---
title: "Sundara Kanda, Sarga 58"
canonical: "https://ramayana.com/valmiki-ramayana/sundara-kanda/sarga-58"
lang: "en"
---

# Sundara Kanda, Sarga 58

> ततस्तस्य गिरेः शृङ्गे महेन्द्रस्य महाबलाः।  
> हनुमत्प्रमुखाः प्रीतिं हरयो जग्मुरुत्तमाम्॥ १॥

Having met together on the summit of the aforesaid Mahendra mountain, the monkeys headed by Hanumān, who were endowed with extraordinary might, presently experienced the highest joy. (1)

> प्रीतिमत्सूपविष्टेषु वानरेषु महात्मसु।  
> तं ततः प्रतिसंहृष्टः प्रीतियुक्तं महाकपिम्॥ २॥  
> जाम्बवान् कार्यवृत्तान्तमपृच्छदनिलात्मजम्।  
> कथं दृष्टा त्वया देवी कथं वा तत्र वर्तते॥ ३॥

The high-souled monkeys being joyfully and comfortably seated, Jāmbavān, who felt highly rejoiced, now enquired of that great monkey, Hanumān, who was also filled with joy, particulars about his errand in the following words : “How was the godlike lady discovered by you and how does she fare there? (2-3)

> तस्यां चापि कथं वृत्तः क्रूरकर्मा दशाननः।  
> तत्त्वतः सर्वमेतन्नः प्रब्रूहि त्वं महाकपे॥ ४॥

“Moreover, how does Rāvaṇa, the ten-headed monster of cruel deeds behave towards her? Please relate you all this to us accurately in detail, O mighty Hanumān ! (4)

> सम्मार्गिता कथं देवी किं च सा प्रत्यभाषत।  
> श्रुतार्थाश्चिन्तयिष्यामो भूयः कार्यविनिश्चयम्॥ ५॥

“How was the godlike lady traced by you and what reply did she make? Having learnt the truth from you, we shall ponder what decision should be taken about the future course of action. (5)

> यश्चार्थस्तत्र वक्तव्यो गतैरस्माभिरात्मवान्।  
> रक्षितव्यं च यत्तत्र तद् भवान् व्याकरोतु नः॥ ६॥

“Prudent as you are, please state clearly what fact should be disclosed by us when we have arrived there in the presence of Śrī Rāma, and what should be kept back on that occasion.” (6)

> स नियुक्तस्ततस्तेन सम्प्रहृष्टतनूरुहः।  
> नमस्यन् शिरसा देव्यै सीतायै प्रत्यभाषत॥ ७॥

Urged by Jāmbavān, and making obeisance with his head bent low to the godlike lady, Sītā, Hanumān then replied as follows, his hair standing on end: (7)

> प्रत्यक्षमेव भवतां महेन्द्राग्रात् खमाप्लुतः।  
> उदधेर्दक्षिणं पारं काङ्क्षमाणः समाहितः॥ ८॥

“Seeking to reach the southern shore of the sea, I took a leap in the airspace with a concentrated mind from the summit of the Mahendra mountain in your very presence. (8)

> गच्छतश्च हि मे घोरं विघ्नरूपमिवाभवत्।  
> काञ्चनं शिखरं दिव्यं पश्यामि सुमनोहरम्॥ ९ ॥  
> स्थितं पन्थानमावृत्य मेने विघ्नं च तं नगम्।  
> उपसंगम्य तं दिव्यं काञ्चनं नगमुत्तमम्॥ १०॥  
> कृता मे मनसा बुद्धिर्भेत्तव्योऽयं मयेति च।  
> प्रहतस्य मया तस्य लाङ्गूलेन महागिरेः॥ ११॥  
> शिखरं सूर्यसंकाशं व्यशीर्यत सहस्रधा।  
> व्यवसायं च तं बुद्ध्वा स होवाच महागिरिः॥ १२॥  
> पुत्रेति मधुरां वाणीं मनः प्रह्लादयन्निव।  
> पितृव्यं चापि मां विद्धि सखायं मातरिश्वनः॥ १३॥  
> मैनाकमिति विख्यातं निवसन्तं महोदधौ।  
> पक्षवन्तः पुरा पुत्र बभूवुः पर्वतोत्तमाः॥ १४॥

“Even as I was advancing, a formidable obstacle appeared in my way, as it were. I beheld a heavenly and exceedingly soul-captivating golden peak, which stood blocking my way, and I accounted that mountain an impediment. Approaching that foremost celestial golden mountain, the following resolve was mentally made by me: ‘This mountain must be shattered by me.’ The peak, shinning brightly like the sun, of that vast mountain, even as the latter was struck by me with my tail, broke into a thousand fragments. Perceiving the aforesaid performance of mine, that huge mountain uttered the following sweet words, bringing excessive joy to my soul, as it were: ‘Know me, my son, to be a friend of the wind-god and as such your uncle, dwelling in the ocean and widely known as Maināka. The leading mountains were endowed, my son, with wings in the past. (9—14)

> छन्दतः पृथिवीं चेरुर्बाधमानाः समन्ततः।  
> श्रुत्वा नगानां चरितं महेन्द्रः पाकशासनः॥ १५॥  
> वज्रेण भगवान् पक्षौ चिच्छेदैषां सहस्रशः।  
> अहं तु मोचितस्तस्मात् तव पित्रा महात्मना॥ १६॥

“ ‘They ranged at will all over the earth causing molestation everywhere. Hearing of the conduct of the mountains, the glorious and mighty Indra, the tamer of the demon Pāka, severed with his thunderbolt the wings of the aforesaid mountains by thousands. I was, however, saved from that catastrophe by your magnanimous father. (15-16)

> मारुतेन तदा वत्स प्रक्षिप्तो वरुणालये।  
> राघवस्य मया साह्ये वर्तितव्यमरिंदम॥ १७॥

“I was cast at that juncture into the sea (the abode of Varuṇa, the god of water) by the wind-god, my son ! I must come to the help of Śrī Rāma, a scion of Raghu, O tamer of foes ! (17)

> रामो धर्मभृतां श्रेष्ठो महेन्द्रसमविक्रमः।  
> एतच्छ्रुत्वा मया तस्य मैनाकस्य महात्मनः॥ १८॥  
> कार्यमावेद्य च गिरेरुद्धतं वै मनो मम।  
> तेन चाहमनुज्ञातो मैनाकेन महात्मना॥ १९॥

“ ‘Śrī Rāma is the foremost of those who uphold the cause of virtue and is equal in prowess to the mighty Indra.’ On hearing this submission of the high-souled Maināka mountain, my purpose was confided by me to the mountain and my mind got stirred up once more to proceed further. Nay, I was permitted by the lofty-minded Maināka to depart. (18-19)

> स चाप्यन्तर्हितः शैलो मानुषेण वपुष्मता।  
> शरीरेण महाशैलः शैलेन च महोदधौ॥ २०॥

“The aforesaid mountain too, the lord of big mountains, vanished in his human form consisting of charming limbs, while in his rocky form he disappeared into the ocean. (20)

> उत्तमं जवमास्थाय शेषमध्वानमास्थितः।  
> ततोऽहं सुचिरं कालं जवेनाभ्यगमं पथि॥ २१॥

“Catching excellent speed, I proceeded on the rest of my journey. From that moment I continued on my course with speed for a sufficiently long time. (21)

> ततः पश्याम्यहं देवीं सुरसां नागमातरम्।  
> समुद्रमध्ये सा देवी वचनं चेदमब्रवीत्॥ २२॥

“Then I perceived in mid-ocean the goddess Surasā, the mother of serpents, and that goddess spoke to me as follows: (22)

> मम भक्ष्यः प्रदिष्टस्त्वममरैर्हरिसत्तम।  
> ततस्त्वां भक्षयिष्यामि विहितस्त्वं हि मे सुरैः॥ २३॥

“ ‘You have been destined by the immortals to be my food, O jewel among monkeys ! I shall accordingly devour you since you have been sent by the gods.’ (23)

> एवमुक्तः सुरसया प्राञ्जलिः प्रणतः स्थितः।  
> विवर्णवदनो भूत्वा वाक्यं चेदमुदीरयम्॥ २४॥

“Spoken to as aforesaid by Surasā, I stood bent low with joined palms before her; and my face turning pale, I submitted to her as follows : (24)

> रामो दाशरथिः श्रीमान् प्रविष्टो दण्डकावनम्।  
> लक्ष्मणेन सह भ्रात्रा सीतया च परंतपः॥ २५॥

“The glorious Śrī Rāma, son of Daśaratha and the scourge of his foes, penetrated deep into the Daṇḍaka forest with his consort, Sītā, and younger brother, Lakṣmaṇa. (25)

> तस्य सीता हृता भार्या रावणेन दुरात्मना।  
> तस्याः सकाशं दूतोऽहं गमिष्ये रामशासनात्॥ २६॥

“His consort, Sītā, was borne away by the evil-minded Rāvaṇa. At the behest of Śrī Rāma I am going to seek her presence as a messenger. (26)

> कर्तुमर्हसि रामस्य साहाय्यं विषये सती।  
> अथवा मैथिलीं दृष्ट्वा रामं चाक्लिष्टकारिणम्॥ २७॥  
> आगमिष्यामि ते वक्त्रं सत्यं प्रतिशृणोमि ते।  
> एवमुक्ता मया सा तु सुरसा कामरूपिणी॥ २८॥  
> अब्रवीन्नातिवर्तेत कश्चिदेष वरो मम।  
> एवमुक्तः सुरसया दशयोजनमायतः॥ २९॥  
> ततोऽर्धगुणविस्तारो बभूवाहं क्षणेन तु।  
> मत्प्रमाणाधिकं चैव व्यादितं तु मुखं तया॥ ३०॥

“Living as you do in the dominion of Śrī Rāma, you ought to render assistance to him. Or, having seen the daughter of Janaka and having reported to Śrī Rāma of unwearied action, I shall seek your mouth : I truthfully promise this to you. Assured thus by me, the said Surasā for her part, who was able to change her form at will, replied, ‘None can dare escape me: this is the boon granted in my favour.’ Threatened thus by Surasā, I, for my part, who was ten Yojanas (or eighty miles) in extent, grew half as much in size in a trice. Her mouth too was distended by her to a size greater than mine. (27—30)

> तद् दृष्ट्वा व्यादितं त्वास्यं ह्रस्वं ह्यकरवं पुनः।  
> तस्मिन् मुहूर्ते च पुनर्बभूवाङ्गुष्ठसम्मितः॥ ३१॥

Perceiving her mouth wide open, I then assumed a dwarfish form, nay, the same moment I further reduced myself to the size of a human thumb. (31)

> अभिपत्याशु तद्वक्त्रं निर्गतोऽहं ततः क्षणात्।  
> अब्रवीत् सुरसा देवी स्वेन रूपेण मां पुनः॥ ३२॥

“Having entered her mouth quickly, I came out of it instantly. Appearing in her native form, the goddess Surasā further said to me : (32)

> अर्थसिद्धौ हरिश्रेष्ठ गच्छ सौम्य यथासुखम्।  
> समानय च वैदेहीं राघवेण महात्मना॥ ३३॥

“ ‘Proceed now, O gentle one, according to your pleasure for accomplishing your purpose, O jewel among the monkeys, and re-unite the princess of the Videha territory with the high-souled Śrī Rāma, a scion of Raghu. (33)

> सुखी भव महाबाहो प्रीतास्मि तव वानर।  
> ततोऽहं साधुसाध्वीति सर्वभूतैः प्रशंसितः॥ ३४॥

“ ‘Be happy, O mighty-armed monkey ! I am pleased with you.’ Thereupon I was applauded by all beings, who said: ‘Well done ! Bravo !!’ (34)

> ततोऽन्तरिक्षं विपुलं प्लुतोऽहं गरुडो यथा।  
> छाया मे निगृहीता च न च पश्यामि किंचन॥ ३५॥

“Then I sprang into the vast space like Garuḍa (the king of birds, the carrier of Lord Viṣṇu). In the meantime my shadow was held fast; yet I perceived nothing. (35)

> सोऽहं विगतवेगस्तु दिशो दश विलोकयन्।  
> न किंचित् तत्र पश्यामि येन मे विहता गतिः॥ ३६॥

“My speed having been arrested thereby, I surveyed all the ten directions; yet I could not discover there the object by which my course had been stayed. (36)

> अथ मे बुद्धिरुत्पन्ना किंनाम गमने मम।  
> ईदृशो विघ्न उत्पन्नो रूपमत्र न दृश्यते॥ ३७॥

“Then the thought came to me: ‘How I wonder such an obstacle has appeared in my journey, although no concrete form is to be discerned here?’ (37)

> अधोभागे तु मे दृष्टिः शोचतः पतिता तदा।  
> तत्राद्राक्षमहं भीमां राक्षसीं सलिलेशयाम्॥ ३८॥

“While I was brooding thus, my eye presently fell downward. There I espied a terrible ogress lying on water. (38)

> प्रहस्य च महानादमुक्तोऽहं भीमया तया।  
> अवस्थितमसम्भ्रान्तमिदं वाक्यमशोभनम्॥ ३९॥

“Heartily laughing on seeing me motionless, yet undaunted, that dreadful woman accosted me with a loud cry in the following inauspicious words : (39)

> क्वासि गन्ता महाकाय क्षुधिताया ममेप्सितः।  
> भक्षः प्रीणय मे देहं चिरमाहारवर्जितम्॥ ४०॥

“ ‘Whither are you bound, O gigantic monkey? You are my coveted food, hungry as I am. Pray, gratify my person, which has remained without sustenance for a long period.’ (40)

> बाढमित्येव तां वाणीं प्रत्यगृह्णामहं ततः।  
> आस्यप्रमाणादधिकं तस्याः कायमपूरयम्॥ ४१॥

“Saying ‘Amen,’ I actually bowed to that command of hers and then expanded my body to a size larger than the capacity of her mouth. (41)

> तस्याश्चास्यं महद् भीमं वर्धते मम भक्षणे।  
> न तु मां सा नु बुबुधे मम वा विकृतं कृतम्॥ ४२॥

“Her huge and dreadful mouth too began to grow in order to devour me. She, however, neither recognized me nor did she perceive the transformation subsequently gone through by me in the shape of a minute form. (42)

> ततोऽहं विपुलं रूपं संक्षिप्य निमिषान्तरात्।  
> तस्या हृदयमादाय प्रपतामि नभःस्थलम्॥ ४३॥

Having contracted my gigantic form in the twinkling of an eye, and extracting her heart, I forthwith sprang in the vault of heaven. (43)

> सा विसृष्टभुजा भीमा पपात लवणाम्भसि।  
> मया पर्वतसंकाशा निकृत्तहृदया सती॥ ४४॥

“Her heart having been cut off, that terrible woman, who looked much like a mountain, dropped into the salty water, her arms paralysed. (44)

> शृणोमि खगतानां च वाचः सौम्या महात्मनाम्।  
> राक्षसी सिंहिका भीमा क्षिप्रं हनुमता हता॥ ४५॥

“I heard at that moment the delightful words of exalted souls standing in the sky: ‘The terrible ogress, Siṁhika, has been dispatched in no time by Hanumān.’ (45)

> तां हत्वा पुनरेवाहं कृत्यमात्ययिकं स्मरन्।  
> गत्वा च महदध्वानं पश्यामि नगमण्डितम्॥ ४६॥  
> दक्षिणं तीरमुदधेर्लङ्का यत्र गता पुरी।  
> अस्तं दिनकरे याते रक्षसां निलयं पुरीम्॥ ४७॥  
> प्रविष्टोऽहमविज्ञातो रक्षोभिर्भीमविक्रमैः।  
> तत्र प्रविशतश्चापि कल्पान्तघनसप्रभा॥ ४८॥  
> अट्टहासं विमुञ्चन्ती नारी काप्युत्थिता पुरः।  
> जिघांसन्तीं ततस्तां तु ज्वलदग्निशिरोरुहाम्॥ ४९॥  
> सव्यमुष्टिप्रहारेण पराजित्य सुभैरवाम्।  
> प्रदोषकाले प्रविशं भीतयाहं तयोदितः॥ ५०॥

“ ‘Calling to mind once more my errand in the shape of Sītā’s discovery, which had been delayed, after having killed her, and traversing a long distance, I sighted the southern shore of the sea, graced with mountains, where stood the city of Laṅkā. The sun having set, I penetrated, unnoticed by ogres of terrible prowess, deep into the city constituting the abode of ogres. Even while I was making good my entry into the city, a certain woman possessing the hue of a cloud, appearing at the end of a world cycle, rose in front of me, bursting into a horse-laugh. Having vanquished with a stroke of my left fist that exceedingly dreadful woman, whose locks resembled a flaming fire, and who sought to kill me, I for my part then compassed my entry at eventide, spoken to by her, afraid as she was, in the following words: (46—50)

> अहं लङ्कापुरी वीर निर्जिता विक्रमेण ते।  
> यस्मात् तस्माद् विजेतासि सर्वरक्षांस्यशेषतः॥ ५१॥

“ ‘I am the city of Laṅkā (incarnate), O hero ! Since I have been vanquished by you by dint of prowess, you will conquer all the ogres in their entirety.’ (51)

> तत्राहं सर्वरात्रं तु विचरञ्जनकात्मजाम्।  
> रावणान्तःपुरगतो न चापश्यं सुमध्यमाम्॥ ५२॥

“Though ranging over Laṅkā all through the night, I did not find Janaka’s daughter of slender waist even though I penetrated into the gynaeceum of Rāvaṇa. (52)

> ततः सीतामपश्यंस्तु रावणस्य निवेशने।  
> शोकसागरमासाद्य न पारमुपलक्षये॥ ५३॥

“Not finding Sītā even in the abode of Rāvaṇa and thus facing an ocean of grief, I did not perceive its end. (53)

> शोचता च मया दृष्टं प्राकारेणाभिसंवृतम्।  
> काञ्चनेन विकृष्टेन गृहोपवनमुत्तमम्॥ ५४॥

“Even while I was brooding, an excellent pleasance enclosed on all sides by a lofty wall of gold was seen by me. (54)

> सप्राकारमवप्लुत्य पश्यामि बहुपादपम्।  
> अशोकवनिकामध्ये शिंशपापादपो महान्॥ ५५॥

“Having leapt across the enclosure, I as such saw a grove consisting of numerous trees. In the midst of that grove of Aśoka trees, there stood a huge Śiṁśapā (Aśoka) tree. (55)

> तमारुह्य च पश्यामि काञ्चनं कदलीवनम्।  
> अदूराच्छिंशपावृक्षात् पश्यामि वरवर्णिनीम्॥ ५६॥  
> श्यामां कमलपत्राक्षीमुपवासकृशाननाम्।  
> तदेकवासःसंवीतां रजोध्वस्तशिरोरुहाम्॥ ५७॥  
> शोकसंतापदीनाङ्गीं सीतां भर्तृहिते स्थिताम्।  
> राक्षसीभिर्विरूपाभिः क्रूराभिरभिसंवृताम्॥ ५८॥  
> मांसशोणितभक्ष्याभिर्व्याघ्रीभिर्हरिणीं यथा।  
> सा मया राक्षसीमध्ये तर्ज्यमाना मुहुर्मुहुः॥ ५९॥  
> एकवेणीधरा दीना भर्तृचिन्तापरायणा।  
> भूमिशय्या विवर्णाङ्गी पद्मिनीव हिमागमे॥ ६०॥  
> रावणाद् विनिवृत्तार्था मर्तव्ये कृतनिश्चया।  
> कथंचिन्मृगशावाक्षी तूर्णमासादिता मया॥ ६१॥

“Ascending it, I sighted a golden thicket of plantain trees. Not far from the Śiṁśapā tree, I beheld the youthful Sītā of excellent complexion with eyes resembling lotus petals and a face emaciated through fasting, her hair soiled with dust and her limbs afflicted through grief and agony, clad in a single piece of cloth which she had on her person while being borne away by Rāvaṇa over Kiṣkindhā, devoted to the good of her lord and surrounded on all sides by ugly and cruel ogresses living on flesh and blood even as a doe encircled by tigresses. The lady, who had eyes like those of a fawn, was somehow quickly found by me miserable in the midst of ogresses, intimidated as she was by them again and again, wearing a single pleat as a mark of desolation, given to the thought of her lord, having the bare ground for her bed, pale-limbed like a lotus plant at the advent of winter, nay, deprived of the object of her desire viz., the service of Śrī Rāma, because of Rāvaṇa and resolved upon dying. (56—61)

> तां दृष्ट्वा तादृशीं नारीं रामपत्नीं यशस्विनीम्।  
> तत्रैव शिंशपावृक्षे पश्यन्नहमवस्थितः॥ ६२॥

“Perceiving that illustrious lady, the consort of Śrī Rama, in such a condition, I remained perched on the same Śiṁśapā tree, looking at her. (62)

> ततो हलहलाशब्दं काञ्चीनूपुरमिश्रितम्।  
> शृणोम्यधिकगम्भीरं रावणस्य निवेशने॥ ६३॥

“Then I heard in the abode of Rāvaṇa an unusually deep sound of hallooing, mixed with the jingling of girdles and anklets. (63)

> ततोऽहं परमोद्विग्नः स्वरूपं प्रत्यसंहरम्।  
> अहं च शिंशपावृक्षे पक्षीव गहने स्थितः॥ ६४॥

“Feeling supremely anxious, I thereupon contracted my form and remained crouched like a bird on the Śiṁśapā tree thick with foliage. (64)

> ततो रावणदाराश्च रावणश्च महाबलः।  
> तं देशमनुसम्प्राप्तो यत्र सीताभवत् स्थिता॥ ६५॥

“Then arrived the consorts of Rāvaṇa as well as Rāvaṇa himself, who is endowed, with extraordinary might, in that place where Sītā was ensconced. (65)

> तं दृष्ट्वाथ वरारोहा सीता रक्षोगणेश्वरम्।  
> संकुच्योरू स्तनौ पीनौ बाहुभ्यां परिरभ्य च॥ ६६॥

“Seeing that lord of ogre hordes, Sītā of lovely hips sat compressing her thighs and enclosing her high breasts with her arms. (66)

> वित्रस्तां परमोद्विग्नां वीक्ष्यमाणामितस्ततः।  
> त्राणं कंचिदपश्यन्तीं वेपमानां तपस्विनीम्॥ ६७॥  
> तामुवाच दशग्रीवः सीतां परमदुःखिताम्।  
> अवाक्शिराः प्रपतितो बहुमन्यस्व मामिति॥ ६८॥

“Fallen flat at her feet, head downward, Rāvaṇa, the ten-headed monster, said to the aforesaid Sītā, who felt greatly frightened and highly confused, and was glancing round in the hope of finding an asylum, but, finding no saviour, was trembling helpless and supremely distressed as she was; ‘Pray, regard me with favour. (67-68)

> यदि चेत्त्वं तु मां दर्पान्नाभिनन्दसि गर्विते।  
> द्विमासानन्तरं सीते पास्यामि रुधिरं तव॥ ६९॥

“ ‘If, however, you do not welcome me through vanity. O proud Sītā, I shall drink your blood after two months.’ (99)

> एतच्छ्रुत्वा वचस्तस्य रावणस्य दुरात्मनः।  
> उवाच परमक्रुद्धा सीता वचनमुत्तमम्॥ ७०॥

“Highly incensed to hear this request of that evil-minded Rāvaṇa, Sītā made the following excellent reply : (70)

> राक्षसाधम रामस्य भार्याममिततेजसः।  
> इक्ष्वाकुवंशनाथस्य स्नुषां दशरथस्य च॥ ७१॥  
> अवाच्यं वदतो जिह्वा कथं न पतिता तव।  
> किंस्विद्वीर्य तवानार्य यो मां भर्तुरसंनिधौ॥ ७२॥  
> अपहृत्यागतः पाप तेनादृष्टो महात्मना।  
> न त्वं रामस्य सदृशो दास्येऽप्यस्य न युज्यसे॥ ७३॥

“ ‘How did your tongue not fall off, O vile ogre, even as you made a proposal which should not be made to the consort of Śrī Rāma, who is endowed with immeasurable strength and daughter-in-law of Emperor Daśaratha, the protector of Ikṣwāku’s line? Of what account is your valour, O ignoble soul, when you came away abducting me stealthily, in the absence of my lord and unperceived by that exalted soul, O sinful one? You are not equal in any respect to Śrī Rāma; nay, you are not fit even to be his slave. (71—73)

> अजेयः सत्यवाक् शूरो रणश्लाघी च राघवः।  
> जानक्या परुषं वाक्यमेवमुक्तो दशाननः॥ ७४॥  
> जज्वाल सहसा कोपाच्चितास्थ इव पावकः।  
> विवृत्य नयने क्रूरे मुष्टिमुद्यम्य दक्षिणम्॥ ७५॥  
> मैथिलीं हन्तुमारब्धः स्त्रीभिर्हाहाकृतं तदा।  
> स्त्रीणां मध्यात् समुत्पत्य तस्य भार्या दुरात्मनः॥ ७६॥  
> वरा मन्दोदरी नाम तया स प्रतिषेधितः।  
> उक्तश्च मधुरां वाणीं तया स मदनार्दितः॥ ७७॥

“ ‘Śrī Rāma, a scion of Raghu, is invincible, truthful of speech, valiant and a lover of war.’ Spoken to in these harsh words by Sītā (the daughter of Janaka), Rāvaṇa (the ten-headed monster) blazed up all of a sudden with wrath even like a fire deposited in a funeral pile. Rolling his cruel eyes and raising his right fist, he proceeded to strike the princess of Mithilā. An alarm was then raised by the women. Springing up from their midst, the excellent wife of that evil-minded fellow, Mandodarī by name, ran to him. By her he was restrained. Nay, the fellow, who was smitten with love, was spoken to by her in sweet words as follows : (74—77)

> सीतया तव किं कार्यं महेन्द्रसमविक्रम।  
> मया सह रमस्वाद्य मद्विशिष्टा न जानकी॥ ७८॥

“ ‘What purpose of yours will be served by Sītā, O lord, You, who are equal in prowess to the mighty Indra? Pray, revel with me today; Sītā, the daughter of Janaka, is in no way superior to me. (78)

> देवगन्धर्वकन्याभिर्यक्षकन्याभिरेव च।  
> सार्धं प्रभो रमस्वेति सीतया किं करिष्यसि॥ ७९॥

“ ‘Nay, sport with the daughters of gods and Gandharvas (celestial musicians) as well as with those of Yakṣas, my lord! You have nothing to do with Sītā.’ (79)

> ततस्ताभिः समेताभिर्नारीभिः स महाबलः।  
> उत्थाप्य सहसा नीतो भवनं स्वं निशाचरः॥ ८०॥

“Having been raised up by those women collectively, that ranger of the night, who was endowed with extraordinary might, was then abruptly conducted back to his residence. (80)

> याते तस्मिन् दशग्रीवे राक्षस्यो विकृताननाः।  
> सीतां निर्भर्त्सयामासुर्वाक्यैः क्रूरैः सुदारुणैः॥ ८१॥

“The aforesaid Rāvaṇa (the ten-headed monster) having left, the ogresses with ugly faces, who had been posted there to guard Sītā, threatened her in cruel and very sharp terms. (81)

> तृणवद् भाषितं तासां गणयामास जानकी।  
> गर्जितं च तथा तासां सीतां प्राप्य निरर्थकम्॥ ८२॥

“The daughter of Janaka, Sītā, however, accounted their effusion worth no more than straw. Their thundering too was likewise lost on Sītā. (82)

> वृथा गर्जितनिश्चेष्टा राक्षस्यः पिशिताशनाः।  
> रावणाय शशंसुस्ताः सीताव्यवसितं महत्॥ ८३॥

“The flesh-eating ogresses, who had become motionless due to their thundering having proved abortive, made known to Rāvaṇa the mighty resolve of Sītā to die rather than to submit to him. (83)

> ततस्ताः सहिताः सर्वा विहताशा निरुद्यमाः।  
> परिक्लिश्य समस्तास्ता निद्रावशमुपागताः॥ ८४॥

“Having given up all effort to persuade Sītā to submit to Rāvaṇa, now that their hopes had been frustrated, nay, feeling vexed, they were all collectively as well as individually overpowered by sleep. (84)

> तासु चैव प्रसुप्तासु सीता भर्तृहिते रता।  
> विलप्य करुणं दीना प्रशुशोच सुदुःखिता॥ ८५॥

“Wailing piteously, when they had all fallen fast asleep, Sītā, who was devoted to the good of her husband, deeply lamented, miserable and sore distressed as she was. (85)

> तासां मध्यात् समुत्थाय त्रिजटा वाक्यमब्रवीत्।  
> आत्मानं खादत क्षिप्रं न सीतामसितेक्षणाम्॥ ८६॥  
> जनकस्यात्मजां साध्वीं स्नुषां दशरथस्य च।  
> स्वप्नो ह्यद्य मया दृष्टो दारुणो रोमहर्षणः॥ ८७॥  
> रक्षसां च विनाशाय भर्तुरस्या जयाय च।  
> अलमस्मान् परित्रातुं राघवाद् राक्षसीगणम्॥ ८८॥

“Rising up from their midst, Trijaṭā spoke as follows : ‘Sooner feed on yourselves than on the dark-eyed Sītā, daughter of Janaka and a virtuous daughter-in-law of Emperor Daśaratha. In fact, a fearful dream has been seen by me, which makes my hair stand on end and presages the destruction of ogres and the triumph of her lord. She alone is competent to protect us, the entire host of ogresses from the wrath of Rāma, the scion of Raghu. (86—88)

> अभियाचाम वैदेहीमेतद्धि मम रोचते।  
> यदि ह्येवंविधः स्वप्नो दुःखितायाः प्रदृश्यते॥ ८९॥  
> सा दुःखैर्विविधैर्मुक्ता सुखमाप्नोत्यनुत्तमम्।  
> प्रणिपातप्रसन्ना हि मैथिली जनकात्मजा॥ ९०॥

“ ‘Let us, therefore, solicit the grace of Sītā, a princess of the Videha territory; for this alone finds favour with me. For, if such a dream is vividly seen about an afflicted lady, she is freed from woes of various kinds and attains unsurpassed felicity. Sītā, daughter of Janaka, will surely be propitiated through mere prostration at her feet. (89-90)

> अलमेषा परित्रातुं राक्षस्यो महतो भयात्।  
> ततः सा ह्रीमती बाला भर्तुर्विजयहर्षिता॥ ९१॥  
> अवोचद् यदि तत् तथ्यं भवेयं शरणं हि वः।  
> तां चाहं तादृशीं दृष्ट्वा सीताया दारुणां दशाम्॥ ९२॥  
> चिन्तयामास विश्रान्तो न च मे निर्वृतं मनः।  
> सम्भाषणार्थे च मया जानक्याश्चिन्तितो विधिः॥ ९३॥

“ ‘She alone is competent to deliver the ogresses from the great peril.’ Hanumān rejoiced at the prospect of her lord’s triumph on hearing of the dream related to her by Trijaṭā, that youthful lady, Sītā, who was full of modesty, thereupon said, ‘If the dream seen by Trijaṭā comes out to be true, I shall surely afford protection to you all.’ Witnessing such a hard plight of Sītā, I, who had taken some rest in the meantime became thoughtful; my mind, however, was not at rest. A method was also contrived by me to enter into conversation with the daughter of Janaka. (91—93)

> इक्ष्वाकुकुलवंशस्तु स्तुतो मम पुरस्कृतः।  
> श्रुत्वा तु गदितां वाचं राजर्षिगणभूषिताम्॥ ९४॥  
> प्रत्यभाषत मां देवी बाष्पैः पिहितलोचना।  
> कस्त्वं केन कथं चेह प्राप्तो वानरपुङ्गव॥ ९५॥

“The pedigree of the House of Ikṣwākus, which was placed in the forefront by all even in the past began to be extolled by me. Hearing the speech uttered by me, which was enriched with the praises of a royal sage viz., King Daśaratha, the godlike lady, Sītā, for her part, spoke in return to me as follows, her eyes full of tears : “Who are you? Dispatched by whom and how have you arrived here, O bull among monkeys? (94-95)

> का च रामेण ते प्रीतिस्तन्मे शंसितुमर्हसि।  
> तस्यास्तद् वचनं श्रुत्वा अहमप्यब्रुवं वचः॥ ९६॥

“ ‘Nay, what kind of love is cherished by you for Śrī Rāma? You ought to relate all that to me.” Hearing her aforesaid questionnaire, I too made the following reply : (96)

> देवि रामस्य भर्तुस्ते सहायो भीमविक्रमः।  
> सुग्रीवो नाम विक्रान्तो वानरेन्द्रो महाबलः॥ ९७॥

“ ‘There is a valiant ally of terrific prowess of your lord, Sugrīva by name, the valiant ruler of monkeys, who is endowed with extraordinary might, O godlike lady ! (97)

> तस्य मां विद्धि भृत्यं त्वं हनूमन्तमिहागतम्।  
> भर्त्रा सम्प्रहितस्तुभ्यं रामेणाक्लिष्टकर्मणा॥ ९८॥

“ ‘Know me to be his servant, Hanumān by name, arrived here. I have been duly dispatched by your husband, Śrī Rāma, of unwearied action. (98)

> इदं तु पुरुषव्याघ्रः श्रीमान् दाशरथिः स्वयम्।  
> अङ्गुलीयमभिज्ञानमदात् तुभ्यं यशस्विनि॥ ९९॥

“ ‘Nay, the glorious Śrī Rāma, son of Daśaratha, a tiger among men, has personally handed over as a token this ring for you, O illustrious lady ! (99)

> तदिच्छामि त्वयाज्ञप्तं देवि किं करवाण्यहम्।  
> रामलक्ष्मणयोः पार्श्वं नयामि त्वां किमुत्तरम्॥ १००॥

“ ‘Therefore, I seek your command, O godlike lady, as to what I should do. I can carry you, if you so please, to the presence of Śrī Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa. What is your response?’ (l00)

> एतच्छ्रुत्वा विदित्वा च सीता जनकनन्दिनी।  
> आह रावणमुत्पाट्य राघवो मां नयत्विति॥ १०१॥

“Hearing this and knowing the truth, Sītā, the delight of Janaka, replied, ‘Let Śrī Rāma, a scion of Raghu, take me back after destroying Rāvaṇa.’ (101)

> प्रणम्य शिरसा देवीमहमार्यामनिन्दिताम्।  
> राघवस्य मनोह्लादमभिज्ञानमयाचिषम्॥ १०२॥

“Having respectfully saluted the godlike noble and irreproachable lady, Sītā, with my head bent low, I asked her for a token which should bring delight to the mind of Śrī Rāma, a scion of Raghu. (102)

> अथ मामब्रवीत् सीता गृह्यतामयमुत्तमः।  
> मणिर्येन महाबाहू रामस्त्वां बहु मन्यते॥ १०३॥

“Sītā thereupon said to me, ‘Let this excellent jewel be taken by you, for which the mighty-armed Śrī Rāma will hold you in great esteem.’ (103)

> इत्युक्त्वा तु वरारोहा मणिप्रवरमुत्तमम्।  
> प्रायच्छत् परमोद्विग्ना वाचा मां संदिदेश ह॥ १०४॥

“Saying so, Sītā (a lady with lovely limbs), for her part, delivered to me an excellent jewel (the foremost of jewels) for the head and, feeling highly upset, further related to me in so many words one or two incidents known to Śrī Rāma alone. (104)

> ततस्तस्यै प्रणम्याहं राजपुत्र्यै समाहितः।  
> प्रदक्षिणं परिक्राममिहाभ्युद्गतमानसः॥ १०५॥

“Having respectfully bowed down to that princess, I thereupon then devoutly went clockwise round her with a mind intent upon returning to this place. (105)

> उत्तरं पुनरेवाह निश्चित्य मनसा तदा।  
> हनूमन् मम वृत्तान्तं वक्तुमर्हसि राघवे॥ १०६॥

“Having deliberated with her mind, she then once more addressed the following to me: ‘You ought to relate my story to Śrī Rāma, a scion of Raghu, O Hanumān ! (106)

> यथा श्रुत्वैव नचिरात् तावुभौ रामलक्ष्मणौ।  
> सुग्रीवसहितौ वीरावुपेयातां तथा कुरु॥ १०७॥

“ ‘Nay, act in such a way that immediately on hearing my story both those heroes, Śrī Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, may turn up before long alongwith Sugrīva. (107)

> यदन्यथा भवेदेतद् द्वौ मासौ जीवितं मम।  
> न मां द्रक्ष्यति काकुत्स्थो म्रिये साहमनाथवत्॥ १०८॥

“ ‘If this proves to be otherwise, my life is to continue only for a month (two fortnights*). If Śrī Rāma does not appear within this period I, as such, shall have to die like one without a protector and Śrī Rāma, a scion of Kakutstha, will no longer be able to see me.’ (108)

> तच्छ्रुत्वा करुणं वाक्यं क्रोधो मामभ्यवर्तत।  
> उत्तरं च मया दृष्टं कार्यशेषमनन्तरम्॥ १०९॥

“When I heard that pathetic appeal, anger took possession of me and what remained to be done by me next was forthwith envisaged by me. (109)

> ततोऽवर्धत मे कायस्तदा पर्वतसंनिभः।  
> युद्धाकाङ्क्षी वनं तस्य विनाशयितुमारभे॥ ११०॥

“My body then began to expand and presently grew to the size of a mountain. Seeking a combat, I forthwith proceeded to devastate the pleasure-grove of Rāvaṇa. (110)

> तद् भग्नं वनखण्डं तु भ्रान्तत्रस्तमृगद्विजम्।  
> प्रतिबुद्ध्य निरीक्षन्ते राक्षस्यो विकृताननाः॥ १११॥

“Waking up from slumber, the ugly faced ogresses beheld that part of the grove laid waste and its beasts and birds bewildered and panic-striken. (111)

> मां च दृष्ट्वा वने तस्मिन् समागम्य ततस्ततः।  
> ताः समभ्यागताः क्षिप्रं रावणायाचचक्षिरे॥ ११२॥

“Nay, meeting together from every side on seeing me in the grove, they collectively reported the matter to Rāvaṇa without delay in the following words : (112)

> राजन् वनमिदं दुर्गं तव भग्नं दुरात्मना।  
> वानरेण ह्यविज्ञाय तव वीर्यं महाबल॥ ११३॥

“ ‘This grove of yours, which is difficult of access, has been destroyed by an evil-minded monkey, who surely does not fully know your power, O king, endowed with extraordinary might ! (113)

> तस्य दुर्बुद्धिता राजंस्तव विप्रियकारिणः।  
> वधमाज्ञापय क्षिप्रं यथासौ न पुनर्व्रजेत्॥ ११४॥

“ ‘This is no doubt his perversity, O king ! Pray, therefore, order his death instantly since he has given offence to you lest he should run away unpunished.’ (114)

> तच्छ्रुत्वा राक्षसेन्द्रेण विसृष्टा बहुदुर्जयाः।  
> राक्षसाः किंकरा नाम रावणस्य मनोऽनुगाः॥ ११५॥

“On hearing the report, ogres, collectively known as the Kiṅkaras, who were very difficult to conquer and followed the mind of Rāvaṇa, were sent out by the king of ogres. (115)

> तेषामशीतिसाहस्रं शूलमुद्गरपाणिनाम्।  
> मया तस्मिन् वनोद्देशे परिघेण निषूदितम्॥ ११६॥

“Eighty thousand of them, darts and clubs in hand, were exterminated by me in that part of the grove with an iron bar. (116)

> तेषां तु हतशिष्टा ये ते गता लघुविक्रमाः।  
> निहतं च मया सैन्यं रावणायाचचक्षिरे॥ ११७॥

“Taking quick strides, those few for their part, who had survived, went and broke the news to Rāvaṇa of the army having been wiped out by me. (117)

> ततो मे बुद्धिरुत्पन्ना चैत्यप्रासादमुत्तमम्।  
> तत्रस्थान् राक्षसान् हत्वा शतं स्तम्भेन वै पुनः॥ ११८॥  
> ललामभूतो लङ्काया मया विध्वंसितो रुषा।  
> ततः प्रहस्तस्य सुतं जम्बुमालिनमादिशत्॥ ११९॥  
> राक्षसैर्बहुभिः सार्धं घोररूपैर्भयानकैः।  
> तमहं बलसम्पन्नं राक्षसं रणकोविदम्॥ १२०॥  
> परिघेणातिघोरेण सूदयामि सहानुगम्।  
> तच्छ्रुत्वा राक्षसेन्द्रस्तु मन्त्रिपुत्रान् महाबलान्॥ १२१॥  
> पदातिबलसम्पन्नान् प्रेषयामास रावणः।  
> परिघेणैव तान् सर्वान् नयामि यमसादनम्॥ १२२॥

“Next it struck my mind to demolish the excellent edifice of a sanctuary sacred to the tutelary deity of the ogres. After killing a hundred ogres garrisoned there, the sanctuary, which was the very ornament of Laṅkā, was then utterly destroyed by me in anger with a pillar of the same structure. Thereupon Rāvaṇa dispatched Jambumālī, son of Prahasta, alongwith numerous frightful ogres of grim aspect. I killed that mighty ogre, though he was skilled in warfare, alongwith his followers with a most formidable iron bar. Hearing of it, Rāvaṇa, the ruler of ogres, dispatched the sons of his minister, who were endowed with extraordinary might, and were strengthened by a regiment of infantry. I, however, sent them to the abode of Death with the iron bar itself. (118—122)

> मन्त्रिपुत्रान् हतान् श्रुत्वा समरे लघुविक्रमान्।  
> पञ्च सेनाग्रगान् शूरान् प्रेषयामास रावणः॥ १२३॥

“Hearing of the minister’s sons, who were quick in exhibiting their valour in combat, having been killed, Rāvaṇa dispatched five heroic generals. (123)

> तानहं सहसैन्यान् वै सर्वानेवाभ्यसूदयम्।  
> ततः पुनर्दशग्रीवः पुत्रमक्षं महाबलम्॥ १२४॥  
> बहुभी राक्षसैः सार्धं प्रेषयामास संयुगे।  
> तं तु मन्दोदरीपुत्रं कुमारं रणपण्डितम्॥ १२५॥  
> सहसा खं समुद्यन्तं पादयोश्च गृहीतवान्।  
> तमासीनं शतगुणं भ्रामयित्वा व्यपेषयम्॥ १२६॥

“I, however, destroyed them all alongwith their troops. Thereupon Rāvaṇa, the ten-headed monster, sent to the field of battle his son, Akṣa, who was endowed with extraordinary might, alongwith many other ogres. I, however, suddenly caught by the feet the aforesaid prince, son of Mandodarī, who was a past master in warfare and was springing in the sky. Nay, whirling him round a hundred times as soon as he was down, I crushed him.” (124—126)

> तमक्षमागतं भग्नं निशम्य स दशाननः।  
> ततश्चेन्द्रजितं नाम द्वितीयं रावणः सुतम्॥ १२७॥  
> व्यादिदेश सुसंक्रुद्धो बलिनं युद्धदुर्मदम्।  
> तच्चाप्यहं बलं सर्वं तं च राक्षसपुङ्गवम्॥ १२८॥  
> नष्टौजसं रणे कृत्वा परं हर्षमुपागतः।  
> महतापि महाबाहुः प्रत्ययेन महाबलः॥ १२९॥  
> प्रहितो रावणेनैष सह वीरैर्मदोद्धतैः।  
> सोऽविषह्यं हि मां बुद्ध्वा स्वसैन्यं चावमर्दितम्॥ १३०॥  
> ब्रह्मणोऽस्त्रेण स तु मां प्रबद्ध्वा चातिवेगिनः।  
> रज्जुभिश्चापि बध्नन्ति ततो मां तत्र राक्षसाः॥ १३१॥

“Highly enraged to hear of the celebrated Prince Akṣa having been killed as soon as arrived, that ten-headed monster, Rāvaṇa, thereupon dispatched his other mighty son, Indrajit by name, fierce in combat, with a large army. Having crushed in combat the spirit of that entire force as well as of that bull among ogres, I experienced supreme felicity. Alongwith heroes who were insolent with arrogance, this mighty-armed prince, who was endowed with extraordinary might, had been sent by Rāvaṇa with great confidence. Perceiving his army crushed and consequently realizing me to be irresistible, Indrajit for his part made me captive by means of a missile presided over by Brahmā (the creator) and, having bound me, handed me over to the ogres. Ogres full of excessive agility then began to bind me further with cords on that spot. (127—131)

> रावणस्य समीपं च गृहीत्वा मामुपागमन्।  
> दृष्ट्वा सम्भाषितश्चाहं रावणेन दुरात्मना॥ १३२॥  
> पृष्टश्च लङ्कागमनं राक्षसानां च तं वधम्।  
> तत्सर्वं च रणे तत्र सीतार्थमुपजल्पितम्॥ १३३॥

“Holding me by the hand, they sought the presence of Rāvaṇa. On seeing me, I was spoken to by the evil-minded Rāvaṇa and questioned about the motive of my visit to Laṅkā and my said destruction of the ogres. ‘All that was done by me in combat for the sake of Sītā !’ was the reply made by me. (132-133)

> तस्यास्तु दर्शनाकाङ्क्षी प्राप्तस्त्वद्भवनं विभो।  
> मारुतस्यौरसः पुत्रो वानरो हनुमानहम्॥ १३४॥

I continued:“ ‘I am a monkey, Hanumān, an offspring of the wind-god, arrived in your palace with a longing to see Sītā. (134)

> रामदूतं च मां विद्धि सुग्रीवसचिवं कपिम्।  
> सोऽहं दौत्येन रामस्य त्वत्सकाशमिहागतः॥ १३५॥

“ ‘Further know me to be a monkey, envoy of Śrī Rāma and a minister of Sugrīva. As such I have sought your presence here in the capacity of a messenger of Śrī Rāma. (135)

> शृणु चापि समादेशं यदहं प्रब्रवीमि ते।  
> राक्षसेश हरीशस्त्वां वाक्यमाह समाहितम्॥ १३६॥

“ ‘I hereby deliver to you, O lord of ogres, the friendly message which Sugrīva, the lord of monkeys, has sent to you. Pray, listen to his advice too. (136)

> सुग्रीवश्च महाभागः स त्वां कौशलमब्रवीत्।  
> धर्मार्थकामसहितं हितं पथ्यमुवाच ह॥ १३७॥

“ ‘Nay, the celebrated and highly blessed Sugrīva has inquired after your welfare and has tendered this friendly and salutary advice, which is in consonance with righteousness, your worldly interests and enjoyment too. (137)

> वसतो ऋष्यमूके मे पर्वते विपुलद्रुमे।  
> राघवो रणविक्रान्तो मित्रत्वं समुपागतः॥ १३८॥

“ ‘While I was sojourning on the Ṛṣyamūka mountain, covered with numerous trees, Śrī Rāma, a scion of Raghu, who is valiant in combat, entered into an alliance with me. (138)

> तेन मे कथितं राजन् भार्या मे रक्षसा हृता।  
> तत्र साहाय्यहेतोर्मे समयं कर्तुमर्हसि॥ १३९॥

“ ‘The following exhortation was addressed by him, O king, to me: ‘My consort has been borne away by an ogre. You ought to give me your pledge to render help in her recovery.’ (139)

> वालिना हृतराज्येन सुग्रीवेण सह प्रभुः।  
> चक्रेऽग्निसाक्षिकं सख्यं राघवः सहलक्ष्मणः॥ १४०॥

“ ‘The powerful Śrī Rāma, who was accompanied by his younger brother, Lakṣmaṇa, solemnized his alliance with me (Sugrīva), who had been robbed of my sovereignty by Vāli (my elder brother), in the presence of fire as a witness. (140)

> तेन वालिनमाहत्य शरेणैकेन संयुगे।  
> वानराणां महाराजः कृतः सम्प्लवतां प्रभुः॥ १४१॥

“ ‘After killing Vāli with a single arrow on the field of battle, I (Sugrīva), the lord of monkeys, was crowned by him suzerain lord of all monkeys. (141)

> तस्य साहाय्यमस्माभिः कार्यं सर्वात्मना त्विह।  
> तेन प्रस्थापितस्तुभ्यं समीपमिह धर्मतः॥ १४२॥

“ ‘Help must be rendered to him by us with all our being in this life: with this end in view an envoy has been dispatched by me (Sugrīva) to your presence in Laṅkā in accordance with the principles of righteousness. (142)

> क्षिप्रमानीयतां सीता दीयतां राघवस्य च।  
> यावन्न हरयो वीरा विधमन्ति बलं तव॥ १४३॥

“ ‘Let Sītā be brought and restored to Śrī Rāma, a scion of Raghu, before the monkey heroes exterminate your forces.(143)

> वानराणां प्रभावोऽयं न केन विदितः पुरा।  
> देवतानां सकाशं च ये गच्छन्ति निमन्त्रिताः॥ १४४॥

“ ‘To whom is this glory of the monkeys not already known, who seek the presence even of gods only when invited by the latter for help?’ (144)

> इति वानरराजस्त्वामाहेत्यभिहितो मया।  
> मामैक्षत ततो रुष्टश्चक्षुषा प्रदहन्निव॥ १४५॥

“ ‘Sugrīva, the ruler of monkeys, has sent the foregoing message to you.’ “Provoked to anger when spoken to in these words by me, Rāvaṇa presently looked at me as though he was going to reduce me to ashes by his very gaze. (145)

> तेन वध्योऽहमाज्ञप्तो रक्षसा रौद्रकर्मणा।  
> मत्प्रभावमविज्ञाय रावणेन दुरात्मना॥ १४६॥

“I was ordered to be put to death by that ogre of violent deeds, the evil-minded Rāvaṇa, who did not know my glory in the shape of my immunity from death. (146)

> ततो विभीषणो नाम तस्य भ्राता महामतिः।  
> तेन राक्षसराजश्च याचितो मम कारणात्॥ १४७॥

“His younger brother, Vibhīṣaṇa by name, who is endowed with great sagacity, was also present there. By him was Rāvaṇa (the ruler of ogres) solicited on my behalf in the following words: (147)

> नैवं राक्षसशार्दूल त्यज्यतामेष निश्चयः।  
> राजशास्त्रव्यपेतो हि मार्गः संलक्ष्यते त्वया॥ १४८॥

“ ‘No such attempt should at all be made, O tiger among the ogres ! Let this resolve be abandoned by you. A course which is repugnant to the code governing the conduct of kings is being envisaged by you. (148)

> दूतवध्या न दृष्टा हि राजशास्त्रेषु राक्षस।  
> दूतेन वेदितव्यं च यथाभिहितवादिना॥ १४९॥

“ ‘The killing of an envoy is surely not approved of in the codes governing the conduct of rulers, O ogre ! The message of his master must be delivered by an envoy, who simply reiterates what he has been told by his master. (149)

> सुमहत्यपराधेऽपि दूतस्यातुलविक्रम।  
> विरूपकरणं दृष्टं न वधोऽस्ति हि शास्त्रतः॥ १५०॥

“ ‘Even in the event of a very grave offence committed by an envoy, O brother endowed with incomparable prowess, mutilation alone, and not death, has been approved in the scriptures.’ (150)

> विभीषणेनैवमुक्तो रावणः संदिदेश तान्।  
> राक्षसानेतदेवाद्य लाङ्गूलं दह्यतामिति॥ १५१॥

“Exhorted in these words by Vibhīṣaṇa, Rāvaṇa commanded those ogres present by his side as follows : ‘Let the tail alone of the monkey be burnt now.’ (151)

> ततस्तस्य वचः श्रुत्वा मम पुच्छं समन्ततः।  
> वेष्टितं शणवल्कैश्च पट्टैः कार्पासकैस्तथा॥ १५२॥

“On hearing his command, my tail was forthwith wrapped all over in the bark of hemp as well as in rags of silk and cotton. (152)

> राक्षसाः सिद्धसंनाहास्ततस्ते चण्डविक्रमाः।  
> तदादीप्यन्त मे पुच्छं हनन्तः काष्ठमुष्टिभिः॥ १५३॥

“Having wrapped my tail as above, those ogres of terrible prowess then set fire to my aforementioned tail, striking me with their wooden staffs and fists. (153)

> बद्धस्य बहुभिः पाशैर्यन्त्रितस्य च राक्षसैः।  
> न मे पीडाभवत् काचिद् दिदृक्षोर्नगरीं दिवा॥ १५४॥

“No pain was experienced by me even though I was bound with many cords and wrapped in rags, since I was eager to survey Laṅkā by the day. (154)

> ततस्ते राक्षसाः शूरा बद्धं मामग्निसंवृतम्।  
> अघोषयन् राजमार्गे नगरद्वारमागताः॥ १५५॥

“Arrived at the city gate, those gallant ogres made me publicly known in the principal streets, bound by cords and my tail enveloped in flames. (155)

> ततोऽहं सुमहद्रूपं संक्षिप्य पुनरात्मनः।  
> विमोचयित्वा तं बन्धं प्रकृतिस्थः स्थितः पुनः॥ १५६॥

“Having contracted my gigantic form once more and thereby unfastened my bonds, I stood in my native form again. (156)

> आयसं परिघं गृह्य तानि रक्षांस्यसूदयम्।  
> ततस्तन्नगरद्वारं वेगेन प्लुतवानहम्॥ १५७॥

“Seizing an iron bar I made short work of those ogres. Then with agility I leapt up that city gate. (157)

> पुच्छेन च प्रदीप्तेन तां पुरीं साट्टगोपुराम्।  
> दहाम्यहमसम्भ्रान्तो युगान्ताग्निरिव प्रजाः॥ १५८॥

“Nay, with my tail inflamed I set fire to that city with its attics and gates without getting confused, even as the fire of universal destruction would burn all created beings. (158)

> विनष्टा जानकी व्यक्तं न ह्यदग्धः प्रदृश्यते।  
> लङ्कायाः कश्चिदुद्देशः सर्वा भस्मीकृता पुरी॥ १५९॥

“ ‘Evidently Sītā, daughter of Janaka, has also perished, since no part of Laṅkā is seen unburnt—the whole city stands reduced to ashes. (159)

> दहता च मया लङ्कां दग्धा सीता न संशयः।  
> रामस्य च महत्कार्यं मयेदं विफलीकृतम्॥ १६०॥

“ ‘Even while I was setting fire to Laṅkā, Sītā too has been burnt; there is no doubt about it. Nay, this great purpose of Śrī Rāma has thereby been defeated by me.’ (160)

> इति शोकसमाविष्टश्चिन्तामहमुपागतः।  
> ततोऽहं वाचमश्रौषं चारणानां शुभाक्षराम्॥ १६१॥  
> जानकी न च दग्धेति विस्मयोदन्तभाषिणाम्।  
> ततो मे बुद्धिरुत्पन्ना श्रुत्वा तामद्भुतां गिरम्॥ १६२॥

“Thoroughly possessed by grief, I began to reflect as above. In the meantime I heard the propitious utterance of Cāraṇas (celestial bards), who were narrating a tale of wonder, saying that Janaka’s daughter had not been burnt. When I heard that wondrous speech, the following thought presently occurred to me : (161-162)

> अदग्धा जानकीत्येव निमित्तैश्चोपलक्षितम्।  
> दीप्यमाने तु लाङ्गूले न मां दहति पावकः॥ १६३॥

“ ‘Sītā, daughter of Janaka, has surely escaped being burnt. Nay, this is indicated by the following good omens too. In the first place even though my tail is burning, the fire does not burn me. (163)

> हृदयं च प्रहृष्टं मे वाताः सुरभिगन्धिनः।  
> तैर्निमित्तैश्च दृष्टार्थैः कारणैश्च महागुणैः॥ १६४॥  
> ऋषिवाक्यैश्च दृष्टार्थैरभवं हृष्टमानसः।  
> पुनर्दृष्टा च वैदेही विसृष्टश्च तया पुनः॥ १६५॥

“ ‘My heart too feels extremely rejoiced and the breezes are laden with sweet odour.’ On account of the aforesaid good omens, whose welcome results had been witnessed by me on many an occasion in the past, nay, for very potent reasons such as the glory of Śrī Rāma and Sītā’s exclusive devotion to her husband, which led me to conclude that Sītā was alive as also on the strength of the words of the Cāraṇas, who could see everything, which were based on perceived facts, I felt rejoiced in my mind.’ Nay, Sītā, a princess of the Videha territory, was seen by me once more and I was granted leave by her again. (164-165)

> ततः पर्वतमासाद्य तत्रारिष्टमहं पुनः।  
> प्रतिप्लवनमारेभे युष्मद्दर्शनकाङ्क्षया॥ १६६॥

“Having reached the Ariṣṭa mountain there in Laṅkā, I then proceeded to leap back from that mountain with a longing to see you all. (166)

> ततः श्वसनचन्द्रार्कसिद्धगन्धर्वसेवितम्।  
> पन्थानमहमाक्रम्य भवतो दृष्टवानिह॥ १६७॥

“Following the path frequented by the wind, the moon, the sun, the Siddhas and the Gandharvas, I have found you all here. (167)

> राघवस्य प्रसादेन भवतां चैव तेजसा।  
> सुग्रीवस्य च कार्यार्थं मया सर्वमनुष्ठितम्॥ १६८॥

“Everything has been accomplished by me through the grace of Śrī Rāma as well as through your boisterous energy, as also for achieving the purpose of King Sugrīva. (168)

> एतत् सर्वं मया तत्र यथावदुपपादितम्।  
> तत्र यन्न कृतं शेषं तत् सर्वं क्रियतामिति॥ १६९॥

“All this has been duly carried out by me in Laṅkā. Let all that which could not be done there and still remains to be done, be accomplished by you.” (169)

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

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