Chapter-21
Denial of Ravana’s proposal (This chapter contains the reply of Sita .She tells him that he should give her back to Sri Rama and seek his protection if he wants to live further)
Hearing the words of the cruel Rakshasa , Sita became sad and started trembling and toungue tied and told the following words as reply ,one by one in low tones. 1
(People believed that virtuous women should not shout and also Sita wanted to convince Ravana that he is wrong and that is why -one by one)
Sita who was pretty, who has done penance, who is virtuous, and who always meditates on her husband became extremely sad, started crying and trembling and put a thin grass in between them and replied him with a smile which showed her greatness. 2
(Putting the grass between them indicates , how much value she has attached to Ravana)
“Take back your mind from me and take your mind to your own people ,for you are not fit to pray to me like the sinner praying for redemption.” 3
“I who was born in a great family and got married in to a equally holy honoured family cannot do a great sin which is cursed by virtuous women with one husband.” 4
(Valmiki uses Eka Pathim meaning a lady with one husband.)
That famous daughter of Videha without bothering about Ravana the Rakshasa told this turning her back to him and started to tell the same thing in more detail. 5
“ I who am innocent and a wife of another man , am not fit to become your wife in the proper course, so protect the just method of action and obey the tenets of good conduct properly.” 6
“Hey night traveler, like your wives, the wives of other people also should be properly protected and so keep yourself as a simile and try to find satisfaction in your own wives.” 7
“He who cannot find satisfaction in his own wives is one who cannot control his senses and that unstable man is lead to his own destruction by other ladies.” 8
“It appears that here, there are no great ones who tell you about the right path or it appears that you are not obeying them for your brain is doing just opposite to the right conduct.” 9
“You who seem to concentrate your mind on bad conduct possibly are not obeying the advice of those great analysts and their words , which would give you to good future because you are leading the Rakshasas to destruction .” 10
“Prosperous countries and cities race to their complete destruction if they get a foolish king who engages himself in unjust activities.” 11
“Like that , this gem studded city of Lanka having got you as a king is soon going to be destroyed because of your sinful activities.” 12
“Hey Ravana, all animals are thankful for the destruction of a sinner who gets destroyed by thoughtless activities done by himself.” 13
“Like this your own people who are ignored t by a sinner such as you would become happy and curse you saying” That angry one attained this destruction because of God.”” 14
“I am not the one who will be tempted by wealth or the position of a queen and stray from just activities as I am one with Lord Rama like the Sun’s rays are with Sun.” 15
“Having made the Lord of the world’s hands as a source of protection (pillow). How can I allow any one else’s hands near me.” 16
“Like the ultimate knowledge is fit for one who does penances completely and gained knowledge of the soul, I am suitable to be wife only to him who is the king.” 17
“Hey Ravana, It would be good for you if you return me to Rama similar to the imprisoned she elephant be joined to its He elephant in the forest.” 18
“That Sri Rama is the greatest among men, he knows what is just and he is famous for behaving with affection towards any one seeking his protection and if you are desirous of living, you should build up friendly relationship with him .You please do everything that will please that Lord, who loves those who seeks his protection. That is the only one way for you, who is desirous of a deathless state and want to prevent your own death you have to decide to control your senses and decide to pray-fully offer me back at this moment.” 19-22
“Only by offering me back to Rama would you lead a comfortable life and if you do otherwise you would reach your death.” 23
“The Vajrayudha (weapon of diamond) may leave you and even God of death can postpone his action for a long time but if Rama, the Lord of the world ,becomes angry, you will not be left out.” 24
“You would hear the fearful echoing sound of Kodanda[2] , the bow of Rama , which would be similar to the sound made by Vajrayudha.” 25
“ Well made, poison spewing arrows of Rama and Lakshmana are going to fall here like serpents soon. “ 26
“Those arrows with hawk feather which are going to fall here are soon going to kill all Rakshasas and would leave no space in this city.” 27
“That great eagle ,Sri Rama is going to soon destroy the snake like king of Rakshasa like a eagle destroys the snakes.” 28
“Like Lord Mahavishnu took away the entire wealth of Rakshasa by his three steps, my Lord and destroyer of his enemies Sri Rama would free me from your clutches soon.” 29
(This gives an indication about the story of Vamana and Mahabali. Lord Vishnu took the form of dwarfish Brahmin lad and requested Mahabali for three steps of Land. Two steps measured all the fourteen worlds, and Mahabali offered his own head for the third step.)
“Hey Rakshasa , having been made without a army camp by the extermination of the army of Rakshasas in Janasthana and having no other alternative you did this bad deed.” 30
“Hey base one, did you not enter my ashram and abduct me when the lion like brothers went little far away.” 31
“Like a fox which is not safe when two hunter dogs are smelling for him, you would not be able to even stand before Rama and Lakshmana.” 32
“Similarly in the war with them you would attain destruction like the Vrithrasura who had one hand left was destroyed by the two handed Indra and there is no possibility of victory.” 33
(This alludes to one of the very few battles Indra won He first cut one of the Asura’s hand and when he continued fighting Indra killed him She compares Ravana to a single armed Asura and mocks at him..)
“My Lord Sri Rama with Lakshmana would take your soul away by their arrows like the hot sun dries away a small pool of water.” 34
“Even if you hide in the mountain of Kubhera or hide in the residence of Varuna or in the hall of Indra , definitely you cannot save yourselves from the son of Dasaratha like a lifeless huge tree cannot save itself from lightning.” 35
Thus ends the twenty first chapter of Sundara Kanda which is in the Ramayana which is the first epic written by Valmiki.
Chapter-22
Ravana setting limit for Sita (Ravana terrorizes Sita and tells her that within another two months she should sleep with him. Otherwise she would be killed. Sita rejects the threat with contempt it deserves and the passionate Ravana treats her cruelly. He is dissuaded by one Dhanyamala and returns to his palace , after ordering the Rakshasis surrounding Sita to make her obey to his wishes by fair or foul means.)
After this Ravana , hearing the firm reply of Sita, gave the following dangerous reply to her well intentioned words:- 1
“To the extent a man tries to console a lady, he gets caught in her web to that extent, to the extent he praises her, he is given negative replies to that extent.” 2
“The passion towards you within me is controlling my anger towards you like an experienced driver controls a straying horse.” 3
“Passion of a man is beautiful, because to whomsoever that passion is addressed , he gets love and mercy towards her.” 4
(Ravana who is a Rakshasa talks about the passion of man.)
“Because of this I am not killing you, who has love towards an imposter sage and who should be insulted and killed.” 5
“Hey princess of Mithila, for every harsh word that you told me you deserve terrible punishment of death.” 6
After telling the daughter of Videha these words, he became very angry and further told her the following:- 7
“Hey pretty one, who cannot be adequately described, the remaining period of safety that I have set to you are only two months and so you better climb in my bed to sleep with me.” 8
“If you do not accept me as your husband after two months, my cooks will cut you in to pieces for my breakfast.” 9
(After abducting and keeping her imprisoned in Asoka forest. Gave her a period of 12 months of which ten are already past.)
The deva and Gandharwa ladies present there with pain laden eyes pitied the daughter of Janaka who was threatened by the king of Rakshasas. 10
Some ladies by the movement of their lips and some others by their eyes and faces tried to console Sita who was terrorized by the Rakshasa. 11
Consoled by them Sita, addressing Ravana the king of Rakshasas told him the following words which reflected the greatness in her due to her virtue and which were good to the soul:- 12
“There appears to be none interested in your welfare and that is why nobody is preventing you from this base act of yours.” 13-14
“In all the three worlds none except you would wish me to be their wives, for I am the wife of that just soul like Sachi Devi is the wife of Indra.” 15
“Hey, base Rakshasa, where and how are you going to run and save yourself after uttering these sinful words addressed to the wife of the all powerful Sri Rama.(could be also interpreted as from that sin instead of Rama)” 16
“ You two are like the very angry upset elephant and a poor rabbit in the forest, you being the rabbit and Sri Rama the elephant.” 17
“You , who are like that are without shame insulting him from the beginning and never became visible to his eye and kept yourself in hiding.” 18
“Hey cruel one, why are those two cruel ugly an yellowish black eyes of yours which are staring me not falling down on earth.” 19
“Hey sinner, why does not your toungue which talks to me who am Rama’s wife and daughter in law of Dasaratha not getting detached?” 20
“Hey ten headed one, who deserves to become ash, I am not turning you in to ash by the power of my virtue because I do not have the consent from Rama and since I have to follow my own dictates of just action(dharma).” 21
“It is not possible for me ,who belongs to Rama, to be abducted and I do not have any doubt that God has fated this ,for causing your destruction.” 22
“After doing some trick to get Sri Rama away from me , you are supposed to be a great hero , who is the brother of Kubhera and who has an army , had only done the theft of a wife “ 23
Hearing these insulting words, Ravana rolled his very cruel eyes and stared at the daughter of Janaka. 24
That king of Rakshasas who was like a bluish cloud, who had very thick neck and arms, who had the strength and gait of a lion, who was a gentleman, who had sharp toungue and eyes like the flame of fire, who wore the crown with moving tips, who wore several pretty garlands and other marks, who wore red cloths and garland, who wore golden armlets, who had a pretty waist belt adorned with blue gem stones, who was like the Mandara mountain used to churn out nectar from the sea with the great serpent Vasuki encircling it and who
was equal to a mountain, shined with his two long , round and thick hands like the two peaks of Mandara mountain. 25-28
That Ravana, who wore two ear globes having the glitter of the young sun, who was like a mountain having two Asoka trees with red young leaves and flowers, who was similar to the wish giving tree (Kalpaka[3]) , who looked like the personification of spring season, who was like the dreaded body platform in the cremation ground, who though ornamented well was looking terrible and who was having deep red eyes due to anger, hissed like a serpent addressed Sita the daughter of King of Videha and told thus:- 29-31
“Hey lady , who has believed with hope that unjust Rama who is poor, I am going to kill you by my strength just now like the Sun eats away the dawn.” 32
Having told her like this Ravana who was the king who made his enemies cry, addressing the Rakshasis with terrible miens, some of whom were one eyed, some who were one eared, some who were shut eared, some who were having cow like ears, some who were having elephant like ears, some whose ears were hanging, some who did not have ear at all, some who were elephant legged, some who were horse legged, some who were cow legged, some who were having very long hairs on the leg, some who were having both eyes on one side, some who were having only one leg, some who were having giant legs, some who did not have leg at all, some who were having big heads and legs, some who were having big breasts and bellies, some who were having big mouth and eye, some who were having very long toungue, some who did not have toungue at all, some who were not having nose, some who were having the face of a lion, some who were having face of a cow and some who were having the face of a pig , ordered them , “ Hey Rakshasis, You take that action which would make Sita the daughter of Janaka obey my intents soon and all of you do it together. Not only that, bring her under control, using techniques favouring and not favouring her and tricks like Sama(soft), Bhedha(creating confusion) and Dhana(using rough tactics)” and after ordering like this forgetting himself by passion and anger he terrorized the daughter of Janaka showing her his face.” 33-39
Then a Rakshasi called Dhanya Malini hurriedly came near him and embracing the ten headed one told him thus:- 40
(some people identify Dhanya Malini as Mandodari, the queen of Ravana)
“Hey king, who is the chief of Rakshasas, what is the use this foolish Sita who belongs to the base caste of man to you, come on, make love with me.” 41
“Hey King, I feel that the God Brahma has not fated her to enjoy the greatly enjoyable things that you have earned by your strength.” 42
“The body of him who is in passionate love with some one who does love him becomes frail day by day and full contentment can be had only when you love some one who desires you. “ 43
That very strong cloud like Rakshasa, thus pulled back by that Rakshasi went back from there with a smile. 44
Starting from there, the ten headed one traveled to his palace with the glitter of the sun, making the earth tremble under his feet. 45
Along with the ten headed one, the Deva ladies, Gandharwa ladies and the Naga ladies surrounded him on all four sides and entered the palace. 46
Tempted by the God of love that Ravana terrorizing Sita who was stable, who always stood by just action and who was trembling leaving her there reached his glittering palace. 47
Thus ends the twenty second chapter of Sundara Kanda which is in the Ramayana which is the first epic written by Valmiki.
Chapter-23
Rakshasis trying to persuade Sita (After the departure of Ravana, the Rakshasis started advising Sita about the desirability of her, acceding to the request of Ravana. They point out the positive aspects and also tell her about her being killed, if she does not obey Ravana)
The King Ravana who made his enemies cry went back from there, telling like this to the princess of Mithila and ordering all Rakshasis. 1
After the king of Rakshasas started and went back to his harem ,those terrible looking Rakshasis surrounded Sita. 2
Afterwards the Rakshasis forgetting themselves in anger, came near Sita and faced the daughter of Videha told her these fearsome words:- 3
“Hey Sita, how is it that you do not consider being wife of Ravana who has ten heads, who was born in the family of Pulasthya and who is great as big?” 4
(Pulasthya was the son of Brahma and father of Vishravas)
After this One Rakshasi called Eka Jata(single haired one) with blood red eyes due to her anger called Sita who had a belly as soft as the palm and told her thus about this aspect:- 5
“The famous Pulasthya is the spiritual son of Brahma and among the Prajapathis (leader of men) and fourth in rank.” 6
(Sanaka, Sanatkumara and Sounaka are the others)
“This Pulasthya who had the spiritual son who is a very great sage with famed penance and is called by the name of Vishrawas and had the same luster as Lord Brahma himself.” 7
(The Rakshasis are trying to convince Sita that Ravana was after all a son of a great man in other words born to a man and a Rakshasi and therefore it is all right for her to become the wife of Ravana.)
“Hey Broad eyed one, Ravana who is the chief of Rakshasas is his son and you better like to become his wife. Hey lady who is all over pretty, are you going to obey, what I advice you or not?” 8
Then a Rakshasi called Harijata(green haired one) rolled her two very angry eyes and showing her cat like eyes uttered these words:-. 9
“You better like to become wife of that chief of Rakshasas who has won over the thirty three deva chieftains as well as their king Indra.” 10
At that time a Rakshasi called Praghasa bullying her forgetting herself in anger and told the following hard words, “ Are you going to accept the role of wife of the strong one who is ebbing with heroism, who has never retreated in a battle and who is very strong. That very strong king Ravana would leave his queen ,who needs to be respected and would consider you as the most lucky one among all. Ravana would desert his harem which is filled by thousands of ladies and which is decorated by gems and come near you.” 11-14
(She is telling her that he would leave his wife and concubines and get attached to her)
Another Rakshasi called Vikata asked her thus, “ That great one who has won Nagas, Gandharwas and Dhanavas in fights and war, is coming in front of you and begging you. Hey lady who is depressed, are you going to agree now itself to become the wife of Ravana who is a great one with all riches and who is the king of Rakshasas ?” 15-17
(She is emphasizing more on the valor of Ravana.)
After that a Rakshasi called Durmukhi(bad faced one) told her the following words,” Hey lady with long eyes, are you not going to come under the control of him, for whose sake the Sun is afraid to emit heat and wind is afraid to blow harshly? Hey pretty one , who has beautiful eye brows, are you going to give your strong consent to be the wife of Ravana, for whose sake trees shower flowers always and the black clouds pour out rain whenever he chooses? Hey bewitching lady who has a very attractive divine smile, you better be clever and obey this good advice given to you, otherwise you will not be definitely alive.” 18-22
(This Rakshasi harps about how even the divine ones dread Ravana)
Thus ends the twenty third chapter of Sundara Kanda which is in the Ramayana which is the first epic written by Valmiki.
Songs sung of twenty-fourth to forty-seventh chapters of Sundara Kanda by Lava and Kusha in front of Sri Rama at the place where AswaMedha sacrifice was being performed on eighteenth day . The total verses sung on that day were 932.
Chapter-24
Bullying by the Rakshasis (This chapter describes the various ways ,the Rakshasis tried to bully Sita)
After this the ugly looking hard hearted Rakshasa ladies came near Sita and told the following harsh and undesirable words:- 1
“Hey Sita, why are you not consenting to the life in Harem which is liked by all beings and which has very special beds? “ 2
“You think a human lady should only be the wife of another human being but that is not going to happen to you and so drag away your mind from Sri Rama.” 3
“Accept being the wife of Ravana who enjoys the greatest pleasures in all the three worlds and engage in pleasant love play.” 4
“It is strange for you who is a lucky human being without any defects, wanting to rejoin Rama who has been driven away from his kingdom, who is dejected and who is suffering because of sorrow.” 5
Sita who had eyes similar to the lotus , after hearing the words of Rakshasis . with tear- filled eyes, told the following words:- 6
“All the words told by you jointly are against the percepts of the world and are sinful and is not acceptable to me.” 7
“A human lady should not become the wife of a Rakshasa, Even if all of you are going to eat me away, I am not going to listen to your words.” 8
“Though my husband has been driven away from his kingdom and though he is in dire straits, he is always one who is respected by me and like the Lady Suvarchala is always with the Sun God, I will always be with him.” 9
( This simile is strange , because Suvarchala being hurt by Sun’s harsh rays, left her shadow instead of her to be his wife.)
“I would never part from my husband Rama who is the prince of Ikshuvaku clan , like the very lucky Lady Sachi devi from Indra, like Arundathi from Vasishta, Rohini from the moon god, Lopamudhra from Sage Agasthya, Sukanya from Sage Chyavana, Savithri from Prince Sathyavan, Madayanthi from Soudasa, Kesini from Sagara and the great Bhima princess Damayanthi from the great King Nala.” 10-12
(here she lists the various great virtuous ladies of her time. Since each couple represents a famous well
known story, they are not related here. She also indicates that like Damayanthi and Madayanthi, she will also rejoin her husband.)
Those Rakshasis appointed by Ravana, hearing the words of Sita, became livid with anger and uttered the following harsh words and bullied her. 13
Hanuman the monkey who was silently hiding atop the Simshuba tree carefully watched Sita and those Rakshasis. 14
Those angry women surrounded her who was trembling by fear on all the four sides licked and bit their dry and elongated lips. 15
They who were very angry took the white axe in their hands and told, “ This lady does not deserve to be the wife of Ravana who is the king of Rakshasas.” 16
(Till this time, the Rakshasis were trying to convince Sita logically.)
Terrorized by the hateful Rakshasis, she who had a pleasant face wiped away her tears and reached the Simshuba tree. 17
Surrounded by the Rakshasis that broad eyed Sita drowned in her sorrow reached the Simshuba tree and stood there. 18
Those Rakshasis surrounded on all sides Sita who was thin, who had a faded face and who wore dirty cloths and started bullying her. 19
Then a Rakshasi called Vinatha who was having all signs of being angry, who was having a hateful look, who was having a pot belly and who was ugly to look at addressing Sita told: - 20
“ Madam Sita, you have till now shown that you love your husband sufficiently and doing anything more than this necessary leads to sorrow.” 21
“Hey princess of Mithila, I am very much satisfied by your proper observation of the duty of human beings and let all good come to you . Be pleased to obey me who is telling you what is good for you.” 22-23
“You please accept Ravana who is the king of all Rakshasas, who is handsome, who is valorous, who is like Indra, the king of devas, who is powerful, who has the sense of sacrifice and who tells sweet things to every one as your husband.” 24
“Hey pretty lady who is the daughter of Videha, leave the poor unstable Rama and accept Ravana as husband and from today wear very costly make up and ornaments and become a queen of the three worlds. You would be then like Sachi Devi to Indra and Swaha Devi for the God of fire.” 25-26
(Swaha is the wife of Agni, the god of fire)
“Hey daughter of Videha, what is the use of your having the mortal Rama who does not have any support whatsoever? If you are not going to obey these words of mine to you, immediately all of us would eat you completely .” 27
Then A Rakshasi called Vikata who was having stooping breasts became very angry and with fists held up roared and told the following words to Sita. 28
“Hey very ignorant princess of Mithila, We have been tolerating several of your illogical words due to mercy towards and because of our peaceful nature.” 29
“You are not obeying our words which are the only suitable ones to the present circumstances.” 30
“Hey princess of Mithila you have been brought to the other shore of the ocean which cannot be crossed by any one and you have also come in to the horror filled harem of Ravana.” 31
“Stop those tears and give away your sorrow which is going to cause problems to you.” 32
“Leave out this permanent bad feeling and take as your share yourself happiness and love.” 33 “Hey Sita, enjoy yourselves by passionate love with the king of Rakshasas. “ 34
“Hey, coward, you seem not to know that the youth in ladies is not a permanent and so it is necessary to enjoy all pleasures till youth is there with you.” 35
“Hey, lady with a pretty eye, along with the king of Rakshasa see many flower gardens and mountain parks.” 36
“Hey pretty one, under your control there would be seven thousand ladies to obey you.” 37
“Hey princess of Mithila, if you do not act according to my words, I would definitely tear open your heart and eat it.” 38
After that a Rakshasi called Chandodhari with cruel looks and rotating a huge spear, told her the following words:- 39
“Seeing this lady who was abducted by Ravana, who is having with shaking breasts due to fear and who has doe like eyes, I am getting a great desire.” 40
“ It is my wish to bite away and eat her liver. Pancreas, the fleshy part above that, her fleshy bones, heart , intestines, and head.” 41
Alas, after that a Rakshasi called Praghasa told, “Why are we keeping quiet? Let us strangle this bad lady’s neck and tell our king that that human lady is no more. Then he will tell us” You can eat her” and “I do not have any doubt about his telling like this..” 42-43
Then another Rakshasi called Ajaamukhi(sheep headed one) told “Let us cut her in to small pieces and divide them equally among us and let us all take part in that. I do not like to go on arguing with her without doing this. Go and swiftly bring several type of drinks and several chutneys.” 44-45
Then a Rakshasi called Surpanaka (lady having very broad nails) told, “ I am in agreement with what Ajamukhi has told us .Go bring wine which makes us forget all sorrows. Let us eat the human flesh and dance in the grounds of Nikumbila.” 46-47
(Nikumbila is the ground outside the city where Ravana used to carry out his fire sacrifices.)
Terribly bullied thus by all the Rakshasis, Sita who is like a divine lady lost her courage and started crying. 48
Thus ends the twenty fourth chapter of Sundara Kanda which is in the Ramayana which is the first epic written by Valmiki.
Chapter-25
The sorrow of Sita (The terrible picture of the sorrowing Sita and the very sad thoughts that ran through her mind are given in this chapter)
When those disturbed Rakshasis were talking to her with anger and hate, the daughter of Janaka wept and cried a lot. 1
She making wet her broad breasts with the copious tears, was immersed in thought l and still did not reach the end of her sorrow. 2
She with a very disturbed face was trembling because of the bullying of the Rakshasis , and fell like a banana plant caught in the storm. 3
Her long broad hair, which was moving hither and thither, moved along with Sita who was trembling because of fear and appeared as if it was a serpent, which moved here and there. 4
That daughter of Videha, who was terrorized by the Rakshasis, who was very much full of fear and who had firm conviction of virtue towards her husband told the following words with eye full of tears:- 5
“ A human lady is not entitled to become the wife of a Rakshasa and since I am not going to obey your words, you can eat me all together.” 6
Alas, that princess of Mithila having been drowned in sorrow, exceeded the limits of sadness and was heart broken and with heavy breath and cried aloud accompanied by tears. 7
“The proverb that “Death is difficult to attain except in the fated time to males or females” told by learned people is very true , because in spite of the fact that I am mentally wounded and sad because of cruel Rakshasis and also because I am not with Rama, I continue to be alive ,at this moment.” 8-9
The sorrowing Sita who was like a deva maiden and who was cruelly treated by Ravana, did not find any other alternative. 10
Sita like the strayed deer attacked by wolf, started shivering uncontrollably like her soul was piercing deep inside her body. 11
During that time, becoming depressed by sorrow, she caught hold of a flowering branch of an Asoka tree and started thinking of her husband. 12
That great lady cried “Hey Rama”, “Hey Lakshmana”. “Hey mother in law Kausalya”, “Hey Sumithra”:, being luck less, and being ignorant of my duties. “I , like a fully loaded ship shaken by cyclone in the middle of the sea am going to die like an orphan.. I am melting down by my sorrow similar to the eroding shore by the speedy tide of water, because I am not able to see Him who is my husband and am in the custody of these Rakshasis, All lucky (blessed) people are able to see him ,who has eyes like the fully open lotus flower, who has the majestic gait of a lion, who is thankful , who utters only sweet words and who alone is my master”. 13-16
“My life without Rama is terrible similar to the one who has consumed very potent poison. I do not know what great sin , I have committed to merit this terrible sorrow that is eroding me. I being in the custody of Rakshasis am not able to see Lord Rama. Since I am suffering this extreme sorrow, I wish to give up this life. Human life is not all good, especially one under the custody of others for one does not have independence to end even one’s life.” Such thoughts made her further sad. 17-20
Thus ends the twenty fifth chapter of Sundara Kanda which is in the Ramayana which is the first epic written by Valmiki.
[1] IN Hinduism it is believed that good deeds earn you a period of time in heaven and once the fruits of good deeds are enjoyed, they fall down to earth as stars.
[2] Kodanda is the famous bow of Rama.
[3] This tree is in the Garden of Indra
Chapter-26
Sita’s decision to commit suicide (Sita who is extremely sad lists out logical reasons for her to commit suicide and decides on that course)
That wailing daughter of Janaka, with a bent head, eye full of tears and crying like a child was similar to the one who is mad, who has lost her wisdom and who is fear struck and started wailing like a mare rolling in mud to get rid of her tiresomeness. 1-2
“When Raghava (One who belongs to the clan of Raghu) was ignorant and away, this rakshasa called Ravana, who can assume any shape he wants, attacked me and abducted me and brought me here, when was crying.” 3
“Being in the custody of Rakshasis and being bullied by them terribly, I have become very sad and very much worried and so I am not interested in living further.” 4
“Without Rama the great charioteer and being in the custody of Rakshasis, there is no purpose in my living even with riches and ornaments.” 5
“My mind must be a very hard granite stone or a thing which does not erode or die, because even with all this sorrow, it is not breaking.” 6
“Being with less of virtue and not being a lady, I should have been destroyed and in spite of being not in the company of Rama this sinner is protecting her life for this small period.” 7
“What interest have I to look after my body and continue to live after parting from my darling, who is the lord of all land surrounded by the sea and who has such a sweet desirable speech?” 8
“I would not like to tolerate this great sorrow of being away from him for a long time and I do not mind even if I am cut in to pieces or eaten alive.” 9
“I would not even touch this base thief Ravana by even by my left feet and where is the question of my making love to him?” 10
“That cruel one, who desires to request me to be his wife does not understand when he is being rejected by me with aversion, nor does he understand his stature nor his family.” 11
“I would not accede to Ravana , even if I am crushed or cut or put in a raging fire. What is the point in this waiting?” 12
“I doubt that Sri Rama who is very knowledgeable, grateful, shows mercy to those in danger, well behaved and very famous, is devoid of any pity towards me due to my lack of luck.” 13
“Why is he, who exterminated fourteen thousand Rakshasas all alone in Janasthana not interested in saving me?” 14
“This Ravana with very little valor has imprisoned me and I do not have any doubt that my husband is capable of winning him in war.” 15
“Why is it that Rama who killed that great Rakshasa Viradha in Dandakaranya not freeing me from this custody and taking me back?” 16
(Viradha was a Gandharwa who was cured by his master Kubhera.He fought with Rama and Lakshmana and was killed)
“It is true that this Lanka is in the middle of the ocean and prevents the entry of outsiders but I do not think that it is capable of preventing the arrows of Raghava.” 17
“What could be the reason that a very stable hero like Sri Rama does not come here and release his darling wife, I do not understand.” 18
“I believe that the great valorous one who is the elder brother of Lakshmana does not know that I am here, for once he knows about it he will not tolerate this insult.” 19
“That great king of hawks who would have rushed to Raghava and informed him that I have been abducted by Ravana fell in the battle.” 20
(She is referring to Jatayu, the hawk son of Varuna, who fought with Ravana and died in the battle. However he was alive till he told Rama that Ravana had abducted her. Rama cremated him in the forest with all
honours. Sita was ignorant of this story)
“In spite of the fact that the Jatayu, who no doubt is old was defeated in the wrestling fight against Ravana and was defeated though he did a very great job.” 21
“ If that Raghava knows that I am here, immediately with great anger using his arrows he would make the world devoid of Rakshasas , he would blow Lanka away , dry the great ocean and even destroy the name and fame of Ravana.” 22-23
“Afterwards, similar to my crying and wailing, in every house of Sri Lanka, these Rakshasis who have become widows would cry and possibly cry more.” 24
“Rama accompanied by Lakshmana would search and find out Lanka, and it is definite that the enemy, once found out by them will not even live for a second more.” 25
“Soon, this Lanka is going to be filled with the smoke emanating from burning coffins and would be like a cremation ground filled with crowds of hawks.” 26
“Within a short time my desire would be fulfilled and definitely and this bad conduct of yours would lead to the destruction of you all.” 27
“Within a short time this Lanka is going to loose its luster and very many bad omens are visible even now.” 28
“When the great sinner and the worst among Rakshasas is killed then this Sri Lanka which is impregnable , is going to get weakened like a lady who has become a widow.”29
“This fertile and rich Sri Lanka which has lots of holy festivals and the Rakshasas would become leaderless like a lady who has lost her husband.” 30
“In this place, I am going to hear soon the wailing of Rakshasis who are sad and pained from every house.” 31
“Once the red eyed valorous Sri Rama knows that I am alive and in the house of Ravana, then definitely, Lanka would be burned by the arrows of Sri Rama and would become dark by losing its luster and would be filled with dead Rakshasas.” 32-33
“The limit of time which has been fixed by this cruel and base Ravana is approaching near.” 34
“These Rakshasas, who are sinners do not know that they are performing acts which should not be done and would as a result, danger would definitely come to all those who live in this town.” 35
“These flesh eating Rakshasas do not understand what is just action and it is definite that they would fix me for breakfast.” 36
“ Without seeing Rama, who has eyes with red corners and who is pleasing to the eye, what can I who am very sorrowful do?” 37
“If it happens that any one here, would give me poison, I being without my husband would go and see the God of death.” 38
“Rama who is the elder brother of Bharatha must be ignorant of the fact that I am alive for if not they both would not spare any effort to find me in this earth.” 39
“That valorous elder brother of Lakshmana due to the sorrow because of me, must have left this body and must have reached heaven.” 40
“How lucky are those devas, Gandarwas, Siddhas and sages because they are able to see the lotus eyed Sri Rama who is my lord.” 41
(Assumes Lord Rama has reached the heaven)
“Possibly there is nothing I can do as a wife to Sri Rama who is very wise, who is very charitable, who is like a royal sage and who is the personification of God.” 42
“Thankless people show love towards you when you are near them and do not show love when you are not near, but Rama is never like that.” 43
“Is it because I do not have desirable traits or is it because that I am not lucky, that I, in spite of being a woman, is suffering because of the absence of Rama.” 44
“I think it would be better for me to die rather than live away from Rama who is a great man, who has a faultless character, who is heroic and who is capable of destroying his enemies.” 45
“Or is it that those two brothers who follow just action and who are sterling among men have decided to throw away their ornaments and live in the forest eating only fruits and roots.?” 46
“Or is it possible that those heroic brothers have been killed using deceit by Ravana who is the king of Rakshasa and a bad one?” 47
“In this state I wish to die but I do not get a suitable death even in this very sad state.” 48
“Those who do not have likes and dislikes are very great souls , for they have won over their senses , they are very lucky, they are really sages, they are recognized by the world and are the ones who should be really applauded.” 49
“When pleasures come , mind is not having sorrow. When sadness comes there is pain in the mind. My salutations to those who stand separately from both these states.” 50
“I who am not able to achieve such victory over mind have got away from my husband Rama who lives according to law and am in the custody of Ravana and so I am going to commit suicide.” 51
Thus ends the twenty sixth chapter of Sundara Kanda which is in the Ramayana which is the first epic written by Valmiki.
Chapter-27
The dream of Trijata (This chapter is about the dream of Trijata-one of the guards of Sita, who is the daughter of Vibhishana,
which foretells good tidings for Sita and Rama and very bad happenings to Ravana and other Rakshasas.)
Having been told like this the horrible Rakshasis became livid with anger and some of them went to tell it to the bad soul Ravana. 1
Then the terrible looking Rakshasis surrounded Sita and told the following words, which lead to the same result and which are hurting to the ears. 2
“Hey ignorant Sita who has decided upon to do sinful act , today and now itself we the Rakshasis are going to eat your flesh.” 3
Seeing the methods of bullying used by them which are not lady like, a very elderly and wise Rakshasi called Trijata[17] spoke the following words:- 4
“Hey sinners, you can eat me and please do not kill Sita who is the daughter of Janaka, who is the daughter in law of Dasaratha and who respects all others.” 5
“Just now I saw a dream and truly I saw it. When thinking about it I am upset , my hairs stand upright for the dream is about the fall of Rakshasas and the victory of her husband.” 6
Thus informed by Trijata, those Rakshasis who had lost their senses due to anger were suddenly full of fear and asked Trijata, ”What is the type of dream that you have seen at night? Please explain it in detail.” 7
Once she heard the words emanating from the mouth of Rakshasis ,Trijata started talking to them about her dream. 8
“Raghava clothed in white silk and wearing white flower garland arrived happily along with Lakshmana in a palanquin made of ivory and carried by thousand swans and traveling in the sky.” 9
“I saw in my dream Sita also clothed in white silk who had reached the White Mountain surrounded by the sea and being happy with Sri Rama like the sun light with the sun.” 10
(please note that dressing in white was considered as auspicious during the time of Ramayana)
“I Saw Rama along with Lakshmana arriving ,riding on a mountain like , four tusked great elephant.” 11
“Then those two human heroes clothed in white silk and wearing white flower garland , shining in their own luster approached the daughter of Janaka.” 12
“Then Janaki from that mountain itself climbed on to the neck of the elephant which was looked after by her husband.” 13
“Then she rose from the lap of her lotus eyed husband and stated patting the moon and the sun”. 14
“Then the elephant ridden by those two princes and the broad eyed Sita came and stood on the sky just above Lanka.” 15
“Then accompanied by Sita and Lakshmana, Rama climbed on a chariot drawn by eight pairs of bulls and reached here on his own .” 16
“I saw Sri Rama, who is capable of exterminating problems swallowing all the three worlds along with several globes and its moving and not moving inhabitants.” 17
“From the middle of the waters of the ocean of milk, one white mountain rose up. On the top of the mountain was a very big white elephant with four tusks. And on the top of it the lotus eyed Sri Rama, his brother Lakshmana and his wife Sita were seated.” 18-20
“Sita arose from there and embraced the pretty, full moon with both her hands and was there as a part of her husband.” 21
“After that in another place, the lotus eyed Rama who was born in the Kakustha clan and who was a gentleman, sat on a wonderful seat facing east and was anointed by all the holy waters by the group of great sages ,I also saw him being worshipped by all devas.” 22-23
“There she who is the daughter of Janaka, who was having a very pretty middle part, clothed in white silk, wearing white flower garlands and also anointed by scents from several holy flowers shined greatly.” 24
“After this Devas accompanied by Gandarwas, sages and Sidhas keeping Lord Brahma in their front saluted Sri Rama.” 25
“The great Sri Rama who was expert in pleasing every one became himself Lord Vishnu and sat on a holy seat. I also saw him like this.” 26
“The red eyed gentleman Sri Rama who was the lord of all worlds and who was a descendent of Raghu, shined there as the ultimate truth, as the ultimate essence, as the personification of ultimate knowledge, as the ultimate mediation, as the ultimate cause, as the ultimate place, as the ultimate cause of everything, holding conch, holy wheel and mace in his hands , with very long eyes, with Sri Vatsa[18] on his chest , as the kingdom leading to ultimate deliverance , as somebody who can never be defeated, as some body who is
permanent, as somebody who is perennial, as Vishnu the abode of peace and as some one who was glowing greatly. 27-29
“Then the king of devas, manes, great sages, gandarwas, Vidhyadaras, the chief of Pannagas surrounded Rama , who was crowned and with folded hands sang his praise.” 30
“Then all the Apsaras (Deva dancers) joined together sang with happiness and danced accompanied by necessary musical instruments. Along with them instruments like Veena, Muraja[19], drums and conches together made pleasant royal music.” 31
“After this I also saw the real hero Rama ,in another place. That prince among men with Lakshmana ,his brother and his wife Sita was riding the sun like holy Puspaka Vimana and was traveling towards the north.” 32-33
(In the Northern side of India, Gods used to reside and was considered holy)
I saw like this in my dream the valorous Sri Rama who was very similar to Lord Vishnu along with his brother Lakshmana and with Sita. 34
“That resplendent Sri Rama who cannot be won over either by Devas or asuras or rakshasas or any body else is similar to the fact that heaven cannot be won over by sinners.” 35
“Not only this, I saw the head shaved Ravana who had applied oil all over , clothed in red cloths, tipsy being drunk and wearing KaraVira flowers. 36
(Here red colour is indicative of bad. This stanza also indicated shaving of head indicates miserable state.)
“At another time I saw the head shaved Ravana who has fallen to the earth from Pushpaka Vimana being forcibly dragged by a lady wearing black dress.” 37
“He wore a red garland and red Thilaka and was traveling to the south riding a chariot dragged by donkey and was drowned in a hole in the mud.” 38
“I saw a black lady laden with mud all over her body wearing a cloth smelling of blood dragging the ten headed one holding him tightly on the neck towards south.” 39
“He was riding fast towards the south on a donkey having lost his senses by drinking oil, laughing, tottering, with dulled senses and with weak body” 40
(God of death and hell were supposed to be in the Southern direction)
“I also saw the king Ravana falling from the donkey with head down wards and stunned by fear and ultimately falling on earth.” 41
“That Ravana suddenly got up, was caught by fear, started trembling, was shaking because he was drunk, was shouting many meaningless words like a mad man and fell in a intolerable, very dark, hell like shit pit and went down in to that.” 42-43
“I also the very strong Kumbhakarna[20] in there. I also saw all the sons of Ravana applied with oil and head shaved in side there.” 44
“Ravana riding on a pig, Indrajit riding on a crocodile and Kumbhakarna riding on a camel went towards south.” 45
“But I saw in my dream only Vibishana carrying a white umbrella clothed in white silk, wearing a white garland , anointed with white sandal paste and accompanied by music of Dndhubhi[21] and honoured by dance and music.” 46
“There I saw Vibishana along with four ministers riding on a holy four tusked elephant which was equal to a cloud and which was roaring like a cloud reaching Sri Rama.” 47
“I also saw huge crowds of drunk Rakshasas in blood drenched cloth , wearing blood red garlands along with sound of drums and music.” 48
“I saw the pretty city of Lanka which has horses, chariots and elephants drowning in the sea with its towers and decorations broken down.” 49
“I saw in my dream, the city of Lanka which is well protected by Ravana being burnt down by a monkey who was the emissary of Rama.” 50
“All the Rakshasis were loudly crying and dancing after drinking oil and in the city of Lanka which had turned in to ashes, all Rakshasa chieftains like Kumbhakarna , all dressed in red ,were getting drowned in a pit of cow dung.” 51-52
“Raghava who cannot tolerate crimes is going to kill Ravana along with all his people and is going take back Sita. You will see this and you better run and hide yourself.” 53
“Raghava will not forgive you all for terrorizing and bullying his wife who is his darling, who is honoured by him and who accompanied him to live in the forest.” 54
“So let your cruel words stop, talk to her and console her .Let us all beg the daughter of Videha and I feel that is only the good decision.” 55-56
“ This very sad lady about whom this dream was seen, is going to get out of the different kinds of sorrow and is going to join back her very great husband.” 57
“Hey, Rakshasis, what is the use of hesitating, go and beg the forgiveness of her who has been terrorized.” 58
“All the Rakshasas are going to suffer grave danger from Raghava.” 59
“Hey, Rakshasis, there is no doubt that the princess of Mithila who is the daughter of Janaka would get quickly pleased with you as soon as you bow to her. She alone is sufficient to save us all from this grave danger.” 60
“Not only that, I do not see even a bit of anything which is not a good omen in all parts of her body.” 61
“The only sorrowful state which had happened to her , who attained the Vimana in my dream and who should not have got all this sorrow is her being dulled by the dirt” 62
“I am seeing that, the downfall of the king of Rakshasas, victory of Rama and the fulfillment of desires of the daughter of Videha has come very near.” 63
“Good omens are happening to her who is going to hear pleasant news. I am seeing that her long left eye, which is like a lotus petal, is beating about. Apart from that only the left arm of Vaidehi is throbbing because of pleasure .Also her left thigh, which is like the trunk of an elephant, is throbbing. All this indicates that Raghava is standing in front of her eye.” 64-66
“Not only that, the bird living on the branches with great zest and happiness is making lovely soft sound indicating the safe arrival of some one again and again and appears as if it is helping her by its song.” 67
Thus ends the twenty seventh chapter of Sundara Kanda which is in the Ramayana which is the first epic written by Valmiki.
Chapter-28
Trying to hang herself by her hair (After reflecting her sad state of affairs Sita decides to commit suicide by hanging by use of her rope like hair. At that time she saw some good omens.)
That Sita, hearing the intolerable words of the Rakshasa king Ravana, became dejected and sad and shivered like a young she elephant caught in the clutches of a lion. 1
That Sita who was caught between the Rakshasis and hence terrified, being bullied by Ravana’s harsh words started crying like a young girl who has been left in the middle of a solitary forest and started wailing again. 2
“”Sages say that in this world, you cannot die except at the appointed time. How true the saying is, for in spite of being terrorized like this and in spite of being a sinner, I am kept alive for more than a second.” 3
“May be my heart which is devoid of pleasures and filled with sorrow is immortal? Because even at this time it is not breaking in to thousand pieces like the peak of a mountain hit by Vajarayudha.” 4
“I would commit suicide immediately and there would not be any sin for me in this. I should not agree to the desire with intolerable intention of Ravana, like A Brahmin should not teach Vedas to those who are not Dwija[22].” 5
“If he who is the chief of the world does not come at this time, the ungentlemanly Ravana would cut all the parts of my body by sharp weapons like an animal caught in the womb is taken out after cutting it in to pieces.” 6
“Like a thief punished by death and kept in custody finds it difficult even to spend a night, for me who is sorrowful , these two months are very long. Alas what a great sorrow it is.” 7
“Hey Rama, Hey Lakshmana, Hey Sumithra, Hey mother of Rama, I am filled with sorrow like a boat caught by cyclone in the middle of the sea.” 8
“Because of me those two sons of the king of men (Dasaratha) should have been killed by the Rakshasa who came there as a deer like two great lions being killed by thunder.” 9
“Possibly the God of death himself came in the form of a deer and tempted me who is unlucky and due to this only I parted company with the gentleman Rama who is the elder brother of Lakshmana.” 10
“Hey Rama who has taken truth as a penance, hey long armed one, hey Rama who is similar to the full moon, hey Rama who is dear to all animals, hey Rama who does only good, are you not knowing that the rakshasas are going to kill me.” 11
“My conviction that there is no god except you, my patience, my sleeping on the floor, my standing firm on my resolve of doing just actions, and my virtue as a wife, are going to go waste , like the help done to ungrateful people.” 12
“I being away from you, being famished and thin, being pale and being not at all sure that I would see you again, am not able to see any way to see you, So this just conduct that I have been observing is of no use and also my determination to be with only one husband is also of no use.” 13
“I desire that at least you should complete the desire of your father strictly, return from the forest and become elated at having being done so, leave out all sorrow at having completed the penance and be relaxed under the careful service of the women. there.” 14
(Though” women” is the word used, commentators feel it only indicates his mothers and other elderly woman.)
“Hey Rama, I have served you with all my mind but at last, having decided to commit suicide, am going to sacrifice my life at last ,being unlucky and having observed meditation and penance without any use.” 15
“I should have ended my life by poison or by use of a sharp sword but I do not find any one in the palace of Ravana to give me poison or the sword.” 16
Thus thinking, wailing , trembling and with a dry throat Sita approached a big flowering tree with the thought of Sri Rama in her mind.” 17
Thinking thus in various ways, being extremely upset by sorrow, that Sita took her singly made up hair in her hand and deciding that ”Immediately I am going to hang and die by tying this hair to my throat and travel to the place of the God of death.”, she who had a with soft and tender body , stood catching the branch of that tree. At that time when continuous thought of Rama and Rama’s brother were passing through the mind of that holy lady, some omens which are not the cause of sorrow, which contribute to strengthening of the mind and which were world famous as indicating good tidings happened to her. 18-20
(Her though process indicates she was not willing to embrace such a sinful way of death, which was unsuitable to the greatness of her family.)
Thus ends the twenty eighth chapter of Sundara Kanda which is in the Ramayana which is the first epic written by Valmiki.
Chapter-29
Seeing of good omens (Good omens occurred to Sita who was consoled by those omens and gained more confidence)
Good omens approached her who is faultless; who does forever good, who was mentally perturbed and who because of lack of happiness was terribly depressed like the helpless people approaching a generous man. 1
That long haired lady’s very pretty left eye which is surrounded by curved eye brows , which is black , which is broad and which is bright white colour, surrounded by red colour started throbbing like the lotus flower shaken by a fish. 2
Her pretty long round arms which merit the application of dark sandal paste and which were caressed by her darling, started throbbing fast for quite some time. 3
Not only that apart from these two, her left thigh which was round and fat like the elephants trunk throbbed giving initial signals to her of the coming back of Sri Rama. 4
Also the gold coloured dress which was coated with dust, of that very pretty standing woman ,who had teeth which are like the buds of jasmine and who had very clear eyes , slightly loosened indicating good things are bound come. 5
Getting more confidence by these good omens and others , which were indicative of fulfillment of desires from very ancient times , that pretty lady became very happy similar to the wind and sun dried seed when it received rain. 6
Her face with lips which were similar to the red guava fruit, her pretty eyes and eye brows , her long hair, her curved eyelids and her teeth which were white started shining again like the moon which got its freedom from the serpent Rahu. 7
(Hindus believed that at the time of lunar eclipse the serpent Rahu swallows the moon )
Face of that lady with her sorrow removed, with no thoughts in her mind, with her worries quenched and , with more strength due to more happiness glowed like the night lit by the cool moon. 8
Thus ends the twenty ninth chapter of Sundara Kanda which is in the Ramayana which is the first epic written by Valmiki.
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