Sundra
Kandam (Contd)
The
beautiful book (Contd)
10.Seeing of Mandodhari
(This chapter gives further description of
the harem of Ravana, It gives a vivid description of Ravana, his women and his
wife Mandodhari.It ends describing the happy Hanuman who mistook Mandodari for
Sita)
Hanuman
who was searching there, saw a cot, which was fit to be in the land of Devas,
which was great, which had special parts made of gold and ivory, which had bed
covers inlaid with diamonds, which had extremely costly special seats and which
was fully decorated by gems and crystals.
10.1-10.2
He
also saw a particular very special seat which was decorated all over by gold,
which was shining like sun, which was very broad and which had all things which
end sorrow 10.3
On
one side of the seat he saw a very special umbrella, which glittered like the
moon and which was decorated by many very special garlands. 10.4
On
all four sides women were fanning the cot with white fan with soft bristles, it
was scented by collection of many perfumes, several incense generating smoke
were wafting about it, very precious bed sheets made of wool and hides covered
it and all around it was decorated by garlands made of several rare
flowers.
10.5-10.6
That
monkey chief Hanuman saw on the shining bed on the cot, the Chief of Rakshasas,
who was of the colour of deep black cloud, who was wearing special glittering
ear studs, who was having red eyes, who was having very long hands, who was
wearing cloths with golden zari, who had applied the highly perfumed paste of
red sandal, who wore precious ornaments which was like the streaks of lightning
in the red clouded sky of the dusk, who was handsome, who could assume any form
that he wished, who was equal to the immobile Mandhara mountain with its
several trees and bushes, who wore several pretty ornaments, who was tired
after love play during the night, who was the darling of Rakshasa ladies, who
created pleasant life to the Rakshasas and who was not showing the effect of
alcohol that he has drunk. 10.7-10.11
Nearing
Ravana, who was like a hissing serpent, Hanuman, who could even scare very
strong people, was scared and confused and stepped back. 10.12
Afterwards
that monkey chief Hanuman climbed a stairs
reached another hall and from there carefully examined the sleeping king of Rakshasas. 10. 13
That
costly bed on which the chief of Rakshasas was sleeping looked like garden in which an elephant was
sleeping after trampling over it. 10.14
He
saw the two hands of the Rakshasa king, which was attached to his golden
shoulders, which were long, which were like the flags of Indra, which had scars
made by the tusks of elephant Iravatha, which were starting from his thick
shoulders having the scars made by Vajrayudha, which was having the wounds made
by Vishnu’s wheel, which was attached to his equal and thick shoulders, which had
good hands and fingers, which had ideally shaped fingers and thumb, which were
able and were like iron bars, which were round and resembled the trunk of an
elephant, which were lying on the clean bed and which were like five headed
serpents.
10.15-10.18
He
looked at his two hands which were well covered with specially cold specially
scented sandal wood which was as red as the blood of rabbits, which were
decorated, which was applied with mixture of several scents, which was massaged
by great ladies, which used to make devas, yakshas, Pannagas, gandarwas and Danavas
weep, which were kept on the bed and which resembled pythons sleeping on both
his sides. 10.19-10.21
That
mountain like Rakshasa with his two hands shined like the perfectly shaped
Mandhara Mountain with its two peaks.
10.22
The
breath of the sleeping king of rakshasas which was having the sweet smelling
scent of mango flower, pongamia flower and Vakula flower, which was having the
smell of many food items and which was having the reeking smell of alcoholic
drinks spread throughout that area, came out of his very big mouth. 10.23-10.24
Hanuman
saw in that hall, Ravana who was shining with a slightly out of place crown
made of precious gems and pearls, who was having a glittering face because of
his ear studs, who was having a fat long and broad chest applied with the paste
of red sandal which was shining because of his garlands, who was wearing a
white silk upper cloth which was slipping down, who was wearing a very costly
yellow silk, who was having red eyes, who appeared as if he was a mountain made
of black gram, who was breathing like a serpent, who was like a royal elephant
sleeping in the river Ganges amidst huge crowds, who was having the entire body shining by the light provided
by golden lamps, who was like a cloud lit on all four sides by streaks of
lightning, who was a great individual and
who was having love towards his wife ,.sleeping along with his wives who
slept at the corners of his feet.
10.25-10.30
He
saw many of them(wives) who were having shining faces like the moon, who were
wearing pretty ear studs, and who were wearing flower garlands which never
fade. 10.31
He
also saw some experts in dance and music who were seated and wearing the great
ornaments worn by Ravana on his shoulders and lap. 10.32
He
saw them wearing shoulder bangles of molten gold and ear studs made of diamond
and other precious stones.
10. 33
Due
to their pretty glittering ear studs and faces like moon, that Vimana was
shining like the sky because of a collection of stars.
10.34
Those
narrow hipped ladies of Ravana were sleeping in various places due to
tiresomeness caused by various exercises like lovemaking. 10.35
One
lady was sleeping in the dancing pose with pretty Mudhras(symbols) shown by her
hands and with many of her pretty parts exposed.
10.36
One
lady who was sleeping embracing the Veena looked like a boat afloat in a mighty
river, which was tied by the tendrils of Lotus plant.
10.37
A
black eyed sleeping beauty with the Madduka (a type of drum) kept in her
armpits,
looked
like a mother with her darling baby.
10.38
Another
lady with very pretty breasts who was also pretty all over was sleeping
embracing a drum and looked like a lady embracing her husband whom she has met
after a very long separation.
10.39
Another
lotus-eyed beauty was asleep embracing the Veena and appeared as if she had met
her boy friend when nobody is around.
10.40
Another
very passionate lady who was a dancer
was sleeping embracing the Vipanchika (a stringed instrument) and
appeared as if she was sleeping in tight embrace of her husband.
10.41
Another
lady with eyes like wine was asleep embracing the drum with her golden coloured
soft voluptuous and pretty body.
10.42
One
flawless pretty lady was holding the drum in
her armpits between her arms and breast
and was sleeping tired because of her passion.
10.43
Another
lady was sleeping with the two pieces of
the drum (thabla) in her tight
embrace and appeared as if she was holding her husband and baby in her
hands. 10.44
Another
lotus leaf eyed lady was holding with her two stretched hands the giant drum
and was sleeping because of exertions of zest. 10.
45
Another
lady who was asleep with the slightly tilted Ghata (earthen pot musical instrument) looked like
a small hill of the multi coloured flower garlands, which were kept fresh by
sprinkling of water.
10. 46
A
young girl, who was deep asleep, was hiding her gold pot like breasts with
hands and sleeping.
10.47
A
full moon faced lady with lotus petal like eyes forgot herself in her love zest
and was sleeping embracing another lady with a pretty backside. 10.48
Many
noble ladies in their great passion were sleeping embracing tightly to their
breasts several musical instruments like they would embrace their lover. 10. 49
That
monkey then saw another very pretty lady
sleeping on a beautiful bed in a place away from these ladies.
10.50
That
great hero Hanuman who was the son of wind God saw the sleeping Mandodari[14],
who was wearing very prettily crafted ornaments made of pearls and other
precious gems, who by her natural luster was an ornament for that great house,
who was a dear, who was white in colour, who was chief queen of that harem, who
was golden in colour, who was having a pretty appearance and who was well made
up, Hanuman mistook her for Sita because she was the epitome of youth and
beauty and became extremely pleased and happy.
10.54-10.55
Exhibiting
his monkey qualities he clapped his hands, kissed his own tail, became happy,
jumped here and there, sang, ran, climbed on the pillar and jumped from
there. 10.55
Thus
ends the tenth chapter of Sundara Kanda which
is in the
Ramayana which is the first epic written
by Valmiki.
11. Search in the hall for drinking
( A full
and detailed description of the hall of drink and Hanuman’s search for
Sita there is recounted in this chapter)
Within
a quarter of minute he rejected his momentary wish that it was Sita as not
right and became clear headed and started thinking, in the right path. 11. 1
After
that Hanuman decided that “There was no chance of Sita who was separated from
Sri Rama sleeping, nor eating, nor wearing of ornaments, nor even drinking
water nor go near another male even if he were the king of Devas for even among
devas there is none as great as Rama and so this lady has to be somebody else.”
And he started searching further in the hall of drinking.
11. 2-11.3
The
monkey chief saw Ravana who was deep asleep due to being tired
by his intense love making and his collection of ladies among whom some were
tired because of love making, some because of singing, some because of dancing
and some asleep because of consumption
of alcoholic drinks. He saw some ladies leaning on drums of different types and
on small seats as well as many sleeping on special beds made for sleep by ladies.
He saw thousands of ladies
some
decorated by ornaments, some who had the habit of describing their bodily
beauty, some who describe the meanings of songs, some who work according to the
need of place and time and some who can speak properly to suit an occasion 11.4-11.7
Amongst
those ladies, the Rakshasa king of great valor, looked like a bull among cows
of high pedigree in a very wide stable.
11.8
Naturally
being surrounded by those ladies, the king of Rakshasas shined like an awesome
he-elephant among large number of she elephants of the forest. 11.9
In
the house of the great chief of
rakshasas, the monkey chief saw collection of well stocked drinking
places(bars)
11.10
In
that drinking place Hanuman saw meats of deer, pig and raven kept separately. 11.11
He
also saw further half eaten peacocks and hen kept in large golden vessels. 11.12
Hanuman
saw the meats of eagle, sheep,
porcupine, deer and peacock cooked with curd and Masalas , fully cooked doves
, half eaten ravens, buffalos and one thorn fishes, well cooked mutton, several
type of side dishes, several type of drinks and several type of light
eatables.
11.13-11.14
Similarly
by different types of drinks which were sour, salty and other great tastes made
by concentrating the juices of grapes, orange and pomegranate and those chains,
armlets and bangles which have been removed and strewn all over and also
decorated by flowers and fruits kept in goblets that place was very pretty. 11.15-11.16
That
place of drink appeared to be glistening even without fire by the very many
tastefully arranged sofas and chairs.
11.17
Garlands
and also very many distilled alcoholic
drinks, various alcoholic drinks made with sugar syrup, honey, fruit
juices and flower concentrates, several other drinks which were sorted and kept
and various types of meat which were properly mixed , cooked and made by great chefs, with great care in
which various spices and condiments which were added in proper proportion filled that drinking place and added to its
luster. 11.18-11.20
That
monkey chief saw many specially made drinks filled in silver and golden pots
arranged in different place all over.
11. 21
He
also saw large number goblets, which were made of gold, silver and many made
with several gems.
11.22
That
place was also filled with serving cups for these drinks, which were made of
gold, crystal and gold alloy.
11.23
That
Hanuman saw in some place half emptied goblets, in some places empty
goblets and in some places goblets
filled to the brim.
11.24
He
wandered here and there seeing various eatables, drinks sorted in different
categories, left over food, broken drink pots, spilled water, fruits and
prettily made garlands. 11.25-11.26
There
were white cushions used by ladies for sleeping and various beauties sleeping
tightly embraced.
11.27
Not
only that in some cases one lady in her sleep was covering herself with the
pulled out dress of another and several were in very deep slumber. 11.28
It
was wonderful, that the cloths on their body and the garlands that they were
wearing did not move by their heavy breath, which was like the slowly wafting
wind. 11.29
The
breeze carrying with in it the incense of cool sandal, by the scents of
various alcoholic drinks and the various flowers in garlands was wafting here
and there, That Puspaka Vimana was also full of scents of various perfumes worn
by different ladies, the sandalwood and other incense that were being
burnt. 11.30-11.31
In
that house of Rakshasa some of the ladies were brown, some were black and some others were of golden colour.
11.32
Their
looks because of deep sleep and made
loose by their passion, appeared like the lotus pond in which the flowers have
closed up.
11. 33
Like
this the great soul Hanuman wandered all over Ravana’s harem and searched in
all places but in spite of that did not find Janaki (Sita, Janaka’s
daughter). 11.34
Hanuman
became very thoughtful and worried because he thought that in staring at those
women he has slipped from Dharma (the standards of right conduct.) 11.35
He
thought that the sight of this crowd of wives of the enemy when they were deep
asleep made him a commit a great sin.
11.36
Then
he thought that his stare at the wives of somebody else was not done in a
worldly manner.
11.37
“This
sight of other people’s wives has not done by me with passion.” , he
further thought.
11.38
Then
a new doubtless thought pointing towards
the correct decision arose in the mind of
very intelligent Hanuman who was capable of great thought 11.39
“I
saw all the wives of Ravana who were
sleeping without any fear and with great
belief. In spite of that my mind did not waver even a little bit.” He
thought. 11. 40-11.41
“
Mind is the sole cause of all the sense organs doing good or bad and that mind
did not waver even a bit in my case”, he thought. 11.42
“Always
suppose a lady has to be searched it should be in the crowd ladies only and
therefore It is impossible to me to search and find out Sita in any other
place.” he further thought
11.43
“Search
for an animal of a specific type has to be made within the type only and a lost
woman cannot be searched among a group of deer.” He thought. 11.44
“And
therefore this Harem of Ravana was searched well by me with a very clean mind and in spite of
that I could not find Sita” he thought.
11. 45
The
great Hero Hanuman saw many lasses of Devas, Gandarwas and Nagas but was not
able to find Janaki.
11. 46
Having
seen many great ladies but because he was not able to find Sita, he went
outside from that hall at that time and started thinking.
11. 47
The
great soul Hanuman having come out of that hall of drinking, took great pain in
starting the search for Sita again.
11.48
Thus
ends the eleventh chapter of Sundara Kanda which
is in the
Ramayana which is the first epic written
by Valmiki.
12. Hanuman’s worry
(Hanuman’s final search for Sita in the
harem, his fear for having committed a sin because of his entry in to the Harem
and his sense of dejection in not being able to find Sita are described)
That
Son of God of wind visited separately the garden enclosures, picture galleries
and bedrooms in the center of the palace , but he who was interested in seeing
the beautiful Sita could not see her.
12. 1
Because
that great monkey was not able to see the darling of the son of Raghu, he
thought thus “because Sita who is very upset is not visible to me, it is
definite that she is no more alive.”
12.2
“It
is possible that the daughter of Janaka who treads by the path of pristine
duty, who is devoted to her husband, who has interest in protecting her virtue,
might have been killed by the chief of Rakshasas who exhibits many bad
qualities.” he thought 12.3
“After
seeing the ladies of the chief of Rakshasas who are having ugly features, who
are ugly, who do not have the luster in their body, and who are having a very
cruel vision , Sita who is the daughter of Janaka might have died out of fear”.
He thought 12. 4
“Without
seeing Sita, without doing my duty and
having spent lot of time with other monkeys , I should not go back to
Sugreeva because the powerful Sugreeva
awards great punishments”, he thought.
12. 5
“I
have searched all over the harem, I have seen all ladies of Ravana but I only
could not see the sterling natured Sita and so all my efforts are in vain”,
thought he. 12.6
“When
I go back and meet all the monkeys who have gathered together they would ask “Hey hero, what did you do
there? Please tell us about it. What happened there?” and what will I who has
not been able to see her reply to them?”. He thought. 12.7
“If
the time is delayed too much for my return definitely they will all commit mass
suicide by starvation”, he thought.
12.8
“When
I return after crossing the sea. all those assembled monkeys and also Angada and the very old Jambhavan would
individually find fault with me”. He thought. 12. 9
“Being
not disappointed in one’s intentions leads to greater wealth, very real
pleasures and zest in doing things”, he thought. 12.10
“This
emotion of not getting dispirited by failure leads to success in man’s actions
and so I should put in more effort and do more searching”, he thought. 12.11
He
decided that he would put in more intense search in all places where search was
not done and started searching.
12.12
He
searched in drinking halls, he searched in flowerbeds, again he searched in
picture galleries and he searched well in sporting arenas.
12. 13
He
also searched in streets in between the gardens, various types of towers,
underground cellars, memorial houses and outer halls of the palaces. 12. 14
That
great monkey Hanuman traveled to all places and searched by climbing, getting
down, stopping once in a while, walking, opening the doors, breaking open
closed doors, getting in, getting out, jumping down and jumping up. 12.15-12.16
The
places that he has not visited in Ravana’s Harem were not even four fingers
broad.
12.17
That
Hanuman searched in the streets between outer walls of buildings, the platforms associated with memorials,
wells, and lakes.
12. 18
In
those places Hanuman saw Rakshasis with various forms who were very ugly, whose
actions were ugly but he was not able to see the daughter of Janaka. 12. 19
Hanuman
saw there many Vidhyadara maidens whose beauty was unparalleled in the world
but was not able to see only the wife of Rama. 12.20
Hanuman
saw there very beautiful Naga maidens who had faces like the full moon but he
was not able to see the good-natured
Sita.
12.21
Hanuman
saw Naga maidens forcibly abducted by Ravana after victory in war but he was not able to see only the
daughter of Janaka.
12.22
The
son of Wind God who was both intelligent and heroic saw several ladies with
good lineage but not Sita and became very sad.
12.23
His
sorrow went on increasing when he thought that the effort put up by monkeys and
his crossing of the ocean was fully wasted.
12.24
The
son of wind God got down from the
Pushpaka Vimana with immense sorrow
and became very thoughtful. 12. 25
Thus ends the twelfth chapter of Sundara Kanda which
is in the
Ramayana which is the first epic written
by Valmiki.
13.Crashing of hopes of Hanuman
( The worries of the very disappointed
Hanuman are described graphically. At the end he sees a glimmer of hope when he
sees the Asoka forest)
After
jumping from the Vimana on to the wall
he was restless like the streaks of lightning among the clouds.
13.1
The
monkey Hanuman after not being able to find the daughter of Janaka in Ravana’s
palace in spite of vigorous and complete
search told to himself as follows:-
13.2
“I
with a desire to do good to Lord Rama have searched this city completely and in
spite of that was not able to find the very pretty Sita who is the daughter of
Janaka.” 13.3
“I
have definitely searched fully in small ponds, big ponds, ;lakes , streams,
rivers, bushes in the deltas, forts, mountains
and plains and am not able to find the daughter of Janaka anywhere.”
13.4
“The
eagle king Sampathi told me about the presence of Sita in Ravana’s palace and
still I am not able to find her.”
13.5
“That
Sita who was not born out of a womb, who was brought up in the kingdom of king Videha, who was well brought up with
culture by the king of Mithila, who is the foster daughter of the sage-king
Janaka will never reach the arms of Ravana who is uncultured., Is it not?”
13.6
“I
think that when Ravana who was afraid of the arrows of Rama abducted her
and was flying at a great height, Sita must have slipped from his hands
and fallen to earth and died.”
13.7
“I
feel that , it is a possibility that the heart of the well pedigreed Sita who
was being abducted and was traveling in the paths of the sky used by sages must have stopped on seeing the sea . “
13.8
“I
feel by the power of Ravana’s thigh and being trampled in his tight hands
must have made her to give up her life.”
13.9
“Another
possibility is that traveling far above the sky that daughter of Janaka must
have tried to escape and fallen in the sea and must have died.” 13. 10
“Alas,
it is a possibility that the Sita who was far away from her relations, who was
doing great penance and who was bent
upon preserving her purity must have been eaten by the horrible Ravana.”
13.11
“Or
it is possible that the cruel wives of the Rakshasa king must have eaten Sita
who is pure and had black eyes.”
13.12
“It
is also possible that always thinking about
the full moon face of Rama who had eyes like the petals of lotus flower,
and seeing there was no other alternative she must have simply died.”
13.13
“It
is also probable that Sita who was born
in the Kingdom of Mithila must
have cried aloud “Hey Rama”, “Hey Lakshmana”, and “Hey Ayodhya”, and also
crying many other things must have forsaken her body.”
13.14
“:
I also think that some times she must have been hidden in some dark underground
vaults and like a bird put in a cage and
must be crying even now.” 13.15
“How
can Sita who is the wife of Rama, who has eyes like lotus petals, who is famous
and who has brought up in the house of Janaka
submit herself to Ravana?”
13. 16
“Whether
she has been well hidden or has been killed or is no more because of her deep
sorrow , this should not be informed to Sri Rama who is very deeply attached to
her?” 13.17
“If
I do inform him the truth danger will
result and if I do not inform ,then also it would have a worse result and in
this circumstance I am not able to decide either way.” 13. 18-13.19
Hanuman
then again reexamined his thought process to conclude as to what would be
timely, yield good result and would be accepted as right by everybody. 13.20
“If
I do return to the kingdom of the monkeys without seeing Sita, what great thing
would I get?”, he thought
13.21
“My
crossing of the ocean, entry in to the city of Lanka and seeing of Rakshasas
would go waste.”, he thought.
13.22
“What
will Sugreeva and the monkeys who have accompanied me and those two sons of
Dasaratha who have reached Kishkinda tell me?”, he thought. 13.
23
“As
soon as I reach ,If I inform the bad
news to Sri Rama that I have not been able to find Sita, because of that he will
die.”, he thought.
13. 24
“He
would not stay alive if he hears the very cruel, hard hearted ,terrible and hard words which are without mercy and
which cannot be borne by sense organs .”he thought 13. 25
“The
intelligent Lakshmana full of love to him
seeing that Rama is bent on death will not also continue to live”, he
thought.
13.26
“Once
Bharatha hears that his two brothers are no more , he will also die .Once
Shatrugna knows that Bharatha is dead he will also die. “ he thought. 13.27
“Once
they know that their sons are all dead, the mothers Kausalya, Sumithra and
Kaikeyi would also not live.” , he thought.
13.28
“When
he sees Sri Rama in this state, the grateful and truthful king of monkeys
Sugreeva would also forsake his life”.
He thought.
13.29
“The
miserable Ruma (Wife of Sugreeva) would be afflicted by the loss of her husband
and be unhappy, sad and suffering pain
and would leave her life.”, he thought. 13.30
“Once
Sugreeva is no more, Tara who is already miserable by the loss of Vali and also
gone down in health by that sorrow would also die.”, he thought. 13.31
“How
will the lad Angadha continue to live in spite of the sorrow of loosing both
his parents and also Sugreeva.”, he thought.
13.32
“It
is certain that afflicted by the sorrow of the loss of their kings, the monkeys
would beat their head by their hands and fists and break their head.”, he
thought. 13.33
“All
the monkey heroes who were respected and
loved by good words and gifts
by the famous monkey king would
sacrifice their lives “, he thought. 13. 34
“After
that the monkeys would not go to play in places where there are lot of houses
or in forests or in mountains.”, he thought.
13.35
“Those
who live with families and with wives and children , would be affected by the
sorrow of their king and would roll in to rough terrain from the top of the
mountains and die”, he thought..
13.36
“Otherwise
they will all die by consuming poison or hanging themselves or by starvation or
by entering in to the fire or falling on weapons.,” he thought. 13. 37
“I
think that by my return ,the Ikshuvaku clan and the monkeys would all be
destroyed and consequently there would be
intolerably great wailing”, he thought. 13. 38
“So
I would not return to the city of Kishkinda for it would not be possible for me
to see Sugreeva without seeing Sita.”. he thought.
13.39
“If without returning I stay here ,then those two great heroes who are also great souls,
with a hope that the work will be done eventually would keep their souls and so the monkeys also would live boldly.”,
he thought.
13.40
“If
I am not able to see the daughter of Janaka, I can live in the shadow of the
trees here with whatever good food that I get or with whatever food that comes
my way , controlling my five senses and live a life of a recluse,”, he
thought. 13.41
“Otherwise
I can raise a raging fire in these fertile areas with fruits and roots , near the sea and die by entering It.”, he thought.
13.42
“The
other alternative is to die of starvation so that the crows and other flesh
eaters would eat away my body.”, he thought.
13.43
“I
know that this method of leaving ones life is permitted by great sages”, he
thought. 13.44
“If
I am not able to find Janaki then with grace I can fall in to the water”, he
thought. 13.45
“This
beautiful long night which began very
well for me in which benefits were received one after another which lead to my
fame became a waste to me because I am not able to see Sita.”, he thought.
13.46
“At
least I can become a sage who controls
all his senses and live below a tree.”, he thought.
13.47
“Without
seeing that black eyed beauty I will not return from here”, he thought. 13.48
“If
I return from here without finding Sita , Angada will die with all his
monkeys.”, he thought.
13.49
“There
are many bad results because of death and the one who lives ultimately gets the
good and he one who lives definitely
gets pleasures , and so I will keep my life.”, he thought.
13.50
That
monkey chief in spite of again and again analyzing his sorrow did still not reach the end of his
sorrow.
13.51
He
then thought, “Let the abducted wife of Rama be any where but let me kill the very strong ten headed
Ravana for by doing that base act
and at least I would have taken revenge.”
13.52-13.53
“Otherwise
I will take him like a sacrificial cow being taken to the fire over the sea and put him at the
feet of Rama”, he thought.
13.54
Not
knowing anything about that Sita, being very thoughtful, worried and sad the
monkey thought thus.
13. 55
“Till
I am able to see the famous Sita who is the wife of Rama, I would keep on
searching the city of Lanka again and again.”
13.56
“Had
I brought Rama with me fully believing the words of Sampathi, not being able to
see his wife, Rama would have burnt all the monkeys.” 13. 57
“I
would live here reducing my food and controlling my organs for because of that
those men and monkeys will not all die
because of me.” 13.58
“I
am able to see an Asoka forest with very big trees and this is the only one
place I have not searched yet.”
13.59
“I
would salute the eight Vasus, eleven Rudras, eleven Suns two Aswini devas, and
seven Maruths and become some one who
will increase the sorrow of these Rakshasas”
13. 60
‘I
am going to somehow win over all the rakshasas and present Sita belonging to
the Ikshuvaku clan to Sri Rama like giving the end result to the one who is
doing fire sacrifice.” 13.61
The
resplendent Hanuman who was the Son of God of wind, meditated like this for
some time and ended up with the senses
devoid of the tie of sadness. 13. 62
“My
salutations to Sri Rama along with his brother Lakshmana, My salutations to
Sita who is the daughter of Janaka, My salutations to Rudra, Indra, Yama the
god of death, Vayu the god of wind, moon, sun and The people of Maruth”, he
saluted 13. 63
After
saluting thus and also saluting Sugreeva Hanuman thoughtfully examined all the
ways to the Asoka forest. He considered Asoka forest as the first place for
success and thought about his future steps.
13.64-13.65
“This
Asoka forest , with all sort of decorations, with densely populated trees and
which is full of Rakshasas should be searched immediately he thought.” 13. 66
“Here
sentries have been posted here and there
and are protecting the trees and the
wind is also blowing strong”, he observed.
13.67
“Let
the sages and Devas bless me to give me result in this attempt by making me small
and not visible to Ravana and also for the sake of Rama.”, he prayed 13.68
“Let
the ever existing Lord Brahma , other Devas, God of Fire, God of wind and Indra
with his weapon of diamond grant me success.”, he further prayed. 13.69
“Let
Varuna(god of rain) with the rope in his hand, sun, moon, the great Aswini
devas, Maruths, Parameshwara, that God who is the chief of all beings, all the
beings and several other invisible gods
who are on my way grant me victory in my attempt”, he prayed. 13.70-13.71
“When
will I be able to see the noble Sita’s
face, which has a prominent nose. which has clean teeth, which is without
blemishes, which has eyes like the petals of lotus flower and which glitters
like the moon without blemishes ?”, he wailed. 13.72
“How
is she who is without support, who is
forever meditating, who has been abducted
by the cruel sinner Ravana who wore a good form over his terrible aspect, going to become visible in front of
my eye?”, he thought.
13.73
Thus ends the
thirteenth chapter of Sundara
Kanda which
is in the
Ramayana which is the first epic written
by Valmiki.
14.Searching inside the Asoka forest
(Graphic description of the Asoka
forest as seen by Hanuman is given. Seeing the forest Hanuman decides that Sita
should definitely visit there because she likes the forest and also needs to do
her morning ablations)
The
very powerful Hanuman after thinking for
some more time and after meditating on Sita, Jumped immediately on to the wall
of that palace of Ravana. 14.1
Enthused
all over his body by his self confidence
that monkey climbed that boundary wall and saw many trees with flowers
symbolic of spring season, several Sala trees, several pretty Asoka trees,
Several champaka trees in full bloom, several karnikara trees, several Naaka
trees, several mango trees and several Kapimuka(monkey face) trees. 14.2-14.3
In
that orchard with many mango trees, which is surrounded by pretty climbing
plants he rushed in side, like an arrow rushing to its aim from the string of
the bow. 14.4
That
Hanuman entered that garden which was full of sound made by birds, which
was like a rising sun, which was made strange by silver and gold like trees,
which was full of birds and deer on all sides, which had several small strange
and pretty gardens, which was full of several trees with flowers and fruits,
which was always full of nightingales and bees, which was full of sounds made
by peacocks, which had a rich varieties of birds, which had people who are
happy and in which birds and animals were playing. 14. 5-14.8
Hanuman
who was searching for the very pretty lady Sita who was blemish less, woke up
several birds which were sound asleep.
14.9
The
trees which were shaken violently by the birds which were flying above them,
caused a multi coloured rain of flowers.
14. 10
Hanuman
the son of the God of wind, covered completely by the shedding flowers looked
like a mountain of flowers in the middle of that Asoka Forest. 14.11
All
animals seeing the monkey rushing in all directions thought that he was the spring season
itself.
14.12
The
ground covered by the shedding flowers from the trees looked like a lady wearing
ornaments.
14.13
The
trees shaken vigorously by the strong monkey shed various types of
flowers. 14.14
The
trees having shed their leaves, branches , flowers and fruits looked like a loosing gambler who has already
pledged his cloths and ornaments. 14. 15
Those
bare stems of the trees looked like they have
been destroyed by cyclone and
consequently deserted by all birds and appeared as if they are of no use. 14.16
That
Asoka forest beat by the hands and tail
of the monkey was bereft of any noble trees and resembled a lady with disheveled
hair, with erased Sindhoora (dots in the forehead) . with ashen lips drunk by a
tenacious lover and with marks all over the body made by his nails and teeth.
14.17-14.18
The
monkey cut and fell the groups of
twining climbers all over in the garden, which was similar to the scattering of
clouds over Vindhya Mountain by the Wind God. 14.19
Traveling through the garden, that monkey chief saw places which were inlaid with precious stones , which were
made of silver, which were made of gold ;streams (fountains) of various shapes,
which were filled with very pure water, which had steps made of the nine types
of precious stones here and there, which had pearls and corals as sand, which
had the middle portion made of crystals, which glittered prettily by the very special type of golden trees,
which was full of Lotus and Neelothphala flowers, which was filled with the
cooing sound of Chakravaka birds, which was having the sound created by crabs, which had the sound created by the beaks of
swans, which was filled with nectar like water, which was arranged in such a
way that it was surrounded by small rivulets on all sides ; gardens filled with
several type of climbing plants, which had several wish giving trees, which had
several Karaveera plants; and which had orchards filled with dense ornamental
shrubs.
14.20-14.25
Here
the monkey chief saw many mountains with
cloud like tall peaks, which had several
very pretty sharp peaks, which was surrounded on all four sides by sentry
stations, which was filled with houses made by granite stones, which was
surrounded by different varieties of trees, which was the prettiest in the
world, and which had several pretty terraces.
14.26-14.27
He
saw streams flowing from those mountains, which looked like the pretty loving
ladies raising from the lap of their lovers and slowly going forward. 14.28
Not
only that but the monkey chief thought that the pretty streams which were
flowing back because of huge trees with a large sinking crowns were stopping
them, were like the angry sweetheart who
is stopped by her relatives and coming back after giving up her anger and going
near her darling
14.29-14.30
The
monkey chief Hanuman who was the son of wind God, saw near the river a lotus
pond full of different varieties of birds and a lake which was filled with cold
water, which had several steps inlaid with precious gems, which had sand strewn
with pearls, which had several flocks of deer roaming here and there, which had
very pretty and specialized orchards,
which was constructed by Viswakarma (the architect of Devas), which was
surrounded by several flower beds and which was decorated by several well
crafted towers. 14.31-14.34
The
trees in the garden were bearing fruits and flowers and were decorated .They
also had platforms constructed all round which had golden steps. 14.35
Hanuman
the monkey saw a golden Simshuba tree (
caller “Irumul “in Malayalam) with various
climbers and leaves encircling it and which had a golden platform
beneath it. 14.36
He
saw springs in very low lying areas and also dry places and several mountain
like golden tress.
14.37-14.38
That
great monkey chief thought for a moment that he too is golden seeing the
glitter similar to the Meru Mountain of those trees.
14.39
He
was wonderstruck on seeing the golden Simshuba tree with its seedlings around
it, and also with numerous bell like sound created by the pleasantly wafting
wind. 14.40
Hanuman
who was very swift climbed another Simshuba tree which had flowery tips, which
had young leaf and flower buds and which had very dense leaves and thought, “ I
would be able to see from here Vaidehi (daughter of Videha) who is sad because
of her sorrow, who always fervently
wishes for seeing Rama, and who may have
accidentally come over here.”
14. 41-14.42
“This
Asoka forest belonging to the bad soul
Ravana is very pretty and is
decorated with Sandalwood trees, Champaka trees and Bakula trees.” 14.43
“The
royal lady who is the daughter of Janaka
would certainly come over to this very pretty
lotus pond which is full of birds.”
14.44
“That
Janaki (Sita) who is the queen. Who has experience in living in forests, who is
very talented and who is the very
innocent darling of Raghava (Sri Rama
who is the descendent of King Raghu) would definitely come here.” 14.45
“
Perhaps that daughter of Janaka who has
doe like eyes, who has become thin by constant thought of Sri Rama and who has lot of experience in living in
forests would certainly come over here.”
14.46
“That
lady who has wilted due to parting with Rama, who has lotus like eyes and who
is a traveler in the forest is likely to come daily here as she is interested in seeing the forest.”
14.47
“That
Janaki who is the very innocent wife of Sri Rama, who is the daughter of
Janaka, who is of good colour, who is in the middle of youth, and who is great
is always interested in people who travel in the forest and also
taking in to account that the dawn is
coming near she would be coming
to this river with clean waters to offer her Ablations of the dawn.” 14.48-14.49
“This
holy Asoka forest is very suitable to the intelligent wife of Rama who is the
daughter in law of the great King.”
14.50
“If
that moon faced lady is alive she would
definitely come to this river with crystal clear water.”
14.51
At
that time , thinking thus, the great Hanuman hid himself among leaves of a profusely flowering tree
expecting to see wife of the king of men and was staring down the tree and was
watching everything.
14.52
Thus
ends the fourteenth chapter of Sundara Kanda which
is in the
Ramayana which is the first epic written
by Valmiki.
15.Seeing
of Sita
(This chapter initially gives a description
of Asoka vana and its one occupant whom
Hanuman suspects as Sita. In the end using pure logic Hanuman concludes that
she definitely is Sita)
Sitting
on the Simshuba tree Hanuman examined all areas down below , in
the garden in search of Mythili (princess of Mithila) and saw everything
which was there in the Asoka forest. 15.1
Sitting
there he saw well the entire garden, which was full of shining climbers and
trees, which was sweetly scented, which was decorated all over, which was
similar to the ornamental parks, which was full of animals and birds, which had
lot of great mansions, which was resounding with the sweet song of Koels, which
had golden fruits and flowers, which had many ponds, which had several sofas
and carpets, which had several underground chambers, which had trees which
fruit and flower in all seasons, which had several Asoka trees full of flowers from bottom to top and
were touching the floor because of the heavy load of flowers , which had
several Karnikara trees, which had several fully flowering Palasa trees, which
was shining like a sun due to the dense flowers
and glitter of Asoka trees, which appeared to shine because of various
ornament like flowers and which had bare leaved trees so made by the very many
birds which were often flying as a flock
.
15.2-15.8
Because
of their luster that entire area appeared to be shining and the garden also
shined with multi crowned pongamia trees, the seven leafed trees, Champaka
trees and Udhalaka trees.
15.9
There
were thousands of Asoka trees in the
garden some of which were golden, some like the flame of fire and some very jet
black.
15.10
That
forest with several parks and was as pretty as Indra’s celebrated Nandana vana
and Kubera’s famous Chithra vana and was
pretty , holy , greatly attractive, with holy splendor, which cannot be
compared to any other garden and which
was much above the rest.
15.11
It
was like a second sky full of star collections
which resembled flowers and with its
flowers resembling the nine precious gems it was like the fifth sea. 15.12
That
pretty garden filled with very desirable
scents resembled the great Gandhamadana mountain and was full of honey smelling
trees which flower in all seasons and with
various types of deer and birds which make different types of noises and
was stealer of mind with wafting perfumes all around.
15.13-15.14
That
monkey chief also saw a temple which was
near the Asoka forest, which was tall, which was supported by thousand pillars
in the middle. Which was as white as Kailasa, which had steps made of coral.
Which had floor made of molten gold, which had the glitter attracting the eyes,
which was holy and which appeared to touch the sky in height. 15.15-15.17
He
saw in the garden a lady who was wearing
dirty cloths, who was surrounded by several Rakshasis, who was thin because of
starvation, who was again and again breathing hard and who was shining like the crescent of moon in the early waning
period. After staring and seeing her with care he saw that broad eyed lady who
was with glittering mien, who was like a flame of fire darkened by smoke, who
was dressed in a single disheveled great yellow cloth, who was laden with dust,
who was not made up, who was like a pond without lotus, who was ashamed, who
looked wilted due to sorrow, who was like a lady saint, who was like the star
Rohini affected by planet Mars, who was with face made wet by tears, who was
dejected, who was thin because she was not taking food, who was full of sad
thoughts and sorrow, who was full of fear, who was not seeing any of her dear
relatives near by, who was like a deer separated from her flock and surrounded
by dogs, who was having singly made hair which was hanging like a cobra behind
her, who was like a black forest covered earth in the autumn, who needed good
life, who was wilted by sorrow, who never knew the troubles caused by sorrow,
who was very thin and who was covered with dirt.
15.18-15.25
He
concluded that she was that lady who was abducted by Ravana the Rakshasa who
could assume any desired form and that she was having the same appearance as
she had when abducted.
15.26
Even
after Seeing Sita, who had a face like full moon, who had pretty eyebrows, .
Who had very pretty round breasts, who by her luster was removing darkness from
all directions, who had very black hair, who had lips like the red guava fruit,
who had very beautiful hips, who had eyes like petals of lotus, who is born in
a great family, who was born in the channel created by plough, who is darling
of all the world like Rati (wife of God of love)who had the shine of the full
moon, who had extremely pretty body, who was sitting on the floor as if
meditating with full control over all her organs, who was like the serpent
maiden hissing with fear , who was not shining because of the hard and long
sorrow, who was like the flame of fire hidden by the smoke, who was like the
poem which praises but which was not clear, who was like the assets which had
vanished, who was like the hope which is reduced, who was like the desire which
is stopped, who was like the fulfillment
of desires which were dangerous, who was like the confused wisdom, who
was like the fame darkened by gossips which were not true, who was sad because
she was not able to attain Rama, who had grown thin because she was abducted by
Rakshasas , who was having eyes like a doe, who was seeing here and there with
fear because of her weakness, who was
breathing heavily again and again
with a lusterless face with black curved eyes and eye brows. , who was coated with dust and dirt,
who should wear make up but who did not wear it, who should be pitied, who was
like the moon light hidden by black clouds and who was like the corrupted Vedic
knowledge which was not repeated and
practiced, Hanuman’s brain was full of
suspicions..
15.27-15.36
Hanuman
recognized Sita with great difficulty which was similar to understanding of an
ungrammatical sentence without any figure of speech and which indicated a wrong meaning.
15.37
He
understood her as Sita who was a princess, who was blameless and who had wide
eyes after looking at her carefully due to the following reasons. 15. 38
“He
saw those ornaments (which could be easily removed and are not a symbol of a
married woman) which were pointed out to
be worn by her by Sri Rama as an identification
hanging and shining on a nearby branch of a tree. “ 15.39
“He
thought that some of those ornaments which were worn by her permanently were
fixed strongly and were coated with dirt and were definitely those pointed by
Sri Rama as identification like those ornaments made of coral and other jewels
being worn on her fingers and hands, like the well crafted ear drops, and like
the well tied ear ornament called Swadamshtram”. 15.40-15.41
“He
did not see on her those ornaments which were thrown by her from the Pushpaka
Vimana on Rishya Mookha Mountains and all those which she was having were those
listed but not thrown out. “
15.42-15.43
“At
that time the monkey chief saw her
golden yellow pretty upper cloth had
fallen down and was hanging on the tree. “
15. 44
“Whatever
ornaments she has thrown away were definitely the one seen by the monkeys”, He
thought .
15. 45
“Though
whatever cloth she was wearing was crumpled and dirty because they
were worn for a long time, they were definitely having the luster and
colour of the cloth befitting her status, without doubt” ,
he thought.
15. 46
“Though
this golden darling of Sri Rama was now in the custody of some one else, She
who is faultless was definitely in his
mind and this is definitely her”. He thought. 15.47
“This
is the one for whom Sri Rama was
sad, due to mercy, affection, sorrow and
love; mercy because a helpless one has fallen in others hands, affection
because he had the responsibility of protecting the one who has come to him for
protection, sorrow because his wife was missing and love because she was the
wife who was acting according to his wishes.”
15.48-15.49
“The
beauty of each part of her body and its shape were similar to that of the
beauty of Sri Rama and the personality of his was also similar to
hers, and so this black eyed beauty must be her”. He thought.
15.50
“This
ladies mind lives within his and his mind lives within her and that must be the
reason why she and he are staying alive at least for this short time”. He thought. 15.51-15.52
“Sri Rama in spite of parting from this lady
is still keeping his body in tact and his body is not breaking to pieces and so
it is clear that Lord Sri Rama is doing things which were impossible to
others”. He thought.
15.53
“By
living away from this wonderful beauty Sita at least for some time, the great
Sri Rama was doing some thing which is impossible for others”, he again
thought. 15.54
Like
this becoming happy on seeing Sita, he thought in his mind of Sri Rama and
thought of him as his Lord.
15.55
Thus
ends the fifteenth chapter of Sundara Kanda which
is in the
Ramayana which is the first epic written
by Valmiki.
16.Lamenting about Sita
(Seeing Sita Hanuman is upset and thinks
about her in various ways and pities her. He again decides that the lady whom
he has found is Sita herself)
After
thinking highly of Sita who is fit to be praised and Rama who has a beautiful
character, that monkey chief again became thoughtful. 16.1
That
glittering Hanuman meditated thus for some time about Sita, and with tearful
eyes cried. alas!
16.2
“If the great man’s wife Sita ,who is fit to be
worshipped by Lakshmana who always
behaves with humility towards elders, is troubled by sorrow , then the
dictates of time are impassable. “
16.3
“This
great one who knows the inner mind of Rama and Lakshmana does not get much
stormy like the river Ganges in rainy season.”, he thought 16.4
“Endowed
with similar characters , age. and conduct and belonging to similar families and possessing similar
characteristics, Sri Rama deserves Sita and this black eyed beauty deserves Sri
Rama”, he thought.
16.5
Having
seen her who is with colour of molten
gold, who is the prettiest in the world and who is like Lakshmi(Consort of Lord
Vishnu) and having also thought of Sri
Rama., he told himself the
following:- 16.6
“For
the sake of this broad eyed damsel, the very strong King Bali was killed, and
also Kabandha who was equal to Ravana was killed”.
16.7
“The
Rakshasa Viradha who was having extremely great valor was killed in the war in the forest
similar Indra killing Sambarasura., again for the sake of this
damsel” 16.8
“Fourteen
thousand Rakshasas who were doing terrible deeds were also killed in Janasthana
by using arrows which are like flame of fire for her sake. “ 16.9
“
The all knowing Rama killed in war the greatly powerful Khara, Trisiras and
similarly Dhooshana.”
16.10
“It
is for
this broad eyed damsel’s sake
that the kingdom, which was ruled by Bali, which was considered as great
by the world and which was difficult to obtain for monkeys was got by
Sugreeva.”
16.11
“It
is for her sake that that I crossed the ocean which is the lord of streams and
rivers and for her sake that I searched this city well.” 16.12
“I
feel that for her sake if Lord Rama turns upside down the earth surrounded by
oceans and even the universe, it would be most apt.”.
16.13
“Suppose
in the three worlds, a choice is given between Sita who is the daughter of
Janaka and the kingship of the world, the kingship will not be even equal to a tiny
part of Sita.” 16.14
“This
Sita who is eternally devoted to her husband came out breaking apart the earth
coated with field dust similar to the pollen of lotus ,when the great
Janaka who was the king of Mithila
ploughed the field and became his very
famous daughter.” 16.15-16.16
“She
is the eldest daughter in law of King Dasaratha who was very good, who never
came back defeated in war and who was having great valor.” 16.17
“This
lady who is the darling wife ,of just and philosophic Rama who does unblemished
actions and is like the lord of wealth
,has fallen in to the hands of these Rakshasis.” 16.18
“She
, without bothering about sorrow and sacrificing all
pleasures, accompanied her husband
to the solitary forest for the sake of
love from him , gave it the utmost importance and lived with happiness by eating fruits and
roots of the forest thinking it similar to her life in the palace and was engaged in service to her husband.” 16.19-16.20
“She
who is having all the above qualities,
who was having a body of the colour of gold, who was always adorned with a
smile, who always used to talk of only good things and who never had
experienced sorrow in her life , now tolerates extreme sorrow.” 16. 21
‘”Even
though troubled by Ravana similar to a
thirsty man attacking the water
house, she has remained virtuous and Sri Rama deserves to see her.” 16.22
“If
Rama gets her back again he would attain the happiness of a king who lost his
kingdom and got it again.”
16.23
“Even
though forsaken by love and passion, even though taken away from her relatives
and friends, she is keeping her body pure for the sake of union to him”. 16.24
“Even
now she is not seeing the Rakshasis and does not give any attention to these
flower and fruit filled trees but with
absolute concentration is meditating on Rama.” 16.25
“Husband
is the ornament which is better than all ornaments to a lady and she who
deserves such an ornament does not shine without one.” 16.26
“The
Lord Sri Rama is keeping his body intact in spite of parting with her and does
not disintegrate and is doing some action which no one can perform.” 16.27
“Seeing
her who is having a pitch black hair, who is having eyes of the shape of lotus
and who is fit only to enjoy, suffering my mind is in turmoil.” 16.28
“She
who is having the patience of earth, who has eyes like lotus and who should
have been protected by Rama and Lakshmana, is now being guarded by the ugly
Rakshasis below a tree.”
16.29
“This
daughter of Janaka, who is lifeless like the lotus flower touched by snow, who
is suffering by sorrow again and again, has attained the tragic state of
Chakravaka bird who ha lost the company of its beloved.”
16.30
“These
Asoka trees bent low because of the large number of flowers produced after the
autumn season, and this moon with its thousand rays, produces lot of sorrow to
her.” 16.31
The
strong and wise chief of monkey thought about the matter as described above and
decided that “She is definitely Sita” and stayed hidden in the Simshuba
tree. 16.32
Thus
ends the Sixteenth chapter of Sundara Kanda which
is in the
Ramayana which is the first epic written
by Valmiki.
17.Seeing of Rakshasis
(Graphic description of the Rakshasis
surrounding Sita is given in this chapter. It also describes the sorry state of
Sita and ends with the mention of happiness of Hanuman on seeing Sita)
Then
in the clear sky the cream coloured moon , which is normally clear, rose like a
swan appearing in blue water.
17.1
Shining
with clarity that moon appeared to help by its light and by its cool moonlight
served the son of wind God.
17.2
Because
of that He saw the full moon faced Sita similar to the ship in ocean weighed
down and about to sink by her sorrow.
17. 3
Trying
to see Sita (daughter of Videha) clearly ,that son of wind god saw near her
ugly and terrible looking Rakshasis among whom some were one eyed, someone
eared, some with closed ears, some without ears, some with stick like ears,
some breathing through the nose in the head, some with very large head and
body, some thin with elongated neck, some with brush like hair, some with no
hair at all, some wearing her hairs like
a woolen rug, some with hanging ears and forehead, some with hanging breasts
and belly, some with hanging lips, some with chin itself as lips, some with
hanging faces, some with hanging knees, some hunch backed, some obese,
similarly some who were dwarf, some handicapped, some with slanted mouth and
some with yellow eyes. 17.4-17.9
He
also saw other Rakshasis, among whom some were very ugly, some yellow coloured,
some with jet black colour, some who were very angry, some who were interested
in fighting, some who were armed with big spear, swords and rods, some with
faces of pig, deer, tiger, bison, sheep and fox, some with legs of elephant,
camel and horse, some with heads fixed just over the body, some with one hand
and one leg, some with ears of a donkey, some with ears of a dog, some with
ears of a cow, some with ears of an elephant, some with ears of a lion,
similarly some without nose, some with very big nose, some with nose like an
elephant, some with ears on their forehead, some with legs of an elephant, some
with very big legs, some with legs of a cow, some with profuse hairs on the
legs, some with big neck and heads, some with big breasts and belly, some with
big mouth and eye, some with long nails and tongue, some with face of a sheep,
some with face of an elephant, some with face of a cow, some with face of a
pig, some with faces of horse, camel and donkey, some holding spears and thorn
sticks, some with ire, some interested in fighting, some with projected teeth.,
some with blond hairs, some with terrible looking mien, some always interested
in alcohol and meat, some drinking spirits often, some with ugly faces, some
who had rubbed meat and blood all over their body, some whose food was only
meat and blood, some who had a terrible
stare which would make hairs stand upright, and all of them surrounding on all
four sides a huge forest tree with
umpteen branches.
17.10-17.18
That
Hanuman blessed by Goddess Lakshmi saw below that tree which was in the center
of Asoka forest, that Lady Sita, who was a princess, who was innocent, who was
the daughter of Janaka, who had lost her glitter, who had faded because of her sorrow, who was having
flying dirty hair, who was like a star pushed down to earth when its good deeds
are over[15],
who was great because of her virtue, who was not knowing ways to see her
husband, who was not wearing costly ornaments, who was wearing the ornament of
her devotion to her husband, who was abducted by the king of rakshasas, who was
separated from her relatives, who was like the she elephant who was in the
custody of a lion after loosing her way, who was like the autumn crescent
hidden by the clouds of the late rainy season, who was dirty looking because
she had not washed herself, who was like a veena without strings, who was sunk
in the sea of sorrow, who was earlier in the custody of her husband and who did
not like to be in the custody of
Rakshasis. 17.19-17.24
‘Seeing
the lady who was like a tender plant in flowering, surrounded by the Rakshasis,
he felt that she was like the Rohini star surrounded by the nine planets. 17.25
“Though
by her natural beauty itself she was well made up, due to the dirt that she was
having on her faded body , she was like the slush coated lotus plant which was
shining as well as not shining”, he thought.
17.26
The
monkey chief Hanuman saw Sita who was
only wearing a dirty and ruffled single
cloth, who was having an eye similar to the young deer, who was not wilting
away because she was remembering the greatness of her husband, who was being
protected by her virtue, who was having black eyes and who was blessed by her
youth. 17.27-17.28
Understanding
her as Sita, that son of wind god ,looking at
the princess of Mithila who was having eyes similar to an young deer,
who was seeing in all directions like a fear struck deer, who was breathing
heavily as if her breath will burn the well grown tress surrounding her, who
was like a tidal wave of sorrow which always comes as a group, who was shining
without any ornaments, who was having very perfect limbs and who was having
great patience, attained limitless happiness for having completed his
task. 17.29-17.31
Hanuman
shed tears of happiness seeing her who was having eyes like wine and
immediately Saluted Sri Rama. . 17. 32
That
heroic Hanuman becoming happy because he saw Sita, saluted both Sri Rama and
Lakshmana and continued to he in hiding. 17.33
Thus
ends the Seventeenth chapter of Sundara Kanda which
is in the
Ramayana which is the first epic written by Valmiki.
18. Arrival of Ravana
(Here
the description of the passionate Ravana who woke up and came to Asoka forest
along with his wives to see Sita ,is given. Ravana is described as valorous but
spoiled by his passion and his women are described as virtuous, good and devoted
to him)
When
he was examining with care the forest, which was in full flower and also
searching for the daughter of Videha, the night was about to come to an end and
the dawn was in making.
18.1
In
the end of night he heard the recitation of Vedas by the Brahma Rakshasas who
were well versed in all the six parts of Vedas and who had done great fire
sacrifices. 18.2
At
that time the very strong and great Hero , the ten headed one (Ravana) was
woken up with the good luck , by singing songs which were sweet to hear and
also verses praising him.
18.3
That
famous king of Rakshasas having woken up at the correct time wearing displaced
cloths and garlands thought of the daughter of Videha. 18. 4
That
egoist Rakshasa because the God of love affected him, was not able to keep his
passion to Sita under control.
18. 5
He
, carrying with him his unparalleled
fame ,wearing all ornaments entered
Asoka forest., which was having hangings made of gold in which gems were
inlaid, which had fallen fully ripe fruits, which was dense with trees, which
was giving happiness to the mind and eyes ,
which was having statues of deer
, which was full of different varieties of trees, which was having several
wonderful birds full of zest, which was filled with lotus ponds and which was
shining with various types of flowers and saw it round. 18.
6-18.9
That
Ravana was followed by a very big group of ladies similar to Indra being
followed by deva and Gandharwa maidens.
18.10
Some
of those ladies were carrying in their hand white threaded fan, some had golden
lamps hanging on a chain and some had round ornamental discs. 18.11
Some
with water in golden vessels preceded him and some with back turned swords and
carpets followed him.
18.12
At
that time one intelligent lady took a gem studded pot with water in her right
hand and walked with him.
18.13
Another
walked behind him with an umbrella, which was having a golden handle, which was
white, like a swan and which was shining like a full moon. 18.14
With
eyes made red by lack of sleep and wine, those great wives of Ravana followed
their heroic husband like the streaks of lightning following the clouds. 18.15
Those
darling wives of Ravana who were wearing mixed up garlands and bangles, who were
having a disheveled looks, whose hair has been unloosened, whose face was full
of droplets of sweat, whose body was made wet by sweat, whose hair was adorned
by flowers, who were tottering because of loss of sleep and due to effects of
wine, who were having pretty faces, who were having eyes causing passion and
who were great ladies followed the Rakshasa king because of their respect and passion towards him. 18.16-18.18
This
very strong Ravana who was the husband of those ladies had come under the
control of passion became a bad individual and
because he had lost his heart to Sita and was following a path of utter selfishness .,
18.19
Hanuman
the son of Wind god heard the jingling
sound of the anklets and waist belts of
those great ladies.
18.20
Hanuman
saw Ravana who was capable of very great deeds, who had unimaginable strength
and masculinity, who shined on all the four directions by the light of many
lamps held in the front which were fed by perfumed oils, who was full of passion,
egoism and bad conduct, who was having long red eyes, who was a personification
of the god of love without his rope and who was wearing well washed white
cloths with a colour of foam of milk hanging from his shoulders but pushed to
one side, entered the garden. 18.21-18.24
Hiding
in branch with profuse leaves and hidden by leaves and flowers, Hanuman started
examining Ravana with care..
18.25
When
the chief of monkeys was examining Ravana thus he saw the youthful pretty great
wives of Ravana.
18.26
That
famous king surrounded by that bevy of beauties entered the garden of the
harem, which was full of animals and birds.
18. 27
That
Hanuman saw the very strong king of Rakshasa who was the son of sage Visravas,
who was holding his two ears upright like spears, who was well ornamented, who
was visibly drunk by passion, and who was surrounded by his ladies like the
stars surrounding the moon.
18.28-18.29
That
monkey chief who was endowed with great power
saw Ravana who was glittering by
the rays of his power.
18.30
That
greatly resplendent monkey chief who was the Son of God of wind decided without
any doubt that” This individual was earlier seen by me in the center of the
city, in a great palace asleep and so this must be the great hero Ravana.”, and he jumped and ran away
18.31
That
monkey chief was greatly resplendent but
being disturbed by the great power of Ravana , he further withdrew deep in to
hiding.
18.32
That
Ravana with a great desire to see Sita who had jet-black hair, jet black eyes,
passionately attractive wide waist, and very dense breasts neared her. 18.33
Thus
ends the Eighteenth chapter of Sundara Kanda which
is in the
Ramayana which is the first epic written
by Valmiki.
19. Description of the sage like Sita
(This chapter gives a very detailed and
graphic description of the state of Sita)
The
innocent princess Vaidehi who was a noble soul, seeing Ravana the youthful , pretty king of Rakshasas from
the place she was sitting ,shook like a
banana plant caught in a cyclone
19.1-19.2
That
ten headed one saw Sita who was having a pretty body, who had broad eyes, who
was hiding her belly by her thighs and breasts by her hands, who was being
guarded by the crowd of Rakshasis, who had wilted because of her sorrow, who
was crying, who was like a sinking ship, who was like a branch of a tree which
had fallen on earth, who was sitting on bare earth , who was doing great
penance, who was suitable for a make up but was not made up, who was wearing
dirt as an ornament and who was the princess of Videha. In that state she who
was like a stem of lotus, which was shining and also not shining.
19.3-19.6
Ravana
because his death was nearby, passionately loved Sita, who was like one
traveling in the chariot of mind pulled by horses called “strong decision”
taking her near to the all knowing great prince Sri Rama, who had faded, who
was alone, who was crying, who was all the time thinking and crying, whose only
aim was Sri Rama, who was virtuous, who had still not seen the end of sorrow,
who was like the shivering Naga maiden tied by magic chants, who was like the
star Rohini affected by the comets, who was born in a pedigreed family which
was orthodox, which was just and which was having good character and good
conduct , who was given in religious marriage to another great family, who
appeared as if she was brought up in a bad family, who was like the fame
tainted by non existing gossip, who was like the knowledge which was not
memorized by constant repetition, who was like the fame which had disappeared,
who was like the attention which was dishonored, who was like the knowledge
which has diminished, who was like the desire which was disappointed, who was
like a demolished home, who was like the commands which were not obeyed, who
was like the residences which were burnt, who was like the worship which was
prevented in the right time, who was like the destroyed lotus pond, who was
like the army without its commander, who was like the darkened glitter, who was
like the dried up river, who was like the sacrificial arena made dirty, who was
like the receding fire about to die, who was like the night of full moon when
eclipse is caused by Rahu and Kethu, who was like the turbid lotus pond which
was disturbed by the trunk of the elephant and from which all leaves and
flowers were removed and from which the birds have flown away, who had wilted
because of her husband was not with her,
who was like the river from which water has been removed by canals, who was
like the night of waxing moon because she had not taken her bath, who was great,
who was very pretty, who was fit to live in a palace made of gems, who was
wilting due to harsh sun light, who was like a lotus stem picked some time
before, who was like a she elephant which was removed away from the he elephant
and tied to a pillar, which was tired because of extreme sorrow and which was
taking long breaths, who was shining with a single made hair without any
ornaments, who was like the black corner of the forest at the end of the rainy
season, who was famished because of her
fast, who had become thin because of her sorrow, who was pitiable because of
worries and fear, who was not taking any food, who was wilted because of
sorrow, who appeared as if she was praying
with folded hands to Sri Rama mentally as if she was praying God for the death of the ten headed one giving
great importance to her virtue , who was having white long eyes with pretty eyelids, who was
crying, who was seeing all round out of fear, who was firmly believing only on
Sri Rama and who was not suitable to be
found fault of..
19. 7-19.22
Thus
ends the nineteenth chapter of Sundara Kanda which
is in the
Ramayana which is the first epic written
by Valmiki.
20.Ravana’s prayer of love
(This chapter is the prayer of love of Ravana
to Sita. He praises her, points out his greatness and tells her how she can
enjoy life if she accepts his proposal)
That
Ravana with an aim to intimately talk to
Sita who is sad, who meditates like a sage, who was caught in the web of fear
and who is virtuous and devoted to her husband, sweetly explained to her:-
20.1
“Oh
lady who has thighs like the elephants trunk, you seem to wish to make your
body invisible to me by hiding your breasts and belly.”
20.2
“Hey
broad eyed one, hey my dear, hey lady who has a very beautiful body, I am
passionately in love with you ,who is the prettiest lady of the world and so please respect me.” 20.3
“Hey
Sita, there are neither Rakshasas or men who are personification of passion
here, and so let the fear for me inside you be completely erased.” 20. 4
“Hey
Coward, abducting other women and raping them are permissible by the clan rules
of Rakshasas, no doubt.” 20.5
“Whatever
it may be , let the God of love play to any extent on my body, but I will
definitely not even touch you without your permission.” 20. 6
“
Hey Lady, please do not fear that any
mishap will occur in this case . Hey
pretty one , have belief in me and
love me with all your soul, and do not spend time like this by nurturing
your sorrow..”
20. 7
“With
matted singly made hair, sleeping on the floor, wearing dirty cloths, worrying
and starving are not suitable to you ,
my lady.”
20. 8
“Hey
daughter of Mithila, please accept my love and receive rare garlands, smoke
from incense, several good cloths, divine ornaments, very costly drinks, beds.
Seats, song, dance and other instrumental music.”
20.9-20.10
“Hey
pretty one, you are a jewel among ladies and why is it that you are not fit to
receive praises ? Don’t be like this, accept me and wear ornaments on your
body.” 20.11
“This
pretty youthful looks of yours is fading
very fast and the youthfulness that is
past would not return back similar to the flowing water.”
20.12
“Hey
Good looking lady, there is no one else as pretty as you and I think that the
creator Brahma has stopped his work after creating you. “ 20.13
“Hey
daughter of Videha, which male including the God Brahma can leave you after
personally seeing you glittering in your beauty and youth?” 20.14
“Hey
lady who has a face like cool full moon,
Hey lady who has big wide waists, whichever part of the body I see, my
eyes are tied up by that part.” 20.15
“Hey
princess of Mithila, forsake this sorrow, become my wife and become the chief
among my several great ladies.”
20.16
“Hey
coward, whatever jewels I have brought by force from any corner of the world
would belong to you and for that matter me and my kingdom will be yours.” 20.17
“Hey
lady who attracts, I would conquer all countries with several cities in the
world and for your sake give them to Janaka, your father.”
20.18
“I
do not know any one else in this world who has same strength as me , and so
think of my great valor which is unbeatable in war.”
20.19
“All
devas and Asuras were unable to stand before me along with their armies and
have been driven out by me several times after breaking their flags.” 20.20
“Please
accept me, let you be ornamented and made up just now.” 20.21
“Let
you , wear glittering ornaments all over your body and let me
with pleasure see you pretty. after wearing those ornaments.”
20.22
“Hey
pretty faced one, Hey coward, after being well made up, with pleasure ,enjoy
all passions, be happy and get satisfied
in your want of passion.” 20.23
“You
can give as presents land and wealth to whomsoever are dear to you. Please
be happy believing in me and order with courage. Please enjoy all pleasures and
let all your relations live happily because of my power.”
20.24
“Hey
lady, be pleased to see my greatness, my wealth and my fame. Hey lucky one,
what are you going to do with Rama who wears cloths made of barks of
trees?” 20.25
“Rama
has lost his victory, he has lost his wealth, he wanders in the forest, he does
penance, he sleeps on bare earth, and not only that I am doubting whether he is
still alive or not?”
20.26
“Hey
princess of Videha, like the moon with a stork filled front which is hidden by
dark clouds , he will not be even able to see you.”
20.
27
“Not
only that Rama will not be able to take you away from my hands like Hiranya Kasipu was not able to take back his wife Keerthi from the hands
of Indra..” 20.28
“Hey
coward, hey lady with heart warming smile, hey lady with pretty teeth, hey lady
with pretty eyes, Hey handsome lady who attracts others, you have stolen my
mind like the Garuda has taken away the serpent.”
20.29
“In
spite of your wearing dirty silk cloth, in spite of not been made up, in spite
of your having a famished look, after seeing you , I am not able to love m
other dear wives.” 20.30
“There
are very many ladies with all good qualities in my harem and be pleased to
become their queen.”
20. 31
“Hey
black haired one, my wives are the best in all the three worlds and they would
serve you like the divine maidens serve Goddess Lakshmi.”
20. 32
“Hey
lady with pretty eyelids, Hey lady with pretty waist , you can get all the
wealth and gems that Lord Kubhera has and also all the worlds and me if you so
please.” 20.33
“Lady,
Rama cannot be equal to me by innate power, fame and wealth and also never be
equal to me by penance, strength and masculinity.” 20.34
“
Hey Lady with shifting glances, I would dedicate sufficient wealth and land for
your sake, you can then enjoy all the pleasures and become happy, You can live
with me as you please, be a dear to me, engage in love play with me and along
with you let your relatives also become
happy.”
20.
35
“Hey
coward, Hey lady, you can wear golden
garlands with clear pearls and travel and enjoy with me to the fully flowered dense forests full of
bees and also the beaches.” 20.36
Thus
ends the twentieth chapter of Sundara Kanda which
is in the
Ramayana which is the first epic written
by Valmiki.
21.Denial of Ravana’s proposal
(This
chapter contains the reply of Sita .She tells him that he should give her back to
Sri Rama and seek his protection if he
wants to live further)
Hearing
the words of the cruel Rakshasa , Sita became sad and started trembling and
toungue tied and told the following words as
reply ,one by one in low tones.
21.1
Sita
who was pretty, who has done penance, who is virtuous, and who always meditates
on her husband became extremely sad, started crying and trembling and put a
thin grass in between them and replied him with a smile which showed her
greatness. 21.2
“Take
back your mind from me and take your
mind to your own people ,for you are not fit to pray to me like the sinner praying for
redemption.”
21. 3
“I
who was born in a great family and got married in to a equally holy honoured
family cannot do a great sin which is cursed by virtuous women with one
husband.” 21. 4
That
famous daughter of Videha without bothering about Ravana the Rakshasa told this
turning her back to him and started to tell the same thing in more detail. 21.5
“
I who am innocent and a wife of another
man , am not fit to become your
wife in the proper course, so protect the just method of action and obey the
tenets of good conduct properly.”
21.6
“Hey
night traveler, like your wives, the wives of other people also should be
properly protected and so keep yourself as
a simile and try to find
satisfaction in your own wives.”
21.7
“He
who cannot find satisfaction in his own wives is one who cannot control his
senses and that unstable man is lead to his own destruction by other
ladies.” 21. 8
“It
appears that here, there are no great
ones who tell you about the right path or it appears that you are not obeying
them for your brain is doing just opposite to the right conduct.” 21.9
“You
who seem to concentrate your mind on bad conduct possibly are not obeying
the advice of those great analysts and their words , which would give you to
good future because you are leading the
Rakshasas to destruction .” 21.10
“Prosperous
countries and cities race to their complete destruction if they get a foolish
king who engages himself in unjust activities.”
21.11
“Like
that , this gem studded city of Lanka having got you as a king is soon going to
be destroyed because of your sinful activities.”
21.12
“Hey
Ravana, all animals are thankful for the destruction of a sinner who gets
destroyed by thoughtless activities done by himself.”
21.13
“Like
this your own people who are ignored t by a sinner such as you would become
happy and curse you saying” That angry one attained this destruction because of
God.”” 21.14
“I
am not the one who will be tempted by
wealth or the position of a queen and stray from just activities as I
am one with Lord Rama like the Sun’s rays are with Sun.” 21.15
“Having
made the Lord of the world’s hands as a source of protection (pillow). How can
I allow any one else’s hands near me.”
21.16
“Like
the ultimate knowledge is fit for one who does penances completely and gained
knowledge of the soul, I am
suitable to be wife only to him who is the king.” 21.17
“Hey
Ravana, It would be good for you if you return me to Rama similar to the imprisoned she elephant
be joined to its He elephant in the forest.” 21.18
“That
Sri Rama is the greatest among men, he knows what is just and he is famous for
behaving with affection towards any one seeking his protection and if you are
desirous of living, you should build up friendly relationship with him .You
please do everything that will please that Lord, who loves those who seeks his
protection. That is the only one way for you,
who is desirous of a deathless state and
want to prevent your own death you have to decide to control your senses
and decide to pray-fully offer me back
at this moment.” 21.19-21.22
“Only
by offering me back to Rama would you lead a comfortable life and if you do
otherwise you would reach your death.”
21.23
“The
Vajrayudha (weapon of diamond) may leave you and even God of death can postpone
his action for a long time but if Rama, the Lord of the world ,becomes angry,
you will not be left out.”
21.24
“You
would hear the fearful echoing sound of Kodanda[16]
, the bow of Rama , which would be similar to the sound made by
Vajrayudha.”
21.25
“
Well made, poison spewing arrows of Rama and Lakshmana are going to fall here
like serpents soon. “
21.26
“Those
arrows with hawk feather which are going to fall here are soon going to kill
all Rakshasas and would leave no space in this city.”
21.27
“That
great eagle ,Sri Rama is going to soon destroy the snake like king of Rakshasa
like a eagle destroys the snakes.”
21.28
“Like
Lord Mahavishnu took away the entire wealth of Rakshasa by his three steps, my
Lord and destroyer of his enemies Sri Rama would free me from your clutches
soon.” 21.29
“Hey
Rakshasa , having been made without a army camp
by the extermination of the army of Rakshasas in Janasthana and having
no other alternative you did this bad
deed.” 21.30
“Hey
base one, did you not enter my ashram and abduct me when the lion like brothers
went little far away.”
21.31
“Like
a fox which is not safe when two hunter dogs are smelling for him, you would
not be able to even stand before Rama and Lakshmana.”
21.32
“Similarly
in the war with them you would attain destruction like the Vrithrasura who
had one hand left was destroyed by the
two handed Indra and there is no possibility of victory.” 21.33
“My
Lord Sri Rama with Lakshmana would take your soul away by their arrows like the
hot sun dries away a small pool of water.”
21.34
“Even
if you hide in the mountain of Khubera or hide in the residence of Varuna or in
the hall of Indra , definitely you cannot save yourselves from the son of
Dasaratha like a lifeless huge tree cannot save itself from lightning.”
21.35
Thus
ends the twenty first chapter of Sundara Kanda which
is in the
Ramayana which is the first epic written by Valmiki.
22.
Ravana setting limit for Sita
(Ravana
terrorizes Sita and tells her that within another two months she should sleep
with him. Otherwise she would be killed. Sita rejects the threat with contempt
it deserves and the passionate Ravana treats her cruelly. He is dissuaded by
one Dhanyamala and returns to his palace , after ordering the Rakshasis
surrounding Sita to make her obey to his wishes by fair or foul means.)
After
this Ravana , hearing the firm reply of
Sita, gave the following dangerous reply to her well intentioned words:-
22.1
“To
the extent a man tries to console a lady, he gets caught in her web to that
extent, to the extent he praises her, he is given negative replies to that
extent.” 22.2
“The
passion towards you within me is controlling my anger towards you like an
experienced driver controls a straying horse.”
22.3
“Passion
of a man is beautiful, because to whomsoever that passion is addressed , he gets
love and mercy towards her.”
22.4
“Because
of this I am not killing you, who has love towards an imposter sage and
who should be insulted and killed.”
22.5
“Hey
princess of Mithila, for every harsh word that you told me you deserve terrible
punishment of death.” 22.6
After
telling the daughter of Videha these words, he became very angry and further
told her the following:- 22.7
“Hey
pretty one, who cannot be adequately described, the remaining period of safety
that I have set to you are only two months and so you better climb in my bed to
sleep with me.”
22.8
“If
you do not accept me as your husband after two months, my cooks will cut you in
to pieces for my breakfast.”
22.9
The
deva and Gandharwa ladies present there with pain laden eyes pitied the
daughter of Janaka who was threatened by the king of Rakshasas.
22.10
Some
ladies by the movement of their lips and some others by their eyes and faces
tried to console Sita who was terrorized by the Rakshasa.
22.11
Consoled
by them Sita, addressing Ravana the king of Rakshasas told him the following
words which reflected the greatness in her due to her virtue and which were
good to the soul:-
22.12
“There
appears to be none interested in your welfare and that is why nobody is
preventing you from this base act of yours.” 22. 13-22.14
“In
all the three worlds none except you would wish me to be their wives, for I am
the wife of that just soul like Sachi Devi is the wife of Indra.” 22.15
“Hey,
base Rakshasa, where and how are you going to run and save yourself after
uttering these sinful words addressed to the wife of the all powerful Sri
Rama.(could be also interpreted as from that sin instead of Rama)” 22.16
“
You two are like the very angry upset elephant and a poor rabbit in the forest,
you being the rabbit and Sri Rama the elephant.” 22.17
“You
, who are like that are without shame insulting him from the beginning and never became visible to his eye and kept yourself in hiding.” 22.18
“Hey
cruel one, why are those two cruel ugly an yellowish black eyes of yours which
are staring me not falling down on earth.”
22. 19
“Hey
sinner, why does not your toungue which talks to me who am Rama’s wife and daughter in law of Dasaratha not
getting detached?”
22.20
“Hey
ten headed one, who deserves to become
ash, I am not turning you in to ash by the power of my virtue because I do not have the consent from Rama and since I have to follow
my own dictates of just action(dharma).”
22.21
“It
is not possible for me ,who belongs to Rama, to be abducted and I do not have
any doubt that God has fated this ,for causing your destruction.” 22.22
“After
doing some trick to get Sri Rama away from me , you are supposed to be a great
hero , who is the brother of Khubera and who has an army , had only done the theft of a wife “
22.23
Hearing
these insulting words, Ravana rolled his very cruel eyes and stared at the
daughter of Janaka.
22.24
That
king of Rakshasas who was like a bluish cloud, who had very thick neck and
arms, who had the strength and gait of a lion, who was a gentleman, who had
sharp toungue and eyes like the flame of
fire, who wore the crown with moving tips, who wore several pretty garlands and
other marks, who wore red cloths and garland, who wore golden armlets, who had
a pretty waist belt adorned with blue gem stones, who was like the Mandhara
mountain used to churn out nectar from the sea with the great serpent Vasuki
encircling it and who was equal to a mountain, shined with his
two long , round and thick hands like the two peaks of Mandhara mountain.
22.25-22.28
That
Ravana, who wore two ear globes having the glitter of the young sun, who was
like a mountain having two Asoka trees with red young leaves and flowers, who
was similar to the wish giving tree (Kalpaka[17])
, who looked like the personification of spring season, who was like the
dreaded body platform in the cremation ground, who though ornamented well was
looking terrible and who was having deep red eyes due to anger, hissed like a
serpent addressed Sita the daughter of King of Videha and told thus:- 22.29-22.31
“Hey
lady , who has believed with hope that unjust Rama who is poor, I am going to
kill you by my strength just now like
the Sun eats away the dawn.” 22.32
Having
told her like this Ravana who was the king who made his enemies cry, addressing
the Rakshasis with terrible miens, some
of whom were one eyed, some who were one
eared, some who were shut eared, some who were having cow like ears,
some who were having elephant like ears, some whose ears were hanging, some who
did not have ear at all, some who were elephant legged, some who were horse
legged, some who were cow legged, some who were having very long hairs on the
leg, some who were having both eyes on one side, some who were having only one
leg, some who were having giant legs, some who did not have leg at all, some
who were having big heads and legs, some who were having big breasts and
bellies, some who were having big mouth and eye, some who were having very long
toungue, some who did not have toungue at all, some who were not having nose,
some who were having the face of a lion, some who were having face of a cow
and some who were having the face of a
pig , ordered them , “ Hey Rakshasis,
You take that action which would make Sita the daughter of Janaka obey my
intents soon and all of you do it together. Not only that, bring her under
control, using techniques favouring and not favouring her and tricks like
Sama(soft), Bhedha(creating confusion) and Dhana(using rough tactics)” and
after ordering like this forgetting
himself by passion and anger he terrorized the daughter of Janaka showing her
his face.” 22. 33-22.39
Then
a Rakshasi called Dhanya Malini hurriedly came near him and embracing the ten
headed one told him thus:-
40
“Hey
king, who is the chief of Rakshasas, what is the use this foolish Sita who belongs to the base
caste of man to you, come on, make love
with me.”
22.41
“Hey
King, I feel that the God Brahma has not fated her to enjoy the greatly
enjoyable things that you have earned by your strength.”
22.42
“The
body of him who is in passionate love with someone who does love him becomes
frail day by day and full contentment can be had only when you love someone who
desires you. “
22.43
That
very strong cloud like Rakshasa, thus pulled back by that Rakshasi went back
from there with a smile.
22. 44
Starting
from there, the ten headed one traveled to his palace with the glitter of the
sun, making the earth tremble under his feet.
22. 45
Along
with the ten headed one, the Deva ladies, Gandharwa ladies and the Naga ladies
surrounded him on all four sides and entered the palace. 22.46
Tempted
by the God of love that Ravana terrorizing
Sita who was stable, who always stood by just action and who was
trembling leaving her there reached his
glittering palace. 22.47
Thus
ends the twenty second chapter of Sundara Kanda which
is in the
Ramayana which is the first epic written
by Valmiki.
23.Rakshasis trying to
persuade Sita
(After
the departure of Ravana, the Rakshasis started advising Sita about the
desirability of her, acceding to the request of Ravana. They point out the
positive aspects and also tell her about her being killed, if she does not obey
Ravana)
The King Ravana who made his enemies cry
went back from there, telling like this
to the princess of Mithila and ordering all Rakshasis.
23.1
After the king of Rakshasas started and went
back to his harem ,those terrible looking Rakshasis surrounded Sita.
23.2
Afterwards the Rakshasis forgetting themselves
in anger, came near Sita and faced the daughter of Videha told her these
fearsome words:- 23.3
“Hey
Sita, how is it that you do not consider being wife of Ravana who has ten
heads, who was born in the family of Pulasthya and who is great as big?” 23. 4
After
this One Rakshasi called Eka Jata(single haired one) with blood red eyes due to
her anger called Sita who had a belly as soft as the palm and told her thus about this aspect:- 23. 5
“The
famous Pulasthya is the spiritual son of Brahma and among the Prajapathis
(leader of men) and fourth in rank.”
23.6
“This
Pulasthya who had the spiritual son who is a very great sage with famed penance and is called by the name of Vishrawas and
had the same luster as Lord Brahma himself.”
23. 7
“Hey
Broad eyed one, Ravana who is the chief of Rakshasas is his son and you better like to become his wife. Hey lady who is all over pretty,
are you going to obey, what I advice you or not?”
23.8
Then
a Rakshasi called Harijata(green haired one)
rolled her two very angry eyes
and showing her cat like eyes uttered these words:-.
23. 9
“You
better like to become wife of that chief
of Rakshasas who has won over the thirty three deva chieftains as well as their king Indra.”
23.10
At
that time a Rakshasi called Praghasa bullying her forgetting herself in anger
and told the following hard words, “ Are you going to accept the role of wife
of the strong one who is ebbing with heroism, who has never retreated in a
battle and who is very strong. That very strong king Ravana would leave his
queen ,who needs to be respected and
would consider you as the most lucky one among all. Ravana would desert his
harem which is filled by thousands of ladies and which is decorated by gems and
come near you.” 23.11-23.14
Another
Rakshasi called Vikata asked her thus, “ That great one who has won Nagas,
Gandharwas and Dhanavas in fights and war, is coming in front of you and
begging you. Hey lady who is depressed, are you going to agree now itself to become the wife of Ravana who
is a great one with all riches and who is the king of Rakshasas ?” 23.15-23.17
After
that a Rakshasi called Durmukhi(bad faced one) told her the following words,”
Hey
lady with long eyes, are you not going to come under the control of him, for
whose sake the Sun is afraid to emit
heat and wind is afraid to blow harshly?
Hey pretty one , who has beautiful eye brows, are you going to give your strong
consent to be the wife of Ravana, for whose sake trees shower flowers always
and the black clouds pour out rain whenever he chooses? Hey bewitching lady who
has a very attractive divine smile, you better be clever and obey this good
advice given to you, otherwise you will not be definitely alive.”
23.18-23.22
Thus ends the
twenty third chapter of Sundara Kanda which
is in the
Ramayana which is the first epic written
by Valmiki.
24.Bullying by the Rakshasis
(This
chapter describes the various ways ,the Rakshasis tried to bully Sita)
After
this the ugly looking hard hearted Rakshasa ladies came near Sita and told the
following harsh and undesirable words:-
24.1
“Hey Sita, why are you not consenting to the
life in Harem which is liked by all beings and which has very special beds?
“ 24.2
“You
think a human lady should only be the wife of another human being but that is
not going to happen to you and so drag away your mind from Sri Rama.” 24.3
“Accept
being the wife of Ravana who enjoys the greatest pleasures in all the three
worlds and engage in pleasant love
play.”
24. 4
“It
is strange for you who is a lucky human
being without any defects, wanting to
rejoin Rama who has been driven away from his kingdom, who is dejected and who
is suffering because of sorrow.” 24.5
Sita
who had eyes similar to the lotus , after hearing the words of Rakshasis . with
tear- filled eyes, told the following words:- 24.6
“All
the words told by you jointly are against the percepts of the world and are
sinful and is not acceptable to me.” 24.7
“A
human lady should not become the wife of a Rakshasa, Even if all of you are
going to eat me away, I am not going to listen to your words.” 24.8
“Though
my husband has been driven away from his kingdom and though he is in dire straits, he is always one who is
respected by me and like the Lady Suvarchala
is always with the Sun God, I will
always be with him.”
24. 9
“I
would never part from my husband Rama
who is the prince of Ikshuvaku clan ,
like the very lucky Lady Sachi devi
from Indra, like Arundathi from Vasishta, Rohini from the moon god, Lopamudhra from Sage Agasthya,
Sukanya from Sage Chyavana, Savithri from Prince Sathyavan, Madayanthi from
Soudasa, Kesini from Sagara and the great Bhima princess Damayanthi from the great King Nala.” 24.
10-24.12
Those
Rakshasis appointed by Ravana, hearing the words of Sita, became livid with
anger and uttered the following harsh words and bullied her. 24.13
Hanuman
the monkey who was silently hiding atop the Simshuba tree carefully watched
Sita and those Rakshasis.
24.14
Those
angry women surrounded her who was trembling by fear on all the four sides
licked and bit their dry and elongated lips.
24.15
They
who were very angry took the white axe in their hands and told, “ This lady
does not deserve to be the wife of
Ravana who is the king of Rakshasas.” 24.16
Terrorized
by the hateful Rakshasis, she who had a
pleasant face wiped away her tears and reached the Simshuba tree.
24.17
Surrounded
by the Rakshasis that broad eyed Sita drowned in her sorrow reached the Simshuba tree and stood
there. 24. 18
Those
Rakshasis surrounded on all sides Sita who was thin, who had a faded face and
who wore dirty cloths and started bullying her. 24.19
Then
a Rakshasi called Vinatha who was having all signs of being angry, who was
having a hateful look, who was having a pot belly and who was ugly to look at
addressing Sita told: -
24.20
“
Madam Sita, you have till now shown that you love your husband sufficiently and doing anything
more than this necessary leads to sorrow.” 24.21
“Hey
princess of Mithila, I am very much satisfied by your proper observation of the
duty of human beings and let all good come to you . Be pleased to obey me who
is telling you what is good for
you.”
24.22-24.23
“You
please accept Ravana who is the king of all Rakshasas, who is handsome, who is
valorous, who is like Indra, the king of devas, who is powerful, who has the
sense of sacrifice and who tells sweet things to everyone as your
husband.” 24.24
“Hey
pretty lady who is the daughter of Videha, leave the poor unstable Rama and accept Ravana as
husband and from today wear very costly
make up and ornaments and become a queen of
the three worlds. You would be then like Sachi Devi to Indra and Swaha
Devi for the God of fire.”
24.25-24.26
“Hey
daughter of Videha, what is the use of your having the mortal Rama who does not
have any support whatsoever? If you are not going to obey these words of mine
to you, immediately all of us would eat
you completely .”
24.27
Then
A Rakshasi called Vikata who was having
stooping breasts became very angry and with fists held up roared and told the following words to
Sita. 24.28
“Hey
very ignorant princess of Mithila, We
have been tolerating several of your illogical words due to mercy towards and because of our peaceful nature.” 24.29
“You
are not obeying our words which are the only suitable ones to the present circumstances.”
24.30
“Hey
princess of Mithila you have been brought to the other shore of the ocean which
cannot be crossed by any one and you have also come in to the horror filled
harem of Ravana.”
24.31
“Stop
those tears and give away your sorrow which is going to cause problems to
you.” 24.32
“Leave
out this permanent bad feeling and take
as your share yourself happiness and
love.”
24.33
“Hey
Sita, enjoy yourselves by passionate
love with the king of Rakshasas. “ 24.34
“Hey,
coward, you seem not to know that the youth in ladies is not a permanent and so it is necessary to enjoy all pleasures
till youth is there with you.” 24. 35
“Hey,
lady with a pretty eye, along with the king of Rakshasa see many flower gardens and mountain parks.”
24.36
“Hey
pretty one, under your control there would be seven thousand ladies to obey
you.”
24.37
“Hey
princess of Mithila, if you do not act according to my words, I would
definitely tear open your heart and eat it.”
24.38
After
that a Rakshasi called Chandodhari with cruel looks and rotating a huge spear,
told her the following words:-
24.39
“Seeing
this lady who was abducted by Ravana, who is having with shaking breasts due to
fear and who has doe like eyes, I am getting a great desire.” 24.40
“
It is my wish to bite away and eat her liver. Pancreas, the fleshy part above
that, her fleshy bones, heart , intestines, and head.”
24.41
Alas,
after that a Rakshasi called Praghasa told, “Why are we keeping quiet? Let us
strangle this bad lady’s neck and tell our king that that human lady is no
more. Then he will tell us” You can eat her” and “I do not have any doubt about
his telling like this..” 24. 42-24.43
Then
another Rakshasi called Ajaamukhi(sheep headed one) told “Let us cut her in to
small pieces and divide them equally among us and let us all take part in that.
I do not like to go on arguing with her without doing this. Go and swiftly
bring several type of drinks and several chutneys.”
24.44-24.45
Then
a Rakshasi called Surpanaka (lady having very broad nails) told, “ I am in
agreement with what Ajamukhi has told us .Go bring wine which makes us forget
all sorrows. Let us eat the human flesh and dance in the grounds of
Nikumbila.” 24.46-24.47
Terribly
bullied thus by all the Rakshasis, Sita who is like a divine lady lost her
courage and started crying.
24.48
Thus ends
the twenty fourth chapter of Sundara Kanda which
is in the
Ramayana which is the first epic written by Valmiki.
25.The sorrow of Sita
(The
terrible picture of the sorrowing Sita and the very sad thoughts that ran
through her mind are given in this chapter)
When
those disturbed Rakshasis were talking to her with anger and hate, the daughter
of Janaka wept and cried a lot.
25. 1
She
making wet her broad breasts with the
copious tears, was immersed in thought l and still did not reach the end of her
sorrow.
25. 2
She
with a very disturbed face was trembling because of the bullying of the
Rakshasis , and fell like a banana plant caught in the storm. 25.3
Her
long broad hair, which was moving hither and thither, moved along with Sita who
was trembling because of fear and appeared
as if it was a serpent, which moved here and there.
25.4
That
daughter of Videha, who was terrorized by the Rakshasis, who was very much full
of fear and who had firm conviction of virtue towards her husband told the
following words with eye full of tears:-
25.5
“
A human lady is not entitled to become the wife of a Rakshasa and since I am
not going to obey your words, you can eat me all together.”
25.6
Alas,
that princess of Mithila having been drowned in sorrow, exceeded the limits of
sadness and was heartbroken and with heavy breath and
cried aloud accompanied by tears. 25.7
“The
proverb that “Death is difficult to attain
except in the fated time to males or females” told by learned people is
very true , because in spite of the fact that
I am mentally wounded and sad because of cruel Rakshasis and also because I am not with Rama, I continue to be alive ,at this moment.”
25.8-25.9
The
sorrowing Sita who was like a deva maiden and who was cruelly treated by
Ravana, did not find any other alternative.
25. 10
Sita
like the strayed deer attacked by wolf, started
shivering uncontrollably like her soul was piercing deep inside her
body.
25. 11
During
that time, becoming depressed by sorrow,
she caught hold of a flowering branch of an Asoka tree and started thinking of
her husband.
25.12
That
great lady cried “Hey Rama”, “Hey Lakshmana”. “Hey mother in law Kausalya”, “Hey Sumithra”:, being luck
less, and being ignorant of my duties. “I ,
like a fully loaded ship shaken by cyclone in the middle of the sea am
going to die like an orphan.. I am melting down by my sorrow similar to the
eroding shore by the speedy tide of water,because I am not able to see Him who
is my husband and am in the custody of these Rakshasis, All lucky (blessed) people are able to see him
,who has eyes like the fully open lotus flower, who has the majestic gait of a
lion, who is thankful , who utters only
sweet words and who alone is my master”.
25. 13-25.16
“My
life without Rama is terrible similar to
the one who has consumed very potent poison. I do not know what great
sin , I have committed to merit this terrible sorrow that is eroding me. I
being in the custody of Rakshasis am not
able to see Lord Rama. Since I am suffering this extreme sorrow, I wish to give
up this life. Human life is not all good, especially one under the custody of
others for one does not have independence to end even one’s life.” Such
thoughts made her further sad. 25.17-25.20
Thus ends
the twenty fifth chapter of Sundara Kanda which
is in the
Ramayana which is the first epic written
by Valmiki.
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