Yudha Kandam
The book of war
(The book starts with
gathering of monkey army, going to the ocean
and building a bridge across it nd ends with the crowning of Lord Rama as king of Ayodhya,)
1.Rama
appreciates Hanuman
(Rama appreciates Hanuman as the one who has done the
impossible. He higs him as he is not n a position to give him any other thing.
Rama becomes thoughtful about the problems in crossing the ocean with the monkey army.)
(The Kandam
starts with Rama deciding to go to
Lanka to kill Ravana and ends with the coronation of Rama in
Ayodhya . The great prayer Adhithya
Hrudayam occurs in this . This again is the largest Kandam of Ramayana almost occupying one fourth space of the entire book.)
Hearing the words of Hanuman with great
joy Rama replied these words in great love. 1.1
“The outstanding work done by Hanuman is extremely
difficult to do and cannot be done even by thought by anyone else in this world”. 1.2
“I do not see anyone else in this world capable of
crossing the great ocean except for Garuda, wind god and Hanuman.”
1.3
“The city of Lanka
guarded by Ravana is extremely
difficult to enter even by Devas, Dhanavas, Yakshas , snakes , Gandharwas and
Rakshasas and who can enter and return
from there by one’s own power.”
1.4
“Who can enter that impossible to enter place protected by Rakshasas except Hanuman who is blessed with strength and
valour?”
1.5
“A great service has been
done by Hanuman to Sugreeva by
exhibiting his strength and valour which
is equal to his pace?”
1.6
“When the lord deputes one to do a
job which is difficult to perform
and when that servant completes
it with love . he is a superior being.”
1,7
“That servant who is deputed to a job , just does what he has been
told and nothing more is mediocre.”
1.8
“When a Lord deputes a servant to do a job and if he does
not do it in spite of ability to do it
is a base servant.”
1.9
“Hanuman has performed the job for which he has been
deputed and has done the job in the best
manner and has made Sugreeva happy.”
1.10
“By locating and seeing Sita, he has justly protected,
the entire Raghu clan, me as well as the very strong Lakshmana.”
1.11
“My already depressed mind is further pained because I am not able to do anything lovable to this
bearer of dear tidings.”
1.12
“let me at least hug Hanuman as in the present circumstances that is all
that, I am in a position to do.”
1.13
Saying this with
great joy all over his senses Rama
hugged Hanuman , who has completed the job with sense of fulfillment .
1.14
That best of the Raghu clan after thinking for a while
again spoke , with Sugreeva , the king of the monkeys listening
with attention.
1.15
“The search for Sita has ended in an auspicious way , but
thinking of the vast ocean my mind again gets depressed.”
1.16
“How can all the monkeys together cross to the southern shore of the great
ocean which is filled with lot of water.?”
1.17
“In spite of having been told about the state of Sita , how is it possible for me to cross the ocean along with all
monkeys?”
1.18
After telling this to Hanuman the destroyer of enemies
Rama became drowned in sorrow and became greatly thoughtful.
1.19
Thus ends the
first chapter of the book of war of Valmiki Ramayana which is the first book.
2. Sugreeva encourages Rama
(Sugreeva praises Rama and tells him that he would cross the sea and kill Ravana. He
points out the need for building a bridge across the sea. He is confident that his monkey would crush
Ravana ’s Lanka.)
Then Sugreeva , the destroyer of sorrows told the following words to the greatly sorrowing Rama who was the son of Dasaratha.
2.1
“Oh valorous one , why are you sorrowing like this like an ordinary being? Do not be sad and throw out this
sorrow , like an ungrateful one throws away
friendship. “
2.2
“Having found out her position, Oh Rama, I do not find that there is any need of further sorrow?”
2.3
“Oh Rama , you are intelligent, an expert in sacred
books and a very learned man. Please
give up these conjectures which are
reactions of ordinary beings.”
2.4
“After we cross that great ocean full of crocodiles , we
would enter the Lanka and definitely
kill all enemies.”
2.5
“People who do not have enthusiasm who are depressed and sad
would always be defeated and
would attain great sorrow.”
2.6
“All these monkey
leaders who are all intelligent are interested in doing your job and may even
enter fire , if needed, which I know by
seeing their joy and I have confirmed it by my reasoning.” 2.7
“You should act in such a way that I would kill all enemies including the sinner
Ravana and bring back Sita.”
2.8
“You should
construct a bridge so that we
reach that town which is ruled by the
king of Rakshasas.”
2.9
“You please be sure that
once we see the town situated on
the mountain with three peaks that
we would kill Ravana there.”
2.10
“Unless we build a
bridge over the horrifying home of Varuna , the city of Lanka cannot be
conquered even by Indra , the devas and
Asuras.”
2.11
“Once we build a bridge , Lanka would be near to us , please understand that the entire army can cross over to the
city and those monkeys who can assume any form they like would become victorious in the war.” 2.12-2.13
“So king, leave
out this apprehensive conduct which destroys all wealth , which in
this world reduces the courageous valour of all men.”
2.14
“When one approaches any task with complete boldness , that one would
easily get the capability needed to
finish that job.” 2.15
“Oh very wise one, at this time , it is necessary to be
very strong and alert , for even in case of very great and valorous people like
you , sorrow about something that is lost leads
to all round loss and
destruction of all wealth.”
2.16
“You are the greatest among all intelligent people and a
scholar of all Sastras and so with assistance and help from people
like me , you would defeat the enemy.”
2.17
“Oh Raghava , I do not
see any one in these three worlds
, who can face you in war , when you hold
the bow and arrow and stand there.”
2.18
“Your job would definitely get done if you entrust it to
the monkeys and after crossing the perennial sea , you would save Sita.”
2.19
“And so leave out this sorrow and get angry oh lord, for inactive Kshatriyas
do not win a war but indignant ones
do.”
2.20
“You who have a very sharp mind along with us design a
plan to cross over to Lanka after crossing this terrible sea which is the
lord of the rivers.”
2.21
“Once the army crosses over to there our victory is definite and once
I cross the sea decide
that you have won.”
2.22
“These valorous monkeys,
who can take any form that they
want , by showering rocks, mountains and trees would completely crush the enemy.
2.23
“I perceive that once we cross this abode of Varuna , oh destroyer of foes, we would
definitely kill Ravana.”
2.24
“What is the need
for many such words. It is definite
that you would be victorious and I am
able to see good omens which make my heart happy. 2.25
Thus ends the
second chapter of the book of war of Valmiki Ramayana which is the first book.
3.Hanuman describes strength of city of Lanka
(Having decided on a war Rama wants to find out the
strength and weaknesses of the city. Hanuman
who has wandered all over the city , gives him accurate figures. He tells him that once the ocean is crossed they would be able to win the war.)
Hearing the
meaningful and very reasonable words of
Sugreeva , the son of the Kakustha clan told
Hanuman.
3.1
“By doing penance or by building a bridge or by drying up
the ocean, I am capable of crossing this ocean.”
3.2
“Please tell me how many
forts are there in Lanka which are
difficult to access, as I desire to know about
it as seen by your eye.”
3.3
"You had a chance to have
a glimpse of the size of the army, the fortification-details of the
gates and citadels, the way in which Lanka was guarded and the various mansions
of Rakshasas . Describe everything in accordance with facts, for you are
skilled in all ways.” 3.4-3.5
After hearing the of Rama, Hanuman who was the son of
wind God , who was an expert in narration , told the following to Rama once again.
3.6
“Please hear about the entire description , the method of laying out the forts , the
secret defense of the city and
about the army that protects it.”
3.7
“The Rakshasas are very much attached to Ravana and that Lanka has great prosperity and a
huge ocean surrounds it. The army there is divided as per the vehicles used by
a group “, saying this that great monkey , further narrated . 3.8-3.9
“That Lanka was full of joy and had lot of elephants in
rut. It is full of Rakshasa groups and very many chariots.” 3.10
“The fort has four different gates each with
very strong closed doors which are
closed using great beams .” 3.11
“There are also very strong and great machines, which can be used to
stop the opposing army by shooting catapults at them.”
3.12
“Very huge and sharp Shatagni made of iron
are kept ready in hundreds at the gate , which are operated by valorous
Rakshasa warriors.”
3.13
“A very great difficult to cross rampart made of gold and
inlaid with pearls , gems , Vaidooryas and corals encircle
that city.” 3.14
“A very huge auspicious moat filled with cold water and infested with fierce alligators and fishes surround the city.” 3.15
“On all the four sides there are draw bridges which are
very extensive , equipped with many machines and with very many
buildings.” 3.16
“These draw
bridges protect against the
onslaught of enemy army and those
machines throw the approaching army in to the moats.” 3.17
“One of these draw bridges is unshakable . strong firmly
fastened , has very many golden pillars and shines with pedestals.” 3.18
“Oh Rama Ravana by his own nature is always ready for war and endowed with
powers of state is always alert and
inspects his very powerful army.” 3.19
“So the city of Lanka is unbreakable fort of Gods which raises fear in you
and it has four type of fortifications like river, mountain, forest and
manmade defenses.” 3.20
“Oh Rama, Being
situated inside the sea , it is
extremely difficult to enter and there is no reach for it to the
vessels and there is no communication to
it from other places.”
3.21
“The fort being built on a top of the mountain, it can
only be compared to the city of Gods,
and having plenty of elephants and horses , it is difficult to win over Lanka.”
3.22
“With Deep moats ,
Sathagunis and various other war machines ,Lanka the city
of the wicked Ravana shines.”
3.23
“Ten thousand Rakshasas
armed with tridents guard its western gate and it is also guarded by terrible Rakshasas holding a
sword.”
3.24
“One hundred thousand Rakshasas guard the southern
gate and there are also incomparable
army consisting of heroes under four major divisions.”
3.25
“One million Rakshasas are gathered at the eastern gate and there are all experts
in various weapons and hold the sword
and the shield.”
3.26
“Hundred million Rakshasas are assembled at the northern
gate riding either on the chariot or
horse they are honoured members of great families.”
3.27
“In the centre of the city are assembled hundred thousand
Rakshasas and also quarter of difficult
to defeat Rakshasas are also there.”
3.28
“I had broken all those draw bridges and filled up all their moats , I burnt the
city of Lanka , pulled down its defensive walls and also destroyed a part of
their gigantic army.”
3.29
“if somehow or other we cross this ocean which is the house of Varuna , then we
can assume that the city of Lanka is
destroyed by the monkeys.”
3.30
“ When Angadha, Dvividha . Mainda , Panasa , Nala , the commander in chief Nila are
there , what is the need for the rest of army to you. Those monkeys will go
inside the great city of Ravana and will search and recover the daughter
of Mithila after searching in Lanka with its
mountains and woods, moats and archways, protective walls and buildings .”
3.31-3.33
“So please order quickly to
collect all the army and fix up the holy
and suitable time for all of us to
depart.” 3.34
Thus ends the
third chapter of the book of war of Valmiki Ramayana which is the first book.
4.Rama with monkey army reaches the ocean
(Rama and Sugreeva plan how to march with that huge army.
Speedily marching without rest, they
reached the shores of the ocean. They all sit there and decided to have a strategy meeting as to
how to cross the ocean.)
After hearing the words of Hanuman from the very
beginning , the very lustrous Rama who was
really valorous spoke.
4.1
“I want to inform you
that I will quickly destroy the
city of Lanka of the very big Rakshasa
and I would kill him and this is an oath.”
4.2
“Oh Sugreeva, this is the proper sanctified time to start
and when the Sun is in the middle
, if we start we will get victory.” 4.3
“After abducting Sita where can that Rakshasa go and continue to be alive? Once Sita hears about the news of our
starting she will get a hope to live like a sick man who has
drunk poison is able to touch the deathless
nectar.”
4.4
“Tomorrow the star Uthra phalguni(Uthram) would be in
conjunction with Hastha star and so
, Oh Sugreeva , let us depart today itself
with the army.”
4.5
“I am able see good omens which portend prosperity and so after killing Ravana I would come back along with Sita.” 4.6
“The fact that the
upper eyelid of my eyes are
twitching is proclaiming that
desire of my heart of winning is coming
nearer.”
4.7
Then Rama the follower of Dharma who was well versed in moral law , who was respected by the king of monkeys as well as Lakshmana again spoke as follows.
4.8
“Let Nila accompanied by hundred thousand army members go first so that they can chalk out the proper path for us to go.”
4.9
“Oh Nila steer the army through forests which have plenty
of fruits as well as roots and is
cool and which has plenty of
honey.”
4.10
“The
Rakshasas with a bad soul would try to spoil the fruits, roots and water found on the way and so you always try
to protect them.”
4.11
“Let the monkey swarms jump in to low grounds, forest
forts and forests and examine whether any rival army is found
in such places.”
4.12
“let whatever weak and feeble army persons are there with us stay in
Kishkinda because the duty to be discharged
by all of us would be horrifying.”
4.13
“let hundreds of
lion like monkeys of great strength in
hundreds and thousands lead that
army which resembles an ocean
stream.”
4.14
“Let Gaja , the mountain like Gavaya , the very strong
Gavaksha march in the front similar to
majestic bulls leading a herd of cows.”
4.15
“Let the bull like monkey Rishabha , who is the lord of
the monkeys guard the right side of the
marching monkey army.”
4.16
“Let Gandhamadana who is
as strong as an elephant in rut , position himself on the
left side of the marching army.”
4.17
“I would march in
the middle of the army riding on Hanuman like
Lord Indra rides on Iravatha , hs elephant steed.”
4.18
“Let Lakshmana who resembles the God of death march mounted on Angadha similar
to Lord Khubera , the lord of riches
on the elephant called Sarvabhouma.”
4.19
“Let the very
strong Jambhavan who is the king of bears , Sushena and monkey called Vegadarsi
protect the middle part of the army.”
4.20
After hearing the words of Raghava , the commander in
chief of the army Sugreeva and the bull
among monkeys gave orders to the effect
to the monkey army.” 4.21
“Then all those monkeys stood up with a desire to
fight and jumped from caves and tops of
the mountains.”
4.22
Then after Rama , the soul of Dharma was worshipped by
the king of monkeys as well as Lakshmana
, they marched towards the south along with the army. 4.23
At that time Rama was surrounded by monkeys who were as big as elephants in hundreds, hundred thousands and in crores.
4.24
That great monkey army
was following Rama who was leading them
and all those monkeys under the control of Sugreeva were greatly rejoicing.
4.25
They all travelled towards south excessively jumping,
roaring greatly , jesting cheerfully and singing songs.
4.26
They ate scented
honey as well as fruits and were
carrying branches of trees with large
number of blossoms.
4.27
All of a sudden seeing each other , they would lift and
throw one another , they were hanging as well as flying and making others fall.
4.28
Those monkeys who were near Rama used to roar, “Not only
Ravana but all Rakshasas are worthy of
killing by all of us.”
4.29
The valorous Rishabha, Kumuda and Nila were clearing the way ahead for the many monkeys who were marching.
4.30
In the middle the king Sugreeva, Rama as well as Lakshmana
were moving along with very many strong and big monkeys capable of destroying
their enemies.
4.31
The valorous monkey Satabali who was accompanied by ten crores of monkeys
standing firmly alone was protecting the
monkey army.
4.32
Kesari, Panasa ,
Gaja and Arka with hundred crores
monkey army were protecting one
flank of that monkey army.
4.33
Keeping Sugreeva in the front the bears
led by Jambavan and Sushena
were protecting the army from the
rear.
4.34
The great monkey Nila who was the commander in chief of
the army who was the best and self
controlled was looking after the entire army.
4.35
Monkeys Valimukha, Prajanga, Jambha and Rabhasa were moving all over and urging the
monkey army to move forward.
4.36
When these great monkeys who were proud of their strength were marching ahead
like a waves of a moving ocean they saw the great Sahaya mountain covered
with trees and climbers . 4.37-4.38
Knowing the order
of Rama as well as his great anger ,
scared that army which was like a very large ocean were avoiding moving near towns and villages with
very great speed and making
great roaring sound.
4.39-4.40
By the side of the sons of Dasaratha , the valorous
elephant like monkeys were jumping
vigorously like the horse which has been
whipped.
4.41
Those auspicious bull like men who were being carried by the monkeys were
shining like the sun and moon coming in contact with other great planets.
4.42
Then Rama the soul of dharma after being worshipped by
Lakshmana and the king of monkeys went
towards the southern side along with
the army. Then Lakshmana who had meaningful presence of mind was being carried by Angadha went near
Rama and told him the following very
meaningful words.
4.43-4.44
“After obtaining Vaidehi
and killing of Ravana and having accomplished your purpose you would definitely return back to the
prosperous Ayodhya.”
4.45
“Oh Rama, I am
seeing greatly auspicious omens both in the sky and earth , which indicate your success and the pure air is
blowing cool and pleasant along our
side.”
4.46
“These animals and birds are producing sweet and pleasant
sound . All directions are looking cheerful and the Sun is shining
bright.”
4.47
“The planet Venus which is the son of sage Brigu is
brightly shining behind you.The pure and clear
Brahma rishi stars(Saptharishi or great bear) are shining round the Druva star(Pole star).”
4.48-4.49
“The royal saint Trisanku who is our grandfather and a
great one of the Ikshuvaku dynasty along
with his family priest is shining with
pure radiance.”
4.50
“The Vishaka star
which is the holy constellation associated with Ikshuvaku dynasty is shining clearly without causing
any harm.”
4.51
“The moola star in the south west direction controlling
the Rakshasas is under stress being touched by the tail of a comet.”
4.52
“All these things are indicative of the destruction of the Rakshasas, for at time when the death aspects the stars being under
influence of bad planets, destruction
occurs.”
4.53
“The water is tasty and crystal clear , the forest yields
fruits, the air is blowing with scent and seasonal flowers have bloomed on
trees.”
4.54
“Oh Lord the army battalions of the monkeys are shining greatly and are looking like the army of devas going
to war against Taraka and oh gentle brother , and you should become pleased on
seeing it.”4,55
Thus spoke Lakshmana cheering up his brother . The
excellent army consisting of bears and monkeys
who were like tigers and whose
weapon was their nails and teeth , marched ahead covering the entire
earth.
4.56-4.57
The dust raised by the tip of the hand and feet of the
monkeys dimmed the light of the Sun and also covered the earth covered by
mountains and forests and thus the very
huge monkey army led by Sugreeva marched day and night.”
4.58-4.59
When the huge
army were crossing the river , the
waves of the river flew on the opposite direction for
several Yojanas. 4.60
The great army entered through lakes containing clear
water , through mountains filled with
trees , through plain lands , through the middle of
forests yielding fruits and also
by the four sides of the fruit yielding forests.
4.61
The great and huge army
marched completely covering the earth
and they all travelled further
with the speed of the wind.
4.62
For the sake of Rama all those monkeys who were valorous
in war vied with each other in showing their joy, strength and valour .
And those in the prime of youth made
several type of gestures.4.63-4.64
Some of them walked with great speed , while some others
hovered slightly and those monkeys who
live in the forest made sounds “KIla, kila”.
4.65
Some monkeys lashed their tails , some stamped their
feet and some extending their hands
broke trees and mountains.
4.66
Some of those monkeys who lived on the mountain climbed the mountain . some
produced great sounds matching the roars
of a lion.
4.67
Some by the speed of their thighs were breaking various type of climbing plants and some were stretching their limbs and were
playing with rocks and trees. 4.68
Those monkeys who
were in hundreds of thousands nay crores
of thousands who had a horrifying look
covered the entire earth.
4.69
The great army of
monkeys was marching throughout the day and night and being
commanded by Sugreeva they were all cheerful and all of them were marching with speed looking forward to the war and they desirous
of the release of Sita did not halt even for a moment . 4.70-4.71
Then those monkeys reached the
Sahaya and Malaya mountains which was crowded with trees and many type of animals.
4.72
Rama who was marching along with them saw peculiar
forests , rivers and water falls in those Sahaya and Malaya mountains.
4.73
The monkeys enjoyed the fruits
of Champaka, Tilaka, mango, Praseka, Sindnvaara Timisa and Karaveera trees.
4.74
The monkeys enjoyed the Ashoka, Karanja, Plaksa, Nyagrodha, Jambu,
myrobalan and Naga trees. 4.75
Various types of forest trees
standing on those plateaus shaken by the speedy wind showered flowers on those monkeys.
4.76
Soft to touch breeze with the
incense of sandal blew and the bees hummed in the
honey scented woods.
4.77
That king of mountain had
plenty of dust of metal ores and that
dust and the pollen which were dispersed by the speedy winds covered all those monkeys. 4,78
On the lovely mountain slopes,
in full bloom on all sides were Ketaki and Sindhuvara trees, the charming
Vasanti, Madhavi creepers with flowers full of scent, clumps of jasmine,
Chiribila, Madhuka, Vanjula and Vakula, Ranjanka and Tilaka, Nyavriksha all in
flower, Mango, Patalike, Kovidara in flower, Muchulinda, Arjuna, Simsapa and
Kutaja, Hintala, Timisa, Chirna and Nipa, blue Ashoka, Sarala, Ankola and
Padmaka all these trees were crawled in excitement by the monkeys who were
delighted.
4.79-4.84
There were joyous l wells with
stairs and ponds in that mountain, which were
liked by chakravaka birds,
visited by karandava birds, crowded with water-fowls and cranes, visited by
boars and deer, haunted on all sides by bears, hyenas, lions and many dreadful
tigers. There were beautiful reservoirs of water with blossoming blue lotuses,
water lilies, white water lilies, black water lilies and various other kinds of
aquatic flowers.
4.85-4.87
On that mountain various types of birds were singing . Monkeys bathed in that water , drank it and also played in it. Some of them climbed
on the mountain and some threw water at each other. 4.88-4.89
There the
monkeys greatly enthused and with great
vigour plucked fruits, roots with perfume of nectar as well as flowers . 4.90
Those honey coloured monkeys on seeing honey combs of great weight , drank
honey from those combs. 4.91
Breaking trees, pulling out creepers and throwing away excellent mountains those bull like monkeys marched further.
4.92
Some monkeys well pleased with the honey that they got from trees shouted loudly , some were searching for honey and
some were drinking honey excessively.
4.93
The earth was completely filled by those monkeys , like
lotus fills the lake and paddy straws filled the field. 4.94
At that time the lotus eyed Rama reached the Mahendra
mountain and he climbed to the top of
the mountain decorated by many trees.
4.95
After Rama , the son of Dasaratha climbed up to the top
of the mountain , he saw the ocean filled with water and occupied by turtles and fishes.
4.96
Then after crossing systematically the great Sahaya and Malaya mountain , they approached the ocean which was making
great sound.
4.97
Rama who greatly attracts and Sugreeva along with Lakshmana descended and went speedily to the forest adjoining the sea . 4.98
Rama after reaching the difficult to approach and very
wide ocean , with rocks underneath which were washed vehemently by the waves
spoke these words.
4.99
“Oh Sugreeva , now we have reached the home of Varuna
and now we should think about how to cross it , which we had considered earlier.
4.100
“This lord of the rivers does not have a
shore beyond and this ocean is
impossible to cross without a proper strategy.
“
4.101
“And so let us have a strategy meet of the army here
where we will discuss how the great monkey army will reach the other
shore. “
4.102
That great Rama who was greatly sorrowing due to the abduction of Sita reached
that ocean and ordered the
army to halt there.
4.103
“Oh Monkey chief Sugreeva , let all the monkey army
enter this sea shore and once they reach we would discuss
strategies to cross this sea.”
4.104
“Let not any one slip away in any direction leaving his army unit and let
the valiant monkeys search and inform us , if there is any hidden threat for us.”
4.105
When Sugreeva as well as Lakshmana heard the words of
Rama , they made the army halt in the sea shore stretched with trees.
4.106
That army which was stationed near the ocean shined like another ocean with water of the honey red colour.
4.107
The chief of monkeys who reached the forest in the shores
of the ocean settled down there
anxious to reach the other shore.
4.108
When they got settled there for a halt, the sound of
their movement completely masked the
great sound produced by the great ocean.
4.109
That army of monkeys divided in to three (Monkeys, apes and bears) which was under the control of
Sugreeva was fully dedicated to the cause
of Rama.
4.110
That monkey army which had reached that great ocean saw that great ocean which was diffused with high velocity wind . 4.111
Those monkey chiefs after seeing the ocean, which was the
house of Varuna , which was boundless and which was inhabited by several
Rakshasas sat there.
4.112
The ocean being the home of horrifying crocodiles and
alligators , appeared like laughing with its waves carrying foam at the beginning and at the end of day
appeared to laugh and dance. 4.113
The ocean rose with the moon rise and the image of the
moon was reflected in it and it was full
of huge alligators , swift and fierce winds
and was teeming with whales and great fish. 4.114
That sea, the home of Varuna was filled with serpents having flaming
hoods, plunged with mighty aquatic creatures, abounding in various types of
mountains, too difficult to cross, with an inaccessible path, stifling , fathomless and an abode of Rakshasas.
4.115
The ocean whipped up by
the wind moved along with sharks and
twirling snakes rose and fell. 41.116
Always emitting sparkles and teeming with large
water snakes , this ocean which is the
home of enemies of Gods reached up to
Patala.
41.117
The ocean looked like the sky and the sky was comparable to the ocean and so the sky and ocean looked without any differences. 41.118
The sky blended with the ocean and the ocean blended with
the sky .The sky had lot of stars and
the ocean had lot of gems and even here they are comparable. 41.119
The sky was filled
with rows of clouds and ocean was filled with
rows of waves and so there seems
to be no difference between the sky and ocean. 41.120
The waves of the ocean hit one another and produced a
terrific sound which was comparable with
the thunder of the sky.
41.121
Those great monkeys saw that the sea lashed with winds was resonating with abundance of precious stones
and the water was rising high as if enraged in a grip of
hurricane, filled with a number of aquatic creatures and tossed by them in the
air by seemingly murmuring waves. 41.122-41.123
Those monkeys stood
wonderstruck seeing the ocean producing
huge sound by the movement of water to
and fro.
41.124
Thus ends the
fourth chapter of the book of war of Valmiki Ramayana which is the first book.
5. Rama
again laments about Sita
(The monkey army is camped on the banks of the ocean.
Feeling that sita is near but far away
Rama laments about her absence.
Lakshmana consoles him.)
On the northern banks of the ocean the monkey army was kept stationed ,
under the proper safety care given by Nila according to the rules. 5.1
The two great monkeys called Mainda and Dvividha , moved around the army in all
directions for ensuring its safety.
5.2
After parking that army in the shore of lord of the
rivers(Ocean) , Rama seeing Lakshmana
who was nearby told.
5.3
“People say that over passage of time the sorrow would vanish but my sorrow in not being able to see my
wife keeps on increasing from time to time.”
5.4
“I do not have sorrow that she is far away nor I have sorrow that she was abducted but I am sad
that her age keeps on increasing.” 5.5
“Oh wind blow in such a way that you touch my wife and then touch me , because
only through you I can touch her and
only through moon that I can see
her.”
5.6
“When she was
being abducted my darling would have cried , “Oh Lord” and that thought is similar to the poison swallowed by me and it is burning my entire body.” 5.7
“Day and night my body is
being burnt by the fire of the God of love , and the fuel which is the
thought about her is flaring in to
flames due to the fire of thought about
her.” 5.8
“Oh Lakshmana , without you if I dive down in to the sea , I may fall
asleep , because the fire of thought
about her may be quenched slightly by the water.” 5.9
“The thought that I myself who am passionate and her
with charming thighs are
sleeping on the same earth would
help me to survive.”
5.10
“Like a paddy field without water survives by getting wet with
the water standing in another
field , I also survive , because I hear that
she is also surviving .” 5.11
“When will I be able to see Sita with pretty hips as well as long
lotus like eyes as
prosperity after defeating the enemies.”
5.12
“When shall she
see me
raising her lotus like face which has
her pretty teeth and lips , which
will be like a great medicine to my sickness?” 5.13
“When will her closely placed bulging breasts which are
like the fruit of the palm tree and
which are delightful and quivering press
me?” 5.14
“That virtuous one
with dark cornered eyes is in the
middle of Rakshasas and she is not getting a lord to defend her and is like an orphan , though I am her lord
.” 5.15
“How is my darling
who is the daughter of king Janaka
and daughter-in-law of Dasaratha
sleeping amidst those Rakshassis.”
5.16
“She would come out
from those unassailable
Rakshassis , like the moon in autumn drives away black clouds.”
5.17
“Sita who is by nature slender would further get slender due to her sorrow,
due to her not taking food and due to
adverse time and place.” 5.18
“When will I be able to kill that king of Rakshasas with sharp arrows on his chest and bring back Sita and leave out
this mental agony?” 5.19
“When will the
virtuous Sita who can be compared to daughter of devas , would embrace my neck
with anxiety and shed tears of
joy?” 5.20
“When will I be able to leave away the horrifying sorrow
of separation from Sita , like throwing
out of dirty apparel?” 5.21
When the sagacious Rama was wailing like this , the light
of the sun started declining and Sun got
prepared to set. 5.22
After Lakshmana consoled Rama who was sad due to recollection of the lotus eyed Sita , both of them performed the rituals of the dusk .
5.23
Thus ends the
fifth chapter of the book of war of Valmiki Ramayana which is the first book.
6.Ravana consults his ministers about impending invasion.
(Seeing that Rama and his monkey army have come to the
bank of the ocean, Ravana calls his ministers for consultations, He gives a
very scholarly introduction to the need
for mutual consultation.)
After seeing the fearful act done by Hanuman who was equal to Indra , The
king of Rakshasas spoke to other Rakshasa
chiefs with a depressed
face.
6.1
“He who is only monkey was able to see Sita and he also entered destroyed the irresistible city of Lanka.”
6.2
“That Hanuman assaulted
the thousand pillared temple and killed excellent Rakshasas and the
excellent city of Lanka was turned turbid.”
6.3
“May all of you be safe. What shall I do now” What is the
next act to be done by us? Please tell me what we are capable of doing , so
that prosperity befalls us.”
6.4
“The wise and
noble men say that only through
consultations , we can get victory and so I need your opinion about the very
strong Rama .”
6.5
“In the world there are three types of people , excellent , mediocre and base and I am now going to tell you the merits and
demerits of such people.”
6.6
“He who carries out consultations with
friends or relatives who are equivalent to them or collectively ministers
before starting an endeavor and make maximum efforts as per fate is the best among men.”
6.7-6.8
“That person who thinks alone and analyses the merits and demerits of an endeavor alone ,
that person is a mediocre man.” 6.9
“He who does not bother to think about merits and
demerits and only depends on fate
and does a job with gross neglect is a
base man.”
6.10
“People are classified as excellent , mediocre and
base based on the
thought process based on
consultations. “ 6.11
“The wise people say
that decision arrived based on consultations , consensus
and based on the view of the
scriptures is the best possible
decision.”
6.12
“That decision arrived after deliberating on several
options and consultation thereafter , narrowing in to the one which is agreeable to all is mediocre.” 6.13
“That decision arrived after knowing several opinions,
arguing about it and not bothering about
a unified decision is the base decision.”
6.14
“Therefore, all of you being wise and intelligent , please arrive at , a well thought out
action which has to be done by me.”
6.15
“Rama is coming to the city of Lanka surrounded by thousands of monkey warriors , for besieging us.”
6.16
“It is clear that Rama along with his brother and his army with proper strength can
cross this ocean.”
6.17
“He may dry up the ocean or take some other fitting
option by his valour and since the
enmity with the monkeys have commenced this way , please advise me as to what action is good for the city and army.”
6.18-6.19
Thus ends the
sixth chapter of the book of war of Valmiki Ramayana which is the first book.
7.The ministers
flatter Ravana
(Those foolish ministers point out the great incidents in
Ravana ’s life and the conquest of Indra by Indrajit and tell him,
there is no need to worry as Indrajit alone can solve this problem.)
When the Rakshasas who were very strong, , outside the
path of justice and also foolish , heard
these words of the king of Rakshasas they joined their palms and lifted them up ,
ignorant of the relative strength of the enemy army . 7.1
“Oh king , the strength
of our army equipped with iron bars, tridents and double edged swords is really very great. Where is the need to worry?” 7.2
“You went to the city of Bhogawathi and defeated the
serpents there and Khubera surrounded by many Yakshas living on the Kailasa mountain was defeated
in battle by you.” 7.3-7.4
“He who was appreciating himself due to the treaty with
Lord Shiva and who was considered as the
protector of the world and very strong ,
was defeated by you in battle.” 7.5
“After putting down those Yakshas and putting them in to prison , You brought
this Pushpaka Vimana from the top of
Kailasa mountain. “
7.6
“Due to fear , Maya
the lord of Rakshasas desired
friendship with you and that great
Rakshasa offered his daughter in
marriage to you.”
7.7
“Another great Rakshasa king called Madhu Khumbinasa , who
was the husband of your sister and who
is difficult to defeat and proud of his
valour was subjugated by you in war. “ 7.8
“Oh mighty armed one , you after going to Rasathala ,
took in to custody the great serpents like Vasuki, Thakshaka , Sankha and
Jati.”
7.9
“Oh killer of enemies , king of Rakshasas. Oh Lord ,
after fighting for one full year , with
very strong Dhanavas who were valiant and beyond destruction and who
obtained great boons , taking only your strength in to consideration, you took them under your custody and you also learnt several tricks of
illusion from them.
7.10-7.11
“Oh great one , You also defeated the sons of Varuna, who
were strong and valorous and who had army of four divisions.”
7.12
“Oh king after entering the great sea of the world of
death which was full of great alligators
who gave death as punishment and
which had thorny rods of the silk cotton tree , which was turbulent with waves
which were the noose of death, which was full of servants of the God of death Yama in the form of
serpents and which was difficult to be conquered due to very high heat , you churned that sea in the form of army of Yama and won a victory
and you warded off death and all the
world was happy to see this great
battle.”
7.13-7.15
“The world was filled
like big trees with royal warriors with great valour equal to the
courage king Indra .”
7.16
“Rama never matches them in properties of valour or enthusiasm
and you defeated all of them who were difficult to defeat.” 7.17
“Why is there a need for exertion on your part. Please
stay here. Oh king, Indrajit fighting
alone can destroy all those
monkeys.” 7.18
“Oh king after performing a matchless Yagna to please
Lord Shiva , he (Indrajit) had obtained
, a very rare boon from him.” 7.19
"Approaching that huge ocean of army of devas, whose
fish are lanes and spheres, whose guts thrown asunder are duck-weeds, whose
turtles are the elephants, whose frogs are the teeming horses, infested with
alligators in the form of (eleven) Rudras (gods of destruction) and (twelve)
Adityas (sons of Aditi), with huge serpents in the form of (forty nine) Maruts
(wind gods) and (eight) Vasus, having chariots horses and elephants for its
volume of waters and the sandy elephants for its volume of waters and the sandy
banks its infantry, Indra was captured by him and was impelled to come
to Lanka (as a prisoner).”
7.20-7.22
“ That Indra who was the killer
of Shambhara and Vruthra was released
and went to heaven when your grandfather Brahma
interceded on his behalf.”
7.23
“Oh king you send your son Indrajit alone and he would
bring to an end all the monkey armies including Rama and come back.”
7.24
“Oh king, this unsuitable danger has only come from a
very ordinary man and you should not
take seriously , for you will easily kill Rama.”
7.25
Thus ends the
seventh chapter of the book of war of Valmiki Ramayana which is the first book.
8. That Ministers boast about themselves.
(All the ministers
and chiefs of Rakshasas claim that they alone can kill all monkeys. One Rakshasas suggests that they can take
human form and deceive Rama.)
Then a Rakshasa called Prahastha who is of the colour of
the rich blue cloud , who was a commander of his army with hands folded in salutation spoke .
8.1
“Devas, Dhanavas, Gandharwas , Ghosts , birds and
serpents are not strong enough to attack
you and why are you getting worried
about two men?”
8.2
“All of us in good faith neglected that Hanuman, who
deceived us and if I am alive that
monkey cannot further go alive.”
8.3
“If you give me an order , I would make the earth consisting
of mountains and forests extending up to
the sea , bereft of monkeys.”
8.4
“Oh night walker , I will see to it that you are
protected from monkeys and not even a
little sorrow would come to you because of mistakes committed by you.”
8.5
A Rakshasa called Durmukha spoke with great anger “This molestation done by
him should never be tolerated.”
8.6
“I am extremely sad that the city and private apartments
of the king of Rakshasas was attacked
by that king of monkeys.”
8.7
“At this moment ,
all alone I would destroy all the
monkeys whether they hide in the huge
ocean or the great sky or the Rasathala. “
8.8
The very powerful Vajradamshtra with great anger took a
horrifying iron club with flesh attached
to it and spoke as follows.
8.9
“ The pitiable Hanuman and the saintly Rama along with
Sugreeva and Lakshmana are not a very great difficult to conquer for
me.”
8.10
“Now itself I will kill Rama, Lakshmana along with Sugreeva with this iron club and return back
immediately.”
8.11
“Oh king , if you desire , kindly hear some more of my
words . Anyone who is skilled in strategies and does not have lassitude can
kill his enemies easily.”
8.12
“Oh king of Rakshasas, thousands of Rakshasas who can take any desired form , who are
valorous , who are appalling, who are very huge
and who have firm resolve , can
assume the form of human beings and
without embarrassment can approach Rama and tell him as follows.” 8.13-8.14
“We have been sent here by your younger brother Bharatha . He is in the process of
collecting his army and would come here soon.” 8.15
“Then we will go there with speed carrying , tridents, javelins , maces as well as bow and arrows.” 8.16
“Standing in groups on the sky , we would kill the monkey
army with mighty rain of stones and
missiles and send them to the world of
death.”
8.17
“If Rama and Lakshmana
fall in our trap softly , surely
they would have to give away their soul and go away.”
8.18
The valorous Nikumbha who was the son of Khumbakarna
spoke with great anger to Ravana who tormented
the world .
8.19
“All of you here
stay with our great king. I would alone
kill Rama and Lakshmana ,and Sugreeva,
Hanuman and all other monkeys.”
8.20
Then a mountain like Rakshasa called Vajrahanu , who
was very angry spoke licking his
lips by his toungue.
8.21
“You all please do your jobs without any worries
whatsoever. I alone will go and eat away
the entire monkey army and so you can
play happily and drink liquor .”
8.22-8.23
“I alone will kill Sugreeva, Lakshmana , Angadha,
Hanuman, Rama who is the war elephant.” 8.24
Thus ends the
eighth chapter of the book of war of Valmiki Ramayana which is the first book.
9.Vibheeshana advices
Ravana
(Vibheeshana the younger brother of Ravana then points
out the enemy’s stong points and advices Ravana to return Sita. Without answering him Ravana goes to
his home.)
Then, Nikumbha, Rabhasa, the
exceedingly strong Surya satru, Suptaghna, Yanjakopa, Mahaparsva and Mahodara,
the unconquerable demons Agniketu and Rasmiketu, then the powerful son of
Ravana named Indrajit endowed with great energy, Prahasta and Virupaksha,
Vajradamshtra who was extraordinarily strong, Dhumarksha and Atikaya and the
demon by name Durmukha, carrying iron clubs, sharp-edged spears, spikes, darts,
javelins and axes, bows with excellent arrows and swords shining like a vast
expanse of water, and who were all extremely enraged, and flaming as it were
with glory, those demons rose up and told Ravana .
9.1-9.5
“We will now itself kill Rama,
Sugreeva and Lakshmana and that pitiable
Hanuman who attacked the city of
Lanka. 9.6
Vibheeshana with folded hands calmed down all those
Rakshasas , who already had seized
their weapons and after making
them sit down spoke.
9.7
“Oh brother , only that which
cannot be accomplished by the three methods(Conciliation, gift and creating
dissension) should be accomplishing by
show of power according to wise men”. 9.8
“The valorous acts bring
results only in case of indifferent people, people who have been attacked by
enemy and those struck down by fate .” 9.9
“How do you wish to attack the famous Rama ,who is not distracted, who
has won over his anger and who is difficult to be conquered.”
9.10
“Hanuman speedily crossed the
horrifying ocean which is the lord of
all rivers and can this act be imagined
by anyone in the world.”
9.11
“Oh night travelers, it is
extremely difficult to measure the power of the enemy and without knowing that, they cannot be
treated hastily with contempt
by any means.”
9.12
“Previously what wrong did Rama
do to the king of Rakshasas, due to which his famous wife was abducted from
Janasthana.” 9.13
“Khara who has exceeded
his limits was of course killed by Rama in a war because lives are to be definitely protected
by all living beings according to their strength.”
9.14
“Due to Vaidehi being here, a great fear has been created among us . It is
better to return her who was
brought so that quarrel due to animosity
could be brought to an end. “
9.15
“It is not proper to create
enmity without any purpose with Rama who
is valorous and is the follower of Dharma
and let Maithili be given back to
him.”
9.16
“Before this city which has
elephants , horses , very many gems is shattered by his arrows,
let us give back Maithili to him.”
9.17
“Much before the
great horrifying big monkey
army which cannot be defeated attacks Lanka , let us
return back Sita.”
9.18
“Unless the beloved wife of
Rama is returned back , the city of Lanka along with its valorous Rakshasas
would perish .” 9.19
“I am pleading with you due to
our relationship and so please act on my
words which are beneficial to you, and which are truthful and so please let
Maithili be given away.”
9.20
“"Before Rama the son of
the king discharges for your destruction by the very strong and unfailing arrows equal to
the rays of autumnal sun which have provided with new heads and shafts, let Sita
be given away to Rama.”
9.21
"Immediately give up your anger, which destroys your happiness and Dharma . Resort to Dharma ,
which leads to joy and fame. Become placid so that we may
live with our sons and relatives. Let Sita be given away to Rama."
9.22
After hearing the words of
Vibheeshana, the king of Rakshasas left all of them and entered in to his
home.
9.23
Thus ends the
ninth chapter of the book of war of Valmiki Ramayana which is the first book.
10.Vibheeshana advices Ravana again.
(Next day Vibheeshana approaches Ravana in his own house
and again requests him to return back Sita.Ravana gets angry and sends him
away.)
Vibheeshana
arrived at early dawn to settle
matters of Dharma to the house of the
king of Rakshasas for doing an important job.
10.1
Ravana ’s palace was looking like a chain of
mountains and elevated like a mountain
peak and well divided wide apartments
where great people lived.
10.2
They were
occupied by great ministers who were intelligent and loved by all . That
house was guarded on all sides by Rakshasas who were trustworthy and
efficient.
10.3
The Wind in that place was filled by the smell of breath
of elephants in rut , was tumultuous being filled by the sound of great
conches and was echoing with the sound
of musical instruments.
!0.4
Being populated by
multitude women, its principal passages
were filled with the sound of their talk
, and was with golden turrets which were excellently decorated. 10.5
“It was like the palace of Gandharwas and Maruths and was filled with collection of jewels and looked like a palace of passionate
people.”
10.6
Vibheeshana with great luster entered the palace of his elder brother who
was shining like a Sun entering in to a huge cloud.
10.7
He heard the sound
of the holy chants of purification recited by
experts in Vedas , which wished victory to his brother.
10.8
That Vibheeshana with great strength saw Brahmins who were experts in Vedic chants
being worshipped and being given pots
filled with curd, ghee and unbroken rice
along with flowers. 10.9
Vibheeshana who was shining due to his own luster and who was being worshipped by other Rakshasas, saluted the very strong Ravana the younger brother of Khubera who was
sitting on the throne .
10.10
After he who was
an expert in ritual formalities did the
customary formalities , he occupied a golden throne as indicated by the eye of
the king.
10.11
In the presence of ministers as well as in private
audience , he spoke to the great soul
Ravana , words which are beneficial, meaningful and reasonable.
10.12
Vibheeshana who
could discriminate between good and bad things , sought the favour of his elder brother
by telling soothing words and
spoke in consonance with the place and time. 10.13
“Oh killer of enemies , from the time Sita reached here, inauspicious omens
are being seen buy us.”
10.14
"Even if the sacrificial fire is fed with oblations
after uttering a proper set of Mantras
(Spiritual texts), the fire is not flaring up well, emitting sparks, its flames
are enveloped in smoke and are coming forth, polluted with soot."
10.15
“Serpents are being found near the altar of the
sacrificial fire as well as near places of Vedic rituals , ants are found in the Havya , which has to be offered
in sacrificial fire.”
10.16
“Cow’s milk is getting curdled and great elephants
are not going in rut and horses are neighing miserably and
are not eating grasses.”
10.17
“Donkeys, Mules
and camels are shedding tears and are losing their hairs and are not
getting cured despite being medically treated.”
10.18
“Crows in groups are crying in a cruel manner from all directions and are seen at the top of towers and
assembly of men.”
10.19
“Vultures are flying over the city in circles and inauspiciously approach during
both during dawn and dusk.”
10.20
“Meat eating animals are found to cry loudly at the city
gates with a voice like thunder.” 10.21
“Oh valorous brother, when things are happening this way
, an atonement is appropriate and I feel
that you have to return Vaidehi to Rama.” 10.22
“Oh king , if you think that I am talking all these
because of my infatuation or greed ,
even then you should not find fault with me.” 10.23
“These bad omens are being seen all over the city by
Rakshasas as well as Rakshassis and also by members of your private
apartment.”
10.24
“All your ministers are
not giving this advice to you and
I would certainly tell you whatever I have seen or heard and you should take appropriate action regarding all these.” 10.25
Thus a brother Vibheeshana spoke to his brother Ravana who is the greatest of Rakshasas in between several ministers.”
10.26
After having heard these beneficial , very meaningful ,
soft , reasonable and suitable for past,
present and future words , with great
anger in reply he uttered the following. 10.27
“I do not see
fear from any one? Raghava will
never get back Maithili and even if the
elder brother of Lakshmana comes
along with Indra , for a war with me ,
he would not be able to stand before me.”
10.28
The ten faced one who was greatly strong and very greatly
valorous , who has previously destroyed the army of devas after saying this sent away his brother Vibheeshana
who was telling suitable words.10.29
Thus ends the
tenth chapter of the book of war of Valmiki Ramayana which is the first book.
11.Ravana summons the general council
(Not satisfied with the advice he got, Ravana
summons a general council of Rakshasas. All people including
Vibheeshana and Prahastha arrive
for attending the council.)
That sinful king got further weak being
passionately loving Maithili , despising the kind hearted friend as well
as by his sinful action .
11.1
Since the prospect of war was coming very near , Ravana
wanted to do further consultations with his friends and ministers.
11.2
He mounted the great chariot covered by gold and studded
with valuable gems and drawn by trained
horses.
11.3
Having mounted that
best chariot , that great Rakshasa with ten necks started moving towards his council making the rattling sound of a great cloud.
11.4
Heroes holding sword and shield and Rakshasas armed with all weapons ,
marched in front of the chariot of king of Rakshasas.
11.5
With very many
unpalatable shapes and wearing
different type of ornaments , the Rakshasa marched surrounding him from sides
as well as behind .
11.6
Great charioteers in chariots , elephants in rut and horses in different
gaits speedily rushed after the ten necked one.
11.7
Some were Holding mace
and iron rod , some holding Shakthi
and Javelin and some
were wearing axes and other type of tridents .
11.8
Then thousands of trumpets gave rise to huge sound and several conches produced tumultuous
sounds.
11.9
Then that great chariot
with an auspicious look making sounds by moving wheels soon, entered the royal avenue.
11.10
The spotlessly pure
white Umbrella which was held over the
head of the king of Rakshasas
shined like a full moon.
11.11
Two white cowry fans
made of yak tails and having handle made out crystal and
with golden fringes were also
shining.
11.12
All the Rakshasas who were standing on the land, bowed their head and saluted the king of
Rakshasas riding on a chariot.
11.13
Praised by the Rakshasas who were cheering him to get victory , that harasser
of enemies approached the council hall
.
11.14
Ravana with great splendour,
with his body shining brightly, entered that assembly hall, which was paved
with gold and silver, whose interior was wrought with pure crystal, carpeted
with skins of deer, guarded by six hundred evil spirits, ever shining and
well-constructed by Visvakarma. 11.15-11.16
Ravana occupied a great seat in
that hall , embedded by Vaidoorya gems ,
covered with a skin of Priyaka and furnished with pillows.
11.17
After that the king Ravana
ordered his emissaries who were valorous “Since I know
what the enemies are doing there is a
great work before us and so call all the
Rakshasas quickly.”
11.18
Hearing the words of the
Rakshasa king , they went round the entire Lanka , in to gardens and inside bed
rooms and in to every house without
fear and summoned Rakshasas from everywhere. 11.19-11.20
Some Rakshasas came mounted on
pretty chariots, some came on horses , some came on elephants and some others walked down.
11.21
The city became very
crowded with the coming of
Rakshasas on chariots, horses and
elephants and appeared like birds
rushing fast in the sky.
11.22
Parking horses, elephants and
various kinds vehicles like chariots, they entered by foot the assembly-hall as
a mountain-cave is entered by lions.
11.23
After touching the feet of the
king, in return honoured by him , some
of them sat on seats , some on mats and some on bare grounds.
11.24
As per the order of the king
they all assembled in the council hall
and took position around the king
as per their rank.
11.25
Ministers who were scholars who were well versed in deciding action and those endowed with good qualities, those who
knew everything , king's ministers who could perceive things by their power of
intellect and warriors in hundreds, gathered according to their importance in
that assembly hall, which was wrapped with gold, for telling their
opinions on all actions.
11.26-11.27
That great soul Vibheeshana who
was famous got in to an auspicious and
very broad chariot, with several of its part being made in gold and which was drawn by
good horses, and drove towards
the council hall of Ravana, his elder brother. 11.28
Then that younger brother Told
the king his name saluted him by touching his feet .Sukha and Prahastha did also like wise and Ravana allotted them all suitable seats. 11.29
The aroma of the best aloe and
sandal paste painted on the persons as also of garlands worn round the necks of
those Rakshasas duly adorned with
ornaments of gold and gems and attired in excellent clothes diffused all round
in the assembly-hall.
11.30
The assembled Rakshasas there did not shout loudly. None told a lie or even talked vociferously. All of them were
ready for action and were endowed with terrible energy. All of them sat,
perceiving their lord's face.
11.31
In that assembly Ravana who was self willed shined with extreme brilliance among all those Rakshasas who have assembled there and appeared like Indra among the Vasus . 11.32
Thus ends the
eleventh chapter of the book of war of Valmiki Ramayana which is the first book.
12.In the general council Khumbakarna speaks.
(Ravana briefs his people about past events and
tells them that he is passionately in
love with Sita. Khumbakarna says that what he has done is
wrong, but he will do all his best to
defeat Rama and his army if needed.)
Then Ravana who was the most
eminent in the assembly seeing the gathering instructed Prahastha the commander
in chief of the Rakshasa army.
12.1
“Oh commander , you are
instructed to give orders to the
warriors of well trained four
branches of the army to take up the job of protecting the city. 12.2
Then Prahastha who had a
steadfast mind , with a view to follow the command of the king , stations his
whole army outside and inside the city.
12.3
After stationing the army for the defense of the city as per
the king’s order , Prahastha sat
in front of the king and spoke .
12.4
“Your army which is as strong as you, has been stationed inside and outside the
city and so with a mind without any
distraction , do whatever is needed by you.
12.5
That king who was interested in
the welfare of his country , after hearing the words of Prahastha , for obtaining
pleasure spoke amidst his friends.
12.6
“When you are in difficult
situations , regarding Virtue , pleasure
and wealth , you are able to have a
correct idea about your likes and dislikes, pain and pleasure , gain and loss,
and advantages and disadvantages.”
12.7
“All actions of mine have been undertaken by me were done with
great attention and never in vain.”
12.8
“I would attain great
prosperity because of the cooperation shown by all of you , like Indra gets
prosperity through cooperation of moon,
planets, devas and stars.”
12.9
“I am intending to tell all of
you again though I had not informed Khumbakarna earlier because he was asleep.” 12.10
“The very strong Khumbakarna ,
who can wield all weapons has been
sleeping for the past six months
and now he has woken up.” 12.11
“Sita the darling wife of Rama
and daughter of Janaka was brought from Dandakaranya , which is frequented by
Rakshasas.” 12.12
“That lazy one does not want to
climb in to my bed and I am of the
opinion in the three worlds , there is no one else like her. “ 12.13
“She has slim waist, well
developed hips , has a face like autumn moon , resembles a golden doll , gentle
and is like a doll of illusion created by Maya.” 12.14
“Seeing that matchless one keep her red and very soft feet , evenly placing on the ground , my lust has been kindled.” 12.15
“Seeing her flame like looks ,
her luster like the sun, prominent nose
and pretty eyes , I have become weakened and have become owned by passion.” 12.16
“I am polluted by passion , anger and joy which makes me pale and I have been suffering from sorrow ever since.”
12.17
“That large eyed one begged for one year time from me , expecting that she would see her husband Rama and I accepted the auspicious request of that
pretty eyed one and I have become weary
due to lust for her , like a horse
running on the same path continuously.”
12.18-12.19
“How will those monkeys living
in the forest or the sons of Dasaratha cross this unassailable
sea which is crowded by many sea animals?”
12.20
“But one single monkey has caused great destruction here but the result of their action is unpredictable .Please tell me what is in your
mind.”
12.21
"We have no fear with
human beings. Even so, this matter can
be discussed. Earlier, together with you, I conquered the devas in a battle
between the devas and Rakshasas. You also conquered them. Knowing the whereabouts
of Sita, that Rama and Lakshmana
together with Sugreeva and other monkeys have reached the other shore of the ocean." 12.22-12.24
“Please tell me a plan , which is legal and by which Sita need not be handed over and Rama
and Lakshmana are killed.”
12.25
“I do not find anybody in this
world has the capacity to cross this
ocean along with the monkeys and so surely victory will be mine.”
12.26
Hearing that appeal from him
which was laced only with passion , Khumbakarna spoke the following words with great
anger.
12.27
“You should have properly
thought over before bringing Sita who
was accompanied by Rama and Lakshmana
, to this place , for even Yamuna at its starting point fills a
depression on earth with water.”
12.28
“Oh king, it would have been
greatly proper , if you have done this consultation before doing
that act.”
12.29
“Oh ten faced one , when a king
does the affairs of the kingdom as per
law of justice would not repent later .”
12.30
“Unplanned actions lead to
negative results
and get spoiled , like oblations without devotion gets negative
results.”
12.31
“ He wants to do actions which ought be done earlier at a later time , would be doing rituals done after death
not according to Vedic percepts.”
12.32
“Seeing superior strength in
acts done without consistency and
seeking his weak point is like the swans seeking a clearing in the Krouncha mountain.”
12.33
“You have undertaken to do
this job without proper thought and by luck
Rama did not kill you , for a piece of meat mixed with poison would kill
the one who eats it.”
12.34
“Oh blemish less one , therefore by killing your enemies I will
neutralize , the dishonorable act of yours
towards them.”
12.35
"O, night traveler ! I
shall kill your enemies. I shall
fight in this war with those
two brothers, even if they are Indra and the sun-god or the god of fire
and the wind-god or Khubera and Varuna .”12.36
“With a mountain sized body, sharp teeth and carrying huge weapons , I will roar and
attack them and kill even if they are
Indra.”
12.37
“Before that Rama kills me with his arrow , I shall
definitely drink his blood , so please
get cheerful.”
12.38
“I will bring pleasure to
you by killing those sons of
Dasaratha and also fetch victory to you. After killing Rama and Lakshmana , I will eat
away all the monkeys .”
12.39
“Enjoy passion, drink
liquor to the extent of your desire without any anxiety ,. I will send Rama to
the abode of Yama and Sita would be yours forever.”
12.40
Thus ends the
twelfth chapter of the book of war of Valmiki Ramayana which is the first book.
13.Mahaparswa
suggests force and Ravana answers
(Mahaparswa says that there is
nothing wrong in possessing sita with force. Ravana tells him a curse which was
given to him by Brahma , which would
make his head break in to thousand pieces , if he takes possenion of any lady with force.)
Noticing that Ravana was very
angry , a very strong Rakshasa called Mahaparswa, thought for a moment and told the
following words.
13.1
“Indeed after reaching the
forest , which is inhabited by wild
beasts and if a ma does not
drink honey(Liquor) , he is childish.”
13.2
“Oh destroyer of enemies , when
you are lord of all beings , who can be a lord to you? So you step down on the heads of your enemies and then enjoy with Sita.”
13.3
“Forcibly like a cock behave with her , and charge and again
charge that Vaidehi and enjoy her.”
13.4
“After you get satisfaction to
your passion, why bother about what will
happen latter? All that comes and that which is yet to come would be
prevented by that.”
13.5
“Kumbhakarna along with our strong
Indrajit is capable of opposing even
the God Indra?” 13.6
“After giving gifts, consoling ,creating
competition are tried and not working , I like getting this done through punishment .”
13.7
“Oh very strong one,
without any doubt we will take in to our
custody all those enemies of yours who manage to reach here.”
13.8
When spoken like this by Mahaparswa, the king Ravana honoured him and spoke as follows addressing him.
13.9
“Oh Mahaparswa, please know
about a little secret about me . I shall tell you about it , which occurred to
me a long time ago.” 13.10
“Once when I was going to the
home of Grandfather(Brahma), I happened to see
a deva maiden called
Punjikasthala who was like a lightning hiding
in the sky.” 13.11
“She was undressed and
forcibly enjoyed by me and she like a crumpled lotus flower
went to the home of lord Brahma .”
13.12
“I think that this matter was
informed to the great soul Lord
Brahma and then the greatly enraged Brahma told me these words.”
13.13
“From today onwards, if you
make love to a women forcibly , without any doubt , your head would break into
hundred pieces.”
13.14
“Due to the great effect caused by this curse , I am not forcibly
making Sita , the daughter of
Janaka mount in to my bed.”
13.15
“I have the force of the wind and speed of the ocean and without knowing this the son of Dasaratha
is attacking me. “
13.16
“Who would like to address me who
is like a lion sleeping in a
mountain cave , which would make
me like death?”
13.17
“That Rama has not seen my
arrows which are like serpents and
which have two toungues and that is why he is marching against me in war.”
13.18
“Very quickly by making use of hundreds of arrows of mine
which are like Vajrayudha I will burn
Rama like tormenting an elephant with
fire brands .”
13.19
“With my great army I will
destroy the army of Rama , just like
rising sun destroys the shining
of stars.”
13.20
“Neither the thousand eyed Indra nor Varuna can defeat me in battle and once upon a time this city of Lanka was
captured in a battle from Khubera by
me.”
13.21
Thus ends the
thirteenth chapter of the book of war of Valmiki Ramayana which is the first book.
14.Vibheeshana advices Ravana and other Rakshasa chiefs.
(Vibheeshana criticizes the
action of his brother and requests him
to return Sita so that all Rakshasas are not destroyed.)
Hearing the words of the king
of Rakshasas and the roar of Kumbhakarna
, Vibheeshana told the following
useful words to the king of Rakshasa.
14.1
“Who has tied unnecessarily
this gigantic serpent called Sita , whose
bosom is the hood , , whose anxiety is the poison , her sweet smiles are
the fangs and whose five fingers
are the five hoods ., around your
neck”
14.2
“Before the mountain sized
monkeys whose weapons are their teeth and nails descend on Lanka , please give
back Maithili to the son of
Dasaratha.” 14.3
“Before the arrows of Rama
which are equivalent to Vajrayudha come with a speed of wind and cuts off the heads of the Rakshasa chiefs ,
please give back Maithili to
the son of Dasaratha.”
14.4
"Oh king, neither Kumbhakarna or Indrajit and either
Mahaparsva or Mahodara and either Nikumbha or Kumbha or even Atikaya can
withstand Rama in a battle."
14.5
“Even if you are protected by
the sun or Maruths or you are seated on the lap of Indra or even
God of death or even if you have
penetrated in to heaven or hell. The arrows of Rama would not spare you.”
14.6
After hearing the words of
Vibheeshana Prahastha replied, “We have
never felt any fear and we do not have
any fear with devas or
Rakshasas at any time .”
14.7
"When we do
not have any fear from Yakshas or Gandharwas or eminent Nagas or from birds and reptiles on the field of
battle, how can we have fear from Rama,
the son of a human king at any time in battle?"
14.8
Hearing the words of Prahastha
which were not good for the king, Vibheeshana who had a stable mind and was firm in
following Dharma , Artha and Kama spoke
these very meaningful words” 14.9
“Oh Prahastha , the actions that the king or Mahodhara or Kumbhakarna told about Rama are impossible to be implemented and is like
wicked people trying to go to
heaven. “ 14.10
“ How can the killing of Rama who is an expert in war by you Prahastha or all other Rakshasas happen , for how can a
person without even a piece of wood cross an ocean.” 14.11
“In front of Rama who considers
Dharma as important , who is a great charioteer
, and an important king of the Ikshuvaku dynasty , even Devas would feel
bewildered and so how can ordinary
people accomplish anything?” 14.12
"Oh, Prahastha , The sharp
arrows discharged by Rama, which are furnished with eagle 's feathers and are
dangerous to be approached and since
they have not yet penetrated,
your body, you indulge in a boastful
talk."
14.13
"The sharp and fatal
arrows, discharged by Rama with the speed of a Vajrayudha , have not yet
penetrated, duly splitting your body. That is why; you are indulged in a
boastful talk." 14.14
"Ravana or Triseersha,
with great strength or Nikumbha the son of Kumbhakarna or Indrajit or yourself
are not capable to withstand Rama, who is equal in strength to Indra, in
battle." 14.15
"Even Devantaka or
Narantaka or Atikaya or Atiratha of very big
proportions, or Akampana who is
as mighty as an ocean are not capable to withstand against Rama in
battle." 14.16
“Now our king is addicted to
several bad habits , is rude by nature and his friends have become his
enemies and he is now acting without any consideration for
the destruction of Rakshasas.14.17
“You also please lift the
king and release him from the ties of
terrific and exceedingly strong snake of
boundless proportions and having one
thousand heads.”
14.18
“It is time that all his
friends , who are getting full favours from him, should collect together and if
needed pull him back by catching his
hair because he is in the clutch of very
strong evil spirits.” 14.19
"This Ravana, for his part who is going
to be enveloped forcibly by an ocean in the shape of Rama - which is full of
excellent water and who is about to fall
into the mouth of Patala in the shape of
Rama, is fit to be rescued united by you." 14.20
"I am telling these right
and wholesome words, to this city and
the Rakshasas inhabiting it as well as to the king and his well
wishers. Let Sita be given back to the son of the king." 14.21
“He alone is a good minister,
who after understanding the strength of others
as well as our own strength , judges our own present position,
possible decrease or increase
and tells his opinion in the
interests of the king.”
14.22
Thus ends the
fourteenth chapter of the book of war of Valmiki Ramayana which is the first book.
15.Indrajit criticizes
Vibheeshana
(Indrajit makes fun of Vibheeshana and says he is a coward. He feels that he can easily kill Rama and his monkey
army. Vibheeshana gives a fitting
answer.)
After hearing carefully the
words of Vibheeshana who was equivalent
to Bruhaspathi in intelligence
The great Indrajit who was a chief of army told.
15.1
“Oh young father , why are you
talking these meaningless and greatly fearful words ?Even a person who is
not born in our race at this time would not speak such words and do such things.” 15.2
“This youngest father is the only
male in our race who lacks , strength , valour, fighting spirit ,
courage , prowess and also luster.” 15.3
“Who are after all these human
beings who are the sons of the king? They can easily be killed by one ordinary Rakshasa among us and oh coward, why are you frightening
us?” 15.4
“Once I threw on the floor the
lord of devas who was supposed to be lord of the three worlds and all the deva groups who were there at that time fled in different directions.” 15.5
“I also threw the Iravatha
elephant which was making
discordant sounds on the floor
and then by extracting its teeth , I made
all the deva groups greatly scared.”
15.6
“How is that I who had destroyed the pride of the
devas and who made the life of asuras
miserable , can become incapable of
conquering the ordinary sons of a king who are mere human beings?” 15.7
Hearing those words of Indrajit who was equal to Indra and very
difficult to be conquered and who was
greatly powerful , Vibheeshana who was
best among those who carry weapons spoke
the following very meaningful
words.
15.8
“Oh Lad , you do not have
stability in providing advice. You are a child and have not attained maturity and so you are prattling many words which are without any meaning and which will
lead to your destruction.”
15.9
“Oh Indrajit, you are not
accepting words from me indicating
destruction of Ravana from Rama due to ignorance , as in the name of being a
son of Ravana you are his enemy.” 15.10
“Due to your ignorant brain you
are fit to be killed,. No he who brought
a reckless boy like you
who is greatly adventurous to this
assembly near the great ministers is
fit to be killed.”
15.11
"Oh Indrajit, You are a
stupid, lacking stability , without humility, rude natured; unwise; evil
person, inexperienced and highly evil minded. You are speaking in this manner
because you are an immature boy".
15.12
“In battle who can bear the
arrows which are discharged by
Rama which are similar to the staff of God of death and which has the luster of the staff of Brahma and take the form of god of death.”
15.13
“Oh king let us offer
riches , gems , good jewels , excellent cloths , bright coloured gems and Goddess like Sita
to Rama and then live a life without
anguish.”
15.14
Thus ends the
fifteenth chapter of the book of war of Valmiki Ramayana which is the first book.
16 Ravana Talks harshly to Vibheeshana and he leaves him.
(Ravana shouts at
Vibheeshana and calls him as a
traitor. Unable to tolerate this Vibheeshana decides to desert him.)
Hearing the words of
Vibheeshana which were stable , suitable and aimed at welfare , Ravana driven by the God of death
spoke these harsh words.
16.1
“One can live with an enemy and
even a very poisonous snake but cannot live with an enemy who is taking like a friend.”
16.2
“Oh Rakshasa, I know about the
behaviour of all men belonging to our clan
and all these men of the clan rejoice at the bad luck of the members of
their own clan.”
16.3
“Oh Rakshasa , the people of
the clan insult and humiliate the
members of their own clan who is a great leader , an educated one , a person
following Dharma and one who is
valorous.”
16.4
“These horrible members of our
own clan have concealed thoughts and
treacherous minds and these bad ones
rejoice at the sufferings of the members of their own
clan.”
16.5
“Please hear the musical verses
spoken by elephants in Padmavana long ago , when they saw men holding noose
in their hands.”
16.6
“To us fire , noose or weapons do not cause any fear but the
horrifying people our clan driven by selfishness definitely causes fear.”
16.7
“These people our clan without any doubt will inform our strategy to our enemies enabling them
to catch us and so it is well known that fear of people of our clan is greatest to us.” 16.8
“In cow there is wealth , , in
members of our clan there is fear , in ladies there is fickleness and
there is austerity among Brahmins.” 16.9
“Oh soft one, people are
venerating me not because they like you
and I obtained all these riches by sitting tight on head of my enemies.” 16.10
“Just like drops of water
falling on the leaves of lotus does not cling to it , the friendship with
ungentlemanly people does not last long.” 16.11
“Though the clouds of autumn
makes roaring sounds ,it cannot wet the earth and like that the friendship with ungentlemanly people does not last.” 16.12
“Like the honeybee drinking honey does not stick to it due to
desire for more , you also are one
who does not stick to friendship.”
16.13
“Like a honey bee cannot drink honey from the flower of grass
, friendship and love cannot be extracted from ungentlemanly people .”
16.14
“Like an elephant dirtying
itself pouring on itself dust by
its trunk after its bath , the
friendship with ungentlemanly people
gets dirtied like that .”
16.15
“Oh person moving at night
, if these words had been uttered by someone else , he would cease to
exist in a moment , oh breaker of our clan, a curse on you.”
16.16
When these harsh words were
heard by Vibheeshana who was a man of justice , armed with
a mace and four of his assistant Rakshasas , he soared in to the sky.
16.17
Vibheeshana who was greatly angered , after rising in to the sky spoke these
words to his brother who was the king of Rakshasas.
16.18
“Oh king you are my elder
brother and so please say whatever you like , for according to Dharma an elder brother is equivalent to our own
father but I am not able to tolerate
these harsh words from you.”
16.19
“Oh ten faced one , I spoke to you proper words aimed at your
welfare but one with a ill composed
mind cannot understand words spoken by a well wisher.”
16.20
“It is easy to get people who
always speak the words that you love,
but those people who speak proper words
which are not pleasing are difficult to find.”
16.21
“All beings are dragged
away tied by the noose of God of death but I am not able to save you as you are in the house that is burning.”
16.22
“I do not want to see you
killed by Rama using his deadly arrows ,
which are like flaming fire decorated
with gold.”
16.23
“Persons who are strong and
valiant and who are skilled in use of
weapons ,when the proper time comes sink down like a dam constructed on sand.”
16.24
“As an elder brother , please
bear with my words spoken to you
desiring your welfare ,. Please take care of yourself , the city and its
Rakshasas, Be safe. I am going away ,. Become happy because of my
absence.”
16.25-16.26
“Oh person moving at night , Due
to my desire for your welfare , I might have used words restraining you and you might not
have liked them. This is because persons who near their end do not accept the
advice of well wishers.” 16.27
Thus ends the
sixteenth chapter of the book of war of Valmiki Ramayana which is the first book.
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