Chapter-11
Search in the hall for drinking
( A full and detailed description of the hall of drink and Hanuman’s search for Sita there is recounted in this chapter)
Within a quarter of minute he rejected his momentary wish that it was Sita as not right and became clear headed and started thinking, in the right path. 1
After that Hanuman decided that “There was no chance of Sita who was separated from Sri Rama sleeping, nor eating, nor wearing of ornaments, nor even drinking water nor go near another male even if he were the king of Devas for even among devas there is none as great as Rama and so this lady has to be somebody else.” And he started searching further in the hall of drinking. 2-3
The monkey chief saw Ravana who was deep asleep due to being tired by his intense love making and his collection of ladies among whom some were tired because of love making, some because of singing, some because of dancing and some asleep because of consumption of alcoholic drinks. He saw some ladies leaning on drums of different types and on small seats as well as many sleeping on special beds made for sleep by ladies. He saw thousands of ladies some decorated by ornaments, some who had the habit of describing their bodily beauty, some who describe the meanings of songs, some who work according to the need of place and time and some who can speak properly to suit an occasion 4-7
Amongst those ladies, the Rakshasa king of great valor, looked like a bull among cows of high pedigree in a very wide stable. 8
Naturally being surrounded by those ladies, the king of Rakshasas shined like an awesome he-elephant among large number of she elephants of the forest. 9
In the house of the great chief of rakshasas, the monkey chief saw collection of well stocked drinking places(bars) 10
In that drinking place Hanuman saw meats of deer, pig and raven kept separately. 11
He also saw further half eaten peacocks and hen kept in large golden vessels. 12
Hanuman saw the meats of eagle, sheep, porcupine, deer and peacock cooked with curd and Masalas , fully cooked doves , half eaten ravens, buffalos and one thorn fishes, well cooked mutton, several type of side dishes, several type of drinks and several type of light eatables. 13-14
Similarly by different types of drinks which were sour, salty and other great tastes made by concentrating the juices of grapes, orange and pomegranate and those chains, armlets and bangles which have been removed and strewn all over and also decorated by flowers and fruits kept in goblets that place was very pretty. 15-16
That place of drink appeared to be glistening even without fire by the very many tastefully arranged sofas and chairs. 17
Garlands and also very many distilled alcoholic drinks, various alcoholic drinks made with sugar syrup, honey, fruit juices and flower concentrates, several other drinks which were sorted and kept and various types of meat which were properly mixed , cooked and made by great chefs, with great care in which various spices and condiments which were added in proper proportion filled that drinking place and added to its luster. 18-20
That monkey chief saw many specially made drinks filled in silver and golden pots arranged in different place all over. 21
He also saw large number goblets, which were made of gold, silver and many made with several gems. 22
That place was also filled with serving cups for these drinks, which were made of gold, crystal and gold alloy. 23
That Hanuman saw in some place half emptied goblets, in some places empty goblets and in some places goblets filled to the brim. 24
He wandered here and there seeing various eatables, drinks sorted in different categories, left over food, broken drink pots, spilled water, fruits and prettily made garlands. 25-26
There were white cushions used by ladies for sleeping and various beauties sleeping tightly embraced. 27
Not only that in some cases one lady in her sleep was covering herself with the pulled out dress of another and several were in very deep slumber. 28
It was wonderful, that the cloths on their body and the garlands that they were wearing did not move by their heavy breath, which was like the slowly wafting wind. 29
The breeze carrying with in it the incense of cool sandal, by the scents of various alcoholic drinks and the various flowers in garlands was wafting here and there, That Puspaka Vimana was also full of scents of various perfumes worn by different ladies, the sandalwood and other incense that were being burnt. 30-31
In that house of Rakshasa some of the ladies were brown, some were black and some others were of golden colour. 32
Their looks because of deep sleep and made loose by their passion, appeared like the lotus pond in which the flowers have closed up. 33
Like this the great soul Hanuman wandered all over Ravana’s harem and searched in all places but in spite of that did not find Janaki (Sita, Janaka’s daughter). 34
Hanuman became very thoughtful and worried because he thought that in staring at those women he has slipped from Dharma (the standards of right conduct.) 35
He thought that the sight of this crowd of wives of the enemy when they were deep asleep made him a commit a great sin. 36
(The sloka could also indicate half nude ladies who were asleep)
Then he thought that his stare at the wives of somebody else was not done in a worldly manner. 37
“This sight of other people’s wives has not done by me with passion.” , he further thought. 38
Then a new doubtless thought pointing towards the correct decision arose in the mind of very intelligent Hanuman who was capable of great thought 39
“I saw all the wives of Ravana who were sleeping without any fear and with great belief. In spite of that my mind did not waver even a little bit.” He thought. 40-41
“ Mind is the sole cause of all the sense organs doing good or bad and that mind did not waver even a bit in my case”, he thought. 42
“Always suppose a lady has to be searched it should be in the crowd ladies only and therefore It is impossible to me to search and find out Sita in any other place.” he further thought 43
“Search for an animal of a specific type has to be made within the type only and a lost woman cannot be searched among a group of deer.” He thought. 44
“And therefore this Harem of Ravana was searched well by me with a very clean mind and in spite of that I could not find Sita” he thought. 45
The great Hero Hanuman saw many lasses of Devas, Gandarwas and Nagas but was not able to find Janaki. 46
Having seen many great ladies but because he was not able to find Sita, he went outside from that hall at that time and started thinking. 47
The great soul Hanuman having come out of that hall of drinking, took great pain in starting the search for Sita again. 48
Thus ends the eleventh chapter of Sundara Kanda which is in the Ramayana which is the first epic written by Valmiki.
Chapter-12
Hanuman’s worry
(Hanuman’s final search for Sita in the harem, his fear for having committed a sin because of his entry in to the Harem and his sense of dejection in not being able to find Sita are described)
That Son of God of wind visited separately the garden enclosures, picture galleries and bedrooms in thecenter of the palace , but he who was interested in seeing the beautiful Sita could not see her. 1
Because that great monkey was not able to see the darling of the son of Raghu, he thought thus “becauseSita who is very upset is not visible to me, it is definite that she is no more alive.” 2
“It is possible that the daughter of Janaka who treads by the path of pristine duty, who is devoted to her husband, who has interest in protecting her virtue, might have been killed by the chief of Rakshasas who exhibits many bad qualities.” he thought 3
“After seeing the ladies of the chief of Rakshasas who are having ugly features, who are ugly, who do not have the luster in their body, and who are having a very cruel vision , Sita who is the daughter of Janaka might have died out of fear”. He thought 4
“Without seeing Sita, without doing my duty and having spent lot of time with other monkeys , I should not go back to Sugreeva because the powerful Sugreeva awards great punishments”, he thought. 5
“I have searched all over the harem, I have seen all ladies of Ravana but I only could not see the sterling natured Sita and so all my efforts are in vain”, thought he. 6
“When I go back and meet all the monkeys who have gathered together they would ask “Hey hero, what did you do there? Please tell us about it. What happened there?” and what will I who has not been able to see her reply to them?”. He thought. 7
“If the time is delayed too much for my return definitely they will all commit mass suicide by starvation”, he thought. 8
In those places Hanuman saw Rakshasis with various forms who were very ugly, whose actions were ugly but he was not able to see the daughter of Janaka. 19
Hanuman saw there many Vidhyadara maidens whose beauty was unparalleled in the world but was not able to see only the wife of Rama. 20
Hanuman saw there very beautiful Naga maidens who had faces like the full moon but he was not able to see the good-natured Sita. 21
Hanuman saw Naga maidens forcibly abducted by Ravana after victory in war but he was not able to see only the daughter of Janaka. 22
The son of Wind God who was both intelligent and heroic saw several ladies with good lineage but not Sita and became very sad. 23
His sorrow went on increasing when he thought that the effort put up by monkeys and his crossing of the ocean was fully wasted. 24
The son of wind God got down from the Pushpaka Vimana with immense sorrow and became very thoughtful. 25
Thus ends the twelfth chapter of Sundara Kanda which is in the Ramayana which is the first epic written by Valmiki.
Chapter-13
Crashing of hopes of Hanuman
( The worries of the very disappointed Hanuman are described graphically. At the end he sees a glimmer of hope when he sees the Asoka forest)
After jumping from the Vimana on to the wall he was restless like the streaks of lightning among the clouds. 1
The monkey Hanuman after not being able to find the daughter of Janaka in Ravana’s palace in spite of vigorous and complete search told to himself as follows:- 2
“I with a desire to do good to Lord Rama have searched this city completely and in spite of that was not able to find the very pretty Sita who is the daughter of Janaka.” 3
“I have definitely searched fully in small ponds, big ponds, ;lakes , streams, rivers, bushes in the deltas, forts, mountains and plains and am not able to find the daughter of Janaka anywhere.” 4
“The eagle king Sampathi told me about the presence of Sita in Ravana’s palace and still I am not able to find her.” 5
“That Sita who was not born out of a womb, who was brought up in the kingdom of king Videha, who was well brought up with culture by the king of Mithila, who is the foster daughter of the sage-king Janaka will never reach the arms of Ravana who is uncultured., Is it not?” 6
“I think that when Ravana who was afraid of the arrows of Rama abducted her and was flying at a great height, Sita must have slipped from his hands and fallen to earth and died.” 7
“I feel that , it is a possibility that the heart of the well pedigreed Sita who was being abducted and was traveling in the paths of the sky used by sages must have stopped on seeing the sea . “ 8
“I feel by the power of Ravana’s thigh and being trampled in his tight hands must have made her to give up her life.” 9
“Another possibility is that traveling far above the sky that daughter of Janaka must have tried to escape and fallen in the sea and must have died.” 10
“Alas, it is a possibility that the Sita who was far away from her relations, who was doing great penance and who was bent upon preserving her purity must have been eaten by the horrible Ravana.” 11
“Or it is possible that the cruel wives of the Rakshasa king must have eaten Sita who is pure and had black eyes.” 12
“It is also possible that always thinking about the full moon face of Rama who had eyes like the petals of lotus flower, and seeing there was no other alternative she must have simply died.” 13
“It is also probable that Sita who was born in the Kingdom of Mithila must have cried aloud “Hey Rama”, “Hey Lakshmana”, and “Hey Ayodhya”, and also crying many other things must have forsaken her body.” 14
“: I also think that some times she must have been hidden in some dark underground vaults and like a bird put in a cage and must be crying even now.” 15
“How can Sita who is the wife of Rama, who has eyes like lotus petals, who is famous and who has brought up in the house of Janaka submit herself to Ravana?” 16
“Whether she has been well hidden or has been killed or is no more because of her deep sorrow , this should not be informed to Sri Rama who is very deeply attached to her?” 17
“If I do inform him the truth danger will result and if I do not inform ,then also it would have a worse result and in this circumstance I am not able to decide either way.” 18-19
Hanuman then again reexamined his thought process to conclude as to what would be timely, yield good result and would be accepted as right by everybody. 20
“If I do return to the kingdom of the monkeys without seeing Sita, what great thing would I get?”, he thought 21
“My crossing of the ocean, entry in to the city of Lanka and seeing of Rakshasas would go waste.”, he thought. 22
“What will Sugreeva and the monkeys who have accompanied me and those two sons of Dasaratha who have reached Kishkinda tell me?”, he thought. 23
“As soon as I reach ,If I inform the bad news to Sri Rama that I have not been able to find Sita, because of that he will die.”, he thought. 24
“He would not stay alive if he hears the very cruel, hard hearted ,terrible and hard words which are without mercy and which cannot be borne by sense organs .”he thought 25
“The intelligent Lakshmana full of love to him seeing that Rama is bent on death will not also continue to live”, he thought. 26
“Once Bharatha hears that his two brothers are no more , he will also die .Once Shatrugna knows that Bharatha is dead he will also die. “ he thought. 27
“Once they know that their sons are all dead, the mothers Kausalya, Sumithra and Kaikeyi would also not live.” , he thought. 28
“When he sees Sri Rama in this state, the grateful and truthful king of monkeys Sugreeva would also forsake his life”. He thought. 29
“The miserable Ruma (Wife of Sugreeva) would be afflicted by the loss of her husband and be unhappy, sad and suffering pain and would leave her life.”, he thought. 30
“Once Sugreeva is no more, Tara who is already miserable by the loss of Vali and also gone down in health by that sorrow would also die.”, he thought. 31
“How will the lad Angadha continue to live in spite of the sorrow of loosing both his parents and also Sugreeva.”, he thought. 32
“It is certain that afflicted by the sorrow of the loss of their kings, the monkeys would beat their head by their hands and fists and break their head.”, he thought. 33
“All the monkey heroes who were respected and loved by good words and gifts by the famous monkey king would sacrifice their lives “, he thought. 34
“After that the monkeys would not go to play in places where there are lot of houses or in forests or in mountains.”, he thought. 35
“Those who live with families and with wives and children , would be affected by the sorrow of their king and would roll in to rough terrain from the top of the mountains and die”, he thought.. 36
“Otherwise they will all die by consuming poison or hanging themselves or by starvation or by entering in to the fire or falling on weapons.,” he thought. 37
“I think that by my return ,the Ikshuvaku clan and the monkeys would all be destroyed and consequently there would be intolerably great wailing”, he thought. 38
“So I would not return to the city of Kishkinda for it would not be possible for me to see Sugreeva without seeing Sita.”. he thought. 39
“If without returning I stay here ,then those two great heroes who are also great souls, with a hope that the work will be done eventually would keep their souls and so the monkeys also would live boldly.”, he thought. 40
“If I am not able to see the daughter of Janaka, I can live in the shadow of the trees here with whatever good food that I get or with whatever food that comes my way , controlling my five senses and live a life of a recluse,”, he thought. 41
“Otherwise I can raise a raging fire in these fertile areas with fruits and roots , near the sea and die by entering It.”, he thought. 42
“The other alternative is to die of starvation so that the crows and other flesh eaters would eat away my body.”, he thought. 43
“I know that this method of leaving ones life is permitted by great sages”, he thought. 44
“If I am not able to find Janaki then with grace I can fall in to the water”, he thought. 45
“This beautiful long night which began very well for me in which benefits were received one after another which lead to my fame became a waste to me because I am not able to see Sita.”, he thought. 46
“At least I can become a sage who controls all his senses and live below a tree.”, he thought. 47
“Without seeing that black eyed beauty I will not return from here”, he thought. 48
“If I return from here without finding Sita , Angada will die with all his monkeys.”, he thought. 49
“There are many bad results because of death and the one who lives ultimately gets the good and he one who lives definitely gets pleasures , and so I will keep my life.”, he thought. 50
That monkey chief in spite of again and again analyzing his sorrow did still not reach the end of his sorrow. 51
He then thought, “Let the abducted wife of Rama be any where but let me kill the very strong ten headed Ravana for by doing that base act and at least I would have taken revenge.” 52-53
“Otherwise I will take him like a sacrificial cow being taken to the fire over the sea and put him at the feet of Rama”, he thought. 54
Not knowing anything about that Sita, being very thoughtful, worried and sad the monkey thought thus. 55
“Till I am able to see the famous Sita who is the wife of Rama, I would keep on searching the city of Lanka again and again.” 56
“Had I brought Rama with me fully believing the words of Sampathi, not being able to see his wife, Rama would have burnt all the monkeys.” 57
“I would live here reducing my food and controlling my organs for because of that those men and monkeys will not all die because of me.” 58
“I am able to see an Asoka forest with very big trees and this is the only one place I have not searched yet.” 59
“I would salute the eight Vasus, eleven Rudras, eleven Suns two Aswini devas, and seven Maruths and become some one who will increase the sorrow of these Rakshasas” 60
‘I am going to somehow win over all the rakshasas and present Sita belonging to the Ikshuvaku clan to Sri Rama like giving the end result to the one who is doing fire sacrifice.” 61
The resplendent Hanuman who was the Son of God of wind, meditated like this for some time and ended up with the senses devoid of the tie of sadness. 62
“My salutations to Sri Rama along with his brother Lakshmana, My salutations to Sita who is the daughter of Janaka, My salutations to Rudra, Indra, Yama the god of death, Vayu the god of wind, moon, sun and The people of Maruth”, he saluted 63
After saluting thus and also saluting Sugreeva Hanuman thoughtfully examined all the ways to the Asoka forest. He considered Asoka forest as the first place for success and thought about his future steps. 64-65
“This Asoka forest , with all sort of decorations, with densely populated trees and which is full of Rakshasas should be searched immediately he thought.” 66
“Here sentries have been posted here and there and are protecting the trees and the wind is also blowing strong”, he observed. 67
“Let the sages and Devas bless me to give me result in this attempt by making me small and not visible to Ravana and also for the sake of Rama.”, he prayed 68
“Let the ever existing Lord Brahma , other Devas, God of Fire, God of wind and Indra with his weapon of diamond grant me success.”, he further prayed. 69
“Let Varuna(god of rain) with the rope in his hand, sun, moon, the great Aswini devas, Maruths, Parameshwara, that God who is the chief of all beings, all the beings and several other invisible gods who are on my way grant me victory in my attempt”, he prayed. 70-71
“When will I be able to see the noble Sita’s face, which has a prominent nose. which has clean teeth, which is without blemishes, which has eyes like the petals of lotus flower and which glitters like the moon without blemishes ?”, he wailed. 72
“How is she who is without support, who is forever meditating, who has been abducted by the cruel sinner Ravana who wore a good form over his terrible aspect, going to become visible in front of my eye?”, he thought. 73
Thus ends the thirteenth chapter of Sundara Kanda which is in the Ramayana which is the first epic written by Valmiki.
Chapter-14
Searching inside the Asoka forest
(Graphic description of the Asoka forest as seen by Hanuman is given. Seeing the forest Hanuman decides
that Sita should definitely visit there because she likes the forest and also needs to do her morning ablations)
The very powerful Hanuman after thinking for some more time and after meditating on Sita, Jumped immediately on to the wall of that palace of Ravana. 1
Enthused all over his body by his self confidence that monkey climbed that boundary wall and saw many trees with flowers symbolic of spring season, several Sala trees, several pretty Asoka trees, Several champaka trees in full bloom, several karnikara trees, several Naaka trees, several mango trees and several Kapimuka(monkey face) trees. 2-3
In that orchard with many mango trees, which is surrounded by pretty climbing plants he rushed in side, like an arrow rushing to its aim from the string of the bow. 4
That Hanuman entered that garden which was full of sound made by birds, which was like a rising sun, which was made strange by silver and gold like trees, which was full of birds and deer on all sides, which had several small strange and pretty gardens, which was full of several trees with flowers and fruits, which was always full of nightingales and bees, which was full of sounds made by peacocks, which had a rich varieties of birds, which had people who are happy and in which birds and animals were playing. 5-8
Hanuman who was searching for the very pretty lady Sita who was blemish less, woke up several birds which were sound asleep. 9
The trees which were shaken violently by the birds which were flying above them, caused a multi coloured rain of flowers. 10
Hanuman the son of the God of wind, covered completely by the shedding flowers looked like a mountain of flowers in the middle of that Asoka Forest. 11
All animals seeing the monkey rushing in all directions thought that he was the spring season itself. 12
The ground covered by the shedding flowers from the trees looked like a lady wearing ornaments. 13
The trees shaken vigorously by the strong monkey shed various types of flowers. 14
The trees having shed their leaves, branches , flowers and fruits looked like a loosing gambler who has already pledged his cloths and ornaments. 15
Those bare stems of the trees looked like they have been destroyed by cyclone and consequently deserted by all birds and appeared as if they are of no use. 16
That Asoka forest beat by the hands and tail of the monkey was bereft of any noble trees and resembled a lady with disheveled hair, with erased Sindhoora (dots in the forehead) . with ashen lips drunk by a tenacious lover and with marks all over the body made by his nails and teeth. 17-18
The monkey cut and fell the groups of twining climbers all over in the garden, which was similar to the scattering of clouds over Vindhya Mountain by the Wind God. 19
Traveling through the garden, that monkey chief saw places which were inlaid with precious stones , which were made of silver, which were made of gold ;streams (fountains) of various shapes, which were filled with very pure water, which had steps made of the nine types of precious stones here and there, which had pearls and corals as sand, which had the middle portion made of crystals, which glittered prettily by the very special type of golden trees, which was full of Lotus and Neelothphala flowers, which was filled with the cooing sound
of Chakravaka birds, which was having the sound created by crabs, which had the sound created by the beaks of swans, which was filled with nectar like water, which was arranged in such a way that it was surrounded by small rivulets on all sides ; gardens filled with several type of climbing plants, which had several wish giving trees, which had several Karaveera plants; and which had orchards filled with dense ornamental shrubs. 20-25
Here the monkey chief saw many mountains with cloud like tall peaks, which had several very pretty sharp peaks, which was surrounded on all four sides by sentry stations, which was filled with houses made by granite stones, which was surrounded by different varieties of trees, which was the prettiest in the world, and which had several pretty terraces. 26-27
He saw streams flowing from those mountains, which looked like the pretty loving ladies raising from the lap of their lovers and slowly going forward. 28
Not only that but the monkey chief thought that the pretty streams which were flowing back because of huge trees with a large sinking crowns were stopping them, were like the angry sweetheart who is stopped by her relatives and coming back after giving up her anger and going near her darling 29-30
The monkey chief Hanuman who was the son of wind God, saw near the river a lotus pond full of different varieties of birds and a lake which was filled with cold water, which had several steps inlaid with precious gems, which had sand strewn with pearls, which had several flocks of deer roaming here and there, which had very pretty and specialized orchards, which was constructed by Viswakarma (the architect of Devas), which was surrounded by several flower beds and which was decorated by several well crafted towers. 31-34
The trees in the garden were bearing fruits and flowers and were decorated .They also had platforms constructed all round which had golden steps. 35
Hanuman the monkey saw a golden Simshuba tree ( caller “Irumul “in Malayalam) with various climbers and leaves encircling it and which had a golden platform beneath it. 36
(These trees do exist in Kerala forests even now. They are mainly used for firewood)
He saw springs in very low lying areas and also dry places and several mountain like golden tress. 37-38
That great monkey chief thought for a moment that he too is golden seeing the glitter similar to the Meru Mountain of those trees. 39
He was wonderstruck on seeing the golden Simshuba tree with its seedlings around it, and also with numerous bell like sound created by the pleasantly wafting wind. 40
Hanuman who was very swift climbed another Simshuba tree which had flowery tips, which had young leaf and flower buds and which had very dense leaves and thought, “ I would be able to see from here Vaidehi (daughter of Videha) who is sad because of her sorrow, who always fervently wishes for seeing Rama, and who may have accidentally come over here.” 41-42
“This Asoka forest belonging to the bad soul Ravana is very pretty and is decorated with Sandalwood trees, Champaka trees and Bakula trees.” 43
“The royal lady who is the daughter of Janaka would certainly come over to this very pretty lotus pond which is full of birds.” 44
“That Janaki (Sita) who is the queen. Who has experience in living in forests, who is very talented and who is the very innocent darling of Raghava (Sri Rama who is the descendent of King Raghu) would definitely come here.” 45
(Raghu the ancestor of Rama served the celestial cow Nandini and got a son called Dilipa)
“ Perhaps that daughter of Janaka who has doe like eyes, who has become thin by constant thought of Sri Rama and who has lot of experience in living in forests would certainly come over here.” 46
“That lady who has wilted due to parting with Rama, who has lotus like eyes and who is a traveler in the forest is likely to come daily here as she is interested in seeing the forest.” 47
“That Janaki who is the very innocent wife of Sri Rama, who is the daughter of Janaka, who is of good colour, who is in the middle of youth, and who is great is always interested in people who travel in the forest and also taking in to account that the dawn is coming near she would be coming to this river with clean waters to offer her Ablations of the dawn.” 48-49
(The Brahmanas and Kshatriyas offer oblations during dawn, noon and dusk (Called Sandhyavandanam ) to the Sun God. But these are at present being done only by males. This stanza indicates that during those times even ladies used to offer it)
“This holy Asoka forest is very suitable to the intelligent wife of Rama who is the daughter in law of the great King.” 50
“If that moon faced lady is alive she would definitely come to this river with crystal clear water.” 51
At that time , thinking thus, the great Hanuman hid himself among leaves of a profusely flowering tree expecting to see wife of the king of men and was staring down the tree and was watching everything. 52
Thus ends the fourteenth chapter of Sundara Kanda which is in the Ramayana which is the first epic written by Valmiki.
Chapter-15
Seeing of Sita
(This chapter initially gives a description of Asoka vana and its one occupant whom Hanuman suspects as Sita. In the end using pure logic Hanuman concludes that she definitely is Sita)
Sitting on the Simshuba tree Hanuman examined all areas down below , in the garden in search of Mythili (princess of Mithila) and saw everything which was there in the Asoka forest. 1
Sitting there he saw well the entire garden, which was full of shining climbers and trees, which was sweetly scented, which was decorated all over, which was similar to the ornamental parks, which was full of animals and birds, which had lot of great mansions, which was resounding with the sweet song of Koels, which had golden fruits and flowers, which had many ponds, which had several sofas and carpets, which had several underground chambers, which had trees which fruit and flower in all seasons, which had several Asoka trees full of flowers from bottom to top and were touching the floor because of the heavy load of flowers , which had several Karnikara trees, which had several fully flowering Palasa trees, which was shining like a sun due to the dense flowers and glitter of Asoka trees, which appeared to shine because of various ornament like flowers and which had bare leaved trees so made by the very many birds which were often flying as a flock . 2-8
Because of their luster that entire area appeared to be shining and the garden also shined with multi crowned pongamia trees, the seven leafed trees, Champaka trees and Udhalaka trees. 9
There were thousands of Asoka trees in the garden some of which were golden, some like the flame of fire and some very jet black. 10
That forest with several parks and was as pretty as Indra’s celebrated Nandana vana and Kubera’s famous Chithra vana and was pretty , holy , greatly attractive, with holy splendor, which cannot be compared to any other garden and which was much above the rest. 11
It was like a second sky full of star collections which resembled flowers and with its flowers resembling the nine precious gems it was like the fifth sea. 12
That pretty garden filled with very desirable scents resembled the great Gandhamadana mountain and was full of honey smelling trees which flower in all seasons and with various types of deer and birds which make different types of noises and was stealer of mind with wafting perfumes all around. 13-14
That monkey chief also saw a temple which was near the Asoka forest, which was tall, which was supported by thousand pillars in the middle. Which was as white as Kailasa, which had steps made of coral. Which had floor made of molten gold, which had the glitter attracting the eyes, which was holy and which appeared to touch the sky in height.
15-17
(Possibly this is a very rare mention of temple in the entire Ramayana. Taking in to account that nothing is mentioned about its presiding deity, the word Chaithya in the verse could be taken to mean as a remarkable building. The word 1000-pillared hall is perhaps mentioned first time in Hindu literature)
He saw in the garden a lady who was wearing dirty cloths, who was surrounded by several Rakshasis, who was thin because of starvation, who was again and again breathing hard and who was shining like the crescent of moon in the early waning period. After staring and seeing her with care he saw that broad eyed lady who was with glittering mien, who was like a flame of fire darkened by smoke, who was dressed in a single disheveled great yellow cloth, who was laden with dust, who was not made up, who was like a pond without lotus, who was ashamed, who looked wilted due to sorrow, who was like a lady saint, who was like the star Rohini affected by planet Mars, who was with face made wet by tears, who was dejected, who was thin because she was not taking food, who was full of sad thoughts and sorrow, who was full of fear, who was not seeing any of her dear relatives near by, who was like a deer separated from her flock and surrounded by dogs, who was having singly made hair which was hanging like a cobra behind her, who was like a black forest covered earth in the autumn, who needed good life, who was wilted by sorrow, who never knew the troubles caused by sorrow, who was very thin and who was covered with dirt. 18-25
He concluded that she was that lady who was abducted by Ravana the Rakshasa who could assume any desired form and that she was having the same appearance as she had when abducted. 26
(Rama had given Description of how she looked when she was abducted)
Even after Seeing Sita, who had a face like full moon, who had pretty eyebrows, . Who had very pretty round breasts, who by her luster was removing darkness from all directions, who had very black hair, who had lips like the red guava fruit, who had very beautiful hips, who had eyes like petals of lotus, who is born in a great family, who was born in the channel created by plough, who is darling of all the world like Rati (wife of God of love)who had the shine of the full moon, who had extremely pretty body, who was sitting on the floor as if meditating with full control over all her organs, who was like the serpent maiden hissing with fear , who was not shining because of the hard and long sorrow, who was like the flame of fire hidden by the smoke, who was like the poem which praises but which was not clear, who was like the assets which had vanished, who was like the hope which is reduced, who was like the desire which is stopped, who was like the fulfillment of desires which were dangerous, who was like the confused wisdom, who was like the fame darkened by
gossips which were not true, who was sad because she was not able to attain Rama, who had grown thin because she was abducted by Rakshasas , who was having eyes like a doe, who was seeing here and there with fear because of her weakness, who was breathing heavily again and again with a lusterless face with black curved eyes and eye brows. , who was coated with dust and dirt, who should wear make up but who did not wear it, who should be pitied, who was like the moon light hidden by black clouds and who was like the corrupted Vedic knowledge which was not repeated and practiced, Hanuman’s brain was full of suspicions..27-36
Hanuman recognized Sita with great difficulty which was similar to understanding of an ungrammatical sentence without any figure of speech and which indicated a wrong meaning. 37
He understood her as Sita who was a princess, who was blameless and who had wide eyes after looking at her carefully due to the following reasons. 38
“He saw those ornaments (which could be easily removed and are not a symbol of a married woman) which were pointed out to be worn by her by Sri Rama as an identification hanging and shining on a nearby branch of a tree. “ 39
(This stanza indicates that there were some ornaments even during those times which should always worn by married women and there were others, which were optional and could be removed. Here it is mentioned that Sita only wore such ornaments that were compulsory. She threw some of them over the Kishkinda Mountain when she was being abducted by Ravana and were collected by the monkeys)
“He thought that some of those ornaments which were worn by her permanently were fixed strongly and were coated with dirt and were definitely those pointed by Sri Rama as identification like those ornaments made of coral and other jewels being worn on her fingers and hands, like the well crafted ear drops, and like the well tied ear ornament called Swadamshtram”. 40-41
(It is interesting to note that he does not mention the mangalyam, which must have been introduced after this time.)
“He did not see on her those ornaments which were thrown by her from the Pushpaka Vimana on Rishya Mookha Mountains and all those which she was having were those listed but not thrown out. “ 42-43
(Sugreeva and his friends were hiding in Rishya Mookha mountains afraid of Vali, who could not enter there due to a curse.)
“At that time the monkey chief saw her golden yellow pretty upper cloth had fallen down and was hanging on the tree. “ 44
(This stanza indicates that she was not wearing a sari but a two pieced cloth and the upper cloth must have been similar to Uthariyam worn by males)
“Whatever ornaments she has thrown away were definitely the one seen by the monkeys”, He thought . 45
“Though whatever cloth she was wearing was crumpled and dirty because they were worn for a long time, they were definitely having the luster and colour of the cloth befitting her status, without doubt” , he thought. 46
“Though this golden darling of Sri Rama was now in the custody of some one else, She who is faultless was definitely in his mind and this is definitely her”. He thought. 47
“This is the one for whom Sri Rama was sad, due to mercy, affection, sorrow and love; mercy because a helpless one has fallen in others hands, affection because he had the responsibility of protecting the one who has come to him for protection, sorrow because his wife was missing and love because she was the wife who was acting according to his wishes.” 48-49
“The beauty of each part of her body and its shape were similar to that of the beauty of Sri Rama and the personality of his was also similar to hers, and so this black eyed beauty must be her”. He thought. 50
“This ladies mind lives within his and his mind lives within her and that must be the reason why she and he are staying alive at least for this short time”. He thought. 51-52
“Sri Rama in spite of parting from this lady is still keeping his body in tact and his body is not breaking to pieces and so it is clear that Lord Sri Rama is doing things which were impossible to others”. He thought. 53
“By living away from this wonderful beauty Sita at least for some time, the great Sri Rama was doing some thing which is impossible for others”, he again thought. 54
Like this becoming happy on seeing Sita, he thought in his mind of Sri Rama and thought of him as his Lord. 55
(He felt that she was keeping her virtue in tact and became happy)
Thus ends the fifteenth chapter of Sundara Kanda which is in the Ramayana which is the first epic written by Valmiki.
[1] Mandodari was the daughter of Maya, the Asura Architect and her mother was cursed by Goddess Parvathy to become and live like a frog(Mandooka) for 12 years .Mandodari was living with Parvathy and she was gifted by her to Ravana,
Chapter-16
Lamenting about Sita
(Seeing Sita Hanuman is upset and thinks about her in various ways and pities her. He again decides that the lady whom he has found is Sita herself)
After thinking highly of Sita who is fit to be praised and Rama who has a beautiful character, that monkey chief again became thoughtful. 1
That glittering Hanuman meditated thus for some time about Sita, and with tearful eyes cried. alas! 2
“If the great man’s wife Sita ,who is fit to be worshipped by Lakshmana who always behaves with humility towards elders, is troubled by sorrow , then the dictates of time are impassable. “ 3
“This great one who knows the inner mind of Rama and Lakshmana does not get much stormy like the river Ganges in rainy season.”, he thought 4
(This indicates that Sita is very hopeful of her being rescued by Rama and Lakshmana and has not broken to pieces)
“Endowed with similar characters , age. and conduct and belonging to similar families and possessing similar characteristics, Sri Rama deserves Sita and this black eyed beauty deserves Sri Rama”, he thought. 5
Having seen her who is with colour of molten gold, who is the prettiest in the world and who is like Lakshmi(Consort of Lord Vishnu) and having also thought of Sri Rama., he told himself the following:- 6
“For the sake of this broad eyed damsel, the very strong King Bali was killed, and also Kabanda who was equal to Ravana was killed”. 7
(Kabanda who was a Gandarwa who got his head and thighs pushed inside his trunk by Vajrayudha in a fight with Indra. Since he had the boon of immortality from Brahma, he was given two very long hands(8 miles long) and mouth in his stomach., He used to draw whatever he could from the forest by using his extra long hands and push it in to his stomach. After the war with Rama, he was defeated and resumed his original form.)
“The Rakshasa Viradha who was having extremely great valor was killed in the war in the forest similar Indra killing Sambarasura., again for the sake of this damsel” 8
(Viradha was actually a Gandarwa named Dumburu who was cursed by his master Kubera.In the forest in the war with Rama and Lakshmana, he initially caught hold of Sita and left her to fight with Rama and Lakshmana.He then caught hold of , both of them and kept them on his shoulders. With their swords they cut of his hands. At that time he remembered about his actual, form and by the grace of Rama , got rid of his curse.)
“Fourteen thousand Rakshasas who were doing terrible deeds were also killed in Janasthana by using arrows which are like flame of fire for her sake. “ 9
(Janasthana is a part of Dandakaranya forest on the shores of Godhavari. Here fourteen thousand Rakshasas lead by Khara, Dhooshana and Trisiras attacked Rama and Lakshmana .They were all killed by the two brothers.)
“ The all knowing Rama killed in war the greatly powerful Khara, Trishiras and similarly Dhooshana.” 10
“It is for this broad eyed damsel’s sake that the kingdom, which was ruled by Bali, which was considered as great by the world and which was difficult to obtain for monkeys was got by Sugreeva.” 11
“It is for her sake that that I crossed the ocean which is the lord of streams and rivers and for her sake that I searched this city well.” 12
“I feel that for her sake if Lord Rama turns upside down the earth surrounded by oceans and even the universe, it would be most apt.”. 13
“Suppose in the three worlds, a choice is given between Sita who is the daughter of Janaka and the kingship of the world, the kingship will not be even equal to a tiny part of Sita.” 14
“This Sita who is eternally devoted to her husband came out breaking apart the earth coated with field dust similar to the pollen of lotus ,when the great Janaka who was the king of Mithila ploughed the field and became his very famous daughter.” 15-16
“She is the eldest daughter in law of King Dasaratha who was very good, who never came back defeated in war and who was having great valor.” 17
“This lady who is the darling wife ,of just and philosophic Rama who does unblemished actions and is like the lord of wealth ,has fallen in to the hands of these Rakshasis.” 18
“She , without bothering about sorrow and sacrificing all pleasures, accompanied her husband to the solitary forest for the sake of love from him , gave it the utmost importance and lived with happiness by eating fruits and roots of the forest thinking it similar to her life in the palace and was engaged in service to her husband.” 19-20
“She who is having all the above qualities, who was having a body of the colour of gold, who was always adorned with a smile, who always used to talk of only good things and who never had experienced sorrow in her life , now tolerates extreme sorrow.” 21
‘”Even though troubled by Ravana similar to a thirsty man attacking the water house, she has remained virtuous and Sri Rama deserves to see her.” 22
“If Rama gets her back again he would attain the happiness of a king who lost his kingdom and got it again.” 23
“Even though forsaken by love and passion, even though taken away from her relatives and friends, she is keeping her body pure for the sake of union to him”. 24
“Even now she is not seeing the Rakshasis and does not give any attention to these flower and fruit filled trees but with absolute concentration is meditating on Rama.” 25
“Husband is the ornament which is better than all ornaments to a lady and she who deserves such an ornament does not shine without one.” 26
“The Lord Sri Rama is keeping his body intact in spite of parting with her and does not disintegrate and is doing some action which no one can perform.” 27
“Seeing her who is having a pitch black hair, who is having eyes of the shape of lotus and who is fit only to enjoy, suffering my mind is in turmoil.” 28
“She who is having the patience of earth, who has eyes like lotus and who should have been protected by Rama and Lakshmana, is now being guarded by the ugly Rakshasis below a tree.” 29
“This daughter of Janaka, who is lifeless like the lotus flower touched by snow, who is suffering by sorrow again and again, has attained the tragic state of Chakravaka bird who ha lost the company of its beloved.” 30
“These Asoka trees bent low because of the large number of flowers produced after the autumn season, and this moon with its thousand rays, produces lot of sorrow to her.” 31
(Moon light and flowers make her remember her life of love with Rama and thus causes sorrow to her)
The strong and wise chief of monkey thought about the matter as described above and decided that “She is definitely Sita” and stayed hidden in the Simshuba tree. 32
Thus ends the Sixteenth chapter of Sundara Kanda which is in the Ramayana which is the first epic written by Valmiki.
Chapter-17
Seeing of Rakshasis
(Graphic description of the Rakshasis surrounding Sita is given in this chapter. It also describes the sorry state of Sita and ends with the mention of happiness of Hanuman on seeing Sita)
Then in the clear sky the cream coloured moon , which is normally clear, rose like a swan appearing in blue water. 1
Shining with clarity that moon appeared to help by its light and by its cool moonlight served the son of wind God. 2
Because of that He saw the full moon faced Sita similar to the ship in ocean weighed down and about to sink by her sorrow. 3
Trying to see Sita (daughter of Videha) clearly ,that son of wind god saw near her ugly and terrible looking Rakshasis among whom some were one eyed, some one eared, some with closed ears, some without ears, some with stick like ears, some breathing through the nose in the head, some with very large head and body, some thin with elongated neck, some with brush like hair, some with no hair at all, some wearing her hairs like a woolen rug, some with hanging ears and forehead, some with hanging breasts and belly, some with hanging lips, some with chin itself as lips, some with hanging faces, some with hanging knees, some hunch backed, some obese, similarly some who were dwarf, some handicapped, some with slanted mouth and some with yellow eyes. 4-9
(This description in these stanzas and the following one, by the poet of a group of grotesque looking figures, indicates to us the common perception of those times of the look of
Rakshasis. There is a story that when Lord Brahma was reciting Vedas , due to excessive hunger, he became very angry and from his anger , the first two Rakshasas Hethi and Prahethi were born. They became a part of the Asuras and by their prowess became the pre dominant among them)
He also saw other Rakshasis, among whom some were very ugly, some yellow coloured, some with jet black colour, some who were very angry, some who were interested in fighting, some who were armed with big spear, swords and rods, some with faces of pig, deer, tiger, bison, sheep and fox, some with legs of elephant, camel and horse, some with heads fixed just over the body, some with one hand and one leg, some with ears of a donkey, some with ears of a dog, some with ears of a cow, some with ears of an elephant, some with ears of a lion, similarly some without nose, some with very big nose, some with nose like an elephant, some with ears on their forehead, some with legs of an elephant, some with very big legs, some with legs of a cow, some with profuse hairs on the legs, some with big neck and heads, some with big breasts and belly, some with big mouth and eye, some with long nails and tongue, some with face of a sheep, some with face of an elephant, some with face of a cow, some with face of a pig, some with faces of horse, camel and donkey, some holding spears and thorn sticks, some with ire, some interested in fighting, some with projected teeth., some with blond hairs, some with terrible looking mien, some always interested in alcohol and meat, some drinking spirits often, some with ugly faces, some who had rubbed meat and blood all over their body, some whose food was only meat and blood, some who had a terrible stare which would make hairs stand upright, and all of them surrounding on all four sides a huge forest tree with umpteen branches. 10-18
That Hanuman blessed by Goddess Lakshmi saw below that tree which was in the center of Asoka forest, that Lady Sita, who was a princess, who was innocent, who was the daughter of Janaka, who had lost her glitter, who had faded because of her sorrow, who was having flying dirty hair, who was like a star pushed down to earth when its good deeds are over[1], who was great because of her virtue, who was not knowing ways to see her husband, who was not wearing costly ornaments, who was wearing the ornament of her devotion to her husband, who was abducted by the king of rakshasas, who was separated from her relatives, who was like the she elephant who was in the custody of a lion after loosing her way, who was like the autumn crescent hidden by the clouds of the late rainy season, who was dirty looking because she had not washed herself, who was like a veena without strings, who was sunk in the sea of sorrow, who was earlier in the custody of her husband and who did not like to be in the custody of Rakshasis. 19-24
‘Seeing the lady who was like a tender plant in flowering, surrounded by the Rakshasis, he felt that she was like the Rohini star surrounded by the nine planets. 25
(The Moon God has 27 wives , all of them daughters of Daksha. The moon God , it seems was very partial to Rohini, one of his wives. She is supposed to be the bright star traveling along with the moon)
“Though by her natural beauty itself she was well made up, due to the dirt that she was having on her faded body , she was like the slush coated lotus plant which was shining as well as not shining”, he thought. 26
The monkey chief Hanuman saw Sita who was only wearing a dirty and ruffled single cloth, who was having an eye similar to the young deer, who was not wilting away because she was remembering the greatness of her husband, who was being protected by her virtue, who was having black eyes and who was blessed by her youth. 27-28
Understanding her as Sita, that son of wind god ,looking at the princess of Mithila who was having eyes similar to an young deer, who was seeing in all directions like a fear struck deer, who was breathing heavily as if her breath will burn the well grown tress surrounding her, who was like a tidal wave of sorrow which always comes as a group, who was shining without any ornaments, who was having very perfect limbs and who was having great patience, attained limitless happiness for having completed his task. 29-31
Hanuman shed tears of happiness seeing her who was having eyes like wine and immediately Saluted Sri Rama. . 32
That heroic Hanuman becoming happy because he saw Sita, saluted both Sri Rama and Lakshmana and continued to he in hiding. 33
Thus ends the Seventeenth chapter of Sundara Kanda which is in the Ramayana which is the first epic written by Valmiki.
Chapter-18
Arrival of Ravana
(Here the description of the passionate Ravana who woke up and came to Asoka forest along with his wives to see Sita ,is given. Ravana is described as valorous but spoiled by his passion and his women are described as virtuous, good and devoted to him)
When he was examining with care the forest, which was in full flower and also searching for the daughter of Videha, the night was about to come to an end and the dawn was in making. 1
In the end of night he heard the recitation of Vedas by the Brahma rakshasas who were well versed in all the six parts of Vedas and who had done great fire sacrifices. 2
(Brahma Rakshasas are highly learned Brahmins who due to the wayward life they lead and sins they committed are not able to attain Pithru Loka after their death. It is believed that they are very learned and have occult powers)
At that time the very strong and great Hero , the ten headed one (Ravana) was woken up with the good luck , by singing songs which were sweet to hear and also verses praising him. 3
That famous king of Rakshasas having woken up at the correct time wearing displaced cloths and garlands thought of the daughter of Videha. 4
That egoist Rakshasa because the God of love affected him, was not able to keep his passion to Sita under control. 5
He , carrying with him his unparalleled fame ,wearing all ornaments entered Asoka forest., which was having hangings made of gold in which gems were inlaid, which had fallen fully ripe fruits, which was dense with trees, which was giving happiness to the mind and eyes , which was having statues of deer , which was full of different varieties of trees, which was having several wonderful birds full of zest, which was filled with lotus ponds and which was shining with various types of flowers and saw it round. 6-9
That Ravana was followed by a very big group of ladies similar to Indra being followed by deva and Gandharwa maidens. 10
Some of those ladies were carrying in their hand white threaded fan, some had golden lamps hanging on a chain and some had round ornamental discs. 11
(The Chamara, the white threaded fan had a handle and was used to fan kings)
Some with water in golden vessels preceded him and some with back turned swords and carpets followed him. 12
At that time one intelligent lady took a gem studded pot with water in her right hand and walked with him. 13 (When great personages walked, some one walked before him and sprinkled water on his path , so that , the road is not dusty.)
Another walked behind him with an umbrella, which was having a golden handle, which was white, like a swan and which was shining like a full moon. 14
With eyes made red by lack of sleep and wine, those great wives of Ravana followed their heroic husband like the streaks of lightning following the clouds. 15
Those darling wives of Ravana who were wearing mixed up garlands and bangles, who were having a disheveled looks, whose hair has been unloosened, whose face was full of droplets of sweat, whose body was made wet by sweat, whose hair was adorned by flowers, who were tottering because of loss of sleep and due to effects of wine, who were having pretty faces, who were having eyes causing passion and who were great ladies followed the Rakshasa king because of their respect and passion towards him. 16-18
This very strong Ravana who was the husband of those ladies had come under the control of passion became a bad individual and because he had lost his heart to Sita and was following a path of utter selfishness ., 19
Hanuman the son of Wind god heard the jingling sound of the anklets and waist belts of those great ladies. 20
Hanuman saw Ravana who was capable of very great deeds, who had unimaginable strength and masculinity, who shined on all the four directions by the light of many lamps held in the front which were fed by perfumed oils, who was full of passion, egoism and bad conduct, who was having long red eyes, who was a personification of the god of love without his rope and who was wearing well washed white cloths with a colour of foam of milk hanging from his shoulders but pushed to one side, entered the garden. 21-24
Hiding in branch with profuse leaves and hidden by leaves and flowers, Hanuman started examining Ravana with care.. 25
When the chief of monkeys was examining Ravana thus he saw the youthful pretty great wives of Ravana. 26
That famous king surrounded by that bevy of beauties entered the garden of the harem, which was full of animals and birds. 27
That Hanuman saw the very strong king of Rakshasa who was the son of sage Vishravas, who was holding his two ears upright like spears, who was well ornamented, who was visibly drunk by passion, and who was surrounded by his ladies like the stars surrounding the moon. 28-29
(Malyavan, the maternal grand father of Ravana, wanted the Rakshasa clan to win over Devas. He induced his daughter Kaikasi to attract Sage Vishravas, who was the son of
Pulasthya and father of the God of wealth, Kubhera. She became the mother of four children as a result. The eldest was Ravana)
That monkey chief who was endowed with great power saw Ravana who was glittering by the rays of his power. 30
That greatly resplendent monkey chief who was the Son of God of wind decided without any doubt that” This individual was earlier seen by me in the center of the city, in a great palace asleep and so this must be the great hero Ravana.”, and he jumped and ran away 31
(The awesome look of Ravana induced fear even in a great hero like Hanuman. The poet wants us to compare the weak and tender Sita in such a circumstance.)
That monkey chief was greatly resplendent but being disturbed by the great power of Ravana , he further withdrew deep in to hiding. 32
That Ravana with a great desire to see Sita who had jet-black hair, jet black eyes, passionately attractive wide waist, and very dense breasts neared her. 33
Thus ends the Eighteenth chapter of Sundara Kanda which is in the Ramayana which is the first epic written by Valmiki.
Chapter-19
Description of the sage like Sita
(This chapter gives a very detailed and graphic description of the state of Sita)
The innocent princess Vaidehi who was a noble soul, seeing Ravana the youthful , pretty king of Rakshasas from the place she was sitting ,shook like a banana plant caught in a cyclone 1-2
That ten headed one saw Sita who was having a pretty body, who had broad eyes, who was hiding her belly by her thighs and breasts by her hands, who was being guarded by the crowd of Rakshasis, who had wilted because of her sorrow, who was crying, who was like a sinking ship, who was like a branch of a tree which had fallen on earth, who was sitting on bare earth , who was doing great penance, who was suitable for a make up but was not made up, who was wearing dirt as an ornament and who was the princess of Videha. In that state she who was like a stem of lotus, which was shining and also not shining. 3-6
Ravana because his death was nearby, passionately loved Sita, who was like one traveling in the chariot of mind pulled by horses called “strong decision” taking her near to the all knowing great prince Sri Rama, who had faded, who was alone, who was crying, who was all the time thinking and crying, whose only aim was Sri Rama, who was virtuous, who had still not seen the end of sorrow, who was like the shivering Naga maiden tied by magic chants, who was like the star Rohini affected by the comets, who was born in a pedigreed
family which was orthodox, which was just and which was having good character and good conduct , who was given in religious marriage to another great family, who appeared as if she was brought up in a bad family, who was like the fame tainted by non existing gossip, who was like the knowledge which was not memorized by constant repetition, who was like the fame which had disappeared, who was like the attention which was dishonored, who was like the knowledge which has diminished, who was like the desire which was
disappointed, who was like a demolished home, who was like the commands which were not obeyed, who was like the residences which were burnt, who was like the worship which was prevented in the right time, who was like the destroyed lotus pond, who was like the army without its commander, who was like the darkened glitter, who was like the dried up river, who was like the sacrificial arena made dirty, who was like the receding fire about to die, who was like the night of full moon when eclipse is caused by Rahu and Kethu,
who was like the turbid lotus pond which was disturbed by the trunk of the elephant and from which all leaves and flowers were removed and from which the birds have flown away, who had wilted because of her husband was not with her, who was like the river from which water has been removed by canals, who was like the night of waxing moon because she had not taken her bath, who was great, who was very pretty, who was fit to live in a palace made of gems, who was wilting due to harsh sun light, who was like a lotus stem picked some time before, who was like a she elephant which was removed away from the he elephant and tied to a pillar, which was tired because of extreme sorrow and which was taking long breaths, who was shining with a single made hair without any ornaments, who was like the black corner of the forest at the end of the rainy season, who was famished because of her fast, who had become thin because of her sorrow, who was pitiable because of worries and fear, who was not taking any food, who was wilted because of sorrow, who appeared as if she was praying with folded hands to Sri Rama mentally as if she was praying God for the death of the ten headed one giving great importance to her virtue , who was having white long eyes with pretty eyelids, who was crying, who was seeing all round out of fear, who was firmly believing only on Sri Rama and who was not suitable to be found fault of.. 7-22
Thus ends the nineteenth chapter of Sundara Kanda which is in the Ramayana which is the first epic written by Valmiki.
Chapter-20
Ravana’s prayer of love
(This chapter is the prayer of love of Ravana to Sita. He praises her, points out his greatness and tells her how she can enjoy life if she accepts his proposal)
That Ravana with an aim to intimately talk to Sita who is sad, who meditates like a sage, who was caught in the web of fear and who is virtuous and devoted to her husband, sweetly explained to her:- 1
“Oh lady who has thighs like the elephants trunk, you seem to wish to make your body invisible to me by hiding your breasts and belly.” 2
“Hey broad eyed one, hey my dear, hey lady who has a very beautiful body, I am passionately in love with you ,who is the prettiest lady of the world and so please respect me.” 3
“Hey Sita, there are neither Rakshasas or men who are personification of passion here, and so let the fear for me inside you be completely erased.” 4
“Hey Coward, abducting other women and raping them are permissible by the clan rules of Rakshasas, no doubt.” 5
“Whatever it may be , let the God of love play to any extent on my body, but I will definitely not even touch you without your permission.” 6
(Vedavathi has cursed Ravana that if he touches any lady against her wishes, his head will break in to pieces.)
“ Hey Lady, please do not fear that any mishap will occur in this case . Hey pretty one , have belief in me and love me with all your soul, and do not spend time like this by nurturing your sorrow..” 7
“With matted singly made hair, sleeping on the floor, wearing dirty cloths, worrying and starving are not suitable to you , my lady.” 8
“Hey daughter of Mithila, please accept my love and receive rare garlands, smoke from incense, several good cloths, divine ornaments, very costly drinks, beds. Seats, song, dance and other instrumental music.” 9-10
“Hey pretty one, you are a jewel among ladies and why is it that you are not fit to receive praises ? Don’t be like this, accept me and wear ornaments on your body.” 11
“This pretty youthful looks of yours is fading very fast and the youthfulness that is past would not return back similar to the flowing water.” 12
“Hey Good looking lady, there is no one else as pretty as you and I think that the creator Brahma has stopped his work after creating you. “ 13
“Hey daughter of Videha, which male including the God Brahma can leave you after personally seeing you glittering in your beauty and youth?” 14
“Hey lady who has a face like cool full moon, Hey lady who has big wide waists, whichever part of the body I see, my eyes are tied up by that part.” 15
“Hey princess of Mithila, forsake this sorrow, become my wife and become the chief among my several great ladies.” 16
“Hey coward, whatever jewels I have brought by force from any corner of the world would belong to you and for that matter me and my kingdom will be yours.” 17
“Hey lady who attracts, I would conquer all countries with several cities in the world and for your sake give them to Janaka, your father.” 18
“I do not know any one else in this world who has same strength as me , and so think of my great valor which is unbeatable in war.” 19
“All devas and Asuras were unable to stand before me along with their armies and have been driven out by me several times after breaking their flags.” 20
“Please accept me, let you be ornamented and made up just now.” 21
“Let you , wear glittering ornaments all over your body and let me with pleasure see you pretty. after wearing those ornaments.” 22
“Hey pretty faced one, Hey coward, after being well made up, with pleasure ,enjoy all passions, be happy and get satisfied in your want of passion.” 23
“You can give as presents land and wealth to whomsoever are dear to you. Please be happy believing in me and order with courage. Please enjoy all pleasures and let all your relations live happily because of my power.” 24
“Hey lady, be pleased to see my greatness, my wealth and my fame. Hey lucky one, what are you going to do with Rama who wears cloths made of barks of trees?” 25
“Rama has lost his victory, he has lost his wealth, he wanders in the forest, he does penance, he sleeps on bare earth, and not only that I am doubting whether he is still alive or not?” 26
“Hey princess of Videha, like the moon with a stork filled front which is hidden by dark clouds , he will not be even able to see you.” 27
(Normally people imagine the shadow on the moon as rabbit but the poet here imagines it as lot of storks)
“Not only that Rama will not be able to take you away from my hands like Hiranya Kasipu was not able to take back his wife Keerthi from the hands of Indra..” 28
(Indra abducted the Kayathu alias Keerthi wife of Hiranya Kasipu, who could not get her back .Sage Narada convinced Indra of his wrong act and Gave back Kayathu to Hiranya Kasipu.It seems she was in the family way while in captivity and Narada told her the stories of Vishnu. The child named as Prahlada became a
staunch devotee of Vishnu.)
Hey coward, hey lady with heart warming smile, hey lady with pretty teeth, hey lady with pretty eyes, Hey handsome lady who attracts others, you have stolen my mind like the Garuda has taken away the serpent.” 29
“In spite of your wearing dirty silk cloth, in spite of not been made up, in spite of your having a famished look, after seeing you , I am not able to love m other dear wives.” 30
(Even at this state Sita is pretty, then imagine how much pretty she would be if she dresses well.)
“There are very many ladies with all good qualities in my harem and be pleased to become their queen.” 31
“Hey black haired one, my wives are the best in all the three worlds and they would serve you like the divine maidens serve Goddess Lakshmi.” 32
“Hey lady with pretty eyelids, Hey lady with pretty waist , you can get all the wealth and gems that Lord Kubhera has and also all the worlds and me if you so please.” 33
“Lady, Rama cannot be equal to me by innate power, fame and wealth and also never be equal to me by penance, strength and masculinity.” 34
“ Hey Lady with shifting glances, I would dedicate sufficient wealth and land for your sake, you can then enjoy all the pleasures and become happy, You can live with me as you please, be a dear to me, engage in love play with me and along with you let your relatives also become happy.” 35
“Hey coward, Hey lady, you can wear golden garlands with clear pearls and travel and enjoy with me to the fully flowered dense forests full of bees and also the beaches.” 36
(There is a version of Ramayana called Adyathma Ramayana, which tells us that Ravana had abducted Sita only as a means to see Rama whom he revered as God. This Chapter’s stanzas have been given alternate meaning by the adherents of that version of Ramayana .There is another version called Ananda Ramayana which tells us that Sita is in fact the daughter of Ravana.)
Thus ends the twentieth chapter of Sundara Kanda which is in the Ramayana which is the first epic written by Valmiki.
No comments:
Post a Comment