Kishkindha Kanda, Sarga 36

Meaning

Spoken to by Tārā in these polite words consistent with righteousness, Lakṣmaṇa (son of Sumitrā), who was gentle by nature, received those words with approbation. (1)

Meaning

The aforesaid submission of Tārā having been received with a nod, Sugrīva, the ruler of hordes of monkeys, for his part shed his very great fear of Lakṣmaṇa as one would discard one’s wet clothes. (2)

Meaning

Thereupon Sugrīva, the lord of monkeys, tore off the wonderful and valuable garland capable of yielding various enjoyments, worn round his neck and was rid of his vanity thereby. (3)

Meaning

The aforesaid Sugrīva, the foremost of all the mokeys, then addressed the following humble submission to Lakṣmaṇa of redoubtable might, thus causing him supreme gratification : (4)

Meaning

“My fortune and fame, too, as well as the lasting rulership of monkeys, which had been lost forever, all this has been regained by me through the grace of Śrī Rāma alone, O son of Sumitrā ! (5)

Meaning

“What powerful being can repay even in part, O prince, that kind of service on the part of the aforesaid divine personage, Śrī Rāma, who is known by his own exploits? (6)

Meaning

“With me as his mere companion, Śrī Rāma (a scion of Raghu), whose mind is set on virtue, will recover Sītā and dispose of Rāvaṇa by dint of his own fiery energy. (7)

Meaning

“What need is there for an assistant to Śrī Rāma, by whom seven giant trees as well as the mountain on which they stood as also the earth, forming the base of the mountain, were pierced with a single arrow? (8)

Meaning

“In fact what help on earth can be rendered by associates to Śrī Rāma, at the twang of whose bow, while he was stretching it, the earth with its mountains shook, O Lakṣmaṇa? (9)

Meaning

“I shall join the expedition of Śrī Rāma, a ruler of men, O jewel among men, when he goes forth to get rid of his enemy, Rāvaṇa, with those who go before him (to lead his army). (10)

Meaning

“If any transgression has been made by me, your servant, out of confidence or love, it should be forgiven by you, for there is none (among the servants) who does no wrong.” (11)

Meaning

While the high-souled Sugrīva was speaking as aforesaid, Lakṣmaṇa got pleased with him, they say, and lovingly replied as follows : (12)

Meaning

“With you, O Sugrīva as his supporter, particularly so humble, my eldest brother, Śrī Rāma, is blessed in everyway, O lord of monkeys ! (13)

Meaning

“By virtue of the dignity that you possess, O Sugrīva, and the purity (guilelessness) of heart of the kind that exists in you, you deserve to enjoy the unsurpassed opulence of the kingdom of monkeys. (14)

Meaning

“With you as his associate, O Sugrīva, the glorious Śrī Rāma for his part will before long destroy his enemies on the battlefield : there is no doubt about it. (15)

Meaning

“You being a knower of what is right, grateful and one who has never turned one’s back on the fields of battle, your submission, O Sugrīva, is just and reasonable too. (16)

Meaning

“What individual, who is conscious of his own faults, other than my eldest brother, Śrī Rāma, and yourself, O jewel among the monkeys, can speak so disparagingly of himself as you have done, even though possessed of strength? (17)

Meaning

“You are on a par with Śrī Rāma in prowess and might and have been ordained by the gods as his associate for a long time to come, O jewel among the monkeys ! (18)

Meaning

“But sally you forth with me speedily from this place, O gallant king, and reassure your friend, Śrī Rāma, who is afflicted through the abduction of his spouse. (19)

Meaning

“And forgive, my friend, the way in which you have been spoken to in harsh words on hearing the lament of Śrī Rāma, who was overwhelmed with grief.” (20)