Kishkindha Kanda, Sarga 54

Meaning

While Tāra, who possessed the splendour of the moon (the lord of the stars), was speaking as above, Aṅgada not opposing it, Hanumān accounted the well-known sovereignty of Kiṣkindhā as wrested from the hands of Sugrīva in no time by Aṅgada. (1)

Meaning

Hanumān looked upon Aṅgada (the son of Vālī) as actually endowed with intelligence distinguished by eight virtues1, equipped with the fourfold strength2 and possessed of fourteen excellences3. Hanumān, who was well-versed in all the branches of learning, thereupon proceeded to win over to his master’s side Aṅgada, who was being constantly replenished with energy, strength and valour and was waxing in glory like the moon at the beginning of a bright fortnight, nay, who equalled Bṛhaspati (the preceptor of gods) in wisdom, vied with his father in prowess and felt inclined to listen to the advice of Tāra, as Indra (the destroyer of strongholds) would at times to Śukra, the preceptor of demons, and was feeling averse to the cause of his master, Sugrīva. (2—5)

Meaning

Employing the third (in order) of the four expedients (of winning over an enemy or dissenter), Hanumān set all the aforesaid monkeys at variance with one another by dint of his eloquence. (6)

Meaning

All of them having been set at variance with one another, he then proceeded to intimidate Aṅgada by means of various frightening words coupled with threats : (7)

Meaning

“You are undoubtedly more powerful in combat even than your uncle (Sugrīva) and are capable of firmly retaining the sovereignty of the monkeys as efficiently as your father, O Aṅgada ! (8)

Meaning

“The monkeys are indeed ever fickle-minded, O bull among the monkeys ! In the absence of their progeny and wife they would not brook your authority. (9)

Meaning

“I tell you clearly: these monkeys will certainly not get devoted to you. As is the case with this Jāmbavān (the king of bears), Nīla and the mighty monkey Suhotra, so, neither I, nor all these monkeys standing before you can be estranged by you from Sugrīva by means of persuasion, gift and other expedients, much less through violence. (10-11)

Meaning

“They say it is possible to remain at ease on entering into hostilities with one who is weak (and not otherwise). Hence a weakling seeking self-protection should not make enemies with a stronger person.(12)

Meaning

“To tear asunder this cave, which has been heard of by you as impregnable (from the mouth of Tāra) and which you regard as capable of affording protection to you (against the wrath of Indra and others), is easy for the arrows of Lakṣmaṇa. (13)

Meaning

“Indeed a very small opening was made into this cave in the past by Indra (the ruler of gods) while hurling his thunderbolt (which only succeeded in getting rid of the demon Maya, who had taken shelter in it); Lakṣmaṇa, however, can really tear it asunder as a vessel of leaves by means of his sharpened arrows. (14)

Meaning

“Lakṣmaṇa has in his possession many such steel arrows as have an impact similar to that of a thunderbolt (hurled by Indra) or lightning discharged by a cloud and are capable even of rending mountains. (15)

Meaning

“The moment you take up your abode in the cave, O scourge of your foes, the monkeys will all forsake you since they are already determined to do so. (16)

Meaning

“Thinking of their progeny and wife, ever afraid (of Śrī Rāma, Lakṣmaṇa and Sugrīva), nay, famished and weary of their wretched plight etc., they will turn their back on you. (17)

Meaning

“Separated from your near and dear ones and friends seeking your welfare, you will be terribly afraid even of a trembling blade of grass. (18)

Meaning

“Flying with extraordinary speed and difficult to approach, the fearful arrows of Lakṣmaṇa, which are ever disposed to kill a reactionary, will on no account spare you. (19)

Meaning

Sugrīva will, however, install you on the throne of Kiṣkindhā in due course if, on the other hand, you return with us and present yourself before him in a submissive demeanour. (20)

Meaning

“Your uncle, Sugrīva, is a virtuous ruler, firm of vows, good-intentioned, true to his promise and seeks your love. He would never kill you. (21)

Meaning

“Again, he is keen to oblige your mother; nay, he lives for her (alone). And he has no other progeny; therefore, Aṅgada, let us return to Kiṣkindhā.” (22)