Chapter-60
Words of Angadha
(Angadha who is the crown prince and leader of the team tells his opinion as to what needs to be done. He feels that they should wage a war, destroy the Rakshasas and take Sita along with them. The wise Jambhavan diplomatically points out that they should do according to the wish of Rama)
Hearing these words ,Angadha the son of Bali told as follows. 1
(Many available texts of Sundra Kandam ascribe these words also to Hanuman. But this version appears more natural and truthful.)
“Because of the information given to you all now, let us all convince the great nobles like Jambhavan, to see those two princes along with Vaidehi.” 2
“I myself alone am sufficient to kill all the Rakshasas, the city of Lanka and the very strong Ravana by my strength.” 3
“Should I add further when all of you monkeys who are heroes, strong ones, courageous ones, and those ones who know the science of archery are surrounding me?” 4
(The monkeys including Angadha and Sugreeva do not use archery in war but fight with trees and hills)
“By myself fighting the war alone , I will be able to kill Ravana, his army , people who accompany him and his brothers.” 5
“I can destroy Brahmasthra, Indrasthra, Rudrasthra, Vayvasthra, Varunasthra and also those which are not known to us in war but sent by Indrajit. I can kill all Rakshasas. Once I get your permission, my prowess would subdue him.” 6-7
“The incomparable rain of stones which I am capable of sending without rest is capable of even killing devas. Is it necessary for me to mention Rakshasas?” 8
“Even the ocean can cover all its shore and even the Mandhara Mountain can be shaken but the army of our enemies cannot shake Jambhavan.” 9
“The destruction of All those people standing in front of Rakshasa armies can singly be done by the son of wind God himself.” 10
“By the speed of the thighs of Panasa and Neela even the Mandhara Mountain could be destroyed and so what of the Rakshasa soldiers?” 11
“Please tell one single individual among Devas, Asuras, Yakshas, Gandharwas, Nagas and birds who are capable of facing Mainda and Dwividha in war.” 12
“They both are very lucky monkey chiefs who are the sons of Aswini Devas. I do not know any one who can fight with them in the battle field.” 13
“Both of them have got their strength from the boon of Brahma and have great prowess. They have drunk nectar and are the best among all the monkeys.” 14
“Don’t you know that in the ancient times Lord Brahma who is the grand father of the entire world for the sake of respecting Aswini Devas has given those a very incomparable stature to them and also non destruction by others as a boon.” 15
“Those two great monkey warriors because of the power conferred to them by the boon, beat the great army of Devas and escaping from them and also drank nectar.” 16
“There is no need for other monkeys but these two powerful ones alone are capable of destroying the city of Lanka with its army consisting of horses and chariots.” 17
“Hey, monkeys, it is not proper at this time for us who are knowing everything for going in front of Raghava without Sita.” 18
“I think that it is not proper for you who are famous and endowed with valour to go there and say that, we saw the holy lady but we did not bring her.”” 19
“Hey, monkey chiefs, in this world which consists of Devas and Asuras, there is no one who can be compared with us in the matter of jumping and valour.” 20
“What else is there in this matter but to take Sita along with us from that place where large number of Rakshasas have been killed by Hanuman? “ 21
“The very able Jambhavan who was the chief among monkeys being pleased told the following very meaningful words to Angadha after hearing his opinion.” 22
“Hey, prince , what you intend to do is not something impossible for us now. But please see that what should be done should be based on the intelligent thought of Rama. “ 23
Thus ends the sixtieth chapter of Sundara Kanda which is in the Ramayana which is the first epic written by Valmiki.
Chapter-61
Destruction of Honey forest (The monkeys start their return journey and reached the honey forest of Sugreeva. Being given permission to drink the honey, they destroy the forest , insult and hurt Dadhimuka who was the uncle of Sugreeva and in charge of the security of the forest.)
The great monkey Hanuman and other monkey warriors including Angadha agreed to the suggestion of Jambhavan. 1
All those monkeys who were as big as Meru and Mandhara mountains, who were like elephants who were aroused ,who were very strong, who were having huge sized bodies, who had thought properly of methods to complete the work of Raghava which would bring them great fame and had achieved their objectives and who were enthusiastic because of that , who were in a hurry to tell the good news and who were anxious to fight the war became determined to show their gratitude to Rama and followed Hanuman who was praised by
all beings, who was very strong, who was very clever, and who was very wise, as if they were carrying him with their eyes, and left Mahendra mountains and rushed together as if to hide the sky. 2-6
Those monkeys who had jumped towards the sky and who were rushing fast within a short time reached a forest which was full of plants and climbers and which was similar to a garden. 7
That forest which could not be entered by any animal , which was stealing the minds of all beings and which was being looked after properly was the “Honey forest” of Sugreeva. 8
(“Madhu “could be translated as honey or Alcoholic drink also)
This forest was being protected by Dadhimuka who was a monkey chief and also a Very great hero, uncle of Sugreeva and a great soul. 9
Those monkeys reaching that forest which was very dear to the monkey king became very much enthusiastic. 10
Then those monkeys who were brown like honey, seeing ,that honey forest, became very happy and Those monkeys who were even earlier happy after getting the permission became even happier and some of them started dancing. 13
Some of them were singing, some falling down, some dancing, some laughing, some jumping and falling down, some running here and there, some jumping and running, and some prattling. 14
Some of them embraced each other, some started pushing each other, some shouting at each other and some playing with each other. 15
Some of them jumped from one tree to another, some jumping to the ground from the edge of the tree and some caught hold of the edges of trees crown by jumping and running. 16
One laughing monkey approached a singing one, one with a weeping face approached a laughing one, another approached the crying one dancing all the way and another approached the dancing one, shouting all the way. 17
That monkey army because of drinking of honey lost their senses and became disorderly. There was none among them who was not delirious and there was none among them who was not satisfied. 18
The monkey called Dadhivakthra seeing that the trees were bereft of leaves and flowers and also seeing that the forest was being destroyed fully became very angry and prevented them. 19
(Please note that this monkey is different from Dadhimukha who was the uncle of Sugreeva)
He who was the security in chief of the forest, who was the oldest among the monkey chiefs, who was very heroic, after being insulted in several ways by those who have lost their senses, thought of the methods by which he can save the forest. 20
He shouted very bad words addressing some monkeys , kicked several times with his feet some, quarreled with some entering their midst and requesting with good words some of them. 21
They who were prevented by those commanding words and they who were not realizing that they were doing mistake joined together and surrounded him, fell on him and dragged him round. 22
All those monkeys being out of their senses scarred him with their nails, bit him by their teeth, and destroyed the forest fully with their hands and legs. 23
Thus ends the sixty first chapter of Sundara Kanda which is in the Ramayana which is the first epic written by Valmiki.
Chapter-62
Hurting of the security staff of the forest (The guard of the garden, Dadhimuka who was the uncle of Sugreeva tried his best to stop the destruction of the honey forest. Angadha became very angry and hit him. Then Dadhimukha reached the presence of Sugreeva along with his followers.)
Hanuman who was the greatest among all monkeys and who was their leader told them, “Hey, monkeys, without any worry, please drink the honey. I would drive away your enemies.” 1-2
Hearing the words of Hanuman, Angadha who was the leader of monkeys told with a very clear mind,” Let the monkeys drink the honey. Even if Hanuman’s words are not proper, I have to definitely obey them. But if they are like this, need it be questioned?” 3-4
Those monkeys who were chiefs among monkeys, hearing the words from Angadha’s face, became very
happy and worshipped him saying, “great. great.” 5
All the monkeys praising the monkey chief Angadha went speedily like an overflowing river to the places where more honey was there. 6
Because they were able to see Mythili and knew about her and because they got permission to do as they please in case of the matter of honey, also because of their power, they disregarded the security personnel, and drank the honey and also ate lot of fruits.7
The security staffs who were interested in the welfare of the garden and who came there quickly were beaten by the other monkeys by jumping and in several different ways by the other monkeys. 8
They all joined together plucked the big rock like beehives and started drinking from them. Some of them dropped and broke these hives. 9
Some of them who were of the colour of honey after drinking the honey wasted the remaining honey by pouring them. 10
Some of them who became tipsy managed to stand erect holding the branches of the tree. Some of them spread the leaves of the tree below it and lay down on them. 11
Then some of those monkeys affected by the honey were not able to stand firmly and started rolling and some of them who were almost mad started pushing each other because of their enthusiasm. 12
Some of those monkeys who became affected by the honey slept on the earth itself. Some of them started jumping and some of them with enthusiasm made bird like sounds. 13
Some of them did some other things and some of them did something else and started laughing. Some did some thing and started shouting. Some others got up after the effects were worn out. 14
Then those servants of Dadhimuka and the security personnel who were still there being driven out by the very powerful monkeys ran to different corners. 15
Being dragged by their knees and being shown their asshole by those monkeys they became terribly worried and approached Dadhimuka and told as follows. 16
(Showing their asshole towards those whom they are angry is a well-known habit of monkeys)
“Because Hanuman gave permission, the forest of honey has been destroyed by force. We were also dragged by our knees and shown their assholes.” 17
The forest protector and monkey Dadhimuka hearing that the honey forest has been destroyed became angry and consoled those monkeys thus. 18
“Come along. We would drive away those drunk monkeys who have lost their strength by our strength..” 19
Those brave monkey chiefs hearing the orders of Dadhimuka returned along with him speedily to the honey forest. 20
Dadhimuka uprooted a tree on his way and ran fast. Those monkeys also ran along with him. 21
Those monkeys who were angry picked up rocks, trees and mountains in their hand and ran towards the place where those monkey chiefs were assembled. 22
Hence those heroic watchmen attacked those monkeys who have lost their strength and who were sitting on the tree and the floor. 23
Those courageous ones having in their hands Sala tree, palm trees and stones rushed to the place in order to obey their leader. 24
While things were like this, Monkey chiefs like Hanuman seeing that Dadhimuka was angry came running there speedily. 25
That time Angadha became angry and beat Dadhimukha who was very intelligent, who was very strong, who was a gentleman, who was running there with a tree in his hand ,by both his hands. 26
He who was blind with extreme happiness did not bother to think that” This man should be respected by me” and pushed him on the ground and kicked him suddenly. 27
That heroic monkey chief (Dadhimukha) with wounds in shoulder, thighs and hands and being covered all over with blood ,lay on the floor unconscious for some time. 28
He who was the uncle of King Sugreeva gained consciousness speedily , became much more angry than before and prevented the honey drunk monkeys with a staff. 29
That monkey chief being disregarded by those monkeys reached a solitary place along with his servants. 30
“Let these people not be bothered about. Let us go to the place where our broad necked chief Sugreeva is there ,along with Rama.” 31
“We will inform our king that all the faults are with Angadha and as soon as he hears this , he will become angry and kill all these monkeys.” 32
“Because this pretty honey forest which cannot be even neared by devas , was inherited by him from his ancestor who is a great soul.” 33
“That Sugreeva would kill all these monkeys with short life span and who are after honey along with their friends by beating them with a stick.” 34
“These who have disregarded the order of the king deserve to be killed. and our anger by which we are not able to control will definitely bear fruit.”. 35
That very strong Dadhimuka thus telling to his gardeners, along with those gardeners jumped and started on his journey. 36
That monkey reached the place where Sugreeva , the son of Sun God was staying within a second. 37
After seeing Rama, Lakshmana and Sugreeva he got down from the sky on the plain ground. 38
That monkey Dadhimuka who was the chief of the security people, surrounded by the security staff went near Sugreeva with a faded face and with folded hands kept over his head and saluted him by prostrating at his feet by his head. 39
Thus ends the sixty second chapter of Sundara Kanda which is in the Ramayana which is the first epic written by Valmiki.
Chapter-63
Informing about destruction of the honey forest (Dadhimuka along with his other security staff is not able to succeed and are ill treated by Angadha and other
monkeys. So he reaches Sugreeva’s presence and complaints to him about the behavior of the monkeys. Sugreeva becomes happy concluding that Sita has been found out and informs Rama and Lakshmana. He requests Dadhimuka to go back and request all the monkeys to come to his presence immediately.)
Seeing the monkey who bowed and saluted by his head, the king of the monkeys holding his chest, immediately spoke the following words. 1
“Hey, hero, get up and get up immediately. Why did you fall at my feet. Please tell me everything without leaving any particulars. You would get safety “ 2
The very intelligent Dadhimuka thus consoled by the great soul Sugreeva got up and told the following. 3
“Hey king, that honey forest has not been made a place, where others to enter by Riksha Yajas nor Bali and nor by your worshipful self. In spite of this it has been destroyed by the monkeys.” 4
“In spite of their being prevented by the security staff of the forest and without bothering about them, all the monkeys drank all the honey and are still drinking it.” 5
“Some of them poured whatever was remaining there itself. All of them were destroying honey like that. Some of them who were prevented bent their eye brows and showed it to us.” 6
“Not only that, these security people who went to prevent them were also driven away and beaten by those monkey chiefs.” 7
“Hey, chief of monkeys, at that stage these monkeys were terrorized by the numerous monkey heroes with angry red eyes.” 8
“Some of them were beaten by hand and some knocked by knees. Not only that some of them were dragged and shown their assholes.” 9
“When you yourself were the :Lord , these heroes were troubled like this and the entire honey forest was destroyed as they pleased.” 10
Killer of enemies and a very knowledgeable one Lakshmana asked Sugreeva who was being requested like this as follows regarding Dadhimuka. 11
“Hey, king, why did this monkey who is a forest guard come here? About what is he telling you with so much sorrow?” 12
The master of the words Sugreeva, who was thus asked by the great soul Lakshmana, told the following to him. 13
“Gentleman Lakshmana, This monkey hero Dadhimuka is telling me about the destruction of honey forest by Angadha and other monkeys.” 14
“They have come to the honey forest. So the work has been successfully completed by them.” 15
“Hanuman himself has found the holy lady and there is no doubt about it. Nothing else seems to be possible. No others except Hanuman can be the causal agent for completing this job.” 16
“Only, in that great monkey, the will to complete the job, the needed intelligence, determination, valour and wisdom are there.” 17
“Not only that, In any mission where Angadha is the head, Jambhavan is the leader and Hanuman is there to decide what aspect has to be done by whom and when it is to be done, the result cannot be other than expected.” 18
“Angadha and other heroes who have returned after searching the southern side have destroyed the honey forest feeling that it will not be a crime.” 19
“The honey forest has been destroyed by them ,who have returned back and such criminal act would not have been attempted by them, if they have not succeeded. Not only that they have enjoyed and the entire forest has been destroyed.” 20
“Not only that, they have broken the knees of those who went united to prevent them .” 21
This great and famous monkey hero who is known as Dadhimuka has come here to tell us this good news.” 22
“Hey Valorous hero and the son of Sumithra, think about it. The monkeys have returned back and have started drinking honey and so Sita has been located.” 23
“Hey great one, those monkeys who are very knowledgeable would not dare to destroy this forest which has been got as a boon without locating Vaidehi.” 24
When the very famous Lakshmana was hearing this news which was giving pleasure to the ears, Rama became happier thinking that good period has arrived.” 25
That Sugreeva hearing the words of Dadhimuka became very happy and instructed him as to what is to be done immediately. 26
“The products of the forest have been eaten by them who have succeeded. Because of that I have become very happy. This act which has been done by them who have succeeded has my approval also.” 27
“I along with Rama and Lakshmana am very anxious to see them, who are as valorous as lion and have as their leader Hanuman and hear from them all the news regarding rescuing Sita.” 28
He, who was the king of monkeys seeing that those two princes were happy at the completion of the job and also seeing them with eyes blooming because of happiness and also thinking that job taken up has positive result, became extremely happy with scintilating limbs. 29
Thus ends the sixty third chapter of Sundara Kanda which is in the Ramayana which is the first epic written by Valmiki.
Chapter-64
Return of Hanuman and other monkeys (Hanuman and other monkeys return back to Kishkinda and inform the good news of having found Sita and her being virtuous.)
Thus told by Sugreeva, at that time the well pleased Dadhimuka saluted Raghava, Lakshmana and Sugreeva. 1
After saluting the very strong Raghava and Sugreeva, he rose up in the sky along with his valorous monkeys. 2
He returned by the path by which he came and went with the same speed, jumped from the sky and entered the forest. 3
After reaching the honey forest he saw that all the monkeys have got rid of the effect of honey and saw them urinating the honey and water drunk by them. 4
(Tthis is typical about the effects of alcohol but interpreters say that the effect of honey also is similar)
That hero went near them. He then addressed Angadha with folded hands and with clear mind and told the following willing words. 5
“Hey peaceful master, you were prevented by the watchmen due to their ignorance. Please do not get angry that they did not give you respect befitting your status. 6
“Hey very strong one, being the crown prince you are the owner of this forest. The crime in not recognizing this was committed because of ignorance. Please pardon this.” 7
“Hey blameless one, I ran and have informed your father’s brother about the arrival of you along with all these monkeys..” 8
“He became extremely pleased to know about your safe arrival along with the monkeys.Even after hearing that the forest was destroyed, he did not become angry.” 9
“Sugreeva who is the king of all monkeys and also your father’s brother ordered me,”Send all of them immediately to this place.”” 10
Angadha the monkey chief who was great among those who have great control over words, hearing these sweet words of Dadhimuka told thus to the other monkey chiefs. 11
“Hey, Chiefs of monkeys, I understand that the above news has come from Rama. So hey, monkeys who
always win over their enemies, we should not waste our time in unnecessary work here and cause delay.” 12
“Hey monkeys, Have you not drunk sufficient honey and taken rest. Let us all go to the place where my father Sugreeva is there. What else can be done now ?” 13
(Can also be translated as “What else is remaining except going to Sugreeva’s presence”)
“Hey monkey chiefs, since I am to obey your wishes, all of you please decide and tell me , what has to be done so that I will do accordingly.” 14
“Since you have completed the job entrusted to you, it is not proper for me to command you. So even though I am the crown prince, I do not think that I posses the power to command you.” 15
Hearing these blemish less words of Angadha the monkeys became very happy and replied thus. 16
“Hey king of monkeys, which boss will tell us thus? Because people intoxicated with wealth would consider that they are everything.”” 17
“These words are well suited to a great one like you. It cannot come from any one else. These herald the great positions which you are going to occupy.” 18
“We, who are waiting for commands from you to go to the place where Sugreeva who is the king of all monkeys and who is capable of right action, have all become ready.” 19
“Unless you give leave none of the monkeys can take even step to go anywhere. Hey, monkey chief, we are telling this truthfully.” 20
When they told like this Angadha told, “Yes, let us go.” Hearing this, those very strong monkeys jumped and rose in to the sky. 21
All those monkey warriors darkened the entire sky and went one after the other like the stones thrown in to the sky by catapults. 22
Those very fast monkeys traveling swiftly in the sky made sounds like the clouds hit by wind. 23
When Angadha was nearing the place , the monkey king Sugreeva told thus and consoled Rama who was sad and had lotus like eyes. 24
“Good news to you. There is no doubt that the holy lady has been found out for they all dare not come back here after the stipulated date .” 25
“Without completing the job, Angadha who is greatest among monkeys, who is a great hero and who is the crown prince will definitely not return.” 26
“Suppose they have not completed the job entrusted they would be afraid and come with a faded face.” 27
“Suppose the monkey chief Angadha is not enthusiastic he will never dare to destroy the forest founded by my father and grand father and protected by my elders.” 28
(Riksha Yajas was the son of Brahma and when he took a dip pond in Brahma Loka he became a female monkey. Bali and Sugreeva were born to him as a result of love with Indra and Sun God. He later became male and brought up Bali and Sugreeva. The honey forest was given to him by his father Brahma .So the above can be translated as “the forest given by my grand father to my father.”)
“So Rama , who is the darling son of Kausalya (Son who was born to Kausalya because of her luck) and who has observed all suitable penances, console yourself. There is no doubt that Hanuman and nobody else has found out the holy lady. 29
(There is an interpretation that Kausalya is indeed lucky that Sita has been found out for otherwise Rama would not live Please also note that this phrase has been borrowed and put in the Venkatesa Suprabhatham.)
“Hey very knowledgeable one , there is none except Hanuman who can complete this job for only in Hanuman, the necessary efficiency, wisdom, determination and valour permanently exist similar to the brilliance which exists with the Sun God.” 30
“Not only that, In any mission where Angadha is the head, Jambhavan is the leader and Hanuman is there to decide what aspect has to be done by whom and when it is to be done, the result cannot be other than expected. So, Hey great hero, do not be immersed in sorrow.” 31-32
(Please note that stanza 31 occurs in many places without much change.)
Then talking to each other as if they were proud of Hanuman’s success and are coming to inform the success of their mission, the monkeys neared Kishkinda and the sound of their prattling (Kilu kila sound) was heard in the sky. 33
Hearing the sound of the monkeys that great monkey chieftain straightened his curved tail and became very happy. 34
Those monkeys who were desirous of seeing Rama arrived pushing Hanuman to their front. 35
Angadha and other warriors who were full of joy and had a smiling face got down near the monkey king and Raghava. 36
Then the great hero Hanuman saluted Raghava with a bent head and informed in short the news of the virtue of Sita being pure without even an atom like blemish. 37
Rama along with Lakshmana hearing the nectar like words, that”Sita has been found” from the mouth of Hanuman became very happy. 38
Because of that Sugreeva became very happy at the determined efficiency of Hanuman and Lakshmana examined him with love mingled with respect. 39
Then Raghava who was the killer of his enemies became happy and also saw him with respectful affection 40
Thus ends the sixty fourth chapter of Sundara Kanda which is in the Ramayana which is the first epic written by Valmiki.
Chapter-65
Telling of the memento news and giving of the hair brooch (Hanuman then tells about the state of Sita and the messages sent by her and gave the hair brooch which was the memento given by her)
They reached the Prsravana Mountains with its very peculiar forests and again saluted with bowed head the very strong Rama, Lakshmana and Sugreeva and keeping their crown prince Angadha in front and waited for permission to tell about the current state of Sita in detail. 1-2
All those monkeys told in front of Rama the fact that Sita was imprisoned in the harem of Ravana, her being terrorized by the Rakshasis, her special love towards Rama and also the fact that time period has been set for her life. 3
Hearing that no harm has come to the virtue of Sita Rama afterwards spoke,”Hey monkeys, where is Sita now? What is her attitude towards me? Please tell me in detail all news about Vaidehi.” 4
Hearing the words of Rama, the monkeys requested Hanuman, who only knew about all details about Sita in person, to go in front of Rama. 5
Then hearing their request, Hanuman who had mastery over words, bowed and saluted Sita looking in the direction she was and told the following in detail about the news of his seeing Sita. 6
(In the Tamil Kambha Ramayana, even at the first meeting Hanuman salutes Sita turning the southern
direction and tells, I have seen Sita.” This is supposed to give the good news quickly and also indicate to Rama that Sita is still virtuous.)
“I, with a desire to see Sita who is the daughter of Janaka searched for her and crossed the ocean which was one hundred yojanas broad.” 7
“There in the southern shore of the southern ocean, the bad soul Ravana has a city called Lanka.” 8
“Hey, Rama, I saw Sita who is virtuous and the store house all that is good in the harem of Ravana. She is just managing to keep her soul intact because of her love towards you.” 9
“She was in front of my eyes in the garden of the harem, in between the Rakshasis, being terrorized often by those horrible Rakshasis, shaking with fear and was under theircustody.” 10
“That virtuous lady who did not merit sorrow was undergoing sorrow thus.” 11
“I found out with difficulty that the holy lady, who had made her hair singly, sleeping on the bare floor was being prevented from entering Ravana’s harem and well guarded by those Rakshasis, resembled the lotus of winter, was completely depressed, not able to see any way to escape from Ravana, having decided to give up her life and living in a pitiable state but in spite of all that having given her entire mind to you and always thinking about you.” 12-13
“Hey innocent lion among men, having heard me praising the fame of the Ikshuvaku clan, confidence in me developed in her.” 14
“After that I conversed with the great lady. All information was told to her. She became pleased to hear about the treaty between Sugreeva and Rama Lakshmanas. 15
“Since she is devoted to you, the only aim of that lady was protecting her virtue.” 16
“Hey great man, I saw the daughter of Janaka who is great forever having devotion and thought about you.” 17
“Hey, very knowledgeable one, She entrusted me to remind you the story of crow near you in Chithrakoota which you know already.” 18
“Janaki told me, “Hey son of wind god, You have to tell Rama the lion among men, all what I said without leaving any thing about this matter.”” 19
“This hair brooch which would bring pleasure to my mind was carefully preserved by me. This should be carefully preserved by you, without the knowledge of others and has to be given carefully to Rama in presence of Sugreeva and he has to be told”. This born out of water and capable of creating happiness has been sent by me to you. Please remember the tilaka(dot) drawn by red stone on my forehead.” “ 20-22
(The story of Tilaka is a private story and should not be narrated in front of every one but should only be
indicated.)
Sita who was having doe like eyes which are awake, who was prevented from entering the harem of Ravana, who was having a lean body, also told me ,” Hey, Son of Dasaratha who is not subject to aging, when I was very sad, I used to take this and look at it and imagined that I was seeing you and console myself. I would keep my soul for one more month. After one month, I would get in to the custody of Rakshasas and would not be alive.” 23-25
“Hey, Raghava, all these have been told by me as it is. It is necessary to order building one dam in the ocean.” 26
(Note that Hanuman does not tell any news about his exploits while crossing the sea or in the city of Lanka .because it is not proper to praise oneself before ones boss.)
The son of wind God seeing that those two princes were sufficiently consoled gave that memento to them and told all the messages of the holy lady from beginning to end. 27
Thus ends the sixty fifth chapter of Sundara Kanda which is in the Ramayana which is the first epic written by Valmiki.
Chapter-66
Seeking clarifications of the message of Sita
( Rama is upset to know about Sita and asks Hanuman to tell in detail what has been told by her. The pearl brooch brings to him memories of her, his father and father in law.)
Rama , the son of Dasaratha who was with Lakshmana after being thus spoken by Hanuman embraced the pearl brooch tightly to his chest and shed copious tears. 1
After seeing that great ornament Raghava with tear filled eyes and with a weeping heart addressed Sugreeva with the following words. 2
“My heart melts on seeing this great ornament which is similar to the shedding of milk by the cow on seeing its calf.” 3
“This pearl ornament was given to Vaidehi by my father in law and when worn by her during the wedding shined much more than now.” 4
“This pearl which is born in water and considered very valuable by good people, was given to him by Indra during a fire sacrifice.” 5
“Hey peaceful one, after seeing this great pearl ornament , my mind has attained the state of having the pleasure of seeing my father and my father in law .” 6
“This would shine in my darling’s hair prettily. By getting this I feel I have already got her.” 7
“Hey peaceful one, what words, similar to the wetting of the throat of the thirsty one with water has been sent by Sita ,who is the daughter of king of Videha.. Please tell me once more.” 8
“Hey Lakshmana , what can be more sadder than the fact that I have parted from the company of Vaidehi and am looking at this gem?” 9
“Hey peaceful one, If Vaidehi lives for one month , she will be living for a long time. I would not now live for one more second without her.” 10
(What he means is that one-month is much more than sufficient to free Sita)
“Please take me to that place where my darling is there. Having understood the present circumstances, I cannot even waste one more minute.” 11
“To what extent , should my virtuous wife who is pretty , suffer, as she is being terrorized by those horrible Rakshasis?” 12
“Her face surrounded by the rakshasas would be without glamour like the autumn moon surrounded, hid and released by clouds.” 13
“Hanuman, what did Sita tell? Tell everything in detail without leaving any thing. Like a patient keeping his life by medicines , only through these(words) can I continue to live.” 14
“What did my darling, who is very pretty, who is sweet, who tells honeyed words and who is away from me, tell you? Hanuman please tell me in detail.” 15
Thus ends the sixty sixth chapter of Sundara Kanda which is in the Ramayana which is the first epic written by Valmiki.
Chapter-67
Informing the message of Sita.
(Hanuman again details the pitiable state of affairs of Sita. He also indicates the several doubts arising in her mind due to her not seeing any action from the part of Rama and Lakshmana.)
Having been told by Rama like this, Hanuman informed him the full message of Sita to Raghava the great Soul. 1
“Hey great man, Janaki told me in detail the happenings in Chithra koota to rekindle your memory. “ 2
“Once when she was in your company the well slept Janaki woke up first. Then One crow came and cruelly wounded her on her breast.” 3
(There is another version which says that she was drying meat and the crow troubled her.)
“Hey, elder brother of Bharatha, then you slept on her lap and again that bird caused pain to the holy lady.” 4
“Again and again it fell on her and wounded her. Then you were made wet because of her flowing blood and due to that you were woken up.” 5
“Hey, killer of the enemies, you who were in deep sleep were woken by repeated attacks of the bird on the holy lady , which caused you discomfort.” 6
“Hey great warrior, seeing that she has been wounded on her breast , you became very angry, and hissed like a snake and asked the holy lady thus.” 7
“Hey lady who is afraid, who has caused wounds on your breast by his nails. Who dares to play with the angry five headed snake?” 8
“Then you searched on all the four sides and saw the crow with blood coated nails in front of you.” 9
“That crow was the son of Indra. Among the birds he was equal in speed to the wind god and so he disappeared in to the earth immediately.” 10
“Hey greatest among the wise, Hey great warrior, having decided to punish him you took a cruel decision in case of the crow because of the great anger .” 11
“You took one grass from your grass(Durbha grass) seat and chanted the manthras of Brahmasthra and sent it at him. That which was meant for the bird burnt like the fire of hell.” 12
“You sent that burning and shining durbha against the crow .What to say, from that time that burning grass started chasing and following the crow.” 13
“It wandered all over the three worlds and was forsaken by sages, devas and even its father Indra and did not find any body to protect him.” 14
“Hey, Kakustha, Hey killer of enemies, the crow again came to your presence shivering with fear. You, who are very kind, saved the crow who beseeched for your mercy and fell at your feet though he deserved being killed.” 15
“Hey Raghava, You who are like that, understanding that the arrow cannot be sent in vain, destroyed the right eye of the crow.” 16
“Hey Rama, that crow after saluting you and the king Dasaratha and having been given leave went to his abode.” 17
“ In spite of being the greatest of archers, being a great warrior, being a person of good conduct , why is he not sending those arrows in case of these Rakshasas.?” 18
“Neither the Nagas, nor the Gandharwas, nor Asuras, nor the Maruth Ganas, and nor even all of them joining together are capable of facing Rama in war.” 19
“If he who is a warrior has an iota of love towards me, he should have killed Ravana with his sharp arrows.” 20
“Why is it that Lakshmana who gives pain to his enemies, who has been born in the Raghu clan, not taking his brother’s permission and save me.” 21
“Why are they who are lion among men, having power similar to the wind and fire God, who have the strength and are capable of creating fear even among devas not bothering about me? “ 22
They who are capable, who are always victorious and always living together do not remember me. Because of this I feel that I should have done some very bad deed. There is no doubt about it.” 23
“Hearing these pitiable words said with tearful eyes, I told her again the following consoling words.” 24
“Hey holy lady, I take a truthful oath. Rama because of the sorrow caused because of parting with you has forsaken everything. Because Rama is drowned in sorrow Lakshmana is also sad.” 25
“Hey great lady, you have been found out by the grace of God. This is not the time for sorrow. You would be seeing the end of your sorrow immediately.” 26
“Those two princes who are blameless lion among men, with a desire to see you are going to turn Lanka in to ashes.” 27
“Hey lady who is the result of boons, it is very definite that Raghava is going to kill Ravana and his relations and going to take you to his city.” 28
“Rama has to understand the truth in this matter and so blameless one please give a memento which would increase his love.” 29
“Hey very strong one , then that a holy lady saw in all directions and took this ornament out of the hair , after untying it from her dress and gave it to me.” 30
“Hey chief of Raghu clan, after getting this holy jewel for your sake, I saluted her and was in a hurry to return back.” 31
“That daughter of Janaka who was in a pitiable state , seeing me increasing my size of the body with an
intention to return became upset and drowned in sorrow as also with flowing tears all over her face told thus with stuttering due to tears.” 32-33
“Hey Hanuman, tell my welfare to Rama and Lakshmana who are like lions and king Sugreeva along with his ministers and others.” 34
“Raghava alone should help me to come out of the misery of this bondage from this ocean of sorrow and take suitable actions .” 35
“Hey chief among monkeys, please tell Rama as soon as you see him about my great sorrow and my being terrorized by these Rakshasis. Let your path for going back be without any problems.” 36
“Hey lion among kings, the lady Sita sends this message which I have told you and which indicates her great sorrow .Please do whatever is necessary having known her complete state of affairs.” 37
Thus ends the sixty seventh chapter of Sundara Kanda which is in the Ramayana which is the first epic written by Valmiki.
Chapter-68
Further news about consolation of Sita
(Hanuman further relates about the doubts in Sita’s mind and how he gave a pep talk and encouraged her.)
“Hey lion among men, I who was in a haste to return , because of the love and nearness that I had with you was praised by the holy lady and ordered thus about the future steps to be taken. “ 1
“You have to tell Rama in several ways so that Rama, the son of Dasaratha would kill Ravana in war and speedily get me back.” 2
“Hey warrior who is the killer of his enemies , possibly , if you like , take rest in a solitary place for one day and start back tomorrow.” 3
“Hey warrior, if you are near me , the present time would be a time of solace, from the sorrow caused by sin to this unlucky me .” 4
“Though you who are heroic and is going back to come again, during that time definitely danger would happen to my soul.” 5
“For me who is unlucky, who is undergoing sorrow upon sorrow and drowned in sorrow, the sorrow caused by not seeing you ,would further increase my already existing sorrow.” 6
“Hey monkey chief, Hey hero, there is one matter which is very important and which has to be first solved , which is causing doubt in me regarding your helpers who are all monkeys and bears.” 7
“How would that army of monkeys and bears cross the ocean which cannot be crossed? How would those two sons of the emperor do it?” 8
“The strength to cross his ocean exists only to three of you who are equal viz, you, God of wind and Garuda.”
9
“Hey hero who is greatest among those who achieve, what method are you going to find out to solve this aspect which is very difficult to solve? “ 10
“Hey killer of enemies, you are the only one who can find solution to this problem and you would definitely get fame for doing that.” 11
“Along with sufficient enemies if Rama kills Ravana in war and victoriously takes me along to his city , that only would be proper.” 12
“I was abducted by the Rakshasa because of the fear that he had for Rama by using deceit. Suppose Raghava also does a similar thing , it would not be proper to that great warrior.” 13
“That Kakustha who can win the enemy should destroy Lanka along with its army and take me along with him. This only would be suitable to him.” 14
“So you please do the needful and do that in a fashion which is suitable to prowess of the great soul and great warrior .” 15
Hearing the words full of meaning, which were according to the tenets of Dharma(just action) and which were logical, I told her whatever was remaining to be told. 16
“Hey holy lady, Sugreeva the lord of the army of monkeys and bears, who is the greatest among monkeys and who has a very stable mind has taken an oath to help in your case.” 17
“The monkeys under him are very heroic, stable minded, very strong and are capable carrying out their intentions.” 18
“There is no question of their path being stopped either down or up or at an angle. Those very strong valorous ones will not fade in the toughest assignments.” 19
“Those monkeys who travel in the path of the wind, who are proud of their strength and who are really great have traveled round the world several times.” 20
“In the court of Sugreeva there are many who are equal or above me but there are none who are lower than me.” 21
“Ordinary people are sent as emissaries and the very best are never sent as emissaries. If even I have reached here, is it necessary to tell about others who are greater than me.” 22
“So holy lady do not be sad. Let your sorrow move away. The monkey chieftains will reach here in one jump.”
23
“Hey very lucky lady, those two who are like the sun and the moon will reach here climbing on my back.” 24
“You are going to see soon, Raghava who is the killer of enemies and who is similar to a lion along with his Kodanda at the gate of the city of Lanka along with Lakshmana.” 25
“You would soon see crowd of monkey heroes who use their nails and teeth as arms and who have valour similar to lions and tigers.” 26
“You are going to soon hear the war cry of the war chieftains of monkeys who are similar to mountains and clouds in the mountains and valleys of Lanka.” 27
“You are going to soon see that Raghava kills all his enemies , completes his stay in forest and along with you celebrate the crowning ceremony in Ayodhya.” 28
That princess of Mithila who was suffering due to the sorrow for you, hearing my words which were definitely believable and which were, that time about the future welfare was consoled by me who was talking seriously and became little peaceful. 29
Thus ends the sixty eighth chapter of Sundara Kanda which is in the Ramayana which is the first epic written by Valmiki.
No comments:
Post a Comment