

Then the king of Rakshasas spoke to that conjurer  Vidhyujihwa, “We will have to create an illusion to deceive Sita , the daughter of Janaka.”                                                                                                 31.7

“Oh Rakshasa , conjure a head of Rama and along with bow and arrows  and then   present  it to me.”

                                                                                                                                                                     31.8

When told like that Vidhyujihwa sais “So be it”, and  by his great magical efforts made one and showed it to Ravana  and the king became very happy and gave him an ornament.                 31.9

That exceedingly strong Rakshasa  duly entered the forest of Asoka trees with great eagerness to see Sita.                                                                                                                                                         31.10

Then that younger brother of Khubera saw  that pitiable Sita , who did not deserve that fate ,  sitting  looking down  at the earth  , drowned in great sorrow due to the thoughts about her husband.

                                                                                                                                                         31.11-31.12

Approaching Sita who was surrounded  by horrifying Rakshasis at a distance  who were chanting his name in delight , Ravana spoke these bold words to Sita.                                                               31.13

“Oh Lady,  he whom you depended on and repelled me when I try to console you , your husbanded that murderer of Khara  has been killed in the battle.”                                                                             31.14

“For all times your root has been cut off be me and so also your pride has been destroyed and because of your very great sorrow, now you will become my wife.”                                                              31.15

“Oh fool, give up this resolution of yours , for what can you do with a dead person  and oh lady become my wife and become the chief of all my consorts.”                                                                            31.16

“With less of good deeds and a lost purpose you think , you are very learned. Now hear about the killing of your husband similar to killing of Vruthrasura .”                                                                 31.17

“Rama is supposed to have come with a great army led by  the monkey king  Sugreeva on the sea shore to kill me.”                                                                                                                                                   31.18

“When the sun was about to set , Rama with his huge army settled  on the northern  sea shore here .”

                                                                                                                                                                       31.19

“His army  which was stationed here  , being greatly tired  was comfortably sleeping  at mid night  and they were approached by our spies.”                                                                                                     31.20

“My  very great army which was lead by Prahastha killed the army of Rama at night   at that place and they also killed Rama and Lakshmana.”                                                                                                 31.21

“Those  wielding harpoons, maces, discus, daggers, sticks, great arrows spears, shining maces with spikes, picks lances, darts, massed weapons, clubs and wheels  , made use of them again and again in order to strike down all  the monkeys."                                                                                       31.22-31.23

“Prahastha with bubbling enthusiasm    cut off the head of Rama who was sleeping  using his mighty sword without facing  any resistance.”                                                                                                  31.24 

“Fortunately Vibheeshana  who tried to flee with speed was caught  and held captive and Lakshmana and other monkeys ran in all directions.”                                                                                              31.25

“Sugreeva with his neck broken and  Hanuman whose jaw was removed  were laid down and killed by the Rakshasas.”                                                                                                                                           31.26

“Jambhavan who was trying  to stand on his knees  was killed in the war  and very many monkeys were cut off  like a tree using very sharp edged weapons.”                                                                          31.27

"Mainda and Dvivida - those two great killers of their enemies who were  long bodied and the foremost of the monkeys became  groaning and breathless and  their limbs bathed in blood-were cut to pieces at the waist-level, by  swords."                                                                                                          31.28-31.29

"Panasa, crying for help was stretched on the earth under a tree of the same name(Jack fruit tree)  and was  pierced by putting  him  in a pit. The exceedingly valiant Kumuda on his part, shrieking, was killed by a hail of arrows."                                                                                                                          31.30-31.31

"Angadha, who was adorned with many  bracelets lies fallen down, emitting blood on all sides, as he was pierced by the demons with many arrows, after approaching  near him."                                        31.32

“All those monkeys were crushed by elephants   and  very many fast moving  chariots  were lying there like water rich clouds broken by a gale.”                                                                                                  31.33

“All those outsiders fled  in terror when they were pursued    by the Rakshasas  who were striking on their back, like elephants   running when pursued by elephants.”                                                      31.34  

"Some  of the  monkeys fell in the sea and some sought shelter in the sky. And    some other bears with the monkeys climbed the trees."                                                                                                                 31.35

“In the banks of the ocean,  , in mountains and in forests , large number of monkeys by Rakshasas  who were having misshapen   eyes.”                                                                                                                   31.36

“Thus your husband along with his army was killed by my army  and this head drenched in blood  and coated with dust  has been  seen .”                                                                                                           31.37  

Then that king of Rakshasas Ravana who is extremely difficult to fight with , spoke these words to the Rakshasis   so that Sita will overhear   them.                                                                                           31.38

“Oh Rakshasis , go and bring that Vidhyujihwa who is capable of doing cruel acts , who is the one who brought the head of Rama  from the battlefield.”                                                                                  31.39

Then Vidhyujihwa  came  there holding the head of Rama   along with the  bow and arrows and  he stood there after    saluting Ravana.                                                                                                         31.40

When  that Rakshasa who was standing there that king  Ravana spoke to that Vidhyujihwa  who had a large  toungue and was inching nearer to him.                                                                                      31.41

“Speedily place the head of Rama  in front of Sita  and let that miserable one see  the final  state of her husband.”                                                                                                                                                       31.42

As soon as he heard this that Rakshasa  kept her darling’s head   near to Sita and  disappeared   speedily from that place.                                                                                                                                              31.43

Then Ravana threw   in front of Sita a  with    great bow  saying, “Here is the bow of Rama  which is famous  in all the three worlds “                                                                                                                  31.44

“This is the bow with its cord stretched, belonging to Rama, that was brought back by Prahastha , after killing that hero in the night."                                                                                                                      31.45

Then that Ravana threw the head bought by Vidhyujihwa  as well as  the  bow  in front of Sita  and said to  the daughter  of Janaka, “Now you become submissive   to me.”                                                  31.46

 

Thus ends the thirty first      chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

32.Sita wails for her slain husband

 

(Sita blames Kaikeyi for her bad fate.  She  wails  over her  fate  and blames herself. A messenger comes and summons Ravana for an important meeting. As soon as he left the so called head and bow of Rama also disappears.)

 

Sita saw the head and bow which were illusion . She heard Ravana narrating about Rama's friendly relationship with Sugreeva, as earlier  told to her  by Hanuman. Recognizing that head as that of Rama, with a proof resembling her husband's eyes, facial complexion, hair, expanse of his forehead and the beautiful jewel worn on the top of his head, she was very much afflicted with sorrow and  cried like an osprey and abused Kaikeyi who was the originator of the present calamity .                          32.1-32.3

“Oh Kaikeyi , become happy with your achievement  because the son  who used to make the clan happy has been killed.. The entire clan has been destroyed by   your quarrelsome nature.”                    32.4

“What  undesirable  act  has  been  done by  Rama to you so that you sent my husband to the forest  in exile  , wearing   cloths of bark.”                                                                                                                32.5

After saying that . the miserable one was  trembling  and the young one fell on the ground , like a Banana tree which was cut off.                                                                                                      32.6

Almost  within a second she consoled herself ,. Regained consciousness  and started crying after seeing that  illusory  head of Rama.                                                                                                                        32.7

“Oh great one who followed valour   as a great penance , you have now been killed  and I have become a witness to your last state and a widow.”                                                                                                    32.8

“It is said that  the death of a husband earlier to her is due to the fault of the lady  and you who have a soft saintly nature has gone ahead   of me. “                                                                                             32.9

“You who have been trying to protect me  has fallen down to this sad state  leaving me immersed   in the ocean of grief. “                                                                                                                                       32.10

“My mother in law Kausalya who  brought you up tenderly  as a son , Oh Rama,  has become similar to a cow who has lost its calf.”                                                                                                                             32.11

“Oh Rama , astrologers had mentioned that   you would have a long life  and their words have become a lie and you have become short lived.”                                                                                                        32.12

“Or else you might have slipped in to   a state of stupor even though you were  conscious  and possibly the God of death  who brings all beings to end chose   that time.”                                                       32.13

“How is it that you did not foresee your death as you are an expert in science  of good management   and how is it that you who are an expert in warding of calamities   were not able foresee  this difficulty?”

                                                                                                                                                                              32.14

“Terrible dark night   which is cruel and horrifying   has encircled me, Oh lotus eyed one , by snatching away    you from me.”                                                                                                                                       32.15

“Oh mighty bull among men, you left me who is leading  the life of a saint   and  by lying on earth, you have embraced  the auspicious lady earth  as your darling.”                                                                   32.16

“Oh valorous one  , here is that bow decorated by gold , which is liked by me  and which was sincerely worshipped by you with sandal paste     and flowers.”                                                                            32.17

“Oh spotless one of mine , surely in heaven you might have met  your father   who is my father in law  along with other manes from your clan. “                                                                                                32.18

“Though you have taken leave of  the pious clan of Royal sages, you have done a great act by which you shine like a  star in heaven.”                                                                                                                         32.19

“Oh king why are   you not looking at me and why are you not answering me? You got  me as a girl when you were a boy  and made me your wife who is a co-traveler.”                                                            32.20

“ Oh son of Kakustha clan,  Remember  that at the time of marriage you had promised that   we will travel together  and since I am sorrowing  , take me also along with you.”                                         32.21

“Oh best one, why have you left me and gone away leaving me like this? Why have you left me who is   sorrowing in this world and gone to the other world?”                                                                          32.22

“That auspicious  and pretty body of yours which used to get cuddled by me  is now being dragged   by the wild animals.”                                                                                                                                         32.23

“Though from the beginning you were worshipping fire  and the lord after giving  ample gifts , why is it that you are not getting cremated by the sacrificial fire that  you were maintaining .”                  32.24

“Kausalya would be able   to receive   only Lakshmana   when he goes back though she  did send three  people to the exile.”                                                                                                                                     32.25

“When she enquires about  all of us , that Lakshmana  will tell her  about your slaughter at night in an alley by those   Rakshasas.”                                                                                                                        32.26

“Hearing that you were killed while sleeping and that  I have been kept in the house  of a Rakshasa, her heart will break and she   will be no more.”                                                                                            32.27

“That valorous  and faultless  one who had crossed the ocean    for  the cause of this   unworthy women was killed while crossing a small puddle.”                                                                                               32.28

“Due to great   illusion  Rama married me who is a stain on my race , without realizing that this wife would be the cause of his death.”                                                                                                             32.29

“Even though as a wife  who showed  hospitality  to all his guests , I am weeping now, possibly  because  in my previous birth , I had refused   an excellent gift to someone.”                                                 32.30

“Oh  Ravana immediately arrange to kill me  just after you killed Ravana  and unite this wife with her husband  and you would do an auspicious act .”                                                                                   32.31

“Oh Ravana, join my head with his head and my body with his body  and then I shall attain  the same   salvation as that of my husband.”                                                                                                             32.32

The wide eyed Sita   after sorrowing like this and wailed like this after   her husband as well    as the bow of her husband.                                                                                                                                             32.33

When Ravana was watching Sita who was wailing like this , One Rakshasa  who was royal guard  approached  and saluted him and told.                                                                                                    32.34

After saluting him , he said, “May victory be yours my lord”,  and after thus making him pleased   informed him that Prahastha  the commander of the army has come.                                              32.35

“Prahastha has come with all other ministers and Oh Lord he has sent  me , so that he can meet you.”

                                                                                                                                                                         32.36

“Oh king , who has great patience , there is some urgent work  regarding royal duties  and so please give them audience now.”                                                                                                                                 32.37

“Hearing this communication by the Rakshasa , Ravana left the Asoka Forest   and  went to see his ministers.”                                                                                                                                                   32.38

After having discussed   with his ministers  about the things that need to be done  and after understanding the prowess  of Rama , he arranged for  getting actions  done as per the need.

                                                                                                                                                                      32.39

As soon as Ravana departed from there , the head as well as the  greatly distinguished  bow vanished from there.                                                                                                                                                 32.40

And at that time Ravana after holding consultations with his valorous ministers , he decided upon the measures that he would adopt    against Rama,                                                                                  32.41

Ravana , the king of Rakshasas who was resembling the God of death , talked to all his generals who were interested in his welfare and who were standing nearby.                                                        32.42

“By  the  audible sound of the drum , raised by  beating it with stick , summon all our army    without telling them the reason.”                                                                                                                           32.43

  Then, the messengers  said   "So be it"  as they were  obedient  to his words and instantly gathered a huge army together and informed their lord longing for fight, that they had  already  assembled the army.                                                                                                                                                              32.44

 

Thus ends the thirty second     chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

33.A Rakshasi friend of Sita  called Sarama    consoles  Sita.

 

(Sarama a friend   of sita, tells her   she had investigated in various ways and found that  Rama’s head was only an illusion. At that time the sound of marching of the army of Rama  and  Ravana   are heard.)

 

Seeing the very bewildered Sita , an affectionate Rakshasi called Sarama approached   Sita who was her beloved friend.                                                                                                                                             33.1

Sarama the soft spoken woman , consoled Sita who was  disillusioned by  the king  of Rakshasas and who was greatly  sorrowing.                                                                                                                               33.2

Sarama who   was  assigned by Ravana to protect Sita was a kind hearted woman  who was firm in her austerities and was a good friend to Sita and protected her.                                                              33.3

She saw her friend Sita had lost her consciousness  and had just got up after rolling in the earth like a female horse.                                                                                                                                               33.4

That friend  with good austerities consoled Sita and told her, “Let your mind not be perturbed.”  33.5

“Oh coward ,  Oh broad eyed one , by hiding under the sky , I heard all that Ravana told you as well as all that reply that you gave him, without fear  because of my friendship with you .”                      33.6-33.7

“Oh Maithili,  all  the reasons for Ravana going out  agitated from here  is known to me as I had gone out from here to find out about that.”                                                                                                                 33.8

“It is not possible to attack Rama  while he is sleeping  because  that tiger among men  is always aware of himself and so killing him at that time is impossible.”                                                                           33.9

“It is also not possible to kill all the monkeys who live on the tree because they are being protected by Rama , just like Indra protects other devas.”                                                                                               33.10

"O, Sita! Rama, who is endowed with long and well rounded arms and an illustrious man, who has a large chest ,  who is a man of great energy, an archer well known in the world, a man endowed with muscularity, a righteous minded man, a person of celebrity on earth, a man of eternal strength and  a protector for himself and for others  has not been killed  when he  is  with his brother Lakshmana, a man of high descent, a knower of doctrines of conduct and behavior, the killer of a stream of enemy forces, a man of inconceivable strength and valor, a venerable man and an annihilator of adversaries."

                                                                                                                                                                    33.11-33.13

“That Ravana , who is the enemy of all the world and one with a perverse mind ,due to the anger against you has played a magical trick of illusion against you.”                                                                               33.14

“Get rid of all your sorrow as great auspiciousness awaits you. The Goddess Lakshmi would bless you with all that is good due to her love for you, please listen.”                                                                        33.15

“Rama has crossed the ocean along with the monkey army and has arrived and encamped on the southern shore of the sea.”                                                                                                                                33.16

“I see full implication in Rama along with  Lakshmana settling down in the shore of the sea being well protected   by the monkeys.”                                                                                                                             33.17

“Some swift moving Rakshasas sent by Ravana had brought a news to him that  Rama has crossed the sea and has encamped  on this shore.”                                                                                                           33.18

“Oh broad eyed one , hearing about that Ravana  the king of Rakshasas  is holding consultations with all his ministers.”                                                                                                                                                      33.19

When that Rakshasi Sarama was talking like this to Sita  a fearful sound was heard from the  army which was prepared for the war.”                                                                                                                               33.20

Hearing that terrific sound created by  the stick on the huge drums which sounded  like a great thunder , Sarama who talked sweetly  told Sita as follows .                                                                                         33.21

“Oh scared one , the fearsome sound  of this kettle drum is indicative , the preparation for a war  and also hear the majestic sound of the drum which resembles  the sound of thunder.”                            33.22

"Elephants in rut are being caparisoned for war. Chariot horses are being prepared for  the  battle. Thousands of horsemen carrying darts in their hands are also  seen."                                                    33.23

“Here and there  soldiers ready for the battle are marching in thousands. The royal avenue is seen full of    wonderful  soldiers making one feel that they are like the swiftly moving  ocean  with the flood waters making great sound.”                                                                                                                                       33.24

"See hurriedly, the sheen of polished weapons, shields and coats of mail sending forth luster of many hues like the splendor of fire consuming the  forest in summer. The flurry of chariots, horses and elephants following the lead of Ravana as well as of energetic Rakshasas  thrilled with joy. Is also seen"             

                                                                                                                                                                  33.25-33.27

"Please hear the sound of bells of elephants,  the ratting of chariots, and the cry of neighing horses, resembling the flourish of trumpets. Here are  the bustle of Rakshasas , carrying uplifted weapons in their hands; following under  the leadership of Ravana. This bustling activity is causing hair to stand erect through great fear ."                                                                                                                   33.28-33.29

“Good luck which would destroy all your sorrows  is arriving to you and a sense of fear has come to the Rakshasas. Like the Lord Indra, the lotus eyed Rama  who has unimaginable valour  would kill Ravana in war  and your husband will take you back.”                                                                                   33.30-33.31

Your husband along with Lakshmana would exhibit their valour  and like Lord Vishnu  who is the killer of enemies  along with Lord Indra  exhibits his power against his enemies.”                                         33.32

“As soon as  Rama comes,  I will see you who are his   virtuous wife  would be  sitting on  his lap thus fulfilling your desire after  killing all your enemies.”                                                                                   33.33

“Oh pretty one , you would shed tears of joy and make the chest of Rama wet  and when you are joined with him , I will see him holding you tightly to his breast.”                                                                    33.34

“Before long oh divine Sita, the very strong  Rama will loosen your one braid which has reached has grown past your hips  and which you were wearing all these months.”                                                33.35

“Oh honoured lady after seeing his face which is like the just risen full moon , you would get rid of all your sorrow, like a female snake casts off its skin.”                                                                                    33.36

“Oh Maithili after killing Ravana in great speed , Rama who deserves pleasure  would find happiness in the company of his darling.”                                                                                                                           33.37

“After you join back with Rama with a great soul , you would like the earth  with healthy crops after a rain.”                                                                                                                                                                   33.38

“Oh lady, seek refuge in Rama who is your lord like the Sun God approaching mount Meru   and like the horse going round   and definitely Sun is  the source of all beings .”                                                      33.9

 

Thus ends the thirty third     chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

 

 

34.Sarama helps Sita by finding out Ravana ’s decision

 

(Sita becomes consoled. When Sarama offered to carry a message to Rama , Sita requests her to find out the decisions of Ravana. She comes back and tells her that in spite of elders in his family, Ravana would not release  her till he dies.)

 

Sita who became greatly sad by hearing words of Ravana  was comforted and made  happy by Sarama, just like a parched  earth  which received rain.                                                                                           34.1

And thereafter she  who knew the proper time to  do any activity wishing to do more service to Sita

With a smile   told  her.                                                                                                                                    34.2

“Oh black eyed lady, I am capable of  carrying  a message of good will from you  as also your words secretly to Rama and return.”                                                                                                                      34.3

“When I am travelling in the sky , supported only by myself  neither wind or Garuda would be capable  of following me.”                                                                                                                                                34.4

When Sarama spoke like this Sita  without any sorrow which affected her earlier spoke these  sweet words.”                                                                                                                                                            34.5

“I know  that you are capable of travelling in the sky as well as  go to Rasathala but please know from me the service that  you can do for me today.”                                                                                             34.6

“If your intention now is to help me   and you are firm in this resolve , then I wish you go and find out what Ravana is doing now.”                                                                                                                       34.7

"That cruel and evil minded Ravana,  who has capabilities  in the shape of conjuring trick to make  his enemies cry ,makes me bemused like the  liquor bemuses one, as soon as it is consumed."       34.8

“He  gets me threatened  all the time through  words of the frightful Rakshasis  who always sit round me ,and insult me repeatedly.”                                                                                                                        34.9

“I am depressed and distrustful  and have lost my stability and staying in this Asoka forest , I get distressed due to great fear.”                                                                                                                 34.10

“If you can inform me all the decisions that  he takes after discussion with his ministers  in the matter of keeping me captive or releasing me, it would be a great  blessing to me.”                                      34.11

Having been spoken like that , Sarama wiped away the tears   from her face which had got moistened   and replied her like this.                                                                                                                             34.12

“Oh daughter of Janaka, if your opinion is like that , I would go and after knowing about the opinion of the enemies, I will return.”                                                                                                                         34.13

After telling this , she went near the Rakshasas and heard what Ravana was talking  to his  ministers.

                                                                                                                                                                         34.14

She who is an expert on decision making  after hearing the words of the bad soul Ravana  took a decision  and speedily returned    to the Asoka forest.”                                                                        34.15

When she returned back she saw Sita    who looked like  goddess Lakshmi bereft of lotus waiting for her.

                                                                                                                                                                          34.16

After Sarama who spoke returned back Sita hugged her  affectionately   and offered  personally   a seat for her.                                                                                                                                                             34.17

“After sitting here comfortably please tell about the plan of that  that bad soul Ravana who is cruel and wicked.”                                                                                                                                                                34.18

When the trembling Sita  asked Sarama like this she told her completely  what Ravana told his ministers.

                                                                                                                                                                               34.19

“The mother of Ravana spoke    great words excellently pleading for your release  and also Avidha the age old minister Of Ravana pleaded for your release.”                                                                               34.20

“Let the daughter of Mithila be given honourably to the king of men . Is not the wonderful incident that happened in Janasthana sufficient for us?”                                                                                                    34.21

“Which man in the world can cross the ocean , discover Sita, kill  several Rakshasas  in war  ?”         34.22

“Though the old minister of his and his mother  argued with him in various ways , he was not interested in releasing you , like a miser   giving up  his riches.”                                                                                    34.23

“Oh Maithili, he is not interested in releasing   you till he attains his death  and this is what that cruel Ravana decided along with his ministers.”                                                                                                      34.24

" After that  due to infatuation caused by his impending death,  his determination to do what he said  is very firm .He is not in a position to release you,  not  because of  sheer fear  but will hold you  till  he is actually defeated in battle through the carnage of all the Rakshasas and of himself."                                                                                                                                       34.25

“Oh dark eyed one , after killing Ravana in war by his  sharp arrows, Rama will definitely take you back to Ayodhya.”                                                                                                                34.26

 At this time along with the sound of beating of  drums and blowing of conches , they heard the sound caused by monkey army which made the earth   shake.                                        34.27

Hearing the great sound raised by the monkey army , the king servants who had gone to Lanka lost their enthusiasm , looked pitiable and looked depressed    as they could not foresee any thing good coming due to the fault of their king.                                                                     34.28

 

      Thus ends the thirty fourth      chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

35.Malyavan the grand father  tries to Dissuade Ravana

 

(When Ravana hears the marching of Monkey army , he again calls  for a meeting. Mayavan who is his grand father    advises him to return back Sita. )

 

   Then  the great hero Raghava  who was the conqueror of cities  ,  marched forth   along with  mixed sound of drums and conches.                                                                                                                               35.1    

When Ravana the king of all Rakshasas heard that sound  for a while he  became thoughtful  and looked towards   his ministers.                                                                                                                                          35.2   

The very strong Ravana who was the tormentor of the world  and is the cruel king of all Rakshasas , then addressed the assembly of Rakshasas   and  without accusing any one  spoke.                                      35.3      

 “I have heard that you have been talking about the crossing of ocean by Rama  and about his prowess , valour and  heroism.”                                                                                                                                             35.4  

“I know that all of you are truly valorous in war  and in spite of that  , on knowing about the valour of Rama , all of you look at each other in silence.”                                                                                               35.5 

Hearing the words of Ravana, his maternal grandfather Malyavan  who was very intelligent and wise told   as follows.                                                                                                                                                               35.6     

“Oh king , that king  who  is    an expert in all sciences   and who follows the path of prudence  , enjoys the kingship for a long time  and compels his enemies for subjugation.”                                                  35.7   

“He who concludes treaty of peace with his enemies or  wages war at the proper time  strengthens himself  and attains great power.”                                                                                                                     35.8    

“ A treaty should be reached with the king who is weaker  or equal to us , without ever underrating the enemy  but he should wage  war against enemy    who is stronger.”                                                         35.9 

“Oh Ravana because of that  I like entering in to a treaty with Rama.  Let Sita for whose sake this war is being fought be returned to him.”                                                                                                                    35.10

“All devas, sages and Gandharwas    are wishing for the victory of Rama  and so do not make him your enemy  and please accept a treaty with him.”                                                                                                35.11      

“The grandfather (Lord Brahma) created only two groups of people  namely devas and Rakshasas    and while Devas  depend on Dharma , Rakshasas   do not follow it.”                                                                 35.12                                                                                        

‘Oh Rakshasa , Dharma is always on the side of the great devas   and Non righteousness  is on the part of asuras and Rakshasas.”                                                                                                                                        35.13

“When Dharma swallows Adharma , it is Kritha   age  and when Adharma starts swallowing  Dharma , it is the Kali age.”                                                                                                                                                      35.14

“So when you were wandering in this world , the great Dharma was destroyed  and Adharma favoured you and because of this your enemies are stronger than you.”                                                                   35.15

“Due to your mistake , the well nourished Adharma is swallowing us  and you being favourable to Rakshasas  , the clan of Rakshasas is growing.”                                                                                             35.16

“You who are interested in sensual pleasures  and because of this , you did whatever you liked  and this has created great fear among the sages who are like fire.”                                                                         35.17

"The power of those sages is very great  like an burning  fire. Having purified their minds through penance, they are intent on promotion of Dharma , in as much as these Brahmins worship the gods through different principal sacrifices but  they  also pour oblations into the sacred fires with due ceremony and read the Vedas (Sacred texts) in a loud voice. Having subdued the Rakshasas, they continued to chant the sacred text, on hearing which all the Rakshasas have  scattered in all directions, like the  thundering clouds in a hot season."                                                                                      35.18-35.20

“When the sages who themselves are like fire , worship fire , the smoke from that fire spreads all over and destroys  the luster of all  the Rakshasas.”                                                                                              35.21

“In  different places   when these people who are stable in their penance , practice severe austerity , this creates trouble to all Rakshasas.”                                                                                          35.22

“You have obtained a boon protecting yourself from Devas, Dhanavas    and Yakshas  but very powerful men , bears and monkeys have arrived here  and they  with stable valour are roaring like lions.”  

                                                                                                                                                                      35.23-35.24

“I have been  seeing very many omens which are  horrifying and I foresee destruction  of all the Rakshasas including myself.”                                                                                                                              35.25

“Terrific  and monstrous clouds producing horrifying  thunderous sound  are causing rain of hot blood all over Lanka.”                                                                                                                                                           35.26

“Drops of tears fall from the weeping animals of transport  , which have become discoloured, coated by dust  and have lost their previous shine.”                                                                                                       35.27

“Flesh eating animals  like Jackals and  eagles  are howling loudly and fearsomely and entering Lanka and they also form   groups in the forest.”                                                                                                              35.28

“Black women with white teeth , talking  adversely in their dreams  are standing in front  of the homes  and laughing uproariously  after robbing the houses.”                                                                                35.29

“The Dogs come and eat the offerings made to God in the homes  and donkeys are born to cows, rats and the mongoose.”                                                                                                                                            35.30

“Cats mate with tigers , pigs mate with dogs   and Kinnaras  mate with Rakshasas as well as   with men.”

                                                                                                                                                                                 35.31

“Red footed  white pigeons which are messengers of death  move in different directions foretelling the death of all Rakshasas.”                                                                                                                                      35.32

“The singing pet birds called Sarika  are defeated by fighter  birds  and drop down on earth  in pairs.” 

                                                                                                                                                                                35.33

   "Birds and wild animals, face  towards the sun, cry out. Death, in the form of a frightful, monstrous and cruel blackish form  with a shaven head casts his eyes on all our dwellings, both morning and evening.  These and such other sinister omens appear."                                                                          35.34-35.35

 "I deem Rama of  stable vision   as  Lord Vishnu dwelling in human form. This Rama is not a mere human being, because   he is one  who built  that most wonderful bridge  which was built across the sea. O, Ravana! Conclude peace with Rama, who is the king of men. Having come to know of his acts, let that which is good for the future be done after a mature understanding."                             35.36-35.37       

 Having spoken like this , the mighty Malyavan, who was foremost in valour among the bravest  of  warriors, being aware of what was passing in Ravana's mind, eyeing him, became silent.           35.38                                                                                                                                                         

 

      Thus ends the thirty fifth       chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

36.Ravana  chides Malyavan  and makes   arrangement for the war.

 

(Ravana tells that Malyavan was telling these words out of partiality and fear. Malyavan takes leave   and goes away. Then Ravana assigns responsibility to different city gates to different heroes.)

 

The evil minded ten faced one , since he was already under the control of God of death , did not find the words of Malyavan   suitable to his welfare  .                                                                                            36.1

Since he has already     come under the grips of great anger ,  with eyes rolling in fury replied  Malyavan .

                                                                                                                                                                           36.2

“Though you are interested in my welfare  you have spoken unsuitable and harsh words  and have taken the side of the enemy and so your words   have not entered my ears.”                                             36.3

“How do you rate   a feeble man like Rama who has come alone with only monkeys to help  and banished by his father to the forest as  efficient?”                                                                                  36.4

“How do you rate me who is the god of the Rakshasas   who is greatly fearsome to the devas  and who has all qualities of valour as weak?”                                                                                                             36.5

“I think that you spoke those harsh words to me because you do not like my valour or due to partiality to the enemy or  due to my encouragement.”                                                                                          36.6

“Which learned man who knows all Sasthras would  speak thus harshly  to a mighty person in power without intention to instigate him?.”                                                                                                         36.7

“After having brought Sita who is like Goddess Lakshmi without a  lotus , for  what purpose should I return her to Rama ,  is it out of fear to him?”                                                                                       36.8

“Within a few days you will see   that , Rama along with  crores of monkeys, Sugreeva and Lakshmana is killed by me.”                                                                                                                                                   36.9

“Why should   this Ravana  before whom even Devas cannot  stand in a duel in war , entertain any fear  in this war?”                                                                                                                                                   36.10

“I would prefer to be cut in to two pieces rather than  salute anybody  and this is my innate quality from birth which cannot be removed.”                                                                                                               36.11

“By accident  if  Rama  has constructed a bridge across the sea , there is nothing to be surprised and no reason to fear him.”                                                                                                                                       36.12

“I am promising on oath , that Rama  who along with his monkeys has crossed    the ocean will not go back alive .”                                                                                                                                                      36.13

Knowing Ravana was speaking excitedly with great anger, Malyavan  was hesitant and did not speak anything in reply .                                                                                                                                         36.14

Since it was proper Malyavan wished    victory to the king   and as permitted by the king went back to his home.                                                                                                                                                               36.15

Then Ravana held consultations with his ministers on  things that need to be examined  and started planning for matchless defense of Lanka.                                                                                                 36.16

Then he assigned the defense of eastern gate to the Rakshasa called Prahastha , the southern gate to the greatly valorous Mahaparswa and Mahodhara , the western gate to his son Indrajit   who was an expert in great illusion along  with large number of Rakshasas.                                               36.17-36.18

He then deputed Sukha and Sarana to guard the northern gate  of the city   and told that ministers that he himself would also come there.                                                                                                           36.19

He then placed an extremely valorous Rakshasa called Virupaksha     along with  several other Rakshasas  in the centre of the city.                                                                                                                                  36.20

The great Rakshasa after creating this arrangement in Lanka  assumed that his purpose has been accomplished for that particular time.                                                                                                         36,21

Having ordered for adequate arrangements for the defense of the city, Ravana then allowed  his ministers depart. Having been honoured with blessings of victory by those body of councilors, he entered his mighty and sumptuous inner apartments.                                                                          36.22

 

      Thus ends the thirty sixth     chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

 

37.Rama finalizes his strategy

(Vibheeshana ‘s ministers go in to the city     and  find out the plans of Ravana. Accordingly Rama divided his army  to  attck the four gates and finalizes as to who should lead each of these sections.)

Meanwhile, Rama the king of men and Sugreeva the king  of monkeys, Hanuman the son of the wind God , Jambhavan the king of the Bears, Vibheeshana the Rakshasa , Angadha the son of Vali, Lakshmana, Sushena along with his relations , Mainda, Dvivida, Gaja, Gavaksha, Kumuda, Nala and Panasa, all having reached the enemy's territory, assembled to take counsel together.                                            37.1-37.3

“Observe this city of Lanka protected by Ravana , which is difficult to defeat by  asuras , devas,  serpents, and Gandharwas  joined together.”                                                                                                                37.4

“In this city Ravana  the lord of Rakshasas   stays always .  Let us  discuss about ways and means by which we can achieve our objective .”                                                                                                            37.5

When they were talking like this , Vibheeshana the younger brother  of Ravana  spoke the following meaningful  and polished words.                                                                                                                    37.6

“My ministers Anala, Sarabha,  Sampathi and Praghasa  had gone to the city of Lanka and have returned just now.”                                                                                                                                                             37.7

“They assumed  the form of birds  and they entered the army of our enemy  and they have seen closely  the action that  is being taken by them and returned .”                                                                             37.8

“Oh Rama , I would tell you in detail  the exact position as informed to me  of  the   arrangements being made by the bad soul Ravana.”                                                                                                                       37.9

"Prahastha with his army   is standing near the eastern gate. Mahaparswa and Mahodara of mighty prowess are at the southern gate."                                                                                                             37.10

“Indrajit surrounded by many Rakshasas is  standing  at the western gate  with harpoons, swords, bows, spears and hammers together with warriors furnished with weapons of various kinds."                 37.11

“The northern gate is protected by  Ravana himself   , who is an expert  in magical chants  with several thousands of Rakshasas armed with many weapons and with thousands of Rakshasas   moving here and there armed with lances.”                                                                                                                   37.12-37.13

“Virupaksha along with  a great Rakshasa army , armed with  great spears , swords and bows  is standing in the centre of the fort.”                                                                                                                               37.14

“ All these ministers Observed    these arrangements of     the army  inside   the fort  and have speedily returned to this place .”                                                                                                                                 37.15

"The elephants and chariots number some ten thousand each, the cavalry twenty thousand and there are more than a crore foot soldiers. These strong and intrepid Rakshasas  endeavoring to kill someone in battle have ever been their sovereign's favorites."                                                                         37.16-37.17

“Oh king, for each Rakshasa there  are ten lakhs  who are available in the vicinity itself .”              37.18

The mighty Vibheeshana introduced those ministers    of his too Rama , after telling the news brought by  them  pertaining to Lanka.                                                                                                                            37.19

Those ministers again confirmed what was said  by Vibheeshana  and that good  younger brother of Ravana with a view to please  Rama told   the lotus eyed one  further.                                              37.20

“Oh Rama when Ravana went  for a war against Khubera , along with him sixty lac   Rakshasas, who were similar to Ravana  in his bad character  , in his luster, in his prowess, his strength, his pride  and in his  valour      went along with  him .”                                                                                                  37.21-37.22

“By this report I am not trying  to arouse  your wrath nor   your fear  nor trying to irritate  you  , for I am sure you are capable  due to  valour even to kill the devas.”                                                                       37.23

“You having set out with this great army  of monkeys divided in to four divisions  are capable  of  destroying Ravana.”                                                                                                                                     37.24

After Rama heard these words of the younger brother of Ravana  , for the sake of attacking his enemies , he gave   the  following order.”                                                                                                                 37.25

“At the eastern gate of Lanka,  the great monkey Nila assisted by large number of monkeys will attack  Prahastha .”                                                                                                                                                37.26

“Angadha  the son of Vali surrounded by  mighty army of  monkeys would oppose in the southern gate  , the Rakshasas Maha Parswa and Mahodhara.”                                                                                   37.27

“Let Hanuman the son of wind God  with an incomparable army  break the western door  along with large number of monkeys.”                                                                                                                               37.28

“I am myself determined to slay that wicked  one who owing to the boon he has received, enjoys oppressing multitudes of  asuras and Dhanavas , as also the magnanimous sages and who ranges the world, pestering  all beings. With the aid of Lakshmana, I shall forcibly enter the northern gate where Ravana is stationed along with his army."                                                                                    37.29-37.31

Let the king of monkeys Sugreeva, the king of bears Jambhavan   and the younger brother of the king of Rakshasas   occupy the central place  of the army.”                                                                              37.32

“No monkey should assume the human form in this  battle  , so that their monkey form would help us to recognize them.”                                                                                                                                          37.33

"Among our own people also, the form of monkeys will become a sign of recognition for us. Seven of us  only will attack the enemy  in our human form, I, my brother Lakshmana, who is full of valour, my friend Vibheeshana and his four companions."                                                                                        37.34-37.35

After saying this to Vibheeshana , for the   sake of getting success  in their  enterprise , that  Rama who is a wise leader , made up his mind to climb on mount Suvela  and from there observed the very pretty slope of that  mountain.                                                                                                                     37.36-37.37

After  that Rama along with a very big army  making his mind to destroy his enemies  set out to Lanka    with great happiness  and excitement.                                                                                                       37.38

 

      Thus ends the thirty seventh     chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

38. Rama spends the night on Suvela mountain.

 

(Rama  along with his army chiefs climb the Suvela mountain and has a good glimpse of the city of Lanka. He spends that night there.)

 

Rama, who was followed by Lakshmana, having made up his mind to ascend Mount Suvela, spoke in a gentle and prime voice to Sugreeva and to Vibheeshana who was the knower of what is right, a Rakshasa  devoted to him and  who was experienced in giving advice  and a knower of prescribed rules .

                                                                                                                                                                  38.1-38.2

“We would ascend this good king of mountains   Suvela  which is blessed with hundreds of minerals  and will stay there  for today’s night “                                                                                                                       38.3

"We shall see Lanka the place of that Rakshasa   Ravana , the evil-minded one  by whom my wife was abducted  for the sake of his own death, who did not understand Dharma properly ,  who did not  know  what good character is and in whom  noble lineage was not seen and by whom that contemptible act was done with an inferior  mind of a Rakshasa."                                                                               38.4-38.5

“My anger is increasing when that base Rakshasa  is praised  due to the basest of sin committed by him  and I shall definitely witness his death.”                                                                                                          38.6

“Anyone who does a sinful act  , is caught  by the noose of the God of death and such base souls by the mistakes they do   debase their clan.”                                                                                                             38.7

“Discussing like this with a mind full of anger against Ravana , Rama climbed up the Suvela mountain with its pretty peaks.                                                                                                                                          38.8

Along with other people Lakshmana carrying a great bow  and arrows  climbed  after him  and Sugreeva , Vibheeshana  along with their ministers also   followed them.                                                                  38.9

Hanuman, Angada, Nila, Mainda, Dvivida, Gaja, Gavaksha, Gavya, Sarabha, Gandhamadana, Panasa, Kumuda, Hara, Rambha the chief of the troops, Jambhavan, Sushena, the greatly wise Rishabha, Durmukha of great splendour, Shatabali the monkey and other hundreds of monkeys who are fast-moving, who can wander easily on mountains with a speed akin to that of wind, ascended that Suvela mountain which Rama  had ascended.                                                                                         38.10- 38.13

All of them climbed the mountain   taking not much time   and after reaching the top of its peak saw Lanka  like  it was a town hanging from the sky.                                                                                     38.14

Those monkey chiefs saw Lanka with  excellent gates , lustrous ramparts and completely filled with Rakshasas.                                                                                                                                                       38.15

Those  monkey lords also saw another rampart   consisting of blue Rakshasas, standing together on   that great rampart.                                                                                                                                       38.16

All those monkeys seeing those Rakshasas who were thirsting for war  , made different type of noises and all this was being watched by Rama.                                                                                                  38.17

Then the sun went down heralding the coming of dusk  and the knighted lighted by the full moon arrived.                                                                                                                                                             38.18

“After that , Rama along with Lakshmana as well as Sugreeva the Lord of monkeys together with troops and captions of troops, duly greeted welcomingly and treated hospitably  Vibheeshana and stayed with joy  on the mountain resort of Suvela.”                                                                                                     38.19

 

      Thus ends the thirty eighth     chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

39. Rama surveys   the city of Lanka

 

(Rama along with the army chiefs had a good idea of Lanka. Some monkeys do go near the city. Rama is surprised at the great opulence  of the city.)

 

All the monkey chiefs spent their night on the top of the  mountain  and those valorous ones saw   many parks and gardens in Lanka.                                                                                                                                  39.1

Seeing those prettily leveled  and very broad gardens  which were very pretty to look at  , all of them became  surprised.                                                                                                                                                  39.2

Thick with Champaka, Ashoka, Vakula , Sala and palmyra trees, covered with groves of Tamala and Panasa trees, surrounded with rows of Nagakesara trees, Lanka looked splendid on all sides like the city of Amaravati reigned by Indra the god of devas, with green lawns and variegated avenues and with beautiful trees of various kinds like Hintala, Arjuna, Nipa Saptaparna in full flowering, Tilaka, Karnikara and Patal whose crests were laden with flowers and which were intertwined with climbers laden with multi-coloured flowers and red tender leaves.                                                                                 39.3-39.6

Those trees  were full of scented  and greatly wonderful flowers  as well as fruits just like human beings have lot of ornaments.                                                                                                                                   39.7

That pretty garden resembling Chithratha  , the garden of Khubera  was  greatly charming like Nandana the garden of Devendra.                                                                                                                                     39.8

In that garden filled with small waterfalls , the music of  small cranes  and sound of dancing peacocks  and singing of cuckoos   was heard.                                                                                                                 39.9

Then, those  joyful monkeys,, brave and assuming any shape at will, entered the aforesaid groves and gardens, with birds always  excited with joy, with wandering  bees, with clusters of trees occupied by cuckoos, having peculiar  sounds of birds and song of the large bees, abounding with sounds of kura birds  with the music of wagtails and cries of cranes.                                                                     39.10-39.12

When those mighty  and splendid monkeys entered  there , scented breeze which had touched several flowers  blew across the garden.                                                                                                                   39.13

Some of the monkey warriors left their battalions with the permission of Lord Sugreeva  went towards Lanka decorated by flags.                                                                                                                               39.14

Those monkeys expert in making loud noise  frightened several birds and displeased elephants  and other animals made the  city of Lanka tremble.                                                                                         39.15

They all walked with great speed trampling the earth  by their feet  and   raised dust  by their feet , which went up immediately  .                                                                                                                         39.16

Frightened by that sound, bears lions buffaloes elephants, deer  and birds   trembled and  got terrified and hastened towards all the  ten different directions.                                                                             39.17

The solitary peak of Trikuta mountain, which  was  so high and appeared as  if  it was touching the sky and was  all over covered with flowers  resembling gold and spread   to  an extent of  ten Yojanas ; bright was  charming to look at, pretty , glorious, majestic, inaccessible even  to the   birds, and was hard to be ascended by people even by the mind and how much more  difficult  by the act of walking?39.18-39.19

The city of Lanka    which was  ten Yojanas broad and twenty yojanas  long   was located   on the top of that mountain.                                                                                                                                                39.20

The towers of the   town on the top of the mountain looked like white clouds on the sky  and had ramparts made of gold and silver.                                                                                                               39.21

That Lanka was greatly decorated by palaces and towers and looked like the sky  with  clouds at the end of summer   and resembled the land of Vishnu between earth and sky.                                                  39.22

A palace, duly graced with a thousand pillars, which looked like a peak of Mount Kailasa was there in the City of Lanka,  which was always protected by a complete army of Rakshasas. The palace seemed to be scraping the skies and was  seen as an ornament to the City of Ravana.                                    39.23-39.24

The  glorious  Rama the elder brother of Lakshmana along with monkeys saw that charming golden city of Ravana, graced with mountains picturesque with various minerals, splendid with gardens reechoing with songs of birds of every kind, frequented by varieties of deer, richly endowed with various kinds of flowers, inhabited by Rakshasas  of every degree and duly flourishing, having increased its wealth.

                                                                                                                                                                  39.25-39.27

The elder brother Of Lakshmana  seeing that city  completely occupied by palaces   and which looked like heaven   was greatly surprised .                                                                                                             39.28

Rama with his great army saw that City, full of precious gems, having all kinds of facilities, adorned with rows of mansions, having excellent doors with huge mechanical appliances and with a large armed forces protecting the City.                                                                                                                              39.29

 

      Thus ends the thirty ninth      chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

40.Sugreeva jumps and attacks  Ravana

 

(When Rama and others are standing on Suvela mountain, Ravana stands at the top of city gate. Sugreeva   jumps at him and breaks his crown. Both of them wrestle with each other. Sugreeva jumps  back to the mountain.)

 

Then Rama along with Sugreeva  and the monkey troop leaders climbed up  to the top of Suvela mountain   which was two Yojanas broad  .                                                                                               40.1

After standing there for a little time when Rama saw all the ten directions , he saw on the top of Trikuta mountain  the city of Lanka constructed by Viswakarma  with nice arrangements and many pretty gardens.                                                                                                                                                                   40.2  

There above a gateway, stood the invincible Ravana the lord of Rakshasas , who was being fanned with white whisks on both sides, was graced with a triumphal parasol, was smeared with red sandal paste, adorned with scarlet ornaments, attired in raiment embroidered in gold, resembling a dark cloud, who bore on his breast scars of wounds inflicted on him by  elephant  of Indra   with his tusks, wrapped in a cloak of red colour resembling the colour of hare's blood and looking  like a mass of clouds in the sky enveloped with sunshine at sunset.                                                                                                          40.3-40.6

He was seen by the king of the monkeys as well as Rama  but as soon  as Sugreeva saw the king of Rakshasas  he stood up.                                                                                                                                       40.7

Due to the fierceness of his anger  , he merged his courage and strength  and from the top of the mountain jumped to  the place of the tower.                                                                                                 40.8

He then saw the Rakshasa for a moment , and then that fearless soul ,  regarded  that Rakshasa as a mere straw and then spoke.                                                                                                                              40.9

“Oh Rakshasa, I am the friend and servant of Rama who is  the lord of the world  and today you will not be spared   by the luster  of that king of kings.”                                                                                          40.10

Saying like this all at once , Sugreeva jumped over the Rakshasa  and pulled his great shining crown and threw it on the earth.”                                                                                                                                      40.11

When he was trying to rush to him  then that Rakshasa  spoke “You are one with a good neck(Sugreeva)  but soon you will be one without neck.”                                                                                                      40.12

Then Ravana lifted Sugreeva and threw him on earth  but bouncing like a ball  Sugreeva flung his   enemy with his arms.                                                                                                                                                    40.13  

Ravana and Sugreeva of great strength carried on  the  duel  which was unbearable  and  perspiration broke out on their limbs, and  their bodies  turned red with blood and each clung to other paralyzing his opponent's movements resembling a  silk-cotton tree  and Kimshuka trees, followed by blows of fists, slaps of hands blows of elbows and blows of fingers on each other.                                      40.14-40.15

Having wrestled for a long time in the center of the flat floor of the gate way, each in turn repeatedly lifting their bodies and bending their feet in a particular way, the two highly swift combatants remained in that flat roof of the gate way.                                                                                                                40.16

Crushing one another and  with  their bodies clung together, they both dropped down between the defensive walls and the moat. They would leap up again, seizing each other from the ground, after pausing an instant to regain their breath.                                                                                               40.17

With arms interlaced like the ropes joined together, they remained locked together in the struggle. Both of them, who had received training in wrestling and fully endowed with might, were now moving to and fro in the arena.                                                                                                                                         40.18

Both of them who looked like a tiger and lion  with  tusks  growing like the king of the elephants , after interlacing  their hands  tried their strength  and fell on the ground together.                     40.19

Thereafter rising, those two heroes hurled themselves at  each other, circling around the arena again and again, like skilled and mighty wrestlers, and they  never got easily tired.                               40.20

Like  two  great elephants  they   with their enormous arms resembling the trunks, of those elephants  those two warriors were keeping track  of each other and  fought vehemently for a long time and moved speedily in a circular arena.                                                                                                                         40.21

Approaching each other like two  wild cats fighting for  a piece of meat  and trying to kill each other, they stood growling again and again.                                                                                                       40.22

The two warriors, Sugreeva and Ravana, who were skilled in wrestling, executed innumerable and myriad revolutions, taking up diverse postures, moving in a curves like an ox's urine, coming and going, stepping side ways, having a retrograde motion to avoid blows, turning about abandoning the attack, dashing towards each other, leaping, standing firm and erect, retreating , turning  sideways, rushing  in a bent posture, running  lifting their foot to kick the opponent and by letting go or stealing away.

                                                                                                                                                                     40.23-40.26

Meanwhile, Ravana decided to commence  using his magic power and  realizing   it, Sugreeva flew into the sky triumphantly shaking off all fatigue, while Ravana, baffled by Sugreeva stood confounded there all alone.                                                                                                                                                 40.27-40.28

Thus that blessed lord of the monkeys who was the son of Sun God  ,  got fame in war  after reducing the Rakshasa Ravana to tiresomeness , climbed up in to the broad sky  and went near Rama who was standing in the middle of monkeys.                                                                                                           40.29

Then that son of God after doing this act , with the speed of the wind  rejoined his own army  and got the great applause of  the blessed son of Raghu clan  and was honoured by all the monkey chiefs 40.30

 

      Thus ends the fortieth     chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

41.Angadha is sent to Ravana as emissary

 

(The monkey army    with its commanders  lay seige the city of Lanka. Rama sends Angadha as an emissary to Ravana.  Not prepared to surrender Ravana, tries to catch hold of Angadha but he escapes and goes  back to Rama.)

 

Seeing the signs of the battle on the body of Sugreeva , Rama the elder brother of Lakshmana , after hugging Sugreeva  told him.                                                                                                                            41.1

“You have done  this great adventure without properly consulting me ,such rash  adventures are never attempted by a king. “                                                                                                                                      41.2

“Oh valorous  one interested in adventure , this reckless act done by you , has caused great anxiety  to me , your army and Vibheeshana.”                                                                                                               41.3

‘Oh valorous one, oh destroyer of enemies , Oh mighty  armed annihilator  of enemies , if some misfortune had happened to you , what could we have done to release Sita , and also to the greatly strong Bharatha ,to Lakshmana and the still younger Shatrugna   and also to myself.”           41.4-41.5

“I had decided that if you had not come back , knowing well your valour which is equal to Sun, Indra  and Varuna , to kill Ravana along with his sons  along with his army and steeds , to hold the coronation of Vibheeshana as king of Lanka  and later consecrate  Bharatha as the king Of Ayodhya and then to retire to the forest.”                                                                                                                                            41.6-41.7 

When Rama spoke like this Sugreeva replied like this, “OH Raghava seeing  Ravana the abductor of your wife  and also knowing about my innate strength, how  else could I have acted.”                     41.8-41.9

When the valorous Sugreeva told like this , Rama complimented him   and told Lakshmana   who was greatly full of auspiciousness.                                                                                                                      41.10

“Oh Lakshmana , after dividing the  forests with fresh waters and trees laden with fruits , it is necessary to divide the army in to segments and be always ready.”                                                                      41.11

“I am scared that  that I will see a great tragedy which    would reduce the number of people in this world and also a mass destruction to the bears and monkeys.                                                               41.12

“Harsh winds are blowing , the earth is shaking , the tips of the mountains are shaking  and those elephants which carry the earth are trumpeting.”                                                                                     41.13

"Sinister clouds  horrifyingly bitter roar violently like carnivorous animals and let fall a rain mixed with drops of blood."                                                                                                                                                 41.14

“The dusk is of the red colour    of the red sandalwood is looking horrific  and from the  sun, a  blazing fire ball  falls down.”                                                                                                                                        41.15

“Wild animals and birds shout  pitiably  and are  wretched  and are ominous  and facing the sun they inspire great fear .”                                                                                                                                           41.16

“The moon has lost its luster   and is surrounded by red black rays , similar to the time of final deluge  and is creating sorrow at night.”                                                                                                                     41.17

“Oh Lakshmana , on the disk of the sun  a fiery halo with a black mark is observed  and reduced of its luster the Sun  is having a coppery colour.”                                                                                                 41.18

“Oh Lakshmana  , the stars  do not look like the way they should  and are foretelling their intention to speed up the time of   deluge..”                                                                                                                      41.19

“The crows , eagles and vultures are circling the sky at a lower  level  and Jackals also howling  making inauspicious sounds.”                                                                                                                                       41.20

"The earth will be   crowded with rocks, darts and daggers  used  by monkeys and demons, will become a slime of flesh and blood."                                                                                                                             41.21

“Let  us speedily attack  the invincible town ruled by Ravana , and surround it by monkeys   on all  sides.”

                                                                                                                                                                              41.22

The elder brother of Lakshmana after speaking like this to Lakshmana , speedily got down from the top of the mountain.                                                                                                                                                41.23

That Rama ah was the soul of Dharma after getting down from the mountain , examined his unconquerable army .”                                                                                                                                    41.24

Rama who is an expert in matters of time , along with Sugreeva got ready his army   for attack  , at the appropriate  moment.                                                                                                                                       41.25

That very strong one  armed with a bow  marched at the most suitable time marched along with his army , facing the city of Lanka.                                                                                                                     41.26

Then, Vibheeshana, Sugreeva, Hanuman, Jambhavan the king of bears, Nala, Nila and Lakshmana accompanied  Rama.                                                                                                                                     41.27

After that the great army  consisting of monkeys and bears marched covering the vast area  of land accompanying Rama.                                                                                                                                    41.28

Then those monkeys who were destroyers of enemies and who resembled elephants  took hold of hundreds of mountain peaks as well as well grown trees.                                                                     41.29

Within a short time  those brothers Rama and Lakshmana , who were both destroyers of enemies,  reached Lanka which was the city of Ravana .                                                                                         41.30

The monkeys, encouraged by the sound of Rama's voice and obedient to his command, halted before the city of Lanka which was  decorated  with flags , beautiful and splendid with pleasure-gardens, having an unusual rampart which is inaccessible with its elevated arched door-ways and invincible even to the devas.                                                                                                                                                     41.31-41.32

After reaching the city of Lanka  which was ruled by Ravana, the heroic Rama the son of Dasaratha accompanied by Lakshmana, stopped  near the northern gate, where Ravana was in command  Who else but Rama is capable of protecting the army and  besieging that gate, regulated by Ravana, similar to  an ocean  regulated by Varuna, guarded by awful Rakshasas on all sides and creating fear to the weak as the   under regions of earth  is guarded by Rakshasas.                                                                 41.33-41.36

Rama saw there the army of Ravana  armed with various   strange type of weapons and armours .      

                                                                                                                                                                           41.37

 Nila, the valiant  commander –in-chief  of monkeys together with Mainda and Dvivida reached and stopped before the Eastern gate.                                                                                                             41.38

Angadha of very mighty prowess, together with Rishabha, Gavaksha, Gaja and Gavya took charge of the Southern gate.                                                                                                                                               41.39

The strong monkey Hanuman together with Prajangha, Tarasa and other warriors, guarded the western gate.                                                                                                                                                                  41.40

Sugreeva, along with all the chiefs of monkeys equal to the strength of Garuda  as well as Vayu the god of the wind, was stationed himself in the middle of the army .                                                            41.41

The highly reputed generals of monkeys  along with thirty six crores of monkeys besieged the city  along with great Sugreeva exerting pressure on monkeys.                                                                              41.42

As per  the order of Rama Lakshmana and  Vibheeshana  distributed one crore of monkey army soldiers at each gate of the city.                                                                                                                                41.43

Behind Rama and not far from him, Sushena together with Jambhavan, followed by a multitude of forces, stood at the intermediate post.                                                                                                     41.44

Those lions among monkeys who were possessing lion like teeth holding rocks and trees  were with joy waiting for  the signal to  the war.”                                                                                                           41.45

All of them were lashing their tails , using their jaws and nails as weapons and were shaking in every limb and had their faces set grimly.                                                                                                               41.46

Some were having the strength of ten elephants  and some having strength of ten times  ten  and some were having the strength  of one thousand elephants.                                                                            41.47

Some were having the strength of an ogha(large number    ) of elephants. Some were endowed with a strength of ten times to that. some others there were chiefs of monkeys, having an immeasurable strength.                                                                                                                                                           41.48

That collection of monkeys there  was greatly magical and wonderful and it appeared as  if it was a swarm of locusts.                                                                                                                                           41.49

Due to   the monkeys who reached Lanka and by  all those stationed already beneath its walls, the air and earth seem to be completely filled with monkeys.                                                                          41.50

A hundred divisions of one lakh each of bears and monkeys poured towards the gates of Lanka, while others proceeded to fight on every side.                                                                                                  41.51

All the mountains on all sides were covered by the monkeys  and a crore of them were ranged near the city.                                                                                                                                                                   41.52

When  the city of Lanka was surrounded by the monkeys each holding a tree in their hand , even wind was not entering the city.                                                                                                                          41.53

The Rakshasas  who were as valorous as Indra , the ruler of devas seeing themselves besieged  by cloud like monkeys  who were equal to them in  valour were  stuck with sudden terror.”                    41.54

When those monkey troops were advancing  a big sound arose which was similar to the sound of waves of ocean beating its banks.                                                                                                                        41.55

Due that great noise , Lanka with its ramparts , arches  , mountains and forests began to shake .

                                                                                                                                                                     41.56

That army of monkeys protected by Rama and Lakshmana  as well as Sugreeva became even more unconquerable  than  that the army of devas and Dhanavas.                                                                  41.57

Having thus ranged his forces, with a view to destroy the Rakshasas , Rama who knew about the four expedients  of Sama, Dhana, Bhedha and Danda   to be  employed in succession, took counsel again and again with his ministers and arrived at a decision. Calling to his mind the duty of the kings, Rama who was eager to undertake what was to be done next, in concurrence with Vibheeshana, summoned Angadha the son of Vali and spoke  to him as follows.                                                              41.58-41.60

“Oh gentle monkey , go and meet the ten necked one  who is unfortunate , devoid of kingship  and who has lost his splendour due to approaching   death  and tell my words to him. , after entering the city of Lanka without any fear .”                                                                                                                              41.61

“oh  Rakshasa who moves at night  In your reckless arrogance,  you have oppressed sages, celestials, Gandharwas and their wives, serpent – Rakshasas , Yakshas the semi-divine beings and kings.  From now on, that arrogance, born of the boon you received from Brahma the Lord of creation, should  be subdued.”                                                                                                                                              41.62-41.64

“I would definitely inflict    a great punishment on you for  abducting my wife  and  I am standing at the gates of Lanka along  with the rod of punishment.”                                                                                41`.65

“Oh Rakshasa , if you are killed by me, You will attain the position of devas , great sages and the  Royal sages .”                                                                                                                                                               41.66

Oh basest Rakshasa , use the same method of not showing your strength but the power of illusion  when you abducted Sita.”                                                                                                                                           41.67

“If you do not surrender to me  and do not return Sita to me, I will make this world one without Rakshasas by my powerful arrows.”                                                                                                              41.68

"This pious minded Vibheeshana, the foremost among Rakshasas  has come to me. Surely, this illustrious Rakshasa will obtain the kingdom of Lanka, which will henceforth be free from troubles."             41.69

“You  cannot enjoy this kingdom without Dharma even for a moment    as you are  a sinful Rakshasa having stupid followers around you and is one with defeated soul.”                                                  41.70

“Oh Rakshasa  , otherwise get ready for the battle , after gathering courage  and laying your hands on your valour. Then you will be killed by arrows and rest in peace.”                                                      41.71

“Oh traveler  at night , even if you take the form of a bird and  run about  in all the three worlds , you will not be alive as soon as you come in to the range of my eyes.”                                                    41.72

“I am telling   for your benefit, be ready for your obsequies. See Lanka  properly  , for your living further is in my hands.”                                                                                                                                            41.73

When Rama who never got tired of his actions told like this to son of Tara, he jumped in to the  air with a luster of burning fire and marched ahead . “                                                                                    41.74

Within a moment he reached the home of Ravana  and  saw that Ravana  who was seated and discussing with his ministers.                                                                                                                                              41.75

That monkey chief Angadha  wearing golden bracelets  landed in a place close   to  the king and stood there    like a flaming torch.                                                                                                                     41.76

After introducing himself , Angadha repeated the excellent words of Rama , as it was told to him  without adding or subtracting anything to Ravana in the presence of his ministers.                 41.77

“I am the son of Vali and Angadha is my name  and I am the emissary of Rama , the king of Kosala  and of  stable exploits . Have you heard of him?”                                                                                              41.78

Rama called Raghava  who adds joy to his mother Kausalya speaks to you  thus.”Oh Ruthless one , come and enter in to war with me as a representative of your clan.”                                                        41.79

“I shall kill you along with your ministers, sons, cousins and other relatives. You being dead, all the three worlds would get  rid of fear.'"                                                                                                                41.80

“Now, I shall uproot you, a thorn to  the sages and an enemy to  devas , demons, semi-divine beings, Gandharwas , serpent-gods and Rakshasas.”                                                                                  41.81

“Unless you bow before me and return back Sita , you would be killed by me and Vibheeshana would become the king.”                                                                                                                               41.82 

Hearing those  harsh words from the monkey chief . Ravana the king of Rakshasas  became under the control of anger.                                                                                                                                   41.83

He became red eyed with anger and ordered his ministers, “Let this stupid one be caught and then killed.”                                                                                                                                                     41.84

As soon a they heard  the words of Ravana  , four terrible Rakshasas caught hold of him who resembled a shining torch.                                                                                                                                       41.85

Then the prudent and valorous  monkey  , of his own accord came under their control , to exhibit his prowess  in front of those monkeys.                                                                                                  41.86

Then catching hold of those who clung to his arms , Angadha leapt on to the palace  which resembled a  mountain.                                                                                                                                               41.87

All those four Rakshasas were shaken out , by the great speed of Angadha    and fell down on the ground , even when the king of Rakshasas was watching.                                                                          41.88

From the top of the palace  , which was as tall as the mountain  was climbed by that   son of Vali, even when Ravana was seeing.                                                                                                                   41.89

That roof of the palace, trampled by Angadha, crumbled  like  the peak of Himalayan range was shattered long ago by lightening - before Ravana's gaze.                                                            41.90

After breaking the roof of the house and announcing his name loudly  and roaring with great sound, Angadha  rose  up in that air.                                                                                                             41.91

Causing great worry  to Rakshasa and  great joy to the monkeys , he reached the middle of  monkeys    and  went near Rama.                                                                                                                         41.92

Seeing the roof of his palace  destroyed Ravana got in to very great anger  and foreseeing his own destruction he became jittery.                                                                                                         41.93 

 Surrounded by many monkeys who were  roaring with delight, Rama on his part was already proceeding ahead  for the battle, with an intent to wipe out  his  enemy.                                                                     41.94 At that time, Sushena the highly valiant monkey  who was resembling  a mountain  was surrounded by innumerable monkeys, who had  ability  change their form at will.                                                          41.95

Under the order of Sugreeva who was invincible ,  Sushena was patrolling the gates and wandering like a moon among the stars.                                                                                                                                     41.96

Seeing hundreds of divisions of those monkeys encamped under the walls of Lanka, marshaled on the shores of the sea, the Rakshasas were amazed and some others were terror-struck while others, overjoyed at the prospect of fighting and even  leapt up  in exultation.                                  41.979-41.98

Those miserable Rakshasas on seeing   that the entire extensive space between the walls and the moat were being occupied by the monkeys, and looked like a second rampart cried out, "Alas " in panic.

                                                                                                                                                                               41.99

As a result of that  the miserable   tumult in the capital city of the Rakshasas, the soldiers of Ravana seized hold of their great weapons and sallied forth like the winds that blow at the time of deluge.

                                                                                                                                                                             41.100                                                                                                                                                                      

 

      Thus ends the forty first  chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

42.The war between monkeys   and Rakshasas commences

 

(Rama orders his monkey army to attack.  They fill up the moat, brake fortifications and climb on fort walls. Ravana oders his Rakshasa    army to aeeack. A huge battle commences between them.)

 

Then all the Rakshasas went to the home of Ravana  and informed him  that their city has been besieged by Rama and the monkeys.                                                                                                                                  42.1

Hearing about the besieging of the city , that Rakshasa became very angry  and after doubling the arrangements  climbed up to the top of his house .                                                                                       42.2

Then he saw that Lanka, its forests  and its  waters were covered by innumerable  groups of monkeys who were interested in the war.                                                                                                                        42.3

Seeing that those monkeys  had covered the earth and made it look brown, in great confusion, he thought “How can they all be killed?”                                                                                                              42.4

That Ravana regained his confidence after thinking for a long time , with his eyes widened in surprise , Ravana saw Rama and the other monkey chiefs .                                                                                           42.5

Rama with lot of joy  along with the army marched forward  and saw that Lanka is being protected from all four sides  and was filled with Rakshasas.                                                                                                   42.6

That son of Dasaratha after seeing Lanka decorated by various types of flags , with great distress thought  of Sita  in his heart.                                                                                                                             42.7

“Here lives the doe eyed , daughter of Janaka  who is suffering for my sake  and who is sorrowful and sleeps on bare  earth.”                                                                                                                                         42.8

When the votary of Dharma thought about  how Vaidehi is made to suffer , he immediately ordered his  army of monkeys to  destroy their enemies.                                                                                                 42.9

When these words were spoken by Rama who never gets tired , those monkeys interested in the war  filled the air with shouts resembling the roar of the lion.                                                                          42.10

“We shall tear this Lanka in to pieces by  either by our bare  hands or by using mountain peaks , ” thus decided all the monkeys by general consent.                                                                                               42.11

Lifting up great mountain peaks as well as huge stones  and breaking huge trees , those monkey chiefs got ready for the battle.                                                                                                                                   42.12

For  fulfilling the favourite job of Rama , they after diving themselves in to columns  started climbing on the walls of Lanka  and Ravana kept watching them.                                                                                  42.13

They  who were of golden colour , having  copper coloured faces and who were prepared to give up their life for    sake of Rama , marched towards Lanka, armed with mountains, rocks   and trees.    42.14

Those monkeys demolished innumerable defensive walls and arches with blows from trees, mountain-tops and fists.                                                                                                                                                    42.15

The monkeys  filled up the moats   containing  clear water , with  sand, mountain, mountain tops  , grass and logs  of woods.                                                                                                                                             42.16

After that the monkey commanders   scaled the walls of  the city of Lanka,  taking with them battalions of monkeys in thousands, in crores and even hundreds of crores.                                                           42.17

The monkeys started  breaking  the golden arches and breaking down the gates that equaled the peak of Kailasa the mountainous abode of Shiva the Lord of Destruction.                                                          42.18

Those monkeys who resembled  great elephants  rushed towards Lanka  springing , leaping  and also roaring .                                                                                                                                                               42.19 

The monkeys, who can assume any form that they like  , shouting - "Victory to the mighty Rama and the valiant Lakshmana" "Victory of Sugreeva protected by Raghava" and roaring, rushed towards the defensive walls of Lanka.                                                                                                                       42.20-42.21

The monkey chiefs  Virabahu, , Subahu, Nala  and Panasa after storming the defensive walls of the city   took   their positions on them. And at that time they also formed several battalions of army there.

                                                                                                                                                                           42.22

Kumuda surrounded by ten  crores of monkeys  , who acted as if they have already   won  , stood besieging  the eastern gate .                                                                                                                       42.23

To help him a monkey called Prasabha  and  a very strong Panasa  , surrounded by many other  monkeys  came .                                                                                                                                                              42.24

The valiant Shathabali came to the southern door  surrounded by twenty   crores  of monkeys  and stood  surrounding it .                                                                                                                                               42.25

Sushena the monkey who was the father of Tara  arrived at the western gate , surrounded by crores of crores  of monkeys  and stood there besieging it.                                                                                  42.26

Rama along with the son of Sumithra reached the northern gate  along with Sugreeva   and surrounded by the monkey army .                                                                                                                                  42.27

They were accompanied by  crores of bears   under the very strong Dhumra , who is a destroyer of his enemies  and they took up position near Rama.                                                                                    42.28

Vibheeshana of great energy with mace in hand, clad in defensive armour and accompanied by his watchful ministers, took his position where the mighty Rama is stationed.                                     42.29

Gavaksha, Gavaya, Sharabha and Gandhamadana, galloping on all sides, defended the army of monkeys.

                                                                                                                                                                         42.30

Then Ravana  who was drowned in great anger  commanded his great army to   set out of their camps   for war immediately.                                                                                                                                   42.31

Immediately after hearing these words from the mouth of Ravana, , a great noise originated from the army of Rakshasas.                                                                                                                                      42.32

The Rakshasas  beat the kettle drums, whose middle disc was white as moon  loudly  using a stick of gold , and raised a great sound.                                                                                                                         42.33

The conches in hundreds and thousands blared forth a very great sound due to being blown by the horrifying Rakshasas  with their cheek extended completely .                                                           42.34

Those Rakshasas with their dark bodies  with the white conch kept on their lips , shined like clouds  which were bordered by lightning and a row of white cranes.                                                            42.35

As soon as Ravana ordered,  those  battalions of his armies rushed forth , which resembled the lashing  out of the ocean  when it is swollen by   clouds at time of deluge.                                                     42.36

Then  great sound also  rose from the monkey army  which had filled up  the ridges, planes and caves  of the Malaya  mountain.                                                                                                                                42.37

The sound raised by conches and drums by the Rakshasas    and  the lion like roaring of the monkeys  echoed and reechoed on the  earth, sky and the sea.                                                                          42.38

The trumpeting of elephants, the neighing of the horses, the clattering of the chariot-wheels and the sounds of the foot-steps and  the sound of the couches reechoed over the earth, sky and sea.  42.39

In the mean time a very horrifying war    commenced between the monkeys and the Rakshasas  and it resembled the battle between devas   and asuras.                                                                                   42.40

Exhibiting , their own prowess , the Rakshasas  started to  attack the monkeys  with their maces , tridents, Shakthi and axes.                                                                                                                             42.41

Then those huge sized monkeys started  with speed   striking with , trees , mountain tops , nails and teeth  and raised  their war cry, “Victory to Lord Sugreeva.”                                                         42.42-42.43

Some of the  terrifying Rakshasas  shouted , ‘Victory, victory to the king” , and announced their names .

Some of those Rakshasas   standing  on the wall hooked the monkeys standing on earth  using  metal  hooks.                                                                                                                                                                  42.44

This made the monkeys very angry  and they jumped in to the air and dragged down those Rakshasas  standing on the walls  by catching them with   their hands.                                                                      42.45

The battle between the monkeys and the Rakshasas turned in to a  happening of wonder  and left lot of  swampy  ground of blood and flesh.                                                                                                           42.46

 

      Thus ends the forty  second   chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

43,The war escalates    as war between chiefs,

 

( The war between Rakshasas and  monkeys   escalated between one to war between their leaders. Many Rakshasa  leaders were killed. Many monkey soldiers were also killed.)

 

Then those very wise  monkeys and the Rakshasas   started  getting engaged in a harsh  battle  and the ferocity of the army went up greatly .                                                                                                          43.1

Those Rakshasas and  the chiefs , doing terrific  acts   being eager to win  in Ravana's name, marched ahead on horses  with golden trappings or elephants resembling pointed flames, or in chariots flashing like the sun and themselves wearing beautiful armours, creating reverberant sounds in all the ten directions.                                                                                                                                                43.2-43.3.

The monkeys also wanting great  victory , marched against the army  of those  Rakshasas  who can take any form they like.                                                                                                                                         43.4

Among those of  the monkeys  and Rakshasas who ran against each other  , individual fight   started taking place .                                                                                                                                                  43.5

The Rakshasa Indrajit  fought with  Angadha the son of Vali  in a great battle which resembled the fight between   Lord Shiva   and Angadha.                                                                                                       43.6 

A monkey called Sampathi who can never be conquered in war  fought with Prajangha  and  Hanuman was fighting  with Jambumali .                                                                                                                  43.7

The very angry Rakshasa Vibheeshana  who was the younger brother of Ravana  fought with a Rakshasa called Mithragna who was greatly fiery in battle.                                                                                 43.8

Gaja of great strength fought with a demon called Tapana and Nila too of great energy fought with Nikumbha.                                                                                                                                                   43.9

Sugreeva the king of monkeys fought with Praghasa and Lakshmana fought with Virupaksha who fought   well.                                                                                                                                                              43.10

The invincible  Rakshasas called  Agniketu, Rashmiketu, Mitraghna and Yajnakopa confronted with Rama.                                                                                                                                                           43.11

Vajramushti fought with Mainda and Dvivida fought with Asaniprabha  and thus  the monkey chiefs   were fighting with the  horrifying Rakshasas.                                                                                       43.12  

Pratapana, the valiant Rakshasa  , terrific and invincible in battle fought well with Nala of intense speed in battle.                                                                                                                                                       43.13

The strong monkey  well known as Sushena , the son of God of death , engaged in battle with Vidhyunmali.                                                                                                                                              43.14

Some of those fearful monkeys after fighting with several big Rakshasas , got in to one to one fight with  some other horrifying Rakshasas.                                                                                                         43.15

There thus happened a horrifying  battle which made hairs to stand erect  between  Rakshasas and monkeys , both of wanting to win.                                                                                                           43.16

Streams of blood  and tufts of hair   flowed from the bodies of monkeys as well as Rakshasas which carried dead bodies like a timber by a stream .                                                                                    43.17

Indrajit  struck  with great anger  on Angadha, who can scatter   the enemy army  ,  by a mace and it looked like Indra was himself beating   with Vajrayudha.                                                                   43.18

The glorious Angadha  who was a fast moving monkey then stuck   the  golden variegated chariot, charioteer and horses  of Indrajit.                                                                                                         43.19

Sampati, who was struck by Prajangha with three arrows, killed Prajangha  using  an Ashvakarna tree, at the peak  of the combat.                                                                                                                      43.20

Jambumali who was riding on a chariot took out a  very strong Shakthi from his chariot  and banged the chest of Hanuman using it.                                                                                                                   43.21

Hanuman the son of wind God then climbed in to his chariot  and threw down the chariot along with the Rakshasa.                                                                                                                                                  43.22

The horrible Pratapana  ran with a roar   send several arrows and hurt the body of Nala  but suddenly Nala scratched out the eyes  of the Rakshasa.                                                                                  43.23

Pierced in the limbs by sharp arrows by Praghasa the swift-handed  Rakshasa , Sugreeva the Lord of  the monkeys  immediately killed Praghasa  with a Saptaparna tree.                                                   43.24

Lakshmana after making   the terrible looking  Virupaksha suffer greatly by his rain of arrows    at the end killed him  with one arrow.                                                                                                           43.25

The invincible Agniketu, Rashmiketu, Mitrughna and Yajnakopa wounded Rama by their  arrows.

                                                                                                                                                                  43.26

Rama who became angry  , chopped off the heads  of  those four Rakshasas by using  four arrows which had  fire like tips.                                                                                                                                  43.27

Struck with a fist by  the monkey  Mainda in the battle, Vajramushti along with his chariot fell  on the ground like a watch-tower on a city-wall.                                                                                       43.28

Nikumbha wounded  Nila   who was like the blue black collyrium  by his sharp arrows similar to the rays of Sun hitting the cloud .                                                                                                                       43.29

Then, Nikumbha the swift-handed demon again wounded Nila by a hundred arrows in the battle and laughed continuously.                                                                                                                                                 43.30

Nila chopped the head of the charioteer of Nikumbha by the wheel of the same chariot in that fight, similar to Vishnu the Lord of preservation  in a battle.                                                                   43.31

Even Dvivida, whose impact was like a flash of lightening of a thunder bolt, struck Ashaniprabha with a rock before the eyes of all the demons.                                                                                             43.32

That Ashaniprabha wounded Dvivida the monkey leader by his thunder bolt-like arrows, while Dvivida was fighting with trees in the battle.                                                                                                 43.33

With his limbs struck by arrows, that Dvivida agitated as he was by anger, struck with a Sala tree, Ashaniprabha, his chariot and the horses.                                                                                      43.34

Vidhyunmali  sitting on the chariot using arrows decorated  with gold  and which made great sound struck  Sushena.                                                                                                                                   43.35

The great monkey Sushena , seeing that he was sitting on the chariot  ,  by  throwing  a great piece of rock of the mountain   upturned the chariot.                                                                                 43.36

That Rakshasa Vidhyunmali    with great tact got out  from the fallen chariot  and stood there  on the ground armed with a mace .                                                                                                            43.37

The great monkey Sushena along with great anger   holding a huge mountain  chased that Rakshasa.

                                                                                                                                                               43.38

That Rakshasa Vidhyunmali struck with the mace  on the chest of the great monkey chief Sushena    who was coming towards him.                                                                                                                43.39

That great monkey not bothering about the beating with the mace  on his chest  in that great battle , threw that  stone at the Rakshasa and hit his chest.                                                                           43.40 

Stuck violently by that rock on his chest Vidhyunmali , with his chest crushed   , fell down dead .  43.41

Thus many  strong Rakshasas  were destroyed  by those valiant monkeys there in a series of hand to hand encounters , similar to devas destroying Rakshasas.                                                                      43.42

The battle-field  thus became scary with extra-ordinary spears,  arrows, maces, javelins, lances and  tridents  shattered chariots and military horses and  elephants in rut, monkeys and Rakshasas which had been killed, wheels axles and yokes broken and lying on the ground and frequented as it was by herds of jackals.                                                                                                                                                     43.43-43.44

The headless trunks of monkeys and Rakshasas  sprang up here and there in the midst of that  great war , which resembled the war between devas and asuras .                                                                          43.45

They after being attacked by great monkeys  and their limbs being covered with blood due to that  attack  longed for sun set   and again assembled for another combat.                                                 43.46

 

      Thus ends the forty   third   chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

44. The night war between Rakshasas and monkeys

 

(Rama started killing several Rakshasas. With his chariot  being destroyed by Angadha,  Indrajit vanished from vision and continued his  fight without  being seen by any one and uses serpent arrows and makes Rama and Lakshmana fall.)

 

When the monkeys and Rakshasas were fighting a war , the sun  set and night continued with destroying of lives.                                                                                                                                                                    44.1

With great enmity between each other   and both desiring for their own victory , the night war between the monkeys    and Rakshasas  commenced.                                                                                                  44.2

The monkeys said to the Rakshasa, “You are a Rakshasa” and Rakshasas told the monkeys, “You are a monkey”,  and in the horrifying night   of darkness , they killed each other.                                          44.3

In that army very loud sounds  of talking like “Strike”, “tear apart”, “Come near”. And “why are you running away”    were being heard.                                                                                                              44.4

Those Black Rakshasas wearing golden battle dress , were shining like medicinal forests  on the king of mountains.                                                                                                                                                          44.5

In that great darkness which was difficult to   tolerate , the very angry Rakshasas  attacked and ate   those monkeys  with great speed.                                                                                                                 44.6

Those strong monkeys with a terrific rage leapt forward and torn asunder by their sharp teeth, the steeds with gold ornaments on their head, the serpentine banners and frightened the army of Rakshasas.                                                                                                                                                         44.7

Greatly angry  the monkeys  dragged  the elephants, those who were riding the elephants, chariots, flags  and flag  staffs  and broke them  in to pieces with their teeth.                                                              44.8

Rama and Lakshmana killed the foremost of Rakshasas who were visible    and not visible by arrows which can be compared   to  venomous snakes.                                                                                      44.9

The dust which rose from the hooves of horses and wheels of chariots  completely blocked the eyes and ears of those who fought.                                                                                                                          44.10

When the particular great war was in progress , the hair of people stood erect  and very horrifying rivers of blood  started flowing there.                                                                                                                 44.11

Then the sound of drums, kettle drums  arose and got mixed with the sound of conches  and  chariot wheels  arose in that place .                                                                                                                       44.12

The sound of wounded horses, Rakshasas  and  monkeys resonated and a terrible sound covered everywhere.                                                                                                                                                   44.13

The great monkeys assassinated  by  spears, maces, and axes and the slaughtered Rakshasas, who were able to change their form at will ,  with their bodies appearing like mountains were lying there on the battle-field. And those weapons appeared to be offered up as a  bounty  of flowers by the earth, which became  not seen  and rendered impassable by the slime formed out of streams of blood.  44.14-44.15

That horrifying night   proved very deadly to the monkeys as well as Rakshasas  ,like the night at deluge becomes horrifying to all beings.                                                                                                                  44.16

Those  Rakshasas who were there  in that darkness of night , attacked Rama with a shower  of arrows.

                                                                                                                                                                             44.17

The sound that they made while coming to attack Rama as well as their roaring sound  was like the sound of  ocean  at the final destruction of all beings .                                                                           44.18

Within the time of the twinkling of an eye Rama shot six arrows  which were like the toungues of flame and killed  six Rakshasas.                                                                                                                                44.19

The unconquerable Yagnashatru, Mahaparashva, Mahodara, the giant bodied Vajradamshtra, both Shuka and Sarana - all those six having been beaten by Rama on their vital organs with a flood of his arrows, retreated from the battle and somehow survived for the rest of their life.                44.20-44.21

Using gold tipped arrows  of varied patterns resembling the flames   of fire Rama , cleared all directions as well as  intermediate directions and made them without Rakshasas.                                                44.22

And all the valorous Rakshasas who stood facing Rama  also perished just like moths   coming in front of fire.                                                                                                                                                                       44.23

When the arrows with golden wings  which were bright coloured started    falling from all directions  , it appeared as if fire flies are coming from all places in that autumnal night .                                         44.24

By the sounds made by the Rakshasas and roaring sound of the monkeys  that terrible  night became more terrible.                                                                                                                                                     44.25

That great sound which was coming from all   sides , the Trikuta mountain which was full of caves  appeared  to give rise to confused murmurs.                                                                                             44.26

Long-tailed and black faced monkeys with their gigantic bodies and dark figure, crushed the Rakshasas  with their arms and allowed them to be eaten by other animals.                                                           44.27

Angadha who had   come to the battle field to kill all his enemies  all at once stuck , the chariot, charioteer  and horses  of the son of Ravana.                                                                                            44.28

 While that awful and very intense battle was going on, Indrajit a great expert in tricks of illusion, leaving the chariot, with its horses and charioteer killed by Angadha, vanished from that very spot itself.   

                                                                                                                                                                 44.29-44.30   

All the devas and great sages seeing that act  of accomplishment of the son of Vali  were greatly pleased  by the honourable son of Vali .                                                                                                                      44.31

Since all the beings knew the magical power of Indrajit  in war , seeing him being defeated  by that great one made them pleased  .                                                                                                                               44.32

Then all the monkeys as well as Sugreeva and Vibheeshana  were greatly delighted and praised him  by saying ”Good, very good.”                                                                                                                            44.33

Indrajit having been defeated by that one responsible for the big act who was the  son of Vali  was driven to horrifying anger .                                                                                                                            44.34

That   expert in war who was the son of Ravana and who had boons given by Brahma  , after disappearing from vision  and started shooting   arrows  which were as bright as lightning.          44.35

Becoming very angry he sent  harsh serpent arrows  and with them hurt all the body parts of  Rama as well as Lakshmana of the Raghu clan.                                                                                                    44.36

Bu enveloping will illusion, he   confounded Rama  and went on sending arrows  being invisible  and tied the brothers Rama and Lakshmana using  those arrows.                                                                   44.37

All the monkeys saw those tiger among men being tormented quickly by those serpent arrows  by those angry Rakshasas.                                                                                                                                       44.38

Not being able to hurt those two princes in his  visible  form, Indrajit the son of the king of Rakshasas  with his perverse mind,  took  recourse to magic in order to make them captive.                      44.39

 

      Thus ends the forty fourth   chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

45.Rama and Lakshmana fall   to the arrows of Indrajit.

 

(Though a search was ordered by Rama, the invisible Indrajit could not be located.  With tormenting arrows, Indrajit fells   down Rama  and Lakshmana.)

 

Those two very famous princes  who was very strong ordered   ten monkey chiefs to search for the whereabouts of Indrajit.                                                                                                                               45.1

Rama the tormentor  of his enemies ordered both the sons of Sushena, Nila the chief of monkeys, Angada the son of Vali, the strong Sharabha, Dvivida, Hanuman, the very strong Sanuprastha, Rishabha and Rishabha skandha to do the job.                                                                                                45.2-45.3

All those monkeys were  thrilled with enthusiasm and immediately   flung into the air brandishing huge trunks of trees in order to explore all the ten directions.                                                                      45.4

Indrajit who was an expert on arrows , using the great arrows  speedily  , released  very many great arrows , arrested their speedy  search .                                                                                                   45.5

Those monkeys of   great speed  , whose bodies were cruelly pierced by those arrows, were unable to see Indrajit in the  illusory darkness, similar to  the sun being  obscured when  it is veiled in clouds.

                                                                                                                                                                       45.6

Indrajit with his arrows split up all vital parts of Rama and Lakshmana  and which  entered  in to their body  and thus he was victorious in battle .                                                                                           45.7

The angry Indrajit  densely   sent  and fixed  serpentine  arrows aimed at the body of Rama and Lakshmana .                                                                                                                                                45.8

Great amount of blood  flowed from the opening of wounds in their body  and both of them shined like Kimsuka trees in flowering .                                                                                                                    45.9

Indrajit with  colour  resembling collyrium , with inflamed eyes  turned red due to  anger , while remaining  still invisible    spoke to Rama  and Lakshmana.                                                         45.10

“When I start fighting war becoming invisible even Indra the God of devas  would not be able to see or approach me  and how can you both?”                                                                                             45.11

“Oh sons of the Raghu clan, having imprisoned you by the trick of arrows furnished with feathers of heron, since my soul is filled with wrath , I am going to send  you to God of death.”             45,12

After saying like this to Rama and Lakshmana who were followers of Dharma , he pierced both of them with pointed sharp arrows  and shouted with wild joy.                                                                  45.13

Indrajit who was of the colour of heaped collyrium  stretched his very big bow , again and again shot them with horrifying arrows in that great war.                                                                                45.14

He who was an expert in identifying vital parts  send very sharp arrows at Rama and Lakshmana    and hurt their vital parts.                                                                                                                               45.15

In the battle ground those two completely tied by arrows , in a twinkling  of an eye became incapable  of even looking up.                                                                                                                                       45.16

Those two pierced by  a great net work of arrows , because they were pierced in their vital parts became exhausted  and those two great archers who were lords of earth  fell down on the earth , shaking violently  like the flag staffs  raised in honour of Indra , when the chord holding them is cut off. 

                                                                                                                                                         45.17-45.18

Those two valorous ones   were lying down on beds of heroes , completely bathed in blood  and with all their limbs bristling with arrows and completely  distressed.                                                           45.19

There was not even finger  breadth of their body  from the tip of fingers to the end of feet which was not wounded   and implanted with sharp arrows.                                                                             45.20

They being ferociously stuck down by a Rakshasa who can change his form at his will  had blood gushing   out of their body , like water coming out of a spring.                                                                       45.21

With his vital parts being pierced   by the sharp arrows  the very angry Indrajit , who had defeated Indra , the lord of devas , Rama fell down first .                                                                                            45.22

Indrajit pierced Rama by arrows with golden arrows  which had  sharp points, which had downward movement, which go fast like  Narachas, Demi-narachas, Bhallas (with wide tips), Anjalis, Vatsa dantas, Simha dantas and those shafts like unto razors.                                                                                  45.23

Throwing away  his bow bent at three places, adorned with gold, with its string loosened away and detached from the hold of his fist, Rama lied down on the battle-ground.                                   45.24

Seeing Rama , the tiger among men having  due to the arrows , Lakshmana became hopeless  and lost will to live.                                                                                                                                                  45.25

Seeing his elder brother Rama, with his eyes resembling lotus-leaves, having fallen on the ground, wounded as he was by a net work of arrows, Lakshmana felt sad.                                                45.26

Beholding that Rama, the monkeys too were in great sorrow   and wept bitterly, filling their eyes with   tears, being affected  as they were by sorrow.                                                                                  45.27

Those monkeys with Hanuman in front gathered at  that place and stood surrounding Rama and Lakshmana, who were bound by a net work of arrows and lying down on the battle ground. All of them  were disturbed and afflicted sorrow.                                                                                                45.28

 

Thus ends the forty  fifth   chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

46.Indrajit claims he has killed Rama

 

(All the monkeys are confused and sad that Rama  had fallen down. Vibheeshana tries to pep up Sugreeva  saying that Rama is not dead but only fallen down.  Indrajit goes and tells Ravana, that he has killed Rama .Ravana  becomes greatly happy.)

 

Then all those monkeys surveying the earth and the sky  , then saw   the brothers Rama and Lakshmana   covered with arrows.                                                                                                      46.1

Sugreeva and Vibheeshana came to that place after Indrajit retired from that place , like Indra retires   after causing rain.                                                                                                                                        46.2

Nila, Dvivida, Mainda, Sushena, Kumuda, Angadha along with Hanuman forthwith began to grieve for Rama and Lakshmana.                                                                                                                                46.3

Breathing  faintly, bathed in blood. riddled with innumerable arrows, motionless and lying inactive, Rama and Lakshmana  lay stretched on a bed of arrows, sighing like serpents, helpless, having  very little prowess, their limbs smeared with a stream of blood, resembling two golden flags,  They who were  lying on heroes' couch, with tardy movement of their limbs, were surrounded by  all the monkey leaders, whose eyes were suffused with tears. Seeing the two Raghavas, pierced by a multitude of arrows, all the monkeys along with Vibheeshana became perturbed.                                    46.4-46.7

The monkeys examined all over the atmosphere   but were not able   to see , the son of Ravana  who was not visible due to his magical powers.                                                                                            46.8

But Vibheeshana by his own magical powers  was able to see him who was remaining hidden by his magical powers  standing in front of him.                                                                                             46.9

Though Indrajit was a great warrior who had no one comparable to him  and who had done  great unique acts , he preferred to remain invisible using the boon of Brahma  , but was recognized by Vibheeshana who had great luster, prowess and glory.                                                                   46.10

Indrajit seeing those two  who were lying down , appreciating his own great action was very happy and wanted to share his joy with the other Rakshasas.                                                                           46.11

“ Brothers Rama and Lakshmana the killers of  the very strong Khara and Dhooshana  have been killed by  my arrows.”                                                                                                                                              46.12

“Even if all the sages, devas and Rakshasas join together   and help them , they would not able to get themselves free   out of the net work of my arrows.”                                                                     46.13

"These meaningless ones   who were  wearing away the very roots of us all, on whose account, the three watches of the night slipped past my father, who is unable even to touch his couch with his limbs and who remains absorbed in thought and stricken with grief and because of whom, the entire city of Lanka remains agitated, like a river during the rains, has been destroyed by me."                      46.14-46.15

“The valour of Rama , Lakshmana as well as all the monkeys have been proved useless , similar to clouds in autumn.”                                                                                                                                                46.16

After speaking like this to all the Rakshasas , that son of Ravana  starting hitting at all the monkey chiefs who were watching.                                                                                                                                  46.17

He struck Nila with nine arrows and Mainda   as well as Dvivida   with three great arrows    each. 46.18

That wielder of a great bow   stuck the chest of Jambhavan with one arrow  and released ten arrows at Hanuman   who was with great speed.                                                                                                        46.19

The son of Ravana stuck , both Gavaksha and Sarabha who were of boundless valour   with two  arrows each in that battle.                                                                                                                                          46.20

Then that son of Ravana  wounded with very many arrows Angadha , the son of Vali as well as Gavaksha , the king of Goolamgulas.                                                                                                                           46.21                                                                                                                             

Wounding all those monkeys  with arrows which are like flames of fire , the highly courageous and strong son of Ravana  started shouting in triumph.                                                                              46.22

Tormenting all those monkeys with very many arrows  the great one laughed heartily and spoke   the following words .                                                                                                                                          46.23

“Oh Rakshasas ,be pleased to see those two brothers   who have been  tied by me using the horrifying net work of arrows.”                                                                                                                                   46.24

Those Rakshasas who were treacherous fighters  on hearing this were filled with wonder  and greatly appreciated  his act.                                                                                                                                   46.25

All of them who resembled a cloud  cried out in a very loud voice “Rama is dead.”  And greatly honoured the son of  Ravana.                                                                                                                                    46.26

Seeing the two brothers,  Rama and Lakshmana lying motionless and breathless on the floor, Indrajit thought they were dead.                                                                                                                        46.27

Having won the battle Indrajit became very happy  and entered back in to the city of Lanka  spreading happiness among the Rakshasas.                                                                                                          46.28

Seeing Rama and Lakshmana pierced  with  many arrows on every limb and bone of their bodies, a great fear had taken possession of Sugreeva.                                                                                                46.29

Then Vibheeshana spoke  to the frightened king of monkeys whose face was covered with tears  and whose eyes full of sorrow.                                                                                                                       46.30

“Oh Sugreeva , enough of this great fear. Control the speed of these tears . All wars are like this and victory is never certain.”                                                                                                                           46.31

“Oh Valorous one , if there is some amount of luck remaining with us , the brothers Rama and Lakshmana   would wake up from this insensible state.”                                                                    46.32

“Oh Sugreeva , become more courageous and instill courage in me  as oh monkey, I am one without protector  . For those who  have faith in Dharma and truth , there is no fear of death.”             46.33

After having told this he wiped the tear stained eyes of Sugreeva    with  his hands moistened  in water.

                                                                                                                                                                       46.34

Then that follower of Dharma , took some water made it enchanted by chants and then wiped   the eyes of Sugreeva.                                                                                                                                                 46.35

After wiping the face of that king of monkeys who had great prowess , Vibheeshana told these words of comfort  and good sense.                                                                                                                        46.36

“Oh Sugreeva, Oh king of monkeys , this is not time to lose all hope and at this time too much attachment also leads to death.”                                                                                                          46.37

"So after  giving up hopeless sorrow , which ruins all actions,  think on  now on how best to serve the army  which had Rama going before them.”                                                                                          46.38

‘Or else let us protect Rama till he regains consciousness  so that Rama and Lakshmana  can drive away fear from all of us.”                                                                                                                                    46.39

“There is no problem for Rama  and he is not going to die for the  splendour and luster   which you can hardly find in dead people is still there in him.”                                                                                   46.40

“So console yourself  and revive  your own spirits , so that we  can revive    the confidence  among this entire army.                                                                                                                                                   46.41

"Oh great monkey ., all  these monkeys, having their eyes dilated due to fear, are murmuring  some words into each other's ear as they are terrified"                                                                                 46.42

“Seeing me run among the army  to  activate them,  let all of them shed   all their fear , like one discards used garland.”                                                                                                                                              46.43

After consoling Sugreeva , that king of Rakshasas Vibheeshana , started consoling all monkeys who were pushing away.                                                                                                                                              46.44

Indrajit the  great magician   along with his great army , entered the city of Lanka and went to meet his father.                                                                                                                                                            46.45 

After meeting Ravana , greeting him and saluting him , he said the pleasing words to Ravana about death of Rama.                                                                                                                                             46.46

Ravana who was in the middle of other Rakshasas  on hearing it , jumped from his seat  with happiness and embraced his son.                                                                                                                               46.47

Smelling his head, Ravana becoming happy by what  he  heard, made enquiries in the matter. Indrajit reported the matter as it happened, to his enquiring father, as to how both Rama and Lakshmana were made motion-less and luster-less by entwining them with arrows.                                       46.48-46.49

Hearing the words of Indrajit the great charioteer, Ravana with his heart filled with a torrent  of joy, relinquished his great sorrow , caused on account of Rama and praised his son with pleasing words.

                                                                                                                                                                      46.50

 

Thus ends the forty  sixth chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

47.Ravana makes Sita see Rama and Lakshmana who have fallen down.

 

(Rakshasas in Lanka start celebrating the death of Rama  and Lakshmana.  As per instruction of Ravana , the Rakshasis take Sita in Pushpaka Vimana   to the battle field.  Sita seeing Rama and Lakshmana has fallen down wails.)

 

When the son of Ravana went back to Lanka , the monkeys and bears  of his army surrounded and protected him.                                                                                                                                              47.1

Hanuman, Angadha, Nila, Sushena, Kumuda, Nala, Gaja, Gavaksha, Panasa, Sanuprastha and the mighty Jambhavan with Sunda, Rambha, Shatabali and Prithu all these monkeys, armed with trees, reorganized their ranks, stood alert, surveyed the  directions of the sky up and down and on every side and, even if a grass stirred, they exclaimed, "It is a  Rakshasa"                                                                               47.2-47.4

Meanwhile Ravana who was very happy send back his son Indrajit  and send word for the Rakshasis who were protecting Sita .                                                                                                                                      47.5

As per his order all the Rakshasis including Trijata   appeared before him  and to those Rakshasis , the God of the Rakshasas told with happiness.                                                                                              47.6

“Go and tell Sita, that Rama and Lakshmana has been killed by Indrajit  and take her in Pushpaka plane and show her Rama and Lakshmana lying dead in the battle field.”                                                  47.7

“She was proud because she was depending on him and because of that does not come near me.  Her husband  and his brother are lying dead in the battle field.”                                                             47.8

“Let Sita  submit to me decorated by all ornaments   without  any apprehension, sorrow    and without any hope  for uniting with her husband.”                                                                                              47.9

"Personally Rama and Lakshmana have fallen under the sway of death on the battle-field today and  finding no other support and hoping for nothing else, the broad-eyed Sita will voluntarily seek refuge in me."                                                                                                                                                          47.10

Hearing those words of that bad soul Ravana, all those Rakshasis  said, “So be it” and  went near the Pushpaka plane .                                                                                                                                        47.11

Thereafter, those Rakshasis brought the Pushpaka Vimana  as per the instructions of Ravana and carried it nearer to Sita  who was staying in Asoka Garden.                                                                            47.12

Those Rakshasis then brought Sita who was sorrowing for her husband  and made her climb up the Pushpaka Vimana belonging to the Rakshasas.                                                                                    47.13

Then those Rakshasis along with Trijata climbed the Pushpaka  with Sita and proceeded to show her Rama and Lakshmana.                                                                                                                               47.14

Meanwhile Ravana the king of Rakshasas ,  with extreme  joy , caused Lanka to be decorated with  garlands  and  with flags and banners and arranged a proclamation to be made in Lanka announcing that Rama and Lakshmana had been slain by Indrajit in battle.                                                    47.15-47.16

Sita going along with Trijata   on the plane   saw   all the monkeys , slain and lying dead in the battle field.                                                                                                                                                              47.17

Sita saw the joyful Rakshasas and dejected monkeys  standing near Rama and Lakshmana.       47.18

Then, Sita saw those two warriors Rama and Lakshmana lying unconscious on the ground on a bed of arrows, their limbs pierced with arrows, riddled with weapons, their armour shattered, their bows cast aside at a distance and their entire body  pierced  by weapons                                          .  47.19-47.20

On seeing those two brothers, who were  valorous , had lotus like eyes,  who were best of men, lying stretched on a bed of arrows there in that wretched plight like the two sons of the fire-god (Shikha and Vishakha) lying on a bed of reeds, Sita  wailed piteously, stricken as she was with a great agony.

                                                                                                                                                             47.21-47.22

That  dark eyed daughter of Janaka  with faultless limbs  seeing her husband as well as Lakshmana  lying in dust sobbed.                                                                                                                                           47.23

Seeing those brothers who were having similar luster like the devas  was stuck with sorrow and moved in to tears  and believing in their death spoke  with sorrow the following words.                       47.24

 

Thus ends the forty  seventh chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

48.Sita wails  and Trijata consoles her

 

9Sita feels sad that her husband is no more inspite of predictions   of several astrologers and sages. Trijata consoles her and reassures Sita, that both the princes   are alive.)

 

Seeing that her husband has been killed along with the very strong Lakshmana , Sita  very much wailed pitiably  as she was stuck by great sorrow.                                                                                          48.1

“Those who read signs had predicted that I would have sons and will never become a widow  and the fact that Rama has been killed shows that they were all liars  and ignorant ones .”                     48.2

“They also predicted   that I would be his companion when he performs Sattra  sacrifice and that I would be his consort when he performs Yagnas and the fact that Rama has been killed shows that they were all liars  and ignorant ones .                                                                                                                          48.3

“They also predicted that  I would be honoured   as the wife of a Valorous one and  that I would be worshipped  by my husband , and the fact that Rama has been killed shows that they were all liars  and ignorant ones .                                                                                                                                          48.4

“They who were wise Brahmins  also foretold   that I would live very happily , and the fact that Rama has been killed shows that they were all liars  and ignorant ones .                                                     48.5

“I have lotus  marks on my feet which in case   of noble women is supposed to indicate that they will get consecrated on the throne along with husbands who are  kings.”                                              48.6

“I do not find marks of bad fortune which indicate   widowhood  and bad fortune in my case  but as I see it now , all these auspicious signs  are of no use.”                                                                          48.7

“In women the mark of lotus is supposed  to augur  well  but since Rama has been slain, they are  of no meaning to me .”                                                                                                                                  48.8

"My hair is fine, black in colour and smooth. My eye-brows are disunited. My calves  are hair-less and well rounded. My teeth are contiguous, without any gaps between them."                            48.9

"My temples, eyes, arms, feet, ankles and thighs are homogenous and well-proportioned. My fingers have well-rounded and glossy nails, having a right length."                                                      48.10

"My breasts are close to each other, fully developed and have depressed nipples. My navel is deeply indented. My flanks and bosom are well-formed."                                                                      48.11

"My complexion has the luster of a pearl. The hair on my skin are soft. It is said of me as endowed with auspicious signs, in that I touched the ground with my twelve limbs  i.e. ten toes and two soles.”48.12

"Those who interpret the marks of  maidens  told  that my hands and feet are rosy, fully provided with marks each resembling a barley corn, there is no  space between my fingers and toes and that my smile is gentle."                                                                                                                                                             48.13

“Brahmins who were experts in predicting the future told me  that I would get consecrated on the throne with my husband   but all that is in vain now.”                                                                                48.14

“After searching in Janasthana  and having received news about me  and after crossing  the impassable ocean those brothers have died in this  hoof print of the cow.”                                                                48.15

“Both Rama and Lakshmana  surely knew how to use  the arrows  of Varuna, fire , Indra  wind God and also the Brahma Sira arrow .”                                                                                                                           48.16

“Rama and Lakshmana  who are  similar to Indra has been killed by magic and the enemy becoming invisible , making me an orphan without a lord .”                                                                                       48.17

“Any enemy who comes   within the sight  of Rama  cannot hope to stick on to his life even though he can move as fast as thought.”                                                                                                                        48.18

“There is no burden as heavy as death  and  nobody can attain victory over death and now Rama along with his brother Lakshmana  is lying dead  in the battle field.”                                                                48.19

“I am not sad for  the death of my husband  or that of Lakshmana , not even for the sake of my mother but  for the sake of my saintly mother-in-law .”                                                                                        48.20

“She must be daily thinking  about when our penance will get over and when she will be able to see Sita, Rama  and Lakshmana.”                                                                                                                                 48.21

To her  who was sorrowing greatly like this the Rakshasi Trijata told, “Oh lady do not be sad like this  for your husband is still  alive.”                                                                                                                          48.22

“I will tell you the logical and great reasons , oh lady ,  for me to tell you that  Rama and Lakshmana are alive .”                                                                                                                                                               48.23 

“If they have lost their leader   the faces   of the soldiers  in the battle field   would not reflect  anger nor would there be joy in them.”                                                                                                                       48.24

“Oh Vaidehi , if  those two had lost their life , this divine aero plane  called Pushpaka  which is divine   would not have brought you  here.”                                                                                                           48.25

“If the army witnesses its leader being slain,   they would be without enthusiasm  and would be wandering aimlessly , like a ship which has broken its rudder  in water .”                                          48.26

“Oh sage like lady, the army on their part   are not confused nor perturbed  and are   guarding him   who has been made conscious  less in the battle  and I am telling you this  because of my love to you.” 48.27

“Please be reassured of this by the good omens  that you see  which indicate coming of happiness. Please notice that Rama and Lakshmana are  not dead. I am telling you this because  of my love towards  you.”                                                                                                                                                                       48.28

“Oh Sita , I have never told a lie before and am not likely to tell one in future . Due to your virtue and pleasant behaviour you have occupied my heart.”                                                                                        48.29

“There is no doubt that even Indra, devas and Rakshasas  can win over them in battle  and this is what I have observed and what I wanted to tell you.”                                                                                               48.30

“Oh Sita, see this great wonder , though they are fallen under those    arrows lying without senses , their auspicious prettiness has not deserted them.                                                                                              48.31

“Generally  for those who have lost their life  and soul has gone away from their body , their face would appear  greatly altered.”                                                                                                                                   48.32

“Oh daughter of Janaka,  give up sorrow , pain and illusion  on  account of Rama and Lakshmana . It is impossible for them not to be alive .”                                                                                                           48.33

Hear her words , Sita    who was similar to  daughter of Gods  with folded hands in salutation told, “Let it be   so.”                                                                                                                                                               48.34

Along     with   the Pushpaka Vimana  , the sorrowing  and very pitiable Sita entered the city of Lanka with Trijata.                                                                                                                                                        48.35

Then After Sita and Trijata got down from the Pushpaka Vimana , The Rakshasis made them enter   the Asoka garden.                                                                                                                                                    48.36

Sita after entering the garden with huge number of trees  and which was the play ground of the Rakshasa king , thinking about those sons of the king  gave way to extreme grief.”                           48.37

 

Thus ends the forty  eighth chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

 

49.Rama wakes up and wails for sake of Lakshmana

 

(Rama wakes up and starts crying. He tells if Lakshmana dies, he would  not remain alive. He thanks all the monkeys and requests them to go back. At that  time Vibheeshana returns.)

 

Bound by that formidable network of arrows, the two  great  sons of Dasaratha lay bathed in blood, breathing like serpents. All those foremost of monkeys who were exceedingly strong, including Sugreeva, plunged in grief, were standing around those two  great ones .                                   49.1-49.2

At that time the mighty Rama woke up from his swoon  by nature of stability  and native strength despite the arrows which were   holding him bound.                                                                                 49.3

Then seeing his brother who was  bleeding, without consciousness  and thrown on the ground , Rama with his features changed  wailed full of grief.                                                                                           49.4

“What is the use of recovering Sita now? What is the use of continuing to live? Because  I am now seeing my brother lying without consciousness.”                                                                                                   49.5

“If I seriously search I may get a lady who is similar to Sita but  I will not able to find  a brother , a minister and one  who helps me in this war like Lakshmana.”                                                               49.6

“If the son of Sumithra who increases my joy mixes with the five elements , I would give up my life in the presence of these monkeys.”                                                                                                                       49.7

“What shall I say to my mother Kausalya , what shall I tell mother Kaikeyi? What shall I do in case of mother Sumithra who must be thirsting to see her son.”                                                                    49.8

"How shall I console Sumithra, trembling and crying out like a sea hawk , bereft of her son, if I return to Ayodhya without Lakshmana?"                                                                                                                49.9

"How shall I tell Shatrugna and the very  famous  Bharatha when I return without Lakshmana, who followed  me to the forest?"                                                                                                                        49.10

“I would not be able to bear    the reproaches   of Sumithra  and so I would prefer to leave my body here itself  as I do not want to continue to live.                                                                                                 49.11

“Woe unto me. I have done a wicked deed without any nobility  and it is due to my fault that Lakshmana lies under the bed of arrows  with a view to protect me.”                                                                       49.12

"O, Lakshmana! You always used to console me whenever I was in a great sorrow. Having lost your life now  you  will not able to allay my sufferings with your words."                                                             49.13

“You who have killed several Rakshasas on the battle field today , are lying down on the same battle field pierced by several arrows like a hero.”                                                                                                 49.14

“Sleeping on the bed of arrays after   getting bathed in your own blood , you like the sun God setting down on    a bed of arrows.”                                                                                                                            49.15

"Your vital parts having been pierced with  several  arrows and because of that  you are not able even to speak now. Even though you not speaking, your agony is disclosed by the redness of your eyes."   49.16

“I shall also follow him   to the land of Yama , like that  great warrior   followed me  when I came to the forest.”                                                                                                                                                                49.17

"He   loved his own relations  and was filled with devotion to  me, and he  got  in to this state to which my misdeeds have brought him"                                                                                                                 49.18

“I do not remember to have heard  any harsh word  which were not to my liking from valorous  Lakshmana  at any time, even when he is provoked.”                                                                          49.19

“He was capable of sending  five hundred arrows at one shot  and that Lakshmana surpassed even Karthaveeryarjuna  himself  in mastery of archery.”                                                                            49.20

“He who is  used to sleep on  beds of very great gentleman and who is capable of cutting the weapons of Indra himself is lying on earth.”                                                                                                               49.21

“Without any doubt the words of imagination by me that I will make Vibheeshana the king of Rakshasas   will hurt me as I have not made him a king.”                                                                                         49.22

“Oh Sugreeva , you ought to  immediately within a moment leave this place , because once king Ravana knows that I am not there to support you, he will defeat you.”                                                       49.23

"O, Sugreeva,   cross  the sea  again with your army, keeping Angadha in front and  along with your followers, Nila and Nala."                                                                                                                       49.24

“I am fully satisfied by the exploits of Hanuman in the battle  and also by the one done by the king of bears   and other generals of monkeys , as this is impossible  by anyone else in a battle.”      49.25

"A great act was done by Angadha, Mainda and Dvivida. A terrible combat was done by Kesari and Sampathi in the battle-field."                                                                                                                49.26

"By Gavya, Gavaksha, Sarabha, Gaja and other monkeys, who are willing to sacrifice their lives for me, the battle was carried on."                                                                                                                   49.27

“Oh  Sugreeva  , Man  can never   fight against fate and oh tormentor of enemies , because you were afraid in failing in your duty , you have done me all that a friend and a comrade can ever do to me.”

                                                                                                                                                                   49.28 

“Oh best among monkeys , you have done all this due to your friendship to  me. Give me leave and all of you go back to any place  that you want.”                                                                                        49.29

All the monkeys who heard this became extremely sad  and those black eyed one allowed copious tears to be shed from their eyes.                                                                                                                49.30

At that time  Vibheeshana  after having established order in all the ranks of the army , came quickly to Rama with a mace in hand .                                                                                                             49.31

Seeing him  who was like a heap of collyrium  speedily coming towards them , the monkeys thinking him to be Indrajit, the son of Ravana  started to run away .                                                               49.32

 

Thus ends the forty ninth chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

50.Garuda  comes and frees Rama and Lakshmana  from the effects of the arrow,

 

 

(When the monkeys were   consoling each other Sushena suggests that Hanuman should go to the Chandra mountain and bring the herbs to cure Rama. At that time Garuda  the son of Vinatha comes and  cures Rama and Lakshmana. He tells them that he is their friend.)

 

Then  at that time   the very strong king of monkeys told ,”Why is our army agitated  and running like ship driven out of course in water?”                                                                                                            50.1

Hearing the words of Sugreeva, Angadha , the son of  Vali told , “Are you not seeing the  two brothers The valorous Rama and Lakshmana, who are the sons  of  Dasaratha , caught   in the   web of arrows . Both of them are lying in the bed of arrows  with causing blood to flow from all over their body.”  

                                                                                                                                                                50.2-50.3

When this was told by the son Angadha    to  the king of monkeys he told, “There must be some other cause why the monkeys are  bewildered and possibly there is some danger ahead.”                    50.4

"Hear , these monkeys are running away in all directions, with their eyes distended with terror, throwing down their arms and looking dejected."                                                                                                50.5

“They are not feeling ashamed of  one another  and they are again  and again looking behind them. They are jostling with one another and jump over those who have fallen down.”                                50.6

When they were talking like this , the valorous Vibheeshana holding a mace  cheered Sugreeva and Rama and told , “Victory to Rama.”.                                                                                                      50.7

When Sugreeva saw that Vibheeshana was the cause of the scare  of monkeys , he told Jambhavan the king of bears    as follows.                                                                                                                      50.8

“It is Vibheeshana who has come here , seeing whom the Monkey warriors  are scared   thinking that he is Indrajit , the son of Ravana.”                                                                                                             50.9

"You reassemble those monkeys immediately, who in fear have scattered in many directions and inform them that it is Vibheeshana who has come here ."                                                                         50.10

As soon as Sugreeva told like this Jambhavan the   king of bears  pacified   all the monkeys  and restored their confidence .                                                                                                                                    50.11

Hearing the words of Jambhavan the king of Bears, all those monkeys, on seeing Vibheeshana, retraced their steps after  shaking off their fear.                                                                                                50.12

Vibheeshana, the following of Dharma felt  pained  on seeing the body of Rama  as well as Lakshmana wounded by arrows .                                                                                                                               50.13

After washing his eyes with  hand dipped  in water , he started weeping out of great anguish  seizing his chest and told.                                                                                                                                          50.14

The treacherous Rakshasa  warriors have brought  these powerful  and valiant warriors  to this  state.”

                                                                                                                                                                     50.15

“The son of my brother who is a  Rakshasa  , a bad son and a bad soul  with a cunning mind has deceived these honourable  fighters.”                                                                                                                  50.16

"These two warriors, Rama and Lakshmana, who were struck badly by arrows and covered with blood are lying on the earth, like two porcupines."                                                                                      50.17

“These two lions among men, on whom I have depended to fulfillment of desire  are lying  fainted and are waiting to leave this body ”                                                                                                           50.18

“Having lost my dream of   getting the kingdom , I am like dead , even while I am surviving , while Ravana is able to fulfill his vow  and is getting his  desires  realized.”                                          50.19

The magnanimous Sugreeva embraced  Vibheeshana who was wailing   and told   him as follows.

                                                                                                                                                                    50.20

“Oh follower of Dharma , you would without any   doubt  get the kingdom of Lanka  and Ravana and his son would not be able to fulfill   their  wishes.”                                                                                 50.21

“Rama and Lakshmana have been only affected by a wound  and they will regain consciousness  and would definitely kill Ravana .”                                                                                                               50.22

After consoling and convincing the Rakshasa Vibheeshana like this , Sugreeva talked to Sushena , his father –in-law , who was standing by his side.                                                                                   50.23

"Taking these two brothers, Rama and Lakshmana with the troops of monkeys who are strong, you go to KIshkinda, till these two destroyers  of their foes have recovered their consciousness."         50.24

“I for myself after killing Ravana, along with his sons  and relatives  and bring back Sita , like Indra Got back  the prosperity that he lost.”                                                                                                      50.25

When the king of monkeys told these words, Sushena replied, “I had earlier seen a great  dreadful battle between Asuras and Devas .”                                                                                                             50.26

"By making themselves invisible again and again, the Rakshasas skilled in the use of arrows overcame the devas  despite their skill in bearing arms."                                                                               50.27

"To those celestials who were wounded, unconscious and almost deprived of life, Bruhaspathi treated them using medicinal   herbs accompanied by his  sacred chants."                                           50.28

“Let the monkeys , Panasa , Samapthi and others go quickly  with great speed go  to the ocean of milk  to bring those medicinal herbs.”                                                                                                            50.29

“Those monkeys are conversant with the herbs available on mountains like the divine Sanjeevakarni  and Vishalya which are created by God.”                                                                                         50.30

“In the middle of the milky ocean  where churning was done to get nectar there are mountains called Chandra and Drona  , where these herbs are available.”                                                              50.31

“ Oh king, The devas built those mountains  in that vast ocean and let Hanuman , the son of wind god go there.”                                                                                                                                                     50.32

At that time , a huge  wind arose with the building up of clouds and resultant lightning  and this wind caused the waves to rise in the ocean , which caused  the mountains to  tremble , like at the time of earth quake.                                                                                                                                          50.33

“Due to the great wind generated by    the wing of the bird , the  branches of huge trees in the sand bank started breaking  and fell in the salty water of the ocean.”                                                50.34

“The snakes became scared and the sea snakes and marine animals living in the sea , plunged quickly in to the sea.”                                                                                                                                                          50.35

Thereupon, all the monkeys saw within a moment, a mighty eagle, Garuda, the son of Vinata, which was similar to the flame of the fire.                                                                                                                        50.36

“Those  arrows which were the spirit of snakes  that had tied those great men who were brothers   , on  seeing the great eagle ran away from there.”                                                                                             50.37

Thereupon, Garuda the eagle,  met  Rama and Lakshmana  and after  offering them his good wishes, with his hands caressed their faces that were radiant like the moon.                                                    50.38

As soon as the son of Vinatha touched them all their wounds were healed  and their body became soft and glowed like gold .                                                                                                                                       50.39

Their luster, valour, strength, endurance and resolution, those great qualities, also their grace , intelligence and memory were re-doubled.                                                                                                50.40

That  greatly valorous Garuda who was like Indra  , lifted both of them up and embraced them  and greatly pleased Rama told Garuda.                                                                                                              50.41

“By your grace   we have crossed over the great danger posed to us by the son of Ravana  and having got out of it , we have become as strong as before .”                                                                                   50.42

“By meeting you my heart has become glad as if I met my father Dasaratha and grandfather  Aja. 50.43

"Who are you,  who is  endowed with beauty, having blissful garlands and anointments, wearing clean garments and adorned with divine ornaments?"                                                                                    50.44

That greatly lustrous and very strong son of Vinatha ,  with eyes broadened by joy  and with a very pleased mind  told.                                                                                                                                        50.45

“Oh son of Kakustha clan, I am your friend, as dear to you as your breath  and my name is Garuda and I have reached  here to help you.”                                                                                                                50.46

“Either Asuras or very valorous Dhanavas or very strong Devas  or Gandharwas who are all lead by Indra  would not be able to untie  , this entanglement created by arrows , using magical powers by Indrajit  who does cruel deeds.”                                                                                                                    50.47-50.48

“There are serpents born to Kadru  with sharp teeth and fangs abundantly supplied with poison  and made in to arrows by sorcery of  the Rakshasa   called Indrajit  and have stuck you.”                   50.49

“Oh Rama who is a follower of Dharma and considers truth as his valour and who kills enemies in battle, you along with Lakshmana are indeed lucky.”                                                                                      50.50

“Having heard about this incident , I came swiftly here , duly remembering my friendship and love to both of you.”                                                                                                                                               50.51

“Due to me you have been released  from this horrible entanglement of arrows and both of you should be greatly vigilant from now on.”                                                                                                           50.52

“By nature all the Rakshasas    are  treacherous fighters in war but  for you both straight forwardness and pure mind are your strengths.”                                                                                                     50.53

“From this example itself you have to understand that they fight with crooked mind  and so you should not believe   a Rakshasa  in a battle field.”                                                                                          50.54

After saying like this That Garuda who is very strong  affectionately hugged those friends  and started  taking leave .                                                                                                                                            50.55

“Oh friend, who shows pity even to his enemies , I would like to take leave from you and go back as I have come.                                                                                                                                               50.56

“Oh hero , you may be inquisitive to know about      the  friendship between us. I am sure you would know about it after completing this great work of you.                                                                  50.57

“Using your arrows make Lanka have only old people and young ones  , kill Ravana and get Sita released.

                                                                                                                                                                  50.58

Having spoken thus, Garuda who can fly with great speed , who had  beautiful wings, who had just healed Rama's wounds in the presence of monkeys,  after obeisance to him  presence of monkeys,  after going round him in salutation  to him and took Rama  into his arms, entered the sky with the speed of the wind.                                                                                                                                        50.59-50.60

Seeing that The sons of the Raghu clan  are cured of their  problem, the chiefs of monkeys  howled and also roared like lion   and  shook their tails.                                                                                       50.61

After that , gongs were beaten, drums resounded, and couches were blown amid jumping in joy of the monkeys as before.                                                                                                                                50.62

Some other very strong monkeys who normally use  trees like mace , waved their arms and uprooted  hundreds of thousands of trees and stood there.                                                                          50.63

Shouting  and making very loud noise and frightening those Rakshasas , those monkeys desirous of fighting  reached the gates of city of Lanka.                                                                                   50.64

From the crowds of monkeys then a  very tumultuous sound arose , like the very terrifying sound of thunder occurring in summer at midnight.                                                                                    50.65

 

Thus ends the fiftieth chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

51.Dhoomraksha goes to the war

 

(After knowing that Rama and Lakshmana have got up, Ravana sends Dhoomraksha to kill the monkey army. He sets out through the western gate and ill omens follow him.)

 

Ravana along with other Rakshasas    heard the tumultuous sound raised  by the monkeys which was full of the tone of war.                                                                                                                                                 51.1

Hearing that mighty clamour, sounding smooth and deep, Ravana spoke to his ministers who were surrounding him.                                                                                                                                                    51.2

"A great uproar, resembling the  thunder   from clouds, has arisen from that army of rejoiced monkeys. Undoubtedly their joy is great, as their mighty roars are agitating the briny ocean itself.”         51.3-51.4

“The Brothers Rama and Lakshmana have been tied by   sharp arrows and this very great sound   creates  doubt in my mind.”                                                                                                                                              51.5

After the king of Rakshasas told these words to his  ministers , told the following to the Rakshasas who were   standing near him.                                                                                                                                 51.6

“Find out immediately the cause  of this great rejoicing by the monkeys , for at times of sorrow  no one celebrates.”                                                                                                                                                        51.7

Thus ordered by Ravana, they climbed up  the rampart very briskly and saw the army lead by the  great  Sugreeva and also the highly fortunate Rama and Lakshmana who were relieved of the terrific shackle of arrow a and  had risen up together. All the Rakshasas  felt dejected on seeing it.                      51.8-51.9

With trembling heart , pale face , all of those great Rakshasas  got down from rampart and approached Ravana.                                                                                                                                                            51.10

The Rakshasas of Ravana  with a downcast face   informed   him  of the unpalatable news faithfully.

                                                                                                                                                                          51.11

“The two brothers Rama and Lakshmana  whom Indrajit tied by his arrows  and made them immobile , have got free from the ties of the arrow  and are seen like elephants  in the battle field , with valour equivalent to the king of elephants .”                                                                                             51.12-51.13

When the very strong king of Rakshasas heard this , he became sad and thoughtful  and his face  became  pale.                                                                                                                                                                 51.14

"If my enemies  who had  thus been tied  by Indrajit are freed, despite their injuries in battle by his formidable arrows which were infallible on account of  those rare boons  and which resembled  serpents and were  bright as the sun, I feel  that  my entire army  is in great danger."                      51.15-51.16

“Those arrows which had    the luster of serpent Vasuki   and which should have taken the life of my enemies   have been rendered as powerless .”                                                                                     51.17

After saying like this  , he became very angry and breathed like  a serpent and started speaking to a Rakshasa called Dhoomraksha   who was in the middle of Rakshasas.                                            51.18

“You who are  a Rakshasa  who has done great deeds along with a  big army , go and kill Rama, Lakshmana and other  monkeys.”                                                                                                           51.19

When the king of Rakshasas told like this to Dhoomraksha who had great  prowess ,  became happy  and saluted him and left the home of the king.                                                                                    51.20

As son as he reached the gate , he told the commander of the army, “Please speedily mobilize the army. What is the need for further delay .”                                                                                                      51.21

As soon as the commander of army heard these   words of Dhoomraksha , he immediately  and arranged for the army out of those who followed him as  per order of Ravana.                                              51.22

Those very strong horrible looking Rakshasas who had a bell tied to their neck , made happy noises and followed Dhoomraksha.                                                                                                                              51.23

Equipped with every type  of weapon and   brandishing spears, hammers, maces, harpoons, sticks, iron cudgels, bars, clubs, javelins, missiles, nooses and axes, those terrible Rakshasas  emerged from there with the noise of thunder.                                                                                                                51.24-51.25

Wearing armours , mounted on chariots  which were magnificently dressed with flags and decorated with bands of pure gold, and pulled  by  mules  and many heads of horses  of exceeding speed  or  by elephants in furious rut , those excellent Rakshasas went forth like veritable tigers.            51.26-51.27

Dhoomraksha climbed  and set out on a chariot drawn by mules  which had  lion or deer  like face and dressed in gold .                                                                                                                                            51..28

That very valorous Dhoomraksha  surrounded by a big army of Rakshasas  came out through the western gate where Hanuman  was stationed.                                                                                       51.29

Climbing on a chariot drawn by  mules and howling like mule when that horrifying Rakshasa    who had a huge form  was proceeding birds of ill omen on the sky prevented him .                                         51.30

A very huge vulture alighted on the top of his chariot  and that devour of corpses  clustered around his flag.                                                                                                                                                                 51.31

A very bleeding white headless  body  fell from the sky on earth  and inauspicious sounds were heard when Dhoomraksha was approaching  and  there was a rain of  blood from sky and earth trembled. 

                                                                                                                                                             51.32-51.33

The wind with noise similar  thunder blew adversely. Every direction   was  obscured by  great darkness, did not shine.                                                                                                                                                51.34

Seeing those happenings   all  the Rakshasas were scared and seeing those very bad omens, Dhoomraksha   became worried and all those Rakshasas who were marching ahead of him were  greatly scared.                                                                                                                                                           51.35

Then, Dhoomraksha, the highly terrible and strong demon, surrounded by very horrifying big Rakshasas , eager to enter into combat, set out and beheld that army of a multitude of monkeys, resembling a flood, protected by the arms of Rama.                                                                                                               51.36

 

Thus ends the fifty first chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

52.Hanuman kills Dhoomraksha

(A great war ensues between   monkeys and Rakshasas. Dhoomraksha starts killing several monkeys. Hanuman interferes and kills Dhoomraksha,)

Seeing  the  very valorous Rakshasa called Dhoomraksha    coming out , the monkeys who were longing for a war roared with joy .                                                                                                                               52.1

A very horrible battle ensued between the monkeys and Rakshasas  and they killed each other with horrifying trees and maces  and lances.                                                                                                        52.2

The terrible monkeys were killed by the Rakshasas from all sides and monkeys also turned the Rakshasas flat to the earth using their trees.                                                                                                                  52.3

The very angry Rakshasas  also  using very sharp  winged arrows which went like winged eagles  paralyzed  the monkeys .                                                                                                                                52.4

While being torn asunder by the Rakshasas with terrible maces, spears, hammers, frightful iron bars and variegated tridents and  the mighty monkeys fearlessly accomplished their tasks with an excitement born of anger.                                                                                                                                           52.5-52.6

With body pierced by arrows and  body split by spears , the monkey chiefs took trees and stones  for the sake of fighting.                                                                                                                                                      52.7

Those very swift monkeys  roaring aloud , harassed the huge Rakshasas  by calling out their names.  52.8

That horrifying  battle with all kinds of rocks and trees having  many branches between monkeys and Rakshasas  appeared wonderful.                                                                                                                         52.9

Rakshasas were crushed by those  fearless  monkeys  and those Rakshasas   who drank blood   vomited lot of blood.                                                                                                                                                           52.10

Some  Rakshasas were cut open  on all  their sides. Some were transformed into a heap by the trees. Some others were crushed by stones and yet others torn to pieces by the monkeys teeth.              52.11

With their flags crushed and broken, their swords snapped and their chariots overturned, some Rakshasa were  greatly  worried.                                                                                                                    52.12

Crushed  by the mountain like stones , the mountain like Rakshasas  and the beaten horses  along with their riders were lying on the earth.                                                                                                           52.13

The very  great valorous monkeys  jumped swiftly on the Rakshasas  and with sharp nails scratched the faces of the Rakshasas.                                                                                                                                 52.14

With very wan faces and with their hair torn out of their head , and maddened by the smell of blood , those Rakshasas fell on the ground .                                                                                                          52.15

Some other very angry and greatly valorous Rakshasas  ran towards the monkeys to  slap them with their diamond like hard palms ,                                                                                                                 52.16

The monkeys  with their fists,  feet , teeth and with trees crushed   those who were rushing towards  them with great speed.                                                                                                                              52.17

The bull among Rakshasas Dhoomraksha seeing that his army is being destroyed , started to create bloodshed among the  monkeys who wished to fight.                                                                       52.18

Some monkeys  hit by the spears gave rise to blood shed  and some of them hit by the axe fell on the earth.                                                                                                                                                           52.19

Some were crushed by  the iron bars, others torn by harpoons, some others pierced by javelins, and  all  of them got exhausted and lost their lives.                                                                                          52.20

Some of those monkeys lost all their blood and fell on the   ground  and some of them were driven out by that  angry Rakshasa.                                                                                                                           52.21

With pierced hearts some of them were lying towards one side and  in case of some of them who were pierced by arrows  and spears, the intestines came out.                                                                   52.22

That great  and terrible battle that took place between Rakshasas and monkeys made the earth crammed with  weapons , trees and stones .                                                                                      52.23

With the twang of the bow  providing music, the neighing of the horses the beats  with trumpeting elephants providing the vocal music , that battle was like a music opera.                                   52.24

Dhoomraksha holding a bow  with a laugh made the monkeys run helter-skelter   by the continuous hail  of arrows.                                                                                                                                                   52.25

Hanuman seeing that his army was greatly disturbed by Dhoomraksha , in great anger turned towards him with a very huge stone.                                                                                                                   52.26

Hanuman who was as valorous as his father , with eyes turned doubly red by anger , threw that huge stone towards the chariot  of Dhoomraksha.                                                                                    52.27

He seeing the stone coming towards the chariot ,  hurriedly took a mace  in his hand and jumped     from the chariot  and stood on earth.                                                                                                          52.28

Shattering his chariot with its wheels, its pole, its crest along with banner and bows, that rock rolled down to the ground.                                                                                                                             52.29

That Hanuman, the son of wind god after breaking the chariot , destroyed the Rakshasas with a huge tree  along with its branches.                                                                                                               52.30

With their heads crushed, the Rakshasas were drenched with blood. Some others were crushed by the trees and fell down to the earth.                                                                                                                  52.31

That Hanuman, the son of wind God after driving away the Rakshasas , took a mountain peak and started running towards Dhoomraksha.                                                                                                     52.32

That valorous Dhoomraksha  holding a mace   ran  with  a roaring sound towards   Hanuman who was  suddenly coming to attack him.                                                                                                                  52.33

Then that Dhoomraksha speedily with anger brought town the thorns studded mace  on the head  of Hanuman.                                                                                                                                                       52.34

That Hanuman, who was as strong as the wind god  , was in no way disturbed by that blow but struck Dhoomraksha on the middle of his skull with his rocky peak.                                                               52.35

Having been beaten by the mountain peak , with all his  limbs broken , Dhoomraksha fell on the ground , like a mountain.                                                                                                                                             52.36

Seeing that Dhoomraksha is  dead the  surviving Rakshasas  greatly frightened of being killed by the monkeys  entered back in to the town of Lanka.                                                                                   52.37

That famous  Hanuman the son of wind god   having destroyed his enemies and  causing rivers of blood to flow,  becoming tired   by  the slaughter of his  enemies, with delight, received the cordial  respects  by the monkeys.                                                                                                                                         52.38

 

Thus ends the fifty  second chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

53. Ravana sends Vajradamshtra

 

(A great heroic sorcerer Rakshasa called Vajradamshtra is sent by Ravana. In  spite of ill omens he comes out     through the southern gate . A great war takes place  between Rakshasas and monkeys.  Angadha interferes in the battle.)

 

After he saw that  Dhoomraksha   is dead, Ravana , the king of Rakshasa , was greatly enraged  and hissed like a serpent.  And polluted  by anger  , he talked to the  cruel and very strong Vajradamshtra .

                                                                                                                                                                53.1-53.2

“Oh warrior , go  ahead  along with the Rakshasas  and kill Rama , the son of Dasaratha as well as Sugreeva .”                                                                                                                                                    53.3

That leader of Rakshasas  who was a sorcerer answered “So be it”   and departed with many divisions of the army which  surrounded him. With the utmost attention, he assembled teams of elephants, horses mules camels and chariots adorning them with conspicuous flags and banners and he himself was well-prepared.                                                                                                                                               53.4-53.5

Wearing colourful bracelets   and head gear and covered with an armour , he started armed with a bow.

                                                                                                                                                                         53.6

 That army general  went round the Shining  chariot  decorated by flags   and which had with ornaments of molten gold  and climbed the chariot.                                                                                                53.7

Infantry of every kind issued forth, holding  in their hands  weapons such as clubs, excellent javelins, smooth pestles, harpoons, bows, lances, spears, swords, discus, maces and sharp axes.       53.8-53.9

Greatly lustrous and well dressed Rakshasa  Chiefs , mounted on elephants with rut looked like moving mountains .                                                                                                                                                    53.10

There  were experts in war , holding  riding with  lances and goads   on  other very strong elephants and had good   qualities.                                                                                                                                    53.11

 That great army   which had great luster like clouds  with lightning and  thunder in the rainy season, paraded    and then they came out of the southern gate  where Angadha was the general.        53.12

When those Rakshasas were starting they noticed bad omens like meteors falling from a cloudless  yet burning sky , howling of fearless jackals howling   and belching out fire.                              53.13-53.14

Those horrible animals foretold  the destruction of the warriors  and the Rakshasas going out for war stumbled and fell down.                                                                                                                             53.15

The very strong  Vajradamshtra   with great luster ,   in spite of noticing this evil omens , assumed great courage  and came out with interest in the war.                                                                                   53.16

The Monkeys looking forward for a victory , after seeing them come out  gave rise to very huge sound  that filled all the ten directions.                                                                                                                  53.17

Then a tumultuous battle between the monkeys and Rakshasas     commenced , which was horrible , furious  and promoted desire to kill each other .                                                                                   53.18

Some people very energetic  and enthusiastic in war, their neck and bodies  being   cut fell on earth with the entire bodies coated    with blood.                                                                                                   53.19

Some others who were armed with a shield , fought with each other  and threw  various types of weapons at each other .                                                                                                                            53.20

A great sound was heard from the trees. Stones  and all the weapons used  and hearing that great noise   broke the hearts  of the people .                                                                                                            53.21

A terrific noise of the wheel-rims of chariots and the bow, along with the tumultuous sounds of conches, kettle-drums and tambours  also arose there.                                                                                     53.22

Some Rakshasas , left out  weapons and  performed the fight   only  with their arms. The Rakshasas were beaten and their bodies made greatly wounded by the monkeys  who were  fighting  with arrogance, with their palms, feet, fists, trees and knees. Some Rakshasas were crushed to powder with rocks.

                                                                                                                                                            53.23-53.24

Vajradamshtra frightened greatly those monkeys   by use of his arrows and appeared to them like God of death with his noose moving at  time of deluge .                                                                           53.25

Armed with  weapons and experts in war  having participated in several wars  those  very angry Rakshasas    started killing  the monkeys in battle .                                                                           53.26

The son of Vali seeing all those  Rakshasas fighting the war , due to anger became twice his size  and started killing  like  the fire killing everyone                                                                                            53.27

The valiant Angadha with his raging red eyes lifted a tree and killed all those  army  of Rakshasas , like a lion killing small animals. Angadha, with his prowess  was resembling that of Indra the Lord of celestials and  was a terrific destroyer of the enemies.                                                                              53.28-53.29

Those greatly valorous  Rakshasas  struck by Angadha  had  their heads shattered  and fell down like  chopped  trees.                                                                                                                                          53.30

The earth then appeared scary  as it was covered with chariots, conspicuous flags, horses, bodies of monkeys and demons  and with streams of blood flowing there.                                                   53.31

That battle-field, decorated with necklaces, bracelets worn on upper arm, garments and umbrellas  of  the killed   persons looked like  a night  in autumn.                                                                            53.32

Due to the great swiftness  of Angadha  that great army of Rakshasas trembled  like the cloud trembles due to fast wind.                                                                                                                                        53.33

 

Thus ends the fifty  third chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

54.Angadha kills Vajradamshtra

 

(Vajradamshtra inflicts heavy casualty among the monkeys.  They go and seek protection from Angadha. A great war  takes place between Angadha and Vajradamshtra.  At last Angadha kills Vajradamshtra   by a sword in the battle field.)

 

Seeing his own army being destroyed   by Angadha , the very strong Rakshasa Vajradamshtra  became  very much enraged.                                                                                                                                     54.1

Stretching his great bow  which shined like  the thunderbolt of Indra , he dispatched  several rain of arrows  on the monkey army.                                                                                                                   54.2

The chief among all Rakshasas  climbed in to the chariot  and fought   with many  type   of weapons .

                                                                                                                                                                         54.3

Monkeys who were the  most valiant animals that jump  assembled , used stones   as their weapons   and fought  on all sides.                                                                                                                              54.4

In that war the Rakshasas hurled thousands of weapons  swiftly  and they fell  those monkey warriors and their chiefs.                                                                                                                                            54.5

Also the monkeys who had great power   , who resembled elephants in rut,  took , mountains , trees and stones  and rained them down on those Rakshasas                                                                              54.6

Between those great warriors consisting of Rakshasas and monkeys  , who both never  retreated in battle  , a great battle ensued.                                                                                                                    54.7

Some monkeys and Rakshasas , with their shattered heads, but without  arms and legs, lay on the earth bathed in blood with their bodies wounded by weapons,  became a prey   to herons vultures and crows or were  devoured by troops of jackals.                                                                                            54.8-54.9

Monkeys and Rakshasas fell  down on the battle-field and  headless trunks  with their limbs cut off in the war ,  jump  up  causing  great  fear   to all the fearful.                                                                         54.10

All the army of Rakshasas of Vajradamshtra  were killed in front of his eyes by the monkey army  and his army was thus broken up.                                                                                                                          54.11

Seeing the Rakshasa saw army was scared  and killed by the monkeys The famous Vajradamshtra with reddened eyes due to anger entered the monkey army holding a bow  and frightened them.54.12-54.13

The famous Vajradamshtra   who was greatly enraged  by sending sharp arrows decorated by eagle wings  and which flew straight    to the target , started  killing the monkeys  in fives, sevens and nines  together.                                                                                                                                                              54.14

The frightened monkeys with severed limbs  ran towards Angadha like the living beings run to Brahma , the lord of creation.                                                                                                                                           54.15

The son of Vali seeing the defeated  monkey warriors  , with great anger  exchanged hateful  glances with Vajradamshtra.                                                                                                                                         54.16

Then Vajradamshtra and Angadha fought   war with each other and strolled with great anger like the lion and the elephant in rut.                                                                                                                         54.17

Then Vajradamshtra hit the very strong son of Vali   on his vital parts of the body  with arrows resembling   hundred thousand flames of fare.                                                                                       54.18

The very strong son of Vali with blood drenching all his body  , threw a tree at Vajradamshtra of great prowess.                                                                                                                                                         54.19

That Rakshasa was not bothered seeing three falling on him  and with his arrows he cut it in to several pieces   and made them fall  on the ground.                                                                                          54.20

Seeing the great strength of Vajradamshtra, Angadha who was monkey similar to a tiger  took a huge rock  and threw it with loud noise against him.                                                                                    54.21

Seeing the great rock coming at him, Vajradamshtra  was not bothered  but jumped from his chariot and with a mace stood facing the rock in the battle-field.                                                                          54.22

The Rock thrown by Angadha  went straight in  to the battle field  and crushed the chariot , the horses and the chariot  driver.                                                                                                                             54.23

Then that monkey took a huge mountain which was decorated   with lot of trees and threw it    at Vajradamshtra ’s head                                                                                                                           54.24

Vomiting blood that Vajradamshtra fainted  , holding his mace with convulsions  and breathed heavily for a moment.                                                                                                                                         54.25

Regaining his consciousness and Waking up with great anger he hit the son of Vali on his chest with his mace .                                                                                                                                                      54.26

Then he threw away his mace and engaged in a boxing  encounter  and both of them hit each  other  by their fists.                                                                                                                                              54.27

Greatly exhausted by the blows, spitting blood, those valiant warriors were like the planets Mars and Mercury.                                                                                                                                              54.28

Then the very greatly lustrous  Angadha who was a  tiger like monkey  uprooted a very huge tree along with its leaves and flowers   and waited.                                                                                      54.29

The demon also  seized hold of a shield covered with the hide of a bull and also a great beautiful sword decorated richly with a multitude of golden bells.                                                                    54.30

Desiring for victory, the monkey and the Rakshasa , making roaring sounds, roamed about in different ways and dashed against each other.                                                                                           54.31

With their wounds shining red like the flowering Kimsuka  tree , exhausted by the battle both of them sank on the earth with their knees.                                                                                                  54.32

The elephant like monkey Angadha within a second rose up from the earth  like a serpent beaten by a stick.                                                                                                                                                       54.33

The mighty Angadha  hit at the giant head of Vajradamshtra with a well-sharpened and stainless sword.

                                                                                                                                                               54.34

Killed  by the sword, that  glorious head of Vajradamshtra, with his limbs drenched in blood and eyes rolled  and , fell into two pieces.                                                                                                      54.35

Noticing that the Vajradamshtra    was slain, the very scared trembling Rakshasas    ran towards   the city of Lanka  with dejected faces looking pitiable and with downcast heads.                   54.36-54.37

After killing that great Vajradamshtra  that son of Vali was honoured  him for his great courage in the middle of the monkey army  and looked like  Indra surrounded by the devas.                     54.38

 

Thus ends the fifty fourth chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

55.Ravana sends Akampana

 

(Akampana the great Rakshasa is sent by Ravana. In spite of ill omens he also proceeds to the battle field. In a great battle he kills large number of monkeys. Kumuda, Mainda and Nala start facing him in battle.)

 

When the king of Rakshasas Ravana heard about the death of  Vajradamshtra , he spoke these words to the general of his army who was standing  near with saluting hands.                                                     55.1

“Let the undefeatable  and greatly valorous  Rakshasa called Akampana  who is skilled in all weapons  go out as head of the army.”                                                                                                                                55.2

“He is one who punishes, protects  , leader and an expert in war  and he forever wishes my welfare and likes to fight in war.”                                                                                                                                        55.3

“Without any doubt he will win over Rama, Lakshmana and Sugreeva  and kill all those horrible monkeys .”                                                                                                                                                                          55.4

Immediately obeying the command of the very strong Ravana  and that one who  was greatly valorous  mobilized the army .                                                                                                                                         55.5

Those foremost of  the Rakshasa  with terrifying looks , armed  with every kind of weapon  were  fearful to look at and  rushed into the fray where their general had dispatched them.                                   55.6

He  who was similar to cloud and of the colour   of the cloud got in to a chariot  which was  and huge decorated with ornaments of molten gold  went surrounded by dreadful Rakshasas.                      55.7

In a great battle even devas where unable to defeat Akampana  and he was shining like Sun in splendour.                                                                                                                                                         55.8

When he was speedily going ahead wishing greatly for a battle , the horses drawing his chariot suddenly were deprived of their energy.                                                                                                                    55.9

The left eye of Akampana who was interested in war  twitched  and his face became pale  and his voice became shaking .                                                                                                                                          55.10

Though it was a good day  it was made bad by horrifying and speedy  winds  and birds and beasts   started shouting in a very cruel tone.                                                                                                     55.11

That Rakshasa who was having a shoulder like lion and agility of a tiger , without thinking about these omens  speeded towards   the battle field.                                                                                           55.12

When that Rakshasa was going accompanied by other Rakshasas , a great horrifying sound arose  even making the sea tremble.                                                                                                                           55.13

The monkeys who were ready for the battle with trees and stones were  scared by that great sound  caused by the coming Rakshasas.                                                                                                          55.14

A huge war broke out between the monkeys and Rakshasas  , who had determined to even give up their life for sake of Rama and Ravana.                                                                                                        55.15

All those strong ones were  very much like the mountains and the monkeys and Rakshasas were  desirous of killing each other.                                                                                                             55.16 

 The tremendous sound of those  warriors, yelling in their  anger  and strength, making savage cries, were distinctly heard on the battle-field.                                                                                        55.17

A very huge coppery blood coloured  thick dust  was raised by  the monkeys and Rakshasas  and covered all the ten directions.                                                                                                                         55.18

When that whitish dust that resembled a shaken white silk cloth  which rose covered each other , all the beings in the battle field were not able to recognize each other .                                            55.19

Neither  the flag ,  the banner and  the shield, nor horse, nor  weapon nor  chariot could be identified  in that pall of dust.                                                                                                                                 55.20

A great  confusing   clamour, of warriors, making challenges  crying  and rushing upon each other, was heard on the battle-field, yet in that confusion, no form was visible.                                    55.21

In that great confusion  in that battle monkeys killed monkeys themselves  and Rakshasas killed  Rakshasas themselves.                                                                                                                    55.22

Those monkeys and Rakshasas killing each other also their own people  led to the rain of blood which dampened the earth  and anointing the bodies with mud.                                                      55.23 

Due  to the  stream  of  blood being sprinkled , the dust settled down and  the earth could be seen covered  with corpses and bodies.                                                                                               55.24

The Rakshasas  and the monkeys vigorously  and swiftly struck each other with blows from trees, spears, maces, javelins, stones, bars and picks.                                                                                       55.25

With the huge shape like the mountains and with their hand strong as   iron , those monkeys killed the Rakshasas in battle.                                                                                                                        55.26

The Rakshasas also got very angry  and with darts and javelins  in their hands  stuck the monkeys with these   cruel weapons .                                                                                                                 55.27

Akampana who became very angry cheered the Rakshasas  using his great strength   as well as valour.

                                                                                                                                                           55.28

However the monkeys leapt  upon them and snatched their weapons through their strength and crushed those demons with blows from large trees and stones.                                         55.29  

Meanwhile the valorous monkeys Kumuda,  Nala and Mainda  became very angry  and displayed unsurpassed   speed.                                                                                                                   55.30   

 Those exceedingly valorous  chiefs of monkeys, just like a play , in the battle-front, with mighty blows of trees, created a great carnage among the Rakshasas. All of them repeatedly crushed the Rakshasas with every kind of weapon.                                                                                                      55.31-55.32

 

Thus ends the fifty  fifth chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

56. Hanuman kills Akampana

(Seeing that Hanuman is killing lot of monkeys and they are  not able to face him, Hanuman starts opposing Akampana. A great war ensues between them and Hanuman kills  Akampana. All people honour him.)

Seeing the extremely  good work done by the great monkeys in the battle-field Akampana got in to fierce anger  and intensified the war.                                                                                                                56.1

Seized by very great anger after seeing the good work done by enemies , Akampana took  hold of his great bow  and told his charioteer.                                                                                                                   56.2

“You quickly drive the chariot to that place for  innumerable Rakshasas    are being killed  in that place.”

                                                                                                                                                                               56.3

“There the very strong monkeys who have a huge body  and they are beating   with trees and stones , my chiefs.”                                                                                                                                                         56.4

“I want to kill all of them who  are praising themselves in the battle  as I am seeing that they are harassing   the army of Rakshasas. “                                                                                                           56.5

Then he  who is a great  hero of those who  fight in chariots  ,  he being  in a chariot  drawn by very fast horses , from a distance troubled the monkeys by his arrows.”                                                             56.6

The monkeys were no longer able to maintain their formation, much less fight in the battle and all of them were crushed under the arrows  of Akampana and took to their heels.                                        56.7

Seeing those attacked by Akampana are    getting in to the control of death , the mighty Hanuman went to help his clan.                                                                                                                                                  56.8

All the valiant and best  monkey chiefs seeing the great monkey with them grouped  themselves under him.                                                                                                                                                                     56.9

All the monkey chiefs seeing Hanuman standing courageously  assumed more courage    and stood with the courageous one.                                                                                                                                      56.10

Akampana like Lord Indra rained   many arrows  on Hanuman    who was standing as firm as    a rock.

                                                                                                                                                                          56.11

Not minding  the flood of arrows that kept on falling him,  that Hanuman resolved   in his mind to kill Akampana.                                                                                                                                                      56.12

Laughing loudly  that greatly lustrous Hanuman    who was the son of wind God leapt on the Rakshasa Akampana leading to the shaking of earth.                                                                                              56.13

He was burning with great energy  and shouting loudly and assumed a form  which cannot be defeated .

                                                                                                                                                                         56.14

Hanuman  the monkey chief who was angry , having realized that he was unarmed speedily uprooted a mountain and held it .                                                                                                                                 56.15

That Hanuman holding that mountain in his hand , letting up a great roar  began to spin it rapidly.56.16

Just Like Indra rushed with his Vajrayudha against his enemy Namuchi, Hanuman rushed   towards Akampana.                                                                                                                                                56.17

Akampana seeing him approaching him  carrying with  him a chain of mountains ,  using an arrow  with crescent end powdered it from distance itself.                                                                                56.18

Seeing that the mountain he carried was powdered by the arrows of the Rakshasa  and falling to the ground , Hanuman became greatly angry.                                                                                       56.19

That monkey in a great anger uprooted a  Aswakarna tree  which was as large    as the mountain .

                                                                                                                                                                 56.20

That greatly lustrous one holding  that Aswakarna  with great number of branches , tightly  holding it spun it  while standing on the ground.                                                                                             56.21

Then, the highly  angry Hanuman began to run with great strides, breaking down the trees  around him  by his strength and tearing up the earth with his feet.                                                                 56.22

He knocked down elephants, people riding  on elephants , chariots , charioteers  and the terrific infantry of the Rakshasas.                                                                                                                                 56.23

Seeing  Hanuman as angry as God of Death  and  was taking away lives in the battle, the Rakshasas   started running away.                                                                                                                          56.24

That  valiant Akampana seeing  that Hanuman was  dangerous and greatly angry and was creating great scare among the Rakshasas became worried and let out a huge shout.                                  56.25

With fourteen sharp arrows Akampana wounded pierced and wounded  the  body of Hanuman  who was greatly valorous.                                                                                                                         56.26

That great  warrior Hanuman , riddled by the rain of those iron shafts  , looked like a mountain on which plants had grown up.                                                                                                                        56.27

That mighty Hanuman of great strength with a large body  which shined like a fire without smoke and resembled a blooming Asoka tree.                                                                                                  56.28

Then Hanuman with great speed uprooted another big tree  and stuck the head of Akampana , the Rakshasa general with it .                                                                                                                 56.29

When the great one Hanuman who was very angry hit him with a big tree , the Rakshasa   fell dead .

                                                                                                                                                              56.30

Seeing the leader of Rakshasas Akampana lying dead on the earth , the Rakshasas were perturbed and shook like the trees at the time of earth quake.                                                                                        56.31

All those beaten Rakshasas who were  defeated , ran towards the city of Lanka   and monkeys  followed them.                                                                                                                                                                   56.32

Their hair loosened, bewildered, their pride broken by defeat, their limbs dripping with sweat, those Rakshasas  fled, blowing out their breaths.                                                                                              56.33

Mad with fear , looking back again and again , crowding and crushing each other   all of them entered the city .                                                                                                                                                         56.34

After the very strong Rakshasas   entered  the city of Lanka , all the monkeys together  appreciated and honoured Hanuman.                                                                                                                                    56.35

Hanuman who was  of noble nature   and happy   , respected back all of them according  to their rank  in a way suitable to the occasion.                                                                                                                 56.36

Those  strong monkeys who have won shouted according to their ranks  and they once again dragged  and brought  all those  Rakshasas left over  in the battle field.                                                         56.37

That great monkey who was born to wind god , having met and killed some Rakshasas  enjoyed the luster of heroism just like Lord Vishnu felt happy after  killing mighty Rakshasas of immense power in the battle field.                                                                                                                                                  56.38

Then, the groups of devas , along with Rama himself, the exceedingly strong Lakshmana, Sugreeva and other monkeys and the mighty Vibheeshana paid homage to Hanuman.                                      56.39

 

Thus ends the fifty  sixth chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

 

57.Prahastha , the commander –in-chief goes to the war

 

(Ravana decides to send Prahastha to the battle field. He tells Ravana that he should have returned Sita. With a huge army in spite of very bad omens   he comes out of the  eastern gate.)

 

When he heard about the  killing of Akampana, the king of Rakshasas  after  becoming very angry , with a depressed face looked over all his ministers.                                                                                              57.1

After thinking for a little time and holding discussion with his ministers  that Ravana spent the forenoon  going round the city  and inspecting his army.                                                                                              57.2

That city  decorated by flags and banners was guarded  by large numbers   of  Rakshasas and filled with innumerable troops.                                                                                                                                         57.3

Ravana , the king of Rakshasas after seeing his town besieged , at the critical time spoke to Prahastha  who was an expert in war.                                                                                                                               57.4

“Oh expert in war , I do not see any other hope for deliverance of this city which is besieged  and devastated except war .”                                                                                                                                 57.5

"Either myself or Kumbhakarna or yourself who is  my army-chief or Indrajit or Nikumbha and none else could  carry the burden of this great task.”                                                                                                  57.6

“For that reason, you   take hold of a large army  and placing yourself in its middle , go ahead  and achieve victory  over the monkeys.”                                                                                                             57.7

“As soon as you take your decision, the monkey army  which is not stable would run away on hearing the roaring of Rakshasa chiefs.”                                                                                                                     57.8

"The monkeys are unsteady, misbehaved and fickle-minded. They cannot tolerate your sound, similar to elephants cannot tolerate  the lion's roar.”                                                                                           57.9

“As soon as Rama and Lakshmana see that their army is running away, being without any support, they would fall in your hands unwillingly.”                                                                                                      57.10

“A suspected   danger is preferable to the definite one. Though it is for us or against us, please tell what you consider    as good for us.”                                                                                                                57.11

When Ravana told like this to Prahastha who was his commander-in-chief , he spoke to Ravana similar to Usana  the guru of Rakshasas speaking to Maha Bali .                                                                      57.12

“Oh king, earlier we had discussed about this matter with our wise  ministers and after discussion, difference of opinion arose between us.”                                                                                           57.13

“To return Sita  was proposed by me as preferable  and not to do war , as I could foresee  this.”

                                                                                                                                                                     57.14

“I suggested that we return Sita  as a preferable alternative  and not doing so meant war between us.”

                                                                                                                                                                   57.15

“I am not bothered about my wives, riches and sons but  am going to sacrifice my life for your sake in this battle.”                                                                                                                                               57.16

The commander in chief after having spoken like this to his king Ravana , told like this to army captains  who stood before him.                                                                                                                           57.17

“Gather a very large   army of Rakshasas  and today flesh eating birds and animals would feast upon the  dead bodies of enemies struck down by me   by my sharp arrows.”                                  57.18-57.19

As soon as they heard these words those very strong captains of the army  assembled a very huge army in front of the house of that Rakshasa.                                                                                                57.20

Within in a very short time , the city of Lanka was filled by those  elephant like Rakshasa soldiers  who were armed with many weapons.                                                                                                        57.21

When some of those Rakshasas  propitiated the fire God and Brahmins  a  ghee   scented breeze started wafting in that city.                                                                                                                                57.22

Some of those of those Rakshasas wore garlands  of different shapes chanted  with   some sacred  formulae .                                                                                                                                               57.23

With bows and armours those Rakshasas marched  when Ravana was watching them  and went and stood surrounding Prahastha.                                                                                                            57.24

Then, Prahastha who got ready with his weapons and armour, after saluting the king and striking a terrible kettle-drum, mounted his chariot, which was kept ready, yoked  with  extremely swift horses, well controlled by a charioteer, emanating a noise resembling that of a large cloud, actually shining like moon-light, undefeatable  with a flag bearing an ensign of snake, with a good collision-guard, with nice wheels and decorated with a net of pure gold smiling as it were in its magnificence.    57.25-57.27

As per the orders of Ravana ,  speedily Prahastha climbed  the chariot and left city of Lanka  along with a huge army.                                                                                                                                               57.28

When that commander-in-chief started  the sound of kettle drums and conches filled the entire world.

                                                                                                                                                                    57.29

The Rakshasas  with huge forma and bulky   bodies proceeded ahead   of Prahastha shouting with dreadful   sound.                                                                                                                                      57.30

Narantaka, Kumbhahanu, Mahanada and Samunnata, attendants of Prahastha sallied forth, surrounding him on all sides.                                                                                                                                         57.31

He came out of the eastern gate along with a very horrifying  well divided army  , which resembled the herd of elephants.                                                                                                                                     57.32

In the middle of that ocean like large army , Prahastha marched   appearing like God of death at time of final deluge .                                                                                                                                               57.33

Along with the very loud war cries raised by them, all the beings of the city of Lanka also   made very fearful   answering cries.                                                                                                                           57,34

In the  cloudless sky there appeared birds which eat flesh and blood  and flew from left to right around the chariot.                                                                                                                                                    57.35

Fearful jackals vomited forth fire and flames, howling repeatedly. A meteor fell from the sky and the wind blew harshly.                                                                                                                                      57.36

The planets were  in opposition to each other and   lost their brilliance. The clouds, with their raucous sound, showered blood on Prahastha 's chariot and dampened those who were walking in front of it.

                                                                                                                                                                57.37-57.38

A vulture which was facing south landed on the flag of Prahastha  and started making noises seeing both directions  depriving of the  war time luster.                                                                                           57.39

When the charioteer  who was Suta entered the battle ground , the goad from his hand  slipped and fell on the ground several times.                                                                                                                   57.40

The rare splendorous luster that enveloped Prahastha vanished and immediately   the horses  stumbled and fell on the ground .                                                                                                                             57.41

Seeing Prahastha who was well known for his valour  and excellent character  advancing to the battle field , different type of monkey armies advanced towards  him.                                                      57.42

After that  , an exceedingly tumultuous clamour arose among the monkeys as they tore up the trees and seized  them as well as  took hold of huge rocks.                                                                                 57.43

Both the armies of the yelling Rakshasas  and the roaring monkeys were delighted, impetuous and powerful with impatience to slay each other and were  challenging each other with great shouts.

                                                                                                                                                             57.44-57.45

After that  evil minded Prahastha marched towards  the monkey army , hoping for victory , with accelerated speed , just like the grass hopper marches fast towards the fire.                                57.46

 

Thus ends the fifty  seventh chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

58.Nila kills   Prahastha

 

(Prahastha caused havoc in the monkey army by killing huge number  of monkeys. Nila  the commander –in-chief of the monkey  rmy fought with him   with great valour  and killed him. Rama and others appreciated him.)

 

Seeing Prahastha  coming out prepared for the war , Rama with a smile asked Vibheeshana the destroyer  of enemies.                                                                                                                                  58.1

“Who is this big bodied one  who is coming  with great speed   surrounded  by a huge army? Please  tell me about this Rakshasa who appears to have great valour.”                                                               58.2

Hearing words of Rama Vibheeshana  replied, “ This Rakshasa    called Prahastha is the commander in chief  and he commands  two thirds of the army of  the king of Rakshasas. He has great prowess, valour   and  strength.”                                                                                                                                          58.3-58.4  

Then Prahastha of huge proportions and huge valour   , surrounded  by  very many huge Rakshasas   who were roaring  came out  and saw the very huge army of the monkeys , which made him  angry and shout at the top of his voice.”                                                                                                                            58.5-58.6

Swords, lances, daggers, darts, spears, clubs, maces bars, barbed missiles, various kinds of axes and different bows glittered in the hands of demons, who were running up towards the monkeys  in search of victory.                                                                                                                                                     58.7-58.8

Those tiger like   monkeys who were desirous of  fighting  took hold of many flowering trees  and long and thick stones.                                                                                                                                                 58.9

When they both met a very huge war commenced  and they rained on each other  large number of arrows and stones.                                                                                                                                            58.10

In that  war many Rakshasas killed  very many monkey chiefs and  many monkeys killed very many Rakshasas also.                                                                                                                                                    58.11

Some monkeys were destroyed  by spears and some others by finer weapons. Some were struck by iron bars and some others were slit by axes.                                                                                                          58.12

Also , some fell breathlessly on the  earth  and some were destroyed by the arrows aimed at them with their hearts split open.                                                                                                                                       58.13

Some of them cut by the sword of Rakshasas, trembled  and  fell on earth  and with spear the sides were split open   in case of some.                                                                                                                              58.14

Even the  Rakshasa    army  on all sides were crushed and made to fall  on  the earth by the furious monkeys with tree and mountain-peaks.                                                                                                       58.15

Having been hit with thundering blows  with their hands and terrific  smashing  with their fists, the faces and eyes of Rakshasas were wounded. The Rakshasas vomited great amount of blood.                   58.16

Cries of pains and roars like  lions  and tumultuous sounds were heard in the battle between Rakshasas and monkeys.                                                                                                                                                     58.17

The monkeys and Rakshasas followed   the path of valorous heroes   and they with the cruel and hostile eyes  did many acts with great    courage.                                                                                                      58.18

Narantaka Kumbhahanu, Mahanada and Samunnata all these ministers  of Prahastha killed the monkeys.                                                                                                                                                               58.19

Dvivida  with a mountain peak killed Narathanka who  was speedily rushing after monkeys and killing them.                                                                                                                                                                      58.20

The monkey Durmukha uprooted a huge tree  and with a ready  hand  and crushed  the Rakshasa called Samunnatha .                                                                                                                                                        58.21

The energetic Jambhavan with a great  anger seized a huge rock and threw it on the chest-region of Mahanada                                                                                                                                                              58.22

Then Khumbahanu who attacked Tara  one of the greatest warriors  with a huge tree , received a huge blow from him and died.                                                                                                                                    58.23

Prahastha who was riding on a  chariot  could not tolerate that act  and horrible bow in his hand  caused lot of destruction among the monkeys.                                                                                                          58.24

Then when both armies moved rapidly , a great sound arose  which was like the roar of the ocean which was tempestuous, unfathomable like at the time of deluge.                                                         58.25

Prahastha who was an expert in war, with great anger troubled the monkeys by a great rain of arrows in that great battle.                                                                                                                                                 58.26 

The bodies of dead monkeys and Rakshasas covered an extensive area of land  and looked like a very hideous mountain.                                                                                                                                            58.27 

The ground which was covered by the blood looked like   fully blossomed Palasa trees   with red flowers in the spring season.                                                                                                                                         58.28 

 With the heaps of warriors for its banks,  the broken weapons as  its trees, the flowing   blood  as its huge waves, death appeared like an ocean receiving its floods and had  livers and spleens as  its mire, entrails as  its moss, severed heads and trunks  as the fish, and morsels of flesh  as the grass, the innumerable vultures as  its lovely swans, herons  as its geese and  covered as it was with fat which was  the foam, the tumult the sound  as  its waters, the battle field resembled a river, incapable of being crossed by cowards and   which was  visited by water-fowls at the end of the rainy season and  those Rakshasas and the foremost of the monkeys crossed over that impassable river, as elephants lead their herds across a lake of  the lotus flowers  which is covered with pollen.                                       58.29-58.33

Then Nila saw  Prahastha sitting on the chariot   and finishing off the monkeys using  the rain of arrows.

                                                                                                                                                                               58.34

Seeing Nila who was running  towards him in the battle field , similar to the wind  in the sky  moving away huge clouds , Prahastha, the commander of the army  attacked Nila from his chariot which was shining like Sun.                                                                                                                                       58.35-58.36

That expert among archers who was excellent drew the bow  string  and sent several arrows aimed at Nila in that battle field.                                                                                                                                      58.37

Those arrows which were like furious serpents, which were sent by Prahastha   came with very great speed  and after hurting Nila fell on the ground.                                                                                        58.38

That great monkey  Nila who was valorous  hurt by those   arrows which were like a flame , got up   for hitting the difficult to be attacked Prahastha  uprooted  one big tree and jumped on him.    58.39-58.40

Unable  to  stop the series of arrows  of that evil minded Rakshasa, Nila received them all  with closed eyes.                                                                                                                                                                    58.41

Like a bull  standing under the torrential showers of the autumn which came quickly, Nila with closed eyes  tolerated the impassable shower of arrows  of Prahastha though it was difficult to be tolerated.

                                                                                                                                                                              58,42

Greatly enraged by the arrow rain , hurling   a very huge Sala tree  at them  Nila killed the horses  of Prahastha.                                                                                                                                                            58.43

Then Nila with his mind filled with great anger  quickly broke  the bow of the evil minded Rakshasa   and shouted again and again.                                                                                                                                  58.44

Being deprived of his bow , that Prahastha who was the army chief  took hold of a horrifying mace  and jumped from the chariot.                                                                                                                                   58.45

Those two army chiefs  who were shivering due to the enmity between them , with all their limbs covered with blood , were standing like elephants in rut.                                                                           58.46

Like lion and tiger in their gaits , like lion and tiger in their gestures  those two heroes tore at each other with their sharp teeth  and they both who were destroyers of enemies , thirsting to obtain great fame  fought like Indra and Vrithrasura.                                                                                                         58.47-58.48

With great exertion  Prahastha hit Nila on his head with his mace  and blood oozed from the forehead of Nila.                                                                                                                                                                        58.49

After that , that monkey Nila  whose entire body was smeared with blood , became angry  and seized a huge tree  and struck Prahastha   on his chest.                                                                                           58.50

Without any thought about  that hit  , taking another huge mace , that chief of the army   ran towards Nila  who was a monkey.                                                                                                                                  58.51

Then that monkey Nila seeing Prahastha running towards  him in great speed , took hold of a huge rock with great speed.                                                                                                                                                58.52

Seeing Prahastha who longed for war and was fighting with a mace , Nila took a big rock   quickly and threw  it at him.                                                                                                                                                   58.53

That great rock released  by Nila   the monkey chief  broke the head  of Prahastha  in to very many pieces.                                                                                                                                                                    58.54

That Prahastha who lost his breath, was disfigured and dead, bereft of his senses and at once fell on the ground like a tree cut up by the root.                                                                                                               58.55

Blood flowed profusely from his broken head  and blood also streamed from his body like a waterfall in the mountain.                                                                                                                                                      58.56

After seeing Prahastha , their leader being killed by Nila, his unshakeable   army of Rakshasas became confused  and withdrew in to Lanka.                                                                                                                58.57

After their army chief was killed , the army could not continue to stay  firmly in the battlefield , like water cannot stay near a breached bridge.                                                                                                    58.58

That Prahastha the chief of Army having been slain, those demons became  dumb , dispirited and inactive, went back  to the abode of their king. They became unconscious as if they  were plunged in an ocean of burning grief.                                                                                                                                       58.59

The victorious  Nila, however, was honoured by Rama and Lakshmana for his  great job  well accomplished and experienced supreme joy.                                                                                                58.60

 

Thus ends the fifty  eighth chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

59.Ravana   enters the battle field

 

(When Prahastha was killed Ravana himself entered the battle field. He send back , his commanders, sons and brothers to guard the fort and fort the monkeys along with his army. He hurt  or killed large number of monkey chiefs.  Lakshmana who fought with him was greatly wounded by his spear. Rama fought and defeated him  but spared his life at that time and send him back.)

 

When in the battle with the bull among monkeys  seeing that many Rakshasas as well as their chief had died in the battle they who were having huge weapons , with a speed of the ocean ran away .          59.1

They all went to the king of Rakshasas   and told him  that their chief was killed by the son of fire God  and hearing to their words , the Rakshasa chief  became very angry.                                                        59.2

After having heard that Prahastha was killed in the battle , The heart of Ravana was filled with grief as well    as anger  and then he told the chiefs of army  , similar to Indra talking to Deva chiefs.             59.3

“This   enemy should not   be underestimated because  they killed the commander of my army  as well his army and elephants who had earlier defeated the army of Indra .”                                                59.4

“So without any hesitation , I shall myself go to the wonderful  battle field  for killing the enemies and getting victory .”                                                                                                                                                 59.5

“”I shall myself burn the monkey army along with Rama and Lakshmana  by using several arrows like a forest is burned  by setting it fire  and then I shall satisfy the earth by performing oblations with monkey blood.”                                                                                                                                                                   59.6

After saying this  Ravana , the enemy of Indra mounted  the chariot which was shining like  flame of fire  which is yoked to excellent horses  which had excellent shining body.”                                                  59.7

Then the king of Rakshasas went along  with sound of kettle drums, conches , cymbals,  clapping of hands   and line like roars after being honoured and worshipped and after auspicious praises were sung.

                                                                                                                                                                             59.8

That chief king of Rakshasas  along with mountain and cloud  like  meat eating Rakshasas  who had sight like burning torch  and also surrounded by ghosts  and shined like Rudra surrounded by   Devas.  59.9

He who had  great luster and looked like mountain   came out of the city  saw the powerful army of monkeys  who were as big as an ocean holding trees and mountains  , ready for war and roaring like  vast ocean and thunderous clouds.                                                                                                         59.10

Seeing that excessively furious Rakshasa    army , Rama whose hand resembled great serpents  and was accompanied by his own army ,  told to Vibheeshana who is an expert in knowledge of shastras . 59.11

"Who is the  commander  of this army, furnished with every kind of standard, banner and canopy and  armed with javelins, swords, stakes and other weapons and missiles and composed of imperturbable soldiers and elephants as high as the Mahendra Mountain?"                                                               59.12

Hearing the words of Rama , Vibheeshana who has valour similar to Indra   told Rama facts about that great army  who are lead by  the foremost among the Rakshasas.                                                       59.13

“Oh king , the great one who has the face of  black colour and who resembles the rising sun and comes riding on an elephant and making it shake its head is Akampana.”                                                       59.14

“He who is  standing on the chariot and holding a bow  which is  more lustrous than bow of Indra , who has lion inscribed on his flag , who shines like an elephant with curved tusks  and who is famous for the boons that   he received from Brahma  is Indrajit.”                                                                                   59.15

“ That mighty warrior who holds the bow   of unequalled   size  similar  to Vindhya, ashta and Mahendra mountains  and who stands  on a chariot , who  has superior strength  and  has a very huge body is Athikaya .”                                                                                                                                                           59.16

"That  great   one  who has tawny eyes resembling the dawn, riding on   an elephant with its bells jingling, who is shouting aloud and who  is  a strong Rakshasa   is called Mahodara."                         59.17

“He who is climbing on  a horse caparisoned in gold  , who is raising high his spear, who is the speed of the thunderbolt  and resembles a mountain of evening clouds  is Pisacha. “                                      59.18

“He who holds a sharp  spear  with the luster of lightning  , which had  the speed of thunderbolt   and comes riding on an excellent  bull shining like moon , is the well known Trisiras.”                             59.19

“The other one who resembles a thunderbolt , who has large well developed chest . who has a mind that  understands  , who has king of snakes on his flag  and who is moving and twanging his bow , is Khumbha. “                                                                                                                                                                            59.20

“He who is  holding a diamond studded golden mace  , who is lustrous as well as smoky , who is advancing as the flag bearer of the army  is Nikhumbha  who has done wonderful valorous exploits. “

                                                                                                                                                                              59.21

“He holds a bow and arrow as well as sword and has a flag  and has a form of raging fire and who shines lustrously on  the chariot is Naranthaka , who fights with the mountain peaks  in the war.”             59.22

He who is  surrounded by ghosts of dreadful form  and has  rolling eyes, with heads of tigers, buffalo mighty elephants, deer and horses, under an excellent white canopy with slender ribs and shining like a moon and  is the  one who humbles   the gods themselves, shining like unto Rudra amidst the Bhoothas , is the great  Lord of  Rakshasas  there."                                                                                                59.23-59.24

“He wears  swinging ear studs and crown  and is similar to the mountain king Vindhya  and has a huge body , has destroyed the pride of Lord Indra and Lord Yama themselves , is the king of Rakshasas  and  is the one shining like Sun God.”                                                                                                                        59.25

Rama then replied to Vibheeshana who was the destroyer of enemies “What a majesty and what glory has this king of Rakshasas   has?”                                                                                                                 59.26

“Ravana is difficult to be gazed  similar to the Sun, and due o his clear form  which is covered with lustrous radiance  eyes cannot rest on him.”                                                                                               59.27

“The body of the heroes among Devas and Dhanavas    are not similar to his  and does not have a shine like the body of the king of Rakshasas.”                                                                                                       59.28

“All the warriors who fight  along with Ravana are mountain like and use mountain as weapons  and also hold many lustrous weapons.”                                                                                                                       59.29

“Surrounded by the fiery ghost like Rakshasas , Ravana  who is the king of Rakshasas   shines like Lord of death , surrounded by his hideous   assistants.”                                                                                         59.30

“By good luck , that sinner has fallen today on the orbit of my sight  and I will release on him my anger born out of the abduction of Sita.”                                                                                                               59.31

After saying the valorous one took out his great bow  and followed by Lakshmana , drew out an excellent    arrow.                                                                                                                                            59.32

After  that , that powerful Ravana spoke to those exceedingly strong Rakshasas as follows: "Take up your positions unfalteringly and happily at the gates and principal exits, the outposts and fortifications."59.33

“When the enemy knows that I am with you here , taking it as a weak point , the united monkeys may storm the desolate city and  destroy it by surprise.”                                                                                    59.34

Thus the king of Rakshasas dismissed all his ministers and those Rakshasas went back to the city    and Ravana entered the ocean of monkeys , just like a gigantic fish with the intention  would split the entire ocean.                                                                                                                                                                   59.35

Seeing the   king of Rakshasas  holding a shining  bow entering in the battle field  and advancing   in to it , the king of monkeys  uprooting a   huge mountain top  ran towards him.                                            59.36

Holding that peak of  mountain completely filled with trees  , he threw it at the   king of Rakshasas and he seeing it advancing towards him , Ravana using  arrows with golden shafts  broke it into pieces.

                                                                                                                                                                            59.37

When that tall mountain peak with well developed trees    fell down on the ground  that Rakshasa who was the lord of the world , like the God of death  sent an arrow resembling a serpent .                 59.38

Taking that arrow which has the speed of thunderbolt  and possessing the luster of fire  and which  had the swiftness of Indra ‘s thunderbolt , Ravana sent it to kill Sugreeva.                                                59.39

That arrow when released from the hands of Ravana , it having the splendor of  the thunderbolt of Indra  speedily pierced the body of Sugreeva , similar to the spear of Lord Subrahmanya pierced the Krouncha  mountain.                                                                                                                                                          59.40

Wounded by that arrow, which made   him unconscious, that warrior fell moaning  on the earth. Seeing  him falling on the ground, deprived of his senses in the battle-field, the Rakshasas  raised a shout of triumph.                                                                                                                                                         59.41

Then, monkeys  Gavaksha, Gavya, Sushena, Rishabha, Jyotimukha and Nala who all had a very huge   tearing up rocks, rushed towards Ravana.                                                                                                    59.42

That king of Rakshasas using very sharp arrows  made their attacks with things to throw as useless  and with  several arrows well shafted with gold wounded all those chiefs of monkeys.                             59.43

By the arrows of the king of Rakshasas who  was enemy of devas  , those monkey generals having a very  huge form , were wounded and fell on the ground  and afterwards , he started hurting  the monkey army with very many   arrows.                                                                                                                        59.44

The wounded and fallen down warriors  , were stuck with great  arrow of fear  and those monkeys pained by the arrows of Ravana  went and sought protection of Rama, who protects all.                 59.45

Then the great one who was a skilful archer , Rama , took his bow  and set out at once but Lakshmana with  folded hands approached him  and spoke the following relevant words.                                  59.46

“Oh Noble one , my skills are sufficient to kill  this very bad  one and so permit me so that  I can kill that Ravana.”                                                                                                                                                            59.47

The truly valorous Rama  who was greatly lustrous told him, “Go Lakshmana    and be successful  in this fight .”                                                                                                                                                               59.48

"Ravana is endowed with great strength and possesses an outstanding prowess during a war. The Three Worlds themselves could not withstand his fury. There is no doubt about it."                                 59.49

“Hide your weaknesses  while searching for his weaknesses  and then protect yourselves properly with your eye    as well as the bow.”                                                                                                                    59.50

Lakshmana after hearing the words of Raghava hugged him  and worshipped him  and after saluting him went   for  the battle.                                                                                                                                     59.51

Then he saw Ravana with elephant like hands  with a huge bow which was greatly shining  who with a great rain of arrows was  attacking  those monkeys whom he had wounded badly .                      59.52

Seeing this the greatly lustrous Hanuman who was the son of wind God  to put an end to that  magic of arrows  rushed towards Ravana.                                                                                                                59.53

After approaching the chariot ,  valorous Hanuman lifted his left arm  and threateningly spoke the following words to Ravana.                                                                                                                         59.54

“You have got a   boon  that   devas , Dhanavas, Gandharwas , Yakshas    and Rakshasas should not be able to kill you  but not against  monkeys  and therefore they are  dangerous to you.”                 59.55

“This raised  right hand of mine which has five branches  will rob you of your soul  which has been residing  in your body.”                                                                                                                              59.56

The greatly valorous Ravana after hearing these    words of Hanuman , with anger inflaming his eyes  told the following.                                                                                                                                       59.57

“Without any hesitation hit me monkey and get  everlasting fame  and after knowing your strength by that , I shall destroy you .”                                                                                                                        59.58

After hearing the words of Ravana , the son of wind God told” Please remember that  I have killed your son Aksha earlier.”                                                                                                                                    59.59

Once he told this , the greatly lustrous  king of Rakshasas  Struck with his palm    the valorous son of  Wind God.                                                                                                                                                  59.60

Struck by the palm  , Hanuman repeatedly   reeled for a second  but he secured his balance within another second , and greatly enraged  he hit  the enemy of the devas by his own palm          59.61

Struck by the palm of that great monkey , the ten necked was shaken like a mountain when the earth trembles .                                                                                                                                                  59.62

Seeing That Ravana was beaten by a palm in the battle the sages, the monkeys , Sidhas , Asuras and devas  cheered.                                                                                                                                        59.63

After getting his breath back  that greatly lustrous Ravana told  , “Well done , Oh Monkey hero . You are a proper adversary for me.”                                                                                                                    59.64

When Ravana told like this Hanuman replied back, “Cursed   be your strength   for  in spite of my valour, you are still alive .”                                                                                                                                    59.65

“Oh evil minded one, why this boasting? Now again strike me and then  my fist will send you to the world of  god of death.”                                                                                                                          59.66

Hearing the words of Hanuman,  Ravana ‘s     anger was greatly inflamed and then with  blood shot eyes  , lifting his right fist with great zeal hit  forcefully  at that valorous monkey.                      59.67-59.68

Hanuman who was stuck on his broad chest  reeled again and again  and seeing that might Hanuman was exhausted , Ravana turned his chariot  towards  Nila.                                                                59.69

The ten necked king of Rakshasas  With great serpent like arrows which can pierce greatly , wounded the vital parts of  Nila , the   commander of monkeys .                                                             59.70-59.71

That Nila the commander of the monkey army  tormented by the flood of those arrows , with one hand lifted a mountain top and threw it  on the chief of Rakshasas.                                                                 59.72

Meanwhile, Hanuman  of   a great   mind, burning with courage, regained his breath and in his  battle rage  cried out furiously towards Ravana, the Lord of  Rakshasas who was  occupied in fight with Nila as follows: "It is not proper to engage in a combat with another  person when  he is    already doing a fight with another."                                                                                                                             59.73-59.74

But that greatly lustrous Ravana  using seven  very sharp arrows struck that mountain and it fell down , broken in to pieces.                                                                                                                                          59.75

The commander of the monkey army observed  that  the mountain was broken in to pieces  and that destroyer of the enemy  due to his anger glowed like fire  of death.                                                    59.76

In that fight, Nila hurled Aswakarna trees, Sala trees with extensive flowering, Chuta trees and other various types of trees.                                                                                                                                    59.77

Ravana confronted all those trees  and broke them to pieces   and rained many horrendous arrows at the son of  the fire God.                                                                                                                                59.78

Showered by large number of arrows as if it was raining from the cloud  , that very strong one assumed a very tiny form  and jumped to the end of the flag of Ravana.                                                           59.79

Seeing that the son of fire God was sitting on his flag post , Ravana burned with   anger and then Nila shouted loudly.                                                                                                                                             59.80

Seeing that monkey occupying the tip of the flag, tip of the bow and tip of the crown , Lakshmana, Hanuman and Rama were greatly astonished.                                                                                       59.81

That greatly lustrous Ravana  seeing the agility of the monkey was astonished  and then took a wonderful and greatly lustrous  arrow called agneyastra( arrow of fire.)                                         59.82

Thereafter, those monkeys who felt happy  to see Ravana disconcerted at the agility of Nila and having found an occasion for jubilation, shouted joyously.                                                                             59.83

Greatly provoked by the shouting of the   monkeys  was confused in his mind and did not  know what has  to be done .                                                                                                                                          59.84

Ravana  using that arrow of fire  god  shot at Nila , the monkey who was sitting on the top of his flag.

                                                                                                                                                                        59.85

That king of Rakshasas  Ravana who was greatly lustrous  told to Nila, “Oh monkey  you are extremely agile and endowed with knowledge of magic.”                                                                                      59.86

“Oh monkey now , if you can try to save your life , though you are doing numerous acts  of various kinds  which are worthy of yourself.”                                                                                                                   59.87

“In spite of that , the great arrow that I am releasing   charged with mystic strength  , would take away your life, which you are trying to protect.”                                                                                              59.88

After saying like this the great  king of Rakshasas Ravana , after placing the arrow on the bow  ,  struck the commander of monkey army with it.                                                                                                 59.89

That arrow with mystic power  , hit Nila on the chest  and he was completely burnt   down and fell on the floor .                                                                                                                                                        59.90

Due to the powerful help from his father  and his own innate luster  Though he was brought to the knees on the floor , he did not lose his life.                                                                                              59.91

The ten necked one interested in fighting war , after seeing the monkey lying unconscious rushed in his chariot towards Lakshmana.                                                                                                                        59.92

That Ravana  who was  the  greatly famous  the king of Rakshasas  approached Lakshmana who was in the middle of battle field , halted Lakshmana and   stood before him  lifting his great bow.      59.93

That Lakshmana   who had indomitable courage  spoke  to Ravana who was raising    his indomitable bow “Oh king  of Rakshasas , you please fight with me as you should not fight     against monkeys.”  

                                                                                                                                                                           59.94

Hearing those words of Lakshmana     resembling   the twang of  a bow in  full pitch of that sound , Ravana approached Lakshmana , came near to him and spoke these furious words.                       59.95

“Oh son of Raghu clan, due to good fortune , at last you have come within ambit  of my sight , so that   you will meet   your death  Immediately you would be  going  the land  of death  after you are killed by the hail of my arrows.”                                                                                                                                  59.96

Then without expressing any surprise  seeing Ravana who was roaring through his teeth “OH king of evil doers , you have been boasting about  yourself  and dignified people   do not roar.”                      59.97

"Oh  King of Rakshasas I know  about your valour, strength, energy and courage.  Come  here as  I   now stand here, with my bow and arrows in hand. Of what use are vain boasts."                                     59.98

Riled like this the king became enraged    and loosened  seven of  great  arrows  which were decorated by great feathers , which Lakshmana broke with  gold ornamented arrows  which had sharp edges.

                                                                                                                                                                           59.99

Seeing that the arrows were broken like the hoods of  great Cobra were  shattered , Ravana got very angry  and dispatched several sharp arrows.                                                                                         59.100

The younger brother  of Rama then showered  large  number of arrows  called Kshura, Ardha Chandra, karni and  Bhalla  using his bow  and broke arrows of Ravana   without getting perturbed.         59.101

Seeing that  his various sets of arrows are going in vain , the king who was enemy of devas  was greatly  astonished  at the skill of Lakshmana  and once more sent several arrows.                                     59.102

That Lakshmana who was equivalent  to Devendra  fixed on his bow sharp and  lightning like swift arrows , which were  greatly  lustrous  and sent them aimed at Ravana with an intention   of killing him.

                                                                                                                                                                        59.103

Then  Ravana the King of Rakshasas  shattered those pointed arrows and struck Lakshmana in the forehead with a shaft as bright as the Fire at deluge  , which had been bestowed on him by Brahma the Lord of Creation.                                                                                                                                         59.104  

Being hit by Ravana’s arrow Lakshmana  reeled a little and holding firmly his bow , he regained his consciousness  and he with difficulty shattered the bow of  the enemy of Indra and devas.       59.105

Then after breaking his bow  ,  the son of Dasaratha stuck  and pierced   the king with three arrows, he swooned and later regained consciousness  with great difficulty.                                                   59.106

That Ravana who was the enemy of devas , whose bow was broken  and limbs shattered and greatly wounded  letting out blood , with formidable energy seized  a spear gifted to him by Lord Brahma  for continuing the battle .                                                                                                                            59.107

Then Ravana , the lord of the country of  Rakshasas  hurled  on Lakshmana    with all  his strength  that spear  which was shining and burning like fire  , emitting  smoke  and frightening the monkeys in the battle field.                                                                                                                                               59.108

The younger brother of Bharatha  with several arrows  and darts stuck that spear  as if it is a sacrificial fire but  that spear entered the  broad chest  of Lakshmana .                                                        59.109

The mighty son of Raghu clan    fell hit by the  very mighty spear  on earth and was breathing hot breath and the king  suddenly rushed  there and brutally seized him  in his two hands.                       59.110

Though he could  earlier lift Himalayas, Mandhara and Meru mountain along with the Gods  there , he could not lift  the younger brother of Bharatha.                                                                              59.111

The son of Sumithra though he was wounded  on his chest  by the weapon given by Lord Brahma , he recollected that he was   a minute part of Lord Vishnu himself.                                                   59.112

Ravana the thorn on   the body of devas  who had removed the pride of devas and dhanavas , though he could   hit Lakshmana ,  he was not able  to carry  him with his hands.                                       59.113

At that time the very angry son of wind God  rushed towards Ravana  and struck him angrily  by his fist which resembled    the thunderbolt .                                                                                                59.114

By  the hit of his fist , Ravana the king of Rakshasas  reeled and fell on the earth   on his knees . 59.115

A lot of blood flowed from his face , eyes as well as his ears  and he reeled and fell motionless  and sat in the middle   of the chariot .                                                                                                                              59.116

Seeing Ravana despite his  very great strength  lying swooned on the battle-field, sages and monkeys began to shout in that  victory  as  also    did the devas  and the Dhanavas.                                           59.117

Then the very lustrous Hanuman  carrying Lakshmana who was wounded  by Ravana   on his shoulders  and brought him nearer to Lord Rama.                                                                                                         59.118

It was due to the friendship and devotion that Hanuman had  towards  Lakshmana , that  made him fight for him    though he could not be moved by his enemies.                                                                        59.119

That spear  leaving Lakshmana who   was  made not conscious  in the battle  went back  to its place  in the chariot of Ravana.                                                                                                                                    59.120

 The greatly lustrous  Ravana who regained consciousness in the great battle field , got hold of his sharp arrows  and  his great bow.                                                                                                                            59.121

Freed  of the lance and healed  of his   wounds , Lakshmana the destroyer of his enemies  recollected that he was a part of   the Lord Vishnu , who was beyond thought .                                                    59.122

Seeing the dead monkey warriors of that great army  in the battle field,  Rama  rushed towards  Ravana.

                                                                                                                                                                           59.123

And then Hanuman approached Rama  and told him the  following words , “You should punish that Rakshasa    riding on my back in the  fight with this enemy of Gods, like Lord Vishnu rides   on Garuda.”

                                                                                                                                                         59.124-59.125

Hearing those words spoken by Hanuman the son of Wind-God, Rama  mounted  on the great monkey, Hanuman. Rama the Lord of men then saw Ravana standing in his chariot in the battle-field.  59.126

When the greatly lustrous one saw him , he rushed to him like Lord Vishnu rushed towards Virochana  with uplifted mace.                                                                                                                                    59.127

After making a twang sound in his bow , Rama  spoke in a deep voice resembling the roll of thunder to Ravana.                                                                                                                                                         59.128

“Oh tiger among Rakshasas , Stay , stay there, after  creating  an act of such displeasure against me, where can you go?”                                                                                                                                  59.129

“ After you have come near me , even if you go and hide in the world of Indra, Yama  the god of death or Sun God  or go away in any of those ten directions , you will not escape from me.”                   59.130

“The one whom you fell by using your spear  went in sorrow but has regained his consciousness  and he assuming the form of death will kill you with your sons and grandsons.”                                     59.131

“He is the one who killed fourteen thousand great Rakshasas in Janasthana , who were horrifying to look at  and who were well equipped with  all great  weapons.”                                                             59.132

When the very strong king of Rakshasas heard these words of Rama  who was being carried  by the very speedy Hanuman in the battle  , with great anger recollected his former enmity with him , stuck him with  the flaming arrows resembling the flame of death at deluge.”                                  59.133-59.134

Though that Rakshasa hit him with his arrows ,  the luster   around Hanuman who  by innate nature was lustrous , further increased.                                                                                                                       59.135

Then the greatly lustrous Rama seeing the wound made by Ravana on the  tiger among monkeys , flew in to extreme rage.                                                                                                                                       59.136

Going near Ravana’s chariot with his sharp and pointed arrows, Rama shattered it along with its wheels, horses, banner, canopy, great standard, charioteer, darts, spears and swords.                               59.137

Then he struck the broad and pretty   chest of the  enemy of Indra with arrows which were similar to  the great Indra  striking  the Meru mountain  with his thunderbolts.                                                 59.138

That king of Rakshasas whom  neither  the fall of thunder or lightning can disturb , nor cause any trembling ,  stumbled  though he was greatly valorous hero  and the bow  that he was holding fell due to the great arrow of Rama , which also injured him.                                                                                 59.139

Rama seeing that Ravana was fainting  took up a lustrous arrow with a crescent tip  and broke his crown which was shining like Sun God  of that king  of Rakshasas.                                                                     59.140

Rama then told  that king of Rakshasas  whose splendour had reduced because of his broken crown , who resembled a venomous snake  and who was bereft of luster  like a Sun who has lost his luster 

                                                                                                                                                                              59.141

“You have accomplished a huge and great job as my brave soldiers have succumbed to your blows . I have made you weak in mind and weary in the body for that reason  and because of that I will not put you under   the clutch of death now.”                                                                                                           59.142

“OH Rakshasa king , I know that you have been tormented in this battle  and so return to your city of Lanka . After you have regained your breath come again riding on a chariot  with your bow and then you will witness  my fighting strength.”                                                                                                                 59.143

When he  heard these words, with his pride and joy destroyed , with his shattered bow , with his horses and charioteer  being slain , with body pierced by arrows and with his crown broken, he immediately  returned to Lanka.                                                                                                                                             59.144

While that mighty Ravana the Lord of Rakshasa   who was  the enemy of devas  and Dhanavas  returned to Lanka, Rama arranged for drawing out arrows from monkeys and from Lakshmana too, in the forefront of that vast battle-field.                                                                                                                   59.145

When that enemy of the king of devas    was defeated , devas, asuras , all beings  from all the directions , all beings of the sea  and all great serpents  and all beings in earth and water  rejoiced.                   59.146

 

Thus ends the fifty  ninth chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

60.Ravana  orders to wake up Kumbhakarna

 

(When Ravana sees there is no other go , he orders people to wake up Kumbhakarna.  With lot of difficulty  he is woken up. After satiating his great hunger and thirst he comes to meet Ravana.   Seeing him from outside the city the monkey army    is  greatly scared.)

 

That king entered the city of Lanka after  with great fear for arrows of Rama , with his pride destroyed  and was greatly troubled in his senses.                                                                                                              60.1

The king was overcome by the great Rama like , the elephant fears the lion and the serpent   fears    the Garuda.                                                                                                                                                                     60.2

The king of Rakshasas  became mad when he remembered  the arrows of Rama  which were like the staff of Brahma  and had great splendour.                                                                                                         60.3

Resting on the auspicious great seat made of Gold , he looked at the other Rakshasas    and spoke the following words .                                                                                                                                                     60.4

“All the great penance that  I did has become useless  for I who am like Indra has been defeated by a mere human being.”                                                                                                                                              60.5

“The terrible words of Brahma  which were told to me that “Please be afraid of human beings”    seems to have come true.”                                                                                                                                               60.6

“I sought from him immunity from death  by  Devas, Dhanavas, Gandharwas  , Rakshasas , serpents  but I did not mention about the human being.”                                                                                                         60.7

"Rama the son of Dasaratha is the man I think of whom Anaranya who was born in the Ikshuvaku dynasty formerly spoke, saying: 'O, the worst of Rakshasas , the worst of your race and the wretched one, In my race will be born a man who will slay you in battle with your sons, ministers, army, horses and charioteer."                                                                                                                                            60.8-60.9

“ Long ago  I was cursed by Vedavathi when I  humiliated her. I think  that Vedavathi in now born as  the greatly fortunate Sita  to the king Janaka.                                                                                                      60.10

"What was predicted by Parvathi the consort of Shiva, Nandikeshvara the attendant of Shiva, Rambha the wife of Nalakubara and Punjikasthala the daughter of Varunda has  now become true for the words of the sages never prove false."                                                                                                                      60.11

“Because of all these  you must all put in  very great effort for my sake. Let all  the Rakshasas go to the top of the charya mountain.”                                                                                                                         60.12

“Awaken that Kumbhakarna who is  matchless  in his great prowess and who is capable of humbling the pride   of  all devas and Rakshasas and who has been cursed by Lord Brahma.                                       60.13

Already knowing that Prahastha  has been defeated  and killed  in the battle, Ravana gave a great order   to the Rakshasa army.                                                                                                                                        60.14

“Guard all the gates with great care    and climb and man the Ramparts  and also please awaken Kumbhakarna who is sleeping soundly”.                                                                                                       60.15 

“Now Kumbhakarna is sleeping happily  with his mind not disturbed by time  and that Rakshasa    sleeps  either nine or seven or ten or  eight months.”                                                                                             60.16

“Nine days he participated in discussion with me  and has then fallen asleep. Quickly awaken  that mighty Kumbhakarna.”                                                                                                                                    60.17

“ The very strong Kumbhakarna , the greatest among all Rakshasas  will soon kill all the monkeys   and the two princes in the battle.”                                                                                                                        60.18

“This Kumbhakarna , the chief among all Rakshasas  performs greatly in battle  but being fond of rustic comforts always stupidly sleeps.”                                                                                                                 60.19

“If Kumbhakarna is awakened there is no worry for me , who has been defeated in the battle by Rama.” 

                                                                                                                                                                             60.20

“What is the use of Indra like strength to me  in this time of great sorrow , if he is not able to help me.”

                                                                                                                                                                              60.21

Those Rakshasas as soon as they heard these words of the king of Rakshasas  , very briskly  with alertness went to the house of Kumbhakarna.”                                                                                           60.22

Entering the beautiful cave of Kumbhakarna, with a large door, having an area of a Yojana on all sides and bearing a floral perfume, the mighty  Rakshasa , though shaken off by Kumbhakarna 's breaths, remained stable forcefully with difficulty in that  cave.                                                                    60.23-60.24

Entering that pretty cave inlaid with gold and precious stones  those tigers among Rakshasas  saw the greatly valorous one sleeping .                                                                                                                         60.25

They together tried to awaken Kumbhakarna who was sleeping in an irregular manner  like a spread-out mountain in a great slumber.                                                                                                                            60.26

His limbs  were covered with  hairy blanket  which stood  to the  end and he was breathing like a serpent,.  Kumbhakarna of irresistible valour emitted dreadful snores through his horrible nostrils  , and his mouth  was  like a gaping hell. Stretched to his full length on the earth, he gave forth an odour of marrow and blood, and his limbs were adorned with golden armlets and he  also wore a crown as bright as the sun. Like this  that lion among Rakshasas , Kumbhakarna, the slayer of his  enemies slept.

                                                                                                                                                                     60.27-60.29

Then those great Rakshasas  in order to satisfy Kumbhakarna when he wakes up kept in front of  him a heap of properly cooked meat of hunted animals  as  high as mount Meru.                                       60.30

Those excellent Rakshasas piled up a great mass of wonderful food with the meat of deer, buffaloes and pigs.                                                                                                                                                                     60.31

Also  the Rakshasas  placed pots of blood and various kinds of meat in front of Kumbhakarna.     60.32

Then they rubbed the destroyer of the enemies with  , the most rare sandalwood paste  so that he would be refreshed  as also  kept divine  flowers garlands and sweet smelling scents near him.  60.33

Then those Rakshasas burnt various types of scented incenses  and sang hymns  of praises about him  who was killer of his enemies  and shouted and made loud noises all around him.                         60.34 

They blew conches which resembled the full moon in colour  and without patience , created tumultuous sound all together .                                                                                                                                        60.35

Those Rakshasas   created sounds by clapping their hands, in order to awaken Kumbhakarna and  also shook him  and created  a great clamour.                                                                                                60.36

The birds passing through the sky ran helter-shelter and fell down  as soon as they  heard  the sounds of the conches, drums, gongs, clapping of hands and lion like roars.                                                      60.37

When the great soul Kumbhakarna was not   waking up in spite of this great sound   , the Rakshasa took hold of pestles, iron rods  and maces and ran towards him.                                                                60.38

Then, those  cruel demons struck that sleeping Kumbhakarna on his chest with mountain-tops, pestles, maces, hammers and their fists.                                                                                                                60.39

In spite of all their strength , the Rakshasas could not stand upright  before the breathing   of that Kumbhakarna Rakshasa.                                                                                                                              60.40

Then those greatly valorous Rakshasas sat firmly among Kumbhakarna  and began to beat drums, cymbals , Kettle drums  and play on different type of conches and trumpets.                                 60.41

Ten thousand Rakshasas surrounded  him  and all at once started beating that giant  who was like a heap of  collyrium  and   tried to wake him up but in spite of that he did not wake up.                           60.42

Since they were   not able to wake him up  they started adopting more energetic and horrifying  methods.                                                                                                                                                        60.43

They starting  beating horses, camels , donkeys  and elephants  with sticks, thongs and whips  so that they trample upon him and  made al beings  blast  conches  and drums  kettle drums .                60.44

They lifted  with all their strength  and crushed his limbs  under very heavy logs and pillars .       60.45

Due to that great sound the huge city of Lanka  along with its mountains and groves was filled with sound but yet he did not wake up.                                                                                                             60.46

Then they started  playing one thousand huge drums all around him  with sticks  of refined gold . 60.47

In spite of all this he did not wake up from his profound sleep  as he was   under  the  spell of a curse  and because of this all the Rakshasas  became angry.                                                                           60.48

All those very greatly valorous ones were   greatly enraged  and those Rakshasas  joined together   all their strength .                                                                                                                                               60.49

Some beat huge drums, some  made great sound   and some of them    tore their hair  and some others bit his ears .                                                                                                                                                     60.50

Some of them poured hundreds of pitchers of water   in his ears  and that Kumbhakarna who was  very deep sleep did not even stir .                                                                                                                       60.51

Some strong ones, armed with rocks and hammers, struck the rocks and hammers on his head, chest and other limbs.                                                                                                                                             60.52

Though wounded by fire missiles on all sides or tied by  several ropes on all sides , that huge bodied Rakshasa   did not wake up.                                                                                                                        60.53

When a  thousand elephants ran up and down on his body then Kumbhakarna lightly woke up and became aware of the pressure.                                                                                                                  60.54

Being insensible to those violent blows of huge stones  and trees  which were hurled upon him, but under the prompting of extreme hunger, Kumbhakarna suddenly sprang up from sleep, yawning due to loss of sleep.                                                                                                                                                    60.55

Waving his arms  which were like   serpent's coils or the peaks of mountains and which  were hard as cut diamonds, that Rakshasa opened  his monstrous mouth like  the face of a submarine fire and  yawned.

                                                                                                                                                                            60.56

When he   yawned horribly  , his mouth  was something like the nether world  and appeared like the sun raising up  under the peak of Meru mountain.                                                                                         60.57

After yawning greatly that Rakshasa woke up  and heaved a sigh which was like a storm from the mountain.                                                                                                                                                           60.58

When Kumbhakarna woke up and stood up , his form  resembled the world at deluge when it is prepared   to swallow all beings.                                                                                                                     60.59

His huge  greatly fire like flaming eyes  had a glitter similar  to lightning  and appeared like the lustrous great planets.                                                                                                                                                    60.60

Then, the Rakshasas  showed to him  various kinds of  eatables , boar and buffalo. The mighty Kumbhakarna devoured  all of them.                                                                                                           60.61

The very hungry  enemy of devas  ate all the  meat and being thirsty  drank all the blood and  gulped several pitchers of  fat  and wine.                                                                                                                   60.62

Understanding that he is satiated   of his hunger  the Rakshasas  saluted him with a bent head    and surrounded him from all sides .                                                                                                                       60.63

With a sleep tied eyes  which was completely  confused and blurred  , he directed his glance on everyone of those Rakshasas and told them.                                                                                              60.64

That great Rakshasa    then soothingly spoke to all other Rakshasas, as he was surprised  to be woken up  and  said.                                                                                                                                                             60.65

“Why have I been woken up by you so suddenly ? Is the king all right?  Is there any danger we are facing?”                                                                                                                                                              60.66

“Or there must be some great danger from an external source  , because you have woken me up so suddenly .”                                                                                                                                                       60.67

“I would now drive away the great fear of the   king of Rakshasa  even if I have to cut Indra in to pieces  or  freeze the fire.”                                                                                                                                        60.68

“Like this for some silly reason I am not normally woken up  and so tell me the  true reason   for waking me up.”                                                                                                                                              60.69

When Kumbhakarna , the destroyer of his enemies spoke   like this excitedly , Yupaksha  the minister of Ravana with hands   folded in salutation told.                                                                                       60.70

“There is not even a little fear created by Gods  at any time  but   there is tumultuous fear created by a man   who is driving us back.”                                                                                                                   60.71

"Oh king,  It is not indeed the devas  or Rakshasas  who have put us in such a peril as it comes to us from a man."                                                                                                                                                           60.72

“Mountain like monkeys have surrounded the city of Lanka  and there is great danger to us from Rama who is  greatly angry due to abduction  of Sita,”                                                                                    60.73

“Earlier a single monkey  burned our city and also killed our prince Aksha  along with his attendants as well as   elephants.”                                                                                                                                     60.74

The King of Rakshasas , who is the son of sage Paulasthya and who is the killer of devas  was told “You go now.”  By Rama  who is equal in luster   to the Sun God.”                                                                   60.75

“That which the king has never suffered    with devas , Rakshasas and Dhanavas , he had to suffer from Rama , who released him from the danger  of his life.”                                                                       60.76

Hearing about the humiliation suffered by his brother     from Yupaksha , Kumbhakarna replied Yupaksha , rolling his eyes.                                                                                                                                          60.77 

“Oh Yupaksha , only after winning over the monkey army  and Lakshmana     and Rama on the battle field  , would I see  Ravana.”                                                                                                                     60.78

“I would satisfy the Rakshasas with the meat and blood  of the monkeys and I myself would drink the blood of Rama and Lakshmana.”                                                                                                             60.79

Hearing these words told by him  with haughtiness and anger  increased by his ferocity , A Rakshasa chief called Mahodhara  saluted him and told him.                                                                            60.80

“Even after hearing the words of Ravana    and  after analyzing  the pros and cons  , oh great one, you can claim victory from the enemy.”                                                                                                                60.81

Hearing the words of Mahodhara , the greatly lustrous  ad very strong Kumbhakarna surrounded by other Rakshasas , prepared  himself to depart.                                                                                   60.82

After waking up  from sleep that Rakshasa with a huge eyes  , who has great body   and great valour , the Rakshasas  went to the palace  of ten necked one speedily  .                                                          60.83

When all of them  went the ten necked one was  seated on the  throne  and all the Rakshasas together  told him with  hands held  in salutation.                                                                                              60.84

"Oh , Lord of Rakshasas , Kumbhakarna, your brother, has woke up  Is it your will that he should enter the battle field from there itself or do you desire him to come here and see you?"                   60.85

Ravana to all those Rakshasas who were  standing before him  told with a glad heart, “ I would like to see him here and so  let him be honourably received  in a befitting manner .”                              60.86

As commanded by Ravana    all the Rakshasas told him, ”So be it”,  returned back to Kumbhakarna    and told him.                                                                                                                                                       60.87

“The king of all the Rakshasas    wants to see you  and so go and tell him what is in your mind and make him happy.”                                                                                                                                                  60.88

Kumbhakarna   who is difficult to be defeated , obeying the orders of his brother  saying “So be it”, got from his  seat to depart.                                                                                                                             60.89

Washing his face and bathing, refreshed and delighted, adorning himself well and feeling thirsty, he hastened them to bring him a drink which can boost up his strength.                                              60.90

Then , those Rakshasas  brought him quickly the wine and various kinds of eatables there, in their hurry to take Kumbhakarna with them as per Ravana's commands.                                                             60.91

After having drunk two thousand pots , he started on his strip slightly dizzy  and  flushed but   full of  energy.                                                                                                                                                            60.92

The angry Kumbhakarna who was going to his brother’s house along with  other  Rakshasas  appeared like  Yama , the God of Death  at the end of time  and he caused the earth to tremble with his footsteps.

                                                                                                                                                                                60.93

He illuminated the royal avenue  by the shine of his body   which resembled the thousand rayed sun  illuminates the earth,  surrounded by a circle of Rakshasas  who were saluting him  and he resembled Indra , the lord of devas approaching the abode of Lord of Brahma .                                                        60.94

Seeing that destroyer of enemies walking in the royal avenue , all the monkeys who were standing outside the town  along with their leaders were frightened suddenly.                                                      60.95

Some of them sought protection from Rama  who protects others ., some of them tottered  and fell down,  and some ran away scared  and some of them were lying down on earth in great   fear.   60.96

Seeing that  huge giant appearing like a great peak, having a  crown and   who seemed to touch the sun with his brilliance, the monkeys were seized with  great fear  and had grown immensely in size or fled hither and thither.                                                                                                                                            60.97

 

 Thus ends the sixtieth  chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

61.Vibheeshana tells about Kumbhakarna

 

(When Rama asks about him Vibheeshana tells that Kumbhakarna was his elder brother. Right from childhood due to his great hunger he used to eat large number of animals and men. Indra , fought with him and was defeated. Then Brahma cursed him , that he would forever sleep.   When Ravana requested he modified the curse saying he would sleep for six  months and then keep awake for a day.  Rama  makes his monkey army ready to battle with him.)

Then the very lustrous Rama  who   was a valorous one and took his  bow  and saw the huge bodied Kumbhakarna   who was wearing a crown.                                                                                                  61.1

Seeing that Rakshasa chief  who was similar to a mountain , taking strides  across like Lord Narayana , Rama became  vigilant.                                                                                                                                    61.2

Again seeing him who was like   appearing like a water rich black cloud  , wearing a golden bracelet on his arm  the army of monkeys started running away .                                                                              61.3

Seeing the monkeys running away and Kumbhakarna progressively growing  in  size , with a great surprise Rama asked Vibheeshana.                                                                                                               61.4

“A valorous Rakshasa who is like a mountain  wearing a crown  with tawny coloured eyes   and looking like a cloud  is seen within Lanka. Who is he?”                                                                                           61.5

‘He is the only one with such a huge body  and is looking like a comet . seeing whom all monkeys are running here   and there.”                                                                                                                               61.6

“I am able to see him with a huge size . Is he a Rakshasa  or asura  and I have not seen such a being any time      earlier.”                                                                                                                                                 61.7

Asked like this by the   prince Rama who never got tired of his actions , the very wise Vibheeshana    told the  son of Kakustha clan like this .                                                                                                               61.8

“He is the very famous Kumbhakarna  the son of Visravas  who had  defeated the God of death as   well as Indra in a battle  and there is no other Rakshasa   who has his size of the body.”                           61.9

"Oh  Rama,  He  had conquered thousands of devas , Rakshasas ,  serpents , asuras, Gandharwas ,  Vidhyadharas and Kinnaras  in battle.”                                                                                                    61.10

“The very strong Kumbhakarna has slanted eyes , armed with a spear  and the devas were not able to kill him and thought that he was God of death personified.”                                                                      61.11

“The very strong Kumbhakarna by his nature  is energetic and mighty and unlike other Rakshasas these   are not attributable to boons.”                                                                                                                    61.12

“That great one as soon as he was born was affected by very great hunger and ate  several thousands of living creatures.”                                                                                                                                            61.13

“While he was eating these living beings ,  greatly scared others went to Indra  and sought his refuge  and also told him the reason.”                                                                                                                    61.14

“The Indra was greatly angry with him and struck him with   his Vajrayudha  but the great soul Kumbhakarna  struck by the weapon of Indra , became greatly agitated  and roared loudly due to anger.”                                                                                                                                                             61.15

“Hearing further the great roar of the Rakshasa Kumbhakarna, the people were frightened further .”

                                                                                                                                                                         61.16

“The very strong Kumbhakarna became very angry with Indra and  pulled out the tusk of Iravatha and  struck it on the chest of Indra .                                                                                                                  61.17

“Due to the hit of Kumbhakarna , Indra was further enraged  and the devas , Brahmin sages and Dhanavas were  further aggrieved  and went  to Lord Brahma.”                                                         61.18

“They informed him of the evil acts of Kumbhakarna and told him how  he ate living creatures , how he punished the devas , how he destroyed hermitages and how he took away wives of others.”

                                                                                                                                                              61.19-61.20

They told him, “If he continues to eat all  living creatures daily  , in a time not far away  the world would become empty.”                                                                                                                                 61.21

After hearing the words of Indra, the grandfather of all the world  called all Rakshasas and Kumbhakarna was also among them.”                                                                                                                                  61.22

Loird Brahma himself was frightened  on   seeing Kumbhakarna  and for consoling others he cursed Kumbhakarna like this.                                                                                                                                  61.23

“It is definite that sage Paulasthya created you for the sake of destruction  of the world  and from now onwards you would sleep looking like dead.”                                                                                           61.24

“Due to the effect of the curse of Brahma , he fell down in front of them  and Ravana who was greatly agitated  spoke as follows.”                                                                                                                          61.25

“Oh Lord Brahma, you are trying to cut a golden tree when it is about to bear    fruits  and it is not proper for you to curse your great grandson like  this.”                                                                          61.26

“There is no doubt that your words would not go in vain. Let him sleep but let there be  some gap between his waking up and sleeping .”                                                                                                       61.27

Hearing the words of Ravana , Lord Brahma told like this, “Let him sleep for six months and let him keep awake for one day.”                                                                                                                                        61.28

“On a single day this valorous Rakshasa , having starved for six months , he would wander all over the earth  and eat the human race with his mouth wide open , like an augmented fire.”                       61.29 

“That Ravana who got in to sorrowful plight  and is frightened by your might   has  awakened Kumbhakarna.”                                                                                                                                               61.30

“This   greatly valorous Rakshasa  has started out of his home  and that very angry one  is running towards us devouring monkeys  on his way.”                                                                                          61.31

“Even by just seeing him , the monkeys have run away  and how can they    try to stop him  in this great battle .”                                                                                                                                                           61.32

“Let all monkeys be told that   it is a machine which is coming forward  and by knowing this they may become fearless.”                                                                                                                                          61.33

Hearing the words of Vibheeshana with the good intention of monkeys to fight , Rama told the following words to commander-in-chief  Nila.                                                                                                                61.34

"O Nila the son of fire-god. Go, and arrange   the entire army. So that they Occupy  the door-ways, high-ways and bridges of Lanka,  and stand ready for  the battle."                                                                    61.35

“Please collect mountain tops , huge trees   and stones and let the monkeys  armed with these   weapons be ready.”                                                                                                                                           61.36

As instructed by Rama, Nila the commander of the monkey army  passed orders to  the army of monkeys accordingly .                                                                                                                                       61.37

Then, Gavaksha, Sarabha, Hanuman and Angadha looking like mountains, reached the gate, taking the mountain-tops.                                                                                                                                                   61.38

Hearing the words of Rama those fearless monkeys  and took  up  huge trees and started tormenting those Rakshasas.                                                                                                                                                61.39

That terrific army of monkeys, with uplifted rocks and trees in their hands, shined  like a huge  collection of gigantic clouds, hanging close to a mountain.                                                                                         61.40

 

Thus ends the sixty first   chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

62.Ravana requests Kumbhakarna to help him

 

(Ravana explains the difficult situation created by the arrival of Rama and the monkey army. He requests Khumbakarna to help him.)

 

Then that great Rakshasa  along with drowsiness  of sleep marched   through the royal avenue  full of royal dignity .                                                                                                                                                     62.1

That one who is extremely difficult to be defeated  surrounded by thousands of Rakshasas started going with rain of flowers from the surrounding homes.                                                                                     62.2

Then he saw the  spacious home of the  king of Rakshasas , covered with golden  grilled windows looking like  the shining sun.                                                                                                                                        62.3

Entering in to Ravana ‘s palace like the sun entering the cloud , he saw his elder brother sitting on a throne like Indra seeing Lord Brahma    seated  on his seat.                                                                  62.4

When he was going to his elder brother’s home surrounded by  Rakshasas, Kumbhakarna   made the earth to shiver with his footsteps.                                                                                                              62.5

When he went to his brother’s home and entered the  inner apartments , he saw his worried elder one sitting on the Pushpaka Vimana.                                                                                                                62.6

Seeing that Khumbakarna has arrived  the ten necked one got up from his   seat immediately  and with joy brought him  near him.                                                                                                                         62.7

After sitting on a comfortable seat  , the very strong Kumbhakarna  saluted his brother  and asked  him, “what needs to be done?”                                                                                                                         62.8

Ravana got up from his seat  and embraced  Kumbhakarna    and when embraced  Kumbhakarna became happy  by his brother and occupied  an auspicious   and Charming seat.                                        62.9    

Then that very strong Kumbhakarna  resting on his seat , with blood shot eyes due to anger  said the  following.                                                                                                                                                    62.10

“oh king , for what purpose have I been woken up by you with great effort ? Tell me from whom do you expect danger for you here and he would be a dead person.”                                                         62.11

Brother Ravana  , rolling his eyes in   annoyance   told   the following to the very angry Kumbhakarna. 

                                                                                                                                                                        62.12        

“Oh strong one , you have been sleeping for a very long time  and as you were sleeping you did not know about the great fear that  I have from Rama.                                                                             62.13  

“This strong  Rama who is the    son of Dasaratha along with Sugreeva  after  crossing the ocean  is cutting short our clan.”                                                                                                                              62.14

“Alas , Lanka , coming by a bridge   the ocean of monkeys   have  covered the entire Lanka   with its   forests  and gardens.”                                                                                                                                62.15

“In the battle the monkeys have killed many of the Rakshasa chiefs  but I am not able to see reduction in the numbers  of the monkeys and the monkeys have also not been defeated  in this war so far.

                                                                                                                                                                     62.16-62.17

“Oh strong one,  a very grave danger has arisen   and I need your help in destroying   them and that is why , you have been woken up.”                                                                                                                     62.18

“You protect this Lanka whose treasury has become empty  and where only children and senior citizens are  left over and also rescue me.”                                                                                                                  62.19

“Oh very strong one , do this difficult to perform act for the sake of your brother  and Oh destroyer of enemies, I have never requested like this to any one before this.”                                                         62.20

"I have a great respect and affection towards you. Oh  the foremost of Rakshasas,  several times, in battles between gods and Rakshasas, you conquered the devas  and Rakshasas after attacking them in the battle."                                                                                                                                                          62.21

“Oh person of  very great  valour, , since there is no one equal to you  in strength in this world, show  your complete strength.”                                                                                                                                  62.22

“Oh person who loves war , Oh Rakshasa who loves your relations  . , perform this excellent job which is very dear   and useful to me  as per your liking . By your own luster blow away all these enemies , like a speedy wind blows away     all  the clouds.”                                                                                                   62.23    

 

Thus ends the sixty second   chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

 

63.Kumbhakarna tries to advise  Ravana,

 

{Kumbhakarna   tells Ravana that he should have taken heed to advice of Vibheeshana. Ravana gets angry, Kumbhakarna promises to kill Rama as well as the monkey  army.)

 

Hearing   to that lamentations of the king of Rakshasas, Kumbhakarna laughed loudly    and then told him.                                                                                                                                                                       63.1

“In the ministerial advisory meeting , the same  bad result was foreseen  by some of us   and what consequence you are facing is  due  to utter disregard  of  the advice of well wishers.”                       63.2

“Like a doer of wicked deeds  falls in to the hell speedily , the punishment for your sinful act  has reached you fast.”                                                                                                                                               63.3

“Firstly you did not properly  think about this course of action and did not think of its consequence  due  to sheer arrogance of your valour.”                                                                                                               63.4

“He  who does duties  which ought to have been done earlier  later  and does duties which ought to be done later , earlier , cannot differentiate between the right and wrong  course of action.”              63.5

“Action not done at proper time and place  gives unexpected results   like offering oblations in   fire  not properly lit gets spoiled.”                                                                                                                                63.6

"He, who acts according to an agreement reached along  with his counselors after considering three types of duties, by harnessing  five types of means, moves along a right course."                    63.7

1). Conclusion of peace through conciliation. 2) acceptance of allegiance through gift. 3) invasion, as a method of coercion.

 1) The method of initiating an actions. 2) Personality and material to be worked upon. 3) Time and place of action. 4) Provision against mischance and 5) chances of success.

 

 “A king who wants to take action as per Sastras, understands it through  his intellect  and counselors  as well as friends  and takes the  right decision.”                                                                                        63.8

“Oh lord of the Rakshasas  a man takes action intending to achieve  Dharma, Artha and Kama or  combinations of any two of them based  on a suitable time.”                                                           63.9

“If any king or crown prince  , having heard about  what  is the best   among these  three types of action  and does not bother about it, all his learning would be waste.”                                                       63.10

“Oh best among the Rakshasas , any  intelligent one  who discusses  with his ministers   and decides on giving away, entering in to peace    or  forging enmity   at a particular time as the suitable course or exhibits his valour   or resorts to all the three together  with or without show of valour  or takes proper action or takes  improper action  at the right time  and  practices Dharma  , Artha or Kama   at the appropriate time   never faces misfortunes in this world.”                                                     63.11-63,12

“A king should do an act aiming  at his welfare in consultation with his ministers  who are  innately intelligent and  who understand   the true state of a situation.”                                                     63.13

“Men like animal intelligence  initiate consultations  and want the advisers  to tell them   advice without knowing  about the proposal or without knowing Sastras.”                                                            63.14

“The advice given by people who do not know Sastras , who do not know recommendations of books dealing with practical life   and who are desirous for great wealth   should not be accepted.” 63.15

"Those men who talk with audacity , some inimical things in a friendly way, are to be kept out of deliberations, as they certainly spoil the work to be done."                                                            63.16

“Some advisors collude with our intelligent enemies and for  bringing  down the destruction of their lord ,make them do wrong  things.”                                                                                                            63.17

“The king should investigate and find out his ministers who try to help his enemies  who are really enemies though they seem to be friends through their conduct   and avoid them in the final  consultations,”                                                                                                                                        63.18

“Outsiders quickly find out the fickle decisions made by the king , who is lead away by false appearances , like the birds find out  about the hole made in Krouncha mountain.”                                        63.19

“Anyone who does not bother about the enemy  and is not bothered to protect himself  would face disappointing occurrences and would be removed from his position.”                                      63.20

“The advice given to you earlier  by our younger brother  is a proper advice to you  and his words were beneficial .Please do whatever you want.”                                                                                      63.21    

When the ten necked one heard   these words of Kumbhakarna  , he twisted his eye brows in anger  and spoke the following words.”                                                                                                                63.22 

“You are advising me like a most respectful teacher . What is the use of this speech which makes you tired .Please do at the proper time the proper action.”                                                                 63.23

“It is a waste of time to mull about wrong actions done earlier  either by error   or due to illusion of the mind   or by taking  shelter on valour.”                                                                                             63.24

“Please think about what is the most suitable action now, without thinking about the past , for past has already gone.”                                                                                                                                        63.25

“if you have  real affection to me ,  if you have faith in your valour  and  if you think that you are  fit  and if you think that my job indeed has to be done , solve with your strength   the problems   due to my wrong conduct.”                                                                                                                                                  63.26

"He who rescues a suffering  soul, whose fortune is ruined  is  his   real friend. He who is ready at hand to help those who have deviated from the right course, is his real relation."                            63.27

Kumbhakarna hearing those  very harsh words spoken by Ravana with great anger  spoke  to him in a slow and smooth manner.                                                                                                                 63.28

Observing that his brother   is angry and perturbed , Kumbhakarna talked  gently  trying to console him.

                                                                                                                                                                 63.29

“Oh king who is the destroyer of your enemies  , please listen to me with attention . Enough of giving way to sorrow like this, Oh king of Rakshasas. Give up your anger and become your normal self.”

                                                                                                                                                          63.30-63.31

“Oh king, as long as I live you should not worry. I would destroy all of them because    you are greatly sorrowing.”                                                                                                                                                    63.32

Whatever may be your situation  , I have to  tell you what is good for you,  I gave that advice because of our relationship and my brotherly affection to you.”                                                                                  63.33

“Now see  what is going to happen in the battle field . I will do    the due to your brother as well as relation , and do the destruction of your enemies .”                                                                                63.34

“Oh great hero, please see  my killing Rama and Lakshmana   in the battle field and the running away of the monkey army.”                                                                                                                                   63.35

“Oh great hero,  I am sure you would be happy on seeing Rama’s head brought by me from the war and Sita would be sad.”                                                                                                                                           63.36

“Let all the relatives of Rakshasas  of Lanka  who have lost their near relatives in battle , see the death  of the most beloved Rama today.”                                                                                                                    63.37

"Today, I shall wipe  off tears of the Rakshasas , who have been afflicted with grief and lamenting because of the destruction of their relatives in combat by the enemies."                                          63.38

“See in today’s battle  Sugreeva the king of the monkeys  who is like a mountain being dissipated like   a huge cloud being dissipated   by the light of the sun.”                                                                           63.39

“Oh faultless one,  why are you looking agitated when you are being consoled by me   and the Rakshasas who are desirous of killing Rama.”                                                                                                            63.40

“Oh king of Rakshasas , Rama will  kill you only after killing me  and I do not have any regrets because of that.”                                                                                                                                                             63.41

“Oh  very valorous  destroyer of enemies , even now you can order me to do anything that you desire   and there is no need to send any one else   to the battle.”                                                              63.42

"I can destroy your enemies, who have a great strength. I can engage in combat with all those persons, whether he is Indra or Yama or the fire-god to the wind-god or even Varuna."                         63.43

“Since I have a mountain like huge body and hold a very sharp spear  and have  very  sharp teeth   ,  even  Gods gets scared of me.”                                                                                                                                 63.44

“Even when I am not armed with any weapon , no one can stand alive  before me  as I can smash the enemies by my strength alone.”                                                                                                          63.45

“Even when I am not armed  with  Javelin or mace  or sharp arrows  , If I get excited , I can even kill Indra with bare hands.”                                                                                                                                   63.46

“If Rama is able to tolerate  the speedy blows of my fist , then my  flood of arrows would drink the blood of Rama.”                                                                                                                                                 63.47

“Oh king, when I am alive  why  do you suffer because of anxiety ? I am now ready to march in to the battle field  for the destruction of  all your enemies.”                                                                    63.48

  Please leave out the great fear of Rama    , for I am going to kill Raghava,  the strong Lakshmana . Sugreeva   also Hanuman who destroyed our city of Lanka,”                                               63.49-63.50

“I am going to eat all those monkeys   who are near me and I want add extraordinary reputation to you.”

                                                                                                                                                                     63.51

“Oh king even if you fear of Indra or Lord Brahma himself  , I would destroy them like the sun removing the darkness for when I get very angry , even devas  will lay down on the floor.”                       63.52

"I shall extinguish even Yama the god of death. I shall devour the fire-god. I shall cause the sun along with the stars to fall asunder on the floor."                                                                                          63.53

“I shall kill Indra , I shall drink the ocean  , I shall crush the mountains and I shall tear up the earth.”

                                                                                                                                                                      63.54

“Let all the beings of the world see the valour of Kumbhakarna who has been sleeping for a very long time  for I am going to eat all of them   and not even the heaven would be sufficient food for me.”  

                                                                                                                                                          63.55-63.56 

"I am going to bring you happiness and make you happy  by the destruction  of Rama. Having killed Rama along with Lakshmana, I shall devour all the chiefs of army of monkeys."                         63.57 

“Oh king , enjoy yourself  , drink as much wine as you like    and throw away all your sorrow  and do your normal jobs for I am going to send Rama to the world of Yama. Afterwards Sita would   start obeying your words.”                                                                                                                                               63.58   

 

 Thus ends the sixty  third   chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

64.Mahodhara advises  Ravana

 

(Mahodhara tells Kumbhakarna that  what he told Ravana was impolite. He also tells him that he should not  go  to the nettle alone. He then tells a plan to deceive Sita  and make her belief that  Rama has been killed.)

 

Hearing those words of the very strong Kumbhakarna with a huge body, Mahodhara   told.     64.1

“Though you are  born in a great clan   you look like one who is a rustic ,Being arrogant you do not  seem to know what is the  right thing to do,”                                                                                                 64.2

“It is not correct to say that our king does not know what is prudent and not prudent   but you like a child   wants to simply talk.”                                                                                                                  64.3

“That great Rakshasa  knows about time and place to do things  , knows when to support and when to attack  and knows about him as well as others.”                                                                              64.4

  A wise man would not attempt to disobey   and not to serve the elders  like one who has rustic brain.” 

                                                                                                                                                                   64.5

“You are  talking as if Dharma , Artha and Kama have a separate existence  but there are no properties known about them to define them.                                                                                                64.6

“Action is the reason and cause for attaining anything  and fruit of prosperity is also obtained by sinful acts.”                                                                                                                                                      64.7

“Apart from Dharma and Artha    other acts which are unjust but aimed at prosperity   also leads one to prosperity.   .”                                                                                                                                        64.8

“All beings   get fruit of good actions in this world and in other worlds  but he constantly does actions   aimed at carnal pleasures also gets joy in this world.”                                                                  64.9

“Because of that , the king liked to do such acts aimed at pleasure   and it has been approved by us also  and what is wrong in doing such acts against the enemy?”                                                    64.10

“As regards your reason for marching alone , it appears to me to be irrelevant and not  so good.” 

                                                                                                                                                            64.11

“How will you conquer   that Rama single-handed  , who all alone killed several Rakshasas in Janasthana.”                                                                                                                                     64.12

“Are you   not seeing very many frightened  powerful Rakshasas who were    conquered by him in Janasthana living in the city.”                                                                                                        64.13

“That Rama   the son of Dasaratha   is like a very angry lion  and you wish to awaken that serpent who is now sleeping.”                                                                                                                                 64.14

"Who would be able   to approach that Rama, who is forever shining with a splendor, dangerous to catch-up and as unbearable as death?"                                                                                        64.15

“To me it is doubtful whether  you would be able to stand  facing him  and I do like the idea of  your going alone there.”                                                                                                                            64.16

“When one loses advantage to an enemy , one  will not  feel like to  surrender to the enemy , but when you have an advantage , why should you lay down  your life like an uncivilized person?”  64.17

“Oh great Rakshasa  how are you proposing to fight with Rama who is greater than all other human beings  and who is equal to Indra   and the Sun God.”                                                                64.18

After speaking like this to the very angry  Kumbhakarna  , Mahodhara in the middle of Rakshasas  told Ravana who makes other people cry .                                                                                          64.19

“Having already captured  the daughter of Videha, why this delay  on your part, because if you desire her , she would be submissive  to you.”                                                                                         64.20

“I have  found out a trick   by using  which would make Sita obey you  and if it is agreeable to your intellect, then please listen to it.”                                                                                                   64.21

"Make a public announcement with best of drums that  myself, Dvijihva, Samhraadi, Kumbhakarna and Vitardana  are the  five Rakshasas  are setting out for the battle to kill Rama."            64.22

“Then we all would go to the battle-field  with effort   and offer fight to the enemy  and if we conquer the enemies  then there is no need for any strategy.”                                                              64.23

“But if the enemy  is able to survive  , we who have fought   shall implement the strategy we thought of in our mind.”                                                                                                                                    64.24

 "Moistened with blood on having our bodies torn with arrows marked with the name of Rama engraved on them, we shall come back here from the battle."                                                              64.25

“We  will come and clasp your feet   saying “We have already eaten Rama and Lakshmana.” And you will fulfill  our request.”                                                                                                                            64.26

“Oh king , then as per our  request  beating trumpets kept on the back of the elephant , you will get announced that Rama , Lakshmana and their army has  been killed.”                                     64.27

“Then being pleased with all of us    you arrange to give  us who are your servants   objects of enjoyment, other  objects of desire  , slaves and gold.”                                                             64.28

"Then,  you will  present garlands, garments and cosmetics to the great heroes  as well as abundant gifts to other warriors and  enjoy yourself by drinking "                                                                      64.29

"When this thick rumour spreads everywhere  that Rama along with his  friends  have been eaten  by the Rakshasas  ,  you approach Sita in private and  after restoring her  confidence and even conciliating her, tempt her with gold and grain, as well as luxuries and precious stones."                     64.30-64.31

“Because of this false  news , , the fear and sorrow will increase  and when she realizes that she has lost her husband , without willingness she  will become yours.”                                                    64.32

“Convinced that her pretty husband   has been lost  , due to hopelessness  and due to flexible feminineness , she will come under your control.”                                                                   64.33

“She   who has brought up with lot of comforts , who deserves happiness but is sorrowing  realizing pleasure depends on you will come under your  control.”                                                     64.34

"After  deep thought  , I have conveyed  this to you  . As soon as you see Rama, a calamity will happen to you . While you stay here itself without fighting, you will obtain a great benefit of happiness. Do not become restless."                                                                                                                            64.35

"Oh  king,  An emperor who conquers his enemies without losing his army, without meeting with danger and without a combat will obtain for long, a great fame, merit, prosperity and glory."   64.36

 

Thus ends the sixty  fourth   chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

65.Kumbhakarna   marches to the battle field.

 

(Ravana makes fun of Mahodhara and permits Kumbhakarna   to march ahead along with protective army. Kumbhakarna assumes a very huge form marches ahead  terrifying all the monkeys.)

 

Hearing the words of Mahodhara, Kumbhakarna  rebuked him   and told his  brother Ravana who was the king of Rakshasas.                                                                                                                                     65.1

”Leave out  the horrible fear that you have towards the bad soul Rama  because I am going to wipe him off.  Be happy without enmity.                                                                                                                     65.2

“Valorous  heroes do not roar like  a waterless cloud  and see  me roaring on completion  of my task.”

                                                                                                                                                                           65.3

“Heroes do not indulge   in self praise  and  without advertising they    would complete   very difficult tasks.”                                                                                                                                                              65.4

“Oh Mahodhara your words are suitable to the kings who are confused  or those who are stupid but consider themselves as learned.”                                                                                                              65.5

“You are all cowards and tell the king what is pleasing him  and  you do things according to wishes of the king leading to destruction  of jobs undertaken.”                                                                                   65.6

“Gaining control of the king , pretending to be friendly with him ,  you have depleted the treasury , got his army destroyed   and made him alone in the town of Lanka.”                                                      65.7

“With the only aim in conquering the enemy  , I shall go the battle today , to set right the wrong policies advised by you.”                                                                                                                                          65.8

When the king of Rakshasas heard these words of great prowess from Kumbhakarna , he burst out laughing and told.                                                                                                                                        65.9

“Oh brother who is an expert in  warfare  , there is no doubt that Mahodhara is scared of Rama  and that he is not inclined  to a war.                                                                                                                     65.10

“Oh Kumbhakarna  there is no one who loves me like you or any one of your strength   and so  go and kill the enemy and return after victory.”                                                                                                     65.11

“ Oh destroyer of enemies, You who were sleeping was summoned by me towards the destruction of the enemy  and this period is indeed great.”                                                                                  65.12

“So go armed with your spear like God of death with  his noose  and eat away all the monkeys and those princes ho shine like Sun.”                                                                                                                   65.13

“Just by looking at your form, all the monkeys would run away  and the hearts of  Rama and Lakshmana would be broken down.”                                                                                                                      65.14

The chief of the Rakshasas after talking like this  to   the greatly lustrous and very strong Kumbhakarna   felt as if he has   taken another birth.                                                                                                      65.15

Knowing about the great strength of Kumbhakarna and also his great prowess , the king was greatly delighted  and  looked   as bright as the moon.                                                                                       65.16

 The very strong  Kumbhakarna who was spoken to in this manner by the king , being ready to fight marched from there.                                                                                                                            65.17

That destroyer of enemies speedily took   a  splendidly lustrous  sharp spear  made of iron  , which was decorated by Gold.                                                                                                                              65.18

Taking hold of that large spear tainted with the blood of enemies which  was  shining like Indra 's thunderbolt and equally heavy, capable of tormenting devas, Rakshasas, Gandharwas, Yakshas and Nagas , wreathed in garlands of crimson flowers with excessive splendor and emitting flames by itself naturally, Kumbhakarna of great brilliance spoke to Ravana the following words.     65.19-65.20

“I am going alone there angry with great hunger   , leaving the army here  and I will eat  Monkeys who are there.”                                                                                                                                                    65.21

“When Ravana heard the words of Kumbhakarna  he told, “Go   surrounded by the army armed with spears  and maces.”                                                                                                                            65.22

“The great monkey who get speedily ready for anything . will destroy any one who is alone   or not careful.”                                                                                                                                                65.23

“So go  surrounded  by  an army  of Rakshasas  very difficult to defeat , go and kill all our enemies,”

                                                                                                                                                              65.24

 Rising up swiftly from his throne, Ravana endowed with a great energy, then placed around the neck of Kumbhakarna, a necklace studded with Manikhya gems.                                                        65.25 

Ravana placed on the person of Kumbhakarna, armlets, rings, excellent jewels  and a handsome necklace.                                                                                                                                           65.26

Ravana made him wear   auspicious sweet smelling garlands   on all his limbs  and gave him ear studs for his ear.                                                                                                                                              65.27

Kumbhakarna who had very large ears   wearing armlet and bracelets  on his upper arms along with ornaments for his breast , shined like fire fed with oblations.                                             65.28

With a large, black and shining string worn round his loins, he was looking like Mandara mountain encircled by a serpent at the time of churning for Amrutham (nectar).                            65.29

Wearing a very heavy golden armour which cannot be pierced by weapons   and shining like lightning  , that king   shined like the king of mountains  , covered  by clouds at sunset.                  65.30

Decorated by ornaments in all his limbs and holding a spear  that Rakshasa shined like Lord Vishnu  in the incarnation of Trivikrama   who was enthusiastic.                                                         65.31

After  hugging his brother and  also after going round him   and saluting him with a bent head  that very strong man departed.                                                                                                                 65.32   

Along with the departing  of the  huge bodied and very strong one , he also send huge sound   and blessings .                                                                                                                                      65.33

He who was a great charioteer   was also accompanied by elephants ,  horses,  chariots  driven by expert charioteers  making great sound   and also loud sound created by conches and drums.    65,34

The very strong Kumbhakarna  who was terrifying was   also followed by  Rakshasas    riding on serpents  , camels, donkeys  , lions, elephants  , wild beasts and birds.                                                 65.35

When he who was the enemy  of Devas  and Dhanavas   armed   with a sharp spear  departed  , a parasol   covered with showers of  flowers was held over his head  and he was  intoxicated   by the smell of  bird   and drinks.                                                                                                                                          65.36

Many Rakshasas , possessing a great energy and great strength, with terrific forms and fearful eyes, as also wielding weapons in their hands, accompanied him as foot-soldiers.                          65.37

The Rakshasas who were difficult  to be defeated    followed, with their red hot eyes, large colossal bodies resembling a mass of collyrium in colour , lifting up spears , swords, sharp axes, javelins, iron rods, maces, mallets and  enormous trunks of Palmyra trees.                                              65.38-65.39

Then, that Kumbhakarna, of a great luster  and a great strength, assuming another body of a formidable and terrific form, with a breadth of a hundred bows and six hundred bows in height, with his eyes resembling the wheels of a cart, looking like a huge mountain and terrible to look at,  departed .

                                                                                                                                                          65.40-65.41

That huge Kumbhakarna who resembled a huge scorched  mountain  and who had a very huge mouth   laughing loudly told the Rakshasas.                                                                                                 65.42

“Now   with great anger   I would burn  that army of   monkey chiefs  in lots  like a flame of fire would burn the moths.”                                                                                                                                65.43

“Of their own  accord those monkeys who wander in the forest have not offended me   and those  monkeys are used in  gardens of city like  us  for  entertainment.                                               65.44

“The primary cause for attacking of our city is Rama accompanied by Lakshmana    and suppose we kill them  all others  are killed and so I will kill Rama today.”                                                           65.45

When Kumbhakarna was speaking this way  to the Rakshasas  all of them gave rise to a loud noise   which  is likely to agitate the ocean.                                                                                             65,46

When the greatly powerful  Kumbhakarna  was departing , from all sides  many omens of several evil forms appeared.                                                                                                                                65.47

Ash coloured clouds resembling donkeys   combined with  meteors  and streaks of lightning  appeared   and the earth trembled along  with forests and oceans.                                                          65.48

Terrifying looking foxes  howled   with  burning morsels in their mouth   and birds  flew in circles   from right to left.                                                                                                                                         65.49

A vulture came and sat on the spear  of Kumbhakarna as he was marching on the road   and his left eye twitched   and his left arm throbbed.                                                                                            65.50  

A burning meteor   fell down   with huge sound  , the sun became lusterless   and wind was not blowing comfortably  .                                                                                                                                    65.51

Not bothering about these evil omens    which caused his hair to stand erect , Kumbhakarna marched on  , driven  by fate.                                                                                                                               65.52

After crossing the ramparts by feet  , that mountain like Kumbhakarna   saw   the wonderful army of monkeys   who looked like a thick spread  of clouds.                                                              65.53

Then those monkeys who saw the Rakshasa chief  looking like  a mountain  , like the cloud dispersed by  wind    ran away from there.                                                                                                      65.54

Noticing   that highly fierce army of monkeys, running away to different directions , similar   to  a net-work of broken clouds, that Kumbhakarna with the hue of a black cloud, highly rejoiced  and  repeatedly  gave out  a roar-like thunder.                                                                                                   65.55

Hearing his terrific roar, similar to the rumbling of the  cloud in the sky, many of those monkeys fell down on the ground, like Sala  trees cut-up by the roots.                                                  65.56

  That great Kumbhakarna   carrying a huge iron rod  and marching   for the destruction of his enemies  looked like Lord Yama   with his punishing rod   at the  time of deluge  and caused great fear among the monkeys.                                                                                                                                     65.57

 

Thus ends the sixty  fifth    chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

66. The monkey army shivers before Kumbhakarna

 

(When Kumbhakarna marched in to the battle field, most of the monkeys started running away. Angadha and other monkey leaders try yo dissuade them.   Mostly they fail in their mission.)

 

 

After crossing the ramparts  of Lanka  , that great one who was similar to a mountain   quickly marched out of  the city.                                                                                                                                              66.1

He shouted loudly  make the sea shiver . the mountains shake  and making the thunder look small  before his voice.                                                                                                                                             66.2

Seeing that Rakshasa with a very huge eyes , who could not be defeated  by  Indra , the lord of clouds  or Yama the God of death and Varuna the God  of ocean ,   all  the monkeys ran away.                        66.3

Seeing them running away   Angadha , the son of Vali  told like this to Nala, Nila  Gavaksha and  the mighty Kumuda as follows.                                                                                                                           66.4

“Where are you going  like  common monkeys  , forgetting your valour and nobility    and trembling with fear .”                                                                                                                                                                66.5

“Oh gentle monkeys return and why are you protecting your lives? This Rakshasa is not  a great expert in war   but he is   a mere  toy of terror.”                                                                                                     66.6

“Oh great monkeys   by our valour   we shall destroy   this very great toy   produced by the Rakshasas and so please come back.”                                                                                                                        66.7

With difficulty  after convincing themselves  , all of them assembled  and holding trees in their hands  , they proceeded towards   the battle field.                                                                                             66.8

Those monkeys who were like the elephants in rut , after coming back,  with great anger hurriedly hit Kumbhakarna.                                                                                                                                             66.9 

In spite of  being  hit by  lofty mountain tops ,  rocks and flowering trees    that very strong one  did not shake .                                                                                                                                                          66.10

The rocks that   fell on his body broke in to hundreds  of pieces  and those flowering trees broke  and fell on the ground .                                                                                                                                           66.11

He  became greatly enraged and crushed   the  army of monkeys who were  greatly lustrous  like a raging fire wood consume   a forest.                                                                                                                   66.12

Many  great monkey chiefs fell down   on the earth   bathed in blood  , resembling huge trees  with red flowers.                                                                                                                                                         66.13

Without looking back those monkeys jumped and ran from there. While some of them  fell in the  ocean some went to the sky.                                                                                                                                66.14

When some of the Rakshasas playfully killed some of the monkeys  others ran away by the same path by which  they had crossed the ocean.                                                                                                         66.15

Some of the monkeys became  pale faced   due to great fear , some ran away to mounds   and low grounds . Some bears climbed on trees  and some escaped running to the hill.                           66.16

Some were drowned in the ocean. Some escaped  into the caves. Some others escaped but  Some could not even stand stable on the ground and  fell down. Some lied down, as though they were dead. 66.17

When he saw   the monkeys retreating from there  Angadha   spoke these words , “”Stay there. We will now fight the battle  and so you can come back.”                                                                                    66.18

“I can  not to find  a place where you can live after retreating from here, even if  you search all over the world . Why are  you bothered to save your lives. Please come back.”                                                66.19

“Oh monkeys who are  freely running away , seeing you like this running away leaving your weapons here , your wives  would make fun of you and so while living you would be equal to being dead.”66.20

“All of us are born  in well known  greatly established  clans  and why are you  getting scared like ordinary  monkeys .It is ungentlemanly  for you to run away leaving all your valour here.”    66.21-66.22

“Where  did all  the boasting words that  were told by you in front of other people when you departed   for the battle fade away.”                                                                                                                               66.23

“The cowards who survive  would  have to hear berating  from other people and so let us follow the path of good people  and so please   abandon this fear.”                                                                         66.24

“If our fated life span is short then   we shall be killed by enemies, fall down on this earth and reach the land of Brahma, which cannot be attained by bad  warriors.”                                                                66.25

“Let us kill our enemies and attain glory  and fame  and if we are by chance killed   we would attain the heaven of the valorous ones.”                                                                                                                    66.26 

“If Kumbhakarna sees the sons of Kakustha clan, he would not go back alive , like  the moths coming near   a burning fire.”                                                                                                                                  66.27

“Suppose we run away   with intention of protecting our lives  just from one person , our fame would  be destroyed.                                                                                                                                                    66.28

Those monkeys   without valour who were fleeing away  told the following words to  the valorous Angadha   who was wearing a golden armlet.                                                                                    66.29

“The horrifying battle   so far we fought with Kumbhakarna is sufficient for us. Since our life is dear to us , it is not time to stay back but flee from here.”                                                                                66.30

Saying these words , those monkey warriors  who saw the huge bodied Kumbhakarna with huge  eyes  scattered in different directions.                                                                                                          66.31

And those fleeing warrior monkeys after hearing the  coaxing words of Angadha which convinced them returned back.                                                                                                                                          66.32

Having been thus cheered up  by the  son of Vali , those commanders of monkey army   stood waiting  for his command.                                                                                                                                     66.33

Rishabha, Sharabha, Mainda, Dhumra, Neela, Kumuda, sushena, Gavaksha, Rambha, Tara and more particularly Dvipada, Panasa and Hanuman marched ahead very quickly, with their faces turned towards the battle.                                                                                                                                                 66.34

 

Thus ends the sixty  sixth    chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

67.Rama kills Kumbhakarna

 

(A terrible battle takes  place between all the monkey chiefs and Kumbhakarna. He inflicts great punishment on them. When he was trying to Sugreeva inside the city of Lanka   , he bites the ears and nose of Kumbhakarna.  When Lakshmana    tries to fight with him, he marches towards Rama    who kills him.)

 

Those huge bodied ones who returned  back hearing the words of Angadha  , with a firm resolution were waiting for the battle.                                                                                                                               67.1

All  those monkeys encouraged by the mighty  words of Angadha with greatly increased energy and confidence  were extremely happy since   they were determined to die  and went with determination to abandon their lives  and engaged themselves in a tumultuous battle.                               67.2-67.3

The monkeys taking in their huge trees and the top of the mountains  speedily    ran towards  Kumbhakarna.                                                                                                                                             67.4

The valorous Kumbhakarna  with a huge body   greatly angry lifted  the mace  and drove away all the monkeys after frightening them.                                                                                                             67.5

Seven hundred, eight hundred and thousands  hit by Kumbhakarna lay sprawled  and scattered on the ground .                                                                                                                                                       67.6

The  very angry Kumbhakarna caught  sixteen  or eight  or  ten or even twenty or thirty  monkeys  and started eating them  like Garuda  ate the serpents.                                                                            67.7

Those monkeys whose confidence was restored  with lot of effort  assembled together  and stood on  all sides  of the battle field  with trees and rocks in their hands.                                                           67.8

The great monkey Dvividha uprooted a mountain similar   to a hanging cloud  ran towards Kumbhakarna who stood like a mountain peak.                                                                                                             67.9

That monkey sprang  and hurled that mountain aimed at Kumbhakarna  but it did not reach him  but fell  on his army.                                                                                                                                               67.10

That  best of the mountains crushed   horses, elephants  and chariots and another mountain top crushed the Rakshasas.                                                                                                                                           67,11

The battle field of Rakshasas  became wet  with blood  of the dead Rakshasas , horses and charioteers  killed  by the fall of that mountain.                                                                                                       67.12

The Rakshasas who were riding the chariot who were resembling  the god of death at deluge   made huge sound  and at once  cut off with arrows   the heads of the chiefs  of monkeys .               67.13

The great and strong  monkeys also  uprooted huge trees  and started  destroying  the chariots, horses, camels as well as Rakshasas.                                                                                                                      67.14

Hanuman who stayed on the sky  started   throwing  mountains , rocks and  various trees   aimed at the head of Kumbhakarna.                                                                                                                                 67.15

That Kumbhakarna  with his spear broke those mountain tops  and shattered those trees which were being  rained on him.                                                                                                                                   67.16

AT this holding  the fierce spear ,  Kumbhakarna  ran towards  that fierce army  but in front of him Hanuman stood holding  a mountain peak in his hands.                                                                     67.17

Then with great anger he struck Kumbhakarna  with great speed using the very huge  mountain  and Kumbhakarna stumbled a little  with his succulent limbs bleeding slightly .                                   67.18

He who was  looking like a lustrous mountain peak  holding that lightning spear tightly  hit Hanuman on the chest  like Lord Subrahmanya  hit the Krouncha mountain    with his great javelin .              67.19

Struck by that mighty  spear on his wide chest  in that battle , Hanuman became perturbed, vomited blood from his mouth  and roared like thunderous clouds  at the time of great deluge.             67.20

When the Rakshasas saw the very perturbed Hanuman  they  suddenly shouted with great joy  and the monkeys felt  restless   and  oppressed with fear  and ran away from the  battle  with Kumbhakarna.

                                                                                                                                                                      67.21

Then after cheering up the army and stopping them,  the very strong  Neela  hurled a mountain top on the  very great Kumbhakarna.                                                                                                                 67.22

Seeing the mountain coming at him Kumbhakarna stuck it with his  fist  and that mountain top  and it  broke in to pieces  and fell down on the ground  with sparks of fire .                                            67.23

The five  very heroic  monkeys, viz. Rishabha, Sharabha, Neela, Gavaksha and Gandhamadana marched ahead quickly towards Kumbhakarna.                                                                                                  67.24

Those five monkeys   struck the large   bodied  Kumbhakarna  from all sides  with stones, tress, palm of their hands and feet.                                                                                                                                 67.25

Kumbhakarna felt that those blows were merely touches and was not perturbed and he  caught hold of the agitated  Rishabha in his hands.                                                                                                      67.26  

Hurt by the hands  of Kumbhakarna  that great monkey  and fell down with blood coming  out of his mouth.                                                                                                                                                         67.27

Then, in  that great fight , the  very angry  Kumbhakarna, the enemy of Indra, beat Sharabha with his fist and Neela with his knee, struck Gavaksha with the palm of his hand and struck Gandhamadana violently with his feet.                                                                                                                                    67.28-67.29

Greatly  perturbed by the blows    received by them being made wet by blood , the monkeys  got scared and fell down  like a chopped Kimsuka tree.                                                                                        67.30

Seeing the  great monkey chiefs falling on earth , thousands of monkeys  ran towards Kumbhakarna.

                                                                                                                                                                        67.31

Those very strong monkey heroes, who were similar to mountains  climbed on him  who was himself looking like a huge mountain , jumped on him and also bit him.                                                        67.32

Those bull like monkeys  attacked Kumbhakarna    with nails, teeth , fists and arms .                   67.33  

That mountain like Kumbhakarna  , with thousands of monkeys climbing on him looked like  a mountain full of overgrown trees.                                                                                                                               67.34  

That very strong one  caught all of  them by his hands and started eating them like Garuda   starts eating the serpents.                                                                                                                                                   67.35  

 Being thrown in his mouth which looked like  a nether world  , those monkeys came out of his ears and nostrils.                                                                                                                                                            67.36

That great Rakshasa who was equal to a mountain  became very angry , broke the monkeys  before he started eating them.                                                                                                                                    67.37  

That Rakshasa  made the earth wet with blood and flesh , like an excited fire at the time of deluge  and 

started walking here and there   among the monkey armies.                                                              67.38

Like Indra with his Vajrayudha    and  like the Yama, the god of death     with his  Goad , Kumbhakarna who was armed with the spear shined.                                                                                                     67.39

Like the fire  burning  the dried up forest in the autumn , Kumbhakarna was swiftly burning away    the monkey army.                                                                                                                                                  67.40    

Those monkeys without a commander   and having their warriors been killed with a great fear roared in rebellious   voices.                                                                                                                                           67.41

When Kumbhakarna was killing large number of monkeys , the monkeys with distressed mind sought  the protection of Rama.                                                                                                                                 67.42

Seeing those defeated monkeys Angadha , the grandson of Indra  ran   with great speed towards  Kumbhakarna.                                                                                                                                               67.43

Holding a peak of mountain in his hand and roaring again and again , making the Rakshasas scared  he followed Kumbhakarna  and threw the peak of the mountain  on the head of Kumbhakarna.     67.44

Struck on his head  by the king of the mountain  by the enemy , Kumbhakarna  shined in great anger and Struck with great speed  the very angry     son of Vali.                                                               67.45-67.46

Kumbhakarna with his very great roar scared all the monkeys  and threw  his spear  on Angadha    with great anger.                                                                                                                                                   67.47

But that    expert in warfare   knowing that spear was going to fall on him , that  great monkey chief  who was very strong  artfully avoided it .                                                                                                        67.48

Speedily jumping up  Angadha stuck   the chest of Kumbhakarna with his palm violently  in anger and thus struck , the mountain like Kumbhakarna became   giddy.                                                          67.49

When he regained his consciousness , that very strong Rakshasa  threw down Angadha by hitting him with his fist  and Angadha fell down unconsciousness.                                                                        67.50

When the tiger like great monkey fell on the earth , Kumbhakarna holding his spear   ran towards Sugreeva , the king of Rakshasas.                                                                                                             67.51

Seeing the very strong Kumbhakarna   rushing towards him ,  the valorous Sugreeva, the king of monkeys sprang up  all at once.                                                                                                                 67.52

He lifting a top of the mountain  and tightly holding it  Sugreeva ran towards  the very strong Kumbhakarna with great   speed.                                                                                                              67.53

Seeing that Sugreeva was dangerously coming towards   him , Kumbhakarna braced all his limbs  and stood facing the king of monkeys.                                                                                                           67.54

Seeing Kumbhakarna   who had his body coated with   monkey blood   as he had several great monkeys, Sugreeva told him.                                                                                                                                     67.55

“You have done a very difficult job my making  great  monkeys fall  and have earned much greater fame by eating them.                                                                                                                                            67.56

“Leave out those monkeys  . What will you do with common beings.? And now try to bear this mountain which is going to be hurled by me.”                                                                                                         67.57

Hearing    those words of strength as spoken by the king of monkeys , that tiger like Rakshasa Kumbhakarna told .                                                                                                                                      67,58

“Oh monkey, you are the grand son of Brahma, being the son   Riksharaja  and you are endowed with firmness and valour . Why are you  roaring?”                                                                                          67.59

After hearing the words of Kumbhakarna  Sugreeva who was holding the mountain firmly  hurled it and it struck Kumbhakarna  on his chest  and it was as strong as Vajrayudha of Indra.                          67.60

AS soon as it struck his  broad chest   that top of the mountain   was destroyed in to pieces  and the monkeys were greatly distressed and Rakshasas   rejoiced and roared.                                            67.61

Struck on his chest by the mountain top , Kumbhakarna became very angry and shouted  in a loud voice with mouth open due to anger  and then he threw his shining spear for the sake of killing   the king of the monkeys.                                                                                                                                                  67.62

Then the son of wind god , jumped up and held that  very sharp , ornamented  with golden wreath which was thrown by hands of Kumbhakarna  and broke it repeatedly .                                            67.63

Then that  happy Hanuman    placed his knee on the spear made of twenty thousand measures of iron  and broke it.                                                                                                                                                    67.64

The monkey army rejoiced at seeing Hanuman breaking  that spear  and roared loudly several times and came back from all  directions.                                                                                                                     67.65

Then the scared Rakshasa became listless  and all the monkeys  made the roar of a lion , seeing the broken condition  of the spear  and they respected  Hanuman.                                                            67.66

Seeing that his great spear being broken  that way , that great leader of Rakshasas  became angry and uprooted the peak of the Malaya  mountain  which was near Lanka  and going near Sugreeva beat him with it .                                                                                                                                                               67.67

Hit by the mountain  Sugreeva   fell unconscious on the ground  and seeing him lose his consciousness  in the battle ground the  monkeys  became very sad.                                    67.68

That king of Rakshasas  caught hold of Sugreeva   who  had a wonderful strength  and Kumbhakarna took him away like a wind takes away a cloud.                                                                                          67.69

Then Kumbhakarna who was shining like  mount Meru  having a formidable peak ,  lifted up Sugreeva  who was lying like a huge cloud  in the sky .                                                                                                67.70

Then praised   by the Rakshasas who were involved in the battle  and hearing the sound of the devas   wondering about  the imprisonment  of Sugreeva the valiant chief of Rakshasas further marched.67.71

Having caught hold  of Sugreeva   who was looking like Indra, that Kumbhakarna who was the enemy of Indra  and who had strength of Indra  and thought, “If this Sugreeva is killed ,all his army including Rama   would be destroyed.”                                                                                                                                         67.72

That very intelligent Hanuman who was the son of wind god,  seeing his army of monkeys were running away  and Sugreeva being taken away thought .                                                                                          67.73

“What  act can be done by me   when Sugreeva has been caught ? I shall definitely do   an act  of justice now. Growing in to a size of  a mountain  I shall  kill this Kumbhakarna.”                                67.74-67.75

“Let all the monkeys become happy  when I release the king of monkeys   and the body of Kumbhakarna is crumbled by my blows of my fists and killed in the battle.”                                                               67.76

“Apart from this our king himself   can get his freedom  , even if he is caught  by devas   including Rakshasas and serpents.”                                                                                                                               67.77

“I have a feeling that   that the king of monkeys is unconscious  due to  his being smashed  by Kumbhakarna   by a mountain.”                                                                                                                   67.78

“Within a moment Sugreeva  would regain his consciousness  in this great  battle  and  do what is good for himself and monkeys.                                                                                                                                  67.79

“If  I am able to give  freedom to  Sugreeva  now there would be great painful  dislike for Kumbhakarna  and reduction in his fame.”                                                                                                                              67.80        

“Because of that I would wait for a short time , so that the king can exhibit his prowess and till that time I would   console the army   of monkeys.”                                                                                                67.81

Thinking like this , that Hanuman who was the son of wind god  again brought firm order in the large army of monkeys.                                                                                                                                         67.82

Taking the great monkey who was breathing  , Kumbhakarna entered the city of Lanka , where he was greatly honoured  by showers  of best of flowers   by those citizens who were  residing in towers  , streets , houses and spires.                                                                                                                        67.83    

Served   by the showers  in the royal avenues   of  popped rice  and scented water  which were cool , the very strong Sugreeva regained his consciousness slowly.                                                                    67.84

The great Sugreeva   who was lying   on the shoulders of the mighty Kumbhakarna . after he regained consciousness , observed the royal avenue and thought .                                                               67.85

“After having been caught this way, what  am I  suppose to do? It would be better   if I do a suitable action that would be beneficial to the monkeys.”                                                                              67.86

Thinking that way  that monkey chief  tore  the ears and nose of that enemy of Indra, by his teeth, ribs and feet.                                                                                                                                                       67.87

Torn by   the teeth and nails  of Sugreeva , Kumbhakarna lost his ears as well as nose  and his body was coated with blood  and becoming greatly angry, he threw Sugreeva down on earth   and crushed him.  

                                                                                                                                                                        67.88

Crushed on the floor by the very huge Kumbhakarna of great strength  and struck by the other Rakshasas, Sugreeva  moved with great speed  like a ball towards the sky and    went  near Rama.

                                                                                                                                                                         67.89

The very strong Kumbhakarna without his nose and ears   , with the blood pouring out of those wounds   resembled a mountain with waterfalls.                                                                                                    67.90

Bathed in blood   that very huge Rakshasa who was the brother of Ravana  had a frightful look   and  vomited blood  and looked like a mountain of  black collyrium  and shined like a cloud  in the light of dusk .And turning his face towards the battle ground , that huge Rakshasas made up his mind to  fight further in the battle.                                                                                                                         67.91-67.92

After Sugreeva went away  , that enemy of Indra   with great anger   marched  towards the battle field   and realizing that he does not have any weapon , he took a mace in his hand.                             67.93

That great one who   left the city with speed   then started eating the huge army of monkeys  like the blazing fire at the time of final deluge.                                                                                                  67.94

Going inside  huge army of monkeys, Kumbhakarna who was very hungry   ate  flesh  and blood , due to his deep  illusion  in the   battle and  ate away even the Rakshasas , monkeys and bears. He swallowed  the  monkey chiefs   just as the death devours people at the time of the end of the world.       67.95

He caught hold of the monkeys as well  as  Rakshasas in ones, twos  , threes and in many numbers   and started   hurling them inside his mouth.                                                                                                 67.96

Being beaten by huge mountains by those monkeys   that very strong one  gushed out blood  and flesh  but continued to eat the monkeys.                                                                                                           67.97

Those monkeys who were being eaten away   went and sought the protection of Rama   and the hugely angry Kumbhakarna  ,continued eating the monkeys and marched ahead.                                    67.98

Catching hold of  hundred, a seven, an eight, a twenty and a thirty monkeys  with his hands ,that  Kumbhakarna was swallowing  the monkeys and running about in the battle field.                    67.99

With his entire body covered with blood, flesh  and marrow   and  with wreaths of  viscera hanging over his ears , that Rakshasa with sharp teeth  rained spears at those monkeys  and looked like the God of death   rising up at the   time of final   deluge.                                                                                    67.100

At that time Lakshmana  the son of Sumithra    who was the killer of his enemy armies  with great anger   started to fight with him.                                                                                                                           67.101

That valorous one   pierced the body of Kumbhakarna with seven arrows  and took many more arrows and shot at him.                                                                                                                                            67.102

Troubled by those arrows  of Lakshmana, that Rakshasa completely destroyed them  and then the very strong Lakshmana flew in to further rage.                                                                                              67.103

Then Lakshmana covered Kumbhakarna ‘s golden  shining   armour with his arrows    , like a gale completely making a cloud disappear.                                                                                                     67.104

Then that Rakshasa who resembled a mountain of collyrium  who was greatly troubled by those arrows shined in his golden ornaments  like a sun  hidden by  the clouds.                                                        67.105

Then that huge Rakshasas spoke to  the one who increased the happiness of Sumithra in a disrespectful manner in a voice resembling the sound of multiple clouds.                                                              67.106

“You have announced your valour in this battle by fearlessly  attacking me, who has even conquered    the god of death.”                                                                                                                                      67.107 

“Any one who can stand before me   who is like a god of death holding a weapon   in this battle deserves to be honoured    and what to say of one who wages a fight against me.”                                        67.108

“Indra, the lord of devas riding on his Iravatha   elephant  was not able to  sand before  me in a battle.”

                                                                                                                                                                           67.109

“Oh son of Sumithra,    I greatly appreciate   your strength as well as valour  but taking leave from you,  I would like to fight   with  Rama.”                                                                                                               67.110

“Though I am extremely happy  with your valour , strength and  exuberance  in this battle , I would like to fight alone with Rama and kill him so that this army would be also killed.”                                   67.111

“As soon as I kill Rama  in this battle,  I would make my army fight with those who remain here and get all of them killed.                                                                                                                                           67.112

Addressing that Rakshasa who spoke   to him words of praise  , Lakshmana laughingly told these   terrifying words.                                                                                                                                               67.113

“Oh Valorous one , you told me   about your  unbearable valour when you faced  Lord Indra   and I also saw your  valour and saw  that it is true ,  . See That   Rama   who is standing there like a stable mountain.”                                                                                                                                                        67.114

Hearing it , the very strong Rakshasas  Kumbhakarna  ignored Lakshmana, crossed past him and ran towards Rama , making  the earth shake like an earth quake.                                                  67.115-67.116

Then Rama the son of Dasaratha  sent  the  sharp Roudhra   arrow, aimed at the chest of Kumbhakarna. 

                                                                                                                                                                             67.117

While  the very angry Kumbhakarna was running towards Rama , he was stuck by this arrow   and flames of fire mixed  with charcoal   came out from his face.                                                                              67.118

That very great Rakshasa who was    struck by the arrow of Rama Roared terribly in great anger and driving   away the monkeys  in the battle  , ran himself towards Rama.                                               67.119

Those arrows   decorated with the plumes of peacock   went in to his chest  and his mace fell off from his hand and  he fell on the ground.                                                                                                     67.120

Then all  his weapons fell down and got scattered on the floor  and the very strong one without any weapons , thought himself as a weapon  and   fought fiercely   with his fists and arms.                  67.121

Kumbhakarna whose body was pierced by arrows  which struck fiercely , due to profuse bleeding looked like   mountain  pouring forth cascades.                                                                                                      67.122

Due to extreme anger  and numbed  by the blood flow   he went on wandering swallowing the monkeys Rakshasas and bears.                                                                                                                                     67.123

Then   that huge bodied one of great valour uprooted   a mountain   and threw  that fearful mountain peak  on Rama .                                                                                                                                              67.124

Before that   peak of the mountain reached  Rama , he using his well known bow and  seven arrows which travel straight  broke the      mountain in the middle .                                                                67.125

Then Rama the elder brother of Bharata    who observed Dharma  split that large mountain peak   using   his variegated arrows  of gold.                                                                                                                     67.126

That Meru like mountain peak which was shining  with splendor  while falling down caused two hundred monkeys to  fall down.                                                                                                                                    67.127

At that time Lakshmana the follower of Dharma   after thinking about various strategies   to kill Kumbhakarna   spoke to Rama.                                                                                                                       67.128

“Oh king, He is not able to differentiate between monkeys and Rakshasas and possibly by the intoxication caused by the smell of blood  , he is not able  to recognize  his persons and others.”    67.129

“Let the monkey chiefs climb on him  from all sides  and let the monkey soldiers  follow their leaders

Stand round him .”                                                                                                                                             67.130

“When we do that  due the very heavy weight resting on him , that evil minded Rakshasas could be made to crawl  on the ground and then he  cannot kill other monkeys.                                                 67.131

Hearing those words of the prince who was intelligent  the monkeys climbed on the body of Kumbhakarna and rested there.                                                                                                                  67.132 

When   the monkeys climbed up on Kumbhakarna , he became greatly anger   and violently shook off all of them like a violent elephant shakes off its mahout.                                                                            67.133

Rama seeing the monkeys ,  understanding that Kumbhakarna was angry , being shaken off

jumped up and went towards that Rakshasa armed with  an excellent bow.                              67,,134

The very valorous  Rama with eyes   red due to anger   and appearing capable of burning everything  walked with great speed   marched   towards that Rakshasa called Kumbhakarna  causing joy to the monkey leaders .                                                                                                                                 67.135-67.136

Holding that excellent a variegated   gold ornamented  bow which looked like a serpent   and having a firmly fastened cord to  it  and with a quiver full of excellent arrows  tied on his back  Rama quickly marched   forward.                                                                                                                                           67.137

The very strong and valorous Rama  who was very difficult to be defeated   accompanied by Lakshmana  marched ahead   surrounded by the army   of monkeys.                                                                          67.138

Then he  saw  the great Kumbhakarna  who was   a terror to his enemies and who was wearing a crown  , with eyes red with great anger.                                                                                                                      67.139

Rama saw him angry , searching and  chasing away the monkeys like the elephants guarding directions   and surrounded   by the very angry Rakshasas.                                                                                          67.140

Rama saw that Kumbhakarna, looking like Vindhya and Mandara mountains, adorned with armlets of gold, emitting blood from his mouth and appearing alike  a rising rainy cloud.                                    67.141

Rama saw him licking his blood drenched  corners of his mouth   and trampling    on the army of monkeys  and looking like Yama   the God of death.                                                                                   67.142

Seeing that   chief of Rakshasas  who was looking like a burning flame  , that excellent  man stretched his bow .                                                                                                                                                                     67.143

That great Rakshasa not able to tolerate    the twang sound   of the bow  ran  towards   Raghava.  67.144

Then Rama spoke   the dashing Kumbhakarna   , looking similar to a cloud driven by the wind   and whose arms were looking like the coiled serpent Vasuki .                                                                          67.145

“Oh leader of Rakshasas, please come   and do not be sad .I am standing here holding the bow in my hand.  Please know me as   the destroyer of Rakshasa clan,  I would be killing you   within a second.”    

                                                                                                                                                                               67.146

Knowing that he is Rama , he laughed in a rebellious tone  and being enraged  towards the monkeys he drove them away.                                                                                                                                               67.147

As if he wanted to break   the heart   of all the monkeys   , he laughed loudly and unnaturally , resembling the thunder of a cloud  and spoke the following words to Rama.                                        67.148

'I am not  Viradha nor Kabandha nor Khara nor Vali nor Mareecha. I am  Kumbhakarna has  who arrived here."                                                                                                                                                                   67.149

“Please see this great and huge  mace  which is  completely made  of iron  and I have conquered   devas and Dhanavas   with it.”                                                                                                                                  67.150

“You should not treat me   with contempt for not  having nose and ears as I do not have even a little agony   for losing my ears and nose.”                                                                                                           67.151

“Oh tiger of the Ikshuvaku clan show your prowess on my limbs  and after  seeing your valour and heroism I would eat you up.”                                                                                                                          67.152

After hearing these words of Kumbhakarna  Rama ,  released arrows with plumes  and though they struck with the speed of the thunderbolt , The Rakshasa was not shaken nor affected.                 67.153

Those arrows which pierced the Sala trees  and also killed the monkey chief Vali  could not  hurt the diamond like  body  of Kumbhakarna.                                                                                                            67.154

His body   took in those arrows like a mountain takes in water  and that Kumbhakarna   using his hammer with terrible   speed  and stopped arrows of Rama coming with terrible speed.                   67.155

Then using with great  speed   that hammer smeared with blood , which is capable  of frightening the army of devas , he scared away the army of monkeys.                                                                            67.156

Rama hurled a divine arrow called Vayavya  at the  Rakshasa  and  chopped off his hand   along with the hammer  and with his arm chopped off he roared greatly  .                                                                    67.157

His hand   which resembled the peak of a mountain  chopped off by the arrows of Rama along with I the hammer  fell on the monkey army  and killed that army  of monkeys.                                                 67.158

Those monkeys  who had escaped being broken or killed , though unhappy with their   tormenting limbs changing their sides  saw the horrifying battle between the king and the lord of  the Rakshasas.  67.159

Having one of his arm being cut  off by an arrow , that Kumbhakarna  uprooted a sala  tree  with his other hand  and ran towards the  lord of men , in that battle.                                                        67.160

Rama using the  Indra arrow  which was decorated by peculiar gold pattern cut   off that hand which held the Sala tree  which resembled  a coiled serpent.                                                                     67.161

That arm of Kumbhakarna   which resembled a  hill  when chopped off fell  down on the ground  and moving here and there  it dashed against  trees, rocks, monkeys and Rakshasas                        67.162

Seeing  that Kumbhakarna with his arms chopped off was , coming abruptly   upon him , Rama taking two sharp arrows with a shape of a half-moon each, chopped off the feet of the Rakshasa  in that battle.

                                                                                                                                                                        67.163

Those feet fell down creating a very huge sound   everywhere and in all directions  and even in caves, in the great ocean, in the city of Lanka  and also in the army of monkeys and Rakshasas.                67.164

Widely opening his  mouth like fire of the digestion  and roaring Kumbhakarna  whose arms and feet were cut off, ran  on thighs quickly towards Rama,    like Rahu towards    the moon.             67.165

Rama filled up the mouth of the Rakshasa with sharp arrows having gold covering and with mouth full of arrows Kumbhakarna  was not able to speak and fainted.                                                                  67.166

Then Rama got hold of Indra arrow(Indrasthra) , shining like sun  and resembled  the staff of Lord Brahma and also  like the weapon of the God of death , which was sharp and had the speed of wind. 

                                                                                                                                                                    67.167

That arrow decorated with gold and inlaid with diamond  was shining like  the dazzling sun as well as fire and competed in speed with the Vajrayudha of Indra.                                                                   67.168

That arrow shot by Rama was resembling the smokeless fire  and had the energy of Indra ’s Vajrayudha  illuminated all the ten directions  and proceeded forward.                                                           67.169

That Rama cut off the head of Kumbhakarna which was like a huge mountain peak , which had well rounded protruding teeth  and was   wearing quivering  silver ear rings , similar  the chopping off of the head of Vrithra    by lord Indra.                                                                                                             67.170

The great head of Kumbhakarna   which was adorned by ear studs  shined like the moon when the Punarvasu star has risen up at  night.                   .                                                                              67.171                                                                              That head which fell after it was hit by the arrow of Rama  broke  the buildings on the royal avenue , the gates of royal avenue  and also broke a high rampart.                                                                     67.172

Then the  huge body of the Rakshasa  which had great splendor  fell in to the sea and it crushed alligators , pretty fishes and snakes  and entered the bowels of the earth.                                  67.173

When the very strong Kumbhakarna  who was the enemy of Brahmins  and devas was killed , the entire earth shook  along with the mountains and the devas roared with joy .                                      67.174

Then the Deva sages, great sages , serpents , devas , bhoothas , Suparna birds , Guhyakas  , troops of Yakshas and Gandharwas  who were standing in the sky rejoiced.                                                 67.175

By mere   sight of Rama , the relations of Ravana were greatly perturbed at his killing of Kumbhakarna  who was very intelligent and roared like elephants who happened to see  a lion.                      67.176

Like the Sun shines in the world of devas  after getting out of the mouth of Rahu , Rama  shined in the  midst of monkey army after killing Kumbhakarna in a battle.                                                          67.177

Several monkeys were overjoyed  with their faces  looking like a fully open lots flower  and honoured Rama , who was difficult to be attacked  and is a  beloved young man possessing terrible strength.

                                                                                                                                                                     67.178

After killing Kumbhakarna  who had earlier tormented the army of devas  and who never faced defeat  at any time in great battles, the elder brother of Bharatha  became  happy like Indra became happy after killing Vruthrasura.                                                                                                                                    67.179

 

Thus ends the sixty  seventh   chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

68.Ravana wails  for the death of Kumbhakarna

 

(Ravana is greatly sorrowing     and greatly disturbed. He does not want to live without Khumbakarna.   He feels , he should first take revenge on Rama  and then die.)

 

Seeing that Kumbhakarna    was killed by the great soul Raghava , the Rakshasas  went and reported  to Ravana the king of Rakshasas.                                                                                                                          68.1

“Oh king When Kumbhakarna looking like  a god of death   was driving away the army of monkeys  and eating some monkeys  , he met with his death.”                                                                                            68.2

"Showing his prowess for a moment, Kumbhakarna your brother, was extinguished by the burning  energy of Rama.  Injured by Rama's arrows, Kumbhakarna who was looking like a mountain became an ugly mass, with his body discharging blood, as his nose and ears were cut off and  resembled  a tree scorched by a forest-fire, with his trunk half-submerged in a terribly looking sea and obstructing the main gate of Lanka."                                                                                                                                  68.3-68.5

Hearing  that the very strong  one was slain in the battle , Ravana   became extremely sad   , fainted and fell down.                                                                                                                                                           68.6

Hearing that their paternal uncle  was killed  Devantaka  , Naranthaka , Trishira  and Athikaya  started  sorrowing and wept.                                                                                                                                          68.7

Hearing that their step  brother   Kumbhakarna was killed  by Rama  who was stable in his actions , Mahodhara  and Mahaparswa were overcome with great grief.                                                             68.8

Then after regaining his consciousness with great suffering , that Rakshasa chief Ravana became in a pitiable condition due to the death of Kumbhakarna  and wailed.                                                         68.9

“Oh valorous one who used to destroy the pride of enemies , Oh very strong Kumbhakarna , going alone in to the enemy army,  how have you left me and gone away forever?”                                            68.10

“Oh very strong one,  after having tormented the enemies , how did you go away  from me , without taking  away the thorn of sorrow from me and our relatives?”                                                            68.11

“Now , I shall no more live , because my right hand  on which I used to take refuge  and never was afraid  of devas and  Asuras , has fallen down.”                                                                                                    68.12

“How is it that such a valorous one who used to destroy the pride of Devas and Dhanavas , who was like the fire  at the time of deluge  was killed by Rama   today?”                                                                  68.13

“How is it that you , to whom sorrow was never caused by the falling of even Vajrayudha on you , could fall down insensibly  on surface of earth  by  Rama’s arrows?”                                                                68.14

“Seeing you fall in the battle , all those devas and sages who are standing on the sky  are shouting   with very great joy.”                                                                                                                                                   68.15

“It is certain that with great joy after having achieved their aim , all those monkeys  would climb  on the inaccessible  door ways of Lanka from all sides.”                                                                                        68.16

“Now I am not bothered about this kingdom  and I do not know what to do with Sita as I am not interested to continue to live without Kumbhakarna.”                                                                              68.17

“If I am not able to kill in battle the Raghava who is the killer of my  brother , death would be preferred by me as  living would be   a great waste.”                                                                                                   68.18

“I would now itself go to the place where my younger brother has  gone  as I am not interested in living even for a moment  without  my brother.”                                                                                                  68.19

“Seeing me who had troubled them earlier, those devas would laugh at me  and oh Kumbhakarna , how can I win over Indra   without you?”                                                                                                             68.20

“Due to ignorance I did not accept the auspicious advice of   the great soul Vibheeshana , which have now come true.”                                                                                                                                             68.21

“When as per the words of Vibheeshana, Kumbhakarna and Prahastha have died ,these happenings are creating shame in me.”                                                                                                                                  68.22 

“After  my brother Vibheeshana who was a follower of Dharma was banished  by me , these sorrowful happening which are bitter has   come   to me.”                                                                                       68.23

Like this  after  wailing  piteously in various ways , after   he came to know  the enemy of Indra, the great Kumbhakarna  has been killed , the ten headed Ravana , whose inner soul was agitated  sank down extremely disturbed.                                                                                                                                         68.24

 

Thus ends the sixty  eighth    chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

69.Angadha   kills Narantaka

 

(The sons and half brothers of Ravana assure   him that they would    be able to kill Ravana. A great fight ensued between Rakshasas and monkeys.  Seeing the Rakshasas suffering ,  Naranthaka   one of the sons of Ravana attacks the monkey army and kills   them, As ordered by Sugreeva, Angadha   kills Naranthka  in a matchless  battle.)

 

Seeing  the evil soul Ravana  lamenting  due to great  sorrow Trisira( one of his sons)   told as follows,

                                                                                                                                                                                  69.1

“That greatly valorous one   who is in the middle  in the order of our fathers   has been killed but oh king good persons like you   should not wail like this.”                                                                                            69.2

“Oh lord , you yourself   fighting alone can conquer the three   worlds   and why are   you wailing like a very common person. “                                                                                                                                          69.3

“You posses  the Javelin  , armour  , arrows and  bow given by Brahma  and a chariot drawn by thousand donkeys emitting the sound  resembling thunder.”                                                                                        69.4

“Several times you who  are endowed with various weapons  have destroyed the devas and Dhanavas  and so you can easily punish Rama with these weapons.”                                                                         69.5

“Oh great king, wait for some time for I shall set out  and destroy your enemies , just like  the Garuda destroys    all serpents.”                                                                                                                                        69.6

“Just like Indra killed Sambara and Lord Vishnu killed Naraka , today Rama would be laid down after he is killed by me.”                                                                                                                                                           69.7

When the king of Rakshasas heard the words spoken by Trisiras, he felt as if he was born again     after    death.                                                                                                                                                                     69.8

When Naranthaka , Devanthaka   and the energetic  Athikaya heard    the words of  Trisiras  they became happy with the impending war.                                                                                                                         69,9

Then those  bull among Rakshasas  who were the sons of Ravana   who were equal in valour to Indra roared   , “I will  go”, “I will go”.                                                                                                                     69.10

They all could travel through the sky and were   experts  in creating illusion   and all of them had destroyed the pride of devas  and were   greatly fierce in battle.                                                            69.11

They were all experts in use of all weapons  and were  famous all over. It was never heard at any time that they were conquered any time by either devas or  Gandharwas  or KInnaras or serpents.        69.12

All those Rakshasas  were experts and very , very valorous  and were greatly skilled in war . They were all very knowledgeable  and had obtained several boons.                                                                                69.13

Ravana surrounded by his sons  who all shined like Sun God  and who were destroyer of enemies looked like Indra  surrounded by devas  who have killed gigantic Rakshasas,                                                        69.14

After hugging all his sons and presenting to them various ornaments  and blessing  them profusely , Ravana send   them to the battle  .                                                                                                                   69.15

For protections of his sons in the battle Ravana sent along with them , his brothers Yudhonmatha and Matha  to the battle.                                                                                                                                           69.16

Those great bodied ones,  saluted Ravana , who made his enemies cry and   also went round him and then departed.                                                                                                                                                    69.17

Those strong Rakshasas   anointed   their body   with all types of  medicinal herbs  and perfumes  and went away eager to fight  .                                                                                                                              69.18

Trishira, Atikaya, Devantaka, Narantaka, Mahodhara and Mahaparshva, under  the orders of  God of death set out for the battle.                                                                                                                           69.19

Mahodhara    rode on an elephant   called Sudarasana   which was blue like a dark cloud and which was born in the clan of Iravatha.                                                                                                                          69.20

Equipped with all sort of weapons     as also decorated  by quivers  and riding on an elephant  , Mahodhara   shined like the   Sun on the peak of Ashtachala mountains .                                            69.21

Trishira , the son of Ravana   climbed  in to a great chariot   drawn by the best of the horses  along with all kinds of weapons  .                                                                                                                                      69.22

Trishira    shined   armed   with a bow on the chariot  like a cloud with glittering meteors  and illuminated like a rainbow.                                                                                                                                                    69.23

That Trishira with three crowns   on an exquisite chariot  stood like Himalaya mountain   with its three golden hills.                                                                                                                                                          69.24

Athikaya   the lustrous Rakshasa   who  was the son of the king of Rakshasas , who was  the best among those who shoot the bow climbed on the best of chariots  .                                                                       69.25

That chariot had the best of wheel axils  and was well yoked ,  had a very good  carriage bottom  and a good wooden pole   and filled    with quivers and bows  and shining missiles  , swords and maces . 69.26

He was shining in a peculiar golden crown and with his other ornaments caused a shine like Meru.69.27

That son of that king   surrounded by great Rakshasas in that chariot shined like   Indra surrounded by devas.                                                                                                                                                                   69.28

Narantaka mounted a white gigantic horse, similar to Uchchaishrava (the mount of Indra),  decorated  with gold ornaments and  which was as swift as thought.                                                                        69.29

Narantaka holding a javelin   which was shining like a meteor   looked like Lord Subramanya   holding a spear and riding on a peacock .                                                                                                                     69.30

Devantaka who was armed with an iron bar  marched and looked like   Lord Vishnu holding a Mandhara  mountain in his hands .                                                                                                                                   69.31

The greatly valorous and shining Mahaparswa  held a  mace  in the battle and looked like Kubhera , the god of wealth.                                                                                                                                                   69.32

Those great ones set out from city of Lanka surrounded by  a matchless army  , elephants   , horses chariots   making    sound like the rumbling clouds along   with great Rakshasas  and it appeared like devas leaving the city of Amaravathi.                                                                                                            69.33

Those great princes   shined with the brilliance of Sun  , wearing crowns   and possessing prosperity  and  shined like glowing planets in the sky.                                                                                                            69.34

The row of auspicious attire worn by them shined   like a cloud in autumn    or the flock of cranes in the sky.                                                                                                                                                                      69.35

Determined to die  or destroy the enemies, those valiant Rakshasas went making this courageous  resolution.                                                                                                                                                         69.36

Those mighty  Rakshasas  set out   with a mad resolution of war  , roared with reverberating sound   and took up many arrows and sent them.                                                                                                          69.37

By their battle cries and clapping of arms   , the earth trembled  and the sky appeared torn  by  the lion like roars of those Rakshasas.                                                                                                                      69.38

The great army of the king of Rakshasas who happily   set out of the city  saw   the monkeys   waiting with  uplifted stones and trees.                                                                                                                  69.39

The mighty monkeys too saw that army of Rakshasas, which appeared like a black cloud but blazing like fire and sun on all sides, abounding with elephants, horses and chariots, and making   sound   with hundreds of small bells and wielding well-raised great weapons  .                                            69.40-69.41

The monkeys felt that their aim was fulfilled   when they saw that army coming out  and lifting great  mountains  they roared again and again  not able to tolerate  the Rakshasas who were standing opposite to them.                                                                                                                                               69.42-69.43

Hearing the   very loud noise made by the leaders of the monkey army , the army of Rakshasas , who were greatly stronger   , not tolerating the joy of their enemies  made more terrible noise.         69.44

Entering in to the mighty Rakshasa   army  , the leaders of monkeys carrying  mountains   appeared like mountains with peaks.                                                                                                                                  69.45

Some monkeys went up the sky   and some other monkeys stayed on the earth  and holding   trees and rocks as weapons  roamed   within the army of Rakshasas.                                                                    69.46

The monkey chiefs   holding trees with extensive branches   roamed in the battle field  which  was filled with Rakshasas and monkeys  looked horrifying.                                                                              69.47

The very valorous monkeys , though stopped   by the rain of arrows   initiated a war with a matchless    rain of trees and mountains.                                                                                                                       69.48

In that battle the monkeys   and Rakshasas  roared like lions   and the monkeys   powdered the Rakshasas    with their rocks.                                                                                                                       69.49

The enraged monkeys killed Rakshasas wearing armour and ornaments. Some killed valorous  Rakshasas, sitting or standing in chariots and also those Rakshasas  mounted on elephants and horses.

                                                                                                                                                                          69.50

The valiant monkeys beat the Rakshasas  with great force   and the Rakshasa chiefs   trembled  as they were hit by mountain peaks   and by fists   and their eyes   came out and they roared in pain.     69.51

The elephant like monkeys were wounded     by the Rakshasas  with sharp arrows   and they  struck  them  with spears , mallets  , swords  , javelins and lances .                                                                  69.52

The monkeys and Rakshasas   with their limbs   coated   with  blood of their enemies , made each other fall   with a desire to conquer each other.                                                                                                  69.53

After that  , within a very short time  , the battle field became drenched with blood   due the raining of blows using mountains and swords by  the monkeys and Rakshasas.                                                    69.54

Due to the beating by   the monkeys , those Rakshasas who were like mountains and who had great passion for war    were scattered   all over the earth.                                                                               69.55

The Rakshasas who were already been thrown down   and who were being thrown down , having broken their spears  carried out    a wonderful fight  with arms  , limbs and legs.                                 69.56

Those great Rakshasas  struck the monkeys   with the corpse of other Rakshasas  and those monkeys   struck   the Rakshasas with  dead bodies of other monkeys.                                                                      69.57

Then  those Rakshasas  taking away the mountains and trees from the monkeys struck them  and the monkeys snatched the weapons of Rakshasas and struck them with it  .                                                 69.58

The monkeys  and Rakshasas   broke the  bones of each other   by using the hills and  made sound  like the roar   of a lion.                                                                                                                                             69.59

After their armour was broken the Rakshasas  who were struck by the  monkeys   bled  at that spot   , like trees oozing out  sap.                                                                                                                                69.60

Some monkeys destroyed chariot using a chariot,  elephant by another   elephant  , and horses by other horses .                                                                                                                                                                  69.61

The Rakshasas broke  the trees and rocks    of the monkey chiefs  with  their sharp arrows  with crescent shape head   and spear like heads .                                                                                                                 69.62

That   earth   became very difficult to cross  as it was filled with  those mountains  , broken trees  and bodies of monkeys and Rakshasas killed in battle .                                                                                     69.63

Reaching the place of the battle , all the monkeys abandoned their fear  and  became filled with pride  by  their fighting prowess  and with various   types of weapons  continued the battle with the Rakshasas.  

                                                                                                                                                                             69.64

Seeing the monkeys   rejoicing    in the tumultuous battle   and seeing the Rakshasas falling down , the great sages and devas    made shouts of triumph.                                                                                     69.65

Riding on a horse which had the  speed of the wind  and   holding a barbed   javelin  , Naranthaka  entered   the terrific   army of monkeys   , just as a fish enters the ocean.                                          69.66

That greatly valorous   and strong  Naranthaka ,  all alone with an instant   killed seven hundred   monkeys with   his shining javelin  and killed that army of   great monkeys.                                       69.67

The Vidhyadharas and the great sages   saw  the very strong Naranthaka  seated on the back of a horse  wandering amidst the monkey army.                                                                                                          69.68

The path by which he travelled   was  filled with blood and flesh   along  the dead fallen monkeys  almost as huge as hills.                                                                                                                                                  69.69

Wherever the chiefs of monkeys wanted   to exhibit their valour  , mostly Naranthaka   reached there   and  cut them.                                                                                                                                                    69.70

He burnt the army of monkeys like fire burns a forest   and even before the monkeys thought of lifting trees and mountains , they were struck by his javelin and they fell down like mountains broken   by lightning .                                                                                                                                                             69.71

The very strong Naranthaka , who was destroyer of men  roamed round in all directions   in the  battle field  holding his shining javelin   and roamed round the battle field , like the wind  in the rainy season. 

                                                                                                                                                                  69.72-69.73

 The valiant monkeys were neither     able to stand or talk  , nor in any manner move   struck by the javelin with splendor   of the  sun and fell down on earth.                                                                        69.74

He who fought alone looked like many   and struck   the army of monkeys   and having struck by the javelin   which had the splendor of the sun   ,  the monkeys fell down on earth.                                  69.75

Those monkeys   who were  unable to withstand  , the javelin which  fell on them  like   the throwing of  Vajrayudha  , shouted with great  noise.                                                                                                       69.76

The forms of the   valorous monkeys who fell   looked like the falling of mountains   with their peaks shattered by Vajrayudha.                                                                                                                                 69.77

Those great ones who had earlier   been knocked down by Kumbhakarna   became disturbed   and approached  Sugreeva.                                                                                                                                     69.78

Thus requested Sugreeva    saw that monkey army   was running  here and there     afraid  of Naranthaka.                                                                                                                                                         69.79

Naranthaka appeared   in front of Sugreeva riding on a horse  , holding a javelin in his  hand , when he was seeing the  monkeys who were running away .                                                                                    69. 80

 After   seeing him   that greatly shining Sugreeva   who was the king of Rakshasas, told  the valorous lad  Angadha   who was equal in valour to Indra.                                                                                                  69.81

“Go  quickly   and kill quickly  that valorous Rakshasa mounted on a horse   who is consuming   the army of monkeys.”                                                                                                                                                         69.82

Hearing  those words of his lord (king)  , the valorous Angadha   jumped and came away from his army  , just like a sun coming out of a cloud.                                                                                                               69.83

Angadha the excellent monkey  who  resembled   a rocky mass, wearing bracelets on his upper arms, looked brilliant like a mountain with its metallic streaks.                                                                           69.84

Without any weapons  except his nails and teeth ,  Angadha who had  great luster approached Narantaka and spoke the following.                                                                                                               69.85

“Please stop. What are you doing with these ordinary monkeys ? Throw your javelin  which can touch like Vajrayudha at  my chest.”                                                                                                                          69.86

Hearing the words of Angadha, Narantaka  became greatly angry  and that angry  Narantaka, tightly biting his lip with his teeth, hissing like a serpent, approaching Angadha and firmly holding that highly radiant javelin,  quickly released it towards Angadha. That javelin broke against Angadha 's chest, that was as hard as a diamond and fell to the earth.                                                                             69.87-69.88

Seeing his javelin braking in to pieces , which had  similar  power like  the snakes  which were being cut off by Garuda , Angadha  the son of Vali   stretched out his palm  and struck on the head of the horse.

                                                                                                                                                                             69.89

The head of the mountain like horse of Naranthka broke  by the  blow of Angadha ‘s palm , its eyes and pupils came out  and it fell down on earth.                                                                                               69.90

Naranthka became greatly angry  seeing his horse dead and falling down  and with his very powerful fist , he struck on the head of the son of Vali.                                                                                                 69.91

By that blow Angadha ‘s head was shattered and blood started  oozing out of his   head  and he fainted with  burning sensation on the head and when he regained consciousness , he was   greatly surprised.

                                                                                                                                                                           69.92

Then that  great soul Angadha, who was like a peak of mountain ,  with the speed of Vajrayudha   clenched his fist  and force equal to that of God of death  hit at the     chest of Naranthka .          69.93

When that fist  hit him , Narantaka’s chest sank deeply  and with blood coated limbs , he fell down like a mountain hit by Vajrayudha.                                                                                                                        69.94

When the very strong Naranthka  was killed by Angadha in the battle , the great devas  in the sky as well as monkeys in the battle field  roared the approval of victory.                                                              69.95

When Angadha  showed his heroism and did a job which was difficult to do , Rama rejoiced greatly  and then Angadha   who was also surprised again started    the battle with great enthusiasm.            69.96

 

Thus ends the sixty  ninth    chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

70.Monkey leaders kill Sons and brother of Ravana.

 

(A great  and even battle took place .Hanuman   first killed Devanthaka ., Nila killed Mahodhara , Hanuman killed Trishira   and  Rishabha killed  Mahhaparswa)

 

When Devantaka ,  Trisira and Mahodhara   the son of sage Pulasthya  saw the death of Naranthka  , they all wept .                                                                                                                                                     70.1

Riding on a cloud like  elephant king , Mahodara  attacked    the son of Vali  who was greatly valorous.

                                                                                                                                                                              70.2.

The strong Devanthaka   sorrowing due to his brother’s death   took a huge iron rod and ran towards Angadha.                                                                                                                                                           70.3 

Then the very valorous Trishira   riding on a chariot which was shining like a sun  drawn by excellent horses went towards  Angadha.                                                                                                                     70.4

Seeing him  being attacked by three Rakshasa kings who  had destroyed the pride  of the devas , Angadha   lifted  a huge tree with lot of branches.                                                                                     70.5 

With great speed Angadha   hurled that tree with large branches   on Devanthaka similar   to Indra throwing the shining Vajrayudha.                                                                                                                70.6     

Using arrows which looked like poisonous snakes  Trishira   chopped off the tree  and seeing it chopped off    jumped up.                                                                                                                                             70.7     

And that elephant like monkey   rained  on him trees and rocks , which were also chopped off by harp arrows by  the enraged Trishira.                                                                                                                  70.8

Trishira the killer of devas  with a  tip of the mace  broke those trees  and then with arrows he attacked  Angadha.                                                                                                                                                             70.9 

Then  the very angry Mahodhara   speedily approaching the  son of Vali , riding on an elephant struck  on him with javelins which looked like Vajrayudha.                                                                                    70.10 

Carrying a huge iron rod Devanthaka approached   Angadha  and struck him , with a club and  went away to some distance.                                                                                                                                              70.11

Though he was attacked by three powerful Rakshasa chiefs  Angadha the lustrous son of Vali  did not get nervous.                                                                                                                                                               70.12

That  monkey who cannot be defeated easily  who was by nature speedy, with great speed with his palm  struck the elephant  of Devanthaka.                                                                                                 70.13

Just by the hit of Angadha  the eye of that king of elephants came out  and it fell down and it  died.

                                                                                                                                                                           70.14

The  very strong son of Vali  pulled out the tusk of the great elephant  ran quickly near   the Devanthaka and struck him with it                                                                                                                                    70.15

The lustrous Devanthaka  rocked here and there  like a tree tossed up by a great friend and vomited large quantity of blood of the colour of lacquer.                                                                                    70.16

With difficulty  that strong Devanthaka  recovered himself  and struck Angadha heavily  , holding firmly that iron rod.                                                                                                                                                    70.17

Hit by that iron rod  the son of the king of monkeys  fell on his knees   but jumped up and stood. 70.18

When Angadha the son of Vali  jumped and stood up , Trishira with   three  straight going  arrows which were like poison  and hit him on his forehead.                                                                                          70.19

Noting that Angadha was surrounded by  three Rakshasa chiefs , Hanuman  and Nila  went there   speedily.                                                                                                                                                             70.20

Then Nila   hurled a peak of a mountain on Trishira  and that intelligent son of Ravana   broke it with sharp arrows.                                                                                                                                                   70.21

Hit by those very many arrows  that mountain peak broke in to many pieces  and the split up rocks   fell down emitting sparks of fire.                                                                                                                         70.22

Seeing Hanuman rushing    with   joy  to the battle field, the strong Devanthaka ran towards him with an iron rod.                                                                                                                                                              70.23

Seeing him rushing towards him   that Hanuman who was an elephant like  monkey  jumped up  and hit  Devanthaka with his fist which was like a thunderbolt.                                                                            70.24

When the strong son of wind god  struck him on his head, that   great monkey  made the Rakshasas    shake with that sound.                                                                                                                                    70.25

That Devanthaka, the son of Ravana, with his head crushed and broken by the blow of the fist, with his teeth and eyes coming out and with his tongue hanging down, swiftly fell down dead on the earth.

                                                                                                                                                                             70.26

Seeing the dead   great hero of Rakshasas  who was very strong  and an enemy of devas , that Trishira got very angry  and rained  lot of  sharp pointed arrows on Nila ‘s chest.                                          70.27

At that time  the very angry Mahodhara   mounting on an elephant resembling a mountain , similar to the Sun God   climbing on Mandhara  mountain  made a rain of arrows fall on Nila  like  a rumbling cloud  with a  circle of lightning showers rain on the mountain.                                                            70.28-70.29

Then due to the large number of arrows showered on him, the body of Nila  split in various places  and also made  his loosened limbs paralyzed.                                                                                                 70.30

When Nila regained his consciousness , he uprooted   a mountain with lot of trees growing on it  , jumping at great speed  struck the head of Mahodhara .                                                                      70.31

Shattered by the fall of the great mountain   and crushed by the very large elephant Mahodhara lost his life  and fell down on earth like a mountain struck by Vajrayudha.                                                    70.32

Seeing  his father’s brother dying , Trishiras  got very angry  and hit Hanuman   with many sharp arrows.

                                                                                                                                                                         70.33 

That  son of wind God became enraged at that  and threw a top of the mountain on him but Trishiras broke it in to several pieces using  his  sharp  arrows.                                                                         70.34   

Seeing the top of the mountain going waste Hanuman    rained  large number of trees of Trishiras in that battle field.                                                                                                                                                    70.35

The valorous Trishiras  using very sharp arrows cut   all those trees which were coming against him and   roared.                                                                                                                                                          70.36

Then the angry Hanuman  bouncing up   tore in to pieces   the horse of Trishira , similar to a lion tearing an elephant .                                                                                                                                               70.37

Then Trishiras took hold of a javelin   and similar to God of death   getting hold of the all destroying time  hurled it on Hanuman.                                                                                                                             70.38

Moving with speed and catching hold of that Javelin which was coming towards him like a shining meteor   that great monkey   broke it even before it descended and roared.                                        70.39

Seeing that Javelin of great form   being broken up by Hanuman   the monkey soldiers were greatly delighted   and roared aloud  like the rumbling clouds.                                                                            70.40

Then Trishira , the great Rakshasa  took up a sword  dug the breast of  the chief of monkeys Hanuman  with it.                                                                                                                                                                 70.41

Hurt by the thrust of that sword , the valorous Hanuman , who was the son of wind God  struck on the breast of Trishira  by his palm.                                                                                                                     70.42

Hit by the palm   that greatly lustrous Trishira   fell down unconscious  on earth  with all weapons slipping from his hand.                                                                                                                                  70.43

That monkey  took   the sword that fell from his hand   and roared loudly frightening   all the Rakshasas who were there.                                                                                                                                            70.44

Greatly hurt   and unable to bear  the roar   the Rakshasa jumped up and hit Hanuman on his chest with his fist.                                                                                                                                                            70.45

That great monkey got very angry by that hit by the fist  and because of that   caught hold of that great Rakshasa  by his  crowned heads.                                                                                                           70.46

That angry Hanuman , the son of wind God  using that sharp sword  chopped off   the three heads of Trishira  along with crowns and ear studs , like Indra chopped off the head   of Viswaroopa  , the son of Twashta.                                                                                                                                                       70.47

Those mountain like  heads of the enemy of Indra   having long  sense organs  and having eyes emitting fire  fell on the earth like  planets and stars  fall from the path of the sun.                                      70.48

When that Trishira, the enemy of devas , having valour  equal to that of Indra was killed, the monkeys made a loud noise. The earth trembled. Then, the Rakshasas ran away everywhere. Seeing Trishira, Mahodara and the invincible Devantaka killed, Matta(Mahaparswa)   was enraged with indignation.       

                                                                                                                                                                    70.49-70.50

Then, Matta  held  a large mace, which was resplendent, completely made of iron, was tied  round with golden wires, filled with a froth of flesh and blood, satiated with the blood enemies, the upper most part of which was blazing with splendour, decked with red coloured garlands and which frightened the elephants supporting the  different directions   like Airavata, Mahapadma and Sarvabhauma.   

                                                                                                                                                                   70.51-70.53

Taking up the mace  , that very angry  and very strong Maha Parswa, went quickly   towards the  monkeys like   a burning fire at the time of deluge.                                                                                  70.54                                  

Then a   monkey called  Rishabha   jumped up and stood   in  front of  the strong Mahaparswa  who was the brother of  Ravana.                                                                                                                                    70.55

Seeing Rishabha , a mountain like monkey standing before him , Mahaparswa  struck him with a mace which was equal to Vajrayudha  on his chest .                                                                                             70.56

When that bull like  monkey  Rishabha was hit on his chest  by that mace  , his breast was broken  and he  bled profusely   and trembled.                                                                                                                       70.57

After a long time  Rishabha , the bull among monkeys regained consciousness    and due to great anger his lips quivered when he looked at Mahaparswa.                                                                                       70.58

Rishabha who was swift and who was a monkey chief having a mountain like form  speedily approached with a tightened fist  and struck that Rakshasa on his chest.                                                                  70.59

With his entire body drenched in blood  that Mahaparswa fell down unconscious   on the ground  like a   tree whose root has been cut  off  and Rishabha took   his mace   which was similar to the rod of Yama and roared loudly.                                                                                                                                                 70.60

For a short while  Mahaparswa  who had the colour of the evening cloud  , remained unconscious   looking as though he was dead  but jumped up suddenly after regaining consciousness  and struck , Rishabha   the son of Varuna the lord of the ocean.                                                                               70.61

Rishabha fell unconscious  and remained like that on the ground  and gaining consciousness  and holding tightly  the mace of Mahaparswa  which was looking like a mountain peak  banged it  on Mahaparswa.

                                                                                                                                                                             70.62

That horrifying mace  reached up to the body of Mahaparswa , the horrible enemy of devas  and he started exuding blood  , like a great mountain exudes  water full of minerals.                                 70.63

That great Risabha  quickly ran towards  the mace of Mahaparswa and seizing that dreadful mace  struck repeatedly on the earth  and then on Mahaparswa in the battle front.                                             70.64

Struck by his own mace  Mahaparswa  fell down like a mountain  hit by Vajrayudha  with his eyes and teeth coming out .                                                                                                                                           70.65

When  that Rakshasa with depleted  strength , had his eyes burst out , his life went away  and he fell on  the ground  and the army of Rakshasas ran away .                                                                                  70.66

When that Mahaparswa was killed, that army of Rakshasas, which was as wide  as an ocean, abandoning their weapons in the battle-field, fled for their  lives, like a sea which had burst its shores.          70.67

 

Thus ends the sevetieth    chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

71.Lakshmana  kills Athikaya

 

(Athikaya the son of Ravana and Dhanyamala comes  out to the war. After a terrific war, Lakshmana is told by the wind God that he can only be killed by arrow of Brahma.  Lakshmana kills him using the arrow of Brahma)

 

Seeing that his army was  making sound of anguish with great fear , seeing that his brothers having the valour   of Indra  the lord of devas   have  been killed, and also seeing that   his paternal uncles , brothers and several Rakshasas   have been killed,    the greatly lustrous Athikaya   who had got  boons from Lord Brahma  , who had the appearance  of a mountain  and  who had destroyed the  pride of devas and Rakshasas  in battle   got very angry,                                                                                                      71.1-71,3

 That Athikaya   who  is the enemy  of  Indra  climbed   on a chariot which had luster of one thousand suns , went towards the monkeys.                                                                                                               71.4

Wearing a crown and  great looking ear globes   and drawing his bow   and making his name  heard he loudly roared in a big tone.                                                                                                                             71.5

His lion like roar  and his  announcement  of his name   and terrifying sound made by his  bow  created terror   among the monkeys.                                                                                                                           71.6

Seeing the great size of his body , the monkeys thought that he was Kumbhakarna woken up again   and started   taking refuge   with each other out  of great fear .                                                                71.7

Seeing his form which appeared like Vishnu who measured the worlds in three   steps , those famous monkey soldiers started running helter-skelter .                                                                                       71.8

When the need for attacking  Athikaya arose  , scared in mind   those monkeys requested   protection of Rama.                                                                                                                                                                 71.9

Then Rama from a distance   saw that Rakshasa  who resembled a mountain   riding a chariot   like   a fatal cloud appearing at time of deluge  ,                                                                                                71.10

Seeing that Athikaya   has very huge body , Rama   was greatly surprised   and after consoling the monkeys spoke  to Vibheeshana.   .                                                                                                                  71.11

"Who is he, resembling a mountain in size, armed with a bow, brown-eyed and seated in a spacious chariot yoked with a thousand horses?"                                                                                                       71.12

“He is shining like Lord Shiva surrounded  by the Bhoothas  with shining   and sharp  spikes   with  shapely  barbed  javelins and lances.”                                                                                                              71.13

“He is  shining like a lightning of cloud   and moving round  with staff   that support the war flags  , appearing like the toungue   of the God of death “                                                                                     71.14
“Bows with golden back are shining    all round in his  great chariot like  the rainbows in the sky. “71.15

“This tiger like soldier of Rakshasas  is  making the battle field shine and coming in a chariot with the luster of Sun  and his arrows are shining like rays of sun, making all  the ten directions shine  and he has Rahu etched on his flag.”                                                                                                                     71.16-71.17

"His  bow with three curves , golden back  and decorated   is  producing  a rumbling sound of the cloud  and is shining like a rain-bow."                                                                                                                     71.18

“ His great chariot with a flag and an emblem  has an axle tree at the bottom  and produces sound similar to the lightning of the clouds  and has four charioteers.”                                                          71.19

“Twenty quivers, ten very great  bows and eight bow-strings, golden and reddish brown in colour, are  set  in his chariot."                                                                                                                                            71.20

"On that chariot  there are hanging two swords, clearly measuring ten cubits in length and provided with  handle measuring four cubits, casting their splendour on his two sides."                                           71.21

“That brave one  ,  with red garland around his neck  resembles    a black   coloured large mountain  , having a huge mouth of death  , looks like a sun covered by clouds .                                                 71.22

“With his arms decorated by gold armlets  he shines like  the very great  Himalaya mountain  with its two lofty peaks.”                                                                                                                                               71.23

“His face causing fear  with the two ear rings   is looking like the full moon   between two stars of the Punarvasu constellation in the sky.”                                                                                                             71.24

“Oh great one  , tell me who this great Rakshasa  is , as   all the monkeys greatly scared  are running away helter-skelter  on seeing  him.”                                                                                                           71.25

Thus asked by the son of a king Rama who had extreme luster , the  greatly lustrous Vibheeshana    replied like this to him.                                                                                                                                      71.26

“The greatly lustrous ten necked one   is the younger brother  of Khubera  and does gross deeds  with great enthusiasm   and is known as Ravana  , the king of Rakshasas.”                                                 71.27

“His valorous  son who is equal  to Ravana in war , serves elders , remembers what he hears   and is skilled in use  of all weapons.”                                                                                                                     71.28

“He whose advice is respected  rides   on the backs of horses and elephants  uses   the sword and the bow  and is well known  for creating dissensions  , winning over the other side   and for leading his army.”                                                                                                                                                                   71.29

“He on whose arm  on which the city of Lanka rests  fearlessly   is known as Athikaya   and is the son of  Dhanyamala.”                                                                                                                                               71.30

“He worshipped Lord Brahma by doing penance and purified his soul   and obtained from him several weapons to defeat his enemies.”                                                                                                                  71.31

" Lord Brahma, granted  him a boon, exempting him from death at the hands of devas  and Rakshasas as also this wonderful armour and the chariot shining like the sun."                                                         71.32

“He has defeated devas and Rakshasas hundreds of times   and has destroyed the Yakshas  and protected the Rakshasas.”                                                                                                                              71.33

“He paralyzed   the Vajrayudha of the valorous Indra  by his arrows, struck down the  noose of the king  of the ocean in a battle  . He is the very strong Athikaya   who destroys pride of Rakshasas, son of Ravana  , great warrior who destroyed the pride   of Devas and Dhanavas.”                                          71.34-71.35

 “Oh  great man  Rama , so efforts  to kill him should be made very quickly  , before   he destroys    the monkey army  by his great arrows.”                                                                                                               71.36

The very strong Athikaya entered   the army of monkeys  , twanged with his bow   and roared again and again.                                                                                                                                                                     71.37

Seeing the very huge form of   that great charioteer riding on a chariot , the powerful monkey chiefs   rushed towards him.                                                                                                                                         71.38

Taking trees and mountain peaks, Kumuda, Dvividha, Mainda, Nila and Sharabha marched forwards quickly to attack him immediately.                                                                                                                 71.39

The greatly lustrous Athikaya  who was an expert in arrows , cut off   all their trees and stones , with arrows decorated with gold.                                                                                                                           71.40

The greatly skilled Athikaya with a very strong body  struck all those monkeys who were standing in front of him   in the battle field    with arrows fully made of iron.                                                            71.41

Due to their bodies breaking   and greatly injured   those monkeys could not retaliate to Athikaya   in that great battle.                                                                                                                                                71.42

That Rakshasa who was proud of his youth,   greatly scared   the  army of monkey warriors   like an angry lion scares   a herd of deer.                                                                                                                              71.43

That  great Rakshasa  who was in the middle of the monkey army   did not strike with arrows those who were not able to fight with him  and with his bow and quiver   went   to Rama   and   spoke these haughty   words.                                                                                                                                                  71.44

“I am sitting on this chariot armed with  bows and arrows  and I am not willing to fight with    common warriors , Those who have ability and energy   to fight   , can fight with me   quickly.”                       71.45

Unable to tolerate these words of his, the son of Sumithra who  was the killer of his enemies  became angry and with a smile   rose up quickly and took up his bow.                                                               71.46 

The angry son of Sumithra came forward,  took a great arrow  from his quiver   and pulled  his great bow   in front of Athikaya.                                                                                                                                         71.47

The sound of  the  twang of the bow of Lakshmana  filled the entire earth, sky , ocean    and was filled with rage and scared all the Rakshasas.                                                                                                        71.48

Hearing the terrible   sound produced from   the bow of that son of Sumithra, the very strong Athikaya who was greatly lustrous was greatly surprised.                                                                                         71.49

That Athikaya seeing Lakshmana   standing before him   , took a very sharp arrow and spoke these words.                                                                                                                                                                   71.50

“Oh son of Sumithra, you are a mere boy and do not know what is valour . Why do you want to fight with me who is like the God of death. Go away.”                                                                                        71.51

“Even Himalaya mountains  nor the earth nor the sky would not  be able to  withstand   the speed of arrows  released by me.”                                                                                                                                 71.52

“You want to raise the fire at the time of deluge when it is sleeping happily . So please place your bow here   and go back without losing  your life.”                                                                                               71.53

“If you do not desire to go back   obstinately  , then you please stay back    and after losing your soul you will then go back   to the land of Yama.”                                                                                                      71.54

“Please see these sharp arrows of mine   ornamented   with gold  , which remove the pride of my enemies  like   the weapons  of Lord Shiva.”                                                                                           71.55

"This arrow looking like a serpent will drink your blood like  a lion drinks the blood of an elephant. "Thus speaking, Athikaya was enraged and fixed an arrow on his bow.                                                         71.56

The prince Lakshmana hearing   the angry and arrogant words of Athikaya   in the battle field  became enraged   and he who was  wise , strong and glorious   spoke as follows.                                           71.57

“Just because of your words, you cannot become great  , people cannot become good by boasting about themselves . If possible     show your strength to me  , who is standing here with a bow and an arrow.”

                                                                                                                                                                             71.58

“There is no need for you to boast about yourselves  but please   show yourself to me by your deeds .A man is called valorous only based on his valour .”                                                                                   71.59

“You are sitting on a chariot endowed with all sort of weapons   and now show me your valour either by your weapons or your arrows.”                                                                                                                     71.60

“After that with sharp   arrows   I shall cut off your head   and it will fall like a palm fruit  when the fast wind  makes it fall from its stalk.”                                                                                                                  71.61

“Today my arrows bedecked with gold   will drink your blood   coming out through the holed  created in your body by my sharp arrows.”                                                                                                                    71.62

“Thinking that I am   only a boy, you should not disregard me  . Whether I am a boy or old man  , you should know me as a god of death in the battle field   for do you not know that Vishnu as a boy measured the world using three steps.”                                                                                                     71.63

After hearing the logical and truthful words of   Lakshmana  , Athikaya   got wild with anger    and took out an excellent arrow.                                                                                                                                   71.64

That battle was watched by Vidhyadharas , Bhoothas  , devas, Asuras , great sages , Guhyakas  and many  other great souls.                                                                                                                                             71.65

Then Athikaya   stringing an arrow on his bow  ,sent it towards Lakshmana   , as though he intends to shrink  the atmosphere.                                                                                                                             71.66

Then Lakshmana who is a destroyer of his enemy army   cut that serpent like  sharp  arrow   which was coming towards him by a crescent tipped  arrow .                                                                                  71.67

Seeing that his arrow was cut off and its snake head   broken in to pieces   Athikaya was greatly enraged  , and prepared to send another five arrows.                                                                                             71.68

The Rakshasa sent those five arrows   towards Lakshmana but before  they reached him  Lakshmana cut them off with his sharp arrows.                                                                                                                    71.69

After cutting off those arrows   with his sharp arrows  , Lakshmana, the destroyer of enemy army  , selected a sharp arrow which shined like fire.                                                                                           71.70

Taking that  great  arrow Lakshmana  kept it in his great bow   and stretched it to the maximum   and released it.                                                                                                                                                          71.71

That valorous Lakshmana    using that flat jointed arrow  , stretched fully and released it   and it hit the forehead   of that great Rakshasa.                                                                                                                 71.72

That arrow which pierced the forehead   of that very large  Rakshasa and he was coated with blood   and he appeared like the king of serpents of the mountain.                                                                            71.73

That Rakshasa troubled by  the arrow of Lakshmana  shook violently   like the gates of city of Tripura shook hit by the arrow of  Shiva.                                                                                                                   71.74

That very strong one  recovered his breath  logically reflected  “Good,   by sending that   arrow, you have become my great enemy.”                                                                                                                     71.75

Reasoning like that  Athikaya opened his mouth widely  , bent down with his huge soldiers  and climbed up that chariot   and roamed here and there  on the chariot.                                                                 71.76

The bull among the Rakshasas took out  and got hold   one, three, five and seven arrows  , fixed them on his bow   and released those arrows.                                                                                                          71.77

Those arrows released from   the Rakshasa leader looked like death  , had golden shafts  and  shining like sun  , brightened the sky.                                                                                                                                71.78

Then the younger brother of Rama   without any nervousness    cut off those   series of arrows  , released  by the great Rakshasa , by using many of his sharp arrows.                                                                    71.79

Seeing that his arrows were being cut off   in the war  , that son of Ravana   who was the enemy of Indra   took out  a very sharp arrow.                                                                                                                          71.80

That Rakshasa   who was having great luster  fixed that   arrow to his bow, released it instantly  and hit the approaching Lakshmana    on his chest.                                                                                                  71.81

That son of Sumithra hit  by Athikaya    in the battle on his chest   oozed out blood   and it looked like a fluid oozing out of an elephant in rut  .                                                                                                             71.82

That Lord   then quickly made himself free from that arrow   and took another sharp arrow   and fixed it on his bow.                                                                                                                                                          71.83

Then he  fixed that arrow of fire on his bow and  , the arrow of the great one   as well as his bow  gave out a great flame.                                                                                                                                               71.84

Athikaya then took a very lustrous Sun arrow   and that arrow   with a golden shaft   looked like a serpent.                                                                                                                                                                71.85

Then Lakshmana    sent a blazing horrible  arrow   against Athikaya  which was   the staff of death of the God of death.                                                                                                                                                   71.86

That Rakshasa seeing that arrow  which was coming along with fire  , sent  another aweful arrow of the Sun God  against it.                                                                                                                                          71.87

Those great arrows   having a burning tip   struck each other in the sky   and looked like two   angry serpents.                                                                                                                                                             71.88

Those two great arrows , even though they had a burning tip , hit one another   and fell on the ground   and they were reduced to ash  , without flame and  without luster .                                         71.89-71.90

Then the  very enraged  Athikaya , released an arrow of cane of  Twashta   and the valorous   Lakshmana   cut it off  that arrow   by an Indra ’s arrow.                                                                                             71.91

Seeing that his arrow  of Thwashta     was struck down  that lad Athikaya became enraged   and fixed Yama ’s arrow   on his bow.                                                                                                                         71.92

Then Athikaya   sent that arrow  on Lakshmana   and Lakshmana destroyed that arrow   by sending the   arrow of wind god.                                                                                                                                        71.93

Then the very angry Lakshmana  rained hails of arrows   on that Athikaya  , which looked like   a rainy cloud showering    water.                                                                                                                              71.94

When those reached Athikaya   and hit his armour , their points  adorned with diamonds  were  shattered and immediately fell on the surface.                                                                                         71.95

Seeing that those arrows of his  have failed , the great Lakshmana  , the destroyer of enemy army  , showered  thousands of arrows.                                                                                                                    71.96

That very strong  Athikaya was not bothered about that rain of arrows  , because   his armour could never be  pierced .                                                                                                                                             71.97

Then he sent a serpent like  sharp arrow  which hit Lakshmana  on his vital parts    and that Lakshmana who was a tormentor of his enemies  fell unconscious for   a moment  .                                            71.98

After he regained his consciousness   using four  excellent  sharp arrows  , that Lakshmana who was a destroyer of his enemies  , threw  down his flag staff, killed his horses  and also killed   the Charioteer.

                                                                                                                                                                  71.99-71.100 

Without getting flustered  that son of Sumithra  Lakshmana  went on sending arrows  exactly aiming at the Rakshasa for getting that  Rakshasa  killed.                                                                                          71.101

That best among men was not able to cause any injury  on him  in that battle  and then the wind god  came to him and spoke as follows.                                                                                                             71.102

“He is protected by a boon of Brahma   and has a armour which cannot be split and he can be killed only by the arrow of Brahma and not by any other means . That very strong Athikaya cannot be killed by any other arrow.”                                                                                                                                                   71.103

Hearing the words of the wind God , Lakshmana who had valor equivalent to Indra , took the arrow of Brahma  and  fixed  that arrow   quickly and with terrific force .                                                         71.104

When that arrow of  boon   which was extremely great   was fixed by Lakshmana on his bow  , all the directions, the sun  and moon  , the great planets   and the sky were frightened and earth also  made an uproar.                                                                                                                                                             71.105

After having fixed that arrow of Brahma with feathers  on his bow   which was similar to the messenger of God of death , Lakshmana   released  that  arrow  which was like a thunderbolt  on the son of the enemy of Indra.                                                                                                                                                71.106

Athikaya saw  that arrow  , released with great force by Lakshmana  , speedily  moving similar to wind  , having pretty wings   and variegated feathers  ,burning with light like a flame  looking like a  thunderbolt , approaching him.                                                                                                                                          71.107

That valorous Athikaya   with great speed  , struck it  with very many sharp arrows  but that arrow released by Lakshmana   reached very near him.                                                                                    71.108

Seeing that blazing arrow, looking like Yama the lord of Death and black in colour, approaching him, Athikaya then struck it with spike, spear, mace, axe and arrows                                                                          71.109

But that  arrow burning like fire   made all those weapons as waste   cut off  Athikaya ‘s  head wearing a crown   and carried it away .                                                                                                                          71.110

That head with its crown  , destroyed by Lakshmana   fell down on the earth  like   a  a peak of Himalaya  mountain.                                                                                                                                                            71.111

Noticing that Athikaya  had fallen to the ground   with  his cloths and ornaments scattered everywhere , al the surviving Rakshasas  became greatly upset.                                                                                   71.112

Many of those depressed Rakshasas , dejected as they were, showing fatigue born  out  of fighting  in their faces, suddenly began to shout loudly, with their voices in discordant notes.                         71.113

After their leader was killed , all   other Rakshasas were frightened   and not interested to fight   ran away with their faces towards   the  city of Lanka.                                                                                   71.114

The very many monkeys greatly overjoyed , with their faces like fully opened lotus flowers , honoured Lakshmana  whose desire was fulfilled, when  that dangerous Rakshasa was killed by him.       71.115

Lakshmana becoming greatly happy after   that very strong Athikaya  was killed and  after being honoured by other monkeys , speedily went to the proximity of Rama.                                         71.116

 

Thus ends the seventy  first     chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

72.Ravana is upset

 

(The slaying of Athikaya shook Ravana. He  thinks over and finds that many of his great warriors have been killed. He also is not able to understand how Rama and Lakshmana broke the tie of Indrajit. He then goes back to his home.) 

 

Hearing  that Athikaya was slain by the great  Lakshmana   the king Ravana became very anxious and spoke these words.                                                                                                                                               72.1

"Dhoomraksha, who was greatly impatient Akampana who was excellent among in  the  use  of all weapons as well as   Prahasta and Kumbhakarna were all  killed by Rama, who never gets tired in the  in battle. These  mighty and valorous  Rakshasas longing for battle, who normally conquer   their enemies  and  who were  never defeated in battle by the enemies , along with their armies  were killed. Many other mighty warriors with colossal body and great valour , skilled in use of weapons have also been slain.”                                                                                                                                                             72.2-72.4

“My son Indrajit who is very famous for his strength and valour  tied those two brothers using very horrifying arrows due to boons received by him.”                                                                                    72.5

“That  terrific tie by the arrow cannot be   broken by devas , strong  Asuras   or horrifying Gandharwas , Yakshas     and serpents. But those brothers Rama and Lakshmana   got themselves released and I do not know  whether they did it  by their power, illusion and sorcery.”                                               72.6-72.7

“All those very valorous Rakshasas who set out at my command  have been killed    by the very strong  monkeys.”                                                                                                                                                         72.8

“Now I do not find   any person capable   of destroying the valorous Rama  . Lakshmana, Sugreeva  accompanied by their army in this battle .”                                                                                               72.9

“Alas, By the very strong  Rama    using  his   greatly strong weapons  and his valour  , all these Rakshasas have been killed .”                                                                                                                                          72.10 

“Some  regiments of the army   have to protect this city  and also some have to guard the Asoka forest where Sita is there.”                                                                                                                                       72.11

“We should know all the spots where our regiments are placed  and also know about those who come in and go out of the city again and again.”                                                                                                        72.12

“Oh  Rakshasas  , please stay   on all sides   of your own armies  as the positioning   of all those monkeys needs to be watched. “                                                                                                                                    72.13

"Neglect  should not be shown to monkeys in any way at any time, either at evening or at midnight or at dawn. You have to  watch whether the army of  our enemy   is fervently active or advancing or staying where it was."                                                                                                                                     72.14-72.15

All those  very strong  Rakshasas    who heard the words of the king of Lanka  , followed those orders perfectly  and precisely   stood by what has been told.”                                                                         72.16

Ravana the king of Rakshasas after instructing them like that, suffering great and terrible sorrow , went  back inside  his palace.                                                                                                                                        72.17

Burning   with the fire of anger  that very strong king  of Rakshasas, then thought over the loss of his son  and again and again sighed.                                                                                                                         72.18

 

Thus ends the seventy  second     chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

73.Indrajit enters the battle field.

 

(Seeing Ravana as despondent Indrajit enters the battle field. He performs a sacrifice to Brahma and gets good omens. He    hits and troubles all  monkey leaders as well as Rama   and Lakshmana.Rama and Lakshmana pretend that they have been knocked off.  But they actually fall   senseless   and Indrajit , goes back to Lanka.)

 

Then  those surviving Rakshasas   hastily told  Ravana    that  Devantaka  , Trishira  and Athikaya , the greatest among the Rakshasas    have been killed .                                                                                      73.1

Ravana the prosperous king  of the Rakshasas hearing about their deaths  , with eyes full of tears thought about  the horrifying   destruction of his son and the killing of his brothers   and  intensely  thought as to what should be done.                                                                                                              73.2

Seeing the king in a pitiable state  , drowned in the ocean of sorrow  , Indrajit  the son of the king of Rakshasas  and a very good charioteer  spoke to him as follows.                                                         73.3

“Oh father you do not deserve to fall  under this embarrassment , when me the Indrajit is alive   for any one stuck by me,  who is the enemy of Indra cannot remain alive.”                                                   73.4

“Today   you would see Rama and Lakshmana    dead with all  their body split by my arrows and undistinguished   lying on the earth.”                                                                                                         73.5

“listen to the oath of this enemy of Indra  which is firm , based on his valour    and divine blessings. Rama along with Lakshmana  with great many arrows struck on them   would be defeated by me.”       73.6

“Now itself  , Indra, Yama  , Vishnu, Rudra  , SAdhyas  , Fire God, Sun god    and the moon   can see my unlimited valour   which is like that of Vishnu   in the sacrificial ground   of Bali, the king of Rakshasas.” 

                                                                                                                                                                              73.7

After saying this the enemy of heaven   whose mind was under his control asked permission  of the king   and got in to his chariot   which moved with the speed of the wind   and drawn by many excellent donkeys.                                                                                                                                                              73.8

The greatly lustrous , destroyer of enemies   after he climbed on   the chariot which was like the chariot of the Sun God   went to the place where the war was in progress.                                                     73.9

Many strong Rakshasas  with terrific power , with joy, holding excellent bows in their hands, carrying lances, sharp-edged spears, swords, axes and maces as also armed with Bhushundis (probably a kind of fire arms), mallets, cudgels, Shataghnis (cylindrical piece of wood studded with iron spikes) and iron rods, followed that great  Indrajit. Some rode on the back of elephants, some ascended excellent horses, tigers, scorpions, cats, donkeys and camels.                                                                              73.10-73.13

That   enemy  of heaven    along with blowing of conches   and great sound  from  drums   went to the battle field praised  by the Rakshasas.                                                                                                          73.14

That tormenter of the enemies  with imperial umbrella    as white as  a conch and a  moon   shined like the full moon on the   sky .                                                                                                                             73.15

Then that valorous one  , the foremost among those who wield the bow  , wearing several golden ornaments  was   fanned  by   hand held  fans  with   gold handles.                                                     73.16 

Seeing him departing   surrounded   by a huge army   that glorious Ravana   , the king of  Rakshasas  spoke as follows.                                                                                                                                            73.17

“Oh son, no one can stand before your chariot  and you have won over Lord Indra  and so what  to tell of a mere man and so go and kill that Raghava.     When the king of Rakshasas spoke like this   Indrajit accepted  those great blessings.                                                                                                                    73.18

With Indrajit   whose splendour  was equal   to the Sun  and with  no warrior   capable of facing him as a rival  , the city of Lanka   shined like the Sun.                                                                                           73.19

That  greatly lustrous destroyer of enemies after reaching the  battle field  , made several Rakshasas   stand  around  his chariot .                                                                                                                           73.20

Then, that foremost of Rakshasas , having a luster  equal to that of fire, with excellent sacrificial chants , performed a sacrifice, as per rules, making an oblation to the fire.                                                     73.21

That valorous  leader of Rakshasas  offered oblations to fire there, with garlands and pounded sandalwood, including clarified butter and parched grain.                                                                     73.22

That sacrificial rite was performed with weapons serving as Samiths , chips of Vibhishaka tree serving as fuel, then using red pieces of cloth and the sacrificial ladle made of iron.                                          73.23

Duly spreading fire with sacrificial sticks  (in the form of other weapons) accompanied by lances there, Indrajit  brought  the neck of a live goat of dark hue  .                                                                            73.24

From that sacrificial fire   which was set  ablaze  in which that live offering was done  , several signs appeared   which indicated victory.                                                                                                             73.25

The fire which shined like molten gold  rose up on its own   and had flames rotating  from left to eight and accepted   that oblation.                                                                                                                       73.26

Indrajit who  was an expert in using    sacred arrows   invoked the arrow of Brahma   and charged  it on his bow  , chariot   and everything.                                                                                                            73.27

When that arrow was being invoked   and the sacrificially  propitiated  , the atmosphere   including the sun , the  moon   and the lunar mansions trembled.                                                                                73.28

Having  satisfied   the  fire with oblations  , Indrajit, who was   shining like the fire, having a might similar to that of Indra, and possessing an unimaginable prowess, became himself invisible in the sky, with the bow, arrows, sword, chariot, horses, charioteer and all.                                                                  73.29

Then the Rakshasa  army   with huge number of  horses and chariots   and shining  with  flags and banners    set out  with interest in fighting   and roared.                                                                  73.30

They killed  the monkeys in the  battle field   using many wonderful ornamented arrows  which had great speed as well as  lances and goads.                                                                                                      73.31

Seeing those Rakshasas , the   very angry Indrajit   told them, “ All of you fight with enthusiasm    to kill all the monkeys.”                                                                                                                                             73.32

Then all those Rakshasas with a great roar , thirsting for victory  ,  rained   showers of arrows  on those monkeys.                                                                                                                                                      73.33

Indrajit also   along with other Rakshasas  joined the battle and destroyed   the monkeys   with Nalika(broad) arrows , steel arrows , maces and clubs.                                                                     73.34

Those monkeys   who were holding trees and mountains , when they were hurt   rained  mountains and trees on Indrajit.                                                                                                                                           73.35

The greatly lustrous and very strong Indrajit   became angry   and wounded the bodies of monkeys. 

                                                                                                                                                                        73.36

The very angry Indrajit   made  the Rakshasas extremely happy by killing  Monkeys by nines , fives and sevens    with a single arrow.                                                                                                                    73.37

Using the  sun like arrows decked in gold  , that valorous one   who was invincible   destroyed the monkeys in battle  .                                                                                                                                    73.38

Being hit by the arrows , the limbs of monkeys were severed  and they fell down with their desires crushed  , like Rakshasas fell in the battle with the devas.                                                                 73.39

Those great monkeys    with great anger   ran against Indrajit who was tormenting them  like a sun   with arrows similar to the rays of the Sun.                                                                                                          73.40

Then those monkeys with their limbs severed and losing consciousness   became more perturbed   by being dampened by blood   and ran away.                                                                                                 73.41

Those monkeys    with mountains as weapons   roared in the battle   without turning back  sacrificed their lives   with great courage for the sake of Rama.                                                                                 73.42

Continuing to stay in the battle-field   those monkeys   rained trees, rocks  and mountain peaks on Indrajit  .                                                                                                                                                              73.43

Those stones  and trees  which were rained and which could take life  were prevented by the greatly lustrous   son of Ravana   who was a great conqueror .                                                                           73.44

After that   the Lord (Indrajit)  with his arrows which were like fire   and looking like serpents    the army of the monkeys.                                                                                                                                                 73.45

Indrajit struck   Gandhamadana      with eighteen sharp arrows   and Nila who was standing far away    with nine arrows.                                                                                                                                              73.46

That great hero   with seven arrows which can  tear asunder the vital parts   struck Mainda   and with five arrows    he struck Gaja  in that battle.                                                                                                 73.47

He  then struck Jambavan with ten arrows and Nila with thirty arrows. He also struck Sugreeva, Rishabha, Angadha and Dvividha with sharp and terrific arrows endowed with boons and made them breathless.                                                                                                                                                         73.48

That angry one   then looking like the fire of death   tormented  other monkey chiefs   with very many arrows.                                                                                                                                                                73.49

He discharged well those arrows shining like sun   and which had great speed   he harassed    the monkey army .                                                                                                                                                   73.50

That very enthusiastic one   with great pleasure saw   the extensive army of monkeys being drenched in blood after tormenting them with great many arrows.                                                                            73.51  

Again that greatly lustrous strong Indrajit the son of the king of Rakshasas, generated a volley of arrows  and destroyed the  monkey army   from all sides.                                                                            73.52-73.53

Leaving off his army from that great battle-field and becoming invisible, Indrajit advanced towards the monkeys and quickly rained terrific  rain of arrows on those armies of monkeys just   as  the black cloud  causes rain.                                                                                                                                                        73.54

In that great battle   the  bodies of the  mountain like monkeys   just like magic were   torn in to pieces  and they roared  in a pitiable voice  and fell down on the earth, like the mountains struck by Indra ‘s Vajrayudha.                                                                                                                                                        73.55

As the Rakshasa Indrajit  , the enemy of Indra   remained concealed by his magical powers   the monkeys in the war   only saw arrows with pointed tips falling on their army.                                                   73.56

That  great Lord of the Rakshasas covered all the directions   with hundreds of arrows  having  sharp point and luster of the sun  and tore   the bodies of the monkey chiefs.                                             73.57

He  rained greatly  , pikes , swords, axe   which were   shining like a   flame of fire  with sparks   on the excellent army of monkeys.                                                                                                                          73.58

Wounded by those  arrows which were like flame of fire  from Indrajit  , the monkey chiefs   resembled     the Kimsuka trees with crimson flowers.                                                                                                   73.59

Those bull like monkeys   with their body split   by that Lord of Rakshasas  , went near each other roared and fell down   on the ground.                                                                                                                   73.60

Hit on their eyes by those arrows   some monkeys looked up at the sky  , joined with each other  and fell down on the floor .                                                                                                                                         73.61

With lances, spikes and sharp arrows, charged with  powerful chants  , Indrajit the excellent Rakshasa  struck all those foremost of monkeys, namely Hanuman, Sugreeva, Angadha, Gandhamadana, Jambavan, Sushena, Vegadarshina, Mainda, Dvividha, Nila, Gavaksha, Gavaya, Kesari, Hariloma, Vidyuddamshtra, Suryanana, Jyothimukha, a monkey called Dadhimukha, Pavakaksha, Nala as also a monkey named Kumuda.                                                                                                                      73.62-73.65

Tearing the  important monkey warriors by his mace   and arrows  , which were golden in colour   , Indrajit rained  large many arrows   which were equal to the   rays of the sun   on  Rama and Lakshmana. 

                                                                                                                                                                                73.66

Not bothering much about those rain of arrows   and treating them as just rain  , The greatly lustrous Rama looked around   and then spoke to Lakshmana   as follows.                                                        73.67

“Oh Lakshmana    this enemy of the  king of devas   has been using great arrows and throwing down the army of monkeys  and is also tormenting us   without break by his sharp arrows.”                          73.68

“How can the very strong and well prepared   Indrajit  , who has got boons from Lord Brahma   and who  conceals his terrible form from us   and who stands  prepared to shower weapons   be killed by us in the battle today?”                                                                                                                                                    73.69

“I  think   that the God who was self born   who is beyond thought  presides  over this arrow and oh  wise  one , with an undistracted  mind   you bear with me   these  hail of arrows.”                                   73.70

“Let that  lord of Rakshasas   who  is better than all be covered by multitude  of arrows   and let the army of Sugreeva  whose leaders have   all fallen look drab.”                                                                        73.71

"Finding both of us have   fallen unconscious without displaying any joy or anger after  having desisted from fighting, Indrajit will certainly return to Lanka, after having obtained laurels of battle in its beginning itself."                                                                                                                                              73.72

After that Rama and Lakshmana    were struck by very many arrows of Indrajit  and the lord of the Rakshasas  after hurting both of them   , roared    with joy in the middle of the battle.                  73.73

Thus causing the army of monkeys along with Rama and Lakshmana to become despondent in that  battle, that Indrajit, getting praised  by the Rakshasas , quickly reached the city of Lanka which was being protected by Ravana 's army . Then, Indrajit cheerfully informed all that had happened, to his father.

                                                                                                                                                                  73.74-73.75

Thus ends the seventy  third     chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

74.Hanuman brings   the herbal mountain and cures  Rama and Lakshmana.

 

(Vibheeshana and Hanuman search for the wise Jambavan and find him out. Jambavan tells Hanuman     to bring herbs form Rishabha mountain in Himalayas to cure Rama  and Lakshmana.  Hanuman reaches Himalayas and  since the herbs are not visible to him, Hanuman  brings the mountain itself.    Rama , Lakshmana and all wounded  monkeys are cured. Hanuman takes back that mountain.) 

 

Then in the battle front  Rama and Lakshmana    were knockdown senseless and all the  leaders of monkey army fainted. Sugreeva, Nila, Angadha and  Jambavan   did not understand what needs to be done.                                                                                                                                                                       74.1 

Seeing that the entire army looked worried , the most intelligent Vibheeshana   told the king of  monkey warriors and others these matchless consoling  words.                                                                              74.2 

“Those  two  gentle ones  honouring  the chant  of Lord Brahma have submitted themselves to be knocked down  by the arrows of Indrajit  and have  become dejected and greatly tired  and there  is no need for great worry among you.”                                                                                                                    74.3

“That greatly fast  arrow of Brahma   was given to Indrajit by Lord Brahma himself   and honouring that  the princes Rama and Lakshmana  have fallen down in the battle   and  so this is not the time for sorrow. “                                                                                                                                                                              74.4

Then Hanuman , the son of wind god   honoring the arrow of Lord Brahma  , after hearing these words of Vibheeshana   spoke as follows.                                                                                                                       74.5

“Let us console   all those monkeys who are surviving among this  army  , after being struck   by the arrow.”                                                                                                                                                                  74.6

Then those  two valorous Hanuman and Vibheeshana    together roamed about the battle field    with burning torches  in their hands “                                                                                                                     74.7

Hanuman and Vibheeshana saw  that  the battle-field was , covered on all sides, with mountain-sized monkeys fallen with their tails, arms, thighs, feet, fingers and heaps of heads fractured with blood oozing from their limbs and urine flowing out. The earth was also covered with flaming weapons fallen all  around.                                                                                                                                                     74.8-74.9

Vibheeshana and Hanuman saw Sugreeva, Angadha, Nila, Sharabha, Gandhamadana, Gavaksha, Sushena, Vegadarshi, Mainda, Nala, Jyotimukha and a monkey called Dvividha, who were struck down on the battle-field.                                                                                                                                   74.10-74.11

Sixty seven crores   energetic moneys   in the fifth and last subdivision of the day   by the arrow of the Lord  Brahma.                                                                                                                                                     74.12 

In the great ocean like great   army of monkeys   which had fallen down by the arrow  , Hanuman along with Vibheeshana started searching for Jambavan.                                                                                  74.13

Then Vibheeshana seeing that  valorous son of Lord Brahma who was by nature old , looking conspicuous because he was struck   by hundreds of arrows  and who looked like fire which had been put out , spoke to him as follows.                                                                                                                74.14

“Oh revered one  , perhaps by these  great and sharp arrows , your life has not been destroyed” and hearing these words of Vibheeshana  , that great   bear Jambavan  , with lots of difficulty   spoke these  words.                                                                                                                                                      74.15-74.16

“Oh king of Rakshasas, oh great hero  , I am able to recognize your voice  only as I am not able to see  , because my eyes and limbs have been struck by sharp arrows.”                                                              74.17

“Oh Rakshasa of good manners  , Is Hanuman, the monkey chief who is  the son of Anjana   and The wind God who are living only for his sake ,  alive?”                                                                                    74.18

Hearing these words of Jambavan, Vibheeshana asked him, “Leaving out the gentle Rama   and Lakshmana , why are you enquiring about Hanuman?”                                                                            74.19

“Oh gentle one , You are not showing   the same love that you show towards Hanuman   towards   the king Sugreeva  , Angadha   as well a the princes of Raghu clan.”                                                            74.20

Hearing these words of Vibheeshana , Jambavan  told “Oh tiger among Rakshasas , please hear , why I am enquiring about Hanuman.”                                                                                                                    74.21

“If that valorous one   is alive  , then if the entire army has been killed  are unhurt but   if Hanuman has given up his life , we are all dead , even if we are alive.”                                                                             74.22

“Oh dear lad , only if valorous  Hanuman who is equal to    wind as well as equal to fire  is holding to his life , there is a hope  for all of us.”                                                                                                                   74.23

Then Hanuman the son of wind God   approached   that very old Jambavan  , did salutations as per rules and then with modesty held his feet.                                                                                                             74.24

Hearing Hanuman  , That Jambavan ,   the greatest among  monkeys whose sense was perturbed  , considered himself to be born once more.                                                                                                  74.25

Then the greatly lustrous Jambavan   spoke to Hanuman,  “Please come  , oh tiger among monkeys  , it is your duty to protect all monkeys.”                                                                                                                74.26

“You are a great friend of all these monkeys  possessing great valour  and there is no other person like you. Since I do not see any other person  to do the job  , it is the correct time for you to show your valour .”                                                                                                                                                              74.27

“You please  make the army of monkeys and bears  happy   and heal the wounds of arrow on Rama  and Lakshmana.”                                                                                                                                                     74.28

“Oh hanuman you need to travel    to the greatest mountain Himalayas  by travelling  , higher and higher over the ocean. “                                                                                                                                             74.29

“Oh destroyer of enemies   , there you would see  the best of the mountains Rishabha   and the  very powerful peak  Kailasa, which is of golden colour.”                                                                                74.30

“Oh valorous one  , in the middle of those two peaks  , you will see a shining  ,matchlessly brilliant  mountain of herbs   containing all medicinal herbs.”                                                                             74.31

“Oh tiger among monkeys   growing on the top of that mountain are   for shining herbs  and you would see them making all the ten directions shine.”                                                                                            74.32

"You can see there, Mrita Sanjivani (capable of restoring the dead to life), Vishalyakarani (capable of extracting weapons and healing all wounds inflicted by weapons), Suvarnakarani (restoring the body to its original complexion) and Sandhani, the great herb (capable of joining severed limbs or fractured bone)."                                                                                                                                                                 74.33

“Oh Hanuman   you should   quickly collect all of them   and oh son of the carrier of scents  , then you would bring relief   to these monkeys  by giving them soul.”                                                                   74.34

The great monkey Hanuman after hearing these words of Jambavan  was infused  with happiness and strength , just like ocean gets momentum by the wind.                                                                            74.35

Standing on the Trikuta mountain  and pressing   that great mountain by his legs  , Hanuman looked like a second mountain.                                                                                                                                         74.36

When he  kept on increasing the pressure by his feet , that mountain was not able to bear it and sank.  

                                                                                                                                                                            74.37

The trees on the mountain fell down   , pressed by Hanuman   and due  the speed of the monkey , the ground got fire and the peaks got broken.                                                                                              74.38

The other monkeys were unable to stand on that great mountain which started to reel  while it was being pressed  and trees and the stones  on it got broken.                                                             74.39

The city of Lanka was confused by panic when its principal gates were broken  and the city appeared to dance   at night .                                                                                                                                         74.40

Hanuman became equal to the mountain    and pressed the mountain by his feet    and the earth along with the ocean began to shake.                                                                                                                 74.41

From that mountain, Hanuman  then ascended  to the Mount Malaya, appearing like  Mounts Meru and Mandara, filled with several kinds of waterfalls , full of many trees and creepers, having Kamala and Utpala lotuses blooming, visited by devas  and Gandharwas , having a height of sixty Yojanas , frequented by Vidyadharas, a number of sages and Apsaras , filled with various kinds of animal-troupes and illuminated by many caves and then  Hanuman  grew his body, appearing like a cloud, bewildering Yakshas, Gandharvas and Kinnaras.                                                                                                74.42-74.45

Pressing that mountain with his feet   and opening his mouth which shined like forest fire  and frightening the Rakshasas , Hanuman roared loudly.                                                                              74.46

Hearing that loud sound of   the clamouring roar  , the great Rakshasas residing in Lanka   were not   able to stir anywhere.                                                                                                                                              74.47

That very valorous Hanuman   who was the destroyer of enemies   offered salutation to  the ocean   and made  up his mind   to  carry out that prime job for  the sake of Rama.                                             74.48

Raising his tail which resembled on serpent, bending his back, contracting his ears and opening his mouth which shined  like a terrific  forest  -fire, Hanuman  jumped into the sky, with a head long speed.

                                                                                                                                                                             74.49

By his  great speed , he carried away large number  of trees, mountains and some ordinary monkeys. Driven up and away by the speed   generated from his arms and thighs, they fell down in water when their speed diminished.                                                                                                                                  74.50

Stretching his both arms which looked like coiled serpents    that  Hanuman with a strength similar   that  of Garuda   proceeded towards the great Himalaya mountains   with  the energy which he drew from all the four directions.                                                                                                                                     74.51

 Noticing  the sea, whose waves along with its water were made to agitate and all whose creatures were caused to whirl round, Hanuman quickly speeded up, like the  wheel  loosed by the fingers of Lord Vishnu.                                                                                                                                                                74.52

Seeing the mountains  . flocks of birds  ,lakes, rivers  , ponds  and  great towns   which were full of people   Hanuman proceeded towards the Himalaya mountains with the speed equal   to his  father the wind God.                                                                                                                                                            74.53

That  valorous Hanuman   with valour equal to his father  lost his tiredness  and  speedily travelled   through the orbit of the Sun.                                                                                                                            74.54

Travelling with great speed , which was equal to that of wind ,shaking all the four directions with  echo  , that Hanuman who was a tiger among monkeys  rushed towards Himalaya mountains.                       74.55

That  great monkey Hanuman who possessed great  valour remembering the words of Jambavan   suddenly saw the Himalaya  mountains.                                                                                                     74.56

Going to Himalayas   he saw  that   greatest among mountains   which was shining   with various types of waterfalls , different type of caves   and streams  and summits  which looked like white clouds as well as huge number of trees.                                                                                                                                     74.57

Approaching that very great king of mountains  , with   excellent   peaks  , he saw great hermitages  , inhabited by very many great sages .                                                                                                          74.58

He saw the abode of Brahma , Kailasa the abode of Shiva , the abode of Indra the lord , the arrow-discharging place of Rudra, the  place of Hayagriva, the shining place at which Brahma's head fell down, the sun-god and Kinkaras.                                                                                                                            74.59

He saw   the  home of Agni  , the home of Khubera  which was shining like the sun  , the spot where Viswakarma tied the Sun  , the seat of Brahma  , the place where Shiva’s weapons are kept   and then also the navel of earth.                                                                                                                                  74.60 

He saw the tip of Kailasa , the great stone of Himalaya  . The Rishabha mountain  , the tall mountain of gold   which shines due to its rare medicinal herbs   and which is the lord of mountains on which all herbs grew.                                                                                                                                                       74.61

Seeing that mountain   shining like   a  huge place of fire  , Hanuman , the son of the emissary of Indra(Wind)   was surprised  to see the mountain of herbs   and started searching for the required herbs.  

                                                                                                                                                                            74.62

That great monkey who was the son of wind god  having travelled   several thousands of Yojanas . walked around the mountain in search of the herbs.                                                                             74.63

All those great medicinal herbs   which were on the great mountain  ,knowing that somebody was searching for them vanished to their sight.                                                                                              74.64

When that great soul was not able to see them   with a very great anger he roared  and not able to bear it  ,  with eyes as red as fire   told  this to that king of mountains.                                                74.65

“Oh king of mountains  , it is clear that  you have not shown any pity towards Rama   and please   see yourself crushed to pieces   by  the great strength of my arms.”                                                         74.66

Then catching hold of the summit of the mountain   which had thousands of minerals  , elephants and gold .he shattered the crest  of the mountain   and   with  the shining   crest   he speedily jumped up from there.                                                                                                                                                  74.67 

Having   uprooted the mountain   and frightening   all the worlds   including leaders of devas   and Dhanavas   and being praised by  many devas  , Hanuman sprang up on the sky   and proceeded back with the speed of an eagle.                                                                                                                    74.68

 Holding that peak  , as lustrous as the Sun   that Hanuman  , who resembled the Sun , reached the orbit of the Sun  and shined  like second Sun   in the nearby place  of the sun.                                    74.69

When the son of the carrier  of the scents   who resembled a mountain , with that  mountain  travelled in the sky   he appeared like Lord Vishnu  with his  shining wheel with  thousand edges  in his hand.74.70

Seeing him the monkeys made great  noise  and seeing them   Hanuman also produced a sound  and with this great noise , Lanka  roared more terribly.                                                                                   74.71                                                                     

  Then he descended on the king of mountains   in the middle of army of monkeys  and having offered   salutations  to the monkeys holding his head bent and low  , he embraced Vibheeshana.               74.72

Inhaling the scent of that great medicinal herbs  , both the sons of the human king  , immediately   got healed of their wounds  and all other monkey warriors also got up.                                                    74.73

By the fragrance of those most powerful medicinal  herbs, all those monkey-warriors who were earlier dead were healed within a moment  of their wounds, relieved of their pain, even  like  those who are asleep getting  up at the close of night.                                                                                                        74.74

From the day that war began   between monkeys and Rakshasas , under the orders of Ravana   all those Rakshasas who were  killed   by the monkey chiefs   were  being thrown away  in the ocean   for the   sake of their honour .                                                                                                                            74.75-74.76

Then that monkey who was the son of the  carrier of scent  , took back that powerful mountain full of medicinal herbs   to its place and returned quickly and joined Rama .                                                 74.77

 

Thus ends the seventy  fourth     chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

75.The war intensifies

 

(As per suggestion of Sugreeva ,the monkey arms starts burning the town of Lanka and Lakshmana give arrow support. The sons of Kumbhakarna    along with the big army of Rakshasas comes out. A huge and intense war takes place   and both sides loose lot of soldiers.)

 

Then greatly lustrous king of Monkeys Sugreeva   spoke these meaningful words   Hanuman    for the sake of informing  him as to what needs to be done.                                                                                    75.1

“Because Kumbhakarna and his sons   have been destroyed , Ravana is not in a position   to   further destruction.”                                                                                                                                                          75.2

“Whichever monkeys have great  strength   which is equal to lions  , let  those great monkeys   with dexterity  , taking  burning torches   rush towards the city of Lanka   with an aim to burn  the  house of Ravana.”                                                                                                                                                                  75.3 

That  awful evening  after the sun has set  , those excellent monkeys   with burning torches    went towards  the city of Lanka.                                                                                                                                   75.4

When  those group of monkeys with torch in hands   attacked Lanka  from all directions  , the Rakshasa  guards having a slanted eyes  suddenly  ran away from there.                                                                    75.5

Those monkeys who were extremely happy   threw fire  on those towering gates , attics, streets  and  various by lanes  and the mansions .                                                                                                                75.6

Then that fire consumed thousands  of houses   of those Rakshasas and mansions which are like mountain  fell on  the ground .                                                                                                                          75.7

Agaru  , excellent  very costly sandalwood   , pearls  , glossy  gems   and   corals  were   burnt by that fire.

                                                                                                                                                                                  75.8

Linen, pretty silk  , blankets made of sheep’s wool  , various kinds of ram’s wool   lot of ornaments and weapons   were also burnt there .                                                                                                                      75.9

The ornaments , saddle etc of horses   which were of peculiar pattern , the chains won on the neck by elephants   and polished ornaments meant    for the chariots also were burnt.                                       75.10

Coats of mail of the warriors, the armour of the elephants and horses, swords, bows, bow-strings, arrows, lances, goads and javelins were burnt there.                                                                                   75.11

The fire burning  on all sides burnt blankets and rugs made of the hair of animals, whisks made of the hair of the tails, the skins of tigers, many birds, palaces inlaid with pearls and gems and various kinds of stores of arms.                                                                                                                                           75.12-75.13

Then, the fire burnt away many kinds of bright coloured houses of all the Rakshasas, who were greedily fond  of their homes. The fire there burnt away hundreds and thousands of inhabitants of Lanka, who were protected by gold coloured armory and decked with garlands, ornaments and garments, with quivering eyes due to inebriation, moving with lustful walking, who were seized with fury against their enemy, who carried maces, pikes and swords in their hands, who were eating and drinking too or lay fast asleep on splendid beds with their loved ones and who were decamping quickly to all sides, taking their sons with them, frightened and fearing up again and again.                                              75.14-75.18

The fire there burnt away the houses, which were strong, very valuable, with profound qualities, decked in gold with moon shapes and crescent shapes, which rose high with their top rooms, provided all round with beautiful windows, furnished with seats coaches etc., decorated with gems and corals, as though touching the sky, rendered noisy with notes of herons, peacocks, veena and the jingling of ornaments as also appearing like mountains.                                                                                                              75.19-75.21

Surrounded by that great fire  the arch doors shined   like a huge assembly of clouds  along with lightning  at the   end of  summer season.                                                                                                     75.22

The houses surrounded by burning flames of fire  appeared   like peaks of great mountains surrounded by forest fire.                                                                                                                                                      75.23

Blessed women sleeping on the tower like mansions  get  scorched by fire  , threw away all their ornaments   and screamed loudly  “Ha, Ha.”                                                                                            75.24

The houses also were surrounded by fire  and fell like burning peaks of mountains  struck by Vajrayudha of Lord Indra.                                                                                                                                                    75.25

From a distance those houses which were   burning appeared like   the peaks of Himalaya mountains   which are surrounded   by fire and gave out light.                                                                                   75.26

Those mansions which were being burnt  set ablaze by flames   appeared like Kimsukha trees  full of red flowers.                                                                                                                                                              75.27

With elephants let loose by their chief guards  and horses being set free  that city of Lanka   appeared like  the like ocean at time of deluge when crocodiles freely roam.                                                    75.28

Seeing the horse set free the elephants got frightened and went back and seeing the elephants set free the horses were frightened.                                                                                                                       75.29

When the city of Lanka was burning, due to its reflection   the auspicious ocean  looked   filled with red coloured water .                                                                                                                                             75.30

The city that was burnt by the monkeys within a very short time  appeared like the earth burning at the time of the horrifying  deluge .                                                                                                                      75.31

The great  loud sound raised by the ladies who were completely covered by the smoke  was heard for  a distance of one hundred Yojanas.                                                                                                                 75.32

Then the monkeys thirsting to fight  jumped suddenly on the other  Rakshasas, whose body had been severely burnt  and they rushed out to save  themselves.                                                                      75.33

The loud noise created by the monkeys  and the wailing of the Rakshasas went on echoing and were heard  on all the ten directions of earth and the ocean.                                                                         75.34

Having been healed of their wounds  those two princes without any confusion   seized two of their   great bows.                                                                                                                                                      75.35

Then Rama made a sound of twang with his excellent bow  and by that tumultuous sound all Rakshasas were scared.                                                                                                                                                     75.36

Rama   who was drawing his great bow  shined like Lord Shiva  stretching his bow of Vedas  at the time of final deluge.                                                                                                                                                75.37

The twang  of the bow  of Rama   was heard much above  the loud shouting of the monkeys and the wailing sound of the Rakshasas.                                                                                                               75.38

The  three sounds of raised loud shout of monkeys  , the wail of the Rakshasas, and twang  sound of Rama’s bow   completely was heard in all the ten directions.                                                          75.39

By the arrows that went from the bow  of Rama  made the main tower gate of the city  look like the Kailasa mountain  , shattered and fallen to the  ground.                                                               75.40

Seeing arrows of Rama falling on the towered  mansions , the  battle preparedness of the Rakshasa   chief got affected.                                                                                                                                  75.41

To those  lords of Rakshasas who were preparing for battle    making the roars  of lions  , it  appeared that deluge presided by Rudra has come.                                                                                          75.42

The great Sugreeva   commanded the leader of monkeys  ,”Oh monkeys . reach the gates   and wage

The war with the Rakshasas  and if any of  the monkeys  who are present there  and tries to  escape there, by royal command he should be killed.”                                                                            75.43-75.44

Seeing those monkey chiefs standing at his gate     holding   the flaming torches  Ravana  got extremely angry.                                                                                                                                                                75.45

When Ravana moved his body in a disorderly fashion  due to yawning , he looked   like the angry Rudra , who has   assumed his form.                                                                                                                        75.46

Greatly angry   he  sent  both Kumbha and Nikhumbha , the sons of Kumbhakarna   along with multitude of Rakshasas.                                                                                                                                                   75.47

By the orders of Ravana, Yupaksha, Sonitaksha, Prajangha and Kampana along with the those  sons of Kumbhakarna set out for the battle.                                                                                                         75.48

Ravana gave the following order   to those very strong Rakshasas, “Oh Rakshasas , please   go now itself roaring like lions. “                                                                                                                                      75.49

Encouraged by Ravana   those  valorous   Rakshasas  shining weapons , roared again and again   and started out form Lanka.                                                                                                                           75.50

By the glitter of ornaments worn by those Rakshasas  and the flaming torches  held  by the monkeys  , the sky was made to shine from all directions .                                                                                 75.51

With   the shine of moon and stars  in the sky   and splendour of ornaments   worn by both armies  , the sky was made brilliant.                                                                                                                          75.52

The moon   and lustrous  planets on the sky   made the armies of monkeys and Rakshasas   shine from all sides,                                                                                                                                                         75.53

With the  flames coming from half burnt houses  and the lustrous agitated waves  of the ocean   mingled  with water  shined in   a great manner.                                                                                               75.54

That army of Rakshasas  was looking awful with flags and banners, with excellent axes shaped  swords, consisting of great  horses, chariots and elephants, crowded with foot-soldiers of every description, distinguished by shining pikes, maces, swords, spears, lances and bows which they   held  .  They were   noted for their  redoubtable valour and prowess, with shining lances and rendered noisy by hundreds of tiny bells (tied around chariots, elephants etc) and   the arms of  the  warriors were  adorned with sets of gold ornaments, their axes being brandished, mighty weapons being waved about, arrows fitted to the bows and the whole atmosphere rendered fragrant by the abundance of sandal paste, garlands and wine.                                                                                                                                                       75.55-75.58                              

    After seeing  the army of Rakshasas   which came full of    horrifying warriors   , who thundered like huge clouds   and who were difficult to be defeated   the army of monkeys marched against them.

                                                                                                                                                                          75.59

The  great  army of  Rakshasas   marched jumping forward  towards  the army who were their  enemies   just like moths   flying towards  the flame .                                                                                               75.60

 The   better army of that Rakshasas    who were   holding   iron clubs and tips of arrows in their hands   waved those   and shined   brightly  .                                                                                                         75.61

Then the monkeys    who were  enthusiastic to fight the war   hit    those Rakshasas   with     trees, rocks    and fists and jumped in great frenzy.                                                                                                        75.62

Similarly   those Rakshasas with very great  strength  and valour   , jumped on the monkeys immediately   tore off with arrows   the heads of those  monkeys .                                                                        75.63 

Some of   those Rakshasas wandered in the streets  with ears  bitten, skulls smashed    by the fists of monkeys   and their limbs broken with stones.                                                                                     75.64

But   some monkeys with horrible look   struck those chiefs  of monkeys   with sharp swords and drove them all over the battle field,                                                                                                                   75.65

One warrior killed  one   monkey   who was killing another Rakshasa , a second one threw down  one monkey   who was  throwing down another Rakshasa  ; a third Rakshasa scolded another monkey   who was scolding the other Rakshasa ; while a fourth one chewed  a monkey   who was  chewing another.

                                                                                                                                                                         75.66

One of them requested for blows, another replied that yet another one is giving  and another replied, that he himself is giving  and another said, “Why are you taking pains?”.                                         75.67

In the very great war between Rakshasas and monkeys  , some weapons were made useless , some were dug in to armours of others , long lances were lifted up  and fists, pikes swords and spears were used in the war.                                                                                                                                               75.68-75.69

In the war Rakshasas killed the monkeys in tens and sevens  and Monkeys made ten and seven Rakshasas   fall.                                                                                                                                            75.70

The monkeys caught hold of the Rakshasas whose hair and cloth were in disarray whose spears and armours were  thrown away  and surrounded them from all sides .                                                75.71

 

Thus ends the seventy  fifth    chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

76.The Monkey  chiefs exterminate  many Rakshasa heroes

 

(In a great war  Angadha killed   Kampana   and Prajangha,  Dvividha killed Sonithaksha  , Maindha killed Yupaksha and Sugreeva killed  Kumbha.)

 

When  that horrifying war in which very many valorous warriors were killed   was continuing, Angadha who was eager to fight in a war  attacked the valorous Kampana.                                                     76.1 

Kampana invited Angadha for a war with him and hit him   with speed    with a mace  with great anger before he was ready for a battle    and Angadha   reeled.                                                                     76.2  

Getting back his consciousness   the lustrous Angadha  hurled a mountain peak  and  receiving that hit  Kampana fell down on the ground.                                                                                                           76.3

After noticing that Kampana was killed in the battle  , the fearless Sonitaksha rushed riding a chariot towards Angadha.                                                                                                                                         76.4

He then speedily   struck Angadha with sharp pointed arrows which can tear up the limbs and with fire-like forms which can destroy the world. He struck with many sharp arrows by the names of Kshura, Kshurapra, Naaraacha, Vatsatanta, Shilimukha, Karni, Shalya and Vipatha.                              76.5-76.6

The famous Angadha who was the son of Vali  who was wounded in his limbs  with his great strength crushed   his  terrific bow  , chariot and   arrows.                                                                               76.7

Then the very angry Sonitaksha holding a sword   and a shield jumped from the chariot without hesitation .                                                                                                                                                76.8

When he with great speed jumped towards   him,  the strong Angadha    held him by his hand, snatched his sword and    made a roar like lion.                                                                                                76.9

Then that Angadha cut the shoulders of that Rakshasa    with that sword  from left to right .  76.10

Angadha   holding that large sword   in his hand again and again roared and rushed   towards other  surviving enemies.                                                                                                                                        76.11

Then   the greatly angry Yupaksha      along with  Prajangha   attacked Angadha  riding    on a chariot. 

                                                                                                                                                                          76.12

Meanwhile    that greatly valorous Sonitaksha   who was wearing golden armlets  regained his consciousness  and holding an iron mace   rushed towards Angadha.                                            76.13

The great hero Prajangha along with  the very strong Yupaksa . with great anger rushed towards Angadha with a mace.                                                                                                                               76.14

In the middle of Sonitaksha and Prajangha  , that great monkey shined  like the full moon in between  the two constellations of Vishaka.                                                                                                                     76.15

Then Mainda and Dvividha   stood near  Angadha to protect him and also   to show their skill  in war .

                                                                                                                                                                           76.16

The very strong Rakshasas with their colossal bodies retaliated and rushed in anger, wielding swords, arrows and maces, towards the monkeys.                                                                                               76.17                                                                                                                                                                         

Those three great   monkey chiefs   met   the three Rakshasa lords  and engaged in a great war which made    the hairs to stand erect.                                                                                                                   76.18

The monkeys  collected huge trees and hurled     them towards the Rakshasas but Prajangha cut all of them   with his sword.                                                                                                                                     76.19

The monkeys hurled   trees and rocks    on the chariots and horses towards the Rakshasas but Yupaksha  chopped all of them with    his flood of arrows.                                                                                      76.20

The famous and valorous Sonitaksha  cut off the trees   hurled at him by Dvividha and Mainda  by his sword   in the midway itself.                                                                                                                         76.21    

Holding a huge sword capable of cutting away the vital parts of the enemy  Prajangha   rushed towards   the son of Vali.                                                                                                                                               76.22                                                   

Then that very strong lord of monkeys seeing him coming nearby  struck him  with a very strong Aswakarna tree.                                                                                                                                            76.23

Angadha hit that hand that was holding the sword with his fist  and by that blow of the son of Vali   that sword   fell down.                                                                                                                                         76.24

Seeing that sword fell on the ground   like a pebble  , the very strong Prajangha  tightened his thunderbolt like fist.                                                                                                                                       76.25

     When he struck    the very valorous monkey chief Angadha on his forehead. Angadha  rocked   there itself for a moment .                                                                                                                                    76.26

That lustrous and famous son of Vali  ,  after he regained consciousness  using his fist made the head of  Prajangha fall    from his trunk.                                                                                                                  76.27 

Then Yupaksha seeing that his father’s brother has been killed, with tearful eyes got down from the chariot with a sword as his arrows were exhausted  .                                                                          76.28

Seeing Yupaksha rushing towards him  Dvividha quickly   struck him on his chest   with great anger and strong one also caught hold of him.                                                                                                         76.29

Sonithaksha seeing that his strong brother has been caught  struck the very lustrous Dvividha  on his chest.                                                                                                                                                               76.30

That very strong Dvividha    tottered when struck   but pulled off  the mace of Sonithaksha and lifted him.                                                                                                                                                                 76.31

When this was going on   the powerful   Maidha   came nearer to Dvividha  struck Sonithaksha with his palm on his chest.                                                                                                                                        76.32

Then those violent Rakshasas Sonithaksha   and Yupaksha   carried on a keen contest   with those  two monkeys in the battle field   by pulling and over throwing them   in a severe manner.               76.33

Using his nails Dvividha scratched  the face of Sonithaksha   and threw him on  the flow with all his strength and crushed him.                                                                                                                        76.34

Mainda the monkey chief   was greatly enraged   and  crushed  Yupaksha     with  his arms   and Yupaksha fell down on the ground.                                                                                                                         76.35

The army of the king of Rakshasas was greatly perturbed  when their great warriors were killed  and they then turned their faces  towards the son of Kumbhakarna.                                                           76.36

Kumbha restored the confidence  of  his  army which came speedily towards him  and seeing the great monkeys who could succeed in their aim  had thrown the chief warriors of the Rakshasas , Kumbha did a feat which was   difficult to do in the battle.                                                                           76.37-76.38

Then Kumbha who the best among archers   taking his bow   released several well composed serpentine arrows  which can split open the bodies.                                                                                           76.39

His exceedingly great bow   fitted with those arrows shined like a second bow of Indra  with  the illumination and splendour  of Iravatha.                                                                                           76.40

Drawing that arrow up to the ears   he released those arrows with the golden shaft  and feathers   and struck  Dvividha.                                                                                                                                                   76.41

When Dvividha  the great monkey chief having the splendour of Trikuta mountain ,   was suddenly  struck  by that arrow , with feet  swaying here and there   he fell down throbbing.                             76.42

Seeing that his brother   was defeated in that great battle   Mainda took a very large stone   and rushed with speed to attack that Rakshasa.                                                                                                              76.43

When that stone was thrown at him  by the strong one , that Rakshasa Kumbha broke it in to pieces by five shining arrows.                                                                                                                                          76.44

Then Kumbha selected    another arrow resembling a serpent   and having a good tip   and struck   the chest   of the brother of Dvividha .                                                                                                                76.45

When   that monkey chief was hit by    that arrow   on his vital parts    , he  fainted and fell   on the ground unconscious.                                                                                                                                       76.46    

Angadha seeing that both his very strong uncles   have fallen down  rushed  with speed towards Kumbha   who lifted his bow.                                                                                                                                          76.47

Using five steel arrows    and with three other sharp arrows  Kumbha  pierced Angadha   who was coming towards him  ,like a elephant is pierced by the goad.                                                              76.48

 Then again that valorous Kumbha   pierced Angadha    with many more sharp arrows   decked in gold   with sharp and harsh   tips .                                                                                                                         76.49

That Angadha  the son of Vali though he was wounded with sharp arrows   did not bother much   and rained   rocks and trees aimed at head of Kumbha.                                                                                76.50

The  glorious son of Kumbhakarna    then cut off all those    trees thrown by the son of Vali  and broke the stones.                                                                                                                                                        76.51

Noticing that Angadha was rushing towards him  , Kumbha pierced  his brows with his arrows  , just like an elephant is attacked by flaming torches.                                                                                              76.52

Since blood which was flowing covered one of his eyes  , he covered his eyes dampened with blood  and caught hold of a great sala tree which was nearby   with another   hand.                                          76.53

In the battle field he bend a little  uprooted    that huge tree along with his branches   and held it with his hand.                                                                                                                                                                 76.54 

While all the Rakshasas were staring at it  Angadha with great speed   hurled that tree which was like  Mandara mountain   and was as tall as flag of Indra.                                                                              76.55

With seven sharp arrows   which were capable of splitting the body  Kumbha chopped of that tree    and greatly perturbed  Angadha fell down unconscious .                                                                               76.56

Seeing that Angadha had fallen down   and sunk in the ocean of depression  the monkey chiefs in formed the matter to Rama.                                                                                                                          76.57

Hearing  that Angadha was in great pain   in that great battle   Rama sent  out monkeys under leadership  of  Jambavan.                                                                                                                                                   76.58

Those valorous monkeys hearing the order of Rama   rushed towards Kumbha who     was holding a bow in his hand .                                                                                                                                                      76.59

Holding trees and stones in their hand    and with blood red eyes  due to great anger  desirous of defending  of Angadha   they rushed.                                                                                                         76.60

The enraged Jambavan, Sushena and Vegadarshi, the monkey ran up towards Kumbha the son of Kumbhakarna to attack him.                                                                                                                        76.61

Seeing those very strong monkeys    nearer to him Kumbha   flooded  and covered  them with very sharp arrows  similar to one  stops the stream by use of a rock.                                                                  76.62

When the great monkeys reached within the ambit of his arrows , they were not able to even see him  , just like a ocean cannot overstep its shore.                                                                                            76.63  

Seeing those troops of monkeys being tormented by a flood of arrows, Sugreeva the king of monkeys, keeping Angadha his brother's son in the rear, rushed headlong towards Kumbha in the battle, as a swift as a   lion would pounce upon an elephant walking along the slopes of a mountain.         76.64-76.65

Uprooting many large trees  including an Aswakarna tree  that king of monkeys hurled   them on Kumbha.                                                                                                                                                            76.66

That Kumbha the son of Kumbhakarna   cut off all those which were raining from the sky  which was very difficult job  using very sharp arrows .                                                                                                  76.67

Kumbha who was skilled in hitting    the target  , with his sharp  arrows like the   like the horrifying Shatagunis. (Pieces of  iron spikes)                                                                                                              76.68

 The very strong and    famous  Sugreeva who saw that Kumbha   had chopped off the  rain of trees  was not bothered.                                                                                                                                                    76.69

Tolerating    those arrows  which hit him Sugreeva   took away   Kumba’s bow   which was shining like a rain bow     and broke it all once .                                                                                                                 76.70

Then bouncing after doing this difficult job  , the very angry Sugreeva spoke   to Kumbha   who was  looking like an  elephant whose tusk is broken.                                                                                     76.71

“Oh valorous elder brother of Nikumbha  , your valour   and speed  with which you send the arrow   are astounding.  Both Ravana and you are equal   in subjugating the Rakshasa   force   and in majesty.”

                                                                                                                                                                           76.72

“Oh Kumbha who is similar    to Prahladha, Mahabali  , Indra, Khubera   and Varuna  , you alone were born as strong as your father . “                                                                                                                 76.73

“Even the devas cannot win over you even when you are alone and    holding a spear  , Oh  destroyer of enemies   with long arms . Since worries cannot upset   a person who has subdued his senses  , exhibit your valour   and see   my actions in return.”                                                                              76.74-76.75

“Ravana the brother of your father due to boons received by him   , used  to attack devas and Dhanavas   but  Kumbhakarna on his  part used to tolerate    devas and Asuras.”                                             76.76 

“In use of bow you are equal to Indrajit   and in fame equal to Ravana   and so in the world of Rakshasas    you are the best in strength  and valour.”                                                                                              76.77

“Let all the beings witness   the great and  wonderful fight between you and me  , which would be like the fight which took place between Indra and the Rakshasa   called Shambhara .                      76.78

. “You have already done a matchless act   and due to your mastery in arrows   great monkey heroes  who had terrific valour have fallen down.”                                                                                         76.79

“Oh valorous Rakshasa  , due   to your being tired after your engagement in war  , you were not killed by me  , due to the fear that the world would find fault with me  . So after taking rest find out about my strength.”                                                                                                                                                    76.80

Recognizing those insulting words of Sugreeva  Kumbha ‘s   luster increased like the luster of the sacrificial fire   increases when Ghee  is offered to it.                                                                       76.81

Then Kumbha   caught hold of the arms of  Sugreeva   and breathing heavily again and again   like elephants in rut  , they fastened  their body with each other  and releases  flame and smoke    from their faces due to their tiresomeness .                                                                                               76.82-76.83

By the trampling of their feet , the earth sank down   and   due to their whirling  movements   the ocean became turbulent  .                                                                                                                              76.84

Then Sugreeva tossed  Kumbha in to the salty ocean   and by the swift fall there   Kumbha was able to see   the  bottom of the sea.                                                                                                               76.85 

Due to the falling of Kumbha in it the   waters in the ocean rose   equal to the height  of Vindhya mountains   spreading on all sides.                                                                                                   76.86

The very irritated Kumbha jumped up from there  , threw  down Sugreeva   and struck him on his chest   with his  fist which was like a thunder bolt.                                                                                    76.87

Sugreeva ’s armour was broken   and even some blood oozed out   and his   cage of bones gave a counter strike to the  that awfully forceful fist.                                                                              76.88 

 The hit  by  the force of the fist  , the pain resembled   the fire bursts on the top of Mount Meru   born out of burst of lightning   .                                                                                                                  76.89

 Then the very strong Sugreeva   , who was the foremost of all monkeys   who was struck by Kumbha   tightened his fist which was  like a thunderbolt  .                                                                         76.90

Then  that valorous Sugreeva    brought down his clenched fist which shined like Sun surrounded by thousand rays    on the chest   of Kumbha.                                                                                             76.91

Due to the forceful hit by the fist   that Rakshasa fell down   exhausted  , like   a fire whose flame was exhausted.                                                                                                                                                     76.92

That Rakshasa   who was hit by the fist    of Sugreeva    dropped down like   the planet mars   with splendid rays falling from the sky accidentally  .                                                                                   76.93

When Kumbha was killed   by  the king of all monkeys   who had very great valour  , the earth  , mountains and the   forests  trembled   and Rakshasas were greatly fear struck.                         76.94 

 

Thus ends the seventy  sixth   chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

 

77.Hanuman kills Nikumbha

 

(Nikumbha   the brother of Kumbha attacks  Hanuman to revenge his brother’s death   but he is  killed  by Hanuman)

 

Seeing his brother was   killed    by Sugreeva   Nikumbha   with an anger capable of burning  to ashes looked at Sugreeva.                                                                                                                                               77.1

Then the very courageous Nikumbha   took an iron club  which   was as big    as the tip of the Mandhara mountain which was bright  and was decorated    by flower wreaths   and   which was provided with    iron plates   measuring five digits.                                                                                                                  77 .2

It was enclosed in gold   with diamonds and rubies   studded on it   and looked like the death dealing staff of  Lord Yama   and monkeys were dismayed   on seeing it   and Rakshasas regained their courage.

                                                                                                                                                                             77.3

Wielding   that weapon   which in size resembled the flag staff of Indra  , the very valorous  Nikumbha   roared ,   opening his  mouth wide open.                                                                                                    77.4

His chest was decorated by a medal of Gold   and he had decorated   his hands with pretty bracelets , his ears were decorated by pendants  , his neck by splendid garlands   and with these ornaments   and his club , Nikumbha   shined like a clouds with its   thunder and lightning   along with a rain bow.   77.5-77.6

The great Nikumbha   holding that club in his hand  , hurled that club with the luster of the sun    on the breast   of the  mighty  Hanuman.                                                                                                                     77.7

The sky   appeared whirling round when   Nikumbha swung  the iron club  and appeared as if  the city of Alaka    along with palaces of Gandharwas    went round   with great speed around  and  moon, stars and planets   joined this race.                                                                                                                                   77.8 

The fire like Nikumbha   with the shine  generated by his club and ornaments  who was greatly angry  was  difficult to be approached like the fire at final deluge.                                                                      77.9

Due to fear neither Rakshasas nor monkeys   were  even able to move  but the very strong Hanuman stood before Nikumbha   baring his chest .                                                                                               77.10

The very strong Nikumbha   with hands which were similar to a club   hurled   his club   which was shining like the Sun   on the chest   of the strong Hanuman.                                                                 77.11

That club which fell on the rock like  broad  chest of Hanuman  ,immediately broke in to   hundreds of pieces   and fell like meteors from the sky.                                                                                                 77.12

That great monkey was not moved by    that hit  of the club   and stood like a mountain    at  the time of earth quake.                                                                                                                                                      77.13

That great monkey  who was  extremely strong  after being struck by the club, clenched   his fist with very great force.                                                                                                                                               77.14

The greatly lustrous ,  valorous  , swift  Hanuman who was as powerful as the wind God   lifted his fist   and hit the chest of Nikumbha with very great force.                                                                               77.15

By his hit ,  the vital parts of the Rakshasa broke up   and blood started flowing from him   and then he resembled   a black cloud with lightning.                                                                                                    77.16

But  Nikumbha was unmoved by that great blow   and  recovered quickly   and caught hold of that mighty monkey  Hanuman.                                                                                                                            77.17

Seeing the  very strong Hanuman   was lifted off the ground by Nikumbha    in the battle ground, the residents of Lanka    gave rise   to a huge roar of joy.                                                                             77.18

Though he was being carried away  Hanuman  , the son of wind God   struck that Rakshasa with his fist which was like a thunderbolt.                                                                                                                     77.19

Freeing  himself from the hold  Hanuman  , the son of wind God   threw that Nikumbha down on earth  and showered blows on him.                                                                                                                       77.20

Throwing down Nikumbha with great force on the earth   with supreme effort  , Hanuman descended on him ,  ,leapt on his chest   and pounded him with great speed.                                                            77.21

Then he caught hold of his head  , twisted his neck   and tore off his huge head   when he was greatly roaring.                                                                                                                                                             77.22

While  Nikumbha who was roaring was killed   by the son of wind god  there ensued   a huge fight   between Rama   and the very angry Makaraksha    who was son of Khara.                                        77.23

When  Nikumbha  had expired  , the monkeys shouted with joy  and all directions echoed with satisfaction   and the heavens appeared to crumble   and the Rakshasas were fear struck.           77.24 

 

 Thus ends the seventy  seventh chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

78.Makaraksha the son of Khara  goes for war.

 

(Makaraksha who was the son of  Khara goes to the battle. He sees very many bad omens but continues to the  battle field.)

 

Hearing  the death of  Nikumbha   and the fall of Kumbha , Ravana was greatly enraged  and burnt like fire.                                                                                                                                                                      78.1

Completely filled with both anger   and sorrow , the Rakshasa king ordered  Makaraksha, the son of Khara    as  follows.                                                                                                                                          78.2

“Obey my command and go with an army, Oh son   and kill Rama as well as Lakshmana  along with their monkey army.”                                                                                                                                                78.3

Hearing the order of Ravana  , that Rakshasa   called  Makaraksha , the  son of Khara  who considered himself as valorous   said , “I will do” .                                                                                                          78.4

Then after saluting the ten necked one , he went round him  and that strong one obeying the orders of Ravana  left that  shining palace.                                                                                                                    78.5

That son of Khara   commanded   an  army chief who was   nearby   to speedily bring him    a chariot as well as the army.                                                                                                                                               78.6

Hearing his words , that Rakshasa  who was   an army chief    brought a chariot as well as army to his proximity.                                                                                                                                                          78.7

Going round the chariot  that Rakshasa   summoned the charioteer   to speedily  drive the chariot   to the battle field.                                                                                                                                                78.8

Then Makaraksha addressed all   Rakshasas and told them,  “Oh Rakshasas , all of you start fighting in front of me.”                                                                                                                                                   78.9

“The great king of Rakshasas  Ravana   has ordered me  to kill Rama and Lakshmana   in this battle .”

                                                                                                                                                                          78.10

“Oh Rakshasas  , with   excellent arrows , I would kill   Rama, Lakshmana  , Sugreeva   and  all other monkeys.”                                                                                                                                                         78.11

“Today by  use  of the   spear, I would completely destroy the  huge army  of monkeys  who have arrived here  , like a fire destroys the dried wood.”                                                                                                78.12

Those  strong Rakshasas who have  assembled   there  ,  heard the words  of Makaraksha  , using various  weapons started to fight .                                                                                                                               78.13

All those cruel Rakshasas    who can assume any form they want  , who had  protruding  large teeth  , tawny coloured  eyes   and disheveled  hair,  created fear due to their huge bodies  and marched like elephants   shaking the earth and surrounded Makaraksha who had a huge  body.              78.14-78.15

Then there arose great noise from  all directions due to playing of  thousands  of  conches  and drums  , lion like roars   and clapping of arms.                                                                                                         78.16

At that time the long whip slipped from the hands of Charioteer of Makaraksha   and his flag staff   broke   due to   the will of fate.                                                                                                                                78.17

The horses which were drawing his chariot  lost their valorous walk   and they started walking listlessly   and timidly with  tears in their eyes.                                                                                                          78.18

When  that angry   and evil minded  Makaraksha marched  ahead   a harsh wind   carrying dust flew against him.                                                                                                                                                    78.19

Though   those greatly valorous Rakshasas saw all  these evil omens   they ignored them  and marched to the place   where Rama and Lakshmana were  situated.                                                                       78.20

Shouting  loudly  that “I will, I will “,   those Rakshasas who were  having the colour  like black clouds, elephants    and buffaloes  and who have been wounded more than once   and were skilled in  martial art  moved here   and there.                                                                                                                        78.21 

 

Thus ends the seventy  eighth  chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

79.Rama kills Makaraksha.

 

(A great   battle takes place between Rama and Makaraksha and in the end   Makaraksha is killed by Rama.)

 

Seeing Makaraksha coming out  , the monkey chiefs   jumped at once   and readied themselves    to fight   with him.                                                                                                                                                                   79.1

After that a huge battle took place between the monkeys and Rakshasas , which made the hairs to bristle and which resembled    the war between Devas   and Asuras.                                                          79.2

The monkeys and Rakshasas  then started hurling   trees , spears, maces   and clubs at each other    and began to crush each other.                                                                                                                                  79.3

Those Rakshasas , who were night wanderers  , made a slaughter of the lions among the monkeys, by means of their javelins, swords, maces, spears, lances, sharp edged spears, slings for throwing stones, nooses, mallets, staffs, missiles and other weapons and by throwing arrows on all sides.           79.4-79.5

When Makaraksha troubled them    with large number of arrows   the monkeys were scared in their mind   and greatly fear struck ran away.                                                                                                          79.6

Seeing all those monkeys running away  , the Rakshasas who were arrogant like lions   roared  sensing victory.                                                                                                                                                                   79.7 Seeing the monkeys fleeing in different directions   Rama stopped those Rakshasas with shower of arrows.                                                                                                                                                                  79.8

Seeing that Rakshasas   were being stopped , the Rakshasa called Makaraksha   burning with great anger spoke the following  words.                                                                                                                              79.9

“”Oh Rama, stop , There would be a one to one fight between us and you would lose your soul   by sharp arrows   sent by me.”                                                                                                                                      79.10

“From the time you killed my father in Dandakaranya   which was a nefarious act done by you  , my anger keeps on becoming violent.”                                                                                                              79.11

“Oh evil soul  Raghava   . since I have not been able to see you from that  time in the great forest my limbs were burning with fury.”                                                                                                                  79.12

“Oh Rama by great good fortune I have been able to see you here as  like a hungry lion   searching for animals to eat, I have been searching for you.”                                                                                      79.13

“Due to the fast arrows which I would be sending   you would start residing in the world of death   and will live there along with warriors killed by you earlier.”                                                                     79.14

“What is the use of telling many words? Please , hear my words . All the world would be watching  me and you fighting here  in this battle field.”                                                                                            79.15

“In this battle field, the fight between us would proceed   either by arrows , mace   or by hands  , as per what you have learnt earlier.”                                                                                                                 79.16

  Hearing the words   of Makaraksha   , Rama the son of Dasaratha    laughingly started speaking because  Makaraksha would keep on talking.                                                                                                      79.17

“Oh Rakshasa, why are  you telling about yourself unnecessarily with so many useless words? How is it possible   to win over me   with the   strength of mere speech?”                                                       79.18     

“In the Dandaka forest   I killed  fourteen thousand Rakshasas and also   your father as well as Trishira   and Dhooshana.”                                                                                                                                          79.19 

“Oh sinner  , today  vultures, jackals and   crows  with their sharp beaks   and goad like claws  would become contented by eating your flesh.”                                                                                              79.20   

 When Rama told like this, the very strong  Makaraksha   sent very many arrows  aimed at Rama in the battle field.                                                                                                                                                   79.21

With  a rain of other arrows   Rama broke those arrows  which were provided with golden shaft  fell on the ground.                                                                                                                                                   79.22  

When  Makaraksha , the son of Khara met Rama the son of  Dasaratha in battle  , the battle raged   furiously.                                                                                                                                                       79.23 

The sound that arose from their bows   with great resonance was   heard on the battle field   like a rumbling sound of clouds in the sky.                                                                                                         79.24  

With the  desire    to watch that wonderful battle  , all the devas, Rakshasas , Gandharwas     , Kinnaras and great serpents    reached  the sky .                                                                                                     79.25  

Though each of them pierced  the limbs of the other, their respective strength only doubled  and they continued to fight   by inflicting blows on each other .                                                                          79.26    

That Rakshasa broke all the arrows sent by Rama    and Rama   broke in many ways the arrows sent by that Rakshasa.                                                                                                                                                79.27

All  the four directions as well as intermediate points were covered by those large number of arrows   and due to the earth being covered by them, it was not even visible  .                                              79.28

Then Rama with long arms   , greatly infuriated because of the fight   broke the bow of that  Rakshasa  and killed his charioteer   by using eight arrows.                                                                                     79.29

Then Rama   broke his chariot with arrows and killed his horses and made them fall  dead  on the ground  and then Makaraksha without a chariot stood on the ground.                                                          79.30

Then that Rakshasa    who was standing on the ground  took in his hand a trident  which made  by its luster   equal to fire  at deluge , all the people greatly scared.                                                           79.31

The great trident which was difficult to obtain was presented to him by Rudra   and generated great fear and that trident shined in the sky   like a great weapon of destruction.                                           79.32

Whirling that great trident   which was shining like fire  , that Rakshasa   in great rage threw it on Rama   who was   a great soul.                                                                                                                                 79.33

Rama   using four arrows  hit  that  shining trident which was hurled by the son of Khara   in the sky itself.                                                                                                                                                               79.34

That trident   ornamented with gold   broke in to pieces   in many ways   and fell scattered on earth   like a big meteor.                                                                                                                                                  79.35

Seeing that   trident was broken by Rama who never gets tired doing his duties, those beings standing on the sky   said , “Excellent, Excellent.”                                                                                                                79.36

When  that Rakshasa Makaraksha saw that his trident was destroyed   , he lifted his fist   and called out to Rama, saying “Wait, wait  .”                                                                                                                           79.37

When the  son of Raghu clan saw  him  rushing towards him, he smiled    fitted in to his bow   The arrow of fire.                                                                                                                                                                    79.38

When that Rakshasa was hit   by that  arrow of Rama ,his heart was split  open  ,and he fell dead  then and there in the battle field.                                                                                                                             79.39

All the Rakshasas seeing the fall of Makaraksha  , greatly   scared by the arrows of Rama  , ran away immediately to Lanka.                                                                                                                                       79.40

Seeing that by the speed of arrows  of the son of the king Dasaratha  , that Rakshasa  who was the son of Khara was killed  those devas  seeing it   from the sky became happy    and felt that a mountain was broke by lightning.                                                                                                                                               79.41

 

Thus ends the seventy  ninth  chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

80.Indrajit comes to the battle field

 

(When Ordered by Ravana, Indrajit again came to the battle field. The Uagba he performed gave good omens. He fought becoming invisible   with Rama and Lakshmana. When Lakshmana wants to kill all Rakshasas by one arrow of Brahma, Rama prevents him .  The great war continued.)

 

Ravana hearing about the slaying of Makaraksha   who has won several battles , due to great rage   grinded his teeth together   and made “Kata-Kata”   sound    and with anger thought about what should be done  and instructed his son Indrajit   to go the battle.                                                                 80.1-80.2

“Oh valorous one   being either invisible or visible   kill the brothers   Rama and Lakshmana  who have very great strength.”                                                                                                                                           80.3

“You have won victory over Indra   of incomparable deeds  in war. Can you kill these human beings  when you see  them in a  battle.”                                                                                                                    80.4

Hearing these words of the king of Rakshasas, he bowed to the commands of his father  , poured oblations in the sacrificial fire  with proper rituals   in the land of Yagna.                                               80.5

While he was pouring oblations  in  the  sacred fire , Rakshasa women  carrying red turbans   hastily arrived at the place where Indrajit was.                                                                                                         80.6

Besides using  blade weapons    as  Shara grass(to be spread)   and using chips of  Vibhhitaka   as wooden chips   to feed the fire , he also used red robes   and used iron ladles   for cleaning  and  pouring  ghee in to the sacrificial fire.                                                                                                                                             80.7

Having spread on the ground around all the sides of the sacrificial fire,  with other weapons along with lances, that Rakshasa   seized hold of the neck of a live goat, entirely black and consigned it to the fire.

                                                                                                                                                                             80.8

Omens indicating victory  appeared in the smokeless fire with great  flames  when   it  was aroused by the first single offering .                                                                                                                                   80.9

The God of fire himself became a visible person  who was spreading the fire towards the right   and who was of golden colour  and received the offering.                                                                                      80.10

After offering scared oblations in fire   and gratifying  Devas, Dhanavas  and Rakshasas  he ascended the chariot with   power to   disappear from sight.                                                                                          80.11

The excellent chariot was drawn by four horses and had in it   sharp arrows and a mighty bow   and looked pretty.                                                                                                                                                    80.12

That chariot  decorated with gold   shined  because of his body  and was decorated   with carved  images  of  deer  , full moon   and crescent .                                                                                                               80.13

The flag post of Indrajit   shined like  the flame of a fire with its  large rings of gold   and studded   with cats eye gems.                                                                                                                                                     80.14

Indrajit , the son of Ravana   who was protected by  Brahma arrow which was as lustrous as the sun  had extremely great strength   and  was difficult to be attacked .                                                                    80.15

Indrajit  who came from the city had obtained the power of vanishing  from sight   by uttering chants   sacred to the Rakshasas   and offering oblations   in the fire , spoke as follows.                                80.16

“I would kill  both the princes who left their home   to become mendicants  and were unnecessarily roaming   and  give victory to my father Ravana    as present   today.”                                              80.17

“Making the world bereft of monkeys  and killing  Rama and Lakshmana , it would great pleasure to me”   and saying this   he vanished from sight.                                                                                      80.18

Egged by Ravana , that  sharp Indrajit  along with his sharp arrows and bow  made of steel   swiftly came to that battle field.                                                                                                                                      80.19

He then saw those great heroes who looked like three headed serpents   shower  very many arrows  standing in the middle of the monkeys.                                                                                                  80.20

Concluding that they were the two princes  , after stringing his bow  he covered them both   with  rains of arrows  just like a rich rainy  cloud.                                                                                                      80.21

He then reached the sky with his chariot   and remaining invisible there  , he struck Rama and Lakshmana with sharp arrows.                                                                                                                   80.22

Those   Rama and Lakshmana   when surrounded by the speed of those arrows  , placed arrows in  their bows  and sent several divine arrows.                                                                                                      80.23

In spite of their covering the sky with net work of arrows  those very strong ones could not hit  him in spite of using divine arrows.                                                                                                                       80.24

After covering the sky,  the great  Indrajit created a dark smoke   and hid  all directions  by enclosing them with a mist like  smoke .                                                                                                                     80.25

While Indrajit was moving about, neither the sound produced by the impact of his palm on the bow string was heard, nor the sound of his wheels or the clattering of hoofs of his horses could be heard, nor did his form come to the view.                                                                                                                   80.26

In that pitch darkness  where visibility is poor  , Indrajit  rained his steel arrows on them   which was like a  rain of stones.                                                                                                                                           80.27

The very angry Indrajit   pierced greatly   the limbs of Rama with his sharp arrows   which were as  shining as the sun and got by him as boons .                                                                                        80.28

The foremost among men Rama and Lakshmana    who were being struck by steel arrows , just like two mountains  hit by torrents of rain  , released golden shafted arrows against Indrajit.                  80.29

Those arrows decorated by the plumes of heron   reached Indrajit   in the sky , pierced him   and fell on the ground   stained by blood.                                                                                                                80.30

Greatly shining those two men began to cut and destroy  the arrows which were falling on them   with 

Weapons called Bhallas.                                                                                                                          80.31

Both Rama and Lakshmana sent their great arrows   towards  the place  from which the sharp arrows were   falling on them.                                                                                                                              80.32

The son of Ravana  who was an  expert in chariot based war  travelled all over the different directions  and with his sharp arrows  and pierced Rama and Lakshmana.                                                       80.33

Those  valorous sons of Dasaratha   who were wounded by   well made arrows with golden shaft  appeared like Kimsuka  trees in flowering.                                                                                        80.34

Like the position of sun cannot be guessed when sky is thickly overcast by clouds  , no one could guess his position , nor form  , nor his bows  and nor anything about him.                                                 80.35

Struck down by him   the monkeys were killed .Those  hundreds  of dead monkeys covered  the surface of earth there.                                                                                                                                         80.36

Lakshmana who was greatly enraged    told his elder brother,  “I shall   employ the arrow of Brahma to kill all the Rakshasas.”                                                                                                                              80.37

Rama who had all auspicious signs  then told Lakshmana,  “You should not kill all Rakshasas  for the   sake of a single Rakshasa.”                                                                                                                      80.38

“You are not supposed to kill  one who is not fighting,  one who is hiding , one  who seeks refuge with folded palms   , one who is fleeing and one who is intoxicated.”                                                           80.39

“Oh  very strong Lakshmana with long arms we shall make efforts to kill  only Indrajit  and we will employ   arrows which  have great speed  and  which are like poisonous snakes.”                           80.40

“The leaders of the monkey army  if they are able to see this Rakshasas would forcibly kill  this harmful one who does magical tricks and remains invisible. “                                                                             80.41

“Burnt by my arrows  , he will fall dead on the ground , even if he enters  the earth   or heaven , or world below  or the sky and remains  there completely hidden.”                                                                  80.42

Speaking these greatly meaningful words like this  the great Rama  surrounded by the great monkeys   started to think of a speedy method of killing the Rakshasa who did cruel deeds.”                        80.43

 

Thus ends the eightieth   chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

81.Indrajit kills the Sita of illusion

 

(Indrajit brings a Sita made by illusion through the western gate, When Hanuman and other monkeys were witnessing he killed Sita of illusion. The monkeys become agitated.)

 

Guessing the mind of the great Rama , then Indrajit turned away from the battle field  and entered in to his city.                                                                                                                                                                 81.1 

Then that valorous  son of Ravana   recollected the killing  of many  energetic Rakshasas went again to fight   with eyes reddened by anger.                                                                                                              81.2

The very valorous Indrajit  who was the enemy of devas  and who  belonged to the Paulasthya clan and who  was surrounded by many Rakshasas came out through the western gate .                                 81.3

Then that Indrajit who saw   the brothers Rama and Lakshmana  who were prepared to fight the war , on his part showed his magical tricks.                                                                                                                 81.4

Placing a Sita created by illusion   on his chariot  , with a large army surrounding that chariot  , intended    to kill her.                                                                                                                                                             81.5

That greatly evil minded   one made up his mind   to confuse everyone   by playing a trick   of  killing that Sita of illusion   and went towards   the  monkeys.                                                                                      81.6

Seeing him coming towards them  , all those monkeys  were greatly agitated   and with   rocks in their hands  , they bounced towards him to fight with him.                                                                               81.7

The elephant like monkey Hanuman   took a very large peak of the mountain   which was difficult to carry   went  in front of them.                                                                                                                             81.8

Then that  Hanuman  saw Sita, the wife of Rama, the best among women, bereft of joy, wearing only a single braid of hair, looking miserable, with her face emaciated due to fasting, dressed in a single worn-out clothing, unadorned and with all her limbs covered with dust and dirt; in the chariot of Indrajit.

                                                                                                                                                                     81.9-81.10

As soon as he saw her, he identified her  as Mythili, since he had seen that daughter of Janaka   not long ago .                                                                                                                                                                       81.11

Seeing her as   pained with sorrow  , being without joy  , looking like a saint  , miserable   and sitting beside Indrajit  Hanuman  wondered   about his intentions   and along with other monkey leaders rushed towards  him.                                                                                                                                             81.12-81.13

Seeing the army of monkeys   that son of Ravana benumbed by great anger , drew out his sword from his sheath   and pulled out Sita by her hair.                                                                                                     81.14

When they all were seeing that lady,   that son of Ravana started beating  her   and she who was created by illusion, started shouting “Rama, Rama.”                                                                                                   81.15

Seeing her being caught by her hair  Hanuman the son of wind God  became greatly miserable  and started shedding tears   from his eyes.                                                                                                            81.16

Seeing her who had pretty limbs   who was the darling wife of Rama  , Hanuman with anger told these harsh words   to the son of the king of  Rakshasas.                                                                                      81.17

“Oh evil  soul,  though you were born in a  clan of Brahmin sages   you belong to the Rakshasa clan   and you have touched her hair   for inviting   your ruin.”                                                                                   81.18

“Oh cruel person,  Oh person who is not cultured  , Oh mean fellow   , Oh wicked one  , oh person having sinful valour  , oh pitiless one  , woe unto you for the sinful conduct that you did  . Such an act is not worthy of even a barbarian and so there is no pity for you.”                                                                    81.19 

“Oh  merciless one , Sita   came away from her house   from her kingdom   for being protected by Rama . What wrong has she done to you? Why are you killing her? “                                                                 81.20

“It is definite that after   killing Sita, you would not survive for a long time.  You  who deserve to be killed  , by your act , have fallen in my hands,”                                                                                                       81.21

“Soon you would leave this life   and after death , you would descent to the land of lady killers which is despised   even by those who deserved to be killed by people.”                                                            81.22 

After telling this   Hanuman who was surrounded by monkeys holding their weapons  , with great anger towards the Rakshasas  , rushed towards Indrajit.                                                                                    81.23

But the army of Rakshasas   in great anger   intercepted that monkey army  of great prowess  which was advancing towards them .                                                                                                                              81.24

Stirring up   that army of monkeys with thousands of arrows  , Indrajit replied to Hanuman   , the foremost  of monkeys as follows.                                                                                                                  81.25

“ I am going to kill   Sita for whose sake, Sugreeva. You and Rama have come here    while you are standing and looking on  , now itself. “                                                                                                        81.26

“Oh monkey    , after killing her  , I would be killing you, Rama, Lakshmana  , Sugreeva and the ungentlemanly  Vibheeshana.”                                                                                                                    81.27

“Oh monkey you just said that women are not to be killed but   that which causes  pain and sorrow   to unfriendly people     should be done.”                                                                                                         81.28

After saying this   Indrajit himself  killed the Sita of illusion   who was all the while sobbing    with his sharp edged sword.                                                                                                                                        81.29

That saintly and miserable  one  with broad hips  and  who was pretty to see   was  cut across diagonally  from left to right   and fell down on earth.                                                                                                 81.30

After killing that lady , Indrajit told Hanuman  “See I have killed the darling of Rama    with   my weapon and with this the princess of Videha is no more   and all your efforts are in  vain.”                81.31-81.32

After killing her with his great sword That Indrajit climbed in to his chariot    and with joy   roared loudly. 

                                                                                                                                                                              81.33

All the monkeys  who were standing in front of him    , head his roar , when he shouted with wide open mouth  , sitting comfortably    in the  tower of his aerial chariot  m, which was unreachable for others.

                                                                                                                                                                              81.34

After killing Sita  in that way, the evil-minded Indrajit became exceedingly glad. Seeing him exceedingly pleased, the monkeys looked dejected and suddenly ran away.                                                               81.35                                                                                                                                                                              

 

Thus ends the eighty first    chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

82.Hanuman goes to inform Rama about  Sita ’s death

 

(Hanuman wages a great war and when Indrajit starts to  fight again, he decides to inform Rama about Sita ‘s death. Indrajit goes to Nikumbila to perform a Yagna.)

 

Hearing that huge   roar   which was like the thunder bolt of Indra  , the monkeys after looking in all directions  , ran away here and there.                                                                                                               82.1

Then Hanuman , the son of wind God    spoke to all those monkeys who were running away   dejected   , miserable , scared and widely apart.                                                                                                                   82.2

“Oh monkeys , why are you running away with disappointed faces  and leaving away your enthusiasm to fight ?Where has   your valour gone.”                                                                                                                 82.3

“While I am marching ahead of you,  march behind me, because  it is not proper   for the valorous ones   of a good family    to  run away.”                                                                                                                         82.4

When the wise Hanuman   spoke this way, the monkeys became in a cheerful mood   and collected    mountain peaks and trees   in great anger.                                                                                                        82.5

The best of the monkeys    roared and rushed towards the Rakshasas  and they followed Hanuman by surrounding him from all sides.                                                                                                                            82.6

Hanuman    being surrounded by the chiefs of monkey army   killed   the  army of enemies like a fire with flame.                                                                                                                                                                         82.7

The great monkey accompanied by the monkey army   destroyed   the Rakshasas   like Yama , the god of death at final deluge.                                                                                                                                              82.8

The great monkey Hanuman   gripped by great    sorrow    was very greatly enraged   and threw   a rock on the chariot of Indrajit.                                                                                                                                    82.9

Seeing the rock rushing towards them    the charioteers with the help of obedient horses   drove   the chariot to a far off place.                                                                                                                                  82.10

Not able to reach the chariot along with the charioteer of Indrajit   , that rock fell on   the ground   and split in to pieces  and pierced the earth.                                                                                                       82.11

By the fragments of the fallen rock   the army of Rakshasas   were greatly wounded and   they were greatly perturbed   over possibility of rocks falling on them.                                                             82.12

Monkeys in hundreds   with very huge bodies   lifted up   trees and mountain peaks    and rushed towards   Indrajit.                                                                                                                                                82.13

Those  very valorous monkeys   threw trees and mountain peaks    towards Indrajit in that battle    and by shooting large number of trees and peaks  , the monkeys caused destruction of their enemies  and the monkeys roared greatly  .                                                                                                                            82.14

Struck with trees   with great valour   by those terrible looking monkeys  , the Rakshasas of   hideous appearance   rolled about restlessly in the battlefield.                                                                                82.15

Seeing that his own army is being   tormented by those monkeys  , the very angry Indrajit   took hold of his weapons and started  going towards  his enemies.                                                                               82.16

That Indrajit, of firm  valour , accompanied by his army, by releasing a multitude of arrows, killed a very many number of monkeys.                                                                                                                               82.17

In that battle  , the soldiers of Indrajit  also killed monkeys   with spears  , tips of arrows , swords  , sharp edged weapons and also concealed weapon.                                                                                              82.18

The very strong  Hanuman   played a havoc    among the Rakshasas who did terrible deeds   using trees with excellent branches and    also with rocks.                                                                                            82.19

Keeping the enemy army back  , Hanuman spoke to the other monkeys like this, “Retreat , there is no need to conquer this enemy now.”                                                                                                              82.20

“That Sita for whose sake we were prepared  to sacrifice our lives    with a wish to do what would make Rama happy   has been killed.”                                                                                                                     82.21

“We would inform about this matter   to Rama and even Sugreeva   and then act  according to what   they both want us to do,”                                                                                                                               82.22

 After speaking like this to the monkeys and holding them back  , Hanuman , the chief of monkeys   without any fear   along with his army turned  back.                                                                                  82.23

Seeing Hanuman withdrawing and going to the place    where  Rama was there , that evil soul   went to the   temple (sanctuary?)   called Nikumbila  , with an aim    to pour oblations in the sacred fire.    82.24

After reaching  Nikumbila    Indrajit   poured oblations in the sacred fire  , which   when propitiated by the Rakshasa    by offer of meat and flesh   blazed up and consumed them.                             82.25-82.26

Swollen up   by the oblations of blood that sacred fire   which was highly intense   appeared  like the evening sun   wrapped up in flames.                                                                                                             82.27

Then, Indrajit, well-versed with the technique of performance of  Yagnas   for the prosperity of the demons, poured oblations according to the scriptural precepts. Seeing this, those Rakshasas , who knew what was prudent and evil in major battles, stood firm  as a big crowd by his side.                           82.28

 

Thus ends the eighty second   chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

83.Enraged Lakshmana berates  Dharma

 

(When Hanuman tells the news of Sita ‘s death, Rama  faints. Lakshmana who comes there says that following Dharma is foolish. He further tells that in this world most important thing is wealth and  Strength which follows wealth.)

 

On hearing the great   sound of the battle between  Rakshasas and monkeys   Rama spoke like this to Jambavan.                                                                                                                                                                83.1

“Oh gentle one  , by the way that we hear the rattling sound of weapons  , it seems that Hanuman is  doing a very difficult job  . I am certain of this.”                                                                                               83.2

“And so oh lord of bears  , accompanied by your own army   quickly go there  and help that Hanuman   who is fighting there.”                                                                                                                                           83.3

Agreeing to that   Jambavan surrounded by his own army   went towards the  western gate where Hanuman was fighting.                                                                                                                                          83.4 

Then Jambavan saw   Hanuman coming  surrounded   by   all his monkeys , who had already fought terribly but now sighing with sorrow.                                                                                                                 83.5

Seeing   that terrible army of bears   who looked like a dark cloud    on its way to join  the battle  , Hanuman intercepted them  and told   about everything.                                                                             83.6

With great speed   the great soul Hanuman sought the presence of Rama   along with his army   and spoke  the following words to him.                                                                                                                     83.7

“When we were fighting in the battle ,  while we were seeing  ,  Indrajit the son of  Ravana killed   Sita who was weeping.”                                                                                                                                                83.8

“Oh destroyer of enemies  , with a  heavily distressed mind ,  I saw this and felt greatly sad  and   I have come here    to tell you about that.”                                                                                                                   83.9

Hearing those  words , Rama became very sad   and fainted and fell on the ground   like a tree whose roots are cut off.                                                                                                                                                   83.10

Seeing him who was resembling the gods falling on the ground,  all the chiefs  of the monkeys came there  bouncing  and rushed towards    him.                                                                                                   83.11

They all sprinkled on him water scented with lotus and lilies  as one would do  over   a fire which has suddenly flared  up   and  burning everything .                                                                                               83.12

Then the very sad Lakshmana   hugged   and took  the ailing Rama in his arms   and  spoke   the following very meaningful words.                                                                                                                                       83.13

“Oh gentle brother  , Dharma   cannot save you now   and you  have been sticking to the path of virtue  and  won over your senses  and these cannot save you from adversities.                                                 83.14

“Just like you can see animate and inanimate things  ,  you cannot see   the differences between  virtues and vice and  according to me   Dharma does not exist  .”                                                                            83.15

“Just like you can see animate and inanimate things  ,  you cannot see   the differences between  virtues and vice and    so a man who follows Dharma like you   should not fail like this.”                                  83.16

“If  not following Dharma   has any effect  , Ravana should have   gone to hell   and you   have always been with Dharma  and so    you should not undergo  such sorrow and suffering.                           83.17

“Since there is no sorrow occurring to Ravana   and sorrow   has come to you  , the result  of  following vice is Dharma  and the result of following vice is Dharma  and the opposites  seem to have changed each other’s role.”                                                                                                                                              83.18

“If fruit of Dharma  can only be obtained   by Dharma, and fruit of vice can  only be obtained only by vice then  those who are rooted in vice alone   can get only    the  fruit of vice   and     those who are rooted in Dharma can only get fruit of Dharma.”                                                                                              83.19-83.20

“When we see that those  in whom vice is rooted   become prosperous   and those who are   rooted in Dharma suffer , we feel that  both Dharma and vice are useless.”                                                           83.21

“Oh Rama   , if people who do sin are killed by their vice   and then that vice would be forthwith destroyed and afterwards    whom will those unrighteous    destroy?”                                                   83.22

“If a man is killed while performing a ritual  prescribed in the scriptures  or kills another while performing that ritual  , that fate  makes that action tainted  by the sinful act   and not the agent.”  83.23

“Oh Rama   , the destroyer of enemies , it s not clear to me how prosperity    can  be attained by Dharma   for it is attained by luck alone  , Hence to me Dharma seems to be nonexistent.”                                  83.24

“Oh chief among those who follow Dharma  , If Dharma really exists   no misfortune would  have occurred  to you  and  Since you  have got  in to this calamity  and  the hypotheses  that  good will accrue by Dharma is not proved.”                                                                                                             83.25

“Or else   if Dharma   becomes weak and cowardly   and it surrenders before strength  , I have a feeling that   Dharma which lacks strength should not be pursued.”                                                                  83.26

“So please depend on your strength   as   you do now to Dharma  . If Dharma is   subordinate to strength  , give up the feeling of predominance to  Dharma.”                                                                                  83.27

“Oh destroyer of enemies  , if speaking truth is Dharma  , where did Dharma go when our father    was not true to his promise,  was merciless to you  and was disunited from you.   Where you not bound by the   announcement made by our father making you Yuvaraja?”                                                        83.28

“Oh tormenter  of enemies   If Dharma  or vice is with worth pursuing , Indra the wielder  of Vajrayudha   would not  have performed   a sacrifice  after killing Viswarupa.”                                                     83.29

“Oh son of Kakustha clan,  Dharma leads to destruction   but when vice is united with strength  , a man does everything according to his will.”                                                                                                   83.30

“In this case my  opinion is   Dharma  consists of Dharma and strength   and   you  have  cut  off   the roots of Dharma , by spurning the kingdom  at that time.”                                                                  83.31

“By    collecting treasures from place to place  and augmenting it by different actions  , all tasks are indeed fulfilled   ,like the river flowing from the  mountain.”                                                              83.32

“ Being bereft of treasures a man loses his luster  , like small  rivers getting dry during summer   season.”

                                                                                                                                                                          83.33

“ One who is brought   up in comfort , when he renounces wealth   and then   seeks comfort   does a sinful act   and only evil flow from it.”                                                                                                       83.34

"Friends gather round him, who has riches. Relatives stand by him, who has riches. He alone is virile in the world, who has riches. He alone is a learned man, who has riches."                                             83.35

"He alone is a mighty man, who has riches. He alone is a prudent man, who has riches. He alone is highly fortunate. He alone is distinguished, who has riches."                                                                           83.36

“Oh brave one   I told you about the evils one faces   when one sacrifices wealth   and I know extremely well the reasons for which you sacrificed    the kingdom.”                                                                     83.37

“When one has wealth, religious merit   is obtained by him., every one would go round him  .  and to the penniless man , who has desire to earn wealth , Even hunting for wealth may not be possible   and he can never be wealthy.”                                                                                                                                83.38

“Oh king ,   Joy  , pleasures  , pride , virtue  , anger  , peace , control of senses    are all attained by those who have wealth.”                                                                                                                                       83.39

“Those riches  , due to giving up of which  , material happiness   is lost in case of people who practice Dharma  are not seen in you , similar to planets are not seen on cloudy days.                               83.40

“Oh valorous one  , while you were in exile in the forest   by the command of your father  , your wife who was more dear than  soul itself for you   , was stolen away by that   Rakshasa.”                   83.41

“Oh valorous one  , I am only trying to   dispel  that great agony      that you are undergoing  caused by Indrajit . Therefore , Rama  , please get up.”                                                                                          83.42

“Oh tiger among men,  Oh long armed one   , oh person with firm resolve  , get up.  Being  great   with a disciplined mind, why are you not understanding about   yourself.”                                                83.43

“Oh matchless one  , On seeing the death of Sita, I am greatly    enraged.  Please get up and do a favour for me.   I shall completely    destroy with my arrows   Lanka, along with its chariots   , elephants  , and horses along with Ravana. “                                                                                                                      83.44

 

Thus ends the eighty  third    chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

84.Vibheeshana wants Rama r to send Lakshmana to stop the yagna  in Nikumbila.

 

(Vibheeshana arrives  there at that time and assures Rama, that Ravana would never consent to the killing of Sita. He informs that if Indrajit completes   the Yagna at Nikumbila, he would become invincible. He requests Rama to send Lakshmana with him     so that the Yagna can be stopped.)

 

When Lakshmana who was fond of his brother     was consoling   Rama,  Vibheeshana    after settling down     the monkey army   in proper positions came there.                                                                  84.1 

Vibheeshana surrounded by four warriors  looking like heaps of collyrium ,   who were chiefs of troops  , who were armed with several types of weapons  and who were looking like elephants    approached Lakshmana who was drowned in sorrow   and the monkeys whose eyes were full of tears. 84.2-84.3

He also saw the great  soul Rama   , who was the son of the Ikshuvaku clan   having fainted   and resting on the lap of Lakshmana.                                                                                                                             84.4

Seeing that embarrassed   Rama who was tormented by sorrow    that Vibheeshana   who was distressed by the sight  , with great   agony   asked, “What is all this?”                                                                 84.5

Seeing the face of Vibheeshana   and also seeing Sugreeva and other monkeys   Lakshmana with tears flowing from his eyes   spoke    these  greatly meaningful words.                                                      84.6

“Oh gentle one,   On hearing the words from Hanuman    that  Sita was killed by Indrajit  , Rama   fainted and fell down. “                                                                                                                                           84.7

Intercepting Lakshmana    while he was narrating   Vibheeshana   spoke these meaningful words to Rama who was unconscious.                                                                                                                              84.8

“Oh king among men, I think what you have been told by Hanuman    with great sorrow   to be as absurd as drying of the sea.”                                                                                                                                84.9

“Oh long armed one, I know what opinion  ,  the evil minded Ravana holds about Sita. He would never do the killing of Sita.”                                                                                                                             84.10 

“Though as a well wisher of Ravana    I begged him several times   to give up Sita  , he did not  agree to my advice.”                                                                                                                                               84.11

“It could not be done   neither   by peace, dissension   and by giving gift and how is it possible    by fight or any other means?”                                                                                                                                84.12

“ Oh great one , after   hoodwinking these monkeys by illusion  , he played the part  . Please know   that Sita whom he killed is  an illusion.”                                                                                                         84.13

"After reaching  the temple  by name of  Nikumbila, this  son of Ravana   will pour oblations into the sacred fire. On returning after  the  pouring oblations into the sacred fire, Indrajit will prove difficult to be  defeated   in battle, even by  devas including Indra."                                                                     84.14

“It is definite that it was a  show of illusion   that he performed  using magical tricks. Expecting these valorous monkeys     would accept it.”                                                                                                     84.15

“Before the   sacrifice   is completed  , we should  go there   along with the army  . oh tiger among men  . Give up this improper sorrow   which has come upon you.  . On seeing you suffering from sorrow    all your army is becoming despondent.”                                                                                            84.16-84.17

“You please  stay  here  with a peaceful  heart   and confidence .  and send with us  Lakshmana    and the  army.                                                                                                                                                              84.18

“Let this tiger among men using very sharp   arrows   make the   son of Ravana    abandon the act of sacrifice   and then  it is possible     to  kill him.”                                                                                    84.19

“Lakshmana ‘s     arrows  which are very fiery   and very   sharp   with a speed   of the wings of the bird   can    drink his blood   like   the birds which are not lovely.                                                              84.20

“Oh long armed one,  so send    the auspicious looking Lakshmana   ,  who is like the thunderbolt sent by Indra   the king of  devas, to kill Indrajit.”                                                                                               84.21

“Oh best among men  , it is not proper   to delay the killing of the enemy   and so now you give permission by your words   to Lakshmana     to destroy   the enemy   as Indra would hurl his Vajrayudha     to kill enemies of devas.”                                                                                                                         84.22

“If that Indrajit   , the greatest among Rakshasas completes his sacrifice    he will become invisible   and even devas   and Asuras would not be able to see him  in the battle. If after  completing the sacrifice  , he comes to fight  , even the devas would not be confidant   to retain their lives in a battle  with him.”

                                                                                                                                                                       84.23

 

Thus ends the eighty fourth   chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

85.Lakshmana along with army reaches Nikumbila

 

((Rama requests Vibheeshana to repeat  what he said. Vibheeshana says that if the Yagna at Nikumbila is stopped, then only Indrajit  can be killed.  Lakshmana along with his army reaches Nikumbila  in time.)

 

Rama who was greatly sorrowing   after hearing those words   could not understand clearly what was told by the   Rakshasa.                                                                                                                                       85.1

Then Rama the conqueror of enemy cities   after   taking   courage   spoke  to Vibheeshana     who was   sitting near him and in front   of the monkeys.                                                                                              85.2

“Oh king of Rakshasas ,  I want to hear the words  spoken   by you again .And please tell me again, what    you wanted   to tell me .”                                                                                                                                  85.3

 That   expert in speech after hearing the words of Raghava   spoken with sadness  again   spoke those words   gently.                                                                                                                                                     85.4

“Oh long armed  valorous  one  , you had ordered me to marshal the troops properly   and immediately   after hearing your   words , I have   done accordingly .”                                                                              85.5

“All those armies    were  properly divided and positioned   at all places and I have even  the commanders   were  also properly  positioned  as   per  their ranks .”                                                      85.6

“Oh Great Lord , I have to tell you something more   and please listen to it  ,  When you are sorrowing without any reason  , we all feel pain in our hearts.                                                                                   85.7

“Oh king, please  leave   this false sorrow  that  has come to you.  . Let your worry , which will increase  the pleasure of your enemies  may be given up.”                                                                                        85.8

  Oh valorous one  , if you want to get back your Sita   then the  Rakshasas are to be destroyed and so   suit yourself   to the required action    and become cheerful.”                                                                 85.9

“Oh  son of Raghu clan, please listen to what I tell which is for your benefit.  Immediately Lakshmana accompanied by a large army   should reach Nikumbila and kill Indrajit by releasing   fatal and serpentine  snake like arrows.                                                                                                                              85.10-85.11

“That valorous one   by penance   addressed to Lord Brahma  has obtained Brahma arrow  and horses which travel    according to his will.”                                                                                                          85.12

“He has now reached Nikumbila along with his army.  And suppose he completes the fire sacrifice there  and comes back   , know that all of us would be killed.”                                                                       85.13

“A boon was given to that intelligent Rakshasa by Brahma, the god of all worlds   as follows, “  Oh Indrajit , oh long armed one   that  valorous  enemy who strikes you  with his bow drawn, while you are going to Nikumbila or  while you have not arrived at Nikumbila or   while   you have not offered your oblations at Nikumbila   would be the cause of your death.”                                                   85.14-85.15

“Oh very strong Rama  , give orders for killing Indrajit   for when he is killed   know that   Ravana   along his friends is also killed.”                                                                                                                             85.16

Hearing the words of Vibheeshana, Rama replied to him, ,”Oh truly valorous one  ,I know about the illusion   created by that angry Rakshasa,”                                                                                             85.17

“That intelligent Indrajit knows how to use the arrow of Brahma   and he is also the master of many magical tricks. Also he is so strong   that in battle  he can  make Varuna and other Gods faint.”  85.18

“The movement of that very famous hero   while he travels in his chariot on the sky   is not known to others, like the sun cannot be seen if there    are dense clouds.”                                                        85.19

Knowing well    the valour and magical tricks   of that evil minded enemy  , Rama spoke to Lakshmana  endowed with great glory.                                                                                                                          85.20

"Oh Lakshmana,  You, accompanied by that entire army which stands at the disposal of Sugreeva, along with  the  troop-commanders with Hanuman  as their head  and protected by Jambavan the lord of bears, who will be accompanied by his army, go and   kill that Indrajit the prince of Rakshasas , rich in the power of magical tricks."                                                                                                            85.21-85.22

“Along with his ministers the great  Rakshasa    who knows all his magical tricks   will follow behind you.”          

                                                                                                                                                                           85.23

Hearing the words of Raghava  , Lakshmana  who is of matchless valour, along with Vibheeshana       gathered   his excellent bow.                                                                                                                   85.24

The happy  son of Sumithra   well prepared wearing his armour  ,  and holding his sword  , arrows   and bow in his left hand  , touched the feet of Rama   and told.                                                              85.25

“Today   the arrows released from my bow    would pierce the son of Ravana   and fall in the city of Lanka   like the swans descending in to the lotus pond.                                                                   85.26

“Now itself my arrows   released    from the bow string of my great bow   would split his angry body   and would blow   him away.”                                                                                                                        85.27

 That greatly lustrous one after speaking like this in front of his brother , with the desire to kill the son of Ravana  marched quickly from there.                                                                                                  85.28

After saluting, the feet of his elder brother   and  after going round him  , he went towards the temple (sanctuary) of Nikumbila protected by the son of Ravana  .                                                           85.29

 The glorious Lakshmana   the son of the king, after obtaining the blessings of his brother , quickly   started   along with Vibheeshana.                                                                                                        85.30

He was accompanied by many thousands of monkeys lead by Hanuman   and Vibheeshana and all his ministers followed him behind.                                                                                                             85.31

When he along with    a huge monkey army   was going speedily    he saw the great bear army   lead by Jambavan on the way .                                                                                                                           85.32

After going a long distance with   difficulty and speed the son of Sumithra who was   a joy   to his friends   saw at a distance saw the army of Rakshasa  which was  battle ready.                                        85.33

Arriving at Nikumbila    that son of Raghu clan , who was a destroyer of his enemies  who  had a bow in hand saw Indrajit   who was an expert in magic   as per the boon obtained from Brahma.      85.34

That famous son of a king   was along with  Vibheeshana , heroic Angadha  , and Hanuman the son of wind God.                                                                                                                                                  85.35

Lakshmana entered the enemy camp   which consisted of different types of people , Completely covered with flags   and with huge number of chariots  with array of spotless weapons   with unimaginable speed  similar to one who enters the veil of darkness.                                                                                85.36

 

Thus ends the eighty fifth   chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

86.  Yagna at Nikumbila is stopped

 

(Lakshmana  using ferocious attack on Rakshasas stops the Yagna at Nikumbila. Indrajit ,  coimbs on his chariot and comes to fight. When he sees Hanuman  killing Rakshasas, he takes an arrow to kill Hanuman. Vibheeshana advises  Lakshmana to kill Indrajit.)


In   that circumstance , the brother of Ravana spoke to Lakshmana  words   which   are advantageous to him and disadvantageous to   the    enemies.                                                                                   86.1

“Let this army of Rakshasas which looks black like the cloud   be opposed in a battle    by the monkeys    using Rocks as weapons.”                                                                                                                    86.2

“Oh Lakshmana then you to try    to break that mighty army  , for when the army is broken  ,Indrajit would come in to our vision.”                                                                                                            86.3

“Then you rush forward quickly   by keeping on sending arrows equal to Indra ‘s thunder bolt   on the enemies so that the fire sacrifice is not carried through.”                                                          86.4

“Oh valorous one  , kill the son of Ravana     who is an evil soul   interested in performing conjuring tricks  , which are unjust  , who does cruel deeds    and    who makes all the world scared.”         86.5

After hearing the words of Vibheeshana  , the auspicious looking Lakshmana    rained   arrows  which were aimed   at the son of the king of Rakshasas.                                                                     86.6

The bears as well as monkeys   , who fight with huge trees   rushed towards  the  Rakshasa army   arranged in a battle array.                                                                                                             86.7

The Rakshasas also using sharp arrows  , swords  , spears and Javelins   attacked   the monkeys in the battle   with an intent to kill them.                                                                                             86.8

With a   great noise   that tumultuous battle   which was fought between monkeys and Rakshasas made  Lanka   very noisy from all directions.                                                                                       86.9

The sky was completely covered by weapons of various types like    sharp   arrows, trees   and tossed up mountain tops.                                                                                                                               86.10

Those Rakshasas with ugly faces    and arms   by hurling   various weapons   on the monkeys created great fear  among them.                                                                                                               86.11

The monkeys too  struck and killed    all the Rakshasas   in the battle   with all types of trees   and peaks of mountains .                                                                                                                                 86.12

When the chiefs of monkeys and bears   who were  very strong and had huge bodies  started killing them, the Rakshasas were greatly scared.                                                                                  86.13

Hearing that his    army is being tormented by enemies   and were dejected  , the unconquerable Indrajit   left the place of sacrifice without   completing the sacrifice.                                                   86.14

The very angry   son of Ravana   came out of   the darkness created by trees   and ascended his firmly   yoked chariot which was kept ready .                                                                                            86.15

That  huge  one   along with his huge bow and arrows  , looking like a mountain of collyrium   with blood red eyes  appeared like   the cruel God of death.                                                                       86.16

When the army of Rakshasas   saw Indrajit riding on a chariot  , with a great  speed    they turned back with a desire to fight with Lakshmana ,                                                                                        86.17

At that time Hanuman, the destroyer of enemies   who was looking like a mountain   lifted   a matchless  large tree  and killed the army of Rakshasas   like the fire at deluge   and he also made many soldiers of  Rakshasa army unconscious.                                                                                                  86.18-86.19

Seeing that son of wind god   destroying their army with great speed   thousand of Rakshasas hurled their weapon at him.                                                                                                                         86.20

Approaching Hanuman who was   looking like a mountain, the Rakshasas   bearing pointed pikes struck him from all sides with pikes, those carrying swords in their hands with swords, those carrying javelins in their hands with javelins,  those carrying iron rods and maces  with iron rods with maces,  those armed with sharp-edged spears with bright-looking spears, with hundreds of cylindrical wooden pieces studded with iron spikes, with steel hammers, ,with awful axes, with slings for the rowing stones, with their thunderbolt-like fists and slaps which fell like flashes of lightning. Then, the enraged Hanuman made a colossal destruction of those demons.                                                                                     86.21-86.24

That  Indrajit saw   that monkey chief    who was similar to a mountain  , without any fear  killing  his enemies.                                                                                                                                                     86.25

He then spoke the following words to his charioteer  ,  “Go to the place where the monkey is fighting.   If he is neglected   then he will definitely kill all the  Rakshasas.                                                               86.26

 When Indrajit ordered like this  that charioteer   carrying   the greatly unconquerable   Indrajit who as sitting on the chariot   went to the place   Where Hanuman was there.                                      86.27

After Coming near Hanuman    that Rakshasa  who is difficult to be defeated   hurled  swords  , spears   and axes aimed at the head of Hanuman.                                                                                           86.28

Receiving those weapons which were terrible  , that son of wind god   with great anger   spoke the following words.                                                                                                                                       86.29

“Oh evil minded son of Ravana  , if you think you are really valorous  fight with me and then you would not go back alive.”                                                                                                                                   86.30

“Oh fool, if you wrestle with me with me  using bare arms    and can withstand my force  , then you would be considered as the best among Rakshasas,”                                                                       86.31

When the son of Ravana   was  trying to kill Hanuman,  with  raising his bow , Vibheeshana    told  Lakshmana.                                                                                                                                               86.32

Seated in a chariot that son of Ravana    who has defeated Indra    is trying to kill   Hanuman. 86.33

“Oh Lakshmana , using your very  horrifying  arrows made as a result of great craftsmanship,  which drives away your enemies and kills them,   kill that Indrajit .                                                             86.34

After hearing these words of Vibheeshana   who was  a sight of scare to his enemies   that great Lakshmana   saw Indrajit who was like a mountain  , who has great strength   and who was difficult to approach  seated on his chariot.                                                                                                               86.35

 

Thus ends the eighty sixth   chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

87.Vibheeshana takes  Lakshmana to the sacred spot

 

(Vibheeshana then takes Lakshmana to the banyan tree in the sacred spot. He says , if Indrajit offers oblations there no one can kill him. Indrajit comes there at that time and shouts against Vibheeshana for doing treacherous act against  his own brother’s son. Vibheeshana replies,)

 

After speaking like this to the son of Sumithra ,  Vibheeshana was happy   , and took  his hand which held the bow in to his   hands  and speedily  walked  away from there.                                                         87.1

Moving not very far from there   and entering in to a great forest  Vibheeshana   showed the place where Indrajit   was proposing to pour the  oblations.                                                                              87.2

Showing a very huge  banyan tree   which looked like  a black cloud  , that brother  of Ravana with great luster   told Lakshmana.                                                                                                                                    87.3

“After   offering oblations   to the spirits here  that strong son of Ravana  ,  would proceed  to the battle from here.                                                                                                                                                          87.4

“Then that Rakshasa would become   invisible to all beings   and then he kills some enemies     and ties some other enemies   with his great arrows.”                                                                                               87.5

“Before that   very strong son of Ravana reaches this banyan tree   kill him with your sharp arrows   along with his chariot, horses and charioteer.”                                                                                            87.6

When the son of Sumithra, the delight to his   friends   who was greatly lustrous was told like this  he  said, “So be it” and stood there twanging his wonderful  bow at  full length.                                        87.7

That strong  Indrajit  , son of Ravana riding on a chariot of the  colour of fire with a flag , wearing an armour    and sword    appeared there.                                                                                                        87.8

Then that very lustrous one   spoke  to Indrajit of the Paulasthya clan   who had never been defeated ,
“I am inviting you to fight with me  . Give me a war  which is right.”                                                       87.9

When the greatly lustrous one told like this   to the self willed son of Ravana  , seeing Vibheeshana there,   he   spoke    the following harsh words to  him.                                                                         87.10

“You have brought  him   in this place  and you  are the brother of my father  and oh Rakshasa , being a father  , how  can you  be hostile to a son?”                                                                                             87.11

“Oh evil minded person,  oh hater of Dharma  , you do not  consider  about  birth in the same clan as  brotherhood   or pride of birth  or  desirable  or sharing   dharma.”                                                   87.12

“Oh evil minded person , you evoke pity   and deserves to be reproached   by people having good mind    as you have abandoned your own people   and entered in to service of the enemy.”                     87.13

“You are not able to appreciate the difference   due to your feeble mind   between living together   with your clan   and living along    with the enemies.”                                                                                     87.14

“Enemies may have good qualities   and our own people may be having bad qualities   but in spite of that  our own people without any good qualities are preferable,  as enemies are always enemies.”        87.15

 “He who deserts his own people     and serves the   side of his enemies  , would lead to the destruction of his own people   and he would be later  killed by those enemies.”                                                  87.16

“Oh brother of Ravana  , Oh Rakshasa, the ruthlessness  shown by you   in bringing Lakshmana  here is abhorring  and  is possible only by you   among our people.”                                                                87.17

Hearing these words of his  brother’s son  Vibheeshana replied, “Why are you talking like this , though you know my character   well.”                                                                                                                  87.18

“Oh wicked son of the king of Rakshasas , at least due to respect to elders    do not speak harshly .Though I am born in the Rakshasa clan who do cruel deeds  ,  I  am by nature good   which is   prime virtue of human beings and not Rakshasas.”                                                                               87.19

“I do not love cruel acts   and going against Dharma does not interest me  .How can a brother drive away his brother , even if  his nature  is different?”                                                                                         87.20

“Abandoning a man of sinful conduct  whose conduct has deviated from Dharma  , one attains happiness   like a man    shaking away a poisonous serpent from his hand.”                                                               87.21

“The wise people say   that abandoning   an evil soul   who steals properties of  others   , or with lust touches the wife of others ,  is like abandoning   a burning house.”                                                        87.22

“Stealing others property,  touching lustfully wife of others  , and not trusting one’s own friends   are the three faults   that lead to destruction.”                                                                                                          87.23

“ The great faults like killing of great sages, war against gods  , arrogance  , short temper  quarrelsomeness  and ill will , which destroys life and lordship,  have concealed all good qualities   of my brother   like clouds conceal mountains.”                                                                                           87.24-87.25

“Because of these faults   I have abandoned my brother who is your father .The city of Lanka, you  and your father    would not exist for a long time.”                                                                                             87.26

“Oh Rakshasa, you can talk in any manner to me as you like  as you are arrogant  , foolish, undisciplined and   tied by   the noose of God of death.”                                                                                                    87.27

“Oh  worst Rakshasa , you have got in to this sorrow  because you spoke harsh words with me today . You cannot reach the Banyan tree today.”                                                                                                   87.28 

“If you attack the son of Kakustha clan , you will   not be able to live ,When you enter  in to battle with the God among men Lakshmana  , you will be killed and do the work of Gods in the    abode of Yama .” 

                                                                                                                                                                              87.29  

“Show off your  the strength  of soul that you have earned, by spending away all your weapons      because   you would not be returning alive to your army today .”                                                           87.30   

 

Thus ends the eighty seventh  chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

 

88.The great war between Indrajit and Lakshmana

 

A great war of words as well as arrows ensue. Though both of them were hit by each other , they did not feel tired.)

 

Hearing the words of Sugreeva, the son of  Ravana got very angry   and spoke harsher words  and rushed forward in rage .                                                                                                                                                     88.1

Indrajit  who was looking  like the God of death at  time of final deluge and    sat    on a well decorated and distinguished chariot  , yoked with   black horses .  He was armed with upraised bow   and other weapons   besides   a big ,  terrific   , strong  , enormous and swift bow   and also   had arrows which can torment enemies.                                                                                                                                       88.2-88.3

That strong  one who was fully adorned  ,  carrying    a very large  bow   sat on a chariot and saw Lakshmana   , brother of Rama  who was  wearing ornaments  having great splendour.                       88.4

Indrajit hurriedly spoke to the great monkey  Hanuman   and to the son of Sumithra   who had climbed   on Hanuman ’s back  and who had the splendour of the rising sun   and to  Vibheeshana  “Now you will be witnessing my valour.”                                                                                                               88.5

“Now you would be facing the rain of my arrows released  in the sky  from my bow   which are indefensible  , in the battle field.”                                                                                                                        88.6

 “Today the arrows which are to be released from my great bow   will destroy your bodies   , like fire destroys   a pile of cotton.”                                                                                                                                   88.7

“ Today I will pierce you with sharp arrows  ,  spears, javelins  and lances   and send  all of  you   the world of  God  of death  , Yama.”                                                                                                                         88.8

“Who can afford to stand before me  , when I release my rain of arrows  like the thundering of the cloud    with my swift hand  in the battle.”                                                                                                                      88.9

“Earlier   in a battle at night  , both of you  along with Sugreeva and   all  your followers   were made   unconscious by my arrows which appeared to have a diamond tip   and were   made to   fall down on the  floor.                                                                                                                                                                       88.10

“ Do you not remember that?  . I feel that you are all   on the road to  the world of Yama   since you have come here   to give me a battle in spite   of my anger .”                                                                               88.11

Hearing that roar   of that king of Rakshasas  , Lakshmana  with a courageous face   spoke the following words  to the   angry  son of Ravana.                                                                                                                88.12

”Oh Rakshasa  You were talking about completion of tasks  which are difficult to achieve. He alone is  considered cleaver   who completes his job   wherever practicable  .”                                                      88.13

“Oh evil minded one ,   you are thinking that you have completed your job   by telling  it by words  alone  and the job  is difficult   to achieve by any one   and   you do not have   the   capacity   to achieve.”  88.14

“On that day , you became invisible in the battle field   and that way is followed only by thieves   and not   valorous heroes.                                                                                                                                                88.15

“Oh Rakshasa   , have you used up all your great arrows? Now I am standing before you   and so show your strength   today. What is    the point bragging about it?”                                                                  88.16

Hearing these words  , the very strong  Indrajit   who has been victorious in battles   reached   for his very huge bow   and sent very many sharp arrows from it.                                                                        88.17

Duely reaching Lakshmana, the arrows released by Indrajit, which rushed with great speed and were as deadly as the venom of serpents, fell like the hissing of snakes.                                                               88.18

Indrajit , the son of Ravana who was swift   released very speedy arrows  in the battle on Lakshmana who had auspicious signs.                                                                                                                               88.19

With arrows piercing  Lakshmana ‘s  body  , it was drenched in blood   and it shined like  a fire without smoke .                                                                                                                                                              88.20

Thinking over the great job done by him  ,Indrajit  approached Lakshmana    and gave out a great roar  and spoke   the following words.                                                                                                                  88.21 

“Oh Lakshmana    the sharp edged , fatal    arrows of mine which have wings   , released from my bow   will now take your life.”                                                                                                                                   88.22

“Oh Lakshmana,  Let large  number of jackals   , vultures and hawks   descend upon you  , when you have been hit by me and are dead.”                                                                                                                       88.23

“The very   evil minded  , ever ungentlemanly  Rama  now itself would be able to see  you  , his very devoted brother  who is only a namesake Kshatriya  killed by me.”                                                      88.24

“Oh son of Sumithra, you would be struck down by me  with your armour broken,  with bow scattered    and your head   cut off.”                                                                                                                                 88.25

When the son of Ravana   told these words with anger and harshness  , Lakshmana who had a command of the language   replied with these logical words.                                                                                    88.26

“Oh evil minded Rakshasa , omit these empty words  as well as cruel deeds . Why are   you  engaged in idle talk?    Prove it with your good work.”                                                                                                 88.27

“Oh Rakshasa  , without doing any act , why are you boasting about yourself?  Perform  your job   by which I can believe in your boasting.”                                                                                                           88.28

Oh worst of males  Without talking    even a few harsh words , without abusing you     and without talking about myself  , I would kill you.”                                                                                                        88.29

After talking like this   Lakshmana took hold of five steel arrows   pulled them up to his  ears   and hit that  Rakshasas ‘s chest     with great speed.                                                                                                88.30

Those arrows  with feathered and golden plumes  shining like serpents  , hit the chest of the Rakshasa   and shined like rays of Sun.                                                                                                                             88.31

Then the son of Ravana  who was struck by those arrows got very angry   and pierced Lakshmana   with three well directed arrows.                                                                                                                             88.32

That very terrific fight between  the lions among men and Rakshasas , each of whom wanted to conquer the other   became tumultuous  and terrific.                                                                                             88.33 

Both of them were endowed with strength   and both of them were  valorous, both of them were very difficult to defeat  and  both matchless in their strength and luster.                                                    88.34

Those two people who were difficult to defeat    were like planets in the sky and  fought like Indra   and Vruthrasura.                                                                                                                                                     88.35  

Those two great people fought   like lions  and were engaging  several streams of arrows  and those chief of men and chief of Rakshasas fought     with great joy  .                                                            88.36-88.37 

Then the son of Dasaratha , the tormenter of his enemies , after fitting arrows on his bow released them on Indrajit and they went there  like hissing serpents.                                                                            88.38

When the lord of the Rakshasas heard the twang sound made  by  Lakshmana, he became pale faced  and he fixed his gaze on Lakshmana.                                                                                                      88.39

Seeing that Rakshasa who was the son of Ravana becoming pale faced Vibheeshana told Lakshmana who was engaged in the battle.                                                                                                                  88.40

“Oh long armed ones , I am seeing certain signs  in the son of Ravana indicating  that he is disappointed and so without any doubt   make haste .                                                                                                   88.41

Then fitting on his bow sharp arrows  which were similar to poisonous snakes , that son of Sumithra  ,

sent those arrows which   were  like serpents full of poison.                                                                 88.42

Wounded by the arrows of Lakshmana , which invaded all his senses  which was like  the painful touch of Indra ‘s thunderbolt  , Indrajit was stupefied   for a moment.                                                                88.43

Gaining back his consciousness in a moment  and with regaining control of his sense organs , He saw the valiant son of Dasaratha  before him.                                                                                                         88.44

With eyes turning red due to anger , he walked near   to the son of Sumithra  and again told these very harsh words.                                                                                                                                                    88.45

“Why are you not remembering   my valour  in the first encounter   between us , when I tied you and your brother  and you wriggled on the floor.                                                                                            88.46

“Both of you in that war by my arrows which were equal to Indra ‘s thunderbolt , were laid down unconscious on the earth .”                                                                                                                        88.47

“The fact that you desire to attack me  may mean  that  the memory of  that incident is not with you or you desire     to go the land of Yama.                                                                                                      88.48

“If you were not able to see my prowess in the first encounter , stand ready, for I am going to show you my valour now.”                                                                                                                                            88.49

Speaking thus he hit Lakshmana with seven arrows  with the   ten best of arrows  which were   sharp he hit Hanuman.                                                                                                                                                  88.50

Then that valorous one with twice that much anger using one hundred   well aimed arrows wounded  Vibheeshana.                                                                                                                                                   88.51

When the younger brother of Rama    saw the great feat accomplished by Indrajit , he disregarded  it and derided it by saying , “This is nothing”,  greatly enraged     and with a fearless face , that best among men ,took out some very terrific arrows and sent them towards  Indrajit.                                        88.52-88.53

“Oh Rakshasa , true heroes in a battle do not strike like this , since your arrows are weak, mild and  without strength.”                                                                                                                                        88.54

“Those valorous persons who are aiming at victory do not fight like this, “  saying like this Lakshmana  rained more arrows on Indrajit.                                                                                                                  88.55

Then hit by Lakshmana ‘s arrows a large armour made of gold  slipped down in the middle of the chariot  looking like cobweb of stars falling from the sky.                                                                                 88.56

The valorous Indrajit  with his armour destroyed  by those steel arrows  and also having been wounded looked like the sun  at dawn.                                                                                                                     88.57

Then greatly enraged that son of Ravana using one thousand arrows  wounded Lakshmana   in that great battle.                                                                                                                                                             88.58

The large divine armour of Lakshmana broke in to pieces  and thus those two great warriors vied with each other  in attack and retaliation.                                                                                                        88.59

Those two with all their body wounded  in that fight , were coated with blood  and breathing with difficulty continued to battle tumultuously  .                                                                                           88.60

For a long time those valorous ones  who were both greatly skilled in war  using very sharp arrows  were cutting each other.                                                                                                                                            88.61

Those two heroes of terrific prowess stayed  on  with great effort trying  for  their own victory,  and as they were  wounded  all over with a multitude of arrows as also their armour and standards  have been torn to pieces were seen emitting hot blood, just  as two water-falls gushing hot water.                   88.62

A long  time elapsed while the two warriors fought  sending   terrific stream of arrows with an awful clamour,  similar  to  two dark destructive clouds raining from the sky. They neither turned their back from the battle, nor experienced any tiredness.                                                                               88.63-88.64

Those best among archers   showed off their  skill in arrows  again and again  and created net work of arrows   big and small in the sky.                                                                                                                     88.65

Loosening their arrows  without error , gracefully and easily in a wonderful way, both the man and the Rakshasa  carried on a tumultuous and terrific war.                                                                                    88.66

Again a again a terrible sound  which was greatly tumultuous   which was horrifying was  created  and it was similar    to a very great   thunder storm .                                                                                               88.67

The sound of fight created  by those two  who were engaged in a great fight  was  similar to the rumbling of thunder created   by  two great clouds in the sky  .                                                                                 88.68

Using sharp steel arrows decorated by gold and wings  they wounded each other  and those two famous warriors  fighting for victory profusely bled .                                                                                                 88.69

Those arrows decorated by wings after wounding them fell on the earth  smeared with blood and pierced     the earth.                                                                                                                                           88.70

Other properly aimed  arrows sent by them clashed  in thousands   with other sharp   weapons        on the sky and shattered and broke them.                                                                                                          88.71

The pile of arrows lying on the battle field resembled  like a huge heap of sacred Kusha grass  by the side of the sacred fire in sacrifices.                                                                                                                          88.72

The wounded  and bleeding bodies of those two mighty warriors shone like Kimshuka and Shalmali trees in full blossom, deprived of leaves.                                                                                                                   88.73

Indrajit and Lakshmana    wishing for their own victory again and again carried on a very tumultuous and terrific  battle .                                                                                                                                                       88.74

In that war Lakshmana was hurting Indrajit and Indrajit was hurting Lakshmana  and though both of them were hurting each  other, they both did not feel tired.                                                                      88.75

With those net of arrows entering their body and hurting them  those auspicious great warriors were looking like a mountains throwing out plants from them.                                                                           88.76

At that their bodies dampened all over by blood  and covered with arrows all over shined  very much like burning fires.                                                                                                                                                       88.77

Though a lot of time elapsed when these warriors were engaged in fighting , they did not turn  their back to the battle nor felt tired.                                                                                                                                88.78

Then, to relieve tiredness   due to the battle   of Lakshmana, who did not experience defeat in any aspect of  the  war, the great-soul  Vibheeshana, offering agreeable and salutary words, took up his position, on reaching the battle-field.                                                                                                             88.79

 

Thus ends the eighty eighth chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

89.Vibheeshana and the monkey chiefs join the battle

 

(Vibheeshana and his ministers join the battle by killing many Rakshasas. Jambavan and Hanuman also kill many Rakshasas. Lakshmana kills the charioteer of Indrajit. The monkey chiefs    crush his horses. Lakshmana and Indrajit fight standing on earth.) 

 

Seeing   the man and Rakshasa fighting with commitment in that war like elephants in rut  aimed at their  victory , the very strong brother of Ravana holding a strong bow  stood at   the battle front . 89.1-89.2

Then standing there , he  stretched the string of his great  bow , he released several sharp pointed arrows on the Rakshasas.                                                                                                                                 89.3

Those arrows  falling like  fire , hit  the correct aim  and tore the Rakshasas in to pieces   like Vajrayudha uprooting   great mountains.                                                                                                                           89.4

The attendants of Vibheeshana  who were great Rakshasas also armed with spikes , swords and spears  tore of  those valorous  Rakshasas.                                                                                                                  89.5

Surrounded by all those Rakshasas  that Vibheeshana  shined like an elephant   in the middle of   proud young   tuskers.                                                                                                                                                    89.6

Vibheeshana  , the great Rakshasa  who was an expert   on proper timing  spoke the following  right words to those monkeys   who were thirsting to kill the Rakshasas  in order to inspire them.            89.7

“Oh monkey chiefs , here is the only one whom the king of Rakshasas  considers as his last and only support  in his army. Why are you all standing idle?”                                                                                  89.8

“At the end of the war if this sinful Rakshasa is killed , the remaining Rakshasas can be killed easily   , except for  Ravana.”                                                                                                                                           89.9

Prahastha was killed. The valiant Nikumbha, the mighty Kumbhakarna, Kumbha, the Rakshasa  called Dhoomraksha, Jambumali, Mahamali, the highly swift Ashaniprabha, Suptaghna, Yajnakopa, a Rakshasa named Vajradamshtra, Samhadri, Vikata the destroyer of enemies, Tapana, Manda, Praghaasa, Praghasa, PrajaNgha, JaNga, Agniketu who was difficult to be conquered, , the valorous  Rashmiketu, vidyujjihva, Dvijihva, Suryashatru, Akampana, Suparshva, Chakramali, Kampana and the mighty Devantaka were also killed."                                                                                                              89.10-89.14

Having already killed  several  very strong  Rakshasa greats   by your hands which was like  crossing an ocean, now only this small puddle  is left to be crossed.                                                                          89.15

“Only this many Rakshasa army    remains to be conquered by you  as all Rakshasa who were proud of their great strength have been killed by you.”                                                                                          89.16

“Though I would like to kill  for the sake of Rama my  elder brother’s son, I am not doing it as killing of a son is not appropriate  .”                                                                                                                               89.17

“When I think of killing him myself my eyes are getting clouded with  tears and so let the long armed Lakshmana himself kill him. Oh monkeys all of you together kill all his attendants who are    surrounding him.”                                                                                                                                                                 89.18

Thus encouraged by the very famous Vibheeshana , all those monkey chiefs became very  happy and  lashed with their tails.                                                                                                                                   89.19

Then, those monkey chiefs , roaring  again  and again,  shouted  various kinds of sounds resembling the sounds of peacocks at the time of seeing the clouds.                                                                              89.20

The monkeys along with Jambhavan and monkeys belonging to the   other  formations who were equal in strength  started hitting the Rakshasa troops with nails, stone and teeth.                                      89.21 

All those very strong Rakshasas  who were armed with several weapons , left of their fear and started attacking Jambhavan  as  he was killing many  of them.                                                                          89.22

They started  striking  Jambhavan, who was killing the army of Rakshasas  in  that battle, with sharp axes, spears with sharp edges, sticks and javelins.                                                                                             89.23

A greatly tumultuous battle   took place between those monkeys and Rakshasas  and it was like the battle between the  angry devas and the Rakshasas.                                                                              89.24

When Hanuman was seen as very greatly angry that Lakshmana got down from his back  , and Hanuman uprooting a Sala tree  from a mountain . approached those Rakshasas and started killing them in thousands .                                                                                                                                              89.25-89.26

After offering a very tumultuous battle to the brother of his father , Indrajit again rushed towards Lakshmana to fight   with him.                                                                                                                       89.27

The two valiant  heroes , Lakshmana and Indrajit, the two intense fighters in battle, then began to strike each other, showering a multitude of arrows on  each other.                                                                89.28

Those strong  and energetic warriors  try to cover each other by sending network of arrows  similar to sun and moon being covered by the clouds.                                                                                              89.29

Due to  the dexterity of their hands,  when they   were fighting  there, neither the holding of the bow, nor the taking off the arrows, nor fitting them on their bow-string, nor adjusting their fists, nor drawing the bow-string nor attaining the target was visible.                                                                        89.30-89.31

The sky covered with the network of arrows   which were discharged   with great force   by them  in all directions  was dark making objects there   not visible.                                                                              89.32

Lakshmana dashed with the son of Ravana, Indrajit clashed with the son of Sumithra  and as they continued to clash with each other there was    great confusion.                                                              89.33

By the sharp arrows  continuously released with great force by  both of them , the entire sky was   covered with darkness.                                                                                                                                        89.34

BY the fall of very many  sharp arrows  in hundreds , the directions and sub directions were completely filled with arrows.                                                                                                                                                89.35

All the space was covered by darkness leading to great fear  and while the sun was setting down  making all areas  filled with further darkness . large amount of blood flowed   out.                                          89.36

Cruel flesh eating birds  gave rise to awful sounds by their roaring  and  at that time wind did not blow and fire did not blaze.                                                                                                                                      89.37

Great sages proclaimed, “Let there be safety to the worlds”,  and the frightened Gandharwas and Charanas   arrived there. “                                                                                                                              89.38

Then Lakshmana using four arrows struck the  four black horses  which were decorated by gold of the  lion among Rakshasas .                                                                                                                                   89.39

Thereupon, with  deftness of his hand, that famous  Lakshmana, fully stretching and releasing another sharp thunderbolt-like arrow, named Bhalla, which was yellowish in colour, with charming plumes, having a good splendour similar to Indra 's thunderbolt and echoing a clapping sound, severed the head of Indrajit' s charioteer from his trunk, even as he was circling around.                                     89.40-89.42

When the charioteer was killed   the greatly lustrous Indrajit  drove the chariot himself   and also took hold of the bow.                                                                                                                                                89.43

Those   who saw him fighting in the battle appreciated his talent  ,But when he was driving the horses Lakshmana with arrows hit him with sharp arrows  and when  he was fighting his bow, Lakshmana hit the horses with his arrow .                                                                                                                             89.44

The son of Sumithra who did his actions fast  , tormented Indrajit who was moving about  in the battle field without fear  using very many arrows suitable for the occasion.                                                  89.45

That son of Ravana seeing that his charioteer was killed   became dejected   and lost his enthusiasm  for fighting.                                                                                                                                                            89.46

The monkey chiefs seeing the dejected face of  the Rakshasa became extremely happy  and appreciated  Lakshmana.                                                                                                                                                      89.47

Then, four monkey-leaders named Pramathi, Rabhasa, Sharabha and Gandhamadana, getting impatient, acted hastily.                                                                                                                                                    89.48

Those monkeys having great strength and very great valour   speedily  jumped   and descended on those excellent horses.                                                                                                                                             89.49

Blood   started flowing from the mouths    of those horses which were being pressed by those monkeys who were looking like mountains.                                                                                                               89.50

Those horses that were crushed  had  their limbs broken and after  moving to and fro, fell down dead on the ground. After killing his horses, those monkeys also crushed that great chariot  of Indrajit  and jumping up again with speed, they stood by the side of Lakshmana.                                        89.51-89.52

Indrajit whose charioteer was killed  and whose horses were destroyed, jumped down from the chariot   and fought with Lakshmana using   a rain of arrows.                                                                             89.53

Then that Lakshmana  stopped those arrows of Indrajit with several arrows   and that  as his excellent horses were killed   Indrajit began to release more  exquisite   arrows in that battle   .                89.54

 

Thus ends the eighty eighth ninth  of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

90.Lakshmana kills Indrajit

 

(A great war   takes place between Indrajit and Lakshmana,   Indrajit went inside the city and got another chariot. That chariot was destroyed by Lakshmana and Vibheeshana.   After a great fight Lakshmana  kills Indrajit. The Devas praise him.)

 

That greatly lustrous  Rakshasa  Indrajit   standing the ground  as his horses were killed   became very angry   and burnt  with luster                                                                                                                         90.1

Those two warriors who were holding the bow with the intention of killing each other with their arrows  were like elephants going in side the forest with intention   of conquering one   another.                90.2

Those Rakshasas and monkeys   rushing from all direction   for destroying each other  did not desert their  masters in the battle .                                                                                                                            90.3

When the Indrajit praised   all  Rakshasas   they all   were happy  and he himself felt happy    and spoke    the following words.                                                                                                                                          90.4

“Darkness has spread in to all directions   and due to it  , oh greatest among Rakshasas  we are not able to determine weather  one belongs to our side or the other side .”                                                        90.5

“You please courageously    fight with the monkeys and make  them lose their consciousness   and I on my part   would come back to the  battle   after  ascending  another  chariot.”                                    90.6

“You act in such a way   that the evil minded monkeys   do not fight   and prevent me from getting another chariot.”                                                                                                                                                90.7

After telling them like this   , Indrajit , the destroyer of his enemies   entered in to the city of Lanka  so that  he can get   another chariot.                                                                                                                 90.8

Arranging for ornaments  for   the   chariot, which was beautiful, decked with gold, furnished with darts, swords and arrows, yoked with excellent horses, directed by a charioteer who could understand those horses properly and could give credible instructions to them, that Indrajit, a conqueror in battle, who was endowed with extraordinary energy, then ascended it.                                                     90.9-90.10

Then that valorous Indrajit   surrounded   by the chiefs of  Rakshasa  army  and egged by fate   marched out of the city .                                                                                                                                            90.11

After coming out of the city  , Indrajit  the   destroyer of enemies   drawn by swift   horses started attacking Lakshmana      and Vibheeshana .                                                                                           90.12

Then seeing   Indrajit  seated on the chariot , the strong monkeys, Vibheeshana  the Rakshasa  as well as Lakshmana were   greatly  surprised   with   the ease of the  Intelligent  Indrajit .                          90.13

That very angry   son of Ravana   struck down    hundreds  and  thousands   monkey chiefs   by large  number of arrows   in the battle field.                                                                                                    90.14

Stretching his bow  to almost a circle   that son of Ravana   who is winner in battle  with supreme agility   started killing the monkeys.                                                                                                                      90.15

Those monkeys who were being killed by stell arrows by that  greatly valorous one  , went and sought the protection of the son of Sumithra   , just like people seek the   refuge of Lord Brahma.         90.16

Then that son of Raghu clan   shining with anger in that battle   showing   great agility   tore off  his bow.

                                                                                                                                                                         90.17

Then Indrajit took another bow    and by the time he got it ready   , Lakshmana tore off that bow too,  

                                                                                                                                                                         90.18

After he tore of his bow   that son of Sumithra   struck the son of Ravana   on his chest with five arrows which were like the poison of a serpent.                                                                                                 90.19

Those arrows which were released from a great bow   after piercing the body  , fell on the earth   like huge red serpents.                                                                                                                                      90.20

When his bow was torn  .  vomiting blood from his mouth  , that son of Ravana   took hold of    another great bow  which was stronger than the earlier bow and attached the bow string.                     90.21

With great agility   he  caused a rain of arrows   aimed at Lakshmana    just like the rains caused  by Lord Indra.                                                                                                                                                              90.22

Lakshmana the destroyer of enemies  without any nervousness    destroyed   the  difficult to resist rain of arrows   released by Indrajit.                                                                                                                90.23

Then that son of Raghu clan  who had great luster   without getting jittery   exhibited  his great valor to the son of Ravana  , which was indeed wonderful.                                                                                90.24

Then the extremely angry Lakshmana   pierced the bodies of all Rakshasas  in the battle field   showing his speed  in sending the arrows  with three arrows each  and also struck  Indrajit with several arrows. 

                                                                                                                                                                 90.25-90.26

He who was struck by the enemy   who was very strong as well destroyer of enemies without showing any weakness   released  several arrows  without  any problem at Lakshmana.                                 90.27

The destroyer of enemy army , Lakshmana tore off those    arrows even before they arrived   with sharp arrows  and that great among the Raghu clan  cut off the head   of the charioteer of Indrajit   by an arrow called Bhalla   which was curved at nodes.                                                                                                 90.28

Those horses without the charioteer  without getting perturbed   ran in a circular fashion   and that was indeed wonderful.                                                                                                                                         90.29

Getting in to the hold of great rage    in that battle  , that son of Sumithra   who was stable in his valour   pierced those horses with arrows so as to frighten  them.                                                                    90.30

Getting angry at that  , that son of Ravana   made Lakshmana angry by sending ten arrows    aimed at him.                                                                                                                                                                  90.31

Those arrows which were similar to Vajrayudha   and were like poisonous snakes   got destroyed after reaching  the golden armour of Lakshmana.                                                                                           90.32

Understanding that the armour of Lakshmana is impenetrable   that  very angry  son of Ravana   showing great speed pierced the forehead   of Lakshmana with three arrows  having plumes.        90.33-90.34

That auspicious son of the Raghu clan  who was fond of fighting , with those three arrows on his forehead, shined like    a mountain with three  peaks.                                                                           90.35

Tormented by that Rakshasa Indrajit, Lakshmana   then speedily   drawing and bending the bow   pierced the face of Indrajit having pretty golden ear rings  , with five sharp arrows  .                                    90.36

Those Valorous Lakshmana and Indrajit   who were both having very strong bows   struck each other   with  sharp pointed arrows.                                                                                                                        90.37

Lakshmana and Indrajit ,  both of whose bodies were drenched in blood  at that time shined like  Kimsuka   trees in full bloom.                                                                                                                      90.38

Those two great archers   with their mind made up for victory   neared each other   and pierced the  limbs  of other  using   dreadful arrows.                                                                                                  90.39

That son of Ravana filled with great anger caused by the battle   , wounded the face of Vibheeshana with three arrows.                                                                                                                                                 90.40

After injuring the king of Rakshasas  Vibheeshana   using three arrows , he injured    all the monkey chiefs with one arrow each.                                                                                                                         90.41 

The very lustrous Vibheeshana who was strongly enraged , using his mace   killed his horses  of that bad soul who was the son of Ravana.                                                                                                              90.42

When his horses were killed, the greatly lustrous   Indrajit whose charioteer was killed earlier jumped from  the chariot   and used his javelin aimed at his  paternal uncle.                                               90.43

Seeing that Javelin rushing   javelin  , the one who increases the joy of Sumithra  ,  tore it in to pieces   with sharp arrows and made it fall on the earth.                                                                                 90.44

That very strong bodied Vibheeshana    who became angry   using five arrows   whose touch was equal to  thunder bolt   shot at the chest of Indrajit   whose horses were already  slain.                       90.45

Those arrows  provided with golden  feathers   after hitting their target  , went and split his body   and being stained by blood appeared like red serpents.                                                                           90.46

Getting very angry with the brother of his father  Indrajit standing in the middle of Rakshasas   took in to his hand an arrow which was presented to him by  Yama the God of death.                               90.47

The greatly lustrous  and very valorous   Lakshmana   seeing Indrajit taking a great arrow   also took another great arrow.                                                                                                                               90.48

That arrow, which is extremely difficult to be conquered  and more difficult to tolerate   even by Devas and Asuras  including Indra  had been presented   to him in a dream   by Khubera , who is greatly glorious  .                                                                                                                                                             90.49

He stretched   the bow   with great  force by his iron rod like hands   and both their bows   gave rise to   a piercing sound  like pair of night cranes.                                                                                                   90.50

Those great arrows   fitted and pulled out from their excellent bows   by those great heroes  shined   with very great splendour.                                                                                                                              90.51

Those plumed arrows   after they were released from their bow   made the skies   shine    and powerfully hit with each other   face to face.                                                                                                                   90.52

The collision  of those horrifying arrows  with each other   produced a fierce fire   which consisted   of   smoke and sparkles .                                                                                                                                         90.53

Those two  arrows when they hit each other like the dashing of two great planets  , burst in to hundreds of pieces    and fell on the ground .                                                                                                                90.54

On seeing that both their arrows were destroyed   in the battle front  , those two heroes   Lakshmana and Indrajit  felt ashamed   and got greatly provoked.                                                                               90.55

Getting excited, Lakshmana took hold of a missile presided over by Varuna  and  skilled in warfare, the great Indrajit too discharged a missile presided over by Rudra  in  the battle.                                     90.56

The Rudra arrow struck by  the very wonderful   Varuna arrow   and then the greatly lustrous   Indrajit who was greatly angered   and who was a conqueror in any battle   , looking like the destroyer of the world    send the fire arrow    which was  shining with flames.                                                      90.57-90.58

The valorous Lakshmana   obstructed   it by an arrow of the Sun   and seeing that his arrow has become a  waste  ,Indrajit getting very angry   took hold of a very sharp arrow  used by Rakshasas to completely tear the enemy.                                                                                                                                                   90.59

From that bow   a shining weapon which was similar to hammer  , darts  , fire arms  , maces  ,  swords  and axes    rushed out  .                                                                                                                                      90.60

Seeing  that horrifying arrow    which   was very harsh , which cannot be stopped  by any  being , which can tear off    all the weapons in a battle  , Lakshmana    stooped it using the arrow of Maheswara.

                                                                                                                                                                      90.61-90.62

There a wonderful war took place   which made hair to stand erect   and all the beings   of the sky  surrounded Lakshmana.                                                                                                                                      90.63

Surrounded by many  beings who were surprised ,  a terrible battle took place between Rakshasa and monkeys   creating a huge sound and making the sky shine.                                                                      90.64

The sages, the manes , devas, Gandharwas  , eagles   and serpents under the leadership of Indra    protected Lakshmana in that battle .                                                                                                               90.65

Then the younger brother of Rama   fitted another   excellent arrow  which had the touch of fire   and which was capable of tearing  off Indrajit.                                                                                                       90.66

The heroic Lakshmana fitted the arrow, having beautiful plumes, which consisted of rounded parts, well-jointed, skillfully fashioned, decked with gold, capable of destroying the body of the enemies, not difficult to keep off but difficult even to tolerate, a source of terror to the Rakshasa  as deadly as the venom of poisonous snakes and duly honoured by the host of gods.                                           90.67-90.68

Using that arrow  the very lustrous   and valorous  Lord Indra , who ties green horses to his chariot   was able to conquer the Rakshasas  in the war between Devas and Asuras.                                                  90.69

That  glorious son of Sumithra used   that  that very  arrow of Indra   which has never been defeated  in war   to  his excellent bow     and chanted the following  words    which was intended to achieve   his purpose.                                                                                                                                                                 90.70

“OH arrow  , if Rama , the son of Dasaratha   is the soul of Dharma    who holds on to his promise   and who is second to none in valour  then destroy this Indrajit  .”                                                                   90.71

After saying this , drawing    the  arrow which went  straight  ,  up to his ear   , that valorous Lakshmana    released it towards Indrajit  .                                                                                                                             90.72

Charging that arrow of Indra   , Lakshmana who destroys   enemy armies   severed   the glorious head   of Indrajit   which was adorned with shining ear  globes  and head protector   from his trunk     and made it fall on the surface   of the earth.                                                                                                            90.73-90.74

That large   head of Indrajit  which was separated from his trunk    was moistened by his own blood   was  seen on the earth like   shining gold.                                                                                                                 90.75

Having been slain   , that Indrajit   fell forward   on the ground   along with  his armour  ,  head protector and bow which were  all shattered.                                                                                                                 90.76  

When Indrajit was killed   all the monkeys along with Vibheeshana    roared in joy    and the devas   also roared like  they did when Indra killed Vruthra.                                                                                             90.77

 The heralding of victory   also rose  from the mouth of devas  , Maharishis  , Gandharwas   and Apsaras  in the sky  .                                                                                                                                                            90.78

Seeing that he has fallen    that  great army of Rakshasas   being attacked   by the monkeys  shining by the victory   dashed to all directions.                                                                                                               90.79

 When the monkeys  attacked them those Rakshasas abandoned all their weapons   and stupefied started running towards   the city of Lanka.                                                                                                    90.80

All those frightened Rakshasas   after  abandoning their weapons sharp-edged spears, swords and axes ran away in hundreds to various directions.                                                                                                    90.81

While some of them  tormented by monkeys  were scared entered Lanka , others fell in the ocean   and others climbed on the mountain seeking   safety.                                                                                         90.82

After seeing Indrajit being slain and his body lying in the battle field   out of the thousands of Rakshasas not even one could be seen there .                                                                                                                   90.83

Similar to the sun’s rays not being visible after the sun set , after Indrajit   had fallen  , the Rakshasas  went in different directions.                                                                                                                               90.84  

That long armed one    thrown asunder as dead   was similar to the Sun who has cooled down and  Fire which has  been put out.                                                                                                                                     90.85

 When the son of the king of Rakshasas died   , the world became one whose enemy has been destroyed and  one whose major problems had been removed and started rejoicing.                                             90.86

When that Rakshasa of sinful deeds was killed  , the God along with Indra the king of devas , devas  and  all the great sages   greatly rejoiced.                                                                                                                 90.87

From the sky the  sound of the drums played by the devas were heard, Apsara maidens started dancing   and the great Gandharwas started singing .                                                                                                  90.88

 When that  Rakshasa of cruel deed was killed  , there was a rain of flowers from the sky   along with   deluge of praises and it was indeed wonderful.                                                                                            90.89

When he who was the terror of the entire world    was killed  , the waters of the sky became very clear   and devas  and Asuras  rejoiced and came there .                                                                                        90.90

The devas, Dhanavas   and Gandharwas  together said, “  Now   the Brahmanas    would be moving about peacefully    as their troubles are over.”                                                                                                           90.91

Seeing the greatest among the Rakshasas  who had matchless strength in battle has been killed   the very happy monkey chiefs   applauded Lakshmana.                                                                                       90.92

Vibheeshana , Hanuman, Jambavan   who was the chief of bears   were greatly pleased by Lakshmana ‘s victory and applauded him.                                                                                                                                 90.93

The monkeys who had achieved their aim   started roaring , jumping   with joy   and shouting like thunder   and stood all round Lakshmana  .                                                                                                     90.94

The monkeys were seen wagging their tails   and also lashing them   and also  shouted  “ Let Lakshmana be victorious.”                                                                                                                                                       90.95

Hugging each other with extremely joyful minds  , the monkeys indulged in conversation   about Lakshmana    and his  very many good qualities.                                                                                     90.96

Hearing that  Indrajit has been killed   by the very heroic and difficult   act of Lakshmana  , the devas who were their dear  friends  were pleased and experienced great joy.                                                      90.97

 

Thus ends the  ninetieth  chapter   of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

91.Rama appreciates Lakshmana

 

(Lakshmana  reaches Rama leaning on Hanuman and Vibheeshana. Rama hugs  him and greatly appreciates him. Sushena the monkey doctor cures him very quickly . That monkey doctoe  also cures other monkeys who were wounded.)

 

The auspicious Lakshmana   whose body was drenched in blood   became happy having killed him who  won over Indra.                                                                                                                                                   91.1

Having offered salutation to Jambavan, Hanuman  and all  other monkeys, that valorous   Lakshmana of great brilliance then quickly came from there to the place where Sugreeva and Rama were there, by leaning himself upon Vibheeshana and Hanuman.                                                                         91.2-91.3

After approaching     and saluting Rama , Lakshmana    stood near him which was like Lord Vamana   standing  by the side of Indra.                                                                                                                     91.4

Then that valorous Lakshmana    arriving near  the great soul  Rama  told him in a murmuring tone   about   the horrifying  destruction of Indrajit .                                                                                         91.5

Then the very happy Vibheeshana    Informed Rama    about the chopping of the head of Indrajit   by the   great  soul Lakshmana .                                                                                                                                91.6

After  hearing   about the killing of Indrajit   Lakshmana , the greatly valorous Rama   got extremely matchless joy   and spoke the following words.                                                                                     91.7 

“Oh Lakshmana, great  , I am satisfied  by  that act that was done well by you, for by destroying  the son of Ravana , you have  earned a victory for us.”                                                                                    91.8

Smelling the head of that Lakshmana, who had increased  his fame and yet who was feeling  shy  Rama  forcibly drew him to his lap and placing that Lakshmana his younger brother in his lap with affection, wounded as he was, that valiant Rama embraced him, tenderly gazed upon him affectionately again and again.                                                                                                                                                    91.9-91.10

Once again  smelling  the head of that Lakshmana , who was feeling tormented by the arrows  which  had penetrated into his body, who had been  grievously  wounded, who was breathing hard, who was endowed with auspicious characteristics,  who was afflicted with agony and  who was feeling pain at the time of  breathing , and hurriedly stroking him as well as restoring confidence in him, Rama the foremost among men spoke the following words.                                                                                         91.11-91.12

“ You have done a very auspicious act    which is   very difficult to do. I feel that since Ravana ‘s son has been killed  , Ravana also has been killed in the battle.”                                                                          91.13

“Since you have killed an enemy with the bad soul, I think that I have already won. Oh Valorous one Fortunately for us  the right hand of the cruel Ravana   Indrajit , who is his great support has  , has been cut off by you. In this battle a great role has been played by Vibheeshana    and Hanuman also.”

                                                                                                                                                                   91.14-91.15

“Somehow after fighting   continuously for three night and days, Oh valorous one   you have killed the valorous Indrajit, making me free of any enemies and hearing that his son has been struck down   , that Rakshasa   would come out   a powerful  army formation.”                                                                       91.16

“When the king of Rakshasas who would be sad because  of his son has died  and who is difficult to be defeated    comes out   encircled by a great army   I shall kill him.”                                                        91.17

“Oh Lakshmana who is my protector (master)  , by your   killing that enemy of Indra, neither Sita nor earth is difficult to attain for me.”                                                                                                                  91.18  

Consoling his brother like this   and then after embracing him   Rama summoned Sushena and told these words.                                                                                                                                                                  91.19

“Oh very intelligent one,    you pleases attend on this wounded son of Sumithra , who is very fond of his friends  so  that he will become perfectly healthy.”                                                                                   91.20

“Let Lakshmana along with Vibheeshana be quickly made free from pain caused by the arrows that have penetrated into their body. Let all others too among the gallant bear and monkey-warriors fighting with trees   and  who have fought on the battle-field here and stand pierced with arrows and wounded, be healed in the same way with great care."                                                                                          91.21-91.22

When  the monkey chief  Sushena   was  told like this by Rama  , he gave a great medicine to Lakshmana   through his nose.                                                                                                                                                 91.23

Inhaling the scent of that herb  Lakshmana became cured of his arrow  wounds   and free from pains  and all his other wounds also vanished.                                                                                                          91.24

As per the order  of Rama   he   healed his friends as well as Vibheeshana  and    all the other monkey chiefs.                                                                                                                                                                    91.25

With arrow wounds healed  , tiredness vanished  , with feverishness   Gone  ,  within a   very short  time  Lakshmana  was   restored to his  original form  and felt joyful.                                                               91.26

Rama, the king of monkeys  , Vibheeshana   and the bear king Jambavan   seeing  the son of Sumithra   becoming healthy again    greatly rejoiced   for a long time.                                                                     91.27

The son of Dasaratha     who was a great soul  praised the very difficult accomplishment    of Lakshmana   and Sugreeva    also became happy to know that Indrajit had been killed.”                                          91.28

 

Thus ends the  ninety  first  chapter   of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

92.Ravana wails for his dead son

 

(Ravana becomes extremely sad and decides to fight and kill Rama and Lakshmana. Before that he wants to kill Sita. One of his ministers   consoles him and tells him not to kill Sita. He agrees and starts  preparing for the battle.)

 

The ministers of the son of Pulasthya  after hearing about  the killing of Indrajit  , ascertained about it   and informed   the ten necked one  .                                                                                                               92.1

“Oh great king,  your greatly lustrous son  has been killed by Lakshmana   with  the help of Vibheeshana , while  we were seeing the battle  field. “                                                                                                       92.2

“Your  valorous son   who can never  be defeated  , that  valorous one who conquered    Indra in war  , after having fought with the valorous Lakshmana , has been killed after   he tormented  Lakshmana with his  arrows   and Indrajit   departed   to the heavens.”                                                                                 92.3

Hearing  that formidable  , harsh and horrifying death of   his son Indrajit   in war   Ravana  lost his consciousness.                                                                                                                                                      92.4

Regaining his consciousness after a long time   that great king of Rakshasas wailed  pitiably     due to  sorrow caused   by  the death of his son   and his mind  was greatly confused.                                    92.5

“Alas my child,    who is the chief of army of Rakshasas, oh strong one, how did you who had conquered   Indra , now been subjected   to the power of Lakshmana  now?”                                                            92.6

“It is definite that when you are angry you would be able to pierce arrows  even on the god of death at time of deluge    and Mandhara mountain. What to say  of  Lakshmana?”                                     92.7 

“Oh long armed one, the king of hell   who is the son of sun God   who has taken you today  due to the Dharma of time is one greatly respected by me. “                                                                                     92.8

“Even among devas   this is the path taken  by great warriors  that   the male offspring    who is killed for the cause of his father   reaches heaven.”                                                                                                   92.9

“Now all the devas  , all guardians of the world  , and all sages knowing that Indrajit is  slain   can without fear sleep soundly.                                                                                                                                              92.10

“Without Indrajit   , the entire earth   with its forest and what to say even the three worlds would become one of loneliness to me.”                                                                                                                     92.11

“Now in the  private apartments of your ladies  I would hear the Rakshasa maidens   crying and wailing like   the roar of female elephants in a mountain cave.                                                                              92.12

“Oh destroyer of enemies,  where did you go leaving the position   of Yuvaraja of Lanka  , your mother ,myself and your wives  and the Rakshasas?”                                                                                                92.13

“Oh valorous one  , Consequent upon my death , you are suppose to honour me by performing death rites  in future  but now  you are following   the reverse path.”                                                                 92.14

“You have deserted us   without taking away  Sugreeva , Lakshmana  , Rama   who are my tormentors  and where have you gone?”                                                                                                                               92.15

A very great anger  covered Ravana, the king of Rakshasas due to the death of his son  while   he was wailing with sorrow like this.                                                                                                                              92.16

He who was usually short tempered  ,  flared  up further  again  due   the death of his son, like  the shining sun   flares  up further  in summer.                                                                                                     92.17

When he was yawning with anger  , fire and smoke came out of his mouth  , like it did in olden days from mouth of Vruthra.                                                                                                                                                92.19

That valorous   Ravana  who was sorrowing to the killing of his son   became  greatly angry   and pondered in his mind   and desired to kill Sita.                                                                                              92.20

Ravana  whose eyes   are normally red   due to the fire of anger  became even more red  , became horribly glittering  .                                                                                                                                             92.21

His normally horrifying  form   due to  the fire of his anger  , looked like that of Lord Rudra     at the time of final deluge.                                                                                                                                                     92.22

The drops of tears that fell from his very angry eyes   looked like drop of burning oil that    fall from   lighted burning  lamp.                                                                                                                                        92.23

The great sound that was heard  when he ground one teeth on another was heard like    that produced when the Rakshasas    dragged a huge machine .                                                                                         92.24

Seeing him who was angry like the  death fire   at time of deluge  ,  on whichever direction he   turned his gaze from that  direction, Rakshasas trembled   and hid themselves.                                            92.25

Rakshasas could not go towards Ravana, who was looking at all the four directions , like the enraged Yama the god of Death, who wants to devour both the mobile and the immobile creatures.         92.26

That very angry Ravana, the king of the Rakshasas  desirous  of  posting  soldiers   spoke like this in the middle of  Rakshasas.                                                                                                                                      92.27

“When I did strict penance   for thousands of years  , Lord Brahma   was  pleased  with me at the end of the penance .”                                                                                                                                  92.28

“As a consequence of the penance  Lord Brahma was pleased with me   and told that I need not have any fear from either   Devas or Asuras.”                                                                                                   92.29

“The armour given to me by Lord Brahma   which shines like Sun   was not  broken by   either devas or Asuras , in spite of using the Vajrayudha.”                                                                                              92.30

“Who would dare to attack me  seated on the chariot and wearing   that armour   in the battle field    for not even Indra  himself can do it.”                                                                                                            92.31

"Let that large bow of mine, which was given at that time to me along with arrows by the gracious Brahma the lord of creation, on the occasion of my combat between gods and Asuras , be taken out today to the accompaniment of a band of musical instruments, for the purpose of killing Rama and Lakshmana in this  great battle."                                                                                                   92.32-92.33

That Ravana who was sorrowing due to the death of his son   became greatly angry   and after deeply   thinking decided to kill Sita.                                                                                                            92.34

That red eyed Ravana staring   fixedly   who was horrifying and fearful to look at ,  spoke to the pitiable Rakshasa  who were making miserable sounds.                                                                                     92.35

“In order to deceive the monkeys by magical tricks my son   killed something and it was shown as Sita to them.”                                                                                                                                                            92.36

“But I shall make that hoax a realty today ,which would please my mind  . I shall kill Sita  , who is devoted to Rama  , the bad warrior.”  After saying this   to his ministers  he immediately drew out his sword. 

                                                                                                                                                               92.37-92.38

The  very angry   Ravana, who was very much agitated in  his  mind because of the grief for his son's death, springing up suddenly and taking his excellent sword, having the dazzle of a clear sky,  went  forth from the assembly hall along with his ministers swiftly and quickly to the place where Sita was.

                                                                                                                                                                     92.39-92.40

When they saw Ravana was going there . they roared like lions   and seeing Ravana greatly angry   , they hugged each   other and spoke    as follows.                                                                                                   92.41 

“ Those two  brothers  would get worried  if they see him now . Even the  four guardians of the world   would also get  frightened , like many enemies were frightened on seeing him in battles.”                 92.42

“Ravana brings    precious gems   from all the three worlds and  enjoys them, for   there is no one in the world who has equal strength and valour like  him.”                                                                                    92.43

When they  were prattling like this     Ravana    who was numbed with anger   rushed to see Vaidehi   who was in the Asoka forest  .                                                                                                                           92.44

Though his friends who were interested in his welfare tried to prevent him   The very angry one   ran , like the angry planet mars running towards  Rohini star.                                                                              92.45

The faultless Maithili   who was being guarded by Rakshasa women   saw the very angry Ravana   who    was holding an excellent sword.                                                                                                                       92.46

The daughter of Janaka    was worried    on seeing him bearing a sword  who was  not going back in spite of his friends   try to keep him back.                                                                                                               92.47

Sita who was greatly sorrowful  wailed and told,  “This  evil minded one with great anger is rushing towards me. I think he is going to kill me and  make me who has a lord without a Lord.”    92.48-92.49

“Though I am greatly devoted to my husband, he has incited me very many times saying, “You become my wife” and I had sternly refused him  . He must have been very sad at my refusing him   and must be filled with great anger as well as infatuation.”                                                                                92.50-92.51

“Otherwise fir my sake , he might have killed    those two tiger like brothers  Rama and Lakshmana   in the battle.”                                                                                                                                                         92.52

“I am now hearing   a terrific and great sound   of very many Rakshasas  who seem to be happy   and roaring about some thing pleasant.”                                                                                                           92.53

“Alas  , what a misfortune  , if   the death  of those two princes   has been brought about because of me.   It is also possible   that this terrific Rakshasa  of sinful intention  , having not been able to kill Rama and Lakshmana is going to kill me due to  the death of his son.”                                                                  92.54

“Having a very low intellect   I did not listen to the words of Hanuman then  . Had I gone back riding on his  back  , maybe I might have not been won back by my husband  , but I would be resting   on the lap  of my husband. “                                                                                                                                    92.55-92.56

“I think    that heart of Kausalya, who has only one son  would break   if    she hears   about the death of her son in the battle .”                                                                                                                                    92.57

"While lamenting, Kausalya will vividly recall about the birth, childhood, youth, the righteous acts and the handsome form of the great-soul  Rama."                                                                                         92.58

  When    her son is killed  , Kausalya   with great disappointment   would become unconscious    , after observing the obsequies  of her dead son   and will enter a burning flame or water.”                    92.59

“Curse   to that unfaithful hunch-back   who  wanted to do sin and whose actions have lead   to the grief of Kausalya .                                                                                                                                                92.60

Seeing Sita  miserably weeping in that manner like Rohini  the wife of the moon  ,who had   fallen under the sway of the planet Mars, when  moon was away , a minister called Suparshva, a good-natured, upright and highly intelligent Rakshasa , even though restrained by other ministers, spoke the following words Ravana, the foremost of Rakshasas.                                                                                 92.61-92.62

“Oh Ravana  , the  real  younger brother of Khubera  himself,  why do you   wish to kill Vaidehi  abandoning your Dharma in a bout of anger?”                                                                                      92.63

“Oh valorous king of Rakshasa,  Having completed the study of Vedic lore   and   vow of celibacy  you were only devoted to your duty . Why are you now thinking of killing that lady?”                          92.64

“Oh king , please spare  Sita   who is endowed with great beauty   and then along with us    get rid of your anger in the battle field by killing Rama.”                                                                                    92.65

“After getting ready today itself  , on the fourteenth   day of  the dark half of moon’s cycle  . Start  along with your armies   on the moonless day and achieve victory.”                                                                92.66

"As a valorous   and shrewd chariot bound  warrior, fighting with a sword, in the foremost of your chariots, you can fetch Sita   by killing Rama, the son of Dasaratha."                                                    92.67

After accepting that advice which was  endowed with Dharma   and which was given to him by a friend  , that evil minded Ravana went to his Palace   and after that , the valorous Ravana   along with his friends   along went to the assembly hall.                                                                                                                   92.68

 

Thus ends the  ninety  second   chapter   of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

 

93.Rama exterminates a huge Rakshasa army

(Ravana requests hisarmy to go and make Rama weak.   He tells them this will help him to kill Rama the next day. A huge  war takes place. Many monkeys and  Rakshasas are  killed. Rama uses Gandharwasthra( Gandharwa arrow) and kills most of the Rakshasas.)

The king  was  dejected and very sad when he entered the council hall  and sat on the chief seat  like a lion.                                                                                                                                                                            93.1

That very strong Ravana   ,  who was emaciated due to his son’s death   told  all the chiefs of his army  with folded hands in salutation.                                                                                                                           93.2 “ All of you together   along with all horses and elephants  , along with   shining columns of chariots and foot soldiers   , please march forward.”                                                                                                             93.3 

“There you have to surround Rama    alone   and kill him   by  raining   streams of arrows  , similar to    the clouds during rainy season.”                                                                                                                         93.4    

“If You  tear  him with your very sharp arrows   in the great battle  , I shall kill him tomorrow when the entire world witnesses it.                                                                                                                                    93.5

When the king of Rakshasas told him like this   , those  Rakshasas  marched forth   along with various  kind of armies   and in speedy chariots.                                                                                                            93.6

All those Rakshasas  hurled iron clubs, sharp-edged spikes, arrows, swords and axes capable of destroying the life. The monkeys too hurled trees and mountains towards the Rakshasas.                  93.7

A very great tumultuous  war broke out  when the sun rose next day  between Rakshasas and monkeys .

                                                                                                                                                                                93.8

Then those monkeys and Rakshasas  started striking each other   with multi coloured maces, axes and swords  in that battle.                                                                                                                                        93.9

When the battle was going on like this  surprisingly enormous amount of dust  got settled down by the blood which  oozed out of the Rakshasas and monkeys.                                                                           93.10

The rivers of blood flowed  carrying   the bodies which resembled the wooden logs  , With elephants and chariots as river banks  , horses    as fish  and trees as flag staffs.                                                              93.11

Then all the monkeys  who   were drenched  in the streams of blood  leapt and bounced   while the monkey chiefs   broke the flag staffs  , armours , chariots   and different type of weapons of the Rakshasas.                                                                                                                                                  93.12-93.13

Those monkeys  with their sharp teeth   and even nails   tore off   the hair  , ears, eye brows and noses of those  Rakshasas.                                                                                                                                                 93.14

Against one Rakshasa   hundred monkeys rushed  for fighting , similar   to birds rushing towards   a fully fruit laden tree.                                                                                                                                                    93.15

The horrible Rakshasas who were like mountains then  struck down the monkeys using   maces , darts,  swords   and axes .                                                                                                                                               93.16

The   huge army of monkeys   which were being killed    by the Rakshasas   then sought refuge   from Rama, the son of Dasaratha  , who protects all.                                                                                            93.17

Then the greatly lustrous and valorous  Rama  , holding his bow  entered in to the army of monkeys   and rained    a bevy of arrows on them.                                                                                                                 93.18

The greatly horrible Rakshasas  were scared to approach Rama   was scorching them    with the flame of his arrows  similar   to clouds not going near the scorching sun.                                                               93.19

The Rakshasas   saw only the deeds of Rama   which lead to their terrible   destruction  in the battle field , which was difficult for others to imitate .                                                                                                     93.20

Rama who was  shaking that great army   and blowing away   great chariots   was not visible  to the Rakshasas like a gale of wind blowing trees cannot be seen   in the forest.                                              93.21

They saw   their army being torn  , pierced with arrows , scorched and broken down   they could not see Rama who was doing all this.                                                                                                                              93.22

The Rakshasas were not able to see Rama who was hitting them, similar   to ordinary people cannot see   the  souls resting on the object of   their sense organs.                                                                                93.23

"Here is Rama, killing the army of elephants. Here is Rama, destroying great chariot-warriors. Here is Rama, killing foot-soldiers along with horses with his sharp arrows". Saying so, all those Rakshasas  struck one another with  anger  in the battle-field    thinking that they  had similarity of appearance to Rama.                                                                                                                                                           93.24-93.25

Due to the Gandharwa  arrow  sent by that great soul  which created confusion among them  , those Rakshasas were not able to see Rama  , even when  he was scorching away   their army .                   93.26 

Those Rakshasas saw thousands of Ramas   in that battle field    but on again seeing  they saw only one great soul   who was the son of Kakustha clan.                                                                                               93.27

That great soul  made them  hallucinated   by  the golden decorated arrow   and all of them saw  everywhere only Rama.                                                                                                                                       93.28

All the beings   saw the holy heel of Rama   which was killing the Rakshasas on the battle-field  and  the “wheel of time”   had his  navel as its body,    his strength as its flame  . his  arrows as its spokes , his bow as its  rim   , the twanging   of the bow and clanging   of the gauntlets as its sound  , his energy  , intelligence   and virtues   as its luster  , and his  divine power   as its edge.                                  93,29-93.30

Within a matter of three hours(eighth part of a day) , with his arrows looking like tongues of flames, Rama killed  the whole   army of Rakshasas  who were  capable of changing their form at will, and   ten thousands chariots possessing the swiftness of the wind, eighteen thousand strong elephants, fourteen thousand horses with their riders and a full two  hundred thousands   of Rakshasas fighting on foot.

                                                                                                                                                                     93.31-93.33

Those surviving Rakshasas , with their horses killed, with their chariots destroyed, with their flag-staffs broken and with broken spirits, rushed back towards the City of Lanka.                                                  93.34

That  battle field   with dead elephants  , foot soldiers and horses  looked more like   a great grave of sports  of the powerful    and angered   Rudra,   the lord of destruction.                                                   93.35

Then the devas  , Gandharwas  , Sidhas   and great saints   said “We’ll done. Well done”,  and appreciated    that great act of Rama.                                                                                                           93.36

Then, the virtuous Rama spoke also to Sugreeva, Vibheeshana, Hanuman  the monkey, Jambavan, Mainda the foremost of monkeys and even Dvividha, who were in close proximity to him as follows "Such an arrow of  wonderful power  exists  only   with me or with the three-eyed Rudra the lord of destruction."                                                                                                                                           93.37-93.38

“Rama who was similar to Indra   after killing   the great army of Rakshasas  by the unwearied use  of arrows and weapons   was applauded by   the rejoiced  army of devas.”                                             93.39

 

Thus ends the  ninety  third  chapter   of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

94. Rakshasis of Lanka wail for their near and dear ones

 

(The Rakshasis of Lanka  who had lost their husbands , sons and brothers start crying. They recollect how   it was due to the bad behavior of the old hag Soorpanakha   all these started. Then they recollect the mistakes done  by Ravana,  one by one. They are    sure that Ravana   would be killed in the battle.)

 

Rama, who  never got tired by action, with his shining arrows adorned with pure gold, killed those thousands of elephants  sent  by Ravana, thousands of horses, valiant Rakshasas who can change their form at will mounted on thousands of chariots with their flag-staffs, having the colour of fire, fighting with maces and iron rods and conspicuous with their golden banners.                                          94.1-94.3

After hearing and seeing   about the killing  of  Rakshasas , other surviving  ones   who were greatly scared  , were pitiable   and  greatly anxious   and  their wives  wailed.   The Rakshasis who lost their husbands    ,  their sons and   their relations  met together   and were   stricken with great sorrow   and wailed as follows.                                                                                                                           94.4-94.5

“How did the old  black hag   with a sunken belly approach  in the forest  Rama who is as pretty as the God of love?”                                                                                                                                                     94.6

“How did the killer of people   who has an ugly look  fell in love with  the pretty  , extraordinarily   strong   and one who is kind to all beings?”                                                                                                             94.7

“How did that  Rakshasi   who does not have   any good  qualities  , who  has an ugly face   started loving  Rama    who has all  the good qualities  , who is very strong   and who has  a  very pretty face?”        94.8

“Because of our bad luck   that   grey haired    and  disgusting lady  tried to be arrogant with Rama  , which was worth ridiculing by the whole world and this lead    to the destruction of Rakshasas like Khara  and  Dhooshana.”                                                                                                                                  94.9-94.10

“It is due to her that Ravana built b a huge enmity  and for his own destruction  that Ravana   brought that Sita.”                                                                                                                                                           94.11 

“That ten necked one   can never attain Sita , the daughter of Janaka  and in spite of that a great   enmity was built by him against that mighty  Rama.”                                                                                             94.12

“When that Rakshasa called  Viradha   yeaned for Sita, Rama   killed him single-handedly   and this incident is sufficient   to prove  his strength.”                                                                                            94.13

“Using arrows   which looked like flames of fire that Rama killed fourteen thousand Rakshasas  who had done terrific feats  in Janasthana.”                                                                                                               94.14

“Khara, Dhooshana and Trishira were also  killed   there in the battle   by use of arrows which shined like Sun   and this is more than sufficient ,  to make Ravana realize.”                                                          94.15

"Further, that Kabandha having arms with a length of eight miles each, with blood as his food and roaring with anger was killed. That instance should have been sufficient."                                           94.16

“Rama killed the very strong Vali who was the son of the thousand eyed one   and who was like a black cloud. This would have been sufficient.”                                                                                                       94.17

“He then made the very pitiable Sugreeva who was living on the Rishyamooka  mountain  with a broken desires as the king  and  this would have been sufficient.”                                                                       94.18

“The words of advice which were according to Dharma and which was  for the benefit of all Rakshasas tendered by Vibheeshana   were not to his liking due to his confused mind. “                                   94.19

“If the brother of Khubera had accepted the advice of Vibheeshana  , then this city of Lanka   would not have been turned in to a burial ground.”                                                                                                    94.20

"Ravana is not able to learn a lesson, even after hearing that the mighty Kumbhakarna was killed by Rama and that unconquerable colossal-bodied Indrajit, his beloved son was killed by Lakshmana."

                                                                                                                                                                              94.21

“ In each and every  clan of Rakshasas  we hear the wails, “Oh my son, Oh my  brother , Oh my husband , you are no more.”                                                                                                                                              94.22

“That  valorous Rama   has killed in the war   thousands of  chariots, horses, elephants    and foot soldiers of the Rakshasas.”                                                                                                                                                94.23

“It is either Rudra   or Vishnu   or Indra who performed one hundred sacrifices  or Yama himself    taking the form of Rama  who is killing us.”                                                                                                                94.24

“Due  to our great warriors being killed by Rama, we  have lost hope in this life   and we are not able to see    any end our prayer   and have become helpless.”                                                                               94.25

“Though   the valorous ten necked one   has got great boons  , he is not able to realize  , this great calamity which has come from the hands of Rama.”                                                                                     94.26

“Neither  Devas    nor the Gandharwas  , nor the ghosts   nor the Rakshasas   would be able to protect Ravana   , who is about to attack Rama   in this battle.”                                                                                94.27

“In every war  and the war  of Ravana   we see   bad omens   and they are indicating   the prospective   destruction of Ravana by Rama.”                                                                                                                       94.28

Lord Brahma  being pleased has given protection to Ravana from Devas  , Dhanavas   and Rakshasas   but Ravana did not request for protection from men.”                                                                                        94.29

“Now great fear has come to all Rakshasas as well as Ravana    from a man   is dreadfully causing the end of   their  lives and there is no doubt about this. “                                                                                 94.30

“Being  tormented by Rakshasa who has become strong due to the boons,  devas worshipped lord Brahma    accompanied by glorious austerities.”                                                                                            94.31

That great Lord Brahma , who was greatly satisfied , for the sake of good of the Devas   spoke the following words to them.                                                                                                                                    94.32

“From today onwards all the Dhanavas and Rakshasas  , constantly being scared   would wander over all the three worlds.                                                                                                                                                 94.33

“All the devas together accompanied by Indra   worshipped Mahadeva who had a  flag   with the  bull ensign     and who destroyed Tripura  and he was pleased.”                                                                        94.34

“The Mahadeva who was greatly pleased told to the devas  ., “For the sake of good of all of you   a lady would be born , who would lead to the destruction   of the Rakshasas,”                                                  94.35

“This Sita   who is the destroyer of all Rakshasas   has been deputed   by the devas   would consume all of us Rakshasas  including Ravana  .”                                                                                                                     94.36

“ Due to the   bad behavior of Ravana , who is a wicked Rakshasa  with an evil brain  , this horrible   havoc of sorrow has occurred.”                                                                                                                         94.37  

“We are now occupied by Rama just like the God of death is there at the final deluge  . We do not find any one who can give us   protection in this world.”                                                                                   94.38

“We do not have any refuge   from that great fear that is among us   ,just like   there is no shelter for female elephants   who are enveloped   in the forest  fire.”                                                                     94.39

“That great soul Vibheeshana,  at the very correct time   perceiving very great fear sought    refuge to him alone. “                                                                                                                                                      94.40

Then all the Rakshasis   hugged each other   and  because they were in the throes of great sorrow   and since they were greatly scared   lamented like   this and wept loudly.                                                   94.41

 

Thus ends the  ninety  fourth   chapter   of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

95. Ravana with his army enters the battle field.

 

(The very angry Ravana along with his ministers and their army enters the battle fied. All round only bad omens are seen. Ravana starts killing the  monkey army recklessly.)

 

Ravana   heard that pitiable sound of wailing of all Rakshasis    who were greatly pained      from every house of  Lanka.                                                                                                                                                95.1

For a moment he breathed deeply and was engrossed in great thought    and then that very huge  Ravana became very angry  .                                                                                                                          95.2

Biting his lips with his teeth  , with blood red eyes due to great anger   , making his appearance scared even for the Rakshasas , Ravana looked like   the fanned fire of destruction at deluge.                   95.3

He  then told the Rakshasas  Mahodhara, Mahaparswa   and Virupaksha who was standing near him  , in words which were not clear due to his great anger , looking at them as if he wanted to consume them  “ tell the armies to start immediately  as per my command.”                                                            95.4-95.5

Hearing his order those Rakshasas were fear struck   and ordered those Rakshasas who did not feel nervous   to act according to the orders  of the king.                                                                                 95.6

Those Rakshasas of terrifying looks   saying  “so be it”  praying the God   for   their good  , marched with  their faces  towards the  battle field.                                                                                                            95.7

Those great experts on chariot fight  after paying reverence to Ravana as per rule  , stood saluting him   with  folded arms  wishing their lord victory .                                                                                           95.8

That angry benumbed Ravana with a sarcastic laugh spoke to  the Rakshasas Mahodhara  , Mahaparswa and Viroopaksha as follows.                                                                                                                         95.9

“Today  by sending from my bow arrows which are similar to the Sun at the time of final deluge , I would lead Rama and Lakshmana    to the abode of Yama.”                                                                            95.10

“”By killing those enemies   I would avenge the deaths  of Khara, Kumbhakarna  , Prahastha   and Indrajit today.”                                                                                                                                                            95.11

“When I send  the net work of arrows   which will spread like clouds in the sky,  Neither the directions  , nor the heavens, nor the river and nor the oceans would   be visible.                                                95.12

“Today I would kill all the monkey chiefs along with their army in turns   by using   very large number of plumed arrows.”                                                                                                                                             95.13

“Today  by mounting on a chariot   which runs with the speed of wind  I will crush the monkey  army

with  waves of  arrows sent from my ocean like bow  .                                                                                 95.14

“Today like an elephant I would destroy   ponds of monkey armies shining like the filament of   lotus flowers  , whose faces are like fully opened lotus flowers.                                                                   95.15

“With arrow struck in their  faces  , the leaders of the monkeys   would be lying in the battle field  will decorate the earth  just like lotus flowers decorate their  stalks.”                                                       95.16

“Today in the very great  battle  , I shall  be killing hundred after hundreds of monkeys who are  going to fight with trees.”                                                                                                                                            95.17

“Today I shall wipe away the tears   of those crying for   their lost brothers  and lost sons   , by killing the enemy .”                                                                                                                                                           95.18

“Today  with my arrows   I will pierce   the monkeys   and make their  bodies scattered   and covering  all over the earth, that  it would be very difficult to see the surface of the earth.                                  95.19

“Today I will feed the crows, vultures   and all other beings   which eat flesh   , with the flesh of my enemies killed by my arrows. “                                                                                                                     95.20

“Arrange immediately for my chariot  and let my bow be brought  swiftly  and let all the surviving Rakshasas  follow me to this battle.”                                                                                                           95.21

Hearing these words  , Mahaparswa   told the commanders of army units, “Let the army under your control be quickly made ready.”                                                                                                                 95.22

The commanders of army units    with great speed  joined hands  and hastened those Rakshasas   in every  home to join in the battle.                                                                                                               95.23

The  horrifying Rakshasas   having awful faces, then  started  roaring, with their arms equipped with various weapons viz. swords, sharp-edged darts, pikes, maces, clubs, plough-like weapons, sharp-edged javelins, huge Kutas and Mudgara, staffs, discuses of every kind, sharpened axes, slings for throwing stones, stones or cylindrical wooden pieces with iron pikes and other excellent weapons  and rushed out within a moment.                                                                                                                                 95.34-95.26

Then following the orders of Ravana  , the commander of the army   with great haste   brought a chariot   along with a charioteer  , which was yoked with eight horses   and  Ravana  who   was shining with his own luster got in to it.”                                                                                                                                95.27

Then  Ravana   quickly started out completely surrounded by  great number   Rakshasas , as though he was cracking the earth with   his great strength.                                                                                    95.28

Thereupon, a great noise emanated on all sides from tambours, drums, Kettle-drums and conches along with the clamour of the Rakshasas.                                                                                                                                            95.29

A  great sound   was heard, saying "There comes the ruler of Rakshasas  , the abductor of Sita , the destroyer of Brahmins, the enemy of gods, notorious for his bad conduct, accompanied by his canopy and pair of fans , to fight with Rama, the foremost among the Raghu clan ."                       95.30-95.31

Due the very terrible sound , the earth trembled   and hearing that sound some  monkeys ran away  in fear.                                                                                                                                                              95.32

The long armed  and greatly lustrous Ravana   who was surrounded by his ministers  turned up there   in quest of victory.                                                                                                                                           95.33

With the permission of Ravana  Mahaparswa , Mahodhara and Viroopaksha   who was difficult to be defeated also climbed up their respective chariots.                                                                             95.34

They with great joy , greatly roaring   as though they were trying to break the earth   they  also started proceeding  , longing for victory.                                                                                                             95.35

Then Ravana resembling the god of death at deluge   who was lustrous   along with   the army  of Rakshasas  , started to the war with a raised bow.                                                                             95.36

That great  expert in chariot battle   with chariot drawn by shining horses  came out of the gate  , where Rama and Lakshmana were present.                                                                                                    95.37

At that time   the sun lost its brilliance  , all the directions were  covered with darkness , birds gave rise to fearful sounds   and earth trembled a little.                                                                                   95.38

The Devas rained blood  , horses stumbled  , vultures descended and sat on flags   and jackals started   howling piteously .                                                                                                                                  95.39

The left eye of Ravana throbbed  along with his  left arm  and he became   pale faced   and the tone of his voice dropped.                                                                                                                                  95.40

When that Rakshasa  with ten necks   entered  the battle field  there appeared an omen in the battle field indicating his death.                                                                                                                       95.41

A meteor   with a sound similar to thunder   fell down from the sky  . and  very disturbed vultures along with crows started    crying  aloud.                                                                                                       95.42

Ravana ignored these ill omens due to his ignorance   and marched forward, for the purpose   of his being killed   driven by fate .                                                                                                                  95.43

Hearing the sound of the coming of the chariots  of those great Rakshasas , the army of  monkeys   returned back to fight.                                                                                                                        95.44

Then a tumultuous battle started between the monkeys and Rakshasas, who were both  desirous of their own victory.                                                                                                                                 95.45 

Then  the very  angry   ten necked one   using arrows decked with gold   and waged a great war   on that army of monkeys.                                                                                                                                 95.46

  Ravana   chopped off the heads of some monkeys   , and pieced the heart of some   and cut off the ears of some others.                                                                                                                                     95.47

Some were killed because  of  breathlessness  , some had the portion near the ribs torn off  and some of them lost their eyes.                                                                                                                           95.48

Whichever side Ravana was seen  coming in his chariot on the battle-field, his eyes  were  rolling in anger  and  those monkey-warriors, on that side, could not with stand the rapidity of his arrows.

                                                                                                                                                               95.49

Thus ends the  ninety  fifth   chapter   of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

96.Sugreeva kills Viroopaksha

 

(When Viroopaksha the powerful minister  of  Ravana starts attacking  the monkeys, Sugreeva with his monkey chiefs    fights with him and after a horrific battle kills him.)

 

There  the earth  became  strewn   with the bodies of monkeys  killed by   the arrows  of the ten necked one .                                                                                                                                                                        96.1

The monkeys could not tolerate   the shower  of arrows   that were sent by Ravana  just like moths  cannot bear the burning fire.                                                                                                                             96.2

They who were hit by those sharp arrows   started running away just as the elephants   would run away if enveloped by fire in the forest.                                                                                                                       96.3

Ravana was marching ahead in the battle field   blowing away the monkeys , similar to wind blowing away   large clouds.                                                                                                                                             96.4

After destroying monkeys by his great strength  in the battle , Ravana speedily approached   Rama in the battle field.                                                                                                                                                            96.5

Noticing that the monkeys were running away  , after  putting his army in charge of Sushena  , Sugreeva started taking interest in the fight.                                                                                                                  96.6

Keeping Sushena the valorous monkey   who was equal to himself , in charge of his army , taking a tree as his weapon  Sugreeva marched towards  his enemy .                                                             96.7

Taking hold of huge mountains  and various kinds of trees   those monkey chiefs  followed Sugreeva by his side and also behind him.                                                                                                                            96.8

That Sugreeva roared in the battle field   creating a huge sound    , striking   blows , he crushed  various chief of Rakshasas.                                                                                                                                              96.9

The huge bodied Sugreeva   smashed    several Rakshasas   similar to grown up trees are smashed by wind at time of deluge.                                                                                                                                     96.10

Sugreeva rained stones   on the army of Rakshasas   similar to  clouds showering hail stones on the birds in the forest.                                                                                                                                                       96.11

While those Rakshasas  who were  defeated by Sugreeva, fell  on the floor and then roared  and  got diminished in number from all sides, the indomitable Viroopaksha the  Rakshasa  , holding a bow, pronouncing his name by himself, descended from his chariot and mounted the  on back of an elephant.

                                                                                                                                                                    96.12-96.14

Viroopaksha who was a great hero ascended on an  elephant   and roared with huge sound   and then rushed towards the monkeys.                                                                                                                        96.15

He then attacked Sugreeva who was in the front  with    various horrible arrows  and established himself as one  encouraging    the Rakshasas.                                                                                          96.16

When Sugreeva was struck  severely    with sharp arrows   of that Rakshasa, he roared loudly   and with great anger decided to kill that Rakshasa.                                                                                                 96.17

That valorous monkey   who was great fighter , uprooted a huge tree and going near to the Rakshasa and hit that huge elephant with it on its face.                                                                                      96.18

When Sugreeva hit that huge elephant  it receded to a distance of the length of a bow  , sank down and also roared.                                                                                                                                                   96.19

That valorous Rakshasa , got down quickly from that wounded elephant   and advanced speedily towards   that monkey  Sugreeva  who was his enemy  holding a sword and a shield made of   hide of a bull but Sugreeva in spite of being threatened stood firm.                                                       96.20-96.21

He   who became greatly enraged   and took a very huge rock  which was as big as a cloud   and threw it on Viroopaksha.                                                                                                                                            96.22

Seeing that rock was falling on him   that great and valorous  Rakshasa  receded away and struck Sugreeva with his sword.                                                                                                                           96.23

When that angry Sugreeva was    wounded by that sword in the battle  ,  he fell down unconscious for a moment in that battle field.                                                                                                                     96.24

Then getting up   suddenly  that Sugreeva tightened his fist   and with great speed  brought it down on that   Rakshasa in that great battle.                                                                                                     96.25

When that Rakshasa Viroopaksha   was struck by the fist , he became very angry and using his sword   and  the armour  made Sugreeva fall  in the battle field.   And Sugreeva then fell    down   .96.26

Getting up after he has fallen down  that monkey gave a huge slap to the Rakshasa which gave a sound like thunder.                                                                                                                                              96.27

Freed of the effects of that great slap  of Sugreeva, that Rakshasa  with great skill   Struck him on the chest with his fist.                                                                                                                                     96.28

That king of the monkeys Sugreeva   became greatly angry   seeing that Rakshasa had  escaped the effect of his slap.                                                                                                                                                  96.29

That monkey then found out an opportunity     to hit Viroopaksha   and then gave another great slap   on his  temple-bone.                                                                                                                                      96.30

Stuck down by the slap which was similar to thunder  of Lord Indra  , Viroopaksha fell on the ground   with blood oozing out of all his nine apertures , just like water rushes out of a spring.   96.31-96.32

The monkeys saw   that   very angry Viroopaksha   , completely coated with blood   and transformed in to one with very ugly eyes.                                                                                                                     96.33

 The monkeys saw  their enemy   drenched in blood   and turning to and fro  and throbbing on his sides. He was also roaring pitiably.                                                                                                                   96.34

Confronting together in that  battle-field in that way, those two violent and terrific armies which were  as broad as oceans, of monkeys and Rakshasas and both  roared like two large oceans which had burst their bounds.                                                                                                                                             96.35

Seeing that Rakshasa  with  ugly eyes   killed by the very strong king of monkeys,   the army of monkeys and Rakshasas     together looked like   the river Ganga   which is agitated.                                 96.36

 

Thus ends the  ninety  sixth  chapter   of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

97.Sugreeva kills Mahodhara 

 

(Ravana requests Mahodhara to fight on his behalf. After a great fight Sugreeva   kills Mahodhara.  He is greatly honored for this.)

 

Those two armies   which were  killed in that great   battle    by  each other  , quickly diminished in size   just likes waters of lakes   diminish in summer.                                                                                           97.1

By the destruction of his army as well as the death of  Viroopaksha  , Ravana , the king of Rakshasas   became doubly enraged.                                                                                                                          97.2

By seeing the strength of army being diminished due to the killing  by monkeys  , Ravana   saw  that reversal of fate   has come to him.                                                                                                         97.3

He then told Mahodhara , the destroyer of his enemies who was standing near him.” Oh long armed one , at this time my desire for victory rests with you.”                                                                            97.4

“Oh valorous one ,  now kill the army of our enemies and show your great   heroism  for this is the time   to repay your debt   to your master.”                                                                                                   97.5

When the king of Rakshasas told like to Mahodhara    , he said “So be it” and went  inside the army of the enemy   like a moth entering a flame.                                                                                         97.6

“By the valour   got because  of encouragement  , that mighty Rakshasa   who had great luster  destroyed the monkeys    by using his own valour.”                                                                                  97.7

Those very huge monkeys    taking hold of very big stones  , entered  the huge army of Rakshasas and killed   all  Rakshasas.                                                                                                                              97.8

In that great war , the very angry  Mahodhara   with his gold decked arrows   cut off    the hands and thighs of the monkeys.                                                                                                                            97.9

Those monkeys who were troubled by that Rakshasa speedily ran off to the ten directions   but some went and approached Sugreeva.                                                                                                         97.10  

Seeing that the large army of monkeys are being defeated  , Sugreeva   speedily rushed near Mahodhara  and reached close to him.                                                                                                                     97.11

Getting hold of    of a horrific mountain like stone  , the king of monkeys  who was  greatly lustrous   threw it on the  Rakshasa  to kill him.                                                                                                  97.12

Mahodhara seeing that huge rock falling on him  , immediately without any nervousness  with his arrows  broke it , though it was difficult to do.                                                                                                 97.13

That stone which   was broken   in to thousands of pieces  fell on the earth  , like a flock of scared vultures.                                                                                                                                                   97.14

Seeing that  the rock was broken, Sugreeva getting very angry  , uprooted a Sala tree and threw it but the Rakshasa broke it in to pieces in the war.                                                                                  97.15

The heroic Mahodhara    who was tormenter of  enemy armies   wounded Sugreeva   with his arrows  and then the very angry Sugreeva   saw an iron rod fallen on the ground.                                        97.16

Swinging that shining iron rod   and showing it to the Rakshasa  ,  hitting with it killed    the excellent horses of  Mahodhara .                                                                                                                               97.17

When the horses were killed that valorous Rakshasa Mahodhara   jumped down from his huge chariot  and seized hold of a mace with great anger.                                                                                          97.18

Holding the mace and iron rod in their hands , those Valorous ones, resembling clouds   neared each other   roaring  like two bulls .                                                                                                                   97.19

That Rakshasa Mahodhara  threw his shining  mace , which shined like a Sun with great anger , on Sugreeva.                                                                                                                                                      97.20 

Seeing that highly terrible mace, falling on him in that great battle, the mighty Sugreeva, the King of monkeys got    angry with a red blood shot eyes  and struck that mace, by lifting up the iron rod but that iron rod broke off and fell on the ground.                                                                                            97.21-97.22

Then that Sugreeva took from the surface of the earth   a shining  pestle  which was decked    with gold.  

                                                                                                                                                                        97.23

 Then Sugreeva lifted  the iron pestle  and threw it   on Mahodhara who threw   two maces at him   and clashed with each other and broke in to pieces.                                                                                   97.24

With   all their weapons broken   those warriors endowed with strength and valour  who were shining like fire   started fighting with fists.                                                                                                         97.25

Those two warriors again and again roared   , banged each other  with their palms   and rolled  on surface of the earth.                                                                                                                                  97.26

They rose up quickly  and began to hit each other  and both not  getting defeated  , pushed each other by holding the shoulders .                                                                                                                       97.27

Those two heroes who were both destroyers of their   enemies  fell exhausted by wrestling with each other  and the very agile Mahodhara  took a sword and a shield lying on the ground.              97.28

The Monkey chief Sugreeva   in the same way took  hold of a huge sword and shield    which was lying on the battle ground .                                                                                                                             97.29

Then those experts in use of weapons  in war , whose limbs were seized with anger   ran forward with joy   with swords held high.                                                                                                                    97.30

Concentrating their minds on victory  , those two very angry   ones performed perambulations   from left to right of each other  with great speed.                                                                                           97.31

That evil minded valorous Mahodhara   who  praised valour   with great speed   hit   with his sword  with great force on   the heavy shield of Sugreeva.                                                                                 97.32

When the Rakshasa was extracting his sword from Sugreeva ‘s shield  , that elephant like monkey   with his sword cut off the head of Mahodhara    adorned   with ear globes and a helmet.             97.33

Seeing the cut head of Mahodhara falling on the ground  , the army of the king of Rakshasas could not be seen in the battle field.                                                                                                                   97.34

Then after killing Mahodhara  that monkey along with his monkey warriors   made a joyful roar of victory  which made Ravana greatly angry and Rama very happy.                                                            97.35

All the  Rakshasas with downcast faces   and  dejected minds  were greatly scared and ran away from the battle  field.                                                                                                                                               97.36

After throwing Mahodhara   on the earth  ,  who looked like a huge mountain lying shattered, the son of Sun God who cannot be defeated    shined   in glory in that battle field  , like a Sun shining with his rays.                                                                                                                                                         

                                                                                                                                                                                97.37

That king of monkeys after attaining victory was being looked at in the battle field , by devas,  groups of Yakshas, Sidhas   as well as by all type of beings  standing on the surface of earth  who were all extremely happy.                                                                                                                                  97.38

 

Thus ends the  ninety  seventh chapter   of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

98.Angadha kills Mahapaswa

 

(There was a great fight between Mahaparswa and Angadha, In the end Angadha killed Mahaparswa.)

 

When Mahodhara was killed  by Sugreeva  then  the very strong Mahaparswa  with eyes red due to great anger  stirred up the great army of Angadha     with his arrows.                                              98.1

That Rakshasa removed the head of many monkeys from their trunk  like a speedy wind which  removes fruits from their stock.                                                                                                                               98.2

Then  that Rakshasa   with great speed   chopped off  the hands of some monkeys  with his arrows and also struck down  the  rib cage of some of them.                                                                                 98.3

Due to pain caused by that rain of arrows of Mahaparswa, those monkeys had a sad face and were looking greatly dull.                                                                                                                                     98.4

Seeing that his army is being depressed  by that Rakshasa  , Angadha  who is very fast  , exhibited   his valour   which was like   the ocean on full moon days.                                                                        98.5

He then held a huge steel rod   which was shining like the rays of  the  Sun   and hurled it on Mahaparswa who was fighting the  war.                                                                                              98.6

Due to that smashing  Mahaparswa became unconscious    and along with his charioteer   fell  from his chariot.                                                                                                                                                       98.7

Then the lustrous king of bears who was like a heap of collyrium   and who was extremely powerful   became very angry   and rushed forward   from his battalion which was like a huge cloud  , carrying a huge rock   which was like mountain peak  , killed  his horses   and with his great strength broke his chariot too.                                                                                                                                       98.8-98.9

Within a short time  the very strong Mahaparswa regained his consciousness   and struck Angadha with very  many arrows.                                                                                                                                 98.10

Then he   struck Jambavan , the king of bears with three arrows   on his chest and Gavaksha  with very many arrows.                                                                                                                                            98.11

Seeing that Jambavan and Gavaksha were troubled by his arrows  , Angadha became very angry and took hold   of a  horrifying iron rod.                                                                                                      98.12

Firmly holding that iron rod, which shined  like the rays of the sun, with both hands and turning it around with force, Angadha son of Vali, with eyes reddened due to anger , hurled it on that Mahaparswa the Rakshasa, who stood at a distance, with an intention to kill him.          98.13-98.14

That  rod hurled by the very strong Angadha   knocked off the bow  as well as the arrows  from the hand of  that Rakshasa  and also knocked off his helmet.                                                                          98.15

Then approaching him with very great speed, the famous  Angadha   the son of Vali  , with open palms slapped him on his root of the ear which was shining   with an ear ring.                                   98.16

The very lustrous  Mahaparswa , who is greatly swift and very angry , by one hand lifted   a huge   axe.  

                                                                                                                                                                  98.17

That very angry Rakshasa threw that stainless  strong axe made of steel and seasoned in oil at  the  son of Vali.                                                                                                                                                    98.18

Angadha who was filled  with anger   escaped from that axe   which had been aimed at his left shoulder bone.                                                                                                                                                          98.19

 That valorous Angadha   who was as  valorous as his father   was greatly angry  and firmly tightened   his fist which was like   a thunder bolt.                                                                                                  98.20

That master of the vital parts  , whose fist  hit like Indra ’s thunderbolt hit that Rakshasa on the chest , near his breasts.                                                                                                                                  98.21

In the great battle   that  fleshy part of   that Rakshasa   due to that blow   was blasted   and he fell dead  on the ground.                                                                                                                                    98.22

When  that  Rakshasa  Mahaparswa fell dead  on the ground   his army was greatly confused    and a great anger arose in Ravana.                                                                                                           98.23

The very profound lion like roar of the  joyful monkeys , like a blast shook the city of Lanka along with  its   attics and gate of the city  and was like the sound of Devas along with Indra.             98.24-98.25

Hearing in that battle field  the very great sound raised   by the monkeys    and that of the beings of heaven  , Ravana who was   the enemy of Indra   then stood prepared for another war.    98.26

 

Thus ends the  ninety  eighth chapter   of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book.

 

99.Ravana and Rama commence the battle

 

(Bereft of all assistant Rakshasa chief Ravana enters the battle field. Very fierce fighting takes place between those great warriors. Both of them were injured by each other and continued to foight.)

 

Seeing the  Rakshasas Mahodhara  and Mahaparswa being killed   and also    the valorous and strong Viroopaksha   killed   in that great battle  Ravana got in to very great anger   and addressed his charioteer  using the following  words.                                                                                            99.1-99.2

For having killed my ministers    for having laid a siege   on my city  , I would remove my sorrow by killing Rama and Lakshmana.                                                                                                                                            99.3

“In that battle I will cut off the tree of Rama   which is going to give a flower called  Sita  , whose  principal branches are Sugreeva  , Jambavan, Kumuda  ,Nala  Dvividha , Mainda  , Angadha  , Gandhamadana  , Hanuman and Sushena   and all other  monkey chiefs.                                          99.4-99.5

Filling    all  ten directions with  noise  , Ravana rushed   in that chariot      towards  Rama.                     99.6

Filled with that sound, the entire earth, making   its rivers, mountains and forests, tremble and , throwing lions, antelopes and birds, into fright. Ravana  marched.                                                              99.7

Then he   used a very horrific   and fearful    arrow  called Thamasa(darkness)    which began to attack  all the monkeys who   fell on all sides.                                                                                                                   99.8

When the greatly frightened monkeys , not able to bear    that arrow built  by Lord Brahma himself  , started running away   dust began to rise from the earth                                                                          99.9

Seeing that hundreds of monkeys of his army were  shattered  by those excellent arrows of  Ravana, Rama   stood ready for  fighting .                                                                                                                   99.10

Having driven away the army of monkeys, Ravana the foremost among the demons then saw Rama, the destroyer  of his enemies, who was endowed with long arms and  wide  eyes resembling   lotus petals standing unconquered with his brother Lakshmana-like Indra the lord of devas   is seen with Vishnu, the supreme lord of preservation-holding up his great bow as though scraping the sky.             99.11-99.12

That greatly lustrous Rama   who was  born in the clan of Raghu  along with the very strong Lakshmana  , seeing    the disappointed monkeys and the advancing Ravana  , happily held his bow by its middle. 

                                                                                                                                                               99.13-99.14

After that Rama began   to stretch  his  excellent bow  , with great  speed and with great sound    as if he wanted to break the earth.                                                                                                                          99.15

Due the arrows   which were rained by   Ravana   and  sound of  stretching of the bow of Rama  , the Rakshasas started falling in their hundreds.                                                                                           99.16

Ravana   coming within the ranges of arrows shot by those sons of a king   looked like Rahu   standing near the Sun and the moon.                                                                                                                     99.17

Wishing to   fight   early  Lakshmana readied  his sharp arrows  which were like  flames of fire   and stretched his bow .                                                                                                                                    99.18

The greatly lustrous Ravana   prevented in the  sky itself  the arrows   released  by  the great archer Lakshmana  , the moment  they were released.                                                                                 99.19

Ravana  who was  greatly dexterous in use of arrows,   split  one arrow of Lakshmana by one arrow , three arrows by three arrows   and ten arrows by ten arrows.                                                        99.20

After  crossing over Lakshmana , the    son of Sumithra    who as victorious in that battle   approached Rama   who stood  in the battle field like a mountain.                                                                      99.21

That  king of Rakshasas Ravana with blood red eyes due to anger   approached Rama and rained arrows on him.                                                                                                                                                        99.22

Seeing   the streams of arrows     that emerged from the bow of Ravana  , Rama   quickly   took hold  of Bhalla arrows    in great haste,                                                                                                               99.23

Then  Raghava   broke  those large  number  of lustrous   arrows which were looking horrific   and coming  like snakes   by his sharp Bhalla  arrows.                                                                            99.24

With very great speed Ravana on Rama and  Rama on Ravana   showered sharp   arrows  of various kinds on each other.                                                                                                                                        99.25

Pushing each other by their speed of their arrows  , they were both fighting without getting defeated  and went round in circles   of different kinds   from left  to right   , for a long time.                99.26

All beings were scared   when both of them   who looked angry   were releasing   arrows  at each other , looking like  , god of death  and god of destruction respectively.                                             99.27

The sky at that time  became dense with arrows  of various kinds  and looked  like the sky   filled  with clouds  at  the end of monsoon   along with frequent lightning.                                             99.28

By those rain of very sharp    arrows  with great  speed decorated by wings of vultures   there  were eye like holes on the sky .                                                                                                                       99.29

They made the sky dark  initially with  their wars   and after   the sun set  their cloud like forms made it even more dark.                                                                                                                                 99.30

There occurred  a huge war between both of them, each of whom   wanted   to kill  the other . That was  beyond thought  and difficult to approach   like the  war that took place between Vruthra   and Lord Indra.                                                                                                                                                 99.31

Both of them  who were greats in archery  , who were  experts in war   and who   were skilled  in the use of arrows   moved without any hindrance in the battle field .                                               99.32

In whichever direction that they went    the waves of arrows  went like waves   in that direction  like two  oceans  moved by the same wind.                                                                                               99.33

Ravana who had skilful hands  and one who made the world cry   using series of steel arrows  aimed at  the forehead of Rama.                                                                                                                     99.34

Rama  tolerated   the hit of those  arrows on his forehead   and took them as lotus petals   discharged    from a great  bow   and  did not get upset.                                                                                 99.35

Then after  chanting proper chants  the valorous Rama   of great splendour   who was filled with great   anger,  took   and discharged the arrow of Rudra after   stretching his  bow .                     99.36

When those arrows fell on the huge cloud like unbreakable armour of Rama , those arrows fell down   and did not cause him any pain.                                                                                                   99.37

Then Rama who was expert in all type of arrows  , though he was pierced by arrows on his forehead  yet again sent a great arrow aimed at Ravana    seated on a chariot.                                          99.38

Those  arrows of Rama   after piercing  arrows sent by Ravana   penetrated  like five headed snakes  in to the earth  when Ravana opposed them.                                                                                     99.39

Ravana  who was benumbed with anger  after destroying that arrow of Rama  sent another  horrifying Asura  arrow.                                                                                                                                    99.40

He released sharp arrows, having the heads of lions and tigers, those of buzzards and crows, even of vultures and falcons, as well as those of jackals and wolves, arrows with their mouths wide open, having the heads of venomous snakes with five heads, causing great fear.                                   99.41-99.42

Hissing like a serpent , due to his very anger  Ravana who was endowed with extraordinary energy and conjuring tricks, released towards Rama these and other arrows, having the heads of donkeys, those of boars, dogs and cocks as also of alligators and venomous snakes.                                                                               99.43-99.44

When the  arrow of the Asuras  was sent against him,   Rama with great enthusiasm sent the arrow of God of fire.                                                                                                                                             99.45

Rama  then used  , various kinds of arrows, with heads as  bright as fire, others with heads shining like the sun, the moon, the crescent, a comet, others shining like planets, lunar mansions and a huge meteor and some arrows resembling flashes of lightning.                                                                99.46-99.47

The horrifying arrows    sent by Ravana   was   destroyed by the arrows of Rama, broke in to thousand pieces and fell on the ground.                                                                                                            99.48  

Seeing that arrow of Rama , who never gets tired performing his job  , had destroyed the arrows of Ravana   all the monkeys who can assume any form that they desire  surrounded lead by Sugreeva and congratulated him.                                                                                                                     99.49-99.50

The great soul Rama who had destroyed    the arrows sent by the hand  of   Ravana  was filled with joy  and the monkey chiefs   full of joy roared loudly,                                                                                   99.51

 

Thus ends the  ninety  ninth chapter   of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

100. Ravana wounds Lakshmana but runs away  not able to fight with Rama

 

(The great  one to one war between Rama and Ravana continues. In between Lakshmana and Vibheeshana interfere and destroy the  chariot of Ravana. When Ravana tries to kill Vibheeshana, Lakshmana saves him. Then Ravana wounds Lakshmana with a great spear. Rama is upset  and fights vigorously.)

 

When Ravana  the king of Rakshasas saw that  his arrow    was destroyed, his anger became two fold    and in that great anger he sent another arrow.                                                                                100.1

That greatly lustrous   Ravana   started to release   another horrifying arrow   of anger built by Maya  on Rama .                                                                                                                                                       100.2

Then from that bow   came out spears , maces  , blazing tridents   and cubs   which were as hard as Vajrayudha   from all directions.                                                                                                           100.3

Various types of sharp  and terrible hammers  , deceptive nooses   and  shining thunderbolts   came out similar to  the storm at   the time of final deluge.                                                                             100.4

That very auspicious Raghava   who was an expert in great divine arrows  , who has a very great luster  struck down that arrow by an arrow of Gandharwas.                                                                       100.5

When the great Raghava destroyed that arrow of his  , Ravana with eyes red due to anger   sent the arrow of Sun God.                                                                                                                                    100.6

From that lustrous bow   of the intelligent Ravana   came shining large   discuses   with terrific speed.  

                                                                                                                                                                     100.7

When  they came out   falling from all sides   the entire sky was shining   and all the directions   were well lit as by sun, moon and other planets.                                                                                                 100.8

Then Raghava  who was standing in front of Ravana ’s army   split all those discuses   and other strange weapons   by using large number of arrows.                                                                                       100.9

Seeing his arrow being destroyed by Rama  , Ravana  , the king of Rakshasas  pierced   Rama in all his vital parts by ten arrows.                                                                                                                         100.10

Even though that Ravana struck Rama with those ten arrows released from his great bow, Rama of extraordinary energy was not shaken.                                                                                                  100.11

Thus struck   Rama who was victorious in all battles   became very angry   and struck Ravana   on all his organs   with large number of arrows.                                                                                                   100.12

In the mean time ,Lakshmana   the very strong younger brother of Rama  who was a destroyer of his enemies   took  hold of seven arrows.                                                                                                   100.13

Those very fast arrows   cut off   the greatly shining flag of Ravana   which had the picture of man’s head.

                                                                                                                                                                     100.14

Then that great Lakshmana    with one single arrow   tore off the head of the charioteer  of Ravana   which was adorned with shining ear rings .                                                                                         100.15

Then with five very sharp arrows  Lakshmana   cut off   the bow of the king of Rakshasas   which looked like the trunk of an elephant.                                                                                                                    100.16

Bouncing forward, Vibheeshana killed, with his mace, the excellent horses of Ravana, which looked like black clouds and were as  tall as mountains.                                                                                         100.17

Ravana jumped out   of his very large chariot   whose horses have been killed   and showed  a severe anger   towards  his brother.                                                                                                                    100.18

Then that king of Rakshasas   who had great  strength  hurled a spear  which was shining like lightning   on Vibheeshana.                                                                                                                                         100.19

Even before the spear could  reach Vibheeshana,  Lakshmana  broke it with three  of his arrows  and all the monkeys   loudly cheered him in the battle field.                                                                      100.20

That spear which was crowned with gold   was torn in to three pieces and fell like a large meteor  with sparks of fire from the sky.                                                                                                                    100.21

Then that Ravana    took a much larger spear   which was the best   with great luster   with its own splendour and was difficult to approach even  by Kala, the God of death.                                  100.22

That bad soul Ravana   with great strength and speed   and which was shining like  a  thunderbolt   hurled  it swiftly.                                                                                                                                     100.23

At that  time the valorous Lakshmana  quickly   rushed towards Vibheeshana   who was in danger to his life.                                                                                                                                                             100.24

To rescue him, the valorous  Lakshmana went on showering arrows   at Ravana   who was  holding the spear  in his hand.                                                                                                                                   100.25

Made helpless by that shower of arrows   by that great  one, could  not make up his mind   to attack Vibheeshana.                                                                                                                                          100.26

Ravana who saw that his brother was rescued   by Lakshmana   stood  before him and spoke the following words.                                                                                                                                   100.27

“Oh Lakshmana whose strength is very great  , you have now rescued Vibheeshana  in this way , and now I am leaving out Vibheeshana  and am sending weapons against you.”                        100.28

“This spear  which would be  hurled by my steel like arms , will make a mark of blood on you  , pierce your heart   and go away only after taking your life.                                                                 100.29

After seeing this   that  greatly enraged Ravana roared and hurled  the unfailing spear  towards Lakshmana, that  which was adorned with eight loudly clamouring bells, which had been designed by Maya the demon by dint of his conjuring trick, capable of destroying adversaries and blazing as it was with splendour.                                                                                                                     100.30-100.31

That which was hurled came with great speed like Indra ‘s thunderbolt   and fell on Lakshmana  in the battle field.                                                                                                                                         100.32

That Rama kept on repeating   , as the spear was rushing towards Lakshmana, “ Let Lakshmana be safe  , May the spear be useless ., May this effort become useless.”                                                  100.33

That spear, which was looking like a poisonous   serpent, released by the  very angry   Ravana in the battle, quickly Entered the chest   of Lakshmana, who stood fearless.                                   100.34

That spear   which was shining like the king of serpents   shined with great luster   and fell on the broad chest of Lakshmana   with  very great speed.                                                                               100.35

 Due to speed by which Ravana has sent it   that spear went very deep in to the chest of Lakshmana   and he fell to the ground with his heart being broken.                                                                    100.36

Rama  with great luster who was stationed near by Lakshmana   saw this and due to the love towards his brother became extremely sad.                                                                                                    100.37

With tear filled sorrowful eyes , Rama thought for a moment  became as angry as the fire at  the time of final deluge  .                                                                                                                                    100.38

Becoming aware that it was not the time for feeling sorrowful , and looking at Lakshmana, Rama resumed that highly tumultuous battle with a great and whole-hearted endeavor, determined as he was to destroy Ravana.                                                                                                                                          100.39

Rama saw Lakshmana   who was wounded by the spear  in that great war, bathed in blood  looking like a mountain   with a snake in the middle .                                                                                                  100.40

In spite of great efforts the monkeys were not able to pull out   the spear (from Lakshmana) hurled by  the very strong Ravana  , as they were being continuously tormented   with the foremost among the Rakshasas with large number of arrows.                                                                                 100.41-100.42 

That spear had passed through the body of Lakshmana  and penetrated the earth  and the mighty Rama using his hands pulled it out  and getting greatly angry   broke it during the battle.                    100.43

When Rama was drawing out the spear    the very strong Ravana   struck several arrows on his body which split the vital parts of Rama.                                                                                                       100.44

Without any other thought   about those arrows, Rama embraced Lakshmana   and that Rama told Hanuman and Sugreeva.                                                                                                                        100.45

“Oh great monkeys   remain with Lakshmana and properly nurse him. Let this malicious Rakshasa called Ravana be killed by me. The time   for  which I have been desiring for a long time has now  come like the Chataka bird waiting for rain is seeing  the clouds at the end of hot season.”     100-46-100.47

“In this auspicious time , I am binding myself by a great oath .Oh monkeys  , without much delay you will see a world either devoid of Ravana or Rama.”                                                                            100.48

“Incidents like loss of the kingdom,  life in forest  , wandering about in Dandaka forest  and troubling of Sita by the Rakshasas have been encountered by me.”                                                     100.49

“But now I have encountered a very horrific sorrow  and pain   which is like the   agony in hell. . By killing Ravana in this battle , I shall relieve myself   of all these agonies.”                                 100.50    

“The reason for which I had brought the monkey army here , the  reason for killing of Vali and crowning of Sugreeva  , the reason for crossing   the ocean by building a bridge   has now come before my eye sight in this battle field.”                                                                                100.51-100.52

"This Ravana who has  come within the range of my vision, cannot survive, any more than the one who has come within the range of vision of a snake injecting deadly poison with its very glance or the  serpent who has come within the range of vision of Garuda, the king of birds and the enemy of serpents can survive."                                                                                                                    100.53-100.54

“Oh great monkeys sit   with comfort on the mountain  peaks   and watch   this great battle   between me and Ravana. “                                                                                                                         100.55

“Let All the three worlds ,  Gandharwas , Devas    and the Charanas   see during this war , the nature of Rama  today.”                                                                                                                                 100.56

“”I am going to do such an act today that all mobile and immobile beings of this world  along with the Devas  together will keep on narrating  as long as this world is there  and tell about how this battle went on.”                                                                                                                                                  100.57

The well composed Rama  after saying this  , with sharp arrows decked with gold  attacked that  ten necked  one.                                                                                                                                   100.58

Then  Ravana   rained   shining steel arrows   and maces   , just like a cloud   would give out rains. 

                                                                                                                                                           100.59

When those excellent  arrows sent by Rama and Ravana   at each other , a huge tumultuous sound emanated from there.                                                                                                                   100.60

Both  the arrows of Rama as well as Ravana split and broke  producing light   and fell from the sky on to earth.                                                                                                                                                  100.61

The loud sound   produced by the  bow string pulled by the hands  , of those greatly valorous Rama  and Ravana   made all beings scared   and was a great sight.                                                           100.62

 Torn very badly by the rain of that  net work of arrows  by the  great Rama   who was  armed with a shining bow   that  Ravana ran away  just like  cloud is pushed away by the tempest.         100.63

 

Thus ends the  hundredth  chapter   of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

101.Sushena cures Lakshmana

 

(Rama is terribly upset and does not want  to live.  Sushena says he is not dead and sends Hanuman to get herbs from Oushadhi mountain. Hanuman not able to recognize the herb brings the mountain itself. Lakshmana is cured.  He requests Rama not to get upset but kill Ravana.)

 

Seeing Lakshmana    fallen down  and completely coated with blood   after giving a tumultuous battle   in which he showered very many arrows  , due to the spear   of the strong and evil minded   Ravana , Rama spoke as follows  to  Sushena  .                                                                                           101.1-101.2 

“This Lakshmana  who has fallen on earth due to the speedy arrows   of Ravana  and who is wiggling like a serpent   and  increasing my  sorrow.”                                                                                                       101.3

"My energy to fight is failing, even as I am  looking  at this valiant Lakshmana, who is dearer to me than life, bathed in blood and  my mind being greatly disturbed."                                                            101.4

“What is the use of this life or happiness to me  , if my brother  who  has all auspicious marks, is interested in war and is famous   were to meet his death.”                                                             101.5

“My heroism is feeling shy , my  bow is  falling down  , my arrows are dropping down,   and my vision is  blurred by tears.”                                                                                                                                       101.6

“My body is sinking down  like those men who are asleep   and tension is growing inside making me wish to die.”                                                                                                                                                        101.7

“I am seeing  my brother has fallen down, wounded in his vital parts   by that evil soul Ravana   groaning   with agony.”                                                                                                                                               101.8

Seeing his brother whom he loved  who was like his soul  with losing his life breath  , Rama became greatly sorrowful   and full of anxiety and grief.                                                                              101.9

Seeing Lakshmana his brother lying wounded in the dust of the battle-field, he got into extreme worry  and lamented  with a  confused in mind.                                                                                        101.10

“Oh valorous one, even if I win this war , I will not be happy ,like a man without sight cannot see in spite of bright moon.”                                                                                                                                 101.11

“What is  the use of this war , what is the use of this soul to me   with my brother being killed in this battle here  and so I do not have any desire to fight.”                                                                  101.12

“Like that greatly lustrous one followed me to the forest, I am also going to follow him   for his journey to the place of God of death.”                                                                                                         101.13

“Lakshmana who was loved by all his relations   is forever ardently devoted to me   and has reached this stage due to treacherous battle   of the Rakshasas.”                                                                 101.14  

“We can obtain    wives from places and places , we can obtain relations in places and places   but I do not see any place where I can get a brother who loves me this much.”                                101.15

They all saw Rama wailing like this   with mind reeling with distress  and sighing and breathing deeply  again and again.                                                                                                                              101.16

“What is the use of the kingdom to me without Lakshmana   who is difficult to defeat ?What would I be able to Sumithra  , the mother who is very fond of her son?”                                               101.17

“I shall not be able to bear the reproaches which are bound  to be told by  Sumithra and what shall I say to my mother Kausalya and my mother  Kaikeyi.”                                                                  101.18

“What shall I tell Bharata or to the very strong Shatrughna  , when they ask me  why I have  come back without Lakshmana   who came along with me to the forest?”                                          101.19

“Death now would be preferable  rather than    the reproaches   from  relatives.  I might have done some sinful act in my previous births , for my younger brother to die before me. “                 101.20

“Alas oh brother , Oh best of men , best among valorous men  , Oh Lord , Why did you go to the other world deserting me  ?”                                                                                                               101.21

“Oh brother though I am wailing, why are you not talking to me ? Oh brother arise and see  this miserable man  with your eyes.”                                                                                               101.22

“Oh great one  ,    you have always comforting and consoling me  , whenever I   feel sad and pained and listless   among  the mountains and forests.”                                                                             101.23

When Rama was saying like  this full of sorrow   in his mind,  Sushena   addressed  him with the following excellent words .                                                                                                                              101.24

“Oh tiger among men,  , give up this thought   that causes you depression, for this sorrow which gives to grief   is like piercing arrows in the battle .”                                                                                101.25

“Lakshmana who increases auspiciousness  has not still died as   his looks have not changed   and his skin colour has not turned dark.”                                                                                                         101.26

“His face looks bright   and has a pleasing look. .The palms of his hands are as soft as lotus petals   and are very bright.”                                                                                                                              101.27

“Oh king of the earth, the looks of dead ones are not  like this . Oh valorous one who destroys his enemies . He is alive , so please do not worry.”                                                                                        101.28

“The repeated palpitation of his heart   with him breathing , though he is lying on earth   indicates that he is fast asleep    with relaxation of the limbs, Oh valorous one.”                                    101.29

After having addressed these words to Rama  , the very learned Sushena   spoke the following words to the great monkey Hanuman     who was standing nearby.”                                                101.30

"Proceeding from this place with full speed, Oh gentle one!,  go to the mountain called Oushadhi  , which was already described to you previously by Jambavan, Oh brave one! Bring here for restoring the great-souled and heroic Lakshmana to consciousness, the precious herb Vishalyakarani   by name which h as sprung up on its southern peak, Savarnakarnani  , Samjivakarani  and the precious herb, Samdhanakarani ."                                                                                                            101.31-101.33

As soon as Hanuman heard these words , he   went to the Oushadhi mountain  and since he was not able to identify that herb he became very thoughtful.                                                        101.34

Then in the brain of   son of wind god  who had exceedingly great luster a thought arose, “   I will take back    the peak of the mountain itself.”                                                                                  101.35

“Since  Sushena himself told me so , the herb must have sprouted   on this  mountain peak definitely.” 

                                                                                                                                                         101.36

“Suppose I do not take Vishalyakarani herb with me , over passage of time  great  problems may arise.”

                                                                                                                                                       101.37

Thinking like this the very strong   Hanuman approached  that great mountain, shook it  violently three times  with his arms  , uprooted the mountain peak   which was having very many flowering plants  , and lifted it up  as he was  very strong.                                                                                101.38-101.39

Carrying that great mountain peak which  looked like a dark rainy cloud  , Hanuman jumped up in to the sky.                                                                                                                                                     101.40  

Returning back with very great speed , after putting down that mountain peak   and after relaxing a little  , he spoke to Sushena the following words.                                                                                101.41

“Oh Great monkey , since I could not identify the required herb  , I have brought along with me the entire mountain.”                                                                                                                            101.42

After appreciating the son of wind God who spoke thus  , that excellent monkey pulled out the needed herbs   and took hold of them.                                                                                                     101.43

All the great monkey chiefs   as well all the devas were greatly surprised    to see the most difficult job done by Hanuman.                                                                                                                       101.44

Then after crushing the herb  , that great monkey   who was greatly lustrous, administered it in the nose of Lakshmana .                                                                                                                               101.45

After inhaling that herb  Lakshmana , the destroyer of enemy armies, having the spear lodged in his body, got rid of it   , became painless and got up  from the earth with great speed.       101.46

Seeing that Lakshmana has got  up from the earth   the monkeys said,”great, great”,  and applauded  Sushena.                                                                                                                                           101.47

Rama the destroyer of enemies, after seeing Lakshmana  said   “Come, come”  and embraced him with great affection  , with eyes covered by tears.                                                                                101.48

After that Raghava embraced the son of Sumithra  he said ,”Oh valorous one , I am seeing   you returned after death.”                                                                                                                                         101.49

“There is no meaning  in my living or victory or getting back Sita  , if you had  attained death . Please tell me what is there for  me after your death.”                                                                                 101.50

When   the great Raghava spoke like this  , in a very feeble voice Lakshmana spoke the following words.  

                                                                                                                                                              101.51

“Oh brother who is valorous in truth   , true to your promise of killing Ravana  , you should not speak like   a weak and cowardly man.”                                                                                                           101.52

“ Those who speak the truth do not make their oath futile  for fulfilling the oath    is the sign of greatness.”                                                                                                                                          101.53

“Oh faultless one  , your getting hopeless fot the sake of me    is not befitting you. Please fulfill your promise of killing Ravana.”                                                                                                              101.54

“When you shower your arrows   the enemy cannot continue to live  , like a great elephant  with mighty tusks cannot live if it crosses the path of   a lion.”                                                                      101.55

“I want to see that bad soul   killed immediately  , before the sun sets after   finishing his task. “

                                                                                                                                                           101.56

"Oh  venerable hero,  If you wish to kill Ravana in battle, if you wish to fulfill your promise and if you feel affectionate towards Sita , do as I tell you soon and now."                                                 101.57

 

Thus ends the  hundred and  first  chapter   of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

102.Indra sends his chariot to help Rama

 

(The great war continued. Devas felt ,that Rama was at a disadvantage fighting from land. So Indra sent his chariot and charioteer Matali to help Rama. Both of them being of equal valour   the war continued in a fierce manner.)

 

Hearing  Lakshmana  speaking   those words ,  the valorous Rama who as the destroyer of his enemies   took hold of his bow   and fixed an arrow  on its bow string.                                                      102.1

In the battle  front  Rama released   horrifying   arrows at Ravana   and Ravana, the king of Rakshasas  occupying another chariot  rushed towards the son of Kakustha clan, Similar to Rahu rushing towards the sun God.                                                                                                                                         102.2

The ten necked one    standing on his chariot   struck Rama   with arrows equal to Vajrayudha   similar to   a cloud   gushing out rain on a huge mountain.                                                                               102.3

Rama thoughtfully sent fire like  flaming arrows ornamented with gold   on the ten necked one in the battle field.                                                                                                                                             102.4

 The devas, Gandharwas and Yakshas told among themselves that the war fought with Ravana on a chariot and Rama  on the ground    was not equal.                                                                      102.5

Hearing these words , the auspicious best among the devas  summoned Matali (his charioteer)  and spoke the following words to him.                                                                                                  102.6

“Go speedily along with my chariot to the earth    and after reaching there , invite the best among the Raghu clan   to take the seat in the chariot   and do great service to the devas.                   102.7

When the king of devas told like this  , his charioteer Matali  , saluted him by bowing his head   and told the following  words.                                                                                                                        102.8

“Oh Indra   along with excellent chariot  yoked to green horses  , I will go and perform the duty  of  Charioteer to Rama.”                                                                                                                        102.9

Taking the  glorious and excellent chariot of Indra, having variegated body decked in gold, which was fitted with hundreds of tiny bells, with its pole of cat's eye gems shining   like the morning sun, yoked to excellent green horses, having golden chaplets on their heads, having white whisks, covered with nets of gold, shining like the sun and bearing a flag-staff raised on a golden bamboo and  ascending the chariot, as enjoined by Indra after  descending from paradise, Matali approached Rama.         102.10-102.13

Staying on the chariot itself  , that Matali the charioteer of the thousand  eyed  one  folding his hands in salutation to Rama  , told the following words.                                                                                  102.14

“Ok son of Kakustha clan, the thousand eyed one   has sent this chariot to help you get victory . Oh mighty and glorious one  , who is  the destroyer of his enemies .                                                  102.15

“Here is the great bow of Indra   and his armour shining like fire  , arrows  as bright as the sun  and  the auspiciously pure    steel spear .                                                                                                             102.16

“Oh valorous one , get in to this chariot  and kill the Rakshasa called Ravana , like Indra killed the Asuras when I was driving the chariot.”                                                                                                            102.17

When he told like this Rama went round the chariot , offered  his salutations to it  and got in to that chariot   causing the three worlds  to shine with splendour.                                                          102.18

Then ensued a great tumultuous battle making one’s hair stand erect   between the greatly valorous Rama   and that Rakshasa called Ravana.                                                                                           102.19

That Raghava who was a great expert on arrows matched  a Gandharwa arrow with a Gandharwa arrow, a God arrow with a gold arrow   and made fall the arrows of the king .                                        102.20

That king of Rakshasas became greatly angry   and again released another horrific arrow of the Rakshasas.                                                                                                                                               102.21

Those arrows decked with gold, which were released from the bow of Ravana turned  in to highly poisonous   snake   and came towards Rama.                                                                                   102.22

Those fearful arrows having a burning face  , vomiting burning fire   from its face  , with its mouth wide open rushed towards Rama alone.                                                                                                     102.23

 All the directions of the earth were  covered by poisonous snakes  ,  whose impact was like Vasuki , the king of serpents with flaming coils  . Even the corners   between the directions were filled   with these snakes.                                                                                                                                                     102.24

Seeing all those  snakes rushing towards him in the battle field  , Rama created and released  an extremely fearful  and horrific arrow  of Garuda.                                                                           102.25

With golden shafts   which shined like flames   that arrow released from the bow of Rama   turned n to golden eagles and these   went round.                                                                                            102.26

Those  arrows of Rama which can assume any form that they want  , assumed the form of eagles   and destroyed all  those   arrows which were flying round in the form  of snakes.                         102.27

Seeing that his arrows  have proved a waste  , Ravana , the king of Rakshasas became greatly angry  ,  and rained   horrific rains of arrows on Rama.                                                                               102.28

With thousand arrows Ravana wounded Rama who never delayed his actions   and then wounded Matali with very many arrows.                                                                                                                      102.29

With one arrow Ravana struck the golden  flag post and made it fall down on the seat  and tore  the flag of that chariot   and Ravana also struck   the horses of Indra ’s chariots.                                            102.30

Seeing Rama pained  , the gods, Gandharwas , Charanas   along with the demons, as also Sidha  and the great sages felt dejected. Seeing the moon in the shape of Rama eclipsed by Rahu in the shape of Ravana, the monkey-chiefs too, along with Vibheeshana, felt perturbed.                              102.31-102.32

The planet Budha   conquering the constellation of Rohini  who was the darling of the moon , which  was presided  by Lord Brahma  forebode disaster  to all beings.                                                                    102.33

Burning  in great rage   that ocean   rose very high at that time   as though it was trying to touch the sun   and its mist and tide moving    to and fro .                                                                                                  102.34

The Sun looked with colour of ash with piercing rays  and its rays  travelled slowly  and it appeared  like a headless trunk in its lap and united with the comet.                                                                               102.35

The planet mars (angaraka ) stood attacking   the Vishakha  star constellation   presided over by Indra and fire , which is adored   by the kings of Kosala.                                                                                  102.36

With ten faces . twenty arms   and holding the bow tightly   by his hands  , Ravana looked like  the Mainaka mountain.                                                                                                                                         102.37

Because   of being overpowered by that ten necked Rakshasa,   Rama was not even able     to fit   arrows in his bow .                                                                                                                                                      102.38

That angry Rama   knitting his eye brows  , with   eyes turned   slightly red  got in to great anger   and  felt   as though he would burn all the Rakshasas.                                                                                    102.39

Seeing the face of    that powerful Rama    which was provoked by great  anger  , all living beings  got frightened   and even the   earth began    to tremble .                                                                          102.40

The mountains with its lions and tigers   as well as its swaying trees trembled   and even the ocean which is the lord of rivers got agitated.                                                                                                   102.41

The very dense clouds   with harsh loud sounds  assumed   an undesirable look  and roamed all over  the sky  thundering .                                                                                                                                          102.42

Seeing Rama being terribly angry    and seeing those portents  , al beings started shivering  and even Ravana was seized with fear.                                                                                                                    102.43

The devas, Gandharwas   and great serpents  who were sitting  on their planes  , sages , Asuras and Dhanavas  , eagles which were flying in the air  witnessed   the battle between those great heroes  , fighting steadily with various types of weapons  and felt as   if the final deluge  was approaching. 

                                                                                                                                                          102.44-102.45

Those devas and Asuras who had come to witness the battle   seeing that   battle   rejoiced  due to devotion.                                                                                                                                                       102.46

The Rakshasas who reached the battle   field told Ravana , “Be victorious”   and the Gods again and again told Rama, “Be victorious.” ,                                                                                                           102.47

In the meantime, that evil-minded Ravana, who caused enemies to cry, stroking with anger a great weapon wishing to strike Rama, took  with  anger   that  spike, which was as  powerful as a thunderbolt, which made a loud noise and was  capable of exterminating all enemies, which was  resembling the mountain-peak, which with its sharp points  was dreadful to conceive and to behold was  resembling a smoke-crested mass of fire blazing at the final deluge , exceedingly furious, which was difficult to approach even by God of   Death, which was unassailable, which was a terror for all beings, capable as it was of tearing and splitting them with it being burning with flames.                                    102.48-102.51

That valorous and very angry Ravana   surrounded   in the battle field by very many Rakshasas  took hold of that spear by its middle.                                                                                                                          102.52

Ravana with a very huge body , with blood red eyes  due to anger  lifted that spear  , making his army greatly happy   and roared greatly in that battle.                                                                                 102.53

That frightful roar   of Ravana  made the earth , the four directions  ,the sky and  angles of Compass  tremble and shiver.                                                                                                                                    102.54

By that great roar of that very big bodied bad soul  , all  the living beings trembled  and the ocean  was agitated.                                                                                                                                                       102.55

After taking hold of that great spear  , that very valorous Ravana , made another great roar  and spoke the following words to Rama.                                                                                                                   102.56

“Oh Rama  this great spear which is equal to a thunderbolt   would surely take away not only your life but that of your brother and help mate  Lakshmana,”                                                                         102.57

“I who appreciate war would kill you by my strength in this war    and make you equivalent   to very many Valorous Rakshasas killed by me in the  battle front.”                                                              102.58

“Oh Raghava, wait for I am going to kill you with this spear , “ speaking thus   that king of Rakshasas hurled that spear,                                                                                                                                       102.59

That spear which was released from the hands of Ravana was encircled in an orb of lightning  and with eight bells tied on it  making a very great sound   splashed as it went to the sky.                         102.60

The valorous Raghava seeing that lustrous spear which was horrifying to look at   stretched his bow and released   very many plumed  arrows.                                                                                                    102.61

That Raghava   warded off that spear   by a  rains of his arrows, like Indra warded off the fire at deluge by streams  of water.                                                                                                                                102.62

But   the large spear of Ravana   consumed all those arrows which were coming from the bow of Rama  , like moths  being   consumed by fire.                                                                                                     102.63

Seeing those arrows smashed by coming into contact with the spear and reduced to ashes even while positioned in the sky, Rama  became greatly angry.                                                                           102.64

That Raghava who was the source of happiness of the Raghu clan, became very angry at this  and took hold of a spear  by Matali , with    the consent of Indra.                                                                    102.65

That spear lifted by the very strong Rama , gave out big sound of bells   and began to burn  like   a lustrous meteor in the sky at the final deluge .                                                                                    102.66

That spear which was hurled made in to pieces the spear of the king of Rakshasas and due to it that great spear of Ravana    fell on the ground , with its luster extinguished.                                       102.67

With   very sharp arrows of very high speed   with  shaft made of reeds  , Rama struck at his   target   and pierced   the great fleet of horses of Ravana .                                                                                      102.68

Then Rama using sharp arrows wounded the chest region of Ravana   and deliberately with three arrows pierced the  forehead of Ravana.                                                                                                             102.69

With all his body parts being wounded and blood covering the entire body , that Ravana in the middle of Rakshasas, shined like a blooming Asoka tree in the middle of other trees.                                   102.70

With  all his body   severely injured by Rama's arrows and with his body bathed in blood, that Ravana felt exhausted in the middle of a multitude of Rakshasas   and became greatly angry.                         102.71

 

Thus ends the  hundred and  second  chapter   of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

103. Ravana ’s  charioteer takes him away.

 

(The fierce war continues. Rama tells Ravana that he is a coward. He moves  near him and showers him with arrows. Seeing him weakening and not able to respond, his charioteer takes the chariot away from the battle field.)

 

Ravana   who was proud of his skills of war , when   greatly tormented   by  the angry Rama   , became greatly angry.                                                                                                                                             103.1

 With burning eyes , raising    his bow in great anger , that valorous Ravana    who was greatly heroic   continued to trouble Rama  by covering him with thousands of arrow streams , just like a rainy cloud fills up a pond by thousands of rays of rain.                                                                                               103.2-103.3

Though he was covered by a great network of arrows  released from the bow of the enemy  , the son of Kakustha clan  did not flutter, just like a large unshakeable  mountain.                                                  103.4

The greatly valorous Rama    stood  in the battle field   preventing that torrents of arrows, with his own arrows, and suffered them just like they were rays of the sun.                                                                 103.5

Then that Rakshasa   with a very speedy  hand,  becoming angry struck the chest of  that great soul Rama  with thousands of arrows  .                                                                                                                  103.6

That elder brother of Lakshmana   bathed in blood in that battle field  appeared like the   very big Kimsuka   tree  in bloom in the forest.                                                                                                            103.7

Becoming very angry   by the  effect of those arrows , the greatly lustrous Rama   took hold of arrows  which shined like the sun at  the time of final deluge.                                                                                103.8

Both Rama and Ravana   who were greatly angry   could not see each other clearly in that battle field   which was dark being shrouded   by arrows.                                                                                                 103.9

Filled with great anger  that Rama, the son of Dasaratha   burst out in laughter   and told   the following harsh words  to Ravana.                                                                                                                                  103.10

“Oh basest of the Rakshasas , since you had abducted  my wife   from Janasthana , when she was helpless  when I was not there to protect her , you are not a person of valour.”                               103.11

“In spite  of  abducting   Sita   was in a miserable condition in that great forest  and  without  me  , you think  you are  a great champion .”                                                                                                              103.12

“Having  acted like a coward , by laying  your arms on another person’s wife   and posing as   a hero in relation to ladies  without protection,  you  think    you are a great champion.                                 103.13

“Oh person without shame  , who has broken the tenets of respectability , who is of loose morality  having laid your hand on death (Sita) , you think you are a great champion.”                                    103.14

“For having   done this  glorious and famous act ,  you who are   the valorous brother of Khubera  are indeed rich in your valour  and strength.”                                                                                                 103.15

“You are now  going to reap  now   the great fruit  noxious and contemptible act , which was done by you   just for vanity.”                                                                                                                                    103.16

“Oh evil minded person  , though you think   you are a great champion   there is no shame in you   for abducting  Sita , just like an ordinary thief.”                                                                                           103.17

“Had you dared to touch Sita in my presence  , you would have gone and met your brother Khara   at that very moment, when I killed you by my arrows.”                                                                               103.18 

“See , oh   stupid fellow , you have now come within my sight   and so I would send you to the world of death   with my sharp arrows today itself.”                                                                                           103.19

“Let your head adorned with shining ear rings   which lies   on this dust laden battle field be carried away   by the beasts of prey , after I chop it off  by my arrows today.”                                                       103.20

“Oh Ravana  ,let vultures fly down on your breast   after you fall on earth ,  wounded by my arrows with blood oozing out   of the   wounds caused by my sharp arrows.”                                                    103.21

"Let birds   tear out your bowels similar to  eagles dragging  serpents when you fall down dead when pierced by my arrows today."                                                                                                                103.22

After telling like this the valorous Rama  , who was the destroyer of enemies  moved near  the king of Rakshasas  and started raining arrows at him.                                                                                     103.23

The valour  , strength and joy  of Rama   increased two fold   when he longed for the death  of this enemy in that battle.                                                                                                                                  103.24

The memories of various mystic arrows    came to the mind of    the very learned Rama  and from his excessive enthusiasm  , that greatly lustrous one became swift handed.                                         103.25

Recognizing these good omens   , Rama , the destroyer of  Rakshasas    tormented     that Ravana even more fiercely.                                                                                                                                                103.26

Hit  by the volley of stones thrown by the monkeys and rain of arrows sent by Rama  , the ten necked one felt greatly  scared at heart.                                                                                                               103.27

Ravana could no longer take up the  weapons, nor stretch his bow, nor  was he able to  react to the valour of  Rama on account of his mind being confused.                                                                   103.28

As the time of his death drew near , the arrows that he sent with speed nor the mystic arrows employed him   had any effect in that battle.                                                                                                          103.29

Observing that  Ravana  had been reduced to such a plight, the charioteer driving the chariot, for his part, without getting excited, calmly and slowly carried off his chariot away from the battle-front.

                                                                                                                                                                      103.30

After that seeing that his king   has lost  his energy and valour  and was seen  as miserable  , the charioteer   diverted his  very huge  chariot , which was rumbling like a cloud   and sneaked away from the battle front  in fear.                                                                                                                             103.31

 

Thus ends the  hundred and  third  chapter   of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

104.Ravana shouts at the charioteer  and he replies.

 

(Ravana tells the charioteer that he should not have come  away from the battle field. He says he may be an enemy agent.  The Charioteer defends himself and says  that he did because he loved Ravana. He says that is one of the duties of Charioteer to save his master, Ravana becomes pleased and  orders him to take him back to the battle –field.  He  does it.)

 

That Ravana   lead forcefully   by fate  , with  blood red   eyes   due  to great anger  , due to  confusion   spoke thus  to the charioteer.                                                                                                                      104.1

"O evil-minded  one, Despising me as though I was  bereft of manliness, incapable, deficient in strength, cowardly, petty-minded, devoid of energy, without any   brilliance, deserted of conjuring tricks and abandoned by divine arrows , you had acted  as per your discretion."                                         104.2-104.3

“Why have you  driven away my  chariot  , bringing   me down   before  my enemies  , without asking my consent ?”                                                                                                                                                              104.4

“Oh ungentlemanly fellow,  the fame that I have earned  over very long periods , my luster  and the trust others had  on me  has been destroyed by you today.”                                                                                104.5

“When my famous and valorous    enemy  who entertained others by his valour   was looking on  , you have made me  a contemptible person   though I had  great desire  to  do the war.”                            104.6

“Oh evil minded person,  If you due to your illusion do not take  my chariot  immediately to the battle field ,my assumption that you have been corrupted  by the  enemy would be correct.”                      104.7

“The act that   you have done now is only  in the interest of my enemies   and indeed not   the work of a friend, who wishes me well.”                                                                                                                             104.8

“If you have lived  with  me for a long time   and if you happen  to remember  my character  , drive back this chariot   with speed  so that my enemy does not go back.”                                                               104.9

Hearing those harsh words of Ravana   who had lost his senses , that charioteer who had his good in mind   said these  conciliatory    words to Ravana.                                                                                    104.10

“I was not scared   nor stupid   and nor was I bribed   by   the enemies  , nor did I commit a mistake  , nor did I stop loving you   and also I had not forgotten your  good.”                                                              104.11

“I who wished your welfare   and wanted to protect your honour   with a mind full of affection  , did this act which you did not like  , thinking it would be in your interest.”                                                         104.12

“Oh king,  you should not think me as petty minded  and unworthy  as I am devoted   completely to your  good and pleasure   and am not guilty in this matter.”                                                                              104.13

“Please hear  the reason ,  which  made me carry away the chariot  away from the battle field  , like the rushing tide   of a   river cannot be pushed back.”                                                                                      104.14

"I understand your exhaustion, due to your strenuous fighting in the great battle. I am not reflecting on the  nature   of your valour or on your superiority over your enemy."                                                 104.15

“The horses  that pull the chariot   were broken down   and were exhausted   by drawing the chariot   and they became miserable and very tired , like cows  lashed by great rain.”                                104.16

“I am noticing several omens    which are  against nature   and I examined    all those omens   which were in large numbers.”                                                                                                                                     104.17

“The time and place of the occurrence of these omens   as well      as their good and bad  , facial expressions  , depression and liveliness    and strength of the weakness   of the warriors  occupying the chariot  must be examined by the Charioteer.”                                                                                   104.18

“ The bumps and depressions of the place    as well as the  their rugged  and level nature  ,  the appropriate time to fight  , the weak and strong points   of  the enemy should be  known to the charioteer. “                                                                                                                                               104.19

“How to reach a place and retreat from there , how to hold on to one ‘s position  and  how to retreat   must all be known to the charioteer, seated on the chariot.”                                                          104.20

“The action that I took was very proper in order to give you rest   and to these horses and chariots   and also relive your great tiredness.”                                                                                                            104.21 

“Oh valorous Lord  , I did not move away the chariot on my own accord   and what was done by me   was due to my great devotion to you  who is  my master.”                                                                    104.22  

“Oh destroyer of enemies , oh valorous one  , please order me   and I will do whatever you desire   with due attention  and with a relieved manner  about why I should do it.”                                        104.23

  Ravana became happy with the   words of his charioteer  , praised him in many ways   and he who was    desirous of war   spoke  the following words.                                                                                    104.24

“Oh charioteer, very quickly   take this chariot towards Rama  for  in a War Ravana   does not  turn back without killing his enemies.”                                                                                                                      104.25

After saying this  , that king  of Rakshasas  who was pleased presented   a pretty  and excellent ornament   to that charioteer   and after he  instructed him  he took   the chariot back to the battle field.   104.26

 Following by Ravana 's command, that charioteer t quickly drove the horses forward and , that chariot of Ravana stood within a moment, before Rama's chariot on the battle-field.                                    104.27

 

Thus ends the  hundred and  fourth  chapter   of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

!05.Agasthya teaches Rama the prayer  called  “Adithya Hrudayam”

 

(Agasthya teaches the great prayer called  Adithya hrudayam  (The heart of the Sun) to Rama, which would help Rama in war.  Rama chants  it  according to rules. Sun God appears before him and asks him to kill Ravana.)

                                               

The great God like sage Agasthya, who has come along with other Gods to see the war, seeing the tired and thought filled Ravana, approached Lord Rama , who is ready for the war and told.                   

                                                                                                                                   105.1-105.2

Hey Rama, Hey dear Rama, , be pleased to hear, that which is secret  and perennial, by reciting which , son, you would be victorious in war.                                                                       105.3

This is the prayer called “the heart of the sun”  which is holy , destroys all enemies, which leads to victory, and by reciting which daily, leads you  to perennial state  of good.                   105.4

 

This prayer great gives all that is good,

Destroys all sins committed,

Acts as an antidote for sorrow and thought,

And also leads to very long life.                                                                                           105.5

 

Offer prayers to the Great Sun God,

Who is the owner of rays,

Who rises up from below,

Who is worshipped by devas and asuras,

And who is worshipped by every one of the universe.                                                          105.6.                                                                   

 

He has within him all the devas,

He is the brightest among the bright,

He runs the whole world by his rays,

And protects all the worlds  of Devas and Asuras,

By his great Rays.                                                                                                                   105.7

 

He is Brhama, He is Vishnu,

He is Shiva, He is Skanda,

He is the progenitor of human race,

He is the king of devas,

He is Khubera, the lord of all riches.

He is Kala, the God of death,                                                                                                   105.8

And He is the moon also He is Varuna

 

He is the manes, He is the Gods called Vasus,

He is the gods called sadhya,

He is the Aswini devathas, the doctors of Gods,

He is the maruths who are responsible for breeze,

He is the wind God, He is the fire God,

He is the soul of all beings,

He is the creator of seasons,

And he is the giver of  light.                                                                                                     105.9

                                          

He is the son of Adithi,

He is the creator of the world,

He makes us do things,

He travels on the sky,

He feeds the world by rain,

He is the one with rays,

He is the colour of Gold,

He is always shining,

He is responsible for creation,

And he is the maker of the day.                                                                                            105.10

 

He has green horses,

He has thousands of rays,

He rides on seven horses,

He dispels darkness,

He gives a pleasant life,

He kills all life,

He gives rebirth to those killed,

He removes darkness,

And he is resplendent in his glory.                                                                                         105.11

 

He who keeps the golden source,

He who cools down minds of devotees,

He who bestows heat,

He who is the source of light,

He who is praised by every one,

He who has fire within himself,

He who is the son of adhithi,

He who travels in the sky with pleasure,

And he who melts cold.                                                                                                          105.12

 

He who is the lord of the sky,

He who dispels darkness,

He who is a master of Rig, Yajur and Sama veda,

He who is the cause of heavy rains,

He who is the friend of water,

And he who travels over the Vindhyas swiftly.                                                                      105.13

 

 

He who gives heat,

He who is of the global shape,

He who is of the form of death,

He who is of the colour of gold,

He who heats everything,

He who is in expert in knowledge,

He who manages the universe,

He who is of great brilliance,

He who is dear to every one,

And he who manages every event.                                          105.14                                               .                                                       

 

 

Salutations to him who is the Lord of stars, planets and zodiac,

To him who looks after the universe,

To him who gives light to all that shines,

And To him who has twelve forms.                                        105.15

 

Salutations to him who rises from the mounts of east,

Salutations to him who sets on mounts of west,

Salutations to the lord of objects that shine,

And the Lord of the day.                                                           105.16

 

Salutations to him who is the cause of victories,

Salutations to him who has green horses,

Salutations and salutations to him who has thousand rays,

Salutations and salutations to the son of Adhithi.                     105.17

 

Salutations and salutations,

To him who is fearful to the sinners,

To him who is the hero,

And to him who travels swiftly.

Salutations to him who opens the lotus,

And salutations and salutations,

To him who makes men live.                                                     105.18

 

Salutations to Him,

Who is God to Brahma, Achyutha and Shiva,

Who is the giver of light,

Who is the son of Adhithi,

Who is ever shining,

Who eats everything,

And to him who has a fearsome body.                                        105.19

 

Salutations to him,

Who destroys darkness,

Who destroys, snow,

Who destroys his enemies,

Who has an immeasurable body,

Who destroys those who are not grateful,

And to him who is the Lord of those who shine.                        105.20

 

Salutations to Him,

Who is of the colour of molten gold,

Who is of the form of fire,

Who has created the world,

Who destroys ignorance,

Who is the subject of all that is loved,

And to him who is the witness of the world.                          105.21

 

 

This our lord helps beings to grow,

And also destroys them.

He with his awesome rays,

Looks after every being,

Gives intense heat to them,

And also causes rains to shower                                     105.22

 

This our Lord is awake,

When all the world is asleep,

Without anyone being aware,

And he is the fire sacrifice,

And also the one who performs fire sacrifice.                  105.23

 

All the Vedas,

All the yagas,

Result of all yagas.

And all the actions,

That happen in this world,

Are this Lord Surya himself.                                         105.24

 

Hey Lord Raghava,

Any one who sings the praise of  the Sun,

In time of danger,

In time of suffering,

In wild forests.

And in times of fear,

Is able to cross the problem for sure.                              105.25

 

 

Please worship  Him.

Who is God of Gods,

And who is the lord of the universe,

With single minded devotion.

If you chant this thrice,

You would win in the war.                                             105.26

 

“Oh hero of heroes,

You would kill Ravana within a second,”

Saying this the sage Agasthya,

Went back his way.                                                        105.27

Hearing this, the resplendent one,

Became devoid of sorrow,

And with utmost devotion,

Wore this prayer within himself.                               105.28

 

Cleansing himself,

By doing Aachamana  thrice,

And facing the Sun God,

Lifting his bow

The great hero Rama  became very happy                 105.29

 

Came he facing Ravana,

For starting the war again,

With all preparations great,

With an intention of killing him.                               105.30

 

Immediately then Lord Sun,

Who is the king of the skies

Arose from the middle of the bevy of Gods,

With mind full of happiness,

And asked Rama to kill Ravana forthwith.               105.31

 

Thus ends the  hundred and  fifth   chapter   of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

106.Ravana sees  bad omens and Rama sees   good omens.

 

(Rama instructs Matali as what he wants to be done.  Ravana  on his way sees only bad omens and Rama on his way sees  only good omens. Rama feels happy.)

 

Thrilling with  great joy   the charioteer of Ravana, drove forward quickly, his chariot  which was capable of attacking the army of enemies, a wonderful piece of art like Gandharwa-city , mounted with flags, yoked with horses of excellent quality adorned with golden necklaces, filled with war-implements, adorned with rows of flags and banners, which was devouring the sky as it were, making the earth resound, which was the destroyer of the army of adversaries and caused delight to its own. 106.1-106.3

The king of men    saw the chariot of the king of Rakshasas  having a huge flag coming  towards him with a great noise, yoked with black horses   , with terrific luster like an aero plane  , brightening the sky  with its luster equal to Sun , having lightning like flags  and the appearance of rain bow.                  106.4-106.6

Seeing that chariot which was   releasing  streams   like a cloud releasing rain  accompanied   by the sound similar to the bursting of a mountain  which was broken by Vajrayudha  , Rama  after  stretching  his bow in a crescent shape  spoke  to Matali, the charioteer of   the  thousand eyed one.  106,7-106.8

“Oh Matali   see that chariot of the enemy coming forward coming from left to right  in great speed again. It appears that  he has decided to destroy himself fighting this war.                          106.9-106.10

“And so take care of yourself and march forward and  go opposite to the chariot of the enemy  as I wish to destroy it like a wind blowing   away the cloud.”                                                                              106.11

“Without any fear and without any nervousness   with steady eyes and heart  ,  controlling  the rains properly   drive the chariot  with speed.”                                                                                                106.12

“Though you need not be instructed by me, you being the charioteer  of Indra , as I desire to fight with  one track mind, I am just reminding you and  not attempting to teach you.”                                   106.13

Matali after becoming extremely happy by the words of  Rama  , that best of the charioteers of devas  further   drove the chariot.                                                                                                                           106.14

After passing the huge chariot of Ravana   on his right  , that charioteer left Ravana shaking  by the dust rising from the  wheels  of his chariot .                                                                                                        106.15

Then that   angry ten necked one with his copper coloured eyes wide open  shook  with his arrows  Rama who stood facing his chariot  .                                                                                                            106.16 

Meeting that courage with anger   and being provoked to fight  , Rama  took hold of Indra ’s arrow   which  had of great speed  in the battle field.                                                                                           106.17

Then he took very greatly lustrous  arrows which shined like Sun   and that great war  between two great heroes who were desirous of killing each other   and who were facing each other like lions  began.          

                                                                                                                                                                            106.18

Then Devas, Gandharwas  , Sidhas  and great sages   who were desiring the death of Ravana arrived there  to  witness the war.                                                                                                                             106.19

Then dreadful omens   which made one hair to stand erect   appeared   which indicated the destruction of Ravana    and victory   of Rama.                                                                                                                106.20

The gods poured a rain of blood on Ravana ’s  chariot   and horrible winds   blew from right to left  , forming circles.                                                                                                                                                  106.21

A huge flock of vultures which were occupying the sky   travelled in the same direction as chariot of Ravana.                                                                                                                                                                106.22

During that dusk, the city of Lanka was of the  red colour of the Japa flowers and the earth in city of Lanka   appeared as if  it was blazing.                                                                                                            106.23

Large meteors   along with flashes of  lightning  fell on that town  with great noise .These negative omens   to Ravana   made  the Rakshasas sad.                                                                                            106.24

The land where Ravana was standing began to shake   and the Rakshasas who were fighting felt something  was tying  them.                                                                                                                            106.25

The rays of the sun that fell before Ravana   appeared of copper colour  , yellow, white and dark like mineral ores.                                                                                                                                                       106.26

The she foxes   followed the vultures  speedily uttering   inauspicious howls on seeing the face of Ravana and also   vomited from their mouths.                                                                                                           106.27

 The wind scattered the dust upwards   in an opposite direction   clouding the vision   of the   king of the Rakshasas.                                                                                                                                                           106.28

Even without any clouds on the sky thunderbolts fell  on the army of Ravana   from all sides with sound which was  difficult to tolerate.                                                                                                                       106.29

Al the directions and their intermediate points  became dark due to the outpouring of dust  and it was  difficult to see the sky.                                                                                                                                      106.30

Hundreds of  scaring Sarika birds  wailing in an aweful manner   fought with each other and fell on the chariot of Ravana.                                                                                                                                              106.31

Ravana ‘s   horses discharged sparks of fire from their hips and loins as also tears from their eyes, releasing out fire and water at the same time continuously.                                                                   106.32

Scary  omens  in large numbers   were seen in this way causing fear to Ravana  and indicating his destruction.                                                                                                                                                       106.33

Pleasant and auspicious  omens appeared  before  Rama   from all directions , indicating his victory. 

                                                                                                                                                                             106.34

Raghava seeing those auspicious omens  indicating his own victory   became happy and decided   that he would be able to kill Ravana.                                                                                                                           106.35

Then Rama who was an expert in judging omens   having seen those omens  on his way to the battle field   was extremely happy   and exhibited enhanced heroism in the battle.                                       106.36

 

Thus ends the  hundred and  sixth  chapter   of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

107.The great war of Rama and Ravana  continued without result.

 

( The intense war continued without any result  . Ram cut off the heads of Ravana but they again grew up. He tried to hit his chest   and that also did not work.)

 

Then there occurred a very fierce battle between Rama and Ravana   which was war mounted on chariots  and which scared   all the worlds.                                                                                                107.1

Then the army of Rakshasas and the huge army of monkeys   holding fast to their weapons  stood motionless.                                                                                                                                                       107.2

Their hearts   were captivated on seeing   those two heroes, one a Rakshasa and the other a man  , both of them very strong, fighting with each other   and all of them were filled with wonder.                107.3

With arms carrying different type of weapons   all of them   stood surprised   seeing  that war that was taking place   and they did not attack each other.                                                                                     107.4

The Rakshasas saw Ravana and the monkey army  saw Rama   with great surprise   as though they were paintings.                                                                                                                                                           107.5

Those Ravana and Raghava  both after seeing the omens  , making their mind firm    and also firm in their anger  , fought fearlessly.                                                                                                                    107.6

The son of Kakustha clan   who believed that he would win  and Ravana who believed that he would die demonstrated   all their  prowess in that great battle.                                                                          107.7

Then that angry ten necked one   who was valorous   fitted the arrows  and released them aiming at the flag staff of the chariot of Rama.                                                                                                               107.8

Those arrows   without even reaching the flag   and touching the flag staff  which supported the flag   fell on the ground.                                                                                                                                              107.9

Then that valorous  Rama who was greatly enraged  stretched  his bow and decided   in his mind to  return blow to blow.                                                                                                                                   107.10

Then he released a sharp arrow   which   like an unbearable huge serpent   and had its own luster aiming at    the  flag staff of Ravana.                                                                                                                      107.11

When Rama    sent that lustrous arrow aiming at the flag staff , that arrow  cut off the flag staff   of the ten necked one and entered the earth.                                                                                                    107.12

That flag staff   mounted on Ravana 's chariot, having been torn off, fell on the ground. Seeing the thrown-down  flag-staff, that very strong  Ravana stood  with great anger  and looking like   he was laughing with intolerance,   he showered a stream of arrows afflicted as he was, with the power of  his anger.                                                                                                                                                     107.13-107.14

Ravana  struck    the divine horses of Rama by sending arrows  but they were neither shaken nor stumbled   and were healthy at heart   and felt like they  were touched by a lotus stalk.          107.15

Ravana seeing that those horses were not bothered at all  , was greatly angry   and released a shower of arrows on them.                                                                                                                                          107.16

He also hurled maces, iron rods , discs, iron clubs, mountain-tops, trees, spikes and axes.         107.17

Not getting tired in heart and mind   he  sent   rain of arrows and thousands of arrows    created by his magical power                                                                                                                                            . 107.18

Huge  , terrible with echo  , tumultuous  , giving rise to fear  and very difficult  to oppose    rain of arrows   were released in that  battle.                                                                                                                     107.19

Without bothering about the chariot of Rama , Ravana   released arrows on the monkey army   from all sides, covering the sky completely.                                                                                                           107.20

That Ravana went on releasing  arrows, with a mind giving up hope of survival  and noticing him putting great effort  in the battle   Rama  who looked as if he was laughing   went on releasing arrows in hundreds   and thousands  .                                                                                                          107.21-107.22

Seeing that shower of arrows    Ravana completely covered the sky with his   arrows and due to the lustrous rain of arrows   used by those two great warriors  , the sky started shining   and it looked as if a second sky was made using those arrows.                                                                                   107.23-107.24

When Rama and Ravana were sending their arrows   in that battle no arrow was sent without fixing the target , no one failed to pierce the target  , not one went in vain  and they collided with each other and fell  down on the  earth.                                                                                                                               107.25

By sending all those arrows continuously towards right and left , when they fought with these  horrific arrows   they made  the sky   without even a little breathing space .                                                 107.26

Ravana attacked the horses of Rama and Rama  attacked the horses of Ravana and both of them continued striking   each other without doing anything  else  before or after.                                  107.27

That great war was thus being carried forward  by those two angry ones  and for some time   a great tumultuous battle   raged which made  hairs to stand erect.                                                               107.28

The  very strong  Ravana and Rama carried out the fight well with sharp arrows in that   battle-field  and at that time   Ravana  was very much angry   with Rama, as his flag-staff was thrown down.     107.29

All the beings on earth   were watching with great wonder   Rama and Ravana   who were fighting with each other in the battle field.                                                                                                                    107.30

When they were attacking each other with great anger , those two excellent chariots   ran  towards each other.                                                                                                                                                               107.31

With the intention of killing each other   when those two chariots   were displaying of various type of movements like  , moving in circles, moving in straight lines  and moving forward  and backwards  by the greatness of those charioteers, the battle assumed horrific proportions.                                          107.32

Rama wounded Ravana and Ravana wounded  Rama   when they were moving with great speed   in forward and  backward motions.                                                                                                                 107.33

Those great chariots  , both casting   rains of arrows   moved in the battle field ,like clouds showering rains.                                                                                                                                                                   107.34

After exhibiting   various types of movements in that battle   they again stood    facing   each other.

                                                                                                                                                                             107.35

Though the chariots were standing far away from each other , the muzzle of the horses of one touched the  muzzle of the horses of the other  and the flags of one met the flag of other.                              107.36

Then Rama   released four sharp arrows from his bow   and drove back the splendid lustrous horses   of Ravana.                                                                                                                                                                 107.37

Then Ravana after getting angry for making his horses retreat  , released very sharp arrows     at Rama.

                                                                                                                                                                               107.38

Though Rama was struck with great force  by the very strong Ravana   he did not get upset  or get tottered.                                                                                                                                                               107.39

 Then that ten necked one   hurled arrows   with sound similar to a thunderbolt   aimed   at  the charioteer of Indra.                                                                                                                                             107.40

Though those arrows fell on the body of Matali    with great speed , they did not cause him even a  little fear   or hurt in that battle.                                                                                                                             107.41

Becoming extremely angry by that attack on Matali ,     though he did not bother about attack on himself   with network of arrows   that Raghava made the enemy turn back.                                                       107.42

That valorous Rama   released   arrows in twenties, thirties , sixties  , hundreds   and in thousands on the enemy’s   chariot.                                                                                                                                               107.43

Then Ravana who was the king of Rakshasas sitting on the chariot   also becoming very angry, started showering maces   and mallets on him in that battle.                                                                               107.44

That battle which again started between them was thus tumultuous   and made hair to stand erect . With sound caused by throwing of maces, mallets   and iron rods  and with wind raised by the plumes of arrows  , The seven oceans of the world were agitated.                                                             107.45-107.46

Due to the agitation of the oceans   the beings living in the nether worlds  , the Dhanavas   and  serpents in thousands   felt disturbed.                                                                                                                          107.47

The entire earth   with its mountains  , forests and groves   trembled and  the sun became gloomy and wind stopped blowing.                                                                                                                                   107.48

The devas, Gandharwas  , Sidhas  , great sages    including Kinnaras  and great serpents   started thinking deeply.                                                                                                                                                               107.49

At that time, those gods along with  groups   of sages, said  "May all be well with the cows and Brahmanas, May all the worlds endure forever, May Rama conquer Ravana", and  saw a terrific battle between Rama and Ravana, which caused one's hair to stand on end.                                107.50-107.51

The groups of Gandharwas and Apsara maidens   seeing that matchless battle  , said, “Sky can be only compared to sky, the ocean can only be compared to the ocean   and the battle between Rama and Ravana can only be compared  to the battle between Rama and Ravana “  and went on watching the battle between Rama and Ravana.                                                                                              107.52-107.53

Then that great  hero of great arms  ,. Who increased the fame of the Raghu clan, Rama  ,kept on his bow ,  an arrow which is comparable  to the poisonous snake   and cut off the head of Ravana   which was wearing lustrous ear rings   and beings of all the three worlds saw it falling on the ground.

                                                                                                                                                              107.54-107.55

Another head, exactly similar to that head, cropped up on the shoulders of Ravana. That second head was again chopped off by Rama, possessing a swift hand and who was swift in his act.                   107.56

The second head of Ravana was cut off by arrows in that battle. Soon after that head was chopped off, it again rose into view.                                                                                                                                       107.57

Rama chopped off that head too with his arrows looking like thunderbolts. In the same manner, a hundred of Ravana 's heads of equal splendour were chopped off by Rama.                                     107.58

The end was never seen nor did he die and though   the valorous Rama who increased the joy of Kausalya  , the knower of all arrows   became thoughtful and told to himself.                                   107.59

“What could be the reason that these arrows that killed Mareecha  , Khara, the able Dhooshana  , Viradha in the Krouncha forest   and  Kabandha in the Dandakaraya  , which   bore in to the seven Sala tres  , which destroyed the mountains  , which  killed Vali  , which shook up the ocean   and which had been providing me with instant help   proved to be useless  in this battle?”                      107.60-107.61

Like this becoming very thoughtful and worried , that Raghava went on raining arrows aiming the chest of  Ravana.                                                                                                                                                   107.62

Then even that Ravana  , that angry king of the Rakshasas who was  seated on his chariot    showered maces and mallets   on Rama.                                                                                                                107.63

That great tumultuous battle, which caused one's hair to stand  erect  , took place in the sky, on the ground and  also  on the mountain.                                                                                                      107.64

With the devas, Dhanavas  , Yakshas, ghosts  , serpents  and Rakshasas watching it    that great war continued for seven days and  nights.                                                                                                  107.65

Neither night or day  , not even for a minute or second , that war between Ravana and Rama   was stopped.                                                                                                                                                    107.66

Seeing that the war between the son of Dasaratha   and the king of Rakshasas was not resulting in the victory for Raghava , the charioteer of the king of devas    who was a great soul  , spoke these words to Rama while he was engaged in fighting.                                                                                               107.67

 

 

Thus ends the  hundred and  seventh chapter   of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

108. Rama kills Ravana

 

(Matali advises Rama to use Brahmastra (arrow of Brahma)   . When Rama does it , that great arrow kills Ravana. All   the devas, sages and all the monkeys became very happy)

 

Then Matali   refreshed  the memory of Raghava  as follows” Oh valorous one, Why are you carrying the battle  as if you are not  aware.”                                                                                                                       108.1

“Oh lord , please send the Brahma   arrow to kill him  for the time of death as predicted by the  devas have come .”                                                                                                                                                          108.2

When Matali reminded Rama   about it , Rama   took hold of the unfailing ,  lustrous  and  arrow which was given by Lord Brahma  to Sage Agasthya  and which was to him earlier in the battle field  and which looked like a hissing  serpent .                                                                                                               108.3-108.4

This arrow of infinite  strength was made earlier by  Lord Brahma for the sake of  Indra  and given to him  who was desirous of conquering the three worlds.                                                                                     108.5

In its feathers, wind was established. In its end-points were  the fire and the sun .Its heaviness were Mounts Meru and Mandara and  Its shaft was made of ether                                                                   108.6

That arrow was shining brightly  , provided with good shaft   and was decked with Gold  and its luster came from all beings  and had  the illuminating power of the Sun.                                                         108.7

Giving out   like the fire at the time deluge  and shining  similar to the poisonous serpent ,it was capable of speedily killing  groups of men, elephant and horses.                                                                           108.8

It could break gate ways  , iron bars and even mountains   and being smeared   with blood of its victims   and coated with their marrow, it was dreadful to look at.                                                                      108.9

It had the power of the  Vajrayudha, gave out huge sound , tore of  various types of armies  and created great fear   like a hissing serpent .                                                                                                            108.10

It was capable of daily giving food   to vultures, eagles   and cranes  and troops of jackals and demons   and  in the war it assumed the fearful form of God of death.                                                             108.11

It gave joy to the chiefs of monkeys   and was capable of destroying   the Rakshasas and it moved with great speed  , as it was tied by colourful feathers  of Garuda , the king of birds.                          108.12

Making it sacred by a special chants  as per the procedure specified in the  scriptures, Rama who was endowed with an extraordinary strength ,   fixed that arrow which was the foremost among the three worlds, capable of removing the fear of Ikshuvaku clan , taking away the glory of the enemies and bestowing joy to one's own self on his bow.                                                                          108.13-108.14

When Raghava was   fixing that arrow on his great bow  , all the beings were frightened     and the earth  started  shaking.                                                                                                                                        108.15

That very angry Rama  with a  greatly attentive mind   stretched his bow    and sent that arrow   which can tear  off   the vital organs of Ravana.                                                                                              108.16

The arrow which cannot  be defeated  like the thunderbolt  which  was similar to being hurled  by  the arms of Indra   or by that  God of death   fell upon   Ravana ‘s  chest .                                        108.17

That arrow which was released with great speed   and could cause the death of a body  tore off the  heart  of  the evil minded  Ravana.                                                                                                         108.18

That arrow   which could cause the death of a body  released with great speed  , stole the life  of Ravana   and entered   the earth.                                                                                                                           108.19

That arrow    coated with blood   after killing  Ravana  and thereby accomplishing its mission   re entered the quiver  of Rama silently  .                                                                                                                 108.20

The arrows and bow that Ravana was holding fell from his hands  at the exact  time   when his life breath left his body.                                                                                                                                              108.21

That  king of Rakshasas  who was greatly swift   and who had great luster  having lost his life  fell on the earth from his chariot   as The Rakshasa Vrithra  fell when Struck by  Vajrayudha.                    108.22

The Rakshasas  seeing him falling on the earth dead , having lost their lord were fear struck  and ran away to all directions.                                                                                                                              108.23

The monkeys who were fighting   with trees as weapon   fell upon those Rakshasas from all sides  and due to the killing of the ten necked one   the monkeys   assumed a pose of victory.                  108.24

Beaten by the monkeys , the Rakshasas  rushed back in fear  towards Lanka   with miserable faces and tears  flowing from their eyes , as the one whom they depended had been killed.                     108.25

Then the monkeys who were behaving like conquerors  and who were extremely happy   roared  shouts of joy   and proclaimed   the victory of Rama and death of Ravana.                                               108.26

The entire  atmosphere  reverberated   with the cheerful playing of kettle drums by Gods   in the sky   and very pleasant winds carrying divine scent blew there.                                                               108.27

From the sky a rain of flowers   fell towards the earth pouring on  the chariot of Rama   for  having accomplished a difficult job  which was  fascinating to the mind.                                                    108.28

The great devas   in their excellent voice   said “well done, well done   along with a poem praising Raghava   and this was distinctly heard in the sky .                                                                        108.29

 Great joy   filled the minds of Devas and Charanas  , when the  cruel Ravana who was   the terror  of all the words  was killed.                                                                                                                           108.30

After being greatly pleased   with the killing   of  that great Rakshasa chief  , Rama fulfilled the desires of Sugreeva,  Angadha and Vibheeshana.                                                                                               108.31

Then the Deva army  got their mental peace. All the directions   were brightened up and the sky became clear. The earth did not tremble. The wind blew gently. The sun too shed a steady light.        108.32

Due to the joy of   victory in battle, Sugreeva, Vibheeshana and Angadha together with Lakshmana along with their friends paid their respects  as per custom  to Rama, who looked charming.              108.33

Then the delight of the clan of Raghu  who had killed his enemy   , who was   stable   in reactions to  events   , who had great luster, who stood in the battle field   surrounded by his army and his people   shined like Indra , the king of the devas.                                                                                               108.34

 

Thus ends the  hundred and  eighth  chapter   of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

 

109.Vibheeshana wails for his brother

 

(Vibheeshana recollects the greatness of his brother and wails for him. Rama consoles  him and orders him to do the funeral rites for his brother.)

 

On seeing his brother lying down  dead after defeat in the battle  Vibheeshana   wailed   with a  mind filled   with outburst of sorrow,                                                                                                                   109.1

“Why are you  who is valorous  , a hero , greatly skilled  ,and an expert  in diplomacy   who normally  lies down on the best   of beds , now  lying down on the earth?”                                                                109.2

“With your two  hands decorated by armlets  thrown out  you are now motionless , with your crown as brilliant as the sun knocked down . Why are you now lying on the earth?”                                        109.3

“Oh valorous brother,  though you did not like whatever I have told you earlier  as you were overcome  with passion and delusion  , has now come true in your case.”                                                              109.4

“Due to great pride , neither Prahastha  , nor Indrajit  , nor Kumbhakarna  nor Athiratha   , nor Narantaka nor you yourself did not agree  to my advice   and you are suffering the consequence now.”       109.5

“Due to the fall of this great hero  , the greatest among those who wield the weapons   on the ground  , the established method of rule   of persons with good conduct  has vanished , the personification of Dharma has departed  , the epitome of strength has gone  , the ultimate  refuge of all praises is no more , the Sun has fallen down on earth  , the moon has  merged in darkness, the fire has been extinguished due to its fames   and effort  becoming inactive.”                                                                          109.6-109.8

“While the tiger among Rakshasas  is in deep sleep on the  dust  , what else  is remaining in the world now?”                                                                                                                                                                109.9

"With firmness being  its shoot, endurance being  its excellent blossom, asceticism being  its strength, and valour being  its firm root, the large tree in the shape of Ravana has been crushed in the battle-field, by the tempest in the shape of Rama."                                                                                                  109.10

"With sharpness being  its tusks, the line of ancestors being  its back-bone, anger being  its lower parts and graciousness  being  its proboscis, the elephant in rut in the shape of Ravana is lying asleep on the ground, its body having been overthrown by a lion in the shape of Rama."                                   109.11

"With strength and power being  its expanded flames, sighs being   its smoke and his native strength being   its glowing heat, the blazing fire in the shape of Ravana the Rakshasa has been extinguished in the battle-field by the rainy cloud in the shape of Rama."                                                                       109.12

"With the Rakshasa being  its tail; hump and horn and fickleness  being   its ears and eyes, the bull in the shape of Ravana the Rakshasa , the conqueror of its enemies, who competed   with the wind in energy, is lying dead, struck down by a tiger in the shape of Rama, the ruler of the earth."                    109.13

Addressing Vibheeshana who was wailing like this with great sorrow, Rama   spoke the following logical words   which revealed his opinion in this matter .                                                                          109.14

“Ravana  did not die in this battle  , without making any effort and he exhibited great valour  extraordinary enthusiasm   of the great variety  and  great confidence throughout  and fell in this combat.”                                                                                                                                                     109.15  

“It is nor proper to be sad for him as  he was steadfast in his Dharma as a royal warrior   and wished for  the growth  of his country   and had fallen to death in the battle field.”                                       109.16

“It is not proper to be sad for him  , because he who was greatly intelligent  attained the state of death   in  a war which would frighten all the three worlds including Indra.                                             109.17

“In the past   no one has always been victorious in a battle  , for   either a hero has been killed by his enemies  or he manages to kill the enemies in battle.”                                                                     109.18

“Those  who had come earlier   had proclaimed    by  esteemed royal warriors , that a royal warrior    killed in battle should not be mourned  , because it has been told like that.”                            109.19

“Therefore taking in to account this opinion   and after understanding the true principle  , become free from sorrow  and think about   rituals that ought  to be performed now.”                                  109.20

Addressing the valorous prince   who spoke like that  , Vibheeshana who was tormented by sorrow   thought  about what  actions need to be taken about his brother.                                                   109.21    

   "The Rakshasa , who had never been conquered before in battles,  even by  all the gods combined or by Indra himself, has been conquered, on confronting you in the battle-field, like  the sea breaks up, on reaching the shore."                                                                                                                                109.22

"He maintained a perpetually sacred fire , practiced great religious austerities and   completely mastered Vedas, the sacred scriptures. He was highly proficient even in the ritual acts. I desire to do, with you graciousness, that which is to be performed to him, who has departed to the other world."  109.23

Hearing   those   words of the great one full of mercy  regarding the great personality of   Ravana by Vibheeshana  , the son of the king of human beings ordered him  to perform funeral rites which would take Ravana to heaven.                                                                                                                                 109.24

“All enmities end with death   and our purpose has been accomplished. He is yours as well as mine and let the funeral rites be performed. “                                                                                                           109.25

 

Thus ends the  hundred and  ninth  chapter   of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

110. The wives of Ravana    wail for him.

 

(All Ravana ‘s wives who lived in his private apartment    came out and became greatly sorrowing. They    wailed for his death.  They were sad , that Ravana never bothered about the advice of Vibheeshana.)

 

Seeing that Ravana was killed by the great soul Raghava  , all the Rakshasis living in the private apartments of Ravana   rushed out   with great sorrow.                                                                       110.1

Even though stopped here and there by their maid servants  , they started   rolling on the  dust of the  streets  , with disheveled hair  and tormented by sorrow  like the cows which have lost their calves.  

                                                                                                                                                                            110.2  

They came out of the northern gate accompanied by the Rakshasas and entering the horrible battle field  , they started searching for their dead husband everywhere  on the ground covered with  headless trunks and blood , shouting , “Oh gentle one”  , “Oh my husband”.                                           110.3-110.4

With eyes filled with tears  due to sorrow of losing their husband ,  they loudly wailed like female elephants who have lost their leader.                                                                                                          110.5

Then they saw the dead Ravana   who had a huge body ,  great valour and great luster  lying on the earth like a mountain of collyrium.                                                                                                                          110.6

Seeing suddenly their husband lying  on the dust of the battle field , they fell down on their limbs  like an uprooted  wild creeper.                                                                                                                                    110.7

A woman  wept   embracing him with respect  , another caught hold of his feet   and another  caught hold of his neck.                                                                                                                                               110.8

One Rakshasi lifted her hand and rolled on the ground   and another seeing the face of her dead husband fell into swoon.                                                                                                                                 110.9

Keeping his head    on her lap , one wailed  looking  at  his face   , moistening  his face with her tears like dew drops moistening a lotus flower.                                                                                                        110.10

They saw  their husband Ravana, who greatly scared Indra,  who made Yama tremble,  who deprived king Khubera of his Pushpaka  plane  , caused   fear in the minds of Gandharwas  during war   and also among great sages   and great devas lying  dead on the earth, .                                          110.11-110.13

“He who was never knew fear from of Asuras , Devas  and great serpents  has got this scare   from a mere human being.                                                                                                                                     110.14

“ He who could not be killed     by devas  , Dhanavas, Rakshasas is now lying dead   , killed by a  very ordinary human being.                                                                                                                               110.15 

“He who could not be killed by Devas ,Yakshas and  , Asuras , could be killed by a mere human being lacking   strength.”                                                                                                                                       110.16

Those very sad ladies   wailed saying like this   and burst in to tears   once more   and again lamented     with great   grief.                                                                                                                                          110.17

“You who never listened to dear and near ones    or those who advised you for your good   and for the sake of attaining your death  , you carried Sita to this place .All Rakshasas were struck down and we who stand here  and yourself was also struck down. “                                                                                   110.18

"Though tendering  very   useful   advice to you, Vibheeshana your beloved brother, was harshly scolded through ignorance by you and you  sought your own destruction."                                                  110.19

“Had you then returned   Sita, the princess of Mithila to Rama then  , this horrible state of affairs which has robbed us of everything would not have happened to us .”                                                       110.20

"If you had restored Sita   to Rama, Vibheeshana your brother would have had his desire fulfilled. Rama would have been in the company of our allies. All of us would have been spared the curse of widowhood and our enemies would not have realized their ambition."                                                                                                               110.21

‘Because of you , who abducted Sita with cruelty , the Rakshasis  who are your wives   and your own self  have been completely destroyed.”                                                                                                                                    110.22

“oh great  Rakshasa , may be  the reason for all this is not because of your acting in your free will  , because  all of us are made to move by fate(god)   and we are killed by fate(god).                                                                  110.23

“Oh great one , the destruction of monkeys  , the death of Rakshasas in war   and your death must have occurred  due to fate alone. “                                                                                                                                                      110.24   

"The course of  fate , when ready to bear fruit, cannot be diverted either by money, or by wish, or by valour or even by command in this world."                                                                                          110.25

Thus the consorts of the king of Rakshasas who were pitiable and drowned in sorrow   cried with eyes full of tears like the female Ospreys.                                                                                                     110.26

 

Thus ends the  hundred and  tenth   chapter   of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

111.Mandodhari wails for Ravana and Vibheeshana  performs the obsequies

 

(Mandodhari , the chief  wife of Ravana wails. Rama asks Vibheeshana to perform Obsequies to Ravana. Vibheeshana refuses saying  that Ravana was a  bad person. Rama convinces him that he is wrong.  The funeral is then performed as per Vedic rites.)

 

When the consorts   of that Rakshasa were wailing  , his darling and senior most wife   stared    at her husband  in a pitiable manner .                                                                                                                   111.1

Seeing that ten necked one who has been killed by Rama  of matchless deeds  ,Mandodhari  lamented in a miserable manner.                                                                                                                                       111.2

“oh great  one , oh brother of Khubera , when you are angry  , even Indra     does not dare to stand before you.”                                                                                                                                                      111.3

“Sages, Brahmins  ,  the famous  Charanas  Gandharwas, have fled in different directions because they were   scared of you.”                                                                                                                                         111.4

“Oh God  of Rakshasas , oh king  , how is it  that you  are not ashamed  , having been conquered by a mere human being in the battle.”                                                                                                                   111.5

“How   come you   who have won over all the three worlds by your valour   and who is irresistible  has been killed  by a man who wanders  in the forest?”                                                                                 111.6

“It is not possible for Rama    who wandered in inaccessible places to men to kill you   who  could  assume any form you wish , in a battle.”                                                                                                     111.7

“I am not able to believe in this act of Rama   in the battle front  , nor do I believe that  he can attack you and your army was  fully equipped     with all  weapons.”                                                                  111.8

“As soon as Rama in Janasthana   killed your brother Khara surrounded by very many Rakshasas it was evident that Rama    was not  a mere mortal.”                                                                             111.9

“ We felt pained  at the time   when Hanuman entered   the city of Lanka , which even gods find difficult to enter  ,  by his valour  .”                                                                                                                            111.10

“On the day   on which  those horrible  monkeys built   a bridge over the  great  ocean  , I believed that Rama was not an ordinary human being.”                                                                                                111.11

“Possibly Yama the God of death had  arranged a great illusion   and must have   come in the form of Rama .”                                                                                                                                                             111.12

“Or possibly   Indra has come and overpowered   you in this battle   but Indra does not have even the capacity to look at your face.”                                                                                                                      111.13

"This Rama is certainly a great yogi, a person without beginning  , having no start  ,  middle or end, greater than distinguished universal spirit like Brahma, the one beyond ignorance, the one who nourishes ,   one who wields conch, a disc and a mace, wearing the 'Srivatsa' mark on his chest, of lasting beauty, incapable of being conquered, a perpetual one, being the constant soul of the universe, truly mighty, the lord of all the worlds, the prosperous one having a great splendour and Vishnu, the lord of maintenance of the world with a wish to benefit the worlds, assuming a human form surrounded by all the gods in the form of monkeys, Rama killed you, surrounded by demons.”                          111.14-111.17

“Once you controlled all your senses and won over the three worlds   and as if the senses have become your enemy  , they have conquered you now.”                                                                                          111.18

"The moment your brother Khara was killed by Rama in Janasthana, even  though  he was  surrounded by a multitude of Rakshasas , it became evident that Rama was really no mortal. We felt perturbed, the moment Hanuman  entered , by dint of his prowess, deeply into the City of Lanka, which was difficult to be entered even for gods."                                                                                                                111.19-111.20

“I had  advised  you   not to have  enmity   with Raghava  and at that time some evil came upon you   and you did not heed my advice.”                                                                                                                        111.21

“Oh great Rakshasa  , you accidentally developed a desire for Sita    which has lead to the    destruction of your power and your own people  .”                                                                                                        111.22

“Oh evil minded person,  Sita  is much distinguished   and respectable   than Arundathi   as well as Rohini  and an unworthy act was done by you against her.”                                                                                  111.23

"O my lord, who  destroyed   you and your people and it is  Sita the model of forbearance even to the Goddess Earth and a model of grace to Lakshmi. She is extremely fond of her husband. By a recourse to a fraud in bringing that Sita   in a lonely forest, faultless in every limb as she was, and charming though miserable, and having failed to fulfill your desire for union with Sita  and due to your own fault you have been surely consumed by the penance  of that woman, devoted as she was to her husband."                                 

                                                                                                                                                                111.24-111.25

“It is because of the great fear that Indra    as well as the fire God had against , that you were not burnt   while trying to lay your hand on Sita  , who is  a lady with slender waist .”                                           111.26

“The  harsh fruits of sin committed would definitely be reaped  by the person , without any doubt when the time comes.”                                                                                                                                                111.27

“One who perform auspicious acts becomes happy   and the one who does sin gets  misery  . While Vibheeshana  became happy you became miserable.”                                                                              111.28

“There are many more prettier women than Sita in your  harem   and having fallen as prey   to the power of passion  ,  you did  not know it through ignorance.”                                                                            111.29  

“Sita is not equal to me either by heritage  , form or nature of amiability   but you did not realize it because of your infatuation.”                                                                                                                          111.30

“For every being   there is no death without any cause   and to you this  Sita has become the cause of your death. “                                                                                                                                                        111.31

“You have invited that death for which Sita was the cause from a  far-off distance   and now freed from her sorrow Sita    would enjoy herself with Rama.”                                                                                     111.32

"I am  however, whose stock of blessed deeds   was less , have fallen into a terrific ocean of  sorrow . I, who having enjoyed myself with you in suitable aerial cars in Mount Kailasa, mount Mandara, Mount Meru and in a grove named Chaitraratha and in all celestial gardens, decked as I  was with lovely garlands and clad in colorful robes and invested in matchless splendour, visiting and seeing various lands of every description have now been deprived of all  those  sense- enjoyments because of your death. Because of that  , I stand transformed into another  form  as it were. Woe to the changing  fortunes of kings."                                                                                                                                                     111.33-111.35

"Alas, oh  king,  That face of yours which was so tender, Oh  , and  the distinguished charming eye-brows of yours  , a gloss surface, having an exceptionally prominent nose, coppery lips and brilliant ear-rings, which vie with the moon,  the lotus and the sun in beauty . Light and luster, was illuminated by a number of crowns  which shined ,  with its eyes wild and rolling through inebriety in banqueting places,  your body that bore garlands of various kinds, was lovely and charming in every way and it   was lit with a captivating smile and indulged in a delightful talk  and   that face of yours does not actually shine as before today pierced with Rama's arrows, it lies dyed with streams of blood. It has its marrow shattered and has got soiled through the dust raised by the chariots."                                                    111.36-111.39

“Being a stupid women I never at any time thought that   I would become a widow and that state has come to me now.”                                                                                                                                          111.40

“I was always proud   that my father was a king of Rakshasas, my husband was the lord of Rakshasas   and my son was the conqueror of Devas .”                                                                                                111.41

“I always believed   that my lords   were capable of defeating arrogant enemies  , as they were all heroes  , renowned for their strength and valour   as such I had no fear from any direction.”                       111.42

“How did this unknown danger come to you who are so powerful   , oh greatest Rakshasa  from a man?”

                                                                                                                                                                            111.43

  "O king! The body of yours which was really dark as glossy sapphire, gigantic like a lofty mountain and resplendent with Keyuras and Angadas   and necklace of cat's eye-gems and pearls and wreaths of flowers  which used   to be   more charming during your pleasure-walks and dazzling    in battle-fields  and that   body  which shined with luster of jewels as a rainy cloud with flashes of lightning lies  with    numerous sharp arrows today. Though it will be difficult for me to touch it again, it is no longer possible  for me  to embrace it. It has tendons cut to pieces, by arrows of Rama, dug deep into your vital parts and closely transfixed like the spines of a porcupine. Though dark of complexion, it is now transformed into the colour of blood and lies fallen on the ground like a mountain broken into pieces when hit by a stroke of thunder-bolt."                                                                                                                                  111.44-111.48

“Is it a dream or realty?   Have you been truly   killed by Rama? You were death  even to death   and then how is it possible   you to leave this falling under clutches of death?”                                                   111.49

“He enjoyed the wealth of all the three worlds   and he made all the three worlds greatly scared. He conquered the guardians   of different directions   and lifted up   even Lord Sankara.”                   111.50    

“He held down those who were arrogant   and by exhibiting his prowess   shook the worlds   and made living being weep   by his roars.”                                                                                                                  111.51

“He used to  say arrogant words   in the presence of his enemies  , he used to protect his  army and servants   and was  the killer of those  who did terrible deeds.”                                                            111.52

“He used to kill the king of Dhanavas   and thousands of Yakshas and he used   fight with   the Rakshasas

Called  Nivathakavachas.”                                                                                                                                111.53 

“He used to conduct several Yagnas   and was protecting his own people . He used to break tenets of Dharma   and used to show conjuring tricks in the battle field.”                                                              111.54

“He used   to bring virgin daughters of devas , Asuras and men   from here and there . He used to make enemy wives mourn   and he was the leader of his  own people .”                                                       111.55

“He used to look after the island of Lanka  , executed terrible deeds  and one  who gratifies our desires  and sexual needs   and  he was  an expert fighter    from chariot.”                                                      111.56

“After seeing  my husband of  such great power  killed  by Rama , I am hard hearted  to still bear his body .”                                                                                                                                                             111.57

“Oh king of the Rakshasas      after having slept   on beds of luxury  , why are lying on the ground covered with dust. “                                                                                                                                                      111.58

“When Indrajit , your son was killed in the battle by Lakshmana  , I was hardly hit but today I am completely broken down.”                                                                                                                            111.59

“Without any relations  , and oh Lord forsaken by you   and deprived of  sensual satisfaction   I shall keep on being sad for many years to come.                                                                                             111.60

“Oh king you have embarked  today on a very long and  difficult   journey   and since  I am suffering with great sorrow  , please take me with you  , for I cannot survive without you.”                                 111.61

“Why do you want to go leaving me who is greatly miserable here? Why are    you not talking to me  who is sad and wailing   and who is unfortunate?”                                                                               111.62

“Oh Lord , are you not angry to see me   , having come out of the city gate  on bare foot and also  without my veil?”                                                                                                                                           111.63

“Why did not get in to great rage   on seeing all your wives   who had come without a veil , Oh darling of your wives?”                                                                                                                                                     111.64

“This Mandodhari who was helping in your love sports   is weeping helplessly  and you are not bothered to console her. Do you   not respect her?”                                                                                                  111.65

“Very many noble women   who were greatly devoted to their husbands  , who were following tenets  of Dharma   and also intent on service to elders , have been widowed by you , Oh king. And they tormented by great sorrow  must have cursed you   and possibly that curse   of those virtuous women  , who were wronged by you, might have taken away your life .”                                                                   111.66-111.67

“Possibly the  proverb  that , “The tears   of wives who follow virtue  do not fall on the ground  in vain  “ has become     true in your case , “Oh king .”                                                                                             111.68

“How was it possible for you to do the mean act of abducting  a lady, because you had invaded the three  worlds  with your great power  and were proud of it.”                                                                             111.69

“It was indeed a mark of your cowardice that Rama's consort was borne away by you, after luring away Rama from his hermitage in the pretext of deer"                                                                                      111.70     

“I have never heard   cowardly acts  by you  any time in the battle field  and so I feel that the abduction of Sita   was done  by your bad luck   as a result of your sins.”                                                           111.71

"Oh  mighty armed one,  Whatever my younger brother-in-law, Vibheeshana who knows matters relating to the past and of the future and also conversant with the present had   said after reflecting and sighing for long, on seeing Sita   abducted by you: 'The destruction of the chiefs among the demons now is imminent” and these  have  now  become true words. This misfortune had come from the lust, wrath and addiction to the vice of deep attachment."                                                                    111.72-111.74

“Because of you , our roots have been cut off , leading    to a great disaster  and you have  made the race of Rakshasas without a protector.”                                                                                                        111.75

“I should not lament   about you  who are famous for your strength and masculinity  but being feminine in nature my mind leans towards melancholy.”                                                                                   111.76

“You attained this state of affairs by your good and bad deeds   and I am  grieving  because  I am sad about your death.”                                                                                                                                     111.77

“Oh Ravana , you did not bother  to follow the advice of your friends, who were your well wishers   and you also did not follow the advice of your brothers.”                                                                          111.78

“You did not follow the advice of Vibheeshana   which was logical  , meaningful , based on right conduct,  gentle  and well founded.”                                                                                                                       111.79

“You who were arrogant of your strength did not follow    the advice  of Mareecha,  Kumbhakarna  , myself   and my father   and what happened was  this  bitter consequence.                              111.80

"My lord, resembling a dark cloud in  colour  , clad in yellow  silk  and decked with brilliant armlets, why are you lying with your limbs, cast away on the ground and bathed in blood?"                         111.81

“Why are you fast asleep and not   replying  me  who is sad and , who is the granddaughter of  the clever Yathudhana   the Rakshasa  who has extraordinary valour and never retreated in a battle.”   111.82 

“Get up, get up  , why are you lying down as if you have  been insulted again ?The rays of the Sun  have already penetrated the city of Lanka    without any fear.”                                                               111.83

"Torn into thousand pieces, that iron rod   of yours, which was brilliant as the sun,   which   was   like a thunderbolt of Indra, with which you killed your enemies in the battle-field, which was constantly honoured by you, which had struck many in  the battles  and which was decked with gold, lies scattered."                                                                                                                                          111.84-111.85

“Why are you lying down embracing the earth  like one embraces his beloved? Why are you not replying me just like I am not liked by you?”                                                                                                         111.86

“Woe to me,   for my heart is not bursting to pieces   though I am tormented with   grief   because you have  merged with the five elements  of the earth.”                                                                            111.87

With   her eyes filled up with tears , after she wailed like this  , with her heart made wet with love   she then swooned.                                                                                                                                           111.88

Then that dispirited  one   who was stricken with sorrow    fell on the chest  of Ravana 

And she shined like   a flash of lightning   across the rainy cloud  , reddened by   the flow of dusk.  

                                                                                                                                                                        111.89

Lifting up Mandodhari   who was  bitterly weeping   , her co- wives  who were also weeping   and who were also equally distressed   tried to console her.                                                                               111.90    

“Oh Queen do you not know the uncertain nature of this world   and you also know   that the wealth of  the kings are unsteady  , which changes along with their fate  and time.”                                        111.91

While they were trying to console her this   way  , she with copious tears  from her very pure face   and  moistened her breasts   and wept aloud for  a moment.                                                                      111.92

 In the meanwhile, Rama spoke to Vibheeshana as follows: "Let the obsequies of your brother be performed and let these  groups of women be consoled."                                                                   111.93   

When the great one spoke like this  , the intelligent   Vibheeshana, the expert in Dharma  after thinking about using his brain    replied  in conformity with Dharma   and his own good.                             111.94    

“I am not  fit to perform   the obsequies  of him who has abandoned the penance of Dharma  , who was cruel  , who was a cheater and who desired the wives of others.”                                                       111.95

“This Ravana who did ill to every one , though he is my brother  , is not fit for this  honour   even though he is an elder whom I should worship.”                                                                                                     111.96

“All the people in this world  may call me ruthless   but if   they heard about all his qualifies   they will say  that what I  did was good.”                                                                                                                              111.97

Rama who is the best among those  who follows Dharma and who was an excellent speaker   was very much pleased by  What was told by Vibheeshana  told  .                                                                 111.98

“Oh king of Rakshasas, I have been able to win this war because  of your help  and so it is proper for me   to give you  proper advice.”                                                                                                                          111.99 

‘This Rakshasa  , though he is full of Adharma(unrighteousness) , was  a lustrous  , strong   and a brave warrior in battle.”                                                                                                                                        111.100

“I have heard that the  Indra and others could not defeat  that  great one blessed with strength   and who made people cry  .”                                                                                                                            111.101

“All enmities end with death   and there is nothing that  has  been left unaccomplished .Let the funeral rites be performed  .He is as much mine as yours.”                                                                              111.102

“According to laws of religion  , that ten necked one  should get  the obsequies done by you   and you will become very famous.”                                                                                                                         111.103

After having heard the words of  Raghava  , Vibheeshana hastily   started to perform the obsequies   of his brother Ravana in a suitable manner,                                                                                                111.104

Then  that Vibheeshana   entered the city of Lanka  and quickly  concluded   the Agnihothra( worship of fire) being conducted by Ravana.                                                                                                              111.105 

Vibheeshana actually  arranged   for , carts, excellent varieties of firewood, the three sacred fires and the priests required to officiate at the obsequies, logs of sandalwood, various types of firewood, pieces of fragrant aloe-wood, odorous perfumes, as well as gems, pearls and corals.                 111.106-111.107

He came back soon surrounded  by the Rakshasas   and along with Malyavan (Maternal grandfather of Ravana)   started    the rites of Obsequies.                                                                                            111.108

Placing Ravana, the lord of  Rakshasas  , who was covered with cloth made of plant  , accompanied by blasts of various musical instruments as well as panegyrists singing his  fame,  the Brahmans   stood around him with their faces filled in tears. Lifting up that palanquin, which had been decorated with colorful flags and flowers and taking up blocks of wood, all the Rakshasas  for their part, with Vibheeshana in front, proceeded with their face turned towards the south.                   111.109-111.111

The sacrificial fires were lit   and relit by the Adhvaryu priests  and at that time the fire   was contained in earthern pots   and went in front of Ravana ’s body.                                                                           111.112

All the women of his harem  speedily    followed him weeping  stumbling and jumping from all sides. 

                                                                                                                                                                        111.113

Keeping the body of Ravana on a consecrated spot, Vibheeshana and others, who were very much afflicted with grief, piled up a sacred pyre, with logs of sandalwood, moistened with perfumes called Padmaka and Koshira and covered with the skin of black antelopes, turned  to perform the obsequies in accordance with Vedic rites in honour of the king.                                                                  111.114-111.115

Ravana ‘s   oblations  as prescribed by manes  were conducted   in a perfectly  way. A platform was constructed in the south east and the sacred fire was placed on it in a proper way.                      111.116

They poured a ladle-full of ghee mixed with curds on his shoulders, placed a cart at his feet and then a wooden mortar at his thighs.                                                                                                                      111.117

Having set at their proper place, all the wooden vessels , the lower piece of wood used for kindling fire at a sacrifice and the upper piece of wood (which is rotated at great speed on to lower one, to produce fire by friction), the wooden pestle and other things used in the sacrifice, they circled around the funeral pyre.                                                                                                                                                                111.118

As per the rules laid down  in  the Sastras  by the great sages, a goat  was sacrificed  at that spot   and the  Rakshasas, spread the limbs of dead goat dampened with ghee  on the king of the Rakshasas.

                                                                                                                                                          111.119-111.120

Having decorated the body of Ravana with perfumes, garlands and various kinds of clothes,   those Rakshasas  accompanied by Vibheeshana, distressed as they were in their minds, poured parched grains of rice, with their faces bathed in tears.                                                                                       111.121-111.122

That Vibheeshana set fire to Ravana, according to the rules in the Vedas . Washing himself and offering in his wet clothes, according to scriptural ordinance, sesame seeds mixed with water, as well as blades of Kusha grass and offering obeisance to Ravana by bowing his head, Vibheeshana entreated those women to return, consoling them again and again. Then, all of the returned to the City.                                                                            111.123-111.125

After  the women re entered the  city  , That Vibheeshana  , came near Rama   and remained standing  there with humility.                                                                                                                                                                            111.126

Rama along with his army  , Sugreeva   and Lakshmana was happy   as he had killed his enemy   and felt like Indra   after killing Vruthra.                                                                                                                   111.127

Then after taking out the bow and arrows  , the armour given to him by Indra   and after giving away his great anger   since he has killed his enemy  Rama assumed   a look of charming benevolence.    111.128

 

Thus ends the  hundred and  eleventh    chapter   of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

112.Vibheeshana is crowned

 

(Rama requests Lakshmana to annint Vibheeshana as the king of Rakshasas. Then he requests  Hanuman to take permission from Vibheeshana, enter the city and inform Sita of their welfare.)

 

 The devas , Dhanavas and Gandharwas after seeing the killing of Ravana  went away in their aerial cars  talking about the auspicious events that took place  .                                                                                112.1 

 Telling each other about the horrific killing of Ravana, the great valour of Ravana  , the great war in which  monkeys , the great counsel of Sugreeva  , the affection and valour of Lakshmana  , the son of Sumithra    , the great virtue of Sita  and  the valour of Hanuman     , they went back to the place from whichthey have come .                                                                                                                   112.2-112.3

After taking leave of the divine chariot   which was lend to him by Indra  which was shining like fire  the  great Rama  respectfully worshipped  Matali.                                                                                               112.4

 With the consent of Raghava , Matali , the charioteer of Indra   got in to his divine chariot   and climbed  to the heavens.                                                                                                                                                    112.5 

When  the best among the charioteers went  back to heaven  , the greatly pleased Raghava   hugged  Sugreeva.                                                                                                                                                               112.6

After hugging Sugreeva he was  greeted  by Lakshmana   and after   honouring the monkey troops  Rama came to the camp site of the army.                                                                                                                 112.7

Then Rama spoke   to Lakshmana   the son of Sumithra who was endowed with strength  , who  had auspicious looks  and  who was standing nearby.                                                                                        112.8

“Oh soft natured one,  go and   consecrate  this Vibheeshana who loves us  , who is devoted to us   and who has done service to us.”                                                                                                                            112.9 

“Oh gentle one, It  is my great desire  to see that this Vibheeshana  brother of Ravana   crowned as the king  of Lanka.”                                                                                                                                               112.10

   When  the great Raghava told like this to Lakshmana , saying “so be it”,  with great joy he procured a pot of gold .                                                                                                                                                      112.11                                                                                                             

Handing over the pot  in to the hands of the monkey kings  , he requested them  who were as fast as the mind   to bring water from the ocean.                                                                                                         112.12

Those monkeys who could travel as fast as the mind, went   fast   and those  great monkeys brought it filled with water.                                                                                                                                               112.13   

Then the son of Sumithra   along with his friends   took that one pot of water , made  Vibheeshana to sit on the throne  in the middle of the Rakshasas   and anointed him   with the water in that pot   in accordance with  rules of procedure  and made him the king of Lanka.                                    112.14-112.15

Then all the Rakshasas as well as monkeys anointed him  and becoming extraordinarily happy    they praised Rama.                                                                                                                                                   112.16

Seeing that Vibheeshana was made the king of Rakshasas  by consecrating on that throne   those Rakshasas who were devoted to him  became happy.                                                                         112.17

Rama along with Lakshmana    got great  love   and Vibheeshana having got the great country became happy.                                                                                                                                                          112.18

Vibheeshana then consoled his people and those Rakshasas who were  residing in that city   came near Rama  and offered Vibheeshana ,  curds  , unbroken rice  , ball shaped sweets, puffed rice   and flowers.  

                                                                                                                                                           112.19-112.20

Accepting them   the valorous Vibheeshana who cannot be defeated  offered those auspicious  objects to Rama and Lakshmana  .                                                                                                                          112.21

Seeing Vibheeshana who has completed his duty   and who was contented  and become  well endowed with riches  Rama accepted all of that   with a desire to show him his love.                                     112.22

Then Rama  addressing  the monkey Hanuman   who was like a mountain   and  who was standing   there saluting him told.                                                                                                                                          112.23

“Oh gentle one,  After taking permission from the great king Vibheeshana , enter in to the city of Lanka   and inform Sita about our welfare  .                                                                                                         112.24

“Oh great one, Inform Sita about my welfare as well as that of Lakshmana and Sugreeva   and also tell her that Ravana has been killed in the battle.”                                                                                        112.25

“Oh Lord of the monkeys  , make clear to Sita about this  desirable news   and you should return bearing her reply  .”                                                                                                                                                      112.26

 

Thus ends the  hundred and  twelfth     chapter   of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

113. Hanuman conveys happy news to Sita

 

(Hanuman enters the city takes permission from Vibheeshana and meets Sita. He briefs her about welfare of Rama and Lakshmana. She becomes happy. Hanuman wants to kill all those Rakshasis   who were troubling Sita. Sita says no and says everything was due to hfear. She expresses her desire to    see Rama.)

 

As directed by Rama  , Hanuman, the son of wind God   entered the city  of Lanka    and was respectfully received by the Rakshasas.                                                                                                                                113.1

That monkey  Hanuman   who knew Sita   after he entered  the city of Lanka   sought the permission   of Vibheeshana and after  he obtained permission   from him  as per  rules  entered the Grove  of trees   and saw  Sita  at the foot  of the tree  bereft of freshness  and  also joyless  .She  was like a frightened  cow and  was surrounded by Rakshasis   and Hanuman  approached her with humility, offered her salutations by bending his head    and stood there silently.                                                              113.2-113.4

That Lady seeing the arrival of the  very strong Hanuman  kept silent and then recognizing him   became   joyous.                                                                                                                                                                  113.5

Seeing her  unperturbed face  Hanuman , the best of monkeys   began to tell her the entire message of Rama.                                                                                                                                                                   113.6

“Oh  daughter of Videha  . Rama  along with  Sugreeva   and  Lakshmana  are doing well along with his helper Vibheeshana   and   the army of monkeys.”                                                                                  113.7

“Oh lady , Rama  , the destroyer of enemies along with Lakshmana  with the help of Vibheeshana   and that of the monkeys   have killed the valorous Ravana .”                                                                        113.8

“Oh lady, I am telling this pleasant news to you   and again praising you  , Oh Sita  . Due to   your power and  Rama who is a follower of Dharma  , this victory has  been obtained and so make yourself free from sorrow   and  be comfortable.”                                                                                                       113.9-112.10

“Ravana has been killed , Lanka was subdued . For     getting you back, a bridge was constructed sacrificing sleep   and the vow of getting you back    has been fulfilled.”                                          113.11

“Get freedom from nervousness  , though you are living in the abode of Ravana  as this   Lanka along with its wealth has  been placed under   Vibheeshana.”                                                                      113.12

“So  get relaxed as if you are staying in your own house   and Vibheeshana also would come to see you   with happiness as   he is eager to see you.”                                                                                           113.13

Then that lady   Sita who resembled the moon  having heard this   was not able to answer as she was  toungue tied   due to great joy.                                                                                                                113.14

Then that great monkey  seeing that Sita was not answering him   said, “Oh lady , what are you thinking  and why are you not speaking to me.”                                                                                                   113.15

When Hanuman told her like this   Sita who was firmly established in Dharma  , replied him back, greatly pleased   and with voice choked with tears.                                                                                          113.16

“After hearing this pleasing news   about the victory of  my husband  , overpowered with joy  , for a moment I became speechless.”                                                                                                               113.17

“Oh monkey , I do not find anything appropriate   to give you, so that  it will please you  , for having   brought this news which pleases me  , though I thought about it.”                                                 113.18

“Oh monkey of pleasing habits, I also do not see anything in the world   which can be  given to you   for telling this very pleasing news to  me . May you enjoy pleasure.”                                                   113.19

“Neither gold, nor silver  nor different type of gems  ,  nor the kingship of the three worlds   can be a suitable compensation to this message.”                                                                                             113.20

When  Vaidehi told like this to the monkey  who was standing in front of Sita   with hands folded in salutation replied   with joy.                                                                                                                    113.21

“Oh lady   who is interested in the good of her husband   and one who wishes the victory of her husband  , such affectionate words   can only   be   spoken by  one like you.”                                               113.22

“Oh gentle lady  , Such meaningful and affectionate words   are greater than    various heaps of diamonds   or the position of the king of devas.”                                                                              113.23

“After seeing    Rama happy and victorious  after killing his enemies and getting victory  , I  felt like being blessed    with the kingship of the devas.”                                                                                           113.24

Hearing these words   the princess of Mithila and the daughter of Janaka   told the following auspicious words    to the son of Wind God.                                                                                                             113.25

“You  only   can utter   these type of words  which are  great in desirable attributes, which are ornamented    with sweet qualities  , which are intelligent   and which has   eight great    attributes. 

                                                                                                                                                                  113.26

“You are praiseworthy son of  Wind God  and  who is a great votary  of Dharma  and you are blessed with several good qualities like  strength  , valour  , knowledge of Veda  , great skill in your actions , patience  , firmness , stability and humility without any doubt whatsoever.”                 113.27-113.28

After that , standing in  front of Sita with humility and free from nervousness   and   folding his hands in salutation to her  , Hanuman started talking to her.                                                                       113.29

“If you are agreeable  , I would like to kill   all these women who were earlier frightening you  and torturing you.”                                                                                                                                      113.30

“These cruel Rakshasis   who have  a frightening look   ,horrible behavior, scary cruel   eyes , ugly faces , were heard by me as they were speaking harsh words to you , who was devoted to your  God like  husband  and when you were undergoing hardships in this Asoka forest    , again and again   as per the command of Ravana .”                                                                                                            113.31-113.32

“I wish to kill them using  different types of beatings   in a very horrible manner  , these ugly Rakshasis  with cruel hairs   and eyes  talking together. Please grant this boon to me.”               113.33-113.34

"I wish to kill these Rakshasis , who have spoken harsh words to you and wronged you, striking them down with my fists, hand-blows, long armed  blows,  blows of my shanks and knees, by causing pain to their teeth, biting off their ears and nose and pulling out their hair, making them severely dry-mouthed, tearing them off, leaping over them, encountering them and throwing down their bodies, with their burst cheeks, necks, shoulders and ribs."                                                                              113.35-113.37

“Oh  lady with great fame , by these methods as well as several different type of blows  , I would kill  these fierce ones  , by whom you were threatened   earlier.”                                                      113.38

When Hanuman told like this the kind hearted  Sita who loved the oppressed  she  spoke to him as  follows.                                                                                                                                                    113.39

“Oh great monkey,  who can show anger against these servant maids  who are bound by the  orders given to them   and work in obedience to such orders?”                                                                     113.40

“I have experienced all these sufferings   due to my bad fortune   or due to defective behavior on my part earlier, for all the one experiences is due to  one’s own actions.”                                            113.41

“Oh great one , do not talk like this as this is the  result of fate  which had been decided earlier   and  due to which I underwent these sufferings  and though I am without strength  , I would like to pardon all these servant maids  of Ravana.”                                                                                                           113.42

“They threatened and troubled me   due to the orders of Ravana , the Rakshasa   and since he has been killed  , they would not trouble me, Oh great monkey.”                                                                    113.43   

“Oh monkey ,  please hear from me the verse that was recited  by a bear   in front of tiger  earlier quoted from the collection of texts.”                                                                                                     113.44

“A  divine person  does not participate   in pointing out the sin committed by others towards him  ,    for time protects    those who wear their character as a good ornament.”                                         113.45

“Oh monkey,  mercy has to be shown  to the gentleman as well as the sinner  and the one with auspicious character   or even to a person who deserves to be killed as , there is no one who never commits any wrong.                                                                                                                              113.46

“Inauspicious  acts should not be done  even towards Rakshasas who can assume any form they want  and  who wander doing evil to others  .”                                                                                           113.47

When the faultless   Sita . who was the wife of Rama  told him like this , Hanuman who is an expert in speech  , replied.                                                                                                                                   113.48

“Oh lady with fame, you are indeed a  virtuous and suitable wife   of Rama  .Please give me a message to Rama so that I can go to the place where he is.”                                                                          113.49

When he told like this   to Vaidehi the daughter of Janaka ,  replied, “Oh great monkey, I would like to see  my husband.”                                                                                                                          113.50

Hanuman the  very wise  son of the wind God after   hearing these words from her  spoke the following words  which brought happiness to Sita.                                                                                        113.51

“You would see Rama who resembles the full moon  along with Lakshmana  and  along with  his friends  who are alive    and  whose enemies have been killed   , like Sachi Devi saw her husband Indra.”

                                                                                                                                                               113.52

After  saying this  to Sita who shined like the  real Goddess  of wealth Lakshmi  , The very fast Hanuman   went to the place where Rama    was there.                                                                               113.53

Then Hanuman  the good monkey  told   speedily  in the  sequential order   the reply given  by Sita   who was the daughter of Janaka   to Raghava   who was equal to Indra, the lord of the heavens.     113.54

 

Thus ends the  hundred and  thirteenth    chapter   of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

114. Rama summons Sita

 

(Rama  requests Vibheeshana to bring Sita, after   giving her a head bath and decorating her. When Sita refuses decoration, Vibheeshana convinces her.  When Rama  wants Sita to come before him, the Rakshasas disperse all the monkeys from there. Rama gets angry and wants Sita to come before him  in front of them. Sita comes before him.)

 

That very wise monkey after   offering salutations spoke to Rama who was  the top- most among archers who was a master  of spoken word.                                                                                                                 114.1

“You should see the greatly sorrowing lady Maithili , for whose sake all these activities were undertaken  and positive results obtained.”                                                                                                                          114.2

“That Maithili who was greatly sorrowing and had a tear filled eye  after hearing about your victory is extremely happy.”                                                                                                                                               114.3

“She who has confidence in me due to our previous meeting on a earlier occasion  told me “ I would like to see my husband along with Lakshmana who have achieved their purpose.”                                     114.4

When Hanuman told like this, Rama the best among the followers of Dharma  was overwhelmed with tears and became  greatly thoughtful.                                                                                                            114.5

Taking deep and hot breath he surveyed the earth with his eyes  and told the cloud like Vibheeshana   who was standing near by.                                                                                                                                 114.6

“After  anointing with divine oils and after giving her a  head bath  and after making her wear   divine ornaments bring Sita here without any delay.”                                                                                              114.7

AS soon as Rama told him like this Vibheeshana entered the private apartments speedily and announced himself to Sita  through his own women.                                                                                                         114.8

Then after seeing the great Sita , Vibheeshana  the king of Rakshasas in all humility  saw her and told her with his head bowed in salutation.                                                                                                                    114.9

“Oh Vaidehi after anointing yourself with divine unguents  and after wearing divine ornaments , safely get in to the chariot as your husband wants to see you.”                                                                           114.10

When Vibheeshana told her like this she replied, “Oh king of Rakshasas, I would like to see my husband without taking bath.”                                                                                                                                         114.11

Hearing her words Vibheeshana replied to her , “You ought to obey the   wishes   of your husband  Rama and do accordingly.”                                                                                                                                          114.12

When Maithili who considered her husband as God heard those words and who had great devotion towards her husband said. “So be it.”                                                                                                            114.13

After making Sita take head bath and dressing her up by young ladies , making her wear great ornaments , making her wear   costly dresses , he made her climb a shining palanquin  and after covering her   with costly  cloths  Vibheeshana brought her before Rama  accompanied by several Rakshasis.

                                                                                                                                                                  114.14-114.15

After approaching the great one who was still deeply immersed  in thought  and after saluting him with joy , Vibheeshana  announced the arrival of Sita.                                                                                        114.16

Hearing about her arrival after living in the home of the Rakshasa, Raghava felt joy  , misery as well as indignation at the same time.                                                                                                                         114.17

With lack of joy and with deep thought Rama spoke the following words looking at Vibheeshana who was standing by his side .                                                                                                                                  114.18

“Oh gentle king of Rakshasas who forever wants my victory , Let Vaidehi quickly come   before  me.”

                                                                                                                                                                               114.19

AS soon as Vibheeshana who was a follower of Dharma heard those words , with great speed he started   dispersing the crowd  from there .                                                                                                                  114.20

Rakshasas wearing jackets and turbans, their hands carrying staffs which made a jingling sound, walked there all round, dispersing those warriors.                                                                                                    114.21

Bears, Monkeys and Rakshasas who were standing  all over dispersed quickly and went away to some distance from that place  where  the Palanquin was there.                                                                       114.22

When all of them were being dispersed a huge sound arose all over  which resembled the waves of tumultuous ocean during  the  storm.                                                                                                           114.23

Seeing them greatly excited when they were being dispersed , Rama  got it stopped out of kindness     for them and due to resentment at the  Rakshasas who were dispersing them.                                  114.24

Rama who became greatly emotional  with looks that  are sufficient to burn , spoke the following  words of reproach  to the very wise Vibheeshana.                                                                                                 114.25

“Why without my orders    your people are troubling these people? Stop this activity as they are my people.”                                                                                                                                                               114.26

“Neither houses nor  dresses  nor compound walls , nor concealing nor  royal  honours can protect a woman, Only her character is her shield.”                                                                                                   114.27

“The  visibility of a woman is not condemned  during sorrow, during  war , during self choosing of a husband by her nor in Yagnas nor in marriage functions.                                                                      114.28

"The Sita who is there ,  is in distress and beset with a great difficulty. There is no fault in her appearance in public, particularly in my presence."                                                                                                        114.29

‘And so let her leave the palanquin and approach me  on her foot and let  all the monkeys   also see her.”                                                                                                                                                                   114.30

When Rama told him like this , the well discerning Vibheeshana with great humility brought Sita to a place near Rama.”                                                                                                                                         114.31

Lakshmana, Sugreeva, Hanuman and other monkeys  who heard the words of Rama , became very much perturbed.                                                                                                                                                       114.32

Seeing the pitiless face of Rama which showed indifference to his consort , they concluded that Rama  disliked  Sita.                                                                                                                                                   114.33

Due to modesty drawing her limbs inside Maithili approached her husband followed by Vibheeshana.

                                                                                                                                                                          114.34

The pleasant-faced Sita , who considered her husband as the God , saw the charming face of her husband, with a surprise, rejoice and affection.                                                                                       114.35

Seeing the face of her beloved husband, whom she had not been seen for a long time and which was charming like the rising full moon, she immediately   got  rid  her mental fatigue.                         114.36

 

Thus ends the hundred and  fourteenth  chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

115.Rama permits Sita to go wherever she likes

 

(Rama tells what all he has done to wipe of the blot of bad name on his clan. He feels that by sitting on the lap of Ravana and being stared at by him, she has been spoiled in virtue. He permits    her to go wherever she likes. He even suggests her living with his other brothers or Sugreeva or Vibheeshana.)

 

Seeing Sita who stood near him with head bent , Rama started telling his innermost feelings hidden in his heart.                                                                                                                                                            115.1

“Lady , I have won you back  after winning the war with the enemy  and whatever is possible by human effort has been done by me .”                                                                                                                      115.2

“I have come to the end of my anger   and outrage and  have completely given up   all my contempt against the enemy   who has been wiped out by me.”                                                                             115.3

“All people have seen my manliness   and my effort has borne fruit  .Since I have fulfilled my oath , I am the master of myself.”                                                                                                                                  115.4

“The  wrong done to you by the fickle minded   Rakshasa by making you separate  from me  , which was brought about by fate   has been corrected by me  who is a mere human being.”                          115.5

“If one is not able to wipe out the insult that was heaped on him  , what is   the use of his masculinity   as   he is only a weak minded person who may be strong.”                                                                         115.6

“The  praise worthy act of  Hanuman of  crossing the sea   and then destroying Lanka has borne its fruit today.”                                                                                                                                                            115.7

"The  act  of Sugreeva, who exhibited his strength on the battle-field with his army and tendered a good advice, is fruitful today."                                                                                                                              115.8

“The act of Vibheeshana    who deserted his characterless brother  and personally   reached me  has borne  its fruit today.”                                                                                                                                  115.9

The eyes  of Sita who had a wide open eyes   and was like a female deer  when she   heard these words of Rama  was filled with tears.                                                                                                                  115.10

Rama who saw  her who was dear to his heart  in this state   was scared  due to the fear of public scandal    about him.                                                                                                                                   115.11

Addressing Sita  whose eyes resembled a fully open lotus flower  and who has dark long curly hair   and excellent hips  , Rama further spoke  in the midst of monkeys and Rakshasas.                               115.12

“I have done my duty which any man is bound to do   by killing Ravana  and wiping out  the insult which was heaped by him on me.”                                                                                                                      115.13

“You have  been won by me   in an act   which was like that of sage Agasthya   who is pure minded and ascetic  and who conquered  the southern direction   which was difficult to be approached by ordinary mortals. “                                                                                                                                                         115.14

“Let it be known  (You may be safe)   this act of war   which has been completed successfully  , with the help of the strength of my friends   was not done for your sake   but   for keeping up my good conduct   and to wipe off  the insults from all sides   as well as insinuations    on my very famous clan.”

                                                                                                                                                         115.15-115.16

‘With your virtue in a doubtful state  , you who are standing in front me    are extremely disagreeable   to me   like a light  for the one with poor eye sight.”                                                                              115.17

“Oh daughter of Janaka  , because of that   I am permitting you  to go wherever you like   among the ten directions   as , oh dear lady , you are of no use to me.”                                                                  115.18

“Which person born in a great family would  take back a woman    who has lived in another person’s house  with an eager mind.”                                                                                                                  115.19

“Considering my great clan  , how can I accept you   again  , after you sat in the lap of Ravana and were stared at by his evil  eyes.”                                                                                                                    115.20

“For that purpose only I won you back   and my honour has been restored and I do not have any great attachment to you and so you may go wherever you like.”                                                            115.21

“Oh lady, I have spoken all this with a very determined mind  . You may set your mind  on Lakshmana or Bharata   as per your liking.”                                                                                                                115.22

“Oh Sita   Set your mind on Shatrugna or Sugreeva    or the Rakshasa Vibheeshana   according to your comfort.”                                                                                                                                                  115.23

“After seeing your divine looks   which is mind catching   living in his own home  ,  Ravana could not have endured your separation.”                                                                                                                    115.24

Maithili who merits being spoken words which are to her liking    after hearing these unpalatable words  from her beloved husband  trembled   for a long time like a creeper   attacked by  a king of elephants  and shed tears.                                                                                                                                        115.25

 

Thus ends the hundred and  fifteenth   chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

116.Sita enters in to the   fire.

 

(Sita becomes dejected at the attitude of Rama. She assures him   that she is virtuous and her mind had always been with Rama. She requests  Lakshmana to arrange for a burning pyre and later enters in to it. All the monkeys and Rakshasas are sad    to see this.)

 

Vaidehi hearing these  harsh words of Raghava   which makes one’s hair to stand erect  became very much perturbed.                                                                                                                                         116.1

Maithili who heard these words of her husband   in the midst of multitudes of people ,which she had never heard before  , stood bent due to intense shame.                                                                     116.2

That daughter of Janaka   felt as though all her limbs were pierced   by these sharp arrow like words   and shed tears without end.                                                                                                                     116.3

Then after wiping away    her face which was    wet with her tears  she spoke the following words  slowly   to her husband in a stammering voice.                                                                                                  116.4

“Oh valorous one  , why are you making me hear such very harsh words   which are hurting to hear  , like a common uneducated man to a common uneducated lady.”                                                          116.5

“Oh long armed one  , I am not one like what you have understood   and so have faith in me  as I swear to you on my virtuous character.”                                                                                                          116.6

“By the conduct of some vulgar woman   do not distrust the entire  race of women   and give up your suspicion as   I have been earlier tested by you.”                                                                               116.7

“Oh Lord ,When I came to touch his body  it was not intentional but due to my sheer helplessness and only  my bad fate has to be blamed for that .”                                                                                   116.8

“My heart which was in my control     was living in you and what was I supposed to do  with regard to my limbs  which was under the control of someone else.”                                                                    116.9

“Oh Lord who honours others  , If in spite  of our having lived together  after for love for each other simultaneously grew  , if you have not understood me fully  I am  completely ruined due to your ignorance .”                                                                                                                                            116.10

“Oh king you sent the greatly valorous Hanuman in search of me  and why did you not abandon me then  in Lanka itself , if you had made up your mind like this?”                                                             116.11 

“Oh valorous one  If you had  informed that you are going to desert me , I would have by now given up my life in front of that monkey.”                                                                                                       116.12 

“This unnecessary effort of   keeping your life in jeopardy  could have been avoided   and also your friends would not have undergone so much suffering.”                                                                           116.13

“Oh great king  , like a woman and like a feeble man you gave priority , you became a slave to mere   anger .”                                                                                                                                                  116.14

“Oh knower of good conduct  , though I was supposed to have been born to Janaka, I was  really born to this earth   and such a  sacred birth  of mine  was not honoured by you.”                              116.15

“My marriage to you (holding of hand)  in childhood was not recognized by you   and also you have  chosen to ignore   my devotion and chastity towards you.”                                                    116.16

After  speaking like this  , weeping   and stammering due to great tears   , she said to Lakshmana   who was sad   and was immersed in thought.                                                                                     116.17

“Oh son of Sumithra  , create a funeral pyre  for me   for  I do not want to live  any longer    after such false accusations were leveled against me  and  death seems to be the only solution.”    116.18

“As I have  gained  only  lack of satisfaction from my husband  and expressed it in the midst of the assembly of men,   entering fire seems to be the only course appropriate for me.”        116.19

Hearing the words of Sita, Lakshmana the destroyer of enemies   gave rise to great anger and looked at Rama.                                                                                                                                             116.20

After understanding   the mental inclination of Rama  from the expression of his face  , that son of Sumithra   prepared a pyre  according to the wishes of the valorous Rama.                    116.21

No friend of Rama    was able to dissuade   or speak  at that time to Rama   who was standing like  the God of death   at the time of final   deluge.                                                                              116.22

After slowly going round Rama who was standing with a bent head  , Sita   went towards the pyre with burning fire.                                                                                                                                   116.23

After saluting the Gods   and the Brahmins, Maithili   with palms joined in salutation   spoke the  following words.                                                                                                                           116.24

“Because   my mind   always never   goes away from Raghava  , let the fire God be witness to the world   and protect me from all sides.”                                                                                                 116.25

“Because  Rama feels I have been spoiled in spite of  my unimpeachable    character  , let the fire god be witness to the world and protect me from all sides.”                                                            116.26 

“Since by act  or by mind  or by my words , I have been never unfaithful to Raghava  , who is the follower of all Dharma  , let the  fire God protect me.”                                                                         116.27

“Oh Sun God  , Oh wind God  , oh four directions   and also the moon God   and also the gods protecting   over day time  , dawn, dusk and noon   as well as night   and the earth, you    all know me endowed with a  good character   and so let the   fire God protect me.”                                                     116.28

After speaking like this   , Sita walked  round that fire   and free from any hesitation   entered that  burning   fire.                                                                                                                                116.29

Very large number of people  including   boys and old ones   saw the lustrous Mythili   after she entered  the fire.                                                                                                                                         116.30

She who   was shining like Gold  , decked with ornaments made of pristine Gold   plunged  in to the burning fire  in front of all the people.                                                                                   116.31

They saw the wide  eyed lady   Sita   who was shining like a golden altar  plunge  in to that blazing fire. 

                                                                                                                                                       116.32

All the  people  of the three worlds   saw that great lady Sita   entering the fire   like the sacred  oblations in to the sacrificial fire .                                                                                                                       116.33

All the ladies present there wailed   on seeing her enter the fire , similar   to the flow of Ghee   plunging in to the  sacrificial fire   duly consecrated  by Vedic hymns.                                                        116.34

The Devas, Gandharwas   and Dhanavas   of the three  worlds  saw  her and  felt that goddess like lady  rushing from heaven to hell.                                                                                                               116.35

When she was entering deep in to the fire  a strange  loud sound   “Alas, Alas”, was heard    from the Rakshasas and monkeys alike.                                                                                                            116.36

 

Thus ends the hundred and  sixteenth   chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book

 

117.The Gods tell Rama  that he is Lord Vishnu.

(All the gods come in aerial chariots and tell Rama that he is no other than the God Vishnu and Sita is no other  than Goddess Lakshmi. This chapter does not merge with the text of Ramayana. Experts believe that  is only an interpolation to prove  that Rama is Go. .)

 

Hearing the cries of those who were wailing loudly  , Rama , the follower of Dharma  became thoughtful for a while  , as his mind   was greatly upset   and his eyes were filled with tears.                   117.1

Then King Khubera  , Yama  along with manes  , the lord  of devas  , Varuna the God of the water  , the great Mahadeva   who had three    eyes , Brahma  the creator   of all worlds  , the experts in Vedic  knowledge  together reached the city of Lanka   in aerial cars which shined like Sun   and approached Rama.                                                                                                                                                 117.2-117.4

Those great Gods of heaven   lifted their long arms decorated  by several ornaments   and spoke to Rama   who stood there saluting them    with  folded hands.                                                           117.5

“How is it that you who are the lord of all   the worlds   who is the  foremost among intellectuals , are not caring  for Sita who is falling in to fire  ? How is that  you  are not recognizing that  you are  the chief of all the Gods?”                                                                                                                                         117.6

“Among the Vasus you are  the Vasu Rithadhama (standing for truth and divine law)   who was the ruler of people , who was the chief of all the three worlds   and you  , yourself are the lord   of all creatures.

                                                                                                                                                                      117.7

“Among Rudras, you are  the eighth Rudra   and   fifth among Sadhyas  . The two Aswini devathas are your ears   and the Sun and Moon are   your eyes.”                                                                          117.8

“Oh destroyer of your enemies  , You have been seen at  the beginning and end  of all  the worlds   and just like a common man you   are ignoring  Sita.”                                                                              117.9

When those Lords of the world   spoke like this to Rama who was the Lord of creation   himself and who was born in the clan of Raghus   and the  best among those who protect Dharma spoke   to those chief Gods like this.                                                                                                                                        117.10

“I am only a human being called Rama who was the son of Dasaratha   and you who are the Gods  are  telling me  , what I really am   and why am I like  this?”                                                              117.11

When the son of Kakustha  clan told like this  , Lord Brahma , the best among  those who know  Brahma    spoke as follows, “ Oh truly brave one  , please listen to my true  words.”                            117.12

“You are  the God Narayana   , the lord   who wields the  wheel  , you are the one horned boar  who is the winner over your past    and future enemies.”                                                                     117.13

“You are the imperishable Brahma   and  you are the truth in the beginning , middle and end  . You are the Vishvaksena who is the supreme Dharma   and you are the four armed one  .”           117.14

“You are Hrishikesa , Purusha, Purushothama   who wields the bow called Saranga.  You cannot be defeated , you are Vishnu who wields the sword  and you are  the very strong Krishna.”  117.15

“You are the  commander of the army  , the chief of the village  , you are wisdom ,patience  and  controller  of the senses  . You are the origin and dissolution, you are Vamana   and you are  the killer of Madhu.”                                                                                                                                              117.16

“You are the great Indra who rules over Devas  , you are Padmanabha   , you are the one who ends the battle  , you are the refuge to those who do not have refuge  and you are the words of the great sages.”  

                                                                                                                                                                               117.17

“You are the soul of the Vedas  , you are the great bull with hundred heads  and thousand horns   , you  are the primeval force of the three worlds  , you are your own lord  , you are the refuge of the Sidhas and Sadhyas   and  were  one who were before them.”                                                               117.18-117.19

“You are the Yagna  , you are the sound “Vashat”  , you are “Om”  , you are the divine for the divines  and people do not know  your origin or end   and do not know who you really are.”                       117.20

“You can be seen in all beings , in the cows  , in the Brahmins  , in all directions, in the sky   , mountain and rivers.”                                                                                                                                                     117.21

“You are with thousand feet  , hundred heads  , with thousand eyes  and are with Goddess Lakshmi.  . You carry the earth    along   with all its beings   and mountains.”                                                         117.22

“Oh Rama, you appear like a great serpent   in the waters supporting the earth   wherefrom  you carry all  the three worlds  and you also support Devas, Dhanavas and Gandharwas.                                    117.23

“Oh Rama, I am your heart  ,  the goddess Saraswathi is your toungue   and all the devas created by  Lord Brahma    are your hairs and limbs.”                                                                                                          117.24

“When you close your eyes  it is night and when you open your eyes it is day  , the words that you use   are the Vedas  and the universe does not exist without you.”                                                              117.25

“The entire universe is your body  , your stability is the firmness of earth  , your anger is fire  and your pleasant  face is the mon and you are recognized by Srivathsa.”                                                        117.26

“In the past , you occupied the three worlds by your three steps   after tying up   the very formidable Mahabali   and made Indra , the king of devas.”                                                                                  117.27

“Sita is no other than Lakshmi , your consort when you were Vishnu  , you the king of people with black blue colour    and you have taken the form of man so as to kill Ravana.”                                      117.28

“Oh Rama  , the greatest among followers of Dharma  , you have completed your job   by killing Ravana  and so return to heavens with joy.”                                                                                                       117.29

“Oh God, your valour is immeasurable   and  your exploits are never in vain  . Oh Rama  seeing you leads to unmatched blessings   and  songs about you never go  waste.”                                                 117.30

 "Those humans who are full of devotion to you will never be unsuccessful on this earth. Those who are devoted to you, the primeval and the eternal lord, belonging to ancient times and the Supreme Person, will forever attain their desired objects here as well as hereafter."                                   117.31-117.32

“Those humans    who would recite this divine   , primeval and epic   hymn    sung by Lord Brahma  will never ever face disappointment  .”                                                                                                      117.33

 

Thus ends the hundred and  seventeenth   chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book.

 

 

118.The fire God returns Sita   and says that  she ins unblemished.

 

(The fire god comes out carrying Sita and tells Rama that she is without any blemish for she has never thought of anyone else except Rama. Rama tells the fire God that, he  knew about it but wanted the world also to know about it.)

 

Hearing these auspicious words spoken by Lord Brahma   , the fire God   taking Vaidehi in his arms  came up .                                                                                                                                                                         118.1

Shaking the  pyre   and taking with him Sita  the daughter of Janaka   , the fire God sprang up and appeared  in person.                                                                                                                                          118.2

Carrying  in her arms the  young lady who was shining like  young rising  Sun wearing ornaments made of refined Gold   , wearing a dress of red blood colour   , wearing a dark  braided    hair  , wearing further garlands made of flower  which had not faded    and  with matchless form , the fire  God  restored her to Rama.                                                                                                                                                        118.3 -118.4

That fire God who is the witness of the all the worlds  then told Rama, “oh Rama, here is your Sita  who does not have any sin in her.”                                                                                                                          118.5

“Either by word   or mind   or even by  intellect  and not even by the eyes  , she has never been unfaithful to you  .”                                                                                                                                           118.6

“The Rakshasa Ravana   who was arrogant and proud of his valour    took away   this miserable and helpless lady from the lonely hermitage and separated her   from you.”                                            118.7

“And then she , who had only you in her mind  and whose mind was longing for you  was taken to his private apartments   and hidden there  and guarded by  frightful Rakshasis   with horrifying brain.”  

                                                                                                                                                                         118.8

“Then Sita whose mind was always bound in you  ignored that Rakshasa though he tried to allure her  by frightening her and by various other means.”                                                                                  118.9

“Take back this   very pure and sinless  Maithili  and I command you not to tell anything harsh to her.”

                                                                                                                                                                     118.10

Then Rama the follower of Dharma   who had a mind which loves   hearing these blessed words  , with eyes filled with tears of joy   thought for a moment.                                                                          118.11

Then that very lustrous and  greatly valorous  Rama , the best among those upholding Dharma  replied like this  to the great Deva .                                                                                                                     118.12

“Sita  merited  this   test  of purification  in the eyes of the people  as this pure woman had resided in the private  apartment of Ravana for a long time.”                                                                                   118.13

“Suppose I had accepted   Janaki   without   testing her  , the world would say  “alas , Rama  , the son of Dasaratha   is childish and his mind is filled only with lust.”                                                              118.14

“I  wanted the   world to know   that this Maithili   who is the   daughter of Janaka   is undivided in her affection towards me  and is always   within my mind.”                                                                118.15

“This broad eyed one   is protected by her own luster   and Ravana  would not be able to transgress her like , the sea cannot transgress its shore.”                                                                                             118.16

“In order to convince the three worlds  , I whose only refuge is truth , ignored Vaidehi   when she was entering the fire.”                                                                                                                                       118.17

“That bad  soul could  not even touch Maithili  even by his mind  who is unobtainable and   flaming like the toungue  of fire.”                                                                                                                               118.18

“This auspicious lady  would not have bothered about the wealth of the private apartment of Ravana  , since Sita is no different from me  , like sunlight is not different from the sun.”                         118.19

“Maithili the daughter of Janaka   is purest in all the three worlds   and I would not be able to renounce her   as  a good name  cannot be ignored by  a prudent man.”                                                      118.20

“I would definitely follow all the advice given to me by you for my benefit  as  you are   all the affectionate guardians of the world.”                                                                                                  118.21

Saying thus and getting reunited with her beloved Sita , the victorious and  the very famous   Rama, a scion of Raghu dynasty, who was endowed with a great strength and deserved happiness and was being glorified by his exploits, performed by his own self, experienced joy.                                            118.22

 

Thus ends the hundred and  eighteenth    chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book.

 

119. Rama meets Dasaratha

 

(Along with Indra Dasaratha had come to see his son .He  expresses great happiness  in being able to see him. He also blesses Lakshmana and Sita and gives them his blessings   and advise.)

 

After hearing these auspicious words    that was spoken by Raghava  , Lord Shiva   told even more    auspicious   words to him.                                                                                                                       119.1

“Oh Rama with lotus like  eyes  , great hands   and  great chest  , who is the destroyer of his enemies  , who is the best among those who uphold Dharma  , You have accomplished   a great task without any doubt.”                                                                                                                                                          119.2

“ Oh Rama,  Fortunately  the fear caused by Ravana   which had intensified the severe darkness of the world   has  been   removed by you in the battle field.”                                                                     119.3

"You are fit to get heavenly joy  , by comforting the depressed Bharata and the illustrious Kausalya as well as seeing Kaikeyi and Sumithra, the mother of Lakshmana  and then getting   the sovereignty of Ayodhya, bringing delight to your friends, stabilizing the back-bone of  the race of Ikshuvaku, getting excellent glory by performing a horse-sacrifice and by granting riches to Brahmans."        119.4-119.6

“Oh Rama, the son of Kakustha clan,  your father the famous   king  Dasaratha who is to be venerated by you     is seated on an aerial car in this mortal world.”                                                                           119.7  

“That great one   obtained the world of Indra  , having been send by  you his son   and   you please along with your brother Lakshmana offer your salutation to him.”                                                                  119.8

Hearing the words of Lord Shiva  , that son of Kakustha clan along with Lakshmana    saluted      their   father   who was sitting on the top most part of the aerial car.                                                             119.9

Lakshmana and his elder brother   saw   their father who was their lord clad in shining cloths    and shining  in his own great splendour.                                                                                                          119.10

Then the king Dasaratha the lord who was sitting in the aerial car, in an excellent seat, was filled with excessive delight to see his son (Rama), who was dearer to him than life. Placing him in his lap and embracing him in his arms, he thereupon  told him the following words.                             119.11-119.12

“Without you, Oh Rama  , the heaven is not to my liking  nor is the respect given to me by the foremost of the devas there.  I am telling you the truth.”                                                                                         119.13

“Today seeing you after you have killed your enemies    , my mind is full   and I am greatly happy that you have completed the full period of your stay in the forest.”                                                           119.14

“Oh expert in speech, the words of Kaikeyi   which were told to you   for sending you away to the forest are still imprinted in my mind.”                                                                                                                   119.15

“Seeing you   in  health   and happily embracing Lakshmana   today,   as completely driven away my sorrow similar to the Sun driving away all the mist.”                                                                 119.16

“Oh great son,  I have  been liberated   by you, my   good son , just like   the great soul Ashtavakra   liberated Kahola.”                                                                                                                                           119.17

“Oh gentle one,  I now recognize  you as the supreme person  (God)   as   was  told by the Gods here  ,  born to kill Ravana.”                                                                                                                                 119.18

“Kausalya is indeed blessed  , oh killer of  enemies   because she would be able to see  you return from the forest.”                                                                                                                                                       119.19

“All the men are  indeed blessed , who would be able to see   you return to the city   and then consecrated   there as lord of earth.”                                                                                                          119.20

“I see you reunited    along with Bharata   who loves you   and   who  is  honest and a follower of Dharma.”                                                                                                                                                           119.21

“Oh gentle one   You have spent fourteen years  by residing in the forest   along with   the very intelligent Lakshmana and Sita.”                                                                                                                   119.22

“My oath was implemented by you   as you have   completed your term in exile    and the devas are happy because you killed Ravana in this battle.”                                                                                        119.23

“Oh killer of enemies  , by doing this job   you have earned great fame and glory  .Get consecrated on the throne  and may   you attain long life with your brothers. “                                                                    119.24

“To the king who was speaking thus with folded hands in salutation, Rama requested, “ Oh knower of Dharma ,   be gracious    with Kaikeyi and Bharata.”                                                                                   119.25

“let those words spoken by you “I disown you Kaikeyi   with your son  ‘Which is a great curse  not affect Kaikeyi and her son.”                                                                                                                                      119.26

The king then said , “so be it”   to Rama   who stood with joined palms in salutation      and embraced Lakshmana and told the following words.                                                                                                 119.27

“You have looked after  Rama with  great devotion along with Sita the  daughter of Videha   and this has  earned great  merit for you   and I have been greatly gratified.”                                                         119.28

  Oh knower of Dharma,  As Rama is pleased with you . you will attain   religious merit   and great fame   on earth and also in heaven    and also excellent power .”                                                                         119.29

“Lead a safe life , oh son who increases the happiness of Sumithra , Serve Rama well    for he would always be interested    in the welfare of the entire world.”                                                                  119.30

“Indra, the beings of three worlds  , Sidhas and great sages   would offer worship   to the great Rama   as the   supreme person on approaching him.”                                                                                            119.31

“Oh gentle one, Oh destroyer of enemies    Rama has been spoken as   the  difficult to see  , imperishable  Brahman established by the Vedas    and the  heart   and secret of all devas.”                                119.32

“By serving him with devotion along   with Sita , the princess of Videha  , you have obtained   the unobtainable reward   to the  practice of Dharma   and also great fame.”                                        119.33

After speaking like this to Lakshmana    the king  greeted  his daughter in law who was standing saluting him as “Oh daughter”,   and affectionately advised her.                                                                       119.34

“You should not get angry   at   Rama   for having repudiated you   because this was done   , aimed at your welfare    and show the world your purity.”                                                                                    119.35

“What you have done which is difficult to perform revealed your true character  , Oh daughter and is difficult to be performed by other ladies    and your fame will overshadow theirs.”                        119.36

“You need not be told about how to serve your  husband   but   I have   the duty to tell you   that  he  is your supreme God.”                                                                                                                                      119.37

After instructing  like this his sons as well as his daughter in law    Dasaratha     went to the land of Indra   in the   aerial car.                                                                                                                                            119.38

The great soul   and that great king   endowed with great luster   took leave of his sons   along with Sita   and   climbed in to the aerial car  and went to the Abode of Indra.                                                     119.39

 

Thus ends the hundred and  nineteenth    chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book.

 

120.Rama  asks Indra a boon to make all  dead monkeys alive.

 

(When Indra who was greatly happy asked Rama to request for a boon, he wanted Indra to bring all dead monkeys back to life. He also wanted that they should also get   fruits in off season. Indra grants those boons,)

 

When Dasaratha of the Kakustha clan returned , Indra the destroyer of Pakasura   who was greatly pleased   spoke to Rama who stood with folded hands in salutation.                                                 120.1

“Oh Rama , Oh best among men  , You have showed as a very great vision   and it should not go in vain.  Since I am greatly delighted  , Please ask  me what you desire in  your mind.”                                120.2

When the very pleased  great Indra   spoke like this   Raghava who was greatly pleased   told the following  joyful words.                                                                                                                                 120.3

“Oh   greatest among those who converse  , Oh Lord of the devas, if you have real affection towards me, please make what I ask as true. “                                                                                                              120.4

“Al those  monkeys    who have fought for my sake    and reached the world of God of death   , let all those  people   get up.”                                                                                                                               120.5

“Oh  God who gifts honour  , I wish to see   all those monkeys  , who have lost their  life for my sake  and removed    from their sons and wives   become  happy once again.”                                                 120.6

 “They were all valorous    and  fought without bothering about their death   and after   great efforts died. “Oh Indra, please  restore  their lives.”                                                                                       120.7

" Let all those monkeys   who thought death   as nothing and who were only  fond of doing  a favour to me get re-united with their near and dear ones by your grace. I seek this boon from you."             120.8

“Oh person   of honour  , I wish to see    all those  monkeys   and bears    free from pain and from wounds    with increased strength and valour.                                                                                    120.9

“Wherever those monkeys  live  let   there be rivers of  pure water  , flowers , roots and fruits even in the off season.”                                                                                                                                               120.10

Hearing these words of the great soul Raghava  , Mahendra   , again spoke the following words to him. 

                                                                                                                                                                    120.11

“Oh  Son ,best of Raghu clan   , this boon which you have asked for   is very great  and since I have never spoken about any aspect  twice   in the past, this will come true.”                                                120.12

“Let all those monkeys and bears   along with long tailed monkeys  , who have been killed in this battle by the Rakshasas  and whose heads and arms  have been severed , become active again.”      120.13

“Without any problem to their health   with increased strength and valour    those monkeys would rise again, like  a man asleep getting up at the end of sleep.”                                                                   120.14   

“All of them with very great joy    will  meet with their relatives , friends ,  people of their clan   and with their family members.”                                                                                                                             120.15

“Oh wielder of a great bow  , trees would be filled with colourful flowers   and fruits even in the off season    and rivers would constantly carry them water.”                                                                 120.16

Then all   the monkey   warriors   got up as if from sleep   with  all their limbs completely healed of all the wounds   and being greatly surprised they said to one another, “What a miracle?”                 120.17

Seeing the wish of the son of Kakustha clan has been fully realized  , the great devas  with great happiness  praised  Rama and Lakshmana.                                                                                          120.18

They said, “Oh king  , go to Ayodhya from here   after disbanding the monkey army and   reassuring the famous Sita  , who is greatly  affectionate towards you.”                                                                 120.19

“Oh killer of enemies  , go and see your brother Bharata who is practicing  austerities   because of grief   caused by separation from you  and the great Shatrugna  , all your mothers    and get yourself crowned   and bring joy to all the citizens.”                                                                                                 120.20-120.21

After speaking  like this to Rama and the son of Sumithra  , the thousand eyed one   , greatly pleased   with other devas  in their respective aerial cars   which were shining like Sun.                               120.22

After  greeting   all those devas , Rama along with his brother Lakshmana  instructed all the monkeys to take rest in their respective places.                                                                                                          120.23

  The greatly rejoicing mighty and famous    army which was protected   by Lakshmana   as well as Rama, shined brightly on all sides  like the night illuminated by the moon.                                                120.24

 

Thus ends the hundred and  twentieth    chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book.

 

121.Vibheeshana offers the Pushpaka  Vimana for their return journey.

 

(Rama refuses politely the hospitality offered by Vibheeshana and wants to go back as quickly as possible. Vibheeshana summons the Pushpaka Vimana which can travel at the speed of the mind.)

 

Vibheeshana wished victory  to Rama who was the destroyer of enemies   and who had  risen up   fresh after   a good night’ s rest   and spoke the following words   with hands folded in salutation.  121.1

"These women with lotus-like eyes, who are skilled in the art of decoration have come   with bathing accessories like garments, ornaments, sandal-pastes and beautiful garlands of various kinds. They will assist you in bathing Oh Rama."                                                                                                      121.2-121.3

That son of Kakustha clan   said these words in reply to Vibheeshana, “ You invite   the monkeys headed by Sugreeva   for this bath.”                                                                                                                        121.4

“That Bharata  who is the votary  of Dharma  who is accustomed   to comfort    and is a delicate youth  , a great hero   and one consistent   with truth   is suffering because of me.”                                       121.5

“In the absence of Bharata    who is the son of Kaikeyi , I do not like to have ritual bathing or wear garments   and jewels.”                                                                                                                               121.6

“Please examine how    we can go speedily back to my city   of Ayodhya   , because  the path by  which we came is difficult  to follow  .”                                                                                                                      121.7

When he was thus spoken to Vibheeshana    replied to Rama  , “Oh son of the King, I can make you reach that   city within a day.”                                                                                                                               121.8

“Oh Rama of matchless  powers  , Pushpaka Vimana is an aerial car which shines like the sun   and was forcibly usurped by my brother  Ravana   from Khubera  , after he conquered him   That divine car   moves as per the person’s wish   and is wonderful and excellent and this car   is retained here for  your sake  ,May you be safe.”                                                                                                                 121.9-121.10

“That cloud like aerial car    stands here  and using that car   you can reach  Ayodhya   without any trouble  .”                                                                                                                                                       121.11

"Oh very wise   prince! If I deserve to be treated with kindness by you, if you think of any  goodness   in me and if you have any affection in me, stay here for some more time."                                             121.12

“Oh Rama,  I am offering to you with respect   all that you desire   and so you along with your brother   and your consort Sita   can stay here and then depart.”                                                                           121.13

“ Oh Rama  , please accept  along with your army as well   as all your friends  my hospitality offered with great affection  , fixed and arranged by me .”                                                                                            121.14

“Oh Raghava  , I am only entreating you   with love , with respect   and with friendship    and being your servant  I am not commanding you.”                                                                                                          121.15

When He spoke like this Rama   replied  to Vibheeshana   while all the Rakshasas    and monkeys    were  listening  .                                                                                                                                                          121.16

“Oh destroyer of enemies  , Oh Valorous one  , I am greatly honoured   by the advices that you gave me   as well as   great efforts put up soulfully.”                                                                                                   121.17

“Oh king of Rakshasas, it is not that I disregard your words   but my heart  wants me to speed away from here to see my brother Bharata .”                                                                                                                 121.18

“That Bharata  came all the way to Chithrakuta  mountains  to take me back , though I did not agree to his request , in spite of his requesting me with bent head along  with Kausalya, Sumithra   and the famous Kaikeyi , my friend Guha  , citizens and village folks.”                                                     121.19-121.20

“Oh gentle one , permit me to go and Oh friend, I feel honoured by you  and I request you  not to get disappointed .”                                                                                                                                                  121.21

“Oh king of Rakshasas , summon the aerial car immediately  , for how is it proper   for me to to stay here after my task has  been accomplished.”                                                                                                        121.22

Hearing the words of Rama, Vibheeshana the king of  the Rakshasas  then hastily invoked the presence of that aerial car shining like the sun, with colourful parts made of gold, with the platform made of cat's-eye gems, which was full of attics, which shined  like silver on all sides, decorated well with white flags and flag-staff, decked with gold and golden lotuses, graced with golden mansions, hung all over with networks of tiny bells, giving forth a melodious sound on all sides, resembling a summit of Mount Meru, built by Vishvakarma, which was graced with stately palaces decked with pearls and silver, provided with pavements inlaid with crystal, furnished with excellent seats of cat's eye gems of great value and upholstered with highly valuable coverings.                                                                                              121.23-121.28

After informing Rama that the aerial car which cannot be attacked   and which travels as fast as the mind has arrived there , Vibheeshana stood there.                                                                                                                         121.29

That Pushpaka   , the aerial car which can go to any place we desire  , which was like a mountain   stood there and seeing it  Rama  along with Lakshmana was greatly surprised .                                                                                    121.30

 

 

Thus ends the hundred and  twenty first     chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book.

 

122. The monkeys , Sugreeva and Vibheeshana travel with Rama.

 

(As per Rama’s request all the monkeys are rewarded with gold and precious jewels by Vibheeshana. When Rama ask their permission, that all request him to  take them also   to Ayodhya along with them.Rama agrees. They all start to Ayodhya.)

 

Keeping ready that Pushpaka aerial car decorated   by flowers  , Vibheeshana who was standing not far off spoke  to Rama.                                                                                                                                              122.1

That king of Rakshasas with all humility standing with folded arms in salutation  asked “Oh Raghava  , What else can I do?”                                                                                                                                             122.2

After some reflection and thought  , the greatly lustrous Rama  with love  spoke the following words to him, while Lakshmana was listening to it.                                                                                                        122.3

“ Of Vibheeshana , Let all these  persons who live in the forest   , who performed great tasks  be honoured   with gifts of precious stones   and riches of various kinds.”                                                    122.4

“Oh king of Rakshasas, along with you   they have won over Lanka   , fighting  the war with joy without   any fear for their lives .”                                                                                                                                     122.5

“All  of them who live in the forest   have completed their job    and so by giving them   wealth and gems , reward their achievement.”                                                                                                                              122.6

“Duly cheered and honoured by you this way  , all these monkey chiefs   will feel thankful and greatly  happy. “                                                                                                                                                                 122.7

“They will all be  closer  to you acknowledging  your generosity   for honouring them   and for showing compassion to them   and for winning over your senses and because of this I am reminding you.” 122.8

“Oh king, When a king does not have loving qualities but goes on ordering them to kill people in the battle , the soldiers  feel agitated and leave   that king.                                                                           122.9

When Rama told like this Vibheeshana, honoured all the monkeys  and  distributed gold and precious stones    to  them.”                                                                                                                                          122.10

Seeing that the monkey chiefs were honoured by distribution of gems and wealth , Rama got in to that excellent aerial car.                                                                                                                                         122.11

Rama taking along with him in his hands  the famous Vaidehi who was shy  along with his brother Lakshmana climbed in to that aerial car   armed with a bow.                                                                 122.12

Rama who was seated in the  aerial car appreciated all those monkeys  as well as the greatly valorous Sugreeva    along with Vibheeshana.                                                                                                             122.13

“Oh greatly valorous monkeys , you have done the  duty of a friend towards me .Please give me permission to go and I request to go wherever it pleases you.”                                                              122.14

“Oh Sugreeva , you who were  scared to go against Dharma  , have done to me all that needs   to be done  like an affectionate and service minded friend. Please go  back to Kishkinda along with your  friends.”                                                                                                                                                                122.15

“Oh Vibheeshana settle down in  your kingdom of Lanka which was given by me  and not even Indra along with his Devas would be able to attack you.”                                                                                    122.16

“I am going back to Ayodhya which is the capital city of my father and as I  wish to leave you all, I request you to permit me to go .”                                                                                                                  122.17

When Rama spoke like this , the monkeys , their kings  as well as Vibheeshana told him as follows with folded hands .                                                                                                                                                      122.18

“If you are willing to take us all, we all desire to go Ayodhya  and there we will wander around the parks   and forests and enjoy.”                                                                                                                                      122.19

“Oh  excellent king ,  there we would see you being consecrated   and  would also   salute mother Kausalya  and will soon return to our homes.”                                                                                             122.20

When all the monkeys as well as Vibheeshana  told him like this , Rama who  is the follower of Dharma , told as follows  to Sugreeva, monkeys and to Vibheeshana.                                                                     122.21

“I would get something dearer than the dearest  , if I go there along with friends like you  all and I would be greatly delighted. “                                                                                                                                       122.22

“Oh Sugreeva ,  speedily get in to the aerial car with all monkeys and oh Vibheeshana , you also get in to it along with your ministers. “                                                                                                                     122.23

Then Sugreeva along with his monkeys got up in the divine  aerial car  called Pushpaka with great joy  and so also did Vibheeshana along with his ministers.                                                                             122.24

When all of them boarded it that   divine aerial car of Khubera  started   flying in the sky as per the orders  .                                                                                                                                                              122.25

Travelling in that great divine aerial car  with  the image of a swan  which was then flying in air  , Raghava shined like Khubera himself.                                                                                                           122.26

All the monkeys , bears and very strong Rakshasas  comfortably sat  in that very spacious and divine aerial car.                                                                                                                                                            122.27

 

Thus ends the hundred and  twenty  second   chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book.

 

123.Rama shows the important places to Sita

 

(Rama shows all the important places from the aerial car on the way back As per request of Sita,  the wives of the monkey chiefs also accompany their husbands.    The Vimana reaches near Ayodhya,)

 

As per the permission of Rama that excellent aerial car  which had images of swan in it  flew across the sky making great sound .                                                                                                                                    123.1

Then Rama  , the joy of the Raghu clan , after rotating his eyes in all directions spoke to Sita , the princess of Mithila   who had a moon like face.                                                                                             123.2

“Oh Vaidehi , please see , the city of Lanka built on  the top of three peaks  which was built by Viswakarma  and which looks like the Kailasa mountain.”                                                                           123.3

“Oh Sita, see this battle field covered with mud , blood and  flesh  which was the cause of death of the monkeys and Rakshasas.”                                                                                                                                   123.4

“Oh Broad eyed Sita, here lies Ravana , the king of Rakshasas, the tormentor of people and on whom boons were conferred by Lord Brahma and who was killed by me for your sake.”                                  123.5

“Here Kumbhakarna and Prahastha    were killed   and here Dhoomraksha was killed by Hanuman. “

                                                                                                                                                                                  123.6

“Here Vidhyunamali was killed by   the great soul Sushena  and in battle  Lakshmana  killed Indrajit the  son of Ravana here.”                                                                                                                                            123.7

"Here was killed a  Rakshasa  called Vikata by Angadha. Virupaksha, who was disagreeable to the sight, Mahaparsva, Mahodara, Akampana, Trisiras, Atikaya , Devantaka, Narantaka and other mighty demons were also killed here."                                                                                                                              123.8-123.9

“Both Yuddonmatta and Matta, the foremost of demons, as also Nikumbha and Kumbha the sons of Kumbhakarna, as also the strong Vajradamshtra, Damshtra and many Rakshasas were killed. Makaraksha, the most difficult Rakshasa  to be attacked, was struck down by me in this battle-field."                                               123.10-123.11

"Akampana was killed in the great battle here . The valorous   Shonitaksha was also killed. Yupaksa and Prajangha were also killed."                                                                                                                              123.12

“Vidhyujihwa  the Rakshasa with a huge form was killed  here . Here Yajnashatru was killed  and the very strong Supthagna . Sooryashathru was killed and Brahma Shatru was  killed   afterwards.                 123.13

“Here Mandodhari   who is the wife of Ravana surrounded by one thousand of her  co wives lamented for the death   of Ravana.                                                                                                                               123.14

“Oh Sita with a blessed face , here you can see water descending in to the ocean , where after crossing the sea  we spent the night.”                                                                                                                           123.15

“Here is a bridge built by me  over the salty ocean  which was with great difficulty constructed  by Nala and which is called  “Nala’s bridge””                                                                                                              123.16

“Oh Vaidehi see this imperturbable ocean called the  “Home of Varuna”  which is roaring  as if  it is boundless   and which  is teeming with large number of conches   and shells.”                                    123.17

“Oh Maithili , see here this olden mountain called Mainaka , which is the king of mountains which rose up from the sea   to provide rest to Hanuman.”                                                                                          123.18

“Please see this island located in the middle  of the ocean were my army  was stationed  here and where  Lords Shiva showed his grace to me.”                                                                                                           123.19  

“Here you are seeing the scared waters of   the very great ocean, which is worshipped in all the three worlds  and is  well known as  “The bridge of the Sethu”. It is a very auspicious and divine place  , which destroys major sins committed by us  and the king of Rakshasas, Vibheeshana came to meet me here.”

                                                                                                                                                             123.20-123.21

“Oh Sita, here you see the very pretty city of Sugreeva called Kishkinda  attached with a colourful forest. The Monkey chief Vali was killed by me here.”                                                                                       123.22

Sita  who was timid due to love after seeing the city of Kishkinda which was ruled by Vali  said the following courteous words   to Rama.                                                                                                       123.23

“I would like to go the capital city of Ayodhya   along with you and accompanied by the wives of monkey chiefs  which should include Tara  and other beloved wives of Sugreeva.”                            123.24-123.25

When Rama heard these words of Sita, he said, “Let it be like that”,  and made the aerial car halt when they reached Kishkinda  and looking at Sugreeva , Rama spoke the following words.”                    123.26

“Oh tiger among monkeys instruct all your monkey chiefs to come to Ayodhya accompanied    by their  wives.”                                                                                                                                                               123.27

“Oh mighty Sugreeva , the king of monkeys , you too bring all your ladies along with the great army of yours along with their wives and then, we would proceed.”                                                                 123.28

When the greatly lustrous Rama spoke like this Sugreeva , the king of the monkeys , accompanied by all other  monkeys entered  in to  his private apartment  and looked at Tara  and spoke.        123.29-123.30

“Oh Darling , you have been permitted  along  with wives of other great monkeys to proceed to Ayodhya  by Rama to satisfy the  wishes of Sita.”                                                                                                        123.31

“Hurry up, we shall proceed along with the wives  of all other monkey chiefs    and show them the city of Ayodhya  as well as the widows of Dasaratha.”                                                                                          123.32

Hearing the words of Sugreeva, Tara who was pretty all over called the wives of other monkey chiefs and told them as follows.                                                                                                                                 123.33

“As per the order of Sugreeva ,. Let all the monkey ladies   hurry up to proceed to Ayodhya  and  a kindly act has also been done to me by fulfilling my wish to see Ayodhya.”                                                    123.34

“We will also see the entry of Rama in to that city along with  people of the city as well as villages  and also would see the great opulence of the widows of  Dasaratha.”                                                          123.35

“With the permission of Tara all those monkey ladies , after dressing themselves according to rule , went round the aerial car and got in to it  with a wish to see Sita.”                                                                   123.36

Raghava after seeing the aerial car rise quickly , when they neared the Rishyamooka mountain spoke again to Maithili.                                                                                                                                                123.37

“Oh Sita , now you are seeing the very great Rishyamooka mountain which is blessed with ore of Gold   and which looks like  cloud along with lightning. “                                                                                       123.38

“It was here that I met  Sugreeva , the king of monkeys  and made an agreement   for the killing   of  Vali.”                                                                                                                                                                      123.39

“Here you see the colourful forests as well as the Pampa river , where I greatly lamented for being separated from you.”                                                                                                                                         123.40

“I saw Sabari , the follower of Dharma on its shore  and here  I happened to kill Kabandha with one Yojana long arms. “                                                                                                                                             123.41

“Oh Sita, there you are seeing Janasthana   with its very holy   trees and oh pretty one, a great war between Ravana and Jatayu , the very strong lord of birds happened there for your sake .”123.42-123.43

“Oh lady with  very pretty colour , this is where I killed Khara  with straight arrows , where Dhooshana  was struck down  and the mighty Trisiras was killed  and oh charming lady there   is the hermitage  built by leaves  from where you were taken away by the king of Rakshasas.”                                   123.44-123.45

“Here is the pretty  and auspicious river Godavari with clear   waters  and the hermitage of Agasthya surrounded by Banana groves.”                                                                                                                     123.46

“Here is the shining hermitage of  the very great Sutheeshna and you also see the great hermitage of Sarabhanga, where the thousand eyed  Indra , the destroyer of cities came  .”                     123.47-123.48

“Oh lady with a slender waist , here you are seeing  the hermitages for which sage Atri  who has a luster like fire and  the sun is the chief.”                                                                                                                 123.49

“It was in this place that  the very huge bodied Viradha was killed by me   and it was here Sita that you saw the lady sage (Anasuya)   who was the great follower of Dharma.”                                       123.50

“Oh lady with a pretty body , here is excellent and lustrous mountain of Chithrakuta  and it was here  that Bharatha came   to please me.”                                                                                                              123.51

“Oh Maithili , here  you can see  the river Yamuna surrounded by colourful forests  and you can also see the great hermitage  of  the saint Bharadwaja.”                                                                                          123.52

“Here you can see the blessed Ganga with three   different streams  whose banks are crowded by flocks of birds  and whose shores are lined with flowering forests.”                                                                   123.53

“We have now reached Srungaberipura where  my friend Guha lives  and you can see  the Sarayu river  both whose banks have attractive flowering trees. “                                                                                 123.54

“And now you can see  Ayodhya , the capital city of my father  and  having returned back , Oh Sita, please salute this city of Ayodhya.”                                                                                                               123.55

There all the monkeys, Rakshasas as well as Vibheeshana , jumped again and again to get a good  glimpse  of that  great city.                                                                                                                              123.56

After that  the monkeys along with the Rakshasas  saw that Ayodhya, having rows of white palaces, intersected with wide roads, and crowded with elephants and horses, looking like Amravati, the City of Indra the lord of Devas.                                                                                                                                   123.57

 

Thus ends the hundred and  twenty  third   chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book.

 

124.Rama goes to hermitage of sage Bharadwaja

 

(Rama decides to go to the hermitage of sage Bharadwaja before going to Ayodhya.  He requests the sage for information about welfare of the city. The sage assures him that things are okay.  He says that he knew all the activities of Rama by his divine power. Rama requests him to make all the trees up to Ayodhya fully laden with fruits and flowers. The sage blesses that it would be like that.) 

 

The fourteen years had been completed and it was  the fifth phase of the moon   and the elder brother of Lakshmana   reached the hermitage of Bharadwaja   and saluted the sage  as per the rules.    124.1

After  saluting   the sage Bharadwaja  , who has a rich asset of  penance  , he enquired , “Oh God like sage,  have you heard of abundance of food in the city of Ayodhya   and is the city free from  disease?  Is Bharata ruling it with attention?  Are all my mothers alive ?”                                                           124.2

When  sage Bharadwaja heard these words of Rama  , He with  a joyful disposition and a smile   replied that chief of Raghu clan.                                                                                                                           124.3

“Bharata who lives smearing mud on his limbs  and has matted locks, places   your sandals before   him and is looking forward   to your arrival . In your city and home all are  safe.”                              124.4 

"Oh Rama who is  victorious in battles,  previously  , on seeing you going deep into the great forest on foot, with the sole intention of practicing Dharma , clad in pieces of bark, going away from kingship  , sacrificing all sort of enjoyments, like an Deva  fallen from heaven, having renounced all your possessions,  along with your spouse  as the third one of your party , resolving to   carry  out the behest of your father and intent on implementing the pledge given  to Kaikeyi and living on wild roots and fruits, pity arose in me ."                                                                                                                  124.5-124.7

“But on seeing you now   I am feeling very happy   as you have fulfilled your promise  , conquered all your enemies   and have returned accompanied   by hosts   of friends  and relatives.”            124.8

“Oh Raghava I very well know  completely  all the pleasures and sorrow   that happened to you , due to your having to live in Janasthana .”                                                                                                       124.9

“While you were  busy protecting all the Brahmins as per  the request of all ascetics , The stain less wife  of yours was abducted  by Ravana,”                                                                                                    124.10

"Oh  Rama, who is   devoted to Dharma,  even the appearance of Mareecha, the abduction of Sita by Ravana, the sight of Kabandha, your arrival at the Pampa lake, your alliance with Sugreeva, as to  how Vali was killed by you, the search-operation for Sita, the exploit of Hanuman in  the tracing of Sita, how the bridge Nalasetu was constructed  , how the City of Lanka was set fire by the rejoiced monkey-chiefs, how that Ravana who was the thorn in the side of gods  who  was arrogant of his strength   was killed in battle, with his sons kinsfolk and his ministers  and  how a boon was conferred by them on you by Gods - all this is known to me by   my asceticism. My disciples, who were accustomed to report to me the news, used to go to Ayodhya City from here."                                                                                      124.11-124.16

“Friends , riches and grains   are thought as great by  people. , but mother and mother land are considered much greater than even heaven.”                                                                                     124.17

“Bowing with head bent bow to this statement  as he was greatly attracted by it  , the   great prince   requested the sage for the following boon.”                                                                                     124.18

"Oh God like sage,   Let all the trees on the way  to Ayodhya from here , bear fruit even in the off-season and flow with honey. Let abundant fruits of various kinds, emitting the fragrance of nectar, appear on them."                                                                                                                                                            124.19

When the sage said , “So be it”,  , all the trees there   grew  closely like the trees of heaven.”   124.20

 Then for three  Yojanas on their way to Ayodhya   in the direction of their travel  , the trees  which were never bearing   fruits  , were completely filled with fruits  , and those which had stopped flowering were full of flower   and all the withered trees  were clothed with leaves   and  started flowing with honey.” 

                                                                                                                                                        124.21-124.22

 The very highly pleased monkeys   seeing very many divine fruits   , felt as if they have conquered   heaven   and consumed   in thousands those very divine fruits.                                                   124.23

 

Thus ends the hundred and  twenty  fourth    chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book.

 

125.Rama sends  Hanuman to Guha and Bharata

 

(Feeling the time delay, Rama sends Hanuman to go and inform his welfare to Guha and Bharata.  He also asks Hanuman to tell Bharata  bout how he is retyrning with friends. Hanuman tells Guha about Rama ‘s welfare and meets Bharata   and informs him of impending arrival  of Rama.. Bharata becomes extremely happy.)

 

Raghava who was quick in exhibiting his valour  on seeing Ayodhya became very thoughtful  and wanted  to do a   act of  kindness .                                                                                                                                 125.1

Thinking like that , his sight    fell on the monkeys there   and he told that   that   sagacious and glorious monkey Hanuman.                                                                                                                                            125.2

“Go quickly to Ayodhya   oh great monkey   and find whether the people in the city as well as the  palace   are  safe?”                                                                                                                                                          125.3

“You reach  Sringaberipuram    and tell Guha who lives in the forest  , who is the king of Nishadas , about my welfare . “                                                                                                                                                   125.4

“Hearing that I am Okay  , without sickness  and free from any trouble   Guha would be greatly pleased  as he  is my life like friend.”                                                                                                                           125.5

“Then that Guha who is the king of Nishadas  would become pleased and would tell you   about the way to Ayodhya  and about welfare of Bharata.”                                                                                             125.6

“You have to enquire   about the welfare of Bharata  on my behalf   and tell him that we have accomplished our objectives   and I have   returned safely with my wife and brother.”                 125.7

“Tell him  how Vaidehi was abducted by force by Ravana  , my conversation with Sugreeva   and my killing  of Vali in the battle.”                                                                                                                      125.8

“Tell him about the search for Maithili  and how she was traced by you   after crossing   the extensive and never diminishing ocean.”                                                                                                                125.9

“Tell him about how we went near the ocean  , how we saw the God of the ocean  , how we built the bridge    and how we killed Ravana.”                                                                                                    125.10

“Tell him about the boons given by Indra, Brahma and Varuna  and about my meeting with our father by grace of Lord Shiva.”                                                                                                                                125.11

“Oh gentle one , then inform him how ,  I have come near the city of Ayodhya   along with Vibheeshana,   and Sugreeva , the king of monkeys.”                                                                      125.12

“Tell him how   I have conquered all my enemies and obtained matchless fame   and tell him that after   accomplishing the purpose  I have come near to him with my mighty friends.”                        125.13

“You also should try to know the expression in face of Bharata   when he hears the news  and after he hears it completely about what he intends to do  about me now.”                                             125.14

“I also want to know all the happenings  , the colour of his face,  his glances, his mode of speech  and all the gestures of  Bharata.”                                                                                                               125.15

“Whose mind does not change  with the kingdom    which is full of wealth and enjoyments   and has elephants  , chariots  and horses   and which was inherited from father and grandfather.”  125.16

“After having been associated   with the kingdom, if Bharata desires to rule it , let Bharata rule it without dividing it in one piece.”                                                                                                                      125.17

“Oh Hanuman , after understanding his thoughts   and perception   you should come back quickly   before we   reach very near Ayodhya.”                                                                                          125.18

Thus commanded by Rama  , Hanuman  the son of wind God  , assuming the form of a man   went swiftly  towards Ayodhya.                                                                                                                            125.19

Hanuman the son of wind God   speedily flew   towards Ayodhya  like the Garuda  when he intends to catch a large   snake.                                                                                                                       125.20

After leaping to the sky and  flying through the auspicious    world of birds   and after crossing the huge meeting place  of   Ganges and Yamuna  , Hanuman reached Sringaberipuram   and approached  the Guha  , the valorous Hanuman spoke to him these words in a charming voice.      125.21-125.22

“ Your friend Rama of the clan of Kakustha who is truly valorous along with Sita and the son of Sumithra   has enquired about your welfare.                                                                                                 125.23

“You would be able to meet him today itself  on the fifth phase of the moon  after   he is permitted by sage Bharadwaja   who has requested him to spend  today’ s night   in his hermitage .     125.24

After telling this   the greatly lustrous one   with joy again sprang  up in the sky   and not bothering about his fatigue   travelled   with very great speed.                                                                              125.25

 On the way Hanuman  saw, , Ramatirtha, a place of descent into the river (hallowed by the association of Lord Parashurama), as well as the rivers Valukini, Varuthini and Gomati as also the formidable forest of Sala trees, many thousands of people and numerous communities.                                  125.26

That  great monkey  went fast and covered a long distance quickly   and reached   near Nandigrama surrounded by flowering trees  which had   gardens  comparable to Garden of Indra    as well as Chaithraratha garden of Khubera  which was frequented by  well dressed ladies along with their sons and elderly people .                                                                                                                 125.27-125.28

At a distance of a krosa( two miles)  from Ayodhya Hanuman  saw Bharata, living in a hermitage, with the bark trees and the skin of a black antelope wrapped round his waist, looking miserable and emaciated, wearing matted locks on his head, his limbs coated with dirt, afflicted through separation from Rama his elder brother, subsisting on roots and fruits, with his senses subdued, engaged in austerities, protecting virtue, with a very high head of matted hair, covering his body with the bark of trees and a deer skin, disciplined, whose thoughts were fixed on the Supreme Spirit, with a splendour equaling that of a Brahmarishi, ruling the earth after placing the wooden sandals before him, protecting the people belonging to all the four  caste groups   from all dangers and attended by the upright ministers, priests and by clever troop-commanders, all clad in saffron robes.

                                                                                                                                                    125.29-125.33

Those citizens of the city who loved Dharma  ignored   the enjoyment of pleasures  on seeing their prince clad in wooden bark and the hide of black antelope  .                                                     125.34

That Hanuman, the son of wind God  thus spoke to Bharata  who was conversant with Dharma   and clothed   in the body of Dharma looked like another God of Dharma .                                    125.35

Rama who used  to live in Dandakaranya   wearing the cloth made of bark of trees and a  matted lock  , for whom you seem to repent enquired about your welfare.                                                  125.36

“Oh Lord , I am telling you the news to your liking , give up this great sorrow  for within a short time   you would join with Rama     who is your elder brother.”                                                          125.37

“After killing Ravana    and getting back Vaidehi  and after accomplishing his purpose   Rama is coming back with his very mighty friends. “                                                                                             125.38

“The very lustrous Lakshmana   and the very famous Sita , the princess of Videha   are also coming back along with Rama resembling Sachi Devi coming with Indra.”                                                 125.39

When Hanuman told this to Bharata , the son of Kaikeyi , he sank on the earth with great joy   and fainted through excessive joy.                                                                                                      125.40

Within a short time Bharata got   up from his swoon  after regaining consciousness   and spoke to Hanuman who had brought glad tidings .                                                                                  125.41

Without any sorrow , fully drenched in love  , with great emotion Bharata  embraced the monkey   and drenched him   with great tear drops not born out of sorrow but of joy.                       125.42

"Oh  gentle one,  Are you a Deva  or a human being, who have come here out of compassion? To you, who has  given me  this agreeable news, I shall give in return, for the pleasant tidings, a hundred thousand cows, a hundred best villages, and for wives, sixteen golden complexioned virgin girls of a good conduct, decked with ear-rings, having beautiful noses and thighs, adorned with all kinds of jewels, with charming countenances as delightful as the moon and born in a noble family." 125.43-125.45

That prince hearing about the news of arrival of  Rama from the monkey chief  was  greatly surprised  and with great joy   and with great desire to see Rama  again joyfully started talking.           125.46

 

Thus ends the hundred and  twenty  fifth   chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book.

 

126.Hanuman informs all news to Bharata

 

(When Bharata enquires, Hanuman tells him in detail about all the happenings in the life of Rama after he left Chithrakoota.  He also tells him that Rama would be arriving the next day.)

 

I am greatly delighted to hear  the  news   of  my Lord   who went in to the vast forest   very many years ago.                                                                                                                                                                    126.1

“I consider the   common saying “Bliss comes to the surviving man even after   one hundred years “  to be  true.”                                                                                                                                                          126.2

“ Since I am asking you, please tell me the truth as to how a treaty was signed between Rama and the monkeys and under   what circumstances.”                                                                                             126.3

Having been seated on the cushion offered by the prince  , Hanuman  , after that started   telling about   the story of Rama in the forest.                                                                                                                  126.4

"Oh  Lord, Oh  long-armed one,  You already know well ,  How your mother was  granted   two boons by your father, how Rama was sent to  forest in  exile, how Dasaratha the king died, with a shocking sorrow for his son's exile, how you were brought quickly from Rajagriha   by the ministers , how sovereignty was not coveted by you when you returned to Ayodhya, how on your going to mount Chitrakoota, your, elder brother the tormentor of enemies was invited by you who followed Dharma  to take back the kingdom, how Rama who stood by his father's words, renounced the kingdom and stood by his father's words  and how your returned to Ayodhya, taking with you the wooden sandals  Hear from me now, that which occurred after you had returned to Ayodhya."                                                      126.5-126.9

“After you returned back  the forest had a miserable look  with scared   animals as well as birds.”

                                                                                                                                                                    126.10 

“Rama then entered the horrifying , very lonely forest of Dandaka   which was trampled by elephants   and populated by lions and tigers.”                                                                                                     126.11

“In that  dense forest  in front of them appeared   the very strong Viradha   who uttered   a very loud roar.”                                                                                                                                                       126.12

“They made him who was rushing towards them with uplifted arms   in to a pit  with  head first   while he was making a loud wail like an elephant.”                                                                                126.13

“After completing this very difficult job , the two brothers  Rama and Lakshmana     went to the pretty hermitage of Sharabhanga.”                                                                                                            126.14

“Rama who was truly valorous  reached Janasthana   after   Sharabhanga ascended to the  heaven   after offering their salutations to the sages there.”                                                                             126.15

“After that a Rakshasi called Soorpanakha  came and troubled Rama and the strong Lakshmana and  as per the orders of Rama, Lakshmana     chopped off her ears and nose   with his sword.               126.16

“The great Rama  killed    fourteen thousand Rakshasas who were living in the Janasthana region  who were  very capable.”                                                                                                                       126.17

“In the battle front all alone  completely finished   off all those fourteen thousand Rakshasas  in a fraction of the quarter of the day.”                                                                                             126.18

“Those very strong   and greatly valorous    Rakshasas who  were causing trouble to all the sages   who lived in Dandakaranya were killed by the arrows of Raghava.”                                                       126.19

“All those Rakshasas were smashed   in the battle  and their leader Khara was also killed . He also killed Dhooshana as well as Trishira.”                                                                                                            126.20

“Then tormented by the killing of those Rakshasas,   the childish Soorpanakha    approached  the horrifying Rakshasa Ravana  . Then  Mareecha   a horrifying Rakshasa who was the follower of Ravana   , assumed a form of   a gem studded  deer  and allured Sita.”                                               126.21-126.22

“When Sita saw  it she told Rama, “Please catch this deer so that our hermitage    would become  pleasing to the mind.”                                                                                                                            126.23

“Armed with a bow , Rama   chased that deer which was running  and killed it with a sharp arrow with curved knots.”                                                                                                                                        126.24

“Oh gentle one,  while Raghava was chasing the deer  , even Lakshmana had to go out   and Ravana at that time   entered the hermitage .”                                                                                                  126.25

“That Ravana caught hold of Sita like the planet Mars catching hold of Rohini   and after killing in  war   a vulture named Jatayu who tried to get her freed   and that Ravana went very quickly from there taking Sita with him.”                                                                                                                                       126.26

“Then with great surprise   some  mountain like monkeys sitting on the top of the mountain   saw  with great astonishment  Ravana    the king of Rakshasas taking away Sita.”                       126.27-126.28

“That aerial car    which was moving with the speed of the mind  called Pushpaka arose along   with Vaidehi   and the mighty Ravana who made the world cry.”                                                       126.29

(Ravana was not travelling in Pushpaka Vimana  according to Aranya Kanda)

“Taking her   to  an auspicious golden palace   Ravana tried his best   to  obey  make her his wishes   with his words.”                                                                                                                                                 126.30

“Treating  words of the king of Rakshasas  like a lowly straw  and without caring for him   Sita later chose to live  in the Asoka forest.”                                                                                                             126.31

“While returning back    after killing the deer,  Rama saw   the vulture lying dead in the forest  and seeing him whom Rama loved like his father , Rama was greatly disturbed.”                          126.32-126.33

“When Rama along with Lakshmana   were searching for Vaidehi  , they walked   in the flowering  forest along the side of Godavari river.”                                                                                                     126.34

“In that great forest  they met a Rakshasa called Kabandha   and that  truly valorous Rama following the words of Kabandha   went to Rishyamooka  mountains and met Sugreeva.”                         126.35

“Even before they met each other    a meeting of their hearts took place  .Sugreeva had been banished   by his enraged Vali who was his elder brother   and as a result  of mutual talks, Rama and Sugreeva   became attached to each other  .”                                                                                      126.36-126.37

“Having killed the very huge and very strong  Vali   by the power of his hands , Rama got back the kingdom to Sugreeva.”                                                                                                                     126.38

“Sugreeva along with all monkeys established his kingdom   and promised  to commence the search for the princess  Sita.                                                                                                                               126.39

“Commanded by  The great Sugreeva , the king of monkeys   , ten crores  of monkeys   were   sent to search in all the four directions.”                                                                                                   126.40

“Due to our missing the correct  way    in the great Vindhya  mountain , we felt great sorrow   and a long time   slipped past us.”                                                                                                                    126.41

“A valorous vulture called Sampathi who is the   elder brother of king of vultures Jatayu   precisely told   us the place of stay of Sita   in the home of Ravana”                                                                126.42

“After   removing the sorrow   of my clan , I jumped one hundred Yojanas  , depending only on my strength.”                                                                                                                                         126.43

“There  I saw   a lady alone in the Asoka forest  clad in a soiled  silk cloth  without any joy   and doing firm penance.”                                                                                                                                       126.44

“After meeting her   and enquiring with her as per the need  , I came to know that faultless lady   and gave her the signet ring  with name of Rama engraved in it     as a token.”                         126.45

“Receiving in return a jewel from her as token  , I returned after achieving success  and on returning back , I gave    that revered jewel   to Rama who was  never tired of doing a job.”          126.46

“After hearing the news about Sita   Rama regained hope   to live further , like a dying patient feels after taking nectar.”                                                                                                                               126.47

“Excited to fight a war  , he decided   on the destruction of  Lanka   , just like a fire god  is determined to burn the universe   at the time of deluge.”                                                                              126.48

“After reaching the ocean  , he made Nala construct a bridge   and the army of monkey warriors  crossed the ocean  using that bridge,”                                                                                                      126.49

“Nila killed Prahastha, Rama killed Kumbhakarna   , Lakshmana  killed the son of  Ravana     and Rama   himself killed Ravana  .”                                                                                                                              126.50

"The  great   Rama, the destroyer of enemies, met   Indra , Yama , Varuna , Maheshvara, Brahma  as also Dasaratha (his deceased father) and was  granted   boons by them. Sages and  Devas  who came there, too gave boons."                                                                                                                                                                   

                                                                                                                                                             126.51-126.52

“After getting those boons along with his friends the monkeys   , he flew in the aerial car called  Pushpaka and reached Kishkinda.”                                                                                                                                    126.53

“After reaching the banks of river Ganges   again   Rama stayed  along with   sage Bharadwaja   and tomorrow   when the moon enters    the star Pushya(poosam)   you would be able to see  Rama without any problem.” 126.54

After hearing the truth from the great words of Hanuman  , with great joy Bharata   after offering him  salutations   spoke the following words, “My desire has been fulfilled after a long time.”                                 126.55

 

Thus ends the hundred and  twenty  sixth   chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book.

 

127.Rama reaches Ayodhya

 

(Bharata and Shatrugna make great arrangements to receive Rama. Rama arrives in the aerial car. Bharata and Shatrugna  salute Rama and  speak nice words to the monkeys and Vibheeshana,. Rama salutes his mothers. Then they all reach Nandigrama. Rama sends back Pushpaka Vimana to Khubera.)  

 

The truly valorous Bharata attained divine joy   and commanded Shatrugna  , the destroyer of enemies  who was  also  happy.                                                                                                                                                                     127.1

“Let  men of good conduct   worship   all the Gods in temples as well as in town    with scented garlands   accompanied   by playing of musical instruments.                                                                                                127.2

“Let the Charioteers , experts in singing   praises in a primeval manner ,  All people who sing  poems  of  praise  , experts  in  singing with musical instruments and   dancing girls  join together  with the wives of the king  , ministers  , army men and their wives  , Brahmins, Kshatriyas , leaders   and members of trade councils   come out and see  the moon like face of Rama.”                                                                                                          127.3-127.4 

Hearing the words of Bharata,  Shatrugna  the destroyer of enemies  summoned   several thousand labourers  working for wages  and divided them in to several groups    and told them as follows.                                127.5 

“Let the holes and depressions on the road from Nandigrama to Ayodhya be leveled by filing them up and let   the rough and uneven places in the paths be leveled.”                                                        127.6

“Let the entire ground be sprinkled with ice cold water  and let others  keep on sowing parched grains of paddy and flowers   on them .”                                                                                                                 127.7

“Let all the streets of Ayodhya   which is an excellent city   be lined with flags   , and let the houses be decorated   till the Sun rises.”                                                                                                                    127.8

“Let hundreds of men   make fall on    the royal highway  scented  loose flowers and garlands of five colours.”                                                                                                                                                         127.9

On hearing that command of Shatrugna ministers  , Dhrushti, Jayanta, Vijaya, Siddhartha, Arthasadhaka, Ashoka, Mantrapala and Sumantra proceeded with joy.                                                        127.10-127.11

Some people   decorated by hundreds of pots rode on thousands of elephants in rut , and some others on female elephants   provided  with golden  platforms   and along with these elephants  several great charioteers   issued forth riding on chariots in great speed.                                                               127.12

Great warriors riding on selected horses  which were superior and in thousands of numbers   bearing flags  and pennants   and carrying  Javelins , spears   and nooses in their hands  , further surrounded    by thousands of foot soldiers   sallied forth,                                                                                       127.13-127.14

All the women of Dasaratha  ,keeping Kausalya  and Sumithra in the front   mounted on their vehicles   started forth along with Kaikeyi and reached Nandigrama.                                                                  127.15

Placing the wooden sandals of his brother  on his head and taking the white parasol  which was adorned with white garlands and two white whisks decorated with gold, eminently worthy of kings, accompanied by the foremost of Brahmins, leaders of the guilds of traders and artisans, including the mercantile class, surrounded by the counselors with garlands and bell-shaped sweets in their hands, cheered by the blast of conches and kettle-drums, duly praised by musicians  , the great   Bharata, whose mind was set on Dharma , who was well-versed with the secret of Dharma , who was emaciated through fasting, who felt miserable, and was clad in the bark of trees and the skin of a black antelope, who experienced joy for the first time in hearing the news of the arrival of his brother then went in advance, along with his ministers, to meet Rama.                                                                                                              127.16-127.20

The Earth was shaking by the sounds of hoofs of the horses ,  the sound of rolling of wheels of the chariots and  the tumultuous sound raised   by conches   and kettle drums.                                  127.21

It was felt that the entire  city stretched up to Nandigrama  and glancing round Bharata spoke   to the son of wind God.                                                                                                                  127.22   

“Has the  absence of firm mind in case of monkeys has been resorted by  you , for I am not seeing Rama the son of Kakustha clan and    the destroyer of his enemies.”                                                      127.23

When these words escaped from the truly valorous  Bharata  , Hanuman   immediately told him   words which were suitable to the situation.                                                                                                127.24

"A  great   roar of  joyful   monkeys is being heard, for, they are seeing on their   way  trees which continually, yield fruit, adorned with blossom, flowing with honey which is drunk by bees which make  reverberant humming sounds  which is due   to the grace of Sage Bharadwaja. Oh  Bharata, the destroyer of adversaries,  A boon  also was conferred by Indra  by virtue of which,   a hospitality rich with all excellences was earlier extended by Bharadwaja to you, with your entire army. I presume that the aforesaid army of monkeys is crossing the rivers, Gomati."

                                                                                                                                                                 127.25-127.27

“See   the cloud dust raising        above the grove of Sala trees ,which is because  of the shaking  of the pretty Sala trees by the monkeys. “                                                                                                                                   127.28

“Far away   the famous  and divine  aerial car   called Puspaka, which was created  by the mind of Brahma  and   which shines like the moon is to be seen.”                                                                                                   127.29

“This vehicle of Rama    was got after killing of  Ravana  and  all his relatives   and shines like the rising Sun    and belonged to Khubera   to whom it was   given by  Brahma and travel with the  speed of thought  .”                                                                                                                                            127.30

“ In that car are  besides the brothers  Rama  and Lakshmana  along with Sita    are   the greatly   lustrous  Sugreeva     and the Rakshasa Vibheeshana.                                                                              127.31

 Then the words ,  “Here  is Rama “,     like a  loud clamour  touching the  sky   was heard    from the  mouth   of women, children, old  people and youth  which gave rise to great joy  .         127.32

Getting down from   their chariots, elephants  and horses   those  men  stood   on the ground   and they all  saw   Rama  seated in the aerial car resembling  the  moon in the sky.                         127.33

 That very happy   Bharata with folded hands in salutation   turned  his face towards Rama , worshipped him   and welcomed Rama in a fitting manner.                                                                       127.34

The very long eyed elder brother of Lakshmana      seated in    the   aerial   car  created  by the  mind of Brahma    shined like   another Indra with a thunderbolt  in his hand.                                127.35

Bharata     saluted his brother   who   stood at the edge of aerial car shining like rising sun from Mount Meru      and bent low in great reverence.                                                                              127.36

That matchless aerial car with the permission    of Rama   which had swans drawn on it   landed on the  earth.                                                                                                                                             127.37

Bharata of the true valour  again  felt   very happy when he climbed in to the aerial car  ,  approached Rama    and  again greeted him.                                                                                             127.38

Then that son of Kakustha clan   seeing Bharata   after  a very long time   made him sit on his lap   and  with great joy embraced him.                                                                                                 127.39

 Then    the dear Bharata  , the destroyer of his enemies   approached Vaidehi and Lakshmana announced his name and greeted   them.                                                                           127.40

Then Bharata    the son of Kaikeyi   embraced   one after  another  ,  Sugreeva  , Jambavan  , Angadha  , Mainda  , Dvividha  , Nila and  Rishabha  .                                                                            127.41

He also embraced Sushena  , Nala, Gavaksha  , Gandhamadana  , Sarabha, Panasa and all monkeys surrounding them.                                                                                                                     127.42

Those monkeys who can assume any form that they desire   assumed the form of  a man   and with joy enquired about the welfare  of Bharata.                                                                               127.43

After that the very lustrous prince   Bharata  , who is great follower of Dharma  embraced Sugreeva , the great monkey  and told him.                                                                                                    127.44

“We are four brothers and you are our fifth brother  , Oh Sugreeva,  affection is born out of friendship    and hatred is the sign of an enemy.”                                                                                     127.45

After hugging Vibheeshana , Bharata told him,  , “it is only because of your help    this impossible   job was got done.”                                                                                                                          127.46

Then Shatrugna offered salutations to Rama as well as Lakshmana    and that one with great humility   offered salutation to the feet of Sita.”                                                                                  127.47

Rama went near his mother  with a sorrowing downcast  face ,bowed and caught her feet   making  the mind of his mother happy.                                                                                                     127.48

Then he saluted Sumithra and the famous Kaikeyi   and all his mothers  and also to his priest sage Vasishta.                                                                                                                                    127.49

All the citizens of Ayodhya with hands joined in salutation told him, “Oh great hero who increases the delight of Kausalya  , welcome to you.”                                                                             127.50

The elder brother of Bharata saw   thousands of joined palms  of the citizens of Ayodhya which appeared like lotus flowers in bloom.                                                                                                 127.51

Bharata himself took   the sandals of Rama   and placed   them below the feet  of the king of men, who was the follower  of Dharma.                                                                                              127.52

Bharata after saluting Rama told, “Oh king  , here is the kingdom of yours which was   given to  me as a deposit.”                                                                                                                                 127.53

“Today after seeing you return back to Ayodhya, my life  has accomplished its goal  and the great desire of my mind has been fulfilled.”                                                                                           127.54

“Please see critically  examine    your treasury, granary  , palace   and army   which by the power of your spirit has enhanced ten fold.”                                                                                                              127.55

Seeing Bharata , who loved his bother talking like this  , The Rakshasa Vibheeshana   and all the monkeys shed tears.                                                                                                                              127.56

Then Raghava placed  with great delight Bharata on his lap    and along with the army flew to the hermitage of Bharata in that aerial car.                                                                             127.57

After reaching the hermitage of Bharata  along with the army, that Raghava got down  from the front portion of the aerial car   and stood  waiting on the earth.                                            127.58

Then Rama   spoke to that matchless aerial car, “   “I permit you to now carry   Khubera   the lord of wealth and so please leave.”                                                                                                127.59

Thus permitted by Rama   that matchless aerial car    travelled towards the north    so as to reach the home of the  Lord of riches.                                                                                                 127.60

That divine aerial car called Pushpaka   once  abducted by the Rakshasas went  with great speed to the Lord of riches   impelled by the words of  Rama.                                                              127.61

Then the valorous  Raghava   affectionately pressed  the feet of his priest as  well as well-wisher Vasishta , like Indra would press the feet of Bruhaspathi  and made him sit in a separate seat near his  own.

                                                                                                                                                          127.62

 

Thus ends the hundred and  twenty  seventh   chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book.

128.Sri Rama Pattabhishekam  (Crowning of Rama)

Bharata , who increased the happiness of Kaikeyi  , saluting by  raising his hands above his head and  joining them together,   spoke   to Rama who was his elder brother   and  who was truly brave man .

                                                                                                                                                                         128.1

“You honouring the words of my mother gave this kingdom to me   and now similarly I am giving it back   similar to how you gave it to me.”                                                                                                            128.2

“Unlike a strong bull which can carry it for a long distance, I who am like a young bull   cannot carry this burden anymore.”                                                                                                                                        128.3

“I think that that cracks occurring in a kingdom are as difficult to control as   a breached   badly constructed dam   trying to stop a very big stream of water.”                                                             128.4

“Oh valorous killer of enemies  I am not able to follow the path shown by any more  like  a donkey  cannot follow   the gallop of the horse  a crow   trying to take   the chase of wild geese.”           128.5

“Oh great one ,  Oh king of men,   similar  to a tree planted in the  backyard of one’s house  ,  after   it grows well  with a huge trunk  and large branches  and is difficult to climb  but  does not yield   any fruit   and dries up after  flowering  and   thus not permitting   the one who planted it to enjoy its fruit would be an analogy   to you, if you do not rule over us ,  who are your servants. I hope you   understand the implication.”                                                                                                                                         128.6-128.8

“Oh  Raghava   , today  let  the world see   you, who is like  the lustrous sun   shining at noon,   being crowned  .”                                                                                                                                                       128.9

May you relax and wake up too, to the sounds of an ensemble of musical instruments, the tinkling of ornaments strung with tiny bells and worn around the waist and anklets as well as sweet recital of songs.                                                                                                                                                            128.10

“You be the  king of  all the  world    as long as   this world revolves   and as long as   this earth exists.”

                                                                                                                                                                        128.11

After Rama , the one who conquered enemy cities,  heard   the words of Bharata  he  accepted   it saying , “So be it”   and sat on that auspicious seat.                                                                                           128.12

Then as per the words of Shatrugna  expert barbers  with   gentle hands   who can do their work in great speed   surrounded   Rama.                                                                                                                       128.13

First Bharata  took bath  , then the very  strong  Lakshmana  ,  Sugreeva  the king of monkeys   and Vibheeshana   the king of Rakshasas also took their bath. Rama’s matted hair   was disentangled  and then he took bath and stood there  shining  with splendour   and adorned   with variety of garlands  and applied        with  sandal paste  and clothed in very   costly apparels.                                 128.14-128.15

That valorous and charming  one (Shatrugna) ., the one  who increased the happimess Ikshuvaku clan  made arrangements for personal   adornment of Rama and Lakshmana.                                               128.16

Then all the noble minded  wives of Dasaratha    decorated themselves personally    the very pretty Sita. 

                                                                                                                                                                   128.17

Afterwards the  very joyful Kausalya   who loved her sons   made  auspicious decoration of  the wives of all monkeys  with   great effort.                                                                                                          128.18

Then as per the orders of Shatrugna, the charioteer called Sumantra   came after yoking   to the chariot , horses which were auspicious in all limbs.                                                                                       128.19

Seeing that  divine chariot which was shining  like Sun   standing before him,   the great Rama who was truly valorous  climbed in to it .                                                                                                         128.20

Sugreeva and Hanuman    who both had luster like Indra  , after taking bath   started wearing   beautiful dresses   and ear rings.                                                                                                                             128.21

Wearing all types of ornaments    and wearing auspicious ear rings   , the wives of Sugreeva    along with Sita   moved out to see    the Town of Ayodhya.                                                                                128.22

In the city of Ayodhya   , the ministers of king Dasaratha   , keeping the priest in their front    discussed   all important aspects  meaningfully .                                                                                                   128.23

Asoka, Vijaya     and Siddhartha   with complete attention   discussed   Rama’s advancement to the post  as well as prosperity   of the city.                                                                                                        128.24

“We have to do all that is necessary   to the  proper  and auspicious  completion of anointing of  the great Rama.”                                                                                                                                           128.25

After passing on their decision to the priests   , they started   out of the city   with great interest to see Rama.                                                                                                                                                        128.26

That faultless Rama   mounted the chariot ,like the thousand eyed Indra mounted his chariot drawn by green horses  and  started  on his journey to the city.                                                                    128.27

Bharata took up the reins of the horses . Shatrugna held the decorative umbrella  on Rama's head. Lakshmana winnowed a fan. Vibheeshana, the king of Rakshasas  who was  standing nearby, held a white fan, shining brilliantly like the moon.                                                                         128.28-128.29

Groups of great sages  , Devas    and  the troops of Maruths  who were in the  sky   started praising Rama and a sweet sound was heard.                                                                                                           128.30

Sugreeva , the king of monkeys   with great luster   rode on a mountain like elephant called  Satrunjaya.

                                                                                                                                                                  128.31

Monkeys  who had assumed   human form   adorned with several type of ornaments   mounted on nine thousand elephants  rode along.                                                                                                       128.32

With  blowing of conches piercing the   ears and   with playing of kettle drums   , Rama , the foremost   among men    proceeded to the city of   Ayodhya   which had several great palaces.           128.33

Then the people saw   the pretty form of  the great  expert in chariot war   who was  pretty   riding on a chariot  with attendants walking in front.                                                                                    128.34

Felicitating Rama , greeted  with joy  by him in return all the people  followed  the great Rama    who was surrounded  by his brothers.                                                                                                          128.35

Surrounded by ministers , Brahmins   and other   citizens  , Rama   shined   brilliantly   , like the moon among stars.                                                                                                                                   128.36

Then That Rama  drove surrounded  by musicians   who were  walking in front  playing  musical instruments  , with cymbals and swastika instruments in their hands   and singing auspicious songs.

                                                                                                                                                         128.37

Men with golden coloured rice,  cows , maidens   along with  Brahmins   carrying Modhakas  (ball like sweets)  in their hands   walked in front of Rama.                                                                128.38

Then Rama told  his ministers  about his friendship of  Sugreeva, the great power of Hanuman  the son of wind God    and the other great adventures  of monkeys.                                            128.39

Hearing about the great job done by the monkeys   and about the strength   of Rakshasas, the citizens of the city of Ayodhya     were astonished.                                                                              128.40

Then he told his ministers   about his meeting with Vibheeshana   and after telling that , the greatly lustrous   Rama entered the   city of Ayodhya  , which  was full of joyful   and happy people     and also monkeys.                                                                                                                                    128.41

The citizens erected flags from house to house  on every house    and Rama reached  the pretty palace of his father which had been occupied   by the Ikshuvaku kings.                                        128.42

That great one after reaching the home of his father entered in to it   and  offered salutations to Kausalya  , Sumithra and Kaikeyi .   and then  that son of Raghu clan   told the prince Bharata   who was a great follower of Dharma  these meaningful and sweet words.                            128.43-128.44

“Give   this   very great house of mine   which has a great Asoka garden   and which is decorated by pearls and  Vaidoorya   to Sugreeva to stay.”                                                                           128.45

Bharata the truly valorous one hearing   those words  , took hold of the hands of Sugreeva   and entered   in to that  house  .                                                                                                                    128.46

Here   some men who were directed by Shatrugna     quickly    brought    oil lamps  , beds and mats and placed in that house.                                                                                                              128.47

The greatly lustrous Bharata    told Sugreeva as follows, “Oh Lord  , please  order the messengers   to arrange for the coronation of Rama.”                                                                               128.48

 Then that Sugreeva   immediately    gave four   golden pots   which was full of ornaments made of gems   to four chiefs  of monkeys.                                                                                                 128.49

“Oh monkeys get  four water pots filled with waters from  four different oceans   and you await my orders  in the early dawn after getting ready properly.”                                             128.50

When the great one told like this  those monkeys resembling elephants   travelled like eagles    after leaping in to the sky.                                                                                                           128.51

Jambhavan, Hanuman and  monkeys called Vega Darsi  and Rishabha   brought pot filled  with  water  collected from five  hundred   rivers in those jars.                                               128.52-128.53

After that the very energetic   Sushena    brought   a jar   adorned with different types of precious gems  , filled with   water  from the eastern sea  .                                                                        128.54

Rishabha  brought water speedily   in a golden jar from the southern sea  covered with stems  of   red sandalwood tree.                                                                                                                  128.55

Gavaya   who could travel with the speed of the wind   brought   cool water   from the western ocean   in a large jar   studded with gems.                                                                                         128.56

Nala   the follower of Dharma  who competed with Garuda and the wind God for his valour   and who was blessed with all good characters brought water with great speed from the southern sea.  128.57

Then Shatrugna along with his ministers   reported  to the chief priest and his friends  about the fact that water required for anointing if Rama    had been   brought by those foremost  of the monkeys.128.58

Then the very old Vasishta  with great attention   along with other Brahmins by his side   requested Rama  along with Sita to occupy the seat made of precious stones.                                                 128.59

Sages Vasishta, Vamadeva  , Jabali, Kashyapa  , Kathyayana  , Suyajna , Gauthama  and Vijaya  consecrated   that tiger among men   with clear   and sweet smelling   water just as the eight Vasus   consecrated  Lord Indra.”                                                                                                            128.60-128.61

They  all consecrated him first  and then got him consecrated  by Brahmins who were the priests performing Yagna  , then by virgins  , ministers, soldiers,   traders   with all kind of medicinal herbs  . The four  gods who   are the guardians  of the earth   stood in the   air    and all other  gods also assembled there .                                                                                                                                                128,62-128,63

Using that   crown which  was used  long ago by   Manu the emperor was adorned when   he was consecrated and with which, the kings followed in his line were successively adorned while they were crowned  , that crown studded with precious jewels, fashioned by Brahma at the beginning of creation and dazzling with luster , being kept according to practice on a throne adorned with many kinds of precious stones in the council-hall, studded with gold, graced with abundant riches, decorated and shiningly made with most charming jewels of various kinds, and thereafter Rama was duly adorned by that crown as well as jewels by the great-soul  Vasishta and other priests officiating at the coronation-ceremony.                                                                                                                                        128.64-128.67

Shatrugna    held an auspicious and white Umbrella over him , Sugreeva  the king  of monkeys held a white  fan and  Vibheeshana , the king of Rakshasas   held another fan   which was shining like the moon.                     

                                                                                                                                                             128.68-128.69

As suggested by Indra, the wind God presented  to  Raghava   a golden necklace   consisting of  one hundred lotuses   which were shining brilliantly .                                                                                    128.70

Induced by Indra    the wind God  also presented  the king   a chain of pearls    which was decorated by gems    inlaid with all types of precious stones.                                                                                     128.71

During the occasion of the crowning of the great Rama, the well deserving  Gandharwas sang   and groups of Apsara  maidens danced.                                                                                                 128.72

In that festival of the coronation of Raghava , earth was covered by crops , trees yielded fruits     and all flowers   were fragrant.                                                                                                                               128.73

That great  man Rama    gave away to Brahmins   one hundred thousand horses  and cows   and also gave  them a hundred bulls .                                                                                                                    128.74

Rama again gave the Brahmins   thirty crores  of gold coins  and  also   several types of ornaments as well as   cloths which are   costly  .                                                                                                                    128.75

Rama gave   Sugreeva  an auspicious   golden  garland to wear over the head studded with lot of gems   which looked like ray of sun light.                                                                                                         128.76

That  lustrous one presented  Angadha, the son of Vali  am armlet   which was studded by different types of Vaidoorya gems   and decorated   with several precious gems.                                      128.77

Rama presented Sita   a matchless   garland of pearls   further studded with various types of  superior gems which was shining like moon  and two pretty apparels   and other lovely ornaments.  128.78

When that daughter of Janaka  looking     towards the monkey Hanuman   and took out the pearl necklace from her neck  she was catching the glimpse of her husband and all the monkeys again and again.                                                                                                                                             128.79-128.80

Rama who was expert in understanding   gestures   looking at her   told the daughter of Janaka  ,”

“Oh auspicious and pretty lady,  , give that pearl garland,   to whomsoever you are happy   with  and in whom you see  luster  , sharpness , firmness  , fame  , dexterity , competence   , modesty , prudence  , masculinity  , valour   and intelligence   are always there.”                                                128.81-128.82

THatr black eyed one then  gave that garland which white and resembled the collection of beam of lights of the moon,  to Hanuman,  the son of wind God  who was a great monkey  and it shined on the monkey like   a white cloud  on a mountain.                                                                                                     128.83

Then  all the  very aged monkeys   and other great monkeys   were honoured suitably with   apparels and ornaments  .                                                                                                                                              128.84

After that that king of the earth   and the tormenter of his enemies   seeing around  presented many objects as per their characteristics   to Mainda, Nila and Dvividha.                                             128.85

Rama who never got tired doing his duties then   suitably honoured  Vibheeshana , Sugreeva , Hanuman, Jambavan  and  all old monkeys  satisfied their desire   presented all of them with suitable gifts    with a very joyful mind   as and when they came.                                                                          128.86-128.87

Then all those great   and excellent monkeys   saluted Rama   and being allowed to go   by Rama    went back to Kishkinda.                                                                                                                                   128.88

The Monkey Lord Sugreeva , after witnessing the coronation ceremony of Rama    and after being honoured by Rama   entered the city of Kishkinda.                                                                         128.89

Also Vibheeshana , the votary of Dharma   along with his army   after receiving the kingdom of his clan     returned back  to Lanka as its king.                                                                                                     128.90 

That greatly renowned Raghava who was  greatly  generous   , after destroying his enemies   enjoyed     the ruling of his entire kingdom   with great  delight  and that lover of Dharma told Lakshmana       who was an expert in Dharma.                                                                                                           128.91-128.92

“Oh expert in Dharma    rule this earth along with me  similar to our forefathers who ruled it  with the help of the army.  Installed a Yuvaraja   you   would  bear this burden very like our forefathers.”

                                                                                                                                                                       128.93

Even though , he was requested in many ways  , the son of Sumithra did not agree to this proposal   for being appointed to the post  of Yuvaraja and so     the great one consecrated  Bharata as Yuvaraja.

                                                                                                                                                                       128.94

Rama the son of the king   satisfied the gods   several times   by performing aswamedha and  Paudarika sacrifices   as   well as Vajapeya and other sacrifices.                                                                             128.95

After having ruled the country for ten thousand years   Raghava   performed one hundred Aswa Medha sacrifices   in which horses were sacrificed     and great gifts were bestowed.                                 128.96

That Rama    whose hands touched his knees   had a broad chest  , great glory   ruled this earth along with Lakshmana  as his companion.                                                                                                         128.97

That Raghava who is the soul of Dharma   after getting that matchless kingdom   performed many type of sacrifices  along with his sons, brothers and relatives.                                                                   128.98

When Rama was      ruling the country , there were no widows   for getting worried, there was no fear from wild animals   and no fear from birth diseases.                                                                           128.99

There were no thieves and robbers in this world, no one felt that he was useless  and no old man performed obsequies  to people younger than him.”                                                                      128.100

Every creature was happy. Even creature followed their Dharma   and seeing only Rama   no creature killed      another creature.                                                                                                                      128.101

When Rama was ruling   the kingdom,   people lived for one thousand years    and had   thousand sons   and were free of sorrow    and sickness.                                                                                             128.102

When Rama was ruling the  talk of the people was centered on Rama, Rama and Rama alone  and the world became the world of Rama.                                                                                                     128.103

The trees were bearing flowers and fruits always   without being affected by pests and diseases , the cloud was raining in time   and the  touch of the wind was pleasant.                                        128.104

Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas  and Shudras   were not having greed   , happily performed the duties they were supposed to do   and all people were intent on performing acts of Dharma.                 128.105

All people were with all good characteristics, all people were interested in following Dharma   and like that Rama  ruled for ten thousand years.                                                                                      128.106 

Whichever person of this world   reads or listens    to this  first book  which is endowed with Dharma  

Would  be blessed with fame  and longevity   and it would fetch victory to the kings  and this first book was written by    sage Valmiki.                                                                                           128.107-128.108

Any person hearing   about the crowning of Rama  , if he needs son he will get son  , if he needs wealth  he will get wealth  , the king would win over earth  and would become a  master over his enemies.

                                                                                                                                                              128.109

Like Kausalya having Rama, Sumithra having Lakshmana  , Kaikeyi having Bharata , women would become mothers to long living sons   and they would be always happy  and live with sons and grandsons.  

                                                                                                                                                128.110-128.111

Any one hearing    Ramayana   would get very long life   and one who reads about victory of Rama will never fail in any of his actions.                                                                                                       128.112

He who hears     this epic which    was composed long ago  by sage Valmiki   with attention and with control over anger  would be able to cross over all difficulties with ease.                            128.113

 He who hears   this epic    which was composed long ago   by sage Valmiki   would meet all his relatives after a long journey      and would become happy with their relatives.                                128.114

By the grace of Raghava , all the boons that they pray for would be realized   and all gods   would be pleased     with those who listened to it.                                                                                     128.115

To those living in their home , all  obstacles would be removed  , a king would win over earth   and a man who lives outside his home would become comfortable.                                              128.116

“Menstruating women    hearing this would get  matchless and   excellent sons   and one who worships it and reads it   gets relieved of all sins     and would live long.                                                 128.117

The Kshatriyas with bent head    should salute and listen to it   and the Brahmins    should read it every day regularly   and there is no doubt   that the listener and reader   of the entire Ramayana   will get  immeasurable wealth  and birth of a son.                                                                    128.118-128.119

 Rama is indeed Lord Vishnu who is eternal .  Rama , the chief of Raghu clan  is the primeval God  , the very strong Hari , the lord Narayana   and Lakshmana is Adhisesha  .  Rama  would  always love  you on reading this.                                                                                                                                                    128.120

Please narrate   this great story    which occurred long- long ago  without any fear  . You would be safe.  Let the power of Lord Vishnu increase.                                                                                                    128.121

By   analyzing and listening to this epic  all Devas would become happy with you   and by listening to Ramayana , your manes would get pleased.                                                                                         128.122

To those persons who write  this  collection on Rama written by great sages   with devotion  , residence in heaven is assured.                                                                                                                                 128.123

By listening   to this auspicious work  of literary merit   one   gets  increase in family prosperity  ,  increase in wealth, grains  , superior  women   , great happiness   and acquisition of wealth in this earth.

                                                                                                                                                                   128.124

This great work    should be listened   to by good people seeking wisdom  ,long life  , heath  , fame  , love from brothers , intelligence   , welfare   and splendour.                                                                   128.125

 

Thus ends the hundred and  twenty  eighth   chapter of the book of war   of Valmiki Ramayana    which is the first  book.

 

                     Thus ends    the great book of Ramayana composed  by sage Valmiki.