---
title: "Kishkindha Kanda, Sarga 42"
canonical: "https://ramayana.com/valmiki-ramayana/kishkindha-kanda/sarga-42"
lang: "en"
---

# Kishkindha Kanda, Sarga 42

> अथ प्रस्थाप्य स हरीन् सुग्रीवो दक्षिणां दिशम्।  
> अब्रवीन्मेघसंकाशं सुषेणं नाम वानरम्॥ १॥  
> तारायाः पितरं राजा श्वशुरं भीमविक्रमम्।  
> अब्रवीत् प्राञ्जलिर्वाक्यमभिगम्य प्रणम्य च॥ २॥

Having sent away monkeys to the southern quarter, and approaching and respectfully bowing down to a monkey, Suṣeṇa by name, Tārā’s father, who looked like a cloud and was possessed of terrific prowess, King Sugrīva spoke to his father-in-law with folded hands as follows : (1-2)

> महर्षिपुत्रं मारीचमर्चिष्मन्तं महाकपिम्।  
> वृतं कपिवरैः शूरैर्महेन्द्रसदृशद्युतिम्॥ ३॥  
> बुद्धिविक्रमसम्पन्नं वैनतेयसमद्युतिम्।  
> मरीचिपुत्रान् मारीचानर्चिर्माल्यान् महाबलान्॥ ४॥  
> ऋषिपुत्रांश्च तान् सर्वान् प्रतीचीमादिशद् दिशम्।  
> द्वाभ्यां शतसहस्राभ्यां कपीनां कपिसत्तमाः॥ ५॥  
> सुषेणप्रमुखा यूयं वैदेहीं परिमार्गथ।  
> सौराष्ट्रान् सहबाह्लीकांश्चन्द्रचित्रांस्तथैव च॥ ६॥  
> स्फीताञ्जनपदान् रम्यान् विपुलानि पुराणि च।  
> पुंनागगहनं कुक्षिं बकुलोद्दालकाकुलम्॥ ७॥  
> तथा केतकषण्डांश्च मार्गध्वं हरिपुङ्गवाः।  
> प्रत्यक्स्रोतोवहाश्चैव नद्यः शीतजलाः शिवाः॥ ८॥  
> तापसानामरण्यानि कान्तारगिरयश्च ये।  
> तत्र स्थलीर्मरुप्राया अत्युच्चशिशिराः शिलाः॥ ९॥

He also spoke to the great monkey Arciṣmān, son of an eminent sage Marīci by name and, therefore, nicknamed Mārīca (son of Marīci)—who was surrounded by gallant monkey chiefs, was possessed of an effulgence resembling that of the mighty Indra, was richly endowed with intelligence and prowess and was clothed with a splendour which equalled that of Garuḍa (son of Vinatā)—as well as to the class of monkeys known as Arcirmālyas, also sons of Marīci and nicknamed Mārīcas, who were possessed of extraordinary might, and to the sons of other sages, and assigned the western quarter to them all. He said : “Followed by a couple of lakhs of monkeys, O jewels among monkeys, and with Suṣeṇa as your leader, search you carefully for Sītā (a princess of the Videha territory). Explore, O bulls among the monkeys, the territory of Saurāṣṭra and even so Candracitra (comprising the modern district of Mathura), Bāhlīka (the modern Balkh), as also the prosperous and lovely rural districts and big towns, the principality of Kukṣi (comprised in Madhya Pradesh), thick with Punnāga trees and thronged with Bakula and Uddālaka trees, as well as the thickets of Ketaka shrubs. Scour the auspicious streams flowing in a westerly direction and carrying cool waters, the groves of ascetics and whatever mountains covered with forests exist there as also uncultivated lands, consisting mostly of deserts, and very high and cold cliffs. (3—9)

> गिरिजालावृतां दुर्गां मार्गित्वा पश्चिमां दिशम्।  
> ततः पश्चिममागम्य समुद्रं द्रष्टुमर्हथ॥ १०॥  
> तिमिनक्राकुलजलं गत्वा द्रक्ष्यथ वानराः।  
> ततः केतकषण्डेषु तमालगहनेषु च॥ ११॥  
> कपयो विहरिष्यन्ति नारिकेलवनेषु च।  
> तत्र सीतां च मार्गध्वं निलयं रावणस्य च॥ १२॥  
> वेलातलनिविष्टेषु पर्वतेषु वनेषु च।  
> मुरवीपत्तनं चैव रम्यं चैव जटापुरम्॥ १३॥  
> अवन्तीमङ्गलेपां च तथा चालक्षितं वनम्।  
> राष्ट्राणि च विशालानि पत्तनानि ततस्ततः॥ १४॥

“Having scoured the western quarter, covered with a network of mountains, which is difficult of access and going further west, you ought to visit the sea, now known as the Arabian Sea, whose water is stirred by Timis (fishes of enormous size) and crocodiles. Reaching there you will surely behold the sea, O monkeys ! On seeing the sea the monkeys will disport themselves in clusters of Ketaka shrubs and thickets of Tamāla trees as well as in groves of coconut trees. Search for Sītā as well as for the abode of Rāvaṇa in all these as well as on the hills and in forests located on the seashore. Also explore the town of Muravī (Morvi) as well as the lovely town of Jaṭāpura, the cities of Avantī and Aṅgalepā, the forest of Alakṣita as also the extensive kingdoms and towns here and there. (10—14)

> सिन्धुसागरयोश्चैव संगमे तत्र पर्वतः।  
> महान् सोमगिरिर्नाम शतशृङ्गो महाद्रुमः॥ १५॥

“Nay, at the well-known meeting-place of the river Sindhu (Indus) and the sea there is a large mountain, Somagiri by name, consisting of a hundred peaks and covered with giant trees. (15)

> तत्र प्रस्थेषु रम्येषु सिंहाः पक्षगमाः स्थिताः।  
> तिमिमत्स्यगजांश्चैव नीडान्यारोपयन्ति ते॥ १६॥

“On the lovely plateaus of that mountain dwell winged lions. They carry Timis, alligators and elephants to their nests. (16)

> तानि नीडानि सिंहानां गिरिशृङ्गगताश्च ये।  
> दृप्तास्तृप्ताश्च मातङ्गास्तोयदस्वननिःस्वनाः॥ १७॥  
> विचरन्ति विशालेऽस्मिंस्तोयपूर्णे समन्ततः।  
> तस्य शृङ्गं दिवस्पर्शं काञ्चनं चित्रपादपम्॥ १८॥

“Full of pride on the honour of being carried on the back of these winged lions and gratified with the nourishment they get there, the elephants, who thus reach the mountain-peaks, range about the aforesaid nests on this extensive plateau, full of water on every side, emitting a cry resembling the rumbling of clouds. The said golden peak of Somagiri touches the heavens and is covered with lovely trees. (17-18)

> सर्वमाशु विचेतव्यं कपिभिः कामरूपिभिः।  
> कोटिं तत्र समुद्रस्य काञ्चनीं शतयोजनाम्॥ १९॥  
> दुर्दर्शां पारियात्रस्य गत्वा द्रक्ष्यथ वानराः।  
> कोट्यस्तत्र चतुर्विंशद् गन्धर्वाणां तरस्विनाम्॥ २०॥  
> वसन्त्यग्निनिकाशानां घोराणां कामरूपिणाम्।  
> पावकार्चिःप्रतीकाशाः समवेताः समन्ततः॥ २१॥  
> नात्यासादयितव्यास्ते वानरैर्भीमविक्रमैः।  
> नादेयं च फलं तस्माद् देशात् किंचित् प्लवङ्गमैः॥ २२॥

“The whole of this mountain should be explored by the monkeys, who are capable of changing form at will. Arriving at that sea, O monkeys, you will behold the golden summit, a hundred Yojanas (or eight hundred miles) long and difficult to be seen by others, of the Pāriyātra mountain. On that summit dwell twenty-four crores of terrible Gandharvas (celestial musicians) full of speed, shining brightly as fire and capable of changing form at will. Effulgent as flames of fire and come together from all sides, they should not be given offence to by the monkeys even though they are possessed of terrific prowess nor should any fruit be plucked from that region by the monkeys. (19—22)

> दुरासदा हि ते वीराः सत्त्ववन्तो महाबलाः।  
> फलमूलानि ते तत्र रक्षन्ते भीमविक्रमाः॥ २३॥

“For, the aforesaid heroes are dangerous to approach, are full of courage, possessed of extraordinary might and endowed with terrific prowess. They guard the fruits and roots growing there. (23)

> तत्र यत्नश्च कर्तव्यो मार्गितव्या च जानकी।  
> नहि तेभ्यो भयं किंचित् कपित्वमनुवर्तताम्॥ २४॥

“Sītā, daughter of King Janaka, should be diligently sought for and an effort made to find out her whereabouts. Of course, there is no fear of any kind from them to you so long as you maintain your simian character. (24)

> तत्र वैदूर्यवर्णाभो वज्रसंस्थानसंस्थितः।  
> नानाद्रुमलताकीर्णो वज्रो नाम महागिरिः॥ २५॥  
> श्रीमान् समुदितस्तत्र योजनानां शतं समम्।  
> गुहास्तत्र विचेतव्याः प्रयत्नेन प्लवङ्गमाः॥ २६॥

“In the vicinity of the Pāriyātra mountain in that ocean there is a large and glorious mountain, Vajra by name, which is possessed of splendour resembling that of a cat’s-eye gem and solid as the composition of a diamond, nay, which is covered with trees and creepers of every description and is a hundred Yojanas (or eight hundred miles) high all round. The caves of that mountain should be explored with effort, O monkeys ! (25-26)

> चतुर्भागे समुद्रस्य चक्रवान् नाम पर्वतः।  
> तत्र चक्रं सहस्रारं निर्मितं विश्वकर्मणा॥ २७॥

“Covering a quarter of the Arabian sea rises a mountain Cakravān by name. There a discus with a thousand spokes was forged by Viśwakarmā, the architect of gods. (27)

> तत्र पञ्चजनं हत्वा हयग्रीवं च दानवम्।  
> आजहार ततश्चक्रं शङ्खं च पुरुषोत्तमः॥ २८॥

“Having slain Pañcajana, who had a conch for his body, as well as the demon Hayagrīva (so-called because he had the head of a horse on a human trunk), Lord Viṣṇu, the Supreme Person, took away the discus from the latter and the conch from the dead body of Pañcajana. (28)

> तस्य सानुषु रम्येषु विशालासु गुहासु च।  
> रावणः सह वैदेह्या मार्गितव्यस्ततस्ततः॥ २९॥

“Rāvaṇa alongwith Sītā, a princess of the Videha territory, should be sought for everywhere, on the lovely peaks and the extensive caves of the aforesaid mountain. (29)

> योजनानि चतुःषष्टिर्वराहो नाम पर्वतः।  
> सुवर्णशृङ्गः सुमहानगाधे वरुणालये॥ ३०॥

“In the fathomless sea there is a huge mountain, Varāha by name, which is sixty-four Yojanas (or five hundred and twelve miles) long and has golden peaks. (30)

> तत्र प्राग्ज्योतिषं नाम जातरूपमयं पुरम्।  
> यस्मिन् वसति दुष्टात्मा नरको नाम दानवः॥ ३१॥

“On that mountain is located the golden city, Prāgjyotiṣapura by name; in it dwells the vile-minded demon named Naraka. (31)

> तत्र सानुषु रम्येषु विशालासु गुहासु च।  
> रावणः सह वैदेह्या मार्गितव्यस्ततस्ततः॥ ३२॥

“Rāvaṇa with Sītā, a princess of the Videha territory, should be sought for everywhere, on the lovely peaks as well as in the extensive caves of that mountain. (32)

> तमतिक्रम्य शैलेन्द्रं काञ्चनान्तरदर्शनम्।  
> पर्वतः सर्वसौवर्णो धाराप्रस्रवणायुतः॥ ३३॥

“Beyond the aforesaid Varāha, a ruler of mountains, in the depths of which gold can be perceived, rises a mountain, which is entirely of gold and contains as many as ten thousand cascades. (33)

> तं गजाश्च वराहाश्च सिंहा व्याघ्राश्च सर्वतः।  
> अभिगर्जन्ति सततं तेन शब्देन दर्पिताः॥ ३४॥

“Reaching the aforesaid mountain, elephants and boars as well as lions and tigers incessantly emit a deep cry in all directions, made defiant by their own cry, coming back, as it were, in the form of an echo. (34)

> यस्मिन् हरिहयः श्रीमान् महेन्द्रः पाकशासनः।  
> अभिषिक्तः सुरै राजा मेघो नाम स पर्वतः॥ ३५॥

“The said mountain, on which the glorious and mighty Indra (the ruler of gods), the tamer of the demon Pāka, who is distinguished by his green horse, was crowned king by the gods, is called by the name of Megha. (35)

> तमतिक्रम्य शैलेन्द्रं महेन्द्रपरिपालितम्।  
> षष्टिं गिरिसहस्राणि काञ्चनानि गमिष्यथ॥ ३६॥  
> तरुणादित्यवर्णानि भ्राजमानानि सर्वतः।  
> जातरूपमयैर्वृक्षैः शोभितानि सुपुष्पितैः॥ ३७॥

“Passing beyond that king of mountains, protected on all sides by the mighty Indra, you will reach a range of sixty thousand golden hills, possessing the hue of the rising sun and embellished with golden trees in full blossom and as such shedding their light on all sides. (36-37)

> तेषां मध्ये स्थितो राजा मेरुरुत्तमपर्वतः।  
> आदित्येन प्रसन्नेन शैलो दत्तवरः पुरा॥ ३८॥

“In their middle stands Mount Meru (Sāvarṇi), the foremost mountain, a veritable king among mountains, who was granted a boon in former days by the sun-god when the latter got pleased with the former. (38)

> तेनैवमुक्तः शैलेन्द्रः सर्व एव त्वदाश्रयाः।  
> मत्प्रसादाद् भविष्यन्ति दिवा रात्रौ च काञ्चनाः॥ ३९॥

“The king of mountains was spoken to as follows by the sun-god: ‘By my grace all those who seek your protection by day and by night will come to be of gold. (39)

> त्वयि ये चापि वत्स्यन्ति देवगन्धर्वदानवाः।  
> ते भविष्यन्ति भक्ताश्च प्रभया काञ्चनप्रभाः॥ ४०॥

“ ‘Nay, gods, Gandharvas (celestial musicians) and demons, whosoever will dwell on you shall become my devotee and will shine like gold in point of brilliance.’ (40)

> विश्वेदेवाश्च वसवो मरुतश्च दिवौकसः।  
> आगत्य पश्चिमां संध्यां मेरुमुत्तमपर्वतम्॥ ४१॥  
> आदित्यमुपतिष्ठन्ति तैश्च सूर्योऽभिपूजितः।  
> अदृश्यः सर्वभूतानामस्तं गच्छति पर्वतम्॥ ४२॥

“Seeking Meru, the foremost mountain, at the time of the evening twilight as seen in the west, the gods Viśwedevas, Vasus and Maruts (the wind-gods) wait upon the sun-god and, duly worshipped by them, the sun-god seeks the western mountain behind which the sun is supposed to disappear and becomes invisible to all living beings. (41-42)

> योजनानां सहस्राणि दश तानि दिवाकरः।  
> मुहूर्तार्धेन तं शीघ्रमभियाति शिलोच्चयम्॥ ४३॥

“In less than half an hour the sun rapidly reaches the said western mountain lying at a distance of ten thousand Yojanas (or eighty thousand miles). (43)

> शृङ्गे तस्य महद्दिव्यं भवनं सूर्यसंनिभम्।  
> प्रासादगणसम्बाधं विहितं विश्वकर्मणा॥ ४४॥  
> शोभितं तरुभिश्चित्रैर्नानापक्षिसमाकुलैः।  
> निकेतं पाशहस्तस्य वरुणस्य महात्मनः॥ ४५॥

“On the summit of that mountain (Merusāvarṇi) there is a huge ethereal edifice, glorious as the sun and constructed by Viśwakarmā, the architect of gods, which is thick with a multitude of palaces, is graced by various trees thronged with birds of various species and is the abode of the high-souled Varuṇa (the god of water), who bears a noose in his hand. (44-45)

> अन्तरा मेरुमस्तं च तालो दशशिरा महान्।  
> जातरूपमयः श्रीमान् भ्राजते चित्रवेदिकः॥ ४६॥

“Between Mount Merusāvarṇi and the western mountain shines a giant glorious palmyra tree of gold, consisting of ten principal boughs and supported by a wonderful base. (46)

> तेषु सर्वेषु दुर्गेषु सरस्सु च सरित्सु च।  
> रावणः सह वैदेह्या मार्गितव्यस्ततस्ततः॥ ४७॥

“Rāvaṇa, alongwith Sītā, a princess of the Videha territory, should be sought for everywhere in all the well-known lakes, which are difficult of access, and rivers in this region. (47)

> यत्र तिष्ठति धर्मज्ञस्तपसा स्वेन भावितः।  
> मेरुसावर्णिरित्येष ख्यातो वै ब्रह्मणा समः॥ ४८॥  
> प्रष्टव्यो मेरुसावर्णिर्महर्षिः सूर्यसंनिभः।  
> प्रणम्य शिरसा भूमौ प्रवृत्तिं मैथिलीं प्रति॥ ४९॥

“On the said mountain (Merusāvarṇi) dwells the eminent sage known by the name of Merusāvarṇi, who knows what is right, is illumined by his own asceticism and vies with Brahmā, the creator. Respectfully bowing down to him with your head placed on the ground, the said Merusāvarṇi, who shines brightly as the sun, should be approached with an inquiry concerning the news of Sītā (a princess of Mithilā). (48-49)

> एतावज्जीवलोकस्य भास्करो रजनीक्षये।  
> कृत्वा वितिमिरं सर्वमस्तं गच्छति पर्वतम्॥ ५०॥

“Ridding this whole extent of the mortal world from the eastern to the western mountain of darkness at the close of night, the sun retires to the western mountain. (50)

> एतावद् वानरैः शक्यं गन्तुं वानरपुङ्गवाः।  
> अभास्करममर्यादं न जानीमस्ततः परम्॥ ५१॥

“Only thus far is it possible for monkeys to proceed, O bulls among the monkeys ! We have no knowledge of the region lying beyond the aforesaid extent, which is devoid of the sun and without limits. (51)

> अवगम्य तु वैदेहीं निलयं रावणस्य च।  
> अस्तं पर्वतमासाद्य पूर्णे मासे निवर्तत॥ ५२॥

“Reaching the western mountain and finding out Sītā as well as the abode of Rāvaṇa retrace your steps as soon as a month is complete. (52)

> ऊर्ध्वं मासान्न वस्तव्यं वसन् वध्यो भवेन्मम।  
> सहैव शूरो युष्माभिः श्वशुरो मे गमिष्यति॥ ५३॥

“You should not tarry beyond a month; anyone so tarrying will be liable to be killed by me. My valiant father-in-law too will go with you. (53)

> श्रोतव्यं सर्वमेतस्य भवद्भिर्दिष्टकारिभिः।  
> गुरुरेष महाबाहुः श्वशुरो मे महाबलः॥ ५४॥

“All his words should be listened to by you, obeying his commands. This mighty-armed father-in-law of mine is possessed of extraordinary might and is worthy of my adoration and, therefore, worthy of respect for you too. (54)

> भवन्तश्चापि विक्रान्ताः प्रमाणं सर्व एव हि।  
> प्रमाणमेनं संस्थाप्य पश्यध्वं पश्चिमां दिशम्॥ ५५॥

“You too are powerful and indeed you have the initiative, all and sundry. Yet explore the western quarter establishing him as the sole authority in all matters. (55)

> दृष्टायां तु नरेन्द्रस्य पत्न्याममिततेजसः।  
> कृतकृत्या भविष्यामः कृतस्य प्रतिकर्मणा॥ ५६॥

We shall have accomplished our purpose through requital of the service rendered (to us by Śrī Rāma) only when the consort of Śrī Rāma (a ruler of men), who is endowed with immeasurable energy, has been seen. (56)

> अतोऽन्यदपि यत्कार्यं कार्यस्यास्य प्रियं भवेत्।  
> सम्प्रधार्य भवद्भिश्च देशकालार्थसंहितम्॥ ५७॥

Duly ascertaining whatever work other than the business in hand (viz., the discovery of Sītā) is contributory to this should be accomplished by you conformably with the place, time and purpose.” (57)

> ततः सुषेणप्रमुखाः प्लवङ्गाः  
> सुग्रीववाक्यं निपुणं निशम्य।  
> आमन्त्र्य सर्वे प्लवगाधिपं ते  
> जग्मुर्दिशं तां वरुणाभिगुप्ताम्॥ ५८॥

Having carefully listened to the command of Sugrīva and taking leave of the suzerain lord of monkeys, all the aforesaid monkeys headed by Suṣeṇa then proceeded to the wellknown western quarter guarded by Varuṇa, the god of waters. (58)

Book: https://ramayana.com/valmiki-ramayana

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