Yudha Kandam (Contd)

Translated by

P.R.Ramachander

37.Rama finalizes his strategy

(Vibheeshana ‘s ministers go in to the city and find out the plans of Ravana. Accordingly Rama divided his army to attck the four gates and finalizes as to who should lead each of these sections.)

Meanwhile, Rama the king of men and Sugreeva the king of monkeys, Hanuman the son of the wind God , Jambhavan the king of the Bears, Vibheeshana the Rakshasa , Angadha the son of Vali, Lakshmana, Sushena along with his relations , Mainda, Dvivida, Gaja, Gavaksha, Kumuda, Nala and Panasa, all having reached the enemy's territory, assembled to take counsel together. 37.1-37.3

“Observe this city of Lanka protected by Ravana , which is difficult to defeat by asuras , devas, serpents, and Gandharwas joined together.” 37.4

“In this city Ravana the lord of Rakshasas stays always . Let us discuss about ways and means by which we can achieve our objective .” 37.5

When they were talking like this , Vibheeshana the younger brother of Ravana spoke the following meaningful and polished words. 37.6

“My ministers Anala, Sarabha, Sampathi and Praghasa had gone to the city of Lanka and have returned just now.” 37.7

“They assumed the form of birds and they entered the army of our enemy and they have seen closely the action that is being taken by them and returned .” 37.8

“Oh Rama , I would tell you in detail the exact position as informed to me of the arrangements being made by the bad soul Ravana.” 37.9

"Prahastha with his army is standing near the eastern gate. Mahaparswa and Mahodara of mighty prowess are at the southern gate." 37.10

“Indrajit surrounded by many Rakshasas is standing at the western gate with harpoons, swords, bows, spears and hammers together with warriors furnished with weapons of various kinds." 37.11

“The northern gate is protected by Ravana himself , who is an expert in magical chants with several thousands of Rakshasas armed with many weapons and with thousands of Rakshasas moving here and there armed with lances.” 37.12-37.13

“Virupaksha along with a great Rakshasa army , armed with great spears , swords and bows is standing in the centre of the fort.” 37.14

“ All these ministers Observed these arrangements of the army inside the fort and have speedily returned to this place .” 37.15

"The elephants and chariots number some ten thousand each, the cavalry twenty thousand and there are more than a crore foot soldiers. These strong and intrepid Rakshasas endeavoring to kill someone in battle have ever been their sovereign's favorites." 37.16-37.17

“Oh king, for each Rakshasa there are ten lakhs who are available in the vicinity itself .” 37.18

The mighty Vibheeshana introduced those ministers of his too Rama , after telling the news brought by them pertaining to Lanka. 37.19

Those ministers again confirmed what was said by Vibheeshana and that good younger brother of Ravana with a view to please Rama told the lotus eyed one further. 37.20

“Oh Rama when Ravana went for a war against Khubera , along with him sixty lac Rakshasas, who were similar to Ravana in his bad character , in his luster, in his prowess, his strength, his pride and in his valour went along with him .” 37.21-37.22

“By this report I am not trying to arouse your wrath nor your fear nor trying to irritate you , for I am sure you are capable due to valour even to kill the devas.” 37.23

“You having set out with this great army of monkeys divided in to four divisions are capable of destroying Ravana.” 37.24

After Rama heard these words of the younger brother of Ravana , for the sake of attacking his enemies , he gave the following order.” 37.25

“At the eastern gate of Lanka, the great monkey Nila assisted by large number of monkeys will attack Prahastha .” 37.26

“Angadha the son of Vali surrounded by mighty army of monkeys would oppose in the southern gate , the Rakshasas Maha Parswa and Mahodhara.” 37.27

“Let Hanuman the son of wind God with an incomparable army break the western door along with large number of monkeys.” 37.28

“I am myself determined to slay that wicked one who owing to the boon he has received, enjoys oppressing multitudes of asuras and Dhanavas , as also the magnanimous sages and who ranges the world, pestering all beings. With the aid of Lakshmana, I shall forcibly enter the northern gate where Ravana is stationed along with his army." 37.29-37.31

Let the king of monkeys Sugreeva, the king of bears Jambhavan and the younger brother of the king of Rakshasas occupy the central place of the army.” 37.32

“No monkey should assume the human form in this battle , so that their monkey form would help us to recognize them.” 37.33

"Among our own people also, the form of monkeys will become a sign of recognition for us. Seven of us only will attack the enemy in our human form, I, my brother Lakshmana, who is full of valour, my friend Vibheeshana and his four companions." 37.34-37.35

After saying this to Vibheeshana , for the sake of getting success in their enterprise , that Rama who is a wise leader , made up his mind to climb on mount Suvela and from there observed the very pretty slope of that mountain. 37.36-37.37

After that Rama along with a very big army making his mind to destroy his enemies set out to Lanka with great happiness and excitement. 37.38

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

38. Rama spends the night on Suvela mountain.

(Rama along with his army chiefs climb the Suvela mountain and has a good glimpse of the city of Lanka. He spends that night there.)

Rama, who was followed by Lakshmana, having made up his mind to ascend Mount Suvela, spoke in a gentle and prime voice to Sugreeva and to Vibheeshana who was the knower of what is right, a Rakshasa devoted to him and who was experienced in giving advice and a knower of prescribed rules .

38.1-38.2

“We would ascend this good king of mountains Suvela which is blessed with hundreds of minerals and will stay there for today’s night “ 38.3

"We shall see Lanka the place of that Rakshasa Ravana , the evil-minded one by whom my wife was abducted for the sake of his own death, who did not understand Dharma properly , who did not know what good character is and in whom noble lineage was not seen and by whom that contemptible act was done with an inferior mind of a Rakshasa." 38.4-38.5

“My anger is increasing when that base Rakshasa is praised due to the basest of sin committed by him and I shall definitely witness his death.” 38.6

“Anyone who does a sinful act , is caught by the noose of the God of death and such base souls by the mistakes they do debase their clan.” 38.7

“Discussing like this with a mind full of anger against Ravana , Rama climbed up the Suvela mountain with its pretty peaks. 38.8

Along with other people Lakshmana carrying a great bow and arrows climbed after him and Sugreeva , Vibheeshana along with their ministers also followed them. 38.9

Hanuman, Angada, Nila, Mainda, Dvivida, Gaja, Gavaksha, Gavya, Sarabha, Gandhamadana, Panasa, Kumuda, Hara, Rambha the chief of the troops, Jambhavan, Sushena, the greatly wise Rishabha, Durmukha of great splendour, Shatabali the monkey and other hundreds of monkeys who are fast-moving, who can wander easily on mountains with a speed akin to that of wind, ascended that Suvela mountain which Rama had ascended. 38.10- 38.13

All of them climbed the mountain taking not much time and after reaching the top of its peak saw Lanka like it was a town hanging from the sky. 38.14

Those monkey chiefs saw Lanka with excellent gates , lustrous ramparts and completely filled with Rakshasas. 38.15

Those monkey lords also saw another rampart consisting of blue Rakshasas, standing together on that great rampart. 38.16

All those monkeys seeing those Rakshasas who were thirsting for war , made different type of noises and all this was being watched by Rama. 38.17

Then the sun went down heralding the coming of dusk and the knighted lighted by the full moon arrived. 38.18

“After that , Rama along with Lakshmana as well as Sugreeva the Lord of monkeys together with troops and captions of troops, duly greeted welcomingly and treated hospitably Vibheeshana and stayed with joy on the mountain resort of Suvela.” 38.19

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

39. Rama surveys the city of Lanka

(Rama along with the army chiefs had a good idea of Lanka. Some monkeys do go near the city. Rama is surprised at the great opulence of the city.)

All the monkey chiefs spent their night on the top of the mountain and those valorous ones saw many parks and gardens in Lanka. 39.1

Seeing those prettily leveled and very broad gardens which were very pretty to look at , all of them became surprised. 39.2

Thick with Champaka, Ashoka, Vakula , Sala and palmyra trees, covered with groves of Tamala and Panasa trees, surrounded with rows of Nagakesara trees, Lanka looked splendid on all sides like the city of Amaravati reigned by Indra the god of devas, with green lawns and variegated avenues and with beautiful trees of various kinds like Hintala, Arjuna, Nipa Saptaparna in full flowering, Tilaka, Karnikara and Patal whose crests were laden with flowers and which were intertwined with climbers laden with multi-coloured flowers and red tender leaves. 39.3-39.6

Those trees were full of scented and greatly wonderful flowers as well as fruits just like human beings have lot of ornaments. 39.7

That pretty garden resembling Chithratha , the garden of Khubera was greatly charming like Nandana the garden of Devendra. 39.8

In that garden filled with small waterfalls , the music of small cranes and sound of dancing peacocks and singing of cuckoos was heard. 39.9

Then, those joyful monkeys,, brave and assuming any shape at will, entered the aforesaid groves and gardens, with birds always excited with joy, with wandering bees, with clusters of trees occupied by cuckoos, having peculiar sounds of birds and song of the large bees, abounding with sounds of kura birds with the music of wagtails and cries of cranes. 39.10-39.12

When those mighty and splendid monkeys entered there , scented breeze which had touched several flowers blew across the garden. 39.13

Some of the monkey warriors left their battalions with the permission of Lord Sugreeva went towards Lanka decorated by flags. 39.14

Those monkeys expert in making loud noise frightened several birds and displeased elephants and other animals made the city of Lanka tremble. 39.15

They all walked with great speed trampling the earth by their feet and raised dust by their feet , which went up immediately . 39.16

Frightened by that sound, bears lions buffaloes elephants, deer and birds trembled and got terrified and hastened towards all the ten different directions. 39.17

The solitary peak of Trikuta mountain, which was so high and appeared as if it was touching the sky and was all over covered with flowers resembling gold and spread to an extent of ten Yojanas ; bright was charming to look at, pretty , glorious, majestic, inaccessible even to the birds, and was hard to be ascended by people even by the mind and how much more difficult by the act of walking?39.18-39.19

The city of Lanka which was ten Yojanas broad and twenty yojanas long was located on the top of that mountain. 39.20

The towers of the town on the top of the mountain looked like white clouds on the sky and had ramparts made of gold and silver. 39.21

That Lanka was greatly decorated by palaces and towers and looked like the sky with clouds at the end of summer and resembled the land of Vishnu between earth and sky. 39.22

A palace, duly graced with a thousand pillars, which looked like a peak of Mount Kailasa was there in the City of Lanka, which was always protected by a complete army of Rakshasas. The palace seemed to be scraping the skies and was seen as an ornament to the City of Ravana. 39.23-39.24

The glorious Rama the elder brother of Lakshmana along with monkeys saw that charming golden city of Ravana, graced with mountains picturesque with various minerals, splendid with gardens reechoing with songs of birds of every kind, frequented by varieties of deer, richly endowed with various kinds of flowers, inhabited by Rakshasas of every degree and duly flourishing, having increased its wealth.

39.25-39.27

The elder brother Of Lakshmana seeing that city completely occupied by palaces and which looked like heaven was greatly surprised . 39.28

Rama with his great army saw that City, full of precious gems, having all kinds of facilities, adorned with rows of mansions, having excellent doors with huge mechanical appliances and with a large armed forces protecting the City. 39.29

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

40.Sugreeva jumps and attacks Ravana

(When Rama and others are standing on Suvela mountain, Ravana stands at the top of city gate. Sugreeva jumps at him and breaks his crown. Both of them wrestle with each other. Sugreeva jumps back to the mountain.)

Then Rama along with Sugreeva and the monkey troop leaders climbed up to the top of Suvela mountain which was two Yojanas broad . 40.1

After standing there for a little time when Rama saw all the ten directions , he saw on the top of Trikuta mountain the city of Lanka constructed by Viswakarma with nice arrangements and many pretty gardens. 40.2

There above a gateway, stood the invincible Ravana the lord of Rakshasas , who was being fanned with white whisks on both sides, was graced with a triumphal parasol, was smeared with red sandal paste, adorned with scarlet ornaments, attired in raiment embroidered in gold, resembling a dark cloud, who bore on his breast scars of wounds inflicted on him by elephant of Indra with his tusks, wrapped in a cloak of red colour resembling the colour of hare's blood and looking like a mass of clouds in the sky enveloped with sunshine at sunset. 40.3-40.6

He was seen by the king of the monkeys as well as Rama but as soon as Sugreeva saw the king of Rakshasas he stood up. 40.7

Due to the fierceness of his anger , he merged his courage and strength and from the top of the mountain jumped to the place of the tower. 40.8

He then saw the Rakshasa for a moment , and then that fearless soul , regarded that Rakshasa as a mere straw and then spoke. 40.9

“Oh Rakshasa, I am the friend and servant of Rama who is the lord of the world and today you will not be spared by the luster of that king of kings.” 40.10

Saying like this all at once , Sugreeva jumped over the Rakshasa and pulled his great shining crown and threw it on the earth.” 40.11

When he was trying to rush to him then that Rakshasa spoke “You are one with a good neck(Sugreeva) but soon you will be one without neck.” 40.12

Then Ravana lifted Sugreeva and threw him on earth but bouncing like a ball Sugreeva flung his enemy with his arms. 40.13

Ravana and Sugreeva of great strength carried on the duel which was unbearable and perspiration broke out on their limbs, and their bodies turned red with blood and each clung to other paralyzing his opponent's movements resembling a silk-cotton tree and Kimshuka trees, followed by blows of fists, slaps of hands blows of elbows and blows of fingers on each other. 40.14-40.15

Having wrestled for a long time in the center of the flat floor of the gate way, each in turn repeatedly lifting their bodies and bending their feet in a particular way, the two highly swift combatants remained in that flat roof of the gate way. 40.16

Crushing one another and with their bodies clung together, they both dropped down between the defensive walls and the moat. They would leap up again, seizing each other from the ground, after pausing an instant to regain their breath. 40.17

With arms interlaced like the ropes joined together, they remained locked together in the struggle. Both of them, who had received training in wrestling and fully endowed with might, were now moving to and fro in the arena. 40.18

Both of them who looked like a tiger and lion with tusks growing like the king of the elephants , after interlacing their hands tried their strength and fell on the ground together. 40.19

Thereafter rising, those two heroes hurled themselves at each other, circling around the arena again and again, like skilled and mighty wrestlers, and they never got easily tired. 40.20

Like two great elephants they with their enormous arms resembling the trunks, of those elephants those two warriors were keeping track of each other and fought vehemently for a long time and moved speedily in a circular arena. 40.21

Approaching each other like two wild cats fighting for a piece of meat and trying to kill each other, they stood growling again and again. 40.22

The two warriors, Sugreeva and Ravana, who were skilled in wrestling, executed innumerable and myriad revolutions, taking up diverse postures, moving in a curves like an ox's urine, coming and going, stepping side ways, having a retrograde motion to avoid blows, turning about abandoning the attack, dashing towards each other, leaping, standing firm and erect, retreating , turning sideways, rushing in a bent posture, running lifting their foot to kick the opponent and by letting go or stealing away.

40.23-40.26

Meanwhile, Ravana decided to commence using his magic power and realizing it, Sugreeva flew into the sky triumphantly shaking off all fatigue, while Ravana, baffled by Sugreeva stood confounded there all alone. 40.27-40.28

Thus that blessed lord of the monkeys who was the son of Sun God , got fame in war after reducing the Rakshasa Ravana to tiresomeness , climbed up in to the broad sky and went near Rama who was standing in the middle of monkeys. 40.29

Then that son of God after doing this act , with the speed of the wind rejoined his own army and got the great applause of the blessed son of Raghu clan and was honoured by all the monkey chiefs 40.30

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

41.Angadha is sent to Ravana as emissary

(The monkey army with its commanders lay seige the city of Lanka. Rama sends Angadha as an emissary to Ravana. Not prepared to surrender Ravana, tries to catch hold of Angadha but he escapes and goes back to Rama.)

Seeing the signs of the battle on the body of Sugreeva , Rama the elder brother of Lakshmana , after hugging Sugreeva told him. 41.1

“You have done this great adventure without properly consulting me ,such rash adventures are never attempted by a king. “ 41.2

“Oh valorous one interested in adventure , this reckless act done by you , has caused great anxiety to me , your army and Vibheeshana.” 41.3

‘Oh valorous one, oh destroyer of enemies , Oh mighty armed annihilator of enemies , if some misfortune had happened to you , what could we have done to release Sita , and also to the greatly strong Bharatha ,to Lakshmana and the still younger Shatrugna and also to myself.” 41.4-41.5

“I had decided that if you had not come back , knowing well your valour which is equal to Sun, Indra and Varuna , to kill Ravana along with his sons along with his army and steeds , to hold the coronation of Vibheeshana as king of Lanka and later consecrate Bharatha as the king Of Ayodhya and then to retire to the forest.” 41.6-41.7

When Rama spoke like this Sugreeva replied like this, “OH Raghava seeing Ravana the abductor of your wife and also knowing about my innate strength, how else could I have acted.” 41.8-41.9

When the valorous Sugreeva told like this , Rama complimented him and told Lakshmana who was greatly full of auspiciousness. 41.10

“Oh Lakshmana , after dividing the forests with fresh waters and trees laden with fruits , it is necessary to divide the army in to segments and be always ready.” 41.11

“I am scared that that I will see a great tragedy which would reduce the number of people in this world and also a mass destruction to the bears and monkeys. 41.12

“Harsh winds are blowing , the earth is shaking , the tips of the mountains are shaking and those elephants which carry the earth are trumpeting.” 41.13

"Sinister clouds horrifyingly bitter roar violently like carnivorous animals and let fall a rain mixed with drops of blood." 41.14

“The dusk is of the red colour of the red sandalwood is looking horrific and from the sun, a blazing fire ball falls down.” 41.15

“Wild animals and birds shout pitiably and are wretched and are ominous and facing the sun they inspire great fear .” 41.16

“The moon has lost its luster and is surrounded by red black rays , similar to the time of final deluge and is creating sorrow at night.” 41.17

“Oh Lakshmana , on the disk of the sun a fiery halo with a black mark is observed and reduced of its luster the Sun is having a coppery colour.” 41.18

“Oh Lakshmana , the stars do not look like the way they should and are foretelling their intention to speed up the time of deluge..” 41.19

“The crows , eagles and vultures are circling the sky at a lower level and Jackals also howling making inauspicious sounds.” 41.20

"The earth will be crowded with rocks, darts and daggers used by monkeys and demons, will become a slime of flesh and blood." 41.21

“Let us speedily attack the invincible town ruled by Ravana , and surround it by monkeys on all sides.”

41.22

The elder brother of Lakshmana after speaking like this to Lakshmana , speedily got down from the top of the mountain. 41.23

That Rama ah was the soul of Dharma after getting down from the mountain , examined his unconquerable army .” 41.24

Rama who is an expert in matters of time , along with Sugreeva got ready his army for attack , at the appropriate moment. 41.25

That very strong one armed with a bow marched at the most suitable time marched along with his army , facing the city of Lanka. 41.26

Then, Vibheeshana, Sugreeva, Hanuman, Jambhavan the king of bears, Nala, Nila and Lakshmana accompanied Rama. 41.27

After that the great army consisting of monkeys and bears marched covering the vast area of land accompanying Rama. 41.28

Then those monkeys who were destroyers of enemies and who resembled elephants took hold of hundreds of mountain peaks as well as well grown trees. 41.29

Within a short time those brothers Rama and Lakshmana , who were both destroyers of enemies, reached Lanka which was the city of Ravana . 41.30

The monkeys, encouraged by the sound of Rama's voice and obedient to his command, halted before the city of Lanka which was decorated with flags , beautiful and splendid with pleasure-gardens, having an unusual rampart which is inaccessible with its elevated arched door-ways and invincible even to the devas. 41.31-41.32

After reaching the city of Lanka which was ruled by Ravana, the heroic Rama the son of Dasaratha accompanied by Lakshmana, stopped near the northern gate, where Ravana was in command Who else but Rama is capable of protecting the army and besieging that gate, regulated by Ravana, similar to an ocean regulated by Varuna, guarded by awful Rakshasas on all sides and creating fear to the weak as the under regions of earth is guarded by Rakshasas. 41.33-41.36

Rama saw there the army of Ravana armed with various strange type of weapons and armours .

41.37

Nila, the valiant commander –in-chief of monkeys together with Mainda and Dvivida reached and stopped before the Eastern gate. 41.38

Angadha of very mighty prowess, together with Rishabha, Gavaksha, Gaja and Gavya took charge of the Southern gate. 41.39

The strong monkey Hanuman together with Prajangha, Tarasa and other warriors, guarded the western gate. 41.40

Sugreeva, along with all the chiefs of monkeys equal to the strength of Garuda as well as Vayu the god of the wind, was stationed himself in the middle of the army . 41.41

The highly reputed generals of monkeys along with thirty six crores of monkeys besieged the city along with great Sugreeva exerting pressure on monkeys. 41.42

As per the order of Rama Lakshmana and Vibheeshana distributed one crore of monkey army soldiers at each gate of the city. 41.43

Behind Rama and not far from him, Sushena together with Jambhavan, followed by a multitude of forces, stood at the intermediate post. 41.44

Those lions among monkeys who were possessing lion like teeth holding rocks and trees were with joy waiting for the signal to the war.” 41.45

All of them were lashing their tails , using their jaws and nails as weapons and were shaking in every limb and had their faces set grimly. 41.46

Some were having the strength of ten elephants and some having strength of ten times ten and some were having the strength of one thousand elephants. 41.47

Some were having the strength of an ogha(large number ) of elephants. Some were endowed with a strength of ten times to that. some others there were chiefs of monkeys, having an immeasurable strength. 41.48

That collection of monkeys there was greatly magical and wonderful and it appeared as if it was a swarm of locusts. 41.49

Due to the monkeys who reached Lanka and by all those stationed already beneath its walls, the air and earth seem to be completely filled with monkeys. 41.50

A hundred divisions of one lakh each of bears and monkeys poured towards the gates of Lanka, while others proceeded to fight on every side. 41.51

All the mountains on all sides were covered by the monkeys and a crore of them were ranged near the city. 41.52

When the city of Lanka was surrounded by the monkeys each holding a tree in their hand , even wind was not entering the city. 41.53

The Rakshasas who were as valorous as Indra , the ruler of devas seeing themselves besieged by cloud like monkeys who were equal to them in valour were stuck with sudden terror.” 41.54

When those monkey troops were advancing a big sound arose which was similar to the sound of waves of ocean beating its banks. 41.55

Due that great noise , Lanka with its ramparts , arches , mountains and forests began to shake .

41.56

That army of monkeys protected by Rama and Lakshmana as well as Sugreeva became even more unconquerable than that the army of devas and Dhanavas. 41.57

Having thus ranged his forces, with a view to destroy the Rakshasas , Rama who knew about the four expedients of Sama, Dhana, Bhedha and Danda to be employed in succession, took counsel again and again with his ministers and arrived at a decision. Calling to his mind the duty of the kings, Rama who was eager to undertake what was to be done next, in concurrence with Vibheeshana, summoned Angadha the son of Vali and spoke to him as follows. 41.58-41.60

“Oh gentle monkey , go and meet the ten necked one who is unfortunate , devoid of kingship and who has lost his splendour due to approaching death and tell my words to him. , after entering the city of Lanka without any fear .” 41.61

“oh Rakshasa who moves at night In your reckless arrogance, you have oppressed sages, celestials, Gandharwas and their wives, serpent – Rakshasas , Yakshas the semi-divine beings and kings. From now on, that arrogance, born of the boon you received from Brahma the Lord of creation, should be subdued.” 41.62-41.64

“I would definitely inflict a great punishment on you for abducting my wife and I am standing at the gates of Lanka along with the rod of punishment.” 41`.65

“Oh Rakshasa , if you are killed by me, You will attain the position of devas , great sages and the Royal sages .” 41.66

Oh basest Rakshasa , use the same method of not showing your strength but the power of illusion when you abducted Sita.” 41.67

“If you do not surrender to me and do not return Sita to me, I will make this world one without Rakshasas by my powerful arrows.” 41.68

"This pious minded Vibheeshana, the foremost among Rakshasas has come to me. Surely, this illustrious Rakshasa will obtain the kingdom of Lanka, which will henceforth be free from troubles." 41.69

“You cannot enjoy this kingdom without Dharma even for a moment as you are a sinful Rakshasa having stupid followers around you and is one with defeated soul.” 41.70

“Oh Rakshasa , otherwise get ready for the battle , after gathering courage and laying your hands on your valour. Then you will be killed by arrows and rest in peace.” 41.71

“Oh traveler at night , even if you take the form of a bird and run about in all the three worlds , you will not be alive as soon as you come in to the range of my eyes.” 41.72

“I am telling for your benefit, be ready for your obsequies. See Lanka properly , for your living further is in my hands.” 41.73

When Rama who never got tired of his actions told like this to son of Tara, he jumped in to the air with a luster of burning fire and marched ahead . “ 41.74

Within a moment he reached the home of Ravana and saw that Ravana who was seated and discussing with his ministers. 41.75

That monkey chief Angadha wearing golden bracelets landed in a place close to the king and stood there like a flaming torch. 41.76

After introducing himself , Angadha repeated the excellent words of Rama , as it was told to him without adding or subtracting anything to Ravana in the presence of his ministers. 41.77

“I am the son of Vali and Angadha is my name and I am the emissary of Rama , the king of Kosala and of stable exploits . Have you heard of him?” 41.78

Rama called Raghava who adds joy to his mother Kausalya speaks to you thus.”Oh Ruthless one , come and enter in to war with me as a representative of your clan.” 41.79

“I shall kill you along with your ministers, sons, cousins and other relatives. You being dead, all the three worlds would get rid of fear.'" 41.80

“Now, I shall uproot you, a thorn to the sages and an enemy to devas , demons, semi-divine beings, Gandharwas , serpent-gods and Rakshasas.” 41.81

“Unless you bow before me and return back Sita , you would be killed by me and Vibheeshana would become the king.” 41.82

Hearing those harsh words from the monkey chief . Ravana the king of Rakshasas became under the control of anger. 41.83

He became red eyed with anger and ordered his ministers, “Let this stupid one be caught and then killed.” 41.84

As soon a they heard the words of Ravana , four terrible Rakshasas caught hold of him who resembled a shining torch. 41.85

Then the prudent and valorous monkey , of his own accord came under their control , to exhibit his prowess in front of those monkeys. 41.86

Then catching hold of those who clung to his arms , Angadha leapt on to the palace which resembled a mountain. 41.87

All those four Rakshasas were shaken out , by the great speed of Angadha and fell down on the ground , even when the king of Rakshasas was watching. 41.88

From the top of the palace , which was as tall as the mountain was climbed by that son of Vali, even when Ravana was seeing. 41.89

That roof of the palace, trampled by Angadha, crumbled like the peak of Himalayan range was shattered long ago by lightening - before Ravana's gaze. 41.90

After breaking the roof of the house and announcing his name loudly and roaring with great sound, Angadha rose up in that air. 41.91

Causing great worry to Rakshasa and great joy to the monkeys , he reached the middle of monkeys and went near Rama. 41.92

Seeing the roof of his palace destroyed Ravana got in to very great anger and foreseeing his own destruction he became jittery. 41.93

Surrounded by many monkeys who were roaring with delight, Rama on his part was already proceeding ahead for the battle, with an intent to wipe out his enemy. 41.94 At that time, Sushena the highly valiant monkey who was resembling a mountain was surrounded by innumerable monkeys, who had ability change their form at will. 41.95

Under the order of Sugreeva who was invincible , Sushena was patrolling the gates and wandering like a moon among the stars. 41.96

Seeing hundreds of divisions of those monkeys encamped under the walls of Lanka, marshaled on the shores of the sea, the Rakshasas were amazed and some others were terror-struck while others, overjoyed at the prospect of fighting and even leapt up in exultation. 41.979-41.98

Those miserable Rakshasas on seeing that the entire extensive space between the walls and the moat were being occupied by the monkeys, and looked like a second rampart cried out, "Alas " in panic.

41.99

As a result of that the miserable tumult in the capital city of the Rakshasas, the soldiers of Ravana seized hold of their great weapons and sallied forth like the winds that blow at the time of deluge.

41.100

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

42.The war between monkeys and Rakshasas commences

(Rama orders his monkey army to attack. They fill up the moat, brake fortifications and climb on fort walls. Ravana oders his Rakshasa army to aeeack. A huge battle commences between them.)

Then all the Rakshasas went to the home of Ravana and informed him that their city has been besieged by Rama and the monkeys. 42.1

Hearing about the besieging of the city , that Rakshasa became very angry and after doubling the arrangements climbed up to the top of his house . 42.2

Then he saw that Lanka, its forests and its waters were covered by innumerable groups of monkeys who were interested in the war. 42.3

Seeing that those monkeys had covered the earth and made it look brown, in great confusion, he thought “How can they all be killed?” 42.4

That Ravana regained his confidence after thinking for a long time , with his eyes widened in surprise , Ravana saw Rama and the other monkey chiefs . 42.5

Rama with lot of joy along with the army marched forward and saw that Lanka is being protected from all four sides and was filled with Rakshasas. 42.6

That son of Dasaratha after seeing Lanka decorated by various types of flags , with great distress thought of Sita in his heart. 42.7

“Here lives the doe eyed , daughter of Janaka who is suffering for my sake and who is sorrowful and sleeps on bare earth.” 42.8

When the votary of Dharma thought about how Vaidehi is made to suffer , he immediately ordered his army of monkeys to destroy their enemies. 42.9

When these words were spoken by Rama who never gets tired , those monkeys interested in the war filled the air with shouts resembling the roar of the lion. 42.10

“We shall tear this Lanka in to pieces by either by our bare hands or by using mountain peaks , ” thus decided all the monkeys by general consent. 42.11

Lifting up great mountain peaks as well as huge stones and breaking huge trees , those monkey chiefs got ready for the battle. 42.12

For fulfilling the favourite job of Rama , they after diving themselves in to columns started climbing on the walls of Lanka and Ravana kept watching them. 42.13

They who were of golden colour , having copper coloured faces and who were prepared to give up their life for sake of Rama , marched towards Lanka, armed with mountains, rocks and trees. 42.14

Those monkeys demolished innumerable defensive walls and arches with blows from trees, mountain-tops and fists. 42.15

The monkeys filled up the moats containing clear water , with sand, mountain, mountain tops , grass and logs of woods. 42.16

After that the monkey commanders scaled the walls of the city of Lanka, taking with them battalions of monkeys in thousands, in crores and even hundreds of crores. 42.17

The monkeys started breaking the golden arches and breaking down the gates that equaled the peak of Kailasa the mountainous abode of Shiva the Lord of Destruction. 42.18

Those monkeys who resembled great elephants rushed towards Lanka springing , leaping and also roaring . 42.19

The monkeys, who can assume any form that they like , shouting - "Victory to the mighty Rama and the valiant Lakshmana" "Victory of Sugreeva protected by Raghava" and roaring, rushed towards the defensive walls of Lanka. 42.20-42.21

The monkey chiefs Virabahu, , Subahu, Nala and Panasa after storming the defensive walls of the city took their positions on them. And at that time they also formed several battalions of army there.

42.22

Kumuda surrounded by ten crores of monkeys , who acted as if they have already won , stood besieging the eastern gate . 42.23

To help him a monkey called Prasabha and a very strong Panasa , surrounded by many other monkeys came . 42.24

The valiant Shathabali came to the southern door surrounded by twenty crores of monkeys and stood surrounding it . 42.25

Sushena the monkey who was the father of Tara arrived at the western gate , surrounded by crores of crores of monkeys and stood there besieging it. 42.26

Rama along with the son of Sumithra reached the northern gate along with Sugreeva and surrounded by the monkey army . 42.27

They were accompanied by crores of bears under the very strong Dhumra , who is a destroyer of his enemies and they took up position near Rama. 42.28

Vibheeshana of great energy with mace in hand, clad in defensive armour and accompanied by his watchful ministers, took his position where the mighty Rama is stationed. 42.29

Gavaksha, Gavaya, Sharabha and Gandhamadana, galloping on all sides, defended the army of monkeys.

42.30

Then Ravana who was drowned in great anger commanded his great army to set out of their camps for war immediately. 42.31

Immediately after hearing these words from the mouth of Ravana, , a great noise originated from the army of Rakshasas. 42.32

The Rakshasas beat the kettle drums, whose middle disc was white as moon loudly using a stick of gold , and raised a great sound. 42.33

The conches in hundreds and thousands blared forth a very great sound due to being blown by the horrifying Rakshasas with their cheek extended completely . 42.34

Those Rakshasas with their dark bodies with the white conch kept on their lips , shined like clouds which were bordered by lightning and a row of white cranes. 42.35

As soon as Ravana ordered, those battalions of his armies rushed forth , which resembled the lashing out of the ocean when it is swollen by clouds at time of deluge. 42.36

Then great sound also rose from the monkey army which had filled up the ridges, planes and caves of the Malaya mountain. 42.37

The sound raised by conches and drums by the Rakshasas and the lion like roaring of the monkeys echoed and reechoed on the earth, sky and the sea. 42.38

The trumpeting of elephants, the neighing of the horses, the clattering of the chariot-wheels and the sounds of the foot-steps and the sound of the couches reechoed over the earth, sky and sea. 42.39

In the mean time a very horrifying war commenced between the monkeys and the Rakshasas and it resembled the battle between devas and asuras. 42.40

Exhibiting , their own prowess , the Rakshasas started to attack the monkeys with their maces , tridents, Shakthi and axes. 42.41

Then those huge sized monkeys started with speed striking with , trees , mountain tops , nails and teeth and raised their war cry, “Victory to Lord Sugreeva.” 42.42-42.43

Some of the terrifying Rakshasas shouted , ‘Victory, victory to the king” , and announced their names .

Some of those Rakshasas standing on the wall hooked the monkeys standing on earth using metal hooks. 42.44

This made the monkeys very angry and they jumped in to the air and dragged down those Rakshasas standing on the walls by catching them with their hands. 42.45

The battle between the monkeys and the Rakshasas turned in to a happening of wonder and left lot of swampy ground of blood and flesh. 42.46

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

43,The war escalates as war between chiefs,

( The war between Rakshasas and monkeys escalated between one to war between their leaders. Many Rakshasa leaders were killed. Many monkey soldiers were also killed.)

Then those very wise monkeys and the Rakshasas started getting engaged in a harsh battle and the ferocity of the army went up greatly . 43.1

Those Rakshasas and the chiefs , doing terrific acts being eager to win in Ravana's name, marched ahead on horses with golden trappings or elephants resembling pointed flames, or in chariots flashing like the sun and themselves wearing beautiful armours, creating reverberant sounds in all the ten directions. 43.2-43.3.

The monkeys also wanting great victory , marched against the army of those Rakshasas who can take any form they like. 43.4

Among those of the monkeys and Rakshasas who ran against each other , individual fight started taking place . 43.5

The Rakshasa Indrajit fought with Angadha the son of Vali in a great battle which resembled the fight between Lord Shiva and Angadha. 43.6

A monkey called Sampathi who can never be conquered in war fought with Prajangha and Hanuman was fighting with Jambumali . 43.7

The very angry Rakshasa Vibheeshana who was the younger brother of Ravana fought with a Rakshasa called Mithragna who was greatly fiery in battle. 43.8

Gaja of great strength fought with a demon called Tapana and Nila too of great energy fought with Nikumbha. 43.9

Sugreeva the king of monkeys fought with Praghasa and Lakshmana fought with Virupaksha who fought well. 43.10

The invincible Rakshasas called Agniketu, Rashmiketu, Mitraghna and Yajnakopa confronted with Rama. 43.11

Vajramushti fought with Mainda and Dvivida fought with Asaniprabha and thus the monkey chiefs were fighting with the horrifying Rakshasas. 43.12

Pratapana, the valiant Rakshasa , terrific and invincible in battle fought well with Nala of intense speed in battle. 43.13

The strong monkey well known as Sushena , the son of God of death , engaged in battle with Vidhyunmali. 43.14

Some of those fearful monkeys after fighting with several big Rakshasas , got in to one to one fight with some other horrifying Rakshasas. 43.15

There thus happened a horrifying battle which made hairs to stand erect between Rakshasas and monkeys , both of wanting to win. 43.16

Streams of blood and tufts of hair flowed from the bodies of monkeys as well as Rakshasas which carried dead bodies like a timber by a stream . 43.17

Indrajit struck with great anger on Angadha, who can scatter the enemy army , by a mace and it looked like Indra was himself beating with Vajrayudha. 43.18

The glorious Angadha who was a fast moving monkey then stuck the golden variegated chariot, charioteer and horses of Indrajit. 43.19

Sampati, who was struck by Prajangha with three arrows, killed Prajangha using an Ashvakarna tree, at the peak of the combat. 43.20

Jambumali who was riding on a chariot took out a very strong Shakthi from his chariot and banged the chest of Hanuman using it. 43.21

Hanuman the son of wind God then climbed in to his chariot and threw down the chariot along with the Rakshasa. 43.22

The horrible Pratapana ran with a roar send several arrows and hurt the body of Nala but suddenly Nala scratched out the eyes of the Rakshasa. 43.23

Pierced in the limbs by sharp arrows by Praghasa the swift-handed Rakshasa , Sugreeva the Lord of the monkeys immediately killed Praghasa with a Saptaparna tree. 43.24

Lakshmana after making the terrible looking Virupaksha suffer greatly by his rain of arrows at the end killed him with one arrow. 43.25

The invincible Agniketu, Rashmiketu, Mitrughna and Yajnakopa wounded Rama by their arrows.

43.26

Rama who became angry , chopped off the heads of those four Rakshasas by using four arrows which had fire like tips. 43.27

Struck with a fist by the monkey Mainda in the battle, Vajramushti along with his chariot fell on the ground like a watch-tower on a city-wall. 43.28

Nikumbha wounded Nila who was like the blue black collyrium by his sharp arrows similar to the rays of Sun hitting the cloud . 43.29

Then, Nikumbha the swift-handed demon again wounded Nila by a hundred arrows in the battle and laughed continuously. 43.30

Nila chopped the head of the charioteer of Nikumbha by the wheel of the same chariot in that fight, similar to Vishnu the Lord of preservation in a battle. 43.31

Even Dvivida, whose impact was like a flash of lightening of a thunder bolt, struck Ashaniprabha with a rock before the eyes of all the demons. 43.32

That Ashaniprabha wounded Dvivida the monkey leader by his thunder bolt-like arrows, while Dvivida was fighting with trees in the battle. 43.33

With his limbs struck by arrows, that Dvivida agitated as he was by anger, struck with a Sala tree, Ashaniprabha, his chariot and the horses. 43.34

Vidhyunmali sitting on the chariot using arrows decorated with gold and which made great sound struck Sushena. 43.35

The great monkey Sushena , seeing that he was sitting on the chariot , by throwing a great piece of rock of the mountain upturned the chariot. 43.36

That Rakshasa Vidhyunmali with great tact got out from the fallen chariot and stood there on the ground armed with a mace . 43.37

The great monkey Sushena along with great anger holding a huge mountain chased that Rakshasa.

43.38

That Rakshasa Vidhyunmali struck with the mace on the chest of the great monkey chief Sushena who was coming towards him. 43.39

That great monkey not bothering about the beating with the mace on his chest in that great battle , threw that stone at the Rakshasa and hit his chest. 43.40

Stuck violently by that rock on his chest Vidhyunmali , with his chest crushed , fell down dead . 43.41

Thus many strong Rakshasas were destroyed by those valiant monkeys there in a series of hand to hand encounters , similar to devas destroying Rakshasas. 43.42

The battle-field thus became scary with extra-ordinary spears, arrows, maces, javelins, lances and tridents shattered chariots and military horses and elephants in rut, monkeys and Rakshasas which had been killed, wheels axles and yokes broken and lying on the ground and frequented as it was by herds of jackals. 43.43-43.44

The headless trunks of monkeys and Rakshasas sprang up here and there in the midst of that great war , which resembled the war between devas and asuras . 43.45

They after being attacked by great monkeys and their limbs being covered with blood due to that attack longed for sun set and again assembled for another combat. 43.46

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

44. The night war between Rakshasas and monkeys

(Rama started killing several Rakshasas. With his chariot being destroyed by Angadha, Indrajit vanished from vision and continued his fight without being seen by any one and uses serpent arrows and makes Rama and Lakshmana fall.)

When the monkeys and Rakshasas were fighting a war , the sun set and night continued with destroying of lives. 44.1

With great enmity between each other and both desiring for their own victory , the night war between the monkeys and Rakshasas commenced. 44.2

The monkeys said to the Rakshasa, “You are a Rakshasa” and Rakshasas told the monkeys, “You are a monkey”, and in the horrifying night of darkness , they killed each other. 44.3

In that army very loud sounds of talking like “Strike”, “tear apart”, “Come near”. And “why are you running away” were being heard. 44.4

Those Black Rakshasas wearing golden battle dress , were shining like medicinal forests on the king of mountains. 44.5

In that great darkness which was difficult to tolerate , the very angry Rakshasas attacked and ate those monkeys with great speed. 44.6

Those strong monkeys with a terrific rage leapt forward and torn asunder by their sharp teeth, the steeds with gold ornaments on their head, the serpentine banners and frightened the army of Rakshasas. 44.7

Greatly angry the monkeys dragged the elephants, those who were riding the elephants, chariots, flags and flag staffs and broke them in to pieces with their teeth. 44.8

Rama and Lakshmana killed the foremost of Rakshasas who were visible and not visible by arrows which can be compared to venomous snakes. 44.9

The dust which rose from the hooves of horses and wheels of chariots completely blocked the eyes and ears of those who fought. 44.10

When the particular great war was in progress , the hair of people stood erect and very horrifying rivers of blood started flowing there. 44.11

Then the sound of drums, kettle drums arose and got mixed with the sound of conches and chariot wheels arose in that place . 44.12

The sound of wounded horses, Rakshasas and monkeys resonated and a terrible sound covered everywhere. 44.13

The great monkeys assassinated by spears, maces, and axes and the slaughtered Rakshasas, who were able to change their form at will , with their bodies appearing like mountains were lying there on the battle-field. And those weapons appeared to be offered up as a bounty of flowers by the earth, which became not seen and rendered impassable by the slime formed out of streams of blood. 44.14-44.15

That horrifying night proved very deadly to the monkeys as well as Rakshasas ,like the night at deluge becomes horrifying to all beings. 44.16

Those Rakshasas who were there in that darkness of night , attacked Rama with a shower of arrows.

44.17

The sound that they made while coming to attack Rama as well as their roaring sound was like the sound of ocean at the final destruction of all beings . 44.18

Within the time of the twinkling of an eye Rama shot six arrows which were like the toungues of flame and killed six Rakshasas. 44.19

The unconquerable Yagnashatru, Mahaparashva, Mahodara, the giant bodied Vajradamshtra, both Shuka and Sarana - all those six having been beaten by Rama on their vital organs with a flood of his arrows, retreated from the battle and somehow survived for the rest of their life. 44.20-44.21

Using gold tipped arrows of varied patterns resembling the flames of fire Rama , cleared all directions as well as intermediate directions and made them without Rakshasas. 44.22

And all the valorous Rakshasas who stood facing Rama also perished just like moths coming in front of fire. 44.23

When the arrows with golden wings which were bright coloured started falling from all directions , it appeared as if fire flies are coming from all places in that autumnal night . 44.24

By the sounds made by the Rakshasas and roaring sound of the monkeys that terrible night became more terrible. 44.25

That great sound which was coming from all sides , the Trikuta mountain which was full of caves appeared to give rise to confused murmurs. 44.26

Long-tailed and black faced monkeys with their gigantic bodies and dark figure, crushed the Rakshasas with their arms and allowed them to be eaten by other animals. 44.27

Angadha who had come to the battle field to kill all his enemies all at once stuck , the chariot, charioteer and horses of the son of Ravana. 44.28

While that awful and very intense battle was going on, Indrajit a great expert in tricks of illusion, leaving the chariot, with its horses and charioteer killed by Angadha, vanished from that very spot itself.

44.29-44.30

All the devas and great sages seeing that act of accomplishment of the son of Vali were greatly pleased by the honourable son of Vali . 44.31

Since all the beings knew the magical power of Indrajit in war , seeing him being defeated by that great one made them pleased . 44.32

Then all the monkeys as well as Sugreeva and Vibheeshana were greatly delighted and praised him by saying ”Good, very good.” 44.33

Indrajit having been defeated by that one responsible for the big act who was the son of Vali was driven to horrifying anger . 44.34

That expert in war who was the son of Ravana and who had boons given by Brahma , after disappearing from vision and started shooting arrows which were as bright as lightning. 44.35

Becoming very angry he sent harsh serpent arrows and with them hurt all the body parts of Rama as well as Lakshmana of the Raghu clan. 44.36

Bu enveloping will illusion, he confounded Rama and went on sending arrows being invisible and tied the brothers Rama and Lakshmana using those arrows. 44.37

All the monkeys saw those tiger among men being tormented quickly by those serpent arrows by those angry Rakshasas. 44.38

Not being able to hurt those two princes in his visible form, Indrajit the son of the king of Rakshasas with his perverse mind, took recourse to magic in order to make them captive. 44.39

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

45.Rama and Lakshmana fall to the arrows of Indrajit.

(Though a search was ordered by Rama, the invisible Indrajit could not be located. With tormenting arrows, Indrajit fells down Rama and Lakshmana.)

Those two very famous princes who was very strong ordered ten monkey chiefs to search for the whereabouts of Indrajit. 45.1

Rama the tormentor of his enemies ordered both the sons of Sushena, Nila the chief of monkeys, Angada the son of Vali, the strong Sharabha, Dvivida, Hanuman, the very strong Sanuprastha, Rishabha and Rishabha skandha to do the job. 45.2-45.3

All those monkeys were thrilled with enthusiasm and immediately flung into the air brandishing huge trunks of trees in order to explore all the ten directions. 45.4

Indrajit who was an expert on arrows , using the great arrows speedily , released very many great arrows , arrested their speedy search . 45.5

Those monkeys of great speed , whose bodies were cruelly pierced by those arrows, were unable to see Indrajit in the illusory darkness, similar to the sun being obscured when it is veiled in clouds.

45.6

Indrajit with his arrows split up all vital parts of Rama and Lakshmana and which entered in to their body and thus he was victorious in battle . 45.7

The angry Indrajit densely sent and fixed serpentine arrows aimed at the body of Rama and Lakshmana . 45.8

Great amount of blood flowed from the opening of wounds in their body and both of them shined like Kimsuka trees in flowering . 45.9

Indrajit with colour resembling collyrium , with inflamed eyes turned red due to anger , while remaining still invisible spoke to Rama and Lakshmana. 45.10

“When I start fighting war becoming invisible even Indra the God of devas would not be able to see or approach me and how can you both?” 45.11

“Oh sons of the Raghu clan, having imprisoned you by the trick of arrows furnished with feathers of heron, since my soul is filled with wrath , I am going to send you to God of death.” 45,12

After saying like this to Rama and Lakshmana who were followers of Dharma , he pierced both of them with pointed sharp arrows and shouted with wild joy. 45.13

Indrajit who was of the colour of heaped collyrium stretched his very big bow , again and again shot them with horrifying arrows in that great war. 45.14

He who was an expert in identifying vital parts send very sharp arrows at Rama and Lakshmana and hurt their vital parts. 45.15

In the battle ground those two completely tied by arrows , in a twinkling of an eye became incapable of even looking up. 45.16

Those two pierced by a great net work of arrows , because they were pierced in their vital parts became exhausted and those two great archers who were lords of earth fell down on the earth , shaking violently like the flag staffs raised in honour of Indra , when the chord holding them is cut off.

45.17-45.18

Those two valorous ones were lying down on beds of heroes , completely bathed in blood and with all their limbs bristling with arrows and completely distressed. 45.19

There was not even finger breadth of their body from the tip of fingers to the end of feet which was not wounded and implanted with sharp arrows. 45.20

They being ferociously stuck down by a Rakshasa who can change his form at his will had blood gushing out of their body , like water coming out of a spring. 45.21

With his vital parts being pierced by the sharp arrows the very angry Indrajit , who had defeated Indra , the lord of devas , Rama fell down first . 45.22

Indrajit pierced Rama by arrows with golden arrows which had sharp points, which had downward movement, which go fast like Narachas, Demi-narachas, Bhallas (with wide tips), Anjalis, Vatsa dantas, Simha dantas and those shafts like unto razors. 45.23

Throwing away his bow bent at three places, adorned with gold, with its string loosened away and detached from the hold of his fist, Rama lied down on the battle-ground. 45.24

Seeing Rama , the tiger among men having due to the arrows , Lakshmana became hopeless and lost will to live. 45.25

Seeing his elder brother Rama, with his eyes resembling lotus-leaves, having fallen on the ground, wounded as he was by a net work of arrows, Lakshmana felt sad. 45.26

Beholding that Rama, the monkeys too were in great sorrow and wept bitterly, filling their eyes with tears, being affected as they were by sorrow. 45.27

Those monkeys with Hanuman in front gathered at that place and stood surrounding Rama and Lakshmana, who were bound by a net work of arrows and lying down on the battle ground. All of them were disturbed and afflicted sorrow. 45.28

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

46.Indrajit claims he has killed Rama

(All the monkeys are confused and sad that Rama had fallen down. Vibheeshana tries to pep up Sugreeva saying that Rama is not dead but only fallen down. Indrajit goes and tells Ravana, that he has killed Rama .Ravana becomes greatly happy.)

Then all those monkeys surveying the earth and the sky , then saw the brothers Rama and Lakshmana covered with arrows. 46.1

Sugreeva and Vibheeshana came to that place after Indrajit retired from that place , like Indra retires after causing rain. 46.2

Nila, Dvivida, Mainda, Sushena, Kumuda, Angadha along with Hanuman forthwith began to grieve for Rama and Lakshmana. 46.3

Breathing faintly, bathed in blood. riddled with innumerable arrows, motionless and lying inactive, Rama and Lakshmana lay stretched on a bed of arrows, sighing like serpents, helpless, having very little prowess, their limbs smeared with a stream of blood, resembling two golden flags, They who were lying on heroes' couch, with tardy movement of their limbs, were surrounded by all the monkey leaders, whose eyes were suffused with tears. Seeing the two Raghavas, pierced by a multitude of arrows, all the monkeys along with Vibheeshana became perturbed. 46.4-46.7

The monkeys examined all over the atmosphere but were not able to see , the son of Ravana who was not visible due to his magical powers. 46.8

But Vibheeshana by his own magical powers was able to see him who was remaining hidden by his magical powers standing in front of him. 46.9

Though Indrajit was a great warrior who had no one comparable to him and who had done great unique acts , he preferred to remain invisible using the boon of Brahma , but was recognized by Vibheeshana who had great luster, prowess and glory. 46.10

Indrajit seeing those two who were lying down , appreciating his own great action was very happy and wanted to share his joy with the other Rakshasas. 46.11

“ Brothers Rama and Lakshmana the killers of the very strong Khara and Dhooshana have been killed by my arrows.” 46.12

“Even if all the sages, devas and Rakshasas join together and help them , they would not able to get themselves free out of the net work of my arrows.” 46.13

"These meaningless ones who were wearing away the very roots of us all, on whose account, the three watches of the night slipped past my father, who is unable even to touch his couch with his limbs and who remains absorbed in thought and stricken with grief and because of whom, the entire city of Lanka remains agitated, like a river during the rains, has been destroyed by me." 46.14-46.15

“The valour of Rama , Lakshmana as well as all the monkeys have been proved useless , similar to clouds in autumn.” 46.16

After speaking like this to all the Rakshasas , that son of Ravana starting hitting at all the monkey chiefs who were watching. 46.17

He struck Nila with nine arrows and Mainda as well as Dvivida with three great arrows each. 46.18

That wielder of a great bow stuck the chest of Jambhavan with one arrow and released ten arrows at Hanuman who was with great speed. 46.19

The son of Ravana stuck , both Gavaksha and Sarabha who were of boundless valour with two arrows each in that battle. 46.20

Then that son of Ravana wounded with very many arrows Angadha , the son of Vali as well as Gavaksha , the king of Goolamgulas. 46.21

Wounding all those monkeys with arrows which are like flames of fire , the highly courageous and strong son of Ravana started shouting in triumph. 46.22

Tormenting all those monkeys with very many arrows the great one laughed heartily and spoke the following words . 46.23

“Oh Rakshasas ,be pleased to see those two brothers who have been tied by me using the horrifying net work of arrows.” 46.24

Those Rakshasas who were treacherous fighters on hearing this were filled with wonder and greatly appreciated his act. 46.25

All of them who resembled a cloud cried out in a very loud voice “Rama is dead.” And greatly honoured the son of Ravana. 46.26

Seeing the two brothers, Rama and Lakshmana lying motionless and breathless on the floor, Indrajit thought they were dead. 46.27

Having won the battle Indrajit became very happy and entered back in to the city of Lanka spreading happiness among the Rakshasas. 46.28

Seeing Rama and Lakshmana pierced with many arrows on every limb and bone of their bodies, a great fear had taken possession of Sugreeva. 46.29

Then Vibheeshana spoke to the frightened king of monkeys whose face was covered with tears and whose eyes full of sorrow. 46.30

“Oh Sugreeva , enough of this great fear. Control the speed of these tears . All wars are like this and victory is never certain.” 46.31

“Oh Valorous one , if there is some amount of luck remaining with us , the brothers Rama and Lakshmana would wake up from this insensible state.” 46.32

“Oh Sugreeva , become more courageous and instill courage in me as oh monkey, I am one without protector . For those who have faith in Dharma and truth , there is no fear of death.” 46.33

After having told this he wiped the tear stained eyes of Sugreeva with his hands moistened in water.

46.34

Then that follower of Dharma , took some water made it enchanted by chants and then wiped the eyes of Sugreeva. 46.35

After wiping the face of that king of monkeys who had great prowess , Vibheeshana told these words of comfort and good sense. 46.36

“Oh Sugreeva, Oh king of monkeys , this is not time to lose all hope and at this time too much attachment also leads to death.” 46.37

"So after giving up hopeless sorrow , which ruins all actions, think on now on how best to serve the army which had Rama going before them.” 46.38

‘Or else let us protect Rama till he regains consciousness so that Rama and Lakshmana can drive away fear from all of us.” 46.39

“There is no problem for Rama and he is not going to die for the splendour and luster which you can hardly find in dead people is still there in him.” 46.40

“So console yourself and revive your own spirits , so that we can revive the confidence among this entire army. 46.41

"Oh great monkey ., all these monkeys, having their eyes dilated due to fear, are murmuring some words into each other's ear as they are terrified" 46.42

“Seeing me run among the army to activate them, let all of them shed all their fear , like one discards used garland.” 46.43

After consoling Sugreeva , that king of Rakshasas Vibheeshana , started consoling all monkeys who were pushing away. 46.44

Indrajit the great magician along with his great army , entered the city of Lanka and went to meet his father. 46.45

After meeting Ravana , greeting him and saluting him , he said the pleasing words to Ravana about death of Rama. 46.46

Ravana who was in the middle of other Rakshasas on hearing it , jumped from his seat with happiness and embraced his son. 46.47

Smelling his head, Ravana becoming happy by what he heard, made enquiries in the matter. Indrajit reported the matter as it happened, to his enquiring father, as to how both Rama and Lakshmana were made motion-less and luster-less by entwining them with arrows. 46.48-46.49

Hearing the words of Indrajit the great charioteer, Ravana with his heart filled with a torrent of joy, relinquished his great sorrow , caused on account of Rama and praised his son with pleasing words.

46.50

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

47.Ravana makes Sita see Rama and Lakshmana who have fallen down.

(Rakshasas in Lanka start celebrating the death of Rama and Lakshmana. As per instruction of Ravana , the Rakshasis take Sita in Pushpaka Vimana to the battle field. Sita seeing Rama and Lakshmana has fallen down wails.)

When the son of Ravana went back to Lanka , the monkeys and bears of his army surrounded and protected him. 47.1

Hanuman, Angadha, Nila, Sushena, Kumuda, Nala, Gaja, Gavaksha, Panasa, Sanuprastha and the mighty Jambhavan with Sunda, Rambha, Shatabali and Prithu all these monkeys, armed with trees, reorganized their ranks, stood alert, surveyed the directions of the sky up and down and on every side and, even if a grass stirred, they exclaimed, "It is a Rakshasa" 47.2-47.4

Meanwhile Ravana who was very happy send back his son Indrajit and send word for the Rakshasis who were protecting Sita . 47.5

As per his order all the Rakshasis including Trijata appeared before him and to those Rakshasis , the God of the Rakshasas told with happiness. 47.6

“Go and tell Sita, that Rama and Lakshmana has been killed by Indrajit and take her in Pushpaka plane and show her Rama and Lakshmana lying dead in the battle field.” 47.7

“She was proud because she was depending on him and because of that does not come near me. Her husband and his brother are lying dead in the battle field.” 47.8

“Let Sita submit to me decorated by all ornaments without any apprehension, sorrow and without any hope for uniting with her husband.” 47.9

"Personally Rama and Lakshmana have fallen under the sway of death on the battle-field today and finding no other support and hoping for nothing else, the broad-eyed Sita will voluntarily seek refuge in me." 47.10

Hearing those words of that bad soul Ravana, all those Rakshasis said, “So be it” and went near the Pushpaka plane . 47.11

Thereafter, those Rakshasis brought the Pushpaka Vimana as per the instructions of Ravana and carried it nearer to Sita who was staying in Asoka Garden. 47.12

Those Rakshasis then brought Sita who was sorrowing for her husband and made her climb up the Pushpaka Vimana belonging to the Rakshasas. 47.13

Then those Rakshasis along with Trijata climbed the Pushpaka with Sita and proceeded to show her Rama and Lakshmana. 47.14

Meanwhile Ravana the king of Rakshasas , with extreme joy , caused Lanka to be decorated with garlands and with flags and banners and arranged a proclamation to be made in Lanka announcing that Rama and Lakshmana had been slain by Indrajit in battle. 47.15-47.16

Sita going along with Trijata on the plane saw all the monkeys , slain and lying dead in the battle field. 47.17

Sita saw the joyful Rakshasas and dejected monkeys standing near Rama and Lakshmana. 47.18

Then, Sita saw those two warriors Rama and Lakshmana lying unconscious on the ground on a bed of arrows, their limbs pierced with arrows, riddled with weapons, their armour shattered, their bows cast aside at a distance and their entire body pierced by weapons . 47.19-47.20

On seeing those two brothers, who were valorous , had lotus like eyes, who were best of men, lying stretched on a bed of arrows there in that wretched plight like the two sons of the fire-god (Shikha and Vishakha) lying on a bed of reeds, Sita wailed piteously, stricken as she was with a great agony.

47.21-47.22

That dark eyed daughter of Janaka with faultless limbs seeing her husband as well as Lakshmana lying in dust sobbed. 47.23

Seeing those brothers who were having similar luster like the devas was stuck with sorrow and moved in to tears and believing in their death spoke with sorrow the following words. 47.24

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

48.Sita wails and Trijata consoles her

9Sita feels sad that her husband is no more inspite of predictions of several astrologers and sages. Trijata consoles her and reassures Sita, that both the princes are alive.)

Seeing that her husband has been killed along with the very strong Lakshmana , Sita very much wailed pitiably as she was stuck by great sorrow. 48.1

“Those who read signs had predicted that I would have sons and will never become a widow and the fact that Rama has been killed shows that they were all liars and ignorant ones .” 48.2

“They also predicted that I would be his companion when he performs Sattra sacrifice and that I would be his consort when he performs Yagnas and the fact that Rama has been killed shows that they were all liars and ignorant ones . 48.3

“They also predicted that I would be honoured as the wife of a Valorous one and that I would be worshipped by my husband , and the fact that Rama has been killed shows that they were all liars and ignorant ones . 48.4

“They who were wise Brahmins also foretold that I would live very happily , and the fact that Rama has been killed shows that they were all liars and ignorant ones . 48.5

“I have lotus marks on my feet which in case of noble women is supposed to indicate that they will get consecrated on the throne along with husbands who are kings.” 48.6

“I do not find marks of bad fortune which indicate widowhood and bad fortune in my case but as I see it now , all these auspicious signs are of no use.” 48.7

“In women the mark of lotus is supposed to augur well but since Rama has been slain, they are of no meaning to me .” 48.8

"My hair is fine, black in colour and smooth. My eye-brows are disunited. My calves are hair-less and well rounded. My teeth are contiguous, without any gaps between them." 48.9

"My temples, eyes, arms, feet, ankles and thighs are homogenous and well-proportioned. My fingers have well-rounded and glossy nails, having a right length." 48.10

"My breasts are close to each other, fully developed and have depressed nipples. My navel is deeply indented. My flanks and bosom are well-formed." 48.11

"My complexion has the luster of a pearl. The hair on my skin are soft. It is said of me as endowed with auspicious signs, in that I touched the ground with my twelve limbs i.e. ten toes and two soles.”48.12

"Those who interpret the marks of maidens told that my hands and feet are rosy, fully provided with marks each resembling a barley corn, there is no space between my fingers and toes and that my smile is gentle." 48.13

“Brahmins who were experts in predicting the future told me that I would get consecrated on the throne with my husband but all that is in vain now.” 48.14

“After searching in Janasthana and having received news about me and after crossing the impassable ocean those brothers have died in this hoof print of the cow.” 48.15

“Both Rama and Lakshmana surely knew how to use the arrows of Varuna, fire , Indra wind God and also the Brahma Sira arrow .” 48.16

“Rama and Lakshmana who are similar to Indra has been killed by magic and the enemy becoming invisible , making me an orphan without a lord .” 48.17

“Any enemy who comes within the sight of Rama cannot hope to stick on to his life even though he can move as fast as thought.” 48.18

“There is no burden as heavy as death and nobody can attain victory over death and now Rama along with his brother Lakshmana is lying dead in the battle field.” 48.19

“I am not sad for the death of my husband or that of Lakshmana , not even for the sake of my mother but for the sake of my saintly mother-in-law .” 48.20

“She must be daily thinking about when our penance will get over and when she will be able to see Sita, Rama and Lakshmana.” 48.21

To her who was sorrowing greatly like this the Rakshasi Trijata told, “Oh lady do not be sad like this for your husband is still alive.” 48.22

“I will tell you the logical and great reasons , oh lady , for me to tell you that Rama and Lakshmana are alive .” 48.23

“If they have lost their leader the faces of the soldiers in the battle field would not reflect anger nor would there be joy in them.” 48.24

“Oh Vaidehi , if those two had lost their life , this divine aero plane called Pushpaka which is divine would not have brought you here.” 48.25

“If the army witnesses its leader being slain, they would be without enthusiasm and would be wandering aimlessly , like a ship which has broken its rudder in water .” 48.26

“Oh sage like lady, the army on their part are not confused nor perturbed and are guarding him who has been made conscious less in the battle and I am telling you this because of my love to you.” 48.27

“Please be reassured of this by the good omens that you see which indicate coming of happiness. Please notice that Rama and Lakshmana are not dead. I am telling you this because of my love towards you.” 48.28

“Oh Sita , I have never told a lie before and am not likely to tell one in future . Due to your virtue and pleasant behaviour you have occupied my heart.” 48.29

“There is no doubt that even Indra, devas and Rakshasas can win over them in battle and this is what I have observed and what I wanted to tell you.” 48.30

“Oh Sita, see this great wonder , though they are fallen under those arrows lying without senses , their auspicious prettiness has not deserted them. “ 48.31

“Generally for those who have lost their life and soul has gone away from their body , their face would appear greatly altered.” 48.32

“Oh daughter of Janaka, give up sorrow , pain and illusion on account of Rama and Lakshmana . It is impossible for them not to be alive .” 48.33

Hear her words , Sita who was similar to daughter of Gods with folded hands in salutation told, “Let it be so.” 48.34

Along with the Pushpaka Vimana , the sorrowing and very pitiable Sita entered the city of Lanka with Trijata. 48.35

Then After Sita and Trijata got down from the Pushpaka Vimana , The Rakshasis made them enter the Asoka garden. 48.36

Sita after entering the garden with huge number of trees and which was the play ground of the Rakshasa king , thinking about those sons of the king gave way to extreme grief.” 48.37

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

49.Rama wakes up and wails for sake of Lakshmana

(Rama wakes up and starts crying. He tells if Lakshmana dies, he would not remain alive. He thanks all the monkeys and requests them to go back. At that time Vibheeshana returns.)

Bound by that formidable network of arrows, the two great sons of Dasaratha lay bathed in blood, breathing like serpents. All those foremost of monkeys who were exceedingly strong, including Sugreeva, plunged in grief, were standing around those two great ones . 49.1-49.2

At that time the mighty Rama woke up from his swoon by nature of stability and native strength despite the arrows which were holding him bound. 49.3

Then seeing his brother who was bleeding, without consciousness and thrown on the ground , Rama with his features changed wailed full of grief. 49.4

“What is the use of recovering Sita now? What is the use of continuing to live? Because I am now seeing my brother lying without consciousness.” 49.5

“If I seriously search I may get a lady who is similar to Sita but I will not able to find a brother , a minister and one who helps me in this war like Lakshmana.” 49.6

“If the son of Sumithra who increases my joy mixes with the five elements , I would give up my life in the presence of these monkeys.” 49.7

“What shall I say to my mother Kausalya , what shall I tell mother Kaikeyi? What shall I do in case of mother Sumithra who must be thirsting to see her son.” 49.8

"How shall I console Sumithra, trembling and crying out like a sea hawk , bereft of her son, if I return to Ayodhya without Lakshmana?" 49.9

"How shall I tell Shatrugna and the very famous Bharatha when I return without Lakshmana, who followed me to the forest?" 49.10

“I would not be able to bear the reproaches of Sumithra and so I would prefer to leave my body here itself as I do not want to continue to live. 49.11

“Woe unto me. I have done a wicked deed without any nobility and it is due to my fault that Lakshmana lies under the bed of arrows with a view to protect me.” 49.12

"O, Lakshmana! You always used to console me whenever I was in a great sorrow. Having lost your life now you will not able to allay my sufferings with your words." 49.13

“You who have killed several Rakshasas on the battle field today , are lying down on the same battle field pierced by several arrows like a hero.” 49.14

“Sleeping on the bed of arrays after getting bathed in your own blood , you like the sun God setting down on a bed of arrows.” 49.15

"Your vital parts having been pierced with several arrows and because of that you are not able even to speak now. Even though you not speaking, your agony is disclosed by the redness of your eyes." 49.16

“I shall also follow him to the land of Yama , like that great warrior followed me when I came to the forest.” 49.17

"He loved his own relations and was filled with devotion to me, and he got in to this state to which my misdeeds have brought him" 49.18

“I do not remember to have heard any harsh word which were not to my liking from valorous Lakshmana at any time, even when he is provoked.” 49.19

“He was capable of sending five hundred arrows at one shot and that Lakshmana surpassed even Karthaveeryarjuna himself in mastery of archery.” 49.20

“He who is used to sleep on beds of very great gentleman and who is capable of cutting the weapons of Indra himself is lying on earth.” 49.21

“Without any doubt the words of imagination by me that I will make Vibheeshana the king of Rakshasas will hurt me as I have not made him a king.” 49.22

“Oh Sugreeva , you ought to immediately within a moment leave this place , because once king Ravana knows that I am not there to support you, he will defeat you.” 49.23

"O, Sugreeva, cross the sea again with your army, keeping Angadha in front and along with your followers, Nila and Nala." 49.24

“I am fully satisfied by the exploits of Hanuman in the battle and also by the one done by the king of bears and other generals of monkeys , as this is impossible by anyone else in a battle.” 49.25

"A great act was done by Angadha, Mainda and Dvivida. A terrible combat was done by Kesari and Sampathi in the battle-field." 49.26

"By Gavya, Gavaksha, Sarabha, Gaja and other monkeys, who are willing to sacrifice their lives for me, the battle was carried on." 49.27

“Oh Sugreeva , Man can never fight against fate and oh tormentor of enemies , because you were afraid in failing in your duty , you have done me all that a friend and a comrade can ever do to me.”

49.28

“Oh best among monkeys , you have done all this due to your friendship to me. Give me leave and all of you go back to any place that you want.” 49.29

All the monkeys who heard this became extremely sad and those black eyed one allowed copious tears to be shed from their eyes. 49.30

At that time Vibheeshana after having established order in all the ranks of the army , came quickly to Rama with a mace in hand . 49.31

Seeing him who was like a heap of collyrium speedily coming towards them , the monkeys thinking him to be Indrajit, the son of Ravana started to run away . 49.32

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

50.Garuda comes and frees Rama and Lakshmana from the effects of the arrow,

(When the monkeys were consoling each other Sushena suggests that Hanuman should go to the Chandra mountain and bring the herbs to cure Rama. At that time Garuda the son of Vinatha comes and cures Rama and Lakshmana. He tells them that he is their friend.)

Then at that time the very strong king of monkeys told ,”Why is our army agitated and running like ship driven out of course in water?” 50.1

Hearing the words of Sugreeva, Angadha , the son of Vali told , “Are you not seeing the two brothers The valorous Rama and Lakshmana, who are the sons of Dasaratha , caught in the web of arrows . Both of them are lying in the bed of arrows with causing blood to flow from all over their body.”

50.2-50.3

When this was told by the son Angadha to the king of monkeys he told, “There must be some other cause why the monkeys are bewildered and possibly there is some danger ahead.” 50.4

"Hear , these monkeys are running away in all directions, with their eyes distended with terror, throwing down their arms and looking dejected." 50.5

“They are not feeling ashamed of one another and they are again and again looking behind them. They are jostling with one another and jump over those who have fallen down.” 50.6

When they were talking like this , the valorous Vibheeshana holding a mace cheered Sugreeva and Rama and told , “Victory to Rama.”. 50.7

When Sugreeva saw that Vibheeshana was the cause of the scare of monkeys , he told Jambhavan the king of bears as follows. 50.8

“It is Vibheeshana who has come here , seeing whom the Monkey warriors are scared thinking that he is Indrajit , the son of Ravana.” 50.9

"You reassemble those monkeys immediately, who in fear have scattered in many directions and inform them that it is Vibheeshana who has come here ." 50.10

As soon as Sugreeva told like this Jambhavan the king of bears pacified all the monkeys and restored their confidence . 50.11

Hearing the words of Jambhavan the king of Bears, all those monkeys, on seeing Vibheeshana, retraced their steps after shaking off their fear. 50.12

Vibheeshana, the following of Dharma felt pained on seeing the body of Rama as well as Lakshmana wounded by arrows . 50.13

After washing his eyes with hand dipped in water , he started weeping out of great anguish seizing his chest and told. 50.14

The treacherous Rakshasa warriors have brought these powerful and valiant warriors to this state.”

50.15

“The son of my brother who is a Rakshasa , a bad son and a bad soul with a cunning mind has deceived these honourable fighters.” 50.16

"These two warriors, Rama and Lakshmana, who were struck badly by arrows and covered with blood are lying on the earth, like two porcupines." 50.17

“These two lions among men, on whom I have depended to fulfillment of desire are lying fainted and are waiting to leave this body ” 50.18

“Having lost my dream of getting the kingdom , I am like dead , even while I am surviving , while Ravana is able to fulfill his vow and is getting his desires realized.” 50.19

The magnanimous Sugreeva embraced Vibheeshana who was wailing and told him as follows.

50.20

“Oh follower of Dharma , you would without any doubt get the kingdom of Lanka and Ravana and his son would not be able to fulfill their wishes.” 50.21

“Rama and Lakshmana have been only affected by a wound and they will regain consciousness and would definitely kill Ravana .” 50.22

After consoling and convincing the Rakshasa Vibheeshana like this , Sugreeva talked to Sushena , his father –in-law , who was standing by his side. 50.23

"Taking these two brothers, Rama and Lakshmana with the troops of monkeys who are strong, you go to KIshkinda, till these two destroyers of their foes have recovered their consciousness." 50.24

“I for myself after killing Ravana, along with his sons and relatives and bring back Sita , like Indra Got back the prosperity that he lost.” 50.25

When the king of monkeys told these words, Sushena replied, “I had earlier seen a great dreadful battle between Asuras and Devas .” 50.26

"By making themselves invisible again and again, the Rakshasas skilled in the use of arrows overcame the devas despite their skill in bearing arms." 50.27

"To those celestials who were wounded, unconscious and almost deprived of life, Bruhaspathi treated them using medicinal herbs accompanied by his sacred chants." 50.28

“Let the monkeys , Panasa , Samapthi and others go quickly with great speed go to the ocean of milk to bring those medicinal herbs.” 50.29

“Those monkeys are conversant with the herbs available on mountains like the divine Sanjeevakarni and Vishalya which are created by God.” 50.30

“In the middle of the milky ocean where churning was done to get nectar there are mountains called Chandra and Drona , where these herbs are available.” 50.31

“ Oh king, The devas built those mountains in that vast ocean and let Hanuman , the son of wind god go there.” 50.32

At that time , a huge wind arose with the building up of clouds and resultant lightning and this wind caused the waves to rise in the ocean , which caused the mountains to tremble , like at the time of earth quake. 50.33

“Due to the great wind generated by the wing of the bird , the branches of huge trees in the sand bank started breaking and fell in the salty water of the ocean.” 50.34

“The snakes became scared and the sea snakes and marine animals living in the sea , plunged quickly in to the sea.” 50.35

Thereupon, all the monkeys saw within a moment, a mighty eagle, Garuda, the son of Vinata, which was similar to the flame of the fire. 50.36

“Those arrows which were the spirit of snakes that had tied those great men who were brothers , on seeing the great eagle ran away from there.” 50.37

Thereupon, Garuda the eagle, met Rama and Lakshmana and after offering them his good wishes, with his hands caressed their faces that were radiant like the moon. 50.38

As soon as the son of Vinatha touched them all their wounds were healed and their body became soft and glowed like gold . 50.39

Their luster, valour, strength, endurance and resolution, those great qualities, also their grace , intelligence and memory were re-doubled. 50.40

That greatly valorous Garuda who was like Indra , lifted both of them up and embraced them and greatly pleased Rama told Garuda. 50.41

“By your grace we have crossed over the great danger posed to us by the son of Ravana and having got out of it , we have become as strong as before .” 50.42

“By meeting you my heart has become glad as if I met my father Dasaratha and grandfather Aja. 50.43

"Who are you, who is endowed with beauty, having blissful garlands and anointments, wearing clean garments and adorned with divine ornaments?" 50.44

That greatly lustrous and very strong son of Vinatha , with eyes broadened by joy and with a very pleased mind told. 50.45

“Oh son of Kakustha clan, I am your friend, as dear to you as your breath and my name is Garuda and I have reached here to help you.” 50.46

“Either Asuras or very valorous Dhanavas or very strong Devas or Gandharwas who are all lead by Indra would not be able to untie , this entanglement created by arrows , using magical powers by Indrajit who does cruel deeds.” 50.47-50.48

“There are serpents born to Kadru with sharp teeth and fangs abundantly supplied with poison and made in to arrows by sorcery of the Rakshasa called Indrajit and have stuck you.” 50.49

“Oh Rama who is a follower of Dharma and considers truth as his valour and who kills enemies in battle, you along with Lakshmana are indeed lucky.” 50.50

“Having heard about this incident , I came swiftly here , duly remembering my friendship and love to both of you.” 50.51

“Due to me you have been released from this horrible entanglement of arrows and both of you should be greatly vigilant from now on.” 50.52

“By nature all the Rakshasas are treacherous fighters in war but for you both straight forwardness and pure mind are your strengths.” 50.53

“From this example itself you have to understand that they fight with crooked mind and so you should not believe a Rakshasa in a battle field.” 50.54

After saying like this That Garuda who is very strong affectionately hugged those friends and started taking leave . 50.55

“Oh friend, who shows pity even to his enemies , I would like to take leave from you and go back as I have come. 50.56

“Oh hero , you may be inquisitive to know about the friendship between us. I am sure you would know about it after completing this great work of you. 50.57

“Using your arrows make Lanka have only old people and young ones , kill Ravana and get Sita released.

50.58

Having spoken thus, Garuda who can fly with great speed , who had beautiful wings, who had just healed Rama's wounds in the presence of monkeys, after obeisance to him presence of monkeys, after going round him in salutation to him and took Rama into his arms, entered the sky with the speed of the wind. 50.59-50.60

Seeing that The sons of the Raghu clan are cured of their problem, the chiefs of monkeys howled and also roared like lion and shook their tails. 50.61

After that , gongs were beaten, drums resounded, and couches were blown amid jumping in joy of the monkeys as before. 50.62

Some other very strong monkeys who normally use trees like mace , waved their arms and uprooted hundreds of thousands of trees and stood there. 50.63

Shouting and making very loud noise and frightening those Rakshasas , those monkeys desirous of fighting reached the gates of city of Lanka. 50.64

From the crowds of monkeys then a very tumultuous sound arose , like the very terrifying sound of thunder occurring in summer at midnight. 50.65

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

51.Dhoomraksha goes to the war

(After knowing that Rama and Lakshmana have got up, Ravana sends Dhoomraksha to kill the monkey army. He sets out through the western gate and ill omens follow him.)

Ravana along with other Rakshasas heard the tumultuous sound raised by the monkeys which was full of the tone of war. 51.1

Hearing that mighty clamour, sounding smooth and deep, Ravana spoke to his ministers who were surrounding him. 51.2

"A great uproar, resembling the thunder from clouds, has arisen from that army of rejoiced monkeys. Undoubtedly their joy is great, as their mighty roars are agitating the briny ocean itself.” 51.3-51.4

“The Brothers Rama and Lakshmana have been tied by sharp arrows and this very great sound creates doubt in my mind.” 51.5

After the king of Rakshasas told these words to his ministers , told the following to the Rakshasas who were standing near him. 51.6

“Find out immediately the cause of this great rejoicing by the monkeys , for at times of sorrow no one celebrates.” 51.7

Thus ordered by Ravana, they climbed up the rampart very briskly and saw the army lead by the great Sugreeva and also the highly fortunate Rama and Lakshmana who were relieved of the terrific shackle of arrow a and had risen up together. All the Rakshasas felt dejected on seeing it. 51.8-51.9

With trembling heart , pale face , all of those great Rakshasas got down from rampart and approached Ravana. 51.10

The Rakshasas of Ravana with a downcast face informed him of the unpalatable news faithfully.

51.11

“The two brothers Rama and Lakshmana whom Indrajit tied by his arrows and made them immobile , have got free from the ties of the arrow and are seen like elephants in the battle field , with valour equivalent to the king of elephants .” 51.12-51.13

When the very strong king of Rakshasas heard this , he became sad and thoughtful and his face became pale. 51.14

"If my enemies who had thus been tied by Indrajit are freed, despite their injuries in battle by his formidable arrows which were infallible on account of those rare boons and which resembled serpents and were bright as the sun, I feel that my entire army is in great danger." 51.15-51.16

“Those arrows which had the luster of serpent Vasuki and which should have taken the life of my enemies have been rendered as powerless .” 51.17

After saying like this , he became very angry and breathed like a serpent and started speaking to a Rakshasa called Dhoomraksha who was in the middle of Rakshasas. 51.18

“You who are a Rakshasa who has done great deeds along with a big army , go and kill Rama, Lakshmana and other monkeys.” 51.19

When the king of Rakshasas told like this to Dhoomraksha who had great prowess , became happy and saluted him and left the home of the king. 51.20

As son as he reached the gate , he told the commander of the army, “Please speedily mobilize the army. What is the need for further delay .” 51.21

As soon as the commander of army heard these words of Dhoomraksha , he immediately and arranged for the army out of those who followed him as per order of Ravana. 51.22

Those very strong horrible looking Rakshasas who had a bell tied to their neck , made happy noises and followed Dhoomraksha. 51.23

Equipped with every type of weapon and brandishing spears, hammers, maces, harpoons, sticks, iron cudgels, bars, clubs, javelins, missiles, nooses and axes, those terrible Rakshasas emerged from there with the noise of thunder. 51.24-51.25

Wearing armours , mounted on chariots which were magnificently dressed with flags and decorated with bands of pure gold, and pulled by mules and many heads of horses of exceeding speed or by elephants in furious rut , those excellent Rakshasas went forth like veritable tigers. 51.26-51.27

Dhoomraksha climbed and set out on a chariot drawn by mules which had lion or deer like face and dressed in gold . 51..28

That very valorous Dhoomraksha surrounded by a big army of Rakshasas came out through the western gate where Hanuman was stationed. 51.29

Climbing on a chariot drawn by mules and howling like mule when that horrifying Rakshasa who had a huge form was proceeding birds of ill omen on the sky prevented him . 51.30

A very huge vulture alighted on the top of his chariot and that devour of corpses clustered around his flag. 51.31

A very bleeding white headless body fell from the sky on earth and inauspicious sounds were heard when Dhoomraksha was approaching and there was a rain of blood from sky and earth trembled.

51.32-51.33

The wind with noise similar thunder blew adversely. Every direction was obscured by great darkness, did not shine. 51.34

Seeing those happenings all the Rakshasas were scared and seeing those very bad omens, Dhoomraksha became worried and all those Rakshasas who were marching ahead of him were greatly scared. 51.35

Then, Dhoomraksha, the highly terrible and strong demon, surrounded by very horrifying big Rakshasas , eager to enter into combat, set out and beheld that army of a multitude of monkeys, resembling a flood, protected by the arms of Rama. 51.36

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

52.Hanuman kills Dhoomraksha

(A great war ensues between monkeys and Rakshasas. Dhoomraksha starts killing several monkeys. Hanuman interferes and kills Dhoomraksha,)

Seeing the very valorous Rakshasa called Dhoomraksha coming out , the monkeys who were longing for a war roared with joy . 52.1

A very horrible battle ensued between the monkeys and Rakshasas and they killed each other with horrifying trees and maces and lances. 52.2

The terrible monkeys were killed by the Rakshasas from all sides and monkeys also turned the Rakshasas flat to the earth using their trees. 52.3

The very angry Rakshasas also using very sharp winged arrows which went like winged eagles paralyzed the monkeys . 52.4

While being torn asunder by the Rakshasas with terrible maces, spears, hammers, frightful iron bars and variegated tridents and the mighty monkeys fearlessly accomplished their tasks with an excitement born of anger. 52.5-52.6

With body pierced by arrows and body split by spears , the monkey chiefs took trees and stones for the sake of fighting. 52.7

Those very swift monkeys roaring aloud , harassed the huge Rakshasas by calling out their names. 52.8

That horrifying battle with all kinds of rocks and trees having many branches between monkeys and Rakshasas appeared wonderful. 52.9

Rakshasas were crushed by those fearless monkeys and those Rakshasas who drank blood vomited lot of blood. 52.10

Some Rakshasas were cut open on all their sides. Some were transformed into a heap by the trees. Some others were crushed by stones and yet others torn to pieces by the monkeys teeth. 52.11

With their flags crushed and broken, their swords snapped and their chariots overturned, some Rakshasa were greatly worried. 52.12

Crushed by the mountain like stones , the mountain like Rakshasas and the beaten horses along with their riders were lying on the earth. 52.13

The very great valorous monkeys jumped swiftly on the Rakshasas and with sharp nails scratched the faces of the Rakshasas. 52.14

With very wan faces and with their hair torn out of their head , and maddened by the smell of blood , those Rakshasas fell on the ground . 52.15

Some other very angry and greatly valorous Rakshasas ran towards the monkeys to slap them with their diamond like hard palms , 52.16

The monkeys with their fists, feet , teeth and with trees crushed those who were rushing towards them with great speed. 52.17

The bull among Rakshasas Dhoomraksha seeing that his army is being destroyed , started to create bloodshed among the monkeys who wished to fight. 52.18

Some monkeys hit by the spears gave rise to blood shed and some of them hit by the axe fell on the earth. 52.19

Some were crushed by the iron bars, others torn by harpoons, some others pierced by javelins, and all of them got exhausted and lost their lives. 52.20

Some of those monkeys lost all their blood and fell on the ground and some of them were driven out by that angry Rakshasa. 52.21

With pierced hearts some of them were lying towards one side and in case of some of them who were pierced by arrows and spears, the intestines came out. 52.22

That great and terrible battle that took place between Rakshasas and monkeys made the earth crammed with weapons , trees and stones . 52.23

With the twang of the bow providing music, the neighing of the horses the beats with trumpeting elephants providing the vocal music , that battle was like a music opera. 52.24

Dhoomraksha holding a bow with a laugh made the monkeys run helter-skelter by the continuous hail of arrows. 52.25

Hanuman seeing that his army was greatly disturbed by Dhoomraksha , in great anger turned towards him with a very huge stone. 52.26

Hanuman who was as valorous as his father , with eyes turned doubly red by anger , threw that huge stone towards the chariot of Dhoomraksha. 52.27

He seeing the stone coming towards the chariot , hurriedly took a mace in his hand and jumped from the chariot and stood on earth. 52.28

Shattering his chariot with its wheels, its pole, its crest along with banner and bows, that rock rolled down to the ground. 52.29

That Hanuman, the son of wind god after breaking the chariot , destroyed the Rakshasas with a huge tree along with its branches. 52.30

With their heads crushed, the Rakshasas were drenched with blood. Some others were crushed by the trees and fell down to the earth. 52.31

That Hanuman, the son of wind God after driving away the Rakshasas , took a mountain peak and started running towards Dhoomraksha. 52.32

That valorous Dhoomraksha holding a mace ran with a roaring sound towards Hanuman who was suddenly coming to attack him. 52.33

Then that Dhoomraksha speedily with anger brought town the thorns studded mace on the head of Hanuman. 52.34

That Hanuman, who was as strong as the wind god , was in no way disturbed by that blow but struck Dhoomraksha on the middle of his skull with his rocky peak. 52.35

Having been beaten by the mountain peak , with all his limbs broken , Dhoomraksha fell on the ground , like a mountain. 52.36

Seeing that Dhoomraksha is dead the surviving Rakshasas greatly frightened of being killed by the monkeys entered back in to the town of Lanka. 52.37

That famous Hanuman the son of wind god having destroyed his enemies and causing rivers of blood to flow, becoming tired by the slaughter of his enemies, with delight, received the cordial respects by the monkeys. 52.38

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

53. Ravana sends Vajradamshtra

(A great heroic sorcerer Rakshasa called Vajradamshtra is sent by Ravana. In spite of ill omens he comes out through the southern gate . A great war takes place between Rakshasas and monkeys. Angadha interferes in the battle.)

After he saw that Dhoomraksha is dead, Ravana , the king of Rakshasa , was greatly enraged and hissed like a serpent. And polluted by anger , he talked to the cruel and very strong Vajradamshtra .

53.1-53.2

“Oh warrior , go ahead along with the Rakshasas and kill Rama , the son of Dasaratha as well as Sugreeva .” 53.3

That leader of Rakshasas who was a sorcerer answered “So be it” and departed with many divisions of the army which surrounded him. With the utmost attention, he assembled teams of elephants, horses mules camels and chariots adorning them with conspicuous flags and banners and he himself was well-prepared. 53.4-53.5

Wearing colourful bracelets and head gear and covered with an armour , he started armed with a bow.

53.6

That army general went round the Shining chariot decorated by flags and which had with ornaments of molten gold and climbed the chariot. 53.7

Infantry of every kind issued forth, holding in their hands weapons such as clubs, excellent javelins, smooth pestles, harpoons, bows, lances, spears, swords, discus, maces and sharp axes. 53.8-53.9

Greatly lustrous and well dressed Rakshasa Chiefs , mounted on elephants with rut looked like moving mountains . 53.10

There were experts in war , holding riding with lances and goads on other very strong elephants and had good qualities. 53.11

That great army which had great luster like clouds with lightning and thunder in the rainy season, paraded and then they came out of the southern gate where Angadha was the general. 53.12

When those Rakshasas were starting they noticed bad omens like meteors falling from a cloudless yet burning sky , howling of fearless jackals howling and belching out fire. 53.13-53.14

Those horrible animals foretold the destruction of the warriors and the Rakshasas going out for war stumbled and fell down. 53.15

The very strong Vajradamshtra with great luster , in spite of noticing this evil omens , assumed great courage and came out with interest in the war. 53.16

The Monkeys looking forward for a victory , after seeing them come out gave rise to very huge sound that filled all the ten directions. 53.17

Then a tumultuous battle between the monkeys and Rakshasas commenced , which was horrible , furious and promoted desire to kill each other . 53.18

Some people very energetic and enthusiastic in war, their neck and bodies being cut fell on earth with the entire bodies coated with blood. 53.19

Some others who were armed with a shield , fought with each other and threw various types of weapons at each other . 53.20

A great sound was heard from the trees. Stones and all the weapons used and hearing that great noise broke the hearts of the people . 53.21

A terrific noise of the wheel-rims of chariots and the bow, along with the tumultuous sounds of conches, kettle-drums and tambours also arose there. 53.22

Some Rakshasas , left out weapons and performed the fight only with their arms. The Rakshasas were beaten and their bodies made greatly wounded by the monkeys who were fighting with arrogance, with their palms, feet, fists, trees and knees. Some Rakshasas were crushed to powder with rocks.

53.23-53.24

Vajradamshtra frightened greatly those monkeys by use of his arrows and appeared to them like God of death with his noose moving at time of deluge . 53.25

Armed with weapons and experts in war having participated in several wars those very angry Rakshasas started killing the monkeys in battle . 53.26

The son of Vali seeing all those Rakshasas fighting the war , due to anger became twice his size and started killing like the fire killing everyone 53.27

The valiant Angadha with his raging red eyes lifted a tree and killed all those army of Rakshasas , like a lion killing small animals. Angadha, with his prowess was resembling that of Indra the Lord of celestials and was a terrific destroyer of the enemies. 53.28-53.29

Those greatly valorous Rakshasas struck by Angadha had their heads shattered and fell down like chopped trees. 53.30

The earth then appeared scary as it was covered with chariots, conspicuous flags, horses, bodies of monkeys and demons and with streams of blood flowing there. 53.31

That battle-field, decorated with necklaces, bracelets worn on upper arm, garments and umbrellas of the killed persons looked like a night in autumn. 53.32

Due to the great swiftness of Angadha that great army of Rakshasas trembled like the cloud trembles due to fast wind. 53.33

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

54.Angadha kills Vajradamshtra

(Vajradamshtra inflicts heavy casualty among the monkeys. They go and seek protection from Angadha. A great war takes place between Angadha and Vajradamshtra. At last Angadha kills Vajradamshtra by a sword in the battle field.)

Seeing his own army being destroyed by Angadha , the very strong Rakshasa Vajradamshtra became very much enraged. 54.1

Stretching his great bow which shined like the thunderbolt of Indra , he dispatched several rain of arrows on the monkey army. 54.2

The chief among all Rakshasas climbed in to the chariot and fought with many type of weapons .

54.3

Monkeys who were the most valiant animals that jump assembled , used stones as their weapons and fought on all sides. 54.4

In that war the Rakshasas hurled thousands of weapons swiftly and they fell those monkey warriors and their chiefs. 54.5

Also the monkeys who had great power , who resembled elephants in rut, took , mountains , trees and stones and rained them down on those Rakshasas 54.6

Between those great warriors consisting of Rakshasas and monkeys , who both never retreated in battle , a great battle ensued. 54.7

Some monkeys and Rakshasas , with their shattered heads, but without arms and legs, lay on the earth bathed in blood with their bodies wounded by weapons, became a prey to herons vultures and crows or were devoured by troops of jackals. 54.8-54.9

Monkeys and Rakshasas fell down on the battle-field and headless trunks with their limbs cut off in the war , jump up causing great fear to all the fearful. 54.10

All the army of Rakshasas of Vajradamshtra were killed in front of his eyes by the monkey army and his army was thus broken up. 54.11

Seeing the Rakshasa saw army was scared and killed by the monkeys The famous Vajradamshtra with reddened eyes due to anger entered the monkey army holding a bow and frightened them.54.12-54.13

The famous Vajradamshtra who was greatly enraged by sending sharp arrows decorated by eagle wings and which flew straight to the target , started killing the monkeys in fives, sevens and nines together. 54.14

The frightened monkeys with severed limbs ran towards Angadha like the living beings run to Brahma , the lord of creation. 54.15

The son of Vali seeing the defeated monkey warriors , with great anger exchanged hateful glances with Vajradamshtra. 54.16

Then Vajradamshtra and Angadha fought war with each other and strolled with great anger like the lion and the elephant in rut. 54.17

Then Vajradamshtra hit the very strong son of Vali on his vital parts of the body with arrows resembling hundred thousand flames of fare. 54.18

The very strong son of Vali with blood drenching all his body , threw a tree at Vajradamshtra of great prowess. 54.19

That Rakshasa was not bothered seeing three falling on him and with his arrows he cut it in to several pieces and made them fall on the ground. 54.20

Seeing the great strength of Vajradamshtra, Angadha who was monkey similar to a tiger took a huge rock and threw it with loud noise against him. 54.21

Seeing the great rock coming at him, Vajradamshtra was not bothered but jumped from his chariot and with a mace stood facing the rock in the battle-field. 54.22

The Rock thrown by Angadha went straight in to the battle field and crushed the chariot , the horses and the chariot driver. 54.23

Then that monkey took a huge mountain which was decorated with lot of trees and threw it at Vajradamshtra ’s head 54.24

Vomiting blood that Vajradamshtra fainted , holding his mace with convulsions and breathed heavily for a moment. 54.25

Regaining his consciousness and Waking up with great anger he hit the son of Vali on his chest with his mace . 54.26

Then he threw away his mace and engaged in a boxing encounter and both of them hit each other by their fists. 54.27

Greatly exhausted by the blows, spitting blood, those valiant warriors were like the planets Mars and Mercury. 54.28

Then the very greatly lustrous Angadha who was a tiger like monkey uprooted a very huge tree along with its leaves and flowers and waited. 54.29

The demon also seized hold of a shield covered with the hide of a bull and also a great beautiful sword decorated richly with a multitude of golden bells. 54.30

Desiring for victory, the monkey and the Rakshasa , making roaring sounds, roamed about in different ways and dashed against each other. 54.31

With their wounds shining red like the flowering Kimsuka tree , exhausted by the battle both of them sank on the earth with their knees. 54.32

The elephant like monkey Angadha within a second rose up from the earth like a serpent beaten by a stick. 54.33

The mighty Angadha hit at the giant head of Vajradamshtra with a well-sharpened and stainless sword.

54.34

Killed by the sword, that glorious head of Vajradamshtra, with his limbs drenched in blood and eyes rolled and , fell into two pieces. 54.35

Noticing that the Vajradamshtra was slain, the very scared trembling Rakshasas ran towards the city of Lanka with dejected faces looking pitiable and with downcast heads. 54.36-54.37

After killing that great Vajradamshtra that son of Vali was honoured him for his great courage in the middle of the monkey army and looked like Indra surrounded by the devas. 54.38

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

55.Ravana sends Akampana

(Akampana the great Rakshasa is sent by Ravana. In spite of ill omens he also proceeds to the battle field. In a great battle he kills large number of monkeys. Kumuda, Mainda and Nala start facing him in battle.)

When the king of Rakshasas Ravana heard about the death of Vajradamshtra , he spoke these words to the general of his army who was standing near with saluting hands. 55.1

“Let the undefeatable and greatly valorous Rakshasa called Akampana who is skilled in all weapons go out as head of the army.” 55.2

“He is one who punishes, protects , leader and an expert in war and he forever wishes my welfare and likes to fight in war.” 55.3

“Without any doubt he will win over Rama, Lakshmana and Sugreeva and kill all those horrible monkeys .” 55.4

Immediately obeying the command of the very strong Ravana and that one who was greatly valorous mobilized the army . 55.5

Those foremost of the Rakshasa with terrifying looks , armed with every kind of weapon were fearful to look at and rushed into the fray where their general had dispatched them. 55.6

He who was similar to cloud and of the colour of the cloud got in to a chariot which was and huge decorated with ornaments of molten gold went surrounded by dreadful Rakshasas. 55.7

In a great battle even devas where unable to defeat Akampana and he was shining like Sun in splendour. 55.8

When he was speedily going ahead wishing greatly for a battle , the horses drawing his chariot suddenly were deprived of their energy. 55.9

The left eye of Akampana who was interested in war twitched and his face became pale and his voice became shaking . 55.10

Though it was a good day it was made bad by horrifying and speedy winds and birds and beasts started shouting in a very cruel tone. 55.11

That Rakshasa who was having a shoulder like lion and agility of a tiger , without thinking about these omens speeded towards the battle field. 55.12

When that Rakshasa was going accompanied by other Rakshasas , a great horrifying sound arose even making the sea tremble. 55.13

The monkeys who were ready for the battle with trees and stones were scared by that great sound caused by the coming Rakshasas. 55.14

A huge war broke out between the monkeys and Rakshasas , who had determined to even give up their life for sake of Rama and Ravana. 55.15

All those strong ones were very much like the mountains and the monkeys and Rakshasas were desirous of killing each other. 55.16

The tremendous sound of those warriors, yelling in their anger and strength, making savage cries, were distinctly heard on the battle-field. 55.17

A very huge coppery blood coloured thick dust was raised by the monkeys and Rakshasas and covered all the ten directions. 55.18

When that whitish dust that resembled a shaken white silk cloth which rose covered each other , all the beings in the battle field were not able to recognize each other . 55.19

Neither the flag , the banner and the shield, nor horse, nor weapon nor chariot could be identified in that pall of dust. 55.20

A great confusing clamour, of warriors, making challenges crying and rushing upon each other, was heard on the battle-field, yet in that confusion, no form was visible. 55.21

In that great confusion in that battle monkeys killed monkeys themselves and Rakshasas killed Rakshasas themselves. 55.22

Those monkeys and Rakshasas killing each other also their own people led to the rain of blood which dampened the earth and anointing the bodies with mud. 55.23

Due to the stream of blood being sprinkled , the dust settled down and the earth could be seen covered with corpses and bodies. 55.24

The Rakshasas and the monkeys vigorously and swiftly struck each other with blows from trees, spears, maces, javelins, stones, bars and picks. 55.25

With the huge shape like the mountains and with their hand strong as iron , those monkeys killed the Rakshasas in battle. 55.26

The Rakshasas also got very angry and with darts and javelins in their hands stuck the monkeys with these cruel weapons . 55.27

Akampana who became very angry cheered the Rakshasas using his great strength as well as valour.

55.28

However the monkeys leapt upon them and snatched their weapons through their strength and crushed those demons with blows from large trees and stones. 55.29

Meanwhile the valorous monkeys Kumuda, Nala and Mainda became very angry and displayed unsurpassed speed. 55.30

Those exceedingly valorous chiefs of monkeys, just like a play , in the battle-front, with mighty blows of trees, created a great carnage among the Rakshasas. All of them repeatedly crushed the Rakshasas with every kind of weapon. 55.31-55.32

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

56. Hanuman kills Akampana

(Seeing that Hanuman is killing lot of monkeys and they are not able to face him, Hanuman starts opposing Akampana. A great war ensues between them and Hanuman kills Akampana. All people honour him.)

Seeing the extremely good work done by the great monkeys in the battle-field Akampana got in to fierce anger and intensified the war. 56.1

Seized by very great anger after seeing the good work done by enemies , Akampana took hold of his great bow and told his charioteer. 56.2

“You quickly drive the chariot to that place for innumerable Rakshasas are being killed in that place.”

56.3

“There the very strong monkeys who have a huge body and they are beating with trees and stones , my chiefs.” 56.4

“I want to kill all of them who are praising themselves in the battle as I am seeing that they are harassing the army of Rakshasas. “ 56.5

Then he who is a great hero of those who fight in chariots , he being in a chariot drawn by very fast horses , from a distance troubled the monkeys by his arrows.” 56.6

The monkeys were no longer able to maintain their formation, much less fight in the battle and all of them were crushed under the arrows of Akampana and took to their heels. 56.7

Seeing those attacked by Akampana are getting in to the control of death , the mighty Hanuman went to help his clan. 56.8

All the valiant and best monkey chiefs seeing the great monkey with them grouped themselves under him. 56.9

All the monkey chiefs seeing Hanuman standing courageously assumed more courage and stood with the courageous one. 56.10

Akampana like Lord Indra rained many arrows on Hanuman who was standing as firm as a rock.

56.11

Not minding the flood of arrows that kept on falling him, that Hanuman resolved in his mind to kill Akampana. 56.12

Laughing loudly that greatly lustrous Hanuman who was the son of wind God leapt on the Rakshasa Akampana leading to the shaking of earth. 56.13

He was burning with great energy and shouting loudly and assumed a form which cannot be defeated .

56.14

Hanuman the monkey chief who was angry , having realized that he was unarmed speedily uprooted a mountain and held it . 56.15

That Hanuman holding that mountain in his hand , letting up a great roar began to spin it rapidly.56.16

Just Like Indra rushed with his Vajrayudha against his enemy Namuchi, Hanuman rushed towards Akampana. 56.17

Akampana seeing him approaching him carrying with him a chain of mountains , using an arrow with crescent end powdered it from distance itself. 56.18

Seeing that the mountain he carried was powdered by the arrows of the Rakshasa and falling to the ground , Hanuman became greatly angry. 56.19

That monkey in a great anger uprooted a Aswakarna tree which was as large as the mountain .

56.20

That greatly lustrous one holding that Aswakarna with great number of branches , tightly holding it spun it while standing on the ground. 56.21

Then, the highly angry Hanuman began to run with great strides, breaking down the trees around him by his strength and tearing up the earth with his feet. 56.22

He knocked down elephants, people riding on elephants , chariots , charioteers and the terrific infantry of the Rakshasas. 56.23

Seeing Hanuman as angry as God of Death and was taking away lives in the battle, the Rakshasas started running away. 56.24

That valiant Akampana seeing that Hanuman was dangerous and greatly angry and was creating great scare among the Rakshasas became worried and let out a huge shout. 56.25

With fourteen sharp arrows Akampana wounded pierced and wounded the body of Hanuman who was greatly valorous. 56.26

That great warrior Hanuman , riddled by the rain of those iron shafts , looked like a mountain on which plants had grown up. 56.27

That mighty Hanuman of great strength with a large body which shined like a fire without smoke and resembled a blooming Asoka tree. 56.28

Then Hanuman with great speed uprooted another big tree and stuck the head of Akampana , the Rakshasa general with it . 56.29

When the great one Hanuman who was very angry hit him with a big tree , the Rakshasa fell dead .

56.30

Seeing the leader of Rakshasas Akampana lying dead on the earth , the Rakshasas were perturbed and shook like the trees at the time of earth quake. 56.31

All those beaten Rakshasas who were defeated , ran towards the city of Lanka and monkeys followed them. 56.32

Their hair loosened, bewildered, their pride broken by defeat, their limbs dripping with sweat, those Rakshasas fled, blowing out their breaths. 56.33

Mad with fear , looking back again and again , crowding and crushing each other all of them entered the city . 56.34

After the very strong Rakshasas entered the city of Lanka , all the monkeys together appreciated and honoured Hanuman. 56.35

Hanuman who was of noble nature and happy , respected back all of them according to their rank in a way suitable to the occasion. 56.36

Those strong monkeys who have won shouted according to their ranks and they once again dragged and brought all those Rakshasas left over in the battle field. 56.37

That great monkey who was born to wind god , having met and killed some Rakshasas enjoyed the luster of heroism just like Lord Vishnu felt happy after killing mighty Rakshasas of immense power in the battle field. 56.38

Then, the groups of devas , along with Rama himself, the exceedingly strong Lakshmana, Sugreeva and other monkeys and the mighty Vibheeshana paid homage to Hanuman. 56.39

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

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Yudha Kandam 37-56

Yudha Kandam (Contd)

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