Kishkinda Kanda (Contd)

Book of Kishkinda (contd)

Translated by

P.R.Ramachander

48. Angadha and others search in vindhyas

(Angadha and others search all mountains , caves and forests of Vindhya mountains, Angadha kills a Rakshasa suspecting him as Ravana. They land up in desolate cave.)

The monkey Hanuman went along with Tara and Angadha and started searching in those places as instructed by Sugreeva. 48.1

He went a long distance along with those great monkey heroes and searched in the caves of Vindhya mountain and other interior places. He searched for her on mountain peaks fortresses surrounded by rivers lakes extensive trees clusters of trees, various mountains and in thickly grown trees. 48.2-48.3

All the monkeys started searching for Maithili , the daughter of Janaka in all places in that direction and those heroes could not find Sita . 48.4

There were various type of fruits and roots and went on searching for her , halting in inaccessible places here and there . 48.5

They searched for her in places which are difficult to search and in great deep caves and in places without water . without men, empty , deep and horripilating. 48.6

After having searched in those forests which are fearful , those monkey leaders left that place and those fearless ones entered other very difficult places. 48.7

In that forest trees did not have flowers nor fruits nor leaves and that land was without water and so it was difficult to get even roots. 48.8

There one could not see Buffalos , deer , elephants , tigers birds as also other forest animals. 48.9

There were no medicinal trees , creepers climbing on tree, creepers spreading on the ground and in lotus ponds which is normally pretty did not have soft leaves or bloomed flowers and there was no fragrance there . The monkeys entered that forest. 48.10-48.11

There was a sage there called Kandu , who was great , rich in penance , short tempered , one who follows all rules and one who was outrageous. 48.12

In that forest his young son who was just sixteen was lost and later died and that great sage then became very angry. 48.13

And that great soul then cursed this great forest that it would become inhospitable and become devoid of animals and birds. 48.14

Those monkeys searched in all areas of that forest , mountains, caves , rivers and also the source of those rivers. 48.15

In spite of that they were not able to see the great daughter of Janaka who was abducted by Ravana and Ravana himself . 48.16

After entering there , they saw a large place covered by climbers and bushes and there saw an Asura of cruel deeds , who was not even afraid of devas. 48.17

There the monkeys saw a horrifying Asura who was standing there like a mountain in size and after seeing him they all stood in attention before the mountain like person. 48.18

He ran towards them in great rage raising his fist and told all of them, “ All you monkeys are

now dead.” 48.19

Angadha the son of Vali seeing that Attacking Rakshasa thought that he was Ravana , hit him with his open palm. 48.20

When Vali ‘s son him , blood came out of his mouth and that asura fell on the ground like a mountain which has fallen down. 48.21

After he breathed his last , the monkeys who have won , then probably searched in all caves of the mountain. 48.22

They again searched that entire forest and entered another dreadful mountain cave. 48.23

They searched all over again and collected together at one place with a very dejected heart in a secluded corner and sat down. 48.24

This is the end of the forty eighth chapter Of the book of Kishkinda of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the first epic.

49.Angadha ‘s pep talk

(When Angadha finds that his monkeys are tired , he tells them to work hard , for otherwise Sugreeva would punish them. They start the search again but are not able to locate Sita.)

Then the very wise but tired Angadha consoled all the monkeys and told all the monkeys these words slowly . 49.1

“All of us have searched in forests, mountains, rivers , inaccessible forts , impenetrable areas , caves , mountain caverns and in all those places we did not find Janaki who is like a deva maiden and who was abducted by a Rakshasa” 49.2-49.3

“After Sugreeva who is very strict in implementing his decisions ordered us , lot of time has already been spent and so we have to again search all over. 49.4

“Please search , giving up laziness and even sleep which overpower us and you may search for Sita so that we can see her who is the daughter of Janaka.” 49.5

“Absence of sorrow , perseverance and a mind refusing to accept defeat do lead us to achieve our objectives and that is why I am telling you all this.” 49.6

“Oh dwellers of forest you may again search for her in impenetrable forests and give up your sorrow and start searching again in this forest.” 49.7

“When you do any job, definitely you would achieve results and it is not proper for us to close our eyes and despair.” 49.8

“Sugreeva is a king who gets very angry and gives severe punishments and we should also be afraid of the great soul Rama.” 49.9

“This has been told for your welfare and so please do it if it is agreeable to you and you may tell if you feel any other course is more suitable.” 49.10

Hearing the words of Angadha, Gandhamadana , who was thirst and exhausted told the following clear words.” 49.11

“I think the words of Angadha are very appropriate and they are aimed for our benefit and welfare and so please follow them.” 49.12

“Let us once gain start searching in mountains, valleys , caverns , forests , desolate places and mountain streams .” 49.13

“All of you may please search in all the places indicated by great Sugreeva and let us search in all forests and mountain forts .” 49.14

Again all those very strong monkeys stood up and started searching in the forests surrounding Vindhya mountains on the southern side . 49.15

The chosen monkeys who were eager to see Sita searched all over the silver mountain resembling autumn clouds and in all its peaks and caverns after ascending the mountain. There saw the forest of Lodhra plants and that of the seven leaved Banana. 49.16-49.17

Those very brave but exhausted monkeys climbed up the peaks but could not locate Sita the queen of Rama.” 49.18

Then after searching the very many caves of that mountain and after looking everywhere , the monkeys ascended from that mountain. 49.19

Then they who were very tired and dejected at heart stood for a moment and sat below a tree.49.20

Then after taking rest for a little time with a little bit disenchanted heart they decided they will search all the southern direction. 49.21

Those monkey lords started the search again led by Hanuman started searching the Vindhya mountains all over again. 49.22

This is the end of the forty ninth chapter Of the book of Kishkinda of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the first epic.

50.The monkeys enter Rikshabilam

( The starved and thirsty monkeys entered Rikshabilam thinking that they will get water and food. After a long struggle they see a fertile spot and a saintly lady )

That monkey Hanuman in the company of Tara and Angadha , searched inside the deep caves of the Vindhya mountain. 50.1

Then they searched near rivers inhabited by lions and tigers and having big boulders and in uneven places near the mountain streams. 50.2

When they reached the south west side of the Vindhya mountain and were living there , the time set by the monkey king ended. 50.3

Hanuman the son of wind god further searched in the very deep and impenetrable caves on the south western side of the mountain. 50.4

With mutual understanding Gaja, Gavaksha, Gavaya, Sarabha, Gandamaadana, Mainda, Dvivida, Sushena Jambhavan, Angadha the heir apparent, Tara the forest dweller and Hanuman having searched all over the mountains went to the southern side covered by a net work of mountain ranges. There they saw a cavern with an open mouth called Rikshabilam guarded by an asura. 50.5-50,7

Affected by thirst , hunger and tiresomeness those monkeys who were needing water to drink , saw a huge cave covered with thick growth of creepers , trees . 50.8

From that cave Krouncha birds , swans , cranes and Chakravaka birds drenched in water were coming out with their limbs reddened by the red coloured lotus pollen. 50.9

When those bulls among monkeys reached the cave , their mind was filled with wonder because they were not able to cross the give due to its fragrance . 50.10

Those lustrous , very strong and the best of the monkeys were happy because they guessed it contained water but they were not able to enter in it . 50.11

With scattering of different type of creatures , that place looked like a place of Rakshasas as it looked dreadful and was very difficult to enter. 50.12

Then Hanuman , the son of wind God who appeared like a huge mountain , who was very knowledgeable about impenetrable forests told the monkeys. 50.13

“We have so far covered many mountain Ranges as well as countries on the southern direction and we are greatly tired and have not been able to see Maithili.” 50.14

“From this cave Krouncha birds , cranes and Chakravaka birds emerge drenched in water and so this cave must have a well or pond with plenty of water and also we see that trees at the entrance shine with health.” 50.15-50.16

When they were told like this all of them entered in to that dark cave as there was no sun or moon in that cave and it was fearful (horripilating) . 50.17

Then those tiger among monkeys entered that dark cave . from where the sounds of lion, tigers, and other animals and birds were heard. 50.18

They were not able to fix their sight anywhere and their valour and luster was of no use to them and they were forced to move like wind because they were not able to see in that darkness. 50.19

Those elephant like monkeys after passing some distance with great speed , saw delightful light and a pleasing place . 50.20

In that cave they found densely growing various type of trees and holding each other they went another Yojana in that cave. 50.21

They became bewildered and almost lost their consciousness and were desperate for water and they further walked in to the cave without feeling lazy. 50.22

When those weakened , exhausted monkey heroes with dejected face were about to give up a hope for life they saw a bright light. 50.23

After having reached that location they saw a forest shining like blazing fire dispelling the surrounding darkness. They saw Sala, Tala, Tamala, Punnaga, Vanjula, Dhava, Champaka, and Naga trees and also saw blossoming plants of Karnika, bunches of beautiful golden flowers, and tender leaves radiant like the rising Sun. They saw golden trees with creepers entwining them. These trees bedecked with golden ornaments shined like the rising Sun. There were structures encrusted with sapphire and Vaidoorya stones for reclining. Those golden trees were shining brightly. There were lotus creepers of the colours of Sapphires and Vaidoorya s. The ponds surrounded by birds were filled with golden lotuses.

50.24-50.28

In the pond filled with pure water they saw golden fishes and huge golden tortoises along with lot of lotus creepers. 50.29

They saw big houses made of gold and silver there and the windows were made of gold with the shape of the eye of the cow , covered with meshes inlaid with pearls and they also saw houses made of gold, silver and mud and decorated with Vaidoorya gems.” 50.30-50.31

The trees were in full bloom and bore fruits which appeared bright like corals. Golden bees were flying around. All kinds of honey could be found there in abundance. 50.32

They saw all over rich collection of beds, seats and vehicles wonderfully decorated with gems and gold. They also saw a large collection of wonderfully shining utensils made of gold, silver and bronze.

50.33-50.34

There they saw the divine incense of Agaru and Sandalwood and large collection of eatables , fruits and roots. 50.35

Various type of great drinks and various type of tasty honey , wonderful and valuable apparels and collection of blankets and animals skins were there . 50.36

The monkeys saw here and there collections of pure Gold which were glittering like a raging fire.

50.37

When the very strong ones were searching her and there in the cave those monkey warriors saw a lady near by. 50.38

They were badly frightened on seeing a lady sage wearing a bark cloth and taking restricted food and shining greatly. 50.39

Those monkeys were taken aback and stopped there and Hanuman asked her , “Who are you and whose cave is this ?” 50.40

Than Hanuman who was looking like a mountain saluted that old woman with folded hands and asked her , “Who are you? And to whom does this cave , mansion and gems belong to?’ 50.41

This is the end of the fiftieth chapter Of the book of Kishkinda of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the first epic.

51.The Monkeys meet Swayamprabha

(When Hanuman asked her who she is and whose are these sacred trees and ponds she replies that it belongs to a Apsara lady called Hema and she , whose name is Swayamprabha is guarding this place for Hema.)

After saying this again Hanuman addressing that great lady saint dressed in deer skin and said to her.

51.1

“We have suddenly entered this cave filled with darkness as we were exhausted by thirst and hunger and completely tired.” 51.2

“Being thirsty when we saw a huge hole on the earth we entered here and having seen so many wonderful things here which are wonderful and matchless , we are amazed , pained and almost lost our consciousness.” 51.3

“Whose are these golden trees shining like the rising Sun, these tasty roots and fruits, these golden high mansions, these houses with glittering golden windows adorned with meshes encrusted with gems?” 51.4-51.5

“By whose power are these golden trees yielding such sacred fragrant fruits and flowers have been created? How did these golden lotuses grow in pure water? How are these golden fish and tortoises found here? By whose ascetic power this was created so wonderfully? You may tell us about your own effulgence since we are not aware of these things.” 51.6-51.8

When Hanuman asked her like this , that lady saint who was a follower of Dharma and who was committed to welfare of all beings replied to Hanuman. 51.9

“Oh bull among monkeys there was a person called Maya who was a magician and he has created this golden forest using his magic.” 51.10

“During earlier times there was a Dhanava chief called Viswakarma and he has constructed this auspicious mansion of gold.” 51.11

“He did penance in this forest addressed to Lord Brahma for thousands of years and he got all these wealth of Usanas from him.” 51.12

“After creating this great forest that one who was strong as well as lord of passion , lived in this golden forest for several years.” 51.13

“That great Dhanava was passionately attached to a pretty Apsara maiden called Hema and Lord Indra bravely attacked him with a thunderbolt .” 51.14

“This great forest was given by Lord Brahma to Hema along with a house of gold and permanent enjoyment of pleasures.” 51.15

“Oh best of monkeys , I am Swayamprabha the second daughter of Meru savarni and I am protecting this forest for Hema.” 51.16

“My dear friend Hema is well versed in dance and music and she has given a boon to me and also this great house and I am protecting it for her.” 51.17

“What is your mission? What are you looking for in these harsh forests? How did you find this inaccessible forest which is looked after me?” 51.18

“After eating these wonderful food items, fruits and roots and after drinking these drinks , you please tell me about everything.” 51.19

This is the end of the fifty first chapter Of the book of Kishkinda of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the first epic.

52.Hanuman tells their story to Swayamprabha

( When swayamprabha asks who they are, Hanuman tells their story and how they reached that place.)

After all those monkey chiefs have eaten and taken rest , then that saint who did penance with a single mind told them. 52.1

“Oh monkeys , if you have lost your sorrow and have eaten food and fruits, then I would like to hear from you.” 52.2

As soon as Hanuman, the son of wind God heard this he started to tell frankly as well as faithfully about his happenings. 52.3

“Rama is the son of Dasaratha , the king of all worlds who was equal to Lord Indra and that along with his brother Lakshmana and wife Sita entered the Dandaka forest and his wife was abducted by force from the Janasthana forest.” 52.4-52.5

“He has a valorous friend called Sugreeva who is a monkey king and we have come here because he sent us.” 52.6

“We who are led by Angadha have very fearsome monkeys and have been sent to the southern side traversed by sage Agasthya and protected by God Yama with a task to search for Ravana the Rakshasa who can take any form he likes and also the Sita , the princess of Videha.” 52.7-52.8

“We have completely searched this southern area completely and being exhausted and hungry we took rest below a tree.” 52.9

“We became greatly worried and our face became pale and were not able to cross the ocean of sorrow and were also not knowing how to proceed further.” 52.10

“When were examining all sides we saw this cave hidden by creepers and trees and pervaded by darkness.” 52.11

“We saw swans, Kurara birds and Sarasa birds flying from with wings drenched in water and shedding drops of water while flying.” 52.12

“I told the monkeys that it is proper to enter this cave and all of them concluded the same thing and entered this cave.” 52.13

Saying that, “Let us go in , due to our haste in carrying out the orders of our lord.” , we all jumped in to the cave holding each other’ s hands.” 52.14

“Thus we entered this cave which was covered by darkness and we came in so that our task would be accomplished and we who were very hungry reached for your help.” 52.15

“ To honour the Dharma of hospitality you gave us fruits and roots and since we were troubled by great hunger we ate them.” 52.16

“You have saved us who were dying with great hunger and please tell us how these monkeys can repay your debt.” 52.17

When the monkeys who were votaries of Dharma told like this to Swayamprabha who replied to all the monkeys this way.” 52.18

“I am pleased with all of you Oh quick and energetic monkeys and since I am living a life of Dharma , you need not do anything to me.” 52.19

This is the end of the fifty second chapter Of the book of Kishkinda of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the first epic.

53. The Monkeys were perplexed as time limit has been exceeded.

(Swayamprabha takes them out of the cave but when they realized that time limit has been exceeded. They are all scared of Sugreeva. While Angadha proposes that all of them should give up their life, Tara prefers to go back to that magical cave.)

When that lady ascetic told these auspicious words which were according to dharma , Hanuman told her who is blameless in her actions. 53.1

“Oh lady who is votary of dharma, you have provided us protection as we had taken refuge in you . We have now exceeded the time limit set to us by the great Sugreeva , when we were moving about in this cave.” 53.2

“Since we have already exceeded the time limit set by Sugreeva , we have almost lost our life and you who are a great lady should help us to get out of this dreadful cave .” 53.3

“Oh practitioner of Dharma, it would proper for you to save us who are deeply afraid of Sugreeva as we have a great job that we have to finish and by staying here we have exceeded the time to do it.”

53.4-53.5

When Hanuman told her like this that lady ascetic replied “I think that it is impossible for those who enter this cave to return.” 53.6

“But by the power of my penance as well as due to my strict observation of religious life , I would help you and these monkeys to get out of this cave.” 53.7

“Let all the great monkeys close their eyes for it would be impossible for you to get out if you do not keep your eyes closed.” 53.8

“Then all of them closed their eyes and kept it closed with their delicate fingers , with happiness due to the desire to get out of the cave.” 53.9

When those great monkeys closed their eyes with the help of their fingers , within a minute , they were taken out of that great cave . 53.10

That lady ascetic who was the follower of Dharma spoke these words to those monkeys who were released from a difficult situation. 53.11

“This is the Vindhya mountain which is blessed with different type of trees and climbers and this is the Prasravana mountain and that one is the ocean which is a vast expanse of water . Safety to you and I am going back to my home.” And so saying That Swayamprabha entered her cave.” 53.12-53.13

Then they saw the horrifying sea which was the home of Varuna and which was endless and dreadful .

53.14

While they were searching in the magical construction created by Maya on the fortified mountain , the time limit fixed by their king had been exceeded. 53.15

Then those great ones reached the foot hills of Vindhya and chose a location where trees were in full bloom, and after sitting there started analyzing and thinking . 53.16

Then they remained below the trees bent with the heavy load of flowers , entwined by hundreds of vines , due to the great fear they had of Sugreeva. 53.17

Seeing that the spring season has started and after discussing with each other , they fell on the

ground. 53.18

The very wise monkey Yuvaraja Angadha who had shoulders like bull and the lion, who has sturdy long arms addressed those senior and elderly monkeys who reside in the forest using sweet voice about his inferences . 53.19-53.20

“Oh monkeys we came here as per the command of the monkey king and while we were in the cave we have spent a whole month . Do you realize it?” 53.21

“We started in the Aswayuja month (October?) with time limit fixed for our job. And we have exceeded that time limit. Please tell me as to what we should do now?” 53.22

“All of you are trust worthy and are experts in just action and you were all involved in activities of general welfare and all of you are interested in welfare of our lord?” 53.23

“You are all incomparable in your actions , and famous everywhere for your bravery and you have followed me as per the orders of tawny eyed Sugreeva. “ 53.24

“Having not achieved our objective , we should without any doubt die , for disobeying the order monkey king , who can live happily.” 53.25

“Since the time limit fixed by Sugreeva has been exceeded , for the people in the forest giving up of our life by starving would only be proper.” 53.26

“By nature Sugreeva is harsh but having been crowned as a king , he would not pardon us when we go back .” 53.27

“Since we have not been able to find out Sita , he would definitely kill us and so let us commit suicide leaving sons, wives , wealth as well as our homes.” 53.28

“When we return back, the king will torture us in an incomparable manner and death would be even better than that .” 53.29

“I was not crowned as Yuvaraja by Sugreeva but I was consecrated by Rama the king of people , who never hurts others.” 53.30

“The king being a great enemy of mine earlier , if he notices lapse on my part , he would definitely inflict very severe punishment on me .” 53.31

“Why should my friends see the calamity of my death? I will sit here on the sacred shores of this ocean and give up my life.” 53.32

Hearing these words of the lad who was their Yuvaraja , all the monkeys replied to him in a pitiable manner . 53.33

“Sugreeva has a harsh nature and Rama loves his wife dearly and so let us search for Sita here and try to find her out , because Sugreeva will award us death sentence so as to please Rama. 53.34-53.35

“ It is not proper for offenders to go near their master and so we will search for Sita here and if we find her out and then go back or otherwise go to the place of God of death.” 53.36

When Tara heard these words of great scare from the monkeys , he told them, “Let us put an end to this sorrow. If it pleases you , all of us we will re enter the cave and reside there .” 53.37

“That difficult to enter place , created by magic has lot of trees , food and materials to drink and being there we need not be afraid of even Indra and definitely not Rama and the king of monkeys.” 53.38

All the monkeys who had heard the proposal of Angadha were favourably inclined to it and all of them spoke together, “Let us make a plan together which is not connected with the punishment expected out of the king.” 53.39

This is the end of the fifty third chapter Of the book of Kishkinda of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the first epic.

54.Hanuman talks to Angadha

(Hanuman feeling that a revolt is brewing, calms it down by creating difference of opinion between people.)

When Tara whose face was glowing like the lord of stars spoke like this , Hanuman thinking that he will usurp the kingdom of monkeys told . 54.1

Hanuman thought that Angadha has eight type of intelligence , four types of tactics and fourteen different traits. 54.2

( Hearing , grasping, understanding, discrimination , receiving the good aspects only , comprehensive knowledge , profundity and acumen are the eight type of intelliegence

Sama , Dhana, Bhedha and Dhanda are the four tactics and 1] knowledge of place and time, 2] sturdiness, 3] enduring troubles, 4] knowing all possible, 5] skilfulness, 6] self-defence, 7] maintaining confidentiality of strategies, 8] avoiding unwanted debates [or, not uttering lies, 9] courageousness, 10] recognizing strengths and weaknesses of one's own and of others also, 11] faithfulness, 12] sheltering the seekers of shelter, 13] showing anger at appropriate times, 14] unwavering in opinions or actions are the fourteen different traits.)

Hanuman started consulting Angadha who was ever shining in strength and valour who was growing in majesty constantly like the Moon in the bright fortnight, whose intellectual prowess was equal to that of Bruhaspathi, who was equal to his father in valour and listening to Tara like Indra listened to Shukra 's words. Angadha was skilful in all the shastras. 54.3-54.5

That expert in conversation resorted to the third of the fourth strategies to create difference of opinion between the monkeys. 54.6

When all the monkeys had different viewpoints , Hanuman frightened Angadha by telling many frightening words along with a mixture of anger and tricks. 54.7

“Oh Son of Tara , in war you are more efficient than your father and so you can control the monkey kingdom more firmly your father.” 54.8

“Oh Monkey , all monkeys are always with a vacillating mind and so leaving their sons and wives , they would not be under your command forever.” 54.9

“I am directly and frankly telling you that all the monkeys are not going to be obedient o you .Neither Jambhavan, Nala, the great monkey Suhothra , nor even myself agree with your opinion and it is not possible for you to influence any of these monkeys using Sama, Dhana, Bhedha and Danda methods .

54.10-54.11

“It is said that if a strong man wages a war with a weak one, then the weak should not resist but watch patiently for a suitable opportunity and never wage a war.” 54.12

“If you think that it is safe to stay in this cave , please remember that for Lakshmana ’s arrows breaking open this cave is a petty task.” 54.13

“Earlier Indra has done some small damage to this cave by throwing his thunderbolt but Lakshmana with his sharp arrows can tear it up like a leaf cup.” 54.14

“Lakshmana has many types of such sharp arrows , whose touch has the effect of the thunderbolt and they can even split the mountain.” 54.15

“Oh scorcher of enemies , if you take a decision to stay here , immediately all these monkeys would decide and they would go away.” 54.16

“They would all be agitated on thinking about their wives and children and be depressed to go without food and sleep on these harsh beds and so they would leave you and go away.” 54.17

“You who would be deserted by your friends and your well wisher relatives and you would start getting scared even with a movement of grass.” 54.18

“Those horrible accurate arrows of Lakshmana which travel fast sent with a target to kill you would come with speed and would be unassailable .” 54.19

“But if you go along with us and approach Sugreeva with humility , after him Sugreeva would crown you as the king.” 54.20

“The brother of your father loves Dharma , is pleasure loving , steadfast in his thoughts , pure, and one who upholds his promise and if you go with us he will not punish you.” 54.21

“Your mother is very dear to Sugreeva and is like his soul and he has no offspring except you and so you should go back with us.” 54.22

This is the end of the fifty fourth chapter Of the book of Kishkinda of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the first epic.

55.Angadha decides to fast unto death

(Angadha lists the bad actions and qualities of Sugreeva and tells that if he returns Sugreeva would punish him greatly. He prefers to fast unto death . All other monkeys join him.)

Hearing these humble words of Hanuman , which were according to Dharma and full of devotion to the king Angadha told. 55.1

“Stable behaviour , self purity , compassion , frankness , valour and bravery are not to be seen in Sugreeva.” 55.2

“He made his elder brother’s wife as his even when his brother was alive , who according to Dharma is equivalent to his mother which is a despicable act and what does he know of Dharma when he closed the door of the cave when his great elder brother was fighting against his enemy.” 55.3-55.4

“He had forgotten the very famous Rama who had given his hand in solemn vow to him who helped him in completion of his act and whose help will he remember.” 55.5

“He has ordered for the search of Sita because of his fear towards Lakshmana but not being afraid of transgression of Dharma .How can such a man be righteous?” 55.6

“HE is a sinner, ungrateful one , one who does not have memory and fickle minded and which respect one will have belief in him or one born in his family.” 55.7

“My advisors are holding different views. I have offended the king and lost my power. How can I live in Kishkinda like an orphan in this weak condition?” 55.8

“Whether a son has good or bad character he would be installed on the throne and would Sugreeva like me, who belongs to his enemies family?” 55.9

“That Sugreeva who is adamant , cruel and treacherous would award me a secret punishment and would get me imprisoned.” 55.10

“I would prefer fasting unto death rather than cruel imprisonment and you may permit me to do see and go back.” 55.11

“I am taking an oath that I would not go back to the Kishkinda city and I would fast un to death and that will bring more fame to me.” 55.12

“Please inform about my salutations to the very strong Raghava and also enquire about his welfare and inform salutations to Sugreeva the king of monkeys who is my father’s younger brother.” 55.13

“Enquire from me the health and welfare from my mother as well as Ruma in my own words and you should also console my mother.” 55.14

“By nature she is very compassionate and loves me who is her son as well as saintly. As soon as she hears about my death , she will give up her life.” 55.15

After telling all this and after saluting all elders , Angadha laid down on Durbha grass crying and became disheartened. 55.16

The bull among monkeys seeing him lying down on the floor cried and were seen shedding hot tears from their eyes. 55.17

All of them surrounded Angadha, who has decided to fast under death , blamed Sugreeva, praised Vali .

55.18

After understanding the opinion of son of Vali , the monkey chiefs sipped little of water and facing east laid down on Dharbha grass with their edges pointing to the south , in front of the sea. 55.19-55.20

Those scared monkeys talked about Rama’s coming to the forest, Dasaratha ’s death , the killing of Rakshasas in Janasthana, the death of Jatayu , abduction of Sita , Vali ‘s death and the great anger of Rama. 55.21-55.22

When the monkeys , who were like the peaks of mountains were trying to lay down, a huge resounding sound was heard from inside the cave of that mountain and resembled the thundering sound of stormy clouds. 55.23-55.24

This is the end of the fifty fifth chapter Of the book of Kishkinda of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the first epic.

56. Sampathi hears about death of Jatayu

(Sampathi who is wingless comes out of his cave and feels happy that he can eat all those monkeys. Angadha seeing him talks about Jatayu who gave up his life for the sake of Sita.)

A deathless vulture king named Sampathi, the brother of Jatayu who was prosperous and famous for his strength came to the mountainside where all those monkeys were seated aiming for fasting unto death. 56.1-56.2

Coming out of the cave of that great Vindhya mountain and then seeing those monkeys seated there he became happy and told these words. 56.3

“ They say that In this world destiny comes in accordance with divine order and possibly because of that after a long time so much food has been brought before me .” 56.4

“I would eat all these monkeys one after another as and when they die “, said the bird after seeing those monkeys. 56.5

Angadha hearing the words of the bird greedily waiting for food saying that he has now got the food, became very dejected and told Hanuman. 56.6

“You please see , that Vaivaswatha who is the God of death Yama has arrived in the form of Sita to kill all the monkeys.” 56.7

“Rama’s work has not been done and Sugreeva ‘s words have not been carried out and this great and unknown danger has befallen on the monkeys. “ 56.8

“You must have heard about the activities done in detail by Jatayu the king of vultures for the sake of affection he had with Sita .” 56.9

“Thus all the beings born out of different type of wombs are trying to please Rama , even by giving up their life , just like us.” 56.10

“All of them help each other due to their love and compassion and Jatayu for the sake of helping him gave up his own life.” 56.11

“ The righteous Jatayu tried to help Rama and we have got exhausted and now are giving up our life as have not been able to see Sita in the forests that we searched.” 56.12

“ That happy vulture king was killed by Ravana in battle and we are going to attain salvation to get rid of the fear of Sugreeva.” 56.13

“Due to the death of Jatayu and that of Dasaratha as well as the abduction of Sita , all the monkeys are in a doubtful situation.” 56.14

“The living in the forest of Rama and Lakshmana along with Sita , the killing of Vali by one arrow of Rama and death of several Rakshasas in the hand of Rama are all the evil consequences due to granting of boon to Kaikeyi .” 56.15-56.16

Hearing that very sad narration from the monkeys who were lying on the ground . that very wise king of vultures was greatly shaken up mentally . 56.17

This is the end of the fifty sixth chapter Of the book of Kishkinda of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the first epic.

57.Angadha tells their story to Sampathi

(The monkeys feel the vulture would eat them all and Angadha tell Sampathi the story of Rama as well as their story till that time.)

Though monkey commanders heard the husky voice of the vulture , they did not believe him because his actions may be different . 57.1

Those monkeys who were sitting to give up their souls , seeing that vulture became furious thinking that ,”This vulture would eat us all.” 57.2

“If it wishes to eat us who are sitting here for giving up life , then by giving up our life in a speedy manner , we would become happy of that achievement ,” 57.3

When all the monkey lords made up their mind this way , some of them went up the mountain and brought the vulture down and Angadha spoke to it. 57.4

“Oh bird, Riksharaja a valorous and outstanding monkey who was the king of monkeys was my noble grandfather .Sugreeva and Vali are his sons and both of them were greatly strong and my father Vali , who was renowned all over the world became the king.” 57.5-57.6

“From the family of Ikshuvaku there was a great charioteer called Rama who was the son of Dasaratha , as per the instructions of his father and upholding righteous character along with his brother Lakshmana and wife Vaidehi started living in Dandakaranya.” 57.7-57.8

“His wife was abducted by Ravana using force and the great vulture called Jatayu who was the friend of Rama’s father , saw that princess of Videha being abducted.” 57.9

“He made Ravana chariot less and also held over Maithili but by then he was greatly tired and that old one was killed in battle by Ravana.” 57.10

“Thus that vulture was killed by the might of Ravana and Rama performed his funeral rites and he attained salvation.” 57.11

“Then Rama entered in to a treaty with Sugreeva my father’s brother and killed my father , because my father was against Sugreeva and all his ministers and Rama after killing my father crowned Sugreeva.”

57.12-57.13

“After establishing Sugreeva as the king , the king of all monkeys sent all the monkey chiefs to different places and we have come here.” 57.14

“And as per instruction of Rama we are searching for Vaidehi here and there in all places and like the sun at night . we have not been able to get her.” 57.15

“After searching Dandakaranya extremely well , due to ignorance we fell in to a great hole which is widely opened.” 57.16

“When we were searching in that hole created by the magic of Maya , the one month time fixed by our king for the search got over .” 57.17

“We all, who are supposed to execute the orders of the monkey king , since the time limit got exceeded , became scared and decided to give up our life by fasting.” 57.18

“When we go back exceeding our time limit the angry Rama, Sugreeva and Lakshmana would kill all of us .” 57.19

This is the end of the fifty seventh chapter Of the book of Kishkinda of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the first epic.

58. Sampathi tells about Lanka

(Sampathi first tells his story and about his younger brother Jatayu. He tells them that he had seen Sita being carried away by Ravana. He tells monkeys that Sita is in Lanka with Ravana and this Lanka is one hundred yojanas from the southern tip. He offers water oblations to his brother.)

When the monkeys who had decided to give up their life told these pitiable words , that vulture with thunder like voice spoke with tears in his eye. 58.1

“Oh monkeys , him whom you called as Jatayu , who was killed by the very strong Ravana in battle is my brother .” 58.2

“Due to being old as well as not having wings and not having strength , I have to give up the thought of retaliating against my brother’s enemy .” 58.3

“Once upon a time when Vrithra was being killed by Indra , we both wanting to surpass each other , flew very near the sun who had scorching rays that can burn.” 58.4

“With very great speed we went towards the sun by the way of the sky but when it became noon Jatayu started floundering.” 58.5

“When I saw my brother being scorched by the rays of the sun , I started covering my brother who was greatly fretful by my wings due to my great love.” 58.6

“Oh monkey chiefs , when my wings were completely burnt I fell on this Vindhya mountain and I have been living here without being able to know about the welfare of my brother.” 58.7

When Sampathi the brother of Jatayu spoke this way to Angadha , that very wise Yuvaraja Angadha replied him as follows. 58.8

“If you are the brother of Jatayu and have heard about what I told praising him, do you know about the whereabouts of that Rakshasa .” 58.9

“If you are able to know the position which is nearby or at a distance of that king of Rakshasas who is not far sighted , please do tell us.” 58.10

Then that elder brother of Jatayu who was greatly lustrous told the self benefitting words which would make the monkeys very happy . 58.11

“Oh monkeys I am a vulture with burnt wings who has lost his valour and I would do the best possible service to Rama by my words.” 58.12

“I know about the land of Varuna, about Vishnu as Trivikrama , the battle between devas and asuras and also about the churning of nectar.” 58.13

“My first and important duty is to help in this job of Rama , though my vigour has almost gone to old age and my soul is in the last stages.” 58.14

“I have seen a very pretty young lady wearing all ornaments being carried away the very bad Ravana and that pretty lady was shouting ‘Rama, Rama” and “Lakshmana, Lakshmana” and she was throwing her ornaments and trying to wriggle and set herself free .” 58.15-58.16

“Like the rays of sun on the top of the mountain, the silk that she was wearing was shining on that Rakshasa and lighting up this black ocean.” 58.17

“Since she was calling for Rama, I think that she is Sita and please hear about the location of that Rakshasa , which I will presently tell.” 58.18

“He is the son of sage Visravas and the brother of Khubera himself and he is known as Ravana and presides over the city of Lanka.” 58.19

“This is an island which is one hundred yojanas from here and that pretty town of Lanka was built by Viswakarma.” 58.20

“It has a gate made of gold with amazing doors , with golden verandahs. It has multi storey buildings of golden colour which are evenly made and it has gigantic ramparts of the colour of the sun.” 58.21

“And there lives the pitiable Vaidehi dressed in silk and guarded well by Rakshasis in the private apartments of Ravana and you can see Maithili the daughter of king Janaka .” 58.22-58.23

“Oh monkeys , quickly with great speed reach the edge of the southern ocean and hundred yojanas from there Lanka surrounded by the ocean is secretly ensconced. The other tip of the sea , which is Lanka is one hundred yojanas from that end of southern ocean and once you reach there , you would be able to see Ravana.” 58.24-58.25

“By my foresight , I see you landing in Lanka and also I am able to see you returning from there . The path in the sky is of different levels. The first flight level of birds is that of the small Kulinga birds, house sparrows, songbirds and the others who like subsisting on food-grains. The second flight level is that of the birds that are the eaters of leftovers like crows and doves, or the eaters of tree-fruits like parrots. The third flight level is that of the wading birds like Bhaasa, Krauncha, Kurara birds and cranes, herons and the like. The fourth flight level is that of hawks and the fifth is that of the vultures.” 58.26-58.27

“And the sixth flight level is that of the swans which derive their valour, vigour, handsomeness and youthfulness by their majestic birth. But the uppermost path is that of the sons of Lady Vinita, namely the Divine Eagle Garuda, and Anuuru, the non-stopping charioteer of Sun. Because we vultures have our lineal descent from the Divine vulture , we can soar to the uppermost flyable path and see properly.”

58.28-58.29

“A deplorable deed is done by that Rakshasa and when you take revenge on him , my enmity towards him due to my brother would also be avenged.” 58.30

“From here I am able to see clearly Ravana as well as Janaki , for I have powerful eye sight like the divine Garuda.” 58.31

“Oh monkeys due to the power of our food and our descent . we would be able to see till the end one hundred yojanas any time.” 58.32

“By our nature the food meant for us is rare and far away but for cocks who are the leg fighters , their food is near their legs.” 58.33

“Think of some method for crossing this ocean of salt and then you will see Vaidehi , safely return and go to your places.” 58.34

“I would like you to move me near the sea , which is the home of Varuna , so that I can offer water oblations to my great brother who has gone to heaven.” 58.35

With great dynamism, then the monkeys moved Sampathi who had burnt his wings near to the sea which is the husband of all rivers and placed him near the shore .Then again they brought that Lord of all birds to the original place where he was and they were ready now to do their job with a gladdened heart. 58.36-58.37

This is the end of the fifty eighth chapter Of the book of Kishkinda of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the first epic.

59.Sampathi tells how he heard of Sita

(Suparswa one day saw Ravana who was abducting Sita. When Ravana begged him , he left him free and sages applauded him for leaving Sita alive. From the sages Suparswa knew about Sita and Ravana. )

Hearing the words spoken by the king of vultures which was as tasty as nectar all the monkey chiefs rejoiced. 59.1

The monkey chief Jambhavan along with all other monkeys got up from earth and told to the vulture king. 59.2

“Where is Sita? Who saw her? Who abducted Maithili? Sir, kindly tell us who live in the forest in detail.” 59.3

“On whom would the arrows of Rama , fall like thunderbolts? On whom would the arrows of matchless onslaught sent by Lakshmana would fall?’ 59.4

To those monkeys who had decided against immolation and who were desirous of learning about Sita , he told the following further words so as to console them. 59.5

“Now please listen to me how Vaidehi was abducted and about who told me about it and where is the wide eyed one ?” 59.6

“I fell on this mountain which is very many yojanas broad and afterwards I have become very old and also greatly weakened.” 59.7

“I am being looked after by my son who is named as Suparswa who is the best among birds and he feeds me at proper times .” 59.8

“Gandharwas are greatly passionate , snakes are greatly angry , deer are greatly afraid and vultures are greatly hungry.” 59.9

“One day when I was greatly hungry and was thirsting for some food, Suparswa arrived without any flesh after the sun has set.” 59.10
“I reproved him because I was deprived of food and he who enhances my happiness narrated to me these sentences about what has happened.” 59.11

“I who was desirous of collecting flesh flew in the sky at the proper time in search of it and going near the Mahendra mountain , I flew round it.” 59.12

“There all by myself I was trying to block the way of thousands of under water beings inside the sea by looking downwards.” 59.13

“There I saw a lady who was having the luster of the rising sun being taken away by one who was like heap of black mascara.” 59.14

“Seeing them I decided to have them as our food but he begged me to leave him and go my way .”

59.15

“IN this world those who beg you should not be hurt by even base people , then what of beings like me.” 59.16

“Then he with the luster of his vigour went speedily away and then all those beings who populated the sky applauded me.” 59.17

“Those great saints told me, “Sita is now left alive and she would go back without any doubt with her consort.” 59.18

“Those greatly lustrous and auspicious sages informed me that he is Ravana the king of Rakshasas and also told me, “ see the wife of Dasaratha ‘s son and Janaka ‘s daughter , without ornaments and with disorderly and vanquished silk apparel and hear her wail , “Oh Rama, Oh Lakshmana.”’ 59.19-59.20

“And that best among those who converses told me that “The delay is due to this.” And this is what in entirety what Suparswa told me.” 59.21

“Even after I listened it to him , the thought of fighting with Ravana did not arise in my mind, for how can a wingless bird fight with such a one.” 59.22

“But what I can do is the work with my word , brain and character and so please hear me and take action depending on your male vigour.” 59.23

“I feel I have done all that I could do help you with my words and intelligence as I too am interested , without any doubt to help Rama.” 59.24

“You are all intelligent , strong and have also will power and that is why the monkey king has selected and sent you here.” 59.25

“The painful arrows of Rama and Lakshmana , attached with wings of eagles is enough to give pain to all the world and defend or offend it.” 59.26

“The ten headed Ravana has luster as well as strength but is engulfed in passion but since you are all very efficient, there is nothing that is impossible for you.” 59.27

“Though a lapse of time has taken place , since you have mental determination , you would not back track on any job and finish it successfully .” 59.28

This is the end of the fifty ninth chapter Of the book of Kishkinda of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the first epic.

60.Sampathi and sage Nisakara

(Jatayu and Sampathi used to often visit a sage called Nisakara. After falling down on Vindhya mountains, Sampathi went and met sage Nisakara. The saint enquired with Sampathi as to wht has happened to his wings)

Then after the vulture finished its ablations and bath all the monkeys sat surrounding him on that pretty mountain. 60.1

That vulture Sampathi surrounded by all monkeys and Angadha sitting near him , caused great trust among them and again started talking. 60.2

“Oh monkeys , be silent and hear with a concentrated mind , because I want to tell you , how I came to know about Maithili.” 60.3

“Oh matchless Angadha , Earlier I had fallen on the Vindhya mountain being burnt down by the rays of Sun .” 60.4

“For six days and nights I had lost my consciousness and after that on looking I could not recognize the difference in directions .” 60.5

“Then on seeing oceans, mountains and rivers and all the lakes and forests , I could regain my senses.”

60.6

“Since the mountain was teeming with groups of birds , caves , midriffs , peaks and seeing the shore of the southern ocean, I decided that it was Vindhya.” 60.7

“There was the holy hermitage of the sage Nisakara , who was engaged in harsh penance there and this used to be even visited by devas.” 60.8

“That great sage an expert in Dharma left to heaven earlier , I continued to live in this sages mountain for the last eight thousand years.” 60.9

“With great difficulty I continued to live on the mountain sides onerously and slowly and the sharp Durbha started growing on earth 60.10

“Since I wanted to see the sage , I went speedily with anguish that hermitage , because earlier me and Jatayu had gone to meet him several times.” 60.11

“Near about the hermitage the wind carried perfume as no tree was flowerless and no tree was fruitless.” 60.12

“I reached near the auspicious hermitage and waited near a root of a tree with a great desire of seeing that sage Nisakara.” 60.13

“Then I saw that unassailable sage at a distance shining like fire and he was returning after taking bath with him facing the north.” 60.14

“I saw bears, antelopes , tigers, lions and diverse reptiles and snakes following him , like the living beings follow Brahma.” 60.15

“Just like all the ministers and army retreat once the king reaches his home , all the beings accompanying sage went back when the sage reached his hermitage .” 60.16

“On seeing me the saint was greatly pleased and he again came out of the hermitage within a very short time and asked me the purpose of my visit.” 60.17

“Oh gentle one , on seeing your deformity of your hairs which makes you difficult to be identified I feel sad. Only your wings are burnt but you are alive still.” 60.18

“I have seen both of you vultures earlier both equivalent to the fire God and both of you were having the speed of wind and could change your form as per your wish.” 60.19

“ Are you not really the elder brother and Jatayu your younger brother and both of you used to touch my feet taking human forms. “ 60.20

“Did your wings fall down due to some disease or has this suffering been imposed on you by some one , you may please tell.” 60.21

This is the end of the sixtieth chapter Of the book of Kishkinda of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the first epic.

61. Story of how Sampathi burnt its wings.

(Sampathi tells the sage how while trying to protect Jatayu, its wings got burnt . )

Then I informed the sage about the impossible and horrifying act done by me of following the Sun when it was red hot . 61.1

“Oh God like sage , due to my body being wounded I am feeling ashamed and with senses greatly disturbed and also being exhausted , I am not able to reply you.” 61.2

“Me and Jatayu , both of us being valorous , with a passion for competing with each other, flew very high in the sky .” 61.3

“On the mountain of Kailasa before the sages we bet with each other that we would be able to fly with the Sun from sun rise to sun set.” 61.4

“Then both of us saw from the top of the sky simultaneously , the cities of the earth one after another passing like Chariot wheels.” 61.5

“At some places we heard sounds of musical instruments, in some places , the chanting of Vedas and the songs sung by ladies wearing red garments.” 61.6

“Quickly flying on the sky and following the path of the Sun we saw many forests which looked like lawns to both of us.” 61.7

“The earth with its very many tall mountains appeared as if it was covered with pebbles and the rivers of the earth appeared like threads.” 61.8

“The great mountains like Meru, Himalayas and Vindhyas appeared in the earth like elephants wandering in shiny reservoir.” 61.9

“Then both of us felt intense sweat and fear while we were journeying like that and we also experiences bad delusions and stupor.” 61.10

“I did not know about any direction , south , south east and west appeared to be same and the world appeared as if it was being burnt by the fire at deluge.” 61.11

“My brain power got deranged and with great effort depending only on my eye sight , I struggled to make my mind focused on my sight on the Sun which appeared as big as earth to me.”

61.12-61.13

“Then without telling me Jatayu started falling down on earth and seeing that I too started getting freedom from the sky.” 61.14

“I prevented Jatayu from being burnt by covering him with my wings and accidentally my wings got burnt and I fell in to the path of the wind.” 61.15

“I guessed that Jatayu fell on Janasthana but I with burnt wings and devoid of consciousness fell on the Vindhyas.” 61.16

“Losing my kingdom, my brother , my wings and my valour , I desired to fall down from the top of the mountain and die.” 61.17

This is the end of the sixty first chapter Of the book of Kishkinda of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the first epic.

62. Sage tells Sampathi that he would get back its wings

(The sage then narrates what would happen to rama when he comes to the forest. He tells Sampathi to inform about it to the monkeys. He assures him that , then he would get back his wings.)

“When I addressed the great sage this way , roaring with pain and sorrow , that God like sage meditated for a moment and replied.” 62.1

“In future you will get back your wings as well as feathers and you will also get your life , your eyes , valour as well as strength.” 62.2

“I have earlier heard that you would do a very great job and I have seen it also by the power of my penance.” 62.3

“There will be a king called Dasaratha in the Ikshuvaku clan and he will have a son Rama who would be greatly lustrous.” 62.4

“Rama who is valorous in truth would go to the forest along with his brother Lakshmana , sent there by their own father .” 62.5

“Ravana the king of Rakshasas who cannot be killed by asuras and dhanavas would abduct the wife of Rama from Janasthana which is in the south-east.” 62.6

“That Maithili in spite of being forced would not enjoy pleasures nor eat food and that famous one would be immersed in sorrow.” 62.7

“That food which is difficult for even devas to get and which is like nectar would be offered to Vaidehi knowing well that she was not taking food.” 62.8

“When that food reaches her , understanding that it has been provided by Indra , she would take a large portion of it and offer it to Rama on this earth.” 62.9

She would say,” If my husband is alive with Lord Lakshmana or if they have attained heaven , let this food be enjoyed by them.” 62.10

“The monkey messengers of Rama would come here in search of her , then you the bird should narrate to them about Sita.” 62.11

“Where can you go and you be on the mountain always waiting for the time and place when your wings would grow again.” 62.12

“I am not encouraging to get wings now itself , you please remain here itself for doing a great job for the benefit of the world.” 62.13

“You would not only be doing a help to the sons of the king but also would be helping the Brahmins, devas, sages and all those who live here.” 62.14

“I also would like to see Rama and Lakshmana but I do not want to hold my soul in my body till then” thus told the great sage .” 62.15

This is the end of the sixty second chapter Of the book of Kishkinda of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the first epic.

63.Sampathi gets back his wings

(Sampathi tells how he told his son that he should have saved Sita. Then Sampathi gets back his wings and flies away.)

“That expert in conversation told me these and also several other things to encourage me and then went back to his own home .” 63.1

“Moving like a snake , slowly and slowly I came down from that Vindhya mountain and I have been waiting for you.” 63.2

“As of now , a little more than hundred years have elapsed and preserving the words of the sage , I have been waiting for the proper time and place .” 63.3

‘Sage Nisakara has undertaken the great journey and has reached the heaven and I am burning with sorrow , with mind thinking of various strategies.” 63.4

“Whenever my mind thought of death, I used to think of the words of the sage and thinking about you, I have been protecting my life and I have been driving away my sorrow like a raging fire drives away darkness.” 63.5

I abused my son using harsh words, “:Knowing the valour of that evil minded Ravana, why did you not protect her?” 63.6

“Having heard the wailing of Sita and knowing that Rama and Lakshmana were not with her and also knowing my friendship , why did you not protect her.” 63.7

While he was speaking this way with the monkeys , in front of those who lived in the forest , his wings started growing. 63.8

Then seeing that his wings and feathers of red colour has grown completely , he felt matchlessly happy and again told the monkeys. 63.9

“By the power of Nisakara who is the most revered soul , my wings which were burnt by the rays of Sun have grown back again.” 63.10

“I am again the same valour that I had in youth and I understand that I have the strength and masculinity like earlier.” 63.11

“Always keep on trying to put effort and then you will be able to see Sita , for the growing of my wings indicates your success in future.” 63.12

After saying like this to all the monkeys , the best among birds Sampathi flew from the top of the mountain intending to know the path of the birds. 63.13

That tigers among monkeys hearing these words became greatly happy and started to anticipate that their valour would lead them to success. 63.14

Then those great monkeys who were equal in valour to the wind god , having regained their courage started moving at the Abhijit auspicious time , with the intention of searching for the daughter of Janaka. 63.15

This is the end of the sixty third chapter Of the book of Kishkinda of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the first epic.

64. Monkeys loose their confidence on seeing the sea

( When they reach the sea , all of them loose their confidence. Angadha encourages them and requests them to tell how much distance they can jump.)

Then those lion hearted monkeys , after being informed by the king of vultures, together jumped with love and screamed . 64.1

After hearing the words of Sampathi , the monkeys came to sea shore so that they can go to the house of Ravana , so that they can have a glimpse of Sita. 64.2

Those greatly valorous ones after crossing that place , they saw the ocean which had the entire world reflected in itself like a mirror . 64.3

After having reached the northern bank of the southern ocean , they collectively made a temporary residence for them there. 64.4

In some places the ocean appeared sleeping and in some other places , it was seen as playing and in some other places it was surrounded by mountain like waves , and at some other places it is teeming with Dhanavas who live in Patala and seeing the hair raising scene , the mountain like monkeys despaired. 64.5-64.6

“Seeing that great ocean which was like the endless sky , those monkeys were greatly worried and told each other , “How can we do it?” 64.7

When that army which was despairing on seeing the ocean , the lord of the monkeys consoled them who were greatly scared. 64.8

“Do not get mentally upset because , because all work becomes impossible to do by worrying and worry destroys a person like an angry serpent kills a boy.” 64.9

“He who controls worry is on the verge of victory and the one who lacks vitality never gets at any individual achievement .” 64.10

Then Angadha spent that night along with those monkey chiefs and then all the elders again started discussing thinking and discussing . 64.11

When the Monkeys stood round Angadha holding a flag , it looked the army of Gods surrounding Indra.

64.12

Who else are capable to consolidate and make obey the army of monkeys other than , Angadha , the son of Vali or for that matter Hanuman. 64.13

That gentle destroyer of enemies Angadha after giving due to respect to the monkey elders told the following auspicious and meaningful sentence. 64.14

“Who is that lustrous one capable cross this ocean by jumping and who can make the enemy destroyer Sugreeva true to his words?” 64.15

“ Which monkey warrior can jump over the hundred Yojanas and who among us can get us all rid of the great fear of Sugreeva?” 64.16

“By whose grace would we be able to see our wives , sons and our home after we succeed in our aim and achieve our purpose .” 64.17

“By whose grace can we approach Rama , the very strong Lakshmana , and the very strong Sugreeva without any worry?” 64.18

“If any one of you among the monkeys is capable to jump over the ocean , let him give us all the very divine protection.” 64.19

After they heard the words of Angadha none of them spoke any word and the entire monkey army seemed to have been dumbfounded. 64.20

Then again the great monkey Angadha asked all those monkeys “You are all the best among the strong ones with stable valorousness , born in great families and ones who are adored again and again.”

64.21

“There is no restriction about who should do it or when it should be done and so bull among monkeys please tell one by one as how much distance you can jump over.” 64.22

This is the end of the sixty fourth chapter Of the book of Kishkinda of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the first epic.

65. The capacity of different monkeys

(All monkeys tell how much they can jump . But it is less than one hundred yojanas. Angadha said that he can jump hundred yojanas but not confidant whether he can jump back. Jambhavan says that he is their leader and so he should not do this task and points at Hanuman.)

After hearing these words of Angadha , all those bull like monkeys told in a serial order their capacity to leap distances . This was told by Gaja, Gavaksha , Gavaya, Sharabha, Gandhamadhana , Mainda, Dwividha , Sushena and Jambhavan. 65.1-65.2

Then afterwards Gaja told that he can leap ten yojanas and Gavaksha told that he can leap twenty yojanas . 65.3

Then Gavaya said to the other monkeys 'I can reach thirty yojanas; Sarabha said to th monkeys 'I can leap forty yojanas'; Bright Gandhamadana said 'I can leap and cover a distance of fifty yojanas without any doubt'; Mainda said 'I can leap more than sixty yojanas'; highly brilliant Dvivida said in turn 'I can no doubt leap over seventy yojanas '; Brilliant and best of the monkeys Sushena declared 'I can leap over eighty yojanas” 65.4-65.9

When they were all reporting about their individual capacities , then the very old Jambhavan told like this. 65.10

“Once upon a time I was also greatly capable like these but becoming old like many of us , I cannot reach the other shore.” 65.11

“But under the present circumstance we cannot neglect this job as the king of the monkeys as well as Rama have determined that this should be done.” 65.12

“Even at this present age due to the change of time , you may please know my capacity for without any doubt I can leap ninety Yojanas.,” 65.13

To all those monkey lords Jambhavan again told “My valour and power was not limited to that extent when I was young earlier.” 65.14

“Earlier when Mahabali was carrying out the fire sacrifice and when the birth less Vishnu took the form of Trivikrama , I had gone round him.” 65.15

“Now I am an old monkey and have only slow valour but in my youth I had matchless valour and power.” 65.16

“At this time , I guess that my power to go has come down and I would not be able to succeed in a job of this extent.” 65.17

Then the very wise and great monkey Angadha addressed the great and lofty Jambhavan and told him about his capacity .” 65.18

“I have got the power to cover this great distance of hundred yojanas but I am not very sure whether I have the capacity to return from there.” 65.19

The Great monkey Jambhavan who was an expert in using words , “Oh best among the monkeys and bears , your capacity to cover this distance is well known. “ 65.20

“If you desire you jump hundred or even a thousand yojanas and also energy to return but it is not proper to entrust you with that duty.” 65.21

“Oh Lad, the one who orders and is the boss is never deputed to a job but only servant is deputed as Oh great monkey , all the monkeys here are meant to serve you.” 65.22

“Oh scorcher of enemies , Oh Angadha, in this group you are our lord and so we are bound to protect you like our wife.” 65.23

“Oh destroyer of enemies, for the job that we have now undertaken, you are like the root and so we are bound to protect you like our wife.” 65.24

“A statesman protects the root of a matter with care because only when it is intact we can get fruits as well as flowers.” 65.25

“Oh truthfully courageous one , oh destroyer of enemies , you are the real means by which we can achieve our task as you are endowed with valour and wisdom.” 65.26

Oh best among the monkeys, you are the son of our elder as well as the elder and only by depending on you , we can achieve our objective .” 65.27

When the great monkey who was very wise told these appropriate words, Angadha , the son of Vali replied by these words. 65.28

“If I do not go and no other monkey goes , oh great monkey , then again all of us to give away our life by fasting.” 65.29

“If I do not fulfill the duty assigned by the great king of the monkeys , then I do not see I can keep our life after going there .” 65.30

“The monkey can show us a pleased or an angry face but if we do not fulfill the task we will all face total destruction.” 65.31

“You are the only among us who can show us the final path in this job and so it is only proper to think about it deeply and suggest a proper means.” 65.32

That bull among the monkeys Jambhavan , having heard Angadha told these words to him. 65.33

“Oh valorous one , no one would find fault with you for not getting this task done for I will motivate the one person who can do this task.” 65.34

Then that monkey chief pointed out to Hanuman , who is a chief monkey who was sitting happily and quietly without bothering about and started motivating him. 65.35

This is the end of the sixty fifth chapter Of the book of Kishkinda of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the first epic.

66.Jambhavan tells Hanuman that he can do it.

(Jambhavan tells Hanuman his story and reminds him of his prowess and tells him that he can easily do the task.)

After seeing the many hundreds of thousands of the monkey army who were all worried, Jambhavan told Hanuman. 66.1

“Oh valorous one , among the world of monkeys you are the one who is an expert in all shastras. Why are quietly sitting in a lonely place and not speaking anything?” 66.2

“Oh Hanuman, you are equal to Sugreeva the king of monkeys and Rama and Lakshmana in luster and strength.” 66.3

“Garuda is the son of Arishtanemi(Sage Kashyapa) and Vinutha and is famous as the best among all birds.” 66.4

“I have seen him who is strong and famous and who has great speed many times snatching away serpents from the sea.” 66.5

“The power of your arms is equal to the power of his wings and your power and speed can be favourably compared to his power and speed.” 66.6

“Oh great monkey, your strength , wisdom and luster are very great and superior to all beings , but why are you not realizing this?” 66.7

“A very famous and great Apsara maid called Punjikasthala , who well known as Anjana was the wife of a monkey called Kesari.” 66.8

“She was famous in all the three worlds and of matchless beauty in this world and due to a curse she was born as a monkey who could assume any form she likes.” 66.9

“She was the daughter of great monkey king called Kunjara and she took the form of a very pretty youthful maiden , wearing wonderful garlands and ornaments and dressed in cloths of silk and looking like a proud rain cloud she was wandering on the top of a mountain.” 66.10-66.11

“Then while she was wandering there the wind god made her yellow cloth with red border fly away .”

66.12

“Then that wind God saw her curved and well set thighs and her two plump and pretty breasts and her very pretty and pleasing face.” 66.13

“And the wind God also saw that famous one with her with very broad hips , slender waist and well shaped limbs and fell in love with her.” 66.14

“With all his limbs under the control of God of love , that stainless one lost himself and embraced her with his long arms.” 66.15

“That lady of strict virtue became greatly agitated and asked “who is making me disobey the penance of having only one husband.” 66.16

“Hearing the words of Anjana , the wind God replied , “ Oh auspicious lady, do not get scared I only influenced your mind and not your body.” 66.17

“I have embraced you and united only with your mind and so a son who is courageous and intelligent would be born to you.” 66.18

“He would be greatly powerful, greatly lustrous and would have great valour and strength and in jumping and leaping he would be equal to me.” 66.19

“Oh great monkey, your great mother , hearing this was satisfied and in the cave delivered you as a monkey.” 66.20

“As a boy seeing the Sun rise and thinking that it is a fruit , you wanted to catch him and ran towards him and jumped in the sky .” 66.21

“Though after covering a distance of 300 yojanas , you were pushed back by the luster of the sun, you did not bother and went ahead.” 66.22

“Oh monkey seeing you speedily running towards the Sun in space , Indra became angry and threw his Vajrayudha at you.” 66.23

“Thou then fell on the mountain top with your left jaw(Hanu) broken and thereafter you became famous with the name Hanuman.” 66.24

“Seeing you being hit, the wind God who carries the scent and who breaks trees became very angry and made the wind not blow in all the three worlds.” 66.25

“Al the devas got extremely scared and agitated seeing all the three worlds getting disturbed and those lords of the world tried to please the angry wind God.” 66.26

“Then Lord Brahma was propitiated by the wind god , gave you a boon that you cannot be killed by any weapons and that you would be valorous in war.” 66.27

“ Oh Lord Seeing that you are not hurt by the Vajrayudha , the thousand eyed one gave you a boon that you can yourself choose the time of your death. “ 66.28

“You who are greatly valorous are the son of Kesari and the legal Kshetrajna son (Ones own sun produced by divine entities) of wind God and equal in luster to him and oh lad being the son of wind God you are equal to him in jumping capability.” 66.29 -66.30

“Though we are now equal to those who have lost their soul , since you are fully endowed with courage and valour like the monkey king and so you can still save us .” 66.31

“Oh lad, when lord Trivikrama was measuring this world , with its mountains, trees and forests , I went round him twenty one times.” 66.32

“Then as per the command of the Gods we collected medicinal herbs and produced nectar by churning the great ocean and by that we had great energy.” 66.33

“I have now become aged and have lost much of my valour and at this time you are the one who has all the good qualities for us.” 66.34

“ Cheer up and expand yourself as you are the best among animals that leap and show your valour to this army of monkeys who are desirous of seeing it.” 66.35

“Get up oh tiger among monkeys and cross this great ocean as you have the greatest capacity among all living beings .” 66.36

“Why are you not bothered about all these monkeys with a worried face ?With valour go with great speed like Lord Vishnu covered the world in three strides. “ 66.37

That Hanuman , the son of wind god who was enthused by Jambhavan realized his speed and greatly increased his size , cheered by the monkey army. 66.38

This is the end of the sixty sixth chapter Of the book of Kishkinda of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the first epic.

67.Hanuman prepares for the jump to Lanka

(Hanuman assumes a huge figure and climbs on the Mahendra mountain , prepared to jump to Lanka)

Seeing him expanding in size with a wish to leap the hundred yojanas at once and seeing him filled with valour those monkeys left off their sorrow and became happy and cheered him with loud voice and praised him. 67.1-67.2

They all collected together and with great happiness stared at him wonderstruck as if Hanuman was going to cross like Narayana the world in three steps. 67.3

Seeing the very strong Hanuman growing in his size , they went round him with happiness shaking their tails. 67.4

When he was being praised by all the monkey chiefs , his form was getting up with more and more luster and he looked matchless . 67.5

Just like a lion in a mountain cave stretches himself , the legal son of the wind god stretched himself at that time . 67.6

When he expanded to a great size his face was shining a frying pan and like a smokeless burning fire.

67.7

From the middle of the monkeys Hanuman rose with furs bristling all over his body and then after saluting the aged monkeys he told. 67.8

“The wind God who is the friend of fire which receives oblations is very strong and matchless and wanders in the sky breaking mountain tops.” 67.9

“I being the lawful son of the wind god , who is the great one who travels with great speed , I can also leap as much as him .” 67.10

“I wish to go round the Mount Meru which appears to touch the sky , one thousand times without resting it.” 67.11

“I am eager to submerge this world which has mountains , rivers and lakes with the sea by using the speed of my arms.” 67.12

“By the speed of my thighs and shanks , the sea which is the house of Varuna would rise up and stun the mighty crocodiles living there.” 67.13

“I am capable to go round thousand times the killer of snakes Garuda who is being served by other birds .” 67.14

“O bulls among monkeys! When the Sun rises from the horizon of Udayagiri mountain it is possible for me to start with him and go to the western horizon and return before the blazing Sun garlanded with beams of light sets. It is also possible for me to come to earth with the same speed, without touching the earth and return to face the Sun.” 67.15-67.16

“I want to fly along with all the creatures flying on the sky and overtake them and I can stir up the sea and tear up the earth.” 67.17

“Oh monkeys, While jumping I can powder mountains and when I jump I can pull the huge ocean by the speed of my thighs.” 67.18

“When I jump through the sky , different class of climbers , various trees with different type of flowers would follow me.” 67.19

“Oh monkeys when I fly in the sky , it will be a smooth like the path of star Swathi and When I travel up the terrible sky or descend from there all the creatures would see me.” 67.20

“Oh Monkeys , when I fly in the sky looking like the Meru mountain , it will look like I am swallowing the sky with speed as I would covering the sky with my strides.” 67.21

“I would be scattering the clouds , shaking up the mountains and would be drying up the sea while I am jumping with a composed mind.” 67.22

“The Garuda as well as the wind god have the power to follow me and I do not see any other creature except Garuda and the speedy God of wind have the speed to fly like me. “ 67.23-67.24

“Just like the lightning generated from the sky flies on the sky without any support , I too can land on the earth in a moment .” 67.25

“When I am leaping over the ocean my form would be like that of Lord Vishnu advancing with three steps to cover the world.” 67.26

“ Oh monkeys I feel that by my brain as also by my mind , I would be able to see Vaidehi and become happy.” 67.27

“In speed I am equal to wind God and Garuda and I feel that I would be able to cover a distance of ten thousand Yojanas .” 67.28

“I can bring the nectar even if it is held by the self created Brahma or Indra holding Vajrayudha. I can even uproot the island of Lanka and bring it here.” 67.29

All those chief of monkeys were happily staring at the sky to see him with exceedingly great luster who was roaring with great sense of surprise . 67.30

Hearing his words which were able to remove the sorrow from his friends and relatives , the great monkey Jambhavan who was exceedingly happy told. 67.31

“Oh valorous one, Oh son of Kesari , Oh son of the very swift Wind God , oh Lad, you have removed the sorrow from the mind of your friends and relatives.” 67.32

“Those monkeys who desire for your welfare would join together and would devotedly pray for auspicious ending of the job that you are going to undertake.” 67.33

“By the grace of great sages and the wish of the monkey elders and by the grace of your teachers , let you cross the great ocean.” 67.34

“Waiting for your arrival back all the monkeys would stand on one leg because the life of all those forest dwellers depend on you.” 67.35

Then the tiger among monkeys Hanuman told those forest dwellers, “This earth would not be able to bear the speed with which I jump.” 67.36

“Perhaps the Mahendra mountain paved with huge stones and boulders and which is firm , may withstand my speed of jumping.” 67.37

“I will gather my speed from the peaks of Mahendra mountain which has got different types of trees as well as ores.” 67.38

“Oh great monkeys , when I use the crushing force with my feet to jump hundred yojanas , perhaps these mountain peaks can withstand it.” 67.39

Then that son of Wind God , who was eminent as wind god and the crusher of enemies ascended the great mountain Mahendra which was inhabited by deer and on grassy lands full of trees, fragrant vines bearing flowers thickly grown ever in bloom with flowers and fruits where lions and tigers wander, proud elephants frequent, intoxicated birds make sounds of different kinds and full of waterfalls.

67.40-67.42

That very strong monkey chief who was equal in prowess to great Indra started climbing that great peaks of that Mahendra mountain . 67.43

When that great one crushed the great Mahendra mountain by his feet , that mountain trumpeted like a great elephant struck by the feet of a lion. 67.44

That widely scattered rocks of the mountain released water , animals and elephants got greatly scared . and the great trees started shaking due to that feet crushing. 67.45

The vast slopes of that great mountain were being deserted by pairs of Gandharwas intoxicated with drinks and behaving crudely; and by birds and groups of Vidhyadharas flying away at that time. The serpents were seen hiding, pebbles of stone were seen falling from the shaken mountain.67.46-67.47

With snakes popping up halfway through their snake-pits with their hoods swaying and tongues hissing that earth-borne mountain Mahendra appeared to be a gleaming mountain with flying flags. 67.48

Alarmed and agitated sages abandoned that mountain and forest appeared like a lonely traveler separated from its friends. 67.49

That noble and heroic monkey who possessed great speed who was the destroyer of enemy warriors , fixing his composed mind on generating great speed , mentally reached Sri Lanka, 67.50

This is the end of the sixty seventh chapter Of the book of Kishkinda of the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki as the first epic.

End of Kishkinda Kandam

End of Book on Kishkinda

Thursday, October 24, 2013

KIshkinda Kandam 48-67

Kishkinda Kanda (Contd)

End of Kishkinda Kandam

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