Kishkindha Kanda, Sarga 29

Meaning

Vividly perceiving the sky to be clear and free from lightning and clouds, crowded with cranes and resonant with their cries and illumined with lovely light, seeing that Sugrīva, whose object had been fully achieved, was tardy in acquiring fortune and religious merit, that he had completely taken to the path of the unworthy (the path of sensuality) and neglecting the duties of kingship had set his mind on privacy, that, his work having been accomplished and purpose having been achieved, he ever felt delighted in the company of young women, that, having realized all the cherished objects of his desire and having got his own beloved wife, Rumā, as well as Tārā, who was keenly sought after by him, he was revelling day and night, his object having been accomplished and his anxiety having completely gone, and was diverting himself as Indra (the ruler of gods) does with troops of Gandharvas (celestial musicians) and Apsarās (celestial nymphs), that having entrusted the work of administration to his ministers, he did not keep an eye on them and that he had become licentious, as it were, the peril to his kingdom having ceased, thanks to the loyalty of his ministers, Hanumān, son of the wind-god—who had ascertained the tenor of all the sacred books and as such knew the truth about all that ought to be done and that ought not to be done, and further knew the special duties relating to a particular occasion—and was adept in expression—approached Sugrīva, the ruler of monkeys, who arrived at the truth underlying what was said to him, was full of love and affection for Hanumān and was definite about the latter’s trustworthiness—and having propitiated him by means of various reasoned expressions, pleasing to the mind, addressed to Sugrīva the following friendly, truthful and wholesome words, which were persuasive, righteous, full of meaning and prudent too : “Sovereignty as well as fame have been regained by you and the prosperity of your royal house stands heightened by you. (1—9)

Meaning

“The earning of the goodwill of friends (by obliging them through opportune services) remains and that you must do. The dominion, fame and glory of a sovereign who, having a sense of time, conducts himself well towards his allies, grow. He to whom exchequer, military strength, allies and his own self—all these are equally dear enjoys a large dominion, O protector of the earth ! (10-11)

Meaning

“Rich in moral conduct and established in a path (the path of virtue) which is free from danger, you ought duly to accomplish the purpose of your friend, which has been undertaken by you. (12)

Meaning

“He who does not wholly give up all other duties and attend with alacrity to the cause of his friend exhibiting his zeal in a special degree for that cause, meets with disaster. (13)

Meaning

“He who actually attends to the concerns of his friend when their time has definitely passed, does not work in unison with the purpose of his friend, even though achieving great things. (14)

Meaning

“The present object of our friend, viz, the search of Sītā (a princess of the Videha territory) will get delayed, O tamer of foes ! Therefore, let this work of Śrī Rāma (a scion of Raghu) be accomplished apace. (15)

Meaning

“Submitting, as he does, to your will, O king, the wise Śrī Rāma would not tell you the time for action had passed, even though he has a sense of time and is also in a hurry to get his work done. (16)

Meaning

“Śrī Rāma, a scion of Raghu, is responsible for your race being prosperous and will continue to be your friend for a long time. Nay, immeasurable is his power and he is peerless in personal virtues. (17)

Meaning

“Pray, accomplish his object in the same way as your purpose has already been accomplished by him, O lord of monkeys ! In this behalf you ought to issue orders to the foremost of monkeys to bring together Vānara hordes. (18)

Meaning

“Time will not be considered as having elapsed in vain if the work is commenced without any pressure from him. If, however, the work is commenced under pressure from Śrī Rāma, delay will surely be regarded as having taken place. (19)

Meaning

“You ought to accomplish the work of Śrī Rāma even if he had not achieved your purpose, O lord of monkeys ! Much more should you render good offices to him who has placed you under an obligation by killing Vālī (your mortal enemy) and getting back your lost sovereignty to you. (20)

Meaning

“Though powerful and exceptionally gallant, O ruler of hordes of monkeys and bears, why do you lag behind in commanding the monkeys to get together the hordes of monkeys and bears in order to win the pleasure of Śrī Rāma, son of Emperor Daśaratha? (21)

Meaning

“Though actually able to subdue by means of his arrows gods as well as demons as also large serpents, Śrī Rāma (son of Daśaratha) is affording you an opportunity to implement your plighted word. (22)

Meaning

“A kindly act of no small magnitude has been done by him without entertaining any doubt about the propriety of taking the life of Vālī, who had done no harm to him. Let us, therefore, search for his Sītā (a princess of the Videha territory) on earth as well as in the heavens, if need be. (23)

Meaning

“Not even gods, Dānavas and Gandharvas as also demons alongwith the hosts of the wind-gods and Yakṣas can cause fright to him, much less ogres. (24)

Meaning

“Therefore, O lord of monkeys, you ought to oblige with your whole soul Śrī Rāma, who is so powerful and has rendered good offices to you in the recent past.(25)

Meaning

“At your command, O lord of monkeys, the movement of any of us will not come to a standstill either below (in the subterranean regions) or on earth or in water or above (in the air-space) or still higher, in the heavens. (26)

Meaning

“Therefore, issue orders as to who should do what or even at what place. Indeed, monkeys numbering more than one crore and incapable of being overpowered are at your beck and call, O sinless one !” (27)

Meaning

Hearing the aforesaid submission of Hanumān, which was properly-worded and opportune, Sugrīva, who was richly endowed with sense, arrived at a supreme decision (of advancing the cause of Śrī Rāma). (28)

Meaning

Sugrīva, who was very wise, duly commanded Nīla (one of his foremost generals and counsellors), who was ever diligent, to collect all the troops in all quarters. (29)

Meaning

He said : “Please take steps to see that my entire army as well as all the troop-commanders muster without delay with its generalissimo. (30)

Meaning

“Let those swift-footed and energetic monkeys who guard the frontiers leave their post hurriedly and muster soon in obedience to my command. And you alone should personally see what should be done next. (31)

Meaning

“Capital punishment will be awarded to the monkeys, who arrive here after fifteen nights from now: no reconsideration should be allowed on this point. (32)

Meaning

“Nay, accompanied by Aṅgada, you should positively approach the elderly monkeys personally with reference to my command.” Having made this arrangement, the mighty Sugrīva, the lord of monkey chiefs, retired to his palace. (33)