Chapter-41
(Destruction of Asoka forest) (Hanuman decides that having come to Lanka he should gather about the strength and weaknesses of the enemy before going from there. This would nmean attracting Ravana to send his powerful troops at him. With this end in view he destroys the Asoka forest)
Thus praised by Sita and worshipped and respected by her that monkey started to depart but moving away from that place started thinking. 1
“This black eyed lady has been visited and very little is left for the things to be done. It is time now to leave out the first three methods and I feel that the fourth method is the best.” 2
(The four methods are Sama(peaceful), bhedha(creating differences) , Dhana (trying to bribe) and Dhanda(violent physical fight)
“In case of Rakshasa Sama(peace) will not work and Dhana (bribe) will not work against people who are very rich and these strong people would not fall prey to Bheda(splitting) and I feel at this stage only my heroism is the better option.” 3
“In this case there is no other option apart from fight for if by war some of the Rakshasa die other Rakshasas would become soft.” 4
“If one is ordeder to do a job necessary to be completed if he does many other jobs without conflict to the job ordered to do , then he is the person who is to be employed.” 5
“In this world just one method would not work in simplest of jobs and so he who knows several methods to complete a job is the one who is expert in doing it.” 6
“When I am here if I gain knowledge about the strength of the enemy and the tricks that they employ in war and return pleased with myself to the place of the king of monkeys then only I would have been deemed to have completed the job thoroughly.” 7
“I should think , how I should easily engage myself in war with the Rakshasas for then only the ten headed one would make me fight with his army.” 8
“If that happens then I would be able to meet Ravana along with his ministers and chieftains and judge about his strength and understand his wishes and return back happily.” 9
“ This garden resembling divine garden which is attracting the mind and the eye , which has several trees and climbers and which is a great forest belongs to that sinner.” 10
“Like the fire destroying dried wood I should destroy this and once it is destroyed the ten headed one would become very angry.” 11
“Then only the chief of Rakshasas would send an army consisting of horses, chariots and elephants armed with three headed spears, long spears and deadly chains and this would turn n to a big war.” 12
“I who has intolerable (by the enemies) prowess would engage myself in war with the very powerful Rakshasas , destroy that army and would return back happily to the place of the monkey king.” 13
That son of god of wind exuding with great power then became agitated like wind and by the speed of his great thighs started breaking the trees. 14
That heroic Hanuman then destroyed that private ladies garden which was full of several exuberant birds and several trees. 15
That garden with the broken trees, filled up fountains and powdered peaks became a place one would not like to see. 16
That forest filled with cries of several types of birds , lakes made out of shape and faded red leaf buds became filled with dried trees and climbers as if it was attacked by forest fire.17
Those climbing plants with the broken fences looked like women trembling out of fear. 18
With destroyed houses made of climbers, broken art museums, with crushed big snakes, with many violent animals and with broken granite stone houses that great forest looked as it had lost its normal appearance. 19
That very special enclosure of the garden made by the climbing Asoka plants meant for the enjoyment of women of the ten faced one was full of broken and weeping plants. 20
After doing an intolerable act to the mind of heroic and rich Ravana that monkey , full of valor sat on the main gate expecting to fight a war alone with several very strong Rakshasas. 21
Thus ends the forty first chapter of Sundara Kanda which is in the Ramayana which is the first epic written by Valmiki.
Chapter-42
(Killing of the Rakshasa Kinkaras) (Rakshasis enquire with Sita about Hanuman but she refuses to tel any thing about him. They then inform Ravana who sends the eighty thousand strong army of Kinkaras. Hanuman kills them all with an iron rod. Ravana then sends the son of Prahastha to catch Hanuman.)
Then because of the loud shrieking of birds and sound of breaking of trees all those who Lanka were fear struck. 1
The animals and birds which were running made horrible noise and because of that bad omens happened to the Rakshasas. 2
That time those bad looking Rakshasis lost their sleep and saw the garden which was destroyed as well as the great monkey hero. 3
Hanuman who was very courageous, who was very strong and who had bid arms seeing them assumed a very big form so that the Rakshasis become afraid. 4
Then those Rakshasis seeing that the monkey was very strong and having a very big body asked the daughter of Janaka as follows. 5
“Who is this? Whose is this? Where from is it coming? For what purpose has it come here? It would be nice if we know. Not only that how did you converse with like we converse with you?” 6
“Hey broad eyed one. Hey lady withblack tipped eye, is it not true that this talked to you? Hey lucky one, please tell us truthfully. You would not get in to any problems.” 7
Then Sita who is of good character and who is pretty all over replied as follows.” Why should I enter in to the affairs of Rakshasas who can assume any form they like?” 8
“You yourself should understand What action this one is going to do. It is no doubt that only thief can without mistake find out the intentions of a way farer.” 9
“I understand that this one who has come here has the ability to assume any form which is the character of Rakshasas. I do not know about his ability. I also am afraid in his case.” 10
(The stanzas 8-10 above are one of the controversial parts of Ramayana. All the commentators agree that Sita told a lie to protect Hanuman. By one of the very famous saying of Sanskrit, it is all right to tell a lie to save ones life. Some others have commented that she has done this out of fear. But stanzas in other parts of Ramayana clearly indicate that she is fearless. Then why did she do it , is another question which is very difficult to answer)
Hearing the words of Vaidehi the Rakshasis were aghast and some ran hurriedly and some went to meet Ravana to inform him. 11
Those ugly faced Rakshasis started describing about the monkey, who can take different forms, in front of Ravana. 12
“Hey king, in the middle of Asoka forest there is a monkey which is greatly valorous and which has a great form , which is talking to Sita.” 13
“That doe eyed Sita who is the daughter of Janaka did not like to tell about him to us, in spite of our enquiring in various ways.” 14
“Is he an emissary of Indra? Is he an emissary of Kubhera? Is it possible that he has been send by Rama to search Sita?” 15
“Your forest of the harem, which is surprisingly pretty and thus a stealer of hearts, and which is filled with many animals was completely destroyed by it.” 16
“There is no place in that forest which has not been destroyed by it. But it has not even touched the place where Sita the daughter of Janaka is sitting.” 17
“ Has it been done to protect Janaki or has it been done because he became tired, we do not know. But where is tiresomeness to that monkey and the fact is she has been saved by the monkey. “ 18
“That luxuriously growing Simshuba tree alone below which she sits of her own accord has been left without touching by that monkey.” 19
“Kindly be pleased to accord a severe punishment to that terrible one which talked with Sita and which destroyed the forest.” 20
“Hey lord of Rakshasas, who would dare to talk with that Sita who has been brought by you out of desire? Can the life stay for long with such a one?” 21
Hearing the words of the Rakshasis, Ravana the king of Rakshasas , rolled his eyes in anger and burnt like the sacrificial fire. 22
From the two eyes of the angry one tears dropped as if oil drops mixed with flames dropped from two lit lamps. 23
That shining one gave order to destroy the pride of Hanuman to Rakshasa called Kinkara who are similar to him and are valorous. 24
(“Kinkara” means lowly servants)
Those valorous Kinkaras who had very big belly . , who had very big teeth and who were horrible looking were eighty thousand in number . All of them with a desire for war and with a desire to catch the monkey left the house armed with thorny sticks and an arm called “Kotta”. 25-26
They moved very fast and reached the monkey who was sitting on the tower and waiting and opposed him like insects oppose the fire. 27
They hit the monkey chief with strange maces, gold bordered pestles and arrows similar to the sun. 28
They holding spears and Thomara stood strongly surrounding Hanuman armed with thorn sticks, long spears and tridents. 29
The mountain like Hanuman with immeasurable power beat his tail on the floor and made war like sound. 30
Hanuman the son of wind-god made his body to a very big size and made Lanka shake by his voice and clapped his hands with enthusiasm. 31
In the resounding echo of the sound of clapping of Hanuman , birds fell on the floor out of fear and Hanuman announced loudly as follows. 32
“Victory to the very strong Rama and similarly victory to the very strong Lakshmana. and victory to the king Sugreeva who is protected by Raghava. 33
“I am Hanuman, the son of wind god, exterminator of enemies and the servant of Rama who is the king of Kosala and who can carry out any job without effort.” 34
“Even thousands of Ravana cannot face me who fights wars with stones and trees and hits in thousand ways.” 35
“Even when all the Rakshasas are staring , I can shake the city of Lanka , salute the princess of Mithila and return back after achieving my wish.” 36
Because of his loud announcement those Rakshasas became fear struck and they saw Hanuman high above like the dark clouds in the sky. 37
Those Rakshasa became bold by thinking about the order of their lord and beat Hanuman using different type of weapons from different directions. 38
That very valorous Hanuman was surrounded by those heros in all the four directions. He took huge iron rod the tower and using the same iron rod killed those Rakshasas. 39
That valorous son of wind-god taking that rod circled the sky and like Garuda , the son of Vinutha holding the snake and rising in the sky. 40
(Garuda on whom Lord Vishnu rides is the son of sage Kashyapa and his wife Vinutha)
That hero who was the son of wind-god after killing Kinkaras who are Rakshasa heroes desiring for more war again went near the tower. 41
Then some of the Rakshasas who were far away from the danger informed Ravana about the killing of all Kinkaras. 42
That Ravana ,who was the king of Rakshasas , hearing that his great army has been destroyed , blinked rolling his eyes and sent the son of Prahastha who was valorous, who cannot be faced by any one and who cannot be won over in war. 43
(Prahastha is one of the great ministers of Ravana)
Thus ends the forty second chapter of Sundara Kanda which is in the Ramayana which is the first epic written by Valmiki.
Chapter-43
(Heralding the victory of Sugreeva) (Having destroyed the aska forest, Hanuman decided to destroy a very huge stage nearby. The hundred guards of the stage wage a war against him and are killed.. He then heralds the arrival of Sugreeva along with his monkey army who are going to destroy the city of Lanka and the Rakshasas living there.)
After killing the kinkaras Hanuman started thinking. 1
“I have destroyed this forest. But I have not destroyed this stage which is like a tower. So I will destroy this stage also. “ Deciding like this in his mind, Hanuman who was the son of wind-god and a monkey chieftain showing his strength , on the jumped and climbed on the great stage which was as tall as the peaks of Meru mountain. 2-3
That monkey chief Hanuman in spite of having climbed on the mountain like stage was as lustrous like another rising sun. 4
Having reached the great stage which cannot be even neared by others , Hanuman became lustrous like Lakshmi(Goddess of wealth) and appeared like the Pari Yathra mountain. 5
That son of Wind-god assumed a huge body because of his power and beat the floor with his tail as if he was filling Lanka by his sound. 6
Because of Hanuman’s great sound of enthusiasm which was ear splitting , birds became afraid and fell down and the guards of the stage became dumb struck. 7
“Victory to the great archer Rama and Lakshmana who is very strong. Also victory to the king Sugreeva who is protected by Raghava.” 8
I. Hanuman, the son of wind-god who is the destroyer of enemy soldiers has the job of taking away problems and am the servant of Rama , who is the king of Kosala.” 9
“Fighting with stones and trees in the battle field , for me even thousands of Ravana are not equivalent enemies.” 10
“Even while all the Rakshasa are staring , I would create turmoil in Lanka , salute Mythili and return back after fulfilling my desire.” 11
The chief of monkeys who was on the top of the stage heralded like this to the guards of the stage and roared with horrible noise so that the Rakshasa are fear struck. 12
Hearing this great declaration one hundred powerful guards of the stage came out. They surrounded Maruthi and they rotated and threw at him several arrows , spears , swords , axes.13
They beat the monkey chief with several types of maces, gold edged pestles and thunder like arrows. 14
That crowd of Rakshasa surrounding the monkey chief appeared as if they are a whirlpool in the river Ganges. Angry because of this that son of wind-god assumed a very horrible form. 15-16
That Hanuman who was the son of wind-god and who was very strong suddenly broke away a golden sculpted pillar of that stage. He rotated that pillar in several ways and because of this fire was produced and the stage caught fire. 17-18
Seeing the stage which has caught fire that monkey chief rotated that pillar still faster in several ways. 19
Similar to Indra killing Asuras by his Vajrayudha he killed several Rakshasas and becoming very pleased he heralded victory as follows. 20
“We as well as several monkeys who are similar to me and some who are stronger than me and thousands powerful monkey soldiers who are working under Sugreeva have been sent and they are searching throughout the world.” 21-22
“Some of them are as strong as ten elephants, some ten times more powerful than that and some as powerful as thousand elephants.” 23
“Some of them are as strong as the tide of great flood and some ten times more powerful Some of them are as strong as Garuda and some of them as strong as wind.” 24
“There are also some monkey chiefs among them whose strength is immeasurable.” 25
“These people who use their teeth and nails as weapons , are followed by lakhs and crores of monkeys who surround the king Sugreeva who is the killer of all of you and are going to arrive here.” 26
“Having sought the enmity of the great one belonging to the Ikshuvaku clan , this city of Lanka will not be there, nor you will be there and nor Ravana.” 27
Thus ends the forty third chapter of Sundara Kanda which is in the Ramayana which is the first epic written by Valmiki.
Chapter-44
(Killing of Jambu Mali) (The very valorous and powerful Jambumali (son of Prahastha) who could wound Hanuman in several places was killed with lot of effort by Hanuman)
The very strong Jambu Mali who was the son of Prahastha who has very big teeth having been sent by the king of Rakshasas started armed with bows and arrows. 1
He , who wore a red cloth in which flowers were drawn, who wore garlands, who had round rolling eyes, who was difficult to defeat in war, who was burning like the Trikoota mountains,who was like a very big cloud, who had huge hands, head and shoulders, who had very big teeth, who had very big face, who was very fast, who had lot of enthusiasm, who was verystrong, who was greatly heroic who had sound similar to thunder and Vajrayudha and who had pretty arrows similar to the arrows of Indra, came very fast holding and twinkling a bow which made sound like Vajarayudha and thunder. 2-5
The royal twang made by his bow suddenly filled all sided and the sky. 6
He who was like mars by his luster , who was like the rising sun, and who was protected by a chain coat made of copper , shouted , “ Stop, stop”. 7
Hanuman seeing him in his front,. coming forward riding in a chariot drawn by zebras , Hanuman became happy and roared like a lion. 8
That Jambumali who had very long arms wounded that great monkey who was sitting on the top of the entry gate with his sharp arrows. 9
He pierced that Monkey chieftain in the hand by ten arrows, in the head by one burning arrow and in the face by crescent like arrows. 10
That red face of Hanuman pierced by the arrows looked like a red hibiscus flower opened by the rays of the autumn sun. 11
That red face of hanuman became more red by the blood and shined like a big red hibiscus flower existing in the sky and made wet by the drops of red sandal wood drops. 12
That great monkey being wounded by the arrows of Rakshasa became very angry. 13
Then the great soldier Hanuman saw a very broad and big stone near by and he uprooted it and threw it with great force. 14
The Rakshasa became angry and destroyed it using ten arrows. 15
That very powerful and great hero Hanuman seeing that his effort was wasted uprooted a huge sala tree and started rotating it. 16
Seeing that the monkey rotating the sala tree as a strong one , that very strong Jambumali send several arrows at him. 17
He pierced the sala tree with four arrows, wounded the hands of the monkey with five arrows, his chest by one arrow and middle of his chest by ten arrows. 18
Wounded all over the body by those arrows, Hanuman became very angry and took the same pestle and started rotating it . 19
That very fast and very strong Hanuman rotated the pestle with great speed and beat at the broad chest of Jambumali. 20
Because of this his head disappeared and so did his arms , knees , bows, chariot and horses. His arrows also disappeared. 21
Beat strongly by Hanuman, that great warrior Jambumali after loosing his limbs and ornaments fell dead on the earth. 22
Ravana hearing about the death of Jambumali and similarly about the killing of the very strong Kinkaras became very angry with blood shot eyes. 23
That king of Rakshasas after the death of the very strong Jambumali , rotated his eyes due to anger and immediately ordered the very valorous ministers sons to go. 24
Thus ends the forty fourth chapter of Sundara Kanda which is in the Ramayana which is the first epic written by Valmiki.
Chapter-45
Killing of the seven ministers sons (Hanuman killed the seven sons of ministers who waged a war against him along with a huge army. Rivers of blood was seen all over Lanka and citizens of Lanka became very sad.)
Those seven sons of ministers who shined like the seven tongued fire, who were very strong, who has leaned the art of archery properly, who were great among archers and who weregreatly valorous started from their homes because they were ordered to, surrounded by a very large army in chariots which had golden windows, which had flag poles full of flags and which made sounds like the cloud. Each of them wanted the victory to be theirs and were holding bows made of molten gold which appeared as if they were lightning and made sounds from the m. 1-4
Their mothers , relations and friends , knowing that Kinkaras have been killed ,were terribly upset because of sorrow. 5
Each of them competing with each other to be in the front and wearing ornaments made of gold prepared themselves for was and neared Hanuman sitting near the gate. 6
Those cloud like Rakshasas coming with the thundering sound of chariots, send rains of arrows like thick clouds. 7
At that time Hanuman covered by the raining arrows looked like a mountain hidden by rain. 8
The fast moving monkey rose and traveled in the clear sky and wasted the arrows as well as the speeding chariots. 9
That hero playing in the sky with those great archers appeared as if he was god of wind in the cloud filled sky. 10
That heroic Hanuman by making horror stricken sound made that great army shiver and soon showed his valor against that army. 11
Hanuman, the winner of enemies , killed some by beating with his hand, some by legs, some by fists, some by tearing with nails some by crushing with his chest and legs and some died by simply hearing the roar of Hanuman. 12-13
When they fell on the earth after they were killed the entire army full of fear ran in ten different directions. 14
Elephants trumpeted making ugly sound, horses fell down on the earth , and the platform of chariots, flags and umbrellas of broken chariots covered the entire earth. 15
Then by the blood shed every where on the way rivers of blood were noticed and the entire Lanka cried heartbroken with several sounds. 16
That monkey who was a great hero and a great warrior after killing the roaring Rakshasas went and sat on the tower with a wish to fight with more Rakshasas. 17
Thus ends the forty fifth chapter of Sundara Kanda which is in the Ramayana which is the first epic written by Valmiki.
Chapter-46
Killing of the five army-commanders (Ravana who was perturbed send his five army army-commander advising them to be careful to catch and bring Hanuman. He told them that he knew several warrior monkeys but none of them equaled this monkey in prowess. Those five army-army-commanders along with their army was killed by Hanuman)
Hearing about the killing of the sons of ministers , Ravana without making others know about his thoughts took a very suitable decision. 1
That ten headed one, facing the five army-army-commanders Virupaksha, Yupaksha , Praghasa, Durdhara the Rakshasa and Basakarna , who were all greatly learned in the art of war, who had enthusiasm in biding and bringing Hanuman, who had the speed of wind in their war, ordered as follows:- 2-3
He told, “Hey, Army-commanders, You please start along with a huge army accompanied by horses, chariots, elephants. Let that monkey be punished.” 4
“When you near that monkey you should definitely be careful. Not only that you also should use proper techniques to suit the time and place.” 5
“Thinking by his actions, I do not consider him as an ordinary monkey. Whatever way you think , it is a huge devil with lot of strength. It should have been created by Indra through incessant prayer just to oppose us.” 6
“When all of you join together with me, Nagas, Yakshas, Gandarwas, Devas, Asuras and Sages have been defeated.” 7
“It is possible that they would play some trick against us.This definitely is that. There is no doubt about it. Use all your strength and catch hold of it and tie it.” 8
“Do not make a poor estimate of that Monkey who is very heroic a. For I have seen other very great warrior monkeys like Bali with Sugreeva, the very strong Jambhavan, their army-commander Neela, and others like Dwividha. But none of them have this great speed. nor do they have this luster, nor heroism, nor wisdom , nor the strong capacity and nor the power to assume any form.” 9-11
(In Uttara Kanda, there is a story that Bali simply caught hold of Ravana and took him along with him once.It seems he tied Ravana to the rope holding cradle of Angadha.Later at the request of Brahma , he released him .It is mentioned that the only other man who defeated Ravana was Kartha Veeryarjuna, who was in turn killed by Parasurama.)
“I think it is a very great devil which has assumed the shape of monkey. You have lot of effort and stop its jumping.” 12
“All people among Devas, Asuras an men including Indra cannot stand before you in war. This is definitely true.” 13
“In spite of that the expert who desires victory in war , has to take great efforts to protect his soul, because in war victory is never definite.” 14
All of them who had luster like fire , who were very intelligent and who were greatly valorous accepted the advice of their master and started for war with chariots, vigorous elephants, very fast horses, and other army armed with several types of weapons . 15-16
Then those warriors saw that great monkey who was shining like the rising sun with its natural rays. 17
All of them as soon as they saw him, who was exuberant , who was very courageous, who was very strong, who was very intelligent , who had assumed a very big form . who was very wise and who was sitting at the entrance of the tower, surrounded him from all sides and opposed him with several great weapons. 18-19
Durdhara shot At the head of Hanuman, five arrows made of steel which were hurting, sharp, black like Uthpala(black plant) and having red ends, 20
Hurt by the five piercing arrows, he rose in the sky with a roar which could be heard in all the ten directions. 21
Then the very strong and great warrior Durdhara who was sitting in a chariot and who had connected arrows in his bow neared continuously shooting very sharp arrows at him. 22
That monkey approached him who was raining arrows from the sky, like the wind at the end of rainy season nears the raining cloud. 23
Then that clever son of wind-god , who was attacked by Durdhara, increased in size more than before and roared with a huge sound. 24
That very intelligent monkey rose up to a very great height in the sky and suddenly jumped on the chariot of Durdhara like the fire of thunder. 25
Then that Durdhara left his chariot with eight dead horses and whose axle was broken and fell out lifeless. 26
Seeing him lying dead on the floor , Virupaksha and Yupaksha , who are unperturbed and who can destroy their enemies became very angry and attacked him. 27
Those two who were raising very fast in the clear sky hit the Big handed monkey who was standing , with thorned maces. 28
He who was very strong and equal in valour to Garuda , became very angry and after clearing them away jumped on the earth. 29
That monkey who was the son of wind-god saw a Sala tree , uprooted it and hit those two warriors with it and killed them. 30
Then Praghasa seeing that the strong monkey has killed all the three of them , opposed the monkey with great anger and force. 31
The great hero Bhasakarna from one side took a spear and became very angry at the unperturbed and famous monkey chief. 32
Bhasakarna pierced the great monkey by his spear and Praghasa pierced him with a long handed sharp spear. 33
That monkey wounded by those two was angry with all his hair getting blood soaked and looked like the shining young sun. 34
That monkey chief and great warrior Hanuman uprooted a peak of mountain which was full of animals, snakes and trees and killed the two rakshasas. 35
After killing those five army army-commanders , then destroyed their remaining army. 36
Like the thousand eyed Indra opposing the rakshasas that monkey killed horses by horses, elephants by elephants , soldiers by soldiers and chariots by chariots. 37
Covered fully by the dead elephants , dead horses , axle broken big chariots and dead Rakshasas , the earth became path less. 38
Then the monkey chief after killing those chiefs of army along with their soldiers returned back to the gate and waited there similar to the God of death waiting to kill the people. 39
Thus ends the forty sixth chapter of Sundara Kanda which is in the Ramayana which is the first epic written by Valmiki.
[1] A special place in Amaravathi, the city of Indra, literally “back of a serpent.” [2] Golden brooch worn in the head by ladies.
Chapter-47
Killing of Aksha Kumara (This chapter deals with the ferocious war of Aksha Kumara, the second son of Ravana and Hanuman, in which Aksha Kumar is ultimately killed)
Then that king Ravana seeing that Hanuman has killed five army-commanders and army along with vehicles, saw in front of him, with affection his son Aksha who was enthusiastic for war. 1
Enthused by the eye examination of Ravana he stood up in the assembly holding a special bow made of gold and appeared as if he was the sacrificial fire kindled by the offerings of Brahmins. 2
Afterwards he, who was a valorous Rakshasa hero climbed up a huge chariot which was covered all over with gold and which had the luster of young sun and departed to fight the great monkey. 3
He who was equal to Devas climbed in the fully complete chariot, which was got by him by rigorous prayers, which was pretty because of the covering by molten gold, which had flag poles, which had flag inlaid by precious stones, which was pulled by eight very fast moving horses, which could not even be attacked by devas or asuras, which could travel anywhere without being blocked, which was shining like sun, which could travel in the sky, which had several quivers, which had a platform in which eight swords were hung, which had been stored properly with spears and thomaras, , which was equipped with all necessary things, which was shining like sun and which was pulled by golden rope similar to sun and moon, and departed from there. 4-6
He who filled the sky and the mountain clad earth , with the sound made by horses, elephants and very big chariots along with a unified army neared the intelligent monkey who was sitting on the tower gate. 7
That Aksha who had lion like stare, nearing that monkey who had the stability of the fire during deluge in killing people, out of respect to him born because of wonder, raised his head and looked at the monkey with respect. 8
That very strong prince, understanding the great monkey’s speed and valour towards his enemies and estimating his own strength, started increasing in size like the sun at the end of winter. 9
Aksha who was standing opposite the monkey, well understanding his stable valour which cannot be prevented from any one, became angry but set his attention properly, and kindled Hanuman by three sharp arrows. 10
Taking the arrows in his hand and holding the bow, that Aksha seeing that the monkey is not tired at all and that he was capable of defeating his enemies , started thinking with a perturbed mind. 11
That great warrior, wearing medallions, armlets and pretty ear studs made of gold attacked the monkey. The fight between those two was unequal and made even the devas and Asuras nervous. 12
Witnessing the fight between the prince and the monkey the earth rattled, Sun faded, wind did not move, mountains trembled, sky roared and ocean churned. 13
Then that hero who knew how to find proper aim, how to place the arrows on the bow and how to send them send again three arrows which had very sharp points, which had golden handle, which were dipped in poison and which were guided by feathers aimed at the head of the monkey. 14
That Hanuman not in the least affected by those arrows send at the same time, aimed at his head which was decorated by the ray like arrows, with eyes from which blood was dripping and with the luster of just emerged sun, appeared as if he was really the sun along with its rays. 15
Afterwards Hanuman who was the minister of the king of monkeys staring at the darling son of the king who was in the field of war armed with several sharp weapons as well as several bows, got ready for the war and roared greatly. 16
Then that strong and valorous Hanuman with increasing anger and appearing like the Sun atop the Mandhara mountain burnt Aksha Kumara who was accompanied by the army and who was having several vehicles to ride, by the fire of his eyes. 17
Because of that, he who was a Rakshasa cloud along with a rainbow like bow used to shoot arrows, rained several arrows like a cloud raining on a mountain, on the mountain like monkey chief. 18
Seeing Aksha kumara as of great valour in the war and as increasing heroism and power with passage of time, the monkey who was as powerful as the cloud roared with happiness in the war. 19
That Aksha becoming proud of his valour because of childishness, became very angry and with red shot eyes, fell on the monkey who does not have any one equal to him as if he was falling on a well covered with grass. 20
(He fell for him out of ignorance of real facts.)
That Hanuman hurt by the arrows sent with great force by him (Aksha) roared like a royal thunder. That son of wind god spreading his palms and thighs jumped on to the sky in his fearful form. 21
He who is very strong, who is the best among Rakshasas, who is filled with fame and who is the greatest among those who drive in the chariot, ran and opposed him showering arrows at Hanuman who was jumping and this was like a rain of stones on the mountain. 22
That monkey chief, who was a great warrior and who had the speed of the mind, kicked off the arrows and entered within the arrows , like wind and came out and traveled in the sky and was in the path of the sky like the wind. 23
That son of wind God stared with respect at Aksha, who was using the bow, who was desirous of war and who was covering the sky with sharp and great arrows and thought in his mind thus. 24
That monkey, who was capable of analyzing the result of actions and having a chest severely wounded by the arrows shot by the valorous prince who was great ,roared and thought in his mind about the actions to be done in the war. 25
“This one is very strong, and he has the luster of the baby sun, and does all great deeds like a grown up man. My mind does not allow to kill him (Aksha)who is an expert in all aspects of war, now, itself.” 26
“There is no doubt that he is extremely strong, great in his valour, does not get rattled in adversity, patiently opposes even in war and not only that he is fit for praise by the efficiency of his work by Nagas, Yakshas and even sages.” 27
“He is the one whose mind is elated by enthusiasm and valour and he opposes me and stares at me. His valor which is fast paced would even make the minds of Asuras and Devas tremble.” 28
“Even if he is disregarded, there is no guarantee that he will not oppose, for in war his valour increases greatly. I feel it is proper for me to kill him now itself for the spreading fire should not be disregarded. “ 29
That very strong abode of valour thinking and estimating the great speed of the enemy and the need to complete his work took an important decision. And decided in his mind in killing the bad souled one. 30
That monkey hero who was the son of wind god killed the eight horses, which were having great speed, which never knew tiredness and which could carry the chariot easily in the windy sky by hitting them with his open palm. 31
Then his big chariot having hit by the palm, having been broken by the minister of the monkey king, having its horses killed, having its roof broken, and having its axis separated fell in to the ground from the sky. 32
That great hero and the great char rioter Aksha left the chariot and holding the bow and with sword in his hand rose in to the sky, like a sage raising to the heaven after leaving his body because of the power of his penance. 33
Then that monkey, who was equal in valour to the God of Wind, neared him who was moving in the sky, which was used by Garuda, wind and sages and caught him strongly between his two legs. 34
That monkey who was one of the greatest monkeys and who was equal in valour to his father, caught him in the battlefield like Garuda, the king of birds catching a snake, rotated him thousands of times and threw him on the floor with lot of force. 35
Because of the son of wind that Rakshasa fell dead on the earth with broken hands, thighs, waist and neck, with eye balls coming out due to shattered bones, with blood flowing all over, with joints separated and with unsettled ties. 36
Felling him on the earth, that great monkey created great fear to the king of Rakshasas. 37
Once that prince was killed He was seen with great awe , by sages who travel in the sky and who do great penance, by Bhoothas who included Yakshas and Pannagas and Devendra surrounded by Devas. 38
After killing Aksha kumara who had the dazzle of the son of Indra, and who had blood red eyes, that hero Hanuman, started waiting for suitable occasion like the God of death waiting for the death of the beings, and again reached the gate of the tower. 39
Thus ends the forty seventh chapter of Sundara Kanda which is in the Ramayana which is the first epic written by Valmiki.
Chapter-48
Tying of Hanuman by Brahmasthra. (Indrajit the eldest son of Ravana is sent to capture Hanuman. He puts in lot of fight and at last sends Brahmasthra, which ties Hanuman. The rakshasa soldiers tied Hanuman by rope, which makes Hanuman, free of Brahmasthra but still, with a wish to see Ravana in person, he submits to the Rakshasas. Ravana asks his ministers to question him. Hanuman replies that he is the emissary of Sugreeva.)
After Hanuman killed Aksha Kumara that famous Rakshasa king, gained mental composure somehow and after that gave the following order to Indrajit who was equal to Indra and who was very angry. 1
“You are the one who knows the science of archery, you are the one of the greats among those who carry weapons, you are the one who can give even Devas and Asuras sorrow, you are the one who has shown great valour against Devas including Indra and the one who has worshipped Brahma and got special arrows.” 2
“Neither Asuras, nor devas, nor those who are helped by Indra are capable of facing the power of your arrows in war.” 3
“There is no one who does not get tired in war in all the three worlds, but you are protected by the power of your penance .Not only that, you are protected by your own valour and also you are capable of acting as per the needs of time and place. You are also greatly intelligent.” 4
“There is nothing in the war that cannot be achieved by your effort. Nothing is impossible to you in jobs that need the use of brain and thought. There is no one in all the three worlds who does not know the power of your arrows and intelligence.” 5
“The power of your penance, valour and the strength of your arrows are equal to me. After getting you (as son), who would definitely achieve victory in war, my mind had never experienced any effort.” 6
“All the Kinkaras, the Rakshasa called Jambumali, the sons of ministers who were valorous, and the five commanders have been killed. Similarly the great army consisting of horses, elephants and chariots has been killed. Your dear brother Aksha Kumara has also been killed.” 7-8
“Hey, killer of enemies, I do not definitely have the faith that I have you in them.” 9
“Hey, intelligent one, after estimating and understanding this great strength, power and valour of the monkey, use your strength properly and do effort equal to your strength.” 10
“Hey greatest among those who know archery, You who has the strength to conquer enemies, take further action such that, you use as much of your strength as required to destroy the army and take further action after judging your as well as the enemies strength.” 11
“Hey heroic warrior, it (the monkey) has got capability of exterminating crowd by crowd and so army is useless against it. Further you should not near it depending on Vajrayudha, because even God of wind does not have its speed. Since it is equal to fire war of deceit does not help to kill it.” 12
“Please go, after thinking clearly about all the points mentioned, having great confidence in the stability of your actions, after well remembering the bow and the power of arrows given by devas. Complete the job without failure.” 13
(Ravana seems to be of the opinion that without the use of holy god given arrows the monkey cannot be defeated.)
“The fact that I am sending you is contradictory to the fact that I love you, but this decision is proper for the king and the dharma(just action) of the king.” 14
“Hey, killer of enemies, in war it is essential to show the expertise learned in a careful manner, and what should be wished in war should only be victory over the enemy.” 15
That hero who had the strength equal to devas and who had untiring ability, after hearing the words of his father, decided on going to war mentally, and went round his master (father).16
After a respectful farewell by his own friends and with interest in war, Indrajit with an intention to be careful decided to depart. 17
That resplendent Rakshasa prince who had eyes like the petals of lotus who was a gentleman ebbed out like the sea during the full moon and new moon. 18
That Indrajit who was equal to Indra then climbed in to a chariot capable of traveling anywhere, drawn by four tigers that were comparable to the king of birds, who were comparable to each other and who had white sharp teeth. 19
He who was greatest among archers who knew the science of war, who was an expert in the war with arrows and who was great ,reached quickly ,riding on his chariot, to the place where Hanuman was sitting. 20
Hearing the sound made by his chariot and the twang of the bow, the famous Hanuman who was a great monkey hero became very happy. 21
Indrajit who was an expert in war went near Hanuman carrying his bow and very sharp arrows. 22
When he was going with a bow and with interest in war all the directions rattled and wild animals made various types of sounds. 23
During this time Nagas, Yakshas, Sages and Sidhas who traveled in the sky assembled there, besides the several species of birds hid the sky completely and shouted loudly. 24
That monkey seeing Indrajit coming fast riding in the chariot roared loudly and increased the size of his body speedily. 25
Riding on a miraculous chariot Indrajit who could complete any job in an artistic manner, made thunderous sound by his bow. 26
Then that very strong monkey who was equal in prowess to Indra and the Rakshasa king, and who was not afraid of war, fought with the son of the king of Rakshasas and they faced each other like born enemies and with great anger. 27
That monkey who was beyond sight destroyed the speed of arrows of Indrajit, who had won laurels in war, who was great archer, who was a great charioteer and who was a great hero. He increased further and further and traveled in the sky, which was the path of his father. 28
At that time, he who was capable of killing the opposing warriors shot arrows which were long and sharp, which had been attached with good feathers, which had ends decorated by gold and feathers, which were capable of being drawn well and which were as fast as the thunderous fire. 29
That Hanuman hearing the huge sound made by his chariot, the sound made by drums Beri and Pataha (types of war drums)and the sound made by the well drawn bow again jumped up. 30
That brown coloured great monkey traveled fast in between several properly shot arrows by him who was capable of shooting arrows correctly and made them all useless. 31
Hanuman, the son of wind god stood in front of him giving him facility to shoot him but spreading his hands jumped away from the arrows that he shot. 32
Those two who were very fast and who were experts in war carried on a war that attracted and surprised all beings. 33
That Rakshasa did not know the Achilles heel of Hanuman and the son of wind God did know the weakness of the courageous one. Thus those two fought opposing each other an intolerable war similar in valour to the devas 34
The great one who had firm capacity to shoot arrows without missing his aim seeing that his arrows which never go waste, were going waste not able to hit his aim, became extremely thoughtful then. 35
That son of the king of Rakshasas understanding that the monkey was deathless took a decision on how to tackle and catch him after great thought. 36
At that time, that great hero who was very learned in archery sent the Brahmasthra against the monkey. 37
Indrajit who knew the essence of archery and who was a great hero decided, “This one should be killed only by Brahmasthra ”and tied him, who was the son of wind God by Brahmasthra. 38
That monkey tied by the Rakshasa using that arrow (asthra) became incapable of moving and because of that very sad. 39
Then that monkey chief understanding that his speed was reduced by the power of Brahma and understanding that he was tied by the arrow (asthra), remembered the blessing of Brahma to him. 40
Hanuman thought in his mind about the Brahmasthra, which was sent with the Chant of Brahma and also the boon given to him by Brahma. 41
“This arrow has been sent with an understanding that “I who am under the control of the arrow do not have strength to tie myself loose because of the power of the universal teacher.” And so I have to respect the tie of the arrow of Brahma and obey it.” 42
That monkey understanding the power of that arrow and also remembering the blessings of Brahma permitting him to tie himself loose decided to obey the order of Brahma. 43
“Even though I am tied by the arrow, I who am protected by Brahma, Indra and Vayu, do not have any sense of fear.” 44
“Even this coming under the control of Rakshasas, I have the great benefit of having a meeting with the king of Rakshasas and so let the enemy carry me.” 45
That Hanuman who destroyed the valour of his enemies, who could take the right decisions and one who could guess the future course of events, did not move his limbs. Because of this he was caught by the enemies who neared him and acted as if he was bullied by all those who came there and made sounds like a weakling. 46
At that time, they finding him who could destroy is enemies as still, strongly tied him by strong jute threads and pieces of tree hides. 47
That Hanuman deciding that “It is possible that the king of Rakshasa may come to me to understand things,” tolerated peacefully the tying by the enemy soldiers and their bullying. 48
That hero was only tied by the ropes and hides and freed by the arrow, because that arrow does not tolerate tying by any other object. 49
At that time only the heroic Indrajit having understood that he was only tied by ropes and freed by the tie of Brahmasthra thought as follows, “ He has been tied by some other material. Will Brahmasthra tolerate it? , Alas, my great effort became in vain. Rakshasas do not know the power of chants. If Brahmasthra becomes useless, then no other arrow will work against him and all of us should be afraid for our lives.” 50-51
But Hanuman did not allow any one to know that he is free from the control of Brahmasthra. Because of that he suffered the troubles of other ties and was dragged by the Rakshasas.52
That monkey was dragged to the presence of the king of Rakshasas by the cruel Rakshasas who beat him with fists and logs of wood. 53
Even though Indrajit understood well that he was free from the ties of Brahmasthra and was only tied by ropes allowed that very strong monkey warrior who was surrounded by his army took him in front of the king.
54
Those rakshasas tying him, who was the greatest among monkeys, like a ferocious elephant, presented him in front of the king of Rakshasas. 55
At that time the following conversations took place among the Rakshasas, “ Who is this? Whom does it belong? Wherefrom it has come? What job has it here? Who is helping him?”56
The other Rakshasas who were very angry shouted among themselves, “We have to kill it. We have to burn it. We have to eat it.” 57
That great one, with contempt for them crossed the path and stood in front of the king of Rakshasas who was surrounded by people ready to serve him in any way that he wants andsaw the palace decorated by various precious stones. 58
(Some commentators interpret “With contempt for them” as “being dragged forcefully” also the “Path” is interpreted as “In the month of Magha” by some of them. One version of Ramayana says that Hanuman crossed the sea in the month of Magha , on Ekadasi thithi and on a Sunday.)
That greatly glittering Ravana saw that great monkey being dragged hither and thither by those ugly looking Rakshasas, 59
The monkey chief, Hanuman also saw, the king of Rakshasas who was shining like the sun God, and who was resplendent and very strong. 60
That ten headed one rolling his red eyes due to intense anger stared at the monkey, and ordered his important ministers who were sitting near him and who were elders known for their pedigree and good character, to question the monkey. 61
That monkey properly questioned by them about the reason why he came and also the cause of the reason, initially told. “ I am the emissary coming from the king of monkeys.” 62
Thus ends the forty eighth chapter of Sundara Kanda which is in the Ramayana which is the first epic written by Valmiki.
Chapter-49
Seeing the prowess of Ravana (Here Hanuman’s reaction on seeing Ravana is described. He feels but for Ravana’s bad qualities he would have been a very great person.)
The greatly valorous Hanuman became wonderstruck by his action and stared at the king of Rakshasas with reddish eyes. 1
(Hanuman felt bad that Ravana asked his ministers to question him instead of directly questioning him.)
Then Hanuman looked and saw the Valorous king of Rakshasas who shone with the extremely lustrous golden crown which was decorated by pearl garlands, who appeared imperial by wearing several golden ornaments in which several diamonds were struck and other precious stones were used, who wore very costly silk dress, who anointed himself with several scented sandal potions, who had several pretty designs drawn all over his body with red sandal paste, who had very red broad eyes which were horrible to look at and which stood out, who had great teeth which wee sharp and shined, who was shining like the Mandhara mountain which was full of wild animals, with his ten heads and hanging lips, who had a body like the black Anjana mountain, who was like the cloud with storks with his pearl necklace shining like full moon hanging over his chest, who was having hands which looked like the five headed serpent, on which he wore armlets, beautiful bangles and had applied sandal paste, who was sitting on majestic and pretty throne which was made of jade inlaid with several precious gems and on which was spread several broad pretty carpets, who was being assisted by several pretty lasses who were standing near him, who were well made up, and who were holding fans in their hands, who was surrounded by the four ministers Durdhara, Prahastha, Mahaparswa the rakshasa, and the very intelligent Nikumbha who all were very strong capable rakshasa counselors , who was served by other rakshasa ministers who knew the principle of holy chants, who were capable of showing him the right way and who served him like devas served Indra and who was full of royal looks like the cloud which surrounded the Meru mountain 2-14
(Ravana appeared with his ten heads only during war. Possibly he appeared with ten heads in his court in order to scare Hanuman)
Though he was very much troubled by the greatly valorous Rakshasas , he was greatly wonderstruck and kept on looking at the king of Rakshasas. 15
Hanuman after seeing that shining king of Rakshasas and being surprised by his power, thought as follows in his mind. 16
That intelligent Hanuman after observing the power of the very famous king of Rakshasas became thoughtful in various ways and thought, “ Ha, what a figure. ha, what a courage, ha,what a strength, ha what a dazzling power, it is very surprising that he is a combination of all these characteristics. If this strong god of Rakshasas has not been an unjust person, he would have been the protector of the world of devas including Indra. The entire world is afraid of him because of his cruel and fearless deeds, which are contradictory to the norms of the world. If he becomes angry, he would create a deluge and sink the world.” 17-20
Thus ends the forty ninth chapter of Sundara Kanda which is in the Ramayana which is the first epic written by Valmiki.
Chapter-50
The questioning of Hanuman by Prahastha (Ravana orders his minister Prahastha to question Hanuman. Hanuman replies to him that he is the emissary of Raghava.)
The long armed Ravana who was habituated to make the whole world cry stared at the yellow-eyed monkey standing in front of him and became immeasurably angry. 1
Seeing the enthusiastic chief of monkeys he became thoughtful out of fear and thought as follows, “ What? The God Nandi must have personally come here.” 2
“He must be the same one who cursed me, when I shook Kailasa mountain long ago and who has taken the form of a monkey or is he Banasura? “ 3
(See note under Sloka number 52 in chapter no. 3.Banasura is a thousand handed Rakshasa who was the son of Mahabali.)
That king with red eyes due to anger addressing Prahastha who was his minister in chief told the following words which were very timely and meaningful. 4
“This bad person may be questioned as to where from he has come? What was his purpose? And what did he get by scaring the Rakshasis and destroying the garden?” 5
“ This bad character may be asked, as to what benefit did he get in entering my town which cannot be entered by any one and what was the purpose of killing the Rakshasas? “ 6
Hearing the words of Ravana, Prahastha spoke as follows,” Hey monkey, there is no reason for you to be scared. You would be safe.” 7
“Hey, monkey, if you have been sent by Indra to the house of Ravana, please tell the truth. You would not face any problem and you would be released.” 8
“Did you come to our city assuming the form of spy for the sake of Yama or Kubhera or Varuna or where you sent by Vishnu who is desirous of victory?” 9
“Hey, monkey, I think you have assumed the form of monkey, for when we think of your valour, we do not feel that you are a monkey. Tell the truth and you would be immediately released.” 10
“If you tell a lie, it would be very difficult for you to continue to live. So what is the reason for your coming to the city of Ravana?” 11
Then the monkey who has been questioned thus addressing the chief of Rakshasa group replied as follows.” I do not belong either to Indra, Yama or Varuna.” 12
“I do not have acquaintance with Kubhera. Vishnu has not sent me. I who have come here is really a monkey only. This is my caste.” 13
“Since I could not personally get an interview with the king of Rakshasas this garden was destroyed by me for seeing him.” 14
“Then those strong Rakshasas who were desirous of war came before me and I fought with them for protecting myself.” 15
“I cannot be tied by either the devas or asuras with their arrows. I also got this boon from Lord Brahma.” 16
“Because I was desirous of seeing the king I obeyed the Brahmasthra and as soon as I was troubled by the Rakshasa, I was free of Brahmasthra.” 17
“I have come before you for the purpose of another king.” 18
“Be pleased to know that I am the emissary of Raghava who is immeasurably strong.” 19
“Besides, Oh, king, be pleased to hear my words which would bring good to you.” 20
Thus ends the fiftieth chapter of Sundara Kanda which is in the Ramayana which is the first epic written by Valmiki.
No comments:
Post a Comment