Chapter-51
The advice of Hanuman (Hanuman points out to Ravana, the prowess of Rama, Lakshmana, Sugreeva and other monkeys and advices him to give back Sita to Rama to avoid destruction of Lanka and death to him and his near and dear. Then Ravana sentences Hanuman to death.)
That valorous Hanuman stared at the greatly valorous ten headed one and without fear told the following meaningful words. 1
“Hey, king of Rakshasas, I have come here to your place because of the orders of Sugreeva. The king of monkeys told me to inform you of his welfare.” 2
(Since Bali and Ravana had signed a treaty of friendship, Sugreeva becomes like a brother to Ravana)
“Be pleased to hear the words of the great Sugreeva who is your brother, which would be useful to you in this and the other world.” 3
“There was a king called Dasaratha who was equal to Indra, who had a an army with chariots, horses and elephants and who was related to the world like a father.” 4
“Rama, his greatly resplendent son, who had great arms, who did good to all people and who was a lord ordered by his father, chose the path of justice and entered the Dandakaranya forest along with his brother Lakshmana and his wife Sita.” 5-6
“His wife Sita who never left the company of her husband and who was the daughter of Janaka the great king of Videha was lost in the forest.” 7
“That prince along with his brother searching for that lady reached Rishya mooka and became a friend of Sugreeva.” 8
“That Sugreeva promised him to search and find out Sita and Rama promised him the kingdom of monkeys.” 9
“Because of that that prince killed Bali and Sugreeva was appointed as the king of all the monkeys and bears.” 10
“You know about Bali for a long time. That monkey was killed by just one arrow by Rama in war.” 11
(When once Ravana went to war with Bali, he caught hold of him and hung in the cradle of his baby Angada as a plaything. Brahma interceded and got him free. Ravana from that time was exceedingly afraid of Bali. It should be also noted that Rama did not kill Bali in war but sent an arrow from hiding.)
‘The monkey king Sugreeva who is steadfast on his words, carefully sent monkeys to all directions to search for Sita.” 12
“Tens, thousands and millions of monkeys are searching in all directions, top and bottom as well as the sky for her.” 13
“Some of them who are powerful are equal in prowess to Garuda and some like wind can travel to even nooks and corners with great speed.” 14
“I am the son of wind god and am known as Hanuman. For the sake of Sita and to see her I crossed with speed this ocean, which is one hundred yojanas long and have come here. I searched for her hither and thither and found her in your home.” 15-16
”Hey, very intelligent king, you know well the path of justice, and you have achieved great heights by penance and so you do not merit to steal other peoples wives and keep them under custody.” 17
“Intelligent people like you would not stick on to actions which are against justice, which would lead to several dangers and which would destroy one completely. 18
“Who is there among Devas or Asuras who can stand before arrows sent by Lakshmana and those arrows sent by Rama in anger?” 19
“ Hey king, once a bad deed is done to Raghava, where can you live with pleasure and I feel nowhere in the three worlds.” 20
“So please understand what I say, as the one which leads to good in past, present and future, one which is according to the path of justice and one which leads to good luck. Let Janaki be returned to the God of the world.” 21
“This holy lady has been seen by me. Whatever was extremely difficult has been achieved and whatever remaining in this is to be done by Raghava himself.” 22
“This Sita has been found by me with indescribable sorrow. You are not understanding that she is a five headed serpent in your house.” 23
“Like the rice which is laced with poison and which was eaten in plenty cannot be digested, Asuras and even devas cannot digest her with their valour .” 24
“It is not proper for you to waste away, this lucky life earned by you, by control of senses and by doing just deeds.” 25
“You are thinking with courage that you will not attain death from devas and asuras because of the strength of your penance. But this is not sufficient enough reason.” 26
“This Sugreeva is neither a deva nor a rakshasa nor a Danava nor Gandharwa nor Yaksha nor Pannaga for Sugreeva is but a monkey king. And that Raghava is but a human being.” 27
(Ravana asked Brahma for a boon of deathlessness which he refused. Then he requested for deathlessness from all known type of people except monkeys and men. Hanuman is pointing out to him that the people who are opposing him are monkey and men.)
“So king how are you going to save your life. The result of just action will not save you from the sins of unjust action for just action would only give its result.” 28
(What he means that by doing some good things, the result of sinful action cannot be washed way.)
“You have already enjoyed your life which is the result of just action and you are going to immediately suffer for your misdeeds.” 29
(If you want to wash away the sin of stealing Sita, you have to do the just deed of returning her. No other just action is going to help you.)
“Please remember the war of Janasthana, the killing of Bali and the treaty between Rama and Sugreeva and decide what is good for you.” 30
(In Janasthana Rama alone killed a huge army of Rakshasas stationed there by Ravana.)
“I alone could have destroyed the city of Lanka with its horses, chariots and elephants. But this is not his wish.” 31
“It has been sworn before the assembly of monkeys and bears that the complete destruction of those people who were the reason for abduction of Sita would be done by Rama alone.” 32
“Even if bad is done to Rama by real Devendra himself or any one else, he would not be able to live happily. Then what about a person like you?” 33
“Understand that she whom you are the impression as Sita and who is under your custody as the intense dark night who is going to destroy the entire Lanka.” 34
“So please stop the impending destruction by Sita who is like the rope of God of death which you have put as garland round your neck. And think of what is proper for your welfare.” 35
“Think in your mind immediately that this city which is full of palaces, towers and spires as already destroyed by the power of Sita and is burning because of the anger of Rama.” 36
“Please do not allow the destruction of the city of Lanka as well as your friends, ministers, forefathers, brothers, sons, dears, pleasures and wives.” 37
“Hey Rakshasa king, understand clearly that this advice as coming from me who is a monkey and a servant of Rama who has come as an emissary as based only on just action and follow it.” 38
(He calls himself as” servant” because he knows the power of Rama, “emissary “ because he is relating a message and ”monkey” because he is neither a rakshasa nor a man and can be impartial)
“Rama is capable of destroying very easily the entire world with its beings, with its movable and immovable assets and create them again and he is famous beyond the speed of the mind.” 39
“There is none among devas, asuras, kings, yakshas, rakshasas, vidhyadaras, Gandharwas, Uragas, Sidhas, Kinnaras, birds, and not only that but among all beings, in all worlds, in everything, in all directions and for all time, who can oppose and wage a war against Rama who is equal to Lord Vishnu.” 40-41
“After doing this bad act to Rama who is the king of all worlds and who is the lion among kings, for you it is impossible to keep your soul in tact any longer.” 42
“Hey king of Rakshasa, even if all the devas, asuras, Gandharwas, Vidhyadaras, Nagas and Yakshas joined together they will not able to withstand the war with Rama.” 43
“Even the four headed Brahma who created himself, the three eyed Rudra who burnt the three cities, Indra who is the king of Devas and who killed Vrthrasura cannot save one whom Rama has decided to kill.” 44 (Commentators believe that because Hanuman did not include Vishnu, he must be knowing that Rama is Vishnu himself. But this is contradictory to his calling Rama equal to Vishnu in sloka 40-41)
That incomparable Rakshasa with ten heads and with rolling red eyes due to intense anger, finding that the cleverest words delivered with fearlessness by the monkey not suiting to his taste, sentenced the monkey chief with death. 45
Thus ends the fifty first chapter of Sundara Kanda which is in the Ramayana which is the first epic written by Valmiki.
Chapter-52
Avoiding of death of an emissary (Vibishana with soft words of logic and justice advises Ravana that Hanuman should not be killed but can be punished in other ways)
Vibishana thought it is wrong to sentence an emissary who has brought the message of someone else to death by the bad soul Ravana. 1
(During ancient times, it was thought that an emissary who is only delivering the message of some one else should not be punished. This theme occurs in several Puranas.)
He who always takes action when it should be done, seeing that his brother was very angry and bent upon on carrying out his words, thought as to what he should do. 2
Then he who was capable of serious thought, he who had an expert in his language and he who had decided as to what he should do, addressed his elder brother by good humble words and told him that which was good for him. 3
“He king of Rakshasas, leave out this anger, become pleased and hear my words. Great kings who know the tradition do not sentence an emissary to death”. 4
“Hey valorous one, death sentence to this monkey is against law, against hoary traditions of the world and not proper.” 5
“You, yourself are an expert in the knowledge of justice, who observes tradition, an expert on kingly justice, an expert on tradition, and one who knows the secrets of this world.” 6
“Suppose even wise people like you are caught in the grips of anger, then getting knowledge of science of life is an useless effort.” 7
“Hey chief of Rakshasas who cannot be opposed by any one and who can kill his enemies, therefore leave out this anger and calm down, Let the emissary be punished after deciding as to what is proper and what is improper.” 8-9
Ravana, the king of Rakshasas hearing the words of Vibhishana became very angry and told him the following reply. 10
“Hey, killer of his enemies, there is no injustice in giving sentence of death to sinners. I am going to get this monkey who took sinful actions killed.” 11
That Vibhishana who was the foremost of intelligent ones, hearing these words which were the root of injustice, which had many flaws and which was suitable to unjust people, again told words which were the essence of just action. 12
“Hey king of Lanka, please calm down and be pleased to hear wise words of justice, Hey king, learned and just people think that emissaries do not merit punishment of death no where and at no time.” 13
“There is no doubt this is a very great enemy. This has done several unpleasant things. It is seen that emissaries are given several type of punishments but nowhere it is told that emissaries can be put to death.” 14
“:It is told that emissary can be punished by disfiguring him or giving lashes by a whip or by shaving off his head or by marking his organs in an untraceable manner. But it is never heard that emissary has been put to death.” 15
“How can you, who is very wise and just, who is an expert on good and bad of traditional wisdom, come under the control of anger. People who do not swerve from Dharma(just action) do avoid anger.” 16
“Hey valorous one, there is none equal to you in the knowledge of Dharma(just action) nor in worldly duties and nor in deep knowledge of the science of life. You are the greatest among all devas and asuras.” 17
“Not only that, I do not find any merit in killing this monkey for this punishment should be given to them who sent this monkey.” 18
“This may be a just one or unjust but is an emissary who is in the control of others who has been sent by them and is telling what is told by them. And so it does not merit punishment by death.” 19
“Hey king who conquers the forts of other cities, if this is killed who can come again to this place which is far-far away from the ocean. I do not see any one else who is capable of traveling in the sky and so please do not try to kill him. It is necessary for you to show this type of wisdom to your enemies including Indra.” 20-21
“Hey, King who likes war, suppose this dies, I do not find any other emissary who can send those two sons of a king of men, who are both bad people and who are far away.” 22
“ If this chieftain of monkeys is killed, good people will tell lot of bad things about us. I do not see them saying good words and words of fame about us All the world will only find fault with us.” 23
“Not only that, hey king who travels in darkness, we should try fast to take action for the destruction and death of those people, who are bad natured, who are very proud of themselves, who are not intelligent and who have sent this monkey.” 24
“Hey enemy of Devendra, immediately take efforts to enforce justice among Devas who include Indra and Daithyas which include Dhanavas. “ 25
:”Hey, king of Rakshasas, approve by your mind my words, take firm action with utmost care, get killed those two princes and make victory thine.” 26
“Hey king who creates happiness in the mind of Rakshasas, it is not proper for you, who has qualities like valour, courage and enthusiasm and who cannot be won over by even devas and Rakshasas, to stop the forthcoming war.” 27
“Under you control you have crores of heroes who do good to you, who are great warriors, who desire only your good, who have won in several good events, who are enthusiastic, who are the greatest among those who carry weapons and who are good servants.” 28
“So let few people along with a part of your army start now itself to fulfill your orders, to kill these two princes and to prove your power against your enemies.” 29
That very strong king of Rakshasas, who was the chief among Rakshasa kings and who was the enemy of the world of devas, hearing the good words of his younger brother Vibhishana understood them and decided that they should be agreed upon. 30
That king of Rakshasas thought in various ways like, “ There is no doubt that this definitely is the power of Vishnu which has taken the shape of a monkey to destroy me. This warrior monkey is the essence of the power of Vishnu who is deva among devas which is the very greatest, and very intolerable power, which is the root of everything. Or is this the Para Brahma (the ultimate essence of god) “ and again became very angry. 31-32
But the king of Rakshasas who is a great soul, controlling the anger in his mind which was raging like fire, recognizing Vibhishana who was the greatest among those who carry weapons and respecting the words of Vibhishana told as follows. 33
Thus ends the fifty second chapter of Sundara Kanda which is in the Ramayana which is the first epic written by Valmiki.
Chapter-53
Setting fire to the tail of Hanuman (Ravana convinced by the advice of Vibhishana orders that Hanuman’s tail be burnt and he be dragged round the city. Hanuman thinks that this is a good opportunity to see round the city during daytime and submits to this punishment. Informed about this Sita prays the God of fire not to harm Hanuman. Hanuman does not feel any pain and after seeing the city loosens himself from the bonds.)
The ten headed one understanding that the words of Vibhishana are according to laws of land , told the following to the great one who is his brother. 1
“What you have told is right. To kill an emissary is condemned by all. But for this we have to give some other punishment other than death.” 2
“Monkeys consider their tail as their favorite ornament. Let its tail which is its ornament be burnt. Let it return back with its burnt tail. 3
“Let its friends, relations, its favorite ones and its relatives see it being in the sad state of having been with an ugly limb.” 4
That king of Rakshasas ordered, “Let him be dragged with his burning tail all through the several road junctions all over the city.” 5
Those Rakshasas whose anger had increased a lot, hearing the orders of Ravana, tied around Hanuman’s tail torn cloths made of cotton thread. 6
When they were tying cloths on his tail, that great monkey increased in size as fast as the forest fire. At that time they poured oil over the cloth and set fire to it. 7
At that time many Rakshasas among whom were ladies old people and children, came there with a wish to see the burning tail of Hanuman. 8
That Hanuman who was like the infant sun became extremely angry and beat the rakshasas with his burning tail and made them fall. 9
That monkey chief who was a great warrior was further imprisoned by the cruel Rakshasas who came in hoards and started thinking as to what is to be done. 10
“I can break these ropes and jump up and kill all of them for even though I am imprisoned, these Rakshasas are not equal to me. There is no doubt about it.” 11
“If I do like this, I who am supposed to take beneficial action to my lord, would not be doing so. Is it not true, that these cruel people have tied me who am supposed to run about because of their king’s order.” 12
“I am sufficient to oppose in war all these Rakshasas together but I am tolerating all this because this would be according to the wish of Rama.” 13
“I have not seen the entire city of Lanka in the night properly. It is thus necessary for me to see the city in the daytime so that I know the secrets of its forts. Therefore it has become necessary for me to the city once again.” 14
“Let the Rakshasas give me ,who has been tied and whose tail has been set afire more trouble as they please..” 15
Because of this those Rakshasas who did not understand his mind dragged the monkey who is great and who is the chief among monkeys with happiness and came out of the palace. 16
Those Rakshasas who were wont to do cruel deeds made lot of sound by their own action as well as by the sound of drums and conches and walked all over the town dragging Hanuman. 17
Hanuman who exterminated his enemies walked of his own accord followed by the rakshasas and understood well the great city of the Rakshasas. 18
Then that monkey chief saw peculiar palaces, places encircled by tall walls and well divided royal junctions. 19
That monkey who was the son of wind god, saw streets filed with houses, places which provided way to all directions, as also big avenues, small streets, places in between these small streets and big buildings which were like clouds. 20
In the junctions of roads, in the inns and in royal avenues, all the Rakshasas announced loudly “Spy, spy” 21
Ladies, children and old people came out here and there with a wish to see that Hanuman whose tail was set afire with glee. 22
Once the end of the tail of that Hanuman caught fire those Rakshasis with ugly eyes ran from there and informed the holy lady about this unpalatable news. 23
“Hey Sita, That monkey with a red face who was talking to you is being dragged hither and thither with his tail being set afire.” 24
Hearing the news, which acted as if it was stealing her soul, that Vaidehi, who was caught by sorrow, thought of the god of fire in her mind. 25
That broad eyed lady started praying for the welfare of the monkey chief and at that time with great devotion saluted the God of fire and prayed. 26
“Supposed I had looked after my husband properly, suppose I had observed the rules of penance properly and if I had thought in my mind of husband only, then be cool to Hanuman.” 27
“If that great one has little pity on me and not only that if I have at least a bit of luck, then be cool to Hanuman.” 28
“Suppose you know me as one as virtuous and only praying always to reach the company of whom who is the soul of justice, then be cool to Hanuman.” 29
“If the long armed, truthful and gentleman Sugreeva will help me to cross this danger, then be cool to Hanuman.” 30
That God of fire who had powerful flames, because of that (prayer of Sita) burnt peacefully and softly so that not to harm Hanuman and as if he was informing the doe eyed Sita. 31
The God of wind who was the father of Hanuman even though Hanuman’s tail was set afire starting slowly blowing like snow so that the holy lady is satisfied. 32
When fire was raging on his tail that monkey thought, “ why is it that this fire which is burning well, not consuming my entire body?” 33
“This appears to burn with big flames but is not creating any pain to me and it appears to me that they are bathing the end of my tail with snow.” 34
“There is no doubt and it is very clear, it is as wonderful an incident like my seeing a mountain in the middle of the sea when I was crossing it because of the grace of Rama.” 35
“Even when the God of the sea and the Mainaka Mountain has so much interest in the welfare of Rama, how can the god of fire not help at this stage.” 36
“The God of fire is not burning me because of the kindness of Sita, the power of Raghava and because of his friendship to my father. “. That monkey chief further thought in his mind the future course of action for some more time 37
Immediately with great speed that monkey jumped up and roared. 38
Then the very famous monkey chief climbed the top of a tower, which was very tall and was without Rakshasas. 39
That very intelligent one grew as big as a mountain and immediately assumed a very tiny form and unloosened himself. 40
That very famous monkey thus got himself from the bonds. Then seeing the huge beam on the top of the main entrance grew as big as a mountain. 41
That strong-armed son of wind god, loosening the beam with iron rings, killed all the guards with it. 42
That Hanuman who was a great expert in war was killing faced the city of Lanka and the flames in his tail burning like garlands shone like the Sun with great many rays. 43
Thus ends the fifty third chapter of Sundara Kanda which is in the Ramayana which is the first epic written by Valmiki.
Chapter-54
Burning of the city of Lanka (Hanuman decided to inflict more misery to the city of Lanka by setting fire to it. He systematically set fire to all the houses, places and forests. He was praised by all Gods for such a great achievement. He put out the fire of his tail by dipping it in to the sea.)
That monkey having succeeded in his mind’s wish, facing Lanka with lot of enthusiasm thought as to what has to be done. 1
“What is remaining undone in this place to me? What action of mine would increase the sorrow of these Rakshasas?” 2
“Asoka forest has been destroyed. Several strong Rakshasas have been killed. A part of their army has been broken asunder. Now only destruction of their fort remains.” 3
“If I can destroy the fort with very little effort, my action would be well done and the result would be proper to the effort done.” 4
“This fire burns with cold on my tail and so it would be proper if these great houses are given to it and it be satisfied.” 5
Then that great monkey with his burning tail, which was like the cloud with lightning traveled above the tops of the buildings. 6
Fearlessly that monkey traveled from one house to another, staring at the Rakshasas and traveled catching hold of gardens and houses. 7
That valorous and very strong Hanuman, with enthusiasm similar to the wind God, jumped into the house of Prahastha and set fire to it. From there he jumped and set fire to the house of Mahaparswa similar to the fire during deluge. 8-9
That monkey chief and resplendent great monkey similarly, jumped entered, set fire and destroyed the palaces of Vajra Damshtra, Shuka, the intelligent Sarana and Indrajit 10
Afterwards he burnt the houses of Jambumali and Sumali. 11
That greatly resplendent monkey chief then one by one set fire to the houses of Rasmi Kethu, Surya Sathru, Hruswa karna, Damshtra, the Rakshasa called Romesa, Yudhonmatha, Matha, the Rakshasa called Dwajagreeva, the horrible Vidyujihwa, Hasthimukkha, Karaala, Pisacha, Sonithaksha, Kumbhakarna, Makaraksha, Yagna Shatru, Brhma Shatru, the very bad Nikumbha, Naranthaka and Kumbha but did not set fire to the house of Vibhishana. 12-16
That very famous monkey chief destroyed all the wealth contained in respective houses palaces suitable for the rich . 17
That very courageous warrior after destroying everybody’s houses reached the house of Ravana who was the king of Rakshasas. 18
That valorous Hanuman after placing the fire which was on the tip of his tail which was burning wildly on that house which was similar to the Meru and Mandhara mountains, which was full of all good materials, which was decorated by several type of gems and which was the best among all the houses, roared like the clouds at the time of deluge. 19-20
That fire burnt like the fire at the time of deluge joined with the wind and increased strongly and many fold. 21
Because the wind spread that fire and mixed with air, the fire burnt wildly.. 22
Those houses, which had spires, made of gold, which were inlaid with pearls and gems and which were full of costly luxurious materials broke in to pieces. 23
Those broken palaces fell to the ground similar to the houses of saintly people which fell back to earth once the effect of their good deeds were over. 24
(It was believed in Hinduism that till the effect of good deeds last, people will be in heaven and fall down to earth once the effect is over.)
That time huge sound of lament arose from the Rakshasas who were running to protect their own houses and those who have lost their courage and wealth, “ Ahoy, this is the real fire God and it has come taking the shape of a monkey.“ 25
Some ladies carrying their babies terribly scared and with disheveled hair jumped out of those houses were completely upset. 26
They, who were falling from the sky, appeared as if they were streaks of lightning falling from the clouds. 27
That Hanuman saw those great houses made of diamond, coral, topaz, pearls and silver as if they were melted minerals. 28
The fire was not satisfied by the grasses and pieces of wood. And similarly Hanuman was not at all satisfied by killing of Rakshasas. 29
And the earth also did not appear to be satisfied by the Rakshasas whom Hanuman has killed. 30
The flames burnt in some places like the red flowers of Palasa trees, in some places like the flowers of silk cotton trees and is some places like that of Saffron. 31
That great Hanuman who was extremely capable turned the entire city of Lanka in to ash similar to Lord Rudra who burnt the three cities. 32
That fire placed by the very capable Hanuman, spread horribly, burnt further and by spreading its flames arose from the top of the mountain on which the city of Lanka was built. 33
That fire fanned by wind after spreading from the houses, seemed to burn without smoke and applied with the Ghee of the bodies of rakshasas spread further like the fire at the time of deluge and seemed to touch the sky. 34
That fire which had spread throughout the city of Lanka, which shined like crores of suns, shined greatly and appeared with great sounds to break the planet earth itself. 35
That time that greatly spread fire shined with horrible light and appeared as if it was flowers of the Palasa tree and the smoke emanating from the fire which was about to be put off looked like the bluish thick clouds of the sky. 36
Various crowds of Rakshasas and the many animal groups of the city seeing that the houses and trees were burning, conversed together as follows,” Is it the Devendra with his Vajrayudha? Is he Varuna? Is he the God of Wind? Is he the Sun God? Is he the God of fire? Is he Kubhera, the God of wealth? Is he the moon God? Is he the God of death in person? Is it the anger of the four-faced Brahma who is the creator of all beings and who is the grand father of all taking the shape of a monkey? Or is it the Power of Vishnu, which is
immeasurable, which is invisible, which is beyond thought and the greatest among all which has come for the destruction of rakshasas taking the shape of a monkey using its power of illusion which has come here?” 37-40
Then at that time the entire city of Lanka where Rakshasas, horses, chariots, elephants, crowds of birds, animals and trees were burning and getting destroyed, cried loudly with open mouth and arousing great pity. 41
“Hey father, hey son, hey lover, hey friend, how much sorrow and what a well grown, pleasure filled life has been destroyed”, Thus shouted the crowd of Rakshasas horribly making great sound . 42
That city of Lanka which became the target of the anger of Hanuman was completely engulfed by fire and with its heroes destroyed as also full of warriors torn in to pieces became like a city under curse. 43
That great hearted Hanuman saw Lanka which was full of Rakshasas who were running here and there out of nervousness, which was marked by the flames of raging fire and appeared as if it was earth which was destroyed by the curse of God. 44
After destroying the city which had forests full of valuable trees and which had several such forests which were like a garland and after killing warriors who were very great in war that Hanuman who was the son of wind God rested happily for some time. 45
That monkey warrior chief standing firmly on the top of Trikoota Mountain with raging flame in his tail shone like the Sun with its bevy of rays. 46
That great Hanuman after destroying the forest which was full of many trees, after killing those huge Rakshasas and after setting fire to many houses of Rakshasas meditated on Rama for a moment. 47
At that time all the crowds of Devas praised that son of wind God who was very strong, who had similar speed as the wind God, who was very intelligent and who was chief among monkey warriors. 48
That great monkey after destroying the forest, after killing several rakshasas in war and after burning the very pretty city of Lanka appeared greatly resplendent. 49
That very strong monkey chief after setting fire to the whole city of Lanka dipped his tail and put out the fire on it. 50
All beings seeing the great monkey who was the chief among monkeys trembled thinking him as the fire of hell. 51
All devas, great sages, Gandarwas, Vidhyadaras, Yakshas and all great beings became endlessly happy. 52
Thus ends the fifty fourth chapter of Sundara Kanda which is in the Ramayana which is the first epic written by Valmiki.
Chapter-55
Fear of the monkey (After seeing the entire city burning, suddenly Hanuman feels that Sita also might have been destroyed. He curses himself for causing such an eventuality because of his anger .Rethinking about the several immortal happenings and overhearing Charanas who told that Sita was alive, he decides to return after seeing Sita once more.)
That monkey Hanuman after burning to ashes the entire city of Lanka and seeing it with full of Rakshasas who were running because of fear , became thoughtful 1
Hanuman became very dejected and thought, “Why did I do this action of burning the city of Lanka,” and started hating himself. 2
“He who can put off, the ebbing anger intelligently similar to a raging fire being put off by pouring water is indeed blessed. They are very great beings.” 3
“Which of those who are controlled by anger does not commit sins? When you are angry you even kill respectful teachers. The male who is controlled by anger would insult good people by disrespectful words.” 4
“Man who is angry cannot distinguish between words which can be told and words which should not be told. There is nothing, which should not be done by one who is angry. In that state there is nothing which should not be told.” 5
“He is only called a “Man”, who can remove anger by patience like serpent removes its coat.” 6
“I who have burnt without thought the great Sita should be despised as a fool, one without shame, first among sinners and traitor to the master.” 7
‘It is definite that like the city of Lanka being burnt, that lady Sita would have also been burnt and so my masters job was spoiled by my ignorant self.” 8
“The purpose for which this effort has been made, has been completely destroyed for while burning Lanka, I did not take care to save Sita.” 9
“This great accomplishment ended in to a very insignificant one. There is no doubt that because of my anger I destroyed the root of this job.” 10
“This entire city has turned in to ash and I do not see any place in the city not affected by fire. So most probably Janaki might have died.” 11
“I feel that if that job has been destroyed due to my ignorance, then the only option for me is to commit suicide here and now.” 12
“Shall I fall in this fire which has burnt the city now? Or shall I make my body as food to the beings living in the sea?” 13
“Is it proper for me, who has spoiled all the job, to be seen alive by Sugreeva the king of monkeys and those two who are the greatest among males.” 14
“The instability of monkeys which is famous in all the three worlds and which is an inborn nature for them, was shown by me personally because of my bad nature of being angry.” 15
“The proud nature which is not under the control of intellect and which does not allow one to have stability in natural instinct is to be despised. For even I, who am capable of great attainment, was not allowed to protect Sita because of my anger.” 16
“If Sita dies, those two people also will die. On the death of those two people, Sugreeva and his relatives will also die.” 17
“How will Bharatha ,who loves his brother and who is the storehouse of good qualities along with his brother Shatrugna, after hearing this news ,agree to live further.” 18
“Once the Ikshuvaku clan which is based on just action is destroyed, there is no doubt that all their citizens would come in to the clutches of the fire of sorrow.” 19
“Therefore there is no doubt that I am one who is sick with anger, unlucky, one in whom the effect of just action is destroyed and one who destroys the world.” 20
Hanuman who was thinking thus suddenly thought that there is a necessity to think of some good effects that happened to him and started thinking once again in detail. 21
“Possibly she who is very pretty and she who does only good for others, has escaped because of her immortal powers and would not have been destroyed. After all fire cannot destroy fire.” 22
“She who is the wife of the resplendent personification of just action would have been saved by her virtue only and that lady cannot even be touched by fire.” 23
“Perhaps because of that, that fire whose nature is normally to burn due to the power of Rama and virtue of Vaidehi is not burning me now.” 24
“How can she who is the wife of Rama who has stolen his mind, who is like God to the three Bharatha brothers, be ever destroyed.” 25
“How is it that this fire, which has never proved ineffective, which is very powerful, which is personification of burning, did not even burn my tail? How can it then burn the lady Sita?” 26
Apart from this , Hanuman thought of the Mainaka Mountain rising up from the middle of the sea and then suddenly, was filled with wonder about one happening. 27
“That holy lady by her virtue, truth, and unmatchable love towards her husband can even burn fire itself. How can fire touch such a person like her?” 28
When Hanuman was thus thinking about the greatness of the holy lady, he heard the words Of Charanas who are the singers of praise in heaven. 29
“What to say, a very great valorous deed has been performed by Hanuman by horribly setting fire to the residences of Rakshasas.” 30
“This city of Lanka sounded as if its palaces, walls and towers along with the caves inside the mountains were shouting and it is also filled with wail of running Rakshasis, children and old people and also the tumultuous sound of its citizens is booming. It has been completely burnt but the wonderful thing to us is that Janaki is spotless and has not been burnt.” 31-32
That Hanuman because of the various thoughts (proofs) in his mind, the good effects he was seeing and words of Charanas became very happy. 33
Then the monkey though he knew that the princess was out of danger, wanted to see her once more and decided to return after the wishes of his mind are satisfied. 34
Thus ends the fifty fifth chapter of Sundara Kanda which is in the Ramayana which is the first epic written by Valmiki.
Chapter-56
Crossing of sea from Lanka (Hanuman took leave of Janaki and climbed to the top of Lamba Mountain, preparing himself to cross the ocean. He assumed his very big form and rose from the mountain to the north)
Hanuman saluted Janaki who was sitting below the Simshuba tree unperturbed and told her, “I am happy to see that you are safe. And I am able to see you again by the grace of God.” 1
Then Sita seeing him, who has come again near her, told again some words which exhibited her love towards her husband. 2
“Hey destroyer of enemies, you are the only suitable one, to get good results for this job as per your desire. Your strength is bound to be praised.” 3
“For that Kakustha prince Rama who can destroy all enemies, the only thing proper is for him to turn the city of Lanka upside down by his arrows and take me with him.” 4
“So you have to tell such words to him so that that great warrior wins his enemies in war and also such that the words are suited to a great soul like him.” 5
Hanuman after hearing her words, which were meaningful, which were logical and which were full of love , replied her in one sentence. 6
“That Kakustha who is going to win over his enemies and who is going to wipe away your sorrow is soon going to come here surrounded by armies of monkeys and bears.” 7
After consoling Vaidehi thus, Hanuman prepared for the return and bid farewell to Vaidehi. 8
Afterwards, that monkey chief who is the killer of his enemies, with great enthusiasm to see his lord climbed the great Arishta Mountain. 9
Hanuman the son of wind God climbed with happiness on that mountain, which had dense forests having tall Padmaka trees, which had clouds engulfed in between its peaks, which appeared as if has just woken up by the rays of Sun and appeared as if it was wearing the Dhothi and Uthariya (shoulder cloth), which appeared as if it was staring because of the several protruding minerals because they appeared as their eyes, which appeared as if it was a mountain chanting Vedas because of the sweet sounds resembling the shruthi of
music made by the several spring waters of the mountain, Which appeared as if, it was a sage blessing the viewer because of the tall dense Devadaru trees, Which was echoing the great sounds of waterfalls , which appeared as if it was shaking because of the black autumn clouds, which appeared as if it was whistling because of the shaking flute like bamboos, which appeared it as if it was hissing due to jealousy because of the great snakes in it, which appeared it as it was very many sages in trance because of the snow filled caves(all their organs are closed) , which had several small hills surrounding resembling pieces of clouds because of which it appeared if steps are taken to conquer, which had series of peaks which made it look like yawning and staring at the sky, which was shining because of its several caves and several peaks arranged differently, which was surrounded by trees like coconut, Palmyra, Maruth and bamboo, which was decorated by several flowering ornamental climbers spread everywhere, which was filled with various types of animals, which was decorated by the springs of several minerals, which had large number of springs, which was populated by sages, Gandarwas, Yakshas, Kinnaras and Nagas, which had many uprooted climbers and trees, which had many caves in which lions lived, which was populated by tigers and which had many trees with tasty fruits and tubers. 10-21
In the pretty mountain valleys those rocks on which Hanuman stepped with firmness broke in to pieces and fell making lot of sound. 22
That great monkey after climbing the great mountain deciding to go from the south to north started growing up in size. 23
The valorous son of wind, after climbing to the top of the mountain, saw the ocean filled with fishes and snakes. 24
That monkey warrior who was the son of Wind god started from the south to north like the wind traveling in the sky. 25
Then that great mountain trampled heavily by the monkey ,made huge sounds because of its Bhoothas, shaking peaks and breaking trees and also suddenly was pushed down inside the earth. 26
The trees with flowers broken by the speed of the thighs of Hanuman broke in to pieces and fell on to the earth like they were cut by the holy wheel (Chakra). 27
(Lord Vishnu used the holy wheel as a weapon)
The roar of those greatly strong lions, which were suffering and came out of the caves, was heard breaking the sky. 28
The Vidhyadara ladies with loosened dresses and shuffled ornaments suddenly came out of the mountain. 29
Those very thick and strong great snakes with their heads and necks were crushed and fell trampled spiting poison. 30
Then the Kinnaras, Nagas, Gandarwas, Yakshas and Vidhyadaras left the great mountain and went and stood in the sky. 31
That very pretty mountain being attacked by the monkey sunk to the world below along with its tall trees and peaks. 32
That mountain which was ten yojanas broad and thirty yojanas tall became equal to the ground level. 33
Making up his mind to cross the horrible salt sea along with shores being touched by waves that monkey effortlessly rose on to the sky. 34
Thus ends the fifty- sixth chapter of Sundara Kanda which is in the Ramayana which is the first epic written by Valmiki.
Chapter-57
Reaching the northern shore of the sea, (Hanuman crossed the ocean and was received by the monkeys with happiness. He informed them that he has seen Sita. He also told them about the pitiable but virtuous condition she was in.)
Hanuman like a great ship crossing though the shore less ocean of the sky, which was having the moon as its flower, the worshipful sun as its water fowl, the stars Poosam (pushyam) and Thiruvonam (sravanam) as its swimming water birds, the clouds as its floating plants, the star Punarpoosam (Punarvasu) as its sharks, the planet mars as its crocodile, the rainbow as its great island, the star Swathi as the swan playing here and there, the movement of the cyclone as its waves, the rays of the moon as its cold water, the Nagas, Gandarwas and Yakshas as its fully opened lotus and lily flowers, swam effortlessly with the speed of the wind. 1-4
That great monkey who was the son of wind god and who had the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi moving in the sky appeared as if he was the moon who was going to swallow the sky, as if he was rubbing the sky, as if he was robbing the sky of its solar system and stars and as if he was dragging the crowd of clouds. 5-6
Those great clouds were seen as white, red, blue, yellow mixed with red and green mixed with red. 7
Hanuman appeared similar to the moon by becoming invisible while entering the sky and shining when he came out of it. 8
Then the warrior Hanuman clothed in white, hiding and coming out of various types of clouds, and thus being visible and invisible at times appeared as if he was the moon. 9
Breaking out of the crowds of clouds, that son of wind god appeared as if he was an eagle in the sky. 10
That greatly resplendent Hanuman, after killing several great Rakshasas, after exterminating a horrible army, after spoiling the great city, after creating fear in Ravana, after talking with Vaidehi and after spreading his name everywhere ,flew above the sky for a second time making booming reverberating sound. 11-12
That valorous Hanuman after patting the great mountain Mainaka traveled with great speed like the arrow shot out of a bow. 13
That great monkey when he neared and saw the Mahendra Mountain, which resembled a cloud roared. 14
That monkey roared like the thunder and all the ten directions reverberated by his sound 15
Anxious to see his close friends, that Hanuman when he neared the other shore, roared loudly and also shook his tail. 16
Because of the roar of Hanuman who was traveling in path of the sky, which is usually frequented by birds, that entire sky with its solar system ,appeared as if it was breaking. 17
When it was like this, the very strong monkey heroes anxious to see Hanuman were waiting in the northern shore of the ocean with great anxiety. They at that time listened to the great Hanuman’s roar, which was like the cloud’s thunder and also the vibration made by his thighs. 18-19
All those monkeys, who normally live in forests, heard the thunderous great roar of that monkey with a mind filled with anxiety 20
All those monkeys hearing the sound of Hanuman, which was echoing in all the four directions, waited to see their friend in person. 21
Jambhavan, who was liked by all the monkey chiefs ,with a very happy frame of mind due to love, asked the monkeys to come near him and told them as follows. 22
“This Hanuman has completed his task completely and there is no doubt about it because if he had not completed the job, his roar will not be like this.” 23-24
Hearing the roar of the great soul and the sound of vibrations of his hand and thighs, those monkeys jumped with joy, here and there. 25
They with extreme desire to see Hanuman, with great enthusiasm jumped from the tip of one tree to another and from top of one tree to another and .joined together to form a crowd. 26
Then those enthusiastic monkeys broke the small flowering branches of the trees and holding them in their hand waved them as if they were waving costly cloth banners. 27
The son of wind God and the very strong Hanuman roared making sounds like the wind entering the mountain cave. 28
Those monkeys stood with folded hands to welcome that great monkey who was rushing towards them like a huge black cloud. 29
Then that monkey, who was as strong as a mountain, got down in one of the thickly wooded peaks of Mahendra Mountain. 30
That Hanuman fully overjoyed jumped on to the mountain spring, from the sky like a featherless hill. 31
Pleased because of that, all those monkey chiefs surrounded Hanuman and came near him. 32
All of them surrounded Hanuman with great love. On seeing him safe they came near him with fully pleased faces, because of that. 33
Those monkeys brought fruits and tubers and offered them to the monkey chief. 34
Then that Hanuman saluted Jambhavan, other teachers and elderly ones as well as Angadha, who was their crown prince. 35
That Hanuman who was a great warrior and who was honourable was praised by those two (Jambhavan and Angadha), and worshipped by other monkeys and shortly informed them that”Sita was seen by me” 36
(Hanuman uses short message to inform all of them that the mission was accomplished).
Hanuman who was very happy, then interlinked arms with Angadha who was the son of Bali and went and sat in a very pretty spot in the forest and addressing all monkeys told them as follows. 37
“That daughter of Janaka who is young, who was occupying the Asoka forest, who was being guarded by cruel Rakshasis, who had one single dropping plait , whose hair was tufted, who was dirty, who does not have reason not to be famous, who is anxious to see Rama and who was tired and famished because of starvation was seen by me. 38-39
All those monkeys hearing the nectar like word, “ I have seen” which was also very meaningful, became extremely happy. 40
Some very strong ones started jumping, some others made sounds, some others roared and some others made sounds like” Kil Kila” and others echoed it. 41
Some other monkey warriors because of extreme happiness lifted up their tails and rotated their pretty thick tails over their head. 42
Some incomparably strong monkeys came jumping from the top of the mountain and with great pleasure embraced Hanuman who was similar to an elephant. 43
Addressing Hanuman who had comprehensively told the information to all monkey warriors, Angada ,told the following good words. 44
“Because you have jumped and crossed the very broad sea and returned back, Hey monkey, there is none equal to you in strength and valour.” 45
“What a great devotion you have to our lord, what valour, what courage, that famous holy lady who is the wife of Rama has been seen by you because of God’s blessings.” 46
“It is very good, that Kakustha will forsake the sorrow due to parting of Sita. 47
Those monkeys surrounded the big rocks on which Hanuman, Angadha and Jambhavan were sitting with great happiness in their mind. 48
All those monkey warriors stood still with folded hands interested in hearing about the crossing of the sea, about Lanka, about Sita and about Ravana and were seeing the face of Hanuman. 49-50
At that time the lucky Angadha who was looked up by several monkeys appeared similar to Devendra who was looked up by all devas. 51
That very high and great mountain top which was being occupied by Hanuman who was famous and the famous Angadha who wore armlets was resplendent because of its luck.
52
Thus ends the fifty seventh chapter of Sundara Kanda which is in the Ramayana which is the first epic written by Valmiki.
Chapter-58
Telling the happenings of Lanka (In this chapter Hanuman informs his monkey friends all that happened after he took off and till he returned. This chapter is the summary of all the previous 57 chapters of Sundara Kanda.)
Hanuman and other very strong monkeys sitting in the top of Mahendra Mountain attained incomparable mental peace at that time. 1
After taking their seat ,Jambhavan and other dear, very happy and great monkeys enquired about the events that happened till then from Hanuman, who was the son of wind god, and who was extremely peaceful. 2
“How did you happen to see the holy lady? How is she? How does the ten headed one who does cruel deeds behave with her? We would like to know.” 3
“Hey great monkey. Please tell all this in detail to us, as it happened. After understanding the happenings we would all decide our future course of action.” 4
“What news should we, who have gone there and returned back tell? What aspect of the events should not be told? You who are very intelligent should tell about this to us in detail. 5
(Our Smrithis tell that the truth, which hurts, should not be told. In fact later Hanuman does not tell anything about his exploits and anything about the burning of Lanka to Rama feeling that he may think that he is boasting.)
Thus ordered by Jambhavan, that Hanuman became pleased with extreme happiness and saluted Sita by bowing his head and replied. 6
“Did I not rise from the top of Mahendra Mountain, which was standing before you, fixing my mind firmly with a wish to reach the southern shore of the ocean.” 7
“Then a golden, divine , pretty and horror filling peaks of one mountain lay in front of me as if it is intended to prohibit my journey. Then I thought as follows.” 8
“Since it was in lying in my way. I thought that the mountain was trying to stop me.” 9
I neared the divine and golden mountain and decided in my mind that, “This mountain is fit to be broken,” 10
“The peak of that very big mountain which was almost touching the sun, was hit by my swinging tail and was broken in to thousand pieces.” 11
“What a surprise, that great mountain understanding well my intentions, called me with great love., “ dear son” and making that word sound as if to melt my mind.” 12
“Please understand that I am well known as Mainaka and I live in the great ocean. Please also understand that I am a close relation of Wind God and thus your close relative from the father’s side.” 13
“Child , once upon a time , the great mountains used to have wings and were traveling all over the world giving trouble to people.” 14
“The God Indra who had killed the Asura called Paka , seeing this bad aspect of the mountain , started cutting in to pieces these wings of these mountains.” 15
“Hey dear, I only was saved from Indra by your father by being swept away and lodged deeply in to the sea.” 16
“Hey, killer of the enemies, I should behave in a way which is of help to Lord Rama, as he is similar to Indra in his valour and is the greatest among those who are charitable “ 17
“After I heard the words of the great Mainaka , I made him understand what needs to be done and my mind got prepared for completing my job.” 18
“Though Mainaka is a great mountain, it took the shape of a human being and permitted me to go and that great mountain stayed in the middle of the ocean in the form of a mountain itself.” 19
(The word ‘Andharhita’ used in this sloka does not mean that he disappeared as in the 57th chapter, Hanuman has been seen as patting the mountain on his way back and in Yudha Kanda, Rama shows Mainaka Mountain on his way back from Lanka,)
“Then I thought of the remaining long distance which remained to be covered and became very fast and sped with vigour for a lot of time.” 20
“Then I saw the divine lady Surasa who was the mother of Nagas. That holy lady stood in the middle of the ocean and told me, :”Hey monkey chief, devas have decided that you are going to be my food and I have got you after a very long long time. So I am going to eat you.” 21-22
“I felt dejected after what Surasa told me and with humble salutation, I told her as follows.” 23
“Rama who was the son of Dasaratha along with his brother Lakshmana and wife Sita entered the Dandaka forest and was living there.” 24
“:His wife Sita was abducted by the bad hearted Ravana. I am going because of the order of Rama as his emissary. You who are living in the kingdom of Rama should render necessary help to me.” 25
“Otherwise after rendering necessary help to Mythili and seeing Rama , I myself will enter your mouth. I am telling this as an oath to you.” 26
:”That Surasa who could assume any form that she chose, after being told by me like that, :told, “Nobody should cross and go beyond me, this is my boon.” “ 27
“After being told like this by Surasa , within a second I assumed a form of ten Yojanas long and 5 yojanas thick.” 28
“At that time she was also able to open her mouth suitable to my size. Seeing her wide open mouth I made my body small.” 29
(It is told that he assumed a form of hundred yojanas wide step by step in Chapter 1, slokas 171-181)
“Within a very short time, I became as small as a thumb and I went inside her mouth and within a minute came out.” 30
“That deva lady Surasa assumed her normal form and addressing me told,” Hey great one, I have become pleased with you. Hey calm one, go as you wish so that you can complete your job. , Hey monkey chief, bring Vaidehi with the great Raghava together . Hey monkey, go further, pleased with yourself.”” 31-32
“Then I was appreciated by all beings as “Good, very good.” And I effortlessly went in to the broad sky like an eagle.” 33
“When it was like this I found that only my shadow was being stopped and I could not see anything anywhere.” 34
“Because my speed was taken away, I searched in all the ten directions and I could not find that which was preventing my speed.” 35
“I could not see an shape any where. In spite of that a problem has arisen like this in the clear sky. :A thought as to ’why is this?” arose in my mind. 36
“Thoughtful as I was , my sight did not spread down. After that I saw a horrible Rakshasi who was lying inside the water.” 37
“She with terrible form told me the following words with enthusiasm which reflected truly her mind, which never gave any room for doubt, which were not causing good and which were like a roar.” 38
“Hey, fat one, where are you going? You appear to be proper food for me who is very hungry. Satisfy my body ,which has been starving for a long time.” 39
“I agreed to her words and increased the size of my body to a size bigger than her face.” 40
“Her mouth also grew big and terrible for eating me. She did not know either my strength or my trick.” 41
“So I reduced my very big size in to very small one within a second and removed her heart and jumped back in to the sky.” 42
“She who lived in the saline sea and who was as fat as a mountain fell dead with outstretched hands having lost her hands.” 43
“I also heard the words of holy people who were traveling in the sky along with Charanas saying that, ”the terrible Rakshasi called Simhika has been killed with in a second by Hanuman.”” 44
“After killing her , thinking about that dangerous deed , I covered a long distance and reached the place where the city of Lanka existed and saw the southern ocean shore of that town decorated by mountains, I entered in to the city which was the residence of Rakshasas after the Sun has set in a manner in which even the valorous Rakshasas could not see me..” 45-46
“At the time of my entering some lady with an action similar to the clouds of deluge roared and came before me.” 47
“Then at that time , I hit and defeated her ,who came to kill me , who was horrible looking and who had hairs like a raging fire , with a folded left fist and she with great fear told me “Hey, valorous one , I am the city of Lanka and I have been defeated by your valour and because of that you have become capable of defeating the entire Rakshasas.” And then I entered in side the city during Pradosha.(after setting of the sun and before night fell).” 48-49
“After searching for the daughter of Janaka that entire night I entered the harem of Ravana but I was not able to see that pretty lady.” 50
“I was not able to see her in the palace of Ravana also and because of that, being drowned in the sea of sorrow whose shores were not visible to me.” 51
“I who was very sad, then saw a very great garden which was very peculiar and surrounded by golden walls.” 52
“I jumped and crossed the wall and saw a garden with many trees. In the middle of that Asoka forest I saw a huge Simshuba tree. I climbed and sat on that tree and saw a golden forest of Banana plants.” 53-54
“I saw sitting on that Simshuba tree at a slight distance attractive coloured and lotus petal eyed Sita who was dark., who had a faded face due to starvation, who had dust coated hair, who was looking famished due to sorrow, who was wearing the same cloth that we saw earlier, and who was only concentrating her mind in the good of her husband, surrounded by Rakshasis who have horrible form , who eat flesh and blood and who are cruel by nature and this sight was similar to a deer being looked after by a group of tigers.” 55-57
“With lot of difficulty I reached the place where I could properly see Sita, who was bullied by the Rakshasis frequently, who was in a miserable state, who was doing the only work of concentrating her mind on her husband, who had made up her hair in a single lock, who was lying down on the floor, who was like a lotus flower in winter, who was dejected because she saw no way to escape from Ravana, who had decided to die immediately and who was doe eyed.” 58-59
“Seeing the lady who was wife of Rama in that state of not being subject to notoriety , I continued on the Simshuba tree and observed her carefully.” 60
“Then I heard the very loud sound of “Hala hala:” of the anklets and waist belts emanating from the palace of Ravana.” 61
“At that time being very sad I made my form in to a very tiny one and sat without moving in between the leaves of the Simshuba tree like a bird.” 62
”Afterwards the wives of Ravana and the very strong Ravana came towards the place where Sita has been kept .Sita with the pretty thighs seeing the chief of Rakshasas coming towards her, folded and drew her thighs towards her and hid her breasts by both her hands.” 63-64
(This stanza gives an indication of the dress which she was wearing. It appears to be the two piece dress worn by women of the olden times.)
“That base ten headed one , addressing that Sita who was in great difficulty, who was trembling, who was seeing here and there, who was very sad because she saw no way out of her difficulties, who was depressed and who was praying God told, “Hey Sita, respect me. Hey proud one, you are not recognizing me because of your pride. . So if you continue in this state for another two months, I will drink all your blood.”” 65-67
“Hearing these words of Ravana who was a bad soul, Sita became very angry and told the following great words.” 68
“Hey base Rakshasa, Why is it that your toungue does not get detached because of saying these bad words addressing the daughter in law of Dasaratha who belonged to the clan of Ikshu Vaku and the wife of the very powerful Rama.” 69
“Hey sinner who is ungentlemanly , your valour which consisted of stealing me in the absence of my husband and when he was not able to see me is definitely meager.” 70
“You are not at all equal to Rama and you would not be appointed as a servant of him for that Raghava is truthful , worshipful and great admirer of war.” 71
( The idea expressed in the last sloka that he was a deceit and poor in war is expressed in different words.)
“Hearing these words from Janaki which were demeaning that ten headed one glittered in anger like the fire of the funeral pyre.” 72
“He rolled his two blood red eyes and with his right fist started killing Sita and his ladies shouted “Ha, Ha” “ 73
“Mandodari , the wife of the ten headed one and who was a great lady, stood up from the middle of the ladies and was stopped from carrying out his intention.” 74
( In the 40th sloka of 22nd chapter it is mentioned that he was prevented by Dhanya Mala. Scholars are of the opinion that Dhanya Mala was a different name of Mandodari She is the daughter of Maya the Asura architect and given as a gift to him by Goddess Parvathy..)
“She told him who was in great passion using sweet words ,” Hey Ravana who is equal to Indra, What is the use of Sita to you?” 75
“Hey Lord, be happy by taking pleasure from the deva, Gandharwa and Yaksha maidens who are here. What are you going to do with Sita?” 76
“Then that very strong Rakshasa was pacified by the ladies who were with him and was taken back to his palace.” 77
“After the departure of the ten headed one those horrible faced Rakshasis without mercy and using cruel words terrorized Sita.” 78
“Sita considered their words as cheap and as mere grass and the tumult created by them became in vain before Sita.” 79
“Calmed down after their useless shouting those flesh eating Rakshasis informed Ravana that “The decision of Sita is indeed firm.”” 80
“Then all of them after being dejected and depressed joined together surrounded her on all four sides and started sleeping.” 81
“After all of them were asleep, Sita who was always only thinking of her husbands interests becoming extremely sad because of her dangerous state , wept.” 82
“Then Trijata rose from their midst and spoke the following words.” 83
“You can eat me just now. This lady who is the daughter in law of Dasaratha and the daughter of Janaka will not be destroyed.” 84
(This is again contradictory o earlier narration .Trijata told about her dream to the Rakshasis while they were terrorizing Sita)
“Just now I truly , saw a dream which is terrible, making my hairs all over my body stand out .It was about the destruction of all Rakshasas and the victory of her Lord.” 85
“Let us all beg this Vaidehi , for being protected without any condition from Raghava. I think this is the only proper thing to do.” 86
“Such a sad person about whom this dream was seen is going to be devoid of all sorrows soon and is going to attain incomparable happiness in several ways.” 87
“Mythili who is the daughter of Janaka would become pleased the moment you salute her.” 88
“Then that lady became shy and became happy thinking of the victory of her husband and told , ”If this is true I would definitely be a support to all of you.” 89
(These words of Sita are not there in the earlier narration.)
“Seeing her in that miserable state , I patiently thought of her in my mind but my mind did not rest in peace.”
90
“I thought of a method by which conversation can be initiated between me and Janaki. So I sang the praise of the Ikshuvaku dynasty itself.” 91
“That holy lady hearing the praise of the kings of her dynasty , with tear stained eyes saw me and questioned me as follows.” 92
“Hey monkey chief, who are you? For what reason and how did you come here? How did attachment develop between you and Rama ? Please tell all this in detail to me.” ”Hearing her words I answered her thus.” 93-94
“Hey holy lady, your husband Rama has gained the help from some one called Sugreeva. He is the king of monkeys, very strong, very valorous and a great warrior.” 95
“Please know that I who have come here is his minister Hanuman. Your husband Rama who does any job fully has send me here as his emissary.” 96
“Hey famous lady, that son of Dasaratha who is a lion among men and also a great gentleman, has sent his signet ring to you as a memento.” 97
“So lady, I am waiting for your orders. What should I do? I can take you to Rama and Lakshmana, What do you think about it?” 98
“Sita who is the daughter of Janaka after hearing this and understanding perfectly my words, Replied” Let Raghava himself take me back after killing Ravana,”” 99
“I bowed to the lady who was beyond any blemish with my head and after saluting her begged her to give a memento which would make Rama happy.” 100
“Then Sita addressing me told “Be pleased take that great gem seeing which Rama the valorous would appreciate you a lot.” 101
“After saying thus that great lady gave me a wonderful gem. Alas! She became very sad and requested me to tell the news by only words.” 102
“After that having finished my allotted job, I saluted the princess and went round her with an intention of returning back.” 103
“She then thought every thing over within her mind and told”, Hey, Hanuman, please inform my story to Raghava..”” 104
“Please take that action which would result in the immediate arrival of those valorous Rama and Lakshmana along with Sugreeva.” 105
“My allotted time to be alive is only two more months. If this does not happen, I would die like an orphan and Kakustha (Rama) would not be able to see me.” 106
“ “Hearing those pitiable words, I became very angry and I also decided my future course of action.” 107
“Because of that my body grew like a mountain. At that time desiring for war I started destroying that forest.(Asoka Vana)” 108
“Those scary faced Rakshasis woke up at that time and saw that forest which was full of scared animals and birds., being destroyed .” 109
“They assembled in groups here and there in the forest neared and saw me and informed Ravana.” 110
“Hey very powerful king, one bad monkey , without the knowledge of your valour has destroyed your forest which cannot be entered by anybody.” 111
“Hey king of kings, that monkey should certainly be destroyed. So please sentence that ignorant one which has done undesirable acts against you to death .” 112
“Rakshasas called Kinkaras who are difficult to win over and who obey the mind of Ravana were sent by him on hearing this and reached there.” 113
“In the corner of the forest I killed eighty thousand of them armed with spear and thorned sticks with a steel pestle.” 114
“Some among them who escaped death went fast and informed Ravana about the destruction of the large army.” 115
“I got renewed vigour and wisdom and left the place where I was and neared the victory stage . I killed several Rakshasas who were there with a pillar removed from the stage and thus that stage which was an ornament to the city of Lanka was destroyed.” 116
“After that Jambumali the son of Prahastha along with horrible rakshasas of terrible form were ordered to fight with me.” 117
“I killed that Rakshasa who was an expert in war along with his big army and those who accompanied them with the same terrible iron pestle itself.” 118
“Hearing this the great king Ravana sent the very powerful sons of ministers along with a big army which consisted of also foot soldiers , I sent all of them to the city of Yama using the same iron pestle.” 119-120
“Having heard that the valorous sons of ministers were killed in war, Ravana sent five valorous army commanders and I killed all of them along with their army. 121-122
“After that the ten headed Ravana send Aksha who was his son, as well as a great hero along with several Rakshasas.” 123
“I caught hold of the prince , who was an expert in war, who was the son of Mandodari, , who rose to the sky and who was wearing steel armour by his two legs, rotated him in the sky and killed him.” 124
“Having heard the death of Aksha that ten headed Ravana, became very angry and send secondly Indrajit who was very angry, who was very strong, and an expert in war.” 125
“I became greatly pleased by making him who was a hero among Rakshasas and other Rakshasas very weak and dejected.” 126
“Having been sent with great hope by Ravana and having been accompanied by very many valorous Rakshasas , that hero seeing that his army though valorous was being destroyed and unable to correctly estimate my strength, became jittery at that time and made me a prisoner by Brahmasthra itself.” 127-128
“Then those Rakshasas who were there, tied me with ordinary rope and dragged and took me to the presence of Ravana.” 129
“I being there within his sight, was conversed to by that bad soul Ravana and was asked about my coming to Lanka and about the killing of Rakshasas.” 130
“”I told that, all that were done for the sake of Sita.” 131
“I am the adopted son of the wind God and am a monkey called Hanuman. Wanting to see you in person I was waiting to be brought near you from the place in front of Sita.” 132
“Please know that I am an emissary of Rama and a minister of Sugreeva and I have come to you along with the message of Rama.” 133
“That greatly resplendent king Sugreeva sent the news of his well being. He also told these words which are essence of Dharma(justice), Kama(desire) and Moksha(salvation) , which are very suitable to this occasion, and which are good for you.” 134
“The great Hero Rama promised his friendship to me who was living in the dense forests of Rishya Mooka.” 135
“He told me as follows,” King, my wife has been abducted by a Rakshasa and you have to help me to the best of your capacity willingly.”” 136
“Then these words were told by me,” Please also undertake to help in killing Bali for my sake.”” 137
“That great Lord Raghava who was accompanied by Lakshmana signed a treaty, with fire as a witness, with Sugreeva whose kingdom was stolen by Bali.” 138
“After killing Bali by one arrow in war by Rama , I who was the lord among monkeys was appointed as their king.” 139
“It is our duty do help him as much as possible in this case. It is by him according to laws of justice that an emissary has been sent to you.” 140
“Let Sita be returned forthwith and be presented to Raghava. If this is done monkey warriors will not destroy your valour.” 141
“Who does not know the prowess of the monkeys who are being invited in to the presence of even the devas.” 142
“I told him that, ”The monkey king told me to tell all these.” And he stared at me with ire filled eyes as if to burn me.” 143
“Without realizing my strength that sinful cruel Rakshasa named Ravana ordered that I should be killed.” 144
“There , his brother Vibishana who was a wise one, begged him as follows for my sake.” 145
“Hey , Chief of Rakshasas, do not do like this. This opinion has to be rejected because you should take action according to the laws of kings.” 146
“Hey, king of Rakshasas, in the laws of kings no where the killing of an emissary is prescribed. It is necessary to understate the real state of affairs from an emissary who tells the good of his side.” 147
“Hey, greatly valorous one, even though a very great crime is committed, killing of an emissary is never done but he can be disfigured.” 148
“Thus requested by Vibishana, Ravana ordered the rakshasas, “This only has to be done. Let its tail be burnt.” 149
“According to his orders my entire tail was covered with torn cotton cloths and ropes made of jute.” 150
“Then those very valorous Rakshasas beat me with whatever firewood they got as well as their fists and set fire to my tail.” 151
“Though I was caught by the Rakshasas and tied by several ropes , I had the intention of the seeing the town in broad day light, I never even felt slightly tired.” 152
“Because it was like that, those Rakshasa warriors brought me to the entrance of the city and in the main avenue shouted at me who was imprisoned and whose tail burning by fire.” 153
“From there I made my very big body to a very small one, got loosened from the ties and again assumed the original big form.” 154
“I killed all those Rakshasas with a steel pestle and with a jump climbed on the top of the door of their town.” 155
“Similar to the fire of deluge burning all people, I without hesitation burnt the entire town along with its houses and towers using my burning tail.” 156
“Then I started thinking with sadness as follows,” The entire city has been made in to ash. There is no place in Lanka, which is not burnt. And so definitely Janaki would not be alive .There is no doubt about it that , I who was trying to burn Lanka also burnt Sita also. Thus the great job of Rama was made useless by me.” “ 157-158
“Then I heard the sweet news from the Charanas who were talking of strange news who told that, “Janaki alone has not been burnt and did not suffer any sorrow.”” 159
“Hearing the wonderful news that Sita did not suffer any sorrow and from the reasons told hereafter I felt consoled.” 160
“Even when my tail was burning, I did not feel any heat and the wind was blowing cold and also my mind was happy.” 161
“I became happy because of the thought in my mind of those real happenings . various acts, which resulted in good and the predictions, made as well as the words of the sages. Even when it was like that I met Vaidehi once again and was bidden farewell by her.” 162
“From there I reached the top of mountain called Arishta and with a deep desire to see all of you started my return jump.” 163
“After that traveling in the path in the sky frequented by Wind, Moon, Sun, Sidhas, Gandarwas, and others I have just seen you all.” 164
“By the power Of Raghava and your shining mien , I was able to complete the job of Sugreeva .” 165
“I have told all that has happened in this case in a summary manner. Let it be decided as to what is to be done in future based on this.” 166
Thus ends the fifty eighth chapter of Sundara Kanda which is in the Ramayana which is the first epic written by Valmiki.
Chapter-59
Thinking about the future action (Hanuman then narrates the problems of Sita in Lanka in a graphical manner. He tells the other monkeys that
as a virtuous woman she herself could kill Ravana but is not doing so, because it would bring bad fame to her husband,)
After telling all these in detail, Hanuman told the important matter that needed to be told and ended his speech. 1
“My mind has been set at calm after seeing the virtuousness of Sita personally. The work of Rama has born fruits. Similarly the zest of Sugreeva also has borne fruits.” 2
(Work of Rama is searching for Sita)
“Ravana who is the chief of Rakshasas and one who is great for doing penances is certainly capable of protecting all the world. If he becomes angry he can also destroy the world. His body has not been destroyed after touching her because of the power of his penance.” 3
(Translators like Kamban and Thulasi das could not bear, Sita to be touched by Ravana and so they have changed this aspect in their translation .While Kamban says that Ravana uprooted her house along with her, Thulasi das assumes that she whom he took to Lanka is only an image.)
“Whatever action taken when blackened by anger by that virtuous lady who is the daughter of Janaka , cannot even be done by the flames of fire that are touched by hand.” 4
“That lady who is the epitome of justice is steeped in the ocean of sorrow below a Simshuba tree in the middle of Asoka forest owned by that bad soul , Ravana.” 5
“Like the crescent of moon hidden by series of clouds, she is surrounded by Rakshasis and has wilted due to sorrow and lives a life without luster.” 6
“That daughter of Janaka has been imprisoned, but that virtuous pretty lady does not bother about the very strong Ravana.” 7
“That Vaidehi who is virtuous considered from any aspect, without any other thought, always thinks with love of Rama like the Indrani does about Indra.” 8
“Sita is still dressed in the cloth she was dressed when abducted, she is coated with dust , faded because of sorrow , is very lean and always thinks about the good of her husband.”
9
“I saw her in the garden of the harem surrounded by ugly looking Rakshasis, who were terrorizing her often.” 10
“I wish that she, who is doe eyed, who always thinks of her husband, who had made up her hair in a single bundle, who is sleeping on the floor, who is like the lotus flower in winter, who had decided to commit suicide because she was not able to see any way to escape from Ravana and who is in a miserable situation, gains confidence with lot of effort.” 11-12
“After that I conversed with her. She was informed of everything. She became happy on hearing the treaty between Rama and Sugreeva.” 13
“That Rama who is of firm conviction, who follows all good principles and who is great would become only an instrument in case of killing of Ravana. It is only because of her devotion to her husband that she is not killing Ravana.” 14
(Hanuman clears the doubt of other monkeys who feel that as a virtuous woman she herself could have killed Ravana. He tells them that she is not doing so because of her devotion to her husband.)
“By nature she is lean, Because of her being taken away from her husband’s company she has further become lean similar to the one who learns without understanding.” 15
“That Sita who is great is thus drowned in sorrow. Let us now do what all should be done in this case.” 16-17
Thus ends the fifty ninth chapter of Sundara Kanda which is in the Ramayana which is the first epic written by Valmiki.
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